Disclaimer: All Yu-Gi-Oh! characters and references belong to their respective owners. All Charlie Brown and Peanuts ® characters belong to Charles M. Schulz and were used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
By
Hideki LaShae
Chapter Two
Jounouchi yawns as he sits down in his desk. He pulls an envelope from his bag and reaches into his desk. His eyes widen as he first feels and then pulls out a carefully wrapped box. He smiles when he recognizes the same white paper and red ribbon as yesterday.
Sapphire eyes sparkle in delight upon seeing Jounouchi lightly touch the present as if it contained his dreams inside.
Sensei enters the room at that moment so Jounouchi places the envelope and present together in his desk.
Once again, Jounouchi doesn't get the opportunity to open his gift until lunchtime as all his friends gather around him to eat. He pulls up the present and the envelope.
"Oh, did your 'someone special' give you a letter this time?" asks Anzu.
"No. This is from me," says Jounouchi putting the envelope back in his desk, "It's a 'thank you' to my Secret Santa for the gloves I got yesterday." He carefully unwraps his box and pulls out a heavy-knit red scarf. He wraps it around his neck with a grin. "It's so warm! I love it!"
Yugi lifts the tag from the paper and reads it aloud, "To Jounouchi Katsuya. With love, your Secret Santa."
"In case you're wondering, I didn't see who put it there," says Kaiba.
"Oh, well. He'll reveal himself in time," says Jounouchi, "When he thinks I'm most open to his advances… or when he thinks I'll let him fuck me senseless!"
Kaiba's cheeks tint pink slightly, but it doesn't appear that anyone notices.
Yugi smiles sweetly upon seeing the color on Kaiba's cheeks. "So, Jou. How long do you think it would take before that happens? And what would he have to give you to make it go faster?"
"He'd have to give me his real name," says Jounouchi, "before I would ever consider going that far. I'm not a slut who'll just spread his legs for anyone!"
"Good for you, Jounouchi," says Kaiba, "Maintain those morals. If your S.S. really cares about you, he will wait until you are ready before asking you for sex."
"I think so too," says Jounouchi pulling out his lunch and yawning.
"Are you okay, Jou? You seem really tired today," says Honda in between bites of his own lunch.
"I went home after putting the kids to bed, but I stayed up to write that note to my S.S. I didn't get much sleep after that," says Jounouchi.
"Here," says Kaiba passing Jounouchi a cup of warm tea, "It will help you wake up and give you a bit of energy."
Jounouchi blushes as he takes the cup from Kaiba. "Thank you."
"So, Kaiba, what are you doing for your project? You said you had to do it alone," says Yugi.
"It's something I do every year, but I don't want anyone to know that I do it," says Kaiba blushing slightly, "It's a secret."
"I thought you said being nice to me is your project," says Jounouchi draining the tea from the cup and passing it back. "Thanks. That was great! My insides are all warm and cozy now!"
"Being nice to you isn't part of my project. It's just something to do for fun, because I want to help you with your project this year," says Kaiba.
Jounouchi blushes and shoves a bite of food into his mouth to silence whatever thought was about to escape.
Kaiba smiles and continues to eat his food. "I'll give you all a ride to the orphanage this afternoon."
"I'm not going there," says Anzu, "I told Tadashi-san that I'd show up at his shop in person to go over the catering menu."
Kaiba nods.
"We need good food," says Jounouchi, "Just remember that, okay?"
"Don't worry, Jou. We won't let you down," says Anzu.
"I won't be needing a ride either. I brought my motorcycle so Ken and I can go down to the lumberyard and ask about wood for the props," says Honda.
"Let me know if you need my donation early to help pay for the expenses, Jounouchi," says Kaiba.
"I will, and I'll thank you for the ride this afternoon," says Jounouchi, "You coming too, Yugi?"
Yugi smiles and nods. "Yes, thank you."
Sensei enters the room, and everyone moves their desks back into alignment and takes their proper seat.
Jounouchi glances back at Kaiba with a smile.
"Jounouchi, why are you wearing a scarf?" asks Sensei.
"My neck was a bit cold," says Jounouchi taking the scarf off and putting it in the box to place in his desk once more.
"Thank you, Jounouchi," says Sensei before starting the lesson.
***
"Hello. This is Jounouchi-san from Domino City Orphanage. I'm calling to speak to you about the yearly Season of Love fundraiser," says Jounouchi into the phone as he brushes his hair.
Of course, Jounouchi-san. I wondered when I would hear from you.
