Author's Note:Usual disclaimer applies. I don't own anything in here, so please don't sue. :) After watching the Montana scene from "Daphne Hates Sherry" umpteen times, I realized it would have been a perfect opportunity for N/D's relationship to advance. So of course, I had to explore that. This fic is the result. It picks up the story after Daphne returns from her bath. Please R&R, esp. if you'd like to see more posted!

Daphne walked back downstairs, feeling much better now. A cool bath had been the perfect thing to cool her off, as well as the anger she felt towards Sherry. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see Dr. Crane setting out a plate of fruit on the table in front of the couch. There was also a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice. "What's all this?" she asked.

Niles tried to ignore the fact that she was now wearing his bathrobe, but it wasn't easy. He was still having trouble believing she was actually here in his apartment for the night. "It's just a little something," he replied. "I thought you might be hungry."

"I am, now that you mention it." Daphne walked over and picked up a piece of fruit. "But you didn't have to get out the champagne just for me."

"Well, this is kind of a special occasion for me," Niles replied as he poured a glass and handed it to her.

"Why is that, Dr. Crane?" Daphne couldn't imagine what he was talking about. She knew it wasn't his birthday.

"Because you're here." The words came out before Niles could stop them.

Daphne blushed. "Oh, Dr. Crane. That's awfully sweet of you to say." She wondered if he was still feeling lightheaded from his earlier fainting spell. Or maybe the heat was getting to him.

"It's the truth."

Daphne blushed even more. Although the fan was turned on, the temperature in the room actually seemed to have gone up. She smiled, hoping to lighten the moment. "At least someone in this family appreciates me."

Niles couldn't believe Daphne was still letting the awful things Sherry said get to her. "I know you've had a rough night, but I hope you know how much you mean to me." Upon realizing what he'd just said, Niles quickly added, "I mean, to all of us."

"Thank you," Daphne said. "You all mean a lot to me, too." There was an awkward silence. "Maybe I should go back to your brother's. Now that I think about it, maybe I was a bit too hard on Sherry. And I really shouldn't be imposing on you like this."

"It's not an imposition," Niles said quickly. "I mean, you're already here, you might as well stay. Give them a chance to miss you."

"Are you sure you wouldn't mind spending the night with me?" Daphne asked.

Daphne's question made Niles feel slightly dizzy. "No, I don't mind. In fact, I'm glad you're here. Now, is there anything else I can get you?"

"I'm all right," Daphne replied. "I still can't believe you're being so nice to me, after the way I barged in here. I hope I didn't ruin your plans for this evening."

Niles found it impossible to imagine Daphne ever ruining his evening. "That's nonsense. I'll just go in the kitchen and get another bottle of champagne, just in case." He walked over to the kitchen door. "I'll be right back."

Niles spent a few minutes locating the bottle of champagne he wanted. He was determined to make everything perfect tonight. This could be his chance to finally tell Daphne how he felt. After retrieving the champagne, as well as a plate of Swiss chocolates, Niles opened the door to the living room. What he saw nearly made his heart stop. Daphne was no longer seated on the couch. She was now lying down in a way that made it hard to tell if she had merely fallen asleep, or if it was something much more serious.