Leon & Raihan

Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - Edinburgh Pride

Years from now, they would all remember what they were doing at noon on that overcast, rainy Saturday, the 21st, when Leon Jordan and Raihan Kramer were married.

It was a long time coming. Friends since childhood. Classmates. Partners. Fiancés. Now, husbands. They wouldn't have seen this coming, not in a million years. The pair of clueless lovebirds circled the topic for years, stumbling over increasingly blatant clues left by their incredulous friends.

And now here they were...

The couple slow dances to a live rendition of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" in Milo's barn. Their friends and family watch on, beaming proudly.

Leon is lost in Raihan's baby blue eyes. They sway in time with Piers' voice, only the world and music between them.

*******

Milo's farm, a small patch of land near Edinburgh Airport, has been suitably transformed by the young farmer and his family into a queer haven. Rainbow flags and bunting snake around tree trunks and through the bushes, while a wooden sign congratulating the newlyweds has been erected above the barn doors.

Long tables are nestled in the orchard, sheltered from the rain. Many of them are occupied by guests, eating, drinking and chatting merrily to one another.

*******

Milo Aguilar leans on the gate, watching fondly as Allister Bartley plays with the dogs. The boy is laughing as one of the dogs bowls him over and licks his face.

"Ha, ha, stop it. Stop it. Ha ha ha. I already had a wash today."

"Lilly, knock it off now."

Lilly ignores him, licking away at Allister's full-face mask.

"Want me to try?"

Gordie Matranga sidles over to join Milo, pressing a soft hand to his stomach. He nuzzles his neck.

"Be my guest. She never listens to me."

"Lilly. Here, girl, now!"

Lilly doesn't need telling twice. Within seconds, she's at Gordie's feet.

"There you go."

"Extraordinary."

"I try. And in return, you can do me a favour... Hide me! Please?!"

"Hide you?"

"Yes, hide me!"

"GORDIE? GORDIE?"

"Cowshed. Second on the left. You can't miss it."

"You're an angel."

Gordie kisses his cheek.

"Go."

Milo blushes and touches his cheek where Gordie's lips had brushed him.

*******

"Milo, darling, have you seen Gordie?"

Melony Lee is holding two champagne flutes. One is full. The other was nearly empty.

"No. Sorry, Melony."

"Oh... well, I suppose I'll just have to have this one too, then."

She drains the first and starts on the second.

"I wanted to catch him because I have some amazing news."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I've arranged for him to go on a date with one of the girls from my gym. Isn't that wonderful?"

"Um... yeah. I am sure he'll be ... thrilled(?)"

"I know. She's an absolute stunner, if I do say so. And you know my Gordie—he was always the ladies' man back at school."

"Well, if I see him, I'll point him your way."

"Thank you, dear. I must say your parents did a wonderful job with this place. Very quaint."

"Thanks, I..."

"How's that girl you are seeing? Georgina, is it?"

"Georgina?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be prying. Gordie told me there's going to be a little pattering of feet soon."

"That... err... was meant to be a secret."

"Oh! Mum's the word then. I'm dead made up for you. You're a good-looking lad, and you deserve a bit of happiness. Especially after that last girl you were with."

"... ... ... Well, a lot has happened since then."

"I know. Well, tell you what—buy Georgina something nice with this. Maybe even something for the little one. How many months, by the way?"

"Three."

"Three. Oh, you just watch. Those other six will just fly by. I am sure you are treating her like a queen."

"I... try."

"Good lad."

She hands him £20.

"I... I can't take your money."

"Go on. I got it while I was doing a little flutter on the horses. And you've been such a good friend to my Gordie after... well, anyway, I wanted you to have this as a thank you."

"I ... I don't know what to say, Melony."

"Say nothing. Actions speak louder. Now I have to find Gordie. Allister, sweetie, have you seen Gordie?"

*******

Bede Bridgland fidgets with her dress, awkwardly tugging at the hem down as it rides up from how she's sitting. After a few minutes, she gives up with a pouty huff.

"I don't know why you fuss so. You look lovely."

