Part 2<\/b><\/p>\n
Gunn glanced over at Angel, narrowing his eyes in annoyance when the vampire drummed his fingers against the countertop for the fourth time after being told to stop. \u201cYo, Angel!\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel immediately jerked his head around to look at him, his eyes wide. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop that, man!\u201d Gunn smacked his fingers, grimacing. \u201cIt\u2019s making my ears bleed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry.\u201d Angel mumbled, crossing his arms and sighing. He dared a glance at Gunn. Then another, and another, until Gunn slammed his magazine down on the counter and turned to face him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s goin\u2019 on, Angel?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing! I just – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCut the crap, Peaches.\u201d Spike appeared from behind the counter, resting an elbow on it. He raised an eyebrow at Angel. \u201cIt\u2019s your gal, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel frowned at him. Then he sighed, shrugging. \u201cI just\u2026I hate it when she\u2019s mad at me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t we all?\u201d Spike drawled, rolling his eyes. \u201cMaybe if you gave her a chance to prove she can fight – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know she can fight, Spike.\u201d Angel snapped. He swallowed, shooting Spike an apologetic look. \u201cShe\u2019s good. Really good. But after Pylea, I just\u2026I don\u2019t want anything to – \u201d He sighed again, running a hand through his hair. \u201cIf anything happened to her\u2026I could never – \u201d<\/p>\n
He stopped, shaking his head, not wanting to even think<\/i> of what he would do. Gunn smiled sympathetically and slapped him on the back, getting out of his seat. \u201cI get that, man. Believe me, I do but you gotta give her a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEven if only to prove her wrong,\u201d Spike winked, straightening. \u201cBut the girl\u2019s got some skill, Angel. No need to worry about – \u201d<\/p>\n
Spike didn\u2019t get the chance to finish. The glass doors of the Hyperion swung open and slammed against the walls as Buffy hauled herself in, a large gash throbbing and bleeding on the side of her face, the white arm of her jumper covered in blood. Tears slid down her cheeks and they were a pasty, pale colour.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuffy!\u201d Xander exclaimed, rushing forward, a nauseating anxiety growing in his stomach. Something was wrong here. She didn\u2019t cry, Buffy didn\u2019t cry\u2026<\/p>\n
Angel froze, terror washing over him like a wave.<\/p>\n
Buffy could barely hold herself up and she nearly collapsed to floor, but Spike was there in an instant, cradling her in his arms.<\/p>\n
Angel watched in horror as the tears poured down Buffy\u2019s face, her nails biting into Spike\u2019s shoulders as she clung to him for dear life. Through her sobs, he could hear her muffled words against Spike\u2019s shirt, and they sent a jolt of solid fear through him.<\/p>\n
\u201cDarla\u2026and Drusilla\u2026oh God, Cordy\u2026I tried, I tried to stop them, but they – \u201d<\/p>\n
Before he could stop himself, Angel had grabbed Buffy by the shoulders. \u201cWhere\u2019s Cordy?\u201d He shook her slightly, dread invading every cell in his body. \u201cWhat did they do? What did they do to her?\u201d He was yelling, he knew, but he didn\u2019t care, because the most precious thing in the world had been taken from him, and placed into the hands of those who could destroy it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2026they took her.\u201d Buffy was having difficulty speaking through her hysteric tears.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere?\u201d Angel shook her again, slightly violently. \u201cWHERE???\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngel, stop!\u201d Spike growled, pulling him away from Buffy and lifting her into his arms. He swiftly walked over to the couch and laid her down, grabbing her hand. \u201cDo we have a first aid kit?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey did something to me,\u201d Buffy was babbling, her breathing hitched. \u201cI\u2026I don\u2019t know what, but my body wouldn\u2019t work\u2026I couldn\u2019t move.\u201d She swallowed down the sob that threatened to escape. \u201cOh God, I tried to find her but I couldn\u2019t\u2026I could barely walk – \u201d She buried her head into Spike\u2019s shoulder, her body heaving, hot tears spilling over her cheeks and wetting his shirt. \u201cI let you down\u2026I\u2019m sorry, I tried, I\u2019m so sorry – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSsh\u2026\u201d Spike whispered, rubbing the back of her neck, \u201cjust relax\u2026\u201d he glanced at Angel who was staring wide-eyed at him. When Angel opened his mouth to speak, Spike interrupted him, speaking quietly to Buffy. \u201cLet\u2019s get you cleaned up.\u201d He pushed her back so that her head was resting against the arm of the sofa. Then he looked at everyone else. \u201cI\u2019m gonna do this as quick as I can. Then we\u2019ll work out what we\u2019re going to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have fucking time for you to do that!\u201d Angel growled, slamming his fist against the sofa. \u201cThey\u2019ve got Cordelia, Spike. I can\u2019t – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s in a right state, Angel.