The Street Rat and the Gentleman: Chapter 7
Wow, this took absolutely forever. It's longer than last chapter, but it is a bit of a filler. Hopefully, now that a large portion of my summer work is over I'll be able to update a bit more often. Er, somewhat.
Fear my use of present tense and different style in flashbacks! Just because I like to mess with you! Also, it is fun! :D
Title: The Street Rat and the Gentleman
Chapter: 7
Category: Professor Layton
Characters: Layton, Luke (No pairings)
Summary: It was under decidedly odd circumstances that Luke met Layton and became his apprentice.
Note: I take a LOT of liberty here in regards to Luke's past.
“Are...are you being completely serious, professor? T-This is something you truly wish to do?”
He stares at the man in the seat across from him, his expression betraying no emotion. “Yes, William.”
“B-B-But sir! The very idea of it is preposterous! Do not think I speak out of jealously, sir, when I say that this course of action is completely...insane! To deny worthy apprentices for such a boy!”
He says nothing, only offering the slight downward tip of his hat and a ghost of an ironic smirk on his features as a response.
The man's face falls, but he continues to speak. “Professor, you have already chosen an apprentice. While the other candidates, such as my son, were gifted, the boy you initially selected is simply prodigal. He belongs to a family of much renown and skill in the field of science. To deny him at this stage...You always act as a gentleman, sir, but I must say this action demonstrates very little of that quality.”
He once again sits in silence, though of a different essence. He is unsure, almost pained, as he leans back and closes his eyes.
“I must make that boy my apprentice, William. What will you have me do?”
“Sir, you must understand. The outrage of you choosing such a boy over the most gifted of young men would be almost unfathomable, especially to the families of potential candidates. Who knows, sir? Some may even go so far as to seek revenge!”
He chuckles slightly under his breath, the man across from him continues.
“The only way to avoid the most potential outcry at your action would be not to take any apprentice, sir.”
The tone of his voice rises in exasperation, and he rises from his seat with it. “William, I have already explicitly told you that-”
“Make it unofficial.”
He stops moving, his mind contemplating the notion in all of it's deceit. He locks his gaze with the man across from him; no words are exchanged, but the man has received his answer.
“Will you tell the boy?” the man asks.
There is a long pause.
“No.”
--
The young boy entered the house behind Professor Layton with a certain mixture of anxiety and caution. The puzzle lock on the door was solved almost faster than Luke could comprehend, and the click of the door behind him echoed with a tone of finality.
“P-Professor? I'm sorry for asking but what exactly...what is going on?”
The professor turned to face him and the boy made a mental note to upgrade his diction so he would feel considerably less embarrassed after he spoke.
“Where else would my apprentice stay?”
Luke followed the professor over to a pair of couches framed around a coffee table, not sure what to say. So it was true then? The professor wanted him as his apprentice? What he had dreamed of achieving was finally met? Despite his elation, Luke realized it was a bit...odd. What had spurred the professor into doing such a thing? And what of the other apprentice? As he raised his gaze to meet the professor's, he offhandedly wondered if the man purposely arranged the seating of his home so that it would foster a sense of confrontation.
“Professor, why?”
“Pardon me for asking, sir, but why? Why that boy?”
Professor Layton shifted at the memory ever so slightly. “What do you mean, my boy?”
“Why did you suddenly choose me? N-Not that I regret it, not at all, in fact it makes me ever so happy..! But, ah, before...you didn't really seem to give me much thought. It seemed you didn't really believe me...capable, sir.”
The professor mentally winced, not enjoying the idea of such a young boy seeing through his facade. “You...are incredibly gifted, my boy, especially considering your lack of tutoring in such matters.” There was a pause as the man drew in a breath. “I was born to a high class family. Unfortunately, that led to my misinformed notions that one had to be renowned to be gifted.”
A beat passed, and Luke blurted out the first thought that came to mind. “But, professor...if you favor the, er, higher classes so much why is your home so...ah...” he trailed off, realizing how rude his statement had been.
The professor stiffened visibly, mouth in a fine line. “Because I would rather forget that time.”
As dinner passed and Professor Layton showed Luke to the guest room, the tense mood did not change in the slightest, and few words were shared. Luke, in a proper bed for the first time in quite a while, lay awake. Even though he felt ecstatic, and even though he had all he had ever hoped for and more, he couldn't help but feel that something was missing.
