Author's Note: Lo and behold I present to you lot the final part of Good Tidings. It has taken me far too long to finish this Christmas story (I'm not gonna lie, very embarrassed about that) Thank you to all of you who have favorited, reviewed and followed this story. I went the easy way with this one as opposed to prolonging it any further with angst or drama (these girls need a break right?) So I do hope it doesn't disappoint (if it does I am very, very sorry) Oh and for the reader who can point out the line I borrowed from a well known Christmas movie, you get a special treat ;)

Disclaimer:Skins is not mine but if it was, it would follow the lives of Generation 2 forever...weird huh?

Rating: A very strong M

Part 3: Rude awakenings and Christmas stuff

"Fucking shit!"

I jolt awake, the sound of a loud pot banging across the floor is not what I wanted to wake up to. Fuck...where am I? I look around the room, noticing it was a little past 7, my eyes adjusting to the morning light streaming through the window. I rub the sleep from my eyes as I stretch, groaning in the process. My muscles felt sore from the nights activities and I couldn't help but smile when I tried moving my legs only to feel a tingling sensation course through them. Last night – fuck me, Emily was very very good in bed. I don't think there was an inch of my body that she left unattended. I never thought I'd say this and as cheesy as it may sound, Emily was the perfect lover. I mean, I thought I had it together but she was just mind blowing good. The way she had touched me, the way she kissed me passionately as she stroked me. Just remembering how her fingers moved and curled inside me was enough to make me wet again. As the familiar ache settled between my legs, the throbbing beginning to feel uncomfortable, I wondered when Emily would come back. I hoped to sneak in a quickie or two before heading out.

I suddenly heard footsteps heading towards the room. I couldn't help but panic momentarily. What if she wants to get rid of me? Was I just a shag? What was last night? I mean, we were working together, things like this must happen on occasion right? Having to work so close to someone led to these things...yeah? Except I've never. I've never mixed work and pleasure. That's how life gets complicated. No, it didn't matter how tempting any woman was, I was obeyed that rule. So then why am I freaking out? It was just a simple fuck. We helped each other scratch an itch, that's it. Breathe in and out Nai, this is nothing to get worked up over. You of all people know sex is just sex. You wanted it, she wanted it, you got together and made each other feel alright. But...it wasn't just sex. As confusing as it was, she made me feel so fucking good last night and I wasn't just referring to the obvious. After we'd finish, our bodies spent and tangled it felt right when Emily cuddled next to me, her head resting on my chest. I felt her smile as she listened to my heart beat wildly in my chest and it was the thump thump sound she fell asleep to. At first, I was tempted to recoil from her snuggling beside me but it was more out of habit than an actual need to be away from her. It was overwhelming and intoxicating when I realized how much I craved to feel her body pressed to mine. At one point in the night she turned away leaving her back facing me and I couldn't resist wrapping my arms around her, smiling when a content sigh came from her. All the while marveling at how perfect it felt to have her with me. I wasn't used to feeling so at ease with anyone especially someone I'd just met. But that feeling was there. I just didn't know what to do with it. Feeling what I was feeling-those butterflies everybody always mentions was unfamiliar. I was heading into unfamiliar territory. A fact that both thrilled and scared me. This never happens to me. Then again, I never expected Emily Fitch to happen to me. The little redhead with an infectious smile who managed to worm her way in. But I'm not used to all that. I don't feel anything for anyone. I'm not easily impressed. I'm not the mess that I am right now.

Christ sake, I'm sitting in Emily's bed waiting for to return like some lovesick fool. Fuck! I used the 'l' word. Fuckin' shit! The footsteps stopped outside the door and as the doorknob turned, creaking open, I got out from under the covers, disregarding the fact that I was stark naked. I glanced around the room quickly before remembering all out clothes were in the living room. Fuck it. I stood,hands on hips, determined to tell Emily-well, I wasn't sure exactly what I would say but I would stand my ground. Last night nothing. It couldn't. It worried me that I wanted it to mean so much. But as the door finally opened revealing a barely covered surprised redhead, full English breakfast in hand, it hit me like a bullet straight to the heart. If given the opportunity, I always wanted to wake up next to Emily.

