Willow was there, a warm washrag in hand. Tears blurred her vision but she steadfastly refused to let them fall. It wasn't fair, was all she could think. It wasn't right. Xander deserved better than this. He deserved something... more.
"Hey now," she murmured softly as she wiped the blood away. Oh Goddess, this is horrible. I wish it was me, not him, please let it be me. But it wasn't her, and her smile was a bittersweet one as she brushed some of his hair back gently and felt his temperature with the back of her hand.
"You're looking a little sickly there, old buddy," Willow tried for carefree and perky, just like the good old days. Before death had become the focal point of their lives. She even offered a smile, although it didn't reach her eyes. They, too, were still damp with unshed tears.
"You need to rest, so we can grab a bite later, okay?" she questioned, her lips trembling as she gently touched his cheek before pulling away a bit and taking his hand in hers.