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***
Adriano and Kate stepped onto the plane from London to Lisbon, their hands entwined in an effortless, comfortable hold. As they walked down the aisle, there was an unmistakable buzz around them — passengers trying to hide their excitement with the occasional furtive glance, some attempting to capture discreet photos with their phones. Adriano's star had burned even brighter recently, his name echoing through every sports headline. Meanwhile, Kate had become a household name herself, with her role as the Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron making her an icon in her own right.
The couple settled into their seats, unaware of the quiet stir they were causing. Adriano leaned back, adjusting the hem of his jacket, while Kate tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, both trying to appear oblivious despite the hushed murmurs around them. It wasn't unusual for their worlds to collide in such ways, but this was different—there was a sense of anticipation in the air, the type that came with being seen as two people who had somehow turned into symbols of something greater.
As the plane began its ascent, Kate leaned over, resting her head against Adriano's shoulder. She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the calm before everything ramped up again. Her voice, when it came, was soft, filled with the genuine excitement she couldn't hide.
"I still can't believe I'm spending Christmas in Portugal," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked out the window.
Adriano chuckled, his hand finding hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You'll love it. My mom, she goes all out with the food," he said, a fond smile appearing on his face. "And my dad..." He paused for a moment, as though unsure whether he should continue, but the grin that followed was unmistakable. "Well, he'll probably embarrass me with some old stories."
Kate laughed softly, her eyes brightening. "I'm counting on it," she said, a playful glint in her eyes. "I'm sure I'll hear all about the little Adriano stories, the ones that you hope no one remembers."
Adriano leaned back in his seat, the light chatter and soft laughter from nearby passengers fading into the background as the two of them slipped into their own world. The next couple of hours felt almost like a mini escape from their public lives, the conversations more personal, more relaxed.
They talked about everything — the madness of her filming schedule, how she barely had a moment to breathe between press interviews, and the avalanche of media attention that would only grow stronger once Age of Ultron hit theaters in the summer. Adriano listened intently, his pride evident in the way his eyes softened whenever she spoke about her work. He'd seen her in action, pushing herself to the limit, balancing the demands of fame with her genuine passion for acting. He was endlessly impressed by her drive, but he never made it sound like it was something extraordinary. To him, it was just Kate being Kate.
In return, Kate asked him about his plans for the upcoming months. She wanted to know what he envisioned after the intensity of the winter football schedule wrapped up — what it would be like when the chaos settled and they could finally make Manchester their home together.
"We'll have the house to ourselves," she mused, her voice carrying a hint of relief. "No more airport goodbyes." She squeezed his hand, the touch familiar and warm.
Adriano stared out the window for a moment, his gaze lost in the sea of clouds beneath them. His thoughts seemed to drift with the plane, but his voice, when he spoke, was soft, almost vulnerable, revealing a side of him few ever saw on the pitch. "I can't wait," he said quietly, his tone carrying a tenderness that was rare. "You and me... it just feels right, Kate."
Her heart swelled at the simplicity and honesty of his words. She turned her gaze toward him, her eyes catching the soft glow of the cabin lights. "It does," she whispered, her voice filled with the same sincerity. There was a quiet understanding between them — a shared sense that, no matter what challenges came their way, this was where they were supposed to be.
For a long moment, they sat there, just the two of them in a quiet bubble, the hum of the plane's engines the only sound between them. In that instant, the world outside felt far away, the chaos of their lives momentarily suspended. And for Adriano, at least, it was enough to simply be there with Kate — to be grounded in a way that he often couldn't find anywhere else.
When the plane touched down in Lisbon, the familiar hum of excitement filled the air. As soon as the doors opened, a flurry of camera flashes greeted them, and the buzz of eager fans filled the terminal. Adriano instinctively pulled his cap lower, trying to keep a low profile, but his height and build made it nearly impossible for him to blend in. He chuckled softly to himself as they made their way through the crowd, keeping close to Kate, who smiled at the attention but didn't seem phased by it.
Raul was standing near the entrance, easily recognizable with his bright smile and enthusiastic wave. He caught sight of them and moved forward to greet them.
