Manifesto
A HalSin fic written for and dedicated to @elba-stardo because he is so damn cool. BFF <2 Here's 7000+ words of HalSin trying to recruit each other. Reader discretion advised.
When Sinestro stumbles back into the central command post, he's a little dishevelled. Dried blood speckles the golden shine across his body.
Yellow Lanterns are the first to reach Sinestro's side. No better than flies buzzing around, they're a nuisance to Hal. Still, Hal's compelled to compete with them. Being accompanied in his focus on Sinestro is a newer vexation when rightfully it should just be the two of them alone together.
Sinestro waves his Corps away. Even though they are his army, sworn to serve, he'll never trust them or anyone else.
Taking the chance, Hal steps forward. "Where'd you disappear to?" Souring his tone is a trace of resentment. "You missed the big 'thank you' speech. It was very touching."
In answer, Sinestro unfurls his fingers, releasing a handful of bloodied yellow rings that clatter to the ground. Both Hal and the Sinestro Corps members draw back, equally startled.
"My Lanterns," Sinestro explains with an air of great boredom. "They thought it wise to challenge me. I taught them otherwise." These days, it's the only teaching he ever does. He glances to the Lanterns who remain alive. "Clean this up. And inform the Keeper. I shall join her shortly."
Of course, the Lanterns are terrified of their leader, scrambling to obey. Some of them are shaking as they prostrate themselves on the ground and crawl to pick up the rings. As they flee Sinestro's presence, they're tripping over themselves.
The scene leaves Sinestro rather pleased. Though he doesn't enjoy being attacked, it has provided the perfect opportunity to remind his Corps of their place.
"Does that happen a lot?" Watching the whole thing, Hal's been a bit bemused.
Instantly, Sinestro is on alert. Only concern shapes Hal's expression but that means little. Showing any vulnerability to Hal can't be allowed. It's a determination practised over decades by Sinestro, the knowledge of what Hal will do haunting him. He will not be tricked back into it.
"My Corps," Sinestro states, "answers to me. There is no weakness here for you to exploit."
The hostility is a bucket of ice water. All the closeness Hal cherished with Sinestro, regained during their brief alliance, has vanished. It's the withdrawal of a priceless gift, snatched from Hal's fingers without warning. Now he's left kicked to the kerb on the other side of Sinestro's defences.
Grimacing, Hal resigns himself. "So we're back to this. For the record, I wouldn't use it against you. I wouldn't even know how."
"Join forces with my most treacherous pets," Sinestro invites smoothly. "Kill me. Do it now while you assume I am recovering from what must have been quite the gruelling battle. Act quickly to end your greatest threat."
It's reminiscent of their past when Sinestro offered a solution for each of Hal's petty problems. Now the solutions are applied to problems that are much more messed up.
"I don't want to kill you," Hal says quietly. "And I don't want them to kill you either. You're not hurt, are you?" There is none of Sinestro's purple blood in sight but Hal worries regardless. An assassination attempt isn't something to walk off.
Sinestro turns his head away. "You will find no weakness in me," he repeats, tone as hard as steel.
"Why do you have to do this?" Hal's voice is rough. "I don't want to be your enemy."
In Sinestro's responding laughter is bitter mockery. "We are enemies, Jordan. You know that."
Soft red flares up Hal's neck while the muscles in his jaw clench. Though he's plainly frustrated, he says nothing, showing remarkable control.
Battle is simpler. Without Hal lashing out, Sinestro has time to obsess over the lovely blush of colour decorating Hal's skin. It's put there by the stubborn opposition Hal has to warring with Sinestro. Nothing can be more affirming.
Finally, Hal tries, "Your Corps is awful. Don't you miss trusting your partners won't stab you in the back?"
Pain shocks across Sinestro's chest, suddenly and violently, tossing him into turmoil. Hal is cruel. That cruelty bewilders Sinestro. It's as though Hal is unaware of what he causes, rubbing in one of Sinestro's most painful moments.
"Trust?" Sinestro's eyes glow with yellow light. "Nothing but a dream for the pathetic. You ought to know it."
"I just don't know why you keep them around." Hal is exasperated. "They're a liability... Why do you even need them? You could take on the entire GLC with just a stick and win."
The compliment soothes Sinestro somewhat and he twirls his moustache around his finger with a half smirk. "Of course."
What Sinestro really needs is everything his enemies have and more. Driving his actions is the spiteful desperation to be better than those who have wronged him and make them all regret it.
Sinestro fixates back on Hal. "Why do you remain with your Corps? You cannot enjoy the govern of uncaring masters who see little worth in you beyond a number."
"I asked first," Hal quickly points out. "You'll get yourself killed. And for what?"
