Characters / Our Life: Beginnings & Always

These are the characters who appear in Our Life: Beginnings & Always.

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Main Characters

MC / Jamie Last

Jamie Last (renameable)

MC's Default Appearance

The main protagonist. The player is able to control almost everything about them — from their sex, gender identity, sexuality, appearance, personality, etc. Due to the wide range of customization, not all tropes will apply to any one MC.

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• Aerith and Bob: Can be invoked by players due to being completely re-nameable.
• Cannot Spit It Out: You can play the MC as this if their interest level is on Crush or higher. The game gives you the option to not only avoid confessing to your LI, but you can also decide to just remain as friends (if you want to avoid them confessing to you instead). Notably, you can avoid confessing to Cove in just about every Step this way.
• Character Customization: Starting from Step 1, the MC's name, gender and appearance can all be decided by the player. As they grow up, additional features will be unlocked, such as if they have braces, wear a ring on their finger or have tattoos on their body. These can all be changed freely with each Step, with the exception of the MC's last name, skin and eye color.
• Cordon Bleugh Chef: A potential outcome in several Moments, but the most notable one being in Boating, where mixing every kind of juice results in 'Boat Juice'. This stunt proves so memorable that, if done with Cove, you can thank him in your vows at your wedding for letting you get away with making it in the first place. Ironically, this can still be done even if you have your MC be a good cook otherwise.
• The Gadfly: Can be played as this, especially with a Direct comfort level, with the opportunity to tease and snark at their friends and family alike.
• Gift of Song: A musically-inclined MC can not only write and perform their own songs in Family (Step 2), but can also gift Cove a song they made themselves as a graduation gift.
  • If they decide to plan a proposal to Cove, they can also choose to serenade him.
• Happily Adopted: Both the MC and Elizabeth are adopted.
• Hello, [Insert Name Here]: Their first name can be changed in every step, with their last name being customizable only at the start of the game. If chosen from a certain list, their first name can also be voiced by Cove.
• Huge Guy, Tiny Girl: Depending on the MC's height, they can have this dynamic with their LIs, though it's much more drastic when compared to the 6'4'' Cove, who's significantly taller compared to Derek and Baxter, who can be matched by average and tall MCs respectively by Step 4.
• Insists on Paying: Can be done several times throughout the game, usually by promising to pay the gifter back. Notably, when Cove offers to get them a ticket for the charity dinner (if they aren't volunteering with ORCA themselves) in the aptly named moment Charity (Step 3), the MC can insist on paying themselves instead.
• Missing Child: Potentially. In Runaway, Cove attempts to leave Sunset Bird for Nevada, and if on Fond or higher, the MC can either join him or search for him themselves, going missing for most of the day as a result.
• Multiple-Choice Past: Enforced. Throughout the game, you're able to decide on certain aspects of the MC's life. For example, you can decide if you've visited an aquarium before or how much babysitting experience your MC has.
• Patient Childhood Love Interest: Potentially. They can have a crush on Cove since their first meeting with him, but still hold off until he chooses to confess ten (or even fifteen) years later.
• Pint-Sized Powerhouse: A possible outcome for the MC by being both short and muscular. They can even potentially piggyback the drastically taller Cove with this combination.
• Platonic Life-Partners: A possible route for Cove and the MC, to the point that by Step 4 you can declare that Cove is family, and always will be.
• Purely Aesthetic Gender: While there are a few nods to your gender identity (such as a LI calling you their girlfriend, boyfriend or partner), the game plays out generally the same way. The LIs, who are all panromantic, will come to love the MC no matter what, should you decide it.
• The Quiet One: You can play your MC this way, and you'll generally have options to respond using non-verbal means.
• Second Love: A possible route for the MC. With DLC, it's entirely possible to have crushed on other LIs, only to commit to someone else. Notably, you can date Baxter in Step 3, but end up getting together with Derek or Cove in the end, something that Baxter can lampshade himself in the Wedding DLC.
• Secret-Keeper: About the $20 deal you made with Cliff. The MC has the choice of admitting this to Cove once per Step (Sandcastles for Step 1, Dinner for Step 2 and Talks for Step 3), but it's entirely possible for them to never admit this till the very end. That is, until Cliff brings it up anyway during his speech in the Wedding DLC.
• Shrinking Violet: The Nervous comfort level has your MC take on this personality, and are notably more hesitant when it comes to speaking up.
• Virtual Paper Doll: The character creator works similarly to this. While your MC won't be seen in-game, there are occasional nods to your features, such as your hair color or if you had any scars on your body.
• You Would Do the Same for Me: Can invoke this with Cove at multiple points whenever Cove expresses gratitude towards them.
  MC: "We always look out for each other, remember?"

Cove Holden

Cove James Holden

Step 1 Cove

^{Potential Step 2 Cove} 

^{Potential Step 3 Cove} 

^{Potential Step 4 Cove} 

Voiced by: Yu Wang (Step 1), Caleb Yen (Step 2), Jonathan Flores (Step 3), Brandon Acosta (Step 4)

The MC's new neighbor and potential friend/romantic interest. He moves to Sunset Bird when he is eight years old, along with his father after their divorce. Sensitive, sentimental and something of a cry-baby, he starts out homesick and unwilling to remain in Sunset Bird. Still, once he meets the MC, he is interested in getting to know them better.

Cove's personality, appearance, and relationship with the MC is determined by player choice.

