Twas a snowy Sunday afternoon in December in Tengu City. It was going to be a first Christmas for the spirits. And depending on who they talked to or in some cases heard or watched what was from TV (ahem) it was processed differently. There was thought it was about wrapped gifts under a tree. But, there is more than just gifts to talked about. Some of the spirits had different thoughts and views on what it was. And then, there was Tohka.

"Honey is it the cookies?" Tohka had that sparkle in her eyes. Barely able to control half of her excitement. Holidays did mean food. And that is the first place she went. Go figure.

"Not exactly." Replied (FN) her exclusive guy for dates that lived up the street from Shido and the spirit hotel next door to him.

"It about the trees and why we all cherish them?" She guessed again.

"Well it's a loaded question all in all about what Christmas is Tohka. You an hour or so? Mind walking with me in the snow?"

"We going to make snow angels?" She cried.

"I want to tell what I think Christmas is Tohka. Take a walk with me." He insisted.

"Okay. I'll grab my coat and some bread."

It took a few moments, but it was just the two of them walking outside of Shido's house and to the other side of the street to admire the city covered in a snow blanket. Some were going to have a rough time getting snow off of their cars. While those who worked outside most likely had the day off. Those working inside might have a mellow day ahead due to call-outs. It was here that (FN) took Tohka's hand.

"It's beautiful this time of year." He began.

"(FN)." She smiled. Tohka knew this was a sign of affection. She always treated it with care.

"This time of year Tohka is when we appreciate those around us. We have many traditions most of us follow up with to make it special every year. There are many traditions that some do and some don't, but many of them remain the same." (FN) was excited telling this one.

"Centuries ago there was a man that delivered toys at night to the good boys and girls through unlocked doors. And when they were ordered to lock those doors he came through the chimney as another way in and out. In that town he met his wife Jessica who we know all as Mrs. Claus. Whether you believe his story or not, we all celebrate him. He taught us about caring for all of us. That's why we have a pine tree in the house. They say Chris Cringle aka Santa Claus got married in the great northern woods with decorated trees and December 25th was their marriage. How true the date is? I don't know of." He chuckled.

"So that's why we have the shiny bulb trees." Amazed Tohka.

"You cannot buy being on the good list. The Christmas episodes, movies, and specials are amazing, the food and treats are divine, and seeing the looks on everyone's faces when they dress up, go shopping, and unwrap only happen this one time of year."

Tohka really took this to heart. She pictured cookies, a Christmas special, and watching Yoshino open up a gift all in the same living room while she admired her own Santa dress. "I want all of it!"

"All of it?" (FN) smirked. "Let's start."

"We can get into spirit right now!?" She chimed.

"Reina will help you. No problem." He smirked because he knew how the procedure would go. Not knowing everything, but enough to know how this all works. Similar to Shido, he didn't know everything that happened behind closed doors or on the ship, but enough to not question too much and get by just fine.

A few minutes later the two went back into the house and while (FN) was watching a Christmas special with Yoshino and the Yamai sisters. Tohka did come out with a Santa dress just like she had hoped. With matching thigh high socks to top it off. Warm, festive, and very cute and sexy. Then she went straight to the oven.

"Okay oven. Today we make festive masterpieces called Christmas cookies. The girls showed me how to make them and today you are helping me present the best ones I've ever made." Tohka pointed at the oven. It wasn't on. As (FN) looked at Tohka as if she was going to have a battle taking place. Love it war, and if you can't take the heat you get out of the kitchen, but does the oven talk? Not exactly, but to Tohka maybe she knows something that nobody else knows.

With a few minutes passing by Tohka checked the oven a final time. "One more minute to glory!" She cheered.

Wow. Guess this talk about Christmas really had her go over the top. Can't blame her. It's her first holiday season. I had mine as a kid. She's experiencing all of this as a teenaged girl. This is why she's great. Her eyes lighting up like the star on top of the tree, her giggles, the way she wants Christmas to be crashed on top of her like a tidal wave is insanely great. I am all for it.

A moment later there were two trays of sugar cookies in Christmas tree topper star designs. They were just cooled off enough to eat. "(FN) (FN) come try one."

"Alright. Sure thing." (FN) got up from the coach and over to the kitchen to sample what Tohka had worked so hard for. "Thank you." (FN) took one bite. "Wow..." Now he was getting that warm feeling passed on. "You know that feeling where your body feels a little lighter and someone's smile is so contagious? These are amazing Tohka." He gave her a kiss. She slowed down. Tohka gripped her apron and blushed. Not expecting any of that.

"(FN)!" She cried.

"That right there, is Christmas to me. This is going to be it as much as we can until the 25th is over. You good with that?"

She hugged around him and kissed him so forward. He didn't think it would be that exciting. But Tohka found another reason to be happy and joyful. And knowing that it's better when everyone is happy all together. Tohka separated the kiss. "Until the 26th. So we got this for a few weeks. But since I'm baking, is there a keneko bread recipe!?"

He chuckled. "Not a far stretch. We'll see about that."

"Merry Christmas (FN)!"

"Merry Christmas Tohka." That was easy for him. Now the hard part was to tell her how the shopping worked. But, that's a whole lot on context that he and Tohka weren't ready for.

~~~~~

Next time. Chapter 7

Inner Moka Akashiya.

-Relly