I have never written a Christmas Story, but I always wanted to, so I hope you'll enjoy this one and get yourself into a cosy holiday mood.

It was a few days before Christmas and the snow was falling heavily outside. Takato had walked through the white wonderland to get to Rika's house, excited to spend the afternoon baking with her. As Rika answered the door, flakes dusted her vibrant red hair and purple eyes glimmered with warmth rather than ice. "Hey Gogglehead, you made it," she said with a smile. Takato beamed back, taking in her natural beauty framed by falling snow. "Wouldn't miss it. Thanks for having me bake with you, Rika."

Stepping inside, they shed wet coats and boots. "Grandma's cookies were always my favourite Christmas treat," Rika explained as they headed to the kitchen. "I found her old recipe and thought we could try making them together." Takato nodded eagerly, heart-warming at being trusted with her cherished family tradition.

In the kitchen, Rika smoothed the worn recipe card. "It says we need two cups of flour," she noted. As she measured precisely, Takato watched her delicate motions, enamoured. "You were always so careful and talented, Rika." She glanced up with a shy smile. "Flour in the bowl, butter next. Can you grab the stick from the fridge?"

Takato fetched it quickly, entranced by their easy partnership. Rika beat in the butter with care, tongue poking from the corner of her lips in focus. Takato smiled softly at her endearing determination. "The mix is coming along nicely. What's next, chef?" Her answering grin lit the room brighter than any sun.

As Rika cracked eggs into the mix, Takato spoke up shyly. "Um, can I try kneading the dough? I used to help my parents a lot at our bakery, so I've had practice." Rika smiled and stepped aside. "Be my guest, Baker Boy."

Takato rolled up his sleeves and got to work, kneading with strong, sure motions. Flour dusted his cheeks as he focused intently. Rika watched, captivated by his capable hands and playful grin. "You really know what you're doing, Takato." He beamed under her praise.

Soon the dough was smooth and elastic. Rika sprinkled in cinnamon, nutmeg and candied ginger. "Time for the magic ingredient," she said softly. Takato gazed at her with care. "However much you feel." Cupping her face gently, he leaned in for a tender kiss that warmed them both through.

When they parted, Rika's cheeks were rosy. She mixed the dough with new vigour, stealing sweet glances at Takato. Together they rolled balls and placed them on trays as snow fell outside in a picturesque scene. As the cookies baked, their hands found each other, fingers entwining in a promise of Christmas magic to come.

As the cookies cooled, Rika gathered supplies to decorate - frosting, sprinkles, candies and more. Takato oohed and aahed, enchanted. Rika mixed different colours of frosting in separate bowls - red, green, pink. "Want to help me frost, Gogglehead?"

Takato dipped a spatula eagerly into green frosting. Together they embellished the cookies with festive designs, getting creative. Laughter rang out as frosting fights broke out, smears decorating their cheeks more than cookies.

"You've got frosting on your nose, Gogglehead," Rika teased. Takato went cross-eyed trying to see it, making her giggle. Warmth bloomed in her chest at his delighted grin. On impulse, she leaned in to kiss the frosting away, leaving him smiling and blushing bright.

Rika's heart skipped at her own boldness, but Takato's gaze was soft. "Thanks for letting me bake with you, Rika. I'm having the best time." She smiled shyly. "Me too."

As they finished the last cookies, the snow fell heavier outside their cosy haven. Christmas was coming, and a sweet something new along with it.

At last, the decorated cookies were complete - a colourful assortment just begging to be tasted. Takato and Rika gazed eagerly at the fruits of their labour.

"They look even better than I remember from childhood," Rika said softly. Takato beamed. "We made them with care. I'll bet they'll be the most amazing cookies ever!"

Rika selected one - a green tree decorated with red frosting bells. She took a small bite, eyes closing as flavour exploded on her tongue. Memories of Grandma's kitchen came rushing back in a warm wave.

"Well?" Takato asked, bouncing on his toes. Rika opened her eyes, shining with emotion. "It's perfect. Just as I dreamed." Takato pumped his fist in triumph before grabbing a cookie for himself.

His eyes widened comically around the first bite. "Rika, this is incredible! No wonder these were your favourite. We really nailed Grandma Nonaka's recipe." Rika smiled, heart swelling with joy at sharing this piece of herself.

With cookies consumed, Takato insisted on making them hot cocoa the old-fashioned way. He steamed milk on the stove while Rika fetched marshmallows and whipped cream.

Soon they curled up under a thick wool blanket on the couch, mugs warming hands as the tree lights twinkled. Rika flipped channels until landing on a classic Christmas film.

Takato settled in close to her side, making her heartbeat flutter. "This is perfect, Rika. Best day ever." She smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're here."

As the film played, Takato would feed Rika bites of cookies, gently brushing crumbs from her lips before replacing them with sweet kisses. Her giggles were music he longed to hear, and he savoured each taste of sugar on her tongue.

Rika returned the gesture, holding creamy marshmallows up for Takato to take into his mouth. But she lingered, kissing him slowly and deeply as flavours mingled. Warmth blossomed through them, stoking the fire that had grown all afternoon in each other's company.

By the credits, they lay entwined on the couch in a loving huddle, blanket wrapped securely around. Rika traced patterns on Takato's chest, feeling calmer than she could recall as his steady heartbeat pulsed under her touch.

In the flickering glow, with scents of their baking wafting warmly, she was struck by the perfection of the moment. Home had never felt so right as in Takato's gentle embrace. "Thank you for being with me," she whispered.

Takato smiled softly, brushing hair from her eyes. "I'm exactly where I want to be, too, Rika. With you." As snow fell serenely outside their safe haven, two hearts wove ever closer.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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