Walking down the stairs; all Xian could do was yawn, scratch his hair and wonder - 'How long was I asleep? Man! After Jun left, all I can remember was flopping down on the bed for some shut eye and next second it was already evening.'

As Xian made his way around the house without an ounce of clue as to where he should go, it was the sight of a tail wagging that made him stop and take out almighty's name.

Bear - no dog.

Just like in movies, the dog in front turned to face him slowly and all Xian could do was stand still. - 'Maybe if I don't move, it might think I am a piece of furniture and walk away.'

Nope. That wasn't happening.

Trotting happily towards our hero, Sahara just wanted the man to pet her, but Xian on the other hand seemed ready to flee any second. It was the smell of bacon that called to her senses and she found the delicacy more interesting than the man himself.

Seeing the bear - no dog - walk away, Xian sighed and was about to leave when he heard two voices. One was giggling and the other was warm and welcoming.

Curiosity got better of him and he peeked into the room. The giggling occupant was an old lady in her sixties whom Xian assumed was Ms. Lee.

The one with warm and welcoming voice was obviously Jun's. Xian was sad to see that the latter was now wearing a pair of sweat pants and t-shirt. Wait! The Tshirt had EXO symbol! This man is an Exo-l?

He must have made some sound, for all of them looked at his direction. Including that dog.

"Xian." Jun's voice was swoon worthy. "What are you doing by standing there? Come on in." He glanced down at Sahara and grinned, "She won't bite. She won't move. I promise. Come on in. Let me introduce you to Ms. Lee."

With some courage; Xian entered the room and greeted the older women present there. "Hello, my name is Wei Wuxian. Everyone calls me Xian. It's an honour to be here and I am extremely sorry for intruding and causing you more trouble for making me food."

Ms. Lee's eyes glittered with humour as she clutched her heart and smiled widely, "Such a sweet and perfect gentleman. Your parents must be so proud of you."

The moment she uttered those innocent words, a sharp pain rang through Xian's heart. This was noticed by Jun. He observed the sudden change in Xian's eyes. The light in his eyes dimmed out and was drowned in an unimaginable sadness. Jun did not like what he saw. He didn't know the other man, but watching him sad, made Jun feel strange kind of longingness.

"Ms. Lee, Xian would be staying with us for next few weeks. Kindly get to know all his preferences." Jun tried his best to change the situation. "Xian, Ms. Lee performs all the chores except washing your laundry. That has to be done by you."

Not one to waste an opportunity, Xian grasped it with two hands and gave his ever charming smile. "But obviously. I wouldn't want a lady to be burdened by my state of affairs."

"Do you always talk this way or is it some kind of special effects for chosen few?" Jun had to ask.

"I always try and melt the hearts of those who prepare my food. If not for them, I will starve."

Ms. Lee giggled at Xian's antics and smiled knowingly. "Then my dear Xian, you would have to melt Mr. Lan's heart. He's the one who mostly does all the cooking around here. I am sure he would love to hear your colloquial words."

Xian glanced from Ms. Lee to the man next to her. 'This man can cook? Surprise!'

"Well Ms. Lee; then I shall make it my mission to melt Azure's heart." Xian tried to make light of the situation, but in an instant he observed the two of them still.

"What did you call me?" At Jun's enquiry, Xian tried to think back and it struck him that he called Jun, Azure...

"Ah!" Xian scratched his chin and appeared visibly embarrassed. "Azure... means Blue." Gesturing around Xian continued, "The mountains here spread far beyond the horizon giving an illusion of wide blue expanse. So... um... I kept thinking the man who owns this much blue should be called Azure... so..." by the end all Xian could do was stutter and the silence was disrupted by Ms. Lee's giggle.

"Oh Mr Lan! This young man is precious. Please take him away from here or I would want to keep hearing his charming words and Mr. Lee would not be appreciative of that."

Without another word Jun gestured Sahara to stay with Ms. Lee and walked out of their kitchen. Xian was close to his heels but hadn't said much since his outburst.

"Hey!" Taking a seat on the lounge chair which was resting on the porch, Xian felt guilty that probably Jun did not like that name. "I am sorry. I was way out of line there... I shouldn't have-"

"You always talk a lot when you're nervous, don't you?"

At Jun's observation Xian nodded.

