Well!! Here it is at last!! The very first love scene I ever wrote in my life. It may sounds a l'il bit corny, but oh well, I've tried my best :) So lads, here's the next part of Dreams of an Angel. Hope you all enjoy it! Any comments or suggestions, well, you know how to contact me. Sorry for any bad grammars boys and girl. C'mon! Nobody's perfect!! :)
Before the show, 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... dude, I'm worried about you. 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
Like every other time in the previous nights, the sight of the world below is truly magnificent - dark, save for the countless sparkles of light interrupted by shadows. Cars moved below them, and lines upon lines of streetlights crisscross their way throughout the land below. The city seems asleep... yet New York has long been known as a city that never sleeps. While mortals light the world below with their human-made light bulbs, God lights the sky above with the moon and stars. As they soar higher into the night, more stars appear, glittering in the distance.
Inhaling the sweet fresh air, Nick settles himself against Warren's body, silently enjoying the other man's warmth. Warren nestled his face against Nick's shoulder and Nick has no objection to that. He wouldn't object to anything at that time. He was too enjoying the experience to object to anything.
Nick feels like he is in heaven. Wide eyed, he gazes at the land below him in fascination. To think he has been dreaming of this moment all his life. Through the dim silvery light of the full moon, everywhere he looks, he saw new marvels of the world. Could this be what God felt like when He looks down upon His creations?
"Nick? You okay?" Warren whispered in his ears.
Nick only reply with a smile, although it's a pity Warren couldn't see his eyes that seem to light with joy and happiness. Warren felt Nick grasping his arms tighter and his heart beats faster as Nick leans back against his own body. Unconsciously, he smiles and tightens his hold on Nick and flew on, his wings flapping again gracefully to gain more altitude.
Nick almost cries out in joy as they soar higher into the sky. He narrowed his eyes against the rushing winds and gasped as they flew through the clouds. Soon enough, they are soaring above the clouds.
"Warren..." Nick whispered blissfully.
"Shhhh..." Warren whispered again and they flew on, both enjoying the serenity the sky, the moon and the stars have to offer to them. He kept his wings spread on each side and together they glided on in silence, both savoring as much as they could on the seemingly unending magical moment.
"Warren... this is the... best thing that has ever happened in my life." Nick whispered softly as if afraid to shatter the peaceful tranquility that surrounds them at that moment.
Warren smiled and flapped his wings again.
"Open the link, Nick." Warren murmured softly as they flew on.
"What?" Nick asked with a slight confusion etched in his eyes.
"Open the empathic link." Warren smiled against the onrushing wind.
Turning his head slightly, Nick caught the slight twinkle in Warren's sky blue eyes. Gently, he opened the empathic link that connects both their mind.
"Oh!" Nick's eyes widened in wonderment as waves upon waves of joy, happiness and contentment gushed through the link and on into his mind. He turned his head immediately only to see Warren gazing at him, smiling beautifully.
"You shared your feelings of your family with me last night." Said Warren. "That was a great gift to me, Nick. In return, I share with you my feelings of flying free in the sky. Are we even?"
Nick was too speechless to say anything. All his attention was turned inwards to the warmth and joy that came from Warren's mind. He has had many happy moments in his life, many blissful memories and experience, but this... Suddenly, he understood how much it must have hurt Warren when he lost his wings.
"Nick?" Warren called worriedly as he saw a drop of tear slid out of Nick's eyes.
"I understand now." Nick whispered. "I understand now how you must felt when... when you lost your wings."
A flash of pain suddenly appeared for a second or two through the link before vanishing again. Warren gazed into his eyes expressionlessly for a moment before turning his eyes to the sky before them. His lips broke into a smile some moment later.
"Think we can reach those stars?" He asked softly as he nodded his head at the clusters of stars in the distant horizon.
Nick turns his gaze to the stars and smiled. Leaving the empathic link open, he felt like their minds and souls have become one. He relished at the feeling of joy and happiness that flows unceasingly from Warren's mind. At that instant, he knew the true meaning of happiness.
"We can try." Nick answered as he leaned his head against Warren. He could hear the soft hissing from the air beside them as the mighty wings rise and fall on each side as it cut through the cool night air gracefully. "What does it feels like to fly with wings?"
