A/N: Hello everyone! I know it's been a long time since I posted anything to this story. That's because I wanted it to be perfect and I struggled hard with writing Valjean's collecting of Cosette.

Yes, Fantine will be getting her little girl back.


Joyeux Noel

It was Christmas Eve and the Mayor hadn't returned from his business trip. Fantine sighed as she watched Cook basting the roasting goose. Monsieur had told Fantine he might be late and to go ahead and serve the traditional meal if he didn't show up on time. Grabbing a tray of wine glasses, Fantine headed out into the main room where the guests milled about, nibbling on roasted chestnuts and sliced cheeses. The room smelled nicely of pine garlands and perfumes.

Making her rounds, Fantine stopped by the little alter that Monsieur had set up and bowed her head to the statue of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus. Inspector Javert stood before the altar, crossing himself. "Joyeux Noel, Inspector." Fantine said, holding out the tray of wine. "Would you like some wine? Or anything else?"

"Thank you, my dear Madame Fantine. I'll have some wine." Javert said, smiling. Fantine liked it when the stiff and formal Javert smiled. It lit up his brown eyes and he didn't look so intimidating. He took one of the glasses and took a sip. "Excellent vintage."

"A gift from the Archbishop of Digne or so Monsier le Mayor told me." Fantine explained, looking at the unlit candlesticks in their silver holders.

"He has good tastes." Javert said. "Thank you for the wine, Madame and Joyeux Noel to you as well." He raised his glass to her before stepping aside to talk to other people. Her tray now empty, Fantine stepped towards the kitchen when she passed the little room that she and Monsieur had prepared for little Cosette. The door was closed, but Fantine smiled, remembering the presents she and the rest of the household staff had prepared to welcome little Cosette. The pile was high on the bed.

It had been her deepest wish to spend Christmas with Cosette. Too bad the Christmas preparations had taken over and Monsieur hadn't been able to go with her to Montfermiel. Not that Fantine was complaining. Monsieur had promised to take her once Christmas had settled but before the New Year.

Fantine stepped back into the kitchen. "Do you need any assistance?" She asked, putting the tray down.

"I could use some water. Pierre hasn't returned yet."

"I'll get the water." Fantine said, picking up the bucket.


Valjean smiled down at the little girl snuggled next to him in the carriage. His trip to Montfermiel had taken longer than he had planned but not for reasons he had anticipated.

Fantine had made a grave mistake in trusting the Innkeeper and his wife but he never blamed her. Desperation made people do desperate things, he reflected, touching the prisoner's brand beneath his shirt.

Cosette was so thin that it made him wince. Her black hair was tangled and soot caked her face, two tear trails snaked down her face. He had to stop at a different inn to make sure she was bathed and given warm clean clothes. The last thing Fantine needed to feel was guilt at having put her child in a bad situation. Especially on this holy day.

Did Marie feel guilt at the nineteen years he had spent in Toulon?

He hadn't thought of his sister and his nephew in years. There was no need to think of them. Valjean reflected as Cosette played with the doll he had purchased for her while she was being bathed.

They'd want him to move forward.

"Monsieur?" Little Cosette asked.

"Oui, Cosette?"

"Why didn't Maman come with you?" She asked.

"The truth was that I wanted to surprise her. She wants to spend Christmas with you." Valjean explained.

"Tell me about the people in the house again. Please. I love hearing that story." Cosette asked, looking at him with wide green eyes.

Valjean's smile grew. "Your dear Maman is my housekeeper; she makes sure that the house is presentable and clean for the many people who come to see me. The Cook helps her by preparing all sorts of delicious foods and meals. Cook's a stern lady but kind. She told me to hurry back with you so she could feed you all sorts of treats. Then there's Babbette, the maid who does the cleaning. She's joyful and loves telling stories. She's making something special for you for Noel. Pierre is the errand boy. He's a bit mischievous but loves to play games. He made you a little toy bird out of wood."

"Will I be helping Maman, Babette, Pierre or Cook?"

"Sometimes, if your Maman needs help. But you'll be going to school with many other little girls and learn how to be a lady just like your Maman."

"Eponine goes to school. She says the nuns are mean."

"No. This is a place that has nice nuns."

Cosette nodded. "What's Maman like?"

"Your Maman is the sweetest, kindest and gentlest lady who I've had the pleasure of knowing. She sometimes sings La Claire del Lune while sewing. She loves blue and collects things that are blue."

"Can we get her something blue for Christmas?"

"We most certainly will." Valjean said. He looked out the window and saw they were back in Montreuil-sur-Mer. By chance, they passed a store that was still open. "Stop." Valjean called out to Grognard, the driver. The coach stopped and Cosette looked up. "You know what? Let's go see if we can find her something blue."


Fantine wiped her face as she pulled up the bucket of water from the well. Cold air snapped in her lungs as she took a deep breath. She looked up, a light having caught her attention. The evening star burned high in the black night sky. Something caused Fantine to put down the bucket and watch the evening star.

Was Cosette looking at the night sky too?

"Oh, my beloved darling…" Fantine sighed. A tiny prick of guilt and longing ate at her. "I hope that wherever you are, you are having a beautiful Joyeux Noel. We have many wonderful toys for you from the Mayor, Babbette, and Cook. Along with myself. Hopefully, the Thenardiers got the money I sent so you and Eponine can have a wonderful Christmas."

Fantine picked up her bucket and was about to go inside when she heard wheels and hooves on the crunchy snow. Turning back, she saw Grognard driving Monsieur's carriage up the drive. Ah, he was home. Smiling, she stood there, waiting for the carriage to stop. Monsieur stepped out. "Joyeux Noel, Monsieur." She said.

"I want to apologize to you but I wasn't entirely honest with you about why I had left." Monsieur said.

"Oh?" Fantine asked, curious.

"There's someone that wants to see you." He said before turning around about helping someone out of the carriage.

Fantine's heart stopped as she got a good look at the little girl carrying a package wrapped in cheery green paper. She was just as high as Fantine's waist and as bone thin as a reed, if the ill-fitting white dress was any indication. Her long brown hair was braided and tied with a joyous red ribbon. Her eyes lit up upon seeing Fantine.

Green eyes.

Felix's eyes.

Fantine's mouth opened and she dropped the bucket of water. "Cosette?!"

"Maman?"

Fantine ran forward and swooped up Cosette in her arms. The last time she had held her like this, Cosette must've been about three years old. She needed a good meal and her fingers were red with chilblains.

But she was here.

She looked at Monsieur. His eyes shone.

"Joyeux Noel, Fantine."


A/N: I hope you all enjoy this story and I'll definitely be continuing it.