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What a lovely Evening.
Thomas thought, smiling to himself. He was currently resting in his office, lying on his sofa with a book in his hand — The Age of Revolution, by Eric Hobsbawm. God, he hadn’t had a moment to read about history, his favourite subject, in ages! Moreover, he had a cup of tea and was cuddling his lovely partner Vincent, on such a chill, comfortable evening. Vincent smelled like cedar, a perfume that Thomas had seen once on his way to town. The smell was intoxicating. Thomas couldn’t help himself — he kissed Vincent’s forehead and cheeks once in a while, causing a small chuckle from the other.
It had been quite a while since he was able to just — relax. It was a bummer, really — he had worked all his life, endured the headaches and stress of the most prestigious institution on Earth for decades, and never had a single moment to stop and just breathe. Sure, he’d had a few difficult weeks previously, with the sudden Conclave and the unexpected election of Innocentius. Lawrence was already expecting another headache approaching.
It came as a surprise that Innocentius — rather, Vincent — did change Lawrence’s life.
Changed him for good.
Both of them adored playing their game — a game of disguises. Outside, they were known as Dean Thomas Lawrence, the ever-so-faithful Cardinal to the Vatican and Pope Innocentius XIV’s right-hand man. Known to have a serene aura and an iron fist, Thomas took pride in his leadership among the Curia and his protection of His Holiness. He was the Pope’s shield and sword. His shining armor.
Speaking of him — Pope Innocent — leader of the Catholic Church, the ever-so-nice, lovable, and pure Innocentius. Since his first public appearance as Holy Father, he had been one of the most beloved. Simple, yet outstanding. Sympathetic, yet angelic — those were words frequently used by the media and the public alike.
Innocentius was wonderful.
However, through the religious palace's walls, both figures could run free and be just — Thomas and Vincent. Thomas didn’t need to be icy cold as Dean Lawrence, nor did Vincent have to be mindful as Pope Innocentius. Both could take a deep breath, finally allowed to return to their humanity.
Simple moments such as a chill evening reading books while cuddling together in secret, or small promenades through the Vatican’s garden, were what Thomas valued most. Those were the moments he could hold Vincent close, shower him with kisses and affections, claim the other as his in bed and scream out how much he adored him.
He was his Vincent, his beloved husband.
His light.
Cardinal Dean Lawrence was devoted to Pope Innocentius. Thomas’s heart belonged to Vincent. Sometimes, Thomas wondered why he felt so raw when it came to Vincent — he’d rather die than admit it, but he felt envious of the other.
Lawrence always thought envy was the most curious, yet devilish, of sins. You don’t understand it at first and, when you realize it exists, you try your best not to be controlled by it. As an ecclesiastical member, he was taught to think he was more powerful than that.
Yet, his humanity always pushed him down into sin. This feeling became ever so strong during the Conclave, when he first met Vincent, and just consumed Thomas as he fell in love with the man. In public, Lawrence had to remind himself that it was Pope Innocent who smiled, waved, and shared his light with others. And, as much as he adored seeing His Holiness spreading his benevolence, he knew nothing compared to Vincent’s love for him.
And he would do anything to protect his husband.
Thomas slowly woke up holding onto a silky material. The mattress felt soft , delicate. He let out a quiet hum before moving to stare up, meeting Vincent’s radiant smile at him. Thomas wished he was wearing sunglasses, because the other's grin shined brighter than any constellation. The stare got Thomas a small smile of himself. “Hola” Vincent whispered, running his hand through the Cardinal’s cheeks. Lawrence closed his eyes involuntary, hiding a pleasant hum as she felt Vincent’s soft fingers. He looked around to his office — it was already evening, both of them still on the same sofa.
“Sorry for falling asleep” Thomas whispered, opening his eyes.
“Is no worries, my dear. You were in deserve of a good rest. . or nap, for that matter”.
His eyes went to the window. It was pouring outside, gray clouds covering the sky. “How long was I out?” Lawrence sat properly, bumping their shoulders together. Vincent smiled , his left hand found his way to Lawrence’s, intertwining their fingers slowly.
