Hi! Okay. Some of you knew me, and some of you don't. I'm Andy, the brother of the author of 'Night of No Tomorrow'. Oh, Drew says 'hi y'all' by the way. Anyway, seeing Drew enjoyed writing so much, I thought maybe I give it a shot too. That and also because Drew said writing would get my mind off my recent bad break-up with my ex-boyfriend - the Slut of the Year. The story may be pretty boring to some, but hey! It's my first time. Gimme a break. I've written nothing before except college essays and trust me; you don't wanna read THAT.
Hmm... oh yeah. Legal matters. Don't wanna have anyone chasing me around trying to sue me. Well, first of all, umm... 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, I'm tired of typing this little intro thingy. Between the two of us, Drew is the one who love writing and studying and all. What can I say? Of the two of us, he's the one who assume the title Mr. Responsibility. I just settled with Mr. Hard & Horny-all-the-time. Sorry bro :)
Okay, I just stop yapping now and let y'all go. Enjoy the story!
Andy
DREAMS OF AN ANGEL
Have you ever wondered how annoying it is to hide all the time? Have you ever thought of how good it'd feel like to go out and enjoy a normal life at least once, without having to wear baseball cap and dark sunglasses or being stared by people or even worst, chased by fans?
Once, quite a long time ago, it would have been fun, to be in the spotlight. Once, a long time ago, it would have been flattering to have hundreds of screaming girls chasing after you, trying to get parts of you even. But now...
The old saying is quite correct. Fame and money is fleeting.
Nicholas Gene Carter stood in the middle of his dressing room, wearing only his brief and nothing else; looking thoughtfully at the clothes he is to wear for the oncoming concert. Perhaps, if his fans should find their way here at this very moment and saw him, they would go ballistic. Nick smiled slightly at the thought.
'Or perhaps they'd go into a state of catatonic shock that they couldn't ever be revived again. Perhaps then, they would finally leave him alone at last.' He smiled grimly. 'Then what would Kevin and the others'd say? "Way to go Nick! You finally turned them all into stones!" Well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.'
A knock on the door startled him out of his daydream though, causing him to look up in surprise.
"Nick, you ready?" Brian's voice floated in from the other side of the door.
"Not yet. Give me ten minutes." Nick replied before picking up his clothes.
"You have five. Kevin asked for a quick meeting before the show."
Nick cursed under his breath before stumbling to put on his dress. This is their last show for the tour, unless those clowns in Jive decided to do a 'slight' change of plan or something. They did it before, and if they do it again, especially now, he would kick and scream and they would definitely have to include 'managing one hysterical Backstreet Boy' in their 'to do' list.
The TV is on and he diverted part of his attention to the news as he combed and styled his hair, unconsciously imagining how he would look like if he surprise his bandmate by making his hair punk-style, probably dyed here and there with different shades of red and purple, maybe even pink... with several nose/ear piercing and leather suits and chains, and powdered white face with black lips as the icing on the cake. A small smile twitched at the edge of his lips as he imagined Kevin and the others - Johnny Wright included - writhing on the floor, eyes bulging and saliva drooling, as they undergo a full-blown seizure. Yeeessss... that is a beautiful picture.
"More news regarding Senator Kelly's stance on the Mutant Legislation Act..."
Startled out of his daydream again, Nick focused more on his task, diverting more of his attention to the news on TV just to keep him more firmly bonded to reality.
Mutant Legislation Act. Mutant doesn't scare or affect Nick in anyway. His parents raised him better than to be one of those closed-minded jerks out there who prefers to isolate all those who are different than them. Gays, lesbians, nerds, blacks, browns, Jews, Muslims... and now, the latest star addition to the list: Mutants. Sometimes, the way the world works make him ashamed to be part of it.
What's wrong with mutants anyway? Sure they have all those nifty powers and all, but its not like they have any choice in that matter. They were born with it, for God sake. Just like those football jocks who were born with muscles to show-off or those computer-weez who were born with brains. Are those jerks complaining on how God should be doing his job then? Well, so much for the role of priests in maintaining the community's spiritual interest.
Nick is not a religious person. He believes in God and goes to church quite regularly... well, not as regular as Brian, but enough to make him feel at peace with himself and his own belief. After all, its not like he has to prove or show to everyone how religious he is. His business with God is between him and God, and its no one else's business. Sadly, as he travels on into the world, he saw many who are too fanatic and self-righteous to think that they have the right to condemn other people just because they are different, all in the name of God. Jerks.
