Special Presentation: LUV

DESMOND

‘I don’t even know where to started,’ Desmond said, to Cassidy in hopeless admission. They were standing in Foyle’s Book shop on Tottenham court road, on a  Sunday afternoon in February.

‘Well what does he like?’ asked Cassidy, who was browsing the books, just to his left. ‘I mean, I know what you would like. Some withing nonfiction to do with movies, or the history of the smart phone. That’s something you’d like.’

Desmond gave his friend a very discourteous look and exhaled loudly. Why was getting someone a gift so hard. ‘You know what I hate,’ said Desmond, looking over at the floor map, ‘We only had Christmas a month or so ago, and now I have to get another gift.’

‘You don’t have to,’ said Cassidy, slipping a book under his arm, ‘if you wanted to stay together you should consider doing something.’

Desmond really regretted asking Cassidy to join him on this particular outing, he should have learned his lesson at Christmas. Cassidy was the type who always knew what to get someone. No matter how long he knew someone, he always had a promising idea. While Desmond was always at a loss. He would think for weeks and weeks and never really know what to get someone. Just before the last minute would just ask. Spoiling all surprise and getting them something they had asked for. Which was why he was getting started now. With over a week and a half to go. It was simple, Wesam liked books, so why not some books?

‘So, are you going to tell me what you’re getting your boyfriend?’ asked Desmond as they found their way on the general fiction section.

‘Looking to steal some ideas?’ asked Cassidy, ‘Sadly what I’m planning you can’t steal, nor would I want you a part of.’

‘Well that’s nice, of you, to not help me out.’

‘Seriously, I think you are slightly over thinking it a bit. Isn’t there anything you didn’t get for him Christmas that you could think of?’

Desmond gave this response some thought. As for Christmas he didn’t really give Wesam anything. Tina had found this nice set of various world beers and had put his name to it. It was a slight cop out, which is why he needed to get something good for Valentine’s D ay.

‘I really don’t know,’ said Desmond eventually, ‘I kinda wish I knew something he liked sexual so I could make that his gift.’

‘There’s an idea,’ said Cassidy, casually slipping another book under his arm, ‘Clonezone is only around the corner. Some rope, or handcuffs? that might go down a treat.’

‘You don’t think?’

‘I don’t know what you guys are into. Or hey maybe some books on sex might be another avenue.’

‘Are you really trying to help me?’ asked Desmond, seriously.

‘I’m just giving you options.’ Said Cassidy sympathetically, ‘You know what you could do, don’t do a gift just have nice evening, and get him something practical like a pen.’

Desmond was genuinely upset. He had no idea of what he was doing. He was over thinking it and stressing himself out. He need to take a moment to recover. Then he would think logically about what he was going to get his boyfriend for Valentine’s day.

‘We’re going to look here for a bit,’ said Desmond, after a few seconds of deep breathing. ‘If we don’t find anything I think he’d like, I might get him some sexy underwear or something.’

‘That’s more like it,’ said Cassidy, ‘But can we still look in the sex shop?’

‘Sure.’

‘Now that I’ve mentioned ropes and handcuffs, getting one or both of those doesn’t seem like a bad idea.’

WESAM

Finding the perfect gift just doesn’t just usually fall into your lap. For Wesam however this time it did. Setting up news alerts on the things people liked was an effective way to keep up to date with all things that what’s. Which is why, he was more than pleased when he was able to get tickets to something Desmond would never expect. He has secured two tickets the James Bond 60th Anniversary concert, at the Royal Albert Hall. It may not be to his taste, but it would more excite and make Desmond happy.

As Wesam just got his confirmation email, he was happy that this has sorted out his valentine’s day issues. Not that either one of them had mentioned anything, but the displays in the shop windows he walked pass most days, was a constant reminder he should do something. As this was the first time, he would be properly celebrating one. It was not like he never had a boyfriend on a valentine’s day before, but this was one of the first time Wesam felt like he needed to put in the effort for it. Especially after what he had heard a few weeks ago. It wasn’t something he would forget any time soon.

