Hi all.

I'm not dead (though people have tried) and neither is the fic. A few things on my plate kept me out of action for a while but I'm back.

I know this one's a tad short but consider it a warm up.

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"Drink this."

With a nod of acceptance, Angela took the cup of tea from Raven. The slight tremor in her hand caused her to spill a little onto the couch.

The blond girl hadn't spoken a word since Raven woke her from her nightmare and walked her down the corridor to the team room. Raven didn't blame her. After witnessing Angela's horrific nightmare, Raven didn't feel too good herself. After pouring a second cup for herself, Raven noticed that Angela hadn't touched her tea.

"It's herbal tea. It helps calm the nerves and focus the mind."

Raven took a sip so Angela could see it was safe to drink and put on one of her more friendly expressions. Angela still sat on the couch quivering in silence.

"I owe you an apology. I've been un-necessarily harsh to you since you walked in the door. It also wasn't my right to invade the sanctity of your mind."

"You had every right" whispered Angela. She sounded like a scared little schoolgirl trying to explain to her teacher why she hadn't done her homework. "After what Terra did to you, I'd hate me to."

"I don't hate you." Responded Haven in her usual monotone "Nor do I hate Terra. What I hate are the memories of a friend being manipulated to turn on us and try to kill us against her will. Seeing the fear in her eyes as she said 'I have to stay' knowing she'd turn to stone. Watching her crying helplessly as Slade used her body as a puppet to kill her love."

A single tear rolled down Raven's cheek as the lights flickered.

"Her love?"

"Need you ask?"

Angela thought for a moment.

"Beast Boy?"

"I never believed in people being made for each other until I saw those two together. Beast Boy is like a brother to me and Terra was such a good friend. When Terra turned it almost destroyed him. I jumped to collusions before knowing all the facts and I hated Terra. After the whole thing was over I learned the truth. I never got a chance to apologize. But do you know what the worst thing is?"

"No"

"I couldn't save her."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Because such pain is inevitable if you choose the path of a hero. It would be a poor way to repay an old friend if I didn't ensure her sister knew what she was getting into. But you know this pain better than most, don't you?"

Angela shuddered. It was obvious she was fighting back tears. She whispered the name:

"Lance Corporal Robert Hutchison."

"The soldier who shielded you?"

All Angela could do was nod.

There were several questions Raven wanted to ask, but having felt the girl's pain, she couldn't bring herself to do so.

"You need some sleep. I can prevent you from dreaming if you wish."

Angela nodded

"Can you just make me forget the whole thing?"

"Meddling with another's mind is dangerous. I lack the skill to do so safely. But I can help you come to terms with it."

The blond girl's eyes filled with hope.

"Really?"

"If you'll stay around for a while."

Angela embraced Raven with enough strength to rival Starfire.

"THANKYOU!"

After a moment, Raven gently returned the embrace.

A few miles away, Andrew Hurst began packing away his telescope and laser microphone. Now confident that Angela would be looked after, he could get some sleep.