Cut to Tara's room
Willow: I haven't seen Oz for a while now that you mention it.
Dawn: See! We can't go anywhere yet. Oz is missing. You need our help.
Buffy: I don't think he's missing. I'm sure he'll be back. I can't deal with all of you at once.
Dawn: You can't ever deal with me.
Buffy: (Walking closer to Dawn) Please. I know I ask a lot of you but this is all too much. Whatever's going on here is going to be finished soon. I promise. Xander?
Xander: (Stepping forward to touch Dawn's arm) Come on Dawn. We need to go. I don't like it either, but she knows what she's doing. I think.
Anya: I'm ready! The store needs to be opened. Let's go. We'll see you guys back in Sunnydale right?
Willow: Tara's doctor said she'll be released within a few hours. They just want to watch her concussion. We'll be along soon.
Cordy: That's the first sensible thing I've heard all night. Although, I'm sure you could all go now and Angel and the rest of us can finish this up.
Buffy: Cordelia, don't push your luck. Don't think I've forgotten my head injury.
Spike: So it's true then? You got yourself knocked out by the likes of this one?
Cordy: Hey!
Willow: Spike, don't.
Buffy: Why don't you go back with the others?
Spike: Don't be absurd. I won't be leaving without you.
Cordy: Why am I sensing possessiveness?
Buffy: Cordelia...
Xander: Well, I'll call when we get back home.
Buffy: Thanks Xander. Dawn I'll see you soon?
Dawn: Whatever.
The three leave and Buffy turns back to Angel for a moment watching him sleep.
Cordy: So when is this spell going to wear off?
Tara: I'm not sure. I kind of assumed they'd wake up together.
Buffy: Angel had something to take care of.
Cordy: What would Angel have to take care of in your dream?
Buffy: (Levels her gaze on Cordy watching her reaction) His son.
Cut to Angel's dream
Doyle: I've seen a lot in my time with Buffy you know. That girls been through things that no human is meant to survive. And she didn't.
Angel: Can we move this along? I already knew about the death thing. But unless you didn't notice, I have a son to think about and get back to.
Doyle: Amazing. I can remember a time when the girl was your world. Even when you didn't want her to be.
Angel: Well if you've seen everything you claim to have, you'd know that things have changed.
Doyle: Right. People move on. Distance and time can ease the pain.
Angel: Something like that.
Doyle: And you still believe that you did the right thing, the noble thing.
Angel: I did what had to be done.
Doyle: Cause you're a champion. That's what they call you right?
Angel doesn't respond.
Doyle: You're still playing the part of the martyr who gave up his one shot at happiness for the good of the world. For the good of the girl.
Angel: Why are we wasting time discussing the past?
Doyle: (Laughs) Almost three centuries and you still don't get it. Angel, you don't have a past. Not like other people...normal people. Her either. You two are warriors. You live moment to moment. You can't afford to live in the past, there's too much to do in the now.
Angel: And we do what needs to be done.
Doyle: Yeah, I've heard you say that a million times. But let me ask you something. In the big picture, the grand scheme of things, how did the martyr end up getting the best of both worlds?
Angel: You lost me.
Doyle: I thought I might. Okay let's do it this way. From what I can see, the martyr, meaning you, the one who left her to protect her from pain, to save her from a life of heartache and misery, has come out on this end of time with everything she was supposed to have. (Angel seems overwhelmed) You have friends with a bond that grows stronger every day, while she watches her bonds of friendship fade more and more. You have a prophecy telling of redemption and reward, while she has only the promise of a lifetime of fighting until she loses one too many battles and that time the friends she once had won't be there to bring her back. You are experiencing a new love where she has only found failure in every relationship she attempts until she ended up with...well not you. And finally, you have a son, the one thing you claimed was your motivation for leaving. To give her the opportunity to have a family, but she's alone and look at you. And all you can think about is getting her out of town so you can continue down your path to mortality. I don't have a dictionary on me Angel, but I'm pretty sure the girl's picture must be right next to the word martyr.
Angel: (Angry) Are you finished? So you think you know what's happening so well huh? You have no idea what I've been through the last year.
Doyle: Let me guess, poor Angel was tempted by his sire only to give in and discover his calling anew. Epiphany was it? Yeah, you poor thing. You had some sex finally, reclaimed your righteousness and got the bonus of an offspring. You poor thing.
Angel: Do you have a point?
Doyle: Do you even care why I brought her here?
Angel: I care that she's here. Is that enough?
Doyle: No, but it'll have to do. You have your work cut out for you. The child is the beginning of a whole new level of pain. I thought she could help prepare you.
Angel: Prepare me?
Doyle: You've gone soft. I know you don't want the boy to experience evil and all it's faces so young in life, but face it, it's not avoidable. He was conceived in it for Christ's sake!
Angel: I was not evil!
Doyle: Here we go again. Would you stop defending your honor? These people have seen you, all the sides of you. What are you trying to hide?
Angel: Obviously nothing if you have any say in it.
Doyle: You know what. I'm starting to wish I hadn't ever done this.
Angel: You're not alone.
Doyle: (Turns to walk away) Forget it.
Angel: Don't you leave like that! Why was Connor here? Where did Buffy go? Why did she have to find out like that?
Doyle: She had to find out. That's the bottom line. Guess what? They gave you plenty of time to do it your own way. But I guess you were too busy with the fleshy stuff.
Angel: I thought you couldn't see LA or any of us.
Doyle: I can't see you. But I shared a major connection with Cordy before I left. I can feel her. I can feel what she feels.
