Chapter Text
It was an ordinary rainy morning in London, the sky was clouded over abruptly and the first raindrop had hit the ground before anyone could realize a slight shift hovering in the air. Then promptly the rain got heavier and heavier, regardless of the sunniest time of the year, it reflected that it was not going to stop any time soon. The rowdy street was engulfed in sound of the rain scattering and somehow, everything was strangely quietened.
Eggsy sat placidly in the Kingsman cab, eyes tracing a water drop trickling down the glass and inwardly taking back the thought he had when he was floating on the ominous part of the Atlantic Ocean. He still hated the rain, even though it was not as much as he did at his time, he still hated it. A transparent drop kept it downward way out of the boy’s sight but he had already set eyes on the other, which made his vision levelled with the entrance of the skyscraper across the street. The signal of Merlin’s motion on the screen up front steadily approaching the lobby of the building gave Eggsy a hint as to start the engine.
“I’m heading out.” Merlin firmly informed at the other end of the line.
“Copy that. You’re clear to leave” He replied.
As soon as the windscreen wiper swung its way backward again in front of Eggsy’s eyes, he could notice the familiar figure of the tech wizard with the symbolic umbrella emerged at the doorway. Eggsy turned the steering wheel, fluidly blending in the crowded street and made a flawless pull in when Merlin stuck out his arm for hailing a cab. The man leaned closer to the front window, explaining his destination as a usual gesture of a passenger and got in the back. The door was closed and the black cab left the pavement at once.
They remained quiet, there was only the sound of rain pounding on a car roof stirring up the thick atmosphere between them. However, it was not that kind of intolerable silence. Eggsy needed concentration to deal with the horrible traffic under the pouring rain, and Merlin needed time to rearrange all the information being analyzed mentally not quite in order. Most of all, they had to be certain that they were not being tailed by any of Valentine’s henchman. Even though the billionaire was slyly brilliant at covering marks of evidential values, his security system has been intensified after he suspected his businesses and activities had been tracked or interfered, which gave even more rise to the suspicions toward the guy. The rain was still heavy but at least after more than fifteen minutes driving around with the worst traffic ever, Eggsy could eventually be a decent driver and heading to the shop.
“You seem to be comfortable with the streets.” Merlin broke the silence first, still looking at his tablet and fingers moving nonstop.
“Yeah, ain't changed much,” the boy gave the view passing by outside the window a quick glance as he answered. “I grew up on the street y’know.”
Eggsy unwittingly checked the mirror and caught Merlin’s eyes looking at him in surprise, the bald man moved his gaze forthwith, merely hummed as acknowledgment. The boy tried to keep his sigh unnoticeable, aside from his guidance of direction or some fair warnings they barely talked the whole day. Eggsy couldn’t help but noticed there was a gap between him and Merlin which he wanted nothing more than to fill up due to the fact they were going to work together from now on. They had discussed about their strengths and weaknesses, their methods and techniques. Along with Harry, Merlin has always managed to stop by to observe he and Roxy’s training, studying Eggsy’s skills and it did pay off, they worked together like a well-oiled machine. Even though there hasn’t been any unwanted incident by far, they knew they could totally handle one if it by any chance happened. The man kept his attitude perfectly professional toward Eggsy and the boy had nothing to complain, but maybe it was too professional for Eggsy to cope with.
He was used to joking and making innuendos throughout the missions with his partners no matter who they are, it always made time fly and lightened the tensions. He hadn’t been this professional even when he was on a mission with Percival. When Eggsy somehow traveled back to this time, he had befriended Roxy promptly, they were compatible in so many ways, the girl was a real badass yet amiable and full of empathy. He even got closer to Harry, more than he had hoped for and not that he complaint. They’ve talked a lot since that night in the infirmary, enough for Eggsy to realize the man was not that of a gentleman like the young blonde had assumed. But with Merlin, he didn’t know how to cross the line that he wasn’t aware of its first appearance.
“It’s not only professor Arnold,” Merlin once again spoke up first, eyes still not left the screen. “Despite all the trouble Valentine had caused in attempt to abduct that man, he was just a minor presence compare to all the political figures he’s contacted. The list has been quite handful by far.”
Merlin huffed a light sigh when he finished and his furrowed brows surfaced.
