The Five Times Niles Didn't Tell Daphne, and the One Time he Did

The First Time:

Niles was feeling awful. Of course, he had every reason to feel awful especially when he just found out that Maris was having an affair with her fencing instructor. He didn't know what the man did to win her over so well, but it was making Niles feel inadequate. His own marriage was crumbling, and he had to suffer through it while she found love with another man.

He had planned to storm into her room and confront her about the affair, and he was filled with so much confidence he was sure he would do it. Until he got to her door, and his hand hovered over her doorknob, and he was frozen to the spot. When his body could move again, he turned on his heel and walked out. He couldn't understand why he didn't just go through it. He was angry and hurt, and she had to know that she was the cause of it. Except, he was scared. He was scared that she would confirm the affair, not deny it, as he had hoped. What if she had told him she loved Gunther, and their marriage was over?

He was at Frasier's again today. Frasier had gone to work, and Martin and Eddie were on a walk. It was just Niles on the couch with his thoughts.

Niles wanted to believe that Maris could never do such a thing, but what did he know? All he knew was that they were in a rut that had been going on for years. He could even argue that they had reached the end of the tether since the day they married. It was not so farfetched that she would fall for the dashing fencing instructor, and it was not so farfetched that she would act on those feelings.

So, that was it, he thought. She was having an affair. And it made him feel horrible.

"Dr. Crane?" Daphne asked. She had come from the hallway with a basket full of laundry.

"Hello," he replied. Despite all his pain, just seeing her was enough to brighten his spirits. He offered a smile.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Oh, I'm fine. It's disconcerting, but I can handle it."

Daphne put the basket on the floor and went over to sit next to him. She put her hand on his, and he felt the heat rush to his cheeks.

"You don't have to put on a brave face, you know. It's a horrible thing, and you have every right to feel those feelings."

Niles looked from their hands to her face. There was so much concern in her gaze, and his lips parted involuntarily. She was truly the most beautiful woman he had ever laid his eyes on.

Suddenly, a thought came to him. Maris certainly felt their was no hope for their future, so why should he? A divorce was not far in their future, and Niles felt that if he told Daphne how he felt, he would have a chance.

"Daphne," he started.

"Yes?"

He wanted so badly to say it. He wanted to let her know everything, and he wanted her to kiss him and hold him and love him as he loved her. But, as he opened his mouth, he couldn't. He had just suffered an emotional blow from Maris, and he wasn't sure if he could take any more rejection. Not to mention, it would be unfair to Daphne to spring it on her like this. Waiting would be the best thing.

"Thank you. You're truly a wonderful friend," he said instead.

She smiled and squeezed his hand. "As are you." She leaned forward to kiss his cheek and left him on the couch to return to the laundry.

Niles watched as she left the apartment, and a sigh left his lips when he was alone with his thoughts once more.