Merry Christmas Seto

The smell of gingerbread and burning fire wood almost put Joey to sleep as he sat on Yugi's couch.
"Eh Yug! How's the grub comin' along?" He called into the kitchen.
"Hey! No rushing!" Yugi answered.
He pulled a hot tray of small gingerbread men out of the oven. They looked as wonderful as they smelled. "Mmmm... they have to cool, and then they'll be ready for eating." He said, smiling.
"Smells like you went without burning them this time." Tristen commented, bringing a box into the kitchen.
Yugi looked up in his direction. "Hm? Tristen!" He cheered.
With a childlike grin, he dashed to his friend and wrapped his arms around his waist.
Tristen snickered. "Hey, nice to see you too." He set the box down on the counter. "What's with the sudden burst of affection? Joey been beating you down before we got here?"
Joey peered into the room. "How about we leave me out of your ideas." He pulled back onto the couch. "It's not exactly the safest place to be."
Yugi nuzzled Tristen, still clinging to him. "I'm just happy to see you." He said softly.
Tristen rested a hand on Yugi's head. "I'm happy to see you too bud."
"Well isn't that sweet, you two are bonding." A light voice cooed in from the living room.

Taea stood by the couch, cradling gift wrapped items in her arms. "Where's the tree, Joey?"  She asked, barley able to turn and see him for fear of dropping one of the presents.
"Right behind you." He answered lazily.
She slowly turned, stumbling a bit and shuffling to keep at low speed.
Joey groaned and stood up. "Wanna hand?"
"Oh... that'd be great, thanks."

Yugi and Tristen strolled into the living room.
"Hey Taea." Tristen said in his low voice.
She moved away from the tree and smiled at the other two.
"Hey you guys. Did you save a hug for me?"
Yugi's eyes lit up. But before he could reach Taea's side, Tristen had already embraced her.
"Merry Christmas, Taea." He whispered in her ear.
"Uh..." She patted his back. "I was... kind of talking to Yugi."
"I know... but I wanted the first hug." he let her go and sat down with Joey.

The young blonde eyed his best friend oddly. "Pervert." He grunted.
Tristen closed his eyes. "You jealous?"
"No..." Joey folded his arms and looked the other way. "I'm only your best friend... why should I get a hug? No. No recognition of companionship needed here." he pouted.
Tristen smirked. "I'm sorry..." He leaned over and gripped Joey in his arms. "Merry Christmas Joey." he teased.
"Ok... I feel loved now..."
"Already? I didn't even give you your Christmas kiss yet..."
"WHAT?!"
"Just hold still."
"LET GO OF ME!" he squealed. He tried to writhe his way out of the couch, but only made Tristen hold tighter.
Holding Joey close, he kissed his cheek gently. "There."
"AH! Alright already, I'm loved! I'm loved!" He growled.

Taea smiled. "You two are the same as ever." she sighed. "It's so good to be together on Christmas."
"Ain't it the truth." Joey said, wiping the warmth from his face.

Light footsteps echoed up to the door, followed by a 'knock, knock'.

"Who is it?" Yugi asked sweetly.
"Mai." The person answered.
"Ah! Mai's here!" He cheered.
He ran to the door and fumbled around with the locks until they all opened.
"Mai!" He screamed, jumping onto her.
"Hi Yugi. I didn't know you'd be so happy to see me." she started. "I'd hug you back, but I have my hands full right now."
Yugi looked up and saw red and green paper wrapped packages.
"Oh. Let me get those." He offered, taking the boxes from her and bringing them to the tree.
"Careful, they're heavy." she warned.
Tristen smiled. "You don't know, do you?"
"Know what?" she asked.
"Yugi's Christmas spirit. It's skyrocketed since last year, and it's a pretty big surprise since... Yami's gone." he stated.
Mai nodded. "I see what you mean. But... I think it's good... he's not moping around and locked up in his room or anything..."
They all looked at the little boy. He was staring up at the tree.
Mai continued. "He's actually out here and going on with life. That's one strong kid."

