Summary: Buffy's new boss is an ass. At least that's the way her coworker describes him to her on her first day. And after the way their first official meeting goes, she's pretty quick to agree. He's arrogant, stubborn, an editorial genius and impossibly magnetic.
1. Chapter 1 by mak324 - Likes: 56 Comments: 60 Word Count: 12,419 Hit Count: 7,499 Published: November 25, 2015
For those of you reading my other stories---trust me, I know, I KNOW I have WIPs awaiting updates!---but I'm currently at the mercy of my muse. I sat down to write an update for another WIP and she was all like "ha, psych! Can't stop, won't stop." and proceeded to hold my creative juices hostage until this first chapter was all out and written down.
Since it was already, ya know, there I thought...hey, why not share it and see if anyone's even remotely interested in this story before you let your muse bully you around and write any more? So here it is. And we shall see. :)
2. Chapter 2 by mak324 - Likes: 42 Comments: 19 Word Count: 7,078 Hit Count: 2,822 Published: November 28, 2015
Hey there, and happy Saturday! Fun fact: we got slammed with an ice storm last night, so I'm currently stuck inside. On the plus side, I'm thinking I might actually get two or three WIPS update this weekend (woop!) on the down side, hubby and I haven't been grocery shopping yet so we pretty much have nothing in our house except for wine.
Such is life.
Here's chapter two of this bad boy. Hopefully you find it enjoyable. Again, I'll shamelessly implore you guys--if you're reading this, and have any interest in reading more, please, please let me know! (Some of you already have, which is awesome, and please continue letting me know what you think!) But I do have wips that I maybe could/should be working on, so if this just isn't tickling ya'lls happy after this, holler.
3. Chapter 3 by mak324 - Likes: 40 Comments: 20 Word Count: 7,170 Hit Count: 2,597 Published: November 30, 2015
So this story has me pretty firmly in its grip at this point. I have it drafted through chapter 5, so I'm guessing I'll feel compelled to get it updated through there before I'm able to jump off it and get to my other updates.
So here's three! I hope you guys enjoy, but be warned, did one of my lightning round edits on this so there might be some weirdness. :) (I also have a lovely banner from Wonder and Ashes, but I'm not working from a system where I can upload it, so that'll be coming soon!)
4. Chapter 4 by mak324 - Likes: 41 Comments: 23 Word Count: 8,217 Hit Count: 2,543 Published: December 02, 2015
Guys. I haven't had this much fun writing a fic since the early chapters of R&R.
By the way, I have to say thank you, again, for the mind-blowing response on this. I honestly wasn't sure anyone would read it since it is an AH fic but people actually are, and that has me all kinds of excited to share the next two chapters! Here's 4. 5 will likely make an appearance on Thursday, if this whirlwind pace keeps up. Enjoy!
5. Chapter 5 by mak324 - Likes: 44 Comments: 22 Word Count: 7,512 Hit Count: 2,433 Published: December 04, 2015
Happy Friday morning! I have notes for this chapter but I'll leave most of them til the end. One thing I want to explain though is that I'm not making fun of "smutty romance novels" in this chapter so much as I'm making fun of myself. Because yes, I cannibalized some smut from one of my own fics for a section of this chapter. (how's that for meta?)
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and that you'll continue to share your thoughts with me! Still can't get over the amazing response you've been giving me so far. So crazy. Thank you!
6. Chapter 6 by mak324 - Likes: 42 Comments: 23 Word Count: 9,616 Hit Count: 2,558 Published: December 06, 2015
So I lied. Apparently, I'm a glutton for the incredible feedback you all are giving me on this story, because every time I think I'm all set to jump off it and move to something else, you guys get me all jazzed about this one again and I can't NOT sit down and write it. Add that to the fact that it's just pretty damn fun to write, and you have a recipe for constant updates.
So here's 6. I hope you enjoy! (Fair warning: Spike acts like a royal asshole in parts of this chapter. Remember when I mentioned that I have my own little Spuffy kink? This chapter highlights that to the max. That being said, if you're already enjoying this story, this is probably right up your alley. Tropey and predictable? Maybe. A hell of a lot of fun? Well, duh.) OH, and also, some secrets spill here. Forgot about that.
