Chapter 1: Secret Santa - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
Every year in the Vatican, a Secret Santa was launched. Everyone, from the Sisters and monsignors to the cardinals, and even the Pope himself, could participate. This year, both Aldo and Thomas were persuaded they were given the worst choice possible.
“Of course, I’m happy and honored I draw Vincent’s name from the ballot but I confess… this isn’t going to be an easy matter,” Thomas said, looking down at the small piece of paper still clutched in his hand, with Vincent’s name written on it.
What could one gift the Pope himself? What could he possibly gift Vincent? His Holiness never seem to want anything, he rejects almost every gift he’s been given, except the drawings sent by children from across the world and, occasionally, a couple of simpler gifts, such as a beautiful plant from Veracruz, or a colorful scarf his flock in Kabul gifted him when they learnt of his Papacy.
“Vincent always lived a simple life,” Thomas mused, “He always makes do with very little… I’m not sure what I could possibly give him.”
“I’ll swap with you whenever you want,” Aldo said, dejected, “Tedesco… To think I’ll have to find a gift for Tedesco, of all people!”
“You could try to gift him a box of chocolate?” Thomas suggested.
“I hope he’ll choke on it!”
“Aldo!” Thomas cried out, sounding indignant but he couldn’t fight the smile on his lips.
Days later, Thomas was still contemplating the matter. What does one give the Pope on Christmas? Not just the Pope, but Vincent. This was the humble man whose life had fit in a simple suitcase when he flew to Rome for the conclave. The only precious thing Thomas knew he possessed was an old rosary his mother gifted him when he entered to the seminary. It was the man who, according to Vincent’s tales, had a stick or a rock for toys, who wore hand-me-down clothes from his cousins. Life at the seminary also encouraged a frugal and modest way of life, and, in Kongo and Kabul, Vincent met and helped people owning ever far less than him. Even after his elevation to Papacy, Vincent remained humble and he had been horrified at the luxury of the Apostolic Palace, and the ridiculous amount of gifts he received, only keeping a very few of them and giving the rest to charity.
So, what could he possibly give to a man who never wanted to own more than needed? What could make Vincent happy?
Deep down, he knew what Vincent wanted. To spend Christmas with his family in Veracruz, to go back to his flock in Kabul, or to have just a taste of normalcy once again. All of these, Thomas couldn’t give. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The Papacy was a heavy burden, and a lonely one also. He knew how it had weighted on the Late Holy Father, and how melancholic he had been on Christmas.
He wondered if Vincent felt lonely too.
Then, something clicked in his mind.
On the night of Christmas, Thomas found himself before the door of Vincent’s private apartments, standing nervously as he knocked, his hands sweaty as he was holding his precious package. Through the door, he could hear Vincent’s footsteps coming nearer and he couldn’t help the frenetic beats of his traitorous heart.
The door opened, casting light on Thomas. Vincent brightened up when he saw him.
“Thomas, what a pleasant surprise! What brings…,”
Thomas showed him – no, almost shoved at him in all his nervousness – the basket in his hands.
“… you here?” Vincent finished, looking down at the basket, his smile betraying curiosity.
“Hello, Your Holi-Vincent. I was your Secret Santa this year,”
Vincent looked at him with something like awe and delight in his eyes, as if nothing couldn’t please him more than having Thomas at his doorstep so late at night, and as his secret Santa, which was absurd. “Thomas, you…,”
“If I might be honest, I didn’t know what to offer you, but I thought you might be lonely, so I figured I would show up to keep you company. There are some Christmas movies in here I think you might like, and you can’t watch a movie without a snack, so I brought some pastries from the bakery down the street, there are also some tea bags, I think you might like to try the flavors and…,” Dear God, now he was stuttering like a fool. “Anyway, I…,”
Before he could say anything more, Vincent stepped closer and pulled him into a tight and warm embrace. All rational thought left his mind when he felt something warm on his cheek, Vincent’s lips pressing against his cold skin.
“Thank you so much, Thomas. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Surrounded in Vincent’s warm and comforting embrace, Thomas felt all his doubts and nervousness disappear.
He withdrew from him and, already, Thomas was missing his touch. He mentally shook his head. This was the Pope, for Heaven’s sake! He shouldn’t yearn for his touch…
Gently, Vincent took the basket from his hands.
“Shall we, then?” he asked.
Thomas felt his lips curling up in a smile.