\u201d Spike snapped, gesturing towards Buffy. \u201cI want to get Cordy back safely too but we\u2019re not gonna get anywhere until she calms down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn stood up suddenly, with such force that his chair scraped against the ground, making the others wince. He gritted his teeth furiously. \u201cShe could be dead you ass – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d Angel swallowed the sudden nausea, refusing to believe the idea for even a minute.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey won\u2019t kill her, Angel.\u201d Wesley prayed to God that he was right, trying to silence the alarm growing inside him. It wouldn\u2019t do any good to haveall<\/i> of them panicking. He put an arm on Angel\u2019s shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t you see what they\u2019re doing? They want you in return for her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Willow nodded. \u201cAnd they know you\u2019re gonna do everything you can to get her back. If they kill her, what would you have left to fight for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d Angel said quickly, his voice low, his heart heavy. \u201cI knew I should have gone, I just knew – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry Angel\u2026\u201d Buffy\u2019s small voice drifted up from the sofa and he looked down at her, aware for the first time that she looked truly fragile, so unlike the young woman who had walked into his lobby a few hours before.<\/p>\n
Compassion filled him and he squeezed her hand, nodding. \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault.\u201d He looked at Spike, noticing that he had already finished cleaning the wound on Buffy\u2019s head and had started on her arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God!\u201d Fred said suddenly, rushing over to Buffy\u2019s side to take a closer look. \u201cThis is a needle mark.\u201d She looked up at the group. \u201cThey drugged her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo wonder she couldn\u2019t fight back.\u201d Xander said, his voice low, angry. \u201cI should have known\u2026I could barely recognize her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike cleaned the needle wound and bandaged it, pushing a strand of blond hair behind Buffy\u2019s ear. Her breathing was slightly more even now, and the colour was back in her cheeks. Her heart drummed steadily and she appeared calmer than before, as the drug slowly began to wear off. He kissed her forehead and stood, addressing Angel. \u201cAlright mate. Let\u2019s find out what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Consciousness slowly drifted over her, and Cordelia was hit with excruciating agony in almost every part of her body. Her head throbbed and spun as though it had been slammed into a wall, her stomach felt nauseous and her arms and legs felt cut, bruised and broken. She had been bound to a chair, and her binds felt abrasive against her wrists and ankles. Laboriously, she tried to open her eyes, her eyelids flickering in pain.<\/p>\n
The room was dark, so dark she could barely see anything at all. The surrounding smell made the nausea in her stomach increase \u2013 she faintly recognised it as dead fish and dirty water.<\/p>\n
God, where was she?<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, well, well\u2026\u201d Cordy looked up at the familiar voice, her heart sinking as soon as she identified it. Her eyesight was still a little blurry and she was only just able to make out the silhouettes of Darla and Drusilla in the darkness. \u201cLook who\u2019s awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDarla,\u201d Cordelia spat, gathering whatever energy she could, \u201cWhy am I not surprised? You need a hobby\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Darla laughed lightly, clapping her hands. Then without warning she slapped Cordelia across the cheek. Hard.<\/p>\n
The slap stung but Cordy shook it off, raising her eyes towards Darla once again, a smirk crossing her lips. \u201cWas that supposed to hurt? What\u2019s the matter Darla? Angel\u2019s rejection weakened your bite?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDaddy\u2019s little slayer, are we?\u201d Drusilla drawled, stepping forward and grabbing Darla\u2019s arm before she could raise it.<\/p>\n
\u201cBite me.\u201d Cordy said dryly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s the hurry?\u201d\u201d Darla\u2019s smile was feral as she leaned down, her face inches from Cordelia\u2019s. \u201cYou put up quite a fight. But then we drugged you. And your little friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Realisation sunk in. \u201cYou\u2019re cowards.\u201d Cordy said, her voice weak, yet angry.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, we\u2019re just efficient.\u201d Darla replied casually. \u201cAnd a little pissed off. You have something that belongs to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cordy rolled her eyes. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t belong to anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAngelus is mine, he always was before that filthy soul.\u201d Darla growled. \u201cAnd then there was you, you little bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCry me a river, Blondie.\u201d<\/p>\n
