"God...can't you see how sexy he is?" Jen whispered at her ear, while settling one of the wigs on it's base, her eyes never leaving the actor moving on the set where he was filming a dueling scene with some of the other actors.

Ally didn't even raise her eyes to look at him. They were all the same. She had seen a lot of them, she had her stories, but it had always ended up with a broken heart. Hers.

Maybe she had just became old, who knows. Sometimes, looking at her co-worker she wished to be as carefree and naive as she was. There were ten years difference between Ally and Jen, and she could feel each one of them, heavy on her shoulders, sometimes making her feel like an old lady.

Jen was in her early twenties, and she thought she was madly in love with Orlando Bloom.

How typical at her age to believe to be in love when you had only seen the man in question to put on his wigs.

It was useless to tell her that it could never be, her friend simply didn't hear her.

And then one day she had started to tease Ally about that British man. Her conspiracy theory was that Sean Bean, who had arrived on the set just some days before, was looking at Ally.

What madness.

When Ally first saw him, she hardly recognized him.

He had cut his hair, and from what she had the possibility to see, he had done a lot of gym work, because his biceps were well pumped. It was possible he was trying to match up to the younger members of the cast, as he was one of the eldest.

Better for her to choose a normal man and forget those useless fancies, it was sure.

"He's way too young for me, baby" Ally grinned at Jen, trying not to burst into laughter at her frustrated expression. "Your Orlando would probably laugh at me, I think he's used to dating young top models instead of thirty-year-old persons..."

The sudden blush on her face made Ally understand that there was something wrong.

Shit. There was bound to be someone behind her.

Clearing her throat even if there was no need at all, she turned to see who had entered the make-up trailer, and she couldn't help but gasp softly upon seeing Sean Bean.

He was leaning against the door frame, an utterly amused expression on his face, clear sign that he had heard their little conversation.

"Orlando would be a mad man, if he ever laughed at you, Ally" he said in that low voice of his, looking directly into her eyes.

Jen, the traitor, excused herself, exiting the trailer and walking to the set, probably trying to leave her alone with him.

Not that one doesn't look forward to be in a trailer alone with a man in leather and with that chiseled body, but it was simply too risky for Ally.

"He would be right to laugh at me, Mr Bean " she answered, hinting a little smile. "I'm an old lady to him."

Slowly walking to his chair, Sean's grin widened when he heard her awkward answer.

"I never date girls" he began, and she could feel his eyes lingering on her while she tried not to meet them, busying herself to prepare the make up she would have applyed on his skin.

"I date women. And you seem like a woman to me..."

"And I date men, not actors " was her reply.

To her utter surprise, Bean didn't snort in annoyance as she had expected him to do, but he chuckled quietly, shaking his head.

"You never give up, do you?"

"Never" Ally finally grinned, looking at those sparkling green eyes. Not bad. Really not bad. Pity he was an actor.

"Now don't move, Mr Bean. I have to take care of your facial make up, and then we will apply a special black powder on your body so you'll look all dirty and sweaty".

"If you don't stop calling me that, I swear I'll stay here talking for hours. And I can be very annoying when I begin talking about football and chess, I'm warning you." He grinned, studying her face to see if she was understanding his joke. Perhaps he was satisfied for he folded his arms on his chest and continued. "Call me Sean. Mr Bean makes me feel like an old bore..."

Ally couldn't help but smile at that remark. Oh, If only she knew what he was feeling...

"All right Sean " the woman finally nodded solemnly. "Now what do you think of letting me do what I'm payed for?"

"Go right ahead." Sean replied in an amused tone, leaning back onto the chair and trying to relax, without averting his gaze.

"It's very uncommon to meet people so eager to do their job these days, don't you agree?" he asked then, smirking, but she didn't have the time to actually reply. "Just as for you it must be uncommon to meet someone so eager to be at your mercy, I bet."

Finally raising her eyes to meet his, Ally just hinted a wicked smile. That man was really tring to tease her.

He surely didn't know whom he was dealing with.

"I would find many men willing to be at my mercy, Sean" was her reply, before to return to her job. "This would go if I were actually willing to find one. But I'm not, you can be sure of that".

Sean's reply was a light chuckle, and he would have shaken his head if he didn't have to hold still. She was already taking care of the business, and he didn't want to mess up her work.

"I don't doubt that many men would be willing to be at your mercy, my dear, for some reason I don't doubt it at all.. but think about it for a while.." he said, grimacing slightly before to continue, "how many men would be eager to be at your mercy right here on this chair? I was merely talking about make up, you see.."

"I find that you men think with what you have in your pants, especially you actors," Ally said, pursing her lips while her hands were busy on his neck to create a fake wound. "So I really think that many man would be at my mercy even here on this chair...should I promise them that I would allow them to come to my bedroom..."

"Indeed." Sean agreed, without even trying to disguise his amusement. "Besides, one can do very interesting things even on a chair like the one I'm sitting on. Am I wrong?"

One of her eyebrow raised almost of his own will at such words and Ally finally looked at his eyes.

Was he flirting with her?

"I don't know. I've never tried, but I'm sure you are very experienced in such matters".

"I've had my share." he said plainly, returning the stare. Then he smirked, hoping that she would understand that he was only joking, and added: "Just give me a call if you'll ever want me to introduce you to the wonderful world of very interesting things done while sitting on a chair in the make up trailer. I give lessons for free."

