Title:- Advantage!

Authors’ name:- Cat

E-mail:- Cathy@edcom-int.com

Disclaimer:- Yeah, I own them. (in my dreams). Just borrowing them for a while.

Distribution:- Will eventually be here http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze3ydhk/ If you want it, just ask

Spoilers:- None at all.

Rating:- R possibly up to NC17

Parings:- Buffy/Angel(us)

Summary:- Buffy and Angelus are actors, a very public dispute soon hots up, in more ways than one. Buffy works on a similar show to BTVS and lives with her co-stars, angel is a soap actor.

Feedback:- Please. It’s like a drug. I’m a feedback junkie.

Authors Notes:- I have a feeling this is a bad fic. Not intentionally, it’s just so saccharine in places. Tried rewriting but didn’t get anywhere. I decided to share what I have anyway. Hope you like it, or at the very least it doesn’t make you ill :-S

AN2: this fic was inspired by the I’m with Lucy pic that was released recently. Don’t ask why or how but that one pic just inspired me. I’ve attached it for those lists that allow attachments, those that don’t, go here to see it. http://www.reelsondemand.com/laura_shannon/lshannon_2.html

Chapter 1

Exert from Interview with TV Weekly.

Interviewer: So, Angel, your series is contemplating cutting some people, are you worried at all?

Angel: No. If it happens it happens, I’m just pleased to be working at the moment. I love the show and the people and I hope they like me too but you can’t worry about the future too much. We’d end up as neurotic as out characters! * Laughs *

I: well, despite not being liked by the critics, All Our Days is going well in the ratings at the moment, why do you think that is?

A: The critics don’t like it because it’s a soap opera, I don’t think they could like a soap even if it were Oscar worthy * laughs * As for the ratings, we have a strong fan base and I think that’s because we’re real. The characters are real people dealing with real issues that our fans also have to deal with.

I: So your fans can relate?

A: Yeah, exactly. It’s not like some shows that don’t deal with reality. Take the Chronicles of the Slayer. I mean it’s monsters and demons and just not reality. People don’t relate to things like that."

A: So you aren’t a fan of the Slayer Chronicles then?"

A: * shakes head * No, I mean you’ve got this tiny blonde girl who can kick the ass of creatures twice her size? I don’t think so! I like things that are real, that speak to me.

I: Well you’d better hope that the next time Buffy Summers sees you she doesn’t kick your ass. * laughs *

A: * smiling* I wont be loosing any sleep over it. Her character might be able to kick ass but she’s just a girl. I don’t think I’ll be calling the bodyguards in just yet.

I: Well Angel, thank you for….

Exert from interview with Time TV.

Interviewer: So Buffy, the new series is back, what’s in store this year?

Buffy: A lot, basically my character is growing up this year, dealing with adult issues that haven’t been a part of her life before.

I: Anything else you can tell us?

B: *smiling * Not without risking a lawsuit.

I: well I’m sure our readers are looking forward to it, even if we can’t hear any gossip.

B: I hope so.

I: Now, there were some comments recently made by Angel O’Neal. They weren’t exactly flattering to your show. What’s your comment on that?

B: My favourite part was when he said his show was, quote unquote, Reality. I mean the last I heard, his character was getting married but the marriage was doomed because the wedding ring was a cursed diamond from south America that would turn his wife homicidal the first time they made love. If that’s reality, he needs to start taking the pills again. * laughs *

I: I see your point. *laughing *

B: Oh, and just as a little aside, I could kick his ass. Any day of the week.

I: Is that a challenge?

B: You bet ya!

I: well, back onto the show, are there any stories you….

Exert from article in Fox Magazine.

…And Angel O’Neil arrived, just in time to see Buffy Summers getting out of her limo. There was no love lost there ladies and gentleman. Both kept a safe distance form each other, only looking the others way to glare.

Buffy’s show, the Slayer chronicles, faired best in the award stakes though, leaving with four Children’s Show Awards, including Hottest actress for Buffy herself.

All Our Days only received two awards with Angelus receiving the Hottest Newcomer award.

My sources say things at the after show party weren’t any easier between the pair, Angelus having commented that Buffy’s show should have won best make up award for all the work it takes to make her look presentable and Buffy was heard commenting that Angelus’s must have the dick the size of a pea to make room for his ego.

Meow!!

Chapter 2

Article from Daily Sun.

Things are hoting up here in LA and to add to the tension Buffy Summers and Angelus O’Neil are due to meet next Saturday at the 17^th annual charity tennis match in support of Lahr trust, which looks after orphaned kids.

It’s no secret the animosity these two share and if they are drawn to play each other, this will be one of the biggest grudge matches Hollywood has seen for a while. If you think celebrity death match was hard, then you aint seen nothing yet!

Other guests scheduled to appear include….

"Yo Buff, you ready?" called Xander up the stairs.

"Be right down."

"We gotta go or we’ll be late."

Buffy sprinted down the stairs. "Ready." She said breathlessly as she reached the bottom.

Xander smiled. "Like the whites."

Buffy looked down at her tennis whites. "Thanks."

"Cordie and Willow are waiting in the car."

"I’ll just grab my racket."

Xander left leaving the front door open for her to follow.

Willow gave Buffy a stern look as she got into the car.

"What? I was only getting ready."

Willow dint comment any more, Buffy’s lateness was renound. Instead she changed the subject.

"So Buffy, what did your agent say about playing Angelus?"

"He said I’ll probably have to."

"How can he know?" asked Xander. "Isn’t it random?"

"It should be but it isn’t. This is to raise money, the more news worthy the matches, the more publicity they get and the more money they make."

Getting back onto course Willow asked. "So are you OK about it?"

Buffy smiled. "Oh yeah! This puppies raring to kick some soap opera butt!"

"I don’t see what the big deal is." Cordie chimed in. "It’s not like he’s the first person to insult the show."

"But he is the first to make it personal."

Cordie huffed. "Well don’t drag me into it."

"It’s your show too." Said Willow.

"Yes, but Angelus O’Neil is Hot. Capital H and I don’t want you spoiling anything for me."

Buffy smiled. "Don’t worry Cor, he’s all yours."

Angelus arrived for the charity match with Wesley in tow.

"So, looking forward to the match?" Wes asked.

Angelus shot him a look that said not to be so silly. "I’m more worried about the audition tomorrow than Buffy. I should finish her off in straight sets."

Wes raised his eyebrows. "Getting over confident helps no one."

"Wes, trust me, it’s in the bag."

Wes didn’t comment again. Talking to Angel when he was in this mood was impossible.

Sure enough, Buffy and Angelus were drawn to play together. There’s was the third match. Buffy sat watching the other matches with her friends. She could see Angelus sitting on the other side of the court.

"Look at him, all smug and smiling. I’m gonna wipe that smirk off his face if it’s the last thing I do."

"Buffy." Sighed Willow. "Don’t get so stressed. Calm down, breath deeply. This is just a game. You’ve had tennis lessons since you were a kid, there’s no way he can beat you. Not just relax, enjoy the games and shut up."

Buffy pouted but kept quiet. She supposed her going on and on about the smug bastard was becoming old. Instead she contented herself with glaring at him across the court.

"I’m up next." Angelus said to Wes, "Better get down there."

"Right you are. I’ll be watching."

Angel smiled "Get ready to see the slayer creamed." He left to find the changing rooms where he would walk out of for the match.

He had seen Buffy glaring at him all through the other matches. Who did she think he was, glaring at him? He was going to give this match everything he had and give her a reason to look like such a bitch.

As he walked out onto the court, Buffy walked out beside him. Neither one spoke but as soon as they were on the court they both turned and smiled at the crowds for their applause.

Buffy couldn’t believe what he was wearing. A faded red top, scruffy, off-white shorts and some kind if scarf around his head. This was just a charity tournament but still he could have made an effort.

The referee tossed a coin and Buffy won, she choose the closest end to serve from and to served first. He approached the net from his end of the court, as did Buffy. They glared at each other across the netting.

"You’re going down Summers." He said shaking her hand.

Buffy just smiled. "You wish."

They turned and walked to their respective ends. Buffy served first. An ace. 15-love

She won the next point also, and the next and then the game. Angelus hadn’t scored a single point. But it was his serve this time; it was easier to win your own serve.

Sure enough he won the next game but not as easily as Buffy had.

Both were determined not to give an inch and the first set ended on a tiebreak at 7-5 to Buffy.

They took a quick break for water and changed ends. Angelus wasn’t happy. This was only a three set match, if she won this set she’d have beaten him. He couldn’t allow that.

"Doesn’t look good." Taunted Buffy.

Angelus glared at her. "Don’t speak too soon Summers. Your character may be strong but you’re going to loose."

Buffy smiled. "Don’t count on it. Looser."

Angelus played aggressively and managed to pull one set back. Still a tiebreak but at least he had won this time.

They took another break, longer this time. Willow waited for Buffy as she came over for her water.

"Hey, it’s going well." She encouraged.

"We’re tied, that isn’t well that’s a draw."

"Yeah, but you’ll kick his ass this set. Believe me."

Angelus came over and interrupted them.

"Hey Angel." Said Willow, trying to lighten the mood between these two.

Angelus smirked. "Hey, get the tissues ready. She’s gonna need ‘em."

Buffy stormed back onto the court and the crowd cheered. Buffy was in no mood to respond though, her target was clear, annihilate Angelus, then take the crowds applause.

The game was even, ending in another tiebreak. Neither gaining two points on the other. With the advantage to her Buffy asked for a break, which the judge allowed. She walked over to the water table.

"Loosing it Summers?"

"Ha, advantage me, unless you forgot."

"I’m not the one who needs a break. I think your getting tired."

"Tired my ass, I could go all day." She glared back, missing the double entandre.

Angelus smirked and leaned closer to whisper. "This does not look for our heroine."

Buffy wanted to slap him or something. But the press was here; it had to be kept friendly. She walked calmly back to her end and prepared to serve. Just before she did she turned around and looked at the crowd, smiling and waving. She was determined this point would be the last and she didn’t want to seem too eager to thrash him. A little PR never hurt anyone.

Angelus glared at her as she worked the crowd.

"You gonna play?"

Buffy turned back and smiled. "You gonna loose?"

Then she served. The rally went back and forth, each reaching to make every shot, determined not to loose this point.

Then Angelus had to run to return Buffy’s play. He made it to the ball, returned it. Buffy ran for it, missed it.

As it bounced she heard "OUT!"

"YES!" Buffy cried jumping slightly and punching the air. The crowd applauded her and she took it graciously.

Angelus simmered from the other end of the court.

Buffy knew she had to shake hands and she could see Angelus waiting at the net for her but she was having too much fun rubbing it in to let him leave.

Angelus turned and stalked off to the changing rooms.

Buffy ran to meet him. "Hey, we have to shake hands for the papers."

Angelus glared.

"Come on, don’t be a bad sport."

Angelus gripped her hand and shook it violently as the flash bulbs went off all around them. Then he tore his hand away and continued his journey to the changing rooms.

Chapter 3

"God Buffy, that was awesome!" said Willow.

"Yeah, was kinda." She grinned back.

"And the buffster does it again." Added Xander.

Cordie just glared. "What’s your deal?" Buffy asked her.

"ME! You just put him in the worst mood ever. He’s never going to ask me out now!"

"Chill cordie." Said Xander. "There are plenty more fish in the sea."

"But not with his looks, his body and his bank balance!"

Buffy sighed and sat down. Trying to reason with cordie when she was like this was as useless as trying to fight an IRS audit.

Buffy had changed now back into her street clothes and settled down to watch the other matches. Angelus no longer sat opposite her. She smiled. He must have left, too shame faced to stay for the final photo’s.

Angelus sat in the changing room, seething. That little bitch had out smarted him. Well she wouldn’t for long. He would get her back, some how.

