(Daphne's POV)

When the doorbell rang, Daphne groaned in agony. From her place in Martin's chair, she was perfectly content. But it was the thought of getting up to answer the door that made her shudder. What was she thinking, buying shoes that were much too tight? Granted, she had gotten them on sale and they matched her dress (a black sleeveless number with a deep V-neck line) perfectly, but that fashion statement had come with a price-a big one. She'd never been in so much pain before, and all for a bloody pair of shoes!

The doorbell rang again and she was just about to brave her pain and try to stand in an attempt to answer it. But to her surprise, she heard the key unlocking to door and then it opened. She found herself staring not at her boss, but at Niles, who seemed equally as surprised to see her.

"Daphne…"

Her heart warmed at the sight of him. "H-Hello."

When she didn't stand to greet him, he looked at her curiously. "I didn't think anyone would be home now since the Seabee Awards, but I stopped by to give Frasier these CD's and-are you all right?"

She sighed, grateful that someone had finally shown a genuine interest in her well-being. Frasier and Martin certainly hadn't. And she found that she couldn't lie to her friend. He meant too much to her, even if such a lie wouldn't affect him directly.

"No, actually I'm not."

This caught his attention and he went to her, eyeing her inquisitively. "What's wrong?"

She looked at him, noting the way his eyes traveled down the length of her body. Most women would have been offended by the obvious chauvinism, but Niles captivation with her appearance was flattering to say the least. But she didn't want to embarrass him, so she simply smiled as best as she could. "Me feet are killing me!"

His eyebrows rose, for surely this wasn't at all what he expected her to say. "Your-."

"That's right, me feet! They hurt so badly at that bloody awards ceremony that I have no idea how I managed to sit through it! Even taking me shoes off didn't help."

Niles' mouth fell open. "So that's why you wanted me to -."

"Rub me feet, yes. But it's all right, Dr. Crane. I managed to make it home. It wasn't eas-Ow!"

Niles sat down on the sofa, watching her.

"Where are Frasier and Dad? And Roz?"

"Oh, your brother met a woman at the hotel and suddenly decided that he had to get to know her better. Your father was fed up with the whole thing and went to Duke's. I'm sure that neither of them will be back for several hours."

"And Roz?"

"She went off with Noel, if you can believe that."

"No, actually I can't."

"Me neither, but I bet her feet don't hurt as much as mine. And if she happens to set her sights on a man who isn't Noel, then I don't expect to see her for a few days. But don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I just need to rest for a while. I'd go into me room, but I can hardly move. This chair is quite comfortable, to be honest!"

"Are you going to be okay?"

"I'll be fine."

Niles didn't seem convinced, but he stood and removed his keys from his pocket. "Well, if you're sure you'll be okay. I guess I'll just leave you to your peace and quiet. Oh, I left Frasier's CD's on the entry table, so could you see that he gets them?"

"Of course, Dr. Crane, please stay, if you want to. I enjoy your company. Here, let me get you some iced tea." Without another thought, Daphne put her hands on the armrests of Martin's chair, pushing herself to her feet. But the moment she took a step toward the kitchen, the pain was so excruciating that she cried out, causing Niles alarm. She bit her lip, amazed that she managed to make it to the kitchen without collapsing to the floor. But suddenly she turned to him and winced.\

"I don't… think I can do this!"

He was at her side in an instant. "Daphne, come here and let me take care of you. I can't stand to see you in such pain."

"But-."

"I won't take no for an answer. Just put your arm around my waist. Can you take a few steps to the brown leather chair?"

She wrapped her arm around his waist, feeling the breath catch in his chest as he smiled at her.

She winced at the thought of being on her feet, but it was the only way. "I think so."

"All right then, just hold onto me and take your time."

They moved slowly into the living room, but the plush carpet beneath them might as well have been a bed of nails. The way he was holding her while she walked brought back memories of her childhood when she'd been stung by an insect or cut her foot and her brothers would help her walk into the house and take care of her.

"Just take it nice and slow." Niles was saying now.

She did as instructed, the pain worsening with each step. And when she finally made it to the soft leather chair, she sank into the seat, feeling as though she'd run a marathon. Her feet were throbbing so badly that she felt like crying.

"Just… stay there and I'll be right back." Niles said. He disappeared into the kitchen and she leaned her head against the back of the chair, closing her eyes. She could hear him moving and clanging things in the kitchen and she wanted to help him look for whatever it was he was looking for. But she was in too much pain.

The next thing she knew he was beside her, holding a plastic tub full of warm water. The gesture surprised her more than he would ever know.

"What's this?"

He smiled and put the tub of water on the floor, gesturing to her feet. "I put some Epsom salt in the water, so it should only take a few minutes to start working. Let me know if the water is too hot, though. I don't want to hurt you."

She stared at him, unable to believe that he (or any human being) could be so kind. And when he turned to walk away, she took his hand, smiling at the way he shivered at her touch. Then she slowly put her feet into the water, sighing at the almost instantaneous relief. Her eyes closed and she leaned her head against the back of the chair, amazed at how relaxed she felt.

Sometime later, her eyes fluttered open and she found that she was alone. But something was different. On the coffee table next to her were two towels, her romance novel, and a bottle of aspirin with a glass of water, along with a note. Curiously she picked up the note and smiled at her friend's perfect penmanship.

Daphne, you looked so peaceful that I hated to wake you. I trust that the Epsom Salt worked wonders on your pain. You'll notice that I went into your room and got your romance book and your slippers. I'm sorry for intruding on your privacy, but I wanted to make sure you were comfortable. I'm so sorry you have had to endure such pain and had I been able at the Sea Bee awards, I would have gladly rubbed your feet. But in case you're still hurting, I left some aspirin and water. It sounds crazy, but believe me, it words. I know from living with Maris.
Niles Crane.

Her heart warmed, reading his words and she lifted her feet from the tub, grabbing a towel to dry off. But then she noticed something else… A blanket was draped across her body and on the floor next to her were her slippers. She must have fallen asleep and he'd taken the time to tend to her. The thought brought tears to her eyes.

She wondered how she'd gotten so lucky to have found such a wonderful friend. With a smile on her face she rose from the chair and carried the tub of water into the kitchen, pouring the water into the sink. She'd clean up the mess later. Amazingly she had no trouble walking, as the pain was minimal at best.

Grateful that she was alone, she returned to the living room and curled up on the sofa, wrapping the blanket around her. Soon she was asleep, dreaming of her best friend and the special bond they shared, for Niles Crane truly was a healing angel.