With a heavy heart, Niles crossed the living room, painfully aware of the glances of his father and brother.
But there was no sign of his angel.
He blinked back tears as he walked to the bar and poured himself a drink. The glass shook beneath his fingertips and his throat was so tight that he could hardly swallow.
But somehow he consumed the drink in one gulp before pouring himself another...
And another...
And another...
And another...
"Might want to take it easy there, Son." Martin said cautiously.
Already feeling the effects of the alcohol, Niles laughed and walked toward Frasier and Martin, finding it hard to steady his balance.
"What's the point?" He asked, his voice beginning to slur. "Daphne h-hates me and I'm a disgrace to our family. Might as well add alcoholic to the list."
"Niles, you're not an alcoholic." Frasier said quietly.
"And Daphne sure as hell doesn't hate you." Martin added. "If she did, she wouldn't have stormed through here so upset."
"But... she's g-gone." Niles said; the unsteady words tearing at his heart.
"Actually she's out on the balcony."
Niles looked at his father in surprise.
"Dad, why don't we go to Duke's?" Frasier asked. "I could really use a beer."
"That'd be great!" Martin exclaimed. "I think the Sonics are on and-."
He stopped abruptly when he met Niles' glance, as though realizing what he'd said.
"Come on Fras. Let's give them some privacy."
Niles smiled sadly. "Thank you, Dad."
When his father and brother were gone, Niles peered out of the window where Daphne stood on the balcony, staring out into the star-filled sky.
Without giving it another thought, he opened the door and stepped onto the balcony.
Daphne's back was to him and he could see her shivering in the cold night air.
Immediately he took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.
"Thank you." She said, not even bothering to turn around.
"You're welcome, my angel." He said quietly.
At the sound of his voice, she turned around, gasping as though she was surprised to see him.
"Oh... Niles."
He stared at her, swallowing hard as he tried to find the right words that he knew would never come.
"Daphne, I'm so ashamed. I-I was horrible and-."
"I thought you loved me." She said quietly. "I just wanted you to be proud of me."
The words were so soft; he had to strain to hear them.
"Oh my love, I'll always be proud of you."
When a tear slid down her cheek, he reached out and brushed it away with his thumb; his hand lingering on her soft skin.
To his amazement, she placed her hand on his and then kissed his palm.
"Do I look all right?"
The question was in the voice of a smile and he couldn't help but grin as he looked her up and down.
"You've never looked more beautiful, my angel. And I didn't think that was possible."
When she smiled, his heart warmed. "Really?" She asked in a quivering voice.
"Because I thought-."
"Oh, Daphne..."
Filled with love for her, he took her in his arms and kissed her deeply.
When the kiss ended, she stared into his eyes.
"Oh, Niles..." She breathed; his name trembling on her lips.
He held her closer than he ever thought possible. "I know I don't deserve it; I don't deserve you, but cold you find it in your warm, kind and loving heart to forgive me?"
She smiled and caressed his cheek and then kissed him again.
"Of course I forgive you... if you'll forgive me. I love you, Niles."
The words made his heart soar.
"I love you more than words can say, Daphne Moon."
As they stared up at the sky, he wrapped his arms around her from behind; sighing when she leaned into his chest.
"The moon is so beautiful." She whispered, gazing at the tilted half moon that hung in the sky. "I feel like I could reach out and let it fall right into me hand."
Niles held her closer and kissed her cheek. "I'll give you the moon, the stars and everything else you could possibly want, my angel."
She turned and moved her face toward his until they were kissing once more; her mouth warm on his.
As much as he wanted this moment to last forever, he had to explain his behavior at the spa.
Gently he took her hand and kissed it.
"Daphne?"
"Yes, Niles?"
"I-I need to tell you something."
"All right." She said turning to give him her full attention.
"When I came to get you at the spa, I never meant to hurt you. I let my ridiculous ego get the best of me and contrary to what you might think, I did notice you... How beautiful you looked."
"Thank you." She said, kissing his cheek.
"But Daphne, I-I just thought if you saw my accomplishment, you'd be so proud of me. I'd never made a touchdown before and-."
She silenced him with a kiss.
"Basket." She said with a grin.
Confused, he gazed into her eyes. "What?"
"You made a basket, not a touchdown. Niles, I'll always be proud of you, no matter what. You're kind, funny, smart, sweet and generous. And I can't believe that you're mine."
"I love you Daphne." Niles said as they kissed again.
In the moonlight, they held each other, until Daphne turned to him and smiled.
"Niles, what was it like?"
"What was what like?"
"When all those people were cheering for you on the court. You have quite a fan club, you know. They must really love you ad I bet that's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? When I was a girl in Manchester, I used to dream of being on the stage someday and-."
Niles brushed a lock of hair from her face.
"I won't lie to you, Daphne. It is a wonderful feeling. But it can't even begin to come close to how wonderful it is, knowing that you love me. For that is truly a dream come true."
When they kissed again, Daphne shivered.
"Do my passionate kisses send chills up and down your spine?" Niles teased, causing Daphne to laugh.
"Of course, my Darling, but I'm afraid it's rather cold out here."
Niles grinned. "Well, why don't we go somewhere and keep each other warm?"
"That's a good idea. I bet it's a lot warmer in your brother's apartment than it is out here." Daphne said.
"Actually I was thinking about my apartment." Niles said.
Daphne smiled. "I'd like that. Just let me pack a few things and leave a note for your brother."
"I don't think I can wait that long." Niles said as he took her in his arms and kissed her, causing Daphne to laugh at his impulsiveness.
After several more kisses, he reluctantly let go of her.
"I'll just be a moment." She said kissing him again.
He watched her with a smile, missing her almost instantly. But he knew that what lie ahead would surely be worth the wait.