I do not own the Professor Layton franchise nor Level-5 Inc. Just this story alone :) My first fan fic. Please review ~ feedbacks are certainly welcome!
A Professor and a Gentleman
Chapter 1: Lack of Concentration
"As many of you have read from your textbook, the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon in 1922…."
You sit in the huge lecture hall, pen in hand, trying very hard to jot down whatever it is that's flowing out of the professor's lips. You've even decided to sit in the front row during every class in hopes of maybe, just maybe, you can focus better and possibly understand the lectures. But it's just no use. It's not that you really aren't capable of comprehending the study of archaeology (in fact, you're a bright young lady), but something – actually someone - has been keeping you from paying attention wholeheartedly.
That certain someone who is making it difficult for you to focus is none other than the lecturer himself – the distinguished Professor Hershel Layton. It isn't because he's boring or simply bad at teaching (never in a million years). It's his overall presence and persona that simply draws your visual attention while tuning out your audio - despite your constant struggle to overcome it. The man is truly a sight to behold.
"Even after ninety years, the tomb of the young pharaoh remains the most fascinating archaeological discovery ever made in Egypt…"
Giving up on taking notes, the professor's latest sentence goes into one ear and out the other. Like every lecture, you end up gazing at the professor, marveling at his appearance and fantasizing of doing God knows what to him. And who can blame you? He's tall, devastatingly good-looking with gorgeous dark eyes and perfect lips. And that sexy voice!
"Ms. _, could you tell us a bit about the Terracotta Army and its significance to archaeological history?"
The sound of your name suddenly breaks your train of dirty thoughts. The professor's eyes are on you, eagerly waiting for an answer (as well as the entire class).
You immediately start to panic.
Terracotta Army? Where did that come from? I thought we were talking about that pharaoh?
"Um…weren't we talking about the Egyptian king?" you ask dumbly.
Sounds of snickers are heard from several students, making your face red. You resist the urge of slapping yourself silly as the absurdity of your question dawns on you.
I can't believe I said that! I'm such an idiot!
"Settle down everyone," says the professor.
It didn't take long for the noise to cease and instantaneously, the professor's attention is back to you.
"No, Ms. _. We've moved on from that."
Although the professor's voice remains calm and his tone polite, you can see the disappointment in his eyes. You suddenly feel your heart sink.
"If you may, please see me after class Ms. _."
"Yes Professor Layton," you say softly.
The lecture continues for another fifteen minutes, ending with the professor reminding everyone about next week's mid-term exam. You patiently wait in your seat as your fellow students pack up and exit the lecture hall; you have plenty of time to spare until your next class. When the last student departed, you make your way to the professor – who is putting students' research papers in his black briefcase.
"Professor Layton," you say timidly, "you wanted to see me after class?"
The professor stops what he's doing and faces you, his gorgeous brown eyes looking directly into yours. You swear you can swoon right then and there.
"Yes, Ms. _," he says. "Your performance in this class, so far, has been unsatisfactory. You've shown signs of struggles not only on tests, but on assignments as well."
Pausing for a moment, he continues, "I'm very concern with mid-terms coming up. Tell me, my dear, is the material too difficult?"
"No sir," you reply.
"Then what is preventing you from doing well?"
You know damn well why you're failing this subject. Not keeping up with the readings, doing assignments last minute, and cramming for exams the night before. Not to mention, lack of focus in class. But above all, dreaming of and obsessing over Professor Layton. In fact, as terrible as it may sound, he's the very reason why you're doing so poorly in his class.
I can't tell him that! Hell no!
You decide to keep silent, shifting your eyes to the floor. The last thing you need is a frightened professor who thinks you're a total wacko. Suddenly, you feel a warm, gentle hand on your shoulder.
"Ms. _, if you need help with your studies, I'll be more than happy to assist you," the professor says kindly. "The success of my students is very important to me. If you are unclear or have any questions about the material, please don't hesitate to come to me. I am here for you."
The warmth of his smile and the soothing tone in his voice makes you feel a whole lot better.
"Yes, professor, I would appreciate that," you say with a huge smile.
Trying hard to control your thrill you continue, "Since mid-term is next week…do you think we can meet sometime soon?"
Closing his briefcase, Professor Layton pauses momentarily, thinking about his schedule for the rest of the week.
"Sure," he says with a smile. "How about tomorrow afternoon during office hours? We'll do a one-on-one. Bring your book and notes so we can go over them. I want to make sure you fully understand the material so you can ace that test."
You try hard to resist screaming and jumping for joy.
A private lesson with the professor!
"That's great! Thank you so much Professor Layton," you beam.
The professor gives a friendly smile, his perfect pearly whites showing.
"Not a problem, my dear. Not a problem at all."