Symbiosis

Chapter 7- Bittersweet

­­­­­­­­­­AN- This was meant to be a shorter chapter to make sure I'm not leaving any loose ends.... It ended up being a lot longer than planned. Oops.....

*Third Person POV*

The following days were going to be quite bittersweet for the boys. On one hand, they have finally understood how the other feels about them and are together as much as possible. On the other hand, they need to go up to Newcastle for the funeral. The day after Ant had received the phone call about his father, Ant let his boss know that he needed to attend the funeral and he and Declan set out. They had decided to drive up rather than taking the train, as driving themselves gave them a lot more privacy. Ant took this opportunity to find out about what Dec had been studying and fill him in on his own work. The five-hour drive went by quickly as they talked and once Ant had put on the radio; the car was full of joyous songs and dance. Any outsider would be baffled and likely concerned if they knew this car was going to a funeral. Ant had mentioned to his mother that his roommate would be joining him to provide some support, and Ant was planning on telling his family that they were a couple when they arrived.

A few enjoyable hours later, the boys arrived at Ant's childhood home. Ant rang the bell with Dec by his side, and completely forgot that it was a somber occasion. His sister opened the door to see Ant standing there with a wide grin plastered on his face. Sarha chuckled and said, "Jeez bro, I know you didn't like him but he was our dad. Don't you think that smile is a bit inappropriate?" Anthony immediately flushed red with embarrassment as he remembered the occasion and shifted his expression to something more straight faced. Sarha looked over to Declan who was sporting a much more respectable expression of a polite yet sad smile. Once they had made eye contact, Dec spoke.

"I'm Dec. It's nice to meet you. I'm really sorry for your loss."

Sarha nodded at Dec and returned his smile. "I'm Sarha. Likewise. And thank you, Anthony told us over the phone how supportive you've been of him since he found out, and it looks like you've managed to keep his mind off it. I really appreciate you taking care of my brother."

The boys were invited into the home and Ant led them to the lounge, where they found his mother. Ant embraced his mother and told her that he was there for her if she needed anything. Ant and Sarha both knew that their mum would be struggling the most with this news. After a short introduction of Declan, Ant told his family that he and Dec would go get settled in.

"Oh, Declan. I'm sorry, we don't have an extra room. I hope you don't mind sharing with Ant and Sarha will sort out some extra bedding for you." Ant's mum, Christine said.

Dec tensed up and gave Ant a look from the side of his eyes. He was a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing how to respond. Ant stepped in and spoke up on Dec's behalf, "Um actually mam, and Sarha, Declan isn't just my roommate. We are together. We share a bed at home so we would both feel most comfortable doing so here as well. Sorry I didn't tell you over the phone, I thought it would be better done in person."

Christine replied with a soft smile and turned to Sarha, outstretching her hand. This action confused both boys, until Sarha responded with a frustrated sigh and placed a 20£ note in her mother's hand. "I figured as much. Sarha didn't believe me and, conveniently for me, she forgot that you lived in a single bedroom flat. I figured I'd take advantage of that." Christine replied to the boys, both of whom were thunderstruck by her actions.

Sarha broke the silence, "Damn Ant! Last I heard youse had given up on relationships you lost me 2o quid!"

Snapping out of his daze, Ant spoke up with a tone clearly feigning offence. "Well, if youse two are done wagering on my love life, we're going to go get settled in." Ant grabbed Dec's hand and led him upstairs to his room, showing him the loo on the way up. As they entered the room, Ant closed the door behind them.