Xian woke up with a start only to feel grim and sweat covering his body. The same feeling had sunk in from the night of his ordeal. Unable to bear the gross weight covering his body, he quickly dashed into the bathroom and began rubbing his skin raw with hot water. What was supposed to make him feel clean, now was causing him more harm. Under the heat of the painfully burning water his tears withered away.

Did it matter?

No.

For Xian, all he wanted was that night to be washed away. If only it was possible. His yell and pain was muffled in the jet and even the grim that was non-existent did nothing to make him feel chaste.

Had it not been for a pair of warm arms embracing him, trying to take in his pain, Xian would have turned prune and pale. His tear filled gaze sought the one with whom he had grown up and shared a lifetime of belongingness. JC. His brother. His confidante.

Never before had JC ever seen this side of Xian. Watching his brother, his other part of the soul wreaking, all he could do was pull Xian close to his heart and murmur whatever he could think of.

His brother who was the strongest, right now in his arms was just a husk of a man who once had all the love in his heart. Who in their right mind could so cruelly wretch away a soul so pure?

"JC..." Xian's hiccup was getting worse.

"I'm here." Kissing his hair, JC held his brother tightly.

"It's paining... JC..."

"I'm here." JC's own tears were veild by the slucing water.

"How could he... JC?" Xian shuddered in his arms. "It's paining..."

The arms around Xian tightened, "I am here. Do you want me to take you to the doctor?"

All Xian did was shake his head.

Closing the knob; JC pulled Xian out and dabbed him with a dry towel. Making their way out of the bathroom JC helped him into a warm set of clothes and tucked him into the blankets.

His brother was a mere robot at the moment. Moving mechanically with no thought nor any life in him. The porridge JC fed him, Xian consumed them without much resistance. Once he was sure Xian was asleep, JC knew he had to make a call.

"Hey!" The man at the other end was quick to respond. "Does he need me there? Tell me and I'll bring him back here. He needs to be here and not there. JC-"

Taking a deep breath JC had to rein in his own emotions, "He needs you, but not at this moment. There will come a time when you'll be the only one to console him; Wangji."

The other side was quiet and then enquired in mere whisper, "It's past midnight. He was having a nightmare, wasn't he?"

"You're aware of his nightmare?" JC was surprised.

"Yes. I am. One reason I made sure we slept in the same room for every night we were together. For some reason, when I am around, Wei Ying does not have any nightmares."

Wei Ying... A name JC knew meant so much for Lan Wangji.

"I cannot forgive them Wangji." JC let his tears free knowing Xian isn't around to witness them. He could neither show his emotions around Ki nor Xi. "What they did to him... what they are doing to him... I can't let it go. I need to make them feel the same anguish and torment."

The moment he uttered these words, there was an eeriness he could sense from the other end. "Wangji?"

"They will pay for their sins, JC." The words were cold and JC felt his own hairs stand.

"Wangji." JC glanced around the room to make sure there was no one when he asked, "What are you planning?"

It took Wangji a minute to answer, "I won't drag Xian nor you into this. When time comes let me handle the same."

There was an underlying threat and the only relief JC felt that he wasn't at the receiving end. "Then I won't stand in your way. Don't tell me. What I am unaware, I won't be obliged to share."

"Take care of him for me. I'll be there when he needs me the most."

The line went silent and JC walked into the kitchen to pour a drink. This was still Wangji's house and he was glad for Jack Daniel's Whiskey.

'I owe you a bottle Ji.'

Xian felt much better when he woke up to the scent of food and coffee. His senses led him to witness a couple kissing shamelessly in front of him. It didn't deter him from taking a seat on the kitchen bar and watching all this first hand.

How many years has he woken to this scene?

The answer is too many!

"If you're done kissing; I'd like to have a cup of coffee please!"

The moment Kiara turned, her squeal was the loudest and the next second she was in Xian's arms. Her scent was comforting and so was her soul.

Tucking herself under his arms, she gave him a sloppiest kiss on his cheek while Xian smirked. "Be careful sweetie. Your fiance is right there. He might get jealous."

"If only you accepted my proposal when we were young. I would be yours and not his."

Xian laughed out loud. It was good for his own ears.

"I should have." Xian played around, "But what could I do? My brother had his heart and eyes for you!"