Truly, Hal is atrociously judgemental with his familiar indignation that's a little mean and insulting to all Sinestro's decisions, but it's because he's upset by the thought of Sinestro's eventual murder. Underneath the condemnation, Hal wants them to be in the same Corps. He wants to be the one protecting Sinestro.
It's wonderfully honest and has delight blooming in Sinestro's chest. Considering, he ducks his head. "I built an entire Corps as your replacement and yet they cannot reach a fraction of what you were to me."
That stops Hal. Across his skin is a shiver like he's stepping on sacred ground.
Taking advantage, Sinestro presses forward, "You say my Corps is a liability. Had you been beside me, I'd never have needed them."
Distractedly, Hal shakes his head. He's still recovering from Sinestro's revelation, trying to decide if it's just another lie to keep him off balance. While he wants it to be true, he can't want it. None of it is right.
Without meeting Sinestro's eye, reserved, Hal mutters, "This is more serious than two rival sport teams."
"Is it truly?" Almost too close, Sinestro's stepping into Hal's space. "Why are the Guardians better than I? They have their own biases, their own failings. Frequently, you beg me to stop them."
There's inconvenient fact in Sinestro's words. Hal does tend to rely on Sinestro for too much. "Until you mess it up." Pained, Hal pulls his head away. "You always do. Trying to make it so everyone worships you."
"They should worship me," Sinestro declares, decisive and proving Hal's point.
Sighing, Hal turns his back. One hand drops to his hip while the other rubs at his forehead. It's hopeless trying to get through to Sinestro. What frustrates Hal most is that Sinestro can be so much better. He's seen Sinestro do incredible things. The problem is Sinestro just gets lost in his own arrogance.
Left to pine after Hal, Sinestro's eyes narrow. "Will you ignore the origins of this latest mess? Your masters have brought all of it about while I did nothing but help you."
"What are you talking about?" Drawn in again, Hal is puzzled. "Wasn't this just some random event?"
It vindicates Sinestro who laughs at Hal's expense. "Did Stewart not see fit to enlighten you? As you may imagine, I have already taken great delight in detailing all the Guardians' faults to him. I will not repeat myself."
"Why were you talking to John?" Hal demands at once. "Stay away from him!"
Blood thrums through Sinestro's veins as Hal is in his face. Everything about Hal tends to be an exhilaration and his jealousy is no different.
Smugly amused, Sinestro looks down on Hal. "Fear not, Jordan," he's teasing. "You will always be my favourite."
Heat warms Hal's cheeks and he's flustered. "That's not what I - Let's pretend I believe the Guardians have messed up here." Hal needs to focus. "Why would you bother helping fix their mistakes? You'd love to watch them fail."
Disappointingly, Hal is committed to his work rather than to shouting at Sinestro. The Guardians do need to be held accountable but Sinestro prefers they drop dead before interfering in the time he has with Hal.
Waving an airy hand, Sinestro dismisses, "I do care for the collateral of their actions. And..." He hesitates, flicking a brief glance to Hal. "And I care for you."
With just that, Hal's thoroughly taken. The breath has evaporated from his lungs, his chest is tight, and he can't think about anything that isn't Sinestro. It's a disaster.
That hitch of breath is caught by Sinestro who's watching with sharp gold eyes. Nothing can quite compare to even the smallest hint of Hal's true affections. Each moment of Sinestro's own power, multiple planets under his rule and enemies begging for his mercy, pales in comparison.
Sinestro wants more of it. Even more so, he wants Hal to surrender it willingly, discarding all that's proper. Surrounded by such atrocious scenery, a change for Hal can only be good.
"Stewart..." Sinestro muses. "He does not trust you." Anyone who is not Sinestro is unworthy. "What else has he hidden?"
As much as Hal doesn't want to, he can't help but think back, questioning everything. It's in his nature to be argumentative but now it's possible there's other reasons for him clashing with John in the past.
Observing Hal always, Sinestro chooses that moment to propose carefully, "Were you in my Corps, I would trust you."
"You'd have complete control over an advanced surveillance device on my finger," Hal reminds, not quite ready to give into the temptation of utterly losing reason.
Green light glitters as Sinestro snatches up Hal's ring hand. "Are your masters not watching us now? Hal..." With a grip of iron, Sinestro places that hand against his sternum. "I worry endlessly over you."
Deceptively delicate bone structure beneath Hal's palm rises and falls with each of Sinestro's breaths. To be invited to have a hand over such a vulnerable point makes it impossible for Hal to think of Sinestro as anything other than an ally.
It's a sweet poison, coaxing Hal too well. Aware of every cell in his body because of Sinestro's proximity, Hal knows he's being captivated.
