A/N My apologies ahead of time the time line in this story may jump around a bit but bear with me if it does its most likely deliberate to help improve the flow of the story so my apologies if it confuses anyone.

What if Angel had never slept with Darla ? What if Darla had never been brought back by Wolfram and Hart? What if Doyle never died? What if Buffy was the one that went to Pylea instead of Cordelia? What if the prophecy didn't say anything about visions but did mention a slayer a woman with the strength to fight demons and the gift of having dreams of foresight so when they discovered Buffy's abilities they proclaim her to be the princess and Angel, Doyle, Gunn, Wesley and Cordelia all head to Pylea to try and save her only to find she is the princess and seems to be perfectly safe for now at least.

Buffy should've learned by now nothing good ever happened to her in L.A and this visit was no exception she'd come to L.A to visit her son of course everyone back home thought she was just visiting her Aunt Margaret they didn't know she had a son no one but her and a hand full of people knew about him not even his undead father she'd never had the guts to tell any of them she worried they'd think he would be evil as he was the son of two beings that supposedly couldn't have children it was supposed to be impossible a vampire and a slayer having children at all let alone having a child together the reason she hadn't told Angel about him was complicated at best but pushing that aside this was not the reason for her troubles not entirely anyway what started all this happened shortly after Buffy came to L.A ...................

Buffy had been at her Aunt Margaret's for a total of three days and she was content for the first time in nearly two months seeing her son Liam was the only thing that did this since Angel had walked out of her life but Buffy pushed these thoughts out of her head as she watched her two year old boy playing with his blocks she didn't want to spend any time moping about when she was here to spend some time with her beautiful little boy such thoughts she would entertain when she was back in Sunnydale which due to certain circumstances she would most likely not be returning to after this visit except to tell them she was moving to L.A with her Aunt she just hoped they'd understand and forgive her sudden departure

She was brought out of her reverie by her Aunt Margaret's arrival Buffy immediately noticed a bunch of important looking letters amongst various odds and ends of junk mail '' more bills?'' grimaced Buffy setting the magazine down that she had been thumbing through taking the letters from Aunt Margaret's hands '' better open them now Buffy dear get it over with'' she said sympathy written all over her face Buffy and her Aunt had been experiencing money problems for quite awhile mostly because they just kept piling up Buffy was lucky she wasn't there to receive the phone calls from the bank and various other companies they owed money too Buffy felt terrible getting her Aunt so far into debt with her and then leaving Liam in her care while Buffy lived relatively comfortably in Sunnydale it was the usual notices overdue rent payments, credit card bills, electricity bills, water bills and gas bills and to Buffy's shame and sadness a letter requesting a meeting with Buffy concerning Liam and their financial circumstances as well as the question about whether Buffy was capable of raising him Buffy had just passed last time they had requested a meeting they had warned her if she did not improve their situation financially as well as proving that her run ins with the law had ceased completely they would be taking Liam away and placing him under the care of the state in a foster home

Buffy couldn't hold back the tears as she numbly passed the letter from child care services. things were piling up so quickly and even the rather large amount Buffy contributed each week on top of all of this Aunt Margaret could no longer work because of an old injury that kept playing up this had been confirmed by the doctor just the day before they could no longer make all the payments necessary to keep them a float not without going hungry and pulling Liam out of daycare leaving him at home alone which under no circumstances could they do

But now everything was really starting to fall apart they were in danger of loosing the house as they were falling behind in rent because of having to keep up with other bills and to just keep food on the table and now she was in danger of loosing Liam to people that would never be able to protect him like she could could never understand him Buffy could not loose him not after everything that she'd already lost '' oh god what are we going to do?'' cried Buffy as Aunt Margaret pulled her into a gentle embrace '' I wish I knew sweetheart I wish I knew''..............