"How about we elope now?" She gave him a cheeky smile while Xian placed his palm gently on Kiara's almost there bump. "This one can call me dad!"

Placing two plates filled with greens and Quesadilla on the table, JC shook his head and remarked, "Well you'll be a great dad."

Laughing and feeding a spoon of greens to Ki; Xian jested, "The only dad I'll ever be would be to your kid."

"Don't you want kids of your own?"

Xian was surprised by Kiara's enquiry and when he didn't answer, she asked again. "Xi?"

Xian was saved by his cell ringing and the name flashing on screen made his heart beat erratically.

Valentina Giovanni.

"Mr. Giovanni?"

"Can you come by the arena ASAP?"

"Is everything alright?"

"It will be once you're here. Do you know where JC is?"

"He's here with me."

"Good. Get him too."

Pocketing his phone Xian took a bite of his breakfast.

"Xi?"

Glancing at Kiara, Xian smiled, "Eat. We need to leave after breakfast. Giovanni called. He wanted JC and me to stop by the arena."

When Xian had walked through the rink he wasn't sure at first why Giovanni wanted him there; but whatever would have been the reason, the words that the latter had just uttered wasn't it.

"The association desires you to be our goaltender for the next game Xian. Your ban has been officially lifted."

What?

Some were happy; some were not in favour, while Ken showed his utmost displeasure openly. "Who voted for him? Isn't he the reason we're in this mess?"

"Mind your words Mr. Yok." Giovanni was calm and yet he held authority.

"Or else what?" The challenge was evident from Ken; but to counter his challenge, this time it wasn't Giovanni who answered him, it was someone else.

"Or else it won't take us much time to ban you for contempt Mr. Yok." A firm voice made way to where they were present and Xian was surprised to see Kiara dressed in a power suit all set to slay.

"Who are you?" His question was rude and before JC could step forward and bite, Giovanni smiled warmly and welcomed Kiara.

"Ms. Wang has been an NHL sponsor for quite some years and with her impeccable understanding of the game, national and international; a few months ago we had requested her to join the international league as a Director.

"We were supposed to announce the same in our press conference before this entire fiasco; but nonetheless she is here. Ms. Wang and rest of the association members have approved Mr. Wei to play the next game.

"And I would like to remind you; Mr. Wei's record is unbeatable. The only reason you narrowly won the last game was because the opposite team was not used to the then goaltender. Right now Mr. Wei's your only chance to win and I know you'll accept our decision and won't disappoint us." Giovanni's words has the desired effect.

It was Captain Jin who came forward and smiled, clapping Xian's shoulder, "Welcome back Xian! I agree with them. Without you, there is no game. Remember my words, we are family."

Soon one by one came forward and stated the same words.

Ken did not bother showing the same respect and walked away.

"Don't worry about him Xian." Victor smiled. "We're here. Remember."

Xian was glad for their support but as they all dispersed, he quickly turned towards JC and asked, "Were you aware about Kiara's appointment?"

"I was and she asked me to keep it a secret. She wanted to tell you all this, but none of us knew it would be under such circumstances."

JC disappeared into the locker room, leaving only Giovanni, Kiara and him.

"Mr. Wei, can I have a word with you?" Giovanni asked and though he wanted to talk to Kiara, last night's incident came to the forefront and Xian chose to follow Giovanni out.

"Wei Wuxian." Giovanni's voice was soft and even though it was warm, Xian felt odd hearing his name in someone else's voice who wasn't Azure.

"Please call me Xian."

"Xian, I hope you realise this is once in a lifetime opportunity. Please note there was no favouritism in play here. All of us are aware that you truly have an unbeatable record. The ban has been lifted and I hope you can bounce back."

"Mr. Giovanni -"

"Call me Val."

Xian was taken aback but continued, "Val. What happened last night -"

"What happened last night, shouldn't have happened, but in a way I'm glad it did. I owe you an explanation Xian."
Resting against the banister, Val's eyes were steady on Xian and for some reason he felt the scrutiny ran deeper.

"Let me start by saying that it isn't recently that I have been following your work Xian. Me choosing you for the NHL has been a work in progress for past four years."

Xian was absolutely astonished by this news.