Joey stretched on the couch. He hadn't payed the least bit of attention to the conversation. He had always known Yugi was no weak little kid, Yami or no Yami.
"So Yug, anyone else coming?"
His voice knocked the others out of their daze.
"Huh?" Yugi turned around. "Oh... Um... Well Duke... and-" He paused. A look of pain and sadness entered his eyes.

"I invited Kaiba... but he didn't seem too happy to get the envolope..."

He sulked, focusing on the floor.
"Oh, Yugi..." Taea comforted.
She knelt beside him and put an arm around his shoulder. "I'm sure he'll come."
"You think so?"
She smiled. "I know so."

Another knock hit the door. This time, the person spoke out right.
"Hey! Yugi, get the door! These stupid presents are too heavy!"
Tristen tried to look enthusiastic. "It's Duke."
Yugi shifted his gaze to the door. "L-let him in, Tristen."
Tristen smiled and unlocked the door.
"Ah... finally." He sighed, resting the gifts by the tree and sitting next to Joey. "Evening all... sorry to be late... just had to pick up some things."
"N-no... there's no trouble." Yugi mewed.
Duke raised an eyebrow. "You okay Yugi?" he asked.
Yugi remained frowning. "U-uh-huh." he agreed.
Duke couldn't help but feel sad for Yugi. He had lost Yami and now he was sad on Christmas. It pained him to see someone so young and sweet be tormented by fate this way.
"You look like you could use a hug..." He offered. Still sitting on the couch, he opened his arms and smiled.
Yugi blinked, then smiled as he hopped into Duke's arms.
"There... no more frowning okay? It's Christmas, you should be cheery and... and..." he thought for a moment.
"Happy." Taea suggested.
"Peppy." Mai added.
"Friendly..." Tristen said, nodding.
Joey rolled his eyes and stood up. "Getting the cookies..." He said, going into the kitchen.
Yugi giggled a little.
"See? Joey's got the right idea." Duke said.
"More or less..." Mai muttered.
Duke grinned. "We should be partying! Come on!" He said, putting Yugi back on his feet and heading for the stereo.


It was 6:30 when Taea put in another batch of cookies. Mai leaned against the counter, wiping her hands from the dough.
"It's only been an hour and those gluttons already ate all the cookies..." she sighed as she dug the gingerbread out of her nails. "I feel like a housewife."
Taea smiled. "So who'd your husband be? Joey?"
Mai blushed slightly. "N-no... if anything it'd be Duke."
Taea chuckled. "Duke? Why?"
"Well with a face like that, there's no room for screw ups."
The two laughed, enjoying their company.

"Hey! Tristen! This way!" Joey called.
Tristen bounced the black and red hacky sack against each foot before kicking it to Joey.
"Whoop!" He grunted, barely catching it against his knee.
"Nice balance." Tristen complimented.
"Don't you forget it." Joey popped into the air and continued to pass it between elbows, then knees, then feet.
The music pumped loudly, giving the room a techno edge. Duke had set up an organized list of songs using some mix CDs Joey and Tristen found in the jungle that was Yugi's CD collection. He had nearly forgotten that he had actually burned them since he seldom listened to them.
"Okay hotshot... give it here." Duke said. He cracked his knuckles and awaited Joey's pass.
"Sure." Joey tapped it over to him with his elbow.
"Ha." Duke caught it on the top of his head.
"Ah, that was good, Duke." Yugi said.
"Thanks." He threw it up with his skull, hit it with his forearm and hit it with the side of his foot. "Watch this." He bent forward and caught it on his back. "And roll..." He bent up slowly and the hacky sac slid down his spine until it reached his heel.
"Wow. I didn't know you could hac, Duke." Yugi said in awe.
Duke remained still. "Before I started Dungeon Dice monsters... I loved hacking... hence my..." He shot the hackey sac up and caught it in balance on the flat back of his palm. "Awesomeness..."

