Disclaimer: I do not own Professor Layton, Zatch Bell, The Dangers In My Heart, Kyousougiga, and Toilet-bound Hanako-kun.

A/N: A crossover AU that no one did not ask for. Takes place in the new Professor Layton game setting (And yes, the game isn't even out yet lmao) Originally posted on AO3. Reposting on for the hell of it.

Chapter Summary: An 18-year-old Japanese girl just wants to be a miss independent and a 14-year-old British boy just wants to help her like a gentleman he is.

Pre-Puzzle: No Vacant Allowed

Visiting Steam Bison, America was no summer vacation for 18-year-old Suzume Mizuno. She decided not to invite her best friend, Mariko Nakamura, and her high school classmates to fool around in America, which most likely they would if she did request their presence. Suzume has no plans to relax in a foreign country. She was only here for one purpose; to search for her missing father.

Tetsuya Mizuno, the father of Suzume, was last heard from Steam Bison, according to the address on his postcard that Suzume received from him four months ago. When Suzume didn't get a response from her father, she assured herself that he was just too busy. However, Suzume knew her father better. Tetsuya would never take too long to write back to his daughter.

'Why did I bother to come here?' Suzume sighed in grief. 'The moment I arrived on American soil, a group of thugs forced me into this alley and robbed me. The jerks stole my passport, visa, and money.' When Suzume realized her suitcase was also stolen, she scowled in anger. 'Those assholes also took my clothes!'

14-year-old Suzume would cry and beg for help, but 18-year-old Suzume would swear and refuse assistance. She stomped out of the alley, ignoring curious, dirty, and apathetic looks from the bystanders. She's going to search for the thieves on her own.

14-year-old Luke Triton was on his way home from the city hall when he noticed a foreign girl standing on a barrel. She was peeking into an abandoned building's window, and she had an angry expression. Luke approached the girl quietly.

"Miss, that's dangerous."

"I know, it is dangerous. I'm not dumb. Those bastards robbed me."

"How could they do such a thing to a pretty young lady?"

"Pretty?!" The startled girl turned her head towards him, giving him a gape. "You need to get your eyes checked, kid!"

"I didn't mean to offend-"

And because the girl was so flustered with his compliment, she lost her balance and was about to fall on her butt, but Luke caught her in time.

"Are you all right?"

"...I'm fine. Wait a second" The girl glared back at the window. "They were counting money. THEY WERE COUNTING THE MONEY THEY STOLE FROM ME!"

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!" An angry voice bellowed from the inside.

"Boss, I swore I heard Triton's and a lass's voices." A second voice spoke, clearly frightened.

"That fucking kid and his Lovelady! Get them!"

And Luke didn't waste any time. He held the girl's hand and led her to safety.

Suzume was a foolish young woman. She had exposed herself and the young boy by screaming her head off. Well, she did have the right to get angry. Those thugs still have her savings for her trip. She can't shower and change clothes in a hotel. Not until her belongings and money were returned to her.

Gurgled. Suzume's stomach gurgled. She blushed, feeling embarrassed.

"Are you hungry, Miss?"

Damn. The boy must have heard the gurgle. Suzume turned her eyes away from him in shame.

"Yes. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm starving for a while." She added a nervous giggle. "Can't buy food without the money, after all."

"Oh, there's no need to worry, Miss. You can stay with me for a while."

"Huh?" Suzume froze for a second. "No way. I mustn't," She shook her head in disapproval. "I'm a young adult here. I should be taking care of myself."

"My family wouldn't mind."

"Why are you helping me?"

"Do I need a reason to help someone? It's just common decency.'

"...Hold on. I forgot I am in America and speak English fluently. Can you understand my English?"

"I can understand your English pretty well."

Finally! Suzume's two years of learning the English language paid off.

"Oh. That's good! I was afraid that I may be butchering the English language."

"Triton," A policeman caught up with the two. "You're needed back at the city hall."

"Are you being arrested?" Suzume questioned the boy, confused about why a policeman was there.

"Pardon me, Miss?!" The Policemen responded to her question in disbelief. "Now, why would I arrest Detective Luke, who had helped the police to solve the toughest mysteries in this wonderful city?"

"Wait," Suzume gawked at the boy. "you're a detective?"

"Yes, it looks like the cat's out of the bag, huh? I'm sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Luke Triton. It's nice to meet you, Miss."

"... ," Suzume responded in an awkward tone. "Well, I guess I'll see you around..."

"What are you talking about, Miss Mizuno? You're coming with me. It's too dangerous for a young lady to be alone on these streets."