7. Chapter 7 by mak324 - Likes: 41 Comments: 23 Word Count: 9,109 Hit Count: 2,568 Published: December 10, 2015
Hey love bugs! Here's that update I promised some of ya'll in the reviews. Here's hoping it delivers on all promises made. ;)
I have a note or two, but they aren't super important so I'll leave them at the end. I hope you guys enjoy!
8. Chapter 8 by mak324 - Likes: 37 Comments: 24 Word Count: 10,563 Hit Count: 2,673 Published: December 15, 2015
Happy Tuesday, sweet things. I have a chapter that's a little on the longer side today. A lot happens here, even though at first glance it might not seem like it does...if that makes sense? No secrets are revealed, but we get a fun set up for moving forward, and how and when and why secrets DO end up getting revealed. Also, I've never tried my hand at R rated "smut" (if it can be called that?) before, so this was new for me. I tried to keep it purposefully vague and not all explicit-like, and it all serves a purpose, but still. You never know.
So, anyway, I really hope you all enjoy! Notes at the end. :)
9. Chapter 9 by mak324 - Likes: 36 Comments: 22 Word Count: 11,598 Hit Count: 2,394 Published: December 20, 2015
Another extra long chapter today! Which is good, since this might be the last update for this bad boy until after the New Year. I hope you all enjoy! (and hey, don't forget to check out Tuesdays update first if you missed it!)
I don't have a lot to say by way of explanation for this particular chapter, so I'll just let it speak for itself. Please, pretty please, share your thoughts with me if you have them! Reading your awesome feedback is the best part of my day and it helps me to know if the story is still going in a direction you can get down with, ya know? ;)
10. Chapter 10 by mak324 - Likes: 38 Comments: 24 Word Count: 10,558 Hit Count: 2,679 Published: December 29, 2015
Gah, I have so much to say about this one. So much. I think this is one of those defining chapters in a story where people either love it or hate it, and those always make me really nervous. So...fair warning?
I have to pull the trigger at some point, though, right? So here's me. Pulling the trigger. *squeezes trigger and closes eyes*
P.s.— I also want to shout out a very, very happy belated birthday to the darling Sunalso! Love ya, sweet thing. Hope you had an amazing day!
11. Chapter 11 by mak324 - Likes: 40 Comments: 25 Word Count: 12,105 Hit Count: 2,242 Published: January 03, 2016
First, I have to say how completely overwhelmed I was by the response to chapter 10. Like, holy smokes. I was beyond nervous about that chapter and you all gave me such incredible feedback that it still makes me all warm and fuzzy thinking about it. Seriously, thank you so much.
(Note:: As of 11/13/2016 I've begun working on a majorly revised version of this chapter dealing with key elements of the story that need addressing. Hoping to have the finished revisions by next week. Thank you!)
12. Chapter 12 by mak324 - Likes: 30 Comments: 11 Word Count: 11,552 Hit Count: 2,667 Published: January 10, 2016
Happy Sunday, dearies. I'm happy to say I'm not so nervous about this particular update...but that might just be because the next chapter is a bear (I mean, a cute bear. A really fun, messy, spastic bear with lots and lots of meaty character development...but a bear none the less) so maybe I'm saving all my nerves up for that one? Who knows. In any case, I hope you all enjoy this one!
Editing note: I think I may have over-edited this chapter for content. Literally, I've been staring at the "final" draft of it for the past four hours changing little things here and there, nit picking it stylistically to death. Because of that, there will likely be some weird typo stuff...if there are, feel free to let me know so I can swoop through and fix them. ;)
(Wonder & Ashes gave me a beautiful banner for this story that I can now use since I've decided to keep the title, but it isn't saved to this computer I'm working from so I'll have that uploaded tomorrow)
13. Chapter 13 by mak324 - Likes: 31 Comments: 20 Word Count: 13,807 Hit Count: 2,506 Published: February 15, 2016
So...hey guys. First of all, for any of you still reading this fic, I just want to apologize for the insanely long break between updates. I know it's been over a month, but I promise, that won't be happening again! Things got a little crazy while I was wrapping up R&R and beginning the sequel, but I think I finally have my story update system down. Woop!
That being said, this thing...is a beast. And the funny part? Originally, this was twice as long as it is now. I split the chapter in two because there was just too much content I wanted to fit into it (hence why you'll likely have questions here that don't get answered/addressed...just stay tuned!)