“Some of them, including professor Arnold have gotten back with their daily routine as investigation and the rest, well, they’re still missing.” He reached for his laptop before adding, “I’m sending their identities and latest locations for Galahad and Lancelot, they will track them down as soon as they return and hopefully get us some valuable information. And with those names are unlikely to be able to access easily, I’m afraid that’s our job now.”
He touched slightly at his glasses hinge, transferring all the recording to his device. The tech wizard was highly focusing on sorting out those important evidences he had collected, and suddenly stopped his typing on the keyboard when he finally noticed something’s wrong. That mouthy boy has been oddly quiet regardless of his informative talking, Merlin looked up from his screen and saw Eggsy’s face with such awed expression in the rear-view mirror.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
The question took him by surprise. Not until now did Eggsy realized his mouth has slightly dropped open in wonderment, eyes on the street but dangerously ranting Merlin’s words in his head.
“Nuffin’.” The boy answered rather sharply. “I got it. If we figure out how they could return safe and sound from their own kidnaps then we can know how couldn’t the rest of ‘em.”
Merlin quirked his eyebrow at Eggsy’s effort to change the subject but the man didn’t push further. “Not all of them were abducted but yes, that’s the idea.”
Merlin lowered his eyes back down to the laptop but apparently his hands were slower, after a while, he couldn’t help but set his laptop aside, they were just about five minutes to the shop anyway. He sat straight, gazing at the boy’s reflection in the mirror.
“You’re thinking too loud Eggsy, what is it?”
Eggsy casted a glance over to the man and there was a stupid grin across his face, which made Merlin so well alarmed.
“I thought it was me and the job, but s’not. It’s you.” The boy cheekily stated his new discover in amusement.
“What are you trying to presume?” Merlin inquired of the young blonde, carefully kept his disquieting feeling unrecognizable.
“You were worried. That’s why you’ve been actin’ so weird.” Eggsy’s grin even got wider and the bald man had put quiet effort to stop himself from punching it off his face.
“Nonsense.” The man countered.
“Oh, c'mon Merlin. It’s okay for yeh to worried, y’know?” He stopped to look at Merlin, then retraced his regard back to the street. “You’ve done one hell of a job today, bruv.”
“Stop your unfounded assertion, if you may. I’m not worried and please, I didn’t even have to tread any faster than my preferred walking speed.”
“Well, it’s a good sign, innit?”
Merlin subtlety made a face at him but didn't bother to deny any of it, he didn’t have time to anyway. By the time Eggsy completed his sentence, the cab had stopped precisely in front of the shop. Merlin collected his things and opened the door before the boy could reach for it. He held up the umbrella and stepped out to stand up straight, facing Eggsy who standing closely next to him.
“You are my colleague, not my valet, Eggsy.” He said and turned to take those stairs, heading to the door. “Galahad has just contacted me, by the way. He’s back.”
The sound of that name pulled the trigger in Eggsy’s feeling. Harry had left for his mission in America two days ago and they didn’t expect him until the end of the week. Good news kept coming, Eggsy thought. The young blonde lingered outside longer and with more content than he had expected, his gaze followed Merlin until the bald man closed the door behind his back. Eggsy let the umbrella pole rest on his shoulder when he raised his head to look up at the ashy, gloomy sky. Maybe, a rainy morning in London was not that bad after all.
Merlin sat quietly opposite him in the tube heading to the mansion and it really entertained Eggsy. He didn’t take the silence between them too serious any longer, not when he realized that the tech wizard could become a little wordy when he was nervous. Eggsy was good at reading people, not sort of a skill but an instinctive one. Like he didn’t feel threatened with Merlin’s nonchalant attitude toward him, and he knew the man was not as stern as he looked. He now actually found doing a mission with Merlin hasn’t been that much different from when he did with Percival or others agents at his time.
Eggsy followed Merlin out when the tube slid its door open, expression dazed. He knew he should be used to this by now, but the view was still striking and impressive like the first time Harry led him to the station for a brief introduction. He wasn't able to ponder the meaning of changing this aspect and quickly blamed his Arthur for that thoughtless action. A huge glass of the mezzanine control room provided them with a perfect vision of the expansive hangar full of aircrafts and vehicles precisely aligned below. Regardless of the trivial lack of futuristic appearance compared to the extravagant look they had at Eggsy’s time, this was the feeling Eggsy had longingly hoped for when he had his initial arrival at Kingsman. A good perspective could change everything.