"Are you flirting with me Sean?" the woman asked, quite amused by his efforts.

He could be thinking that he was smart and funny, or he could even be trying to turn her on, but she was not very impressed.

Sean Bean was a gorgeous man, but as he was an actor he was not suitable for her. No way.

"How can you even think that?" Sean demanded, an eyebrow raised resentfully, even if his green eyes were still sparkling with sheer amusement. It was clear that he was enjoying teasing her.

"I don't flirt.. ever.."

"That's good for you" she just replied, shifting her attentions to his arm, covering his little '100%Blade' tatoo.

"For my answer would be no in any case. I'm the wrong person, and I'm not willing to date actors at all".

Sean said nothing else for quite a while then, observing Ally as she worked, wondering why on earth she was so hard on the subject.

Bad memories tied to actors? Possibly.

Anyway she didn't seem to like him at all, and for some reason such realization had saddened him a bit. Maybe he'd just gone too far, without realizing it.

"I'm sorry if I've been impolite" he said, suddenly serious, staring straight at her. "I was really just joking."

Sighing softly, Ally finally raised her eyes to meet his green ones, and she just stared at him for a while, trying to search for the right words.

"Don't be sorry, Sean" she finally murmured, faltering a little before to continue. "I am the one who's sorry, sometimes I speak without really realizing what I'm saying. I didn't mean to be rude to you".

"Oh no, no. You haven't been rude, at all. Don't worry about that" Sean answered, leaning back again. Then he grinned, patently relieved, and raised an eyebrow again before to continue. "You've been just ehr... very wary, I shall say. But I can't blame you for that, we barely know each other."

Grinning back, Ally flashed him a last, amused glance before to resume her work, taking care of his legs while the make up on his arms wiped a little.

"I'm afraid you'll discover by yourself how very wary I can be, and I really don't know if you'll like it... Sometimes I don't do it on purpose, I was just... generalizing on your subject, that's all..."

"I've quite noticed that." Sean chuckled, flashing her a glance as she kneeled before him in order to apply the make up to his legs.

Enticing. Too enticing.

He cleared his throat a little uneasily, grabbing a magazine from the shelf below the wide mirror opposite him, and browsed absentmindedly through the pages with the sole purpose of focusing on something else. Not that touch, not the sight of a quite attractive woman on her knees in front of him.

Her hands in the meanwhile were busy spreading a black powder on his upper thighs, and it was just then that Ally noticed the prominent bulge between his legs.

But unexpectedly, Jen came back in the trailer with a cheerful smile. Probably she had met Orlando.

"Still working on Mr Bean? When you're finished we could go and watch the next scenes, what do you think?"

"I really don't know Jen, I've got a lot of things to do..."

Sean couldn't help but chuckle again, and he laid the magazine on his lap as he flashed an amused glance at the newly arrived.

"She works too much, doesn't she?"

"Exactly!" the younger woman grinned, folding her arms on her chest, observing them for quite a while.

Sure. She was sure that something was going on.

Bean liked Ally, she could tell it from the way he looked at her, in that flirting fashion. Not that he was different with the others. It was something one can tell upon looking in his eyes.

"I think she should just go out and have some fun sometimes, Mr Bean. But she doesn't want to listen to me..."

"I see." Sean nodded, glancing at Ally. "I'm not even trying to tell her, for she doesn't trust me at all.. Unfortunately." he said with a smirk then, and shifted his gaze upon Jen again while folding his arms across the chest. "She should really listen to her friends, though. Friends who shouldn't call me Mr. Bean, but just Sean."

"What do you say going and doing your job instead of gossipping about me?" Ally grinned at Sean, standing up and observing the make up. He looked dirty, bloody and tired.

"I would say you're almost perfect..."

"C'mon girl! Let's go to see them act, I'm sure that Sean would be happy, too. To know that you'll be there to look at him would really help him to give his best..." Jen said again, blinking at the man. "Am I wrong Sean?"

Said man nodded solemnly at once. "You're absolutely right, and I'm not going anywhere without you two. " he said with a smirk, winking back at Jen as he stood.

"I'm still an actor, after all, I could feign a devastating headache and go back to the hotel.. or stay here to pester you all day long. I'm sure you don't want me to, Ally, do you?"

"All right, all right you won" Ally sighed, walking outside with him, while Jen followed her with a huge grin on her face.

"So, my famous actor, what scene are you up to? And...are you sure you'll not be distracted?"

"I'll be completely concentrating, don't worry. The only thing that might distract be would be if you decide to strip right there in the middle of the set, but I doubt you will. And that's truly a pity." Sean replied, grinning mischievously and taking hold of Ally's arm as they walked side by side. She seemed a little less tense than before, Sean realized, a little more at ease with him, and he welcomed that. For he liked her company, even if she was wary towards the acting class and quite defensive when he tried to get too close.

Ally welcomed his hold, hinting a smile and walking at his side.

It was likely almost the whole staff was looking at them, for she could see other make up artists chatting and pointing at them. But she didn't care. He was but a good looking man with a great sense of humor. Nothing more, nothing less. The others could have him whenever they wanted to. Sean was an actor after all, they just needed to seduce him a little bit and he would have willingly taken them to his bed. Acting class was so predictable that she could understand them even before they started.

"You will never see me naked, Sean" she grinned them, continuing his talk. "But I think it would be best for you... I'm not a top model, you know. Not one of those you usually date".