I stand there unable to move or speak for that matter. Emily made me breakfast. That was a good sign right? You don't cook for someone you want out of your flat. Cooking, taking the time to prepare a meal all that means you care right? I mean, that's why mums fuss over their kids so much making sure they got the proper nutrition and what not. Shit,that reminds me, I have to call my own mum, if she even has reception wherever the fuck she fucked off to. But not now, not when I have a very sexy redhead in front of me, looking at me provocatively. I clear my throat nervously and stand what I hope comes off as indifference.

"Morning," I choke out. Fuckin' twat. Why does she have this effect on me?

Probably because you like her.

What? Me? Like her? Impossible. Nope. Can't be.

Why not?

Because I've only just met her. Because it's absolutely ridiculous.

But it feels right, you know it does.

Those are just my hormones clouding my better judgment. She was a good fuck that's all.

You didn't fuck.

Uh yeah, I did. I would know, I was there.

No, think about it. If you had fucked her, you'd have left by now-in fact you would have been out the door as soon as she came. Let's face it, you've gone out of your way to make sure she's happy, something you only do with a select few-very select I might add. You like her. Admit it.

"Hellooooo," Emily's amused voice snaps my inner dispute.

I grinned uneasily at the now smirking redhead before me. She clearly found my reaction funny ( uh duh, could it be perhaps you're practically drooling all over her floor). I shut my mouth, having momentarily lost the function to close it and cleared my throat. Right Campbell, show her you have some intelligence left in you.

"Hi," I drawled, sounding very much like one of those cowboys from an American western movie. I don't slap myself because I've already made a fool of myself although at this point I don't think it really matters. I look anywhere but at her avoiding giving away to much with my eyes. I still haven't quite figured it out but Emily can tell exactly what's going on in my mind with one look. It's how she figured out how to make me co-

"I made you breakfast," she said brightly. She set the breakfast tray on the bedside table, pushing aside the few scattered items on the table. Her robe lifting revealing enough skin make my already red cheeks hotter. Fuck it, in for a penny..

"I wasn't expecting you to be up so soon, the way you fell asleep last night," she said as she turned, rendering me unable to surprise her the way I planned to. The surprise was all mine as her robe slipped aside revealing one of her pert breasts. I couldn't help but lick my lips remembering the feel and taste of Emily's hard nipples in my mouth only hours ago. My eyes remain fixated on her and it's not until she covers it, an eyebrow raised, that I realized she was teasing me all along. Bitch.

"Yeah, well...I was exhausted." Well done Campbell. You were exhausted, no fuckin' shit.

Emily grinned at me and stepped closer, a knowing look in her eyes. She hummed her agreement as her eyes gazed unabashedly at my body-shit. I'm naked. With anyone else, the way Emily looked at me, her eyes raking across my body, I would have been disturbed by it. But not with her. It was a look of pure want but something else. The way she looked at me now was the same way she looked at me last night when..oh. And just like that it clicked. The way Emily behaved last night, the tenderness, the adoration unless the vodka in her tea made her even sweeter than normal, the thoughts that had lingered in my mind, any doubt as to what was last night were now confirmed-Emily and I made love. It wasn't a fuck, a shag or any other verb you could use to describe sex in a one night stand sort of way. Thinking back on it, the way I leaned into her caresses, her gentle touches and kisses, I was a goner the moment she touched me. It had just happened. It snuck up on the both of us except I was more unwilling than Emily to admit it if her behavior was anything to go by. It's a scary thing to be adored by someone else, to have them look at you like you're the only person that exists worth being with but also..it's breathtaking-quite literally I might add. Emily's eyes dart all over my body as she closes the space between us my skin already craving her touch.

"I wonder why you were exhausted," she mused as she ran her fingers up and down my arm stroking teasingly.

I could feel the goosebumps forming, a light tingle trailing where she touched. My eyes close inadvertently reveling in the feeling. Her touch made me feel alive. Every nerve in my body was alive enjoying her hand on my body. I couldn't help but finally relax as I realized she wanted me. She wanted me, Emily stood here before me touching me, her breath mixing with mine as my breathing grew shallower. Just having her stand this close to me was enough for the flashbacks from the night before to flood my mind. I needed her. I was done trying to analyze everything, I was done trying to make sense of anything. The only thing I knew that I wanted was Emily beneath me screaming my name.

