SCENE 5: Elliott Bay Towers, Apartment #1901, Night
Frasier: Can you believe Niles! Insinuating that I would ever interfere out of anything but love!
Martin isn't responding.
Frasier: If he expects me to go rushing down there he's got another thing coming, I'm washing my hands of the whole situation! If he wants to make the biggest mistake of his life then fine, so be it! I'll sit right here and let him embark on this doomed little tryst of his. Heed these words dad: Tonight I, Frasier Crane, will not – be – moved!
Martin: Going down there aren't you.
Frasier: Just as soon as my windshield defrosts!
FADE TO…
SCENE 6: The Lodge (CONT'D)
Niles and Daphne have gotten very close under the blanket. Daphne has her head on Niles's shoulder. Niles can hardly contain himself but the words of his brother are ringing in his ear.
Niles: -I've not exactly had much luck in my love life. I sometimes wonder if it's the women I've dated or something to do with me.
Daphne: Oh Dr. Crane there's nothing wrong with you, even the best of us can have a hard time finding love.
Niles: That's easy for you to say, you must have an endless list of suitors lining up to be with you.
Daphne: Not at all, Joe's the only serious relationship I've had since moving to Seattle. I guess the only other serious relationship I've had with a man over here is…
Daphne chuckles.
Niles: What?
Daphne: As daft as it sounds, the only other real relationship I've had with a man is with you.
Niles: Me?
Daphne: Well yes. I know it sounds silly but Mr. Crane and your brother are practically family, for heaven's sake we live under the same roof. You're the only other man who's been a part of my life for the past four years…
Niles: I suppose when you put it that way, you're the only serious relationship I've had with a woman since Maris.
Both contemplate this.
Daphne: When you've been alone for so long you forget how nice it feels to be held in a man's arms…
Niles: I know- I mean, you forget how nice it feels to hold a woman in your arms.
Daphne: If it's the right person…
A tense pause as they consider surrendering themselves to each other. Then Daphne's watch beeper goes off.
Daphne: Oh, my thyroid pills!
Niles: (Thinking: Not again!) What?
Daphne: They're in my suitcase, I'll just go get them.
Niles: Thank God!
Daphne: Pardon?
Niles: [ Covering: ] I wouldn't want you getting sick!
Daphne: Oh, you always have my best interests at heart Dr. Crane!
Daphne gets up to retrieve her pills as we…
FADE TO BLACK
TITLE CARD: Snow's Over, Folks
The scene is more intimate than ever. Daphne is completely snuggled up into Niles. They stare into the fireplace watching the flames dance as they talk.
Daphne: I know I missed my flight, but I'm glad things worked out the way they did today.
Niles: Me too…Daphne, there's something I need to tell you.
They lock eyes.
Daphne: What's that?
Niles: This isn't easy for me to say… But…
Daphne: Yes?
Niles: I guess what I'm trying to say is that Daphne-
A loud knock on the door startles them followed by Frasier's booming voice through the door.
Frasier: Niles! Open up! I know you're in here!
Niles: (To Daphne:) What I'm trying to say is that I invited Frasier over!
Niles darts over to the door and opens it.
Niles: [ Fake delight: ] Frasier, how good of you to join us! [ Sharply under his breath: ] What the hell are you doing here!
Frasier: [ Under his breath: ] Saving you from yourself!
Niles looks like he's about to respond angrily, but instead hesitates and then visibly relaxes and pauses, as though defeated. Both continue talking under their breath, quietly enough so that Daphne can't hear them:
Niles: Oh Frasier. I knew I couldn't go through with it. As soon as I went to tell her how I feel all I could hear were your words resonating in my ear.
Frasier: [ Placing his hand on Niles's shoulder: ] …You made the right choice.
Niles: I hope so. I just can't help thinking this was my last chance to tell her how I really feel about her.
Frasier: Believe me Niles, you'll get your chance one day, and years from now you'll look back on this and be glad you followed my advice.
A slight pause.
Niles: Well… Now that you're here I guess we might as well make the most of it…
Turning their attention to Daphne and raising their voices back to normal. Niles appears dejected but tries to hide his disappointment.
Frasier: Good evening Daphne, Niles asked me to drop by and cook up some of my signature sauce. You two must be famished…
Daphne: Starving…
They talk among themselves as we…
FADE TO BLACK
SCENE 7: Daphne's Bedroom at the Lodge
Daphne is fast asleep, the phone on her bedside counter rings waking her. She picks it up half asleep.
Daphne: Mr. Crane?
Billy: Stilts! Where are you?
Daphne is startled wide awake.
Daphne: Oh my goodness! Billy! I totally forgot to call!
Billy: What's going on? Me and mom are waiting for you!
Daphne: I'm so sorry! I forgot to tell you my flight was cancelled, we've had a terrible snowstorm here.
Billy: What? Are you kidding?
Daphne: No, I'm so, so sorry!
Billy: Why didn't you tell us earlier?!
Daphne: I've just been so distracted I forgot all about it, but I'll be there tomorrow I promise. Dr. Crane's brother is letting me spend the night at his lodge, it's right near the airport so I can leave bright and early.
Billy: Oh now it makes sense…
Daphne: What do you mean?
Billy: Frasier's brother, the one you're always talking about, the one you danced the tango with. I bet he's been "distracting" you all day long.
Daphne: He's been doing no such thing! Dr. Crane is too cultured for the likes of us Moons. He doesn't see me in that way!
Billy: Whatever you say sis.
Daphne: [ As though trying to convince herself: ] Dr. Crane and I are just friends, nothing more!
Billy: If you say so. Look I have to go now, got to break the news to mom. She'll be beside herself.
Daphne: Okay, I really should be getting back to bed anyway. I'll see you all tomorrow… Oh and Billy… Wish mom a happy birthday for me.
Billy: Sure thing… Bye stilts.
Daphne clicks off the phone then sits and thinks about her relationship with Niles as we…
FADE TO BLACK
END CREDITS SEQUENCE: Niles sneaks out of his room in an attempt to visit Daphne during the night, but instead comes face to face with Frasier, standing guard in front of the door having anticipated the move.
Frasier glares at Niles with disapproval. Niles covers his plan by grabbing a book off a nearby desk, spinning 180 degrees and returning to his room. Frasier rolls his eyes and returns to his own bedroom.
Kept it canon rather than AU. In this script I tried to drop in some insight into how Daphne felt about Niles before his feelings were revealed to her in "Back Talk". I based it on many different interviews with Jane Leeves and the Frasier crew dating as far back as season 3 when "Moon Dance" aired. According to Jane Leeves, Daphne always had feelings for Niles (even "strong feelings") but never felt like she was good enough for him given their class difference. There's also an element of denial.
Drop suggestions if you want or let me know if any lines sound out of place, I'd be happy to rewrite.