To be honest, he finds that mutants are cool. Who wouldn't? Its not everyday you can find someone shoot fire out of their bare hands, or talking to someone else through their minds, or lifting tonnes of rocks with their bare hands that would normally takes a whole crane to lift. Logically thinking, Nick thinks people should use these abilities to make the world a better place instead of condemning them. But noooo... those Holier-than-thou know-nothing out there would becomes agitated and declared that they are demons or abominations. Maybe they're jealous. Nick bet they would be more than delighted that they have those ability themselves. They would probably declare themselves to have been gifted by God or something, and gain more influence in the public. Probably eventually declaring themselves as the next messiahs. Or even better, the next Jesus.
Pushing his mind away from these gloomy thoughts, he stared into the mirror before him. With one final adjustment, he drew back and looked at his image quite admiringly. Feeling disgustingly pleased with himself, he winked and smiled before whistling lewdly at himself.
'Stand aside Tom Cruise.' He thought vainly before laughing to himself. Yeah, he knows he looked beautiful all right. Spiky blond hair, twinkling blue eyes, soft beautiful lips. Mama mia! Look out, girls. Don't eat your heart out.
Yeah, yeah, Nick knew he is feeling a bit vain. But hey! You only live once. Might as well enjoy it now before the old age kicks in.
"Nick!" Brian's voice floated in again, followed by a louder and impatient knock.
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Nick grumbled, silently cursing Brian for disturbing his moment of glory.
"Where the hell is he?!" said Kevin as he waited impatiently in the common room.
"Relax, Kev." AJ smiled. "Kid got more vanity than a woman. He is after all our top star attraction."
"I thought I was the star attraction." Said Brian.
Howie and AJ laughed.
"You got hitched, that's your mistake. If you didn't, you'd still be sitting on the throne." Said Howie. "But it's a good thing that you did. More girls for us all."
AJ shut his eyes and let out a mocking groan of ecstasy.
"Too many girls! Don't know which one to chose! Mind overload! Mind overload! Can't do them all!"
"Geez, you're disgusting." Said Brian.
"Admit is, B. You're jealous." Howie laughed.
"Blonds, red-hair, dark hair, blue eyes, green eyes..." AJ continued.
"I'll just stick to the one I got, thank you." Brian chuckled.
"Hmm... poor thing got a leash tightly strapped around his neck." Said AJ.
"No, I don't!"
"Brian! Are you sure he said he's coming? The show is about to start!" said Kevin.
"He's coming, Kev. Relax! Gosh! We've done loads of shows in the past. I think we know perfectly well what's the pre-show routine by now. This show is not gonna be any different than any of the others."
"That's just it, B. This show is quite different! We have an important big-shot to impress tonight - some multi-billionaire guy who hold half of Jive's shares. Johnny has been pestering me all day on how well me must perform tonight and when Johnny is anxious, I'm anxious! So we have to be extra-good tonight!"
"Lordy," Howie whistled softly.
"Does the guy have a daughter or two for me to impress?" AJ grinned. "I wouldn't mind being a multi-billionaire's son-in-law."
"Lord have mercy!" said Brian. "You'll run the whole family dry with your constant partying."
"Forget parties. He'll be starting his own orgies." Howie laughed.
"I'll tell you more when Nick gets here. If he ever gets here. WHERE IS HE???" said Kevin.
"Relax, Kev. You ever gorgeous, blue-eyed, blond Adonis is finally here."
Kevin whirled around to face Nick's grinning face at the door. Looking at Kevin's huffing and puffing face right then set off the twisted bit of Nick's mind to envision Kevin gradually changing, his skin turning green, his muscle began to bulge, his hand ripping off his shirt and a roar ensued as he turn himself into the Incredible Hulk. Shaking off his daydream again ('Gosh! I seem to be daydreaming a lot today. Maybe its because it's the last concert for the tour'), Nick focused his mind back to reality, only to listen to the end of Kevin's scolding (thank God), all the time maintaining his radiant smile.
"So, what's the big news, Hulk... I mean, Kevin?" said Nick, trying hard not to laugh.
"I cannot believe we're finally gonna see the Backstreet Boys!!!"
Warren actually finds himself wincing at the scream of the girl beside him. Its bad enough that the girl's scream is only one amongst the thousands shrill, mind-splitting, ears-tearing screams from the rest of the audience... mostly girls, much to his dismay, though here and there, he could see some of those girls' boyfriends or brothers or friends who, like him, shared his unfortunate fate of getting roped and dragged into this eternal, estrogenic pit of hell.
"Jubilation Lee! Control yourself, for God's sake!" he said firmly as the girl beside him jumped wildly up and down as the concert begins. Unfortunately, in the din that followed, he was sure that nothing short of Doomsday would ever get these screaming sea of teenage double X-chromosomers to settle down.