Angel: What does that mean?
Doyle: It means I knew it all along. And you did too.
Angel: Doyle...
Doyle: (Holds up a hand) Don't. I'm dead. My work here is done. I wish I could say the same for you. If I might make one suggestion.
Angel: By all means.
Doyle: Stop pretending to do things for the sake of others. If you can't protect yourself from love, how can you possibly expect to do it for them?
Interior: Tara's room
Cordy: Buffy, what did you see?
Buffy: I think you heard me the first time. And personally, I don't think I can handle saying it again.
Cordy: Whatever you think you saw, it was just a dream. You can't know if it's real.
Buffy: If it wasn't real then you wouldn't be here right now would you Cord?
Spike: Can I be let in on the subtext here?
Cordy: How about if I let you in on the sun?
Willow: Cordelia!
Cordy: (innocently) What? What is the deal with you guys and Spike all the sudden? Buffy, don't you remember what he did to Angel when he came here for that stupid ring of whatever? He tortured him! How can you be friendly with him? I don't care what they did to his head. I thought you were supposed to have loved Angel?
Buffy: I don't think you want to go there.
Tara: Guys. I think he's waking up.
Everyone turns to see Angel shifting in the chair. His hands are gripping the arms so tightly one snaps off. Buffy and Cordy both run to kneel on either side of him. Spike watches with disgust.
Interior: Dark room
Angel: So let me get this straight. You brought Buffy here so you could tell me that you know about something that I don't even know about for sure?
Doyle: You know. You believed it the second that Fred girl told you. Champions and all, fighting the good fight side by side. It's meant to be right? Haven't you been down that road once before? Didn't you have to leave to escape the pain it caused. But it's different now right? Everything's different now. You're making with the grown up talk right? Not high school anymore right? So why haven't you told her about the last time you saw her?
Angel: (Growing uncomfortable) What?
Doyle: I was there. She came back, you called, you had to see each other. I was there. I'm the only one besides the two of you that know what really happened that night. You thought you could go the rest of your life and never mention it. She did the same. She wouldn't talk when she got back. Hasn't mentioned it since.
Angel: You shouldn't have been there.
Doyle: Maybe not. But I was. I didn't ask to be. Believe me, after a few minutes, I didn't want to be. And I wish I could deny the memory like the two of you have done so well, but I can't. You want to save Connor from a tragic fate? Then protect him from yours. He won't be here long, not like now. Things are changing fast Angel. Lose sight of the truth and you're going to lose him. Deny the facts and you're going to deny your son. Blink and you're gonna miss him. The path of true love doth never run smooth...for anyone. Life is fleeting, bonds are breakable, lies are forgivable, love is infallible. You want to remember your past and learn from it, great. But tell them all this one thing. You live in the past, it could cost you the present and deny your future. You can't have one with out the other two. Take one away and you'll have none. Your destiny is set in stone, your path to it is your choice. So what's it gonna be? If she leave now, you'll never know the truth. she's the key. Buffy brought you into this world. The one with love and pain and pleasure. She might not be the one you die for anymore, but she's the one your son will fight for. He can go either way you see. You're looking for the bad guys out to get him, what about the demons within? Everyone's got 'em. You, Buffy, Cordelia, even little Connor.
Angel: Are you telling me my son's evil?
Doyle: A child could never be evil. All are born innocent.
Angel: I thought you were going to do something to help! You said you could save the day. All I hear is a lot of babble. What's the point?
Doyle: I'm finished with you. You have everything you need. Just open your eyes. I've told you what needs to be done.
Angel: You've told me nothing!
Doyle: (Points up into the darkness) I'll be watching. Open your eyes...
Cut to Angel springing up and awake. He opens his eyes and sees Buffy and Cordy both hovering over him. He struggles to focus on what Doyle said and looks from one to the other.
Cordy: Angel, it's me. Are you alright?
Angel: (Whispers) Buffy.
Buffy: Yeah I'm here. What is it?
Angel: It's Cordy.
Cordy: Me?
Angel: (looks from Cordy to Buffy) We need to talk.
Cut to Hyperion
Wes has fallen asleep with a hand on the bassinet when Gunn walks downstairs from his nap.
The phone rings and he rushes to answer it before they awaken.
Gunn: Hello. (Pause) What do you want? (Pause) I don't think that's your concern. (pause) No, we've got it covered. No I haven't seen him. (pause) I'll keep an eye out. (pause) Why would he tell you to call? Where is he?(pause) You tell one of them to call me directly and I'll listen. Yeah right.
He hangs up the phone and sees Wes walking form the side.
Wes: Who was that?
Gunn: It was that Spike cat. He's trying to claim that Angel and Cordy want us to bring Connor to the hospital. I told him I don't listen to strangers.
Wes: Why would Spike want us to bring Connor to...oh I think I see.
Gunn: What?
Wes: Cordy ran out of here and demanded that I keep all prying eyes from Connor. I think she had a vision concerning Angel.
Gunn: Did she say what it was?
Wes: I got the impression it was of personal nature.
Gunn: I don't...oh I get it. Cordy's feeling a little threatened by the ex?
Wes: I don't think Cordy's the only one feeling threatened.
Gunn: Huh? (Realizing) Oh, you think Spike's...geez, what kind of Slayer has a vampire fetish? Interior: Tara's room
Tara: Willow, maybe you could help me.
Willow sees that she means help her so they can leave the others alone as does Buffy.
