Rapid knocking echoed in the barren hallway, as Jason's knuckles went red from beating the door wildly. Little bits of sunlight streamed through the slim window near the stairwell. Dawn was approaching, and Kyle was probably asleep. With that thought, Jason let out a defeated sigh and slid on to the floor. Cold and uncomfortable, for the first time in a long time, Jason allowed himself a few tears. Leaning his head against the rough drywall, he pushed the sob down his throat. If he was going to cry, he was going to be a man about it. So, in the manliest way possible, Jason curled up into a ball and cried himself to sleep.

…

He could feel someone holding his shoulders. Grasping them, and shaking slightly. Blinking slowly, Jason's eyes were subjected to the painful fluorescent lighting that flickered every once in a while. And in that moment, everything came back. His throat went dry. Creaking his neck, Jason managed to recognize Hal, as he was crouched in front of him.

"Kid, you okay? " He asked, a look of worry etched unto his face.

Stumbling a little, Jason stood up. Now somewhat coherent, Jason saw that Hal himself looked tired. His shirt wrinkled and dark shadows under his eyed. A duffle bag slung around his shoulder, it looked as if he was returning from somewhere. He, clearly, didn't need this bullshit.

"What's going on, Jason?" Hal pressed further.

Jason's eyes roamed, but were ultimately drawn back to the sad looking window. By now, much more light was shining inwards. And Jason swore he even heard a bird chirping.

How fucking cheery.

At a distance, the road could even be seen. Every now and then a lone car would drive by.

"What time is it?" Jason asked, his voice devoid of emotion. He was too tired to feel.

Hal placed the duffle bag on the floor with a soft thud.

"It's early" is all he said.

There was a silence. Uncomfortable, for Jason that is. Hal, on the other hand, was just patient for an answer.

Jason shoved his hands into his pockets, his eyes downcast. And very suddenly, he was overcome with a wave of heat. As if his insides were radiating a type of warmth that cause immense discomfort, Jason suspected it was the stupid window letting in so much sun.

To be fair, Hal looked absolutely fine. A little concerned maybe, but nothing physically effecting.

The atmosphere seemed sticky, so much so, that it was practically tangible. To Jason, it felt like he was going to pass out. Quickly, he shrugged off his hoodie. It didn't make him feel the least bit better.

It fell to the floor, and Jason kicked it to the side. The dark red, almost maroon sweater was immediately picked up by Hal.

"What's wrong with you?" Hal asked deeply confused "You're going to get sick"

Jason sniffled.

"m'okay" He all but whispered.

Hal sighed at the sight of the usually indigent young boy. He looked absolutely helpless, it was kind of sad.

Hal pushed the hoodie forward into Jason's arms, rummaged through his pockets, and found his keys. Fiddling with the lock, Hal shoved then twisted and swung the door open. He kicked off his shoes and walked onwards.

Jason hesitated.

Hal was still walking forward,

"Uncle Hal?" Jason asked weakly.

Hal turned around to look at Jason, momentarily shocked by the fact that he was still standing at the entrance.

"Yeah, kid?"

Jason's eyes didn't leave the carpeted flooring.

"Is Kyle home?"

Hal walked back to where Jason motionlessly stood, and put his arm gently around Jason's shoulders.

"The brat's here, he's just parking the car downstairs, we spent the night –err past several nights at Carol's"

Jason didn't comment.

Hal noticed, so he continued.

"It's been hectic though. You know, every time we go over, Kyle always pushes me to purpose. I mean, Carol's fantastic, perfect even, but doing something like that is a big step. Even if you're taking it with the person you love."

Jason couldn't breathe.

This time, Hal didn't notice, and walked Jason into the living room. Because cationic state, Hal had to practically push him on to the sofa. And as soon as he was seated, he began to sob hysterically.

At this point, Hal was frantic. He was never really good at this type of shit.

Thankfully, Kyle walked in.

"So Dad, I may or may not have skimmed th-"

And then he saw Jason.

It was a hard scene to take in, the usually cheeky kid having a godamn breakdown. And Kyle had, well sort of had, an idea of why.

So he was angry, livid almost.

So he stalked over to the sofa and griped Jason's biceps. He shook them violently.

"It was him, wasn't it?" He demanded viciously. "He was the idiot I knew him to be, right?"

Jason cried harder.

At this point, Hal was so godamn confused. But he pushed Kyle off of Jason, hoping to lessen the crying. I was a rough shove, Kyle fell on the floor. It didn't fazed him in the least.

Meanwhile, Jason pushed his head into the armrest, so only muffles could be heard.

Hal sat on the coffee table and took out his self-phone.

"That's it." He said "Kyle, shut your godamn mouth."

Kyle huffed. He looked over at Jason, and his anger subsided. So, Kyle stoop up and sat next to Jason on the sofa. He stretched his arms outward, and Jason fell in to them. Kyle ran his hand up and Jason's back slowly.

"I'm sorry, okay?" Kyle whispered.

Jason only nodded into his chest.

"But I was right, and you should have listened to me."

Jason sniffled.

Hal pinched the bridge of his nose, stood up and walked into the kitchen. He needed to make a phone call.

…

A/N- I swear, I have another four pages written down in my notebook, I just need to type them out. This won't be like my other two ventures, hopefully that is. I will type it up soon. I just want to see how immediate of a response this chapter will get. The happier I am, the happier I'll be to update.