Archive of Our Own

When the summer started, Sage hadn't expected any of this to happen. They had never been one for romantic feelings or even subjective attraction. Baxter was different somehow. He made them feel things they never expected to. Their day out together had awoken something in Sage, and they weren't expecting, nor wanting, it to go away any time soon. 

The fact that he seemed to get along with their friends was a helpful bonus. Their hangout had been a huge success, and as Sage's friends gathered at the edge of the water to see the fireworks, Sage hung back with Baxter. They leaned into him, skin jumping pleasantly when Baxter laid his hands on their waist. They were only wearing a bikini and Baxter's shirt, so his hands were warm through the thin fabric. Sage hummed happily as Baxter pulled them against his chest.  

"You look amazing today." Sage's breath hitched, and they looked up at Baxter. He smiled at them. "I've been wanting to say something all day, but couldn't find the right time to. Now seemed like my best chance." 

"Thank you," Sage whispered. They tilted their head back, and he kissed them, soft and deep. When they pulled back, their foreheads pressed together. Sage wanted to kiss him again. "Thanks for coming today." 

Baxter hummed. "I was happy to." 

Sage did kiss him again, becoming lost in the feeling until a wolf whistle cut through the air. "Get a room!" Terri yelled. 

Sage pulled back, face heating as they hid their face in their hands. "Terri!" 

Baxter chuckled, acting as if nothing had happened at all. Sage wished they could be that nonchalant.  

Baxter brought everyone back after the fireworks. Sage hugged Randy and Terri, sending them on their way. Then they hugged Cove before he went inside. Baxter had hung back, bidding his own farewell and watching the affectionate display. Sage then turned back to him, smiling. "Thank you again for today." 

Baxter's lips quirked up. "Any time."  

Sage leaned up to kiss him, their arms wrapping around his shoulders. Baxter pulled them closer, sliding his hands beneath his shirt they still wore, his hands sliding along their bare skin. Sage pulled back with a gasp, their face pressed to his shoulder, when his fingers brushed over their stomach.  

"Is this alright?" Baxter whispered against their hair. 

Sage took a shaky breath and nodded. "Yeah." Their hands shifted, running across the back of his neck as their eyes met his again. He kissed them, his hands tracing the bare skin of their hips, making them shiver.  

When Baxter pulled back again, he gently let go. Sage mourned the loss of his touch.  

He really did make them feel like no one else ever had. 

*** 

Sage had been surprised and ecstatic when Baxter invited them to the mountains for a weekend. Their moms were less thrilled, but thankfully, Liz was on their side... only if they called every day. It was an easy agreement. 

The trip itself was wonderful. A hike, lunch, and a quick off-trail tryst over a fallen tree. Then the talk by the fire. Sage wasn't ready for it to end. They especially weren't ready for Baxter to return to his own room. 

"Hey... do you want to come to my room for a bit?" they asked nervously, standing in the hall between the two room doors. 

Baxter raised a brow. "Things would be better if we continued tomorrow, after we rest, don't you think?" 

Sage shifted awkwardly, toeing the floor. They could feel their face heating. "I..." They swallowed, too nervous to continue. 

Baxter, however, seemed to pick up what they were asking. "Oh," his eyes widened, face tinted red. "I suppose I could join you for a bit." 

Relief flooded through Sage. They weren't used to this. Never thought they would ever want this, yet here they were. They took Baxter's hand, leading him into their room. Baxter shut the door and leaned against it. Sage hesitated, unused to taking control. 

Baxter just smiled at them. "Come here." 

They did, and Baxter took initiative, wrapping an arm around their waist and kissing them. Sage pressed against him eagerly, hands gripping the fabric of his stolen shirt while his own pressed their body flush to his. 

Baxter broke the kiss for air, staring down at Sage. "You know, I think I am obligated to keep this shirt now. There are too many memories wrapped up in it. I'll get my roommate a new one." He smirked. 

Sage laughed, pressing their forehead to Baxter's clavicle. Then, slowly, they shifted their head up, pressing their lips to the mole on Baxter's neck. His breath hitched immediately, and Sage could feel his rapid pulse. 

"Ah- you do know what you're doing, Sage," he groaned. A shudder wracked through their body at his praise, even as Baxter gently pushed them back. "We should still get some rest." 

Sage knew he was right. This was supposed to be a brief encounter, but they found they didn't want it to end here. They wanted Baxter in a way they never wanted anyone before. Slowly, they leaned into his ear. "And here I thought you were supposed to be a bad boy." 

Baxter's breath caught in his throat as he stared at them. For a brief moment, Sage wondered if they had gone too far. 

Then Baxter kissed them again, hooking his hands under their thighs to lift them. Instinctively, Sage wrapped their legs around his waist, pulling him even closer. A soft moan left their throat as they were able to feel exactly how much Baxter wanted this too. "Fuck." They pulled back for air, only to lose their breath again when Baxter kissed down their neck. 

"I have wanted this since I saw you in that bikini," Baxter whispered against their neck. He crossed the room, laying them on the bed and standing at the edge. "You're sure you want this?" 

"Yes,” Sage gasped, skin flushed. "Please." 

Grinning, he followed them down, settling over them. 

Sage forgot how to breathe that night, and they savored every second of it. When the sun filtered in through their windows the next morning, they were still wrapped in Baxter's arms. They curled closer to him, burying their face in his bare chest before drifting again. 

The next time they woke it was to a mad dash to dress and grab their things before hurrying to make checkout. Baxter's hand found the small of their back as they left the lodge. Sage had never been happier. 

*** 

Baxter's last-minute addition to Randy's party planning crew had been unexpected but appreciated. Realizing Terri had, for admittedly good reason, not extended Baxter an invitation had been less pleasant. 

However, what was missing in that moment was made up for with his appreciation party. Especially since it meant Sage could dance with him for the first time since fourteen, when they were swept off their feet by the mysterious boy at the country club who hadn't even told them his name. The fact that they were now dating that boy was a fact that still blew them away. 

After the main dance had finished, the two were standing pressed together, simply swaying in tempo. Sage had their head pressed against Baxter's chest, listening to his heartbeat. 

Baxter leaned down to their ear. "You still have nice legs."  

Sage smiled. "Glad you noticed," they teased. 

Baxter's chuckle rumbled through his chest. 

After everything was cleaned up and everyone returned home that night, Sage slipped away to Baxter's condo after bidding Cove goodnight. Their best friend seemed suspicious, but if anyone could keep a secret for them, it was him. 

Sage finally returned home late that night, happy, exhausted, and sated. They thought they had been quiet and gotten away with it when Liz caught them in the hallway. "You're home late, little sibling." 

Sage froze, hand on their doorknob, before they slowly turned to face Liz, rubbing the back of their neck. "Yeah, uh, went a bit later than expected," Sage muttered. 