And most of all, he remember the way Harry looked at him when he was witnessing his over excitement for the view. The man watched him with such mild, delightful countenance and impenetrable pair of eyes. In rather short time, Harry has managed to have some of his influences on Eggsy, controlling of the boy’s heart rate for example, but surprisingly he didn’t want to resist it at all. He was seemingly indulging it, because he knew assuredly that he, somehow, could likewise cause the man that same feeling whenever they encountered.
“You should go change.” Merlin suggested after glancing over Eggsy’s damp driver uniform. “Your clothes have been prepared. We’ll see you in Harry’s office.”
“Fanks.” Eggsy replied and the man merely nodded as his respond then turned around, taking his leave.
There was a dapper siren suit, ironed and hung neatly next to the bed caught Eggsy’s eyes when he entered his infirmary room. The boy was stunned for a brief moment then a shade of a smirk whispered across his lips. It’s been a quite long time since he last saw this uniform. Eggsy took his time put the suit on, relishing the evocative finest fabric with touch and the boy looked at himself in the mirror, feeling fervent all over. This was a second chance, a new beginning. Kingsman now was once again a dissimilar experience, he knew so little therefore yearning for more. And with all of his belief in himself and others, he could partly cognize the favorable outcome.
Merlin was sitting alongside Harry, talking about his brief mission when Eggsy pushed the door of Harry’s office open, entering the rather quiet room. Both of the man turned to look at him, their expression was bland and unreadable which caused Eggsy some hesitations to continue his doing.
“Ever heard of knocking?” Harry eventually pointed out, though there was not much of irritation in his voice as the boy keenly noticed.
Percival’s familiar grumbles suddenly echoed in his Eggsy’s hearing. The man would have been ranting all day about his neglect of manners whenever he entered the room without knocking. However, Eggsy has always been highly aware of his behavior since he became a Kingsman, it has never been the knocking, it was where he stepped in. Not only the city, he hasn’t changed much either, he guessed.
“Only when I'm casing a place to rob.” Eggsy shrugged with a slight smirk then closed the door behind. “Glad yer back, Harry.”
“Thank you, Eggsy.” Harry leaned back at his chair when he answered, head tilted slightly to face the young blonde, seemingly enjoyed the boy’s figure in the chalk stripe jumpsuit. “And, I’m glad that fits you accordingly.” He said it so casually, like he was so unaware of how it caused the blush on Eggsy’s face. Harry mentally made a note to have a bespoke suit made for the boy because he knew would be more than enjoyable with the view. And because – which he continually denied – he wanted to make it up for the medal he temporarily withheld.
“Uhm… thanks, Harry.” Eggsy pressed his lips together briefly, the lowered his eyes, avoiding Harry’s gaze, worrying the heat on his cheek could be visible. “For the suit too.”
“You are very welcome.” He replied.
The exaggerated sound of flipping paper followed after Merlin’s rolling of eyes which successfully result in an almost unnoticeable, indulgent smile from Harry, and an obvious change of colours on the boy’s cheeks.
“May I sit down?” Despite the burning feeling invading his face, Eggsy eyed the man coolly, lips mischievously curved up into a grin as he asked for permission.
“By all means.” Harry responded and his hand gestured to the facing wing chair.
Merlin heaved out a long sigh, gazing at his friend accusatory and Harry just slightly raised his eyebrows in defense. The bald man couldn’t bring himself to recall the last time he beheld this side of Harry. They have spent more than half the time of their lives being Kingsman agents, they have been through a lot and obviously, have changed a lot. No one could kill and remained the way they were, not to mention Harry was one of their best agent, which also mean the most lethal and fiercest. The name Galahad had brought him many yet hadn’t taken away any less.
The tech wizard casted the briefest glance at the boy before getting back with his papers, young people always had their methods to adjust to environment and prerogative of engendering the variations in the most unexpected way.
“As I was saying,” Merlin said after clearing his throat. “Valentine must have specific motivation to take such risky move. He is taking aim at political figures, aristocrats, celebrities and so forth.”
“Public figures and authoritative people.” Harry summed up.
“But why? It’ll draw attention, more troubles, double effort.” Eggsy asked, rather murmured.
