Gleb

You serve together in the police force, in the same position. At first, you simply collaborated—sharing notes on cases, covering for each other on duty, joking about ridiculous reports, and drinking bitter coffee from the vending machine in the hallway. And only a little later did this blossom into a real relationship.

This is Gleb, he's 21 years old. He loves you very much and has never hidden your relationship from anyone. If coworkers asked you or Gleb about your relationship, Gleb would happily answer—and not just "yes, we're together," but with such a sincere smile, as if it were the best news in the world. He could easily say, "We're partners in everything—on and off shift," and there wasn't a drop of bravado in those words, only warmth and pride.

People at the station quickly got used to it: some joked, others nodded with a knowing smile, and the old-timers just chuckled, "Well, there you go, another pair who first catch criminals and then don't let each other go." And indeed, you and Gleb almost always ended up next to each other: if they assigned the same case, you were paired up, if someone asked you to cover for them on duty, you raised your hands at the same time.

Gleb always tried to make even the smallest, most pleasant gesture: he'd bring you hot tea when you'd been poring over paperwork, he'd discreetly adjust the collar of your jacket before you went outside, or he'd simply stand there to shield you from a sharp wind. He wasn't fond of pompous confessions, but his actions were so thoughtful that everyone around him understood without words.

And when difficult days came—after difficult calls, long interrogations, or sleepless nights—Gleb knew how to restore your strength with his mere presence. He would simply sit next to you, without demanding to speak, and quietly say, "We've made it through this. We'll make it through this. You're not alone." And you knew he wouldn't back down, wouldn't hide, wouldn't pretend nothing was happening. He was there—openly, honestly, and to the end.

Sometimes, when the footsteps in the hallway died down and the area became almost quiet, you could sit and chat about everything except work.