#Professor layton fanfiction

[melcobelc]

This Flora Friday I bring you a fanfiction focused on our favourite golden apple, which has been written as part of the @proflaytonbigbang !

Lady Reinhold and the Maw of the Arcanum

Rating: General Audiences

Genres: Mystery / Horror

Characters: Flora Reinhold, Don Paolo

Summary:

"This is what I now need to request of you, my dear daughter, and I hope that you can forgive me for it."

A letter, 13 years after her mothers death, leads Flora to the small, tranquil seaside village of Aenigmouth. Despite the overwhelmingly welcoming behaviour shown to her by the locals, the girl cannot shake the feeling that something isn’t right.

What is it that Aenigmouth seems to be hiding?

What is it the puzzles of this village seem to be guiding her towards?

What had been her mothers intention in sending her here?

Please look at the beautiful artwork made by the wonderful @teenytinyapprentice !

[hiddens-studio]

Orange Roses

Just a quick animation based off one of my Layton fanstories [though I haven't released this one yet] called Professor Layton And The Unfinished Ballad.

I won't spoil anything, but... There do be flowers LMAO

[perplexedflower]

Running Out Of Steam

Fandom: Professor Layton.

Category: F/M.

Relationship: Hershel Layton x Female Reader.

Type: Mini one shot.

Words: 979.

Summary: Working as Hershel's assistant is challenging, and when exhaustion finally catches up to [Y/N], her sleepiness leads the two of them to share a very special moment inside the Laytonmobile.

Chronology: Post-Unwound Future/Pre-New World of Steam.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, my dear, I must thank you. Your suggestion to get acquainted with the neighbouring village was brilliant, it has provided us with crucial information regarding this case."

Sitting in the passenger seat, [Y/N] blushed lightly upon hearing Layton's praises.

"Thank you, Professor. I am more than delighted to know we have made significant progress."

Not long after the words had left her mouth, she quietly yawned, followed by a sigh.

"So am I, [Y/N]." He said with a smile. "But there is yet a lot for us to uncover, let us not forget."

As the engine of the Laytonmobile purred gently, she rested her head against her seat and closed her eyes.

"The clues we were able to retrieve today are evidence of it, in fact." He continued. "Both cities are intricately connected in ways one could not have imagined... How fascinating. Surprising, too. I hadn't considered such a possibility and failed to detect it upon our arrival in this town, yesterday. But, in retrospect, it should have been obvious. I must be getting rusty: there once was a time I would have taken notice of a piece of the puzzle this important within a matter of only a few minutes."

[Y/N] listened to him ramble on to himself and found comfort in his voice, in his words, wrapping around her as she began to doze off.

"I am well aware there are still many dark corners of the neighbouring village left for us to explore, but do not fret: we shall continue our investigation there in due time. For now, I wish for us to return to the town. You see, there is something I would like to show you... I wonder, [Y/N], do you—"

But the Professor suddenly cut himself short when he felt her head drop on his left shoulder, and for the first time since the ride had started, his eyes left the road to look down at her, but only for a split second.

It seems she has fallen asleep...

He tried his best to keep his composure, despite the faint blush spreading over his cheeks.

It would not be proper of me to continue driving under such circumstances... The risks of distraction are too high.

The car started to slowly lose speed, until he reached a part of the country road that allowed him to pull off to the side: with his foot off the gas pedal and the ignition key turned, the inside of the vehicle turned silent. Hershel looked down at [Y/N] and felt his face redden further as he listened to the calm and slow sound of her breathing. Then, in a quiet and steady but hesitant motion, he brushed her hair out of her face to tuck it behind her ear, his fingertips gliding over her skin.

For a moment, he stared at her tenderly, admiring her peaceful expression as he succumbed to her charm the longer his eyes stayed on her.

