Then they just looked at each other for a few minutes. This quickly became rather uncomfortable. However, Xander broke the uncomfortable silence with a yawn so wide that Spike heard his jaw crack.
Spike chuckled quietly, and even Xander managed a sleepy smile in return.
"You gonna sleep now then Xan?" Spike asked quietly.
Xander nodded, and then opened and closed his mouth several times as if he was trying to ask Spike something.
"What's wrong Nummy? You OK" Spike asked worriedly, tightening his hold on Xander's wrist.
Xander smiled his normal self-deprecating, if somewhat sleepy, grin and replied, "No, no, nothing's wrong. It's stupid really. I was just wondering....."
"What pet?"
"Would you – would you...-"
"Would I what?"
"Would you sing me to sleep?" Xander finally asked in a tiny, ashamed and at that moment extremely child-like voice.
Spike looked at him in shock for a moment. Then his lips twitched with the realisation that there was nothing that he would ever be able to deny this beautiful dark-haired boy, and, running a hand through Xander's hair, replied, "Sure, if that's what you want. Any requests?"
Xander shook his head, "No, just something soft and slow."
Spike furrowed his brow in thought for a moment, and then mock-glared at Xander before he started to sing the song that had come into his head.
"I'll be loving you
Always
With a love that's true
Always
When the thing's you plan
Need a helping hand
I will understand
Always
Always
Days may not be fair,
Always
That's when I'll be there
Always
Not for just an hour,
And not for just a day,
And not for just a year,
But, Always
Days may not be fair
Always
That's when I'll be there
Always
Not for just an hour,
And not for just a day,
And not for just a year,
But, Always"
As he finished, Spike looked into Xander's eyes, only to see that they were closed. Xander was fast asleep, with a smile on his face.
Spike smiled sadly down at the still bruised boy, before propping his feet up on the bed and opening Xander's diary.