Buffy had no other options otherwise she'd never be doing this it wasn't something she'd have ever put herself through willingly but they needed the money within a week so here she was in a dance studio filled with a ton of other girls waiting for her turn to parade herself in front of a bunch of vain arrogant men being judged like a piece of meat all for a part in a commercial for some sun screen or body lotion of some sort it made Buffy sick to her stomach she'd grown past this sort of degrading behavior when she was called as the slayer looking around the room Buffy noticed how many girls there were all were pretty of course and ranged in heights the majority were shades of blond there were a few scattered brunette's and redheads Buffy began to wonder how many of the blonde's were bottle blond from what she could see quite a few of them were very few were natural and that little bit of information did nothing to calm her nerves.

She needed this job she was only auditioning to be one of the girls in the background that way she was less likely to be recognized by those who knew her and she didn't have to be made to feel like she was just a pretty face so glancing down at herself she smoothed down her skirt nervously she was currently wearing a black mini skirt it came halfway down her thigh and was flared underneath the top layer of the skirt was another layer about an inch longer than the top layer and had black lace at the bottom trimmed with gold silk and running from the hip on one side was two strips of cloth that when pulled tighten the skirt at the waist she was also wearing a deep purple form fitting v-neck halter that hugged Buffy's every curve perfectly while showing a generous amount of cleavage and to finish the outfit off she was wearing a pair of black strappy heels to give her the extra height her honey blonde hair was down falling freely around her face falling past her shoulders to half way down her back .

She was so distracted with her thoughts she didn't see Cordelia exit the judging room and Cordelia luckily for Buffy didn't see her either as she exited the studio looking very pleased and self assured Buffy was only there a further twenty minutes before she was called in standing in front of the three judges one female two male the female was obviously a model of some sort judging from her sharp features high cheek bones long nose delicate jaw scrutinizing eyes and thin figure the two males looked very different from each other while one was reasonably good looking with a slim build and hair that was neatly combed he had sandy blonde hair and light blue eyes he was attractive but the way he smiled and the look in his eyes screamed sleaze to Buffy the guy next to him was rather large in build he wasn't exactly what you'd call handsome but he was built big muscled arms broad thick shoulders broader than Angel's he had shaggy brown hair and hazel eyes he unlike the other two was thickly built he looked like a weight lifter Buffy was soon introduced to each judge the woman was named Jacquelin she was a former model so of course she would be helping to judge each girl on her looks and giving her bit on whether you would photograph well or not the heavy set guy was named Jack he would be the assistant to the last man the slim built man who was the director in charge he had the final word on everything his name was David

'' well Buffy is it?'' asked the director looking over her credentials

'' yes it is Buffy Summers'' she said ignoring the snotty look on Jacquelin's face at the mention of Buffy's name

'' yes well you've got some pretty good backgrounds in modeling although there is nothing recent if you don't mind me asking why is that? You obviously were good at it up to your sophomore year what happened'' smirked David his eyes raking over her body causing Buffy to repress a shudder '' I moved to Sunnydale and lost interest in it for awhile '' she shrugged

'' alright well then lets see could you read us this line as you think it should be said'' he ordered indicating to the piece of paper Jack was holding out for her taking it with a curt nod she read it quickly in her head before making her voice low and sultry she spoke the line '' very good your turn Jacquelin do your thing girl'' smirked David Jacquelin sniffed self importantly standing with a grace that must have taken years to gain she began to look Buffy over critically '' turn '' she ordered her voice was accented Buffy slowly did as she was told suppressing the urge to snap back that she wasn't a dog Jacquelin surveyed her for another minute before returning to her seat and began talking in hushed voices to the others.

Buffy suddenly felt very out of place as the three spoke amongst themselves she wondered what they were discussing was it good or bad? Would she get the part her thoughts were immediately put to a halt when David addressed her again

'' Buffy we understand you've applied to be one of the five girls in the background of the commercial is that correct'' '' yes that's correct'' answered Buffy scanning his face for any hint to whether or not she got the job

'' well I'm afraid we can't give you one of those places...'' Buffy's heart plummeted she had needed this part she felt her eyes prickle with on coming tears '' we'd like you to take the lead we are looking for someone with your figure so if you'd like the part is yours '' Buffy had been so wrapped up in her thoughts she almost hadn't heard him but Buffy accepted the job after all they offered her double the pay that she would've got by taking the part as one of the girls in the background and it would earn her enough money in a couple of days of shooting to pay a large portion off all the bills so Buffy got ready to start shooting the next day.........