[Y/N] never ceases to invest a lot of herself in every adventure she partakes by my side, and I know things have not been easy for her since Luke has left the country. Now that she is my sole assistant, she feels she needs to take on every task that comes her way... but it pains me to see her overwork herself to the point of exhaustion. Once we return to the town, I will wake her up and take her back to her room in the inn for her to continue sleeping. But for now, I shall let her rest just a little longer, though I need to readjust her on her seat if I want to ensure I drive safely.

Delicately, he rested his hands on her shoulders and gently moved her body in an attempt to make her sit straight; but before he could do so, she seemed to have woken up just slightly, just enough to feel Layton's hands on her, and she instinctively leaned forward, her head now against his chest and her hands just barely clinging to him.

Not knowing what to say or do, Layton remained quiet as he stared down at her, eyes wide open, his cheeks overheating.

"Hmm... Professor... why did you stop?" She asked in a mumble, half-asleep.

"Well, I pulled the car off to the side of the road because you fell asleep, [Y/N]..." He replied awkwardly.

"No... I mean... Why did you stop talking?"

Puzzled by her unexpected question, he struggled to come up with an answer while she snuggled closer to him.

"I love to hear your voice." She said softly with an endearing smile, her eyes still closed. "It's soothing... and calming... and charming. I feel the same way when I look at you, too..."

A flustered, blushing mess, Layton found himself at a loss for words and sensed his breath quicken.

"... You're very comfortable, Professor..." She said in a sleepy voice. "I know... I shouldn't... but I want to sleep here... for a while..."

Although flattered, he could not help but feel bashful at her words.

"[Y/N]... my dear... Would you perhaps not be more comfortable in a bed?"

Slowly, she shook her head against his chest, and, finally, she opened her eyes slightly, her gaze hazy but affectionate.

"No... As long as you are beside me, I will always feel comfortable, and everything will always feel... just perfect..."

He stared down at her, at her face, into her eyes, and his own illuminated with the same loving glow; with a shy yet tender smile taking shape on his lips, he circled her body with his arms, keeping her close in his embrace, lulling her back into sleep.

"... Then, I will hold you in my arms for as long as you need me to... and I will always watch over you, [Y/N]."

[pentacle-artist]

1/1

Rating: General

No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Arianna Barde & Luke Triton

Characters: Arianna Barde, Luke Triton

Additional Tags: Last Specter Spoilers, Post-Last Specter, Apologies, Brenda shows up but she only has 2 lines, Arianna and Luke are friends

Arianna decides to properly apologize for what she said a year ago.

[mcfaucet]

The Ledores, Henry and Angela, ponder the sudden intrusion of Hershel Layton in their home and what this means to them. They’re all back now, but three’s a crowd and four is definitely a tight squeeze.

•°. *࿐ I wrote a short fic exploring the effects of post-Miracle Mask Ranlay on Henry and Angela. Would love it if you gave it a bit of your time!

Relationship: Angela Ledore & Henry Ledore Characters: Angela Ledore, Henry Ledore Additional Tags: implied ranlay, Post-Miracle Mask, Hurt/Comfort. Character Study, me trying to make sense of post-mm ranlay, Mostly Canon Compliant

[angelasycamore]

chapter three of revelation hall is up!

full fic summary - Flora Reinhold, freshly eighteen, is attempting to navigate a normal life in a house with a Hershel Layton who is still in mourning after the ultimate loss of Claire. Though new mysteries and calamities don't seem to dare touch the Layton home, Flora finds her way out when her father's friend Angela arrives with an unexpected invitation. Her uncle Desmond wishes to meet her, as he has discovered Aurora's memories may still be intact- the final puzzle of the Azran for him, it seems, is the resurrection of the one he views as a daughter. His search, however, attracts a dangerous resurgence in Targent activity that Desmond and once adoptive sister Angela have been battling since the fall of the Sanctuary- one that Flora quickly becomes entangled in.

i have really been writing nonstop on this huh. anyways chapter three is up! read my silly self indulgent Very Complicated Setup floratime angelatime desmondtime fic i get really excited about them and what i think happens to them. RAYMOND shows up this chapter i love you raymond. please have fun with me

xo, lynnie

[foxy-the-silly-little-hooligan]

New fic dropped!

