Chapter 1: A Plan is Hatched
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations all characters find themselves in. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think!
A Plan is Hatched
Harry Hart was used to his mother's actions coming back to bite him hard in his arse. Repeatedly. It was just a constant in his life really, like the sun rising and falling. His mother was simply incapable of going for even a few months without landing hip deep in some sort of trouble that required her only son to come extract her from her latest mishap. And while she always promised that it would be the last time…well Harry had stopped believing those promises when he was still a boy in short pants. And so it came to pass that it had been two months and three days since he'd paid off her last gold digging fiancé and the fates had decided that it was time for Harry to deal with perhaps the greatest mess ever dumped in his lap by a family member. And this as a result of something his mother had done over three decades ago, just to add a cherry on top.
When he'd gotten the phone call asking if he was the older brother of Dean Baker Harry had blanked at first, opening his mouth to inform the young woman that no, she must have the wrong individual, when he belatedly realized to whom she was referring to.
For you see one of his mother many, many man related mistakes had been her brief marriage to Seamus Baker, a snake in the grass who'd charmed his wealthy mother into a quick marriage and bringing with him his son from a previous marriage named Dean. The younger brother he'd always wanted, his mother had assured him, nevermind that Dean was even worse than his father in Harry's opinion. His step brother had quickly proved to have a violent streak to go with his father's manipulative charms and a taste for underhanded dealings and easy living, not that the little shit had stood a chance against Harry. Their parents' marriage had only lasted four months, thankfully, which was why Harry had pretty much forgotten his step brother's existence long ago.
Most people wouldn't have even considered him Dean's brother given the shortness of their relation, but the woman on the line was new to her job as a social worker and therefore still full of blazing optimism and a determination to look after her charges that was admirable, though egotistical as well as he soon found out.
Dean and his wife had been killed in a car accident three and a half months prior, leaving behind a daughter of three and a son of twenty two from the wife's previous marriage. The family had been living in a very poor neighborhood where Dean had apparently become a small time drug lord since their last meeting. As a result it had taken a while for the government to realize there was a minor child who might potentially require their services.
According to the data Harry had read Daisy Baker had been found with her brother well fed and cared for. Or at least to the best of their financial situation. But the boy was barely over twenty with no job and a less than appealing juvenile record. Ergo Dean's step son had been deemed highly unsuitable for the position of guardian over his half-sister, who was subsequently removed from her brother's custody and placed in foster care while the crusading social worker looked for someone more appropriate for the child.
And while the enterprising woman hadn't been able to reach his mother as she was currently sailing around the world with her latest beau, she had found Harry. And apparently considered him the perfect person to take custody of her charge. Nevermind that he was a nearly fifty year old bachelor who'd never married, was a happy workaholic, and had absolutely no experience with children. Nor had he ever particularly wanted to.
But apparently he and his mother were the only two names this woman had managed to find and Harry was certainly not going to allow his mother to adopt the girl, than see her cast the child off on nannies, tutors, than boarding school the way he'd been.
Not that his mother didn't love him, she did, in her way, but Harry had no illusions about his mother's mothering instinct. She didn't have one. But she wasn't so cold hearted that she'd turn a blind eye to a child in need, especially when faced with a social worker who should most certainly go into sales once she got disillusioned about her chosen profession and went looking for a new career.
He couldn't turn a blind eye either, unfortunately, which the social worker had picked up on and exploited quite quickly and thoroughly. But he also wasn't prepared mentally or emotionally to become a parent at the drop of a bleeding hat, either. And given his job and lifestyle, well what choice would he have but to entrust the girl's care to paid help, just the way he'd been. Because while Harry wanted better for the girl…being a stay at home parent would drive him to homicide within a month.
He'd had a lot of training when it came to killing and hiding bodies.
The only person who actively wanted to raise this girl was her brother, but Harry agreed with the social worker that the boy wasn't up to the task, especially since the boy lacked a support system or a history of sticking with things. Personally Harry had had the boy thoroughly looked into on the chance that he could just throw money in the boy's direction to pay for the child's upkeep, but what he'd found suggested that there was no guarantee that would work out well for anyone.
Gary Unwin, who apparently went by the name Eggsy, was one of those people who seemed to have been born with multiple gifts that had never been fully developed due to poverty, family pressures, and the boy's own bad choices. And while at first glance Harry had seen why the social worker had written the boy off, the report he'd commissioned himself had given him a deeper look that had made him reconsider, especially since there was the undeniable fact that according to Daisy's foster parents, the girl loved her brother dearly and was utterly despondent and depressed without him. And it seemed Eggsy loved his sister as much as she seemed to loved him.
In the end Harry had explained his dilemma to some of his fellow agents over a pint a few days ago, hoping that someone had a suggestion he could live with, and it was Percival who had suggested a plan that was either brilliant or utterly mad.
It all depended on the boy.
)
Thinking it best to meet on neutral ground, as it were, Harry had arranged to meet the boy in question at a park that was a couple blocks from his home a couple days after Percival's brainstorm. A good place to bring the girl to play, Harry imagined as he looked at the park with new eyes, as that wasn't something he'd really ever had to consider before. But recently he'd found himself evaluating his home and neighborhood in terms of child friendliness, and frankly he winced every time he imagined the work involved child proofing his home alone. But it was something he was bracing himself for, having spent considerable time resigning himself to the fact that his moral code and sense of honor forbid him from ignoring a child in need of his help.
Blast it.
The path he was on led right past the bench that was his destination, Harry spotting its lone occupant as he approached it. It would seem Eggsy had beaten him there.
And it was automatic to look the boy over and evaluate him, Harry's training ingrained in that regard. He'd seen pictures of course, only the boy's military portrait doing anything for the youth since the boy apparently had no fashion sense whatsoever. Or it was buried deeply under the boy's desire to fit in with his social peers, Harry supposed, but that was likely wishful thinking on his part. Though the clothes the boy was currently wearing weren't utterly horrid, the jeans and polo clean and somewhat fitted. And no ball cap, which recent pictures would suggest the boy was rarely without. Wanting to make a good impression, Harry assumed.
Physically the boy was in good shape, and handsome in a boyish sort of way. The light brown hair was neatly combed, and when the boy sensed him watching Eggsy bounced up to his feet, Harry treated to the sight of lovely green eyes that suggested a sharp intelligence as he was evaluated in turn.
"Mr. Hart?"
"Yes. Hello, Eggsy. Thank you for coming."
A beat passed before the boy took the hand Harry offered him, Eggsy's handshake firm and surprisingly professional considering the boy had never had a real job. And when he motioned for the boy to retake his seat with his other hand Eggsy nodded and did his best to look cool as he sat down, though Harry could sense the nerves the boy was trying to hide from him as he took a seat beside him.
"So ya-you said on the phone that you wanted to talk to me about Daisy. About you becoming her guardian and all. The social worker really likes you. Said you'd do right by Daisy."
Harry could tell that Eggsy was doing his best to hide his accent and way of speaking, again to impress him, no doubt. And was also very bitter where the social worker was concerned.
"I will do my best to do so, yes. But there are….reasons why I'm not an ideal candidate to become her legal guardian, just as there are legitimate reasons why you shouldn't be allowed to raise her yourself. That's why I wanted to speak with you, to discuss a possible way that you and I can work together to do what is best for your sister."
"What you mean?"
"I don't know how to be a parent, Eggsy. Or at least not a very good one. And I work long hours and travel frequently. I would have to hire people to look after your sister if I took guardianship of her and being raised by staff is no way for anyone to grow up. Believe me, I know. I can provide her with all the comforts and necessities, and see that she's properly educated and prepared for the future, but that does not negate the fact that there are things I can't do. Don't know how to do."
"You'll let me see her? That what you's is sayin? So that she's got someone ta look in on her, make sure she's doin okay and shit with whoever you hire ta watch er?" Forgetting himself in his confusion and surprise, Eggsy's accent was out in full force as he stared at him with wary, hopeful eyes.
"You love your sister." Harry could see that plainly now, as it was all but written all over the boy's face. "What you lack is maturity and the resources to provide for her."
Holding up a hand to silence the boy's no doubt impressive rant in his defense, Harry appreciated when the boy remained silent, though obviously mentally stewing over the lack of maturity comment. Which really just proved his point, not that Harry was going to say so.
"I know that while she was in your sole care you did your best to take care and provide for Daisy, and that you submitted a plan to the social worker to show your seriousness when it comes to your desire to become your sister's guardian. I saw the plan and was impressed, even as I saw the same flawed logic that I would imagine influenced the social worker to reject it."
"Thinks we're scum." The boy muttered, explaining himself when Harry gave him a questioning look. "The social worker. Comes into our neighborhood with her nose in the air, actin like she's so much better than us. Just cause I'm a chav, that don't mean I can't take care of er. Can't raise her right. I was doin just fine till she came and took Daisy away from me."
Harry watched as the boy looked away, obviously blinking back tears. And that settled it for him as Harry deciding to, as always, go with his gut when he wasn't sure what else to do.
"I want you to be her nanny."
Heading whipping back so that they were eye to eye again, Eggsy blinked his eyes rapidly. "Wot?"
"I want you to be Daisy's nanny. To take care of her for me in my home. I propose that I hire you as her live in nanny, and I'll pay you the wage I would have paid someone else. Once she's old enough to be in school you can use that free time to go back to school or get a job, whatever suits you, while caring for her when she's home. If you're willing, that is."
"Are you fucking serious?"
"Quite. That means no drugs, limited alcohol, and I'll expect you to show common sense when it comes to bringing friends and whoever you might date to the house. I'll also expect you to be a proper nanny, by which I mean that I expect you to teach her things like the alphabet and take her outside to play, not just stick her in front of the television or in her room to play by herself." Again Harry held up a hand to keep Eggsy from defending himself. "I'm not saying that's something you'd do; I don't know you well enough to say either way. I'm just making my expectations clear. According to the report you gave the social worker you know how to cook, I'll expect you to make her meals and insure her toys and such don't end up everywhere. I have a housekeeper that comes in twice a week, but I'll still expect you both not to add too much to her workload. You'll be in charge of taking her to appointments, the shops, and such, and while I will of course arrange for you to have time off you will be, in many ways, acting as a single parent. I will do what I can, but as stated I work a lot and know nothing about raising children."
Opening and closing his mouth as he struggled to process, Eggsy was visibly at a loss for words.
"I'm told approximately four hundred pounds is a reasonable amount per week. Does that work for you?"
Now the boy's eyes were all but bulging out of his head. Not a good look for him, Harry noted in amusement.
"I'll take that as a yes." Reaching into his coat pocket Harry withdrew the envelope containing the paperwork he'd had his solicitor draw up. "Here is your proposed employment contract if you're willing to take on the job. Read it over and we can discuss any changes you might want to make. Make no mistake that I will kick you out if you fail to take proper care of her or break the rules outlined in that contract, but for the moment I am trusting that she means as much to you as you've said she does."
As wary as a feral animal approaching an unknown human offering it food, Eggsy reached over to take the envelope from him. "Why you doing this? There are better people you could hire ta look after her. Ones who do it for a living and can teach her stuff like different languages and shit before she even starts school. Why me?"
"Because she loves you. And she should grow up in a home with someone who loves her as much as you do. That, I believe, is more important than her getting a huge head start when it comes to her education. And tutors can be hired if necessary."
Seeing that his words were sinking in Harry changed the subject a little, thought it was still related to what they were talking about. Insofar that he had no intention of hiding his nature in his own home, when he already had to hide what he was in public enough as it was. Not to mention the fact that the boy wasn't an idiot, or the sort raised to know but not speak or ask of it, like the spouses and children of his fellow agents.
"Eggsy, if you have a problem with shifters, I need to know now."
Gaze rising up from the papers he'd started to read over Eggsy stared at him for a long, considering minute, before smirking at him knowingly. "If I did I wouldn't be sittin here with ya, now would I? Though I admit I figured ya for a Water Gifted, not a water shifter as well. Selkie?"
Blinking in surprise, Harry didn't know what to say to that. The boy's file had indicated that the boy's maternal grandfather had had a minor Air Gift, but there had been nothing to suggest that gift had continued down the line to Eggsy. And even then, how would Eggsy have known to even guess his gifts were connected to water?
"Your scent, Bruv."
"My what?"
The boy's face was beautiful when it lit up with amusement as the boy grinned at him like he was the funniest thing ever. "I ain't got much magic meself, a little Air Gift from me granddad, but I always know when someone Gifted is near me, special when that someone's as powerful as you's. And you, well it wasn't hard ta tell what elemental gift ya have, seein as I can smell the sea on ya. So was I right about ya bein a selkie?"
"I smell like the ocean?"
"Under the fancy cologne and hair stuff, yeah. It's nice."
Chapter 2: Moving In
Chapter Text
On November 11th We Remember those who served and serve. Thanks.
Moving In
Taking a moment to process that after thanking the boy for the compliment concerning his personal scent, Harry had to restrain himself from sniffing himself to confirm the boy's observation. Which was impressive, actually, and suggested that he was right to think that he was going to have to clue the boy into certain things that were generally supposed to be kept in the family, so to speak. In the world they lived in people knew that there was individuals walking around with various gifts that were outside the 'normal', so to speak. In this time in history it was acknowledged and persecuting someone for it was illegal, but people generally didn't advertise or seek training for their gifts unless they were so strong that to do otherwise was sure to bring harm to themselves and others. Harry himself came from an old magical family and both his gifts and shifter status were well known among his peers. Those magic users who were not part of the old families…well they didn't have the protection or opportunities to grow and learn that he had.
For that matter, the only reason they had documentation that Eggsy's grandfather had an Air Gift was because the man had been a pilot before his retirement and had had to make use of his abilities in a particular tricky situation during a flight a few decades ago. The man had ended up in the hospital for a couple weeks afterwards, having magically exhausted himself, and thus there were records to be had and reviewed.
As for the existence of shifters and magical creatures…they were known to exist, and those who fit under that category hid themselves very, very well to survive in a world too often full of individuals who saw them as curiosities, abominations, or something to use and exploit.
Which brought him back to the boy's question about the nature of his other self.
"What makes you believe I'm a selkie?"
"Well there ain't a lot of water types that call England home, and with your colorin and the fact that you're super posh and from one of the old families, I'm guessin…well selkies are the only ones with legit human forms naturally. So's they'd be the ones you lot would be more likely ta shag, right? Less chance of being accused of bestiality and such."
Inclining his head, Harry smiled a little over the boy's wording. "Well reasoned. And correct. When my great grandfather was a young man there was a…diplomatic incident between the magical community and the shifters that required, among other things, for several high ranking members of the magical community to marry shifters to create tighter bonds and…put us in our places, really."
Eggsy brows furrowed as he stated that he thought the shifters were considered less powerful, in the grand scheme of things.
"A common misconception. What it comes down to is…the Gifted use magic, but those with other blood ARE magic. And outnumber us significantly, for that matter." The Gifted weren't few in numbers, per say, but when it came to having the proper training and power to use it, they were at a distinct disadvantage. And one of the reasons Kingsman had been formed in the first place, for that matter. To protect the Gifted from those who would harm them, as well as deal with the rogue shifters and those who used their Gifts to break the law or harm others.
But back to the conversation they were having.
"Many of my peers will deny it to their dying breath, Eggsy, but there are many who believe, as I do, that the Gifted came into being because their human ancestors mated with magical beings and thus their biological gifts mutated into today's elemental gifts when mixed with human DNA."
"Makes sense." Eggsy agreed, after he'd thought it over.
"To me as well. There are a number of books on the subject in my personal library that you're welcome to read if you're interested."
"And you're really down with me livin with ya?"
"Well I'd imagine we're both going to irritate the hell out of each other occasionally, but I think we're both adult enough to work through that for Daisy's sake, yes?"
"Yeah."
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Biting down on his bottom lip, and working it with his teeth as he contemplated the question, Eggsy finally shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing's really coming ta mind at the moment. The social worker told me about ya, and I wasn't expectin none of this. I'll probably have questions later."
"Fair enough. For now I would suggest we leave it that you read that contract, make sure it's agreeable to you, and then I'll have you come to my place to help my housekeeper get it ready for your sister. I understand that child proofing it will take time, and the social worker will want to look everything over before she turns Daisy over to me. You'll want to move into your room as well, and I'll also need you to either buy or inform me what I need to buy for her when it comes to furniture and such." He had no idea what a three year old girl needed, but hopefully the boy had some idea.
"I'll make a list; let ya know prices and such. She ain't used ta havin much, so it won't be a lot."
Frowning, Harry immediate corrected that way of thinking. "Eggsy, I'm more than capable of paying for whatever she needs. I expect money to be spent on books and toys as well as a new bed and paint job. The present blue of her room is fairly plain. I intend to open an account for her expenses, which you'll be able to access and draw from. I'll want the receipts, at least in the beginning, but I'm not…I will raise her as though she's a member of my family, not a poor relative I feel obligated to house and clothe. If that makes sense to you."
Eggsy studied him for nearly a good minute before he nodded his head.
"Good. Now if you'd get out your phone I'll give you my address and phone number, and once you're ready to sign or further discuss your contract we can meet at the house and get more taken care of. All right?"
"Yeah. All right. Thanks, Mr. Hart."
Taking the hand Eggsy had offered him, Harry smiled as he gently squeezed. "It's Harry. And you're welcome."
)
A few days later Harry answered the knock on his front door to find Eggsy waiting for him on the other side, two boxes and a tote at the boy's feet, a ratty backpack slung over one shoulder. Which made sense as the whole point of Eggsy coming by was to drop off items that belonged to the boy's family that he'd managed to hold onto for himself and Daisy. Harry had told him to bring it all with him, along with the signed contract, and then they were going to go around the house to check over the childproofing his housekeeper had already done for them as the woman had raised four children and knew plenty about such things. She apparently didn't trusted two men to do an adequate job of it.
Smart woman, Mrs. Talbot.
"Some place. If the directions hadn't been so bloody detailed, I'd have thought this wasn't the place. Not what I was expectin."
"And what were you expecting?" Harry asked as he moved to pick up one of the boxes, waving off Eggsy's protests as he lifted it up. He wasn't that old, thank you very much.
"Well I was expecting somethin posh, and this is, but it's not…wasn't expectin the butterflies." Trailing off, Eggsy shrugged his shoulders awkwardly, looking a little sheepish before turning his attention to slugging the tote over his free shoulder, then grabbing the other box.
"Careful. One at a time."
"I'm stronger than I look. And it ain't much, really. All the big stuff had ta go when they kicked me out of the flat."
Shaking his head a little Harry didn't bother to argue, instead gesturing towards the staircase. "Well I'll show you to your room and Daisy's first, and you can put all this in there. Then I'll give you a tour of the place if that suits you."
"Sounds good."
Leading the way, Harry explained the living arrangements while they headed up. "To the right is my room, bath, and study. To the left will be both your rooms, your bathroom, and a sitting room that my grandmother converted into a sort of craft room, which I in turn converted into a library. There are books downstairs, and magic related ones in my study as well."
"That's a lot of books." Eggsy sounded cheered by the idea, which pleased him.
"Quite. And as I mentioned, you can update both bedrooms as you see fit. I looked over the pictures and prices you sent me for furniture and most were more than reasonable. And I'm discounting the cheaper ones, by the way, not the more expensive pieces. Except for that one bed with the odd faced finials. That's not going in my house. I feel I must be firm on that." Not that he'd be spending much time in the girl's room, but still…
"The what now? Finials?"
"The proper term for the ornamentation sometimes added to the tops of bedposts and such."
"Oh. All right. I think I know which one ya mean, and I'll strike it from the list. Weren't my favorite. I figure for the princess one, if that was okay. With the canopy thingie."
"That would be fine. I have the card I mentioned to you before downstairs, so you can start arranging that today, if you have time."
"Sure. No problem."
"Excellent. And here's your room. The bathroom is between the two of you." Having left the door open in anticipation of their hands being full Harry walked in and then turned around to get a sense of what Eggsy thought of the room. He only had the two guestrooms, after all, and he'd thought the bigger room more appropriate for Daisy. In his admittedly limited experience, females always needed more stuff around them than males did.
Whistling under his breath Eggsy put down his box, tote, and backpack, and then spun in a slow circle to take the room in. Not that there was much to take in in Harry's direction. Though it was way roomier than most guestrooms, since it had originally been a regular bedroom.
Judging the boy's expression to mean he liked it, Harry smiled when Eggsy confirmed it, the boy grinning as he said it was great.
"I'm glad you like it. Does this box stay here or into Daisy's?"
"Here for now, I have to go through the lot of it. Had to pack it all up fast, and some of it is more just keepsakes, that sort of thing. Here, I'll take that."
Letting Eggsy take the box from him, Harry watched at it was set on top of the other box before suggesting that they move on to Daisy's room.
"Cheers."
Daisy's room had slightly oversized windows, one of which featured a box seat Harry thought the little girl would enjoy. Or put her stuffed animals on, at least. It was a good spot to curl up and sunbath, too, when the sun actually bothered to make an appearance. The walls were a pale blue with white trim, and he'd had the original bed moved out and put into storage already, the knickknacks and paintings gone as well.
Giving the room an even more thorough look see, Eggsy smiled widely at him once he was done. "This is lovely, Harry. Specially that seat by the window. She'll love that. And the blue will even work with what I got planned, since ya said it could be painted."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I got a mate, Ryan, who's in ta art and shit. He's no Picasso or nothin, but I talked ta him and asked about im comin here and paintin flowers and that sort of thing on the walls. I figure even as she grows she won't get sick of that till she'd at least a tween."
"A what?"
"Early teens, Bruv."
"Ah." To say he was greatly behind today's slang would not be an exaggeration.
"I can show ya some of his stuff, if ya want. He's got a DeviantArt account."
Harry wasn't sure what that was either, but surmised that it was an online site that featured amateur artists. And he trusted that Eggsy had the sense not to waste his money on a bad paint job, even if it was his friend he was paying for it. The boy was too smart for that.
"I'm sure it will be fine. You can paint your room too, while you're at it. My grandmother was fond of blue, and did the house's rooms in various shades back when she lived here. I changed the rooms I cared about when I moved in, but I didn't bother with the guestrooms."
"Nah. Teal's good. And I ain't picky, either."
"I happen to like it myself. Now then, shall we look over the rest of the house? And there's one detail downstairs Mrs. Talbot thought I should discuss with you."
Eyebrows rising with interest, Eggsy asked what that something was.
"How Daisy would react to a stuffed dog in the loo."
Blink. Blink. "A wot?"
"Stuffed dog."
This time Eggsy just stared at him, brows furrowed. "Ya mean like it was a real dog, then ya got it stuffed after it died?"
"Exactly."
"In the loo?"
"Yes."
Another pause.
"What the fuck would ya do that for?"
"I keep Mr. Pickles around as a reminder. And I would prefer not to keep him in my bedroom or study."
"Not sure what's worse, really. The name ya stuck im with, or the fact that ya stuffed im ta add insult to injury." Face flooding with color as he realized what he'd just said, Eggsy tried to apologize but Harry just laughed it off, well used to such comments.
"Quite all right. Merlin has said much the same thing hundreds of times at this point. And I assure you that the blasted animal deserved both fates for the shoes he ruined alone."
Shaking his head with cheeks still bright pink, Eggsy gave him a rueful smile. "I'm guessing he ain't big, if ya got im in the loo?"
"Terrier."
"She should be alright with it." A gleam of humor came into those bright green eyes. "So butterflies and a terrier, eh? Anything else dead around here I'm gonna have ta explain ta her?"
"No. That's it."
"Cheers." Pause. "Ya really have a friend named Merlin?"
"I really do."
A bright laugh. "And here I thought I got screwed in the name department."
"There are worse names than Gary." Harry pointed out. "I can think of much worse, in fact."
And so the two entertained each other listing off horrible names a person could be stuck with as they headed downstairs to tour the rest of the house.
)
The next day Harry sat behind his desk, annoyed that the phone call with Mrs. Talbot was over already and therefore he had no excuse not to get back to work on the piles of paperwork set out before him. Because really, it was no wonder that the former head of Kingsman had gone over to the dark side earlier in the year given that the bastard had been faced with this every day. He'd go insane as well, after decades of this. And since he was more dangerous than King had ever hoped to be Harry thought again that he really was going to have to get his arse in gear when it came to finding ways to delegate some of this to other people.
Picking up the first piece of paper to review Harry set it back down with a delighted smile at the knock on his door, calling out for whoever it was to enter.
"Seeing you smile like that is disturbing."
"Then you should bloody well find someone to replace me before this job pushes me further around the bloody bend." Harry shot back as he watched Merlin close the door behind him.
Merlin's grin was just a little evil as he took a seat in front of Harry's desk. "But this way you have more consistent hours, which is good since you're a parent now."
Feeling a new twitch developing under his eye, he'd been getting those a lot since he'd become Arthur, Harry had to take a moment to remind himself that he wasn't really going to be a parent. That was Eggsy's unofficial job.
"How'd your meeting with the boy go yesterday?"
"Well, actually. He ordered the furniture needed for Daisy's room and then came by the house today to supervise it being unloaded and put it together. We thought it best for the social worker to see that everything is set up and ready for her even though it will have to be rearranged again when it's being painted. And Mrs. Talbot likes him, even if he does dress like a hoodlum in her opinion."
"I would imagine a number of your neighbors aren't going to know what to make of having a chav in their neighborhood."
"They'll have to adapt. As will he."
"Do you think he can?"
"I think there's very little he won't do for his sister." Leaning back in his chair, Harry considered the boy in question. "Not to take all the blame off him, because some of it belongs squarely on his shoulders, but I do think that a lot of his bad choices wouldn't have happened if he'd had someone in his life he could lean on. And a safe place, where he knew he wouldn't be harmed. I can give him that safe place easily enough, and as for the rest…well I can at least give him something of a positive role model. I'll see him more than her, after all, given how early three year olds go to bed." And thank all the powers that be that it would be Eggsy, not him, who would have to get up at ungodly times in the morning because of how early children woke up as a result of their early bedtimes.
He shuddered just thinking about that.
Give him a rabid werewolf or insane Fire Gifted any day.
Chapter 3: Welcome Home
Chapter Text
Welcome Home
The plan had been for Harry to meet Daisy before she moved in with him, but the foster home she'd been placed in had been hit with the flu that was currently making its rounds, apparently, and meeting her while she was sick and miserable would not have done either of them any good. He had sent her a bear and flowers with a card wishing her a speedy recovery, but the meeting had been canceled and this would be their first encounter with each other. He was as nervous as Harry would imagine a normal first time parent was supposed to be.
It was bloody awful.
His meetings with the social worker had gone well though, as had the at home inspections. Eggsy had done an amazing job with Daisy's room in Harry's opinion, and the childproofing had met even the picky social worker's standards. Naturally he had passed all the other hurdles the government threw in people's ways in these sorts of circumstances. He'd collected more than enough 'IOUs' over the years to make that happen easily enough.
Now here he was, pacing back and forth like the expecting parent he technically was, waiting for the social worker to arrive with Daisy. Eggsy was in the house too, hiding from the social worker in the kitchen, but Harry had too much pride to seek the boy out to talk to in an attempt to distract himself from what was coming.
From the fact that this was Day One of his life as the legal guardian of a minor child.
The horror.
But he had Eggsy, Harry reminded himself sternly, and he'd found a daycare a five minute walk from Kingsman that would take her for two mornings during the week, which would give Eggsy a break while giving Daisy a chance to socialize with those of her peer group. They'd come highly recommended, and while he hadn't found a babysitter to occasionally watch her when Eggsy needed a full day off Harry was sure he'd find someone up to his standards soon. And worst came to worst…he could probably watch a child for a few hours. Everyone was born with some instinctual need to protect and continue their species after all, and the girl was three years old. She was bound to be a lot less trouble than an infant would be.
Or at least there would be no nappies involved and really, how much trouble could a three year old get into?
And if nothing else there was the chance that his own diet was going to improve in the coming years if Eggsy could actually cook with all the ingredients the boy had loaded up his cupboards and such with yesterday. If Eggsy couldn't…well surely the boy wouldn't have chosen a roast for their first dinner as a family if he didn't know what the hell he was doing in the kitchen.
Though Eggsy was on the cocky side…
Dear God, don't let them all get food poisoning tonight.
Glancing at his wristwatch for a distraction, Harry saw that it was a minute before one, which was when the social worker had stated she'd be there. And recognizing a Type A when he met one, especially since the woman was the sort who could probably terrify time into bending to her will despite being a government employee, Harry felt confident walking over to his door and opening it, standing on his stoop for perhaps forty seconds before a very sensible and boring car came driving up towards his front door.
Returning the woman's curt nod of greeting when she got out of the car Harry watched as she turned to open the backseat door to retrieve Daisy, who would be in one of those chair things Eggsy had put on the list of things they'd need to buy when he informed his new nanny that he'd have access to a car when he needed it. Of course he'd said that before he'd remembered to check the boy's driving history, but according to Eggsy he'd once successfully driven through London backwards without being caught by the police, which Eggsy had thought he'd find comforting.
Since that was something he might have done when he was the boy's age, Harry had decided not to judge after making sure that the boy knew that he wasn't to do that ever again.
His niece, when she came into view, was about average for her size according to Harry's research, with a headful of blonde curls and a small, rather worn stuffed rabbit backpack strapped to her back. She was dressed warmly, which he approved of, but once the social worker started walking Daisy towards him, holding the girl's hand with her left while her right carried a duffel bag, Harry stopped catalogue all the little bits and pieces that made up his ward and focused on the fact that everything about her, from her body language to her bowed head, radiated defeat. She wasn't fighting the social worker's hold, or even dragging her feet, she was simply resigned to her fate and miserable for it.
"Good day, Mr. Hart."
"Ms. Brice. Hello, Daisy." Thinking to present less of an imposing figure, Harry crouched down, not surprised when the girl didn't bother to glance up at him.
"Say hello to your Uncle Harry, Daisy."
A slight flinch at the underlining command behind the suggestion, and then Daisy was tipping her head up enough to briefly meet Harry's eyes, revealing that hers were brown, unlike her brother's green. And these eyes also lacked Eggsy's spirt and brightness, the girl's voice low and dull as she said hello as commanded, before dropping her chin down again.
"She's shy." Brice explained with a rather patronizing tone of voice as she looked in Daisy's direction before giving him a bright smile that was obviously meant to reassure him. "And she's no longer contagious, of course, though she doesn't quite have her energy back yet. Which is probably for the best, actually, since it will give you time to ease into parenthood. Not that I have the slightest doubt about you, of course, Mr. Hart. I know an excellent guardian when I see one."
Right. Because a middle aged, homosexual bachelor shapeshifter with no spouse and no childrearing experience was a great choice even before one factored in the fact that his career revolved around the hunting and often executing of dangerous individuals. Of course a trained killer was the perfect person to care for a toddler, who could be better?
It really was a pity he couldn't clue her in to how off her gut was in this matter.
Though from what Harry knew of them he was still better than the parents Daisy had been 'gifted' with at birth, and Harry figured that if nothing else Daisy at least wouldn't remember what a bastard her father had been. Soon enough he and Eggsy would be the only family the girl remembered.
"Here's her bag." She continued, holding it out to Harry, who straightened up to his full height to take it. "Would you like me to come in with you, to help settle her in?"
"I don't think that's necessary. I thought I'd take her straight up to her room, as her brother was kind enough to drop off some of her things. Being around familiar things, as well as the room designed specifically for her, struck me as a good place to start."
"That is an excellent idea. Though you might want to look over anything he brought carefully. One does have to be careful when it comes to bugs and such."
Aware that it was in everyone's interest that the woman leave as soon as possible Harry settled for a curt nod without verbally agreeing with her snobbery. And at least this would be the last time he had to deal with her, not that she knew that as she rattled off some instructions and reassurances that she'd be back to check on them and such. Legally Daisy would be his before the end of the week and then the social worker before him would be informed by her boss that her work here was done. A benefit of having friends in high places, especially when he had a low tolerance for bureaucratic bullshite.
One more reason him being named Arthur was insane.
It took about five more minutes of nodding and keeping his answers short and to the point, but finally the woman was back in her car and driving off, Harry watching her go while Daisy, it seemed, was more interest in continuing to stare down at her purple sandals.
"Well we won't be seeing her again, which is for the best. Shall we go inside, Daisy?"
No reply.
Deciding to take a page from the social worker's book, loath though he was to do so, Harry reached over and took the girl's hand in his, the smallness of it freaking him out just a little as he gave it a little tug, Daisy starting to walk beside him on cue as they headed for the front door. He'd left it unlocked so it took no time at all for him to get her inside the house, the fact that she didn't speak a word unnerving him as much as her small stature. But inside was where Eggsy was, and once the boy was involved he could turn her over to him and that would be that. Problem solved.
Closing the door behind them, and setting the duffel on the floor for the time being, Harry let go of her hand and then walked around to crouch in front of her again, Daisy still as a little cherub statue.
"This is your new home, Daisy." Harry began, doing his best to keep his voice soft and nonthreatening. "No one is going to take you away from here. This is your house now, too. And I hope to give you a good life here…and that you'll understand that even when I make mistakes I do wish to give you the best life I can. But for now I think there's someone here you want to see more than your new room."
And so saying Harry got to his feet and stood slightly off to the side as he called out Eggsy's name.
)
Not if he lived for a hundred more years would Harry forget the look on Daisy's face when Eggsy came running into the hallway now that he had the all clear to join them. Nor would he forget the look on Eggsy's. The way Daisy's previously blank and lifeless face lit up like a lit candle, the joy naked on her face as she screamed her brother's name and ran to him as fast as her little legs could carry her. And Eggsy, scooping her up and hugging her so gently but tightly in his arms, Daisy with her little face pressed up against Eggsy's neck while Eggsy...he beamed at Harry with all his thanks and happiness, the beauty of it breathtaking to behold.
This is what he'd remember when sharing his house with the two of them irritated the hell out of him.
Shoving his hands in his pockets Harry gave them their moment, a faint hint of jealousy crossing his thoughts as he was quite sure no one had ever been so happy to see him before. He knew plenty of people who'd been very happy to see him when he saved them from certain death or some other horrible fate, but it wasn't the same thing. Daisy would only be this happy to see her brother and vice versa. No one else would do for the other. It must be a wonderful thing, to be loved so much by someone.
After a few minutes the hug loosened a bit, though Eggsy kept Daisy in his arms after swiping his shirt sleeve over his eyes quickly, perhaps in the hopes that Harry wouldn't notice.
"Enough of this mushy stuff, right, Daisy chain? Ya wanna go see your new room, then?"
"Room?"
"Yeah. Ya'll love it. Harry and me, we've been workin on it just for ya. So let's go then. We'll put your stuff away too, then show ya the rest of this place, alright?" Eggsy looked around for the duffel, which Harry got to first since it wasn't like Eggsy didn't already have his hands full. He could see that Eggsy considered arguing, but was in too good a mood to do so.
And so off the two went, Eggsy taking the stairs a little too quickly in Harry's opinion, as three year old bones were likely more breakable than twenty something ones. Weren't they? But the two made it to the top of the stairs without incident. And then they waited for him there, Eggsy all but vibrating with anticipation, so that Harry felt it necessary to pick up the pace so that they could all go into the room together, which was what Eggsy seemed to want.
Since his sole contribution to the room's decoration was a small table, chairs, and tea set, all meant for a child, of course, Harry was fairly sure that the room would meet with the little girl's approval. He'd decided on the tea set as a present solely because he could recall being made to drink fake tea as a child with a couple of step sisters before they, like Dean, had left with their father once the inevitable divorce happened.
Eggsy's friend was still working out a design for the walls, but the boy had gotten the little canopy bed for his sister as planned, the pillows and sheets either pink or grass green to go with the comforter on top, which was a checkerboard of those two colors. There were new stuffed animals on the bed as well, the dresser, bedside table, and the other pieces of child furniture white for the time being. There were books and toys on a shelf for her as well, her own mixed in with the new he'd told Eggsy to buy her.
All in all Harry thought it looked quite nice if one was a girl.
Daisy, upon entering, looked shocked and stunned by the splendor around her.
With prompting from Eggsy Daisy moved around the room to take it all in, Eggsy pointing out her old toys and the new, along with the picture of her, Eggsy, and their mother on top of the bedside table. Dean didn't feature in any of the pictures the boy had set out on display in either his room or his sister's. Eggsy's father's military portrait held a place of honor in Eggsy's own room.
Having looked into the sort of man Dean had grown up to be Harry had silently agreed with Eggsy's decision to erase what few reminders the girl might have of the man.
Meanwhile it was quite obvious to both of them that Daisy was not getting the fact that this was her room. That, Harry noted, and the room wasn't as important to the child as staying as close to Eggsy's as possible, the girl clutching onto him and scrambling back into his arms when he tried to get her to try out her new bed.
"Eggsy? Perhaps you should show her your room now. That might help her understand this all better."
"Oh! Right! Come on then, Daisy. Wanna see my room?"
Clinging to her brother Daisy just buried her face against Eggsy's neck again, hiding from the both of them now that she'd been reminded that Harry was with them.
Not taking offense to that Harry set aside the duffel he'd forgotten he still had and held the door open for the two siblings instead, following behind them to Eggsy's room.
In stark contrast to her own room, where she'd been silent the entire time, this time Daisy pointed at various things that she obviously knew and recognized like the portrait, clothes, and the other few odds and ends the boy had kept for himself. And each time Eggsy agreed that she was right, that was his father or cap or wallet.
"This is my room with my stuff, Daisy. Just like your stuff was in your room, remember?"
Face scrunched up as she pondered this, Daisy's voice was unsure when she spoke again. "Dis Eggsy's room?"
"That's right."
"The pink room…?"
"Is your room. Right by mine. Cause this is your house now, Daisy. Yours, mine, and Harry's."
Glancing at him from the safety of Eggsy's arms, Daisy's voice was probably meant to be whispered, but Harry heard her loud whisper well enough as she asked Eggsy if Harry was his boyfriend.
Flushing, Eggsy looked at Harry as he turned an even darker shade of pink before stuttering out that no, Harry wasn't his boyfriend. He was Daisy's uncle.
"Uncle?"
"Yeah. You know what an uncle is. Like how Jamal is Cassie's uncle cause her mum is Jamal's sister. Remember? Harry's a part of our family now and that's why we're livin here with him. Cause we're family."
Chewing on her bottom lip, it was obvious that Daisy was having a hard time wrapping her mind around the fact that Harry, who was of course a complete stranger to her, could be a part of her family. Especially since Harry was aware that he probably dressed quite unlike the vast majority of the adults she'd spent time with in her short life.
Feeling like he should say something Harry cleared his throat. "I hope we shall all be very happy here together. As a family."
Meeting his gaze willingly for the first time, Harry could only describe the look in Daisy's eyes as highly skeptical.
Which was only fair, since he wasn't sure how the bloody hell this was going to work out either.
Chapter 4: A Gentleman Adapts
Chapter Text
A Gentleman Adapts
Showing Daisy Eggsy's room did seem to help the child understand that she wasn't going to be separated from her brother anytime soon, and that he was, in fact, going to stay close to her from now on. Or at least Harry hoped that that was what her willingness to return to her room and really explore it meant. Either way as long as Eggsy remained in the room, which Daisy made sure he did with pointed looks every minute or so, the toddler was willing to wander around her room and actually smile and touch her new toys and furniture.
Joining Eggsy in leaning up against the wall close to the door to watch, Harry hoped that physically aligning himself with her brother, with Eggsy allowing it, would help his ward come to understand that he was on her side. Because the suspicious looks she was occasionally throwing his way were doing nothing to reassure him that this wasn't going to blow up epically in his face.
The road to hell was paved with good intentions after all.
"She's slow ta warm ta people. Most people she's met ain't been…good people on the whole. Not the ones she knew well, I mean. Once she sees that ya ain't mean or pissed all the time she'll come round. She'll see that ya got a…" Eggsy trailed off then, his cheeks flushing a little again as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I have a?"
Eggsy looked at his trainers when he answered. "…a reassuring…safe air about ya. That you're the protector type, not the sort that'd hurt her."
"No. I will never hurt her. Deliberately." Harry amended, since it went without saying that he was going to say the wrong things or disappoint her at some point. Especially the older she got. Teenagers. Shudder.
"Wouldn't have let ya have her if I thought otherwise."
Technically the law had been determined to hand Daisy over to him and not Eggsy, but Harry wasn't about to discount the boy's intelligence or the lengths Eggsy would go to for his little sister. And as the saying went, where there was a will, there was a way. He knew that better than most.
Turning his attention back to Daisy, it seemed advisable to keep his eyes on her at all times, just in case, Harry watched her pet one of her old toys affectionately before abandoning it to pet the stuffed elephant beside it. From what Harry could see Eggsy hadn't bought her that many toys; at least not in comparison to his own experiences as a child visiting the rooms of others. Even he'd had more toys than Daisy had at the moment. But then he couldn't remember how many he'd had at three so perhaps the volume of them was just supposed to double with every year or so. Then it would make sense to start off with the bare minimum. Plus how many toys did a not spoiled rotten child need? Because he was quite sure the majority of his childhood playmates had grown up to be entitled wankers. His mother had spoiled him somewhat too, Harry acknowledged, but even a child knew when he was being bribed and so the receiving of some toy or treat had usually been followed by the suspicion and dread on his part. Usually justifiably so.
Not to mention it had taken his mother embarrassingly long to figure out that he'd stopped being interested in the childish toys she gave him. Really only one toy had remained beloved all through his childhood and into adulthood, but Harry supposed that was fairly normal for most people. Speaking of which…
"Is her favorite toy in one of these bags?"
"Huh?"
Harry consider for a moment pointing out 'pardon' was the correct response, but dismissed the idea for the moment as he repeated his question.
"Oh. Daisy don't got a favorite, really. Not now."
The shadow that crossed Eggsy's face foreshadowed the answer to the question Harry posed, which was what had happened to her favorite toy.
"Dean chucked it." Was the harsh, hate filled answer. "He got mad at her, threw it out with the rubbish when I weren't around. I got her another, looked just like Pengie, but it weren't him and she knew it, even at two. After that she hid em, her toys, in my room. I'd fine em in the weirdest places. Anyway, she ain't had a favorite since she lost that bloody penguin."
"Well perhaps she'll find a new favorite amongst her new ones."
"Maybe." A shrug, then a sly look replaced the boy's scowl. "What was your fav toy when you was a lad?"
"I have a teddy bear named Toto that's been mine since I was a baby. What's left of his fur hasn't been white in decades, and I stretched his arms out rather horribly, but I still have him."
Harry was secure in his masculinity, not to mention the fact that his discrete search of the boy's room for drugs or the likes when Eggsy hadn't been around meant that he knew Eggsy had a stuffed lamb hidden away in his own room. A reminder of the boy's childhood no doubt, and which had certainly shown signs of being well loved too.
"Toto?"
Harry shrugged, since it wasn't like he could ask his younger self why he'd thought the name appropriate at the time. And he was opening his mouth to ask Eggsy about his own favorite toy, curious as to whether or not the boy would own up to the lamb, when Daisy interrupted him.
"Eggsy."
Joining Eggsy in turning his attention back to Daisy again, Harry saw that the girl was holding a somewhat oddly shaped stuffed animal, a fox, in her brother's direction. Or at least that's what Harry assumed the animal was, though the structure of the creature suggested it had some other purpose to it rather than simply a regular toy. Possibly. He was far from a stuffed animal expert, after all.
Pushing off from the wall Eggsy hunkered down with her and explained that that was a special fox that you could warm up in the microwave and then go to sleep with ta keep ya warm. It smelled real nice, apparently, and Eggsy had thought she'd like it.
Big eyed, Daisy clutched the oddly shaped fox closer to her chest, the little girl obviously concerned about what would happen if her new toy was actually put in a microwave, which Harry assumed would not end well for a normal stuffed animal.
It also sounded like something a sadistic bastard like Dean would do to something his daughter loved, may the bastard burn in hell for all eternity, which explained her reaction too.
Obviously understanding her thought process as well, Eggsy reassured her that this was a special stuffie, and the only one that would be going into the microwave. If she liked they'd go downstairs and he'd show her that Mr. Fox would be alright if he went into the microwave for a little while. Oh, and only he and Harry were allowed to put Mr. Fox or anything else in the microwave, and she must always ask first, which Harry thought was a wise rule for the boy to make.
Still wary, but also intrigued, Daisy agreed to come with Eggsy to warm up Mr. Fox so that she could see for herself that it didn't hurt him.
To save them time getting down the stairs, or just for the comfort of holding the child, Eggsy scooped up Daisy into his arms again, carrying her out of the room with Harry trailing after them despite his mental wish to flee to his office or some other room. This first day he'd had Merlin clear his schedule, it was the least he could do, being around the girl for a decent chunk of time. Helping as much as he could her first day in this new world she was entering.
Tomorrow would be soon enough to leave her in Eggsy's care to return to his normal, child free world at work. Possibly at a dead run.
And on the A side going with them into the kitchen meant Harry had the pleasure of stepping into a room that smelled absolutely delicious. He'd never been so happy to step into his kitchen before. His stomach growled a little from the scents alone, despite having eaten only a couple of hours ago.
Daisy obviously felt the same, since as soon as Eggsy put her down on her feet the girl went straight for the oven window to try and peer inside it. it took her a moment to realize the smells weren't coming from there, but from the counter where Harry spotted some new cooking device Eggsy had bought and put the food in earlier.
"Woast?" Daisy asked hopefully, pointing at it.
"Yup, we're having roast. And guess what else we're having that's your favorite."
Very slowly the little girl turned around to stare at her brother for several heartbeats, the size her brown eyes could achieve shocking Harry a little even before Daisy gave an ear-piercing shriek of happiness that actually made Harry jump back and bash his hip into a counter. Thankfully he hardly felt it as his ward screamed something about princess marshmallow jell-o.
"Easy, Daisy, Easy!" Laughing through his wincing, so at least Harry wasn't the only one whose eardrums were currently suffering, Eggsy scooped Daisy up and gave her a light toss into the air which did nothing to help Harry recover his equilibrium even when the boy caught her easily the three times he did it, to no doubt distract that girl from shrieking again. "And yeah, I'm makin ya your special marshmallow jell-o. Harry said I could."
He hadn't been consulted about tonight's menu at all aside from Eggsy making a list of foods Harry was allergic to or didn't like to eat, but Harry supposed aligning him with this special jell-o was Eggsy way of convincing Daisy to like him. A successful deception, Harry noted, when the little girl shot him a grateful look before hiding her face against Eggsy's neck again.
"Now let's heat up Mr. Fox and then maybe you'll have a nap, yeah, since you was sick and need ta get all better with lots of sleep."
Ah. The heat to lull her into tiredness, Harry realized. Genius. He'd have to remember that trick.
It worked remarkably well after all, as in a few short minutes Daisy had her warm, lavender scented Mr. Fox to cuddle with, and that plus Eggsy holding and rocking her against his chest soon had her eyes struggling to stay open now that the shocks to her system weren't coming quite so fast and big.
And then she was out between one breath and the next.
"How long will she sleep for?" Harry asked once he was sure she was out for the count and his voice wouldn't startle her back into something resembling awareness.
"An hour or two. Ya can escape somewhere if ya want till supper."
Not about to look a gift horse in the mouth Harry told Eggsy that he'd be in his study if he needed him and then made a break for it.
)
Losing all sense of time as he waded through the piles of paperwork on his desk, the bloody stuff was as time sucking as it was to the soul, Harry was jolted out of his concentration by the sound of a knock at his door, a glance at his laptop making him wince to discover that it was very close to the time that Eggsy had stated was Daisy's normal suppertime, as young children ate very early in the evening. She would have also been awake for a while now, which was time he hadn't spent with her and probably should have even though Eggsy's company was really all Daisy seemed to want or need.
"Enter."
Harry had expected Eggsy to enter, and so it was a surprise when the door opened a little, and then Daisy was very nervously sliding through the gap, Mr. Fox clutched tightly in front of her, both arms wrapped around him for support. Harry assumed Eggsy was remaining hidden behind the door judging by the way Daisy was behaving, but after a few moments the girl very hesitantly moved a little closer before stating the reason for the interruption.
"Supper ready in five minutes." Daisy informed him, her whole body tense and wary, ready to run back to her brother at the slightest hint of aggression from him.
Keeping his hatred for the girl's father well hidden behind a placid smile, Harry thanked her for coming to tell him, and asked her to tell Eggsy that he'd be right down.
Nodding her head Daisy spun around and ran for the door, the murmur of voices he heard once she was out of sight the girl relaying his message, Harry assumed.
Turning his attention back to his work Harry quickly shut down his laptop and secured the paperwork he'd been reviewing in his desk before pushing back his chair with a smile, happy for the excuse not to work for the next little bit.
Making a pit stop to wash his hands, Harry then followed his nose downstairs to the dining room where Daisy was already secured in her chair upon a chair so that she was at a normal level with the table, food cut up and ready on her plate for her. Mr. Fox sat on the chair beside her, just visible from Harry's point of view as he walked around them to take his place at the head of the table, Eggsy's spot between him and Daisy since the boy needed to be on hand to help the girl eat if necessary.
Eggsy had risen to his feet when Harry had entered, and Harry motioned him back into his spot before taking his own seat while telling the boy that everything looked delicious. And it did, with perhaps the exception of the clear bowl filled with some concoction that was very pink. With mini marshmallows on top.
Perhaps aware of what Harry was thinking, Eggsy smirked at him before they started passing the various dishes to each other to load up their plates with some of everything while Daisy watched her own plate like a hawk, all her concentration focused on not eating any of it until she was allowed, which for a three year old was quite the strain.
Once served, including a small amount of the pink stuff on his plate as manners dictated, Harry said a brief thanks for the meal since none of them were religious and then invited everyone to eat, which had Daisy grinning and then attacking her large pile of pink stuff with her spoon like she was starved.
"She loves that stuff almost as much as ketchup." Eggsy confined in him, though there was a hint of worry in his eyes that Harry might comment on Daisy's lack of table manners.
Which weren't the best, but then Harry also supposed that if one wasn't used to good or regular food one would be rather hasty in consuming said food when it was available. And it was something they could work on in the future so he didn't comment, choosing instead to ask what other foods she really liked.
"That stuff, ketchup, and mashed potatoes are the three main ones that have her doin a 'Frozen'."
"A 'Frozen'?"
"It's a Disney movie. Daisy loves it." Eggsy explained, the girl perking up at the mention of the movie in question, before going back to her food once she heard the rest. "There's this scene where the sisters, they smell chocolate and just sigh and go all dreamy over it. That's what Daisy does."
"Ah, yes. I suppose I should get used to watching such movies. It will be interesting to see how the animation has changed since my day." Harry couldn't honestly remember the last time he'd watched a Disney movie, but he didn't suppose it would be too much of a hardship unless one of the princesses had a high pitched voice like the voice actress from 'Snow White'. He'd hated it as a boy.
"Yeah, them animators were drawin on cave walls back in your day, weren't they?"
Raising an eyebrow over the wide, impish grin on Eggsy's face, Harry smirked right back. "Ah, yes, back in the days when one had enough brainpower to write whole sentences instead of resorting to ludicrous short forms when attempting to communicate."
"LOL." Was the boy's saucy reply.
"And then there's your generation's obsession with recording every moment of your existence on some form of social media. Now that is laughable, especially since all it does is reinforce the fact that you have nothing better to do with yourselves than waste hours online."
"Too right." Eggsy actually toasted him in agreement. "It's barmy, really, how obsessed some prats are with those things. I've had girls damn near ta skin me alive cause they saw a picture of me with some other bird on one of those things, or I didn't update my status ta 'in a relationship' fast enough for em. Bugger the lot of it, I say."
"Agreed, though please watch your language in front of the child."
A blink of surprise, Eggsy's voice dry as he informed Harry that she'd heard plenty worse already.
"Regardless, she's young enough to forget most of that if she doesn't hear it in this house. Which she won't."
"Want me to talk all proper in front of her as well?" Eggsy asked, not sounding offended at the idea, just curious.
"I don't expect you to change the way you speak unless you want to, Eggsy. But I will encourage her, as will her future teachers, to use proper English."
"And what makes your way the proper one, exactly?"
"Henry Higgins." Was Harry's dry response.
A delighted laugh, and then Eggsy asked if he wanted Harry to fetch his slippers for him after dinner.
Chapter 5: Biscuit Delivery
Chapter Text
Biscuit Delivery
The sound of the grandfather clock chiming out the hour had Harry looking up from his desk, his eyes checking the position of the hands to confirm the time as his stomach clued him in to how long it had been since breakfast. He wasn't much for eating early in the morning to begin with, wasn't much for doing anything in the morning, really, so he'd just had some eggs and toast before rushing out for the day. And now that he was awake…he was really hungry.
Not to mention the fact that he was awake enough now to be curious about the lunch Eggsy had packed for him. He'd never had a packed lunch before.
At home and in school the food had always been provided for him by staff, and then after, well, he'd been perfectly happy to pay restaurants to see to his meals or occasionally throw something very easy together himself when he needed to. Sandwiches and soup, mostly. But he'd never had someone who was family, to a degree, make him lunch before. Themselves.
Pulling out the containers Eggsy had put together for him in a paper sack Harry couldn't help but smile as he took in the thick roast beef sandwich, two chocolate biscuits, a bag of dried, homemade apple crisps, and some of Daisy's pink marshmallow dessert, which had proven to be very good the night before.
Getting up to go to the small fridge to retrieve a bottle of water, Harry had just settled in to enjoy his lunch, sandwich half in hand, when a knock sounded on his door.
Bugger.
"Come in." Setting down the sandwich with a sigh of resignation Harry immediate picked it up again when he saw that it was Merlin. Merlin wouldn't care if he ate in front of him, or if he did care Harry didn't since they were friends, not just colleagues. And he was seriously hungry.
Walking across the room Merlin's eyebrows rose as he surveyed the food on Harry's desk. "You brought your own lunch. Unusual for you."
"Eggsy made it for me."
"You have the boy making you lunch now, too? And it doesn't look half bad."
Since his mouth was full of roast with honey mustard, and enjoying that quite a bit, Harry ignored his friend in favor of chewing and then taking another bite. Hopefully Merlin would take the hint and get to the reason why he'd come rather than sticking around, especially since Merlin was not above snitching other people's food. Particularly if they had biscuits, which Harry realized belatedly he should have stuffed in his desk before Merlin saw them. Damn.
"The boy make those biscuits?"
Typical Merlin.
"I believe so."
"And what are these?"
"Baked apple crisps. Or at least that's what Eggsy called them. Apparently you cut up apples and then bake them in the oven. Eggsy recommended them as a snack throughout the day since I'm not one for breakfast." Being lectured about how breakfast was the most important meal of the day had been amusing. And touching, too.
Plucking up the bag with the apple crisps while still eyeing the biscuits, Merlin helped himself to one while Harry debated eating the biscuits now, rather than after he'd finished his first course. Keeping them in reserve in case he needed to bribe Merlin for some reason seemed a better plan though, Harry decided after a moment's reflection. He had Daisy's treat and the crisps for dessert after all, if Merlin left any of the latter for him.
"They're good."
"Good to know. Did you have a reason for coming, by any chance?"
Munching away on his apple slices Merlin explained in between bites that Bors had gone and gotten himself blown up again, the idiot, and would be staying with the healers for the next little while. The Fire Gifted agent loved his explosives, so this wasn't surprising news, but it was certainly unwelcome. Not to mention it also highlighted the fact that they really did need to get some new blood into Kingsman ASAP. Ones who hadn't already spent at least a couple decades being beaten and battered by the job until they were the job. Bors kept taking unnecessary risks, Harry thought with a sigh, but the man's talents were too needed for the agent to have more down time, much less retire. Not that Bors would be willing to do either.
His sandwich and marshmallow jello finished over the course of the conversation, Harry wasn't surprised that Merlin cut off in mid rant about the equipment Bors had destroyed the moment Harry unwrapped the two palm sized biscuits from the plastic cling wrap Eggsy had wrapped around them to keep them fresh.
Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Harry held out one to Merlin before taking a bite of his own.
By all the gods and goddesses.
"Bloody hell! This tastes just like the chocolate biscuits my Gran used to make!"
Jerking in surprise at the decibel of Merlin's shout, his flailing hands nearly knocking over his water bottle and laptop, Harry gaped at Merlin decimated the biscuit in his hand before actually turning to look at the one in Harry's hand, the look in the Scot's eyes suggesting the fact that the possibility of Harry's germs wouldn't matter to him. And Harry could believe that because he knew how much Merlin had loved his late grandmother's biscuits. It had devastated his friend when she'd died unexpectedly, taking her recipe with her to the grave.
When Merlin grabbed him by his lapels though, well that was taking things just a little too far.
"Your boy made these?!"
"Get ahold of yourself, Man!"
"You will tell me how to get more of these biscuits, Harry." For emphasis Merlin moved around the desk so nothing was separating them now, spinning Harry's chair to face him before clamping his hands down on the arm rests. Then the tech genius leaned in so that his face was uncomfortably close to Harry's for added emphasis. "I have not had these biscuits in over seven years. SEVEN YEARS, Harry! And I have NOT had a good week. Don't mess with me."