"Mhmm, right. I totally believe that." Liz smirked at Sage's reddening face. 

"It's not like that. I mean, ugh!" Sage put their face in their hands. 

"I'm just teasing," Liz laughed. "You're an adult." 

Sage lifted their face slowly, still red but now with a smile. "Thanks, Liz." 

"You're welcome. Now go to bed before Mom and Ma notice," she teased. 

"That was the plan," Sage snickered. "Goodnight, big sis." 

"'Night, Sage." 

*** 

Summer came to an end far too quickly that year. Sage knew it was coming, and with it the end of Baxter's stay, but that didn't mean they were ready for it. It didn't help that they and Cove had spent a solid twenty minutes sobbing in each other's arms as they wondered what the future held, and if they would even be nearby.  

The day spent with everyone together had been nice, at least. One last big hurrah before adulthood took over. One more day of Baxter spending time with everyone. 

Sage was now sitting on his bed while he packed, heart in their throat. They had spent the day reminiscing with Baxter about everything that had happened that summer, and now, he was packed to leave in the morning. They weren't ready. 

"Well, it's getting late. I should walk you out.” Baxter smiled at them, but it didn't reach his eyes. 

Sage just nodded, standing to follow him back downstairs. When they stepped onto the street and faced each other, it was an unfortunate deja vu. This was the very place Sage had met Baxter three months ago. 

"Well, this feels like a fitting place to say goodbye. It's unlikely we'll see each other again before I leave," Baxter told them, a not-quite-right smile on his face. 

Sage felt like they were going to be sick, but forced their own smile. "Yeah." 

Baxter opened his arms to them, and Sage stared for a moment before rushing forward into his embrace, pressing their lips to his. He responded immediately, pulling them close and kissing them back just as hard. 

The two pulled back just enough to see each other's faces, and Baxter's expression softened. "I'm so glad I was able to meet you. This was the best summer, best anything, I've had in longer than I can remember. I'll never forget it." He brushed his thumb over their cheek. "I hope you find someone to make you happy and fulfilled, Sage. You deserve it." He pulled away from them. "This is, unfortunately, goodbye." 

Suddenly, Sage felt like they were underwater, blood pounding in their ears. "Wait... what?" They stared in disbelief. "Are you breaking up with me?" 

Baxter's expression cracked, just briefly before he recovered. "I'm leaving, Sage. To the other side of the country. I won't be here to do... well, anything. It should go without saying that this is where it should end." 

Sage shook their head. "No, it isn't. We can still talk and keep in touch. That's all that matters. We can text and call and..." They trailed off when their voice cracked. 

Baxter just crossed his arms. "Sage, why would we? It's been three months, and all you know of me is what I've shared, which isn't much. You don't have to keep tabs on a near-stranger. You can leave me be." 

"That's not... what? It's not 'keeping tabs', Baxter! It's a normal way to interact with someone you care about!" Sage argued, exasperated. "Miranda has an older brother who's making a long-distance situation work, and the two of them haven't lived near each other for multiple months ever, but have known each other for years!"  

"Oh? Well, it is nice to hear, and I truly do wish the best for her brother and his partner, but ultimately, they are unlikely to last. Most relationships don't." 

Sage could feel the tears forming in their eyes, both frustrated and devastated. "Baxter..." 

"I must say, Sage. I've run out of things to say. We're getting nowhere." 

Sage's heart hurt. He wouldn't even try to compromise. They were also furious. "I dated you! Was that not a sign that maybe I wanted more than a season out of you?! I care about you, Baxter! I..." I gave you everything... 

"I... apologize. I see now that this was a mistake," Baxter told them, raking his fingers through his hair. "The intention was to have it be an enjoyable time while I was here. I see now that I've ruined that as a whole. If I had behaved, perhaps this wouldn't be ending on such an abhorrent note." 

"Why can't you just try?!" 

Baxter squeezed his eyes shut. "Sage, I am not an irreplaceable part of your life. I'm a tourist, a novelty. Don't bother with this." He turned away from them then, heading for his condo door. He paused in the doorway, glancing over his shoulder. "I genuinely am sorry, Sage. If I could take it back, I would. I can promise I'll never cause this trouble for you again." 

That was it. The final nail in the coffin. Their heart shattered. "I don't want you to take it back," they choked, tears rolling down their face. "It doesn't have to be this way..." 

Baxter said nothing else. He didn't even react. He just stepped forward and closed the door. A sense of finality sounded in the click. 

Sage sobbed, collapsing right there on the sidewalk. They never felt like this, any of this summer, ever. And now... they couldn't even say they wished they never had. They didn't want to take it back, just change the ending. 

They cried until Cove found them. He must have looked out the window. "Sage?!" 

They looked up at their best friend as he panickily approached. Sage sniffled, wiping at their eyes. "Baxter dumped me." 

Cove froze, then his expression softened. "Oh, Sage. I'm so sorry." 

Sage just shook their head, and Cove offered a hand to help them stand. They took it gratefully. "I want to go home." 

Cove nodded. "Come on." 

As they approached their home, Sage gave one last glance at the rented condo, leaving behind the boy who broke their heart. 

*** 

Hey. 

Baxter, please, can we just talk? 

I still want to be your friend. 

I miss you... 

*** 

Sage was vomiting for the fifth day in a row when the horrific thought crossed their mind. Mom and Ma had left for a trip, and Liz had returned to college, so Sage was alone for the time being. They were supposed to start their own classes in a week. Cove had started picking up more hours at work to pay for the new apartment he planned to rent. Sage, meanwhile, had called off the last week, and they knew they were going to be in a lot of trouble if this didn't get sorted. 

They forced themself off the bathroom floor and stood to clean up. This was so unlike anything they had before, and of course, they were home alone. It had been a little over a month since Baxter left town. Their moms were less than thrilled at their youngest having their heart broken, but as Ma said, sometimes that's just how life goes. 

Sage sighed and opened their phone, intent on texting Cove to see if he was free. Instead, they got distracted by an app alert.  

'Did you forget to log your period?' 

Sage stared at the notification dumbly. They had used a tracker ever since they had their first due to how irregular they were at first. Afterward, it just became a habit. They opened the app to see when they were supposed to have had their last. They hadn't had one yet this month. When they swiped back, they realized they hadn't logged last month's. Swiping to the one before showed it had been nearly two whole months since their last cycle. 

Sage dropped their phone, both hands covering their mouth. 

No. 

No, no, no! 

They quickly retrieved the fallen phone and texted Cove. 

Are you off? Emergency! 

His reply was, thankfully, almost instant.  

Are you okay?! I'll be right there! 

The doorbell rang before they finished reading the message. Sage went to open the door on autopilot, their mind racing. 

"Sage! What's wrong?" Cove set his hands on their shoulders. 

