"You sign this, we're all set to turn McManus' body over to his family. They've made arrangements to transport his body back to..." Gunn looked at Angel and realised he wasn't paying attention. "The North Pole. Turns out he had a close personal relationship with Santa. Angel?"
"What?" Angel looked up. "Uh, I'm with you. Turning over the... Santa?"
"Angel, you saved that girl's life. If you hadn't gotten there when you did - " Gunn started.
"The werewolf would've killed her. I know. Doesn't change what she's gonna have to go through."
"Well, that part sucks, no doubt, but... you did everything you could," Gunn said.
"You know what, Gunn? Don't need a pep talk right now. Just do your job."
Gunn's eyes narrowed angrily. "Right. I'll just go do that... someplace else."
The lawyer stalked to the door, narrowly missing running into Lorne as he entered.
"Whoa!" Lorne held his hands up. "Watch it there! Just passing by and got splashed with a heap of grouchy. Got to tell you, Angelkins, that extra weight is not looking so good on you."
Angel looked down at his stomach.
"I'm talking about psychic pounds, pumpkin. Why don't you consider me the Jenny Craig for the soul, huh? So let's hear it." Lorne sat down across from him.
"I'm not going to sing."
"Couldn't bear it if you did. No, it's talking you need... or maybe a shoulder to - " Lorne was cut off.
"I'm not gonna cry either," Angel interrupted.
"I was going to a leaning place. OK, Atlas, how about a shrug? Look, so you got the weight of the world. It's a burden, sure, but breaking news it ain't."
"Listen, Lorne, this isn't a good time."
"No... no, it never is. Spike showing up took the jolly right out of the rancher. We've been feeling it ever since, Angelcakes."
"Ok, so it's no secret. I don't like the guy." Angel shrugged.
"Like him, don't like him, that's up to you. You know, you're fighting so many enemies around you, Angel, your punches are getting sloppy, and we've got the bruises to prove it. We're operating in unfriendly territory, champ. I don't want you to forget about the people covering your back."