Buffy: Don't be absurd Tara. I'm not going to let you get out of that bed in some silly show of respect for...well whatever it is that might be happening here.
Willow: I think she's right Buff. I've been here for a while and haven't had any more dreams. I think our part in this is done. Besides, we need to find Oz.
Tara: Really Buffy, it's okay. I want to test my strength. I just got bumped on the head. I've been stuck in this bed for hours and I'm going stir crazy.
Buffy: But...
Willow: (Firmly)We're going. Let us do this. We've served our purpose. It's time for you to find out yours.
Angel: (Finally rising to his feet) Thank you Willow, and Tara.
Willow: Don't mention it. (She pulls one of Tara's arms around her shoulder and pulls her up until Tara's weight is resting on Willow. The two slowly exit the room bumping into Spike returning)
Spike: Where are they off to?
Angel: Why don't you go find out?
Spike: Did you wake up on the wrong side of the...well maybe I should say the wrong girl?
Angel starts to say something but Cordy stops him.
Cordy: You have no right to be here. Get out.
Buffy: He came to help Cordelia. You don't have to agree with it and you certainly don't have to like it. But you will accept it.
Angel: (Troubled) What is going on with you and Spike?
Buffy: It's funny, you're the one asking questions yet I'm the one needing the answers.
Cordy: How many times do I have to tell you that we can handle it from here? We don't need your help.
Angel: It's not that easy Cordy.
Cordy seems hurt that Angel didn't back her up and takes a step away. Spike smirks at the scene.
Buffy: So can you make it easy for us Angel? Can you tell me if what I saw in my dream is real?
Angel: That's why I said we need to talk. There are things you don't understand. Things I'm not even clear on myself. But I need you to help me.
Cordy: You need Buffy? What about the rest of us? We've been with you the whole time, and now all the sudden you need Buffy to figure it out?
Angel: (Quietly)I didn't choose this.
Spike: (Laughs sarcastically) Yes that's our Angel. You never choose anything do you? You're just a helpless pawn in the grand scheme right? You may have been able to fool the womenfolk but I know you Angel. I saw you choose to massacre everything in your path for a hundred years. I saw you choose to switch sides at the whim of a little spell. I saw you choose to trap the slayer in your sick little mind games. I'll give it to you though, even I haven't been able to keep up with your twists and turns. But I'm in the action now and I'm the biggest bloody roadblock you'll ever try and cross. You won't have your way with her again. Not like before.
Buffy: (Firmly) Spike, stop talking.
Angel: Yes Spike. Please stop your babbling. You have no say in Buffy's life and certainly not mine.
Spike: Maybe you should talk that over with the lady mate.
Angel looks at Buffy to hear her denial but her head is hanging in an obvious effort to avoid his eyes.
Cordy: Oh my God. Are you saying that you...(points at Spike, then looks at Buffy)and Buffy...? No...I mean, even Buffy isn't stupid enough to make that mistake ag...
She stops when she feels Angel glance sharply at her and she doesn't finish her sentence.
Buffy: How about if we deal with one thing at a time? I know you enjoy dodging the issue Angel, but last time I saw you, you told me you had a son. Are you seriously trying to pretend that didn't happen?
Angel: (Seems a bit hurt by her tone) I never meant to tell you like that. Doyle said...
Cordy: Doyle? You saw Doyle too? Why haven't I seen Doyle? (Steps around the room looking all over and begins to call out) Doyle! You come out here right now! You owe me that at least!
Buffy: It doesn't work like that Cordelia.
Cordy: How do you know? You don't know him like I do. Stop pretending like you do! He loved me! He's the reason I'm...like I am now.
Angel: Buffy's right Cordy.
Cordy: (Exhales and drops her shoulders defeatedly) Of course she is. She's Buffy isn't she? She's the Slayer, the savior of us all. How could I have even fooled myself into believing that my worth might be anywhere near hers?
Buffy: Stop it! Don't you see what you have here? My God, you whine about how much I'm sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong like I don't already know that! Don't you think I know how awkward my being here is for everyone? My friends can't stand to watch me, Angel can't stand to be honest with me, and you can't stand to listen to me! My God, what was I thinking?
She begins to move away and Angel grabs her arm.
Angel: Buffy don't.
Spike grimaces at their contact and how Buffy doesn't pull away instantly like he knows she would do if it was him.
Cordy: Angel, what does Buffy have that's so important? What are you doing?
Buffy: (Stops and turns to face Angel) Yes Angel, what could I possibly have that's important to you?
Cut to Waiting room
Tara sits on the couch while Willow calls the hotel.
Willow: Hi this is Willow, Buffy's friend. (Pause) Yes, who's this? (Pause) Hi Gunn. I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I'm looking for my friend Oz, he was here with us earlier and now he's kind-of not. (pause) Really? Well, he must be exhausted. He drove all the way to Sunnydale to check on us and then came straight here. (Pause) No that's okay. Let him sleep. I think we'll be ready to go soon. (Pause) The four of them are in there talking right now. (Pause) Spike? Why would you...? Oh! You think, no that's crazy! (Smiles at Tara) No Buffy doesn't like Spike in that way. Nope, there's only one vamp for her. Only he's kind of not...you know? (pause) Cordelia? No, she was just her usual Cordelia like self. (pause) What? (pause) Oh hi Wesley. I was just saying that Gunn is way off on the Spike thing and as far as Cordy, well she's just being Cordy. (pause) Angel and...no! You have to be mistaken. Oh Gosh, we left them in there alone. Angel said he had to talk to both of them. No, it's not nec...(Looks at the phone and hangs it up.