“Power and reputation make them influential, Eggsy.” Merlin said. “He needs their potencies, not solely their presences I presume.”
There was a tiny spark swiftly ignited in Eggsy’s head, he remembered the name, those who came to be missing and those who just came back unharmed. And as Merlin had told him, not all of them were kidnapped, the billionaire has contacted some and thrown parties for others. This wasn’t a rather rational move for any kind of purely illicit act, unless –
“Valentine was makin’ a deal.” The boy sudden realized. “He wanted their power and offered somethin’ in return. So he kept those who he couldn’t reach the bargain with.”
Eggsy raised his voice in excitement, leaning forward and his eyes brightened. Merlin slightly pouted his lips, nodding agreeably and Harry looked at the young blonde attentively. He drew an exquisite pleasure from the thought that he had known beforehand the boy was smart, full of potential and always keen to learn. He actually has been grateful for Eggsy’s mentor to see the possibilities in him and offering him the opportunity to become a Kingsman.
“That means what was the accord we need to unravel.” Harry continued with Eggsy’s inference relevantly. “And unfortunately, not all who have involved with Valentine were verified, we don’t know how many people he has won over.”
“The authorities are trustworthy no longer as far as I’m concerned.” Merlin said as he unfolded himself from the chair, reaching for his tablet on Harry’s desk. “Aside from those private meetings, the man hasn’t done any unusual or notable deed thus far.”
“So, what’s next?” Eggsy asked. Somehow, Valentine and his flurry of activity alarmed him in many ways, the man gave Eggsy the feeling of something worse than anything they could conceive.
“We’ll wait.” Merlin answered, exchanging a brief looked with Harry before adding. “The status of my mission remains the same and I’ll still be in need of your assistance the time ahead.”
Eggsy nodded at the man and let him carry on with his doing on the tablet. While waiting for Valentine to make a noteworthy move, Eggsy could focus on his primary problem.
He didn’t believe in coincidence, the universe had decided to bring him back here so every event had taken place during this time must had their own responsibility to the future, which was pretty disastrous. When the name Valentine first came up, Eggsy knew immediately that man was an important part of the chain, because ‘the man of human technological revolution’ was the only memorable indication of this year he could related to. But Eggsy’s had no possible theory for the correlation between him and betrayal which might have already been prowling in Kingsman. Eggsy’s mind now was packed more than ever; likely because there had never been so many thoughts stumbled at once, both promising and leading to a dead end one. He wasn’t sure where or who to start with, and the more he thought the more dubious things became.
Eggsy inhale a long breath for calming down as he mentally went over every clue he had by far. He tried to collect every piece of his vague memories about the year 2015 that he had heard about, the connection between their Arthur and his Arthur, the existence of Harry, Merlin and Roxy had been literally vanished. Especially, the mole.
Merlin was too busy with his research and the boy was likewise with his contemplation that left Harry convenience of his observing. He was used to working around Merlin, minding their own businesses but it was different with Eggsy. Harry thought Eggsy was too enthusiastic to be reserved yet the boy was full of surprise, and watching the change of his various facial expressions was truly a pleasure. The young blonde literally paid no attention to the surrounding, his eyebrows furrowed and lips slightly parted open. The look in his eyes altered constantly and when he reached up for the vacant place where the medal was used to be then abruptly stopped in his track, Harry had to remove his gaze.
However, Harry was not that unoccupied, he was waiting. Those who lack of imagination have no choice but to base their conclusions on the reality they see around them, yet the boy had both. And when Eggsy suddenly snapped his head up looking at him in realization, Harry well expectedly induced an airy smile. The older agent firmly nodded as his endorsement to the detection finally emerged in Eggsy’s head, left the boy widened his eyes in commixture of astonishment and rage, even though he has figured it out himself but it still struck him silent, his mouth dropping open slightly with disbelief. And Merlin though hasn’t changed his concentration on the tablet, still he caught up with every movement of the two gentlemen, let the boy be, Harry told him by the look they had exchanged earlier and now he quite got his friend’s idea.
Eggsy leaned back at his chair, a feeling of resentment suddenly flood over his mind. All of them chose to say no word, after all it was merely a deduction and they needed more than that to verbalize their conjecture. But at least Eggsy could see from where to possibly embark on.