Opal Miller sips her tea. She is 88, dressed in an elegant purple dress with a pink shawl. She carries a dark blue parasol, which she uses to cover them both.

"I fuss because this is a big deal. I've never worn a dress before. And this one... wouldn't have been my first choice."

"Then why...?"

"Marnie... picked it out for me."

Bede stares down, embarrassed.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of. She clearly has good taste. And more importantly, it's pink. And therefore..."

"The power of pink fills the world with love... Yes, yes, I know."

"You mock, but you know I'm right."

"Hmm."

"And on the subject of love and the young Miss Bosco, am I to presume you've followed my advice and engaged in courtship with her?"

Bede chokes on her beer.

"Not so loud! Please?! We don't want everyone to know."

"Why on Earth not? It's not like anyone here wouldn't understand and be supportive of your coupling. Unless it is those outside this gathering that troubles you?"

"... ... ..."

"Or a third option. You don't feel you're worthy of Miss Bosco's affections and would prefer to keep it a secret so as not to build your hope up?"

"NO."

"... ... ..."

"I just... Marnie is beautiful. And funny. And caring. And I'm just... me."

"You are all those things."

"Hah!"

"Have I said something that amuses you?"

"You say this stuff, and we both know it's not true. I need some air."

Bede rises from the table and stalks off toward the drinks table.

"My dear, you have so much love in your heart. I wish you could just extend that to yourself."

She says it more to herself—Bede is too far gone to hear her.

"But I know you will."

And with a self-satisfied hum, she takes another sip of tea.

*******

"So, I hear congratulations are in order."

"Now come on, today is your special day. I don't want to detract from it."

"Come on! This is major."

At the head table sit Nessa Camacho, Raihan, and Leon. Nessa perches on the table itself, her heels beside her.

"It's just a catalogue. It's not like it's Paris Fashion Week."

"But it's a big catalogue."

"... ... ... Okay, I am super stoked. There. You happy?"

"Yes."

"Now, can we get back to you two? I want to tell you all about your gift. It's... an air fryer."

"What?!"

"You didn't?!"

"I did. I saw it and thought of you both."

"Look, babes, now you can be a domestic god in the kitchen."

Raihan pats Leon's leg.

Leon beams.

"You like?"

"I love. Thank you, Nessa."

"Hey, boys. I was just wondering if it was all right if I cut in and ask my girl if she cared to dance?" Sonia Clark calls over to them from further down the table.

Nessa chuckles and blows a kiss to her.

"You mind?"

"Go for it."

*******

Nearby, taking a break from the microphone, Piers Bosco swigs from his water bottle. He lounges against a tree, yawning.

"Alright, bro?"

"Good. You?"

"Good."

Marnie nods to him.

"You're doing a great job."

"Cheers, sis."

"You eaten?"

"No."

"Bro---"

"Not hungry."

"Piers."

"... ... ... I'll grab something in a bit."

"Promise me?"

"... ... ... I promise."

"Good."

"... ... ..."

"... ... ..."

He takes another sip of his water.

*******

"Hop, Victor, Gloria, have you seen Gordie?"

"No, Melony."

"Sorry, Melony."

"Where is that boy? Really, now, hiding from his mother at his age."

"Have you tried the barn? I thought I saw him speaking to Hyde Cho about his upcoming Demolition Derby."

"Ooh, really? I mean, I did. But I will do the rounds again. He can't dodge me forever. Ha ha. Thank you, Hop."

"Hmm. I'm sure he will try," Gloria Thao mutters under her breath, adjusting her hat.

"Be nice," her brother, Victor, smirks.

"What? I'm being very nice. I didn't even tell her what I think of her. Or her laughable attempt to set Gordie up with... what was her name? Liana was it?"

"Poor Gordie."

"Poor Milo, more like. Having to hear his boyfriend's mother try and set him up with someone else every other week. I don't understand why Gordie just tells her already. Especially with her going to be a grandmother."

"Gloria! You can't just say that. You don't know who's listening."

"It's fine. She's off grilling, Honey and Mustard Cho about Gordie."

