Disclaimers: All the characters in this story belong to Joss Whedon.

Laws of attraction

Chapter one: You're fired

LA was familiar with all sorts of crime. The people who dealt with it and dug people out of holes so big that if they breathed just one word they would sure to be found guilty? That was Wolfram and Hart. They were able to twist the law to the clients advantage- no matter how bad the charge. A young woman wearing a red suit sitting on the edge of a desk with her long legs crossed and accentuated as she sat, arms folded. She grew more impatient as time went on. Small smile crept on her lips. A brown haired man walking towards her, unbuttoning his jacket.

"You're late..."

Jacket removed and placed on the black leather sofa. He stood a couple of inches away from her.

"Sorry, work held me up...is there something I can do to make it up to you?" he asked, running his hand on her knee

She passionately kissed him, pushing everything off the desk. Straddling her and needing more of her passion, nipping at her ear. She eagerly unbuttoned his shirt. He buttoned her shirt. Hand travelling up her smooth, slender leg. They were abruptly stopped by the door banging. Both heads turning to see a very angry looking, bleach blonde man. He wore a grey suit, with a dark red shirt and matching tie. Jaw clenched. The brunettes scrambled off the table. Deadly glare fell upon them. Flinging the door to his office open, he pushed them both out. Everyone on the top and lower level staring at them.

"In case you didn't know, YOU'RE FIRED!" he screamed at the woman, slamming the door behind him.

Letting out all of his anger he screamed. At reception, Andrew Wells and Harmony Kendall looked on with some concern.

"He goes through assistants like cheetoes...go and check on him," Andrew commented

"No! Why don't you?" Harmony squeaked

"I am not going into the death pen!"

"But you expect me to?... god Andrew you're such a girl,"

The man made a face of extreme frustration. Throwing the cup in a paroxysm of rage at the door caused both receptionists to jump. The blonde rose from her chair.

"Why do I always end up with damage control?" she whined

He signalled a thumbs up to her. His rage was uncontrollable.

Tossing the desk over he proceeded to kick it and pull the legs off. Throwing chairs or anything that he could get a hold of to break it into pieces. Screaming as he put his foot through. Anger boiling over. Why did he always get the short straw?

"Stupid. Bloody bint!!"

Grabbing one of the legs he smashed the remaining bits into smithereens. Harmony walked in to see him. Gasp of shock as she inspected the pieces.

"Oh my god! Is everything ok Mr Harper?"

Throwing it to the floor, he smoothed out his hair and let out a long, deep sigh.

"Does it look like it?" Mr Harper barked Beat. Harmony was taken back by his sharp tone.

"I-uh-"

"Look, just do your job, order a new table and stop hassling me!"

Storming past the blonde and down the stairs. Straight past Andrew, who waved but only received a scowl in return. In the office next door, a middle aged man was showing a tall brunette out of his office when they heard the commotion. She let out a small chuckle.

"A bit temperamental, huh?"

Nod.

"Assistant issues...," he informed

They shook hands.

"Well, Mr Giles, thank you for your help,"

"You are very welcome Miss Chase, you have our card if you ever need anything?"

Miss Chase patted her jacket's pocket.

"Right here...thank you again," she said, going down the stairs. His smile turned into a frown when he turned to the direction his fellow co worker went in.

A middle aged man sat forward in his chair, hands clasped together and looking grim. A young, blonde woman passed him an envelope. Addressed to a one Mr R Wilkins. Taking the envelope, he opened it up and read what was inside. He knew this day was coming for a long time but hoped she would change her mind. She had been there for near on five years.

"Is there anyway you could reconsider Miss Summers?" he asked

"No, Mr Wilkins," Miss Summers said sternly

Sigh. Mr Wilkins rose from his chair and sat on the corner of his desk.

"Not even if I bump up your salary?" Mr Wilkins asked, raised brow.

Not wanting her soon to be ex boss to think it was him who was her reason for leaving the firm, Miss Summers gave her explanation.

"Mr Wilkins, you are the best boss any assistant could ask for but I can't carry on working for you. Things have been a bit...tense the past week as you well know,"

Nod of understanding.

"That's gloomy..."

