Winter Medley

   It was almost December, and the first snowflakes were beginning to fall.  For some reason, the area around Metropolis actually got snow, despite its place in the midwest.  It had a curious effect upon the city in that it somehow made everything seem warmer.  People were kinder to one another, the traffic seemed a little calmer, and the skies of gray somehow seemed more comforting.  Jonathan Kent would say that it was the "Christmas Spirit," and that "even big city folks can't deny it."
   Diana walked aimlessly through the streets, not really sure what she was doing outside in the cold.  It seemed like everyone around her was in the holiday spirit, but she couldn't feel more isolated.
   An American flag slowly flapped above her head; its white stars and red stripes shining brilliantly in the pale sunlight.  All it did for Diana was remind her that she was not at home; that she was an alien to this land.  From what she understood, Christmas was supposed to be a time for family to gather.  All she had in the way of family here was her own mother, and there was no way that Hippolyta would ever let Diana celebrate a Christian holiday.  After all, Christianity had replaced belief in the Greco-Roman gods, therefore it was the "enemy" of the Amazons' faith.  Personally, Diana didn't care very much about whose religion was supposedly evil.  She just wanted somewhere to belong.
   "Excuse me, Miss," an elderly voice said.
   Diana turned to see a short, tiny old woman—the jewelry store owner from a week ago.
   "Oh! Ma'am, are you alright? I didn't see what happened to you after the attack." Diana asked.
   The woman nodded. "I'm alright, I'm alright.  Are you?"
   Diana smiled politely.  "Yes, ma'am, I'm fine."
   "Good," the woman said.  "Here, I have something for you..."  She reached into her purse, and pulled out a small box.  "The police didn't believe me when I said that a pretty young girl saved me from that man, but I knew you were real.  I wanted to thank you, but I didn't know where you were, so I've been carrying this for you in case I ever ran into you again.  And, by God's grace, I did.
   Diana didn't know what to say.  "...Thank you," she said, taking the box.  It was wrapped in blue and silver paper, and Diana wasn't sure if she should open it.  She knew enough about Christmas to know that you were supposed to wait until Christmas day to unwrap presents.
   "It's okay, my dear," the woman said.  "Open it."
   Diana gently peeled off the wrapper, and opened the box.  Inside were two silver-white earrings, each in the shape of a five-pointed star.  She smiled; the stars looked exactly like the ones on the American flag.
   "I thought you might like them," the woman said.
   "They're beautiful; thank you... but I can't—"
   "Now don't you be saying you can't accept them, young lady!" the woman interrupted.  "They're a gift.  Merry early Christmas."
   Diana gently took the earrings out and slipped them on.
   "You look stunning, my dear," the woman said.
   "...Thank you," Diana said, her smile beaming.
   "Oh no, miss.  Thank you.  The world needs more people like you."

—

   Bruce stood in his living room, taking in the view.
   Christmas was a time that once held special meaning for him—a time when his family never seemed closer.  Now, Christmas felt empty.  Cold.  Haunting.  Even though the actual holiday was a whole month away, the snow-covered buildingtops made it feel much closer.
   Alfred walked into the room and noticed Bruce's brooding.  He felt a swell of sympathy for the boy.  He'd thought that perhaps Lois's presence would soothe Bruce's heartache over the holidays, but they had apparently broken things off.
   "If I may, Master Bruce," Alfred said politely, "perhaps you could spend less time staring out into the cold and more time with your friends?"
   Bruce turned his head slightly to the side, indicating that he'd been listening, but didn't say a word.
   Alfred sighed to himself.  It seemed that if Bruce was ever going to slip out of his shell, he couldn't be pulled out.  He'd need to step out on his own.

