Interior: Hospital
Willow is sitting at Tara's bedside.
Tara: Why can't you see that this all comes back to you?
Willow: Tara, I know you're trying to help me, but why did you have to bring Angel into this? Not to mention Oz?
Tara: I didn't bring them into anything. They've always been there. I just made you see it.
Willow: Even if that's true, you shouldn't have come here. Now it's not only me that's at risk. Buffy could get really hurt here.
Tara: Buffy? I don't understand. (eyes widen) Oh, you mean Buffy seeing Angel again. You're right. But I never intended for her to be involved. I just wanted to come here, talk to Angel and find out once and for all if my theory was right.
Willow: I don't see how it could be. If Angel knew that the curse wasn't intact, he would have run to Buffy. It's the only reason he left in the first place.
Tara: What if he doesn't know? If he never had reason to question it, he would never have taken the chance of finding out the truth. Willow, you wanted to prove that black magic could be used for good. It just got out of hand. But if you knew for a fact that your magic didn't do it then you could see that your power didn't lie with the dark forces. The strongest magic in you is good Willow. I want you to see that.
Willow: Oh Tara. I'm so sorry I've caused you such pain.
Tara: (Frustrated) No! Don't do that! Don't do that to yourself! (Beginning to tire) Willow, your guilt is what's feeding your problem. You have to stop shouldering all the resp...responsibil...(Can't finish the word)
Willow: (Bending closer to run a hand across Tara's forehead) SShh. Just rest Tara. Everything's going to be fine...I promise.
Willow watches Tara's eyelids flutter closed and turns to look at the closed door behind her.
Cut to Stairwell
Cordy is rushing down the stairs as fast as she can pushing back the tears when Angel grabs her arm from behind.
Angel: Cordelia would you wait!
Cordy: (Shaking her head not looking at him) No Angel. I want to get out of here. Let me go.
Angel: Not until you tell me what's going on. It was a dream Cordy, I know it was just a dream. Please...
Cordy: (pulling her arm loose and stopping on the stairs) How can you be so sure?
Angel: What?
Cordy: (Turning to face him) Angel, I'm vision girl. That's what I do. I have visions of things that are going to happen so we can stop them.
Angel: Yes Cordelia, you have visions. But this was a dream. Can't you see the difference?
Cordy: I thought I could. But this dream was different. It was so real. (Her eyes well with tears and she looks away) Willow was right. I was going to kill you...I wanted to kill you.
Angel: (Stepping down to force her to look at him) Cordy, look at me. (Raises her chin with his fingers) Whatever is happening here is not real. These dreams, maybe they're trying to tell all of us something, but it doesn't make them real. I need you to help me. I can't figure this out without you. Please...
Cordy: (Searches his eyes for a moment before stepping back so his hand drops) Buffy's here. She can figure this out better than any of us. That's what she does. She figures things out and tells the rest of us what to do. You don't need me for that.
Angel: That's what she did in Sunnydale. When you were in high school. This isn't high school anymore Cordelia. Everything's different.
Cordy: Is it?
She seems to be asking more than what Angel understands. He doesn't answer at first.
Angel: I want them to go home. They have to go home Cordy. I can't let Buffy find out about Connor. We have to figure this out so she'll go. Will you please come back with me and help me?
Cordy: (Seems to be a bit hurt by his words but covers) She'll find out someday Angel. You can't hide it forever.
Angel: I know. (Looks down) But not now, not like this. If you help me now, maybe that dream you had will make sense. Or at least not seem so real anymore. (He holds out his hand to lead her back up the stairs)
Cordy looks from his face to his hand and back again
Cordy: You're right. But can you just give me a minute? (Angel drops his hand awkwardly) I just don't want them to see me all tear-stained and stuff. I'll meet you up there.
Angel: (Hesitates) I guess. You swear you're coming back?
Cordy: (Forcing a smile) Stop being such a baby! Don't I always follow you into the unknown?
Angel: (Smiling) It's a waiting room Cordy. Not the inquisition. Just hurry up.
Angel leaves and Cordy watches until the door closes behind him.
Cordy: I'm thinking the inquisition would be better.