Angel was bored out of his mind he didn't know why he agreed to come there with Doyle to see Cordelia's first day of shooting apparently she was one of five girls to be chosen to be in the background and while she seemed happy to be in it she was bitching all day after she had gotten a phone call giving her further details on her part and where to go for the shooting of the commercial she believed she should have gotten the main part after all who could be better than her right? Angel was thankful when they'd finally finished filming the scenes for in the background for the day atleast the actual dialog and the lead actress would be filmed separately after the background was done so there wasn't a problem with having too many people on set so when Cordelia's part was finished he'd hoped they'd just leave but it seemed Cordelia wanted to know who she was passed over for so Angel stood awkwardly with Doyle while waiting for Cordelia to finally finish getting changed out of the swim suit she had been squeezed into Doyle was having a field day ogling all the scantily dressed females Angel was trying to ignore the many lusty eyes on him and not all of them were female he barely suppressed a shudder at this thought

Finally Cordelia had exited the changing room and had made her way over to them '' right can we go now?'' asked Angel desperate to get back to the hotel being out in the daylight always made him nervous '' no I want to see who got the lead I bet she's some blonde bimbo'' huffed Cordelia '' yeah lighten up mate lets see what the lead girl looks like'' said Doyle with a grin Angel groaned in annoyance but submitted he wouldn't win this time not when it was concerning Cordelia's pride '' alright but as soon as we do we're going to-'' started Angel his gaze on his two friends when behind them he saw someone he never thought he'd see here now ''we're going to-Buffy!'' he exclaimed Cordelia and Doyle spun around and sure enough standing behind them near the set was Buffy her hands clutching the silk robe she was wearing closed she looked nervous and then it clicked for all of them Buffy was the girl who got the lead part '' Buffy your the girl that got the lead?'' exclaimed Cordelia as soon as they reached where Buffy was standing looking like she may very well faint she looked exhausted '' yes I'm guessing you were one of the five girls they had in the background'' asked Buffy '' yeah but at least it makes sense now why I was passed over for the role at least it was to someone decent I was worried I'd been passed over for some bimbo'' laughed Cordelia '' well I was going for the same part as you but they offered me this one so why are you here Angel? Are you one of the five too?'' joked Buffy smiling cheekily ''no bathing suits don't look very flattering on me '' replied Angel with a small smile god she'd missed his smile she was about to reply when David called out to her, her nervousness was back full force but ignoring this she noticed the director and his assistant coming her way '' hi I just wanted to say thank you for yo giving me this part'' said Buffy she wanted to get off on a good foot better all the way around David of course didn't much care about her effort ''your welcome loose the robe'' he ordered Buffy was shocked for a moment and made no move to do as told '' whats wrong you don't speak English the wardrobe I need to see it loose the robe princess'' he sneered Buffy stared numbly for a few more seconds when David clicked his fingers at her impatiently "Sure. Sure."
Buffy slowly takes the robe off to reveal that she's wearing a very skimpy bikini dotted with seashells. Doyle's eye's widened at the revealing outfit and
Angel looked over staring stunned his eyes widening in shock before he hurried to Look away but couldn't help another quick glance then before forcing himself to focus on the Director
"Turn around'' Buffy did as instructed turning slowly

''Well, nothing wrong there. Okay, turn'' David then turned to his assistant

''When does she go to makeup?" the hassled looking assistant scrambles to check her notebook
"I've already been to makeup." huffed Buffy
"Really'' he scoffed sneering at Buffy yet again before again speaking to his assistant ''Then take her back Tell Daniel to get rid of those circles under her eyes and get some concealer on that scar on her neck She looks like a refugee from an abused women's shelter." he snapped Angel wanted to hit him for that that was his mark they were talking about Buffy looked very uncomfortable again before saying weakly
"I had food poisoning." the director just laughed at her "Yeah, right You eat Good one.'' he then turned back to his assistant