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• Actually Pretty Funny: If you choose to tell Cove about the deal in Step 3, he's stunned at first, before immediately breaking into laughter at how ridiculous it is, even smugly bringing it up to Cliff shortly after.
  Cove: That's my dad. I guess there's always another Clifford Surprise waiting in the wings.
• Affectionate Nickname: The MC can call him "Romeo" (for his habit of climbing through the window) or "Space Cadet" (for spacing out a lot).
• Anguished Declaration of Love: If you progress through his version of Step 4 on Crush or higher, but have yet to confess to him, he'll give you a tearful one while walking back to your house at night, fearing that if he doesn't do it now, he'll eventually lose you.
• Big Eater:
  • He's a bit of a picky eater in Step 1 (notably in Sleepover), but by his teens he's a strong appreciator of good food, putting away most meals away in just a few bites.
  • In Charity, the MC notes how quickly he finishes off his servings, and pouts about the size of his dessert.
  • Played for laughs during Baxter's Step 4, where Terry pokes fun at him for needing to help out with the cleanup in exchange for his 'fifth slice of cake'. Cove's attempts at refuting this only backfires on him, much to his chagrin. He also approves of the MC taking both types of cakes to eat as dessert.
• Crush Blush: Cove is expressive by nature, but when he has a crush on the MC, expect this to occur a lot.
• Easily Embarrassed Youngster: No matter his age, it doesn't take much to make him blush.
• Enter Stage Window: Cove develops this habit at the start of Step 2, which becomes a common occurrence from Step 2 to 3.
  • The MC can poke fun at him for this, particularly during Happiness when he decides to use the front door for once.
  • Hilariously enough, he only gets caught sneaking around at the very end of Step 3 (though Lani did have her suspicions).
  • He does this so often that the MC is actually confused when he comes in via the front door in Happiness in Step 3.
• Every Scar Has a Story: One of the first things you can notice about Cove at the start of Step 1 is his pink cast, which is eventually removed to reveal a long, thin scar running down his forearm. When asked about it during the Step's epilogue, Cove admits he got it in a jet-ski accident.
  • The Step 3 moment, Reflections gives more insight on this: while at a party with his parents, a teenager let him ride on a jet-ski with them, only to lose control and crash into some rocks, causing his arm to be fractured and torn up.
• First Guy Wins: While Cove is the only potential love interest in the base game, DLC makes him this with the MC as the first one they meet in Step 1, as you meet Derek in Step 2 and Baxter in Step 3.
• Gentle Giant: He is 6'0" by Step 3 and 6'4" by Step 4. But even if he towers over his friends, he's still sensitive and sweet as ever.
• Guy Next Door: He, along with his father Cliff, are established to be the MC's new neighbors. Although his personality can be dependent on the MC's choices, he's still a good man who cares about them.
• Giver of Lame Names: Admits himself to be this in Dinner (Step 2) when asked about his fishes' names.
• Grand Romantic Gesture: In the DLC moment Happiness (Step 3), Cove takes MC on a series of "surprise" dates in an effort to make them happy.
• Height Insult: Heavily downplayed, considering that it's Cove, but in Happiness (Step 3), he can gently poke fun at a short MC if they tell him they'll cover his eyes when taking him to the poppy field outside town.
• Hollywood Autism: Inverted. While he does show symptoms from the very beginning of the game, he is far from the traditional media stereotype of people on the spectrum.
• It's All My Fault: While it didn't (thankfully) occur to him as a child, seeing Cliff's conflicted expression when visiting him in Reflections (Step 3) has him wonder if the accident that caused his scar resulted in his parents' divorce, and eventually decides to confront his father about it. As it turns out, it wasn't.
• Innocently Insensitive: As a child, he had a tendency to bluntly state whatever was on his mind, no matter how mean it can sound. Notably, it once reached a point that Shiloh, of all people, lashes out at him in anger in Sandcastles (Step 1), and the MC can call him out on this afterwards. Thankfully, he gets better as he gets older, becoming a more considerate individual.
• Lack of Imagination: Comes up occasionally. He struggles with giving his fish names that aren't immediately obvious (such as naming an orange fish Tangerine or a small fish Squirt). He also has trouble describing the style of his wedding cake, deferring to you when the topic comes up during the Wedding DLC. Word of God claims he fares poorly in creative fields because of this.
• Messy Hair: A possible hairstyle out of four for Cove in Step 4.
• Missing Child: In Runaway (Step 1 DLC), he attempts to run away and is missing for most of the day. Depending on your relationship with him and your choices, you have the chance to go with him.
• Nice Guy: Even at his coldest (depending on his personality level), he keeps those he cares for close to his heart.
• Once Done, Never Forgotten: Pressing him for information during Roadtrip (Step 2) while in the van will have him reveal that finds anklets appealing to him. Not only can you abuse this tidbit to fluster him at the end of Step 2, but the subject can be brought up a few times in Step 3, particularly if you end crushing on or dating him.
• Patient Childhood Love Interest: He always wants to be close to the MC no matter their relationship, but respects whatever they feel for him, whether it be disinterest or a simple friendship. This could lead to the MC confessing years after they've known each other and have developed feelings. No matter what, he'll wait.
• Prone to Tears: While mostly prominent in Step 1, he still tears up when emotionally overwhelmed, which still happens a fair amount throughout the game. The MC can gently poke fun at him for being a crybaby from time to time.
• Puppy Love: You can have Cove and MC crush on each other at the start of Step 1, though nothing concrete will come out of it until the end of Step 2, if either you or Cove confess to the other.
• Shared Family Quirks: Both he and his dad love the ocean, and it's implied that he got his habit of mixing food from his mother, Kyra.
• Single-Target Sexuality: Cove generally only has eyes for the MC, should their relationship turn romantic. Word of God has noted that while it's fine for players to have their own headcanons, there wasn't really anyone else he could potentially see in a romantic light other than the MC growing up, and generally remains voluntarily celibate.
• Strong Family Resemblance: He inherits his green hair and aqua eyes from his mother.
• Sweet Tooth: While he grows to love all sorts of food, he always and continues to have a fondness for sugary treats, whether it's cinnamon pretzels, fudge or ice-cream. Notably in the Wedding DLC, Cove is adamant about wanting a cake, being one of the first things he brings up during the planning.
• Through His Stomach: There are multiple opportunities to offer Cove food as a gesture of friendship and/or romance. While it's not the only reason Cove likes MC, he always appreciates it, and is generally willing to share his with the MC should they want it (although it can fluster him, especially in Step 2 if on Crush).
• Took the Wife's Name: If you marry Cove, you have the option of having him take your MC's last name, vice-versa or combining them together. Word of God confirms that Cove doesn't mind any of those options, so long as he and the MC shared a last name together.
• Unusual Eyebrows: He has wavy eyebrows, which can be one of the first things the MC notices about him. It's also what Jeremy insults him for when they first meet at the start of Step 2.
• Used to Be More Social: Downplayed and zig-zagged, depending on how he develops. It's possible for Cove to be have a warm personality in Step 2, but become more reserved by the time he's a young adult depending on your choices. That being said, Cove is still a kind-hearted guy no matter what - his personality mainly determines his willingness to socialize outside of his circle of loved ones.
• Wacky Marriage Proposal: There are multiple ways Cove and the MC can get engaged, none of them entirely conventional. On Cove's part, he can propose with a number of items depending on the MC's previous choices^note  a half-twenty note, the twenty dollars from the deal, hangman or a firefly, though he later admits that he did have a ring prepared - he just preferred to use the sentimental options.
• Wacky Parent, Serious Child: He's not exactly serious all the time, but compared to his more laid-back father, Cove tends to be more stoic, especially in Step 2.
• Who Names Their Kid "Dude"?: While he might like the name well enough, other people are very quick to comment on how quaint the name Cove is. The MC themselves can also note this when Cliff first tells them Cove's name.

MC's Family

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

Step 1 Elizabeth

^{Step 2 Elizabeth} 

^{Step 3 Elizabeth} 

^{Step 4 Elizabeth} 

Voiced by: Ava Hauser (Step 1), Melissa J. Lackie (Step 2), Vanille Velasquez (Steps 3 & 4)

The MC's older sister. Two years older, she likes to have things her way. Cool and confident, even as a child, she often acts as a leader for her sibling and their friends. However, she's stubborn and can easily get on other's nerves, particularly Cove's.