That was when they realized they were crying. "I fucked up, Cove. I fucked up so bad," they sobbed. 

Cove blinked patiently, waiting for them to continue. 

Sage swallowed, then bit their lip. "You're my best friend, you know that, right?" 

Cove blinked. "Yes?" 

Sage nodded. "You cannot let anyone know. Not yet." They looked at their feet. "I think I'm pregnant." 

"What?!" 

Sage flinched, tears falling again. "I haven't had a period in two months." 

Cove looked as panicked as they felt but took a deep breath to calm himself. "Okay. Okay, we can deal with this. Have you taken a test yet?" 

Sage shook their head. "No. I just put two and two together this morning." 

"Right. Well, let's start there." Cove offered them his hand. "Come on." 

*** 

An hour later, Cove and Sage were hunched over three plastic sticks behind a fast-food place in the city. Sunset Bird was too small a town to buy a test in, as word would have certainly reached either Sage's moms or Cove's dad if they had gone there. Instead, they drove out of town to do this as far away as feasible. 

Sage had run into the restaurant to take the tests, and now the two were anxiously waiting with them sitting on Cove's car hood.  

The alarm on Sage's phone chirped, making them jump, and both looked at each other, then studied the little windows. 

'Positive' displayed in a digital window. 

Two pink lines. 

A plus sign. 

Sage bit their lip and teared up again, face in their hands. Arms wrapped around them from behind. "Hey, it'll be okay," Cove whispered into their hair. "We'll figure it out. You aren't alone." 

Sage knew he was right, but they felt alone. They felt like the world was burning. Like the future they imagined was over. In a way, it was. Nothing would be the same now. 

*** 

I need to talk to you. 

It's important. 

Please, Baxter. Just hear me out and you never have to talk to me again. 

For fucks sake, do I not deserve just a minute of your time?! 

Fine. I'll do this alone. 

*** 

Sage was sitting in the living room with Cove the day their moms returned from their trip. Mom and Ma both smiled at them and Cove before catching their solemn expressions. 

"What's wrong?" Mom asked, dropping her bags and hurrying over. Ma was close behind. 

Sage looked at them, at the two women who were always there for them, always proud of them. "I'm sorry…" 

Their moms blinked. "Sage, sweetie, what's wrong?" The women looked at Cove, who just shook his head and then returned their gazes to their child. 

"I... I'm..." Sage shook their head, taking a deep breath. 

"Sage honey, whatever it is, you can tell us," Ma assured them. 

Sage met her eyes, then with a wobbly mouth blurted the truth. "I'm pregnant." 

Both women's faces went completely blank as they blinked at Sage. Then two piercing pairs of eyes landed on Cove. 

"It's not mine!" Cove held his hands up quickly, looking panicked. "I'm just the moral support!" 

Sage's moms looked confused then, before a dawning horror crossed their features. 

"Baxter," Sage choked out, confirming their suspicions. "I... we..." They didn't elaborate. They didn't need to. 

Mom took a deep breath before meeting Sage's gaze. "What do you want to do?" 

Sage felt like a scared child who didn't know the right answer on a pop quiz. Ma set a hand on their knee. "There's no right or wrong answer, Sage. What do you want?" 

"I..." Sage looked down at themself. At their body. At the space where something was growing. Did they want to go through this? Could they go through it? They'd never had an issue with the body they were born in. They were naturally slim, small-chested, they never wanted to change anything. 

Going through this would change everything. 

At the same time, though, they didn't know if getting rid of it would be right either. They had no problem with anyone who chose that route, and it was one they considered, but still... they didn't want that. This was a part of them. Of... of Baxter. Maybe it was a stupid reason to make such an important decision, but they wanted that. For themself if nothing else. 

"I want to keep it." 

*** 

Sage didn't end up going to school. They didn't travel. They only worked part-time. Nothing went as they had expected, but ultimately, things worked out okay. 

Their son, Lucas, was born seven months after their unfortunate discovery. A happy baby boy with dark hair that was nearly Sage's black, but actually a few shades lighter. A dark gray. 

Cove went on to get a two-year degree, and along with volunteering with ORCA, he started an educational business with Sage to help make people more aware of their impact on the environment. So far, it had been doing well. So well that Sage was finally able to move out with Lucas, getting an apartment not far from Cove's. When Lucas was a little older, Sage planned to try going back to school, but for now, they were doing well for themself. 

They and Cove had stayed close with their friends. Terry came out as trans and finally asked Randy out. Sage and Cove were both so happy for them. Sage was grateful for their circle, helping them through everything. 

They never did hear back from Baxter. 

Then the wedding invite came. Sage had gotten close to Randy's family, including her brother Jude. By proxy, they also got to know Scott, Jude's soon-to-be husband. It was like gaining two older brothers. Sage was ecstatic for them both. The men had even extended an invite to Cove. 

A few months before the wedding, Sage was asked to come early to help set up. Cove wasn't able to make it due to some volunteering event he had signed up for, but would be there for the big day itself. 

So, Sage asked Cove if he could watch Lucas between his pre-school and daycare times, and Cove happily agreed. He loved being a cool uncle. 

And that was how Sage found themself reunited with their friends, standing in a restaurant parking lot being hugged by the two grooms to be. Apparently, their wedding planner was already inside. 

They followed at the back of the pack, letting Jude and Scott take the lead, followed by Randy and Terry. Sage could hear Jude introduce the three of them before the planner ever came into view. 

When he did, Sage's heart stopped. 

Baxter glanced at Miranda, then sighed. "Of course, you'd be that delightful older brother of Miranda's. Why wouldn't you be?" 

Confusion erupted through the group. Well, most of it. Jude started asking Randy questions she couldn't quite answer, while Terry did his best to try to pinpoint Baxter's face. 

Sage decided to just end everyone's suffering. Or maybe cause some more. "Baxter...?" 

Baxter's palms abruptly hit the table as he stood so quickly the chair almost fell. His eyes met Sage's, looking like a startled deer. 

Miranda and Terry both looked back at him. "WHAT?!" 

"Uhhh, yeah. His name is Baxter." Jude said, clearly confused. "How do you know him?" The question was directed at Sage, before he seemed to think better of it and looked at Baxter. "Wait, no. How do you know my little sister is a better question." 

Baxter didn't answer. He was too busy staring at Sage, who had completely frozen. Then, with pursed lips, Sage turned to leave. 

"Sa-" Baxter started to call out, then seemed to think better of it. 

Instead, it was Terry who stopped them. "Sage! Where are you going without us? We drove!" 

Sage didn't care. They needed to leave. Needed to get away from this nightmare. They would walk if they needed to. 

Except then Jude said to cancel the meeting so he and Scott could follow, and Sage froze, finally realizing what they were doing. This was for Jude and Scott. For their wedding. They couldn't let bad blood ruin that for them. 

