“What the hell are you doing here? Are you following me? What the hell?” Buffy managed to get out in a jumble of words as she rolled over and sat up. She made sure she still had her purse and stood up, much easier this time, without the aid of his outstretched hand. “Never mind. I’m late.”

She tried to brush past him and down the hall to get back to the party but he grabbed her arm. Even though she didn’t know who he was and he was a little scary his touch sent shivers down her spine.

“What’s your hurry? Things like this happen for a reason, you know? Maybe the Powers that Be are trying to tell us something.” He grinned at her.

“Yeah, maybe they are telling me to do this.” With that she stomped on his foot, causing him to yelp in pain.

“Bloody hell woman, what did you do that for?” He yelled, hopping up and down on his non-injured foot. For someone so tiny she sure could hurt another. Course the fact that she’s wearing goddamn spikes for shoes helps with that.

“Leave me alone. I don’t know who the hell you are, but if you don’t go away I’ll be forced to call security.” With that Buffy set off down the hall. Spike hobbled after her, not wanting to scare her anymore.

“Wait, please?” He called.

“No, go away!” Buffy was beginning to get a little worried about this man following her. She definitely would have to ask for a room change when she got back the hotel, if she didn’t call the cops and have him arrested first.

“Buffy! Wait!” He caught up to her as she got to the door of the meet and greet room. As her hand turned the knob a thought crossed her mind.

“How to you know my name?” She asked as the door turned into the room, revealing an even more crowded room than when she left. He put his arm around her waist and led her into the room.

“Hey, wait. You can’t come in h-” Buffy was cut off by a loud voice that effectively cut through the other hums all over the room.

“Spike Giles! So glad you could finally make it! And I see you’ve met your leading lady.” Wesley made it across the room from where he was standing, still with Cordy, with his hand out stretched. Buffy felt her stomach drop as she realized how big of a mistake she had made.

“Well, we weren’t properly introduced. ‘Allo there, pet. My name is Spike and I will be your on screen lover.” Spike threw her a sly smirk as he shook her hand that made Buffy want to sink just a little further into the hole she had dug for herself.

“I can’t wait to see you two on camera together. We’re all very excited with this pairing. You’ll be a hit on screen, just like you are on the stage.” Wesley gushed.

“Buffy, I thought that you said you didn’t know Spike.” Cordy came up beside Buffy and saved her from listening to the two men any longer.

“I don’t. We just kind of… ran into each other outside.” Buffy told her.

“Isn’t he just too sexy? I mean, there’s the whole bad-boy attitude he’s supposed to have that’s enough to make a girl weak in the knees. Then there are those cheekbones and those eyes and that-“

“I get it Cordy.” Buffy felt a headache coming on. One that would only be solved by her going back home to Sunnydale and hiding under a huge rock, never to be heard from again.

* * * * *

The rest of the meet and greet went forward without further incident. Buffy met with the man who would be playing Spike’s best friend in the movie, Xander Harris and took an instant liking to him. He was funny and not overwhelming, very far from the typical Hollywood man persona. She talked with Tara some more and managed to steer clear of Angel and his new girl, Dru, as he called her. She knew that she would have to come face to face with him again, but that would be for business, this was pleasure. She would have to call and rag out Willow however, for not giving a heads up if she knew.

She also managed to stay away from Spike, worried that he would cause her to end up on the floor yet again or they would have another awkward encounter. She wasn’t sure what to think of him yet. She didn’t know him yet, but she didn’t think that she liked him, despite him being so damn good looking. She would just have to maintain a working relationship with him and keep things moving smoothly between the two of them, especially since they were playing love interests in the movie.

Finally the end of the get together was winding down, at almost seven in the evening. Buffy hadn’t realized how long they had been there or how tired she was until she saw people get up to leave. Some of them were going out to the clubs she knew, because Cordy had asked her to go with her and a couple others but Buffy declined, explaining the long day she had had. She heard the basket of bath supplies and her big suite bed calling her.

She got ready to leave, telling Tara and Xander who she had been talking with that she would likely see them on-set in a couple of days when they began shooting. She stopped and said goodbye to Wesley who gave her the final draft of the script.

“It hasn’t changed drastically from the copy that you have, but there are some changes, so look it over carefully tomorrow.”

“My last day of sort-of freedom, right?” She smiled.

“Oh yes. Then it’s all work, work, and work. Have a good night, Buffy.”

“You too, Wesley.”

Before she left the room she took a quick glance around to see if Spike had left yet, then cursed herself for doing so. Who cares if he’s here or in Timbuktu? Just don’t humiliate yourself around him anymore and keep it professional. Her gaze fell on Angel, sitting in a corner with Dru, whispering in her ear. She would hold her head high against him as well. She turned and left the room, saying goodbye to a few other people who she didn’t remember on the way.

