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“This is not the research proposal you mentioned.” He nods, confirming Dr. Ratio’s words.
“That is correct, but fear not, I have the proposal ready for you to review. Merely…at a later time.” He slides the folder that he had placed on the desk toward the scholar, but keeps holding out the teal folder for the man to take. “This is a request for you from the Screwllumites.”
Veritas takes the edge of the folder, eyebrow raised. “And why would the Screwllumites be sending me a research request? I am surprised you are okay with this.”
“Ah, so bold the scholar is to assume I know nothing about the contents of that folder.” Veritas laughs, rolling his eyes. The gesture is not one of annoyance, but of fondness.
“If you say so, Mr. Screwllum, if you say so. But nevertheless—they know they can simply email me, yes? Formality like this is not needed.” He nods and moves the folder towards him and away from Veritas, who narrows his eyes at him.
“Question: So does the doctor not want this? I will let the Screwllumites know—” The folder is taken from him, Veritas huffing as he opens it.
“You will do no…such…thing… This is not a research proposal.”
“Affirmation: It is not.” He watches as Veritas reads over the contents of the folder, confusion evident from the further furrowing of his brow. When the doctor is finished reading it, he flips back to the first page, this time using his fingers and mouthing over the words. It is a cute habit that he has become privy to.
“I…do not understand. Screwllum, what is this?” He is quite positive that Veritas knows what the document is. Thus, he infers there is a deeper meaning to the question. His hypothesis is correct when he catches how Veritas’s eyes shift to the side.
A sign of his insecurities about the topic.
He rounds the table and kneels in front of Veritas, taking his hands in his after moving the folder to the desk. He has found that over the years, this is the easiest way to keep Veritas’s attention on the matter at hand. To show that he is there to support him, no matter what.
“Observation: They love you, Veritas. Every single Screwllumite adores you, in the way that we inorganic beings feel love and adoration. You have given them so much and they look up to you.” Veritas shakes his head at his words, sighing.
“They are your people, of course I am going to help them. But this…Screwllum, these are your holidays and traditions. I do not want to impose on them. I know that you do not often engage in such activities and I don’t want you to feel pressured to because of this.” He hums at Veritas’s words, bringing one of the man’s hands to his face.
“Ah, but that is where you are wrong, my beloved doctor. Only you would be doing the judging between the two of us. You will be joined by the panel of judges chosen for the event this year, so you will not be alone. I would also like to remind you that this is just a lighting decoration contest, as noted in the document.”
“What if I let them down, Screwllum?” He wants to sigh, not at Veritas but at the situation. It is something he has come to greatly dislike—dare say hate—this insecurity Veritas has about his place at Screwllum’s side and his standing with Screwllum’s people.
“That is impossible, dear one. Request: Please trust on this matter, Veritas. If need be, I can provide the signature list that was provided in the original proposal supporting their interest in you judging the competition. Affirmation: It is a simple holiday lights competition, beloved. Though I am certain they would love for you to be involved with our academics and research as well.”
“Nous forbid that day ever comes. You and I would probably be forcibly removed from the premises if we got into a debate of the serious kind.” He laughs and presses his face to Veritas’s hands.
“Then I look forward to that day in which I will get to be on the other end of the full might of Dr. Veritas Ratio, the Mundanite.” Screwllum gets a huff in return and he cannot help how he tilts his head. How he adores this man.
“You would be excited about that. I sometimes fear you might be a masochist, but I know that you aren’t. You should really work on your people pleasing habit, Mr. Screwllum. But…hm. I am curious. There was a short section about the history of this event, but it seemed…incomplete. Is there perhaps a dirty little secret about this event that I should or shouldn’t know about.” It is a side-step away from the topic, and while normally Screwllum would address it, he has also done the same, so this time, he does not.
