Chapter Text
There was a rhythm to Dale Cooper’s morning routine. It wasn’t exceptionally loud, at least, not anymore. Even with the aches and pains of the old cabin, it was relatively quiet.
At the request of his new housemate Diane updates were regulated to after his morning yoga practice, and would only begin when coffee started percolating. By the time it was ready, Harry Truman would have shuffled into the living room, still warm from their bed, with a quick kiss for Dale and a “G’morning” for Diane.
The house hummed when he was home and Harry was grateful for it.
The fall had swathed their home in gold and fire, the likes of which Dale had never seen. The scenery made the raking of leaves meditative for Dale and Harry’s back couldn't have been happier. A few choice specimen were pressed into several books until Dale figured out what to do with them. Occasionally, they were paraded out to be scrutinized by Harry, which lead to a new house rule, “No leaves at the breakfast table.” Dale seemed to think this was fair.
“When's your flight?” Harry tried to sound neutral as he stirred his oatmeal.
“10, nothing outlandish.”
“Then I may as well drive you.”
“There's really no need.”
“I'd be back in time for roll call. Darlin, would ya let me be your boyfriend? Driving to the airport is part of the job.”
Dale smiled over his coffee, “I suppose I can't argue with that.”
“Yeah, I wouldn't try your luck. When will you be home?”
“It sounds fairly open and shut but you never can be too sure with these things.” Dale took a sip of coffee and nodded. “I'd say two weeks tops. Today’s what? The 29th? I'd say I'll be home around the 12th or 13th? I'll know better when I'm briefed.”
“Guess I'll...put it on the calendar.”
Dale got up and moved behind Harry, coffee kisses warmed his neck. “Stay home today.”
“You're a bad influence Dale Cooper. What are they teaching you boys at the FBI?” Harry leaned his head back into Dale’s chest.
By his collarbone, Dale murmured, “All sorts of things. If you stay home, I could show you.”
“Coop…” Harry tried to protest but closed his eyes instead.
“Special Agent Dale Cooper,” Dale said with a humoured authority between kisses.
“....Agent Cooper,” Harry blushed and cracked a smile. “...I've…gotta go to work-” but he knew that was it, it was over.
“I don't know Sheriff Truman, you look awfully flushed.” Dale turned Harry's chair away from the table so he could see all of him. “I think I had better get you to bed.”
“Why do I get the feeling that resting is the last thing you have in mind?”
Slipping his hands underneath Harry's shirt, Dale could feel a shuddered sigh work through his body and he smiled.
“Oh but I can guarantee you'll feel better.”
“Dale…”
Dale kneeled down and rolled up Harry's shirt to kiss his chest. Then his eyes fluttered open just enough to make Harry's heart stop, “Harry….would you let me be your boyfriend?”
“I guess...I can't….can't argue with that.”
“Harry, I wish you would. I can be very persuasive.”
“I've….noticed.” He leaned down and kissed Dale's lips, “Lemme make a phone call.”
Dale stood up and worked his hands roughly through Harry's hair. “Don't be long.”
“Right.”
Harry's pounding heart made him dizzy and warm as he stood up. He'd stop by the station later. The 12th or 13th was a ways away, but here together in the house, time was theirs, who could begrudge them the morning?