A/N: Ok, folks, this is it...the last official chapter of this story. Do not worry, though, there is an epilogue to follow that I am still in the middle of writing, but I wanted to get this up now, to keep you all out of suspense with the fate of the case.

No clues, just read on! :-)

On with it, then...

Disclaimer: I do not own skins, but I would tie it to my bed and shag it rotten if I did? Ha! Any and all typos...deal with it!

(Emily POV)

(The same day)

I made my way back into the court room, feeling nervous as hell. I hadn't been this professionally nervous since I pitched my first campaign to my first client. If I thought that was nerve wracking, this was worse, because back then, the future of my company that I had built from the ground up wasn't riding on a judge's decision. I sat down next to Naomi, and she looked at me, her eyes widening as she took in my expression. Mike was confident we would win, Naomi wasn't sure, and though I was suitably impressed with Naomi's handling of McClair as a witness, neither was I, and I guess my expression reflected it.

I felt numb, in a way, and like I was almost about to throw up. I hadn't eaten much all day, apart from drinking coffee, and while I remained professional enough on the outside, inside I was freaking out slightly. The worst thing that could happen today was the one thing I dreaded. What also bothered me, though less so, was the fact that I had trusted Naomi. She in turn trusted Mike to do a good job, and all I could think of was her words, that she didn't want to cause conflict between us by screwing up this case. But she had been so confident in breaking down McClair, that it surprised me quite a bit. It was impressive, as well as being very sexy. But for today, I had to set my emotions aside, because this was business, not personal. Naomi knew that, and so did I, and she had done her best to show me that she could coexist in an office setting with me, just as I had shown her the same.

She had picked up so much in the four weeks she and Mike had worked on this case, and I could tell she had more of a passion for it than she had for what she did at Dewey. She seemed more at home with it, and I wanted her to have the opportunity to spend her work days doing something she loved, more than something she clearly seemed to loathe at times. She wouldn't go into too many details, but did tell me sometimes the general gist of some of the cases she had worked, and some were not very savoury at all, nor sweet. Neighbour disputes, thieves, sex offenders, it was only a matter of time before she started defending murderers, she scoffed one night. It really played on her conscience quite a bit, and it turned out in the end that the more she talked a bout it, the more unhappy she really was about her job.

She loved the theory of arguing points of law, and that was why she had become a lawyer, and while she knew that she was just starting out, she had no idea just how many cases she would get that disgusted her completely. It turned out that Naomi was very driven, and it set her back a bit when so many of the cases that landed in her lap were of the un-winnable kind. She didn't like to lose, either, so I found out, and it dented her confidence slightly every time she had a case that she lost.

"All rise!" The bailiff called once more, jolting me from my thoughts, and we all rose as the judge came back into the court room.

"Be seated."

We all sat down, and I reached for Naomi's hand, gripping it between my fingers, and her hand squeezed mine tightly. "If Mike says we've got this, I'd trust him." She said, leaning over to whisper to me. I squeezed her hand back gently.

The judge banged his gavel once more. "The case presented before me today has been one for compensation of lost revenue due to an ad campaign." He said. "The plaintiff alleges that the defendant's ad campaign was the cause of £350,000 of lost revenue for their product, though they are claiming less than this." He continued. "However, examining the pertinent facts of this case, one of which is not Miss Fitch's sexuality, Mr McClair..." He said, looking down his nose at him. "...I fail to see the basis of the claim, considering that by his own admission, Mr McClair did not properly read the contract before signing it. If he had, none of us would be in court today."

"Oh, we've got this!" Mike whispered.

"Furthermore, I find that the lost revenue, based on the evidence submitted by Miss Campbell in regards to the three previously withdrawn products, is not down to the ad campaign, but rather the product itself, and the misjudgement of Bailey Beverages in placing it's trust in someone with little advertising experience." The judge continued. "I therefore find in favour of Fitch Holdings, and order Bailey Beverages to hereby pay all court costs involved with this case, as well as awarding £50,000 damages to be paid by Bailey Beverages to Fitch Holdings. Case dismissed." The judge banged his gavel three times.

