"NILES!"
Startled, Niles looked up to find Frasier glaring at him. "Have you even heard a word I said?"
"What? I-."
"Just as I thought! You were off in your own little world, weren't you?"
"I'm sorry. I was just thinking about… a patient of mine."
Frasier's eyes narrowed. "Really? And what patient would that be, Niles?"
"You know my position on patient confidentiality, Frasier, so I refuse to answer your question." Niles replied.
"Honestly, Niles, if anyone knows about patient confidentiality, it is I. But I told you about Mr. Rochester and his seven personalities, did I not?"
"You did, Frasier. How's he doing?" Niles, asked wishing so badly that he could leave. Anything would be better than playing twenty questions with his brother.
"Well, it depends on which of his personalities you ask!" Frasier replied, laughing hysterically at his own joke. But Niles was not amused.
"That's very clever, Frasier."
"Now, tell me about this patient who seemed to have consumed your thoughts."
Defeated, Niles sighed. "All right, you win. This goes against my ethics, but since you're my brother, and I trust you, I'll tell you. But remember this is in the-."
"Strictest confidence, I know." Frasier finished. "Now who is it?"
"H-her name is Daphina Moon-shire."
Frasier crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Really, Niles…"
"Um, yes. Well you see… she's quite upset. She… suspects that her boss's brother is in love with her and-."
"Oh for God's sake, Niles! You and I both know that you've been thinking about Daphne!"
Niles sniffled, clutching his handkerchief in his fist. "What makes you say that?"
"Do you really want me to answer that, Niles? Good lord, I was hoping that once Daphne and Donny became a couple, you'd forget about this ridiculous crush!"
"Look, I told you before, Frasier. Mel and I are very happy together, so you don't have to worry about a thing! Daphne is in the past and I've accepted that she's with Donny now. And truth be told, I'm happy for her and I'm glad to have played a part in her happiness. I love Mel and she is my future." His voice was dangerously close to breaking but he couldn't let Frasier see his weakness. But to his surprise, Frasier smiled and touched his arm.
"I'm happy for you, Niles. I really am. And I meant what I said before. I hope that Mel makes you happy. You deserve it."
Niles nodded. "Thank you, Frasier. That means a lot to me. And I am happy. In fact, things are going so well that I just might be taking a very bold step to preserve that happiness."
Frasier gasped. "Niles, really? Is it that serious?"
Niles couldn't help but grin. "I think so. In mere months Mel Karnofksy could very well become the next Mrs. Niles Crane. And this time I'm determined to make it work. No more failed marriages for me!"
"Oh Niles, you did everything you could to please Maris; more than you should have if you ask me. But I will not listen to you beat yourself up over this again! The end of your marriage is not your fault!"
"Thank you." Niles said, once again touched by his brother's words.
"Well, on that note, I should be going. It was good seeing you, Niles." Frasier said, extending his hand.
"You too, Frasier. I think I'll just sit here for a while and order another drink."
"All right, Niles. Well, it was good seeing you. Goodbye."
Niles watched his brother walk to the door with pride. But Frasier had no sooner stepped onto the sidewalk when Niles called his name.
"Yes, Niles?"
Niles crossed the short length of Café Nervosa and embraced the man who meant so much to him. "You're the best brother I could ever ask for." He could feel Frasier's breath catch in his throat at the unexpected compliment as Frasier held him a little closer.
"Thank you, Niles. I feel the same way about you. And I wish you every happiness in the world. I hope all of your dreams come true."