Taken Back by Patrick Councilor

Daphne abruptly sat up in bed. It was Niles. He was calling out. She bound from her bed and quickly checked on David who was soundly asleep in the crib next to her bed. She hurried out of the guest room, across the hall and into the main bedroom.

Niles' was moaning and calling out in terror as he thrashed about in bed. Daphne rushed to his side and when she touched his arm, he instantly sat up. When he did, he found himself giving Daphne a bear hug.

"Oh my God Niles, you're shivering."

"Daphne… Daphne…"

She held him tight. "It's okay. Everything's gonna be alright. Daphne's got you now."

The wonderfully amazing scent of her hair seemed to be calming him. He wasn't shivering anymore. He noticed how calmed he became… that was everything but the beat of his heart which thundered against Daphne's rib cage. She had always had that effect on him for as long as he could remember.

"What is it Niles?" she asked in a soft whisper.

"I had a nightmare. I couldn't remember a damn thing. Not even my name. I never felt so lost before. Everything was so dark. I guess I'm chasing ghosts trying to put my life back together."

They sat there cheek to cheek. Her ever so soft cheek against his and her words were a hot breath in his ear. "We'll get through this. Together. I promise."

His palms went cold. He was sitting in bed next to Daphne Moon and somehow the world seemed so right. He would give up everything he had to kiss those lips of hers and tell her that his heart always belonged to her. To look into her eyes and tell her all the reasons in the world that they belonged together. How could he tell her how long he loved her while staring into those beautiful brown eyes that he could get lost in forever. But how could he? Too much has changed. They were in different relationships now even if they were on the rocks. And there was a child involved. He had to give Donny and Daphne's relationship a chance of reconciliation for sake of their child. And he had married Mel. He owed it to Mel to at least give their marriage a chance.

A tear made its way down his other cheek… the one not pressed against Daphne's cheek. Thank God, because there was no way he wanted her to know that the tear was there at all. It wasn't a tear of sorrow… it wasn't a tear of the fear created by his dream… It was a touch of emotion of the temptation that was Daphne.

"Let me run and get you a wet wash cloth for your head," she said as his secret tear fell in the darkness.

"No. Please stay with me." He held onto her so tightly. He didn't even notice how tightly she was holding him back.

"Alright." After a bit more time, she took up his pill bottle and glass of water. "Here, take another pain pill. It will help you sleep."

When she had pulled away, their lips where less than an inch apart and somehow… in some glorious way, it truly moved him.

He took the pill and lay back down. "Thank you Daphne. I can always count on you."

"My pleaza Niles." She sat there until he quickly faded off to sleep. "Niles," she called to him. "Niles!" She had to make certain he was asleep. She had to make sure he was sleeping hard because she didn't want him to wake up when she leaned over and tenderly pressed her lips to his. "I love you Niles Crane," she whispered.

In the morning, Niles walked up to the top of the stair case. Daphne had just prepared breakfast for him and was about to take it up. She put the breakfast down. "Good morning. Wait, let me come and help you." She went up and helped him come down the steps. "I was just going to bring you breakfast in bed."

"I really appreciate it, but I'm not that hungry. Why don't you sit down and eat and I'll feed David."

"Really?" She was a bit surprised. She was expecting to take care of him.

"Please have a seat."

She sat down and he put the breakfast she made in front of her.

He sat across the table from her to feed David. "I noticed my wheelchair is gone."

"Yes, that was a precaution of a head injury. I had your fatha take it back. I think you're doing better."

"Where is Dad and Ronee? I thought they were spending the night."

"They did. That was three days ago."

"Three days?"

"Yes, we've been doing your exercises. Do you rememba?"

He looked puzzled for a moment. "I guess those pain pills have been working quite well."

"Your black eye is looking much better."

"Thank you. How much longer do you think before I can take this arm sling off?"

"In a few days. You can take it off for short periods of time, if you'd like."

"Thank you Daphne. Thank you for everything. You have been a true blessing in my time of need."

"You're quite welcome."

"Did anyone call for me over the last few days?"

"Just your fatha and Frasa calling to check on you."

"No other calls?"

"No, where you expecting a call?"

"I thought Mel would have called."

The life from her face seemed to drain. "It may be none of me business, but if you ask me, I think if that woman hasn't tried to contact you after all that you've been through, then it's best that you not try to contact her."

Niles was taken back at the tone of her voice. "I'm sorry Daphne. I didn't know you had such strong feelings in the matter."

"I'm sorry. I just think if she cared, you would have heard from her."

"Thank you for your concern." He stood. "I think I'm going to take a shower."

"Let me help you up the stairs."

"No… No, if I'm going to get better. I have to start doing things on my own."

"Please take it slow on the stairs."

"Oh course."

"If I'm not here when you get out of the shower, I'm going to take David for a walk in his stroller. We shouldn't be gone long."

"Alright. Have a good walk."

When Niles finished his shower, dressed and came back down stairs, he wrote Daphne a note, called for a cab and left.

The note read:

Daphne,

Thank you so much for staying with me and for all that you have done for me. I know you didn't want me meddling with this, but I am going to pay Mel a visit. For all that we've been through, I think I owe it that much. If nothing else, at least I will have some answers.

Niles