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Joey wandered through the bustling streets of Domino City, shoulders hunched against the cold December air, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets. His scowl was enough to deter any cheerful passerby from wishing him a happy holiday, not that Joey noticed. His mind was far too preoccupied with the annual torment of his life: buying Seto Kaiba a Christmas present.
To be fair, this wasn't a new problem. Every year, both Christmas and Seto’s birthday loomed over him like a duel he couldn’t possibly win. Small, everyday gifts were easy enough—a box of Seto’s favorite chocolates, a rare coffee blend Joey had stumbled across on his way home, or even that ridiculously overpriced bottle of wine Kaiba had offhandedly mentioned liking. Those were simple, no-pressure gestures, but when it came to big occasions? That was a whole other ballgame.
And here he was, two days before Christmas, with absolutely no idea what to get his boyfriend. He’d procrastinated, of course. Joey Wheeler was many things—passionate, loyal, maybe even a little reckless—but “prepared” was not one of them. He’d put off the whole ordeal until the very last minute because, honestly, the stress was almost too much to handle. What could you possibly buy for a man who had everything? And not just metaphorically—Seto Kaiba literally had everything. If he wanted something, he could snap his fingers, and it would appear faster than Joey could spell “Blue-Eyes White Dragon.”
Joey let out an audible groan, drawing a few curious glances from nearby shoppers. He trudged along, aimlessly weaving through the crowds as snowflakes began to drift lazily down from the sky. His thoughts drifted back to Seto’s birthday earlier that year. That gift had been a hit—a luxurious spa vacation for the two of them. They’d spent the weekend in a private retreat surrounded by hot springs, the kind of extravagant getaway Joey could only imagine splurging on for someone like Seto. It had been perfect. But could he repeat that? Not a chance. Joey shook his head at the thought. Giving the same gift twice a year was just plain lazy, and he wasn’t about to take the easy way out.
He’d even resorted to asking Mokuba for help, but the younger Kaiba had been just as stumped. If Mokuba didn’t have a clue, then Joey knew he was officially doomed. The one time he’d managed to surprise Seto had been a couple of years ago when he’d commissioned a hand-carved Blue-Eyes White Dragon statue, complete with Seto’s name engraved at the base. The look on Kaiba’s face when he’d unwrapped it had been priceless—a mixture of genuine surprise and something soft, something vulnerable. Joey grinned at the memory, but the grin quickly faded. That gift had set the bar too damn high. What was he supposed to do now?
He pushed open the door to yet another store, the bell jingling above his head. Inside, shelves were crammed with holiday trinkets and overpriced knick-knacks that screamed last-minute panic buys. Joey wandered aimlessly, hoping inspiration would strike, but nothing felt right. After a while, he left, empty-handed and more frustrated than ever.
Out on the sidewalk, Joey finally came to a stop and slumped down into a crouch, burying his face in his hands. His fingers tugged at his messy blonde hair in frustration, and he let out another groan, this one muffled by the sleeve of his jacket. Snowflakes melted as they landed on his flushed cheeks, but he didn’t care. The sounds of holiday cheer around him—the distant carolers, the jingling bells, the chatter of families—only made his mood worse.
“Why’s this so damn hard?” he muttered to himself, his voice thick with irritation. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew Seto would probably be happy with anything thoughtful, but that didn’t make it any easier. His boyfriend deserved the best, and Joey wasn’t about to settle for anything less.
But right now, slumped on the cold pavement with no ideas and no hope, Joey couldn’t help but wonder if this was one duel he was destined to lose.
Joey had reluctantly agreed to meet up with Yugi that afternoon, though he silently wished he’d managed to find the perfect gift for Seto before their catch-up. The idea of admitting defeat to his oldest friend wasn’t exactly appealing. Still, here he was, already seated at the cozy café with a drink that was far too complicated for its own good sitting in front of him.
Joey stared at the swirls of caramel drizzle and whipped cream on top of his latte, grumbling under his breath. He could practically hear Anzu’s laughter in the back of his mind, remembering how she’d roped him into trying these ridiculous Starbucks creations in the first place. Now, he was hooked, though he’d never admit it to her face.
The bell above the café door chimed, and Yugi walked in, unwinding his scarf as he scanned the room. As soon as his gaze landed on Joey, his expression softened into something halfway between sympathy and amusement. Yugi didn’t even need to ask. He could tell from Joey’s slouched shoulders and the frustrated frown tugging at his lips that the “quest for Seto’s gift” had been a disaster.
Sliding into the seat across from him, Yugi set his scarf beside him and leaned forward, his eyes filled with concern. “So, no luck?” he asked gently.