With difficulty, Hal tears himself away. "You're trying to manipulate me," he decides. "It's not going to work."
Pristine white teeth capable of ripping out throats bare at Hal. "Nothing I have said is untrue."
Somehow, Sinestro has Hal hesitating again and feeling regretful that he's rejected Sinestro's passion after asking for it. Lowering his gaze, Hal surrenders the words, "I worry about you too."
Infinitely satisfied is Sinestro but also unexpected is his powerful urge to calm Hal's worry. He and Hal don't have to be kept apart.
"End this." In Sinestro's throat, the low tone has dropped to a purr. "Join me. We abhor our enmity. Allow us to never battle again."
So deeply does Hal tumble into the wanting. The promise of peace between them and their friendship revitalised has lured him in. It's got nothing to do with any interest in actually joining Sinestro's Corps. Rather, Hal's desire is directed purely at Sinestro and there's more than one way to attain him.
"You could join me," Hal returns, and he smiles. "If they try to throw you out, Sin, I'll just threaten to quit. A certain someone showed me it's good strategy."
The reminder of their past catches Sinestro's attention, distracting him from the disappointment of Hal's deflection. "You were indeed taught by a rather wise Lantern."
Unable to resist, Hal immediately jibes, "I'll be sure to let Kilowog know you think he's wise."
Vicious scorn claws into existence throughout Sinestro's body, taking him by surprise with the intensity of it. Both terrible and wonderful, no one else is quite capable of nearing the same impact Hal has on him.
"I doubt Kilowog even understands the concept of wisdom," Sinestro isn't fighting his urge to prove he is a thousand times better than Kilowog. "Nor do I recall him ever doing as much for you as I."
It's difficult to argue and Hal is subdued. "Kilowog's a little more modest than you are," he comes up with. "And he's already on my side. So how about it?" Hal strides forward and he's in Sinestro's space. "You can end this for us too."
The allure of Hal is the casual invasion of his hummed tones into Sinestro's mind. That effortless friendliness is disproportionate to the strength ensnaring Sinestro. Likely, Hal has no idea how unfortunately charming he is or he'll never stop until Sinestro falls at his feet. Forgoing all power, Sinestro wants Hal's protection as his only embrace.
Two can play Hal's game and Sinestro reflects back, "I asked first."
"You were with me first," Hal's follow up is quick, undeterred, and his white gloved fingers glide over the blazing emblem on Sinestro's chest like just his will can erase it. "That was good, wasn't it?" The other hand cups Sinestro's shoulder to pull him down and close.
Controlled by Hal, Sinestro's at the mercy of power he once refined. All of this is his own creation when he accepted Hal into his life. To have it turned on him is cruelly beautiful in a way that makes the concepts synonymous.
"It was good for me," Hal confesses. "Best time in my life. I don't know if you know that. We could've done it forever."
Remembering why his time as a Green Lantern ended makes Sinestro recoil like he's been struck, adoration corrupting into contempt. Whenever Sinestro forgets, losing sight of the moment forcefully embedded into his mind, he's hurt again. Forever, Hal will reinflict the trauma on him.
"Traitor," Sinestro snarls. Like his throat is parched and only retribution can soothe it, he needs Hal to suffer.
English can't quite capture the deep sense of betrayal and wrongness in Sinestro's meaning but every bit of it is spat at Hal from across the new distance that keeps Sinestro out of reach. Only knowing that Sinestro's view of the situation is a little self absorbed diminishes the impact.
In the following quiet, Sinestro is given a reprieve that he uses to grasp for stability, surfacing past his drowning emotion.
"You betrayed me too," Hal points out finally, tone measured. "Everything the Corps stood for. You threw it away like it never meant anything to you."
There's extra hurt emphasised in that final part. Because of Sinestro's betrayal, everything they ever did together became a lie. Sinestro was gone and Hal was left feeling like an accomplice to the whole messed up power trip, someone Sinestro only used and lied to and never cared about at all.
Naturally, Sinestro reads the worst into Hal's meaning and laughs. "Be honest, Jordan," he needles, smirking. "That I was gone upsets you most. The morality debate matters very little to you."
"No, it matters," Hal retorts. "It's not one or the other, you know. And I still care that you got hurt. I wish it hadn't happened."
Rather than gentling Sinestro, the confession only makes him more furious. "Why? Because of the trouble it's caused you? Am I such an inconvenience?"
When Hal moves closer, he's like a raptor stalking down prey. Both loathing and yearning to accept the presence, Sinestro holds still for the hand that strokes his shoulder.
"I think you were always going to cause me trouble," Hal says but it's low and fond as he looks up at Sinestro. Then he averts his gaze. "You needed better than me."