During the little new year’s party Cassidy had thrown, Wesam had a little too much to drink and went for a lie down. When Desmond found him a little while later, he, thought he was a sleep, and had said,

‘I really want to tell you, when you’re awake, but, I love you. Hopefully you didn’t hear me, but if you did you’ll be too drunk to remember.’

Wesam didn’t say anything. He was a still a woozy, but he remembered. He had remembered the next day, and the 36 days since.

It was weird, Desmond had never brought it up. Or seemed like he was going to say to him again. He didn’t mind of course, he wasn’t sure if he could say it. He wasn’t sure if he felt the same. It would be the worst thing in the world, for someone to say I love, and for you to say nothing back. It really would mess things up. Which is why this present would be great. It would show he cared even if he wasn’t ready to say the words.

‘You look very happy,’ said Sam, as he had just walked in front of him.

‘Do I?’ asked Wesam, not realising his face was giving him away. ‘Oh I’ve just got the greatest valentine’s day gift.’

‘Oh, that makes sense now. I forgot you’re part a new couple who celebrate all that.’

‘Don’t you and Nathan celebrate?’

‘Not anymore. I might get him a card, but that’s about it. More if I’m feeling in the mood.’

Wesam wondered would this happen in the future with him and Desmond. He liked to think so. That way, there wasn’t so much pressure to make sure it was a lovely day for them both. While at the same time, a part of him did want to put in the effort.

‘That’s shame,’ said Wesam.

‘Maybe, I just don’t think were both bothered. We both love each other, isn’t that enough?’

Wesam wasn’t sure he was up for this debate with his boss about relationships, so he said, ‘Yes love is enough.’

‘Any way I haven’t finished paying off his Christmas gift yet. So, I’m not going to reach too far if I did.’

Had Wesam reached too far? Looking back at the email he didn’t think so. He had done what he wanted to do. It was something nice, and something Desmond was going to love. Why was he suddenly questioning it? He shook his head and got on with some work. The gift was great, and it was nice planning on spending time with his boyfriend on Valentine's Day.

Cassidy

It had taken all week to get the planning done. Cassidy had found more than enough of things for him and Heung-Ming to do in Venice. As he only booked them a three day get away they would have to pack a lot into the time they had. There were a light a sights to see, and a lot sex in foreign country to be had. It was just going to be a joy to try and do them all. If they didn’t, there were going to be on holiday together so who cared. So long as the in Italy happened.

This was going to being a great Valentine’s Day. The first for Cassidy with a boyfriend. He normally didn’t get boyfriends to till just after February. Then they would only last just before Christmas. This was the first time in his life that he was being able to spoil someone at Christmas and now Valentine’s. So much so, he was really looking forward to what he could do for his birthday in July. There was no doubt in his mind, they were going to still to be together come that time. So, there was not use in pretending otherwise.

As he set the table ready for Heung-Ming to arrive, Cassidy thought about Desmond. It was normal for him to think about Desmond suddenly. He thought wither Desmond had found a gift yet? As they both now were busy with work and boyfriends, they didn’t speak as much as did during the week. Deciding he had a few minutes to spare, he gave Desmond a call.

‘Are you alone?’ he asked when Desmond picked up the phone.

‘Yeah,’ said Desmond, ‘You not standing outside are you?’

‘No I’m at home, I just wondered if Wesam was with you.’

‘No he’s at work thing, I won’t be seeing him till tomorrow.’

‘Sure, sure, I just wondered if you know what you’re getting him yet?’ asked Cassidy.

‘I did actully,’ said Desmond, ‘I was going to ask, but I kinda wanted to be a decision a made myself.’

‘Tell me and I will be completely impartial it. Unless it sucks.’

‘Thanks for the vote of confidence. I was thinking about get Wesam a new watch. You know his one is the one his family gave him before they you know. So, I was thinking maybe I’d get him something that reminds him of me, and not them every day. In a more you’re doing great kinda way, and not you family thinks your trash kind of way.’

Cassidy smiled to him. Finally, Desmond was coming up with ideas that would make him happy to steal. He of course, realised he could ruin the moment, by stating an obvious fact. If they broke up his watch would do the same, but he decided to not be pessimistic.

