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.

Chapter Text

TAKEN BY THE TIDE - 2

“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.”

“REALLY, Galahad,” Merlin snorts into his tea. “Ye just could nae resist, could ye? Peacock.” He relishes the thought that Harry can hear him but is unable to respond.

He smiles as he watches the expression on Professor Arnold’s face morph from fear to indignation and back to fear again as Harry continues, “Richmond Valentine.” The view tilts slightly as Harry changes position. “I have all day, Professor Arnold, although I have better things to do with my time.”

“Although I would nae mind if ye wiped the floor with this mouse a bit, it has been far too long since I’ve watched ye in action,” Merlin murmurs in Harry’s ear.

“R-Richmond Valentine, you say? Valentine. Ah, yes, the entrepreneur. I do remember the name!” Harry’s feed moves again. Arnold stares up at him fearfully. “All right, all right…I met with him. He wished to speak to me about…about…”

“Spit it out, man!” Harry and Merlin say at the same time.

“About…I’m not supposed to…” Papers whisper to the floor as Arnold clutches both side of his head. His face turns red as he shakes from side to side.

“There’s no need to be dramatic,” Harry begins, and Merlin cannot help but snort again. Pot calling the kettle black.

The loud explosion and flash of light cause Merlin to drop his tea and jump to his feet simultaneously. His speakers go silent except for an underlying hiss, his monitor lines of grey and black. “Galahad,” Merlin says. He clears his throat and tries again. “Galahad, report,” he orders. “Galahad, if ye dinnae report…REPORT, agent.” Silence.

Merlin grips the side of his desk for a moment before he slaps the side of his glasses and begins to bark orders.

It seems like days instead of hours before Merlin is standing alone in a room with a white-jacketed doctor. A new doctor, one Merlin hasn’t seen before. “Dr. Barnett,” she says, thrusting a hand out at him. “I understand you are Agent Galahad’s husband?”

“Aye,” Merlin says, shaking the outstretched hand. “I am the Merlin.”

“I am aware,” she says loftily, and Merlin likes her already. “Tell me, Merlin, would you like the sugar-coated version, where I tell you everything’s going to be just fine and I insult your intelligence along the way, or would you like the truth.”

“I dinnae have time for sugar, except occasionally in my coffee,” Merlin informs her, earning a small smile.

“Your husband will survive this, that is the truth,” she says. “As we do not know much about the blast itself, I cannot say more. Physically he seems well enough; from what we saw he caught most of the…residuals…on his face.” She clears her throat. “The…the other person’s brains.” Merlin nods curtly. “There is always a chance of cognitive damage, but we will have to wait and see. Right now he’s resting, and stable. Vitals are good.”

“Ye will learn, Dr. Barnett, that my husband has a flare for the dramatic,” Merlin informs her. “But I appreciate your concern and your honesty.” He takes a deep breath. “We have a young man boarding with us, Eggsy Unwin. He works in the kennels. He and Harry have become quite close over the years…he will wish to know what’s going on, and to visit when it is permitted. Will this be a problem?” He poses it as a question, but the tone of his voice says otherwise.

“Of course not. Once Galahad is out of the woods a bit, he may have any visitor you deem appropriate.” She gives him a nod. “I will make sure you are informed of any change…unless you wish to come in and sit with him for a moment.”

“Christ, no thank ye. I will likely only injure him more telling him what I think of his theatrics.”

“To be honest, that’s what I figured you might say. I will keep you informed.”

“I will look in on him, however,” Merlin says. There is no way he’s leaving Medical without putting eyes on his ridiculous husband.

“Very well.” She leads the way down the corridor.

Merlin opens the door and steps inside. Harry lies still and quiet on the bed, hooked up to the usual beeping machines that keep Medical from complete silence. “Harry…ye idiot,” Merlin whispers. He enjoys leaving his husband battered and bruised but seeing him like this at the hands of someone else causes Merlin’s blood to boil. “Your boy will not take this well.” Merlin stares at the face he loves and sighs.

“Mate, I saw this coming before YOU did,” Eggsy says earnestly. “Oi, Geneva, eat your dinner and leave his alone.” He gives a greyhound a brief tap on the backside.

“YOU saw it coming?” Richard asks, leaning against the door with the hose in his hand.

“I did. She didn’t want nothing from you but your wallet. How many fancy dinners did you take her to?”

“Ye do that sort of thing early in a relationship,” Richard argues.

“Every bloody time? You went out, what, six dates, and how much did she get you for?”

“She liked gourmet food.”

“She LIKED you spending your paychecks on her.”

“I’m sure your blokes spent a decent amount on ye to show their affection,” Richard retorts.

Eggsy blushes a bit. “Not at the beginning.”

“How’d they show it, then?”

“They…they saved me from a beating,” Eggsy murmurs. “My step-da came after me, they took care of him and his mates right quick. Sent them…away.” Eggsy still isn’t quite sure what happened to Dean and his goons, and he’s not sure he WANTS to know. “Anyway, I ain’t never asked them to spend money on me, they just DO it. Well, Harry does it. Merlin just grumbles about it.”

“Isn’t that sweet?” Richard says with a grin.

“Oh, fuck off. This ain’t about me. This is about that Melissa…”

“…Michelle.”

“Whatever the fuck her name is, it’s about her giving you the boot. You was too nice to her.”

“When I want relationship advice from ye I’ll ask for it.”

“You should, because obviously I know what I’m talking about. Got two fit as fuck gents, haven’t I? TWO. And I’ve managed to keep them around for years now, so…” Eggsy gives Richard the two-finger salute as his mobile rings in his pocket.

“Ye still toting that antiquated piece of garbage around?” Richard scoffs as Eggsy pulls out his phone.

“Merlin gave me this…and he keeps it updated. Trust me, the man’s a genius with his hands.” He winks at Richard as he says, “Hey, Merlin.”

“Lad, when ye are done with work for the day, I need ye to meet me in my office instead of going home.”

“Was gonna stop at the shop, pick up some veg for a good salad,” Eggsy informs him. “Know Harry might be late and…”

“I said meet me in my office, Eggsy. No questions, just do it.”

Eggsy blinks. Merlin’s voice is harsh and almost…dominant. “Yes, Mas…” Eggsy catches himself at the last minute. “Yes, Merlin, I can do that.” Merlin terminates the call without another word and Eggsy slowly slides his phone back into his pocket.

“Everything all right?” Richard asks. “Trouble in paradise?”

“Never,” Eggsy says, although right now he’s questioning that.

Eggsy runs a hand through his hair as he knocks on Merlin’s office door. “Enter,” the familiar voice says. He takes a deep breath and pokes his head around the door.

“It’s me, Merlin, as requested.”

“Come in, Eggsy,” Merlin says almost formally. Eggsy’s insides begin to quiver a bit, but he does as he’s told. Merlin’s expression is totally unreadable. He is stone-faced, as he usually is at HQ, but there’s something different…a tightness at the corner of his eyes. “Please sit down.”

A thought occurs to Eggsy and he remains where he stands. “Christ…you…you didn’t lose another agent, did you?”

Merlin just barely winces. “Did I stutter? I said sit DOWN.”

Eggsy mutely drops into a chair, his fingers twisting into knots that match the knots in his stomach. He runs the past day or two through his brain to figure out what he’s done wrong. Merlin NEVER brings their home life into the office, so it can’t be something like that. He and Richard get along famously; if Richard had a complaint about his work, he’d tell him. Eggsy is always respectful to the knights he encounters – he’s respectful to everyone, quite honestly – and he helps Andrew whenever he asks.

“Sorry,” he finally manages, glancing up at Merlin.

Merlin slowly stands and comes around to sit at the corner of his desk. “Now, I know my husband has been a horrible influence on ye…ye tend to have dramatic outbursts when they are nae required.”

Eggsy blinks up at him. There’s something that doesn’t require a dramatic outburst but might CAUSE a dramatic outburst? “Okay…”

“I am asking ye kindly not to have one of those outbursts when ye hear what I have to say.”

“Just fucking say it, bruv,” Eggsy can’t help but blurt out. “If you’re gonna rip off the plaster, just fucking tear it off.”

“Just as I expected,” Merlin says under his breath. “Harry is currently in Medical with an injury.”

“Whatever it is I’m sorry and…an injury?” Eggsy interrupts himself. “Harry? In Medical? With an injury?”

“That is exactly what I said, lad. There was an…event earlier today when he met with Professor Arnold.”

“What KIND of event?” Eggsy manages.

“An explosive sort of event.” A strangled sound escapes from Eggsy’s mouth. “He is fine, Eggsy,” Merlin says sternly. “I have spoken to the doctor…a very capable young woman who will be quite the asset to Kingsman…and she feels very optimistic about his recovery.”

“Quite optimistic? After an ‘explosive sort of event’?” Eggsy makes finger quotes around the words.

“This is nae the first time he has ended up in Medical after an explosion, ye know that,” Merlin reminds him. “And he recovered quite nicely. As annoying as ever.”

“Yeah, but you wasn’t this…evasive, talking about explosive kind of events. He was at a fucking UNIVERSITY, Merlin. Why the fuck was there any sort of explosive event to begin with?”

“That’s what we are trying to figure out, and it is information you are not privy to,” Merlin reminds him.

“I SHOULD fucking be privy to it…he’s mine, too, in case you forgot!” Eggsy snaps. Merlin glares at him and he shrinks back into his chair. “Fuck.” Eggsy rubs a hand over his face. “Christ, Merlin, I’m sorry. That was out of line. He AIN’T mine. I know that.”

“He most certainly IS yours, Eggsy, and when he’s up and about he will wallow in this concern for ages,” Merlin says, making a face. “Ye have every right to be worried…it is most definitely your place. Ye will refrain from screaming at me in the future, however.”

“Yes, Merlin,” Eggsy whispers. He slowly stands so they’re eye to eye. “You all right, Merlin-bot?”

“There is always a chance, when an agent goes into the field, that they will return injured, or not at all,” Merlin says quietly.

“Don’t go quoting the Kingsman By-Laws or whatever, Merlin. Ain’t what I asked.” Eggsy pauses briefly before putting his arms around Merlin. He feels a sigh, and then Merlin’s long arms go around him as well. “Have you seen him?”

“Aye. The usual, hooked up to machines and the like. But he’s breathing on his own…just taking a bit of an unexpected nap.” Merlin briefly squeezes him tight before gently pushing him away so he can stand.

“Unexpected nap…a coma?” Eggsy whispers.

“This just happened today, boy. I wouldn’t say coma just yet.”

“Can…would…”

“I mentioned ye to Dr. Barnett and she said that when I feel visitors are welcome, ye may come in. We will go back down to Medical and ye may look in on him. But that is it. He needs his rest.”

“Yes, Merlin,” Eggsy says, already halfway out the door.

His feet barely touch the floor as they make their way down to Medical. Merlin stops by the nursing station to speak with someone, and it takes everything Eggsy has in him not to demand to be taken to Harry immediately. They’re finally allowed to make their way down the hall to a doorway. “Remain quiet,” Merlin warns.

“I ain’t six, Merlin,” Eggsy says with annoyance. Merlin opens the door and Eggsy steps inside. “Fuck me,” he whispers, knees going weak. Harry’s face is red and covered in bruises. His eyes are covered with some sort of gauze and, as Merlin said, he’s hooked up to all types of machines and monitors. “His eyes,” Eggsy manages. “He…they…”

“Medicinal,” Merlin promises. “A foreign substance…they had to clean and rinse his eyes, and now they’re healing.”

“Healing,” Eggsy repeats. Before Merlin can tell him no he slides around the machines to Harry’s bedside. “I’m here, Harry. Merlin, too,” he whispers. “We got you. You’re here at Kingsman, gonna get well real fast, right? Know you hate Medical, so get a move on so we can take you home. Me and JB, we’ll get you to rights.” He sniffles and wipes at his nose with his knuckle, something he knows Harry would hate. “Love you. Love you SO much, Harry.” He brings Harry’s hand up and kisses the palm before stepping away from the bed. It takes everything he can not to climb on the bed and wrap himself around Harry’s legs but that won’t help him heal.

Merlin leads the way back to his office. “I will nae need my dinner,” he tells Eggsy as soon as the door closes behind them. “I have a few things to investigate here, obviously.”

“If you’re staying, I’m staying,” Eggsy informs him.

“Ye cannot stay here, lad. I will be working and ye will only be in the way. Plus JB is at home waiting for ye.”

“I’ll get him and come back.”

“I dinnae WANT ye here, Eggsy,” Merlin snaps. Eggsy reels back. “Jesus.” Merlin closes his eyes for a moment and draws a ragged breath. “Lad, if ye are here, ye will be a distraction. Not intentionally. My mind should be on my work, on finding out how and why this happened. But if ye are here, I…”

“You’ll be worrying about me,” Eggsy realizes. “About how I’m feeling.”

“That is not what I said.”

“You don’t have to say it.” Eggsy throws himself at Merlin, who catches him with a bit of a stumble. “I don’t want to be in the way of you finding out how the fuck this happened. I just…I just don’t want to leave you. Or leave Harry.”

“Harry is well taken care of.”

“So?” Eggsy mumbles into Merlin’s jumper. He feels Merlin’s large hand stroke through his hair. “And if he’s well taken care of, fine, but who’s taking care of you?”

“I can take care of myself,” Merlin says. This time Eggsy SNORTS into Merlin’s jumper. “I do beg your pardon, boy.”

Eggsy pulls back to look at him. “I’m gonna stop by the dining hall on my way out, and they’re gonna send food up for you in a few hours. And if you don’t eat…it won’t end well for you.”

“If ye dinnae get your arse out of my office, it will nae end well for YOU.” But Merlin gives Eggsy a long kiss.

“Love you, Merlin.”

“And I you…ye ridiculous boy.”

Chapter Text

Eggsy does as he’s told. He heads home. Before that, however, he stops at the dining hall. “Oi, Mike…Merlin’s planning on burning the midnight oil,” he says almost cheerfully. He cannot let anyone know that his heart is split in two. Part of it is in its office, nose to the grindstone, and the other part is lying immobile in the Medical unit. “Can you make sure some food gets up to him in a bit?”

“Sure thing, Eggsy,” the dining hall manager says. “Anything in particular he’s looking for?”

“He didn’t say, but since he’s working…maybe something easy to eat with one hand?” Eggsy suggests.

“Sounds good. Nice of you to look out for him.”

“He’s my landlord, ain’t he?” Eggsy says with a shrug. “Someone needs to look after the old bloke.”

“Watch your tongue, young man, he’s not that much older than I am,” Mike warns. Eggsy snickers and gives a bit of a farewell salute.

As soon as the train pulls out of the station he curls up into a ball on his seat. Walking out of Merlin’s office was one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. Yes, Harry’s been laid up in Medical countless times in the years they’ve been together, but this time something’s different. Eggsy doesn’t like the look on Merlin’s face, the bit of a haunted pinch around his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to kneel by Merlin’s side, place his cheek against the bony knee. He wanted to shower Merlin with love, let him know he’s not alone in this.