Recognizing the crazy look in his friend's eyes Harry groaned as he stated that Merlin had been living at HQ again, hadn't he? That never boded well for anyone who had to have contact with the Scotsman when he eventually reached the end of his rope and started acting like a cranky toddler. Particularly since Merlin tended to forget to eat and sleep when he was here, often working nonstop as he drove himself to exhaustion. And unfortunately Merlin's assistants were too afraid to tell Merlin to eat before this happened. Or do anything, really.
In retrospect he was surprised Merlin hadn't eaten all his lunch on him.
"When was the last time you ate something aside from junk and tea?"
The look on Merlin's face said it all.
"Here." Handing over the rest of his apple crisps, Harry motioned for the other man to eat up while he pulled out his cellphone, accessed Eggsy's number, and hoped the boy would answer. He even put it on speaker, since that way when Merlin started ranting it would be easier for Eggsy to understand so that he wasn't stuck translating.
"Hello, Harry."
Thankfully Eggsy answered quickly, his face popping up on the screen and moving in a way that suggested he was walking somewhere, outdoors if Harry wasn't mistaken.
"Good afternoon, Eggsy. I hope I'm not interrupting something."
"Nah, we was just headin home, actually. The visit ta the park didn't go so well today."
Brows furrowing, especially since he wasn't sure how to interpret Eggsy's expression, Harry asked what had happened while ignoring Merlin's annoyed huff.
"Well we was gonna feed the ducks while we was there, see, but I read somewhere that ya shouldn't feed ducks bread. So I brought some seeds instead, cause I figured that'd be better for im and Daisy was stoked ta feed them. Only it was the squirrels that wanted the seeds more, and they freaked her right out. Here. I'll send ya the pic."
Moments later a new image took over the screen, Daisy standing on some grass, surrounded by squirrels and looking at the camera in Eggsy's phone with a 'What the fuck do I do now' look on her face. Though in child terms Harry supposed it would be more along the lines of 'Help, I don't know what to do' look.
Either way it was adorable and he couldn't help but laugh, saving the image to his own phone before turning his view screen back to Eggsy to tell him he liked the picture very much.
"Yeah. Definitely a keeper. Daisy ain't gonna be feedin the ducks again for a while though. Right, Flower? Can ya say hi ta Uncle Harry for me?"
The screen blurred and then Daisy's face came mostly into view for a moment. Before she buried her face against Eggsy's chest, which muffled her greeting entirely.
"It's nice to see you, Daisy. I'm sorry that your trip to the park didn't go as planned. Perhaps next time you'll have more fun."
"Sorry she's being shy again. The squirrels really did freak her out. Freaked me out a little too, come ta that. Generally when ya get swarmed like that by rodents in our neighborhood, its rats. She mighta thought they was rats with bushy tails, now that I think about it. Have ta check on that." The screen blurred and then Eggsy's face appeared again. "So what's up? Just checkin in?"
"No. Actually, I'm calling for the ridiculous reason that Merlin wants to know where you got the biscuits you put in my lunch."
"What? Seriously? Why?"
"Apparently they taste just like the ones his grandmother used to make for him."
"Really?" Eggsy laughed. "It's my Great Gran's recipe. Well mine and Daisy's."
"I'll pay you for the recipe." Merlin announced, apparently tired of letting Harry control the conversation.
"No need for that, Guv. I'll give it ta Harry ta give ta ya. It's ain't nothin special, though, far as I know. Or at least there ain't no special ingredient or nothin. Cept love. Or at least ta hear Great Gran tell it." Another laugh. "If ya want I can make ya biscuits, too. Or we got some in the freezer as is at the moment."
"Bring them to the shop."
"Merlin. You are not to order Eggsy around like a servant. And it is NOT his job to supply you with biscuits." And Harry could not believe he'd just had to say that. "I know you're hungry and have been skipping meals again but-"
"Do you want your tech department to keep running smoothly and efficiently so you don't have MORE paperwork to deal with?"
Harry stared at him in shock. "That's blackmail."
"That's don't deny me my biscuits."
"Oi! No fightin now, you two. Look, I'll get the unfrozen biscuits from the tin, and some of the others from the freezer, and then I'll put Daisy in the car and come drop them off. If ya want, I mean. Not like we got anythin we gotta do today."
Harry's statement that that wasn't necessary was overridden by Merlin's agreement that that was a great idea.
"Merlin."
Chuckling, Eggsy stated that they'd be there within half an hour, so they could just quit arguing.
Resigned to the fact that the two were coming, Harry asked if Eggsy needed directions to the shop. He'd told Eggsy that Kingsman was his main base of operations workwise, but had yet to bring Eggsy by to see it for himself.
"Nah. I looked it up on my phone, saved the directions. I got this."
"Well all right then. Drive safe."
"You got it, Bruv."
)
While they waited for Eggsy and Daisy to arrive with Merlin's biscuits Harry took the time to ask Merlin if there weren't some things they needed to discuss. Like the man's workload and how he might have been taking on too much recently. Which, once he got the other man talking about it, Harry could see was the case in spades. In fact, it was a wonder that Merlin hadn't had a meltdown already. King's betrayal had hit Kingsman hard, and had also required a lot of time and energy being spent rooting out the other traitors in their midst. None of them had really had a break since then, but due to the injuries he'd received around that time Harry hadn't had nearly as much weight put on his shoulders as Merlin had. And that would have to change, somehow, regardless of the fact that Merlin had said he'd be lightening his load so that Harry could be home more often for his ward.
He and Merlin were still arguing about that as they walked down the steps that would lead into the tailor shop, which was doing decent business at the moment. And also meant they had to watch what they said since the majority of the customers were regular humans.
So they had to settle for giving each other looks until the door opened and in walked Eggsy and Daisy.
Harry noted the looks Eggsy got immediately from the shop's current patrons. The clothes the boy wore immediately marked him as lower class without Eggsy having to say a word. The boy's attire was clean and even neatly pressed, but that didn't stop them from looking down his nose at him. Typical.
Daisy was given weird looks just because she was a child, though the clothes she wore marked her as higher class than her brother, at least on the outside. They were obviously new ones Eggsy must have bought for her recently.
And of course she latched onto her brother's leg in a death grip as soon as she saw him across the room, which Harry reminded himself was not a reflection on him but the world she'd lived in up until now. He just hoped she broke the habit soon before it gave him a complex.
Giving him a rueful grin Eggsy stroked the top of his sister's with his now free hand, the other weighed down with a sack that Harry imagined contained the biscuits they'd come to deliver.
"We should go to them." Harry stated, starting forward with Merlin following after him as they weaved their way through the displays while Eggsy shuffled the two of them off to the side so that they weren't blocking the door or calling as much attention to themselves.
"Hello, Eggsy, Daisy. My apologies for making you come all this way."
"Is okay. We was gonna drop by and check out your shop sometime soon, anyway. Specially since the daycare she's gonna go to is so close and all. The shop's real nice by the way, Harry. Ain't it, Daisy?"
If she had an opinion on the shop and answered it was too muffled by Eggsy's trousers for them to catch.
Giving them a 'sorry' look, Eggsy changed the subject. "So you're Merlin, then? I'm Eggsy."
Taking the hand Eggsy offered him Merlin shook it. "Nice to meet you, Eggsy. Miss. Daisy."
"She says hi, too." Eggsy smiled as he lifted his left hand. "And here's your biscuits. There's also a packed lunch in there, since Harry said that ya hadn't been eatin enough. It ain't much, but it's better for ya than all those biscuits. So make sure ya eat the other stuff too."
"You…thank you. I will."
"No prob for Harry's best mate."
Once Merlin had the bag Eggsy managed to detach Daisy from his leg and lifted her up and into his arms, where she felt comfortable and safe enough to let them see her face as she looked around them with interest. Her hair was up in adorable pigtails tied with blue ribbon, and she was smiling shyly at them as she fiddled with Eggsy's collar nervously.
"Well aren't you a bonny lass, then. Harry and Eggsy will have quite the time of it, won't they, when the lads start comin round wanting to ask you out."
A pause, then Harry and Eggsy shared a look that said ya, they were NOT looking forward to those years. At all.
"She ain't gonna date till I can't hold her off on it no more. And after she's got at least a brown belt in somethin."
"That's an excellent idea. I'll look into how early she can start taking lessons." In fact Harry liked the idea so much he pulled out his phone just to make a note of it. Not that he doubted his and Eggsy combined ability to put the fear of God into Daisy's future dates, but he was also familiar with how easily teenage hormones could overrule common sense. And basic survival instincts.
"When she's a little older you should arrange for her to spend some time with Ms. Morton." Merlin commented as he riffled through the bag he'd been given, setting it on a table so that he had his hands free to open the tin and withdraw a biscuit.
"Biccie!" Eyes lighting up, Daisy pointed at the biscuit in Merlin's hand with definite want shining in her eyes.
And points to Merlin, it only took his friend a moment to wrestle with his conscience before he handed over the biscuit to Daisy before going back to get his own while Eggsy apologized for not anticipating her reaction. She loved her biccies.
"And who could blame her." Was Merlin's response as he took a big bite out of his own biscuit, joining Daisy in making yummy sounds that had Eggsy and Harry sharing a look of extreme amusement at their expense.
"Merlin, go have your lunch. And arrange for whatever you need me to do to be on my laptop and I'll do it at home after Daisy goes down for the night."
Making a sound that was no doubt deliberately up for interpretation, Merlin waved good bye to them and then grabbing his lunch headed back the way they'd come.
Leaving Harry to give Eggsy and Daisy a tour of Kingsman.
Chapter 6: Kingsman Shop
Chapter Text
Kingsman Shop
So…Harry had never been in the position of giving someone a tour of the tailor shop before. Certainly never a small child who would find nothing in the store that might interest her/ Well, save for possibly the more decorative cufflinks and some of the fabrics. She was old enough to know not to put small things she could choke on in her mouth, wasn't she? Surely Eggsy would have mentioned that if it was still a concern. And she knew how to chew things, or at least she'd seemed to at dinner.
And he needed to come up with a plan ASAP, because Daisy and Eggsy were both looking at him expectantly. Shit.
"All right…we'll start with the neckties, I think. Wearing them and bowties are the first article of a suit a child is usually introduced to." Or at least that made the most sense to him. And ties were something Daisy could touch and play with to some degree without damaging them in any way.
Motioning for Eggsy to follow him over to the nearest display of that particularly accessory, Harry asked Eggsy how old he was when he'd gotten his first tie.
"Mum had some pictures of me wearing a bowtie when I was about Daisy's age, maybe a little older. As for regular ties, well I just had a clip on one. I ain't ever had a proper one as such. Weren't required at the schools I went ta."
Whirling around Harry hoped the horror he felt wasn't written all over his face. "If you still have that clip on tie I would ask you to burn it. Such things are…I will buy you one and teach you to tie it."
Surprise and then amusement flashed across Eggsy's face. "Couldn't tell ya what happened ta it, actually. And I can get meself one if I need it. And YouTube probably has some videos I could watch."
"I'd be happy to teach you. And Daisy as well when she gets old enough to wear them too. Can she tie her shoes yet?" If she had that down she might even be old enough to be taught to tie a tie now.
"Uhm…ain't she too young for that? Not that I remember learning to tie mine, neither." Eggsy's brows furrowed as he obviously joined Harry in trying to remember just how old they had been when someone had taught them how to tie their shoes. Harry was fairly sure it had been his father, but for the life of him he couldn't guess at his age.
"I'll look it up on my phone later." Eggsy promised, his hands too full with Daisy at the moment, obviously.
"Excellent. And I do recall a song or rhyme involved a rabbit and a fox that can be used to teach a child how to tie a four in hand. Or at least I think I still remember it. It's been quite some time since I've needed to use it, though I would imagine that Daisy will like it as she has become quite fond of foxes." Or at least the child had brought the stuffed fox to dinner with her the night before, and had gone to sleep clutching it tightly in her arms. "Where is Mr. Fox?"
"He's guarding the car."
Sharing a smile with Eggsy Harry tried smiling at Daisy too. She met his gaze for a moment before looking down, her fingers twisting Eggsy's shirt nervously. Oh well.
"So these are ties, Miss. Daisy, and are often worn by young ladies and gentlemen when they attend schools such as the ones you will be going to in the future. And while many might see them as an uncomfortable but often necessary accessory, I've always liked them." Harry picked out one of the cheaper ties in case she did manage to find a way to wreck it, and then held it out for her inspection.
It took some encouragement from Eggsy, but finally she reached out and took it, studying it with some interest.
Watching her stroke the material Harry smiled even as it belatedly occurred to him that there might still be chocolate or crumbs on her fingers from the biscuit. Oh well. It could be cleaned or bought for Eggsy, since it would complement the boy's coloring well enough.
"Now some people aren't aware that there are many different ways to tie a tie, and that each version has its own…flavor. The four in hand knot is the most standard knot used; an unoriginal but safe choice. I myself general wear a full Windsor, note the dimple, which some might call overdone but I think is never too much. Eggsy, I see you more as the Prince Albert sort, though I will of course teach you all the knots so that you can choose your favorite yourself."
"Sure. Though it aint like I'll have much reason ta wear one." Eggsy's grin remained on his face, though there was a hint of self-consciousness in his stance. "I don't dress fancy like."
The eyes on them weren't being at all subtle, regardless of what the idiots might think.
"I have no intention of telling you how to dress, Eggsy." Which was unfortunately since there were a number of items in the boy's closet that should be burned for the sake of humanity. "Clothes are important, of course, but they do not make a man. Manners do. And learning new skills is always valuable, as one never knows when that skill will come in handy."
"Eggsy." Daisy tugged on Eggsy's shirt for emphasis with one hand, her other holding out the tie. "Wear dis. Then you pretty like Unca Harry."
She thought he was pretty?
Surprised, but pleased, Harry was game, as was Eggsy apparently, as the boy motioned over to a nearby chair set out for those waiting for someone in the fitting room.
To see her brother look pretty Daisy was willing to let go of her brother and take a seat on one of the brocade chairs, her little legs dangling over the edge as she stared up at them while Eggsy lopped the tie around his neck and then asked what was next.
Moving in closer, the difference in their heights a minor annoyance but easily worked around, Harry looked over at Daisy, who met his gaze this time. "First I'll show you how the rabbit outwits the fox to get safely back in his hole again."
Ignoring Eggsy's snicker over that, Harry demonstrated with the tie how the rabbit runs around the tree, under the bush, and then pops back up again to dive into his hole, safe from the fox once again.
"Again! Again!"
Again proved to be about four times, Daisy loving the very short story as opposed to having any interest in learning to tie a tie.
Thankfully Eggsy saved him from having to do it another time by asking to be shown how to do the fancy Windsor thing, which Harry was happy to do. Though there was a slightly awkward moment partway through when the closeness between them caused their bodies to come into closer contact than Eggsy had apparently been expecting. The shorted breath and sudden, ruler straight posture were rather hard to miss. But the younger man didn't move away, and respecting that Harry just adjusted the problem he'd moved in to fix, it having been ages since he'd tied this knot on someone else.
And while he finished his tutorial and the knot Harry allowed his mind to wander back to the question that had been floating around in the back of his thoughts since Daisy had asked the day before as to whether or not he was Eggsy's boyfriend. There had been no evidence of homosexual behavior mentioned in the report he'd been given on Eggsy, but that didn't mean there hadn't been at some point in the boy's life. One wouldn't advertise that sort of thing in either the army or the estates. Or it could just be that Eggsy had raised Daisy to think it was alright to be gay, and she'd just assumed that her brother might someday have a boyfriend rather than a girlfriend.
He wouldn't ask, regardless, and leave it up to Eggsy to either bring it up or not. He already knew that Eggsy would know that he himself was gay because that would have been in the files the social worker had apparently shown to the younger man.
That he couldn't have a child naturally had been one of her selling points for adopting Daisy.
Daft woman.
"I think that one I'm going to need some practice ta get the hang of." Eggsy's hand came up to fiddle with the tie a little. "And wear a proper dress shirt for it."
"That would help, yes."
Undoing the tie and sliding it off from around Eggsy's neck, Harry held it in his hand, not sure what to do with it now. And so he held it and suggested that they move on to the cufflinks.
)
Thankfully, since he had absolutely no idea how to make cufflinks interesting to a three year old, Thomas chose that moment to make his way over to ask if he was needed. Given that Thomas had worked for them for years in the shop Harry knew that if anyone in the building would know how to make the shop interesting to a child, it would be Thomas. Introductions were required firstly, Eggsy shaking the man's hand while Daisy giggled in delight when Thomas gave her a small bow.
And so Harry left it to Thomas to explain the cufflinks to Daisy, though the man had hardly gotten started explaining all the things cufflinks could be made out of when a knowing chill went up Harry's spine as the door to the shop opened and a man came in.
Not just any man though. And most definitely not human. Not anymore.
Meeting Eggsy's gaze, and seeing that the boy had recognized the creature that had just entered the shop for what he was, too, Harry gave him a look that was meant to reassure him even as he quietly asked him to remain with Daisy in case that needed to be said. And then Harry turned and put himself between those he was sworn to protect and the vampire striding towards them like he owned the place. He watched and waited, making no move to attack beyond the warning he put into his gaze. Unless provoked he would leave it at that for three very good reasons.
One was that they were in public, and revealing himself for what he truly was wasn't something the vampire would do without cause. Two, Eric Lamont wasn't an idiot. The vampire knew a fight with someone of Harry's skill and training would reduce him to ash before he'd finished baring his fangs at him. Lastly, Eric might be old enough that he could handle being out in weak sunlight, but if he was going to try and kill a Kingsman agent he'd wait until the night, when he was strongest. So odds were this was a peaceful visit, but that didn't mean he was going to let the conniving bastard near Daisy or Eggsy.
The body language of the two humans customers in the shop suggested they knew, on an instinctual level, that the pale and somehow unnaturally attractive man now in their midst was a danger to them. Whether they knew what Lamont was, was questionable, but the fact that he was a predator always looking for prey was something the four hundred year old creature had never been good at hiding. If he wanted to at all.
"Harry. It's been far too long." The vampire purred at him, his tone indicating an intimacy that had never been between them as he wound his way towards them. Unless one counted the fact that Harry had singlehandedly dusted half of the last coven Eric had been a part of. Harry supposed that could be seen as a rather personal connection between them.
"Lamont. Here for a new suit?"
"Actually, I came to talk to you about something very important." Stopping with a couple of feet between them Eric smiled at him and then cocked his head thoughtfully to the side, his attention shifting away and beyond him. "And who is this young man you're standing so protectively in front of, hmm? A little young for you, is he not, My Friend?"
"I would say that you, of all people, would have no right to judge were that the case. And he is no one you need to concern yourself with. As for what you've come to tell me, we'll go up to my office. We'll have privacy to talk there." Not taking his eyes off the vampire Harry spoke to Eggsy, knowing that there was no point in lowering his voice since Lamont would hear him regardless. "We'll have to continue the tour another time, I'm afraid. I'll see you both later."
"Want I should call Merlin?" Eggsy asked after moving in closer so that he was all but pressed up against Harry's back, his and Daisy's breath ghosting across his skin. The boy must be holding her in his arms again.
"It's fine."
"You're not even going to introduce us? How unusually rude of you, Harry. Not very gentlemanly of you. Or British, for that matter. But then you and your people have always…" Having drawn closer as he spoke, Eric trailed off and inhaled deeply, his eyes closing briefly before fluttering back open, the sudden darkening of his brown eyes a forewarning even before his lips curved in full predator mode. "I really must insist, I think, on an introduction."
"No."
"Come now, you know I'll find out. And I simply wish to put a name to the scent, as it were."
Oh hell. Eggsy's scent. Or Daisy's, Harry silently corrected, though he'd guess on the former. Children were generally a last resort for food for vampires. Not out of any moral code, but because the sheer innocence of them. Their purity carried over into their blood, and in a final revenge was known to weaken their murderer for weeks, if not months. Eggsy, however, was a young, healthy male who did, at least to Harry's own nose, smell very appealing.
Apparently Eggsy not only recognized a selkie when he saw one, but a vampire as well.
"Who I am isn't something you need to know." Was the boy's cool response, Eggsy mimicking Harry's own accent quite convincingly. "Not if you want to keep your fangs in your head. I hear they don't grow back."
"I do like them fiery."
"And I hear your kind don't do well with fire."
Doing his best not to grin, though that response had been the perfect comeback, Harry also knew that the longer Eggsy remained where Eric could scent him, the deeper Eric's interest in the boy would become. Especially since he'd already made it clear that Eggsy was under his protection. That would only heighten Eggsy's appeal to Lamont.
Reaching behind him with one hand, Harry gently placed his hand on Eggsy's hip and nudged him, hoping that Eggsy would take the hint.
Thankfully he did.
"I'll see you later. Nice to meet you, Thomas."
Sliding out from behind Harry Eggsy deliberately had Daisy perched on his right hip with an arm wrapped around her, his left hand…the boy's fingers were clenched around something which Harry got the sense was meant or actually was a threat to the vampire who watched Eggsy walk away without moving anything except his head as he tracked the two until they were out the door.
Only when Eggsy was out of sight did Eric turn his attention back to him.
"No."
"No?"
"No." Harry stated firmly. "He is mine. Touch him and I will end you."
"He doesn't smell as though he is claimed by you." Moving closer, Eric pitched his tone low, like they were sharing a secret. "So what is he, exactly? I mean he seems human, but his scent…there's something intriguing about it. Something old and…unusual about his blood." A Cheshire cat smile. "Come now, you can tell me. I promise not to be breath a word."
"The boy is not what we need to discuss. Really the only discussion we can have involving him will be a detailed description of what I will do to your person if you should so much as seek him out, much less place a hand or fang upon his person. Now are we going to my office to speak of why you've come here in the first place, or not?"
"Fine, fine. Your office, then. Though really, Harry. You need to learn to share more."
Pointing in the direction of the stairs, Harry waited until the vampire started walking before following after him.
He wasn't about to trust his back to him.
)
Text Messages
Eggsy: Wotcher, Harry. Just wanted to check in and make sure that you're all right. What did the vamp want with ya, anyway?
Harry: I'm fine, Eggsy. Lamont dropped in to pass along some information in exchange for funds. Despite being centuries old he's never learned to live within his means. He's only gotten worse since certain powers that be put a stop to his former habit of marring for money before being 'tragically' widowed soon afterward.
Eggsy: A time honored tradition, that.
Harry: True enough. You handled yourself well with him, by the way. Though I am curious as to what you had in your hand as you were leaving.
Eggsy: Ya seriously type out btw? And it was holy water. Vamps like the scent of me for some reason. They've always taken no for an answer, but one suggested I carry some of that around, just in case, so I have a small vial on my keychain.
Harry: Excellent idea. Though I expect you to tell Merlin or I immediately if Lamont approaches you or is even just in your vicinity. He's not stupid, and I've made the fact that you're under my protection clear, but better safe than sorry.
And of course I typed out the full words. I thought we've already established how I feel about your generation's determination to mangle the English language beyond all recognition.
Eggsy: Yeah, yeah. Understood. Still gonna be home for dinner?
Harry: That is the plan. Daisy all right?
Eggsy: She's fine. Playing tea with Mr. Fox and some of the other stuffies.
Harry: Good. Now I have to get this work done if I'm to come home anytime soon, so I'll say goodbye for now.
Eggsy: Later, Harry.
Chapter 7: Good Manners Require
Chapter Text
Good Manners Require
It had been a very long day, not to mention a frustrating one with one problem cropping up after another, so Harry was glad to be getting out of the office at all, even if he had picked up an unexpected nuisance along the way. Looking up from his phone to eye Merlin, Harry shook his head for the third time since they'd gotten into the vehicle. Or should he say since Merlin had made it clear that he was driving Harry home whether he wanted the company of not.
"I texted Eggsy that you were coming and would be joining us for dinner. Though I still can't believe you're weaseling a dinner invitation like this. The boy fed you this afternoon already. Have you no shame?"
"And I told you that I was offering you a ride home so that I could return the Tupperware he used for the food he made me."
"Which I could have taken for you."
"But then I wouldn't have been able to thank him in person."
"You thanked him when he gave you the food in the first place." Harry had not been born yesterday, thank you very much. "You want to come because you know that we're going to arrive at my home a little later than I expected, which means that Daisy will be missing her dinner. Which means that we'll be eating as soon as I arrive for her sake, and knowing that, you're counting on my good manners necessitating that I ask you to stay for the meal. Just admit it."
"You're getting cynical in your old age."
"And you're getting more shameless."
"I didn't ask you to invite me to dinner. In fact you haven't asked me."
"If you don't want to stay then that's fine."
"No, I have to come now because you texted the lad saying that I was coming. It would be rude and insulting if I blew him off after he went to the trouble to set a place for me."
Exasperated, and seeing no point in arguing with Merlin since they were almost there, anyway, Harry turned his attention to looking up when children should start learning now to tie their shoes since that was on his to do list and would give him something to do besides be exasperated with Merlin. According to the sites he visited she might be as old as six before she could manage it. Surely that wasn't right. It looked like children had been able to manage it at a younger age sooner…Daisy seemed like a bright child. They'd try when she was four, maybe. Five at the latest.
"We're here."
Putting his phone away, Harry unbuckled his seatbelt and unlocked the car door.
Stepping out into the foggy night air Harry took a deep breath and then moved down to retrieve his briefcase and the sack containing their lunch containers from the backseat. Both in hand he headed for his front door, pulling out his keys to unlock the door since he knew Eggsy would have kept it locked even while they were inside.
"So what are we having for dinner?"
"I didn't ask." Earlier he'd had a hankering for a little seafood, actually, but he hadn't been about to tell the boy what to make, especially since he was well aware that he tended to be a tad picky when it came to his seafood and didn't know if Eggsy's skills extended beyond the standards.
Opening the front door Harry motioned for Merlin to go in ahead of him, following after and locking up behind him just to be safe. Setting aside his briefcase and the bag Harry removed his coat and was just hanging it up when he sensed another presence in their vicinity. A glance over confirmed it was Daisy, the little girl peeking out at them from around the corner.
"Hello, Daisy."
"Hi."
A verbal response. A welcome surprise.
"Good to see you, Lass."
The smile she gave them was small, but there as she moved more into view, revealing that she held Mr. Fox's paw in her other hand. "Eggsy said ta wash up and then come eat."
Message given she whirled around and took off as fast as her little legs could carry her, most likely to wherever Eggsy was now that she'd completed her assignment.
"Well, best do as she says."
Together they headed for the downstairs bathroom to wash their hands and then headed for the dining room where the food was already set out on the table, a bottle of wine set between Harry's seat and the one beside him which had been set up for Merlin. Daisy was in her chair already, Mr. Fox sitting on what looked like a stack of books in the seat beside her so that he was on level with the table this time around.
Eggsy came in as they were pulling out their seats, a plate with a sliced up loaf of herbed bread that smelled amazing in his hands. Everything smelled amazing, Harry's mouth actually watering a little. Especially given the delightful surprise of what they were having for dinner.
"This looks amazing, Lad."
"Thanks. There's seafood linguine, garden salad, and the bread. And we're having vanilla pudding for dessert."
"With choccie."
"With chocolate chips in yours, yes." Eggsy winked in Daisy's direction. "Help yourselves, by the by. I just gotta go grab her plate from the kitchen and then we're set."
Manners meant the Harry had to let Merlin serve himself first, though at least he didn't have to wait long since Merlin was obviously in as much a hurry to eat as he was. And thankfully Eggsy had had the sense to make a lot of everything since Merlin's plate was heaped with food by the time the Scotsman had taken his seat and Eggsy had returned with a plate already made up for his sister. Daisy's dinner was all in much smaller, easier to eat pieces, Harry noted, approving of that fact that Eggsy's went out of his way to do little things like that.
"She likes shrimp cause its pink." Eggsy explained, mistaking, perhaps, the reason he'd looked the plate over before the boy set it in front of a delighted Daisy.
"I see. Do you want me to fill your plate as well for you?"
Eggsy looked surprised, but he handed his plate over with a pleased thanks.
Once they were all seated with their plates full they started eating, Daisy going straight for the shrimp with her fingers, though she sadly reached for her fork when Eggsy picked it up and handed it to her with a soft reminder to use it.
Harry and Merlin hardly noticed though, they were too busy savoring their first bites of the truly excellent linguine on their plates.
"This linguine is excellent, Eggsy." It was some of the best he'd ever had, actually.
"Thanks. I ain't never made it before. I just looked up a load of seafood recipes online cause I figured you'd be into it, seeing as you're a selkie and all. The recipe said it was pretty easy, so I figured I'd give it a shot."
"This is your first…Eggsy…have you considered that you might want to train as a chef?" If this was what the boy could do just from reading other people's recipes, well then with proper schooling who knew what culinary masterpieces Eggsy could create. And he could sample.
Stunned pleasure on his face, Eggsy looked downright bashful as he stared down at his plate. "I…it ain't that good."
"On the contrary, Lad, it's amazing. Not as amazing as those biscuits you made, but Harry's a lucky man to have you to come home to." For emphasis Merlin gestured with his fork before going to work scooping more up to shovel into his mouth.
Thank you so much for making it sound like they were a couple, Harry silently glared at his friend before turning his attention back to Eggsy. "If you'd like to take some classes for it we'll find a way to make it work. A gift like this should be properly nurtured."
Eggsy shrugged. "Maybe. Right now I want ta be with Daisy as much as possible. Till she feels safe, ya know?"
They knew.
Turning their attention back to the food, it deserved their full consideration, they talked about mundane things like what Eggsy and Daisy had done after they'd left the shop and the baker Eggsy had picked the bread up from since he'd never tried to make bread before. He was going to learn, Mrs. Talbot had offered to teach him next visit if time permitted.
"More bread?" Daisy asked, pointing in the direction of the plate.
"Eat the rest of your salad first. No bread or pudding till you do."
Daisy's pout was met by a stern expression that Harry thought was surprisingly effective given the boy's usual demeanor.
With a sigh Daisy turned her attention to the salad, poking at it with her fork before she started shoving some into her mouth with an air of resignation.
"You're good at that."
"Thanks."
)
It was during dessert, with Harry and Merlin joining the two younger members of the household in sprinkling chocolate chips into their pudding, when Harry recalled a question he'd had on his list of things to talk to Eggsy about when he came home. Mainly the fact that A, he had a few more gadgets he was going to give the boy as additional backup in case of a vampire attack and B, if Eggsy knew whether or not any members of his family had had a similar problem with them. Lamont's comment about Eggsy's blood had aroused his curiosity, particularly since there had been nothing in Eggsy's tree to suggest a recent influx of powerful, magical blood.
"It's probably from me mum's side. I know that much. Me Grandad had some stories about his younger years and some vamps." The way Eggsy wiggled his brows made it clear what sort of stories he was talking about. "And mum…well I got fang scars ta remember me why lettin a vamp feed from me ain't a good idea no matter what Grandad says."
"Fang scars?"
Eggsy lifted his right hand in a fist facing them, pointing at his knuckles with his other. "Punched the bloodsucker in the mouth."
"Ouch."
"Yeah. Mum was dating him. Woman had bloody awful taste cept for Dad."
All eyes went to Daisy, since really this was not the sort of conversation to be having where she could hear them, but for the moment all her attention seemed focused on her pudding and eating it. Excellent. Even if she did have some of it on her face that Eggsy had to clean up for her.
Still, pudding would only distract her so much, so they deliberately stuck to more ordinary things for the rest of the meal.
Once done Merlin offered to stick around to help Harry with some of his paperwork in thanks for dinner, which Harry was more than willing to accept as they helped Eggsy and Daisy clear the table and take it all back to the kitchen. Well, Daisy carried the salad bowl while they carried everything else.
Afterwards, once the stuff was put away or loaded into the dishwasher, the four of them, plus Mr. Fox, headed upstairs so that Eggsy could give Daisy her bath and Harry and Merlin could start going through the paperwork Harry had waiting for him. Parting ways they headed off to their destinations with smiles and full stomachs.
"You need to marry that boy."
Staring at Merlin as the insane man closed his office door behind them, Harry honestly didn't know what to say to that.
"I'm serious, Harry."
"Seriously mad."
"The boy can look after your ward, cook you incredibly meals, and he thinks you're the greatest thing since the invention of chocolate biscuits. The way he looks at you, Harry…strike while the iron's hot and he doesn't see what an arse you really are."
"You need sleep and a vacation. Not to mention psychiatric help."
"Oh, please." Merlin smirked at him, Harry able to feel it even as he gave the other man his back. "Are you really going to look me in the eye and tell me that he's not your type? Really?"
"He's young enough to be my son." Harry called over his shoulder before setting his briefcase on his desk, opening it up while refusing to look in Merlin's direction. One shouldn't humor the insane, after all.
"And if he wasn't?"
Opening his mouth Harry had to close it again, because actually…shit. The boy's age was an obvious deterrent, but there was no denying that Eggsy was not just physically attractive but intelligent, charming, and intriguing. With the right guidance and choices Harry could see Eggsy becoming a man he would feel privileged to know. And while he didn't have very rigid guidelines for what he was currently looking for in a lover, there was no denying that had he and Eggsy met under different circumstances, and Eggsy were at least another five years older, he'd have been tempted.
"Why did you have to make me realize that?"
"That's what friends are for?"
"I hate you."
Looking very amused, Merlin came over to take a seat on the corner of the desk. "And you called me mad. Really, Harry, how could you not see? I mean I know you were anxious about taking the wee one in, but how did ya fail ta notice that the girl's bonny big brother was just the sort you're prone ta chase when you look for someone ta warm your bed?"
Furious, Harry demanded to know why Merlin hadn't warned him he was wearing blinkers where Eggsy was concerned before he'd invited the boy into his bloody house.
"Well how the hell was I supposed to know without meeting the lad? A pretty face hasn't been enough to hold your interest now that you've grown up for the most part. Not to mention I didn't realize how ripe he was for your picking. It's ridiculous."
"He doesn't-I would never-oh dear God tell me he isn't interested in me."
Merlin's gaze was thoughtful as he thought his response through. "It's hero worship at the moment, near as I can tell. But I don't doubt it could be more than that if you gave him a nudge or two. Or just let nature take its course."
"No. No…he's too young for me and is…well not the help, exactly, but he is dependent on me for his livelihood at the moment and I would never take advantage of that fact. There will be no nudging from me or you, do you understand me? Consider it an order from your boss if you must."
"As you like. I wasn't planning on it anyway. Though for the food alone I'd be tempted to marry him myself."
"You're too old for him too."
"Isn't that for him to decide?"
The death glare Harry aimed in the other man's direction failed to intimidate. In fact, Merlin looked more amused than anything else. Bastard.
"Let's get to work before I remember all the reasons I should kill you."
"Touché."
"You've just guaranteed that things are going to be awkward between Eggsy and I for the foreseeable future so no, I don't think I'm being unreasonable." God, ignorance really was bliss sometimes.
"Oi, don't take it out on the lad. Just be yourself and treat him like family if that's the way you want it to be. As it is he'd probably never dream that he could be your type in the first place so really, you've got no reason to be fretting like a woman."
"I'm going to tell Miss. Morton you said that."
The quick look of worry in Merlin's eyes, however fleeting it had been, was satisfying.
And while he wanted to question Merlin more about his other statements Harry's instincts said to drop it for the sake of his sanity and their friendship. Besides, there was paperwork he wanted to unload on Merlin before the man left for the night. So rather than question he opened up his laptop and motioned for Merlin to take a seat.
Focusing on the work was a welcome relief as they went over the various missions planned or in motion currently, spending a good twenty minutes discussing whether or not they should send an agent to the Ukraine to investigate a recent string of murders there. It looked like the work of a human serial killer, which they generally left to the human authorities to deal with as the magical community left them busy enough, but there were some elements to these murders that suggested supernatural involvement.
They'd just decided to send a minor agent to look into it further when there was a knock at the door, Harry calling out for Eggsy to come on it.
The door opened and in walked not just Eggsy but Daisy as well, Mr. Fox still tight within her grasp as they walked over to Harry's desk hand in hand. His ward was now wearing a one piece, panda bear themed footie pajamas, complete with a hood with little black ears.
"We just came to say good night, didn't we Daisy?"
Daisy nodded as she shuffled her feet for a moment before glancing shyly up. "Night, Unca Harry. Bye, Mr. Merwin."
Ridiculously charmed by her adorableness, how could he not be, Harry smiled and wished her good night as well, Merlin echoing the sentiment.
Picking Daisy up and settling her on his hip with practiced ease, Eggsy grinned at the both of them. "Well we'll be heading off then. I'm gonna put her ta bed and read ta her for a bit, till she falls asleep. After I thought I'd watch some telly, so that's where I'll be if ya need me for anything."
"Thank you, Eggsy. Good night if I don't see you before I turn in."
"To you as well. Night, Merlin." Eggsy gave Merlin a mischievous look. "I'll pack Harry some extra food if ya need ta snitch from him again tomorrow too."
"Excellent."
"Don't encourage him."
Chapter 8: Pinky Promises
Chapter Text
Pinky Promises
All things considered, Harry was fairly optimistic about his small family after nearly a week together. Not that things were perfect, or even really good, but Daisy appeared to be adapting to her new home and Eggsy was doing an excellent job taking care of her and keeping her out of Harry's way when he was working at home. And the food alone was worth putting up with having to stay up a little later at night than he once had in order to be home for dinner nearly every night. He'd only missed one night so far thanks to Merlin, who was determined to get him out of the building on time so that in turn Eggsy would be happy with him and continue to send him a bagged lunch along with Harry in the morning. The glutton.
But the point was things were going fair well right up until the day that Daisy was due to visit her daycare for the first time.
There were small changes to their schedule of course that morning, but Daisy was too young to realize that they were starting breakfast a little earlier. The fact that Harry wasn't immediately going to work after breakfast had Daisy shooting him considering looks, but Eggsy whisked her away to get changed right after so she didn't have long to question why he was still around. When they came back downstairs and he was still there Daisy looked even more confused, but she was easily distracted as Eggsy helped her into her sandals, coat, and then showed Daisy her new blue knapsack with white daisies all over.
Once the had everything they needed Eggsy carried her bag for her while Daisy carried Mr. Fox outside, the little girl clutching her stuffie against her chest while alternating glances in both their directions all the way to the car. But the girl liked car rides, and didn't object to being strapped into her seat where she remained quiet for the whole car ride as Eggsy drove them to the daycare.
As soon as they'd pulled into a parking spot Daisy started looking around, Harry wondering if her nerves were infectious as he was starting to worry that this was not a good idea either. But Eggsy seemed unruffled as he got out of the car and freed Daisy from her chair as well, setting her on his hip while he asked Harry to grab her knapsack, which he was happy to do. It gave him something to do and concentrate on other than observing Daisy and her growing trepidation as they walked around to the front of the building.
It looked cheerful and welcoming with its flowerboxes and the outdoor gym equipment situated close to the building, but Daisy didn't seem to notice any of that. She was too busy looking at the other children who were also being escorted into the building by their parents, older siblings, or hired help. They all looked, for the most part, like they were looking forward to their day, which Harry took as a good sign.
Inside the building Harry motioned towards the desk set up a short distance from the entrance where children were signed in. And getting in line they didn't have to wait long as the kindly looking woman behind the desk obviously knew the majority of the children by sight and waved them through with smiles and well wishes. She knew them by name too, Harry noted and approved of. Good.
The woman, who Harry estimated to be perhaps a few years older than himself, beamed at them when it was their turn. "Well hello there, Dears. I haven't seen you here before, which makes me think that this must be our new Miss. Daisy, starting today in Mrs. Markle's class. Is that correct?"
"That's correct. I'm her uncle, Harry Hart, and this is her brother, Eggsy Unwin. He'll be the one dropping her off and picking her up primarily."
"Lovely to meet you all. I'm Carrie. Welcome to Bag End Daycare."
At Harry's side Eggsy snickered a little.
"I know. But the founder of the place was a serious Tolkien fan, and he said that it was only as children that mankind seemed able to demonstrate a hobbit's purity of heart." The twinkle in her eyes made it clear Carrie was used to people commenting or being amused by the name. "And on the A side there are some very beautiful murals throughout the building depicting scenes from 'The Hobbit' that are quite enjoyable to look at."
Another smile and then Carrie's gaze dropped down to the sheets of paper in front of her. "I was told you were coming, and all her paperwork is in order, which we very much appreciate. Do you need directions to her room?"
"No, I remember the way. But thank you."
"Well I hope you have an excellent first day, Daisy. I look forward to seeing you in the future."
Daisy, for her part, was looking very suspicious and didn't say anything.
"Sorry bout that. She's nervous. Thanks for your help, Carrie." Eggsy's lips curved into a charming grin that had Carrie, not surprisingly, pinking up a little. Who could blame her?
"This way, Eggsy."
Both of them nodding to Carrie before starting to walk again, Harry leading the way and noting the fact that Eggsy was looking around with interest at everything, no doubt memorizing the way to get here so that he wouldn't get lost when he came to pick her up later. Not that the floor plan was in any way difficult to sort out, and there were certainly enough adults milling around to give directions if need be.
Arriving at the right door without any wrong turns taken, Harry walked past it to go over to where hooks had been placed at a small child's level for easy access, telling Eggsy to keep an eye out for Daisy's name.
Thankfully it wasn't that popular a name, and they found her hook all ready for her knapsack as promised. Hanging up her bag for her Harry took her coat from Eggsy when he handed it over, nodding when Eggsy asked him to grab her indoor shoes and socks from her bag.
Daisy didn't resist or cooperate as her sandals were removed and replaced with socks and shoes, her eyes wide and searching as she continued to clutch Mr. Fox to her like he was her life preserver in a storm at sea.
Again Eggsy picked her up and together they all headed back to the door, which was open and invited them in.
As Harry remembered the room was painted in bright, primary colors, various areas set up through the room for a variety of activities children of Daisy's age would enjoy. There was a book area with big, oversized pillows, and another area set up like a kitchen for playing house. A puppet house was in another corner, as well as a long table where the children would use the art supplies on display in nearby shelves. There was another room that housed an indoor gym for when the weather kept the children indoors, as well as another where Daisy would have her midday meal, but this would be the room she'd be spending the majority of her time in.
"Nice."
"I received nothing but positive feedback from those I contacted about it." Harry assured Eggsy. And reminded himself since suddenly the idea of leaving his fragile, defenseless ward in the company of complete strangers wasn't sitting so well with him. He'd had Merlin run background checks on every adult Daisy was likely to come into contact here and they'd all passed, but there was still the other children to contend with. What if she was bullied? The groups were divided by age, so Daisy would have limited contact with the older children in the building, but meetings were bound to happen. Most of these children were solid middle class or higher, and while Daisy dressed like them there was no denying that her accent made it clear where she'd grown up. Though were three year olds old enough to understand such things? Surely not. Right? Of course their parents and guardians were more than old enough to be biased and their children would behave accordingly, wouldn't they?
Movement from Eggsy's direction had Harry's attention switching back over to him, just in time to watch Eggsy set Daisy on her feet.
And that was it.
Bursting into tears Daisy dropped Mr. Fox to the floor and threw herself at Eggsy's legs, wrapping her arms around one while blubbering out the words 'Eggsy' and 'No' over and over again like a mantra.
"Oh shit."
Dropping down on one knee since she had his other leg in a choke hold, Eggsy petted and stroked while telling her that everything was okay. That this wasn't a bad place. She wasn't staying here, neither, Eggsy assured her. She was just going to be here for a few hours to play with the kids and draw him pictures. And didn't that sound like fun?
Her increase in crying volume made it clear that no, it did not.
Objectively Harry knew that sending her to daycare was the best thing for her. It was important for her social development to spend time around her peers and Eggsy was only human and needed breaks to recharge once in a while or he'd wear himself out and that would be bad for all of them. Plus daycare would give her a chance to learn new things, make friends, and prepare her for actual school when she was old enough to attend.
He knew all that, but damned if any of that mattered in the face of Daisy's sobbing and shattered eyes.
"Eggsy, I don't think she's-"
"Excuse me. Mr. Hart?"
Looking up and over Harry nodded in the direction of Daisy's teacher, who'd he met during one of his previous visits. "Mrs. Markle. Hello. I'm sorry but it appears that Daisy isn't quite ready for this."
"No child, or parent for that matter, ever is." The knowing look she gave him made Harry actually want to shuffle his feet in embarrassment.
Walking over with a child holding each of her hands, Mrs. Markle smiled reassuringly and then crouched down to Daisy's level, her voice warm but firm.
"Daisy, I'm Mrs. Markle. I'm a teacher here, and I'm going to be teaching you about colors and letters and all sorts of fun and interesting things. I know that you think this is like the place you lived in before you came to live with your uncle. The other place had a lot of children too, only you had to stay there and Eggsy wasn't there, so it was horrible, wasn't it?"
Before she'd made the parallel Harry hadn't thought that Daisy might think this was another foster home, but now that she had he was terribly grateful he'd been upfront about Daisy's recent upheavals, family situation, and how that might play into her behavior.
He also now hated the idea of leaving her here even more.
Daisy, however, was crying a little quieter now. And she was paying attention to Mrs. Markle even if she did still have a tight grip on Eggsy.
"This isn't a foster home, Daisy. No one lives here. See these kids with me? They're just like you. They're here to play with you and the other kids while their families are at work. But after work their families come and get them and they go home. Isn't that right, Daniel?"
"Uh huh." The little boy with her replied on cue. "No one lives here, Daisy."
Looking up at her brother Daisy asked in a loud whisper how the boy knew her name.
"Mrs. Markle told me. Do you wanna come play with Amanda and me?"
Daisy shook her head, though it was at least somewhat reluctantly.
"Daisy, have I ever lied ta ya before?" Eggsy asked her quietly, cupping her red face between his hands. "Harry and I are only gonna be gone a little while, then we're all gonna go home, I promise. And Mr. Fox will be here with ya the whole time ta take care of ye. Promise. We ain't leavin ya here, Flower. It's just for a little bit. Swear down."
"P...promise?"
"Pinky swear."
Daisy studied the pinky being offered her and then slowly let go of Eggsy's leg to study him for a moment before reaching out to crook her own finger around his to complete the ritual.
"See that clock there, Daisy? When the little hand is pointing at the three and the big hand at the six, I'll be coming here ta get ya. Triple promise."
They all held their breath as they waited to see what she'd say next, no one more surprised than Harry when she turned to look at him, lifting a hand to point in his direction.
"You gonna come get me too?"
"To pick you up, you mean?"
Daisy nodded.
Flabbergasted, he had not expected this at all, Harry frantically worked his way through his schedule in his head, wincing a little at the timing while wondering if it would be possible to squeeze it in given that he had a briefing with Miss. Morton that he really could not miss. But surely Lancelot would understand, and she was known for staying on point and keeping their conversations short.
Either way Daisy was looking at him expectantly, and if they wanted this to work he was going to have to make this work too.
So Harry crouched down and offered his ward his pinky in turn. "I promise that I will do everything in my power to be here later too."
The solemn way she watched him as the pinky swore had sweat breaking out on Harry's forehead.
It would not be a good thing for him not to show up later.
)
Blessings on Mrs. Markle, the woman took over then by asking Daisy about Mr. Fox, the little girl immediately turning her attention to finding the stuffie, which Eggsy picked up and handed to her. From there Mrs. Markle offered to show her a book they had on foxes in the story area, and with reluctance Daisy willingly took the woman's hand and let herself be led away from them after Harry and Eggsy said goodbye to her and she returned the sentiment sadly. And she looked back at them numerous times with lingering anxiety in her eyes.
"We better run while we can."
Trusting Eggsy's instincts on the matter Harry quickly followed the younger man out of the room and down the hallway they'd come through earlier.
"Ya all right?"
Harry was man enough to answer honestly. "That was horrid."
"Yeah." Eggsy agreed with a nod. "It gets easier though. And at least we're leavin her somewhere good, not like that home she was in. She bought ripped my heart out me chest every time I visited and then had ta leave her there stead of takin her with me."
"Was it that bad?"
"Nah. Or at least I've heard of loads worse. The people she was with were mostly in it for the money from what I could tell, but they were decent enough people. Kept the kids fed, clean, and didn't abuse em none, which is more than I can say about some of the places mates of mine ended up in when they were sprogs." Eggsy's expression was dark for a moment before the boy made an obvious effort to smile instead. "And this daycare, it looks bloody amazing from what I've seen so far. Daisy will be beggin ta come here soon enough, you'll see."
"I look forward to that day."
Eggsy laughed. "Parenting ain't for the faint of heart, that's for sure."
"Quite." Harry sighed. "And I will do my best to be here to help you pick her up."
"Thanks. Seriously. Though it's a good sign that she wants ya to come and pick her up even if she is still pretty shy around ya."
"True."
On that note they slipped into companionable silence for the rest of their walk through and then out of the building, Eggsy walking Harry to the car.
"And what do you have planned until three if I might ask?"
"I figured on hanging out in the general area just in case somethin goes wrong and the daycare needs me ta come and get her. I ain't never really explored this part of the city before, and I figure I should get acquainted with it seeing as I'm gonna be hanging round here in the future."
"I can suggest some shops worth checking out if you'd like." Just the thought of improving Eggsy's wardrobe made Harry feel a little better.
"Nah, but thanks. I ain't really dressed for the sort of shops you go to. Places around here, they'd have one of their people on me soon as I was through the door ta shadow me. It's fucking annoying when they do that. Not that it wasn't a good idea a time or two." Eggsy good-naturedly shrugged off his past acts of thievery. "I'll dress up a little more next time, then check them out."
"Well perhaps one day after we pick up Daisy we could go to the shops together. Get dinner afterwards."
"Yeah?" Eggsy grinned in obvious pleasure.
"I think that could be arranged, yes."
"Cheers. Well I'll let ya go. No doubt Merlin is wondering what's keeping you. And his lunch."
Laughing, Harry agreed that that was most likely the case.
"See ya later, then."
"Have a good day off, Eggsy."
The wink and cocky salute Eggsy gave him had Harry smiling in turn as he slid behind the wheel of the car, just sitting there for a moment as he watched the boy saunter off with all the attitude of youth.
He really was so very grateful that he'd decided to offer Eggsy the position of Daisy's nanny. He did not want to think about how all this would be going without the boy.
Chapter 9: Art of Picking Up
Chapter Text
Art of Picking Up
Of course today of all days he'd get horribly behind schedule. Everything took longer than it seemed it should. And every effort he made to catch up or rearrange things so that he could do them later seemed to backfire on him, leaving Harry with no choice but to admit defeat. To a degree. Because he was determined not to let Daisy down when this was the first thing she'd really asked of him as her guardian. Not following through on his promises was not a precedent he wanted to start. Ergo he was forced to ask Miss. Morton if she would be so kind as to come with him to pick up Daisy so that she could brief him on the car ride there and back.
The majority of his Kingsman agents wouldn't have understood his request either because they were confirmed bachelors who had never so much as babysat, much less raised a child, or because they were old school enough that they thought children were the nanny or wife's responsibility, and that a man's work came first. But thankfully Miss. Morton was surprised but agreeable to his proposal, and made not a peep of complaint as they headed out of the tailor shop and got into the car to drive over to the daycare as rain began to fall around them.
As planned they spent the short car ride there discussing her latest mission in Austria, mainly the importance of the information gathered and whether or not effort should be made to try and find Porter, an Earth Gifted arms dealer that trafficked in both human and magical items. He was a tricky one, and almost impossible to find. And even when you found him…well odds were that there wouldn't be enough proof to arrest him thanks to the bastard's friends in high places. And Porter was just that good.
They had to pause their discussion once they reached the daycare of course, it wouldn't do to discuss such things where one couldn't be sure who would overhear them. Not to mention it wasn't exactly a topic for children's ears.
Both using the umbrellas they'd been smart enough to bring with them, Harry hoped Eggsy had arrived before the rain had really started to come down as the boy hadn't had an umbrella with him earlier. He'd be in real trouble if the boy caught a cold. And possibly gave it to Daisy AND him.
Harry shuddered just thinking about it.
If the name of the daycare amused Miss. Morton she showed no signs of it as they let down their umbrellas and shook them off before entering, remaining coolly professional as always as they walked into the building to find that Carrie was once again manning the desk, the woman smiling brightly at them as she informed him that Eggsy had come in not two minutes before.
Good manners had Harry thanking her for the information, the woman beaming in response.
"And who is this lovely young lady, if you don't mind me asking. You're far too young for her to be your daughter."
Harry wasn't sure if that was meant to insult Miss. Morton or not given the way the older woman was now looking at his agent. He had the uncomfortable thought that Carrie was speculating or looking for confirmation that Miss. Morton was perhaps his midlife crisis girlfriend or mistress, both of which insulted both of them. But either way he was quick to inform her that Miss. Morton worked with him, and had been kind enough to come along for the ride to pick up Daisy before they headed back to work.
Miss. Morton smiled pleasantly and nodded in Carrie's direction, her hello a little cool, but polite.
"I see. And will she possibly be picking up Daisy in the future in her role as your secretary?"
Harry could feel Miss. Morton stiffen at his side. "It's not likely, no. And she's not my secretary, as a matter of fact. We were colleagues originally, before my recent promotion. She's one of our brightest new recruits at Kingsman."
And could kill you blindfolded and with her hands tied behind her back, Harry silently added. So insulting her would be very bad for your health.
Thankfully Miss. Morton came to both their rescues by pointing out that they should head down so that he was there when Daisy came out, Carrie immediately waving them on with wishes for them to have a good day. Though even as she said it Carrie continued to give Harry speculative glances that had him very tempted to inform her that he was a homosexual and was no more interested in Miss. Morton than he would be in the woman herself.
But good manners kept him quiet, and Harry waited until they were out of hearing distance to thank his companion for extracting them.
"Of course, Sir." A moment's pause. "You're going to want to watch out for her."
"Oh?"
She nodded. "Recently divorced and desperate."
Since he too had noticed the difference in skin tone that had marked the recent removal of a wedding ring Harry nodded in agreement of her assessment.
"Eggsy will primarily be dealing with her, though I suppose I should warn him as well." She was far too old for Eggsy of course, and it went without saying that the boy wouldn't be interested in someone older than his own mother had been at her passing, but it wouldn't hurt to suggest that Eggsy tone down his naturally charming nature when dealing with Carrie. Just in case.
That name would forever have bad connotations for him thanks to Stephen King.
"I'm guessing that's him."
Glancing in the direction Miss. Morton was looking Harry immediately spotted Eggsy, the boy looking a little damp but not soaked, thankfully. He was also very much standing out among the small crowd of people waiting for their children to come out as well.
"Hey, Harry. Ya made it." Pushing off against the wall he'd been leaning against Eggsy came over with his usual smile.
Harry, meanwhile, noted that there were several parents and staff who were watching them with rather blatant interest, having no doubt been wondering why someone of Eggsy's class would be here in the first place. Now here he was, not doubt confusing them that much more since some would recognize him while others would have the eye to know good breeding and money when they saw it.
Typical, and he had zero interest in enlightening them.
"Just. Mostly because Miss. Morton here was willing to have our meeting on the go. Eggsy, this is Roxanne Morton, a fellow Kingsman. Miss. Morton, this is my ward's older brother, Eggsy. You two are actually the same age, I believe." A thought occurred to him. "And I forgot to tell Carrie that you were very much old enough to be my daughter. I shall work that in somehow in the future."
"I don't think that would be enough to scare her off, Sir."
"Made her move, did she?" Eggsy wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "She was pumpin me for info about ya when I first came in. Thinks it's a real shame, she does, that such a handsome and well-bred gentleman like yourself is still a bachelor."
"I hope you had the sense not to encourage her."
"Course not."
"Excellent."
"Pleasure to meet you, Eggsy." Miss. Morton stated, holding out a hand to Eggsy, which the boy took and shook. "Feel free to call me Roxy."
"Cheers."
Letting go of Eggsy's hand Miss. Morton smiled at him charmingly. "And on behalf of everyone working with him, thank you for the food and biscuits you've been sending Merlin this past week. We all appreciate it."
Face lighting up with laughter, Eggsy told her he was happy to help.
"Hello, Harry."
Recognizing this voice, though they'd only talked a couple of times over the phone recently, Harry turned around with a smile on his face and a hand coming up to offer. "Hello, Jasper. Nice to see you."
"And you." Returning the handshake, Jasper was all smiles as well. "And I see you decided to put Daisy into Bag End. Good choice. Frankly, my son would live here if he could. He's even more of a people person than I am."
"We're hoping that she loves it just as much." Jasper was one of the people he'd talked to about the place after Jasper's grandfather, a Kingsman, had put them in touch. "Jasper, I believe you already know Miss. Morton, but allow me to introduce Eggsy Unwin. Eggsy, this is Jasper Cunningham. His son goes here as well."
"Nice to meet you."
"And you."
Jasper and Roxy were just done greeting each other when Mrs. Markle appeared in the classroom's doorway, her back to them as she addressed her charges, reminding them to leave through the door in an orderly line, get dressed to go outside, and then wait patiently on the bench below their hooks for their guardians if they weren't here yet.
Then she moved to the side and to their credit, the children actually did come out in two somewhat straight lines right up until they were a couple steps out of the door. When they went running for either their hooks or a parent.
Daisy was in the middle of her line, her hand in the little boy's from earlier, Daniel, while Mr. Fox was clutched in her free hand.
