"I still don't know how you managed to capture that picture!" the bunny laughed.

"Pure tiger awesome, that's how." Night grinned as he helped Ruuki back into his down parka. "Now come on, there's a big mug of hot cocoa with your name on it up at the lodge."

"Is that the only way I'm going to get warm?"

"No, but it's a good start." The tiger grinned, zipping up the big warm jacket. "There's a fireplace in the cafe, and there's another in the lobby, and there's one in my room as well. Which would you prefer?"

"Do you treat all of your commissioners with this much attention?"

"Only the tasty ones." Slipping his paws into the hood of the parka, Night cupped the bunny's face and kissed him warmly. When he pulled back, he licked his lips in exaggeration and nodded. "Definitely tasty."

"I feel a Christmas song coming on," the bunny laughed and began to improvise. "Your nuts roasting by an open fire, BunBun nipping at your nose..."

Night laughed. "I should charge extra for that, but it sounds like too much fun!" He gathered the bunny's arm in his and, carrying the snowboard for his friend, he added, "Tiger balls, tiger balls, hiding from the snow... you would hide YOUR tiger balls, if they hung down that low...!"

With a few scandalized looks following the couple into the lodge, Night and Ruuki laughed their way to a warm and happy reception of their special making. The snowy slopes would have to wait until tomorrow for an encore performance.

(In fond jest to artist and commissioner alike ... Fröhliche Weihnachten!)