(Daphne's POV)

The headache came out of nowhere. Daphne could hardly concentrate on her chores for the pounding sensation within her. Niles had left hours ago, promising to return later and she found that she couldn't wait for him to come back. And when he did, she greeted him warmly, wanting so much to talk to him. But talking to anyone was impossible.

All she could think about was the constant thundering inside her head that only grew worse when the doorbell rang. That could only mean one thing. This was no ordinary headache. This was most definitely a psychic headache. And those were the worst kind.

The door opened, confirming her worst fear. For there in the doorway stood Lilith Crane, the ex-wife of Frasier. Daphne had never met the woman, not formally, but she'd heard plenty about her. And she couldn't help but notice how upset Niles seemed. Daphne was cordial to Lilith, of course, but as she held Martin's beer can to her forehead, she prayed that the woman would simply vanish into thin air, taking this horrific pain with her.

It was when Niles and Lilith said hello to one another that the truth of his anxiety came out. He was clearly angry with her for laughing during the moment that he and Mrs. Crane had said their wedding vows. No wonder he was so upset. The nerve of that woman, laughing during such a special moment! But then the most astonishing thing happened. The moment that Lilith apologized for her behavior, Niles was overjoyed, throwing his arms around her in gratitude.

And that's when Daphne's headache worsened. She cried out in pain, causing Niles to look over at her. And as expected, he went to her at once. "Daphne what is it?"

His comforting hands on her shoulders brought the tiniest bit of relief.

"Daphne?"

"Me head is throbbing." She replied, barely able to see.

"Perhaps I could rub your temples." He offered, to which Frasier was not happy.

"Niles!"

At his brother's harshness, Niles steppe d back, but Daphne's heart warmed at his kindness. She would never understand Frasier's discouragement. What was so wrong with being friends with his brother? It was far better than despising someone; she knew that all too well. But she refused to let Frasier bother her. She was in enough pain as it was.

"I think I'm going to go lie down in me room." She said. Without waiting for an answer, she retreated to her room, careful to avoid eye contact with Lilith. But then she heard;

"Feel better, Daphne."

The pounding grew worse and she picked up her pace. Once in her room, she laid down on her bed feeling a bit nauseous. She closed her eyes, willing this awful feeling to go away, but she feared that it never would.

She was almost asleep when she heard a soft knock on the door. In the darkness she tried to go and answer it, but the swaying room made it impossible. The door opened slowly and a figure walked into the room. And when she was able to focus, she saw his silhouette. Or at least she thought she did.

She squinted, trying to see him better and then he sat down beside her. "Niles?"

A soft cool cloth touched her face, bringing instant relief, followed by his gentle hand, brushing the hair from her forehead. And that touch told her that this moment was indeed real.

"What are you doing in here?" she asked quietly.

"I was worried about you. I wanted to make sure that you were all right."

"I feel bloody awful." She moaned. "Me head aches and my stomach…"

"I'm so sorry." He said. "I brought you some aspirin and some ginger ale."

Unexpected tears filled her eyes as she took the glass from him and consumed the aspirin. But his smile disappeared. "Oh Daphne… are you sure you're going to be all right? Perhaps I should take you to the hospital."

She leaned her head against the pillow and sighed. "I'll be all right in a little while. Thank you, Dr. Crane for being so thoughtful."

He smiled then. "Well… I'll let you get some rest. I'm sure Frasier will be livid that I came in here. He doesn't like-."

"Dr. Crane, will you stay here with me and keep me company? I could use a friend. If your brother doesn't like it, then he can deal with me."

"Are you sure?"

She smiled and took his hand. "I've never been more sure. I enjoy your company and I couldn't ask for a better friend."

"Thank you, Daphne. Sweet Dreams."

She wasn't sure when it happened, but the headache subsided and she drifted off into a deep sleep. But she was fully aware of Niles' fingers, stroking her hair, making her dreams even sweeter.