Warren laughed softly at the question before thinking quietly for a moment to formulate his response.
"It was... weird at first." He said at last. "When I first used it to fly... it felt like I have four arms instead of two... and two of these four arms are flapping about in the air... that kind of thing."
He laughed again and Nick noticed that his eyes are distant as he cherished the memories.
"I remembered screaming in panic as I find myself flying in the air for the first time... before plunging back down to the ground. Dad would be there for me, carrying a first aid kit in case I hurt myself. You should have seen me at the time. I ended up with several bruises and cuts all over my body before I can fly properly. I guess I realized back then, how birds feel when they first learn how to fly."
He frowned thoughtfully for a moment again before continuing on.
"Now, the whole thing is almost... unconscious. The wings are sensitive to every beats and whenever I spread it apart and let the wind slide past them... it feels... glorious. So... pleasurable... that sometimes it almost makes me cry. Aaah! I explained it badly didn't I? Sorry, Nick. It's really... kinda hard to describe it exactly."
Nick smiled and shook his head.
"No, you explained it just fine." Nick answered before sighing. "You're a lucky man, Warren."
Warren only smiled in return before flapping his wings again and together they glided on in silence.
"I've always wanted to share this with someone else." Warren said suddenly. "I usually fly alone, but at times... I found myself wishing I can have someone with me to share the experience."
"You never took anyone out with you before?" asked Nick.
Warren shook his head sadly.
"Only on mission or battles, but never like this." Warren answered.
Nick grinned against the onrushing wind.
"Suddenly I feel special."
Warren met his grin with a smile.
"Aha! We're there." Said Warren before diving down.
"Where is 'there'?" Nick asked as he narrowed his eyes against the onrushing wind.
As the clouds cleared, Nick could see the numerous mountainous shapes on the ground below. Snows topped some of the mountains and immediately Nick became aware that they have left New York long ago.
"Warren... where are we going?" Nick asked in puzzlement.
"To a place where I always go when I need some time alone to brood or to think." Warren replied as he spread his wings again and use it like sails to slow his dive.
They glided on gently through the air, passing one snow-covered mountaintop to another. The air is cold and Nick felt thankful that he wore his thickest clothes as he pressed himself harder against Warren to seek the other man's warmth.
They flew on and eventually; Nick became aware that Warren is heading towards the tallest mountain in the area. Looking at Warren, Nick saw a blissful smile etched on the other man's lips.
"You know, most people find a nice quiet spot by a lake or a park when they want to spend some time alone." Said Nick.
Warren grinned as they circle the mountaintop several times.
"What can I say? We bird-like creatures love high places. It's in our blood." He replied before finally diving down and landed gracefully on a small outcropping stone on the mountaintop. "Careful now. Don't slip. The snow and ice can be quite slippery."
"Jesus!" Nick shivered where he stood as he peers at the world below them. Gust of mist appeared from his mouth and nose every time he exhale the air out of his lungs. "It's fucking freezing up here."
"Told you to wear warm clothes. But don't worry." Said Warren as he clears out some snow and chunks of rocks from a small nearby crack and pull out a small backpack. The light from the full moon is bright enough for them to see the surrounding clearly. He opens the backpack and pull out some blankets, a small lantern, a bottle and two glasses. He tosses a blanket at Nick. "Here. Cover yourself with this if you're too cold. As I said, I used to come here time and again down through the years."
Nick accepted the blanket and covered himself gratefully. He smiled as a sudden thought struck him.
"I feel like shouting 'I'm the King of the World'." He laughed softly.
Warren smiled as he light the lantern and he sat himself down beside Nick, holding two glasses and a bottle of red wine in his hand.
"Wine?"
"Don't drink too much." Nick laughed as he accepted the glass. "I need a ride home and I don't fancy climbing down this mountain in the dark with a drunken angel in my hands."
"Smart ass." Said Warren as he sipped his drink.
"Hey! Can I shout and create an avalanche?" Nick exclaimed suddenly. "That'll be cool!!"
"Oh no you don't!" Warren replied quickly. "You don't know who is around these area and you might kill them."
"Oh. Hmm... never though of that. My bad." Said Nick.