But he also knows that is the LAST thing his Merlin-bot wants, even if it’s what he needs.

Merlin finally gets the footage downloaded from Harry’s glasses and begins to clean it up. It’s a difficult task; he’s not sure what exactly caused the explosion and if it could have possibly affected the tech in the glasses. After about three hours, however, it becomes quite clear: what caused the explosion was Arnold’s…head. It actually exploded.

“Christ,” Merlin mumbles to himself. He removes his glasses and runs a hand over his face. He then stands and does a few stretches. He’s touching his toes when someone knocks at the door. The sound startles him enough to make him almost lose his balance. “Fucking hell,” he growls at the floor as he catches himself just in time. He’d informed his staff that he didn’t want to be disturbed. He stands, straightens his jumper, and barks, “Enter.”

The door opens and a cart comes through. “It’s Mike from the dining hall.”

“Good evening, Mike,” Merlin says. A delicious aroma wafts into the room with the cart and his stomach suddenly rumbles.

“Young Eggsy stopped by and said you’d be working hard this evening, asked me to bring you up a thing or two,” Mike informs him. He starts unpacking a few containers. “Got some sandwiches, some soup…fruit, biscuits. Crisps.”

“That was very thoughtful of him,” Merlin replies, his heart warming ever-so-slightly at the mention of his lad.

“Said he needed to ‘look after the old bloke,’” Mike says with a chuckle. “Put him in his place for that remark.”

Merlin’s heart chills down quickly. “Quite.” He will be putting his pet in his place as well. “I do appreciate ye bringing this all the way up here.”

“Absolutely not a problem,” Mike promises. “When you’re ready, call down and someone will get the cart. Have a good evening.”

“You as well, Mike.” Merlin walks him to the door and shakes his hand.

He frowns as he returns to his desk and unwraps a sandwich. Old bloke, indeed.

“Hey, JB,” Eggsy calls out tiredly as soon as he enters the house. JB, who knows nothing other than his beloved daddy is home, jumps around Eggsy’s feet and barks happily. “Yeah, yeah, hold on.” He leads the way to the back door and lets JB out into the garden. He wearily leans in the doorway and waits for his dog to do his business. JB does his thing and happily trots back. He eagerly heads in the direction of his food bowl but Eggsy intercepts him. “Your dad needs some loving, JB. Just for a mo.” He scoops JB up and hugs him. “Uncle Harry…” Eggsy buries his face in JB’s fur as he cries.

Merlin loses track of time as he buries himself in his computers. He’s interrupted only once: Eggsy texts him at midnight and orders him to stretch. The text is accompanied by a picture of Eggsy blowing him a kiss while holding JB, so Merlin cannot be too angry at the fact that his boy is attempting to give orders. Merlin responds with his own order, “I dinnae need ye to tell me what to do when, lad,” but he does find the emoji with hearts for eyes and adds that almost as an afterthought. Eggsy responds with seven red hearts, so he supposes the afterthought was appropriate.

Merlin does as he’s told (although he’ll never admit to anyone) and stands up and stretches. He makes himself what seems like his sixtieth cup of tea and gets back to work. He reviews Harry’s footage time and time again. He views camera footage from outside the building. He views camera footage from INSIDE the building. He does a deep dive on Professor Arnold, on Richmond Valentine, on anything he can think of. More than one member of his staff offered to stay late to help, but he sends most of them home around 11:30. He cannot let his husband down.

It's only when the images on the laptop start to blur around 3:40 am that he finally makes himself get up and leave his office. The corridors of Kingsman are completely silent, and Merlin likes it that way. No one needs to see him sitting by his husband’s bed like some lovesick fool.

“If anyone is a fool here, Harry, it is YOU.” Merlin slides onto the chair by the bed and takes Harry’s hand in his. “Ye are a veteran agent, for Christ’s sake. Ye are telling me ye heard NOTHING that might have warned ye that an explosion was imminent?” Harry does not respond. “Fucking hell, Galahad.” Merlin rubs at his eyes a bit. “I’m too old to be staring at a computer for hours simply because ye needed some new drama in your life.” He releases Harry’s hand long enough to get out his mobile and open to the picture of Eggsy and JB. “Ye have this waiting at home for ye, Harry. Dinnae worry, he took it well…as well as could be expected. He fussed, of course, wanted to stay here and wait for ye to wake up. I sent him on his way.” Merlin absolutely does not allow himself to think about how nice it might have been to have someone there with him, to feel their boy’s head resting against his leg as he worked. “And then he fussed over me. As if I require such things.”

He sits silently for a long moment, just holding Harry’s hand in his and thinking. “I cannot figure it out, husband. WHO would have it out for Professor Arnold? Who would want him dead, and who would want it bad enough to do it in such a disgusting manner?” He shakes his head. “The man’s brains…they were on your face, Harry.” If Merlin was a lesser man, he would shudder at the thought. “I’ll figure this out, Harry, I promise ye.” He kisses Harry’s palm.

“Did you sleep at all last night?” Eggsy demands as soon as Merlin answers his knock.

“What are you doing here?” Merlin glares at him from behind his monitors. “Ye are not to come through…”

“I don’t care what I’m not supposed to do. Let Arthur drag me out by my ears if he don’t want someone from the kennels walking around his precious agents,” Eggsy snaps. Merlin is actually shocked into silence. “I will repeat, did you sleep?”

“I did.”

“For how long?”

“Ye are treading dangerous waters, lad,” Merlin warns. If he wasn’t so irritated by the boy’s behavior he’d allow himself to be turned on. Eggsy is fierce and unyielding, looking handsome as ever in the long-sleeved vest and jeans he wears to work every day.

“Fine.” Eggsy seems to change tactics. He slides the knapsack from his back. “You gonna be here all day again?”

“I have a job to do, Eggsy, and it doesn’t…”

“Figured as much,” Eggsy interrupts and Merlin is once again speechless. “Right. Gonna get you all settled for…well…you’ll forget to eat so at least two days, I think.” He starts removing containers and things from the knapsack. “Can’t expect Mike to keep running stuff up here special.”

“I believe that’s his job,” Merlin murmurs, staring in disbelief at the knapsack that has somehow morphed into Mary Poppins’ carpetbag.

“Got some chicken, here are potatoes…did up some pork real quick…oh. Veg. You need the veg,” Eggsy says sternly. He goes over to the tiny fridge in the corner of Merlin’s office. “There’s fruit here, some yogurt. Know you don’t like that much but still, probiotics. “Cheese…that leftover soup.” He shoves things into the fridge and shuts the door. “Don’t make me come back here and check to make sure you ate, hear me?”

“Mr. Unwin, you have crossed a line.” Merlin stands. Eggsy is immediately in his personal space.

“Look…whenever Harry…” Eggsy swallows hard. “Whenever Harry goes on a mission he entrusts you to my care. Doubt you know that, but he does.” Merlin did NOT know that. “He tells me that it’s my job to keep you from missing him, even though you’ll never ADMIT you miss him. So I do my job. Every time. And this…this is just like a mission, yeah? Something undercover where he can’t check in, and he can’t tell us he’s okay. But he’s still trusting ME to do MY job. And I will do it until my last fucking breath, you get me? So eat the food, and respond when I text you, and I’ll leave you to it in here, okay? Because I love the two of you so fucking much…and I’m not gonna let you waste away behind a keyboard while Harry’s gone.” Eggsy sniffles a bit and rubs at his nose.

“I should put you over my knee for this little performance, lad,” Merlin snaps.

“Do it, don’t care.” Eggsy crosses his arms over his chest.

Merlin stares down at him for a moment. The green eyes are defiant…and exhausted. “Eggsy, did YOU sleep last night?”

“Caught a few winks here and there,” Eggsy says with a shrug. “When things was cooking.”

Merlin grabs Eggsy by the biceps, earning a sharp gasp. Instead of shaking him or shoving him away – which is what he should do – Merlin instead pulls him close. He wraps Eggsy in his embrace and allows himself to cuddle him close. Eggsy sighs and all but melts against him. “I do appreciate your concern, misguided as it may be,” Merlin murmurs into his hair. “And ye WILL be punished…eventually.”

“Got it,” Eggsy says into Merlin’s chest. Merlin feels hands fists into the back of his jumper. “Miss him, Merlin. Fucking terrified, ain’t gonna lie.”

“Aye, lad, I miss him as well.” Merlin allows himself exactly thirty more seconds before pushing the boy away. “But there is work to be done. Harry understands this…Kingsman doesn’t quit, the world doesn’t stop turning, just because an agent is injured.”

“Right.”

Merlin presses his lips to Eggsy’s forehead. “Get to work before I deliver that punishment now.” Eggsy smiles up at him with a wink and now Merlin DOES push him away.

Chapter Text

Eggsy continues to bring Merlin dinner. He’d originally tried to throw breakfast and lunch in there as well but earned an ear-burning lecture from Merlin.

“Ye have a job to do, lad,” Merlin roared. “That job is at the kennel, not in the kitchen cooking until all hours of the night, do ye hear me?”

“Everyone in the UK hears you,” Eggsy muttered. Merlin leaned over to a pad on his desk and made a mark. Eggsy tilted his head in confusion, trying to read upside down.

“Aye, lad, I’m keeping track. I will nae punish ye here, but that does nae mean I will nae be punishing ye at all,” Merlin snapped. “This is nae the first time Harry’s been injured. I got along just fine before ye came along. He’s been injured SINCE ye came along. I dinnae need ye continuing to fuss over me!”

“I know that, but I find it hard to believe you ‘got along just fine.’ I don’t mind making…”

“Richard…and the dogs in his care…deserve one hundred percent of your attention, Eggsy. If ye are sleep deprived, do ye REALLY believe they’re getting that one hundred percent?”

Eggsy opened his mouth and closed it. “No,” he admitted finally. “That’s true. I didn’t think about it that way.”

“And that is why I am the Merlin and ye are not,” Merlin said sternly. “I think about everything.”

“Well, I gotta make myself something to eat…can’t I do that ahead of time and bring you some of it?” Eggsy asked. “What I make usually can be heated up.”

“Aye, I will allow it.”

“It’s not just because I want you fed, you know,” Eggsy finally offered. “Gives me a chance to see you.”

“I…” Eggsy prepared himself for another smart remark. He was a bit shocked when Merlin stopped for a moment to take a deep breath. “I enjoy the sight of ye as well, lad.”

“Okay, then.” Eggsy held up an insulated bag. “This has sandwiches and soup in it. Eat it for whatever meal you want.”

“I will.”

Eggsy placed the bag on Merlin’s desk and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. “Love you.”

“I love ye as well,” Merlin said. “But no more stopping at Medical on your way in. I’ve seen the footage…ye get in the way when they’re trying to work.”

“I ain’t in anyone’s way,” Eggsy said. “I…” he stopped talking as Merlin made another mark on his pad. “Fuck me.”

“Eventually,” Merlin said with a shark’s grin.

Eggsy obeys…for the most part. He doesn’t return to Harry’s bedside in the morning. Instead, he stops by Medical on his way home. This way he can report to Harry about his day. Not that Harry cares, but it gives Eggsy something to talk about as he sits by Harry’s side, Harry’s limp hand in his.

“And then the fucking dog just ROLLED in it, Harry. Was fucking RANK. And of course, Richard made ME give her a bath, because he’s the boss and I’m just the lowly employee.” He strokes Harry’s long fingers. “Don’t worry, though, washed my hands like three times before I left.” Eggsy stares at Harry’s handsome face for a moment. “You’re growing a beard,” he realizes out loud. “Know it’s only been a few days, but…” He briefly hesitates before reaching out to gently stroke the stubble on Harry’s cheek. “Ain’t never seen you like this,” he whispers. “God knows I could never grow one fucking hair in four days, not like this.” He tilts his head. “Not a bad look for you, really…but I bet you hate it.” He kisses Harry’s knuckles. “So maybe you should wake up so we can shave it off, yeah?”

“I remember the first time ye had to grow a beard for a mission,” Merlin murmurs to Harry. It’s two in the morning on the third day and Merlin has taken a break to speak with his husband. “Ye didn’t look like yourself…but ye still were more handsome than any man has a right to be.” Merlin smiles at the memory. “Your hair always did grow in rather quickly, all over…remember the time we decided it would be sexy to shave our privates? Christ, the itching.” Merlin idly scratches himself a bit at the memory. “Yours grew back quite a bit faster than mine. Never again…although our boy did look quite gorgeous when ye had him waxed.” He sighs. “Speaking of our boy,” he says almost sternly. “From what I hear ye have given him orders to…how did he say it…keep me from missing ye? As if I miss ye when ye are gone,” Merlin scoffs. “I knew ye asked him to look after things in your absence, but I dinnae need a caretaker. Although he is a good one,” he adds quietly. “Such a large heart…even after all this time I cannae understand it. What does he see in us…in me?” Merlin sits in silence for a long moment. “I do mildly appreciate him checking in on me. It is charming the way he thinks I need looking after, I suppose. However, I am still quite irritated that ye feel the need to speak of it with him.” Merlin glares at his comatose husband. “And when ye finally awaken, Harry, we will be having a talk. About many things.”

Not if. When.

On the afternoon of the sixth day Merlin glances up at the walls of his office and swears they’re closing in. He’s made all the calls he can, reviewed every millimeter of footage, reached out to anyone he can think of. He’s running on autopilot and he doesn’t remember the last time he slept. It’s up to his staff now.

Time to go home.

Eggsy reaches away from the stove to turn up the volume on his phone. “That’s right, Rihanna, sing it,” he nods as he deftly flips eggs. He knows he should make something better for dinner but he’s tired and doesn’t really have much of an appetite. He’d given Merlin more than enough food that morning to last him through the night, so eggs for dinner it is. “’Cause I maybe be bad but I’m perfectly good at it…sex in the air I don’t care I love the smell of it…sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me…” Eggsy snickers as he glances over at JB. “Not really, JB. Chains and whips ain’t really my thing. Well, maybe chains…Merlin would probably know exactly how to do it.”

“Aye, lad, I would.”

Eggsy screams and flips an egg onto the floor. “Jesus FUCKING Christ, bruv!” He whirls around to glare at the figure in the doorway. “What the fucking hell are YOU doing here?”

“I live here, last time I checked.” Merlin leans in the doorframe, red-rimmed eyes glancing about the room. “Yes, this is my kitchen.”

“Yeah, you live here, but why are you here NOW?”

“I haven’t been here in almost a week, lad, I thought it was about time I stop by.”

Eggsy marches over to stand in front of him. “Yeah, but you shoulda TOLD me. Coulda made you a nice dinner. Coulda had things all nice for you. Been missing you something fierce, haven’t I.” The thought of kneeling at Merlin’s feet as a puppy flashes through his mind. “Woulda liked to greet you at the door.” Eggsy pokes Merlin in the chest and is startled when he actually sways where he stands. The wind immediately burst from Eggsy’s sails.

