"Are you sure you want to do this?" Other David asked.

"Whose lawyer are you?" Bruce asked indignantly.

"It is my understanding that you both want to reach an equitable agreement on the matter. Is that correct?" 

"Yes." Steve replied.

"So will you please tell me what is so equitable about you buying back all the joint property you gave up not last year while Bruce..."

"It's a private matter," Steve said simply, writing out a check and handing it to Bruce. "Would you mind giving us a few minutes?" 

"Thank you," Bruce said, once Other David had left the room.

"I didn't do it just for you, you know," Steve said, trying not to let the hurt and fear show through. "We'll be able to give the kids outgrowing Haven a place to transition into functioning adults."

"That's great, Steve. Really."

"So...six months. What are you going to do?"

"See as much of the world as I can. Maybe make love to a few local boys or two."

"I can't believe you're not going to fight it."

"It's too late."

Steve looked away. "If we were still together, you'd be fighting it. It wouldn't have been too late."

"You're happy, though? With Edward?"

"Of course."

"Good." They were silent for a moment before Steve broke it with a laugh.

"Christ," Steve said. "Do you even realize what today is?"

"I didn't think you would."

"We would've been together twenty-one years."

"Christ," Bruce chuckled to himself.  Steve took Bruce's hand. 

"Bruce, I hope you find your happiness."

 

 

###