AN: Thank you to all of the people who reviewed and subscribed to this fanfiction! I really appreciate it :) A just had to put a little bit of LaytonxClaire fluff in there, I just had to! :D Don't worry, though: I have a plan for a bit more romance (and heartbreak) throughout the story ;)

Professor Layton walked through the halls of the old, but still well-maintained, building. The green and red plush carpet was due for replacement, but other than that the building was in fine condition- it was fixed up and renovated for obvious reasons, but still retained it's subtle hints at an older design.

He sighed as the nostalgia slowly sank in. "My word…I can't believe that it's already been 14 years…" He remembered the day, all those years ago, when he had first moved into that historic building.

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

"Hurry up, Hershel! We still have a whole other set of boxes to move!" Claire chuckled as she quickly glanced over her shoulder, seeing that the professor had fallen behind by more than a few steps.

The warm, spring sun peeked through the newly budded trees in front of Hershel's new home.

After looking for weeks, trying to find a suitable place for him to stay during university, Claire stumbled upon an article in the papers regarding an apartment for sale. At first, he declined: He had always preferred the wide, open spaces of houses. However, after some persuasion and a look around the place, he had placed an offer.

Now, here they are, arms filled with boxes of all sizes, hoping to get everything inside before sundown. He looked up, realizing too, that he had fallen behind. For a moment, his eyes met Claire's deep, thoughtful, hazel ones. She smiled at him, before turning and continuing toting away the boxes, and said, "You had better hurry; you don't want to still be here unloading boxes in the dark, do you?" She laughed, a sweet, melodic sound, as she continued up the sidewalk towards the door.

He chuckled under his breath, and continued walking up the sidewalk, arms laden with boxes. Suddenly, before Hershel could react, Claire's foot caught on the edge of the hard, cement stair, and she tumbled backwards, throwing the boxes up in the air.

He dropped the boxes he was holding and ran up to where Claire was lying on the ground. "Claire! Are you all right?" He nearly yelled as he knelt down beside her, supporting her head. "I-I think I'm alright. Just give me a minute to- Ouch!" As she was trying to stand on her own, her foot gave out from under her, almost causing her another fall. Luckily, Hershel was fast enough this time to catch her before she hit the ground.

"I think that we should get you to a hospital, before you hurt yourself even further." He said as he swept her up, and carried her to the Layton mobile, parked just on the other side of the building. She laughed, not used to suddenly being swept off her feet. "If you think that that's what's best…" She giggled, "Doctor Layton!"

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~

He continued walking down the hall, until he heard the click! of a door to his right. As he turned to see who was entering the hallway, he noticed the number on the door: 264. "Ah…so this is where dear Charlotte lives…"

Charlotte was an elderly lady in her golden years, with a calm and peaceful soul. He had met the women within his first few days living in this building: She always has her morning tea at the little table just inside of the buildings entrance. Of course, she always has a few good puzzles to toss at the professor or Luke, should they have a spare moment. He and Charlotte had become friends over the years, and one day, she mentioned in passing that she lives in room 264.

Just as the professor put two and two together, the door creaked open, and Charlotte's gray-haired head peeked out, looking rather surprised to see the kindly professor standing outside of her door.

"Oh, it's you, Hershel!" She reached out to shake his hand, "How have you and little Luke been doing lately? I hope the little scamp isn't causing you too much hassle!" "Speaking of Luke, I was just heading out to deliver his jacket to him." The Professor replied with a grin, holding up the jacket for Charlotte to see. She smiled, but suddenly, her smirk vanished, and she looked as if she had just remembered something. "Oh, good heavens! I just remembered that I've left the stove on! I'm afraid that we'll have to continue this little chat a different time!" With that, she turned and disappeared into her apartment, quite spryly for her age. "Good day, Char-" the professor started, but she had already closed the door. He glanced down at his watch: his little talk with Charlotte took up a bit of time. "Hmm…judging by how far away Luke's school is, I should get there with just a few minutes to spare!" He thought to himself and he continued through the hallway, and down the stairwell. This hallway never failed to make him feel claustrophobic, even after 14 years of living here. He jumped off the last few stairs, and swung open the door, heading towards the Layton Mobile.