‘That’s like a…,’ said Cassidy, thinking of a way to be impartial. ‘Idea.’

‘That’s all you’re going to say!’ shouted Desmond.

‘You wanted to me to be impartial. So, I’m not commenting.’

‘Of course, I want you to comment! If It’s a bad idea I won’t do it. If it’s a good idea I’ll do it. So, help me!’

‘It’s a good idea,’ said Cassidy, just at the door went. ‘Just let me know what watching you thinking of, you can’t be anything too cheap.’

‘What’s too cheap?’ asked Desmond.

‘I’ll help you don’t worry,’ said Cassidy, opening the door to Heung-Ming. ‘Speak to you later. Hey!’

‘Hey!’ said Heung-Ming.

Heung-Ming

Waking up next to Cassidy was something that made Heung-Ming happy every time he did so. Which was still odd to him why it did. They slept next to each other all the time now. Five out of the seven days they usually spent the night with each other. Sometimes just sleeping. Sometimes doing other bedroom activities. They had come up with a nice balance of who place they did it at. Just to make sure that it was fair, and that Wesam wasn’t home alone all the time.

Heung-Ming and Cassidy’s relationship was different than Wesam and Desmond’s. Like everyone else’s. They did what worked for them. What was working for them was being together a lot. Heung-Ming knew that Cassidy was a very attractive man, but that didn’t take anything away from him. Heung-Ming was never afraid Cassidy might meet someone and do something. Cassidy wasn’t like that.

However, no matter how much you know someone, you still aways wonder. He wasn’t under any delicious that they would be together for ever. He had thought that about his parents. Then he found his dad was a serial adulterer. Which is why as nice as Cassidy was, he knew that was always a chance. But these were small thought in his head.

These thoughts were not on the top of Heung-Ming’s mind now. As Cassidy slept naked, and was the reason why he enjoyed waking up to him eve2rytime they slept over with each other. It was always a sight to wake up.

‘See something you like?’ asked Cassidy, noticing Heung-Ming looking at home.

‘Maybe just a bit?’ said Heung-Ming.

‘You can always take a picture.’

‘I don’t want it to be leaked. Only I should see this.’

‘I’m afraid too many have seen this,’ said Cassidy, sitting up.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Heung-Ming, alarmed.

‘Well the guys In the changing room, and all those other guys I’ve been with.’

‘You mean those four other guys.’

‘It’s five and you know it.’

‘Well, they don’t see any more. So only for me.’

‘Yes only for you,’  said Cassidy, leaning over to kiss Heung-Ming, ‘So no nude beaches then?’

Heung-Ming was about to respond with a, defiantly not, when he phone started ringing. He looked down and saw his mother was calling. Not sure why she would be calling him this early he picked up.

‘Oh-ma,’ said Heung-Ming answer the phone.

‘Kang Heung-Ming, I need you to come home today,’ replied his mother.

‘Why, what’s wrong?’

‘Your grandma has passed away this morning.’

There was suddenly quietness all around Heung-Ming. He thought he had heard wrong, but he knew he hadn’t. She was dead. Just like that. She was fine last week. How? She wasn’t sick. Yes, she was old, but not that old. Not ready to die old. They have made a mistake he needed to check.

‘Okay,’ said Heung-Ming after a moment, ‘I’ll be there soon.’ And he hung up the phone without another word. ‘I’ve got to go.’

‘What’s wrong?’ asked Cassidy.

‘They think my grandma is dead.’

‘They think?’

‘No, my mum said she dead,’ said Hung Ming, ‘She normally wrong about these things, she just must be a sleep.’ He climbed out of bed, and started looking for clothes. Which were the same place they more normal were in Cassidy’s bedroom. ‘I’m going to shower then go home. Or should I just go, I showered yesterday. No, I really should shower I don’t want my grandma to tell me I stink. Yeah, I’ll shower then go. Sorry I can’t stay today.’ He said finally turning to Cassidy.

‘Hey, it’s fine,’ said Cassidy also getting of the bed, ‘Look were having a quick shower then I’ll drive you down there okay?’

‘No, no it’s fine. You have a busy day. I’ll go check and go to work.’

