photography and a cup of tea

Hello there. My name is Arthur Kirkland; though I suppose, if you wish, you may call me Art. I'm merely a photographer, capturing moments in life far too great for the simplicity of ink on paper. A picture's worth a thousand words, after all. Care for a cup of tea? [independent roleplay blog for human!Arthur from Hetalia.]

[artisticingenuitea]

I suppose so. Besides, if it’s got all this alien controversy surrounding it, surely something would’ve happened by now.

[As long as you don’t get into trouble, Squishy. Or make any unexpected trips to America.]

Oh-! Well, no. You’re right. There are certain times and places for affection and maybe this one isn’t one of those times. I just… it just feels odd to me. [Nooow he’s slightly embarrassed, oops. He just avoids Alfred’s gaze, looking around once more.]

There’s more to it than this, right? Or am I not allowed to see it?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Perhaps. Perhaps not. I suppose it would depend on what it is that they have there. Perhaps what is there is not alien at all.

…Ah! Yes, of course.

-He walks past Arthur to the corner of the room with the hidden panel and kneels down to pull open the door on the floor. He props it open and then descends down the ladder.-

There is more to see if you would like to come down here. It is a bit smaller and much warmer down here, though.

-He steps off of the ladder and onto the floor, moving aside for Arthur. There’s not much on this lower floor, aside from three water storage tanks (currently empty), a bucket of tools, and a number of spare parts and dismantled Earth gadgets that he’s accumulated. But one can also see through the holes in the metal floor of this level down to the very bottom of the shuttle and all of its machinery.-

[artisticingenuitea]

But nobody knows except the people that work there. And the government, I think, but I wouldn't really know because I don't live in America or anything.

[He waits until Alfred's down the ladder before walking over to peer down. Annnd then he hesitates because he's awful at climbing down ladders.]

[... But if Alfred was right and it was warm down there, there wasn't much else to do but to follow him down. When he finally manages to get to the bottom and off the ladder, he's back to staring at everything like a child in the candy store.]

Wh-... Why so many random parts? 

[fromthirteencolonies]

Your voice sounds familiar, but otherwise I don’t really recognize you.

So who’s calling and what’s up?

[artisticingenuitea]

Ah. Arthur Kirkland— does that ring a bell? We met when you came over here. Here being England.

[Silently apologises to Alfred for being bad at this.]

But you’re the only American I know and, well, I had a question.

[fromthirteencolonies]

Arthur Kirkland? You bet that rings a bell. I know a lot of Arthur Kirklands.

…Oh, well go right ahead! I don’t think you could’ve picked a better person to ask American-related questions.

[artisticingenuitea]

I invited you in for a cuppa, I do believe.

[He clears his throat and picks at some lint on his shirt, surprised at how friendly Alfred is being despite them not knowing each other all too well. It was kind of like his Alfred.]

No? Well, a friend and I were talking about Area 51 a while ago and I couldn't quite answer all their questions, I don't think. I'm rather curious myself since, you know, it's got the whole alien controversy surrounding it. But the government keeps it under wraps, don't they?

[artisticingenuitea]

No, thumbs aren’t necessary. But as you said, they help. It’s what puts us apart from other mammals.

[He pauses and shakes his head slowly.]

You can’t get into Area 51. It’s guarded by the American government and whatnot. Nobody really knows what they do there, I don’t think. Some say aliens, some say technology testing. It’s a mystery — but all the same, it wouldn’t be wise to go poke your nose in it. Though I wouldn’t mind visiting America, you know.

[Art blinks down at him, drawing in a breath before giving Alfred a small smile.]

I’m so used to affection that when you’re not affectionate, it’s odd. But, er, I wanted to… do something.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Oh. That is…unfortunate.

-He really wanted to figure out more about this Area 51 business. It sounds intriguing. Maybe he’ll do some side research while he’s home alone to figure out just what’s going on in this ‘America’ place.-

Ah. I see. -He gets up from his bowl seat and goes to Arthur.- I was simply giving you the room to explore while you were here. As much as I enjoy being affectionate around you, I felt this situation was more of a…ah. -What’s the word- I did not think it was too fitting to be affectionate, I suppose.

What is it what you wish to do?

[artisticingenuitea]

I suppose so. Besides, if it's got all this alien controversy surrounding it, surely something would've happened by now.

[As long as you don't get into trouble, Squishy. Or make any unexpected trips to America.]

Oh-! Well, no. You're right. There are certain times and places for affection and maybe this one isn't one of those times. I just... it just feels odd to me. [Nooow he's slightly embarrassed, oops. He just avoids Alfred's gaze, looking around once more.]

There's more to it than this, right? Or am I not allowed to see it?

