Work Text:
When the church bells chimed, Joe looked in the direction of them. It was the first movement Joe had made in hours.
Joe: "I think it's Christmas."
For the first time in hours, Nicky removed his gaze from the binoculars. They were looking for a drug dealer who had gone into a brothel.
Nicky: "Merry Christmas, Yusuf."
Joe: "Merry Christmas, Nicolò."
Nicky: "Have you checked my backpack for Christmas gifts from Santa Claus?"
Joe loved that Nicky never said anything about a 951-year-old man believing in Santa Claus. Instead, Nicky played along because he knew it was important to Joe, and what was important to Joe was important to Nicky and vice versa. It was one of the reasons why they loved each other so much.
Joe: "No, I haven't yet. Give me a moment."
Nicky returned to look for their target while Joe looked through Nicky's backpack.
Joe: "Look, a Christmas gift."
Joe held up the Christmas gift wrapped in silver paper with his name on it.
Nicky: "Told you Santa Claus wouldn't forget you because of all the good you have done this year."
Joe: "Right as always. And you have also been good this year."
Nicky: "Thanks."
Joe opened the Christmas gift. Nicky loved seeing Joe so happy.
Nicky: "Did Santa Claus give you what you wished for?
Joe: "Yes, big time. A new sketchbook and pencils."
Nicky: "That's good. It will give you something to do on the next long flight."
Joe: "True, or else I can make another sketch of you. I'm thinking in front of the fire, naked and with your fine ass in the air."
Nicky: "That's one way to use your Christmas gift for something productive. I wonder what Santa Claus would say to that."
They both laughed.
Joe: "Oh, that reminds me. There was also a Christmas gift from Santa Claus for you in the backpack."
Before Joe could find the Christmas gift, Nicky turned his head to his left.
Nicky: "Sorry, but it has to wait. Our target is on the go."
When Nicky looked at Joe, he saw the disappointment written on Joe's face.
Nicky: "But I'm sure we can wait chasing after that idiot until I have opened my Christmas gift from Santa Claus."
It was enough to make Joe smile again, and he handed Nicky the Christmas gift, which was wrapped in green paper with Nicky's name on it.
Joe: "What did Santa Claus give you this year?"
Nicky: "A book with Nordic Christmas tales. I can't wait to read it."
Joe: "I know. Maybe you can read it for me."
Nicky: "I would love to."
They exchanged a smile.
Joe: "Is there time for one kiss before we catch the idiot?"
Nicky: "Yes, always."
After kissing, they made sure to clean up after them before leaving the rooftop. Then, they continued their mission, which lasted two more days. When they got back to their safe house, they celebrated Christmas by exchanging Christmas gifts before spending the rest of the winter in bed.