“I dinnae feel I am required to report to you, pet.”

“No, Merlin, you’re not.” Eggsy slowly wraps his arms around the slender waist. He wiggles a bit until Merlin gets the picture and puts his arms around Eggsy in return. “Sorry I jumped down your throat like that. Just surprised me is all. So happy to see you.” He closes his eyes and presses his face to Merlin’s jumper.

“I am happy to be seen.” The words are almost a whisper.

“JB’s happy to see you, too. Ain’t you, JB?” Eggsy asks. JB yips and wags his tail. Eggsy sniffs and frowns. “Aw, fuck.” He leaps toward the stove and turns off the burner before sliding the pan onto a cooler part of the stove. “So much for my dinner.” He looks down at the floor and can’t help but grin; JB has made quick work of the first egg. He pulls out Merlin’s chair. “Sit down and stay a while. What would you like for dinner?”

Merlin all but flops into the chair. “There’s no need…

“How about a cheese toastie?” Eggsy suggests, getting the cheese from the fridge without waiting for an answer. “Quick, no trouble, then we can get you into a shower and then to bed.”

“It is rude to interrupt,” Merlin points out. Eggsy rolls his eyes. “That will be going on the list.”

“Fine.”

“A cheese toastie is acceptable, although I dinnae need ye to bathe me and tuck me into bed. I’m not a child.”

“Course not.” Eggsy turns to look at him. “You’re just a bloke who is tired as fuck. You were barely vertical when you was standing over there. So I’m gonna get this food down your gob, chaperone your shower, and then, yeah, I’m tucking you in.”

“We shall see,” Merlin says. Eggsy snorts and goes back to the cheese toastie.

Merlin eats the toastie and drinks a glass of milk, still grumbling about being treated like a child. Eggsy ignores him and cleans the kitchen, and it’s only when Merlin stands to bring his empty glass and plate to the sink that Eggsy acknowledges him. “Okay, gimme a mo to let JB out.”

“All right,” Merlin says, shocking the hell out of him.

Eggsy urges JB to do his business quickly and for once the little pug obeys. He gets JB settled into his crate with a special treat and a favorite toy before leading Merlin to the stairs. “I’d run you a nice bath but I’m thinking a quick shower is best.”

“Aren’t ye going to eat your dinner?”

“Not hungry,” Eggsy says honestly. “I’ll grab something later if I’m feeling peckish.”

“Ye will nae starve yourself simply because…”

“Not hungry, Merlin, swear down.”

“Again with the interrupting,” Merlin says with a sigh.

They go into Harry and Merlin’s bedroom and Eggsy gently shoves Merlin toward the en suite. “Get undressed, just drop your things out here. I’ll put them where they need to go.”

“Bossy.”

“Learned from the best, didn’t I?” Eggsy asks with a wink. He busies himself with the shower while Merlin slowly strips down. “Call if you need anything.”

“Christ, Eggsy,” Merlin snaps, but Eggsy hears the hum of contentment as Merlin steps under the water.

Eggsy quickly changes into his own sleep pants and vest even though it’s barely 7:30. There’s no way he’s letting Merlin crawl into that bed alone. He hasn’t had the chance to cuddle with either of his men for days now and Eggsy’s practically going through withdrawal. He tidies up the bedroom, folds back the duvet, and waits for the water to stop running before popping back into the bedroom. “All right, then?”

“Obviously.” Merlin grabs a towel and dries the top of his head. He slowly works the towel down his body and Eggsy does his best not to ogle. He’s only human, after all. “There. I am fed and cleaned.” He ignores the sleep pants Eggsy holds out. “I wish to sleep naked.”

“Perfect,” Eggsy says, giving Merlin a gentle kiss on the lips. “Now into bed.”

He plumps Merlin’s pillows and earns a quick smack to the arse. “Quit your fussing.” Eggsy ignores him and steps aside. Merlin crawls into bed, Eggsy literally tucks him in, removes Merlin’s glass and places them on the nightstand, and then scoots into bed beside him. “What do ye think ye are doing, lad?”

“Snuggling with you, obviously.” Eggsy leans over to turn off the bedside lamp. He wiggles down a bit and sighs. “YES, Merlin.” He wraps himself around Merlin as best he can.

“It is nae even close to the time ye go to bed.”

“Merlin, I haven’t seen you for more than five minutes at a time for days. Your husband, the OTHER man I love, is sleeping peacefully in fucking Medical. You need sleep, I need you, and that’s how it is, you get me?” Merlin responds with a snore. “That’s what I thought,” Eggsy whispers with a smile. “I love you, Master.”

He snuggles close and sleeps deeply for the first time in almost a week.

Chapter Text

TAKEN BY THE TIDE
Five

Eggsy’s alarm goes off at 6:00 am, as usual, but he quickly turned it off so as not to disturb the snoring man next to him. He snuggles close and falls back asleep, not opening his eyes again until eight. He lies quietly for a moment, enjoying the feeling of Merlin’s body pressed against his own. He tucks his head against Merlin’s shoulder for a moment and runs a hand down the long arm. He studies the slender fingers, the fingers that can decide the fate of a nation with one click of a computer key, shove in and out of Eggsy’s arse mercilessly, or stroke gently through a Puppy’s hair.

Eggsy rubs his eyes, stretches a bit, and slides himself out of bed. He shivers against the morning chill and yanks Harry’s red dressing gown from the door of the en suite. Merlin mumbles a bit and rolls onto his stomach. Eggsy makes sure the covers are safely tucked around his sleeping lover before slipping his mobile into a pocket and tiptoeing from the room.

He pads downstairs in stocking feet and lets JB out to do his duty in the garden before retrieving the mobile and finding Richard’s number. “Morning, Eggsy.”

“Morning, Richard.” Eggsy yawns and stretches again.

“Everything all right?”

“Yeah, m’fine.” Eggsy watches JB through the kitchen window. For the most part JB seems content to stay within the boundaries of their property, but ever since the day he’d slipped out the door Eggsy has practiced constant vigilance. Mad-Eye Moody would be proud. “Hey, listen, would it be a problem for me to take the day today?”

“Ye sure you’re all right?” Richard repeats and Eggsy smiles. He tries his best not to take too much unnecessary time off. Richard would never think twice about it but he doesn’t want to seem like he’s taking advantage of his relationship with one of the senior agents as well as the Kingsman wizard.

“I promise I’m fine.”

“Did…did something happen to Harry?” Richard asks softly. When an agent is seriously injured word spreads around HQ rather quickly, but the severity of Agent Galahad’s injuries has been kept fairly quiet.

“Nah, nothing’s changed there. Merlin just finally came home last night, been at HQ for days. He’s sleeping in and I just wanna look after him today,” Eggsy says carefully. He’s learned not to give too much information about their home situation to anyone at Kingsman – not going through THAT drama again – but this is Richard.

“Understood. We don’t have anything going on, I’m fine without ye today. Do ye need to stay home tomorrow as well?”

“Doubt it, but can I let you know?”

“Absolutely. I hope…I hope ye get some good news soon.”

“Me too, bruv. Thanks.”

Eggsy drops the mobile back into the pocket with a sigh. Good news. That’s what they need. Harry has been injured before but it doesn’t make things any easier. And in the past Harry’s injuries haven’t forced Merlin to bury himself in his work for days on end.

He gives himself a bit of a shake. Moping around the kitchen isn’t going to help anyone. Not JB, who is panting at the back door and hoping for his breakfast. Not Harry, who is blissfully unaware of anyone else at the moment. And not the handsome Scot asleep in his bed.

Eggsy fills JB’s food dish, changes his water, and then finally opens the door. “C’mon in, bruv. Breakfast awaits.”

Merlin is jolted awake by a strange smothering sensation, an unfamiliar weight on his chest. “We’ve been compromised!” He barks, slapping the side of his glasses. Except he’s not wearing glasses, and he’s not talking to his staff. He’s also not being smothered at his desk. An arm is thrown across his chest and hair is tickling his chin.

Eggsy groans and sits up. “Fuck, Merlin, thanks for yelling in my ear. Might be deaf on that side now.” He puts his finger in his ear and dramatically wiggles it up and down.

“What are ye…where am I?” Merlin asks before he can stop himself. He runs a hand over his face.

“Home?” Eggsy points out. “In your bed. Came home yesterday, remember? You were a grumpy kitten, got you fed, showered, and into bed, didn’t I. Remember?” Eggsy looks at him anxiously.

“Of course I remember,” Merlin says haughtily. He slowly sits up and looks at the familiar furniture and décor. “I’m not an idiot.” He DOES remember stumbling through their front door and he DOES remember Eggsy shoving food at him and he DOES remember the heat of a shower. The particulars, however, are a bit fuzzy. Not that he’d ever admit it.

“’Course not,” Eggsy agrees. “You’re just tired and overworked. You shouldn’t even be awake yet.”

“Nature calls,” Merlin informs him, although it’s not at all why he’s awake. He’d come to the edge of wakefulness and realized something was off. He climbs out of bed, slides into his slippers, and ambles toward the en suite. “What time is it?” He half-closes the en suite door.

“A little after eleven.”

Merlin stares at himself in the mirror as he washes his hands after using the toilet. Christ, he looks old. No wonder Eggsy had all but ordered him to bed the day before. He won’t admit it to anyone, but living at his desk isn’t as easy as it used to be. Something occurs to him as he reenters the bedroom. “Did ye say eleven?” Eggsy nods, his eyes wandering admiringly over Merlin’s naked form. Merlin’s cock begins to take note of the boy’s interest. “What the hell are ye doing here, then?”

“I was sleeping until you decided to wake me up.”

“Ye should be at work.”

Eggsy stares at him in disbelief. “Like I was leaving you here by yourself.”

“I thought I made it perfectly clear that I dinnae need your fussing.” He’ll be having words with Harry. This is ridiculous.

“Yes, you made it perfectly clear,” Eggsy says, rolling his eyes. “But as I also made perfectly clear, I missed you and I wanted to spend some time with you. Called in to Richard, he’s fine with it.”

“And I suppose ye told him…”

“Yeah, I told him I ain’t seen you in ages and that I missed you. Didn’t say nothing about the fact that you looked like one of the Walking Dead.”

“So ye stayed home because ye missed me.” Eggsy nods and slides out from under the covers. “It has nothing to do with ‘looking after me.’” Merlin actually makes finger quotes.

“You said you don’t need looking after, I’m not gonna do it,” Eggsy says as he stands up, but Merlin can see the tell-tale signs of a smile in the corners of his mouth. “Why waste my time and energy on someone who don’t want it?”

“Your lying skills have nae improved,” Merlin observes. He crosses his arms over his chest. “Ye should nae have called out.”

Eggsy huffs a sigh as he mimics Merlin’s stance. “We can go back and forth about this all day, bruv, but I’m thinking you should probably have something to eat. Anything you’re hungry for?”

Merlin looks down at the sparkling green eyes and pink lips. While he’s not ready for a full-on fuck, the boy should be punished for his attitude. And tired or not, he’s missed the boy and his delectable arse. “Why waste your time and energy on someone who doesn’t want it?” Merlin mimics. “Besides, I can think of something better for you to focus that time and energy on.”

Eggsy glances down to where Merlin’s cock is slowly plumping up. “Fuck’s sake, Merlin, you just got home from days in the office! Your jumper was about ready to walk in here on its own, your eyes were bloodshot…and you’re thinking about sex?”

“Nae, I am thinking about ways to remind ye of your place, lad. That always gets me aroused. And ye make it so easy, since your mouth consistently runs without consulting your brain.”

Eggsy slowly smiles. “Is this going on that list, then?”

“Oh, no, lad…that list is up here.” Merlin taps his forehead. “It seems that ye think I am tired…too tired to take care of what needs done.”

“Dunno…you was weaving on your feet yesterday.”

“I dinnae seem to be weaving now.” Merlin takes a step forward and Eggsy steps back. His legs hit the bed and he abruptly sits. “Isn’t that perfect for what I have in mind?” Merlin leisurely strokes his cock. “I think this belongs in your mouth…something to keep ye quiet?”

“If that’s what you want,” Eggsy replies, but he licks his lips and all but leans forward.

“Slow and easy…I wish to use this on ye later,” Merlin warns. His cock gradually disappears into the heat of Eggsy’s mouth. “Fuck, that’s it.” He places a hand in Eggsy’s soft hair and controls the pace. “Perfect, pet.” Eggsy’s eyes slowly roll up to meet his gaze. His hands rest on Merlin’s thighs and Merlin shakes his head. “Nae, lad, just this. Just your mouth and your tongue…” Eggsy whimpers a bit. “I will agree, I have missed ye. Missed this.” He closes his eyes and allows Eggsy to continue for a few moments before finally tugging his head away by his hair. He’d love nothing more than to throw Eggsy down on the bed and show him who’s in charge, but he knows he doesn’t quite have the energy. Not yet. And he refuses to not give Eggsy 100%. “That’s enough, Eggsy. Later,” he promises.”

Eggsy places a gentle kiss on the head of Merlin’s cock. “This ain’t all I missed. Missed YOU. Know you don’t think you’re anything special, but when you’re not here, I notice.” He leans his check on Merlin’s thigh. Merlin says nothing, simply pets his hand through Eggsy’s hair.

He finally steps back and pulls Eggsy to his feet. “This sweetness is all well and good, but dinnae think I will be forgetting your attitude yesterday as well as now.”

“Yes, Merlin,” Eggsy says, smiling up impishly. Merlin growls and dives in for a hard kiss.

“Ye are a brat, and it has been noted.” He goes to the dresser and pulls out a pair of sleep pants. “What are your plans for this morning?”

Eggsy blinks at him, obviously taken aback. “Well, uh, get us breakfast. Lunch,” he corrects, glancing at the clock. “And then, well…ain’t thought past that.”

“Good,” Merlin says sternly. He decides to forgo a shirt and simply pulls on his dressing gown as he steps into his slippers. “Something light for lunch sounds perfect, and then ye will go about your day.” Eggsy opens his mouth. “No fussing, lad.”

“You should take a nap or sommat…you ain’t been taking care of yourself,” Eggsy insists.

“I know perfectly well what I need, Eggsy. I survived Harry’s other injuries without ye. I survived days in front of a computer without ye.” Merlin ties the belt of his robe.

“Yeah, but you sorta didn’t have a choice,” Eggsy mutters. “Didn’t know it was a crime to care about you.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake…the dramatics…” Merlin rolls his eyes. He grabs his glasses and pokes them onto his face. “Lad, I swear to ye, if I need ye to do something for me I will ask, is that fair enough?” Eggsy nods but doesn’t look happy about it. “Ye act as if ye have just met me. Even when I’m sick I dinnae wish for ye to fuss.”

