All that glitters
All that glitters is not gold.
He knew this when he first saw the pristine shine of the lab.
He knew this when he heard a soft whir and a light appeared behind him.
He knew this when he woke up to the bright fluorescent lights of a hospital.
He knew this when he watched his friends faces light up upon hearing about his newfound abilities.
He knew this when he stared down the barrel of a glowing gun that should have been harmless.
He knew this when he came home late enough to see the sun dancing on the horizon.
He knew this when he watched his once bright future turn dull and lifeless.
He knew this when he saw the insane gleam in the eyes of his future self.
He knew this when he capped the thermos, ensuring those eyes would never see the light of day.
He knew this when he closed the door on his family, not letting them see the tears shimmering on his cheeks.
He knew this when he tossed his phone across the room, ignoring the concerned texts lighting up the screen.
He knew this when he woke up screaming from the image of red eyes stealing the light from amethyst ones seared into his mind.
He knew this when she staunched the flow of shiny red liquid flowing from his unconscious form.
He knew this when her familiar smile chased the darkness away.
He knew this when they watched the sunset from the rooftops.
He knew this when they posed together for a graduation picture and her radiance put the sun to shame.
He knew this when, years later, he pulled the ring from his pocket and knelt on one knee.
He understood this when he responded to the sound of gunfire that darkened the once bright room.
He understood this when he raced in front of her and returned fire.
He understood this when he fell in sync with the shooter.
He understood this when he ensured her light wouldn't burn out.
He understood this when he watched everything fade but the light in her eyes.
He understood this when he stole one last kiss.
He understood this when he closed his eyes.
He understood this when he pictured her bright smile.
He understood this when he died with one of his own.
Almost nothing that glitters is gold, but she had been all the wealth he had ever needed.