[dysfunctionalnerd]

Welcome to another Ranlay fic!

It's been a bit since ive interacted with the layton base, but im writing again. I've got about 4 chapters up on my latest layton fic here so far, with a lot more planned.

To absolutely nobodys surprise, its ranlay. But desmond is there. yknow. to cause problems :)

I'll make another post with a cover drawing when I've finished the fic, but for now have fun

[transpoettryinghisbest]

Who wants some Desmitri? Just trying something new lol. This is early in their relationship. Also Aurora is alive because fuck you. Trigger warnings are in the tags.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

I curl up into a ball, trying to ground myself by feeling my weight against the mattress, the blankets around my shoulders and over my feet. I squeeze my bear plushie tighter against my chest. My breathing is the only sound I can make out, aside from some distant chatter.

BANG.

I feel myself flinch.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

Logically, I know they’re just fireworks. Completely harmless to me, as I’m tucked up warm inside. But they still have some kind of effect on me that I can’t quite place. I just know that I hate it. And I hate that I hate it. I wish I could just be normal and enjoy Bonfire Night like anyone else.

But it keeps bringing me back to that memory.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

“DiDi are you not coming downstairs?”

“Huh? Uh…no.”

Aurora’s at my door. I didn't hear her coming. She’s the adoptive daughter of my new partner. She’s a bit of an oddball, even coming from someone like me, but she’s sweet and she seems to accept me.

“But Grandpa Ray made soup! And this spiced cake thing, I forget what it’s called.”

“Parkin?”

“That’s it! He says it’s traditional to have it on Bonfire Night. Then we’re going to burn a doll of this evil man from history. But Dad says if you're coming outside you should wrap up warm.”

“Mm hm.”

I’m vaguely familiar with the history of Guy Fawkes and this holiday, having lived in England for most of my life, but Aurora’s fairly new to all of this. It’s sweet watching her learn and retain things, but I can’t really focus on what she’s saying, I’m so on edge anticipating the next bang.

“Are you okay?” she asks me.

I nod.

“You look frightened, DiDi.”

“I’m-”

BANG.

I flinch. Aurora seems unfazed.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

“Oh, are you scared of the fireworks?”

I want to deny it, but I don’t think I’ll be able to convincingly. I just nod, trying to slow my breathing back down to normal.

“Oh that’s why Dad didn't buy any. He bought sparklers. They don’t make any noise. But he said we can still watch the neighbours’ fireworks.”

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

“DiDi, the fireworks won’t hurt you. Dad says they’re pretty explosions in the sky hundreds of feet away. They’re meant to be fun.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

BANG.

I flinch, letting out a little whimper.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

“Do you want me to get Dad?” Aurora asks.

I nod.

“Okay. Stay here. I won’t be long.”

She goes downstairs and I stay put, trying to regulate my breathing and ground myself.

I don’t know if what I’m having are flashbacks, it feels more like just constant repeated bad memories and a sense of unease. Every time I hear a bang, I get this impending feeling of doom, like someone I love is going to die again. That I’ll be helpless to stop it, and I’ll be left alone in the world, sobbing on the ground.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“Love, are you alright?”

Desmond is here. His voice is very soft and calming. I smile, mostly out of relief.

“Aurora told me you were having a hard time.”

I nod.

“It’s alright, I’m here.”

He sits next to me on the bed and I instinctively nestle into him.

I’m glad he’s Desmond today. Descole is hot and funny and interesting and cool. But Desmond…he makes me feel safe.

My partner switches back and forth sometimes. Not in a dissociative identity disorder way, moreso…he’s playing roles. They help him express how he’s feeling and what kind of environment he’s in. He’s Desmond a lot of the time he’s around Aurora and in professional settings, but he’s Descole on dates or…when things get bad. Descole allows himself to feel things much deeper than Desmond does.

