It's Called Networking (Layton gen)

[storypaint]

Title: It's Called Networking
Length: 484 words
Prompt: Professor Layton (Anon) Fan Meme: Venture Brothers crossover; third season where the Monarch is arching other people and ends up being assigned as Layton's arch enemy.
Pairing: Layton gen; Monarch/Dr. Girlfriend
Other: cursing
Excerpt: "Says here..." Dr. Girlfriend said, flipping pages in the dossier, "he's a professor."

"Okay, what does he do?" the Monarch said, peering through the binoculars at the top-hatted man. At the moment he was enjoying lunch at a streetside cafe, looking utterly mundane and reading a thick book with small type that made the Monarch's head hurt just to look at it.

"Says here..." Dr. Girlfriend said, flipping pages in the dossier, "he's a professor."

"A professor? For a villain of my caliber? What is the Guild trying to do here, huh?"

"Oh, he solves mysteries too," she says. "Small obnoxious sidekick."

"Just great," the Monarch said, sighing. "Just fucking great. I get Scooby Doo in a fucking top hat."

"Monarch, please. I know he's not a scientist, but we're running out of options here. If Don Paolo and I hadn't been friends in college..."

"You were friends with a lot of men in college," he said, squinting at her. She sighed and swatted him in the back of his head.

"It's called networking and it's gotten you another job, so don't complain. Now, come on, try. For me, okay?"

"Okay, whatever. For you, baby."

"Mmhmm," she said, accepting his kiss before the Monarch rose out of the bushes and strode toward his victim.

"Professor!" he began dramatically. "Professor--! What is his name again, darling?"

"Layton!" Dr. Girlfriend hissed, stepping out of the bushes at the Monarch's side.

"Ah, yes, Layton. So we meet again!"

The Monarch pointed at Layton, his finger under his nose, and Layton looked down at the hand with distaste.

"I'm sorry?"

"I am the Monarch!" he said triumphantly. "Subbing for Don Paolo," he muttered. "But here I am, your arch-nemesis!"

"I don't believe I have an arch-nemesis," Layton said, adjusting his hat and looking up at the curiously-dressed pair. "Perhaps this is some sort of mistake?"

"You are Professor Layton, aren't you?" Dr. Girlfriend asked uncertainly.

"Well, yes," Layton admitted. "But I don't know anything about a nemesis... you're not talking about that curious fellow with bovine hair, are you?"

Dr. Girlfriend considered the thought, comparing the description to her college days. "Yes," she said.

"Then this is all a misunderstanding. I am an archaeologist. I solve puzzles in my spare time. I have no nemesis. I cannot figure why this Paolo figure keeps a grudge."

At the professor's words, the Monarch threw down his weaponry. He screamed angrily. "Another-- unlicensed-- villain!"

"I never dreamed he wasn't licensed, dear," Dr. Girlfriend said, trying to soothe him.

"That asshole!" the Monarch said, fuming. "College friend or not, I'm going to shoot him in the face!"

"Well, dear, I don't know..."

The Monarch began to storm off. Dr. Girlfriend looked towards him, and then apologetically at Layton.

"Sorry for the misunderstanding," she said.

"Not a problem," Layton said. "Glad I could clear that up for you. Best of luck with your... person there."

"Thanks," she said, dipping her head in acknowledgment and following the angry specter of her husband.

Layton looked out onto the street a moment, sipping his tea reflectively.

"Paolo," he muttered, and shook his head. Then he returned to his book.