Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!.

I was just itching to write another of the hundreds of cheesy holiday fics that are out there and will be coming out this season… sue me. At least mine is… erm… a little bit different. But not too much. Meh, just read it. It's a two-shot YamixTea, but if you've read any of my other stories, you would have anticipated that by now.

Holy cow, Domino gets cold during the wintertime.

At least, it seemed like this year was even colder than the two previous winters that Yami had experienced in modern day. Though, thanks to Ishizu, he was temporarily able to enjoy the season in his own body. But, not all wonderful magic spells last.

And apparently, his temporary physical body had somewhat of a low tolerance to the cold. He spent a lot of his time at home next to the fireplace. Of course, now that Solomon has been aging quite a bit and also maintains a low body temperature, he usually joins Yami near the fire, oftentimes talking about Egypt. Or about Yugi, when he wasn't around. Solomon also liked to tease Yami about Tea, of who was believed to be in his sight of interest. Merry times.

This was the third Christmas that Yami had experienced, and he was still slightly unfamiliar with the strange traditions of the mainstream Christian holiday. Large trees in living rooms generously adorned with lights and ornaments, exchanging of gifts, eggnog, parties, and anything else of the sort was the norm. Joey and Tristan liked to host their own holiday event; they usually greatly contrasted from the family-oriented events that everyone else their age was doing.

The two boys' traditions included eggnog, and a Secret Santa exchange in lieu of everyone getting everyone gifts, to accommodate for the economic downturn. They also included games – though they were usually drunk when they played them. Bingo, Twister, King's Cup, beer pong, and eventually: Truth or Dare. And by the time Truth or Dare came into play, the boys would be just short of passing out.

Tea also contributed to this annual event; her homemade chocolate chip cookies were divine and the recipe was heavily sought-after. She tended to rant about 'cheap holiday sugar cookies' every single year and Yami found it no less amusing each time.

"…they're cheaply made, they're disgusting and horrible for you, and they don't even look that appetizing, no matter in what stupid little shapes they are…"

Yami chuckled at the memory, and anticipated hearing it again shortly. He trudged through the snow, passing by some children making snow-angels in the snow-laden Domino Park. He was ideally supposed to be at Joey's house in two minutes, but it took much effort and will power to force himself out in the cold and away from the enchanting, warm living room in the Game Shop. Of course, Yugi also had to drag him out as well. They would probably arrive in about ten minutes or so, unless Yugi continued to walk so slow. He hugged the small Secret Santa gift box tightly to his chest.

Joey's home was fully decorated and clean – definitely not an everyday thing. A giant wreath hung over the small fireplace, lights hung off of every given ledge and shelf in the house, a large Christmas tree stood tall and proud in the living room, an Eggnog dispenser and a heap of presents on the kitchen counter, and Joey, Tristan, and Tea chatting in the kitchen while munching on Tea's cookies. As predicted, Tea was in the middle of her sugar cookie venting.

"Hey everyone!" Yugi cheered, setting the gift box on the table with the others. The group of friends looked up, ecstatic to see that Yugi and Yami have finally arrived. Tea immediately set down her drink and ran over to hug Yugi, being his best friend since childhood. Unfortunately, Tea had to stoop low to hug him, as his growth spurt wasn't due for a few more years.

She turned to Yami next, of who was noticeably taller, and had more of a way of hugging her to where she… didn't want to let go. It was something about the way he was always warm and protective at the same time, or the way he whispered "Hello, Tea," in her ear in that smooth, velvety voice of his. It seemed as though even his voice radiated its own warmth. But his eyes – they glowed a heat of a much higher degree – a fiery passion, when he dueled. Yet now, they were soft and kind, as was his embrace. She supposed it was because of these things that made him one of her favorite people in the world, and made him quite… appealing to her.

"Hey Yami," she answered back, her voice lost in his shoulder. He squeezed her tightly, taking in her sweet cookie scent.

"Oy, you two done huggin' yet?" Joey hollered, chuckling obnoxiously as Yami released a blushing Tea and gave him a firm handshake of which was sloppily returned.

Yami playfully raised an eyebrow. "What, are you jealous?" he teased.

Joey rolled his eyes. "Hey man, I ain't gay."

As Tristan and Yami greeted as well, Tristan turned to Joey, and with a mock-pouty face, whimpered: "does that mean we're breaking up?"

Yami slightly bowed his head as he laughed at them. Joey and Tristan had obviously had some to drink already. He felt a hand on his shoulder through his thick fleece.

"Those silly boys," Tea murmured. "Let's go sit by the fireplace; that seems to be your favorite spot nowadays." She winked.

Yami nodded and gave her a warm smile. "Sure."

As the two headed into the living room, Yugi cast a glance their way. He skipped over to the guys and, once he had their attention, pointed a thumb in that direction. Joey, when having finally processed what Yugi was hinting at, began snickering behind his hand like a little girl with a naughty secret.

"Dude, what's so funny?" Tristan whispered his giggling blonde friend, who pointed a forefinger in that general direction. Tristan followed the point of his finger, and blinked a few times before widening his eyes.

"This will be interesting…"

TO BE CONTINUED