Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ A Hippopotamus for Christmas ❯ A Hippopotamus for Christmas ( Prologue )

A Hippopotamus for Christmas…

Ns: I was listening to the radio when this song came on and the idea for a fic hit me. Or maybe Luna Morte did. I'm not quite sure. It's Heero and Duo's first Christmas and Heero has a quandary… ^_^ Thanks to Cat for helping edit, and DA and Liz for listening to my pratter when I got stuck.

Warnings: Yaoi, Lime I think, OOC, And some trees are a bit dry….Thank them for their donations!

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 5xOC

'blah'-thoughts

"blah"-speech

<blah>-little voice that talks back.

'blah'-sub-thoughts(the fragments)

****

blah-flashbacks

****

*~*~*~*-scene change

'Christmas is only a four days away! I have to decide what to get Duo, but I can't pick anything! And this is our first one together. I will not ruin it!' <Why not ask him?> "Because then he'll know what I'm getting him!' <Not if you ask him while he's cooking. Remember last time?> He thought back to the last time he'd made the mistake of asking Duo a question while he was cooking.

****

Walking into the kitchen the wild-haired boy stepped behind his braided lover who stood at the stove making breakfast. Wrapping his arms about the other's waist he whispered in his ear. "Would you like to go to McGuires for dinner tonight?"{1}

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Love too." He smiled happily as he concentrated on flipping the eggs so the yolk didn't break. {2}

Later that day he'd went looking for the other boy and found him in the kitchen…laying out ingredients for cooking. "Duo."

"Yeah, Hee-chan?" He continued arranging the ingredients to his liking.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting ready to cook dinner. We gotta eat, don't we?" He grinned at his lover.

"But this morning, you agreed to me taking you out to dinner at McGuires. I asked before we ate breakfast."

"You did?" He looked to Heero, confusion written plainly on his features.

"Hai."

"Oh. I didn't hear you. Gomen."

"It's alright." Walking over to the violet-eyed youth he caressed his cheek tenderly. "What do you say we clean up and then go out?"

"Really? You still want to?" He leaned into the caress a bright smile adorning his face.

"Baka-koi. Of course." A smile tugged at his lips as he waited for his love's reaction to the odd endearment.

"Hey! Why am I the baka? You're the one who asked me while I was cooking!" He crossed his arms mock-glaring at his life-partner as he pouted.

"Why indeed?" Chuckling softly he kissed his love deeply, nibbling on his bottom lip as the kiss ended. "Too cute for your own good."

A cheeky grin and mischievous flash in violet eyes. "And don't I know it."

*****

'It's breakfast time, and his day to cook.' <Best to ask now then, don't you think?> 'Hn.' <Thought so.> Shaking his head, he smiled as he followed the delectable scent to the kitchen. Leaning against the doorframe he watched as Duo cooked while listening to some music on his headphones. He was beautiful, dancing to the music in the early morning light that shined through the full size window, the spatula his director's wand. 'I still can't believe he felt the same as I, but I'm glad he did. So very glad. Day to My Night. One of darkness and one of light. We once met in shadows. I…like that. I'll write it down later.' Sneaking silently behind his koi he caught him up in a morning embrace and was gifted with a sweet smile. "Morning love. What are you cooking?"

"Breakfast." Sparkling eyes dared him to play.

"Oh? And what is for breakfast? Dragon toes, perhaps?"

"No, but we will have chicken-egg omelets. "

"Then I'd best let you cook. No need to burn the food." Kissing him softly, he lingered for a moment with those sweet lips before stepping back and leaning against the counter. While waiting for Duo to become engrossed in his work he watched him, a habit he could never get enough of. 'Never touching, only watching. Never speaking the heart's dreams.' Seeing the other boy was once more focused on his omelets he posed his question. "Duo, what do you want for Christmas?"

Never looking up the other sang his answer. "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!"

Startled by the answer, he asked again. "Are you sure?"

Still watching his omelets Duo once more sang his answer. "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas."

