I haven't written any Galex for many a long month so it was very gratifying when this idea took root, specially as I've managed to produce a festive offering every year since I started posting here. Also fitting that it just so happens to be my 50th fic. How on earth did that happen?!

Inspired by the Gene Genie's uncanny ability to go where he's needed, basically. I *really* need him under my Christmas tree this year, so fingers crossed … ;)

.

xxxxx

Another Time, Another Place …

Christmas Eve

.

"What do you mean, you've lost her?"

Alex heard the note of rising panic in her own voice, aware that her heart was pounding rapidly in her chest.

"Alex, it's only been fifteen minutes. She's probably just wandered into a shop and lost track of time."

Evan's reedy voice echoed down the line, the buzz of last minute shoppers in the background meaning she had to strain to hear him.

"Evan, she's only twelve. Anything could have happened to her …"

Her knees threatened to give way and she sank down on the stairs, just as her phone beeped to let her know another call was incoming. Without a moment's thought she cut her godfather off mid-sentence and answered it.

"Mum? It's me, Mols."

"Oh, thank God. Where are you?"

Tears of relief sprang to her eyes.

"I'm still in the shopping centre. I got separated from Evan and two boys tried to take my Blackberry but this policeman was there and he helped me. You should've seen him, mum – he picked them up and shoved them against the wall until they said sorry. It was awesome!"

Alex shook her head in disbelief. To Molly this had been one big adventure, whereas she'd probably gained several grey hairs and sacrificed a couple of years of her life.

"Mols, I want you home right now. You've no idea how frightened I've been …"

"We're on our way. The policeman's really nice, he says he'll drive me back. Will you let Evan know I'm OK?"

xxxxx

Alex gazed out of the window at the rapidly darkening afternoon, arms wrapped protectively around her body, unable to settle. The snow that had been threatening all day was finally falling, big flakes whirling down out of a leaden sky coating pavements, walls and car windscreens with a light dusting of white powder. All very festive, but she wouldn't be able to relax and enjoy it until Molly was back safe and sound. Just then a familiar little figure appeared out of the gloom, dancing along the pavement and up the steps, arms outstretched to catch the falling flakes, grinning broadly as though she didn't have a care in the world.

"Mols!"

Alex flew to the front door and flung it wide open, clutching her baby to her bosom as though she'd been absent for months rather than just a few short hours.

"Oh God. When I think what might've happened …"

Molly fought her way free, breathless and exhilarated.

"Let go, mum. I'm fine, honest!"

Alex released the breath she'd been holding and peered around her daughter, brows furrowed.

"Where's the hero who rescued you? I owe him a massive thank you."

"I left him parking the car. Oh look, here he is now."

An imposing figure loomed up out of the blizzard, striding purposefully towards them: tall, broad-shouldered and long-legged, with his dark coat swirling about him he put Alex in mind of an avenging angel.

"Gene? We're over here."

Molly waved to attract his attention and he stepped inside the garden gate, closing it behind him. Gene … Something stirred deep in her subconscious, and then she found herself gazing up into the most arresting pair of blue eyes she'd ever seen. Her heart gave a little skip and she was momentarily lost for words, but Molly stepped into the breach.

"Mum, this is Gene. He's a policeman. A good one!"

She couldn't have looked more proud if he'd been her father, Alex thought, swallowing the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat.

"DCI Hunt, ma'am."

Gene flashed her a warrant card, returning it swiftly to his pocket as he glanced down at Molly and squeezed her shoulder, his lips quirking into a smile.

"Safely 'ome in one piece, little lady. I'll be on me way, then."

Little lady … Alex frowned as the words sparked some elusive glimmer of a memory. Realising he was about to leave, she cleared her throat and finally found her voice.

"Where are my manners? I can't thank you enough for rescuing my little girl, DCI Hunt."

"I go where I'm needed, ma'am."

There it was again, that vague little tug of recognition.

"Please … won't you come in for a while?"

He paused before giving her a nod and a half-smile.

"Don't mind if I do. Its brass monkeys out 'ere …"

xxxxx

"What can I get you to drink, DCI Hunt?

"Its Gene, luv. And whatever's goin'."

He fixed her with that piercing blue-eyed gaze and suddenly the room seemed rather warm.

"There's a decent bottle of red already open."

"That'll hit the spot nicely, ta muchly."

His attention was caught by something on the television and she studied his profile surreptitiously as she poured out two generous glasses. Dark blond hair curling attractively over his shirt collar, a stubborn set to his jaw and that come-hither pout. Undeniably good-looking in a rumpled, lived-in kind of way and she had to admit the vibes he was sending out made her glad to be female. There was nothing remotely metrosexual about this man, he was the embodiment of rugged masculinity, testosterone oozing from every pore, and yet he'd been so gentle with Molly who seemed half in love with him already. He stretched his endless legs out towards the open fire with a contented sigh, long elegant fingers stroking absent-mindedly over the soft leather of the settee, and the innate sensuality inherent in such a simple gesture took her by surprise. Bet he's an absolute demon between the sheets. She blushed at her own depraved mind as she carried the drinks over.

