He stared into her eyes, his heart beating faster as he placed one arm around her waist, and his hand in hers. They moved slowly back and forth to the music and his cheek found its way to hers; the silky strands of her hair brushing against his face.

The scent of her shampoo wafted under his nose as he closed his eyes and sighed contentedly. If this wasn't heaven it was as close as he'd ever come.

It felt as though they were the only ones in the room and for the first time that evening he'd completely forgotten about the humiliation he'd endured at the Sea Bee awards.

And he owed it all to his angel; this beautiful, perfect, woman whom he loved with all his heart.

Something stirred inside of him then; a longing so great that it took every ounce of strength to suppress it. He wanted so badly to tell her how he felt, not even caring if she rejected him. He was used to broken hearts anyway.

Maris had broken his heart so many times that he felt as though he was immune to such pain. But hers was a different kind of heartbreak. Even though she would never admit to such a cruel and callous act, he suspected that she did it deliberately to hurt him. And he never understood why.

Nor did he care anymore. Because now he'd found someone better, even if she wasn't actually his.

Daphne would never hurt him the way Maris had. Oh he'd been pained beyond belief the night of the Snow Ball, there was no denying that. But deep down, he knew that she had no intention of hurting him. She was merely trying to be the sweet and loving person she was by making him look good in front of Maris' friends.

Maris on the other hand would wait until the last minute and then feign a headache, leaving him to stay at home or else go alone. And if he went without her, he was sure to be made to feel guilty after he returned home.

Daphne had no idea that his words came from the heart. That he would do anything for her, even if it meant dropping everything at a moment's notice. It was almost disturbing, how often he dreamed of her and in how many different ways.

Besides the obvious dream, where they are kissing passionately after a romantic dinner, he found himself thinking about her at work.

More often than not if a session wasn't going well, he found his thoughts drifting to her and he willed the intercom in his office to buzz; just once...

He'd be annoyed of course and even a bit angry at Mrs. Woodson for disturbing him while he was working with a patient. But once Mrs. Woodson explained that someone needed him desperately, his heart softened. He immediately rescheduled the patient's appointment hoping that he or she would understand his plight.

When the patient was gone, Niles closed the door and picked up his phone, his heart skipping a beat when he heard her sweet voice on the other end. She'd be crying and his compassion for her was renewed as he did his best to calm her. But speaking in a soft calming voice over the phone was nothing compared to the feeling of rubbing her back as her tears dampened his clothing and her face pressed against his shoulder.

Unable to stand it any longer, he assured her that he would be right over and as fast as he could drive he made his way over to Frasier's. She opened the door and her tear streaked face caused his heart to falter. Even in her deepest sadness she was the most beautiful angel he'd ever seen.

They didn't have to speak, for they'd known each other for so long they could almost tell what the other was thinking.; Daphne especially so, for she was convinced that she was psychic.

And that's when it happened. Their eyes met and she was in his arms, sobbing into his shirt.

He held her close, not wanting the moment to end and yet wanting so desperately to kiss her, even in her weakened state of distress...

"Dr Crane?"

Her voice cut into his thoughts and he opened his eyes, startled to find that the scene around him had changed. The room seemed larger; perhaps because there were fewer people in it. And those that remained were scattered about, leaving Niles and Daphne alone on the dance floor.

"Oh..."

"Are you all right?"

"What? I-."

She smiled then, a smile that melted his soul.

"You looked so deep in thought that I didn't have the heart to pull away. Although I'm sure we looked like quite a pair, dancing when there wasn't any music playing. The song ended ages ago."

Embarrassed, he drew back. "Oh... I'm sorry, Daphne. I was just-."

"Are you sure you're all right?"

"I-."

She held him tighter and to his amazement, continued to initiate their slow back and forth movements.

"It's all right. I don't mind. In fact, I like being here like this... with you. It's nice."

He glanced at her in astonishment.

"I-It is?"

"Well, it's much better than being with your insensitive brother!"

Hurt, he let go of her hands and drew back unable to hide his expression.

"Oh, Dr. Crane I'm so sorry! I just meant... Well... I'm sorry you're hurting. But it seems like something else is on your mind. I wish you would tell me about it."

Her hand went to his cheek and she smiled once more. Very slowly her fingers brushed his skin in a soothing, comforting gesture; one unlike anything he'd felt before.

"Thank you Daphne. Um... Can I tell you something?"

"Of course, Dr. Crane. You can tell me anything."

He opened his mouth to speak but nothing happened. Instead he looked at his surroundings.

He couldn't tell her here; not with all of these people around. It wouldn't be fair to either of them.

He covered her hand with his and slowly brought it to his lips for a kiss, much like the way he'd done that fateful night.

And then as with all magical moments, the lights came on and she gently slipped out of his arms.

Suddenly he found himself in a familiar place; a ballroom. Only Daphne was wearing red instead of the gorgeous royal blue dress she was wearing now. But his heart ached all the same.

For once again he'd blown his chance to tell her how he felt. And he feared that if he didn't do it soon, he'd lose her forever.