"I..." Sage sighed, eyes pinching closed before they took a steadying breath. "No. No, I'm sorry. It's fine." They turned back to the table, walking back to the group. "It'll be fine." 

Baxter took a moment to recover, but then plastered a smile back on. "Well, this is truly an unexpected coincidence." Baxter went on to re-introduce himself, as though Sage could ever forget, and apologize for how he left things. As though that mattered, given what came after. 

Sage bit their tongue, though. They sat through his spiel, agreed to work with him, dealt with everything all the way until he asked to exchange numbers. After everyone else did, Sage met his gaze with a glare. "You should already have mine. It hasn't changed." 

Baxter faltered briefly, then recovered. "Just for convenience's sake, would you mind giving it again?" 

Sage pursed their lips, then reluctantly did. He must have deleted their contact. Baxter nodded, then took out a ten, placed it on the table, and took his leave. 

He reminded them of their meeting the next morning and bid them a good evening before he left. After he was fully gone from the restaurant, Sage's cold expression cracked, and they teared up, putting their face in their hands. 

"Sage?" Randy called softly, but Sage didn't answer. Instead, they lifted the remaining business card and checked the number. 

It hadn't changed. 

The tears fell then. 

Scott frowned. "I knew this was too good to be true, finding someone on such short notice. Did he bully you, Sage? You can tell me." 

Sage choked on an exasperated laugh. Even through the tense atmosphere, Terry snorted, unable to handle that assumption despite the seriousness of the situation. It actually helped Sage calm down. Randy and Terry had been by their side as much as Cove had through everything. Clearly, Scott and Jude lacked the same understanding. Apparently, Randy could keep a secret. Sage was grateful. 

Still, if they were going to work with Baxter, the grooms should know the truth. 

"He didn't bully me." Sage sniffed. "Baxter is Lucas' father." 

Scott's mouth fell open while Jude smacked the table. "What?! The asshole who never replied when you tried to tell him?!" 

Sage just nodded. "Yes, and I would appreciate not telling him now. He had his chance. I don't want him to turn my life on its head again." 

"Sage, are you sure you're okay with this?" Scott insisted. "We can figure something else out." 

Sage shook their head. "No, it'll be fine. You need a planner, and he's a planner. That's all there is to it. Don't worry about me." 

The men looked unsure but reluctantly agreed. "If you say so." 

*** 

"Mommy!" 

Sage smiled at the phone screen, looking at both Cove and Lucas. "Hi, baby. Have you been good for Uncle Cove?" 

"Uh-huh. We found shells." Lucas beamed, holding up one that was a pretty lilac color. 

Sage raised a brow but smiled. "Dragged him to the shore with you, eh, Cove?" 

Their seafoam-haired friend rubbed his neck, turning red. "Yeah, uh. Sorry! I should have asked." 

Sage shook their head. "I trust you to keep him safe." 

Cove visibly relaxed. "Thanks, Sage. How are things on your end?" 

Sage hesitated, then shrugged. "Could be worse. The planner seems... okay." 

"That's a relief at least. I think." Cove shifted Lucas onto his lap. "Well, it's late. I should probably be a responsible adult and make him sleep." 

"Yes, please. I don't want to come home to a child with no sleep schedule." Sage laughed. 

"I didn't think so. Alright, buddy. Tell Mommy goodnight." 

"Goodnight, Mommy!" 

"Goodnight, my love. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Sage waved as the screen went black, then sighed heavily. 

If only things were going as smoothly as Sage said they were. 

*** 

This was not going at all how Sage hoped it would. They probably should have told Cove or Liz what was happening, but they didn't need either of them to make a rash decision, so they decided to handle things themself. Jude and Scott already almost blew their plans for Sage's sake. Which is how they ended up here. 

They sat with their arms crossed in Baxter's passenger seat, staring out the window. "So, am I allowed to talk to you?" 

"That depends. I can help with any part of the planning process, but unfortunately, my knowledge is limited to specific areas." 

Sage scowled at the window. "That's a no then," they muttered. 

The car ride passed in awkward silence as they drove to the bakery that would ultimately, hopefully, make Jude and Scott's cake. 

Baxter was a rather smooth talker, but Sage already knew that. Xavier was already nearly giving in when the cupcake story came up. Sage was frozen. They hadn't expected Baxter to bring up any part of when they were still dating, much less so... fondly. 

Sage, to their bitter credit, was able to break the spell. "Baxter and I have quite the history." 

And just like that, Baxter shut the conversation down. No surprises there. 

His insistence that they would never see him again after this wedding just served to piss Sage off further. "Yeah, you were fairly certain we wouldn't see each other again last time, too."  

Baxter managed to glare daggers without ever dropping his smile, which was enough to almost make Sage back down, but they didn't. Baxter's gaze returned to Xavier. "Wonderful. I'm sure you two would make great friends." 

Xavier blinked at him. "But not you?" 

"Exactly." Baxter agreed. 

"Baxter doesn't quite know how to hold onto friendships, or any sort of relationship for that matter." Sage shrugged, ignoring the fact that Baxter was clearly aiming to set them on fire with his gaze. 

"Sage..." His tone was a warning one, and Sage finally backed off as Baxter thanked Xavier for the rush order and took his leave. 

Sage bid their own farewell and followed. Somehow, the car felt even more suffocating than before. When Baxter asked them to punch in the address of Jude and Scott's place, they didn't argue. 

Except when he tried to dodge right back into wedding planner mode by saying how happy Jude and Scott should be, Sage cracked. 

"Baxter, I want to talk." They looked straight at him this time. Baxter's lips twitched, and his hands tightened on the wheel. "Don't try to dodge with the wedding bullshit, we're done for the day, and you know it." 

"I have other work," he shot back. 

"Then take a break! I'm not dropping this!" Sage practically growled. 

They were completely taken off guard by the rock-paper-scissors request followed by an instant rock, but they won, and Baxter went to find somewhere to park. He would pick the waterfront path where they watched the fireworks all those years ago. Sage couldn't help but wonder if he had done that in hopes of throwing them off. 

They exited the car, and Baxter took a few steps from them before turning to face them with a fake smile. "Ah, Sage. What a coincidence running into you here, and when I happened to be on break." 

Sage felt like they were going to pop a vein. "Are you serious right now?!" 

He ignored them. "How are you this afternoon?" 

They grit their teeth. "Not well, Baxter." 

Finally, Baxter reacted, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. "Sage, I apologize for what happened between us. Truly, I regret it." His words were fast. Clearly, he had been thinking about this. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I've bothered you again. I'm trying to stay out of your way as much as possible, but I can't just quit, you know that. We both know I can't make you happy, but in four days, your life will return to normal without me in it." 

