I have been on holiday for 2 weeks, hence why there have been no updates. Please, read and review:). Let me know what you would like to happen to the different couples.

Chapter 7: Home for Christmas.

A month passed and soon the feeling of Christmas was in the air. Clark was looking forward to spending time with his family, but his parents were going to spend Christmas with his brother, so he was disappointed that he would not going to see them. Lois, on the other hand, was glad that her parents were not coming to see her for Christmas. She was also glad that Kara was going to be around for Christmas. She had also heard from Kara that she and Oliver were now officially a couple. Chloe and Jimmy were going to Smallville for Christmas to be with Chloe's dad and both Lois and Clark were glad that Chloe still had a relationship with her dad.

One evening before Christmas, Lois returned home from shopping and found Clark sitting with the twins and Oliver, Felicity and Kara. She had told Clark that Oliver and Kara were dating, but Kara did not know that her cousin knew. "Lois," Felicity turned to her. "are you looking forward to Christmas?"

"I always do." Lois replied, as she picked up Jane and kissed her. "Where are you spending Christmas, Felicity? With your parents in Star City?"

She saw her friend glance slightly at Oliver, before answering, "Er-no, they're very busy this year, so I'll be spending it here in Metropolis." Her smile faded as she saw Kara kiss Oliver on the check. She stood up and left the room. Lois followed her and asked her if she was ok.

"Yeah, of course. I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be? Seeing Oliver with Kara is hard, but I'm a big girl. I can deal with things like that, just as I know he would deal with it if our roles were reversed and I were dating another man. Anyway, I have to go." She forced a smile and left the house. Lois held Jane to her chest and sighed. Clark appeared behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist. Feeling his tone, Lois turned around to face him. "Are you ok, Smallville? You seem a bit…tense."

Her husband forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, Lois. Don't worry about me." Lois was about to ask him again, as she was sure that he was not being honest with her when Kara called her into the kitchen, so she walked past Clark and into the kitchen, reminding herself that she had to talk to her husband later, after everybody had left.

After Oliver and Kara left and Jane and Ben were in bed, Lois and Clark sat down in front of the fire and held each other in their arms. "Smallville, what's wrong? Are you upset because your parents can't make it here for Christmas?"

Clark shook his head and finally decided to be honest. "Well, yeah, it is that, but it isn't the only thing. As a kid, when I lived in Smallville, we never celebrated Christmas, because my mum's Jewish. I mean, we had a tree, but that was the extent of it."

"Why didn't you just tell me that?"

"Because I didn't think that you'd understand." Clark snapped. He bit his lip, instantly regretting his tone, so he added in a softer tone, "What I mean is that, even though you're half-Jewish too, your family celebrated Christmas. You weren't raised in the same way I was and I'm not sure how we're going to raise Jane and Ben. I mean, what are they going to believe?"

There was a silence, then Lois replied in a whisper, "I don't know. Whatever they want to believe, I guess. We can't control what they believe."

"No-but they'll follow our lead." Clark sighed, before continuing, "I know that neither of us are observant, but it's about their family heritage as well. About their culture, which is why I'm unsure if we should celebrate Christmas."

"Clark, celebrating Christmas can be done even if we aren't Christian," Lois pushed her fringed behind her ear, "I want the kids to always remember our Christmases as a family, so that when they're older, they do the same thing with their kids. I know it sounds as if I don't care about part of my heritage, but I do. Can you understand that, Smallville?"

Clark smiled. "You're right. What matters is that we're together as a family. That's what's important."

Felicity knocked on the front door of Barry Allen's house and waited. She knew that she could trust him, even though she had only met him once. They had an understanding of each other, a connection which she did not understand, but she knew that he would comfort her. Seeing Oliver with Kara was very hard and Felicity knew that she needed to be stronger and not let it affect her in this way. This was her fault, she had told Oliver that she did not love her. Was it any surprise that he had moved on? The door opened and Barry smiled at her. "Felicity, would you like to come in?"

As Felicity walked into the house, her eyes were caught by the sight of the sitting room, as there were toys and crayons in there. "Do you have company?" Barry smiled, as he replied, "Yeah. My daughter, Callie. She's 4 and she really wants to meet you." It was only then that Felicity saw the wedding ring on Barry's finger and she suddenly felt very stupid for not noticing it before. He was married with a daughter. Before she could say anything else, a little girl ran down the stairs. She ran over to Felicity and held out her hand. "Hello, Ms. Lance. I'm Callie West-Allen. It's nice to meet you." As Felicity looked at the little girl, there was no doubt in her mind that she was Barry's daughter as the resemblance between them was very clear.

Barry kissed his daughter on the head, before sending her into the living room and leading Felicity into the kitchen. "Your daughter's lovely," Felicity remarked as Barry began to make her a cup of tea, "how long have you been married?"

