Gemotions

The scent of lavender and sandalwood filled the air, a familiar comfort. Leo settled into the overstuffed armchair, a book in his lap. The house was quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the room. He felt the day's stress dissolving.

A muffled noise from upstairs caught his attention. He heard his partner, Ben, speaking in a low, almost singsong voice. He was curious, but too content to move.

Ben appeared at the doorway, a shy smile on his face. “Leo, I have some… ‘chocolat chaud’ for you. Did I say that right?” he stammered.

Leo sat up straight. "Ben, is that… French? Since when?"