The blonde got up and held her hand out one last time. He just squeezed her in a hug so tight, she thought her ribs would crack. Finally releasing her and smiling at her fondly.

"I will give you such a glowing reference to fit your sparkling personality," he beamed

Smile.

"Thank you,"

She left his office, feeling a whole weight lifting. However, her good mood was quickly ruined by a tall, well built man coming over to her. It was just last week she had walked in on her former boyfriend with Rachael from accountants.

"Buffy, can we talk?" he asked

Buffy pushed past him into her cubicle.

"Vocal-cord-wise, yes. With each other? No."

She turned, grabbing an empty box from underneath her desk.

"We have to talk,"

She slammed some stuff into the box, turning away from Riley and sighed.

"Let me explain...please?" he pleaded

She turned back, annoyed.

"And say what, Riley? 'What were you thinking? How long have you been lying to me?' Nothing you say right now is going to make this better."

Buffy turned back to the box. Riley moved forward.

"I realize that. (Grabs her arm and turns her around) I don't expect... I just need you to hear me out." Riley said, angrily

"Fine. Get your hand off of me." she replied quietly

He let go of her arm, sighing, Riley walked a few steps away. Luckily it was the dinner hour so there wasn't many people around to witness this scene.

"I think, when this thing started, it was just some stupid, immature game. I wanted to even the score after I saw you with Angel,"

"We were just talking-"

"I know. On some level I know that. But I was still spun. (pause) I don't know, I - I wanted to get it, Buffy. I wanted to get you." he explained

"So this is my fault? Hey, gee, Buffy's so mysterious, I think I'll go and let some other w..." Buffy stopped and looked down to the ground.

"This isn't your fault. It's mine. I feel like hell for what I've put you through. (Buffy still doesn't look at him) It's just... (sighs) these girls-they made me feel something, Buffy. Something I didn't even know I was missing until-"

Teary eyed she snapped her head round.

"Don't you even dare say that!...(grabs the box) just go back to your whores, Riley, since they obviously had more to offer you than me,"

She stormed out of the building, holding back the tears until she got to her car. Dumping the box in the back she sobbed. People began to look at her, Buffy became infuriated, starting the ignition and speeded out of the car park, not caring if she got a speeding fine.

Boyfriendless and jobless. That was what Buffy was. Although Riley was mostly the reason why she left, Buffy felt like a change of scenery. You never know what's right round the corner, right? Letting all the tension drain from her, she smiled as she poured a glass of her favourite red wine. So what if she wanted to have a alcoholic drink at one in the afternoon, wasn't America a free country? No laws against such a thing. Cool glass met her rosy lip as she took a big gulp. Ring. Agitated sigh sounded. It could've been one of two people. Her mother who lived in Sunnydale or the very person she was sure to strangle if she ever saw him again. Picking up the receiver, Buffy answered, silently praying that it wasn't the latter.

"Hello?"

"Hey Buffy, Cordelia here!...I wasn't expecting you to be in," Cordelia chirped

Relief washed over the blonde.

"Why did you call then?"

Silence.

"Woah, harsh much?"

"I'm sorry Cordy just a really really bad day,"

"How about we talk it out over a nice, creamy latte," coaxed the brunette

Not being able to refuse, Buffy smiled and replied with a cool "Lets do it.".

Antigua coffee house was Buffy's favourite coffee house. They actually roasted their own coffee beans, which you got to see them do. Not only did they serve coffee but also tea and sandwiches. There was nothing like enhancing your exquisite drinking pleasure while experiencing a indigenous culture. Buffy wrapped one hand around her cup and stirred her latte. The whirling motions had her in a semi trance. The brunette spoke about her gratifying morning. How a few months back she was in work and her boss came on to her. Retaliating she smacked him in the genital area. The repercussions? The boss decided to sue her for assault and Cordelia sued him for sexual harassment. Quickly realising that her friend wasn't listening, Cordelia waved her hand in front of Buffy's face.

"Earth to Buffy," she said

"Huh?"

Cordelia rolled her pretty eyes.

"Have you been getting enough sleep cos you have serious pander eyes,"

Buffy paused, sipping her drink.

