Chapter XXIII: Daniel's Admission

Daniel watched silently as the others partook in the banquet that was laid out on the room's large table. All were engaged in pleasant conversation and toasts to their success. Darien was conferring with Haley probably about his favorite past time, fighting. Conflict was something Daniel would never be fully comfortable with unless, of course, his brother was involved. Amimi, his winged familiar fluttered in his hand momentarily as if agitated by the crowded and noisy room. Daniel softly stoked his spiritual companion bringing it and himself into a more calm state of mind. Even this small intimate crowd was something that he felt uncomfortable with.

"Daniel," Starfire's soft voice called to him. She bent over so her green eyes met his pale blue ones. "My husband would like to talk with you."

Daniel's heart raced. He had a feeling he knew what Mr. Grayson wanted to talk to him about. Amimi fluttered briefly in his hand once more before settling back into his palm. He nodded in acknowledgment as his throat tightened leaving him unable to find his voice.

Starfire smiled as she watched Daniel turn and slowly walk towards her husband. There was such a calming presence in Raven's fair-haired son that she could not fully understand or explain. She stood up as her mind bathed in the euphoria then turned to join the others at the table.

Daniel took a deep breath as he walked up towards the stone platform. Robin watched Daniel approach him holding a small blue and orange dove in his hands. The boy's pale blue eyes were directed towards the ground.

"Mrs. Grayson said you wanted to speak with me," Daniel spoke anxiously. Daniel continued to stroke the bird that sat in his palm trying to gather his courage. Robin noticed the bird's crimson eye focus on him.

"I wanted to say thank you for saving my wife today," Robin started cautiously. His mind raced in search of a way to properly formulate his next question. Somehow he knew he owed Raven's son much more than what he just stated.

"You're welcome Mr. Grayson," Daniel replied. Daniel raised his head and his pale blue eyes met Robin's. The memory of that night so long ago when he woke Starfire up after his joyous dream flashed through Robin's mind.

"It was you," Robin unexpectantly blurted out. "It was you, wasn't it Daniel? You're the one who was in my dream. You were the one who took away my bitterness and made it possible for me love again."

Daniel looked sorrowfully into his accuser's eyes. "Please forgive me," he said in a voice that crackled in remorse.

Robin stared at Raven's son in shock; this was not the response he had expected. "What?"

"I'm sorry," Daniel replied. "I had no right to do what I did. But I couldn't stand by and watch the three of you suffer anymore."

"Three?" Robin replied.

"You, your wife and my mother," Daniel explained. "I just wanted you to find peace. I didn't expect things to turn out the way they did."

Robin laughed momentarily at Raven's son's apology. "You say that like something bad happened because of what you did."

"It's always been like that," Daniel explained. "Whenever I touch someone I overwhelm them. It's a curse."

Robin sat dumbfounded at Raven's son's explanation. "Daniel, it's not a curse. You have great powers; the power to heal and make things whole again. Think of all of the things that wouldn't have happened in my life if you hadn't done what you did. Marrying Starfire and having my kids. It never would have happened if you hadn't intervened."

Daniel thought for a moment before he replied. "But you didn't ask for that. What right do I have to change your life or anyone's life for that matter?" He looked into Robin's eyes unsure of himself.

Robin thought hard. He wanted to convey to Daniel the immense sense of gratitude he felt for him. "Daniel, do you see those people standing around that table?"

Daniel turned and looked at the others quietly talking and laughing with each other. He looked back into Robin's dark piercing eyes and nodded.

"It was over thirty years ago that all our paths crossed. We didn't ask permission to get to know each other. Hell, I don't even remember all the circumstances of how we met. Maybe it was fate that brought us all together. But whatever it was we all became friends. We all somehow agreed to be involved with each other, to touch each other's lives for better or worse, to be with each other whether we liked it or not." Robin paused as he thought about the next words he wanted to convey to Raven's son. "You see Daniel, if you're going to live in this world you're going to end up with some good friends and they'll always be glad that you've become a part of them." Robin paused again and looked into Raven's son's pale blue eyes. They were so calm and reassuring. "Daniel, I will always be glad you touched my life."

Daniel looked back into Robin's smiling face and nodded in appreciation.