*Authors Note* Thanks to all reviewers for the nice reviews, and this fic was begun before N&D got married, and before F/R had their little roll in the hay. So yes I realize it sounds outdated now.

Chapter 5

Martin looked as if he had aged 10 years overnight, the usual sparkle in his eyes dim as he wordlessly shuffled away from the door as they entered. "Hi Dad." Niles began, making an effort to smile. But there was no response from Martin.

"So how have you been?" Frasier tried to sound casual, as he continued Niles attempt at beginning conversation.

"As well as can be expected." Martin replied shortly as he sat back down in his recliner, they quickly realized that Eddie was sitting right beside it. Martin picked the dog back up and held it in his lap.

All of his usual eloquence gone Frasier broke first at the sight before him. "Dad I'm so sorry, it was an accident, we never meant to..." His voice trailed as Martin looked at him. "...meant to hurt you like this." Niles finished for him.

"I know you didn't mean for anything to happen to Eddie." Martin sighed heavily as he sank further into his recliner. "But I don't understand how you two could lie, and such a stupid one at that." His words stung the two men.

"It was Frasier's idea..." Niles began, before Frasier raised his hand "Remember Niles, no blaming" he hissed.

"Look Dad, we know that what we did was wrong, and we are both terribly sorry for the pain we've caused you." Frasier said sincerely.

"We're sorry about Eddie, and we're sorry we lied to you, if there's anything we can do to make it up to you..." Niles began.

Martin had looked at them silently and coldly the entire time, while patting the head of the stuffed dog, which had made their apologies even more difficult. Their words didn't seem to be reaching him, as he continued staring at them coldly.

The silence got to be too much as Niles finally said "Dad?" in barely a whisper.

"If you're finished you can leave now." Martin's tone was gruff.

"But Dad, we came and apologized..." Frasier began to argue.

"You don't think I don't realize that Roz and Daphne are behind this?" Martin blasted. "I'm just not ready to deal with this right now, thank you for coming, but if there's nothing else you have to say then go."

The brothers stared at him for a moment speechless before turning around and walking out the door, as Martin continued holding Eddie and turned the TV back on.

*Meanwhile back at Roz's apartment*

"I wonder how the boys are doing." Daphne looked at her watch.

"We'll probably find out soon enough. You know they'll come straight back here when it's over. But do you think we did the right thing?" Roz looked concerned.

"What do you mean? Of course we did, we encouraged them to face up to Martin and admit their guilt. What could go wrong?"

"I was just thinking ahead, what happens if Martin doesn't forgive them." Roz was staring at Frasier's suitcase absentmindedly.

"I guess Niles will come back to cry on my shoulder and Frasier on yours...which brings me to another question." Daphne leaned at Roz with a sudden gleam in her eye before continuing. "What about you and Frasier?"

"What about us?" Roz couldn't help blushing a little though at the question.

"I've just been noticing lately that you two just seem well, close ." The innuendo in Daphne's voice was clear.


"For heavens sake Daphne, we're best friends, we are close, but not THAT close". Roz looked at Daphne in a mixture of shock and embarrassment.

"So why so defensive? You've thought about him as more than a friend haven't you." Daphne kept prying.

Roz was saved by the sound of car doors slamming, which indicated that the brothers had returned.