Both are better suited to different environments, but I love them both equally. They’re two halves of a whole man whom I fell in love with.

BANG.

I flinch against him. He gently strokes me, making a shushing sound.

“You’re safe, Dimitri.”

I’m safe. Everyone’s safe.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“I didn't think it would be this bad,” Desmond says. “I’m sorry I wasn't more prepared.”

“It’s alright.”

“I wish there was something I could do. Perhaps some noise cancelling headphones would help.”

“I… No.”

Something about the idea of explosions going on around me and not being able to hear them scares me even more than this. The idea that someone could just disappear without me knowing.

“No, you're right. An avoidant strategy may not be ideal.”

If I thought running away would help, I’d have left the country for the weekend. I feel stuck in this place, unable to do anything until the night ends, so frightened of something that I’m not entirely sure what that something is anymore.

BANG.

I flinch. Desmond holds me tighter, telling me once again that I’m okay.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. 

“Do you want to talk?” he asks me.

I shake my head.

“Alright. Well I’m here if you change your mind.”

“I love you.”

I said that instinctively, in case this is the last time I’ll ever see him. Even though I know it won’t be. I can’t help but be scared of losing someone else. And I know he feels the same.

“I love you too. I promise you will be alright.”

The one thing that Desmond and Descole have in common, is that they both have a deep sadness within them. Maybe that’s part of what attracted me to him in the first place, the idea that I don’t have to hide anything from him or pretend to be okay. We’re both broken souls. But we found each other. Somehow.

BANG.

I think I flinch less that time. My mantra isn’t really helping, but holding onto Desmond is. He feels so sturdy and real, which helps me from getting lost in my head. I put my plush bear down and wrap my arms around Desmond instead. He kisses my forehead.

“Perhaps looking at the fireworks would help? So that you can be more aware of what the noises are and that they’re not going to hurt anyone.”

That sounds logical, Desmond usually is, but something is stopping me from doing so. I keep my forehead resting against his chest, feeling his chest go up and down with his gentle breaths.

BANG.

I cling tighter.

“That one was blue,” Desmond says. “Quite pretty. I wonder which metal they added to the gunpowder to make that particular colour.”

I'm crying now. I’m not sure why. Maybe because I miss Claire. Maybe because I hate feeling like this. Or maybe because I finally feel safe enough to do so. Desmond's shirt becomes slightly damp from my tears, but he doesn't react in a huge way, just continues to stroke my back.

Maybe one day I'll tell him about Claire. Maybe.

There's a soft knock at the door.

“Grandpa Ray says he's left the soup on the stove if anyone wants some. But no pressure.” 

“Alright, thank you, Aurora.” 

“DiDi, I made you tea. Because you're upset. Was…that the right thing to do?” 

“It is customary to ask first,” Desmond says.

I take the tea. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

Offering tea as a sign of compassion is a very British thing, and given that Desmond is very British, I'm not surprised Aurora picked that trait up from her father. I take a sip. The warmth is comforting.

“I think I'm gonna stay inside tonight,” Aurora says. “It's cold out. Can we have a movie night?” 

“What do you say, love?” Desmond asks me. 

“Uh…okay. Just nothing with…loud noises.”

“Okay! I’ll go get my collection and we can pick one. Dad, can we have popcorn?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

The fireworks continue well into the night, but snuggled up to Desmond and Aurora, watching a cringy but wholesome film about ponies, I feel safe. Halfway through the film, Aurora falls asleep leaning against me. I cautiously stroke her hair.

I may never get back what I felt for Claire. I still don’t even fully understand what that feeling was. But that’s okay. I know who I am now. And this strange little family loves me with no complications. And I love them back.

