Inspired by this lovely post by @imsorrybruce
"What is the meaning of this " Batman grunted from his seat
Hal huffed at Batman's tone and flipped one of the rocks- Purple, reflective and every side looked like a brand new ocean wave, a never ending tide-
"what, didn't you want to take a sample to study from Za'hrat ? Here's your sample" Hal imagines Batman's eyes must be narrowed behind the white lenses
___
Three months ago Hal Jordan found himself stumbling into a red sun planet called Za'hrat with Batman, courtesy of a mission that needed the justice league's detective and a Green Lantern.
When they landed Bruce stood with his boots in the sand , he stared straight ahead at the endless blue clouds drizzling softly , he was curious of what the rain's color would be so he lifted a hand , he was pleasantly surprised to find the drops painting his glove an opaque light blue reminiscent of the hue their own sky held , he had never seen water this color.
His obvious wonder and repressed fascination with the discovery made Hal smirk, he knew Batman would appreciate Za'hrat's beauty.
It's one of Hal's favorite planets to stop by. the orange skies behind pale blue clouds made for a beautiful picture , when flowers as Dark as the night sky bloomed in their season
the soft petals always reminded Hal of a one dark knight's cape
He just wished Bruce could've seen it.
"Hal, focus." All the thoughts of softness left his mind and pulled into sudden clarity when Batman presented him with a Rock, a very fuzzy rock. " scan This with your ring," huh? Hal's confused expression met Batman's blank, cowled face , he shrugged and moved to scan the Rock , only then did he notice Batman using his cape as a makeshift bag, storing multiple types of shiny star filled Rocks and solid spheres. holding it close to his chest protectively
His chest expanded in fondness at the sight , he couldn't pretend to say no " Sure."
Hal very much didn't know that the very safe rocks on Za'hrat are spiritual and connected to their home planet, the people of Za'hrat were kind in their rejection and refusal to allow Batman to carry seven samples back to earth. Even the suggestion of one sample was met with a firm no. It was strange to Hal
The Zu'hoor always allowed Him to take souvenirs out of the planet itself.
His chest puffed with pride at besting Batman this time
Hal turned to Bruce with his words on the tip of his tongue, the slight sag in Bruce's shoulders made him hesitate and the joke he was about to say a far away thought now, Bruce looked fine. He looks like he always did , but Hal can't bring himself to joke about it this time
The ride back to the watchtower was silent
___
"do you want it or not?" Hal put down the purple Rock for a Teal colored one, with the pattern not unlike Mint running like veins across the middle , rubbing his thumb roughly on its surface, the hints of uncertainty in his voice well hidden "just so you know I worked my butt off to get these," for you.
As if Batman read his thoughts, his earlier gruffness disappeared and For a second Hal almost believed that Batman blushed under the cowl. he grunted, and then reached for the black colored one, with sharp edges and tiny stars scattered around all over it like a version of the Galaxy, pressed by ground to mimic what's beyond the skies. this too, reminded him of Bruce
Bruce sighed and pushed the cowl back to reveal his face, more beautiful than any sight Hal's eyes fell on- tinted with the faintest pink high on his cheekbones he smiled at him and Hal felt his own cheeks heat up.
Bruce's mouth curved into a soft smile, finally looking up from the dark pebble in his hand "Hal," his eyes met Hal's , the lantern's breath hitched "Thank you."
Fuck