The Cousin
A Frasier Story
Part Two of Unkown


Daphne looked at Niles.
"What makes you think hes in love with me?" Daphne asked Catherine.
Catherine turned to her.
"If you don't belive me, look at the way he acts around her. The way he looks at you when he doesn't think you know. Does he ever smell your hair?" Catherine smiled. "I'm gonna go now. but look at Niles tonight. I think he has more than friendly intentions for you and him."
Daphne sighed.

Later

Catherine opened the door to leave.
"It was certainly a pleasure to meet you, Catherine." Frasier said.
"Thanks." Catherine said. "I enjoyed meeting you as well."
Daphned followed her to the elevator.
"Remember what I said." Catherine said ringing for the elevator.
"I think you're wrong. There is no way Niles could be in love with me." Daphne said.
"Daphne. If you dont find out now, you may never will." Catherine said as the elevator door closed.
Daphne turned and considered what Catherine said.
"I might as well test her theory." Daphne said and walked back in. "Well, I think I may turn in for the night." She said and went up the steps and around the corner. She stopped for a second. She turned and looked around the corner.
Frasier turned to Niles."Well Catherine was nice."
"How can anyone think of Catherine when Daphne was here?" He asked.
"Well not you anyway." Frasier said. "I'm going to the station. Roz wants to do some mixing tonight."
Martin had already went to bed. Daphne sat and watched Niles. She then could take no more then went into the room.
"Daphne!" Niles said. "I had no idea you were still up."
"I never went to bed." Daphne said. "Catherine told me something."
"What could that be?"
"Catherine told me she thinks youre in love with me." Daphne said and smiled. "I'm just wondering if she was crazy or not."
"Shes not." Niles admitted.
"Oh my." Daphne said. "I don't know what to do or say now."
"I do." Niles said. He reached out to her. She had no idea of what he was about to do. Then her shock dissolved into a weird type of happiness when she realized what he was going to do. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips. It felt like the whole world had melted away while she was in his arms. The kiss lasted an instant before he pulled back.
"How come you never told me??" Daphne asked.
"Because I was afraid you wouldnt want me." Niles said with evident relief. "But now I know thats not true."
"Indeed." Daphne said. "So now what?"
"I gotta go home and go to bed." Niles said. "Why don't you join me?"
"It would be my pleasure." Daphne said.
"No, no." Niles shook his head. "It would be all mine." They looked at each other and went out the door, uncertain what tomorrow would bring.