Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, a scent that always tugged at Anya’s heart. She followed it to the kitchen, a smile already forming on her lips, anticipating Leo’s usual Sunday morning breakfast. But what she saw stopped her short. He stood hunched over, carefully flipping pancakes, muttering something under his breath.

"Buenos días, mi amor," he said, his voice hesitant. Anya's jaw dropped.

A wave of warmth flushed her cheeks. She couldn't help herself, she giggled. She took a step forward, grabbing his arm. “Leo! You… you were speaking Spanish?”

He grinned sheepishly, his ears turning red. “Well, uh, yeah. I thought… I thought I'd surprise you." He gestured toward the pancakes. "They're… uh… hopefully, they're good." The sheer effort he'd put into it, the look of bashful pride on his face, made her feel like she could fly.