“Ah, the history of this event is…” Veritas raises an eyebrow at him at his tone and he sighs. “Several decades ago, one of the media scholars discovered that with the right satellite angle, it was possible to receive television show signals from even the furthest of planets from centuries in the past. It seems that these media signals were caught due to the incredibly chaotic energy of our universe and were stuck in time. It was recently posited that this might be due to Fuli and the Memokeepers, but it is still a working theory. I believe one scholar working on the matter is in contact with a Mr. Reca from Penacony. But I digress. Most of what the scholar had found were news stations and drama shows, but upon the advice of his wife, the scholar shifted the angle ever so slightly to receive more channels. Mind you, Planet Screwllum has always had television, but these shows seemed to captivate them more. I believe because they were largely home-based, while a majority of our shows are— my dear, why are you looking at me like that? Is something wrong?”
Veritas shakes his head, humming a happy little sound as he leans forward. “Nothing at all, Mr. Screwllum. You are simply very cute when you talk about your people. Forgive me for interrupting.” Ah, he was rambling again. He moves to look away, a bit self-conscious, but Veritas’s hands on his face stop him.
“Veritas…”
“You do not have to shy away from me, Screwllum. I love all of you, even what you are embarrassed about. But, I believe I can help you just a little bit to help you cool down.” He leans into Veritas’s hold, meeting the man’s eyes. “They found out about the old terran movies and competition shows, didn’t they? I am trying to think back to the movies I used to watch as a child, ones that Prime thought I would enjoy that he managed to bribe from a few Memokeepers.”
“Confirmation: Yes, most of them more. Along with those sorts of shows, there was an interesting collection of holiday movies. The strangest part about these signals is that while most of the them had some form of decay, the holiday ones did not. There was also merely four times the amount of holiday movie signals that were recovered than show signals. If you are interested, there is a catalog that you can find in Planet Screwllum’s database that lists them all. I would like to inform you though, that most of them follow the same plot. It is amazing how many ways one can make the same plot happen.”
“Oh, yes. I remember those. Prime loved them. Awful things, not very good. Are you actually telling me that your Screwllumites were inspired by them?” He shakes his head.
“Ah, they were not. Or well, not primarily. The one I know that inspired them the most involves a man that is green and furry...? Addition: Very angry too. Confession: I have never actually watched any of these movies, I am afraid. I have just been informed that there is a scene about a competition in that movie that provided the main inspiration for the event.”
“Oh! You mean The Grinch or something like that? That one has a relatively memorable scene.” He nods. That one does sound familiar. He had never actually heard the whole title and it was not very high on his list of priorities to learn to the name of the movie. He is positive that all relevant data to the start of this event has been properly recorded and it now seems…neglectful that he has not done his proper research. However, Veritas continues to muse, pulling him back to the matter at hand. “Hm, an interesting choice for them to enjoy, but your Screwllumites are truly fascinating people, my dear. So, they watched the movie and got into the competition spirit?”
“Correction: Not at first. There was a two year period in which they all worked together to create the perfect lighting competition so that all Screwllumites could join if they wanted to. While each sector has their own competition, each sector is held to the same standard. Standards include how many lights one can use per year, what the theme is, as well as variations for those in different forms of housing like apartments, condos, etcetera.”
“Truly miraculous beings you have here, Screwllum. But I do have one more question.” Screwllum nods and raises his hands to rest on Veritas’s which are still cradling his face. “Why me? I…like I said before, I…again, these are your traditions. I do not want to seem like I am intruding.”
“You cannot intrude if you are invited. And before the scholar says anything, I had no hand in this invite. Affirmation: I was surprised to see the request on my desk myself. Like you said, you have told them how to contact you. I believe the reasoning is very simple: they want you to join in our traditions.” Veritas nods slowly, in that way that Screwllum has decoded to know that Veritas is not fully buying into what is put in front of him. “I want you to join in our traditions.”
It is not something he would have ever thought about, before meeting this man. Now, as he tugs a strand of Veritas’s hair in a way that has the man looking petulant, he finds that those holidays and traditions he had removed himself are now one’s he wants to take part of.
With Veritas. With his partner.
“Alright. I…understand. I see the deadline is in one week, so I ask for time to think over this proposal until then.” He pulls the man closer, resting their foreheads together.