She made her way downstairs to the front entrance to wait for a car to take her back to the hotel, as the studio made sure there were some waiting for them. As she stepped outside she closed her eyes and took a deep breath… of cigarette smoke?

“What the *cough* hell?” She said, looking to her left. She rolled her eyes as her gaze fell on the one person she prayed she would never see again for all eternity.

“Not a fan of second hand smoke, I see?” Spike asked.

“Obviously not.” Buffy replied. She frowned at him as he took another drag. Sighing on his exhale he threw the butt to the ground and stepped on it.

“Happy?” He asked.

“Standing here with you? No.”

“Thanks luv. It’s a bed of roses being here with you too.” He leaned against the building, crossing his arms. His duster moved around him, making him look like some kind of superhero.

“You have to be one of the most unpleasant people that I know.” Buffy told him.

“Me? You’re the one putting me down every bloody time you see me, which could get a bit old when we see each other every day on set and in the hotel.”

“At least I don’t make a habit of knocking people to the ground every time I see them.” Buffy shot back.

“I said I was sorry. I’m not the one stepping out into fast moving areas without looking. Bet you play in traffic too.”

“Whatever. This is retarded.”

“That it is. So stop it!”

“Me? You stop it!”

“For the love of Christ, just shut up!” He groaned. Buffy looked like she would throw something back at him, but remained silent, agreeing that was the best way to get around this.

They stood in silence for another few minutes before a limo finally pulled up. Buffy sighed with relief and moved towards the vehicle; not realizing Spike was doing the same. Their hands reached for the handle at the same time, as the driver got out of the car.

“This is my car.” They both said at the same time.

“No, it’s mine!” They said again. They stood; hands still on the door handle, glaring at each other.

“Uh, sir, ma’am? The car is big enough for both of you, as long as neither of you are in a rush to get to your places we can work with this.” The driver offered a solution. “Where are you going?”

“To the hotel.” They answered at the same time again, eliciting a glare from each other.

“The same one? That’s great, no waiting then.” The driver clapped his hands together to get them to move, but neither did. They just stood, almost nose-to-nose waiting for the other to make a move. Finally the driver stepped forward and opened the door for them, surprising them both. Buffy muttered her thanks and slid in first, Spike after her then the door shut. They sat in silence at first, both rethinking what had just happened.

Jesus, what the hell was THAT Buffy? You want to remain on a platonic level, not even recognizing him as a person and you were almost holding his hand! What a jerk he is! What a moronic, stupid jerk with really strong hands and he smells SO good… shut up Buffy. She frowned to herself as she thought.

Bloody hell, man. Get yourself together. You’ve been around plenty of chits in your day, any of them as pretty as her- if not more so! Just because she has warm hands and gorgeous hair and smells like the sweetest vanilla ever doesn’t mean anything. Just because she’s sleeping in the next suite over to you and you could just…. shut up, you bloody wanker! Spike shifted on the seat and pulled his duster around him as he took notice of his reaction to his thoughts about her.

“I suppose this is the smartest thing to do.” Buffy said, breaking the silence.

“Hmmm? What are you talking about?” Spike snapped out of his haze.

“Taking one car to the hotel. Saves the driver some work, and the environment some hassle and… stuff.” Buffy didn’t want to be here, in such close quarters with him. When he had bowled her over the first time he was so good looking that she thought he was an angel, then the second time she had known who he was just from his voice and he had given her shivers, and just now when she was glaring at him so intently, toe-to-toe with him she had wondered what it would be like to kiss him. Just once, and quickly, just so she got a taste. That would be interesting.

“Yeah, guess so.” He wracked his brain trying to think of something to say so he could keep her talking, especially on something so civil. He guessed that they would soon be arguing again. He wanted to be off the thought of her face being so close to his as well. So close he could feel her breath mingling with his and he could smell the strawberry lipgloss she had on, lipgloss that would feel so good if he were to just reach out and-

“Did you get your script?” He asked, frantically trying to get his mind off things that would make them both uncomfortable if she saw the way they were affecting him below the belt.

“Yes. Tomorrow I’m line girl. I went over my first script pretty good, so I don’t think this will be too hard.” Buffy relaxed at this nice conversation they were having. Maybe he wasn’t so bad.

“Yeah, me too. If you want I’d be happy to go over lines with you, get some stuff ironed out before we even get to set. Plus, this is my first movie, so it would be nice having someone who knows what she’s doing help me.” Spike internally gave a little yell of success as she turned in her seat to face him better, her face lit up.