He took a few deep breaths and showered before changing back into his normal clothes. He had to wait around for the final photo’s. He had agreed to and it would look bad if he didn’t.

He exited the changing room and found a blonde woman waiting there.

"Hi." She drawled.

"Hi,"

"Saw you play. If you ask me, that ball was in."

He liked this woman. "Yeah well, bad call, what ya gonna do."

"I could help easy your pain, if you want that is."

Angelus put his arm around her shoulder. "I think that’s an excellent idea. What’s your name?"

"Darla."

"Well Darla, lets enjoy the rest of the games shall we."

Buffy saw him return to his seat, this time with some innocuous blonde airhead on his arm. He spent the rest of the match drooling over her. She saw him casting glances over to her.

She wasn’t sure what the point of the display was. Probably partially for the cameras, if they got some gossip they wouldn’t report quite so much on his defeat. What she couldn’t figure out was why he wanted her to see.

Did he think she’d think he was all manly? Buffy knew she could probably pull someone here too, after all, she was famous, there was always someone in LA willing to have their picture taken with you. But that would be stooping to his level. She tried her hardest to ignore him and enjoy the game with her friends.

The final photo call was held on the court, everyone in a group, all smiles, as though the game had meant nothing. Of course everyone who lost would be saying that but for the winners, like Buffy, this was a chance to show off another talent.

Buffy could see the woman Angelus had been with off to the side of the court, glaring at her. She ignored it and smiled big for the cameras.

When they all had their pictures she said hello to a few people she hadn’t had a chance to earlier and then walked off, back to her friends.

From nowhere, out came a foot that sent Buffy sprawling. She looked up to see Angelus’ blonde bitch smiling sweetly at her.

"Oh, I’m so sorry." She said.

Buffy could hear the cameras flashing at her and she plastered a smile on her face, turned onto her back and did a flip to land in a crouch position before standing, something she’d learnt on the show. She held her hands up and waved, the big smile still in place, saying ‘hey, everyone’s done this now and again. I’m just like you.’

The flash bulbs died down again and she returned to her friends.

"You OK Buff?" asked Xander.

"Yeah, just a little bruised ego."

"How about some ice cream, celebrate the victory?" asked willow.

"I could go for ice cream." Smiled Buffy. She loved these guys.

Article from the Daily Sun.

………..As promised the charity tournament didn’t disappoint.

First was the gruelling grudge match between Buffy Summers and Angelus O’Neil. A very tight thing with neither giving in easily. The match eventually went to Buffy, 2 sets to 1. But that wasn’t all the couple had in store.

Angelus surprised everyone there with a new love interest. The woman is believed to be called Darla Hughes, an actress. The couple were seen kissing and getting very friendly during the other matches.

Then, in a final coup for us publicity types, Buffy fell flat just after the end of the tournament. She recovered well, doing her characters trademark flip back to a standing position but that had to hurt the pride. Rumour has it that she as tripped by none other than Darla Hughes.

This is one grudge I don’t see being settled any time soon!

The other matches pale in comparison to these one, the only excitement coming from……

"Jack, you have got to be kidding me!"

"No, no Buffy, I’m deathly serious here, they want you."

Buffy squealed in delight. "That’s SO great! Thank you."

"Don’t thank me, you earned this."

Buffy blushed.

"Filming isn’t for a while so there’s plenty of time to sort the semantics out, I just thought you’d like to know."

"I do, I did. I mean thank you, it’s great news."

Buffy hung up. "Guys." She shouted up the stairs. "I got it! I’m playing Mira Holder in the new Stephen Spielberg film!"

Willows door opened. "Did I just hear what I thought I heard?"

"Yes! I’m in!"

Willow dashed down the stairs and hugged Buffy. "That’s is SO great."

"It’s too early for the shouting." Said Xander as he emerged from his room, holding his head. "Why must you shout?"

"Xand, I got it. I go the part."

Xander took his hand away from his head. "You did?"

"Uh uh."

He smiled. "I’ll be more enthusiastic once my hangover had worn off but in the meantime, Yay you!"

"It’s not a huge part but it’s getting seen that matters." Buffy explained to her mother.

"Well I’m happy regardless. So who are you playing again?"

"Mira, she’s the pivotal character. She has about fifteen scenes in the movie but she’s the reason the hero considers his best friend as the bad guy and destroy him."

"Well that great. Who’s playing the other roles?"

"I don’t know most of them yet. The lead is Matt Leblanc, from friends, there isn’t a female lead but Kathleen tuner plays his boss."

"And the story?"

"Well, the hero, Nick, works for this big robotics company and he just got promoted to the government devision, to work on government funded projects. Anyway, he discovers that someone has been steeling the designs for the robotic soldiers and selling it to the highest bidder."

"Who?"

"Well in the company it’s just a worker but the man behind the operation is ralph, Nicks best friend."

"And?"

"Well the info rlaph is getting dries up so he starts to work on me, to get the info he needs to get into the companies computers."

"Why you?"

"I’m the hero’s girlfriend."

"And you’re bad?"

"No, I don’t know he’s using me. Anyway, he plays me and he gets the passwords etc."

"Then what happens?"

"Nick gets all upset, tells me whats been happening ang I basically spill what me and Ralph did. He them destroys Ralph and his evil operation."

"And you and Nick or Ralph?"

"Well I help Nick get Ralph after I realise he played me, but I cant still be with Nick after cheeting on him. Ralps is the bad guy so I don’t see me ending up with him but I’m supposed to help show his human side, the good side to the bad guy. I think we all end up alone though."

"Wow, sounds… fururistic."

Buffy hugged her mother again. "This could really do a lot for me mom. No more crappy teen flicks, this could prove me as an actress."

"What about your series?"

"We’re filming my scenes during the hiatus so it wont affect anything."

Her mother broke the hug before she was squashed to death and smiled. "I’m glad for you hunny, it’s about time you got your break."

Chapter 4

Angelus arrived home to see his answering machine blinking again. Probably Darla. That woman just didn’t take a hint!

He ignored it, not willing to face her multiple messages asking where he was and why he hadn’t called. He showered instead.

Coming back down he decided he couldn’t out it off any longer and pressed play.

"Angelus? Why haven’t you called me? I though we were going out this weekend? Well, call me."

"Angelus, it’s getting close to the weekend. Call me so we can make out plans."

"You’re probably being a pig but just in case you lost my number its 555-4391."

"Look, we’re meant to be together, cant you see that? Call me!"

"Angel, it’s Robert. You got the call back they want to see you on Friday at 1pm. It’s just you and one other guy. Don’t screw it up now; I need my commission on this. Get back to me and I’ll give you the time and he place."

His agent. He was going for a part in the new Stephen Spielberg film. Only 2 people left in the running, this looked good.

The rest of the messages were from Darla again. He erased the tape and called Robert back. It was late but he was used to late calls.

"Angelus, good, you got my message then?"

"Yep, where’s the call back?"

"They want to do it on location so they’ll need you from 11am onwards."

"Location?"

"Yeah, some scenes are outside so they want to do a screen test in the desert, just to check you don’t go orange under sunlight." He half joked. It wasn’t unusual for some peoples fake tan to turn orange in natural light.

"Shouldn’t be a problem, where do I meet them?"

"On the paramount lot, you’ll go from there."

"Got ya, thanks Rob."

"There is one other thing."

"Hmm. Why am I not liking where this is going?"

"The role of Mira has been cast."

"Yeah. And?"

"They’ve given it to Buffy Summers."

Angelus froze.

"That’s OK right? You can be a professional cant you? I don’t have to tell you what this could do for your career."

"No, no you don’t. It’s OK, I can handle it."

"Good! Well call me, let me know how you got on."

"Will do. Night Rob."

So, he’d be acting with Buffy. Kissing her no less. The role he was up for was hero’s best friend/bad guy. Mira was hero’s girlfriend who gets torn between him and the hero.

He poured a drink, hoping they didn’t bring Buffy for him to try out with on Friday. He’d be sure not to get the part if he had to kiss that bitch in front of them.

Once he had the part they could edit the kissing out or rewrite it or something. It was getting the part that could be the problem.

Buffy arrived on the location early. She had to try out with two actors today who were playing Ralph, her love interest. Well, one of her love interests. Shouldn’t be too hard. She had already made out with Matt Leblanc to get the part, these relatively unknowns should be a breeze.

"Buffy." She turned to the cameraman. "They want you in makeup."

"Sure thing." She headed off to the trailer to get all spruced up for the scene.

They were going to a lot of trouble just for a screen test but she guessed with budgets as big as this film’s you had to be sure you had the right people. She had tried out four times for them before they gave her the part.

She relaxed back in the chair and let the makeup people work their magic on her.

"Just take a seat Angelus." She heard one of the female make up ladies say.

Buffy opened her eyes. Angelus?

She slowly turned her head to see him sitting in a seat two down from her.

He was smiling at her.

She glared back then closed her eyes. This couldn’t be happening. What if she screwed this up and they took the part away from her?

That didn’t bear contemplating.

‘Happy thoughts, think happy thoughts. Puppies, fat movie pay cheques, flowers…’ 

It wasn’t working.

Buffy was soon finished and called out for the trailer for the first try out.

The actor was Mark Thomas.

"Ready, and action!" called Stephen.

"We cant to this." Buffy cried.

"Yes, we can. You don’t love him. I can see it." He grabbed her arms. "Every time you look at him I see friends, not lovers."

"NO, it’s not true."

He brought his face closer to hers. "It is. You know it. Don’t fight it Mira, come with me, we’ll get away from him."

"I cant, he needs me."

"He doesn’t need you."

"He does, he needs my help."

"When was the last time you helped him?"

Buffy began crying. "But."

He placed a finger over her mouth. "No but’s." he lowered his head and captured her mouth in a brief kiss before deepening it. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck. Then she moved her hands to his shoulders and pushed him away.

"NO! We cant."

"We can. You want to, I want to. We can." He pulled her close again.

"Aaaand CUT!" that was great people.

Buffy had to repeat the scene twice more before Stephen was happy with the performances.

"OK, that was excellent Mark, we’ll be in touch."

They shook hands and Buffy waited for Angelus to come on set. She knew Mark hadn’t got the part. Something told her he wasn't the guy. So if they liked Angelus for the part she’d have to make this good or they might fire her instead.

"Angelus, you’re up."

Buffy took a deep breath. She was an actress for christ sake. She could do this.

Angelus had been watching the scene as they played it. Buffy was a good actress. He hoped she didn’t screw this up for him.

"Angelus, you’re up." he took a deep breath and headed for Buffy.

"Lets just be professional about this." She said coldly.

"I’m always professional."

Buffy was going to make a come back but thought better of it.

"OK, positions people."

Buffy and Angelus stood in front of each other.

"Aaaand Action!"

"We cant to this." Said Buffy, genuine distress in her voice.

"Yes, we can. You don’t love him. I can see it." Angelus retorted with passion. "Every time you look at him I see friends, not lovers."

"NO, it’s not true." She protested

He grabbed her arms and stepped closer, Buffy looked up into two perfect brown orbs, filled with love and affection. "It is true. You know it. Don’t fight it Mira, come with me, we’ll get away from him."

"I cant, he needs me." Buffy said, her eyes filling with tears.

"He doesn’t need you."

"He does, he needs my help."

"When was the last time you helped him?"

Buffy tears fell. "But…"

He gently placed a finger over her mouth. Buffy found she liked the contact, soft and tender but firm. "No but’s." he leaned in and kissed her. Lightly at first, just grazing her lips with his own. Buffy could feel her pulse rise. She wanted this. She parted her lips slightly and he took the opportunity to invade her mouth, kissing her with urgency she had never felt before. Like he needed her.