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• Adoption Angst: The main conflict in Family (Step 2). Subverted in that while Elizabeth (and the MC) already know she's adopted, it's learning that her birth family is dead and that she wasn't born in the US that upsets her. She does cool down rather quickly, and reassures everyone that she's happy with the family she has now.
• Affectionate Nickname: Goes by "Lizzie" as a kid and "Liz" as an adult.
• Big Sister Bully: For the most part, the siblings get along just fine. However, there are times (particularly in Step 1 and 2) where their relationship is strained due to her desire to have things her way, which often ends up hurting either the MC or Cove. In particular, Grown Up (Step 1) has an argument occur between Cove and Lizzie, with the MC feeling caught up in dealing with them both. Things fortunately improve by Step 3.
• Bratty Teenage Daughter: In Step 2, Elizabeth is stated to be "allergic" to being around her family, refuses to answer to her nickname anymore, and is just generally more haughty around everyone. She calms down by Step 3.
• Cool Big Sis: Depends on the player's choices, but for the most part the protagonist finds their big sister very reliable and cool. She especially grows into this role come Step 3, although she never loses her snark.
• Fiery Redhead: Particularly in Step 1, but she retains her outspokenness and hot temper even when she grows up.
• If You Ever Do Anything to Hurt Her...: Apparently gave a variation of one to Cove at the end of Step 3, if the MC leaves the restaurant due to being upset, before he left to find them.
  Cove: "She told me I'd better not be making things worse or I'd never be considered a trusted adult for the rest of my life."
• Locked Out of the Loop: Liz had no proper knowledge of Jeremy's existence in Step 2, leading to her utter confusion on how you and Cove recognize him come Serendipity in Step 3.
• Not So Above It All: Despite telling you off about eating the fruit bouquet if you decide to share it at the start of Step 2, if you let yourself be caught by Elizabeth, she cheerily offers to pin the blame on Cove and Derek instead.
  Elizabeth: What's family for?
• Odd Friendship: To both the MC and Derek's surprise, she develops one with the quiet, mild-mannered Jorge in Boardwalk (Derek DLC), not only being convinced by him to get her face painted, but influences him to be more assertive towards Derek. By Step 4, their friendship remains solid, and Jorge is explicitly Liz's favorite Suarez brother.
• Outgrowing the Childish Name: Inverted. In Step 2, she drops her childhood nickname, Lizzie, and insists on being addressed as Elizabeth. By the time Step 3 rolls around, though, she's perfectly fine with it, though most characters now address her as Liz.
• Phoneaholic Teenager: In Step 2, she takes to hogging the phone to call her friends and will demand the phone from the MC if they use it for too long.
• Tiny Tyrannical Girl: As a kid, she loved being in charge and was quick to boss around anyone — sometimes even her moms. It probably didn't help that she was effectively the oldest child in the neighborhood.

Pamela

Pamela

Step 1 Pamela

^{Step 2 Pamela} 

^{Step 3 Pamela} 

^{Step 4 Pamela} 

Voiced by: Hollis Beck

One of the MC's moms. She is more strict than her wife, but loves to make corny jokes at her family's expense. Both her and her wife are very affectionate to their kids.

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• Affectionate Nickname: Gets called "Pam" by her wife and some of the other parents.
• Anger Born of Worry: If the MC chooses to run away with Cove or find him, they'll be found by Pam, who is understandably displeased with their vanishing act, though she does soften when she realises how tired and apologetic they are.
• Curtains Match the Window: Has brown hair and brown eyes.
• Good Parents: Very active in her kids' lives and is always looking out for them.
• Happily Married: She and her wife are very affectionate. By Step 3, they're able to get legally married.
• Parents as People: Errands (Step 3) has both Pam and Lani leave their children (and Cove) alone at the farmer's market (under the pretense of using the bathroom in Lani's case), due to believing that it'd be more fun for them to shop by themselves. When Cove calls them out on this when they meet up again, they genuinely apologize and offer to make it up to the MC.
• Pungeon Master: She has an interesting sense of humor. The more people groan at her puns, the happier she is.

Noelani

Noelani

Step 1 Noelani

^{Step 2 Noelani} 

^{Step 3 Noelani} 

^{Step 4 Noelani} 

Voiced by: Anairis Quiñones

One of the MC's moms. She is more laid-back than her wife, being very calm and caring. It's rare to see her angry, as she almost always has a smile on her face.

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• Affectionate Nickname: Gets called "Lani" by her wife and "Noel" by Kyra.
• Good Parents: Very active in her kids' lives and one of the most affectionate mommies out there.
• Happily Married: She and her wife are very affectionate. They're even allowed to get legally married before Step 3!
• Pushover Parents: She knows when her children should be punished, but for smaller things such as giving out treats, she can't find it in herself to be firm. In Sleepover (Step 1), Lani jokes that she's the nicer mom between the two of them.
• Statuesque Stunner: She's noted to be quite tall for a woman, still considering you little in her eyes even at the MC's tallest height, but that just adds to her beauty.

Lee

Leandra

Step 2 Lee

^{Step 3 Lee} 

^{Step 4 Lee} 

Voiced by: Haley Parsley (Step 2), Elizabeth Ryan (Steps 3 & 4)

The MC's cousin and close friend. She visits the family often starting in Step 2. Her personality is very chipper and bright, but she knows when to be quiet and just stand by others during difficult times. She loves to sing.

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• Affectionate Nickname: She's better known as Lee among her friends and family.
• Genki Girl: She's very excitable and cheerful, and even with later Steps, she never seems to lose her pep.
• Innocent Blue Eyes: Her blue eyes express her bright, innocent personality.
• Shipper on Deck: Very much this for Cove and the MC, should you have a crush on him. She's encouraging of the MC to confess to him, and is overall extremely supportive of their relationship.
• Significant Wardrobe Shift: Her hairstyle and fashion sense changes immensely by Step 4 as a result of becoming independent and having more control over her appearance.
• Spoiled Sweet: It's implied that Lee's family is rather well-off, considering MC's potential awe towards her renting a boat in Boating, but she's a wonderful person who cares about the people she loves, especially her family.
• Teens Love Shopping: She was the most excited to find a mall to go shopping with everyone.

Cove's Family

Clifford Holden

Clifford 'Cliff' Holden

Step 1 Cliff

^{Step 2 Cliff} 

^{Step 3 Cliff} 

^{Step 4 Cliff} 

Voiced by: Andy C.

Cove's father and Kyra's ex-husband. Cheerful and easygoing, he always encourages his son in whatever he wants to do. However, he has a habit of springing "surprises" for people that don't necessarily ask for it, which initially drives a wedge between him, his son and wife.

He and Kyra are divorced at the start of the game, but this isn't finalized until the end of Step 1, where he gets full custody of Cove. Still, he remains cordial with her.