Tightness is in Sinestro's throat, misery rising from his chest. "I never wanted better," he tells Hal. "I wanted you."
It devastates Hal enough that he has to close his eyes, dulled green light coating his eyelids.
With the wisdom of hindsight, Hal knows everything he failed to do in trying to help Sinestro, a list of mechanical faults. That Sinestro doesn't care for the logic is more shattering than cutting Hal down with a dissection of every perceived mistake. Failing Sinestro feels like the worst thing Hal has ever done.
What Hal clings to is the fact Sinestro caused a lot of this by himself. He's the one who drove Hal away. Any reasonable person can expect their partner to not be terrifying planets into submission behind their back, and Hal can be excused if he responded with a little bit of vindictiveness.
Melancholy echoes throughout Hal's posture and the draw towards him is a conflicted sensation for Sinestro, ripping in with jagged edges as he's torn between wariness and wanting. Whatever Hal does to him, Sinestro can't break away and he's not even certain if he truly hates it.
Out of his conscious control, Sinestro's fingers snatch into Hal's hair. Equal are the desires to push Hal back and to pull him in. Sharp nails carve through Hal's scalp but Hal is shoving up into the punishing grip with a murmur of a sigh and seeking against Sinestro's neck for more of the contact.
There's no fighting it, no trying to stop. Captivated entirely, Sinestro's outside his own mind, watching his thoughts tangle around Hal. All of it's warranted, earned, and Sinestro will do nothing other than surrender to the inundation. His other hand traces down the fragile power of Hal's spine. If anyone tries to take Hal from him now, he'll kill them.
For Hal, in Sinestro's arms, everything is calm and perfect. As he clings to the life support Sinestro's giving him, it all settles into place like utopia. There's never been a time when Hal is more certain of where he's meant to be. It's like flight.
"Hal..." It's a breath on Hal's temple and the sweetest sound he's ever heard. "Be my best lieutenant. You will never be torn from my side. All will burn to keep you with me."
Guilty pleasure fills Hal's chest. The worst part is wanting that violent intensity, the promise that he won't be alone regardless of anything and everything. No one else gives it to him and for good reason. It's not right.
Because Hal already knows the answer, there's no moment in which he really considers the offer. He just doesn't want to break away, hopelessness overwhelming him until he has to grit his teeth against it. Most unfair is the comfort Sinestro's giving him, even with every unsure thought. The bliss makes it torture to deny it.
As Hal's trying to step back, he doesn't want to, clinging like he's caught by some gravitational force. He can't let Sinestro go and the whirlwind of emotion inside of him is destroying his grip on reality until he has nothing but the edge of succumbing fully.
With difficulty, using every scrap of will he has, Hal grasps Sinestro's shoulders and pushes. It's jettisoning vital parts of his body into the ocean.
Separate from Sinestro finally, Hal rubs his face in his hands and tries to pull himself together. He can't just run away with Sinestro.
That thought has Hal abducted, and it keeps happening. Welcomed into Sinestro's space is a world of contentment. Under Sinestro's wing is the best Hal's ever felt. To have it again will be a new height that shows how parched he is now, and refusing it crushes him.
Left behind, Sinestro is at a loss. Misery weighs down Hal's shoulders and yet he's rejecting his only abatement for reasons that remain unimportant. Sinestro has to soothe it.
Yellow light forms in Sinestro's hand just as he seizes Hal from behind, and he brings that knife against the vulnerable skin of Hal's throat.
"If you refuse me, I'll kill you," Sinestro promises the threat into Hal's ear like it's a sweet nothing.
Tremors wrack across Hal's body but he's not afraid of Sinestro. It's what he feels about his burning need to give into his limitless devotion to Sinestro that, he imagines, is probably the closest he'll ever get to true terror. It's no wonder Sinestro's so messed up if he feels worse than this for everything.
The razor edge of Sinestro's fear is threatening to cut Hal open but he just tilts his head back for it. "Do it then," Hal challenges. None of his options are looking appealing.
Muscles tighten in Sinestro's wrist. Ending Hal's life is difficult to contemplate and that's disappointing. Even a small cut, bathing in the blood, won't be worth it. What he wants is all of Hal and more forever.
Relinquishing that threat, Sinestro tosses the knife aside. Then he wraps his hand around the front of Hal's throat. There's a gasp of breath until Sinestro tightens his grip and buries into Hal's neck where the skin is of a gentle warmth like star radiation.
"Surrender." Sinestro scrapes his teeth down Hal's neck. "You need only speak one word." Lightly, he nips at the skin. "Say it."