Cut to waiting room
The group's uncomfortable reunion I beginning to take it's toll
Xander: So who else is longing for the days of the mayor's ascension? Call me crazy but this is all way surreal.
Oz: I think I'm with you on that one Xander. At least there's new faces this go round.
Oz looks from Spike to Gunn.
Spike: And the newest face isn't even here.
Buffy: What?
Spike: I think our old boy Angel would has brought the newest of new faces into the mix.
Buffy: Spike, what are you talking about?
Wes: I can't believe you're even here. (Trying to interrupt the topic of conversation) When did you cross over?
Oz: Yeah, I'd be interested to hear that story.
Xander: As fun as discussing Spike and all his charm would be guys, I'm thinking maybe a good Army style need-to-know-basis for any future discussion might be best here.
Gunn: Were you in the Army?
Xander: (Rolling his eyes at Gunn) Miss the point much?
Tara's door opens and Willow calls out to Oz. He goes to her and Buffy says that she'll be right in. The door closes again.
Buffy: (Looking at Gunn and Wes) So do either of you want to venture a guess as to where Cordelia and Angel went?
Gunn: Who knows? Those two have heart to hearts more and more these days. I've stopped asking.
Buffy seems a bit bothered by this revelation.
Wes: I'm sure they'll be back soon Buffy. Angel knows we need to expedite this matter so we can all get on.
Spike: I bet Angel wants to expedite this more than any of us, wouldn't you agree? I bet he's praying that this 'matter' will be resolved ever so quickly before any other 'matters' come up. Am I right mate?
Wes: Spike, I'm sure I don't know to what you're referring.
Spike: (Smiling and looking to make sure that Buffy is listening) Do you hear this one love? He's all respectable and such. I can't imagine why he wouldn't want you to know about Angel's other 'matters', can you?
Buffy: (Confused) I don't think I know what you're getting at Spike. We're here about the dreams. If Angel has other things going on in his life, that's none of my...our business. What do you think you know?
Angel: (From doorway) Yes Spike, what do you think you know? Oh wait, I forgot, you couldn't know anything. You couldn't think you know anything either, because you don't think.
Spike: (Turning in anger) That's what you'd have her believe isn't it? You are the only one worthy enough to have anything to offer, right? But I was at your place a bit earlier friend. And I saw exactly what you have to offer now. Who was that again Wes?
Angel looks past Spike at Wes to see him obviously unsure of what to say.
Xander: (Looking from Buffy to Angel and then Spike) Um...oh yeah that green guy. What's with the demon Angel? That was a demon right? Boy he was something else.
Spike: What are you bloody talking about? That demon was nothing compared to the girl walking in with...
Wes: (Interrupting loudly) Did you find Cordelia Angel?
Angel sees what Wes is doing and nervously shifts his feet watching Spike closely.
Cordy: I'm here! (Walking in smiling) So let's make with the dreamscape so I can go home already. (Notices the tension) What? What did I miss?
Buffy: For once, I'm with you Cordelia. (Looks at Spike and then Angel) What's the what?
Anya: I told Xander about the people we saw at the hotel. Right honey? Spike's just blabbing to hear himself speak. (To Xander) That's good huh? I helped cover up, did you see that?
Xander: Yes Anya. That's my stealthy betrothed. (Pats here hand on his arm)
Cordy: Betrothed?
Buffy: So Angel has a demon living with him. So what. It's not the first time and it probably won't be the last.
Cordy hears Buffy's innocent words and takes them as a personal attack.
Cordy: Who are you to talk? You hang out with evil vamps and witches not to mention ex-demons. (Points at Anya)
Anya: Are you attacking me? Are you trying to insult me? I can't help what I used to be you know. We all change and grow and morph into the people that we eventually become. If I wasn't ever a vengeance demon, I would never have ended up here and never have found my Xander. We all make choices in life and sometimes their not the best ones, but if it weren't for the bad ones, we'd never get to the good ones...
Buffy: Anya! (Anya snaps her mouth shut) Kind of losing sight here. Cordelia, I didn't intend to offend you or Angel or any of your associates, I just want to get this done. Are you finished with the hasty exits?
Angel: Cordelia's fine. (Buffy is surprised to hear him answer for her) Let's just get back in there and finish this.
