"Stars shining bright above you...Night breezes seem to whisper 'I love you'...
Birds singing in the sycamore tree... dream a little dream of me..."
Sherlock paused in his restless thoughts and opened his eyes. For a moment, he thought he'd actually drifted off and was dreaming- he knew that voice, but he'd never thought he'd hear it in song. Especially that song. It brought back memories he'd buried long ago.
"Say nighty-night and kiss me... Just hold me tight, and tell me you'll miss me..."
He was at the bedroom door before he realised he'd decided to move. Silent as a cat he padded down the stairs. Avoid the second step up- it creaks- and lift the living room door as you push to muffle the hinges...
"When I'm alone, and blue as can be..."
...he was silhouetted by the streetlamp outside the window. Linen tunic, loose hair... no shell of beaten metal and stiff leather... why did he always sit in the window, looking down on the world below? One foot in each world, never belonging...
"Dream a little dream of me."
Loki's soft voice faded away, but Sherlock saw his shoulders stiffen in shock as the song carried on, in deep and unexpectedly emotional tones...
"Stars fading, but I linger on dear... still craving your kiss...
I'm longing to linger 'til dawn, dear... just saying this..."
Loki felt two slender arms around his waist, and the song by his ear, warm breath on his jaw.
"Sweet dreams 'til sunbeams find you... sweet dreams that leave all others behind you..."
He let his head drop back, relaxing against the chest behind him, silently mouthing the last line, and Sherlock felt a single tear slip down his cheek.
"But in your dreams, whatever they be... dream a little dream of me."
Loki reached up a trembling hand to press that angular cheek to his own, and spoke so quietly Sherlock could barely hear him.
"Don't tell my brother."
Sherlock stared out into the night.
"Don't tell John."