I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. For those of us who have yet to see DSOD, early 2017 will be a fantastic time.

I am taking a couple of weeks off writing and hope to come up with some new story ideas in 2017

Let it Snow

Chapter 4

Back at their accommodation, everyone showered and changed, ready for the evening.

Wearing her cosy, pink flannel dressing gown, Anzu emerged from the bathroom to find Shizuka and the other two girls they were sharing the room with, giggling at something.

"Oh! He's so cute! Where did you get him?" One of the girls asked Shizuka.

Anzu was intrigued. "What is it?"

"Nothing!" Shizuka quickly hid whatever it was she was showing to the girls. Anzu furrowed her eyebrows when Shizuka grinned. "Here! I bought you a little present Anzu. I was going to wait until tomorrow but you may as well have it now!" She handed Anzu a small, neatly gift wrapped package.

"Shizuka! You shouldn't have! But, thank you." Her eyes went wide when she ripped off the gold wrapping paper, to find a small, soft toy. It took her a few moments to form any sort of response.

With a bemused expression, she held up the little man that was supposed to resemble Yugi. It was made of felt and had black, magenta and gold pointy hair and a large, happy face with big plumb coloured eyes. Compared to his oversized head, his body was tiny and was kitted out in the boys, Domino school uniform.

Anzu let out a surprised laugh. "Where did you find this?! Yugi will cringe when he sees it!"

"They were in a collectable memorabilia store, in Tokyo. You haven't seen them?!" Shizuka was surprised. Surely Yugi would be asked for his permission for the dolls to be sold!

"No! I don't think Yugi has either! Or, if he does know, he is keeping quiet."

"Then I wonder what Seto would say about this!" Shizuka pulled the little doll out from under her jumper, that she had hidden when Anzu came out of the bathroom.

Anzu let out a snicker. "Oh my god! That's hideous!"

"What?! I think he's gorgeous." Shizuka hugged the little Kaiba doll to her chest. It was exactly like the Yugi doll but with brown hair, blue eyes and a white coat and black trousers.

"You don't have a crush on Kaiba, do you, Shizuka?" Anzu teased.

"Of course not!" Shizuka's bright red face told a different story.

"Have you any idea of some of the awful things Kaiba has done? Your brother will be horrified!"

"Underneath that harsh exterior, is a gentle, soft soul," Shizuka pouted.

"Yeah, right," Anzu huffed. "Are we even thinking about the same person?" She shook her head in disbelief.

"Can we see your little Yugi doll?" One of the other girls pleaded.

Anzu showed her the doll.

"Can we cuddle him?" The other girl asked.

"No! He's mine," Anzu pouted, holding him against her chest.

"So, you like him?" Shizuka turned the teasing back on Anzu.

"Yes, he's cute.."

"As cute as the real thing?!" Shizuka giggled.

Now it was Anzu's turn to blush. "Not quite, but close."

"Are you going to sleep with him tonight?" One of thee other girls giggled.

"Maybe..." Anzu answered, coyly.

"I want my own Yugi! What is the address of the shop?" The other girl enquired.

Shizuka gave her a card with the shop's details on.

"Are you going to show him to Yugi?" Shizuka dared Anzu.

"Only if you promise to show your doll to Kaiba if we see him! I'm dying to see his reaction."

There was a knock on the door. It was Yugi. "Are you ready yet? Only we have to leave in ten minutes."

"Almost! We will meet you in the reception area." They hurriedly got dressed.

With the dolls hidden inside their thick winter coats, the girls set off to meet the boys.

::::::::::::

Much to their surprise, when they went to the office to report for their sleigh ride, Seto and Mokuba were there.

"Hmph! What are you lot doing here?" Seto growled.

"I suppose you're gonna tell us you own the sleighs too, rich boy!" Jonouchi replied sarcastically.

"No, but I still have the power to have all your tickets voided!"

"You can't do that! We paid for these tickets, fair and square!" Jonouchi waved his ticket in Seto's face.

With lightening reflexes, Seto snatched it from his hand and tore it in half. Smirking, he dropped it on the floor.

