Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Professor Layton franchise

Chapter 2 The festival

The next day the professor awoke later than he was expecting. He was laying on his back and stared lazily at the ceiling. He looked to his side to see his self-proclaimed apprentice snore away peacefully. The boy wouldn't be disturbed just yet. The professor stretched and looked at the clock on the other side of the room. It read 09:22. He usually woke up somewhere between 07:00 and 08:00, feeling well rested, but he was not the first to admit that he really needed the rest in his current state. He wondered if the others were waiting on them and remembered breakfast would be served until 10:00. They would have to hurry if they wanted to start the day with a full belly. He turned back to Luke and started shaking him awake by his shoulder. A ritual to be certain, since the boy always seemed to be out of this world once he had fallen asleep. After a few shakes, a gentle call of his name, a few harder shakes and a reminder to himself to try and keep his inside voice, Luke finally cracked open an eye.

''Hmm...professor? Five more minutes...'' Luke yawned.

''Luke, it's getting quite late.'' The professor said softly while getting out of bed himself.

Luke grumbled in response. On his free days, Luke was usually one to stay in bed past noon.

''You wouldn't want to miss breakfast now would you?''

He knew the boy wouldn't pass up on food. Luke's head shot up at the mention of breakfast, gaining him a chuckle from his mentor. The two quickly got ready and moved downstairs to the breakfast area. Here they found Randall, Angela, Brenda and Flora, already seated and finished with their breakfast. The boys joined the group and offered their good mornings.

''Luke, I was wondering if you were going to be on time.'' Brenda said, ruffling through her son's hair.

''Mom.'' Luke responded annoyed and pushed her hand away. ''You know I was looking forward to the breakfast buffet.''

''Clark and Emmy?'' The professor shot curious glances at their two roommates.

''Emmy should be here soon. She wanted to take a quick shower before breakfast.'' Flora said while swallowing the final bite from her toast.

''Clark is still knocked out.'' Brenda sighed.

''I suppose that's where Luke learned it from.'' Flora said with a giggle.

Luke and the professor went over to the buffet and started gathering their morning meal. Luke of course carrying 3 times the amount the professor picked up. After they sat down, a flash of yellow and white sped by. Everyone turned their heads to see Emmy quickly stack as much food as she could fit on her plate before breakfast time would be over. The professor was surprised by her appearance. At first it seemed like she was wearing the exact same outfit as usual, but today she looked very different.

She was wearing high-waisted pair of white jeans with a see-through yellow top with small, yellow and white flowers scattered around. Underneath the top she wore a cute white bralet, giving a certain accent to her curves. Her hair was pulled together in a high ponytail, a few strands of her hair framing her face. The professor found it hard to look away from the sight before him. A beauty in yellow and white, running around like a maniac to get as much food as possible.

''Oi, Emmy leave some for the rest of us!'' Luke shouted.

Emmy returned triumphantly to the table with her loot.

''I'm just glad I was on time.'' She sighed and sat down.

The professor felt he had been staring at his assistant for too long and averted his gaze back to Luke, who was almost ready for his second breakfast. A weird sensation arose in his chest thinking about Emmy in her, to his eyes, ''new'' outfit. He liked it. Alot. He wasn't sure if he should tell her later. It might be inappropriate. On the other hand, a lady would probably like getting a genuine compliment. A dilemma indeed.

They all finished their breakfast (and second breakfast) and decided to meet up outside of the hotel after they were finished getting ready. During their walk back up the stairs, Clark ran down with his pajama shirt still on.

''Is breakfast over?'' He asked with a defeated look in his eyes.

''Yes, about 20 minutes ago actually.'' Angela responded and padded the poor man on his back.

Brenda walked up to her husband and linked her arm with his. She pulled out a croissant from her purse and held it in front of his face.

''I know you so well.'' She said and placed a peck on his cheek.

Clark hugged his wife and gladly accepted the slightly beaten up croissant. The group all returned to their respective rooms and started to get ready for the day. The festival they wanted to visit later on, wasn't until 17:00. They had decided to walk around the city and explore their surroundings for now.

