Hey all. Here I am again with the next part of Dreams of an Angel. Yup. I'm so sick of studying, I don't give a damn about what will happen from now onwards. Heh heh. Naah. I just have some free time on my hand so I thought what the hell! I might as well do some writing. Anyway, here it is. Comments and suggestions are deeply appreciated and for all those who have been very supportive and giving such cool feedbacks and all, you guys (and gals) are the BEST!
Onwards to the boring part! Legal matters! Hehehe. You can press 'fast-forward' now.
Well, first of all, this story, as you will certainly find out soon, is TOTALLY fictional. So! If any of you truly believe in it... well, my brother is studying psychiatry right now for his final medical examination in April, so maybe I'll just refer you to him. You'd make a good delusional subject. Secondly! None of the guys in the Backstreet Boys are gay! (No matter how hard I wished it :P). But nobody say we couldn't dream it, heh heh. Thirdly, Warren Worthington is actually a character from Marvel Comics, X-men known as Angel or recently Archangel. Okay fine, I admit it. I'm bored and I am making a pathetic attempt to make life a lil' bit interesting. Its not like I'm gonna publish it or something. What else to talk about hmm? Oh, there may be some adult gay scenes in this story. Unlike my brother, I don't mind writing naughty stuff ;) so! If you're underage, naughty, naughty! I can only ask you to go away, but I cannot do anything else to stop you from reading on anyway. Hell! I've been sneaking into the internet to watch gay porns since I was 13! So, if your parents or whoever responsible for you catch you, don't say I didn't warned you. However, if you're homophobic... well maybe I can seduce you enough to turn you around heh heh. I do so love a challenge ;)
Anyway, enough talk. Any comments or boos or suggestion or whatever, just sent it to the same address as in NNTs, goldenknightuk@yahoo.co.uk . Yeah, we shared the same address. Don't ask. Long story.
Okay then! On to the show. Now, don't be shy now. If you got any comments or suggestions, just drop me a note. You do the request, and I'll do the show.
Andy
"Hey, AJ, buddy, mind waiting for me here for a sec? I need to go to the washroom."
"Sure, D. Take your time," said AJ as he put on his sunglasses and cap to reduce the chances of anyone recognizing them.
Howie nodded and walked off towards the nearest toilet. They arrived in New York about half an hour ago and although the trip was calm and uneventful, he still felt weary. And the memory of the whole incident with Warren before they left LA does not help matters at all.
He walked into the washroom and stood before the mirror, taking out his mobile phone. He feels a bit guilty for leaving AJ in the dark, but he got to do this alone. AJ is a good friend, but Howie knew that he is smarter than he looks. AJ doesn't mind mutants at all but at least he is smart enough not to have any dealings with them. That's good enough in Howie's book as far as the 'Don't mind mutants' part goes. Howie does have some degree of tolerance when it comes to other people opinions. But even tolerance has its limits. And helping and supporting mutants - like what that guy, Warren, did - that cannot be tolerated.
He dialed a number and waited impatiently as it rings away. He has to get Nick away from Warren. He will not let Nick ended up like Jessica. He wouldn't!!
"Hello? Kirk Henrickson speaking."
"Kirk? It's me, Howie."
"Howie. What's up?"
"I need a favor, Kirk."
"Anything, my friend. What do you need?"
"I want access to every scrap of information concerning Warren Worthington the Third. You told me 'The Right' has done a little bit of research on him, right?"
"Indeed we do. But not everything. The little shit is quite good at remaining low."
"Well, give me all you got."
"I'll have his data file ready on my desk as soon as you get here."
"Good."
"Anything else that you need?"
"No, that'll be all for the moment. See you in a bit."
Howie hangs up the phone and walked towards the door, deep in thought. There are only two possibilities he could come up with when it comes to people who supports mutants. One would be that that person simply support them and serve as an ally - in another word, a betrayer to humankind. The other would be that the person is a mutant himself. The first is... tolerable. Whoever the person is, he or she can be 'persuaded' to turn the other way. The second is... inexcusable. Warren had better not be the latter, or there'll be hell to pay...
