Disclaimer: I do not own these fabu characters unfortunately, as they belong to the BBC and Kudos.

Hey Guys,

so I'm new to writing Ashes to Ashes fic but believe me that does not mean I'm new to the story, I've put off doing these two lovely character's stories because I'm never sure whether I am able to capture their personalities right but Ah well, its christmas so i thought I'd give it a shot. I did origionally only want to write a one shot but have since decided to make it into a short story but anyway here is the first update...

Tilly x x x


Chapter 1

Gene Hunt sat in his office in Fenchurch East CID resting his head on one hand and the other hand toying with the whisky tumbler on his desk. He watched the little amber liquid that was left swirl around in the bottom and wash up the sides as he sighed heavily in his chair. Things were different last year; he had friends and co-workers around him. He had Bolly.

True, it wasn't the portrait fairytale Christmas that people usually thought of but it had been perfect for him. He wouldn't have admitted at the time but spending Christmas with Alex had been the best way to spend the holiday. It had started on Christmas Eve when all of CID had decided to trot over to Luigi's for their regular and everyone soon got a little too drunk. All the lads were staggering, singing, arguing and joking with one another and Gene Hunt had sat proudly and a little drunkenly at the small table in the far corner of the small restaurant with his DI by his side.

"See Bolls, this is what it's all about, Christmas, look at everyone." He had slurred as he waved a hand towards the rest of the group.

"You mean getting pissed off your face, so you can be a grumpy bastard in the morning?" Alex had giggled into her wine glass.

"No, look. Everyone getting on, having a fun, a laugh. I think even Ray might score wi' that bird tonight." His brow furrowed at the last comment but Alex had returned his smile. She leant down onto her forearms her head turned towards him and her eyes teasing.

"Who would have known the great Manc lion wanted good will for all men at Christmas time." She had bit her lip trying and failing not to giggle and the sound made Gene's stomach flip. He cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah well. I try to be 'appy round this time. Not much point otherwise is it?" He grimaced pulling his gaze away from her beautiful hazel eyes.

"No I suppose not." Alex had sounded so upset that gene snapped his head around to look back at her, his face full of concern. He hated it when she had a funny turn and the outcome this time was that she was more than likely to burst into tears, in the restaurant and then she would realise she was making a spectacle in public and lash out at him. He couldn't let her do that. He turned himself fully to her and glanced quickly around the restaurant before pulling Alex in for a hug, his arms wrapped around her like a big safety net holding her together and keeping her safe.

"What are you doing tomorrow for Christmas Alex?" he asked his voice a soft purr in her ear.

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And I can't even see my little girl Gene and give her presents." The woman had sobbed quietly in his chest, her slight frame heaving as body shook with emotion. He had stayed holding and comforting her for fifteen minutes, after a while her sobbing had slowed and then stopped before he tried pushing her away only to realise that she had fallen asleep. He sighed, the woman always made things complicated and she had had a lot to drink tonight, He sighed, carefully he pushed her upright into a sitting position before picking her up as he had that very first time they had met. He motioned his head at Chris who weaved his way over.

"Alright Guv?" He asked and Gene remembered how his shoulders were slumped as if knowing he was going to be told off.

"Can you please get DI Drakes keys Christopher she seems to be asleep and drooling over my good tie!" Chris had helped him up the stairwell to the flat before disappearing back downstairs whilst Gene had deposited Alex in her bed fully clothed and had pulled the quilt over her.

"Sleep well Bolls." He murmured brushing her hair out her eyes before leaving.

He had gone back down to the bar after that and had settled himself with another scotch and was just raising the glass to his lips when he was interrupted.

" 'Ere Guv, reckon I do have a chance with that blond after all, she just asked me to her place." Ray waggled his eyebrows suggestively before giving a short laugh "Guess even she doesn't want to be alone for Christmas. Her husband's in Barcelona! Still a lovely bit a skirt."

Gene had given him a disgusted look before Ray turned away and walked out the restaurant with the woman, he had stood at the bar thinking over what Ray had said before collaring Luigi who was busy wiping glasses. When the little Italian had looked over, the little Italian had looked concerned and Gene lowered his voice so no one could hear him, his tone menacing.

"Luigi, a word."