‘No I’m going to go with you okay,’ said Cassidy, ‘I’ll get the shower running, and then we can get going.’

‘Okay, if, you’re sure.’

‘I am.’

This had to be wrong, there was no way she was. His mum was wrong. She had to be wrong.

CASSIDY

The next couple of days were rough for Cassidy. After taking Heung-Ming to his family home, to out find indeed his grandmother was dead, was such a shock. Cassidy didn’t know wither he should have stayed in the back or be a little bit more professional. Instead, he opted for a half notion. He asked wither the doctor had been, which they had and confirmed the death. After this he didn’t know what to do. Feeling like he should be somewhat useful he went and got everyone coffee. After that he just hung back, and didn’t really say much.

It wasn’t like he hadn’t met Heung-Ming’s family before. He had met them during a Christmas event. They knew who he was, but he had only been going out with Heung-Ming three months at this point and wasn’t really sure of his place. He didn’t want to get in the way. But inside he knew he had to be around. Just not to cause any more difficulty among the family. In the end he just keep washing dishes and getting anything he could without asking too many questions. By the end of the day, the body was taken away, and there was going to be a rush on the funeral. Around seven Cassidy was told to go home, as the family would be staying together that night. Cassidy wanted to offer to stay, but knew it was time for family, which he wasn’t.

The next couple of days he didn’t hear much from Heung-Ming, he checked in every morning and night. He was working and still taking care of his family. Cassidy kept asking if he needed anything, but there was always the same response, they had it sorted. He very much was in half a mind to go up to family home to show support, but thought against it every time. Which is why instead of be bothering the Kang family he decided he would bother Desmond instead.

Cassidy was going to spend the evening with Desmond, helping him find a half way decent watch for him to give Wesam for Valentine’s day. It seemed like a long time ago he was making plans for him and Heung-Ming to go to Venice. Now it didn’t seem right for them to go on a holiday. Not right now when his family needed more than he did.

‘His current watch is silver isn’t it?’ asked Cassidy, when they were browsing online jewellery shops.

‘Yes I think so,’ said Desmond.

‘You don’t know?’

‘I don’t really take notice of it. I’m not exactly watching his wrists. But yes I remember it being a silverly looking thing.’

‘Okay then, maybe we go with something in a leather or black or blue steel variant,’ said Cassidy, clicking away the filters.

‘Yeah maybe I guess,’ said Desmond, walking towards the fridge, ‘You know we don’t have to do this now. I can do it at a later time.’

‘If you don’t do it now, I know you. You will find something cheap looking, and Wesam will say he likes and never really use it.’

‘I just meant, should you be with Heung-Ming?’

‘He doesn’t want me to be around right now, so I’m not.’

‘Did he say that?’ asked Desmond, now taking a seat next to him.

‘Not in so many words.’

‘Where are his words?’

‘They have it sorted.’

‘When has that stopped you before?’

Cassidy wasn’t exactly sure what he should say. He knew the truth, he never been one to stick to peoples wishes. Especially if they happen to be someone he cared about. The number of times he just barged his way into Desmond’s place when he claimed he needed to be alone were too many to count. So why was it when the guy he is seeing is going through a bad time, he was keeping his distance?

‘it’s very hard,’ said Cassidy, ‘I don’t know what I should be doing.’

‘What do you mean?’ asked Desmond.

‘I want to be there, but there is this thing in my head saying I shouldn’t. When I know what to do as a doctor and a compassionate person. They keep giving me conflict, as should be their or if shouldn’t. Then I think about how much time we actually been together. If were married or something I know where my place is, but I’m just this guy, who still on the outside. I don’t know what I should do. Because of all that I can just be myself. I am worried about him and I wonder how he is, and he isn’t tell me, so what do I do?’

Desmond didn’t answer right away, he took a moment to consider his answer. ‘I think you’ll know what do when the time comes. You were there for me when we had put my mum in the home, and when Heung-Ming wants to talk, be there. Or if you feel you need to strong arm him into talking, you do that. You help people don’t stop helping, just remember what you need to do.’

Cassidy didn’t know how to respond, all he knew was crying. Before he knew what do, he was pulled into a hug by Desmond.

