When the door to Niles' room was opened, Daphne's heart warmed at the sight of him. Dressed in the clothes that Frasier had brought to the hospital, he looked more like his normal self. The clothes; a blue button-down dress shirt, and khaki pants were a little baggy from the weight he'd lost, but he was devastatingly handsome just the same.
"You're not ready yet?" Martin quipped as Niles did his best to organize his personal belongings that were scattered across the hospital bed. "Come on, what are you waiting for? Let's get out of this place!"
"Well, I'm definitely ready for that, Dad." Niles said. "I-."
He stopped suddenly when he caught a glimpse of Daphne. The look of love in his eyes warmed her heart and she went to him in one fluid motion embracing him gently. They had seen each other just days before and had spoken on the phone earlier that morning, but still it felt as though they hadn't been together in months.
"Daphne…" Niles breathed into her hair as he held her as close as he could. Daphne wanted so much to kiss him but she didn't dare embarrass him in front of his father. Instead she kissed the fading bruise on his cheek. "Are you ready to go, Sweetheart?" She whispered into his ear.
He grinned, his expression reminding her of his nephew Frederick. "I'm more than ready. I can't wait to-."
"Good afternoon, Dr. Crane."
Startled apart, they looked up to see Dr. Watson enter the room, pushing a wheelchair and wearing a smile.
"All right, it looks like your brother has finished with your paperwork and should be up shortly to wheel you downstairs. And then you'll be a free man."
At Niles' horrified look, Daphne gently took his hand. "It's just regulation, Sweetheart. It's not permanent."
"Well, actually this guy is going to be your best friend for a while." Dr. Watson said.
Daphne's eyes widened. "What?"
When realization hit, Niles began to wheeze in and out, a sure sign that hyperventilation was inevitable. Daphne immediately began rubbing his back in a circular motion, doing her best to soothe his fears. "It'll be all right. I promise." She said gently.
"But-."
"Just try to relax, Dr. Crane." Dr. Watson was saying. "I know it's sudden but in time you'll get used to it."
When Niles sighed deeply, she slowly kissed his cheek. The touch of her lips on his skin brought a smile, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it came.
"Don't worry Dr. Crane. The wheelchair is friendly." Dr. Watson said with a smile.
Daphne and Martin laughed but Niles was not amused. "Look, I appreciate what you're trying to do and all that you've done for me, but I don't need a wheelchair!" he yelled. "I can manage just fine on my own, see? I'm perfectly-OW!"
Niles' attempt to climb out of bed brought another harsh cry of agony bringing Dr. Watson, Frasier, Martin and Daphne to his side in an instant as they worked to ease him back against the pillows.
"Damn it, Niles you almost-Well… just cut the crap, will you?" Martin scolded. "Now, you do what the doctor says! If he says you need a wheelchair then by God you're going to use a wheelchair! Believe me; I learned the hard way about ignoring doctor's orders!"
"Dad, I'm a grown man and I can take care of myself!" Niles yelled back. "Just leave me alone!"
Dr. Watson locked eyes with Martin and then smiled sympathetically at Niles. "Dr. Crane, I know this is difficult, especially when you're used to being independent. But I promise it will become easier in time."
"TIME? TIME?" Niles shouted. "HOW MUCH TIME?"
"It's hard to say but at least a month." Dr. Watson replied. "Now, just hold on to myself and Ms. Moon and we'll help you into the chair. Just take it nice and slow."
Niles did as he was asked, but he was mere inches from lowering himself into the wheelchair when he stopped suddenly, surprising them all.
NO!" He yelled, unrelenting. "I can't! I won't! I won't… do this! I'm… a successful psychiatrist, not an invalid! I'm…" He shuddered and then lowered his head in shame, tears filling his eyes.
Daphne felt herself trembling as well, unable to stop the tears that were falling onto her cheeks. Nor could she look at him. He looked so helpless and it absolutely shattered her to see him this way. Her gaze fixed on the world outside, she felt a million different emotions rising within her at once. When she returned her attention to Dr. Watson, his friendly smile was gone, replaced by a look of disdain.