The friend is the man who knows all about you...

[rule_britannia]

WHO: Arthur Kirkland, Greg Lestrade
TONE: Let's go with friendly.
RATING: G
WHEN: Sunday 12th August
WHERE: London
WHAT: Arthur meets up with Greg to get away from his family for a while.
STATUS: Ongoing.

It was Sunday morning, and amidst the bustling London morning a teenager with scruffy blond hair and thick eyebrows hurried out of a hotel, a backpack slung over one shoulder. Never hurt to be prepared. He looked back, scowled, and rubbed his arm, before descending the steps towards the street and glancing down to check his watch.

"Half eight," he muttered to himself. "Bloody hellish time. Why did I agree to this?"

Another twinge in his arm reminded him, and he frowned again, moving down to the pavement and putting himself out of sight of the front of the hotel to wait for Greg. Everything had already been cleared with his mother, who was just glad he had some friends that he wanted to spend time with, and he'd managed to avoid his brothers' questionings with only a punch on the arm for his trouble.

He perched on a wall outside the hotel and watched the people passing by as he waited, kicking his heels against the dusty brick.

Comments

[di_intraining]

[He sighs and returns Arthur's smile somewhat.]

I was just pissed at him for deliberately doing something I specifically asked him not to.

Anyway, let's get out of here. I know a cafe around these parts. You hungry for some breakfast?

[rule_britannia]

I'd say you should have known better but we can never really know what to expect from Maxim.

[The smile fades, but there's still a small upturn of his lips]

Starved. Lead the way.

[di_intraining]

Right. This way.

[It doesn't take long, but soon enough Greg leads him to a small cafe tucked away from the busy streets. Speaking to the waitress for a table for two, they're lead to a tucked in booth; there's very few people about, so the restaurant is fairly quiet, with the occasional sounds from the kitchen every now and then.

Greg passes the menu over to Arthur.]

Try the fry-up; it's pretty good.

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur doesn't mind the walk, though he doesn't appreciate the lack of concern that groups of commuters seem to have for his personal space.

When they reach the cafe and sit down he tucks his bag up under his seat, leaning against the table]

I'll take that recommendation. What are you having?

[There's a pause, and he pats his pocket, pulling out a ten pound note]

Ah-hah! I knew I had some of this weird Muggle money.

[di_intraining]

I had breakfast back home already, it's fine. And this one's on me, so you can keep the cash.

[rule_britannia]

.. Really?

[He rubs his fingers over the paper money, then shrugs and pushes it back into his pocket]

Thanks. I promised Victoria I'd buy her some chocolate anyway.

[di_intraining]

It's fine. Not often I get to treat my friends anyway.

[At the mention of the Ravenclaw girl, Lestrade huffed slightly.]

You let your cousin run rings around you too much.

[rule_britannia]

On the contrary, Greg, I let her think she's running rings around me.

[He smiles, and lifts one shoulder in a faint shrug]

She was my only friend for a long time. I'll admit I have a soft spot for her.

[di_intraining]

Really? Well you sure had me fooled.

She's nice. I just wish she'd stop teasing me all the time.

[rule_britannia]

[He smiles a bit, resting his elbow on the table]

Don't tell her that, you'll just make her worse.

[di_intraining]

Mum's the word.

[A waitress comes by for the order, flashing a grin at Greg's direction. Greg himself greets her with some familiarity, before directing her back towards Arthur. He really isn't going to be ordering anything.]

[rule_britannia]

[He looks a little surprised at that, but he gives his order - taking Greg's advice - then turns back to the other boy with one slightly raised eyebrow once she's gone]

Just wanted to spend time with me, Greg? I'm touched.

[di_intraining]

[He ducks his head a little.]

I err...I actually work here. I don't really know her, she's just new here.

And yeah, I wanted to catch up with you, before school starts and then I'll be drowning in homework. You know I'm not the brightest of the lot Arthur. I'll probably have to put in double time this year for OWLs.

[rule_britannia]

[Arthur glances back over his shoulder again, but he can't see the waitress anymore so he sits back with another shrug. A quiet sigh leaves him, and he leans on the table, hands clasped in front of him]

You know I'll give you a hand where I can, I know OWLs are no picnic.

[di_intraining]

Yeah. It's just...

[A deep sigh escapes him as he crosses his arms.]

I dunno. I'm just a little tired of depending on others to help me out. I can't remember a time when I wasn't asking you for help for school work.

[rule_britannia]

I can stop helping you, if you'd prefer.

[di_intraining]

[He glumly glances away.]

That's the thing. I know I need the help; I'm barely passing History of Magic. But sometimes I wonder whether I'm really cut out for all of this, this wizard thing.

[rule_britannia]

[It's not like Arthur to be this friendly with just anyone, but he and Greg have known each other for years now, and he gives a crooked, understanding smile]

Come on, you put yourself down too much.

[di_intraining]

Maybe.

[Maybe it's time for a topic change...Greg clears his throat quickly and sits back up.]

Anyway, how was the Cup? Did you enjoy yourself?

[rule_britannia]

As much as I could have, I suppose.

[Letting the subject change slide, he grins]

It's about the only time William and Phineas are too distracted to notice me. To be honest it was rather nice.

[di_intraining]

That's a nice plus. A good Quiddtch game without your beastly brothers breathing down your neck. Doesn't sound like anything can go wrong.

[rule_britannia]

David was there, he usually keeps them off my back without getting involved himself.

Mm.. Alfred showed up, too.

[di_intraining]

Hmm.

[Silence for a few seconds, and then...]

Did he say anything to you then?

[rule_britannia]

Well, yes.. I bumped into him. We talked.

[Awkward, awkward expression right here]

[di_intraining]

[Does Greg feel the awkwardness too.]

And?