Tara: What was that all about?
Willow: (Sits down next to her) I'm not real sure, but I have to say that Wes has lost his marbles. He thinks that there's something going on with Spike and Buffy. Can you believe that? As if! And then he says Cordy and Angel have been getting closer lately. And he didn't say it like they were working in cramped quarters, he said it like they...well it's crazy. He's coming back here though. He says that it might get complicated soon and Angel can't be distracted. Something about the baby.
Tara: Baby? Is that the baby that Buffy thinks is Angel's. I thought it was just a dream.
Willow: I did too. I wonder how Wesley knew about it. Wait...(thinking) Wait, there was a baby before. Spike assumed it was Angel's and I just changed the subject in my haste to figure the other stuff out. But when I suggested to Angel that the sooner Buffy and us left, the better it would be for everyone, he looked relieved. I was just assuming that the baby was part of some case, I never believed...Oh God Tara. Could it be his? Could Angel really have a child?
Cut to Hyperion
Wes: Gunn, I'm going to the hospital. I'll go wake Oz to see if he cares to join me. You stay here with Fred, Lorne and Connor. They'll wake soon and you need to ensure that Lorne is doing all he can in his search for Holtz.
Gunn: I don't get what the big is. So Spike and Buffy might have a thing. Good for her if that's how she rolls. And this should clear up any doubt for Angel and Cordy right? I say, let it go. They've been needing this if you ask me.
Wes: Gunn, I understand that you and Fred have your idealistic notions of champions and the words that Lorne loves to use when discussing the two of them, but you have no idea the history that Angel has with Buffy. Some things can never be forgotten and whenever they're attempted, it usually ends brutally. I was there in Sunnydale all those years ago, as was Cordelia. If what we suspect for Angel and Cordelia has really happened and Buffy finds out, the ramifications might just precipitate an ungodly occurrence.
With that he strides out the door.
Gunn: (Watches him go and stands in silence for a moment before finally speaking to an empty room) And they accuse me of overreacting?
Cut to Tara's room
Angel: How can you ask me that?
Buffy: How can I not? So far, I've seen a dead demon, a live demon, my ex, his son and almost everyone we've worked with over the last five years. And none of you seem to be thrilled to see me. In fact, I can't leave fast enough for you. Does that about sum it up Cordy?
Angel: This isn't about Cordy?
Spike coughs forcefully in an attempt to show his lack of belief in Angel's statement.
Angel: (Ignoring him) Buffy, you are the one that can help me. But I don't think anything can be resolved until we clear some things up. My son is at stake here, and regardless of how much it might hurt you, I will do whatever is necessary to ensure his safety.
Spike: My that's noble.
Cordy: Tell me why you're here again?
Spike: Same reason you're here I'd venture.
Cordy: I don't even want to know what that means.
Buffy: Angel, I want this to be over. I can't take anymore. I'm so tired.
Angels face softens and he steps closer to Buffy.
Angel: I know. But I swear I didn't before. If I had...
Buffy: I don't believe in what ifs.
Angel: You used to.
Buffy: I used to do a lot of things. But I grew up. You made sure of that.
Angel: I lost sight of how I came to be here. I turned my back to protect you, but I see now that all I did was turn my back on us.
Cordy watches them and tears well in her eyes. Spike's jaw muscles work overtime trying to control himself and what he aches to do.
Buffy: How could you turn your back on something that didn't exist anymore? I moved on, I told you that.
Angel: Right, with Riley. But where is he now? You looked for someone to love you, like we both agreed you deserved to be loved. After we both agreed that it could never be me.
Buffy: (Her bottom lip begins to shake with emotion) Angel I don't want to do this anymore. We've been over this too many times.
Angel: We have to talk about when you came back.
Buffy: What?
Spike: What?
Cordy: What?
Angel: (Glances up briefly before locking eyes with Buffy again) I never told anybody I swear.
Buffy: I didn't either. we promised.
Angel: I think it's time to break that promise.
Buffy: No!
Angel: I won't do it without you. But look around you Buffy. Look where we are and who's here. There's a reason for this. You have to see it. Doyle told you he was coming. It wasn't me that he was talking about, or Connor.
Buffy: I don't understand.
Angel: Yes you do. You're the only one who does. There's something you know that you're not even aware of. And it goes back to that night.
Buffy: You're wrong. It was only you that night. No one else was there. I wouldn't ever let anyone destroy that. Don't you believe me?
Angel: I believe you. But I also believe that Doyle saw something there. He said he was there Buffy. He said we have to tell them.
Buffy: I wasn't the same person then Angel. The things I've done since...(looks at Spike)
Angel: I know exactly how you must feel. (Looks at Cordy) But if we are ever going to make sense of this, we have to do this. We can't find our future until we let go of the past and deal with the present. This present...here and now. It's all intertwined Buffy. I don't know how or why, but my son is hanging in the balance.
Buffy cringes at hearing him say the words again still not used to the pain of hearing Angel say he has a son. She looks from him to Cordy to Spike.
Buffy: I don't want to share you. Angel, why cant I ever have the small things that I ask? Why do I have to give it up all the time?
Angel: I know. I swear, if there was any other way, I wouldn't do this. If I could protect that night for both of us for the rest of my existence I would. But not at the cost of my son. Please don't ask me that Buffy.
He's reached up a hand to touch her face and she brings her own up to capture it.
Cordy and Spike watch with measured disdain on their features...