Sean turned enough to be able to look at her, a small smile still on his lips, and he just stared curiously at her for some moments.

It was only when his green eyes left hers that he spoke, his voice low and his tone kind. "You're really too hard on yourself, Ally" he said, "It's not being on the cover of some magazine that makes a person better than another. And I think you're very attractive."

"Men would say anything just to..." she snapped, stopping in the middle of the phrase and biting her tongue to avoid continuing it.

Her bad temper was in her way, again.

"I'm sorry" Ally finally said softly, tightening the grip on his arm. "I was being impolite again... What I meant to say was...thank you. You're very kind".

At such words he just couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was hearty and warm, so typically Sean, as he released Ally's arm and wound his own around her shoulders in a friendly gesture.

"Oh no, no. Too late!" he said then, while still struggling against his fit of laughter, shaking his head and turning again to look at her. "Say the truth, you were going to say that I'm trying to flatter, coax and charm you with the sole purpose of shagging you senseless. Weren't you?"

After an inquisitive look at his arm, Ally couldn't help but grin in response, but she didn't retreat from him. He wasn't that bad, afterall. A quite good person, even if an actor nonetheless.

"Yes, that's what I meant... Are you so predictable?"

"Not at all." he replied, raising an eyebrow. "I mean what I say. I usually do, else I just keep my gob shut and smile politely. Always works."

"None of your techniques will work with me" she grinned again, turning to look straight at his eyes just to tease him. "I'm not dating actors anymore... and more than ever I'll never slip into their bed again...never... I've had enough of you all..."

"We aren't all the same, you know."

Just then Orlando, who was chattering lively with one of the stunt people, noticed that they were approaching and waved.

"Beanie!" he called, a huge grin on his face. "Got something to keep you busy already, eh?"

"Nah, you little Southern softie" Sean grinned in response, halting a few paces away from the younger man and glancing at Ally. "She won't give me a chance."

"Oh, I see you've understood it at least" the woman grinned at him.

But she hadn't the possibility to say more, for Jen that had silently walked at their back all the time, had now stopped in front of Orlando, and was clearly worshipping him with her eyes.

"Uhm...hi...Jen, from the make up trailer, can you remember me?"

"Yeah, sure. Of course I do." Orlando smiled, nodding. Indeed he remembered her. Of all things he certainly wasn't blind, and from the way she was staring at him he could tell that she seemed interested just as well. Good for a start. And Beanie was obviously into the other lass, no doubt.

He looked at the two for some moments, an amused expression on his face, and then shifted his gaze to Jen again, who was still staring at him.

"Fancy a coffee?" he asked, sporting the brightest of smiles. "I'm going to get one, and I'm sure that Beanie here is too engrossed in matters of higher importance to be willing to keep me company. Right, Beanie?"

Obviously getting the hint Sean nodded, managing to keep a straight face despite it all. "Sure I don't want to waste my time with a kid."

Orlando laughed at the remark, and mentally thanked him at the same time. "I'll take that as a yes."

"Sure I'm willing to keep you company!" Jen immediately replied, forcing herself not to begin jumping around as a fool at the possibility to spend some time, even if just minutes, with the most gorgeous man she had ever seen.

Exchanging a knowing glance with Sean, Ally just looked at the couple, hinting a smile. But above all she was hoping that Jen could be happy and not hurt as she had been in past.

When they had entered the refectory Orlando closed the door, smiling at Jen again before to walk to the coffee machine.

"Coffee?" he asked, busy inserting his card. "Or you can look for something else in the fridge, there must be some Coke and lemonade and.. well, stuff."

"A coffee would be enough, thank you" Jen smiled softly, trying to hide her trembling hands at her back.

"So... Sean and Ally look good together, eh?"

Orlando chuckled lightly, nodding as he seized the paper cups, and once near enough he handed one to her.

Was she nervous?

When he noticed that her hands were trembling slightly as she took the cup, Orlando realized that yes, she certainly was. In the good way he hoped, what if she was just uncomfortable to be alone with him?

Maybe he shouldn't have closed the door..

Resolute to discover whether Jen was pleased with his company or merely awfully embarrassed, he neared her even more, until they were indeed too close for two who barely know each other. On his part, though, he was completely at ease and relaxed.

"Yeah, they do look good together" he agreed then, staring intently at her. Then he smiled in a quite suggestive way, dangling a sachet of sugar right in front of her face, raising an eyebrow and still staring at her.

"Sugar?"

Those bright chocolate eyes fixed on hers were almost too much to bear for Jen's heart. She had dreamed of this moment for months, even before she had actually met him. Knowing that she was going to work with the sexy hunk Orlando Bloom had thrilled her from the beginning.

And now he was right in front of her, clearly flirting and clearly interested in her.

Of all things, she wasn't stupid, and she wasn't going to lose her occasion.

"Yes, thank you..." Jen smiled enticingly, taking the sachet from his hand and caressing his fingers with hers during the process.

"You're welcome."

Orlando's steady gaze didn't waver at all, not even while he was drinking or laying the paper cup on the nearby table, that was standing right in the middle of the room. He licked his lips then, smirking, and waited for her to finish her coffee with a half smile and his arms folded across the chest.

At least now he was sure that she was totally fine about being alone with him.

"Is it good?"

"It's... the usual tasteless cofee" she grinned at him, putting down the paper cup. "One can't expect miracles from those damned machines... But probably it's just because... I always want the best..."

