Retelling the ordeal to Chen, uncle Ren and Captain Jin was not an easy feat; and all the while keeping a stoic face and reining in the emotions so as to not break down had become quite tiresome. But, Xian knew for his plan to be placed in action; the truth had to be revealed.

As expected Chen and uncle Ren were shocked beyond words. Their pale faces depicted every single emotion they felt. As for Captain Jin, he was the one who was absolutely quiet. Xian could feel his captain's rage; but the man had always been known for his calm nature.

"Xi, why didn't you come forward all those months ago and make a formal complaint against Miron?" Making his way towards Xian, Chen asked softly, "Why Xian? This; I am asking as your coach. Why didn't you feel the need to reveal such sexual abuse against you?"

"Would it have made a difference?" Xian had to give applause to his own acting. Answering with no emotions was taking a toll on him; but if he were to cry at this point, it would all be over.

"Of course it would have, kid. We are with you; remember?"

"What do you intend on doing?" This question was posed by uncle Ren.

"I have few evidences with me at this moment which are in Christian's custody. I have few more which would be handed to the cops once I have formally filed a complaint against them."

"Who are all involved?"

"Coach, there were six DNAs found; but I remember only five of them in the room."

"Who all?"

"Miron, Edik, Edmon, Fred and Lenya."

"Fuck!" Coach Chen cursed out aloud.

"But the evidence that we've collected through the video, only five faces are to be seen. Not the sixth."

"How is that possible?" Uncle Ren was genuinely confused.

"He was wearing a cap and mask."

It was then Captain Jin sighed and for the first time since Xian shared his ordeal, did the other man speak. But, his question was for Coach and uncle Ren, "Xian isn't aware; is he?"

"What am I unaware of?"

Looking squarely at Xian; Captain Jin answered, "You're aware that Miron is a fantastic forward and no one can deny that."

The moment he heard Captain Jin's words Xian's heart sank. He knew where this was going.

"A few weeks ago there were talks of recruiting Miron as a forward for the National team. Most of the paperwork are almost through and it's just a matter of time before he joins us."

This was a huge blow to Xian. Had it not been for Azure coming to his aid in an instant and supporting him, he was sure his body would have given up.

"Xian." Captain Jin's eyes swayed between Azure and his. "Up until now Miron has had the best track record. There are no complaints against him nor has he flouted any rules. He has a huge fan base and our country has invested substantial amount on him as a breakthrough to have an international player amongst us."

"So, what are you saying Captain Jin?" Xian's voice was a mere whisper.

Making his way towards Xian, Captain Jin was sympathetic, "Remember a few years ago when you joined our team; what did I say?" He didn't wait for Xian to answer and continued, "I said we're family. Xian, you're my family but so is Miron. If you go ahead with this case and Miron is proved guilty; I will personally make his life miserable.

"But nonetheless, while the trials going on and when called forward to give my evidence, if by then I haven't received any complaints against him, I will speak only the truth."

Xian understood what his Captain was conveying. He won't lie.

"I won't fabricate stories. I am aware this probably would make me a bad guy; but Xian, I won't lie. Miron will be personally evaluated by me for anger and other such psychological issues. If I find any absurdity, it will be produced in the court. I hope you understand my predicament."

"I do, Captain. I wouldn't expect any less."

Pausing for a second, Captain Jin sighed heavily, "You don't need me to remind you of your chances with the NHL. You're so close to signing a contract. Remember, if you sign the contract with the NHL, you won't be here to play with Miron."

Everyone present could hear a growl. It was from Azure. "What are you insinuating Jin? Are you asking Xian to let go of this matter?"

Captain Jin's eyes were cold. "I am thinking about his future Mr. Lan. Everything he's worked for all his life; it's all here. If he-"

Azure instantly was in front of Xian, protecting him from Captain Jin's words. "If I were you Mr. Jin, I would not use such a tone with Xian. Have you forgotten what ordeal he's been through?"