Willow: I haven't seen Oz for a while now that you mention it.
Dawn: See! We can't go anywhere yet. Oz is missing. You need our help.
Buffy: I don't think he's missing. I'm sure he'll be back. I can't deal with all of you at once.
Dawn: You can't ever deal with me.
Buffy: (Walking closer to Dawn) Please. I know I ask a lot of you but this is all too much. Whatever's going on here is going to be finished soon. I promise. Xander?
Xander: (Stepping forward to touch Dawn's arm) Come on Dawn. We need to go. I don't like it either, but she knows what she's doing. I think.
Anya: I'm ready! The store needs to be opened. Let's go. We'll see you guys back in Sunnydale right?
Willow: Tara's doctor said she'll be released within a few hours. They just want to watch her concussion. We'll be along soon.
Cordy: That's the first sensible thing I've heard all night. Although, I'm sure you could all go now and Angel and the rest of us can finish this up.
Buffy: Cordelia, don't push your luck. Don't think I've forgotten my head injury.
Spike: So it's true then? You got yourself knocked out by the likes of this one?
Cordy: Hey!
Willow: Spike, don't.
Buffy: Why don't you go back with the others?
Spike: Don't be absurd. I won't be leaving without you.
Cordy: Why am I sensing possessiveness?
Buffy: Cordelia...
Xander: Well, I'll call when we get back home.
Buffy: Thanks Xander. Dawn I'll see you soon?
Dawn: Whatever.
The three leave and Buffy turns back to Angel for a moment watching him sleep.
Cordy: So when is this spell going to wear off?
Tara: I'm not sure. I kind of assumed they'd wake up together.
Buffy: Angel had something to take care of.
Cordy: What would Angel have to take care of in your dream?
Buffy: (Levels her gaze on Cordy watching her reaction) His son.
Cut to Angel's dream
Doyle: I've seen a lot in my time with Buffy you know. That girls been through things that no human is meant to survive. And she didn't.
Angel: Can we move this along? I already knew about the death thing. But unless you didn't notice, I have a son to think about and get back to.
Doyle: Amazing. I can remember a time when the girl was your world. Even when you didn't want her to be.
Angel: Well if you've seen everything you claim to have, you'd know that things have changed.
Doyle: Right. People move on. Distance and time can ease the pain.
Angel: Something like that.
Doyle: And you still believe that you did the right thing, the noble thing.
Angel: I did what had to be done.
Doyle: Cause you're a champion. That's what they call you right?
Angel doesn't respond.
Doyle: You're still playing the part of the martyr who gave up his one shot at happiness for the good of the world. For the good of the girl.
Angel: Why are we wasting time discussing the past?
Doyle: (Laughs) Almost three centuries and you still don't get it. Angel, you don't have a past. Not like other people...normal people. Her either. You two are warriors. You live moment to moment. You can't afford to live in the past, there's too much to do in the now.
Angel: And we do what needs to be done.
Doyle: Yeah, I've heard you say that a million times. But let me ask you something. In the big picture, the grand scheme of things, how did the martyr end up getting the best of both worlds?
Angel: You lost me.
Doyle: I thought I might. Okay let's do it this way. From what I can see, the martyr, meaning you, the one who left her to protect her from pain, to save her from a life of heartache and misery, has come out on this end of time with everything she was supposed to have. (Angel seems overwhelmed) You have friends with a bond that grows stronger every day, while she watches her bonds of friendship fade more and more. You have a prophecy telling of redemption and reward, while she has only the promise of a lifetime of fighting until she loses one too many battles and that time the friends she once had won't be there to bring her back. You are experiencing a new love where she has only found failure in every relationship she attempts until she ended up with...well not you. And finally, you have a son, the one thing you claimed was your motivation for leaving. To give her the opportunity to have a family, but she's alone and look at you. And all you can think about is getting her out of town so you can continue down your path to mortality. I don't have a dictionary on me Angel, but I'm pretty sure the girl's picture must be right next to the word martyr.
Angel: (Angry) Are you finished? So you think you know what's happening so well huh? You have no idea what I've been through the last year.
Doyle: Let me guess, poor Angel was tempted by his sire only to give in and discover his calling anew. Epiphany was it? Yeah, you poor thing. You had some sex finally, reclaimed your righteousness and got the bonus of an offspring. You poor thing.
Angel: Do you have a point?
Doyle: Do you even care why I brought her here?
Angel: I care that she's here. Is that enough?
Doyle: No, but it'll have to do. You have your work cut out for you. The child is the beginning of a whole new level of pain. I thought she could help prepare you.
Angel: Prepare me?
Doyle: You've gone soft. I know you don't want the boy to experience evil and all it's faces so young in life, but face it, it's not avoidable. He was conceived in it for Christ's sake!
Angel: I was not evil!
Doyle: Here we go again. Would you stop defending your honor? These people have seen you, all the sides of you. What are you trying to hide?
Angel: Obviously nothing if you have any say in it.
Doyle: You know what. I'm starting to wish I hadn't ever done this.
Angel: You're not alone.
Doyle: (Turns to walk away) Forget it.
Angel: Don't you leave like that! Why was Connor here? Where did Buffy go? Why did she have to find out like that?
Doyle: She had to find out. That's the bottom line. Guess what? They gave you plenty of time to do it your own way. But I guess you were too busy with the fleshy stuff.
Angel: I thought you couldn't see LA or any of us.
Doyle: I can't see you. But I shared a major connection with Cordy before I left. I can feel her. I can feel what she feels.