--
The professor had forgotten how much he lacked a fondness for children and their naivety.
His sleep that night was fitful at best.
--
Luke woke up early. Surprisingly, he hadn't slept well; his excitement and nerves did not bring an easy rest, despite the comfortable bedding and somewhat large pajamas the professor had allowed him to use. Changing back into his old ragged clothes felt a bit odd, though he supposed he could do nothing else.
Luke entered the modest kitchen to the mouth-watering smell of an extravagant breakfast of sausage, eggs, and toast. When he entered the room, the Professor turned towards him with a small, polite smile on his face. Luke didn't really like that smile; it seemed empty. Memories of the night prior flooded his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.
He sat down to eat his breakfast, and Layton soon joined him. They ate without a word. Luke could not bear the silence that had fallen over them.
“I...I'm sorry, professor. What I said last night was...rude.”
Professor Layton set down his fork, then spoke neutrally, “Think nothing of it, my boy. However, I will need to educate you in matters concerning etiquette.”
“So I can be a gentleman like you, professor?” the boy exclaimed happily.
The man chuckled under his breath. “I suppose so. We will need to get you some new clothes, though. I've taken the liberty of purchasing some already; I believe you are fond of blue, if your hat is any indication.”
The boy shyly adjusted the rim of his bright blue hat, which admittedly was quite conspicuous. The professor, meanwhile, cleared the dishes (Luke could not eat much, as he was hardly used to eating frequently) and went to retrieve the clothes. He returned with a blue sweater, green shorts, black shoes and another blue hat. The man set the clothes down, and presented the hat to Luke.
“I'd say this hat is in a bit better condition, my boy.”
Luke stared at the hat with an unsettling feeling, backing away ever so slightly. A new hat? To...replace the old one?
“I never take my hat off.”
“That is a ludicrous notion, my boy.” The man uttered the statement with a hint of disgust, no doubt imagining the condition of the hair under the hat.
For a while they stood there motionless, Layton with his arm outstretched and Luke looking away. He truly did not want to upset the professor, and even less wanted the professor to decide he was no longer worthy of the apprenticeship, but...
“My...father,” he stuttered, still not looking at the man. “It belonged to my father.”
Slowly, the professor lowered his arm, a hint of some emotion Luke could not identify on his face. The boy took the stack of clothes and returned to the guest room, some part of him hating himself.
--
Professor Layton sat on the couch, the new hat he had purchased in his hands. He had forgotten, he mused, that the boy had no doubt suffered as well. He turned the hat over thoughtfully, feeling a mixture of guilt and regret. He had no idea how to deal with the boy, and wondered if perhaps the idea of having an apprentice (even unofficial) was an ill-conceived notion. He had never been fit for caring for children.
The man sighed, leaning his head back. He tossed the hat across the room for reasons that eluded him.
--
“Critical thinking, my boy - it's the key to every puzzle.”
After Luke had changed his clothes (which, though comfortable, felt a bit odd to him at first), he and the professor set to work on his studies. The boy was overwhelmed, but the professor was patient with him. After his initial anxiety wore off (he noticed Professor Layton's mood seemed to have changed somewhat), he found himself almost comfortable in the atmosphere. Luke was in fact so engrossed in his learning and the puzzles that he did not notice the hours elapse, and even his small lunch seemed to pass in a haze.
In the middle of a particularly challenging puzzle, the professor stood up from the pair's position on the living room couches. Luke looked up at him questioningly, his mind still processing the intricacies of the puzzle.
“Well, you certainly are a quick learner, my boy. I am impressed. Unfortunately, I must take my leave; various matters require my attendance.”
Luke's confusion was evident on his face. “But professor, couldn't I...accompany you?”
The man's face, ever neutral, did not change in the slightest. “I'm sorry, my boy, but I am afraid I must do my work alone. If I return home later than expected, you may help yourself to whatever is in the pantry.”
Luke sat motionless on the couch, puzzle book open in his hand, as the professor shut the door behind him with a resounding thud.
