Part 2 Christmas Eve afternoon

'Ski ran his hand down Serenity's landing gear smoking his third cigarette. It had been six months and as many times as they had reconnected over the years, this one had to be the most uncomfortable. She had a new home, a new family, and he knew he really didn't belong, even though his heart told him different.

“You gonna come in or just stand there smokin?” Mal stood on the ramp looking down at him, the satisfying look on his face that he had in fact been right about 'Ski.

“Where is she?”

Mal looked at him a moment before shakin' his head. “That's right. You can smell her.” A pause...”Went shoppin' with Kitty and Zoe.”

“Figured you wouldn't want me on your boat without her presence.”

“Been here before without her. Besides, heaven forbid, we might bond.” Mal almost smiled at him before 'Ski flicked the cigarette.

“Better have somethin' stiff than if we're bondin'. For all three of us.” He walked up the ramp and stood in front of Mal. They both shook hands. “Cat see us playin' nice and she might just buy into this Christmas shit.”

“Take it you're not a fan.”

“Nope.” That was it, no explanation, but Mal knew enough of the man to know not to ask.

“Well, I thin Kaylee made some food and something called eggnog. Tastes a bit like protein and has the feel of puke, but there's enough alcohol in it to kill most men.”

“Right up my alley then.” Both he and Mal continued into the ship. “So, saw a pretty interesting burn pattern on the right hull. Wanna tell me about that?”

“Now that' a story. It all started with this job involving a flock of chickens and some tar barrels....”

******

“So are you sure you got everything you need?” Cat asked Kitty as the young girl handed her another small bag.

“That's for Uncle Mal. I could get something just in case 'Ski shows up.”

Cat sighed. “Honey, I think 'Ski's a little busy this year.”

“But, it wouldn't be complete without him. He's family.” She looked up at Cat and then to Zoe w