A/N: The ending of "The First Temptation of Daphne" was beautiful, but I thought the episode could use more closure between them.

Niles' arms felt like a safety net around Daphne as it sank in just how much she had hurt him. She had invaded his patient's privacy, jeopardized the career he was so passionate about, and in a fit of jealousy had doubted his love, simply because this Heather Murphy was in love with him. Nothing had indicated that he returned her feelings or was anything but the consummate professional. She thought of how far they'd come since that night on the balcony, when she was going to marry Donny. All the loving things he'd done for her came to her mind: putting up with her insane family, standing up to Mel, supporting her during her stay at the health spa, and so much more. And how had she thanked him? By crossing boundaries she knew shouldn't have been crossed and making him feel like he didn't love her enough.

Why had she let it get this far? Daphne had known, deep inside, that trusting him was the right choice. She'd even said as much to Roz, but still foolishly heeded her friend's 'advice' that seeing this Heather was the only way to get closure. She'd let Roz get into her head, even though she very well knew (but didn't want to admit) that it was wrong.

The full impact of what she had done hit her like a ton of bricks and she started to cry.

"Sweetheart? What's the matter?"

She raised her head to see Niles looking at her with gentle concern, and, strangely, that only made her feel worse. When his gentle hand brushed her tears away, she broke down completely, consumed by guilt. After what I did, he still loves me. Do I really deserve it?

"Daphne...my love..." Niles said, now very worried. "Did I say something to hurt you?"

"No. Of course not!" Daphne gasped. "What you said about how much you love me was wonderful, Niles. You didn't hurt me. I hurt you!"

"Shh. It's all right," Niles said soothingly, freeing one arms so he could gently stroke her hair. "We'll get through this. I know we will, because our love is strong enough to survive this."

"But I doubted you, and you've been so wonderful to me!"

"Daphne, come sit with me," Niles said. "We might as well have his conversation now, so we can start moving forward."

After a quick call over the intercom to inform Mrs. Woodson not to disturb him, Niles led Daphne to the couch where his patients usually sat. He took her hands in his as he began to speak.

"Daphne, I'll admit that I was hurt that you thought there could be someone else, after all this time," he said frankly. "But I would never invalidate your feelings, and I know our relationship didn't exactly start out in quite the conventional manner. What disappointed me was that you went behind my back and went after my patient. I wish you had come to me and told me why you were worried so I could reassure you. I love you. I'm in love with you. You can talk to me about anything."

"I should have," Daphne admitted, her voice cracking. "I kept letting it eat me up inside and I took leave of my senses instead of talking to you. And after all this, you still want me."

Niles gathered Daphne into his arms and soothingly rubbed her back. "I waited too long for you to give up on you," he informed her. "Daphne, I've seen couples go through worse and come out stronger. We'll work this out, one step at a time."

Overcome with emotion, Daphne smiled for the first time that day.

"I love you, Niles."

"I love you, too, Daphne. Always."

Then they shared a tender, lingering kiss.

End