Looking down at the cup, Barry replied, "Iris and I married after I graduated Yale-so about 10 years, but…she died a couple of years ago."

"I'm so sorry." Felicity whispered. She paused, then asked in a soft voice, "What happened?"

Much to her surprise, Barry looked up and made eye contact with her. As he replied, "It was a car accident...she died instantly. That's good, because she wasn't in any pain. I was in the car too and I didn't die. I guess I feel guilty because I should have died and she should have lived." He walked past her and into the living room to check on Callie, who was playing with her toys in there.

Callie ran into the kitchen and asked Felicity if she would play with her. Felicity glanced at Barry for a second, before nodding and allowing herself to be dragged into the living room. She was worried about playing with Callie, as she had never been one to play with children, but she enjoyed it and Callie enjoyed being with her. As they were playing, Barry watched them from over the brim of his book and smiled. His eyes met with Felicity's for a second and she felt herself blush, before returning her attention back to the little girl and her Barbie dolls.

Meanwhile, Clark called Lois down from their bedroom in a soft voice, as Ben and Jane were asleep. "What's with all of the secrecy, Smallville? Why did you make me go upstairs? I mean, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but why do it?" Lois's questions were answered as she stepped into the kitchen and saw that the table was set with her favourite dinner and her drink. Clark pulled out a chair for his wife and remarked, "I'm really sorry for being such a sad sack earlier. I didn't mean to take it out on you. What really matters to me is being with the three most important people in my life and that's you and the twins. Nothing else really matters-not even the religion behind what we're celebrating."

Slowly, Lois walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, as she whispered, "You are the most wonderful man I have ever known, Clark Kent." They kissed, hugged, then began to eat their dinner in perfect harmony. Neither of them knew it, but their marriage was the marriage which their friends and family craved for themselves.

It was now nearly 10:00 in the evening and yet Chloe found herself sitting in her car outside of Queen Industries. She was not sure if Oliver would still be working or not, but she assumed that he would not be and so made her way to his private apartment. All of his security guards knew who she was, so she had no trouble gaining access to see Oliver.

In the apartment, most of the lights were off, but Chloe could see her friend sitting on the sofa looking through some papers. "Oliver?" Chloe alerted him to her presence. He looked up and smiled. "Chloe, hey. I heard about you and Jimmy getting back together. You must be so happy."

"I am, thanks. We finally worked out our problems and… I've never been happier." Her voice faltered slightly as she said the last bit, but Oliver appeared not to notice. "I hear that you and Kara are together. I must confess, I didn't see that coming, but I can see how the two of work together." Oliver fixed his eyes back on the pieces of paper and Chloe saw his smile falter and she wondered if she had said something which had offended him.

Oliver finally broke the silence, as he remarked, in a slightly flat voice, "Whilst I do enjoy your company, I'm sure there's a reason you're here, Chloe, and it isn't to discuss our relationships." Chloe stared at him, startled by his harsh tone, but she brushed it away and walked over to the sofa. "Well, after New Year's Eve, Jimmy and I would like to spend some time together, so I was wondering if you could look after Nicky for a couple of nights? It would mean a lot to me and you and Nicky are really close. He really loves his Uncle Ollie, you know."

"Yeah, sure, Chloe. I'll just be a babysitter for you." Oliver snapped. He closed his eyes, instantly regretting his tone and what he had said. He looked up at Chloe and saw the confusion in her eyes. His friend walked closer to him and whispered, "Ollie, that isn't how I see you. You're his godfather. You mean so much to me… more than you'll ever know." Their eyes met and Chloe could see Oliver's eyes searching hers as if he were trying to work her out. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, she backed away and looked down at the floor. Sighing, Oliver remarked, "I thought we were past this… awkward stage. I mean, we had that talk the night we babysitted the twins. We put in behind us." He paused, then asked in barley a whisper, "Chloe, what's really going on here?"

Chloe looked up and her friend saw that there were tears in her eyes. She inhaled a deep breath, then confessed, "Ollie, you didn't go to my wedding. You-who were supposed to be my best friend- did not attend my wedding and you didn't give me a real reason! I mean, I can guess, but I don't know… and don't tell me that you had to work, because you're the boss, so you call the shots!"

"Chloe, this is history. You said that… what happened should remain in the past and this should apply to that." Oliver picked up his papers and walked past her, wanting to get out of the room as quickly as possible.

Grabbing his arm, causing him to face her, she snapped, "No, we can't leave it there! You were- and still are-my best friend, but you didn't go my wedding. It was the happiest day of my wedding and you weren't there! Do you have any idea how hard that was for me? And I had to lie to Lois and Clark about why you weren't there?" She glared at him, trying to let him know how upset and angry she was with him.

