At that point, I seriously doubt that either Angel or Cordy was fully aware of their true feelings for each other. In fact, it's quite possible that they never did really figure it out until it was too late. Opportunity lost and feelings not realized in time seem to be a couple of Joss' favorite themes, and he falls back on them on several occasions. Buffy, with both Riley and Spike, Willow, with Tara, Xander with Anya, and Giles with Jenny Calendar and possibly Joyce Summers, and Wes with Fred. Edgar Allen Poe said that the death of a loved one was always the greatest tragedy and the highest drama, and Joss seems to be in full agreement with him.