You know what else that boxy suit does? It makes Arthur look like another person. Even with the hair, even with the lanky frame... he's just another one of the sea of adults in the room talking about weird shit he has no fucking context for.

Until he speaks and John's heard that single word so many times, it's not even a choice; it's just a reaction. His hand snaps out immediately and grabs Arthur's arm, holding on tight and unwilling to let go.

Maybe he's wrong. Maybe it's just what he wants, just what he's hoping to hear. Maybe Kayne-

No. No, that way leads madness.

Instead, he's tugging on his arm, and he realizes only after he does it that he shouldn't, that Arthur has a cane and might lash out, attack him and he almost lets go.

Almost.

"Arthur!" and it's not John's voice as Arthur knows it... but how many times has John said that name? How many ways?

Certainly never as desperate as he sounds right now.