"I'm sorry I didn't call earlier, but planning's been very hectic this year," says Jounouchi, "Please tell me that you haven't booked the hall for the twentieth or twenty-first!"
You're in luck. I saved those dates for you.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! And what about the fee?"
I'm waiving it, of course. You know me… Anything for the kids!
"I'll send you two tickets. This year we're doing 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'. The kids are really excited about it."
I can't wait to see it!
"Well, I have to get to class, so I'll call you if anything comes up, and you can call me if disaster strikes," says Jounouchi.
Will do.
Jounouchi hangs up the phone and pulls on his lightweight jacket over his sweater. He wraps the scarf around his neck and pulls on his gloves before grabbing his book bag. He checks to make sure his 'thank you' note resides in his bag before heading out the door into the frigid air. He walks as quickly as he can towards the school, and he arrives late to class.
"Forget to set your alarm again?" asks Sensei raising an eyebrow at Jounouchi's late appearance.
"I'm sorry that I'm late, Sensei. I was making arrangements for my final project that I couldn't do after school since the place I had to call would be closed then," says Jounouchi.
"Oh, really?" asks Sensei.
Jounouchi nods. "The Hall manager only works mornings."
"I will be calling him to confirm," says Sensei, "Now take your seat."
Jounouchi heads over to his desk and sits down. He immediately feels inside his desk, and he smiles when his fingers brush against another box and not an envelope. He doesn't notice the nearby brunet tucking the envelope further into his bag.
When lunchtime finally comes around, Jounouchi pulls out his gift and places the newest card in his desk. He reads the tag while his friends get situated around him. 'To Jounouchi Katsuya. Thanks are not necessary. Please don't lose any sleep over it. With love, your Secret Santa.'
"So what did you get today, Jou?" asks Honda. He notices the blank look on his best bud's face. "Jou? Are you okay?"
"He was listening to our conversation yesterday," says Jounouchi.
"Huh?" asks Anzu.
"Thanks are not necessary. Don't lose any sleep over it," reads Jounouchi, "He took the note I wrote for him, and he left me this message. He had to have heard us talking yesterday. There's no other way for him to know why I was tired."
Yugi glances over at Kaiba. "I'm sure he means no harm, Jou. So what's in the box today?"
Jounouchi opens his present and pulls out a red and black striped, heavy-knitted hat.
"It looks like he wants to keep you nice and warm, Jounouchi," says Kaiba.
"Oh, how romantic!" Anzu sighs.
"Huh?"
"He wants to keep you safe and warm until he can hold you in his arms," says Anzu, "It's really quite romantic!"
Jounouchi smiles. "Yes, it is!"
Kaiba's lips curve into a small smile.
Jounouchi pulls out his lunch and starts to eat. "So who do you guys think it could be?"
"Hmm… I wonder," says Yugi looking at Kaiba.
"You'd tell me if you saw him, right, Kaiba?"
"If I ever see anyone put something in your desk, I'll let you know," says Kaiba, "but I doubt I'll see him. He's probably very careful not to let anyone see him."
"You're right."
"Maybe it's a ninja!" exclaims Honda, "Using all his mad ninja skills to sneak in and out without being noticed! Or he could be using some sort of transformation jutsu to look like anybody! Maybe he turns into Kaiba, slips in, leaves the gift, and slips out before the real Kaiba shows up."
Anzu slaps the back of Honda's head. "This is not a manga, Honda!"
"That's jus too outrageous!" exclaims Jounouchi, but he turns his eyes to catch Kaiba's gaze. His heart starts racing, and his cheeks redden.
Kaiba smiles at Jounouchi.
Sensei walks into the classroom and approaches Jounouchi's desk. She places a folded piece of paper beside his unfinished lunch before walking up to her desk and sitting down with a book.
"What's that?" asks Kaiba.
Jounouchi opens the paper and reads it. "She called the hall to confirm that I spoke to him today, and she wants to know what time she should come by to help us set up and decorate this year. She started helping out last year."
"You mean to say that she assigned this project because of you?" asks Yugi, and he starts giggling.
"My grades slip because I haven't found that perfect balance between school, work, and studying like Kaiba," says Jounouchi.
"I don't study."
All eyes turn to Kaiba with a collective, "Huh?"
"I have a photographic memory with perfect recall," says Kaiba, "If I see it once, I can see it again whenever I want. I don't have to study. I just have to read the textbook."