Joey groaned, letting his head drop into his hands. “No, Yugi, I’m outta ideas. I’m the worst boyfriend that ever existed.”
Yugi scratched at his temple, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “I don’t think that’s true. Kaiba’s just... well, you know. He’s not exactly the easiest person to shop for.”
Joey sighed heavily as Yugi flagged down the waitress and ordered a simple black coffee. His friend’s unbothered choice only deepened Joey’s frustration. “Yeah, tell me about it. But what am I supposed to do? I’ve already done personal gifts—lots of ‘em—over the years. I just... I am out of ideas, Yuge.”
Yugi stirred some sugar into his coffee before offering a tentative suggestion. “What about asking Kaiba what he wants? Maybe he’s got something in mind this time.”
Joey’s head shot up, and he let out a mockingly dramatic laugh, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, sure, Yugi, that’s genius! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll just ask Seto what he wants for Christmas. It’s not like I did and he says ‘nothing’ every single year or anything!”
Yugi blinked at him, caught off guard by the outburst, but he didn’t seem offended. Joey immediately deflated, slumping back down and rubbing his temples. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Didn’t mean to snap. I’m just... stressed, you know?”
Yugi chuckled softly, his voice warm and understanding. “No worries, Joey. I get it. But you know, the fact that you’re this stressed about it? That says a lot. It shows how much you care. Plenty of people would’ve just grabbed the first thing they saw and called it a day.”
Joey gave a humorless laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, probably but I still can’t show up empty-handed, Yugi. I’d rather drop dead on the spot than see the look on Seto’s face if I let him down.”
Yugi smiled faintly, taking a sip of his coffee. “You won’t let him down, Joey. I think you’re overthinking it. Whatever you come up with, it’ll mean something to him because it’s from you. Maybe instead of focusing on what you can’t get him, think about what he’d never expect. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that surprise us.”
Joey leaned back in his chair, Yugi’s words bouncing around in his head. For the first time that day, he felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a way to make this Christmas unforgettable.
Yugi and Joey spent the better part of an hour brainstorming in the café, throwing out ideas left and right, but nothing stuck. Joey would shoot down every suggestion—too impersonal, too cliché, too predictable—and Yugi, ever patient, kept trying. Eventually, with no real progress made, they decided to take a break and wander around the city. “Maybe we’ll stumble on something and get inspired,” Yugi had suggested, and Joey, desperate at this point, had agreed.
The streets were still lively despite the late afternoon chill, holiday lights strung between lampposts casting warm glows across the snow-dusted sidewalks. As they strolled, Yugi launched into a story about his dog, a small, energetic Great Pyrenees pup who had recently decided that chewing on Yami’s sneakers was his favorite pastime. Joey laughed at the mental image, hands stuffed in his pockets as he listened.
“Man, I can’t imagine you with a dog,” Joey said with a grin. “You’re too much of a neat freak.”
“Hey!” Yugi protested, though he was smiling. “I’m not that bad. Besides, he’s adorable. You can’t stay mad at him.”
Joey chuckled, and then, without thinking, added, “Seto would hate a dog but he loves cats. He’s always wanted one, you know.”
Yugi tilted his head, surprised. “Really? I didn’t know that. Why doesn’t he have one, then?”
Joey sighed, waving a hand dismissively. “You know how he is. Too stubborn for his own good. He’d probably overthink it, like, ‘What if the cat hates me? What if it destroys my office? What if it tries to eat Mokuba’s homework?’” Joey snorted. “The guy’s a genius, but when it comes to this kind of stuff, he needs a kick in the ass to make a decision.”
Yugi hummed thoughtfully. There was a moment of silence as they walked, the hum of the city filling the gap. Then Joey stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide.
“God damnit, Yugi,” Joey blurted, his voice full of sudden realization. “You just saved me.”
Before Yugi could even ask what he meant, Joey grabbed him in a bear hug so tight that the smaller man let out a startled laugh. “Joey—can’t—breathe!” Yugi wheezed.
Joey let him go, his face breaking into the first real grin he’d worn all day. “You’re a genius, Yugi. C’mon!” Without another word, Joey darted toward the pet store they’d just passed, dragging Yugi along with him.
Inside, the store was warm, the air filled with the soft sounds of animals. Joey glanced around, his eyes scanning the rows of enclosures and habitats. He walked past a row of puppies, birds, and even a few lizards before stopping suddenly.