Spike: You only wish it were that simple Angel.
Angel: (Walks to stand in front of Spike) Would you like it not to be?
Xander: Look, it's just like old times.
Buffy: (Touches Angel's arm and he looks at her) Don't. We need to go.
Angel looks back at Spike threateningly before nodding and allowing Buffy to lead him into Tara's room.
Cut to Hotel
Connor is crying hysterically and Fred is trying everything she can to calm him. Lorne stands to the side rubbing his temples.
Lorne: That is not the cry of a happy baby.
Fred: I don't know what else to do. He's not wet, he's not hungry. Nothing works.
Lorne: Maybe we should call for reinforcements.
Fred: We can't! Wes said to keep Connor away from all those people no matter what. Lorne: Well that was before Connor here started wailing incessantly. What do you say I call Wesley and let him hear what we're going through. Maybe he'll have some ideas.
Fred: I guess calling him would be okay. Just make sure no one else hears you.
Lorne: Yes ma'am.
He leaves to make the call as Fred shushes Connor for the thirtieth time.
Cut to Hospital
Tara's room
Cordy, Buffy and Angel enter the room to find Oz and Willow talking quietly at the side of Tara's bed. She's still asleep.
Buffy: Okay, let's see if we can go through this again.
Willow: Are you okay Cordelia?
Cordy nods and Oz stands up.
Oz: Willow and I have been talking. This spell that Tara did seems to have somehow overlapped into all our dreams. We think it has to do with Willow's magic. She's used magic in our names so to speak. At least most of us. Angel, she started with you and the curse. The, she did the will spell after I left.
Buffy: But that didn't affect you. It affected Xander, Giles, me and...well me. So why wouldn't the others be having these dreams.
Willow: It's not about who it affected. It's about reasons for doing it. I cursed Angel trying to save him. I did the will spell trying to get over Oz. I did the forgetting spell on Tara so we wouldn't fight. I did the resurrection spell to save you Buffy. That's why all of our dreams have been intertwined.
Cordy: But what about me? I haven't been around you for years. Why am I seeing these dreams?
Willow: That's what we need to figure out. You're the one thing I can't figure. Why would you suddenly be in my dreams? It has to have something to do with what we saw. It has to involve why you were fighting Angel. Why you changed.
Angel: You said that before. What do you mean she changed?
Willow looks at Cordy waiting for her to answer. Buffy watches the look of panic cross over Cordy's features.
Buffy: Something's happened.
Angel: What?
Buffy: Cordelia, something's happened to you. I know that look. I've had it myself since I've been back.
Angel: What are you talking about? Buffy, you don't know anything about what might have happened with Cordelia. You haven't been here. This isn't Sunnydale High. Am I the only one that sees that?
Buffy: I didn't say it was Angel. I know you know Cordy better than I do now. I'm not implying otherwise. But you don't know this. There's just some things that you couldn't know. Willow?
Willow: (Standing up) Right. Oz, Angel, we need to give Buffy and Cordy a minute.
Oz: Huh?
Angel: What? I'm not going anywhere.
Cordy: (Still looking at Buffy) It's okay. Angel, give us a minute.
Angel doesn't want to move but Cordy waves him out. He looks at Buffy and she gives him a silent nod. The three exit the room.
Buffy: You two have gotten pretty close.
Cordy: It was bound to happen. We work together.
Buffy: Yeah, I remember that...
Cut to Waiting room
Wes is speaking quietly on his cell when Angel, Willow and Oz walk in.
Xander: (Standing up) What happened? Are we done? Where's Buffy? And Cordy?
Willow: They're having a girl talk.
Xander: What?
Oz: Don't ask us. (Shrugs and sits down)
Angel: (Walks to Gunn) Who's Wesley talking to?
Gunn: I think it's Lorne. He's trying to keep it on the down low so I'm not for sure.
Angel walks to Wes just as he hangs up the phone.
Angel: Was that Lorne? Is something wrong?
Wes: No. (Looks around to ensure their privacy) Connor's putting them through their paces is all. Fred can't calm the boy.
Angel: Should we go?
