Xian followed Jeff into the club and even though it was illuminated with dim lights, Xian's heart constricted with sheer pain at the memory of what had transpired here.

He could still feel their sullen touches all over his body; and maybe Jeff did feel Xian's anxiety, because next second he felt a warm hand caressing his hair gently and murmuring a lullaby.

Had this been another occasion, Xian might have laughed, but this was too much for his heart to bear.

"Deep breath love." Jeff whispered in his ears.

Once Xian got some semblance, Jeff's worried eyes sought his. "I am okay. I'll be fine in few seconds, but for now we don't have time to waste." Just then his gaze caught a familiar face he once had loved. Miron.

Pointing towards his direction Xian whispered, "That's him."

With a soul filled with conviction, Jeff gave him a subtle nod and moved towards their target.

The plan was Jeff would steal Miron's phone and clone every content in it, delete the incriminating evidence and subtly place the phone back in Miron's pocket; all the while Christian would distract him by flirting until Jeff can perform his miracles; and all he himself had to do was relax and be on a lookout.

Xian saw Christian approaching Miron and even though he wanted to watch their play, he knew it wasn't safe nor sane to be there. Thus, donning a hat with feathers that would keep his face partially hidden, he moved towards the dance floor with the rest of the club goers and danced his fill out.

It was then he felt a pair of hands around his waist and the unease from before took over his fright. He wanted to fight, but causing a scene would bring unwanted interest; and thus with a heavy heart he continued to ignore.

It wasn't long after he felt the hand being replaced with a familiar one, and instantly all his anxiety left his soul as Xian pivoted in the warm embrace of Azure.

He's here.

Pulsing rhythm of the music playing in the background and Azure's furious gaze made him all the more toxic and unable to not tease, Xian bit his lip and whispered, "Hello sexy!"

The change was instant and Xian could feel it.

"Don't play with fire Ice. Don't test my humbleness." The warning was evident but tonight Xian was in mood to test Azure's limits. But before he could take his chance; Xian's cell beeped and it was an indication from Jeff that the work was done.

Catching Azure's eyes Xian gestured for them to leave and as decided before, they met Jeff at the same place where he had parked his car.

"Works done. I have cloned his phone where he won't even have an ounce of doubt. The file name still exists in his phone so as to not raise doubt, but whenever he would open the file-" Jeff's smiled mischievously, "Let's just say he would be in for a surprise."

Letting out the pented breath Xian enquired, "How long until we find everything there is related to this video?"

"It would take me an hour. I need to retrace every step and cloud details."

"Alright. You guys go back home and work in peace. My anxiety would just be an hindrance to you all. Once you're ready call me and I'll be there."

"I'll be here with you."

"Azure -"

"I'm staying and that's final. Christian and Jeff, you guys head home. Sahara is there too. Need any help call us and we'll be there."

With a pat, Christian handed over his car keys to Azure and drove off with Jeff.

"Why did you choose to stay? I won't be a good company right now Azure."

The other man was silent but his eyes did not waver from Xian's. The warmth behind them made Xian turn away. He couldn't bear to look at those in-depth emotions portrayed by Azure. He hadn't expected an answer, but in the end he did get one.

"I will always choose to be by your side Ice. I am not here for your good company. I am here for you. Periodt."

Closing his eyes Xian had to rein his emotions and only once assured it was safe to open his mouth did he nod and glance at Azure. "Very well. I have a place you can drive me to. Let's go."

As Jun expected he drove them to Ice's safe space. A nearby rink. There was no one at this hour but that didn't stop Ice from jumping few walls and banisters to enter the arena. Though, he did not enter the rink itself, he sat on one of the chairs in the bleachers and gazed blankly at what has been his home for all these years.

Taking a seat next to Ice; Jun was quiet. It still surprised him to see this flamboyant style of Ice. The khol under his eyes were slightly smudged and the glitter on his cheeks shined against a sole lowly light illuminating their surroundings.

"Do you think what I am about to do is the right thing?"

It honestly broke Jun's heart to hear the sadness in Ice's voice. "What does your heart say Ice?"

"Conflicted. Heart says finish them off, but my mind says if I do take legal action against them; this world would shame me. I will be blamed and called names. Few in my circle know of my sexuality. Many have speculated but have never sought confirmation from me and nor did I make it my business to share.

"Why should people know about my bedroom preferences? My sexuality does not make me any less of a player on the rink."

Jun was quiet. He knew at this second Ice just needed someone to hear his rant, not sympathise with him.

"There hasn't been a day or time when I haven't been loyal to my game. All I wanted in return was for some love. Was that so wrong to seek?" Pressing his head towards his knee, Ice clutched his hair as his body shook with tremors.

It pained Jun to see Xian this broken. Words of Christian from before made more sense now. Was he strong enough to fight another's demon?

"You aren't wrong to seek love Ice. Just that you loved a wrong person." Jun wanted to place a comforting hand on Ice's shoulders, but he knew a touch wasn't what the younger man wanted at this moment.

Ice still had his head locked in his arms but the tremors had subsided a little.

"I always wanted a family Azure. I wanted my heart to wear my ring. I wanted to retire, marry, have kids, settle down, pick a house, have pets... and play my game!"

The more Ice spoke, the more it seared Jun's heart.

"I legit thought Miron was that man. I..." Unlocking his arms around his head Ice glanced at Jun and the latter was shocked beyond words to see Ice's eyes were crimson from the un-shed tears.

"Xian-"

"I can no longer hope for that dream." Walking away from the chair he had occupied, Ice now leaned against the metal bar surrounding the rink. "This is all I know, Azure... This game is what kept me fed and safe. But now, I am unsure."

