It was certainly the best place for a first meeting. The Who Shop, located on Barking Road in London, England, had been Arthur Kirklands favorite shop since its opening. "Even better," so he claimed, "than the Forum & Mason!". On that day, as on many others, Arthur found himself amoungst the various merchandise, browsing the shelves stocked with action figures, t shirts, mugs... he had them all memorized by now. The little cracks in the blue wall paint, the scuffs on the carpet floor, that one light that flickered from time to time, he had all that memorized too. It's amazing what one will notice when they're obsessed with something he thought to himself.
However on that day, unlike many others, Arthur found his eyes wandering from the merchandise to something else: A girl. She was tall, but had a young face, and he figured her to be about 14 or 15. She had tanned skin, hazel eyes, straight chin-length hair, and a worried pout forming on her lips. Arthur felt uncharacteristically compelled to help her. Something about her made he impossible for him to ignor, as if she was radiating some brilliant light, and he couldn't look away. Though maybe I just have a soft spot for children Arthur thought.
"Excuse me," he began, approaching the girl, "are you quite alright?"
"I'm lost..." She began slowly, seeming uncertain of the strange man that approached her. "I got separated from my group."
"I see," the Brit chuckled upon noticing her Girl Scout's shirt, " I've been left behind here too." The girl smiled a little, much to Arthur's relief.
"I'm Kaesha" she said.
"Arthur," he replied, shaking her outreached hand. Suddenly a look came over her face, a look Arthur could only describe as suspicious.
"Arthur?" she asked slowly, "Arthur Kirkland?" Arthur silently cursed his Japanese friend for creating Hetalia, it had only been trouble for all of the nations. Fans of the series were constantly asking his name or "discreetly" snapping pictures of him with their phones. Though he could only imagine what was happening at Japan's place.
"N-no," he lied, "Arthur Kingston."
"Oh, sorry," Kaesha apologized "you look like someone else I know."
"Anyways," Arthur said, eager to change the subject, "why don't we go find this group of yours?" She happily agreed, and together they left the shop and began walking the streets of London.
"So, you're here with your Girl Scout group?" Arthur asked, making polite conversation..
"Yes," she replied, "We came here from the Northwest of America"
"Quite a trip," he reckoned, "How long are you staying?"
"We've been here one week and we're staying for a week more."
The conversation continued as such, blending in with the sounds of the street and people talking. It was a lovely day: The sun was shining, but not blaring down, and several white clouds drifted by in the sky. Arthur found himself enjoying Kaesha's company. She was shy at first, but as their conversation continued he found her to be a clean, well mannered girl. She was funny, smart, and overall easy for him to talk to (a rare occurrence for the island nation.) She's certainly better than other Americans I know, he thought.
Somewhere not far off a clock struck noon. "My, is it that time already?" Arthur muttered, checking his pocket watch. "Kaesha, how would you fancy joining me for tea?"
Kaesha hesitated. "I really should be getting back..."
"Oh come now," he protested, not wanting to separate from her quite yet, "tea is very important here you know." Seeing she still wasn't convinced he added "You can be lost for a bit longer. I'll speak to your camp directors, alright?"
"Well... I guess so." she said hesitantly, "yeah, lets go." Arthur figured an uncertain yes was better than a certain no in this situation.
The two found their way to The Cornerstone, a quaint little tea shop know for its friendly staff and delicious cake. Arthur ordered them each a cup of tea and a slice of chocolate cake, and they sat down to continue their conversation.
"So, Kaesha, what grade are you going into this year?"
"Ninth, it'll be my first year of high school."
"It'll be my first year as well," the Brit teased. Then to answer her confused look he added "of teaching, of course."
"Right, of course!" she laughed.
As they talked, Arthur couldn't help but notice Kaesha's manner, her posture, the way her fork never touched her lips or her elbows never rested on the table. "You have wonderful table etiquette," he complimented her, "did they teach you that at camp?"
"No," she smiled politely, "It's just sort of something I do. But thanks for the compliment." Through her smile Arthur could see a touch of rose on her cheeks and smiled back, wondering with frustration why all Americans couldn't be so sweet and well mannered.
~ ~ ~
"Thank you so much Arthur," Kaesha smiled, "I had a great time getting to know you." The two had found Kaesha's group again, and after a long talk with the camp directors, it was time for them to part ways.
"The pleasure was all mine," he reassured her. "I hope our paths cross again sometime."
"I hope so too," she smiled.
And with that the two parted ways. An encounter so strange and wonderful, and the beginning of a journey even more so.