"Warren?"
The man opened his eyes tiredly and smiled as he saw Nick's flawless face staring down at him, smiling pitifully.
"Hey, Nick. Come to watch me in my misery?" Warren smiled back.
"Board meeting from hell, huh?" Nicks chuckled as he sat beside the man.
"With little devils dancing around jeering at you." Warren replied as he smiled. "So how can this poor tired little angel serve you?"
He reaches out for a bottle of red wine from the nearby table.
"Wine?"
"That'd be nice. Thanks." Nick replied and took the offered wineglass. Leaning on his own seat, he sipped the drink and rested his head blissfully.
"Well, for starters, you can drop that illusion and be yourself. There's no one here but Jubilee. I don't know about Jube, but I love looking at those wings and that blue skin of yours."
Warren laughed at that and proceeds to switch off the image inducers. Nick let go of the breath he's been holding as he saw those wings again. He will never get tired of it! Those wings simply fascinate him!!
"The wings, maybe. Everyone seems to like them. But not the blue skin. C'mon, Nick. It's ugly."
Nick frowned at him upon hearing those words. How could the man think of himself as ugly? That's inexcusable! The blue skin actually makes him looks... unique. Exotic. And together with those wings and blond hair... He's simply gorgeous!
"You're not ugly, Warren. You're beautiful. So quit the self pity." To emphasize his words, Nick reaches his mind out and allows Warren to feel his sincerity. He's beginning to get the hang of this empathy thingy.
Warren was stunned at Nick's words and sincerity. He has always thought he looks like a monster ever since he acquired the blue skin. It was a gift from Apocalypse and he loathes anything that reminds him of Apocalypse. Most people avoid talking about his blue skin, thinking that it might open up old wounds. The avoidance however gave him a different idea, sadly. He began to think that people avoids talking about his blue skin simply because they are trying to be polite and telling how ugly he is simply wouldn't do.
"You think it's... beautiful?" Warren asked softly.
"It makes you looks... unique." Nick blushed as he forced himself to say that. "Like a... peace of art. I like it actually."
Silence stretched on with Warren looking at him with a stunned expression. Slowly, Warren looked at his hands as if trying to examine the blue skin for the first time. Never before did anyone tell him that it looks beautiful. He was beautiful long ago before Apocalypse changed him and he got so used to that. He looked at Nick quietly for a moment or two, not quite knowing what to say.
Nick has helped him with his nightmare this morning, and to Warren, that is a favor he couldn't ever repay. Nick has no idea how much that means to Warren. Nights after nights, his memories of the past assaulted him, stealing away his sleep. For months, he has suffered alone. Jean knew, and Warren was pretty sure Betsy knew too. She is after all, a telepath. But he couldn't turn to Jean. He couldn't let anyone see him in that state. His shame. His fear. He tried to kill Jean, and eventhough Jean and the others forgave him for it, that is not enough to makes him forgive himself. It's not enough to make him forget the memories.
He had hoped Betsy would help him. He had hope Betsy would be his salvation. But Betsy didn't want to have anything to do with it. She hates weakness. She was perfectly happy with the old, proud and arrogant Warren... and this one weakness simply disgusted her. She didn't say it aloud and she never even showed it. But Warren can tell just by looking at her face as she looked at him impatiently. Betsy is a proud woman. Her brother is a multi-billionaire too, just like Warren, and the Braddock family has always been proud of their wealth and noble heritage that goes a long way throughout the history of Britain.
Warren was not surprise when she left him. He actually expected her to leave him mainly because she doesn't really needs him. Warren wanted someone he could love and care, but Betsy doesn't need that. What actually stings his heart was the fact that she left him when he needed her most. Warren has felt and witnessed many betrayals in the past, but never as cruel as this. He had heard of various rumors and murmurs amongst the X-men, particularly from Jean and Rogue, of how cold Betsy could be and that Warren would only get himself hurt one day for falling in love with her... but Warren never believed that. Betsy is cold deep down in her heart, but that is her nature. Everyone is entitled to have his or her own personality. Logan is feral deep down in his soul and it'd be only a matter of time before his animalistic urges turned him against the team. Remy is sly in nature and such thing is expected from a thief. Rogue has a more than one personality within her. One is good and the other is wild. Even Jean holds the essence of the dark phoenix within her. So why couldn't Betsy be cold?
