Title: A Hippo for Christmas part 1

Author: Sorceress Fantasia

Pairings: YY/Y, mentions of S/J and B/R

Warnings: Fluff, sap, romance, lime

Disclaimer: Santa told me that he's run out of Yugi this year because everyone wanted one, I would have to wait until next year to get my share. So unfortunately, I do not own YGO or any of the characters. I don't own the song 'I want a hippopotamus for Christmas' either because John Rox and his record company own it. Lastly, I don't own the 'Dummies' series of books and Godzilla as well.

Intro: Yami wants something romantic for Yugi's Christmas present, but apparently, his little aibou wants something different… A story where Yami finally understands the spirit of Christmas and the essence of love.

For once, the blasted tomb robber was right: he was an idiot, no doubt about it. Yami sighed as he crossed his legs and sat down on the floor, staring at the plastic tree sitting in the living room. Somehow, the former pharaoh felt that the spiky thing was taunting him with its bristles and bright lights wound around its body. Even the little angel perched at the top of the tree seemed to be glowering, looking at him in disapproval. The crimson-eyed teen felt his eyebrow twitch; worry was doing strange things to his mind. Still, he knew he was worthy of anyone's blame right now.

With Christmas just around the corner – seven days in fact –he still hadn't the tiniest idea what to get for Yugi's present. Getting everybody else's presents was easy; after all, he knew what they probably wanted.

Jou had been talking about strengthening his deck for weeks, so what better than to give him a few new booster packs? Anzu was easy too; she had a dance audition coming soon, so Yami got her a good luck charm. He had gotten Honda a pair of gloves that would complete his biker look, and a new telephone that was made to be extra durable and shock resistant for Ryou; Bakura seemed to have a secret hobby of destroying his phones whenever he tried to figure out exactly how they worked. On the other hand, Yami got Bakura a 'Dummies Guide to Making Tea', since he knew Ryou liked drinking tea and how the tomb robber seemed like a Godzilla on the loose inside the kitchen; he had wanted to get a 'Dummies Guide to Using the Telephone' but it appeared that that was just too easy a subject to justify writing a book for it. He also got Otogi a deck of trick cards, something that would no doubt help the teen garner a few more fan girls with the so-called magic tricks. Mokuba, on the other hand, was getting a custom-made Kuriboh plushie, the very same one he had squealed at when he saw it lying on Yugi's bed.

Kaiba was probably the toughest to prepare for simply because the rich one had everything money could buy, but he still managed to get him an interesting pair of dice that he would most definitely enjoy with Jou. Yami grinned as he thought of the kissing game they could play with the present. He had almost been tempted to buy that for Bakura and Ryou at first, but he knew that the tomb robber would probably try it out immediately during their party and traumatize Yugi; his young charge was still rather innocent, even though they had been together for a few months already.

Currently, the scores were as such: Yugi seventeen, Yami one. The darker teen groaned. How had he failed to seduce his lover seventeen times?

Yami sighed again. After being Yugi's boyfriend for months, the furthest he had ever gotten was heavy petting, and that had happened only once. His angel was just too shy for anything more to happen. One good thing about that was probably the fact that Yugi blushed a lot when they were together, and it was cute as hell. Yami grinned as he remembered how red his lover had gotten when he groped him in their room last night.

Still, he wondered how much longer he could rein in his hormones. They were, after all, sleeping in the same bed. Vaguely, Yami considered the idea of giving his lover a tube of lubricant and some handcuffs as some sort of hint that he wanted some more strenuous activity in their bed. But that idea left his head as quickly as it had hit him; Yugi would probably hyperventilate when he saw the things. And Sugoroku jii-san would strangle him for leading his grandson astray.

He shook off that particular train of thought. Still, the problem remained: what should he get for Yugi's Christmas present?

It should be something sweet and romantic, and something that would be useful. More importantly, it had to be something Yugi wanted. What did one get his beloved anyway?

Almost seeing the days flying by like rockets, he decided that a little help was in order.

Question: What should I get for Yugi's Christmas present?

Answers (also known as the blasted replies people give that are of little help):

Anzu: "Yugi's going to love whatever you give him as long as it comes from you."

Like that's gonna help.

Jou: "Something you'll both enjoy. Like this really nice pair of handcuffs I saw the other day…"

Are you saying what I'm thinking? Damn it, Jou! You can't do this to Yugi!

Kaiba: "Are you seriously asking me? Why don't we start by telling me what /I/ should get Jou for Christmas?"

Pretend I never asked. I forgot you were the emotional black hole who never got anyone Christmas presents and the poster boy for the lead in Charles Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol'. I pity Mokuba.

Mokuba: "Erm… a dinner date?"

But I just took him out for one on his birthday!

