Kick

30th April, 1948

"Hershel!"

The sound of Claire Foley's voice rang through the small flat, alerting Hershel Layton and throwing him into such a deep panic, that he dropped the archaeology book he was reading onto the kitchen tiles and sped into the living room at such a speed that he almost fell into the room. Stumbling to a stop in the doorway, he glanced over at the redhead, who sat on the settee, with her hands on her rather large stomach, that seemed to stick out from the rest of her body. Hershel had expected to see his sweetheart in panic and frowned with curiosity as he saw a content smile on her face as she stared down lovingly at her bump. Slowly, he made his way towards her and crouched beside her, so he was eye-level with the bump.

"What is it, love?" the archaeologist asked, looking up at Claire.

"She's kicking!" the redhead exclaimed with excitement, only looking towards Hershel for half a second and then grabbing one of his hands and placing it on top of the bump. "Here, do you feel her?"

Hershel narrowed his eyes in concentration, his hands nervously on Claire's stomach. Claire couldn't not roll her eyes at his awkwardness, but she said nothing. Hershel pressed his right hand gently to the bump, when he suddenly felt something poke back at him. He jumped slightly and pulled his hand back, Claire giggling at his reaction.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Claire beamed brightly, her glasses reflecting the light from outside, giving her face a certain radiant glow.

"It is indeed," Hershel chuckled, nervously placing his hands back on the bump. It felt so strange, but so... Beautiful. There was another kick against the skin of Claire's stomach and a smile grew over Hershel's features.

Claire giggled as she felt the baby kick against her sides. It had been rather uncomfortable at first, but now, as she'd gotten used to it, she was beginning to realize how wonderful the feeling was. A little life, moving around inside of her. Claire couldn't take her hands away from her stomach, as she felt the weight of the unborn child inside of her, desperate to feel another movement. She wasn't worried, of course, but it was reassuring to know the baby was moving. As if she (or that was what Claire thought the baby was) was trying to say hello.

"I can't wait for her to arrive..." Claire murmured, her eyes still glued to the bump.

"What makes you think that baby's a girl? There's no way of telling, you know..." Another chuckle escaped Hershel's lips as he glanced up at the redhead.

"I just do..." Claire shrugged softly, her eyes flicking to meet Hershel's. "Just you wait, I'm telling you, she's a girl, all right."

"Well, it doesn't matter, really, does it?" Hershel pointed out, pecking Claire's cheek. "Eitherway, the baby will wonderful."

Claire giggled and winked at her sweetheart. "Of course they'll be," she said teasingly, "With us as parents, how could they not be anything but wonderful?"

AN: I hope you enjoyed. Reviews are appreciated. And as always, requests are great!

Nikki~