*Fair warning... I've never been to court before... So I don't know exactly what happens... heh. Pls, don't judge me, I'm trying my best here*

"Frank, remember, he can't hurt you, there are guards everywhere, and protective services, you're fine," Kellin says. We're all waiting until court starts. I look down and realize I've been fiddling with the chain. Kellin notices too, and he smiles. "We're going to put him away for life," he reminds me. I nod, a rush of courage surging through me. Vic walks over and grabs Kellin's hand. Kellin leans down and kisses Vic's forehead. 

"You two are so cute, what the fuck." I laugh. Vic giggles and rests his head on Kellin's shoulder. Elle walks over and calls us in. I walk behind Kellin and Vic. As soon as they spot him. Vic lets go of Kellin's hand. Vic's clenches his fists and walks to our side. 

The lawyers exchange opening statements. Elle presents the charges that he should face. Then Elle calls over Kellin. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" She asks professionally. 

"I do," Kellin replies. 

Elle continues, "According to your statements, this man," she points to him. "Brutally beat you... And raped you, when you were fourteen, can you confirm that this is correct."

Kellin nods, "that is correct," he says, he clenches his jaw. 

"Can you explain what happened for the court?" Elle asks gently. 

"Of course... Well- I came home from school as normal. Mom wasn't home, so I just assumed that she was working late. I went to my room. The next thing I know, the door is slammed shut and he-" Kellin takes a deep breath. "He grabbed my hair and pushed me onto the bed. He took his belt off and- whipped me." Kellin closes his eyes, desperately trying not to break down. "Then he- he started punching me with his fists. He broke three ribs, dislocated my shoulder, and left countless bruises. After probably twenty- maybe thirty minutes, he-" Kellin shivers and a single tear slides down his cheek. "He started... touching me-"  Kellin's voice cracks and he covers his mouth with his mouth. 

"That's all we need, Mr. Quinn, thank you." Elle nods her head and turns to the jury. "This man, not only beat- but raped a fourteen-year-old." 

Kellin rushes off and to Vic, who hugs him and whispers something in his ear. Kellin nods and buries his face in Vic's shoulder. This is emotionally draining for him. Of course, it would be. He's practically reliving a nightmare. 

The other lawyer says a few things, but then she calls someone up. "I want to call Frank Iero to the stand," she says. Elle looks at me, a flash a worry. Wait... What? 

I walk up and stand there. "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?" She asks. 

"I do," I say as clearly as I can manage.

"Did this man rape you?" She asks. I shake my head, worry filling my body like blood. "H-He did not," I hesitantly answer. Elle tries to stop the other lawyer but fails. "Now, according to... These photos," she passes out a bunch of photos to Elle, the judge, and the jury. Then she holds it up to me. "These are bruises that you inflicted on Mr. Lewis-"

"What? But I never-"

"And note, the time stamps. He took then after realizing the situation you would force on him-" So much for the truth. I feel my brain spin. This isn't at all how it went down.

"That does matter! He still raped-"Elle tries to explain.

"You say raped, but do you really know the story? According to Phillip Lewis, Frank Iero attacked him first. Mr. Lewis simply reacted. And for Mr. Quinn, how do you know that he didn't ask for my client?" 

I hear Kellin gasp. I look over and Vic is angrily glaring at the lawyer while holding Kellin. I look over at Gee, who's gone pale. Elle clears her throat, not letting this get to her too badly- or maybe she's just a good actor. 

"That's all," the other lawyer waves me off. 

"Frank, stay up," Elle says. "Can you confirm that this man attacked you out of nowhere?" Elle asks. I nod. "And that, this- is your guitar?" She shows me a picture of my battered up guitar. 

"Oh my god-" I gasp. "Yes," I nod frantically. 

"According to the detectives, your client's fingerprints are on the guitar and found under the strings. And, marks on the floor suggest that it was thrown on the floor. Which leads to one reason- he broke the guitar but didn't use it to protect himself. Now explain to me, if he were simply 'reacting' to your claim, why would he smash the guitar?" 

"No that's!-" 

"Order in the court!" the judge booms. 

Elle nods and walks to the side. I get up and walk to Kellin and Vic. Kellin pulls away from Vic immediately and hugs me. I feel my eyes water and tears slip down. No one told us that in court, they'll rip us apart- even lie. It was supposed to be easy. He should already be in prison. 

Elle sighs and looks at Vic. "I call Victor Fuentes to the stand," she says. Vic stands up, but Kellin grabs his hand and gives him a look. Vic nods and walks over. He swears in and waits for her to ask him the questions. 

"This man attacked you, and raped you- correct?" Elle asks. Vic nods, knowing what the next question will be. "He also murdered your younger brother, right in front of you- right?" 

Vic gulps and nods slowly. His eyes already filled with tears. I feel my heart racing again. Vic's about to break down. His breathing patterns are fast and he's pale. 

"This man, hurt all of these people. You have their statements. The proof. You have everything we know. He raped people. Beat them. He killed Michael Fuentes, a thirteen-year-old boy." 

Then Vic cries. He starts stammering about how he lost his brother. Tears flowing down his face. Kellin rushes up and puts his arms around Vic. Some people gasp, saying Kellin can't do that. But others just nod understandingly. Kellin helps Vic back and sits him down. He holds his close to his chest. Holding the back of Vic's head. Vic's arms go around Kellin's waist and he buries his face in older boy's shoulder. 

~~~

After a while, everyone calms down a bit. The jury has made a decision. The judge nods along and clears his throat. "The jury find this defendant... Guilty. And will be sentenced to life in prison. The court is adjourned," he bangs the gavel. He looks at us. An odd look in his eyes. Then a shot rings out. Everyone ducks. Some scream. I look over. The window is shattered. 

And he is dead. 

Phillip Lewis is dead.