The way she regards the word 'treehouse' brings a knowing smile to his slightly flushed face, glowing like a budding ROSE in winter at its cheeks. But he doesn't fail to notice how she promptly settles into the idea either. Ramshackle abode or not, Luka seemed wholly invested in the idea of spending time with him.

And he couldn't say he didn't covet the idea of spending the holiday with her himself.

"Treehouses are fun. I like treehouses." He reasons, an arm wrapped close around her as she settles into his body closer. When she suggests she might be intruding, he chuckles and gently grasps his gloved hand with her own. "Well, you see, there's typically a 'no girls allowed' rule enforced... but I suppose I'll make an exception for you." He teases, nuzzling into her.

A chime of laughter rings out as their sleigh gets moving again, the muffled trot of Stantler hooves in the snow as they approach the aforementioned destination.

* * *

A private, wooden elevator carries them to the deck of Remiel's treehouse smoothly, granting them a bird's eye view of Fortree below before the sight is obscured by frosted leaves. When they reemerge, higher than most of the houses in the city, Remiel unlocks the elevator gate and escorts his date out, eager to see her reaction.

The treehouse, as it turns out, proves to be one of Fortree City's most luxurious structures. Though it fit the bill of a 'treehouse' at its core, it resembled something more like a one-story wooden penthouse hanging high amongst the trees. Thick cables and support structures kept it still and safe. A pyramid-shaped rooftop naturally allowed rain (or, in this case, snow) to slide off its edges.

Clasping his hand around hers, Remiel gently pulls Luka close and escorts her across the front deck. It's kept clear of ice and snow thanks to a heating system that runs throughout the property. "Still not what you expected?" He asks, a gleam of curiosity and playfulness in his eyes.

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs
🎅 advent calendar prompt (day 24): rose

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉

Expensive things and diamond rings pale in comparison to her smile and awe. Symbols of status, including the royal blood that runs through his veins, don't often go flaunted or regarded at all. Even now, despite a Christmas party he plans on hosting soon at his estate, Remiel can't help but feel a little awkward about the whole thing.

Thankfully, Luka's enthusiasm and excitement are infectious, and suddenly he doesn't find himself so self-conscious about it all anymore. "Haha, yes, of course!" He assures her, reaching out with an outstretched hand. "Come. I'll show you inside, mademoiselle."

Was it bad to be thankful for an avalanche? Only if someone died, he thinks.

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉

A pang of warmth blooms from inside his chest and spreads throughout his body with her gesture, a mixture of pride and affection as she locks her arm with his and presses close. Her smile is received and matched, then, without further ado, the pair step forward past the treehouse's intricately carved front door. The subtle scent of pine, peppermint, cedar, and vanilla bean instantly hits.

And the treehouse proves to be nothing short of a holiday bastion.

It is a winter refuge that resembles a large wooden cabin from the inside, complete with two rooms, kitchen, bar, and a cozy back deck. Though the interior lounge area, decked out with boughs of holly, glittering garlands, sparkling tinsel, and more, proves to be most impressive. Even Remiel takes a moment to close the door behind them and admire it all.

A large Christmas tree seems to sprout out straight from its center, owing its comfort to the tall pyramid-shaped ceiling above them. It's a little naked, however, save for a few scarves of tinsel wrapped it. The half-open box of Christmas decorations and the small step ladder beside it make it abundantly clear that the ambassador had been in the process of decorating it himself, before leaving for their little rendezvous in the snow earlier.

One of his many attempts to understand and get to know what the true 'spirit of Christmas' was all about.

Offering to gently take off her jacket for her, and hang it at the coat rack with any other outer layers she cared to shed, the royal speaks. "Make yourself at home, Luka. Oh, and apologies for the mess," He adds, regarding the unfinished Christmas tree as he takes off his own jacket and gloves afterward.

