Work Text:
March 6, 1968
Roger looked at the small bouquet of poppies he had bought from the local floral shop. He made sure to stop by the one David always talked about, having carefully asked for the name without making it obvious that he wanted to go. He looked to the cookies he had baked, remembering how David had said that they were his favourite thing Roger had made, so he hoped that sentiment still remained true.
Today was David’s birthday. It wasn’t a “milestone” birthday, but he still wanted to make his 22nd birthday special for him - especially now that he and David had been dating for about 5 months, and Roger still had yet to do something romantic for Dave, whereas his boyfriend had done many nice things for him; like take him out to dinner, get him flowers, and make him random gifts. Things that Roger appreciated more than anything, but felt bad accepting because he hadn’t done something like that for David yet. Today was the day that would change, and he hoped David would appreciate it.
He laid out his clothes and got changed, slipping on his favourite pair of black socks that had little white bicycles all over them. He pulled on pair of striped black-and-white trousers that were slightly short on him - but he didn’t mind, because they showed off his socks! He then slid his shirt over his head, a puffy, collared white button-up, and tied a red neck tie underneath the collar, white polka dots adorning the fabric. Last, but not least, he put on a pair of violet oval sunglasses.
He picked up the flowers and the little tin of cookies and left his home, locking up before starting down the street on the walk to David’s house. He was only a few blocks away. He had called Roger a few times, but Roger hadn’t picked up, not wanting to ruin the surprise. He was sure David was a little confused, maybe even a little bit sad from his missed calls, and Roger felt horrible for doing that - but he couldn’t wait to see the way David’s face would light up when he knocked on his door.
Roger strutted down the pavement, wanting to get there as quickly as possible. He watched as houses and streetlamps disappeared behind him, his heart beating faster the closer he got to where his lover lived. His smile grew with each minute, and finally, he wound up on David’s doorstep.
Roger fumbled with the things he was holding, awkwardly holding them both with one arm so that he could reach up and knock on the door. He re-situated his items and waited, standing up straight and tall with a big smile.
He heard footsteps come from behind the door and got giddy, his smile turning into a grin as he bounced on the balls of his feet. The sound of the lock turing and the door chain being undone made delight swell in his chest, and he tried not to embarrass himself from how excited he was when the door swung open.
David looked perfect. He never failed to look perfect. His hair was full and wavy, delicately framing his face. His big eyes looked upon Roger in surprise, and his pretty lips curled into a big smile.
“George? Oh thank God, I was scared you were going to forget my birthday!” David said in excitement, staring at the flowers and cookie tin in awe. Roger giggled to himself, blushing.
“I would never, ever forget your birthday!” Roger laughed, kissing David on both of his cheeks before dropping down on one of his knees and presenting the flowers to David. “Happy birthday, my dear,” he said with a gentleness in his voice that almost made David tear up. He took the bouquet, holding it to his chest as Roger rose from the ground.
“Come in, you cheesy bastard,” David said with a small laugh, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand as he backed up from the door to let Roger enter. The door closed behind him, and he looked back to David with warm smile. “I also made those cookies that you said you really liked,” he said, shyly holding the tin out to David, who pouted and took it with care.
“Oh, Georgie…” David whispered, his eyebrows turning upwards as he gently set his flowers on the nearby table. He took the cookie tin and gently opened it, looking inside. They were oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and macadamia nuts, cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on the top. “You remembered...”
“It’s easy to remember when they’re my favourite to bake,” Roger replied, his face glowing from David’s reaction. How touched David was by the smallest gesture for his birthday made Roger’s heart burst with love. “I didn’t have a lot of money, so I hope this is enough. I’m sorry it’s not more…”
“No, Roger, it’s perfect. It’s absolutely perfect . Thank you.” David tilted his head up to look at Roger, slightly standing on his toes so he could give his lover a gentle kiss. Roger let himself fall into it, both hands immediately resting themselves on David’s hips. David set the tin aside as they kissed, wrapping his arms around his lover.
They slowly parted and Roger let his forehead rest against Dave’s, a small smile spreading across his lips. “We haven’t been together for very long, but I really do love you, David. I’m so happy to have you in my life, and even though I’m short on ways to make your birthday special, I hope that I’m enough to do that.”
“You’re more than enough, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, Rog… You didn’t even have to get me anything - just you showing up at my door was special in and of itself. I love you so much.”
The smile that came onto David’s face as he spoke was Roger’s favourite part of doing all of this for his lover - he’d do anything just to see him smile.
“I love you too, David. You’re the sun, and the moon, and the stars. Happy birthday.”