Honda: "I'm not so sure… Maybe a box of chocolates and a bunch of flowers?"

Isn't that for Valentine's Day? Honda, just because I've been in a puzzle for 5000 years doesn't mean that I can't distinguish Christmas from Valentine's Day.

Otogi: "Want to take a look at what I have in my shop? Maybe you can get him a new game."

Hello? Yugi's grandfather owns a game shop!

Ryou: "I'm sure Yugi will treasure anything from you."

Have you have around Anzu a lot lately?

Bakura: "What? You actually need help with your lover's present? I knew it! I just knew it! You /are/ pathetic! Bwa ha ha!"

The moment Ryou looks away, you are going to find yourself with a first-class, one-way ticket to the shadow realm. A bleeding nose and a black eye are complimentary of the trip.

Hanging up the public phone, Yami sighed; he'd probably placed too much hope on his friends. After all, getting his boyfriend's present was such a personal thing that others couldn't really help him with it. But after racking his brains, Yami was still no closer to getting a fuzziest idea; in fact, the only thing he got was a giant headache.

Such was his luck.

He picked up the things he had just bought from the ground, and walked out of the phone stand. In order to keep it a secret, Yami had resorted to calling his friends with a public phone while he was out getting groceries; it wasn't the first time he had helped out with the household chores, so Yugi and Sugoroku jii-san hadn't thought twice about it. Of course, he had to skillfully reject Yugi's help when the hikari offered.

As he walked down the streets of shops, Yami paid close attention to the things showcased in the display windows. That did not help much; he either thought the things were too frivolous or that they didn't suit Yugi at all. Who gave people a big yellow Pikachu stuffed toy for Christmas anyway? Well, apart from poor parents who were probably bullied into it by their children's incessant crying and whining, that is. In a matter of weeks, they would no doubt find the same stuffed toy doing nothing but gather dust; and they wondered why their kids were getting asthma.

He really wanted something tasteful and romantic for his lover. That was all. So why was it so hard to find such a present?

Soon, he made a turn around the corner and the Kame game shop loomed before him. Balancing the groceries on one arm, he opened the door with a gentle push. The bell tinkled gaily, as it did whenever someone opened the door, like a merry song that one would sing at the discovery of a treasure trove. And the shop, while small and quaint, was indeed a treasure trove of games. It offered such an amazingly wide array of toys and games that sometimes, Yami had problems comprehending just how everything managed to fit inside the shelves and cases.

However, the bell's song did not settle with Yami very well today; his mood was still rather down. Cynically, he thought that it was just a signal to the shopkeeper that business was here, and maybe it was synonymous with the sound the cash register whenever it opened.

Despite his mood, Yami greeted the old shopkeeper, who was currently reading the newspaper at the counter. It was a rare moment of rest for him, since business had pretty much doubled in the Christmas season.

"I'm back, Sugoroku jii-san."

The old man looked up. With a nod, he replied, "Welcome home, Yami. You can just leave the groceries on the kitchen table; I'll put them away later. Go ahead and take a rest now."

Usually, Yami would nod at those words and head upstairs or wherever his hikari was at. But suddenly, an idea dawned on him and he berated himself mentally for not thinking about it earlier.

"Erm, Sugoroku jii-san?"

"Yes, Yami?"

The dark spirit scratched his head. "I was just thinking… do you know what Yugi wants for Christmas? I mean…" he sighed, "I've never gotten a Christmas present for my boyfriend."

Sugoroku felt a smile bloom on his wrinkled face; he had a feeling that his dearest grandson had a lot to look forward to during this festive season, something he definitely deserved and had waited for all these years. However, in order for that to happen, he just had to correct the ex-pharaoh on something.

"Yami, Yugi will treasure anything you give him."

"That's what everyone's been telling me!" Yami exclaimed, brushing an errant lock of his bangs away from his face carelessly. Granted, only Anzu and Ryou had said as much, but in his agitation and frustration, Yami's mind happily ignored that fact.

"Sugoroku jii-san, can't you tell me something tangible? I… I really need some hint; Christmas is just another three days away!"

The grandfatherly smile was still plastered on the aging man's face. It was a very warm, very tender smile, usually reserved just for his beloved grandson. For a moment there, Yami thought he was Santa Claus personified.

"But you already have all the help you need," the man answered calmly. Before Yami could interrupt, he continued, "Your heart," – he placed a hand on his chest – "beats for Yugi, just as his does for you. You understand him better than anyone else. So why seek the help of others?

"Besides, what is the essence of gift-giving during Christmas anyway?" he paused, letting the question sink into Yami's mind before adding, "It is about sharing your love and /not/ sharing a gift. The intangible meaning behind the present is much more important than the tangible object itself."

