Here with another update, and I also included Bruce, Jason and Alfred in this chapter.

"Are you sure there's no way that he can avoid this?" Hal asked.

"Unfortunately, no." Bruce replied.

Hal and Kyle stopped at Bruce's manor for a planned visit. As Kyle conversed with Jason, who was glad to see Kyle in better spirits, Hal borrowed Bruce to get a few answers. He wanted to clear a few things up and get answers on Kyle's behalf.

He and Bruce were huddled in the study. As secluded and private as the Batcave was, neither wanted to leave their protégés alone given Jason's mischievous personality. Hal also wanted to be closer to Kyle in case he needed anything. If something were to happen, Hal wanted to be nearby.

"Why the sudden change of heart?" Bruce inquired. "After all, didn't you say you wanted to get him justice?"

"Well yeah," Hal admitted, "I still believe that he should get justice for what happened. That's not going to change. It's just, I couldn't help but think about Kyle's apprehension towards coming here. His reaction to being told we were coming. I also have so much familiarity with keeping this anonymous that I can't help but feel a little concerned."

Bruce sighed leaning back on the desk. He understood where Hal was coming from. Weighing the conflicting beliefs between Hal's desire for justice and Kyle's psyche was definitely something that had to be brought to the table. If he was in a similar predicament, Bruce could see himself pondering a lot of the same thoughts.

"Believe me I get it. You're caught between wanting to keep your friend and successor safe and wanting to do what you believe is right. Unfortunately, there are things in Gotham that even I can't change. After I brought Kyle's anonymous statement to Gordon, and Bueno was apprehended, he told me that the only way to get Bueno put away for his crime, was to bring Kyle in to testify. As much as we all would like to keep him anonymous, we can't. Not in this city."

Hal sighed in disappointment. It was a stretch, but it did confirm everything for him. As much as he hated the idea of pushing Kyle into this, it was the only thing they could do as of now.

"Look, I personally don't think he should have been brought here as soon as he was. I agree that something should be done, but not this quickly. However, getting his story out there helped."

"I know."

There wasn't any point arguing that point. Bruce was keeping an open mind to the situation and providing an outside perspective. He wasn't for or against either's point of view, which was nice, but it only gave Hal something to reflect on.

"By the way, whose bright idea was it to talk to Sherry the bartender?" Bruce questioned.

Hal chuckled, awkwardly putting a hand behind his head. He wasn't surprised that Bruce knew about that. Whether Bruce saw that as meddling or not was up for debate, but there wasn't a point in arguing it.

"That would be me." Hal snickered. "Sorry. I know I said I wouldn't meddle."

Bruce was briefly amused by the apology before settling on a more serious expression.

"Well it's a good thing you did. She saw Bueno come in and taint a girl's drink. She not only confiscated it, but called the police. Had you not talked to her, there would have been another victim."

An uplifted aura surged through Hal at that. He was glad to know that his conversation with Sherry got somewhere. Someone was saved, and Hal was thankful for that. Not only for the individual, but for Kyle as well. If something happened and Kyle heard about it, he wouldn't forgive himself for not coming forward sooner.

"I'm sorry for inviting you." Jason apologized.

He and Kyle were sitting in the kitchen. Between them sat were two cups of water. This was the first time they had seen each other since the attack. Neither had brought up the incident since Hal and Kyle arrived, opting instead to catch up. Because of that, Jason's apology felt like it came out of nowhere.

"Why are you apologizing?" Kyle asked.

"If I didn't invite you, you wouldn't have been raped."

"It's not your fault. Neither of us knew this would happen. If anything, it's probably mine."

That bothered Jason. With how comfortable Kyle was with Jason and Roy, and the usually sane bar outside of a few fights, Jason saw no reason for Kyle to blame himself.

"Don't say that."

"If I had kept a better eye on my surroundings, like I had been taught whenever I was in Gotham, it wouldn't have happened."

"And how many times have you done that when we hung out after the first few outings?"

"If I may," Alfred chimed in, interrupting their argument, "I'd like to emphasize that you just admitted that neither of you knew it would happen. Gotham may be a chaotic city, but it does have its good days. You were among friends, enjoying yourselves. What should have been a good time was ruined by one man. Not you Master Jason, not you Kyle, but one man who was so cruel as to take advantage of the situation."

Alfred's words seemed to alleviate something in the duo. Blame was going to be something that needed some work, but at least Alfred was being objective about it.

"Touché." Jason replied with an amused smirk.

"You got me there." Kyle kindly admitted. "Thank you."

Alfred grinned. He placed a hand on Kyle's shoulder.

"I pray that it gets better for you, and I hope that one day you will find peace."

Things will be picking up a bit plot wise.