(Café Nervosa)

They sat at a cozy table, situated just inside the doorway, sipping their drinks. He, with his non-fat half cafe latte sprinkled with the faintest hint of cinnamon and she with her cinnamon tea. His heart warmed when she smiled at him from across the small table.

"Dr. Crane, you didn't have to go to all of this trouble. A cup of tea would have been more than enough. Although I have to admit that this blueberry scone is just heavenly. And this banana nut muffin is just-." She paused and took a bite, sighing contentedly. "Oh it's wonderful. I can't decide which one I like the most!"

"Well, I wanted to." He offered. "After all, I owe you, Daphne. I can't tell you how thankful I am for your all of your help. Although…"

She leaned forward, as though listening intently. "Yes?"

When he didn't answer right away, he saw her slide her hand across the table and then slip into his.

"I…"

"Dr. Crane, I know that you're worried about what Mr. Houghton will say when he gets the letter but there's nothing to worry about. It's a wonderful letter and he's going to love it."

Niles smiled sincerely. He still had his doubts, but somehow he believed her.

(Six months later)

The moment that she opened the door and smiled at him, he felt his spirits lift. It had been an exhausting week, what with insufferable patients and even more outrageous demands from his soon-to-be ex-wife. There were times that he wasn't sure that he'd make it through the divorce proceedings, but with the support and love of his family (and he most certainly included Daphne in his definition of family), he knew that he could conquer anything.

Suddenly she was standing before him, looking incredibly beautiful in a blue sweater and jeans, her hair falling softly onto her shoulders.

"Dr. Crane…"

"Hello Daphne. I was just-."

She took his hand and pulled him inside. "I'm so glad that you're here. I've been waiting for you."

He froze, staring at her, wondering if he had misheard her. "Y-you have?"

"Yes, I was hoping that you could solve the mystery of what's in this box." She explained.

His heart sank just a little, for he had hoped … but he knew that it could never be. They were friends, and that was most likely all that they would ever be. And he wouldn't do anything to ruin that friendship. He valued it so much.

"Box?"

"It's awfully heavy and I've been dying to know what's in it. But it's addressed to you, so I didn't dare touch it. After all, I would never open something that isn't mine.

I-."

Suddenly she froze and stared at him. "Oh…"
For a moment neither of them spoke, but they didn't need words. Niles was certain that they were thinking the same thing. And even now, six months after the fact, he was still ashamed of his actions, despite having mailed his heartfelt letter of apology. There had been no response, which could only mean one thing… And it was something he simply didn't want to think about.

"May I?"

She opened the door wider. "Of course, Dr. Crane, what's wrong with me today? Please, come in. Your box is right over there." She pointed to a large box that sat in the corner of Frasier's foyer. "It's quite heavy so I left it right where the delivery man put it."

Niles walked over to the box and bent down to inspect it. "Pendant Publishing" He read. And then he straightened. "That's odd. I wonder what this could be."

Curious, he pulled the clear tape from the top and sides of the box and lifted the flaps. Inside was a mound of crumpled brown paper. And object wrapped in clear bubble wrap.

With the eagerness of an excited child, he tossed the paper and peered into the box. As soon as he unwrapped the first object, his mouth fell open and he gasped. It was truly a sight to behold.

"Daphne…"

"What is it, Dr. Crane?"

Slowly he lifted the bright orange book with the picture of the pink and yellow chameleon on the cover and showed it to Daphne.

"The Chameleon's Song." She read.

For a strange, wonderful moment he felt like crying. "Mr. Houghton's book."

"Oh my… he published it after all! How wonderful!"

"Yes and…" he opened the flap of the first book and read the inscription. "Daphne, it was a pleasure and a delight, meeting you. Sincerely, Mr. Houghton."

When he handed her the book, he was certain that she might start crying as well. But the expression on her face made him smile.

"This is for me?" She asked, touching the smooth cover with her fingers. "I can't believe it."

He lifted the next book from the box and once again opened the front cover.

"To Frasier, with sincere gratitude for your interest in my work. Sincerely, Mr. Houghton."

"Your brother will be so thrilled." Daphne commented.

The next book slid out of the box easily and once again he opened the front cover.

"To Martin, the best friend a guy could ever have."

Daphne smiled. "That's nice. Your father will be touched. "

He could feel his hands trembling as he reached into the box and retrieved the last book, eagerly opening the cover. It only took one glance at the words written on the page to bring tears to his eyes.

"To Niles from TS Houghton. Apology accepted. "

THE END