"What do you mean?" He was now by Ice's side.

"As you're aware of my retirement plans, I need to quit before everyone whom I know belittle me. You think the NHL would take someone like me into their team? They won't and before-"

"How are you so sure they won't take you?" Jun could not bear Ice's self - loathing words. "You are the best in your field. Have you forgotten that? Isn't that the reason they are ready to sign a contract with you?"

Xian was not ready for Azure's outburst and this surprised him. His gaze was met with resolute ones, who had utmost faith in him than he could have on himself.

"Azure-"

"You once asked me if you were doing the right thing by retiring and back then I knew what my reply wanted to be; but we were just acquaintances and I was unable to give you my advice, but today I want to say-" taking a step forward, Jun was close enough to see the dark specs of Xian's irises and finally uttered those words he had always wanted to say; "don't quit Wei Wuxian."

Xian gasped inwardly. Hearing his formal name on Azure's lips tickled a feeling inside him.

Unknown of what Xian was feeling, Azure continued; "You are living the dreams of millions, Ice. Your fans love you. They respect you. They fulfill their dreams through you. Agreed many might mock you, but can you give up your only dream for some few pathetic imbeciles?

"Wei Wuxian; there are many out there who dream big but due do various circumstances are unable to get the platform you have got."

Placing two hands on Ice's shoulders Jun peered into his soul and stated with utmost faith, "What you've been through; not many get opportunities to speak up, but you do. Be their voice. Be their guiding spirit. Many players are tormented; but are terrified to raise their voices against the atrocities they face.

"Countless players are in their closets because one cannot fathom them being from the LGBTQ+ community. But Wei Wuxian, you can speak about what happened to you and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Rather it's them who need to be reprimanded. Not you! Never you."

Xian could not stop his tears nor him stepping forward and placing his forehead on Azure's shoulder. He felt a bit relieved if he was honest with himself. Hearing those words from Azure was a balm he knew his soul needed. Feeling a soft caress against his back, Xian glanced up at Azure and managed a small smile. "Thank you. I really needed to hear those words."

"Xian, you're strong. What happened to you those months ago, I cannot ask you to forget or forgive, but I can say with time, your soul will heal. With time you will learn to love yourself."
Jun using the back of his knuckles carefully wiped Ice's tears.

"Why are you being nice to me?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" This question genuinely confused Jun.

"I have been nothing but a pain to you since the day I walked into your life. Before it was quiet but now it's all tangled up in my mess. Don't you hate me?"

Chuckling softly Jun replied, "I can never hate you Ice. Agreed my life was quiet before your arrival. Too quiet rather. But that's what you made me realise. I didn't need that. I was a coward who was hiding under one or the other pretext. You saved me from my own loneliness Xian.

"There's a saying that broken crayons can still colour; and we are two broken souls Xian. So why not colour each others lives with pastels?"

Each words of Azure was giving Xian hope.

"Too cliched; but yes I agree with your words." Xian stepped back with a grin and even though Jun didn't want to let go, in the end he just smiled and leaned against the metal bar. "If I do take legal action against those guys, there are chances my contract with the National Team would be terminated too. Plus, I might not even get to sign the contract with the NHL. What would I do then?"

All Jun's answer was to shrug. "They can't ban you from playing. We'll figure out something."

"We?" Xian enquired with a smirk.

"Of course. I won't let you fight this battle all alone. It's going to be you and me until the very end."

Though these words were uttered very casually, both Jun and Xian knew they held in-depth weight.

Xian wasn't naive and neither Jun was used to saying such cliched dialogues. Facing Azure head on Xian wanted to reveal his inner thoughts aloud, "I am not a child and neither are you. There is an undeniable feeling between us and I know we both can sense it. But, I need to make it certain-" taking a pause Xian wanted Azure's entire attention on him; "I don't think I can ever be in a relationship with anyone. Neither can I ever be physically intimate with another being. My heart is bruised to trust another with my body and soul and even though I understand that not everyone is him; I cannot overcome my past."

Azure was quiet. Too quiet and Xian wasn't sure what he should do.

It was only after a minute or two did he finally speak. "Wei Wuxian, even if all you can give me is a life long friendship; I will be happy with that. I am not looking forward to anything more. Even if you ask me never to touch you, I will respect your space, because you being here means that much to my own existence."

Azure's words were having an effect on Xian and the former wasn't even aware.

"Don't you wish to be in a relationship with someone who can love you?" Xian wanted to know.

"I am a man of many faults too Ice. But having a friend who can understand me is more than enough."

"If I'm chosen by the NHL; we won't be able to meet for the next three years. Would you be alright with that?"

"There is something called video calls. I'll keep in touch with you."

Poking his inner cheek with his tongue, Xian gave Azure a sly smile, "You have an answer for all my questions, don't you?"

"I am here to impress."

"I do like your hugs." This time Xian's voice was a whisper.

"What?"

Taking a step forward Xian hugged Azure. "I like your touch. Only yours. Never stop hugging me. If it becomes too much, I'll let you know."

The other man was quick to hug and Xian felt safe.

All too soon his phone rang and it was from Christian. "Hey! We're ready for you."

"We'll be home soon."

Without another word but with just clasping Xian's hand Azure guided them towards their destination.

Hooking:

A minor penalty when a player uses the blade of his stick to grab or impede an opponent's progress from behind.

(A/n: Thank you all for your concerns. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Day by day I am enjoying Azure and Ice's conversations. If we all have such kind of relationships, in the end I think we all would have lifelong friendships and more.)