A/N Ok so this was supposed to be a oneshot but I couldn't resist. I am still working on the lawless walk so keep checking in on that. Hopefully you will enjoy this and please leave a review I love reading them :) thanks!
"You know professor...you should probably redecorate"
Layton nearly spat out his tea at Flora's comment. He remembered the shelf incident and gulped, wincing at the thought. He subconsciously stared at his, now back to normal, thumb.
"I don't particularly see the need for it myself, Flora" The professor managed.
The girl smiled timidly, lacing her fingers together. Ever since she had tackled the shelf, Flora had begun to take more notice for interior design. The professor knew she had always enjoyed creativity and for what she lacked in cooking, apparently she gained in decorating. Although, he reasoned, putting a shelf up was different to wallpapering. The professor was just about explain this to her, when Luke piped up from the kitchen,
"I think Flora has a point professor"
The man gaped at both children. Did his home really look that bad?. Regrettably his work often meant he didn't see much of it, with numerous adventures also postponing dragging old paint pots and brushes down from the attic. He coughed awkwardly, suddenly seeing the peeling brown paper and boring cream paints that no longer were bright, but a discoloured yellow.
"Professor?" Flora asked, her eyes full of hope.
He sighed. The poor girl probably did have a point. After all, this was not his home entirely. It was Flora's as well and he supposed, Luke's to an extent. The two were more than likely to be sick of its..simplicity and well...retro looking style. Forcing a smile, he gave in "B&Q then?"
Both jumped up, racing for their coats and shoes and discussing rather animatedly what paper they should pick.
Good heavens...Luke did not just suggest purple?.
XxxxxxXxxxxX
The store was surprisingly quiet. Apparently everyone shared the same opinion as the professor. He reached for a trolley and wheeled it down the aisles, aware of the grey flooring squeaking below their shoes.A nice neutral, modern, calming paper would do the trick. Or a cream with a nice pattern on it...not too busy though. Rounding the corner, the professor stopped in his tracks. It was never ending. Rows upon rows of paint. Hundreds of shades of one colour, all with ridiculously strange titles. And the wallpaper...it ranged from stripes to space. Luke and flora beamed, excitedly dashing to the nearest shelf.
Oh goodness...there were shelves.
Higher and more terrifying than mine the professor thought, gripping the trolley handle just that bit tighter. The three wandered down the aisle before Flora gasped and pointed to a paint pot.
Luke joined her and read the name aloud "Fuscia?"
Layton grimaced "Pink might be a bit too...lively for a reception room Flora,"
Nodding, Flora carefully placed the vibrant colour back. Luke meanwhile, reached for a deep blue.
"I don't think blue either Luke, we'd lose you!" The professor laughed, helping his apprentice lift the heavy can back onto the shelf. It was then that they heard it.A tremendous crash as the trolley careered into a colour chart. The professor winced, he must have knocked it when he lifted the paint pot back.
All three braced themselves as the stand wobbled dangerously close to the paints lining the aisle. It finally came to a stop and all three let out a sigh of relief. The professor guided his companions away from the paint and to the wallpaper.
Surely nothing remotely dangerous could happen there he thought...lethal paper cuts maybe.
Luke pointed to a sheet of paper that was entitled 'Afternoon tea'. It apparently resembled earl grey in its colour. Flora also noticed the paper and clapped her hands "Thats definitely something for you professor!"
He smiled "Yes, that does suit my taste I must say,"
Flora and luke carefully removed the wallpaper and placed it into the trolley.
The professor began to wheel the trolley down the aisle, smiling to himself. They had found some wallpaper and evaded trouble!
The professor addressed the children "You know this shopping trip has reminded me of a puzzle."
Luke and flora waited in anticipation.
Layton continued "A man decided to paint the wall near to his house. The wall was 5 metres by 4 metres. One tin of paint costs £5 although if more than three tins are bought-"
"Professor!" Luke and Flora shouted in unison.
The professor gasped, tripping over a plant pot and letting go of the trolley that wheeled rather rapidly away.
"Are you alright? Professor?" Flora cried as she and Luke ran to the man's side.
Mortified layton replied "Yes...how embarrassing.I suppose it could've been worse though,"
At that precise moment a resounding crash echoed around the shop. Staff and customers ran for the exits in panic. The professor turned hesitantly in the direction of the noise. Like dominos every shelf was brought down with a crash as loud as the one before it. The profesor sat with his mouth agape, face the colour of scarlet as the DIY store was reduced to a pile of metal.
Finally, the noise stopped and the shop was completely silent. He shut his eyes.
"Professor?"
"...Yes my boy?"
"It could have been worse,"
Layton whipped around to face the boy, frowning at him...just as a tin of paint toppled over and covered him in a bright Fuscia.
"No Luke...it couldn't."
xxx
A/N Make sure you review! X