WESAM

Wesam hadn’t seen Heung-Ming in about three days. He didn’t know he would be coming home any time soon. Even when he asked if he was coming home, he just got, ‘later.’ Wesam knew he had been in flat a couple times, when he was either a sleep or at work. He really wanted to speak to him.

They hadn’t really spoken since the incident. Which was five days ago now. Wesam wanted to know if he was okay. A fairly stupid question to ask anyone who has just had a death in the family. But he wanted him say no, and say what was on his mind. He thought he need to try a bit harder, as they had lived together for such a long time. After speaking to Desmond, it seemed like it was something he really did need to do.

Being alone in flat so suddenly was also a shock to Wesam. He normally knew when he would be alone sometimes, but having Heung-Ming just not be around like this wasn’t something he wanted to get used to. He thought about going to stay with Desmond to not feel so alone. He thought against the idea, as he did want to be home if and when Heung-Ming would come home, while he was still awake.

One Saturday he was very glad he would get to speak to Saanah. The long honeymoon she and Lyn were was getting annoying. He would have loved to speak her about what was going on. Speaking to Desmond was good, but he didn’t want to tell him too much. As Desmond was worried about Cassidy, he didn’t need him worrying about him too. All because of the same issue. No this is when he need outside help.

‘You’ve got five minutes,’ said Saanah, when she video called Wesam that morning. She was at some water resort by the looks of things. Australia in February really did look nice.

‘That’s all you can spare you cousin?’ asked Wesam.

‘Yes, things to do, people to see. Life to live.’

‘Since I’m on the clock I don’t know where to start.’

‘Pick a topic and we’ll get through it.’

Wesam had a quick, what was really bothering him. There was so much he need to unpack, but given his short amount of time, he couldn’t do it all. So decided he would just start with something that has been on his mind first.

‘Well I’m worried about Heung-Ming I barely see him.’

‘He’s just had someone die in the family, he’s going to need time to be good family member and do whats needs to be done. Honestly if he was there all the time I’d be worried. So when funerals over that’s when you need to worry about him being at home. Next!’

She was right of course, Wesam was more worried about him being home alone that Heung-Ming.

‘I haven’t told Desmond about the stuff I have been feeling,’ said Wesam, think of the next thing to discuss.

‘Tell him! End of, no further discussion.’

‘I don’t want to be a burden to him. He’s worried about Cassidy because of the same issue, and I’m worried. I don’t want him to worry about me too.’

‘I’d hate to break it to you; he properly already is. He is thinking, Cassidy doesn’t know whats going on with Heung-Ming, and I wonder if it’s the same or worse with you. So tell him and maybe it will be easier on the both of you.’

‘I guess that all makes sense.’

‘Look, death brings up so many different feelings around people, It messes up everyone. He’s grieving, your worried about him, and so are so many of people. It’s just shows you care. I know you knew her, but just remember the person was, and how she made other feels. You said she was always funny. Just remind him of that if he needs it.’

‘Sometimes I really do it hate it when you’re so right,’ said Wesam.

‘I know, right any more issues, put them on the back of a postcard and we’ll speak soon.’ Without a goodbye she was gone.

DESMOND

Death was a weird, it made you think of stuff you might have never just though about before. Desmond had a lot of these thoughts lately. Even though he didn’t know the person who died, it couldn’t help but have an effect on him. He had been thinking how would it be if it was someone close to him he had lost. His grandparents had died when he was very young so he didn’t know any personal loss yet. Which is why his mind kept thinking back to his mum.

His mum who lived in a care home, who saw about three or four times a year. Just thinking about that made him feel guilty. What if, God forbid, she died tomorrow, and the last time he saw her was Christmas. Then next scheduled event would have been Mother’s Day. It didn’t sit well with him. He needed to put in more effort. Well not just him. Him and sister needed to put in effort. Tina hadn’t been home since 2019, she needed to see her more than he did.

Then Desmond thought, what was the point. He thought this extremely negative thought as his mum had Alzheimer’s. It had progress very rapidly not too long ago. Which is why she needed to be in a home. When they last saw her, she remember who Lisa was, but not who Desmond and Light were. Which was quite sad, but wasn’t the first time it had happened.