"We have something in common, then" Orlando replied softly, and grinned back. "Listen, we could make a deal. What if I'll take you to a place where they really know how to make a good coffee, tonight? Does it sound good to you?"

"Yes, it would be wonderful!" she exulted, smiling brightly at him and trying to register the fact that Orlando Bloom ha asked her out. Too beautiful to be true.

Just then Jen remembered her previous engagement. Ally.

"Oh... oh shit..." she muttered, sighing sadly. She couldn't just turn her back to her best friend.

"Listen... I-I promised to Ally that I would have gone out with her..."

"Bring her along, what's the problem?" Orlando shrugged, still smiling, not at all disturbed at the thought of going out with them both. He and Jen could spend some time alone afterwards, or they could find a distraction for Ally and--

That's it, he thought triumphantly, a huge grin suddenly making its appearance on his face. "I'll ask Beanie to come along."

The thought of an angry Ally yelling at her made Jen shiver in horror.

That girl was really too hard towards the acting class. Afterall it was best for her to see Sean. He was interested in her and Ally hadn't a boyfriend for far too long. She was beginning to become one of those unpleasant spinsters and she really needed to change before it was too late.

"All right then!" Jen grinned back to Orlando, her eyes lingering in his. "I'll tell her, you'll tell it to Sean..."

"It's a deal." he smiled, returning the stare. "I'm sure he won't refuse."

Orlando took the chance to ask the older man after lunch that day. Whenever they had to shoot inside the studios, after his coffee Sean would usually go outside, sitting on the steps of the back entrance, and smoking his cigarette in the quiet. Sometimes he used to go there with some guys from the crew or stunts, without caring at all that they were ordinary people, for he reckoned to be one of them too,saw himself as one of them too and Orlando had always liked that particular attitude. Just thinking about it somehow helped him to keep his feet on the ground, despite the money and the fans and the show business.

That day, to Orlando's utter joy, Sean was alone. He turned when he heard the door opening and closing at his back, and smiled when he saw the younger man.

"Fancy a fag, laddie?"

"Nah, thanks" Orlando replied as he sat down next to him, pulling his knees to his chest. "I have to ask you something."

"Go ahead and ask away."

"You really like her, don't you?"

One of Sean's eyebrows arched at once at the question, causing Orlando to grin mischievously. C'mon Beanie, he thought, you know of whom I speak. You know it all right.

"I really like who, pray tell me?"

"Ah, Beanie.. don't play naive with me, you know that I'm talking about Ally."

"Well, now I do know. I like her, yes."

Orlando's grin widened. "Thank me, then. Come on, thank me." he chuckled while nudging the other, who couldn't help but chuckle back at the little devious thing named Orlando Bloom. What was he up to?

"Should I?"

"Indeed, because you're going to spend the evening with her."

"Wha--"

"Shush and listen" Orlando interrupted, leaning towards the older man in a confidential way, and still grinning. "I've asked Jen out, but she won't come without Ally. They already had an engagement for tonight, it seems, and that's when you, my dear, come out. You'll come with us."

"Does she know?" Sean asked, frowning a little. There was enough to worry about, Orlando wasn't the kind of guy who worried about other's opinions once he started plotting something.

"Well.. let's say that--"

"Sorry, I'm not coming."

"Come on!" Orlando almost whined, "Don't be such a spoilsport! I thought you wanted to go out with her!"

"Yes, I did. I do. But not like this.."

"Just think that it'll be a nice surprise to her, ok? Think about the ehrm... shock factor. Women love to be surprised once in a while, don't they?"

This time Sean actually laughed out loud, shaking his head in amusement. "How can you manage to be so damn convincing with such pointless arguments?"

"Was that a yes?"

"Let's see... nine, outside my trailer?" Ally asked to Jen, while soaping her hands with a particularly strong cleansing(cleanser), just to wash away all the make up stuck on her during the day.

A hard task indeed.

A guilty Jen looked at her friend's back, tring to smile and act as if nothing had happened.

No. She wasn't going to tell her. Because Ally wouldn't have agreed and most likely Orlando would never ask her out again.

"All right, girl. I'll come to pick you up at nine, but now let's go or else we will never have this girls night..."

Wiping her hands with a towel, Ally finally turned to look at Jen, nodding and walking to the exit, fumbling in her purse to search for the keys.

Once in her trailer, the woman took off her shirt, turning on all the lights and starting the hot water. She needed a good shower, but she never stepped into a cold bathroom.

In her bedroom, she opened the little closet, crossing her arms on her chest and tilting her head on a side to choose something to wear that night.

Browsing through her garments, the woman chose a black tank top and a pair of tight blue hipster jeans, settling them on her bed. Then taking hold of a lacy, black bra, and matching panties, she walked to the bathroom, smiling to herself upon seeing the room warm and filled with steam. Just the way she liked it.

In the meantime Sean, stark naked after a hot shower and utterly nervous, was fumbling into the wardrobe and throwing random clothes onto the bed.

How should he be dressed? No coat and tie whatsoever, it was the only thing he was sure about. He didn't want her to consider him just an old bore, for he definitely wasn't. Better to leave coat and tie for business matters, he just had to be himself that night. And to please her, possibly, because for the first time in a long time, he was going out with someone he really liked. Even if she wasn't expecting him to be there. He had to impress her somehow.

Struck by a sudden thought he stopped his groping, pulling his head slowly out of the closet.

