[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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[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.