"Azure. I like it. It just took me by surprise. Never before have I ever had someone call me Azure."

"Really? Never?"

"Nope."

The silence between them was comfortable.

"Coach Chen; how do you know of him?"

"Ah! He's my cousin. So is Qiren, your team manager; my uncle."

"The fuck?!"

Jun glanced back at the shocked man and smiled, "Language! Yes, he's my uncle. Why are you so surprised?"

"Well... for one I can't fathom him to be a family man." Shaking his body at the thought of Qiren being someone's uncle, Xian continued, "He always seemed so strict. No way he could be your uncle."

"He is. And yes, he is strict but very caring too. He took care of my cousin Chen and I when we were young."

Before Xian could ask any further, Jun got up from his seat and enquired, "Do you prefer beer or any other kind of liquor?"

Liquor and a nice company won't do good for him and this moment. Xian would become way to complacent and that would hinder their probable friendship.

"Could I have some coffee instead? During seasons I stay away from drinking of any kind." Not total lie but also not complete truth.

"Sure. Be right back."

Watching Azure retreat, Xian turned back to the now dark surrounding in front of him. Except for few meters away due to the porch light, he could not see beyond. 'How does one live in such solitude?'

Xian thought back to Azure's prosthetic legs.

'Was this the reason he quit everything and moved in here? Why? He still could have coached or-' there was not much time to ponder because Jun was back and his smile radiated warmth under the glowing porch light.

All Xian could sense were crickets chirping in the background and the man's smile in front of him.

"Xian? Here's your drink."

"Oh! Thanks."

The companionable silence was lulling him to sleep when Azure's question brought him back to reality.

"What was the actual reason for your suspension?"

Fuck!

Turning the cup in his hand to cool the drink, Xian shrugged nonchalantly, "Agression. Is all."

He could feel Azure's eyes on him. "No. That is not it, is it? There is more to your story. How can a man like you, mind you from what I observed, I can confidently state that you take peoples opinion about you to heart. How is it that a man who uses language to melt peoples heart suddenly become so aggressive?"

Xian found it difficult to breathe. That night from two months ago came back to haunt him. No! There was no way he could reveal this dirty secret about him.

Jun knew Xian was having an anxiety attack. Placing his own drink on the floor, Jun immediately knelt in front of Xian and cupped his face gently.

"Come back to me Xian. You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. Trust me."

It took Xian few seconds to calm down; but hearing Jun's voice; he took a deep breath and tried smiling. "I am okay. I am not ready to share any details. Maybe one day. But not today."

"I understand. Take all the time you need. You don't even have to tell me. You're here because you need my help and I will help you. Come tomorrow, we'll start your training and hopefully with time, you'll heal too."

Jun was about to leave when Xian caught hold of his wrist. Time stopped and both souls were just looking into each other's eyes.

"Thank you."

Jun understood the intricate meaning behind those words. It wasn't a thank you for understanding, but it was gratitude for not asking questions. If anyone knew what it meant to not be asked any questions, Jun knew it very well. He didn't want to ever talk about his disability. Not that he was ashamed, no therapy taught him to look beyond, but he knew deep down, it would wreak his soul to reveal his dark desire.

"Let's get some food in you. Ms. Lee makes mean bacons, macaroni and cheese."

"Mac and Cheese! What; are you a kid?" The smile was back on Xian's face and Jun was glad for it. Again.

"Kid or not, everyone should love Mac and Cheese. Ask me and it should be nations dish."

"I wonder that's how you lure your dates?" Mimicking a low pitched voice Xian joked, "Hi! I am Jun. Do you want to go back to my place for some Mac and Cheese? If you accept, I'll roll my Mac in your Cheese."

For that Xian received a whack on his head and though he was about to compain, he found Jun laughing out loudly.

From other end, two pairs of eyes were watching the men laughing and enjoying their time.

Ms. Lee was ecstatic to find Mr. Lan, her Wangji to be smiling. It had been ages since she had heard his laughter. Feeling a nudge on her thigh, she patted Sahara's head and whispered, "Yes girl. I can see it too. Maybe Mr. Wei's presence would bring out our old Wangji back to us."

Apple: An assist is given to a player when they deflect, pass or shoot the puck to a player who then immediately scores.