I've been planning on writing for this fandom for a while now, but I didn't think that it would be for Mystery Room. I'm hoping this is a lot better than I think it is. I've had writer's block for about three or four months now.

I'm really excited about the new Professor Layton game is going to be announced at the Level 5 Vision 2016 in a few hours as of this posting, and I have a theory about it: Alfendi's mother will be in it, maybe she'll even be the protagonist.

…Although… that does worry me a bit… Alfendi had to inherit his temper from someone…

Alfendi glanced at the clock on the wall. Lucy would be there soon. It was both of their days off, and he had been wanting to ask her out for a while, and the new café that Lucy had been interested in had recently opened, so he had a reason now. Despite Placid having promised not to bother him today, he kept bringing up "What if Lucy already has plans?". If she did she would have brought them up already.

But to make sure he had asked her to come to the office, anyway, to make sure a case didn't unexpectedly come in. The file for the most recent one lay open on the table. It had been a burglary Lucy had been interested in solving. He looked over the file again, not hearing as Lucy knocked on the door and came in. He didn't notice until she set a few folders on the desk.

"Florence wanted you to look at these when you have time," she set the purse she had with her down, looking at the file, "Did a new case come in?"

Alfendi pushed it aside, "No, it's the one we solved last week." He looked over the folders. Nothing sounded that interesting.

Lucy picked one out, "Florence said this one might interest you." Alfendi took it and glanced through the papers. "Let me know wot you think when I get back."

He looked up, "What?"

"I'm going shopping with some of my friends today," she looked up at the clock, "I'm supposed to meet them in ten minutes."

…His plans… He just smiled and nodded. He got up and walked with her to the door, "Have fun." As she left he slowly closed the door.

Don't. Say. Anything.

Placid didn't respond.

Alfendi went back to his cluttered desk, staring at the still-open burglary file, staring at the criminal's name.

He cleared his throat, beginning to mimic Placid's lighter voice, "What do you think, Lucy?" "He's the only one with a proper motive," he said, pitching his voice, "He's the burglar," he turned, "It were you!" He pointed at the door. At those last three words Lucy came back. He stared, feeling his face starting to burn. He forced Placid to take over.

What are you—

Lie your way out of this. Do it. Do it now!

You're better at lying than I am.

You've been lying to me ever since—

"Prof?"

"Lucy! Hello!" he smiled widely.

She watched him as she crossed the room and picked up her purse, "Are you all right?"

"Yes, of course."

She didn't look like she believed him. "… If you're sure… Do you want me to get you anything while I'm out? We're almost out of the coffee you like."

He shook his head, "I'll buy some more on my way home tonight."

"…All right. I'll be back in a few hours."

He waved good-bye as she left and as the door closed he slowly exhaled.

We will never speak of this again.

Agreed.

Let me know what you think. I have a few more ideas for other oneshots, but I don't know when those will get finished.