Author's note: Set during 4x01 - 4x02.
"It's different."
Hal was careful to explain it without sounding like he played favorites between his brothers. "Ben went off on his own with the rebel Skitters. He can take care of himself. Matt's never even been alone before."
"I dunno, man." Tector appeared sympathetic, but skeptical. "I've seen that little guy do some serious damage. You're saying he can't take care of himself?"
"I'm saying he's never had to", Hal countered gravely. "He's a kid, Tector. When I was his age, my biggest fear was homework, not-", he stopped himself, unable to picture what his youngest brother could be going through at that very moment. He couldn't think about Matt or Ben at all these days without feeling like he was going to throw up out of worry.
"All I'm saying is that he's 11. He's too young."
Tector, who had been following Hal's reasoning up until that point, shot him a quizzical look.
"Too young for what?"
"All of this", Hal replied firmly. Still, there was a very noticeable hint of desperation in his voice. "He's too young for this whole damn world."