(Niles' POV)

Niles' heart pounded beneath his chest as he stood at Frasier's door. He couldn't wait to see Daphne again, and he knew that she would be much more beautiful in person than she had been in his dreams, for he'd dreamt of her every night since that first fateful meeting at Café Nervosa.

He'd become very fond of that café. It was there that he had held Daphne, doing his best to comfort her when she was worried about Frasier being hurt by Derek Mann in the most unconventional street fight. But holding Daphne in his arms was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Maris never liked to be comforted, choosing instead to lock herself in her room, leaving Niles to worry about her state of well-being.

But now he'd forgotten all about that and knocked on the door, eagerly awaiting an answer. And it came in the form of an angel, wearing a denim shirt draped over a white t-shirt, dark, slim pants that hugged every curve of her body, and black ballet flats that made her look like a princess. His breath was instantly taken away by the sight of her.

"Oh! Hello, Dr. Crane!" Daphne said, greeting him with a warm angelic smile. "I wasn't expecting you!"

"Hello, Daphne. I'm sorry to drop in like this but I wanted to see this telescope I've been hearing so much about."

"Of course. Come in." Daphne said, opening the door wider.

He paused and looked her up and down. "You look lovely this evening."

She blushed, making her completion even more beautiful. "Oh, thank you Dr. Crane but I'm afraid I'm a mess! I put this outfit on this morning but if I had known we were having company, I would have put on something more presentable!"

"Nonsense, Daphne. You always look beautiful, no matter what you wear."

Daphne smiled and touched his hand, a gesture that made his heart warm. "Well, aren't you sweet? I wish your brother felt that way. He's always making some comment about me outfits. If he doesn't like what I'm wearing, I told him, he can give me a raise!" She laughed at her own joke, but Niles made a mental note of it. No salary was too high for an angel who took such wonderful care of his father.

They smiled shyly at one another until Daphne broke the silence. "Can I get you anything?"

"Thank you Daphne, but I'll just make a sherry if you don't mind."

"Not at all, go right ahead and make yourself at home."

He crossed the room to the bar where he poured a glass of sherry, and then took a sip. The sweet liquid trickled down his throat warming him instantly. Or perhaps that was the effect of the angel standing before him.

A quick glance around the room and he walked to the large picture window that looked out over the Seattle skyline. It certainly was breathtaking, and he doubted anyone else in Seattle had as spectacular a view.

Niles' own home was a mansion, almost castle-like in size that had a magnificent view of their gardens. They were elaborate gardens that Maris had insisted on plating. Or rather, the gardens that Yoshi, their gardener, had designed. Maris wouldn't dare mess with such details, choosing instead to pay handsomely for someone else to do it. And Niles had to admit that Yoshi had done a spectacular job.

But now, looking out at the lights of the Seattle skyline, he couldn't help but feel the tiniest pang of jealousy. For Frasier may not realize it, but his view was even more beautiful than Niles, because there was beauty both inside and out of his living room day after day.

Daphne smiled and quickly averted her eyes, subtly letting Niles know that he'd been staring at her again. His mind went back to a previous evening when they were having dinner together.

He couldn't take his eyes off of Daphne, but when Frasier shouted "Will you stop staring?" Niles nearly jumped out of his seat. At the time he'd had no idea that Frasier's comment was meant for Eddie, Dad's beloved Jack Russell Terrier, who took great pleasure in staring at Frasier at every opportunity.

Now he swallowed hard, and headed toward the newest attraction in the Crane household, Dad's new telescope. It certainly was remarkable.

"So, this is the famous telescope!" Niles remarked as casually as possible.

"Yes, and it's turned out to be quite the matchmaker!" Daphne replied. "Who knew that a telescope could bring people closer together?" And then she sighed dreamily.

"It's so romantic. Not too long ago your father and Irene didn't even know that the other existed and now they've been seeing each other almost every night! I'll never forget the looks on their faces when they saw each other for the first time… in person I mean. Oh, she's quite attractive and very nice. I hope it works out for them. But I can't help but feeling a bit jealous to be honest."

Niles' eyebrows rose. "Really? How so?"

She smiled shyly, her cheeks flushing to a warm shade of pink. "Oh... I don't know. The idea of meeting someone unexpectedly and the possibility of falling in love with them. It sounds wonderful."

"It certainly does." Niles agreed, unable to take his eyes off of her. And when their eyes met once more, it was he who looked away, albeit reluctantly.

"Would you like to try it out?"

He blinked in surprise at the sound of her voice. "T-try what out?"

"The telescope."

Suddenly he felt like sinking through the floor. What was wrong with him tonight? What did he think she meant? "Oh… Right. I'll just have a look."

He leaned down and peered through the lens, amazed at the sight. But he was suddenly aware of Daphne standing next to him, so close that he could feel the warmth of her body. She draped her arm around his shoulders and reached for the telescope. And in that moment he was certain that if he'd turned his face in the slightest, their lips would touch. But instead he kept his gaze in the lens, in awe of how near everything seemed. He could see the iconic Space Needle that now looked like a massive structure, just inches from Frasier's window. It was as though the Needle had positioned itself directly onto Frasier's balcony.

"I can see people on the observation deck!" he said, feeling joyously silly over something so trivial. But Daphne laughed just the same. "

"It is quite remarkable, isn't it, Dr. Crane? Might I show you something else?"

His breath caught in his throat when she moved even closer, her silky hair brushing against his cheek. And the scent… why it was the most incredible scent imaginable… a blend of lavender and rose petals. "O-of course, Daphne."

Slowly she tilted the telescope upward until it was centered on the crescent moon that was framed by twinkling stars. He was still peering through the lens when he felt her move away. And when he looked up, she was gazing out the picture window, her arms folded across her chest.

"Isn't that the most beautiful sight you've ever seen?" She sighed, in the same dreamy tone as before.

He moved the telescope lens until it centered on the silhouette of her beautiful face, her porcelain features becoming larger than life and he smiled.

"It certainly is, Daphne."