“So you DO get sick!” Eggsy crows triumphantly. “Knew you wasn’t just fatigued.”

“Oh for…get your arse into the kitchen and make me something to eat.” Merlin swipes at the arse in question and storms out of the bedroom.

Eggsy desperately wants to hover over Merlin, wants to make sure he drinks his tea and eats his food and gets more rest. But he does realize that not only is Merlin a grown man, he’s a grown man with a very short fuse who does not suffer fools lightly. So Eggsy does his best not to act foolishly once they’re downstairs. He digs around in the fridge a bit before suggesting salads made with leftover chicken and fresh vegetables. Merlin approves of the menu and offers to take JB outside.

Eggsy glances out the menu as he chops tomatoes and cucumbers, happy to see Merlin actually out in the fresh air. He smiles as he sees Merlin look around before scooping JB into his arms and kissing the top of his head. It takes everything Eggsy has to wipe that grin off his face by the time Merlin returns to the kitchen. Eggsy makes sure his back is to the window as he carefully continues to chop his vegetables.

“Is there anything I can do?” Merlin asks.

“Set the table, maybe? Got things in hand here,” Eggsy says truthfully. He feels Merlin press against his back and he gasps.

“Ye are in front of the cupboards I need into, lad.”

Eggsy honestly shouldn’t be surprised that Merlin is so randy even after days stuck behind his computer. The man pretty much runs on caffeine, bad temper, and sex. “It does look that way,” Eggsy manages. He puts down his knife. “Would you like me to move?”

“I’d like ye to try,” Merlin growls in his ear. Strong hands grab him by the waist and hold him still.

“Fuck,” Eggsy groans as Merlin starts to rub his cock against Eggsy’s backside.

“I’d like nothing more than to put one of your knees up on this counter…spread ye wide…get ye ready for me.” Merlin bites the side of Eggsy’s neck. “But I need sustenance first.” He licks behind Eggsy’s ear, bites down on his neck again, and suddenly the hot pressure of his body is gone.

“Jesus, Merlin.” Eggsy draws a ragged breath and looks at Merlin over his shoulder. “What the fuck?”

“Oh, I’m sorry…should I have said, ‘Please excuse me, Eggsy, I need to get into that cabinet?’” Merlin asks with a devil’s grin.

“This is part of my punishment, ain’t it,” Eggsy groans. Merlin simply raises his eyebrows and motions for Eggsy to step aside. “Thought you’d be too tired for all this.”

“Nae, lad…I’m never too tired to put ye in your place.” Merlin leans in again and Eggsy actually whimpers. This time Merlin simply places a kiss to the bite mark and reaches for the bowls.

Eggsy turns around to face him. “I fucking missed you so much, Merlin.” He can’t help but wrap himself around Merlin and hug him. “Know your place is at Kingsman, but…not knowing anything about what happened to Harry and all that? It’s lonely here without you.”

“It is definitely nice not to come home to an empty house,” Merlin agrees. “And thank ye for preparing lunch.”

“Of course.” Eggsy gives Merlin one more squeeze before turning back to his vegetables.

Eggsy gets the chicken diced and mixed in with the vegetables, greens, and salad cream before serving them each a large portion. Merlin quickly slices some bread and brings it to the table as well. “I dinnae realize how hungry I was,” Merlin says as he sits down. Eggsy quickly gives JB his lunch before joining Merlin at the table.

“You missed breakfast,” Eggsy reminds him.

“It’s not the first time.”

Eggsy rolls his eyes but doesn’t respond. They say little as they tuck into their lunch but it’s not an uncomfortable silence. Eggsy’s sure Merlin has enough noise in his brain right now, and Eggsy’s so happy to have him there that he’s fine just being near him. That silence, however, doesn’t last long. About halfway through his salad Merlin twitches a bit and puts down his fork. He lightly taps the side of his glasses. “Yes, Penelope.” Eggsy stops eating as well. If Merlin’s home for a well-deserved rest and his second in command is reaching out, it must be important. “I see. That’s interesting. See what ye can do, and I will check in with ye upon my return. Thank ye for all your hard work…and thank the others as well.” He taps the side of his glasses once more and goes back to his salad.

Eggsy patiently waits. Well, not patiently, and for about thirty seconds, but that’s technically waiting. “Well?” He blurts out, and Merlin raises an eyebrow. “I mean, um, was that, I mean, obviously it was Penelope, because you said her name, but did they…do they know what happened to Harry?”

“Aye, it was Penelope, and they’ve been working in my absence.” Merlin spreads butter on his bread and takes a bite. Eggsy huffs and the eyebrow goes up again. Merlin calmly chews and swallows before saying, “Ye know I cannae share mission information with ye, Eggsy.”

“It ain’t mission information!” Eggsy insists. Merlin’s expression doesn’t change. “Okay, yeah, it’s mission information, but it’s about…” Eggsy sighs. “Yeah. I get it. I ain’t no better than anyone else. I don’t get that sort of information.” He pokes at his salad.

“Ye are far better than anyone else I know,” Merlin says quietly and Eggsy’s heart ping-pongs into his throat. “I never hinted otherwise.”

“No, Merlin, you didn’t.”

“I can tell ye that they have finally gotten some intel regarding the explosion itself, and hopefully we can build on that,” Merlin informs him. “Honestly, there is nae much more to report.”

“Yes, Merlin. Thank you,” Eggsy adds. He can’t help but smile at the warmth of Merlin’s hazel eyes.

“But dinnae ask again.”

“Yes, Merlin,” Eggsy sighs.

Merlin knows he has the best team in the world. They should be the best, because not only did he hire each of them personally, but he trained them as well. He should trust in his own genius and let them do their jobs without double checking their work. If it were any other agent lying in Medical, he might just do that (although it’s doubtful). But it is his HUSBAND lying in Medical, and the sweet boy sitting across the table also figures into the equation.

“Again, lad, thank ye for lunch.” Merlin stands. “I’m going to go get dressed and then I’ll be in my office, if ye could bring tea in a bit.”

“In your OFFICE?” Eggsy echoes.

“Aye, that is what I said. Do ye need your hearing checked?”

“No,” Eggsy mutters. “Lemme clean all this up and I’ll bring your tea.”

Merlin nods and heads up to the bedroom to quickly wash his face and brush his teeth before brushing his teeth and donning a pair of jeans and a jumper. Merlin gives the bed one brief longing glance before heading down to his office.

He has everything booted up and is logging into the new files when he hears a tap at the door. “Yes?”

“Do you want me to bring this in or just leave it in the kitchen?”

Merlin bestows a fond glance on the closed door. At least the lad is respecting not only his privacy but the privacy of Kingsman. “Aye, ye can bring it in.”

The door opens and Eggsy comes in with a cup and saucer. “Got it all fixed for you.” He places the saucer on Merlin’s desk and bites at his bottom lip. “Not trying to nag or nothin’, but you tend to get caught up in here. Do you want me to text you or something in a few hours, just remind you what time it is or whatever?”

Merlin automatically starts to snap at him but realizes Eggsy’s right. He does tend to lose track of time when he’s working…hence the visual hallucinations the day before. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness, Eggsy.” Eggsy blushes a bit. Christ, the lad STILL has a praise fetish. “If I am nae back out by three, please come get me. Ye dinnae have to text.”

“Got it. Anything special you want for dinner?”

Merlin sips at his tea. Perfect, of course. “Nae…you don’t need to make anything big.”

“Spag bol sound all right? Easy and doesn’t make much.”

“That will be fine.”

“All right…I’ll leave you to it, then.”

“Thank ye for the tea.” Eggsy nods and smiles on his way out the door. “Lad?”

Eggsy’s head pops back in. “Yeah, Merlin?”

“Don’t think ye have avoided punishment with a salad, tea, and dinner.” Merlin takes immense satisfaction in the confusion dancing across Eggsy’s face. He’d obviously hoped to avoid the punishment but at the same time Merlin can tell he actually wants it.

“Right,” Eggsy says with a weak smile. “Guess I’ll…” He slowly disappears from the doorway.

Merlin looks down at his monitor with a grin on his face. His grin slowly disappears, however, as he starts opening files. His team has finally cleaned up all the audio and video from Harry’s glasses. He watches the view of Professor Arnold before reading the notes from his team. He then watches it again. There’s something strange…a mark just behind Arnold’s ear. He magnifies the image. A scar of some sort, a scar that actually seems to glow just seconds before everything goes dark.

Chapter Text

“So, Mum said to tell you she’s sorry you’re under the weather,” Eggsy says, picking up Harry’s hand and giving it a quick kiss. “She still thinks you got the flu or whatever…just easier to say that. She don’t know that you’re…you’re out of commission,” he stammers with a sigh. “Don’t know how much longer I can keep that lie going, Harry, so maybe think about waking up?”

It's been a fortnight and Harry is still peacefully slumbering away. His beard covers his handsome face and now his hair is starting to curl along the nape of his neck. The nurses do therapy with him, of course, keep his arms and legs moving and active, but the brown eyes don’t open, the strong jaw doesn’t move with the sly grin Eggsy loves best. And Eggsy doesn’t know how much longer he can take it.

“So.” He clears his throat. “Think Daisy might be a genius like our Merlin. Always knew she was brilliant, of course, but if you could hear her with her numbers, Harry? She’s incredible. You know how high she can count, since you been helping her with all that, but now she’s adding. Figured out how that all works so fast! And if you could hear her explaining to Merlin how it works?” Eggsy shakes his head. “You know how sometimes she talks so fast she starts to jumble words and make no sense? Well, she was SO excited to tell him about how she does the adding, like her own secret formula or sommat, and he just stared at her and nodded and started asking her questions. Like he UNDERSTOOD her alien maths talk. Be nice if you could’ve seen it,” he finishes weakly. “Try not to say this, Harry, but I miss you SO fucking much. Been doing my best to take care of Merlin but yeah, he’s wearing thin.” Eggsy stares up at the camera in the corner and lowers his voice. “Been like, having sex or whatever, but it’s not the same. Not that it isn’t amazing, of course.”

He thinks back to his “punishment” a few weeks prior. Merlin blindfolded him and made him lie on his stomach on the bed as Merlin stood over him and pleasured himself, finally coming all over Eggsy’s bare ass without laying one finger on Eggsy himself. It was wonderful and terrible all at once. “Not really like master and pet, you know? It’s like…it’s like we need our Sir. Shouldn’t matter, but yeah. Just wanted to tell you.”

He huffs out a sigh before leaning forward to kiss Harry’s cheek in farewell. Eggsy slowly drags himself toward the train and leans against the window as it lurches into motion. He feels off and he’s not sure why. He misses Harry, of course, and he worries about him, although Merlin continues to insist that the doctor would tell him if something was seriously wrong. Harry is simply using the coma to rebuild his strength, to heal his body from the inside out. Eggsy wishes he could heal HIS body from the inside out, starting with his heart. He can’t fix Harry, he can’t fix the way Merlin stares at Harry’s empty pillow every night.

Or can he?

Merlin checks his watch as he strides down the corridor towards Medical. The shift change normally happens around seven and he prefers to be in and out before the activity starts, if he can help it. He’d reverted back to his “normal” work schedule two weeks into Harry’s coma and now tries to stop by on his way out the door.

“I have an update.” Merlin drops on the chair by the bed and opens his clipboard. “I was correct about Tristan and the mission in New Zealand, Harry. It was a dead end. I know ye always thought that Biddlesworth and his cronies would rear their ugly heads in South America, but it was New Zealand.” Merlin smiles in satisfaction. Even now it is lovely to make Harry eat crow. Especially when he can’t fire back. “Minimal loss of life and real estate, all and all a job well done, if I do say so myself.” He swipes at the screen. “Lancelot broke three fingers on her left hand in Spain but otherwise came back unscathed. Percival and Bevidere took care of things in Poland…” He glares at his husband. “And ye still sleep away as if Kingsman didn’t need ye. As if WE dinnae need ye, Harry.” He jabs at the screen and watches the camera in the corner. Only once the blinking green light turns a solid red does he continue. “Our boy is struggling. He says he’s fine, he does all the things around the house, but his eyes have lost their spark. He isn’t eating the way he should, and ye know that his arse and thighs make the angels weep. He’s losing weight…” Merlin shakes his head. “I hold ye fully responsible, Harry, at least until we truly get an answer behind why this happened to ye. We have the how, but not the who. And I am starting to get irritated. Ye know I dinnae like feeling out of control. Eggsy allows me to work through my frustrations with him but…” Merlin leans forward. “I find it hard to take it out on him even when he’s willing. And if ye tell ANYONE I said that I will kill ye and never feel sorry about it. So, wake up, husband…or I cannae be responsible for my actions.”

Merlin’s irritation with his husband, the world’s villains, and life in general hangs over him like a cloud as he makes his way through the HQ and onto the train. The cloud seems to increase in size as he leaves the train and walks through the shop to the sidewalk. He gives the driver a curt nod as he climbs into the back of a Kingsman cab. He’s not in the mood for pleasantries.

He wishes more than anything that Harry was there to spar with him. Beating the hell out of someone is just what the doctor ordered, Merlin thinks as he steps onto their front stoop. It doesn’t help the thunderstorm in his brain when he realizes the person that would best make it all go away is one of the prime reasons he’s feeling this way in the first place.

Merlin closes the door, hangs up his coat, and prepares to fight off the attentions of Eggsy’s dog. While he loves the little pug, he’s really not in a place mentally to deal with the dog’s normally wet greeting. What Merlin sees sitting in the hallway, however, makes him stop short and bite back his nasty words at the last minute.

“Well well,” he says quietly. “What do we have here?” Eggsy wags his tail in response, ears slightly off kilter on top of his head. Merlin reaches down to straighten them. “I expected dinner, perhaps a drink when I got home. I have nae seen ye, pup, since…” Merlin blinks. He isn’t sure how long it’s been. Eggsy’s green eyes are sad yet hopeful as they tilt up to drink in Merlin’s face. “This is a surprise…and a good one,” he finishes, slipping out of his shoes. The tail wags again. “Why don’t ye go into the living room, Pet, and wait for me there? I simply wish to change into something more comfortable.” Eggsy pauses for a brief second before doing as he’s told.

Merlin takes the steps two at a time, feeling a bit of the cloud slowly disintegrate as he heads for the bedroom. He quickly changes from his jumper and trousers into a pair of jeans and a grey long-sleeved vest. When he returns to the living room Eggsy is laying on his bed by Merlin’s chair. He’s nosing about with one of his favorite stuffed toys and barely registers Merlin’s presence in the room. A glass of whisky is sitting on the table by the chair and Merlin can almost forgive his puppy for ignoring him. Almost.

“Well, pup, I suppose I’ll have my drink in the kitchen, since ye dinnae care if I’m even in the room.”

Eggsy whimpers and jumps up to greet him. He crawls front and back against Merlin’s legs, almost taking him down in the process. “Ruff!” He barks happily, leaning himself against Merlin’s knees. The tag of his collar clinks against its metal ring.