"I don't want... why do you always assume I'm better without you?! Why can't you just talk to me for once?" Sage snapped. 

"I am talking to you! I don't know what you want from me, Sage!" 

"I wanted you to care! I wanted you to give a damn enough to at least try to stay in contact with me when you left! To acknowledge at least one of my messages, but that was too much to ask, wasn't it?!" Sage was breathing heavily and glaring at him, their heart racing in their chest. 

"I told you when I left that there was nothing for us to say, that it was never meant to last," he pointed out. 

"You also said Jude and Scott would never last, yet here we are planning their wedding. Not everything is about you, Baxter!" 

Baxter took a deep breath, then met their gaze. "I think this conversation has run its productivity. Let me take you home, Sage." 

Sage stared at him for a long moment, then looked away, eyes burning. "Fine." 

The ride back was in awkward silence. When Baxter stopped the car, Sage immediately unbuckled and went to exit.  

"Goodbye, Sage," Baxter called. 

"Whatever," they snapped back, closing the door. 

This would be a long four days. 

*** 

Sage genuinely was thinking they must have pissed off the universe because why else would they be at the exact bowling alley they and Baxter had their first date at? Much less playing on his team? 

Still, they did want to use this as an opportunity to show off how much their skill had grown. So, they were neck and neck with Terry in terms of score. To their surprise, they actually started to have fun. Like a lot of fun. They almost forgot why they were here in the first place. 

Which might be how they ended up with their arms wrapped around Baxter's neck when they won. It was a reflex. A habit. It wasn't until he chuckled that they both froze, seeming to remember where they were and who they were. 

Sage very awkwardly made space, stepping away with a racing heart. Fuck, why did they do that? 

Still, they couldn't help but call Baxter out when he suggested eating at the bowling alley. It was fun to watch him flail whenever their past came up. Or when he realized Sage still talked to their friends about said past. 

And then Terry had to open his mouth. "We've got a good group here. Jude and Scott are engaged, Randy and I are dating, Sage and Baxter are... uh..." 

Sage closed their eyes, willing the forming migraine to leave. 

"Awkward exes?" Jude offered helpfully. 

"Oh, you've heard about that," Baxter muttered. "Of course." 

They've heard a lot more than that. Sage thought bitterly. 

"Well, I guess in that case I'll go hide in shame for the next couple of days." 

Sage's eyes snapped up to Baxter. Was that a joke? 

The awkwardness passed when the food came out, and soon after Jude and Scott had been sent home to relax while Baxter, Sage, Terry, and Miranda did the craft shopping. 

Joy. More memories. 

Yet the trip was successful. Baxter arranged the rental Terry and Scott requested, and Randy, Terry, and Sage got everything on the list. "Everything but a chocolate fountain," Sage snarked without thinking. 

Baxter, to their surprise, grinned. "What an unfortunate loss." 

They looked away, face heating. Fuck. 

The topic of his illegally rented car when he was nineteen did not help how they were feeling. 

Then, later, after Terry left for work, Baxter gave Miranda some great relationship advice. Genuinely. 

Sage suddenly wanted to cry. Baxter planned everything out with the grooms for the next day, noting that a meeting wouldn't be necessary, and went to take his leave. Sage, despite their feelings, followed him out. 

And continued to follow him, even as it became rather awkward for them both, and until Baxter finally, flustered, admitted he was planning to find the ice cream truck. It was so unexpected that Sage snapped out of their weird emotional funk. "...I could use some ice cream." 

Baxter sighed. "It's a public street. I certainly can't stop you." His tone, though, was teasing. Almost affectionate. Sage brushed it off. 

They found the truck, and it was straight from a memory of five years ago, even more so when Baxter proceeded to order an ice cream sandwich. Sage also repeated their order from the first time. 

After receiving the treats and beginning the walk back to the house, Baxter finally looked at Sage. "I see your preferences haven't changed." 

Sage was taken slightly off guard as they looked at Baxter. "I... neither have yours!" 

"I suppose not." He chuckled.  

As they walked back, they talked. Finally. Genuinely. About nothing and everything. Baxter had stopped dancing professionally. He hated making choices. Wedding planning fell into the cards because he was good at it. He hadn't changed much outside of his physical appearance. 

Sage stared at their feet when they asked their last question. "Why did you stop talking to me? Why couldn't we be friends?" 

"Sage..." Baxter sighed. "You're wonderful. You always have been. I never want you to doubt that. What happened... It's just who I am. I do that to anyone who happens to cross my path. My college acquaintances, my dancing partners, my childhood friends, even my parents, though that's another story. I just... don't have any relations at all." 

Sage's brow pinched together. "Baxter..." They didn't know what to say, but judging by Baxter's lack of response, he wasn't going to elaborate either. Sage wondered what would have happened if Baxter had answered their messages when they found out about Lucas. Would Baxter have even tried to be in his life? 

Finally, they returned to his car, and Baxter bid them farewell. "I'll see you around, right?" Sage asked hesitantly. 

"Yes, you will," Baxter assured. Then he was gone. 

When Sage returned inside, everyone was a little too interested in where they had been. Miranda especially seemed pleased. It was a big step, they knew. At least Sage and Baxter weren't at each other's throats anymore. In fact, there was almost an understanding between them now. Almost. 

Plus, watching Jude realize who Baxter had been was priceless. "Sage, really? Creepy eyeyball guy?!" 

Sage snorted. "What can I say? I knew a Baxter no one else did." 

"I sure hope so, because all I saw was a really weird kid." 

"It's okay. Clearly, he got better." Sage snickered. "Mostly." 

The rest of the night passed companionably as they worked on the centerpieces. 

*** 

The next day passed uneventfully, with the group getting periodic update photos from Jude and Scott about their outfit search and dance lessons. Even Baxter looked pleased on the rare occasion they caught him in the background. 

Everything seemed ready to go for the most part, with Baxter covering the final details before seeing himself out. 

Then Sage's phone buzzed. 

It was Baxter. 

They were so taken aback by the private message that it took them a second to open it. When they did, Baxter was asking them to get Jude to meet him outside. Despite how well yesterday had gone, Sage couldn't help but be slightly snarky in their reply, pointing out his ability to text them directly. Baxter, to his credit, didn't seem to hold that against them. 

Sage asked Jude to talk outside, and while he got the wrong idea of what was happening, it worked. And the truth about Jude's feelings regarding the cake came out, as well as Baxter's ridiculous plan. 

And that was how Sage once again found themself in Baxter's car, this time to recreate the cupcake fiasco. History really is doomed to repeat itself. 

All things considered, things went well. Amicably. Friendly even. Sage managed to successfully draw the stencil Baxter needed. They got the cake in the oven and the frosting mixed. It was going well.  