'If that's what he wants, then that is what I will get him. He will have a good Christmas. But where am I going to find a hippopotamus?' Shaking his head the confounded boy walked into the living room his gaze settling on the fur rug they'd bought to lay on in front of the fire. 'I remember that day. We wanted something special to share with each other. We lay there, always listening. Watching sleep send out her night's mares. Dark ones, bringing torments in peace.' Smiling at the memories of the nights they'd lay there, just snuggling as they watched the flames dance, he rested his hand on the arm and felt something hard under it. Upon inspection it turned out to be the Christmas card from Quatre and Trowa. 'That's it! Quatre has to know where I can find Duo's hippo.' Quickly he walked over to the vid-phone and dialed the other boy's number, his finger's drumming impatiently as it rang five times before it was picked up and a sleep mussed Quatre picked up the phone.

The blond yawned as he blinked sleepily at his friend. "Heero? What's wrong? Is Duo okay?"

Heero looked back towards the kitchen at the mention of his love's name. "He's fine. Just fixing breakfast. I'm trying to get him what he wants for Christmas and was wondering if you might know where I can find him a hippopotamus." He waited expectantly for his friend's answer.

Quatre blinked, not quite sure he'd heard the other boy right. "A hippopotamus?"

"Yes. That is what I said. And I'm sure. I asked twice."

"Asked? When did you ask, Heero?"

"While he was cooking breakfast and listening to music a few minutes ago."

A suspicion began to form in Quatre's mind. "A CD?"

A sharp nod from the ex-wing pilot.

"Ask him if he wouldn't prefer rhinoceroses instead." The light blue-eyed pilot hid his laughter. He could guess the answer.

Perplexed at the answer, but determined to make sure Duo got what he wanted he went to ask the other boy. "Duo, would you prefer rhinoceroses?"

"Nope." sang the violet-eyed beauty. "I only want hippopotamuses. Only a hippopotamus will dooo!"

"Hai." Nodding again he went to tell Quatre the answer. "He only wants hippopotamuses."

"Alright. Heero, are you sure this is what you want to get him?"

"Hai." He looked pleadingly at the other boy and said softly. "I want his Christmas to be perfect."

'He means it. He really does and he's willing to do anything to achieve it. I could tell him, but Duo will probably find the whole thing amusing and Heero as well, once he realizes he didn't fail of course.' "Alright. I'd try the toy stores and specialty shops on the old Light Moon St."

Smiling sincerely the relieved boy thanked his friend. "Thank you, Quatre. Merry Christmas to you and Trowa."

"And a Merry Christmas to you and Duo. See you later."

"Ja ne." Hanging up the phone he looked to the pictures of Duo. So lost in his memories he didn't realize his love had left the kitchen until strong arms embraced him from behind.

"Ready for breakfast, Koi?" Came the warm soothing voice of the longhaired boy who held his heart in his keeping.

Leaning into that warm embrace he smiled into his mate's laughing violet eyes. 'I'll look for it tomorrow. Today I want to spend with him. Each watching the other. Knowing true the silent screams that echoed. Till Night reached to cradle Day.' "Of course."

*~*~*~*

Later that night as they lay together in front of the fire skin to skin, he watched as the flames danced across the shiny globes that adorned their Christmas tree. Picking it out of the forest had been an adventure in and of itself.

****

Looking up from his examination of the fat Spruce in front of him, the longhaired boy smiled at his companion. "I like this one. What about you?"

Holding the saw lightly in one hand he leaned it against the tree before beginning to examine it from all angles. 'It has to be perfect…' He was just walking back to the front of the tree when something wet and cold caught him full in the face, musical laughter sounding not long after. Wiping the snow from his face, he was greeted with the flushed and laughing face of his mate.

"Got you!"

"Duo!!!" He tried to glare, but a grin lit up his face instead. Swooping he gathered a handful of snow and flung it at the other boy as he stood bent over with laughter.

When the snowball hit amazed amethyst eyes turned his way and he found himself lost in the moment, laughing freely.