"Tudo bem?" Raul said, his voice warm as he extended his hand to Adriano.
Adriano grinned, shaking Raul's hand firmly before pulling him into a quick, brotherly embrace. "Tudo bem, man," he replied, a relaxed ease in his voice. Then, turning to Kate, he gave a nod toward his friend. "Kate, this is Raul."
Kate smiled, offering a friendly handshake. "Hi, Raul. Thank you for having us," she said, her voice genuine.
Raul gave her a polite nod, then chuckled. "Welcome back to Portugal, Kate," he said with a playful wink. "I hope Adriano didn't exaggerate too much about the place."
Kate laughed, glancing at Adriano, who smirked back at her. "I'm sure he hasn't," she replied, raising an eyebrow in mock suspicion. "But I'll be the judge of that."
Raul chuckled and opened the car door for them, letting Kate slide into the backseat first before Adriano followed. Soon, they were off, winding through the narrow streets of Lisbon, the city beginning to reveal itself in all its festive glory.
The streets were alive with the spirit of Christmas—bright lights hung from every lamppost, illuminating the cobblestone roads below. Shimmering garlands and wreaths decorated the shop windows, and the scent of roasted chestnuts filled the cool, crisp air. Kate's eyes were wide as she gazed out the window, taking it all in, her breath fogging up the glass as she watched the world go by.
"It's beautiful," she said softly, almost to herself, her voice full of wonder.
Adriano smiled at her, his gaze warm and affectionate. "Wait till you see the house," he said, the pride in his voice unmistakable.
Raul glanced in the rearview mirror, his grin widening. "Adriano's mom keeps it spotless. You'll see. It's like something out of a postcard."
As they drove deeper into the city, the familiar sights of Lisbon brought back memories for Adriano—memories of childhood summers, family gatherings, and the comfort of home. His thoughts were interrupted as they turned into a quiet suburban street, and the car came to a slow stop in front of a small, two-story house.
Adriano's heart gave a small, unexpected lurch as he looked at the place. It hadn't changed. The white brick walls, the red-tiled roof, the small garden out front—all of it was just as he remembered. His mother still tended to the flowers and shrubs with the same care, and it made Adriano feel a wave of nostalgia and warmth.
Kate noticed the look in his eyes and leaned forward, glancing at the house. "It's charming," she said with a smile, genuinely admiring the quaintness of it all.
Adriano didn't say anything at first, just watching the familiar scene in front of him. Then, as he opened the car door and stepped out, he added, "It's home."
Kate followed his lead, and as they walked toward the front door, Adriano's pace slowed, almost as if he didn't want to leave the moment. Raul gave them a moment before following behind, but the feeling of being back in a place that had shaped so much of who Adriano was lingered in the air. It wasn't just a house. It was where he had learned the values that had carried him through life. It was a part of him, and as he turned to look at Kate, he could see her taking it all in, recognizing just how much it meant to him.
They were home.
***
The front door swung open before the car had even come to a full stop. Rosa and Julio hurried down the stone steps, Rosa still wiping her hands on her apron, traces of flour dusting its edges. Julio wore his familiar grey sweater, the one Adriano remembered from his childhood—a little frayed at the cuffs, but warm and comforting like the man himself.
"Meu filho!" Rosa called out, her voice bright and warm as she waved enthusiastically. Adriano barely had time to open the car door before she was upon him, pulling him into a fierce hug that nearly knocked the wind out of him. Her arms wrapped tightly around his back, her cheek pressed firmly against his chest.
"You look thinner," she scolded, pulling back just enough to look him over critically. Her hands moved instinctively to his face, cupping his cheeks and turning his head slightly from side to side as if inspecting him for signs of neglect. "Are you eating enough? You're not eating enough. I can see it in your face."
Adriano laughed, his grin spreading wide as he gently pried her hands away. "I'm fine, Mãe," he reassured her, his voice softening. "I promise. I eat… sometimes," he added with a playful smirk.