Angel: What does that mean?
Doyle: It means I knew it all along. And you did too.
Angel: Doyle...
Doyle: (Holds up a hand) Don't. I'm dead. My work here is done. I wish I could say the same for you. If I might make one suggestion.
Angel: By all means.
Doyle: Stop pretending to do things for the sake of others. If you can't protect yourself from love, how can you possibly expect to do it for them?
Interior: Tara's room
Cordy: Buffy, what did you see?
Buffy: I think you heard me the first time. And personally, I don't think I can handle saying it again.
Cordy: Whatever you think you saw, it was just a dream. You can't know if it's real.
Buffy: If it wasn't real then you wouldn't be here right now would you Cord?
Spike: Can I be let in on the subtext here?
Cordy: How about if I let you in on the sun?
Willow: Cordelia!
Cordy: (innocently) What? What is the deal with you guys and Spike all the sudden? Buffy, don't you remember what he did to Angel when he came here for that stupid ring of whatever? He tortured him! How can you be friendly with him? I don't care what they did to his head. I thought you were supposed to have loved Angel?
Buffy: I don't think you want to go there.
Tara: Guys. I think he's waking up.
Everyone turns to see Angel shifting in the chair. His hands are gripping the arms so tightly one snaps off. Buffy and Cordy both run to kneel on either side of him. Spike watches with disgust.
Interior: Dark room
Angel: So let me get this straight. You brought Buffy here so you could tell me that you know about something that I don't even know about for sure?
Doyle: You know. You believed it the second that Fred girl told you. Champions and all, fighting the good fight side by side. It's meant to be right? Haven't you been down that road once before? Didn't you have to leave to escape the pain it caused. But it's different now right? Everything's different now. You're making with the grown up talk right? Not high school anymore right? So why haven't you told her about the last time you saw her?
Angel: (Growing uncomfortable) What?
Doyle: I was there. She came back, you called, you had to see each other. I was there. I'm the only one besides the two of you that know what really happened that night. You thought you could go the rest of your life and never mention it. She did the same. She wouldn't talk when she got back. Hasn't mentioned it since.
Angel: You shouldn't have been there.
Doyle: Maybe not. But I was. I didn't ask to be. Believe me, after a few minutes, I didn't want to be. And I wish I could deny the memory like the two of you have done so well, but I can't. You want to save Connor from a tragic fate? Then protect him from yours. He won't be here long, not like now. Things are changing fast Angel. Lose sight of the truth and you're going to lose him. Deny the facts and you're going to deny your son. Blink and you're gonna miss him. The path of true love doth never run smooth...for anyone. Life is fleeting, bonds are breakable, lies are forgivable, love is infallible. You want to remember your past and learn from it, great. But tell them all this one thing. You live in the past, it could cost you the present and deny your future. You can't have one with out the other two. Take one away and you'll have none. Your destiny is set in stone, your path to it is your choice. So what's it gonna be? If she leave now, you'll never know the truth. she's the key. Buffy brought you into this world. The one with love and pain and pleasure. She might not be the one you die for anymore, but she's the one your son will fight for. He can go either way you see. You're looking for the bad guys out to get him, what about the demons within? Everyone's got 'em. You, Buffy, Cordelia, even little Connor.
Angel: Are you telling me my son's evil?
Doyle: A child could never be evil. All are born innocent.
Angel: I thought you were going to do something to help! You said you could save the day. All I hear is a lot of babble. What's the point?
Doyle: I'm finished with you. You have everything you need. Just open your eyes. I've told you what needs to be done.
Angel: You've told me nothing!
Doyle: (Points up into the darkness) I'll be watching. Open your eyes...
Cut to Angel springing up and awake. He opens his eyes and sees Buffy and Cordy both hovering over him. He struggles to focus on what Doyle said and looks from one to the other.
Cordy: Angel, it's me. Are you alright?
Angel: (Whispers) Buffy.
Buffy: Yeah I'm here. What is it?
Angel: It's Cordy.
Cordy: Me?
Angel: (looks from Cordy to Buffy) We need to talk.
Cut to Hyperion
Wes has fallen asleep with a hand on the bassinet when Gunn walks downstairs from his nap.
The phone rings and he rushes to answer it before they awaken.
Gunn: Hello. (Pause) What do you want? (Pause) I don't think that's your concern. (pause) No, we've got it covered. No I haven't seen him. (pause) I'll keep an eye out. (pause) Why would he tell you to call? Where is he?(pause) You tell one of them to call me directly and I'll listen. Yeah right.
He hangs up the phone and sees Wes walking form the side.
Wes: Who was that?
Gunn: It was that Spike cat. He's trying to claim that Angel and Cordy want us to bring Connor to the hospital. I told him I don't listen to strangers.
Wes: Why would Spike want us to bring Connor to...oh I think I see.
Gunn: What?
Wes: Cordy ran out of here and demanded that I keep all prying eyes from Connor. I think she had a vision concerning Angel.
Gunn: Did she say what it was?
Wes: I got the impression it was of personal nature.
Gunn: I don't...oh I get it. Cordy's feeling a little threatened by the ex?
Wes: I don't think Cordy's the only one feeling threatened.
Gunn: Huh? (Realizing) Oh, you think Spike's...geez, what kind of Slayer has a vampire fetish? Interior: Tara's room
Tara: Willow, maybe you could help me.
Willow sees that she means help her so they can leave the others alone as does Buffy.