"I don't know if that makes you more perfect or more human," says Jounouchi. He smiles and leans towards Kaiba to whisper, "I'm leaning more towards perfect."
Kaiba blushes and leans towards Jounouchi to whisper, "So am I."
"All right, class. Get ready for the next lesson," says Sensei.
***
The whole classroom is in an uproar when Jounouchi enters the next morning just as the bell rings. "What's going on?"
"That is a huge box!" exclaims Anzu pointing towards the back of the room.
"Jounouchi Katsuya! I highly doubt we'll get any work done until we all know what's in that box so why don't you read us the card and open it for us?" asks Sensei with a sigh.
Jounouchi walks over to his desk happily and pulls the tag off the large box. He reads it aloud, "To Jounouchi Katsuya. Your kind words have touched me more than you could ever know. Wear this well and stay warm until I can hold you in my arms. With love, your Secret Santa."
All the girls in class sigh and swoon, and a few of the boys make gagging sounds.
Jounouchi pulls off the red ribbon and removes the white paper. He opens the box and pulls out a long black leather trench coat with a red lining in just his size.
"Oh, wow! That looks so expensive!" exclaims Yugi.
"Okay, we all know what it is now," says Sensei, "Put it away, Jounouchi, and we'll get started with class."
Jounouchi puts the coat back in the box and moves it to the floor in the corner by Kaiba's desk. He smiles at Kaiba as he returns to his desk to sit down.
***
Jounouchi pulls out an energy drink and stands up. "Sorry, guys, but I have a lunch meeting. I'll see you in a few."
"Is that all you're having for lunch?" asks Kaiba looking at the drink.
"I spent the night at the orphanage again. Ken gave me this for breakfast," says Jounouchi, "Be back in a few!" He runs out of the room so fast that he doesn't hear Kaiba whisper, "Maybe I should just start bringing you lunch."
Jounouchi almost runs into the music teacher in the hall. "Oh, great! Just the person I was looking for!"
"Why would you be looking for me?"
"Have you heard about the Seasons of Love charity event for the Domino City Orphanage?" asks Jounouchi.
"Yes. My wife and I attend it every year," says the man, "Why?"
"I'm the organizer. Our play this year is 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and you know there's a scene in there where practically everybody's playing an instrument or dancing," says Jounouchi, "And I was seriously hoping that you would lend us some instruments as props."
"You want me to lend you instruments?"
"Yes, please? Only the baby grand would actually get played and we'd only need the instruments for two days," says Jounouchi.
"Who would be playing the piano?"
"Junior-high student Yoshi Reika. She plays piano beautifully!" exclaims Jounouchi.
"She'll have to audition with me for the right to play that piano," says the teacher, "I only let my best students play that one."
"Can you come by the orphanage this afternoon, or did you want me to bring her here?" asks Jounouchi.
"I'll come by the orphanage, and she can play me the piece from the play," says the man, "I'll let you borrow the others. Make a list of what you need and give it to me later."
"Oh, thank you! I'll give you that list tonight!" exclaims Jounouchi, "See you then!" He turns and hurries back to the classroom while drinking his beverage. He joins his friends at his desk.
Kaiba pushes his bento onto Jounouchi's desk. "You should really eat something. You'll need the added energy."
Jounouchi blushes. "Thank you."
Yugi glances between Jounouchi and Kaiba with a secretive smile.
Jounouchi eats his meal quickly. "Thanks, Kaiba. That was delicious!"
Kaiba blushes. "You're welcome."
***
The music teacher stands beside Jounouchi as they listen to Reika perform the music on the upright piano at the orphanage. He turns towards Jounouchi. "Promise me that Lucy won't be lying on top of the piano."
"Are you kidding? She's six! We'd never get her up there! She'll be leaning against the stool Reika's sitting on," says Jounouchi.
"When do you need the piano and the other instruments?" asks the teacher.
"December 20th for the dress rehearsal and the 21st for the actual performance," says Jounouchi passing the teacher a list of instruments.
"What time would you like me to deliver them to the hall?" asks the teacher.
"Thank you so much," says Jounouchi before starting to tell the teacher about the time line of activities on the twentieth so they can plan together.
***
"Yugi, Jou! Come and take a look! Grab your coats!" calls Kenichi from the back door of the orphanage.
Yugi and Jounouchi head to the front door to put on their coats and shoes. Then they head out the front door and walk around the building to the back.
Jounouchi wears his heavy black trench coat, hat, scarf, and gloves that were his gifts from his Secret Santa, and he also wears the watch, with a pre-set alarm so he won't be late for school, snow boots, and wool socks that he's also received from his Santa.
