A/N: Hey guys! I apologize for the delay, I really have no set schedule for updating. I was really just stumped by this one. I had so many different versions in my head and I wasn't satisfied with how I wanted to portray with their relationship. I'm happy with how this one turned out though. Let me know what you guys think and if there are any prompts that you'd like to see!

Last of the contemplation series:

Danny and Raven

By: Sephora 7

Contemplation's

Sometimes, when a particular day was just too overwhelming, you could find two distinct figures floating on the roof of Titan's Tower, deep in meditation. This was not an unusual sight. In fact, it was quite common to see the two together during various times of the day.

Their relationship hadn't always been close. Raven was never one to open herself to just anyone, and there were still many parts of her that remained closed off to her friends. It took time to trust, and Danny gradually earned it.

Raven was always able to tell when something was bothering him, empathetic abilities aside. He'd chew the side of his mouth and fidget his hands in a nervous manner. A lot of times he would tap his fingers on the counter or table in no particular rhythm subconsciously, and he'd graze his hands through his hair as if to brush away his frustrations. When he thought no one was looking he'd get this far-away look on his face with a vague worry in his eyes, and he'd stare out, never really seeing.

When he got too far in his thoughts Raven would call him back. He'd start for a moment, blink, then turn to her with a sheepish grin. She'd offer her own ghost of a smile if only to let him know that she was here, she was tangible, and there to listen. Most of the time he would talk to her about his concerns openly. Other times she had to prompt him.

She found him in the common room, by himself in contemplation. She went to him slowly, with silent steps. She watched him for a moment before speaking.

"What is it Danny?" She asked him as he watched the sun set below them from the common room window.

If he was surprised by her sudden presence he didn't show it, and only turned to her with deliberate movements. He visibly swallowed back an emotion before pursing his lips. She noticed this as his consideration to whether or not he would really tell her what was on his mind. Raven kept her expression open, encouraging him to tell her what he needed. He fought himself for a few seconds before sighing a shaky breath.

"I'm…afraid." He admitted, averting his gaze. She felt his aura darken, fighting itself to draw closer to her own. Raven's expression became serious and she remained silent allowing him to continue. When he didn't speak she opened her mouth,

"Afraid of what?" She asked him and the reaction was immediate. His jaw clenched and his fists tightened. He looked back out towards the window and for a while Raven wasn't sure he'd answer. Then he looked down and with a whisper he told her.

"Of becoming him."

She didn't have to ask to know exactly who he was talking about. She'd seen what he could become. She knew firsthand what it was like to constantly be fearful of developing into someone you couldn't control. She knew what it felt to be terrified of the darkness that always seemed to lurk in the depths of your very soul, waiting for the opportunity to lash out and take control.

She understood.

Her eyes softened, even as Danny's closed in fear, refusing to even look at her. She took his ungloved hand in her own, aware of the warmth it provided, and the act caused his eyes to shoot open at hers. The fear that swirled in his irises pierced her heart and she gave him one of her rare smiles to calm him.

"Do you know what I see Danny?" She asked him and stopped for a moment to ensure that she had his undivided attention, "I see a selfless hero who puts their very life at risk every moment to protect this city. I see a kind, compassionate soul that would do anything if only to make a stranger smile." She stopped to hold his eyes, willing him to see the sincerity in her gaze.

"I see someone who tries so hard, every day to do good things, defying the fate that has deemed him to be evil. This," She gently touched her other hand to his chest and over his heart causing him to look down at it, "is what sets you apart from Dan. You are not him Danny, and as long as you stay true to yourself...you never will be."

Raven continued to hold his eyes and watched as they softened, the fear slowly receding although she knew it would never leave completely. He gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand before releasing it, and Raven returned it back to her side, underneath her cloak.

"Thank you." He told her and she nodded in response. She continued to stand next to him silently, and together they watched the last remaining moments of the sun drawing back against the reflection of the water.

He knew this was something he wouldn't get over. The fear would always be there. Raven couldn't stop it, and she wouldn't be able to protect him from himself. She could however, help him through it. He didn't have to face it alone, and he wouldn't want to. As long as she was there with him he knew that he could make it.

And she always would be.