Alright, we're closing in on the last days of Christmas, and this story.

I know I haven't asked yet (I don't think at least) but, if you want me to add to this version of my Alick stories, please review with your thoughts.

But now, Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers... if I did, Merrick and Alyssa would've gotten together for sure!-

Merrick slowly woke up the next morning and saw Alyssa curled closer to herself on the bed next to his.

As the Lunar Wolf got up, he gently shook her awake.

She moaned lightly, then looked over at him, "Merrick?"

"Morning, sleepy head." He smiled lightly.

"What time is it?" She groaned softly as she sat up.

He looked at the clock, then shrugged, "Just about 7… I've gotta go play for the Deer, but you're welcome to stay here for as long as you want."

Merrick tugged on his shoes before grabbing his jacket and zipping it on.

"Merrick?"

He glanced back at her as Alyssa got up, "Yeah?"

"Thank you for your kindness."

Merrick smiled, "Anytime."

With that, he grabbed his flute and walked out.

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Once Merrick completed the song with the Princess, he felt obligated to ask her something.

"Princess… why'd you give me that fake letter?"

"Fake? What do you mean?" The Princess obviously played dumb.

"I mean, that letter… four days ago? The one you signed?" Merrick let out, "Why'd you do it?"

The Princess huffed softly, "Because… I… I know you still love me… Merrick…. But I just don't understand why you won't see that?"

"Princess… you and I cannot be together." Merrick forced himself to remain calm, "You're a princess and I'm just…. Your guard."

"But you're more than that." The Princess reasoned.

Merrick took in a deep breath, "I can't be with you, Princess. I'm sorry…. But taking Alyssa's letter? Just so I'd think it was you? That's just…. that's not right."

"You and I belong together." The Princess tried to hold his hand.

"No." He pulled away, "We don't."

With that, he turned and ran off.

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Alyssa walked to the front of the Roadhouse after she'd taken a shower and had put on her usual clothes.

Merrick walked in from the back, looking angry.

Alyssa frowned and walked up to him, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine!" He bit out as he walked to the closet close to his area to grab a broom.

The White ranger took a surprised step back before she collected herself and followed him.

"Merrick…" She put a hand on his shoulder.

He took in a soft breath, "I'm sorry for that… I talked to the Princess….. she still thinks she and I should be together… like before…"

"Then why don't you be with her?"

"Because it wouldn't be right." Merrick turned to Alyssa, "I don't love her anymore… even if I could, I don't."

Alyssa nodded, then slowly moved down and put her hand over his as he grabbed the broom. "It's okay…"

"No, it's not." Merrick slammed his free hand into the doorway of the closet before he pulled away, pulled the broom out, and closed the door to the small area.

Alyssa jumped as he walked away before she bit her lip and got in front of him.

"I can't begin to understand what happened to you and the Princess… but… you can't let it control you… and… yes, you are." She noted simply.

Merrick stepped around her, fixed his grip on the broom and began to sweep the floor.

"Why can't you see that you don't have to let the past rule over you?" Alyssa stared at him.

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Merrick shook with anger at that.

"Leave." He growled.

"Merrick-"

"Now!" He demanded.

Alyssa sucked in a breath before she ran off.

Merrick punched a table, then bit his lip, trying to control the ball of rage inside him.

He didn't mean to snap at Alyssa… but… he couldn't let her try to understand him… understand the impossible.

Then, he heard the carolers singing outside… and his eyes went wide.

"Ten lords a leaping…" He whispered before he hit his forehead, "Way to go, wolf-brain!"

Now how was he gonna get Alyssa to go places with him for the next three days?!

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It took a few hours more than usual for Merrick to finish his chores with that hanging thought.

When Deeg hopped onto his lap after he finally sat down, Merrick just gave him a treat by tossing it back to his bedding.

"Something happened." Willie noted, "What is it?"

"I messed up." Merrick got up from his seat, "I was mad at something Alyssa had said and I told her to leave in a…. not exactly kind fashion…"

"Uh… huh… so why's she standing outside in the cold… with a video camera?"

Merrick blinked, "Come again?"

It actually came in?

And she was here?!

"Yeah…?"

Merrick bolted over to the door and let it fly open before guiding the one outside, Alyssa herself, into the Roadhouse before he closed the door behind him.

"Are you okay? Are you cold? Do you need any hot chocolate?" Merrick asked one after the next out of pure worry for his best friend.

"I'm okay. No, I'm not cold… but I could go for a bit of Hot Chocolate." She answered.

"Coming right up." Willie walked to the back.

Merrick guided Alyssa to a seat and let her sit down before staring at her. "Why'd you come back?"

"One… I forgot Dos fell asleep under your bed, so I came to get her… and two… I wanted to apologize."

"No… no, it's okay…" Merrick denied, "You shouldn't… I should… I shouldn't have gotten mad like that… and I am so sorry… it won't ever happen with you again."

"You say that now… but-"

"But I mean it." Merrick assured, "I promise, Alyssa… I won't let it happen again."

The tiger ranger bit her lip before Willie came out with some hot chocolate. "Oh… thank you."

"No problem… say… what's with the video camera?"

"Oh… uh… I don't know… it just… was given to me when I got to the Animarium… the package it was in was labeled 'From: Your Secret Admirer'… but with no note attached."

"Huh." I nodded softly, "What's on the video camera?"

"I haven't checked it yet… do you wanna watch it with me?" Alyssa asked kindly.

"Sure." Merrick agreed.

Alyssa turned on the device and moved so they could both see it.

On the screen were the Wild Force and Time Force Rangers, only, without Jen or Alyssa.

They were backflipping and leaping about in their ranger forms.

"Ten Lords a-leaping." Alyssa realized softly.

"Huh…" Merrick nodded, "That's cool…. Hey, your secret Admirer's from one of our teams?"

"Really?"

Merrick nodded, "Sure… they've met you, Cole, Max, Danny, and I know you… surely one of us could be it."

Alyssa smiled, then nodded, "Maybe…"

"Now… uh… since it's getting cold… and I've got a lot to make up for…"

"Yes, I'll stay here tonight…"

"Really?" Merrick perked up.

"Really." She nodded.

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After they'd gotten into bed, Merrick looked at his clock, then at the calendar.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve…. And in two days, Christmas.

"I need to make it perfect for her…" Merrick looked over at Alyssa, who was already fast asleep.

"I need to make it perfect for the perfect girl…"

I personally loved how Merrick tried to get the Princess to stop...

Sadly, there's still days before the final gift...

But... will Princess Shayla cause more trouble?

Find out Tomorrow.

In the meantime, please review... and please no hate!