** Hi. After what feels like ages, here comes the next chapter. And also unexpectedly the last one. I intended to finish the story at some point soon and as I finished writing this chapter I realized it was a good point to end it. I hope you like it. I already have a few more ideas of more stories I want to write. I just need to decide which on to follow next. For now, here ist the final chapter of "As we get older.". Enjoy.

Chapter 35: Where to live

Time flew by and their first year was going to be over in about a month and they were both busy studying for their tests as well as researching for and writing their last essays and papers.

Alex was as usual more relaxed with all her exams coming up than Piper. After the first couple rather embarrassing days Zelda had apologized to Piper and said that she was sorry and she should've kept everything she said to her self. They didn't quite make it back to the way it was before but at least they were back to talking to each other without feeling too embarrassed. To Piper their relationship as roommates felt less easy-going and light-hearted than before and she definitely payed closer attention to what she did and said whenever Zelda was around, which bothered her more than she wanted to admit. Alex and Piper had talked about it, Piper often reassuring Alex that she didn't like Zelda like that, and they had discussed, if it would be an option to see if they could switch dorm mates so they'd share a dorm. Eventually they agreed that it was quite close to the end of their first year and as they still intended to find a place where they could live together, they would put some effort into finding a place and maybe go to some apartment inspections and see if they felt comfortable in one of them.

While Piper spent most of her time studying and writing, Alex took some more time to search for apartments and plan the summer break after they had finished their first year at university. As the years before both intended to go on vacation to gether somewhere they could relax. Friday evening Piper stood at Alex's door with a bag and knocked.

"Hey, gorgeous.", Alex greeted her with a big smile when she opened the door.

"Back at you. I brought something to drink. I thought we'd celebrate the last test today and the official start of summer break. Today just the two of us and tomorrow, I heard, is a big party in the park between this and the next dorm building if you want to go." Piper said and held up her bag.

"Oh yes. That sounds like a great idea. Ashley had her last test yesterday and left this morning already, so we've got this dorm room all to ourselves." Alex pulled her into the room and onto her bed.

"So this means I can stay over?" Piper asked excitedly.

"I absolutely want you to." Alex replied, smirking and Piper knew exactly what she thought.

"Okay. I'd rather get a few things now than later, I guess." Piper said.

"If you have to." Alex reluctantly agreed.

"Well I've got a feeling I'll be busy later and won't feel like getting my toothbrush and the rest when I'd rather do other things." Piper said and tried to get up but Alex held her back.

"Oh, what other things?" her voice was already rapier than usual which was, as always, a big turn on for Piper. Piper was not really surprised how fast a situation could go from normal talk to a very intimate and sexy situation sometimes. They didn't need much to feel turned on by the other.

Alex still held Piper and placed little kisses over Piper's neck and shoulders which she knew would drive her crazy.

"Al. Stop." Piper tried to sound convincing, when really she didn't want her to stop.

"That was a weak try." Alex chuckled and kept going.

"Alex." Piper eventually found the willpower to 'free' herself. "I promise I'll be back in two minutes, but I have to get a few things." she got out, her breath a little staggered.

"Okay, okay." Alex gave in. "But hurry." she shouted after Piper, who was already half way through the door.

"Oh believe me, I will." Piper nearly ran to her room, gathered everything she needed as fast as she could and wanted to go back when Zelda came in.

"Oh, hey Piper. Everything okay?" Zelda asked.

"Uh, yeah. I'm just in a bit of a hurry." Piper said. "But I got everything. So. See you tomorrow. I'm staying over at Alex's room, so you've got this room to yourself."

"Oh okay" Zelda said as Piper was a most out of the room already. "Have fun, I guess."

"See you tomorrow!" Piper just replied and quickly went back to Alex. When she reached her room she just tossed everything she had in her hands next to the door and almost threw

herself onto Alex's bed to continue where they'd been before she'd gone to her room.

"Eager. I like that." Alex moaned as Piper was about to pull her shirt off. Piper chuckled but didn't reply and put her attention to undressing her instead.

