Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

To the untrained eye, there’s nothing wrong.

Harry goes to work. He goes on missions. He leaves with a kiss goodbye and returns the same way. He is rarely injured, but occasionally there is a bruise, or a bandage, and Eggsy isn’t supposed to ask about it. But he always does, and he always makes a fuss. Harry looks pleased, Merlin looks irritated. Harry says little about his mission, of course, but Eggsy can tell by the slump of his shoulders if it’s been a rough trip.

To the untrained eye, it’s business as usual.

During Harry’s absences Merlin goes to work and comes home. He barks orders and complains that his favorite jumper is in the wash and moodily lurks around the house. He will never admit he misses his husband but it’s there around the edges. A firmer hand to Eggsy’s backside. An extra large kiss mark left on the inside of Eggsy’s thigh. But otherwise he does his job as the heart of Kingsman.

But Eggsy’s eye isn’t untrained. Not when it comes to his Master and his Sir. He can tell something’s brewing under the surface. Harry’s smile doesn’t always reach his eyes when he comes home. Merlin mumbles things to Harry when he thinks Eggsy can’t hear him, things that make Harry frown and gently circle Merlin’s wrist with his slender fingers just for a moment.

Something’s happening at Kingsman and Eggsy knows it.

 

“What do ye know about anthropogenic force?” Merlin asks Harry, leaning back in his chair a bit so Eggsy can slide a piece of chicken onto his plate.

“All about climate change and pollution and all that, innit?” Eggsy answers before Harry can even open his mouth. “Gravy, Merlin?”

Harry and Merlin gape at him for a moment. “Yes, lad, thank ye,” Merlin finally manages. “I was actually asking Harry, but…do continue.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Eggsy plates his own food before sitting down. “Been on some pages here and there, lots of people thinking that if humanity don’t get itself right, things are gonna come tumbling down. That people are gonna ruin, well, everything.”

“That sounds about right,” Harry says with a sigh. “Unfortunately, the past generations have not taken very good care of the planet.”

“We should start doing more around here,” Eggsy says, glancing about the kitchen.

“We do enough,” Merlin snaps. “I dinnae wish to find a closet full of jumpers made from recycled bottles.”

“I would never let that happen,” Harry says, horror written all over his face.

Eggsy snickers. “Anyway, sorry I interrupted.”

“I would have answered in a similar fashion,” Harry admits. “I’ve seen a few things online but have not paid too much attention. I did not know you had such a keen interest in environmentalism, husband.”

“I enjoy the environment.”

“As long as it don’t involve sand or actually BEING in the environment,” Eggsy says into his water glass. Merlin raises an eyebrow and taps a finger on the table impatiently, waiting for an apology that never comes.

“At any rate,” Merlin continues with his eyebrow raised. “I also have been monitoring the chats and such. It seems to be a topic that has moved to the forefront.”

“I see,” Harry says, although it’s obvious he really doesn’t. “You did not offer ME more gravy, Eggsy.”

“Oh, fuck, sorry.” Eggsy stands and quickly picks up the gravy boat.

Merlin sighs and turns to Eggsy. “There is a possibility Harry will nae be here for dinner on Tuesday, lad. He will be researching anthropogenic force and the environment, assisted by the current expert in the field, a Professor James Arnold.”

“On purpose?” Eggsy blinks.

“For work,” Merlin finally admits, and Eggsy blinks again. It is rare that Merlin mentions anything having to do with mission assignments. But at least it’s something safe. Downright boring, actually. Eggsy’s just glad HE doesn’t have to go. He supports the environment just as much as the next man, but it doesn’t mean he wants to sit and listen to some stuffed shirt drone on and on about it.

“Sounds lovely,” Harry says wryly. “I cannot wait.” Merlin makes a face at him. “Might I ask why I’m just now hearing about this instead of while I am actually AT work? I’d much rather spend our dinnertime discussing more pleasant subjects.” He smiles at Eggsy, who immediately smiles back.

“MUST ye constantly try to charm the lad, Harry?” Merlin gripes. “He is a sure thing, remember.”

