I know, I said it was over, but it felt undone. This is not the extra naughty chapter. I may still do one of those, and there will be at least one more chapter after this one.
Naughty or Nice, Part 4
The canteen was a glow, everyone giggling and cheering. Becker and Jess were doing their best to ignore it all. They were deep into a passionate kiss.
Vale stood beside the list with a marker. "Naughty or nice?" he asked, nodding toward Becker and Jess.
"It is very nice," said Emily.
"Look at them," said Connor. "They're practically devouring each other. Very naughty."
"I agree with you Connor," said Vale. "Naughty." He turned to mark on the naughty list, but stopped. "On the other hand, the captain's not known for his good humor."'
"Coward," said Connor. "Give me the marker."
"You promised no more teasing Jess," said Abby.
"I'm not teasing. I am merely observing a sweet, romantic moment between friends. It's not my fault that they happen to be having it in front of everyone," said Connor.
He smiled, and wrote on the nice list: "Jess and Becker for their first kiss." He looked at Abby. "OK?"
Abby nodded.
Connor smirked. "Now for the naughty list."
"Connor! You really shouldn't."
"I'll be tactful. (Writing) Jess and Becker, for their oral inspection of each other..."
"That's not tactful!" cried Abby.
"and their voyeuristic display of years worth of obvious attraction that they finally addressed, orally, to the immense relief and satisfaction of their friends and co-workers."
Connor finished writing and turned around, huge smile on his face.
"Bravo!" cried Vale. "Truly magnificent, Connor.!"
"Connor, sweetie, Becker is going to kill you, and Jess can do some damage too."
"It's Christmas, Abs. I was just congratulating them on their show of brotherly love."
There were snickers all around.
"I can't believe they're still snogging," said someone.
"It's like a kiss marathon," said Matt.
"I am glad they are together," said Emily.
Jess and Becker pulled slightly apart. They gasped for air, and stared at each other.
The canteen cheered.
Lester strolled in at that moment. "What is all the commotion?" he asked. Jess and Becker then locked lips again, and Lester rolled his eyes. "Never mind."
Abby laughed.
"I think I will just have coffee," said Lester. "I've lost my appetite."
"Perhaps we should ask them to come away from each other for air," suggested Emily.
"For decency, if for no other reason," said Lester.
"I do need Becker to help me with some EMD tests," said Matt. "I could wait...a while."
"I was wondering about the ARC party," said Vale. "When are the festivities, sir?"
Lester said, "Don't ask me. I left it in Miss Parker's hands, which are busy at the moment, feeling up our head of security."
Abby spewed tea all over the table. "Not words I expect or like to hear from you, Lester," she said, wiping her lips and mopping up the mess.
"Yeah, Lester. Ick," said Connor, sitting with them. "I want to know where this list is ending up."
"What on earth do you mean?" asked Lester.
"He means is there some sort of reward for the nice and punishment for the naughty," said Vale. "Or the other way around." He smirked.
"I was curious about that myself," said Matt.
"As was I," agreed Emily.
"Again, I don't know or care. Ask Jess," said Lester.
They all looked at each other, smiled, and then in one giant voice the canteen yelled, "Jess!"
Jess and Becker jumped apart. They were both red faced, with red lips.
"What?" Jess asked, annoyed.
"Sorry to interrupt," said Connor, with a smile. "When's the party?"
"And what happens with the naughty/nice list?" asked Vale.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"They want to punish the saints and reward the perverts," said Lester, "or is it the other way?"
"Or at least have a theme," said Vale. "Jess, depending on your mood, you could dress in a short angel or devil outfit."
"Watch it Lieutenant," said Becker, stepping forward.
"No offense, sir," said Vale. He retreated behind several lab and menagerie workers, all female.
"Ooh, Vale, I hadn't thought of that. Theme party. I like it."
"I'm not sure I do," said Becker.
Jess blushed. "I'll let you approve my outfit."
"You've convinced me," he said.
Jess smiled, then reluctantly took her attention from him, and turned to the canteen. She said, "OK, everyone, the party is day after tomorrow, which was in the memo I sent to each of you, but I won't dwell on how no one reads my memos, and thanks to Vale, I am now declaring a theme for the party: naughty or nice, dress either way..."
"Dress code!" interjected Lester.
"Yes, of course, but do dress within the confines of the dress code, nothing vulgar. I also remind you to bring a small toy or canned food item which we will then donate to those in need. It's going to be a very jolly and festive time.."
"And I may act out some of the more colorful actions listed on the naughty list," said Vale.
"Really?" asked Lester. "It won't be boring at least."
"Uh, don't get crazy, Lieutenant."
"I promise, Jess," said Vale. "and I'll only use one type of booze to spike the punch."
"That's not funny," said Jess.
"He isn't joking, Jess," said Becker.
"You're security, I expect you to keep everyone secure," said Jess, "and on their feet, at least acting sober."
"Is that in my job description?" asked Becker.
"It is now," said Jess. She smiled seductively. "And if you're nice, I may reward you."
"That's what I'm talking about."
"Vale!" snapped Jess and Becker in unison.
"Feliz Navidad," said Lester. "Jess, you handle the arrangements; Vale, you take care of the spiking; Becker, you do the mopping up of drunks and perverts; and I will do nothing. To show I am in the spirit, however, I shall dress up. I have the perfect costume. I shall be an executive, too busy and dignified to care about Christmas."
"You're normal suit and tie, then?"
"Indeed, Anderson."
"Would you like to come over, and help me dress?" asked Jess.
Becker smirked. "Yes, definitely."
"I think you and I are going to have to find something to do away from the flat," whispered Connor.
"Yeah, so do I," said Abby.
Jess threw her arms around Becker. "I'm going to need your help. I can't decide between a naughty elf and a nice, but cold snow queen."
Becker smiled. "I love Christmas."
End of Part 4