A/N:So here is the sequel of sorts to "A Little Less Than Perfect." The two can be read separately, of course (there will just be more squee factor if you read the first one, I think). For those of you who did read ALLTP, this is set a few years after the end of that story (as in, Claude and Sebastian have both graduated and tied the knot... :D) and... yeah. I plan on making this pretty fluffy, 'cause I like fluff. Maybe another citrus? All up to you :) Hope you enjoy!
Oakbrook road was kind of in the center of things. It was located in a fairly large suburban area- with the stereotypical perfect lawns, cars, and poster couples. It was completely different from anything Claude had been used to. He'd lived in big cities most of his life, scraping by and living comfortably in an apartment. He and Sebastian, however, had decided to shake things up. As the years passed and their relationship had evolved, they frequently stepped out of their comfort zone. Sebastian wasn't entirely uncomfortable with the idea. In fact, Claude was sure he liked it. Sebastian's family had more money than Claude's and was used to this kind of lifestyle. It must have been odd for him to live in small apartments with Claude for so long.
Claude was excited for a change of scenery, but Oakbrook almost looked too pretty. Too perfect. It was definitely something he would have to get used to.
"You don't think this neighborhood is a little too… I dunno, ritzy?" Claude asked, as he stepped out of the car. Sebastian laughed.
"No," he replied, taking Claude's hand. "It's perfect, just look at it! You have to stop being a penny pincher. We're not in college anymore, and we both have great jobs. We can afford this. You just got promoted for heaven's sakes. Spoil yourself a little."
Together they walked up the driveway of a lovely home- one that they hoped to call their own. They hadn't been looking around the market for long, but had a sort of attachment to the place. It was a white Victorian house, with a blue door, and matching shutters. It was located in the suburbs of their new town- where Sebastian's job had taken them. The landscaping was beautiful, and the lawn was fenced, giving it the typical dream home look.
"You must be the Michaelises," said a cheery voice from the front porch. Claude recognized it as the voice of their realtor, a woman he'd only conversed with over the phone. A beaming, well- dressed woman came (practically skipping) toward them. Her blonde curly hair bounced as she moved, almost a metaphor for the woman's bubbly personality. "It's very nice to meet the both of you," she said, meeting them in the driveway. She shook both Claude and Sebastian's hands enthusiastically.
"The pleasure is ours, of course, Miss Banks," Sebastian smiled at her.
"Well, I must say, you two have exquisite taste in homes," she said, turning toward the house. "Of course, I am a little biased, I helped design it," she laughed. She seemed genuine, Claude thought. But it was odd. Then again, he wasn't used to suburban lifestyle. From what it seemed like on TV and movies, everyone was overly welcoming to new neighbors. Especially realtors. "But even the location is fabulous. Most of these homes were just completed, and not all of them have owners yet, so you won't be the only new ones." She gestured for them to follow her inside the house. "The neighborhood celebrates a wide variety of diversity, as well, so the two of you will feel right at home," she continued bluntly, causing Sebastian and Claude to cast furtive glances at each other and try unsuccessfully to conceal their grins.
Claude quickly discovered that the inside of the house was just as splendid as the outside. Though it was new, it still had sort of an aged feel to it. It was somewhere Claude could see himself staying for a long while, and definitely feeling comfortable in. Hand in hand, he and Sebastian wandered through the house, while the peppy Miss Banks followed behind, ready to answer any questions or make comments.
"I like this room," Sebastian mused to Claude, as they entered a small room on the second floor. "I could see it being a comfortably cluttered room."
"Is that your way of saying you want this for your den?" Claude laughed. That was his only deal with Sebastian- he had to get a den. Sebastian's work clutter was one of the things that got on Claude's nerves. Sebastian left notes and papers strewn all over their small apartment, and frequently misplaced things in the mess- causing unnecessary stress on the both of them.
"It'll do," he sighed, satisfactorily. The two turned and wandered through the rest of the house. There were several rooms that would have to be creatively occupied until Claude and Sebastian were sure they knew what to do with them, but overall the house clicked.
"I know the two of you have already been approved for a loan," the realtor beamed. "And this place is ready when you are. So, what do you think?" She asked, after they'd explored every single space to be discovered in the home.
Claude and Sebastian glanced at each other. Claude was a little nervous, buying his first house, but if he was going to buy a house, this would be the house he wanted. He could tell just by looking at Sebastian that this was the place. He liked it, Sebastian liked it, the location was ideal, and it was something that they could afford. As nervous as he felt, he was slightly giddy with confidence.
"We'd like it," Claude said, causing the realtor's smile to widen. Her head bobbed up and down with approval.
"Excellent," she said. "I know you'll love it here. Now, I have the paperwork back at my office, but I have another showing down the street in half an hour. Can I meet up with you boys at around four to settle things?"
"Sounds fine," Sebastian nodded. "We're not in any rush." They parted ways with the cheery realtor- she drove down the street and they remained in their soon- to- be home. Sebastian wrapped his hand around Claude's waist as they stood basking in the glory of their large- and quite empty- living room. "How does it feel to be a homeowner?" He asked, grinning a little.
"Why, darling, it feels absolutely wonderful," Claude said overenthusiastically, slipping on a southern accent. "Never have I been happier!"
"I am glad to hear it," Sebastian replied, mimicking Claude's fake accent and enthusiasm. "It's about high time we had a castle of our own!" Claude laughed.
"And this neighborhood is diverse as well!" Claude said, imitating the realtor. Not that he wasn't glad to hear it; he just felt it odd that she had emphasized it so much. He'd had his share of ridicule- Sebastian too, but much less so- and they would have lived here regardless of who was their neighbor.
Claude's imitation caused Sebastian to laugh. "Well I'm glad we found something so easily," Sebastian sighed, taking on a slightly more serious tone. "I don't think we would have survived another month in that apartment."
"Probably not," Claude laughed. "Welcome to 314 Oakbrook Road," he smiled. "Home sweet home."