"Kaiba! That was a mean thing to do!" Yugi stepped forward with an angry expression. "Why did you do it?"

"You know why Yugi. Now, stay out of my way."

As quick as a flash, the other Yugi was in control. "How dare you Kaiba! Apologise to Jonouchi now! And replace his ticket!" His deep, commanding tone made Seto startle.

"Thanks Yuge, but I can fight my own battles." Jonouchi stood beside Yugi with a threatening expression. "You ain't gonna stop us, Kaiba!"

Honda stepped up to join them while Ryou stayed with the girls.

The four young men had a glaring contest until Mokuba intervened.

"Seto! Please, why can't we all be friends?" Mokuba gripped his brother's arm.

Seto backed down. "Fine, but on one condition, Mutt," he smirked. "Your sweet little sister gets to ride in my sleigh with Mokuba and myself." He looked smug.

"Over my dead body!" Jonouchi roared.

"That can be arranged," Seto retorted.

"Guys?! It's Christmas..." Ryou whined.

"Season of good will, and all that crap!" Mai added sardonically.

"Yeah, at least tolerate try and tolerate each other," Honda ordered.

"I don't think those two know how." Anzu folded her arms and glared at Seto and Jonouchi.

"Please...? Katsuya!" Shizuka pleaded, ignoring the tension between the two stubborn men. "I really want to ride with Seto and Mokuba."

Jonouchi looked like he was about to erupt like a volcano! However, for his sister's sake, he managed to contain himself. "Yeah," he growled. "But if you lay one finger on her?!"

"Don't worry, your sister will be safe," Seto sneered, dismissively.

::::::::::::

Each sleigh was built to seat six people; two in the front seat, two in the middle and two in the back. Cushions covered the seats and thick blankets were supplied to cover the occupants. Two sturdy horses pulled each sleigh.

However, not wishing to ride with other people, Seto and Mokuba had their own, single sleigh. If they snuggled up close, three people could fit onto the seat comfortably.

The men driving the sleighs made sure they were all safely seated before climbing aboard and geeing the horses into a steady trot.

Fighting his own disappointment at not being able to ride in the same sleigh as Shizuka, Honda was forced to ride in the front with Ryou, while Mai sat in the middle portion with Jonouchi – albeit reluctantly. However, everyone knew that her reluctance was just for show and that secretly, it was what she really wanted.

Regular Yugi was back in control and he and Anzu sat together in the rear of the sleigh. "This is romantic, isn't it Yugi?" Anzu snuggled closer to him under the blanket.

"This is your chance to show her how you feel Aibou. Place your arm around her and kiss her," the Pharaoh helpfully suggested.

Yugi could feel his face tingle and it was not because of the cold night air.

Pulling the blankets up around them, he slid his arm around her shoulders and gazed at her rosy cheeks. She looked so cute in her bright yellow woolly hat and matching scarf. He really wanted to kiss her but could not find the courage.

Aware of him gazing at her, she turned and looked at him, smiling softly, her lips slightly parted.

"Go on, kiss her.." The Pharaoh's words continued in Yugi's head. She appeared to be moving her face towards his.

Just as they were about to touch lips, Jonouchi turned around. "Meh, heh, I hope you two aren't getting up to anything naughty back there.. What are your hands doing under that blanket?" He snickered, spoiling their almost, moment.

They both snapped their heads in his direction. "We're good thanks Jonouchi." Yugi forced a grin. Anzu looked miffed.

"You stupid idiot!" Mai punched him. "What did you do that for?"

"Don't hit me Mai! Geez, what's wrong with you?"

"They were about to kiss, you moron," she hissed.

"They were?!" He gasped, eyes wide in amusement.

He was about to turn around again to tease them but Mai grabbed him in a head lock. "Do you have a single romantic bone in your body? Leave them alone," she seethed.

He could not stifle the snort of dirty laughter. "Yeah, I got one romantic bone."

"I give up..." Mai face palmed.

Jonouchi turned his teasing on Honda and Ryou instead. Honda threatened to punch him when they arrived at the mountain retreat.

