Stop Dragon My Heart Around: Frasier Fan Fic

Daphne could scarcely believe that the joyous whirlwind her life had become wasn't a dream. Since moving to Seattle and landing in the employ of the Crane family, she had been comfortable ... it had felt right somehow. She knew why her instincts had bid her stay in this safe harbor the moment Niles had opened his heart, despite his fear of rejection, and poured his feelings of love that had blossomed over seven years out to her. She saw clearly then that her heart had grown to love him as well. Now, her fondest dream was coming true. Niles had asked her to be his wife. She had never been happier.

Niles slipped quietly into his spacious walk-in closet, walking up behind Daphne and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Making progress, my love?" he murmured in her ear, "Think we can make enough room for your things, or will we have to knock out a wall and convert one of the storage closets into an annex?"

He is so sweet, she mused.

Ever since the standoff that had resulted in the consummation of their love, he had remembered her complaint that his closet was bigger than hers, and vowed to do something about it.

"That depends," she said playfully, "I don't want to crowd you." He laughed and hugged her tightly.

"You could never do that," he said, grinning.

"Oh, Niles," she cooed, nuzzling his cheek, "you're such a darling." He kissed her cheek.

"I love you," he sighed.

"Of course you do," she teased, "I love you, too." Daphne returned to the task at hand. "I think we'll have plenty of room, if you don't mind me clearing out a few drawers here."

"Of course not. Want some help?" he offered.

"Sure, you can find new homes for the contents," she said. Reaching into the first drawer, she pulled out a handful of handkerchiefs and an item which caught her eye, a red bow tie. "Oh, you don't wear this often, do you?" she asked, holding it up to his neck, "It's quite dashing."

"Uh, no, just the once ... " his voice trailed off as he debated what to say next. Daphne noticed his discomfort.

"What's wrong, Niles?" she asked. He decided that honesty was the only correct option, it had gotten him this far.