*** Trigger Warning***

Jun's gaze met a pair of sleepy ones as he glanced at their reflection in the mirror. His own was wet from dews of water that quickly snaked down towards his chest wetting his tshirt in the process.

"Good morning." Jun smirked when the other man was quiet as his eyes didn't sway from the place where he was caught oogling.

"Ice?"

"Um... yeah?" Nope. His eyes were still on Jun's chest.

"Eyes up here..."

That was enough for Ice to grin and finally face Jun who was still smirking from before.

"Like something you see?"

"Yeah! You have a hot body."

Jun still had to get used to Wei Ying's straightforwardness. Turning to face the latter, he leaned against the basin and gestured to Xian to come closer. Gently cupping his face Jun enquired softly, "Tell me how I can help you Wei Wuxian?"

"I like it when you call me by my name. Wei Wuxian. Not many call me by that name."

"I can always call you by your name Wei..." Jun wanted to say 'Wei Ying'; but stopped short by stating just Wei.

The latter had much of an effect. Just hearing the name Wei...; Xian gasped and shuddered. Unable to bear the emotions coursing through him, his hand banded against Jun's waist, while he tucked his face at Jun's nape.

Jun was quick to embrace Xian with one hand whilst the other caressed his hair.

Just right there, at that moment, it seemed they were the only two existing. There were no problems and issues that could come inbetween them. They were contented. They were safe in eachothers arms. But eventually, reality seeped in and the inevitable was awaiting them.

Moments later it was Xian who finally spoke. "I'll be filing all the necessary complaints against those guys. It's going to be tough, but I have made up my mind. I will fight them until the very end. There is no turning back this time."

Jun's fingers were still caressing Ice's hair when he stated, "Then I'll be here with you. I'll stand by your side and be there for you at all times."

What Jun did not expect was for Xian to take a step back and meet his eyes with determination, yet at the same time there was an undeniable plea in them. "Can I make a request, Azure?"

"Definitely. Anything for you Wei..."

"Then I request you to wait for me. Back home."

"But-"

"Please. Your home is my safe space. You are my safe zone, Azure. When it becomes cumbersome out here, I will be needing you, your sanctuary to come back to. Just you being there will keep me going Azure. I know how much you have cherished your privacy. Being with me here, it would be torn into pieces and that is something this soul wouldn't be able to bare."

Not wanting to be another second apart, Jun was quick to pull Xian for another hug. "That was before you, Wei... I-"

Xian was quick to hug Jun tightly as his fingers fisted the back of Jun's tshirt as he whispered, "Please. Wait for me. I will be back. It's a promise. May not be immediately, but I will be back. Can you wait for me?"

The word wait hung heavily between the two. It held depth of various meanings to it and for now Jun was in dilema. He wanted to be here with his Wei Ying, but this wasn't about him. It was about his Wei Ying's wish. And so with a heavy heart he agreed, "I'll wait for you at home; and if things get too cumbersome, I'll send Uncle Lee to pick you. No questions asked."

He felt Xian's body sag into his with relief, "Thank you."

This was going to be a long battle. For both of them, and especially for Jun, it was all about being mentally strong.

"Where is Xi?" Christian asked softly as he witnessed Jun making his way towards them.

Placing a cup of coffee in front of Jun, this time it was Jeff who enquired, "Did he get some sleep?"

Taking a grateful sip of the coffee Jun answered, "He didn't sleep much and right now he's having his bath."

"Today is going to be tough for Xian. It's going to be a whirlwind." Jeff was genuinely concerned. Though he might have not known Xian for long, but last evening he was the one to whom Jeff revealed all those thoughts which his own family were unaware of. At times you just need the right person to connect and everything falls in its place.

"Where is JC?" Jun observed the room devoid of that one person who meant the world to his Wei Ying.

"He just left. Kiara was feeling under the weather. So he had to leave. JC did say that he left Xian a message."

Before either of them could say much, Xian joined them and they all could see the visible effect last night had on that boy. His eyes were red from lack of sleep and face was considerably swollen.

"Kid." Christian called out. "Do you have everything you need?"

With a subtle nod Xian fished out a key and handed it over to Christian. "This is another piece of evidence that would help you with the case."

"What is this?"

"The motel room where the ordeal took place."

In an instant Jun was next to Xian and the latter explained. "After that night, I don't know what triggered me to keep that room, but until now I have been paying them every night to keep that room untouched. It won't be contaminated, so all the necessary things can be collected."

Xian found it difficult to meet their eyes, yet he knew the next piece of information was the most vital. "There is a hockey stick next to the bed... It would contain my DNA as well as theirs... Miron used the end to fu*k himself first and then he used it on me..."

"F*ck!" Jeff cursed out aloud.

"There are a lot more evidences there. Just..."

"I'll immediately get in touch with my team and personally investigate the room. In the meanwhile Jeff can get you to the precinct."

While each of them were getting ready to meet out the challenges, Jun had his bags packed and ready to leave. The only thing that was left was the man he didn't want to leave behind.

He let his gaze take in the younger man in front of him. He wasn't sure how long it would be when he would get the chance to breathe the same air as his Wei Ying. If it wasn't for Wei Ying's sorrowful eyes, Jun wouldn't have been able to detect the sadness in his impassive face. "Will you be available on your phone?"

"I don't think so." Xian took a step forward. "The press is going to hound me. But, I'll make sure to call you from JC or Christian's phone."

"I'll be waiting." Jun did not want to leave. 'Why do I feel this is a goodbye, Wei Ying?' He wanted to ask.

Taking a deep breath, Jun closed the distance between them, tipping Xian's face upward, Jun placed the most gentle kiss on his forehead. His lips lingered there for eternity. But all too soon it was time.

"Don't see me out. I won't be able to leave. I'm just a phone call away... and I'll be waiting." With that Jun was gone and all that was left were his last fluttering touches.

"Master Lan, you're back!" Aunt Lee was glad to see him but her eyes searched for someone who she was now used to having around.

"Xian's staying in the city for few days Aunt Lee."

"Oh?" Before she could ask more, Sahara bounded towards her for a lot of love and care. Her laughter filled the air and he met Uncle Lee who was looking at his wife with such adoration, at that second Jun felt he was a trespasser.

Leaving the happy couple behind, Jun knew for his sanity, he had to be away from home; or else he would keep calling JC, Christian and Jeff and ask incessantly about Xian.

It was only after dusk had settled did Jun walk into his living room. He stopped in his tracks as the word Wei Wuxian rang around the TV room. Quickly walking in, his gaze first landed on Aunt Lee who had tears streaming down her face and then it landed on the man who he had come to know so dearly.

His face was being broadcast on the news channel and the headline that was flashing around read as:

National Player and two times champion Wei Wuxian was brutally assaulted and ga*g ra**d by his own junior team members. Evidence has been found by the Metropolitan Police and the prosecutor. All the accused have been produced before the police for further investigation and interrogation.

It wasn't the headlines that had Jun's heart in his mouth. It was Wei Ying's eyes. They were brutally cold. He wasn't sure what had happened, but whatever it was, his Wei Ying was suffering and there was nothing he could do but wait. Jun had to be strong. His Wei Ying wanted that. He'll be here to support and heal Wei Wuxian.

Pest:

A player known for agitating opposing players, usually through frequent hitting, sometimes of questionable legality.