"Just one week until the dress rehearsal," says Yugi, "Time sure flies."
"Yeah, it does," says Jounouchi, "but I think we'll be ready."
"Okay, Ken, Honda. We're here," says Yugi as they step into a small storage shed.
"We still need to do the backdrops," says Honda, "but what do you think?"
"Snoopy's doghouse!" exclaims Yugi, and his eyes light up.
"Psychiatric help. Five cents," says Jounouchi reading the writing on another wooden prop. He looks around at everything and smiles. "Wow! I'm in a Peanuts' wonderland! Can the doghouse support my weight?"
"Maybe you shouldn't lie on top of it," says Honda.
Jounouchi nods. "Got it."
Thank you!" exclaims Yugi, "Will you have the backdrops ready in time?"
"Of course!" exclaims Kenichi, "Now let's get inside where it's warm!"
"You guys go ahead," says Jounouchi, "I need a moment…"
"Sure, whatever, Jou," says Honda throwing an arm over Kenichi's shoulder and walking back towards the house with him, making jokes and laughing all the way.
Yugi stands there watching Jounouchi look at all the props with a goofy-happy grin on his face.
Jounouchi turns around and blinks stupidly when he sees Yugi still there. "Come on, Yugi. Let's go inside."
"This is your dream play, isn't it?" asks Yugi, "This is the one you've always really wanted to do."
"Yeah. I have a special place in my heart for this one," says Jounouchi, "I love this story. I wanted it to be my final show. I'm going to technical college next year. I won't be able to do the fundraiser again. I need to turn over the reins to someone."
"Maybe Mokuba?"
Jounouchi nods. "He would do it."
"But you really don't want to give it up, do you? You like all this…"
"I don't want to give it up. The kids are great and it's so wonderful to help them. I really love doing this, but I can't make a living this way…"
"Jou, don't give it up. If you love it that much, we'll all help you find a way to keep doing it," says Yugi as they start to walk back towards the house, "Even Kaiba would help I'm sure."
"Kaiba…"
"What are you getting him for Christmas?"
Jounouchi blushes. "I want to get him something really nice this year… something that says 'make love to me' without screaming 'fuck me senseless'. I really would like to be his date to the New Year's Bash."
"So what are you getting him?" asks Yugi smiling.
"That's the thing, I have no idea," says Jounouchi, "I won't have time to go shopping until after the event. Maybe I'll find something nice when I go shopping."
"I'll help you," says Yugi as they head inside and start to take off their coats, "We can go out shopping and find him something."
"Thanks," says Jounouchi.
***
The morning of the 18th dawns on a city covered in white.
Jounouchi's watch starts to beep, and he rolls over onto something soft and squishy… and squirming.
"Jou! Get off!"
Jounouchi snaps awake and rolls off Yugi. "Sorry!"
Yugi sits up, and he yawns cutely. "What time is it?"
Jounouchi looks at his watch. "Five forty-five," he says turning off the alarm, "So it's time to get up and get you home so you can get ready for school. I'll just go as is."
"Okay," says Yugi with another yawn.
Jounouchi gets up and starts getting ready to leave the orphanage.
Yugi gets up and starts to get his coat on.
Once both boys are bundled up, they head out into the crisp morning air, and they hurry to the Kame Game Shop.
The phone is ringing when they arrive.
Yugi grabs the phone and pulls it to his ear, "Kame…"
Yugi! Is Jou with you?
"Yeah. Jou?"
Jounouchi takes the phone from Yugi. "Jou…"
Yugi starts up the stairs to his room while Jounouchi listens to the hysterical girl on the phone.
Jou! What are we going to do! There's a gas leak at the caterers! comes Anzu's frantic voice, The shop's on fire!
"What?" All the color drains from Jounouchi's face.
Turn the TV on! Gourmet Dream is up in flames!
Jounouchi scrambles to grab the TV remote, and he turns it on to the local news channel.
Local restaurant and catering company, Gourmet Dream, has gone up in flames this morning after employees reported a possible gas leak on the premises…
Jounouchi hits the power button. "Don't worry, Anzu. It's only the 18th. We can still figure something out. Grab everything you and Tadashi were talking about and bring it to school. We'll see if another catering company can fill in for us. We'll get food there on Saturday even if I have to make it myself! I know I'm not the greatest cook in the world, but with your help, we could make the meal if we need to!"