Warren laughed.
"Sometimes, Nick, you really sound like Bobby."
Nick grinned in return.
"Well, what can I say? I'm just a kid at heart."
They two sat side by side in silence for a while, enjoying the mountainous view. Neither wanted to talk for fear of breaking the peace that surrounds them at that moment.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Nick?" said Warren suddenly.
Nick glanced at him and smiled as he unmask up the link again, merging their two minds together. Warren immediately felt the feelings of contentment and peace coming from Nick's mind.
"Should I say anything?" Nick's smile never cease.
Warren almost gasped as Nick's hand curled around his torso and pulled him closer.
"Thanks for the marvelous night, Warren." Nick murmured as he leaned against Warren, sipping his drink as he did. "I'll never forget this moment."
"Let's enjoy it together while it lasts then." Warren murmured softly as he gaze at the world below them. The cold wind blew against them but he hardly feels it. Looking up, he stares at the stars glittering mysteriously above them.
"What do you usually do when you come here anyway?" Nick asked suddenly. Warren spread one of his wings around him at that moment and Nick unconsciously tucked himself against the soft, warm feathers that effectively shield him from the wind.
"I just sit here quietly, drinks a glass of wine or two... or maybe just listening to some music on my Discman." Warren replied dryly. "It's a nice place to get away from the busy world for an hour or two. Being a super-hero, with all the constant fighting and all, is a stressful job you know."
"Well, so does being a boyband singer, with all those fans screaming at you and all." Nick replied. "I usually just find myself a nice quiet hotel room to relax and sleep. But this is a nice change though."
"How do you deal with those screaming fans anyway?" Warren asked with wonder. "When I was in your concert, those screams almost make me spread my wings and fly away."
"Well, it was a stressful job at first, but after dealing with it for several years, you get used to it." Nick shrugged. "It became sort of a routine for me anyway. Smile, wave, blow some kisses when you are in the mood for it, maybe kiss some girls, sign some pictures... then run for the exit."
"Typical celebrity meet and greet routine. Well, you can have all the screaming fans you want. I'll just settle with fighting evil mutants plotting to take over the world." Warren smiled. "More wine?"
"Yeah." Said Nick as he held out his glass.
"Hey, don't get drunk of me!" Warren laughed as he poured.
"Aaaah... sitting at the top of a mountain drinking wine... and I'm not even a mountain climber. D'you think those people down there are aware of us here?" said Nick as he took another sip of his drink.
"Nope. I doubt anyone has ever taken the trouble of coming up here in years."
"Its so peaceful and quiet here." Nick murmured as he put the glass on the rocky surface beside him and snuggled himself closer against Warren. "I feel like I can stay here forever."
Warren looked at those luscious lips with an increasingly rapid heartbeat. The reason why he took Nick here was because he wanted to let Nick knows about his feelings but somehow he just couldn't find the courage and simply settle with meaningless small talk just to buy more time. He hesitantly touched Nick's hair, feeling its softness. It's easy to plan the whole thing about telling Nick how he feels but somehow, doing it is an entirely different matter. He has made his move to many women in his past and he had no problem in doing that. Why is it so damn bloody difficult now?
Maybe it's because Nick is a guy. Warren has all the past experience he needed in making a move on a woman but never to guys. How do you let a guy know you have feelings for him? How do you tell a guy you love him??
'Man! I wish Bobby is here. He'd know what to do.' Warren thought in despair. 'I don't know if I can go along with this.'
He was surprised when Nick suddenly looks up at him curiously.
"Warren. Are you okay?" Nick asked.
"Umm... yeah. Why do you ask?" Warren almost stammered under the other man's gaze.
"It's... you mind. Suddenly you're... nervous."
"Oh." Said Warren stupidly, suddenly aware that the link is open. It figures that Nick would detect his... Aaaarrgghh!!! Why does Nick have to be an empath?? On the other hand, this provides Warren an idea. "Umm... Nick. Actually... err... there is a reason why I took you here."
Nick grinned.
"Really? Hmm... should I run away? Hey! Are you blushing?"
Warren wasn't even aware of the blush that creeps up on his face. How can Nick see that in the dark anyway? He must have guessed it. Or maybe it's the empathy. Warren's mind is spinning as he tries to control his emotions. He started this... now he has to go through with it.