--
Professor Hershel Layton was a busy man, and as such could only return home from his work until later in the evening. When they were citizens that required his assistance or lectures demanding his attention, how could he spend all of his days enjoying puzzles in the sanctity of his home? That train of thought, however, brought to his mind the face of a young, eager boy that he had recently taken into 'apprenticeship'. Perhaps leaving the boy alone had not been the best of ideas, but truly there was nothing else he could do. Surely the boy was accustomed to being alone. He did wonder, however, what state his house would be in when he returned.
He need not have worried.
Professor Layton entered his house only to find his so-called 'apprentice' asleep on his couch, a pencil in hand and an open puzzle book on the coffee table. The man allowed himself a smile. He was not entirely sure how he felt about the entire scene - could it be termed as heart-warming? The professor shifted his gaze to the scruffy hat atop the boy's head. Perhaps he could have it tailored. Almost hesitantly, he reached out a hand to wake the boy, but the eyes of his young charge fluttered open before he made any contact.
“Oh...professor,” the boy managed groggily. “I'm sorry I slept on your couch. I'm just not used to sleeping only at night yet.”
Dare he admit he was somewhat touched by the boy's sleepy smile? “You are a very hard worker, my boy. You really did not need to spend all of your time working on these puzzles.”
“I like them,” the boy muttered, recalling some of Professor Layton's memories both good and bad. “And besides,” the boy continued, interrupted by a slight yawn.
“I am your apprentice, after all.”
Some emotion swelled inside of him then, and he managed to convince himself that it was not guilt.
--
“Pardon me for asking, sir, but why? Why that boy?”
The man peers at him curiously, and he supposes the man at the very least deserves an explanation.
“The boy is considerably gifted with very little formal training. His untapped potential is simply enormous. Coupled with his genuine love of puzzles...”
He pauses, a small smile on his face.
“He could very well best me someday.”
--
AN: Yes, you read that right. I basically made Layton have a temper tantrum. Silly Layton, thinking I'd give all the past-angst to little Luke.
Again, this is basically a filler chapter, with me addressing canon points left and right. xD I figured the whole "I never take off my hat!" and "Layton's self-proclaimed apprentice" points in the game needed some backstory. HEHEH.
Also, Layton's 'first apprentice' will not really be expounded upon anymore. Think of it what you wish. ;)
and silly Layton, still not calling the boy Luke. honestly, what is wrong with him ;D
Fear my use of present tense and different style in flashbacks! Just because I like to mess with you! Also, it is fun! :D
Title: The Street Rat and the Gentleman
Chapter: 7
Category: Professor Layton
Characters: Layton, Luke (No pairings)
Summary: It was under decidedly odd circumstances that Luke met Layton and became his apprentice.
Note: I take a LOT of liberty here in regards to Luke's past.
“Are...are you being completely serious, professor? T-This is something you truly wish to do?”
He stares at the man in the seat across from him, his expression betraying no emotion. “Yes, William.”
“B-B-But sir! The very idea of it is preposterous! Do not think I speak out of jealously, sir, when I say that this course of action is completely...insane! To deny worthy apprentices for such a boy!”
He says nothing, only offering the slight downward tip of his hat and a ghost of an ironic smirk on his features as a response.
The man's face falls, but he continues to speak. “Professor, you have already chosen an apprentice. While the other candidates, such as my son, were gifted, the boy you initially selected is simply prodigal. He belongs to a family of much renown and skill in the field of science. To deny him at this stage...You always act as a gentleman, sir, but I must say this action demonstrates very little of that quality.”
He once again sits in silence, though of a different essence. He is unsure, almost pained, as he leans back and closes his eyes.
“I must make that boy my apprentice, William. What will you have me do?”
“Sir, you must understand. The outrage of you choosing such a boy over the most gifted of young men would be almost unfathomable, especially to the families of potential candidates. Who knows, sir? Some may even go so far as to seek revenge!”
He chuckles slightly under his breath, the man across from him continues.
“The only way to avoid the most potential outcry at your action would be not to take any apprentice, sir.”
The tone of his voice rises in exasperation, and he rises from his seat with it. “William, I have already explicitly told you that-”
“Make it unofficial.”
He stops moving, his mind contemplating the notion in all of it's deceit. He locks his gaze with the man across from him; no words are exchanged, but the man has received his answer.
“Will you tell the boy?” the man asks.
There is a long pause.
“No.”