Fireworks exploded in the air and a blast of song emerged from the speaker, causing the screams to get impossibly louder, as five people appeared on the stage. They must be those Backstreet Boys Johnny Wright has been so proud of. Sighing resignedly, Warren leaned back against his seat.
His name is Warren Worthington the Third. Fanciful name; not surprisingly for the sole owner of the world famous Worthington Industries. He was born in a golden cradle, lived a life of absolute privilege. His family fortune alone seems to ensure a lifestyle free of unnecessary hardship.
Life was normal when he was a kid... well... as normal as it could be for the only son of a wealthy multi-billionaire before him, Warren Worthington the Second, his father. His mother died when he was so young that his only means to get to know her is through watching his family photos and videos. Even when his father was alive, he barely saw him at all considering that he was always away on business trips. On top of it all, he was also sent to a boarding school at an early age. Normal life for a kid? Hmm... from time to time, Warren finds himself debating that issue.
However 'normal' life he led when he was a kid, it was eventually destroyed when his mutation kicks in at the age of 14, and his life was changed forever. Yes. Warren Worthington the Third, multi-millionaire and now the sole owner of Worthington Industries, a well-know playboy with a look that could kill, is a mutant. He shivered slightly when he remembered the pain he has to endure when a pair of wings sprouts out from his back. He remembered the horrors in his all of his watching friends' eyes as they watched his moments of agony, fully realizing that he is a mutant.
Strangely enough, his father, teachers and friends were quite tolerant with his mutations. Oh there are some small minority of his schoolmates who called him 'freak' and 'mutant-scum'. But no one ever confronted him directly about it. The school-staff was very tolerant. Maybe it is because of his father's influence. The presence of the son of one of the richest man in the country would certainly increase the school reputation. Naturally, the school wouldn't want to loose him as a student there.
His father was surprisingly tolerant about his mutation too. Maybe because his mutation is unlike any other mutations that other mutants possess. Having a pair of wings doesn't exactly classify him as 'evil' mutants. Instead, it makes him looks more... divine, blessed. So, his father accepted his mutation, although reluctantly. Warren understood that. His father is more than aware of how most people out there in the world viewed mutants. There are mutant-haters even amongst his circle of business partners. Knowledge of his only heir to his vast family fortune is a mutant could certainly damage his family reputation and influence. Which is why, upon his own father's advice, he carefully kept his wings tightly strapped behind his back and hid it under the cover of his coat when he has to make his appearance in the public. It is uncomfortable, but necessary. It is not easy though, because within months since his mutation kicks in, his wings grew and flourished, each feather neatly attached in place, white and soft to touch. And when he spread it wide, he definitely looks like an angel that even his father looked at him with pride and admiration.
When he is not at school, he spends most of his time at his home in the countryside. His father would be there and together, he learned how to fly using his new wings. He remembered the pure bliss when he finally managed to soar into the air, feeling the air rushing beneath his wings and watching the ground below him getting smaller and smaller. He watched his father smiled at him from the ground below with pride and love in his eyes and knew at that moment that his father has finally accepted his mutation and took it to heart.
His life changed again when his father died from an accident when he was 20. He remembered the devastation, the feeling of pure anguish and emptiness as the only person he loves is now gone forever from his life. Whenever he closed his eyes, he could see his the love in his father's eyes when he watched Warren as he made his first flight. For a few months, he stumbled through life like a zombie... a soul lost in misery and grief. Until, when chance came, a man came up to him and offered him guidance and a chance to save himself from his self-pity and misery and live his life to the fullest once again. That man is Professor Charles Xavier.
Xavier is a mutant too, just like Warren. However, unlike Warren, Xavier's mutation lies more in his mind. He is a telepath, and a powerful one at that. And most of all, he has a dream, a vision, of mutants and humankind co-existing with each other in harmony and peace. He offered to help Warren by training his flight ability. He offered Warren a new home. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngster is no ordinary school. It is a disguised shelter for other mutants like him, with abilities far different than Warren's. Already, Xavier has been training several mutants there, helping them to control their mutant abilities and aiding them in developing new skills and teaching them his 'vision'.
It was there when Xavier introduced him to the X-men, a band of mutant who will fight to protect humanity from 'evil' mutants who are bent on eliminating the human race so that mutant kind will be free to roam the earth without fear once and for all. Evil mutants like Magneto and his Brotherhood of evil mutants. It was there when he made proper friends for the first time in his life - with Scott Summers aka Cyclops, the leader of the X-men, and Jean Grey, Scott's girlfriend with telekinetic and telepathic abilities. Then there was Robert 'Bobby' Drake aka Iceman, Hank McCoy aka Beast and finally Logan aka Wolverine, Ororo Munroe aka Storm and Rouge. The team accepted him readily with regards to neither his social status, his money nor his mutation and for the first time in his life, Warren truly felt like he has finally comes home.
