(My) Love at First Sight
Take His Breath Away
He gazed at her, unable to say anything.
Not escaping Daphne's attention was his breathing, which was still labored and on the irregular side.
"Small breaths" she quietly instructed. Carefully, she loosened and untied his tie and the top couple buttons of his shirt to help ease his breathing.
Just as he had done a few minutes prior, he involuntarily jerked back and gasped and his chest heaved.
"Niles" she lovingly spoke his name, concerned.
Her only reply was his still heavy panting.
Another sharp, piercing pain shot to his head. In reaction to it, he placed his hands to his face and over his aching eyes.
"My h-head…" he mumbled and rubbed his eyes.
She tenderly massaged his temples with her fingers in an effort to alleviative some of her love's suffering and distress.
"How does that feel"
Out of Line
"Aw geez, would ya look at this line? You would think everyone at the park is in this line" Martin grumbled when he and Frasier found the closest vendor.
"I'm not blind Dad" Frasier growled back as they got in line.
Realizing his poor choice of words and Martin's disapproving glare"I'm sorry Dad." He apologized, softer.
"For screaming at your old man or for your word choice"
"Both. I was way out of line."
"Apology accepted."
Stepping out of line, Frasier leaned back and pointed. "Look Dad, over there, another vendor…"
-
"Look at me, My Love…" she pleaded as she carefully, but unsuccessfully attempted to pry Niles' hands away from his eyes.
He slowly and carefully shook his head. The pain withstanding, he couldn't look at her, for he was afraid to open his eyes.
What if I had been fooled? From what I could remember of my past life (which wasn't a whole a lot), it certainly wouldn't be the first time, or sadly, the last. What if this really was a dream after all? He mentally examined the truthfulness and validity of this moment in time. If it wasn't real, then that would mean…
Daphne dropped her hands, but not her insistence that Niles open up to her and let her in.
"Niles…talk to me" she interrupted his mental conversation. "What is it"
"Daphne, I-I…" he sputtered, barely audible.
-
From his new vantage point all Frasier could see was Daphne's face. A face that now expressed one of disbelief and tears.
"Oh dear God. What did Niles just confess to her" he questioned.
"How in the hell should I know."
Not mentally liking his reply or Martin's, Frasier rushed back with Niles' bottled water and with Martin trailing not far behind.
-
"Niles, I don't know what to say" Daphne responded. Then, still in shock, she asked"When did this happen"
"Just now. Granted things are still somewhat fuzzy, but…"
"Niles" Frasier screamed causing both his baby brother and Daphne to jump and nearly fall off the park bench they were sitting on.
Breathless from his quick sprint, Frasier tried to reassure Niles. "Niles, whatever it is, you're obviously not thinking clearly. There is no reason to panic…" he panted.
Niles was confused and in a sharp tone"That sounds a bit accusing."
"Niles, listen to me…"
"Frasier" Niles interrupted, this time more sternly and insisted"Before you start your harangue over again. I have never seen things more clearly."
Undaunted and determined, Frasier continued"You don't…" Frasier stopped. "What did you just say"
For Your Eyes Only
She looked into his cerulean eyes that she loved so much. His eyes held that twinkle in them again. He was about to say something clever, she thought to herself.
As if he could read her mind, he responded in kind.
"I can't wait until tonight…"
"What on earth for"
"To see your what you're wearing" he confessed.
She suggestively lifted an eyebrow.
"Or not" he corrected and smiled at her.
She returned his smile with one of her own.
"For your eyes only, My Love" she whispered in his ear as she leaned in and kissed him on his moist cheek.
She was just as, no correct that, even more beautiful than ever he imagined her to be.
"You're just so beautiful…" he muttered softly with tears rolling down his still moist cheeks, still in shock himself. He reached out and stroked Daphne on her cheek.
"I never believed in love at first sight, but…" he confessed and then recanted. "I take that back…"
"You what" she pouted as her smile was turned upside down and into a frown.
"What I meant to say was…My Love at first sight" he corrected.
He drew her into a hug.
He held her close, never wanting to let her, or this moment in time, go.
He stroked and combed her hair, and sniffed.
Cherry bark and almonds.
My favorite.
"I love you."
"And I love you Niles Crane."
The End
A/N: To all my loyal readers/reviewers (Renee, Remus, Nancy…you know who you are, even if I may not) I thank you for your encouragement, comments, feedback, reviews etc. It was because of you and your support of not only me but for the belief you had in this story and its potential that provided me the courage to continue when I had my reservations. Thank you everyone for your patience through longer then anticipated delays and for sticking with the story and me. I dedicate this chapter to every one of you with a special extra thanks to Renee. (: DHPFAN