“That would be great. I would much rather go over my lines with someone. I don’t know how much help I can give, because this is my first big movie, but I can try my best.”

“I thought you were great on that demon show.” Spike offered, seeing her eyes sparkle as he mentioned her old show.

“You watched that thing? That’s funny. I wouldn’t think you would have had time.”

“Even rock stars get downtime, pet. You’ve listened to my music, haven’t you?” He smiled at her.

“Actually, no. I don’t let myself get too much downtime. I hear you’re really good though!” She offered, seeing his slightly hurt expression. “I’ll have to go out and get your CD. I have been meaning to, especially since I got the part, but this month has been crazy busy.”

“I have some copies in my room, if you want. I’ll even autograph it for you.” He covered.

“Sure, that would be really nice. It’s not just you, so you know. I wouldn’t know a rock start or movie star from a janitor right now. I just don’t keep up to date on that stuff. If my manager tells me to watch or listen to something, then I do, but unless it’s on my schedule, I don’t even know it’s alive. I killed my fish that way.” Buffy bit her lip as she heard him laugh a loud rich sound that she smiled at.

“This is really nice, you know? We never would have had this nice conversation and gotten to know each other if you didn’t have to take my car. This was fun. Now that we’re back at the hotel, do you want to maybe get a drink or something?” He asked.

Buffy just stared at him like he had three heads.

“Wha’? He asked.

“Ok, first of all, it was my car. Second of all, if I didn’t ‘have to take’ your car? You would have left me on the street all alone in LA, without anything to protect me? You are such an ass! You wouldn’t even have let a woman take a car so she wouldn’t get mugged unless you HAD to? Spike, you are a pig.” Luckily the car had stopped outside the hotel, because Buffy reached over him to open the car door, sending Spike’s mind into a tailspin as her breasts rubbed against his chest and he inhaled her sweet smell, but that didn’t last long because she pushed him out of the car. He barely had time to catch himself on his feet as he fell outside the car. Buffy climbed out after him, swinging her purse onto her shoulder in a huff.

“Goodnight, Mr. Giles.” Buffy stalked off to the hotel, leaving Spike in her wake, scratching his head about what happened.

I have to work with THAT for the next twelve weeks? Both blondes thought as they lost themselves in their version of the car ride.

Buffy huffed her way into her suite, stormed into her room and threw herself on the bed. She lay there for a few minutes, thinking about what had happened in the car. He is SUCH an ass! I have to work with him for the next three months and act all lovey-dovey with him some days when I cringe at the thought of his body anywhere NEAR me! Well, you must not hate it that much considering you wondered what it would be like to kiss him, her mind taunted back at her. Yeah, but that was before he turned into the supreme ass of Assdonia. ‘Ah, suck it up Barbie,’ her mind threw back at her,’ you get to work with a hunk of a man and get paid for it. Things could be a hell of a lot worse.’

“I suppose my leading man could be Angel.” Buffy muttered as she sat up. She thought back to the comment slinging she and Angel had done at the party and had to smile. He had no idea who she was now, and that pleased her to no end. When he had left her she was a shell of who she was now, a person who had to cling to another to be someone. She was someone now, that’s for sure and she was cling-free, and she would never go back.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t indulge myself in a little snooping to find out who Spike is. Buffy smiled to herself and went out to the entryway where her bags still sat. She dragged them into her room, one by one and began to unpack them, trying to get most of her things into a place of their own.

She eventually got to her laptop, stashed among the rest of her things, cushioned by clothing to keep it from getting damaged. She abandoned the rest of her efforts to unpack and set up her computer on the dining room table in the main room. Willow had convinced her to get a computer because it saved her a lot of hassles the phone held. For one, Willow was much more easily reached by email as she was always on the computer. When her mom went out on business and long distance was a killer, she just had to type away and she could reach her and now that her sister Dawn was in university she didn’t have money to waste on frivolous stuff like calling her sister. And now it could be used to find some dirt on her co-star.

“Ok. So if I were an annoying, pain-in-the-ass pig where would I be?” Buffy muttered to herself as she logged on to the Internet. She went to Yahoo! And typed in Spike Giles, not prepared for the flood of information that came at her. “Whoa, guess he is popular. Who’d a thought?”

She clicked on a few sites; not really finding anything but female pre-pubescent adoration, which she concluded had to do with these girls being uneducated and not knowing any better. The more serious sites that she found had biographies on them about him, detailing his wild exploits both on and off stage. She found a posting board where people talked about his partying, drugs and alcohol. The board had been shut down a couple of years before hand, but the information was right there, staring her in the face. She found a few other sites, ones that were more current that posted stories about his mood swings, and how volatile he would sometimes be on stage.