Back in their room, the professor put on a pair of dark blue jeans and a white with blue striped t-shirt. Normally he wouldn't feel very natural in an outfit like this, but the warm weather wasn't very forgiving to his normal wear. He was quite the stubborn man however, and still tried to wear his regular outfit at breakfast. Flora had helped him pick out everything, since she had more of an eye for these kinds of things. She had scolded him for his stubborn act, and snorted rather unladylike when she had seen a droplet of sweat ran down his forehead. The professor looked in the mirror to check out his new outfit, when his thoughts drifted back to the lady in yellow. The flowers on her blouse were definitely daisies. He wondered if that was her favorite flower.

''I should get her some.'' he mumbled to himself.

''What was that professor?'' Luke asked from the bathroom.

''Nothing Luke'' He quickly cleared his throat. ''Are you almost finished my boy?''

He had forgotten about Luke for a moment. Luke was indeed finished and joined the professor. Together they walked outside into the hallway and were greeted by randall and Angela. The four of them walked outside of the hotel into the blazing sun. The professor shielded his eyes with his hand, regretting leaving his hat in his room.

''It does not match with your outfit.'' Flora had insisted during the packing phase.

The functionality of a hat would have been very useful right about now. Luke had stared at the professor when he put his hat down on the bedside table against his will. It had been quite the amusing sight. Flora and the rest were already waiting outside for them. Luke sprinted towards Flora and whispered something in her ear which made her giggle. The professor couldn't help but think it was about him. Then he heard a whistle from somewhere behind him.

''Looking good prof.''

He turned around to be met with a pair of bubbly chocolate-colored eyes. He immediately noticed she was still wearing the same outfit.

''You are looking nice as well my dear.'' he responded with a smile.

''Nice doesn't really cover it but oh well at least I said something.''

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the small town surrounding the hotel. Locals had been very friendly and hospitable. Some were so incredibly friendly, they even brought up a puzzle or two. The professor and the rest of the crew was delighted by every mind teaser send their way and continued on until late in the afternoon. After a while they noticed they were walking into what seemed like the beginning of the festival area. Strings of lights in colors ranging from white to red to blue and green were stretched across every street corner and wrapping around every pillar. The locals were busy setting up different stalls and stages for entertainment, giving off a pleasant communal vibe. The gang decided it would be best if they found a place to eat for lunch and then return once the festival had officially started. Some of the girls wanted to go back to the hotel as well, saying they weren't dressed for the occasion.

After a delicious lunch at a local fish restaurant, everyone returned to the hotel. The professor sat down on a bench near the entrance, deciding he didn't really need a change of clothes. To his surprise, Clark and Randall returned to their room with their wives. Luke stayed behind, but was quickly distracted by the playground outside.

''I don't think I really need a change of clothes to be honest.''

Emmy joined him on the bench and sat back while crossing her legs. The professor wasn't sure how to respond to her. He hadn't felt this uncomfortable around her before, so what was up?

''Thank god the heat is slowing down some, right professor? She asked.

''Yes...quite.''

''Are you alright?'' She eyed him curiously. ''You've been acting strange since this morning. Is it something I said?''

She noticed.

''No, no not at all my dear.'' He waved his hands in front of his face. ''I suppose it really is the weather ahaha…''

This was awkward.

''Alright then…'' She didn't seem convinced.

The awkward silence fell hard between the two. The professor cleared his throat and tried very hard to think of a subject to speak about.

''You know…'' Emmy started. ''I didn't think you'd want to go on vacation with me.''

This surprised him.

''Why would you think that my dear?''

''Well, you know…'' she moved forward and placed her elbows on her knees. ''I'm your assistant. I didn't think you'd see me as anything more than that. And I know we hang out with randall and everyone from time to time, but I thought it was more of a courtesy.''

The professor was very surprised. He had no idea she felt that way.

''Emmy.'' He started and leaned forward so she would look him in the eyes. ''I consider you to be much more than just my assistant. I never knew you felt this way to be perfectly honest and I wish you'd told me sooner.''

