As Niles once again walked the halls of KACL, he found himself replaying the events of last night. It was amazing how Daphne always seemed to know when he needed her most. Perhaps her psychic abilities weren't merely charming; maybe she really did have powers. Whatever it was, Niles was just grateful for it.
He was so lost in thought, it took a moment before he realized someone was calling his name. "Hi, Dr. Crane! Didn't think I'd be seeing you here!"
"I suppose I could say the same. Um, Noel, is it?" Niles squinted, trying to place the face and voice. "Are you still working here?" It was hard to believe Roz would've allowed Noel to stay, what with his never-ending obsessions with both her, and and all things related to Star Trek.
"Yup! She wanted to fire me, but luckily, I have the ability to cry on command," Noel replied. Then he leaned forward and whispered, "Between you and me, I think she wants me! She likes to play hard-to-get, but I know it's just a matter of time!"
Niles stood there for a moment, not sure how to respond. He couldn't imagine anything more preposterous than Roz being interested in Noel. Except perhaps the Mariners getting into the Super Bowl.
Noel did not seem bothered by Niles'dumbfounded stare. "What are you doing here, Dr. Crane? It's almost like I'm seeing a ghost! Or maybe an alien! That reminds me of an episode of Star Trek where Captain Kirk..."
Niles began to tune Noel out, gazing instead at the door to Frasier's old both. "It was wonderful seeing you again, Noel. I'll give my brother your regards." With a wave, he quickly walked away and ducked into the booth. Immediately he let out a sigh, relieved to be free from what was sure to be a very long-winded lecture on the finer points of Star Trek.
It took a moment before Niles felt the sudden rush of memories. The times he'd met Frasier here on their way to Nervosa for one of their many coffee dates. The exchange of witty banter with Roz. As much as he loved his new life with Daphne and David, a part of him would've given anything to see Frasier sitting in that chair. He hadn't expected to miss Frasier so acutely here. But of course, it made sense. It had taken weeks before he got used to sitting by himself at Nervosa, without glancing at the door constantly.
After a few minutes of near-hyperventilation, Niles was finally able to calm himself down. Yes, he missed Frasier terribly. But that didn't mean he couldn't do what he'd come here to do: help people. So, with a deep breath, he sat down in Frasier's old seat and picked up the headphones. "Good afternoon, Seattle. I'm Dr. Niles Crane. Some of you might remember my brother, Frasier, who used to host a show here on KACL at this time. But since he has moved on to greener pastures, I'm going to be here for the next three hours, taking your calls and offering the best advice I can. So, Seattle, without further ado, let's get better!"