[fromthirteencolonies]

artisticingenuitea replied to your post: [Yep, he’s going to do the thing. He’s going to call you, Alfred.]

[oh nO HE PICKED UP okay little voice activated] Er… hello? You might not, uh, recognise who this is—

Your voice sounds familiar, but otherwise I don’t really recognize you.

So who’s calling and what’s up?

[artisticingenuitea]

Ah. Arthur Kirkland— does that ring a bell? We met when you came over here. Here being England.

[Silently apologises to Alfred for being bad at this.]

But you’re the only American I know and, well, I had a question.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

-He watches him wiggle around his thumbs but is unfazed.-

They are quite convenient, yes. And that is why we have borrowed your form to help with piloting shuttles such as these. But it is not thumbs that indicate intelligence and one does not always need them to build and create. We do not necessarily need a human form in order to build a shuttle such as this.

-When he mentions Area 51, he perks up, and sits just a bit straighter.- …I have not heard of this…Area 51 place. If it does indeed contain alien life forms or even proof of them, then I feel as though I should have heard of it before. Where is it located, again? Where is ‘America’? Could we perhaps—

-Then he blinks, and halts his questions for a moment.-

…Is there something I can help you with?

[artisticingenuitea]

No, thumbs aren't necessary. But as you said, they help. It's what puts us apart from other mammals.

[He pauses and shakes his head slowly.]

You can't get into Area 51. It's guarded by the American government and whatnot. Nobody really knows what they do there, I don't think. Some say aliens, some say technology testing. It's a mystery -- but all the same, it wouldn't be wise to go poke your nose in it. Though I wouldn't mind visiting America, you know.

[Art blinks down at him, drawing in a breath before giving Alfred a small smile.]

I'm so used to affection that when you're not affectionate, it's odd. But, er, I wanted to... do something.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Take a—?

-He tenses a bit when grabbed, but doesn’t otherwise react to Arthur latching onto him. The ship’s noises are all too familiar to him and don’t bother him in the least, no matter how strange they may seem. When Arthur lets go, Alfred watches him move around carefully.-

I suppose every species thinks something along those lines. Upon first discovery of your planet we, too, wondered how such bizarre looking mammalian creatures could create much of anything. -He glances around the shuttle once and then looks back at Arthur.- But I must say, your people are more commendable than my own, despite not being so advanced technologically. Yours has had to, and will continue to be forced to, build and create only from what the human mind has to offer.

-He then moves to one of the soup bowl-like chairs in the center of the room and sits down in it, tucking his feet inside once he’s settled. He continues watching Arthur from there, and offers a small smile. He knows that you wouldn’t tell anyone, Arthur.-

I am sure that your people have found proof of aliens at some point, though they might not even realize that it was proof that they found. Sooner or later they will know. It is only a matter of time. 

[artisticingenuitea]

Breath. A breath.

... Bizarre, hm? We'd think it was bizarre that blobs are more technologically advanced than we are. After all, your kind don't even have thumbs.

[He shows Alfred his own, wiggling them about, then settles his hands back by his sides as he continues his inspection.]

Maybe so. Area 51 in America supposedly holds aliens there for testing and there are all these theories about UFOs all over the world. If there are records about aliens, it's kept under wraps pretty well, I think. It makes me feel little, though. I never truly believed in life on another planet until recently and now that I know it exists, it's a reminder that I'm this minuscule part of this minuscule planet in one of many galaxies.

[Then he looks to Alfred again, giving him a small smile in return as he turns his focus on him. He steps over, then allows his fingers to glide along the edge of the odd chair.]

... Alfred?

[artisticingenuitea]

[Arthur doesn’t say anything while they travel there, mostly for fear of making Alfred uncomfortable again. He feels as though there’s still a lot Alfred hasn’t told him, but he won’t press it.]

[Once they’re back at the good ol’ turnip shuttle, he takes cautious steps up the walkway until he’s inside. He didn’t really get to absorb as much of the sight as he wanted to last time, all things considered, so he takes the opportunity now.]

To be honest, I don’t think I’d understand if you explained in great detail, anyway. Maybe just the basics, yes.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Hm. That is very true. There are many things that this ship possesses that do not currently exist on Earth and would be fairly difficult to understand even if I took the time to explain it.

-As he says that, he taps at the invisible control panel on the wall expertly. The walkway retreats into the ship again, the hatch seals itself, and a strange noise that sounds similar to the muffled noise of dozens of aluminum cans being crushed somewhere nearby.-

I have set the cloaking device so that we may spend more time here without being noticed. You may take as much time to look at the inside of the shuttle as you wish.

[artisticingenuitea]

... Take a breath, Alfred.

[Arthur can't help but jump slightly at the unexpected noise, hand darting out to squeeze the fabric of Alfred's shirt.]

