Eclectic

Words.A double-edged sword that has both the power to break or heal the other person.The strength and will of its wielder inherently determine this sword's power.It remains inert until summoned with deliberate force, refusing to move independently.The bond between the sword and its user is sacred, requiring great skill and determination to unleash its true potential.Dean took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as he stood in the empty courtroom.He's standing in a room that he has always seen on TV. The scenery didn't scare him while watching.He can't feel his legs. The files are kept on his table. He doesn't know when he slept yesterday while learning the laws and understanding how to bring the great Raynott to the court.He couldn't just tell the judge to reopen an open and shut case without a valid point.The defendant will do everything in his power to not let it happen."For the first time, I'm going to protect someone, justice someone, and become answerable to someone at the same time."The silence enveloped him as he carefully surveyed the well-worn wooden benches where spectators would soon be seated. His eyes then flickered over to the high-backed leather chair at the front of the room, the seat where he would soon be seated, the weight of the impending trial settling heavily on his shoulders.A seat for the plaintiff.Adjacent to him is a seat for the defendant. The defendant, a determined individual, is prepared to do everything in their power to prove Dean wrong and render the case pointless."Dee," Ethan's voice resonates in the silent room as the said man looks at his brother with a trembling smile.Ethan smiled and shook his head. "I brought your strength." He moves aside and along with Chris, who gives a nod.At that precise moment, Roman ascended the grand staircase, his polished black shoes clicking against the marble steps. As he reached the top, he came into view, his piercing gaze focused on the wristwatch adorning his left wrist, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. The soft breeze tousled his dark, wavy hair, causing it to sway gently as he surveyed the scene before him.Roman's eyes locked with Dean as he gave an apologetic look. "I'm so sorry. I dropped Ayan off at school, and there was traffic."With quick steps, the man was in front of Dean. He gave a tender smile. "We can do it, yeah?"Dean nodded with a hum.Roman slowly held his hand. "What's bothering you?"Dean nibbled his lips. "What if I fail? The defendant is known for rarely losing a case, and I am completely unknown in this world. What if I am unable to?""Shush," Roman placed a finger over his lips. "You are a teacher, aren't you?"Dean nodded."Then, how can a teacher give up before trying? How can you give an example to your students to not lose faith in themselves? Not to give up. Not to leave a match without a fight, hmm?"Dean nodded again while holding Roman's hand tightly. "You, will you—""Of course, I'll stay with you as long as you wish."Dean gave a small nod and smiled; just for a few seconds, he could feel at ease.As the case progresses, he is confident that he will slip past Roman's watchful eyes. He plans to operate with such precision and cunning that everything will be in front of all. In front of Roman too. He knows that the day Roman will be left feeling deeply disappointed and betrayed. He knows he will strip away the warmth and kindness that Roman now associates with him, leaving behind a sense of coldness and deceit."I will lose you," Dean murmurs while blinking his eyes. The sudden clench in his heart assured him that his thoughts were right.In that emotional moment, there's an overwhelming urge to wrap his arms tightly around Roman, feeling the weight of his guilt and the depth of his mistake. Dean wants to convey his understanding through a heartfelt embrace, and Roman is letting him know that it's okay and that he doesn't have to carry this burden alone."Pardon? I missed your words." Roman whispered back while looking at Dean's teary gaze.Roman observed with growing unease the way his fingers were tightly clutching his hand as if they were desperately trying to prevent something from slipping away. The knuckles were turning white from the pressure, and the tremor in his fingers betrayed an underlying fear or anxiety that he was struggling to contain."Hey," Roman whispered and tilted his head to look at Dean's gaze.His eyes stared at his, and he spoke tenderly. "Give me a hug. I need it. I have a meeting, you know?"Dean blinked his eyes with a contented smile, feeling a rush of warmth as he stepped closer to Roman. The sun casts a warm glow over the two of them, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Roman, with