Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor

[ Parting Is Such Sorrow ]

It would be their last cup of coffee together for a long time; in the coffee shop there in the airport. Daphne was tending to the children to give her husband time with his brother.

"So," Niles said trying to keep the conversation light. "How are my former patients?"

"Oh great. I spend twenty minutes looking for an imaginary lost wallet belonging to the imaginary friend of the one patient."

"Oh my."

"It's too soon to try to convince him his friend doesn't exist. It's on his dime."

"Frasier, where are your scruples?"

"Niles, I continuously claimed to find it, but each time the patient would look at the imaginary wallet in my hand and say, 'No, that's not it'."

"Ah… Understandable Frasier, you can't rush him in to the realization that his imaginary friend doesn't exist."

"Yes, and what was he thinking? That somehow twenty imaginary patients had lost their wallets in my office and I'm just collecting them left and right."

Niles gave him "the look". "Frasier, you're starting to scare me."

"Oh Niles, I'm just joking."

"Ah…." He said in understanding. He then leaned in. "You know, Daphne had a vision that we will be back in a year or so. That we were here having our third child."

Frasier reply was a warm smile. "How absolutely wonderful. That is a delightful vision to look forward to. And I will surely work gaining more patients to bulk up your practice for when you come back. How is she feeling about this move?"

"She's fine. Especially with this vision of hers."

"Niles, what if the vision doesn't come true?"

"Well… I've never thought of that. I guess I'll just have to make it happen. The firm is offering my a substantial income. I can see us doing well enough to move back in a year or so. Of course, it doesn't rain much in Phoenix. We will have to come back to do our dancing in the rain. Perhaps we will come back for the holidays."

"I hope so."

"Dad has already invited us back for Thanksgiving."

"And I should be back in my old apartment by Christmas. If you can, it would be lovely to have you at my place for Christmas or perhaps we could all come to Phoenix for Christmas."

Daphne walked up. "Niles love, it's about time we got to our gate."

"Of course." They got up and hugged Frasier goodbye. Then they took up their bags.

Frasier helped Daphne with her bag. "I'll take you as far as the security check point."

"Thank you Frasa." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "You come visit us anytime you'd like."

"Thank you Daphne."

"What about you Frasier?"

"What do you mean, Niles?"

"How are you adjusting back in Seattle?"

"Well, I'm back at KACL and bringing up the ratings, I may add. My stocks are on a glorious rebound. I have your practice… until you return. I'm back in Elliot Bay Towers and will be in my old apartment in a few months. I have a hot date tonight. I'd say I am doing quite well."

"Glad to hear it."

"Now remember, I am flying out this weekend to help you get settled in. At the very least, I will watch the kids so you can take Daphne out."

"Thank you Frasier."

They had reached the security check point and Frasier handed Daphne's bag to Niles while Daphne had her hands full with the children. Frasier squatted down and gave David a hug. "See you later alligator."

"Good-bye Uncle Frasier"

Then he turned to his niece. "For a while crocodile."

Rozalynda ran into his arms and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. "Bye-bye Uko Faza."

A lump formed in his throat and a tear swept his cheek as he hugged that little girl like a stuffed teddy bear. "I'll come see you this coming weekend. Is that okay?"

"Oh-K," she said.

"Oh, but Uko Faza will still miss you so." He let her go and stood.

Daphne wiped the tear from his cheek and gave him a great big hug. "We're not that far away."

"I know."

Then Niles shook his hand and they embraced.

"I'll see you soon." Frasier said with a smile.

They started toward the metal detectors. Niles stopped and turned back toward his brother. "I took a picture of the chess board before they packed it. I will set it up just as we left off. We will resume this weekend."

Frasier smiled a warm smile and waved.

[ Elliot Bay Towers Apartment 1024 ]

Martin was helping Frasier adjust his furniture for the seventh time. "Now Frase, you're just going to have to get used to it the way it is. This isn't your old apartment, you know."

"Yes Dad. You don't need to remind me. It's evident every time I look to my balcony expecting to see my wonderful view of the Space Needle, only to be disappointed."

"Ah, you'll have your old apartment back in a few months." Then he added in sarcasm, "Then you can ask your handicapped father to help you rearrange your furniture again."

"Oh, very funny. You know how much I appreciate this." He hurried into the kitchen to check on his duck a l'orange. He had timed it well. She should be arriving at any moment and the duck would be perfectly tender and juicy. He checked the wine bottle label on the table for the umpteenth time to ensure that the vintage hadn't miraculously changed somehow. The table was set with his best silver and finest china set on his white table cloth. The appetizers were out of the oven and placed strategically for appearance and ambiance. He stepped back from the place settings to admire his work. "Dad, what seems to be missing here?"

Martin took a few moments to look over everything in great consideration. "Fresh cut flowers, an orchestra out on the balcony, and Burt Bacharach hiding in the bathroom," he said sarcastically. "Everything looks great. You're going to do fine. You just need to relax."

There was a knock at the door.

Frasier looked to his father. "Dad, she's here. How do I look?"

"You look just fine."

"I don't know why I'm so nervous. Dad, do you think I have on too much cologne?"

Martin smiled at the poorly-timed question. "Frasier, why don't you just answer the door?"

Frasier went over and reached for the door. He hesitated for just a moment and took a deep breath. Everything was going to be exquisite tonight. He pulled the door open and found her standing there in an incredibly enchanting, full-length, dark-teal evening gown. "Wow, you look sensational."

Regan smiled. "Thank you."

"Please come in. You remember my father: Martin."

"Yes, hi Martin. It's great seeing you again." She went over and gave him a hug.

"Great seeing you too. Well, I hate to greet and run, but I was just on my way out."

"Frasier tells me that you're married now. Congratulations."

"Yep. Thank you. Getting back to my better half now."

"I'd love to meet her someday. Perhaps, if it's not too forward, we could double-date someday."

The comment made Frasier smile. It sure put him to ease. With all of his blundering chances he'd had with Regan, it was truly comforting to hear her positive attitude and willingness to move forward in the relationship.

"We would love that." Martin smiled as he made his way out the door. "Enjoy your evening."

Frasier saw him out. "Thanks for helping out tonight Dad."

"Don't mention it son. Just have a good night."

"Good night Dad." He closed the door and turned to Regan. "And I want to thank you for giving me another chance Regan. I acted terribly the other night and I want to apologize for my actions."

"Well, I know how moving and trying to settle in must be."

"I have an overwhelming urge to kiss you."

She showed a half grin. "Maybe you should act on that."

He went over and put his hands on her hips and brought his lips to hers.

"I hope there's more of that where that one came from."

"Definitely." He kissed her again, this time much longer than the last one. "Would you care for a glass of wine."

"I'd love one."

He brushed his lips with hers one more time before heading for the wine.