Nearby, a quaint little flat screen TV seems to switch on of its own accord, playing some Christmas movie about a mischievous kid who gets lost in Jubilife City without his parents. A black, electric fireplace stove sits below the TV, and in front of them a U-shaped sofa covered in festive throw pillows and soft plush blankets. "Do you fancy a tea? Hot chocolate? I also mixed a nice eggnog earlier." He cheerily boasts.

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉

Remiel is in the process of untying his own boots and leaving them at the door when his lovely date pads forward, dreamily immersing herself in the treehouse's main living area. Hours ago, even when there had been more sunlight to spare, this place had seemed as boring and dreary as any other. Now, with Luka inside of it, it seemed to radiate a comfortable glow.

He was growing accustomed to the idea that she brought that energy to every place she visited. And, admittedly, he thrived on it. 

"Egg nog it is," He smiles, hanging his scarf last before walking across the floor on navy blue, snowflake-pattern socks. He pauses, halfway to the kitchen, to look over his shoulder when she makes her inquiry. "Oh? Are you certain? I don't want to seem like a bad host putting you to work." The royal chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "Hmm... but if you insist, I'll come help you after I prepare our eggnog. Deal?"

Truth be told, the only reason his maid hadn't done it earlier was because he'd forgot to place the order for DELIBIRD DELIVERIES on-time. Which, to the ambassador, was quite embarrassing. 

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs
📅 advent calendar (day 25): reference or include an image of a delibird, or LOCKE JAMISON and/or their company, delibird deliveries in an ic-post.

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉

Remiel suppresses the urge to make a 'go big or go home' remark, considering such extravagance had always come by him naturally. Truth be told, he was much more curious to see her tree. As small as it may or may not be, Luka had no doubt placed more spirit into it as Remiel (or his weekly maid service) ever could have.

But the royal laughs, nodding his head before resuming his trek to the kitchen. "Very well. I'll be right back!"

The clink of dishware, a running faucet, and a pair of smooth pours sound out from the prep area before Remiel returns with two winter-themed mugs in each hand. He can't help but awe at Luka's handiwork so far before setting them down on the coffee table nearby. The way the step ladder wobbles as she stands on her toes makes him a tad bit nervous.

"Perhaps we should switch places," The royal says, ready to catch her should the jingling of the bells precede a misstep. "I'm tall enough to reach that high... no offense, of course." He cheekily smiles.

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉

The near mishap spawns a flashback to their first meeting at the sauna: a stumble that leads to a reactionary chain of events, fingers sinking gently into bare flesh as a towel threatens to slip away and reveal it all. They're dressed far more modestly now than before, of course. But a faint blush spawns on his cheeks regardless as he places his hands at her hips and steadies her again.

When she turns, Remiel smiles and laughs it all off himself, relieved to switch places with her and help. The sheepishness he spots, cute and strangely alluring on her countenance, does not go unnoticed as he moves up. In fact, it shifts that smile into a slight smirk in his eyes. 

∗ ∗ ∗

Their faces, wide and distorted, reflect off a large red Christmas ball like some funny carnival mirror as Remiel carefully hooks it to a pine needle. With her cheery direction and his dexterity, they've made quick work of the decorations. No longer needing the step ladder, the royal descends and reaches into the box for the last Christmas ball therein: an orb of Christmas blue with intricate snowflake pattern, gilded silver at its top.

"Except for this last one, I think that just about does it... don't you?" He says, stepping back to admire their handiwork. He then regards the ball he holds carefully in his hand, and glances at Luka with a playful gleam before stepping closer.

Gently, his free hand cups her chin with a pair of fingers, lifting it up slightly as the other hovers the Christmas ball just above her bosom. Gauging it as he would a necklace for a moment, Remiel meets her gaze afterward. "This color compliments your eyes quite well, actually. Maybe you should keep this one with you."

---

🎶 good ol' classic christmas songs

BUT LUKA IT'S COLD OUTSIDE + luka chêne

☉