(Danny's POV)

After the talk with Raven things got better, if only by a little bit. I started to spend more time outside of the Infirmary, but only if it was quiet. Sometimes the Titans got a little loud with music, video games, arguing, training, and stuff. They really made an effort though. Volumes were turned down and voices became soft whenever Beastboy or Starfire lead me into a room. I was a bit conflicted by it, this was their home. They shouldn't have to tip-toe around it, but at the same time I was grateful for their consideration.

Raven and I were having tea in a large hallway full of red chairs. Raven had been encouraging me to read and loaning me books. It was a very pleasant and peaceful distraction, even though I sometimes had a hard time focusing on more than a paragraph at a time. Raven had given me a copy of The Old Man and the Sea, which wasn't the most exciting thing to read but it gave my mind something else to think about. Our quiet reading times together were very relaxing and I found myself looking forward to them.

"Danny."

I glanced up from my book at Raven.

"We need to change your bandages and things."

The peaceful atmosphere was ruined by those words and my heart sank. I couldn't help the tremor that ran through me. Hesitantly, I closed my book and got to my feet.

Our "check ups" were a daily ritual. They weren't so bad, Raven was gentle and Cyborg was friendly and careful but it still left me a nervous wreck.

(Robin's POV)

I leaned against the wall in the Infirmary as Cyborg began laying out bandages. I had chosen a spot where I could easily watch and I made sure that my posture was relaxed and open. When Danny walked in he looked shaky and flinched when he saw me, I was careful not to frown at his reaction to me. Cyborg had warned me that he probably wouldn't do well with another person watching, but I wanted to see his scars again.

Danny sat down at the edge of the bed and kept his head down. Raven brought him two pills and a glass of water. His hand trembled as he accepted them. I watched closely as Cyborg checked his breathing and Raven went over him with her magic. Danny remained quiet and tense for the whole thing.

For the most part Danny was recovering well. At least he wasn't so lethargic or pale, but his appetite was still concerning and he tried easily.

Together Raven and Cyborg took a step back.

"Okay Danny," Cyborg said softly.

Nothing happened for a long moment, but then Danny slowly gripped his shirt and jerkily pulled it over his head.

"Alright, we're going to change the bandages now." Cyborg told Danny gently. Danny nodded and trembling he shut his eyes. Cyborg had said that it helped to keep Danny calm if he explained everything to Danny before he did it. Taking advantage of Danny's closed eyes, I leaned forward and observed carefully as Cyborg began removing the bandages revealing scars, stitches, and bruises. Raven frowned slightly.

"Your side still hasn't closed up, we'll have to keep an eye on it."

Cyborg nodded. "Okay, I'm going to put some medicine on it now."

Danny flinched as Cyborg began dabbing the wounds but he didn't jerk away or open his eyes.

"I'm going to put new bandages on now." Raven stated. She then skillfully wrapped his chest and stomach back up. "Alright, we're done."

Danny's eyes snapped open and he quickly pulled his shirt back on. My curiosity overcame me and despite Beastboy's warnings I had to ask Danny a question, anything.

"Danny." I started, but what I wanted to say died on my lips when he looked up at me with startled eyes. I paused for a moment and then asked.

"Is there anything we can get you? Is there something you need?"

Danny didn't seem to expect that and he relaxed slightly. He shook his head but then gave a shaky nod.

"Can...C-can I have my hoodie back?" He requested softly.

I glanced at Cyborg and Raven, what had happened to his clothes?

"I'm sorry man. Your clothes had a … well, we couldn't get the stains out and we had to toss them."

"Oh."

Danny looked down and his courage seemingly spent by his first request. I sighed, well, at least it was something.

(Robin's POV)

The next day I tried a different approach and even though I was dying to ask Danny a thousand questions, I restrained myself. That afternoon I took charge of bringing Danny lunch. He still didn't have much of an appetite so it was soup and crackers yet again.

I knocked twice before entering the infirmary.

"Danny?"

Danny jumped from where he was reading on his bed.

"Hey, I brought you lunch."

He watched me cautiously as I put the tray on the table beside him.

"So how are you feeling?"

Danny only shrugged in response hiding his eyes behind his hair, not making a move toward the tray of food.

'Okay Robin, ease in, be gentle.' I reminded myself.

"What are you reading?"

Instead of answering he held out the book so I could see the cover. It read; The Rebuilding of Silence. Definitely one of Raven's books.

"Do you like it?"

He only shrugged again and we feel into an uncomfortable silence.

"Hey, I brought you something else as well." I told him and held up a paper bag.

He eyed it nervously but made no move to take it.

"Come on, it's for you." I urged him softly and gently placed it on his lap

He stiffened and then after a moment tentatively opened it and peeked in.

(Danny's POV)

It's been a long time since anyone has given me anything. I couldn't help but be suspicious when Robin gave me the bag.

I carefully put my hand in and pulled out what was inside. It was a soft blue fabric. I carefully unfolded it. It was a hoodie. The color wasn't black like my last one but at least it wasn't bright and obnoxious either. I stared down at it for a moment and then looked up at Robin.

"It's all yours. Why don't you try it on and see if it fits?"

I hesitated but then I carefully put my arms through the sleeves and zipped it up. It felt soft and comfy. I fiddled with the drawstring on the hood and then put my hands in the pockets for a moment, and then reached up and pulled the hood over my head and left it there.

The only thing I had really worn since coming to the tower was the gray, scrub like pajamas they had given me. They were alright but the hoodie felt so comforting. It made me feel less exposed for whatever reason. It made me feel a bit more...safe.

(Robin's POV)

I watched as he slowly put on the hoodie and then pulled at it. The blue of the hoodie made his eyes pop and it swallowed him up slightly making him seem even thinner and smaller.

""Well." I said startling him slightly. "You should really eat something."

I removed the paper bag and exchanged the book in his lap for the food tray. He picked up the spoon and mechanically began eating. After a minute he glanced shyly up at me with a small grateful smile on his lips.

"Robin...Thank you for the hoodie."

Smiling at him I replied softly, "You're welcome Danny."

Author's comments:

Hi Everyone! Wow and update. I do realize that I haven't updated in over a year. Crazy to think that I am updating after so long.

I would like to dedicate this chapter to KaeterinaRomanov (my most recent comment, hugs to you!), DarkkeybladePhantomofTime, LupinCriss, EmeralSeaGamer, Nytwyng, LuffLover, and JayyZombie who all commented about a year after my last update. This is for you. Thank you so much.

I apologize for not updating. I didn't forget you guys! I have been busy and a bit stuck on this story. So I think I am going to attempt to make a little incentive for all of us. For every comment that I receive that is longer than two sentences long I will sit down and write a paragraph. Now, that paragraph might not get publish but I will be writing! (I rewrote this chapter three times at least.)

So please comment! Also *cough, cough* it is a certain someone's birthday tomorrow. I would love reviews for my birthday! (faves and follows too)