Duo had tackled him happily, beginning a game of wrestle in the snow. They rolled about in the crisp whiteness, laughter ringing about them in the silent grove, until they had bumped into the trunk of a tree a good bit of distance from the one they'd seen earlier. Both found themselves sputtering as the tree dumped its heavy load of snow on top of them.

Smiling, Duo lay atop him, their limbs tangled as they caught their breath. He rested his chin on Heero's chest, nuzzling at the wet cloth. "What do you say we get this one, since it beat us at the snowball fight?"

He looked to the boy lying comfortably atop him, then reached out one hand to touch the trunk of the tree as he looked up through the thick branches that seemed to mix the day and night. 'It may not be perfect, but it's ours. Somehow.' Wrapping his arm's about his koi's waist he smiled. "Hai. This one is ours." 'And both found themselves in twilight.'

****

"We had fun today, love. Thank you." He whispered softly to the sleeping form cradled in his arms. Placing a kiss on the other's brow he pulled their horse coverlet over both of them and let sleep claim him. 'Day held close by Night As dreams took wing, and fear lay shattered. The truth in two pairs of eyes shone.'

*~*~*~*

'I have to find it! I've been searching for two days and I still haven't found it! Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I can't shop tomorrow! We're spending it with the others. What am I going to do?' <Calm down and think maybe?> He continued walking down Light Moon St., looking for any shop, which he hadn't been in that held anything resembling a toy. 'I am thinking.' With a sigh he leaned against the brick wall beside one of the shop windows. As he was turning his head to look down the street a flash of color caught his eye. Hanging in the window of the shop he was resting by was a necklace with a rather odd charm, odd by the fact he had never before seen one quite like it. On a silver braid-like chain hung two teardrops twined about each other. One of sparkling amethyst and the other of deepest blue. In a daze he walked into the store, whose worn wooden sign bore no other name, but Travellar, and asked the clerk about the necklace.

The kindly old man smiled and retrieved the necklace for him, laying it in his palm. "So, you like this one, do you?"

"Hai." He watched, mesmerized at the way the stones seemed almost alive.

"An odd one isn't it? Has an even odder tale to it. You see, the ones who make my jewelry for me had intended this to be two different tear gems, but they said no matter how they cut the stone these two colors clung to each other. Finally they gave up trying to separate them and just carved it as one pendant of two joined tears. E'en odder though is how everyone looking at it has always put it back, saying it wasn't theirs. So, what do you think, son. Is it yours?"

"Iie. It's ours. Mine and Duo's. How much?" He whispered, watching the light from the window dance across the surface of the entwined stones as memories danced in his mind's eye. 'Love now certain questioned both. And with the touch of Night's kiss to Day Curses imagined shriveled and became as dust.'

"So, you're Christmas Shopping for this person, Duo?"

"Hai. But I can't find what he wants. None of the shops have it. His Christmas has to be perfect."

Hearing the determination and love within that heartfelt declaration, he smiled gently. "Twenty."

Silently Heero paid him then watched as the man placed the necklace in cotton and wrapped it in a box.

Never looking up from securing the silver twined violet ribbon he spoke to the boy before him. "You know, son. I have a feeling his Christmas will be perfect, but not because of any gift."

"What do you mean?"

The older man just shook his head, smiling as he handed the boy his purchase. "A Merry Christmas to you and yours. I have no doubt it will be."

Still wondering what the gentleman had meant he accepted his package and walked out of the old brick building, never noticing that the shop he'd visited was no more. A farewell whisper on the wind all that was left. "Live by your heart…"

Looking about to see where the whisper had come from the ex-pilot saw no one, but the creeping shadows as the sun turned for bed. Holding the package close he found his car and left for Duo and home.

*~*~*~*

While taking his shoes off by the door he heard a shout from the living room.

"No! No! You idiot! Don't go in there! It's a trap! Noooooo!!"