... [Until he realizes that he's not being catapulted into space or anything, so he loosens his grip in order to explore. He was careful not to touch anything, mostly in fear of ruining something or having Alfred scold him. That wouldn't be good. Still, he's got an expression similar to that of awe as he turns in a slow circle.]

It's amazing how different this is compared to what we have. Humans, I mean. How do little alien blobs have more advanced technology than us, anyway? And to think that there's no proof aliens even exist. Not until now.

[He pauses, tossing Alfred an apologetic look.]

I mean, I know that there's proof. Not that I would ever dare tell anyone.

[artisticingenuitea]

[Oh. Oh.]

[Arthur likes the purring, yes. The hug too, of course — which he returns, needless to say. Along with a cheek kiss because he certainly doesn’t feel like mustering up a purr in return.]

Of course. If you’re uncomfortable with anything or you’re not allowed, I’m not going to force you into it. Besides, exploring is enough for me. 

Ah, yes! Shall we?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Yes, right.

-And so they head off in another direction, much further away from the campus, toward the familiar pile of dead leaves in the middle of the forest that hides a certain blocky white square. Upon reaching it, Alfred presses a few buttons on the remote and it returns to its usual turnip-like shape.-

-Then, when the walkway touches the ground, he climbs it and gestures for Arthur to follow.-

While I am not allowed to explain this shuttle in great detail, there are some basic things that I am allowed to tell you regarding what you see.

[artisticingenuitea]

[Arthur doesn't say anything while they travel there, mostly for fear of making Alfred uncomfortable again. He feels as though there's still a lot Alfred hasn't told him, but he won't press it.]

[Once they're back at the good ol' turnip shuttle, he takes cautious steps up the walkway until he's inside. He didn't really get to absorb as much of the sight as he wanted to last time, all things considered, so he takes the opportunity now.]

To be honest, I don't think I'd understand if you explained in great detail, anyway. Maybe just the basics, yes.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

-That little panic episode dies off with this reassurance, but now he feels a bit bad. He’s broken rules before, as Arthur just said, and breaking another one wouldn’t be the end of the world…would it? There was a chance it could go terribly, terribly wrong should Arthur tell anyone but…?-

-No, no. He’s not going to think about that. Instead, he’s going to take this opportunity to give Arthur a thankful hug with a short purr added in.-

…Thank you. I appreciate it greatly.

If you would like to visit it, we can go to visit it now?

[artisticingenuitea]

[Oh. Oh.]

[Arthur likes the purring, yes. The hug too, of course -- which he returns, needless to say. Along with a cheek kiss because he certainly doesn't feel like mustering up a purr in return.]

Of course. If you're uncomfortable with anything or you're not allowed, I'm not going to force you into it. Besides, exploring is enough for me. 

Ah, yes! Shall we?

[artisticingenuitea]

No, it’s very unlike English. You’d know it wasn’t English if you saw it.

[He watches Alfred glance around nervously, having already anticipated this reaction. His fingers find their way back through the spaces of Alfred’s on their own, giving him a reassuring squeeze as he lowers his voice.]

I’m just curious about it, is all. Like how you are with the dishwasher and the telly remote. It’s new and exciting to me and — and, well, I haven’t really had the chance to study it. The last time I was there I was both afraid of it and you being mad at me.

… I’m a curious creature too, Alfred. Is that okay?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

-Wait. He wants to study it?-

I…er. Per-perhaps we could visit it. But I would very much appreciate if you did not study it in great detail.

-He glances around again and then lowers his voice even quieter.-

…I-I am not allowed to reveal much about Similorn technology, Arthur. I cannot let you study too much of my ship. No designs, or tools, or controls, or anything. Should any such studies of it be released or should someone discover what you know, both of us would be in trouble.

[artisticingenuitea]

I didn't mean--

...

[He can't help but start laughing quietly, both of them surely getting closer as they tried to tone the conversation down. His fingers unfold, letting go to reach up and clasp Alfred's cheeks. Thumbs brush over soft cheekbones as Arthur's laughter dies down, a little sigh escaping him at the end.]

You're not allowed to be here or have me as your mate, either, but here we are. It's okay, Alfred. I won't study it, but I think visiting would be lovely.

[artisticingenuitea]

You know its coordinates?

[… He probably shouldn’t have expected any less of Alfred, to be honest.]

It’s just quite different from everywhere else, or so I’ve heard. I’ve never been outside of the UK except to visit Germany once. But I’m glad someone helped you learn how to write in… English, right? And not Korean?

[Then he looks around, pausing to make sure nobody was around before he asked his next question.]

Alfred— and I know this is out of the blue, but do you think we could visit your shuttle?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Korean? I do not believe that I have seen Korean before. Does it look like English?

