Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What does it mean to be '13'?

Is it just a number that our society preordained to count the number of years of one's existence on this plane of existence?

Is it a rank that decides who's going to boss who?

Well, to a young, grey haired boy that lived in a place that is embraced by fall. It means nothing.

No matter how time passes, things will remain the same.

Some changes are bound to happen here and there; just like how there is a new family living on the neighboring cul-de-sac.

Sure, there's another little boy to count, but there is already a boy such as him, proving his point even further.

No matter how hard he hopes for a change, Baxter can only wait with bated breath as the thing he yearns for is simply out of reach.

Baxter was taking an uninspired walk, passing by the unchanging heart of the town proper when he came by something.

Something? More like someone—another person, a new face.

Franky—the new kid, was accompanied by someone else. Not by a cheery, orange haired girl nor a black haired boy with a constant notebook at hand, a company entirely new.

You seem close to the young boy attached to your hip, both sporting a warm smile clearly meant for the two of you.

Baxter didn't dare to move another step, for his eyes are only locked onto the stranger.

From afar, he could tell that you're taller than your company.

'Maybe, you're a bit older too.', Baxter murmured.

When he could no longer spot your silhouette from the display window, Baxter, although quietly sulking, picked up his previous pace and walked back to their estate.

Without any acknowledgement, Baxter simply scampered back to his room. It's not like his parents are around at this time, why should he greet an empty chair and a dead room?

He threw himself onto his bed, thoughts filled with what he witnessed earlier.

'That smile. Well, damn. I shouldn't be bothered by someone else smiling but, you—'.

Heat arose to his cheeks, making them flush uncontrollably.

In order to save some shame for himself, Baxter pushed his face onto his poor, unassuming pillow.

Gods, why must he act like a little boy getting his first crush for the first time?

'Focus, Baxter, focus! That's a stranger you barely even know! Have some restraints!', Baxter scolded to himself.

Time passed like a blur, Baxter couldn't even process what was happening, still in his mind about the 'encounter' he had with you.

Lo and behold, another dawn has greeted Golden Grove.

Lights pierced through the yellowed leaves of the trees, as it danced to the silent tune of the gentle morning breeze.

Shuffling on his sheets, Baxter nudged awake, yawning away his lethargy.

He wasted no time and got up in order to prepare for the day.

Baxter discarded his black-and-white sleepwear and replaced it with his usual get-up.

He left his house without any issues, it's not like his parents are there to put up a struggle.

He found himself waiting in front of the convenience store in town, courtesy of a group meeting called by Mr. Qiu Lin himself, leader of their rag-tag "Boy's Club".

After a few minutes of waiting, Darren has also arrived, whose presence he acknowledged immediately.

Then, the boy of the hour arrived, Qiu himself, graced the two of his presence.

Of course, much to Darren's dismay, he didn't come alone.

On his right stood their newest member, Franky Second. And, with what rotten luck Baxter got, the same mysterious stranger he's been obsessing about since yesterday.

Baxter immediately stared at you intently, as if judging your very soul, before plastering a smile on his face.

"You two! Tamarack couldn't make it so I brought another plus-one. Everyone, meet Mr. Jamie Last, Franky's cousin! He's just in town for the long weekend with his moms.", Qiu excitedly said with his hand gesturing to you.

"Hey. Hope you two don't mind. Franky insisted that I need to visit the 'special place' before we go back to our place.", you spoke.

Darren, like usual, didn't extend a greetings to you but only focused on Qiu. He really couldn't hold himself with strangers, especially girls.

Qiu noticed Darren's silence and decided to introduce his clubmates to you.

Qiu opened his arm and allowed it to rest on Darren's shoulder.

"This here is Mr. Darren Murray, please excuse him. He's not used to interacting with strangers. I'm sure that you'll get along in some way since you're the same age!"

'Same age? So you're '12' then.', Baxter added to his mental note.

His thought was interrupted when Qiu pulled Baxter to his side with his other arm.

"This one's Mr. Baxter Ward, he's the oldest of us with a year ahead of you. He's much 'mature', based on his own account."

Baxter was unimpressed with that end note that he freed himself from the young boy's constraints.

He walked forward in front of you and offered his hand which you took, leaving Baxter with a good impression of you.