"Ems," I whisper and look at her hoping my eyes convey my desire.

I saw her gulp my voice coming out strained. She licked her lips and without a moments further hesitation grabbed my neck, lowering it, and crashed her lips onto mine. I can't help but moan loudly into her mouth, her soft lips kissing me hard and passionately. I move my hands to her hips pushing her front against mine, her hands tangling themselves in my hair as she bites my bottom lip. I dig my nails into her hips and she pulls away panting hands releasing their grip on my locks as she nudges my shoulder until I fall onto the bed. I sit up just as Emily kneels on the floor, her hands traveling slowly from my legs up to my knees settling on the top of my thighs. She licks and then bites her bottom lip, her fingertips rubbing small circles driving me insane.

"I think it's time I open my Christmas present don't you?"

If I wasn't wet before there's a flood between my legs now. I manage a nod unable to properly voice my agreement. She looks down silently asking me for permission and my thighs part of their own accord. I hear her whimper once she sees how turned on I am. She leans forward pulling at my neck once again as she kisses me this time slower but still very much heated. Her lips move perfectly with mine like a synchronized dance. She opens her mouth more and I feel her tongue trace my bottom lip. I turn my face to the side, the angle allowing her tongue to invade my mouth. I push my own tongue to meet hers and then I suck her tongue, the sound Emily makes is enough to drive me crazy. Without really thinking I move my hand down towards her center, the heat and moistness on my fingers growing as I begin to rub her clit. Her hips jolt forward and she moans again, our lips still connected. I speed up my movements and Emily breaks the kiss with a loud moan resonating in the room. Her breathing becomes erratic as I apply pressure whilst alternating between slow and fast circles.

" Oh shit...yeah...mmmm.." She grips my shoulders and throws her head back, moving one knee up to the side and leaving the other one on the floor, giving me more room to continue stroking her.

" Fuck..mmmm..keep...going uhhh.." Her eyes are closed as I continue rubbing her, her juices spreading freely. Now that her legs are open...

" OHHHHH..." she moans as I insert two fingers into her, my thumb continues to rub on her swollen clit. I begin to pump in and out slowly making sure my fingertips caress that little spot inside her.

" Faster please," she pants. Normally I wouldn't like being bossed around but with Emily I'd do anything to make sure she was feeling nothing but pleasure.

" Straddle me." My arm was beginning to protest from the exertion I was placing on it, the last thing I needed to do was cause injury to myself before the big "o". She stood up immediately not giving me a chance to extract my fingers. She straddled me placing a knee on each side of my thighs, her arms wrapping around my neck as my fingers began to move in and out of her. Her hips began to rock back and forth as I curled my fingers, rubbing against the tiny rough patch I know would drive her wild.

"Oh fuck...yeah..." she started panting as I thrusted harder and faster. I was addicted to Emily. I needed to see her come.

" Look at me."

She opened her eyes and gazed in awe into mine. The emotions that passed between us with just one look shocked me to my core. I have never experienced this sense of euphoria rush over me as I fucked someone else. I had never felt this happy, this complete. It was foreign to me. I couldn't give into it though. It wasn't possible. This type of happiness doesn't exist and even if I were to have it by some odd reason, it would only be ripped away from me.

"Naomi...uhh...oh fuck-I'm gonna.."

As Emily yelled my name, my fingers continuing to move inside of her I felt the same fear from this morning build inside me and she rode out each wave of pleasure, slowly coming down from her high until she collapsed on top of me spent, my fingers still inside her. I was connected to Emily and once I severed that connection, I was running for my life. Running before whatever this was consumed the both of us in the worst way possible. I heard her groan as I extracted my fingers from her and she moved until she lay on the space beside me, her breath coming in gasps still.

I close my eyes and swallow the lump developing in my throat. The thought of running away from Emily hurts me but I'm not made for this-I've never even been in a relationship for Christ sakes. I don't want to look at the girl beside me but as I feel her hand grip my wrist pulling me towards her I break free from her grasp and stand up.

" I have to leave."

"Naomi wait!"

