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Description
Story: For the puzzle of my life
Part: I, Please enjoy...

31. December.

"Good morning, my boy. Oh... I see your packing your things already..."
Hershel said from behind and shook his head afterwards in disbelief. Luke's room was a total mess! Everything was spread all over the place: various socks hung over his chair, pants laid on the ground, formed to the oddest figures trousers could do and even a few papers were randomly placed around his suitcase on his blue bed. The sent in the air wasn't that enjoyable as well...
"Nice to see you, Professor. Of course I am... the flight goes in two hours!"
"J'espère tu aimes Paris."
"Excuse me... what was that?"
Chuckling, Hershel sat down on the edge of his bed and watched him packing.
"I said, that I hope you'll like Paris."
"Wow... you've got some pretty good accent, Professor!"
He returned his compliment with a smile, while something caught his attention: It was a wadded piece of paper. But that wasn't the reason, why he became so attentive. No, it were rather the details, which stuck out of the corners, who weren't fully destroyed.
"May I?"
Hershel questioned politely, as he reached out for the knot, beside himself. Luke merely nodded happily, when he closed the suitcase and was then finally ready for the exciting journey. Passively sitting next to his mentor, he awaited a reaction... Slowly unfolding the bundle, he revealed the secret of the rough sketch. It illustrated a black box and on the cover were two letters engraved: F.R. Who he might meant... Overall, it looked beautiful and very well drawn.
Hershel raised both eyebrows in astonishment. Was he going to propose to someone?... Wasn't Luke a bit too young for that ?
"Well, that casket looks lovely. Are you going to buy something similar?"
"No, I've created one. It lies in my suitcase..."
Luke gazed over to his trunk and fondly grinned, getting deep in thoughts again. Yet he didn't stayed long in that state: Hershel saw what he had written under the box and read it out loud:
"For the puzzle of my life..."
Layton's glimpse softened, as he immediately imagined his secret crush in front of his eyes. Claire.. his neighbor cast a spell on him completely. The first time they've met was at the university, were he taught one of his classes, like he did every day. She merely walked in, saying that she was new here, as Claire started to work there. From then on, two years past and he still didn't dare to make the first step. He'd love nothing better than cursing his shyness.. but Hershel couldn't, after all.. he was a true gentleman.
"You mean Flora, don't you?"
"I love her..."
You could tell by his honest and dreamy answer, that he really did. His eyes started to glow, as exactly she, showed up.
"Luke, are you prepared to leave? Oh... not that I forget: She's waiting at the door for you, Hershel."
"She ?"
His fond smile faded away and turned into a rather nervous smirk, while his eyes were filled with insecurity. Flora giggled at his reaction and went over to Luke, hugging him tightly. Without a word, Hershel walked by, as a curious head looked around in his apartment. Some wavy, brown hair strands landed on Claire's cheek, when she quickly moved her head out of the door frame and greeted the Professor:
"Hello, Professor..."
She said with her soft voice, holding her own hands in a firm grip and tried to make herself more comfortable with that.
"Good morning, Claire. How are you today?"
"I'm fine and you?"
Holding his hand out, she retorted his gesture with placing her fingertips on his and walked in, while Hershel said:
"Glad you are. I'm simply okay. Luke and Flora are leaving..."
"You're worried, am I right?"
"Yes, I presume. Perhaps I've gained the protective instinct a normal father has... Nonetheless, what gives me the honor of your visit?"
"I actually ran out of sugar. Could I barrow some from you?"
Claire asked innocently and finally realized that she really had to remove her hand now.
"Certainly."
With a smile on his lips, he turned around, searching for a pack of sugar in the kitchen. Fortunately the apartment hadn't much doors, so the living room and the kitchen were linked together. Claire fallowed him slowly, while she observed him closely.
'Why do I have such a weakness for men in suits?..'
She questioned herself in thoughts sarcastically. A little smirk adorned her face, as he reached up to the highest cupboard, taking his dark coat with his arms up.
'Nice back, professor... those strong shoulders... and his...'
"Claire? Is everything fine with you?"
Flora asked suddenly, standing right next to her. No answer... Her glimpse was still on him, dreamy staring ahead of herself. It seemed as if she didn't heard the girl... She faked a cough and tore her out of thoughts, causing Claire to blink twice and finally return back to reality. She didn't lost her composure though...
"Of course, I'm fine. What made you to think that?"
Merely looking into Hershel's direction, Flora erased her puzzled expression and left her standing there, still waiting for her sugar.
"There it is..."
"We want to say goodbye, professor. Otherwise we'll miss the flight."
"Oh, I'm going to miss you, my dear."
Flora giggled, as he had his feet back on the ground, hugging her softly and waved Luke thereto. He paced to the two and joined them.
"I swear, I promised myself not to cry..."
Luke said between Flora's and Hershel's head. He was very aware of, that his actions weren't that manly, but he didn't cared at that moment.
"There's no need to cry, Luke. I'm certain, that you'll be fortunate to celebrate this day with Flora."
"For sure!"
They've said, while they parted from each other... Now it was time to leave... Luke grabbed his suitcase, as Flora did and walked to the out-trance. But before he permanently left, Luke threw a gaze behind his shoulders and saw Professor's smile for the last time...