—

   Clark walked down the street, this time not really minding the fact that he couldn't fly to where he was going.  He still needed the extra time to think things over and figure out what he was going to say.  He was nervous, yet somehow overjoyed.  A bit of worry crept into his mind. Was it too soon?  Was it even right?  He took a moment to drift inwardly, seeking out that truth of the matter.  "Listening to your heart," as his mom would call it.  ...Yes.  It was time.
   He approached the building, paused at the door, and took a deep breath.  He opened the door and stepped inside, then slowly walked up the three flights of stairs.  Finally, he reached the apartment door.  After another deep breath, he knocked.  The door opened, revealing a girl no older than twelve.
   Clark was a little surprised, and shifted around uncomfortably.  "Um... hi.  Is Lois home?"
   The girl raised a suspicious eyebrow at him.  "No."
   Clark suddenly noticed that this girl looked a lot like Lois.  The same blue eyes and gentle cheekbones.  If not for the fact that her hair was brown while Lois's was black, Clark could have mistaken her for a younger version of Lois.  But this must be Lucy.
   "Lucy?" he asked.
   The girl raised her other eyebrow, still unsure of Clark's genuineness.  "That's me.  Who are you?"
   "I'm Clark. Clark Kent," he said with a friendly smile.  He saw Lucy blink and slightly blush.  He'd forgot how his smiles sometimes did that to people.  "I'm a friend of your sister's.  I work with her at the school paper."
   Recognition flashed in her eyes, and a smile crept across her lips.  "Wait. You're Smallville?"
   Clark rolled his eyes.  "Yeah. That's me."
   Lucy giggled a little.  "She talks about you sometimes."
   "Really?"
   She cleverly narrowed her eyes.  "Don't get too excited... Smallville."
   Clark kept himself from rolling his eyes a second time.  "Ha ha.  Can you tell me where she is?"
   Lucy playfully narrowed her eyes again.  "Mmmm.... okay.  She went to Centennial Park. Should still be there."
   Clark gave her one more smile. "Thanks, Lucy.  I'll see you later."
   Hearing him say her name with a simultaneous smile made Lucy's face go completely pink.

   Centennial Park was just down the street.  Being one of the only parts of the city that wasn't being constantly walked or driven upon, it was slowly being blanketed in white.  It didn't take Clark long to find Lois.  She was sitting alone on a bench, rubbing her hands together and crossing her arms for warmth.  Clark walked up from behind and sat down on the bench next to her.  She was surprised to see him, but not unhappy.
   "Hey," he said. "What are you doing out here?"
   She shrugged.  "Just trying to clear my head. Fresh air and all that.  Really tired; tried to take a nap earlier, but couldn't fall asleep."
   Clark nodded.  He'd certainly had his share of moments like that.
   "Why are you out here?" Lois asked.
   Clark turned to her and made sure to choose his words carefully.
   "I was looking for you, actually."
   "Really.  Why's that?"
   "Well, I... I wanted to know if you'd go to the Christmas Formal with me?"
   Lois was very surprised. "I thought you were going with Miss Amazon Prom Queen?"
   Clark shook his head.  "No.  She told me that she didn't think we should go together."
   "...Why not?"
   "It's complicated..."
   "Okay... so... you guys aren't an item or anything?"
   "Not even close, no.  So, will you?"
   Lois felt the words fumbling on the way to her lips.  "Y-yeah... sure."
   Clark smiled, and Lois suddenly felt a little less cold.
   Clark turned back to face the park, taking in the snow-covered sights.
   Lois was slightly perplexed.  "Um... Clark?"
   "Yeah?"
   "Well... usually when a guy asks a girl out, and she says yes, the guy walks off so they don't have to have that awkward silence afterwards."
   Clark thought about that for a second.
   "...Do you want me to leave?"
   Lois hadn't actually thought about it.
   "...No," she said with an embarrassed smile.

   They sat there together for the next few hours, talking about everything and nothing.  Lois was freezing cold, and, without thinking about it, ended up creeping closer and closer to Clark for warmth as time passed.  Eventually, she somehow ended up curled up under his arm.  A few minutes later, she fell asleep.