Disclaimer: No, I don't own them, why do you ask?
(break)
Clockwork was waiting when Danny arrived. He knew what the young ghost hybrid was there for. He'd watched several variations of it and traced the consequences back. He knew what he would have to do, what he'd have to say. He still didn't feel prepared for this.
"You know why I'm here," Danny stated calmly.
Clockwork saw no reason to lie. "Yes."
They floated there, both impassive, both waiting. Finally, Danny spoke again. "You want me to ask, don't you?" Clockwork simply nodded, waiting patiently. Danny folded his arms, but did not look away. Then he sighed, closed his eyes, and asked.
"Would it have happened if you hadn't interfered?"
It hung between them, like a banner, waiting to be waved. Both knew that this would affect their relationship, whether for good or bad was up to Clockwork.
"No." Danny opened his eyes and looked at him. "Not like that. But if I hadn't interfered, I would have been unable to save them."
An unacknowledged tension between them abruptly dissolved and Danny relaxed slightly to sit in mid-air. He didn't say anything, but the way he watched Clockwork made it clear that he wouldn't leave without an explanation.
(break)
AN: Short, I know, but I think that something like this scene has to happen before there can be anything else between them, whether it's Clockwork mentoring Danny as I have seen before or something else completely.