“Happily, my dear.”
“...you can tell them that too. That I am actively thinking about this. They deserve honesty.”
“Of course, I will pen the letter to them once we are finished here.” And by finished, he means when he feels like letting Veritas go. They are not often in this position of vulnerability, so he wants to savor the moment for as long as possible.
And judging by Veritas’s little sigh and how he leans a little bit more of his weight onto Screwllum, he knows that Veritas does too.
△
“Screwllum.”
“Yes, dear Doctor?” He clenches his jaw tightly at the bright tone, taking in the sights in front of him.
“The proposal you handed me said this was a lighting competition during the yearly celebration of light in which the various shops and houses will decorate in order to win a prize. It is trivial, in my opinion and as I have stated before during our final deliberation on this matter, but I understand the reasoning for morale and healthy competition. However,” He stops walking, turning sharply to glare at Screwllum, who is looking at him with unflickering eyes. “This is a holiday market, Screwllum. There are booths, games, and snacks. Do you perchance want to explain?”
“Hm, how odd. I could have swore that the document that I handed to you said that this event was the Annual Holiday Lighting Competition and Street Fair. Perhaps you read it wrong?” He mostly certainly had not, and he summons his codex to find the proposal.
“It says right here that I was to be judging at Planet Screwllum’s Annual Holiday Lighting Competition. Explain yourself.” Screwllum hums as he reads over the document, but Veritas can hear the laughter he is trying to hide.
“It is possible…that I may have seen the document in draft form and had a few changes made. It is also possible that that could have been one of them. However, I was in the process of performing a few upgrades when this was put on my desk, so that memory of that day is slightly corrupted. When I have a moment, I will repair it and provide you with an answer.”
Oh, he definitely changed it all right. Screwllum only rambles for two reasons—when he’s very happy about something and when he’s lying to Veritas. (He can lie to anyone else without rambling, but when it comes to him, Screwllum always has his tells. He…it means a lot to him that Screwllum has not patched out those quirks that makes it easier for him to read the man.)
“...” He snaps his codex closed and waves it away, turning away from Screwllum’s flickering eyes to take in the stalls and cheer that are happening in the street ahead of them. It’s…a lot to take in. He is not sure he has seen anything as…cheery as this. While the Guild had its own Winter Carnival, he had not been one to partake in the Guild’s Winter Carnival, only doing so when it was required of him. Blessedly, it was only twice. However, this…
An arm wraps around his waist and he’s pulled into Screwllum’s side.
“Please do not fret, dearest one. I have informed the Screwllumites on the judging committee that you will only be participating in the judging portion of tonight’s festivities, and then we would be retiring to my garden to watch the ceremony. There is no expectation here, aside from your duties as guest judge.”
Sometimes, oftentimes, he hates how this man can see through him. It also occurs to him, as he takes in Screwllum’s words, that the entire time they have been standing at one of the entry gates into the fair, that not a single Screwllumite had stopped to talk to them. In fact, there aren’t any Screwllumites around.
“Screwllum…”
“Answer: We adore you, my dear. Every single one of us does, though I must say that I do believe I rank higher than everyone else.” He can’t help but let out a short laugh at Screwllum’s indignant tone at those words. “While you may think you have masked it well, I do know that you have been having difficulties with your place here. And, with this, I hope that you can remember that you are not only an honored guest here, but you are also seen as a fellow citizen, a fellow intellect. We welcome you to join us in our day to day lives at your own pace.”
“...” He looks away from Screwllum’s bright eyes.
He doesn’t know how to respond, because how does he respond? This matter…he hopes that Screwllum knows that it’s not about his status as Genius, it is simply his own hang-ups. He…his name, his goals, his wants have always been dictated and held far above him since he was young that the less he interacted with people outside of academic matters, the more of himself he could claim back. Yes, he is a little miffed that Screwllum lied to him about what this event really was, but he was already unsure about the judging, something he knows Screwllum is well aware of. Yet, even after he agreed—after much much more discussion about the event—and they were now standing on Main Street, Screwllum had chosen a barren entrance to give him the chance to retreat back to his solace, to his private life.
