Okay, so this is going up just a few hours early, cause tonight equals major tv fun time for myself (season finale of Hell's Kitchen followed directly by the premiere of the 4 part documentary 24/7: Penguins and Capitals, Road to the Winter Classic) Hockey nerds unite! *cough* Oh, and has anyone else heard of the upcoming 1 hour specials in Japan? Yay Brock ^^ Too bad I still pretty much hate Dawn

Anyway, enjoy the 2nd day of sweet AAML holiday goodness ^^

"I'm FREEZING!"

Ash's body was convulsing from the bitter cold air, tiny snowflakes landing lazily on his ruffled midnight hair.

"Probably because you're not wearing a coat," Misty added smartly, a hint of aggravation in her voice. Ash growled lowly at her, but then glanced down at his bare, toned arms that were now unusually pale from the contact with the crisp atmosphere.

"Don't worry, I've got it," Brock appeared suddenly, clutching a dark red down jacket in his hand.

"Ah, gimme!" Ash yelped, snatching the coat from the older male. He quickly shoved his arms through the sleeves and hugged himself tightly, enjoying the newfound warmth for a few moments before zipping the jacket up.

"How do you leave your jacket behind at the Pokémon Center, especially in weather like this?" Brock inquired.

"Uh, I'm…not too sure actually," Ash dug his sneaker into a little mountain of pure white snow, "I guess I'm just too excited about going home for Christmas is all, and I wasn't thinking."

"You never think," Misty rolled her eyes, stuffing her hands into the pockets of her navy blue pea coat. Ash glowered at her as the gym leader tilted her head downwards, so all he could see now was the white knit hat resting atop her ginger tresses. Misty had her hair down, and the slightly wavy strands rested just below her shoulders, collecting little flecks of snow that looked almost like rhinestones.

"What do you need to stick your hands in your pockets for?" Ash yelled, for no reason in particular other than wanting to pick a fight with Misty.

"That's a stupid question. Because it's cold outside."

"But you're wearing gloves. So you don't need the pockets."

"It's extra warmth."

"No, it's a waste of a perfectly good pair of gloves," Ash huffed, "it's not fair. My hands are freezing! Well, mostly just my fingers."

The young man raised his palms in front of his face, carefully examining the black material wrapped around them.

"Then maybe you shouldn't wear those fingerless gloves in this kind of weather," Misty bit back, "besides, you have pockets too, so why don't you use them?"

"Gee, that'd be a great idea Mist," Ash droned sarcastically, "But I can't."

"Why not? Can't figure out how to unzip them?"

"NO!" Ash stamped his foot, "it's just they're all filled up with holiday candy, so I can't use them!"

"Seriously?" Misty furrowed her brow, "you're giving up warmth for a bunch of sugary treats?"

"Of course. They're my favorites! I'm not just gonna drop 'em."

"You're such an idiot."

"Hey!"

"Alright you two settle down," Brock sighed exasperatedly.

Misty scoffed, but obeyed the request, staring intently ahead of her as she marched down the snowy path. After a few minutes of walking in silence, Misty felt a gentle nudge at her elbow. She peered down, catching sight of Ash's bare fingers. They were as white as the snow on the ground and frozen rigid. In them, he held a miniature candy cane, wrapped firmly in plastic with a red satin ribbon tied in the center.

"You can have this if you want," Ash offered, "I know they're your favorite, and…I guess you're right. It's more important that I keep warm than keep my candy."

Misty sighed, her shoulders shrugging forward ever so slightly. She lifted a white knit gloved hand and accepted the treat from Ash, giving him a gentle smile.

"Thanks Ash."

"Don't mention it," Ash smiled back before continuing to go through his pocket. He picked out a green foil wrapped chocolate, shaped like a Christmas tree, and handed it off to a grateful Pikachu.

Misty grinned warmly at the candy cane, and quickly hid it away in her own pocket. She pulled her hands out of the gloves, and once they were both off, gently smacked Ash with the pair.

"What was that for?" Ash blinked. He looked down at the knit objects held in Misty's slender fingers, and then back up into Misty's emerald eyes.

"Take them," Misty ordered, "they're girl gloves, I know, but they'll keep your hands nice and warm."

Ash looked at the gloves, and back at Misty, a glowing smile appearing on his young, handsome face.

"Thanks Misty!" Ash cheered, happily accepting the gloves. He slipped them onto his hands, and curled his fingers up to absorb the heat. Misty giggled at his actions, and Ash soon joined her. He looked behind his shoulder, where Brock was busy looking down at a map, and Pikachu was enjoying the chocolate. With no one else watching, Ash jumped forward; feeling euphoric that he no longer had to stand on his toes to face Misty; and pressed a quick kiss against her cheek.

Misty's face flashed a shade so red it rivaled her fiery hair. She slowly looked at Ash, who in turn was looking down at the ground.

"Thanks Misty," Ash repeated, this time much more quiet and reserved.

Misty blinked and turned her head the other way, before murmuring, "no Ash. Thank you."

Cold Fingers