"Your sugar..."
Hershel's voice clearly sounded sad, as he held the pack in front of himself, while the brim of his hat, drew a dark shadow over his eyes.
"Thanks... Oh and... Hershel? Please, try not to be so upset..."
Claire really didn't knew how to cheer him up... even if she did, she couldn't do that... All what she was for him was a friend..
"I'll give my best."
Forcing a smile, he handed it over to her and opened the door. They shared a look in silence, shortly before their eye contact broke...

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
On the street, a few hours later:

"Would it be possible for you, to spent the last seconds of this year with me?"
Clive asked through his phone, while he was on his way to the Professor.
"I would love to."
A female voice responded fondly.
"Perfect. Looking forward to it..."
He said, slightly smiling, when he heard her laugh and whisper something beautiful. Then suddenly Claire bumped into him, causing him to drop his phone onto the stairs, he was walking up.
"Hey! Watch out!"
"Clive?... Excuse me, I didn't saw you. Can I be of any assistance?"
The young man picked a few single pieces from his phone up and gave her a very annoyed look.
"No! Just get out of my way."
"But Clive! I've a question!"
"Then spit it out..."
"Are you on the way to the Professor?"
'Mhh... I knew she would ask something about him...',
Clive thought, merely smirking at her.
"Fallow me."
Claire sighed out of relief... He didn't seemed angry anymore, as he grabbed her hand casually, while he shoved the broken phone into his trouser pockets. A long minute of climbing the stairs later, Hershel's door was in sight. She immediately rushed over and opened it, without making any sound. Clive wondered why she attempted to sneak into his flat, but he quickly went completely quiet, when she placed her forefinger on her beautiful shaped lips. Nodding, he silently walked by and closed it right after she gave him a signal to do so. Now she waited for a sign from Hershel : maybe a squeaking noise of a moving chair or even an audible footstep would be enough...
"There must be a better solution..."
Her eyes lit up.
'You and your Puzzles, Hershel...'

Meanwhile in his room nearby:

No... this was way more difficult than an ordinary puzzle. In fact, this 'puzzle' has a big influence on his life. Well.. rather on his love life. So he sat there the whole afternoon and tried to figure out, how he could put his feelings in words. The paper in front of him was still empty, transmitting more pressure on his shoulders, while seconds past by. Hershel Incessantly stared on these few words, he came up with:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dear Claire,

I must tell you, what I truly feel about you. This may sound tritely and probably comes very unexpected, but... I love you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is ridiculous. I would only scare her away..."
Dropping his head on the desk, he felt how his muscles tightened. Super...
"Shh...",
Claire whispered silently and lurked on light toes, into the chamber. She was so noiseless, that he didn't realized, who or even if someone came in. Also his thoughts distracted him from the events behind his back. Then, as she finally stood right behind him, a smile appeared on her lips, while she caused a firework of emotions in his body. Her fingertips, cold and smooth at the same time, were now on his tense shoulders, massaging the right points. Hershel let out a soft moan, after he nearly jumped up, out of shock and relief. Her fingers felt so good against his skin and softened his muscles at the very first contact.
"Why are you so tense?"
"Claire... I was hmm..."
"writing? Let me see... my dear..."
Shortly before she could read her name, he took the paper and turned it harshly around. Her fingers stopped with moving.
"You're in love..."
He heard so many feelings in her voice: pain, disbelief, shock.. and a bit of jealousy? … but why? Claire's fingers trembled under her own grip, as she pulled away quickly and turned around on her heel. Clive couldn't hold it anymore and smirked broadly, while she paced out of the flat...
"You've messed it up, Professor."
"What's going on? I don't understand..."
Hershel was totally confused, when he stood up and faced Clive. Exactly then, the door slammed shut, which moved him to close his eyes and tried to press his disappointment away with it.
"Damn... you've hurt her... Anyways, I just wanted to tell you, that I won't be here tonight. I'll be on the roof if you search me."
"Hurt her?... Oh.. fine. Thanks for informing me."
Clive merely raised an eyebrow at him... He wondered why he didn't interrogated him about his date. Usually he'd probably be teasing him... but, now he completely lost himself in his thoughts.
"You know her... she's one of your students."
"Very well then..."
This was hopeless! Rolling his eyes, Clive left the chamber just like Claire did and left him standing there... all alone. As a sound of the wooden door appeared again, Hershel bluntly said:
"Happy new year."