As soon as Daisy was through the door she started anxiously looking around, her whole face lighting up with relief and happiness when she spotted Eggsy. And it might have just been his imagination and wishful thinking on his part, but Harry thought she looked pleased too, when she saw that he was standing there as well.
But of course it was to Eggsy that she ran to, the boy scooping her up into his arms and giving her a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek as he asked her if she'd had fun today.
It was grudging, but Daisy nodded.
"Hi, Dad."
Ah, he'd forgotten that Jasper's son was named Danny, which he assumed was short of Daniel. The boy Daisy had apparently taken enough of a shine to, Harry surmised, to hold his hand for comfort. And who was now beaming up at Jasper.
"There's my boy." Reaching over Jasper ruffled the boy's hair in casual affection. "Let's go get your stuff and get out of here, okay?" The look he sent in their direction was apologetic. "Nice seeing you all, and sorry I can't chat longer, but I'm on a tight schedule today."
Waving that off Harry thanked him again for the recommendation and then watched as the man left with his son, Eggsy and Daisy right after them to get her dressed for the outdoors as well.
Daniel's hook was near Daisy's, and while they dressed their respective children Eggsy and Jasper appeared to be deep in conversation about something, both their faces animated and Jasper definitely sending Eggsy a couple flirty looks, even fluttering his lashes at him an exaggerated manner at one point.
Harry knew that Jasper Cunningham was in his late thirties, a handsome, well educated, and fairly well off gentleman of good family. There had been some upset in the family when he'd come out as homosexual, and more when he'd left a successful career in banking to open up a relaxation spa. He had also broken up with his long term partner less than a year ago and had sole custody of the boy they'd had by surrogate.
Eggsy seemed to like him.
Was in fact getting out his phone and…getting Jasper's number? Really?
Eyes narrowing, his mind whirling to collect ever spare bit of data he had on Jasper, Harry frowned at the idea that the man might be putting the moves on Eggsy. He was far too old…alright, not THAT old, but still…he was a single parent and Eggsy already had enough on his plate without taking that on.
Though the fact that Daisy and Daniel would be out of the way at the same time, and Eggsy didn't have a job and Jasper was his own boss…
And then Jasper was waving at him and walking past with Daniel, Harry waving back automatically even as he was irrationally happy to see the other man go.
"All right there, Harry?"
Turning his attention back to Eggsy and Daisy Harry assured him that it was. And asked if they had everything, especially Mr. Fox since he didn't see him.
"He's in her bag. Didn't want him ta get wet, now do we?"
At his side Daisy shook her head.
"Excellent." Harry smiled down at the little girl, while also belatedly recalling that he had yet to introduce his ward to the woman who had made his presence here possible. "Daisy, this is…Roxy. She works with Merlin and I. She came to meet and thank you for the lunches you've been making for us with Eggsy."
Daisy returned Roxy's greeting with a shy hi, her eyes considering and oddly guarded. And then she did something so unexpected Harry almost dropped his umbrella.
She took his hand in hers, uniting him with her and Eggsy.
Eggsy shot him a pleased look, while Harry hoped his pleased shock wasn't written too obviously all over his face as he cleared his throat.
"Well then, let's head out, shall we?"
)
Thankfully Carrie was occupied when it came time to cross her path, so to speak, so there was no trouble until it was time to step foot out of the building. And into the pouring rain. When they were four people and only had two umbrellas between them. Daisy was small, though, and Miss. Morton came to the rescue by moving around to stand on Eggsy's other side, suggesting that Harry share his umbrella with Daisy, and she'd share hers with Eggsy.
It worked well enough, even though it was rather hard given the difference between his stride and his ward's. Picking her up and just carrying her would have been easier, but she seemed happy to remain sandwiched between him and Eggsy.
Arriving at the car Eggsy let go of Daisy's hand, which had her frowning up at him, but he just told her to go with Harry so that he could help her into her chair so that they could go home. The thought of home had a smile returning to her face and Daisy made no protect when Harry led her over to the back and closing his umbrella helped Daisy into her chair as quickly as possible. And then he stared at the straps with some idea what went where, but not enough that he was willing to bet her safety on it.
He was grateful when Eggsy called over that he'd strap her in once he got in too.
Leaving the task in Eggsy's far more capable hands Harry walked back over to the driver's seat and took his place while Miss. Morton did the same. Eggsy, once in the back, secured Daisy into place after removing the knapsack Harry had forgotten about. Damn.
Harry waited until they were all strapped in and then cautiously pulled out of the parking spot. There were kids everywhere, after all, and he had a child in his own vehicle to worry about.
Judging from the sidelong look Miss. Morton gave him, he was perhaps being a tad over cautious, but he ignored it.
"Eggsy?"
"Yeah, Luv?"
"What's yoga?"
While Harry puzzled over why Daisy would be asking about yoga of all things Eggsy explained that yoga was special exercises you could learn to become very flexible, like how he'd taken gymnastics as a lad. The boy obviously saw no point in trying to explain that it was also seen as a form of relaxation and mediation, which she wouldn't understand in the slightest.
"I'm gonna do flips and touch me head with me feet like ya can?"
Harry was stunned simultaneous by A, her enthusiasm for something that wasn't food or toy related, B, the fact that she'd said so much all at once in his presence, and C, the idea that Eggsy was that flexible.
"Well not in yoga you ain't. At least not the flips." Eggsy sounded unsure about that last part, though he was correct as far as Harry knew. "I don't really know what sort of positions we'd be learnin there. But if ya like it we could try ya for gymnastics when you're a bit older. Side from the arse kicking lessons Harry and I are signin ya up for." A pause. "Have either of ya two ever done yoga?"
Miss. Morton stated that she hadn't done so willingly, Harry shaking his head before following up that statement with the obvious question of why they were discussing yoga to begin with.
"Oh. Cause that Jasper bloke suggested that Daisy and I come by his work this Saturday, try out family yoga with im and Daniel. He said the first class would be free, so we could see if we liked it or not. I didn't promise im we'd do it, Harry. And we won't sign up or nothing without runnin it by you."
"Ah. I see." And since a brief glance in his mirror showed Eggsy looking a bit anxious, Harry assured him that he thought that that was an excellent idea.
"All right then, I'll text im and tell him we'll try and make it this weekend, then."
And he would have Merlin do a deep background check on Jasper just in case the other man was using this yoga business as a springboard to getting to know Eggsy better. Eggsy might not be his ward, but the boy was living under his roof and what affected him affected Daisy.
Which was the only reason he was doing this, Harry told himself, ignoring the little voice in the back of his mind that wasn't buying that excuse one little bit.
Chapter 10: Getting A Little Wet
Chapter Text
Getting A Little Wet
Harry wasn't sure if the headache brewing in his head was a result of the hectic day he'd had, worries about Daisy and Eggsy, or possibly a prelude to one of the migraines he'd been forced to become accustom to thanks to a dark magic user named Valentine. But either way the pills he'd taken before leaving Kingsman had yet to do anything by the time he'd arrived home for the night.
He'd missed dinner, there had been no way around it, and he imagined that Daisy was asleep already. Or Harry hoped that she was, as she'd woken up three times the night before until Eggsy had taken her to his room to sleep with him for the night. Her first day at daycare had apparently been fun for the most part, but it had also poked at still healing wounds as well, and Daisy had been clingy since. Or at least she had been last evening and this morning.
Missing dinner probably hadn't helped, Harry acknowledged with a sigh, but it really had been unavoidable.
Eggsy had texted that he'd leave him his dinner in the fridge, and Harry's plans for the rest of the night revolved around eating said food, going upstairs to change, and then spending an hour in his pool before returning his nose to the figurative grindstone.
Unlocking the door and letting himself in, Harry sighed in relief at being home as he set his briefcase and bag down and turned his attention to setting aside his umbrella and shrugging out of his coat.
Massaging his temples like that would actually help, Harry headed for the kitchen with single-minded purpose, grateful when he discovered that Eggsy had made bacon buttys, salad, and a bowl of Eton mess for dessert. All easy to eat, and the buttys were perfect after a quick heat up following the directions Eggsy had left for him.
He'd just finished adding dressing to his salad when he sensed that he wouldn't be alone for long, Eggsy appearing in the doorway moments later wearing nothing but a worn white undershirt and boxers.
"Hey. Rough day?"
"Tiresome would be the better word for it." It took a moment, but Harry was too well trained to let himself look and think what he had no business thinking as he watched Eggsy swipe his fingers through his hair. "How was Daisy today?"
"My little shadow all morning, but she seemed ta settle back into our routine once she realized we was stickin ta home today." Wandering in Eggsy headed for the fridge. "Ya don't have a drink there, what cha want then?"
"Oh. Thank you. Just water suits me, actually." Liquor sounded better, but Harry knew the water was the better choice. Unfortunately.
As if he knew exactly what Harry was thinking Eggsy sent him a knowing look over his shoulder before retrieving the water pitcher and walking over to grab a glass from the cabinet, his bare feet making little sound on the tiled flooring.
"Take the food in ta the dining room. I'll bring the water and the mess for ya."
"All right. Thank you. It looks delicious, by the way."
"Thanks."
Since he did only have two hands Harry couldn't argue that he didn't need the help as he picked up his first course and headed for the dining room, Eggsy following right after him.
Setting his plates down Harry took his seat, thanking Eggsy again when the boy set the bowl and glass down for him before walking over to take his usual seat, joining him while he ate, it seemed.
"No problem." Leaning forward with his elbows on the table, Eggsy rested his chin on his hands. "So was it regular work that's worn ya out, or the other stuff?"
In the interest of not having to lie to Eggy too much, Harry had told him that he was a businessman who, due to his magical nature, military connections, and standing within British society, occasionally did outside work that involved some dangerous magical elements. Like the vampire Eggsy had met during his visit to the shop. He hadn't explained Kingsman, his previous and current role as its leader, or what they all did. Just the broadest of strokes since he'd decided that that was in his best interests lest the boy jump to his own conclusions.
"A lovely mixture of both, I'm afraid. I'm trying to forget the paperwork waiting for me after my swim."
"Swim? In the saltwater pool ya mentioned down in the basement?"
Since his mouth was full at the moment Harry nodded.
He hadn't bothered to show Eggsy said pool during his tour of the house since it wasn't something the boy or Daisy were ever going to use. He kept the water too cold for them to enjoy it, and frankly he didn't want his ward anywhere near a pool of any kind until he'd seen for himself that she was a capable swimmer. And that was above and beyond the fact that it was his sanctuary in this city, the place where he could be himself. His true self, depending on who you were talking to.
The look on the boy's face, well Harry could see exactly what Eggsy wanted to ask him, but was struggling not to. Even those in the magical community were fascinated by his non-human lineage and form. No surprising that the boy would be curious, and it wasn't like he was ashamed or embarrassed by his other half. And as Daisy was in bed and therefore not about to ask to come, now would be a good time to appease the boy's curiosity, Harry supposed.
"If you'll wait up here about five minutes after I go down you can join me for a bit."
Eggsy's face lit up with delight. "Really? Ya don't mind? I've always wanted ta see a selkie. I mean…ya know what I mean."
"I do."
"Cheers."
Lapsing into comfortable silence once more, Harry wasn't the least bit surprised when Eggsy could only manage to stay quiet for a few minutes. Not that he minded.
"So is it weird livin with us? I ain't never lived on me own, so I don't know what it's like. Didn't ya ever get lonely? Or are Daisy and I crampin your style? Ya can bring someone home, ya know. Ya ain't gonna traumatize us or nothin. Daisy can just sleep with me."
"It wasn't noticeably lonely, no. Or at least not most of the time." One got used to such things. "And as for cramping my style, well thank you, but I assure you there was no revolving door of…guests coming through that front door even before the two of you moved in. And I'm not looking at the moment either."
"Why not?"
"I'm married to my work and have you two now. And while I enjoy sex as much as the next person, I'm not a twenty two year old man, either. I can do without."
Eggsy lips curved in amusement. "Just sayin. Ya could have your pick, so I don't know why ya ain't takin advantage of that."
"Thank you. It's kind of you to say so."
"Just the truth. I know plenty of blokes my age who'd give their right nut ta be half as fit as ya."
"You as well, since you appear to have maintained at least some of your Marines training." It was only right to return the compliments with one of his own, after all. It wasn't like he was paying an attention to the fact that the beyond thin undershirt Eggsy was wearing did nothing to disguise the boy's muscle definitions. Or the darker skin tone that indicated where the boy's ni-
Bugger.
Thankfully Eggsy was explaining that he'd managed to make up for his lack of gym time with parkour, which he could do anywhere, and the boy's enthusiasm for the activity carried them through the rest of his dinner as the boy told him about some of his favorite spots and moves.
Which was somewhat entertaining right up until he started thinking about how easily the boy could break his neck doing these things.
Double bugger.
)
After dinner was finished and he'd helped Eggsy carry everything back to the kitchen to be washed, Harry let himself be shooed out so that he could change and then head down to the basement, Eggsy promising to wait five minutes before joining him. A promise Harry didn't really need, since it wasn't like it would be a big deal if the boy were to sneak a peek while he was removing his clothes again, it was just…he'd rather not be bare arsed naked in front of Eggsy unless absolutely necessary. That would just be…more than a tad awkward.
After changing, and then coming back downstairs, Harry entered the code that opened the door leading down to his pool, deliberately leaving it slightly open for Eggsy. Turning on the lights he headed down the short flight of stairs, his eyelashes lowering a little in pleasure as the scent of salt water reached his nose. His pool was a poor substitute for the ocean, that went without saying, but the sight of the water, the rocks that had been used to give his pool a more natural look, had him smiling in pleasure as he walked over to the bench with hooks above it that were meant to hold his clothing for him.
Stripping quickly and efficiently once more, Harry stored everything away and then walked over to the pool while lifting his left hand to alter the spell that had placed on his Kingsman ring. Removing it would have allowed him to return to his other form in a flash as well, but he preferred not to leave something so tied to him magically lying around, especially when it somehow stayed with him in selkie form even though no one had ever been able to explain how that worked to his understanding.
Either way he shifted as he dove into the water, the cold hitting Harry like a fist to the gut for a moment and then his fur was there to shield him so that it was nothing but refreshing as he lost himself in the pleasure of swimming around his pool and simply being without any human worries.
It was during one of his laps around the pool, while swimming relatively close to the surface, that Harry saw that Eggsy had come down at some point and was now sitting cross-legged at the pool's end, watching him. He didn't really have any sense of time when he was in this form, especially when he wasn't on a tight schedule, so turning his head to check the clock on the far wall Harry blinked to see that he'd been swimming for a little over half an hour. Huh. And Eggsy hadn't interrupted him, which Harry appreciated and inspired him to be more playful than he would have normally have been, ducking down to do some underwater acrobatics, smiling into at the sound of clapping he could hear over the water.
Returning to his regular swimming after a couple of minutes of that, he wasn't a performer, after all, Harry was too in tune with the water not to know when a pair of legs slid into it, especially when the action was followed by some cursing that echoed quite loudly in the otherwise quiet space.
Flipping around in the water to face that direction again, Harry stared at the limbs and then swam over to Eggsy, surfacing so that he was right in front of the boy, who was grinning down at him.
"Ya weren't kiddin bout the water being fucking freezing. Feel like I'm back trainin for the Marines." A pause, and then Eggsy gave him a hopeful look. "Can I…I ain't never touched a seal before."
He wasn't a pet to be stroked and coddled, but Harry nodded his head anyway, not moving away as Eggsy leaned forward to very gently stroke a hand over his head.
It did feel nice to be stroked, especially with all the compliments Eggsy paid him as the boy commented on his fur, face, and coloring. He was quite the handsome seal, if Harry did say so himself, and it was nice to have it noted.
How long he would have stayed there, being petted, was a question that would go unanswered though, as it was interrupted by the sound of whimpers and then crying.
"Shit."
Twisting around Eggsy scooped up the baby monitor he'd brought down with him, just as Daisy started to call out for her brother in between heaving sobs.
Not even thinking about what he was doing, moving completely on instinct, Harry placed his front flippers on the edge of the pool and then pushed down as he surged forward, shifting as he did so to crouch beside Eggsy while the boy used the two way nature of the monitor to ask his sister what was wrong.
It was garbled, and sobbed out, but Daisy managed to choke out the fact that she'd wetted the bed.
Eggsy winced, but his voice remained calm and soothing. "It's okay, Luv. No worries. I'm on my way, Flower. Just stay put, all right, and we'll have you cleaned up in no time."
Not waiting for an answer Eggsy turned to face him, whatever the boy had been about to say dying in Eggsy's throat as those bright green eyes widened as they traveled over Harry from head to toe.
Belatedly cluing Harry into the fact that he was as naked as the day he was born.
Awkward silence as both of them froze, not sure what to say or do.
Thankfully Daisy continued to call for Eggsy to come over the monitor, which snapped Eggsy attention back to the situation at hand. The boy hastily stood up and almost slipped in the process, Harry bracing to grab him least he fall and bash his head on the rocks. But the boy caught himself in time, Eggsy sending him a look of gratitude mixed with utter mortification.
"I…ah…gotta go. Enjoy the rest of your swim!"
"Walk carefully!" Harry called out after him as Eggsy basically ran towards the staircase, Harry's excellent hearing meaning that he heard the sound of a step taken the wrong way, though the lack of crashing that followed indicated that Eggsy had again caught himself.
Rising to his feet with a sigh, Harry considered returning to the water for a moment, but rejected the idea just as quickly as pointless.
Shaking his head over life in general Harry walked over to the small shower he'd had put in to wash away the salt water so that it didn't dry his human body out, rinsing off quickly as he very pointedly refused to think about the fact that Eggsy had seen him naked and that there had definitely been male approval in Eggsy's eyes before the boy had realized what he was doing.
No. He wasn't thinking about that at all.
Toweling off just as quickly Harry got dressed and then headed for the staircase as well, turning off the lights after him and insuring that the door leading down to the basement was secured before walking over to retrieve his briefcase and laptop bag from where he'd left them.
All set to return his nose to the grindstone Harry headed up to the second floor, and then hesitated there as he looked in the direction of Daisy's room. Eggsy was sure to have everything well in hand, and Harry didn't imagine his presence would be welcomed given the child's emotional state at the moment, but still…he should check in, shouldn't he, to make sure that he wasn't needed?
Stupid protective, newly growing parental instincts.
Sighing again, Harry set his stuff down against the wall and headed for Daisy's room, poking his head inside to find it empty and Daisy's bedding piled up beside the stripped bed.
Eggsy must be cleaning her up in the bathroom, Harry surmised after a quick look around.
Wandering further into the room Harry gave a moment's thought to collecting the soiled bedding and taking it down to be washed…only he had no idea how to use his washing machine. Anything that didn't need to go to the drycleaner was handled by his housekeeper. And while in theory he imagined he could look it up on his phone…he also didn't want to risk making a huge mess in there that he really didn't have time to clean up either.
But he could make the bed up for Eggsy, Harry told himself, having gone through the room on his own to learn where everything was being kept previously. And that would save Eggsy time and allow him to contribute in some way so that he didn't have to feel guilty about leaving the rest of it in more capable hands.
Walking over to her closet Harry had just pulled out a new bed mat thingie when Eggsy came back into the room with a pajama clad Daisy in his arms, the girl's swollen red eyes widening at the sight of him.
And that was definitely fear in them as she stared at him in growing horror.
She thought he'd lash out at her, either verbally or physically. Or both, come to that.
Understanding, and hating his former step brother with every breath in his body, Harry walked over to the two of them and very deliberately held her gaze the whole time.
"Daisy. I'm not mad. It's all all right. I promise." Reaching out Harry very carefully stroked a hand over her curls while she continued to stare at him with confusion and wary hope. "No more tears, now. Everything's all right. Eggsy and I will have your bed all better in no time, and then back to sleep for you, as it's very late."
A moment to consider. "Actually, Eggsy, why don't you take the bedding down, as well as her to heat up Mr. Fox to help her sleep? I'll sort out the bedding."
His expression soft and bemused, Eggsy nodded his head, and agreed that that was a good idea.
Chapter 11: A Business Dinner
Chapter Text
A Business Dinner
The next day meant daycare for Daisy as they'd signed her up for Tuesdays and Thursdays. She wasn't thrilled to go, especially once she realized what was happening yet again, but she didn't cry when they dropped her off. Harry considered that a marked improvement over the last time as he didn't know what he'd have done had she had fallen apart on them again. But she'd been brave, and hopefully after a few good visits she'd understand that her time there was supposed to fun for her, and not meant as a punishment.
So not a bad day overall, considering how much worse it could have gone, and Friday was even better, with Harry actually managing to finish up early with a relatively work free weekend ahead of him. Barring some disaster, of course.
So of course disaster had to strike once he got home.
He'd just finished changing out of his suit and into a comfortable jumper and trousers, stomach grumbling in anticipation of the fish and chips Eggsy had promised him, when he heard the sound of a car pulling into the drive. Walking over to his window Harry observed an unfamiliar vehicle coming to a stop, his eyes narrowing as a man got out of said vehicle and strolled towards his front door with decided purpose in his stride. He wasn't expecting anyone, and it was rather late to be just dropping by.
Thankfully, since he had two civilians to worry about, Harry was pretty sure he knew who their visitor was even from that brief glimpse. Though even then…
It was a good thing, Harry acknowledged as he left his bedroom, since Daisy's presence in his home had meant decreasing the number of firearms and assorted weapons he'd kept stored around the house, which would be problematic if under attack. His enemies weren't the sort to play nice, after all, and there were rather an awful lot of them. So it was good that he recognized the man as a non-threat to the civilians in his home. The negative side was that he was all but positive that their visitor was Winston Addison the fourth, otherwise known as Bors, and Harry very much doubted the Kingsman had dropped in to say hello or borrow a cup of sugar.
He could hear the doorbell from the hallway, and had reached the top of the staircase when Eggsy came into view with Daisy perched on his hip, the boy looking up at him as he came into view.
"Ah, Harry…I'm getting a vibe that maybe it would be best if I didn't open the door."
"You're not wrong, but unfortunately he tends to start fires when he's bored. Or being ignored. Go ahead and open it, Eggsy." Harry added when Eggsy gave him a wide eyed look. "I know who it is. It's fine."
Eggsy stared at him for a moment and then set Daisy down, telling her to stay put before he headed for the door without her. Showing excellent instincts the boy glanced back once more at Harry as if to confirm that he was sure, and then opened the door when Harry nodded.
"Hello. Can I help ya?"
"You must be the boy living with Hart now. He's here, correct?"
"He is. Come on in. I'm Eggsy, by the way." And showing more manners than Addison was at the moment Eggsy moved off to the side and motioned for the other man to come in, which he did with a curt nod of acknowledgement, his gaze already arrowing across the room to Harry.
Addison was turning fifty seven in a little over a week, which Harry imagined was one of the many reasons the man had been in a foul mood all month. When you got to be middle aged, especially in their business, you tended to feel every stupid thing they'd done in your youth, on top of being shown up by all the young upstarts who thought they were invincible and always right. Well, he and Bors were too badass to be shown up yet, Harry thought with a small smile, but those days were coming.
And that was going to fucking suck.
"Hart."
"Addison."
Shaking the man's hand Harry was about to ask what had brought him by when a small body slammed into his leg from behind, little arms wrapping around it. Twisting around a little and looking down, Harry saw that Daisy was clinging to him from behind, the little girl glancing up at him briefly, silently asking for answers. Obviously she had the sixth sense about the Gifted that Eggsy had.
"I'll get her." Coming over Eggsy knelt down to pick her up, Daisy resisting for a moment before allowing herself to be pull away and into Eggsy arms.
"Addison, this is my ward, Daisy. Daisy, this is Mr. Addison. He works at Kingsman as well."
Again Addison inclined his head but didn't speak, though Harry was willing to bet that had as much to do with the fact that the other man probably never interacted with children as it did Addison's bad mood.
Equally unsure how to behave, Daisy gave him a sorta wave before hiding her face against Eggsy's chest.
"My apologies for stopping by unannounced." Addison didn't sound the least bit sorry. "But there's something I wish to discuss with you. If we could retire to your office?"
"Actually, we were just about to sit down to dinner. It can't wait until tomorrow? During business hours."
Confusion written all over his face, Addison consulted his wristwatch for the time before giving Harry another puzzled look. "Why on earth would you be eating this early?"
"I have a small child, Addison. She's on her way to bed before eight."
"They go to bed that early?"
"Yes. They do."
"Tell ya what, ya haven't eaten much in the way of food today, have ya?" Eggsy drew their attention back over to him, the boy's hand lightly rubbing Daisy's back. "So how bout instead of ya harassing Harry about whatever's got your goat, ya come in, have some food, and see if that don't help your mood none. It won't keep well for him, and I don't know a Brit who'll say no ta fish and chips less they're one of those vegetarians. Which I'm guessing you ain't."
"I'm here on official Kingsman business."
"Yeah, and unless you're an idiot, which ya ain't if ya work for Harry, ya'd have said up front of it was an emergency or something. So it ain't. Now, Harry, take Daisy." And without waiting for Harry's agreement Eggsy handed her over, Harry taking her reflexively into his arms. "The three of ya head ta the table, I'll get another setting and bring the food out. Oh, and the cheese buns are on the table, help yourselves."
Apparently expecting them to obey without question Eggsy turned around and headed towards the kitchen without so much as a backward glance.
And fairly sure that this was going to end badly, Harry turned his attention back to Addison.
The Fire Gifted was not known for taking orders well, least of all from someone who wasn't actually ahead of him in the pecking order, so Harry reinforced Eggsy's command by telling Addison to follow him, leading the way towards his dining room.
The truth of the matter was that in all the years he'd known the other man, and neither of them probably wanted to count them, Harry had never seen the other man really enjoy food, much less life in general. The man ate, slept, and did his duties as a Kingsman. He didn't even have any hobbies that Harry was aware of aside from designing new ways to blow shit up. The man had no friends, was distant from his family, and while he was sure to be dreadful or at least silent and resentful company…Harry couldn't help but think that now that he was in charge of Kingsman, and therefore had the authority to order the older man around to some degree, that he should use that power for Bors' own good.
Whether either of them liked it or not.
They arrived as Eggsy was coming it with a plate carrying all the essentials, the boy setting everything up for Addison before heading back towards the kitchen to get the rest of the food. Harry saw that there was a bread basket already in place with the cheese buns, as promised, and beer already placed in front of three plates, and some sort of juice in Daisy's cup.
And realizing that there was something he needed to make clear before Eggsy got back, Harry turned to give Addison a look that made it clear he meant business. "Eggsy is not a servant here. This is his home. I'd advise you to treat him as a member of my family."
"I understand."
"You'll be seated there, on my other side." And trusting that the grown man could seat himself Harry walked around to the other side of the table to put Daisy in her own seat beside Mr. Fox, who'd already been placed in his usual meal time position.
Reaching over as soon as she was seated, Daisy took her stuffie's paw in hers, holding it tight while watching Addison warily.
Thankfully Eggsy came in then with a large tray Harry hadn't been aware that they had, taking from it a large basket of chips, a bowl of coleslaw, and a plate laden with the fried, incredibly fragrant and perfect battered fish.
In fact it all smelled so good Harry wasn't even embarrassed when his stomach growled a little.
"I was gonna plate it up before, but ya might as well just help yourselves, ya? And don't take all the chips on me."
The boy actual gave them a warning look as he left, like he suspected they'd eat them all on him before he got back with Daisy's dinner.
Since there were handy tongs set out to pick the food up with Harry decided as host to serve both him and Addison, taking his spot at the head of the table before asking for the other man's plate and how much of each he would like.
For a moment he hesitated, and then Addison asked for a single piece of fish, and small portions of coleslaw and chips. And one bun.
Trusting Eggsy's cooking abilities, as well as his own nose, Harry gave himself far more generous portions once he'd finished Addison's plate and handed it back over to him.
Coming back into the room Eggsy set down the already prepared plate in front of Daisy, the amount of ketchup on the fish cause for concern in Harry's opinion. It was something he'd already debated about with Eggsy, as Daisy tended to like a lot of the unhealthy stuff on her meals. And while Eggsy was willing to try and cut her back, Daisy was not shy about demanding more from her brother if he was too skimpy in her ketchup loving opinion.
Which was why Harry wasn't surprised when Daisy pointed at her chips. "Ketchup, Eggsy."
"No."
That did surprise him.
"Those are Gran Gran's chips. We do not put ANYTHING but vinegar and salt on them. Otherwise Gran Gran will roll in her grave. And I'll have ta box your ears as well. Them's Gran Gran's rules."
Eyes wide, Daisy stared at him in shock, mouth open in surprise.
Which Eggsy took advantage of by shoving one of the shoestring type chips into her mouth.
Chewing automatically, Daisy's face lit up with joy at what she was tasting, the girl eating the whole chip quickly before reaching for another to shove in her mouth, no ketchup needed, it seemed.
"Exactly." Nodding in satisfaction, Eggsy told the others to go ahead and start without him, he'd serve himself. "No ketchup on yours, neither."
Intrigued, Harry picked up one of his own chips to sample.
Oh god. Perfection. Greasy, salty, clog your arteries so you died the happiest of deaths perfection. They were as good as the ones served in that little city in Canada he'd visited a few times over the years. And now he didn't have to travel across the Atlantic to get them!
Following Daisy's lead Harry immediately followed up his first chip with another, trying to savor it even as he wanted to finish it so that he could move onto the next one.
Addison's sound of pleasant surprise had him glancing over to see Addison in the same boat as him, but the food took precedent and Harry's gaze quickly shifted over to the basket that still contained the unclaimed chips.
A knowing chuckle. "Ya gotta eat the rest as well. Try the fish, Harry."
Oh, right. Damn.
"Of course." Turning his attention to cutting up his own fish, Harry forked up a piece and put it into his mouth, humming in pleasure as his taste buds sang another tune, but one that was almost as good as the previous one.
"Eggsy…I am going to go into mourning when I no longer have you to feed me."
Face lighting up, Eggsy just beamed at him for a moment. "No worries. I'll make sure you stay well fed no matter what."
"And living here even after you get a job or decide to go back to school, it would help you save money." Harry pointed out in his most reasonable tone of voice because yes, he was shameless. And would possibly feel guilty about it later, but for now…let there be food. Lots and lots of food.
"Very true." Eggsy spoke solemnly, but there was a definite twinkle in his eyes before he turned his head to look in Addison's direction. "Mr. Addison, I hope you're enjoying it too."
Glancing over at the other man's plate, Harry's brows rose to see that most of it was gone already. Apparently the man was a fast eater when he had something he liked in front of him. Normally he just picked at things.
"It's…excellent. Thank you."
"Well feel free to help yourself to more. I made plenty."
"Thank you."
"More chips, Eggsy." Daisy tugged on Eggsy's shirt sleeve for emphasis.
Eggsy studied Daisy's plate for a moment. "Three more bites of fish and two of coleslaw. Then you can have more."
Lips scrunching up, the two siblings shared glances back and forth for several heartbeats before Daisy sighed and turned her attention to very grudgingly fork up the required food.
With a great deal more enthusiasm Harry turned his attention back to his own plate while Addison helped himself to seconds.
)
In the end they were all too stuffed for dessert, Harry waving off the offer when Eggsy brought it up. Good manners had him asking Addison if he was interested in having some ice cream, but Addison was in the same state as him and politely declined. Not even Daisy had room for dessert, though she looked longingly at the empty chip basket as she was lifted out of her seat, Eggsy grabbing Mr. Fox with his free hand to hand it over to her.
"I had a fox briefly when I was a boy. A real one." Addison stated completely out of the blue, addressing Daisy for the first time since they'd been introduced.
Eyes wide, Daisy stared at him while Eggsy asked what the fox's name had been.
His stiff demeanor suggesting he hadn't meant to say anything, Addison's voice was a tad embarrassed as he stated that he'd named the fox Tally.
"Where is Tally? Is he at your house?" Daisy wanted to know, interested enough to actually speak to Addison.
"No. I only had him for a little while before my father's dog discovered him and-"
"Chased him off." "Scared im away?" Harry and Eggsy's words somewhat meshed together as they jointly interrupted Addison. Rude, yes, but Harry was fairly sure he knew what had happened to Tally the fox, and had no wish for a traumatized ward.
"Ah, yes."
Daisy seemed to consider this, and then she held Mr. Fox out in Addison's direction. "Ya can pet me fox. He's magic."
"Oh, ah….thank you. There's no need. But it's…kind of you to offer. Daisy."
A small smile from Daisy was his reward. Followed by a good night when Eggsy told her to.
Addison's good night and thanks for the meal were gruff, but he said it.
Harry wished his ward good night as well with a barely concealed smile.
Then together Harry and Addison watched Eggsy carry her out, the boy calling over his shoulder for them to just leave everything where it was, as he'd get it later.
"Well then, shall we go to my office so that we can discuss whatever it was that brought you to my door?"
"Oh. Right. Yes."
Wisely keeping his amusement hidden, not to mention he completely understood how Eggsy's food had the ability to make one forget everything else, Harry motioned for Addison to follow him and then headed out of the dining room, absently wondering what he could do to thank Eggsy for so skillfully defusing Bors's temper. The man had been too busy stuffing his face to say much of anything over dinner, thankfully, and Harry was fairly sure that Eggsy's cooking would continue to have that effect on Bors, which meant that the coming meeting shouldn't be nearly as migraine inducing as it would have been. Or at least he was fairly sure his colleague was too ready to fall into a food coma to work up a good head of steam.
Lord knows he was more than ready to.
"So he comes from a long line of innkeepers."
Hmm, so the man had been paying attention to the conversation he and Eggsy had had about his Gran Gran, who was Eggsy's great grandmother. "For three generations on his maternal side. His grandfather was an only child, apparently, and wanted to be a pilot. The inn still stands though." He'd told Eggsy they'd have to visit sometime, which had earned him another beaming smile.
Silence for a couple moments.
"He's going to make you fat."
"That's a price I'm willing to pay."
Chapter 12: Weekend Plans
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations all characters end up in. Everything else belongs to someone else and that's the way of it.
Weekend Plans
Addison had come to discuss the fact that Harry had directed Miss. Morton not to bother attempting to track down Porter, which Harry really should have seen coming upon further reflection. The two men had a long and very explosive relationship with each other, no pun intended, and Addison was prone to jumping on any opportunity or legitimate excuse to try and bring the arms dealer in. Dead or alive. Or at least that's what Bors said. Personally Harry fairly sure that the older man actually enjoyed matching wits and magic with the American, but he knew better than to even suggest that.
"I understand. I do. We all have those ones that got away that niggling at us like splinters under our skin from time to time. Porter…well he's a splinter for a lot of us. But even if we found and brought him in he's no one's weasel, as he's told us all many times."
"He could probably lead us straight to Tamara." Addison muttered bad-temperedly.
"Probably. But as long as that creepy elf on a shelf pays him, he won't betray her."
"Elf on a shelf?"
"It's what she looks like."
Addison thought that over for a moment and then noticeably winced. "God, you're right. She does look like one of those wretched things. Humans and their ideas of what elves should look like."
Together they shared a look that expressed just how ridiculous normal people could be when it came to magical creatures. When it came to elves though, ordinary humans seemed determined to either cast them as cheerful, impish sorts, or Lord of the Rings sexy. The truth was that there were many kinds of elves, their looks varying accordingly. Of course very few still dwelled on this world thanks to the ever growing human population, deforestation, and low magical levels.
"I'm going to create an elf on the shelf bomb. Just for her."
"Send one to Porter too." Harry was confident that the American was too smart to get himself blown up that easily, but would love the idea of it and probably keep it as a toy. It was always a good idea to stay on Porter's 'good' side, especially when they needed him to acquire something for Kingsman.
Obviously liking that idea Addison stated his plans to go out the next day to find a couple of the dolls to take apart to experiment with.
And since talking about blowing things up made the older man happy Harry listened patiently, if without interest, for a while until Addison's enthusiasm for the new project had the man announcing that he really should be going, since he wanted to write his ideas down to make sure that he didn't forget anything.
Stating that he would see Addison out then Harry got out from behind his desk and escorted Bors out of his office, the two of them walking in silence down the hallway until they reached the stairs.
"So how long ARE you intending to keep the boy here?"
"As long as he wishes to stay." That hadn't been the original plan, but he hadn't had Eggsy's food then. He'd pay the boy a generous salary just to stay and feed him.
The sound Bors made wasn't words, but Harry got the just of what the other man was implying.
"No. Eggsy and I don't have that sort of relationship. We're…family."
Addison made the same sound again.
To keep the peace, and not scare the heck out of Daisy by getting into a heated argument with Addison about the nature of his relationship with Eggsy of all things, Harry settled for giving his colleague a dark look and deliberately taking the stairs as fast as he could. Just to rub it in how much longer his legs were in the process.
Retrieving Addison's coat Harry handed it over, resisting the urge to open the door to make his desire for the man to leave too obvious.
Smirking a little, Addison shrugged the coat on and then he was holding out his hand to Harry, Harry taking and shaking it.
"Thank you for the meal. Good luck with the boy and child. You'll need it."
"A pleasure as always, Addison."
Chuckling, a rare sound for the man to make, Addison inclined his head and then let himself out, Harry happy to both close and lock the door behind the man.
)
It hadn't been a complete disaster, far from it, actually, but thank goodness it was over. His relaxing weekend could begin now, if the gods were willing to cut him a break. Addison showing up here unexpectedly more than likely foreshadowed the fact that that definitely wasn't going to be the case, but Harry was too happy from dinner and not having anything in his home lit on fire to dwell on the negative right now. For now he'd just go upstairs and let the remaining two occupants in the room know that Addison was gone before making himself a martini and…perusing his bookshelves for something to read.
Pleased at the idea Harry headed up the stairs and then turned to the left to start towards Daisy's room, the bedroom door ajar. Which was why he paused within a stride of reaching it, the sound of Eggsy singing startling Harry into freezing in place. A position he continued to hold as he first marveled at the rhythm of the song, which struck him as both Celtic and folksy in nature, and then he was really listening, his brows furrowing over the lyrics.
"Underneath the elfen oak
She has unearthed that faery treasure
Of which her grandmother spoke.
Just before the stroke of midnight
They have made it back to sea
And she has donned the magic seal coat
And become a maid Selkie
Now they've gone into the ocean
Hand in hand into the sea
She has gone along
A fair seal bride for a Selkie."
There were not a lot of songs about his kind, at least not to the best of his knowledge, and Harry didn't recognize this one at all. But what was now worrying him was the fact that most stories and songs about his kind involved the stealing and hoarding of a selkie's coat in order to force it to remain with the one who'd robbed them of their other form. And yes most stories ended with the selkie finding their seal coat at some point and returning to the sea, but the last thing he wanted was for Eggsy to be thinking about, or putting the idea into Daisy's head, that finding his coat would make her a seal. That wasn't possible and while he didn't believe Eggsy would ever-
Thoughts drowned out by Daisy loudly demanding the song again, the tone of both hers and Eggsy's voice making it clear they'd been arguing about it back and forth for a bit while he'd zoned out, Harry's mind went silent as he waited to see what Eggsy would say.
"All right, all right. ONE more time. Then ya have ta go ta sleep, kay?"
"Ogay."
"Once a fair and handsome seal-lord lay his foot upon the sand
For to woo the fisher's daughter and to claim her marriage hand
I have come in from the ocean, I have come in from the sea
And I'll not go to the waves, love, lest ye come along with me
Lord, long have I loved you as a selkie on the foam
I would gladly go and wed ye and be lady of your home
But I cannot go in to ocean, I cannot go into the sea
I would drown beneath your waves, love, if I went along with thee."
Oh. Understanding dawning, Harry leaned his back against the wall as he listened to the story of a woman in love with a selkie, and who went to her grandmother to ask if there was some way they could be together that wouldn't end in death for one of them. As it turned out the grandmother's mother had either stolen or given up her own coat at some point, burying it, which her great granddaughter in turn dug back up to become a selkie so that she could join her love beneath the ocean's waves.
A lovely song, Harry thought with a smile, and Eggsy sang it well. He hadn't been aware the boy had this talent to add to the multitude of other gifts he possessed.
It was also a song Eggsy had apparently sang for Daisy before, as the girl chimed in with parts of it, struggling over the words but singing what she knew with enthusiasm. Adorable.
When the song was done Eggsy announced that that was that, and Daisy had to go to sleep now.
"Eggsy."
With a resigned sigh Eggsy asked her, "Wot?"
"Can I willy see one when I get big? A weal selkie?"
"Like I told ya before, Flower, I'll take ya ta see one when you're a bit older and ya can swim real good. I pinky swore and everythin."
"And pet im?"
"If he says it all right."
A pause as Daisy considered that. "Eggsy?"
"Daisy…"
"I willy like it here."
"I really like it here too."
"Are we gonna stay ere with Unca Harry for forever?"
A low chuckle. "Well I don't know about that, but you'll be all grown up before you leave here, promise. And I'm glad you like living with Uncle Harry."
"He makes sure you don't get ouchies or be sad no more."
A long moment of silence.
"And he smells pretty ALL the time."
Eggsy's laughter was bright and happy as he choked out an agreement that yes, Harry did smell very nice.
If Eggsy said something in response to that it was too low for a now blushing Harry to hear, everything quiet for long enough that Harry's thoughts turned from a desire to kill his former step brother very dead all over again to whether or not he should leave so as not to rile Daisy back up again. And even if his presence didn't rile her it would give her an excuse to remain awake longer when Eggsy was trying to get her to go to sleep.
He had just decided to go, he'd be spending at least some time with her tomorrow given that it was the weekend, when of course Eggsy's body came sliding through the gap without warning, Harry blinking in surprise right along with Eggsy as their gazes met. And then Harry realized that it rather looked like he'd been standing out here eavesdropping on the two.
Dammit.
"Ah…I was going to wish her good night, but then I realized you were struggling to get her to go to sleep and I, well I didn't want to provide her with another excuse to prolong being awake. Addison's gone by the way, and thanks you again for supper."
Flushing a little Eggsy ducked his head as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, she didn't want ta conk out tonight, though she's tired enough. She'll be asleep soon enough, though."
Desperate for something to talk about, especially since they were both thinking about why they were feeling flustered around the other, Harry asked for the name of the song, as he'd never heard it before.
"Oh. Ah…it's called 'The Maiden and the Selkie', I think. This bird on YouTube sings it, name of Heather Dale. I like her stuff."
"I see. It's lovely."
More awkward silence descended.
"Well I shouldn't keep you. You probably intend to…" Harry trailed off then, because he didn't know what Eggsy planned to do around the house. He hadn't mentioned going out, and the few times Eggsy's friends had been over it had been while Harry was at work. He had yet to meet any of them.
Eggsy smiled. "Gonna make some popcorn and watch 'Robin Hood' on the telly."
"You have room for popcorn?"
The look Eggsy have him silently reminded Harry that he was talking to a young man in his twenties. Of course Eggsy still had room for more food.
"Nevermind. Which version of 'Robin Hood' are you watching? I've always been partial to the nineteen ninety one version with Alan Rickman and Kevin Costner."
"Mum liked that one too. Serious Rickman fan." A saucy grin. "And who could blame her? Fucking loved him in 'Die Hard' and the Harry Potter movies. But no. I'm going for the Russell Crowe version. Came out a few years ago."
"The one with Cate Blanchett, yes? I remember hearing about it, but I've yet to see it."
"Critics didn't like it, but me mates and I thought it was pretty sick. Plus the main bad guy looks a lot like Merlin, come ta think of it, so ya should see it for that alone." A telling little pause, with Eggsy glancing down as he spoke. "If ya aren't doin nothing, ya could watch it with me."
He'd planned to read a book…but it had been years since he'd just hung out and watched a movie with someone. And right this minute…that seemed a horrible thing.
"I'd love to."
"Cheers. I'll give you your own bowl of popcorn too. I like mine with a shit ton of butter."
Laughing, Harry agreed that that would be wise.
)
The next morning Harry woke up in an excellent mood, not even caring that it was a Saturday and he could have slept in. Eggsy had promised pancakes for breakfast the night before, and he knew from experience that those were definitely worth waking up for. Especially since he could have a nap latter if he wanted and Eggsy wasn't around to take that as a sign of Harry's more advanced age. Not that he cared what Eggsy thought of his sleeping habits of course, Harry assured himself, he just didn't want the boy worrying that he already had one foot in the grave and might expire before Daisy reached adulthood. It had absolutely nothing to do with wanting to appear younger than he was in Eggsy's eyes, or have anything to do with the almost date like atmosphere that had gradually settled over them the night before.
Not that it had been a date of course, and even if it had been…well it was like teenage dating before hormones completely took over one's senses. The telling gap between them, both of them holding themselves just a little stiffly while being very much aware of the other. Ridiculous, really, in retrospect.
But nothing bonded men quite like action movies, and by the halfway point they'd been sitting closer with hardly any space at all between them. Partially because he'd insisted that he only needed a small bowl of popcorn originally, and then had ended up needing to snitch from Eggsy's much bigger bowl because…well because like Eggsy he agreed that popcorn eating was an essential part of movie watching. Even if the boy really did use too butter.
Still good popcorn though, and the latest version of Robin Hood had proven quite enjoyable. Historically inaccurate for the most part, of course, but it had been a fresh, amusing version of the familiar tale. He'd also very much enjoyed the fact that the character Godfrey really did resemble Merlin in looks. He'd have to mention it.
After freshening up a little in the bathroom Harry headed downstairs to find Daisy and Mr. Fox in their usual places, the little girl sipping out of a sippy cup shaped like a penguin.
Remembering the night before Harry opted to walk past her on his way to his seat, giving her head a gentle pat as he asked her if she and Mr. Fox had slept well.
Sippy cup still in her mouth Daisy nodded.
Smiling at her Harry took his seat, waiting until she'd set her cup down before asking if she was looking forward to her yoga class, having only just remembered that today was the day Eggsy had told Jasper he'd be coming with Daisy.
"Danny says it's fun."
"Well I hope so." Actually he wasn't sure he wanted her to enjoy it at all, since if she didn't like it Eggsy wouldn't make her attend. But on the other hand better she be around as opposed to Eggsy taking some classes on his own without children around to act as a buffer, should Jasper want to find out just how flexible Eggsy was.
And thinking about Eggsy flexibility was not a good idea.
Picking up his orange juice to clear his throat and give him an excuse not to talk, Harry was very glad when Eggsy appeared right up until he saw that the boy was still wearing his sleepwear, which seemed to consist of very thin undershirts and sweats that tended to ride just a little too low on Eggsy's hips.
Bugger.
"Here ya go, Flower."
A plate of well cut up pancakes was set in front of Daisy, making her squeal in delight, and then Eggsy was setting another plate in front of him, smiling at Harry in a way that did nothing to help his frame of mind at the moment. "And here's yours. Dig in."
Watching Eggsy leave to go get his own plate Harry noticed Daisy reaching for her fork out of the corner of his eye.
"No eating yet, Daisy. We'll wait for Eggsy to come back."
Visibly pouting Daisy set her fork back down as she slumped in her seat dejectedly. Waiting a minute was apparently an unbearable amount of time to a toddler.
Amused, Harry watched her closely just in case until Eggsy returned with his own plate, giving them questioning looks when he saw that neither of them had touched their breakfast yet.
"We were waiting for you."
"Oh. Ya didn't have ta."
"Yes we did. Right, Daisy?"
Her cheeks stuffed up like a chipmunk's, Daisy just looked at him for a moment as she seemed to question his sanity for even asking.
And then she turned her attention to putting more pancake into her mouth, point made.
Right. His mistake.
Chapter 13: Finding Some Poise
Chapter Text
Finding Some Poise
Breakfast was delicious, of course, and no problems arose save for the fact that both of he and Eggsy had to remind Daisy to slow down a little when it came to her pancake consumption. The girl was gobbling her breakfast down like it was her last meal. Which was certainly not the case since Eggsy had already stated that there was more batter in the kitchen if any of them wanted another, not that she needed it.
Tempting, very tempting for him, but Harry was determined to resist at the moment. He was willing to get chubby on Eggsy's food, that was most likely unavoidable, but he'd concluded the night before that he would restrain himself from becoming fat. A happy medium, as it were.
And speaking of being in shape... "What time are you and Daisy leaving for yoga?"
"Bout nine thirty, I figure. Just in case traffic's bad or somethin. We should be done by eleven, home half an hour after that give or take a bit. Is that okay for lunch? We could bring takeaway back with us, if ya want."
Mulling that over Harry glanced in Daisy's direction, than back at Eggsy's. "Given that it's for children I wouldn't imagine you're going to work up much of a sweat, yes?"
"I wouldn't think so. Least not on the first day. But Jasper said there's a unisex change room for families ta change in with their little ones, with a sign sayin men and women can use it and everythin. So I'll take a change of clothes for the both of us, just in case."
"Excellent. Then what would you think about me coming along with you two and dropping you off? I'll putter around at the shops and such for an hour, pick you both up, and then we can go out to lunch somewhere. That way you can take a break from feeding us, my treat."
"I don't mind. I like cooking for you." Eggsy flushed a little. "But that would be brill too. But it would have to be someplace child friendly. The both of us wouldn't know what to do with ourselves, in a real posh joint."
"You'd do just fine. But I'll look into it, make sure it will suit."
"All right then. Cheers. Sounds good ta me."
"Excellent." Pleased, especially since this would give him an excuse to stop by the place to check things out for himself, Harry turned his attention back to taking another bite of his pancakes before stating that taking Eggsy and Daisy out was the least he could do for exposing them to Addison, if nothing else.
"Aw, that's just Fire Gifted for ya. They tend to be a quick tempered, prickly bunch. Specially the older they get."
"Isn't that the truth. And it's getting older that's got him in such a foul mood lately. You'd think next week was his execution, not his birthday."
"His birthday?"
"Indeed. And he gets more cranky about it every bloody year. The way he conducts himself, you'd think he'd be more appreciative, that he keeps living to have another one."
Laughing, Eggsy asked if Addison had a habit of using the fire from his candles to set things on fire.
"Oh I doubt very much anyone has been foolish enough to try and give him a cake with candles in a very long time. Or even a cake for that matter. He's not at all close to his family, so I imagine he'll spend his birthday either sulking at home or at the firing range. Or working on his idea of explosive elves on a shelf. He seemed very keen on the idea."
"Wot? No cake at all? No presents or nothin?" Eggsy looked horrified at the idea. "Ain't you lot gonna do somethin at the office? Like a cake at least. He's got one of the rings, and ya said that meant he was a senior member of Kingsman. Not that secretaries and such don't deserve cake too."
"Oh, well…actually this is the first birthday I've had to deal with since I took over. And King, the man I took over for, well I doubt very much he even remembered when our birthdays were. Merlin's father was before him and he did always arrange for a cake at the meeting closest to someone's birthday, but Ian…well he'd take any excuse to eat cake, really. His wife was constantly trying to curb his sweet tooth at home, you see. We even celebrated holidays from other parts of the world, just so he had an excuse for her. Merlin's even worse."
"He had the right idea though. Happier workers are more productive and all that jazz. And it ain't like you can argue that Addison needs sweetening up a bit."
"No. I can't argue with that."
"I could make him a cake, so it don't cost hardly anything."
"Cake?" Daisy asked hopefully, drawing their attention back to her syrup covered face. "Make cake?"
"Oi, look at you." Laughing, Eggsy reached for her napkin and started applying it to her face while telling her that maybe they'd make a cake next week.
"I wuv cake." Daisy informed Harry, once Eggsy had given up on trying to remove the sticky syrup from around her mouth, announcing that he needed a rag and water for that.
"Might as well let her finish eating before you clean her up. She'll only get more on her. And I very much like cake as well, Daisy."
That got him a smile.
"And I'll tell you what, Eggsy. I'll see about arranging a tea or something next weekend for Addison if he's willing to show up for it. See if I can't corral a few others into coming as well. Merlin would come just for the cake, naturally."
"Naturally." Eggsy agreed with a grin.
"Cake?"
Eggsy shook his head at his sister. "I'd say finish your breakfast stead of thinkin bout cake, but you've all but licked the plate clean, now haven't ye? Have ya finished up all your juice?"
Tipping her juice cup upside down Daisy shook it, sending what little juice was in her cup dribbling out and thankfully onto her plate. "All gone."
Laughing, Harry joined Eggsy in shaking his head over Daisy's innocent look as she asked for more pancakes.
)
After breakfast Harry headed upstairs to get dressed for the day, heading for the closet to look over his choices. Then frowned over them as it occurred to Harry that it had been quite some time since he'd last shopped for casual clothing. Probably because he spent so little time out of suits unless he was lounging about at home, in which case he didn't give a shit what he looked like. Or how out of date and…old he looked in them. Dear God but he still had that shirt? It was older than Eggsy.
But it was so comfortable…
Shaking his head at that thought, Harry started rearranging things a little, pausing when he noted two shirts that had been placed in the part of his closet where he stuck rarely used shirts that he forgot he owned a lot of the time. These two shirts though…why had he kept them?
Bringing them out Harry held them up by their hooks, one in each hand, and tried to remember. He had a bad feeling they'd been meant to encourage him to lose some weight so that they'd fit again. But no…
The last time the shirts had fit him he'd just come out of a several week long coma, and had lost weight and muscle tone as a result. These two shirts had been purchased at that time, and had fit, then, but he'd gained it all back to his present fighting form rather quickly and…and had meant to pass them along to his cousin Christopher when next he saw him. Of course then Christopher had had to go and move to Australia before he'd had a chance to give them to him, and mailing them had seemed rather pointless, especially since he didn't like Christopher enough to go to the trouble.
They were hardly worn, Harry mused as he continued to study them. He hadn't gone out much until he'd been healthier and able to wear his former clothes without looking too ridiculous in them.
The blue would look good on Eggsy.
Both would be on the big side, definitely not fitted at all, but they wouldn't look badly on Eggsy either. Probably. And there was no harm in offering them to the boy, right?
Setting the shirts aside for the moment, he'd come back to them, Harry concentrated on picking out something to actually wear for the day, settling on just a simple white dress shirt and black trousers. Good enough, hopefully. And he could do some shopping to kill time while he waited for the yoga lesson to be over.
Satisfied with his look and planned course of action Harry grabbed the shirts again, draped them over one arm, and then headed out of his bedroom and down to Eggsy's. There he paused as he considered letting himself into the boy's room and leaving them on the bed, then decided that that could be seen as him invading Eggsy's privacy. Which he didn't want to do without a better reason. A man's bedroom should be his sanctuary, after all.
So he kept going to Daisy's room, knocking on the door since it was closed.
"Come in!"
Opening the door Harry looked in and then down, Daisy now dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, her face scrubbed clean of syrup. He'd interrupted her putting on her socks herself while Eggsy was crouched down beside her to brush out her hair.
"Sorry to interrupt."
"No probs." Eggsy twisted to check the time on Daisy's clock before turning back to give Harry a questioning look.
"Ah…these shirts. Were in my closet. A while back they actually fit, if you can believe it. But they aren't likely to ever fit again unless I end up in another long term coma, so I was thinking-"
"A fucking coma? You was in one?" Eggsy straightened in a blur, hurrying over to look Harry over like he expected Harry to slip into another one at any second.
"Bodies do tend to revolt against you when you blow them up. I'm fine, Eggsy. I promise." Hating to see the worry on the boy's face Harry reached out stroke his hand over Eggsy's hair, instinctively needing to soothe.
And then realizing what he'd done Harry dropped his hand away just as quickly. "Apologies. I…I am fine, and I was wondering if you might want the shirts. To wear yourself, or if you know of someone who would want them. Otherwise I'll just donate them. They've hardly been worn."
Eggsy's gaze shifting down to the shirts in question, Harry grabbed them by their hooks again and held them up for Eggsy's inspection.
Fingering the blue one's sleeve, the other white, Eggsy stared at them as he stated that he'd try them on, see if they fit well enough.
"Excellent." Handing them over, and feeling incredibly awkward and not entirely sure why, Harry turned his attention to Daisy, who was sitting patiently on the floor still with her little trainers now in place, the laces undone. Ah, thank heavens. Something he could do. "Would you like me to tie your laces for you, Daisy?"
Blinking in surprise Daisy looked from her shoes to him and then back again, seeming to have to mull the question over for a minute before slowly nodding her head.
"I can do it."
"I've got it. Go ahead and put the shirts away. This at least I have plenty of experience doing."
"All right."
Walking over Harry stooped down in front of his ward, very much aware of Eggsy leaving the room before he turned his sole attention to the incredibly small yellow laces in front of him. It was a wonder laces were made so small. But he'd bloody well defused his share of bombs, and had been tying his own shoe laces for sodding decades. This he could manage.
And he did, though he had to do the right one over just because the asymmetrical look of it offended his pride and sensibilities.
But then they were done, Harry asking her if they were too tight.
Daisy wiggled her feet testing. "They's okay. Thank you."
"You're very welcome."
Straightening up a little Harry offered her his hands, pulling her up to her feet when she took them. "There you are. All ready to go."
Nodding her head Daisy slipped her hands out of his and ran over to her bed where Mr. Fox had been deposited at some point. Hugging him against her chest Daisy walked back over to him, and after a moment's contemplation lifted her free hand to slide it into his again.
Clearing his throat Harry suggested they go and locate Eggsy, Daisy all in favor of the idea.