"Hmm... It's not always so easy. Put yourself in his shoes and then imagine telling Mum... If Mum weren't as accepting as she is, of course."

"Okay. I'll try... Hmm... I still don't know. But hey, pushy in-laws? No, thank you. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about that."

"Hmm. Me neither."

Victor rests his head on Hop's shoulder.

"I'm just saying, it will save everyone this run around."

"I kind of get it. I know Lee was so nervous to tell our Mum and Dad when he and Raihan first got together. Fortunately, they were great, but ... it's not always the case."

Hop's eyes wander in the direction of Marnie and Bede, who were talking in low voices beneath an apple tree.

"I never even needed to come out. He did so much of the heavy lifting. I just came home with Victor one day, and they were so chill."

"I guess."

Gloria did not sound convinced.

"Well, touching as this has been, I fancy a dance. Will you dance with me, kind sir?"

"Victor."

Hop chuckles, bouncing from one foot to another.

"After you. See you later, Glor---"

"Yeah, yeah. See you. Ugh... Couples."

She jokes as she watches them go off hand in hand.

"Tell me 'bout it."

Piers is helping himself to a bottle of beer nearby.

"I can't. Not in that way."

"Hmm."

He adjusts his hair. As he does, Gloria notices a black ring on his middle finger.

"You too?"

"What?"

She flashes him her own ring. He recognises it and smiles.

"Yeah... Me too..."

"You want to dance?"

Piers looks from Gloria to his beer, then to his sister and Bede kissing, and shrugs.

"... ... ... Yeah, all right."

*******

"Look at them all... Such pink."

"Young love. Isn't it beautiful?"

Kabu Inoue sighs.

"There is no age on love, old friend. You know that as well as I do."

"... ... ... They seem so happy. So carefree. In spite of it all. With everything going on right now. With Labour. With Reform. With For Women Scotland and the age of the Supreme Court goose-stepping towards a brand new Trans Section 28... They show such defiance. Ugh. We've come so far, yet still they must fight on. It's so disheartening."

Opal sipped her tea in thought.

"You say disheartening... Perhaps there's a little truth to that. The word I would use is inspiring. We fought for this. As they, too, will fight so that one day, the fight will no longer be necessary."

"And if the fight never stops?"

"Then they'll fight on."

"They shouldn't have to."

"No. No, they shouldn't"

"... ... ... Well, I guess the fight still wages on... for all of us, then."

"Hmm. Mustn't let the children have all the glory."

"... ... ... And honour our fallen siblings."

"Naturally."

"... ... ... I wish my Kazuhiko could have been here to see this day."

"Your special one?"

"... ... ... Yes."

"When?"

"1983. He would have been 68 this year."

"I'm so sorry."

"I still light a candle for him. Every year. He would probably laugh at that and call me silly. But, I still do it."

"... ... ..."

Opal removes her locket and opens it. Inside are two photos: one of a smiling woman, the other of a man in his early thirties, trying to look very serious.

"These were my two sweethearts. Back in my glory days. That is Helena and Austin. We lived together for many years, the three of us. The history books would probably say we were "roommates". Helena was a nurse. And Austin, well ... he, too, was an actor. You should have seen his Bottom. It was very fine."

"Hmmm."

"They are both gone now. It was a difficult time for us all. Quite honestly. I ... I wasn't the same after that. Not for a while... ... ..."

"What changed?"

"I met Bede. That young girl... abandoned by her parents. Mistreated so badly by those who swore to protect her, and for what? Because she is a trans woman. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. ... ... ... Anyway, I saw her... So angry. So scared. So destructive... All the emotions that I felt, extrapolated exponentially. And after that incident with that disgusting creep. And how the police did nothing to protect her or bring her some closure and justice ... my resolve was clear. I was not going to stand by and let anyone else go through what we did. And I haven't. Not when I could help it. ... ... ... I am not getting any younger. One day, my time will come, and I will see my Helena and Austin again. But before that day comes, I hope to give sanctuary to all those in need, and who knows... maybe find someone else to take up the torch. Spread the Pink across the world. Hmm. Spread the Pink across the world."