''Tell Daniel I'm supposed to wanna sleep with this woman I don't Do you wanna sleep with her? Of course you don't." smirked David turning to walk away again
that was the last straw Angel was not going to let this sniveling excuse of a man talk to Buffy like that

"You're out of line Apologize to her." growled Angel taking a step forward ignoring the others protests
"Oh, let me guess. Wanna-be rocker or part-time male model I could go either way on this one."
Angel took another step toward him "I said apologize to her."
"Really?' Get security." he ordered to his assistant
Cordy tried to intervene to WARN Angel to back off that Buffy could hold her own "Angel..."
"Who the hell do you think you are, huh?" asked Angel pulling himself up to his full height moving towards him threateningly
"I think I'm the director.'' he snapped then looking at Buffy ''And I think you're real smart for bringing your unemployed boyfriend onto *my* set, telling me how to film my commercial That's really helping you keep your job'' he threatened Buffy realizing how close Angel was to getting her fired took a hold of Angel arm and pulled him away from David
"I'm sorry. Ah. He won't bother you anymore."she said desperately
"Oh, I know he won't Because security is gonna toss his ass in about two minutes Now get into makeup and hope they can work miracles." with that David left Buffy was furious he almost ruined everything if he had gotten her fired they would've lost everything she could've lost Liam of course Angel didn't know it
Angel was still livid quite ready to use some violence on the man "Do you want me to rip that guy's head of for you? Because, you know, I can I can actually just rip his head right off his body I can do that." said Angel and Buffy knew he could and he seemed to really want to do so too but she was so mad at him
"Are you *trying* to get me fired I mean, is this like a conscious effort on your part?"
Angel was momentarily stunned at her aggressive "No I just..." he started but Buffy had had enough she needed to get this shoot over and done with she didn't have time for an argument with him at the moment

'' just go Angel you've done enough for today so just go'' she snapped Angel left not happily but after it was clear Buffy was not in the mood to let him tear the directors head off he and Doyle and Cordelia left neither Doyle nor Cordelia were game enough to comment on the directors treatment but Angel couldn't stop thinking about it but they had work to do they had to find out what had happened to the girl in Doyle's vision so they were off to the library to look into it...............

Buffy was still on the fake beach on Stage 6 Spreading suntan lotion on the guy that was lying between her and another girl she too was blonde and sun kissed wearing a similar bikini to what Buffy was wearing
Buffy making sure to look into the camera spoke her lines making sure to keep her voice low and sultry "Goes on smooth like a lovers kiss It's the only suntan lotion good enough for our man." she'd thought shed got it perfect this time but obviously David didn't
"Cut Cut'' he huffed approaching her ''You're in his light." Buffy had been supposedly in his light two times already
"Still?" she asked cursing herself and the god damned lights
"I told you twice, you have to bend over more." he snapped Buffy fought down the urge to scream at him instead she decided to tell him why she couldn't bend over more
"If I bend over any more I'm gonna fall out of my top."
"And then you'll be out of his light See? Everybody wins." he sneered leering at her as he spoke
"But isn't there something we could do..." she asked motioning at the lights
"I didn't hire you to play Ophelia. Show the cleavage, save the line. Got it? Or you wanna waste more of our time?" he asked loosing his patience with her Buffy didn't bother to argue with him over it obviously he didn't care "Got it."

Angel, Doyle and Cordelia dropped in quickly at the hotel to check in with Wesley before leaving to look for leads on where the Haklar demon was living.

Meanwhile back at the hotel Wesley and Gunn were holding down the fort while waiting for Angel and Doyle to get back with Cordelia from the commercial shooting

"So - this Heckler demon we're supposed to kill..." asked Gunn "Haklar Two 'a's." corrected Wesley he just couldn't help himself
"This Haklar with two 'a's' we're supposed to kill Give me the specs What do I need to know?" went on Gunn with a roll of his eyes Wesley stopped his pacing adjusting his glasses