A knock hit the door.

"Huh? Did you guys order food?" Yugi asked.
"Nah..." Joey replied.
Duke and Tristen shook their heads.
Mai and Taea exited the kitchen.
"Did we order a pizza?" Mai asked.
"Ugh! Not after Mai and I spent so much time making more cookies." Taea said, furrowing her brows.
"Maybe it's your Grandfather." Tristen suggested.
Yugi shook his head and walked over to the door. "Grandpa went out with some old friends. We even traded presents yesterday to save time." He slowly unlocked the door. He pulled it open... meeting eyes at near level to his own.
"Mokuba?" he said, tilting his head.
The lot looked to the boy in question.
"Yeah! Merry Christmas Yugi!" He beamed, smearing Yugi in a hug.
Yugi blinked, then smiled. "Merry Christmas to you too!" He said, hugging him back. He guided Mokuba into the house.
"Hey Mokuba, good to see ya." Joey said, ruffling his hair.
"Heheheh... good to see you too Joey."
Tristen put a hand on his shoulder. "You've grown haven't you?" He smiled.
Mokuba grinned. "A little."
"Try alot." Mai said, rubbing his cheek.
Mokuba loved being around them. It was like being in a real family. Everyone noticing when you had a slight change. Everyone was happy to see you. Everyone loved you.
"Where's your brother?" Duke asked, pinching his cheek.
"He's coming up. He has the presents with him."
Duke and Tristen went pale. "P-presents?"
"Yeah! We went out yesterday and picked everyone up something special."
Tristen turned to Duke.
"Did you buy Kaiba a gift?"
Duke swallowed. "N-no... I figured he wouldn't show..."
"What'll we do?"
"I know what." Mai interupted.
"Nah!" Duke yelled.
Mai clasped a hand over his mouth. "Quit the screaming."
"You startled me... so I take it you didn't buy him one either."
"Me too." Taea whispered.
"GYAH!" Duke yelled again.
Mai pinched his lips. "I swear, Duke."
"Can we all stop doing that then?" He whispered.
"Hey! Clamp it." Tristen whispered. "Here's the plan. Mai and Taea make a list of what you want for him. Before we have the gift opening, Duke and I'll go out and pick them up."
"Agreed." They all whispered.

"Uh... what are you guys talking about?" Mokuba asked, leaning over Yugi to hear.
"Oh uh... nothing... nothing..." Mai lied. "We're just so happy to see you."

"Someone open the door." Kaiba's voice was clear even through the rough and thick wood.
Mokuba jogged over and pulled the door open, revealing Kaiba with a short stack of gifts.
Everyone stared. Not a sound was made. And as if it weren't eerie enough, the first CD had ended. For once, fearfull silence due to his entrance was not to Kaiba's liking.

"What? Am I not supposed to be here?" He asked. He wasn't going to move without someone taking the gifts from him.
"No Seto, they're probably just surprised you came." Mokuba explained.
Kaiba rolled his eyes. "Well can someone take these from me? I've been carrying them from the house and I don't exactly wanna keep them anymore."
Joey rushed over. "I'll take 'em." he slid his hands under the bottom box, momentarily locking fingers with Kaiba.
A rush of heat poured into Kaiba's hands. Soon his whole body was tingling.
'Why do his hands feel this way... so... warm...' he thought to himself. He pulled his hands from the weight and watched Joey put them under the tree. 'I'm just cold... that's all...' he thought, snapping his head back to the others.
"Is it okay if I sit?" he asked.
Yugi was astounded by his politeness. "Of course. You don't have to ask."
Kaiba took off his jacket, exposing his bare shoulders and full neckline. Emotionlessly, he took a seat on the couch.
Joey spun around to go back to his couch seat as well when he saw Kaiba...

More importantly... his body

'He looks... different...' he thought, sitting on the other side of the couch.