Buffy: Don't be absurd Tara. I'm not going to let you get out of that bed in some silly show of respect for...well whatever it is that might be happening here.
Willow: I think she's right Buff. I've been here for a while and haven't had any more dreams. I think our part in this is done. Besides, we need to find Oz.
Tara: Really Buffy, it's okay. I want to test my strength. I just got bumped on the head. I've been stuck in this bed for hours and I'm going stir crazy.
Buffy: But...
Willow: (Firmly)We're going. Let us do this. We've served our purpose. It's time for you to find out yours.
Angel: (Finally rising to his feet) Thank you Willow, and Tara.
Willow: Don't mention it. (She pulls one of Tara's arms around her shoulder and pulls her up until Tara's weight is resting on Willow. The two slowly exit the room bumping into Spike returning)
Spike: Where are they off to?
Angel: Why don't you go find out?
Spike: Did you wake up on the wrong side of the...well maybe I should say the wrong girl?
Angel starts to say something but Cordy stops him.
Cordy: You have no right to be here. Get out.
Buffy: He came to help Cordelia. You don't have to agree with it and you certainly don't have to like it. But you will accept it.
Angel: (Troubled) What is going on with you and Spike?
Buffy: It's funny, you're the one asking questions yet I'm the one needing the answers.
Cordy: How many times do I have to tell you that we can handle it from here? We don't need your help.
Angel: It's not that easy Cordy.
Cordy seems hurt that Angel didn't back her up and takes a step away. Spike smirks at the scene.
Buffy: So can you make it easy for us Angel? Can you tell me if what I saw in my dream is real?
Angel: That's why I said we need to talk. There are things you don't understand. Things I'm not even clear on myself. But I need you to help me.
Cordy: You need Buffy? What about the rest of us? We've been with you the whole time, and now all the sudden you need Buffy to figure it out?
Angel: (Quietly)I didn't choose this.
Spike: (Laughs sarcastically) Yes that's our Angel. You never choose anything do you? You're just a helpless pawn in the grand scheme right? You may have been able to fool the womenfolk but I know you Angel. I saw you choose to massacre everything in your path for a hundred years. I saw you choose to switch sides at the whim of a little spell. I saw you choose to trap the slayer in your sick little mind games. I'll give it to you though, even I haven't been able to keep up with your twists and turns. But I'm in the action now and I'm the biggest bloody roadblock you'll ever try and cross. You won't have your way with her again. Not like before.
Buffy: (Firmly) Spike, stop talking.
Angel: Yes Spike. Please stop your babbling. You have no say in Buffy's life and certainly not mine.
Spike: Maybe you should talk that over with the lady mate.
Angel looks at Buffy to hear her denial but her head is hanging in an obvious effort to avoid his eyes.
Cordy: Oh my God. Are you saying that you...(points at Spike, then looks at Buffy)and Buffy...? No...I mean, even Buffy isn't stupid enough to make that mistake ag...
She stops when she feels Angel glance sharply at her and she doesn't finish her sentence.
Buffy: How about if we deal with one thing at a time? I know you enjoy dodging the issue Angel, but last time I saw you, you told me you had a son. Are you seriously trying to pretend that didn't happen?
Angel: (Seems a bit hurt by her tone) I never meant to tell you like that. Doyle said...
Cordy: Doyle? You saw Doyle too? Why haven't I seen Doyle? (Steps around the room looking all over and begins to call out) Doyle! You come out here right now! You owe me that at least!
Buffy: It doesn't work like that Cordelia.
Cordy: How do you know? You don't know him like I do. Stop pretending like you do! He loved me! He's the reason I'm...like I am now.
Angel: Buffy's right Cordy.
Cordy: (Exhales and drops her shoulders defeatedly) Of course she is. She's Buffy isn't she? She's the Slayer, the savior of us all. How could I have even fooled myself into believing that my worth might be anywhere near hers?
Buffy: Stop it! Don't you see what you have here? My God, you whine about how much I'm sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong like I don't already know that! Don't you think I know how awkward my being here is for everyone? My friends can't stand to watch me, Angel can't stand to be honest with me, and you can't stand to listen to me! My God, what was I thinking?
She begins to move away and Angel grabs her arm.
Angel: Buffy don't.
Spike grimaces at their contact and how Buffy doesn't pull away instantly like he knows she would do if it was him.
Cordy: Angel, what does Buffy have that's so important? What are you doing?
Buffy: (Stops and turns to face Angel) Yes Angel, what could I possibly have that's important to you?
Cut to Waiting room
Tara sits on the couch while Willow calls the hotel.
Willow: Hi this is Willow, Buffy's friend. (Pause) Yes, who's this? (Pause) Hi Gunn. I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I'm looking for my friend Oz, he was here with us earlier and now he's kind-of not. (pause) Really? Well, he must be exhausted. He drove all the way to Sunnydale to check on us and then came straight here. (Pause) No that's okay. Let him sleep. I think we'll be ready to go soon. (Pause) The four of them are in there talking right now. (Pause) Spike? Why would you...? Oh! You think, no that's crazy! (Smiles at Tara) No Buffy doesn't like Spike in that way. Nope, there's only one vamp for her. Only he's kind of not...you know? (pause) Cordelia? No, she was just her usual Cordelia like self. (pause) What? (pause) Oh hi Wesley. I was just saying that Gunn is way off on the Spike thing and as far as Cordy, well she's just being Cordy. (pause) Angel and...no! You have to be mistaken. Oh Gosh, we left them in there alone. Angel said he had to talk to both of them. No, it's not nec...(Looks at the phone and hangs it up.
