Small John cameo and Hal trying to lift Kyle up with his art.

Hal surprised him with several artistic gifts. A sketchpad, pencils, several paints, and even a few canvases were present to Kyle, who was surprised. He instantly felt guilty for being presented with such a kind gift, wanting to generously deny the gesture, requesting that Hal take the gift back. However, Hal refused to take his fluttered rejection, claiming that Kyle deserved to have something nice. Argued that Kyle deserved something to make him happy and have a semblance of normality.

Kyle took Hal's offer with stride, cracking to Hal's determined stance. A pencil gracefully sketched around the blank sheet of paper in front of Kyle. With him focused on his new project, Hal took the opportunity to excuse himself. He knew he wasn't going to be of use to Kyle.

"Thank you for the help." Hal accepted, closing the guest room door. "Hopefully this helps him."

"Anything to help the kid." John replied with a friendly grin.

"Definitely."

Hal offered him a seat, knowing that John wasn't going to leave right away.

"I wouldn't be opposed to you seeing him, but as I'm sure you've heard, he already tried to run away from Guy. And after he got punched by that guy at the art museum, he probably doesn't want to see anyone but me right now."

John gave him a startled look. Without much context, Kyle getting punched by some random pedestrian seemed unusual.

"I tried to get him out of the house. Took him to an exhibit at the art museum in an attempt to cheer him up, and when he tried to defend a girl, her estranged familiar decked him."

"That's terrible."

"Yeah. Not to mention it only seemed to worsen his depression."

Hal felt bad recalling it. He couldn't help but feel guilty about it. All he wanted to do was

"It's not your fault." John comforted. "You tried to give him something positive, it's not your fault some jerk decided to take his anger out on him."

"I know, but I should have kept him a little closer. I have to protect him."

"I know."

John sighed, looking towards his nearest exit.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to report back to our base. Guy wants a full report of our buddy." John approached the door, turning back with a smug grin. "Oh, and Sinestro sends his regards. He was really upset that you turned him down."

Hal chuckled. The image of Sinestro upset by the fact that Hal wasn't lured to him was a wonder. Not to mention the dismay of the Guardians. He still didn't care if he upset them though, not planning to leave Kyle in his current state if his life depended on it. He knew that the Sinestro Corps issue was in good hands.

"Of course. Probably thinks he's too important to be ignored."

John chuckled, opening the door.

"Protect our little solider."

With that, John left Hal leaving a glowing green light in his wake. Hal was thankful. John seemed understand the situation, not overstepping his boundaries. He also was a little more patient, giving it a few days before inquiring. Unlike Guy, who initially wanted immediate results. They both wanted the best for Kyle, but John wasn't as apprehensive.

Hal's attention shifted to the door, his playful amusement turning to curious concern. He hadn't hear much from Kyle. Whether that be a sign that he was invested in his work or something else, Hal wasn't sure.

He got up from his seat, heading for the guest room. It couldn't hurt to check on him. As much space as he wanted to give Kyle, Hal knew that he had to keep a close eye on the artist.

The door opened up to a slight disarray. While the canvases and paints were neatly placed, crumpled papers littered the desk and floor. In the corner, Kyle was balled up, face hidden by his arms. He was motionless, deflated, too out of it to think. Hal quietly approached him, slowly sliding down beside him. He sat with his knees up, watching Kyle.

"I'm done." Kyle sighed.

Kyle unfolded a crumpled up piece of paper in his hands. It held a sketch of Kyle balled up on the ground. Around him nothing but darkness as hands reached out for him. Kyle unwrapped another, showing himself lying on his back as dark strings wrapped around him. Some aiming for sensitive areas as though projecting where Kyle imagined he was tainted.

It was sickening. Hal hated seeing Kyle's talent focused on something so tragic. Even if it did give him an outlet to release his angst, Hal never would have thought that he'd have to picture it.

"I can't stop projecting my trauma. It plagues me. Haunts me. And now, I don't even want to create anything because of it."

Hal knew it was the depression talking, not that he blamed Kyle. The incident was traumatizing, something that was going to take time to heal, and Hal was still trying to find ways to heal it. Kyle was still trying to grasp what happened with what little memory he had, as well as the sinking feeling he had as a result of finally coming to terms with it.

However, Hal refused to believe that Kyle would give up on his art. He wouldn't allow it. He wasn't going to let Kyle give up. Hal wrapped an arm around Kyle's shoulders.

"Don't say that." Hal requested. "I'd miss your weekly blogs too much."

"You like those?" Kyle asked, turning his head towards Hal.

"Yeah. My favorite piece has to be Rampaging Rhino."

Kyle genuinely chuckled, recalling the piece. It was of Kilowag in a rage, chasing after a fiery squirrel.

"Wasn't that inspired by your initiation?"

"Yeah. Guy tried to convince me to do an 'initiation dare', saying how every newbie did it. Mine was to steal Kilowag's ring and put it in your room. But I chickened out at the last minute…"

"And Kilowag bolted after Guy for trying to taint the new guy and attempting to prank a senior member. He sent Ch'p sky high in the process. Poor guy."

They both laughed spontaneously at the memory. Hal grabbed the crumpled up papers out of Kyle's hand. Hal's expression settled, giving both pieces another look.

"Promise me you won't let this stop you." Hal requested. "Rather, let these be a stepping stone."

Kyle glanced at him with uncertain eyes.

"I'll try."

I want to apologize if these last two chapters don't seem to be going a long way. I'm trying to experiment with ways that Hal wants to help, I'll be getting more defensive Hal soon though.