A/N: So, I've been trying to write a Christmas story for a while now and this one came to me this evening. It is completely unbeta'd and pretty much wrote itself, so if it stinks, I blame my muse!

Have a great Christmas!

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Cocoa

Simon awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of Kaylee’s soft breathing. Smiling slightly at the comforting sound, he pressed a light kiss into her hair, and then stretched, reaching over his head to see what time it was.

Midnight … Why was he so wide awake? Simon situated himself back under the covers, moaning contentedly as Kaylee absentmindedly curled into him, her head resting on his chest, her arm across his abdomen. Ai ya if he didn’t love the feel of her beside him.

As the minutes passed, Simon felt the tug of something forgotten; there was a reason he’d awoken. Wishing he could figure it out and just drift back to sleep, he let his mind wander, trying to put the pieces together. He had made sure to clean and shut the infirmary before bed, and he was up-to-date on all his chores. Of course, tomorrow was Christmas, but he –

In an instant, realization dawned. Doing his best to ease himself out of bed and not wake Kaylee, Simon reached around for his sweatpants and t-shirt, before slipping out into the corridor. On silent, and slightly cold feet, Simon found himself moving towards the galley. It was a bit irrational to think she would be up there, to think that she would remember, but then again, River was not always rational.

As his eyes adjusted to the dim light, Simon ascended the stairs and rounded the corner into the common room. The white lights Kaylee had graciously donated for their Christmas decorations were still on, and Simon smiled at the sight. Not only did they remind him of his beautiful girlfriend, but of a time and place far removed from Serenity. A much simpler time and place, for him and his sister.

And of course, she was there; staring into an earthen mug quite intently. Moving to her side, Simon dropped a