Rosa clicked her tongue, clearly unconvinced, but before she could launch into another round of questioning, Julio stepped forward with his hand outstretched. His grip was firm, steady, and filled with pride. "The Bayern game… que jogo!" Julio said, his eyes bright with excitement. "I almost broke the TV, I was jumping so much."
Adriano chuckled, pulling his father into a quick but solid embrace. "I hope you didn't," he replied with a grin. "I bought that TV."
Julio laughed, patting his son on the back with a few hearty slaps. "Well, I guess I'll just have to get you to buy me a stronger one for next time," he joked, his eyes twinkling.
While the two men shared a laugh, Rosa's gaze shifted to Kate, her eyes lighting up with instant recognition. "And welcome to our house Kate! So Good to see you again!" she exclaimed, not bothering with formality as she swept Kate into a hug as well. Kate's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly relaxed into the embrace, smiling warmly as she returned it.
"It's so nice to finally visit the place," Kate said sincerely as they pulled apart. "Adriano's told me so much about it that I can picture it in my dreams."
Rosa raised her eyebrows, a playful glint in her eyes. "I hope only the good things," she teased, giving Adriano a quick, sharp glance over her shoulder.
Kate smirked, glancing sideways at Adriano with a mock-serious expression. "Mostly," she replied, her tone teasing.
Adriano threw his hands up in mock protest. "Hey, I don't remember saying anything bad," he shot back, shaking his head with a grin.
Rosa laughed, her voice warm and full of life. "Come, come inside! It's too cold to be standing out here," she insisted, already leading the way up the stone steps with a quickness that defied her age.
As they stepped through the front door, the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread drifted through the house, wrapping around them like a familiar hug. The entryway was decorated with care—garlands wrapped around the stair railings, twinkling lights framing the windows, and tiny handcrafted ornaments dangling from hooks. It was cozy, inviting, and unmistakably filled with the warmth of family.
Kate's eyes wandered around the room, her smile growing as she took in the holiday decorations. "It's beautiful," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Rosa beamed with pride. "I tried a little harder this year, knowing you were coming," she admitted, patting Kate's hand affectionately. "Come, sit, I'll make you something warm. You must be tired from the flight."
Adriano chuckled, slipping off his jacket and hanging it by the door. "Careful, Mãe," he said with a grin. "You feed her too well, and she might never want to leave."
Rosa's eyes twinkled with mischief. "That's the plan," she replied smoothly, sending them both into laughter as she disappeared into the kitchen, already rattling off the list of dishes she would prepare.
Julio patted Adriano on the shoulder. "You did good, meu filho," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of both pride and love. Adriano smiled back, grateful for the simplicity of being home, surrounded by the people who mattered most.
Kate glanced back at him, catching his eye as she settled onto the sofa. "I like it here," she whispered, her voice soft but sincere.
Adriano crossed the room, sitting down next to her, their shoulders touching. "Me too," he replied, his voice gentle. And in that moment, with the hum of conversation in the kitchen and the soft glow of lights around them, everything felt right.
***
Later that evening, after the suitcases were unpacked and the comforting warmth of hot chocolate settled in their hands, Adriano and Julio set about the familiar tradition of setting up the Christmas tree. The living room was filled with the soft glow of string lights, their reflections bouncing off the windows, casting cozy shadows across the room. Boxes of ornaments were stacked neatly by the fireplace, each one carefully wrapped in old tissue paper that crinkled gently as they opened them.
Julio knelt beside one of the boxes, his hands moving with the practiced familiarity of years gone by. He pulled out ornaments one by one, unwrapping each like it was a fragile relic. "Ah," he murmured, holding up a tiny wooden reindeer with chipped paint. "You tried to ride this one when you were four. Broke the antler clean off."
Adriano chuckled, shaking his head as he unwrapped another ornament. His hands stilled when he uncovered a small, hand-painted football ornament, the paint uneven and smudged in places. He held it up, turning it over with a grin. "I painted this when I was seven," he said, his voice laced with nostalgia. He glanced over at Kate, who had settled onto the sofa with her mug of hot chocolate, her legs tucked beneath her. He held up the ornament for her to see.