“Whoa,” Joey murmured, stepping closer to a small enclosure near the back. Yugi followed and peered inside. A tiny kitten sat curled up on a soft blanket, her silver and white fur shimmering faintly under the warm light. Her coat was marked with a few black spots, and when she turned her head to look at them, Joey’s breath caught. One of her eyes was a bright, piercing blue, and the other was a striking shade of gold.
“She looks like a fusion,” Joey said softly, crouching down to get a better look. The kitten tilted her head curiously at him, her tail flicking behind her.
Yugi crouched beside him, smiling. “She’s adorable. I think she likes you already.”
Joey grinned, reaching a tentative hand toward the kitten, who sniffed his fingers before nuzzling them. “This is it,” Joey said, his voice filled with certainty. “This is perfect. She’s perfect.”
Joey glanced back at the kitten, who was now pawing at the glass, and smiled.
The owner of the shop, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile and a festive apron covered in paw prints, walked over to Joey as he continued to watch the kitten. “She’s a mix,” the woman said warmly. “But a very unique one, isn’t she? Sweet temperament, too. She’s been a favorite around here. Are you interested in taking her home?”
Yugi glanced at Joey, raising an eyebrow. “Are you really just gonna show up with a cat for Christmas? I mean... it’s kind of a bold move.”
Joey shrugged, looking back at the kitten as she pawed playfully at the glass. “Yugi, trust me, I’m 100% sure Seto wants a cat. He’s been dropping hints about it for years, even if he doesn’t realize it. Once she’s at our place, he’ll love her. No doubt about it.”
Yugi chuckled softly. “Well, then I guess she really is the perfect gift.”
Joey straightened up, his grin returning as he turned to the shop owner. “Can I buy her now but pick her up on Christmas Eve? I can’t exactly keep her at home without Seto finding out.”
The shop owner nodded. “We’ll be open on Christmas until 4 p.m., so you can come by anytime before then.”
“That’s perfect,” Joey said, relief washing over him. Finally, he had a plan—and a damn good one at that.
The woman smiled again, clearly pleased to see Joey so excited. “I can also prepare a small box of necessities for her—food, litter, a few toys, that sort of thing—if you’d like. Do you have any experience owning a cat?”
Joey scratched the back of his head, a sheepish grin crossing his face. “Uh, not really. I mean, I’ve been around cats before, but I’ve never had one myself. Seto’s probably read every book on the subject, though, knowing him.”
The shop owner chuckled. “Well, I’ll include some tips and a care guide in the box, just in case. Don’t worry, cats are pretty independent, and this little one seems like she’ll settle in quickly. She’s already used to people.”
Joey glanced back at the kitten, who had curled up on her blanket, her mismatched eyes still watching him with curiosity. “Yeah, she’ll fit right in,” he said, his voice softening. “Thank you. This is gonna make his Christmas.”
Yugi smiled beside him, nudging Joey lightly with his elbow. “I think you’ve finally got this whole gift thing figured out.”
It was a beautiful evening in their shared apartment, the faint aroma of their Christmas Eve dinner—a decadent, fancy meal Joey had insisted on helping prepare—still lingering in the air. The Christmas tree in the corner of the living room cast a warm glow, its lights reflecting off the delicate ornaments Joey had picked out earlier that month. Seto sat on the couch, his posture relaxed as he sipped a small espresso, the picture of composure. He had already given Joey his gift: a spot in an Italian cooking course Joey had been daydreaming about for months. It had been a thoughtful, if not slightly smug, gesture, and Joey had been grinning like a fool since he’d opened it.
Now, it was Joey’s turn. He sat across from Seto, fidgeting slightly. “Okay, so... I’ll go grab your present,” he said, standing up suddenly. “Just gimme a second.”
Seto raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by Joey’s theatrics. “I don’t see why you couldn’t have just brought it out with you earlier,” he remarked, his tone as dry as ever.
Joey waved him off as he made his way to his private room, a space he’d claimed when they first moved in together. Seto had his study, so it only seemed fair for Joey to have a room of his own—a place to store his gaming consoles, random collectibles, and whatever else Seto didn’t want cluttering up the rest of their home.
“Just stay there, and no peeking!” Joey called out from the hallway.
Seto rolled his eyes, taking another sip of his espresso. “Is all of this really necessary?”
“Please, babe, just close your eyes,” Joey called back, his voice edging on playful frustration.
With a sigh that seemed far too dramatic, Seto leaned back and reluctantly closed his eyes. “Fine. But if this turns out to be one of your idiotic pranks—”
“It’s not a prank! Geez, just trust me,” Joey huffed as he carefully re-entered the room. He paused for a moment to adjust the small bundle in his arms, feeling the kitten’s tiny paws kneading nervously against his chest. “Alright, now... open your hands.”
