Professor Layton and the Christmas Adventure –Part 12—
"Beautiful." Layton smiled contentedly at the result of their work.
"It's great, professor!" Luke exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. "But, erm, it's getting pretty cold…"
"S-shall we retire, then?" It was all Layton could do to keep his teeth from chattering.
"Y-yeah."
The two returned to the house, shivering as they peeled off sodden jackets and shoes.
"Goodness! What have you been doing?" Rosa said disapprovingly. "I expected this from Luke, but you, professor?"
"I'm afraid so," Layton laughed.
"I'll have to mop the floor again." Rosa frowned.
"M-my a-apologies."
"S-s-sorry, R-R-Rosa," Luke stammered.
Rosa's expression softened. "Alright, then, go put on some warm clothes." She prodded him up the stairs, then turned to face the professor. She clicked her tongue. "Really, professor?"
"I—I was reminded of my schoolboy days," Layton replied sheepishly. "Lando and I used to have snow fights on the football field in winter."
Rosa sighed, shaking her head. "Really, now, professor. We can't all get caught up in nostalgia."
"Y-yes," Layton agreed hastily. "Ah, do you mind if I—"
"Go change?" She raised an eyebrow. "If I kept you here, you'd certainly remember not to do something like this again…though, I suppose you'd also catch your death of a cold, too. Hurry up, then."
Layton tipped his hat, shaking, then walked briskly to his room.
Once the two had changed into dry clothes and wrapped themselves in blankets on the couch, the cold finally began to thaw.
"My face hurts, professor…" Luke said, rubbing his scarlet cheeks with his hands.
"I'm feeling rather stiff myself," Layton replied, cupping his tea in his hands and wincing as the dry skin cracked over his knuckles. "I suppose it's our punishment for having tracked water across the floors."
"My socks were all soggy." Luke stuck out his tongue, then pulled his knees closer to his chest. He cast a sidelong glance at the professor. "Did you have fun?"
Layton chuckled. "Of course, my boy. A true gentleman allows himself some silliness once and a while, and—"
"No, professor. Did you have fun?" Luke repeated.
"I'm afraid I don't understand the question, my boy."
"Are you still sad?"
Layton froze momentarily, resting his teacup in his lap. "Are you?"
Luke fidgeted. "Yes…" he muttered at last.
Taking a deep breath, Layton ruffled the boy's hair. "Were you also sad when we were playing in the snow?"
"N-no! I was too busy to be sad!" Luke replied. "And—and it was really fun! I didn't know you had such good aim, professor!"
Layton chuckled. "There's your answer, my boy."
"I—I don't understand."
"You will." Layton lifted the teacup to his lips.
"When?"
"One day."