They stood facing one another and for the first time she had no idea what to say to him. Sensing his uneasiness, she led him to the sofa and gestured for him to sit
down. "Would you like a drink?"
"I'd love one."
She smiled and squeezed his hand. "All right. What would you like? A sherry perhaps?"
"Actually I could use some coffee. But don't trouble yourself. I'll be happy to help you."
When he rose from the seat, she coaxed him back down.
"You just sit right there and relax. I can't imagine how tired you must be, what with all that you've gone through with the... wedding and all."
The words felt tight in her throat and she found it difficult to swallow. When her eyes met his, she saw a hint of pain in them and the feelings of guilt she had willed
away began to surface.
She knew that he loved her, that much was evident. But deep down, she could see that he was hurting because of his broken relationship.
And it was her fault.
"Oh, your coffee! I'll just brew a fresh pot for you. It should be ready in a few minutes."
In the kitchen she tried desperately to think of something, anything to make him understand.
And just when she'd given up all hope, the sweet words wafted from the living room and into her heart.
"You're an angel."
While the coffee was brewing, Daphne returned to the living room and sat down beside Niles, amazed at how perfectly she fit against him.
His arm went around her and she snuggled close, sighing when his lips touched her cheek. Being kissed by Niles Crane felt like the most natural thing in the world.
She laced her fingers through his and rubbed his smooth skin with her thumb, knowing that this blissful moment was far better than anything she could have dreamed.
But deep inside it felt so wrong. And she couldn't help wondering if she'd made a huge mistake.
"What are you thinking about?"
Daphne sighed deeply. She didn't want to ruin this moment, but she could no longer ignore the inevitable.
As though sensing her anxiety, Niles turned to her.
"Daphne, is something wrong?"
The heavenly aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the living room and she jumped off the sofa.
"Your coffee..."
Unable to look at him, she rushed into the kitchen aware that he was following her.
"Daphne, that can wait."
"But you said-."
He extended his hand, prompting her to sigh and entwine her fingers through his.
"Come on."
The words were so soft; she wondered how she could have possibly heard him.
"But Niles..."
He led her to the sofa and coaxed her to sit down. When they were face to face, he stared into her eyes.
She did her best to look happy and she gave him a small smile. But inside her happiness had become anxiety.
"Okay, what's wrong?"
"Nothing." She lied.
"Daphne, I'm here for you and if you're hurting-."
"I'm fine." She said a bit harsher than she meant to.
When his expression changed, she squeezed his hand.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm just... I'll get your coffee now."
She kissed his cheek, and rose from the sofa anxious to get into the kitchen before he could stop her again.
Safely in the kitchen she stood staring at the coffee pot, trying to calm her trembling hands. But as the guilt consumed her, so did her tears.