"I first came across your name when you were playing for under 18. I was in Japan when your name was first discussed. Your scores were amazing and that caught my interest. I flew down personally to keep a track of your work and put forward your name to my team. We saw immense potential in you, Xian."

"I really don't know what to say." It was true. He didn't.

"Due to personal reason I wasn't able to witness your game few months ago, but when my team mentioned the sudden change in your game and then your ban, we were all surprised. We had a word with Ren and Chen; who back then had no idea what brought these changes in you."

Turning to face Xian; Val took a step closer, "I wanted to personally talk to you, but I wasn't allowed. We aren't allowed to mingle with players Xian.

"When Chen recently informed me of what had transpired, I knew the only thing for me to do was to come down and talk to you. You're an amazing player Xian. Please don't doubt yourself. Win this game and get into the finals. Win there and show them your spirit.

"Let me see that eighteen year olds spirit in you, Xian. You are born to play. Born to win. Born to achieve great success."

If it was even possible, Val was much closer to Xian and whispered, "Believe in yourself. I do."

Xian felt the world was spinning and he managed to get it out; "Last night. How did you know Zen was going to attack?"

Biting his lips Val averted his eyes and brought his phone out. A second later right on the screen the scene from last night played out.

"After talking to you, Chen and I were walking around when we saw Zen approaching you. Being in this field, I have become an expert in reading people's mannerisms Xian. Zen was executing a negative aura. Even Chen was cautioned. We both followed Zen and that led us to you.

"Hiding behind the pillar, we were privy to all your conversations. Chen was triggered with certain words of Zen and he called the security to check the CCTV nearby. That was when I started recording this. In the end our huch worked out for the best and we were able to record it all.

"I am sorry you had to go through all this. Let me assure you Xian; in the NHL you won't face such atrocities. Come with me."

"What makes you think I won't join?" Xian was sure Valentina Giovanni had the tenacity to read people's mind.

"Your eyes."

"My eyes?"

"Yes. Your soul has an undeniable passion to play this game. You haven't even reached your supreme capacity to play your best, but the moment you realise your own potential, there is nothing stopping you Xian; but your eyes have given up and for that I am scared you might back out."

He couldn't deny Val's words.

"Xian."

"Hm?"

"Let me take you out for dinner."

Xian was once again taken aback. The man in front of him did not seem like a person to make casual comments. This could only mean there's a degree of intensity behind those words.

"Val-" before he could speak; a voice which could comfort his soul called out his name, "Wei Wuxian."

Glancing back Xian sported a genuine smile that spread across his face.

Azure.

Jun was glad for the empty corridors. He was glad that no one was around to stop and question him; because at this moment he only wanted to meet that one soul who had come to mean so much to him.

He stopped in his tracks at the sight of Ice; but what disturbed him was the close proximity of another person standing close to Wei Ying.

He could clearly hear the entirety of their conversation and he wasn't a fan of it to be honest.

"I am sorry you had to go through all this. Let me assure you Xian; in the NHL you won't face such atrocities. Come with me."

"What makes you think I won't join?"

"Your eyes."

"My eyes?"

"Yes. Your soul has an undeniable passion to play this game. You haven't even reached your supreme capacity to play your best, but the moment you realise your own potential, there is nothing stopping you Xian; but your eyes have given up and for that I am scared you might back out."

There was a pause and the other man continued, "Xian."

"Hm?"

"Let me take you out for dinner."

"Val-"

No.

"Wei Wuxian." Jun called out as he made way towards his Wei Ying. He was glad to see those warm eyes on him. Jun could read Wei Ying by now; and the younger man was glad he was there.

"Azure..." It might have been a prayer or a whisper. Probably the two of them weren't sure, but the very next second Wei Ying was in his arms and all Jun could do was hold the man tightly in his arms.

Right here, for now, this is enough.

(A/n: This song is so apt for this moment.)

Enforcer:

A player quick to fight who defends their teammates against violent members of the other team.

(A/n: So now Xian has a chance to prove, not only to his team but to himself too. I want him to win and earn back the respect he so much deserves.

I also wish Azure is a lot more open with his Wei Ying when it comes to his own emotions. At this point it seems they are carefully waltzing around eachother.

Probably a matter of time before they realise what they mean to eachother.

But it's also Giovanni's character I am loving. Could there be a history or maybe geography?)