dissolved and drowned in the sounds of the cheering and
appreciation. He fuelled his performance with the energy produced
from his aggression. He played around with Brian on stage as if
nothing had happened, giving him a false sense of security when he
handed him his guitar for "Climbing the Walls."
Positive energy flowed through Nick every time he was on stage.
He fed off the screams and the hypes and the group of girls shouting
repetitively "Go Nick, Go Nick, Go Nick…" during the "All I have to
Give" hat routine. This was where Nick was in his happy place. He
was on the top of his hill; he was the Lord of his castle. He was
unstoppable and powerful and in control. His voice was his
protection and this sea of people- the returning villagers of his
Kingdom. He gave his all, and they grasped at it hungrily and
thankfully, each individual with their own story of their fandom.
Nick wondered as he perched on his stool listening to AJ
begin "I'll Never Break your Heart" and looking out to the people
there to see them, what each of them were doing here and why. He
recalled fans explaining themselves countless times before.
"Their music got me through when my Mom died…"
"They're fun and energetic and talented-what more could you want…?"
"Their music has always been a positive influence, a light in any
darkness…"
Nick smirked to himself; he contemplated over who chose which
Backstreet Boy as their favourite and why. What was that? Nick asked
himself. Why a favourite?
"Definitely Brian…"
"I would have to say Howie-he's too cute!"
"AJ."
"My favourite is Nick-his voice can get me through anything,
anytime…"
"Kevin I think-but I love them all!"
Nick wanted to shout thank you to everyone, but with a bow and a
smile, he retreated knowing or hoping that all those people would
never doubt him; hoping they would know he loved them back, just as
much as they loved him. They were the light, in any darkness.
