Gemotions

Thomas was already scowling as he peeled himself from bed. He stubbed his toe on the rogue sock his partner, Liam, had abandoned the night before. "Damn it," he muttered, rubbing the offending digit. A low groan escaped him as he shuffled into the kitchen. Liam was at the kitchen table, a laptop open in front of him, a steaming cup of tea nearby.

The manuscript was titled, "The Accidental Gardener." Thomas’s eyes narrowed. He knew that the only reason Liam was so interested in gardening lately was because *he* had started a small herb garden. His jaw clenched. He snagged a slice of toast, nearly ripping it from the loaf. Liam looked up, a placid smile on his face.

"Morning, love," Liam chirped, his voice unusually bright. Thomas grunted in response. The air felt thick, charged. He could feel the familiar knot forming in his stomach. He didn’t want to know. He already knew. The way Liam kept looking at him… It was all a bit much.