Buffy was loathed to push him away but her hands found his shoulders and pushed

"NO! We cant." She said with genuine anguish.

"And CUT!"

Buffy blinked a few times and turned to Stephen. "Great, I just want one more take for the close up. Get the cameras ready."

He gestured to Buffy who walked over to him.

"That was smoking’."

"Thanks."

"I mean it. You two have something, chemistry."

"Thanks again."

"I might as well just cut to the chase here. What I’m trying to ask is, can you work together?"

Buffy swallowed. "I’m a professional, I can do it."

Stephen smiled. "Good. ‘Cos you two are gonna help sell this thing."

Buffy smiled. "What does that mean?"

He looked at her and titled his head. "Are you kidding? This is the next Romeo and Juliet of the modern age, with a little more plot. With your forbidden love and the heat between you, every girl is gonna want to be you and every guy is gonna want to kiss you."

Buffy blushed. "Thanks."

"Now, go show me greatness again."

Buffy repeated the scene feeling just as at home as before. She liked being in his arms. She still hated him as a person but his kiss, it was like fire, it made her hungry for more and empty when he stopped.

"CUT!"

Buffy looked into his eyes. He smirked. "Another notch for the headboard."

Buffy glared. "I guess a kissing record is all you get to keep." She said scathingly.

Angelus’ expression faltered.

"Ooh, I think I got a little too close to the truth there." Said Buffy walking away.

On the way back onto LA Angelus called Darla. He was horney as hell, angry and needed to work up a sweat. Calling her was a bad idea. It would give her the wrong impression after he had told her to stay away so often. But right now he didn’t care.

He couldn’t believe no one had noticed his raging hard on through out the scene. He was surprised he had been able to remember his lines. Buffy had been so sweet and exciting. She tasted to good.

God what he wouldn’t give for a piece of her.

‘No, don’t go there.’ He told himself. ‘She’s bad news.’

Darla it would have to be. Meaningless sex but sex none the less.

Chapter 5

After that scene Buffy found herself unable to forget it. The way his lips had felt as he kissed her. The fire he ignited in her. She had never felt passion like that before.

She still hated him. In fact, if it was possible, she hated him even more than before. It seemed like everywhere she turned, he was there, on TV, on magazines, in the gossip columns. His name stared back at her all over the place.

"Yo Buff. Ready?"

Buffy turned to Xander. "Uh, yeah."

They were working on another typical scene on her show, this time with Riley who played the slayers love interest. Or would be love interest. Or might be love interest. The public wasn’t warming to him so it was possible he would be axed.

This scene was another typical, ‘he’s trying to impress the girl’ scene.

She and Xander walked into the library to see Giles.

"Aah, good that you’re here." Giles played the librarian who looked after Buffy’s character, Ann.

"Yep, right on time." Said Buffy, as scripted.

"Well, five minutes late but I suppose it’s an improvement. Anyway. Daniel here." He gestured to Riley, "Has some information for us."

"Wow." Said Xander. "More information. Seems like every day you have another snippet for our slayer."

Buffy glared at Xander. "So, Daniel, what is it today?"

"Possible nest in downtown."

"Like the other nest with two lone vamps?" asked Xander.

"No, this is the real deal."

The scene played out but Buffy really wasn’t interested in it. She acted as best she could but he was still distracted. As the scene finished Buffy walked straight back to her trailer.

As expected, Riley followed her.

"Not now riley, I’m kind of busy."

"Come on Buffy, please."

She found it so hard to say no to his pleading. But she knew she had to nip this in the bud. "NO, I have a lot to do today."

"Then dinner, tonight."

"I wont have time, I’m shooting the after dark scenes remember?"

"Then some other night. To congratulate you on the Spielberg role."

Buffy sighed. When would he get the message she wasn’t interested. "I cant, I’m just too busy."

"Well, let me know when you’re free."

"I will." She closed her trailer door on him and leaned against it. Tomorrow she was due to kiss him. Or his character. She wasn’t thrilled at the prospect.

"Come on Caitlin. You know you want to." Said Angelus to Jennifer, his on screen wife.

"I just have a headache tonight."

"We’ve been married three weeks and we haven’t made love once." He said taking her in his arms.

"I’m sorry. I just… not tonight."

"Don’t be sorry." He kissed her. As he pulled away he said. "Just don’t keep me waiting much longer, I can’t handle it."

"CUT!"

Angelus smiled at Jennifer. "Good work."

"Thanks, you too."

Angelus nodded. Usually he enjoyed flirting with Jen but recently their make out scenes had become dull. It wasn’t the scenes that had changed, it was him.

He couldn’t get that bloody Buffy out of his head. Compared to her Jen was a mannequin. No fire, no heat.

He went off to find the food truck for lunch.

"Trouble?" asked Wes.

"No."

"Funny, because you don’t seem as interested in Jennifer as you did."

"Nothings wrong. I like her, we work well together, that’s all."

"You aren’t talking to the papers now Angel, talk to me."

"I… I’m just not attracted to her like I used to be."

Wes nodded. "Wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain Buffy would it?"

"No, nothing. The attraction was just a phase, I’m over it. We still have chemistry on screen so I don’t see what the problem is."

"None as far as the producers go but something not right with you. You’ve been aloof, moody, and unsociable. Something’s going on with you and you’ve got to sort it."

"Can I have my lunch now?"

"Yes, feel free, just give some thought to what I said."

Angelus rolled his eyes. He was fine.

Chapter 6

Buffy’s first day of shooting arrived and she was nervous to say the least. Everyone was nice to her though and she soon fitted right in. thankfully, today’s scene didn’t involve Angelus, which she was grateful for.

She performed well and was complimented. Her happiness was guarded though by the thought of running into Angelus soon. Pretty soon they would have a scene together and she wasn’t sure how to handle it.

The next day she was to find out.

"Buff, we’ve had a change today. Matt’s feeling a little under the weather so we’re doing two scenes with you and Angelus today." Said the assistant director.

"Today? Two scenes?"

"Yeah. Not a problem is it?"

"Well I haven’t learnt the lines." She covered.

He smiled reassuringly and handed her some pages. "This is today’s work, shouldn’t take long to learn."

"But Angelus isn’t due to film today is he? I thought today was down for the me and Matt scenes."

"We called him in. he’ll be here any time."

"Great!" she said with a false smile. "I’ll head for makeup then."

"Do the rehearsal first, you can run it through with Jim then we’ll do a few final rehearsal when Angelus gets here."

"Goodie. Cant wait." Said Buffy with false enthusiasm.

She emerged onto the set later looking a million bucks but feeling lousy. The first scene was ok. Nothing too intimate. Ralph walk’s in on Mira in her bedroom and cops a look. A little playful banter but that was all.

The next scene was more intimate though.

She took her place at the dressing table mirror and went over her lines in her head one last time.

Angelus walked on set to see Buffy combing her hair in front of her characters dressing table mirror. She couldn’t see him from where he stood.

He was captivated for a moment by her long, silken locks flowing through the brush.

"Buffy." He heard the A call to her. She turned to face him. "Don’t mess the hair."

"Sorry. Just nervous."

As she turned to the Assistant Director, Angelus saw her outfit in full. A thigh length negligee in green. It suited her perfectly and fit like a dream, just skimming her soft, silky skin.

‘What? Soft silky skin?’ Angelus groaned and turned away. This was too much.

Buffy chastised herself as she looked back into the mirror. She knew better than to mess with the hair before a scene.

Still, it was done now. She couldn’t take it back. She’d just have to get over it and carry on. The hair would have to be done after the rehearsal with Angelus anyway.

Soon the scene was set up and she was ready to rehearse with Angelus. She hadn’t seen him yet which she was grateful for.

"Action!" called Stephen.

"Hey princess." Said Angelus, entering the room.

"Ralph." Buffy smiled at his reflection in her mirror. He looked good enough to eat, he was wearing black leather pants and a dark blue shirt. His hair was perfect and his smile seemed genuine. "I’m afraid Nick isn’t here tonight. He had to meet a client. "

"I know. I was just lonely." He said walking up behind her. Taking her hairbrush fro her he said. "Here, let me."

"Thanks. Well that makes two of us on the lonely front. How about a pizza and a video fest."

Angelus gently brushed her hair. "Yeah. I could go for that. I’ll call."

"No, you’re a guest, let me."

Angelus grinned wolfishly at her in the mirror. "My pleasure. I bought wine too, thought we could share a glass."

"OK, I’d like that. Tough day?"

"The usual." He continued brushing her hair, gently. It was such a simple act but it felt so erotic to Buffy.

"Well, let's forget our worries together for a night." Said Buffy.

Angelus just smiled back. The scene continued to play out. Buffy was surprised she wasn’t drooling!

"Cut! Ok people, that was good, lets shoot it."

The hair stylists came back in and styled Buffy’s hair again. She sat impassively as she waited for the scene to begin again.

"Action!"

"Hey princess."

"Ralph. I’m afraid Nick isn’t here tonight. He had to meet a client. "

"I know. I was just lonely." He took her hairbrush from her again. "Here, let me."

"Thanks. Well that makes two of us on the lonely front. How about a pizza and a video fest." Buffy could have purred under his gentle strokes.

"Yeah. I could go for that." Angelus said. He continued brushing her hair. It was so fine, so soft. "I’ll call."

"No, you’re a guest, let me."

Angelus grinned wolfishly at her in the mirror. "My pleasure."

"OK, I’d like that."

The scene continued, each second the flirting became less acting and more real. Buffy couldn’t believe the effect this man could have on her. She wasn’t impulsive but all she wanted right now was to throw him on the bed.

"CUT!" excellent people. Lets do it one more time then we’ll do the close up’s and reverse angle."

They spent the rest of the morning on that scene. Buffy was so worked up by the end she wanted to either hit Angelus or pounce on him. She could do neither.

She calmly put her robe on and walked off the set, back to her trailer.

Angelus couldn’t believe she had just blanked him. After all the tension between them. He knew she had to feel it too; she was just being an ice maiden.

God he hated that bitch!

Chapter 7

Buffy returned to the set after lunch for the second scene. The intimate one.

They were supposed to lie on the bed together. She had rehearsed this scene as well this morning with Jim but she had to rehearse it with Angelus before they could shoot.

She took a few deep breaths and took her robe off. As she lay on the bed she closed her eyes to try and calm down.

The bedroom set was now messed up; pizza boxes littered the floor along with two wine bottles. She wished the wine was real, might calm her down.

Angelus appeared a few moments after she lay on the bed.

"Ready Angelus?" asked Stephen.

"Sure thing." He smiled but as he looked over to Buffy his expression hardened. Buffy flinched at the hatred shown there.

"Great, lets run it through then."

Angelus lay on the bed beside Buffy.

"Action."

Buffy smiled up at Angelus. "I need more wine."

Angelus smiled back with a warmth Buffy didn’t know he had in him. "Rob-O will be back with it soon."

A small robot about the size of a vacuum cleaner appeared in the doorway with wine on one robotic hand.

"Thanks Rob-O." said Buffy taking the wine. She poured two glasses as the robot turned and left.

"I hear they’re launching him soon."

"Yeah, next month. His bugs are worked out so he’s ready for sale. "

"What’s Nick working on now?"

"I don’t know." Said Buffy, her forehead creasing. "He wont tell me. He has all these late meetings and I can never get hold of him but he wont tell me what he’s working on."

"Me either."

Buffy looked thoughtful. "He’s never done this before. I mean I know the company has to be secretive about ideas but he’s always told me what’s happening. It’s like he doesn’t trust me any more."

Angelus laid an arm on her shoulder. "I’m sure he has no choice. After that promotion he probably had to sign his life away."

Buffy smiled unconvincingly. "Yeah, I’m sure it’s something like that."

"But it doesn’t make you feel better."