Eggsy winces, surprised at how much the comment hurts. “Really, Hamish,” Harry snaps. He takes Eggsy’s hand and kisses it. “Pay no attention to him, my boy. He’s in a bit of a strop because Arthur refused to take his advice earlier today.”

“What I said wasn’t WRONG,” Merlin points out. He takes a bite of his dinner. Once he swallows, he adds, “But if it sounded harsh, lad, I do apologize.”

“It’s fine,” Eggsy says, Merlin’s apology healing the wound just a bit. “You do seem a bit grumpy…even for you.”

“I am never grumpy. I am…”

“Cantankerous?” Harry asks, smiling around his fork. Merlin glares at him and Eggsy cannot help but grin. He loves their banter.

“To answer your question, Harry, I just received information as to Arnold’s hours at Imperial College. Ye will go there to speak with him and get any information ye can.” Merlin cuts another bite of chicken. “I figured I would tell ye here, since Eggsy needs to know to plan dinner accordingly. It’s nothing that is confidential to Kingsman.”

“Aw, my Merlin-bot is looking out for me.” Eggsy bestows a fond glance in Merlin’s direction. Merlin scowls at his plate. “Appreciate you, Merlin.”

“As ye should,” Merlin snorts. Harry rolls his eyes.

“Need me and Harry to fuck the cantankerous out of you this evening?” Eggsy asks, wiggling his eyebrows a bit. He knows it’s poking the bear but sometimes needs must.

“If I’m as grumpy as ye think, are ye sure that is a wise suggestion?” Merlin holds up a hand. “I may take it out on your lovely arse.”

“You won’t hear me complaining,” Eggsy says, just the thought of it making him wiggle in his chair a bit.

“I will be the judge of your grumpiness level,” Harry chimes in. “If it seems like you are being too rough on our boy, I will step in.”

“For Christ’s sake, I am nae grumpy!” Merlin snaps. They stare at him. “I may have had a…stressful day. And if ye are wishing to fuck me out of my bad mood, I will nae refuse.”

“Excellent,” Eggsy says with a beaming grin. “More potatoes, Harry?”

 

“So, tell me, Merlin.” Eggsy leans against the closed bedroom door with a sly smile on his face. “What can me and Harry do to make it all better?”

“Harry and I,” Harry corrects automatically and Merlin rolls his eyes. Peacock. “But yes, Merlin, what can we do to improve your mood?”

“Leave me the hell alone.” Merlin yanks his jumper over his head and tosses it in the hamper along with his vest. “Your fussing is ridiculous.”

“C’mon, Merlin.” Strong arms encircle him from behind as soft lips trail up his spine. “You saying nothing we do can make it better?”

“I am saying nothing of the sort.” Merlin braces himself with one hand on the wall as Eggsy’s hands travel up and down his chest. “I just hope ye are ready to deliver on these offers ye keep making.”

“We will deliver, Hamish,” Harry pipes up from across the room. Merlin glances over to see his husband slowly unbuttoning his shirt. “I’m sure our boy is completely willing to make sure you are satisfied.”

“Damn right I am,” Eggsy says. He ducks around Merlin and leans back against the wall. He smiles impishly. “What can I do to start?”

“Assist your Sir in undressing,” Merlin orders. “I can take care of myself.”

“I can do that.” Eggsy plants a quick kiss above Merlin’s right nipple before heading to the bed. “Need help with all that, Harry?”

“I will gladly accept your help.” Harry remains still as Eggsy removes his shirt and then tugs the vest up over his head. Merlin hears Eggsy sigh as he briefly rests his cheek against Harry’s bare chest for just a moment. Harry tugs Eggsy’s vest up and over his head, his hands immediately roving over the muscles he finds underneath. “You are a work of art, my boy.”

Eggsy dips his head modestly. “Thought I was supposed to be undressing YOU.”

“This view is nae unenjoyable,” Merlin says. He undoes his belt and trousers, letting them fall to the floor and kicking them to the side. He approaches the bed as Eggsy works on Harry’s belt as well. He kisses Harry as Eggsy continues to undress him. “I love watching him wait on ye like this, Harry. Love watching him serve ye.”