He had hoped Betsy would eventually returned his love. But he never expected her to betray him so cruelly like this. He had hoped... and believed the illusion of a wonderful dream... and ended up falling to the ground.
But then, Nick came into his life... and he has fallen in love again. Is this an illusion too? Dare he hoped again? The promise Nick made to him in the morning means more to Warren that anyone could ever imagine. He truly did suffer alone for so long that the hope of someone out there understanding how he felt and what he is going through seems like a mocking dream now - dream that is so near and yet out of his reach. But Nick did know what he was going through at the time. Could Warren trust him or will Nick betray him like Betsy did?
He dimly remembered how he admitted to himself that he has fallen in love with the young man and looking at Nick's blushing face... he quickly make sure his shield is tightly intact to ensure none of his feelings towards Nick leaks out. Nick's straight and if Warren couldn't have his love, then at least he have his friendship and that's more than what he could bargain for.
Nick looked up when he felt Warren grasping his hand.
"Thanks, Nick." Warren spoke softly at last. "That really means a lot to me."
Nicks simply smiled and grasped back.
"Jube is brooding." Said Nick, trying to change the subject.
Warren looked at her sadly.
"Howie's words really hurt her feelings. She really loves you guys, you see. But listening at Howie makes her remember all the hardship she has to endure in her own past. She had a hard time too. Just leave her alone. She'll be all right soon."
"She told me about her past." Said Nick. "How could her parents turn her out into the street like that? That's cruel."
Warren simply shook his head at Nick's naivety.
"It's a crazy world out there, Nick. There are all sort of things happening out there that you wouldn't even dream of. Jube's childhood life is pale compared to some of the things I've come across. Believe me."
Nick only listen in thoughtful silence as he stares out of the window.
'It's a crazy world out there.' Both Jubilee and Warren have said that and deep inside, Nick shivered slightly. Ever since he learned that he's a mutant, his whole world seems to be changing. His whole life is turning into a totally new direction. What kind of life is he going to lead now?
The captain's voice emanating from the speaker shatters the silence however, thankfully. The plane is descending and they'll be arriving at Westchester soon. Silently, Nick buckled his seatbelt and leaned back on his seat. He's leaving his old life, and is about to embark into a new one. His whole world is changing and it feels like he's about to start everything again from the very beginning. There's a whole new world to explore before him. A 'crazy world' as Warren and Jubilee mentioned. Is he strong enough to survive it? Only time will tell.
The landing was as smooth as any plane ride Nick had in the past, and as the plane slowly makes its way to a stop, Nick couldn't help wondering what the rest of the guys are doing at this very moment. He finds himself wishing Brian were here with him right now. But he dismisses the thought as quickly as it came. Married couple should be left alone as long as possible.
He got up from his seat and start gathering his stuff together. Warren is already up and about; gathering his notes and laptop and whatnot but then, the flight attendant emerges from the cockpit and quietly informed Warren to see the captain. The two men walked past Jubilee who is also gathering her stuff and disappeared into the cockpit.
Nick picks up his bags and walked to the front. He smiled as Jubilee looked up at him.
"Hey Jube. Feeling better?"
The girl gave him a small smile in return.
"Yeah. Nick, I'm... I'm sorry for being nasty to you earlier. I... I was kinda upset... you know... with the whole incidence with Howie and all..."
"Hey, it's cool, okay?" Nick replied. "Just remember that the rest of the guys do not share his opinion. And... well... I certainly don't."
Jubilee simply smiled and nodded.
"So you're ready to meet the others?"
Mustering his courage, Nick forced himself to grin and nodded.
"Hope they won't be too hard on newbies."
This time its Jubilee's turn to grin.
"Hmm... we shall see."
"Care to tell me a little about these people so that I have some idea who I'm dealing with?"
