Jamie and Mason moved around from apartment to apartment over the years as they figured out what they wanted and where life was taking them before choosing a place to settle down. At first, they were in the dorms at their respective universities before moving into an apartment in Pullman near WSU.Jamie loved that apartment. He loved the cozy rooms and the balcony. Loved that the washing machine was in the apartment, so he didn't have to go to a communal room to do his laundry- it certainly was easy to clean the sheets after he and Mason made a mess of them at night- and loved the surprisingly plush carpet under his feet. Most of all, he loved that he made a home there with Mason. They were partners and best friends and were living together for the first time. All those times wishing they didn't have to go to separate beds eight miles apart were finally behind him as he got to fall asleep and wake up in Mason's arms every single day for the entire year.Then Mason started his master's degree at MIT, and they had an even smaller apartment in Porter Square. Jamie moved with him, of course. It was never up to debate that they were staying together. He found a job at a graphic design company nearby, but their rent ate up too much of their paycheques, and the landlord was useless when it came to any problem that arose while they were there.They found a new place to live for the next year, which was a lot nicer, and they stayed there for the remainder of Mason's degree. It had wide, open windows that let in a lot of light and Jamie did a lot of paintings in the sun.They had to get their fourth apartment in the suburbs when Jamie got a new graphic design job farther from Boston's centre with better pay, better hours, and better management. The apartment was a little bigger than the other places they lived, and was designed to look more like a permanent home than a temporary apartment.It immediately became home and Jamie loved the easy domesticity of being a self-fulfilling adult living with his partner. Somehow, with Mason having a job instead of being in school, it felt more serious. They were establishing their careers and their home together. Preparing for work in the morning and falling into bed together at night became a routine he looked forward to, along with shopping for groceries and having a cup of coffee on the balcony on lazy Saturday mornings.Mason proposed on that balcony, and it became Jamie's second favourite place; the first being their bed.They stayed there for years and Jamie loved it so, so, much. It was their home and he never wanted to say goodbye, but with the steady climb of the rent, they had to admit that buying a house would be a better financial decision. And, holy shit, what a decision that was. On one hand, it made sense and felt right to take that next step, and on the other hand, Jamie was buying a house with Mason. It was a big commitment, just like when they got married.The real estate agent takes them to a couple of houses, which are all nice, and Jamie greatly enjoys imaging the endless possibilities for each place. What rooms they'd use for what, where they would put a certain table or bookcase. It's fun, but nothing stands out until she takes them to the outskirts of Salem.One look at the brick house has Jamie's pulse racing. He grips Mason's hand and holds him back a second as Kelsie walks up the driveway."What is it?""I just… I think this might be the one.""Yeah?" Mason looks back at the bay windows, the recessed front door with an arched entryway, and the smooth stone walkway from the driveway to the door.Jamie wonders if he can picture them living there the way Jamie is. He can easily imagine coming home at the end of a long day, parking in the garage or under the overhang, and unlocking the front door."We'll see how it is inside, but I think it might be the one too."If Jamie had any doubt about the house, they're all gone by the end of the tour. Each room is open and welcoming, and there's even a sunroom where Mason can keep his plants. (Jamie fully expects plants will take over the entire house, but he has no complaints. He knows who he married.)"So, what do you think?" Kelsie asks."I love it," Jamie says immediately. "I want it. I want to start living here tomorrow, like…"Mason picks up Jamie's train of thought. "It's perfectly suited for us.""Excellent. I don't think anyone else has an offer on the house, so you might be loving here soon."When she steps outside to give them a few more minutes to look around while she takes a call, Jamie turns to Mason and says, "There's just one more thing to check.""What's that?"Dragging him to the kitchen, Jamie lifts his husband to put him on the kitchen counter and kisses him senseless. Mason squawks, but laughs into the kiss.
"You're right. It is perfect for us."