I decided to add Guy in this chapter. He won't have the biggest role, but I thought I'd throw him into this chapter so that he could get a feel for what's going on.

Hal spent the rest of the morning doing a little research. With Kyle securely settled in in the guest room, comfortably wrapped in the comforter as he processed his current arrangement, it was as good of time as any. Kyle's silence was frightening.

Kyle hadn't said much else about it since their conversation earlier and asked for some time alone. Hal wasn't sure if it was the incident itself sinking in or the fact Kyle was required to stay that caused his silence, but Hal knew it had to be one of them. It just bothered Hal that he didn't want to talk. About the incident or anything.

The solitude could have had to do with talking about the incident or Kyle just wanting a moment alone. Hal didn't like the thought of giving him solitude this early, but he did want to trust Kyle with something.

Kyle agreed to stay, and that meant a lot, but Hal was cautious about it given Kyle's previous reactions. He had Kyle's ring with him and Hal was certain that he wouldn't disappear without him knowing.

After Hal checked on Kyle, who eventually fell asleep, he took a step onto the back patio. Hal couldn't complain about the weather. It was sunny and the wind lightly brushed through.

"I thought I told you I had this handled." Hal reminded.

Guy was hovering above him, a curious grin on his face.

"I know, but I wanted to check up on you guys." Guy stated, landing in front of Hal.

"And you couldn't wait more than a day because…?"

"I want to know how well he settled in."

Hal nudged towards the house, inviting him in. Guy took the offer, following him in. Hal offered him a chair in the kitchen, which they both took on opposite ends of the table. The silence and absence of another individual was curious.

"Where is our little bud?" Guy inquired, leaning back on the chair with an arm on the back.

"Asleep in the guest bedroom." Hal filled on.

Guy's attention found the general direction of the room before looking back at Hal. He didn't know if sleeping was the best thing, but at least he wasn't screaming and locking himself away.

"What's the prognosis?"

"So far, I got him to tell me what he remembers, which includes what led up to the assault, him blacking out, and when he woke up. He's scared of what happened and ashamed that he 'let' it happen."

Guy stiffened at that comment, sitting forward.

"He's not at fault."

"That's what I told him, but he said it."

Hal sighed remembering it, rubbing his eyes. The comment still hurt, especially since Kyle thought Hal was ashamed with him.

"Why do you think he responded so slowly?"

"I called up a few different experts for tips, keeping his identity as anonymous as possible. From what I could gather, he more than likely went numb. His lack of response for the last two weeks…" Guy's shock was instantly picked up, "yes two weeks. He was in denial, numb by it. He's confused and what he remembers is a surreal experience to him. It's finally settling in and with it all of the emotions and trauma he's been suppressing."

The explanation sounded reasonable enough. Guy couldn't complain that Hal at least did some investigating either.

"What's your plan for fixing it?"

"I'm going to be what he needs. I'm going to act as his therapist all the while being the friend he needs. I want him to be comfortable and heal."

"And what are you going to do about the culprit?"

"Haven't gotten that far yet."

Aggravated eyes shot at Hal. Guy was alarmed by Hal's statement. He had everything else figured out, so why not that?

"Don't you want to get him justice?" Guy inquired, standing up. "Find out who did this and make sure they never do this again?"

"Of course I do. If I could, I would find who did this and beat the shit out of them, but I can't subject him to that. Not right now. He doesn't need that kind of attention right now. Quite frankly he doesn't want it. I want him to feel safe before I think about putting him through a trial."

A cry disrupted their conversation. When Kyle's ring levitated and started tapping on the door, Hal burst from his seat. Guy wasn't too far behind. He grabbed the ring before bursting through the door.

Kyle was awake, sitting up with his face in his hands. His trembling was a clear sign of a nightmare. Even without a visual on his eyes, he could tell that Kyle was crying. Hal sat on the bed, hands grabbing Kyle's shoulders. Kyle yanked away, the contact unconsciously discomforting to him.

Hal didn't let that stop him, grabbing his shoulders again. Kyle tried to squirm away, but

"It's okay." Hal comforted. "Can you look at me?"

Slowly, Kyle followed his request, moving his hands away from his face. Eyes were red and his face was damp.

"Nightmare?" Hal assumed.

Kyle nodded.

"About your rape?"

Kyle nodded again.

"Were you able to remember who did it?"

Kyle shook his head. His eyes started to form more tears.

"No." Kyle denied. "Just a shadowy figure repeating Bueno while they did it. I'm sorry."

Kyle's eyes poured out. Tears streaked down his face. Kyle hated not knowing who did it, just as much as he hated that it happened. It made him fell useless. Hal brought Kyle in for a hug. He didn't say anything, allowing Kyle to settle down in silence.

Guy sympathized with Kyle. He had never seen Kyle like this before and he hated it. Guy took a step closer, hoping to reach out to him. Kyle saw this, but rather than staying calm, he tried to squirm away from Hal. Guy stopped and Hal managed to get Kyle to calm down.

"Now do you see why I can't subject him to that?" Hal asked. "If he doesn't want you, someone that he trusts quite well, what makes you think he'll want to be in front of anyone about this?"

"I'm sorry." Guy apologized.

Hal sighed. Guy's intentions were honorable, so he couldn't be too upset with him.

"It's not your fault. I know you want what's best for him, but I need to do this." Hal glanced down at Kyle. "He didn't mean to try to shy away. He's just scared."

Guy observed Kyle. He seemed calmer physically, but his eyes were full of guilt and fear. It was clear that Kyle wanted to apologize, but he couldn't. However, he was safe, with Hal showing clear signs that he was going to do everything he could to help.

Guy couldn't stay any longer. The visit was meant to be a short one. He took one more step towards them. While Kyle wasn't too comfortable with it, he didn't react.

"Take good care of him." Guy requested.

"I will." Hal promised.

Guy's attention fell on Kyle.

"It's going to be okay. You've got the best guy to help you."

Guy turned away, excusing himself. He left the house the same way he came, hoping that everything would be okay.

I know having Kyle alone in the beginning may not be entirely a wise choice, but I didn't want Hal to be overprotective, at least not just yet. I want to kind of build that a little.