A/N: Wrote this long before we found out how Layton acquired his hat. XD

"Ah, there you are!" he said, scratching his mussed, brown hair. Normally the man was tidy but Hershel wasn't surprised about his disarrayed manner at a time like this.

"Come in." He moved aside.

"How is Brenda, Clark?" Hershel asked as his coat was taken and hung on the rack. Clark reached for his hat, but the other man moved away before his fingers could brush the brim.

"She's tired, but well."

"That's nice to hear." He regarded the package under his arm and raised it eye-level to Clark. "I couldn't recall whether you told me if the child was a boy or a girl. I hope this will suffice?"

Clark took the package. "Don't worry yourself; it's the thought that counts." He raised a brow. "And may I ask what is up with your hat?"

"Oh, this?" Hershel chuckled. "I saw it in the window on my way here. It has a charm to it, doesn't it?"

"Charm. Right."

"Clark, what is that supposed to mean?"

"It means that I'll never lose you in a crowd. Now then, do we want to keep Brenda waiting?"

"Ah yes, we mustn't keep the young lady waiting."

"Young?"

"I heard that!" Brenda retorted groggily.

Clark opened the door and Hershel followed. The room, like the parents' appearances, was haphazardly arranged. The only ounce of order came from the light scent of talc and the harmony of the baby cradled in the mother's arms.

"Afternoon, Brenda."

"Good afternoon, Hershel." She beamed, still radiant underneath the fatigue. "We named him Luke," she added as Hershel looked over her shoulder.

Woken from his nap, the baby blinked his wide puppy-dog eyes, then stared at Hershel, but upwards. He seemed transfixed, following the tall stovepipe wherever Hershel went.

"He really likes you," the mother smiled.

"Actually, Brenda I think he likes Hershel's hat."

"That's preposterous."

To prove his point Clark briskly took the hat and hid it behind his back. Luke blinked again, then his lips puckered out and his eyes misted, and he began to cry furiously. Before Brenda could glare at her husband, Alex revealed the hat again, gradually relieving them all of the crying.

"My word, the boy knows good taste when he sees it. I knew this hat was a smart idea."