[thiaquiche]

Wrote a thing! (Archive-locked to prevent AI scraping so if you wanna read it you’ll have to log in)

Dying for Attention

Teen and Up Audiences

No Archive Warnings Apply

Gen

Layton Kyouju Series | Professor Layton Series

Hershel Layton & Flora Reinhold

Flora Reinhold, Hershel Layton

Assassin AU, Aftermath of Violence, Blood, Murder, baby’s first murder, Background Character Death

Summary: Flora had terribly misunderstood what sort of “adventure” Luke and Layton had been going on that night. That wasn’t going to stop her from proving her mettle to the Professor, one way or another.

[melinaajamie]

Summary: 

Kat’s blurry outline crossed the room slowly. She knew she had the upper hand in this situation, so she took all the time she wanted. And then she leaned against the wall next to the door and grinned at Lucy. They both knew it, if Alfendi made it in here it would end with one of them hurt; and it wouldn’t be Kat.

[fallen-feather1992]

@angelofdiamond IS THIS THE ONE YOUNWERE LOOKING FOR!?!?

Bloodstained Fedora - Professor Layton Fanfiction

TW: Blood, gore, near-death, swearing.

Summary: Professor Layton has arrived to save his apprentice, Luke, along with his wife Marina. They find him, but he has been badly, badly hurt. The world just might turn its back on Hershel once again as he loses another one he loves.

Author’s Note: yea so i think this is the first fanfic on my blog? i dont write fanfictions very often anymore so please try to avoid criticism if you can. just enjoy! i’m sorry for the weird shift in tone this was originally going to be light-hearted but then my angst hit. hope u enjoy my fic regardless! its filled with latyon and luke father/son because i live for that shit bro. also sorry for any grammar mistakes im not a good writer!!

THIS IS NOT LAYTON X LUKE. IF YOU SAY IT IS I WILL VORE YOUR FUCKING FAMILY.

Keep reading

[hiddens-studio]

Rainy Day Blues

I wrote a new fic! One all about Descole and their struggles with their mental health.

This fic is very important to me because it touches on things I used to struggle with as well. Please read it if you wish, but also heed the content warning and read the tags carefully! This story touches on some very sensitive topics.

Link below!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54633853

[perplexedflower]

Dancing On Air

Fandom: Professor Layton.

Category: F/M.

Relationship: Hershel Layton x Female Reader.

Type: One shot.

Words: 2,651.

Summary: After having brilliantly solved yet another mystery, [Y/N] and Hershel find themselves in the middle of a celebration, in the middle of the dancefloor, and, most importantly, in the arms of one another.

