Alone in the living room, Niles did his best to avoid his brother's gaze... but the task proved to be impossible.
Thankfully, Frasier broke the awkward silence that filled the space between them.
"Well, I should go and call Roz so that we can decide what time to meet at Café Nervosa. We have to go over the notes for our next show and-."
"Frasier?"
"Yes, Niles?"
Niles lowered his eyes and sadly shook his head.
"I-I'm... so sorry for my behavior. Dad was right. I was a jackass."
Frasier smiled, prompting Niles to do the same. "Well, I won't argue with you on that point."
"I was just... so amazed when I made that touchdown-."
"Basket." Frasier corrected.
Niles sighed. "Whatever. I guess I just let all the attention go to my head."
"I'd say that's an understatement." Frasier said.
"But why would I do that?" Niles asked, pacing the room. "I hate sports! I was all ready to go to the opera with you when this wrench was thrown into our plans. I'm not complaining but when they called my name and I had to go down on the field-."
Frasier chuckled. "Court, Niles."
"Well it doesn't matter what it's called. I've disgraced myself for a few glorious moments of attention."
"Go on, Niles. You're on the right track."
"And I went to that spa all ready to pick up Daphne, taken by surprise when people actually recognized me for something I'd accomplished."
"Niles-."
"All I wanted was for Daphne to be proud of me, but instead I ruined everything."
"Don't you think you should be saying all of this to Daphne?" Frasier asked.
"Maybe I should just leave." Niles said. "She doesn't want to see me anyway."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." Frasier said quietly.
"But what am I supposed to say? She'll never forgive me." Niles said.
"Just talk to her, Niles. I think you'll find that she's more forgiving than you think."
Niles smiled. "You're right. Thank you, Frasier."
Taking one last glance at his brother, Niles turned to go to Daphne's room.
He just hoped that his apology would be enough.