the table.
Meanwhile, Niles was pouring sherry into two glasses for them to savor.
"I can't believe another year is over," Niles sighed as he set the two glasses down.
"Now, Niles. Don't get so melancholy about New Years," Frasier attempted to cheer him up.
"It's not that I'm melancholy, but it still has not grown on me that it will be the new year in several
hours," he gently told Frasier.
Frasier nodded. It was New Years Eve; nobody else was in the apartment because their father and
Daphne had different plans for New Years. It was Frasier and Niles that decided to stay home to
celebrate.
"Frasier, remember that time when...," Niles coyly remarked to his brother.
Frasier kept thinking, "Only several more hours until midnight."
The night had fallen, the streets were glimmering with golden lights, and the city of Seattle was a glass
of champagne.
Children were laughing, couples were smiling, and vulgar drunkards were nowhere to be seen.
Frasier reached out for Niles' hand. They were indolently sitting on the sofa, and Frasier suddenly
wanted him to hold his hand. The warmth of their hands were soothing. While they could treasure that
year's memories, they could at least move on with the horrific memories that occurred to them that
year.
Another year had gone by without their father noticing anything about their relationship.
"Niles, it's 10 seconds until midnight," Frasier reminded him.
Their indolent talking had last them for hours.
Niles gently moved closer towards Frasier.
Their lips touched when the clock struck midnight.
Soft, warm, sherry flavored, but sweet, the two lovers fell asleep holding hands that night.
Only Niles' murmuring of "Happy New Years!" could be heard in the sweet, silent darkness.