She blushed a slight pink and started fiddling with her blouse.

''I consider you to be a close friend, a great addition to our little group and…''

''And?'' She leaned in slightly closer.

The professor suddenly felt like the entire world around them faded away. All he could see was her big eyes staring back at him. He could see how long her eyelashes were, how her lips curved, how she had a few freckles under her eyes. He could honestly stare at her all day. His throat felt dry but he knew he had to speak.

Suddenly their little moment was interrupted by a loud scream. The two turned around to see Luke had fallen off the top of the climbing frame he had been playing quickly rushed over to see if he was alright. Luckily, Luke was sturdy enough. He escaped with a few scrapes and a light bruise on his elbow.

The rest joined them shortly after, showing off their new looks. Angela and Brenda had both changed into short evening dresses, but Randall and Clark had stayed in the exact same outfits. It was obvious they just wanted to spend some time together with their spouses, which the professor could respect. Flora had also changed into a cute, red top and white skirt. They were ready to go into town and party!

Everyone started linking arms with their spouses, which left Flora, Luke, Emmy and the professor. Flora immediately grabbed Luke's arm and pulled him along. She laughed hard when he protested, but he managed to join her laughter in no time. Emmy hesitated about her next move. The conversation earlier had been a little awkward and she would understand if the professor wanted to walk separately. She did not, however, expect him to hold up his arm. She looked at him curiously and smiled.

''Might I escort you this evening my lady?'' He asked courteously.

''My yes, you may my good sir.''

She linked her arm with his and squeezed it slightly. As they made their way further into the city, they started seeing the street merchants from before, standing with their carts, yelling encouragement to passersby to purchase their wares. The smell of sweet rolls and savory meats drifted across the market to them, the faint sound of lively music reaching their ears from somewhere off in the distance. The overall atmosphere was nothing but delightful.

''I wanna try those buns!'' Emmy shouted while pulling the professor to one of the stalls.

The sweet smelling treat looked like something Emmy would adore. The professor chuckled as she argued with the merchant about how many she could buy, when something caught his eye. A few stalls over he spotted a small yellow stone. He looked back at Emmy to see her attention still focused on the buns and decided to walk over to check it out. Upon closer inspection the stall sold different kinds of stones, jewelry and trinkets. Most of them looked either incredibly cheap or fake, but the small yellow stone that had caught his attention stood apart. He picked up the stone to feel the smooth surface and turned it around in his hand. He noticed it changing color when he flipped it over, leaving small white spots on the side of the stone.

''Ah, you have a very good eye sir.'' The merchant noticed him fondling the stone. ''That is a rare mexican fire opal. You don't see them very often, but this one in particular is very peculiar.''

''Peculiar?'' The professor questioned.

''Yes certainly. Usually Fire opals contains multiple colors like yellow, red, orange and such but this one is heavy on the yellow and white.''

''It reminds me of a daisy.'' The professor chuckled.

''Well, let's dub it the daisy stone then shall we! Well on your way to become an archeologist.'' The merchant joked.

If only he knew. The professor looked back at Emmy and wondered if she would like something like this. It would look lovely on her for sure, but it might be a little much coming from her boss.

''She's a lucky lady.'' The merchant said with a wink.

The professor looked back at the merchant and felt the heat creeping to his cheeks.

''Oh she's just my colleague, or no my friend, my good friend, she is...um...'' He had never felt so tongue twisted before.

The merchant belted out a loud laugh. ''Whatever you say sir, just let me know if you'd like to buy the stone or not.''

The professor eyed the pricetag one last time before pulling out his wallet.

''I'll take it.''

He eyed the stone one last time before quickly putting it in his pocket. He would need to find a good time to give her this. He was glad he made his decision sooner than later, when Emmy ran up to him with a bag full of buns.

''Professor, I thought I'd lost you for a moment. Everything alright? Did you buy anything?''

The stone started feeling heavier in his pocket.

''No, I was just looking around ahah…'' He laughed awkwardly.

