Author's Note:Usual disclaimer applies: I own nothing, blah, blah blah. Many thanks to my friends who patiently read several drafts of this story and offered feedback. Please R&R, but remember this is my first Frasier story, so be gentle. :)

Maris had done it again. She'd thrown Niles out of the house. One would think that after the first half dozen or so times, it would become routine. But it wasn't. He was beginning to wonder why he even bothered to stay married. It wasn't like he didn't have another option. Or at least, he might, if he ever got up the nerve to pursue her. Niles sighed as he raised his hand to ring his brother's doorbell. But before his finger had even made contact with the button, the door was opened.

"Dr. Crane!" Daphne exclaimed, clearly surprised to see him there. She was wearing one of her best dresses. It nearly made Niles forget why he'd come.

"Daphne, you look -" Niles broke off, unable to find a word to finish the sentence. There simply was no word in the English language that could describe her accurately.

"Thanks," Daphne said, with a slightly embarrassed smile. "I was just on me way out to meet some of me girlfriends. I reckon since your brother's off visiting his son, and your father's off on his fishing trip, I was entitled to enjoy me freedom."

"Oh. Then don't let me keep you." Niles stepped aside to allow Daphne to leave. She started to step forward, but the look on his face made her stop.

"Is everything all right, Dr. Crane? It's not Mrs. Crane again, is it?"

Niles nodded. "She threw me out again. I forgot Frasier left this morning." That last part was a bit of a lie. He knew his brother had flown out to visit Frederick, as well as a few old friends in Boston. But Niles didn't have many real friends of his own, so this was the only place he could think of to go.

Daphne had been looking forward to this night out for days. It would be a welcome relief from all she did to take care of both Dr. Crane and his father. She loved them both dearly, but they both could drive her crazy now and then. Even so, the sight of Dr. Crane's brother looking so helpless made her change her mind. She just couldn't leave him in this condition. "Why don't you come in? I can cancel me plans."

"No, Daphne, don't go to all that trouble," Niles said immediately. "I'm sure I can find another friend who has a couch I can sleep on. Perhaps I'll go to Roz's. At least she's used to having men sleep over." Niles smiled weakly at his own joke.

"It's all right, Dr. Crane. If you need me to stay, I will."

Niles' head was spinning slightly. The idea of spending the night alone with Daphne was intoxicating. Even if they never actually did anything, that would be enough. After all, he thought, I am still married to Maris. At least until her lawyers inform me otherwise. He decided he couldn't take the risk. If he gave into temptation tonight, he would never forgive himself. No matter how good it felt. "I can't let you give up your night out just to listen to me whine. I know how much you've been looking forward to this."

"I'm not going to take no for an answer," Daphne said, as she moved back into the apartment and began dialing the phone.