"As much as Qiu's words are to be trusted, it would be nice to hear it from the man himself. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Last."

Darren drew the crowd's attention with a click from his tongue.

"Yeah, yeah, now we know each other. Can we buy snacks now? I'm not going to be the snack king this time so you lot fight it out."

"Good thinking. What do you say, Jamie?", Qiu asked.

You only offered a shrug as a reply, as if implying that you have no choice either way.

Qiu, Franky and Baxter balled their hand into a fist, with Jamie quickly following suit.

"I only play 'Rock', do what you must with that information.", Baxter said with a glint in his eyes.

Jamie was obviously baffled with what's been thrown at the table but it seems like the younger kids are used to this with their shared giggle filling the air.

One, two, then snap— Franky was out first, followed by Qiu, leaving you and Baxter to a stalemate.

"You know."

Jamie was caught off-guard when his opponent started to talk.

"I'm much willing to lose to you. It would be improper for a tourist to pay for the snacks the locals wanted, granted that one of the said locals was one of your own."

Baxter showed sincerity, albeit his signature smirk was plastered all over it, hiding his true intentions beneath.

Then, with what appears to be a blur, your open palm fought against Baxter's closed fist. You won!

Darren, who kept quiet the whole time, started cheering for the result of the match.

"What are we waiting for? Snacks are a-picking, courtesy of our very own. Sorry, Baxter, it was bound to happen one way or another."

The rag-tag troupe made their way inside the convenience store, rummaging through the aisles for something to chew on along the way.

Baxter noticed that you kept your distance from the others which piqued his curiosity.

He found himself walking towards the shelf next to where you're standing and decided to make small talk.

"Aren't you going to pick some chips or candies on your own? There's no need to worry. I am more than capable of purchasing whatever you desire."

"Is that so? What if I decided to buy an entire aisle worth of stock, could you still buy it for me?", Jamie scoffed.

"Is that a challenge, I hear? Well, here I thought you have a special spot for me. Are you willing to see my poor self run his wallet dry?"

The other could only scoff in amusement before delighting the request of the grey-haired boy. Baxter observed him before his silhouette faded into the frozen goods aisle.

"I think I want this.”, Jamie declared.

On his hand was an ice cream sandwich with a bright red circle with a note that read 'Cookies and Cream', a not-so-subtle nod to what the filling would taste like.

"Well, I hope you don't mind sharing that with everyone. When we get there, we munch on our snacks and share it with the others.", Baxter pointed out.

Jamie acknowledged his rambling with a hum.

After their shopping spree, Baxter, being the snack king he is, was obligated to carry the stash as they walk along the trail behind the local diner.

The ceiling of branches and leaves shaded the group as they navigated their way to their 'special place'.

"Do you need help with that?"

Baxter's thoughts were shattered by Jamie's sudden offer.

"No, it's alright. It's not like those three bought out the entire place.", Baxter hinted towards Qiu, Darren and Franky whose distance was much apart from the two of you.

"However, I appreciate the offer", he finished.

As they continued walking down the trail, Baxter spoke.

"Maybe you can help me with another task."

"That task being?", the other replied.

"Well, not a task necessarily but it seems like you're a total stranger to me. Whether that's your intention or not, how about telling something about yourself?", the grey haired boy replied.

"Hmm... Well, I suppose that too can be entertained. Go on, ask me anything."

Before Baxter could ask anything, Qiu's voice cut him out.

"We're here!"

Jamie deviated his attention away from the other to admire the scenery.

It was a stone bridge, it looked rather old and yet sturdy at the same time. Underneath was a bubbling river that stretched out onto the distance.

His younger cousin approached him and tugged on his arm, "Come on, Jamie, let's go down there."

With a nervous laugh, Jamie obliged to Franky's plea, leaving Baxter by himself.

Baxter could only watch as you're ultimately separated from him, bitterness bubbling on his throat and yet he can only swallow.

How dare he keep you for himself? Your attention is a huge ask already, why must he act so selfishly?

Baxter kept those thoughts to himself and joined the hubbub so that the others won't worry about him.

As he arrived at the stairwell that leads down to the riverbank, Baxter noticed that Qiu and Darren simply watched as you allowed yourself to be pulled around by your younger cousin, which is quite a hilarious spectacle.