)
As planned Harry dropped the two of them off at Jasper's place of business, confirming the time he should come by to pick them up before heading off on his own. He'd been in this part of the city before, of course, but it had been a while since he'd done more than just pass through on his way somewhere else. There were a couple new shops to visit, as well as an Italian place that he confirmed was not only still there, but had a child's menu as well. The spaghetti was excellent, as he recalled, as was their garlic bread. Both of which he looked forward to sampling again as he made a reservation for them later.
After that he continued to putter around, stopping at a shop that sold knitting as there was a rather lovely jumper just his size in the window. Eye catching enough that he glanced in, a smile curving Harry's lips as he realized that at some point the shop had decided to use half their floor space to sell already knitted and completed items. So perhaps the jumper was more than just for display. Brilliant.
Wandering in to find out, Harry found himself leaving again with not only the jumper in question, but two others as well. And he'd found a knitted, lavender blue newsie cap with a cartoon fox on it for Daisy, and a beanie for Eggsy, as he didn't want to leave the boy out. The shirts really wouldn't count, after all, as they were just hand me downs.
Stowing the bags in the boot of the car, it was instinct to want his hands free whenever possible, Harry ended up spending the rest of his time window-shopping a little more, and then giving directions to some tourists visiting from Beijing. Always good to keep one's Mandarin up to snuff.
He arrived back at the converted warehouse Jasper had purchased for his business in good time, with thirteen minutes to spare according to a glance at his watch. The idea of waiting in the car didn't suit his mood or plans though, so Harry got out and headed in, telling himself it was just to check out the pricing for the family yoga Eggsy and Daisy were attended in case they wanted to take it up regularly.
A little dearer than he expected, as it turned out, but not over what he was willing to pay provided that it was standard rate. And the lovely young woman behind the counter was also happy to give him directions as to where he needed to go to find the correct yoga studio, and so off he went.
Looking around Harry approved of what Jasper had built here, though not enough to blindly sign off on the man being worth of Eggsy. And while all the information Merlin had dug up on the man suggested he had no cause for concern, and should actually, possibly, be encouraging things if Eggsy proved interested…but Harry was a man who knew to rely on his gut more. And right now his gut wasn't onboard with the idea.
Though as Harry found out shortly thereafter, Jasper might be the least of his worries.
He found the right room without trouble, the huge doorway allowing him an excellent view of the class without having to so much as step a foot inside. And for the first few minutes Harry's gaze stayed squarely on Eggsy and Daisy as he tried to figure out this whole puppy thing they were supposed to be doing, though Eggsy had no problem holding the pose and then jumping over the 'puppy', which was actually a block of some sort. Daisy wasn't getting it, but seemed determined to give it a go. The majority of the children near the girl's age were struggling as well, so Harry wasn't about to question her coordination just yet.
It was when he started to look around that Harry noticed that a number of the women in the room, there were only two other men in the room save for Eggsy and Jasper, were all giving his boy the attention they should have been giving the instructor who was talking them through the exercises. In fact, the one woman directly behind Eggsy seemed quite determined to memorize the arse Eggsy currently had up in the air and on display for the woman's obvious pleasure.
The look the instructor sent that woman's way made it clear Harry wasn't just imagining things either.
"All right then, everyone. Good job. Now everyone back into candle pose for some nice breathing and centering, and then we'll call it a day."
Candle pose looked a lot like praying to Harry, but Daisy was beaming as she did it, so she must like this one.
The lot of them practiced breathing correctly for a couple minutes, and then that was it, class dismissed.
And Harry was not the least surprised that as soon as they were free to, many of the mothers abandoned their young to circle around Eggsy like he was that year's designer must have, on sale at a ridiculously low price. With only one left.
Glaring at Jasper, who was standing off to the side with an amused look on his face, Harry cursed the man for being too much of a coward to protect Eggsy from the ravenous hordes, especially since he'd gotten the boy into this situation in the first place.
It was up to him to save Eggsy now.
Chapter 14: Good Manners
Chapter Text
Good Manners
A successful extraction often depended on a Kingsman agent's ability to not only read a situation, but to analyze the players in motion and how best to go about eliminating potential hostiles without any harm coming to your target. Harry of course had no intention of harming any of the women currently vying for Eggsy's attention, of course not, but he didn't discount the possibility that they might turn their nails and barbed housewife tongues against them if provoked. He'd rather avoid a scene since there were a number of impressible children present. Including one he called his own, who Eggsy wisely had picked up and placed on his hips so that she wouldn't be trampled by the stampeders.
One less thing to worry about.
And proving herself to be an intelligent girl Daisy was looking around for some means of escape and spotting him knew that he would of course be happy to provide assistance.
"Unca Harry!"
He'd talk to her about ladies not pointing at another time.
For now she'd given him the opening he needed and not about to look a gift horse in the mouth Harry headed straight for them, the women naturally parting to let him through so that he could reach his two charges. And wrapping one arm protectively around Eggsy's waist so that he could steer the boy out of there as quickly as possible, Harry prepared to get them out without leaving the boy or their girl behind.
"Ladies. My apologies for interrupting." Harry flashed them his most charming smile. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal these two away. We have reservations for lunch."
Another smile and then Harry looked over at Eggsy, who was giving him a rather confused look. Probably because the boy hadn't known about the immediacy of their lunch plans. Though he would have thought Eggsy would have remembered that Harry planned to take them out. Oh well, no matter.
"You and Daisy should go get changed and I'll wait for you downstairs. Quick as you can, all right?" That would hopefully keep the hordes of admirers in line to some degree. At least the ones with manners since Harry could see that most of them wanted to interrupt as it was.
"Ah, yeah. Sure. No problem."
"Excellent. Ladies, good afternoon."
"Unca Harry?" Reaching out for him, Daisy apparently didn't trust the cougars not to make a meal of her brother before her very eyes. Possible with her crushed underfoot accidentally. Smart girl.
Taking her from her brother Harry somewhat confidently perched her on his hip. "Hello, Flower. Did you have an enjoyable time with the yoga?"
Her fingers clutching his jumper, Daisy looked up at him pleadingly. "I wanna go home."
"I see. Well you and Eggsy are just going to get changed, and then we're going to get spaghetti if that suits you. After that we'll go straight home, all right?"
Daisy's face lit up. "Getti!"
"Yes. And I have a present for you in the car."
"PRESENT."
Laughing, Eggsy shook his head with a fond expression on his face. "Well we better get changed right fast now, huh, Flower?"
And so saying Eggsy said goodbye to the ladies and started off in the direction of the door with Harry, who was happy to escort them and act as a bodyguard until they were safely in the change room and he needed to pass Daisy back over to her brother.
That mission accomplished Harry stared at the closed door as it suddenly occurred to him that perhaps going downstairs to wait for them wouldn't be the best idea. What if they were mobbed in the change room? Eggsy would be changing, after all, and therefore only that much more appealing to the ravenous hordes. Perhaps he should go in and supervise? But wouldn't that-
"Well that was unexpected."
Turning his head Harry took in the smirk Jasper was wearing with no amusement of his own. "What was unexpected?"
"The Honorable Harry Spencer Cameron Hart, future seventeenth earl of Hartford. Blatantly staking his claim for all the world to see thanks to online media. That was both impressive and sexy as hell. Well done."
Reluctantly impressed that the man knew his full title, including his middle name, Harry was nonetheless very confused about the rest. "Excuse me?"
The way Jasper cocked his head a little to the side and studied him in turn did not bode well for him. Harry's gut made that very clear. But before he could demand answers the women once again swarmed them, all wanting to introduce themselves and their offspring.
Realizing that he hadn't even bothered to introduce himself earlier, which was extremely rude, Harry waited until they gave him a pause to speak into so that he could introduce himself and apologize for not doing so earlier. His mother would be appalled.
"Oh don't worry about it, Dear. Eggsy told us all about you before class started." The woman, who'd introduced herself as Anna, gave him a sweet smile. "Though he did forget to mention that you were so handsome."
"Like Colin Firth's sexier younger brother." Purred out a woman named Erin.
Raising an eyebrow Harry decided to simply thank her for the compliment. While adding that the actor was actually a distant cousin of his.
That set them all off again, asking how well he knew the famous actor and was he as sweet in person as he seemed in the films?
Harry didn't know the man well, they weren't that closely related, but he agreed that Mr. Firth was a lovely person because that seemed the best answer to give. And he was actually a fan of the man's work as it happened so he would have been quite content to just talk about the man's films until his ward and Eggsy came out again.
But no such luck.
And while later Harry would find it sorta flattering that an Academy Award winning actor wasn't as important a topic as him and Eggsy, at the time Harry was both completely unprepared and stunned when the women made a few more comments about how he did and didn't look like Firth, and then stated that Eggsy certainly had excellent taste in men.
Wait. What?
)
It took a minute for it to sink in that ALL the women seemed to be of the opinion that Eggsy was not his live in nanny. Or not just the nanny. And furthermore the majority of them seemed to support that idea wholeheartedly, though Harry got the sense that at least a couple of them were inwardly plotting how to go about stealing Eggsy out from under him-and didn't that saying put some mental images in his head that shouldn't be there.
They were just so cute together!
How long they'd been together?
Thankfully they were all talking over each other, mostly about how adorable he and Eggsy looked together, and that gave Harry another couple minutes to at least understand the assumption they'd made about the two of them. And why they might think he and Eggsy were a couple, since it would be ludicrous to think that Eggsy might have presented them as a couple. Unless the women had all shown interest and in a fit of desperation Eggsy had told them he was taken. Used Harry as his fake suitor in a fit of panic. Harry could see and understand that. Not to mention the fact that he probably hadn't helped things with his behavior earlier. Especially the whole arm around Eggsy's waist thing, which he was starting to realize could be seriously misinterpreted by others.
But regardless of how they'd come to this conclusion Harry silently made the choice to deliberately not correct them about thinking that he and Eggsy were a couple. That way Eggsy would have him to use as a shield against at least some of the yoga moms should it be necessary. It would be up to the boy if he wanted to enlighten them in the future.
He was doing it for Eggsy's sake. Really.
And the ladies certainly didn't need his help filling in the blanks about his and Eggsy's relationship as they were more than capable of doing so themselves with the few bits and pieces that Eggsy must have offered up during the yoga lesson. Like the fact that Daisy was actually his ward after the death of her parents and how he'd invited Eggsy into his home to look after her. That was all they needed, it seemed, to spin a tale of love at first sight, bonding over Daisy, and a passionate love affair that crossed not only age differences, but social class as well.
It was an impressive story worth of a romantic comedy. He would have enjoyed seeing it on the screen.
Then one of the more bold women, who'd introduced herself as Angele, asked him to his face if he was the top or the bottom.
That shut everyone else up, aside from a couple gasps and the sound of the previously silent Jasper choking.
Leveling her with a stare that he knew conveyed the fact that he was the future lord of a manor, and had the pedigree and more importantly the money and power that went with his attitude, Harry made his thoughts on the matter clear. "I should think that that was none of your business. As is the relationship between Eggsy and I."
Awkward silence.
So of course Eggsy chose that moment to come all but bouncing out of the change room with Daisy.
"Right. Let's go then, shall we?"
Nodding his head after shooting Harry a 'what the fuck' look, Eggsy scooped up Daisy and placed her on his hip for safety and a quicker getaway. That done Eggsy said a quick goodbye, which Harry echoed for politeness sake, and then thanking Jasper for inviting Eggsy and Daisy to the class left before they could be drawn into some more 'interesting' conversation.
"What the hell was that all about?" Eggsy asked in a low voice as soon as they'd left the building, unable to wait another second to ask.
"The women were very interested in our relationship."
"They were talkin shit about us?" Eggsy eyes flashed a deeper green, the set of his shoulders tightening up. "What was they saying ta make ya so mad? Cause you are. I can tell."
"Most of them were just being…overly enthusiastic and romantic. One woman however showed a complete and total lack of decorum in her line of questioning which is what I took offense to. And if you want to go back for more classes you should be aware they're under the assumption that you and I are in a romantic relationship. Which I didn't correct them about as I thought you might prefer them believing that, so as not to be torn limb from limb when they start fighting over you."
"Oh." Eggsy stared at him. "Is that why you was actin all possessive of me before. I gotcha. Brilliant."
He'd been acting…oh shit. Eggsy had noticed too. That was why he'd given him that weird look before. Thank the Fates that the women had handed him an excuse for his earlier behavior.
"Unca Harry. Present?"
Mentally thanking Daisy for turning their attentions on her, Harry assured her that they'd get it from the car first before they walked over to the restaurant.
"What way's the car?" Eggsy asked, looking in the direction Harry pointed. "I see it. And we ain't comin back here neither, by the way. Not for that price. And before ya say that ya can afford it, cause I know that's what ya're gonna say, it really ain't worth it. What they teach the kids, I can teach her meself no problem. There's plenty of vids on YouTube. I checked. Better ta save your money for the important stuff like her learnin ballet and karate."
"Those are important lessons, yes. But if she wants to take these ones too than that's fine. And we could look into classes elsewhere." He liked that idea.
"I'll keep it in mind. So are we dressed okay for wherever we're goin?"
As diversion techniques went that needed some work, but rather than called Eggsy on it Harry looked over the two of them even though really, he didn't care what they were wearing. Eggsy had dressed Daisy in a simple blue sundress with violets scattered over it, choosing for himself his usual chav uniform sans a chain or ball cap.
The black polo with the gold accents on the collar was flashy enough to make up for the lack of chain, Harry thought but didn't say. But the shirt did hug Eggsy's chest rather nicely.
Not that he was paying attention to that.
"You both look lovely."
Daisy beamed at him, while Eggsy blinked at him a couple of times before shaking his head.
Having arrived at the car Harry turned his attention to unlocking the boot so that he could retrieve the bags he'd stashed in there earlier for both their sakes. Sorting through the first bag Harry found the cap and turning held it out towards Daisy, who gasped and then shrieked in joy as she all but leapt towards him with Eggsy's hands the only thing keeping her from doing a face plant.
Laughing, Harry handed it over to her with a smile, watching her turn it around in her little hands to admire it before placing it on her head.
Shifting his grip on her Eggsy freed up a hand to center the hat before telling her she was the most beautiful flower he'd ever seen. And to say thank you to Harry for it.
"Dank ya, Unca Harry! I wuv it."
"I'm glad you like it. Eggsy, it's not really the weather for your present, actually. Unless you'd like to see it. I thought once it gets cooler though…I'm not sure if it's to your taste at all." Now that he thought about it Harry was actually quite sure Eggsy wasn't the beanie type at all. Or at least Harry had never seen the boy go outside wearing anything other than a cap before. "If you don't like it my feelings won't be hurt if you want to pass it along to a friend of yours."
Okay, that was a small lie. He would be a little hurt. But he'd suck it up and blame himself for not thinking beyond the fact that the beanie's coloring would compliment Eggsy's.
"Ya didn't have ta get me anythin, special on top of the shirts. But let's see it then. I trust ya."
Thinking it better to just get it over with Harry didn't argue, instead returning to the boot to retrieve the beanie before closing it again. Then walking over Harry handed it over to Eggsy, who took him from him with a growing grin on his face.
And then Eggsy sighed in relief. "Thank Christ. For a moment there ya had me thinkin ya'd gone and gotten me a cap like hers. Not even someone of my handsomeness coulda pulled that off. I see my faith in your tastes weren't wrong, though I ain't never had a beanie before." A wink. "But I'm sure I can pull it off."
"I'm sure you can."
"Here. Show Daisy what she looks like in the car window and I'll see how it looks."
Taking her from Eggsy Harry gingerly held her in his arms and walked her over to the car window so that she could admire her reflection with obvious delight. Eggsy walked with them and used the window to fiddle with his beanie until it was to his liking, though it looked a tad ridiculous with the rest of Eggsy's outfit.
But still he smile at Harry. "I like it. Though yeah, it's too warm for it right now."
"Then let's put it back in the car and go get our lunch, shall we?"
Eggsy and Daisy were all for it.
)
Lunch went well; they'd all enjoyed the excellent spaghetti, garlic bread and Caesar salad. Though Eggsy's was better, Harry assured him, despite Eggsy's half-heartedly protests to the contrary. None of them had had room for dessert, sadly, and Daisy conked out in the car with a very full stomach by the time they reached home. Eggsy gave Harry the choice of carrying the bags or their smallest family member, with Harry picking the former. He was getting used to having her in his arms upon occasion, yes, but he hadn't quite lost the fear that he'd drop her either.
They were hardly in the door, Daisy still blissfully passed out over Eggsy's shoulder, when Harry's phone signaled in his pocket. And pulling it out Harry saw that he had a text message, frowning over the sender as he accessed it.
"Ya got ta go in ta work?"
"No. I'm just going to have an unwanted visitor on Monday."
Eggsy puffed up his chest as he asked who it was, looking ready to challenge the unwanted visitor to a duel or something to protect Harry.
It warmed his heart.
"It's a healer, Eggsy. I had to cancel my last appointment with one because of a work emergency. I was supposed to reschedule and never got around to it. Chloe, a friend of mine and one of the best healers in the world got wind of that fact, and is now sending one of her people to my office. According to her if I won't go to the healer the healer will come to me. Or else."
"So what, it's like a checkup sorta thing? Or cause of what happened before? What you was talkin bout earlier with the coma and gettin blown up?"
"All of the above. It really is just routine. In fact I haven't had a serious migraine in weeks now, which is a record for me since I was injured." Never better would be an exaggeration, and he'd had a couple bad headaches, but some pain was a given thanks to his age. Were he twenty years younger…
"But you'll tell me if somethin is wrong, right? Promise?"
Understanding the worry on Eggsy's face, Daisy's wellbeing hinged on him being around to be her legal guardian, Harry took a couple steps to bring him closer so that he could reach out and give Eggsy's hair a gentle ruffling.
"You have my word."
Chapter 15: Bedtime, Stress Time
Chapter Text
Bedtime, Stress Time
Leaning back in his study chair for a moment, his fingers folded together and resting in his lap, Harry thought to himself that he couldn't recall the last time he'd had as pleasant a weekend as the one he'd just had with his new little family. And that was even counting their encounter with the rabid yoga mothers and his need to save Eggsy from their clutches. The rest of Saturday had gone smoothly after all, and today had been a very enjoyable and relaxing day from start to finish.
He'd slept in delightfully late that morning, Eggsy and Daisy pre warned not to wake him. Sundays were very much for sleeping after all, and he'd correctly thought they were all comfortable enough with each other now that they didn't need him around before he had to be. And what a lovely sleep it had been, Harry recalled with a pleased sigh. It had been particularly enjoyable because of the steady rain beating down outside his window while he'd slept his morning away. And it had still been raining after he'd finally risen to the smells of chicken stew. And as per usual when it came to anything made by Eggsy, Harry had thoroughly enjoyed the excellent stew and fresh bread with butter. Definitely the right way to start a Sunday in Harry's opinion.
After lunch Daisy had gone done for her nap as per usual and Eggsy had asked if he wanted to play cards or something with him till she woke up. He'd been game, though rather at a loss as to where a deck of cards might be in his house. It had been rather a long time since he'd had a use for them. During their hunt through one of his cabinets the two of them had come across his collection of board games from childhood which had proved interested. As it turned out Eggsy had never played Family Feud, Game of Life, or Monopoly of all things. That had been the big shock. He himself hadn't played it in quite a while, but only because his former playmates and relatives had gotten rather sick of him winning all the time and refused to play it with him.
Eggsy, being Eggsy, had challenged him to a match on the spot. It was time, the cocky brat had told him, that someone beat him. And everyone knew about beginner's luck.
Of course by the time they'd gotten everything set up and gone over the rules it was almost time for Daisy to get up from her nap. And Monopoly was not a game for small children even though Eggsy had assured him that Daisy was old enough to know better than to put the pieces in her mouth. Still young enough to get in the way though, which they both acknowledged with a grimace when they noted the time.
But as it turned out Eggsy and Daisy had gone out while he was sleeping to a stationary shop, and so when Daisy had made her way downstairs to join them Eggsy easily got her situated on the other end of the table from them with her crayons, markers, and some new stickers. The two of them were apparently going to make a large card for Addison to celebrate his birthday, and Daisy was in charge of decorating it. Ergo she turned her full attention to making a picture that would be taped inside the large birthday card rather than get in their way.
Just thinking about Addison's reaction when he caught sight of the card in question had Harry squirming a little in glee.
So Daisy had worked on her picture while they'd played Monopoly. Then when she was finally satisfied with her drawing, which apparently was supposed to be of Addison playing at the park with his fox Tally, Daisy had moved on to one of her coloring books. And when she'd gotten tired of that she and Mr. Fox had sat down on the floor to watch a children's show on the laptop Eggsy brought down for her watch.
As for their game…well tenacious proved to be the word to best describe Eggsy when it came to board games. Really the game should have been over within the hour given that it was Eggsy's first time playing. The boy's properties and money repeatedly declined down to the bare minimum, and yet somehow he managed to hang on every time. Eggsy didn't play it safe, that was for sure, and was downright reckless in his pursuit to survive which somehow had paid off enough that they were still playing when their stomachs had started to rumble.
Poor Eggsy had been horrified that they'd so completely lost track of the time and he'd forgotten about dinner. The fact that he'd been just as absorbed hadn't soothed the boy's ruffled feathers much. Though at least Daisy had been in one piece, which was the main thing.
They'd ended up ordering Chinese take away, and Harry had found himself teaching both Eggsy and Daisy how to use chopsticks when it arrived. Or trying to. Eggsy had seemed to be getting the hang on it by the time the meal was over. Daisy just tried to stab things with hers. He'd given up quickly with her, and they'd given her the usual cutlery. He and Eggsy had agreed that that was for the best for the time being.
After dinner it was bath and story time for Daisy, followed by her usual tuck in with Mr. Fox. She'd nodded off partway through her second story and then it was just Eggsy and himself, alone for the rest of the night. By mutual agreement they decided to table the Monopoly playing until the next evening and instead they'd settled in to watch 'RED', a movie Eggsy really liked and thought he'd enjoy. It had turned out to be an action movie that had proved to be ridiculous at times, but Harry could certainly appreciate its message, which was that it was very unwise to judge someone based on their age.
Now he was going to take a quick look at a file he needed to discuss with Merlin in the morning, after which he'd-
A knock at his door had Harry calling out for Eggsy to enter even as he wondered why the boy was knocking on his study door. Eggsy had said he intended to watch a little telly and then turn in as well.
The door opened and Eggsy came in with a wry look on his face and one of the baby monitors in his left hand. "Sorry ta bug ya, Harry. I was just wonderin if ya'd be all right keeping on ear on Daisy while I go take care of somethin? I'll be back as quick as I can. Swear down."
"Of course. Though may I ask where you're going?" It was none of his business technically, but he…preferred to know just in case.
"Place called the Black Prince. It's in me old neighborhood. Ryan, a mate of mine, well he went there and got right pissed. His girl gave im his walking papers, he said. And he let some bird get all handsy with im while he was drinkin away his paycheck, and she picked his fucking pocket. Walked off with his clip and all his cash. He dinna bring his wallet with im, and the bartender won't let im leave without gettin paid."
"Ah. I see."
"Yeah." Eggsy grimaced. "His other mates ain't got the green, so he called me."
"Well then you'd better be going, I suppose. I'll take the monitor in case she wakes up and needs something."
"Thanks, Harry." Walking over to stand beside the desk Eggsy handed it over. "And…well I'll be a little while since I can't take the car. It would end up stripped for parts before I got back."
Harry wanted to question the wisdom of going to this pub if the neighborhood was that bad, but Eggsy had grown up in that neighborhood and would know how to handle himself. And it wasn't like he could go with him because Daisy's wellbeing and care had to come first.
He did consider for a moment giving Eggsy a gun or a knife, just in case, before deciding that that probably wasn't a good idea either.
"You'll be careful."
"Promise. And thanks again for this. I really will be back soon as I pay and get Ryan home in one piece."
"Call me if you need help." It would be an abuse of his position, but Harry wouldn't think twice about sending in a Kingsman agent in to retrieve Eggsy for him. Anyone who hurt his boy deserved to be thoroughly thrashed.
Eggsy's eyebrows rose at the order, but he gave Harry a salute followed by a cheeky wink. Then he was spinning around on his heels and waving goodbye with his back turned as he headed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
)
Refreshing his memory of the file's contents took longer than it should have by virtue of the fact that Harry couldn't quite make himself give it his total focus. He couldn't help it. Eggsy was either on his way or in a part of London where there were a great many people who would think nothing of harming the boy without reason, much less for the wallet in his pocket or the boy's physical appeal. And yes they would know him there, Eggsy had spent over two decades in their midst, but Harry was too familiar with human nature to think that Eggsy's former neighbors wouldn't be jealous of the boy's new good fortune. And either try to take advantage of him, or just take.
He should have given the boy a gun.
And why hadn't he had the sense to glance at the time before Eggsy left? He didn't even know when to start getting worried because even if he knew the start time Harry honestly had no idea how long it would take to get to the estates and back using public transportation. Not to mention he had no idea where this Ryan person lived or in what condition the prat would be when Eggsy reached him.
His cellphone sat on his desk in front of him too, mocking him with its presence. Because yes he could try calling or texting Eggsy to check on him, but what if he called at a bad time? Distracted or called attention to Eggsy when that was the last thing Eggsy needed?
"It's going to be hellish when Daisy's old enough to leave this house on her own."
Harry could feel grey hairs sprouting just thinking about it.
Fighting the urge to drop his head into his hands or onto his desk, Harry resolutely turned his attention back to his computer. Must focus on the file. And maybe do some other work he'd meant to save until tomorrow to keep him occupied until Eggsy came home. He wouldn't be able to sleep until he saw for himself that Eggsy had returned to him unscathed.
He better come back fine.
Decades of training stood him in good enough stead that Harry had finished reading the file and had moved on to looking over a report sent by the accounting department when the faintest of sounds flipped another training switch. One that had Harry going very still and focusing totally on his hearing.
The rustling of sheets and sleepy mumbling. Daisy.
Eyes focused on the monitor Harry listened but didn't hear anything to suggest that she was having a nightmare or had accidentally wet the bed again. But she sounded like she was getting out of said bed. Shit.
Looking up towards the ceiling Harry gave it a 'why me' look before resolutely turning his attention back to his computer screen. Daisy was likely just going to visit the loo and then would go straight back to bed. If he just suddenly appeared, especially while she was half asleep, he'd most likely frighten her, Harry reasoned. He didn't want that. If something was wrong…well perhaps he should open his study door enough that she'd know he was inside if she needed him. That would work.
Pushing back his chair Harry came around his desk and walked over to his door, popping his head out to look down the length of the hallway just in case. She wasn't in sight, which he told himself was a good thing, so he left the door open for her and then resolutely returned to his seat.
And found himself doing nothing but twiddling his thumbs because he wasn't going to be able to concentrate on anything else until he knew she was safely back in bed. And how long did it take a child to go pee anyway? Shouldn't she already be back in her room? Did she need help? Being toilet trained was required at the daycare they'd put her in, and Eggsy had assured him before that she was more than capable of handling all that herself. Perhaps she'd slipped and hit her head? The majority of household accidents happened in the loo, didn't they? He was sure he'd heard or read that somewhere.
Why wasn't Eggsy home yet?!
Running a hand through his hair in agitation, someone of his age did not need stress like this, Harry was having an internal debate about whether or not he should go seek Daisy out when the sound of small, running feet provided him with both a welcome distraction and an end to his inner debate. She was coming to him, thank the Fates.
Wait. She was coming to him. Fuck.
What was he going to do?
No answer had come by the time Daisy was rushing into his office, her curls in wild disarray and Mr. Fox clutched tight against her chest.
"Where's Eggsy?!"
Bugger.
"Eggsy had to go out to do something. Is there something I can do? Do you…need a drink? Another story?"
Her bottom lip quivered, making Harry's stomach drop.
"Eggsy gone?"
"He'll be back soon, Daisy. I promise."
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Those were tears forming in her eyes, her cheeks looking pale to him.
Rising up from his chair Harry was about to try to comfort her, maybe pat her head or something, when she suddenly whirled around and went running out of his study like a pink, pajama wearing bat out of hell.
That could not be good.
Cursing a blue streak Harry all but launched himself out from behind his desk and ran the rest of the way to his door. Blasting out of his doorway Harry turned his head to see Daisy running back in the direction of her room. To hide? To wait for Eggsy? Should he go after her or would that upset her further? He was a great deal bigger than her after all, and still somewhat of a stranger to her. She would have been taught-she was stopping in front of Eggsy's room.
"Dammit. I should have asked Eggsy for more detailed instructions about protocols for this sort of thing."
Going with gut instinct Harry used his long legs to their full advantage, picking up speed when Daisy stopped looking at the door and was now letting herself in. Why was she going in there? Surely that had been the first place she'd looked when trying to find him earlier. She had to know that he wasn't there so was she going in there to wait for him? Was it alright for her to do that? Surely Eggsy didn't leave anything inappropriate for children's eyes out where Daisy could stumble across it accidentally. Right?
Arriving at Eggsy's doorway Harry looked in to see that Daisy was on the opposite side of the bed and was holding something in her hand. Something that gleamed in reaction to the bedside light she'd turned on.
Obviously sensing his presence Daisy looked in his direction and then held up what she was holding so that he could see it. Oh. The medal Eggsy had been given upon his father's passing.
"Eggsy's coming back."
It took Harry a moment to make the correlation, but then he did. The medal was unquestionably Eggsy's most prized possession. The boy wore it often under his shirts. Ergo Daisy took comfort in it being there because she knew that if Eggsy wasn't coming back he would have taken it with him.
Relieved that she wasn't crying, and looked a little calmer, Harry silently prayed for wisdom while he carefully walked over to the bed, keeping it between them least he spook her.
"Do you know Eggsy's good friend Ryan, Daisy?"
A nod.
"Well he got himself into a bit of trouble, and Eggsy has just gone to help him get home. He should be back very soon."
"Oh."
Casting around for something to say, and making note of the fact that she was still clutching Mr. Fox under one arm, Harry was hit with a moment of inspiration. Thank you, Fates.
"Daisy, would you like to go downstairs and heat Mr. Fox up in the microwave? I bet you'd both feel much better with him toasty warm and the two of you back in bed. I'll stay with you until Eggsy gets home if you like."
She took a moment to mull that over.
"Juice?"
"You may have some juice when we're down there, yes."
Another telling pause.
"Ogay."
Daisy didn't look particularly happy about it, there was trepidation still on her little face, but she came around the bed under her own steam. And when she reached his side she held out a hand to him, which he was happy to take as they walked out the door and over to reach the stairs.
But when they got there she tugged her hand free of his, which Harry tried not to be hurt by.
"I go down." She told him very seriously, and then sitting down started making her way down the stairs on her bottom. Ah.
Adorable.
Chapter 16: Lullabies and Kisses
Chapter Text
Lullabies and Kisses
Keeping to the opposite side of the staircase, he didn't want to impede her as Daisy bottom bumped her way down, Harry walked down the stairs and then went about turning on a side lamp to make things a little less scary for her. He of course knew every inch of his home and had good night vision, but to a small child still getting used to calling the house home Harry thought it best to banish as many shadows as possible. Not to mention the fact that he was absolutely certain that if she freaked out over some perceived threat or imagined horror he'd be at a complete loss as to what to do. Hold her most likely, but if that wasn't enough for her he'd be fucked. And have to break down and call Eggsy for help.
At least reached the bottom of the stairs without issue, and once she was back on her feet again Daisy walked over and retook his hand like it was the next logical step in this. Which made Harry feel happier than it should have, knowing that she'd let go before simply because she couldn't very well hold his hand and go down the stairs her way at the same time. Not unless he'd been willing to go down on his arse too.
And wouldn't that be a sight, Harry mused as they walked down the hallway and into the kitchen, the light from the windows over the sink providing more than enough light to guide their way.
Heading straight for the microwave Harry opened up the door and then asked Daisy to give him Mr. Fox so that he could put him in it.
"Me do it."
"All right." Letting go of her hand Harry got behind her and then gently placed his hands on her hips and lifted her up so that she could lovingly place her stuffie inside the microwave. And without hesitation she closed the door behind him, punched in the correct time for it, and then hit start. Eggsy had her well trained, it seemed.
Setting her back on her feet Harry left her to supervise the microwave while he walked over to the fridge to open and study its contents. There was so much to see now that someone actually cooked on a regular basis. But Eggsy seemed to have a system in place, and the majority of the drinks were all on one shelf for his perusal.
"Do you want water, milk or orange juice?" There was also a jug of what looked like red Kool Aid to Harry's discerning eye, but even he knew better than to give a child something with that much sugar in it this late at night. He wanted her to go to sleep as soon as possible after all.
"Juice."
"Excellent choice." Pulling it out Harry closed the fridge door and then walked over to the cupboard that housed the drinking glasses. Which was also a great deal fuller and more colorful since Daisy and Eggsy had moved in.
Pulling out a glass for himself, followed by one of Daisy's cups with a lid, Harry poured juice into both and then made sure the top of Daisy's cup would not be coming off without some muscle behind it. He did not want to have to deal with another bath time because she'd gotten juice all over herself. His nerves were not up to that yet.
Sure it was on Harry handed his ward her cup as he walked past her to put away the juice.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Once the juice was safely stowed away Harry walked back to retrieve his own glass, his throat quite parched from all the stress he was experiencing. And wished it was whiskey or some other alcoholic beverage.
Sipping their juice in companionable silence until the microwave signaled that Mr. Fox was done, Harry drained the rest of his glass and set it in the sink before retrieving the warm stuffie from the appliance.
Common sense had him testing the heat emanating from the stuffed animal against the skin of his own wrist, just in case. It seemed all right though so he handed it over to Daisy, who immediately cuddled it against her side with one hand, her other still occupied with the juice.
Patiently waiting for her to finish Harry took the cup from her when she offered it and then set it on the counter to be dealt with later, suggesting then that they might head back upstairs. If that was all right with her.
A nod was her answer, her hand again slipping into his as they left the kitchen and headed down the hallway towards the stairs again.
Arriving at their destination Harry belatedly realized that he'd never seen her go up the stairs on her own before. Every time he recalled her doing so Eggsy had carried her up. Was he supposed to do that? Most likely. Though he should ask first. It seemed the polite thing to do.
"Daisy, would you like me to carry you up the stairs?"
"Yes." And she held her arms up to him for emphasis.
Well then. Picking her up as requested Harry held her against his chest, surprised when her arms came around to wrap around his neck. He'd been about to switch her over to his hip…but this was fine too. Probably.
Taking the stairs a great deal slower than he would normally, one could not be too careful when holding someone so small and breakable, Harry didn't feel a shred of embarrassment over his sigh of relief when they safely made it to the top of the stairs without incident. Success.
Seeing no reason to put her down before he'd delivered her to her bed Harry kept Daisy in his arms as he walked down the hallway to her bedroom. She'd left her door open so it was easy enough to slip through without having to shift her around in his arms.
Eggsy had bought her a spinning lamp that projected stars and the moon onto her walls, and it was on to provide light along with her flower shaped nightlight. Plenty of light for the both of them, Harry thought as he walked over to the bed and leaned down to deposit her on her bedding.
Apparently fine with the idea of going back to bed Daisy pushed her covers out of her way so that she could get under them. Harry helped her get them back into place, and then was at a complete loss as to what he was supposed to do. Did he just…go? That didn't seem right or polite to him.
Looking around for something to adjust or some signal from her that she expected something from him, Harry found himself so desperate that he pointed to the large brown bear on her bed and asked what its name was.
"He don't got none."
"No name? Well that's unfortunate. Not that I'm an expert when it comes to naming teddy bears. I'm actually rather horrible at it, really, seeing as I named my own teddy bear Toto when I was a lad. You're too young to get that reference. And really the only other names that come to mind for a bear are Teddy, Winnie the Pooh, and Mr. Hug A Bug Bear."
"Mr. Hug A Bug?"
"Ah, yes. It's from a rather enjoyable film from the early nineties. I would recommend it when you're older. Robert Downey Jr was in it. Anyway, in it there was a song about Mr. Hug A Bug Bear that was rather catchy and adorable. Or at least I thought so at the time."
"I wanna hear the Mr. Hug A Bug song!"
Oh shit. And worse, he'd brought this entirely on himself.
And she was looking at him and he didn't want to disappoint her and…well at least no one else was around to hear him sing. Plus once she heard how horrible he was she'd surely never ask him to sing again, which was good.
Clearing his throat Harry prayed he wouldn't offend the ears too much as he sang the simple song.
"Mr. Hug-A-Bug, Hug-A-Bug, Hug-A-Bug Bear. When you try and find him, well, he won't be there. But when you're feeling blue and a little bit scared, he'll be right beside you, Mr. Hug-A-Bug Bear."
Daisy stared at him and then broke out into a wide grin as she wiggled with delight under her covers. "Again. Again."
Well that was certainly not the reaction his singing usually garnered.
Taking a seat on the bed Harry got comfortable and then sang 'Mr. Hug A Bug' until she passed out.
)
Keeping her door open a little, just in case, Harry headed back to his study to retrieve the baby monitor before going back downstairs. His throat was dry and he wanted ice cold water to soothe it. He also wanted to watch 'Heart and Souls' now that it was on his mind. It had been forever since he'd last watched it. But he was not watching it tonight, Harry told himself sternly as he poured himself a glass of water from the fridge. Tomorrow night, perhaps, if he didn't have too much paperwork to get done. It wasn't likely Eggsy thing, but perhaps the boy would surprise him.
Drinking down the water and pouring himself another, Harry drained that as well before putting the water pitcher back in the fridge, his glass in the sink.
Muffling a yawn with his hand Harry glanced in the direction of the microwave where the time glowed mockingly. Where the hell was Eggsy?
He'd go upstairs, retrieve his cellphone, and call Eggsy. He should have been home by now.
He was done waiting for Eggsy to come home.
Marching out of the kitchen Harry started making mental plans about what he'd do if Eggsy didn't pick up when he called him. Namely that he'd have Merlin trace the boy's phone to ascertain his whereabouts that way. Then based on the other man's findings he'd-nevermind. Somehow he'd missed the sound of the front door being opened.
"You're home."
Eggsy actually jumped a little before whirling around, his jacket in hand. "Cripes. Harry. What ya doin still up?"
Harry shook his head. "Eggsy…I was not going to go to bed until I knew for sure you'd gotten home safely."
"You-you was waitin up for me? Seriously?" Eggsy's face was bathed in shadows so Harry couldn't get a good sense of the boy's expression. But his tone suggested he was rather stunned by that.
"Of course. I know you stated that you were perfectly capable of handling yourself, Eggsy, but the fact remained that you were going somewhere at night that isn't generally considered safe by most people. And better that I know something's wrong and get you help when it benefits you rather than it be morning when I discover you never came home or came home injured."
"Oh."
"You are fine, yes?"
"Ah, yeah. Would have been back sooner, but I ran into Poodle at the Prince."
"Poodle? I'm assuming you aren't referring to a canine?"
"Nah. Dogs are smarter than im. He used ta be one of Dean's lot. Figured that since I ain't broke now I should pay im what Dean owed him when the fucker croaked. He backed off pretty quick though, once he realized I wasn't just gonna hand it over. He ain't crap in a fight, but he ain't got the bollocks ta take me on alone and the rest of em weren't there."
"I see. Do you anticipate any of Dean's former associates making trouble for you in the future?"
"Rottie's probably the only one that I'd really worry about, if I was still livin there. But I ain't plannin ta visit that neck of the woods less it's ta see Ryan or Jamal in the future."
It was tempting to ban Eggsy from going back to the estates, but since he was intelligent enough to know that that was a stupid idea Harry settled for reminding the boy that he was allowed to have his friends over to the house as well.
"I know. I told Ry he could start payin me back by getting off his arse about Daisy's room."
"I see. And that reminds me." Harry held out the monitor to Eggsy. "She was up a short while ago but I got her a drink and put her back to bed. She was sleeping soundly when I came down here for a drink."
Eggsy rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah? Sorry bout that."
"Haaaapp-," A yawn cut him off. "My apologies. Happy to do it."
"Sounds like we both need to get to bed." There was laughter in Eggsy's voice now. "Come on. Let's go. Any requests for breakfast tomorrow?"
"Well…."
)
It was a good thing that he'd slept in the day before. And that he was military trained to soldier on even when he was somewhat sleep deprived. And the scent of bacon waffling out from the kitchen helped too, Harry silently acknowledged as he muffled another yawn before stepping into the dining room for breakfast the next morning. Daisy was already in her seat as per usual and waved at him. He waved back automatically, more focused on waking up than the usual morning pleasantries.
And all right, on the food that was currently dished out on the table, waiting for him to stuff himself with.
"Morning, Harry."
"Good morning, Eggsy. Daisy." Harry belatedly tacked on.
Eggsy's smirk spoke volumes, as did the fact that Eggsy moved over to pull his chair out for him.
"Thank you." Walking over to take said seat Harry paused, something about the boy's face triggering something in his mind that commanded he wake the fuck up and pay closer attention to him.
Narrowing his eyes as he sat down, Harry watched as Eggsy not so subtly ducked his head a little and stated he'd be right back before beating a hasty retreat towards the kitchen.
Like that was going to work seeing as Eggsy had to come back in, Harry thought with a shake of his head. His brain wasn't the only one not working at peak efficiency it seemed.
Glancing over in Daisy's direction to see what she made of her brother's poor avoidance attempt Harry raised an eyebrow when he saw that a new stuffed animal was now joining them at the table for meals. The unnamed teddy bear from the night before was now sitting in the chair beside Mr. Fox.
"I see Mr. Fox has a new friend."
Daisy nodded.
"Apparently Mr. Hug A Bug had to join us for breakfast too." Eggsy informed him as he came back into the room with Daisy's breakfast, not looking at him as he walked over to deliver the food.
"Ah. I see." Well at least the bear had a name now.
Setting the pre prepared plate in front of his sister Eggsy glanced over at him with a definite smirk on his face. A smirk that dropped off his face the exact moment Eggsy remembered that he was trying to hide or downplay something. But it was too late for Eggsy to duck his head again because Harry saw what it was the boy hadn't wanted him to notice or perhaps draw Daisy's attention to.
Keeping his angry and violent thoughts off his face Harry very subtly tapped two fingers to his cheek. A spot where on Eggsy's face there was a hint of discoloration. A light bruising, perhaps. Or the boy was simply skilled at hiding such things with cosmetics at this point and hadn't quite succeeded in hiding it all.
The grimace that crossed Eggsy's face made it clear that he'd understood. "It ain't nothin, Harry. Honest. I don't even feel it none. I didn't even think the P-U-N-C-H did damage last night. Barely skimmed me."
Since there was a chance Daisy would recognize the 'unique' name of one of her father's lackeys Harry spelled out 'Poodle' to confirm the identity of Eggsy's attacker.
Eggsy nodded.
"Real name and address?"
"Shit, Harry. Ya gonna ask for his social insurance number too?"
"It would be convenient if you know it."
"Jesus. It's like that scene from 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'."
Getting the reference Harry pointed out that this was rather different unless Eggsy had once been romantically involved with this individual.
"Sooner shove my you know what in a paper shredder."
"Ah." Well that was certainly a visual he'd never entertained before. And could have gone without imagining for that matter.
"Uncle Harry."
Allowing Daisy to distract him for a moment, though he had every intention of insuring this Poodle person was never a problem again, Harry turned his attention to the little girl. "Yes, Daisy?"
"You gots ta kiss Eggsy."
At his side Eggsy choked on his orange juice while Harry sent up silent thanks that he hadn't been chewing or eating anything when she made that little declaration. Choking to death in front of the child would have traumatized her horribly, especially since Eggsy was in no shape to try and save him. As it was he was stunned speechless by her request.
"Daisy, what the heck?"
"You gots a booboo. Uncle Harry's got ta kiss it better."
Face red, Eggsy stuttered out that Daisy had already kissed it for him. And it was all better now, really.
"I sees it." Was Daisy's very matter-of-fact response, the little girl pointing at her brother's cheek for emphasis. "Uncle Harry's gotta kiss it cause he's magic. He'll make it all better."
"Ah, I'm sorry, Daisy. My magic doesn't quite work that way." Yes, he could talk again.
"Peas." Daisy gave him a big eyed look.
"He can't, Daisy. Cause his lips are all slick with syrup. That'd get in the way."
"Oh. Ogay."
Harry shot Eggsy a look that he hoped conveyed just how brilliant a save he thought that was. Absolutely brilliant.
Now if only he didn't have the sinking feeling in his gut that Daisy was not going to forget about this and demand that she give Eggsy's cheek a kiss after breakfast was done.
Chapter 17: Not A Typical Monday
Chapter Text
Not A Typical Monday
After breakfast Harry escaped upstairs to get properly dressed and collect his briefcase and laptop case. Dragging his feet was an appealing thought, he was man enough to admit that knowing what was to come, but Harry told himself to man up and headed downstairs where of course both Eggsy and Daisy were waiting for him beside the staircase. Not that it was unusual for them to see him off. This was usually when Eggsy gave him his and Merlin's lunches before wishing him a good day at work, and Daisy either waved or said bye too. But given the looks Daisy had been giving him during breakfast Harry was fairly sure she wasn't waiting to make sure he got his lunch or tried to take her to daycare.
Eggsy's flushed cheeks and the way his shoulders were hunched suggested the boy knew too.
Daisy, meanwhile, gave him such an expecting look that Harry knew he was stuck and there'd be no wiggling his way off the hook, so to speak. How could he deny her? Harry might never have been one to back down from a fight or argument as it wasn't in his nature. Unfortunately neither was denying a lady a request or upsetting a toddler.
That being the case Harry set down his briefcase and laptop case in front of the staircase and then went over to stand in front of Eggsy. Who tipped his head up to meet Harry's gaze while looking rather like a deer caught in headlights.
Harry hoped his eyes conveyed his apology sufficiently.
Leaning forward Harry briefly brushed his lips over the faint bruise and then drew back, deliberately not looking in Eggsy's direction as he asked Daisy if there were any more injuries he needed to see to before he left for the day. Anything to distract himself from the lung full of Eggsy's scent he'd just gotten. The boy smelled of male, baked goods, and home and…and damn the entirely inappropriate thoughts current running through his mind.
And oh fuck, what if Eggsy had an injury somewhere covered by clothing that Daisy knew about?
SHIT.
While he told himself that putting his lips on any other part of Eggsy's anatomy was not going to happen regardless of what his ward said, Daisy seemed to mull his question over for a minute before bending her elbow in Harryy's direction, pointing at it with her other hand.
Surprised, Eggsy hadn't mentioned Daisy hurting herself, Harry shifted over and then squatted down to get a look at her elbow for himself. What on earth was she…oh. He saw what she was pointing at now as he leaned in closer, the mark only a faint discoloration. It had to be at least a few weeks old.
Her cheeks pink and her body wiggling from head to toe, Daisy wouldn't meet his gaze when he looked from her elbow to her.
Understanding dawning after a moment, Harry could feel himself turn to mush as he smiled over at an equally mushy looking Eggsy before he did as requested and placed a quick, smacking kiss on her elbow. "There you go. I hope it's all better now, Daisy."
A shy nod, followed by a hiccup like giggle as Daisy brought both hands up to hide her face behind them and Mr. Fox.
"Good." Giving her head a pat, what else could he do when confronted with such adorable cuteness, Harry straightened up and turned around to go and collect his things again. Sliding the strap of his laptop case back over his shoulder and grabbing his briefcase Harry turned back to them with a smile on his face.
"Don't forget the lunches." Eggsy blurted out, the first he'd spoken. "And Merlin's biscuits for the week. You'll need to put yours in ta the fridge to keep till lunchtime." Eggsy picked up a large cloth bag from where he'd set it on a table and held it out to Harryy with cheeks that were still looking on the pink side. Though not nearly as bad as his sister's.
Coming over Harry took the bag from him, careful that their hands didn't touch. "Thank you. He'll appreciate both."
Eggsy shoved his hands into his pockets. "It ain't no prob."
Daisy wasn't the only one who was too cute this morning.
Harry cleared his throat before telling them both to take care. And that he'd see them for dinner.
"Bye, Harry."
"Bye, Unca Harry."
Giving them a little wave Harry headed out the door with what he was sure was a ridiculous smile on his face.
)
Harry kept his smile right up until he arrived at his office to discover not just Merlin waiting for him, but the healer that Chloe had sent to evaluate him. Joy. Though at least the young healer looked about as happy to be there as Harry was, which offered the hope that this would be a short examination. He hadn't cultivated his reputation as a horrible patient for decades for nothing after all. And Chloe should have known better than to-oh. Oh Fuck.
Chloe did know him, Harry realized in a flash of insight. The man watching him so carefully was, unquestionably, Harry's type physically. A coincidence, possibly, but not bloody likely. Especially when the man in question finally met his gaze and there were nerves, yes, but also interest once Harry was treated to a full body scan.
An amused snort had Harry glancing in Merlin's direction, the look in the Scot's eyes tempting Harry to keep the bastard's biscuits for himself. Only Merlin would just ring Eggsy to get more, the gluttonous bastard, and he didn't want the boy to think-shit. Nevermind.
Marching over Harry ordered Merlin to hold the cloth bag open for him, and when Merlin cooperate, because of course he knew what was in the bag, Harry retrieved his lunch and then asked if the man had any business to discuss aside from his gluttony.
"It can wait until after your physical."
"Fine. Until then."
Dismissing Merlin with a pointed look, and getting an even bigger smirk in response, Harry forced himself to ignore the man's cheek and instead turned back around to walk over to the healer who'd gotten to his feet as Harry approached. "My apologies for my rudeness. I'm Harry Hart. You're here to see me, I assume."
"Yes, Sir. I'm Lewis Redwall. It's an honor."
Taking the hand offered Harry shook it and then suggested that they head into his office.
"Thank you."
Together they headed into his office, Harry walking over to his desk to unload everything before they got started. "I just need to put my lunch away and then we can get started."
Stowing his lunch into the mini fridge that previously had only been used for drinks before Eggsy had come into his life, Harry placed his lunch sack inside before straightening up and walking around to stand in front of the healer who had been quite obviously checking out his arse moments before.
Amused, but too much of a gentleman to call the man on it, Harry gestured for the healer to go ahead with his scans while thinking that it would have been even more amusing if this physical had required him to undress. But he had no physical wounds that needed to be looked over so this was going to be a simple look over of his aura for signs of magical disruptions and then a deeper scan that would allow the healer to detect any internal problems that might suggest there was something physically wrong with him that might need to be addressed.
Moving into position the healer's eyes went white, all traces of his formerly blue irises gone as he looked over Harry's aura with total focus. And remained silent when normally Harry would have been given a verbal evaluation of what the healer was seeing. Odd. In fact, the man's brows were furrowing in a way that suggested he was either seeing something surprising or was having difficult interpreting what he was seeing.
"How does it look?"
"Surprising."
Eyebrows rising at the man's tone of voice, Harry asked what he meant.
A telling pause, the majority of the man's focus still on Harry's aura. "I was shown images of your last two aura scans, Sir. There are…marked differences this time around. Not bad ones. Far from it in fact." The healer rushed to reassure him. "It's a great deal healthier now. The colors are brighter and more in synch with each other. Less grey and almost no black now. Excellent, really. Madam will be pleased."
Well that was unexpected.
He was a killer. That was a simple, unarguable truth. One's aura always reflected such things no matter how justified the bloodshed had been. The black and grey, the dimmer colors, those were all something Kingsman agents dealt with and expected in their aura scans. And when one had been in the business as long as he had…well such things were cumulative, and always got worse with age as opposed to better.
"Why would this be happening?" He was spending more time behind a desk these days, yes, but that should have only stalled the darkening, not reversed the effects of decades as a Kingsman.
"I'm not sure. The brightening of the colors, it was likely caused by your improved physical and mental health, Sir. The last two scans were taken while you were recovering from serious injuries after all. Have you been following the diet and exercise regime you were given?"
What was Redwall talking about? Wait. Nevermind. He had been given some 'literature' to read the last time he'd dealt with one of Chloe's healers. And multiple times before that. What had he done with all that wasted paper anyway? They were probably shoved in his desk somewhere. Or recycled since one did have to think of the environment.
"I have been eating better." That was true, even if it hadn't been a deliberate choice on his part. "And working out more." To counteract the stones he'd put on otherwise because of Eggsy's superior cooking.
"That would have helped." The healer agreed as his eyes went normal for a moment. "I'm going to look deeper now. That might tell me more about the reason for the changes."
"Understood."
A few minutes of deep body scans and the answers the healer was looking for weren't to be found it seemed. If his aura had surprised the healer, his body flabbergasted the poor man.
Harry watched with a mixture of amusement and dumbfounded surprise of his own as the healer made the strangest of expressions that only got weirder the longer the healer looked him over. He didn't know what to think as the minutes ticked by but didn't want to interrupt the healer since the man looked so deep in concentration.
And then the man was striding forward, grabbing Harry's head without permission.
Immediate grabbing the man's wrists, it was instinct, Harry watched as the man's eyes went from milk white to normal again as the healer came back into himself and met Harry's gaze. And realized what he'd just down.
"My apologies, Sir! It's just-I don't…Have you received any medical treatment since you were last looked over by one of our people? Someone with powerful body magic?"
"No. Why?"
The healer swiped a hair through his hair in agitation as soon as Harry turned him loose. "Something- something isn't right here. Or it is right but I don't know how it can be. How I can be seeing what I'm seeing unless the healers that telepathed me your previous scans bollocked something up? But that can't be it because I reviewed your sodding record before I came here. I know what I should be seeing and I'm not seeing it! And I don't know why that is and Madam is going to bloody well kill me if I mess this up!"
Having been on the receiving line of Chloe's displeasure Harry could sympathize with the man. But he still didn't know what the fuck was wrong and demanded the healer explain himself better.
"Your body is in amazing shape!" The healer blurted out, visibly rattled as he punctuated his point with wild hand gestures. "You barely survived that head wound! Most people wouldn't have survived for cripes sake. But it's hardly there anymore! It's like the wound is years old now! And the rest of you! You've been a Kingsman agent for decades. You're notorious for injuring yourself and then not taking proper care of yourself. You should have serious signs of bones that were broken, more evidence of muscles strained and scar tissue and arthritis and…you're too healthy!"
Now that was something Harry could honestly say no healer had EVER said to him before.
"When was the last time you had one of your migraines?"
Opening and then closing his mouth Harry actually had to think about that for a moment. After his head injury he'd suffered through the bloody things at least a couple of times a week at the very least, though thanks to the potions at his disposal they usually hadn't been a problem for long. But he hadn't had to gulp down one of the nasty things once last week. And while he'd had a headache the week before it had been work related rather than a result of his head injury. Or at least he was fairly sure of that.
"Well over a week. Closer to two, really."
"And other than changing your diet and getting some more exercise you've done nothing differently health wise?"
"No."
The healer pointed a finger at Harry's forehead. "Then this does not make sense. Sir."
"I am a selkie. And those with water magic are the best healers."
"I know that. That still doesn't explain what I'm seeing here." Another swipe through his hair, which was now sticking up like a hedgehog's. "I'll have to arrange for a more senior healer to come look you over. I was just supposed to do the scans and make sure there wasn't any cause for concern when it came to your rate of healing. I don't have the knowledge or training to understand what I'm seeing here."
A fact which was obviously irking the man quite a lot.
"Could you not just inform Chloe that I'm in excellent health and leave it at that?"
"As if she'd believe that."
Point.
Dammit.
Together they shared a look that made it clear that yes, they were both screwed. And not in a good way.
)
And of course the fun just kept on coming after Harry had seen the healer out of his office and returned to his desk to bemoan the fact that he was most likely going to have to deal with Chloe herself once Redwall reported back to her. That and puzzle over his strange good health as well, though at least that was a welcome surprise. Eggsy would be relieved to hear it.
He was just reaching for his cellphone to text the boy the good news when a hard knock at the door had Harry setting it aside as he told whoever it was to enter.
The look Merlin aimed in his direction once he was inside with the door closed behind him was not a happy one.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Merlin's tone said otherwise. "How'd the exam go?"
"Clean bill of health."
"No surprise."
"How does that not surprise you? It surprised the hell out of-" The looks Merlin was giving him suddenly made sense. "Merlin. I didn't seduce the healer into lying to Chloe for me."
Merlin's expression made it clear how much he believed him. And that it was the reason he was angry, though Harry wasn't entirely sure why. It wasn't like there had been anything bad for the healer to find if Harry had seduced the man in order to avoid future visits with healers.
"I swear on Daisy's life I'm fine. And that I didn't have sex in here." In fact it had probably been quite some time since anyone had had sex in this office considering it had been King's before his. Now when Merlin's father had been in charge…nevermind. He'd rather not think about that.
"Oh. Good."
"I would think you'd be pleased. Weren't you the one who keeps telling me I need to get more of a social life? And smirking at me earlier."
"That was before I realized that you cheating on Eggsy potentially affects my biscuit supply."
Seriously?
"Merlin. One, I would have to be dating Eggsy to cheat on him, which I'm not. We live together but we do not LIVE together. And furthermore if I was dating Eggsy of course I wouldn't cheat on him. That goes without saying. Your supply of biscuits is safe."