Kate squinted, leaning forward slightly. "It's… abstract," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Julio let out a hearty laugh, his shoulders shaking. "Abstract is a nice way to put it," he said, wiping his hands on his sweater. "He kicked that ball everywhere. In the garden, in the living room... even broke three windows one summer."
Adriano winced, though he couldn't help but laugh at the memory. "I remember Mãe making me work at the bakery for two weeks to pay for it," he added, shaking his head with a grin. "I think she even made me wear an apron with flour stains on it just to drive the point home."
A voice called out from the kitchen, sharp and amused. "That's right!" Rosa shouted over the clatter of pots and pans. "Best behaved you've ever been. Should've broken more windows!"
The room erupted in laughter, the kind that came easily among family. Adriano turned back to the tree, carefully placing the hand-painted football near the center, where the lights would catch its imperfections just right. Julio watched with a smile that was soft around the edges, eyes glimmering with pride.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the aroma of roasted garlic and simmering sauces filled the air, blending with the faint hint of pine from the tree. Kate had joined Rosa, rolling up her sleeves and helping set dishes onto the countertop. Rosa moved about with practiced ease, stirring, tasting, adding pinches of spices here and there. She handed Kate a spoonful of something thick and creamy. "Try this," Rosa insisted, her eyes watching for Kate's reaction.
Kate blew on it gently before tasting. Her eyes widened. "Oh my God," she said, her voice muffled by the spoon. "That's amazing."
Rosa chuckled, a proud smile spreading across her face. "It's bacalhau com natas," she explained, taking the spoon back. "Salted cod with cream. Family recipe."
Kate nodded approvingly. "I'm definitely coming back for seconds," she said with a grin, moving to set plates on the dining table.
As they worked, Rosa glanced over, her hands still busy with a pan of roasted vegetables. "So, I hear you're a superhero now," she remarked with a grin that was both playful and genuinely curious.
Kate laughed, setting down the last of the silverware. "Something like that," she replied, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I still can't believe it sometimes. I mean, I grew up watching those movies, and now I'm in one."
Rosa leaned in slightly, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I've never met a superhero before," she said with a wink. "Does this mean you can fly?"
Kate burst out laughing, the sound bright and genuine. "If only! It's mostly special effects. I think I'd terrify Adriano if I started flying around the house."
Rosa joined in the laughter, shaking her head. "Maybe not. That boy always believed in magic," she said, her eyes glimmering with affection as she looked toward the living room, where Julio and Adriano were debating the perfect placement for the star at the top of the tree.
Kate smiled, glancing back at Rosa. "I can see why," she said softly.
Rosa paused, her hands still for a moment. She met Kate's gaze, her expression warm and full of understanding. "Thank you for being here," she said simply. "It means a lot to him. To us."
Kate reached out, giving Rosa's hand a gentle squeeze. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she replied.
Rosa smiled, her eyes glimmering just a bit more than usual. "Come on, let's get this food on the table before the boys starve to death," she said, breaking the moment with a wave of her hand. "They're like wolves when it comes to dinner."
Kate laughed, picking up a steaming dish and following Rosa into the dining room, where the tree now stood proudly in the corner, glimmering with lights and decades of memories.
***
When dinner was finally served, the table looked like a scene from a postcard—plates of bacalhau com natas, bowls of steaming caldo verde, and baskets of freshly baked pão filled every available inch of space. The soft glow of the Christmas tree lights flickered in the corner, casting warm patterns across the walls, while the gentle hum of Portuguese music played softly in the background. Rosa bustled around, setting down a platter of roasted potatoes before finally taking her seat, dabbing her hands on her apron with a contented sigh.
"Bom apetite!" she declared with a bright smile, and everyone dug in.
Kate took a tentative bite of the bacalhau, her eyes widening in surprise. "Oh my God, this is incredible," she murmured, barely able to stop herself from reaching for another forkful.
Rosa beamed proudly. "Secret family recipe," she said, tapping the side of her nose. "Passed down from my mother, and her mother before that."
