Disclaimers : Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation.

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When she woke it was to singing; a female voice singing, softly, nearby.

She tried to open her eyes, but a piercingly bright light caused her to squeeze them shut tightly once more against its harshness. As she gradually pushed aside the fog in her head, she became aware of something touching her, resting on her belly.

She willed her eyes open then, and in the intense light of the room made out someone sitting next to her. She squinted and blinked the figure into focus.

It was River, and she appeared not to notice at first that Alex had awakened. She was singing quietly, something that sounded to Alex like a lullaby, and was looking at Alex’s abdomen as she sang. Alex realized it was River’s hand she could feel resting lightly on her. She also realized the bright lights surrounding her were the lights of the infirmary and that she was on the table.

“Hey,” she said groggily, propping herself up on her elbows.

River looked at her and smiled serenely, the song trailing off to a hum.

“What are you doing?” Alex tried to be as nonchalant as she could, but she was terribly confused.

“Babysitting,” River replied. She looked down and smiled at Alex’s belly. “Somebody had to watch the baby while you were gone.”

River’s tone was matter-of-fact, and Alex nodded, unsure what to say. She looked around for Simon or anyone else, but she and River were alone.

“Thanks?” she finally ventured.

River patted Alex’s belly and then removed her hand.

“Baby’s asleep now,” she said. She lowered her voice to a hushed whisper. Her face was peaceful, and she looked at Alex’s belly with what seemed to be almost an expression of love. Then she looked up at Alex, her face growing solemn.

“It’s okay,” she said reassuringly. “Baby’s all right. They didn’t hurt him.”

“Him?”

River nodded.

“Who him?”

River pointed to Alex’s belly.