"If you upset him by sleeping with someone else I might be indirectly affected, you know. And then you too will be made to suffer. I have the technology."
"Do I need to tell Eggsy to cut back on your sugar intake?"
Merlin's face promised his untimely demise if he tried.
This was getting ridiculous. "If you don't have anything work related to talk about than I need to get back to mine. So that I can leave at a reasonable time and be home for dinner as Eggsy prefers." Harry tacked on, just in case Merlin had come to unload a great deal of work on him.
"Actually I came to tell you that next week you have to go to Kentucky for a bit. Champ says that whatever he wants to talk with you about has to be face to face. I did manage to arrange it so that you leave Tuesday, after dropping Daisy off at daycare. You should be back sometime Thursday afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday night I'll drop in after work to make sure they're all right for you."
"You just want Eggsy to make you dinner!"
Merlin's innocent expression wasn't fooling anyone.
Chapter 18: Talk, Talk, Talk
Chapter Text
Talk, Talk, Talk
It seemed to be Harry's day for unexpected visitors, as he'd no sooner gotten rid of Merlin than there came another knocking at his door. This certainly did not bode well for him getting his work done on time, Harry mused as he called out for whoever it was to enter. But hopefully whoever it was just needed a quick word with him and then he could get back to the most unrelenting foe he'd ever faced. Paperwork.
His assistant stepped into the doorway, her tone regretful as she apologized for interrupting him. His housekeeper had dropped by and was hoping to speak with him for a few minutes. Mrs. Talbot was willing to book an appointment if now was too inconvenient.
Given that he could count the number of times Mrs. Talbot had ever 'dropped in' on him on one hand, with fingers to spare, Harry told Margot to send her right in. And hoped that whatever had brought her by wasn't going to be bad news, pipe dream that it was. She wouldn't be coming by if it wasn't serious enough to warrant face to face.
Rising to his feet when the woman in question appeared in his doorway, Harry welcomed her into his office.
He always thought that Mrs. Talbot kept herself looking just like the rooms she cleaned. Neat and in perfect order. She was in her late fifties, her hair iron grey and he'd never seen her wearing makeup in all the years he'd known her. She wasn't the type to care about such things. What you saw was what you got with Mrs. Talbot, which was one of the reasons Harry had always liked her. You always knew where you stood with her.
"I apologize for interrupting your day, Mr. Hart. This won't take long as all."
Harry motioned to the chairs situated in front of his desk. "It's no problem at all. Please take a seat and tell me what I can do for you."
"Thank you. Taking a seat Mrs. Talbot sat ramrod straight, her hands neatly folded in her lap as her hawkish eyes held his gaze. "I need to speak with you about my hours."
"Your hours?" He had been worried about how the arrival of Daisy and Eggsy would add to her workload. Eggsy had assured him that he was more than capable of cleaning up after himself and Daisy, and the house was always in excellent condition whenever he came home.
"They need to be cut back. Significantly."
"Cut back? May I ask why?" Harry wasn't entirely sure what was going on here.
"The boy. He does my job for me. Many times I come in and there's not even an hour's worth of work for me to do, Mr. Hart. Never in my life have I met such tidy and neat children. Even the girl picks up after herself without being told." Mrs. Talbot shook her head like she still couldn't believe it. "The only places he doesn't keep in order are your bedroom and study. And if you told him he was allowed to attend to those rooms he'd keep them spick and span for you as well."
"Oh." Well that was excellent. "He's really doing that much?"
"Have you learned not to leave half-drunk cups of tea all over the house and not to drop crumbs on the furniture and floor?"
Ah. He did have the bad habit of doing that. He'd lost count of how many times he'd reached for a cup automatically only to discover that what was inside had been sitting for a rather long time and had stopped being palatable quite a while ago. And she had commented more than once about him getting crumbs in and around his couch when he was watching something on the telly. Eating alone at his dining table had rarely appealed so in the past he'd usually eaten elsewhere. Which Mrs. Talbot had never appreciated.
"I see. Well…once a week then, instead?"
"That's fine. Though if you're willing to allow the boy to deal with your dry cleaning, laundry, and tidy up your rooms during the week once every two weeks for a thorough extra cleaning would most likely suffice. What he doesn't know how to do he asks or shadows me." Her approval of Eggsy came through loud and clear, which was quite the thing since Mrs. Talbot was not the sort to praise lightly.
Impressed with Eggsy, as well as appreciating her honesty about her services not being needed as frequently as before, Harry stated that he'd prefer the stick with once a week for now. He wanted Eggsy's primary focus to be on Daisy after all, and adding to the boy's workload when he didn't have to was something he'd prefer to avoid.
"As you like." Mrs. Talbot got to her feet in one smooth motion, her hand coming up for him to shake. "You lucked out with that boy, Mr. Hart. I very much approve of what I've seen from him thus far. He's a hard worker, that one, and excellent with the girl."
Taking her hand Harry shook it firmly. "Thank you, Mrs. Talbot. I value your opinion."
Inclining her head in acknowledgement Mrs. Talbot thanked him again for seeing her and wished him a productive day.
Showing her out as good manners dictated, Harry was only momentarily surprised to find Addison speaking to his assistant when he stepped outside his door. He had sent an email asking the other man to make an appointment to see him sometime during the day.
Better to get all his interruptions done and out of the way, Harry decided as he said goodbye to Mrs. Talbot and then walked over to his assistant's desk, wherein he was informed that she'd just booked Addison in for ten thirty if that suited him.
"Actually I only need you for a couple minutes if you have time now, Bors."
"Fine."
Sharing a knowing look with his assistant Harry smiled and then motioned for Addison to head into his office head of him.
And true to form the door hadn't quite closed behind him before Addison was demanding to know what he wanted as he had things to blow up in his workroom.
For the sake of his sanity, not to mention his plausible deniability later, Harry didn't ask about the impending explosions. Or the likely damages that would result from them. Instead he got straight to the point for both their sakes.
"Do you have plans for this coming Sunday?"
Harry was a little shocked when the man looked visibly pleased to be asked, though when Bors asked him if he had a mission for him Harry made the leap to assume either the man had family plans he wanted to avoid or just didn't want to stay home feeling sorry for himself.
"Your presence will be required here at some point so that you can be presented with a cake and a birthday card. Daisy spent hours working on it yesterday and I won't have her disappointed."
Addison's mouth opened and closed like a landed fish.
"The picture inside the card is supposed to be of you and Tally playing in the park by the way. It's not…readily apparent that that's what it's meant to depict, but she worked very hard on it for you and I expect you to be polite and thank her for it. And eat at least one slice of the cake Eggsy is prepared to make for you as he's insisted you must have one. He was thinking of strawberry shortcake if that's agreeable to you. He's willing to make something else though as I have no idea what sort of cake you enjoy."
"You can't be serious."
Lips twitching over Bors's expression and blurted out words Harry assured him that he was quite serious.
"Why on earth would the child make ME a card?"
"She likes you."
That seemed to flabbergast Addison even more than learning he was getting a homemade card and cake.
"Does tea time suit you for Sunday? I will be extending the invitation to the other agents and your handlers should they be available to attend. Otherwise Merlin will eat everything and then heaven help us all. But I shan't make you stay more than half an hour, all right?"
A man in a daze, Addison nodded his head.
"Excellent. I'll send out the email and inform Eggsy. You can go then."
Nodding again the older man headed for the door, pausing there with his hand on the doorknob.
"Hart."
"Yes?"
"If anyone but the child sings me happy birthday I'll shoot them as soon as someone gets her out of the room."
"I'll make that clear."
"Good. Strawberry shortcake is fine."
Harry waited a minute, until he could be sure Addison was far enough away not to hear, before he broke out into laughter, muffling the sound with his arms as he laid his head on the desk.
)
Once he got ahold of himself Harry sent out a text to Eggsy confirm Bors's cooperation before sending out a mass email to the relevant people informing them of the impromptu tea party for Addison's birthday. For all their sakes he added that there was to be no singing and as always Bors would be given the customary bottle of whiskey and a meal at the restaurant of his choice on Kingsman's tab. They had until the middle of the week to RSVP so that Eggsy would know how many he was feeding.
No surprise that Merlin was the first to respond.
By lunchtime Merlin, Lancelot, Kay and one of Bors handlers had stated their intention to attend. Percival was going to try and rearrange his plans as he wanted to meet Harry's boy and try his cake. Not a bad turnout if that was all that could come. Especially since over half the agents were out of the country at the moment.
By two Percival had messaged that he could make it while Bors's two other handlers had sent their regrets, which Harry translated to mean that they had to deal with Addison enough without voluntarily spending time with the man. The one that had agreed to come was the only one Addison remotely behaved for. And it was shortly after Harry had received a regretful decline from Tristian that a familiar, and not at all welcome sound filled the air.
The Twilight Zone intro.
Pulling his cellphone out of his pocket Harry took a deep breath for strength and then accepted the call.
"Hello, Mother."
"Harry, Darling. It's been far too long."
"It has. What can I do for you?"
"Really, Harry. You don't need to say it that way, like the only reason I ever call you is because I need you to do something for me."
Making a sound that was up for interpretation, because they both knew that his mother rarely called him without a reason related to her, Harry sat back in his chair and asked her where she was.
"Australia, Darling. It's absolutely lovely this time of year. You really should visit. Plenty of butterflies for you to chase if you must. Though your time really would be better served on the beach. So many handsome young men out there to choose from."
Knowing that tone of voice well, it warned of motherly matchmaking and manipulations, Harry made sure to use his firmest voice as he reminded her that they'd had a very serious talk about what would happen if she attempted to force him into another blind date from hell. And he'd meant what he'd said about calling up certain people and telling them certain things about the past his mother would prefer remained unknown.
"Blackmailing your own mother. Aren't you ashamed?"
"Not in the slightest. Now I love you, very much in fact, but I do need to get back to work if my love life is all you want to discuss."
"As it happens that isn't why I'm calling. In fact, I called the house first thinking to leave you a message there so as not to interrupt my very important son while he was working."
Oh shit.
"A very interesting sounding young man picked up the phone though, and while he was willing to take down a message for you I decided I should call you to congratulate you. After all you've never been serious enough about any man to ask him to move in with you. It's about time, really. And I would have thought as your mother you'd have given me a heads up about it, but I'm sure it just slipped your mind."
"The way it slipped you mind to introduce me to Stefan before you married him?"
Silence.
"And speaking of phone calls, Mother, did you receive the ones from a social worker here in London?"
"A social worker? Why on earth would one of those contact me?"
"Because one of your grandchildren required a new legal guardian."
"One of my…Harry, please tell me you aren't going senile already. You are my only child as you well know and you have about as much interest in women as I have in shaving my head and tattooing something vulgar there. And if you were to have a child you would certainly-oh for heavens sakes. Are you talking about the offspring of one of your step siblings? They don't count, Dear. I didn't go through hours of labor to bring them into the world."
"You had a C section, Mother."
"It was still very trying."
"So you've always said. And yes, I was referring to the offspring of one of your former stepchildren. Dean's, to be exact."
"Dean?" It took her a few moments. "Oh, him. Pity he lived long enough to breed. I hope the child doesn't take after him."
"Thankfully, no. And she is now living with me, along with her much older half-brother who is acting as her nanny as he's too young to raise her on his own. His name is Eggsy."
"The boy who answered the phone."
"Exactly."
"And they're both how old?"
"Eggsy is twenty two and Daisy is three."
"Darling…what do you know about being a parent to a toddler?"
"More every day." Was his honest response. "And as Eggsy is now also a part of our family I'd appreciate you treating him as such whenever you speak to him." Especially since the way people kept assuming he and Eggsy were a couple was seriously demoralizing. As in tempting him to tell his morals to fuck off.
"Well if course I will. I'll send them both something lovely from Australia. Should I send her a koala bear? A stuffed one of course. The real ones are rather vicious actually. Did you know?"
"As it happens I did."
"Well it was all very sad, when I found out. I thought they were such cuddly and cute creatures." A loud sigh of remembered disappointment. "So you aren't seeing someone right now?"
"No, Mother."
"At this point I suppose I should say I'll never be a grandmother if you keep this up, but now you've gone and informed me that I have two of them. And I'm far too young to have a grandson in his twenties!"
Actually she wasn't, obviously, but Harry wisely opted not to point that out. "Just think of him as family. He and I don't have that sort of relationship." Thank God. "Nor I and Daisy for that matter. She calls me Uncle Harry and Eggsy simply refers to me by my first name."
"Fair enough. Though I still can't believe you've gone and adopted a child. Or that the social worker would give you one for that matter. There was no one else to take her?"
"Just you or I."
"I see. Well you'll be sure to send me pictures of the both of them, yes? I can't buy things for people I've never seen after all. They'll think I have no taste if it doesn't suit them."
"I'll send you pictures of Daisy as soon as I get off the phone with you." He was going to hold off on sending her pictures of Eggsy until it was unavoidable or she'd met him in person.
"Good, good. I can't wait to see them. And I was thinking-oh, hold on a moment please, Darling."
"Of course."
He didn't have long to wait before she was back on the line, apologizing for cutting their talk short but she really had to get going if she was going to make it on time to the opera.
"It's no problem. It was lovely to hear from you." And since he didn't want to give her a reason to call him again any time soon... "But before you go, perhaps you could tell me what it is that drove you to call me originally."
"Oh, yes. Of course. The shock of your young man AND learning I have a grandchild has left me quite out of sorts." A pause for emphasis. "I called earlier because I need you to make an appearance at your Aunt Celeste's charity event two weeks from now. I promised her you'd make an appearance."
"Didn't we have a talk about you volunteering me for things without asking?"
"I'm your mother. And this is for family."
"I'll call Aunt Celeste and get the details from her." That way they'd be accurate. "If nothing comes up I'll try to make an appearance. If not I'll be sure to send her a cheque."
"There's to be a polo match in the afternoon. I'm sure Daisy would love to see the polo ponies."
"Females are generally very fond of them, aren't they?" Or at least that had been his experience. And it would be good to introduce his ward to the animals early. Some of the ponies participating in the match would no doubt belong to his aunt's family.
"Apparently there's some show called 'My Little Pony' that's very big with little girls at the moment. Or at least in America. Emma was telling me her granddaughters are mad for it just the other day."
"Thank you for the tip, Mother."
"Of course, Darling. Of course."
Chapter 19: At The End of The Day
Chapter Text
At The End of The Day
There really were no words to describe how grateful he was to be home. After the day he'd had Harry wanted nothing more than to walk in, mix himself a very strong drink, and then sit down to a meal with his family for a couple hours. That and not think about the rest of his family since his mother had apparently told everyone they were even remotely related to that he was now a father. Even though technically he wasn't. But that hadn't stopped them all from ringing him up or sending him emails wanting pictures and the inside scoop for them to gossip about amongst themselves. Because of course none of them had anything better to do than to stick their noses in his business for their own amusement. Ugh. He was going to have to stay up so late tonight to make up for the work he'd failed to finish earlier. Really he should have just stayed at the office and ordered take away.
And don't even get him started on the headache Chloe had given him when she'd finally managed to get ahold of him, Harry silently raged as he retrieved his keys from his pocket. Like it was his fault his bloody relatives wouldn't stop calling him so that she could. And that was on top of the fact that she'd accused him of seducing her healer to get an excellent health evaluation. As if he would. The very idea was insulting. Not that he'd gotten a chance to tell her that in between her lectures. He'd have to wait until sometime later in the week as she was apparently going to come and evaluate him in person. Mostly so that she could yell at him in person from the sounds of it. Joy.
Opening the front door Harry let himself in on that depressing thought, wearily closing the door behind him before setting down his bag and briefcase with a sigh of relief. He'd have to pick them up in a moment and acknowledge their existence, but for a second or two he could pretend he'd left all the paperwork back in the office.
"That bad, huh?"
Concentrating on shrugging out of his jacket Harry stated that Eggsy had no idea before turning to see that the boy was standing there with a knowing look and…and a glass that looked to contain whiskey in hand.
"Thought ya might need this. Your, ah, Mum rang back ta talk to me."
"Thank the Powers that Be." Walking over Harry took the glass in one hand while with the other he cupped the back of Eggsy's head as he gave the boy's forehead a quick but heartfelt kiss. "Thank you. You have no idea, Darling."
"Ah. Sure."
Glancing down at the sound of giggling Harry was able to give Daisy a genuine smile as he sipped his drink with another sigh of relief. "Hello, Daisy. How was your day?"
"Good. I 'elped make the twifle."
"Trifle." Harry breathed out. "You're both too good to me."
Looking a tad flushed as he rubbed the back of his neck, Eggsy told him that dinner would be on the table in five minutes.
"Thank you. I'll put my chains away and be with you both momentarily." Harry gave Eggsy a look that no doubt clearly indicated he was a man to be pitied. "I'm going to be up most of the night working."
"Shit."
"In a word." Giving Daisy's head an absent pat Harry chugged back the rest of the glass for strength, winced a little at the burn, and then handed the glass back to Eggsy.
Walking back over to the door Harry retrieved his workload and then headed for the stairs while Eggsy and Daisy walked off in the direction of the kitchen.
And thank the powers that be for both of them, Harry thought to himself even though logically he knew that they were the reason that his relatives had harassed him earlier. But his workload would have been bad regardless of their presence in his life and coming home to them made it much more bearable. Not to mention the food.
Sighing with pleasure at the thought of trifle Harry headed straight for his study where he quickly stashed his bag and briefcase before heading to his bedroom to change into regular clothes. He felt like he'd been born in this suit and the unusually warm weather they were due to experience over the next few days had started a day earlier than expected. Or at least it had felt that way when he'd left the shop and stepped into the heat still lingering outside.
Opting to leave the trousers he was wearing on, he was hungry and they were comfortable enough, Harry simply removed the top half of his suit and then shrugged on a simple, lightweight grey shirt before heading back downstairs.
Daisy was already in her seat with her two stuffed animals, the little girl announcing to him excitedly that they were having fish pie for dinner.
"Fish pie? I haven't had that in quite a long time. My father was very fond of it."
"You gots a father?" Daisy looked shocked at the idea.
Laughing in understanding Harry pulled out his chair as he explained. "I had a father, yes. Everyone does. But mine died a long time ago like Eggsy's did." Like Daisy's as well, but Harry refused to lump his and Eggsy's father with the loathsome creature that had been Dean.
"My Da's dead. Eggsy said."
"Yes, he did."
"He was mean."
"Yes, he was. But you don't ever have to see him again. You live here with Eggsy and I and we won't let anyone be mean to you."
Daisy nodded in agreement and then pointed to the bread basket and asked if she could please have a roll.
Technically he should tell her to wait until Eggsy came but she had said please and she deserved a treat for even having to think about Dean. So Harry got a roll for her and offered to butter it, which she declined. So he handed it over and she was in the process of demolishing it when Eggsy walked in with a large casserole dish in his mittened hands.
"That's smells wonderful, Eggsy."
Shrugging his shoulders self-consciously Eggsy assured him that it was a really easy thing ta make. And he'd figured that they might as well eat good and hot now since the weather people were saying that the mini heat wave they'd been predicting was going to be even worse than was expected.
"Of course it is. Though they're hardly right half the time so I suppose there's reason to hope that they're wrong."
"Too right." Shucking off the oven mitts once the dish was safely on its potholder Eggsy carried them with him as he headed back to the kitchen, returning momentarily with Daisy's bowl with her share of the fish pie moments later.
He liked that Eggsy did that, Harry mused as the boy took his head at the table. Always setting Daisy's portion aside ahead of time so that he could either precut it up for her or give it a chance to cool off since Daisy did tend to pounce on her food like a starving wolf the moment it was put in front of her.
Handing over his own plate when Eggsy asked for it Harry asked Eggsy if he needed to apologize for his mother while the other man loaded up his plate for him.
"Nah. She was nice enough. But, ah, ya should probably know that she thinks we-that we're together."
"Ah. My apologies. I told her that wasn't the case." Dammit, Mother.
Eggsy smirkedat him. "She mentioned that. After I sent her a pic of Daisy and me when she asked for one she said I was your type. And she said that if you and I wasn't dating, and she was twenty years younger, she'd steal me from ya."
"Oh for the love of-and twenty years? Dear God. Is she trying to give me ulcers?"
"What? Don't want ta call me Daddy, Harry?"
Harry could see that as soon as the words left Eggsy's lips the boy's mind had gone exactly where his own had. Straight into the gutter. With unholy and immoral glee.
Thank the powers that be that he hadn't been chewing when Eggsy had said that.
Clearing his throat Harry did his best to sound nonchalant when he stated that he'd never called a man 'Daddy' in his life and had no intention of ever doing so.
"Fair enough."
By mutual understanding the two turned their attention to their dinner, both silent for the next few minutes aside for Harry complimenting Eggsy on the perfection of the potato and cheddar topping of the pie, and the expertly cooked fish underneath.
Food was a safe topic until Eggsy changed it by asking if Harry's mum make a habit of dating younger men.
"Yes, unfortunately. Or at least often enough to make me wonder what she's thinking."
"Bad taste or you just an ageist, Harry?"
Raising an eyebrow over both the question and the teasing tone of voice, Harry would have pointed out that Eggsy probably wouldn't appreciate the idea of his own mother dating a young man his age if not for the woman's recent passing. Not to mention Michelle Unwin's unquestionably bad taste in men, seeing as she'd ended up married to Dean.
"Her taste in men has often left a great deal to be desired. And no, I don't have a problem with the idea of couples with large age gaps in theory. I just think they're often doomed or accurately stereotyped. A relationship between two peers is hard enough to maintain, much less one between two people who have little in common and face a future of unquestionable hardship as the older one ages."
"The younger one could die first. Or somethin could go wrong health wise."
"True. But even if you flip that around it brings up the question of whether the older one would be able to take care of themselves, much less the younger one if their care was needed."
Swirling his spoon around in the fish pie Eggsy agreed that Harry had a point.
"But there are some that make it work." Harry found himself blurting out, wishing he could take the words back as soon as he spoke them.
Looking up from his plate Eggsy smiled. "Yeah. Specially in the magical community, right? Cause the powerful ones naturally live longer than regular ones. The magic in your blood lengthens your life and makes ya heal up faster."
"Generally." Being a Kingsman tended to shorten one's life compared to a regular human being.
"And the healer ya saw today said you was in good shape, right? That's what the text said."
"Surprisingly so. But Chloe is convinced I seduced the healer she sent so I'll be getting a second opinion about that shortly."
Eggsy choked on the piece of roll he'd just bitten into, waving Harry back down into his seat when he would have gone to help him.
But it appeared the boy was all right after a drink of water, Harry and Daisy both watching him to make sure. Definitely a little red in the face, but he was breathing well enough which was the main thing.
"All right?"
"I'm good." Eggsy managed to get out.
Lips twitching, Harry couldn't help but recall what Merlin had said earlier in the day. About how it would upset Eggsy if he were to become involved with the healer. Which was utterly ridiculous of course, Eggsy was no doubt staring at his plate now because he was embarrassed about choking, not because he was upset about Chloe's assumption. It would be arrogant and conceited of him to think Eggsy would give a rat's arse aside from the fact that anyone he dated would come into contact with Daisy at some point. And Eggsy at some point, which wouldn't bode well for him at all. How could anyone he dated not feel inferior by comparison? No. That didn't sound right. What he meant was that someone he dated would of course be close to his own age and therefore would naturally be a bit perturbed at the idea that Harry was coming home every night to a handsome young man in his twenties who cooked like a dream and had a smile that could light up the whole room like a living sun.
Shit.
Fighting the urge to bash his head against the table, sense needed to be beaten into his head somehow, Harry stuffed some food into his mouth to keep from saying something he'd regret. Or require more liquor to forget at a later date.
)
Rubbing his hands over his eyes hours later Harry deliberately didn't look at the clock on his wall or in the corner of laptop. It would only depress him and make time go that much slower. Or faster. He wasn't sure which was worse at this point. All he knew was that he still had a God awful amount of work to do and was bloody tempted to say that he was the boss and call it quits for the night. Only he knew that he had to do it sometime and at this point he had enough caffeine in his system that sleep wasn't coming any time soon anyway.
If King had actually bothered to read over his paperwork, and hadn't just signed where his assistant told him to, Harry would almost understand why the bastard had betrayed them all. This much paperwork was enough to drive anyone insane.
Which was why he now had so much to do, because he was now having to go over everything King had signed off on as well as reviewing and signing off on changes he'd instituted since he'd taken over. And he NEVER signed his name to something without knowing exactly what he was agreeing to. Seeing the messes that had occurred after his mother's marriages had failed and prenups had come into play had stressed that importance early on.
A knock on the door had him looking up in surprise, the nature of the knock making it clear which of the house's two other residents was knocking.
"Come in, Eggsy."
And of course Eggsy came in wearing trackies that barely clung to his hips and a worn undershirt that was more enticing than had the boy just come in topless. The tease.
Not that Eggsy meant it as a tease, Harry reminded himself as he worked up a smile.
"Brought ya some tea that will help with all the caffeine you've been guzzlin." Padding over on bare feet Eggsy handed Harry a mug of fruit smelling tea. "Almost done?"
"Probably another hour. That's all I've got in me at this point."
"Probably ain't nothin I can help with."
Appreciating the thought Harry motioned for Eggsy to help himself to one of the seats in front of his desk before setting the mug down on the desk for the moment. "Thank you for the thought but I'm afraid it's mostly just reading through things to make sure they say what they should. In a month or two I should be at the point where I won't have half the amount of paperwork I have now, or so Merlin's promised, but still…" Harry sighed. "It was so much easier when I was just an agent."
"Ya ain't the paper pusher type." Eggsy agreed.
"Truer words. But it is what it is. I did have decades as an agent, and I don't regret choosing to make this my life's work."
"What would ya have done if ya hadn't joined Kingsman?"
"Well I'm sure you'll find this hard to believe, but I did seriously consider becoming a lepidopterist."
"A what now?"
Chuckling, Harry explained that a lepidopterist was someone who studied butterflies.
"Butterflies." Eggsy repeated in obvious amusement. "Shoulda guessed given the décor round here."
"Yes. It was a great passion of mine once upon a time."
While Eggsy mulled that over Harry took a sip of his tea, which was quite good.
"I don't know much about em sides that they're pretty and not ta touch their wings. Daisy likes lookin at them."
"Well when I have more free time I'll give you both a lesson about them."
"Cheers. Though if ya get more free time ya should spend it just relaxin, not worrin bout playin teacher. When was the last time ya had a real holiday, anyway?"
"A distressingly long time. Though now that I'm thinking about traveling I forgot to mention to you earlier than I'll be going to the States next week. Merlin informed me today. I shouldn't be gone more than two nights so long as Champ cooperates. That's my counterpart to the Kingsman type branch over there. Apparently face to face is necessary. Oh, and Merlin will most likely be dropping by both nights for dinner to 'check in' on you both for me."
"I'll stock up the pantry then."
Harry shared a look of complete understanding with Eggsy.
"I'll be leaving after we take Daisy to daycare on the Tuesday, and then I should be back sometime Thursday afternoon. And if you think the two of you would enjoy it my mother's sister is having a charity event that weekend that will include a polo match. My mother and I rather thought Daisy might enjoy seeing the ponies if nothing else."
"She'd probably love ta…but won't it be real fancy?"
"To a degree, yes, but purchasing appropriate attire for you both shouldn't be that difficult." Harry paused then as it occurred to him that that wasn't entirely accurate. "Well getting you outfitted won't be difficult, obviously. Kingsman has everything you'll need. Daisy's dress and hat though…I'll speak to Miss. Morton on the subject."
"Not so much the clothes I was worryin bout, Bruv."
Understanding dawning, and really it was a testament to how tired he was that he hadn't caught on immediately, Harry made sure to meet and then hold Eggsy's gaze so that his feelings on the matter couldn't be clearer.
"I would be delighted to escort the both of you to the event, Eggsy. And anyone who has the bad manners to think less of any of us because you were not born into their class will get a lesson in manners from me. Which they will most certainly not enjoy."
Chapter 20: Don't Bet On It
Chapter Text
Note: So in this chapter the nature of Eggsy and Daisy's non-human heritage is revealed. For the record I need to credit Amber Kell and her novella 'My Man Declan' for first giving me the idea, though the looks, mythology, and abilities will be coming from my own imagination. Thanks.
Don't Bet On It
Draping his tie over the shoulder the suit jacket he'd already discarded before returning to his desk, Harry silently dared anyone to tell him to put it back on. He'd strangle the bastard with it. Bloody, fucking, heat wave. Yesterday had been bad but this…Englishmen were not meant to function in this sort of weather. Particularly when they were also selkies who preferred cold water at all times. And while it was tempting to sneak out of his office and take a trip into cool water…he was made of sterner stuff. Probably.
On the A side he wasn't going to have to bring any paperwork home with him tonight barring some unforeseen circumstances. And odds were both Eggsy and Daisy would be in excellent spirits when he got home as both of them were strangely adaptable to the warm weather. Both were hardly bothered by it it seemed, and had somehow managed to get tans the day before that they were planning on working on today by spending a fair amount of time at the park this afternoon. Or at least that had been the plan when he'd left that morning. Daisy had been pretty excited about the idea, though the girl had been bubbling over with happiness since yesterday when he'd informed her about the charity event and how she'd not only get to meet some ponies, but get a new dress as well.
And thank all the powers that be that Miss. Morton had agreed to go with them on Friday so that they'd have a trusted female perspective on the dress. He'd never really noticed what the children wore at these things and their flower deserved only the best.
A knock on his door pulled Harry from his musing and had him glancing up from his laptop, the thought that this was likely the start of some 'unforeseen circumstances' crossing his mind as he called out for whoever it was to enter.
The sight of Merlin strolling into his office wasn't cause for alarm, but Kay and Percival following after him with grim expressions on their faces was. Particularly since Merlin was also wearing a similar expression and holding in one hand a null collar that was meant to inhibited the wearer's magical abilities.
Rising to his feet, slowly because he sensed sudden movements would not be a good idea right now, Harry asked what was wrong.
"Harry, I need you to trust me. I need you to let me put this collar on you and Percival the restraints in his hand. There's a chance you might be bespelled by a member of the Fae."
Staring at Merlin, Kay's presence meaning the man was dead serious as William had no sense of humor to speak of, Harry kept his hands where the three could see them as he pointed out all the reasons that they had to be wrong about this. "As you all know all Kingsman agents have protective spells preventing mind magic from being used on them without their knowledge. And even if those shields were to fail I'm not just Water Gifted, I'm a selkie as well. My blood would protect me. And that's on top of the fact that he or she would have to be pretty stupid to target one of us."
"Chloe looked at the scans that other healer took. She saw signs of elvish magic."
Well…shit.
If there was the slightest chance that she was right, and Chloe was almost never wrong, Harry had to go along with this plan no matter how god awful it was. So he nodded and came around his desk slowly and with his eyes remaining on them as he put his hands behind his back and turned around so that Percival could snap the magical restraints into place. And then the collar was around his neck, Harry grinching his teeth when it was activated. The damn thing left him feeling numb and slightly out of it which was proof it was working. Especially since he could feel the way it blocked his ability to change, which set his teeth on edge.
But at least everyone in the room was now looking a lot less tense and worried, which soothed his ego a little at least.
"She should be here in twenty minutes." Merlin informed him with a sympathetic pat to his shoulder, not that it made him feel any better about this.
"Fine." A moment's reflection. "Are you three going to stay here until she arrives?"
Three nods.
Harry sighed then looked back at his laptop. Damn. "I don't suppose this means one of you will be doing my work for me as my hands are tied at the moment."
"Technically they're shackled." Percival pointed out, because of course he did.
Merlin shared a look of understanding with Harry. "You can read and sign off later. I'll sit beside you and move the mouse as needed."
Nodding in agreement, what else could he do at this point, Harry carefully maneuvered his way back into his seat while Merlin picked up one of his visitors' chairs and set it down beside his. Kay being the most responsible of the bunch took point at the door while Percival leaned against the space between Harry's two windows.
Awkward.
"So is this something we're going to do from now on? Having birthday parties for each other?"
Glancing over at Percival Harry stated that it would seem so.
"I still can't believe Bors agreed to it. Either your boy is just that brilliant in the kitchen or you bribed the hell out of him."
"He is that brilliant in the kitchen, but I didn't give Addison any say in the matter. Daisy's been looking forward to it all week. She even has her outfit all picked out." And she did, right down to her footwear. She even planned to put a bowtie on Mr. Fox for the occasion.
Percival made a sound of amusement. "That's another thing I don't get. Why you would want to risk the child being scarred for life by subjecting her to Bors's company. The man makes grown men cry, much less toddlers."
Unable to argue that fact, he'd seen it with his own eyes more times than he cared to count, Harry settled for stating that Bors would be on his best behavior during Daisy's visit. And it was only for half an hour for goodness sakes. Even Addison could behave for that long.
The sounds Percival and Merlin made in response to that suggested they weren't quite as optimistic as him. But then none of them had seen the man around Daisy, so Harry didn't bother to call them on it. They'd just have to see for themselves. And could join him in kicking Bors' arse if they so desired should that become necessary.
Turning his attention back to his work while trying to find a comfortable seating position with his hands cuffed behind him, Harry wasn't having much luck with either which was why his mind was wandering enough that ten minutes in it occurred to him to ask if there were bets being laid as to how Sunday was going to go.
"Of course there is."
Harry gave Merlin a dark look for that before glancing in Percival's direction. "Your idea?"
"Roxy's, actually. Sort of. She and I were arguing about how it would go and she was willing to put money on it. It expanded from there." Percival shrugged his shoulders. "She and Merlin seem convinced that between the child's cuteness and the boy's looks and food Bors will get through the whole thing with minimal grumbling by the way. If that makes you feel better."
It did right up until it occurred to him that Percival might hit on Eggsy at the birthday party. After Roxanne Percival was the youngest Kingsman agent at thirty four, and perpetually single. And like most Gifted Percival found both sexes attractive, and from what he knew of the other man's type Harry could see him being interested in Eggsy without trying the boy's food. Shit.
Surely he could find some sort of mission in another country to send him on. It wasn't like Bors would be upset if the other man missed his party. He'd probably be thrilled, actually. It would be another birthday present to his agent even if the man didn't know about it.
Crap. It wasn't like he could send Percival away for every birthday party or special occasion Eggsy felt needed to be celebrated. That would be embarrassingly obvious after the first couple times. Merlin would torment him relentlessly over it.
How was this his life, seriously.
Morosely returning his attention back to his laptop Harry sent up a silent pray that Chloe would arrive as soon as possible so that he could kick everyone out of his office so that he could sulk and plot how to keep Percival's hands off Eggsy's in peace.
)
When she arrived Chloe didn't bother to knock on his door like any well-mannered person would do. Of course she didn't. She just opened it and the silent and perpetually aware and watchful Kay got out of her way so that she didn't crash into him. Following after her was the healer who'd originally looked Harry over as well as Chloe's apprentice healer. All three had grim expressions on their faces, which Harry could absolutely relate to as his arms ached from being restrained and he had a massive headache to look forward to as soon as they removed the collar. Which better be soon or he was going to be tempted to throw up Eggsy's excellent lunch all over Chloe for getting him into this situation in the first place. Because he was most certainly not under the control of any member of the Fae and he was going to rub her mistake in her face in a very ungentlemanly fashion without regret very soon.
But this was Chloe he was dealing with so of course she paid absolutely no attention to the death glare he gave her, instead marching over to his desk while demanding that he come around it so that she could thoroughly look him over.
"Well that's easier said than done."
Pushing back his chair while still sitting down Harry then carefully maneuvered his way to his feet while Merlin held the chair on place with one hand and placed the other at the small of Harry's back in case he needed the support. Thanking his friend for that Harry then walked around the desk to face her squarely while Percival and Kay moved in closer so that they could intervene if Harry were to suddenly try and attack the defenseless healers.
"This is utter nonsense and you're going to owe me for this, just so we're clear." Harry informed her, just so that he could tell her he'd told her so later.
"Hush."
"Yes, Dear."
Her lips curved in a hint of a smile before her eyes went white and the studying of his aura began.
That she was soon frowning, brows knitted in concentration had Harry sharing a validating look with Redwall since Chloe had no doubt ripped him a good one when he'd first informed her that Harry had gotten a clean bill of health.
"Merlin, remove the collar. Just the collar."
Well that was something at least, though Harry winced at the pain that caused as his magic was suddenly allowed to flow and function properly. Damn collars. He hated them. He'd curse the inventor of them to the deepest regions of Hell if the man hadn't been Merlin's father.
More frowning and thoughtful sounds escaped from between Chloe's lips before an unexpected smile curved them and had Harry exchanging confused looks with his men. Obviously she'd found something, the relaxing of her features and posture made that clear, but finding out that he was actually being bespelled would not be something to smile about even if it would prove her right.
"The restraints can be removed. He's of no danger to anyone. And my apologies again, Redwall, for doubting you. I understand even better now."
"Of no danger? Well aren't you just full of insults today."
He not dangerous. I beg your pardon. He was getting up in years, yes. But he was NOT not dangerous. He was very dangerous. He was the most dangerous man in the room, thank you very much. Or at least the second most dangerous. And only because his arms were cramped as hell and he was still feeling the effects of the collar. He could still take Merlin and Percival down though. Kay…would be harder to take down. At least in anything resembling a fair fight.
Making a sound of relief once Merlin had the restraints off Harry brought his aching arms back around so that he could rub feeling back into his wrists while Kay asked for confirmation that there were in fact no signs that his boss was under the influence of elves.
"He is being influenced, but not in a way we need to be concerned about." Chloe smiled reassuringly at Kay before turning her attention back to Harry. "Though I am curious, wherever did you find one?"
"One what?"
"A house elf. Well two, it seems, though the one's so young he or she hardly counts at this point."
"Chloe, I have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't seen a house elf in years, much less bonded with one."
House elves were extremely rare, and that was just the mixed blood ones. Finding a pureblood house elf was like looking for…something nearly impossible to find. Harry couldn't come up with a good analogy at the moment because he was too busy trying to remember the last time he'd met anyone with that sort of magical heritage.
After the Industrial Revolution most had chosen to leave this world for other less polluted and populated ones. To have a house elf keeping your house had always been considered quite the status symbol and they could ask for outrageous fees that magical families were usually more than willing to pay them. A house elf meant a spotless house, ambrosia in food form, and depending on the strength of the bond between the family and their elf the elf could transfer some of its natural healing, long life, and magic to their 'masters'. Not that money was all that important to this particular elvish branch. In personality and lifestyle choices house elves had far more in common with Tolkien's hobbits than they did with other members of the Fae. They loved good food, tidy living spaces, and nature. As a rule they weren't vain or greedy or interested in material things, and if they worked for a magical family it was because there were few things they loved more than making a happy home for themselves and others.
"Well according to your aura you've bonded with one, Harry."
"And I can assure you that my housekeeper, Mrs. Talbot, is not a house elf." Harry shot right back, since she was the only one cleaning up after him at home.
And surely if they had one on staff in Kingsman he'd know about it regardless of their appearance. Though then again…house elves generally looked like regular human beings, only shorter. Generally the pureblooded ones didn't reach heights greater than four and a half feet with only their slightly pointed ears hinting at their relation to their much taller and infinitely more complicated kin. So he supposed they could have someone with mixed blood working for them. Could it be a case where-
"I don't think that's who she means, Sir." Kay's voice cut through Harry's thoughts as neatly as a hot blade through butter. When Kay spoke there was just something about him that compelled you to give him your full attention.
"What?" It took Harry a moment to remember what they were talking about. "Well who is she suggesting then? Because unless I'm remembering my mythology wrong a house elf just working for me wouldn't be enough to form a bond. And really the idea that I've bonded magically with someone without my knowledge…I don't have a life outside of work and the house these days. And if someone I've met through Daisy or Eggsy was of the Blood Eggsy would have told me if I didn't realize. He has a sixth sense about that sort of thing."
Kay's gaze gave away nothing as he met Harry's squarely, seeming to order him to use his brains. "The answer is staring you straight in the eyes."
"No. It's really not." Harry informed her, silently relieved when both healers, Merlin, and Percival indicated they didn't know either.
"Ah, I see." Chloe turned to meet Kay's gaze, the two exchanging a look of understanding before she looked back in Harry's direction. "I had heard that you recently adopted not only a child, but took in her older brother as well. How old is the boy?"
"What's Eggsy's age have to do with this?"
"He's twenty two." Merlin answered her. "Though I have to second Harry's question because it's not like…"
"The boy's the house elf. The girl as well." Kay stated in his matter of fact way. "It's the most logical conclusion. It explains everything."
"But I looked into the boy's history personally." Merlin argued.
"I would know…he only has a very minor Air Gift." Harry added.
And yet…all the pieces fit if they were right.
"Well there's a very simple way to find out whose magic I'm seeing all over your aura, Harry. We need to go to the visions room. Now."
Chapter 21: He's A Vision
Chapter Text
He's A Vision
The Visions Room, located in the basement of Kingsman headquarters, was all but empty save for the covered pool of water in the middle of it. About the size of the average hot tub, though only about a foot in depth, the pool was meant for magical purposes only and was kept covered when not in use. And it was hardly ever used at present as no one on the Kingsman's staff had the skillset required for its use. It was only visitors like Chloe who ever made use of it.
While Redwall and Percival uncovered the pool Chloe's assistant started to draw on the hardwood floor in front of the pool with chalk, getting it ready while Chloe herself took a seat off to the side to remove her sandals. She'd be getting her feet wet shortly.
Merlin, meanwhile, was fiddling with his tablet and scowling at it every five seconds.
"No luck finding an elf in their family tree?"
"Not that makes sense." Merlin gestured with the tablet as he spoke. "Their mother was not an elf. Nor was she a half either because after her father burned out his magic keeping that airplane in the bloody air the man was looked over by a healer as well as human doctors. There isn't a mention of elvish blood anywhere in any of the reports. And yes the healer in question isn't anywhere near Chloe's caliber, but he wasn't a hack either. He'd have seen something, Harry. And if the blood's diluted more than that, then how can Eggsy be powerful enough to influence you? The lass as well. And even going a step farther back there's nothing that would lead me to believe their great-grandparents weren't human either. The paperwork is all there. And sure the wife could have cheated with an elf, she wouldn't be the first or the last, but it would show, Harry."
"And you're forgetting to factor Harry and his power into your equation." Chloe informed them as she came back over to them. "As well as forgetting what happens to the magic of creatures who aren't given what they need to thrive."
"You're suggesting that being around me, bonding with me somehow, has made Eggsy more magical?"
"I'm saying you've provided him with the sort of environment house elves flourish in. And that while it's extremely rare for humans with small amounts of magical blood to demonstrate the gifts that come with that blood…anything is possible with magic. You said the boy's grandfather had an Air gift. Perhaps adding that magic to the mix kick-started the dormant house elf genes, enough that when you were thrown into the mix the boy's magic finally had enough power behind it to grow."
"So you're saying that because the lad and his mum lived in the estates, in a hostile environment to their nature, we'll say, neither showed their elvish strips."
"It's possible. And I'd wager the boy is unaware of both his nature and the instinctive bond he's formed with our friend here." Chloe gave Harry a knowing smile and pat on the shoulder.
Since he had considered the possibility that Eggsy had been fooling him this whole time Harry understood the meaning behind the gesture. But he'd only considered it for a minute or two before drawing the obvious conclusion, which was that if Eggsy had known he was a house elf he would have said so in order to entice Harry to hire him during their first meeting, before Harry was sure his suggested arrangement could work. Or hell, his bloodlines could have gotten Eggsy in to any magical household, which in turn would have provided him with the money he would need to support Daisy all on his own.
Damn. Eggsy wouldn't want to leave him once he found that out, would he?
Surely not. Daisy loved living with him. And-
"Shall we begin, then?" Chloe asked, interrupting Harry's less than pleasant thoughts. "Harry, you'll need to stand in that circle as it's the magical pattern he's left inside you that we'll be using to trace him."
Doing as asked Harry took his place inside the circle in question while Chloe walked over to dip each foot into the now uncovered pool before walking over to step carefully into the other circle. Then in a neat little half pirouette she spun around so that she was face the pool once more, ready to begin.
A roll of her shoulders, and then up came her hands, the water in front of her rising with them.
Now before them was a rectangular box of water, images soon beginning to flash as the patterns on the floor began to glow in tandem. The spell Chloe was using to locate the house elf's magical signature was limited in its range, which was why the spell was hardly ever used. If the one they sought was even outside of London the spell wouldn't do them any good. Even Chloe didn't have the power to 'look' further than that.
There was a sense of buildings and houses, the sights and sounds of busy streets and people in blurs of motion and color.
Then there was one color for the most part, a skin tone, and then the blurriness of the image came into focus with a snap, becoming crystal clear.
A tanned male chest. A well-muscled, slightly sweaty bare chest with a very familiar medal on a chain resting around the neck of its owner.
And then slowly the image widened and took on the appearance of a mini hologram of sorts, three dimensional and with all of Eggsy showing now.
Which just made it that much better. And worse.
)
Eggsy was shirtless, wearing trackies that just barely hung off his hips while he did one arm pull ups on a bridge shaped set of monkey bars. He'd bent his legs in so that all his weight was on his one arm, the other crossed behind his back to help him with his balance. His chest heaved with exertion while his skin rippled as his muscles strained and flexed with every move he made. Skin that glistened, that was the only word for it, thanks to the sweat he'd worked up. Eggsy's habitual cap rested on his head, eyes hidden behind sunglasses and earbuds in his ears to block out the background noises they themselves could hear. The sound of children playing, Harry surmised, though there was only a green park and the monkey bars Eggsy was on in the water projection.
"That's Harry's house elf?" Percival stared a little slack jawed before giving Harry a knowing leer. "You lucky bast-I mean, Sir."
Jealousy and protectiveness where Eggsy was concerned compelled Harry to give the other man a death glare worthy of Addison before doing a quick sweep of the room to see who else was now on his shit list for ogling Eggsy. And dammit, Merlin was pretty much the only one in the room not giving Eggsy appreciative looks. Even Kay had a hint of admiration in his eyes. This was not fucking good. Particularly since both Percival and Kay would be meeting Eggsy in person shortly.
Turning his attention back to Eggsy before he did something he'd regret, Harry had a few more moments to appreciate watching Eggsy work out and then the boy was frowning and dropping back to his feet.
As he walked forward the images blurred again and then they were looking at Eggsy walking over towards a sandbox while absently wiping the sweat off his face with the undershirt he must have had tucked into the back of his trackies. A sandbox that answered the question of just where was Daisy.
Harry's ward was sitting in the sand with a wide brimmed straw hat on her head that Harry approved of given how harsh the sun's rays were currently. She appeared to be making some sort of structure out of wet sand, Mr. Fox supervising from his propped up position in a corner of the box.
"Daisy." Eggsy's ear buds were out and his hands were on his beautiful, very much on display hips as he rather loomed over his sister. "What did I say about that water?"
The girl obviously knew what he was talking about. Guilt was written all over her little face.
"I said that water was for drinkin, not for ya ta play with. Remember?"
A sideway glance as if Mr. Fox could spring to life and take the blame, and then Daisy looked back at her brother with her big brown eyes all shimmering with innocent remorse and adorableness. Harry would have forgiven her any trespass on the spot.
Eggsy, it seemed, was made of sterner stuff.
Crouching down Eggsy waggled a finger in her direction. "Nice try, Flower. But I ain't falling for it. I invented that look, don't cha forget."
Daisy's bottom lip quivered.
"All right, I didn't do the lip thing, and well played there, but ya can't keep using your drinking water ta play with. Specially as hot as it is. We gotta stay hydrated and all that shite so we don't get sick and make Uncle Harry worry. Ya don't want Uncle Harry ta be sad and worry, now do ya?"
Daisy shook her head immediately, looking even guiltier now.
"Right. So no more, deal?" Eggsy waited for Daisy's second nod before giving her shoulder a squeeze. "Fine then. Grab Mr. Fox and we'll both get some more water, yeah? Probably should refresh our sunscreen as well. Though seriously, fuck global warming. They screw the planet up before we're even around and we're the ones who have ta slather that crap all over so we don't get skin cancer and die."
A mumbled curse. "Shite. Forgot ta watch my fu-fudgin language again."
"What's global warmin, Eggsy?"
Obviously relieved that she wasn't asking what another word he'd spoken meant Eggsy took the hand not holding Mr. Fox and tried to explain the complicated nature of global warming to a toddler while leading Daisy over to her large wagon, which was sitting under the shade of an oak tree. As he talked Eggsy finished wiping down his chest with the shirt and then balling it up tossed it like a basketball into Daisy's favorite mode of transportation. Inside the wagon was also a small cooler, which he opened to reveal some plastic containers as well as two reusable water bottles.
Flipping up the top piece Eggsy handed it to Daisy, who obediently began to suck up the water inside.
Eggsy, meanwhile, decided to give them a show by first removing his cap and dousing his top half with the water inside of it, shivering as the cool water splashed and then beaded down his chest.
Fuck. Was Eggsy trying to kill him here?
"The wadies are starin at ya again." Daisy pointed off into the distance.
"Just ignore the ladies." Was Eggsy smirking advice.
"I don't wike it when they stare at ya." Even Daisy's scowl was adorable.
Before Eggsy could respond to that the main theme song to the 1971 version of 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' began to play.
"Mr. Merwin!"
Reaching down to a side pocket Eggsy pulled out his phone and offered it to his sister, who dropped her water bottle to the ground without a thought. Mr. Fox was handed over to her brother with more care before Daisy very carefully, her teeth biting into her bottom lip in concentration, swiped a finger over the screen before she brought the phone up to her ear.
"Hi, Mr. Merwin!"
"Hello, Lass. Are you having a good day at the park, then?"
Harry turned like the others to see that Merlin had his cell to his own ear while behind him Daisy's watery image assured him that yes, she was having fun at the park. And was he calling because he needed more biccies?
"One can never have too many. But actually I need to speak to Eggsy, please."
"Ogay." When Harry turned back around it was to watch Daisy offer the phone to her brother, who handed her back her stuffed animal before bringing the cellphone up to greet Merlin.
"Hello, Eggsy. I was wondering if you and the lass are busy at the moment?"
"Nah, not really. Why? Is he all right?"
"Harry's fine. The thing is he mentioned his friend Chloe to you? The healer?"
"Yeah. She find something? Harry said the other healer that came by gave him a clean bill of health." There was definite worry in Eggsy's voice and face.
"No, he's fine, really. She just wants to meet the two of you, and I thought it would be a good idea if you could chat with her a bit about Harry's health. To make sure he's getting the vitamins and such that he needs. I figure between the two of us we can keep him going a few more decades at least."
"Sure. Though it would take us almost an hour ta get ta the shop. I'm a bit rank at the moment from working out and need a shower and a change of clothes. Daisy as well, as she's got sand all over her clothes from the sandbox."
Merlin sent Chloe a questioning look, the woman nodding her head in answer.
"That would be fine, Lad. We're not even at the shop at the moment so by the time we get there and Chloe and Harry finish catching up it will be the perfect time to introduce you."
"All right. We'll head out right now."
"See ya then."
In the water Eggsy ended the call and then shoved his phone into his pocket and turned his attention back to Daisy, who looked up at him questioningly. "Grab your water off the ground, and the other bottle as well, and then get in ta the wagon, Flower. We're goin home ta go get cleaned up and changed, then we're gonna go see Uncle Harry and Mr. Merlin at the shop, all right?"
"Yay!" Throwing her hands up in glee, Daisy grabbed her water bottle off the ground, tossed it into the wagon, then went and retrieved the one she'd emptied earlier into the sandbox. She tossed that in too when she returned and then climbed in after it.
Eggsy meanwhile went to work removing the thick chain and lock he'd wrapped around the wagon to keep it from being stolen. Probably unnecessary given the neighborhood, but Harry appreciated that the boy took care of their things.
Tossing the chain and lock into the front of the wagon Eggsy picked up the wagon's handle, got a good grip, and then told his sister to hang on as he took off at a run towards the nearest park path.
)
It was in Harry's power to send Percival and Kay on their way now that they knew for sure who his elf was, so he did. The look Percival and Merlin gave him suggested that they were well aware of why the two weren't being invited to stick around to meet the house elves now, but it was good to be boss sometimes. And Chloe dismissed her assistant and Redwall for the day as well, the latter looking very disappointed about that. And who could blame him? Especially since Harry planned to make sure the handsome young healer never had cause to meet Eggsy in the future.
Not surprisingly the trip back to the shop was spent answering questions about his new family, Harry answering what he could while trying to find out more about house elves from Chloe and Merlin, the latter occupying himself by looking up information about them. Not that there was much information to be found as house elves had never really been considered worth studying as they weren't a threat or in possession of particularly interesting magic.
Back at the shop Harry and Chloe went to wait in his office while Merlin wandered off, assuring them that he'd see to it that Eggsy and Daisy came straight to him once they arrived.
Once the door closed behind the Scotsman Harry sighed and then turned his attention to his friend, who was sitting back in one of his visitors chairs with a cat that got the canary smile on her smug face. "All right, let me have it. I suppose I should be grateful that you waited until we were alone before making your comments."
"Whatever do you mean, Harry?"
"How long have we known each other, Chloe?"
"A lady doesn't like to be reminded of her age, Harry. I would have thought your mother would have drilled that into your head by now." An affectionate wink. "And if you think that I intend to rake you over the coals because you're living with a fit, handsome young man who cooks like a dream and thinks the world of you…well I'm afraid you're doomed to disappointment."
"You've never had his cooking. And how would you know what he thinks of me? You haven't met him yet."
"There's no such thing as a house elf that can't cook, Harry. Aside from Merlin's ravings about the boy's abilities in that regard. And as for thinking the world of you, well how could he not? From the sounds of it you've been not just his knight in shining armor, but his sister's as well."
"I just did what was right."
Chloe's snort was somehow elegant. "Because mankind is so good at that."
"Point taken." Though he remained suspicious as hell of her motives. She should be teasing him mercilessly right now. The fact that she wasn't suggested she had something even more entertaining in mind. Which most likely would not bode well for him in the long run. Dammit.
Her cheerful laughter had Harry raising questioning eyebrows.
"I'm sorry but really, you look as though I'm trying to trick you into stepping into some horrible trap." Chloe shook her head at him in amusement. "Why don't you tell me about how you're settling into your new position here and we'll not say another word about your boy until he gets here, all right?"
Definitely plotting something.
Chapter 22: Old Family Story
Chapter Text
Old Family Story
They kept things light and centered on catching up until Harry's cellphone signaled an incoming text from Eggsy. Apologizing to Chloe for the interruption Harry pulled his phone out to check it, the message stating simply that Eggsy and Daisy were about five minutes away. Texting a return message that stated he was looking forward to seeing them Harry sent it and then returned his phone to his pocket before returning his attention to Chloe, who was smirking at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing you say." Harry didn't believe that for a minute. "I see."
"Given your smile I assume that that was Eggsy and he'll be here momentarily? They made excellent time given that the park isn't that far from your home."
Not about to touch the matter of him smiling over the text Harry just repeated the message to her, confirming that yes, they were almost here. Which reminded him…
"I'll inform him of your belief that he's a house elf. It will come better from me."
"That's sounds wise, yes."
"And if you start insinuating that there's anything romantic or sexual in my relationship with Eggsy while in the boy or his sister's presence you and I shall have words. And we will not part on remotely good terms." Harry put a bit of a lash into the words so she'd know how serious he was about this.
"The fact that you kept your hands off Redwall makes it clear how you feel about the boy. But you have my word I won't bring it up."
"I can't tell you how lovely it is to know you think so highly of me."
"Oh don't get your knickers in a twist. I just meant that you didn't even hit on the boy. And now that he knows I believe him about your aura I would imagine he's ego will be smarting for a while. Though having seen Eggsy for himself I don't imagine he'll be too put out."
Multiple responses came to mind, but fighting just before Eggsy showed up for the sole purpose of meeting Chloe didn't strike Harry as the best idea he'd ever had. So instead he suggested they do each other the favor of not talking about this anymore.
She probably thought the way she pretended to zip up her lips was funny.
Settling into somewhat comfortable silence, the quiet before the storm, Harry mused darkly, he was relieved minutes later when there came a knocking on the door, signaling the his family had arrived.
Getting to his feet and coming out from behind his desk, Harry called out for them to enter, the smile on his face freezing just a little when Eggsy came into the room with Daisy on his hip, a bright smile for him on both their faces.
Eggsy was wearing one of the shirts he'd given him.
The sleeves of the lightweight, navy blue dress shirt were rolled up carefully to the elbows, the shirt open enough at the throat that the boy's beloved medal was in full view. The top was paired with one of Eggsy's nicer pairs of jeans, and it was a nice, casual look that Harry would have approved on if he could just get his mind off this primitive urge to see Eggsy' in his shirt as a symbol of claiming. It was foolish and beyond idiotic, but Harry found himself wanting to do something very stupid like tell Eggsy how handsome he looked or put a possessive arm around the other man's waist.
"Hi, Unca Harry!"
Thank you, Daisy, Harry silently told her as he just managed to tear his gaze away to look at his ward, who was now dressed in a white sundress covered in sunflowers, the straw hat from earlier still perched on her loose curls.
"Hello, Flower. I hear you were having a lot of fun at the park."
