MAY 16, 2012

10:46 PM

Arthur ran his hands through his hair. This case was exhausting. How could he possibly find a way to convince the jury of Alfred's innocence in one week? There simply was not enough time, and not enough evidence.

Unless, of course, this ex-boyfriend stepped forward. Arthur could surely arrange for some community service for the man and maybe probation, if they got lucky enough to even find him, let alone make him confess. From the sound of this man, he didn't sound like he would easily give in.

Arthur groaned and slammed his head down on the desk. It was hopeless... Alfred would be in there for at least another year, probably more. Arthur couldn't imagine what went on in that prison that made Alfred so afraid. Of course, Arthur had suspicions... but he shuddered at the thought of anything like... that.

Whenever he imagined this, naturally, he would once again work harder to find the one thing that could free Alfred.

But still... nothing appeared.

Arthur was getting bleary-eyed. It had been a long day, and once again, he hadn't taken a single break from work. Luckily, he lived alone so no one either cared or bothered him about it. It was very peaceful, and he kind of liked it that way... being alone.

He hadn't just left his family to go to college in America, he also left so he could finally be alone. So no one could bother him anymore. Still, it was indeed a sad existence... Not having someone to give you a hug when you were upset, to rant about the world's problems to. Not that Arthur needed any of that! He just imagined it would be nice to have a person to get angry at when he needed one.

Suddenly, Arthur's phone rang. He reached over and picked it up, clicking the home button to answer.

"The Kirkland residence, Arthur speaking." He answered in a monotone, his voice groggy.

"Konbanwa, Arthur-san." Said a quiet, polite voice.

"Oh, hello, Kiku. What is it you want?" Arthur said, a bit rudely (probably from lack of sleep).

Arthur could just picture him bowing right then.

"I have delightful news," Kiku said, his L's sounding like R's. "I have discovered the name of the man that you seek."

"Ah! Wonderful!" Arthur exclaimed. "Come on, what is his name?" Arthur said, way too eagerly.

"First, may I ask a question of you, Arthur-san?" Kiku said in a clipped but curious tone.

"Of course." Arthur said.

"Why is it that you are so desperate to find this man? You usually do not have this much enthusiasm with your clients." Arthur could hear the smile on his voice.

"What? Of course I bloody well do!" Arthur said defensively.

"With all due respect, Arthur-san, you usually accept from day one of a case that the person is guilty."

Arthur was about to protest again, but even he knew it was true. He sighed. "What is your point, Kiku?"

He cleared his throat. "My point," he said. "Is that you seem unusually... fond of him. Is something going on?"

Arthur blushed. "N-no! Why the bloody hell would you think THAT?!"

Kiku was quiet for a moment. "Then I suppose you would not mind if I did not tell you the name..."

"No! Tell me!" Arthur said.

"Exactly as I thought." Kiku said firmly.

"Well... it's only because he is innocent! An innocent man does not deserve to be in prison!" Arthur insisted.

Kiku chuckled a little. "Whatever you say. And the man is named John Grayson. That is all I can tell you. Good luck on your case, Arthur-san."

Arthur nodded, but realized he was on the phone. "Thank you, Kiku. This really means a lot to me."

"It would have been impolite to not help you." Kiku said, a smile once again on his voice.

"Alright then. Goodbye." Arthur said.

"Sayōnara, Arthur-san."

Then the line clicked off.

What had Kiku meant by "fond"? Jeez... why did everyone think he was gay?

He shook his head, ad got to work on finding this John Grayson character, and to figure out a way to approach him.

Hey guys~

Sorry for the short chapter and slow updates... it's really hard to write fanfiction, roleplay like crazy, AND do your mountain of homework! ^_^

But I love you guys so I do it all for you3

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