Sam Manson woke up and looked over at her clock. Its glowing green numbers read 1:37. She was about to roll over and go back to sleep when she heard the noise that must have woken her up in the first place.

There could only be one person who would be knocking on her third story bedroom window this late at night. She smiled and called to the ghost waiting outside her window to let him know he could come in.

He phased through the window and changed back from ghost to boy. As Sam rose to greet her best friend turned boyfriend, he swiftly crossed the room and pulled her to him in a hug. He buried his face in her neck and they stood there, just holding each other, for several minutes.

"I'm sorry for coming here so late," he finally whispered, still holding Sam, "I just…"

"Just what?"

"I just needed to be reminded of why I do what I do." He pulled back then, and Sam nearly gasped when she looked into his eyes. His face might have looked composed, but his eyes gave him away. He looked fragile, like he might shatter at the slightest touch.

"What do you mean?"

"Keep fighting; keep my evil side at bay. It's hard, Sam. I don't know if I can win all the time, and I can't put you in danger. I'd die if you were ever hurt because of me."

Sam knew there was nothing she could say right now that could help him. She leaned in and placed a barely there kiss on Danny's lips, communicating to him that she was there for him. He returned the kiss, and it grew deeper, each of them gaining strength from the other.

They pulled apart, and Danny asked, "Can I stay with you? I don't think I can handle being alone right now."

Sam sat down on her bed and scooted over to make room, wordlessly answering his desperate question.

He lay down close beside her. Sam grabbed his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. She watched as he calmed down enough to fall into an uneasy sleep. She knew she couldn't make his problems go away, but she could be there for him when they threatened to overwhelm him. It wasn't a perfect solution, but, for now, it was enough.

Hmmm… not sure how I feel about this one. Please review and let me know what you think.

Love always,

dreamscholar