“ENOUGH,” Merlin snaps, grabbing Eggsy by the back of the neck. “If I end up on my arse, pup, it will nae end well for ye.” Eggsy whines and crawls back to his bed. “Stay,” Merlin orders. Eggsy unhappily obeys. Merlin gets himself situated in his chair, has a few sips of his drink, and then says, “All right, come here.” Eggsy gets up to kneel by Merlin’s feet, his head against Merlin’s thigh. “I am assuming JB will nae be interrupting us.”

“Arf,” Eggsy replies, nosing at Merlin’s hand a bit.

“Selfish pup,” Merlin says, but reaches out to stroke Eggsy’s hair. Merlin closes his eyes for a moment and focuses on the soft strands running through his fingers. Eggsy makes a contented sound and relaxes a bit more against Merlin’s leg. “Aye, Pet, this is nice. Such a good boy.” They sit this way until Merlin finishes his drink, the ticking clock and the ice in Merlin’s glass the only sounds in the room. “Why don’t ye get your ball, Pet, and I will throw it for ye,” Merlin suggests.

“Arf!” Eggsy says happily, gamboling over to his toy basket and retrieving his favorite red ball. He brings it back to Merlin and drops it at his feet. He sits obediently until the ball goes across the room and Merlin tells him to fetch.

Merlin throws the ball a few times until Eggsy’s face is red and he is panting for breath. Merlin tucks the ball in a corner of his chair, not wishing to run Eggsy about too much without his knee pads or protective gloves. “Rest, Pet,” Merlin orders. Eggsy whimpers. “Good dogs obey their masters.” Eggsy whimpers but stays put, although he can’t keep from wriggling a bit. “Ye are feisty today,” Merlin says in amusement. Eggsy licks his lips, then butts his chin between Merlin’s knees, trying to spread his legs. “Do you feel ye deserve such a treat?” Merlin asks, although is cock is already showing a fair bit of interest. To be honest, it’s been showing interest since Eggsy wagged his tail at the front door.

“Ruff,” Eggsy nods, licking his lips as he looks at Merlin’s groin.

“Ye will do as I tell ye,” Merlin says. “And only what I tell ye.” He unzips his jeans and pulls his cock through the flap of his boxers. “Gentle, pup.” Eggsy whimpers and eagerly takes Merlin in his mouth. “No sucking,” Merlin orders. “Ye just have me in your mouth…on your tongue…until I am ready for more.” Eggsy moans but does as he’s told. Merlin’s head falls back as one hand rests on the back of Eggsy’s neck. The cloud in his brain slowly disappears completely as Eggsy’s hot mouth warms his cock. “Now,” Merlin murmurs and Eggsy slowly takes him in and out of his mouth. Eggsy leans forward as far as he can without touching Merlin’s legs and soon his nose is pressed to Merlin’s stomach. “Christ, Pet, ye are a fucking treasure. I dinnae deserve ye…in so many ways,” he adds in a whisper. “Such a good boy…taking care of me the way ye do.” He hopes Eggsy can understand, can realize that Merlin means it more than just as a puppy and master. Eggsy chokes a bit and Merlin releases him. “Slow and steady, just like this, until I come down your throat, that’s a good boy,” Merlin manages. Eggsy whines against his cock and Merlin hisses.

Eggsy somehow keeps the pace until Merlin is all but arching off the chair. He comes with a growl, hand fisting in Eggsy’s hair. Eggsy takes every drop and pants for breath when Merlin finally releases him, lips are red and swollen and his chin wet with saliva. Merlin looks down at Eggsy’s dripping cock. “I’m going to go clean up a bit, pet…when I come back I will take care of ye…how ye greet me is up to you.” Merlin heads to the loo without looking back. He takes his time washing his hands and cleaning up a bit before returning to the living room with a towel in hand. Eggsy is sitting on the sofa in a pair of trakkies and a worn vest.

“Hi,” he says almost shyly.

“Hello, lad.” Merlin reaches out a hand and Eggsy takes it as he stands up. “I do believe I promised ye something when I came back.”

“You don’t need to, Merlin, it’s perfectly…”

“Take off your trousers and pants and kneel on my lap,” Merlin interrupts, sitting on the sofa and draping the towel over his legs. Eggsy gapes at him. “I dinnae have all day, lad…I’d like to eventually have some dinner.”

“Y-yes, Merlin.” Eggsy closes his mouth and removes his trakkies and pants. His cock is still hard and bobbing in front of him as he crawls into place, knees on either side of Merlin’s legs.

“Hands on my shoulders,” Merlin orders. Eggsy holds on for dear life. “Ye look at me. Eyes never leave my face or I stop.” Eggsy nods and looks him in the eye. “That’s it.”

“Fuck,” Eggsy gasps as Merlin takes him in his hand. “God…” His eyes flutter shut but fly open at the last moment.

“I mean it…I will stop and send ye off to the kitchen.” Merlin twists his hand a bit.

“No! Don’t stop…please don’t stop…love your hand on me,” Eggsy pants, arching into Merlin’s grasp a bit.

Eggsy struggles to keep his eyes on Merlin’s face. “Are ye getting close already, lad?” Merlin teases.

“Y-yeah…love serving you…love when you just put your cock…ah, fuck…cock in my mouth. Just use me…love that.”

“And I love using ye.” Merlin bites Eggsy chin. “Come, boy.”

Eggsy drops his head onto Merlin’s shoulder as his cock spurts onto Merlin’s hand. “Fuck…fuck, Merlin…” His hands dig into Merlin’s shoulder blades as if he’s trying to tear them off. Merlin buries his face in the curve of Eggsy’s neck as Eggsy shudders with his orgasm.

He waits until Eggsy’s breathing resumes something close to its normal cadence before wiping his hand – and Eggsy’s cock – with the towel. “Ye may sit, lad,” Merlin murmurs. Eggsy slowly tips to the side and lands on the sofa, although his legs stretch out in front of him as if they no longer have bones.

“Always amazing,” Eggsy mumbles, throwing an arm up over his eyes.

“That was exactly what I needed,” Merlin admits finally. “As if ye read my mind.”

“Ain’t no way I ever want to read your mind,” Eggsy says without moving his arm. “I’m afraid what I might find there.” Merlin pinches his bare leg. “No, I get it. Was feeling so off today, just needed to get out of my head a bit. Realized I just wanted to let it go, let you be in charge. I mean, you’re always in charge,” he adds hastily. “But…”

“I understand,” Merlin says. “Being in charge of ye as a pup, that’s different. I feel different.”

Eggsy moves his arm and smiles at him. “You’re the best.”

“Of course I am,” Merlin replies. “Now, why don’t ye get yourself cleaned up and find us some dinner.”

“Was thinking maybe we could just order Chinese?” Eggsy says hopefully, scooting over to lay his head on Merlin’s shoulder.

“Ye will nae steal my dumplings,” Merlin orders.

“Not one,” Eggsy promises.

“Fine. Chinese.”

“Yes!” Eggsy shouts, popping a kiss onto Merlin’s cheek before bouncing off the sofa.

“Ridiculous boy.”

Eggsy pulls on his pants and trakkies and starts heading for the takeaway menus. He stops in the doorway of the living room and turns around. “Merlin…do…do you really think he’s gonna wake up soon?”

“Aye, lad,” Merlin promises with what he hopes is sincere certainty. “Ye know Harry, he likes an entrance.”

Harry’s brain yawns and stretches, although his body doesn’t seem to want to do the same. He pushes with everything he has, struggles through the silent ropes that seem to hold him immobile. He finally flutters his eyes open, working through whatever seems to be gluing his eyelashes together. He forces himself to focus on the first thing he sees, which is the door across the room. He knows that door. Kingsman Medical. He then slowly turns his head to focus on a beeping machine at his left and a monitor on his right. He swallows hard and smacks his lips a bit. Christ, his mouth is dry. He starts at his toes and slowly does a bit of a wiggle with each joint to make sure everything is in working order before bringing a hand up to rub at his eyes. Those eyes widen in shock as he feels something foreign on his chin. A beard? How long has he been asleep?

He slowly fumbles for the small box and pushes the call button.

Chapter Text

“Excuse me, Merlin?” Penelope pokes her nose into the tiny closet Merlin calls an office in R&D. “They’re ready for you.”

“Thank ye, Penelope.” Merlin slides a pen into his pocket and shuffles a few papers together.

“May I get you anything? Tea?”

Merlin raises an eyebrow. “Ye are very helpful this morning.”

He’s pleased to see her looking offended. “I like to hope I am helpful every morning, as well as every afternoon,” she all but snaps back. He’s trained her well. “I simply thought you might enjoy a cuppa while speaking with everyone.”

“You’re trying to soften me up.”

“I would never waste time on something like that,” she retorts.

Merlin nods in approval. “There are few people on the planet capable of softening me up.”

“Exactly.” She pauses. “Although…if may be so bold…just a reminder that Bors told Geoffrey it would be all right if he took…”

“Geoffrey should know better,” Merlin interrupts. “Just because I’ve been out of the office more than usual does nae mean rules have changed.”

“Yes, Merlin.” She sighs. “As I said, they’re all ready for you.”

“Thank ye.” Merlin waits for his assistant to leave the room before heading for his small tea station. He’ll make his own tea, thank you very much. The only people who know how to get it exactly right are Eggsy and Harry, and obviously neither of them is there to complete the task successfully. He stirs in the appropriate amount of milk, picks up his small stack of papers, and heads for the R&D conference area.

“Good morning, Merlin,” Geoffrey says, immediately hopping out of his seat. “May I offer…”

Merlin ignores him. “Good morning, everyone. Be seated…this won’t take long.” He sits on the edge of the closest desk and sips at his tea. Penelope looks at the teacup with annoyance but everyone else seems to relax as one. Good. Let them relax. “As ye know, I have been away from HQ on personal business quite a few times over the past few weeks.” They nod as one. “I know I have left this department in more than capable hands.” He briefly raises his cup in Penelope’s direction. “However…it is not her job to make sure ye follow the basic rules that have been in place since ye set your first toe in this department.” He doesn’t raise his voice. He doesn’t have to. They get the message and seem to shrink back into their seats. Only Penelope continues to meet his gaze. “Can anyone tell me the first rule of R&D when it comes to agents?”

Simon slowly raises his hand and Merlin juts his chin in his direction. “Agents do not belong in R&D unless summoned here for a reason…and even then, they’re not allowed over the threshold without an R&D employee by their side.”

“Correct. Another rule?”

The employees look at each other. Some squirm. Merlin hides a smile in his tea. He is enjoying this immensely. He really should hold these meetings more often, even if there’s no good reason. “R&D is not a play yard for the agents,” someone finally pipes up. “Our work is performed to keep them safe, not keep them entertained.”

“Well said, Tabitha,” Merlin says. He relaxes his expression by 10% when he gazes in her direction. “Now, I’m sure by now ye have realized why we are having this conversation. There is…” Merlin hears a beep through his glasses. The message that follows startles him so much that he almost drops his cup.

Agent Galahad is awake.

“Is everything quite all right, Merlin?” Penelope asks politely, although she has slowly risen from her chair.

Merlin clears his throat and manages to get the cup down onto the desk. “Fine, thank ye. As I was saying…” He clears his throat again. “There is absolutely no reason…EVER…that an agent will be giving orders to anyone in this unit regarding tech. No reason. None. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Merlin,” they mumble.

“If I could simply explain, Merlin,” Geoffrey jumps in.

“If ye think ye have something of value to say, Geoffrey, ye may say it to Penelope. I have neither the time nor the patience for ye right now. DISMISSED!” Merlin all but barks, and they scurry back to their workstations. “Penelope?”

“Yes, Merlin?”

“I have been called down to Medical and am unsure of when I might return,” he says simply.

“Yes, Merlin. I…” Penelope hesitates. “I will keep an eye on things during your absence,” she finishes finally.

“I dinnae expect anything less.” He turns on one heel and leaves the room.

Merlin knows the route from R&D to Medical like the back of his hand; he’s made the trip enough times to visit his ridiculous husband. This time, however, his legs seem to move with a mind of their own. Agent Galahad is awake, the message said. Awake. Which could mean many things. Awake, but relying on equipment. Awake, but with the mind of a potato. Awake, but without his memory. The idea of Harry Hart being unable to remember Merlin – or Eggsy – is something Merlin’s brain doesn’t want to even consider. He brushes by a nurse and almost runs into the doctor as she exits Harry’s room. “Hello, Merlin. I see you got my message.”

“Yes, Dr. Barnett. Ye said he is…he is awake?”

“He is. We waited about ninety minutes before I felt it was safe to reach out to you. We needed to run a few tests first.” She pauses. “Tell me, Merlin…is Agent Galahad always so…difficult?”

It takes everything Merlin has not to sag with relief. “Unfortunately, the answer to that question is yes, Doctor. In Medical, at home, in the field. He has a flare for the dramatic.”

“Well, right now he has a flare for the irritating. Complaining about his hair, his face, the temperature in the room. Quite high maintenance.”

“I believe the word you’re looking for is peacock,” Merlin supplies helpfully. She snorts. “Is there anything I should know before I speak with him?”

“Not really. His vitals are good…they have been since day one. Most of his physical injuries have healed themselves over the past few weeks, and he seems to be at baseline cognitively, at least from what I’ve seen in his records.”

“Cognitively, he’s an idiot,” Merlin informs her.

She smiles. “I do believe you are just what the doctor ordered for your husband, Merlin. Please go on in.”

Merlin has one hand on the doorknob when something occurs to him. “Dr. Barnett?”

“Yes?”

“I wish for ye to ignore any yelling ye might hear coming from Agent Galahad’s room.”

“Yelling?”

“Yes.”

She frowns. “Merlin…your husband has recently awakened from a coma.”

“I am aware, Doctor. This is nae the first time it’s happened.”

“It isn’t his fault.”

“As ye say,” Merlin replies politely. “I simply wish to voice a few…opinions on the matter, and when I voice them, it may be in a loud tone of voice.”

“As a licensed medical professional, it is my duty to report any suspicions of abuse,” she says sternly as she steps between Merlin and the door. “That includes spousal abuse between married men.”

Merlin sighs. “That is correct, Dr. Barnett, and I respect ye immensely for performing that duty. I can assure ye that no one is being abused.” She raises an eyebrow. “Ye are new to Kingsman…or at least new to dealing with a marriage such as ours. I advise ye to speak to some of the staff…Nurse Kinsley would be the best bet; she has been here the longest. We have a…unique relationship, and for the most part staff here at HQ know to just leave us alone. We would never hurt each other in a serious manner.”

“But you would hurt each other in a casual manner?”

Christ, the woman is unyielding. Merlin idly wonders if she would be interested in a place at the Table someday. “Aye, if the mood strikes.” She does not smile at the joke. “I swear to ye, Doctor, my hands are the safest Agent Galahad shall ever be in.”