"Hey Yugi! Put in disc two!" Tristen ordered, regaining his hackey sac composure. "You ready for round two Devlin?"
Duke straightened up and smirked. "Just don't cry when I beat you senseless."
Yugi popped in the second disc, pushing it up to full blast. He scurried out of the way before he became a target for the hackey sac.
"Big brother... you should hang up your jacket." Mokuba offered, putting out his arms to take it.
Kaiba looked to him. "And do you know where to put the jacket, Mokuba?" he asked.
Mokuba paused. "Right. My fault."
"I'll take it." Joey said, easing it out of his arms and strolling over to the jacket closet in the next room.
Kaiba watched him go.
'He's being nice. I wonder why... probably the Holiday spirit... the fool...' he thought.
Upon his arrival, Joey had also managed to drop off his own classic green jacket, permitting Kaiba to see how muscular he actually was underneath his wretched outer layer.
"I hung it up next to mine, I hope it doesn't bother you." He said.
"As long as I don't get fleas." Kaiba snapped back.
Joey ignored it. It wasn't the first time Kaiba had insulted him, and it wouldn't be the last. 'It's Christmas Joey... let it slide...' he told himself in his mind.

The clock read 7:30 when Yugi put in the third disc.
"Man this is fun. I think I'm getting the hang of this." Yugi said, passing the hackey sac between his feet and passing it onto Mokuba.
"Yeah." Mokuba chimed, passing it between his own feet.

"Mai is the food done yet?" Tristen asked, lazily.
"I just put it in... if you wanna eat a raw chicken, be my guest! I won't be the one dying of Ecoli!" She called.
"Alright, alright. Just asking." he retorted.
"Hey." Duke said, lying down on the ground. "We have music right?"
Kaiba looked at him. "Well considering we're hearing it now I'd say there's a good chance that we have music." he answered, his voice oozing with sarcasm.
Duke ignored the tone of voice Kaiba had and went purely buy the fact he had spoken.
"See? We have music... why don't we dance?"
Tristen stared at him. "Question... can you dance?"
Duke blinked. "Ah... good point."
Yugi laughed. "Well. Maybe we can just... uh... hmm..."
Mokuba looked at him. "Roll with it?" He suggested.
Yugi smiled. "Yeah. That's it, roll with it."
Duke sat up. "There you go! That's the idea!" He got up and changed the song to 'Track  12'.
"Oh! I love this song!" Taea screamed, leaving the kitchen.
"Oh brother..." Joey grumbled.
Taea ran up and took Duke's hands. "Dance with me!" She pleaded, starting to dance with him.
He looked to Tristen and winked.
Soon, Mai made her way into the room and forced Tristen off his feet.
In a matter of minutes, everyone was dancing.

Everyone but Joey and Kaiba.