"Well, you've already met Jean and Hank. The team leader is Scott, Jean's husband and he... well... the best way to imagine him is to take 10 Kevins and squash them all into one."
Nick whistled as he heard that.
"That tight, huh?"
"You have no idea." Jubilee laughed before continuing. "Then, there's Ororo, our 'number 2'. She's quiet most of the time, but when she's mad, you can expect lightning, thunder and maybe a little bit of hurricane winds. She has the ability to manipulate the weather. Then, there's ole grumpy Logan. Don't let his growl and scowl bother you too much. He's like that to everyone, but he got a good heart. Then there's Bobby Drake, the cheerful Iceman. If his pranks bother you too much, just spray him with some water. Hmm... who else? Oh yeah, Rogue and Remy. Be careful not to touch Rogue's skin. She has the ability to absorb your power and personality. Remy is our friendly Cajun thief and a damn good one at that. So watch your stuff. Then there's the professor. He's really cool and you can trust him. Betsy is the other telepath in the team. She can be a bit creepy whenever she's around, but don't let that bother you too much. I don't think there's anyone else around at the moment. Kurt and some of the others are away at Muire Island."
"Sounds like a big happy family." Said Nick.
"A li'l demented, but yeah... happy." Said Jubilee. "They're the only family I got, now. You should have seen us last Christmas. Bobby and Remy planned a Christmas prank by putting some alcohol into the punch and then Scott, who privately decided that a li'l bit of alcohol would do us all good that night, put in some more. Then the professor also thought it'd be good to put in some too. And then Hank did the same too. You should have seen the state everyone was an hour after that!"
The flight attendant threw open the door at that moment, and the two walked outside, breathing in the fresh air deeply as they did. On the ground, Nick saw a sandy-haired man in about his mid-20's standing next to a car, waiting for them.
"Bobby!!"
Robert 'Bobby' Drake, also known as the Iceman, smiled widely and waved at them. Jubilee rushed to him and gave him a huge hug.
"Hey, hey, you li'l runt. Missed me, did ya?" Bobby laughed.
"Oooh! You should have come along. Warren can be so dull and forbidding sometimes. You know he locked out all the porns channel just so that I cannot watch them?"
"Aww, poor baby." Bobby laughed. "But at least you enjoyed the concert... or so I heard from Jean and Hank."
He looked at Nick and grinned.
"You even manage to kidnap one of them and brings him back home with you!" He continued, "Hi, I'm Bobby. Jean told us about you. Nice to finally meet you."
"Pleased to me you too. Warren told me about you too." Nick greeted in return as he shook the man's hand.
"All good, I hope. Or else, I have a whole bucket load of stuff I can tell you about him!" Bobby replied cheerfully. "Where's that li'l bird brain anyway?"
"He's still in the plane, talking to the pilots... no wait, here he is. Hey Warren! Over here!" Jubilee shouted.
Nick turned and saw Warren stepping out of the plane. His image-inducer is on. The fading evening sunlight from the horizon appears to make his golden hair seems alive for some reason. Warren looked up and his gaze fell on Bobby.
"Bobby!!" he shouted and rushed towards the man.
"Wings! How are you doing, you arrogant li'l peacock!" Bobby laughed before being enveloped into a huge hug. "Aaaah!! Not too hard! Not too hard. I need to breathe!"
"I'll be happier once I'm back at the mansion. I'm sick of hiding behind this illusion." Said Warren. "Hey, you've met Nick?"
"Yeah. The professor is curious about your potential, Nick. He wanted to come along to greet you but Hank needs him in the lab." Said Bobby as he led them all into the car.
"He's not gonna dissect me or something, is he?" Nick asked as they drove off with Bobby on the wheels.
"Hmm... I dunno about that. Scientists are a weird bunch. Hank would..." Bobby taunted right before Warren interrupted him.
"Bobby! Stop taunting him. No, Nick. He's not gonna dissect you." Warren said firmly.
"See what I mean, Bobby? Warren can be sooo dull sometimes." Said Jubilee.