"Uh huh."
Eggsy said a soft hello as well, which Harry returned as he watched Eggsy set Daisy down on her feet, the little girl looking back and forth from him to the unknown occupant in the room. She seemed to be sizing Chloe up and possibly debating the wisdom of leaving the safety of Eggsy's side to come over to him. Or at least she was glancing in his direction while holding Mr. Fox tight against her chest.
Solving the problem for her Harry walked over and picked her up, settling her on his hip before he walked back over to Chloe, Eggsy moving in to stand at his side "Chloe, I'd like to introduce you to my ward Daisy and her older brother Eggsy. Eggsy, Daisy, this is my good friend Chloe."
"Hi." Daisy said shyly, a sentiment Eggsy echoed with the addition of a 'nice to meet you' as he held out a hand for Cloe to shake.
"The pleasures all mine. Any family of Harry's is family to me." As she shook Eggsy's hand Chloe placed her other hand over the back of his for added contact. "And thank you both for interrupting your time in the park just to see me. I'll have Harry take you out for ice cream or some other treat to make it up to you."
Daisy's whole face lit up as she looked up at Harry. "Ice cream?"
Chuckling, Harry assured her that ice cream could be arranged.
"And Eggsy, as a good friend of Harry's I want to thank you, personally, for the excellent care you've been giving him. I haven't seen him so hale and hearty in decades."
Harry gave her a less than amused look. "Thank you for that."
Chuckling, Eggsy gave Harry's shoulder a friendly squeeze before stating that it was his pleasure. "And I'm glad ta hear that your scan of im turned out the same as the other bloke's. Merlin said ya could maybe give me some tips about what he needs ta be careful about food wise and such?"
And there was his cue.
"Actually Merlin used that as a lure to get you here, Eggsy. Chloe wants to discuss with you the reason why she believes I'm in such good health." A pause. "To put it bluntly she doesn't believe neither you nor Daisy are entirely human."
The look on the boy's face…gobsmacked was the word that came to mind.
"Are you taking the piss with me?"
"No. Her scans of my body revealed the presence of elvish magic. Magic she traced back to you and Daisy."
"I don't gots no pointy ears, Unca Harry."
"No, my darling girl, you don't. We're assuming the elvish blood was added long enough ago that you don't look like elves."
Eggsy opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, staring off into space for a minute or two while Daisy chortled about being an elf.
"Bloody hell. It's true? Grandad always said that Gran Gran was just having me on. And Gran Gran was pretty damn small. But hell…I ain't that short, am I?"
The imploring look Eggsy gave him had Harry returning the man's earlier gesture of a shoulder squeeze. "You're average height for a white male."
"And I take it your great-grandmother told you…?"
Eggsy shrugged his shoulders in Chloe's direction. "Well she said her grandmother was an elf. A special kind, only I can't remember what it was cause she said the word in elvish and I could never pronounce it right anyways. It was just, the story, it was so cliché ya know? Forbid love between a master of the house and his servant, the two runnin off together when his family wouldn't let them get married. Ya really think we've got elvish blood?"
"House elf blood to be exact."
"House-like Dobby from 'Harry Potter'?!"
Before the boy could take offense to that comparison Harry hastened to explain that Rowling had got it rather wrong when it came to the physicality of house elves. And their personalities and habits.
"Still…bloody hell. I'll have ta give im a ring. If he's having a good day Grandad will get a right kick out of this. Probably. Maybe I should ask one of the docs there first, just in case."
Harry knew from the file Merlin had generated on Eggsy that his and Daisy's grandfather was in an assisted living facility in Surrey. His living arrangements, combined with his age, were the main reasons why he had never been considered a possible guardian for his only granddaughter. Harry had gathered from Eggsy that the man had problems with his memory as well, and only remembered that his only child was dead some of the time. Or even that he'd ever had a child, much less grandchildren.
Eggsy snapped his fingers. "I don't know if it's important, but Gran Gran did say that the bloke who married the elf was magic too. That that's where Grandad and she got their Air Gifts from."
Chloe gave Harry a knowing look. "A Gifted family, one with enough status to warrant a house elf. No wonder Merlin couldn't find anything."
"I'll have Merlin look into the more prominent families and see if he can't find someone of the appropriate age who disappeared from the records. The family might have been able to erase him from their personal and even public records, but the Kingsman ones should be another story." Unless a member of the family had arranged for the man to be stricken from their records as well. And heaven help the person who'd done the altering if that was the case. Merlin would hunt him or her down relentlessly if they were still alive. And show no mercy.
"Unca Harry? I magic wike yous?"
Looking down at her excited face, Harry smiled at her. "Yes, My Flower. You are."
Crouching down so that she was closer to Daisy's height, Chloe gave her a conspiratory grin. "Would you like to see how magic you are?"
"Peas!"
"Then off we shall go!"
Together the four of them left Harry's office and headed down into the tailor shop, Chloe inquiring of Thomas as to whether or not one of the fitting rooms was available. As it turned out Fitting Room Three was, and off they went to all squeeze together into the space. Thank goodness Daisy was small and still quite happy to remain where she was on Harry's hip.
Once they were all inside Chloe asked that Harry stand in front of the mirror with Daisy in his arms while Eggsy was to stand beside them. Oh, and they were to each reach out across their bodies to take the other's hand. Or they could just hold hands if they'd prefer.
When Eggsy gave him a questioning look Harry shifted Daisy over to his other side and then offered his hand to Eggsy, who took it. He also couldn't help but look at their entwined fingers for a moment or two longer than he should have. He liked the way their hands looked linked
"Now everyone look at the mirror and I'll show you the magic that lives in all three of you."
Turning his attention back to the mirrors, and trying his very best to ignore how much he liked the look of the three of them together as a family, Harry was looking at their reflections right up until Chloe placed a hand on his back, the other presumably on Eggsy's as their forms went bright with rainbow colors.
A bright, happy squeal from Daisy.
"Well fuck."
Quite, Harry silently agreed.
Harry knew what his aura was supposed to look like; he'd had healers harp at him about it enough. They also often thought visuals were necessary as his head was too 'thick' to get what they were trying to tell him. And he'd expected for it to look a lot better than it had the last time he's seen it, both because he wasn't a foot from death's door and because of the influence Redwall had said Eggsy had had on him, but he hadn't expected for it to be this obvious. And in more ways than one.
His colors were as bright as they'd been decades ago. Around Eggsy's age, really. And while mentally he was comparing what the various colors meant and insinuated, both his own aura and those of the other two who were even brighter and more beautiful than his own, Harry found that his attention kept returning to his and Eggsy's linked hands. And the fact that he could literally see…their magic interacting there. More than interacting. Meshing. Perfectly.
Their Gifts, Air and Water, were not compatible ones, and his blood was selkie while Eggsy was elvish. There should be a great deal of dissonance between their auras, with his own winning out simply because he had more magic and training. But their auras weren't fighting at all. All around his body were hints of silver and violet strands, elvish magic, and there was no sign that his body was doing anything but welcoming that magic. And where their hands meant, the golden aura that existed outside their bodies but instead glowed between their bodies, linking them….well that meant one thing and one thing only.
He and Eggsy were, on a magical level, highly compatible.
Which explained how the boy had been able to cause so much change in him, at least. And also most likely why Eggsy's magic could affect him given how thin the elvish blood was in him. Because they were compatible Harry's magic had both accepted and apparently instinctively amplified Eggsy's magic so that it could be that much stronger and effective.
"Unca Harry. Wook."
In the mirror Harry watched Daisy pat his jaw, the little girl fascinated by the way their auras reacted to each other. Which is to say his was overpowering hers completely, leading to shifting colors and waves.
"This is weird. Are our magics supposed ta react like this?" Holding up their joined hands for emphasis between them, Eggsy looked up at Harry questioningly.
"I've never seen my magic interact with a house elf's before, so I'm afraid I can't tell you." It wasn't a lie, exactly, but Harry didn't want to talk about what he did know. And could only hope Chloe would take pity on him and NOT add to their line of inquiry.
Surprisingly, she did.
Which is to say that she launched into an explanation about magical theory, auras, and those of the Blood in a speech that seemed to be designed to confuse the hell out of the boy since the woman had never learned to break things down into layman terms that even someone familiar with the topics could understand, much less someone without any training like Eggsy.
Both Eggsy and Daisy's eyes were glazed over in less than three minutes.
)
Eggsy eyes were still a little glazed when Friday rolled around, the younger man having spent large portions of his time since the big revelation reading up on the Fae, auras, and magic in general. The boy had even bribed Merlin with promises of treats if he could find him information on house elves, as Harry's library didn't contain any books on them. Or at least not ones that didn't just mention them in passing. Eggsy was personally offended by this now that he knew he was partially one, especially since the only references he had in his head were Dobby, Winky and Kreacher from 'Harry Potter', even though Harry, Chloe and Merlin had all told him that Rowling had gotten nothing right about house elves save for their love of cooking and cleaning. But they couldn't introduce the boy to another house elf because none of them were personally acquainted with anyone who knew one. At least as far as they knew.
Glancing over at the only male house elf of his acquaintance, Harry made note of Eggsy's frown as the boy glared at the book he'd been reading since they'd gotten into the car. "What troubles you about this one?"
"Why the hell does every mention of my kind have ta start with calling us short or fucking little?!"
Ah. Yes. As it turned out Eggsy was more sensitive about his height than Harry had previously known. And though his heritage meant that Eggsy was lucky to be as tall as he was….Eggsy didn't see it that way.
"I would imagine their lack of knowledge is to blame. One can only write so well about things or people they truly know nothing about."
"Too right."
"We're almost as the shop Miss. Morton is meeting us at. Perhaps she can shed some light on the subject. I believe her mother's family tree contains several individuals from families who likely had house elves working for them at some point."
"Cheers." Looking up from the book Eggsy glanced around them. "Where are we exactly?"
"A few streets over from Jasper's yoga studio. The first store we're visiting, and hopefully the only one, isn't one of the established shops for children but a relatively new one. According to the Miss. Morton her cousin raved about this place as it's apparently very child friendly and less…restrained in its offerings. Clothes children actually enjoy wearing as opposed to small versions of their parents' preferred attire."
The reminder of where they were going had Harry glancing into the rear view mirror to check on his quiet ward. He had to smile at the sight of Daisy bopping her head in time to whatever music was currently coming through the headphones on her head.
"What's she listening to?"
"Labyrinth soundtrack."
"As in David Bowie?"
"Magic Dance is her new jam now that she knows she's got magic."
"Have you shown her the movie?"
"Nah. She ain't got the patience ta sit that long…plus I figure she ain't quite old enough for it besides. And I don't want ta have ta explain those tight breeches ta her."
"Yes. No one wants to explain those."
They both got a laugh over that.
Chapter 23: Dressed For Success
Chapter Text
Dressed For Success
Miss. Morton was waiting for them outside the shop, which was rather whimsically painted in Harry’s opinion. It was white brick with baby blue and lavender accents, including the door in the latter color. The sign’s lettering was in fancy black script, and the clothes in the windows…rather adorable looking. The look on Miss. Morton’s face before she saw them certainly suggested that she thought the dresses and little outfits were quite sweet, and Daisy…well she ran over and started jumping up and down like a curly haired bunny rabbit. And there was a lot of pointing and squealing, which Miss. Morton only encouraged by pointing out a dress that Daisy beamed over. And then whirled around to motion them to come see too.
Sharing a smile with Eggsy they walked over to study the dress in question, which was much too small for Daisy and very, very frilly.
“So I spoke to a number of friends and family members, and there are other shops not that far away that we can visit if there’s nothing here that meets our criteria, Sir.” Miss Morton was all business as she met his gaze, shoulders back and perfect posture. “As this shop is relatively new, with the majority of the stock made in house, so there won’t be name brand recognition. Unfortunately that tends to matter in our circles even when the wearers are children, it seems. But I have been assured that all the clothes made here are of the highest quality, Sir. English made and they provide tailoring services if needed. But arguably most important is the fact that it seems children actually enjoy coming here and wearing the clothes they make. My cousin’s children apparently consider coming here to shop a treat. Even her son.”
“Me mum woulda had ta drag me kickin and screamin inta a suit.”
Harry had seen a couples of pictures of Eggsy as a boy. “I would imagine you’d have looked quite adorable in one.”
“I prefer ruggedly handsome.”
There was a hint of a smirk on her lips for just a moment, and then Miss. Morton suggested that they head on in as she moved to hold the door open for them.
Slipping one of her hands into Eggsy’s Daisy held out Mr. Fox to Harry. And when he took it with a questioning look Daisy kept her hand out towards him, her face expectant. It took a moment but then he understood why she’d given it to him in the first place. Smiling at her Harry switched the stuffed animal to his other hand and then took Daisy’s offered hand so that she was bookended between them.
Judging from the beaming smiles she sent up to both of them, there was nowhere else she’d rather be.
Thanking Miss. Morton for holding the door Harry motioned for them to head in, Eggsy slipping in a little ahead since the doorway wasn’t big enough to permit them all entering at the same time. They wouldn’t want to squish Daisy after all.
One they were inside Daisy’s thrilled squeals rent the air, Harry wincing at the decibel but happy that she was happy.
Breaking out of their grips Daisy went running over to one of the racks. Then on to another rack when something even better apparently caught her eye. Making happy girlie noises over the little white peasant blouse with blue embroidery she’d spotted the little girl motioned them over and snatching Mr. Fox from Harry’s grasp as soon as he was close enough so that she could show her stuffed animal the top in question. And then of course she spotted something else and off she went as there was certainly lots to see.
All Kingsman agents were expected to spend time in the tailor shop, so Harry did know something about being in the clothing business. And walking over to pick up one of the shirts Harry made note of the excellent stitching, quality of material, and the tag that stated it had been made by the shop. Impressive.
The clothes themselves were more colorful and imaginative than was typical, for lack of a better word. At least from his own experience seeing children at various social events over the years. In his social circles the clothes tended to be more restrained in color and adult looking. A quick scan of the wares showed some clothing that fit that criteria, but the majority of the shop’s stock was very obviously meant to appeal to a child taste.
“Good morning. Can I help you all?”
The man who spoke looked to be in his sixties by Harry’s estimate, impeccably dressed in a suit that Harry wouldn’t mind finding out the maker of. The older man was the picture of elegance, but with a twinkle in his eyes and a warm smile on his face that made Harry inclined to like him.
“He’s got magic.” Eggsy murmured under his breath.
“Good to know.” Harry whispered back before returning his voice to its normal levels as the man in question came to a stop in front of him. “Hello, yes. I’m Harry Hart. The young lady running around your shop like a bee sipping flowers is my ward, Daisy. This is her brother Eggsy and Miss. Morton works with me. She was kind enough to come along to provide a woman’s eye during this shopping trip. My ward will be attending a polo match charity event and requires a fancier dress than such an event would normally warrant apparently.” His mother and aunt had both stressed that.
“I see. The one being hosted by Mrs. Celeste Ogden?”
“Precisely.”
“Well then I shall be thrilled to assist you. John Crabtree, at your service.”
After Daisy had been persuaded to come over and meet the shop’s proprietor the little girl warmed to the other man surprisingly quickly as he complimented her on her dress and Mr. Fox when she introduced him to the older gentleman. A brief couple of minutes was spent ascertaining her preferred colors and confirming her clothing sizes with Eggsy before they went in search of the perfect outfit for the occasion.
Four dresses were approved for her in short order, and Miss. Morton offered to take Daisy into the dressing room while the men waited outside.
“I’m surprised you’re not busier.“ The shop was empty save for them.
A quirking of his lips. “There’s a spell on the shop. A lot of people pass by without noticing us.”
“Why wouldn’t ya want people comin in?”
“Actually the majority of our sales are online. We would more than stay afloat even without this shop front and did so for a number of years. The spell…well only those who will truly love our clothes tend to linger outside our door, much less come in. One does get tired of people who come in just to turn their noses up at everything on principle.”
“Can I ask what kind of a magic user ya are?” Eggsy wanted to know. “I recently learned I’m part house elf. Coulda blown me over like a feather when Harry and his friend told me. I just thought I had a bit of an Air Gift from me mum’s side of the family.”
Mr. Crabtree blinked in surprise. “Really? How interesting. One would think, given the strength of your magic-but then you are near Mr. Hart, who you seem to share quite the magical affinity with. I have elvish blood as well, as it happens. Not house elf though, sadly. I only wish I could cook without threatening to burn my house down around me.”
“Really? Cheers. Not about the crappy cooking, but I ain’t never met another elf before. Sides my sister.”
“Well there aren’t many of us in England.”
“Unca Harry! Unca Harry! I pwetty!”
Running up to them Daisy wore a pale green dress with decorative white and blue lace.
“Ya look beautiful, Petal.”
Daisy beamed at her brother. “Mr. Fox likes it too.”
Coming up behind Daisy Miss. Morton agreed that Daisy looked beautiful in the dress, but didn’t think it was quite appropriate for the occasion.
“Well then, off to try the next one, all right?”
Nodding in agreement Daisy spun around and charged back into the dressing room, an amused looking Miss. Morton following after her.
)
They didn’t end up seeing the second dress, Daisy didn’t like it once she was wearing it, but the third dress proved to be the one. Daisy looked perfect in a pale pink dress that featured a skirt shaped like overlapping cherry blossom petals. The tulle underneath poofed the skirt up a little, for lack of a better word, and she looked adorable in it. Plus Mr. Crabtree proved to have a tiny pink hat decorated with cherry blossoms that went perfectly with the dress and Daisy was thrilled with it. Mr. Crabtree even had a ribbon that matched the hat perfectly for Mr. Fox to wear. Of course it would clash somewhat with his fur, but Harry saw no reason to bring that up given how much Daisy liked the idea of her stuffie matching her for their coming adventure.
Harry also appreciated the fact that Mr. Crabtree informed Daisy that Mr. Fox could NOT wear the ribbon in the microwave, the little girl promising very seriously that she would take it off first.
Daisy tried on the final dress just in case it outshone the third, and while it was quite lovely they passed on it for the time being. They knew where to come when future outfits were needed, which Mr. Crabtree was delighted to hear. And in fact Daisy ended up with two new shirts, a skirt, and a regular day dress before they headed to the cash register to pay. She might have ended up with more than that, Harry was a little embarrassed to admit, but Miss. Morton started to make thinly veiled comments about the perils of spoiling a child. He got the point.
While he paid for their purchases Eggsy and Miss. Morton discussed a character named Charlotte from a Disney movie they’d seen when they were younger as apparently she loved collecting dresses as a child too. Daisy meanwhile occupied herself looking at the displays with Mr. Fox, possibly planning what to ask for on future trips.
It would be hard to tell her no, Harry mused as he thanked Mr. Crabtree and promised that they’d be back. Daisy would no doubt make sure of it.
Laughing, Mr. Crabtree grabbed a card from the desk and held it out to him. “If you want to order online instead of braving the shop. I know some men find shopping, particularly for females, rather distressing.”
“Actually I work at a tailor shop so that’s not an issue. Both Miss. Morton and I work for Kingsman.”
Mr. Crabtree frowned. “For Chester King?”
“Thankfully not any longer.” Miss. Morton muttered, flushing a little when Harry glanced in her direction. “My apologies, Sir.”
“None needed. He was a pompous ar-” Harry caught himself just in time. “A-R-S-E the entire time I knew him, and we’re all very glad not to be working with him any longer. I’m in charge of Kingsman now.”
“Oh. Oh really? And you…Miss. Morton? You actually work in the shop?”
“I have been trained as a tailor, yes.” All members could measure and cut for a suit, though actual skill level in that area varied. Miss. Morton had proven to be more than adequate in that area. Currently she seemed to be mentally preparing a sharp resort if Mr. Crabtree were to insinuate that a woman had no place working in a men’s tailor shop. Harry had never seen her in action, but he’d heard stories from Thomas about her skills in shutting men with those opinions down. But it seemed there was no need.
“Then you would be open to hiring females. I ask only because a decade or so ago my niece, she made the suit I’m wearing, tried to apply for a job there. She spoke with Mr. King, brought samples of suits she’s made for others, and despite her obvious skill and talent he turned her down. ‘Subtly’ making it clear that it was her gender that he had a problem with, not the quality of her work.”
“Ah. That is, unfortunately, quite possible. May I see your suit jacket?”
“Of course.” Quickly Mr. Crabtree removed the jacket and handed it over just as two women and their three combined children entered the establishment. “Ah, if you’ll excuse me a moment.”
“No problem.”
Handing the bag of clothes over to Eggsy Harry turned his full attention to studying the suit jacket’s quality, which appeared as fine as the rest of the clothes in the shop to his discerning eye. If the man’s niece had indeed made it, she would be an excellent fit at the shop.
Miss. Morton took one of the sleeves in hand and brought it up to study the stitching, her opinion running along the same lines as Harry’s.
“Does Thomas need more help in the shop?”
“Technically, no. But that won’t be the case in the future. Two of his best full time tailors are getting on in years and are starting to slowly cut back their hours and productivity. In about two years, perhaps even less, they’ll need replacing. Hiring her now, on a part time basis, could be beneficial if she’s interested. She’d learn how we do things and have all the experience needed when her services would be required on a full time basis. If Mr. Crabtree is willing I’ll get her contact information from him and pass it along to Thomas tomorrow. See what he thinks.”
“Is he coming to Bors’s birthday party too?”
“He is.” A late addition to the guestlist, at Merlin’s suggestion.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“From what I’ve observed everyone is looking forward to it. Except Bors.”
Miss. Morton laughed in amusement and perfect agreement.
)
The rest of the day went well right up until it was nearly time for their last meal of the day. He and Eggsy had discussed the matter and had decided that this was the appropriate time to inform Daisy that Harry would be going away for a couple of days. They hadn’t wanted to ruin her weekend of course, but they also didn’t want to spring it on her at the last minute. Personally Harry thought Eggsy was exaggerating how much the little girl was going to hate the idea of him leaving, flattering as it was, but if Eggsy was right hopefully Merlin’s visits, as well as Eggsy’s friend finally starting the painting of Daisy’s room, would be distraction enough during his absence.
They had decided to wait until shortly before supper, not wanting to upset her just before bed. As planned Harry took a seat with Eggsy on the couch with Daisy perched on his knee, the little girl proving again that she had excellent observation skills as she looked apprehensive and wary even before Harry explained what the family meeting was about.
“The reason we’re having this family meeting, Daisy, is to tell you that very shortly I will have to go away for a couple of days to America. Kentucky, to be exact. But then I will be coming right back home to you and Eggsy as soon as possible. You have my word.”
Daisy’s bottom lip started to quiver. “Yous is going away?”
Oh no. “Just for a couple of days. Hardly any time at all. And Mr. Merlin and Eggsy’s friend Ryan are going to come and visit you. And Eggsy will of course stay here with you.”
“I don’t wants ya ta go.” More lip quivering, eyes getting bigger and shinier.
Fuck.
“He’ll be back before we know it, Flower. And while Ryan’s paintin your room ya get ta sleep with me in my bed. Just like old times. Won’t that be fun?”
“Nooooooo.” A big, fat tear rolled down Daisy’s cheek before she shifted un to her knees and then threw her arms around Harry’s neck, smacking him in the face with Mr. Fox in the process before all but strangling him. Wetting his neck with her tears.
Dear God. Waterboarding would be worse than this. How on God’s green earth had Eggsy stood it that first day at the daycare?
Rubbing Daisy’s back in what was probably a pitiful attempt at comfort, Harry looked over at Eggsy and hoped that his eyes adequately conveyed his need for help.
Reaching over Eggsy stroked Daisy’s curls while Harry kept up the backrub. “Now come on, Luv. None of that. We have a party to go to tomorrow, remember? For Mr. Addison? And when Harry comes back from vistin the Yanks we’ll have a welcome home dinner with Gran Gran’s chips AND your princess marshmallow Jell-O.”
Daisy’s grip loosened a little, which Harry appreciated, but she continued to sniffle and refused to turn him loose.
“And ya know, Daisy chain, this is Harry’s house. All his stuff is ere. So of course he’ll come back. This is his home.”
“Plus I would come back for Eggsy’s cooking alone.” Harry tacked on with a smile in Eggsy’s direction. “And because you’re here of course. I’ll miss you very much.”
She seemed to think it over for a minute or two, then she pulled away to look at him, her cheeks flushed and eyes watery. “Promise ya’ll be back. Pinkie swear?”
Looking at the finger being offered him, Harry kept his face sober and serious as he linked fingers with her and promised to be back.
More sniffling, then Daisy snuggled up against his chest, Harry automatically wrapping his arms around her.
“I weally wike ya, Unca Harry.”
“I really like you as well.”
“Me too. On both counts.” Eggsy announced with a grin, leaning against Harry’s side.
Chapter 24: A Disney Moment Or Two
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original ideas and characters. Thank for reading and please review so I know what you think!
Note: This was supposed to be about Addison’s party…but I got sidetracked a little imaging Harry’s reactions and such as I watched the movie to refresh my memory. Sorry. Next chapter. I promise.
A Disney Moment or Two
The next day could have started out better. Harry thought that mainly because he didn’t get much sleep due to the fact that Daisy spent the night ‘sneaking’ into his room every couple of hours to make sure that he was still in the house before ‘sneaking’ back to her own room. It made for a restless night for both of them. Daisy was all but sleeping in her eggs and bacon come breakfast and he wasn’t much better, truth be told. Eggsy just shook his head over both of them and did his best to keep them conscious.
Things got somewhat better as the morning continued and Harry, who was still half asleep when he agreed to it, was put in charge of keeping Daisy distracted while Eggsy worked on getting the food ready for Addison’s party.
Harry hadn’t colored in a coloring book in decades and would prefer not to count exactly how many, thank you very much, but it was preferable to seeing Daisy cry or cling to him. And it was obviously an honor in her mind that he be allowed to color in HER coloring book. Especially since he apparently didn’t use the right colors.
“Elsa’s dress is blue, Unca Harry.”
“Ah, I see. My apologies to you and Elsa.”
“Elsa’s a queen.”
“Ah, my apologies then to Queen Elsa.”
Nodding her head regally Daisy colored some of a snowman’s face orange along with its nose. “Do ya not know bout Elsa and Anna? They’s is sisters and Elsa’s got powers!”
“What kind of powers does Elsa have?”
It was a simple question really. Or at least Harry thought so. But apparently it meant that they had to watch ‘Frozen’. Immediately.
Leaving the cleaning up of their markers to Daisy as she apparently liked them in the box a certain way Harry was sent to retrieve the DVD from Daisy’s collection of Disney movies and put it in. Absently he noted that there were a number of titles he didn’t recognize, including one called ‘Zootopia’, and made a note to perhaps promise to watch one of them when he got back from the States with her. He did enjoy his movie nights with Eggsy when the opportunity arose.
Once the DVD was in and English had been selected as their preferred language Daisy walked over and made it clear with her pointed finger that Harry had to sit on the carpeted floor rather than on the couch like he’d planned. But having no problem with that Harry sat down as directed but a little off to the side, thinking that she intended to sit beside him and therefore should be in the center. Only she didn’t.
No, Daisy walked in front of him and then down she went, Harry’s arms moving of their own accord to wrap around her waist and steady her as she plopped down into his lap without any warning whatsoever. And then immediately started to wiggle to get comfortable before setting Mr. Fox down beside Harry in what he’d thought would be her place. She even put her hands over his, as if to insure he didn’t move them from around her.
It was a very weird thing, emotionally, to have a small child snuggling into your lap.
The whole thing was almost as unexpected as the trailer for a Muppets movie that had just popped up on the screen, distracting Harry from the surprise of it. They were still making Muppet movies? Really? Though the version he’d known when he was younger was obviously far superior to what was playing out before him. He really would have to get his hands on the original. Daisy was sure to appreciate it. Far more than the fairy trailer that followed the Muppet one. Yes, Daisy seemed to like it, but Harry was fairly sure that Tinkerbell wasn’t someone he wanted his ward to consider a role model. He’d have to check later to see if this fairy pirate movie was among Daisy’s collection.
And ah the familiar-huh. Well that was interesting. The Scandinavian music playing as the Disney castle came into view was a surprise. And as the song switched over into English it became oddly appealing for a song about something like ice.
And boy did the opening scene make Harry grateful that ice was much easier to acquire these days.
Then came the introduction of the two little girls who would grow up to play the lead characters, adorable, and then the tragic accident with Elsa’s powers that caught him completely by surprise. How horrible for both children. The troll saving the day rather than playing a villainous role was an interesting twist that Harry very much approved of as the less physically appealing magical creatures were too often negatively stereotyped in his opinion. Shame though that the head troll had to go and scare the parents into isolating their eldest child from their youngest. Logic said that was only going to make Elsa worse, not better. He’d only been a ‘parent’ for a short time and even he could figure that much out.
And then of course the Disney writers had to go and kill off both parents because what was a Disney movie without the untimely demise of one or both parents. Honestly, what did the Disney writers have against parents that they seemed determined to emotionally scar their main characters this way whenever possible? Come to think of it, was it scarring for Daisy to watch this given the recent death of both her parents? She didn’t seem affected at all as she stared at the screen with rapt attention. Though she was only three. He’d talk with Eggsy about it later.
On a more positive note the animation was excellent even if he did find himself nostalgic for the-dear lord! Did that man just eat half of a carrot he’d pulled out of that reindeer’s mouth? That was so unsanitary! And just plain gross. I mean yes in general reindeer ate lichen, leaves and grasses, but they-Oh. That was a serious case of bedhead Anna was sporting.
And if only it was possible to deal with unruly hair that quickly, Harry thought wistfully as Anna came running out of her bedroom moments later perfectly groomed for her next singing number. Which was rather lovely right up until the bit about her possibly being gassy. They mentioned such things in Disney movies now? Really?
The fact that the song devolved into the princess being obsessed with the idea of meeting her prince wasn’t surprising, though still disappointing. It was fairly standard for fairy tales, no pun intended. And was that Idina Menzel he was hearing? She was the voice of Elsa? How lovely. He’d loved her in ‘Rent’ and ‘Wicked’.
When the song ended Daisy patted his arm, Harry looking down at her questioningly to find her tipping her head back to look at him while pointing at the screen. “We don’t wikes him.”
Looking back over at the princely looking chap who appeared to be trying, and failing, to help Anna out of the boat she’d stumbled into, Harry assumed that this meant the man was the future villain and looked back down again to assure Daisy that he understood.
She nodded in satisfaction and then turned her attention back to the screen.
Talk about awkward first meetings though. And this clumsy young man was potentially the villain? Or perhaps this Hans person just wasn’t who Daisy wanted Anna to end up with? There was that man with the unsanitary eating habits after all. He’d been featured prominently on the DVD cover, unlike the man who actually possessed some manners when it came to behaving well in public.
Oh well, he’d find out what was what eventually.
The coronation played out with only a bit of a hitch, though why she couldn’t have kept the gloves on Harry didn’t know since her getting through the ceremony was more important than tradition. It wasn’t like there was someone higher ranking than her to argue against it. And then came the moment where the two sisters smelled chocolate at the afterparty.
He now got Eggsy comment about Daisy and ketchup.
Amused by that Harry was smiling over it right up until the whole problem of Anna wanting to marry a man she’d only known a few hours at most. He’d forgotten this rather unfortunate Disney habit as well. Yes there were time constraints and such but really, a few hours? Though then again Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty…but during the Disney Renaissance Belle, Jasmine, and Pocahontas had spent some time with their blokes before going soft on them. Dear God please don’t say that in the twenty first century Disney had started to devolve back to the original princess stereotypes. Surely not? Hadn’t he read somewhere that-ah, maybe the point was that Anna was meant to represent the old version princess while Elsa the new type as she acted as the voice of reason. That could be it.
“You aren’t marrying anyone without mine and Eggsy’s permission by the way.” Harry muttered to Daisy, who loudly shushed him in response.
Then moments later she squealed and pointed towards a mountain range as a new song began.
Ah, Idina again. And this was more like it, Harry noted as he paid attention to the lyrics Daisy was rather butchering as she sang along. Much more empowering and positive message wise.
The animation and design of Elsa’s ice castle was impressive as well. Though the fact that it was computer animated was especially obvious. Not to mention the lack of furniture was going to be a problem. Just walking a straight line on all that ice in insensible footwear was going to be an uphill battle, no pun intended. Well, not much of one.
Then it was back to Anna, unfortunately. And sadly it was no surprise that she didn’t have the sense to change into more appropriate clothing before heading out into a snowstorm. She was certainly not a look before you leap sort of girl.
Some enjoyable humor followed thanks to Anna’s conversation with the shopkeeper, and then came her first meeting with carrot boy. Who obviously had some deep-seated mental issues given his need to hold conversation with himself while using the reindeer as an excuse. Not that there was anything wrong with talking to yourself, Harry did it himself upon occasion, but using a different voice and such…that suggested possible health issues. Mentally.
And again with the sharing a carrot with the reindeer!
“Daisy…you aren’t ever to take eating lessons from this person.”
“Kristoff is funny.”
“That may be. But his manners are atrocious.”
And naturally it was the mentally unstable one that pointed out how silly and stupid Anna was to accept the proposal of a man whose last name she didn’t even know. That just figured. And the whole picking your nose and eating it thing…Eggsy thought this was appropriate viewing for a small child?
Wolves too? Of course there were.
Though the whole sled thing, and the part where Kristoff bemoaned having just paid it off, was a little amusing. But not amusing enough to forgive his previous bad manners and unhealthy reindeer obsession.
A talking snowman. Named Olaf. Who wanted to experience summer. Oh dear.
)
By the time the movie was over Harry was willing to cut both Anna and Kristoff some slack when it came to them being horrible role models as their hearts proved to be in the right place even when their common sense was very much lacking. And given that Kristoff was raised by trolls, well who could blame him for lacking social graces and manners. And as for Anna…well she was isolated from all but her servants for years without even knowing why so Harry supposed that could excuse at least some of her bad decisions. Especially when you factored in the fact that teenagers tended to make bad decisions with alarming regularity. And he did very much like the twist at the end, with the love between sisters being what saved Anna rather than romantic love. That was well done.
But all good things have to come to an end, and once the movie was over and put away Harry checked the time and saw that it was nearing noon.
At breakfast Eggsy had asked what they should have for lunch and Harry had suggested that they just get some takeaway since Eggsy already had the food for the birthday party to deal with. Eggsy, house elf that he was, had vetoed the idea until a then sleep deprived and therefore not thinking clearly Harry had pointed out that they could in fact walk down to the shops together to pick it up rather than have it delivered. Get some exercise and work up an appetite for the party later.
Shit. What if Eggsy wasn’t coming with them?
“All right then, you two? You’ve been quiet.”
“Eggsy! We watched ‘Frozen’!”
“Ah.” Eggsy shot him a sympathetic look as he came over to ruffle Daisy’s curls. “Well now that it’s over what’s say you go get your sandals on for our walk, eh? If we’re still on for going ta go get a slice of course. I don’t mind throwin together some sandwiches or somethin.”
Throwing her hands up in the air Daisy’s ‘Pizza!’ made it clear what her feelings were on the matter.
“Pizza it is, then.”
“I gets my shoes on!” Daisy announced, Mr. Fox flying after her as she ran off only to come to an abrupt halt as she whirled around to ask if Harry was coming too.
“I’ll be there to get my shoes on in just a moment.” Harry assured her.
A beaming smile and then off she went from sight.
Sharing a smile with Eggsy Harry joined the younger man in following after her, both of them getting their shoes on in no time with Harry grabbing his umbrella, just in case.
Once they were outside Daisy handed Mr. Fox over to Eggsy and then held out her hand expectantly until her brother switched the stuffed animal over to his other hand and took hers. Then Daisy took Harry’s hand and quite happily began to swing their arms as they walked up the road towards the main street.
“So what did ya think of it?”
“‘Frozen’? Well I have to admit that I prefer the hand drawn look to the computer animation Disney is employing now. Naturally I understand why they’ve chosen to make the switch, and the visuals were stunning, but in my opinion they lacked the…the heart of what I remember. The Disney movie of the nineties, during their Renaissance, were the perfect blend of music, visual art, and storytelling. Of course one tends to be nostalgic for what-what?”
Eggsy was giving him the weirdest look.
“You’re just…” Eggsy trailed off as he shook his head with a wide smile on his face.
“I’m what?”
His head cocked at an angle as he looked over at Harry Eggsy eyes were soft as he gave him a sidelong look. “Fu-bloody adorbs sometimes.”
Adorbs? Oh. Short for…adorable?
“I’m adorbs too, wight, Eggsy?”
“Oh you are the most adorbs little girl there ever was, Flower.”
Beaming with pleasure Daisy gave their arm swinging some extra swing, Harry grateful for her timely interruption as he forced himself not to react to Eggsy’s opinion of him. Though he was probably smiling like an idiot.
)
Thankfully they arrived at the pizza place without further incident and the slices they purchased to tide them over until Addison’s party proved to be excellent considering it wasn’t considered popular British fare. Daisy certainly loved it even if she did have a bad habit of wanting to pick all the topping off and eat them first. Regardless it was a nice meal overall, the surprise coming when Eggsy announced that they needed to stop at another shop before heading home. To pick up the balloons he’d ordered for Addison’s party. Balloons. Oh dear.
“Eggsy…it’s never a good idea to give that man something he can use as target practice. At social engagements, I mean.”
“Harry, it ain’t like he’s gonna bring a gun ta his birthday party.” A telling pause. “Right?”
“Likely no.” Harry conceded after serious consideration. “But he’s liable to have a blade of some sort on his person.”
“Huh.” Eggsy looked down at Daisy, who was snuggling against his chest at the moment since she hadn’t wanted to walk anymore. “Well if he really wants ta he could do it as a party game, I suppose. He’s just gots ta leave a couple for us ta take home. That’s why I got them. I figured they’d be another distraction for her. She loves helium balloons.”
“Ah. Good idea.”
Eggsy shrugged his shoulders. “No big. Though when we get in the shop you’ll have ta keep a sharp eye on Daisy while I pay for em. She likes the flowers and we don’t need none of those today.”
“Flowers?”
“Yeah. The florist shop near us does balloons as well, a side business from the looks of it to compete with the other one that’s just a stone throw’s away. Personally I think Emily’s stock is better, not ta mention she’s a sight more friendly than the ones that work at the other place. But yeah, the posh want the poshest so Emily’s been struggling a bit. It’s another reason why I decided ta get the balloons.”
Observing Eggsy’s sheepish expression Harry felt a clutch in his chest as he asked if Eggsy also fancied the florist herself. They certainly sounded friendly. And why else would the boy be visiting florist shops?
“Wot? Emily?” Eggsy laughed, his face lighting up. “Nah. She’s quite happily married, Gov. With grandkids she’s mad about.”
“Ah.” He shouldn’t be relieved.
“We get flowers from her sometimes. For Mum and me Dad.”
Understanding now Harry reached over to give Eggsy’s shoulder a squeeze. Having died serving his country Lee Unwin had been granted a proper funeral that had reflected his sacrifice. Eggsy and Daisy’s mother, on the other hand…well there hadn’t been money for a proper funeral and she’d been cremated instead. Eggsy had confined in him that when the ground had thawed enough for it he’d dug a hole over his father’s final resting place and had buried his mother’s ashes there so that the two would be together even though there was no marker to indicate she was there as well.
“Next time you go and visit, perhaps I could come with you? After we get some flowers from Emily, of course.”
“I’d like that.”
For a moment Eggsy leaned his shoulder against his, a gesture Harry wasn’t sure how to interpret even as he stilled and waited.
But Eggsy just smiled at him for a moment and then stated that they better be on their way.
They had a party to go to.
Chapter 25: Reasons To Celebrate
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original ideas and characters. Thank for reading and please review so I know what you think. I love you hear from you guys and feedback and ideas are always appreciated. Sorry that this chapter got a little off course too lol.
Reasons to Celebrate
Harry wasn't quite sure what to make of all the stuff in boxes and cloth bags that Eggsy insisted had to come with them to the shop, this was just going to be a small party after all, but he didn't argue their necessity either. Mostly because when he brought it up as they were loading up the boot of the car Eggsy had given him a look that had told Harry to hush on the subject. And his mother, or to be accurate his caregivers throughout his childhood hadn't raised him to be a fool. So wisely Harry went mum on the subject and turned his attention to doing what Eggsy told him to do before getting behind the wheel to drive them to Kingsman.
Daisy looked extra sweet and adorable in her sunny yellow dress and pigtails, but she certainly didn't give the appearance of being in a partying mood on the drive to the shop. She wasn't crying or even frowning, which relieved him, but she seemed lost in her thoughts. Hardly even aware of them it seemed, though Harry caught her watching him a time or two in the time it took to reach their destination.
Eggsy, of course, could be counted upon to fill the silence.
"So you certainly charmed the socks of Emily. She's probably back at the shop writing your name in hearts and sighing dreamily into space."
"The fact that she's such a devoted Colin Firth fan helped." Harry pointed out dryly.
"The fact that you're way sexi-better lookin than Firth helped, ya mean."
Oh. Well.
"I mean he's cute I suppose. Like a teddy bear. Only not cause he's on the lean side. Huh." Eggsy frowned as he mulled it over, the way he was chewing on his bottom lip not helping Harry's ability to concentrate on the road at all. "He just always seems as harmless as a teddy bear. And as nice ta cuddle with. But he ain't the sort who comes ta mind when ya think of sexy British actors, right?"
"Fans of him as Mr. Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice' would probably argue with you there."
Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Eggsy shrug his shoulders at that as the boy stated that he'd never seen it. Which wasn't surprising since it had been-dear God, had that really come out in the mid nineties? God but that made him feel old. And it was definitely time to change the subject before he started actively encouraging Eggsy to stroke his ego some more.
"Well if you ever want to see a well done adaptation of that particular novel I recommend it."
"Not really an Austen fan, Harry. I fuc-friggin HATE 'Emma' with a passion. We had ta read that shite in school and seriously-ugh."
Harry had to work hard not to laugh at that. "I would agree that the only good thing to result from that book is 'Clueless'."
Eggsy blank look made Harry sigh. And state that they'd watch it sometime as it really was an excellent and original adaptation. Even if the fashion did tend to make him cringe.
"That bad, huh?"
He shuddered just thinking about it. "Let's just say that I'm very grateful that it's no longer considered the height of fashion for young men to wear trousers far too big for them so that they hang down to reveal one's pants."
"Makes my chav look look pretty stylish in comparison, huh?"
Harry bit down on his bottom lip for a moment before diplomatically stating that the chav look was an acquired taste at times. Though yes, he did appreciate the fact that Eggsy's clothes generally fit his body.
And shit. That hadn't come out right. Well it had, but-shit.
Not perturbed in the least Eggsy laughed and grinned at him.
"Your generations shouldn't be so hard on my look, ya know. I mean seriously, I've seen pics of what you lot wore in your teens and twenties and hell, this is a million times better than the shit from the eighties. Not ta mention the hair. How did yous wear ya hair back then, anyway? Ya didn't have a mullet, did ya?" Eggsy's whole face scrunched up in horror at the idea. "Fuck, especially with the curl ta your hair..."
"No swearing around Daisy and no, I never had the bad taste to wear a mullet. Not even Mel Gibson could pull that look off. My hair was a tad...ruffled during that period, but I assure you I stayed far away from the more...popular hairstyles of my generation."
The narrow eyed look Eggsy gave him seemed to call his honesty on the matter into question.
"I'll show you pictures this evening if you like."
"Yeah?" Eggsy beamed at the idea. "It's a date, then."
Reflectively looking in Eggsy direction, Harry immediately turned his attention back to the road to hide his reaction.
"You really got the short straw when it came ta fashion, didn't ya?" Eggsy stated, apparently not sensing anything out of the ordinary. "I mean it pretty much sucked royally when you was my age and right up until my generation. I mean at least my clothes fit me well enough like ya said. What was with the eighties and bloody shoulder pads? I've seen pics of me mum from back then and seriously, Bruv, ain't no one pullin that look off."
"A great deal of eighties fashion doesn't make sense in retrospect."
"No shi-sugar." Eggsy caught himself just in time.
Chuckling, Harry enjoyed discussing fashion mistakes of previous decades for the rest of the car ride.
)
Once they arrived at the shop a still quiet Daisy was put in charge of carrying first Mr. Fox and then her giant card for Addison inside while Thomas held the door open for them. The rest of the paraphernalia fell on his and Eggsy's shoulders to transport through the shop and up the stairs to the meeting room they were using for the party. It took a couple trips even with Thomas's help, and after everything was on the table Eggsy shooed them out and told them to come back ten minutes before the scheduled party. He didn't want them getting in his way or sneaking food.
Rather than argue Harry followed Thomas back down the stairs to take a look at some new ties that had just come in from a new supplier.
"Ah, Sir…Balloons…?"
"Eggsy assures me he won't be upset if Addison starts using them as target practice. So long as one is spared for Daisy to take home."
The look on Thomas's face suggested that the older man was now even more concerned, which made sense depending on Addison's weapon of choice if given free rein to attack the inanimate objects. Harry felt obligated to give the man's shoulder a squeeze as he stated that he was sorry that Eggsy couldn't be talked out of the balloons.
"I'm sure it will be fine." Thomas assured him. Weakly.
"His birthday only comes once a year, thank the powers that be. And Daisy will be around to keep him at least somewhat in line. She intimidates him. Or at least unnerves him."
"Children, when one isn't used to them, tend to do so."
Harry couldn't have agreed with that statement more.
For both their sakes they dropped the topic of Addison and moved on to Harry asking questions about the ties as they made their way over to the display in question.
Happily the ties were as lovely as advertised at first glance. And when looked over closely too as Harry appreciated the excellent material and color choices. He was usually fairly traditional when it came to his color schemes but did enjoy experimenting occasionally when the product in question was first rate. He picked out his two favorites and asked Thomas to see to it that they were put on his account.
"Of course. Do you want me to bag them for you?"
"Thank you." Looking around the shop in general Harry asked if there was anything related to its upkeep or wares that he needed to be aware of. He did try to spend at least a little time each week in the shop but lately that hadn't happened and he felt a bit guilty now that he was thinking about it.
"Nothing of concern, Sir. Merlin did inform you that Mr. Lamont dropped by on Wednesday and asked about Eggsy?"
"Yes, he did. Has Lamont been back since?"
"No. And I made it clear that you would be made aware that he asked about Eggsy."
Ordinarily that should have been enough to ensure that the vampire stayed as far away from the topic of Eggsy as he could get. The vampire had lived long enough to know that individuals who crossed Harry Hart didn't tend to live long. Particularly when it came to threatening those under Harry's care. And he'd made it bloody clear that Eggsy was his, and yet…and yet Harry had the sinking feeling in his gut that he was actually going to have to maim, if not kill Lamont to keep the vampire from sniffing around Eggsy. Particularly if
Lamont got wind of just why Eggsy's smell beguiled him so.
Thanks to Eggsy's research they now knew that Eric Lamont and his kind were pathologically attracted to Eggsy and other members of his family because of their house elf blood. Elvish blood was considered a rare vintage to be coveted by vampires normally, so that was bad enough, but house elf blood was in a whole other category entirely. It was said that vampires prized their blood above all others because their magic revolved around home and comfort. To vampires who lived for centuries and saw their world constantly changing with the old being replaced by new, whether that be scenery or the mortals briefly passing through their lives, a house elf's blood connected vampires to feelings of home and belonging. Of being loved and cared for.
Eggsy, soft hearted as he was, had asked Harry what he thought about him donating blood to vampires, which Harry had had to shoot down immediately. There were laws in place that protected pureblood house elves from being victimized by the vampire race but diluted as Eggsy's blood was the Fae wouldn't be in any hurry to protect him from harm. And if Eggsy advertised what he was the older vampires, the ones who had lost their humanity centuries ago and would think nothing of making him their blood slave, would also want to add Daisy to their collection.
He hadn't had to say any more on the matter.
And speaking of Daisy…he was hearing a familiar, Daisy related sound coming from the stairs.
Turning his head Harry saw that his ward was indeed doing her bottom bumping down said stairs.
"Excuse me a moment, Thomas."
Hurrying over, she was taking the stairs a tad quicker than he was comfortable with, Harry arrived just as she neared the bottom. And Eggsy was at the top of the stairs supervising his sister's descent, so at least she hadn't snuck off while her brother's back was turned. The questioning look Eggsy aimed in his direction seemed to ask if Harry was okay watching her, and Harry nodded even as he wondered if that was wise. Especially since Eggsy promptly turned on his heels and left without a backward glance.
But when Daisy reached the bottom and held her arms out to him it was now mostly natural to pick her up and settle her on his hip just as the shop opened and the sounds of new voices reached his ears.
Turning around Harry saw that Merlin, Kay, and the birthday boy himself had arrived. Addison looked even less cheerful than Daisy.
And it wasn't just his imagination that Daisy was more than a little on the melancholy side either, because as soon they met up with the other men in the middle of the shop Merlin plucked Daisy out of his arms and cuddling her against his chest asked her why she was so sad.
Daisy looked up at the Scot with a wide eyed waif look guaranteed to bring a man to his knees. "Unca Harry is goin ta America where the tan-ja-rine man wives. He's mean, and yells, and people's get shot all the time. I don't wan him ta go!"
"The tangerine man?" Kay repeated, obviously confused.
"Trump."
Harry snorted at Merlin's answer, though he could certainly see why some might give the current American president that nickname. But it was hard to be amused over that when Daisy looked so miserable, so Harry reached out to give one of her pigtails a teasing tug as he told her that nothing bad would happen to him while he was in the U.S.
"It is Kentucky though." Addison pointed out thoughtlessly. "Everyone owns a gun there."
The whimpering noise Daisy made had Addison actually shooting Merlin a panicky look before he recovered himself.
Merlin of course had no pity for Addison, giving him a killer glare before smiling down at Daisy encouragingly. "He'll be fine, My Girl. I promise."
"Your uncle might not be as proficient as I am with a gun, but he is most certainly capable of handling the Americans for a few days." Addison added on.
"Ignore him." Merlin told Daisy.
But Daisy wasn't looking at Merlin. "You's gots a gun, Mr. Addy-son?"
While everyone's lips twitched over her pronunciation of Addison's name the man in question informed her that he had one of the finest private collections of weapons in all of Europe.
The way Daisy's face lit up…that couldn't be good.
"Will you's go ta America with Unca Harry? Yous can shoots people if they's mean ta him! Peas, Mr. Addy-son? Peas?!"
"Now, Lass-" Merlin started to say, the look she aimed in his direction making whatever he'd been about to say die a quick death in his throat.
"I really don't require a bodyguard, Daisy. I'll be fine."
But Daisy has zero interest in either of them or their opinions at the moment. Daisy was leaning forward as much as she could and had now gotten ahold of the sleeve of Addison's suit jacket. She had it in a death grip, or the toddler version of that, and was giving Addison the look that had gotten her her way more than once when Harry had been 'in charge' of her care. Not caving under the force of that look-only Eggsy was immune to it to the best of Harry's knowledge.
Taking the coward's way out, not that Harry blamed him in the slightest, Addison gave the best excuse he had while looking pointedly down at his oxfords. "It's up to Merlin whether I can go or not."
The quick look Addison aimed in Merlin's direction made it clear that he felt absolutely no remorse for throwing the other man under the bus, so to speak.
Daisy looked up at Merlin. Merlin lasted maybe a second before crumbling like an ancient ruin.
"Of course he can go with Harry to America. That's a fine idea, Lass."
Throwing her hands up with a loud "Yay!" Daisy wiggled with happiness before turning in Merlin's arms to give him a loud, smacking kiss on the jaw, making Merlin blush while pointedly not meeting any of their gazes.
And then Daisy shocked everyone by motioning for Addison to come closer, and when he warily did so she dove forward again and gave ADDISON a smacking kiss on the cheek as well.
"Dear God. Please tell me someone was recording that."
Percival had arrived.
And fortunately for him Addison was under orders not to cause physical harm to someone while Daisy was present.
)
The rest of the party's guests arrived shortly thereafter and the question of why everyone but Daisy looked a little shell-shocked and the explanation that followed distracted them all enough that the whole lot of them ended up heading up the stairs to the meeting room together once Addison bad-temperedly reminded them that they should be doing so so that they could get all this over with. Because of course he was watching the clock on this.
Once they reached the top of the stairs Merlin had the thought to send Daisy in to make sure Eggsy was ready for them before they all just descended on the boy, which Harry appreciated. Especially since he had a feeling that for all his apparent coolness about this Eggsy was also more than a little nervous.
Thrilled to have been given a job Daisy ran off in her Daisy way down the hallway to complete it.
"Do all children run that way?" Percival wanted to know, his head cocked to the side in consideration.
"She has decent coordination given her age." Kay informed him in a knowledgeable tone of voice. "She'll better learn how to maximize her speed when she's older and has the stamina to really run."
"How long can a child that young run?" Terrance, one of the handlers, wanted to know.
"It depends on the sugar in their system and what's motivating them to run in the first place." Thomas answered with a knowing chuckle. "They're particularly speedy when at an amusement park or on Christmas morning."
Having opened the door and poked her head in to talk to Eggsy Daisy stuck her head back out to inform them that Eggsy was ready for them before heading inside without them.
Chapter 26: A Party At Kingsman
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations all characters find themselves in. Thanks so much for reading, I hope to hear from you!
A Party At Kingsman
Harry entered the meeting room to see Daisy at the front of the room with Eggsy, literally jumping up and down in excitement in front of her brother as she informed him that Mr. Addy-son was gonna go ta America with Unca Harry and shoot anyone who tried ta hurt em. Including the tangerine man. Understandably that proclamation made Eggsy's lips twitch even before he informed her and the room at large that loads of people would thank im if he did. Maybe even name a day after Addison or somethin.
Opening his mouth to make a statement about the impropriety of discussing murder and assassination attempts in front of a small child, and how the bloody hell was he the voice of reason when it came to not shooting people, Harry found himself distracted by the sight of the table set for them.
Eggsy had placed a simple blue tablecloth over the front section of the table they'd be using, the space already properly set for the occasion with plates, glasses, and silverware. There was a pot of tea at the ready, Harry noted, as well as a large pitcher filled with pink lemonade that he couldn't wait to taste. The food offerings consisted of a rather magnificent looking strawberry shortcake, an assortment of biscuits, and scones with all the proper accompaniment laid out around it.
Walking further into the room Harry looked it all over again before walking up to congratulate Eggsy.
"Eggsy, this looks lovely."
The beaming smile Eggsy gave him in return had Harry wanting to hug him for being so sweet and lovely. And then order him not to smile like that where others could see it. Particularly some of the ones behind him. Which unfortunately reminded him...
"Everyone, this is Eggsy Unwin and his sister and my ward Daisy. You two, allow me to introduce you to my colleagues you have yet to meet." Forcing himself to move a little to the side to give the men in question a clear path to the two in question, Harry began with Kay since he trusted the man to be too well mannered to hit on Eggsy in front of Daisy and him. "This is William King."
"Nice ta meetcha ya." Eggsy stated with a smile, Daisy waving a little.
"Thank you for inviting me."
Instead of moving away like Harry expected him to Kay moved closer and crouched down, pulling something from each of his front trouser pockets. What was he up to?
Kay, who was Earth Gifted, opened his hands to show two small bundles of burlap to Eggsy and Daisy who gave him confused looks as Kay closed his hands into fists, tilting both hands up so that the thumbs were pointing upward. Seconds past with nothing happening, and then green shoots came into view, growing bigger and thicker like a small version of Jack's Beanstalk from the fairy tale. Leaves sprang out as Daisy and Eggsy both moved closer with fascination, buds appearing at the top of each stem before exploding open to reveal the blooms inside.
The one on the left showed itself to be a crocus, while the other was a white daisy.
Tilting his fisted hands to the side and then opening them again the Kingsman agent showed the flowers growing out of the burlap bags, Daisy clapping excitedly before slapping her hands over her mouth in shock when Kay held the daisy flower out to her.
"A flower for a flower." William said kindly, holding it out until Daisy, after a nod of encouragement from Eggsy, inched forward and took the gift with a shy smile and whispered word of thanks.
When William offered the crocus to Eggsy the boy took it with a wide grin. "That was seriously sick. Thanks. Do we just plant them like regular flowers...or are they magic?"
"They'll be fine in the sacks for about a day, max. Just plant and water them like regular flowers."
"Gotcha."
"Look, look!" Daisy was jumping like a rabbit again as she hurried over to show her flower to Harry and Merlin, who both bent down to admire the present while silently thinking that Kay was far more suave than they'd ever given him credit for.
"Showoff." Percival announced with a smirk in Kay's direction, the older man simply raising an eyebrow in response. "But I can do better."
Kay rolled his eyes and stated that it wasn't a competition, his tone that of an older brother exasperated and embarrassed by his younger sibling.
Keeping with that theme Percival quickly made a rude gesture in Kay's direction before he turned his attention to the glasses set out on the table for the lemonade. There was ice already in them and after some maneuvering Percival slid a couple ice cubes from one of the cups into his palm.
Looking very pleased with himself Percival came back over and crouching down in front of Daisy the cocksure agent placed his free hand over top of the one with ice, cupping his hands together and hiding what he was doing from her view. Not that Harry couldn't guess exactly what the man was doing since the man specialized in ice magic.