But these were years ago and many things have changed since that time. The Morlocks Massacre, Apocalypse, Onslaught... the incidence with the Morlocks Massacre and Apocalypse affects Warren the most though. Even now, he still felt the shiver down his spine as memories from that incident came tumbling back into his mind. He remembered well the pain he had to go through when he lost his wings, followed by his stupidity in making the deal with the devil when he agreed Apocalypse's offer to become Death, one of Apocalypse's Horsemen in return for the replacement of his wings, only to have Apocalypse twisted his being and soul, giving him his present blue skin and metal wings. A long time has since passed, and after a series of incidence, events and maybe miracles, he regained his old feathery wings back but his blue skin remained: A constant reminder of his stupidity.
Unconsciously, Warren touched the image inducer at his belt, the only thing now that hides his wings and blue skin, making him looks like a normal human being, so that he can go out and mingle with the public without having them staring at him with disgust and revulsion.
Warren is now considered one of the original X-men, and from time to time, new additions of the team were made, like Remy LeBeau aka Gambit, Betsy aka Psylocke - his ex-girlfriend - and Jubilation Lee aka Jubilee, the accursed girl that is jumping and screaming wildly beside him at this very moment!!
Warren suddenly finds himself wondering how in the wide world did he get stuck baby-sitting the girl at this concert. It all started when he decided that it was about time for him to check up on how his company is doing despite his constant absence. True that he has scores of people doing his works for him and all he have to do was check up on them from time to time by phone or emails, maybe even going to an informal board meeting once or twice. But his late father had taught him time and again to never trust things as they seem. From time to time, he would arrange for a formal board meeting and listen to his business progress, approving things that meet his approval, and disapproving certain things that does not. Eventually, his attention was directed to the shares he owned at Jive.
Johnny Wright has been a friend to his father for many years and it was really because of that friendship that led his father to invest so much into the music industries. Alas, despite the long years of friendship, Warren has only met him twice in all of his life - the first time when he was a little kid years ago, and the other during his father's funeral. The man was okay in general, and that was all Warren knew about him. He was simply too busy hiding himself and his wings from most of his father's business partners.
But looking at how close his father was to Johnny, Warren thought that it'd be wise to renew that particular friendship. Managing a business empire is a tricky thing and it usually involves gaining a lot of back-up supports and allies to get things to work. Sometimes, backstabbing and treachery amongst business partners would occur especially when millions of dollars are involved. There are a number of business allies Warren knew he could count on from time to time and Johnny is one of them. Johnny has been his father's trusted business ally for years and so naturally, Warren would need him as much as Johnny needs those shares Warren hold in Jive.
One personal and friendly phone call to Johnny, that's all it takes, and this screaming estrogenic hell is the result. The man remembered Warren well even after all these years and insisted that he came to the concert tonight and meet these 'Backstreet Boys' he so proud of later after the concert.
On the stage, one of the Backstreet Boys, Brian, Warren thought the name is, started to take up his part of a song and the girl, Jubilee, beside him started to scream even louder than Warren ever thought possible. He has made lots of mistakes in the past, but now he suspected that his second biggest mistake (the first is making deals with Apocalypse) is mentioning Johnny's invitation to the Backstreet Boys concert during dinner in front of the whole team. Their reaction was quite interesting. Scott and the most of the other guys rolled their eyes. Bobby grinned while Remy smirked at him. Jean, Rouge and Ororo smiled. But 18 years old Jubilee...
The girl practically screamed at the name and was actually down on her knees BEGGING him to take her with him (Warren has no doubt that she would have licked his boots is he asked her to do so!). All of which leads to where he is now.
Another Backstreet Boy came up to sing, Nick, Warren thought his name is. And the crowd grew even wilder and the screaming rises to the point where Warren knew he would have a headache all day tomorrow. God! How can those Backstreet Boys stand these screams?? Where are Magneto and his Brotherhood of evil mutants when you need them? An attack right now would be a relief! The battle with Apocalypse held less chaos than this!
Looking at the crowds pushing and jostling each other makes him feel relieved that Johnny has provided a personal area for Jubilee and him. His image inducer hid his wings from view, but that doesn't mean one cannot feel it. At least Johnny knew about his mutation and has kept quiet about it, which is why Warren feels he can trust him.
"Niiiiccckkk!!! I looooveee yyooouuuu!!!!" Jubilee screamed again, causing Warren to wince again.
