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"Balderdash!" Simon ejaculated. Athena's confident affirmation that her contradictions were correct followed. Unfortunately, the case was far from interesting. Bobby had realised this early on. Even a great champion of justice can find the court system to be a bore. However, he was tasked with an important job. He must stand close by and ensure that Simon Blackquill doesn't get out of hand. It seemed unlikely to even Bobby that it would be necessary. Instead, he was confined to stand around idly. His mind drifted to thoughts of lunch. It was still early, but that didn't stop lunch being a beacon of hope. Perhaps he could ask special permission to take Simon out for pizza, strictly as part of his rehabilitation. Would Simon even like pizza?
He doubted it. Bobby still wanted pizza though. He was certain his favourite restaurant would also serve a non-pizza alternative for his superior. It would be nice to see Simon struggle to eat cleanly. After all, fresh baked pizza can be messy business, especially so for one in shackles. Maybe, just maybe, Bobby could feed it to him. No! Such a thought was... scandalous.
He blushed, gloved hand moving up to rub his nose, an attempt to conceal. Luckily, everyone is too busy arguing to notice. A low rumble caught Bobby's attention. He glanced around for an explanation for the sound, but found nothing. Mentally shrugging, he turned his attention back to the case.
"The victim was stabbed with a knife from the kitchen. However, whomever used the knife wore gloves." Athena explained, referencing the fingerprintless knife. "The kitchen staff did not have gloves, but the serving staff did. The defence proposes that the murderer was one of the staff!"
the court was in uproar at this, but Bobby simply stifled a yawn. The rumbling came again. This time, Bobby realised it was coming from him. His gut rumbled again, signalling that it lacked something to process. Bobby checked his watch. Several hours till lunch. Nnngh. The case didn't look like it would close any time soon either. The perky detective suddenly felt a little melancholic. He loved court, he loved justice, but he didn't love being hungry. Perhaps he could ask to be excused, to go to the "bathroom", but actually use the court vending machines.
No.
He'd never leave Simon alone. It wouldn't be just! Instead he was stuck in his hungry and miserable state. But wait! A glimmer of hope!
His hand moved itself up to his holster, groping for its contents. But he quickly withdrew his hand. He could never! Eating in court was absolutely wrong!! It was almost as vile as murdering the victim himself! He clenched his fist at his side. He was furious at his own misdirection.
But wouldn't it be unjust to let me starve?" a voice in his head spoke up. This made Bobby sweat. It was right, not being allowed to eat was a violation of his rights! He should be allowed to eat, even in court. Once more, his hand raised to his holster. Even through the silk of his gloves, he could feel their rounded shape. He pulled a handful of them out, disguising his actions as if he was itching. Pretending to rub his nose, he shoved the little candies into his mouth.
As soon as their sweet taste hit his tongue, he wanted to shout and cry with joy. He was so glad he carried them around in his holster. He like to keep them on hand for his diabetic subordinate, but they came in handy for him too!
He rolled them around on his tongue, being unable to chew without getting noticed. The taste was enough for now. After a moment or so, though, he had to chew. He pretended to fix his glasses as he quickly chewed them. He found himself almost wanting to laugh. It was as if he were a little boy, eating candies before dinner without his parents noticing. His lips twitched in amusement.
"Something you wish to say, Detective Fulbright?" asked the Judge, directing a surprised expression at him. Bobby almost flinched.
"Um, no, sir!" he exclaimed in his usual way, saluting. The Judge nodded sternly.
"Please refrain from looking so amused then." Simon scolded sharply. Bobby pouted, fiddling with his fingers as the case resumed. He'd done a terrible thing, and had almost gotten caught!
Almost.
His hand once again drew back to his holster, another handful was taken. He managed to eat a few handfuls of them unnoticed. Each time, he covered his tracks with casual gestures. Nobody seemed to noticed, utterly taken in with the witness testifying.
He was just about to throw another pile in, when he caught Simon glaring at him. Bobby swallowed, then gave him an exuberant grin (which he sincerely hoped didn't look sheepish). This didn't seem to make Simon less suspicious, but it did make him look away. The skittles in his hand had melted a little, staining his precious glove. He pouted at this. Then, he shoved them into his mouth with extra force than usual. One flew back further than he expected, lodging into his throat. He coughed reflectively, dislodging it. When he looked up, everyone was staring at him.
"Are you alright, Detective?" Apollo asked, looking at him with concern. Bobby still had a mouthful of skittles.
"Mm!" he mumbled loudly, grinning and saluting. Nobody said anything about this suspicious act, but Simon was glaring at him lividly. It was then that Bobby realised he may have been caught. He swallowed, wincing as the unchewed candies went down like dry pills. He looked away from his superior guiltily. Simon returned his attention back to the case.
A while passed, Fulbright avoiding eating any more candies. But as yet another witness was called to the stand, he couldn't help seeing an opportunity.
Pretending to scratch, he pulled another handful out. He was just about to pop them into his mouth when-
"Fool Bright." the anger in Simon's voice was deafening. "You are awfully itchy today."
"Um," Bobby bit his lip, knowing he was in trouble. His fist clenched around the candies. "I used the wrong washing powder, sir!"
He saluted, using the wrong hand. As he opened it up, candies fell from it and scattered across the floor. Bobby felt his heart stop. Eyes wide, the whole court looking directly at him, at his shame, Bobby was outed. He had strayed from the path of justice, and had kept at it when he knew better.
He broke down.
His howls were heard all the way down in courtroom one. Begging forgiveness from everyone in the courtroom, he sobbed uncontrollably. Unfortunately, he ended up in contempt of court and could feel a thorough tongue lashing from Simon waiting for him. No amount of pouting could get him out of this one.