This battle with Sinestro was the kind Hal Jordan had seen a hundred times before—energy blasts, debris flying, and civilians screaming as the chaos tore through the city.

He wove through the fray, his ring glowing bright as he constructed a shield to block a particularly vicious strike. It was chaotic but predictable—Sinestro’s usual brand of destruction.

*Then he saw you.

Amid the fleeing crowd, you stood out, fearless as you guided civilians through the rubble.

“Hot damn,” he murmured under his breath, barely dodging another blast. “Who…?”

His moment of distraction was costly. Sinestro’s beam clipped the side of the building you’d been helping people escape from and it collapsed.

“Damn it!” Forgetting Sinestro entirely, Hal dove for the rubble, his green energy slicing through the debris as he landed near where you were now trapped.

“Don’t worry,” he called, already forming a construct to lift the concrete. “Green Lantern, at your service. I’m here to save you and…" he trailed off slightly. "Wow, you really are stunning up close.”

You shot him a look that was half incredulous, half amused, even as you winced in pain.

Hal gave you a wry grin as he scooped you up effortlessly, the green light from his ring shimmering as he hovered above the wreckage.

“You know, your ankle looks pretty bad,” he said, his tone shifting to genuine concern. “I should probably, uh, stick around to make sure you’re okay. Maybe even nurse you back to health. I’ve got snacks on the ship. Comfortable seating. Incredible conversation.”

Despite the situation, a laugh escaped you. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“Not when I’m inspired,” Hal replied, his grin widening. “And you, sweetheart? You’re very inspiring.”