All this worried Buffy to no end. She had to work with him, pretend to be intimate with him, knowing that any second he could turn on her and become psychotic. So maybe him bugging me to death isn’t the worst thing that could happen to me. Maybe I shouldn’t put too much faith in what these sites say. I mean, they aren’t exactly the Washington Post or something. But then again, when one person says something, it’s a rumor. When two people say something it’s a coincidence. When MANY people say the same thing it’s either really creepy or really right.

Buffy sat back in her chair. “Well, I guess I’ll just have to go about my business with as little contact with him as possible. Just because we are staying beside each other doesn’t mean we have to be neighbors.” With that she shut down her computer and readied a bath.

I refuse to let ANY man screw up this opportunity for me.

* * * * *

Spike held the autographed CD in his hands, turning it round and round, wondering what he should do. Tonight had not gone the way he had wanted, at all. He truly did want to get to know Buffy, especially after he had met her. She was a spitfire, that’s for sure, but she was strung tighter than a tennis racket. They had been having a really great conversation, and he thought that tomorrow they could go over lines together, maybe catch a bite to eat, but then she had to misconstrue something that he said and now she was mad at him-for the three thousandth time that day.

He knew that she was fairly green in the entertainment business. She had done that TV show, which flopped. He didn’t think that it was because of her though; she was bloody brilliant in it, the show just sucked. And she had been in a couple of small movies that hadn’t gotten her much exposure. This was his first foray into acting but he had been in the public eye for the better half of five years now. He and his band had been together for almost ten, but then when he was twenty an agent had discovered them playing at some public telethon and had told them to get a demo together. In record time they had five songs on a tape to the scout. Granted it wasn’t their best work, especially because they were rushing, but it had gotten them to where they were right now.

The fame had rushed to their heads, or at least to his. He had girls throwing themselves at him, people shoving cameras in his face, drugs thrust under his nose and alcohol flowed like a river. He had almost toppled them as soon as they arrived on the scene, something that had not been happily received by the other members of his group. An intervention was staged and he was confronted with his public image, something that he had not considered. He had clued into what he was doing and straightened up, quitting the drugs and most of the alcohol. He still kicked back sometimes, and partied, but always with his career and fellow band mates in mind. They had kept him sane.

Them and Dru. Which was funny because she turned out to be more insane then he even dreamed a person could be. The groupies had grown old- fast. So when he found Dru he was excited. He had someone to share his success with, who would be there for him and support him through harder times. That had been right in the beginning, but then she got possessive and weird, talking in rhymes at times. He knew that she had been dubbed “Yoko” by the press and even some of his band had issues with her, but they didn’t say anything. As long as he kept his head above water things were cool.

He supposed that Dru got bored. She had been getting distant for a while before the actual break-up had happened. He was devastated at first; pouring everything he had into his music. An album had come out of that, and got ‘Band of Buggered’ nominated for a Grammy. Dru had actually done something good for him.

His stage act persisted however. The loud, brash rocker who didn’t give a damn. It was part of his sex appeal and drew in the female fans. He knew that the bulk of success in entertainment was image, but just once he would love to go to a gig, and just sing. Sing as if it was just he and one other person in the room, quiet and confident of his abilities, knowing that the other person cherished him. But that wouldn’t happen while “Big Bad” Spike was in demand. He was trying to turn his image around gradually and he hoped that this role would help with that. He wanted to leave his wild child days behind.

Great place to start that, on the very movie that his ex was in. He knew that she was going to be working on the movie (albeit in a minor role) but when he had seen her today it had punched a small hole in his gut. He didn’t love her anymore, but part of him wondered what would have, or could have been if she hadn’t left. Now she was with that flying poof Angel O’Connor, who, incidentally, was the ex of his now enemy Buffy Summers. That was an interesting turn of events if he ever saw one. He didn’t know what she had seen in the human hair gel master but he knew how the relationship had ended and he felt bad for her. At least Dru had never cheated on him, as far as he knew. Angel wasn’t even trying to hide his affairs, either. Now that was a cold-hearted bastard.

He almost felt sorry for her, but then he remembered her Carrie-esque mood swing in the limo when she shoved him out of the vehicle, not caring if he lived. He would try to get to the bottom of her PMS fest, but after that he would pull no punches. If she wanted to act that way he could return the favor.

I refuse to let any sodding women ruin this chance for me. Spike thought as he set the CD down on his bedside stand. * * * * *

Buffy stretched her arms wide, yawning. She had been sitting by the pool for almost three hours now, looking over her script. She had gotten up around ten, had breakfast and then looked over her script, first in her room and then decided to try out the indoor pool area. It was delightfully quiet as there were only a couple other people swimming.