XXXXX

Later they were lying on Alex's bed and talked. "By the way, you said, you brought something to drink?" Alex asked.

"Oh, yeah. Almost forgot about that." Piper laughed and went to get her bag. She pulled out two bottles of beer and something stronger.

"Beer or mix this?" she held up the bottles.

"Beer? It might not be the typical drink for a toast, but I'm not intending to get drunk. I'd rather enjoy this evening with you like this." Alex said.

"Me too." Piper smiled, handed Alex one of the bottles and sat down next to her on the bed to snuggle into her.

"I guess we better start looking for apartments. And I guess we'll need a talk with the housing department, so they know we'll move out and live off campus.", Piper said, voicing her thoughts.

"We do have three showings next week." Alex told her. "I took some time to look when I was done studying."

"Really?" Piper looked at her surprised. "Wow. That's great. You're the best." she exclaimed and kissed Alex.

"Tell me about them. What are they like? Where are they? Do you have pictures?" Piper asked excitedly.

"Woah, slow down a little, would you." Alex replied. "They are all quite similar, one is a little bit bigger than the other two, but one of the bit smaller ones has a balcony." Alex took her laptop to show Piper the ads she had found online.

"They look nice, judging by the pictures." Piper said. "But I have to admit the one with the balcony is my favourite."

"Not quite. I liked the bigger one a bit better, actually. I know, a balcony is nice, but the bigger one has some important perks." Alex told her. "But let's wait until we see them."

Both girls had talked with their parents about their idea of moving in together and off the campus as soon as they had made that decision. They were both students and not working so they needed their parents' financial support. They had argued quite a bit, but both the Chapmans and Vauses eventually agreed to helping them with the rent and with the things they needed, if the girls would put an effort into keeping the costs as low as they could and do their part by working a student job, definitely during the breaks and if possible during the terms too. The girls had agreed to work during their breaks but weren't so sure about the during terms part as they were both quite busy without the extra work already.

Saturday evening they went to the summer break party on campus that Piper had talked about the evening before. Most of their friends were there too and they had a great time. The following day they were both a bit hungover so they just chilled and read most of the day. They read and talked about their plans for the summer break. With their new summer jobs they had found it had been a bit stressful fitting some time in their schedules where they could go on vacation and maybe some time at home with their parents. Nicky had asked frequently when they'd be back and they could hang out. Both Piper and Alex missed their friend and had tried to check in with Nicky and also Polly regularly, either by text or sometimes they video called and talked for what felt like days. From their talks with Nicky they had heard all the latest rumours and gossip from their old high school and what happened at home. They were both very close to driving home when they had heard that after their long time on and off relationship Lorna and Nicky had broken up for good. Obviously Lorna was seeing someone new already and Nicky, in her usual manner, played it cool but both Alex and Piper noticed how sad, angry and heart-broken their friend really was. Even though Nicky insisted that they stayed where they were, they decided to go home and surprised Nicky with a big box of ice cream and a movie night where the three of them cuddled up on the couch and watched movie after movie until they fell asleep in front of the tv. Nicky was quite thankful that they had come to get her mind off Lorna and the break up and felt a lot better. She had anticipated that their relationship would end soon, also she had been a little fed up with Lorna's constant changes of mind and had thought about putting an end to the relationship herself. Both Alex and Piper though felt sorry for their friend, ending a relationship wasn't easy.

Their first week in the summer break was relaxed, they prepared for starting their summer jobs the following week and looked for more apartments, in case the ones they'd view weren't right or it didn't work out, after all there were more interested people looking to move in there. Both had found a summer job quite easily, many cafés and restaurants were looking for help during the summer season. Alex was going to work in an ice cream shop that had just opened that was quite close to campus while Piper had a bit longer way to the restaurant where she'd work as a waitress.

