If I Lost You

by iloveromance

While en route to the Elliot Bay Towers to finally tell Daphne how he feels about her, Niles finds himself in a tragic situation; one that will change the lives of the Crane family and those around them forever. My 200th story. (Episode: "Rooms With a View") loosely based on the movie "While You Were Sleeping". Published on 12/12/12!

29. Chapter 29

"Dr. Crane, listen to me!" Dr. Watson said in a tone of voice that Martin often used when he meant business. "With all due respect, you're still extremely weak! Your shoulder and leg are broken and need time to heal. You've suffered life-threatening injuries and as I've told your family, with injuries of this magnitude, there's always the risk of a relapse that could be even more traumatic and result in massive internal injuries. And if that happens-."

Daphne swallowed hard, and gasps could be heard around her.

"What are you saying, Dr. Watson?" Frasier asked quietly.

"Well, we like to keep things optimistic at this hospital, but given the extent of your brother's injuries, I'm obligated to explain all of the risks."

"Just tell us what's going on, Dr. Watson." Martin said firmly.

"What could happen?" Daphne asked; her voice sounding foreign to her.

Dr. Watson glanced at them in remorse. "I'm saying that if he suffers a relapse, he could die. Now, Mr. Crane, here's what I need you to understand. Listen to me very carefully…"

But Daphne didn't hear the rest of what Dr. Watson was saying. She turned away, trying to hide the horrified gasp that escaped. Her throat was so tight with tears that she could hardly breathe and she tried unsuccessfully to quell her worry. When she had calmed down slightly, she glanced at Martin and Dr. Watson.

"Would you give Niles and I a few moments alone, please?"

"Of course, Ms. Moon." Dr. Watson said. "I'll make sure that everything is progressing smoothly for Dr. Crane's release."

Martin looked around the hospital room at the hundreds of floral arrangements, gifts and flowers that seemed to fill every available corner. "I'll… start taking some of these to the car."

"Here, I'll help you, Dad. We'll be right back, Daphne."

"Thank you." Daphne said, squeezing Frasier and Martin's hands as she forced her voice to remain steady. She wanted to remain strong for Niles. She had to be strong, for both of them. But right now, it was all but impossible.

She loved Niles so much and she knew it was crazy feeling this strongly about a man with whom she'd shared a friendship for so long. But somehow her heart told her that she'd loved him for much longer.

Frasier was forever saying that love was powerful and could get her through anything, but she feared that this was the one thing that love couldn't conquer.