::::::::::

After about twenty minutes, the sleighs pulled up at a picturesque, log cabin style building. As they approached, the women sighed in awe at the festive decorations. Tinsel and colourful lights sparkled, reflecting off the snow covered trees and buildings.

Yugi smiled and clasped Anzu's mitten covered hands in his gloved ones. "This is really awesome." And then to the Pharaoh. "Would you like to take over, Other Me?"

"No Aibou, I am fine just observing. I am not a fan of the cool air."

"O.. okay," Yugi felt bad for him, but at the same time relived that he had Anzu to himself.

"Please do not feel sorry for me. My pleasure comes from seeing all of my friends happy – even Kaiba!"

Yugi immediately looked over to where Seto was jumping down from his sleigh. Was he actually smiling?! Yugi and Anzu both watched in stunned silence as Seto extended his hand towards Shizuka. She smiled and thanked him, taking the hand offered as he helped her down from the sleigh. He then offered her his arm, which she readily accepted, sliding her arm through his.

Jonouchi stood up in his seat. "Get your filthy hands off my sister you..." He was about to leap off the sleigh and go and hit Seto, but Mai grabbed his arm and pulled him back down in his seat. "Quit harassing other couples who are showing each other some tenderness! Why don't you pay ME some attention for a change?!" She sounded hurt and angry.

"Mai?!" He looked at her, confused. "But I thought you hated me."

"That is just for show you moron!"

"Quit calling me a moron!"

"Well, you are! I like you..." she blushed. "A lot! There, I said it. Now do what you like? If you don't feel the same, get lost."

"B.. b... but!" He stuttered out. "I do like ya! But I thought you hated my guts!"

"Well, I don't, okay?!" She looked at him and smiled nervously.

Grinning, he threw his arms around her and planted a big smacker of a kiss on her lips.

There was a chorus of clapping and cheering from the occupants of all the other sleighs in the convoy.

Yugi followed Seto's example and helped Anzu down from the sleigh. She did not really need help but indulged herself in his gentlemanly behaviour.

Jonouchi jumped down from the sleigh without offering to help Mai.

Standing up, she coughed to get his attention. "Are you forgetting something?"

"Oh!" He bowed like an English gentleman and then held his arms out, grinning. "Come on then, Jump?!"

"You had better bloody catch me!" Smirking she leaped off and into his arms. They both fell into the snow, laughing.

::::::::::::

Inside, the bar was warm and snug. It was decorated with ornate wood carvings and traditional Japanese art. A stone fireplace contained a roaring log fire, sending out an inviting glow.

Once everyone in the party had found a seat, a waitresses came round with trays containing a traditional drink of warm sake (Kanzake).

"Are we allowed?" Ryou whispered. "Only, we're not old en..."

"Shhhh..." Honda nudged him and winked. "Of course we are."

Yugi scowled when the waitress arrived at their table and placed an orange juice in front of him. "What's this?!" Mokuba and Shizuka had also been served soft drinks.

"The Kanzake is only for the adults," she informed him.

"I can assure you I am an adult," he barked, banging his fist on the table.

Seto snickered. "You look like a kid though Yugi!"

"I'm sorry Sir!" The waitress looked embarrassed.

"I will have his Sake," Seto told her.

She bowed politely and placed two glasses in front of Seto. He then slid one across to Yugi, who was still sulking at being called a child. It was so embarrassing, especially in front of Anzu. "Thanks Kaiba," he mumbled.

Anzu took his hand. "It doesn't matter Yugi."

"It does to me," he muttered.

"Anyway!" Shizuka interjected. "Kanpai!" She raised her glass of orange juice.

"KANPAI!" Everyone raised their glasses, including Yugi, who had cheered up when Anzu had taken his hand.

::::::::::::

Although the first drink was included in the price of the trip, they had to purchase any further drinks.

"Maybe we should all chip into a kitty?" Jonouchi suggested. If he could afford to buy a round of drinks, he would have offered.

"It's okay. I would like to buy everyone a drink," Mai offered, gesturing the waitress over.

Apart from Mai, none of them were used to drinking alcohol and everyone was soon chatting away merrily.