Buffy shook her head. "I feel like there’s this gulf opening up between us and there’s nothing I can do to stop it."

Angelus began sweeping a few strands of hair our of Buffy’s forehead. "I know the feeling. He used to be my best friend. Now? It’s like I barely know him."

Buffy’s expression grew serious. "I’m worried."

Angelus smiled reassuringly. "Me too. We just have to help each other through this I guess."

Buffy nodded. All through the scene they had been inching closer. Now she looked into his eyes. "If you knew anything you’d tell me right?"

"Always."

Angelus continued stroking her hair, even though it was all out of her face now. They locked eyes.

"Try not to worry." Angelus leaned down and kissed her forehead but he lingered a little too long. Buffy closed her eyes as Angelus continued kissing her, trailing the kissed over her nose, down to her mouth and gently urging her to respond.

Buffy responded, kissing him back. They continued for a few moments. Probably longer than they should have. Then Buffy pushed him away and looked down.

"Oh god." She said softly.

"I’m so sorry Mira. I don’t know what got into me."

"No, it’s OK." She sighed and sat up on the bed. "I’ll be back in a minute." She said walking out of the room, confusion and guilt evident on her features. As soon as she left Angelus began rummaging through the draws in the bedroom.

"I’ll go." He shouted trough the doorway as he continued rummaging through her characters things.

"You can’t drive." Buffy shouted back. "I’ll call you a cab."

"OK, thanks."

Angelus continued searching. "I really am sorry."

"Don’t worry about it."

"No, I have to, I mean he’s like my best friend."

"We both had a part to play, let’s just forget it." She said walking back into the room. Angelus quickly shut the draw and sat on the bed.

"OK." He smiled at her as she entered. "I’d like that." Buffy smiled back. "We still friends?" he asked.

"Always."

"Cut. That was good. Lets do hair and makeup in here then we’ll roll."

Buffy turned away as soon as he yelled cut. This was so hard. Acting for her as normally easy, she could distinguish between herself and her character. This was anything but easy though. Being with him felt so right but it was also wrong. Not that she had a boyfriend, just that he was an asshole. She couldn’t be with him. Ever.

"Buff, you OK?" asked the AD.

"I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep well."

"Good. This scene’s going to take a while to set up, why don’t you get a coffee."

"Yeah, good idea."

Angelus lay back on the bed as the scene ended, covering his face with his hands. This was impossible. He could never have Buffy. Even if he wanted her she clearly didn’t want him. He had to get his emotions under control.

The scene was played through for the cameras for the rest of the day. Long shots, close up’s, reverse close up’s.

To Buffy it seemed never ending. Kissing him over and over and being so close to him. It was like heaven and hell all rolled into one.

Finally, at 7pm the shoot was over. Buffy pulled her robe back on and headed to her trailer. She didn’t take her makeup off today; she just wanted to get out of there, back to her hotel room.

Chapter 8

"Hey Buffy. How you doin?"

"I’m great Lorne." Said Buffy stopping in the corridor of the hotel to speak to him.

Lorne was the fix it guy who looked after everyone on set. If you wanted something, he could get it.

"Say, how’s Matt doing?" asked Buffy.

Lorne looked grave. "Not good Sweet cheeks. I thought I was a hangover at first, happens to the best of us but by lunch I called the doctor in. he says it’s food poisoning, gave him some antibiotics."

"Is he ok?"

"Well he isn’t praying to the porcelain god any more but he’s beat. Don’t think he’ll be able to work tomorrow either but we’ll have to wait and see."

"OK, thanks Lorne."

"You take care sweetie."

"I will."

Buffy returned to her room and called willow. She was also working on a film at the moment.

"Hey wills."

"Hey Buffy, I’m about to go to work, can I call you back?"

"Sure. Break a leg."

"Will do. Bye."

Willow hung up and Buffy went to run a bath. She seriously needed to talk to someone, work her thoughts through and be reminded why she hated this man. Xander wouldn’t be much help, he was a good guy, but he wasn’t a girl. Her mom wasn’t one to talk to either, not about boys, as she called them.

Cordie would give her a hard time over giving Angelus a hard time so that left no one. She’d have to wait for Willow to call back.

Buffy climbed into her bath and scrubbed her makeup off before settling back in and trying to relax.

If Matt wasn’t on set tomorrow that meant she’d probably be working with Angelus again. Almost all her scenes were with one or the other.

She wondered what tomorrow would be. The other bedroom scene probably to finish with that set.

As the water in her bath grew tepid she got out of the bath and dried off. She noticed under her door there was an envelope. They had probably knocked but Buffy hadn’t heard them through the bathroom door. She opened it to see a few script pages and a post it note saying "Matt not looking so good. This is tomorrow’s scene."

It was the other bedroom scene.

Buffy flopped on to her bed. She could see a way out of this but she really didn’t want to do it.

Did she?

Would it even work and get him out of her system?

Angelus was watching the news when someone knocked on his door; he opened it to see Buffy standing there.

"Hi." He said coldly.

"Can I come in?"

Angelus opened the door and Buffy walked into his room.

"What is it you want?" he asked.

Buffy took her coat off and draped it over a chair. Underneath she wore a short black dress with spaghetti straps. It was one of the sexiest outfits he had ever seen.

"I want to talk. About us."

"Go on."

"See, there’s this thing between us on set, this attraction. I know you feel it too." Buffy didn’t know but she was bluffing, hoping for a reaction. "Anyway. I don’t like it so I figure the only way to get rid of it is to act on the attraction."

"What are you suggesting?" he asked trying to keep his breathing under control. Surely she couldn’t be suggesting what he thought she was.

"One night." She answered sitting on the end of his bed. "You and me, we work this out, get it out of our system."

"Then what?"

"We never speak of it again." She said leaning back on the bed.

Angelus was sorely tempted. She was hot and here she was giving herself to him. But it could blow up in their faces. They already didn’t like each other; this could escalate it into full-blown war.

Or she could be right; it could get these feeling out of the way so they could work together.

This was dangerous ground but Angelus found himself lying next to her on the bed, pulling her straps down.

"Promise me." She said, stopping him momentarily.

"What?"

"Just tonight. Promise me."

"I promise."

He soon had them both undressed and began exploring her with his mouth, if they only had one night he was sure as hell going to make the best of it.

Slowly he tasted her all over, savouring the feel of her. Her skin was indeed as soft and silky as he imagined it.

Eventually he began kissing her nipples, discovering what she liked and didn’t. Her hands roamed his body as his mouth did hers.

Slowly he moved lower, becoming more intimate until he was lapping at her centre, driving her wild.

Buffy tangled her fingers in his hair, savouring everything he did. It all felt so good and she wanted every second preserved in her memory.

She felt her first climax of the evening wash over her and hen he was above her, kissing her, his shaft nudging at her entrance.

Buffy pulled him close and he entered her. It took all his willpower not to slam into her and take her passionately. But this wasn’t the time for blind passion. As he moved within her she began to match his thrusts, meeting him half way and pushing his deeper inside her tight heat.

Buffy began to moan as a second climax approached and Angelus joined her, releasing his seed into her.

They lay there for a while, enjoying the after glow until they were ready for more.

Chapter 8

Buffy awoke early the next morning to see Angelus lying beside her, asleep.

She looked at his sleeping form, his handsome eyes, strong jaw, the smile that played on is lips, and decided she had to get out of there now.

Making love last night was one thing; doing it again this morning was another matter entirely.

Quietly she gathered her things up. As she left she realised neither had spoken a word to each other all night. not since Buffy made him promise it was just one night.

She wasn’t sure what to make of that but she didn’t have time to dawdle.

Angelus awoke alone and wondered briefly if it had been a dream. But the bed beside him and been slept in, it was no dream.

He lay back and remembered the feel of her, the taste of her.

They had made love four times last night and yet he still could have done more. She just brought out the fire within him and made him hungry for more.

Even lying there alone he grew hard at the memory of her.

But there would be no more. Last night was a one time only thing.

His smile faltered slightly. He wanted more. He wanted everything.

There was a knock at the door and he answered it, hoping to find Buffy there.

"Got to be on set in half an hour." Said Lorne.

"Yeah. Thanks."

"Not a problem."

Angelus closed the door and headed for the shower.

Buffy sat in her trailer, still in turmoil. Last night had been so good she wanted it again. But would he?

She had made him promise it was just one night though so she couldn’t really disagree if he wanted to keep it that way.

He would be here soon to rehearse. Rehearse the love scene no less.

She buried her head in the cushions of the sofa as she decided last night had been a very bad idea.

Then her phone rang, it was willow.

"Wills, hi."

"Buffy, I tried calling you last night but you didn’t answer."

"Yeah, went out, forgot my phone. Sorry."

"’S OK. What did you want to talk about?"

"Uh, nothing, it’s sorted."

"Great. Well I’ll speak to you later, I got to run."

"OK will, bye."

Buffy hung up, she should have waited for willow to call back last night, then she wouldn’t be in this mess.

Buffy waited for Angelus to begin the rehearsal. At least today she got to wear proper clothes for the rehearsal. Stephen told he what he wanted and Buffy tried her hardest to listen.

"Morning."

Buffy turned to look into those perfect eyes again.

"Hi." Croaked Buffy.

"Angelus good. Just going over the particulars of the scene."

Angelus also tried to take in what Stephen said but he didn’t find it as easy as yesterday. Every time he looked at Buffy he remembered last night.

"OK, so places and we’ll give this a run through."

Buffy went to the bed and climbed under the covers. Her heart pounded and her breathing quickened. Neither seemed to want to make the first move.

"OK Guys, when you’re ready."

Buffy turned to Angelus; they had obviously been waiting around too long. He moved closer on the bed and wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her closer.

Buffy relaxed into his chest and rested her head there.

It wasn’t as hard as she imagined.

She put her guilty expression on.

"I’m sorry." Angelus said.

"Don’t be. We both did this."

"I should have known better."

"Me too." Buffy looked up into his eyes. "But I’m not sorry."

Angelus smiled. Not just because his character was supposed to, because he liked the sound of those words. He leaned down and kissed her again. Deeper than the last scene they had done together but nothing compared to last night. Buffy tangled her fingers in his hair as the kiss continued.

Knowing they had been too long, they pulled apart. Angelus smiled at her, she smiled back.

"So, what now." Asked Buffy.

"What do you want?"

Buffy shook her head. "I don’t know. I honestly love you both."

Angelus pushed her head back down onto his chest and began stroking her hair.

"Would it help you decide if you knew what Nick was up to these late evenings? If he really is at work."

"I guess. How do we check that?"

"Do you know his passwords?"

Buffy looked up at him again. "We can’t break into his computer."

"We’re not going to do anything but check his diary. What’s the harm in that?"

Buffy looked sceptical.

"Don’t decide now, think about it. Because I want you, but only if you can let him go."

He titled Buffy’s head up and kissed her again.

"OK, excellent guys. You two amaze me; one rehearsal and you’ve got it. Well, get into makeup and costume, maybe we can wrap early today."

Chapter 10

The rest of the morning was spent on that scene.

Buffy’s costume was minimal, consisting of only a pair of panties, the sheet was supposed to cover the rest. Angelus didn’t fare any better in the clothes department and as Buffy curled up on his muscular chest time and time again, all her feelings of passion returned.

Angelus also couldn’t help but feel turned on as her breasts squashed against his chest. He gently stroked the smooth skin on her back as they repeated the scene again and again.

Even being surrounded by so many people didn’t spoil the mood; it was like they weren’t there, just Buffy and Angel.

Buffy was so worked up by the end she knew she would have to do something about it. And they still had the reverse angel shots to do that afternoon!

But was seeing him again really the thing to do?

She didn’t want just meaningless sex, if they started anything it had to be a relationship. She wasn’t sure if that was possible. For either of them to put the past behind them.