After a few minutes, the Boy's Club rummaged through the bags that Baxter 'voluntarily' carried. Darren took the bag of candy while Qiu got his hand on the cheese curls.

Baxter's interest was placed on the beef jerky so that leaves a bag of nuts and an ice cream sandwich, which was claimed by their respective owners.

As the group ate their snacks, Baxter's brown eyes focused on you. He noticed that you let Franky have a bite before you took your own which made the younger really happy.

Jamie noticed that Baxter's staring right at him which prompted him to gesture his sandwich towards the other.

"You want some? It's really tasty, it's a bit melted but I think it's still good."

Baxter was half-surprised by your offer but he didn't shoot it down. Instead, he took a small bite before placing a distance between you and him once more.

Qiu and Darren were also offered with the sweet treat but they both declined, prompting Jamie to finish his cold treat on his own, with Franky sneaking a bite here and there.

With the sun close to setting, the club leader, Qiu, decided to adjourn their meeting which was agreed upon by its members.

Baxter stuck by your side as the group made their way back to the town proper, trying to bask in the ever-fleeting moment that you have with this place.

"Huh, I never noticed that your hair is grey, Baxter.", Jamie broke the silence between.

Like a code word, Baxter immediately put his defenses up.

"Yeah, is there a problem with it?", his tone laced with mild perturbance. He didn't like it when his hair was brought up as a topic.

"No, of course not. I think it suits you well."

Baxter didn't expect your kind retort, unexplained heat climbing their way up to his cheeks. He subconsciously turned away from you in order to save himself from embarrassment.

"Good. I thought you're going to say something other than that."

Jamie laughed, "What? Did you think I'm going to make fun of your hair? Of course not!".

"You know? You really belong here...".

'What? What's that supposed to mean?', Baxter thought to himself.

"Your eyes are the color of the trunk of the trees that surround us. Your hair reminds me of the clouds that carry a gentle shower of rain.".

Baxter didn't expect such profound comparison coming from you, making his stomach churn with an unknown feeling.

Baxter coughed before he spoke.

"Thank you, I guess. You don't look half-bad yourself.", he said straightforwardly which made you laugh.

"You're a man of few words, huh? But really, I mean it. It makes you stand out, makes you special."

Baxter needs to cut the conversation short before you kill him with your compliments. He simply didn't speak after that.

Before he knew it, your group had already made it to the town square, meaning that you're on your own separate paths from here on out.

Baxter could only watch as you paced yourself to be with Qiu and Franky, leaving him alone once more.

He couldn't decide whether to utter any words of goodbye nor to flee the scene immediately. Lost in thought, he didn't realize that Jamie approached him first.

"Well then, Mr. Ward, I believe that it's time to say goodbye. You've been a pleasant company for this short while. I hope that we meet again in the future.".

Shocked, Baxter couldn't muster to speak. He didn't even look up to you, as if the very notion of you leaving left a sting on him.

Then, he laughed, his signature smirk at display.

"Is that a promise? How wonderful. Well, if fate allows it, I, too, hope that we meet again such as this moment.".

Jamie joined the younger bunch once again but was interrupted halfway by the boy kissed by autumn.

"Hey! How can we meet when you haven't told me where you live?", Baxter shouted.

Once more, the sweet tolls of your laughter blessed his ears, maybe for the last time.

"That's a secret! You said if fate would allow it, right? It's no fun if I tell you know, isn't it?", Jamie replied.

"Hmm, maybe a clue perhaps? Come find me on the southern coast, where summer rests.".

Flabbergasted with your vague description, Baxter could only watch as you grouped up with Qiu and Franky once more, a wide smile plastered on your face.

Baxter turned to the direction of their abode, your words linger on his mind like a spell.

'A place where summer rests? I don't know if such a place exists, but I'll find you. I'm certain of it.", Baxter assured himself.

And so, that is how the 13 year old boy's purpose has changed, for he'd met his match that faithful day.

To find the warmth that the boy whose smile shone bright like the sun gave him.

To live in the silent hues of autumn with a promise whispered in the faint summer glow.

Chapter Text

How cruel.

So cruel.

Like the ever-changing seasons, the sun's warmth that Baxter craved has bid its farewell, leaving his heart cold in the downpour of fall, cold breeze pierces its tender flesh.