"Umm... I just want to tell you... umm... err..." Warren has never wished so fervently before that he could just melt and sink into the ground. Think, Worthington! Think! Think of Bobby. What did Bobby do when he wanted to hook up with someone? No idea. What did a Worthington usually do to hook up with someone in the past? Show off money? Naah. It wouldn't work with Nick. God! Things are so much simpler with women. "Umm..."
"Well, I sure do hope the end of that sentence is good." Nick laughed.
"Umm... okay, Nick. Okay. Umm... reach out into my mind and tell me what you feel." Said Warren.
"Huh?" Nick thought in confusion. "But the link is already open..."
"Reach in deeply." Said Warren nervously. "Deeply, Nick. Look deeply into my mind and tell me what you sense."
Nick glanced at Warren curiously one last time before complying. Reaching through the link, he let his mind probe deeply into Warren's. The waves of nervousness intensified, making Nick wonder what could be the cause of it. Things were going so well before this. They were both enjoying the peaceful scene together...
Probing Warren's mind deeply, Nick felt around, stretching his empathy gently against the swirling of emotions. There's peace and contentment. No pain like last time, thank goodness. A little bit of joy here and there. Nervousness dominates his mind for some reason. And... hmm... what's this?
A familiar warmth filled Nick's mind. The same warmth that he felt time and again before but he ignored it. He focused his empathy to the source of the warmth. Xavier has exposed him to many emotions but never this. Gently, Nick probes this new emotion - feeling it like a blind man who suddenly found a new object to identify.
"Nick?" Warren voice floated into his ears but Nick continues to gaze unseeingly at the night before him.
"There is... a new emotion..." Nick muttered absently. "A warmth..."
Warren's heart beats faster and he struggle hard to control himself. Nick frowned thoughtfully but remain silent.
"A familiar warmth... I like this warmth..." Nick continues to murmur. "I'm... not sure what it is... I couldn't put my finger... It feels familiar... Friendship?... No... no, not exactly. Something deeper..."
So deep in his thought, Nick wasn't even aware of a finger stroking and running down his cheek before moving on to his lips.
"Affection?..." Nick continues to murmur. His eyes widened in shock when he suddenly felt a pair of lips being pressed gently against his own. The kiss, so tentative, so gentle and oh, so blissful, lasted for a second or two that Nick suddenly wonder if he had dreamt the whole thing.
"Love..." Nick whispered at last, looking wide-eyed at the sky blue eyes that are gazing at him unblinkingly. He unconsciously touches his own lips. Was that kiss real or was he imagining the whole thing? Did Warren... did Warren just kissed him?
Time seems to stand still. The wind died and the clouds floated above them, unmoving, as if the world itself held its breath, waiting to see what would happen. Atop the mountain, two souls gaze at each other in stunned silence... neither knows exactly what to say or do.
"Warren..." Nick said softly. The warmth and love from Warren's mind flow freely into his own mind at that moment, causing Nick to snap his mouth shut and gaze dazedly at the other man. He had wished... he had hoped... he had dreamed... surely this is a dream? "Warren..."
Again, his speech was halted when Warren opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out. In the silvery moonlight, his blond hair seems to glow softly and his blue skin makes him looks even more beautiful. His wings made him appear more like an angel dropped from the heaven above.
"I... I don't know how to... tell you," Warren shrugged as he spoke softly.
"You... love me?" said Nick, finally finding his voice. His mind revels unceasingly at the warmth and love that pour into his mind. "You love me..."
Warren turn his gaze aside to avoid Nick's gaze though empathically, Nick could feel the blush creeping up into his face.
"Yeah." Warren whispered hoarsely. "I... I love you. I... I don't know how to tell you. I never... I never had this... feelings... on another guy before... so..."
Feeling terribly awkward, Warren shifted uncomfortable where he sat.
"I... I hope you're not mad." Warren murmured nervously, feeling the weight of Nick's gaze upon him.
"No! No, I'm not mad." Nick answered quickly. Too quickly. This must be a dream. It must be! A nice, wet, horny dream! He pinched his arm, hoping to wake up but instead he wince at the pain.