Darla moved suddenly behind Cordelia, grabbing her by the hair and yanking her head back. Cordy cried out, tears stinging her eyes at the sudden, sharp pull. Darla leaned down, rubbing her cheek against Cordelia\u2019s, her lips brushing against her ear. \u201cI\u2019m gonna enjoy torturing you, sweetheart\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is your stupidest plan yet, Darla,\u201d Cordy bit, swallowing her sudden fear, \u201cyou think Angel\u2019s just gonna hand himself over to you and turn evil again? He\u2019d die first.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut would he let you die?\u201d Drusilla sang, her tone patronising. She dragged her nail over Cordelia\u2019s cheek. \u201cSuch pretty, pretty eyes. I think I\u2019ll eat them up.\u201d She leaned in, her voice just above a whisper. \u201cDaddy’s toy soldier? Wind you up and march, march, march\u2026 could he bear to live without his little plaything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not his \u2013 aah\u2026\u201d Cordy closed her eyes in pain as Drusilla silenced her, slicing the soft skin of her cheek with a sharp fingernail. She squirmed in her seat but the bounds held her in place, as did Darla\u2019s firm grip on her head.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is fun.\u201d Drusilla giggled, sticking the bloody nail into her mouth. She closed her eyes, moaning. \u201cMmm, I can see why Daddy loves her\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShut up, Dru.\u201d Darla snapped, sliding her own fingers over the cut. Cordy flinched. Darla shoved Cordelia\u2019s head forward and walked around her, grabbing her arm in a tight, bruising grip. She untied the rope around it and lifted it into the air, then abruptly tilted it at an odd, uncomfortable angle. Cordy winced.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSnap, snap, snap.\u201d Drusilla snickered.<\/p>\n
It happened in a split second. In a sharp, deft movement, Darla broke Cordelia\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
A scream tore out of Cordy\u2019s throat and she heard it echo through her head as a burning pain spread up and along her arm. Hot tears coursed down her cheeks and she blinked several times as her vision went blurry. Her efforts to curl into herself failed due to the bounds holding her in place, and she whimpered, unable to stop herself.<\/p>\n
Darla grinned, walking away and reaching down over a table placed in one of the corners of the dark room. When she straightened, there was a mobile phone in her hand. She grinned menacingly, flipping it open. \u201cNow *this* is the fun part.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
He was making her head hurt.<\/p>\n
Buffy sighed as she watched Angel pace a groove into the floor of the hotel. His body was tense and fear radiated off him in waves. It was making her head spin, and his panic was doing nothing to quell the growing dread in her own heart. Spike\u2019s hand on her shoulder was reassuring but she still felt sick to her stomach, and her head still hurt from the blow she had taken.<\/p>\n
She had calmed down considerably since the drug had worn off and had been able to tell the group what had happened with Cordy. But the panic inside her hadn\u2019t subsided and by the looks of everyone else, they all felt the same way.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere in the lobby of the hotel was morose, and each of her friends wore an anxious expression \u2013 which also, incidentally, did nothing to calm her apprehension. Everyone was staring worriedly at the vampire in the centre of the foyer as he walked backwards and forwards, his body rigid, his face sullen.<\/p>\n
Buffy finally stood, rubbing the back of her neck. \u201cAngel, I\u2019m so sor – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault,\u201d Angel said quietly, running a hand through his hair, \u201cyou tried to protect her.\u201d He shook his head, palming his face. \u201cThis is my fault. She went into that alley because of me, because I wouldn\u2019t let her go by herself. She was trying to prove a point.\u201d He whimpered lowly, \u201cGod, this is all my fault\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy felt her eyes sting, and she blinked quickly, taking comfort in Spike\u2019s presence when he took a step closer to her, pressing his palm against the small of her back. His voice was low when he spoke, his tone serious.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll find her, Peaches.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel glanced at him. \u201cShe\u2019s still alive. I know she is,\u201d his voice was broken, soft, as though he were reassuring himself, \u201cI\u2019ll never forgive myself if\u2026I couldn\u2019t cope \u2013 she has to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy nodded. \u201cShe is. And we\u2019ll find her, Angel. I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou *promised* to take care of her too,\u201d Gunn snapped, rising from his seat, anger and helplessness getting the better of him. \u201cThat bit the damn dust – \u201d<\/p>\n
Buffy\u2019s heart sank.<\/p>\n
\u201cGunn.\u201d Wesley warned, his voice firm, \u201cCalm down. Fighting with each other is going to get us nowhere. The situation is grave. Cordelia is in danger and we are not going to let anything happen to her but arguing and pacing a groove into the floor – \u201d he shot a pointed look at Angel who immediately stopped, \u201cis not going to return her safely to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gunn stared at him for a few seconds. Then he huffed, and glanced at Buffy, sinking back into his seat. \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