So it was no surprise when Percival removed his top hand to reveal an ice rose in full bloom. Completely copying Iceman from that old X-Men movie.
Roxy rolled her eyes at him. "Now who's the showoff."
Shrieking in excitement over this latest 'magic trick' Daisy didn't hesitate to take her present this time, allowing Percival to slide it onto her palm without a hint of shyness. The girl about gave herself whiplash as she gave her presents, one in each hand, beaming smiles.
"Iceman, huh?" The amusement in Eggsy's eyes suggested he'd gotten the Marvel reference too. "Here, Flower, give me the ice one. I'll put it in the cooler for ya. Or it'll melt, ya know."
"Would you like one as well?" Percival asked with a rakish grin.
"Thanks. I'm good."
Looking sad Daisy gave her ice rose one last loving look before handing it over to Eggsy.
Harry quickly introduced them to Roxy's cousin, Percival telling them to call him Percival since he wasn't fond of his actual given name. Eggsy shook Percival's hand when offered, while Daisy gave him another wave and smile.
That done Eggsy moved off to put the rose in the cooler he'd stashed off to the side while Harry introduced his ward to the two handlers who'd agreed to come to the party, Mr. Wyatt and Mr. Strong. Neither man possessed strong magic but thankfully Daisy didn't seem to expect more gifts and just clutched her daisy to her chest while smiling and waving with her free hand in response to each introduction.
Once Eggsy was back to be introduced to the two Harry did so and then suggested they all take their seats so that they could enjoy the treats before them.
Of course the whole taking their seats took longer than it strictly should have since the usual seating arrangements had to be altered thanks to the presence of non-Kingsman agents. But soon they had everyone seated and attention could be turned to filling one's plate and their glasses with his or her preferred beverage.
Harry was surprised when Addison declined Eggsy's offer for him to cut his own cake since the man did love knives, but he was happy to do it instead. Especially since he'd noticed the older man eyeing the balloons situated in the middle of the table contemplatively.
The balloons were the room's only real 'party' decoration though since Eggsy had managed to convince Daisy that the cake couldn't fit fifty-seven candles and therefore it was better to have none at all. You had to have the exact number right or not have any. It was unlucky otherwise.
The toddler had believed them and expressed sadness on Addison's behalf, which was why she'd added a cake with lots of candles on it to her card so that he could pretend to blow on them if he wanted.
She really was too adorable for words.
Harry waited until everyone had a piece of cake and a drink before he raised his glass. "A toast to Addison. Happy Birthday."
Everyone echoed the sentiment and raised their glasses. Except for Addison. Big surprise. Though he didn't set anything on fire or even glare, so Harry considered that a win.
And certainly no one was making unhappy or angry faces as they took their first bites of the strawberry shortcake Eggsy had prepared. Quite the opposite in fact.
Percival. "Bloody hell this is the best thing I've ever tasted!"
Kay. "This is amazing."
Thomas. "Oh my. And you made this yourself, Eggsy? It's wonderful."
Merlin. "Wait till you try his biscuits. This is brilliant, Lad."
Roxy. "Wow, Eggsy. It's amazing."
Addison's favorite handler echoed the sentiment that it was the best cake he'd ever eaten while Mr. Strong continued to shovel more cake into his face while nodding enthusiastically. Much like Daisy was, Harry noted after a glance in her direction.
And Addison, being Addison, waited to catch Eggsy's gaze amongst all the other praise and inclined his head in thanks, Eggsy smiling in return.
Watching everyone dig in and reach out to heap their plates up with the other treats now that they knew what to expect, Harry smiled and settled in to join them.
)
It was for the best that Eggsy's food kept all their mouths busy for the majority of the 'party' seeing as most of them had zero experience being in the company of a toddler. Not to mention keeping their conversations appropriate for young ears. That really threw a spanner in the works. They couldn't talk business because technically Eggsy and Daisy weren't Kingsman and therefore weren't allowed to be privy to certain things. And while normally they would have talked about previous missions, by turn bragging about their own exploits while ribbing the others, none of them could really come up with a mission they could white wash enough to be appropriate for three year old ears. So in the beginning they had to settle for talking about the oddest customers they'd ever had in the tailor shop in between bites.
This proved an excellent choice in topic since even Daisy could appreciate the horror of someone coming in requesting that they make him a suit as fine as Willy Wonka's.
It also serendipitously led to Roxy stating that she still couldn't believe that someone had thought it was a good idea to give Lady Mary from 'Downton Abbey' a Willy Wonka haircut. Not that she didn't deserve a terrible cut of course. Miss. Morton was not a Mary fan it seemed.
The blank looks she got from the others though, as well as the observation from Kay that Michelle Dockery could never be mistaken for Gene Wilder, led to their lone female agent explaining that she'd been referring to the hair style worn by Johnny Depp when he'd played Wonka in the reboot.
And that was all it took.
Roald Dahl's classic novel 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' was something all British children were exposed to at some point in their lives. And they ALL had opinions on various aspects of the book.
Like how stupid was Wonka to think that having the children sign the disclaimer contracts would save him from being sued? They were all minors. If the parents had signed off on it that would be one thing, but without their agreement...yeah, Charlie could kiss that chocolate factory goodbye.
And what was up with Grandpa Joe? He spends his days lying around in bed, not contributing to the household or even helping with chores around the house, but he can go to the factory? Where was that energy and willingness when it came to insuring the family didn't starve to death or lose their house? Where was the man priorities, honestly?
The question of what was up with Johnny Depp's appearance in the remake was explained as the combined weirdness of Depp and Burton.
Eggsy and Roxy were also both pinned under unforgiving gazes at one point when they were asked to confirm that they were aware that the original 1970s film version was better than the remake in every possible way.
The two youngest adults wisely agreed with their elders without protest.
At only three Daisy was given a pass on expressing her opinions, especially since she had no idea what they were talking about. So Harry and Eggsy took turns explaining the concept of the book to her while the others helped themselves to second or third helpings. Once they were done explaining Daisy asked if the book could be read to her, Harry promising that they would.
Debating the book and movies over food, talking over each other without formality or rank getting in the way...well it was rather like a family reunion or holiday gettogether, Harry mused to himself. Or at the very least a gathering of friends rather than coworkers who had had no idea what to talk to when the party had started. It was certainly the most fun Harry had had within these walls in quite some time, and even Addison lasted ten more minutes than planned before announcing that he had to be going.
While the others wisely said their goodbyes rather than try to get him to stay Harry got to his feet and went over to grab the giftbag he'd left at the side with the usual Kingsman birthday gift safely stowed away in it.
Sensing Daisy's presence nearby Harry glancing over to see Daisy in the corner where she or Eggsy had propped up the large card she'd made for the birthday boy. Ah, right.
He would have offered to hold her hand but she needed both of hers to carry the card which was half her size. And knowing how protective she was of it Harry didn't offer to carry it for her, instead placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder as they walked down the length of the table to meet a fidgeting Addison at the door while everyone watched from their seats.
"Happy returns."
Addison snatched the bag Harry held out to him with a dark scowl.
"I mades this for you." Daisy stated from partially behind Harry's leg, the little girl shuffling her feet and staring down at them shyly before peeking up at Addison cautiously. "Happy Birthday, Mr. Addy-son."
The throat clearing sound Addison made was no doubt a result of him forcing down all the nasty things he wanted to say, especially with the looks he was getting from everyone as he grumbled out a thank you and took the card from her when she passed it over.
He'd already made it clear that Addison was to show proper appreciate for the drawings Daisy had done and Harry gave the man full credit for saying that the drawing inside looked like Tally, even if Addison did say it quietly enough that there was a good chance the others couldn't hear him.
But Daisy heard him and beamed with pleasure.
"Thanks for lookin after my Unca Harry for me." She added and then spinning around ran back up the length of the table towards Eggsy.
"Thank you for that." Harry stated quietly, for Addison's ears only.
"It was nothing." A foreboding smirk crossed the older man's lips. "And her drawing did rather resemble Tally. After the dog was done with him."
"Really? I just ate."
Addison's grin said it all before he disappeared through the doorway, card tucked under one arm.
)
The rest of their Sunday went well, Daisy happily riding her sugar high and the fact that Addison had promised to take care of Harry for her while he was in the United States. The fact that Addison wasn't a fan of the Statesmen, or them of him...well Harry wasn't about to rain on her parade by telling her that inviting Addison along rather upped the chance of blood being shed. Not decreased it. But they were all adults, Tequila withstanding, so Harry allowed himself to hope that it wouldn't go too badly.
Or at least not worse than the troubles he already expected.
Nothing special happened Monday except for the fact that rather than go home at the end of the workday Eggsy and Daisy came to pick him up from Kingsman and then together the three of them went out for fish and chips at a nearby pub Harry was fond of. Daisy was a little withdrawn for the rest of the night but went to bed without too much of a fuss after Harry read her a couple chapters of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' as promised. Eggsy had offered to keep reading it to her while Harry was away but Daisy insisted that only Uncle Harry would do in this case. She would wait until he got back.
Tuesday morning...well Daisy dragged her feet from the time Eggsy got her out of bed all the way to daycare. She knew that Harry was heading to Kingsman's private airfield as soon as they dropped her off, and so was putting it off to the best of her ability.
Harry ended up carrying her from the car to her classroom, Daisy's little arms wrapped tight around his neck and her face pressed against his throat.
Once they were inside, well Harry had no choice but to squat down and gently pull her away to set her down on her feet in front of him. Her face was so resigned and sad.
"I'll be back before you know it. You be a good girl for Eggsy, and I'll talk to you tonight."
A sad little nod. And a big hug goodbye.
Chapter 27: I'll See You Soon
Chapter Text
This chapter is dedicated to kunf'you'z-ed who put the idea of Harry and Eggsy's goodbye in my head. I was going to skip over it or just give it a quick mention, but your review gave me ideas. So thanks for that lol. Also I'll be on vacation for a bit, but I promise more updating than I've been doing in July.
I'll See You Soon
Harry had thought that his goodbye with Daisy would be the hardest part of his departure this morning. And not to devalue how difficult that had been, because that had been truly wretched, but this was worse. So much worse. And he didn't know how to make it better as he and Eggsy drove in absolute silence to Kingsman, Eggsy behind the wheel while Harry was left to sit and do his best not to betray how flustered and agitated he was feeling. Feelings Harry was pretty sure were being exasperated by Eggsy's own, bottled up emotions. Emotions that weren't showing on the boy's face at all, which was not helping. Eggsy had one of the most expressive faces Harry had ever come across, and to see him all stone faced and quiet was just unnatural. And why was he stone faced and quiet?
Unlike Daisy Eggsy was certainly old enough to understand that Harry would only be gone for a couple of days and that the odds of something bad happening were slim at best. All right, the odds of violence often went up when you added both Addison and Americans to the mix, but this was supposed to be a business meeting. And he'd told Eggsy this was just a simple meeting and had done his level best to make it sound as mundane and boring as possible. Which it would be. Should be. Dear God let it be. He did not want to come back from America shot again. Not that getting shot anywhere was a good idea. And there were certainly worse places to get shot too. But if he came home injured Eggsy and Daisy would-
"Are you worried about what would happen to you and Daisy if something were to happen to me while I'm away? I've made sure that you would both be well taken care of-though that's not something you need to worry about. I really will be fine."
Eggsy glanced in his direction for a moment before turning his attention back to looking straight ahead. "That ain't what I'm worried about. Or not just that."
"Then...?"
"Don't worry about it none. I know you'll be fine."
Harry thought about pointing out that that wasn't an answer, but of course they were pulling into Kingsman's car park now and he really didn't want them to part on bad terms.
Though were bad terms worse than uncertain terms? It was hard to say, really.
Either way he was still mulling the question over as Eggsy parked the car in his designated spot.
Then of course the car was shut off, belts were unbuckled-which sounded rather naughty in his head-and then they were exiting the vehicle with Eggsy opening up the back passenger door to retrieve his suit bags for him while Harry grabbed his carry-on and laptop case from the car's boot.
Closing the boot Harry turned to see Eggsy watching him with the suits draped over one arm and a cloth bag in the other. Watching and perhaps waiting for...something?
Bugger it.
Turning Harry put his laptop case on the boot, set his carry-on on the ground, and then asked for the suits and the mystery bag, which he placed on top of the car's trunk as well. Then he turned back to give a puzzled looking Eggsy his full attention.
"I've never really done this before. The whole...saying good bye to family before a trip thing. I mean I have Mother but it's not-we don't really-I don't think it's the same. Or at least it feels like I'm missing something here. It feels like I'm supposed to be saying or doing something only for the life of me I don't know what that is. Do you?"
Eggsy stared at him for a moment.
"Fuck it."
And so saying Eggsy lurched forward and Harry found himself caught up in a hug, Eggsy's arms holding on so tight Harry would have worried about bruising if Eggsy hadn't been clutching him so desperately. And it was impossible to think about anything aside from the feel of Eggsy pressed against him, the scents he associated with the other man and home, and the fact that Eggsy was telling him without words what he needed.
Wrapping his arms around Eggsy in turn Harry held on and relaxed for the first time that morning.
"Ya know it ain't about me keepin Dais or the money. Not really." Eggsy murmured after a minute or so. "Your family now, ya know?"
"Thank you." Harry's lips curved into a smile Eggsy couldn't see. "And I hope you know I'll miss you for reasons that have nothing to do with your food. Though I will miss that quite a lot."
Eggsy's frame shook with silent laughter. "Fair enough. And aside from Merlin's lunch there's some snacks and such for you and Addison in that other bag. Just in case ya get hungry on the way there."
"Thank you, Eggsy."
"Anytime." Eggsy assured him as he pulled away, Harry finding himself reluctantly letting him go. "So let's get you inside and squared away, then. Sooner you leave the sooner you'll be home again."
"Exactly."
)
Harry agreed that stereotyping people based on their country of origin was the height of ignorance. Every individual was unique and deserved to be judged based entirely on their own personalities and choices rather than the history of their country or the stereotypes assigned to them by the rest of the often overly judgmental world. But really...Americans. They made trying to be impartial and openminded so bloody difficult even at the best of times. It was like they relished making a bad first, second, and third impression.
Logically Harry knew that he had his predecessor and Chester King's many character flaws to thank for the way the Statesmen were treating him now. Champ and King had pretty much hated each other on sight to the point where the two men had had as little to do with each other as possible. There had been a definite breakdown in shared intelligence and resources between their two organizations over the years and Harry was more than willing to lay the majority of the blame for that on King's door. He enjoyed blackening the former head of Kingsman's name.
However that's didn't make him guilty and culpable by association.
He'd been nothing but polite and courteous since the meeting had started, all the while keeping Addison in line to the best of his ability, but as the minutes ticked by Harry gave serious thought to pulling out his gun and putting some holes in the ceiling at the very least. That ought to at least shut them all up long enough for him to explain why it was he'd specifically requested that they take a break at one thirty.
All right, no. He didn't want to shoot the ceiling. He wanted to shoot Whiskey. Again.
Which was another reason the Americans weren't inclined to like him very much. But as Harry had explained numerous times both now and before, he couldn't be blamed for not realizing that the man was a Statesman working undercover to infiltrate a drug cartel at the time. It's not like the American agent had done or said anything to alert him to his status as a double agent. So really the whole misunderstanding had been Whiskey's fault in the long run. And thinking him a member of that organization...well really it was entirely understandable that Harry had shot the man before. In the head. Which he'd survived, obviously, so really holding a grudge about it was juvenile to say the least.
Feeling Ginger's sympathetic eyes on him yet again Harry could only imagine wistfully how much better this would all be if the lone female in the room was in charge. He didn't know Ginger that well but Merlin spoke very highly of her and thus far she'd struck him as an intelligent, reasonable, and calm person.
Champ, Tequila, Whiskey, and Moonshine had yet to display any of those desirable qualities.
Wincing at the suggestions of gross bodily harm Addison and Whiskey were threatening each other with, you'd think they were in an American bar, not a business meeting, Harry decided that enough was enough. Something had to be done before the two used the weapons they were pointing at each other. Or he'd kill them both just to shut them up. And when a glance in Champ's direction confirmed that the man was still enjoying his role of spectator to this example of testosterone poisoning Harry looked in the direction of the only other sane, rational person in the room. Then pulling out his data pad sent Ginger a message with instructions on how they might go about ending this cock fight. At least temporarily.
Message sent and then received Harry watched as Ginger read the message, sent him a puzzled look, but then nodded as she hopefully turned her attention to turning on the large flat screen situated at the end of the table where she'd been hovering anxiously.
It seemed she was with him as the screen came to life and then mirrored what Ginger was doing on her tablet to connect to the secure line Merlin had set up so that Harry could speak to Daisy each night before she went to sleep. Even if a Statesman, including Ginger, tried to track this connection back to Harry's home they'd be out of luck. Or so Merlin had assured him.
And speak of the man himself-why was he sitting on Eggsy's bed?
Merlin was in the background, his back against Eggsy's headboard and Daisy in his lap. Harry's ward was dressed in her favored panda bear pajamas and was staring at them from the screen like she didn't know what to do.
Then she shrieked her brother's name loud enough that everyone shut up while wincing at the high pitch of it.
"Wot? Wot is it?" Eggsy's worried voice came from somewhere off screen.
"The Cat-a-pillar Man! He's bein mean ta Mr. Addy-son!"
Eggsy's scowling, upside down face came into view as he looked at the screen from above, becoming a blur of movement before coming around to stand beside the bed, bent over so that he could see the others while not blocking Daisy's view. "Who?"
"The Cat-a-pillar Man." Daisy repeated, putting her pointer finger under her nose lengthwise.
Oh. Whiskey's mustache.
Around him Harry could hear bitten off laughter and some snickering that turned into outright laughter at Eggsy's next question.
"Ya mean the bloke with the skippin rope?"
"It's not a skipping rope. It's a lasso." Whiskey told him dumbly, staring at the screen like he couldn't quite wrap his head around what he was seeing.
"Sure it is, Bruv. Keep tellin yourself that. Though if ya don't want ta end up danglin from the end of it you'll mind your manners when it comes to Harry and Addison. Ya get me?"
Aside from his accent and questionable fashion choices Eggsy rarely demonstrated characteristics one expected from a chav from the council estates. Most of the time Harry forgot about Eggsy's juvenile record and what he'd been charged and accused of before he'd straightened up to become a Marine. But looking at Eggsy now, the boy very convincingly projecting promises of extreme maiming or death if Whiskey hurt a hair on his or Addison's head...Harry could see it. Could see the cold blooded, very much capable of shedding blood side of Eggsy.
He really shouldn't find threatening, dangerous Eggsy quite so attractive.
"Now, Boy, you don't-"
"Naw, Caterpillar Man. It's you who don't want ta upset my sister and get on our bad sides. So sit your arse down and shut it so my sister can say good night ta Harry."
So very, very attractive.
"Sit yourself down, Whiskey. You're upsetting the little lady, and things are getting interesting here. Did I hear her call you Eggsy, young man?" Champ drawled out, amusement all but dancing in the older man's eyes when Harry glanced in his direction.
"Eggsy, Daisy, allow me to make the introductions." Merlin's face didn't betray his thoughts in the slightest, but Harry could easily imagine how entertaining he was finding this. "The gentleman who asked your name is Champ. He's in charge of the reprobates you see around the table. Reprobates, this is Eggsy Unwin and our leader's ward, Daisy. The lovely lady in the room is Ginger by the way, and deserves to receive flowers every day for putting up with the lot of them." A nasty little smile. "And the man you don't like is named Whiskey. Though I think I prefer Caterpillar Man."
"I do too." Addison agreed nastily.
"I third it, which makes it final, right?" Tequila was all bright-eyed innocence in the face of Whiskey's death glare.
"Boy, you do like living dangerously." Champ shook his head at Tequila before turning his attention back to the screen. "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."
Eggsy inclined his head while Daisy watched them warily from the safety of Merlin's lap, her face now half pressed against his shirt while one of Merlin's arms came up to hold her there.
Now that the three loudest troublemakers in the room were momentarily quiet Harry saw his chance to speak up. "This is the first time I've been away from home since Eggsy and Daisy came to live with me. Which is why I asked that we have a short break at this time as it's Daisy's bedtime and I promised to speak to her before she went to sleep."
"Already?" Moonshine's face scrunched up in confusion. "It ain't that late over there."
"Daisy's only three." Harry informed him. "And I'll have Ginger transfer the connection back to me and finish this call outside the room now. Unless you have any objections?"
With Daisy watching them from the screen Harry very much doubted it. The adorableness was strong in his ward, even before you added Eggsy to the mix.
"Now there's no need for that." Champ assured him. "You can just talk to her in here."
Looking back and forth between him and Champ Harry could all but see the wheels turning in Eggsy's head.
"How about Daisy just ask Harry her question and then we can all say good night?"
"You have a question, Daisy?"
Daisy nodded. Then gave Eggsy a pointed look before burying her face against Merlin's chest.
"Right. Guess I'm askin then." Eggsy stated after his hushed attempts to get Daisy to speak failed. "So we dropped in on the shop after daycare and ran into Rox and got ta talkin. She was bitchin some bout this charity event at the thing we're goin ta, where the birds bring picnic baskets and blokes bid on them. Her mum's makin her do it."
"Ah yes, they're still doing that?" Harry grimaced in remembrance. He'd never willingly participated in the event but one year his mother and aunt had forced him to bid on his cousin's basket when no one else did. A then sixteen year old Penelope had suffered a bad breakup recently and her binge eating of ice-cream and greasy foods had caused her to break out rather badly on top of her frame not exactly needing those extra pounds in the first place. And of course his cousin had been justifiably mortified to have her younger cousin as her only bidder...it had not been a good day.
"Parently. Anyways, she was sayin how all the money raised goes ta some kid's foundation, and Daisy heard her so now she wants ta make a basket too so she can help other sprogs. That all right? I figured I should clear it with ya before ringing up your aunt ta ask her bout it."
"Ah, I see. That's very commendable of you, Daisy. Wanting to help other children. I'm very proud of you."
His words caused Daisy to finally turn her head enough that she could look at Harry just long enough to give a pleased smile before she went back to hiding against Merlin's chest.
"You have my permission of course. Do you want me to call my aunt about it for you?" Spare him, in other words.
"Nah, it's all right. Less expensive for me ta do it, and it will give me a chance ta ask her just what people all put in these things. I was just gonna make us sandwiches and such, but I'm guessing this will call for some fancier stuff."
Harry's assurance that whatever Eggsy made was fine was entirely drowned out by Tequila, who stated very loudly that Eggsy had to make fried chicken. A picnic was not a picnic unless it had fried chicken. It was practically gospel.
"Fried chicken." Merlin sighed, the greed and food lust all but dripping off of every syllable.
"Ya just ate your weight in lasagna, garlic bread, and salad. And that's not even factoring in dessert." Eggsy twisted around to look in Merlin's direction. "I'm the one's that supposed ta be a bottomless pit."
"Ah, a little fried chicken never hurt no one. Specially since you Brits probably can't make it right ta save your lives. You guys like your stuff bland, right?"
Swinging back to face the screen at a speed that threatened to give Eggsy whiplash, Eggsy glared at Tequila. "My food is not bland. And if I made fried chicken ya can bet it would be just as good as anythin you lot got over there."
"Ain't no one's chicken better than my Meemaw's."
Eggsy's brows furrowed in confusion. "What's a meemaw?"
"My grandma."
"Oh."
"But I'll tell you what, I'll give your old man here the recipe and he can pass it along. It won't be half as good, of course, but that's still ten times better than any you've ever had."
Eggsy crossed his arms definitively. "I'm part house elf, Bruv. My chicken will be even better."
"Southern fried chicken made by a house elf." Merlin gushed like a man in love.
Harry just shook his head.
This was not going to end well.
Chapter 28: Food and Books
Chapter Text
Note: Sorry for the lack of updates recently, like Eggsy in this chapter I was done in by Deborah Harkness's 'All Souls' trilogy. It took over my life last week and made writing impossible. I highly recommend you look up info on the series, or if you're in the UK they're making a TV show based on the first book that's due in September.
Food And Books
After the Statesmen had all expressed in their own ways how surprised they were that someone of Eggsy's height and breadth could have house elf blood, which Eggsy obviously appreciated, the topic of conversation switched to just what the Americans felt HAD to be included in any 'proper' picnic basket. Champ turned out to be a great fan of potato salad, while Moonshine was of the opinion that macaroni salad was the far superior side dish. Both men felt very strongly on the matter as it turned out. Or at least strong enough to get out of their chairs to face off against the other much as Addison and Whiskey had been doing earlier.
With Tequila deliberately and Merlin somewhat accidentally egging them on with their own opinions on the matter, Harry wasn't quite sure how to proceed given how awry things were going. It wasn't like he could have his intended conversation with Eggsy, Daisy or Merlin thanks to the rather heated argument brewing at the end of the table.
Addison would be no help either. True to his nature the other man was enjoying the turmoil with relish. And Whiskey was just sitting in his chair and sulking, which frankly suited Harry just fine.
Ginger seemed to be talking to the screen, Harry noted, with Eggsy leaning in to give her his full attention. He couldn't hear what they were discussing though, which was irksome. Eggsy seemed to like her though, which made sense since she was a lovely woman and Harry considered her his favorite member of Statesman by a landslide. Though the way she was smiling at him so sweetly...Harry wasn't sure he approved of that. Especially since long distance relationships never worked out and she was-
A shrill, piercing whistle had the room going blissfully silent again.
"Oi, you'll watch your language around the little lassie, both of you." Merlin had snatched the laptop from Eggsy and was now glaring hotly at Champ and Moonshine. "And there's a simple way to settle this. Just send your recipes for both sides to Eggsy, along with the one for the fried chicken of course, and he'll make them. The three of us can try it and declare a winner."
Eggsy's snort in the background came through loud and clear.
"Or he could just come here and rustle us up some elf food to try." Tequila drawled out the suggestion with a grin. "Seems more sporting and...official to me that way."
"You're all gluttons and Eggsy was not put on this earth to feed any of you." Harry gave the boy and then Merlin censoring looks that did nothing to faze either man. "And this whole conversation is not supposed to be about food. It's about a small child who needs to go to bed soon. And she contacted this line to speak to me, not hear you all argue and carry on this way, potentially scaring her."
The room filled with the sounds of grown men clearing their throats self-consciously.
Hopefully self-aware enough to know he couldn't be trusted not to talk about food, Merlin moved the laptop down so that Daisy was now taking up the majority of the screen, the little girl's expression rather resembling a deer in headlights as she realized she was now the focus of all their attention. Ergo it was no surprise when she promptly pulled the hood of her panda bear pajamas up, giving herself ears and added adorableness, before burying her face in Merlin's jumper. Concealing herself from view as best she could.
"Ah, Flower. None of that now." Eggsy's hand appeared on the screen to give Daisy's covered head a stroke. "Now come on. Don't ya want ta tell Harry bout the picture ya made im in daycare today? Or about ow ya got a gold star for knowin all the colors of the rainbow?"
A head shake.
"Well I very much look forward to seeing the picture. And congratulations on your gold star. Are you doing anything special tomorrow?" Harry didn't really expect she'd answer, but felt he should try since so much of this internet conversation hadn't involved her, the intended recipient of his attention.
A pause, then Daisy turned her head just enough that her half spoken, half yawned response was audible.
"I'm playin with Danny tomorrow."
"You are? Well have a splendid time then." With Danny? Daisy wasn't in daycare tomorrow. Eggsy and Jasper must have arranged a playdate. Were they meeting at a park…or were Eggsy and Daisy going over to spend time at Jasper's home? Surely they weren't going to another yoga class after the way the last one ended. Right?
"Kay."
Telling himself that Eggsy's self-preservation instincts were too well developed for the boy to risk returning to yoga, Harry was about to ask, just to be sure, when Eggsy spoke up.
"And the paintin today went real well too. Well aside from the smell of paint, I mean." The boy's nose crinkled up adorably. "Ryan got a lot done. Be back tomorrow as planned."
Ah, yes. He'd forgotten that Eggsy's friend was due to start painting Daisy's room now that the boy had created a design that Daisy had been willing to sign off on. She'd been surprisingly picky and demanding according to Eggsy. Eggsy's friend Ryan had had to come up with multiple designs before hitting on the one Daisy had picked. Inspired by her dress, no doubt, Daisy had decided that she just wanted one accent wall with a cherry blossom tree in full bloom. The sketch had been lovely.
Eggsy reached out a hand to stroke Daisy's head again. "Say night now, Flower. Time for bed like Harry said."
"Kay." A sigh and then Daisy looked over at them, shyly bringing up a hand to wiggle her fingers in their direction. "Night, night, Unca Harry. Mr. Addy-son."
"Good night, Daisy." Harry answered back, Addison mumbling his own version of the sentiment. Though at least the man was looking at Daisy when he did it. That was practically a declaration of love and devotion from the man.
"Say night ta everyone else too, now. And night from me, as well."
Following Eggsy's gentle instruction Daisy said 'Night' and gave another, even less enthusiastic little wave.
All the Statesmen, including Whiskey, returned the sentiment.
Merlin nodded in their direction and then the screen went black once more.
"Who is their right mind gives you kids to look after?" Whiskey wanted to know, the way he drawled out the question making it clear he meant that to be as insulting as possible.
Fortunately for everyone else Harry was mature enough not to rise to the bait. "A not terribly observant and biased social worker."
He might be a better parent than he'd thought he would be, but Harry was under no illusions that Eggsy wasn't the glue that kept them together. And his sanity intact.
"So he's really a house elf? Or part, I mean." Tequila wanted to know, tipping back his chair rather dangerously in Harry's opinion.
"So they tell us. And his skill in the kitchen does go a long way towards verifying it in my mind, at least."
"Huh. I ain't never eaten anything made by a house elf before. Maybe next time I'm on the other side of the pond you could invite me over for dinner."
"We'll have to see how the rest of these meetings go." Was Harry's dry response.
)
The next morning, after he'd finished shaving and dressing for the day, Harry was left to stare at his cellphone as he debated whether or not to call Eggsy. Just to see how they were doing and kill time until he and Addison were due to leave for the day. Yesterday's bedtime conversation hadn't gone at all to plan after all, and Harry had the sneaking suspicion that Champ would insist that tonight's message be taken in the boardroom as well. The lot of them had all been far too interested in Eggsy and Daisy after the first talk. And while discussing the two was preferable to pretending that these meetings were actually intended to do more than attempt to put him in his place, Harry wasn't about to tell them more than he deemed fit.
Eggsy had texted him confirmation that he'd gotten the various recipes Ginger had collected and then messaged to Merlin to give to him, so he could already relay that to them. If he spoke to Eggsy now he could get enough details about their day that the members of Statesman would have no grounds to insist they be present to hear what Eggsy and Daisy had been up to and what they'd thought of American cuisine.
All right...he wanted to make sure that both were all right and Jasper hadn't allowed the boy to be eaten alive by stay at home mothers.
And if he was going to call he better do it now before he was due to head out to Statesman's headquarters.
Mind made up Harry accessed Eggsy's number and hit contact before he could second guess himself. A wise move as it turned out, since when Eggsy spoke his name over the line he sounded absolutely ghastly.
"Eggsy? Are you ill? Have you seen a doctor? Do you need someone to watch Daisy for you because I can have-"
"Easy, Harry." A very, very weak chuckle. "I ain't sick. Just got no sleep is all. And Daisy was in a right mood this morning. Water wasn't wet enough. She's at Jasper's now, playin with Danny. I almost canceled the whole thing, but Jasper insisted. And he ain't called me to come get her yet, so that's good. Promised him some of the fried chicken tomorrow either way."
"Why couldn't you sleep? Is something wrong?" Dammit, he knew he should have refused to come.
"Roxy."
"Roxy?" Why would she prevent him from sleeping?
Harry really didn't like where his mind went as a result of that mental query.
"She gave me this book, said I had ta read it. Not my usual thing, but I said I'd give it a whirl. Nearly six hundred bloody pages." Eggsy grumbled the last sentence. "Wasn't nothin on the telly worth watchin last night after Merlin left, so I figured what was the harm in reading a few chapters. Read the whole sodding thing and now I'm on ta the next book in the trilogy. And of course it's just as fucking long as the first."
"Ah." Thank heavens. "So you're enjoying it aside from the sleep deprivation?"
"Yeah. It's pretty sick. It's about a world where humans don't know about witches, vampires and daemons." Eggsy's enthusiasm came through loud and clear over the phone. "Though in this book they ain't like any daemon I've ever read about. They're just super creative people prone ta goin off their nutter. Anyway, there's this witch who don't want ta be one who comes across this magic book that all the other magical creatures want ta get their hands on. She ends up teaming up with this vamp and there's a lot of real life history and shit about alchemy mixed–nevermind. I mean-what's up? Them Statesmen treatin you proper? Bet I could bribe all your lot ta go there and kick their arses."
"For your food there is not much they wouldn't do." Harry agreed. "Now what's the book series called? I'll have to check it out myself if you and Miss. Morton hold it in such high regard."
A minute of reflection on Eggsy's part. "Actually...given your taste in movies you'd probably love it. It's called the 'All Souls' trilogy. Rox lent me all three ta read. Sure she wouldn't mind ya doin the same. The whole reason she said I had to was so she'd have someone ta talk about them with."
"Well I can ask her when we see her on Saturday."
"Hopefully it will improve her mood. You'd think it was a trip to the dentist, the way she went on about it."
"Well the poor girls are rather treated like horses at auction. And for those who don't get bid on, or for very low amounts..." Harry trailed off with a sigh. "Well let's just say that I was very glad not to be a teenage girl in my day. Or now, for that matter."
"Too right. I am not lookin forward ta when Daisy gets big, let me tell you. We'll have our work cut out for us, we will."
"Thankfully I'm rarely unarmed."
That elicited a laugh, though it ended on a sort of yawn.
"You really should have a nap before you have to pick Daisy up again."
"Naw. Couldn't sleep anyway. Bloody book. Just pray that this one don't end on a cliffhanger or somethin that compels me ta start the last one. Otherwise we'll have ta have takeaway for your return supper."
"That would be fine." Though he missed Eggsy's cooking terribly. "Might I suggest though that you get in touch with Miss. Morton and find out what part to stop reading at. In order to ensure that you're conscious tonight and tomorrow."
"Huh. That could work. Maybe. I'll do that."
"Good."
"So ya didn't say why ya called."
Harry smiled in amusement. "I'm keeping you from your book, in other words."
"No big. Rather talk ta ya any day." Eggsy assured him.
The silence that followed that on both ends...well Harry told himself that meant nothing. Even as he hurried to ask if Merlin had eaten them out of house and home yet.
"He's giving it his best shot."
"If necessary I can ban him from the house. Though I'd really rather not. He's incredibly childish when he pouts."
"Oh I know. He wanted me ta make every single thing Ginger emailed me. When I told him he had to pick between the pie and buttermilk cookie salad...it was sad really. Ya'd have thought I gave im a puppy and then took it away from im."
"The what salad?"
The sound of Eggsy's laugh shouldn't have warmed him the way it did.
"I know. Sounds mental, don't it? But the recipe sounds like it could be good. It's what he chose, too, so we'll see. I'll send ya a piccie of it."
"Do that. I'm curious now."
"And speaking of biccies-though why do they call them cookies, anyway?"
"That's like asking why they can't call football by its proper name. They're Americans. Though the Canadians do it as well. But you were saying?"
"Right. I was thinking I should make some, wrap them up good and send them ta these Statesman in thanks for the recipes. And so they'll leave ya alone in the future. Merlin says this meeting was just about politics and the cowboy tryin ta make ya follow his orders cause your last boss was an arse ta them."
"If we feed them we'll never get rid of them. But yes, that would be a nice gesture on your part if you want."
"Cheers." A sound that might have been a stifled yawn. "So shouldn't ya be havin breakfast right about now? You ain't skippin it cause I ain't around ta make ya, right?"
Shit.
"Harry..."
"I had an apple." Champ had arranged for a fruit basket to be delivered to the hotel before his arrival. "And if you saw what they were offering downstairs you'd avoid it as well. Not to mention it's in no way my fault that you've spoiled me for all other cooking."
Harry could hear the gruff pleasure in Eggsy's voice. "Well eat a decent lunch and dinner at least."
"I shall do my best." Harry promised.
"Good." A moments pause. "So ya getting in any sightseeing while you're over there? Though come ta think of it...is there really anythin ta see in Kentucky?"
"Aside from the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May...well there are the Mammoth Caves. That could be interesting to view when Daisy is a little older. Provided she's fine traveling underground and isn't claustrophobic. Are you?"
"Never been in a cave before. But I think I'd be all right. Is that it?"
"I'm sure I could find something else but-"
Two very loud and hard knocks at his door.
"Ah. Addison is here. We're sharing transportation, obviously." Getting to his feet Harry grabbed his laptop bag with his free hand and slung it over his shoulder.
"Good idea. Specially since I don't know if you'd want ta trust him alone with all those cowboy hats ta set on fire." Laughter. "Are you still gonna chat with Daisy tonight?"
"Oh course. And I'll do my best not to include the Statesmen."
Having walked over to the door and opened it-Addison's disgruntled look not something he wanted to see this early in the morning but oh well- Harry pointed to his phone and mouthed Eggsy's name before Addison could say anything.
Mumbling something that sounded like 'Of course it is' Addison gave him once last dark look before spinning around on his heels and heading in the direction of the nearest elevator, Harry following after him once he'd closed the door securely behind him.
"So guess I should let ya go then. Talk ta ya later. Oh-and good luck with that lot. Specially that Caterpillar bloke. Someone ought ta tell im that staches like that went out of style with the eighties."
"Well if I shoot him I promise to do a better job of it than I did the last time."
"Ya shot im before?"
"It was entirely justified, I assure you. Or it-I'll explain later." Harry cleared his throat, ignoring the smirk Addison was aiming in his direction as they waited for the lift to arrive. "Enjoy your book and do try and work in at least a small nap."
"I'll try. Later."
"Later."
Chapter 29: For England
Chapter Text
For England
In half an hour's time he'd be due to excuse himself to contact Daisy and Eggsy, a task Harry was relatively sure would go a great deal easier than it had the day before. He wasn't entirely sure the Statesmen would allow him to leave them out of the loop, true, but at least there would be no arguing about whether or not he could make the connection and have a brief chat with them. In fact, now that they'd been introduced to his ward and Eggsy, the members of Statesman seemed far more inclined to like and want to get along with him. Possibly because of Eggsy's food. Most likely Eggsy's food. The lot of them spent quite a bit of time in Europe after all, and no doubt they were already planning on how best to wrangle a dinner invitation from him. It probably went without saying that they'd use continued good relations between their organizations as an excuse.
In the corner of his laptop a message popped up informing Harry that another message had been sent to the account only Kingsman and Eggsy knew about or could access. And they weren't supposed to use it unless it was important. So naturally he brought it up immediately and quickly scanned the message there.
'Hey, Harry. Sorry to bug ya but I just wanted to let ya know that you don't need to worry bout messaging us tonight. Daisy's down for the count already thanks to the fried chicken. Picture attached. Have a good night, Harry. Eggsy'
Raising an eyebrow Harry brought up the picture in question.
Only decades of pitiless training kept him from breaking out into great, bellyaching peals of laughter. He couldn't help but smile though.
In the picture Merlin was sitting with his back against the headboard of Eggsy's bed, legs stretched out on the covers before him. And on top of Merlin, her limbs doing an excellent imitation of a starfish, was Daisy. Both were wearing their everyday clothes despite being very much asleep, the two so adorably ridiculous together that Harry couldn't save the picture to his personal files quickly enough.
Addison leaned over to get a look, his voice hardly above a murmur when he spoke.
"I want a copy of that."
"I don't think Merlin would appreciate that very much."
"I haven't killed anyone here. I deserve a reward."
Harry was pretty sure that Addison intended to use the picture as blackmail to get the choicest weapons and assignments from Merlin for the foreseeable future...but the man really had been on his best behavior this whole trip. Not that that was saying all that much.
"Fine."
And since the cowboys around him were still giving Gin all their attention, the Statesman was being brought up to speed on everything they'd been discussing as he'd only just joined them, Harry took advantage of that to send a quick message back to let Eggsy know he'd received the original message.
'Thank you for the heads up. Meetings are going well today, so no worries there. I take it the food was good and the two of them enjoyed putting themselves into food comas. You're all right?'
Eggsy's response stated that he knew when to stop. The other two hadn't even had any dessert.
Wow. That was impressive given Merlin's sweet tooth. Harry couldn't recall another time where the man in question had ever not had room for something sweet. Particularly when that something was made by Eggsy.
'You'd have thought I'd been starving them for a week the way they was going at it. I had to lie that we was out of the fried chicken so there'd be some left to give to Jasper and Danny tomorrow. Plus I had to save a piece for myself so I could see how it tastes cold too. But yeah, that chicken was totally brilliant, especially with Ginger's coleslaw recipe. I definitely owe her and that Tequila bloke some biccies.'
'I'll pass along your thanks.' Harry assured him back.
'Sick. Oh, btw, which couch in the house is the most comfortable to sleep on?'
What on earth? Why would Eggsy need to know...oh. Merlin was sleeping on Eggsy's bed at the moment. And Daisy's room smelled like a paint shop, no doubt. The poor boy didn't have a bed to sleep in unless he woke Merlin up and kicked him out. Which Eggsy would definitely not do. The only other bed in the house was...his.
Images of Eggsy in his bed instantly sprang to Harry's mind. Clothing of any sort increasingly optional before becoming nonexistent the longer he thought about it. Shit.
Telling himself not to think about it was pretty much a lost cause, but Harry did his best to tell himself the message he sent telling Eggsy to just use his bed tonight was utterly selfless.
'Are you sure?'
'Of course. And remember not to stay up all night reading your book.'
That sounded very normal and not at all weird, right? Very normal. No hint at all that he was imagining what Eggsy would look like in his bed. Naked. With him.
Addison cleared his throat, the look he gave Harry when he looked up to meet his agent's gaze suggesting that at least something of what he was thinking was on his face. Or the man was just that perceptive. Men like Addison didn't live long if they weren't as observant as they were aggravating after all.
'I have to get back to the meeting, good night.' Harry quickly sent before Eggsy could respond to his previous message.
'Night, Harry.'
Ending the conversation Harry turned his attention back to the front of the room, deliberately not looking in Addison's direction.
God, would these meeting never end?
)
Actually...the meetings didn't go that long overall. Champ had apparently decided to quit playing around with him and got down to business, which was much appreciated. They actually got a decent amount of work done and bridges rebuilt before Champ announced that they were all going out for a special dinner in their honor. The Statesmen didn't have a house elf but Champ apparently knew the best place to get Southern BBQ, so the Statesmen were going to send their British cousin off in proper style. Which meant after they'd taken a plane to Texas, where said BBQ was, they also had to take the plane back to Kentucky and engage in a great deal of drinking to cap off the evening. Which really, given the codenames used by the Statesmen, Harry should have better prepared for. Or at least apologized to his liver in advance for.
Harry wasn't a serious drinker to begin with, and he preferred quality over quantity, but one did not offend one's host unless one had to. And he could hold his own, thank you very much.
It was also, as always, disheartening to see that the makers of 'Love Actually' had not exaggerated regarding the affect British accents had on American women. Though the fact that he possessed manners and said please and thank obviously elevated him substantially over the other occupants of the bar Champ had taken them to. That he and Addison were also the only ones in formal, non-cowboyish suits didn't help either. It drew far too much attention to them to begin with.
Though on the A side they had been imbibing for well over an hour before one of the 'gentlemen' wearing a Confederate flag T-shirt and sporting something that look distressingly similar to a mullet came saunter over in their direction. Likely in reaction to the woman who'd just stumbled on her rather high heels and tumbled right into Addison's lap.
The looks she was giving him were of course completely wasted on Addison. The look he was giving her should have sent her running as fast as her footwear would allow.
"Get your fucking hands off my woman, old man!" The mulleted man demanded, pointing a threatening finger in Addison's direction.
"If you think I wish to keep her you're out of your nonexistent mind. She's all yours."
For Addison that was polite.
"I ain't your any-thang, Bobby." The woman shot back as she deliberately wrapped her arms around a scowling Addison's neck. "And I'd much rather stay here than listen to you blather on about stupid football. You're British just like those princes, aren't you?"
Harry opened his mouth to tell her that she actually meant soccer, or should at least call it American football, but thought better of it. No point.
"Please remove yourself immediately, Madam."
Addison was done being polite it seemed.
Mentally praying that this wasn't going where he thought it was going, and dammit, he was trapped between Addison and Champ seating wise, Harry was in the process of clearing his throat with the intention of drawing the Americans' attentions to himself when Tequila decided to run his mouth. As usual.
"Settle it down there, Buddy. Trust me, that guy ain't interested in her."
"You saying there's something wrong with her?" Mullet wanted to know, 'his woman' looking equally put out as she looked at Addison to come to her defense as well.
She'd have a long time to wait.
"Off."
Gasping in offended shock the woman called Addison a jerk and then attempted to slap him, which wouldn't have been all that successful even if Addison hadn't caught her wrist with ease. The woman's hand-eye coordination was nonexistent currently. And Addison was still holding onto her wrist, no doubt to make it clear he meant business.
Which of course led to Bobby grabbing that arm and squeezing it as he stated that Addison needed to get up so that he could teach him some manners.
Harry's estimate of the American's intelligence then went up a few points when the man knew enough to state that Addison should remember who had come out the loser in the American Revolution after Addison told him to bugger off.
"Given that we lost you lot, I rather think we won that one in the long run." Addison stated as he kicked out at the man's shin, which had his arm released as Bobbly went stumbling back and into another group of men.
And while that happened Addison smoothly slid out of the booth with his lap still burdened, Addison depositing Bobby's current or former lady friend on her stilt shoes an arm's length away from him. His warning look had her hurrying away, and satisfied that she was out of the way Addison turned his attention back to Bobby with feral anticipation.
Bobby was of course blaming Addison for making him stumble into the now angry at him group of men, the American quick to point out that Addison was foreign, obviously some rich, stuck up prick for wearing that suit to a bar, AND he'd dissed their country and women.
Sighing Harry slid out as well and moved to stand at Addison's side as the group of six men, plus Bobby, started over towards them.
"There's only seven of them."
"I know. But Daisy will be upset if you're visibly injured in any way."
"She'll be even worse if you're the one hurt." Addison resorted.
"Aww, like we'd let you two have all the fun." Tequila drawled out as he moved to Harry's other side.
Gin's "Too damn right" signaled that they would have another American getting in their way.
Oh well. He did need to avoid any injuries that would upset Eggsy and Daisy.
Unfortunately...more people quickly got involved, feeling it was their patriot duty to do so once it was established that the Brits were kicking their American asses.
Plus Harry and Addison were proud English citizens.
For Queen and Country!
)
It was Charles Dickens who'd once said that 'Though home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit answered to, in strongest conjuration.' Harry had understood the idea in the abstract, of course, but not as it applied to himself. Perhaps he'd never really had a real 'home' to come home to. That he understood Dickens' words now, could understand how just the idea of 'home' could lift his spirits and give him strength, move him, well...it was humbling to think about. While thrilling at the same time. To know he had a home and people waiting for him.
Two people, neither of whom would be thrilled at the state of his knuckles.
Harry looked down at his hands with a sigh. They were currently submerged in a small bucket of ice water and had been off and on since he'd boarded the plane over five hours ago. He was hoping that the swelling would be down by the time they touched down in England, though the skin was torn up enough that Eggsy was sure to notice at some point. And would probably scold him over them once he saw them.
But at least that was the worst of it. None of the blokes he'd personally faced off against had been well trained in the art of urban warfare. Some of them had certainly known how to throw a punch, and in one case attempt to bite, but they hadn't been aware enough to use their environment to their advantage or work together to better their odds.
Glancing over in Addison's direction Harry's lips curved a little at the sight of the man's stubble. Something he hadn't seen in years since Addison hated being less than clean shaven. Stubble drove him crazy and even as he watched the other man lifted a hand to scratch along his jaw line. And yet Addison didn't take advantage of their long flight and fully stocked bathroom to remove the offending hair.
He was keeping it for Daisy's sake.
One of the men last night had managed to land a glancing blow that had left a bruise and slight cut on Addison's left cheek. Marks that were now hidden behind the scruff.
"We should be landing soon."
Addison inclined his head in acknowledgement.
"You're still coming to dinner, yes? Daisy is looking forward to seeing you again."
"We're having those chips again?"
"That was the plan, yes." He hoped it was still the plan. God, he could taste them already.
"Then I'm still coming."
Conversation finished, both men returned to their own thoughts and said not another word to each other even after their plane landed and they exited with umbrellas open as the rain was pouring down in true British welcome.
Thankfully a car was waiting for them, Merlin waiting within it, and once they saw their luggage safety stowed in the car's boot they all headed off in the direction of London and home.
"So you've recovered from your food coma?" Addison drawled out as soon as the car started moving.
Not even looking in Addison's direction Merlin sent Harry a dark look that blamed him entirely.
"Eggsy messaged me last night explaining why Daisy wouldn't require me to contact you all."
"Fuck but that chicken was lethal. Couldn't stop eating it." Merlin shoved his hands under his glasses to rub at his eyes before withdrawing them. "I could hardly eat anything this morning for breakfast."
"Oh I wager if I asked Eggsy, he'd say you managed."
Another dark look. "Well I didn't want to be rude after he went to all that trouble."
"So you won't be joining us for dinner?" Addison inquired with a smirk.
"Of course I am. Eggsy is making chips."
Shaking his head in amusement Harry thought to change the direction of the conversation a little by asking Merlin if Eggsy had spoken to him about his plan to possibly send the Statesmen biscuits as a thank you for the recipes. And to promote goodwill between their two organizations at the same time.
"He did. He planned to make them this morning after dropping Daisy off at daycare. Waste of biscuits if you ask me. Except for Ginger, of course."
"The rest of them do grow on you a bit after repeat exposure. Except for Whiskey. I still don't trust him as far as Daisy could throw him." Which was not at all.
"Well you did shoot him in the head."
Addison snorted. "Pity his aim was off."
"My aim was not-nevermind. Merlin, what do I need to know so that business need not be discussed over the dinner table?"
And so the rest of the ride into London and Harry's neighborhood was spent going over everything that had been discussed during the Statesman meetings as well as everything new at Kingsman. And food OF COURSE. Merlin's favorite subject since Eggsy came into their life. Because of course they had to hear all about last night's dinner and today's breakfast in depth, on top of listen to Merlin bitch and complain about the fact that he was stuck supervising Kay's mission in Lisbon on Saturday afternoon which meant that he couldn't go to the polo match and bid on Daisy basket.
"If it's as good as you're saying it is I'm sure Eggsy will make it again in the future. And you can have the leftovers."
"There won't be any bloody leftovers. You lot will eat it all."
"Then have him invite you over for dinner the next time he makes it. It's not like he isn't used to you taking advantage of him and his cooking abilities."
"You're way worse than I am!"
"I am not."
"You get to eat his food three times a day." Merlin argued, crossing his arms in front of him definitely.
"Because I live with him!"
"Hogging him all to yourself. Selfish is what you are."
"You've just been spoiled, having him feed YOU so much this week." Eating food that should have been his.
"I'm ashamed to know both of you." Addison stated. "Now shut up or I'll shoot the both of you."
Chapter 30: Good To Be Home
Chapter Text
Good To Be Home
Looking out the window Harry could see that it was raining cats and dogs now as they finally pulled into his street. Which was an unfortunate thought since he actually knew the genesis of that expression and imagining drowned animals was never at all appealing. Especially given his love of dogs. But pushing that aside, which was helped by the sight of his house, Harry had a brief moment to wonder if he should consider getting Daisy a pet of some sort-it would provide her with a companion and teach her responsibility-when the front door to said house came flying open and a small, very familiar figure came bolting out the doorway and straight towards the car at a dead run.
Instinct taking over, Eggsy was hurt or something else was very wrong, Harry didn't think. He just acted.
Reaching for the car door handle Harry opened it and was out of the still moving car in one fluid motion. Training meant he was around the door and running towards Daisy without any wasted movement, the rain immediately drenching what wasn't protected by clothing and blurring his glasses. Which he ripped off and tossed to the side as he took the last two strides necessary before he could scoop Daisy up and into the protection of his arms.
Immediately her little arms wrapped around his neck in the toddler equivalent of a chokehold as she choked out his name. And before he could ask her about Eggsy Harry sensed the other man's presence, and then there Eggsy was in front of him, holding an umbrella and scolding Daisy for not waiting like she'd promised. And without her shoes too.
"What happened...?"
"She's been staking out the door since she got home from daycare." Eggsy supplied as he did his best to shield them from the rain despite the size of the umbrella. It wasn't really up to the task.
"So nothing's wrong." Harry stated, just to be sure.
Eggsy looked torn between laughter and something vaguely resembling remorse. "Ya mean besides you two getting all wet? Nah. We just-she missed ya an awful lot."
Since his ward was doing her best to burrow into him Harry couldn't argue with that, however unbelievable it was. And she was probably also trying to absorb some of his body heat given that she was now drenched to the bone and shoeless.
Obviously thinking along the same lines Eggsy stated that he'd switch with Harry, give him the umbrella and he'd take Daisy in to get her into warm clothes.
"NO!" Was Daisy's reaction, her arms tightening a millimeter more. And how was that even possible?
"Let's get her inside."
Nodding, Eggsy moved to walk at Harry's side, the three of them heading for the house together.
"So you won't be wearing any rings any time soon." Eggsy commented, the sidelong look he aimed in Harry's direction making it clear that yes, he'd noticed Harry's slightly swollen and marked knuckles. And the fact that the signet ring Harry always wore had been removed because of them.
Clearing his throat, Harry shrugged his shoulders a little. "Americans have hard heads. That's the worst of it. I promise."
The narrow eyed look Eggsy gave him made it clear how ready Eggsy was to believe him. Or not.
"If you like you can make a thorough study of me later to-ah. I mean..." Harry cleared his throat as the horror of what he'd just said, implied, registered in his mind. "What I meant was-I-there's no way to save that, is there? I'm fine, Eggsy."
Eggsy opened the door for them rather than answer, motioning for Harry to go inside while he dealt with the umbrella.
Once inside Harry belatedly turned his attention to the car and people he'd left behind when he'd come running. Needlessly. Dear God, they were going to hold this over his head for months. Though at least Merlin and Addison weren't even looking in his direction at the moment. Both men had their umbrellas out and seemed to be retrieving their stuff from the boot of the now parked car.
"Oh no. Dinner!" Eggsy whipped around to look in the direction of the kitchen with definite worry on his face before looking back in Daisy's direction with serious indecision.
"Go. Deal with it. I'll take care of Daisy." Somehow.
Showing a great deal more faith in Harry than he had for himself Eggsy stashed the umbrella off to the side and then took off running down the hallway towards the kitchen.
And with no choice but to rise to the occasion Harry stood at the doorway and called out to Merlin that he was going to get Daisy into dry clothes and that they should just come in on their own. When Merlin nodded Harry nodded back and then mostly closing the door to keep the elements out.
That done...he'd been given his mission and he had no choice but to accept it.
Formulating his course of action as he took the stairs as quickly as possible, Harry headed straight for the bathroom and the towels it would provide. Once there Harry informed Daisy that she needed to let him set her down on her feet. He wasn't going anywhere, but they needed to get her dry and into new clothes or they wouldn't be able to eat dinner. Including Gran Gran's chips.
It took a couple of gentle tugs but Daisy finally let him pull her off and set her on her feet, the poor little poppet looking an utter mess with her clothes and curls plastered to her body and eyes puffy in a way that suggested the water dripping off her face might not all be from the rain.
Retrieving a fluffy towel from the side rack, Harry did his best to dry her hair off with it.
"All right, that's the best we can do, I think. You need to take off your clothes and put them on the tub to dry off, all right? Then use the towel to dry off and wipe your feet off on the mat. I'll turn my back, as it isn't polite for a gentleman to see-you can undress yourself, correct?"
Daisy nodded.
"All right then. Oh." Belatedly remembering something from a previous visit Harry turned around and saw that there was indeed a bright yellow terry cloth robe hanging on a hook attached to the door. Grabbing it Harry offered it to Daisy with the suggestion that she put that on after.
"Ogay."
Turning around to give her his back Harry waited patiently while the sound of wet clothes being removed and hitting the tiled floor provided him with clues concerning her state of dress. And demonstrating her house elf blood Harry soon heard the wet smack of her clothes being draped over the tub, followed by some careful arranging before she returned to his side to give his trousers a tug.
Taking that as his cue Harry turned to face her, so very relieved to see that Daisy was wearing the robe and holding her arms out to him.
"Right. One moment." Shrugging out of his wet trench coat now that his arms were free and she'd been taken care of, Harry hung that over the shower railing and then picked Daisy up again.
And was nearly choked once more by a three year old.
But he could still breath so Harry didn't comment as they left the room and he walked the short distance to Daisy's bedroom. The door was wide open, the smell of paint strong in the air as they went inside. Looking around Harry noted that the cherry tree looked excellently rendered, which was a relief, and it appeared that the boys had done a good job of covering the furniture and ensuring that none of the paint went where it shouldn't.
