Chapter III: A Frog in the Shopping Mall


After all the welcoming, the Jones family started to discuss about how will Arthur continue to stay at their house. Since Amelia had to work most of the time and the twins had to attend school, Arthur would most probably stay at home alone. However, Arthur was still unfamiliar with the neighborhood and it might be not safe for him to wander alone.

'Perhaps Arthur you can go to school with Alfred and Matthew, so they can assist you in getting used to your earthly life as well as helping to find the halo pieces!' Amelia suggested.

'But... But I have no qualifications or any family backgrounds here!' Arthur hesitated at the idea. 'I don't mind attending school since there would be a higher chance for me to find my halo pieces if my searching area is extended, but... I hardly know anyone here, and I... I can't possibly enter-'

'No worries, Arthur, we will help you. You can leave the application for enrollment to me. I will tell your case to the principal of Alfred and Matthew's school.' Amelia assured Arthur with a firm smile.

'Will it... cause a lot trouble to you, Mrs. Jones? I've heard that... The cost for human schools is not cheap.'

'Of course not, my dear. I've taken you in, and now I will fulfill my responsibility.'

'T-thank you...'

'Also, Arthur, just make yourself home and you can just call me Mum as well!' Amelia winked. 'Don't be too reserved.'

Arthur got a bit flustered and said, 'Sure.' He paused and added, 'Mum.'


'You were acting so weird just now!' Alfred laughed at Arthur's nervousness just now.

'Belt up!' Arthur hissed.

'But you were flushing when you said "Mum"! That was hilarious!' Alfred couldn't help himself stop thinking about the scene.

'If you are going to continue talking about how interesting my reaction was, I will go straightaway to sleep!'

'Alfred, stop teasing Arthur!' Matthew tried to defend for Arthur.

Arthur would be staying at the guest room in the basement for the mean time, as the family didn't usually have guests and Arthur could take it. Arthur was glad enough to have his own room, even when he was an angel, he had to share a room with his brothers.

'Okay, I will stop.' Alfred surrendered. 'Oh, by the way, I haven't learned your full name yet! You only told us that you are Arthur.'

'It's "learnt", not "learned"! You should at least know your grammar!'

'I don't care about grammar.' Alfred looked away with an innocent face. 'You are just like my English teacher, he is a boring old man.'

'I am not old - Well, for you, I might be old but for me, I am not.' Arthur sighed and stopped arguing. 'I don't have a surname because I was an angel. Angels don't need of have surnames.'

'Really? But I think you should have one! I think it is needed for applying for the school anyway.' Matthew said. 'Maybe we can make up one for you!'

'I remember Mum has put the naming books in the cupboard! I will fetch them!' Alfred jumped off to the cupboard.

'Can I make up one actually?' Arthur doubted the idea of this. 'I thought humans' surnames are based on their family names.'

'Don't worry. It's just for applying the school, I'll let the principal know that.' Amelia came out of the kitchen with a plate of sliced apples.

'Arthur, check these books out!' Alfred couldn't hide his enthusiasm in making up a surname for Arthur. 'These are really cool ones!'

Arthur flipped the books and checked the meaning of the names while the twins were suggesting some names to Arthur. Amelia smiled at the boys' behavior and left them alone.


'Hey Arthur! What about "Smith"? It is quite common and popular!'

'I think "Scott" suits Arthur better.'

'I don't prefer "Scott", it... kinds of reminding me of one of my annoying brothers.'

'Here! "McDonalds" sounds nice! I'm voting for this one!'

'Alfred, you are just voting it because of the hamburgers. I think "White" could be an option too.'

'Mattie, your suggestions are booooring~'

'They are not!'

'Yes, they are!'

'Are not!'

'Are too!'

Arthur thought the quarrel between Alfred and Matthew was quite entertaining, then he resumed to his reading and his eye caught on the name 'Kirkland'. He checked for the meaning of the name.

'Kirk... stands for church... And land means... So it means the place of church...?' He muttered to himself. 'Sounds proper enough for an angel... Still, I doubt if making up surnames is appropriate...'

'I think I will choose Kirkland!' Arthur declared to the duo.

'Kirkland? It sounds great, Arthur!' Matthew felt happy for Arthur.

'Kirkland? I'd never thought that your sense of naming sucks like Matthew's!' Alfred exclaimed.

'Hold your tongue, boy.' Arthur glared at Alfred.

