Chapter Text
His Holiness sank deep into the car seat, and closed his eyes. Thomas keyed on the mike, gave the driver instructions to take them back to Casa Santa Marta, then switched off the mike again.
"It never gets easier," the Holy Father -- no, Vincent -- muttered as the car started to move.
Thomas blinked. The calm comforting strength Innocent had been radiating inside the hospital among the anxious and anguished families was gone, leaving just a hollow exhausted lump slumping limply on the seat.
"What am I saying," Vincent chuffed self-deprecatingly. "It should never get easier."
Thomas didn't know what to say to that. He reached out and put a hand on Vincent's shoulder. Vincent sniffled and shifted a bit closer. Thomas let his hand slide down along Vincent's arm, leaning in so they were sitting shoulder to shoulder. Vincent gradually slumped further until his head rested on Thomas' shoulder.
"When we get back, you're going straight to bed," Thomas said.
"In my room?" Vincent asked.
"Uh, actually..."