Lois walked into the living room, drawn by the rhythmic drumming of rain against the windows. The storm outside had blanketed their house in a cocoon of sound, making the indoors feel especially warm and inviting. Clark sat on the sofa with a book in his hand.
“Good morning, honey, sleep well?” he rose to greet her.
“I always sleep well with you by my side.” She smiled, leaning into his embrace. They kissed, the distant roar of wind outside making their home feel like a refuge. “I hardly even noticed the storm before you left for the rescue. Did everything go well?”
He nodded. “Someone was trapped under a tree branch, fortunately he was mostly okay, just a few cuts and bruises. After I brought him to the hospital, I didn’t want to wake you, so I figured I’d read a bit on the sofa.”
“I wouldn’t have minded having my warm husband back in the cold bed at all,” she murmured, her voice low and teasing, a small smile playing on her lips. Then turned to the advent calendar. Taking the bag from the basket and opening it, she found a book-shaped ornament and a small bookmark inside, decorated with intricate designs.
“Today’s tradition comes from Iceland.”
“And I guess it has to do with books…” She grinned.
Clark laughed. “This is for Jólabókaflóðið, or the Yule Book Flood. In Iceland, it’s a tradition that celebrates the joy of stories, just like how Icelanders cherish their books. It’s about slowing down, sharing stories with loved ones and making the night about something simple yet meaningful.”
He paused, glancing toward the fireplace. “It’s especially nice when the world outside feels so cold and stormy. Gives you a reason to stay inside, cozy up, and embrace the quiet moments.” He turned back to Lois, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “And I made hot chocolate.”
“If there’s hot chocolate involved you can’t go wrong.” Lois glanced toward the window, watching the rain streak down the glass. “Perfect weather for staying in and reading.”
Clark gestured toward the kitchen. “Before that, I’ve prepared a little Icelandic breakfast. It’s called skyr, it’s like a thick, creamy yogurt. I topped it with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey. Simple, but healthy.”
“Healthy, huh? Should I be worried?” Lois smirked, leaning against the doorframe.
Clark chuckled, stepping closer. “I figured after the banketstaaf and all the cookies we ate last night, you might appreciate something a little lighter.”
Her eyes narrowed playfully. “Are you saying I need to cut back? Because I will fight you over the chocolate.”
“Never,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Besides, I’m the one who should probably cut back on snacks.”
Lois rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You could eat an entire buffet of junk food and still fit into your spandex suit. It’s downright unfair.”
Clark smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Perks of being Kryptonian. But you know for me you’ll always be the most perfect and beautiful person I know.”
She softened, brushing a kiss on his cheek. “Nice save, farm-boy. Let’s eat. I’m curious to see what the Kryptonian-approved, skyr tastes like.”
---
The fireplace crackled softly as Lois curled up on the couch, a thick blanket draped over her. A steaming mug of hot chocolate rested on the coffee table, alongside a small plate of speculaas they had brought home from the Christmas Market yesterday.
After another short rescue that afternoon Clark had settled in beside her with his own book. They read in comfortable silence for a while, the quiet punctuated only by the occasional sound of turning pages or the soft clink of their mugs.
Lois sipped her cocoa, her gaze lingering on Clark for a moment. As if he had sensed her gaze on him he looked up.
With a warm smile he said. “Penny for your thoughts.”
“It's nothing,” Lois murmured, watching Clark lovingly as she reflected on the cozy atmosphere he’d created. “I was just thinking about how much time you must have spent on planning all of this.”
“Well, finding a tradition took the most time, actually. Once I had 24 traditions, the rest was just research and finding good recipes.” He became thoughtful for a moment. “I have to admit - it was nice to see the different traditions from around the world.”
They continued reading, the warmth of the fire and the peaceful ambiance wrapping around them. Outside, the world was cold and dark, but inside, everything felt light and cozy.
Lois closed her book briefly and glanced at Clark. “Each of the traditions we tried so far were so different yet each seemed to hold the spirit of Christmas in its own way.
Clark chuckled. “Well, there are still plenty more to go. But I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
Lois leaned against him, her voice soft. “I am. And I’m really glad you’re doing this for me.”
Clark’s arm around her, Lois closed her book, letting the quiet magic of the evening wash over her. The storm outside seemed so distant now, and she realized how much this moment with him meant, this simple, perfect evening of connection, warmth, and stories.
She leaned closer to Clark, her head resting against his shoulder. The storm outside felt miles away as Clark gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. Their eyes locked, and without a word, he kissed her, slow and tender. Lois pulled back slightly, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re all I need, you know that?”
Clark’s hand traced the curve of her back as he murmured, “And you’re all I ever wanted…”
Neither noticed when the power went out, the world outside fading away as they remained wrapped in their own quiet bubble of warmth.