Yami found himself at a loss for words. He had been too intent, too focused on finding the perfect gift for his hikari that he had, indeed, forgotten the true meaning of Christmas presents. The reminder could not have come at a better time. He grinned.

"Thank you, Sugoroku jii-san. I understand now. What present it is does not matter; what's important is that the love I have for him can be found in that gift," - his grin grew wider at the other's approving nod – "I promise you: Yugi's present will come from my heart."

The old man smiled in return.

"Yes, I think it will. And Yami?"

"Yes, Sugoroku jii-san?"

"Just call me jii-chan like Yugi does."

Yami's eyes widen; calling him jii-chan would mean…! As the idea finally registered in his mind, he could feel a genuinely heartfelt smile tugging at his lips. He gave in, allowing the smile to surface along with a blossoming blush much like the sakura flowers in spring.

"Hai, jii-chan!"

The smile the old man offered him in return was just as warm.

Yami felt enlightened, and his mood picked up drastically. It was almost evident by the way he seemed to be hopping up the stairs much like an Easter bunny giving out chocolate eggs. Now, with a clearer idea about how to get Yugi's Christmas present, he headed for his room. He had plans to make and things to do.

Suddenly, he heard a soft voice singing from Yugi and his shared room. He smiled; although Yugi never believed him, the hikari had an angelic voice to match his divine beauty. Getting closer, Yami could make out the words and he felt himself raising an eyebrow.

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
I don't want a doll, no dinkey tinker toys
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use a dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door
That's the easy thing to do

What… what song was this? A hippo for Christmas? Yugi wanted that grey, fat, flabby, big-mouthed hideous thing that lived in the water for Christmas? Well, maybe it would look cuter as a plushie… but Yami really doubted that. He was never very fond of the animal. Or maybe a cap? He remembered seeing one of those duck-billed caps made to resemble a hippo with little ears at the top and painted teeth and tongue on the duckbill itself, and he shuddered. That was probably one of the most ugly inventions known to man.

But if his little light wanted it - Yami felt his face twitch at the thought – then he would get it. One of his goals in life was, after all, to fulfill every wish Yugi had, even if it meant getting him a hippo plushie or hippo cap.

He opened the door, fully expecting Yugi to grin in his face at a hint well dropped. However, that did not happen. Instead, Yugi was lying on his bed with a thick book before him, and the little one was singing as he read. So engrossed with the book was he that he did not even turn to smile at his boyfriend like he always did whenever he saw Yami.

"Yugi?"

No reply.

Yami sat down on the bed, and with a single fluid move, plucked Yugi from where he was and dropped him into his laps. That definitely got Yugi's undivided attention.

"Yami! When did you get back?" he asked, surprise clearly etched on his face.

The older teen ruffled Yugi's bangs playfully, loving it when his hikari squirmed and tried to get away; he made the cutest sounds when he did that.

"Just. But you were so captivated by your book you didn't even notice. I'm hurt, hikari!" he replied dramatically, placing a hand on his heart as though it were bleeding.

Yugi chuckled at the other's antics. Taking Yami's hand into his own, he snuggled into the warm and perfectly chiseled chest of his lover. Rubbing Yami's hand gently as though handling a precious jewel, he answered, "Feeling any better now?"

In retaliation, Yami swooped in for a kiss. Taking advantage of Yugi's surprised state, he pushed his tongue into the warm cavern, memorizing every single crevice all over again. Sliding a hand over Yugi's inner thigh in sweet caress, he felt his lover gasp and moan into their kiss. He smirked inwardly; although the hikari seldom initiated such intimate acts, he was actually rather enthusiastic once they got started. Slowly, he coaxed their tongues into an intricate waltz that left them both panting when they finally broke apart.

"Loads better," the ex-pharaoh whispered breathlessly, the smirk never leaving his face.

Just as he expected, his lover did not reply. Instead, Yugi chose to bury his face in his chest, probably to hide the blush that had no doubt blossomed. He was just so very shy.

Even though he loved it when Yugi blushed, Yami wondered if there was anything he could do to make his lover be more open to intimate acts with himself. Even after a courtship of a few months (which he thought was really long, considering the fact that his concubines used to fall all over themselves just to get a kiss from him back then), he was still shying away from him sometimes. For once, Yami thought, he would be ecstatic if his aibou initiated a French kiss. Or even just a longer kiss than usual when they were out of the house.

For a moment, the lovers just sat there and basked in each other's presence. That is, until Yami remembered why he had entered the room in the first place.

"Yugi?"

The hikari finally looked up, making a soft sound to indicate that he had heard the question.

"What was that song you were singing earlier?"

"Song?"

"The one where you said you wanted a hippo for Christmas."