'Alfred, it's Arthur's choice! Just stop teasing him! And my naming sense is fine!'

'Fine, fine.'

Alfred suddenly got curious about Arthur's background. It's not fair that Arthur has already known about a lot about him and his family but he knew nothing about him other than the fact that he was an angel. It was still a bit unbelievable, but Alfred was starting to get used to it.

'Hey Arthur, I actually know nothing about you, except for your name and that you are an angel. Do you have a family?'

'I didn't know that you are interested in my background.' Arthur replied. 'I had four brothers and I am the youngest one, they are Allistor, Seamus, Patrick and Dylan, though... um, I don't really get along well with them. I also had a cousin called Peter, well, actually he's the one who causes my halo to break but I knew that he didn't do that intentionally...' Arthur's voice grew smaller as he mentioned his family. 'I am not sure who are my parents, and I don't think that angels have any in fact. Angels are just... created in a sudden, I guess?'

'You have four brothers?!' Alfred blurted out. 'Wow! That's cool!'

'Yes, but you won't say that if you were me.' Arthur raised an eyebrow. 'Not everyone has a nice brother like you, Alfred, you are just lucky to have one.'

'Mm-hmm, maybe.' Alfred pursed his lips. 'How old are you? Or is it that you are immortal? Well, just for your reference, I am seventeen, same as Mattie.'

'Angels are immortal...'

'That's cool! It's like those vampires in the Hollywood movies! Seriously, I wish I can be immortal too!' Arthur coughed. 'Uh, sorry. Just continue.'

'Being immortal might not be all that fun. Angels are supposed to be immortal, but I've heard before that in some occasions, for example, if they sinned, they would disappear as a punishment... As for my age, I think the way of humans and angels calculating age is different. As an angel, I am much older than you but I think if I convert my heavenly age to the earthly one... It's approximately seventeen.'

'Then we can probably be in the same grade at school!' Alfred exclaimed happily. 'By the way, you had a strange British accent. Do angels have nationality?'

'N-not really, but I consider myself British since as an angel, I usually patrol around the area of England. I have developed quite a liking for the English culture, especially the habit of drinking tea. I like their accents too, it sounds more proper. Speaking of that, your grammar really needs improvement.'

'Nah, it doesn't matter much to me whether it is proper or not.' Alfred didn't care much about English anyway.

'But it's proper! It's better!'

'I can call you the Britannia Angel since you claimed to be British.' Alfred switched the topic.

'Don't try to switch the subject.' Arthur rolled his eyes, but he did feel a bit happy for receiving his nickname.


Not long after their decision on Arthur's surname, Amelia urged the boys to sleep since it was already late. Alfred led Arthur to his bedroom in the basement, where Arthur found the bedroom rather large and spacious. The design was simple but Arthur felt grateful enough for that. Although he was still uncertain about his situation and all of the incidents seemed like just a dream, Arthur felt strangely relieved knowing that as long as he was with his new family, they would guide him to his way. I wondered what would be happening in heaven now, Arthur thought deeply and was slowly drifted to his sleep.

Meanwhile, Amelia was phoning the company about fixing the roof. After picking the date of construction, she checked that all the boys were asleep and she called her husband, William, and told him about their situation. Out of Amelia's expectation, William was eager to hear about it.

'If it weren't for work, I'd really like to come back and meet the angel that you have told me about.' William chuckled at the phone.

'I'm sure you'll find him interesting. He's an adorable kid, not loud like Alfred but not as shy as Matthew. He was just a bit formal but I like him.'

'What a pity that I'll miss all the fun here. I wish I'd be here.'

'Oh, don't worry, sweetheart, you will see him sooner or later.' Amelia smiled at the fact that William seemed to like Arthur. Arthur's coming was indeed a special one.


During breakfast, Amelia announced that she has already talked to the headmaster of the school, who agreed to take in Arthur but will have him to take an attainment test first to see his abilities and have a small meeting with him. Arthur was pleased to hear the news, and offered to make some scones to show his gratitude. The family agreed and was looking forward to his cooking, especially Alfred, who was eager to try it, I wonder how food in heaven tastes like.

'I present to you my special homemade heavenly scones! Please help yourselves!' Arthur proudly brought out a basket of burnt scones. He was extremely glad that someone would like to try his cooking, the other angels often stopped him from stepping into the kitchen. 'You guys do have a good taste in food! I am changing my impressions on humans!' Arthur couldn't help but started to get a bit carried away.

