Work Text:
What do you get a man like Daniel after twenty-five years together? That was the question at the forefront of Archie’s mind as he walked through the streets of Hatton Garden. Tradition demanded something silver. Not that their relationship was anything approaching traditional. Even so, Archie wanted to mark the occasion of their time together.
He didn’t have a very successful record for gift giving, at least not when it came to Daniel. Flowers were generally greeted with a sneer or a scathing comment, the lone exception being the cactus he picked up during his trip to the States. His one attempt at poetry was returned with corrections added in Daniel’s distinctive maroon ink. Over the years he’d learned that Daniel generally eschewed sentimental tokens of affection, preferring practical gifts instead. But this year was special, and Archie was determined to give the man he adored a gift that reflected his feelings.
Which was why he was now strolling past shops in the jewelry district. The windows were filled with trinkets and accessories in the bold modern designs of art deco. A younger Daniel would have enjoyed wearing such attention seeking items but they seemed too flashy for the more professional look he sported these days. He continued down the street, past gleaming store fronts with their glittering wares, never finding the right item.
He was about to stop his search for the day when he spied an unobtrusive shop down a small side street. The wares on display were older and less gaudy, featuring elegant designs in silver and platinum. There were several tasteful items on view, including, much to Archie’s delight, several collar studs. They were Archie’s favorite accessory ever since Daniel had flustered him with a set years ago in Peakholme. Both of them persisted in wearing detached collars even though they were no longer considered the height of fashion. Collar studs were increasingly difficult to find, which made them both a practical and sentimental gift. Archie hurried into the store for a closer look.
The man behind the counter gave him an odd look when he asked to see the collar studs, but pulled out the tray without comment. There were many different styles in a variety of metals, but Archie only had eyes for a lovely pair of silver beauties with a wide rounded head. “I’ll take these. Can you have them engraved?”
The man gave him another strange look. “Of course. What would you like inscribed on them?”
“Put the number twenty-five on them,” Archie told him. The man looked skeptical, almost suspicious. “They’re a gift. For a twenty-fifth work anniversary,” he explained.
The clerk rolled his eyes but responded respectfully. “Very good, sir. Will you return to pick them up or shall I have them delivered?”
“Delivered, please. Here’s the direction,” Archie said, handing him a slip of paper with the information.
The man took one look at the paper, raised his brows and shook his head, but rang up the purchase without further comment. Archie ignored his odd behaviour, delighted to have found the ideal gift.
That feeling only stayed with him a few hours. As their anniversary day approached Archie had time to second guess his present. Daniel didn’t really need another set of collar studs. And he most likely didn’t even remember their silly exchange of words made a quarter century ago.
He was in a bit of a state when he handed Daniel the small jewelry box. “I wanted to mark the occasion. I hope you like it,” Archie said, somewhat nervously.
Daniel took the box and laughed when he opened it. That was a better reaction than a scathing remark, but not nearly what he was hoping for. Daniel caught his hurt expression before Archie could hide his feelings.
“Here, my dear. I got you something, too,” Daniel told him, handing over a familiar looking box. Inside were a pair of silver collar studs, identical to his own purchase, down to the engraved twenty-five on the surface. At least that explained the clerk’s odd behaviour.
Archie laughed as well, delighted that he and Daniel had the same idea. He held out his new collar studs. “Would you care to assist me in dressing?” he asked.
Daniel gently removed the box from his hand and placed it on the table. “I’d rather assist you in undressing,” he said, sliding into Archie’s arms and pulling his head down for a kiss.
Archie willingly allowed Daniel to direct his movements to their mutual pleasure. He couldn’t wait to see what the next twenty five years brought them.