He didn't like lying to her, but it would be better in the long run. The two of them joined the others in the town square. Emmy started passing around the buns she had bought, telling everyone what a jerk the merchant had been for not selling her more. The music picked up and more and more people started dancing. The professor looked over at Emmy and felt his breath catch in his throat. The light danced across her face, illuminating her bright smile, sending flickers in her eyes. That feeling in his stomach every time he looked at her was becoming familiar, unshakeable and it made no sense.

Angela had pulled Randall away from the group on to the dancefloor. Weirdly enough Clark was the one to pull Brenda along, who was protesting fiercely, shouting she couldn't dance and he knew it. Flora and Luke had joined a few other children behind the benches to play hide and seek, which left the pair alone once again. The dancing seemed like a lot of fun, but the professor wasn't sure how to mingle. He knew most ballroom dances and even an irish jig, but casual party dancing was not part of his repertoire. Emmy had put aside her bag of food and looked at the party with longing eyes. It was obvious she wanted to join, making the professor feel even worse.

''Emmy...you don't have to worry about me. I'm sure there are many eligible bachelors who would love to dance with you.''

Emmy looked at the professor and laughed. ''Are you saying you can't dance professor?''

''I can certainly dance my dear...just not...like that.'' He said while pointing at Randall, who was moving his hips like he was shaking off a snake in his trousers.

Emmy grabbed his hand and started pulling him to the dance floor. ''None of that, let's go!''

Ignoring his meager protests, she dragged him into the middle of the crowd. She started to move to the beat of the music, not caring about a thing in the world. The professor felt awkward, but could feel himself getting drawn into the music. Before he knew it, he was dancing right alongside her, laughing when she laughed and letting all his worries float away with the warm night air. It felt good. Good to be free, good to enjoy himself, good to dance with her. In that moment, they weren't the professor and his assistant, they were close friends enjoying themselves.

And then the music slowed, the crowd moved in closer to one another and the professor was once again unsure what to do. To dance with her was one thing, but to slow dance with her was another thing entirely. They didn't have much time to decide what to do, as they were pushed together anyway. The professor could almost hear his heart beating in his ears. Emmy was staring up at him with those incredibly brown eyes, her lips slightly parted. He hesitantly reached out for her waist with his left hand, gently pulling her closer when she didn't protest. His right hand took hers and interlaced their fingers. Her hand was warm and soft in his. She was still looking up at him as she placed her other hand on his shoulder and stepped in. They began swaying gently to the music. He wasn't able to look away from her and she wasn't looking away from him either. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt so calm and yet so inexplicably exhilarated. His heart was beating at a million miles an hour and the only things he could hear was the faint, far-off sound of the music, Emmy's breathing and his own breathing.

It was some time later when they realized that the music had stopped. The crowd around them was moving again, the hubbub of people's conversation reaching their ears. Emmy blinked and stepped back, breaking the contact with him as her arms returned to her sides. She looked away from him, out at the crowd. The professor could feel his face starting to burn as he turned away from her as well, clearing his throat to help distract himself. Back to the sidelines of the dancefloor, the gang had gathered once again.

''I see you two had fun.'' Clark nudged Hershel in his side.

''Curse you Clark.'' The professor had thought while absentmindedly scratching the back of his neck.

The rest of the evening was spent just outside of the busy area. They had found a perfect place to drink, relax and nibble on some local cuisine. The professor noticed Emmy shooting sideways glances at him from time to time, but knew he shouldn't press it. The stone inside his pocket felt like it was getting warmer, almost burning his side. Luckily he had his friends around him to distract him. After a while he could even look Emmy in the eyes again without feeling too strange. He could sense she was dealing with a similar experience as she started smiling more at him throughout the evening.

The festival was starting to reach its end when fireworks lit up the sky. People started cheering and toasting all around them. The group also raised their glasses.

''To a great night!'' Brenda had cheered.

''A great night indeed.'' The professor thought, letting the festivities wash away his worries.

I loved writing this chapter so much! Let me know what you guys thought :)