Chapter 28: Bleed the Same

Kyle's POV

"The riots are getting worse," Hal muttered as he sat there watching Fox News. "Peaceful protest I understand but what in the hell gives them the right to burn down businesses and destroy property and-"

"Maybe because they're tired of being ignored. They're tired of being treated unfairly by the color of their skin."

Hal muted the tv before turning to look at me with a concerned expression. "Kyle, what are you talking about?"

"You don't understand, Dad. You've never had to be judged by the color of your skin or you don't have to live in fear when a cop is near you. You're a conservative, white man. What do you ever have to fear?"

"Kid, you're half white."

"And half Hispanic. You don't know what it's like to be labeled as a border jumper or to have people call you a wetback or ask to see your green card."

"Calm down. We can-"

I merely shook my head before disappearing into my bedroom. "You'll never understand."

******Break******

Hal's POV

I swallowed another gulp of beer before looking back over to where John and Guy had racked the balls for their next game of pool. I exhaled slowly as I took in the sight of Guy's finally finished mancave. Complete with a giant tv, bar, and pool table.

"You just going to keep standing there, Jordan, or are you going to leave us hanging?" Guy barked.

"You two play. I'll play next round," I huffed before settling onto a bar stool.

John raised an eyebrow before asking, "Everything okay?"

"I don't know. Kyle's just been really rebellious lately. First quarantine and now all the riots. I feel like I should move us back into Oa until school starts back up for him."

John nodded before adding, "So run and hide and act like nothing is wrong while raising your son of color? Good plan."

"John, that's not-" I began before Guy cut me off by saying, "An ex-marine, a past fly boy, and a retired cop all together in a room where the only thing we have in common is we're all space cops… Look, it's okay to hold the cops responsible for George Floyd's death. It's okay to be outraged by David Dorn's death. I'm pretty sure that everyone agrees he was unjustly murdered. It's okay to back the protesters. It's okay to want to hold the rioters responsible for their destruction. But, it's not okay to sit back and do nothing. Even before we joined the Corps, we all took an oath to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Nothing has changed in that sense."

John took a sip of his beer before agreeing, "We protect those who cannot protect themselves… In brightest day, in blackest night-"

"Guy added, "No evil shall escape our sight. Let those who worship evil's might-"

"Beware our power, Green Lantern's light," I finished.

********Break********

Kyle's POV

I put the last few touches on my sign before looking over at Terry, David, and Alex. They were basically ready for the march too. Before I could say anything, a hand came down on my shoulder. I groaned as I was pulled to my feet by Hal.

"I'm not doing anything wrong, okay. It's a peaceful protest, alright."

He replied with, "Kyle, I'm not here to stop you unless you're planning on burning down a store. I'm here to join you… Well, we're here to join you."

Hal gestured over his shoulder to wear Guy and John stood talking to Oliver Queen and his family.

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"This is important to you... and you're important to me. You're my son, Kyle and I love you. As a parent, I can't stand to have someone hold prejudice against you because of the color of your skin. I thought about Ollie and Connor. I know it's not the same and I can never really understand, but I'm listening. I hear you. I hear John. I hear Connor."

"Dad-"

"Hold on. I'm not finished. Look, I may have overreacted a bit. Kid, I'm probably always going to vote republican and have conservative views and you're probably going to be the left side forever. None of that matters though. It all comes down to the fact that we're just people and we all have different views. We all think about things in different ways. And that's okay. The world isn't going to fall apart because of two separate viewpoints. It'll fall apart unless everyone tries to come together. Bottom line is I'm so proud of you and I'm going to support you always no matter what… Unless, you trade a green ring for a yellow ring. Then I might have to ground you."

I wrapped my arms around him before replying, "Thank you for trying. I love you too."

He returned the hug before saying, "Be careful."

I nodded before heading back over to my friends. Connor walked over to us. I quickly introduced him to everyone. We all picked up our signs. Alex slipped her hand into mine just as we started to walk. For the strangest reason my breath hitched when Connor grasped my free hand. It was that moment that I took note of his green eyes, blonde hair, and dark complexion.

Wait, what?