Second (and final) part for 'Ring Cycle'. This one's higher up on the 'T' rating but nothing scandalous :P
"This was definitely not the wedding I imagined," Niles said with a little chuckle as they left the Lucky 7 casino, his fingers intertwined with Daphne's.
At her worried look he smiled reassuringly. "But it doesn't matter how we got married. I'm ecstatic that you're my wife now and seeing you so happy is all I need."
Daphne smiled.
"I think this wedding is more memorable, anyway," she declared. "Running off with you in the middle of the night to the last place I thought we'd get married."
The conversation came to an end when a taxi pulled up to the curb. Shortly after, they were stepping into a modest but attractive hotel.
"What do you want to do about dinner?" Niles asked solicitously. "Most restaurants are open late in this city, or—,"
"Room service," Daphne said before he could finish. "I'd like that better. If you don't mind…relaxing alone with you, and it's more comfortable than being stuck in a restaurant this late."
"Sounds good to me!" Niles agreed.
Niles and Daphne enjoyed a comfortable silence as they made their way through a gourmet dinner, accompanied by champagne and an assortment of chocolate-dipped fruit.
When the meal was finished, Niles pulled his pajamas from the bag Daphne had packed and excused himself to the bathroom.
The moment she heard the door close, Daphne cast aside her dress and quickly slipped into something she'd brought just for this night. She grinned in anticipation, sure that Niles would be pleased. And just in time, too, for Niles came back into the room a moment
"Bathroom's all yours if you nee—."
He stopped short, rendered speechless, and stared at his wife in absolute awe.
"Daphne…" he breathed.
Daphne gave a sultry smile as she moved closer to her husband and linked her arms around his neck.
"I take it you like it?"
Niles reached out to gently stroke her cheek. "My love, you're absolutely breathtaking."
"I've been saving this for a special occasion, and I don't think there's anything more special than tonight." Daphne indicated her wedding ring for emphasis.
Niles was still taking in the sight of her, captivated. She had donned a sheer black negligee (Roz's birthday gift to her) that emphasized her every curve. The lacy garment barely went past her hips, showing off her graceful legs, and the deep shade of black complimented her porcelain complexion perfectly.
Unable to wait any longer, Niles pulled Daphne to him, initiating a slow, sensuous kiss. The intoxicating scent of her hair filled his senses, and he wove his hands through the silky strands. She shivered at his touch as he lightly ran his hand over the lace on her body. Then he gazed searchingly at her.
"I want you, Daphne," he almost whispered. "Can I…can we…?"
"Silly!" Daphne laughed and swatted him playfully. "Why do you think I wore this? Besides, it's our first night as husband and wife. We should…celebrate."
Before he could reply, she slowly and seductively began to remove the negligee, shrugging it off until it was at her feet and she kicked it away. Niles savored every moment of the striptease, spellbound by her body.
"Now, let's do something about you," Daphne said mischievously, immediately going to work on undressing him.
When Niles was completely naked, she looked him up and down, reveling in the sight before her. His lean figure, the way his chest hair perfectly framed his upper body, his slender hands that made her skin tingle when he touched her, never ceased to thrill and tempt her.
"Are you ready?" she asked, trailing kisses down his neck and chest. Niles trembled with need for her.
"I've never—wanted you—more," he panted.
The flame of desire in Daphne's eyes reflected his own as she steered him to the bed, smiling seductively.
"Then let's make every moment of this perfect."
(Much) later…
Niles lay contentedly in Daphne's arms, brushing a lock of damp hair away from her face to kiss her cheek. He gave her a tender smile and she nuzzled his neck in response, touched by his simple gestures of love. Whether they were making passionate love or simply cuddling together, he always found ways to make her feel loved, desired, and treasured.
"I love you, Daphne Crane," Niles declared.
"'Daphne Crane'," she echoed, looking at him lovingly. "I like the sound of that."
"Oh, Daphne, I do, too. I've dreamed of the day I could call you my wife, but as you've proven again and again, this was far beyond my dreams."
"You old softie," Daphne teased, but Niles was distracted as he glanced at the bedside clock, realizing that it was nearly three a.m.
"As much I'd love to stay like this, we'd better get what sleep we can. We have to catch a taxi to the airport in two hours."
Daphne nodded; they kissed sweetly before drifting off into slumber.
Having (gladly) sacrificed hours they might have spent sleeping for a long session of intimacy, the newlyweds were on autopilot as they made their way through the whole process at the airport yet again, though fortunately the lines were shorter and the security personnel much more agreeable. Still, it was a relief to settle into the first-class cabin, with nothing left to do but sit back and finally sleep for the homeward journey.
The wet and cool air of Seattle was such a contrast to the dry, desert warmth of Reno that their adventure seemed worlds away, almost like a dream. But no, there was still that very real feel of joy and contentment, and the rings on their fingers besides. They were married. After years of dodging fate, they really were married.
"What's next for Niles and Daphne Crane?" Daphne asked humorously as the waited outside Sea-Tac Airport for a taxi.
"A lifetime together, of course," Niles said. "But first order of business, telling our families the wonderful news."
"You don't think they'll be upset that they couldn't celebrate with us, do you?" Daphne worried.
"Of course not!" Niles said confidently. "They might be a little disappointed, but I'm sure they'll understand because of our love. I mean, it's not like we're going to break their hearts…"