his arms open wide, welcomed Dean with a reassuring embrace. Dean's fingers instinctively grasped Roman's shirt, feeling the soft fabric beneath his touch. As he looked into Roman's eyes, he felt a sense of peace wash over him, the worries of the day melting away in that moment.With a gentle tilt of his head, Dean rested it on Roman's shoulder, finding solace in his presence. It was in that tender moment that he noticed the defendant's attorney stepping inside the courtroom, a stark contrast to the intimacy he shared with Roman.As the man walked, a sense of foreboding emanated from him, casting a shadow over his surroundings. An individual trailed closely behind him, clutching a sleek briefcase in their hand.Dean was suddenly overcome with a wave of nervousness that he thought he had managed to push aside. His throat tightened, making it hard to swallow, especially since he hadn't eaten anything this morning. His fingers instinctively grasped onto Roman's shirt, trembling with fear and anxiety."He's very cruel," Dean whispered while looking back at Roman. His eyes flickered with panic. "I won't be able to."Roman nodded slowly, his mind recalling the numerous articles he had read about this attorney. As he looked down at Dean, he sensed that more than just comfort, Dean needed his assurance, his unwavering support in this critical moment."Hey," Roman whispered and quickly unclasped his locket and wrapped it around Dean's neck. Roman's face drew closer to Dean. Their eyes met as Roman gently clasped the chain. "You have me with you now."Dean looks at the locket hanging, which is a crescent moon. "Amelia gave it to me when I was nervous for my first interview." Roman tilts his head to look at the emotions flooding in Dean's eyes. "I'm giving this to you now. You will feel me, always next to you."Dean held the moon, which hung above his chest."Just close your eyes and think about why you are standing here."Dean stood still, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath. The scent of Roman's cologne filled his senses, mingling with the memories and emotions that intertwined within his mind and heart.With each breath, he felt a sense of peace and tranquility washing over him, calming his racing thoughts and soothing his troubled heart."Yes, just like that. You are so brave. You are going to be an inspiration. I feel so proud of you."A gentle smile appeared on Roman's lips as Dean gazed at him with warmth in his eyes. This time, Roman didn't see the usual panic and worry."I'm going to sit just behind you, yeah?"Dean nodded in agreement, his grip on the chain firm as he took a seat in his chair, making sure to keep a tight hold on the chain.He is cruel to the extent of faking proof and sending innocents behind bars.He doesn't care if he is doing injustice as long as his pockets are full.He rarely lost any cases.Soon the room fills with people, people chatting and other attorneys talking and sometimes shouting through the phone. The decorum calmed down once the judge entered the room.The courtroom fell into a hushed silence as every person in the room rose to their feet in a show of respect for the judge presiding over the case. With a dignified nod, the judge acknowledged the gesture before taking her seat on the imposing high-backed chair behind the bench.The judge exuded an air of authority as she held her chin up, fixing a sharp gaze on the people sitting before her. Her face bore the marks of years of experience and judgment, with each line and contour telling a story of her persona.The black overcoat draped around her shoulders, dominating the space around the shiny mahogany table, adding to the aura of power and control that she projected."Explain the case," the judge let out with an authoritative voice.Dean quickly looks back at his family.Roman was seated directly behind Dean, feeling his breath catch in his throat with anticipation. Roman blinked his eyes and flashed a thumbs up, while Dean nervously bit back his lips and responded with a hesitant nod.His parents, his older brother, and his boyfriend, who is leaning in to whisper something to his mother, perhaps sharing a secret or explaining something to her. His father wears a reassuring smile, radiating warmth and support.As the courtroom fell silent, the judge, a stern figure in black robes, carefully observed the proceedings. With a focused gaze, the judge reached for the file handed over by the police department, flipping through its contents with a mixture of curiosity and determination.Every detail, from the texture of the paper to the handwriting on the documents, seemed to be under the judge's scrutiny as they delved into the intricacies of the case."So, according to the report from the