Chuckling, he shook his head and walked quickly to their room and sat at his desk, resting the package on the upper corner to keep it safe. He could see the entwined gems with their dancing light in his mind's eye. 'And Love's flower bloomed in Twilight. A time of both bound as one.' Picking up his pen he set its tip to the blank sheet lying across his desk and wrote. Once the note was done he folded it neatly and tucked it under the ribbon. 'I hope he likes it.' With that final thought he left and joined his koi in watching whatever number of channels he'd chosen that night. Sitting next to him he wrapped one arm around the other boy's waist pulling him close.

Duo sighed happily and snuggled against Heero, resting his head on the other boy's shoulder as he wrapped one arm about his waist, fingers caressing through the cloth. "What have you been up to today?"

"Shopping."

"Oh? Buy me anything?"

"Hn."

"You did! I know it." Grinning slightly he nuzzled his koi's shoulder.

"Hmm. Maybe." He placed a gentle kiss atop the other's head, while resting one hand atop the adventuresome fingers, which had slid beneath his shirt to feather their caresses across his stomach. Idly he traced a pattern across the silken skin before bringing his hand up and raising Duo's chin enough to kiss him.

Sighing happily, the amethyst-eyed young man parted his lips in silent permission.

Moaning, Heero deepened the kiss, burying one hand in the base of Duo's plait.

Purring in the back of his throat, Duo teasingly caressed his koi's tongue, inviting him to a game of chase.

Leaning back the wild-haired boy fell into the pillows that adorned their couch, pulling the other with him as clothes were shed and the simple play lead down a path well traveled by them to their world where passion and love ruled side by side.

*~*~*~*

Waking to the caress of the early morning light that shown through the window, Heero looked to his love and watched as the ghostly winter light played across his face, accenting the elegant cheekbones and painting shadows across his closed eyes. A smile played across the ex-pilot's face as his longhaired companion turned on his side burying his face against Heero's chest to escape the morning light. Smiling, Heero lightly kissed the top of his koi's head before settling down to sleep the morning away, contentment easing his way back to sleep's oblivion.

Hours later, night-blue eyes opened to find themselves gazing into amused amethyst.

"Afternoon Hee-chan. I would have thought you'd be up before now."

"I was. Time?"

"About two hours till we have to leave for Quats. Think they'll like what we got them?"

"I certainly hope so. It took long enough to pick them out."

"Come on, you were the one who refused to leave the store."

"Hn."

"Hn yourself. Now off me, so we can get ready." Grinning, Duo shoved playfully at his koi.

Sighing he got up and waited for Duo to finish his stretch before he rose, his eyes roving over the other's lithe body as he extended his limbs cat-like, the movements liquid grace.

An amused voice interrupted his musings. "Enjoying the show?"

"Hm. Maybe."

"Maybe!?" In one fluid motion he stood, the blankets falling to the ground and pooling around his feet as his hair swirled about him in a storm of chestnut locks. "Just for that I get the shower first!"

"Really? I would have thought with all this time…we'd share." A mischievous grin, rarely seen, but more so than in the war, tugged at his lips.

Duo crossed his arms over his chest, his head turned to the side as he thought this over. "Depends. Are you gonna wash my hair for me?"

"I think I can manage that."

Musical laughter danced through the air as he ran for the bathroom calling back, "Race ya there, Heero!"

Deep chuckles shook the air, blending with the other's music as Heero chased after his love.

*~*~*~*

Upon hearing the doorbell ring nearly an hour after the party had begun, Quatre answered it to find Heero and Duo outside the door. Both were dressed in identical sweatshirts with chibi elves and reindeer having a snow fight that spelled the words Merry Christmas across the shirt. Warm chuckles escaped his lips as he waved his hand for them to come in. "Nice outfits."

"Thanks, Q-man! Sorry we're late." He glanced at Heero, grinning. "We got a bit…preoccupied."

"Don't worry about it. We've kept ourselves busy while we waited. Come, join us in the living room. Wufei brought Larak."

A delighted smile spread across the braided-boys face. "Really? We finally get to meet this Larak we've heard so much about? Cool! C'mon Heero! Let's go!"