Oliver pulled his arm out of her grip, maintaining eye contact with her, as he murmured, "Chloe, if it was hard for you, how hard do you think it was for me? Seeing you fall in love and marrying Jimmy, I mean? Did you ever stop and think for a second about me? You are my best friend, Chloe, but on the day you married Jimmy, you were the girl who broke my heart." He finally broke eye contact and walked away, leaving Chloe standing in silence, wondering what to do or say next. She followed him as he entered his bedroom.

At the doorframe, she rested her head there and confessed, "Ollie, I didn't know that you actually had feelings for me. I'm sorry. I just thought that I was another girl on your list. I can understand why you didn't go."

Looking up at her, Oliver sighed, "Chloe, I know that you never felt that way about me. I know that now. You and Jimmy are great together and I-I wish you all the best. Can we get past this and be best friends again, like we were before everything went crazy?" Chloe nodded, then Oliver pulled her into a hug and she hugged him back. With her head resting on his chest, she closed her eyes and smiled. Oliver was her best friend and he meant more to her than he would ever know.

The next morning, Clark rolled over in the bed and wrapped his arms around Lois. They had spent most of the night feeding and cuddling Jane and Ben, so he was savouring this time together. Lois woke up and smiled, as she loved waking up in her husband's arms. Being in his arms made her feel safe and loved at the same time. Lois smiled and rolled over to face Clark. "I love waking up in your arms, Smallville." She murmured, with a big smile on her face.

"Likewise, Mrs. Lane-Kent." Clark replied in the same tone. They moved closer to each other and rested their heads together for a while, looking into each other's eyes before kissing gently.

A couple of hours later, with Jane and Ben, Lois and Clark arrived at Tess and Lex's house. Both of them were apprehensive about what to expect in terms of how Tess and Lex were with each other, as neither of them had told Lois and Clark anything about their relationship. Clark was glad in a way, as he felt in a difficult position, as Tess was his sister and Lex, one of his dearest and eldest friends. Lois was also wondering about her cousin, as she had not seen her for a while. She knew that she and Jimmy were back together, but that did not mean that she did not worry.

Alex and James opened the front door and the two boys were buzzing with excitement. They led Lois and Clark into the living room, where Tess was organising something in the corner of the room. She smiled as her brother entered the room and she took baby Jane into her arms, holding her close. Clark smiled at how much his sister loved his children. He turned to his nephews and asked, "Are you boys excited for Christmas?"

"Yes, Uncle Clark!" pipped up James, who was very talkative for one so young. "Mummy's birth mother is coming to spend Christmas with us and we'll see you as well. Isn't it going be great?" Clark could not help but see the look of sadness in Tess's eyes. Lois saw the same look in Lex's eyes, who was standing in the doorway, watching and listening to everything in the room. Lex stepped into the room and remarked, "It will be great. Won't it, Tess?" His tone was gentle and loving. For the first time since he had entered the room, Tess looked up from her niece and looked at her husband. Their eyes met and she smiled, glad that he was making an effort. She knew that he loved their sons more than anything in the world, which made her very happy. Lois and Clark exchanged a look and decided to leave, as they felt as if they were interfering in a private matter.

Once they were home, they fed Jane and Ben. It began to snow and they felt very safe in their home, with each other and with their children. "Do you think that Tess and Lex will ever resolve their issues?" Lois asked, as Jane began to fall asleep in her arms.

Clark sighed. "I wish I could say that they will, but I don't know. I know they love each other, but what if that isn't enough? I mean, I never expected Chloe and Jimmy to separate and they did for a while, so I guess you can never tell."

"My cousin and Jimmy have had trust issues since the day they said 'I do'," Lois remarked, grimily, "I just hope that they've resolved them. For their own sake and for Nicky's. And I cannot believe that Chloe is still hiding the fact that she had a one-night stand with someone before they were together. She didn't even tell me who the guy was."

Smiling, Clark took hold of his wife's hand. "That's one of the things I know I don't have to worry about with you. You never hide anything from me and I'm the same with you." He paused, then added, "I really do wonder who Chloe's mystery man is, though. I wonder why she did that, it doesn't seem like the sort of like Chloe would do. I know she loves Jimmy, but I think that she needs to tell him."

Meanwhile, Oliver and Kara were sitting in a café together, having hot drinks because of the temperature outside. "I still can't believe how I ended my relationship with Jimmy. I loved him. Why was I so stupid? Oliver, can I ask you something? How many times have you been in love?"

Oliver looked down at his hands, then replied, "Twice-neither relationship worked out."

