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Being in prison for seven years means it can be difficult to adjust to life on the outside. The same can be said for Simon Blackquill, who has just been acquitted of the crime he never committed in the first place. As Simon stands in the courthouse, he realises that he has nowhere to go.
“Hey, Simon!” Bobby Fulbright says, dashing up to Simon and pulling his badge out of his pocket. “In justice we trust! And we really do. It’s because of justice that you’re finally a free man.”
Simon looks at him, wondering why his partner used his first name in public. Probably because now Simon isn’t in prison, the power imbalance in their relationship is gone and they can be more public about it. Not that he really minds.
“I suppose you’re right,” he says, not pushing Bobby away when he wraps him in a hug.
“Are you okay?” Bobby asks.
“Just rather overwhelmed. And also concerned due to the fact that I don’t have a place to live.”
Bobby pulls back, placing his hands on Simon’s shoulders. His smile is so bright, so huge, and Simon wonders how Wright-dono ever thought he was the phantom (because of course it wasn’t his Fool Bright; it was another detective who tried to frame Bobby).
“I thought the answer was obvious. You can live with me!”
Simon stares at him. “Fool Bright. Are you sure?”
Bobby nods. “Definitely. We’ve been together for three years, Simon, and I’d be honoured to share my apartment with you.”
“Fool… Bobby, I would love to.”
And Bobby hugs him tightly, laughing.
The next day, he moves in. carrying a few small boxes of meagre possessions, Simon enters Bobby’s apartment. His new home.
This just feels so right. Bobby kisses him and Simon smiles.