She waved him off. \u201cNo, I\u2019m sorry, I should\u2019ve\u2026\u201d she trailed off, biting her lip. \u201cDrusilla just came out of nowhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou couldn\u2019t have known, luv.\u201d Spike wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she accepted the embrace gratefully, her tired body sinking into his. He felt wonderful, like a strong and steady wall when everything around her was falling apart.<\/p>\n
They had only just arrived.<\/p>\n
How had it all gone so wrong?<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to do something.\u201d Willow said, breaking the tension and earning several sharp looks for her trouble. She swallowed. \u201cUm, sorry. I have a knack for stating the obvious.\u201d Behind her, Xander patted her back.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo we have a plan?\u201d Fred asked from behind the counter.<\/p>\n
\u201cHere\u2019s the plan,\u201d Angel leapt up and threw open the doors of the weapons cabinet, grabbing his broadsword, a crossbow and pocketing a stake, \u201cI find Cordelia, kill Darla and Drusilla and bring Cordy home safely.\u201d<\/p>\n
Xander rolled his eyes. \u201cThere\u2019s a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel ignored him, grabbing his coat.<\/p>\n
\u201cHold on, Angel.\u201d Wesley grabbed his arm. \u201cWhere on earth do you propose to start looking?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, Wes. Right now I don\u2019t care. All I know is that I have to find her. I can\u2019t just sit here and – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe all want to find her Angel.\u201d Wesley said gently, \u201cAnd we\u2019ll work better as a team. Sit down, let\u2019s sort out what we\u2019re going to do. Searching blindly is just going to waste time and could be detrimental to Cordy\u2019s safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel stared at him. \u201cI have to find her.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will.\u201d Wesley said, his voice firm. \u201cI know it\u2019s difficult Angel, but you must be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a few quiet seconds, the vampire finally relented. \u201cFine.\u201d He took a seat between Gunn and Willow on the setae, dumping his weapons on the ground.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d Wesley let out a breath. \u201cSo – \u201d<\/p>\n
A shrill ring interrupted him. Every eye in the room shot to the telephone that sat on the counter. Angel stared at the phone in shock, then glanced at Wesley.<\/p>\n
The answering machine kicked in. \u201cAngel Investigations, we help the helpless. We\u2019re sorry we\u2019re unable to take your call at the moment but please leave a message after the tone and we\u2019ll get back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beep.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello lover.\u201d<\/p>\n
It all happened in a split second. Angel lunged for the receiver, clutching it tightly in his right hand and holding it up to his ear.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a pause. Then, \u201cDarling boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Fear coiled around Angel\u2019s heart. \u201cDarla.\u201d He spat the name.<\/p>\n
Spike immediately came to stand opposite Angel. Wesley, Gunn and Fred moved behind the counter, and Buffy, Xander and Willow walked over, standing behind Spike. Every eye was on Angel, every ear straining to hear Darla\u2019s words.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch hatred!\u201d Darla laughed. \u201cOh Angelus\u2026I miss the love with which you said my name.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI never loved you.\u201d Angel growled.<\/p>\n
Darla\u2019s laughter ceased and her voice became low, deadly. \u201cDo you really think insulting me is going to save your little Cordelia?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you hurt her – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Angel\u2026\u201d Darla sighed melodramatically, \u201cWhen will you learn that threats don\u2019t work? They only serve to put her in more danger.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want, Darla?\u201d Angel snapped.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh darling boy, isn\u2019t it obvious?\u201d Darla crooned. \u201cI want you. It\u2019s all I\u2019ve ever wanted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike switched the speakerphone on and Angel placed the receiver back into its cradle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want you back, Angelus.\u201d Darla continued. \u201cI can\u2019t bear what you\u2019ve become. First the slayer, now this little bitch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angel heard a loud thumping sound in the background, like a solid fist connecting with flesh. Cordy groaned, then whimpered slightly. His heart jolted. \u201cDon\u2019t hurt her, please – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlready have.\u201d Darla giggled. \u201cAnd I plan on doing much worse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a shuffling sound and a maniacal laugh sounded through the line. Angel\u2019s eyes widened and locked with Spike\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cDrusilla.