Lex came back to life with a jolt, eyes opening to a world suddenly filled with promise. A strangely familiar boy knelt by his side - black hair, green eyes, red lips - his guardian angel.

"I could have sworn I hit you."

The boy gave the bridge behind them a frightened look. "But... that's impossible, isn't it?"

"No more impossible than that I'm still alive." He reached up to touch his angel's face, wondering if this was all just a dream. His thumb stroked gently across the chiseled cheekbones. Despite the chill of wet clothes, he'd never felt warmer. He whispered, "Thank you."

The strain on the boy's face eased as he leaned in to Lex's touch. He gave a shy smile and Lex felt like the sun had come out. His thumb moved to the boy's lips, a promise for the future. "It's a new beginning. A second chance."

This time, things would be different.