“Very well. But I will be observing him…and your interactions…from now on.”

“Understood.” He waits for her to move aside. She finally heads down the hall and Merlin pulls his mobile from his pocket. He taps a few things and makes sure the light on the camera has gone from green to red before he steps into the room.

“Hamish,” Harry says with a tired smile.

Merlin says nothing as he looks Harry over. His skin has a bit of a healthier tinge to it and he’s no longer lying flat. The back of his bed is raised, and he has a small tray at his side holding a cup and straw. The smile fades from Harry’s face as he looks up at Merlin. Merlin finally sits, crossing one knee over the other. “Agent Galahad.”

“I had no clue I was out for so long,” Harry says. His voice is a bit raspy and he clears his throat. “When they gave me that information I immediately thought of you…and of Eggsy. I wondered how you were taking it. I also thought you might be happy to see me awake and speaking, but that does not seem to be the case.”

“Of course this is all about you.” Merlin rolls his eyes. “Eggsy and I were fine. We ARE fine. We aren’t the ones sleeping away an entire month without a care in the world!”

“You act as if I did this on purpose.” Harry glares at him. “It’s not as if I ASKED that odious little man to blow me out of a building.”

“I dinnae see ye trying to stop him,” Merlin retorts, although he knows that makes no sense. “And trust me…I have watched that footage hundreds if not thousands of times.”

“Pardon me for giving you an excuse to do your job,” Harry snaps.

“At least ONE of us did our job. A good agent would have noticed something was off. A good agent would have done his best to make it home safely so the men who love him would nae have to spend half of their waking hours sitting by his bedside!” Merlin roars.

“You sat by my bedside? Oh, Hamish, how touching. It’s like something right out of Coronation Street.” Harry takes his hand and kisses it.

“Christ.” Merlin yanks his hand away and stands. “Forget I said anything.”

“And Eggsy…he sat with me as well?”

“Yes. Because he’s ridiculous that way…as ridiculous as you are.”

“Is he on his way here?”

“Nae, because I have yet to inform him of your glorious return to the land of the living. I wished to speak with ye first.”

“You didn’t tell him? I’d like to see him, and I’m sure…”

“I dinnae care what ye’d like, Agent. I’m not done with ye quite yet. I feel we should discuss the fact that ye ordered the lad to look after me.”

“I didn’t order him, per se. I simply suggested it. I felt that you might overwork yourself when I’m away for any sort of extended period, and…” Harry suddenly stops talking and studies Merlin’s face. “You were worried…that’s why you’re acting this way.”

“I always act this way, Harry, ye know that. Unless ye DO have some sort of brain damage.”

“You love me.”

“Of course I do, idiot. This is how I show it. I yell at ye. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t waste my time.” Merlin sits back down and allows Harry to take his hand.

“I’m sorry, Hamish. You know I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you OR Eggsy.”

“Aye,” Merlin says stiffly. “And I wasn’t by your bedside every waking hour, so dinnae start preening like the peacock ye are. I was with my staff most of the time at the beginning, trying to figure out how and why this happened.”

“Well?”

“We are nae talking about this mere hours after ye woke up,” Merlin informs him. “There is time enough for that later.” He leans forward. “I did miss ye, Harry, very much. I can at least admit that.” He gives Harry a soft kiss. “The beard feels odd.”

“YOU think it feels odd?” Harry snaps. “How in the world did you let this happen? My face. MY HAIR!”

“For fuck’s sake, Harry.” Merlin stands again. “I’m too busy to deal with this right now. I’m calling in reinforcements.” He pulls out his phone and puts it to his ear. “Hello, Richard? Merlin.”

“For future reference, Lavinia, just because it smells good, don’t mean you gotta roll in it. Fuck.” Eggsy wrinkles his nose as he towels off the large dog. “And trust me…might smell good to you, but it smells like absolute shite to the rest of us.”

“Eggsy.” Richard appears in the doorway. “Just got a call from Mike up in the dining hall. He has a big favor to ask.”

“Okay.” Eggsy leans back on his heels and lets Lavinia go free, praying that she doesn’t decide to take a tumble through another mysterious smelly pile of…something.

“Food Service is really short staffed today, I guess…some sort of flu thing? Anyway, Medical asked for food to be delivered, they dinnae have anyone to run and fetch it. Mike wondered if you could go down there, take the orders, and bring them back to him.”

“Why can’t one of the nurses or sommat just call it in, and I can help deliver it?”

“I didn’t ask for the man’s life story, mate…I just got the call asking for help. Maybe he doesn’t have someone available to TAKE the orders.” Richard shrugs. “If you dinnae want to help, I’ll tell him so.”

“You know that ain’t true, of course I’ll help.” Eggsy gives his boss an annoyed look. “Just let me wash up quick and I’ll head over.”

“I’ll let them know.”

Eggsy debates stopping at the dining hall to see if Mike has any other instructions but finally decides just to head on down to Medical. Richard hadn’t said he needed to hurry, just that he needed to get the order. He has time to peek in on Harry along the way. He hurries down the hall but stops short in front of Harry’s room. The door is open. It’s never open. Eggsy all but fearfully pokes his head around the corner…and what he sees almost takes his breath away.

“What the fuck? Harry?” Eggsy all but falls into the room, catching himself on the door at the last minute. “They told me…Richard said I was supposed to get…”

“My dear boy,” Harry says with a grin. He’s sitting up in bed, hair still long but neatly combed. He holds out his hand but Eggsy pauses, glancing up at the camera in the corner. “Close the door,” Harry tells him. “Hamish has taken care of the camera. No one can see or hear us unless they come in through that door.”

“Harry.” Eggsy stumbles to the bed and falls to his knee at Harry’s bedside. “Fuck.” He buries his face in Harry’s lap and sobs as Harry’s slender fingers stroke through his hair. “Been forever…thought you was never gonna wake up.” His hands clutch at Harry’s thighs through the blanket.

“Shh, darling, I’m fine. It’s all right.” The hand rests at the back of Eggsy’s neck, fingers continuing to thread through his hair. “I’m so sorry to have worried you.”

“It’s all right. Ain’t your fault.” Eggsy wipes his face on his sleeve, ignoring Harry’s wince of disgust. “Not like you asked to be exploded.”

“Exactly what I told Hamish!”

“Where is he, anyway? Why ain’t he here? He should be here, with you! He’s your fucking husband!” Eggsy looks around the room as if Merlin’s going to pop out from behind the bed.

“He was here. Trust me, I’m happy to see the back of him for the time being.”

“You two…” Eggsy says almost fondly, slowly sitting up. “I can’t believe it…you’re awake.” New tears slide down his face.

“Let me look at you.” Harry brushes hair out of Eggsy’s eyes. “You are handsome as ever…although you look thinner. Haven’t you been eating?”

“I eat,” Eggsy promises. “Been worried about you, haven’t I?”

“Hamish should take better care of you. I will be having words with him.”

“Don’t care what words you have, just happy that you’re awake to say them.” Eggsy drinks in Harry’s face. “You’re gorgeous. Perfect, even with that beard.”

“Yes, well, let’s not discuss that. It will be gone as soon as I can arrange it,” Harry says almost angrily. “I would like a kiss, though.”

“Don’t gotta ask me twice.” Eggsy sits on the edge of the bed and leans in. Harry gives him a gentle kiss, then another, and then a third, before leaning his forehead against Eggsy’s. “Know you and Merlin always warned me that something like this could happen. And you been injured before, so I sorta knew what it was like, but this…this was different. Merlin was so worried, Harry, couldn’t figure out what happened and all. Made me worry more.”

“I’m fine, as you can see.” Harry sighs and leans back on the bed. Eggsy squeeze Harry’s hand in his own, thumb rubbing over Harry’s knuckles. “I can only imagine how difficult this was for you. I remember how we felt back at the beginning when Dean hurt you. I felt like my own heart was lying on the bed.”

“Yeah, that’s sorta what it felt like, not gonna lie.”

“Eggsy, I have not spoken about this with Hamish, but I feel he and I would be of one mind on the topic. If this has made you rethink our relationship…if you don’t want this constant anxiety about my missions hanging over your head…”

“Shut your bearded mouth,” Eggsy interrupts. “You must have some sort of brain damage, Harry, if you think for one fucking second that this is gonna make me leave. Yeah, it’s scary as fuck, but you…you’re my family now. Merlin, too. So yeah. Not going nowhere, no matter WHAT happens.”

Harry smiles up at him. “I love you, Eggsy.”

Eggsy’s heart swells in his chest until all he can do is curl up as close as he can with his head on Harry’s shoulder. “Love you, Harry.”

Chapter Text

TAKEN BY THE TIDE
Eight

“I’d say you’re fine to go home tomorrow, Agent Galahad.” Dr. Barnett crosses her arms over her chest and smiles at him. “All test results normal, things seem to have healed nicely.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Harry says politely. “Is there any reason why I couldn’t just go home today? I’m sure Merlin will look after me.”

“I’m sure Merlin has a spy agency to run,” his husband snaps from his seat across the room.

Harry huffs a sigh in his direction and smiles up at the doctor. “You see? He’s more than happy to take care of me.”

“I’m sure he loves you very much,” Dr. Barnett says in a tone that means the complete opposite. “But I’d feel better having you here for one more overnight.”

“I do believe Eggsy wishes to make sure the house is prepared for your return,” Merlin says suddenly. “Might be nice for him to have the extra time.”

“Since when do you care what’s nice for someone else?” Harry retorts. “Eggsy is on staff here…he rents a room for us and helps around the house, since our schedules are so fickle.”

“Ah, yes, I’ve met that young man. He seems very nice, was quite worried about you,” she adds. Harry glances at Merlin, whose face is currently buried in his clipboard. Idiot.

“He is a good boy,” Harry agrees. “I suppose I don’t have much of a choice.”

“Nae,” Merlin says from behind his clipboard. Harry huffs again.

“I’ll prepare all the documentation for your discharge tomorrow…let the nurses know if you need anything, Agent Galahad.”

“Yes, Doctor. Thank you.” He waits for the door to close before he turns on his husband. “MUST you be so difficult?”

“It’s not a requirement, I suppose, but I do enjoy it,” Merlin replies.

“You’re lucky I’m quick on my feet with you saying what you did about Eggsy.”

“Do we care what she thinks?”

“About us, no,” Harry informs him. “But we mustn’t cast any suspicion upon him.”

“We’re not ‘casting suspicion’ on anyone.” Merlin says with annoyance. “Christ, Harry. No more Agatha Christie novels.” He taps at his screen a bit. “What ye said was correct. He is a young man who lives with us and helps around the house.”

“Fine,” Harry snaps. He stands up and pulls on his red dressing gown. “I’m going to tidy myself up a bit.”

“Ye have fifteen minutes. Percival is coming down for a meeting.”

“Here? You need to meet with him here?”

“WE need to meet with him here, Harry. I think the three of us need to have a bit of a discussion about what happened to ye and what our next move might be.”

“I see,” Harry says, all fight fading. “I shan’t be a minute.” Merlin snorts and goes back to his clipboard.

Harry returns from the bathroom twenty minutes later, lightly slapping aftershave on his face. Percival is sitting on another chair next to Merlin. “Good afternoon, Harry. You’re looking well.”

“Thank you, Percival…I am feeling almost back to normal,” Harry says honestly. He still has a few aches and pains, but nothing that time at home with his husband and sweet boy won’t heal. “It is lovely to see you again.”

“Whenever you’re ready, Galahad,” Merlin says in annoyance. He taps at his clipboard and the monitor on the opposite wall comes to life. “Take a look at this.”

Professor Arnold’s face comes into view and Merlin zooms in on his neck. Harry hears his own voice as a small scar behind Arnold’s ear turns red and then starts to glow. The professor’s head suddenly explodes and the three men in the room jump as one. “My God,” Harry says quietly.

“The explosion was caused by an implant under his neck.” Merlin rewinds the video. “Here, under the scar.” He freezes the screen.

“Did Harry’s hardware pick up the signal that triggered it?” Percival asks.

“Fortunately, yes,” Merlin replies. “Unfortunately, the IP address I traced it to is registered to the Valentine Corporation.”

“That’s not much of a lead,” Harry says with a sigh. “He has millions of employees worldwide.”

“I hate to admit it, but the man is a genius.” Percival stands and begins to pace. “I assume you’ve heard about his announcement earlier today?” Harry and Merlin shake their heads. “May I?” Percival asks as he takes Merlin’s clipboard without waiting for permission. Merlin growls something that suspiciously sounds like the word ‘mine’ and Harry steps on his foot.

Richmond Valentine appears on the screen clad in tan trousers, a brown jacket, and a brown cap tilted to one side. He is onstage somewhere speaking about the cost of internet usage. Merlin’s eyebrows go up as Valentine announces that every man, woman, and child can claim a free sim card that will work on any device. Everyone can use Valentine’s communication network absolutely free of charge.

The camera moves to an audience jumping to its feet and Merlin tugs his clipboard from Percival’s hands with an annoyed grunt. The camera focuses on a young woman behind a podium and Harry swipes the clipboard from Merlin. He ignores his husband’s irritated glare and zooms in. Something has caught his eye…ah, yes. There it is.

“Valentine’s assistant has the same implant scar,” Harry says. “I think Mr. Valentine and I should have a tete-a-tete.”

“I agree that someone should speak with him, but are you certain it should be you, Harry?” Percival asks. “You are still on the mend.”

“I believe I can handle a simple meeting with the man.”

Merlin punches at his clipboard, still occasionally glaring at his husband. “He’s having a gala dinner next week. I’ll get ye an invitation.”

“You’ll need to be careful, though, Harry,” Percival tells him. “Since you’ve been out, hundreds of VIPs have gone missing with no ransom note.” Merlin nods in agreement.

“We’ll just have to make sure my alias is someone worth kidnapping,” Harry says.

Merlin and Percival sit back on their chairs and Harry reclines on the bed. “I don’t like this,” Percival says with a sigh. “Not at all. So many unanswered questions. I have never felt that I couldn’t trust another Kingsman employee…whether it be agent or mechanic or janitor. Now I feel like I’m always looking over my shoulder.”

“Aye,” Merlin agrees. “I have had my suspicions for quite some time but I still dinnae feel we have enough evidence to DO anything about it.”

They discuss the topic for another hour and are finally winding things up when someone opens the door. “Hey, Harry,” Eggsy says with a grin. “Oh, Percival, hello.”

“Good afternoon, Eggsy.” Percival stands. “Well, Harry, you seem to be in fine working order…I’ll take my leave and talk to you soon.”

“You don’t have to leave cuz of me, Percival,” Eggsy says with a frown. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your visit.”

“I was on my way out, I assure you,” Percival says, briefly touching Eggsy’s shoulder as he walks by. “Make sure Harry takes it easy when he goes home tomorrow.”

“You’re coming home tomorrow?” Eggsy gasps.