"All rise!" The bailiff called, and for the last time, we all stood as the judge filed out of the room.

McClair sat with his head in his hands, and then turned to Blue Suit. "We'll be appealing, right?!"

"Oh, give it up, Freddie!" Blue Suit said. "You've just cost the company fifty grand plus court costs! The only thing you'll be appealing for is your bloody job. That, or bloody potatoes." He added, picking up his briefcase and leaving the room.

McClair got up and walked after him. "Smith! You said we had this!" He exclaimed, as he followed Blue Suit out of the door.

The other lawyer at their table came over to us. "Well done, Mike." He said, shaking Mike's hand.

"Oh, the congratulations goes to Miss Campbell. She broke him down quite well, I'd say." Mike said.

I was still shocked that I'd won. Mike and the other lawyer both shook my hand, as well as Naomi's. "Congratulations, Miss Fitch." He said. "And Miss Campbell, I look forward to seeing good work from you in the future."

"Thank you, sir." Naomi said.

Mike turned to us. "Right then...celebratory drinks?"

"Uh...no, I've actually got to see my boss at Dewey. Some other time, Mike?"

"I'll take your raincheck. And I'll be in contact with Charles to commend you on your work here today. What about you, Emily?"

"No, thank you for the offer, but I've got to get back to the office and deliver the good news." I said. "My staff are eager to find out if they still have jobs or not."

"Quite so. Well, I'll call you Monday about finalising my payment."

"Look forward to it. And Mike... Thank you." I said, shaking his hand firmly. He then smiled and bid us both a good day.

Naomi turned to me as the court room emptied of people, with a look of relief on her face. I pulled her to me and hugged her tightly.

"Emily..."

"It doesn't matter, I don't care." I said, referring to being seen. "You just saved my company from doom. Shut up... and let me hug you." I laughed, the nervousness still in my voice.

"I was just doing my job, Emily." She replied, her arms wrapping around me.

I pulled back and looked into her eyes. "You weren't just doing your job, beautiful. You were awesome. I knew my faith was well placed in you, I trusted my instinct and it was the right thing to do."

"I was glad I could help." She said, nodding.

I laughed. "My god, are you always this humble?"

"Oh, I'm still shitting myself over it. Give it time." She grinned, giving me a wink.

I hugged her to me again tightly. "Thank you so much." I said. "My job offer still stands, you know. If you'll take it. I know you are still learning corporate law, but I'd be glad to have you in my corner anytime."

"I know." She replied.

"You said you had a meeting at Dewey?"

"Yeah, I should actually get going." She said, checking the time on her phone.

"Alright, I won't hold you up, then. I'll call you later?" I asked.

"Sure, I'd like that." She said, picking up her satchel. I leaned up and kissed her cheek, and she blushed, returning it and then walking out of the courtroom.

(Naomi POV)

I left the court house and walked for a bit, reflecting on the past few weeks, and Emily's still standing job offer. She had shown me that she could be professional around me, and keep her emotions and feelings to herself, and I couldn't deny that working in corporate law was much more interesting and less draining than defending the clearly guilty. I knew that what she was offering was really too good to pass up. It was two in the afternoon when I made it to the offices of Dewey, Cheathem and Howe. The office was as busy as it usually was for a Friday afternoon, and Suki greeted me with a friendly smile as I walked in the door.

"Hi, Naomi, how was the Fitch case?"

"Hey, Suki. It went better than I expected, the judge ruled in our favour and awarded substantial damages." I smiled.

"That's great!" Suki replied. "Congratulations."

"Is Charles still in?"

"Yes, and he's done seeing clients for the day. You can go right in."

"Thanks, Suki."

I walked to Charles's door and knocked lightly. "Come in!"

I opened the door and popped my head around. "Hello, Charles. May I have a word?"

