The wind howled, rattling the windows. Lois groaned, burrowing deeper under the covers. Blinking at the clock, she frowned - Clark was already gone. Typical.
Shuffling into the kitchen, robe loosely draped, she found him bright-eyed, dressed and disgustingly cheerful.
“Morning, honey,” he said warmly, as though he could sense she wasn’t quite ready for the day. He handed her a steaming mug of coffee. A kiss brushed her cheek as he added, “How’s the world today?” His teasing echoed her own question earlier this week.
Lois collapsed into a chair with a groan. “Cold,” she muttered, curling her hands around the mug. “Still spinning, I assume.”
Her gaze fell on the bag and after a long sip - perfect, as always - she pulled out a small, woven ribbon bracelet in green, yellow, and blue.
“It’s a fitinha do Bonfim,” Clark explained, his voice brightening. “from Brazil. You tie it on, make three wishes, and when it falls off, they’re supposed to come true.”
Lois arched a brow but couldn’t hide her curiosity. “Three wishes, huh? Does one include getting another hour of sleep?”
“You can wish for whatever you want.” He replied, then after a pause he added. “We’ll do something special after work,” his grin widening.
Lois tilted her head, the fatigue already loosening its hold. “Fine, keep your secrets. Just don’t forget - we’ve got a packed day and Perry’s breathing down our neck.”
Clark chuckled. “Wouldn’t dream of forgetting.”
Lois studied him for a moment, fond amusement softening her gaze. “You really are impossible, you know that?”
Clark’s smile gentled. “And yet, you keep me around.”
Rolling her eyes, she couldn’t stop her smile. “Lucky me.”
---
The day blurred with meetings, calls, and chasing leads. When they got home, Lois was ready to collapse on the couch.
Clark had other plans. He had already spun into his suit, the familiar breeze and blur signaling there was no escape.
“Come on,” he said, his tone coaxing as he held out his hand.
Lois shot him a look. “Clark, it’s freezing, I’m exhausted, and I haven’t eaten since lunch.”
“You’ll like this, I promise,” he countered, his boyish grin disarming her.
Before she could protest further, he scooped her up, wrapping his cape around her like a shield against the cold. She opened her mouth to argue but the warmth of his embrace and the comfort of his cape had her sighing instead.
“You’re lucky I’m too tired to fight you on this,” she muttered, though her voice softened, losing its edge.
Clark chuckled and kissed her temple before they lifted into the icy night. The glittering city lights shrank below as he soared higher, his arms steady around her. Lois closed her eyes for a moment, leaning into him a little more.
Minutes later, Lois found herself standing by the shimmering waters of Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The sudden shift from Metropolis’s icy streets to the balmy Brazilian night left her blinking.
“Clark…” she breathed, her earlier weariness momentarily forgotten. “What is this?”
He smiled, leading her closer to the water’s edge. “This,” he said quietly, “is something I thought you’d like.”
Out in the center of the lagoon, a massive Christmas tree floated on a barge, its lights twinkling like a constellation against the dark sky. The tree’s reflection shimmered on the water, as though the lagoon itself held a galaxy of stars.
Lois stared, her fatigue melting away as wonder crept into her voice. “It’s… beautiful.”
Clark slipped an arm around her waist, “It’s the world’s largest floating Christmas tree. They light it up every December, and it stays until after New Year’s. It’s one of Rio’s most beloved traditions.”
She turned her head to look at him, her expression softening. “You flew me to Brazil to see a Christmas tree?”
He chuckled, his smile sheepish. “You seemed like you needed a little light tonight.”
Lois’s heart tugged unexpectedly as she turned back to the scene before her. People strolled the shoreline, laughter blending with faint strains of music. For a moment, she stood silent, letting the peace wash over her.
Clark broke the silence, his voice quiet. “Here, the tree is not just decoration - it’s a celebration of light and joy, a symbol of hope.”
Lois leaned into him, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. She whispered teasingly, “You really are impossible, you know that?”
Clark smiled into her hair. “And yet, you still let me drag you halfway across the world.”
“Dragging is a strong word,” she admitted, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Although if you don’t feed me soon, I’m reserving the right to change my mind.”
Clark laughed, slipping his hand into hers. “Come on. There’s a café nearby. Let’s get some food before you get really cranky.”
She shot him a look, but her smirk betrayed her amusement. “Lead the way.”
They ended up at a cozy café overlooking the lagoon. A plate of rabanada arrived at their table, crisp and caramelized, dusted generously with cinnamon sugar. Lois took a bite and her eyes fluttered shut.
She sighed contentedly. “Definitely worth the trip.”
Clark leaned back, watching her with a warm smile. “Sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy.”
Lois gave him a wry look. “Are you telling me to stop obsessing over the charity scandal?”
His grin widened. “Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing you smile.”
She shook her head, though her softened expression gave her away. “Mission accomplished.”
Later, as they flew home, Lois rested in Clark’s arms. The bracelet on her wrist caught the moonlight. “Three wishes,” she murmured.
Clark glanced down, his voice gentle. “What did you wish for?”
Lois tilted her head, her eyes warm and unguarded. “I already have everything I need.”
His arms tightened around her slightly, and they drifted in silence. Below, the lights of Metropolis glittered as they carried a touch of Brazilian warmth back with them.