She returned to her trailer in her bathrobe to eat her lunch of chicken salad and decided she’d have to sound Angelus out.

Once finished, she headed for his trailer, hoping to find him there. She knocked but there was no answer.

"Hello?" she called out, as she opened the door. "I just want to talk."

Buffy stepped up into the trailer and gasped.

There stood the woman from the tennis match, stark naked with Angelus holding her arms.

"Buffy." Was all he managed to say but she wasn’t listening. Buffy took off, needing to be anywhere but there right now.

"Stay!" angelus ordered Darla as he took off after his co-star. "Wait, Buffy, please, let me explain."

"Explain what?" asked Buffy as she reached her trailer door.

"It wasn’t what it looked like?"

"No, of course not. Because I know I go naked into other peoples trailers all the time."

"It isn’t like that. I didn’t know she was there."

"But you felt compelled to hold her."

"I was pushing her away." He paused. "Look, I know why you’re upset an…"

Buffy interrupted him. "I’m upset because I cant believe we didn’t use protection, god only knows what diseases that whore has. I see you Angelus, in all the gossip columns, with a different bimbo on your arm every week. Last night was a huge mistake, I’m just glad we wont be repeating it."

Buffy slammed her trailer door in his face and locked it.

Angelus sighed and slowly walked back to his own trailer.

Buffy made sure to be on set first after lunch, so Angelus couldn’t see her disrobe. By the time he arrived she was already under the covers.

Angelus got into bed beside her and she glared at him.

"I’m sorry." He said softly.

"Don’t," Buffy hissed back, trying not to be overheard but unable to keep the anger from her voice. "Don’t even pretend you didn’t know she was there. In case you didn’t notice security round here is so tight you cant fart without them knowing. I hardly think they’d let someone in without being told to."

"You guys ready?" asked Stephen.

"Ready as I’ll ever be." Smiled Buffy sweetly.

She glared at Angelus as she settled back into his arms.

"Action."

They played the scene through again but Buffy’s heart wasn’t in it. After two takes Stephen sent the cameramen away for a five minute break. Buffy sat in the bed until Angelus had gone, unwilling to give him an eyeful.

"Buffy, something’s missing." Said Stephen sitting next to her on the bed.

"I know, I’m sorry. I’ll do better."

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Doesn’t have anything to do with the woman security threw out earlier does it?"

"What woman?" Buffy blushed.

"Some blonde conned her way in as part of the catering crew. Angelus called security to throw her out of his trailer."

Buffy didn’t admit it was the reason she was upset but Stephen knew. Angelus told him Buffy had walked in on them.

"Look Buffy, it isn’t my place, and I don’t really know what’s happening between you and Angelus but I do know he cares for you and what happened earlier wasn’t his fault."

"Thanks."

Stephens featured changed to stern now but it was more fatherly than angry. "And what ever it is sort it. I wont have you two ruin my movie, got it?" he said wagging a finger at her.

Buffy smiled. "Got it chief."

The crew reassembled and Buffy settled down on Angelus for another take. She felt slightly better but the decision over what to do still remained.

"Cut, that was great guys, once more."

They repeated the scene again then the cameras were moved for the reverse angel close up’s while Buffy and Angelus’ hair and makeup was checked.

By the time they were finished it was nearly 8pm and Buffy was beat. She said good night to the guys and headed back to her trailer. Soon after she for there, a knock came at the door.

Buffy opened it to see Angelus standing there.

"Hi."

"Can I come in?"

Buffy stood back and he entered.

"I just wanted to talk, about earlier."

"It’s OK, I know."

Angelus smiled. "Good." He paused, unsure how to continue. "What did you come there for?"

"I… I wanted to talk about the scene."

"Right." He said, looking a little defeated.

"Was that all?"

"No." he took a deep breath. "Look, I may be WAY out of line here but I wanted to see if… well if you wanted… more."

Buffy swallowed. More sex would be wonderful, exciting and just like last night. But at the end of the day it would jus be sex.

"I said one night, I meant it."

Angelus nodded. "Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked."

"I just think we should keep things professional, you know?"

"Yeah." Angelus headed for the door but before stepping out he turned back. "Just so you know, Darla and I always used protection, you don’t have to worry."

Buffy offered a weak smile. "Thanks."

Darla paced his her cheep motel room. How dare he? Just throw her out like that, publicly humiliating her in front of those guards.

Oh, he would pay!

So would that blonde bitch he ran after.

Chapter 11

Buffy explained the events of last night and today to Willow that evening.

"Wow. I don’t know what to say Buffy."

"Tell me I’m right, that there can never be anything between me and him." She sighed. "Tell me I didn’t just sent the love of my life packing."

"Oh Buffy, of course you didn’t. He isn’t the one. Remember what he said about you at that party? And your show in that interview. He’s awful."

"Your right, he is. He’s a big…"

"Pig." Offered Willow.

"Yeah, a big old pig man. With a pig face."

"And pig trotters."

"But a damn sexy pig man." Buffy whined, falling back onto her bed.

"NO Buffy. You can’t go there."

"I know. I almost blew things on set today."

"Right, this is your big break, if you screw this up you might not get another."

"Right. I have to make this work. Which means keeping it professional with Angel."

"Totally professional."

"Yeah, I’m professional gal. Thanks will."

"You’re welcome."

"So, how’s the filming going on American pie?"

Angelus paced his room trying to get his mind off Buffy. He had tried a film, watching football, taking a cold shower but the images of her wouldn’t leave him.

Everywhere he looked in the room he saw her. The chair was no longer a chair; it was the chair Buffy placed her coat on. The floor wasn’t just a floor; there was where Buffy’s dress was discarded, and over there one of her stockings. And the bed…

He groaned. This was too hard.

Next day Matt was back at work and Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. Not liking Angelus was a lot easier when he wasn’t around.

They rehearsed their bedroom scene, then went to hair and makeup, then shot the scene. They finished at around 2pm and Buffy went for lunch. Kissing Matt was nice and all, but that’s all it was, nice. Nothing compared to Angel and it brought her longing home to her again.

Still, not to worry, this afternoon’s scene was on a different set, the living room one and Buffy was alone. No one to remind her of Angel by either being Angel or not being angel.

They had been due to film one with her and Matt but Stephen didn’t want to over work him so soon after being ill.

She returned to the set and did two rehearsals, as asked then they began shooting it. Buffy actually got to wear real clothes in this scene.

"Action!"

Buffy walked into the living room from the bedroom and paused to look at the computer.

She carried on into the kitchen, got some food out of the fridge and sat at the counter, her gaze often drifting over to the computer.

On the final cut there would be a voice over of Angelus saying. "Would it help you decide if you knew what Nick was up to thee late evenings?" 

Buffy looked indecisive, the looked around her then headed for the computer.

Angelus watched her from a shady corner as she went through the scene. She didn’t notice him; she was too captivated in her work.

To him every step, every expression was like magic, it excited him and thrilled him. She was perfect. From her beautiful face to her perfect figure to her sharp mind and biting wit.

He sighed and leaned against the wall as he continued watching her.

Buffy played out the rest of the scene then they cut to get the reverse angel on the computer scene, the one that would show the information she typed into it being transmitted to Ralph’s computer.

As she headed off for a cup of coffee Angel stepped out in front of her.

"Hi."

"Oh. Hey. How are you?" she asked uncomfortable.

"I’m good, thanks. Look, I know things are weird between us and I’m sorry. I wanted to ask you for dinner, just as friends. Maybe we can put the past behind us and… well, I’d like to be friends if we can."

The truth was he would have her any way he could, if that meant being friends, so be it.

"Um, yeah, I guess." He was right; it would be best if they could stop being so uncomfortable around each other.

"Great, I’ll meet you in the hotel restaurant when you finish."

"OK, I should be there around 8.30."

Angel smiled and bid her goodbye. He wanted to hang around the set and watch her but he feared he would be acting a little too stalker like. He dragged himself away and returned to the hotel. Maybe using the gym would work some of his frustration off.

"You don’t understand Darla, it’s immoral and unethical. I cant."

Darla leaned back in her chair and smiled. "But you can, Dr."

"No, I’m sorry but what ever we did has no baring on this. I will not help you."

Darla reached into her purse and tossed an envelope on the table. "See, I think you will help me."

The doctor opened the envelope and looked at the enclosed photos. "Dear God!"

"I knew you’d come round." Darla purred. "Neither of us want these ending up on your wife’s doorstep do we."

The doctor put his head in his hands for a moment then looked up, shame, fear and resignation evident in his eyes. "What do you want me to do?"

Buffy returned to her hotel room later than expected. She showered, changed and headed straight for the restaurant. Angelus was waiting for her and smiled warmly as he saw her.

He was pleased she had shown, she was late and he was beginning to think he’d been stood up.

She greeted him and explained why she was late.

They chatted and sipped wine as they waited for their food. The conversation was surprisingly easy between them and Buffy was pleased.

The main courses were served and they moved onto desert, not once having an appreciable break in the conversation.

Buffy found that as well as being attracted to this man, she liked him. He was warm, funny and smart. She hadn’t laughed so much for a while.

As the evening drew to a close Buffy was reluctant to leave.

"I should go." She said apologetically.

"I know, we both have an early start."

"Yeah. Anyway, thanks, this was… nice."

"Yeah. We should do it again sometime."

"As friends."

"Of course."

Buffy smiled and got up to leave. Before she walked away though she leaned down to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"Night." She said walking away.

Angel stared after her as his fingers lightly brushed his cheek where she’d kissed him.

Chapter 12

Over the next week Buffy and Angel became firm friends, sharing lunch almost every day and dinner one or two evenings. Buffy was careful to keep it professional though. Willow reminded her nightly what the cost of screwing up could be.

Buffy’s scenes were almost over for this location. The next day she was returning home until she was needed for the out door and office scenes in about two weeks.

She was pleased and saddened at the same time. She would miss Angel sorely but she also knew that time apart would be good, enable her to think more clearly.

She packed her bag the night before so she could leave early the next day. She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Just a sec." She called, pushing some stray strands of hair out of her face.

She answered the door to be faced with Angelus brandishing a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Hey."

"Hi, I thought we could toast our truce as, sort of a goodbye."

Buffy smiled. "Sure."

He entered and headed for the table while Buffy hastily threw some panties she was about to pack, into a draw.

She blushed slightly and turned back to his as he offered her a glass.

"To us." He said.

God, those words were wonderful. If only there really was an ‘us’. "To us." She repeated.

They sat down and chatted as they had many times before. The evening wore on and Angelus ordered a further two bottles of wine from room service and gradually they ended up on the bed, facing each other and talking.

Angel looked at her and cupped her face. "You’re beautiful." He said.

Buffy blushed. "You’re drunk."

Slowly Angelus leaned over to her, taking his time, giving her every opportunity to back out. She didn’t move. Gently he brushed his lips over hers eliciting a soft moan from Buffy. Her skin flushed and her passion returned as she leaned in, deepening the kiss.

Breaking away and breathing heavily, Angelus rested his forehead against hers.

"I’m sorry."

"Don’t be." Answered Buffy as their lips met again.

Buffy began to explore the contours of his body with her hands again. It was familiar yet exciting at the same time. Hindered by his clothes Buffy pulled his shirt from his pants and snaked her hands underneath. That skin to skin contact was like nothing she had ever felt before, it was intimate and special. Something different to any other guy.

Angelus began to free Buffy from the confines of her own shirt, slowly undoing each button. Once open Buffy discarded the shirt, tossing it to the floor then returning to her lovers’ arms.

Soon they were free from all their clothes and lay atop the bed, luxuriating in each other’s embrace, neither in a hurry; content just to let things unfold at their own pace.

Buffy awoke the next morning to see his staring down at her, a small smile playing at his lips.