"Ah, Campbell. Of course, do come in." I went in and shut the door behind me, walking to the chair opposite Charles and taking a seat. "I've just had Michael Hunt on the phone, he was full of praise of your actions in court today. He said you slayed the opposition with your words." Charles said. "You should be very proud."

"I am, sir, thank you."

Charles smiled. "Always understated, Campbell. I like that about you." He said. "So, you'll be back working with us on Monday? Seeing as your secondment to Fitch Holdings will be up..."

"Actually, Charles, that's what I came to talk to you about..."

"Oh?"

"I've been offered a position on the legal team at Fitch Holdings." I said.

Charles was silent for a few moments. "I see." He said, quietly. "Why do I get the feeling this is one of those conversations, Naomi?"

I looked at him apologetically. "Because it is." I said, lowering my eyes. "Charles, I am grateful that your firm took me on, and has given me some experience in this field. I know you have taken a chance with me, and I don't for one moment take that for granted."

"But?"

"Respectfully, I know that I get tossed the cases no one else wants, because I have so little experience. I know that it's a bread-and-butter type thing." I said.

"Everyone has to start somewhere, Naomi." He said, calmly.

"I know, and I do agree." I said. "However, I can't see myself doing that much longer without becoming bitter about it. I don't want to do that, Charles... this is what I've chosen to do as a career, and I can't go on defending those who I know are clearly guilty." I continued. "It's against my principles."

"Hmm. You know what else I like about you, Naomi?"

"What?"

"You are smart, you aren't afraid to have guts, and speak your mind where it counts. Your references recommended you highly, one of whom is an old colleague of mine."

I stared at my hands. "I'm aware of that, sir."

"Are you sure this is the right decision for you?" He asked.

I looked up at him, and slowly nodded. "I'm much more comfortable with corporate law, Charles. I did well today, and it felt good. It was for a better cause than defending guilty rapists."

Charles nodded. "I can see your point, the Johnson case was a tough one."

"I know why you gave it to me, apart from the fact that no one else wanted to take it." I said.

"Some cases are not always winnable, but we defend them to the best of our ability anyway." Charles said. "It's a lesson we all have to learn, Naomi."

"Yes." I replied. "I know that."

"Your mind is made up, then?" He asked.

"Yes, sir." I said. "I'd be a fool not to take it."

"If it's what you are more comfortable doing, and it's what you want, I won't hold you back, Naomi. I wish you good luck." He said, extending his hand across the table. "You will, of course, be paid out your holiday pay."

"Thank you, Charles, for all that you've done for me." I said, shaking his hand.

"Be sure to leave your security card with Suki on your way out. You can come in on Monday to clear out your desk." He said.

I nodded and stood up, picking up my satchel and leaving his office, closing the door behind me. I leaned against the door, and sighed, closing my eyes and feeling the nervousness wash off me.

"Are you alright, Naomi?" Suki asked.

I opened my eyes and nodded, walking to her desk. "Yes, I am." I said, with a smile. I took my security pass out of my jacket pocket and placed it on her desk, sliding it across to her. "I just resigned, Suki. I'm going to work for Fitch Holdings. They made me an offer."

"Oh? One you couldn't refuse?" Suki asked, shocked.

I nodded. "Something like that." I grinned. "I'll be back on Monday for my desk effects, but I have to say, you've been a great secretary, Suki."

Suki smiled. "Well, I aim to please." She said.

"Have a great weekend." I said, leaving the building.

I took my time getting home, and stopped off at the off licence and bought a bottle of decent vodka, for a change. When I got home, I opened the door and walked inside, finding Effy sitting on the sofa watching the news.

"Hey, Naoms." She said. "How was your day in court?"

I took off my jacked and hung it on the hook, dropped my satchel by the door and took the vodka bottle out of it's brown paper bag. "Fucking excellent! Want a drink?" I grinned.