"Of course he's dull, Jube. With all those shares and business thoughts in that little bird brain of his, it leaves little space for fun." Bobby replied.
"Ah! So Professor Bobby has spoken his mind at last!" Said Warren dryly.
"Very funny. So tell me a li'l bit about yourself, Nick. You like Twinkies?" Bobby asked.
"I love Twinkies!!" Nick exclaimed causing Warren and Jubilee to groaned loudly and Bobby grinned widely.
"Oh dear God! Not another one!!" said Warren.
"Greetings, Twinkie brother!!" said Bobby. "Hank and I are organizing a Twinkie run soon at Harry's to celebrate your arrival. Not tonight though... but soon. So be prepared! There will be no warning. We'll just grab you someday and go."
"Harry's?" asked Nick.
At the same time they drove pass a small pub beside the road.
"That's Harry's Tavern." said Warren, pointing to the pub. "We usually hang out there when we got sick of being cooped up at the mansion."
"We've been hanging out there since around the time the X-men were created and the place means a lot to us. Even after it was destroyed in an attack some years ago, Warren actually donated his own money to have it rebuilt again." Said Bobby.
"That place hold a lot of memories, okay." Said Warren. "Even Xavier is fond of the place. Hell! You even met your first boyfriend there."
"Oh God please! Don't remind me of that little slut." Bobby groaned even as Warren laughed. "What was I thinking hooking up with him?"
"Boyfriend?" asked Nick.
"Oh, Bobby is bisexual, Nick. Hope you don't mind." Said Warren.
"Blame the team!" Bobby laughed again. "Of all the girls there, all of them are either married, taken, weird or babies. A guy need release too you know!"
"Babies??!!" Jubilee said indignantly. "I'm 18, you ass! With a gorgeous body anyone would die for."
"No, Bobby, I don't mind at all. Woo me time and again and I might even get flattered." Nick smiled.
Bobby laughed happily.
"Oh wow! A gorgeous boyband singer giving me an invitation! Me-ow-ow!!"
His remarks caused everyone in the car to laugh. Nick leaned back against in seat. The cheerful emotions running off from their mind are really relaxing. Nick actually felt calm and relaxed. The fact that Bobby is bi doesn't bother him at all. Maybe he could talk to Bobby about his feelings he has on Warren.
"What about Storm? She's still single." Said Jubilee.
"That moody old weather witch? Are you crazy? She'd probably zap me with a lightning bolt the first time we have a lover's quarrel." Bobby replied.
"There's also Betsy... oh! Umm... sorry." Said Jubilee apologetically.
Nick looked up as he felt a touch of sadness from Warren's mind. Who's Betsy?
"Warren, you okay?" he asked curiously.
The flow of emotions from Warren immediately ceased as Warren slammed up his mental shield tightly. He smiled at Nick.
"Yeah, I'm fine. How's Betsy doing, Bobby?" said Warren.
"Umm... she doing okay, Wings." Bobby replied hesitantly. "She going off to her penthouse in London tomorrow. She said she needed to spend some time alone."
"Oh, okay." Said Warren quietly.
An uncomfortable silence stretched for a moment, and Nick looked up as Jubilee leaned towards him.
"Betsy is Warren's ex-girlfriend. She called the whole thing off a couple of weeks ago. Try to take care when mentioning her name around Warren okay?" She whispered softly.
Nick nodded silently though deep inside, he felt crushed. So, Warren is straight after all.
The car sped on and soon they arrived at the gates and further on to a huge mansion.
"Here we are!" Said Bobby cheerfully as they stopped at the front door. "Welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngster, Nick. Home for the X-men and heaven for mutant-loving geeks!"
"Home sweet home!" Warren said happily, his saddened mood vanished. Nick smiled to himself as he stepped out of the car. Warren switched off his image inducers and Nick marveled at the sight as Warren spread his wings and immediately took off into the sky. "I've been waiting to do this since this morning! Sitting in that cramped plane is not a good way to pass the time for a man with wings!"