"Hi." He said leaning down to kiss her.

Buffy snuggled into him and he held her, both enjoying the contact but neither sure where it would lead this time.

Angelus absently stroked her hair, searching for a way to make her his that she would agree to.

Buffy raised her head from his chest and looked into his eyes. "I have to leave soon."

"I know. Before you do, I want to ask something."

"What?"

Angelus swallowed. "I know things are…. Well, odd between us. Our relationship is... wonderful but I want more. I know you’re worried about the film but what if we saw each other afterwards, when we’re finished?"

He looked down at her as she took this information in.

"You mean like date?"

"Well traditionally the dating comes before the sex but I guess, yeah. I’d like a date… or two."

Buffy’s heart soared; did he really want a relationship? She couldn’t help it, a smile spread across her lips. "Yeah, I could go for that."

He smiled back and kissed her forehead. It looked like things were working out, finally.

Chapter 13

Buffy arrived back to an empty house. Willow would be on location for another three weeks and Xander was probably off chauffeuring Cordie about. Buffy didn’t mind, she unpacked and made a coffee before sitting down to go through her mail.

Bills, bills, bills. ‘Why when you’re a kid does mail seem like such a wonderful thing?’ she wondered as yet more bills faced her.

Buffy had more than her housemates since she took responsibility for the household bills too.

Then a little brown envelope turned up. Buffy put the rest of the mail aside and opened it. It was a request for an appointment with her doctor.

Puzzled, she picked up the phone and called.

Buffy emerged from the surgery stunned.

Pregnant.

No, it couldn’t be. There was no way in hell. Nu uh.

It wasn’t Angelus’ baby, that was certain, so she could hardly go and bend his ear when their relationship hadn’t really even begun.

The only person was Willow. Her film set was about two hours drive away. This wasn’t something you discussed over the phone so she’d just have to drive out there.

Buffy waited in Willow’s trailer for her to come back. She paced up and down, trying to make some sense of the situation.

"Buffy?" asked Willow entering the trailer. "What’s wrong?"

Buffy took a deep breath. "I’m pregnant."

"What!"

"I know. Do that for about three hours and you’ll be where I am right now."

"Who’s is it?!"

"I don’t know. I honestly don’t know."

Willow took Buffy by the shoulders and pushed her down onto the small sofa. "Ok, take it step by step, tell me everything."

Buffy took a deep breath. "You know I had a medical for this film right? For insurance and stuff." Willow nodded. "Well I got home to a letter from the Dr asking to see me. I called and he was weird, saying he needed to see me that day. So I went." She paused and took another deep breath. "So, when I get there he says that my blood work was late getting back, he didn’t think anything of it, I was fit and healthy so he signed off on me. But the test came back with raised pregnancy hormone type levels."

"Is he sure?"

"Yeah. He made me give him a urine sample and he did a stick test. I’m pregnant alright."

Willow sighed and leaned back in her chair, covering her eyes with her arm. "Oh god, this is just… so…"

"Yeah."

Willow sat up again. "So who’s could it be?"

"Oh Willow, I don’t know." Tears shone in her eyes and willow pulled her into an embrace.

"Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out."

Buffy pulled away, wiping at her eyes. "How? I’m about three weeks to a month along but the only person I slept with in that time is Angel and that was after the blood test."

"So, did the doctor say anything else?"

"No, he gave me a shot I the ass, vitamins he said since I hadn’t been looking after myself. He said to take care and eat right and he’d see me in a few weeks."

Willow shook her head, unsure how to proceed. "Don’t worry Buffy, we’ll be fine, we’ll get through this."

Buffy’s tears returned and she sobbed onto willows shoulder. "I’m so scared Will."

"Shh, it’s OK, everything will be OK."

Buffy stayed with Willow in her hotel room that night. She didn’t want to be alone. The baby wasn’t mentioned much, Buffy was firmly in avoidance mode at the moment.

As the evening wore on however, willow felt she had to broach the subject.

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

Buffy lay on the bed and buried her face in her hands. "I don’t know. I don’t think I can get rid of it. But if I carry it full term then that’ll affect filming of the Chronicles. I don’t know what I’m going to do." She looked up at Willow. "I guess first priority would be finding out who the father is."

Willow nodded. "Tomorrow we’ll list all your movements for the last six weeks, see if we can’t narrow things down."

Buffy nodded. "I’d like to sleep now. It’s been a rough day."

Willow turned off the bedside light. "Sure. I have to be up early anyway."

"So, it went well?" asked Darla.

"Yes." Replied the doctor.

"Now really, don’t look so glum Dr."

"How can I not. I could loose my licence over this."

"Yes but if you had refused you would have lost your wife and half that fortune of yours. Did you give her the injection?"

"Yes." He sighed. "I gave her the progesterone hormone, it should stop her periods for 12 to 13 weeks."

Darla smiled. "Excellent."

Chapter 14

When Willow returned to her hotel room at lunchtime Buffy had already charted out her movements from her diary. Willow took the sheet and they went through every event together. The only possible time she could have become pregnant was at the end of season party on the Chronicles. She had been so drunk that night she couldn’t say for certain that nothing had happened.

"But you don’t remember sleeping with anyone?" asked willow again.

"No. But that night is kind of fuzzy, it must have been then. There just isn’t any other time."

Willow nodded. "So, now we have a list of suspects."

The list consisted of every man there from Joss, the creator, to Danny, the runner.

"What about Riley?" asked Willow.

"I wouldn’t put it past him." She paused. "But EWW!" she said pulling a face.

"Yeah." Said willow going back to the list. They ruled out everyone who was married, it could still be them but they had to start somewhere. They then ruled out those in relationships leaving Xander, Riley, Mark the cameraman and Phil, the catering guy.

"So, start with these." Said Buffy. "Then work out." She shook her head. "This is SO not going to be easy." She put on a cheery voice. "Excuse me, but did you have I have sex at the party?" she groaned and threw herself to the bed.

Three days later Buffy sat on her sofa at home in a state of huge denial. The only person she had crossed off the list was Xander because if they had slept together he would have been weird with her. And if had but he couldn’t remember either, then there was no point in asking him, she reasoned.

She hadn’t had the guts to approach anyone else yet.

Her phone rang and Buffy picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Buffy?"

"Hey Mom."

"Buffy what is this?"

"What?"

"The paper. It says you’re pregnant."

Buffy groaned. Now her mother and the whole of the US knew.

"Well? Is it true?"

Buffy hesitated. "Kinda." She ventured in a small voice.

"Buffy Ann Summers, I expected more form you. You could at least have had the decency to tell me in person."

For the next half an hour Buffy tried to explain her side and calm her mother down. She was only partly successful.

After hanging up she put her answering machine on and left that to collect her messages.

She listened to each call. Her agent, numerous press people, friends, then came Angels call.

"Buffy, I saw the paper this morning. God I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault. I just want you to know I’m here. What ever you decide I’ll support you. Call me back, please."

Buffy cried listening to his message. If only he were the father.

 A week later Buffy sat in her living room, Angel sitting opposite. His expression was cold hard. She couldn’t blame him, until now he had been labouring under the presumption that he was the father.

"So whose is it?" he asked.

"Riley Finn."

Angelus nodded.

"I’m sorry Angel, I really am."

He shook his head angrily and glared at he. "Sorry? Sorry! You have no idea what I’ve been going through this last week, you didn’t even have the decency to call me, I had to come all the way here."

"I didn’t know how to tell you. I… I just wanted it to be yours. So much and I…I…" she began crying. "I’m sorry."

Angelus stood. "I thought you were special. That I was special. Turns out you’re just a whore like the rest of them." He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Xander appeared and took the crying Buffy into his arms, trying to calm her.

Chapter 15

At the beginning of the next week, Buffy was back on location with the film. Everyone was super nice to her except Angelus who avoided her at all costs and glared when confronted with her.

He also brought Darla onto the set with him and spent a lot of time fawning over her in front of Buffy. Buffy knew why, to antagonise her. She and Darla hated each other and seeing him with her hurt. Badly.

She would have to do less of the fight sequence for the final scenes but they already had a stunt double so Stephen wasn’t too put out. He reassured her and acted like a father figure, asking if she was ok all the time, being careful not to over tax her.

He also spoke to Angelus for her, telling him to buck his ideas up and be more professional. It didn’t have much effect on him.

Buffy had an argument scene with him this afternoon. ‘We should be good at that.’ She thought wryly.

"Knock knock."

Buffy turned to the door of her trailer to see Riley there with a bunch of flowers.

Buffy sighed. "Riley. What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you. You are the mother of my child."

Buffy groaned inwardly. He was loving this.

"I told you not to visit me on set. I have work to do. Please go, we’ll discuss what ever you want later."

"I don't want anything, just to give you these." He said brandishing the flowers.

Buffy reluctantly took them. "Thanks. But I have to go over my lines now."

Riley looked hurt. "Sure. How about dinner tonight."

"I really shouldn’t."

"Look Buffy, we have to be friends. I know you don’t want me like that yet, or maybe never but you are having my baby and I will be a part of it’s life weather you like it or not."

"OK, dinner. Meet me in the hotel restaurant."

Riley smiled. "Great, good luck."

Buffy sat the flowers down on the side in her trailer and fell to the sofa. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

She wanted the baby now. The longer this went on the more attached she became to it. If only it wasn’t Riley’s though, if only it were Angels.

"Hey Buffy, how you feeling?" asked Stephen.

"Good."

"No sickness? Cravings?"

"No, nothing at all."

He smiled. "You’re getting off easy, believe me, I’ve been there."

Buffy smiled. It had been an easy pregnancy so far. "I’ll pay later, I’m sure."

"Well, I hope not. We’re ready to shoot."

Buffy took her place and prepared for Action to be called.

She walked into Ralph’s office set.

"Hi." She offered.

"Hi." He almost spat at her.

"CUT! Angelus we spoke about this this morning. Lighten up. You don’t hate her yet, you don’t know what’s going on, she’s your lover and your ticket to the information, now greet her as such."

Buffy walked out and prepared to start again.

"Action."

"Hi."

"Hi." Angelus smiled this time, rising from his seat to greet her. He took her in his arms and bent gown to kiss her. "Bitch." He whispered in her ear.

Buffy kept her faux smile in place. "How are you?"

"Great." He said steeping back, smile now back in place. "Just working. Did you want something?"

"Just to see you. I wanted to tell you I did what you said, I broke into Nicks computer."

"You did?" he asked with false surprise. "What did you find?"

"Nothing incriminating. But you already know that."

Angelus’ brow creased in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Buffy picked the space age device that had been on the back of her computer, out of her pocket and threw it at him. He caught it. "You lying bastard. You used me."

Angelus’ featured changed now his character knew pretence wasn’t necessary. "So what if I did. You were great by the way, Nick’s a lucky man." ‘Riley is, more like, that fucker get to keep her. I get jack shit.’

"Why?" Buffy asked, tears shining in her eyes.

"Because I needed you to break into this computer. Simple as that."

"Did you feel anything for me?"

"No." he answered a little too harshly. The tears Buffy welt welling in her eyes were real.

"I think I’ve heard enough." said Matt stepping into the room.

Angelus glared at Buffy. "You set me up!"

Buffy was supposed to smile back. But she couldn’t. "Yeah." She answered.

She felt in some way like she had set him up. Not on purpose but he had been hurt none the less.

"Your game is over Ralph, give it up." said Matt.

Angelus looked from Buffy to Matt before picking up a vase and hurling it at them.

Buffy ducked and it shattered behind her. Angelus used the distraction to escape through another door off his office.

Matt rushed to Buffy. "Are you OK?" he asked.

"Fine." She smiled back.

She both looked to the door he had disappeared through then took off towards it.

"CUT! Great guys, lets go again."