Kara took hold of his hands and leaned her head closer to his. "I'm really optimistic about our relationship. Aren't you?" Their eyes met, then Oliver kissed her, before standing up and wrapping his coat around his shoulders. "Have a good Christmas, Kara. I'll see you when you get back, ok?" Kara stood up and they kissed again, then Oliver walked out of the café, leaving Kara feeling slightly puzzled.

Oliver made his way back to his office, as he had work to do. When he walked into his office and took off his coat, one of his guards informed him that there was someone there to see him, someone named Gabe Sullivan. Recognising the name of Chloe's dad, Oliver invited him into his office and sat down whilst he was waiting. The door opened and Gabe Sullivan walked into the office. "Mr. Sullivan, it's a pleasure to see you again. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Gabe sat down and answered, "Well, it's actually me repaying the favour-you helped me get up here to Chloe at Thanksgiving and now I'm here for Christmas. Are you spending the holiday with anyone, Oliver?"

There was a short silence, then Oliver shook his head. "No, sir. I have no family, so I'll be working, most likely."

"Well, that's why I'd like to invite you to spend Christmas with us: me, Chloe, Jimmy and Nicky."

Oliver stared at him, before replying, "Sir, I couldn't do that. I would be intruding and it's only Nicky's second Christmas"-

"Exactly and you're his godfather," Gabe interrupted him, "I know how much you mean to Chloe. It's a simple act of kindness. Please accept it." With that, Gabe stood up and excused himself from the office, leaving Oliver wondering what to do. He wondered if Chloe and Jimmy were aware of Gabe's plan or if this was all his doing and he was not sure which was worse.

Christmas Day came and Chloe was busy decorating the Christmas tree in their living room. She had also bought a spare one for Lois and Clark, in case the latter changed his mind about wanting one. "That looks lovely, darling." Jimmy whispered as he walked into the room and wrapped his arms around her. "How on Earth did I get so lucky? I guy like me doesn't tend to get a girl like you, Chloe."

Beaming with happiness, Chloe murmured, "Well you, Jimmy Olsen, did. And I'm your equal. I always have been, always will be." She paused, then whispered, "I really love you. You know that, right?"

Jimmy nodded. "I do and ditto. I feel the same about you and that's never going to change." Chloe moved her face closer to his and they kissed, closing their eyes, enjoying being so close to each other in that way, expressing their love for each other. Their intimacy was interrupted by a light knock on the door. Gabe opened it and Oliver walked in and into the sitting room. Chloe and Jimmy had their arms wrapped around each other and both instantly looked embarrassed when Oliver entered.

Forcing a smile to cover the mortification, Jimmy asked, "Hey, Oliver. Are you going to be joining us tonight?"

For a second, Oliver's eyes fell on Chloe, but he received no response. He cleared his throat, before shaking his head. "No, Jimmy, Chloe. Thank-you very much for the invitation, but I-I can't. I'm sorry. Have a lovely evening." He turned his back and practically ran out of the room and house.

Frowning, Chloe asked, "What was that about?"

Her dad fixed her with his gaze and replied, "Well, he lost his parents very young, so Christmas is probably a very hard time for him." Chloe knew that her dad was trying to tell her something, but before she could ask him, he walked away.

As soon as Oliver was back in his office, he fished out his mobile phone and texted Felicity, asking her what she was doing for Christmas. He wanted her friendship, if he could have nothing else.

Standing outside of her front door with Barry, Felicity felt her phone vibrate and saw that the message was from Oliver. She sent a quick reply, then turned her attention back to Barry. "I had a great time with you today, Barry, and with Callie. She's a real sweetheart."

Barry smiled, unsure of what to say. "Yeah, I had a great time too. So did Callie. She really likes you… and so do I." He cursed himself. "I'm sorry. I don't know where that came from. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to"- he was cut off by Felicity leaning and kissing him. Their lips parted and their eyes met. "What was that for?"

"It was because I like you and you like me, so why wait around?" Felicity answered, in a very matter-of-fact voice. "So, after Christmas, shall we meet up for a coffee? If that's what you want, of course. If it isn't then, tell me now." She received her reply when Barry kissed her. They said their goodbyes and parted, very excited.

As Clark returned from his work (on which Lois had sent him), he saw that there was another car in the driveway. Upon entering the house, he saw that the lights in the living room were out. He walked in and saw his mum and dad sitting on the sofa with Jane and Ben in their arms and they had candles. Like the candles they had had in the house when Clark had been a child. He embraced his parents and babies, before going to the kitchen to find Lois. She was standing here, smiling from ear to ear. "Does that make you even happier, Smallville?" she asked, with tears of joy in her eyes. In response, Clark wrapped his arms around her and they kissed passionately, before holding each other in each other's arms. As far as Clark was concerned, he had the most important people in his life all together, so it was Christmas. A time of love and forgiveness.