“Not too long. I figured you needed a lap as a pillow.” He nodded. Lawrence noticed Vincent's dark eye bags still present under his eyes.
“Couldn’t sleep?” Thomas asked.
“I’ve been lost in thoughts.” Vincent chuckled. “And too busy playing with your hair. So fluffy, like a kitten.”
A faint blush appeared on the British cheeks, “What have you been thinking about?”. Thomas could swear he spotted a crack on Vincent’s lips for a few seconds before his Pope closed his eyes.
“I've been some thoughts about my position in the Church.” Ah , here comes the doubts again. Lawrence squeezed Vincent’s hand once more as reassuring. “I know-“ Vincent closed his eyes, signing.
“-Please, let me at least explain myself”
“My lips are sealed” Thomas replied. Vincent opened his eyes. They look rather deep, concerned.
“On my recent talk with Him, I claimed for guidance. These doubts have been overtaking my thoughts, in a way that I forget reality .”
“This is quite normal , your Holiness.” The name got Vincent´s gaze to Lawrence, as did break his smile.
Pope Innocent´s eyes dropped to their hands “ Thomas, you know ever since the beginning of my journey I´ve been walking among uncertainty, however I can´t let it consume my soul. I am human and I know that fairly well. Humans are fragile, humans make mistakes - but I can´t do it. I must be the exception, people are expecting for me to be the exception.”
Lawrence´s eyes widen in concern. “My humanity has been in a constant fight with my holiness, everything is just so, so loud .I need to find a balance - to be better” Innocentius lips trembled “ I can´t disappoint them - I can´t disappoint our Father-”
“Your Holiness-” Dean Lawrence tried to reach for his shoulder, but he pushed him away.
“Stop”. Vincent said , looking rather serious at Lawrence, a tear rolling down his eye. He let out a breath, a sob escaping.
“Please- speak to me as my husband, not my advisor. P-please, my love.”
Thomas cupped Vincent´s cheeks, bringing him to a hug. Vincent grasped his nails onto Thomas swelter, finally letting out a proper cry. Thomas hugged him closer, closing his eyes as he whispered soothing words on his ear, caressing his hair. He cupped his cheeks, getting a proper look at his brown eyes, “Unfortunately, most of the humanity puts the weight of the world on your shoulders to bring light to their path. People forget that, above all , you are human, my dear Vincent.” Lawrence whispered, cleaning his tears. “It´s unfair, cruel.” His blue eyes looked down in sadness.
“You deserve to be human. And I promise, my love , I will swear to give my life to remind you that. You are safe on these walls, and I will always be your knight, your shield.” He kissed his forehead. “And your heart.”
Vincent looked incredibly at Thomas , brown eyes slowly relaxing to a smile. He pulled Thomas into a passionate , loving kiss. Lawrence melted on it, bringing Vincent to lie on top of him. Vincent broke the kiss , smiling and caressing Thomas´s cheeks. “What did I do to deserve you?”
Lawrence left a quiet chuckle “You changed me for the better.”
They returned to another kiss , this time more fiercely, more desperate. Lawrence´s hand found his way to Vincent´s waist, pulling him. His lips trailed to Vincent´s shoulder, giving him lovely bites and kisses. The action made Vincent gasp, melting on Lawrence´s touch.
“Is this alright?” Thomas bit his ear.
“Y-you-“ Vincent gasped, unable to contain another moan, his cheeks rosing softly “ You are doing so good , my love.” The praises only made the other men let out a small moan, his biting deeping softly on Vincent’s neck. Thomas pushed him delicately to the other side of the sofa, climbing on top of him to return to shower his neck with kisses. Vincent’s grip on Thomas’s hair became more aggresssive, reflecting his neediness for touch.
“More- please.” Vincent let Lawrence´s hand travelled to his chest, pressing him down the couch further. Lawrence took a moment to appreciate the figure under him. Vincent had his hair messed up, with needy, deep brown eyes begging for attention as his clothes were all messy, combined with frown eyebrows. Rosy cheeks covered his face , his mouth half- open, hiding a moan from beneath his lips.
Perfect.
Lawrence dived back to give him a delicate kiss, his hand cupping Vincent’s cheek. The man under him moaned, kissing Thomas ever-so desperately. “ Te quiero, te quiero tanto ” he pleaded between kisses.
