Gemotions

The antique desk was where he found it, nestled amongst the bills and old letters. Leo, her name on the cover, in bold letters, written in his partner, Michael’s, handwriting. His novel. He’d known Michael wrote, but not *this*. Not about him. He read on, his emotions shifting with each turning page. He saw his own flaws reflected, and an unexpected… fondness.

Michael came home earlier than usual, looking tired. He saw Leo. The book. He took a breath, his face falling.

Leo set the manuscript down. He walked towards Michael and reached out, touching his arm. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he simply pulled him into an embrace. He felt Michael's shoulders relax. "I made dinner," Leo murmured into his shoulder. "Pasta. Your favorite."