"So you remember me sharing with you on how Christian and I met?" At Xian's inquiry Jeff nodded. Of course he remembered, everything that's got to do with Christian, he always made it a point to remember.

"I was probably twelve or thirteen at that time when Christian came into my life. There was this case of an ugly pedophile who harmed this boy from the orphanage I grew up in. Back then there was no one who could come forward and speak against the bast*rd; because he happened to be a relative of one of the caretakers there.

"As for me, it didn't matter because I hardly stayed in the orphanage. My sole connection to that place was JC. If not for him; I would have bid goodbye to that place a long ago."

"Didn't... they treat you well?" At Jeff's stutter Xian knew what the other man assumed.

"They didn't harm me; if that is what you're insinuating." Glancing back at the street passing by, Xian sighed, "All of them were just indifferent and negligent towards me and JC. People there felt they were more entitled because they 'took' care of us'; and we had to forever be indebted to them."

"What do you mean by that?"

"There once was a minor sports event for the local community and they invited kids from our orphanage to join them. The organizers had even organised a few sports events, one which happened to be Ice Hockey. JC and I took part in it and we excelled at the game. Not that we were any good, just that the rest of them were really bad."

Jeff's car came to a halt at the signal and he barked out a laugh.

"One of the organizer was impressed by our game and went out of their way to get us a few government sponsorships. Now, the orphanage would benefit from our sponsorships because they earn money too. One reason I was allowed to do what I wanted, with only one condition that I could never quit my game. It was lucrative for me and JC was safe. The world outside wasn't meant for a guy like my brother."

"Did you ever hate the fact that you had to play according to the rules of others and not your own?" At Jeff's question Xian contemplated his answer.

The car was on motion again as Xian smiled, "Not really. When one does not have too much to call their own, then even charity becomes a boon."

"Xian-"

"Don't worry. I really love to play and in the end that's all that matters." He patted Jeff's knee and continued his story; "So, it was when I was back at the orphanage that I witnessed this guy moles*ing a boy. Now, everyone knew but no one uttered a single word. Even JC was aware of it but they were all threatened to keep their mouths shut.

"For JC's safety at first I thought it was best to ignore this crime, but when the victim ran away and the cops were involved, I knew it was just a matter of time before we're questioned. It was then I finally decided to speak up, but before that I had to secure JC's future. Taking Ki and her family into confidence, they were associated with the orphanage, I met Christian and chose to reveal the horrors that kid faced. Eventually, Christian became my mentor and in many ways a let out for me."

Xian observed a soft smile playing on Jeff's face. The latter was enjoying this side of his partner.

Chuckling at one particular memory; Xian shared, "When I first saw him, I was wondering if he was actually a lawyer?"

"What?" Jeff bit his lips to stop himself from laughing.

"Yeah! He was lanky and lacking the uber sexiness he has going on now. Back then he was a sweating dork and mumbling incoherently. I kept thinking if he would be successful, but Christian proved me wrong. Once he started arguing; he had their asses." Turning to wink at Jeff; Xian grinned, "Pun intended."

Barking out a laugh Jeff continued driving as Xian shared, "He was a beast and I admired his tenacity. He successfully had them cornered and it was then I believed not everyone are bad. This world needed more people like Christian."

"I can vouch for that." The corners of Jeff's lips turned up a notch and Xian knew he was reminiscing some of their memories.

"Xian."

"Hm?"

"Did you ever have a crush on him... I mean... Christian?"

Xian could not lie. He was expecting this question from Jeff and he was ready with his answer. "No crush; but I admired Christian. Once I got to know him, there were nights I would sneak into his office to sleep. His first office was really small but as he got successful and moved to a swankier place, it became more comfortable for me too."

"Wait! Don't tell me he wasn't aware?"
Jeff was surprised while Xian shook his head. "I personally feel he was aware. Christian had this mini fridge in his office and it was well stocked with foods not of his taste but more suited my palate. I think he had instructed his secretary to take care of my needs. Also, the key was set in a place where I could find it easily. He never made a show and tell of it; and neither did I want to make him feel his sincerity for me was treated as charity."

They were almost nearing the bar when Jeff smiled and said, "I vaguely remember, now that you shared this with me, Christian did say he was looking after a boy who was like a younger brother to him and in future he'd introduce us. So it's you!"

"Small world. It's me." Xian gave him a satisfied smile.

"Did you always want to play Ice Hockey?"

"Always. But specifically because of an older brother who motivated me to carry on dreaming; I never gave up. This was back when at the age of thirteen I was working in a small arcade that had ice rink. It was during after hours and I assumed there was no one around, I was playing when this older brother skated past me, took the puck and scored a goal!

"To be honest that evening changed the entire course of my life. He was one of the few who saw potential in me and asked me to fulfill my dream of playing for the National Team. At first I scoffed, but the more he taught; a strange excitement grew within me to achieve that dream."

"He must be proud of you now." At Jeff's words Xian felt sad.

"I don't know who he was. We never met again. That night I was scouted by a local team and the rest was history."

"Xian-"

"That night I made a promise to him and me. Even if we never meet, I will not let the spirit of my dream diminish. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of him. When I reached the finals, it was at the sheer memory of him that I took with me in my heart. I'm sure we'll meet one day, but for now just keeping that dream alive has always been my priority."

"You've done well for yourself. I am sure he'll be proud."