Out of instinct I freeze but I don't face her. I can't because if I do I know she'll figure out what I'm thinking. I've been told my emotions are as clear as day even though I try to hide them, a person can always tell what's on my mind. I do my best to keep the nerves out of my voice and keep my face expressionless.

"Yes?"

I hear the sounds of sheets ruffling and then her footsteps padding softly against the carpet floor. Fuck she wasn't going to make my getaway easy. No matter, keep your face straight. You can be heartless Naomi just focus on getting out.

"You still have to deliver the presents before you can walk away."

I can't help snap my head back at her statement. Thankfully her body was covered otherwise..well I would've been distracted. I can't tell whether she's serious or not her face is rather nonchalant about the whole thing, which I'm sure contrasts my look of disbelief. So much for keeping it smooth.

"What?"

"We shagged," she shrugged her shoulders. "You don't have to run out on me. I promise I won't proclaim my undying love for you over a fuck."

I felt the creases in my forehead as my eyebrows rise in surprise. Definitely not expecting that and if I'm totally honest I can't help but feel down after that proclamation. I mean here I am worrying about her and her feelings when this was just a fuck from the start for her. She fuckin' used me...but then again, didn't I? I mean, shit, I don't know anything anymore. I should be relieved she wasn't attached but I thought she had-well, I guess that didn't matter anymore. Why am I confused? Why is this bothering me more than I expected it? I should be jumping for joy. I should have a smile on my face and have her writhing under me again before checking out and yet I feel shattered. Emily Fitch sparked something inside of me. I suppose it wasn't just about orgasms anymore. She made me want to wake up next to someone. She made me want to be loved..and to love someone back. I should have trusted my instinct and just left as soon as I woke up.

"Naomi?"

Shit. Stay cool. I clear my throat and do my best to keep my expression even. "Yeah um-good then. I was worried that uh this might mean something else..for you I meant! Um we're coworkers, technically speaking, and I didn't want there to be any hard feelings um because this was just a um..yeah," I finish lamely and bite my tongue. Fuckin' hell even I know how lame that came out.

She stared at me for a moment before she shook her head and looked behind her towards the breakfast tray. "When I met you I didn't mistake you for a coward or a liar. Guess I was wrong eh?"

I blinked several times letting her words sink in. Was this a game for her? What was she doing?

"Uh, sorry?"

She looked back at me, her arms crossed in front of her keeping a hold of the thin fabric. "Don't deny it Naoms."

The nickname slipped from her mouth and my eyes fluttered shut remembering how she would whisper my name lovingly the night before. This did mean more to me than a one off with a random. Emily was a force to be reckoned with, an unstoppable storm looming on the horizon. She was just a charity volunteer several hours ago but now as she stood before me, skin glowing in the morning sun, her hair matted and puffy, she became more than just a stranger. Now she was someone I wanted to date. Emily was the woman I wanted to try and convince to stay the night with me even if we just ended up talking about nothing and everything at all. No one I had ever been with could compare to her. She was fierce and kind and warm, fuck do I sound soppy. She was right though even if I didn't say it out loud, I couldn't deny that I had fallen for her as silly as it seems. My heart was aching for the woman standing in front of me. I wanted her all for myself. I wanted to see where we could take this even if it didn't last for longer than I would like it to.

She stared me straight in the eye and stepped closer to me, slowly, assessing my body language. She bit her bottom lip and removed the sheet from her body. My nostrils flared as I controlled the urge grab her and push her up against me.

"Are you a coward?" she asked as she ran a finger up and down my arm, goosebumps rising all over my body.

I shake my head no and try to control my breathing.

"Are you a liar?"

She wraps her arms around my waist, pressing our fronts against each other. I whimper when I feel her wetness on my thigh. I see her beautiful, brown eyes dilate, my heaving chest no doubt catching her attention. She licks her lips, staring hungrily at my hard nipples. Who am I fucking kidding?

"No," I breathe out, my voice shaking.

"So then.." she slides her hands placing them on my hips, moving them up my sides and grazing the sides of my tits before wrapping her arms around my neck. Emily moves in placing her mouth near my ear and I can't help but shudder feeling her warm breath against my skin.

"Why did you lie?"

Her question shocks me and I tense as she pulls away to look at my reaction. "What?"