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
Late in the afternoon, at Paris:

"What a wonderful view..."
Flora and Luke just arrived after a short flight at France and had successfully found their hotel, in the proximity of the Eiffel Tower. After five minutes in their chamber, both suitcases were already unpacked and randomly placed on their bed. Then the good part began... Included to the room was a balcony, which offered the best view on the Eiffel Tower and just begged for a date on it. She ran over to the door, opened it as fast as she could and admired the view in awe:
The Tower was twice as high as their hotel and its lights were already on, giving the famous building a nice golden glimmer. In the background glowed a white, full moon and made the few clouds look slightly purple. Below the scene shined many lanterns in a yellow light and illuminated the vivid streets. The whole city looked simply stunning!
"Wow..."
Luke just leaned against the black railing and watched how people began to gather together around the tower. There were six hours more to go and the new year would begin!
"Beautiful place here, isn't it? But you know what's bothering me?"
"I've no clue..."
"We'll have no space, if we don't go into town and reserve a spot for us!"
Flora's eyes widened. That was so true!
"Let's hurry!"
Searching for his hand, Flora dragged him out of the balcony, into the room and shortly after out of it... but he stopped in his tracks as he saw the suitcases on the bed.
"Go ahead, dear. I think I forget something..."
Smiling, she nodded and rushed off to the nearest phone cabin, calling a taxi. As Luke assumed that she left, he immediately opened his suitcase and reached for the box, he created for her. Thank god, it wasn't damaged! New year could start now...

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Back in London:

'Calm yourself, Hershel! You'll be just asking her a normal question... nothing special. Maybe she's alone tonight and wishes for company...'
Without knocking, Hershel pushed the door handle down and entered her little flat. What he saw was clearly not destined for his eyes:
Claire merely wore her new acquired underwear, which were fittingly red. It should bring luck for the new year... until now they only brought her embarrassment.
"What on earth are you doing?"
"I... -I never forget to knock on in my entire life! Once I do, something like this happens..."
He stuttered nervously and tried to focus on her beautiful face.
"It's okay... could you please hand me the white coat over?"
"Certainly... There you go.",
Finally he found his ordinary calmness again. Meanwhile Claire wrapped her coat around her delicate curves and felt how the embarrassing feeling faded away.
"So... what gives me the honor of your visit?"
"Honestly, I merely wanted to invite you. Perhaps we could start the new year together...?"
Her answer was … only a smile? Hershel's heart started to hurt, as if a little safari duo played in his chest, but luckily Claire couldn't tell.
"Are you alone?"
"Sadly, yes."
"If that's the case I will be present. Would be odd, if we celebrated this magnificent moment on our owns."
"Well, when you look at it in that way, you're right."
Adjusting his top hat, he made her giggle with his behavior and turned around, closing the door once more.
"Oh my... God !"
Claire screamed happily, as she couldn't hear his footsteps anymore.
"I need some pants!! No... my hair."
Her hair got all disheveled and messed up from the whole jumping up and down, which she realized promptly, as a mirror crossed her way. Only shrugging, she went on and stumbled over a shoe, she forget to remove. But as she landed on the ground, Claire didn't swore or cried, no she laughed out loud, merely feeling like a silly teen again:
"YES!"
If she only knew, that Hershel still stood in front of her door... A grin found its way on his lips, while he thought:
'Maybe new years eve isn't going to be so bad after all...'

To be continued...