\u201d Spike whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh Daddy\u2026\u201d Drusilla whispered seductively, \u201cShe is beautiful. I can see why you love her.\u201d Angel heard Cordelia\u2019s heartbeat pounding louder and louder, which meant that Drusilla was nearing her. There was a short, strange noise \u2013 then Cordelia screamed, a blood curdling sound that made all the blood in Angel\u2019s body freeze.<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm\u2026\u201d Drusilla murmured, slurping slightly. \u201cShe tastes good too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo – \u201d Angel choked. Opposite him, he saw Fred and Willow clamp their hands over their mouths and turn away. Buffy had her face pressed against Spike\u2019s back, her eyes tightly closed. Wesley looked anxious, Xander looked terrified and Gunn looked as though he wanted to pummel something.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t do this, Dru\u2026\u201d Spike said softly, his expression a mask of sadness. Buffy\u2019s hold on his arm tightened but he didn\u2019t seem to notice.<\/p>\n
Drusilla laughed loudly, crazily. Then suddenly she stopped, her tone snappy. \u201cYou don\u2019t get a say, my sweet. I came to you, again and again and again\u2026\u201d she drifted off, her voice forlorn, \u201cand you turned me away. Bad Spike.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike closed his eyes. \u201cDru – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBad Spike!\u201d She screeched, making everyone in the lobby of the hotel wince. A deafening smack sounded again and Angel felt his stomach lurch as the distinct sound of Cordelia brokenly panting could now be heard \u2013 as though she were holding in a sob.<\/p>\n
Once again there was a shuffle. Then, \u201cDrusilla, my love, when did you start smoking?\u201d Darla sang, her tone heavy with sardonic delight. \u201cPut that out right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly\u2026\u201d Dru giggled, feigning cluelessness. \u201cBut where?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh God\u2026\u201d Fred whispered, turning her head into Wesley\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n
Cordelia screamed in agony, as Drusilla stubbed the cigarette into her good arm, the pain making her skin scorch and her eyes water. She whimpered like a wounded animal and in that split second the strength she had sustained so defiantly cracked. A sob escaped her throat and after two excruciating attempts to move, she hung her head limply, resignedly, as her arm throbbed and blistered in pain.<\/p>\n
Angel doubled over, grabbing his stomach as the bile crept up his throat. He found he couldn\u2019t breathe, which was odd since he had never needed to, but now the lack of air seemed to be suffocating him. The fear and nausea bubbling inside him made him feel dizzy. Warm hands grabbed his arms in an attempt to steady him, and he recognized them as Buffy\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Darla laughed sadistically. \u201cGoodbye, lover.\u201d The line went dead.<\/p>\n
Angel pushed Buffy\u2019s hands away and ran out into the courtyard, collapsing, vomiting onto the grass. He coughed and his body shuddered as he struggled to regain control of it, but every time he thought of Cordelia the bile rose in his throat once again.<\/p>\n
Back in the lobby, no one spoke. Willow clasped her fingers against her mouth, not bothering to hide the tears that wet her cheeks. Wesley\u2019s eyes were moist as he tried to console Fred, and Gunn was gripping the counter hard enough to leave imprints on it.<\/p>\n
Buffy swallowed the lump in her throat. \u201cThis isn\u2019t happening\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is.\u201d Spike said shortly, gravely.<\/p>\n
\u201cWay to make her feel better, Spike.\u201d Xander bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no fucking point!\u201d Spike snapped, his shoulders tense. \u201cYou want fairytales and happy endings Harris? Tough. Cordelia\u2019s in hell right now, and you\u2019re acting like everything\u2019s fucking peachy – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am not.\u201d Xander growled through gritted teeth. \u201cDon\u2019t talk to me like I don\u2019t care, you bas – \u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright!\u201d Gunn yelled, slamming his fist onto the table. \u201cThis ain\u2019t helping anyone, especially not Cordelia, and as someone who *definitely* cares about her more than you two, I\u2019m only gonna say this once \u2013 if you don\u2019t have anything useful to say, shut the fuck up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spike and Xander both glowered at each other, then looked away.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to do something.\u201d Wesley said softly, shaking his head. \u201cBefore this kills Cordelia. Or worse\u2026\u201d he stared out into the courtyard, \u201cboth of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth of – \u201d Willow looked at him questioningly, then followed his gaze to Angel, on his knees in the courtyard. \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever we do, we have to do it fast.\u201d Buffy said, glancing at Angel through the darkness. \u201cCordy doesn\u2019t have much time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The grave truth stood before them all \u2013 Cordelia didn\u2019t have much time. But Buffy hoped and prayed for all their sakes, especially Angel\u2019s, that she had enough.<\/p>\n