Chronology: Any game.

~~~~~~~~~~

In one corner of the large plaza, Layton, [Y/N], Luke, and Flora stood next to each other, forming a row. And each of their faces bore a warm smile as they all watched the townsfolk gather and celebrate, some distance away from them.

That day, all four of them had solved the mysteries of a town that was located far from London; a town they had managed to save, along with its inhabitants. To thank the Professor and his companions, they had decided to organize a celebration in their honor in the early evening, at the center of the town.

As they admired the glowing string lights and colorful decorations, gentle music began playing behind them, as a handful of the inhabitants had assembled to form a band: upon hearing the first notes, Luke's expression changed and he hurried to join the other musicians, his trusty violin in hand. He stood straight as he set it to rest between his shoulder and his chin and within a matter of a few seconds, the harmonious sound of his instrument had joined all the other ones in a beautiful symphony of sounds.

The others turned to him and looked at him play, smiling widely, expressions of fascination and pride on their faces.

"Beautiful, my boy." Praised Layton.

"You play amazingly, Luke!" Complimented [Y/N].

"It sounds so wonderful!" Flora exclaimed.

A little bashful, the boy chuckled nervously as he continued to play, now with a smile. As the melody of Luke's violin surrounded them, the team split up: Flora, who noticed a food stand on the other side of the plaza ran off, while [Y/N] happily made her way to the center of the plaza, where most of the townspeople had gathered, and this left Layton to stay behind, standing a few feet away from the band as he watched the excitement spread around him.

But among the crowd, there truly was only one person he watched, and that was [Y/N]. The young woman who was taking the time to go up to everyone, to greet them individually, to converse with the inhabitants, to put a smile on their faces. The young woman who had helped him solve that mystery through trials and tribulations. The young woman who, no matter what she faced, remained his faithful assistant, through thick and thin. The young woman whom he loved so dearly.

There she was, in the distance, mingling with every person she came across, shaking their hands as they thanked her for everything she had done: and on her face, a smile filled with glee. A smile that made Layton's heart melt, that made him smile as well, that filled him with an indescribable feeling.

There is no greater sight than seeing her so cheerful, so full of life...

Immersed in his contemplation, Luke's violin became white noise to his ears and he came to forget the world around him, so much so that he even failed to hear Flora's footsteps as they approached him.

"Isn't this party fun, Professor?" She excitedly asked him out of the blue.

The gentle voice of the young girl brought him back to reality and drove him to turn to look at her: in her hand, a candy apple, and on her face, a bright smile. Layton smiled back at her, his cheeks faintly pink.

"It is, Flora." He answered her cheerfully. "I'm happy to know you are enjoying yourself. We will be leaving the town and travelling back to London early tomorrow morning, so be sure to make the most of the celebration tonight while we are still here."

"Yes, Professor!"

After showing Flora one more smile, his eyes drifted back to [Y/N], still in the distance, still joyful. Although he instinctively brought his arms up to slowly cross them over his chest, the look in his gaze softened as he admired her from a distance, falling prey to her charm and aura.

While the musical performance of the band reached all the way to the center of the plaza, [Y/N] began to dance to the rhythm, letting her enthusiasm take over and pushing a handful of other people to start dancing alongside her as well: soon enough, most of the townsfolk gathered to dance in circles with one another and laughter filled the evening sky.

Layton could not help but chuckle upon seeing her manage to get the entirety of the town to dance with her, a sight he was not at all surprised to see despite its suddenness.

Her liveliness is so endearing, only she could lead so many people to come together in such a way.

His eyes followed her around, watching her every movement as the look in his eyes grew increasingly filled with affection, and it did not go unnoticed: Flora, still standing beside him, looked up at him and saw the expression displayed on his face, the love that hid in his smile. She followed the direction of his gaze until it reached [Y/N], then everything became clear to the young girl who would not suppress an amused grin.

In a slow movement, she took a step closer to Layton and stood next to him as she took a bite into her candy apple.

"... You should go and invite her to a dance, Professor." She told him softly.

Flora's unexpected suggestion made him open his eyes wider and now, more than ever, his cheeks shifted from pink to red. He looked back down at his young protégée and the smile on her face said it all: it was clear she could see right through him, right through the feelings he was failing at concealing. Not knowing what to say, he remained quiet as he stood still, slightly embarrassed, averting his eyes from Flora's. Then, after a few seconds of silence, he cleared his throat gently and looked down at himself while he readjusted his coat slightly.

