"Frasier, this really isn't necessary." Niles said as Frasier wheeled him into the lobby of the Elliot Bay Towers.
"For God's sake, Niles it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of people use wheelchairs." Frasier snapped.
"I know that, Frasier but what I meant was-."
"Dr. Crane, how nice to see you!"
Niles smiled at Morrie, the friendly doorman and extended his free hand in greeting.
"I was sorry to hear about your accident Dr. Crane but I'm so thankful that you're all right. It's truly a miracle."
Niles sighed deeply. "I appreciate that, Morrie, and I can't thank you enough for the beautiful get well bouquet you and Larissa sent. Tell her thank you, okay? She's lucky to have you as a husband."
"Well I know that flowers aren't your style, Dr. Crane unless you're giving them to someone special, like perhaps, your wife. What's her name again?"
Avoiding eye contact with Daphne, Niles cleared his throat. "Maris."
"Right. Maris." Morrie replied. "Well, give her my best, okay?"
Niles nodded. "Of course."
"Um, excuse me but we should get Niles settled." Frasier said. "I'm sure he's anxious to have a home cooked meal."
"Take care, Dr. Crane." Morrie said with a smile.
"I will." Niles replied as he smiled at Frasier, Daphne and Martin. "I'm in good hands."
Martin patted Niles' shoulder. "Come on Son. Let's get upstairs. You must be exhausted."
"And your football game is about to start, right Dad? It's all you talked about in the car."
Martin blinked in surprise. "Football? What in the hell are you talking about?"
"You said the Mariners were playing the Yankees."
"But that's not football, that's… oh never mind." Martin groaned.
When Niles looked blankly at Daphne, she found it hard to hide her smile. His lack of sports knowledge was one of the things she loved most about him.
Soon they were in the elevator, being whisked to the nineteenth floor and when the doors opened, they found themselves looking at Condo 1901.
"Frasier, you really don't have to do this." Niles said for a second time as Daphne wheeled him into the hallway. "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself at home. Besides, Marta is there and so is Maris, and-."
Frasier's stern gaze quieted Niles and he swallowed hard. Daphne was certain that a sarcastic comment about Niles wife, no matter how uncaring the woman may seem, was about to surface. But almost disappointingly none came. Normally she would find Frasier's comments about Maris humorous, but Niles was still vulnerable and it was possible that the harsh words would upset him even further.
"Dr. Crane with all due respect, it's not the time-."
"Daphne, I was just going to say that Niles is staying with us and I won't take no for an answer." Frasier said. "He's been through a completely unthinkable experience and I'm partly to blame."
Niles put his free hand on Frasier's arm. "No, Frasier. I won't have you blaming yourself. This was my fault and that's all there is to it. End of story."
Suddenly the hallway seemed colder as the uneasiness around them grew.