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• Amicable Exes: While things were initially a little rough, he and Kyra are this by Step 2, having a positive co-parenting relationship and and becoming close enough to joke with one another again. He, along with Cove, are also supportive of Kyra when she starts dating again in Step 4.
• Amazingly Embarrassing Parents: Not as embarrassing as Cove's mom, but he does freely show lots of affection to his son and, if Cove is crushing on the MC, makes it pretty obvious he knows, actively trying to have the two spend time together.
• Ambiguously Brown: In original drafts for the game, Cliff was supposed to play a much smaller role in the story and thus the creators hadn't quite fleshed him out. Because of this, the creators have confirmed that the player is free to headcanon Cliff to be whatever race they want.
• Breaking the Cycle of Bad Parenting: In Reflection, it's revealed Cliff had a terrible relationship with his parents. He does his hardest to ensure the same thing doesn't happen with Cove, and passes with flying colors.
• Butt-Monkey: Man, he really tries, but Cliff isn't the best at thinking things through. This causes him to become the subject of others' ire and the butt of jokes.
• Children Raise You: He has trouble taking other people's desires into consideration, which is heavily implied to be part of why his marriage failed. Raising Cove and working with him to understand his frustrations helped him grow as a person, especially in between Step 2 and 3.
• Dads Can't Cook: Averted. Cliff is an excellent cook, though ironically, it's Cove who usually comes over for dinner rather than the other way around, something that gets lampshaded in Dinner (Step 2) by Kyra.
• Doesn't Know Their Own Child: One of Cliff's biggest issues early on. Despite Cove's dislike for surprises and situations that leave him unprepared, Cliff is privy to doing so, with the genuine belief that it'll make him happy. Thankfully, he gets better about this over the years, especially by the start of Step 3.
• Doting Parent: Cliff is very proud to be Cove's dad, and essentially dedicated his whole life to raising him.
• Embarrassing Old Photo: Loves whipping Cove's childhood photos out to show off to anyone and everyone.
• Family Man: He struggles sometimes, but Cliff is devoted to his son and encourages him whenever he can. Kyra notes in Reflections (Step 3) that the moment Cove was born, Cliff dedicated his everything for him and in Derek's Step 4, the MC can note that while the Suarez brothers are very much loved by their father, it gets outshined by all the love and doting Cliff gives his son. Cove, on his part, grows up to be highly appreciative of his father, becoming something of a daddy's boy even in adulthood.
  Cliff: "No matter what happened with me and her, I'd never, ever want to miss out on being your dad."
• First-Name Basis: By Step 4, the MC can be established as addressing him by his first name, Cliff.
• Hates Their Parent: Cliff left home at seventeen due to this, with Kyra noting that they weren't good people and had a combative relationship with their son (though Cliff picking up gambling and drinking worsened it). By the time the story starts, he's long cut contact with his family.
• I Can't Believe a Girl Like You Would Notice Me: In Reflections (Step 3) Cliff admits that he was surprised that Kyra had fallen for him when they were young, having a soft spot for his 'seventeen-year-old screw-up self'.
• It's All My Fault: What he considers his divorce to Kyra (and subsequently breaking apart Cove's family) to be. When brought up by Cove in Reflections (Step 3), Cliff fully accepts the blame of what happened. However, it's subverted by Kyra, who notes that it was the fault of both of them that lead them down this path.
• Only Known by Their Nickname: Clifford is his full name, but most people only know and call him by Cliff. In fact, the MC doesn't find out his name is Clifford until Step 2, when Kyra drops it.
• Parents as People: While he always has others' best interests at heart, it's how he acts on it that can chaff others. His "surprises" to make people happy only seem to upset them, which greatly upsets him and makes it hard to really call him out for it. This is a particularly big issue for Cove, who wants his father to ask him what he wants instead of guessing, and was a big a rather major issue that negatively impacted his marriage with Kyra. Thankfully, he gets better about it by Step 3.
• Pushover Parents: He has a really hard time disciplining Cove, even for things like sneaking out or trying to run away. Sometimes he even blames himself instead, a point of concern for the MC's parents particularly in the aftermath of Runaway (Step 1).
• Self-Deprecation: Upon hearing about Cliff's side of the story from Cove, Kyra notes Cliff to be this regarding the circumstances of their divorce, being unsurprised about him "downplaying himself more than he had to" and instead praising her instead.
• Shared Family Quirks: Both he and his son love the ocean, as well as water-based activities like surfing.
• Surfer Dude: While his vocabulary doesn't reflect the stereotype, pretty much everything else about him does: he's a laid-back guy who lives in California and, yes, loves surfing. He even sports swimwear in his everyday outfits in Steps 1 and 2.
• Teen Pregnancy: Based on his age, he had Cove when he was just 19 years old. If the protagonist ends up sleeping over in Cove's room at the end of Step 3, he also comments that he was barely older then Cove when he found out he was gonna be a dad.
• Wacky Parent, Serious Child: He's pretty laid-back and goofy, while Cove is much more stoic, particularly in Step 1 and 2.

Kyra Preece

Kyra Preece

Step 2 Kyra

^{Step 3 Kyra} 

^{Step 4 Kyra} 

Voiced by: Sarah Ruth Thomas

Cove's mother and Cliff's ex-wife. Kyra is very friendly and playful, and is very loving towards her son, teasing and doting on him whenever the opportunity presents itself. She and Cliff have been divorced since the start of the game, with her only getting visitation rights. However, she is still on friendly terms with her ex and likes to tease him from time to time. She first shows up in Step 2.

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• Affectionate Nickname: The MC can potentially call her "Mom Three" as early as Step 3, either to Cove's amusement (if Fond) or embarrassment (Crush or higher).
• Amazingly Embarrassing Parents: She loves to tease Cove, often calling him her "baby" excessively in front of his friends and covering his face in kisses. And if Cove and the MC happen to be crushing on each other by the time she comes around, oh boy... She makes no effort to hide that she knows her son finds his neighbor cute.
• Awful Wedded Life: Subverted. While she was happy to marry Cliff despite the circumstances, both Kyra and Cliff admit that their married life wasn't smooth sailing and argued often. In Reflections (Step 3), she admits that ultimately, they never loved each other seriously, or at least not enough to commit to each other.
  Kyra: "I don't mind that Cliff never viewed marrying me as some kind of dream come true. I honestly just appreciate that he tried giving my hastily made life plan a shot."
• First-Name Basis: Throughout the game, the MC addresses her simply as 'Kyra' without any use of her last name.
• Hidden Depths: Reflections (Step 3) reveals her own set of worries regarding her role as a parent, should Cove decide to call her. Despite the crumbling state of her marriage, she resolved to stay together for Cove's sake, only finally asking for divorce when she felt like she had no other option. She also willingly gave up custody to Cliff because she believed he could provide Cove with a more stable environment, knowing Cliff would do the same if the situation was reversed. This decision is why she overcompensate a little with her affections due to feeling more like a 'fun aunt' to Cove than his mother, something he vehemently denies.
• Missing Mom: Subverted. While Kyra is divorced from Cliff and isn't present in Step 1 (having moved to Nevada), she eventually visits Sunset Bird in Step 2 once her relationship with Cliff improves. From then on, she plays a more prominent role in the story. However, being unable to always be physically there for Cove growing up is something that still bothers her at times, as seen in Reflections (Step 3).
• Older Than They Look: The MC can think she looks too young to be Cove's mom at first, and even in her forties by Step 4, she's still quite a stunner.
• Teasing Parent: She gently pokes fun at her son and ex at times, affectionally calling Cove her baby boy no matter how much he grows.
• Teen Pregnancy: Based on her age, she had Cove when she was 18, something Kyra confirms in Reflections (Step 3) if Cove decides to call her. Notably, this happened just six months after she and Cliff started dating, though Kyra admits that she was happy to raise Cove alongside Cliff despite everything.
• Verbal Tic: She likes to say "anywhoozies" a bit, to the point that it's actually a voiced line.

Friends

Shiloh Fields

Shiloh Leon Fields

Step 1 Shiloh

^{Step 3 Shiloh} 

^{Potential Step 4 Shiloh} 

Voiced by: Kanen (Step 1), Brendan Blaber (Step 3)

A childhood friend of the MC and Elizabeth in Step 1. Nothing seems to faze or annoy him, and he always goes along with what everyone else wants with a smile on his face. He is particularly close to Elizabeth.

At the end of Step 1, he moves away, though you do run into someone resembling him ten years later...