"... ... ... To Helena and Austin."

Kabu raises his beer and clinks her saucer.

"To Kazuhiko. And to the fight."

"To the fight."

*******

"Oh, Piers? Piers?"

Raihan beckons for Piers to join him and Leon as he trudges past the refreshment table. His pink sequined suit jacket is slung over his shoulder, and his trouser legs are rolled up to resemble shorts.

"Yeah?"

"Beautiful singing earlier, mate. Had me in floods."

"... Thanks."

Piers yawns widely.

"... Sorry. Been... struggling with remembering to take my meds recently."

"Piers...? Are you...?"

"Rai Rai, I'm fine. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I mean it. I'm swell."

"You sure?"

"I'm fine. Lee, don't look at me like that. I have a reminder on my phone to take them. When it's charged. But ... I appreciate the concern."

"You promise you are taking care of yourself?"

"... ... ... I promise. I would tell you if it reached last September's levels again."

"Allister? What's the matter, love? Don't cry. What's wrong?"

"F---f---fight! Cowshed. Go--Mel---Mi---Whaah!"

"Allister? ... ... ... Allister?!"

*******

Bede and Marnie continue to kiss beneath the apple tree.

"Sorry, I should stop. This is probably way too public for you."

Bede hesitates.

"... ... ... That's ... That's not ... That's not it. Marnie ... I ... love you. So very much. But, I'm scared. Because I... I'm afraid I don't know what love is. Not really. And I ... worry that I am doing it wrong... worry that I am denying you the love you truly deserve."

"Bede ... ... ... I don't need huge displays of love. If anything, that would make me uncomfortable. What I want is simply someone who loves me for who I am. And who I love in return. Someone to just be there. And Bede ... that person is you."

"But, I'm..."

"Complicated. Messy... Incredible. I could go on, but I don't think you would believe me. So let me boil it down further. You are Pink."

"Pink? You've been speaking to Miss Opal, haven't you?"

"Maybe... ... ... She's pretty wise. And a little funny too. But don't change the subject. I ... ... ... I know there is a lot that you prefer not to tell me. But I want you to know that I am there for you. As you are there for me. I love you. And... I want to help you love you, too."

"You... you ... really mean that?"

"Yes. I'm gonna kiss you now."

"Yes, please."

*******

"Allister? Allister?"

Finally, after half an hour and an intensive search of the farm, Bea Stahl finds Allister, curled up in a small ball beneath the buffet table. He has removed his mask. It lies at his feet. He keeps his face hidden under his suit jacket. Only his black hair and soft brown eyes are visible.

Lilly's head rests on his thigh, rising and falling in a steady rhythm.  

"Oh, Allister. There you are."

Allister is still on edge. He'd been like that for a while now. Ever since he came rushing back from the cowshed, sobbing. When asked what was wrong, he'd blurted something inaudible before sprinting away.

Bea removes her jacket and uses it to create a small barrier between Allister and some of the nosier guests. Leon and Raihan follow suit. With some privacy, his mask, and time, Allister will get through this. He always did.

Leon smiles at Bea, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Good thinking on the fly with the jackets."

"Thanks. I don't want to move him if he's settled. You don't mind, do you?"

"We're not going anywhere. Not if you need us."

"Thank you. For this. And for letting me bring him today. And for helping me find him. And ... yeah ... thank you."

"It's all good, Bea. We love having you both over. Lee, babe, when were you thinking about cutting the cake? Then we can plan for the ... Wait... Allister's... not wearing his mask."

"Yeah."

"That's incredible."

"I know. I have been speaking with him, and he has, somewhat tentatively, agreed not to wear the mask all day, every day. He's even agreed to remove it when he's alone. It's baby steps, but still progress."

"I remember when he first got it. The day you brought him back from the hospital."

"Please don't remind me. I never saw him so terrified."

"Poor kid."

"Hmm... Eight years old and losing both parents like that. No way could I let him go uncared for. It hasn't been easy, but somehow... we're making it work. He's a great kid."