Then he was sprinting to the bathroom, and browsing through the vials and cans and the other small items in the cabinet above the sink, until he drew out a grey can with a triumphant grin. Calvin Klein, dude. It always worked. Always.

He sprayed himself carefully, avoiding as much as carefully avoiding his lower regions--that stuff burns like hell if used improperly, you know--and tossed the can back in the closet before to hurry back to the bedroom.

First of all, underwear. And that was something he had to choose carefully. Always think that it could end up better than expected, he thought as he picked some black boxer shorts and slipped them on.

Next step: trousers. Jeans should do, yes. Yes. He chose dark ones, just a little faded where they had to, not too loose and yet not too tight, and cast an eye to the wide mirror on the closet's door to look critically at himself.

Good.

Then he put on black socks, black shoes, and decided upon a green military shirt with long sleeves, tight enough to outline his newly achieved muscles, and glanced again at the mirror. He wasn't too sure about that one, but it was already late.

Definately too late to try on each damn shirt in the damn closet which he was quite tempted to do, so he just took an armful of the clothes he'd cast on the bed before and threw them back into the closet, paying attention to shut the doors before the bundle ended up on the floor, and made him even later than he already was. A moment later he was in the bathroom again, brushing his teeth hurriedly and trying to fix his hair at the same time, with the help of a small amount of styling gel.

Once out of the bathroom he grabbed his black leather jacket and his keys, glancing at his watch, and muttering a curse as his knee collided with the doorframe in his hurry to leave.

It was quarter past nine when someone knocked at Ally's door, and she puffed in annoyment.

She hated people who were always late.

"Finally! I'm going to buy you a watch next Christmas, babe!" she chuckled while stepping out of the bedroom.

Knowing that Jen was never on time, she hadn't put on her black boots. Those quite high heels can really hurt your feet if you wear them too much, and she wasn't willing to walk into the pub as if she was crippled.

Padding to the front door, Ally opened it with a grin.

A grin that slowly faded when she saw who it was.

"S-Sean..." she babbled, looking at the man.

"What...what can I do for you?"

Secure, he thought, try to look secure and calm and everything will go the right way.

"Something like slipping on your shoes and taking your jacket should do." he grinned, folding his arms and leaning against the doorframe. "I'm sorry to be late, I've had this little clothing issue and.. well, the others are waiting for us at the pub."

"The...others?" she asked, clearly puzzled. "And... you are late? I was waiting for..."

Then it came. That little nasty creature named Jen had cheated on her.

She had planned everything without saying it to her.

"Oh, shit..." Ally finally murmured, shaking her head. "I didn't have a clue about this".

"I know you didn't know" Sean nodded, patently amused, "but I knew, Orlando knew, and so did Jen. Just promise me that you won't slay or maim her in any way, else I'd feel guilty for the rest of my life."

God, she looked good. Almost too good. And luckily enough, she didn't seem too angry at him. Good for a start.

"I couldn't maim her..." Ally finally chuckled, stepping aside. "She would hide herself behind you, I'm sure of that. Come inside, I'm sure you don't want to wait outside there..."

Without waiting for his answer, the woman smiled at him and hurried to the bedroom, slipping on her boots in a moment and panicking in front of the mirror.

Shit.

God knows where were they taking her and she looked simply horrible. But it was too late to even think about it.

Sighing softly, she took hold of her black leather jacket and her little purse and walked back to the door, very pleased to see that Sean was standing motionless, without looking around as many guys do when they are left on their own.

"Ok. I'm ready. But you must promise me that next time you'll ask me, instead of plotting behind my back. At least I could try and look decent. I look awful right now.."

"You are absolutely perfect, you look wonderful tonight." Sean answered, smiling. Then he brought a hand to her face, laying a finger on her lips in order to silence her, when he saw that she was about to reply.

"And I mean it." he added softly, staring straight into her eyes and still smiling.

Returning the intense stare, Ally took hold of his hand, squeezing it lightly and retreating her face, a little upset by that closeness. She wasn't used to that kind of contact anymore, but she was sure she knew why she was upset. She wasn't expecting him to be that charming and tender. Not at all.

"Well..." she began, faltering for a moment in order to gather her thoughts. "Thank you. You look good, too. But for you it's normal... you're Sean Bean, the great actor..." then she stopped, mentally punching herself. Stupid, stupid, stupid. "All right, let's go before I could become incredibly sour and offend you. It's just that...Oh, maybe I haven't had a boyfriend for far too long. Jen was right..."

Sean sniggered quietly at her words, not at all offended, and took her arm as they walked unhurriedly to his car.

"I swear I mean you no harm at all," he said, turning to look at her. "Can you try to trust me and to relax a little bit, even if only for tonight? I want it to be pleasant for you as well, and I swear also that I won't try anything." then he chuckled, and added after a few moments: "well, unless you want me to, of course."

"I will not ask, don't worry" Ally grinned, turning to look at him, finally a little more relaxed.

It couldn't be that bad to let go and have fun, even if just for one evening. Without slipping in his bed.

Yes. I'll try it.

"But I want to give you a chance. I will relax and let go..."

"Good."

It wasn't a long drive to get to the pub. Orlando and Jen of course were already there, sitting at a table in a corner of the wide room, drinking and chattering and smiling to each other.

"Don't they look adorable?"

"Oh yeah", Ally sighed, taking hold of Sean's arm and smiling sadly at him. "I just hope your friend would not make her suffer... She doesn't deserve to suffer like me..."