"I don't know, Flora..." He said shyly.

It was clear he wanted to say more, to add another sentence, but he struggled to find the right words, to find the proper way to express himself. However, just as he was about to turn to Flora and speak up, he suddenly saw [Y/N] running up to him, her lips still shaped into her glowing smile, approaching closer to him with every step she took: before she even left him any time to understand what she was doing, she reached her hands out to him and grabbed one of his firmly.

"Come on, Professor!" She exclaimed loudly. "Come dance with all of us!"

With his left hand in both of her palms, she began to drag him away from Luke and Flora, and onto the center of the plaza. Unsure as to how to react, Layton found himself opening his eyes wide and feeling the redness of his face intensify yet even further.

"[Y/N], what are you—"

Unable to resist her grasp, he let himself be tugged and held onto his top hat to prevent it from falling. Soon enough, he found himself in the very center of the plaza, in the very middle of the crowd, surrounded by euphoria from all sides. [Y/N] still held his hand tight as she started to dance around him, pushing him to do the same: although everyone around him was smiling and laughing, Layton still remained flustered, his thoughts all jumbled. Then, in rhythm with the music echoing around them, the townspeople began to clap their hands in unison at a fast pace, all eyes turned to the Professor and his companion, dancing together as if there was no tomorrow, as if they were the only two people there.

And as he stared into [Y/N]'s eyes, wrapped wholly in the festive atmosphere, Layton lost his nervous expression and found himself smiling, his grin widening with each second, until he let out a warm laugh. His right hand let go of his hat as he joined hands with her, losing himself in the moment, setting all his thoughts aside. The two danced together, their laughs merging and mixing while their bodies progressively closed in on each other. Until the bell of the nearby church suddenly rang, freezing everyone in place, as if immortalizing the scene.

The band stopped playing abruptly. The crowd stopped clapping. The loud laughter was replaced by mere whispers. And as the bell continued to ring, three, four times, Layton and [Y/N] stood before each other, their hands joined, their faces inches from one another, their panting breaths meeting, their eyes wide open, their faces flushed, at the center of the universe.

In the distance, Luke diverted his gaze from the church bell and turned to look at them, and upon seeing them so close, in the arms of one another, the boy did not hesitate a single second before picking his violin back up and continuing to play, solo, his melodious instrument filling the silent and heavy air, providing Layton and [Y/N] with a tune to go with the special moment they were sharing. After only a few notes, the rest of the band followed Luke's lead and went back to playing, and time no longer felt frozen.

In the center of the plaza, the Professor and [Y/N] shyly let go of each other, but only to hold each other better, more appropriately, in accordance with dancing a slow; while both of their faces were still displaying timidity and awkwardness, she placed a hand on his shoulder while he gently rested one of his on her waist. And they began to dance, again, this time slowly, yet still as close to one another.

As he tried his best to remain as composed as he could, Layton cleared his throat gently while looking slightly down.

"I apologise for my behaviour just now, [Y/N]." He told her shamefully. "I may have let myself go a little too much..."

"Why are you apologizing, Professor?" She asked him with a chuckle. "You did nothing wrong, there is no need to worry. If anything, it really pleases me to see you so energetic and lively."

As he made her body sway slowly from left to right, she tilted her head, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Please, don't take it the wrong way, but you're often too uptight, too... serious... especially these days. And I feel you have earned the right to unwind, to... have some fun of your own."

As she spoke, her expression changed and she stared deeply into his eyes, a caring smile on her face.

"So, please, Professor, do not restrain yourself from acting in such a way."

Layton stared back into her eyes, his mouth slightly open, feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the kindness and affection she was showing him: but soon enough, his lips took the shape of a warm smile as the palms of his hands held her body tighter, by just a bit.

"... At least allow me to apologise for not having invited you to a dance, then."

[Y/N] closed her eyes as she chuckled in a way Layton found incredibly endearing.

"I will not, Professor." She said playfully. "You're dancing with me right now, are you not?"

"I am, but as a gentleman, it should have been my duty to be the one to make the first move and invite you, instead of letting you take the lead and invite me yourself." He replied with slight embarrassment.