"He sure is. How's he adjusting to your place?"

"Fine, I think. It's much closer to his school. So when he goes back next term, it's only a single number 11."

"That's not too bad then."

"Yeah."

"Should we check on the cowshed?"

"Cowshed? Oh, my lord! Melony and Gordie!"

"You mean...?!"

"I think she found him."

"Err... she did. And it's worse than you can imagine. She found him kissing and hugging Milo."

"Oh no..."

"It was bound to happen."

"I know, but still."

"Lee? I'm gonna check on the boys. Make sure they are okay."

"Okay, love. I'll stay here with Bea and Allister."

*******

"Um, Opal?"

Bede is back. But she's not alone. Beside her is Marnie. They're holding hands.

"Y... you remember Marnie."

"Hmmm. I may be old, but my memory is still strong," Opal jokes and bows her head to Marnie in greeting.

"Have you both, perhaps, something you wish to tell me?"

"Yes. The Power of Pink."

"The Power of Pink."

"I have also come to ... to ... ask for your blessing."

"You already know you have my blessing, dear ones. But humour an old woman — a blessing means more when you’ve earned it."

"A test, Opal?"

"I can break, I can be clogged, I can be attacked, I can be given, I can be kept, I can be crushed, yet I can be whole at the same time. What am I?"

"... ... ... A heart."

"Hmm. Yes. I see two beautiful hearts before me. Go in happiness and peace."

"... ... ... Thank you, Opal!"

"... ... ... Thank you, too, Bede."

*******

Gordie sits with his head in his hands in the cowshed. His eyes are red from crying. Milo is beside him, rubbing his broad shoulders.

"... ... ..."

*******

Meanwhile, Melony is well into her fifth flute of champagne. Like her son, her eyes are red and puffy. She is animatedly in conversation with Kabu.

"And he was in the cowshed. Kissing Milo... ... ..."

"It was surprising?"

"Yes. I mean... No? I mean ... ... ... Oh, I don't know. I guess I knew deep down there was a chance he might be ... ... ... But ... ... ... But he could have told me. I would have supported him."

"Does he know that?"

"I ... would like to hope yes. But then again ... I've always been asking him about girls. I ... I never wanted to seem like I was trying to infer anything about guys if he wasn't ... ... ... you know."

"While removing any potential room for him to express it as an option."

"... ... ... Oh, God. That's what I did, isn't it?!"

"... ... ..."

Melony wails.

"And I said such awful stuff to him. And to Milo. I ... I ... I didn't mean it. I really didn't. I said I never wanted to see my baby again!"

"Well, go talk to him then."

Melony stares at Gloria open-mouthed. She was too distraught to notice there was an audience.

"I'm sorry, but if you didn't mean it, go talk to him about it, before either he or you does anything ... ... ..."

"I think what Gloria's trying to say," Kabu interjects hastily, "is that it's not too late to try and repair any damage while it's fresh. Before there is time for it to get any worse."

*******

Back in the cowshed:

"She meant it, didn't she? She never wants to see me again?"

"No. No. I'm sure she didn't mean that."

"But what if she did?"

"... ... ... Then we won't see her again. And we just forge on ahead with our lives... and our family."

Milo takes Gordie's hand and places it on his stomach.

"... ... ... Our family."

Gordie hiccups, smiling weakly.

"Yeah. You, me and the little one make three."

"Yeah."

"Let's get out of here."

"Is that what you want?"

"Yeah."

"Then come on, then."

*******

Gordie and Milo slowly make their way back across the farm.

They'd just reached the car park when they came face to face with Melony.

"... ... ... Mum."

"... ... ..."

Without a word, she grabs Gordie into the tightest of hugs.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, love."

"Mum, I—"

"No. Let me. Please?"

She pulls back, her makeup smeared, hands still gripping his arms.

"I've been asking you about girls for years, haven't I? Never once asked if there was anyone special. Just... girls."

Gordie nods, his throat tight.