I'll bring all my notes, says Anzu, And I'll try not to be too panicked when I see you!
"See you." Jounouchi hangs up the phone. He lifts it again and quickly dials a number. "Seto? It's Jou. Can you swing by the Kame Game Shop on your way to school and pick me up? I need to see you!"
Will I be giving Yugi a lift as well?
"No. I know you get to school early, and he has chores," says Jounouchi, "Just me. Please?"
Okay, I'll be there soon, says Kaiba.
"Thanks," says Jounouchi before the line goes dead. He heads back into the kitchen after hanging up the phone. He grabs a small breakfast bar from the cabinet and leaves one out for Yugi. He eats while he waits for the limo to pull up outside. He hurries out to the curb as soon as he sees the limo pull onto the street.
The limo pulls to a stop, and the back door opens.
Jounouchi climbs into the back with Kaiba and closes the door.
"What's…"
Jounouchi hurls himself into Kaiba's chest and starts bawling.
"Going on?" finishes Kaiba wrapping his arms around Jounouchi's shoulders and back.
Jounouchi simply cries for most of the five-minute ride to the school. He finally pulls himself together and leans back in Kaiba's arms.
Kaiba wipes the tears and their tracks from Jounouchi's cheeks. "Do you feel like talking now? What's going on?"
Jounouchi takes a deep breath. "Thanks. I really needed a shoulder to cry on. The company that's supposed to be catering the fundraiser can't do it… I think. Their shop is on fire. Anzu saw it on the news and called me at the game shop. I turned on the TV and saw it for myself."
"So there's no food?"
"There will be. I just don't know what it'll be or where it's coming from yet," says Jounouchi. He sighs. "You told me that if I needed your donation early I could just ask."
"You need the money to pay for the food. I understand completely. Did you want a check or do you think cash would be better?"
"Cash. I won't have time to go by the bank," says Jounouchi as the limo stops at the school, "I put Anzu in charge of the food so we're probably going to skip afternoon classes to work out a new plan. I'll help her figure something out. Do you think that maybe I could talk your chef into helping cook something?"
"I don't have a chef," says Kaiba blushing.
"You don't have a chef? Huh? Then who does all your cooking? Who makes those lunches we've been eating?"
"Mokuba and I do our own cooking," says Kaiba, "I make breakfast and lunch… unless Mokuba wants something different. Then Mokuba either starts dinner or makes it completely, all depending on what time I'll be home. I always get there in time to eat with him, even if I can't help him make it. We're pretty self-reliant."
"Could I beg you to help cook if I need it?"
"Figure out what you and Anzu want to do. I'll get you the money this afternoon, and then we'll talk," says Kaiba.
"Thanks."
"Now let's get out of the car."
Jounouchi blushes and opens the door. He climbs out and waits for Kaiba. "Thanks again."
"Anything to help you," whispers Kaiba, "I'm going to the classroom."
"Okay. I'm going to the locker rooms for a quick shower," says Jounouchi reaching out and lightly patting Kaiba's arm before running off.
***
Jounouchi pulls out his present and replaces it with a thick envelope. He opens the box quickly, completely ignoring the fact that Sensei walks into the room. He pulls out a small angel pendant on a chain with a note that reads 'To guard over you when I cannot.'
Anzu runs into the class late looking very much a shambles.
"Mazaki, are you all right?" asks Sensei.
Jounouchi looks up at Anzu panting. He slips the chain over his head and tucks the angel beneath his clothes.
Anzu clutches several papers and a notebook to her chest. Her knees wobble, and she pants heavily trying to catch her breath. Her hair's wind-tousled, and her make-up's non-existent, which makes her puffy red eyes that much more noticeable.
"Mazaki?"
Anzu turns to look at Sensei. "I… I'm okay."
"Mazaki, please go to the bathroom and compose yourself," says Sensei, "Nosaka, will you please help her?"
"No!" exclaims Anzu, "Jou!"
"Anzu, will you just go with Miho for five minutes?" asks Jounouchi standing up and walking up to Anzu, "I'll take all your notes and look through them while you're getting prettied up. Then we'll head out together to go talk to caterers in person."
Anzu lets Jounouchi take the papers and books from her arms. "Okay."
Miho steps up to Anzu. "Come on, Anzu…"
Anzu slowly walks out with Miho.
"Jounouchi, what happened?" asks Sensei.
"I put Anzu in charge of catering for the charity fundraiser, and there was a gas leak at the caterers. They can't provide the food, and we have just a few days to get something else lined up," says Jounouchi, "She's not handling it well, I guess."
