(Niles' POV)

He was still reeling from being taken yet again by his older brother (Why couldn't he win one, just once?) when he arrived at the restaurant where he was meeting Daphne for drinks. But his somewhat selfish skulking ceased when he spotted her sitting at the bar, a drink in her hand. Something wasn't right. She looked… depressed.

The competition with Frasier forgotten, he went to his love at once and put his hand gently on her back. "Daphne? Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

She turned her head toward him and smiled sadly, giving him a soft kiss on his lips. "Hello sweetheart. I'm glad to see you."
He smiled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. "And you know that I am always glad to see you." Gratefully he accepted her warm embrace, content to hold her as long as he could. Around them he could see people watching, but he didn't care. At that moment his only concern was Daphne.
"Why don't we sit over here where we have more privacy?" He suggested.
To his relief she smiled. It was a real smile that warmed his heart. His hand slipped into hers and they made their way to a secluded booth in the corner. He sat as close as possible to her and draped his arm around her shoulders. "What is it, sweetheart?"
She smiled, taking the handkerchief that he offered her and blotted her eyes. "You'll think I'm daft."
"Never." He said, meaning it wholeheartedly. "What's wrong? You know I hate to see you cry."
"I'm sorry. I just… Well, Alice's hamster died and Roz went to the pet store to buy her a new one, while Alice stayed with your father."
Niles nodded, not getting the point of the story. "Okay, go on…"
"She had everything going according to plan but then your father-."
The way she paused told Niles that he wasn't going to like the way this story panned out. "Oh Dear God… what did Dad do?"
"He told Alice that her hamster died and even told her about Heaven Niles! Roz was absolutely livid!"
"Well, that's understandable and it sounds terribly awkward but I'm sure that Roz explained it in a way that Alice could understand. She is her mother after all."
"Exactly, but Niles-."
"It's a difficult subject but kids can be surprising-."
"No, Niles, you don't understand!" Daphne said, her voice rising with every word. But then she sighed deeply. "I'm sorry. I guess I just got upset over this whole thing. I started thinking on the way over here… what if it happens to me?"
His eyebrows rose. "I'm not following."
"I know it's silly but I keep thinking that when I'm a mother… when we're parents…"
"Daphne-."
"I'm sorry, Niles. I know we haven't even discussed having children and this isn't the time to do so, but I can't help meself! I keep thinking that when I'm a mother what if my son-our son or our daughter loses a pet? What will I tell them?"

"Daphne-."
"I know what it feels like, Niles!" she went on. "I know what it feels like to lose something you love so much!"
When she burst into tears, he drew her close, stroking her hair. "It's not silly." He whispered. "And it's a very real scenario. But if and when the time comes, I-."
She was staring at him, her eyes wide with wonderment. "Yes?"
He smiled and reached for her hand. "If and when that time comes, we'll get through it together. Just as we've gotten through everything else."
She smiled and cradled his face in her hands. "I love you, Niles Crane. Always."
He kissed her softly. "And I love you, Daphne Moon. Always."