You knew from the beginning that you weren’t his first partner, Veritas had lived a life full of logic and structure long before you entered it. Maybe you wouldn’t be his last either, but today, something felt different. Today, he realized you were, without a doubt, the sweetest.

Your relationship was still fresh, but already there was a deep attachment growing between you, one that made you crave his attention and warmth, even though Veritas himself was often reserved. Stoic. Analytical. He wasn't the type to express affection naturally, but whenever you communicated your need for comfort, he would listen. He’d pause, think, and give in, knowing it mattered to you. To him, communication was the foundation of any relationship, even if it took some adjustment for you to embrace his more logical, calculated ways of showing care.

After work, he adhered to a strict routine, thirty minutes in the bath, always with a book in hand, every evening without fail. It was one of his peculiar quirks, but it was also one of those things you grew to find endearing about him.

Today, however, you decided to join him in this ritual. The bathwater was warm, filled with his usual rose petals and floating rubber duckies that added a soft touch of whimsy to his otherwise serious nature. He was engrossed in his book as always, hardly acknowledging your presence beside him. That is, until he shut the book with a sharp thud and reached for the shampoo.

Before his hand could close around the bottle, you intercepted it. "Let me," you said softly. Taking the shampoo, you began to gently massage his scalp. The effect was immediate. You could feel the tension melt from his body, his broad shoulders sinking into relaxation. For a moment, his ever-present mask of stoicism slipped, replaced by a quiet sigh of relief as he closed his eyes. For once, the great Veritas Ratio allowed himself to simply exist in the moment, thanks to you.