‘Hey,’ said Desmond, when he walked into the living room where Lisa and Light were sitting.

‘Hey,’ said Lisa sceptically, ‘What you doing here?’

‘I came to talk to you about something.’

‘Wesam?’ said Light.

‘He’s not here,’ said Desmond.

Light then gave Desmond a very terrible look, then got up and walked past him huffed and left the room.

‘I think,’ started Lisa, ‘He really wanted to see him, as he has a book I’m not allowed to see. All I get is, no mummy, it for Wesam. Oh and I have something else for you to.’

‘Isn’t it great, my nephew likes my boyfriend more than his own uncle,’ said Desmond.

‘Well you’re going to have to marry him now, or at the very least stay friends till he’s… whatever.’

‘We can discuss that later, I came here to ask you something about mum.’

‘Okay,’ said Lisa now looking at him seriously.

‘Do we do enough? See her, make sure she’s, okay?’

Lisa considered him for a moment then said, ‘I think we do the best we can. We both have jobs, I have Light. You know maybe we could do a few more gatherings around the year, but with working weekends that’s makes it hard to be predictable about. Why are you asking?’

‘I’ve just been thinking about what happened with Wesam flatmate. His Gran died and I keep thinking what if that was mum. How would I be?’

‘Well, it’s definitely something to think about, but yeah I’m with we should do more.’

Desmond was glad to have her agree with him. He thought he was going to say he was being morbid. That’s when he though, she properly thought about the same.

‘I think I’ve got an idea of what I want to do first,’ said Desmond, proudly.

HEUNG-MING

Sorting out a funeral was never going to be a good thing for anyone. But for Heung-Ming, it was very annoying process. His grandmother had life insurance to cover her funeral costs, and had other legal documents with what to do with her assets. However, trying to get access to some of these things were a nightmare. To top of it off, his mum wanted a fast funeral. With the fast available happening to be Valentine’s Day. Heung-Ming thought it was kind poetic really. He would be saying good bye to someone he loved, on the day you meant to declare you love. Also, it would be an easy day to remember. It just a shame everything leading up to it was super annoying.

Everyone needed paying before they would do anything. From flowers, to the food, the printers and undertakers. Heung-Ming thought he would have some help from his sisters, but they weren’t exactly helping. Ji-Soo was meant to be sorting out drinks for the wake, but she kept messaging him every hour asking his thoughts on wither something else would be better than the decision she made an hour ago. While Bo-Young was meant to be doing the eulogy, but was trying to perfect it like any of her university essays, and was sending daily revisions. It was at times like this he wish his sisters were married. As for his Mum, she was getting on the best she could. The sudden loss hadn’t done much for her mentally. Most days she didn’t eat, just got up and cried. It was hard for Heung-Ming to watch. Little did he know this would get worse.

‘The cars will be here eleven,’ said Heung-Ming, reminding his always late sisters. ‘So we need to be ready to go at that time.’

‘I know,’ said Ji-Soo, ‘That’s Why I’m staying here tonight.’

‘You are?’

‘Yes, we all said we would stay today and tomorrow.’

Heung-Ming didn’t know where his head was at. Of course he knew that, maybe what he just said was meant to be for someone else. Then there was a doorbell.

‘Who’s that?’ asked Bo-Young.

No had gotten up to answer the door, and their mother wasn’t with them. That’s when Heung-Ming to his feet to get to the door, as he didn’t want to disturb his mother, but he was too late. All he heard was a loud ‘YOU!’ turning to see his dad standing in the door way.

CASSIDY

If felt strange going to a funeral of someone you’ve only ever met once. Cassidy hasn’t been able to meet Heung-Ming’s grandmother, when he had met the rest of the family. But he wasn’t going to the funeral because he knew her. He was going to support his boyfriend. That’s what he was doing, that was the reason he was going.