For tropes about him in XOXO Droplets, see here.

---

• The Baby of the Bunch: He's the youngest of the friends in Step 1, being seven years old at the start of the game.
• Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: In Serendipity (Step 3), it's revealed that Shiloh is a bit of a Manipulative Bastard and has been since childhood, conveniently remembering or forgetting particular details about people and events so that those around him are placated. He admits he always tried to single out particular people (the MC and later Cove, specifically, in childhood) to have the social high ground.
• Blind Obedience: Displays this to Lizzie in Step 1, being perfectly happy to defer to her. However, it's revealed in Step 3 that this was an act in order to fit in better and to not be at the bottom of the social ladder among the group.
• The Cameo: He's a younger version of one of the main love interests from XOXO Droplets, and by Step 4 can potentially be dating JB, the MC of that game.
• Cheerful Child: The MC has never seen anything bother him. That is, until Cove's arrival, but even then he remains civil until he lashes out at him after being pushed too far by Cove's bluntness in Sandcastles.
• Consummate Liar: Revealed to be this by Jeremy in Serendipity (Step 3), utilizing Self-Serving Memory whenever he thinks suits him. Unsurprisingly, Liz (and potentially the MC) doesn't take learning about Shiloh's manipulative nature well.
• Disappeared Dad: He says that he doesn't have a dad, and no one ever talks about him.
• Easily Forgiven: By Liz in the Step 3 DLC. The MC can feel the same way, be more wary, or not forgive him at all.
• Extreme Doormat: Comes across as this in Step 1, and can be a quality the MC finds annoying in Step 1 . It's an act, as you find out ten years later.
• Multiple Endings: Interestingly for Shiloh, there are four possible outcomes for his future by Step 4, as indicated when bringing up Shiloh during breakfast. It is not influenced by player choice, and are decided randomly^note  though this can be rigged by save-scumming before a certain dialogue option as follows:
  • Shiloh: Identical to his Step 3 self, remaining as cheerful and ambiguously-motivated as ever. Word of God notes that he still shouldn't be trusted.
  • Mr Fields: While he retains his cheerful demeanor, he becomes more honest and well-meaning. He's open about why he's unable to come visit Liz in Sunset Bird, as he's busy studying to become an accountant, and he even tells Jeremy at the wedding that he no longer wants to be the kind of person he used to be.
  • Shy: He becomes a popular streamer under this persona, and arguably gets worse with his lying and manipulation, especially now that he's popular enough to not need to grovel to others, but will still lie to others at his convenience. The most unfriendly and untrustworthy outcome.
  • Leon: Utterly despising his past self, he sheds his hat, dyes his hair blonde and goes by his middle name, Leon, instead in an attempt to distance himself from his old identity. However, as he's lost the desire to use others, he sees no reason to be nice, either, developing a blunt, ruder personality.
• Never Bareheaded: He's never seen without a hat on — to the point that it's one of his trademarks. This can change by the time Step 4 comes around, though.
• Put on a Bus: Shiloh moves away from the MC's family by the start of Step 2, and apart from an unexpected run-in with him at the start of Step 3 with Liz, he's never seen again in-game.
  • Averted if you play Serendipity (Step 3 DLC), where Liz invites him to visit Sunset Bird once more. And depending on your choices, you can potentially invite him to your wedding if you play the Wedding DLC.
• Tagalong Kid: Anywhere Lizzie goes, he follows. This is true to a lesser extent for the MC too.
• Youthful Freckles: And boy does he have a lot of them!

Derek Suarez

Derek Rio Suarez

Step 2 Derek

^{Step 3 Derek} 

^{Step 4 Derek} 

Voiced by: Abonti Mukherjee (Step 2), Juwan Royal (Step 4)

A friend of the MC and Cove in Step 2 and a potential romance option for the MC. His father and Cove's become business partners sometime before Step 2, so he often comes to Sunset Bird along with his father to hang out. He is very talkative and passionate, eager to make friends with anyone he meets. Surprisingly, he has very good manners too.

---

• Big Brother Instinct: No matter how old his brothers get, he still does his best to look out for them. From babysitting them to defending their decision to get face paint from Elizabeth, he'll always be there.
• Cannot Spit It Out: In Step 2, it's fairly obvious that Derek has feelings for the MC, regardless of their own feelings towards him. However, he never admits it out loud, instead making a deal with you instead as a roundabout way of doing so. If you reciprocate his feelings, he'll finally tell you in Step 4.
• Crazy-Prepared: In Siblings, Derek admits that he stockpiled several flyers of bus timings and is well-versed in public transport in the event that he had to go somewhere quickly in the event of an emergency (though the MC realizes that he'd actually done so for you and Cove).
  • Played for laughs in Cove's wedding DLC. If asked to be part of the wedding party, Derek will joke that being polite at both the MC and Cove's houses paid off.
• Chronic Hero Syndrome: Derek has a habit of putting others before himself. This is most notable in Boardwalk, from picking snacks that his siblings (and the MC) like rather than his favorites to volunteering to find your parents with Nico on his back. The MC can call him out on this, and he does gradually get better about this behaviour.
  • Played for laughs in his version of Step 4, where he gets booed by Nico and Gregario for attempting to wash the dishes despite not eating anything.
• Fallback Marriage Pact: Technically 'dating' pact. Can create this with MC at the end of Step Two. If the MC is still unattached by Step 4, and choose to visit Derek, the both of them will recall this promise. It's up to you on whether you want to see it through or not.
• Ferris Wheel Date Moment: In Step 2 (Boardwalk), riding with him on the ferris wheel (along with a sleeping Nico) will have Derek attempt to ask the MC if they like anyone, only to abort the question in the end. In Step 4, it's possible for him to finally go through with this confession, and even admits that he promised himself to tell you his feelings if he ever ended up on ferris wheel with you again, leading him to avoid them for a long time.
• He Is All Grown Up: The MC can acknowledge him as a "hunk" when they meet again in Step 4. Having Derek's DLC also lets you have a glimpse of Step 3 Derek when he calls you at the beach.
• Hidden Depths: Delving into his DLC moment reveals that Derek believes he has to be the best he can be in order to feel like he's worth something. This leads to his tendency to be harsh on himself, doing everything for others, and the regrets he feels towards what he perceives as wasted effort in his youth towards sports, having given up on it in the end. While he gets better eventually, you can help to snap him out of this in his version of Step 4.
  Derek: Being here hasn't turned back the clock. I can't look forward to what life could be when I'm grownup. I'm just an adult who wasted so much of my life already 'cause I had a chip on my shoulder.
• Hunk: The past ten years since you first meet him has treated him well, and the MC can jokingly call him this when reuniting in Cove's Step 4.
• Insecure Love Interest: Is this if his relationship with the MC is romantic in nature. It's revealed in his Step 4 that this is one of the reasons he spent so much time training and stopped spending as much time with them as he wanted to train and become someone he felt he could be proud of before he felt that he could face them. This is also the reason he opts for the deal in Step 2 instead of asking the MC out directly.
• I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: It's possible to make the marriage pact with Derek, only to fall in love with Cove later on, or to tell Derek that you like Cove romantically in Step 2 (which voids his suggestion). Word of God notes that although he's initially saddened by this, he's still genuinely happy for them both.
• Kids Love Dinosaurs: He isn't quite a kid at 13, but he's still notably excited when talking about a dinosaur movie at the start of Step 2.
• Little Big Brother: While he's still taller than Nico by Step 4, Jorge ends up being taller than Derek.
• Moving the Goalposts: Self-inflicted, due to his feelings of inferiority, and part of the reason why he spent so long doing sports in school, despite losing sight of why he wanted to do it.
  Derek: And I could never 'arrive' either. There was always another goal in the distance that I still hadn't reached, so I had to keep going.
• Nice Guy: He is very friendly and well-mannered, and quite polite towards adults in Step 2.
• Pint-Sized Kid: He's notably short for his age, with short MCs matching his height in Step 2 and requiring help to retrieve a book on a tall shelf in Summerwork. However, he enjoys a growth spurt by the time you meet him again in Step 4, though depending on your choices, you can still be taller than him by then.
• Put on a Bus: His only appearance in Step 3 is through a phone call with the MC that happens during the beach picnic. He makes a reappearance in Cove's version of Step 4, another phone call with the MC in Baxter's^note Which you only get if you played Derek's version of Soiree and his own version of Step 4 has you visiting him and his family in Prism Vista City.
• "Well Done, Son" Guy: Downplayed, but part of why Derek wanted to play sports was because he was inspired by his father, who was a footballer himself (though jokes that he at least was original by picking a different sport). On Gregario's end, he's very proud of his son, though does worry about him from time to time, having been aware of this admiration.
• You Are Better Than You Think You Are: What the MC tells Derek in Step 4, after listening to Derek's admission of feeling like he wasted his youth for nothing. Depending on how the MC responds, it can also veer into Don't Say Such Stupid Things! territory instead.

