Around The World For A Kiss

Epilogue

Three months later...

The sunlight had just poked out from behind the dark, thick and brooding London clouds which were beginning to disperse, mumbling and sending bolts of lightning elsewhere. It was the late afternoon and puddles pooled on the footpaths, from which tiny rays of light shone into and created a glitter that danced across the surface.

Luke Triton's equally glittery and shiny eyes, alert but relaxed observed the scenery with a great passion. He was making his way home after a long day at school, stepping in every puddle and sending little ripples going over the surface. He was a lot happier and more functional now that he was back home in London, and his emotions were back in full colour and potency. Although he did miss his parents slightly, he got regular letters and it was enough. They had made Layton promise to get him into a school if he wanted to stay in London, but he had friends, nice teachers and of course, Layton to return home to every day. Life was great.

Luke got to Layton's house. He skipped up to the door, grasping the door handle in his hand and turning it. The door was unlocked for him. It was a small little thing but to Luke it was beautiful. He stepped inside, feeling enveloped in the atmosphere. He put his bag down at the door and took his shoes off, shut the door with a click, and bounced inside to find where the professor was.

"Professah!" Luke bounded into the cosy and welcoming atmosphere of Layton's study, all in lavish sophisticated shades of reddish brown. Layton was sitting at his desk, hunched over some fossils which he'd been staring at with interest, but the day was beginning to gnaw away at his patience. He wanted to go out and quickly get some puzzles done. Luke's voice brightened his mood and lifted it slightly.

Layton swung around on his chair, his eyes finding Luke in front of him, eyes glittering and a sweet little smile on his face. He looked completely adorable in his slightly scruffy school uniform, innocence radiating from all over. Luke leapt into Layton's open arms, receiving a long hug. They'd both had a long day and needed each other. Layton quickly planted a gentle kiss on Luke's forehead and held him closely.

"How was school, my boy?" Layton continued to hold Luke who had snuggled into his chest, gently enjoying his warmth and comfort.

"It was great~!"

"Learn anything?"

Luke lifted his head, their eyes meeting and sparkling. "Yeah! But I'm really good at everything, and the other students always ask me for help!"

Layton gave a relieved smile, glad that Luke was doing well again.

"Do... Do you miss your parents?" Layton asked.

"Nope!" Luke didn't seem to miss them at all. "I only need you!" He gripped Layton's shirt and nuzzled it a bit more, enjoying the familiar scent and indulging in it. Layton didn't reply but merely continued to embrace Luke warmly.

Luke felt well and truly home here. The scent, the temperature, the professor... It was amazing. Layton felt whole again. Luke had refilled the hole in his heart and filled the silence with his presence and sparkly eyed joy.

And once again, everything was perfect.