officers, Mr. Nathan Ranott kidnapped and physically harmed the victim. He has cleared all the evidence, and" The judge narrowed her eyes. "Officer Justin is also part of this."The officer mentioned in the testimony stood up so abruptly that it caught everyone's attention, and a gasp escaped from his lips. The judge, a stern look on her face, gestured for him to sit down, her eyes never leaving his face."Plaintiff, I request you to explain the situation and start with the case."Dean, with a sense of determination, gave a quick nod as he stood up from his chair. His eyes swept around the room, taking in every detail, before he hesitantly took a step closer, his mind racing with uncertainty.Nathan's eyes shot up from the table gripped in his hands when he sensed Dean's presence before him. His gaze locked onto Dean, taking in every detail of his appearance and demeanor. Despite any conflicts between them, Nathan couldn't bring himself to harbor any hatred towards Dean; his heart simply wouldn't allow it.As he observed Dean standing confidently in the middle of the courtroom, Nathan noticed a small smile gracing Dean's lips. It was clear to Nathan that Dean was feeling nervous, yet there was a distinct lack of fear in his eyes that Nathan found both intriguing and surprising."Your honor," Dean whispered and quickly cleared his throat when he heard the defendant snickering. "Your honor," This time, it's louder and firmer than before. His eyes flicker towards Nathan."Mr. Nathan Raynott is accused of capturing and faking Dean Rayden's death to his family. It's said that he planned to capture the victim in his house forever.""Objection, your honor." The defendant spoke through the mic. "The plaintiff is making worse thoughts in assumption. Whatever he says doesn't make sense."The judge nodded and looked at Dean. "Please continue, attorney."Dean bowed with a respectful nod, his eyes fixed on Nathan as he continued speaking. Despite the intensity of his words, Nathan remained unwavering, his gaze locked onto Dean's face, seemingly unaffected by the words being spoken about him.A file was handed to Nathan. He carefully said, "I shall speak only the truth. If not, I shall be punished for the same.""Mr. Nathan Raynott, please answer with yes or no as I ask you a question."Nathan spoke through the mic, "Yes.""Did you know about Dean Rayden before this incident?"Nathan looks at Dean with narrow eyes. "Yes, we have known each other for a long time.""For how many years?""Probably around 7 years."Dean nodded. "So, what was your relationship with the victim?""He was my friend. However, now, he pretends to not know me."Dean nodded. "What made him pretend to not know you? Are you perhaps aware of it?"Nathan looks deeply at Dean. "Perhaps my past actions, which I didn't have any control over,"Dean nodded. "Very well, sir. Do you think whatever action you're talking about gives you the right to pull the stunt as you did?"Nathan glanced at his attorney, who was sighing.The defendant looked at Dean and spoke, "Objection. The attorney is not speaking to the right fact rather distracting the count."Dean looks at the attorney. "I'm just trying to talk and nothing else. Where were you when the officers captured you?"Nathan looks back at Dean, "I was at Dean Rayden's funeral."Dean nodded. "How did you know about his funeral?"This question froze Nathan's blood from pumping. He never thought about it. He glanced at a silent plea from his attorney."Attorney, you are crossing the line again."The judge looks at the defendant. "Defendant, I would prefer you to talk when you are given the chance. No more objections until it's needed."Dean smiled. "Of course, this is a genuine question. How did the CEO of such a big company know about the death of a friend so fast that even Dean's relatives didn't get the chance?"Nathan looks at the judge. "I saw the news."Dean nodded. "Very well, you saw the news and reached Dean's home."Nathan nodded."How did you get his address? Because, as you said previously, you were friends for 7 years and later lost touch. If so, how did you find his address?""He is a model of a company that Emricon invested in.""So, is the company's employee worth so much effort to know about his death news and leave all the work and rush to his funeral?""Of course he is!""It doesn't make sense; why will he be important as he is just an employee of some company and once was your friend? His death shouldn't concern you!"Nathan's eyes snapped with anger. "Of course it does. He is most important to me. I breathe because of him.""Why!""Because he's important to me."Dean locked his gaze on Nathan. "So, you are thinking he is important. Thus, kidnap him and show the world, his parents, that he's