Chapter Text
It begins just past twilight, when violet still clings to the west as if it knows this to be its final chance. The first bursts on the horizon light up the evening like fireworks.
Metropolis burns like candles on a birthday cake. Smallville curves into the sky like a parachute.
"Was it worth it?" Clark asks quietly, watching from beyond. He can't say whether he's talking to himself or to Lex, who, of course, isn't there.
It's too late to wonder if he could have changed things. It's much too late to ask which of them is truly to blame.