She pursed her lips, her hands moving to my hips not allowing me to move away from her. "Why say this was nothing when everything about you says differently?"

"That's not true," I shake my head, unwilling to reveal the truth. I can't just admit it. As if that would go down well. 'Oh hey Emily I know we've only just met but I felt like we had a connection.' Cue the corny romantic music. I wasn't about to put everything out there. She was making it difficult. Her eyes were inviting, urging me to open up. Part of me wanted to admit my blossoming feelings but the other half of me urged me to remain quiet.

Past is precedence.

She brought her hands to cup my cheeks and she stared intensely at me as she moved in and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was sweet and tasted of untold promises and desire. It felt like a promise, like a connection was being made. I brought my hands to the back of her head when she tried to pull away. I needed to keep that connection alive. I kissed her harder as she threaded her fingers through my hair. She pulled away breathless first after a several minutes but left her forehead firmly pressed against mine. She was keeping me grounded next to her but at the same time she was making me feel like flying. My entire body felt alive, I was elated beyond reasoning. She wanted me. Beautiful, kind Emily wanted me. That kind of kiss-you don't experience that type of kiss with just anyone.

"Hey," she nudged her nose with mine and smiled when I stared dreamily at her. I think it surprised her, it sure as bloody hell surprised me.

"I like you," I blurted out.

She smiled brightly at me and despite my nervousness I smiled back. "Yeah?"

I nodded and ended up bumping her nose against mine. "I like you too."

We stared at each other like fools, our smiles taking over our faces. I was just about to make a move when an alarm shook us from our little happy bubble.

"Shit, that's the alarm."

I laughed as brown eyes bugged out in alarm. "You're so adorable."

She looked away, embarrassed but smiled nonetheless. "You are," I said as I placed my hand underneath her chin and turned her face back to mine. "You are breathtaking," I kissed her. "Exquisite." Another kiss. "And if you'll allow me...I'd like to take you out on a proper date. I know I kinda jumped the gun um with last night but I want to get to know you. I need to."

I rush out the last bit of the closest thing that I'll get to an admission. "I'd like that very much," she admits, her voice husky and thick with emotion. I think she expected me to leave her but as I bring my hands to rest on the small of her back and we gaze into each others eyes I realize I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

"But after the gift opening ceremony." She kissed my cheek and moved away from me.

She swayed her hips as she walked away from me to her closet. If she's getting dressed than so should I, damn alarm. I walk towards the door and reach to open it when Emily calls me.

"Yeah?"

She removes a blouse and skirt from her wardrobe, covering her body modestly. "Maybe later you can open your gift." She winks at me and my legs turn to jelly. Jesus Christ, one look was all it took for her to reduce me to mush. She laughed and though my cheeks are still red I can't help but smile. She's too beautiful not to.

"What kind of girl do you think I am Ems?" I clicked my tongue and shook my head in mock disbelief.

She tossed her clothes on the bed, revealing her toned body to me once again. Fuck, I was that type of girl, at least for her. She could ask me for the moon and I'd lasso it and bring it down for her.

"Naomi?"

"Hmm?"

"Could you get dressed please?" She smirked at me.

"As you say madame," I bow exaggeratedly.

Emily rolls her eyes and turns her back to me, searching and putting on her undergarments unaware of my perving. It all seems so right to be here with her. To have her smile at me and look at me the way she does, so warm and bright. I'm in awe of Emily Fitch and as the last piece of resolve sheds its final layer, I breathe deeply and sigh at my good fortune. I guess love really does hit you when you least expect it.

"Merry Christmas Emily."

It shocks her to hear those words from me but her smile is so wide, I fear her cheeks would break. "Merry Christmas Naomi."

For the first time in a long while it really is.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

And there it is. The end of my first story *eyes tear up* I don't regret deciding to write, even if my brain doesn't always cooperate with my desire to write and update promptly. It has been extremely rewarding and I have learned a lot from other authors who have been so kind as to offer their advice. So I'd just like to say again (and forgive me if I sound like a broken record) but thank you to those of you that took the time to read this story and follow it through it's journey. You have no idea just how much you continue to inspire me. And for guapa who waited the six months it took me to update and finish the story..jeez do you have the patience of a saint. Until the next time peeps :D

x Beck