"Yeah, just a really bad day...nothing to worry about," she reminded, weakly.

Forehead crumpled into a frown. Cordelia knew something was bothering her friend and was determined to find out what.

"Come on, I know I'm stupid but by the peevish look on your face I can tell something is up so spill,"

The blonde braced herself.

"I walked in on Riley with another woman last week-"

"Oh my god! That jerk! I'm so gonna bust him!" she squeaked

"Today I handed in my resignation, I just couldn't face another day working in the same building as him," she said, quietly

"He really isn't worth it, believe me. Besides with looks like you and a friend like me you can have anyone you want," Cordelia stated boldly

Shrug of the shoulders. Cordelia was about to boost her some more when suddenly, she had a brainwave. A rarity when it came to the rich, daddy's girl.

"My attorney could solve all your problems-"

"How? By threatening him with a law suit?" Buffy interrupted

Could they do that? Really get a law suit for infidelity?

"Maybe but I meant with your job situation. See this morning, Rupert Giles, my attorney and myself were discussing the shining win at my court case, all of a sudden we hear this commotion,"

"Turns out that one of the attorneys fired his assistant," she continued

"I don't know Cordy..."

Pulling out a business card, she pushed it towards her friend.

"This is totally up your avenue Buffy! All you've gotta do is go on-line, pull off an application, what is there to lose?"

In a way she was right. Nothing to lose and Buffy did need a new job. Just one problem. She was a small fish in a big pond surrounded by very very big fish. Obliquely, Buffy looked at the card. It read:

Wolfram & Hart, Attorneys at law 1127 Spring Street, Suite #666 Los Angeles, California 90008 Tel:(213) 555-1212 Fax: (213) 555-1000

On the back: Mr Rupert Giles, Attorney General.

"Wolfram & Hart want experienced assistants and I've only worked in one place,"

"Yes, but that one place you were the best, don't make me apply for you!" she warned, waggling her finger

Huff in defeat.

"Fine!"

Satisfaction washed over her. This could be what she needs she thought.

Later on that evening, the blonde was sat at the dining table filling out her application. She answered all the questions to the best of her ability. Then she came to one in particular. Reason for leaving last position? Did she put that she left because of her former lover decided she wasn't enough or did she simply leave it blank? Endlessly chewing on the end of her biro. In the end, Buffy decided to leave it blank, noting she probably wouldn't get the job anyway.

The past week had been chaos. Application after application had streamed through. Apparently this was a job that everyone wanted. Unable to go through them at work, William had no choice but to use his own time to decide who to give the interviews to. Dressed in a pair of simple black jeans and a vest top, he sat on a luxurious leather sofa, listening to The New York Dolls. Beer on the table.

"No,"

Tossed the rejected form to the right of him.

"Yes,"

The sum total of one in the interview pile. Taking one look at the next one, he frowned. Harmony was applying again?

"Definitely not,"

Two hours later and there were only nineteen people in the yes pile. That was just based on grades and experience. The last one of the night and then he could jump in the shower and relax. Buffy Summers. Sounds like a proper daddy's girl he thought. Taking a long look at her application, he finally tossed the form to the left of him, on top of the yes pile.

William was always greeted with smiles and waves from the ladies and jealous glares from the men at work. This did nothing for his ego, although it should. There was one thing that should happen in the work place and that was work. If the bleach blonde wanted to get interviews done and dusted by the end of the week then he would have to pull out all the stops to ensure that it happened. William couldn't go another week without an assistant. He was already getting extra moody and less pleasant to be around. Schedule up and out the window. Before heading up the stairs to his office he placed a pile of papers on reception.

"I want you to type up a name tag for everyone on that pile and call them to arrange an interview time,"

Andrew smiled.

"Sure can do Mr Harper,"

Mr Harper simply nodded and headed up to his office.

Harmony dived into the forms.

"Please, please please," she muttered

A look of disappointment fell across her face. She slumped back into her chair.

"Am I not even worth an interview?"

The strawberry blonde patted her on the shoulder knowing all too well what had happened the first and last time she went for that job. Points for her dressing nicely and speaking politely but Harmony was as dim as you could get. Mr Harper really thought she was annoying as hell. Not that he would deliberately fail her on the interview, she did that herself.