However, the family immediately regretted it when they saw the black scones, no - they didn't even look like scones anymore, but more like a basket of coal. Amelia froze her smile, Matthew looked with his eyes widened, and Alfred hung his mouth open.

'D-don't be so stunned at my cooking. I-I know it's... rare to try my cooking... I can do it for you every day if you want, b-but, it's not really for you, you know! I-i-it's to practise my cooking skills!' Arthur felt flattered when he saw their reactions, thinking that they were impressed by his scones. He's not entirely wrong though, since it really did impressed them.

'How on earth can you make scorns burnt like this?! Do you even call that scones?!' Alfred shouted out in disbelief.

'It... Doesn't look edible, actually.' Matthew said in a small voice.

'Um, Arthur, I think...you really need more practices...' Amelia stammered.

'… It's obvious that you guys don't want to eat it!' Arthur groaned and sighed, taking the basket away. 'I knew it. We'll have toasts then.' The family shot him an apologetic smile.

After the meal, Arthur offered to help to do the dishes, which was much to Amelia's appreciation. 'Boys, can you bring Arthur to the mall today to help him in buying his clothes and other necessities? I have to work this weekend too!' Amelia called to the twins.

'Sure! We're going to but Arthur cool clothes.' Alfred grinned.

'You'd better not be a bad influence to Arthur.' Amelia glanced at the excited boy. 'I'll be leaving now! See you guys tonight!'

'Bye, Mum!'

Arthur was finally done with the dishes and he pulled off his apron, but he was immediately pulled away by Alfred.

'OFF TO THE MALL!'

'Alfred! I was still in my pajamas!'

'Arthur, I can lend you another set of clothes if you want, I think Alfred's size was too large for you.' Matthew handed over a shirt and a pair of trousers.

'Thanks Matthew.' Arthur took the clothes from Matthew and went to his bedroom for changing.

'I'm done. Is there anything I need to bring?' Arthur returned and found Alfred was already pacing around impatiently.

'Not much, I think. We have already taken the money.'

'When are we going?' Alfred urged.

'Yes, Mr. Impatient, we are going now.' Arthur rolled his eyes. Matthew tried to hide his smile.


'This coat looks nice to me.'

'You can try it on there.' Matthew pointed to the changing room.

Arthur has bought some shirts and T-shirts, a few pairs of trousers and two pair of shoes so far. Shopping was something new to him, he was still amazed to know that humans actually had a specific place that allows people to buy clothes and all their necessities, especially the place which they called 'supermarket', it was indeed super.

'Wow, your tastes are really old-fashioned, even I can tell.' Alfred said warily.

'What do you mean by even you can tell?' Arthur glared.

'Why don't you try this one on?' Alfred held up a black leather jacket. 'A lot of my friends were into these recently.'

'Are you expecting me to wear punk?'

'Just a suggestion.' Alfred shrugged.

'Then, no thank you. I am not wearing that.'

The trio continued to wander around the mall and eventually reached the toys' section.

'I think we can skip this one, since we are not really-' Matthew started.

'No!' Alfred and Arthur shouted together. Matthew raised his eyebrows. 'Okay.'

Alfred rushed to the section where they displayed the superheroes' figurines. His eyes glimmered as he noticed the Captain America model. Matthew shook his head. He should have guessed it. Then he went to look for Arthur, seeing him standing in front of a showcase made Matthew curious to know what the angel was interested in. Matthew was surprised to find that Arthur was actually staring at a unicorn plush dreamily. Does Arthur actually like something as girly as a unicorn? Matthew was amazed. He didn't expect this.

'It is... adorable.' Arthur pressed his fingers at the glass.

Alfred returned soon with box, 'Heeeeey, what are you looking at?'

'Alfred, you bought a figurine again?' Matthew asked with a sigh. 'Mum's going to nag you tonight again.'

Alfred nodded with a bright smile on his face. 'I know that. Why is Arthur standing there?'

'He's staring at the unicorn plush.' Alfred sneered at that statement.

'What?!'

'Oh look who do we have here~'

Alfred immediately recognized the voice and saw Francis, who was leaning against the glass, smirking at him.

'Hi Francis.' Matthew greeted politely.

'Bonjour Matthew~ My adorable angel~'

'Francis, stop calling me your angel.' Matthew complained weakly though Arthur thought that he has seen a faint blush on Matthew's face.