“Love doing it,” he hears Eggsy murmur. Eggsy drops to his knees to help Harry step out of his trousers and then his socks. Eggsy turns around and palms the front of Merlin’s boxers. “Want me to get rid of these for you?” Merlin gives him a curt nod and suddenly he’s as naked as the day he was born. “This view never gets fucking old,” Eggsy whispers before moving forward to take Merlin into his mouth.

“Fucking hell, lad,” Merlin hisses, one hand fisting in Eggsy’s hair. The other hand fists in his husband’s as he pulls him in for a hard kiss.

“I know just the thing to improve your mood,” Harry pants when Merlin lets him up for breath. “Me on that chair over there, fisting my cock as you fuck our dear boy from behind.”

“I would have to agree with you,” Merlin groans against Harry’s shoulder as Eggsy takes him all the way in. “But you’ll get him ready for me.”

“Of course,” Harry says amiably. “Come, Eggsy, up on the bed so I can prep you for Merlin’s cock.” He goes to the nightstand to retrieve the lube.

“Yes,” Eggsy says almost blissfully, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand. He gives the head of Merlin’s cock one last swipe with his tongue before clambering up on the bed. He gets on his hands and knees and sways back and forth a bit.

“Such a tart,” Merlin says.

“Like you disapprove,” Eggsy says, moaning and letting his head fall onto the bed. Harry’s hands slide up the back of his thighs, spreading them a bit before his thumbs trail up the crease of Eggsy’s backside. “Your hands, Harry…”

“What about them?” Harry cups both sides and squeezes. “Now be still.”

“Yes, Sir,” Eggsy whispers.

Merlin can only stroke himself and stare at the beautiful picture before him. It isn’t long before two of Harry’s slender fingers are slowly pistoning in and out. He watches Harry’s own cock plump and frowns. “Remember, Harry, that’s mine.”

“I know, I know,” Harry says almost irritably. He takes his cock in his hands and runs it along the cleft of Eggsy’s arse. “I’m doing the work and you get the reward.”

“Harry,” Eggsy groans. “Please…”

“Absolutely not.” Harry gives him a firm spank before slowly moving away. “Behave yourself.”

Eggsy lets out a delicious gasp at the contact and then buries his face in the duvet once more. Merlin takes Harry’s place on the bed, waiting for Harry to make himself comfortable on the padded chair across the room. Harry does indeed fist his cock and the sight makes Eggsy and Merlin groan as one. “Eggsy is nae the only tart in this room.” Merlin takes himself in hand. “So ye think this will improve my grumpiness, do ye, lad?”

“Yes, Master,” Eggsy pants as Merlin slowly pushes inside.

Once he’s all the way in he stills his hips and bends forward. “I think ye like it when I am a mood.” Merlin bites Eggsy’s shoulder. “I think ye like when I take it out on ye.” He grabs Eggsy’s waist and pulls him back even more.

“Fuck, Master, so deep…” Eggsy grunts.

“Ye are so tight around me, lad…I think my mood might be improving already.” Merlin glances over at Harry, who has one hand around his cock and the other clenching the armrest of the chair. “All right, husband?”

“Almost perfect,” Harry hisses. “If you’d just get on with it. You’re not getting any younger.”

“Ye heard your Sir, Eggsy. I’m supposed to get on with it.”

And Merlin does. The only sounds in the room are Eggsy’s breathless pleas, the slip-slide of Harry’s hand across his own skin, and the smack of Merlin’s hips against Eggsy’s arse. “I’m getting close, husband,” Harry warns. He clenches his jaw and slows his hand.

“Then come,” Merlin commands. He reaches around Eggsy and begins to stroke his cock. “Ye had better come as well, lad…if Harry finishes before you do, ye will nae finish at all tonight.”

Eggsy turns his head to watch Harry. “Oh, fuck…Master…just…YES, right there,” he shouts as Merlin changes angle ever so slightly. Eggsy tightens around him as he comes and Harry is all but right behind him.