"Come on Seto... dance..." Mokuba begged.
Kaiba kept his arms locked and his face serious.
Mokuba pouted and went back to the crowd.
Joey saw Mokuba walk away and he turned to Kaiba. "Why don't you go dance with your brother?"
Kaiba glared at Joey. "Why don't you go dance?"
"Because I don't wanna leave you here alone."
"Touching. But I think I'll live."
"Well at least get up for one song."
"Not happening"
Joey sighed and thought for a moment. Then he smiled. "I know why you won't dance... you can't."
The sentence hung in the air for while. Kaiba closed his eyes and smiled.
"You think you could out dance me Joey?" He asked.
Joey nearly gasped. He could never remember a time in history where Kaiba hadn't called him something above and beyond the call of mean. The most polite form of recongnition he had ever gotten was a smug look and a 'Wheeler'. But to hear him actully say his name made Joey feel warm on the inside.
"Well I can't say that. I've never seen you dance, Kaiba." He tried to make his voice sound calm, but only made it sound shakier.
Kaiba grinned. "Well I guess it can't hurt to show you." He said, rising out of the couch.
"Yay! Seto!" Mokuba cheered.
"Hm?" Taea turned around and saw him. "No way... Joey actually got him up."
Joey stood as well. "So?"
"Let me catch the beat." Kaiba tapped his foot for a moment. "Is this from the Dance Dance machines?" He asked. A smile graced his lips for a moment. "I like this song."
Joey liked the look of Kaiba's smile.
"Alright... I got it." He whispered.
"Huh?" Joey blinked.
Kaiba had already begun to dance. His arms came close to his chest, then far out again and again as he broke dance.
"Whoa." Mai commented.
Duke looked over. "No kidding... Hey Kaiba... wanna try a hackey sac?" He asked.
Kaiba smiled. "Why not?"
Duke tossed it in and it barely had time to pause before Kaiba had it kicking and flicking in the air.
"Dude you rock!" Duke cheered.
Joey watched in awe as he danced.
Kaiba caught sight of his expression. He brought his body to a stop and the others clapped. He looked to Joey. "Wanna learn?" He offered.
Joey was lost. "Huh? You serious?"
"Yeah."
"Sure..." It felt wierd to him. Though he knew he shouldn't question it... he couldn't help but find it odd that one minute, Kaiba wouldn't so much as give him the time of day without making fun of him... and now he was offering dance lessons.
"Start with this..." Kaiba instructed. He made four quick motions with his feet.
Joey mimicked the movements perfectly.
"Good.. now keep your arms bent and try this." He made some more movements. These, Joey remembered from seeing Kaiba dance.
"Now you're getting it."
Kaiba continued teaching him until the entire CD had played.

"Wow... Joey and Kaiba are really hitting it off." Duke said, pulling on his jacket.
Tristen pulled his hood up above his head. "And perfect timing... they won't notice when we go get the gifts." he whispered, pushing Duke out of the door and locking it after himself.

Joey panted on the ground as Kaiba brought him water.
"Much needed... thanks..." He said, taking the cup from Kaiba.
Once again, their hands touched. This time it wasn't Kaiba who retracted. Joey gently pulled the cup away, but still felt chilly when he started drinking his water.
"You're really good. I didn't expect you to get all that in such a short time."
"Well... you know... get a good teacher... get good results..."
Kaiba smiled, sipping his own water to hide the fact that he was doing so.
Joey smiled too. 'He really isn't so bad.'
Tristen entered the room. "Hey... done dancing already?" He asked, pulling off his jacket.
"Yeah. Seto and Joey are great!" Mokuba said. He and Yugi had been sitting on the couch, eating cookies and watching the two practice ever since Tristen and Duke left.
"Where's Duke?" Yugi asked.
As if on cue, Duke's voice was heard in a yell in the kitchen. Followed by Mai's scolding and Taea's worry.
"Why was he in there?" Mokuba asked.
"Uh... he likes... surprising people..." Tristen lied, sitting down on the couch.

"Ow... Mai... why the heck did you hit me with the pan?" Duke asked, rubbing his head.
She grimaced. "I thought you were a murderer..."
"DO I LOOK BLOOD THIRSTY TO YOU?!" He screamed.
"Shhh... you'll make it hurt more. Be happy it isn't swelling."
Mai handed him an icepack. "Did you get the gifts?"
Duke held up a white bag.
"Good." She said. She patted him on the back.

"Present time!" Yugi chimed in from the living room.