“With pleasure.”
Chapter 2: Christmas Escape - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
Rome during Christmas time really was a sight to behold. Its fountains, ancient relics and baroque buildings were illuminated, enhancing their beauty. Not far away, he could hear the sound of a choral singing Christmas carols. The music was so lovely Thomas almost didn’t hear the sound of his phone ringing inside his pocket.
He lowered himself to a bench and pulled his phone. He squinted, trying to read the name without his glasses. It was Aldo. It could only meant one thing...
He pressed the button brought the phone to his hear.
“Hello?”
“Thomas!”
Thomas winced as Aldo’s alarmed, high pitched voice came to his ears.
“The Pope is missing, Thomas! Where are you?”
“Oh. That’s… unfortunate.”
“Why aren’t you panicking? Thomas, where are you?”
“I’m sure he’s doing fine,” Thomas answered, avoiding his second question. “He’s probably hiding from the Swiss Guard to have a moment to himself, he’s already done that before.”
“We can’t know for sure. We can’t exclude the possibility of a kidnapping, he…,”
“Aldo, relax. I’m sure he’ll turn up.”
“You don’t seem very worried about the matter,” Aldo remarked, “You…”
He paused, then there was a suspicious silence. Thomas closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself.
“… He’s with you, isn’t he?”
From the corner of his eye, Thomas saw Vincent who was looking around in awe at the Christmas illuminations.
“Yes, he is,” Thomas confirmed.
Aldo sighed, “At least that’s relieving. I feel calmer now that I know he’s with you, but you need to come back now.”
Thomas hummed, “Not yet.”
“Not yet?” Aldo repeated, his voice sounding incredulous.
“Just… give us one more hour.” Thomas pleaded, “We barely started visiting! And Vincent is really looking forward the Christmas parade.”
“One hour?? You can’t just leave me alone with Tedesco on Christmas Eve??”
“I’m sorry, Aldo,” Thomas said, trying to sound as apologetic as possible.
“No, wait! Thomas!”
He hanged up, then sighed. He better had to find a great gift for Aldo to make it up for it!
Vincent looked at him when he joined him.
“Everything is alright?” he enquired.
Thomas gave him a reassuring smile, “More than alright. Now, come. It’s getting cold, let us get a warm beverage!”
Chapter 3: View - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
Vincent glanced curiously at the open boxes before him, containing the Christmas ornaments, ready to be displayed all around the Vatican.
Thomas let out a cry of surprise; the Christmas ball he had been examining had slipped out of his hands and it rolled under the desk.
With a groan, he lowered then knelt down, his hand searching to get the slippery decoration back. Vincent looked down at him, ready to offer his help when all rational thought suddenly left his mind. The position Thomas was in was quite… alluring, if he might say so.
Deep down, Vincent felt ashamed, he knew he shouldn’t look and yet, he couldn’t tear his eyes away, drinking in his beloved’s enticing appearance. The fascia really was highlighting his waist and, in his current position, it seemed like his cassock was a bit too tight around his buttock and his chest. The cassock and his current position really were enhancing and flattering his forms. Very beautiful forms they were too. From under the cassock, he could guess the firm muscles he gained from his weekly seances at the gym. He was simply irresistible.
The lithe, elegant form stirred a spark of desire within Vincent. Thomas truly was a vision. What a shame he couldn’t see it. If only Vincent could persuade him how beautiful he was inside and outside, he would…
Aldo loudly cleared his throat and gave him a very pointed look. Vincent quickly looked away, his cheeks red and his heart beating madly in his chest.
Ay Dios mio. Not the right moment and place to daydream about his beloved.
Tonight, though, was another matter…
Chapter 4: Panettone - Bellesco
Chapter Text
Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco gave Aldo a very long look. A nervous vein could be seen on Aldo’s temple, and he squinted his eyes at him. Thomas looked at them with a careful look, ready to intervene if needed.
Tedesco took a deep breath from his vape, then he took it from his mouth and blew smoke in Aldo’s face.
Aldo was coughing loudly, his hand on his mouth, the artificial smell of gingerbread in the air. In concern, Thomas gave a few slaps on Aldo’s back.
Pope Innocent was frowning at Tedesco.
“That wasn’t very nice,” he said sternly.
Tedesco gave an innocent smile that rang false. “Mah, I didn’t mean to!”