Merlin snarls, releases Eggsy’s cock, and clutches at his hips. He slams himself in a few more times before the orgasm smashes over him. He keeps himself from collapsing onto his boy, but his knees are weak when he finally pulls out. Eggsy drops onto his stomach, ignoring the fact that he’s lying in a small puddle of his own spend. Merlin leans back to sit on the edge of the bed. Harry is sprawled out on the chair, long legs stretched out, his eyes closed.

They all remain quiet for a moment, chests heaving as they try to catch their breath. Eggsy finally turns his head, opens one eye, and looks at Merlin. “Still grumpy?”

“Always,” Merlin reminds him, but he leans forward to place a gentle kiss on Eggsy’s lower back.

 

An hour later Merlin and Harry are preparing for bed in the en suite while Eggsy gets ready in his own bathroom. “Why Arnold?” Harry asks Merlin around his toothbrush. “And why now?”

Merlin wipes at his face with a flannel. “He’s a known associate of Richmond Valentine.”

“Valentine?” Harry blinks at him in the mirror. “I know Valentine has donated to many charitable causes, including those that support saving the planet, but I cannot see the man having any sort of intelligent conversation with an actual professor.”

“I agree,” Merlin says. “But he has met with Valentine himself twice, and was seen with a few of his associates on other occasions. We just need ye to try to find out what he and Valentine might possibly have to talk about.”

“I will do my level best,” Harry says. “I always do.”

“Aye.” Merlin cannot deny that Harry is excellent at his job. “If ye could do it without your usual pomp and ridiculousness, I would appreciate it.”

“I will do my level best,” Harry repeats. “Mission completed without a hair out of place.”

Merlin snorts and hangs up the flannel. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

 

Harry stands at the back of the empty lecture hall and looks down toward the small podium in front. He’d never enjoyed lectures…he’d rather just read the material and figure it out on his own. He smiles to himself. This is likely why he’s never enjoyed Arthur’s staff meetings. He starts walking down the aisle toward the front and is practically at the podium before he hears the door open. He turns to see a small man in his late 50s or early 60s enter the room carrying a messy pile of papers under his arm.

“Professor Arnold?”

“Y-yes,” the man stammers, looking a bit surprised. “May I help you?”

“I had a few questions about anthropogenic force,” Harry replies. He holds out a hand but does not give his name. Arnold shakes it. “I was directed to speak with you.”

“Ah,” the man says, obviously delighted that someone has taken an interest in his work. “It is actually quite fascinating. How well versed are…” Arnold gasps as Harry grabs him by the arm.

“While I am sure it is QUITE fascinating, there is actually something else I wish to speak with you about, Professor.” Harry drags him over to the closest chair and throws him into it, figuring fear is the best way to get the information he wants. “I understand you are extremely knowledgeable about the environment, about anthropology, about many things. I doubt, however, that the knowledge you possess lends itself well to things such as technology. Mobile phones. Computers.”

“N-no.” Arnold pulls his own mobile from his pocket and waves it about. “I can barely turn the thing on.”

“I’m not surprised,” Harry says with a tight smile. “Why, then, have you been seen in the company of Richmond Valentine and his associates?”

“Who?” Arnold asks with a weak smile. “I’m sorry, sir, but I have no clue who that is. And who did you say YOU were?”

“I didn’t,” Harry snaps. “And there is NO way you do not recognize the name of Richmond Valentine, unless you do actually live under a rock. And by the state of your clothes…I would not be surprised.”

“I do beg your pardon!”

“Richmond Valentine.” Harry leans back against the large desk, crossing his arms over his chest. “I have all day, Professor Arnold, although I have better things to do with my time.”

“R-Richmond Valentine, you say? Valentine. Ah, yes, the entrepreneur. I do remember the name!” Arnold says almost triumphantly. Harry stands up and glares at him. “All right, all right…” Arnold says, his teeth almost chattering. “I met with him. He wished to speak with me about…about…”

“Spit it out, man!” Harry barks.

“About…I’m not supposed to…” Arnold drops his papers and clutches at both sides of his head.

“There’s no need to be dramatic,” Harry begins, taking a step forward before the world explodes into a screaming cloud of grey.