Now the case will be a topic. It shouldn't be more than a chapter or two.


Kyle was in the most formal thing he brought, which included a dark pair of pants and a plain white t-shirt. Hal was in something similar, only with his signature pilot jacket. Neither were too thrilled about leaving the house this day. The case against Bueno Excellente started today, and they were both required to be at the courthouse.

Kyle was anxious, and barely got any sleep the night before. Hal dealt with a wave of concern and surges of anger just thinking about the man who traumatized Kyle. Finally being able to see the man made it even worse. Hal kept a lid on his emotions, knowing that he had to be a stable figure for Kyle. They barely said anything until they got to the car.

"Do you think I'll be called to the stand?" Kyle asked.

"I would hope not, at least today, but I wouldn't be surprised." Hal admitted.

Kyle sighed looking out the window. The car came to a stop at a red light, giving Hal a chance to say something.

"I know you're scared." Hal stated. "This is a lot to take in and I understand your disdain. However, I want you to know that I am here for you. I know I've said that a lot, but I mean it."

Kyle sighed looking at Hal, tried. He didn't appear upset or anything, Kyle appeared done with everything.

"I appreciate you being here for me." Kyle admitted. "I really do. I would never take it for granted, because it has helped me, but I'm hurt Hal. This whole ordeal hurts, and now, I'm facing it head on. I'm tired and scared. I just want this to be over. I want to go home and return to a normal life, knowing that you're around to be there for me."

Kyle's thought process was justified and Hal understood it. He wanted normality, to go back to life before this. Unfortunately, Hal knew that his demand wasn't as easy as it sounded. As much as they wanted a normal life for Kyle, he wouldn't get over what happened. At least not completely. There was no changing the fact that Kyle was raped, and try as they might, it wasn't going to be forgotten.

"I understand." Hal accepted. "I want nothing more than for everything to go back to normal. You deserve that, but I hate to see what this is doing to you. This is killing you."

The light turned green, prompting Hal to drive. Hal left the conversation at that, opting to conclude it with one statement.

"When this is done, I still want you to stay with me." Hal stated. "Maybe even move in since I hate the thought of leaving you in your apartment alone. Once you start back up as a Lantern, I want you to stay by me until you feel comfortable enough to go off on your own."

Hal took one hand off of the wheel to get something out of his pocket. He placed a green object on Kyle's lap without even looking. Kyle inspected it, instantly realizing what Hal had given him.

"I want you to have it on you." Hal. "I know you're not going to run away from me. I'm not getting any use out of it anyway."

"Are you sure?" Kyle asked.

"Of course. I want you to remember who you are. The Torch Bearer."

Kyle grinned at Hal's reminder. It was nice to know that at least Hal was keeping a memory of one of Kyle's nicknames.


Hal and Kyle found the courthouse without problem. There was an open spot close enough to the building for Hal to take it. They exited the car together and Hal guided Kyle along. When they entered the courthouse, the first thing they saw was Bruce.

"What are you doing here?" Hal inquired.

"I had to drop off lunch for Tim. He's doing a job shadow for his Government class." Bruce greeted. "Plus I may try to sneak into the trail."

Bruce's attention shifted to Kyle, who was a little nervous to see the billionaire. Having been unable to give Kyle a lot of attention, Bruce got a good look at the artist. He could tell that Kyle was troubled.

"It's good to see you Kyle." Bruce greeted, going in for an unexpected hug.

Kyle gasped, startled by the action. It was an odd gesture from the usually stoic Dark Knight, feeling out of character in Kyle's mind. Not that he was complaining. In hindsight, it gave Kyle something to brag about. Though Hal did give a confused stare to the two of them, confused by the gesture himself.

"I'm here for you." Bruce whispered. "You didn't deserve this, and I hope you know that you're not alone."

Kyle was thankful for Bruce's exchange. He returned the gesture, thankful for Bruce's kindness.

"Thank you." Kyle quietly replied.

Bruce released Kyle.

"The room you're looking for is this way."

Bruce guided them to the correct room. The room wasn't too busy. The case hadn't started yet, so sneaking Hal and Kyle in wasn't going to cause a scene. The duo sat closer to the back of the room, Hal sitting on the end of the row, while Bruce inconspicuously stole a seat in front of them.

Hal recognized a few familiar faces as he scanned the room. He noticed Sherry sitting on the other side of the room. Next to her was the witness that prompted their journey to Gotham. Hal also noticed the lawyers. They were setting up their paperwork, all they were waiting for was the arrival of Bueno.

The doors swung open, startling the courtroom. Two officers walked into the room forcing a third person along with them. Kyle uncomfortably twitched, staring at the man with horror. He wasn't even fazed by Hal grabbing his hand in an attempt to comfort him.

Between the two officers was Bueno Excellente, unresponsive to their presence. He had a smug grin on his face, as though what he did wasn't serious. With the man placed beside his lawyer the case could finally begin.


Supportive Bruce is supportive.