"There was ... I suppose a reason for that. Not a good one. But a reason. I ... I thought I was being careful. Not pushing you to come out until you were ready. But I was, wasn't I? I was setting impossible expectations without even knowing it. Unless you're bi or pan or..."

"I'm gay, mum... I wanted to tell you. I just... I was scared."

"Of me?"

"Of losing you."

Melony's face crumples.

"Oh, sweetheart. Never. You hear me? Never."

She looks at Milo, who's been standing quietly behind Gordie.

"And I owe you an apology, too, Milo. The things I said... Christ, I was awful. Just awful."

"It's okay," Milo's voice is soft.

He finds it difficult to look her in the eye.

"It's not okay. But I hope... I hope you can forgive a stupid woman who loves her son too much to see straight sometimes."

"There's nothing to forgive."

"There is. But thank you."

She turns back to Gordie.

"So, are you happy?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I am."

"Good. That's... that's all I've ever wanted."

She wipes her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Right then. I suppose we should get back to the wedding. People will be wondering where we've got to."

"Actually," Gordie glances at Milo, "there's something else we need to tell you."

"Oh?"

Milo takes Gordie's hand.

"We're having a baby."

Melony stares at them both for a long moment. Then her face breaks into the largest grin.

"A baby? Really?"

"Really."

"Oh my God. Oh my God!"

She starts crying again, but this time... there's laughter, too.

"I'm going to be a grandmother! I'm going to be ... I already knew this, didn't I?"

"... Yeah."

"Georgina, huh? Sounds an awful lot like Gordie."

"Yeah..."

"And Milo? Earlier, when you said three months... It's not surrogacy, is it?"

"No. Melony... The baby is our first... My first."

"I see. Milo darling, keep hold of that £20. And promise me you will take it easy these next several months. And that you are eating enough. And having regular checks with the doctor and ..."

"Mum... breathe. We've got this."

"I'm sorry. I'm just ... so happy. I'm going to be a grandmother!"

She hugs them both again, fierce and tight.

"Come on then. Let's get back to this wedding. I want to tell everyone about my beautiful boys."

"You know everyone already knows, right?"

"Humour me."

As they walk back toward the music and laughter, Gordie catches Milo's eye.

I love you, he mouths.

Milo squeezes his hand and mouths back, I love you too.

*******

The afternoon stretches on. The rain stops and starts again. Piers leads everyone in a rousing version of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" that has even Kabu clapping along.

Bede and Marnie dance, spin, beam, and laugh. In one hand, Bede is holding the wedding bouquet. Behind her ear is a rose. Marnie has confetti in her hair.

Later, Allister gingerly ventures from beneath the table to help Leon cut the cake. Averting his gaze and clinging tightly to his mask, he and Leon cut through the thick layers of frosting and butter cream. He is even allowed to get the first slice, before the groom and groom. He eats it quietly in the corner. He licks his fingers. Hums. His legs are swinging. He looks content.

Gloria and Melony bicker about baby names.

Opal and Piers share a piece of Victoria sponge. They talk, and they eat, and they talk. About politics. About the fight. About community & family. Opal does most of the talking. Piers is happy about that. He nods along. Every so often, he sneaks a look over at Bede and Marnie and smiles.

As the sun breaks through the clouds for the first time all day, Leon and Raihan stand together watching their friends and family.

"Good wedding?"

"The best. Bit of drama, mind."

Raihan grins.

"It's a queer wedding, my love. If there wasn't, I would be slightly disappointed."

Leon laughs.

"Hey, don't look now, but I see a few more weddings coming up."

He nods at Bede & Marnie. At Nessa & Sonia. At Hop & Victor. And at Gordie & Milo. The latter are being mothered by Melony.

"Maybe so. Maybe so."

*******

Years from now, they will all remember what they were doing at noon, on that overcast, rainy Saturday, the 21st, when Leon Jordan and Raihan Kramer were married. And the reception that followed.

It would be a story that fills them with joy—messy, complicated, hard-won joy, but joy nonetheless. And one that Melony Lee could tell her grandson, Avery Marlon Aguilar, with pride.