One hour to attempt to sit and relax. At the same time try and eat something to keep you going. Rupert watched him rapidly stretching and rubbing his fingers. Frowning, he decided to intervene before it got worse. Normally, William was alone during his lunch break but today someone decided to join him. A blue cup full of coffee was pushed towards the attorney. When he raised his head his frown matched the man sitting beside him.

"Drink that," Rupert ordered

"Dad, I feel fine," William lied

The older man looked him sternly in the eye.

"William, you can say you are fine all you like but it is distinctly obvious you are not now, drink,"

Reluctantly, William drank the coffee.

"Have you eaten something sugary?" he continued

"I'm about to, would you stop treating me like a soddin' kid, I'm 27 not 7 and quite capable of looking after myself thanks,"

He rose from the chair and put his dishes in the dishwasher. His father walked up to him. He didn't mean to be like this with him especially after everything he had been through but he couldn't help it. William walked to the door but was stopped by Rupert talking.

"And I don't mean to treat you like a child but you are my son and I worry about you," concern laced in his voice

"I know," he whispered

First step was first, make a good impression on the boss. That was Buffy's first rule when going for a job. Driving down the road, she fixed her hair in the mirror, sighing deeply. This was the first interview she had in years. What if she mucked it all up? What if she wasn't what they were looking for? Well, they were the best law firm in LA, possibly the whole United States. As she pulled up into the car park and halted to a stop in a space, Buffy gulped. One thought echoing in her mind; small fish, big pond. Upon entering, that thought grew louder and louder as she stood in the lobby. Lots of different rooms. On the wall, written in bold, black letters was: Los Angeles Crime Scene Investigation department. Wasn't this suppose to be a law firm? A woman with long brown hair, dressed in a white lab coat and a pair of glasses noticed the young woman looking lost. Before she knew it, Buffy was greeted by the woman.

"Winfred Burkle, I work in the DNA lab, Can I help you? Only you seem a tiny bit lost," she asked, sweetly

"I'm here for a job interview," Buffy replied

Winfred pointed a finger in the air.

"Job interview...oh! You must mean for the job at Wolfram and Hart, ok, if you go straight ahead you will see the elevator and that should take you straight there,"

"Thanks,"

Buffy smiled and walked to the elevator.

"No problem!" the lab tech shouted

Buffy rocked on her heels and waited.

"Elevator opening," the elevator sounded

Buffy stared in awe. Wolfram and Hart was huge. Certainly would win the best law firm in her books and that was just on interior design. She was greeted by the happy, smiling face that was Andrew and the gloomy and moping face that was Harmony.

"I'm here for the personal assistant's job,"

Harmony shot daggers at the blonde. It just wasn't fair that she didn't even get a look in.

"Ok, can I have your name as stated on the application?"

"Buffy Summers,"

Andrew flicked through the stickers, handing Buffy hers.

"Ok, so if you stick that on and take a seat over there by that guy who sorta looks like Pierce Brosnan, Mr Harper will be with you shortly,"

"Thanks,"

Taking a seat next to a young, coloured woman called Martha Jones. Martha turned her head to Buffy.

"Buffy Summers, I'm Martha Jones but you already know that, with the sticker,"

Buffy giggled.

"Nice to meet you Martha...so, what do you know about this place,"

Nervous chuckle escaped Martha's lips.

"All I know is the guy who is interviewing us is meant to be really hardcore,"

Gulp. Well this was going to be fun.

Pacing. Pacing was always good. Something he found to ease his nerves. Just something about interviews that made him anxious and in some cases extremely neurotic. Constantly looking in the mirror, messing with his hair, readjusting his tie. He had interviewed the first ten this morning with no luck. A red haired woman walked in, arms full with briefcases. Running up to her, he planted a rough kiss on her forehead.

"Red, you're a bloody life saver,"

The woman looked to her long term friend with concern. His mood could be light and fun one minute and the next he could be in a rage.

"Uh, o-okay but where are these going?" She waggled the bags.

"Go down the stairs and its the first room on the right,"

A young brunette woman walked in and greeted her.