“Gentlemen,” Percival says with a tiny grin as he goes out the door.

“You’re coming home tomorrow!” Eggsy repeats.

“Yes, my boy, I am,” Harry says, sitting up so Eggsy can hug him. “I attempted to convince the doctor to send me home today, but Merlin here seems to think you aren’t ready for my return.”

“I was ready for your return fucking five weeks ago, mate,” Eggsy says. “But yeah, might be nice to get things in order.”

“No fussing,” Harry says, earning a snort from his husband.

“Ain’t gonna fuss, just clean. And maybe make a special dinner,” Eggsy insists. “I can’t believe you’re coming home finally. Ain’t you glad, Merlin?”

“Ecstatic,” Merlin says dryly.

“I do believe it will be good for your health if I come home,” Harry says to Eggsy. “You look as if you’ve lost at least a stone. It’s almost as if your Master hasn’t been looking after you.” Harry runs a hand along Eggsy’s side.

“He is a grown man, Harry. It is nae my job to look after him.”

“It’s almost as if he doesn’t love you,” Harry continues, smiling at Eggsy but keeping one eye on his husband.

“For Christ’s sake, Harry!”

“Merlin looked after me fine,” Eggsy says, ever the peacemaker. “Ain’t his fault that maybe I didn’t eat well…or sleep well…should make you feel good knowing I was worried about you.”

“You forgoing sleep and food does NOT make me feel good,” Harry says sternly. He gives Merlin a pointed look. “I’m sure Merlin did not forgo sex with you because he was worried about me.”

“Harry!” Eggsy breaks out in blushes.

“I cried into my pillow every night, Harry, happy?” Merlin stands. “I have a few things to do before I can come home tonight, lad. Dinnae keep dinner for me.”

“Yes, Merlin.”

Merlin leans over the bed to kiss his husband. “I wonder if the doctor has anything to cure your peacock tendencies.”

“I wonder if she has anything to cure your chronic irritability.”

“Ye love my chronic irritability…and I love ye, Harry.” Merlin kisses the top of Eggsy’s head. “And ye as well.”

“Love you, too, Merlin.” Eggsy kisses Harry. “See you when you’re home tomorrow.”

“I cannot wait, my sweet boy.”

“Tell me something, girl…are you happy in this modern world…” Eggsy sings as he tucks the sheet in at the foot of Merlin and Harry’s bed. “Or do you need more…is there something else you’re searchin’ for…”

“Ye do remember ye changed those sheets two days ago, correct?”

Eggsy screams and almost falls onto the bed. “Fuck, Merlin, warn a man!”

“Nae…it is much more enjoyable watching ye almost wet yourself,” Merlin says with a grin as he leans in the doorway.

“How long you been home?” Eggsy asks almost accusingly.

“Long enough to hear your concert,” Merlin replies. His smile grows infinitesimally warmer. “Ye do have a lovely voice.”

“Thanks,” Eggsy says, feeling his face grow pink. “Music makes chores go faster.”

“And speaking of chores, I repeat…ye changed those sheets two days ago.”

“Yeah, but…” Eggsy shrugs and plumps a pillow. “Want it to be nice for Harry when it gets home.”

“I’m nae worth nice sheets?”

“You know perfectly well you are worth all the nice sheets in the world,” Eggsy snaps. “You know I love the two of you equally.”

Merlin snorts. “I am worth ten of that peacock.”

“Are you, though?” Eggsy says before he can stop himself. Merlin raises an eyebrow and is next to the bed faster than Eggsy thought humanly possible. He lets out something that sounds suspiciously like a shriek as Merlin pinches his arse. “Fuck…your fingers…like a fucking vise or sommat.” Eggsy rubs at his sore behind. “Thought all that typing weakens your hands over time.”

“I do exercises…stretching and such.”

“Course you do…probably got some sorta handbook about how to keep yourself in shape so you can abuse your poor…”

“Abuse implies that the person I am touching does nae enjoy it.” Merlin looks down at him. “Are ye saying ye dinnae enjoy the way I touch ye? Because I no longer need to touch ye if it is such a hardship.”

“Not saying that.” Eggsy swallows hard and Merlin chuckles. “Didya eat? I only had something quick but I can throw something together for you.”

“I’m going to take a shower, but a sandwich sounds good,” Merlin replies. “After ye are finished redecorating the bedroom for Harry’s return.”

“For fuck’s sake, I ain’t redecorating,” Eggsy grumbles, earning another hard pinch to his backside.

“I find this completely unnecessary,” Harry growls as he drops himself into the wheelchair.

“Kingsman policy!” Eggsy chirps as he starts pushing Harry down the hall.

“That is correct, lad,” Merlin says with an approving pat on Eggsy’s shoulder.

“Since when do you care about following Kingsman policy?” Harry glares up at his husband.

“Well, I did help write most of it, so I have cared for quite a long time.” Merlin strides ahead of them. “Let me get the door.”

“I said the same thing when they discharged ME from Medical, and you didn’t want to hear anything about me walking out on my own steam,” Eggsy reminds him.

Harry frowns. “Must we discuss that part of our history? The way that monster slammed you against the counter…I prefer not to remember it.”

“Aw, sorry, Harry.” Eggsy can’t kiss him, of course, but he squeezes Harry’s shoulder and brushes his thumb behind Harry’s ear. “Don’t mean to bring up all that…and I’m fine. You know that. It was ages ago.”

“Aye, but the memory is powerful,” Merlin adds. Harry stares up at him in surprise. “What? Am I not permitted to hate the thought of the filth that was Eggsy’s stepfather?”

“And you call me dramatic.” But Harry reaches over to grasp Merlin’s hand for a brief moment.

He allows Eggsy to fuss a bit more as they make their way to a side door and down the pavement. Merlin has a Kingsman cab waiting without a driver. “Behave yourself, Harry. We know by now how randy ye get when ye are on the mend,” Merlin orders as he slips behind the wheel. Eggsy helps Harry into the backseat even though they both know it’s unnecessary. Harry knows that all the attention is simply Eggsy’s way of showing how grateful he is to have Harry back safely, and who is he to deny his boy this simple pleasure?

“I am always the gentleman,” he replies, ignoring the resulting snort from his husband.

“Got your dressing gown and pajamas all ready for you, Harry,” Eggsy informs him. “Thought maybe you’d like a bath or a shower when we get home. Medical’s nicer than hospital, ain’t gonna lie, but a clean-up at home will feel best.”

“I do agree, although I will not be donning my pajamas just yet. It is barely four o’clock.”

“Heaven forbid ye spend the rest of your day in comfortable clothing, Harry.” Merlin rolls his eyes in the rear-view mirror.

“I will change into ‘comfortable clothing,’ Hamish, just not my pajamas. Not yet.” Harry takes Eggsy’s hand and kisses the knuckles. “Perhaps I could entice a certain handsome young man into joining me in the bath?”

“What about your husband?” Eggsy uneasily glances at Merlin. “You should be spending the time with him. I got a few things to do for dinner and all.”

“Well, if Merlin wishes to join me, I am not averse to the idea.” Harry sits up a bit straighter. “OR, all three of us could…”

“Nae, Harry, ye are still on the mend. There will be no frolicking in the bath…or our bed…tonight.”

“Really, Hamish, that is ridiculous. Dr. Barnett released me to normal activity.”

“Doubt that includes letting me ride you while I suck Merlin’s cock,” Eggsy says.

“Now isn’t THAT a lovely idea. I wouldn’t have to lift a finger,” Harry points out.

“Well, that’s true,” Eggsy says. Harry senses weakness and gives him a kiss.

“Dinnae give in, lad. He can keep it in his pajamas for tonight,” Merlin says sternly. “Harry, dinnae tempt the boy.”

“It don’t take much to tempt me anyway…and I missed you fucking FIERCE, Harry.” Eggsy cuddles close.

“I do not believe you are the boss of me, Hamish.”

“Aye, that is true, but I AM a certain pet’s Master, and if he disobeys me…”

“That ain’t fair!”

“I dinnae remember anyone saying life was fair, pet.”

Eggsy looks so torn that Harry gives in. “I would never make you choose between us, darling. We will save that for tomorrow. Believe me when I tell you that I am simply happy to spend time with you both, whether it be at the dinner table, cuddling on the sofa, or crawling into bed together.”

“Okay, Harry…if you say so. But tomorrow there’s gonna be riding and sucking whether Merlin likes it or not.”

“Oh, I am sure Merlin likes it. VERY much,” Harry says, grinning at his husband in the mirror.

(Eggsy sings "Shallow" by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper)

Chapter Text

“I won’t be home for dinner tonight, darling,” Harry says as Eggsy places a plate of eggs and toast in front of him. “I will be stopping at the shop to pick up my suit and then…well…”

“Wait.” Eggsy looks at Merlin, who is busily poking around on his phone. “You’re sending him on a mission? Already? He ain’t barely recovered from the last one!”

Merlin sips at his tea and puts down his phone before glaring at Eggsy. “I am hungry as well, lad. Do we only have enough food in the house for one grown adult to have breakfast?”

Eggsy yanks bread from the toaster, smothers it with butter, and tosses it onto a plate with some eggs. He all but drops the plate in front of Merlin, who simply raises an eyebrow. “Don’t care. Explain your feelings to my arse later. He was blown out a window, Merlin. Barely been days and…”

“Eggsy…”

Merlin waves Harry off. “In case ye missed it, Eggsy, I was there for all of that but thank ye for the charming recap. Ye are nae NEW to all this. If an agent’s skill set is needed for a mission, and that agent meets the physical requirements for the mission, he or she is sent on the mission.”

“Yeah, I know that, but Harry ain’t…”

“This mission is something that Harry can easily handle without breaking a sweat,” Merlin continues as if Eggsy hasn’t spoken.

“Thank you, Hamish,” Harry says almost proudly. Merlin starts to eat his breakfast without saying anything more. Eggsy waits, obviously doesn’t get what he’s waiting for, and finally prepares his own breakfast and sits down.

Merlin bides his time, finally continuing to speak once Eggsy is two eggs in. “A lesser man might be infuriated by the fact that his pet is speaking to him in such an impertinent manner.” Eggsy freezes mid-bite. “But as I am nae a lesser man, such things are below my notice.” His gaze is unwavering as he studies Eggsy’s now-red face. “What DOES bother me, however, is the insinuation that I dinnae have Harry’s best interest at heart. That I dinnae have ANY agent’s best interest at heart.”

“Merlin, I weren’t saying that, swear down!”

“I would never send an agent on a mission if there was any indication that they were physically or mentally unprepared. What use would they be if they could not complete the mission as required?” Eggsy opens his mouth and closes it. “I am fully aware of any possible limitations Harry might have due to what he recently experienced.”

“I have no limitations!”

“Do be quiet, Harry,” Merlin growls. “This mission is completely within his capabilities at this time. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Merlin,” Eggsy whispers. “I’m sorry.” He slowly stands and places his plate in the sink. “Gonna go straighten up a bit.”

“Why don’t ye do that? We will let ye know when we’re ready to leave.” Merlin heads for the kettle and prepares another cup of tea as Eggsy all but runs from the room.

“Christ,” Harry says weakly. “I do love when you get that way.”

“I am aware,” Merlin says with a sly grin. “Capable men out of fucks to give…they are one of your biggest fantasies.”

Harry stands up and presses himself against Merlin’s back. “I don’t suppose we have time for…”

“Nae.” Merlin unwinds Harry’s arms from around his waist. “Ye are not medically cleared for quickies.”

“Bastard.” Harry bites Merlin’s earlobe. “I’m going to say goodbye to our boy while you finish your breakfast.”

“Ye have gone soft.”

“Like you won’t be accepting an apology from him while he’s on his knees later,” Harry says over his shoulder.

Harry finds Eggsy in the master bedroom emptying the hamper. “Would you mind throwing my dressing gown in with that, my boy? I was less than tidy with the toothpaste this morning.”

“Sure,” Eggsy says sullenly, grabbing the red gown from the en suite.

“You’re being a bit overdramatic, don’t you think?” Harry leans in the doorway of the bedroom and crosses his arms over his chest. “We rarely hear you talk back like that.”

“Ain’t trying to be melodramatic and didn’t mean to talk back.” Eggsy shoves towels into the wash basket and Harry takes the opportunity to tap the side of his glasses. “Trust Merlin to do his job, of course, he’s practically been doing it since before I was born.”

“Thank you for that reference to our advanced ages,” Harry comments wryly.

Eggsy sighs and sits on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been around Kingsman for a few years now. I know how they operate. I know they ain’t trying to send anyone out to meet their deaths or whatever, especially Merlin. He takes all that very seriously. But I…” Eggsy clears his throat and stares at his hands. Harry comes to sit next to him. “We just got you back, Harry. Hate the idea of you going back out there again…had to sit and watch you sleep for fucking WEEKS.”

“Not every mission ends like that,” Harry points out.

“I know…you been lucky on that front.” Eggsy sighs. “I don’t worry too much, really…not anymore. I know you can handle yourself and all, but like I said…just got you back.”

“I appreciate your concern, Eggsy, more than you will ever know.” Harry puts an arm around him and kisses his forehead. “It’s nice to know someone cares if I live or die.” He ignores the snort echoing through his glasses.

“That ain’t true and you know it,” Eggsy says. “Merlin…he can put up his ‘I’m a robot without emotions’ thing all he wants, but he loves you and he worries when you’re on a mission.”

“I know he loves me.” Harry takes Eggsy’s hands in his. “I know he cares about me and my safe return from an assignment, even if he doesn’t say it. But knowing how YOU feel, knowing you’re sitting here at home worrying about me…that’s completely different.”

“Harry,” Eggsy says in astonishment.

Harry checks his watch instead of responding. “Oh, will you look at that. I’m running late.”

“Like you care,” Eggsy says, rolling his eyes.

“Yes, Harry, like ye care,” Merlin says as he enters the bedroom.

“I’ll meet you downstairs, Hamish.” Harry gives Eggsy a tender kiss. “Don’t wait up for me, darling…I’m unsure when I’ll be home.”

“All right. Love you.”

“And I love you, sweet boy.”

Merlin retrieves his shoes from the closet and looks down at Eggsy. “I suppose it goes without saying that I heard what ye said.”

“Yeah, Harry ain’t as slick as he thinks when he touches his glasses.” Eggsy slowly stands. “I’m sorry I acted like I did, Merlin. Acted like…well…a brat. It ain’t an excuse, but I just worry about him.”

“Aye, lad, I am aware…and that fact alone will lower the intensity of your punishment by a good twenty-five percent.”

“Twenty-five percent, great,” Eggsy says faintly.

“I can forget about the twenty-five percent…”

“Twenty-five percent sounds wonderful, thanks, Merlin.”

Merlin chuckles, a deep dark sound. “I’ll leave ye to it, then. Enjoy your day off. I love ye, lad.”

“Do you?” Eggsy snaps, but he says it with a smile on his face.