"The Haklar, descended for the Klensan order demons, can weigh as much as three tons as an adult male. It awakes from its hibernation during alternating full moons only to feed and mate often simultaneously Incapable of traditional speech the Haklar has learned to communicate with each other via a pattern of carefully timed facial ticks, not dissimilar to our own Morse code The Haklar prefers a warm moist clime where it can..." cited Wesley sounding very much like a walking talking text book
"Wesley." put in Gunn interrupting Wesley's in depth description and history of Haklar demon
"Yes?"
"I meant, how do we go about killing it." asked Gunn grinning at Wesley's obvious embarrassment
"Oh. Your standard slice and dice." Wesley looked extremely sheepish right now A couple of Gunn's old crew members came for help with a vampire problem glad to see them again as they had been pretty cold towards him since he had started working with Angel and the others

he was just about to leave when...
" when Angel gets a lock on its crib, page me.'' Angel and the others came in

"Haklar is living on the North Shore of Lake Hollywood We better hurry They've got a five K race starting there in half an hour." said Angel his voice all business he was determined to keep his mind on the task at hand he wasn't going to think about Buffy and her attitude when he was just sticking up to her, her behavior earlier had disturbed him greatly Buffy had never been one to take crap from anyone "Consider yourself paged."
Gunn looks from Wesley to George and Rondell. Torn he could help a lot more people helping Angel then he could with them but it still weighed heavily on his shoulders choosing between both groups of his friends he stayed with Angel the Haklar demon came first the others could wait Wesley's attention strayed to the troubled expression on Angels face and knowing that Buffy was in town was reason enough to question him "Angel, is everything alright?" he asked making sure to keep eye contact with the brooding vampire as he handed out weapons
Angel handed Gunn an ax, picked up another one and tossed it to Wesley before getting one for himself.
"I-It's Buffy."
"What about her?"asked Wesley curious
"didn't you say she was working on the same commercial as Cordy " put in Gunn
"What happened?"
"Nothing happened It - it's just... Buffy has always been pretty sure of herself right? I mean. But today the way he spoke to her " Angel couldn't find the words to describe how the whole thing had thrown him
"Who are you talking about?" asked Wesley confused
"Mr. 'Hey, I'm an L.A. director, you know, shooting a commercial'' mocked Angelus clicking his fingers like the director had ''so I must be the center of the universe' guy? It's just like, he treated her like she was just -, I mean, all she doe's is save the world. And the way he talks to her. It's like she's his commodity. Like she's his slave or something. And you know what the worst part is? She took it. When was the last time you saw Buffy take crap from any one?" huffed Angel exasperated
"Never And the day after never." piped up Cordelia even she had never entirely gotten away with talking down to Buffy
"Exactly! He's also had her wearing this - flimsy swimsuit that covers like.... nothing." breathed Angel gazing off into nothing for a moment Cordelia was the only person in the room not imagining the blond slayer
after a moment Wesley snapped out of it feeling quite ashamed of himself imagining his former slayer like that he quickly tried to cover it up
"Appalling."
"Disgusting." nodded Gunn pathetically
"Right." agreed Angel he was 246 years old for god sake and he was thinking like a freaking hormone driven teenager Cordelia pierced them with a stony glare
causing them all to drop their eyes to the ground for a moment
"Well, shouldn't we be off killing something?" suggested Gunn
"Absolutely.'' concurred Wesley glad to end the awkward silent moment "Good. Let's get this show on the road."
.

Meanwhile in the bar Caritas the host was singing "Superstition"
The club was as busy as it always was when Suddenly the air behind the judge was shimmering Not noticing the host kept on singing until he notices the audiences eyes are no longer on him but on the shimmering air behind him he turns to look when to his horror a gray skinned very familiar type of demon came out the club was dead silent

The gray monster jumped off the stage, smashing into a table making a run for the exit knocking some of the customers over before disappearing out of the club
"It's alright Everything is fine. Nothing to worry about. - It's all part of the show." laughed the host shakily wishing it was true .

A/N Well I hope you liked the first chapter of this story in the next chapter Buffy will arrive in Pylea I promise and I am sorry that I've started another story before I've finished my other ones but I couldn't get this story idea out of my head anyway R and R please feedback is always welcome and any idea's for the title are welcome I'm stumped on this one!