Baxter sighed during the brief break in disbelief that he was doing this again. Sage couldn't help but poke the bear, so to speak, and that was how his true feelings on the situation came to light. That he only agreed to this because of Sage.  

"As soon as it comes to you, my reason and dignity go out the window."  

"I want to understand you so badly, but you make it so hard!" Sage's voice cracked. 

"I... It's odd. I left. I hurt you, and yet I haven't stopped seeing you as someone important to me." He sighed. "It truly seems everything I did was for no reason at all." 

Sage's chest hurt, but before they could comment, Baxter completely changed the subject, instead telling them about how he enjoyed dying his hair, and admitting that his natural color... was gray. 

Sage's mind blanked for a moment as they thought of their son's hair, a few shades lighter than black. Their breath hitched. 

"Sage?" 

"Sorry, I'm... I spaced off for a moment." They shook their head. "I don't think you're a fraud, Baxter. I think you're too hard on yourself." 

Baxter huffed. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I shouldn't dwell on this further, at least not now." He met Sage's eyes. "But perhaps... later?" 

Sage's eyes widened. "Oh... Okay, yeah. We'll definitely talk later." 

Baxter smiled, and for once, Sage didn't feel like they had to worry about him shutting them out again. 

Finally, the cake was frosted and ready, and Sage and Baxter were exhausted. Sage was embarrassed at realizing they hadn't thought of a key, but Baxter letting them stay was kind, and frankly, they were too tired to dwell. Sleep came swiftly for them. 

*** 

This was not how Sage thought their morning would go. Baxter was standing in front of them, fully nonchalant despite wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. They willed their eyes not to wander, but it was hard.  

They snuck a peak, only to see a mole they hadn't noticed before on the back of his thigh. Oh fuck, okay, filing that away for... something. 

While Sage struggled to remember words, Baxter enlightened them to his predicament of not being able to find the shirt he always wore for weddings, hence his current state. Sage was certainly not complaining. 

And then his little cheer when he found the shirt was the cutest thing they had ever seen. Oh... fuck. 

They did it again, didn't they? 

Sage hoped Baxter had been honest about talking after all of this. 

The rest of the day was a blur of getting ready, helping set up the venue, and preparing for the guests. Sage wasn't able to see Baxter at all. That was okay, though. They hoped. 

Everyone was shuttled into the lobby to wait for the grooms, and Sage saw Baxter slip further into the crowd. Their own eyes caught a familiar head of seafoam green hair sticking above most of the others, and Sage beelined for it. 

"Cove!" they shouted, hurrying toward their towering best friend. Cove turned toward them with a smile before accepting the running embrace. "I missed you." 

"I missed you, too." Cove laughed. 

"Mommy!" A small voice rang from beside Cove, and Sage quickly turned to it, arms open again. 

"Lucas!" They picked up their son, spinning him around before holding him close. "I missed you so much." 

Lucas just giggled happily. 

Sage was so lost in the joy of seeing their son again that they missed the wedding planner who had frozen in place several people away, watching the three of them with a stung expression. 

*** 

"Sage is... is that Baxter?" Cove ended up whispering to them when he finally noticed the wedding planner. 

Sage was taken aback at Cove's recognition but also knew he had likely remembered more of Baxter's features from the pure desire he held to kill him for what he did to Sage. Not that they thought Cove could ever actually kill someone, but the sentiment was there. 

"Yeah. It's... been a long week." Sage sighed. "We're supposed to talk later." 

"Did you tell him?" 

"No, but I suspect he has questions now." 

Sage tried to catch Baxter's eye, but to their dismay, he seemed to be pointedly ignoring them. They prayed it was just because he was working. 

The wedding went off without a hitch. Scott loved the groom's cake, which thrilled Sage. The rest of the party was amazing, and far too soon it was over.  

Cove offered to stay and help Sage and the others clean up. Lucas was curled up on one of the fancy chairs, fast asleep, so Sage left him be. Cove would be taking him to their moms' later before he went to stay with his dad. Mom and Ma were excited for some time with their grandson. 

When almost everything was done and everyone had left, Sage finally approached Baxter. "Hey." They could see in his posture how tense he was, but they did their best to ignore it. "Thank you for everything. Tonight was fantastic." 

"You are welcome." His tone was level, and he smiled, but there was something behind it. A bite. A fire. A frustration. 

Sage didn't understand why. "Are you still willing to talk?" 

His expression cracked. "Honestly? I think we've both gotten across everything we needed these past few days. I know you're well intentioned, Sage, but I think it's best we go our separate ways again." 

Sage felt like the rug was pulled out from under them. Their chest tightened painfully. "What? Why? You said..." 

"I know what I said, and it was a foolish thing to suggest. I thought... I don't know what I thought. Just leave me be, Sage. It's best for everyone." He turned away from them. 

Sage felt their eyes start to burn, but then they hardened instead. "No." 

Baxter froze. "What?" 

"I said no! I'm not letting you walk away from me again," they hissed. "You broke my heart once. You don't get to mend it and then step on it again." 

Baxter scoffed. "You seem to have done all right in my absence." 

Sage felt like he slapped them. "What?" 

Baxter motioned to where Lucas was curled up on a chair. "Him, Sage. He's what? Four? You moved on rather quickly in my opinion. Granted, I should have known you would." 

Sage clenched their fist, but before they could commit assault, they stopped themself. "I'm giving you one chance to explain what the fuck you're implying before I get myself sent to jail," Sage hissed. 

"I feel like a fool, truly," Baxter told them. "Here I actually thought you might have cared for me, that you still did, but you were always close to Cove, so I guess the outcome was expected." 

Sage was taken aback. "What?" They were starting to feel like a broken record. 

"Go back to your family, Sage. Let me go." Baxter told them. 

"No! Baxter, that's not..." 

"Mommy?" A tired voice called out. 

Sage looked down to see that Lucas had woken up and snuck up on them and Baxter. "Hi, baby." Sage knelt in front of him. "Mommy's having a grown-up talk. Why don't you go find Uncle Cove? He's taking you to see Grammy and Grandma." 

Lucas rubbed his eyes and nodded before hugging Sage and running off. The light drifted off his hair just right as he headed for Cove, letting the naturally gray strands vividly show through. 

Sage stood and turned back to Baxter, intent on continuing the argument, but the man was now frozen, staring off where Lucas had run. His hand suddenly came up to cover his mouth. His eyes met Sage's, horror and recognition reflecting in them. "He's mine." 

Sage didn't know if they should be pissed or relieved, so they went with both. With pursed lips, they nodded. 

“I… oh god, Sage. I'm…” Baxter was at a loss for words. “I… I would have…” 

“I reached out. You ignored me,” Sage bit. They were glaring now. “That was the best summer of my life, Baxter. You were the only person who ever made me feel like that. You still are.” 