Sean had to bite his tongue to avoid asking questions, and mentally cursed his damn nosiness. He would have only embarrassed her, and it really was the last thing he wanted.

They walked to the table side by side, welcomed by a quite cheerful Orlando.

"It's about time, you old pervs!" he snickered, patting the bench he was sitting on, and leaning to kiss Sean's cheek playfully when the older man sat by his side. "We were getting worried, you know."

"Oh, sure." Sean chuckled, "I believe you."

"Did you two stop at Ally's?" a curious Jen asked then, grinning mischievously.

"No, my dear" was Ally's ironical reply. It was clear that she was still mad at her, even if she was quite enjoying Sean's presence. "He was just a little late, that's all".

"Oh yes" Sean confirmed, glancing at Ally and smiling. "All my fault."

On his part, Orlando couldn't help but grin as he looked at the two of them. Something was going on, he had no doubt.

"Indeed" he said amusedly, and then cleared his throat as he handed Sean the menu. "Will you have something to drink?"

"Ale for me." the older man said promptly, offering the menu to Ally without even reading it.

"A Guinness for me" she smiled at Sean, putting down the menu.

He really was a charming man. No need to say that every woman with a hint of brain would have been more than happy to be at his table, but still Ally felt uneasy.

Should she believe in him?

The cold walls she had built all around her were definately strong, but would they have stopped him?

When a few moments later a waitress neared the table, Sean ordered for both himself and Ally. When the girl was gone Orlando, who had been staring at the couple all the while, propped on his elbows over the table and leaned curiously towards them, still smiling.

"So.. are you two getting along better now?"

At the question Sean smirked, casting an eye over Ally, and nodded. "Oh yes, a little better. At least I do hope so."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, yeah" Ally chuckled, shaking her head. "I've had to surrender to his many charms, it was almost impossible to resist him..."

Jen on her side was grinning, eyeing her friend with obvious interest. She was having fun, finally. Her idea had not been a bad one after all.

"But...tell me about you two. It seem that you and Jen are very...close..."

"Oh, we are... socializing, I would say" Orlando replied, smirking, and sipped his drink. Just then the waitress approached, carrying the other two beers. Even before the girl had actually set the mugs on the table Sean was already handing her enough money to pay for both, and casting Ally a glance that was clearly a warning. A quite amused one, but a warning nonetheless.

Don't try anything.

Once the waitress was gone he smiled, and turned to look at the younger man at his side.

"Socializing you say, eh?"

"Socializing." Orlando confirmed, nodding. "What else would you call that?"

Sean thought about it for some moments, as he took a swig of his beer. "Flirting."

At his words Jen almost choked with her beer, causing Ally to grin and wink at Sean.

Good one, lad.

When she had somewhat recovered, the younger woman excused herself and pretended to have to go to the toilet, dragging Ally with her.

"What the hell is going on?" she hissed at her friend. "They'll think we're a couple of stupid teenagers now!"

"Oh, well... I didn't know you were so interested in Sean's opinion" Jen just grinned, settling her back against the cold wall and looking at her friend. "I think I'll take him at home with me tonight..."

"What?" Ally almost barked, wide eyed. No. It couldn't be happening. Just the same. The past was going to be repeated with Jen. Shit. "You barely know him!"

"I like him, babe. I like him and I think he likes me. I can't wait anymore to have him..." she explained, plainly. "Besides that, I'm old enough to make my choices".

Sighing deeply, Ally averted her gaze, looking at her reflection through the wide mirror. She was right. Jen was old enough.

Seeing that the older woman wasn't going to answer, Jen decided to be the first one to open that delicate argument, and she paid particular attention to her voice. Soft and quiet.

"Do you like him?"

No need to ask whom she was speaking about. They both knew that.

"I don't know, yet" Ally answered, much to her friend's surprise. Jen was expecting her to be angry as usual. Of all things, Ally was really guarded about her private life. "He's really... sexy, charming... a gentleman..."

"Oh, yes!" Jen grinned. "Don't tell me you've missed the fact that he's paid for you, too... He definitely likes you, girl!"

"It was quite clear to me..." was the other one's reply. "But I don't know what he's up to. And I don't want to suffer, again..."

"Give him a chance, maybe he could surprise you, who knows?" Jen told her softly. "Orlando told me that he really likes you, Ally. But I think he's scared because sometimes you're...harsh, even if you don't do it on purpose. Just let go. Let go and see what happens..."

"Let's go back to the table" was all Ally said.

A moment later, Jen was sitting in front of Orlando, smiling quite suggestively at him, while one of her feet had reached his and was beginning to stroke it sensually.

"Missed me?"

"Desperately" Orlando replied softly, matching the sentence with a seductive smile, and even when drinking he didn't avert his eyes from Jen's. Much to Sean's amusement, who raised an eyebrow at the sight, and cleared his throat before to turn his attentions back to Ally.

"So, tell me about yourself".

"There's not so much to say" the woman smiled, a little awkwardly. At least they weren't alone, and even if Jen was totally absorbed by Orlando, she knew that Sean wouldn't have tried anything while those two were there. Good. After a brief moment of hesitation, she decided to tell him everything.