Spike: (Striding from across the room) Going to check on the lass are we? Angel spins to face him.
Wes: What are you going on about now Spike?
Spike: It's alright. Nobody else heard you Wes. You've been around Angel too long. You've forgotten the basic rules. We tend to have the keen sense of hearing. Almost as keen as smell. Isn't that right angel? So tell me, can you hear your boy crying from here?
Angel growls and grabs Spike by the collar. Everyone in the room stands instantly aware of the events.
Xander: Spike! Angel, back off.
Angel: (Still looking at Spike) Tell me Xander, why is it that for three years, I could do nothing right in your eyes. And now suddenly you're defending the one person who proved themselves to be worthy of your hatred?
Spike: (Smirking)I guess you just don't have any people skills.
Angel shakes Spike forcefully and Gunn and Wes step in between them forcing Angel to let go.
Angel: I'm warning you Spike. You have no idea what you're risking here. Stay out of my life.
Spike: Nothing would make me happier. Unfortunately, I don't go without the Slayer. So you're stuck with me. Maybe you should concentrate on keeping your life away from us, hmmm?
Willow: This isn't going to accomplish anything. Angel, I think we all agree that the best thing here is to take care of this as quickly as possible and us all to go our separate ways. Buffy's been through enough this last year and I think you have too.
Angel seems surprised that Willow knows so much but doesn't argue.
Willow: Spike, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we leave. Something tells me this might be the last time any of us will cross paths for a very long time. I want the pain to stop.
Spike: We agree on that Red. I won't be the cause of any more pain for Buffy. So what about you Angel?
Angel: (His eyes narrow at the obvious emotion in Spike's tone) The only thing that's important is putting this all to rest. Once and for all.
Wes: Good then. So let's all try and keep things in perspective while Buffy and Cordelia finish what they started.
Cut to hotel
Lorne walks in as Fred is rocking Connor. He's slowed to a whine.
Lorne: (Whispering) You seem to have made improvements.
Fred: (Whispers) Don't jinx it.
Lorne: (Holds hands up) Understood. Wes said they might be while. He said if things get too bad to call him back and he'll figure something out.
Fred nods and looks down at Connor sucking on his fingers. She begins to hum softly and Connors eyes grow heavy.
Lorne listens and begins to smile before it fades to a look of concern. He raises his hand to his temple as another reading begins.
Cut to Tara's room
Buffy and Cordelia face off in silence as Tara sleeps.
Buffy: I've been trying to find a missing part of myself since I came back. It wasn't until recently that I realized that maybe nothing was missing. Maybe something had been added.
Cordy: I'm not sure I follow.
Buffy: I think you do. You've had the visions for a while now. See, you got something from Doyle. But what you don't know is that he got something from you.
Cordy: You don't know Doyle. You can't talk about him.
Buffy: But I do Cordelia. I thought it was just a dream, but it wasn't. He was showing me something and I didn't figure it out until now. He said that he's been watching me since then.
Cordy: What? Why would he watch you? If he watched over anyone it would be me...or Angel.
Buffy: This isn't a contest Cordelia. It doesn't mean that he loves you any less. He had no choice. You got his visions and he got your Sunnydale.
Cordy: What?
Buffy: He told me that you had issues with Sunnydale, with high school. He said to make room for the visions, they took it away and gave it to him. It wasn't meant to be, but it happened. Just like the visions weren't supposed to, but they did. He tried to tall me, but I was interrupted. I woke up. But you know the answer don't you?
Cordelia: Buffy, you have no idea what you're talking about. No offense to your mental stability but have you seen a therapist since your back from death escapade? Because I think you have some issue that...
Buffy: (Walks to grab her by the shoulders) Shut up Cordelia. Don't be afraid. It's just me and you. Doyle wanted you to know something, he wanted me to tell you. But I can't figure it out if you don't tell me everything. What's happened? I saw your face when Willow was talking. Something has happened and I'd say pretty recently to make you scared to death of your dream about fighting Angel. Something has happened to make you think it could be real. Something to make you wonder if it could come true. What's happened to you Cordelia? What have you done?
Cordelia begins to cry again as Buffy shakes her by the shoulders and she shakes her head trying to block out the truth...
