"Why do I have to babysit some city boy?" Jun sounded as exasperated as he felt. Never before had his cousin or uncle ever made such requests, and turning them down after all their help felt mean and unwarranted. Still, having someone totally unknown to him, residing in his sacred house felt uncomfortable.

"Wei Wuxian needs you kid. He's a fantastic goaltender. I know you haven't been watching any of the recent games, but if there is someone who needs your help, it's him. He's sharp, sorted and at times pain in the arse."

Jun had to smile at the choicest of words used by his cousin over this call. Chen was never the one to stray away from his formal way of speech; and if he is using such terms, Jun could only guess what a character this Wei Wuxian could be.

"We all know there is something bothering that boy for past few months. He has become really aggressive on ice and you very well are aware how a goaltender can be manipulated. As an ex forward of the National Team, help him, kid."

One thing Jun could never do was reject his cousin's requests. After his parents demise, all he had was Chen and his uncle Lan.

"Fine. Alright. When can I expect him?"

There was a slight pause and Jun instantly knew the answer would not be favourable to him. And he was right when he heard Chen say, "In an hour."

But before Jun could give him a reply, the call was cut and all he could do was stare blankly until he felt two gigantic paws nudge his hips, almost toppling him down.

Looking at Sahara's amber eyes, Jun rolled his own and murmured, "Well we are going to have a guest. Be nice to him. Well, hope I can say the same for myself. Atleast you can be adorable. Can't say the same for me."

This is Sahara.
Xian assumed it to be a bear.
Breed: Tibetan Mastiff.
Isn't she wonderful?

Watching an Audi R8 pull up, Jun knew the city boy wouldn't last a week in this place. As beautiful as the surroundings can be, it can be harsh, callous and all the more too quiet.

Jun was about to scoff out loud, when all that came out of his mouth was series of unintelligible words at the sight of the man.
City boy or not, the man was gorgeous.

Was he a player or a model? - Such were the errant thoughts that ran through Jun's mind.
Before he could react, Sahara was out in seconds to greet the city boy, and Wei Wuxian on the other hand was about to flee at the sight of 150 pounds barreling towards him.

"Sahara!"

As expected, Sahara instantly stood still at the command as Jun cautiously approached the city boy.

"Hi. You must be Wei Wuxian?"

The man in front of Jun had charcoal black eyes.

"Please call me Xian."

Lovely name.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Xian. I am Lan Wangji; aka Jun."

Wei Wuxian on the other hand was equally astonished to see Jun and it was then the latter realised he was naked from top and the only cloth that adorned his body was his shorts.

His prosthetic legs were out there for the city boy's view and Jun braced himself for questions that usually people asked him. But, the city boy was not bothered and his only comment was, "Do you know there is a bear by your side?"

Jun did not expect this and laughed out freely. It had been years since someone made him laugh. As he smiled at the man in front of him, Xian's eyes were intent on Jun too.

The city boy- no, Xian, deserved his respect.

"This is Sahara. A Tibetan Mastiff. She won't bite you, unless you try to harm me or any other animals present here."

Xian took a step back and looked around frantically and stuttered, "Mo... Mo... More dogs?"

"And some more." Jun was having fun at Xian's expense.

"Wha... What do you mean by some more?"

"Beyond those barricades is my wildlife sanctuary."

"A what?"

Jun had to chuckle. "Don't worry. You are safe. For now. How about you settle in and we'll discuss other things later?"

Xian nodded meekly and was almost clingy. His eyes were all on Sahara as Jun picked up Xian's bags and escorted him inside.

"Hey! You don't have to pick up my bags. I can do that."

Jun didn't bother with that comment and instead asked, "I take it you don't like dogs?"

"No I don't. Had an horrible experience with them as a kid." He whispered as if his words would offend Sahara and her owner. All Jun could do was smile and turn away at the sight of a frightened man and an over friendly dog who wanted to befriend their guest.

Walking through the main living room, Jun took two flights at a time of the stairs and watched through his peripheral the agility of Xian. Quick and fast.

Reaching far end, Jun opened the door to a room facing vast expanse of the valley. It was truly spectacular. If he didn't love the mountains too much, he would have taken this room as his own personal bed chamber. During spring, this view was the most mesmerising one.

"Lush green, hues of colours;
the secret she holds are unknown forever.
Oh! Mother nature your beauty is inspiring,
may we live to protect all your beings."

Jun was astonished at the poem recited by the man standing next to him.

"Who wrote that?"

"Me."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Xian's gaze were solely focused on Jun as he enquired, "Why? Can't beleive a man like me can write poems?"

Jun didn't have the heart to lie. "No... I just couldn't picture you to recite poems. I am sorry. Shouldn't have judged so quickly."

With a grin Xian bumped his shoulders and gave him a wink.

Fuck!

Jun's heart thundered like a teenager drowning in puberty.

What is this?

Before he could ponder over, Sahara walked over and nudged his thigh again. This usually happens when she feels neglected. She wanted Xian to pet her and the man in question was absolutely wary of her.

"I can't tie her up because you're scared of her. This is her house." Jun wanted to make that very clear. "Since this would be your house too for next few weeks, can you try and make amends with her?"

He really hoped Xian would get along or not cause any friction with Sahara.

"I... I can try. But, I... can't... promise."

Jun was glad to hear this. It's a start.

Glancing down at his pet, Jun whispered softly, "You can't go barging on him like that. Make him like you. Then maybe he'll play nice."

As if Sahara understood every word of Jun, she glanced one last time towards Xian and trotted away from the room.

"Ms. Lee's my housekeeper. She will be here every morning and evening to cook and perform other chores around the house. I have other hands to look after the sanctuary, but they usually stay in their designated houses, so you might not meet them often. Do you have my phone number?"

"Yes."

"Great. Settle in and take some rest. If you need anything, call me. My room is at the other end on this floor. Evening I'll show you around." Just before leaving Jun eyed the handsome Xian and smiled, "Don't worry about Sahara. She won't trouble you. See you later."

Once Jun was out of the door, Xian slumped on the bed with relief and mixture of longing.

Jun.

Lan Wangji.

Former Professional National Player, retired at twenty-eight for reason unknown.

Prosthetic legs.

Placing an arm over his eyes, Xian wanted to ask Jun about his legs, but knew they would not be welcomed. Just the way he hated explaining to people his sudden change of behaviour.

If that incident hadn't happened two months ago, Xian would still be playing and by now would have been on his way to be drafted by NHL.

Something's are best left unknown.

Puck: A hockey puck is either an open or closed disk used in a variety of sports and games. There are designs made for use on an ice surface, such as in ice hockey, and others for the different variants of floor hockey which includes the wheeled skate variant of inline hockey.