"I'm an ordinary person, I have dreams and hopes for the future, but I also have to fight against the reality of things. With that I mean that I would never be able to travel all around the globe with my salary..." at that point, the girl blushed a little, averting her gaze. He is a famous and rich actor. And now he would surely laugh at me because he can do anything he wants to. "I live in a flat in Glouchester with my dog, Charlie. He's a Golden Retriever. He really needs a big garden rather than my flat, but whenever I'm at home I take him with me to the park for hours. I don't have many friends because I usually don't trust people...I love theatre and going for walks, out in nature... And.... well I think that's all. Not very interesting as you can see... I bet yours it's a whole lot better..."

In the meanwhile, Jen's foot had reached Orlando's knee, while her eyes were never leaving his, and she had completely forgotten about her friend and Sean. There was room only for those chocolate eyes and that supple body.

Orlando didn't protest at all, and it was clear that he was quite enjoying it. But he wanted more, and he certainly couldn't drag Jen to the bathroom and take care of the business there.

All that teasing was going to drive him insane.

One of his hands suddenly reached for the girl's ankle in order to stop her, and he leaned slightly towards her over the table.

"We should go.."

"Let's go then..." she whispered seductively, absentmindedly licking her lips, ready to follow him wherever he was willing to bring her.

On her other side, Ally turned to look at Sean, an eyebrow raised an and utterly surprised expression on her face. Jen was pushing it too far.

Sean returned the stare, and then glanced at the other two as they stood up and collected their belongings.

"Same time and same place tomorrow morning, Orli?" he demanded then, doing his best to seem nonchalant as he fumbled in a pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He didn't want to embarrass the couple, so for once he decided that it was better to hold back his saucy remarks about how they were going to spend the night. Much to Orlando's relief.

"Yeah." the younger man nodded, while slipping on his coat. "You two try and behave yourselves."

Sean had to stifle a chuckle at such words. Try to behave? He should have been the one to say that!

"Don't worry, we will".

"See you tomorrow, Ally" Jen grinned, taking Orlando's hand.

A moment later the woman was left alone with Sean, and she sighed deeply, shifting her attention to the beer. Why should she always be so damned awkward with men?

For quite a while Ally didn't say a word, nor Sean did. They were merely looking around, taking a swig of beer now and then, the silence indeed beginning to get awkward.

This won't do, he thought with a sigh, glancing at her. That kind of attitude wasn't going to lead anywhere.

"I swear we hadn't planned that, too.." he said with a gentle smile, hoping that it would work and ease the tension a little bit. Then after a moment he leaned slightly forward, propping on his elbows, and asked softly: "Are you uncomfortable being alone with me, Ally?"

"N--no" she smiled, finally sighing deeply and mentally slapping herself.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. Maybe I was just a little...surpised by the change of events. Tell me something about you, we barely know each other..."

"About me?" Sean chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Very well, but I think you'll be disappointed to discover that in fact I'm quite a plain person.. I mean, I don't do many extravagant things when I'm home. Not at all." he said, smiling, as he lit himself a cigarette.

"I just spend all the time I can with my daughters, I do my gardening, I lay back and relax while listening to some good, classical music, or read. I do read a lot, whether it's studying my part or immersing myself in one of the classics. I'm a bit old fashioned, maybe."

"No, you're not" Ally smiled, sipping her beer while studying his features.

She knew he had something like three daughters and who knows how many divorces behind him, there was no need to ask. Cheap magazines in England had spread rumours and gossip about the reasons why his marriages could have failed. Now that she was beginning to know him, she just wandered why. But she didn't dare to ask. It was something too personal and she didn't feel like getting involved at that point. Not yet, at least.

"I like to read, too. You know, those frosty afternoons when you've got nothing to do but sitting in front of the fireplace and read. With my dog at my feet. The only male allowed to enter my home..."

"Yeah?" Sean sniggered, leaning with his back against the wooden covering of the wall behind him, looking thoroughly relaxed.

"He's a lucky one, then" he added amusedly, without averting his eyes. "I'd even pay to be allowed to lay at your feet on a rainy afternoon, in front of a lit fireplace.. well, as long as there is a rug or something, at least."

Chuckling quietly, Ally shook her head in amusment, looking intensely at him, as if she wanted to understand whether he was just kidding or not. Not entirely, she decided after a while, and propping on her elbows over the table, she leaned towards him.

"Why me?" she asked softly, her smile unwavering. "I mean...there are so many girls on the set. Younger, slimmer than me, and surely more disposed towards you. Why aren't you spending your night with one of them? You--you aren't doing it just for Orlando and Jen, are you?"

Sean leaned over the table too, smiling, and slowly moved a stray lock of Ally's hair, that was hanging mutinuously over her cheek, behind her ear. Though he would have liked to stroke her cheek or lay his hands on her shoulders, he didn't. Fearing that she would have pushed him away, maybe, or worse drew back to put more distance between them.

"I'll tell you a little secret.. I'm not doing this for Orlando and Jen, at all." he hispered confidentially, staring intently at her.

"I like you, Ally, very much. Is that so strange or wrong?"

"I don't know..." she whispered back, slightly upset by that contact and the fact that she actually had liked it. That was probably worse.

"I--I just don't know if I'm the kind of woman you're searching for, that's all".

Sean nodded, without drawing back, and this time he didn't restrain himself from laying a hand on her shoulder.

"I'm not looking for sex," he said in a gentle tone, before a wicked grin appeared on his face all of a sudden. "well okay, not just for that" he added with a chuckle, before to continue. "And not tonight. I can only hope that you'll allow me to get to know you better, since I quite like what I've seen up to now."