Once again, Baxter was left alone, to his own devices, cursed to live in this orange wasteland evermore.

Days have passed in your absence—yet he persisted. He mustered up the courage to knock on the "not-so-newcomer's" door.

Much to his dismay, who answered is not a little boy, but the mother of that said boy that is surprised by the unexpected guest.

"Good day, ma'am. I hope I'm not intruding on anything important.", Baxter said respectfully.

"Good day to you too, dear. Can I help you with anything..."

After a long pause, Ms. Opal Second stifled a cough and talked once again.

"Excuse me. Can I help you with anything, Baxter?", her voice laced with inquiry, as if asking if she got the name right.

"Actually, yes. Yes, you can.", Baxter spoke, plastering his trademark smirk.

"A visitor came into our town a few days ago and it seems that he is rather close to Franky. Can I ask for his name and contact?"

Ms. Second's eyes widened in skepticism.

"You need his information for what, dear? Is there something wrong? Did something go awry during his stay here?"

Baxter's body shook, as if rejecting what was thrown into the table.

"No, miss. Nothing like that happened, I promise. I just want to know his contact because..."

He thought hard of what excuse he will use.

'I need his contact because I fell in love at first sight and I think I can't live without him.'

Baxter spat at that made-up excuse inside his head, making him flustered and weak.

"I... Well, we hit it off quite good, miss. I just want a way to contact my friend from a different place.", he said.

"That's really nice to hear, dear. If your intention is that pure, who am I to deny such request?", her voice slowly fading as she turned around and left Baxter idle on the front door.

Ms. Second came back to grace the boy with her presence again, a slip of paper on her hand.

"Listen here, dear. I'm trusting you on this one, alright? While I'm certain your call would be entertained, state your intention clear, okay?"

Baxter took the slip of paper, his smirk unwavered, silently praising the angel in front of him that blessed him with this opportunity.

Before he could speak up, Ms. Second cut him off.

"I'll try and inform his moms that you might give a call, alright? Have a good one, dear. Be safe on your way home.", she said with a kind smile on her face.

"Thank you, miss. Really, thank you. You don't know how much this means to me."

Then, Ms. Second cracked into a laughter.

"Why, that's cute, dear. It seems that impressions do really 'Last'.", her words blurted out, clearly proud of the little pun she did.

Baxter could only bow his head in appreciation before turning himself around, practically running off back to his house, not even acknowledging that the sun has already set.

Dashing through the empty halls, he composed himself as he closed the door to his room behind him.

Being well-off in life. While there are upsides and downsides with this kind of lifestyle, Baxter is "well-adapted" with the current trends in the market.

He brought out the phone that his parents got him, that 'we-remember-we-had-a-son-to-look-after' present he got on a random evening, feeling satisfied that it would finally find its use.

He punched the number in and waited. After a few rings, it was picked up.

"Hello? Last Residence, this is Pamela speaking.", a woman's voice spoke out of the speaker.

Baxter, heart pounding from excitement and nervousness, propered himself.

"Hello, Mrs. Last. I'm Baxter Ward from Golden Grove. While we're not acquainted, I came to know your son, Jamie, during your short stay here. May I speak to him, please?"

Silence filled the room as no response came back, immense feeling of anxiety crept to the young boy.

The same voice rang once again, this time, in a much more rough tone, "Hey. What are your intentions with my kiddo? Are you looking for trouble?"

Baxter panicked, he shuffled around thinking what to even say back against the accusation.

"I...", he mustered up the courage to speak up but was caught off-guard by a heartily laugh.

"Oh, dear. Please don't cry, I'm only kidding. Opal already filled me in that you might call sooner or later. It's nice to finally talk to you, Baxter. Jamie couldn't help but mentioned your name on our way back.", Mrs. Last pleaded.

'Opal? Right! That must've been Ms. Second. Wait, what? Jamie mentioned my name to his parents?', he silently contemplated.

"Oh! Sorry for taking too much of your time. I'll give the phone to Jamie now. Please hold for a few sec.", she said.

Baxter zoned out as he waited. Then, a new voice spoke up.

"Hello?"

His heart beats rapidly, his palms sweating and arms giving up on him. That's him—Jamie!

