A/N: For Pat2Trivia4Me for suggesting this series and DustinW522 for chapter ideas

(Niles' POV)

In the darkened theatre, the classic movie flickered on the large screen. Despite its age, the film had fared well, as had its star, Buster Keaton. It was by fate that Niles had talked his father into joining him for the Buster Keaton Retrospective at the Varsity Theatre in the University District of Seattle. Rarely had he and his father gone to the movies together, so he cherished the opportunity. But it was even more fateful that Daphne had not only agreed to accompany them, but had in fact asked to join them. His heart somersaulted at the thought of spending an evening with Daphne and he didn't hesitate in replying, "Yes, by all means."

And now here he was seated between Daphne and his father. But it was, of course, Daphne who captured his attention. He simply couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked like an angel; her perfect silhouette staring at the screen, laughing melodically at the antics of Buster Keaton. Niles stole glance after shameless glance at her, each time looking away whenever she turned her head even slightly in his direction. He didn't want to give his actions away and he had to admit that he was doing a damn good job of hiding them. But his luck soon ran out when she turned her head unexpectedly and saw him watching her.

Suddenly he began to panic. She wasn't smiling, which could only mean one thing; he'd perturbed her. Had she known that he'd been staring at her the entire length of the film? Was she angry? Annoyed? Wishing that she hadn't come? He certainly couldn't blame her, but he vowed to make it up to her in any way possible. And the easiest way was to simply apologize. But how?

He swallowed hard, trying desperately to think of an explanation (an excuse, really) as to why he'd been staring at her. But an excuse wouldn't come. The only explanation was the truth; that she was the most beautiful angel he'd ever seen.

No, he couldn't tell her that. Not yet. Not here in a darkened theatre. He couldn't risk the fact that his father might overhear. But he'd been caught anyway. What was he supposed to say? What could he do?

His heart pounded and suddenly he felt her hand slip into his. The unexpected touch of her soft skin next to his was not only unexpected but it was enough to send his heart into orbit.

"Dr. Crane, I know you're worried about your brother." She whispered. "But don't worry. He'll be all right. Maybe we should just let him enjoy this imaginary supermodel girlfriend that he's conjured up. I'm not a psychiatrist, but if he's happy, that's all that matters. What do you think?"

Niles smiled, grateful as always for her undying concern. "I think…"
Her eyes returned to the screen. "Yes?"

"I think…."

"What do you think?"

"I think you're absolutely right, Daphne. Are you enjoying the movie?"

She smiled and squeezed his hand and he was almost euphoric when he realized that she wasn't going to pull her hand away. "Yes, very much so. I'm so glad I decided to join you and your father."

His heart warmed. He loved her so much. "I'm glad too, Daphne."