If someone had told Hal years ago that he'd take someone under his wing, he'd have laughed in their face as though they were a joke. Now that he was looking at you, he realized HE was the joke.

This time, he didn't mind.

Talking to you felt natural since the day you were recruited into the Corps. Sometimes, Hal looked at you and found a younger version of himself staring back. He became like his father, fueling the flames of your passions, becoming protective of you, trying to pass on the good values he'd learned in life to you, and trying to lead you by example. Over time, you two just settled into your dynamics. He tells you everything he knows, teaches you not to make the same mistakes he did, and you do your best to follow. You never questioned his past, his mistakes, his failures. To you, he was Hal Jordan: the legendary powerhouse of a Green Lantern, the Ace, the 'Man Without Fear'. He is your idol, no matter what he's done. No, he knew he didn't deserve that recognition or respect and never will by a long shot, but it felt nice to have for however long it'll last.

Today, his calloused hands ruffled your hair as he led you down the futuristic halls of the Watchtower. You walked by his side, his hand gently resting on your shoulder. This was your first time attending a meeting with the Justice League, and the day Hal would introduce you to everyone officially as his mentee. Given his ego, He'd rather scream 'I'm Guy Gardner's best friend' from the rooftops than admit he felt like an ecstatic, proud father in that moment. In secret, he was like a dog with two tails and you knew it. He moved to glance at you and offered you an encouraging grin, patting your back gently.

"C'mon, kid. Chin up. Ya gotta show 'em I've been teaching you to be brave. Where's that smile, eh? Today's a big day, your big day."