"I quite like what I've seen, too" she grinned, looking straight in his eyes.

It wasn't bad, at all. He was honest, at least, a rare quality in men. Something she had almost never seen.

"And I'm looking forward to getting to know you better..."

"Are you?" Sean grinned back, returning the intense stare. "We could go somewhere tomorrow. Just you and me, I mean" he said, pursing his lips thoughtfully and leaning back again, still staring at Ally. "Well, I have the feeling that Orlando and Jen would leave us alone anyway, but we could ehrm.. have a real date, maybe. What about a nice dinner together?"

"Do you promise me that you won't jump on me?" she grinned all of a sudden, folding her arms on her chest. "You're an actor, afterall. Those things are quite normal for you..."

"Normal?" he repeated, tilting his head on the side and folding his arms in an attempt to look suspicious. "Are you saying that I seem that kind of bloke to you? One who invites poor and defenseless women out just to jump on them when they don't expect it? I could get offended.."

"Oh, should I believe to the rumors about you, I would have never allowed Jen to go and leave me alone with Sean Bean..." she chuckled, taking a swig of her beer.

"I just know that you're one who quite likes women and who is always ready to seduce them with your...sensual accent. Nothing more. Believe me I like, you, too. Maybe I'm just scared because my last relationship didn't so well..."

"Oh." was Sean's reply, and then he was suddenly serious. "I'm sorry to hear that.. I suppose it's natural to get suspicious when you've been through such a rough time. I've become a little defensive towards serious relationships as well, after the.. last divorce."

He couldn't help but snigger quietly at the thought. Getting married was definitely not one of his better habits, but it seemed that at last he'd learned his lesson. Next time think about it at least three times, that was his new philosophy.

"I know you've divorced several times" Ally answered plainly, her smile unwavering but a little bit saddened. There was no trace of judgement in her tone, but what she knew about him had convinced her to avoid him, at least at the beginning.

"Rumours say your wives had left you because... you jumped on each and every woman, without even thinking that...you were married with children..."

"I've divorced three times." Sean replied, without faltering or averting his eyes. "And people who spread rumours probably don't realize how difficult it is, to be away from home for months without seeing your wife and children.. it really is hard on the relationship. And honestly, being without a woman for such a long time's hard too. But I don't think I've ever jumped on each and every woman, no.."

"Have you ever tried to bring them along?" she asked then, now curious about the matter.

Then, noticing that this argument had put some distance between them, she reached his hand with hers, gently squeezing it for the first time.

"I'm not judging you, Sean. I was just...trying to understand you, probably..."

"I know." Sean replied softly, leaning to bestow a gentle kiss on the back of Ally's hand. Then he smiled, when he raised his head again, and leaned forward enough to be able to caress her cheek.

"I like being with you" he said, studying her attentively. "You make it easy to let go."

"And with you it's easy to forget that I hate actors" she smiled wickedly, staring at his bright green eyes.

Yes. It was easy to let go with him. Easy to forget the past. Easy to forget she was talking to a blasted actor. Because she couldn't consider him the actor anymore. He was Sean, now. A gorgeous man who was making her feel cherished and flattered.

At such remark a patently amused Sean grinned, shaking his head, and squeezed her hand lightly.

Dear God, no doubt she'd had bad experiences with actors! How could she be so biased over the whole category?

Time to make her change her mind about the matter. Oh yes.

"Let's presume that off of the set I'm just Sean then, alright?" he suggested, still grinning. "So you'll just have to like Sean as much as I happen to like a certain, quite charming woman named Ally. Is that a deal?"

"Deal!" she chuckled, winking at him. "But you're late. I already see you as Sean, or else I would have never agreed to go out with you... "

*******

The rest of the evening passed in a really pleasurable way, with both Ally and Sean laughing and having fun together, much to her delight.

Surely she wasn't expecting him to be that witty and enjoyable. This was the reason why she had been even more willing to accept his invitation for a dinner the following day.

While he was driving her home, she often turned to look at him, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips, smelling that aftershave that was surely more likeable now that was a little faded.

Calvin Klein. It had to be that one.

When they stopped in front of her trailer, Sean accompanied her to the door, and the couple remained unmoving for a long moment, looking intensely in each other's eyes.

He eventually leaned towards her, his lips curved into a small smile, and reached to frame her face gently with his hands. He didn't try to kiss her mouth, though, but placed a lingering kiss on her cheek and looked straight into her eyes when he eventually drew back, without letting go of her.

"Thank you for tonight."

"Thank you" she whispered, putting her hands onto his, gently caressing them with her thumbs for a moment, smiling brightly.

He hadn't tried to kiss her. Good for a start. Really good, girl.

"I swear that tomorrow night I'll try and not to offend actors anymore. Try me and I'm sure I'll not fail you..."

"Oh, but I'm sure of that. Absolutely sure." Sean replied, chuckling quietly. "I know you can be a good girl, when you want to."

Said that he leaned and kissed also her other cheek, before letting go of her face and giving her his warmest smile.

"Goodnight, Ally." he said softly, "Sleep well."

"Goodnight..." she whispered back, watching him while he drove away.

Then, sighing softly, she entered the trailer, locking the door behind her, her mind filled with a thousand different emotions after that evening. But for once, she decided to listen to her heart, instead than her brain. And in her heart she knew she liked him a whole lot than she would have ever admitted.