Miranda Eckert

Miranda Eckert

Step 3 Miranda

^{Step 2 Miranda} 

^{Step 4 Miranda} 

Voiced by: Dani Chambers

A friend of the MC and Cove in Step 3, though it's possible to meet her as early as Step 2 through additional DLC. A shy, sweet girl, Miranda makes friends easily and doesn't seem to have any enemies. She is the closest to Terry, with the two rarely being seen apart.

---

• Affectionate Nickname: Terry calls her "Randy" or "Randy Mandy" quite often. The MC can also call her Randy on occasion.
• Birthday Episode: The titular Birthday moment in Step 2 takes place at her 14th birthday party. And Planning in Step 3 revolves around you, Terry and Baxter planning her 19th birthday party.
• Official Couple: With Terry by Step 4.
• Shrinking Violet: Downplayed. She's a little shy towards strangers (such as towards Baxter, at least initially), but she's a lot more cheerful and outgoing with her friends.
  • She's somewhat frustrated by this trait of hers in Baxter's version of Step 4, commenting that Terry has always been the one to take the initiative in their relationship while she's more passive, though she resolves to change things up by the Step's end.

Terri / Terry Brook

Terri / Terry Brook

Step 3 Terri

^{Step 4 Terry} 

Voiced by: Niko Vargas

A friend of the MC and Cove in Step 3, who they both meet in high school. Bursting with energy, Terry is always ready to jump into a conversation and seemingly has no shame. Considered a true extrovert, he's perfectly willing to ask for favors from practical strangers just because he has an idea. He is the closest to Miranda, with the two rarely being seen apart. He is transgender, identifying as female in Step 3 before transitioning to male in Step 4.

---

• Beach Bury: Undergoes this during Hang, being buried by Miranda, Cove and the MC. Thankfully, Terry gets out of the sand pile just fine, Kool-Aid Man style.
• Birds of a Feather: How Cove and Terry became friends. While he was already friends with Miranda, he clicked with Cove in high school due to them both being 'ocean-obsessed'. And as it turns out in Baxter's Step 4, he's an emotional crier just like him, too.
  • He can also become this to the MC if they end up transitioning or start using different pronouns. The narration points out that the both of you were able to confide in each other about changing parts of your identity.
• Early-Bird Cameo: According to Planning, Terry's been attending Miranda's parties since he was a kid, and the friend calling her away from you and Cove in Birthday is heavily implied to be him.
• Everyone Can See It: Brought up by Baxter in his version of Step 4 regarding his attraction towards Miranda since Step 3. The MC has the option to agree with him on this.
• The Gadfly: Has a tendency to tease his friends, though it's always in good faith.
• Keet: Outgoing and cheerful, Terry takes to Baxter in Step 3 the best among your group of friends (though you can be just as enthusiastic), being the one to get Baxter's number from him no matter what.
• The Nicknamer: Calls Miranda 'Randy' and gives Baxter a few nicknames, from 'Bax-man' to 'B-man'.
• Official Couple: With Miranda by Step 4.
• Poor Communication Kills: The main conflict of Step 3's Talks. Terry's frustration towards himself and ignoring Miranda's attempts to help results in him being too embarrassed and guilty to talk it out with her afterwards, leading to Cove and the MC attempting to resolve the situation among themselves.

Visitors

Jeremy King

Jeremy Marion King

Step 2 Jeremy

^{Step 3 Jeremy} 

^{Step 4 Jeremy} 

Voiced by: Calvin Joyal

A boy brought to Sunset Bird against his will to see his relatives. Jeremy is loud, arrogant, and rather nasty to just about anyone who crosses his path. He thinks he is smarter than anyone else, including his parents, and is not afraid to say it... multiple times. For the most part, he avoids people unless he wants to complain.

For tropes about him in XOXO Droplets, see here.

---

• The Cameo: He's a younger version of one of the main love interests from XOXO Droplets. In fact, it's mentioned during his phone call in Serendipity that he's currently dating JB, the MC of that game, and can potentially still be with her by Step 4.
• Food Slap: Can be on the receiving end of this by the MC in Birthday (Step 2) by having them throw their drink at him.
• Jerkass: He's mean to everyone near him, even when they're just trying to say "hello." There isn't a single shot of him not scowling throughout Step 2. By Step 3, he's cooled down somewhat, but still pretty miserable, though he is somewhat apologetic about his past behavior towards you and Cove.
• Perpetual Frowner: This in droves. The very few occasions where we get to see a smile out of him are generally reserved for when he's talking about his best friend, Pran.
• Pet the Dog: Pran is this to him, being one of the few things that softens Jeremy, and he's genuinely happy about Pran getting better and becoming a kinder person than him by Step 4.
• Put on a Bus: The last you see of Jeremy is at the shopping street at the end of Step 2 (with the option to talk to him should you want to), and isn't seen again. By Cove's Step 4, you (and Derek) can wonder whatever became of him since.
  • This is averted in Step 3 with DLC, where you have a chance to meet him again, albeit via phone call, as well as if you invite him to your wedding.
• Reformed, but Not Tamed: With Step 3's DLC, you can meet him again, now 17 years old, in Serendipity. While he isn't as angry as he used to be, he's still miserable about everything. If you choose to keep in touch with him (by asking for his phone number and calling him in Step 3's epilogue), you'll note that he gets some of that fire back when bringing him up in Cove's Step 4 during breakfast.
• Running Gag: After meeting him at the start of Step 2, he becomes the subject of one between you and Cove, with the latter occasionally imitating him as a joke, even after he meets Jeremy again in Step 3. If you played Errands before Serendipity, it's entirely possible for you to make Cove repeat this joke in Jeremy's presence, much to the former's mortification.
• Thought They Knew Already: He's the one who reveals Shiloh's true nature to you, Cove and Liz in Serendipity. He's genuinely surprised that none of you were aware of this, apologizes and then proceeds to hang up on Shiloh.