"When did you find out about the gas leak?" asks Sensei.
"This morning when the shop caught fire," says Jounouchi walking back to his desk, "Do you mind if we take the day off since we'll be working on our final project?"
"Only if Mazaki does not come to school looking like that again tomorrow," says Sensei.
Jounouchi nods and smiles. "Thanks."
"Now go wait for her in the hall," says Sensei.
Jounouchi packs everything into his bag and heads out into the hallway.
When Anzu and Miho step up in front of Jounouchi, Anzu's hair, make-up and clothing look impeccable.
"Wow, Miho, you do quick work! And those colors look good on Anzu. Thanks a lot!" exclaims Jounouchi.
"Welcome," says Miho heading back into the classroom.
"Okay, we're skipping class today," says Jounouchi, "Let's go to the orphanage, and we'll start planning. This is still doable, Anzu."
"It doesn't feel that way," says Anzu walking down the halls with Jounouchi.
"I'm not worried," says Jounouchi smiling.
"Really? It looks like you've been crying," says Anzu.
"I had a very sad dream. I woke up crying…"
"Oh, sorry."
Jounouchi and Anzu get their coats and outside shoes and head off to the orphanage together.
"So what we had wanted to eat for appetizers were a tomato and basil bruschetta, mushroom caps stuffed with crab meat, and a butternut squash soup. That would be followed by a spinach and artichoke salad," says Anzu, "First entrée would be glazed chicken with steamed carrots and saffron couscous with a shaved peppermint ice palate cleanser. Then the second entrée…"
"Damn, all this talk is making me hungry!"
Anzu giggles. "So the second entrée is roast beef tips with mashed potatoes and fresh baked biscuits. And it's followed by a trio of desserts… roasted chestnuts, apple crisp, and plum pudding."
"Wow. You were planning a lot of food," says Jounouchi as they reach the orphanage.
"Yeah. It would have been great…"
"It will still be great. I promise. We'll work it out."
"I never realized you were such an optimist," says Anzu smiling.
"I'm not. I'm just not going to let these kids down," says Jounouchi knocking before opening the door and entering.
Anzu follows Jounouchi in and closes the door before they start to peel off their winter wear, and they head into the living room.
"Joey's home!" exclaims Tami putting down the colored crayons she was drawing with.
"Shouldn't you two be in class, Jounouchi?" asks Grandmother coming in from the kitchen with a towel tied about her waist.
"We got permission from the school to ditch classes to work on a special assignment… the fundraiser. We have a bit of an upset to work around. Can we use your phone?" asks Jounouchi.
"Of course. What's the upset?"
"The caterers burned down," says Anzu.
"You call that 'a bit of an upset'? That is a disaster!" exclaims Grandmother, "The donors are expecting a meal!"
"And they'll have one if you let us use your phone," says Jounouchi sternly, "I need to make some calls and activate my plan B! There will be food, and if I have any say in the matter there will be damn fine food!"
"Language!" exclaims Grandmother.
"Come on, Anzu. We'll head into the office to work," says Jounouchi clutching his bag tightly and walking into the office.
"Nice seeing you again," says Anzu hurrying after Jounouchi. She closes the door behind her.
"You have your cell phone with you, right?" asks Jounouchi sitting down at the desk. He grabs the phone book and places it in front of him.
"Of course," says Anzu pulling out her phone.
"I'll call Tadashi and see if he can think of any way for him to still do it," says Jounouchi, "And you can start calling other catering companies to see if they could fit us in."
Anzu pulls a chair around to sit beside Jounouchi while she makes her calls.
***
"We need to re-evaluate our menu then. I'll cook. You can cook. Everyone can cook. We'll have Tami make the salad," says Jounouchi, "We'll go for good food that can be easily made. Let's get Grandmother's cookbooks!"
"Jounouchi, have you gone insane?" asks Anzu, "How are we to cook for so many people? How are we to pay for the food to make it with?"
"Kaiba's helping. He's coming by tonight to get me the cash, which he would have donated. So we have a ten thousand dollar shopping budget…"
"He's giving you that much in cash?" asks Anzu with wide eyes, "What is he? Crazy?"
"Anzu, go get the cookbooks from Grandmother!"
Anzu stands and hurries out of the office. She returns after ten minutes weighted down with books.
Jounouchi takes the top book once Anzu places them on the desk. "I'll look for appetizers. You start on soups and salads."