The living room was cluttered by a combination of wrapping paper and empty boxes.
"Here Taea." Tristen said, handing her a silver box.
"Oh thanks Tristen, here's yours." She handed him a red box.
Joey put his gifts back under the tree in his own huddled corner to make sure he could find them again tomorrow.
"Hey Joey!" Mokuba squeaked, holding a white wrapped box infront of him.
"Oh. Thanks Mokuba." He took the box from him and was about to put it under the tree when he noticed Mokuba's stare. "Do you mind if I open it now?" He asked.
"Ah! No! Go on! Go on!"
Joey knelt down and opened the box. His jaw dropped as he pulled out a black t-shirt and jeans that came from a brand that should've priced washing machines instead of clothes. "You didn't have to... wow! These are great! And they're just the right size too! How'd you know?!"
Mokuba beamed. "Big brother picked them out."
Joey looked over to Kaiba and pulled out a black box from his back pocket. He walked over and sat on the couch.
"Um... I know it's small... but... I got this for you..."
Kaiba blinked. "So you're the only one other than Yugi who actually expected me?"
Joey blushed. "Well I bought it yesterday... thinking I'd have to walk it over... but yeah, I guess I did think about you before hand."
Kaiba opened the box. "This is..." He pulled it out of the box.
A shining silver chain was in his hand. At the very end, was a large deep blue stone. The stone was smooth and soft. Kaiba ran his hand over it.
"This is a blue eyes stone..."
Joey smiled. "Yeah... it's one of the oldest stones around."
"And one of the rarest." Kaiba added. "It's said to be an ancient piece of the blue eyes white dragon. And when held at the right angle in the light... it'll glow pure white."
Kaiba pulled it on over his head, letting it dangle against his chest. "Thanks... I really like it." He said. "But... I wish I had gotten you something better..."
Joey looked at the white box in his hands. "You already-"
"No. Something worth more..." Kaiba held the stone in his hand, admiring the softness. He noticed a green plant hanging above their heads. 'Mistletoe...' he thought.

"Alright guys it's 10:00... pajama time!" Taea cheered, leading Mai upstairs to change.
Mokuba ran to Kaiba. "Seto, Yugi asked if I'm sleeping over... can I? Can I?"
Kaiba looked down at him. "You didn't bring any clothes..."
"Yugi says I can borrow his..."
"Then sure."
Mokuba ran back to Yugi and the two of them sped off to Yugi's room to find Mokuba clothes.


"So what about you?" Joey asked, wearing his black pajamas.
Kaiba leaned against the wall. "Well I didn't bring any extra clothes... and I highly doubt Yugi's pants'll fit my waist."
Joey smiled. "But you can't just go home."
"Why not?"
"Well... it's late... and you'll be alone..."
"So?"
"And.. and..."
Tristen came over and threw a t-shirt and pants at Kaiba.
"And I brought a spare set of clothes... so chill."
Kaiba looked from Joey to Tristen and back again.
"Looks like I'm staying."

He exited the bathroom, fully swathed in Tristen's black shirt and white pants.
"I feel shorter." he said, pulling up the pants.
"Well... that's the price you pay for not being my height." Tristen said, leading him back into the living room.
"Oh! You're staying?" Yugi asked.
"Yeah."
"Great!"

Kaiba took a spot on the couch next to Joey.
"You look short." He joked.
"Funny, funny..." Kaiba said sarcastically. He looked up to make sure the mistletoe was still there and neared Joey's face.
"I think I have your present..." He whispered.
"Huh? Really? What is it?"
Kaiba smiled. "Close your eyes and I'll give it to you..."
Joey did as he was told.
Gently, Kaiba kissed Joey's lips before softly pusing his toungue in. As he retracted, he saw that Joey's eyes had opened.
"K-kaiba?"
"Was it awful?"
"No... it was... nice."
Kaiba blushed. He didn't expect Joey to enjoy so much as to accept it.
"It was the best gift anyone ever gave me..." Joey grinned.
Kaiba smiled back, resting his head on Joey's shoulder.

"Isn't that cute?" Taea asked.
"I knew those two would wind up being close." Duke said. It didn't bother him that he had just seen two boys kissing.
Tristen however, was another story.
"They just! He... and he... and Joey.... and Kaiba..." He whispered softly.
"Hush... it was just a mistletoe thing." Mai said, putting away dishes.
Tristen sighed. "I guess... but I'm gonna talk to him tomorrow..."
"You're overreacting..." Duke said, going back into the living room. Taea followed.
"If you want something to do... help me with the dishes." Mai offered.
Tristen reluctantly went to Mai and assisted her with the dishes.

"Merry Christmas Joey..." Kaiba said.
"Merry Christmas... Seto..." Joey answered.