Baxter Ward

Baxter Alexander Ward

Step 3 Baxter

^{Step 2 Baxter} 

^{Step 4 Baxter} 

Voiced by: James Morningstar

A tourist and potential love interest for the MC who first appears at the start of Step 3. Baxter's mouth is as smooth as his skills on the dance floor. He is quick to compliment anyone as soon as a compliment hits his head, but he doesn't do it to win favor with people. He just wants to be honest and kind to people, and he feels great discomfort over conflict.

For tropes about him in Our Life: Now & Forever, see here.

---

• Amicable Exes: It’s possible for the MC to take both their breakup with Baxter and the separation gracefully, leading them be this to Baxter, especially if they wind up marrying Cove in the Wedding DLC.
• Break Their Heart To Save Them: A potential outcome when he and the MC part ways in Step 3. He points out that with his departure, maintaining a relationship will be difficult. An MC who takes the separation poorly or offers to keep in touch has Baxter turn uncharacteristically cold towards the idea, ending their relationship on a sour note.
  • A minor version can occur if the MC admits to Baxter in Sightseeing that their crush on him is serious. In this case, he gently rejects them, knowing that he’ll be leaving them broken-hearted.
• The Charmer: His first scene in Step 3 has him compliment both the MC and Cove, much to Cove's discomfort. The MC can choose whether they feel the same way as Cove or not.
• Dye Hard: His original hair color is a dusty gray, but has been dyeing since he was 14, usually to black. Part of this is due to a sense of insecurity - deeming it to be an imperfection not only to himself, but to others, regardless of whether they actually would.
• Early-Bird Cameo: Depending on your choices, you can meet Baxter a lot sooner than Step 3.
• Establishing Character Moment: Upon his arrival in Sunset Bird, he’s very forward in greeting both Cove and the MC. However, upon noticing Cove’s discomfort, he immediately apologizes and tones it down, cementing his charming yet considerate nature.
• Fashionable Asymmetry: His Step 3 appearance has him wear a two-color shirt, black on one side and white on the other.
• First Love: He can be this for the MC if they're crushing on him, and is something you can admit to him in Step 3 or 4.
  • On his part, while Baxter never mentions their name, it's implied by dialogue (and confirmed by Word of God) to be Qiu from Our Life: Now & Forever.
• Forever Fling: If the MC is unattached and interested, Baxter can offer to date them for the summer in Step 3. And true to his word, he breaks up with you during his last night, though depending on your choices can end amicably or badly. His Step 4 epilogue has him reunite with you unexpectedly, and as you progress through the story, it's clear that the MC left a considerable impact on his life, even admitting that it was the most stable relationship he'd ever been in.
• Friendless Background: Baxter notes that he didn't really have proper, stable friends until he was about 11, and while he was happy to be in their company, the age gap between them, along with conflicting schedules and interests, had him drift apart from them. By Step 3, he barely speaks of any friends back home, and it's all but confirmed that he hasn't really had proper friends since then.
• Goofy Print Underwear: In Step 4, you can walk into Baxter looking for his work uniform while wearing a pair of autumn-patterned boxers.
• Have We Met?: Dancing with a stranger during Soiree or crashing the second event with Derek (Step 2) will have your first meeting with Baxter in Step 3 be this, having recognized you from that time. Whether you yourself remember it is up to you.
• Hates Their Parent: By Step 4, he's cut all ties with his parents, noting that he finds it difficult to speak favorably of them. He plainly tells the MC that they aren't good people, being heavily implied to be bigots. He has absolutely no problems with the MC declaring that they hate his parents.
• Hidden Depths: Upon being confronted by the MC in the Wedding DLC, you learn that Baxter struggles with his own feelings of inadequacy, though in his case leads him to isolate himself from others, only showing the fun parts of him to others because that's what he feels they deserve.
  • Playing his DLC gives more insight into his way of thinking: he struggles to see value in himself and how he contributes meaningfully in relationships. This drives him to keep his distance from people in fear of them seeing his perceived inadequacies, only showing the parts that he thinks people will like. By Step 4, he’s aware it’s self-inflicted, and thankfully gets better.
• It's Not You, It's Me: When confronting him at the waterfront in Step 4, Baxter makes it extremely clear that the MC isn’t at fault for how their relationship ended. In fact, the MC can state this word-for-word if they’re amicable enough with him, to which Baxter agrees.
• Last Guy Wins: He's the last of the LIs you meet in Step 3, and you can choose to date him if you have his DLC. While you separate at the end of that summer, you can reunite and eventually get back together with him by picking his Step 4 epilogue.
• Long-Distance Relationship:
  • Averted. He shoots down any possibility of this at the end of Step 3 when suggested by the MC, regardless of interest level. He ends up cutting contact with everyone in Sunset Bird, and isn’t seen again unless you play Cove’s wedding DLC or Baxter’s Step 4.
  • Later played straight by the end of his version of Step 4. Having been able to make amends with everyone, he earnestly promises to keep in touch, and even decides to plan a trip to visit the MC.
• Lonely Rich Kid: See Friendless Background.
• Not a Morning Person:
  • Baxter fully admits this in Drinks (Step 3), noting that he's considerably less alert in the morning, with this trait being evident throughout his Step 3 moments. Unsurprisingly, he's a night owl instead.
  • His scheduling of a meeting in Step 4 at 9AM genuinely shocks the MC for this reason, though he does admit he only does this for clients.
• The One That Got Away: He can be this to an MC who dated him in Step 3. Whether you get back together with him is up to you, however.
• Old Friend: Disappears from the MC's life after his departure from Sunset Bird. They are reunited when Baxter turns out to be their wedding planner in the wedding DLC or for Jude and Scott in his own version of Step 4.
• Poor Communication Kills: As explained by Baxter in Step 4, part of his reason for cutting ties was him genuinely believing that the MC (and their friends) had no need or reason to see him again, even if they attempt to argue against this. In hindsight, Baxter realized that he had no right to make that assumption, but was more preoccupied with protecting his own feelings and justifications at the time. He comes to deeply regret this.
  Baxter: "You never asked me to leave you alone. I created that fiction."
• Romantic Runner-Up: It's possible for the MC to have a summer fling with him in Step 3, but ultimately wind up tying the knot with Cove. If this is the case, Baxter will lampshade his status as this when he and the MC run into each other again in the Wedding DLC. However, he holds no ill will towards this outcome, and is genuinely happy that both the MC and Cove are able to make each other happy.
• Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: How he managed to get his rental car, which you can learn in Sightseeing. Part of why he was placed in Sunset Bird was that he wouldn't be able to rent a car due to being underaged, and thus be unable to travel outside of the town. So instead, he simply went to a family acquaintance and loaned one from them.
• Second-Act Breakup: He cuts ties with the MC (regardless if he’s dating them or not) and ghosts them and their friends, and it’s only five years later and an unexpected reunion that allows them to reconnect again.
• Second Love: The MC can become this for him.
• Sleek High Rise Apartment: His residence as of Step 4, which you get to visit (and stay the night).
• We Used to Be Friends: Downplayed, and more on the MC’s part should they decide it. By Step 4, they can be either angered or saddened by Baxter’s departure and subsequent ghosting.
• What Happened to the Mouse?: You never hear from Baxter again after his departure at the end of Step 3, with you and your friends musing about him in Step 4 if you choose to bring him up. Playing the Wedding DLC and his version of Step 4 will reveal that he became a wedding planner.
• Younger Than They Look: Downplayed. In Sightseeing, the MC can guess Baxter’s age to be around 21 (due to owning a rental car), only to learn that he is instead 19, just one year older than them.