Willow is sitting at Tara's bedside.
Tara: Why can't you see that this all comes back to you?
Willow: Tara, I know you're trying to help me, but why did you have to bring Angel into this? Not to mention Oz?
Tara: I didn't bring them into anything. They've always been there. I just made you see it.
Willow: Even if that's true, you shouldn't have come here. Now it's not only me that's at risk. Buffy could get really hurt here.
Tara: Buffy? I don't understand. (eyes widen) Oh, you mean Buffy seeing Angel again. You're right. But I never intended for her to be involved. I just wanted to come here, talk to Angel and find out once and for all if my theory was right.
Willow: I don't see how it could be. If Angel knew that the curse wasn't intact, he would have run to Buffy. It's the only reason he left in the first place.
Tara: What if he doesn't know? If he never had reason to question it, he would never have taken the chance of finding out the truth. Willow, you wanted to prove that black magic could be used for good. It just got out of hand. But if you knew for a fact that your magic didn't do it then you could see that your power didn't lie with the dark forces. The strongest magic in you is good Willow. I want you to see that.
Willow: Oh Tara. I'm so sorry I've caused you such pain.
Tara: (Frustrated) No! Don't do that! Don't do that to yourself! (Beginning to tire) Willow, your guilt is what's feeding your problem. You have to stop shouldering all the resp...responsibil...(Can't finish the word)
Willow: (Bending closer to run a hand across Tara's forehead) SShh. Just rest Tara. Everything's going to be fine...I promise.
Willow watches Tara's eyelids flutter closed and turns to look at the closed door behind her.
Cut to Stairwell
Cordy is rushing down the stairs as fast as she can pushing back the tears when Angel grabs her arm from behind.
Angel: Cordelia would you wait!
Cordy: (Shaking her head not looking at him) No Angel. I want to get out of here. Let me go.
Angel: Not until you tell me what's going on. It was a dream Cordy, I know it was just a dream. Please...
Cordy: (pulling her arm loose and stopping on the stairs) How can you be so sure?
Angel: What?
Cordy: (Turning to face him) Angel, I'm vision girl. That's what I do. I have visions of things that are going to happen so we can stop them.
Angel: Yes Cordelia, you have visions. But this was a dream. Can't you see the difference?
Cordy: I thought I could. But this dream was different. It was so real. (Her eyes well with tears and she looks away) Willow was right. I was going to kill you...I wanted to kill you.
Angel: (Stepping down to force her to look at him) Cordy, look at me. (Raises her chin with his fingers) Whatever is happening here is not real. These dreams, maybe they're trying to tell all of us something, but it doesn't make them real. I need you to help me. I can't figure this out without you. Please...
Cordy: (Searches his eyes for a moment before stepping back so his hand drops) Buffy's here. She can figure this out better than any of us. That's what she does. She figures things out and tells the rest of us what to do. You don't need me for that.
Angel: That's what she did in Sunnydale. When you were in high school. This isn't high school anymore Cordelia. Everything's different.
Cordy: Is it?
She seems to be asking more than what Angel understands. He doesn't answer at first.
Angel: I want them to go home. They have to go home Cordy. I can't let Buffy find out about Connor. We have to figure this out so she'll go. Will you please come back with me and help me?
Cordy: (Seems to be a bit hurt by his words but covers) She'll find out someday Angel. You can't hide it forever.
Angel: I know. (Looks down) But not now, not like this. If you help me now, maybe that dream you had will make sense. Or at least not seem so real anymore. (He holds out his hand to lead her back up the stairs)
Cordy looks from his face to his hand and back again
Cordy: You're right. But can you just give me a minute? (Angel drops his hand awkwardly) I just don't want them to see me all tear-stained and stuff. I'll meet you up there.
Angel: (Hesitates) I guess. You swear you're coming back?
Cordy: (Forcing a smile) Stop being such a baby! Don't I always follow you into the unknown?
Angel: (Smiling) It's a waiting room Cordy. Not the inquisition. Just hurry up.
Angel leaves and Cordy watches until the door closes behind him.
Cordy: I'm thinking the inquisition would be better.
