Niles stomach tightened with fear. What if she ran into that horrible man again?
The thought was unbearable.
He was only seconds from rising from his seat to search for her when she emerged through the crowd carrying a plastic bag in her hand.
"Daphne, I-."
"Come sit." She said, taking his hand.
He did as she asked and his heart warmed when she sat down beside him. With extreme gentleness, she held the plastic bag against his swollen face and it was only when the bag touched his skin that he realized it was filled with ice. The coldness startled him and he gasped, pulling away.
"I'm sorry..." She whispered.
He was barely aware of the throbbing pain, because all he could concentrate on were her beautiful eyes and the way she was stroking his hair.
"Who did this to you?"
"T-that man... The one who was sitting beside you." He stammered.
"What? Oh sod, I knew that man was trouble! First he hits on me and then he starts in on you and your brother! Oh, Dr. Crane I'm so sorry! You were just trying to watch the game and-."
"Actually Daphne, I started it."
She eyed him curiously. "What are you talking about?"
Niles swallowed hard. "That man... how dare he treat you so rudely, scaring you and then ruining your clothes with his disgusting alcoholic beverage! I tried to stay out of it, Daphne, really I did. But when he called you a... well, I won't repeat what he said, but it was horrible! I-."
He stopped talking when he heard her sniffling. "Daphne?"
Forgetting all about his injuries, he sat down the ice pack and took her hands in his.
"What's wrong?"
"I just-I can't believe that you did all of this for me. Being thoughtful enough to buy me a shirt was one thing but you're hurt! Why would you risk getting hurt like that for me? That man was clearly twice your size and could have killed you! What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking about you."
"Dr Crane..."
"I couldn't bear to think of you being treated like that, Daphne. You're an angel and-."
"That's very sweet, Dr. Crane but-what did you just call me?"
His heart was pounding in his chest.
"A-an angel... because you are, Daphne. You're kind, considerate and you deserve someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved."
A tear slid down her cheek. "That's very nice of you to say but I'm afraid I've had nothing but bad luck when it comes to men. I guess I'm just not the sort of person men find attractive unless they're bloody drunk!"
When even more tears fell he reached out and tenderly brushed them away.
"That's not true, Daphne."
She gasped and looked into his eyes. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying..."
He stared at her beautiful lips, wondering if they were as soft as he imagined them to be. Despite the throbbing pain in his jaw, he moved closer until their lips touched in a gentle kiss. He was so stunned by his actions that he immediately drew back and nervously ran his hand through his hair.
"Dear God, I-."
"Dr. Crane..."
"I'm sorry, Daphne. I never meant-."
She gently caressed his cheek. "It's all right. It was nice. I liked it."
"Y-you did?"
Daphne smiled. "I liked it very much."
Before he could say anything more, she kissed him again, her lips lingering on his for a bit longer. But when she drew back he saw something in her eyes that worried him.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, I just... I can't believe that you did all of this for me. I don't deserve-."
"Of course you do, Daphne. You're wonderful and anyone who can't see that is a fool!"
"That's very sweet, but why-."
"Because I love you."
"What?"
"I love you."
"Oh... Dr. Crane... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know."
She kissed his injured cheek, taking great care not to hurt him.
"That's lovely, but what about your wife?"
The question was so soft that he barely heard it. But one word stood out;
Wife...
He lowered his head and sighed deeply. "I don't have a wife."
"What do you mean?"
He looked up in surprise, unaware that he had even spoken.
"Maris and I... we haven't been happy for a while now and it's just a matter of time before..."
When his eyes met Daphne's he saw compassion there unlike any other.
"I'm so sorry..."
"Well... Thank you, Daphne. That means a lot to-."
He was in her arms then, her warm embrace soothing his broken heart. She held him for a long time and then slowly drew back.
"We should probably find your father and brother. I'm sure the game is finished by now, judging by the crowds of people."
Niles smiled and kissed her hand. "You're right."
They rose from their seats and started to brave the crowds, when they found themselves face to face with Frasier and Martin.
"Where in the hell have you two been?" Martin asked. "We've been looking all over for you!"
"It was my fault, Mr. Crane." Daphne said. "Dr. Crane was just making sure that I was all right."
"Yeah? Well, maybe it should have been you looking out for him!" Martin said. "He's got one hell of a black eye!"
"Dad-."
"Niles, I told you not to pick on people who are bigger than you!" Martin warned.
"Didn't you learn anything in school? I suspect you're going to be sore for a few days, and don't expect me to take care of you!"
Daphne squeezed Niles' hand and smiled. "Don't worry, Mr. Crane. I'd be glad to take care of him."
At this, Martin smiled. "Thanks, Daph. Come on. Let's get out of here. We'll be back next game and we'll win for sure! And don't worry, Daph. Security came and escorted that jackass who was hitting on you out of the arena so you don't have to worry about him anymore. "
As Niles and Daphne walked hand in hand out of the arena, she turned to him and smiled.
"So when's the next game?"
"Tomorrow night." Niles replied with a grin. "Care to join us? I mean, if it's not too foreword of me. I know we're not dating or anything, but-"
In the parking lot, she paused and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
"It's a date."
THE END