The mutual silence fell between them stretched out but thankfully was timely broken before turning into awkwardness. Harry has thought about this for couple of days and he didn’t want it to sound imperative or rather peculiar, so the words had taken at least two tries to leave his mouth.
“Speaking of which, as I considered that it might be an issue in days to come,” Harry waited for the boy’s comprehension since there was no specific subject he attempt to imply, then continued. “I don’t think it’s a very sensible idea for you to keep staying at the infirmary.”
Eggsy almost held his breath at the idea emerged in his head. “Is that so,” Eggsy replied, with not really a question. The rational part of his brain told him he should feel alarm with Harry’s statement , that he could be kicked out and had no place to go, but well, the others didn’t.
The tech wizard finally tore his gaze from the tablet, looking up at the older man with his eyebrows rose but it seemed more for dramatic effect than genuine surprise. And Harry quickly decided to ignore him.
“Yes, considering the current situation, we cannot risk the chance of having your presence exposed,” He added plainly. “Others agents will be back in due time, along with the scrutiny from Arthur, ‘witness’ soon won’t be good enough for an explanation, I’m afraid.”
“So?” The boy asked cheekily and didn’t even bother to conceal expectation in his voice. Though Harry didn’t find it upset him at all.
“I suggest my place for your occupancy during this time,” He said neutrally. “Until we've finished having everything sorted out and a solution for your time travel incident, you are more than welcome.”
Merlin thought he had been betrayed, it took him more than four months and two deadly missions to have that welcome mat rolled out for him, and how did he actually believe Harry was a man with no favouritism. He now entirely clean forgot about whatever he was working with on the in hand tablet, and poured his attention to the scene in front with curious, if not criticism.
“Of course, the decision is all yours to make.” Harry added quickly. “We can arrange—”
“I’d love to!” The boy chimed in eagerly caught both of the man by surprise.
Eggsy knew he was kind of rude and very ungentleman to interrupt Harry like that, but he found it was of no use to let the man carry on with his suggestions since he has already made up his mind too obviously. How could he say no to this? Even if there was a list of ten answers to that question still Eggsy didn’t bring himself to care, especially when that whimsical smile flickered on Harry’s tempting lips.
The boy was completely distracted thinking about Harry and what may be going to happen with not a very decent imagination. He has never seen Harry in anything but his immaculate bespoke suit and it sure did make the young blonde’s curiosity perked up. The man has always been unintentionally radiating an air of quiet confidence and indisputable possession, but Eggsy not even once could detect any hint of either arrogance or disregard in his demeanour.
He could clearly evision Harry in his usual clothes, hair was ruffled out of place with such desirable enchantment, he would smell like forest – with the scent of sandalwood and warmth. And the boy wondered what Harry’s house would look like. Would it be opulent but just as affectionate like him? Or would it be as appealing and durable as the man constantly was. Suffice to say, everything about Harry drew him in, it’s utterly unexplainable though Eggsy didn’t try to fight it anyway.
“Very good, it's all settled then.” Harry slightly pressed his lips in approval, looking up at Eggsy with mild expression spread over his face.
“Thanks, Harry.” The boy said as he settled back against the chair, didn’t realize he had leaned toward that much.
“You’re welcome, Eggsy.”
And that was rightly Merlin’s limit, he has to hold his groan for, God knew how long, because of the unbelief with these two being lacking in subtlety. The man slid his eyes closed, hand lifted to caress his temple but he barely touched it when his glasses notified a sudden coming signal.
“Excuse me, gentlemen.” He gladly informed before answered the call. “Lancelot.”
They shifted their attention to Merlin when they heard the name. Harry gazed at his old friend attentively, noticing the lightest change on the man’s face in amusement. He had to admit, he did have the earlier conversation with Eggsy here partly to annoy Merlin, he has befriend the man long enough to obtain that privilege of reading his minds. Including some of the patency that he was too circumspect to perceive.
“Sir.” She greeted.
“The line is secured, Lancelot.” Merlin said, honestly didn’t know either was it because of the assurance for those information she may provide or the distant formality in her response.
The hesitation was swift then she unexpectedly asked. “Did I miss something?” Though the transferring was slightly glitched by cause of Roxy’s current location, the mischief in her voice was obvious.