The pain was transmitted through the link and Warren looked up in surprise at Nick.
"Nick?"
"Oh, sorry." Nick murmured. "Thought... thought this is a... umm... dream."
Nick's heartbeat shot up when he felt Warren grasping his hand gently. Strange, comes to think of it. They've touched each other countless of times since they met, and held each other's hand countless of times too. But somehow, this time, every touch, every gaze, every gesture, seems to burn.
"I understand if you don't feel... the same way, Nick." Warren murmured sadly.
"No!" Nick cried out immediately, surprising Warren - hell! He even surprised himself! - "No... umm..."
A wave of hope flows through the link, replacing the sadness that was the main reason why he cried out just now. Nick gaze into Warren's hopeful eyes and his heart almost shatter. He has dreamed of this moment, never even counting of the fact that it would come true. But now, by some miracle, it somehow came true... and Nick finds it difficult to accept it?
'Carter, what the hell is wrong with you?' His mind chided him. 'Here's you chance, you idiot. Take it!'
"I... umm... actually... I like you too." Nick said at last in a voice so tiny he might as well whimper.
A cold breeze flew past them and it feels as if the whole world sighed in relief. The hope in Warren's eyes changed into disbelief, then happiness and then pure joy and Nick's empathy only confirm that. Nick made his decision then. After a brief hesitation, Nick opened up his entire mind to Warren, baring all of his emotions and feelings he had kept locked and buried deep within his own mind all these time.
Warren gasped. He stares at Nick in disbelief, as Nick's own love and affection assaulted him.
"Nick..." Warren whispered as he stares into Nick's eyes. "Wow..."
This time it's Nick's turn to blush and he lower his gaze to avoid Warren's eyes. He was surprised when a finger touched his chin and lifted his head again until he is staring back at those beautiful sky blue eyes.
"No more secrets." Warren whispered softly. "No more hiding."
With both their minds bared for each of them to feel, they continue to gaze into each other's eyes in silence.
"I've... I've never been with a... a guy before..." Nick stammered out softly.
"So am I." Warren replied just as softly. "But... but that doesn't alter the feeling I have about you."
"It... It doesn't alter my feelings towards you too." Said Nick.
"Then does... does it matter?" asked Warren nervously. "I've been with girls all my life, but I never been this much... in love... with you."
"No... I suppose it doesn't matter... because... because I... love... you too." Nick whispered, as he blushed even fiercer. "But... well... I... I wouldn't know... You know..."
Warren blushed too.
"I wouldn't know... what to do too." Said Warren. He actually smiled at the thought. Warren Worthington the Third, playboy extraordinaire who slept with countless of girls in the past that it's a wonder no one got pregnant, suddenly finds himself at lost as to what to do this time. "I do know that I... love... you. And... if you're willing to... to be with me... I... umm... I wouldn't mind exploring the road together..."
Suddenly Nick laughed softly.
"What's so funny?" asked Warren.
"Listen to us." Nick smiled. "We sounds like some pathetic teenage kids who have just heard the word sex for the first time."
Warren tried to suppress his laughter but failed miserably as he suddenly found himself laughing softly alongside Nick.
"Maybe it's because we are." Warren smiled as he grasped both of Nick's hand and was glad that Nick grasped back. "I never thought of gay sex before and come to think about it... I have absolutely no idea what to do."
"Where to kiss, where to put your hands, where should you put your elbows and feet..." Nick lost himself in another burst of laughter, followed by Warren.
"And in the end, we both ended up falling off the bed!" said Warren and they both hollered with laughter that actually echoed all over the mountain walls.
"Shhhhhhh!!!!!" Warren and Nick find themselves hushing each other before bursting into giggles.
"You might trigger an avalanche." Warren whispered even as Nick giggled uncontrollably.
"Yeah... Shhhh!!" said Nick as he struggled hard to control himself.
It took them some moments to calm themselves. Warren gazes into Nick's eyes quietly for a moment or two before pulling Nick into a strong, firm hug and he nearly cried when Nick hugged him just as hard in return.
"I'm glad you love me too." Warren whispered softly. "I'm glad I found you."