Baxter closed his eyes, pain flooding his expression. “I'm sorry.” 

“It was easy, these past few days, to let myself forget. To start to trust you again. That terrifies me,” they admitted. “I need to know where you stand, because I won’t survive a broken heart like that again.” Sage's glare morphed into something pleading. “I wanted a relationship with you. I still do. I just need to know if you want that too.” 

Baxter stared a moment, then a soft expression crossed his face. “Yes.” 

Sage’s expression blanked with surprise. He had answered so easily. So confidently. “You do?” 

“Yes, Sage. I always did, but my own cynicism told me it would never work. After that summer… well, I'm in love with you. I always was.” Baxter smiled at them. “To be honest, I had already broken my own rule. Up until my misconception about your relationship status, I was telling myself we could talk tomorrow. The fact that we would have no reason to after the wedding was finished escaped me completely.” 

Sage stared at him, then huffed out a laugh. This whole time, they were worried he would run again, and he was over here planning next Tuesday. “You’re unbelievable.” 

“Perhaps,” Baxter agreed. “I know what I want, though. I want you, and I want… I want to know my son.”  

Sage’s entire face lit up. “I'd like that. A lot.” They held out their hand. “Is it too late to ask for a dance?” 

Baxter looked surprised. “There’s no music,” he pointed out, even as he took their hand. 

“We'll make our own.” Then, for the first time in five years, they reached to touch his face and kissed him.  

*** 

Sage's friends were definitely shocked by the new development between them and Baxter, but they were also happy for them. They all knew how badly Sage had been hurt, and how much they had missed him, even if they never talked about it. 

Baxter and Sage went to a very pleasant breakfast with Xavier the next morning. Sage could definitely see themself becoming good friends with them. They were such a friendly person. 

Afterward, the two headed for Sunset Bird. Sage needed to visit their moms, and it was as good a time as any for Baxter to meet Lucas... they hoped. First, they had to appease Ma and Mom, who were surely going to have opinions on the new development. 

Baxter parked the car where he had kept his old rental five years ago, and the two looked at each other. "Now my wonderful and forgiving Sage... are you certain this is a good idea?" he asked, looking more than a little nervous.  

"Nope. Too late now, though. You can't back out," they replied with a grin, though the nerves were clear in their eyes. 

Baxter sighed, then opened his door. Sage followed. 

The two made their way to Sage's childhood home, Sage hitting the poorly placed bell. The door swung open a moment later. Ma stood there, and grinned when she saw Sage. "Pam, Sage is here!" she called into the house before ushering both Sage and Baxter inside. 

Oh, so she didn't recognize Baxter. Great. Sage thought. This should be fun. 

Sage was aggressively embarrassed by their moms' fawning, especially in front of Baxter, but they took it in stride. "I missed you guys." 

"Aww, we missed you too." Mom grinned. "Thanks for taking the time to stop by."  

"Yes, welcome home, sweetie." Ma's eyes darted up to Baxter. "Hello to you, too. It's quite a surprise that Sage found someone they wanted to bring home. It doesn't happen often. I'm glad they're meeting new people." 

Sage's moms went on to introduce themselves like they would a complete stranger. 

Once they did, Baxter laughed awkwardly. "We actually met before. Five years ago on this very street, in fact. I'm Baxter Ward." 

Just like that, both women's expressions dropped to icy glares. 

Well, that was an unfortunate reaction. 

"Ah... I see you remember me." 

Baxter hooked a finger into his collar and very subtly shifted behind Sage. They did their best not to laugh at his reaction. 

"I apologize for how I left things before. Please know that I deeply regret it, and I assure you I am relatively less immature now." It wasn't flattering, but it was true. 

Sage could see their moms were less than impressed. "He means it. I forgave him." 

Their eyes both snapped to Sage. "What? After everything..." 

"I know. He has changed, though. I promise. He just came to meet Lucas." Sage willed their moms to understand. 

"You have every right to be wary of me being near Sage again, and you can take as long as you need to come to terms with it. I assure you, I mean no harm. I simply want to meet my son." Baxter's voice was so genuine. Sage wanted to turn and hold him. 

Ma was the first one to relax. "Well... if you're sure, we can try to accept that." Her words were aimed at Sage. 

"I am sure," Sage insisted. 

Mom sighed then. "Very well. Lucas is napping upstairs. 

Sage relaxed, looking at them gratefully. "Thank you." Without a second thought, they took Baxter's hand and pulled him toward the stairs. 

Lucas was sound asleep on Sage's old bed. Sage sat down beside him and ran a hand through his hair. "Lucas, baby. Wake up." 

Baxter stood back, staring at the small boy in awe. Looking at him closely, it was easy to see where Baxter's features had taken hold, and Sage knew he was studying them. 

Lucas stirred, eyes cracking open. "Mommy?" 

"Hello, my love. Did you sleep well?" Sage smiled. 

"Mhmm." Lucas looked past Sage then and saw Baxter. He gripped onto Sage's arm, suddenly shy. 

Sage motioned Baxter over. "Baxter, this is Lucas." 

Baxter hesitantly walked over, kneeling in front of the bed. Lucas stared at him, then looked at Sage, unsure. Sage smiled encouragingly. "Lucas," Sage said softly, "Baxter is your dad." 

The small boy's eyes widened, and he looked at Baxter with as much disbelief as a four-year-old could muster. 

"Hi, Lucas. I'm sorry I wasn't around before, but I promise I'm not going anywhere now." Baxter's eyes rose to meet Sage's. "Never again." 

*** 

Later, Sage and Baxter were back downstairs, both talking to Sage's moms while Lucas played in the corner. Baxter told their moms about his work, which Sage knew well, and his volunteering, which had been news to Sage. He looked adorably shy about admitting it, too. Humble. 

Mom and Ma started talking about how Baxter could have planned their anniversary party, and teasing Baxter for planning weddings when... well, they saw the fallout with Sage. 

Baxter just smiled. "Perhaps I could help plan for your anniversary next year. I'm not going anywhere, after all." He gave Sage a meaningful look, and they smiled at him. 

That look seemed to seal things for their moms. Both women nodded approvingly. "I hope you'll be around for Lucas' sake," Mom noted. 

"Of course," Baxter agreed. 

Sage reached and took his hand. They didn't miss the way Ma's eyes followed the movement. "About that..." Sage laughed a bit uncomfortably. "We're kind of dating again. Surprise?" 

"What?!" Both women yelled at once. 

"You asked them out again?!" Ma asked incredulously. 

"No!" Sage was quick to cut in. "It was me. I wanted this." 

"As do I." Baxter squeezed their hand. "I wouldn't waste this second chance. I swear I have no intentions of going anywhere this time." 

Ma and Mom had a silent conversation with their eyes before sighing and nodding, settling with the idea. Sage was fully relieved. They trusted them. 