Using the teeth further back in his mouth, Sinestro clamps down on Hal's flesh. It draws a hiss from his friend. When that trails into a chuckle, Sinestro bites Hal again, sinking in sharper teeth just enough to threaten breaking the skin. This time, Hal yelps.
Fingers stroke up and down Hal's throat so when Hal speaks, it's a pleasant thrum against Sinestro's palm. "Is this how you'd usually recruit for your creepy fan club?"
"None are you," Sinestro pledges, crowding against Hal to give no chance of escape. "Shall I detail how not one of your friends understand? Each of your talents are wasted. It will certainly kill you. Only I may be your saviour. You must know it already. Don't you?"
All Hal can feel is Sinestro. Rather than denying it and getting out of their doomed situation, he presses up hard against Sinestro's hand, the only anchor for his instability.
When Sinestro welcomes him so expertly, Hal's convinced he can always have it. Insatiable is his yearning to kneel for Sinestro, drop to the ground and offer all control. With his life in Sinestro's hands, Hal can stop thinking. Into relief, he can sink where Sinestro has every answer.
Mostly so he stays standing, Hal grasps for the hand that still has him by the throat. Perfect black nails stand out against his white gloves. Nuzzling for sensation, Hal turns his nose into Sinestro's wrist and up the protective guard on Sinestro's forearm. Given the chance, he'll shove Sinestro down and feel all of him.
For now, Hal just latches onto Sinestro's shoulders. "Come back with me," he requests. "If you're worried, I'll protect you. I won't betray you again."
Unable to let himself believe it, Sinestro wrenches his head away. "I will never trust you." It's a choked growl. "Whenever you suggest it, I ache to rip out your throat."
"But you haven't," Hal reminds. He's moving in on Sinestro. "Admit it. You miss me. You want this too." Losing his restraint, Hal's bordering on desperate as he grabs for any purchase. "There's nothing we can't do together."
Every lie Hal speaks is pretty enough to spellbind Sinestro, sending him into a world where Hal's willpower desires nothing but him. No well reasoned arguments are needed to awaken that longing when Hal is the lure. It hooks deeper into Sinestro than anything else, can never be doubted.
Lost in the fantasy, Sinestro's pulled into Hal. "Have you been thinking on it?"
When it comes, the response is swift and hard. "Every damn night."
Excitement flutters in Sinestro's chest and it's the strongest intoxication. Set alight is his craving for Hal to just take him away and destroy all his will in the process. Not only is Sinestro forced to search for how to deny Hal but he also needs to fight with himself.
No response is forthcoming from Sinestro, and Hal is aggrieved. "Won't you think about it? Or do you just hate me?"
There's an unmoving statue of a person before Hal and he needs to rip it out or shatter it to pieces. Though it's Hal's fault for battering against this brick wall, he still pushes Sinestro from him. The loss of contact is worse than he expected and he wants it back right away, can't keep his hands to himself.
Both of Hal's arms wrap around Sinestro's head, elbows cradling him, and Hal's nose slots perfectly alongside Sinestro's. There, Hal closes his eyes and absorbs the hot desert Earth scent that's all from himself.
Before Sinestro can do anything, Hal's making a gratified sound and rubbing his cheek against Sinestro's. Then he does the other side and underneath Sinestro's jaw and he's absolutely wild trying to leave some kind of impact.
Sinestro invites all of it onto him. Soaking in the marking, he's breathless, and he just wants to surrender to it. If it means he'll never have to let Hal go back to that dull life without him, he'll give anything, do anything, but there's nothing. Hal remains unattainable.
Despite the futility, Sinestro tries, "It is not my status as a Green Lantern you desire, Jordan. You want me. Join m-"
A hand slaps over Sinestro's mouth, silencing him. "Shut the hell up," is Hal's growl that's low and demanding with just a hint of teasing to offset that order.
There's no getting away from Hal, or his touch, or his presence, even if Sinestro wanted to. Green light, the light of Hal's will, is on Hal's fingertips, on Sinestro's lips, and Sinestro takes those fingers into his mouth. The taste is thick and warm.
Delicate and precise is the sensation of Sinestro's tongue as he licks up Hal's fingers. Just watching Sinestro appeases Hal. To imagine Sinestro doing it to another Lantern, whether enemy or ally, is difficult. Then again, Hal can't be sure. It's possible he's just the latest in a string of literal conquests.
Incensed possessiveness beseeches Hal to bind Sinestro down, wrap his arms around and squeeze. He can be the only Lantern Sinestro ever needs. Instead, Hal just withdraws his fingers and sucks them clean while Sinestro watches. None of it can distract Hal from what he wants, not when Sinestro is standing right in front of him.
