Notes: Written for kinkmeme prompt that wanted Layton/Luke, preferrably with Luke in his mid-twenties, that involved pining after Layton on Luke's part. Set about fifteen years post-PL3, with no really specific spoilers. As always, if you don't like Layton/Luke that's fine, but please don't read this and flame me when I've warned for the pairing in the description.

"I was thinking about moving out soon."

"Mm."

"You know, getting my own place, so that I wouldn't be a burden on you anymore."

"Mm."

"I mean, Flora's been doing really well since she took up being the Baroness od St. Mystere. And while I don't think that I could do anything like that, I should at least try to make it on my own."

"Mm."

"Because it really isn't fair on you that I'm always here."

"Mm."

"Oh... Well, if that's how you feel. It's probably for the best..."

"I'm sorry Luke, but could you repeat all of that," Layton said, pulling his head out from under the sink, "My ears aren't what they used to be and I couldn't hear a word you were saying."

"Ah, it... wasn't really important. Just that, well, I think you should maybe call a professional to deal with the sink," Luke replied.

"Nonsense, my boy. Money isn't something we should be throwing around freely in this day and age. So if there's something I feel that I can fix on my own then I'm certainly going to give it my best shot," reasoned Layton, "It's really quite simple. All you have to do is think of the pipes as being like a puzzle and-"

"I was thinking of moving out," Luke cut-in, before the nerve left him.

"What?" asked Layton, looking utterly confused.

"It's been really nice of you to let me live here after I left my parents, but it's not fair on you," Luke clarified.

Layton got up off the floor and brushed himself off; then he checked, "Luke, have I ever at any point implied that you are being a burden?"

"Of course not, you're too nice," Luke answered, "But you don't have to actually say it. I mean, who at your age wants some young adult hanging out at their house all the time when they could have their own friends here instead?"

"Your age has never had any impact upon our friendship and you should know that by now. Maybe I am getting old, but because of that I seem to want company even more so. And you're the best company that anyone could ask for," argued Layton.

"Th-thanks Hershel," mumbled Luke.

"Besides, I don't think your presence has any impact upon the amount of guests we receive. Everyone we know has their own lives to keep them busy these days and it just so happens that our lives are each other," Layton added.

Although Luke knew that he hadn't meant that last part in the way that he'd taken it, that didn't stop his cheeks from colouring a deep shade of pink all the same.

"I should have thought of it like that," he agreed.

"So no more talk of being a burden?" Layton questioned.

"No, I'll try not to," mumbled Luke.

"Good, because I really could do with some help on this pipe puzzle. Think that you could take a look at it for me?"

Layton and Luke were forever without change. Something that Luke would always be glad of as long as it meant he could stay near his mentor.