She had been worried that she would run into Spike today at some point but it was almost five in the afternoon and there had been no sign of him. She didn’t know how to act around him now that she knew he was such a bad ass. She didn’t know if she should treat him normal, or the way that she had been treating him because he was such an ass, or if she should just minimize any contact with him, in case he wanted to get wild and freaky with her. She normally didn’t care about what other people did with their lives, but if he decided to go on a bender during the movie it could put her role in danger. She preferred to work with clean co-stars anyway.

It’s only three months, and then it’s over. He can surely wait till then to kill himself. Buffy thought. At least with this new information it makes him less desirable.

That’s what Buffy thought until she saw him come through the double doors to the pool. He was prepared to swim, with a towel thrown over those toned shoulders of his, black swim trunks on that left everything else bare- chest, legs, arms, flip-flops on his feet and he was carrying his script.

Buffy just sat and stared at him, not realizing what she was doing. Maybe this new info DOESN’T make him any less desirable. She swallowed hard, watching as he laid his things on a lounger further down on her side of the pool. He hadn’t spotted her yet. Buffy tried to think of how to get out of there without him seeing her.

* * * * *

Spike had woken up fairly refreshed, ate some breakfast on his balcony and then tackled his script. He had a general idea of the lines from the previous script that he had, but now it was crunch time. He had to start learning these things so he wouldn’t be a complete loser on set.

Finally around five he had decided to take a short break and head downstairs to the pool. He had not seen Buffy all day and was not sure if he was ready to, so he figured the pool would be a good bet to not be seen.

He was totally focused on that gorgeous blue water when he got to the indoor pool and made a beeline for it when he put his stuff down. He loved to swim when he had the chance and this hotel had a heated indoor pool, he had scored with that one.

He had done a couple of laps across the width of the pool, just trying to limber up a little before he rested on the side and looked around. He was surprised to see her, a short blonde thing with a classic California tan (quite the contrast to his pale, almost ghost white skin), sunk low in her chaise lounge and trying to hide in her script. He grinned to himself and thanked the fates, as this had to be a chance. He hoisted himself out of the water and grabbed his towel before making his way to her.

“Allo, luv. Nice day, isn’t it?” He sat down in the chair across from her as she lowered her script with a resigned sigh.

“Hi.” Was all she said back.

“You wouldn’t happen to be avoiding me, would you luv?”

“What? Just because I’m not falling at your feet like a groupie you think something is wrong?” She shot back. Spike almost scratched his head in confusion. Why in the hell is she so hostile?

“No, but you seem to be hiding over here like a lost kitten. Just wondering when this cone of silence deal will be over. And if you want to be my groupie I wouldn’t mind.” He smirked, hoping to get a rise out of her.

“I’d prefer not to get tied up in your lifestyle, Mr. Giles. Thank you.” Was her short reply.

“My lifestyle? What does that mean? I did yoga for awhile, but that can’t be it.”

“I mean the wild man lifestyle? The drugs and the booze and girls. I just love working with a guy who comes to work high all the time.” Buffy’s voice oozed sarcasm.

“What the fuck are you on about, you silly little bint?” Spike’s voice rose in anger.

“You and your rock star image. Isn’t that what rock stars do? Party all the time. I know that’s what you do.”

“Did. That is what I did. I thought you said you didn’t know who I was?”

“Yeah well I did some research.”

“Where, the Star? Some other cheesy tabloid? You don’t know what you are talking about!” Spike was angry, but also frustrated and sad at the same time. Would his rep as a drug addled bad-boy ever go away?

“I have more than one account saying that you like to live it up. Do you deny it?” “I deny it now! A few years ago I probably would be high and drunk right now. But I’m clean. Ask anyone.”

“Anyone who doesn’t say you’re lying.” Buffy got up to leave but she was hauled back down by Spike, who looked positively murderous.

“I think you must have put your tampon in the wrong hole today, luv, cause we have some major PMS- attitude, wrong-side-of-the-bed shit going on.”

“I think you had better let me go.” Buffy said calmly, waiting for his hand to move.

“I think we need to talk.” He didn’t let go.

“I think you need to let go of my arm.” Buffy repeated, her voice rising a little.

“I don’t know where you do your research, but you need to be set straight. You are going to listen to me.”

“Let go of my arm!” Buffy half shrieked, panicked. Spike complied this time, a little shocked at that, and worried that she might bolt. She didn’t, just glared at him. “Enlighten me then.”