Anzu grabs a book and sits beside Jounouchi. She quickly flips to the soup and salad section. "Here's a recipe for a spinach salad. It looks easy enough that even Tami could do it… except maybe chopping the tomatoes."
"The printer is also a scanner and copier. Let's copy the recipe," says Jounouchi, "Bruschetta's back on the menu too. Whoever chops the tomatoes for that could cut them for the salad too." He takes his book to the copy machine and scans it for a copy before doing the same to Anzu's and showing her how.
Several hours later the menu is mostly planned.
"I still can't find an easy soup," says Anzu.
"And I have no idea what to do for a palate cleanser," says Jounouchi. He hears a knock on the door, and he sighs. "Come in, Grandmother. You don't have to knock."
The door opens, and Kaiba enters. "Grandmother? I'm insulted that you think I'm so old!"
"Kaiba! Man, am I glad to see you! Come take a look at our menu idea!" exclaims Jounouchi grabbing all the photocopied recipes, "We can't get another company to take us on so late, so we're doing it ourselves."
Kaiba flips through the stack of recipes. "You're trying to tempt me into skipping my appointment to come eat this food, aren't you?"
"It won't work, would it?" asks Jounouchi.
"I'm tempted. I'm really tempted, but I can't," says Kaiba.
"Oh, good! That means if we execute the food properly, then people will love the meal!" exclaims Jounouchi standing up and stretching.
"You still need a soup and a palate cleanser though, or a soup to be a palate cleanser," says Kaiba, "but you're really making me wish I could be there for it."
"We don't know what to do about either of those," says Anzu, "None of the soup recipes we can find would fit the Italian theme or work well as a cleanser. I just don't know what to do anymore."
Jounouchi's eyes plead with Kaiba. "Please tell me you have some sort of idea, Kaiba…"
Kaiba smiles. "Go simple for the palate cleanser. Ice cream. Just buy some ice cream and put it in a small dish using a cookie scoop. I believe Grandmother has one. If not, you can borrow mine, and I will make a tortellini soup for you."
"Really?" Jounouchi throws his arms around Kaiba's neck and kisses him quickly. "Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"I'll leave you two alone for a moment, and I'll go tell Grandmother about the menu," says Anzu blushing as she grabs the notebook she was taking notes on and hurrying out of the room.
Kaiba wraps his arms around Jounouchi's waist and holds him tenderly. "You're really doing an amazing job this year, Jounouchi. These problems are unfortunate, but you're handling it well. You are a wonder."
Jounouchi blushes. "Kaiba?"
"Is dinner normally served at the dress rehearsal?" asks Kaiba suddenly.
"Uh… we normally order pizza."
"Don't. Not this year. We should make the same food we want to serve at the fundraiser. It will be a dress rehearsal for the cooking too," says Kaiba, "So that we know if anything needs done differently… What cooking facilities will be available at the hall?"
"We'll have full access to the hall's kitchen facilities. We should have plenty of space to cook everything. I'm not worried about that. I'm just concerned about plating and serving," says Jounouchi smiling at Kaiba.
"Tomorrow in school, ask Sensei to make an announcement. Ask our classmates to serve during the fundraiser. They have that stupid project to do and helping you could be this task. Mazaki, Motou, and Grandmother could handle plating…"
"Yugi's director. He needs to be on stage, but Honda and Ken don't have parts in the play. I should be able to get by with only one to move props," says Jounouchi.
"No. You'll need them both for that and maybe more help cooking. Could you ask Sensei or Motou's grandfather?"
Jounouchi nods. "I'll ask them."
A loud knock sounds on the door before it creaks open. "Hey, are you decent in there?" calls Kenichi before opening the door wide to see the two teens in each other's arms, "Oh, good! You're both dressed!"
Jounouchi blushes but he doesn't remove his arms from around Kaiba's neck. "Why would we be undressed?"
"Well, Anzu said you were in here making out so I figured clothes would be flying sooner or later. I'm not stupid enough to think that Seto would stand to not feel his lover's flesh for long," says Kenichi.
Kaiba blushes.
"So what's the plan?"
"You need to go grocery shopping, Jounouchi. One store alone might not have enough food for the number of people we need to serve," says Kaiba, "Make up your shopping list quickly. I'll let you borrow the limo for your shopping trip and you can use my mansion's refrigerator to store it all. I have a commercial walk-in which should hold everything."
Jounouchi squeezes himself tighter to Kaiba, and he smiles when the arms around his waist tighten in response. "Thank you!"