In his best attempt to act cool, Baxter spoke once again.

"Well, that game was fun, but I found you. You're it, now."

He bit his tongue in excitement, he found you. Well, technically, he found a way to continue contacting you.

"Fine, fine. You won this round, Mr. Ward. That makes our score even, considering that you lost to me during rock-paper-scissors.", Jamie replied.

Baxter scoffed.

"Fair enough. But, hey! I have a bone to pick with you, you know? Why must you be so obscure before you left? Thank the stars, Ms. Second has your family dial."

He could hear faint snickers coming from the other end.

"What? Can't a guy be mysterious once in a while? Well, no more hints, okay? Auntie Opal already did you a favor on this one. You can't ask her where we live, understood?", Jamie responded.

"In the name of the game and my honor, you have my word, Mr. Last", the other proudly replied.

"You're an odd one, you know that?", Jamie changed the topic.

"Thanks, I always do the best that I can", Baxter said, his words burst with pride.

After a minute of silence, the other spoke up once more.

"You know? I just quoted I commercial I saw on TV for that clue."

Faint laughter squaked through the microphone.

"Well, I should've expected that. No way a child like you know vocabulary that deep.", Baxter noted.

"Hey! I'm not a child. I'm certain that you're not that older than me.", Jamie whined, amusing Baxter in the process.

"Sure, whatever you say, little boy. Oh, look at the hour. Maybe it's your bedtime now and I'd hate to be a bother~", the grey haired boy teased.

"I'm ending this call. Don't expect me to answer you forever."

That sentence made Baxter drop his words, now filled with unresolved anxiety.

"Hey! I'm just kidding-", he spoke, but the other line fell silent.

"Hello? Jamie, are you still there? Please..."

Then, the other line came to life once again.

"My, who's the child now? I haven't spoke in just a second and yet you're looking for me already?"

Baxter clenched his fist and spoke, "Don't you ever do that again. That's mean, Mr. Last.", a last ditch attempt to recover from the other's counterattack.

Although faint, Baxter heard quiet knocks from the other end, "Well, it's getting late. As much as I want to talk to you more, I have classes for tomorrow. Good night, Baxter."

'This is it. Time to say goodbye again.'

"Good night, Jamie. Rest assured, I'll keep in touch. And don't you worry, I'm a man of my words.", Baxter steered clear of the conversation.

"I'll find you, I promise. Let's hang out more by then~"

That sentiment made the other laugh.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Mr. Ward. Goodbye now!", Jamie said before hanging up.

With the end of their conversation, Baxter plopped down to his bed.

'God, that's so cheesy. Why are you such a mess, Baxter.', he scolded himself.

"At least he knows my intentions, and I know damn well I intend to make it possible.", a bold declaration came from his mouth.

And so, the Last Residence opened their line to a new frequent caller—a grey haired boy that hailed from the rainy north, whose land blessed with the gift autumn has brought.

Days turned week, weeks turned to month, months turned to a year. Time turned in perpetual motion, yet its music never stopped.

Baxter kept up with Jamie, sharing a bond like nonelse. From their celebrations, down to their sorrows, the two shared everything. They even came down with a system where they only talk during Saturday evenings. Life is good going forward.

From your frequent conversation, Baxter learned that Ms. Opal Second, the kind-hearted lady that gave him this opportunity, is not actually related to you.

Jamie explained that Ms. Second and your moms are colleagues-turned-friends from work, making her close to your family, that's why he calls her his 'auntie'.

Baxter have also learned about the existence of Cove Holden, your dear neighbor and water activity enthusiast, albeit not possible with the cast on his arm. Poor man.

Warmth, although a rare occasion in the Golden Grove, was a welcome change. It was summer so Baxter and Jamie are able to talk on the phone more frequent than the usual.

He was currently lounging on his room but instead of the usual ringtone that makes his ears perk up, the silence in his room was broken by steady knocking.

"Come in."

Great, just great, a face he wanted to see the most: his own mother.

"Pardon the intrusion, dear, but it seems you would very much like this proposition of mine. Care to lend an ear, Baxter?"

Baxter adjusted his seat on the side of the bed but uttered no words in response.

"No answer? I wished you were a little more interested but I understand, dear. However, this venture would be beneficial to our business.