“I’m clean. Have been for a few years now. No drugs, anyway. But I’m not an alcoholic either. I’m not stupid.” He ignored Buffy’s snort. “Why did you believe those things you heard?”

“If the shoe fits.” Buffy replied, staring him straight in the eye. She was very surprised and a little guilty to see the hurt in his eyes, clear as day. He turned his head away so she couldn’t see but when he turned back his face was neutral, bordering on psychotic.

“You know, when I got this part I thought it would be really fun. I thought I would get to see a new part of show business, meet some nice people, whatever. I dismissed all preconceptions I had or that I had heard about you, that you were a typical blonde, that you were a bad actress, your basic blonde bubblehead. I wanted to get past that and see who you really were because I thought you were a great actress, and you’re beautiful and full of energy. I had hoped that the same courtesy would be afforded to me, especially after you said you didn’t have time to find out who you were working with on this movie. I wasn’t. But I did find out that you aren’t a blonde bubblehead. You’re just a bitch.” He said all this quietly, hushed. With that Spike stood up, walked to his lounge to pick up his stuff and left the pool area.

Buffy stared after him and had the strongest urge to start crying.

After that day by the pool Buffy and Spike avoided each other like the plague. He held the opinion that she was a stuck-up, judgmental snob and she thought that he was a drug addled loser freak. Life was good.

Good for everyone except for those who had to work with them on-set. It had been three weeks since that fateful day, and luckily the majority of scenes that were being shot were with the minor characters and some of the scenes where Buffy and Spike’s characters hated each other. The premise of the movie was that Buffy’s character Laney had to rob a bank in order to get her inheritance which was cheated out of her by her father’s associate and former lover, played by Angel. Spike’s character Jake was attempting to steal Buffy’s car as she robbed the bank and got caught as her hostage. He decided to blackmail her with turning her in to get some of her money, and she threatened to kill him, so they were each being held by the other. They set out to avoid the authorities and track down her co-conspirator, played by Cordelia, who split from Buffy/Laney in order to take the money to a safe place.

Shooting was all well and good while Laney and Jake were supposed to be hating each other and taking each other hostage, but soon that would change, because along the way they would start caring for each other and that would involve kissing and love-making and touching in places that Buffy and Spike didn’t even want to think about. They knew this day was coming, they just didn’t know it would be so soon. They somehow got lucky with the shooting schedule being arranged with the hating scenes planned first. Today they were shooting in a motel room, filming one of their bargaining scenes where Jake counteres her hostage taking with blackmail. An argument was, of course, to occur.

“Are you sure it isn’t too late to make Laney some kind of leper or something?” Buffy asked Wesley hopefully. She knew that she could gripe to him and not have to worry about him getting mad, but the executive producer of the movie was a scary little man named Snyder who didn’t really like Buffy, or anyone for that matter.

The tension on set between the two blondes had been growing since the movie began shooting, but today it had almost come to a head. The rest of the cast and crew were waiting for shit to hit the fan for about a week now, and knew that today it would likely happen.

“Buffy…” Wesley started. Buffy waved her hands in the air.

“I know, I know. Act professional and all that.” She said as she walked away, the man looking after her.

“That isn’t what I was going to say.” He sighed.

* * * * *

“Alright people, places. Lets try and get this done!” Snyder barked. Buffy sighed and took her place next to the bed, where Spike was slumped, waiting for the scene to start. She had a fake gun in her hand and was dressed in black from head to toe, having robbed the bank a couple yet to be shot scenes earlier.

“Let’s get this over with.” He muttered, as Snyder took his place by the monitor.

“Don’t screw up then.” Buffy retorted, more under her breath than anything, partly because she wasn’t sure if he was talking to her and partly because she really didn’t want to start something with him. Too late, though.

“What’s that now?” He asked her, angrily.

“Nothing, nothing. Just get over it. Lets get this over with, right?” She spat back.

“Crazy bint.” He muttered. They both had murderous expressions on their faces as Snyder yelled ‘action’, which actually fit perfectly with the scene.

“Look, I don’t like this anymore than you do. But you’re a hostage, you’re not supposed to like it.” Buffy/Laney crossed her arms and stared down at Spike/Jake.

“Well the way I look at it, I’ve go you by the shorthairs.” He smirked at her, in character.

“And how do you see that, bleached wonder?”

“Sure, you have me as your little hostage, for right now. But if I’m going to be in your custody for the next little while, I think I deserve some monetary reimbursement. For lost wages and all that.”

“Lost wages? You steal cars for a living you prick! And how do you think I will be paying you?