Description
Story: For the puzzle of my life
Part: I, Please enjoy...

31. December.

"Good morning, my boy. Oh... I see your packing your things already..."
Hershel said from behind and shook his head afterwards in disbelief. Luke's room was a total mess! Everything was spread all over the place: various socks hung over his chair, pants laid on the ground, formed to the oddest figures trousers could do and even a few papers were randomly placed around his suitcase on his blue bed. The sent in the air wasn't that enjoyable as well...
"Nice to see you, Professor. Of course I am... the flight goes in two hours!"
"J'espère tu aimes Paris."
"Excuse me... what was that?"
Chuckling, Hershel sat down on the edge of his bed and watched him packing.
"I said, that I hope you'll like Paris."
"Wow... you've got some pretty good accent, Professor!"
He returned his compliment with a smile, while something caught his attention: It was a wadded piece of paper. But that wasn't the reason, why he became so attentive. No, it were rather the details, which stuck out of the corners, who weren't fully destroyed.
"May I?"
Hershel questioned politely, as he reached out for the knot, beside himself. Luke merely nodded happily, when he closed the suitcase and was then finally ready for the exciting journey. Passively sitting next to his mentor, he awaited a reaction... Slowly unfolding the bundle, he revealed the secret of the rough sketch. It illustrated a black box and on the cover were two letters engraved: F.R. Who he might meant... Overall, it looked beautiful and very well drawn.
Hershel raised both eyebrows in astonishment. Was he going to propose to someone?... Wasn't Luke a bit too young for that ?
"Well, that casket looks lovely. Are you going to buy something similar?"
"No, I've created one. It lies in my suitcase..."
Luke gazed over to his trunk and fondly grinned, getting deep in thoughts again. Yet he didn't stayed long in that state: Hershel saw what he had written under the box and read it out loud:
"For the puzzle of my life..."
Layton's glimpse softened, as he immediately imagined his secret crush in front of his eyes. Claire.. his neighbor cast a spell on him completely. The first time they've met was at the university, were he taught one of his classes, like he did every day. She merely walked in, saying that she was new here, as Claire started to work there. From then on, two years past and he still didn't dare to make the first step. He'd love nothing better than cursing his shyness.. but Hershel couldn't, after all.. he was a true gentleman.
"You mean Flora, don't you?"
"I love her..."
You could tell by his honest and dreamy answer, that he really did. His eyes started to glow, as exactly she, showed up.
"Luke, are you prepared to leave? Oh... not that I forget: She's waiting at the door for you, Hershel."
"She ?"
His fond smile faded away and turned into a rather nervous smirk, while his eyes were filled with insecurity. Flora giggled at his reaction and went over to Luke, hugging him tightly. Without a word, Hershel walked by, as a curious head looked around in his apartment. Some wavy, brown hair strands landed on Claire's cheek, when she quickly moved her head out of the door frame and greeted the Professor:
"Hello, Professor..."
She said with her soft voice, holding her own hands in a firm grip and tried to make herself more comfortable with that.
"Good morning, Claire. How are you today?"
"I'm fine and you?"
Holding his hand out, she retorted his gesture with placing her fingertips on his and walked in, while Hershel said:
"Glad you are. I'm simply okay. Luke and Flora are leaving..."
"You're worried, am I right?"
"Yes, I presume. Perhaps I've gained the protective instinct a normal father has... Nonetheless, what gives me the honor of your visit?"
"I actually ran out of sugar. Could I barrow some from you?"
Claire asked innocently and finally realized that she really had to remove her hand now.
"Certainly."
With a smile on his lips, he turned around, searching for a pack of sugar in the kitchen. Fortunately the apartment hadn't much doors, so the living room and the kitchen were linked together. Claire fallowed him slowly, while she observed him closely.
'Why do I have such a weakness for men in suits?..'
She questioned herself in thoughts sarcastically. A little smirk adorned her face, as he reached up to the highest cupboard, taking his dark coat with his arms up.
'Nice back, professor... those strong shoulders... and his...'
"Claire? Is everything fine with you?"
Flora asked suddenly, standing right next to her. No answer... Her glimpse was still on him, dreamy staring ahead of herself. It seemed as if she didn't heard the girl... She faked a cough and tore her out of thoughts, causing Claire to blink twice and finally return back to reality. She didn't lost her composure though...
"Of course, I'm fine. What made you to think that?"
Merely looking into Hershel's direction, Flora erased her puzzled expression and left her standing there, still waiting for her sugar.
"There it is..."
"We want to say goodbye, professor. Otherwise we'll miss the flight."
"Oh, I'm going to miss you, my dear."
Flora giggled, as he had his feet back on the ground, hugging her softly and waved Luke thereto. He paced to the two and joined them.
"I swear, I promised myself not to cry..."
Luke said between Flora's and Hershel's head. He was very aware of, that his actions weren't that manly, but he didn't cared at that moment.
"There's no need to cry, Luke. I'm certain, that you'll be fortunate to celebrate this day with Flora."
"For sure!"
They've said, while they parted from each other... Now it was time to leave... Luke grabbed his suitcase, as Flora did and walked to the out-trance. But before he permanently left, Luke threw a gaze behind his shoulders and saw Professor's smile for the last time...