Heero shook his head, smiling as he was dragged to the living room by his companion, Quatre following at a more sedate pace. He had to admit, though, that he too was curious about this person who had managed to capture their friend's heart so completely.

As they neared the living room voices floated down the hall. Heero recognized all but the warm rich voice, which formed each syllable as if it were a note in a song. Then Duo barreled through the doorway of the living room and he found himself watching the three occupants discussing the attributes of a wooden flute Trowa was cradling in his lap. A shout from Duo called his attention back to the form of his love.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS! Long time no see, guys. I take it the one I don't know is Larak?"

Amused ebony eyes looked first to Duo then turned their gaze to Heero as Wufei smiled in welcome at the pair. "Yes, Duo, this is Larak." A wave of joined hands to the man beside him.

Duo turned his head to the side looking the other man over as he tapped his chin with one finger. "Hmm…"

Heero, keeping his hand in Duo's turned his attention back to the other as well. Wing-like eyebrows guarded amused silver eyes with small smile creases at their edge, while the finely boned face was framed by honey-brown hair that brushed slightly below the shoulders. The young man was wearing formfitting white-blue jeans with a soft pearl-gray silk shirt that accented his tall slender form.

He smiled patiently as he waited for the two to finish their scrutiny of him. "Well?"

Heero nodded as he tugged Duo over to the couch and sat down. "Nice to meet you. I'm Heero."

Duo grinned at the other man as he settled in next to Heero. "Nice duds."

"Good to finally meet both you and Duo, Heero." He smiled wryly. "My sister picked them out. She presented it as an early Christmas present. Though it is rather comfortable."

The braided American chuckled warmly. "She has good taste. So, how you and Wu doing?"

"We're fine Duo, and it's Wufei."

"Sure thing, Wu-man."

Trying not to laugh as the two bantered back and forth Heero decided to intervene. "Duo, leave him be for one afternoon."

Laughing violet eyes met his. "Do I have to?"

"Doesn't it say in that song, "you'd better be good"?"

"Hmm. Alright, then. I guess one afternoon won't hurt. Can't do more than that though. He needs someone to keep him sharp."

Laughing softly Larak placed a quick kiss on his koi's nose. "No worries then. I have a good many names for him. Some just aren't appropriate out of the bedroom, are they 'Fei-bear?"

Duo looked at the young man, then collapsed against Heero laughing loudly. "Hold tight to him, Wufei. He's a good one."

"I intend to, Maxwell. Now stop laughing at me and tell us how you two have been."

Heero wrapped one arm about his love as Duo began to tell what they'd been up to lately. Occasionally he spoke up to add to what his koi said, but he found himself mostly content with listening to Duo treat their time together over the past few weeks as a fabulous tale. 'One, which I hope never ends.'

As the night passed he found himself relaxing into the whirl of companionable talk and laughter with his old friends and the new. 'Before I never relaxed like this. I held myself apart. And this is what I missed. I am glad to finally have it.' Smiling easier than before, he settled back to the game of scrabble they'd begun an hour before, which Duo was currently winning.

*~*~*~*

One arm wrapped around his longhaired lover, Heero fumbled the key into the lock, pushing the door open.

Yawning widely, Duo snuggled against the other man. "Have fun?"

"Hai. I did."

"Good." Another yawn. "Now lets go to bed. And Heero?"

"Hai?"

"You're cooking tomorrow."

Chuckling, he answered softly. "Of course."

Together they stumbled to their room, collapsing onto the bed where they fell asleep, each held in the other's embrace.

*~*~*~*

A light shove on his shoulder broke through the peace of sleep the next morning. With a grunt he turned away from what had pushed him, trying to fall back into the peace, which was shattered a moment later.

"Heero! Get up!"

He groaned trying to bury back under the pillows and mumbled. "It's too early."

It's CHRISTMAS! It's never to early on Christmas, so get up, already!"

"Christmas," he repeated groggily. 'Duo's present!' Without warning he jumped up, knocking the figure crouched over him onto the floor.

The sprawled figure crossed his arms over his chest. "What was that for?"

