He smiled at his father one last time and then opened the door that led from the balcony to the living room. "Are you coming, Dad?"

"Nah, I'm just going to stand out here for a few minutes." Martin replied. "It's a nice night to gaze at the stars or just to see if I can see into the windows of the apartments across the way."

Niles chuckled, knowing that the latter statement was more truthful. "Okay, Dad. Well, I guess this is it." But as he lifted his foot to step over the threshold, he froze, unable to move any further. Damn, why was he so cowardly? And as usual Martin Crane took notice.

His father grinned. "That movie isn't going to last forever, Son."

A deep sigh escaped but Niles' heartbeat increased. "Right." He could feel his heart pounding as he opened the door and walked into the living room. "H-hello Daphne."

She looked up at once, her angelic smile nearly taking his breath away. "Oh, hello Dr. Crane. Am I bothering you? I can go into-."

"No." he said quickly, moving fluidly to her side. "May I?" He asked, gesturing to the empty space on the sofa beside her.

"Of course. Would you like some coffee or tea? I can-."

"No, thank you. That's not necessary. Daphne, I... um…" He touched her forearm and immediately drew back. He didn't want to do or say anything to make her feel uncomfortable.

"I-I mean, you're never a bother." He stammered, answering her earlier question. "You've never been a bother. You're an absolute angel."

She turned to him, and as she did so, the scent of her perfume wafted in his direction. And then her arms went around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. That's very sweet of you to say. Would you like to watch the movie with me?"

"W-would I… Oh… all right. What are you watching?"

"It's an old movie but it's so romantic. I've seen it a million times but I never get tired of it."

Intrigued, he turned his attention toward the television. "I don't believe I've ever seen this. Is that Gregory Peck?"

"Yes, isn't he handsome?" Daphne sighed. "I've never seen him in a romantic role before and it suits him so well. And Audrey Hepburn… She's stunning, as always. Look at the way they look at each other. That's love… true, unbridled love. And soon they'll have to say goodbye, perhaps never to see each other again."

His attention returned to her beautiful face. "Goodbye? Why?"

"Well, I'd hate to give away the ending and ruin it for you."

"No it's fine… I'd rather be prepared."

"They're from different classes; different backgrounds and yet something made him fall in love with her. He knows that he can never have her, for the two of them live in different worlds. But right now they want to be in each other's worlds. And look… Oh, this is the saddest part of all. Makes me cry every time I see it."

Immediately Niles reached into his pocket and removed his handkerchief, handing it to her.

"Thank you, Dr. Crane. You're so thoughtful." Daphne said, blotting the tears that were falling onto her cheeks. "Oh…. They're kissing, saying goodbye in the most romantic way possible. Isn't that-."

"Daphne?" He said; her name leaving his mouth in a squeak.

She turned to him curiously as he pointed the remote at the television and lowered the volume.

"Dr. Crane, what are you doing?"

"I-…."

"Dr. Crane, whatever you have to say-."

He was horrified when a sob escaped and he tried desperately to suppress it. But it was too late. She'd already seen him in the worst state imaginable. And the look of concern she wore made even more tears fall.

"Dr. Crane what's wrong?"

He sniffled and instinctively reached into his pocket, realizing at once that he'd given his handkerchief to Daphne. "Nothing, I-."

The handkerchief in her hand, she began blotting his cheek, making him weak with desire for her.

"What is it? Why are you crying?"

"I-."

"Is that what you and your father were talking about out there? Because if he upset you like this, I'll-."

"I'm in love with you, Daphne."