After what seemed like ages, a nurse appeared in the doorway.
"Daphne Moon?"
Daphne and Niles rose from their seats, but before Niles could take another step,
Daphne took his hand, causing his heart to skip a beat.
"Why don't you wait out here, Dr. Crane? I'll be fine."
"But Daphne-."
She smiled, warming his heart. "I'll be fine."
Defeated, he squeezed her hand. "I'll be right here waiting for you."
When she was gone, he slumped into his seat and picked up a magazine. Quickly he thumbed through the pages, having no idea what they said; nor did he care about the words that blurred in front of him.
At that moment, all he cared about was Daphne. And like a bad dream, the memories of what had happened at Frasier's invaded his mind.
How could he have been so stupid?
It was true that he cared for Mel a great deal but things had changed so drastically since they'd become a couple.
He wanted so badly to discuss their situation with someone but he didn't know where to turn.
Talking to Mel was out of the question. She had no interest whatsoever in talking about their relationship because to her, things were perfect.
The most logical person to speak to was his brother and father, but they too were bad choices. He was painfully aware that neither Frasier nor his father cared one ounce about Mel; a fact that hurt him deeply.
So Niles was left alone.
His mind went back to Daphne; his angel, his goddess. Her life may have been with Donny, but he still kept a large place for her in his heart. He'd made a complete fool of himself at Frasier's. He swore that he'd never hurt her, physically or emotionally. For she was the last person he would ever dream of hurting.
And now he'd managed to cause her pain in tenfold.
Tears stung his eyes and he was grateful for the empty waiting room.
Damn, what was taking them so long?
"Dr. Crane?"
In one fluid motion he rose to his feet and rushed toward her.
"Daphne, thank God. Are you okay?"
She smiled, causing his heart to warm.
"I'm feeling much better."
The relief he felt was so great that he engulfed her into his arms, taking great care to be as gentle as possible.