The soft music that drifted from the speakers of Niles' BMW was deafening compared to the silence that filled the space between them.
Daphne glanced at Niles, painfully aware that he kept his eyes focused on the road. Clearly she had hurt his feelings, or worse... broken his heart.
But she had no idea what to do... what to say. How do you respond when someone says "I love you?"
I love you, Daphne...
The words resounded in her head like a dream. But this was no dream.
Looking at him now, her heart filled with love for him because she knew how difficult it must have been for him to tell her how he felt about her.
And to think that she'd never seen it coming.
Wordlessly, Niles pulled the car in to the Elliot Bay Towers parking garage. When they reached Frasier's condo, they stood at the doorway, face to face.
"Well... I guess I should be getting home." Niles said. "I'll see you later, Daphne. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I'm sorry it was so...well... I can only trust that
you enjoyed yourself; at least part of the time."
Daphne smiled and touched his shoulder. "I had a lovely time, Dr. Crane. I can't thank you enough."
"You're most welcome. Goodnight, Daphne."
She watched as he turned to leave, closing the door behind him. In seconds he would be gone.
Without giving it another thought, she opened the door, relieved to find that he was still waiting for the elevator. "Dr Crane?"
He turned around in surprise. "Daphne?"
She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came.
"Daphne, is something wrong?" Niles asked.
"Actually... can I talk to you for a bit?"
"Certainly."
Niles followed her back into the condo and found Martin in the living room sitting in his favorite chair. "Oh hey, Dad."
"Hey kids! Have a good time?" How was the restaurant?"
Daphne glanced at Niles, then back at Martin. "Yes, it was lovely, Mr. Crane. Thank you."
Martin climbed out of his chair. "Well, I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Kids."
"Goodnight Dad."
"Goodnight, Mr. Crane."
When they were alone, Daphne and Niles shared an awkward silence.
"So, you wanted to talk to me about something?"
"Um, yes... Would you like to go out on the balcony? It's such a beautiful night." Daphne said, gesturing for him
to follow her.
"It certainly is." Niles said as he opened the door for her.
They stood face to face, and Daphne knew she had to say something. "Dr. Crane? I just wanted to thank you so much for the lovely dinner."
Even in the darkness, she could see him blushing.
"You're welcome, Daphne." Niles said.
"Dr. Crane, about what you said earlier..."
"Oh yes." He said, looking down at his feet. "Well, I'm sorry about that. I just-."
She put her fingers to his lips to silence him. "Dr Crane, you have nothing to be sorry for."
Niles ran his hand through his hair. "What do you mean?"
In a boldness that surprised even her, Daphne took Niles' face in her hands and kissed him. When the kiss ended, they parted and he looked at her in amazement.
"Daphne..."
"I love you, too... Niles."