Memories:

[lanternslight]

It's not common for rainstorms to hit Coast City this time of year, but today is an exception. Henry's sleeping over at his uncle's house tonight due to a late night handling Green Lantern business, and Hal Jordan is left standing on his balcony, staring up at the rain coming down.

And he's thinking.

He remembers meeting Carol as a child. He

Comments

[carol_ferris]

Carol wasn't sleeping all that well thanks to the stupid bet. There'd been a time she could've been a happy bride with Hal as the groom, but their history couldn't be worse. She was beginning to believe Hal was right. She would blink first but not for the reasons he thought. It would simply hurt too much to be married on a bet and not really wanted.

The tapping at the window didn't have to be loud to rouse her from a fitful sleep. She threw back the covers and went to the window. At the sight of Hal, she didn't have the heart to glare. Now she couldn't accuse him of make her a public joke. He could jilt her in private and maybe she could get some sleep.

She opened the window without a word.

[carol_ferris]

"I'm afraid so, but we could do it again that evening, just you and me, Henry, a couple of witnesses, justice of the peace. Henry can give you away."

[lanternslight]

He laughs again. "Sounds like a plan." He ponders a moment, then smirks. "Of course, with the betting pools going around, we could mess with everyone's day..."

[carol_ferris]

She nudged him with her elbow. "You're the reason why there are betting pools going around."

[lanternslight]

"Oh, you've got your share of bets, too," Hal smirks.

[carol_ferris]

"Not without you, Flyboy. Unless they're betting I'll toss you off the roof."

[lanternslight]

He laughs, then leans over and kisses her. "So. Wednesday, then."

[carol_ferris]

Carol wound her arms around his neck. "Do not test me, Jordan. I will do something very painful to you if you don't show up."

[lanternslight]

"I'll be there. Apparently in costume, but with a tux ready for later. I've got Hugh to officiate. The bachelor party, at this point, is an unstoppable force, planned by Guy and Ollie, which will happen no matter what." He wraps his arms around her waist. "Carol... I don't say it often... but I do love you."

It's still not easy to say. But he says the words anyway... and he means them.

[carol_ferris]

"I love you too, Hal." The words were easier for her. "You better behave yourself at that party."

[lanternslight]

He laughs. "It's being arranged by Guy and Ollie," he repeats. "I can only promise so much. Hopefully, no one will get arrested."

[carol_ferris]

"Let me spell it out for you, Mr. Jordan. Any pictures of you cavorting with strippers show up and I'll marry you, get Henry, and then make you a very sorry superhero." Kidding, sort of.

[lanternslight]

"Got it. Take cameras away from everyone."

He's also kidding. Mostly.

[carol_ferris]

"I know, impossible to avoid." Carol leaned her head againt Hal's shoulder. "So what's this idea you have to mess with everyone?"

[lanternslight]

"Just finding out whatever has the worst odds, betting on each other to do exactly that, and then making it happen." He shrugs. "I was mostly kidding. But it would teach them to think they could predict either one of us."

[carol_ferris]

"They will always try to predict you. However, as my share of the pay per view deal is thirty percent, I think we'll make plenty off them. The world will go to Hell in our handbasket, you know. It won't go smoothly."