Angelus sat alone in his hotel room again thankfully this one didn’t have any memories of Buffy. Didn’t stop him thinking about her though.

She was the first woman he loved. Ever. He only realised it just after Buffy returned home but there was no denying he was in love.

Except she was carrying another mans child. That bitch!

How he could ever have trusted her enough to fall for her he would never understand. She had just used him for sex, much like he had done with other women.

It didn’t matter that she said she didn’t love riley, or that she couldn’t remember having sex with him, or that she wished it was Angels.

None of that matterd. What mattered was she was carrying another mans child. And he could never forgive that.

He also knew having Darla here was painful for Buffy. Part of him wanted to stop and make up and plead for her forgiveness for being such an ass.

But another part wanted her to hurt as much as he did, wanted her to feel the pain and heartache he did. That part was stronger.

"Angelus?" called Darla from the bathroom. "Where are you?"

He could picture her now, lying in the bath, waiting for him. But he didn’t want her.

Picking up his coat he headed for the door needing some fresh air.

Chapter 16

Buffy sat down at the table with Riley. The wine bottle was empty and an empty scotch glass sat on the table.

"Hey." She said unenthueastically, wondering how much he’d had to drink.

"Buffy." He smiled back at her. "I ordered for you."

"You what?"

"I ordered your food. Good things for the baby." She glared at him. "You were late so…"

"How dare you presume to know me well enough to do something like that."

"Buffy, I am your babies father."

"It was a mistake Riley. A huge, gigantic mistake. And it doesn’t give you any power in my life. Got it!" Buffy didn’t wait for an answer; she stood up and headed back to her room.

"Buffy! Buffy!" he called after her.

Buffy carried on walking. He was always trying to control her these days. Doing things she asked him not to, always being around, buying her things she didn’t want, trying to take her places she didn’t want to go.

She pushed the button for the lift and heard his footsteps behind her.

"Go away." She said coldly.

"No. We have to talk Buffy."

"No we don’t, have your lawyer call mine, they can sort out visitation."

"Is that what you really want?"

"No, what I want is for us to never have slept together, for angel and I to be together, for you to be out of the picture and for this GOD DAMN LIFT TO COME!"

Buffy felt her tears form. They were from frustration at both Riley and at life.

"I’m taking the stairs." She said heading for the door next to the elevator.

Riley followed after her.

"Go." She repeated as she began running up the stairs.

"No."

Buffy continued running, ignoring him as he followed behind her.

Buffy reached her floor and opened the door. Riley slammed it shut.

"Why wont you talk to me!" he shouted.

"Because I don’t love you, hell, I don’t even like you much."

"You bitch!" he spat.

"So what? Bitch, whore, I’ve been called worse these last few weeks from someone I really do care for, is that the best you can come up with."

Riley struck her, sending her backwards. Her heel landed over the top step and she fell backwards, screaming as she tumbled down the stairs.

"What the fuck is going on?" asked Angelus as he descended the stairs. He had heard the shouting from his floor, two flights up.

"I… she…" riley pointed to the bottom on the flight of stairs and Angelus saw Buffy lying there.

He glared at Riley and in a low voice threatened. "You’ll pay for this." Before rushing down the stairs to Buffy’s side. She was unconscious and he took out his cell phone and called 911.

"Buffy, Buffy can you hear me?" he called repeatedly at her as he held her hand.

After a few minutes she came around. "Angel?" she asked, staring up at him.

"Yes."

"Am I dreaming?"

"No you fell." He said glaring back at riley who still stood at the top of the stairs. "But it’s ok, the paramedics are coming."

Buffy put a hand to her head. "Thank you." She ran hand over her stomach. "My baby." She said in a soft voice.

"SHIT!" shouted riley as he kicked the trashcan in the parking lot.

Every thing was about to come crashing down and it was all his fault. He got his cell phone out and called Angel’s room.

Buffy had protested about going to hospital until Angelus reminded her about the baby, after falling down a flight of stairs she needed to be checked out. She agreed.

Being with him was hard though. He was caring and sweet and attentive. But that would end soon, they would be back to hating each other as soon as he knew she was fine.

That made his actions bitter sweet and Buffy frequently felt on the verge of tears.

"Must be the hormones." Buffy said for what seemed like the millionth time to a nurse as she wiped at her eyes.

The nurse smiled and left.

Buffy lay back waiting for the doctor to cone back with Angelus and pronounce her OK.

"She’ll be fine, just a bump to the head. I’ll give you a concussion leaflet and she shouldn’t be left alone tonight. If you have any problems, come back but I think she’ll be fine."

Angelus breathed a sign of relief. "What about the baby?"

"Baby?"

"Yeah, Buffy’s pregnant."

"Yes, it said that on her admission form so I performed a pelvic. She’s not pregnant, I assumed it was a mistake."

Both looked puzzled.

"She isn’t?" asked Angelus.

"No, that woman is not pregnant."

"I…"

"Look, why don’t we do another urine test, clear this up once and for all." Suggested the doctor.

"Yeah."

Angelus followed the doctor back into Buffy’s room. Had she lied to him? Or had she been lied to?

"Buffy." Smiled the doctor. "Everything looks fine."

Buffy smiled. "Great."

"There is one thing though. On your admissions form it said you were pregnant."

"I am."

"You remember I performed a pelvic exam on you?"

Buffy’s tears began to form again. "I haven’t lost it have I?" she asked, clearly frightened.

"NO, no Buffy." He hesitated. "You were never pregnant to begin with."

Buffy’s featured veered from elated to shocked to sad to confused. "I… My doctor did a urine test while I was in the surgery. She showed me the strip. He has blood tests results and everything."

The doctor’s features registered concern now. "I’ll give him a call, see what I can find out. In the mean time, you think you’re up for giving another sample? The we can clear this up once and for all."

"Sure."

"I’ll send a nurse in with a sample pot." The doctor left and Angelus watched Buffy closely. She stared down at her stomach, her tears falling over her cheeks.

Then she looked over at him. "It isn’t possible."

Angelus cautiously went over to the bed. "What isn’t possible?"

"I have to be pregnant. I mean I haven’t had a period. And he showed me the test stick, it was pink."

Angelus had no doubt left now that she truly believed she had been pregnant. He too her hand, understanding how it felt to loose a baby, even an unreal baby. "We’ll figure it out." He assured her.

The doctor appeared an hour later. "I’m sorry I took so long. I haven’t been able to reach your doctor." He said looking concerned. "Everyone gives a different story though, I have no idea where he is."

He withdrew a pregnancy test from his coat pocket. "Here’s the test." He said handing it to Buffy. "It’s unopened so it hasn’t been tampered with. Do you have the sample?"

Buffy nodded, opening a small pot. She opened the box and began to read the instructions.

"Right, pink is positive." She said as she unwrapped the stick. She used a pipette the doctor gave her and placed a few drops on the stick.

The wait seemed seamed to take forever.

One minute. Nothing.

Two minutes. Nothing.

"Well, it looks like you aren’t pregnant Buffy." said the doctor.

"Wait, give it a bit longer." She said.

Take as long as you need." He fished in his coat pocket again. "I also got another in test you still weren’t sure."

"Thanks doctor." Said Angelus taking the test from him. Buffy continued to stare at the original while Angelus took the doctor aside.

"She told me she hasn’t had a period since she found out, what could cause that?"

the doctor thought a moment. "Well she isn’t underweight so I’ rule that out. It could be that she things she’s pregnant and her body is reacting as such or she could have been given hormones to stop her periods."

"Any way we can check?"

"I’ll take a blood sample before she leaves, that should tell us if she had unusual hormone levels. That’s the only thing we can test for."

Angelus returned to Buffy who still watched the test in front of her. After five endless minutes she had to admit he was right. She looked over to Angelus.

"I don’t understand." She said. The mixture of pain and innocence on her face broke his heart.

Chapter 17

"I need a drink." Said Buffy as she entered her room.

"I’ll order in." said Angelus, picking up the phone and calling room service. He ordered two bottles of wine and three double brandies.

Buffy headed straight for the bathroom and scrubbed what was left of her makeup off. Most had already been cried off. She changed into her favourite over sized nightdress and emerged back into the room.

The wine and drinks had already arrived.

"Do you want to be alone?" Angelus asked. He sure as hell hadn’t wanted company when he found out that her baby wasn’t his. He didn’t want Buffy to think he was intruding. Plus the fact he had been so awful to her she might someone with her, just not him.

"No, stay." She asked.

He smiled thinly and handed her a brandy, which she tossed back in one, then sat on the edge of the bed.

"I don’t understand." She said. "Why would he lie to me?"

Angelus sat beside her. "Maybe he didn’t, maybe it was a mistake."

"How can you make two mistakes? One on the blood test and one on the sample?"

Angelus had to agree, she was probably right.

"And riley? Does that mean we didn’t…"

‘God I hope so.’ Thought angelus. "What did he say, when you asked him?"

"He said we had, that we slipped off to my trailer."

Angelus was beginning to believe more and more that this was some kind of conspiracy, Riley had disappeared, not even bothering to check up on his unborn baby, which spoke volumes. He was at a loss to explain why though so didn’t share his thoughts with Buffy.

"I guess I have to tell people." She said, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"Yeah."

Her tears began forming again. "I know it’s stupid but it’s like, if I tell, it’s real. And I know it was never real to begin with but I still feel like I’ve lost it."

Angelus pulled her to him and gently stroked her hair as she tried to calm her.

"Shh. I’ll tell everyone and take care of it. You just concentrate on feeling better."

Buffy drifted off to sleep at about midnight. Angelus returned to his hotel room briefly. He didn’t even notice Darla wasn’t there. He collected his address book and went back to Buffy’s room.

He watched her sleep a while then began placing calls. He used her mobile to get the numbers and called the people he knew were important to her like willow and Xander. Speaking quietly he explained as much as he knew.

He then called Stephen and explained what had happened.

"Jesus, I knew this town was back stabbing, but I never knew it was that bad." He sympathised. "Tell her to take as much time as she needs, we’ll shift things round for a few days."

Angelus thanked him then hung up and pulled his address book out.

"It’s almost 2am, this better be good." Sad a gruff voice.

"Hey Wes, what was the name of that Law firm you used last year?"

"Angel? Is that you? What could possibly be worth waking me up for that number at this time of night?"

"I’m sorry but it is an emergency."

"OK, OK, just give me a second to find it." He rested the phone down and Angel could hear him padding around the room.

"They were Wolfram and Hart." He said, "Their number is 555-3295."

"Thanks Wes, I appreciate it."

"Hmm." He said then hung up.

Angel dialled the number, not expecting to get anyone.

"Wolfram and Hart, how may I help you?" asked a polite voice.

"I wasn’t expecting to get anyone at this time of night."

"We’re a full service firm sir, now how may I help."

"I need some work doing, I understand you also do investigations?"

"Where warranted. Let me put you through to one of our lawyers, they should be of more help."

"Thanks."

Angelus listened to musak until someone picked the line up again.

"Lindsey McDonald, how can I help?"

Angelus explained the tale to him and asked what he could do.

"Wow," exclaimed Lindsey. "That’s some story. Ok first off we need to check this doctor out, he’s the key. Hopefully we can make some sort of deal."

"Why?"

"Because I doubt he’s doing it for fun, someone else is behind it and if we want to know who, we need the doctor to tell us."

"It’s obviously him and this Riley Finn. Go after both of them." Said Angelus, frustrated. He didn’t want anyone getting away with hurting Buffy. The fact he had also hurt her slipped his mind for the moment.

"OK, I wont offer the doctor a deal yet, we’ll snoop around first, see if we dig anything else up. In the mean time I’ll have both the doctor and this Finn character put under watch."

"Thank you."

"Not a problem. We will need a retainer though. It’ll be redeemable against any future winnings."

