"Oh dear," Yancy murmured as she looked out of the frosty window. "Nate, what will I do now? I can't possibly fly home in this weather. My poor Togekiss's wings will freeze!"

Nate joined his friend at the window. "Wow, that's a pretty big blizzard," he commented. "You shouldn't fly home in that. I don't want you to get sick or lost."

Yancy nodded. "Well, I'm afraid I'm stuck here for Christmas Day," she sighed. She quickly added, "N-n-not that I don't like you and your house, Nate! I was just afraid that your family would object to me staying here… should I find somewhere else to stay?"

"Yancy, please don't even think about going back out into that blizzard," Nate said earnestly, turning to her and meeting her eyes. Yancy blushed slightly and looked down, and Nate felt himself smile.

"Oh, Nate, you're too kind," Yancy said, leaving the window and sitting on one of the couches in Nate's living room. She took out her Xtransceiver. "Would you mind if I called my family and let them know where I am? I wouldn't want them to worry.

"Not at all," Nate said. "I'll let my parents know that you're staying here."

Yancy nodded and began punching in some numbers while Nate walked to the kitchen, where his mother and father were preparing the Christmas dinner.

"Mom, Dad, there's a pretty nasty blizzard outside," he said.

"So Yancy's staying with us until it clears?" Nate's father asked, closing the oven door.

Nate nodded. Quickly he added, "She can't possibly go out in that snow."

"Dear, we wouldn't think of not letting your friend stay here!" Nate's mother exclaimed, drying her hands. "She's such a sweet girl, and we know you care for her - a lot."

"She seems to fancy you quite a bit, too," Nate's father remarked. "What's stopping you from telling her how you feel? Your shyness, right? Come on, son, you're a champion. You can do this."

"Dad!" Nate exclaimed, his face feeling warm. "Yancy's right in the living room. She can hear you."

"Don't put too much pressure on our son, dear," Nate's mother chided gently as she began to cut some vegetables. "I'm sure he'll tell her when the time is right." She paused for a while and smiled at her son. "By the way, Nate, learning that someone you love loves you back is a wonderful feeling. Just thought I'd let you know."

"I'll keep that in mind," Nate said. "Do you guys need my help?"

"No thanks - go ahead and keep our guest company while we work," Nate's father said.

Nate nodded and walked back to his living room, where Yancy was sitting on the couch and putting away her Xtransceiver.

"Hey, Yancy," Nate said, flopping down onto the couch next to her. "Thanks again for that video game."

"You're welcome," Yancy chirped. She took a deep breath, as if she was preparing for something. "And, uh, speaking of presents, I have, uh, another one for you, but I'm not sure you'll like it, tee hee!"

Nate raised his eyebrows. "No way, I have another present for you too! And… I'm also not sure you'll like it."

"You go first, Nate," Yancy giggled. "I do like surprises."

Nate blushed furiously and locked eyes with the lovely girl in front of him. "I… I love you, Yancy," he said softly, smiling. He looked down, his heart racing. "That's it. That's the gift. I know, it's lame, but-"

"Oh, Nate…" Yancy murmured. She touched Nate's face gently with her hand and smiled. "That is just what I was going to tell you. I love you too."

-END-