no more."Nathan remained silent. His lips quivered with the thought that somewhere this was his plan. Even if it wasn't completely his plan. However, he didn't deny his father either.Dean looks ahead at the judge. "That's all, your honor."The judge nodded her head, writing down on paper."Defendant, you may start."The attorney threw a look of judgment at Dean, who sat down with shaky breath."Your honor, when my client was held by an officer. He was in Dean Rayden's apartment." He looks at the CEO. "Since the officer found Dean Rayden in my client's mansion. The victim accused my client of fake information. If a person shows kindness by attending the funeral of someone. Dean Rayden pushed him behind the prison."The defendant made a face of disbelief. "Then people should stop being kind, I believe? If kindness leads to these things." The defendant shook his head. "Keeping those things aside, my client was in his company the whole time." The defendant walks towards his table. "This is the IN and OUT timing of the CEO based on the security team of Emricon."The judge took the paper and looked at the data entry. The judge looks back at the defendant while shaking her head. "This can be done at the last minute too."The defendant smiled, "I know, your honor, that's why I brought the clip where it showed the entry of my client's car inside the company.Dean looks at the attorney and says, "Objection your honor. A car going inside a compound or exit cannot show who is present inside the car."The judge nodded. "Objection sustained."The defendant pocked his tongue inside his right cheek. "Sure, the people inside the company cannot lie, right? I would request a witness. She works in Emricon."A lady sat in the witness seat. "I shall speak only the truth. If not, I'll be punished for the same."The defendant stood in front of the lady. "Please introduce yourself to the court."The lady nodded and looked at Dean and glanced at the judge, who was waiting for her to utter words."Myself, Mary. I work in the HR department of Emricon."Dean narrowed his eyes as he knew her. She is the one who showed up around the company."That day, sir was in the office. We were planning to issue a surprise increment to all the staff present in every branch. His approval was needed. We and all the department heads were in the meeting for a long time. Then sir went out. All of a sudden, he just left the company. We didn't question him. Rather thought to wait for him. However, we got to know about him through the news."Dean looks at the lady with wide eyes.The defendant looks back at the judge. "If I wanted, I would have shown the CCTV of my client entering the cabin, his office, the meeting room, and all. However, people can say that I might have forded the footage according to my needs."The judge nodded. "Alright. Plaintiff, do you wish to ask any questions to the witness?"Dean looks at the lady; her eyes are trying to convey something. He shook his head after realizing that he must speak. "No, your honor."The judge nodded. "The case is adjourned for the day."⋇⋆✦⋆⋇"Thank you so much, sir." Dean thanked Calder, who grinned ear to ear."No problem. You did great there. I felt so proud of you." Calder said while patting Dean's shoulder.Roman's eyes locked with Calder later narrowed his eyes.Calder smirked and glanced at Dean. "I have done this trick a lot of times with many people." He looks at Roman, who is still staring at Calder, specifically at his hand resting over Dean's shoulder."Yeah, you are an officer after all."Calder smiled. "Yup, recently I forced a confession or feelings from someone too."Dean looks at him. "That's amazing."Calder smiled, "I know I'm amazing.""Alright, I should get going now," Calder said and walked towards his car, where other officers were waiting for him.Nathan is sitting inside the police van with eyes peeping through a hole to see Dean smiling at Calder."Why should I continue loving him when he doesn't want to be mine?" He snickered and leaned back while crossing his leg over another."Hey," Nathan calls as the man beside him flinches. There is an odd tone in his voice. "Give me a cig."The constable narrowed his eyes. "This is not your house that you are ordering around."Nathan sighed and glanced at the constable. "How much do you need? I will pay you once I'm out of this prison."The constable laughed, "You will get off? You must be mistaken. Stop living in a delusional world."Nathan just smirks. He knows the person important to Dean is counting his breaths.If he loses the one giving the strength, then how will he fight back?Now, I believe and trust none except my father. Even my brother is against me. How easily he forgot that I'm his brother.___________________________