Niles walked out the door, feeling his stomach turn in circles; a sure sign that he'd better get home as quickly as possible.
This was worse than the after-effects from the Vashon ferry ride when he'd returned his sea bass to the sea.
"Dr Crane, wait!"
He turned around; his heart beating faster at the sight of the woman he loved.
"Daphne..."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm sorry to run off like this, but suddenly I'm not feeling so well."
"You do look a bit green around the gills." She said. "Come with me."
To his surprise, she took his hand and led him back into the condo. In a daze he followed her into the living room, fully aware of the stares of Frasier, Roz and his
father.
"What's going on?" Frasier asked. "Niles, I thought you'd gone."
"Your brother's not feeling well, Dr. Crane." Daphne explained.
"Imagine that." Frasier said, with a roll of his eyes.
Niles glared at his brother and returned his attention to Daphne, who smiled warmly. "Now just sit here and make yourself comfortable."
"Here?" Niles asked, pointing to the chair. "Um... perhaps I should just sit on the sofa."
"Nonsense. Sit right here and prop up your feet. I'll take good care of you." Daphne said.
His heart warmed at her kindness. "Thank you, Daphne."
Seconds after Niles sat down; Martin looked at him in horror.
"Hey! What in the hell are you doing in my chair?"
"Oh, pipe down, old man!" Daphne yelled. "Can't you see that your son is sick?"
"Actually, Daphne I'm feeling much better, thank you." Niles said, pushing himself out of the chair.
Daphne put her hand on his shoulder and eased him back against the upholstery. "You stay right there, Dr. Crane."
"But I really am feeling much-."
"If you don't mind me sayin' so, you look worse than ever. Now just relax and
I'll be right back."
Niles smiled weakly as his head began to spin. "You're an absolute angel."
"Dr. Crane..." Daphne said, her cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink as she disappeared into the kitchen
From his father's beloved chair, Niles could hear Daphne preparing something in the kitchen. The blender whirred, followed by the clanging of silverware.
"What is she doing in there?" Martin asked. "And... Oh God... what is that smell?"
Niles could only shrug.
Minutes later, Daphne returned, holding a large cup. "Here you are, Dr. Crane. Drink this and you'll feel better in no time."
"Thank you, Daphne." Niles said taking the cup from her. As soon as he caught a whiff of the concoction, his stomach lurched and he pushed the drink away. "Dear
God! What is that?"
"Now I know it smells horrid but it's a secret recipe of me Grammy Moon's. Trust me, once you get this down, you'll feel a hundred percent better."
Niles winced as he slowly brought the cup to his mouth. "I-I can't." He said pushing the cup away.
"Please, Dr. Crane? For me?"
When he looked into Daphne's beautiful eyes, his heart beat faster. He just couldn't disappoint her.
He took a deep breath and gulped down the contents of the cup, trying not to think about what he was drinking. It was the most horrible thing he'd ever tasted.
When she noticed his expression, Daphne rushed into the kitchen, returning with a glass of water. "Drink this. It'll get the taste out."
Niles coughed and took the glass from her, drinking the water as fast as possible. "Thank you, Daphne."
"Oh, hey guys! Guess what?" Roz was asking excitedly.
When no one answered, she frowned. "Well since no one seems to be interested, I'll tell you anyway. The Seabee Awards are only two weeks away!"
At this news, Niles sat up in Martin's chair and looked at Roz in horror. "You aren't actually-."
"Dear God, Roz!" Frasier interrupted. "You can't be suggesting that we go?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying." Roz said.
"Absolutely not!" Frasier said. "I refuse to be made a fool of in front of my colleagues!"
"That makes two of us!" Niles called from Martin's chair. "I think I've been through enough humiliation for one lifetime."
"But we have to go!" Roz said. "How do you think it will look for us to be the only radio show not represented?"
Frasier crossed the room and went straight to the bar. "Sherry, Niles?"
"Please." Niles replied.
"Oh no you don't!" Daphne said, grabbing the glass from Frasier's hand. "Your brother is in no condition to drink alcohol right now."
Niles grinned sheepishly at his brother.
"Roz, it's presumptuous that you're even suggesting that we make an appearance at the Seabee's!" Frasier said.
"Exactly!" Niles chimed in. "We'll be... dare I say it... the joke of Seattle if we were to attend?"
Roz smirked. "Niles, because you're sick, I'll refrain from making a sarcastic comment."
"Hmm... and speaking of sarcastic comments... How's your love life, Roz?" Niles retorted, causing his brother to laugh out loud.
"That's IT!" Roz yelled. "You two morons just got yourselves front row tables at the Seabee awards! And don't think I can't make you go!"
Frasier rolled his eyes. "Roz, that's impossible! You can't make us-."
"Oh yeah? Watch me!" Roz said, as she left the condo, slamming the door behind her.
Frasier and Niles looked at each other in horror.
"Dear God..." Frasier said after an uncomfortable silence. "Well Niles... It looks like we're going to the Seabees... whether we like it or not."