They release each other and gaze into each other's eyes again. Their love and affection flow freely across the empathic link, telling each of them how they feel without uttering a single word.
Time seems to slow down, maybe even halted and the world around them vanished at that moment when they lost themselves into each other's eyes. Nothing else seems to exist anymore except the two of them. The world became nothing more than a void and time stood still. Nothing else exists. Nothing else matter.
Neither knew who initiated the kiss or when the kiss even started. It began tentatively. A brush. Lips meeting lips; soft, gentle, innocent. The passion increased. The warmth doubled. The pressure mounted. Nothing else matter in the world. Head turned. Hands placed at the back of the neck and the river of love and passion flowing through the link intensified.
The lips parted and a gentle moan ensued. Which throat did it came from... does it matter? Tongues parted the lips wider; feeling, probing, exploring. The pressure came from both sides, both seeking dominance, which is different when one is with a girl where one is dominant, and the other submissive. There are challenges here on both sides, pushing against each other but at the same time becoming together - becoming one.
The tongues prodded each other, feeling, exploring... tentatively at first, but becoming wild as the passion surges on. The river of love and passion rages now, and breathing grew faster. Lightning and thunder can split the sky, the winds can howled to its mightiest, the world can end before them it if chooses to... it doesn't matter. Nothing else matter. They have each other now, and their world is complete.
Saliva mixed, and their tongues continue to explore each other's mouth. Moan ensues again, and their hold tightened. Wings fluttered against the chilling breeze and when it gets too strong, it spread forward to shield them both. In the darkness, there are only two of them. Atop the mountain, against the chill wind and clouds and snow and ice, there are only two of them. Two separate souls, joined to become one. Two halves of a world, finally becoming one. Two minds and two loves, finally becoming one.
How long has it been? A minute? An hour? A day? A month? A year? A decade? Neither knows... and neither cared. The kiss ended. The magical moment ended. The world started to spin again. Time moves on. The void vanished and the world reappeared. And they are not alone anymore. Two souls, two mutants, amongst countless of hatred and prejudices. But a new link was forged between them now, binding them together. They will prevail. Love always prevails.
"That was..." Nick whispered at last, his eyes still wide open from the blissful experience. "Wow..."
"In the midst of the shadow, there is always light," Warren murmured, quoting a phrase from a book he once read. His face seems stunned from the experience. His eyes gaze unseeingly into the distance. "In the midst of hatred, there is always love..."
"Warren?"
Warren looked at him and smiled. Nick almost gasped as he saw the love blazing from his eyes... to say nothing about the torrents of love flowing from him into Nick's mind. Fingers touched Nick on the cheek again, trailing down gently to touch his lips.
"I love you." Said Warren.
"I can see that." Nick replied as he smiled. "I can feel that."
He took Warren hands and kissed the fingers lightly.
"I love you too... and to Hell with what the world think."
Warren smiled and leaned over to kiss Nick lightly on the forehead.
"I was... scared that you might be mad..." said Warren. "I also hoped you love me back... because I... I got a gift for you."
"A gift?" said Nick curiously.
Warren took out a box from his pocket and handed it to Nick.
"I had it made for Betsy... a couple of days before we broke up. I thought it'd save our relationship. I wasn't even expecting the she'd broke up with me, and even if I did, certainly not so soon. Things happened so fast... and I acted too late."
Nick opened the box and was stunned as he pulls out a beautiful golden chain with a small heart-shaped pendant attached to it. Turning the pendant, Nick peers at the writing engraved on it, using the light from the lantern to read it.
"A soul lost, and a new soul gained..." Tears leaked out of Nick's eyes as he whispered the words. "Warren..."
He was halted in mid-sentence as when Warren's finger brushed up his cheek to wipe away the tears.
"I want you to have it, Nick. In a way, it applies to Betsy as it does to you. I lost my soul to Apocalypse, but Betsy was there for me... for a time... and I gained a new soul. But in your case... when Betsy left me... I was shattered and lost again. But you came into my life... and I am whole again."
Eyes blurred with gathered tears, Nick quickly engulf Warren into a fierce hug. It finally leaked out when he felt Warren returning his hug just as fiercely.
"Betsy was a fool to leave you," Nick whispered into his new lover's ears.