"Here we are, Fras. Home sweet home." Martin said, as he opened the door allowing everyone to go inside.
"I'll make some coffee." Daphne said. "Would you like to help me, Dr. Crane?"
Niles looked up in surprise. "Of course my ang- I mean... Daphne."
His face reddened as he followed her into her kitchen where she immediately set up the coffee maker.
Niles searched the cupboards for some coffee mugs, which he sat on the counter. When he felt Daphne's hand cover his, he shivered.
"Dr. Crane, I can't think you enough for the kindness that you showed me at the studio."
Niles blushed deeply and grinned. "Oh Daphne-."
"I'm sorry I was a little emotional." Daphne said. "I was just... I'm so worried about your brother."
"I'm worried too." Niles sighed. "I've never seen him like this before."
Daphne gasped and touched his cheek with the back of her hand.
"Dr. Crane I'm so sorry! I didn't' even think about how this must be affectin' you! I guess me mum was right. I never think of anyone but meself."
At her sad expression, Niles hugged her warmly. "That's not true. You're always thinking of other people. Why, I've never met anyone with such a kind, warm heart."
Daphne smiled and kissed Niles' cheek. "Nor have I."
"Thank you, Daphne." Niles said, feeling his face redden.
"Now, we should probably get this coffee to your brother before it gets cold."
"Allow me." Niles said taking the coffee pot and mugs from her.
They carried the coffee into the living room and sat it on the table.
"Here we are." Daphne said, handing Frasier a mug of hot coffee.
"Thank you, Daphne." Frasier said; his voice sounding nothing like the vibrant, confident man she knew so well.
Niles sat on the sofa next to his brother and patted his hand. "How are you holding up, Frasier?"
"Just splendidly, Niles!" Frasier yelled. "I've never been better! Everything is just-."
When Frasier's voice broke, he covered his eyes with his hand.
Worriedly, Niles looked at Daphne and Martin and put his arm around his brother.
"Frasier?"
"Oh, who am I kidding, Niles? I'm heartbroken! Lilith has taken away my son! I'll never get to see him grow up, never be able to see him go to an Ivy League school,
get married, have children-."
"Come on, Fras-." Martin said.
"Oh, Dr. Crane!"
At the sweet quivering voice Niles looked up, disheartened when he saw his angel crying into her hands.
He nodded to his father, who took his place on the sofa. Wordlessly, Niles crossed the room and took Daphne in his arms, holding her while she cried.
"Oh Dr. Crane, I'm so worried about him!"
"I know my ang- um... Daphne. Everything will be all right."
When he realized that she was shaking, he moved his hand up and down her back in an effort to calm her.
Daphne looked at him tearfully. "You don't really believe that, do you, Dr. Crane?"
Not wanting to lie to the woman he loved above all others, he sighed and said nothing.
But the unspoken answer pained his heart.