I noticed that there are a lot of fanfics about pairings, and I thought it'd be cute to make one about when Britain was taking care of the kid America. So here's the first chapter. : l Yay

Chapter 1

The Call

On my eighteenth birthday I received a call from social services. They said that they wanted to see me immediately.

I put on my best coat and took the tube to their headquarters. I knew my way there well; after all, I had been in the system for the past nine years. When I arrived the front desk informed me that I was expected in room 102. I carefully opened the door and met a young woman behind a desk.

She attempted a warm smile but seemed stressed. Her blond hair was in a tight bun behind her pale head. "Mr. Kirkland?" she asked lifting her hand. I nodded and shook it. "Ms. Browne. It is a pleasure."

She motioned to a chair opposite herself and begun to pull out formal papers. "Right. Well we have some business to attend to."

"Of course," I replied. "I expected that there would be some matter to attend to regarding my moving out. Although I had not expected so soon."

Ms. Browne glanced at me briefly and placed a file in front of me.

"Mr. Kirkland, this meeting is regarding whether or not you are willing to become a legal guardian."

I stared at the woman for some time. Why on earth would she ask me that question?

"Why would you consider that?" I asked flatly. "I've lived with my foster parents for four years. I have no home of my own yet and I just finished grammar school. Above that I have not had the cleanest record."

"Mr. Kirkland we are well aware of your situation and record." She pulled out another folder and flipped threw it. "You've had several arrests when you were younger for thief and vandalizing property. My, my, you were quite the delinquent. But soon after you became a model citizen. However, I have no doubt the child will be in a safe environment."

"I still cannot fathom why I of all people would be asked about this." I said putting my hand to my head. "I am the last person to take care of another person."

"Actually, you were the first that came to mind," Ms. Browne replied with a sly smile. After giving her a look of confusion she decided to explain. "This boy recently lost his adoptive parents and the first thing that came to mind was to locate his brother."

"What? What does that mean?"

"Let me spell it out for you. You have a younger brother and we would be grateful if you could take him in. Otherwise he'd have to go into he system and, well, you know how that is."

"If I have a brother," I asked hesitantly, "Then may I meet him?"

"No. He is not British. This boy lives in America." They wanted me to take care of an American orphan? "The Americans called first," Ms. Browne continued. "They located you and contacted us. We all would be very happy if you took this into consideration," she finished.

I looked at my hands in my lap. "Did they find anyone else? Any more family, I mean," I asked without looking up.

"One," she answered. I looked up hopefully. "But he's also nine and lives with his adoptive family in Canada."

Of course.

"Arthur," Ms. Browne said quietly, using my first name for the first time. "He hasn't been told. He's not eagerly awaiting your response. As far as he knows he's going to a foster home. No one will be disappointed. You can say no."

After a while I sighed. "Well," I said with a heavy breath, "There is no need for consideration. The answer is yes."

For the first time I stole a glance at the file in front of me. Twelve letters were neatly printed onto it.

Alfred F. Jones

So that's the first chapter. I hope it's good. Sorry if the titles are a little cheesy; if anyone has any better ideas that would be great!