Other Characters

The Suárez Family

Gregorio, Irene, Jorge and Nicolas Suárez

The family in Step 2 ^note  Left to right: (Top row: Gregorio and Irene) (Bottom row: Jorge, Derek and Nicolas)

^{Step 4 Gregorio and Irene} 

^{Step 4 Nicolas and Jorge} 

Voiced by: Addie Nofal (Step 2 Nicolas), Anthony Rodriguez (Step 4 Nicolas), Jupiter Aispuro (Step 2 Jorge), Randy Hernandez (Step 4 Jorge), Erin Nicole Lundquist (Irene), D Sumner (Gregorio)

Derek's family, who the MC meets in Step 2 if the player has Derek's DLC installed.

---

• Affectionate Nickname: Jorge is often called 'Junior' by his father, while Nicolas often goes by 'Nico'. Irene also notes that her husband went by 'Rio' when they were in high school.
• Baby Of The Bunch: Nico is the youngest of everyone in the cast, starting at six years old in Step 2.
• Babysitter Friendship: Throughout Derek's Step 2 moments, you come to befriend Nico and Jorge, and while Responsibility is the only time the MC is seen babysitting, Jorge can express this to you that you were his favorite babysitter when catching up in Step 4 if he knows about you dating Derek by then.
• Big Brother Worship: Applies to both younger siblings, but especially Nico in Step 2, who had a tendency to emulate Derek and stick to him whenever possible.
• Big Little Brother: Jorge becomes this in Step 4, outgrowing Derek and Gregorio.
• Everyone Can See It: Regarding Derek's crush on the MC, in varying ways. While his parents are rather aware of it, Jorge and Nicolas don't really make it clear until Step 4.
• High-School Sweethearts: According to Irene, she'd known of Gregorio in high school as a linebacker, though they didn't really get to know each other until their senior year. So she gave him a chance, and the rest is history.
• Hidden Depths: In Step 4, this applies particularly to Nico. Being the last to grow up, having both his older brothers moved out has him feeling lonely and left behind, feeling like it's just their parents and him left, yet unable to confide in anyone about this.
  • Notably, His feelings towards the MC become conflicted if he learns early on about them and Derek dating for this reason. He worries that he'll be further distanced from his brother, though also acknowledges that it isn't fair to think of it this way. He gradually gets better about this though, and gives you his blessings by the end of Step 4.
  Nicolas: But now you're the ones having a good time while I'm watching on the sidelines. There's barely a place for me anymore.
• Middle Child Syndrome: Downplayed, and more directed towards Derek. While he loves both his brothers, Nico tends to get more attention than Jorge in Step 2, partially due to his age and attachment to Derek.
  • This eventually becomes a pain point for Jorge during his argument with Nico in Step 4, still having the memory of feeling left out among the three brothers.
  Jorge: But as much as I counted myself out, I wanted to be included. I wanted you to say 'Jorge was back' when I showed up or that you wouldn't go somewhere if I wasn't coming too. And I wish I admitted that a long time ago.
• Parents as People: They do their best, but there's times where they have to shoulder Derek with the responsibility of taking care of his younger siblings, something that occasionally frustrates him.
• Sweet Tooth: Nico, at least as a child. By Step 4, he's more or less grown out of it, though he considers Xake's baking to be the exception.
• Unseen No More: With Derek's DLC, you'll be able to see Irene's face if you decide to invite Derek to the Soiree in Step 2.

Xavier Valenti

Xavier Valenti

Voiced by: Carolina Hoyos

The head baker of Xake, who you can meet in Step 4, though it's possible to have ran into them long before that...

---

• Have We Met?: If you've played Boardwalk (Step 2), you have the option to recognize Xavier as the face-painter from back then. While they'll need to jog their memory for a while in Baxter's Step 4, them knowing Nico already has them hint this to you, Jorge and Derek.
• Only Friend: Or rather, a regular contact Baxter has come Step 4, due to being his main supplier for wedding cakes. Despite this, Xavier believes that they would’ve become actual friends eventually, and Baxter (and potentially the MC) does eventually return this sentiment.
  Narration: One thing you could already give Xavier regardless of whatever else was that they saved your friend from being entirely alone before you’d found him again. You were grateful for it.
• Supreme Chef: They get rave reviews from Nico regarding their sweets, and even when obliterated by the heat, Derek, Jorge and potentially the MC all agree that their food still tastes good.
• Sweet Baker: Xavier is nothing but kind and welcoming to anyone visiting their bakery. In the Wedding DLC, the MC notes that their welcome is so warm, it could be freshly baked.
• Unseen No More: Zig-zagged. While it's confirmed that their sprite won't be used in Cove's Wedding DLC, players can see them in their full glory in both Derek's and Baxter's Step 4 epilogues.

Jude Eckert and Scott Adam

Jude Eckert and Scott Adam

Voiced by: Jay M. (Jude), Conner Allison (Scott)

Miranda’s older brother and his boyfriend-turned-fiance, Scott. They are first mentioned by Miranda at the start of Step 3 should Baxter's DLC be installed. They get engaged sometime between Steps 3 and 4, leading the MC, along with Miranda and Terry, to get involved in their wedding planning in Baxter’s Step 4.

---

• Affectionate Nickname Due to an inside joke between him and Jude, Scott is occasionally called ‘Grant’ or ‘Grant-Grant’ instead. In fact, the MC doesn’t know his actual name unless the player picks Baxter’s version of Step 4.
• Big Brother Instinct: Jude cares deeply for his younger sister Miranda, being the first to notice her low mood after visiting the craft store. He, along with Scott, extends this to the MC as well, who can reciprocate by seeing them both as older brother figures.
  • After their first meeting with Baxter, Scott will ask them if he’d bullied them in the past, with him and Jude even offering to find another planner instead if the MC reacted poorly to Baxter. At the end of the wedding, they personally thank the MC for powering through it.
  • When the MC attempts to lure Jude out of the house, he correctly deduces that it’s related to Baxter, though he assumes the MC wanted to confide in him about their take on things.
• Forgotten First Meeting: Turns out that Jude did meet Baxter in Step 3, but didn't register that the 'edgy kid' manning the chocolate fountain at his sister's 19th birthday party back then to be the same person now planning his wedding.
• Long-Distance Relationship: Scott and Jude both met while playing the same online game, and started dating this way.
• Mellow Fellow: Jude has a relaxed temperament, and compared to his fiancé's more enthusiastic welcome, is more relaxed with his greeting towards the MC.
• Two First Names: 'Scott' and 'Adam' are both first names. This applies to Jude by the end as well, as he takes Scott's last name.

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