The sound made Thomas stop. He looked at Vincent unsure, cupping his cheek “Are you sure?” He asked, petting his hair. Vincent just kissed him fervously again in response “Your husband needs you more than ever - do you wish to please me, my sweet?” he mutters as a smirk appears on his lips.
This was Lawrence’s cue. The British bit Vincent’s shoulder, making the other grunt. Lawrence spreaded Vincent’s legs slowly, giving the other a reassuring gaze before his hands made to the button of his trousers. The gesture sent a shiver to Vincent, who bit his jacket’s sleeve softly. Lawrence kissed Vincent’s stomach, slowly removing his pants and throwing it on the floor.
“Good boy” Vincent pants, relaxing onto the pillow.
Lawrence’s lips found their way to Vincent’s inner tight, , bitting it softy, then kissing the biting mark. He was claiming him carnally as his, craving a mark. Vincent moaned, his hand founding his way to Thomas´s hair, petting it. Thomas smiled hearing his lover, looking at him “ You can hold onto me, my love, it is alright-”
“I will-” Vincent giggled in return , hold his breath as felt Lawrence´s fingers playing with his boxers. Lawrence put them down slowly, revealing Vincent´s member. He admired it for a few moments, giving it teasing kisses and making the man under him moan deeply. His fingers caressed the lower part softly.
“Good god-” Vincent gasped, closing his eyes
“My name is Thomas, my love” Thomas smirked at him , making Vincent blushed, his smile dropping. Lawrence looked at him , with concerned eyes. Suddenly, Vincent burst out laughing , breaking the mood. Lawrence laughed along with him , a soft chuckle mixing with his heartwarming laugh.
“Tomás . .” Vincent sat on her knees, cuping Thomas cheeks, “You are adorably funny” he kissed his cheek with a big smooth. “ Never change “
Thomas blushed in return “Appolagies, I was- “ he gulped “ I was trying to be flirting - per say.”
“I know- you completely failed.” this comment only made Thomas blushed further. “ But this is what make you more .. sexy ” the last word came out as a whisper, as Vincent kissed his nose.
Thomas smiled, pushing Vincent back down , holding his right leg up before lowering to return to his teasing. Vincent squirmed underneath him , his breath becoming quick and fast. Lawrence kisses became small licks and sucks, his fingers digging deeper onto the other’s tights, his own groin becoming tighter underneath his pants.
Vincent was a puddle of a pleading at the moment. His nails were digged in the sofa’s matress. He was begging to Lawrence to keep going . Thomas, ever so obedient, just wish to please and show to his husband how much he adores him. How much he was Vincent’s.
The man reached a breakpoint no too long later. Vincent´s panted slowly as Lawrence finished, smiling and crawling Vincent´s to his lap. Both of them smiled to one another, falling asleep on each other´s arm.
Up to a new day.
Pope Innocent´s Office, 09:30 AM
“So, after a meeting with the Secretary of State, Cardinal Tremblay wishes to speak briely about the translation to Chinese. He claims his mandarin is not doing “Good enough” for it.” Dean Lawrence turned off his tablet, signing softly. Pope Innocent , sitting on his wooden desk, just nodded affirmatively, noting himself on his agenda.
“Anything else for the day, my dear Dean?” Innocentius smiled, bringing a smile to Lawrence as well. He only shook his head. “Good- I wish to visit the Orphanage today. Would you wish to tag along?”.
“It would be lovely, your Holiness.” Lawrence smiled , noticing a notification on his cellphone. An ironically giggled left his throat “The Patriarch of Venice wishes to have lunch with me, I am afraid.” he signed. Pope Innocent giving him an apologetic smile, intertwining his fingers together.
“You should go, don´t keep Goffreddo waiting.” He smiled. “ Thank you, my dear Thomas. I will not take anymore of your time.”
Lawrence smiled, turning around to leave. However, before he could do so- he turned around, holding Vincent´s hand and giving it a kiss, a gasp lefting the other´s mouth. “I will see you soon, my sweet.”
Vincent smiles in return “Until dawn, my love.”