He was standing in the funeral parlour with Wesam, towards the back. They had agreed to stay out of the way of the people that knew her, and it seemed like she had so many friends and people who knew her. Which Cassidy though it was a show of respect for her and hope the family would feel the same way. Everything about the service was beautiful, from the picture, to the large flower arrangements. When Bo-Young got up and delivered the eulogy, Cassidy noticed something. He noticed Heung-Ming’s mother was being held by a man he didn’t know. But he couldn’t see him from this angle. He was unsure of who it was.

When they began to follow the body out of towards the grave site, it was only then when Cassidy knew what he had to do. As the family moved down the aisle, everyone was in pair except the only person he cared about. The man who was hold the mother, Cassidy recognised some of his handsome facial features in his son. The two daughters were walking hand in hand heads lowered. Then there was Heung-Ming, bring up the rear alone.

There a small voice inside of Cassidy that told him, he should stay where he is. This wasn’t the time for him to make a sceptical of himself. But there was something bigger inside of him, his feelings for Heung-Ming, the feeling that he was walking alone to bury his grandmother. Which is why as soon as Heung-Ming was just seconds away, Cassidy was by his side.

Heung-Ming didn’t say anything, he just looked up to see who had joined him. Cassidy aware of the situation, grabbed the sleeve of his jacket. However, Heung-Ming reached out his hand and interlocked his fingers with Cassidy, as they walked out of the Chapple into the grey daylight.

DESMOND

Asking Wesam to make a slight detour on their Valentine’s day wasn’t the plan, but doing this was important. He hadn’t told Wesam why they were meeting in the middle of Dulwich. He knew he should have told him what was going on, but he thought the more he knew about it, the more he would freak out. With the small amount of time, he would only have about five minutes of worry before he would having to deal with his mother.

The idea of having Wesam meet his mother had always crossed Desmond’s mind. He thought about it at Christmas, when they had their Christmas Eve meet up, but decided against it. Then with their impromptu meeting on Sunday with Lisa and Light. Desmond thought doing this was a very smart idea. He just hopped Wesam would see it the same way.

‘Hey,’ called Desmond, when he saw Wesam coming towards him, who was dressed in a black suit.

‘’Hey,’ said Wesam, ‘How come you wanted to meet me here?’

‘Well we are going to do something, I’ve been think about for a long time. I just hope you’re going to be okay with it. Mind you, you are dressed for the occasion.’

Wesam looked at himself, then asked alarmed, ‘What are we doing?’

‘Well,’ said Desmond, starting to walk in the direction they were heading. ‘We are going to have a quick meet with my mum.’

‘Your mum?’

‘Yes, I Hope that is alright.’

‘Umm,’ said Wesam, ‘Why now? Why today?’

‘I was here the other day, and I thought it would be nice to give her a visit today,’ said Desmond hoping that was enough of an explanation.

‘I just, kinda, wish you told me sooner.’

‘So, you could freak out, in private?’

‘Yes, a little,’ said Wesam, looking embarrassed.

‘We’ll be here for twenty minutes, and then we can get on with the rest of evening. Okay?’

Wesam didn’t say anything, but nodded. Then they were standing in front of  large community home. Where Desmond spoke on the intercom and they were buzzed in and walked up the little garden to the main residence. Where they were shown in and we then put into a little room, and waited.

‘You mum has Alzheimer’s doesn’t she,’ said Wesam, after a minute.

‘Yes,’ said Desmond, heavily, ‘I just hope today has been a good day, or she hasn’t turned yet.’ Desmond didn’t want to tell Wesam about what happened the other day. It would be too sad to mention.

‘Desmond why are you here,’ said Desmond’s mum being escorted into the room, ‘and who this?’

Desmond suddenly felt better, she was okay today. He didn’t know how much, but she at least remembered what he looked like.

‘I wanted to give you a Valentine’s day gift,’ said Desmond, taking out a box of chocolates.

‘Did you send me flowers as well?’ asked Rosalind.

‘Yes me, Lisa and Light did.’

‘How old is he now?’

‘He’s going to be six this year,’ said Desmond, feeling better about the situation.

‘Okay, I’ll try and remember.’

‘Sure,’ said Desmond, moving over towards Wesam, ‘This is Wesam, he’s a special friend of mine.’

‘Special friend,’ said, ‘Oh this is your boyfriend!’

