Gemotions

He found himself smiling at the ridiculousness of it all. Here they were, Leo and Ben, two overgrown children competing for the same position. The thought filled him with an unusual contentment. He wanted Ben to succeed, really, truly.

He’d spent the last hour meticulously cleaning their shared apartment, even the bathroom – a feat usually reserved for emergencies. He'd put fresh flowers in a vase on the coffee table and set out Ben's lucky tie, freshly ironed.

When Ben arrived, looking stressed, Leo simply grinned and pointed to the tie. “Looking sharp, buddy,” he said. He poured them both a glass of chilled lemonade, savoring the moment of camaraderie.