But these…these beings, these screws…they don’t see him as the famed Dr. Ratio, as the man with eight doctorates. They see him as…Veritas Ratio, their ruler’s partner and fellow academic. A…friend.
When was the last time someone considered him a friend without wanting something in return? The Guild, the IPC, delegates from institutions near and far—they only wanted his friendship if it guaranteed them something in return.
“Alright, okay. Just…” He sighs and raises a hand to smooth his fingers over his brow. “No promises on if I’ll join you in the garden after the judging, but perhaps if I want to head inside, we could…watch the results from your parlor room?”
“Of course, my dear. Anything you want.” He nods and very quickly, very quickly, presses his lips to Screwllum’s cheek. He can tell Screwllum is about to do something in return, when a voice echoes around them.
“Your Majesty? We need Mr. Ratio for the judging now. Can we please have him? We promise it will only take two hours and not a second longer.” If Screwllum could pout, Veritas knows he would be right now.
“Yes, I am coming. His Majesty was just heading out.”
“Oh! Your Majesty, your reserved table is ready if you would like to use it this year.” He looks at Screwllum in confusion, never having heard of such a table before. Screwllum hums a note that is hard to decipher, before he nods to himself.
“Confirmation: Yes, I will be using the table this year.” He makes a noise of disgruntlement when he’s lightly pushed forward, but gets the hint.
It is almost time for judging to begin, and he does not want to set a bad look for himself or Screwllum by being late.
□
“Screwllum.” He looks up from his tablet at the sound of a very similar voice, tapping the little ‘x’ icon to hide the display.
“Ah, hello my dear. How was—”
“I desire nothing but a dark room with no sound for at least two days.” He nods, taking in the sight of his beloved doctor. And said beloved doctor’s alabaster bust.
“That can be arranged. We are both off from all Society and Guild duty for the next week.” He rises from his seat, walking around the table to guide Veritas into his seat. It would not be a surprise to him if Veritas’s eyes are closed under his bust. He takes a seat again, but makes sure to keep Veritas’s hand in his.
“Then make it three days. I…why was everything so bright. Those are not standard outdoor decorative lights.” He nods, but then remembers Veritas more than likely cannot see him.
“Confirmation: Yes, they are not. The Screwllumites used standard market lighting for the first decade or so, before they grew disgruntled with the quality. Since then, all festive lights have been made on planet. Every single light is custom made to the buyers specifications. Anecdote: I have been privy to witness several fights amongst some of the Screwllumites due to not getting their order in on time. That is why one of the rewards is a spot for the Light Maker.” Veritas groans.
“That explains…so much. Those are not made for organic eyes to look at for longer than a few minutes. All I see behind my eyelids is colors. And the sounds. So many sounds. Be grateful you do not have organic ears, Screwllum. Mine are ringing in a way that I am damn near positive is one of those songs that keeps playing on repeat.”
“I see…shall we head home then?” If Veritas requires silence and darkness, then Screwllum will see it done as soon as possible.
“Yes…I would appreciate it.” He nods to himself and stands again. Veritas goes with him without any resistance and together, they make their way toward Screwllum’s mansion. To their home.
“...may I ask how it was?” He keeps his voice low, but even then, he does know if Veritas wishes to hear him.
“Hm? It was fine. Impressive beyond belief really. Just…far brighter than I was expecting, even with the sunglasses I was handed. I had my expectations after we discussed the event more, and really, I do not think a lighting competition is this serious, but I can see that it is. Should I fear repercussion for my votes?”
“No, not at all. While they do take this competition very seriously, they also take the votes seriously as well. Any vote that is less than perfect is seen as a place to improve. That is why there is a note section next to your vote.” Veritas nods at his words and the continue on in silence. The mansion is not a far walk from Main Street and soon he and Veritas are inside. Screwllum is quick to turn off all the lights and once they are surrounded in darkness, Veritas releases his bust.
“Blessed darkness and silence.”