"You joining me is the only way it can happen," Hal tells Sinestro. "If I join you, I'll be abandoning everyone I care about. I can't lose them."
A slight scowl creases Sinestro's brow. "I am the only friend you need," he declares but he moves on quickly enough and offers, "We abduct them. Force them to see reason."
It's so unrealistic that laughter bubbles up in Hal. "You get that I'll never let that happen, don't you? But you can't help it. You'd do something like that eventually and there won't be any oversight to stop you."
"Give me your oversight." The insistence from Sinestro is almost petulant as he traces a nail down Hal's chin. "I will take your opinion into consideration with every decision."
"You'd ignore me," Hal retorts. "I know how this plays out. The Justice League, we were in this other dimension... You ruined who I was there."
"How can I be blamed for the actions of another?" Sinestro is indignant. "He failed you. I will not."
Refusing to argue, Hal moves his head away, but Sinestro smothers back against him. The line of Hal's jaw is strong beneath Sinestro's fingers and he doesn't want it gone. If Sinestro only has to lie and murder to keep it, of course he will. The problem is no lie and no murder will get him Hal in the way he wants.
Sinestro's eyes close. "It will wreck me to be under the Guardians once more. Hosting Parallax was less stressful."
With personal experience in both areas, Hal knows it's quite the statement. So he can't argue, only insist, "Just try. I can help you, Thaal." He hesitates. "If you even want it. But you don't have to care. I'll still -"
One of Sinestro's hands envelops the side of Hal's head and Sinestro is curling over the Green Lantern he cares so much for. "I'd burn for your happiness."
Tight all through Sinestro's torso is the perfection he's lost to like he can't breathe unless it's for Hal. So irreversibly, he's craving the wreckage. Already ruined, he can just barely avoid grabbing Hal and begging him for destruction.
A thumb slips between Hal's lips and rubs against his upper gum. Overcome, Hal opens his mouth and mumbles against it, "Wouldn't you rather have control? World domination?"
Every part of Sinestro is presently narrowed in on Hal, admiring. "I'll have all of it."
"Giving Larfleeze a challenge." When Hal grabs back, Sinestro moves into him. It's a shuddering, all breath and wet. "Ophidian."
The accusation is swallowed by Sinestro and his skin is on fire. Everywhere is Hal, like a reverence. To be in Hal's thoughts, even as an antagonist, is better than apathy. Without it, Sinestro is nothing. He's weak and small like the Guardians were when he slaughtered most of them in cold blood.
Pressing the words into Hal's skin, Sinestro promises, "I'd offer all of it to you."
A soft breath brushes Sinestro's cheek as Hal laughs in his face. "Liar. You only want me in your Corps like some kind of collectible trophy to gloat over." The bitterness has no passion, only defeat. "You'll never trust me."
Granted, Hal will be the finest prize but Sinestro is wise enough not to say it. Nor does he say that he does have one level of trust in Hal, to make the right decisions and deny him so effortlessly even while he wants Hal to embrace him instead. He's starving for Hal's bad choices.
Nails rake down the side of Hal's face, leaving it stinging. "I'll write your name in the planets I destroy," Sinestro vows. "Every being will know it."
"No." The sound is strained while Hal is still latching onto Sinestro. "I don't want you to."
That constant denial wounds Sinestro. All Hal wants from him is the impossible, it seems. Sorely tempting is ripping Hal into tiny pieces over it but Sinestro has more self control than to perform such an emotional act. Instead, he'll cling to Hal and never let go.
The slim quiet figure is resting against Hal, face averted. For Hal to offer support is natural. It used to be he was the only thing Sinestro could rely upon, or so Hal thought. All his confidence about knowing Sinestro was shattered a long time ago and he's wary of ever being ignorant like that again.
"Do you regret it at all?" Hal's curious, tracing over the shape of Sinestro's ear. "You can't be happy with how it turned out. I just -"
When Hal falters, Sinestro knows he's caused this hurt, has broken down the Green Lantern recruit who needed him, respected him, and cared for him deeply. That's difficult to tolerate but Hal is refusing to let Sinestro fix it. This pain is continuing because Hal won't join Sinestro. It's unfair.
With a finger on Hal's lips, Sinestro presses their foreheads together. Carefully, he says, "I regret our meeting." There's a sense of relief that comes with the honesty.
As though he's been burned, Hal yanks back. Furiously hurt, he stares at Sinestro. "Don't say that to me. Not after everything you've put me through." It feels like a whole new betrayal, staking Hal through the heart. "You don't get to wish it away."
Faced with Hal's distress, Sinestro is patient. "Had we never met, you would not have suffered."