Seto groaned. “Joseph, I swear—”
“Pretty please?” Joey interrupted, his tone softening into something almost pleading. “Just... do it, okay?”
Seto finally relented, his long fingers uncurling and his hands settling palm-up in his lap. Joey carefully placed the kitten there, holding his breath as the tiny creature squirmed slightly before settling against Seto’s hands and legs.
Seto’s brow furrowed, his face the picture of skepticism as he slowly opened his eyes. At first, his expression was unreadable, his sharp gaze flicking down to the small, warm weight resting on him. The kitten blinked up at him, her mismatched eyes gleaming in the soft light of the room. She let out a soft, high-pitched meow, and something in Seto’s expression shifted.
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His fingers twitched slightly, as though he was unsure what to do. Then, tentatively, he moved one hand to gently stroke the kitten’s silver and white fur. She leaned into the touch immediately, purring quietly.
“It’s... a cat,” Seto said finally, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant.
Joey grinned, unable to help himself. “Well, yeah.”
Seto looked up at him, his sharp features softened by something Joey rarely saw—genuine surprise. “You bought me a cat?” he asked, as though trying to confirm it wasn’t some elaborate joke.
“Yeah,” Joey said, his grin faltering slightly as nervousness crept into his voice. “I mean, you’ve always said you wanted one, and I figured... well, you’d never get one for yourself, so... here she is.” He scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Do you, uh, like her?”
Seto didn’t respond immediately. His attention had returned to the kitten, who was now batting at one of the buttons on his shirt. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the corners of his mouth curved upward into the faintest hint of a smile. “I love her,” he said quietly.
The kitten purred softly, curling up in Seto’s lap as if she already belonged there. Seto looked up at Joey, his blue eyes warm in a way only Joey ever saw and always cherished. “Thank you,” he said, and there was a sincerity in his voice that made Joey’s chest tighten.
Joey shrugged, though his cheeks flushed faintly. “Ah, it’s no big deal. I just—figured you deserve her, y’know?”
Seto’s gaze lingered on Joey for a moment longer before he looked back down at the kitten, his hand still gently running through her fur. “She needs a name,” he said thoughtfully.
Joey smirked, flopping down onto the couch beside him. “Well, she kinda looks like a fusion, don’t you think? All silvery and shiny like she’s from another world or something.”
Seto stared at the kitten for a long moment, his hand still gently stroking her fur, before he finally said, “Violet.”
Joey blinked, turning to him with a raised eyebrow. “Violet?”
Seto glanced at Joey, his expression as calm and composed as ever, though there was a faint glint of thoughtfulness in his eyes. “Look at her,” he said simply. “Her eyes—they’re mismatched, just like ours. Blue and gold. And if you would fuse my Blue-Eyes White Dragon and your Red-Eyes Black Dragon, our strongest monsters—you’d get violet. A... Violet-Eyes Grey Dragon, perhaps.”
For a second, Joey just stared at him before a burst of laughter escaped his lips. “You... you’re unbelievable, Kaiba. Dragons! Dragons on the brain 24/7!” He shook his head, his laughter trailing into a warm chuckle. “But, y’know, that’s also... kinda cute. Violet. I like it.”
Seto, unfazed by Joey’s teasing, nodded firmly. “I’ll need to write that down,” he said, as if the idea of naming their kitten after a hypothetical fusion monster was a matter of utmost importance.
Joey squinted at him, his smirk widening. “Wait a second. Don’t tell me you’re thinking about making Pegasus create some crazy fusion card of our dragons or something. You’re not, right?”
Seto stayed silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly as if deep in thought. Then he replied, “No.”
But it was that kind of “no”—the one laced with just enough ambiguity that Joey immediately recognized it. He leaned back against the couch with a loud groan, covering his face. “Oh, come on, Seto. I can hear your brain working on it already.”
Seto turning his attention back to Violet, who had now started pawing lazily at one of the buttons on his shirt. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said smoothly.
Joey groaned again, though there was no real frustration in it—just amusement. “Unbelievable. I get you a cat for Christmas, and you’re already planning a whole damn card around her.” He leaned over, scratching Violet gently behind the ears. “Guess we’ll all find out when you ‘mysteriously’ debut a Violet-Eyes Grey Dragon card at some big tournament, huh?”
Seto didn’t reply, but Joey caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of his mouth. Yeah, he was definitely going to do it.
Joey shook his head with a soft laugh, then leaned in and stole a quick, playful kiss from his boyfriend. “Merry Christmas, you dragon-obsessed weirdo.”