Daphne was grateful when both Dr. Crane and Mr. Crane left for their respective New Year's Eve plans. She'd heard far more than she cared to about Dr. Crane's latest infatuation. She grew tired of nodding and smiling as he went on and on. It was only slightly preferable to his long-winded lectures on wine or opera, because at least Daphne didn't have to pretend to understand. She simply had to pretend to care.

But now her mind was on other things. Namely, getting ready to watch the fireworks over the bay. She was a bit nervous about spending the evening with the younger Dr. Crane. She wasn't really sure why. They'd always gotten along well, and she knew that he enjoyed her company. Perhaps it was because she could tell he was not as happy as his father and brother thought. Daphne had always had a sixth sense about people. It wasn't just that she was able to predict things due to her psychic abilities, but she could also sense if a person was in pain or hurting in some way. And she'd definitely seen it in Dr. Crane. She didn't have to wonder what was upsetting him. Being stuck in the middle of a bitter divorce from someone like Mrs. Crane would be enough to ruin anyone's mood! It probably didn't help that his soon-to-be ex-wife hadn't even bothered to wish him a "Merry Christmas" before she flew off to Europe with yet another of her rich admirers.

Daphne took a look around the apartment, noticing that it was as neat and clean as ever. Frasier insisted on it, of course, but for some reason she felt a need to double-check it one last time. Dr. Crane (the younger one) was indeed lonely these days, and Daphne wanted him to relax tonight and enjoy New Year's Eve, without thinking about his marriage. It seemed to be the least that he deserved.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Daphne answered it. "Hello, Dr. Crane."

"Daphne. You look lovely."

Daphne blushed. "Thank you. Can I get you anything?" She stepped back to allow him to enter.

"No, thank you." Niles could hardly believe this was happening. He and Daphne would be alone tonight, under the stars and the beautiful skyline of Seattle.

"What have you got there?" Daphne asked, pointing to a basket Niles was carrying.

"Oh, just a bottle of champagne, and some wine." He opened the basket to show her. "I didn't even tell Frasier I bought this." Niles pointed to the wine bottle. He was ashamed at the idea that he'd gone behind his brother's back, knowing how much Frasier had wanted it. But he'd gotten a last-minute call from the wine shop he and his brother frequented. He'd almost turned it down, but then he realized it would be the perfect thing to share with Daphne.

"It was so nice of you to think of that," Daphne said.

Niles fidgeted, suddenly feeling awkward.

Daphne sensed that he was nervous. "Would you like to sit down? We still have a while before the fireworks start. We could watch a movie if you'd like."

"That would be nice," Niles said.

Daphne walked over to the cabinet where the movies were kept. She quickly flipped through Mr. Crane's collection of action and war movies. She knew that neither she nor Dr. Crane would enjoy those. She pulled out a video she'd bought a few years ago. She almost forgot she had it. It was a romantic comedy, one which made Daphne melt every time she watched it. But unfortunately, she rarely had the opportunity to do that. Usually she was forced to endure whatever Mr. Crane or his son wanted to watch.

Niles noticed that Daphne seemed lost in thought. "Did you find a movie for us?" he asked.

"Yes. This is me favorite movie. But I haven't seen it in ages," she said as she handed him the box.

"Well, then, what are you waiting for?" Niles asked.

Daphne grinned, thrilled he'd agreed with her choice. She had a feeling his brother would not have been so kind.

She put in the tape. As the movie began, Daphne found herself swept up in the familiar story. To her surprise, she noticed that Dr. Crane actually seemed to be enjoying himself. More than once, she noticed him reaching over to gently hold her hand.

When the movie was nearly over, Daphne glanced at her watch. It was now 11pm. The fireworks would be starting soon. "We should go out on the balcony now."

"Oh, yes, we should. But I'm anxious to see how this ends!"

Daphne laughed at his enthusiasm over a "chick flick." "We can watch the rest later."

Niles nodded. He gathered up the basket with the wine and champagne. Daphne took a few blankets from one of the closets. "In case we get chilly out there," she explained.

Just as he was about to open the door to the balcony, Niles looked up into the sky. The moon hung in the sky, full and bright amid the many stars. "It's so beautiful..." he whispered, barely able to believe what he saw.

Daphne nodded. "It is. I'm glad I have someone to share it with. Aren't you?"

"Absolutely, Daphne."