“Shall I draw you a bath?” He whispers. He does not wish to take away from the silence Veritas is enjoying.
“...later.” A hand grabs his and he looks toward Veritas to see him smiling at him. “We can enjoy a bath later. I would like to get a drink first, but let us head to the parlor room.”
He can only nod as he is dragged along.
□
Truly, he thought that Veritas would choose to take a bath, but he was pleasantly surprised.
“I worked hard on judging Screwllum. I also spent two hours being blinded by lights and sounds. I want to see the fruit of my efforts.” Veritas had said as he waited for Screwllum to fill up the glass in his hand with water. His hand was over his eyes, blocking out the tiny bit of lights glowing from the appliances in the kitchen.
Now, they are seated on the chaise in front of the large bay window of the parlor. The window is currently closed, soundproofing up to eighty percent, but despite that, the noise from Main Street can still be heard very clearly. The stage is currently empty, but the Screwllumites have begun to crowd around it, eagerly awaiting the show.
He and Veritas, however, are curled up with one another. Veritas is seated between his legs, resting against Screwllum’s chest. In Veritas’s lap, their hands are intertwined. They do not talk, instead simply enjoying the presence of the other.
Then, the noise outside grows louder and louder as the Head Judge finally takes the stage. From his place in Screwllum’s lap, Veritas makes a noise.
“Yes, doctor?”
“You know Screwllum…after all of this and all our discussion, you never once told me why you are not a judge. I would have assumed that that would be right up your alley, seeing as it is a way for you to support and interact with your people.” Oh.
Yes.
That.
“Ah, well…” He lowers his head to hide his face in Veritas’s hair. “It is really quite an embarrassing matter.” That gets Veritas’s attention, who perks up a little from his slouch against Screwllum.
“Oh? Please do tell, Mr. Screwllum. You do not have embarrassing matters.”
He sighs.
“For the first five years, I was a judge for the competition. However…in the sixth year, I was very politely asked to not be a judge. I…I was told that my judging was too biased and that it slightly ruined the competitive nature of the event.”
“How are you biased?”
“...Explanation: I gave everyone a perfect score. I…I deeply enjoy all the displays and their hard work that I found it hard to give less than a perfect score to every house. As their ruler, as their Prime Intellect, I have to be very blunt with them regarding their research. They all know that it is because I truly want them to be at their best, but it does pain me when I have to tell a researcher that after so many tries, their initial hypothesis can easily be proved false, even with all their research. So I found it hard to judge their works less than full marks because their creativity and their spirit is not something I wished to judge with a number. So, I was asked to not judge anymore.” Veritas is looking at him now, brow furrowed again. “Clarification: I do not mind it though! It…made me happy to know that they feel comfortable enough with me to disagree with me.”
Veritas looks at him for a moment longer, before dropping his head into his hand. “Screwllum, my beloved genius…are you telling me you got kicked out of being a judge for being too nice.”
“Yes.”
“This is why Herta walks all over you, you know that right?” He nods.
“I do.”
“I would say never change, but…” He holds Veritas closer to him, knowing what he wants to say.
“We are both changing, Veritas. It makes me happy that I get to experience change with you.” Veritas looks at him, lips pursed, before sighing.
“I am as well. And…you know that I do love you, yes?” Outside, the noises are getting louder again as the opening speech has concluded and the scores are about to be revealed.
“I love you as well.”
“Good. I’m…” Veritas shakes his head, finally relaxing against Screwllum.
“I am as well, Veritas. I am as well.” Happy. He is happy.
Content, he waves his hand to open the window so they can both hear the scoring clearly.
“Salon Tuesday….90 points!” Oh.
“Excuse me?! 90 points?!”
“Heh.”
“I would like to amend my previous statement. There will be no repercussions from the Screwllumites, except Screwllita.” Veritas cackles, head thrown back.
“They shouldn’t have used those cherry red lights with the pastel green. Awful combination and I would say that to their face.”
He sighs and leans his head forward again. He is happy and content, and utterly in love with the man in his arms.
Even if he does enjoy provoking his assistant.