"Sorry. Just realized what day it was." He grasped Duo's hand.

Using Heero as leverage, he pulled himself off the floor. "And that excited you, because?"

Heero looked down at their joined hands, brushing his thumb across Duo's. "I got you something, but I'm not sure if you'll like it, because it's not what you wanted."

Confused he gently raised Heero's chin till they were eye to eye. "How do you mean?"

"I couldn't figure out what to get you, so I asked while you were cooking…" He smiled wryly.
Turning his head to the side, Duo smiled back. "Well, that makes sense." His smile changed to a broad grin. "Now, what'd you get me?"

Shaking his head slightly, Heero reached under the bed taking the small package from its hiding place and handed it to Duo, then settled down to wait. One thing he had learned was that Duo liked to take his own sweet time when it came to unwrapping presents. He watched as the other gently cradled the box in his hands, touching the ribbon and perfectly creased edges, then turned those strong fingers to touch, then remove and open the plain white note and read what it held inside.

Day to My Night.

One of darkness and one of light.

We once met in shadows

Never touching, only watching.

Never speaking the heart's dreams

We lay there, always listening.

Watching sleep send out her night's mares.

Dark ones, bringing torments in peace

Each watches the other.

Knowing true the silent screams that echoed.

Till Night reached to cradle Day.

And both found themselves in twilight

Day held close by Night

As dreams took wing, and fear lay shattered.

The truth in two pairs of eyes shone

Love now certain questioned both.

And with the touch of Night's kiss to Day

Curses imagined shriveled and became as dust.

And Love's flower bloomed in Twilight.

A time of both bound as one

Merry Christmas, my Duo. You are the other half of my soul, or as you're favorite author says, my shay 'kreth 'ashke,{3}

Heero.

"Y-you wrote that?" He whispered hoarsely, moving to sit beside Heero.

"Hai." One arm reached around pulling Duo close as he leaned against him.

Leaning into the embrace, he hugged Heero tightly. "Thank you. I love it."

Pleased that Duo was happy he kissed the warm shell of his ear, till the sight of the unopened box resting in his koi's lap gained his attention. Chuckling, he whispered in the other's ear "Baka-koi. That's your note, not your present."

"Oh, yeah." Sheepishly he fingered the box for a moment, then reached into a pocket of his housecoat and pulled out a small box, on which someone had painted a storm of black and white feathers. This box he handed to Heero. "Here, let's open them together."

Taking the box in his hand, Heero realized it was wood and amongst the storm there was some engraving painted with silver ink.

Two made as one,

To live as two,

Together always whole.

"You painted this?" Heero looked to the young man beside him. He'd known Duo loved to draw landscapes, but he hadn't known he could paint in such detail.

"Yeah." A pleased smile adorned his face. "Aren't you going to open it?"

"You said we would open them together. You must first remove the ribbon, and then the paper."

Grinning, Duo shook his head as he turned to his present, slipping the ribbon off with a firm touch, then neatly slitting the tape and undoing the paper till all that was left was the plain white box. Looking over at Heero, he removed the top to see the teardrop pendant nestled in its protective cotton. Stunned he touched it lightly with one finger before cradling it in the palm of his hand. "You know Heero, you're right. I don't like it…"

Heero tensed, ready to apologize for the present. 'I failed. I should have kept searching!'

Duo turned pulling the tense young man into a strong hug. "I love it. What gave you the idea I wouldn't?"

Somewhat stunned by the sudden hug he slowly returned it. "It's okay?"

"Okay? How could it not be! It's wonderful gift. Between this and the verse, what more could I ask for?

A relieved sigh escaped his lips as he returned the hug. He asked as an afterthought. "A hippopotamus?"

"Huh? Why would I want that?"

"That's what you said you wanted when I asked you."

"Alright. What exactly was I doing?"

"Cooking breakfast while listening to your portable CD player."

"Okay. Now what exactly did you ask?"

"Duo, what do you want for Christmas. And you sang, 'I want a hippopotamus.'"

