It was a perfect day in paradise as Niles and Daphne walked along a white sand beach in Belize, their faces warmed by the sun in the cloudless sky. The ocean stretched before them to the horizon, as if there was no end to its sparkling expanse. A gentle breeze stirred the skirt of Daphne's red sundress and stirred the fabric of Niles' white linen ensemble.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Niles said contentedly, nodding toward the blue water. "I never thought the ocean could be so blue. And so rock-free," he added with a laugh, thinking of the beaches around Seattle.

"Dazzlingly blue...like your eyes," Daphne said with a sentimental smile.

"You have beautiful eyes, too," Niles replied, turning to face her. Daphne looked at him lovingly.

"I love you, Niles Crane."

She pulled him into a warm kiss, prompting Niles to gaze adoringly at her. After several moments, he reluctantly broke the kiss.

"As much as I'd love to stay here kissing you, there's still the rest of the beach to see. Shall we go on?"

Daphne laced her fingers through his.

"Of course."

They strolled along the sparkling stretch of unspoiled sand, sharing a comfortable silence. There was no sound but the soft rush of waves and the cries of shorebirds, and not another person as far as the eye could see. It was as if they were the only two people in the world, and indeed they felt as much in each other's presence.

(later)

Niles and Daphne settled comfortably in the shade of a palm tree that was tucked into a small alcove they had come upon. It was the perfect place to rest and enjoy their. Niles took, from a basket he'd been carrying, a spread of gourmet sandwiches, fresh local fruit, and champagne. They talked about anything and everything as they ate, perfectly content in the moment.

When their lunch was finished, they stripped down to their swimwear and waded into the warm water. Daphne grinned when she noticed Niles looking her up and down, admiring every inch of her as she playfully modeled the bikini she'd bought just for this occasion.

In turn she savored the sight of Niles' lean form as he stood before her, clad only in hibiscus-print trunks. They were in a shade of purple that made his eyes look even bluer.

"I know. I never thought I'd ever wear anything like this in my life," Niles chuckled, misreading her expression.

"Actually," Daphne linked her arms around his neck and smiled coyly. "I was just admiring how incredibly sexy you are."

Niles blushed. "Daphne..."

"In fact," Daphne said casually, but with an inviting gleam in her eyes, "I wouldn't mind if you took me right now..."

Niles startled and stepped back, staring at Daphne in disbelief. His stunned expression made her laugh. It took him several moments to process what she was suggesting.

"You don't mean...making love...here? Now? Where we could get caught?"

Daphne smiled seductively.

"I don't see anyone else around. Do you?"

Niles was both surprised and turned on by her boldness. Not that she ever held back during their intimate moments; ever since their first time with each other, Daphne had brought him out of his shell when it came to lovemaking, showing and teaching him things he'd never even dreamed of. But this...this was on a whole new level. Make that several new levels.

Then Daphne surprised him with a passionate kiss that was full of fire, and he was done for.

Their clothes were soon falling onto the sand, and they lowered themselves into the shallow water at the edge of the shore, the waves lapping at their bodies. Niles straddled Daphne, looking at her hungrily, before capturing her lips in his own. She tasted like sweet wine and he couldn't get enough of her.

Time was forgotten as they surrendered to each other, kissing, caressing, and exploring, until they became one and found a perfect rhythm,moving almost in perfect time to the gently rolling waves. This was their paradise, and nothing mattered but each other.

Sated and blissfully happy, they held each other after, resting comfortably on the cool sand. Niles tenderly stroked her cheek as he looked intently warm brown depths of her eyes.

"That was the most amazing lovemaking I've ever experienced. And when I thought you couldn't get any better." He grinned at her, and Daphne felt oddly shy.

"You were wonderful, too," she marveled, brushing a strand of hair away from his face. "The way you know exactly how and where I like to be touched...I've never experienced that before you."

Niles' grin melted into a tender smile.

"You deserve all the pleasure I can give you. I always strive to give myself completely to you."

A loud splash interrupted their quiet moment. Alarmed, they broke apart, sure that they had been discovered. Niles turned looked warily over his shoulder, and then laughed.

"Everything's fine, Daphne. It's just a very curious fish. No one's seen us."

They wasted no time in settling into each other's embrace again, wanting the moment to last as long as possible.