The young woman giggled as she slowly shook her head at him.

"Well, now that I'm dancing with you, you're free to take the lead, as much as you want."

Layton responded to her with a tender grin, but one that did not linger: as her words echoed within his mind, he stared at her face intently, at her smooth skin, at her rosy cheeks, and at her pink lips. A rush of adrenaline flowed through his veins as he clung to her tighter, closer, his body swaying in rhythm with hers. Yet, although the music continued to play behind them, they progressively ceased to dance, though without letting go of each other; as they did, [Y/N]'s hand on his shoulder moved up to his neck, holding it delicately while her heart raced in her chest. And when their bodies came to a stop, Layton tilted his head and leaned forward to make his lips meet [Y/N]'s in a firework of love and passion.

Both of their faces turned a bright red, but the last thing they wanted was to stop: they embraced one another affectionately as her hand on his neck grabbed the collar of his coat, hiding the lower part of their faces in the process.

Some distance away stood Luke and Flora, next to each other, who had been watching the two adults this whole time, and the second they witnessed their first kiss, they could not contain their reactions: Luke found himself blushing at the sight, so much so that he almost missed a note on his violin, while Flora was giddy with excitement, giggling as she finished to eat her candy apple.

But the two adults, on their end, cared little for the eyes that turned to them or even the smiles it brought to people's faces: at that moment, all that mattered was their love, their love for each other, the love they had been repressing for so long now. Their kiss was soft, sweet, like cotton candy, but, unfortunately, not everlasting, and it had to eventually come to an end. When it did, they slowly pulled away from each other, their lips still slightly parted, their breaths warm, and their hearts beating as one.

As he gradually opened his eyes, Layton looked down at her body, his skin still colored in a deep shade of pink.

"You look wonderful, tonight, [Y/N]..." He complimented her romantically in a whisper. "I meant to tell you earlier, but it slipped my mind..."

Opening her eyes as well, [Y/N] felt herself blushing further as she smiled timidly.

"Thank you... Hershel." She said hesitantly, unaccustomed to calling him by his first name. "You look wonderful yourself."

"Though I greatly appreciate the compliment, dear, this is no different from what I wear daily." He responded with a genuine laugh.

She laughed back while one of her hands slid down onto his chest, onto the fabric of his orange button-up shirt.

"I know." She said as she looked into his eyes. "You always look wonderful, Hershel."

The Professor's face bore an expression of bashfulness upon hearing her affectionate compliment and he found himself incapable of adding anything else to say as he shyly looked to the side. This made [Y/N] smile, a smile as upbeat as the music that was still playing around them, as upbeat as the way the townsfolk were still dancing around them.

While still held in Layton's arms, she turned her head to the side as well, but to look at Luke and Flora in the distance: with a bright smile, she waved at the two children and motioned a hand gesture to make them understand they, too, should come in the center of the plaza to dance with them. When Layton saw and understood what she was doing, he decided to imitate her to help encourage the kids to join them. Flora, enthusiastic at the idea turned to Luke with a smile, who pondered for a second before he, too, smiled: the boy played one last note on his violin before he set it down and back inside its case, leaving it by the band players.

Then, the two children made their way to the center of the plaza, where they joined Layton and [Y/N]. And together, they talked, smiled, laughed. But most importantly, they joyfully danced the night away.

[pentacle-artist]

Chapters: 2/9

Rating: Teen

No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Flora Reinhold & Luke Triton

Characters: Luke Triton, Flora Reinhold, Original Character(s), Hershel Layton

Additional Tags: mystery, canon divergence, bonding, angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, dolls, Curious Village spoilers, Diabolical Box spoilers, Post-Diabolical Box, Azran Legacy spoilers, Emotional hurt/comfort, far less puzzles than in canon, minor injuries (not graphic at all), Flora gets to do stuff, a few headcanons for fun, Luke Triton needs a hug, Accidental Apple Symbolism

After the Professor goes missing, Luke and Flora get involved in the case he was solving. This leads them to a small town with magic dolls, phantoms, and a missing house.

[theriveroflight]

"and i can't get my head (to say anything my heart could ever understand)" -- or, a slowburn breakup over 30.4k words. written for the @proflaytonbigbang. thanks to @hauntedhikingsociety for beta reading, and be sure to check out @day-colors art for this work!

webweave sources: Fleetwood Mac - "Landslide" / fic / Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask / fic / Panic at the Disco - "Folkin' Around" / fic / Donika Kelly - "I love you. I miss you. Please get out of my house."