When Frasier left the room, Niles and Daphne found themselves alone and Daphne had to admit that it felt nice. Rarely had she had an opportunity to be alone with her friend.

"Dr. Crane?"

Niles turned to her and smiled.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being here for me. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been here. I'm sorry I was such a bloody fool. I should have stood up to that horrible man and given him a piece of my mind!"

"No Daphne. You did the right thing and I'm sorry that Frasier was so abrupt with you."

"He had every right to be abrupt." Daphne said. "He worked hard planning that fancy dinner party and now because of me he has to reschedule it. I feel bloody awful!"

"Don't." Niles said firmly. "Don't blame yourself. Look, why don't we go shopping together and pick out things for Frasier's dinner party?"

"I can't let you do that for me, Dr. Crane. It's not fair. I'm the one who-."

"Nonsense. You did nothing wrong. And I owe Frasier a few favors anyway."

"All right." She said, unable to keep from smiling. "It sounds like fun, spending the day with you. And perhaps you'll let me return the favor."

He grinned shyly. "Really? H-how?"

"Don't worry, Dr. Crane. I'll think of something." When Niles' cheeks reddened, she laughed and hugged him tightly, taking a moment to kiss his cheek. "I'll never forget what you did for me tonight. I love you, Dr. Crane."

His mouth fell open in astonishment and she knew that she should explain her comment a little further, but a sudden wave of exhaustion come over her. "Well… I'm a bit tired, so I think I'll lie down for a while."

"Of course, Daphne. I'll just go into the living room and see if Dad and Frasier need any help. I don't want this guy… or anyone… to hurt you ever again."

Once more she hugged him. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. I care about you, too… So much."

"Sweet Dreams, Daphne." Niles said as he headed for the hallway. But before he could leave the room, she called his name.

"Dr. Crane?"

Slowly he turned to face her and smiled. "Yes, Daphne?"

She felt her own cheeks warm and she felt a little like a schoolgirl. "This may sound a bit silly and I know you must have a million other things to do, so I understand if you don't have time to-."

"What is it, Daphne?"

"Would you stay with me until I fall asleep?"

He smiled and took her hand. "I'd be glad to."

She left him briefly to change into some comfortable clothes; a pair of sweats and a well-worn Seattle Supersonics t-shirt and then hugged him once more. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. Goodnight."

He helped her into bed and then covered her with the comforter. She closed her eyes almost immediately, sighing contentedly when she felt his fingertips gently running though her hair. The gentle touch lulled her to sleep and she found herself dreaming of him.

She meant what she'd said earlier. She did love him, in a way a person could only love her best friend. It wasn't romantic by any means, but she had a feeling that the more time they spent together, the more their relationship would grow.

She could hardly wait to see what the days ahead would bring, for she was certain that it was worth waiting for.

THE END