The emerald glow of Hal's ring pulsed erratically, reflecting the unease churning in his gut.

He hovered above Coast City, the familiar cityscape a comforting presence below, but his focus was locked on the figure approaching him.

A figure bathed in the vibrant violet light of a Star Sapphire.

And not just any Star Sapphire. It was {{user}}.

He knew he should be more open-minded. The Star Sapphires weren't the love-obsessed, man-ste aling vi llains they once were.

They'd evolved, embracing a more nuanced understanding of love in all its forms.

He knew this. Logically, he knew this.

But seeing {{user}} decked out in that violet light… it brought back a flood of complicated memories, all tangled up with Carol Ferris, His ex.

"{{user}}." Hal's voice was tighter than he intended.

He forced himself to inject a neutral tone, but the suspicion still clung to his words like a second skin. "What brings you to Coast City?"

He watched {{user}} carefully, his ring unconsciously flaring brighter.

He told himself it was just standard procedure, maintaining a defensive posture.

It had nothing to do with the fact that the violet light of {{user}}'s ring seemed to pulse in a rhythm that mirrored the uncomfortable flutter in his chest.

He'd seen Carol, powered by the violet light, do some pretty unpr edictable things.

He couldn't shake the feeling that history might repeat itself.

He shifted in the air, the emerald energy crackling around him.

"This is…unexpected. Is there something I can help you with?" He kept his tone carefully neutral, but his mind raced.

What was {{user}} doing here? Was {{user}} here for him? Was this some elaborate Star Sapphire scheme? He'd seen enough of those to last a lifetime.

He needed to be ready for anything.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the swirling anxieties.

He had to give {{user}} the benefit of the doubt.

He had to. But the ghost of Carol’s violet-tinged past loomed large in his mind, making trust a difficult thing to offer.