"And her mother before that," Julio added, chuckling as he scooped another serving onto his plate. "It's the only reason I married her, you know."
Rosa swatted him lightly on the arm. "Liar," she scolded, but her eyes twinkled with amusement.
Adriano grinned, pouring a bit of red wine into Kate's glass before topping up his own. "This is the best part of coming home," he said, taking in the sight of the table, the food, the people around it. "Nothing tastes like Mãe's cooking."
Julio raised his glass, the rich red wine swirling under the light. "To family," he toasted, his voice steady and full of pride. "And to my son... a champion."
They clinked glasses, the soft chime lingering in the air. Adriano looked down, a faint flush coloring his cheeks. He had always been modest when it came to praise, especially from his father. "I had good teachers," he replied humbly, nodding toward his parents.
Julio chuckled, slicing into his food with practiced ease. "Maybe so," he agreed, his eyes shining. "But talent like yours? That's not taught, meu filho. That's something special."
Adriano said nothing, only smiled softly and took a sip of his wine. Kate reached under the table, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. He squeezed back, the moment settling warmly between them.
As the meal continued, the stories began to flow as easily as the wine. Julio recounted the countless hours Adriano spent kicking around a deflated football in the backyard, his small frame darting around imaginary defenders. "He would commentate as he played," Julio said with a laugh. "Always scoring the winner against Benfica in the final seconds. Every. Single. Time."
Kate laughed, her eyes flicking to Adriano. "You were narrating your own games?" she teased.
Adriano shrugged, his smile sheepish. "What can I say? I like a dramatic finish."
Rosa chimed in, her voice filled with fondness. "He broke three flowerpots in one summer," she said, shaking her head but smiling all the same. "And still kept playing. We eventually just stopped buying new ones."
"I thought you just liked the look," Adriano quipped, earning him a playful glare from his mother.
The hours slipped by with ease, each story sparking another, each laugh blending into the next. The food dwindled to leftovers, and the wine bottles slowly emptied, but the conversation never waned. Even as plates were cleared and dishes were stacked by the sink, the rhythm of family continued uninterrupted. Rosa pulled Kate into the kitchen, teaching her the proper way to wash and dry the delicate wine glasses, while Julio and Adriano lingered by the fireplace, talking quietly about football, life, and everything in between.
When the last dish was finally put away, Rosa draped a towel over her shoulder and sighed contentedly. "This... this is what Christmas is supposed to feel like," she said, glancing back at the glowing lights of the Christmas tree. Her eyes were misty, but she smiled brightly, patting Kate on the back. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot to us."
Kate smiled back, the sincerity in her voice unmistakable. "Thank you for having me. I couldn't imagine spending it anywhere else."
The evening began to wind down naturally, the weight of travel and good food making everyone pleasantly tired. Julio stretched his arms above his head, letting out a yawn. "I think it's time to call it a night," he said, glancing at Rosa, who nodded in agreement.
Adriano wrapped an arm around Kate's waist, pulling her closer as they made their way toward the stairs. Before they ascended, Adriano turned back to his parents. "Goodnight, Mãe. Goodnight, Pai," he said softly.
Rosa smiled warmly. "Boa noite, meu filho," she replied, her voice tender. "Sleep well."
Julio added with a grin, "No waking up early and practicing headers in the living room, eh?"
Adriano laughed. "I make no promises," he called back, his hand still gently gripping Kate's.
As they reached the top of the stairs, Adriano leaned in close, his voice low and soft. "I told you you'd love it here," he whispered.
Kate looked up at him, her eyes soft and filled with contentment. "I really do," she whispered back.
Hand in hand, they walked to their room, their footsteps quiet against the wooden floor. Behind them, the lights of the Christmas tree still flickered warmly, casting soft shadows across the walls. For Adriano, it wasn't just Christmas in Portugal—it was the feeling of coming home, of finding something real and tangible in the midst of all the chaos.
And as the door closed gently behind them, the house settled back into its familiar rhythm, the warmth of family and the spirit of the season lingering in the air.