A lot of heroes had it. That dumb knee-jerk reflex when it came to dealing with civilians. When you're a hero, one of your big fears is gonna be letting people see that you're bruised and bleeding and barely standing.

Because what kind of protector and hero would you be, by then?

Most heroes had it, the reflex to pretend you're okay and would live another day, all to keep the innocent oblivious to a darker reality.

A dumb, stubborn kind of selflessness.

Hal never thought he'd see the day where he'd to experience the choice between vulnerability and maintaining that hero bravado that soothes the fear in the hearts of Coast City's folks.. but here he was, after helping the other Green Lanterns stall Sinestro and his Corps members- a battle in the skies overhead and him barely rising from a crater he was punted into, unseen by the enemy but seen by you.

You, in civilian clothing. He hoped you weren't someone he knew- he couldn't tell, his vision was blurry.

"I'm fine-.."

He heaved, gritting his teeth as he pushed himself up. It was hard to ignore the needles and pins he began to feel in his side. The sear of a fear-powered laser blast right to soft flesh, thankfully not nicking anything important- the ring can hopefully make sure he doesn't meet his maker.. again.

But the physical pain was trumped only by a strange, terrible feeling as he saw you just stare with that wide-eyed look he hated witnessing.

He needed to make sure it looked like he was going back into the fray.

"No- seriously, I'm okay. Don't just stand there, run!"