Cut to waiting room
The group's uncomfortable reunion I beginning to take it's toll
Xander: So who else is longing for the days of the mayor's ascension? Call me crazy but this is all way surreal.
Oz: I think I'm with you on that one Xander. At least there's new faces this go round.
Oz looks from Spike to Gunn.
Spike: And the newest face isn't even here.
Buffy: What?
Spike: I think our old boy Angel would has brought the newest of new faces into the mix.
Buffy: Spike, what are you talking about?
Wes: I can't believe you're even here. (Trying to interrupt the topic of conversation) When did you cross over?
Oz: Yeah, I'd be interested to hear that story.
Xander: As fun as discussing Spike and all his charm would be guys, I'm thinking maybe a good Army style need-to-know-basis for any future discussion might be best here.
Gunn: Were you in the Army?
Xander: (Rolling his eyes at Gunn) Miss the point much?
Tara's door opens and Willow calls out to Oz. He goes to her and Buffy says that she'll be right in. The door closes again.
Buffy: (Looking at Gunn and Wes) So do either of you want to venture a guess as to where Cordelia and Angel went?
Gunn: Who knows? Those two have heart to hearts more and more these days. I've stopped asking.
Buffy seems a bit bothered by this revelation.
Wes: I'm sure they'll be back soon Buffy. Angel knows we need to expedite this matter so we can all get on.
Spike: I bet Angel wants to expedite this more than any of us, wouldn't you agree? I bet he's praying that this 'matter' will be resolved ever so quickly before any other 'matters' come up. Am I right mate?
Wes: Spike, I'm sure I don't know to what you're referring.
Spike: (Smiling and looking to make sure that Buffy is listening) Do you hear this one love? He's all respectable and such. I can't imagine why he wouldn't want you to know about Angel's other 'matters', can you?
Buffy: (Confused) I don't think I know what you're getting at Spike. We're here about the dreams. If Angel has other things going on in his life, that's none of my...our business. What do you think you know?
Angel: (From doorway) Yes Spike, what do you think you know? Oh wait, I forgot, you couldn't know anything. You couldn't think you know anything either, because you don't think.
Spike: (Turning in anger) That's what you'd have her believe isn't it? You are the only one worthy enough to have anything to offer, right? But I was at your place a bit earlier friend. And I saw exactly what you have to offer now. Who was that again Wes?
Angel looks past Spike at Wes to see him obviously unsure of what to say.
Xander: (Looking from Buffy to Angel and then Spike) Um...oh yeah that green guy. What's with the demon Angel? That was a demon right? Boy he was something else.
Spike: What are you bloody talking about? That demon was nothing compared to the girl walking in with...
Wes: (Interrupting loudly) Did you find Cordelia Angel?
Angel sees what Wes is doing and nervously shifts his feet watching Spike closely.
Cordy: I'm here! (Walking in smiling) So let's make with the dreamscape so I can go home already. (Notices the tension) What? What did I miss?
Buffy: For once, I'm with you Cordelia. (Looks at Spike and then Angel) What's the what?
Anya: I told Xander about the people we saw at the hotel. Right honey? Spike's just blabbing to hear himself speak. (To Xander) That's good huh? I helped cover up, did you see that?
Xander: Yes Anya. That's my stealthy betrothed. (Pats here hand on his arm)
Cordy: Betrothed?
Buffy: So Angel has a demon living with him. So what. It's not the first time and it probably won't be the last.
Cordy hears Buffy's innocent words and takes them as a personal attack.
Cordy: Who are you to talk? You hang out with evil vamps and witches not to mention ex-demons. (Points at Anya)
Anya: Are you attacking me? Are you trying to insult me? I can't help what I used to be you know. We all change and grow and morph into the people that we eventually become. If I wasn't ever a vengeance demon, I would never have ended up here and never have found my Xander. We all make choices in life and sometimes their not the best ones, but if it weren't for the bad ones, we'd never get to the good ones...
Buffy: Anya! (Anya snaps her mouth shut) Kind of losing sight here. Cordelia, I didn't intend to offend you or Angel or any of your associates, I just want to get this done. Are you finished with the hasty exits?
Angel: Cordelia's fine. (Buffy is surprised to hear him answer for her) Let's just get back in there and finish this.