--
The young boy entered the house behind Professor Layton with a certain mixture of anxiety and caution. The puzzle lock on the door was solved almost faster than Luke could comprehend, and the click of the door behind him echoed with a tone of finality.
“P-Professor? I'm sorry for asking but what exactly...what is going on?”
The professor turned to face him and the boy made a mental note to upgrade his diction so he would feel considerably less embarrassed after he spoke.
“Where else would my apprentice stay?”
Luke followed the professor over to a pair of couches framed around a coffee table, not sure what to say. So it was true then? The professor wanted him as his apprentice? What he had dreamed of achieving was finally met? Despite his elation, Luke realized it was a bit...odd. What had spurred the professor into doing such a thing? And what of the other apprentice? As he raised his gaze to meet the professor's, he offhandedly wondered if the man purposely arranged the seating of his home so that it would foster a sense of confrontation.
“Professor, why?”
“Pardon me for asking, sir, but why? Why that boy?”
Professor Layton shifted at the memory ever so slightly. “What do you mean, my boy?”
“Why did you suddenly choose me? N-Not that I regret it, not at all, in fact it makes me ever so happy..! But, ah, before...you didn't really seem to give me much thought. It seemed you didn't really believe me...capable, sir.”
The professor mentally winced, not enjoying the idea of such a young boy seeing through his facade. “You...are incredibly gifted, my boy, especially considering your lack of tutoring in such matters.” There was a pause as the man drew in a breath. “I was born to a high class family. Unfortunately, that led to my misinformed notions that one had to be renowned to be gifted.”
A beat passed, and Luke blurted out the first thought that came to mind. “But, professor...if you favor the, er, higher classes so much why is your home so...ah...” he trailed off, realizing how rude his statement had been.
The professor stiffened visibly, mouth in a fine line. “Because I would rather forget that time.”
As dinner passed and Professor Layton showed Luke to the guest room, the tense mood did not change in the slightest, and few words were shared. Luke, in a proper bed for the first time in quite a while, lay awake. Even though he felt ecstatic, and even though he had all he had ever hoped for and more, he couldn't help but feel that something was missing.
--
The professor had forgotten how much he lacked a fondness for children and their naivety.
His sleep that night was fitful at best.
--
Luke woke up early. Surprisingly, he hadn't slept well; his excitement and nerves did not bring an easy rest, despite the comfortable bedding and somewhat large pajamas the professor had allowed him to use. Changing back into his old ragged clothes felt a bit odd, though he supposed he could do nothing else.
Luke entered the modest kitchen to the mouth-watering smell of an extravagant breakfast of sausage, eggs, and toast. When he entered the room, the Professor turned towards him with a small, polite smile on his face. Luke didn't really like that smile; it seemed empty. Memories of the night prior flooded his mind, and he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.
He sat down to eat his breakfast, and Layton soon joined him. They ate without a word. Luke could not bear the silence that had fallen over them.
“I...I'm sorry, professor. What I said last night was...rude.”
Professor Layton set down his fork, then spoke neutrally, “Think nothing of it, my boy. However, I will need to educate you in matters concerning etiquette.”
“So I can be a gentleman like you, professor?” the boy exclaimed happily.
The man chuckled under his breath. “I suppose so. We will need to get you some new clothes, though. I've taken the liberty of purchasing some already; I believe you are fond of blue, if your hat is any indication.”
The boy shyly adjusted the rim of his bright blue hat, which admittedly was quite conspicuous. The professor, meanwhile, cleared the dishes (Luke could not eat much, as he was hardly used to eating frequently) and went to retrieve the clothes. He returned with a blue sweater, green shorts, black shoes and another blue hat. The man set the clothes down, and presented the hat to Luke.
“I'd say this hat is in a bit better condition, my boy.”
Luke stared at the hat with an unsettling feeling, backing away ever so slightly. A new hat? To...replace the old one?
“I never take my hat off.”
“That is a ludicrous notion, my boy.” The man uttered the statement with a hint of disgust, no doubt imagining the condition of the hair under the hat.
For a while they stood there motionless, Layton with his arm outstretched and Luke looking away. He truly did not want to upset the professor, and even less wanted the professor to decide he was no longer worthy of the apprenticeship, but...