-…And then Arthur asks that question and he gets just a bit nervous. Why does Arthur want to go and see it again? He also has to glance around to double check that there really was nobody around.-

…You…wish to visit my shuttle again? May I ask why?

[artisticingenuitea]

No, it's very unlike English. You'd know it wasn't English if you saw it.

[He watches Alfred glance around nervously, having already anticipated this reaction. His fingers find their way back through the spaces of Alfred's on their own, giving him a reassuring squeeze as he lowers his voice.]

I'm just curious about it, is all. Like how you are with the dishwasher and the telly remote. It's new and exciting to me and -- and, well, I haven't really had the chance to study it. The last time I was there I was both afraid of it and you being mad at me.

... I'm a curious creature too, Alfred. Is that okay?

[artisticingenuitea]

-CUCUMBERS, CUCUMBERS STUFFED IN THE LETTERBOX-

[Where the hell did these cucumbers come from]

...

Alfred, I think you mistook the letterbox for the fridge again--

[artisticingenuitea]

[Interrogation time!]

You went to North Korea? When? And are you absolutely positive that it was North Korea you visited? I’ve heard that they’re strict about their borders and the military there. Or, well, strict about everything. It’s a very… different place.

And you learnt your English from someone there?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Yes. I am sure. It is the only country I found under the coordinates 39°1′10″N and 125°44′17″E. I…was not aware that it was such a strict place. It did not seem so incredibly different, but then again I did not see too much of it.

I met someone there who offered to help me with my writing skills. They were a very helpful person and I greatly appreciated their assistance.

[artisticingenuitea]

You know its coordinates?

[... He probably shouldn't have expected any less of Alfred, to be honest.]

It's just quite different from everywhere else, or so I've heard. I've never been outside of the UK except to visit Germany once. But I'm glad someone helped you learn how to write in... English, right? And not Korean?

[Then he looks around, pausing to make sure nobody was around before he asked his next question.]

Alfred-- and I know this is out of the blue, but do you think we could visit your shuttle?

[artisticingenuitea]

[How come Alfred looks so happy about that offer?]

Would you? See, I thought you’d enjoy having someone to help you prac—

What.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

…What?

[artisticingenuitea]

[Interrogation time!]

You went to North Korea? When? And are you absolutely positive that it was North Korea you visited? I've heard that they're strict about their borders and the military there. Or, well, strict about everything. It's a very... different place.

And you learnt your English from someone there?

[artisticingenuitea]

Ah, I see. I can’t imagine going to school with, say, everyone in England. That on its own would be… chaotic. Here we have several primary and secondary schools, then the universities. There are other options outside of that, too.

[He gives a low whistle and shakes his head because honestly, he can’t imagine attending a school so big.]

… Oh? You’re good at maths and science? I suppose I should’ve known that.

[Another pause and he starts laughing, obviously recalling something.]

Only if I can help you with your English, hm?

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

Ah!

-It’s been a long time since he practiced his English properly with a teacher of any kind. And it’s about time he freshens up.-

I would appreciate that very much! I have not studied properly in quite some time now, as I have been too busy to visit Jae-Won in North Korea to continue my lessons.

[artisticingenuitea]

[How come Alfred looks so happy about that offer?]

Would you? See, I thought you'd enjoy having someone to help you prac--

What.

[artisticingenuitea]

there are moments where i'm just sitting here on this account like "wow i wanna interact with more humans here hmm"

but how do //sobs

[artisticingenuitea]

[What happens if he does mind, though—]

This is smaller than where you went? I’d like to think this is a pretty big campus.

I, ah… Well, I take journalism classes and photography. Creative arts classes. A mathematics class, I believe, but I’m no good at maths. Or science.

[itcamefromvega-deactivated20140]

I assume that there are only a select few of your species attending this particular uni. And that there are many universities like it. The first school that we go to is a single school meant for the entirety of our birth year species-wide, which is…quite a lot of us, to say the least. As such it is very, very large.

Our specialized schooling places are considerably smaller and much more numerous, having to be spread out over various planets and territories… -glances around again- Perhaps…one and a half times the size of this campus?

-Then he looks back to Arthur. Bad at math? He can help!-

Is that so? Interesting. If you are ever in need of assistance with your mathematics or science work I would be happy to help.

[artisticingenuitea]

Ah, I see. I can't imagine going to school with, say, everyone in England. That on its own would be... chaotic. Here we have several primary and secondary schools, then the universities. There are other options outside of that, too.

[He gives a low whistle and shakes his head because honestly, he can't imagine attending a school so big.]

... Oh? You're good at maths and science? I suppose I should've known that.

[Another pause and he starts laughing, obviously recalling something.]

Only if I can help you with your English, hm?