So here I add a little background to the quote Kyle made (to speculate why it was glossed over) and played with Hal reacting to an incident with Kyle while trying to do something nice for Kyle.

Hal finally managed to pry Kyle out of the guest bedroom. After spending an entire day in there, Hal knew he just had to get him out. Not to mention Kyle hadn't really eaten which prompted Hal to make him quite the breakfast. Hal made up eggs, toast, and bacon for the both of them with coffee.

Kyle didn't really speak much, which Hal didn't take offense to. Between the whispers and sighs, Hal could tell that he was at the very least alive. He was eating and that was a good thing. Hal knew that he had to take his time with Kyle since he was finally letting everything sink in.

"So I was thinking that we could go to the art museum later." Hal suggested. "I hear they have a wildlife painting exhibit this week."

Hal thought that Kyle could use a little adventure. He thought that he could help get Kyle's mind off of things, and after some searching, he knew the art museum was the perfect place to take Kyle. If Hal could just get him out, maybe Kyle could slowly get back to his old self and hopefully open up.

Unfortunately, Kyle almost seemed uninterested. He simply stared at his plate as he ate. Hal grabbed one of Kyle's wrists, hoping to get Kyle's attention.

"Would you like to talk about how you're doing?" Hal asked. "It could be about the… incident, or about how you're feeling today."

Kyle didn't immediately answer.

"It was meant to be taken as a joke." Kyle quietly admitted.

That was a little surprising. Hal could only wonder why he put it that way.

"What do you mean?"

"When I brought it up, we were talking about this guy who came to use. He was a hitman and Batman was a little upset, wondering how I knew him." Kyle grimly smirked. "I tried to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal. It's Gotham, sure I may have been drugged, but you know, it's Gotham. What do you expect?"

That stung. The fact that Kyle wanted to pass it off as a joke was unbelievable. Hal wanted to deny it, believing, no, certain that Kyle wanted help. Hal was not about to let Kyle use that as an excuse. It was a poor, self-deprecating excuse made only to make Kyle feel worse.

"That was your first mistake. What happened to you wasn't a joke, and shouldn't be treated as such. You were horribly abused. Taken advantage of. Your second mistake was saying that in front of the World's Greatest Detective. You and I both know he wouldn't let that slide especially since, you know, he lives in Gotham. Do you really thing he wouldn't investigate it?"

Kyle didn't try to argue with Hal's statement. He just wanted to help. And whether Kyle wanted to agree with Hal or not, he knew there was no point arguing. Emerald eyes finally met brown eyes.

"People care about you Kyle. Don't forget that."

Hal's face spoke volumes.

"Can we go to the art museum?" Kyle asked.

Hal proudly grinned. Things finally seemed to be move along.

"Of course."

Kyle hadn't left Hal's side for the entire walk. And every time someone got too close for comfort, he scooted closer to Hal.

Kyle's face lit up the moment they entered the building. It didn't take long for him to feel like he was in his element. That alone put a smile on Hal's face. And thankfully, there weren't a lot of people to discomfort Kyle. Not that Kyle wanted to leave his side to begin with.

Hal dragged him to the painting exhibit. The collection of different themes took Kyle's attention. However, the area that caught his attention the most was the astronomy collection. He seemed engrossed by it, the more starry based pieces really taking his interest. Be it because of his other, more adventurous life or some sort of artistic preferance, Hal will never know.

The only thing distracting him was a couple, who seemed to be having a disagreement. Hal could tell that they weren't really together, but they did seem to know each other. Their arguing was distracting, and unfortunately, it was disturbing Kyle's enjoyment. What was worse was the woman's shaken up appearance.

"Leave me alone." The woman requested.

"Come on Rachel, I didn't mean it." The man said.

"Please Peter, just go. You're causing a scene."

She tried to walk away when Peter grabbed her arm. He forcefully pulled her towards him, infuriated.

"Listen here you…"

"Leave her alone." Kyle demanded.

They stared at him, a mix of shock annoyance. He couldn't let the situation escalate.

"Stay out of this." Peter demanded. "This doesn't concern you."

"It does when you bring your lack of consideration to a public area. She clearly doesn't want you around, so get out of here."

A fist smacked Kyle's face. He stumbled back in shock. Everyone's attention turned to the ensuing drama.

Hal was instantly by Kyle's side, inspecting him, asking Kyle if he was okay. Kyle didn't say much and thankfully he didn't seem to be in pain, but there was a red mark on his face. Hal turned his attention to Peter, rage in full force.

"You should have quietly left when you had the chance." Hal growled threateningly.

"What are you going to do about it?" Peter asked.

Hal grabbed Peter's collar and without hesitation forced him away from Rachel. Once separated, he decked the man before slamming him against the closest wall. Hal's hand was dangerously close to Peter's neck, ready to choke him.

"I hate people like you." Hal grimly admitted. "Thinking you can do terrible things without any consequences."

"Hal." Kyle sighed.

Hal glanced at Kyle, noticing his distress. He released Peter, walking over to Kyle.

"Get out of here."

Hal and Kyle entered Hal's house in silence. Neither one had said a word on the way home. Having been politely asked to leave, even with the people who witnessed the event defending them, Hal had to excuse them from the premises. The drama wasn't worth it.

"I'm sorry." Hal apologized, putting his keys away. "This was supposed to be a nice day out to lift your spirits, but it was ruined by one lousy person."

Kyle sat in the living room in silence. Hal soon joined him, worried. He watched the artist, waiting for him to reply.

"I shouldn't have asked to go out." Kyle regretted. "I ruined a perfectly good for you."

"Don't say that." Hal requested. "You deserved to get out. Not to have it ruined by some punk."

"I guess."

Hal wrapped around Kyle's shoulders.

"Come here." Hal requested, pulling Kyle over.

Kyle didn't argue, find it a little reassuring.

"Today I saw an artist happily absorbed in his element. I saw happiness. I want to see you like that more, and I know you will."

"Okay."

Kyle wormed away from Hal, getting off the couch. He slowly dragged himself towards the guest bedroom. Hal watched him noticing that he stopped at the door.

"Thanks."

Kyle entered the room, closing the door behind him.

I hope having Hal getting Kyle out of the house was okay. I had Kyle wanting to stay by Hal as a way to keep Kyle's nervousness towards people.