Chapter 14

"Noodle love we're home." 2-D shook Noodle's shoulder softly. She opened an eye.

"But I'm still tired." She groaned and closed her eye again.

"I'll carry you in love." 2-D leaned over Noodle and undid her seatbelt. He jumped out the back of the geep and walked round to Noodle's side, leaned over and scooped her up.

"I'll take the kid."

Before 2-D had time to answer Murdoc had already picked up the baby seat and was starring at his niece adoringly. He'd taken such a shine to her. He was going soft. 2-D giggled and Murdoc gave him an evil glare.

"Sorree."

Murdoc locked the geep and they headed inside. 2-D gently put Noodle on the sofa, pulled the hair from her face and kissed her softly. She was sound asleep.

"Night love."

2-D felt a hand on his shoulder and squealed.

"It's only me faceache! Any ideas for a name?"

Murdoc handed the baby back to her daddy.

"No. We eint thought about it yet."

"Pick something cute."

Murdoc smiled broadly, and headed for the kitchen.

"Ey Russ! Make us a sarnie will ya?"

2-D yawned. Man was he tired. He put his daughter in her carry basket and put the basket on the floor next to Noodle.

"Sleep tight my angels."

He turned quietly on his heel and made for the door. He just got outside when he heard a shrill cry.

"Shit."

2-D turned round and ran back into the room. Who made that noise? He looked over the back of the sofa, Noodle was still spark out. He picked up the basket and ran to the kitchen.

"What's that racket?!"

Murdoc yelled, he was face to face with 2-D.

"What's up with her?"

Murdoc softened instantly. His niece was upset.

"I don't know. She started crying so I brought her in here, I didn't want to wake Noodle."

"Lets have a look shall we D?"

The guys examined the baby and ruled out nappy change.

"I think she's hungry D. We'd better go wake Noodle."

"No. We can't wake her. She shattered. Why can't I feed her?"

"You don't have breasts dullard!"

"What have breasts got to do with it?"

Murdoc and Russel burst out laughing, Russel stopped suddenly when he saw the expression on 2-D's face.

"You serious man?"

"I got no idea."

"Come on I'll show you."

Russel took the baby from 2-D and made his way back to the TV room, 2-D closely following. He walked over to the sofa and shook Noodle gently.

"Baby-girl? Wake-up."

"Urgh. Give me five more minutes."

Noodle rolled over and pulled the cushion over head.

"She needs feeding Noods."

Noodle's head shot up, she looked at Russel with big innocent eyes.

"Do I have to?"

"Your kid. Your responsibility."

He passed the baby to 2-D and rolled Noodle over. She looked really tired. But this was her responsibility. He sat her up and propped some pillows behind her back. Noodle smiled weakly and began to undo her blouse. Russel turned to 2-D and gently took the bawling baby from his arms.

"Ok. Hand her over."

Russel carried the baby slowly over to Noodle and placed her in her outstretched arms. Noodle thanked him with a small nod and held the baby to her breast. Russel ruffled her hair and went back to the kitchen leaving the two of them alone.

2-D watched in amazement. He'd no idea how to feed a baby. This was weird.

"Does it hurt?"

2-D realised he'd just said his thought aloud.

"Not really. She's got no teeth, she can't bite me. It's not really comfy though."

Noodle shuffled slightly.

"Any thoughts on a name love? We can't keep calling her baby. It's mean."

"Mm."

Noodle thought for a movement.

"I like the name Troy."

Noodle jumped slightly causing the baby to hiccup.

"Great. 2-D could you just…"

Noodle passed the baby over to 2-D and began doing up her blouse.

"Troy. Unusual. I like it!"

He bounced the baby slightly trying to rid her of the hiccups. Noodle finished doing up her blouse and smiled at 2-D. She reached over and tickled the baby's stomach.

"What do you think Troy?"

The baby giggled in delight and began kicking her legs wildly. Noodle looked up into 2-D's eyes.

"Troy it is."