"Your sugar..."
Hershel's voice clearly sounded sad, as he held the pack in front of himself, while the brim of his hat, drew a dark shadow over his eyes.
"Thanks... Oh and... Hershel? Please, try not to be so upset..."
Claire really didn't knew how to cheer him up... even if she did, she couldn't do that... All what she was for him was a friend..
"I'll give my best."
Forcing a smile, he handed it over to her and opened the door. They shared a look in silence, shortly before their eye contact broke...

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
On the street, a few hours later:

"Would it be possible for you, to spent the last seconds of this year with me?"
Clive asked through his phone, while he was on his way to the Professor.
"I would love to."
A female voice responded fondly.
"Perfect. Looking forward to it..."
He said, slightly smiling, when he heard her laugh and whisper something beautiful. Then suddenly Claire bumped into him, causing him to drop his phone onto the stairs, he was walking up.
"Hey! Watch out!"
"Clive?... Excuse me, I didn't saw you. Can I be of any assistance?"
The young man picked a few single pieces from his phone up and gave her a very annoyed look.
"No! Just get out of my way."
"But Clive! I've a question!"
"Then spit it out..."
"Are you on the way to the Professor?"
'Mhh... I knew she would ask something about him...',
Clive thought, merely smirking at her.
"Fallow me."
Claire sighed out of relief... He didn't seemed angry anymore, as he grabbed her hand casually, while he shoved the broken phone into his trouser pockets. A long minute of climbing the stairs later, Hershel's door was in sight. She immediately rushed over and opened it, without making any sound. Clive wondered why she attempted to sneak into his flat, but he quickly went completely quiet, when she placed her forefinger on her beautiful shaped lips. Nodding, he silently walked by and closed it right after she gave him a signal to do so. Now she waited for a sign from Hershel : maybe a squeaking noise of a moving chair or even an audible footstep would be enough...
"There must be a better solution..."
Her eyes lit up.
'You and your Puzzles, Hershel...'

Meanwhile in his room nearby:

No... this was way more difficult than an ordinary puzzle. In fact, this 'puzzle' has a big influence on his life. Well.. rather on his love life. So he sat there the whole afternoon and tried to figure out, how he could put his feelings in words. The paper in front of him was still empty, transmitting more pressure on his shoulders, while seconds past by. Hershel Incessantly stared on these few words, he came up with:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dear Claire,

I must tell you, what I truly feel about you. This may sound tritely and probably comes very unexpected, but... I love you.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"This is ridiculous. I would only scare her away..."
Dropping his head on the desk, he felt how his muscles tightened. Super...
"Shh...",
Claire whispered silently and lurked on light toes, into the chamber. She was so noiseless, that he didn't realized, who or even if someone came in. Also his thoughts distracted him from the events behind his back. Then, as she finally stood right behind him, a smile appeared on her lips, while she caused a firework of emotions in his body. Her fingertips, cold and smooth at the same time, were now on his tense shoulders, massaging the right points. Hershel let out a soft moan, after he nearly jumped up, out of shock and relief. Her fingers felt so good against his skin and softened his muscles at the very first contact.
"Why are you so tense?"
"Claire... I was hmm..."
"writing? Let me see... my dear..."
Shortly before she could read her name, he took the paper and turned it harshly around. Her fingers stopped with moving.
"You're in love..."
He heard so many feelings in her voice: pain, disbelief, shock.. and a bit of jealousy? … but why? Claire's fingers trembled under her own grip, as she pulled away quickly and turned around on her heel. Clive couldn't hold it anymore and smirked broadly, while she paced out of the flat...
"You've messed it up, Professor."
"What's going on? I don't understand..."
Hershel was totally confused, when he stood up and faced Clive. Exactly then, the door slammed shut, which moved him to close his eyes and tried to press his disappointment away with it.
"Damn... you've hurt her... Anyways, I just wanted to tell you, that I won't be here tonight. I'll be on the roof if you search me."
"Hurt her?... Oh.. fine. Thanks for informing me."
Clive merely raised an eyebrow at him... He wondered why he didn't interrogated him about his date. Usually he'd probably be teasing him... but, now he completely lost himself in his thoughts.
"You know her... she's one of your students."
"Very well then..."
This was hopeless! Rolling his eyes, Clive left the chamber just like Claire did and left him standing there... all alone. As a sound of the wooden door appeared again, Hershel bluntly said:
"Happy new year."

