MAY 19, 2012

7:00 PM

Arthur stared at the lanky man sitting across from him. He was skinnier than Arthur has pictured him, and had neatly styled dark hair. His right ear had a large diamond shining on it. Arthur could smell his cologne from where he sat.

Kiku sat beside Arthur, back straight as he quietly studied this "John Grayson" character. His critical gaze made John shift in his chair uncomfortably.

Arthur cleared his throat. "So... I am assuming you are aware of the circumstances?"

John shifted in his chair again. "Um... Yes, I am aware."

"So... would you be willing to speak in front of the court, and tell the honest truth about what happened that night?" Arthur said, crossing his arms on his desk.

"I... I don't know if I could..." The lanky man whispered.

"Why not?" Arthur said, confused.

"I don't wanna go to prison, dude!" John said defensively.

What was it with all these bloody Americans calling him dude? Arthur would tell that this one would be difficult to get through to. But he had to try. He just had to.

"I hope you understand how important this is." Arthur said, trying to keep a rational mind.

"Yeah, I get it," John said. "You need me to confess that I was doing graffiti and shit on this guy's store," He looked at Arthur defiantly. "It's not gonna happen, I'll tell ya right now."

"Why?" Arthur said, clenching his teeth.

"He DUMPED ME!" John said.

"So what?" Arthur said, quickly losing his patience.

"Why should I help him? He told me that we weren't gonna work out, then he got arrested!" He whined.

"See here, I am not your therapist! I don't wish to hear about your relationship problems!" Arthur crossed his arms.

"Whatever. Point is, I'm not confessing to jack shit." He said, his facial expression obviously challenging Arthur.

He couldn't take it anymore. Arthur stood up, knocking the desk forward a little, reached down, and grabbed John up by his shirt collar, yanking him up to eye level.

"Listen, and listen well you bloody wanker," Arthur growled ferociously. "You don't understand what you've gotten him into. He is in prison right now. I see him every day, and I know him damn well by now. He is bright, cheerful, and good. Every single bloody day I watch his spirits get worse and worse. He has lost hope. And it's your fault that this wonderful man who is such an optimist is losing faith in the world. I will not rest," He brought the man closer to his face so he could whisper. "Until that man is proven to be exactly what he is."

"A bastard?" John said, his confidence rising again.

"No." Arthur spat. "Innocent."

John shrank back a little, but Arthur wasn't about to let him go. "Confess, or I will bloody well beat you senseless."

"A-arthur-san!" Kiku said, shocked. He hurried over to them and yanked them apart. "Let him go. It is not worth it."

Arthur glared at John. "Immature little bugger."

Then, John lunged at Arthur. Arthur would have punched back, if Kiku hadn't, with lightning speed, stopped John's fist with his palm. "That is enough of that, you two."

John stepped back and sneered at Arthur. "It's cool, man," He said. "It would seem that this guy has the hots for Alfred."

Arthur felt his face heat up. "I DO NOT!" He yelled, charging at John.

The next thing he knew, he was on the ground. The last thing he heard was Kiku saying, "I am sorry Arthur-san."