"I haven't, but it seems you all have. Let me tell you right now what's going to happen. Xian will be shunned and even though not banned, his name will forever be tainted. All those scores and games he has won would be forgotten; and all that would be remembered is him being a victim of sexual assault. He'd be condemned as a gay player who-"

"Jin!" JC was flabbergasted by their Captain's attitude.

Sighing heavily, Captain Jin glanced at Xian ignoring the rest. "Please think about this."

"He was threatened Jin." JC raised his voice again.

"I'll speak to Miron if need be. Let me reprimand him Xian. I'll see to it that he does not come in between you and your dreams."

Up until now Xian's eyes were cast on the floor, but now he raised them and met Captain Jin's head-on. "For you the team comes first. You have always placed the team before yourself. My thoughts were the same for all these months. I placed my family; my team before me.

"But, it all changed when he dared to threaten Jun. So this time; I am going to place me before anyone else. Come tomorrow morning I will meet the cops and will do all the needful."

"Is this your final verdict?"

"Yes."

With a nod captain Jin backed away, "I will support you Xian; but if the team is going to be affected because of this scandal-" he stopped as his eyes met Azure's. Xian wasn't sure what Captain Jin saw in Azure's gaze, but with another sigh he left.

Once Captain Jin left, Xian made his way towards uncle Ren and knelt in front of him. Uncle Ren had always been like a family to Xian and JC.

"This is going to affect the team. I am sorry uncle Ren. I knew we are just days before the finals but-" Placing a caring hand on Xian's head, uncle Ren smiled sadly, "My child just concentrate on winning this battle. Forget everything else. Chen and I are here. You do what your heart tells you to and leave the rest to us."

"Uncle Ren - "

"I should have known something was wrong when you became aggressive. I am sorry Xian." Unable to hear the sadness in the voice of the man who has always treated him warmly, Xian was quick to hug uncle Ren. "You have nothing to apologise."

Few seconds later uncle Ren managed to smile. "We'll take care of everything Xian. You just let us know when you need our help." Glancing at Azure and then back at Xian, uncle Ren sighed, "Jin wasn't wrong Xian. His words sounded harsh but he was right on one thing. NHL has already warned us against you having any other scandal. If this comes out, none of us are aware as to how they'd react. So, please be careful."

All Xian could do was nod.

With a pat, uncle Ren moved towards Azure and gave him a warm hug.

Chen was next to Xian. His eyes were rimmed with tears and without another word he trudged out of the house. Uncle Ren followed Chen and it was only JC, Azure and Xian left in the living room.

Unable to converse with anyone, Xian made way towards the bedroom.
When he felt a dip in the bed and warm arms around him, Xian turned into Azure's embrace and cried softly into his chest.

Christian joined Jeff in bed and the latter sighed. "How is Xian?"

"Disturbed." Christian's fingers were lazily caressing his lovers hair.

"I am worried about Xian. I hope he won't be like me."

Kissing Jeff's forehead, Christian's lips thinned as he reminisced an unsavoured memory. "He won't."

"How are you so sure?" Jeff wanted to protect that kid.

"Because..."

"Because?"

"There's a lot to his history that people are unaware of. Xian has faced far more pain than one can imagine."

"What are you saying Chris?"

This time Christian shut his eyes tight.
"Can you do one thing for me?"

"Name it!"

"I want you to erase all his history. His childhood pics... Everything!"

"Why?"

"Because after tomorrow, everything about his past would be dug up; and I don't want one single trace to lead them back to my brother."

"Chris-"

"Please Jeff."

The latter blinked twice and without a second thought, brought out his laptop and started working his magic. In the end all Christian could hope was to bring Xian out of this chaos unscathed.

Goon:

A player whose only talent is fighting, usually to keep the teams best players safe.

(A/n: Thank you all for your amazing support. Usually, in our own sadness we forget that everyone equally goes through some angst.

With Xian and Jun, each of them are scarred in their own way; but somehow they're in this together. Time will tell if they will be something more; but for now, let us all enjoy their heartwarming soulship.)