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Expressing his dislike towards you to exchanging quick remarks whenever you pass by eachother and overall being rivals is only on the surface. After work hours however— both of them is further than being a rival, you would seek his comfort while he read his codex to you.
But today? Today was different, you felt as if the universe is challenging you— and whichever Aeon it is, that has a grudge on you is finding pleasure in seeing you suffer. It ranged between how the morning had gone totally terribly; with you accidentally submitting the wrong file, and Veritas himself scolding you for your lack of awareness during work-hours.
When Veritas had scolded you, you were already at your wits end— feeling your wits crumbling you think to yourself; "couldn't this day just get any worse?", and yes; of course it did! Pushing through the entire day was exhausting both physically mentally, and once you reach your place of residence with Veritas— you slump to the ground and just close your eyes.
Veritas? He haven't gone home yet, apparently having more work needed to do before leaving causing you to go home alone. Thinking through the course of events happening today, you can't help but feel tears trailing down your cheeks— which ultimately changes into soft little sobs. You feel lonely after all, Veritas isn't here yet and you're left with your own feelings.
A faint sound of the door clicking and closing, indicating that someone just entered the house but you could care less— you feel too shitty to even get up right now. Someone is caling your name, a voice that you could recognise— and footsteps approaching your figure which is slumped on the ground.
"My dear?", Veritas called out softly as he approach your slumped figure and crouching once he is close enough. "Dear, what's wrong?", he asked and nudged your arm lightly— your face can barely be seen by him as the room is dimly lit. "Look at me, my dove", he muttered softly as his hand traveled to your chin— tilting up slightly as he observes your tearful face. Veritas let out a sigh then caressed through your hair, trying to soothe you.
The silence settled in, with the occasional soft sobs from you. "It was about me scolding you, wasn't it?", he blurted out of the blue, which, in response you; nod slightly. "It's— not only that", you whispered softly as your gaze finally met his; realising how the way he looked at you is soft. "I just had a bad day, and you scolding me was.. the tip of the iceberg", you murmured to him.
"I'm sorry, dear— I should've been more aware of your feelings", he muttered softly as he brings your head to rest against his chest; making you hear his heartbeat. "Now, let's get up and do something that you want, alright? Let's take a warm bath together, and talk about today— and then play the game that we've been planning, okay?", he said to you, patting your head in the process. This is one of his ways of comforting you, and by midnight; you find yourself to be tangled in his warmth.