At the end of the week they had had 4 inspections, as they had gotten the chance to see another flat spontaneously. They both had different favourites and had a little argument until Piper argued, that they probably should wait until they heard back from the landlords and then make the decision based on the apartments they've been offered.

Soon they had the answers from all landlords, the two flats that were their favourites gave a positive response and the other two said they found other candidates more suiting. It didn't solve their problem that they both liked different apartments. Piper had hoped they'd get a rejection from one of the landlords and wouldn't have to have that argument she saw coming already.

"We need to make a decision, Pipes." Alex said as they were sitting at their favourite pizza place at sunday evening. The next day they'd both start their summer jobs so they decided to go out that evening before they were too busy to do so but also sometimes working the late shift.

"I know, Al. But we won't make a decision unless one of us gives in. And I really want that balcony!" Piper said then turned to Alex. "Close your eyes, Alex."

"What? Why?" Alex looked at her puzzled.

"Just do it, please." Piper pushed and looked at her expectantly, so Alex did as she was told. "Now imagine. It's a very nice summer evening, maybe it's the weekend. We're soaking up the last rays of sun of the day while we're sitting on our nice, green balcony. Around you you'll see flowers and maybe even a cucumber or tomato plant growing nicely. Every now and then a light summer wind softly blows through and we're sitting there - chatting, with a glass of wine in our hand and enjoy a very nice evening." Piper had closed her eyes too as she imagined the scene she built.

"That's a very strong argument." Alex agreed. "But the bigger one just has more space to fit everything. And seeing they're both the same rent, it'd be nice if everything fit in. And it has a bathtub."

"They're not so different in size that we'd have to throw out half our stuff, but we definitely can get rid of a few things. Hoarding too many things won't make you happy." Piper stated.

"But the balcony will?" Alex chuckled.

"Sitting on that balcony with you will. Besides, it has a bathtub too. Separate bathtub and shower. Didn't you notice?" Piper argued back.

"No, I actually didn't notice. Okay. I give in, we'll move into the smaller one with the balcony." Alex replied with mock annoyance. "Happy now?"

"Yes." Piper smiled widely. "You'll see, we'll make it a really nice home and you'll like it too."

"I never said I didn't like it. I just said I liked the other one better." Alex chuckled. "But I'm happy if you're happy."

"I can't wait to move in." Piper beamed and kissed Alex.

"You've got it fully decorated in your head already, haven't you?" Alex said laughingly.

"Possibly." Piper played shy.

"Do I get a say in it?" Alex jokingly asked.

"Of course. It'll be our home. We'll do this together." Piper replied sincerely.

XXXXX

The next week they were both very busy finding into their new routine as they were both working different hours, so they didn't see each other very often and were quite exhausted at the end of the day. They had to take some time to start packing their stuff since they could move into their new apartment sooner than they had expected. They had already talked about everything with their parents and with the people at the housing unit so all the necessary paperwork and deposit was done.

Nicky was now finally done with high school too and had promised to visit them as soon as she could, possibly being there to help them movie into their new place. Piper and Alex were both excited to see their friend as they had last seen her when they'd gone home for the weekend after Nicky and Lorna broke up.

The weekend after their first full week of working in their new jobs they started to bring their first things over to their new apartment. They made a list of everything they needed and after ticking everything they had already they were left with a list of things they still needed to buy. They were both very thankful to their parents for supporting them the way they did.

They were ready to move in the next week when they had gone and gotten their bed at the furniture store. All their time went to either working or looking for things for their apartment, going to different furniture stores. When the day was over they were usually beyond exhausted so they just fell into bed and went to sleep immediately.

A week before Alex's birthday they had everything unpacked and their apartment decorated the way they wanted to.

"I think today is the first day in what feels like ages that I don't fall into bed completely exhausted and tired." Piper stated. Their bed had taken longer to be delivered so they hadn't been able to sleep in their apartment earlier. The bed was the last piece of furniture they added. So after two weeks of working, buying things and putting together all the furniture, this was the first night they were actually able to sleep in their new home and in their new bed.

