Reluctantly, Daphne let go of him and looked into his eyes, the sadness she saw there making her want to cry. But she couldn't let herself get emotional. It would only

upset Dr. Crane.

Instead, she gently touched his cheek and smiled.

"Perhaps we should go inside and finish watching that movie now." She said softly. "I'm anxious to see how it ends, meself."

When he looked at her in surprise, she winked and picked up the blanket and led him into the living room. And it was only when they reached the sofa that she

realized she'd been holding his hand. She didn't know if it was intentional or just an absent gesture but with their hands joined, she felt safe; like nothing could hurt

her.

Doing her best to sound cheerful, she patted his hand. "Now, just sit right there and I'll get some popcorn, Dr. Crane."

"Daphne?"

She turned to face him.

"Yes, Dr. Crane?"

"I'm... sorry I'm not very good company tonight. I'm sure you'd much rather spend it with someone-."

"Hush..."

She could feel her fingers trembling on his lips. "There's no one I'd rather spend New Year's Eve with than me best friend. This is so much more fun than some silly old

party."

The words were sincere but she couldn't ignore the sadness that crept into her chest, reminding her of how lonely she was. If she only had someone like Dr. Crane...

Quickly she pushed the thought from her mind. She shouldn't be thinking such things anyway. They were from two different worlds and the idea of someone of Niles

stature being interested in someone like her... a girl from Manchester...

Why, it was completely ridiculous.

She turned to go into the kitchen when she felt him grab her hand.

"Daphne?"

She swallowed hard, fighting the strange urge to cry and her eyes met his.

"Are you all right?"

At the concern in his voice she sighed and gave a small smile, praying that he wouldn't notice her pained expression.

"Oh.. I'm fine. I just... I'll be right back."

She hurried into the kitchen and took a moment to collect herself. It was ridiculous carrying on this way. Dr. Crane was hurting and she certainly didn't have any reason

to be upset.

Being alone wasn't a big deal.

As she peered into the living room and saw him thumbing through a magazine, his ring finger bare... she felt an aching in her heart.

So what if she was lonely...? So... everything...