First ever songfic so, please, be gentle!!! * * The characters are Joss Whedon’s, the lyrics are Darlene Love’s and the ideas are mine, but the money is not. * * The snow’s coming down The Companion stood on the ramp, staring out at the world and watching the flakes fall to the ground. I’m watching it fall The snow spiralled madly, endlessly across the leaden sky like strands of DNA – each as precious and unique as the last. Lots of people around They scurried across the square, each safe within their own little insulated bubbles of happy existence. She scanned the crowd for a flicker of brown coat and tried to remember why they were fighting this time. And silently pleaded… ”Baby, please come home” * * The church bells in town The mother slowly trudged towards the town church, her breath clouding in the crisp air. All ringing in song She remembered the way her little boy’s blue eyes used to light up at the clear, high sound and he would laugh. What a happy sound But he wasn’t here to listen to them now, he’d left her so long ago. Marie Cobb looked up at the sky with damp eyes, as though hoping to see her son’s ship flying by. And silently pleaded… ”Baby, please come home…” * * They’re singing “Deck the Halls” The woman heard the carol singers outside and blocked them out automatically, as she did to so many things now. But it’s not like Christmas at all She felt no warmth or love from her husband as he touched her shoulder on his way to the door ’Cause I remember when you were here Brushing her fingers over the glass of the window, she found the tiny heart etched into the corner of the pane and felt as though her own was breaking And all the fun we had that year And in the dark, Reagan Tam mourned for her children and the years gone by * * Pretty lights on the tree The proud amazon stood at the helm, staring unblinkingly out at the towering fir tree that served as the town’s Christmas tree I’m watching them shine The brightly coloured bulbs hurt her eyes and she wanted to smash every one for being so cheerful You should be here with me Her gaze drifted to the dinosaurs on the console and her fingertips rested lightly on the patched-up pilot’s chair as she squeezed her eyes shut against the tears that hung poised to fall. And silently pleaded… ”Baby, please come home” * * They’re singing “Deck the Halls” The mechanic’s voice floated through her girl’s halls as she worked in the engine room. But it’s not like Christmas at all The ship was empty and echoing as the feeling of empty loneliness hung heavy on the air and in her heart. ’Cause I remember when you were here Two of their number had fallen, never to rise again. And all the fun we had last year Tears welled against the tide of memories that threatened to pull her under. * * There was a way I’d hold back this tear River’s cheeks were damp with salty diamonds, she couldn’t stop sobbing It’s Christmas day Trapped in her own mind, she heard each woman’s prayer, felt their sadness, and all she could do was cry as they begged… ”Please” “Please” “Please” “Please” “Please” “Please” “Please” * * “Baby, please come home” Inara looked up. He stood not ten feet away, snow in his hair and a Christmas rose in his hand. He smiled apologetically at her and then she was running, grace forgotten. She reached him and crushed herself against his chest, kissing him as though the world would end. * * ”Baby, please come home” A man stood at the chapel door. His shoulders were hunched against the bitter cold and an oh-so-familiar hat was perched on his dark head. Marie smiled faintly as her spotted her. Jayne’s face split into a happy, child-like grin and he reached down to wrap his arms around her in a bear hug. * * ”Baby, please come home” Across the room, the Tam’s source box bleeped. Reagan started and reluctantly got up to look. She frowned as she saw the sender’s name. Checking to see that Gabriel was not returning, she gently touched the image of her son’s face and a smile appeared through her tears. * * ”Baby, please come home” Zoë heard something click above her head, and she opened her eyes to see an envelope fall from a loose panel onto the chair. Hesitantly, she picked it up and turned it over. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of her name. She tore the paper apart slowly, feeling that she might die if she opened it and knowing that she would if she didn’t. As she read the first few lines of her husband’s final words to her, she sank slowly into his chair and let the tears flow. * * ”Baby, please come home” Kaylee felt strong arms slide around her middle and she turned around to let her lover envelop her in his warmth. They looked as one to the bay doors and saw their captain and his wife gazing happily out at the snow. Just beyond them, making their way up the ramp were Jayne and his mother. River ghosted past them from the common area, her eyes red and her face pale. Footsteps echoed on the stairway and the group looked up to see Zoë making her way down into the hold. She gave them a small smile and allowed River to lay her head on her shoulder.

And suddenly, it felt like Christmas.