The rain pelted heavily down on the roof of the stairwell that Angel stood inside, his eyes focused on the dark haired Slayer who stood at the edge, leaning against the railing and looking down at the city, almost oblivious to the torrential downpour that was soaking her down to her core.
It occured to him that he'd never seen Faith cry.
"How's she doing?" Lorne asked, startling the vampire from his thoughts.
"I don't know," Angel replied, his gaze never leaving her. "You'd know better than me."
Lorne shook his head. "She's always difficult to get a clear reading of."
"Yeah," Angel said. "I know that feeling."
Lorne raised his hand to put on Angel's shoulder, then decided against it, his arm falling carelessly by his side again. "Are you going to talk to her?"
Angel shrugged. "She talks when she wants to talk."
"Like someone else I know," Lorne commented.
"She's been through a lot this last week," Angel said, ignoring Lorne for a second. "The prophecy, and then the test from the Council."
"Xander's gone," Lorne told him. "I don't know where, but - "
"It doesn't matter," Angel replied.
The two demons stood together for a long moment, the silence only broken by the pitter-pattering of rain.
"I've never seen her cry," Angel said suddenly.
Lorne followed his gaze out to Faith. "No, I don't suppose she's the type."
"Sometimes I wish she were. It would make it easier."
Lorne nodded. "It's a vulnerability thing."
"Do you think she lets Sam in?" Angel asked, his dark eyes worried. "She has to let someone..."
"As much as she can," Lorne replied. "But he's in there, I can see it. He'll take care of her when she needs him."
Angel nodded. "I know."
"Baby steps."