‘Yes mum, said Desmond, with a smile.

‘Nice to meet you young man,’ said Rosalind, extending her hand.  ,

‘Nice to meet you,’ said Wesam.

‘I’m glad I get to meet you. I thought you might be a lawyer of something. But I’m glad you’re with Des.’

‘Thanks,’ said Wesam.

‘So do you love him them?’

‘Mum!’ said Desmond.

‘I’m only asking,’ said Rosalind, ‘because instead of having a nice evening together you here with me, someone who can’t remember what day it was yesterday.’

Wesam smiled, ‘I do actully, I was going to tell him tonight. But I’m glad you asked.’

‘You’re welcome,’ said Rosalind, ‘Now get out of here, I’m missing my programming.’

‘Okay mum,’ said Desmond, giving his mum and kiss.

‘Don’t be strangers.’

‘Really nice to meet you, said Wesam, and they left.

Desmond wasn’t sure what he should say, but he felt like he should just ask it. ‘Did you say that because you want to, or make my mum happy?’

‘A little bit of both,’ said Wesam, ‘Today has been a day of saying goodbye and doing new things. And I realised how much you know me, because I would have really worried if you had given me a day, week an hour’s notice. And I’m glad you didn’t. Also I know you love me, so it wasn’t too hard.’

Wait what? Thought Desmond, how did he know. He couldn’t know. But it didn’t really matter. He just needs to be cool.

‘Well as cheesy as this sounds, I do love you,’ said Desmond,

‘I know,’ said Wesam, ‘and I love you too.’

‘I hope that was a Star Was reference.’

‘That’s where that’s from?’

Desmond was in love with a man who didn’t know where a classic quote came from. It must be love because he didn’t care he didn’t know.

HEUNG-MING

As far as Valentines day’s go, this wasn’t too much of a bad one. Sad yes, but it wasn’t bad. Being able to bury your grandmother, with the support of your boyfriend wasn’t too bad. Which is why Heung-Ming felt a little bit guilty about not accepting help sooner.

‘Okay,’ said Cassidy, walking away from the fridge, ‘all the leftover food is packed and stored. With that, everything else is done.’

‘Thank you,’ said Heung-Ming, ‘I really did need you today, I hope you know that.’

‘I do now,’ said Cassidy, holding out his arms, and Heung-Ming fell right into them. ‘How long is your dad staying?’

‘I don’t know,’ said Heung Ming Bitterly, ‘Hopefully he’ll go home tomorrow.’

‘Do you know where he’s been?’

‘Don’t know don’t care.’

‘Okay,’ said Cassidy, ‘Well I better get going as well, as you’re staying here.’

‘Five more minutes,’ said Heung-Ming.

‘I’ll stay as long as you want me to, I’m here for you. You don’t have to do it alone anymore.’

Heung-Ming didn’t know what to say, It was just so nice to hear, and felt even more guilty about not accepting it sooner.

‘Just squeeze me tighter,’ said Heung-Ming, and Cassidy did.

WESAM

One his way to work the next morning, Wesam reflected on having a fairly good Valentine’s Day. He had gotten to meet his boyfriends mum, and told him he loved him. Which he was so scared about doing at the time, but it just felt right at the time. Which as cliche as it sound, death can really make you think about the people you care about, and he cared a lot about Desmond. Now he was really glad he told him.

Wesam also didn’t do too bad in the gift department. Desmond loved his gift, and was really wasn’t expecting it. Just like Wesam was expecting to be the only person to get a card from Light. But The watch Desmond had gotten him was nice, and had tonnes of thought behind but it was still tough to accept.

It was to replace the watch his family got him, would it mean he would leave his family behind, if he took it off Or would it be more like he was moving forward with his life, with Desmond? Or was  he was looking towards the future. He didn’t know. One thing he didn’t know, yesterday made him think about a few things.

Going to the funeral made him think about what if it was someone in his family had died, would he be welcome. Then meeting Desmond’s mother made him think, would Desmond ever meet his? He didn’t know, but one thing he did know all he could do was try. When he got off the tube, he took out his phone and dialled his mum number.

‘Hello mum how are?’ he asked, when she picked up.