"Oh. I was singing it out loud?"

Yugi looked rather embarrassed at that realization.

"Yup."

"Well, that's just a Christmas song. I heard it playing on the radio some time ago, and I guess it just got stuck in my head. I had no idea I was singing…"

Oh, so that was a real Christmas song, and not a song his lover had made up. That would mean that it probably wasn't a hint of any sorts for his Christmas present then. However, Yami decided that he would ask to make sure. After all, assuming never did anything good for his health. But first, as Yami had discovered after being the little one's lover for so long, it was easier to get answers out of Yugi when he was flustered.

"Good for me then. You know I love to hear your voice. Your voice sounds like the angel's chorus…"

The hikari blushed harder, just as he expected.

"Don't… don't be silly! How do you know? I mean," – he laughed nervously – "you've never seen an angel, much less heard one…"

That was an opening for the best comeback line ever.

"But I have. You are the angel I've seen and heard," Yami replied lovingly, seriousness etched on his face. Then suddenly, his confidence seemed to crumple as he caressed Yugi's cheek with his hand. "Hikari, you're so beautiful and kind… Sometimes, I feel that you're an angel who'd lost his way and I wonder if God will take you back to heaven when he finally realizes that you're here with me…"

Yugi would have shrugged it off if it had been anybody else who'd said it; the sentence was just too mushy, too sappy, too sentimental to be real, he thought. But it was Yami who said it, and he knew that Yami never lied to him and would never do so.

Feeling his heart swell, he pressed their foreheads together and wrapped his arms around Yami's nape.

"If that really happens, then I'll ask him to let you come along," he whispered his answer, offering his lover a tender smile.

"And if he doesn't allow me to go with you? I'm not an angel like you are."

"Then I won't go. I won't go unless you're going with me. And if I'm an angel, then so are you. We're partners in everything, remember?"

Feeling the need to reassure his lover, Yugi pressed a chaste kiss to Yami's lips. When they broke apart, Yami was returning his smile.

"Thank you, aibou. You know how much I love you, don't you?"

"If you know how much I love you, then yes," Yugi replied without hesitation.

Smirking, Yami lowered his lover into their bed and lay down beside him, letting their bodies be pulled flush against each other's.

"Sing for me again, aibou? I want to fall asleep to an angel's serenade."

Despite his blush, Yugi complied. As he begun singing the first verse of the song, Yami interrupted him.

"Little one, are you sure you want a hippo for Christmas? It's kinda big, and I won't like it if it tries to get into our bed…" he trailed off teasingly, waiting for an answer.

Yugi laughed, and rolled over to flip himself onto his lover's chest.

"Yami! It's just a song! I don't want a real hippo either!"

"A hippo plushie then?"

"Well, I've got my arms full with a big Yami plushie in my bed every night…"

"A hippo cap?"

"A what? Hypocrite?"

"No, a hippo cap: a cap that looks like a hippo."

"What makes you think I can wear a cap with my hair? Correction, /our/ hair."

"That's true," Yami replied thoughtfully. Then he noticed that Yugi was straddling his hips.

Yugi frowned when he saw the mischievous gleam in his lover's eyes. The last time it appeared, Yugi had found himself pinned to the bed for the longest time…

…like he was now.

"Yami!"

"Bwa ha ha! You can't escape me, hikari!"

"Ya- mmmph!"

Yami closed the door to their room, heaving a loud sigh. Not that he was upset or anything; oh in fact, it was anything but that. He smirked, looking very much like the cat that had polished off several bowls of cream /and/ gotten the canary in its mouth. In fact, if he just opened his mouth, feathers were likely to come spewing out. Adjusting his neck buckle and making sure that his clothes were neat, Yami made his way down the stairs, whistling all the way. He had, after all, promised Sugoroku jii-san - no, scratch that - jii-chan that he would help with dinner tonight. And Yugi could use that time to catch his breath and recuperate for the moment, and maybe even take a nice shower and wash his clothes and the bed sheets.

Mentally, he calculated the latest scores: Yugi seventeen, Yami two. Oh, he was going to turn the situation around soon, if he got his way.

The more important thing at the moment was, however, preparing Yugi's Christmas present. Just earlier, he had commented on Yugi's angelic voice for the sake of throwing the hikari off guard so he could ask if he really wanted a hippo for Christmas. Yami didn't expect that realization would dawn on him; didn't expect that he would suddenly realize just how wonderful his lover was and how much he feared losing him.

He felt a newfound determination burning within him. Yugi would get the best Christmas present ever, even if it meant emptying his pockets.

-tbc-

Note: If you liked this fic, try reading my other fics, especially 'Tears of the Phoenix'. I think I posted that at a bad time... /sobs/