In an instant, they're nose to nose, and Hal is fierce. "Because I'd be dead without you. Is that what you want?"
Though Sinestro hesitates, he does concede in the end with a slight shake of his head. That brings him back against Hal with just one graze of skin having Sinestro sighing. Each touch is a tenfold escalation, seizing him in a quicksand he's desperate to suffocate in.
One firm hand grips Sinestro around his ribs, holding him fast so Hal can lean in against him. "For just a moment," Hal asserts, "I'd take all this a thousand times over." His breath is very warm on Sinestro's jaw. "Do I even get close to you coming with me?"
It's unbelievable for Hal to not realise what solely his presence is doing to Sinestro. "Hal Jordan." The name is caressed like a prayer. "You are always close."
Angst pangs through Hal and he worries his fingers through his hair. "What do I have to do?" He's tired of the mixed messages, like trying to follow a manual that's back to front and upside down. "There has to be something. Do you want me to beg? Is that it?" Onto one knee, Hal drops. "Please."
If getting on the ground is what it takes to change things, Hal will do it for Sinestro every time. That devotion is what makes it feel very natural.
The green light usually glowing around Hal has vanished but he's no less dangerous for it. A demon has spawned in Sinestro's head, whispering that the brutal demolition of everything he is for Hal's sake won't be so awful. There's a number of schemes he has, contingencies to keep Hal with him, and he can follow through on any of them.
Sucking in an anguished breath, Sinestro forces himself back. "Damn the Predator to the core of your blasted planet," he curses Hal.
A cold floor is beneath Hal's knees and there's a chill in the air. To be before Sinestro is warmth, but to have brought him down to this isn't satisfying at all.
Flickering over Sinestro is yellow light as he retreats from Hal. His fingers clutch to his ring like it's a talisman to ward off seductive Green Lanterns, or it's possible he's thinking of discarding it all. Underneath the trappings of an intergalactic war leader, Sinestro is just an exiled Korugarian with a whole load of issues who's been a friend to Hal through so much.
There's that frantic longing eternally as a part of Hal, tying up his every aspect in service to more of Sinestro. No one gets it like Sinestro does. With him, Hal feels safest, and he doesn't care that it's not supposed to be, that he's expected to grow up and move on. Everyone tells him it's not worth it. They're wrong.
The friendship Hal feels for Sinestro blazes brighter than anything else. Regardless of all, indomitable like the beat of his heart, Hal will keep choosing to fight for it and make Sinestro his first priority. He'll give everything he has now and in the future as well, for as long as Sinestro will have him and more.
Green light reflows over Hal's body as he stands. "Be my friend, Sin," he implores. "Know I'm yours."
"Of course," Sinestro says, like it's automatic and he doesn't even have to think about it before granting everything Hal is asking for.
It seizes in Hal's chest and draws a startled laugh from him. "It's that easy?"
With that ever so fragile hope in Hal's expression, the truth of the matter resonates through Sinestro. All he wants is to shower Hal in bliss, have Hal never doubt again and just keep looking to Sinestro for everything.
For Hal to be so incredulous is insulting. Universes more than to anyone else, Sinestro is hopelessly devoted. Every bit of that power and might and charm of Hal's can enslave the omniverse, just like he's stolen Sinestro's ability to be satisfied by anyone else. Of all, Hal is the only creature made perfect.
It's with worship that Sinestro catches Hal's hand and strokes the fingers. "Never doubt my consideration for you, Hal."
The way Hal has been sent into complete disarray by those uncomplicated words feels very unreal, but Hal's warm again too. In his chest, his heart is beating wildly fast. As Sinestro drops Hal's hand, it's an obsession, because Hal can't stop watching him. "When can I see you again?" The lovesick teenager impression Hal has of himself is very unappealing.
"Whenever you choose," Sinestro presents the answer for Hal. "I've been told I'm in constant need of discipline."
To process that interesting statement, Hal takes a moment. Likely, Sinestro is referring to Hal's habit of chasing him around to arrest him for criminal activity. It can't be intentional Sinestro's made it sound like he needs to be shoved down and told to beg for forgiveness.
After a quick cough to clear his throat, Hal says, "I know I've never phrased it like that."
Gold eyes consider Hal and Sinestro's smirking. "A pity," is his comment, unbalancing Hal. "My home is always open to you."
"Do you have an actual house?" Hal's immediately distracted. Up until now, he hasn't realised his impression of where Sinestro lives is just a giant throne with Yellow Lantern servants waiting on his every whim.
It's demanding but also coy as Sinestro pushes forward. "Join me there and I can show you."
They're headed back to dangerous territory, getting a grimace from Hal. "Not a good idea," he turns Sinestro down. "That's open season on you trying to recruit me. It's how you got Soranik."
