I'm not going to make it

Diggle pecked Lyla on the cheek as he came up behind her as she worked in the kitchen. She had been determined to give everyone a home-cooked meal for their little Christmas gathering, but with the pressures of her job at ARGUS she had been swamped with work and only just managed to get back to the house 30 minutes before they were due to arrive.

Luckily, there was a little Italian restaurant nearby that was known for their good food and she was able to pick up a few things that would impress their guests.

"What are you doing?" Dig laughed, watching as Lyla transferred the food from their take away containers to platters.

"Just because it's not home-made Johnny, doesn't mean they need to know that." Lyla smiled at her husband with a wink.

"You know Oliver and Felicity don't care about that stuff."

"But I do." Lyla answered simply. "Here, be a darling and take these to the rubbish chute."

Dig obliged, taking the now empty silver trays from her hands. As he made his way to the door he ran into JJ as he came tearing out of his room to plonk down in front of the TV.

"Rudolph!" he shouted as his Dad passed him.

"In a minute buddy." Dig answered, exiting quickly before returning a few minutes later to put on the Christmas DVD for JJ.

Finished with the food, Lyla took a minute to check that the table was set perfectly. As she was straightening the knives and forks, there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it." Dig announced, striding to the door and opening it wide.

He was surprised to see it was just Oliver and William at the door. No sign of Felicity.

"Merry Christmas John." Oliver greeted as the two embraced in a manly hug.

"Thanks for inviting us Mr Diggle." William politely said as Dig closed the door behind them.

"What did I tell you about calling me John, William."

"Dad said to call you Mr Diggle." William looked back at his father confused.

"That's right." Oliver nodded with a pat on William's shoulder. John smiled and shook his head.

"Where's Felicity?" John asked as he returned from the kitchen with a beer for Oliver and soda for William.

"She said she had to check on something. She won't be long." Oliver told him just as his phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID. "Speak of the devil."

"Hey how far away are you?" Oliver answered.

"I'm not going to make it."

"What do you mean you're not going to make it?" Oliver frowned. William paused as he played with JJ and Dig and Lyla looked on disappointed as Oliver continued his conversation.

Felicity sighed. "Something's come up with Helix Dynamics. Curtis and I need to work on this all night if we want to get it done before Christmas."

"What?"

"It's a long story." Felicity explained. "But I can't come to John's."

Oliver ran a weary hand down his face at the news, his wedding band catching the light.

"Can't you do it tomorrow?" Oliver asked hopefully.

"Sorry Oliver we need to get started on it right away. I'm sorry, I know how much this meant to you."

"It's fine Felicity." Oliver was dejected but he tried to sound accepting.

"Give John and Lyla my apologies, and maybe we can do it another time."

"Of course." Oliver nodded. "William and I will be home soon."

"What? No." Felicity immediately objected just as Lyla started to. "Stay. Have a good time."

"Are you sure?"

"What do you think you're going to do here?" Felicity asked and Oliver could picture her rolling her eyes.

"I could help."

"Oliver I love you but no, you can't." Felicity dismissed.

"Fine, you're right." Oliver sighed. "Well we'll be home later then. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye."

Oliver ended the call just as William and Diggle shared a high five at the confirmation they were staying for dinner.

As Lyla was clearing the plates for dessert, there was a knock on the door. Oliver looked at Dig who shook his head, indicating that they weren't expecting anyone. Oliver signalled for him to stay put as he went to answer the door.

Upon opening it he was very pleased to see it was Felicity. She beamed at him as she leant up to kiss his cheek.

"I thought you said you couldn't make it and would be working all night?" Oliver asked her, ushering her inside.

"Well Curtis and I are genius'." Felicity shrugged. "We had in done in no time, so I figured why not come and spend time with my friends and family."

"Happy Holidays." she greeted as she joined everyone at the table.

Well that's it folks. Super short and fluffy to finish off, hope you enjoyed this set of one-shots!