'Nick, I can give you enough wealth if you want to marry her, just make her shut up!' Warren snarled in his thought.
Maybe Nick heard her or maybe he did not. Whatever is was, Nick did look up at the area where Warren and Jubilee are and smiled, giving a wink in the process, causing Jubilee to nearly lost the little shred of sanity within her. Sparks of multicolored light began to appear at her fingertips, signaling that her control over her power is slowly fading. Warren's eyes widened in alarm.
"Jubilee! Control yourself! Your power is slipping!" Warren hissed as he pulled the girl to her seat.
Jubilee hiccupped as she smiled sheepishly.
"Ooops! Sorry! Didn't mean to go overboard. Won't happen again." She grinned. "But aren't they all GORGEOUS??!! Look at that ass! Aaaaaaaaaahh!! AJ! I love you!!!"
Warren drew away and winced again.
'I thought she loves Nick!' he thought in irritation. Whatever. At least no one noticed those sparks when Jubilee lost her control just now. With all those fireworks going on, Jubilee can unleash her power all over the place and Warren doubt anyone would notice!
'Hell! Storm can summon one of her lightning bolts and whirlwind into this place and I doubt anyone would notice!' He thought darkly.
The sparks from the fireworks lightened the stage again one last time before fading out, signaling the end of the show. Brian, Kevin and AJ stepped forward to say goodbye to the crowd while Howie and Nick hangs at the back.
Nick stood at the side of the stage, smiling widely and waved at the crowd who seems to prefer to do nothing but screaming ceaselessly at them. But inside, his head is pounding and his eyes throb painfully as a massive headache assaults him. He closed his mouth and simply settles with a big smile on his face to prevent the audience from seeing him gritting his teeth.
The headache seems to get worst since the last few concerts. It feels like he had all the people in the audience screaming inside his head. Various emotions whirled within his mind and for one moment, Nick swayed a little. Straining to keep himself from falling down, he blew some kisses to the audience, driving them all into a new state of frenzy.
Looking up at the VIP booth, he smiled and blew another kiss to the girl and the man whom he noticed earlier. That must be the millionaire big-shot Johnny was so anxious about, which surprised Nick a little. He expected some old, white-haired guy who would stare at them appraisingly as if they are horses for sale or money well invested. Instead, he saw a handsome blue-eyed man, probably within his late twenties, with a well-trimmed rich golden blond hair, and gosh, even his brows are blond. Occasionally the man would wince at the screams and glared at the frenzied girl next to him - his daughter probably. This man is a piece of art. Perfectly well chiseled face. Beautiful lips that Nick was sure would get more beautiful when he smiles or pout. He's beautiful. He's perfect. He's... gorgeous?
Nick eyes widened briefly at the thought and quickly controlled himself and continue with his waving. What the hell was he thinking, calling a guy gorgeous? Ooookay! He definitely needs a vacation. This whole touring thing is certainly taking its toll. It's probably his headache talking. A good vacation it is then, after this tour is over. Ole Dr. Nick has spoken! Speaking of headache, his head is pounding again and his heart beats faster. Wave of nausea assaults him causing him to staggers backward, eyes closed.
"Nick?" Nick heard Howie's voice beside him. "You okay?"
Nick gritted his teeth as he fought his way through the constant feeling of nausea and pain.
"D..." Nick whispered. "I need to go..."
With that Nick turned around and fled the stage, feeling his stomach contracting and a vomit moving up to his mouth. Need to find the washroom quick! Behind him, he heard Brian calling him, confusion and worry etched in his voice.
He didn't reach the washroom at all. In fact, he didn't get far at all. Stumbling along the corridor, he bent over and threw up unceremoniously onto the floor. Taking a deep breath, he threw up again. Oh yeah, look at that batch goes. His head is pounding like mad and another wave of nausea and vertigo hits him. My god! Where did all this came from? He barely heard Brian yelled behind him. In face he barely registered Brian touch at all as the other man held him worriedly.
"Nick? Nick! Can you hear me?" said Brian frantically. Behind them, Kevin, AJ and Howie rushed towards them.
"Brian! What happened?" Kevin yelled.
"Brian?" Nick murmured hoarsely, mentally trying to find his way out of the chaos that is whirling throughout his mind. "Brian... help..."
"Nick, tell me what's wrong!" said Brian, gently stroking Nick's back as another wave of nausea consumed him, causing him to let out bouts of dry heaves that makes his eyes water.
"Headache... too much pain..." Nick managed to let out between his frantic gasps.
"Brian, help him to the common room and lay him down on the couch. I'll go get Johnny and the medical crew." Said Kevin.