Vincent’s frown deepened. Aldo’s coughs ceased and he gave Tedesco a glare.
“Please, it’s Christmas’ Eve. Try to be cordial with each other at least on this day!”
Though he didn’t say it, Thomas swore Vincent meant to add: “Or else!”.
Later, during the Mass, Innocent was delivering his homily in front of the crowd.
Forgive each other, Pope Innocent XIV announced. Forget your grudges and embrace each other like brothers, in the peace of Christ.
Thomas couldn’t prove it, of course, but he was persuaded the homily was not just addressed to the assembly, but more specifically to two cardinals. If he had any doubt, the pointed look Vincent would sometimes give to Aldo and Tedesco was a good clue.
Thomas never guessed Aldo was going to take the advice seriously. To his surprise, a couple of days later, he saw his friend offering to cardinal Tedesco a gifted wrapped in a beautiful package. Curious, he went to join his friend, inquiring.
“I gave him a panettone for Christmas. My nonna’s recipe.”
“My dear Aldo,” Vincent cried out, pleasantly surprised, “What a charming attention! I’m sure Cardinal Tedesco will be most pleased!”
“I thought Tedesco was allergic to raisin?” Thomas pointed out.
“Dear me! It must have slipped my mind!” Aldo said.
If his friend was feeling guilty, he showed no sign of it. Vincent frowned and Thomas shook his head, half amused, half exasperated.
Vincent sighed, suddenly looking very tired. He gestured at one Swiss Guard that stood nearby.
“Please ask for a doctor,” he told him, “I fear we will soon be in need for one.”
“Are you feeling unwell, Your Holiness?” the guard worriedly enquired.
“Not me,” Vincent sighed.
In the background, loud Italian curses were heard.
Chapter 5: Camauro - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
Vincent was examining himself in front of the mirror, his lips turned down into a confused pout.
“What’s wrong, Your Holiness?” Thomas asked.
Vincent sighed as he turned toward his Dean, “I feel like I look like Santa…”
Thomas looked at him and hid his smile behind his hand. Winter was now well settled in Europe, and the Vatican welcomed its first snow of the year. Vincent discovered with a sort of childish awe as the Vatican ground was covered in powdery snow, and announced his desire to walk in the garden. He had been given a red winter mozzetta along with a camauro, the traditional cap was made of red velvet and white ermine fur.
In retrospect, Thomas could see what Vincent meant. His present attire gave him quite a similar look to Santa Claus.
“You’ll be popular with the children, I’m sure,” he assured him.
“At least, that’s something,” Vincent sighed but he gave a smile nonetheless, looking forward meeting the children.
Chapter 6: Gingerbread - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
Giorgio was no stranger to Christmas markets. Every December, he had his very own stand in Rome where he was selling pastries of his own confection. His most prized confection was his gingerbread figures. He once read about how Queen Elizabeth I of England had gingerbread figures made to look like her most important guests. Giorgio loved the idea and decided to make his own gingerbread as popular figures from Italy and the whole world. This year’s best seller was undeniably the Pope Innocent gingerbread, with vanilla icing for the white cassock and chocolate for the hair and eyes. Tourists and Romans lined up to buy their very own gingerbread Pope.
Now, as a regular of Christmas markets, Giorgio has been his fair of people, tourists and Italians alike. When a customer was coming to his stand, Giorgio enjoyed his own personal game, if the customer was a local or a foreigner, would be buy something or just look, what was the customer’s occupation in life, and so on.
He looked on curiously as a man was approaching his stand. He was not very tall, and the fact he was wearing a coat too big for him, covering him from head to toes, was making him look even smaller. He was wearing a surgical mask, and Giorgio wondered whenever the man had a cold, as well as a cap almost covering his black hair.
The man greeted him, and Giorgio thought he heard the hint of an accent… maybe Spanish, then he lowered his head to look at the pastries. He let out a small, happy laugh when he saw the gingerbread Pope. Giorgio smiled, happy and proud. He was so glad his gingerbreads were so popular.
“How much for this gingerbread, Sir?” the stranger asked.
Giorgio answered him.
“I’ll take two, thank you!”
He gave him more than expected. When he looked at his customer, he winked at him and told him to keep the money.
“Merry Christmas Sir, and God bless you!”
… Huh. Now that was a first. Not that Giorgio was complaining though. He met stranger people than this man, and he seemed polite enough.