"Come on, Seto. He can't work with you fucking his brains out," says Kenichi, "You can screw him later."
Kaiba smiles and slowly releases Jounouchi. "Maybe."
Jounouchi stares at Kaiba's lips for a moment before moving quickly away. He sits back down and grabs a notebook. "I don't like shopping you know, but since it's for food, I think I can manage."
"Good work, Jounouchi," says Kaiba walking out of the office with Kenichi.
Anzu peeks her head in. "Is it safe to come in now?"
"Get in here. We need to make a shopping list of things we'll need and how much we need," says Jounouchi.
"Yugi called his Grandpa to help us. Grandpa agreed to cook the chicken, spaghetti, breadsticks, and some cookies. Grandmother will make the bruschetta and cookies, and Tami will help her make the salad. I'll do the fried polenta. Kaiba's doing the soup. We're buying ice cream… What did you want to make?"
"I can do the rest. The recipe does say 'Easy Osso Buco,' and I can make all the tiramisu on Friday. We can just serve it slightly chilled. Who's making the cocoa?" asks Jounouchi.
"Grandmother and Grandpa."
"Okay. Let's make our list."
***
Jounouchi fingers the simple card from his Secret Santa with the message 'I will see you soon. May I kiss you then? With love, Your Secret Santa' written in Christmas green. He waits until Sensei makes all the announcements before raising his hand. "Sensei?"
"What is it, Jounouchi? A question already?"
"May I make an announcement?"
Sensei nods. "Please be brief."
Jounouchi stands and walks to the front of the room. He turns towards the class. "For my final project, I am hosting a charity fundraiser for the Domino City Orphanage. Due to unforeseeable circumstances with the catering company, my team will prepare the food as well, but I need servers. I can't have the kids from the orphanage serving when they're also the entertainment. I need volunteers, and I'll take anybody. One evening, and you'd be done your project. Plus, I will feed you! The same nine course meal everyone else will be eating…"
"Would we get to wear cute server uniforms?" asks Miho.
All the color drains from Jounouchi's face. "Uniforms?"
Anzu stands up quickly and turns towards Miho. "Unfortunately no. We want the servers to wear their school uniforms. It will provide unity without making the servers look stupid or too… you know."
Miho blushes. "Right. I'll help you, Jounouchi."
"Thank you, Miho," says Jounouchi.
Several more students agree to be servers.
"Okay. We need you all at the banquet hall at six so we can go over some procedures," says Jounouchi. He says a few more words before returning to his seat. He breathes a sigh of relief and looks back at Kaiba with a smile.
Kaiba smiles and whispers, "Nice work."
***
The alarm on Jounouchi's watch starts to beep, and Jounouchi sits up with a yawn to turn it off. He gently shakes Yugi and Honda awake. "Come on, guys. We've got to get up and go over to the hall."
"Okay," says Yugi sitting up.
Honda rolls over and groans.
Yugi trips over Honda as he gets up and makes his way to the bathroom.
Jounouchi gets up and kicks Honda in the shin on his way to the couch. He lightly shakes Anzu. "Come on. Wake up."
Anzu slowly opens her eyes. She yawns and sits up. "Morning."
"I hope you all like cereal," says Jounouchi. He looks over at Honda still sleeping on the floor. "Anzu, can you try to wake him? I'll go make us some cereal up."
"Thanks, Jou," says Anzu standing and stretching.
Jounouchi heads into the kitchen to make four bowls of warm cereal.
Within five minutes, the other three come in to eat before they get dressed up in their winter clothes to take the props to the banquet hall.
"Kaiba's bringing the food, right?" asks Anzu.
"Yes. He'll meet us there with the food for the Osso Buco. It needs to cook for several hours so we'll have to start it early," says Jounouchi, "Isono will be bringing the rest of the groceries by about ten. Mokuba's coming right after class with the costumes. The music teacher is coming by at two with the instruments. Apparently he's hired piano movers. Sensei's coming by after class, so are all the kids. Grandmother is bringing Tami over after lunch. There's a lot to do but if we keep to our schedule we'll be okay."
"Yeah, we will," says Anzu helping Yugi load the last prop, a pre-made stack of snowballs, into the back of the old truck that Kenichi managed to borrow for them.
"Okay, we're ready to go!" exclaims Yugi.
Jounouchi gets into the driver's seat, and the others squeeze into the cab with him. He drives them carefully to the banquet hall, and they proceed to unload everything and get it set up as well as they can.