You say it's your birthday

[3x2_9yz_4a]

Everything has been set up at the brownstone, on this clear crisp day in April.

With Ma Hunkel's assistance, food had been prepared, along with a BBQ currently heating up and sending scented smoke up into the air.

And invitations had been sent out to everyone that Jesse could think of, that simply said, Come help us celebrate the birthday of one

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[lanterns_light]

A green butler tray appears in front of Jesse, bearing a warm piece of her favorite pie, a scoop of ice cream, and a tall glass of milk.

[3x2_9yz_4a]

"My hero!" The plate and glass get removed as Jesse shoots a grateful look at Alan.

Who says that dessert can't go first? Jesse works her way through and sits down at one of the round tables set up here and there on the Brownstone lawn, taking a deep drink from the milk before setting it on the table.

The pie gets attacked next, as she sighs in delight.

[lanterns_light]

Alan sends a wink over to the daughter of two much-loved friends and then sits back, arms cross, smiling at the gathering of so many cherished people celebrating the life of his best friend.

[anaturalgreen]

"Whaddaya think you're doing, resting."

Two slender green arms reach around his shoulders to give him a hug, and then Jennie smooches him on the cheek, crouching next to his chair.

[lanterns_light]

"Why, hello there, Miss Jennie-Lynn," says the first Green Lantern as he embraces his daughter close. "I don't know how you manage it."

[anaturalgreen]

"Manage what, being fabulous? It obviously runs in the family." She looks up at her father, obvious affection in her eyes.

[lanterns_light]

"Getting more beautiful every time I see you, of course." Alan takes her chin in his hand and smiles with paternal joy and pride. "So since you never call or write, I should take this moment to ask how you're doing."

[anaturalgreen]

"Lots of sun and good living, then." She moves from his side and plops into the chair next to him, curling her legs under her.

"Job is going well... both of them. I got to save some heroes from a shiny disco ball, which was pretty damn cool. I got to meet Kyle's new girlfriend, which was awkward."

Best winsome smile, and maybe he'll just skip over the, So who are you seeing now? questions.

"And what about you and Molly?"

[lanterns_light]

Paternal pride and joy, yes, but also paternal observation. Alan raises a cup of coffee to drink in silent contemplation, then murmurs, "She's running the company with a firm and steady hand, of course. I haven't spoken to Kyle in a while; I think he might be afraid of what I'll say. Imagine, someone I love worrying about what an old man like me might have to say."

[anaturalgreen]

"Mmm, imagine that. You're a big softie -- why would anyone not want to tell you everything?"

Because nobody wants to disappoint you, is why.

[lanterns_light]

"Because you're worried about disapproval. You are one of the gutsiest women I know, Jennie, and for some reason I terrify you when you think I'm not going to like what you have to say."

[anaturalgreen]

A flush turns her cheeks a darker shade of green, and Jennie ducks her head.

"Is it so hard to see why that'd be, though?"

[lanterns_light]

Alan reaches for Jennie's hand as he remarks, "Well, a man would like to think he doesn't intimidate his daughter. You can talk to me about anything, you know."

[anaturalgreen]

She lets him take her hand, focusing on his weathered skin and the light glinting from the Lantern ring.

This is her father, whom she loves with all of her heart.

"So Kyle called... asking for help. That whole thing with the disco ball, folks disappearing."

Focus on his hand.

"I get there, and find out he's all worried because it's his girlfriend that's gone missing. And I get to find this out in front of Guy, of all people. Who probably laughin' in his beer about the whole thing."

[lanterns_light]

"Now, Jennie, Guy can appear a little rough around the edges sometime, but he's a good man, despite what your stepmother thinks of him. He just doesn't know how to show people he cares." Alan clears his throat, looking at the hand he holds, such a small thing in his grip. "You and Kyle have had a tempestuous history, and your friends and family know that. It will get better in time. You'll meet someone new."

[anaturalgreen]

"I really think he just doesn't care for me at all. Doesn't mean he's not a good man, though."

Her eyes glance over at Rick, and then back to her father.

"Kinda already got the meeting someone new part done and over with..."