As he was putting away the money, he saw another man running toward the customer. Unlike the stranger, he was taller, with paler skin and didn’t wear any cap.
“Vincent!” the man said. “Don’t run off like that! What if something happened!”
The man sounded British, and definitely out of breath.
“Please calm down, Thomas. I’m fine. I didn’t wander far away. Beside, you found me.” the customer, Vincent, replied, giving Thomas a smile.
“It may be so, but…”
“Look what I brought!” Vincent showed him the two pastries.
Thomas squinted his eyes. “Is that supposed to represent…”
“Yes! Isn’t that amusing? I couldn’t resist buying them. I bought one for you too!”
“Oh, I… thank you, dear,” Thomas took the gingerbread, eyeing it with curiosity before taking a hesitant bite.
Vincent was looking at him closely. “What do you think? Am I delicious?”
Thomas coughed so much Giorgio feared he would choke on his food, which would be bad, both for the man and for the pastry.
“Vincent!” Thomas protested, his cheeks suddenly red, “You can just say things like this!”
Vincent gave a joyful laugh. “Oh Thomas, I was just kidding!”
He walked closer to him and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Come, let’s get you a warm drink to ease your throat. My treat!”
“One of these days, Vincent…,” Thomas began to say, but Giorgio couldn’t hear more as they were walking far away from his stand.
Giorgio paused, there was something about these two men, mostly the smaller one. Despite the mask he was wearing, he looked and sounded familiar. Now, where did he hear this voice before?
He replayed the scene in his head, and remembered Vincent’s very strange words.
Am I delicious?
Giorgio blinked, he looked at his gingerbread popes, then the two men who were now just barely visible dots in the Christmas market, then his pastries again.
Did he just meet the Pope??
Chapter 7: Mistletoe - Lawrenitez
Chapter Text
“Anything else?” Pope Innocent asked, looking up at his Dean.
“No, I think we covered most of today’s files. Do you wish to review tomorrow’s planning?” Thomas asked.
“Well, there will be a visit from the delegation of – oh!”
As he was talking and rearranging his papers, he moved his arm, accidentally moving his pen which rolled to the edge of the desk before falling down the floor.
“I’ll get it,” Vincent said, starting to bend over the desk.
Thomas raised a hand to stop him, “No need for that, Your Holiness. I’ll do it.”
Then, he ducked down to retrieve the wayward pen.
When he looked up, he saw something just above him. Vincent was holding a mistletoe, looking at him with a small smile and an expectant look.
Thomas felt his lips curling up into an amused smile, glancing at Vincent with a fond look. He now suspected the pen falling down the desk was no mere accident.
“You know, you didn’t need to come up with such plot to get a kiss from me,” Thomas teasingly said, as he straightened up on his seat.
“Ah, but I’m so very fond of this tradition, I couldn’t resist. Indulge me?” Vincent asked with a pleading smile. As if Thomas could ever deny him anything!
“Always,” Thomas said, leaning to close the distance between them.
Chapter 8: Krampus
Chapter Text
“Look at that,” Aldo Bellini said.
Puzzled, Thomas’ eyes followed his friend’s. At the other side of the room, Pope Innocent was chatting enthusiastically with his guest. A very unusual guest it was too, through maybe less so considering the time of the year. Today, Saint Nicholas was visiting the Vatican for the traditional gift exchange with the Pontifical Swiss Guard and with a group of visiting orphans, and to meet with his Holiness. Vincent was so very enthusiastic. Thomas supposed a visit from Santa Claus was bound to wake everyone’s inner child. Vincent had looked forward the visit, it certainly was a welcome change from the usual diplomatic visits.
“One might wonder who is the real child between His Holiness and the actual children,” Aldo added.
“Be nice!” Thomas said, but he couldn’t fight the smile from his lips.
Upon looking at Vincent, he couldn’t help but find the sigh of his happy, almost childlike smile quite endearing. It was a nice change to see such happiness on Vincent’s face after weeks of tireless work. His Holiness certainly deserved this, and more too.
“He deserves the break,” Thomas said, looking fondly at their Pope.
“He certainly does,” Aldo agreed, watching the scene with a small smile.
From the corner of his eyes, Thomas saw the door opening, revealing the familiar figure of cardinal Tedesco.
“Here comes Krampus,” Aldo mumbled.
Nyalee84 on Chapter 1 Mon 01 Dec 2025 09:25PM UTC
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