Note: Feel free to nit pick my grammar/shout if something looks funny, because I haven't really slept slept in about four days and I know there are going to be janky things here. Also, shout out to the lovely Tzigane for giving me the nudge I needed to finish this chapter. :)
14. Chapter 14 by mak324 - Likes: 30 Comments: 17 Word Count: 10,304 Hit Count: 2,300 Published: March 01, 2016
Hey there! I'm running a day late on updates this week, so forgive me. I have a chapter that's (surprise, surprise) on the longer side for you today. As usual with this fic, I had a blast writing it, so I'm excited to share it with you!
15. Chapter 15 by mak324 - Likes: 30 Comments: 16 Word Count: 10,456 Hit Count: 2,765 Published: March 10, 2016
Okay friends. Love me or hate me, this chapter had to be written. It had to happen eventually. And hopefully, fingers crossed, all you lovely, lovely readers will end up feeling satisfied. I've agonized over it for something like a total of 24 hours (just editing, all told) and I'm just gonna pull that trigger.
As always, I really hope you all enjoy and that somehow this succeeds in making everyone happy! (Which is IMPOSSIBLE, but hey, a girl can dream right?)
Also, please check out this gorgeous artwork Pfeifferpack made for this story. Isn't it wonderful? Eeee I love it so much! 
16. Chapter 16 by mak324 - Likes: 35 Comments: 17 Word Count: 11,963 Hit Count: 2,156 Published: March 17, 2016
Happy St. Patrick's Day all! (And the first Thursday of the NCAA tournament! Is anyone else a huge college basketball fan? Both my teams--KU and Wichita State--play today so I won't be getting any work or writing done...)
Anyway, I personally really liked this chapter so I'm excited to share it. But first, notes. ;)
A quick thing: This is super long (sorry) and roughly edited (sorry again) BUT, in my defense, I had to choose between putting it out this morning in slightly less than tip top condition or waiting until Monday or Tuesday of next week. So maybe you'll forgive me?
17. Chapter 17 by mak324 - Likes: 31 Comments: 13 Word Count: 8,489 Hit Count: 2,068 Published: March 22, 2016
I have an early (albeit shorter) update for you this week! Not a whole lot to say about it as it's mostly more fluff (which most of you seemed on board with anyway, so hey!)...with the tiny hint of a bomb drop that might be coming soon. But super tiny.
Enjoy! :)
18. Chapter 18 by mak324 - Likes: 26 Comments: 18 Word Count: 13,298 Hit Count: 1,973 Published: April 12, 2016
Funny story, I just tried posting this not realizing how many words it was....15,409...yeesh. Massive, yeah. SO I had to go in and do a super quick edit and cut out a 409 word chunk. Man, you guys...I have to apologize. This has just been my life the past couple weeks.
This chapter took me forever to figure out (and I have to thank my darling friend Tzigane again for helping me work some kinks out!) but I think it's finally post-worthy, so I really hope you all are excited, still with me, and I just hope you all enjoy!
19. Chapter 19 by mak324 - Likes: 27 Comments: 15 Word Count: 9,408 Hit Count: 2,053 Published: May 02, 2016
It hasn't quite been two weeks between updates this time! Woop! Seriously, I'll be much quicker from here on out because after this chappie we're through the true "bears" of this fic and on into madness and drama and delicious family tension and all the shtuff that I personally can't wait to share with you guys. This chapter took some time, but the next two are already well on their way so it won't be quite as long a break.
Thank you to everyone who's still reading this fic with me. It's become my baby and I sincerely appreciate every single reader, reviewer and "liker" that's been willing to give me a shot.
20. Chapter 20 by mak324 - Likes: 26 Comments: 12 Word Count: 9,665 Hit Count: 2,004 Published: June 11, 2016
Hi my lovelies. Many, many apologies for this ever so late update. Hopefully the content in this chapter will make up for some of that? Here's hoping. Long, long story short...real life got real real for a while and I just needed to do a little self care. I took some time to do two updates for Heads and Hearts. Then I took two weeks off from writing all together (I didn't even touch my lap top). Then, I spent a couple weeks working on an original fiction idea and a couple short stories for competitions. Then I jumped back into this but hated my original draft for the chapter so I ended up re-writing most of it (Whoops). (Also, as soon as I post I'm going to jump over and respond to reviews! I haven't forgotten!)