Spike: You only wish it were that simple Angel.
Angel: (Walks to stand in front of Spike) Would you like it not to be?
Xander: Look, it's just like old times.
Buffy: (Touches Angel's arm and he looks at her) Don't. We need to go.
Angel looks back at Spike threateningly before nodding and allowing Buffy to lead him into Tara's room.
Cut to Hotel
Connor is crying hysterically and Fred is trying everything she can to calm him. Lorne stands to the side rubbing his temples.
Lorne: That is not the cry of a happy baby.
Fred: I don't know what else to do. He's not wet, he's not hungry. Nothing works.
Lorne: Maybe we should call for reinforcements.
Fred: We can't! Wes said to keep Connor away from all those people no matter what. Lorne: Well that was before Connor here started wailing incessantly. What do you say I call Wesley and let him hear what we're going through. Maybe he'll have some ideas.
Fred: I guess calling him would be okay. Just make sure no one else hears you.
Lorne: Yes ma'am.
He leaves to make the call as Fred shushes Connor for the thirtieth time.
Cut to Hospital
Tara's room
Cordy, Buffy and Angel enter the room to find Oz and Willow talking quietly at the side of Tara's bed. She's still asleep.
Buffy: Okay, let's see if we can go through this again.
Willow: Are you okay Cordelia?
Cordy nods and Oz stands up.
Oz: Willow and I have been talking. This spell that Tara did seems to have somehow overlapped into all our dreams. We think it has to do with Willow's magic. She's used magic in our names so to speak. At least most of us. Angel, she started with you and the curse. The, she did the will spell after I left.
Buffy: But that didn't affect you. It affected Xander, Giles, me and...well me. So why wouldn't the others be having these dreams.
Willow: It's not about who it affected. It's about reasons for doing it. I cursed Angel trying to save him. I did the will spell trying to get over Oz. I did the forgetting spell on Tara so we wouldn't fight. I did the resurrection spell to save you Buffy. That's why all of our dreams have been intertwined.
Cordy: But what about me? I haven't been around you for years. Why am I seeing these dreams?
Willow: That's what we need to figure out. You're the one thing I can't figure. Why would you suddenly be in my dreams? It has to have something to do with what we saw. It has to involve why you were fighting Angel. Why you changed.
Angel: You said that before. What do you mean she changed?
Willow looks at Cordy waiting for her to answer. Buffy watches the look of panic cross over Cordy's features.
Buffy: Something's happened.
Angel: What?
Buffy: Cordelia, something's happened to you. I know that look. I've had it myself since I've been back.
Angel: What are you talking about? Buffy, you don't know anything about what might have happened with Cordelia. You haven't been here. This isn't Sunnydale High. Am I the only one that sees that?
Buffy: I didn't say it was Angel. I know you know Cordy better than I do now. I'm not implying otherwise. But you don't know this. There's just some things that you couldn't know. Willow?
Willow: (Standing up) Right. Oz, Angel, we need to give Buffy and Cordy a minute.
Oz: Huh?
Angel: What? I'm not going anywhere.
Cordy: (Still looking at Buffy) It's okay. Angel, give us a minute.
Angel doesn't want to move but Cordy waves him out. He looks at Buffy and she gives him a silent nod. The three exit the room.
Buffy: You two have gotten pretty close.
Cordy: It was bound to happen. We work together.
Buffy: Yeah, I remember that...
Cut to Waiting room
Wes is speaking quietly on his cell when Angel, Willow and Oz walk in.
Xander: (Standing up) What happened? Are we done? Where's Buffy? And Cordy?
Willow: They're having a girl talk.
Xander: What?
Oz: Don't ask us. (Shrugs and sits down)
Angel: (Walks to Gunn) Who's Wesley talking to?
Gunn: I think it's Lorne. He's trying to keep it on the down low so I'm not for sure.
Angel walks to Wes just as he hangs up the phone.
Angel: Was that Lorne? Is something wrong?
Wes: No. (Looks around to ensure their privacy) Connor's putting them through their paces is all. Fred can't calm the boy.
Angel: Should we go?
Spike: (Striding from across the room) Going to check on the lass are we? Angel spins to face him.