"I agree. The last weeks were quite stressful. But today we can celebrate that we're finally, officially, one hundred percent moved into this place." Alex smiled widely.

"Yeah, eventually." Piper laughed. She was relieved they were done with all the big things, the rest that needed to be done was simply to put a few things into their place and maybe find some decoration for their kitchen and balcony.

"How about we invite our families next week to celebrate my birthday and our new apartment?" Alex suggested.

"That's a good idea. My mom's been curious already when she could come visit and see our place." Piper agreed.

"But for now let's celebrate that we have this new, amazing bed, that is so much more comfortable and where we don't have to fear falling out." Alex replied and Piper giggled, remembering that one time they had been making out when suddenly she heard a thud and Alex wasn't next to her anymore. Nothing had happened, the bed was only twenty inches high, but they were both quite surprised but eventually laughed and went back to making out. After all their dorm beds weren't made to fit two people, even though they tried regularly.

"We'd have to be very incautious to have that happen here." Piper laughed.

Alex led her fingers over Pipers stomach and started to caress her. She felt Piper shiver a little hoping it was rather because of her touch than being cold. Just then a small moan exited Pipers throat, which confirmed that it was her touch so she went on to slowly move up her shirt, starting to undress her.

XXXXX

The first weekend after summer break they invited friends over for a little moving in/ house warming party. Nicky would start college a week after that and Alexs and Pipers friends were back from there summer break. Next to a few drinks they had organized they put some snacks out and had decided to just order pizza for everyone. It was a small party but they were excited to celebrate with their friends. Next to Nicky, Alex and Piper there were four of their friends who had accepted their invitation. Katie and Elisa had some courses with Piper and they'd become a study group and friends during their first year, same as Marian and Jennifer had become friends with Alex. Just around seven all of them were there and they sat in the living room, talking and enjoying their time. Alex had put on some nice music in the background which they could change to dance music, if they felt like dancing.

"So. Who'd like a small tour? I know you all haven't been here yet." Alex asked everyone. Everyone but Nicky, who had been visiting since the day before, said yes. So Alex showed them around while Nicky and Piper stayed in the living room chatting.

"You've got a really nice place." Katie said. "Oh, who of you is in this picture?" she pointed at one of the pictures they had on the bookshelf, most of them showing the two of them together. The one Katie pointed at was a picture of them about a week after Piper was born.

"Well, both of us. The one on the left is me and the other one is Alex. It was taken a week after I was born." Piper replied.

"Woah, I know you've known each other for a long time but that's basically your whole life." Katie said, looking at the picture admiringly.

"Yeah." Piper replied quite proud of that fact. "Our mothers have been friends since they went to school together and it was a funny coincidence that they were pregnant at the same time."

Another picture showed them holding onto each other as they took their first steps.

"This one here is us at five. And this curly head in front of us is Nicky." Alex explained the next.

"Wow. You guys really know each other forever." Elisa replied impressed.

There were more pictures of them and their family. Of their birthdays, the picture Diane had taken when they'd left for their prom. After everyone was done looking at the pictures they sat back down at the couch.

"I always thought you two met in school and then got together. But it seems like you've actually grown up together, haven't you? Please tell us your story." Jennifer pleaded, looking hopeful at Alex and Piper.

"Okay." Piper gave gave in and started telling them how they had grown up together, had been inseparable from very young, to them growing older, figuring out their sexuality, to Carols adamant rejection when she found out about Alex being gay, to Pipers and Michaels agreement and eventually telling their parents, finishing school and deciding where to study. Piper told most of the story but Alex sometimes interrupted her, telling her side of the story. Also Nicky added her part and view every now and then. Their new college friends listened and asked a few question every now and then but had a great time listening to their story.

"Wow. Your life sounds like a movie." Katie said after they'd caught up to present time.

"It's yet to be decided if it's a romantic, tragic or rather dramatic one." Piper laughed.

"I'd vote for mostly romantic." Alex threw in and Piper kissed her in agreement.

THE END