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Early mornings were mesmerizing in Twin Peaks. Not to everybody, of course. Mostly Cooper. He found himself drawn to the fog layering the trees and the roads. He considered the fresh smell of the forest to be fascinating. This particular morning was a bit better. Today was the Sheriff’s birthday. He had found out the date from Lucy a couple months ago and had picked out a small gift he thought Harry would like.
Walking through the big swinging doors of the station he was greeted with the warm smell of coffee brewing and the low hum of the heater. Lucy was sitting at her desk, solving what looked to be a crossword puzzle. She gave Cooper a sweet smile as she saw him come in.
“Good morning, Agent Cooper!” she said with a small wave of her pen.
“Good morning, Lucy. How are you?”
“Oh well, things are fine. Andy’s been giving me trouble with this crossword so I sent him away.”
Cooper leaned in and rested his arm on the small ledge of the divider.
“Sent him away?” he questioned.
“Yeah” she sighed. “I think he’s hanging out by the holding cells.”
Cooper chuckled. “I see.”
“Ugh, first he hands me this stupid puzzle and then pokes his nose around in everything I write down! ‘A tasty dessert popular in France.’ 8 letters. D’you know what he said, Agent Cooper? …Très bien. He said ‘très bien’. He thinks it’s a French dessert.”
Dale shook his head and laughed at that. “Oh, Lucy.” Then he straightened up and gave her a final smile. “What would that man do without you?”
As he was turning away he heard Lucy mumbling to herself. He made his way to the coffee pot and reached for his mug. A duck print mug that was gifted to him by Harry. It wasn’t anything special but it meant the world to him. Such a small gesture yet it let him know that he belonged here too now.
“…a drink similar to sarsaparilla…” Lucy said quietly to herself. “…8 letters…”
Cooper took a sip of the coffee and felt the warmth spread. Damn, what a great feeling. He poured another cup for Harry.
“Root beer.” He said to Lucy as he walked over to the Sheriff’s office, holding two cups of coffee. A small voice of gratitude was heard.
He pushed open the wooden door with his shoulder and was met with a familiar sight. Harry was leaning on his desk and looking out the window through his binoculars. He heard the creak of the door and removed his gaze from the birds.
“Hey Coop.” He said, cheerfully.
Harry put down the binoculars and slithered his arms around Dale when the man stepped closer. He reached behind Harry to put down the mugs on the desk. Then with his free hands he held the Sheriff’s face.
“Hey.”
The two shared a small intimate kiss. Content and sweet. Cooper smiled into the kiss and pulled away.
“Happy birthday Harry.” He said gently and intertwined their hands.
“Oh, that. Thanks.” Harry gave him a grin.
Cooper reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a small box. “I got something for you.”
After handing the box to his lover he stepped a little to the side to be next to him.
“Oh, Coop. You shouldn’t have…” he glanced down at the man resting his hand on his shoulder. The man just beamed at him.
Harry proceeded to untie the small, frail ribbon and opened the box. He paused when he saw the contents and pulled out a miniature car. A dark blue 1965 Chevy. Crafted so delicately and polished so nicely. He couldn’t tear his gaze away from it.
“Coop…”
“It’s not much but I know how much you liked this car. As much as I’d want to get you the real thing…” He averted his eyes.
“Dale, this is perfect. I love it.” Harry said, still admiring his gift. His usual stoic expression was replaced with a joyful grin. If only he knew how much Cooper loved that damn smile.
“Well, at least I can count on your love for trinkets.” Dale said as he kissed his cheek. Harry muttered a small ‘thank you’ and did the same.
“God, I feel so guilty. I couldn’t do anything nice for your birthday…” Harry said with a glint of sadness in his eyes. He thought back to a month ago when he had found out Dale’s birthday by accident when Gordon called and loudly announced his congratulations to the agent.
“It’s your birthday today? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think it was important. Besides, I don’t-“
“Well, this just won’t do. You’re taking the day off.”
“What?”
“Dale, it’s your birthday and this is how we do things here. You know what? Let’s head to the diner. It’s on me.”
“…Well, then. I could never say no to you.”
Harry had taken him to the diner and even discreetly asked Norma for some candles on the pie. A pot of coffee, a few slices of pie and a wish. The two sat in the booth for what seemed like hours, chatting and sharing a slice. Gazes oozing with want. Heart skipping a beat each time Cooper brought a fork up to Harry’s mouth, urging him to take a bite. Who was he to turn him away?
“Are you serious? I had a terrific time!” Cooper protested.
“I didn’t get you anything… like this.” Harry said.
“Harry… You gave me all I could’ve asked for. Free coffee, pie and your company.” He smiled. “It was the best damn birthday I’ve had in ages.”
“Coop.”
“Besides, we weren’t even… a thing… back then.”
Harry nodded slowly and put down the car on his desk, where it belonged now. He turned back to Dale and intertwined their hands again. As he was about to speak, a knock was heard and Hawk walked in. Their hands separated even though they both knew there was no need to hide from the Deputy, he already knew about them. He was great with secrets and he was a colleague they trust. Besides, there was no use in trying to hide anything from him, the man could see through any lie they’d throw his way. It’s Hawk, after all.
“Morning Sheriff, Agent Cooper.” He said with a smirk and turned his attention to Harry. “There’s been some trouble on Highway 21 so I’ll be heading out.”
“Is everybody all right? Do you need me to come with you?”
“No, that won’t be necessary. It’s nothing major, so you just sit back and relax today. You get a birthday only once a year, enjoy it.”
Harry scoffed. “Fine. Keep me updated.”
“Alright.” Hawk gave him a lopsided grin.
“Good luck.” Harry said as Hawk turned away and left.
Cooper reached over for his mug and watched Harry do the same as he took a sip. They leaned on the desk and drank their coffee together in a comfortable silence. The two listened to the natures distant sounds coming from the window. After a few minutes, Cooper broke the silence.
“Could I invite you to have dinner with me tonight at The Great Northern?”
“I’d love that.”