"How old are you?" Suzume narrowed her eyes at Luke in doubt.

"I'm fourteen."

"Aren't you too young for detective work?"

"Age doesn't matter when it comes to detective work."

"It sure as hell does."

"Miss, you shouldn't use such language."

"I'm 18 years old. I can use whichever language I want, and I'm quite moody right now."

"Umm, we should head over to the city hall now..." The police officer reminded the two awkwardly.

"There's better be food and drinks at the city hall," Suzume grumbled.

"I'm sure they will have refreshments, Miss Mizuno." Luke smiled gently.

A few hours later, Suzume and Luke arrived at a manor. A butler named Doland Noble greeted them at the front door.

"Welcome back, Master Luke. Oh, you brought a guest?"

"Oh, yes. Miss Mizuno will be staying with us for a while."

"That is indeed kind of you, Master Luke. Please do accept the Master's hospitality, Miss Mizuno."

Suzume didn't respond. Her mind was racing. She didn't feel comfortable with this hospitality. It felt wrong to freeload off a 14-year-old boy and his family. Where were Luke's parents anyway? Should he be getting their approval first?

"Are you coming in, Miss Mizuno?" Luke asked, smiling at her.

Suzume stepped away from the front door. She clasped her hands and shook her head nervously.

"Ah, Miss Mizuno doesn't speak English?" Doland wondered.

"She does, Mr. Doland. She's just nervous. Please prepare a bedroom for Miss Mizuno."

"Very well. I shall leave you two be." Doland bowed politely and went back inside.

"...All I need is a shower and a change of clothes, but those thugs also stole my suitcase." Suzume pouted, still quite upset.

"You can borrow one of my mother's dresses. Beth can wash your dress for you."

"No, no. It's fine!" She sighed in frustration. "I have no idea why I'm even here in America. All I wanted to search for my missing father in peace."

"Huh?" Luke's eyes went widened in surprise. "So, you aren't here for a vacation?"

"No. I'm not."

"What is your father's name?"

"Tetsuya Mizuno."

And Luke just took out his notebook and wrote Suzume's father's name.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to help you search for your father, Miss Mizuno." Luke grinned at her. "I will also help you to retrieve your belongings from the thieves. After all, a gentleman must help a lady in distress."

"How cute, Triton," Suzume giggled. "You want to help an old hag like me."

"You aren't an old hag..."

"I know, Triton. It was only a joke. Forgive me for trying to be so mature."

"Well," Luke smiled delightfully. "There is a greenhouse and a garden in the backyard. You can enjoy your time there until you're ready to walk into my house."

Suzume gasped. Her eyes glittered. She felt a little better. This Triton boy knew how to comfort someone well. She smiled brightly at him.

"Okay, Triton! You can tell me about the mysteries you solve!"

Two hours later, Suzume finally tracked down the thieves in a hideout and crashed their meeting.

"GIVE ME BACK MY BELONGINGS AND MONEY, YOU SHITLOGS!"

The thieves froze in fear, gawking at a young Japanese woman in a long pleated dress carrying a baseball bat. Luke was facepalming outside of the house alongside the officers.

"So much for protecting Miss Mizuno..."

"Triton, should we go in and arrest the thieves?"

"I'm not the Chief of Police, sir, but sure."

"Luke, my boy." Luke's mentor, Professor Hershel Layton, stood next to him. "Do you know the young lady?"

"Yes, professor. I just barely met Miss Mizuno hours ago."

30 minutes later, back at the Triton household...

"Are you actually British, Triton?" Suzume asked in curiosity.

"Yes. I'm just living in America because of family reasons." Luke answered. "How did you know?"

"I can tell by your accent."

"Oh, so you are pretty smart."

"Not really...

"Miss Mizuno, would you like to try this puzzle?" Layton offered, giving her a kind smile.

"Sure..." Suzume accepted. She needed to test her brain anyway.

And Suzume indeed did get her passport, visa, money, and clothes back.

"Why I'm still freeloading here, Triton?"

"Because I invited you, silly. That's why."

"Tritoooon," Suzume whined.

And it wouldn't be the first time Luke would hear his surname being called like that. And Layton has a flashback of Anton, Don Paolo, and Descole calling him Laaaayton. The professor smiled and sipped his tea while observing Suzume and Luke interact friendly.

And the adventures of an 18-year-old Japanese girl, a 14-year-old British detective boy, and his unknown mentor began in AMERICA.

Well, maybe they'd meet more new friends in the future.

A/N: This chapter was originally posted as a oneshot on AO3 for the Crossover Ships Week 2023