"Willow,"

"Hey Faith, If you need anything else just let me know," Willow said before exiting.

The brunette wore dark, tight jeans, a tight black vest top with a denim jacket over that waltz in and sat herself on the leather sofa, crossing one leg over the other, chewing her gum. Police badge showing.

"Hey Spikey, hows things goin'?" she asked

William frowned before returning back to the mirror.

"Faith, as much as I'd love to chat, I can't," I

nteresting. He didn't pull her up on calling him Spikey. Smirking, Faith continued the conversation.

"You didn't pull me up..."

Shrug.

"More important things (turns to Faith) how does this suit look? Is it the right colour?"

"It's the right colour, right size, right shape,"

She leaned over to get a better look at his bottom.

"And shows your ass off a right treat too," she grinned

William rolled his eyes, messing with his hair.

"My hair is a total mess! I can't do it lookin' like a total pounce!"

Now back to pacing. Not only that he was muttering on how wrong he looked. How his roots were showing. Biting his nails. Faith had had enough. Marching over to him she slapped him right across the head.

"OW! What the bloody hell was that for you idiot!" he shouted

"Cos you're doing my head in with all this pacing and muttering, you're the boss they should fear you not the other way round," she matched his tone

Messing he pushed her out the door and slammed it shut. Her nose was pressed against the glass. He mockingly smirked at her and stuck his tongue out.

They all stared in awe at the man who now stood in the middle of the room. They all had a laptop in front of them. Young. Professional and certainly ruthless. "

Here at Wolfram and Hart we don't do things by halves. We are professionals and I expect my PA to be aware and able at all times. Now I we will begin by testing your knowledge of Microsoft programs and typing speed, so bring Word up," he spoke with an English accent

He glanced at Buffy. He couldn't take his eyes off her. 5Ft 3 inches, golden blonde hair and beautiful green eyes. She wore a conservative red skirt-suit and her hair was pulled back in a neat bun. She smiled slightly as she caught his gaze. He smiled back. Snapping out of his revere, William turned his smile into a frown and started to talk and listened as they typed.

One by one they entered his office and one by one they came out a blubbering mess. She found herself staring down at her skirt, angrily.

"Stupid skirt," she muttered

Now it was Buffy's turn and she was petrified. This guy, as hot as he was seemed the type you shouldn't cross but at the same time seemed nice too. Weird combination.

"Take a seat, Miss Summers,"

Mr Harper showed her in He sat behind the desk across from Buffy. She sat also. Fidgeting in her seat.

"It feels like I'm on The Apprentice and you're about to fire me," she said, nervously

Mr Harper smiled. He took out a pen and had her application form in front of him.

"Miss Summers, I noticed that on your application you left the reasons for leaving last position blank,"

Oh no, what does she say?

"Personal reasons, I was dating someone and then things, it got complicated..."

Buffy looked down at her feet. He knew she was the right assistant for him. Glowing reference from her former boss.

"Quite a career you've had so far...Mr Wilkins insists you're the best in the business and quite frankly I agree,"

Cheeks coloured slightly.

"But you don't know me,"

Leaning back in the chair slightly he smiled. Blue eyes shining.

"No, I don't but I can tell that you take your career seriously just by taking one look at you, I'm good that way,"

"Uh, thank you, I guess,"

One last glance at his notes.

"Is Monday ok for you?"

Wait just wait a second. He was offering her the job?

"Excuse me? I-I mean you're giving me the job?" she said, still not able to believe this

Maybe it was all a hoax and he would tell her to sling her hook.

"Yes, Miss Summers,"

"Seriously? I mean, aren't there more qualified people out there?"

Nod.

"That may be the case but we don't much care for what is written on paper, well we do but as long as you have grades, it's really more about experience and professionalism is essential at all times... so can I put you down for the job then?" he clicked

"Definitely! Oh my god! Thank you so much, Mr Harper!" she squealed, shaking his hand

He chuckled at the girl's excitement. William guaranteed she would have a different opinion by the end of her first week. They all did.

So what do you think guys? What was your favourite bit? Do you have any ideas for the next chapter? Please please please review!!