"Nick! Make yourself at home!" Warren yelled as he soars through the air happily. "Bobby, introduce him to the others okay? I'll be back in a couple of minutes!"
"Show off, you overgrown pigeon!" Bobby yelled back as he laughed.
"I'm not carrying your bags, d'you hear??!!" Jubilee yelled as Warren continues to shout and somersaulting happily in the sky, his wings stretched out magnificently on each side.
"Spoiled brat," Jubilee grumbled and pouts as she took hold of Warren's stuff anyway, while balancing her own as well. "Got sooo used to having his nursemaid doing everything for him... AAAAYYEEEEIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!"
Nick laughed brightly as the grinning Warren swooped down and snatched Jubilee into his arms right before sweeping up into the air again, with Jubilee kicking and screaming as he did. The bags were scattered all over the driveway.
"C'mon, Nick. Let's meet the others... oh here's Jean. Hey gorgeous! Missed me?"
Nick looked up as Jean stepped out from the front entrance, followed by a man in his early-30's with brown hair and wearing a cool red-tinted glass.
"Gorgeous? Were you addressing Scott or me, Bobby?" Jean smirked even as the man beside her blushed. "Nick! I'm so glad you're finally here!"
She rushed forward and gave Nick a warm hug.
"Did you have a good flight? Where's Warren and Jubilee?" she asked. Jubilee's screams in the sky made her looks up and smile though. "Oh! Never mind. Nick, this is Scott Summers, my husband."
The man in the red glasses smiled and shook his hand formally.
"Hi, Nick. Jean told me about your strong empathic talent. Welcome to Xavier's Mansion."
Ugh. Jubilee was right. It takes only one glance to confirm that this guy is tighter in the ass than Kevin. But he scored an A++ in the looks department though.
"Thanks. I'm sorry to be the cause of ruining your anniversary dinner." Said Nick.
"Nonsense. We were glad to help. Right Scott?" Said Jean.
"Yeah. Think nothing about it. Warren is going to make it up anyway." Said Scott. His attention was immediately drawn to the front entrance when a polite cough interrupted their conversation. "Oh, professor! I wasn't aware you're there. Nick, this is Professor Charles Xavier."
Nick looked at the bald man sitting on a wheelchair, looking at him curiously.
"Hello. You must be the Nick I've heard so much about from Jean and Hank. Welcome to my mansion." He said formally.
"Pleased to meet you, sir." Said Nick.
"I have to admit, Jean's report on your empathic ability is intriguing indeed." Said the professor. "I have never met anyone with that much of an empathic potential as Jean has described before. I look forward in helping you control this gift."
"Thanks, sir." Nick replied.
"Jean also told me of your... distress... when you were told that you're an empath." The professor continues. "I understand what you're feeling right now, Nick. Let me assure you right now that there's nothing wrong in being a mutant. It is part of the evolutionary process of life. You have been given a special gift, Nick. That doesn't make you a 'freak' or 'monster' as the rest of the world assumed. Everyone here in this mansion has their own gifts too, Nick, and they are more than happy to help you in controlling your abilities. So, it is all right to be yourself."
"Thank you, sir." Nick nodded. Somehow he felt relieved and more at home after that little speech. "I'll do my best."
"I'm sure you will." The professor smiled. "Now, I see that Warren has finally had enough of having his feet touching the ground. One of you will have to show Nick his room. You must be tired from your journey, Nick. Go to your room, wash and rest. Dinner will be ready in couple of hours. The rest of the team is away on a mission, but they are on their way back right now even as we speak. You'll meet them at dinner."
"I'll take you to your room, Nick. C'mon. It's right next to mine and opposite Warren's. It's gonna be fun with you here, dude." Bobby said cheerfully as he helped Nick with the luggage.
"Hmm... looks like Bobby has corrupted him already. Nick's lost to us forever." Scott groaned. "May God have mercy on us all."
"Be strong Nick! If he gets too annoying, just kick him in the ass once or twice." Jean called out after them.
"And if you need a gun, there's one in the professor's study." Scott yelled out before they disappear from sight.
Bobby just laughed while Nick grinned as they went off into the mansion.