Chapter Text
It was a stonily silent Hal that Sinestro dropped back off at Earth. Really, the man had no sense of gratitude –Sinestro had given him back his ring, his life, and a charge, and the Earthman still fought him every step of the way.
It was especially frustrating as he had hoped it would serve to bridge the rift that had formed between them after the Guardians betrayed him. If he regretted anything about leaving the Green Lantern Corps it was having to leave Hal Jordan behind as well. In all his years serving the Corps, never before had he met a Lantern so vivacious and full of potential, and those qualities had drawn him in.
First as an ally, then as his opposition.
Perhaps it was seeing the growth of that potential, seeing it burst into full bloom, that ultimately made him fall for the Earthman. Not that it mattered, as his former student still refused to join him at his side, even choosing the Guardians who had pushed him to the very brink of sanity over him. As long as he was yellow, Jordan would never willing be his.
Now Sinestro was green once more, and still that held true. It was almost better when they were foes, for at least then grudging team-ups weren’t bitterly referred to as “slave-driving” and the other nonsense Jordan accused him of.
“So I guess this is it then? You’re going to leave me here until you need a flunky to do your dirty work again?” While he was caught up in his thoughts, the human had powered down into his pilot uniform. It didn’t suit him as well as the green, but he did appreciate what it represented.
Inwardly scolding himself for getting distracted, Sinestro scoffed at Jordan’s melodrama. “You act as if I have somehow been unfair to you.” But, as always, his tone couldn’t help but soften around the man. “I didn’t mean to slight you, Jordan, if that is how it appeared. We were supposed to be partners in this mission.”
Human faces were, as the Earth saying went, “like an open book”. He had yet to meet one that could consistently hide the chaotic tangle of emotions beneath. Hal Jordan was no different, though the sheer number in and of itself worked to make his expression indecipherable anyway. Another thing about him that drove Sinestro to most intense irritation even as it drew him in.
Fortunately, he did not have to wait long before the other plowed ahead with what he wanted. Jordan planted himself before him and, looking him in the eye with total seriousness, seemed to come to a decision. Reaching out with his right hand, he placed something hard in Sinestro’s left. That having been done, he pivoted on his heel without a backward glance.
Sinestro didn’t have to look to tell it was a ring. Giving up, was he? As if Sinestro would let him go so easily.
Not pausing, Jordan nonetheless cleared his throat and called, “I figured it was only fair, since you already gave me mine.”
What?
Raising his palm to eye level, Sinestro uncurled long fingers to reveal the ring. But it wasn’t a power ring as he’s anticipated –it was intricately woven silver with a multifaceted gemstone in the center, the stone clear with a faint green tinge to it.
A diamond ring. The last time he had encountered this ring was in a brightly lit city, bought for him by a cheerfully intoxicated Jordan.
Though he’d been the one to offer it, Hal seemed surprised to feel his presence behind him. The human half-turned and looked at him inquisitively. No matter; Sinestro was more than happy to make the rest of the step for him.
They met halfway and the kiss was the sweeter for it.