Hippo Hero
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don’t want a doll, no dinky-dinker toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy
Justin sang the song at the top of his lungs from the shower. JC laughed, rolling over onto his stomach. Justin had that damn song stuck in his head all week. Finally Christmas was on the verge of its climax. It was Christmas Eve and the guys were coming over that night to exchange gifts and have some last minute time together before being dispersed throughout the country to share the rest of the holidays with family. Basically, Lance was going back to Mississippi, Joey to New York, and Chris to Pennsylvania. JC was looking forward to his first Christmas with Justin in their home. Not Justin’s or JC’s but, Justin-and-JC’s. They had gotten a huge tree the previous week and had spent endless hours to decorate it. Then Justin had been messing on the net and came across that blasted song.
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don’t think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won’t have to use a dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door
That’s the easy thing to do!
Now JC was reclining in bed listening to the song for the 5th time since the two had finally gotten out of bed 30 minutes prior. At least this time it was semi-muted by the shower and closed door.
I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
JC had to smile. Justin was always so happy at this time of year. He was all smiles and glittering eyes. It was colder than normal in Florida. Strange cold waves had hit all winter. He didn’t really mind though. Seeing Justin out in the cold weather meant rosy cheeks and Hot Cocoa by the tree. Nope, JC didn’t mind the weather at all.
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Of course had to be specific... JC laughed at his own thoughts. He loved Justin. Nothing was ever gonna change that. He even liked how one song could get stuck in his head and days later still be there. Well... sometimes....
Justin returned to the bedroom damp but dressed. He still hummed the song to himself scrubbing at his hair. JC smiled at him. Justin sat down beside him leaning over to give him a deep kiss. JC returned it, letting Justin’s tongue venture inside his mouth.
Mom says a hippo would eat me up
But then Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian
There’s lots of room for him
In our two car garage
I’d feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage
The day went by in a flurry of activity. Last minute shopping, visiting with friends and nearby family, and an evening with the guys had kept the two busy, all day long. No time to just be together had taken its toll.
Now, just hours til midnight, Justin was once again a bundle of energy. JC watched, from his place spread out along the couch, as Justin danced around the room singing that hippo song again. It was getting a little annoying.
However, Justin was the one weakness JC had when it came to anger. One look at the child-like laughter flittering across Justin’s face, brought only amusement. His face was flushed, eyes sparkling with excitement and a grin spread across his face as he moved. He looked twelve again and JC didn’t have the heart to ask him to stop. Yet he had things to do, a surprise for Justin waiting to be opened.
I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes to see a hippo hero standing there
“Sweetheart...” JC called. Justin smiled at him before bouncing over and climbing into Josh’s arms.
“What?” he asked.
“I love you...”JC whispered. Justin smiled widely.
“I love you too..”
“Really?” Justin merely nodded.
“Yep... so what did you get me for Christmas?” JC laughed at Justin’s words. “You’re gonna make me wait until tomorrow... aren’t you?”
“Not this year... go get dressed... warmly... this may be Florida but it’s still chilly out..” Justin jumped from his lap running upstairs to change out of his pajama pants and into more suitable attire.
JC led a blind-folded Justin through a series of twists and turns. This had taken forever to pull off. He held open the door helping Justin up the steps. Justin smiled, totally confused as to where he was being led. Josh silently greeted the people smiling and nodding in the foyer. He led Justin down several halls, easily navigating with the help of those passing by. JC finally came to rest at the final doorway. The nursery.
I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroseses
Josh smiled moving Justin into place for the final time. Justin stood in confusion.
“Jayce?” he asked blindly. JC smiled, moving to take off the blindfold. Justin blinked a few times to adjust to the neon lights. He slowly looked around himself. JC squatted beside a small grey animal. JC smiled up at him. Justin drew in a sharp breath. “JC... is that?” JC smiled nodding to the unanswered question. “You got me a hippopotamus for Christmas?” he asked a tone of laughter in his voice. JC laughed from the floor.
“They recently ran into some funding difficulties... If things didn’t change newborns were going to be sold to other zoos all over the US... This little guy was born a few weeks ago. He’s a real sweetie... and you are his Foster Dad... I’ve made a donation. A years food and care... I’ll continue making them every year to make sure no more baby animals are sent away for lack of funds... but this one is officially yours. You get to name him and spend as much time here as you want to..” Josh explained.
“This is for real?” Justin asked kneeling beside the curious creature. Josh merely smiled. Justin stroked the baby’s forehead, laughing when he nuzzled him in response. Justin pulled Josh into a one-armed hug. “Thank you...” he whispered. JC blushed slightly.
“What are you gonna name him?”
“Scotty... Scotty Hero...” Josh just pulled him closer. Bending to talk closer to the hippo he whispered.
“Welcome to the Nsync family... Scotty...” he scratched behind the babies ear.
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too
Scotty simply grunted in response.
“I can’t believe you got me a hippopotamus for Christmas...”
“It’s what you asked for isn’t it?”
“Yes... it’s what I asked for”
“Over and over and over again...”
The End