'Francis, it's you.' Alfred gave a long sigh. 'Arthur, Matthew, let's go.'

'Awww, how rude, Alfred. I have not even greeted your new friend.'

Arthur eyed Francis suspiciously. The boy was tall and had shimmering, golden and wavy hair. I wish my hair was like that too. Arthur was a bit stunned at his appearance. 'May I ask who are you?'

'He's Francis Bonnefoy, my classmate, you can just ignore him.' Alfred said in an annoying tone.

'Bonjour mon cher~ I am Francis.'

'O-oh, I see, you are Alfred's classmate, nice to meet you. I am Arthur Kirkland. Are you French?'

'Mm-hmm, you're right.' Francis walked towards Arthur and examined his face closely, which caused Arthur to get nervous. 'W-w-wait, you are too close.'

'You have a pretty face and a cute British accent.' Francis said flirtatiously, Arthur could feel his face starting to heat up.

'Francis, stay away from Arthur.' Alfred said in annoyance.

Francis ignored Alfred. 'Your eyes were as stunning as emeralds also.' Arthur was a bit flattered by his compliment. 'W-well, thank you…? Could you get back a bit? Don't make me call you a pervert.'

'Mm-hmm?' Francis smirked. 'You are cute when you blush, you know.' Then he suddenly wrapped his arm around Arthur's waist, which caused Arthur to bolt and jump away.

'WHAT THE HELL YOU ARE DOING, FROG?' Arthur yelled, feeling his face burning.

Francis paused for a while after the contact, looking confused. He couldn't get the funny sensation just now off his mind, but instead of questioning, he replied seductively, 'Oh nothing really. Tu es intéressant.'

'WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY NOTHING, PERVERT!' Arthur was shouting, causing the others to look at them. 'AND I AM NOT INTERESTING!'

'Honhonhon~' Francis smiled smugly and left the shop. 'I hope to see you again, mon cher~ Au revoir~'

'COME BACK, YOU PERVERT! I AM NOT DONE WITH YOU YET! I HOPE I'D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN!' Arthur shrieked.

'Arthur, calm down. He's gone now. Don't worry. Francis is always like that, being flirtatious around everyone, no matter boys or girls.' Matthew patted Arthur's shoulder, showing a sympathetic look.

'He's a bloody pervert! I am seriously worried for you two in school, I mean, with someone like him in your class!'

'Oh, don't worry, Arthur. Francis basically has flirted with the whole class already, even Matthew and me.' Alfred groaned.

'It's Matthew and I, not Matthew and me. Wait, WHAT?' Arthur looked at them in horror.

'Francis is one of the Bad Friends Trio in our class, the other two are Gilbert and Antonio. Well, I guess you can imagine what they are like by hearing the name "Bad Friends".' Matthew explained. 'Basically, they are just a group of perverts, you may say.'

'Can we just leave the topic of Francis now?' Alfred asked in an irritating tone.

'I wonder what other kinds of people are there in your class.' Arthur murmured.

'Hmm, heroes like me?'

'I see. That's why your class is at the edge of hopelessness.'


For Francis, he was still thinking about the warm sensation just now. It might be weird to say it in this way, but Francis wanted to feel that tingling thing again. He found that there was something special about Arthur but he couldn't tell. He was trying to tease the boy a bit at first, but it turned out that he was the one who was being bothered. Arthur's childlike face was adorable, he meant it when he said it just now. It wasn't Francis' first time to flirt with a boy but not a girl - basically, he could flirt with anyone, but this Arthur was intéressant.

Another thing that Francis was questioning is that, who was Arthur actually? He didn't look like he's Alfred's cousin, not with those huge eyebrows. He didn't look like he's from the school also, but Francis hardly believed that Alfred would go out with a friend from other schools since Alfred was the ones who returned home immediately after school and barely socialize with others in non-school days.

'Francis! What's taking you for so long?! Don't keep the awesome me waiting!'

'Gil, Francis has probably gone to flirting again, no doubt about that.'

'Nah, not too successful this time.'

'Whaaat?! It's rare to see that coming out from you!'

'Yeah, quite challenging...'

'So, you really did go flirting and you told us that you were going to the washroom, making us to wait here for 15 minutes and letting us miss all the fun and awesomeness! Francis, you bastard!'