“Impeccable as always, Andrew,” Harry says as he studies himself in the mirror. He tugs at the corners of his bow tie.

“Thank you, Agent Galahad. I will let the tailors know.” Andrew glances out the fitting room door into the corridor. “Good afternoon, Merlin.”

“Afternoon, Andrew.” Merlin eyes Harry up and down and clears his throat.

Andrew gives them an anxious look. “If there’s nothing else, Agent Galahad?”

“No, thank you, Andrew, that will be all. I’m sure I can trust Merlin to clean up behind me when I’m done.”

“Very well.” Andrew looks more than happy to disappear.

“Clean up behind ye?” Merlin raises his eyebrows. “And just how much of a mess are ye planning on making?”

“Oh, you know what I meant. Turning off the lights, locking doors…his shift ended thirty minutes ago. He was kind enough to stay and help me.” Harry bends down to wipe a scuff from his shoe.

“If he’d really intended to help ye, he would have burned that ridiculousness years ago.”

Harry flies back up. “I do beg your pardon.”

“Beg all ye like but I will nae be giving it.” Merlin walks around his husband in a slow circle. “I never thought I would say these words to YOU, ye peacock, but this old thing again?”

“I happen to look quite becoming in this.” Harry slides his hand down the velvet jacket. “The color brings out my eyes.”

Merlin snorts. “Keep telling yourself that, Harry. It might bring out the wrinkles AROUND your eyes…”

Harry huffs a sigh and turns from the mirror. “I find this sudden interest in fashion quite amusing, coming from someone such as yourself.” Merlin narrows his eyes. “Tell me, Hamish, that jumper you’re wearing…how many versions of it do you own now? I think at last count it was six.”

“I am nae walking a runway when I’m in your ear saving your life!”

“Obviously.”

“Harry, ye have worn this particular suit…”

“I haven’t worn it in ages and it’s not like Richmond Valentine and I have ever moved in the same circles.” Harry fastens his watch around his wrist. “And even if we had, people DO wear the same outfit more than once. You’d know all about that.”

“I’ve read about athletes who wear the same pair of socks every time they play, for luck. They don’t wash them. They wear them over and over. Is that what this is?” The corners of Merlin’s mouth quirk in amusement.

Harry gives him a murderous look. “I cannot believe you are standing there comparing my suit to a pair of sweaty, filthy socks!”

“At least I dinnae compare them to a jockstrap,” Merlin says innocently.

“I am done speaking with you.” Harry shoves a few things in his pockets and maneuvers around Merlin to get to the door. “Eggsy’s winged trainers have more class than you.”

“It’s a suit, Harry. It is nae like I insulted your hair.”

“At least I HAVE hair,” Harry retorts.

“Ye sound like a ridiculous schoolboy,” Merlin scoffs.

“Really, Hamish.” Harry takes a few steps down the hall before turning to come back. “I love you.” He gives Merlin a peck on the lips. “And give this to Eggsy for me.” He grabs Merlin by the shoulders and gives him a deep, tongue-filled kiss. “Have a nice evening.” Harry turns on one heel and heads toward the door.

“Ye will pay for that,” Merlin growls after him. “It looks like Eggsy will nae be the only one getting punished for bratty behavior.”

“Thank ye for dinner, Eggsy, it was delicious.” Merlin stands up from the table and starts to collect the dishes. “I’ll wash up.”

Eggsy eyes him suspiciously. He’s spent the entire meal waiting for the other shoe to drop. Merlin wasn’t one to simply forget about a punishment, even if that punishment was supposedly only 75% of his original idea. “Why?”

“Why?” Merlin raises his eyebrows. “Because we are finished eating, and the plates are dirty, and it’s best to get them clean as soon as possible. This is part of your job around here, lad…I figured ye understood how it worked.”

“Funny,” Eggsy says, rolling his eyes. “I meant why are you doing it and not me?”

“Perhaps I am doing it out of the kindness of my heart.” Eggsy doesn’t MEAN to snort at that; it just sort of comes out. Merlin’s eyebrows go up even higher, if that’s humanly possible. “Or perhaps ye will be busy doing something else while I take care of this.”

“And what am I going to be doing?” Eggsy slowly stands.

“Ye are going to take your dog out and then get him settled in his crate. Ye are going to go upstairs, use the loo, brush your teeth, strip down, and lay on our bed on your back.” Merlin goes to the sink and starts running water. Eggsy waits for more. “Unless ye are willfully disobeying me.” Merlin’s voice has a sinister edge to it and Eggsy isn’t sure if he should be afraid or aroused. He’s half tempted to disobey, just to see what happens. He decides to proceed with caution, however, and instead whistles for JB, heading for the back door.

Merlin’s elbows-deep in soapy dishwater when Eggsy and JB return to the kitchen. Eggsy gets JB a treat and tucks him into his crate. “I could wipe the table,” he suggests.

“Did I ask ye to wipe the table?”

“No.” Merlin turns his head and just looks at him. “No, Master.”

“Off ye go.”

Eggsy sedately makes his way upstairs and into Harry and Merlin’s en suite. He does as he was told, making sure he has minty fresh breath and an empty bladder by the time he starts removing his clothes. He neatly folds them and places them on a chair – Harry might not be there in person but he’s always there in spirit – before stretching out on the bed. Now all he can do is wait.

Waiting isn’t something he’s exactly good at, even after all these years. He can’t help it. When you have a Master and a Sir like Merlin and Harry, how can you not get a bit antsy at the mere thought of them? Even at his scariest Merlin is a sight to behold. That resting bitch face, the purring cadence of his voice. The solid steel of his hand against Eggsy’s arse. Eggsy shivers at the thought and feels his cock start to harden.

Merlin’s been in a mood all day, and that can only end well for Eggsy, quite honestly. And not only is Merlin the smartest man Eggsy’s ever met, he’s also one of the most creative. Who knows what he has up his sleeve. Eggsy quickly sits up and looks around the room. He doesn’t see any of their toys lying out anywhere. The lube’s not even out of its spot in Harry’s nightstand drawer. All he sees is a pair of Merlin’s shoes that need new laces (he needs to get on that) and a few of Harry’s ties draped over the back of a chair.

Eggsy hears Merlin’s tread on the stairs and quickly lays back down. He arranges himself in what he hopes is an attractive pose; maybe that bit of forethought could remove a few more percentage points from his punishment. “So ye CAN obey without an attitude,” Merlin says as soon as he enters the room. Eggsy figures silence is the best option and says nothing. “Good boy.” Eggsy wriggles a bit. Merlin chuckles as his eyes land on Eggsy’s now rock-hard cock. “I hope this means ye have been thinking about me…or if not me, my husband.”

“Of course I’m thinking about you two when I get like this,” Eggsy protests. “Who else would it be?”

“And what exactly were ye thinking about, my naughty pet?” Merlin removes his jumper and drops it in the hamper. His vest comes off next and Eggsy is given the lovely view of the sinews and muscles of Merlin’s bare back.

“You,” he whispers.

“There are no brownie points to be earned, lad.” Merlin sits on the edge of the bed to remove his socks.

“Swear down, that’s what I was thinking about.”

Merlin hums a bit and removes his belt. His trousers join the jumper in the hamper and soon he’s standing by the bed in just his pants. “I’m flattered.” Eggsy gives him a weak smile. “I must say, Pet, this is not how I saw this day going. You mouthing off this morning, Harry giving me a difficult time at the shop before heading out on his mission…I’m nae sure what I’ve done to deserve such treatment.”

“I told you I was sorry, Merlin, and I meant it. Was just worried…”

“Did I ask for an explanation?” Merlin says sharply and Eggsy’s mouth snaps shut. “Thankfully I am nae the type of man who becomes easily offended by this sort of thing. I AM the type of man, however, who is easily prepared to disperse punishment where it is due.” He gets back up and goes over to the chair. “Hands above your head.” He picks up Harry’s ties and whispers them through his fingers.

“Back to the shop, if you’d be so kind,” Harry says to the driver as soon as he’s settled in the back of the Kingsman vehicle. He could easily just go home and file his report with Merlin in person, but he’d much rather return the suit to the shop for cleaning and change into his own clothes. He can prepare a brief report through his glasses on the way back and fill in the gaps with Merlin in the morning.

His glasses have recorded the entire conversation, of course, but Merlin likes it when he gives his own thoughts and ideas as well. Richmond Valentine is a bit of an enigma, that is for certain. The man has more money than Midas, but he served Henry Devere food from McDonald’s. His company is built on technology yet he seems to have a keen interest in the environment and what it’s doing to the planet.

Harry finishes his report and hits ‘send’ just as the car is pulling up in front of the shop. He thanks the driver and as he exits the vehicle his glasses ping. A message from Merlin. Harry waits until he’s actually inside the dark and silent tailor shop before tapping to open the message.

Naughty boys don’t get treats. Just ask our Pet. Maybe next time you’ll behave yourselves.

The message disappears almost as soon as Harry finishes reading it, and instead his field of vision is dominated by the sight of a very naked Eggsy spread out on their bed. Harry drops onto the closest seat. The video is timestamped an hour earlier, so it’s not worth it for him to try and hurry home. He can only sit and watch.

Eggsy is bound to their bed’s headboard with two of Harry’s own ties. He is naked as the day he was born and all but writhing on the bed. “Hello, Harry,” he hears his husband say. “Isn’t this simply lovely? Look at him…breathtaking. And I’ve nae laid a finger on him yet. I’ve just been standing here looking at him.”

“Not just looking,” Eggsy points out. “Been saying things, too. Feel like I been laying here for hours.” His entire body is flushed pink and his hands clench and unclench at the ties.

“When I want your opinion, Pet, I will ask ye for it.” Merlin lightly slaps Eggsy’s foot. “Now then, Pet, I have a question for ye. What is the place on Harry’s body that ye love the most?”

Harry blinks in surprise. Eggsy seems a bit put off by the question as well. “My favorite place on Harry? That ain’t fair, I love all of him. Every inch.”

“I’m sure he will love hearing that…pompous old fool,” Merlin snorts. Harry makes a mental reminder to bring that comment up later. “I do agree, my husband is quite well put together. But if you had to choose…”

“Well…I…I love his hands.”

“His hands. Unexpected answer, I must admit, but very well.” Harry sees Merlin’s own hands come into play as they pick up one of Eggsy’s. The hand moves up and out of focus.

“Fuck, Merlin!” Eggsy gasps, and Harry realizes Merlin is sucking on Eggsy’s fingers.

“Another place?” Merlin returns Eggsy’s hand to the bed.

“I, uh…” Eggsy gulps for air. “Like, uh, like his, um, throat? That spot, um…” Eggsy tugs at the ties.

“Ah. I understand.” The view suddenly changes and Harry is now looking at the entire bedroom from a position somewhere behind his husband.

“My clever Hamish,” Harry murmurs.

Merlin, clad only in his pants, starts crawling up the bed next to Eggsy, giving Harry a full view of what’s going on. “Ye mean here.” Merlin presses his lips to the divot of Eggsy’s throat, just above his sternum.

“Yes,” Eggsy hisses. The hiss turns into a yelp as Merlin bites down. Eggsy groans and thrashes on the bed as Merlin does his best to work a bruise onto the soft skin. “Please, Master,” Eggsy begs. “Please let me touch you.”

“This is a punishment, lad, not a reward,” Merlin reminds him with a chuckle. “Ye may not touch…and either may my naughty husband.”

“Bastard,” Harry snaps.

“Thought I was getting twenty-five percent less of a punishment,” Eggsy pants.

“That is true.” Merlin rises from the bed. “Originally I was going to blindfold you.” Eggsy and Harry moan as one. “Another spot.”

“Well, I do like his cock,” Eggsy manages, thrusting his hips a bit.

Merlin chuckles again. “Nice try, Pet. I am smarter than that.” He pushes his pants to the floor and Eggsy licks his lips. “Originally I thought about having ye go about your day as normal…while wearing your cage.” Harry whimpers. “But then I had a bit of an…altercation with Harry, ye might say, and I realized that the cage would nae be punishing him in the slightest.”

“If I knew he was wearing it and could not be with him to tease him while he has it on, yes, that would be punishment!” Harry growls at the husband who cannot hear him.

“So I came up with this little activity instead,” Merlin finishes. “Another spot,” he repeats.

“Um…hips?”

“Are you asking me or telling me? I find it hard to believe that ye are having such a difficult time telling me the parts of Harry ye love best!”

“Well, can’t exactly say his heart, can I, because it’s definitely one of the things I love best,” Eggsy retorts and earns a quick slap to his cock.

“My dear boy,” Harry whispers.

“Let’s try again…and answer me sincerely or I will leave ye here to think about your mistake for at least an hour,” Merlin warns.

“I like his hips…like wrapping my arms around them when he gets home…swear down.”

“Very well.” Merlin bends down to gently lick at Eggsy’s right hip bone. He kisses it, sucks the skin into his mouth, and then bites down. Eggsy yelps and arches up only to be held down by Merlin’s strong hands. “Behave,” Merlin mumbles. He makes his way to the left hip but makes sure to drag his face across the base of Eggsy’s dripping cock.

“Please, Master…please…”

“I enjoy hearing ye beg, Pet.”

“So do I,” Harry tells them.

Merlin works a matching mark on the other side and steps away. He begins stroking himself, his large hand almost lazily working over his cock. “Could help you with that,” Eggsy offers, licking his lips.

“Ye could…but ye would enjoy that. And I know my husband would enjoy watching it.” Harry nods before he realizes it. “But unfortunately I dinnae give a fuck what you or my husband want. This is all about me.” Merlin reaches down to press his thumb into the bruise on Eggsy’s right hip. Eggsy grunts and tries to shy away. “Be still!” Merlin barks. He moves to straddle Eggsy’s thighs, his free hand reaching up to tap at the side of his glasses. Harry is now seeing everything from Merlin’s perspective, and he has a lovely view of Merlin’s cock as well as Eggsy’s as Merlin looks down.

“Yes, Hamish,” Harry whispers, palming himself through the front of his trousers. He wants nothing more than to touch himself, but he refuses to do it at the shop. Too many cameras. He also doesn’t want to give Merlin the satisfaction.

“Be still,” Merlin repeats as his hand begins to move hard and fast.

“Master…” Eggsy whines.

“Ye are only getting what ye deserve,” Merlin grunts and suddenly he’s coming onto Eggsy’s cock and stomach. “Fuck…yes…” His free hand grabs at Eggsy’s waist and holds on tight. Harry’s fairly certain he’s leaving finger marks. Harry cannot wait to kiss them.

“Let me go!” Eggsy begs.

Merlin stands up and catches his breath for a moment. “Aye, I will let ye go. Ye will not touch yourself. Ye will not clean yourself. Ye will wait for your Sir, who will be the one to clean ye…after he adds to the mess I’ve made.”

Harry’s never changed out of mission clothes faster in his life.