Dear the Sappiest of Men, aka: the Prof,

Your way of professing love is certainly not what I had thought I'd be receiving in the mail today. I was actually expecting you to harass me on how I still continued the whole fact game and managed to ask such boring questions like your favourite colour out of all things. I'll do what you did and get the stuff you said out of the way: I'm not surprised that your favor tighter fitting clothing-loose clothing doesn't do your lanky frame justice. I'm also glad Professor Layton followed up with my requests-I just want you comfortable and preferably not in an abysmal state. That would be poor on my part to not ask for the best for you, hm? As for the Dartwright problem, he realized his mistake after a few hours of brooding. It's really not a bother. I've gotten used to it and in return, he's letting me lead our current investigation without being blunt about it. I want him to learn of how good I am through my own terms, but thanks for the offer for the cold case. I bet you're making some smashing progress. Tell me later, eh? :)

Your letter does leave little for the imagination. You are basically saying you fancy me. You just chose to say it in a more official yet charming sounding way. You do know that's what you're saying, right? I hope I'm not reading it wrong. I read it through and through, thinking that my own mind was playing tricks on me, but it's clearly sounding like it. I even spent a solid couple of minutes trying to figure out what you were scratching out. Something about not being opposed to being in a relationship with me or something? Along with the wanting to remove your notions of fancying me before you got ahead of yourself, it looks like. If I'm wrong in my assumption, I'm sure it would be a bit weird for the both of us. However, if this letter that's sitting next to me is an admission of fancying me, I'm touched.

Well, I'll tell you in an easier and a much shorter way than you did: I like you too, Prof.

I actually told Flo when I first felt that tinge of affection, which was, like you, after our little birthday bash at the center. She warned me, actually. Not unexpected, but she still felt like she needed to do so. Told me exactly all the things you wrote at the last bit, but to be honest? I tuned her out, even with her good intentions behind her words. Truthfully, I thought to sod all of that, Prof. In the past months we've spoken, you haven't been unpleasant, save for that first letter because you didn't even know if you were going to get someone out of it. Sure, you've threatened people, but it's not to me. Plus, the way you were during the birthday thing was fine-better than I thought it would be, really. Like you said, you've never had someone in your life like this, right? At least during your period of hardship. Didn't you mention before that most people in your life kinda left you out after they found out you'd been using? I'm not surprised if you aren't sure what you're feeling or feel the need to repeat the fact that you're...as you put it, 'unsavory' as a person. I'd bet you describing who you are again is your way of trying to repel me one last time because the emotions are a whole other thing, yeah?

No matter how many times you need me to say it, I'll gladly repeat it: I really care for you, Prof. You've given me more than I really anticipated with this whole pen pal system. I was really only looking for a friend, perhaps someone to regale tales of the Yard with for fun. For someone to write to every once in awhile, perhaps stave off the boredom when there was nothing to do. In you, I've found more than I thought I'd need. It's no easy thing to admit, but it's true.

Though, I know the next question on your mind is and I will supply you an answer: I don't think it's a good idea to start a relationship while you're still in rehab. I can hear your frown already. Just because we have admitted we both have feelings, a relationship can be a challenging thing to juggle. I'm not going to lecture you like you're a child-you are older than me after all, but I still would feel better if we took it slow. I'm sure if we did get into a relationship so soon with our exchanges, I'd want to see you every day and all, probably having the same thoughts you have with my scent on your jumper or the sound of my voice. Believe me, Prof, it's not easy on my end either.

I guess you could see these letters as a way to court me. You can write to me in a way you'd write someone you liked, but I won't set a label on what we are. I can practically hear your eye roll as you read this, but trust me. We know about each other in facts, but a relationship is something different. I'm a bit difficult in a relationship sometimes-according to my last boyfriend at least. Haha. So, I want to make sure you're the comfortable one here. It'll be better in the long run, trust me.

Anyway, are you going to be celebrating Christmas? I'm afraid I won't be able to spend the holidays with you since I'll be in Sheffield with my family for three days. No surprises this time, unfortunately. I will try a phone call or a visit, if I can get one. I'm not sure if your privileges are still revoked; your birthday was a special occasion so I might not get as lucky. Maybe I can try a phone call on Christmas? We can plan that out later, yeah?

Yours,
Lucy Baker

P.S. I'm glad you didn't scrap that letter of yours and told me the truth. I'll treasure your letter just like all the other ones.