MAY 16, 2012

9:30 AM

Alfred was on time today.

Arthur had to look over some paperwork before they began, so Alfred was just sitting across from him, humming to himself.

The paperwork included Kevin's full police statement, and his entire claim. Arthur had spent all of last night reading it. He'd even gone to his office to look through filing cabinets, so he could see exactly what the different options could be. Judging by the report, things weren't looking good. He's brought a small piece of it to show Alfred.

Still, Alfred looked totally unaware that the paper that Arthur was reading could very well decide his fate.

Arthur knew he had to show him the papers eventually. He couldn't stall for much longer.

He cleared his throat.

"Hm?" Alfred said, looking up innocently.

"I... ah..." arthur began, unsure how to proceed. "I have the police statement that Kevin made against you."

"Oh? Lemme see!" Alfred reached for it and snatched it up before Arthur could explain anything else.

"Hey!" Arthur choked out.

But it was too late, Alfred was reading it.

It's weird watching someone's reaction to reading something written about them. Their eyebrows raise suddenly... and then their face sinks, as if they'd been punched in the gut. The usual bright blue joy glowing from Alfred's eyes faded to a dull gray, almost like a stormy summer sky. His eyebrows knit together and he bit his lip. But still he read.

"Alfred..." Arthur reached out to him, but Alfred turned away.

"Lies..." Alfred whispered. "Every last word... lies. All fucking LIES!" He yelled, throwing down the paper.

Arthur picked up the paper clipping and looked at it once again, with a heavy heart.

POLICE FILE:

"I was minding my own business, and I didn't do nothing wrong. I was just closing up my store, and then I caught those two faggot-y brats painting all over the back of the place. What little jerks! So, naturally, I followed one of them out to tell him to stop. But then, he must've thought I was hot or something because then he came right at me! He attacked me and told me that if I didn't do what he said, he'd kill me! Luckily, I thought fast and punched the guy. Damn fag must've gotten too scared and run away. So naturally that's when I alerted the authorities."

KEVIN RICHARD MCWILLIAMS OWNS A SMALL GENERAL STORE ON FIFTEENTH STREET.

ON THE SECOND OF MAY, AT 10:46 PM, ALFRED FITZGERALD JONES WAS SEEN RUNNING FROM THE SCENE OF THE CRIME.

THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATED, AND HE WAS QUICKLY ARRESTED.

Alfred held his head in his hands, and Arthur's heart broke a little. Couldn't they just see that he hadn't done anything wrong? How could they not take one look at this pure do-gooder and think to themselves, "What a horrible perverted criminal!", not even looking twice?

It made something rise in Arthur, something he was unfamiliar with. It felt like a mixture of fear, blinding rage, and crushing sadness.

"Lies..." Alfred muttered once more.

"Alfred... are you alright?" Arthur asked.

No response. He was as still as a statue.

Arthur almost wanted to hug him. Almost. But he knew better. Instead, he reached out and touched Alfred's shoulder.

"Ah, buck up, old chap. Things will get better, I'm sure of it!"

It was then that Arthur felt him shake a little and quickly breathe back in, and he knew that Alfred was crying. Actually crying.

Arthur couldn't say anything. He was silent. He only kept his hand firmly on Alfred's back.

Alfred's tears came easier now, and they fell through his hands onto his lap. He did not sob loudly, he only shook with sobs. It was as if he was too ashamed of his tears to let the cries of agony fall from his lips. Arthur imagined his throat must have hurt like hell right then.

Finally, Alfred managed out, through gasps, "W-w-when's the trial...?"

Arthur thought for a moment. "About a week from now."

All the color left Alfred's face. "Oh, Arthur, what are we gonna do...?" He threw his face back into his hands.

Arthur sucked up his pride and grabbed both of Alfred's shoulders, holding him at arms length, forcing him to look Arthur in the eye.

"You listen to me. I will not allow you to give up this easily. We will fight as hard as we can for your freedom, and if it does not work, then I will keep fighting for you. I promise, I will." Arthur couldn't even believe the words coming out of his mouth.

Alfred raised his eyebrows. "Why... why would you do that for me? You only just met me..."

Arthur blushed a little. "Because... because you're my friend."

Alfred managed a weak smile. "You're my friend too."

Arthur smiled, letting his poker face fall for just a moment. Then he spluttered out, "WELL! Ah we should get to work here-"

"Arthur?" Alfred interjected.

"Huh?" Arthur looked at him quickly, avoiding his eyes.

"I think that can wait until tomorrow. Right now... I wanna get started on your problems getting a girl!" Alfred chuckled.

Arthur felt his cheeks heat up again. "What?" He asked.

"Yeah! Okay, so what would you say you 'type' is?" Alfred wore a smug look on his face.

"I... I don't know... nice, I suppose." Arthur looked down, suddenly unsure of himself.

"Tsk tsk," Alfred shook his head. "That simply won't DO! You gotta explain what you LIKE!" Alfred smiled.

"I... honestly don't know." Arthur sighed. "I've never found a single person I liked exceptionally..."

"Ahh... What time is it?" Alfred said, his mind forever a jumping bean.

Arthur looked at his watch. "Oh! The guards should be arriving any minute now."

"Oh..."

As if they'd heard Arthur speak, the guards barged right in.

Alfred stood up without a sound, and let them put on his handcuffs. Just as they were leaving, Alfred stopped and looked at Arthur.

"Hey Arthur, think long and hard about what you like tonight, okay?" He chuckled and winked.

Then he was gone. Again.

Arthur raised an eyebrow and thought to himself, What the bloody hell was the wink for?!