"Yeah. I'm sure..." Xian didn't want to think back to that night. There were so many words he wanted to say but was unable to.

The only thing he remembered of that older brother other than his precious words was his name; Lan Zhan.

Xian had searched every database he could get hold of to find him; but even today it wasn't an easy feat. He couldn't remember much of his face, for there was too much going on in his own life, but it was his name which Xian could never forget.

They had finally reached the club and Jeff parked his car below a tree which hid their spot well. They were waiting for Miron to enter the club and Jeff could find out Miron's whereabouts through his social media page.

There was still time and as seconds passed by Xian was getting jittery of the fact that they were going to pull this heist. Probably it was to ease his worry that Jeff smiled as he scouted through Miron's page and said, "I am really glad you had someone like Christian in your life. He still deals with my issues as calmly as he can."

"Christian can be a bit more at times." Biting his inner cheeks Xian grinned, "Let me share this embarrassing story with you." Xian noted Jeff's keen eyes on him and laughed. "I had turned major that year and just rented a small studio apartment near our club and... let's just say I liked this manboy who was beautiful by the way. We were doing naughty things when Christian walked into my apartment and caught us."

As predicted Jeff started laughing and all Xian could do was grin at the memory.

"What?"

"Yup. He wasn't pleased. He knew I preferred varieties in my life but had never been a witness. Seth, that was his name, quickly left us but not without giving me a kiss which irked Christian. That night he sat me down and tried explaininf the concept of birds and bees."

"He did what?" Jeff sputtered and Xian nodded. "Or in my case Birds and Birds or Bees and Bees. However you like it."

"What the..."

"Yeah. You can say that again. It does not end there my friend! He ordered through online delivery a bunch of con*oms for me. He'd message me every now and then and ask me if I was being safe."

"I can't believe..." At Jeff's amusement Xian continued, "Oh do believe. I then planned for a perfect revenge. One night when he was at my place sleeping, I snuck into his room and swapped his con*oms-"

Before Xian could continue, Jeff turned to him with wide eyes and pale face. "That was fucking you!?"

"Eh?"

"On our date night Christian and I after wine and dine were all ready to have se*. He wore a con*om and... let's just say my as* was on fire!"

Xian doubled in two as he clutched his stomach and laughed his heart out at the image of Jeff and Christian in such situation.

"Laugh now but I didn't allow Christian to touch me for a month. Now we know whom to thank!" Though Jeff sounded angry, his eyes were dancing with laughter.

"Sorry. But he was a pain."

"For all I know, I was in pain!"

The two of them sobered and Xian caressed his pants as he whispered, "Christian's words were so ingrained in me, that I never had s*x without con*oms. Maybe that was one reason when those guys assaulted me and did it without any protections, I was scared for my life. It made me feel filthy and disgusted. Even as I waited in the doctors room for my HIV and STD tests, I kept thinking back to why didn't they wear protection... Why?"

"Xian-"

Just then Jeff's laptop beeped a signal and it was an indication that Miron was near.

"Are you ready?"

At Jeff's question all Xian could do was nod. He wasn't, yet he knew this has to be done.

The trip here with Christian was quiet and Jun knew the other man was gathering his thoughts. Never before had they pried too much into each other's lives. Christian knew with Jun around there would never be anyone to bully Jeff.

"Xian is like my younger brother. I have watched him grow into a strong man, Jun." Christian paused and met Jun's gaze, "I have seen him sad and happy, but never like this. So broken."

Jun patiently waited for Christian to pour his heart out. "I knew something was wrong when he wasn't picking up my calls all those months ago, but I assumed he was busy. I should have followed my guts to know that wasn't the case. Do you like my Xian?"

Jun was not expecting this question.

"If not, then don't give him hope. I know you and I know him. Jun, you are someone who can make your partner feel secure, but you are also a person who has his own share of demons and if you aren't strong enough to control them, they will eat you up. Xian, needs someone on whom he can depend.

"I have heard of Miron before. So, I knew of him. My brother loved him, Jun. He adored Miron. Are you strong enough to win over his demons too?"

Jun carefully reflected on Christian's words while the other man berated himself mentally.

Patting Jun's thigh Christian sighed, "Think about this. You don't need me to confront you about this in future. Whatever you decide, keep yourself and him as a priority."

It wasn't difficult to locate Ice amidst the people on the dance floor; but when Jun's gaze landed on the younger man, he couldn't control the undefined jealousy bubbling within him.

Ice had donned a cap with feathers sprouting out covering part of his face, while his hands were stretched above his head to accommodate his dance moves. It was another pair of hands around his waist that irked Jun.

He wasn't able to quash the insanity and before he could comprehend what was happening, the man with his hands around Ice's waist was pushed away and it was replaced with Jun's very own.

Xian instantly relaxed into Azure's embrace. He somehow knew it was Azure behind him. Pivoting, the pairs of eyes met each other and a sly smile was playing in Xian's lips.

"Hello sexy!"

If the music wasn't loud, Jun was sure everyone present here could hear him growl. Ice at the moment was sexy and alluring and Jun wanted nothing more than to take this soul in his arms and kiss him.

Checking:

Using body contact to prevent an opposing player from gaining an advantageous position on the ice

(A/n: Hey there everybody! I am here after a long time. Sorry to keep you all waiting. I wasn't well. Love Xian and Jun a lot more. They need it.)