The day had been long and exhausting, but enjoyable in an odd sort of way, save for a few minor mishaps (unknowingly giving advice to a cat, for instance). But there were also rewarding moments such as when he'd managed to reunite estranged couple Howard and Lois, simply by getting them to say three little words; I love you. It made him feel truly special.

Perhaps what he was feeling now was the effect of something more than special; a revelation. Finally he had started to understand the perils that his older brother went through day after day, faced with having to give advice to complete strangers without seeing them face to face; without being able to establish any kind of relationship with them. There was none of that in the world of radio psychiatry; just five to ten minutes to come up with advice that would hopefully solve the listener's problem.

As Niles pulled his car into the parking garage at the Elliott Bay Towers, he was still smiling. He was happy to fill in for his ailing brother. It pained him to think of Frasier being sick, but knowing that Daphne was there to take care of him made Niles feel a lot better. And suddenly he had an idea; a brilliant idea.

Filled with a new sense of purpose, he hurriedly turned off the engine and climbed out of the car, running as fast as he could into the building.

Now he stood at his brother's door, his heart on his sleeve. With a trembling finger, he rang the doorbell and waited, albeit impatiently for the door to be answered.

After what felt like an eternity the door was opened, and suddenly she was there; an angel… a vision. Wearing a floral skirt and soft orange sweater, she was incredibly beautiful, as always. His heart pounded in his chest at the sight of her. She was so beautiful. So…

"Dr. Crane, are you all right?"

"What? Oh, yes, I-I was just-."

She opened the door wider and smiled. "Where is me head? Why don't you come in?"

With his hands behind his back, he casually entered the living room. "So… How's the patient?"

"Doing much better. Why don't you go and see him? He's resting, but I'm sure that he wouldn't mind your company."

"Thank you, Daphne."

He began to make his way toward his brother's room, when he turned around. "Um…Daphne?"

"Yes, Dr. Crane?"

"You didn't… happen to catch my show, did you?"

To his surprise she smiled. "As a matter of fact I did. You were quite good if I do say so mesself! Even your father thought so!"

"H-he did?"

"Yes and I'm so proud of you for getting that couple-Howard and Lois-to say I love you!"

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. This angel… his goddess… was proud of him? He felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. "Well, it wasn't much. Just-."

"Nonsense. It takes a lot of courage to tell someone you love them; even someone you've loved for a long time! They're not just words, you know! You can't-."

"Daphne?"

"Yes?"

"There's something… Something I need to tell you."

"Oh… it sounds serious. What is it?"

He swallowed hard, knowing that the next words out of his mouth would change their lives forever so he'd better make them count. It was best to say them quickly and not beat around the bush. "D-Daphne... There's something that you should know..."

"All right. What is it?"

He took a deep breath. "I love-."

"Yes?"

"I-I love…"

She smiled and came closer to him, her hand on his shoulder. "I know you love your brother, Dr. Crane and he loves you very much. It was very sweet of you to offer to take over his show for him. I know it means a lot to him."

He let out a breath, defeated once more. "W-well... I do love Frasier, it's true, bu actually-."

"Hush now. Everything will be fine. Now go on and see him and while you're gone I'll make a pot of coffee. You worked hard and I'm sure you could use a nice hot drink. How about some scones to go with that coffee?"

He smiled, wanting so much to kiss her at that moment. But how could he possibly kiss her when he couldn't even tell her how he felt? He was a coward in every sense of the word. First in his mansion on that rainy, stormy night (When they were utterly and completely alone) and now at Frasier's. His luck was running out faster than he thought possible. But he wouldn't give up. He'd never give up.

Perhaps talking to his brother would do him a world of good. After all, Frasier was the radio psychiatrist in the family.