'You should really tell us if you are going to flirt, I wanna see the person who made Francis' flirting failed!'

'Honhonhon~ You aren't the one to say, Antonio, at least I am the most successful among the three of us~'

'Francis, you are annoying.'

'It's just because no one has noticed my awesomeness yet!'

'Honhonhon~'

There was an albino and a Spaniard who were with Francis. The trio left the mall in a fuss. Well, I can leave that for later, Francis thought, weekends are not for confusing over things like that. It's time for fun.


Arthur was delighted to know that the principal of Alfred's school as going to meet him tomorrow and Amelia would be taking him there, but at the same time, he was nervous. He doubted why the headmaster would be convinced by his story, I thought human headmasters would be more solemn.

'Do I need to bring or prepare anything? I mean, I am completely new to here.'

'Ah, there's nothing to worry about. You just have to bring yourself.' Amelia replied cheerfully.

'Yeah, Headmaster Rome is a nice guy. You don't really need to worry.' Alfred added. 'Oh, and he like girls. A lot.'

'I don't really need to know that part.'

'I hope Arthur is going to be in the same class with us.' Matthew said hopefully.

'I hope so.' Arthur was glad to hear Matthew's kind words, but then he realized he forgot something. The roof. He looked up immediately, the hole was still there. He sighed, the others noticed his gaze and looked at the roof as well.

'I almost forgot the roof was broken.' Alfred laughed.

'That hole was making me feeling guilty.' Arthur scowled.

'I am still wondering how did you manage to create such a large hole with that skinny body of yours yet without getting your bones broken! I wish you can teach me that!'

'My back hurts, you know.' Arthur glared. 'Angels have a great strength despite how they look, that's why I managed to create that big hole. And I hope you didn't forget that I am falling from heaven, not some nearby trees or buildings, so there would also be a greater force when I fell down, I thought you have studied physics...'

'Then I wish I have such great strength like yours.' Alfred said dreamily. 'Heroes need a lot of strength.'

'Did you even listen to me?!'

'Not really.'

'I appreciate your honesty.'

'You're welcome.

'Arthur, your sarcasm won't work on Alfred.' Matthew pointed out.

Arthur sighed, it is useless to argue with Alfred. Though he didn't want to admit it, arguing was fun here. He hardly had any arguments with anyone in heaven since everyone was always so gentle and moderate. Humans were interesting, they cried, argued and fought but were again on friendly terms soon. He didn't quite understand why they had to go through all this to become friends with someone. Wouldn't it be easier to become friends in the beginning by doing nothing but just act gentle and moderate?

'I am going to bed now. There's a test waiting for me tomorrow and I have to be in my best shape. Goodnight.'

'Goodnight, Arthur.'

'I am following yoooooooou~' Alfred followed Arthur down to the basement. Arthur was really adorable, especially when he was arguing! Alfred hasn't been arguing for a long time already, not until when Arthur arrived. He didn't even argue much with his own brother, as Matthew always gave in to him. Alfred was always busy trying to keep up with everyone in school and smiling to everyone, his hard efforts all the year would be wasted if he tried to start an argument. He had to admit that he like Arthur's presence.

'Alfred, I can go to my bedroom by myself.'

'Hmm?'

'Alfred.'

'Can't hear anything.' Alfred sprinted to Arthur's bedroom and sat on a chair.

'Alfred, get off the chair and go. Your bedroom is upstairs.'

'I can't get off this chair. I am stuck.'

'Nonsense.'

'But I am stuck!' Alfred insisted.

'Alfred!' Arthur said crossly.

'Fine, I will be going later, but I want to watch you to sleep first.'

'You are such a kid, can you act a bit more mature?' Arthur murmured and lay down on his bed. 'Just remember to close the door when you leave. Goodnight, Alfred.'

Arthur gave a small yawn and turned around. Alfred watched until Arthur slept soundly. He smiled at Arthur's dreamy but peaceful face. I am going to tell him that he drools when he sleeps once he woke up, Alfred thought and walked to the door quietly.

'Goodnight, Artie.' He whispered softly.


Note: Hopefully, something would happen in next chapter... Or perhaps not. ◟◕‵)

In case anyone is confused, Peter who appeared in the first chapter is Sealand. (`)

That's all for this chapter. Just wait until I can think of something to write again. (っ・Д)

Any feedback is more than welcome! ヽ(゚u゚)ノ

- Righteous Scone