"We have an investor in California and they are more than glad to extend an invite to a shindig they are planning on setting up."

"With that in mind, me and your father had already arranged a membership in the country club near the locale. That will be the venue for our meeting, a nice change of scenery if I say so myself."

"We would like to take you with us, so you are more than free to do your fair share of dancing."

Like a sleeper agent, Baxter's face perk up when that word was mentioned. Finally, he's been cooped up for far too long in this quaint town.

"On one condition that is. You're free to do whatever it is that you wish but with limitations. We are asking—no, telling that you, too, is responsible for making connections in that hubbub, clear?"

"You don't have to do anything, just be ready to pack something on the get go. All we ask for you to do is to represent the Ward's name and build connections down there, understood?", her nails tapping on the bedside desk.

"Okay", Baxter replied after listening in silence.

"That's wonderful to hear~ You'll make us proud, I'm certain of it. That's all, dear. Thank you for listening.", the sound of her steps fade as she left the room.

'That's all I am to you, huh. Just a centerpiece you can display and brag about. What great parents you are.', unspoken venom soured in the inside of his mouth.

Speaking to his mom drained him of all of his energy that he simply plopped down on his bed.

'Curses, why am I even born to this family?', a thought echoed in his head.

Time flew by and before the exhausted Baxter knew it, it was already morning.

He tried to find his phone using his arm but what greeted him was a dead screen.

'Crap, totally forgot to charge it.'

Faced with such dillema, he had no choice but to get up of bed and start the day.

He absentmindedly rummaged through his bedside drawer to find the lifeline of his phone that is its charger.

After a few moment, he felt the long plastic wire and tugged on it, freeing it from constraints.

Baxter plugged his phone and pressed on its power button before going to the restroom to wash his face and get dressed up.

With the boost it had from being charged, his phone had sprung back to life.

*You have missed 3 phone calls from-*

How long has it been, a day or two? Baxter couldn't even keep track as every minute that ticked by gnawed on him.

No matter how hard he tries, he can't calm himself down. How could he? He missed out on your calls and now no matter how many times he tried to call back, the line went unanswered.

Did something bad happen? Are you mad at him for not answering that night? Many questions flew by his head but they remained unanswered as his past commitments has finally caught up with him.

Packing his bags; nightwear, formalwear, whatever-there-is-to-wear. Toiletries and accessories, he tried to pack his bag unhaphazardly.

Today's the date, his entire family going down south for a business deal. How fun.

Just when is the last time the three of them spent time as a family? And must those times include business? Short answer: never even happened and yes, yes it does. His parents would even if they can't to save their souls.

For the remainder of the trip, Baxter only kept to himself in the back, earphones plugged right in his ears. He'd rather not deal with his adult companions right now.

After what seems to be hours of sitting idle, they arrived at the villa that they are staying at for the remainder of the trip.

Baxter moseyed around the place, trying to find a bedroom for himself. After a few steps, he found what he was looking for.

Just before he could plop down to bed, he was rudely interrupted by a series of knocks; it was his mother once again.

"There's no time for rest, dear. I'm sorry. Please dress cordially, we'll be heading to the country club shortly.", his mom words bounced on the walls and to his ear.

"Understood, mother.", he reluctantly replied.

Can't he even get a break? My goodness. All his parents do is work and work and it's starting to get on Baxter's nerves.

Clad in white layer underneath, clamshell button-up vest and twine-colored coat, Baxter dressed for the occasion.

After adjusting his collar, he came out of his room and reconvened with his parents who are also dressed for the meeting.

The drive to the country club was warm, courtesy of the Californian heat that he never felt in Oregon.

It wasn't too harsh, it was gentle, soothing. Something like—something like you. Baxter's mind was filled with the thoughts of you once again. He hoped that when we came back from this affair, you're more that free to answer his questions, no matter how long it takes.

There they were, the Wards has finally stepped foot to the country club—The Cypress. It looks good, to be expected as a place like this comes with high maintenance.

Someone escorted their group to an outdoor area where Baxter was showered by the golden rays once more. He tried to cup his hand to provide cover for his eyes and his eyes went wide.

'This place is not half bad. Only problem is that it's too damn sunny.', he took a mental note to himself.