Acknowledging Hal's concerns, Sinestro inclines his head but he has to have the last word, "You will regret this."
"Maybe you're right," Hal muses. "I'll think back on it and realise everything I said was terribly uncool. How's Sinestro going to like me now? I'm asking the ceiling. Do you know how many crises I had over you?"
A soft sensation smoulders in Sinestro and he blinks. "You flatter me," he's flirtatious, playing with Hal to cover the sincerity. More familiar are those who beg for his power and mercy, not for him to like them.
Huffing, Hal turns his gaze to the sky but really he's hiding the smile twitching at his lips. Contentment eases through his body because bantering with Sinestro is too much fun. The real world has slipped away, a wonderful relief, and Hal wants nothing else forever.
High on the feeling, Hal drinks in Sinestro. "Come see me some time," he urges. "No Earth. Just roaming the stars. It'll be fun."
That total lack of tension in Hal has inspired Sinestro into relaxation too and with it comes his ability to admit, "Our time together was... not unwelcome."
Ridiculously, that's the entire world to Hal, and he grabs for it. "Let's do that. You know we could both leave now, together. Forget about them. Just you, and me, and our friendship. Nothing else has to matter."
The way Hal bewitches Sinestro is insidious. It's much more dangerous than the request for Sinestro to return as a Green Lantern. Though Sinestro can't, he's left coveting, thinking about how he has ensured he can leave his own Corps whenever for this very reason. That's selfish and weak, and the universe will crash into disorder with their absence.
"What of your Corps?" Sinestro parries. "My Corps? No." He holds up a hand to stop Hal from speaking on the matter further. "Be quiet."
Under Hal's scrutiny, that fierce devotion directed at him, Sinestro is vulnerable. All paths lead to agony, and especially the path Hal is just unwise enough to take them into where Sinestro will inevitably do something unforgivable and hurt his friend for the last time. They cannot forsake their duty for a tragedy.
Nothing else is said by Sinestro and Hal's mood dips. "Do you want me to beg for this too?"
That sadness in Hal tugs at Sinestro's chest like his arteries are being ripped out and he reaches to cup Hal's shoulder. "Let us focus on the present while I have you here." He pauses. "I manipulated Stewart so he would not trust you."
Startled, Hal laughs. "Should I have seen that coming? Let me guess: You're not telling me because of a sudden change of heart in your ethics, are you?"
The suggestion offends Sinestro. "Of course not. Stewart made his choice. I merely nudged him towards it. If you intend to confront him over the issues we discussed, he may become aware of that small detail... I will not let him turn you against me."
"Like you just tried to do to him?" Blatant is Sinestro's hypocrisy but Hal is used to it. "Never change, will you?"
As Sinestro's composing his answer, his arms are suddenly full of human. Hal has thrown himself at Sinestro. The grip is hard and warm, engulfing Sinestro like a thick blanket and destroying any sense of coherency he has.
Still as a statue, Sinestro's taking a moment to absorb it all. Hal nuzzles against him and says, "You can hug me back. If you want. I don't mind."
There's a feather light touch on Hal's back before Sinestro wraps an arm around him, bringing them closer together. Gratefully, Hal relaxes into it. That wondrous tranquility embraces him and he's very prepared to welcome a knife between the ribs so he can keep it. Nothing about his enchantment by Sinestro is ever going to lessen.
"Lord Sinestro." The interruption of Sinestro's Lanterns returning to the scene has Hal honestly wanting to commit murder.
Those steadying arms are still enclosed around Sinestro and he's not finished soaking it in, will never be finished. Burying his fingers in Hal's hair, he's requiring more. Scenting along Hal's neck, he's thinking of how to devour Hal into his chest and simply be with him. That's when Sinestro snatches himself away, abrupt like ripping off a bandage.
Presented to Hal is the curve of Sinestro's spine and Hal's missing it already. "That's it? No goodbye kiss?"
Like a spring snapping back into its natural state, Sinestro's flush on Hal once more. It's somehow even better than previously. Light fingertips caress the side of Hal's face and he's pulled in for the incredibly soft brush of lips on his cheek, like petals and butterflies and everything fluffy he usually hates. There's nothing even a little suffocating about it.
As Hal has to watch Sinestro walk away from him with those unworthy Yellow Lanterns trailing behind, the jealousy does wild things to his head. They're nothing yet they get to be where Hal can't, settled in at Sinestro's side. He's not sure how he's going to keep tolerating it.
Some of the Lanterns toss scowls to Hal and it takes him a moment to realise why. Vindictively satisfied, he smirks back. They'll never replace him. They won't ever get close.