“Well,” Spike/Jake started, moving towards her. Buffy/Laney pointed the gun at him, but he kept walking until is was pressed against his chest. “You have a hefty sum of money coming to you, don’t you? Sure, you have to cut your partner in, but it’s not like you won’t still have enough to do an Indecent Proposal roll in the millions left over.” He dropped his voice seductively. “And that is something that I wouldn’t mind seeing, actually.”

Buffy knew it was her line, but having him so close to her, feeling his breath on her, picturing the things he was saying caused her to fumble her lines.

“I- I hardly- er- don’t think….” She trailed off as Snyder yelled ‘cut'.

“Bloody hell, Summers. Can’t you get anything right? Want to get this done soon, eh?” Spike moved away from her. Buffy cursed herself.

“SO sorry King Spike. Didn’t mean to keep you from your precious rock-star commitments or whatever the hell you have to do. Or who you have to do.”

“Get off your high horse Summers. You’re just jealous that I actually have something exciting to do with my life off this set. I know it must be a spine-tingling adventure sitting in your hotel room, looking over your damn script all the time, not that it did any good for you.”

“Oh, fuck off Spike!” Buffy exploded; tired of this cycle of hate and rage they kept going through. She didn’t even pay attention to the people standing around, watching their impromptu fight. “At least I’m not out there, whoring around or sticking God knows what up my nose.”

“Ok, if you’re going to fight with me, get the facts straight. And I hardly think you are one to rant at me for my choices in women!” He yelled back. “Last I looked you were single, or are you dating some invisible man?”

“I’d rather be single, then dating anything that walks. But you sure pushed that boundary with Dru, didn’t you? What was it like fucking a wannabe-corpse? Does she look that stiff and cold all the time? Or was it just from dating you?” Buffy knew that she had crossed a line, but didn’t really care at that point.

“You want to rehash past relationships? Fine then, we will! I may be fucking groupies, as you seem to adamant to think but at least I’m getting some. When was the last time you saw a dick?”

“I’m looking at one right now! Why would anyone with half a brain want to be with you anyway? Retarded, drugged up groupies, that’s who! Stupid hair, sad attempt at a Goth look, doesn’t want to fit in with the music group anymore, and you don’t know how to act! Where the hell do you fit in?” Buffy screamed.

“At least I wasn’t rejected by a b-grade actor with nasty gelled hair. Can’t even satisfy a sad excuse for a man, can you pet? Must be pretty hard for you, knowing that a wannabe-corpse that is cold and stiff all the time is what makes your man all hot and bothered! You reel the guys in, and they just throw you back. At least my groupies don’t act like two-bit whores!”

*CRUNCH* The fight ended there when Buffy’s fist connected with his nose and blood started to gush out.

“You’re an asshole, Spike!” Buffy screamed, moving in to take another swing at him while he was clutching his face. An arm wrapped around her waist as the crew suddenly sprang into action. They had sat back and let the blonde duo get their frustrations out but when it turned physical they had to step in.

“Whoa there, Buffy. Calm down.” Wesley dragged her away from Spike as an on-set medic came to look at his nose.

“I hope it’s broken, you bastard!” Buffy screamed over her shoulder as Wesley led her out of the motel room. She wrenched her arm out of his grasp as they got outside. They went into the room next to the one they were shooting in that they had checked out for scene set-up and a break room.

“Sit.” Wesley’s tone made Buffy cringe inside. She had just done the most unprofessional thing ever back there. The best she could hope for out of this was to be fired and be able to work again in show business.

“I am so-” She started.

“Cut it. I know you didn’t mean to do this, I know you are more professional than that, I get that. I know things are not the best that they could be between you two right now. But Buffy, you have to get over it.” Wesley sat in a chair facing her as she sat on the bed.

“I know. I have been trying for the past few weeks. I have been doing my best to stay out of his way and not provoke things on set. I don’t know what else to do.”

“I think that staying out of his way might be the problem. You two have made no effort to get to know one another better, have nothing more than basic conversation. Look, I have worked on movies where the stars hate each other and it sucks. The chemistry just isn’t there and it sinks the movie.”

“I am so sorry Wes! I swear that I am going to try harder. I won’t sink the movie, I swear.” Buffy was almost sobbing at the thought of being named ‘the girl who ruined the movie’ in all Hollywood circles for the rest of her life.

“I know you won’t. I’m not worried about that at all.” Wes handed her a Kleenex for Buffy to blow her nose on. He stood up and walked to the door. “Wait here for a minute, ok?” She just nodded.

You’ve certainly bungled this one up good, haven’t you? Buffy thought miserably. Great way to break out in Hollywood- break someone’s nose.

Wesley was back in a minute, dragging a very pissed Spike behind him. He took a seat beside her on the bed, holding a cold pack to his nose.

