[A/N: Also a fanfic I did in the middle of Driver's Ed. XD I know it's not the best, but it's cute~ And I don't know if it actually qualifies as USUK, but eh, whatever. XD]
This isn’t a tale of love, nor of hate. It is just a tale of how two people’s lives crossed once and changed them forever.
Arthur Kirkland, a prominent British executive of a world-wide company found himself stuck in the small town of Annapolis, Maryland by various means. His rental car broke down, a taxi got him lost, his flight was delayed until the next day, his luggage was already en route to the airport, and he only had a few American dollars left in his wallet. His only saving grace was the beautiful April weather (and that he still had his passport).
With a heaving sigh, he plopped down onto the stone stair of City Dock and finished up his lemon pound cake and his coffee – the only thing he could afford for breakfast. Though the weather was clear – mid 70s – it did nothing to lift his mood.
“Hello my friend, I remember when you were alive with your wide eyes. Then the light that you had in your heart was stolen. Now you’re sayin’ that it ain’t worth stayin’. You wanna run but you’re hesitatin’. I’m talkin’ to me.” A warm voice sang, guitar strumming to the song and a sneakered foot tapping to the beat.
A street musician.
Arthur always had a soft spot in his heart for street musicians; it reminded him of when he used to be in a band before inheriting the family company and they never failed to at least cheer him up a little bit.
The song really struck a chord in his heart and he found himself closing his eyes, just enjoying the music. It spoke about him, in a way, though he was too proud to admit it.
“So when you get the chance, are you gonna take it? There’s a really big world at your fingertips and you know you have the chance to change it.”
Disappointment flooded him when he heard the guitar stop and be set down.
“Lovely song, I must say.” He complimented, opening his green eyes to get a better look at the performer.
The young man sitting on the wood bench across from him smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. “Eh heh, thanks.”
“What was the song called?” He asked, brushing off some of the dust on his suit.
“It’s called ‘Lost Get Found’ by Britt Nichole.” As if feeling incredibly rude, the young blonde extended his hand and adjusted his square glasses. “’Name’s Alfred. Yours?”
“Arthur.” He obliged, wondering how this young Annapolitan got his amiability.
“I know this sounds kinda weird, but’re you alright?” Alfred’s curious blue eyes bored into his soul and searching his façade for any inconsistencies.
“Just a bad day.” He wasn’t about to delve into too much detail. Luckily, Alfred just shrugged and left it at that.
“That sucks.” He added, beginning to pack up his guitar. “Anything I can do t’ help?”
“No, not unless you know how to get my luggage back, and get me onto the next plane leaving BWI for London.” He said, more hostility in his voice than desired.
Al’s hurt face after the harsh response killed him. “Sorry…”
“It’s my fault.” He blamed his short fuse on his terrible day. “And the next flight I can get on isn’t until tomorrow. I don’t even have a place to stay tonight.” Realizing the extent of his problem, he held his head in his hands and sighed again.
When he looked up, the American had on a grin only someone who had just thought of a brilliant idea could wear. “I know! I live here, so I c’n show you ‘round ‘n find you’a place t’ stay!”
“Pardon?”
“Yeah! I mean, based’n how you were wandering around earlier, you’ve never been here before and it’d be a shame if y’ missed out on all the cool places! Besides, I know everything there is to know about this city, and I just know I c’n hook you up with a place to stay the night!”
Arthur blinked in surprise. This total stranger was offering him a free tour of the city and more importantly a place to stay the night? His genuine kindness was something he thought hadn’t existed in the world anymore.
He found himself smiling a bit. “Alright then. Show me what this city has to offer.”