The rest of the visit was pleasant. Sage caught their moms up to speed on how this even happened; Baxter got to play a little with Lucas, and Sage finally felt whole again. 

Lucas was staying another night, so Sage and Baxter eventually bid farewell before returning to his car. Sage was exhausted from the long day, but they tried not to show it. 

They stopped to get dinner, then continued back toward the city. When they got close, Baxter looked at them. "Sage, would you like to go dancing with me?" 

That snapped them out of their fatigue. They met his eyes. "What?" 

"Well, I spent the whole wedding working, and our moment after the event was lovely, but hardly comparable to a night out together, don't you think?" He rubbed his neck. "Especially considering the circumstances at the time. Besides that, you're leaving soon. Why not take advantage of the moment we have now?"  

Sage gave a soft smile. "I'd like that, but is there even anywhere that doesn't require a sign-up? Or that's even open at this hour?" 

Baxter smirked. "I know a place." 

Sage laughed. "Of course you do." 

"We can even go to the apartment and change into something more fitting for the occasion. It could be our first date... well, this time around." He looked so hopeful it melted Sage's heart. 

Sage reached for his hand, their face softening. "Yeah. I'd like that." 

Baxter's expression morphed back to his usual smirk. "Excellent. I finally have a partner I can dance with whenever we want." 

Sage laughed again. "I'll always want to dance with you. It's how we met after all." 

Baxter's expression faltered as his eyes widened. "Oh... you're right." 

It was Sage's turn to smirk. "Don't tell me you had forgotten." 

"Mmm, no. I just don't often think of that time of my life, but I could never forget you." 

The rest of the drive to the apartment was done in a comfortable silence. Sage and Baxter split up to get ready. Sage was thankful they had packed an extra dress just in case something happened to their wedding outfit. 

They pulled it on and added a necklace. They were ever grateful that their chopped hair didn't require any attention. When they were done, they went back out to the living room. Baxter was already there, and Sage's breath caught in their throat. He looked amazing. His brown suit accentuated his eyes in a way Sage couldn't look away from. 

Baxter smiled at them. "I know it's not the same level as a wedding, but I appreciate you going the whole mile for this. It's special to me, and you look charming." 

Sage blushed. "What can I say? I couldn't let you outdress me." They grinned. 

"Ah, so that's the reason." He chuckled. "Personally, I think you far outshine me." 

"Flatterer. You look handsome." Sage told him. 

Baxter smirked at them. "I have been told this ensemble is an attention grabber."  

"Don't worry. I'll happily fight off any competition." 

That made him laugh. "I don't doubt it." Baxter offered his arm and led them back to the car. 

Baxter sneaking them into his place of work for a private dance session was not what Sage expected, but they loved every second of it. If they were honest, though, they loved the aftermath even more. 

They had gone up to his office, and the two easily fell into each other, which is how Sage found themself pressed into the couch cushions, being kissed stupid. Baxter's touch was flame, heating their skin wherever he made contact. His jacket was quickly removed. Then his tie. Shortly after, his shirt joined the pile along with Sage's dress.  

Baxter ran his hand up the back of their thigh. "I love your legs," he practically purred. 

Sage whimpered, eyes hooded. Baxter kissed them again, hooking their knee around his hip. Sage broke the kiss to run their lips over his beauty mark, and his breath stuttered. "You remembered..." 

Sage smirked against his skin. "Hard thing to forget." They continued to kiss his skin, trailing down to his chest before pulling back again. Their lips met once more, the kiss becoming hotter, deeper. Sage dug their fingers into his shoulder, holding him closer. They wanted this, wanted him, wanted... 

Shit, they should stop. 

Gently, Sage pushed against Baxter's shoulder, urging him to stop. He did immediately, pulling back, concerned. "Are you alright?" 

Sage pressed a hand to their chest. "Yeah. I'm just..." They flushed more than they already were. "We should probably stop. I'm fairly sure sex in your office would be hot, but ultimately not good for your career." 

Baxter's expression relaxed, and he chuckled. "I believe you are correct." 

Baxter slid off their lap, and the two took a moment to catch their breath before dressing to a mostly presentable state. They made their way back through the building, flicking lights off as they went. 

The two returned to the car. The drive began in silence before Sage spoke. "I never asked... are you okay... with everything? Lucas? I kind of just sprung fatherhood on you." 

Baxter glanced over at them before returning his eyes to the road. "I would say that's fair since I forced single parenthood onto you," he muttered. "To be honest... It's not something I ever expected, but yes, I am okay with it. More than even. Especially with you." 

Sage relaxed. "Okay. Good. I'm glad." 

When they returned to the apartment, Baxter offered for Sage to stay with him in his room. They happily accepted. Falling asleep in his arms was the best rest they had had in years. 

*** 

One last hurrah with their friends was a great way to end Sage's mini vacation. Jude and Scott were certainly shocked to hear Sage and Baxter were back together, but genuinely thrilled and amused that it happened at their wedding. Sage was pleased. 

Xavier being able to join the festivities was nice as well. Sage really did like them and hoped they could be good friends. Then the best part. 

Baxter was planning to visit very soon. Their brief escape outside made Sage's heart flutter. They were so happy. 

All too soon, things ended, and it was time to leave. Sage wasn't ready to go back home, but they knew they needed to. This would be their last night before heading back north. At least Cove would still be nearby. 

Sage and Baxter settled into the car, and Sage glanced over at him. "Would you be okay with picking Lucas up and having him stay with us tonight?" 

Baxter smiled at them. "I would like that very much." 

So they did, and soon enough, the three were at Baxter's apartment. Thankfully, Cove, being the doting and attentive uncle he was, had packed some entertainment for Lucas. Baxter's apartment wasn't exactly equipped to keep a small child occupied. 

Sage was filled with warmth watching Baxter with their son. He was already so patient and loving that they knew things would be perfect in the future. Lucas colored and drew for a while, then worked on a puzzle Cove packed, before finally falling asleep on the couch. "We should probably put him in the guest room," Sage told Baxter. To their surprise and joy, Baxter was quick to pick the small boy up and carry him to the room with Sage close behind. After settling him in the center of the bed so he wouldn't roll off, the two headed to Baxter's room. 

"This feels like the reverse of the last time we said goodbye." Sage couldn't help but lament. 

Baxter nodded, then cupped their face. "Except this time, neither of us will be disappearing. I promise." He kissed them. 

Sage smiled sadly when they pulled back. "I'll miss you." 

"You'll see me soon," Baxter assured. 

They crawled into bed, Sage drifting in Baxter's arms. Maybe their life hadn't gone to plan, but if that was the only way for them to end up here, they wouldn't change a thing.  

This wasn't just their life anymore. It was Baxter's. And Lucas'. They would stay together. 

Always.