“I’m sorry.” Buffy said softly.

“You damn well should be! I’m just lucky it isn’t broken!” Wesley cleared his throat as Spike’s voice rose. He looked at the man and nodded slightly. “I’m sorry too. Said some stuff that shouldn’t have been said. You’ve got quite the arm on you, remind me not to get so close to you when we fight again.”

“Hopefully that won’t be happening anymore.” Wesley spoke up. The two blondes looked at him like he had three heads, wondering how he would ever get them to stop fighting. Unless he’s firing me, Buffy thought, panicking slightly.

“I’ve talked it over with Snyder and we have decided what we’re going to do. Don’t worry, Buffy, we’re not firing you.” He added quickly as he noticed the slight girl’s chin start to quiver. “He basically left the decision up to me, actually. His ideas of how to get you guys to get along weren’t the best in the world. So, you two have the next two days off.”

Buffy and Spike just looked at him but their bodies relaxed visibly. Both thought that he wanted them to get some space between them.

“You two are going to spend the next two days getting to know each other.”

“Huh? How?” Buffy asked.

“Well, today’s Thursday, so tomorrow and Saturday you two will spend every second possible together. You each will get a day to do whatever you want but the other has to do it as well.”

“And if I decide to drive red-hot pokers into my eyes? Will she have to do it too?” Spike asked, only receiving a glare from both Wes and Buffy.

“What if we don’t do it?” Buffy asked.

“Then we will have to let you go. We want you guys to do the best we know you have. There is no way you will be able to carry off the love scenes without ruining the movie.”

“Are you planning on sending a chaperone with us to make sure we aren’t killing each other, or to make sure we actually are together?” Spike asked.

“No. But I will be calling you two at random times of the day to make sure you’re together. It isn’t just my movie that’s in danger, but your careers. No one will want to work with you if they know that you don’t get along well with co-stars or that you can’t act past your feelings towards another.”

“Does he have to go everywhere with me? Cause I have that thing tomorrow night, Wes. The benefit?” Buffy pleaded with Wesley with her eyes but he didn’t relent.

“I am sure that he cleans up nicely, Buffy. Everywhere.”

“Well, hope you like loud rock music and noisy clubs, cause that’s where we’ll be going Saturday, luv.” Spike said.

“We’re going to a club? Do I have to watch you pick up?” Buffy whined. Spike rolled his eyes.

“No. My band is playing. And what kind of thing is this tomorrow?” He asked, worried she would drag him to some weird PETA benefit or something; with paint covered furs or raising money to save a cow.

“You can talk about it later. I’m canceling shooting for the rest of the day, seeing as how it is almost quit time anyway. You two don’t have to be together tonight, but I expect you to be up and ready to go at eight o’clock.”

“8 a.m.? We can’t even sleep in?” Buffy whined again.

“This is work Buffy. Just because you aren’t on set doesn’t mean that you can slack off. We’ll still be working, so you don’t get to sleep in.”

“Oh, all right.” Buffy grumbled. Two whole days with the bleached wonder and she couldn’t even drown herself in sleep to escape it.

“I am sending you two back to the hotel in the same car, because I don’t want one of you getting up in the morning, springing something on the other. Tomorrow is your day, Buffy?”

“Guess so.” “And I’ve got Saturday.” Spike finished for him.

“Yes. Now, do you two think you can sit in the same car together without killing one another?” Wesley felt like a kindergarten teacher, working out a playground dispute. Spike lowered his cold pack, revealing a red, slightly swollen nose.

“Yeah, I suppose so. Just as long as Xena here doesn’t get punch happy again.”

“Buffy?”

“I promise I’ll be good.” Wesley dismissed the two actors and they headed for the door.

“Uh, Spike?” Buffy asked nervously. Please don’t hate me forever. I really don’t want to be the one girl you hate till the end of time. Plus, I can’t enjoy your good looks if I know that I never had a chance cause you think I’m a massive bitch, which I am.

“Yeah?” He turned his head to look at her. It’s not like I didn’t deserve that sock. I WAS a bastard. And these next two days might be what we need. If not, she’s still easy on the eyes.

As they walked out of the room to go back to their respective trailers, Wesley heard her question. “Are you going to press assault charges against me?”

“And let the world know that a tiny thing like you managed to bring me down? Not likely.”

Wesley smiled to himself, wondering if this experiment would work. If it did, he might get the same passion out of them for the scenes in which the characters did like each other, as they had when they didn’t like each other.

Cause lord knows there’s more there than straight hared for each other. They’ll come back here on Sunday and be ok, Wesley thought. Or else I have just sent two people off with homicidal feelings toward each other to massacre themselves. Oh lord.