So I will beg you to have grace for me, and I hope, hope, hope you enjoy this update! Not as long a usual, but still over 10,000 words...that's up there, right? ;) Thank you to you wonderful, gorgeous people for reading and for your patience and support!
21. Chapter 21 by mak324 - Likes: 32 Comments: 18 Word Count: 12,066 Hit Count: 1,823 Published: September 06, 2016
Hey guys. I love ya. I have notes on notes for this chapter, but I'll save 'em for the end so you can get to the goods.
Thank you for being patient with me. I need it right now. <3
22. Chapter 22 by mak324 - Likes: 29 Comments: 18 Word Count: 12,061 Hit Count: 1,463 Published: October 30, 2016
Hey loves! Holy smokes, I am SO happy to be back with a new update for you all. And guess what? This is just ONE of SEVERAL I have planned for the next week and a half or so! What? I know. Crazy.
This chapter was a bear, and it was a toughie, and a lot happens...one of those game changing chapters, ya know? Anyway, I hope you all enjoy! I have notes at the end of the chapter for you.
LOVE YOU GUYS.
23. Chapter 23 by mak324 - Likes: 30 Comments: 18 Word Count: 10,726 Hit Count: 1,644 Published: November 06, 2016
Hey, hey! Happy Monday all. I have a new update for you, and would you believe it, it's only been a week? ;)
I have a couple notes but will save 'em for the end. Suffice to say, if I've done my job, a fair lot of you will be surprised by what's in store. (Some of you won't be, but that's because you're smarter than I am.)
Enjoy my dears!
24. Chapter 24 by mak324 - Likes: 31 Comments: 17 Word Count: 12,982 Hit Count: 1,468 Published: January 28, 2017
Hello! Happy Saturday! The sun is shining, and I actually have an update for you guys today! Yay!
I hope you guys enjoy. Notes at the end. :)
25. Chapter 25 by mak324 - Likes: 35 Comments: 34 Word Count: 11,536 Hit Count: 1,614 Published: July 31, 2017
I'm baaaaaaaaack. :)
Can you believe it? I kind of can't. After six crazy months I wouldn't blame a single blessed one of you if you're not interested in this fic anymore, but I've got an update for you anyway. I'll leave some notes below regarding chapter and future updates, but for now--let's just get to the good stuff. Love you guys.
26. Chapter 26 by mak324 - Likes: 14 Comments: 13 Word Count: 10,680 Hit Count: 947 Published: February 25, 2021
Hello loves. Two quickie things, and then I pray you all enjoy:
1.) I've missed this story terribly. It is hands down my absolute favorite Spuffy fic I've worked on, and it might even be my favorite thing I've written ever. It's been an absolute DELIGHT stepping back into it again, and I pray it shows in this and the following four updates. I had so much damn fun writing this and I'm psyched to share.
2.) I mean absolutely ZERO disrespect to California in part 4 -- I legit love California. But Buffy in this fic has some issues with it--more specifically, with LA. It's just a funny character thing. (Also an excuse to sneak in a little ode/homage/reference to Mike Flannagan, the creator of Haunting of Hill House, who is an absolutely gorgeous writer and who kills the metaphor game every time. It's kind of an IYKYK thing, but I'm betting you'll be able to tell. I definitely can't take credit for that one, my metaphors are lame.)
See you in the end notes. 
27. Chapter 27 by mak324 - Likes: 19 Comments: 12 Word Count: 7,186 Hit Count: 792 Published: March 12, 2021
A day late, but hopefully not a dollar short.
The song for this chapter is Glitter by Patrick Droney.
I hope you enjoy, and I'll have a few notes and a question at the end.
28. Chapter 28 by mak324 - Likes: 21 Comments: 16 Word Count: 13,343 Hit Count: 839 Published: March 31, 2021
I have notes at the end (per usual), but for now I'll just leave you with this late update and pray you all enjoy! It's super Spuffy-centric, and has some of my favorite stuff in it. (I also went back and tweaked a few things in Ch. 26, just to make sure all's copacetic.)
Songs for this one are:
All I Need Is You - Jeffrey James and Rainbow - Kasey Musgraves