Note From The Author—So this year I'm writing a short holiday themed one shot for every category I've written in. It's been a while since I did anything in the Bones world so I hope I do them justice. Also, I'm not a Catholic, so please forgive me any issues with midnight mass.
Disclaimer—I don't own the characters of Bones; and despite the fact that it's my favorite Christmas song, I down own O Holy Night either
Booth stayed behind long after the others were gone and Temperance's father and cousin were in bed. The pair of them had just finished the dishes when she spoke up for the first time in what seemed like hours.
"I'm sorry you didn't get to spend Christmas with Parker, Booth."
He gave her one of those patented Booth half smiles. "Hey it's okay. I get him for New Years and tonight was a blast."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," she said quietly. "I think my cousin and I managed to come to some sort of truce."
"Good Bones! You know, family is important. I'm glad you're starting to see that."
She didn't know if she would go quite that far, but she decided not to burst his bubble on Christmas. Glancing at her watch, she looked back over at Booth to see him putting on his coat. "Where are you going at this hour?"
Seeley smiled. "Midnight Mass, Bones."
She hesitated for a moment, and when the words came out of her mouth she could scarcely believe them. "May I come with you?"
"I don't know." He looked at her for a moment, and the hope in her eyes did him in. "Okay, but no lectures about God, no science. Just…. try to enjoy it, okay?"
"Absolutely." She nodded. "Just let me get me coat."
He wondered all the way to the church if he had made the right decision, but she respected him, and she kept her promise. Throughout the entire ceremony she didn't say a word, though he did hear her snort when she realized the sermon was about Christmas wishes When they were nearing the end, they passed the collection plate and the choir launched into one of the most beautiful renditions of O Holy Night he had ever heard, and he was surprised to see Temperance sitting next to him, her eyes closed as she hummed along with the beautiful melody.
With a content smile, Seeley slipped his hand into hers, and when she wrapped her fingers around his and gave them a gentle squeeze, he was sure that Christmas wishes really could come true; because sitting there with her in that moment was just about as close to perfect as it came.