“Nothing much. But seemly it’s not what you mean.” He casted a brief glance over the other two.
A chuckle on the other end of the line was quickly covered as the girl explained herself. “You sounded happy when received my call, and you hate when agents contact you during their mission, it means trouble.”
Merlin couldn’t help the enjoyment dawned when the girl swiftly got bolder in talking to him, and since when reading his mind was everyone’s sport. He cleared his throat then tried to avoid the judgment from the younger agent by echoed the question.
“So, are there any troubles at hand?”
Roxy was everything but unprofessional to her job, she knew where to stop with her faint jokes and focused on her prior duty. “My mission, not quite so, but there is something you need to see. I’m sending you a footage.”
Merlin quickly grabbed his laptop, placed it on Harry’s desk giving everyone a full view.
“We got it,” He confirmed when the transfer was completed and the video recorded by Roxy’s glasses was playing. “Thank you, Lancelot.”
There were many obstacles in the way, apparently because Roxy had to take her cover while filming this but the girl still managed to get them vision on the scene across the corridor of some fancy hotel.
“Is that—” Eggsy asked.
“Gazelle. Valentine’s right-hand woman.” Merlin finished. “Well that explains her absence this morning.”
“Can’t be missed with that razor-sharp legs she has there.” Eggsy said, looking at the vague moving figure on the screen.
His mission with Merlin earlier this morning was one of Valentine’s personal meeting with his investor. Since it was too risky to wiretap their session considering the enhancement with extra caution of Valentine’s custody, Merlin tried to bug the target on his way out. The man headed straight back to his place and there has been no of suspicious move was made by far, though no bad news meant no good news either. When they acknowledged Gazelle’s absence, it had caused them extra agitation in afraid that their covers might have been blown up because since her first appearance, the assistant barely left her boss’s side.
“He sent Gazelle.” Harry muttered warily.
Merlin faintly nodded as he added. “Valentine must have a reason to do so.”
“Well, the guy already had tons of things he needed to explain anyway.” The boy turned to look at the older agent.
“Either it was because the man being lacking of patience or whatever he planned had set in place, they both mean we has fallen so far behind.” Tension in Harry voice wittingly weighted down their feeling. “We need to step thing up.”
“Lancelot,” Merlin called out. “An update on your mission status?”
“So far so good, sir. All of the involved records have been retrieved. I’m going to be back in London in next seven hours, right on schedule.” Roxy informed firmly.
“Well done. However, I’m afraid that your mission is going to be extended.”
“As I am aware, sir.” She replied.
Merlin mentally made a note to remind the girl once she got back that he wasn’t her boss, and they now were literally of the same rank as he noticed the tone she had every single time they discussed about missions.
“You track down Gazelle, keep your distance and do not encounter the target.” He emphasized. “I repeat, try not to attempt an encounter with her under any circumstances, this might be our first step ahead them.”
“Roger that.”
“Keep your transmission online,” The tech wizard reminded her before added a genuine “And be careful.”
“Always.” Said Roxy, with her usual smile Merlin thought, and then she muted the audio.
A long moment had passed in which Merlin was being too focused on the resonance from a brief call he received from Roxy, before he looked up and caught his friend eyeing him with ridiculously uncanny expression. His dark brows rose upward slightly as he considered the meaning of that look Harry gave him but just a transient smile he had in return, still he seemingly got the idea. Merlin shifted his observation to Eggsy, who now nonetheless studying the video playing on his laptop. He admitted that he truly admired the boy’s determination, not only about this but with everything else as he had discerned. However, the boy was not as determined as his old friend was, because when he turned to face Harry again, that old chap still had that annoying look on his face.
Merlin released an irritated exhalation and rolled his eyes. "Shut up Harry.” He said eventually.
Eggsy tore his eyes from the screen, looking at Merlin in surprise, if not incomprehension when he heard the man’s sudden scolding. And immediately he switched to Harry as he mildly made his response.
“I believe I didn’t say anything.”
“I know what you’re thinking.” Merlin countered.
Harry gazed at his friend triumphantly, claiming his answer. “Oh, Merlin. I’m flattered.” And he smiled.
Eggsy fixed his eyes on Harry and didn’t know he has stared at the man for how long, but he surely felt a foreign tremor of affection fluttering through him in contentment.