The Things That I Know || George Michael

twenty-eight - i just loved you

"You look wonderful."

George's words of affirmation just about manage to evoke a small smile from his husband. Levi turns to his side, taking in his appearance in the full-length mirror perched in the corner of the bedroom the men share. His greying ebony hair is combed back neatly; a charcoal suit is fitted near-perfectly to his slender frame; and the white button-up beneath his jacket pulls the sophisticated look together. He heaves a defeated sigh, unsure of where today will lead.

"Am I wrong to be nervous about this?" Levi finally asks, as he adjusts the cuff of his sleeve. "Therapy didn't quite cover facing him again in the flesh."

"You have every right to feel however you need to feel," George assures him, placing a caring hand against his partner's arm. "But remember, I'll be right there, watching everything. You aren't alone with this."

"Doesn't it just feel as though life is one major catastrophe after another?" Levi questions, shaking his head in disapproval. "Maybe once this is over, we'll finally catch a break from everything life wants to throw at us."

"Well, when has life ever run straight for us?" George chuckles. "Excuse the pun."

"You may have a solid point there." Levi joins in George's quiet laughter; it serves as a minor distraction and a means to make the situation more lighthearted. He glances at the digital clock on the bedside table. "Well, I guess we should start making tracks. We have to be there in two hours, and it's a fair drive to London."

"You're right." George grabs hold of his own jacket, slinging it carelessly over his shoulder in order to transport it to the car with him. "Let's go and get justice."

• • •

"I call Mister Levi Panayiotou-Jones, as main witness for the prosecution, to the stand."

In the Witness Service waiting room, Levi stands awaiting his time to give his evidence. He knows that George is sat in the public gallery, and that George has seen more of the trial unfold than he himself has. The door to the room opens, revealing a court clerk. Levi's eyes snap up, falling onto the stranger.

"We are ready for you to take the stand," the man states, using his head to gesture for Levi to leave the room with him.

Levi swallows harshly, as anxiety sets in. For the last hour or so, he has been isolated with his mind; this has allowed for plenty of opportunity for him to overthink. Because he is the main witness, he has been unable to watch the trial up to this point; so now, he must face up to Mackenzie once and for all. He follows the court clerk to the courtroom, feeling his heart palpitating — as though it's physically thumping against his ribcage. At last, Levi arrives at the courtroom. The first thing he sees is George sitting, observing him. For a moment, they make eye contact; George uses this as a chance to flash a smile to his dear husband. Levi attempts to force one back, but his nerves prevent him from doing so. He takes the stand, avoiding looking at Mackenzie at all costs.

"Mister Panayiotou-Jones," the judge begins. "Do you solemnly swear that you will speak the truth; the whole truth; and nothing but the truth?"

Levi nods, as a nonverbal accompaniment to his answer. "I do."

"Thank you." The judge maintains his gaze on Levi as he continues. "First of all, Mister Panayiotou-Jones ... as the victim of the defendant — Mister Mackenzie Alwick's — alleged attempted murder and high culpability threat with a weapon, do you have prepared, a Victim Personal Statement?"

"Yes, Your Honour." Levi glances down at the paper before him, mentally preparing himself to read it aloud.

"Would you please share this with the rest of the room?"