His parents pulled him on the side then his father spoke up.

"Here we are, Alexander. Please mingle as you see fit, we will stick around the investors and try to converse with them. You'll do what you do best, it's in our blood, after all."

"I understand, father.", he replied monotonically, clearly indifferent with the situation.

His parents disappeared among the crowd, leaving Baxter to fend for himself, in the middle of complete nowhere where the sun continues to taunt him.

With a heavy sigh, he tried to compose himself and do the task asked of him. Like a social butterfly, he approached people, chatted for a short while before moving on to the next person.

From where he was standing, he could spot an entirely new hubbub, right across their outside set-up. It looks more stylish, with fancy parasols and table toppers.

'Maybe I ought to extend my connection in that direction.', he made excuse.

As the sun began to set, the harsh rays that blinded Baxter blended nicely with the sea of clouds. His path is clear: crash the other party and see what was interesting there.

With what luck he have, there was truly something interesting. You. You're there, adorned with a dress shirt and sleek pants sitting idle on your own.

From his observation, the musical ensemble are starting to prepare, with the conductor rampantly flipping through his score sheet. Then, somber music enamoured the crowd.

The guests of the soiree started to climb up of their own chairs and sway to the rhythm. You, as well, ditched your seat, eyes burning with the prospect of finding a partner perhaps.

Baxter closed in before speaking up.

"Are you planning on dancing?"

Jamie's attention fell straight to the other, with look Baxter could only ascertain as shock and bewilderment.

Jamie cleared his throat before coming up with a reply.

"Actually I'm planning on a bank robbery. Looks like I got the address mixed up. Dancing is a great alternative too."

Baxter offered his hand to the other from which you gladly took.

"It seems that all of that hiding went to waste. Cursed fate, you're standing right in front of me again."

Baxter snickered, "So you admit it then? You're hiding from me."

"Yeah? You're the one that ditched me on our nightly calls. You wound me, you know?"

"Says you! You haven't answered my calls for like days after that stunt. Who am I not to feel a bit bummed about the situation, huh?"

Jamie could only muster a laugh, which Baxter followed suit.

"We're both stupid, you and I. That's the thing, the day you ditched me, I was supposed to tell you that our family is going on a camping trip with Cove's family. That's why the phone would be left unattended for a few days."

Baxter's face contort to a knowing expression, before laughing heartily again.

"That's so specific! It's like the world is out to get us."

"You said it best, Baxter, you said it best. But, hey, what are you doing here? I doubt you wandered down here in California all by yourself?"

"Ah, that. I'm with my family and we are here on business. Pretty droll if you ask me, however, I found an interesting specimen nonetheless."

"You speak of me like a lab experiment, Baxter. Wait? Business? I have nothing to spare to you, rich boy, for I am but a humble peasant living by the southern coast."

"Who cares about connection? I would spend every dime to my name just for the opportunity to see you again to happen."

"You mean it, Baxter?"

"I mean it."

The two danced to the rhythm well into the night. Holding each other's hands as if it is their last. With the music slowing down, Baxter faced Jamie once again.

"Well, you're quite a fine dancer, Mr. Last."

"The same could be said to you, Mr. Ward. Be glad that I enjoyed my dance classes, you found yourself someone that could hold himself on the floor."

"Thank you for the dance but it is late into the evening, I must return back to my group."

"Already? Must you go? We just met again, did we not? You're ditching me again?"

"I'm sorry but I believe that it is now my turn to leave you hanging. Let us meet again, the same way we both know how."

"To meet again."

"If fate allows it."

"Baxter, wait!", Jamie ran towards the direction of the other young man before holding him on a tight embrace.

"One last hug for the road."

Baxter adorned his signature smirk.

"How kind, Mr. Last, I'll be sure to cherish it."

"And! If you need a place to stay for vacation, California is your first choice, alright?", Jamie's voice going quieter as Baxter moved to the familiar path back.

'Of course, It'll be, just for you.', he whispered to himself.

The silence of the cold night conquered the environment, still and unmoving. But the same could not be said for a young grey haired man.

The warmth that he once basked on, lived on and thrived in its very glow.

For the second time around, Baxter felt warm. And that feeling will never die down, for the summer's graze etched in his tender heart.