Anzu was feeling quite giggly and decided that now was the time to show everyone the little Yugi doll that Shizuka had given her. "Isn't he cute?" She giggled, holding him against her face.

Yugi had never been so embarrassed in his life! "Anzu! Where did you get that?!"

"Shizuka gave him to me. Have you not seen them before?"

"How about... NO! I look nothing like that!"

"Awww... I think you look adorable, Aibou!" Feeling the effects of the two glasses of sake Yugi had consumed, the Pharaoh was having trouble containing his mirth.

"You're supposed to be on my side!"

With a couple of drinks inside him, Seto's cheeks were slightly flushed. He was also less inhibited and started laughing. "I think you look exactly like that Yugi. They got the arms and legs about the right length too!"

Yugi looked hurt at the mention of him having short legs.

"Just be thankful they ain't got a doll of you, Money bags!" Jonouchi stuck up for his friend.

"I would know if they did!" Seto rasped out between fits of laughter.

"Erm... Actually!" Shizuka pulled her doll out from inside her coat and held it up for everyone to see.

Seto's laughter turned to horror. "What the hell is that monstrosity?!"

"Yup! You got that right!" Jonouchi goaded.

"I have one of you too Katsuya!" Shizuka pulled another doll from her bag that was supposed to resemble her brother.

"Argh! I look like a Hobbit!"

Laughter filled the table.

"Please don't say there is one of me as well..." Mai groaned.

"No, sorry Mai. I didn't see one in the shop."

"Oh, maybe I'm not very popular then," Mai said sadly.

"You're my favourite Mai, and that's all that matters." Jonouchi put a comforting arm around her.

"Just be thankful that you don't have to face the same humiliation as us," Seto hissed.

"Can I have one of those Seto dolls?" Mokuba looked at his brother, pleadingly.

"Hmph! I will bankrupt them for not asking permission to produce them, and then I will confiscate their stock! You will be able to have as many as you wish Mokuba. Just keep them out of my sight!"

::::::::::::::

Clutching their little dolls, they all made their way back outside to where the sleighs were waiting to take them back into the town centre.

Smiling, Anzu snuggled up to Yugi, The little doll tucked between them under the blanket, with its head poking out.

"I'm really enjoying this Christmas," Yugi said happily.

"What about the other Yugi? Is he enjoying himself? Only he's been rather quiet," Anzu wondered.

"He's fine! He's right here, observing. I asked him if he wanted to take over but he claims he doesn't like the cold."

"Oh! Well, I guess that makes sense, coming from Egypt. Tell him happy Christmas."

"Hold on a moment," Yugi called to him through their link.

Anzu was not even aware of the switch until she heard his voice, so like Yugi's but slightly more mature and commanding. "Thank you Anzu. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you."

Anzu let out a little squeak of surprise, but smiled happily, snuggling herself into his body a little more. They would be going to the museum when they got home in a few days. She might not get many other opportunities to be this close to him.

The Pharaoh shivered at the sensation of cold air on his face. Deep inside his heart, a part of him yearned for the warmth of Egypt. As much as he wanted to stay with Yugi forever, he knew it was where he really belonged.

Knowing his time may be limited, he allowed himself to indulge in the warmth of Anzu's body, snuggled against him. It would not do any harm to enjoy the closeness of another person, especially Anzu.

As a spirit, he missed the physical contact that Yugi, his friends and all other people took for granted. To touch with his own hands, to kiss with his own lips, to make love with someone you yearned for...

As a Pharaoh, he guessed he would have had many women to choose from; a Queen even! What did she look like? Were they in love as he sensed Yugi was with Anzu? Or were they just doing their duty to produce an heir to the throne?

All these things happened three millennia ago and were lost to him. And even though it frightened him, he needed to know the truth about his past life... and death!

At the thought he might have to experience his death, he shuddered involuntarily.

"Are you okay Yugi?" Anzu lifted her head from his shoulder and looked at him.

"Yes, I am fine. It is just the cold air making me shiver." With that, he pulled the blankets up around them a little more and wrapped his arms around Anzu.

Inside his heart, he felt Aibou smiling. His memories could wait a little longer, right now, he was happy.

The End.

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