“My...father,” he stuttered, still not looking at the man. “It belonged to my father.”
Slowly, the professor lowered his arm, a hint of some emotion Luke could not identify on his face. The boy took the stack of clothes and returned to the guest room, some part of him hating himself.
--
Professor Layton sat on the couch, the new hat he had purchased in his hands. He had forgotten, he mused, that the boy had no doubt suffered as well. He turned the hat over thoughtfully, feeling a mixture of guilt and regret. He had no idea how to deal with the boy, and wondered if perhaps the idea of having an apprentice (even unofficial) was an ill-conceived notion. He had never been fit for caring for children.
The man sighed, leaning his head back. He tossed the hat across the room for reasons that eluded him.
--
“Critical thinking, my boy - it's the key to every puzzle.”
After Luke had changed his clothes (which, though comfortable, felt a bit odd to him at first), he and the professor set to work on his studies. The boy was overwhelmed, but the professor was patient with him. After his initial anxiety wore off (he noticed Professor Layton's mood seemed to have changed somewhat), he found himself almost comfortable in the atmosphere. Luke was in fact so engrossed in his learning and the puzzles that he did not notice the hours elapse, and even his small lunch seemed to pass in a haze.
In the middle of a particularly challenging puzzle, the professor stood up from the pair's position on the living room couches. Luke looked up at him questioningly, his mind still processing the intricacies of the puzzle.
“Well, you certainly are a quick learner, my boy. I am impressed. Unfortunately, I must take my leave; various matters require my attendance.”
Luke's confusion was evident on his face. “But professor, couldn't I...accompany you?”
The man's face, ever neutral, did not change in the slightest. “I'm sorry, my boy, but I am afraid I must do my work alone. If I return home later than expected, you may help yourself to whatever is in the pantry.”
Luke sat motionless on the couch, puzzle book open in his hand, as the professor shut the door behind him with a resounding thud.
--
Professor Hershel Layton was a busy man, and as such could only return home from his work until later in the evening. When they were citizens that required his assistance or lectures demanding his attention, how could he spend all of his days enjoying puzzles in the sanctity of his home? That train of thought, however, brought to his mind the face of a young, eager boy that he had recently taken into 'apprenticeship'. Perhaps leaving the boy alone had not been the best of ideas, but truly there was nothing else he could do. Surely the boy was accustomed to being alone. He did wonder, however, what state his house would be in when he returned.
He need not have worried.
Professor Layton entered his house only to find his so-called 'apprentice' asleep on his couch, a pencil in hand and an open puzzle book on the coffee table. The man allowed himself a smile. He was not entirely sure how he felt about the entire scene - could it be termed as heart-warming? The professor shifted his gaze to the scruffy hat atop the boy's head. Perhaps he could have it tailored. Almost hesitantly, he reached out a hand to wake the boy, but the eyes of his young charge fluttered open before he made any contact.
“Oh...professor,” the boy managed groggily. “I'm sorry I slept on your couch. I'm just not used to sleeping only at night yet.”
Dare he admit he was somewhat touched by the boy's sleepy smile? “You are a very hard worker, my boy. You really did not need to spend all of your time working on these puzzles.”
“I like them,” the boy muttered, recalling some of Professor Layton's memories both good and bad. “And besides,” the boy continued, interrupted by a slight yawn.
“I am your apprentice, after all.”
Some emotion swelled inside of him then, and he managed to convince himself that it was not guilt.
--
“Pardon me for asking, sir, but why? Why that boy?”
The man peers at him curiously, and he supposes the man at the very least deserves an explanation.
“The boy is considerably gifted with very little formal training. His untapped potential is simply enormous. Coupled with his genuine love of puzzles...”
He pauses, a small smile on his face.
“He could very well best me someday.”
--
AN: Yes, you read that right. I basically made Layton have a temper tantrum. Silly Layton, thinking I'd give all the past-angst to little Luke.
Again, this is basically a filler chapter, with me addressing canon points left and right. xD I figured the whole "I never take off my hat!" and "Layton's self-proclaimed apprentice" points in the game needed some backstory. HEHEH.
Also, Layton's 'first apprentice' will not really be expounded upon anymore. Think of it what you wish. ;)
and silly Layton, still not calling the boy Luke. honestly, what is wrong with him ;D