His eyes were beginning to droop and Tim stifled back a yawn. A surreptitious glance at his watch informed him that it was 12:41 am. They still had a bit of time to go, though they were just beginning the offertory song. Luckily, the church wasn't very crowded, so communion wouldn't take so long.
Abby nudged him, forcing his weary eyes open. But she wasn't angry at him. She gave him a sympathetic smile, hoping he knew how much she appreciated this.
Tim never went to midnight mass during the Christmas season. He always caught an earlier service on Christmas Eve or went on Christmas morning. Midnight mass just seemed so far away every Christmas Eve and waiting for it to roll around, let alone staying awake during the service, was a struggle, especially when it was as cold outside as it was at this moment. Everyone in that church—including the priest—looked forward to slipping into their warm beds for the night.
It seemed to drag on forever and Tim did his best to pay proper attention. He practically sleepwalked up the aisle to receive communion, though he felt a sigh of relief resonating in his throat. The service was almost over now.
"Thanks for coming with me," Abby whispered as they knelt in their pew.
He was resting his elbows on the back of the pew before him, his hands clasped together in prayer, and had his forehead leaning against his hands while his eyes closed. "It's fine," he muttered. "I was happy to."
A late night at NCIS had ensured that neither of them could make it to an earlier service. While Tim would have gladly waited until the next morning, Abby had an early flight to catch home and had no other option but midnight mass. Not wanting to go out alone at this time of night and in this weather, she had corralled Tim into going with her. It hadn't taken much; just a flutter of her eyelashes, a small pout, and a little begging.
With the service over, they walked out into the cold night, pulling their coats tightly around them and huddling closer together to keep warm. The sky was clear, though a fresh blanket of snow lay across the ground.
Tim had offered to give her a ride to the airport, allowing Abby to leave her car at NCIS for the holidays. Her bags were already in the trunk and he opened the passenger door for her. Before sliding in, Abby turned and looked up at him with a grin. Then, she pushed herself up and planted a small, platonic kiss on his lips. "Merry Christmas, McGee."
AN: And thus it ends :) Thank you all for reading!
