Harry sighs as he shoulders his backpack and exits his boyfriend's forest green pick-up truck. The door shrieks as Harry opens it and pieces of paint start to peel in places. Rust has climbed it's way up the fenders. Sam's wanted to get rid of the truck for years now, but Harry refuses. He doesn't see the point in getting rid of it if the truck's engine runs just fine. 

His green eyes glance over the grassy fields and large trees surrounding his home. A dark forest of trees surrounds the perimeter of his two-acre property while large solo Pecan trees stand proud closer to their house. They have the smallest property in town, but neither of them mind. The land was cheap and the house was even cheaper. 

The house. A home that Harry has put pride into over the years. Sam refused to buy the place at first because the house was so run-down and would require so much work to renovate. Harry, however, had a vision. Of course, he's never been much of a heavy lifter, but he did see the home's potential. They worked together, Sam doing most of the heavy lifting while Harry did most of the designing, to build their dream house. 

A giant Pecan tree sits in their front lawn and other small trees shade the house from the hot Texas sun. Yellow/white paint coats the walls, while a bright white color covers the front porch. The house has a giant circular porch that sits to the right of the red front door. If Harry were to describe the style, he'd probably call it a 'Victorian Farmhouse'. 

He kicks off his shoes as he enters his house. The first thing to greet him is a dog clawing at his jeans happily. The girl's energized barks fill the house as she waits for Harry to pet her after a long day apart. The black and white Schnoodle has been apart of their family for years now. Daisy, the dog, is fiercely loyal to Sam but loves Harry nonetheless.

A pitter-patter sound flies toward him and loud 'meows' as Harry's cat follows next. Harry's cat talks to him, meowing happily as Harry abandons Daisy to rub Butter's, the cat's, back. Harry runs his hands through Butter's golden yellow fur before standing up. 

The smell of biscuits hits Harry squarely in the face as he allows his backpack to slide to the ground. A gentle hum comes from the kitchen and Harry smiles as he turns the corner and sees Sam.

The man's been home for a while since he's already changed out of his work clothes and into something more comfortable. Black socks cover his feet and a navy blue Dallas Cowboy football t-shirt hangs off his shoulders. 

"I'm home," Harry calls. His own voice amuses him. The posh, British-ness of his voice has faded over the fifteen years he's lived in Texas. On a good day, he could pass as American and on an even better day, he even has a Southern twang. A majority of the time, his voice is a blend of American and British. Some words taking on a more British tone while others take an American.

"Howdy Darlin'. Have a good day," Sam asks. His voice is rich and full in a way that reminds Harry of molasses and the easy-going nature of everyone in this town. Harry walks into Sam's arm as he turns away from his cooking. 

Somehow, the man stands even taller than Harry and presses a tender kiss to Harry's forehead as he turns back to the stove. 

"I'm makin' your favorite. Breakfast for dinner," Sam explains. Harry smiles as his eyes glance over the assortment of food. 

American-style bacon sizzles in a pan next to a pot of baked beans. White, homemade sausage gravy sits ready to eat on the back burner and Harry can smell the buttery biscuits baking in the oven. Eggs cook on the burner closest to Sam. He pushes the eggs around while he talks with Harry. 

"You even cooked beans for me," Harry coos. He takes the spot next to Sam, right over the bacon. He's tempted to reach in and grab a piece, but he knows, already, that he'll only receive a slap on the wrist from Sam. 

Although they both spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen, their cooking styles couldn't be more different. Harry has always preferred a recipe. He cooks with his brain, using the measurements and techniques listed. This is perfect when the couple wants to try out a new recipe or food from a different culture. 

Sam, on the other hand, always cooks with his heart. He's best at home-style, American recipes or recipes he grew up with as a kid. Harry cringed watching Sam cook for the first time as he measured out spices in his hand or gave the bottle a good shake over the rest of what he's cooking. 

"'Course I did. Although I may think that beans belong nowhere near a good breakfast, I know that you love 'em, so I'll bake 'em," Sam replies. Harry smiles and kisses Sam sweetly. 

Harry never thought he'd fall for a guy like Sam. Growing up, he had a thing for very British boys. Guys with thick accents and so stereotypically English. He always imagined being with a guy who praises the queen and knows how to make the best tea. Never would he thought he'd end up with an American boy full of Southern charm and a love for American football (a game Harry still hasn't figured out). 

"This'll be done in about ten minutes if you wanna go change real quick," Sam suggests. Harry nods, wanting to take his button-up off since the moment he got home. 

He walks down the hall of their house, pictures of them scattered around. Sam has a thing about pictures. Every room has a picture of one of them or someone from their family in it. Harry doesn't mind having the pictures everywhere at all, so it's never been a big deal. Anne with Sam's mother, Alicia, stands together in one while Sam and the rest of his family in another. A picture of Harry and Sam in front of the Eiffel tower next to another picture of them at a rodeo. 

When he gets to their room, he carefully peels off his shirt and lays it on one of the many quilts scattered around their room. Sam's mother has a passion for quilting and always makes them a quilt for Christmas. 

He takes a moment to stand in their room and appreciate all of it. His new life, his boyfriend, his house, all of it. Twenty-five years ago, Harry had given up on everything. He was prepared to live without love and to never find someone to fill a home with. Now, he could never imagine his life any other way. 

~_~_~

Hey guys. So before yall comment about it, Sam does not represent the entire state of Texas. He's a little southern boy from west Texas, so he has a natural accent. Not everyone from Texas talks like this, as it's a giant ass state. Everything he has said is stuff I've heard from my family and from living in Texas in general. Thanks

QOTC: What do you think of Harry's new life? Do you like Sam?