[Room 412 -- Cole and Phoebe]

[demonbelthazor]

Upon waking up in the clinic, Belthazor was confused and disoriented. He didn't object when Angelus offered to help get him to his room (much as he hated appearing so weak). Angelus didn't linger, citing the need to talk to some people, but Phoebe was with him. She made sure he was comfortable, then sat down on the bed beside him.

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[sensethevisions]

Phoebe sat next to him, and was very careful not to crowd him so he could be comfortable.

"Do you need me to get you anything?"

[demonbelthazor]

"Water?" he said. "I'm kinda thirsty."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe got up and went to the mini-fridge. She grabbed a bottle of water and brought it to him.

[demonbelthazor]

Cole unscrewed the cap and took a long drink. Setting the bottle down, he reached out for Phoebe's hand. "What happened?" he asked her.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe squeezed his hand and then shook her head.

"Nobody will tell me. You didn't come home last night and then I found you in the clinic. Angelus said he'd find out what happened."

[demonbelthazor]

Cole frowned. "I went into town...I wanted to talk to someone because...becaue I was worried about Beka and Tara. And you?"

[sensethevisions]

"I was perfectly safe. You brought me back here after the memorial because I just couldn't be out there any longer."

[demonbelthazor]

"No, I mean, I think I was worried about you, too...that someone could hurt you?" He struggled to sort through the haze of memories.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe smiled, and leaned down to kiss his cheek, careful not to move and jostle him.

"You'd never let that happen."

[demonbelthazor]

He sleepily reached up and put his arm around her, trying to pull her down onto the bed next to him. "Never," he said. "Never want to hurt you."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe curled up next to him.

"I know, love. I know."

[demonbelthazor]

"How did I end up in the clinic?" Cole asked. "Angelus and Beka didn't know?"

[sensethevisions]

"Angelus doesn't know and Beka lied very badly about it."

[demonbelthazor]

Cole let out a weary sigh as he frowned again. He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating. "It's all blurry," he said. "And thinking about it is making my head hurt. I remember...Tara. Professor Cregg. Beka and...that security kid. Alanna?"

[sensethevisions]

"Someone hurt you," she said softly.

[demonbelthazor]

"That I know," Cole said, bringing one hand up to gingerly touch the back of his head. His eyes were still closed, and he twitched suddenly. Phoebe. Phoebe in his arms. Flash of a knife blade. Her gasp of pain. Blood on his hands. "No!" he cried, sitting up, his eyes flying open as he looked around in panic.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe turned to him when he sat up.

"Cole?" She moved to look in his face. "Cole?"

[demonbelthazor]

"Phoebe!" He grabbed her shoulders, eyes wild. "I wouldn't...I won't!"

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe shook her head, trying to understand what had him so upset.

"Shhh, shhh, baby," she said softly, placing her hands along each side of his face. "It's okay. I'm here."

[demonbelthazor]

Cole pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, shuddering. "I don't want to hurt you," he said hoarsely.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe holds him tightly.

"You won't," she assured him. "You won't."

[demonbelthazor]

He sank back down on the bed, drawing Phoebe with her, still clutching her tightly. "Won't hurt you," he murmured. "Even if it means I die."

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe nodded against him, trying to soothe him. "I won't let you die."

[demonbelthazor]

"I love you," Cole whispered. "I can't...I can't do it."

[sensethevisions]

"I love you, Cole," she said softly. "We won't let anything happen."

[demonbelthazor]

"Can't do it," Cole said again, his voice almost breaking with despair. Then he relaxed, his hold on Phoebe softening, as he drifted back into sleep.

[sensethevisions]

Phoebe watched him sleep, protecting him.

No one is going to harm you.