"Smirnoff Blue? Don't mind if I do." Effy smirked. "So, Emily won, then?"

"Yes, thank god. The ad guy for the suing company was a bit of an incompetent twat, and I showed him up for what he is. D'you know he even grasped at straws by outing Emily during his testimony?"

"Oh, Jesus. That's harsh."

"Yeah. Too bad for him the judge rightfully didn't see the relevance and ordered their company pay court costs and substantial damages to Emily's company." I laughed, as I went into the kitchen.

"Excellent. I'm guessing Emily was happy?"

"Very happy." I said, getting two glasses out of the cupboard and filling them with ice. "My boss, though...not so."

"Oh?" She said, as I cracked open the bottle and poured us both a measure.

"No..." I sat down and picked one of the glasses, taking a long sip. The cool vodka slipped down my throat and I set the glass back on the table. "I resigned, Effy."

Effy's eyebrows raised. "Are you serious?"

I nodded. "Emily offered me a job, Eff. And this past month, I've learned that I like corporate law more than defending those guilty fuckers I get thrown at Dewey."

"Have you told Emily yet?" Effy asked.

"No." I replied. "But she told me this afternoon that the offer is there if I still want it."

"I take it she can keep her hands to herself after all?"

I smiled. "While working, yes." I said. "I had my doubts, because of how intense it is between us, but... She proved me wrong. We actually work quite well together."

"Well, I have to say I'm surprised."

"Why? Emily made me a damn good offer, I'll be making much more than I did at Dewey, and she's going to pay me for the out of hours stuff, too."

"Oh, so...no more nights of unpaid dreary research?" Effy smirked.

"Exactly."

We were interrupted by a knock on the front door, which Effy got up to answer. I poured myself another vodka, and was surprised to hear Emily's voice filter through the hallway. I got up and went through, and sure enough, her and Effy were exchanging hugs.

"Emily...hi." I said.

"There she is!" Emily beamed. "Effy, your flatmate saved about fifty jobs today, you would have been proud of her." She said, walking towards me and slipping her arms around my waist, hugging me close, and kissing me softly.

"I told you, I was-"

"...just doing your job? That's rubbish, beautiful, you were fantastic and you know it!" Emily said, Effy raising her eyebrow and mouthing Emily's nickname for me. I shook my head, and Effy nodded with another slight smirk gracing her lips.

"Care to join us in a vodka to celebrate, Ems?" Effy asked.

"Thank you, but no. I actually came to whisk Naomi off to dinner as a thank you."

"Ah, good. Saves me cooking."

"Oh, right." I said. "Uhm... I'll get my jacket."

I picked my jacket back off the hook and slid it on. "Will you be back tonight?" Effy asked.

I looked at Emily, noting that she had that look in her eyes. It sent a shiver through me, and I cleared my throat. "Probably not." I said.

"Alright. Well, you two have a great night."

"Oh, we will." Emily grinned, as she opened the door, leading me outside and shutting it behind us. She pulled me close and kissed me passionately, nestling into my arms. "C'mon..." She said, once her lips had left mine. She took my hand and led me into the waiting taxi.

Her hand gripped mine the whole ride, which oddly enough took us back to her flat. I was curious, because she said we were going to dinner, yet here we were, walking up the path to her front door.

"I know... You're curious, right?" She asked, as she shut the door once we had made it inside.

"A little, I thought we were going out?"

"Not quite." Emily smiled. "I wanted to thank you, yes... But I'd rather enjoy your company in an intimate setting. I thought we could order in?"

I shrugged. "Anything is fine with me, you know that." I said.

"How about Thai?" She asked, a knowing grin on her lips.

Then, it dawned on me. Emily wanted this to be special to us. "Seafood Pad Thai?" I asked, smiling.

"I'll place the order..." Emily grinned, pulling out her phone.

A/N#2: That's the end of the main story, folks.

The epilogue will follow soon!
Reviews welcome...you know what to do!

Until next time...

~GN~ xo