Tara: What was that all about?
Willow: (Sits down next to her) I'm not real sure, but I have to say that Wes has lost his marbles. He thinks that there's something going on with Spike and Buffy. Can you believe that? As if! And then he says Cordy and Angel have been getting closer lately. And he didn't say it like they were working in cramped quarters, he said it like they...well it's crazy. He's coming back here though. He says that it might get complicated soon and Angel can't be distracted. Something about the baby.
Tara: Baby? Is that the baby that Buffy thinks is Angel's. I thought it was just a dream.
Willow: I did too. I wonder how Wesley knew about it. Wait...(thinking) Wait, there was a baby before. Spike assumed it was Angel's and I just changed the subject in my haste to figure the other stuff out. But when I suggested to Angel that the sooner Buffy and us left, the better it would be for everyone, he looked relieved. I was just assuming that the baby was part of some case, I never believed...Oh God Tara. Could it be his? Could Angel really have a child?
Cut to Hyperion
Wes: Gunn, I'm going to the hospital. I'll go wake Oz to see if he cares to join me. You stay here with Fred, Lorne and Connor. They'll wake soon and you need to ensure that Lorne is doing all he can in his search for Holtz.
Gunn: I don't get what the big is. So Spike and Buffy might have a thing. Good for her if that's how she rolls. And this should clear up any doubt for Angel and Cordy right? I say, let it go. They've been needing this if you ask me.
Wes: Gunn, I understand that you and Fred have your idealistic notions of champions and the words that Lorne loves to use when discussing the two of them, but you have no idea the history that Angel has with Buffy. Some things can never be forgotten and whenever they're attempted, it usually ends brutally. I was there in Sunnydale all those years ago, as was Cordelia. If what we suspect for Angel and Cordelia has really happened and Buffy finds out, the ramifications might just precipitate an ungodly occurrence.
With that he strides out the door.
Gunn: (Watches him go and stands in silence for a moment before finally speaking to an empty room) And they accuse me of overreacting?
Cut to Tara's room
Angel: How can you ask me that?
Buffy: How can I not? So far, I've seen a dead demon, a live demon, my ex, his son and almost everyone we've worked with over the last five years. And none of you seem to be thrilled to see me. In fact, I can't leave fast enough for you. Does that about sum it up Cordy?
Angel: This isn't about Cordy?
Spike coughs forcefully in an attempt to show his lack of belief in Angel's statement.
Angel: (Ignoring him) Buffy, you are the one that can help me. But I don't think anything can be resolved until we clear some things up. My son is at stake here, and regardless of how much it might hurt you, I will do whatever is necessary to ensure his safety.
Spike: My that's noble.
Cordy: Tell me why you're here again?
Spike: Same reason you're here I'd venture.
Cordy: I don't even want to know what that means.
Buffy: Angel, I want this to be over. I can't take anymore. I'm so tired.
Angels face softens and he steps closer to Buffy.
Angel: I know. But I swear I didn't before. If I had...
Buffy: I don't believe in what ifs.
Angel: You used to.
Buffy: I used to do a lot of things. But I grew up. You made sure of that.
Angel: I lost sight of how I came to be here. I turned my back to protect you, but I see now that all I did was turn my back on us.
Cordy watches them and tears well in her eyes. Spike's jaw muscles work overtime trying to control himself and what he aches to do.
Buffy: How could you turn your back on something that didn't exist anymore? I moved on, I told you that.
Angel: Right, with Riley. But where is he now? You looked for someone to love you, like we both agreed you deserved to be loved. After we both agreed that it could never be me.
Buffy: (Her bottom lip begins to shake with emotion) Angel I don't want to do this anymore. We've been over this too many times.
Angel: We have to talk about when you came back.
Buffy: What?
Spike: What?
Cordy: What?
Angel: (Glances up briefly before locking eyes with Buffy again) I never told anybody I swear.
Buffy: I didn't either. we promised.
Angel: I think it's time to break that promise.
Buffy: No!
Angel: I won't do it without you. But look around you Buffy. Look where we are and who's here. There's a reason for this. You have to see it. Doyle told you he was coming. It wasn't me that he was talking about, or Connor.
Buffy: I don't understand.
Angel: Yes you do. You're the only one who does. There's something you know that you're not even aware of. And it goes back to that night.
Buffy: You're wrong. It was only you that night. No one else was there. I wouldn't ever let anyone destroy that. Don't you believe me?
Angel: I believe you. But I also believe that Doyle saw something there. He said he was there Buffy. He said we have to tell them.
Buffy: I wasn't the same person then Angel. The things I've done since...(looks at Spike)
Angel: I know exactly how you must feel. (Looks at Cordy) But if we are ever going to make sense of this, we have to do this. We can't find our future until we let go of the past and deal with the present. This present...here and now. It's all intertwined Buffy. I don't know how or why, but my son is hanging in the balance.
Buffy cringes at hearing him say the words again still not used to the pain of hearing Angel say he has a son. She looks from him to Cordy to Spike.
Buffy: I don't want to share you. Angel, why cant I ever have the small things that I ask? Why do I have to give it up all the time?
Angel: I know. I swear, if there was any other way, I wouldn't do this. If I could protect that night for both of us for the rest of my existence I would. But not at the cost of my son. Please don't ask me that Buffy.
He's reached up a hand to touch her face and she brings her own up to capture it.
Cordy and Spike watch with measured disdain on their features...