Wes: What are you going on about now Spike?
Spike: It's alright. Nobody else heard you Wes. You've been around Angel too long. You've forgotten the basic rules. We tend to have the keen sense of hearing. Almost as keen as smell. Isn't that right angel? So tell me, can you hear your boy crying from here?
Angel growls and grabs Spike by the collar. Everyone in the room stands instantly aware of the events.
Xander: Spike! Angel, back off.
Angel: (Still looking at Spike) Tell me Xander, why is it that for three years, I could do nothing right in your eyes. And now suddenly you're defending the one person who proved themselves to be worthy of your hatred?
Spike: (Smirking)I guess you just don't have any people skills.
Angel shakes Spike forcefully and Gunn and Wes step in between them forcing Angel to let go.
Angel: I'm warning you Spike. You have no idea what you're risking here. Stay out of my life.
Spike: Nothing would make me happier. Unfortunately, I don't go without the Slayer. So you're stuck with me. Maybe you should concentrate on keeping your life away from us, hmmm?
Willow: This isn't going to accomplish anything. Angel, I think we all agree that the best thing here is to take care of this as quickly as possible and us all to go our separate ways. Buffy's been through enough this last year and I think you have too.
Angel seems surprised that Willow knows so much but doesn't argue.
Willow: Spike, the sooner we get this done, the sooner we leave. Something tells me this might be the last time any of us will cross paths for a very long time. I want the pain to stop.
Spike: We agree on that Red. I won't be the cause of any more pain for Buffy. So what about you Angel?
Angel: (His eyes narrow at the obvious emotion in Spike's tone) The only thing that's important is putting this all to rest. Once and for all.
Wes: Good then. So let's all try and keep things in perspective while Buffy and Cordelia finish what they started.
Cut to hotel
Lorne walks in as Fred is rocking Connor. He's slowed to a whine.
Lorne: (Whispering) You seem to have made improvements.
Fred: (Whispers) Don't jinx it.
Lorne: (Holds hands up) Understood. Wes said they might be while. He said if things get too bad to call him back and he'll figure something out.
Fred nods and looks down at Connor sucking on his fingers. She begins to hum softly and Connors eyes grow heavy.
Lorne listens and begins to smile before it fades to a look of concern. He raises his hand to his temple as another reading begins.
Cut to Tara's room
Buffy and Cordelia face off in silence as Tara sleeps.
Buffy: I've been trying to find a missing part of myself since I came back. It wasn't until recently that I realized that maybe nothing was missing. Maybe something had been added.
Cordy: I'm not sure I follow.
Buffy: I think you do. You've had the visions for a while now. See, you got something from Doyle. But what you don't know is that he got something from you.
Cordy: You don't know Doyle. You can't talk about him.
Buffy: But I do Cordelia. I thought it was just a dream, but it wasn't. He was showing me something and I didn't figure it out until now. He said that he's been watching me since then.
Cordy: What? Why would he watch you? If he watched over anyone it would be me...or Angel.
Buffy: This isn't a contest Cordelia. It doesn't mean that he loves you any less. He had no choice. You got his visions and he got your Sunnydale.
Cordy: What?
Buffy: He told me that you had issues with Sunnydale, with high school. He said to make room for the visions, they took it away and gave it to him. It wasn't meant to be, but it happened. Just like the visions weren't supposed to, but they did. He tried to tall me, but I was interrupted. I woke up. But you know the answer don't you?
Cordelia: Buffy, you have no idea what you're talking about. No offense to your mental stability but have you seen a therapist since your back from death escapade? Because I think you have some issue that...
Buffy: (Walks to grab her by the shoulders) Shut up Cordelia. Don't be afraid. It's just me and you. Doyle wanted you to know something, he wanted me to tell you. But I can't figure it out if you don't tell me everything. What's happened? I saw your face when Willow was talking. Something has happened and I'd say pretty recently to make you scared to death of your dream about fighting Angel. Something has happened to make you think it could be real. Something to make you wonder if it could come true. What's happened to you Cordelia? What have you done?
Cordelia begins to cry again as Buffy shakes her by the shoulders and she shakes her head trying to block out the truth...