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*
Late in the afternoon, at Paris:

"What a wonderful view..."
Flora and Luke just arrived after a short flight at France and had successfully found their hotel, in the proximity of the Eiffel Tower. After five minutes in their chamber, both suitcases were already unpacked and randomly placed on their bed. Then the good part began... Included to the room was a balcony, which offered the best view on the Eiffel Tower and just begged for a date on it. She ran over to the door, opened it as fast as she could and admired the view in awe:
The Tower was twice as high as their hotel and its lights were already on, giving the famous building a nice golden glimmer. In the background glowed a white, full moon and made the few clouds look slightly purple. Below the scene shined many lanterns in a yellow light and illuminated the vivid streets. The whole city looked simply stunning!
"Wow..."
Luke just leaned against the black railing and watched how people began to gather together around the tower. There were six hours more to go and the new year would begin!
"Beautiful place here, isn't it? But you know what's bothering me?"
"I've no clue..."
"We'll have no space, if we don't go into town and reserve a spot for us!"
Flora's eyes widened. That was so true!
"Let's hurry!"
Searching for his hand, Flora dragged him out of the balcony, into the room and shortly after out of it... but he stopped in his tracks as he saw the suitcases on the bed.
"Go ahead, dear. I think I forget something..."
Smiling, she nodded and rushed off to the nearest phone cabin, calling a taxi. As Luke assumed that she left, he immediately opened his suitcase and reached for the box, he created for her. Thank god, it wasn't damaged! New year could start now...

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

Back in London:

'Calm yourself, Hershel! You'll be just asking her a normal question... nothing special. Maybe she's alone tonight and wishes for company...'
Without knocking, Hershel pushed the door handle down and entered her little flat. What he saw was clearly not destined for his eyes:
Claire merely wore her new acquired underwear, which were fittingly red. It should bring luck for the new year... until now they only brought her embarrassment.
"What on earth are you doing?"
"I... -I never forget to knock on in my entire life! Once I do, something like this happens..."
He stuttered nervously and tried to focus on her beautiful face.
"It's okay... could you please hand me the white coat over?"
"Certainly... There you go.",
Finally he found his ordinary calmness again. Meanwhile Claire wrapped her coat around her delicate curves and felt how the embarrassing feeling faded away.
"So... what gives me the honor of your visit?"
"Honestly, I merely wanted to invite you. Perhaps we could start the new year together...?"
Her answer was … only a smile? Hershel's heart started to hurt, as if a little safari duo played in his chest, but luckily Claire couldn't tell.
"Are you alone?"
"Sadly, yes."
"If that's the case I will be present. Would be odd, if we celebrated this magnificent moment on our owns."
"Well, when you look at it in that way, you're right."
Adjusting his top hat, he made her giggle with his behavior and turned around, closing the door once more.
"Oh my... God !"
Claire screamed happily, as she couldn't hear his footsteps anymore.
"I need some pants!! No... my hair."
Her hair got all disheveled and messed up from the whole jumping up and down, which she realized promptly, as a mirror crossed her way. Only shrugging, she went on and stumbled over a shoe, she forget to remove. But as she landed on the ground, Claire didn't swore or cried, no she laughed out loud, merely feeling like a silly teen again:
"YES!"
If she only knew, that Hershel still stood in front of her door... A grin found its way on his lips, while he thought:
'Maybe new years eve isn't going to be so bad after all...'

To be continued...