"Nice place you've got here, Mrs Drake."

"Thanks. And its Alex to you, DCI … sorry, Gene."

She flashed him an apologetic smile and the little smirk he gave her in return was somehow so familiar the breath caught in her throat.

"Have we ... um ... met before? It's just … I feel like I know you from somewhere."

She gazed at him quizzically and he shrugged, but there was a definite glint in his eye.

"Think I'd 'ave remembered you, luv."

His gaze travelled down her body appreciatively, and she blushed.

"Ignore me, I'm talking rubbish. Put it down to the shock of almost losing Molly."

At that moment the young lady in question rejoined them, taking a seat next to Gene on the sofa and chatting away to him as though the two of them were old friends. Alex stood to get the wine and a sudden idea occurred to her.

"Gene, do you have any plans tonight? I … um … wondered if you'd like to stay for supper. Nothing fancy, just a bowl of chilli and some garlic bread."

"Say yes, Gene. Pleeeeease! Otherwise it'll just be me and mum. Boring!"

"Oh, thanks a lot, Mols!"

Alex rolled her eyes as Molly fluttered her lashes and gazed up at him pleadingly. Gene chuckled, glancing from one to the other.

"Well, only if yer sure. I wouldn't want ter impose …"

"You wouldn't be. Would he, mum?"

She grinned at Alex who was shaking her head in mock despair at her daughter's blatant attempt at flirtation.

"Not at all. There's plenty to go round."

xxxxx

Alex couldn't remember a more enjoyable Christmas Eve, and it was almost solely down to his presence at their table. He charmed Molly with silly jokes and stories, complimented Alex on her cooking and was happy to pull a few crackers early and pretend that he really needed a pair of eyebrow tweezers. Molly generously agreed to swap for her pack of mini playing cards and within half an hour Gene had taught her the basics of poker.

Throughout the evening there was a definite undercurrent between he and Alex, fuelled by mild flirtation and the odd heated glance, and when she'd finally managed to persuade an excited Molly to head upstairs to bed they sat nursing a glass of brandy and gazing into the fire as though they'd been friends for years. Or possibly something more.

Finally Gene broke the companionable silence with a reluctant sigh.

"Well, 'spose its time I stirred me stumps. Yer'll 'ave a stack of things ter do before tomorrow mornin' no doubt, Mrs Claus?"

He smirked at his own quip and she giggled.

"Yep, presents to wrap, stockings to fill and all that."

His glance strayed to her legs and the brief flash of desire in his eyes made it quite clear the stockings he was picturing were most likely attached to a suspender belt. A sensation she hadn't experienced in quite a while fluttered low in her belly, and she recognised it as arousal. Oh God. I'm actually thinking about jumping a man I hardly know. Get a grip, Alex! No, not of him …

Face flushing, she leapt to her feet at the same instant he did and in an effort to avoid a collision she swayed backwards and would have over-balanced had Gene not caught her in time. Head spinning, she found herself crushed to a very manly chest, breathing in the intoxicating aroma of Gene Hunt: a hint of tobacco, a whiff of aftershave and something indefinably and irresistibly him. For a few long moments she didn't fight it, wallowing in the scent of sexy alpha male, and when they finally moved apart he seemed as affected as she was. He ran a hand through his hair somewhat distractedly, leaving him even more dishevelled and desirable in her eyes.

"Well, I … er … really should get goin'. Thanks for a lovely evenin', Alex. You and the little lady have a good Christmas, eh?"

He strode into the hallway, collecting his coat from where she'd hung it earlier, and she swallowed nervously as he shrugged into it, knowing it was now or never.

"You too, Gene. Where are you spending the day?"

He thrust his hands deep in his pockets, swayed back on his heels and looked down at the floor.

"Pub, probably – and then home with the telly and a bottle of scotch. It's just another day, after all."

He looked almost vulnerable for a moment and her heart went out to him, the words tumbling from her mouth before she could stop them.

"Why don't you come here? The turkey's way too big for two and Molly goes to her father after Christmas dinner so I'll be on my own with the TV too…"

She couldn't look at him, knowing she must be blushing all the way to her ears, but his reply caught her by surprise.

"Only if I can provide the booze. It's only fair if yer plannin' on feedin' me."

She took a deep breath and met his intense gaze.

"It's a deal. See you at twelve, then?"

.

xxxxx

Hope you're enjoying it so far. If so, you know what to do!

Part the Second will follow very shortly ...