"You take cards?"

"We’ll take anything, we’re lawyers." Joked Lindsey.

Angel smiled and fished his credit card out. "$100 enough?"

"Yeah, we should know soon if there’s a case here."

Angel read his credit card number out then gave his contact details.

"OK Mr O’Neil we’ll get straight on this."

"I appreciate it."

Angelus hung up and went over to the bed where Buffy slept. Carefully he lay down besides her, watching her as she slept.

Chapter 18

Buffy awoke the next morning in Angel’s arms. Her head resting on his chest. Sleepily she looked up at him, he was still sound asleep.

She carefully detangled herself and headed for the bathroom. She drew a hot bath with plenty of bubbles then climbed in. she still felt morose but her emotions seemed in check today. She couldn’t grieve for something that hadn’t existed, right?

"Buffy?"

"In the bathroom." She called to him.

"Are you decent?"

"Not really but it’s nothing you haven’t seen before."

Angelus hesitantly opened the door. She lay in the bath, covered by bubbles.

"Just wanted to see if you were ok?"

"Pretty good considering."

"Good. I spoke to Stephen last night, he said to take some time off."

Buffy shook her head. "I’d rather work if I can. Keep my mind off it."

"If you want. I also called your friends, let them know."

"How did they take it?"

"OK. Some were angry, understandably, not at you though." He hastened to add. "Your mom was fuming."

They chatted for a while until a thought occurred to Buffy.

"Why were you in the stair well last night?"

"I needed to get away from Darla."

Buffy flinched slightly at the name but Angelus appeared to zone out for a second. "Darla." He repeated softly.

"Sorry I pulled you away." Said Buffy slightly upset.

Angel shook his head, seemingly to clear it. "No, I don’t mean that. What I mean is she was gone. When I went back to my room she had taken off. She’s never done that before. She’ll wait hours for me."

"What are you saying?"

"I think she and Riley might be in it together."

"You think Riley did this?"

"I think he had a hand. Think about it, he’s the one who conveniently had sex with you, he disappeared after you fell. If he really thought he was a father wouldn’t he have checked up on you?"

"I guess."

"I know I would." He pulled his phone out.

"Who are you calling?"

"A law firm, they’re working on the case, looking into it for us."

Buffy smiled. "Wow, you work fast."

"I do when someone I care about is involved." He said sincerely.

All day on set Angelus followed Buffy around, almost like a body guard, he snapped at anyone who got too personal and guided her away from people he thought might upset her.

Buffy didn’t do any scenes in the end, she tried rehearsing but she wasn’t up to her best. She sat watching Angelus instead. He had two scenes today. Two fights with Matt, one in a lab type room, another on the roof of the building.

The rooftop scene was nighttime but by the time they had finished the first fight scene it was already getting dark.

Angelus watched over her like a hawk, even thought he was acting, his attention never wavered from her for long. As they headed up to the roof he made sure she didn’t want to go home.

"I’m fine really." She said smiling at him.

"I’m sorry this has to go on so late."

"I know the business."

He put his coat round her shoulders. "If you want to go, go. I’ll follow as soon as I can."

Buffy took his hand. "I’m fine." She assured him again.

Chapter 19

Buffy wanted to be alone that evening. She needed to talk to her friends in person, reassure them she was OK. And if she was totally honest, she felt a bit crowded after today.

Not that she didn’t like having Angelus around; she could have left after all. She just needed a break. Some time alone.

She called willow and Xander and spoke to each of them for a while. Then she called her mom. Her mother was both relieved and heart broken. Relieved because Buffy didn’t have to deal with a pregnancy, but heart broken because she was just getting used to the idea of a grandchild.

Buffy hung the phone up and began to cry. The first time really, since she found out. She sobbed loudly into her quilt cover, finally letting her own heartache out.

Angelus called W&H that evening for an update. They had gathered quite a bit of information to be used in a criminal or civil case.

"Wow, you work fast." Praised Angelus.

"We are the best." Said Lindsey simply. "We have confirmed that Darla was involved but we still haven’t tracked her or Riley down. I’d also like Buffy seen by a psychiatrist. Her mental state could be relevant if we go to trial so once she feels ready, I’ll send someone out."

"Ok, giver her another day. I’ll call tomorrow and let you know how she is."

"Great. The senior partners are very pleased with this case. Both for it’s originality an the possible fee’s involved."

"I don’t care about money." Said Angelus.

Lindsey coughed. "No, of course not. However the best place to hurt someone is often the wallet."

"Hmm," was the only reply Angelus offered.

"Call me tomorrow." Said Lindsey. "We’ll talk more then."

Angelus hung up and thought about Buffy. He wanted to go to her, protect her and hold her until the pain went away.

But she had asked for time alone. He couldn’t intrude could he?

He lay back on his bed, trying not to think of Buffy as the sex siren she was but as the poor victim. It was easier to resist a victim.

In the early hours of the morning, Buffy was wide awake. She had fallen asleep after crying and woken up a few hours later. Now she couldn’t sleep. She donned a robe over the PJ’s and headed for the bar downstairs. She needed people around her, something going on to distract her.

There weren’t many people there but there were enough to create a bit of an atmosphere. No one seemed to mind her nightwear.

She ordered a double brandy and warm milk, hoping they would help her sleep but after having drunk both she was no closer than she had been before.

She stayed there a few minutes more then returned to her room. As the lift stopped at her floor, she held the doors open.

Would he still be awake?

Would he even want her there?

He certainly wouldn’t want to stay up all night talking; he had work to do tomorrow.

But he might be awake anyway.

She closed the door and pressed the button for two floors up.

It couldn’t hurt to see, could it?

Angelus was reading as he heard a gentle tapping on his door and his name being whispered.

He put the book down and looked through the peephole to see Buffy looking hesitant, then turning to leave.

He opened the door.

"Hi."

"Hey. I didn’t want to wake you. I didn’t wake you did I?"

"No, I was reading. Want to come in?"

"Sure." Buffy went into his room and tried her hardest not to look at his bare chest. His wonderful, toned chest.

She swallowed and hoped he out something on soon.

"Couldn’t sleep?" he asked.

Buffy shook her head in conformation. "What’s your excuse?"

"Night owl. I never get to sleep early. How are you feeling?"

"Better. I had a good old cry and finally let some things out. I’m feeling more angry than sad now though."

"Well, I have some good news." He said as he began explaining what W&H had found.

Darla paced her room.

"How could you!" She snapped at Riley again.

"It. Wasn’t. My. Fault!" he snapped back.

Darla scoffed. "Yeah, she just fell down the stairs. God, never work with amateurs."

Riley took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. "So, what now."

"I don’t know! The plan was perfect until you screwed it up!"

"I need a drink." He said heading for the door.

"Just be careful."

"Of course."

He slammed the door shut and headed for the nearest bar.

Chapter 20

Angel awoke to the shrill ringing of his mobile phone. He pulled himself out of sleep and grabbed for it.

"Hello?"

"Angelus, it’s Lindsey. We had an eventful night."

Buffy stirred on Angel’s chest and looked up at him, bleary eyed.

"What happened?"

"We found them. Riley used his credit card at a bar last night and we were able to trace him and Darla to a local motel."

"Great."

"That’s not all, the doctor squealed. He’s been arrested. He’ll probably get of light with the criminal charges since he was being blackmailed but hopefully he’ll loose his licence, then we have the civil trial. Anyway, with his statement we were able to have Darla and Riley arrested of charges of conspiracy to assault."

"Assault? When was she assaulted?"

"Oh, the blood test done on Buffy came back. She was given a progesterone hormone to stop her periods. That counts as assault. And before I forget, we didn’t come across that information legally, we’ll need Buffy to sing a release so we can have a copy of her blood test."

"No problem. Will they get much for assault?"

"No, but the civil trial is going ahead. We’ll take these clowns to the cleaners, I promise you."

Angel smiled down at Buffy. "Can you hold a sec Lindsey?"

"Yeah."

Angel covered the mouth peace of his phone and quickly explained things to Buffy. He also asked if she would talk to a psychiatrist to help the civil case.

Buffy nodded. "Anything, if it causes them problems."

Angel smiled at her as he spoke to Lindsey. "Buffy’s agreed to talk to your psychiatrist."

"Great, I’ll send someone out today."

Riley confessed two days after he was arrested and pled guilty to conspiracy to assault. He also admitted that he and Buffy had never even slept together, which other party guests W&H had spoken to backed up. At no point was Buffy missing from the set during the party, someone always saw her around.

Unfortunately he couldn’t be charged with anything more since false pregnancy isn’t covered in law.

Darla refused to admit to anything, blaming it all on the doctor and Riley.

With their testimony against her though, she would be convicted.

The doctor had been arrested, pled guilty to assault and released on bail pending sentencing. He had also been reported to the medical council.

Buffy smiled at Angelus across the table as he relayed the details of the recent happenings to her.

"God, where did you find this firm?" she asked.

"Wes used them a year ago when he was being blackmailed by a former lover. She threatened to do a kiss and tell if he didn’t give her money."

"I’m glad they’re on my side."

Angelus smiled. "Our side."

Buffy’s smile faltered. She knew they had to discuss this ‘us’ thing. For the last three nights she had slept in his bed. For some odd reason she couldn’t sleep alone any more. His presence calmed her and stopped her bad dreams.

"OK." Buffy began. She took a deep breath. "Look, I like you. A LOT. You know that."

Angelus nodded.

"I…."

"Buffy, I’m not asking for anything from you other than friendship."

Buffy smiled. "I know." She took another deep breath. "But I want to give it. More, that is."

"You want us to be a couple?" he asked trying to be clear.

"Yeah. I know I’m a bit of a basket case right now. And if you want to wait, I’ll understand. I just…. I…."

Angelus took her hand. "Buffy, I can’t think of anything I want more."

Buffy smiled. "Phew. Glad that’s over."

"Me too." He smiled back. "I had an idea I wanted to run past you."

"Mmm?"

"We’re almost finished here and I don’t know about you but I could use a break. I wondered if you wanted to spend a few weeks in Hawaii with me?"

Buffy nodded her head slowly. "That sounds wonderful." She glanced away then looked back with the coy yet tempting look he loved. "How about we get the bill and get out of here."

Angelus felt himself harden immediately. He coughed and signalled for a waiter, not trusting himself to speak.

That evening they made love for the first time since the beginning of this fiasco. As Buffy lay in his arms afterwards Angelus marvelled at the rollercoaster ride of the last few weeks. From hating Buffy to loving her to hating her to protecting her and now back to loving her.

He kissed the top of her head as she shifted her weight, silently thankful that despite his temper things had worked out. He wouldn’t be foolish enough to let Buffy go again.

Epilogue

Darla was found guilty of conspiracy to assault and sentenced to 3 months in jail. The judge was so harsh on her because she refused to admit her guilt and in his mind she was a ‘serious threat to society.’

Riley received 3 months suspended sentence and the doctor had a 2 year probation.

Restraining orders were also granted against all three.

The civil trial revealed more information to the world and damages of around $6,000,000 were awarded to Buffy. She donated it all to charity.

The town shunned Darla; no one wanted to work with her.

Riley suffered the same fate and soon quit acting, he moved back home to Iowa.

The doctor had his licence suspended for 2 years and he would be monitored for a further three. His wife left him and after paying damages to Buffy and a settlement to his wife, he was left pretty poor.

Buffy and Angelus announced their relationship to the world as they won the award for "Best Kiss" at the MTV movie awards. There had been speculation before but no conformation.

Their movie won three Oscars but unfortunately neither Buffy nor Angel won the best supporting award. It didn’t matter to them though, they had their whole lives to win an Oscar and with the movie doing so well, they were well on their way to a glittering career.

They married 18 months after their original holiday together, in Hawaii.

THE END