"I did, did I?"

"Yes. Then when I talked to Quatre he told me to ask if you would not like a rhinoceros instead. You sang, 'Only a hippopotamus will do.'"

"Ummm, Heero. I really hate to tell you this, or maybe I don't, but anyway…" The sight of the unopened box in Heero's lap interrupted him. "Hey! You didn't open yours!"

"I know. I was waiting to see if you liked yours. Now, what were you going to tell me?"

"Uh uh. Not until you open yours." With that said he crossed his arm, the pendant grasped within his hand, its silver chain hanging free.

Acknowledging the stubborn set of his love's jaw he turned his attention to the box and released the simple clasp. Raising the lid he gazed upon the object which shown brightly in the early morning light. Nestled within the silk padding of the box was a small silver medallion. Carved upon its surface were two Pegasus in flight, their wings and forms touching and blending as they flew side by side on their sky of silver. He touched it lightly, then picked it up from its silken cradle and let it spin upon its chain, carrying its occupants in a dizzying flight. Smiling he stopped its flight and undid the clasp, intending to put it on. A whispered plea stopped him.

"May I?"

Nodding he passed the medallion to his koi and turned so that Duo could fasten the clasp. A feather light kiss caressed his neck as the cool metal of the chain settled against his skin. "Thank you, Duo" he whispered. He could think of nothing else to say to this elegant young man who returned his love equally.

"Always welcome." Sighing he wrapped his arms about Heero's waist.

Taking hold of the chain dangling from Duo's hand he tugged gently, waiting for the other to release it.

"Guess turnabout's fair play." Chuckling he released the pendant and Heero, then turned around waiting for with his back to the other.

Lifting the braid of his neck, Heero rested it over Duo's shoulder, then latched the clasp, being careful not to tangle it in the cross's chain. Pulling the braid back around he threaded his fingers through the thick mass at its base and began to massage the scalp beneath. "You going to tell me now?"

"Huh?" Dazedly he looked back at Heero through pleasure slitted eyes.

Heero chuckled, shaking his head. 'The delight of knowing exactly what to do. He never could resist having his hair played with, especially if it came with a massage.' "What you hated to tell me at first, then decided you didn't hate to tell me."

"Oh. That. Well, you see I was listening to a cd Q had given to me. I had one of the songs on repeat. The song was called "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."{4}"

Heero looked down at the young man lying limply against his hands. " And that's why…Baka-koi! You had me searching all over town for something you didn't even want!"

He crossed his arms indignantly, while managing to grin infuriatingly at the same time. "Hey! Why am I the baka? You're the one who asked while I was cooking. You know I never pay attention while I'm cooking!"

"That's why I ask then."

He shook his head, mock sadly, while his grin grew wider, if possible. "You'll never learn, will ya, koi?"

"Hn." He continued massaging as a comfortable silence settled, but before it'd barely been born it was shattered.

"Hey Heero? Can I have a rhinoceros for Christmas next year?"

"Baka-koi." He smiled as the other began his usual protest to the name. 'My Baka-koi.' He touched his lips to the other's, licking the soft lips, seeking entrance, then slipping inside that warm haven as entrance was granted, caressing and being caressed in return. An eternity and only a moment passed as they remained lost in the other. Breaking the kiss he lightly touched those sweet lips with his own and whispered, "You can have anything you want."

"Too bad I already have it then, ne?," he whispered back curling in the other's embrace.

"Guess so."

As they sat curled together snow began to fall and paint their first Christmas white.

Owari

{1} I have never been there, but I am going one day! I will hear their Celtic band! I will! I'll also eat, but the band is the important thing!

{2} I can't stand sunny side up eggs, but you don't have to concentrate to scramble them, so oh well.

{3} From Mercedes Lackey's book Magic's Pawn. Such a heartrending Trilogy, but very good! Basically means soul mate or soul bonded.

{4} I don't know what the exact title is.

Ns: It wrote itself. My fingers just did the work. I swear! I'd love to know what you thought though! ^_^_^