Heading over to the dresser containing Daisy's clothes Harry again had to do some tugging to get his ward to turn him loose so that he could complete the second part of this particular mission. "Now then, do you need me to pick out some clothes for you?"
The look that elicited suggested she was a tad insulted he would ask.
"I'll take that as a no. I'm going to go look at your tree, just come get me when you're dressed, all right?"
"You stay with me?"
"I will, yes."
A moment to debate his truthfulness and then Daisy turned her attention to pulling open a drawer to start rifling through its contents.
Leaving her to it Harry strolled over to the appropriate wall to evaluate Ryan's artistic abilities, making a thorough study of it since he had nothing better to do. And looking it over was some distraction from the fact that Daisy kept shooting his back looks that suggested she thought he might make a break for the door at any moment. Who knew a child could have such a pointed gaze?
Though it was...gratifying and heartwarming as well, to know that she wanted him to stay with her that much. Had even run barefoot into a rainstorm to get to him. He hadn't really noticed her expression when she'd ran at him but...but Harry didn't think he was exaggerating too much to say that she was happy he was back and...it was nice to be missed.
When the second tug came Harry was expecting it and when he turned the only surprise was what Daisy was wearing. Were those wings?
The fuzzy blue footie pajama bottoms he'd seen before, but the top was a black hoodie that seemed designed to make her look like...a cat/dragon hybrid? The ears and the green slitted eyes on the hood reminded him of a cat, while the tiny wings, spikes, and the odd looking tail at the back suggested dragon. Why was part of it red with a horned skull on it?
"Is that a new top?"
Daisy nodded enthusiastically, actually smiling at him. "I'm Toofless!"
"I see." He didn't, but Harry figured he could ask Eggsy about it later as he picked Daisy up and settled her on his hip to give his neck a break.
"Eggsy's gots one too." Daisy whispered at him, bringing her hand up so that she could put a finger to her lips. "Shh. It's a secret."
Oh dear Lord.
"Don't tell." Daisy warned him, her very serious look completely wrecked by the adorableness of her outfit.
"I won't breath a word." Harry assured her, fighting back a smile.
A nod and then a demand that they go down for dinner. She was hungry.
"Good idea."
And so with images of Eggsy in a dragon hoodie circling around his mind Harry headed for the stairs with his ward.
)
Going straight into the dining room Harry wasn't remotely surprised to see that both Addison and Merlin were already seated and waiting to be fed. Eggsy wasn't in sight so he must still be in the kitchen, Harry surmised. Walking up the length of the table Harry pulled Daisy's chair out and transferred her into her seat without any difficulty this time around. Probably because the smell of Gran Gran's chips was definitely in the air even before Eggsy came in as if he'd only been waiting for Harry to arrive. Which maybe he had, in order to ensure that Merlin didn't eat everything before they got there.
"Do you need help with that?"
Eggsy opened his mouth, then rethought whatever he'd been about to say. "Yeah, actually. I've got more stuff coming."
So Eggsy held the tray and Harry transferred the various plates and bowls onto the table, carefully selecting where each one went. The peas were deliberately placed closest to Merlin, while the sausages were set near Addison. The bowl with some of Daisy's pink marshmallow concoction was also placed close to her since she'd be eating the majority of that. The pickles and condiments went wherever, and then Eggsy excused himself to get the chips and Daisy's plate.
"Harry."
Turning his head to see what Merlin wanted Harry neatly caught the glasses lightly tossed at him. Ah. Right.
Merlin had wiped them off and cleaned them already so Harry just slid them back into place while thanking them for bringing it and the luggage in for him.
"I'd comment, but I'm too much of a gentleman."
"What you mean is Eggsy said it would affect your biscuit supply if you teased him about it." Addison corrected, pleased to undermined the Scotsman. He was almost smiling.
"You gots a scratchy face, Mr. Addy-son."
Scowling automatically at the reminder the man in question stated he'd shave as soon as he got home.
"Was the tan-ja-rine man there?"
The way Daisy whispered the question made it was clear she considered the American president right up there with the Boogeyman or Bloody Mary.
"He stayed in Washington during our visit so no, we didn't have to deal with him."
"That's good."
Coming back into the room with the chips, God they smelled divine, Eggsy set Daisy's pre prepared plate down in front of her and then went to take his seat, the very large basket of chips still in his hand.
"All right you lot, we're starting with me and working our way round the table ta Merlin. And don't be lookin at me like that. We wouldn't have ta do this if it weren't for what happened with the fried chicken." Eggsy's gave Merlin a look that would do any mother proud. "I put more on as well, so if we go through this lot there will be more. I except ya all ta eat those peas and the rest too if ya want more chips as well, understand?"
As if to punctuate Eggsy's point Daisy shoved a chip in her mouth and made a yummy sound.
"Dais, wait till everyone's got their food too."
That definitely brought on a pout of epic proportions.
Not swayed Eggsy gave her a quelling look and then put a small amount of the chips on his plate before he handed the basket over to Harry, who tried and failed to take just as small an amount. But he didn't take that much. Really. And while Addison did manage to copy Eggsy Merlin took Harry and Eggsy's amounts combined, so there.
And unlike Merlin Harry made sure to put plenty of peas on his plate, as well as some of Daisy's j-ello. Because it made her happy. And was better than it looked. And only two sausages...mostly because he wanted to save room for more chips later on.
All this was done speedily too, as Daisy was watching them like a hawk as she waited for the moment when she would be allowed to start eating too.
Once all plated were filled...well talking really wasn't required. Or possible really. Well, aside from people asking others to pass something or Eggsy excusing himself to get more chips after they ran out.
It was after they'd all loaded up their plates for their second helpings, no need to rein themselves in this time around, that an actual conversation began that wasn't food related. I.e. Harry asked Eggsy if the hoodie Daisy was wearing was supposed to be a dragon.
"Yeah. Toothless."
While Harry mulled that over Addison wanted to know what kind of dragon was toothless.
"Oh he's got teeth. They're just retractable. So when Hiccup first meets him up close he thinks he's got none, than he finds out otherwise. Hiccup's a Viking, in case you's was wondering."
"I'm not sure which makes the least amount of sense...a dragon named Toothless or a Viking named Hiccup. Or was the latter a nickname?" That would make at least some sense to Harry's way of thinking.
"Nah. He's Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the third. From 'How Ta Train Your Dragon'." Eggsy explained with a grin. "There's a bunch of books, a couple of films, and a TV series."
"I wuv Hiccup." Daisy added very seriously. "And Toofless."
"Well you'll have to introduce me to the films sometime, then. So I can see them for myself."
"Two of your countrymen do voice acting in it, Merlin. Gerard Butler and Craig Ferguson."
Merlin, whose mouth was full, nodded in agreement.
Conversation ebbed then for a few minutes before Eggsy spoke up again. "Harry, remember how you was sayin before that some people think that Gifted people get their magic from ancestors who was magical beings? Do people think that Fire Gifted come from...?" Eggsy trailed off, perhaps recalling that there was someone with that particularly gift at the table. And who liked to start fires even when he was in a good mood.
"They say once upon a time dragons could take the form of humans." Addison stated with just the barest hint of a smile. "So who knows."
Because of course Addison liked the idea that he might be related to dragon.
"Fuc-fudge." Eggsy caught himself just in time. "Are you sayin that...there was real ones? That way back when there was real dragons in the world? Like the ones in movies and on them tapestry things they've got in museums and, like, all the Queen's castles?"
"According to our history books, by which I mean those of us who practice magic, they did. Though physical proof of that is hard to come by."
"Well the buggers liked ta burn everything up, including their dead." Merlin pointed out.
"I wants a dragon!"
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Daisy. They stopped living here on earth a long time ago. You'll have to make do with Mr. Fox for the time being."
"Amen." Was Eggsy's feelings on the matter.
And really, who could blame him?
Chapter 31: Feeling The Magic
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations I put all characters in, poor bastards. Thanks so much for reading, please let me know what you think!
Feeling The Magic
By the time dinner had come to a close Merlin had proposed to Eggsy three times. He probably would have continued to offer Eggsy and Daisy whatever their hearts desired if only they’d come to live with him if Harry hadn’t threatened to shoot him. Twice. Though it did warm Harry’s heart that not only Eggsy, but Daisy was stoic in their insistence that they would never leave him. Even though Daisy had appeared a bit tempted by Merlin’s promise to give her a pony and a fox themed bedroom with regular visits to the zoo to see real ones.
At least the man had the sense to realize offering her one as a pet would not end well.
Though given the way Eggsy’s food seemed to turn the Scotsman’s brains to mush Harry wasn’t entirely sure the man wouldn’t have added that promise to the mix if it meant Eggsy would live and cook for him for the rest of the Scot’s increasingly short life.
There was also the possibility that Addison was plotting how to get Eggsy too, but Harry was fairly confident that the fear of being saddled with a small child scared the man enough that Addison would probably stick to just dropping by for dinner occasionally. He could live with that.
After dinner Eggsy disappeared into the kitchen and then came back with two cloth sacks, one for each of the men, filled with leftovers and some snacks he’d prepared especially for them.
“Bless you, Lad.” And so saying Merlin leaned down and...and kissed Eggsy on the forehead.
What the fuck?!
“You’re an idiot.” Addison informed Merlin, echoing Harry’s thoughts. “And thank you for this, Eggsy.”
“You’re welcome.”
“No kissin Eggsy, Mr. Merwin. Only Unca Harry can.” Hands on her hips, Daisy gave Merlin a dark look that was nonetheless adorable.
“As you wish, Daisy. Can I get a kiss goodbye from you instead, then?”
Daisy gave him a rather ‘lady of the manor’ look before nodding, toddling over to give Merlin’s cheek a kiss once he bent down far enough for Daisy to reach him.
Addison settled for a quick handshake with Daisy, who was amused by the adult gesture and giggled her way through it.
Harry shook Addison’s hand goodbye. Then did his level best to crush Merlin’s in his when they shook hands afterwards. And while it hurt his already battered hand Harry was pleased that he came out the victor. Or at least his didn’t hurt badly enough that he let the ache show. The way Merlin did as he subtly flexed his now hopefully very sore fingers.
“Night, Harry.” Smirking, the bastard, Merlin inclined his head and then out the door he went with Addison, Harry ignoring the temptation to slam the door behind his ‘friend’.
Thought it was a near thing.
“You can tell the two of ya have been mates for forever.”
Turning his head to see Eggsy was smirking at him too, Harry felt he was absolutely justified in stating that he needed better friends.
“I’s your friend, Unca Harry.” Daisy reassured him, sliding her little hand into his, leaning against his side comfortably.
“Thank you, Sweetheart. That makes me very happy.”
“And Eggsy too.”
“And me too.” Eggsy agreed. “Now it’s time to head up and get ya ready for story time and bed.”
“No!” Daisy went from smiling sweetly to looking mutinous in a heartbeat. “Me stay with Unca Harry!”
“Now, Daisy...” Harry began.
“NO!”
“Dais, Luv, ya know that ya can’t-”
“NO!”
Listening to Eggsy try to reason with Daisy, and the girl wasn’t having any of it, Harry tried to come up with a solution that would give them all what they wanted. As it was Daisy was half asleep on her feet already, sheer stubbornness keeping her awake given that she’d looked tired to begin with earlier, on top of her very full at the moment belly. Hmmm.
Harry waited for a lull in the back and forth between the siblings before speaking up. “How about this instead then. Why don’t we watch a bit of your dragon movie before bed instead of a story, Daisy?”’
“Toofless?”
“Yes, with Toothless.”
While Daisy considered his offer Eggsy spoke in a quiet voice meant only for Harry’s ears. “Ya can’t spoil her, Harry.”
“She’ll be out in five minutes or less.” Harry murmured back.
“Point.”
“We all watch together?”
Harry and Eggsy both nodded in agreement.
“Ogay.”
So they all left the front hallway to settle into the family room together on the couch, Daisy insisting on sitting in Harry’s lap too. Which he didn’t mind at all as Eggsy went onto Netflix to find the movie in question and bring it up. And so they settled in to watch the village of Burk be set alit by dragons, Daisy fast asleep in Harry’s lap before Toothless had a chance to make his appearance.
“Wanna keep watchin or...well you probably got stuff ta do, right?”
“Nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. I’ll take something before bed to help with the jet lag and the time difference. I’d like to at least see Toothless before turning in.” If Eggsy owned a hoodie like Daisy’s than he presumed the boy was a fan and therefore would want to watch the rest. Plus he had to admit that the teenage protagonist intrigued him.
“Ya sure?”
“Of course. Unless you want to go and read your book. I’d understand completely.” Be disappointed, yes, but understand. It would be foolish to assume Eggsy had missed his presence as much as he’d-
“Nah. I’d rather hang out with you than-we're missin the movie.” And so saying, with a definite reddish tinge to his cheeks, Eggsy turned his attention back to the TV screen.
It took Harry a minute or two to do the same.
So they kept watching the movie in companionable, if slightly awkward silence for the first ten minutes or so. And the story did continue to entertain as Harry found out that Toothless the Dragon had a lot in common with household cats. And that Hiccup was equally adorable. The question of whether the boy had it in him to kill a dragon in the arena to win his people’s approval went unanswered though as a warm weight suddenly pressed up against his side. The side Eggsy had been sitting on.
Turning his head slowly to the left Harry stared at Eggsy’s slumped form, the boy’s hat sitting eschew on his head now that he was leaning against Harry’s side for support, hiding his face from him. But Eggsy was fast asleep judging from the boy’s slow, even breathing.
Huh. Well this was...unexpected.
How long he just sat there, every one of his senses focused solely on Eggsy, Harry wasn’t entirely sure. A no doubt embarrassing amount of time to be sure. But finally Harry did realize that actions needed to taken, especially since his back wasn’t up to spending the rest of the night sitting on the couch this way. Lowering as that was to admit.
Lifting Daisy from his lap and depositing her at the far end of the couch, Harry was then able to get up and with some Twister level twisting was able to lower Eggsy down gently and then lift his legs up so that he was curled up on the couch somewhat comfortably.
Harry missed the boy’s weight immediately.
“I’m an idiot.”
Shaking his head at himself Harry figured he would start with the smaller load and retrieving Daisy picked her up into his arms and headed for the staircase and the second floor. Since he knew for a fact that Daisy’s room was still unusable Harry took her straight to Eggsy’s room, pulling the covers back to deposit her under them. Tucking her in well Harry took a moment to make sure she was still fast asleep before rounding the bed to pull back the other side in anticipation of her brother’s arrival. Provided he could pull that off, of course.
Heading back downstairs Harry mentally debated how to best go about getting Eggsy to his bed without waking the boy up or causing himself physical injury. As much as he’d like to think he could carry Eggsy Harry was also well aware that the younger man had been putting on weight since he’d come to live with him and he was fairly sure that should he try to lift Eggsy he could do it...but they wouldn’t get very far.
Getting old sucked.
The obvious alternative was to use magic. Eggsy’s magic, to be specific. While Harry’s Water Gift certainly came in handy in a multitude of situations, this was not one of them. Whereas Eggsy had the gift of Air, which was very much suited for this task. And while waking Eggsy up and teaching him how to bolster his Gift through his connection to Harry would completely defeat the purpose...there was a chance that their magical ties to each other would allow Harry to utilize Eggsy’s Gift without Eggsy having to be awake for it. Of course having never been magically tied to someone before Harry had no idea if it would work or not. He’d just read and heard about others that in tune with each other. But he was willing to give it the old college try, as they said.
In Kingsman they were taught how to share their magic with others, working as a team to take down an opponent. It wasn’t difficult when you were working with someone who worked the same elemental gift as you, but otherwise...well there was good reason to practice beforehand. Especially since it was instinctive not to want others in control of something that was such a big part of one’s self.
Their elements could work well together if handled properly, and their magic had shown itself to be perfectly in synch with each other’s when Chloe had brought them to the surface. Of course with Eggsy unconscious the boy’s magic would normally be more shielded and resistant to being manipulated without the boy’s permission...nevermind.
“Here goes.”
Raising a hand in Eggsy’s direction, palm out, Harry focused on calling Eggsy’s magic to him, the response he got nearly bringing him to his knees.
It was like he’d been stuffed in an airless room for hours and just been let outside into fresh summer air. A breeze was suddenly swirling around him like-like a bunch of cats winding through his legs while rubbing up against him in affection. There wasn’t a sense of power or force to the air as it swirled around him. It didn’t even send anything around him flying, so focused was it on him. Instead it was soft and gentle and somehow...loving. He could taste Eggsy’s magic in his mouth and it was filled with joy and happiness and was eager to do his bidding. Was his to commend. He only had to ask and it would obey.
Fuck
Moaning low in his throat, he couldn’t muffle it in time, Harry’s lashes fluttered closed as he let himself bask in the headiness of it for a moment. The boost the connection gave to his own magical levels was intoxicating enough, but this was Eggsy’s magic and to find it so receptive and perfect for him...well it did things to him. Made him want and need and think the unthinkable.
It took longer than it should have for him to rein himself in, but Harry managed it with great regret even though the link was still there with Eggsy’s Gift clinging possessively to his body and ruffling his clothes and hair. And forcing himself to draw on that magic properly Harry sent it back in the direction of its original master, the air doing his bidding like the Air Gift was his originally.
Without a hitch the wind reached Eggsy and lifted him up and into the air, Eggsy’s hat hitting the floor but not Eggsy as the breeze brought him over to Harry who had dropped his arms so that they were pressed up against his sides, bent at the elbow with his palms now facing upward.
With the faintest of thuds Eggsy hit his chest, Harry carefully switching the direction of the magic so that it was coming from his palms to keep Eggsy floating about an inch above his hands. That way if the magic gave out or something else went wrong he’d be in a position to catch Eggsy on the way down.
Which he almost did, as within seconds of coming into contact with Harry’s chest Eggsy curved his body closer while wrapping his arms around Harry’s neck, murmuring his name as he nuzzled in.
But Harry caught himself just in time, the magic wavering only for a moment before training thankfully kicked in. Then carefully, like he was holding the most breakable and priceless of treasures, Harry used the magic to carry Eggsy out of the room and up to his bed. Eggsy’s bed. Not his bed. Must not put Eggsy in his bed. Despite the fact that that was where Eggsy had slept the night before. In his bed.
Fuck.
Thank God for the sleeping potion waiting for him in his room.
)
Between the potion and the time differences Harry slept in the next day, which was just fine with him. Not so fine with Daisy, it seemed, as Eggsy would later inform him that the girl made numerous trips up the stairs to check on him throughout the morning. She might also have tried to shake him awake a few times before Eggsy caught her and made her stop. Either way Harry woke up feeling quite refreshed and aware, which was a good thing since he also awoke to find Daisy staring at him like she was a scientist and he something in a microscope she was studying.
“You was sleepin forever!” Daisy informed him disgruntledly. “I told Eggsy ta kiss ya, but he said no.”
“I...” Oh, right. Sleeping Beauty. Huh. Now there was an interesting thought. “Well it’s very ungentlemanly to kiss someone when they aren’t awake to give permission, Daisy.” Permission he would have quite happily given.
As if on cue Harry’s prince stuck his head through the doorway with a scowl on his face, hissing Daisy’s name or at least starting to before realizing that Harry was awake. “Shit. Sorry.”
Sitting up in bed Harry self-consciously finger combed his bedhead down while stating that it was quite all right.
“Unca Harry’s awake now.” Daisy informed Eggsy unnecessarily.
“I see that. And you wasn’t ta wake im up, remember?”
The way Daisy’s eyes darted around to look everywhere but at them made it clear that yes, she did remember. But wasn’t about to admit it.
“Right. Back downstairs with ya. Or else.”
A hopefully look was aimed in his direction, but well aware that he’d land himself firmly in Eggsy’s bad books as well, on top of discipline being important, Harry indicated the door with a jerk of his chin. Though he gave her a smile so she’d know he wasn’t mad at her.
Wearing a very pronounced pout Daisy dragged her feet the entire time as she made her way over to the door Eggsy was now holding open, finger pointed in the direction of the staircase. Once she was standing in front of her brother Daisy gave him a big-eyed look that was obviously meant to sway him, but Eggsy held firm and with a sigh Daisy disappeared from sight.
“Sorry bout that, Harry. She’s right slippery when she tries. Get’s it from me.” Eggsy added with a mischievous, adorable grin.
“No doubt. And don’t worry, it’s time for me to get up anyway.” A glance at his clock confirmed that before he turned his attention back to Eggsy. “Belated good morning.”
“And ta you. Now mind tellin me what you was thinkin, carryin me ta bed? Was you tryin ta put your back out?”
“Ah.” All right, Eggsy was right about that. But it still stung the ego. Though Eggsy also thought he had the strength to carry someone of Eggsy’s size and weight that far without waking him up, which was sort of flattering. And not the point. “Actually I borrowed some of your Air Gift to help me get you upstairs. My back is fine, I promise.”
Eggsy’s brows furrowed in confusion as he walked over to him. “Borrowed my gift?”
Having thrown off his covers as he spoke and stood, Harry froze like a deer in headlights as it occurred to him, hours too late, that just as you shouldn’t kiss someone you weren’t romantically or at least sexually involved with while they were unconscious, you also NEVER used someone’s magic without their prior permission. And he’d never...
“I’m so sorry. So very...it didn’t even occur to me. In Kingsman it’s understood that we can borrow each other’s gifts if we need it, but that doesn’t in any way excuse me for channeling your power without your permission. That it didn’t even occur to me...” Harry trailed off, not sure how to begin to express his remorse over his conceit and transgression. That he’d done it for Eggsy’s benefit in no way excused him and...and... “I can’t believe that I-”
Eggsy placing a finger across his lips shut Harry up immediately.
“It’s fine, Harry. Ya used my gift ta what, take some of my weight so ya could get me upstairs?”
Harry nodded.
“Then that’s sick and I’m sorry I missed it. Don’t kick yourself over it. Ya can use my magic any time ya want, just like if I was in Kingsman with ya. It’s all good, okay?”
“I still shouldn’t have done it.”
Dropping his hand away Eggsy grinned at him. “So your arse ain’t perfect. There’s a news flash.”
Torn between being ridiculously relieved that Eggsy wasn’t cross with him and annoyed at the way he was being teasingly mocked Harry huffed out a sound of annoyance. “I get regular compliments on my posterior, thank you very much.”
“Doesn’t surprise me. It is pretty fine.”
And on that note Eggsy gave him a wink and then turned to head back towards the door with plenty of swagger to his stride as he called out that Harry should get his fine arse in gear and shower while he put together lunch for them.
Oh. Ah. Huh.
Chapter 32: It Happened One Day
Chapter Text
It Happened One Day
It was probably for the best that his paperwork had piled up in his absence since it meant that after lunch Harry didn't have the time to dwell on the fact that Eggsy had both noticed and appreciated his rear. Possibly. He wouldn't put it behind the cheeky little bugger to suggest that just to mess with his head. And all right, so he did think about Eggsy's comments more than he should have as the day went on. But he did do his work AND babysit Daisy at the same time which he deserved kudos for in his opinion. Even if he didn't have to do much when it came to the latter save for tolerate his ward's presence in his office.
Between her behavior the night before and that morning it hadn't required much brainpower on Harry's part to know that odds were Daisy was not going to take kindly to him being out of her sight for longer than a quick trip to the loo. And since Harry was also well aware that Eggsy had a lot to do in preparation for tomorrow, on top of having had to deal with Daisy alone while he was away, Harry had suggested over lunch that Daisy spend a few hours playing in his office. He'd do his paperwork and she could color, play with her toys, or whatever else she did when he wasn't around and also couldn't really play with her.
Eggsy had weakly protested the idea, it was obvious the boy hadn't meant a word of it, but Daisy was all for it and so after lunch Eggsy had gone off to do whatever he needed to do and Harry had helped Daisy carry her tea party table, six stuffed animals including Mr. Fox, two coloring books, one very large box of fat crayons, seven picture books, a blanket, Eggsy's old iPod, and LEGO into his office.
Daisy had setup her play area facing Harry's desk, just far enough away that she didn't have to crane her neck every time she looked up to make sure that he was exactly where he was supposed to be. Which she did distressingly often the first hour or so. After that she eased up a little and relaxed into her relatively quiet playing.
So Harry thought a little bit about Eggsy, diligently did his work, and shared his space with a three year old without any major problems arising.
And they said that men couldn't multitask.
"Unca Harry?"
Okay. And said three year old had abandoned her toys to come over to his side and he hadn't even noticed. Shit. Maybe Daisy had been right to send Addison with him to America. All this time spent behind a desk was making his Kingsman training go to shite at a rather alarming rate.
"Yes, Daisy?"
"Wants ta listen ta music with me? I know where Eggsy's speaker is."
The idea of listening to children's music ranked right up there with any number of torture techniques Harry had learned and experienced during his time with Kingsman. But she was looking at him so hopefully...
"Of course."
"Yay. Don't go, kay?" Daisy punctuated the statement with a pointed finger in his direction.
"On my honor."
Another beaming smile and then off she went at a run, banging his door shut on the way out. But oh well, it wasn't like she had enough upper body strength to cause it damage. He didn't think.
And she came back a minute or so later at a dead run, the girl very confident as she went about attaching the iPod to the sound system device. It really was remarkable how tech savvy today's children were. Of course they also couldn't do basic math without calculators and their spelling was often atrocious from what he'd seen and heard...but they knew how to plug things in and get machines to do those things for them.
He still wasn't over the fact that they weren't teaching cursive writing anymore in schools. There were just no words to describe some levels of stupidity.
Turning his attention back to his own screen, and glaring at it for a moment like it was its fault that the educational system and society as a whole was failing today's children, Harry was just thinking that he sure as hell would make sure that Daisy learned how to do cursive as well as print when the iPod became audible.
And he knew that beat.
"Daisy...is this...Queen?"
Stomping and clapping in time with the beat, Daisy nodded her head.
"I knew Eggsy could be trusted with your early education."
And as a Queen fan Harry had to do some smacking of the desk and stomping along to Daisy's great delight because, well, it was Queen and 'We Will Rock You'. Enough said. And he had to at least hum along with 'Crocodile Rock' when that immediately followed the previous blast from the past. Though he didn't recognize the next song other than the fact that the singer was Phil Collins. From the content Harry surmised that this was one of the ones the man had been contracted to perform for Disney.
After that was the song 'It's A Hard Knock Life' from Annie. Lovely. He hadn't heard it in ages.
The Gods were apparently looking out for him as Harry was pleased to recognize eight out of every ten songs on the iPod, the majority of which didn't make him want to bash his head repeatedly into a wall or hunt down their creators to end them for the benefit of parents everywhere. In fact he could sing along with almost half the songs being played if he were willing to subject Daisy to his singing. Which he wasn't.
Though he allowed himself to sing under his breath a little. He was only human after.
Not to mention the fact that Daisy, while possessing a sweet voice, also mangled the lyrics when she tried to sing along. Though it was sweet when she wasn't desecrating some of the greatest music ever created.
They were listening to 'New Girl in Town' from Hairspray when Eggsy opened the door and came in with a tray holding fresh chocolate biscuits and tall glasses of milk.
Wisely serving Daisy first at her little table, Eggsy left his sister to her snack and 'game' with her stuffed animals before coming over to set the tray and its remaining contents on a clear spot on Harry's desk.
"Thank you." Harry accepted the glass Eggsy held out to him. "Most appreciated."
"Well ya can't truly appreciate biccies without cold milk, Mum used ta say." Eggsy lifted his own glass in toast. "So she ain't driven ya up the wall yet?"
"She's been very well behaved. And has surprisingly good taste in music, which I assume we have you to thank for."
"Oh she's got playlists on that thing that would make a man consider throwin himself in front of traffic. She just knows which ones ta play for herself and which are for everyone. Lucky you, she picked one of the better ones."
"I am deeply grateful, yes." Biting into one of the biscuits after bracing himself for the unavoidable physical reaction he had to the greatness that was Eggsy's biscuits, Harry somewhat was able to bite back the moan of appreciation thanks to the mental preparation and the food in his mouth. "Perfection as always."
Ducking his head Eggsy mumbled something that Harry thought was thanks for the compliment.
Taking pity on them both Harry asked how the preparations were going for the next day and if there was anything he could do to help him.
"Nah. I'm pretty much on schedule. Only thing I'm worried about is...well nevermind. I should head back ta the kitchen, get-"
"Eggsy." Harry cut in quickly and firmly. "What?"
"It ain't-"
"Eggsy."
Proving that in some ways he was still very young Eggsy shoved as much of a biscuit as he could into his mouth, meaning that he couldn't talk.
Thankfully Harry was not a stupid man and it required little thought to guess the most likely reasons Eggsy would not be looking forward to the following day.
"I know that tomorrow you'll be surrounded by people who will no more understand you and your story than you will theirs. And while the majority of them will be polite and welcoming, at least to your face, there will be those who will make snide comments or insinuate things that are going to test both our tempers. I wish my presence at your side would prevent that, but just as their inbreeding has given them the ability to talk mainly out of their arses, it's also killed what little sense they could have been born with."
Eggsy snickered in appreciation, which had been his intention.
"I have no intention of leaving yours or Daisy's side tomorrow. And I assure you that I am more than capable of putting anyone who tries to cross us in their place."
"Ya gonna be my knight in shining armor, huh?"
"That is my intention, yes."
"Then I'm in good hands, then."
What he wanted to say in response to that Harry couldn't say...so he just smiled and nodded when Eggsy stated that he should head back to the kitchen.
Then sighed when Eggsy left.
Bugger.
)
For the most part Harry was able to continue working peacefully in his office with Daisy, though he did end up taking an hour's break to join her in playing with her LEGO. Which was how he found out that of their three generations Eggsy's had definitely created the best version of LEGO to play and build with. And that he still knew how to build recognizable structures with the plastic blocks, much to Daisy's delight. She preferred other people to build her buildings for her while she acted as architect. With a definite Preference for the pastel colored LEGO.
By the end of it Harry also had a fairly firm grasp of the lyrics for the song 'Let It Go' from 'Frozen' thanks to Daisy listening to it six times in a row once it popped up on the iPod for their listening pleasure. The damn thing got stuck in his head for a good hour afterwards. Bloody let it go, indeed.
Harry was also man enough to admit that he was desperately grateful when Eggsy rejoined them and suggested that they take a walk to stretch their legs, get the freshest air London had to offer, and then find somewhere to grab something for supper since he'd had enough of the kitchen for the day. His treat.
"My treat." Harry argued.
"Ya never let me treat."
"Because you cook all the time."
"Food!" Was Daisy's opinion.
"Why don't we see where we end up eating, then go from there."
Eggsy crossed his arms in front of him, the body language making it clear that he was prepared to take offense. Or at least be stubborn about this.
"Fine. But I'll buy the next one."
"Deal."
So they got on proper footwear and then headed out for a walk, had dinner that they all agreed was not as good as something Eggsy could whip up, and then came home to properly watch 'How to Train Your Dragon' together.
None of them suspected the changes the following day would bring.
)
The following day started much the way most Saturday mornings did. They all slept in a little, even Daisy for a change. Not by much according to Eggsy, but every extra minute was appreciated on the weekend. So the two of them were up before Harry and breakfast was almost ready when Daisy was sent to wake Harry up and remind him, very loudly, that they were going to a party later so get up! He got up and after a visit to the loo headed downstairs to join his family at the table and enjoy a very lovely breakfast and some much needed tea over the Saturday paper. Well, some of it. Daisy liked to think she could read the comic section so she got that first, and Eggsy was given the crossword to work on. Which, once the caffeine kicked in sufficiently, Harry was happy to help him with.
Once breakfast had been consumed and Daisy got impatient with them, they helped Eggsy take the dishes and such to the kitchen to be either returned to their assigned place or cleaned off and put into the dishwasher to be taken care of.
As the weather was shaping up to be as lovely as the weathermen had predicted for once, Harry suspected his aunt had paid handsomely for that to be guaranteed magically, Harry suggested that they head out a little early and take the longer route to his aunt's estate in order to better enjoy the scenery and countryside before the party.
Eggsy and Daisy both agreed that that was a great idea so they finished cleaning up and then they all headed upstairs to get dressed for the day. Harry had already laid out one of his light weight summer suits for the occasion, and Eggsy thankfully was taking care of Daisy's outfit since Harry was fairly sure he wouldn't have known where to start, much less make her presentable by the end of it. Unless she knew how, which struck him as a lot to ask of a three year old. But Harry soon discovered that Eggsy was indeed more than capable of meeting his assignment as Daisy came running to show him her finished look the moment Eggsy finished attaching her little hat to her curls. While Daisy spun around him and showed off Eggsy followed along with Mr. Fox, who was indeed sporting a ribbon bowtie to match Daisy's dress. It clashed as horribly with his fur as he'd thought it would.
"You look exquisite, Daisy. You'll put all the other young ladies to shame."
Beaming with pleasure Daisy took Mr. Fox from Eggsy and hugged it against her chest as she wiggled in delight.
Taking note of the fact that Eggsy was still wearing his pajamas, and looking as adorable as he always did, Harry carefully cleared his throat. "I'll keep her entertained while you get dressed, Eggsy. Go on."
"Ya sure?"
"Go."
The cocky salute Eggsy gave him amused Harry.
So while Eggsy went off to get ready Harry went downstairs with Daisy to hang out and pass the time until Eggsy came down the stairs to join them ten minutes or so later.
Oh.
He'd left the matter of Eggsy's suit in Thomas's hands. He'd known about it of course, when Eggsy dropped in to Kingsman for fittings and such. Merlin usually ended up on a sugar high and if he was in the shop's office Eggsy would always poke his head in to say hi and chat for a bit. So he'd known when the suit had been finished and had been given some details about color and style, but he hadn't checked it out personally, preferring to see it on Eggsy first.
Possibly not his best decision.
"You look stunning."
"Jezus, Harry." Eggsy lifted a hand, freezing just before his fingers could mush his carefully styled hair. Styled, Harry belated realized, very similar to his own.
"You need to learn how to take a compliment."
Shoving his hands into his pockets and hunching his shoulders, Eggsy muttered something that Harry didn't catch. What was audible was Eggsy's statement that they should load up the car and get going.
"Using Addison's birthday as a template, I assume there's a lot to take with us."
The look Eggsy gave him said that that was a big, obvious yes.
"Right. Let's get to it then."
Sending Daisy ahead of them to retrieve her purse and backpack from her bedroom, Eggsy called out a reminder to her to hold the railing as she came down the stairs, not bottom bump, as it would wrinkle her dress.
"Is she safe to go down the stairs that way?"
"Yeah, she knows ta be careful. She just likes goin down on her bottom cause of the sound effects."
"Ah."
Eggsy gave him an amused look as they reached the top of said stairs. "If ya want ta stay here and supervise I'll start bringing the stuff out ta the hallway."
He was torn, but Eggsy did know more about Daisy's ability to go down stairs better than he did. And would never allow her to be in harm's way. But she was so little and-and Eggsy was already halfway down the stairs, leaving him in his wake.
Well really.
Using his longer legs to catch up, Harry returned Eggsy's amused grin with a not amused look, though it was difficult to hold in place as his lips itched to return the smile.
"If ya want ta bring the car up ta the door, close as ya can, that would be good."
"Understood."
Splitting ways Harry headed for the front door and let himself out, smiling at the surprise he'd arranged for Eggsy, which was waiting in the street as ordered. Without telling Eggsy he'd requested that one of Kingsman's cars be dropped off at the house for their use. The black Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe was very much a statement car, Harry thought with a low sound of male approval at the beautiful piece of machinery in front of him. He knew Eggsy would approve.
Getting behind the wheel Harry had just backed it up into position and opened the car door up to exit when Eggsy stepped out onto the front steps, the younger man's jaw dropping so far it was a wonder it didn't hit the ground.
"HOLY SHIT!"
Bounding down the stairs Eggsy literally ran over to stand beside the car, the look of rapture on his face completely appropriate in Harry's opinion.
"We're goin in THIS?"
"We are."
"I get to ride in a fucking Rolls-Royce?"
Laughing, Harry informed him that he could drive the fucking Rolls-Royce if he liked.
Eggsy stared. And stared.
And then Eggsy grabbed Harry's face between his hands and kissed him.
On the lips.
Chapter 33: It Started Then
Chapter Text
It Started Then
It was so brief that calling it a kiss was probably giving it far too much credit. It would be far more accurate to say that Eggsy pressed his lips against Harry's hard enough to be felt, but it was over in a heartbeat and then the boy broke away with a crow of delight and turned to run over to the car's side to get a look at the interior of the vehicle. Which was what he was really excited about, not Harry himself. Obviously.
So that would have been that. Harry would have just chalked it up to something that would haunt him for a few days. Possibly longer, though hopefully not. And yes there would have been a little awkwardness and embarrassment on both sides later on when Eggsy remembered what he'd done, if he even remembered, but Harry would have been able to brush it off as no big deal. Hopefully.
Or at least Harry thought that that would be what would have happened had it not been for the fact that at the same time Eggsy realized what he'd done and whirled around to face him, Harry was in the process of swiping his tongue over his lips to catch what taste of Eggsy he could. Betraying himself in the process.
Which would have meant extreme, mortifying embarrassment for Harry, not to mention some fast talking on his part to excuse his reaction, if not for Eggsy's reaction to his reaction. Which was to morph from a look of embarrassed apology to one of sexual awareness, Eggsy's gaze centering on Harry's retreating tongue for several telling moments before slowly coming up to hold his gaze.
Fuck.
It was a punch to the gut. No, scratch that. To the throat. Much more debilitating and prone to making normal breathing impossible. As impossible as what was now undeniable as they stared at each other like a couple of lovestruck idiots in a rom com.
Harry had thought he was alone. That the sexual desire had been completely one sided as it should have logically been given that this was in fact not a romantic comedy where the impossible became possible. He was too old. And not nearly as attractive as Eggsy was. Not nearly as...alive and unburdened as Eggsy was, for that matter. And there were so many other reasons. Too many reasons to count why it wouldn't even occur to Eggsy to even think of him that way, much less want to...but he did. Eggsy wanted him.
It was there in the other man's eyes as Eggsy very slowly came closer, so halting in his stride that he reminded Harry of a colt finding his legs. So unlike the athleticism and grace of Eggsy's usual stride. There was trepidation in Eggsy's eyes too. But also heat and want. Harry was NOT imagining that either.
And more than that Harry felt it in his gut. His bones. Hell in his fucking magic as it sang through his blood and demanded that he acknowledge his bond with Eggsy ASAP. Their bond. Which was humming in the air and wrapping around them like when he'd used Eggsy's magic Thursday night to carry him upstairs. And he'd be willing to bet a sizable sum that Eggsy was feeling the same thing.
Then Eggsy was standing in front of him, close enough to wrap him up in his arms if he wanted to, and Harry's brain pretty much imploded on him all over again as they stared at each other. And stared at each other. And stared some more which would have been romantic if not for the fact that Harry was pretty sure Eggsy was just as paralyzed by indecision and fear as he was.
But when he manned up enough to really think and see the nerves and fear that were starting to overwhelm the much more appealing emotions he'd been seeing in Eggsy's beautiful eyes...well Harry did what he had to do. He lowered his head and brushed his own lips against Eggsy's, deliberately keeping it as quick as Eggsy's early kiss. Just in case. His self-preservation instincts were still somewhat working after all. And that could be brushed off if-
"That...that the best ya can do, Harry?"
Lifting his head enough to meet Eggsy's gaze Harry had a moment to marvel at the audacity and sheer ballsiness of youth before letting his lips curved into the sort of cocky smile he had once given in his own twenties when he'd have been all over Eggsy like white on rice from the moment he'd laid eyes on him.
A very similar smile was sliding into place on Eggsy's face too as he placed his palms on Harry's chest, sliding them up to brace them on Harry's shoulders as Eggsy went up on tip toes. And Harry lowered his head again.
Now this was a kiss.
This was wet and delicious heat and-
"EGGSY!"
Jumping apart like Addison had set off an explosive between them, Harry and Eggsy both whirled in the direction of the house just as a visibly upset Daisy came through the doorway and out onto the stairs.
"I can't find my purse!"
Oh.
Shit. Dammit. Fuck. Bloody Fucking Hell.
"Wot? I mean...where...where did ya see it last, Luv?"
"I don't know." Daisy whined out, her lower lip wobbling dangerously.
Eggsy turned his head to look at him, looking as visibly torn as he no doubt did. But alas...their duties must come first. Dammit.
"Right. Well then...Daisy, no crying now. You're British, that means you must keep a stiff upper lip whenever possible. Particularly when you had the purse in your room last night, so it's obviously still in the house. Eggsy, since you know what we're taking you concentrate on loading the car and I'll help Daisy find her purse. We'll...we'll finish our discussion later. If that's amendable to you."
"Yeah. Yeah, that's...okay." Eggsy ducked his head and shuffled his feet, which wasn't good for his oxfords, but was quite endearing.
"Here are the keys." Harry retrieved them from his pocket, popped the truck for Eggsy, then held them out for Eggsy to take them.
"Thanks."
Giving Eggsy's shoulder a squeeze with his other hand, and all right, wanting that last bit of contact, Harry reminded himself of the importance of keeping his own stiff upper lip as he walked over to where Daisy waited. And was hopefully oblivious to the serious erection he was sporting-though thinking about her noticing was doing bloody wonders for killing that. Sigh.
Offering her his hand once he'd reached her Harry worked up a smile and then suggested they start looking in Daisy's room.
And seeming none the wiser his and Eggsy's personal cockblocker beamed up at him and nodded in agreement.
Sigh.
Double sigh when they quickly found the purse in Daisy's room, the item in question having fallen from her dresser where they'd left it the night before. Something Daisy in her search had failed to consider, it seemed.
Though then again it was probably for the best that she'd been too distracted to pick up on things between him and Eggsy. And did he really want her to have seen them kissing? Well...but if Eggsy were willing, that is to say interested in more than just a brief physical encounter or two, wouldn't she-wouldn't she see them eventually? And didn't he-
"Unca Harry. We gots ta go!"
Oh. Right. Yes.
"Yes. Let's go then. Eggsy is waiting." He hoped.
Eggsy wasn't exactly waiting when they got back downstairs, he'd been working hard from the looks of it in their absence. And he waved away Harry's offer to help him finish loading up the car and asked him instead to get Daisy settled into the car seat in the back. Though how Harry had managed that Eggsy hadn't been able to figure out.
"Magic." Which was true. The car hadn't exactly been designed with children in mind so he'd instructed the Kingsman mechanics to add the chair AND make sure that it wasn't going anywhere regardless of the car's original design. And given that his, Merlin and Addison's fondness for the little girl had made the rounds in Kingsman...Harry was fairly confident that said mechanics knew their lives would be forfeit in unspeakably violent ways should they fail to properly insure Daisy's safety.
So he got Daisy and Mr. Fox settled, after having to run back up the stairs to retrieve the stuffed animal that they'd left behind when they went looking for the purse. And that done Harry helped Eggsy maneuver the second picnic basket into place beside Daisy and then it was time to go.
"Ya sure I can drive this?" Eggsy asked as he double checked that the boot was secure.
"You don't think you can handle it?" Harry asked, not speaking entirely about the car.
Eggsy seemed to know it too as he smiled over at Harry sexily. Fuck.
"Oh I can handle it, Harry. Just checkin."
Squirming a moment in his seat before he realized what he was doing, Harry cleared his throat and refused to respond to Eggsy smirk. "Then let's go."
"Right. Uhm...we gotta stop at the shop first."
"Why would we need to...you can't be serious." Merlin.
"He offered me a hundred fu-fudgin pounds for more of that fried chicken. And some of the potato salad."
"For God sakes. I know he's as bald as a baby but really..."
Eggsy laughed.
"Now, now. None of that, Harry. Sides...the sooner we get Merlin his stuff the sooner we get ta your aunt's. And the sooner we do that the sooner we can politely come home and finish our earlier...conversation."
Oh. And oh again, Eggsy was eye fucking him. He was being eye fucked by-
"Start the bloody car."
Eggsy winked. "Anything for you."
And started the car.
Harry's personal motor was already running just fine. Dammit.
)
Given the cost of the car and the fact that this was the first time Eggsy was driving it Harry didn't comment on how unusually law abiding and overly cautious Eggsy was behind the wheel. Not that Eggsy wasn't normally a good driver, he was, but as they wound their way through the London streets to Kingsman it was obvious Eggsy wasn't taking any chances with it. Of course once they'd dropped off the glutton's share at the shop and got out of the city where they didn't have to worry as much about the idiots on the road who might damage the very expensive car they were in...well it didn't take long for Eggsy's true driving style to come into play. And with open roads available to him...well who could blame him for wanting to see what it could do. And for becoming as giddy as a school boy on Christmas morning when he found out.
And Harry only had to tell Eggsy to slow down a little four times over the course of the drive to their destination, which was very impressive.
Harry also couldn't remember the last time he'd been out on a leisurely for the most part drive, the scenery around them truly lovely when they were going slowly enough to enjoy it. As was his company, with Eggsy looking handsome as sin beside him and Daisy happily singing along to ABBA songs from the back.
The closer they got to his aunt's the more cars they encountered as well, Harry recognizing a few of the vehicles or their occupants. He nodded in acknowledgement when appropriate and wasn't at all surprised that the majority of his acquaintances seemed far more interested in the other two occupants of the car. Who were both very much aware that they were already being looked over.
Eggsy's driving noticeably toned down again.
As ordered Harry took out his phone and messaged his aunt's personal assistant when they were five minutes away, trading a few messages back and forth before he pocketed his phone once more.
"Holy shit! Is that it?"
They'd passed a number of sprawling estates at this point and Harry sincerely pitied anyone saddled with one of them given the costs of maintaining that sort of property. Eggsy's head would no doubt explode if he knew how much money Harry's uncle spent on the grounds alone. The grounds that currently featured several large white tents that had no doubt tipped Eggsy off that they were almost there.
"Yes, that's it. It's been in Uncle Rupert's family since the reign of the Tudors. Something he or my aunt will bring up at least a couple of times before we leave."
"It looks like a house outta Downton fucking Abbey."
Harry gave Eggsy a look meant to remind him not to use the f word around Daisy. Unfortunately, Harry was pretty sure the boy was too stunned by the house at the end of the lane they were now on to notice.
As someone who'd grown up in places like this while visiting countless others, Harry was used to estates with over a hundred rooms and more staff than family members. And while he could appreciate the architecture and the history of the estate both inside and out, he was quite happy in their much smaller home. A place like this, in Harry's experience, was very rarely a home.
"Did ya grow up in a joint like this?"
"I lived on a few estates over the course of my life, yes, but rarely for very long. My mother prefers modern architecture and furnishings. She also goes through living spaces faster than she does men, which is saying something."
Eggsy snorted. "I look forward ta meetin her."
"You say that now." Harry smiled as he said it. "Now eyes on the road. We're to park with the rest of the family vehicles it seems. I'll direct you."
As promised Agnes, his aunt's assistant, was waiting to point out their parking spot by the time they arrived, a servant with a cart standing by to take their baskets from them and see to the food until it was time to bring them out for the auction.
Once they were parked and he and Eggsy were out of the car Agnes came over to welcome them all to the estate. Eggsy thanked her somewhat shyly, while Harry gave her his usual greeting while getting Daisy out of her car seat and back on solid ground once more. Daisy, once back on her own two feet, waved a little before burying her face against Harry's trousers.
"If you'd pop the boot, Sir, I'll take your baskets in for you."
"Thank you. Much appreciated. Eggsy?"
"Oh. Right. Ah...are ya-you the one who will be looking after the food? Because I have some instructions for whoever that is and some of the stuff I have is in a cooler."
"I'd be happy to pass along your instructions to those in charge."
"Good. I wrote all the stuff down this morning. Just in case."
Leaving the instruction giving to Eggsy Harry asked Daisy to remain patiently by the car while he saw about helping unnamed staff member unload the car's edible contents onto the cart while Eggsy supervised and fussed over things.
Agnes waited until that was taken care of and the food was on the way to the kitchens before speaking up again, this time to inform him that his aunt was out on the grounds with her other guests and couldn't wait to see them.
"Thank you, Agnes. We'll head there straight away."
Inclining her head Agnes stated that she'd see them there and then turned around on her sensible heels and headed back in the direction of the main building.
"Woman of few words?"
"That's Agnes, yes. Shall we go?"
"Lead the way."
Eggsy locked up the car, Harry retrieved Daisy's little purse for her, and Mr. Fox was handed over to Harry for safe keeping so that both Daisy's hands were free. Then situating herself between them Daisy took their hands, Harry giving the little hand he held a reassuring squeeze. Then off they went across the gravel driveway towards the closest path that would wind its way around the house to the other side of the estate where the other guests would be.
The gardens were spectacular this year, and Harry pointed out the butterflies and named them for Eggsy and Daisy, who probably didn't care but were too polite to say so.
"Does a princess live here?" Daisy asked once they'd gotten a closer look at the house.
"No. Though princesses have visited here before."
Daisy's eyes went huge. "Wow."
"We won't run in ta Will and Kate here, right?" Eggsy looked terrified at the idea.
"Doubtful."
"Thank God."
As they walked Harry threw out some names of famous individuals who had stayed in his aunt's home since Daisy had brought that up and told a couple antidotes about trouble he and his cousins had gotten into while on the estate together back when they were boys together. Eggsy listened with interest while Daisy...Daisy seemed to be on the lookout for something.
Curious, Harry caught Eggsy's gaze and then gave him a questioning look before wiggling the hand holding hers. Which had her giggling and shaking his back.
Eggsy grinned and then mouthed back a word. Squirrels.
Oh.
Scanning the area around them Harry saw that yes, there were at least four of the furry little beasts milling around on the lawn.
"Daisy. Would you like me to carry you?"
Daisy shook her head. Then considered the squirrels in their vicinity again as two of them moved a little closer.
"Yes, Peas."
Chapter 34: Entering the Fray
Chapter Text
Merry Christmas, Readers! Have a great holiday!
Entering The Fray
Harry wished he could say his peers surprised him with their behavior at the party...but of course they didn't. Human nature was human nature after all. And mankind was too often depressingly predictable. Case in point Harry knew very well that the vast majority of his peers would have been made aware of Eggsy and Daisy and their respective roles in his life by this point-his mother and aunt would have seen to that-so there should have been little to no need for them to ask what their relation was to him. Particularly when it came to Eggsy. And not surprisingly a lot of their focus was on Eggsy as soon as they approached the outskirts of the party and started to draw the notice of those closest to them.
Thank goodness he'd picked Daisy up or she might have been trampled within seconds.
As it was Harry saw them coming and switched Daisy to his other side so that he could place his free hand on the small of Eggsy's back in case the boy needed the support. Both literally and figuratively.
No one was run over though, and the first ten minutes was spent making introductions and Eggsy very politely shaking hands and smiling despite the speculative and knowing looks. The women in the crowds also paid some attention to Daisy, but she wisely hid from them against his neck lest her cheeks become available for pinching. Harry also supposed that he should just be grateful that there was no speculation that she could biologically be his or some such nonsense to his face.
No, the majority of them were focused solely on trying to worm out of them just how close he and Eggsy were. And all right, the hand he had placed on Eggsy's back probably didn't help matters, but fuck them. He wasn't moving it unless it was to briefly shake someone's hand.
Regardless Harry tolerated their not at all subtle questioning until one of the old biddies he personally couldn't stand had the gall to compliment Eggsy on his effort to better himself and rid himself of that dreadful accent.
"And my compliments to your plastic surgeon, Mrs. Stricton. He continues to do marvelous work. Now if you will excuse us, there are a number of other people we have yet to greet."
Steering Eggsy off in another direction Harry was just about to suggest they grab something to drink when they were intercepted by some distant relatives of his.
"Harry, it's been far too long."
"It's lovely to see you again, Harry. I don't believe I know your companions?"
"Very nice to meet you, young man. I'm Lady Rosaline Winsley. And you are?"
Eggsy took the hand offered him by the lady in question and kissed the back of it with considerable charm. Of course he did. And since the woman in question was twenty years older than him at least Harry called himself an idiot for being a little irked by that.
He was ridiculous, Harry acknowledged while Eggsy introduced himself to the three of them. Though he was justified when it came to his father's cousin's granddaughter, who was eyeing Eggsy like she'd like to lick him up like a lolly.
"Eggsy. What an unusual name." Rosaline stated with a raised eyebrow. "And the young lady?"
Since Daisy was currently still hiding her face against his neck Harry did the honors. "This is Eggsy's younger sister, Daisy. My ward. It's a pleasure, as always, to see you, Lady Winsley."
"Likewise."
"I'm her granddaughter, Camille. So nice to meet you, Eggsy."
"Pleasure." Eggsy just shook her hand, which Harry thoroughly approved of.
"And I'm Elliot Trenton. Camille's stepfather. Pleasure to meet you, Eggsy."
While Eggsy shook the man's hand Harry gave Elliot a look that made it clear that trespassers would be shot on sight. Then when it was his turn Harry squeezed his former classmate's hand just a little harder than necessary to make sure he got his point across.
"Always good to see you, Trenton."
"Likewise."
Harry gave the man points for suddenly seeing someone he absolutely had to say hello to, his goodbye a very quick one before he hurried off. The man was getting wiser with age.
The slight snickering sound Eggsy made at his side made it clear that the younger man had noticed at least some of the byplay between them.
Camille either didn't notice or thought her gender would save her from Harry's wrath as she turned their attention back to her by complimenting Daisy on her adorable dress and asking Eggsy how old she was.
"She's three. And real shy."
"Harry, DARLING!"
Decades of training kept Harry from wincing as he looked in the direction of him summoner, his aunt arrowing towards him with a look on her face that promised he was about to be kissed and fussed over to an embarrassing degree given his age. But at least she wouldn't hit on Eggsy, so smoothly Harry excused them yet again and told Eggsy under his breath to brace himself.
His aunt had a brilliant plastic surgeon too, Harry mused as she bore down on them like a heat seeking missile. She shared him with his own mother. And both women had taken advantage of their hair going white to go blonde, his aunt currently sporting a champagne blonde bob cut that suited her even if the color was highly unrealistic at her age. And no amount of botox had ever been able to curb her face's expressiveness for long, the huge smile she aimed in their direction as lovely as her summer blue dress.
"Eggsy, Daisy! Look at your dress, Sweetheart!"
Oh, right.
Rather than cover his cheeks with lip prints Harry's aunt framed Eggsy face between her hands and bussed both his cheeks with enthusiasm before launching into a small tirade about how handsome he looked and how delighted she was to finally meet him in the flesh.
Unaware of the danger she was in Daisy peeked out to get a look at the woman assaulting her older brother, catching Celeste's attention in the process.
"Oh, Darling."
Pouncing with surprising speed for someone her age Aunt Celeste had ahold of Daisy's chin in a flash, giving the shocked toddler's cheeks smacking kisses before drawing back to tell her that she absolutely adored her dress, which was unquestionably the most unique and sweet outfit of any she'd seen thus far. Wherever had they bought it from?
Lips twitching in amusement, Harry gave his aunt the name of the shop in question.
"Never heard of it. Though their business will certainly become more well known once more people get a look at that dress. What I wouldn't have given for such a dress when I was that little." Sighing somewhat dramatically, Harry aunt looked a little wistful as she finally turned her attention to her nephew. "And how is the proud new father?"
"Uncle. And I'm bearing up fairly well with Eggsy's support."
Harry's aunt gave him a knowing little wink. "He certainly has shoulders broad enough to support you. And he can cook like a dream from what I hear, which is priceless in a man."
"I'm all right."
"I have yet to taste better." Harry countered. "And I've eaten at restaurants all over the world."
"You're biased."
"I'm right."
"Awww. Are you two always like this? It's so adorable." Aunt Celeste gushed as she beamed at them in delight. "And it's always a pleasure to see two people so in tune with each other. And so rare these days with divorce becoming so prevalent. In my day we were stuck with each other and had to work it out come hell or high water. Or have your partner killed, of course, but that was generally frowned upon. Though I'm sure Harry's told you all about his great, great-I think just two greats-aunt. She was accused of poisoning her second husband. And possibly the fourth."
"Ow many husbands did she have?"
It was five, Harry informed him. And it was quite likely she had in fact poisoned them.
"We don't know that for sure. Though she did have regrettable taste in men. It's a family trait, I'm sorry to say. One Harry's mother, my sister, suffers from, unfortunately. Harry's father was one of the good ones, and they were few and far between, let me tell you."
"If Dean's dad was anythin like im I believe it."
"Oh he was. I don't know what she was thinking. Well she did say that he-but that is not for children's ears. And more importantly said bad taste was not passed along to Harry. He's always had excellent taste, which is why he's never married. Good men are so hard to find these days, aren't they, Harry?"
"I haven't been looking."
"Hmmm. And it's often when we give up looking that we find exactly what we were looking for before."
Oh he could see where she was going with this.
"I'll have to take your word for that, Aunt Celeste. And not to dismiss you, but shouldn't you be manning some table somewhere?" Not that he was trying to get rid of her. Much.
"I'm taking a break. Though that reminds me, Dear. The lovely Miss. Roxanne Morton has yours and Eggsy's paddles for the picnic auction. Very unusual to have a lady buying one, but she explained that she had to buy Eggsy's since he was buying her basket as a favor to her." The raised eyebrow his aunt aimed in their directions made it clear Lancelot hadn't explained why Eggsy had been enlisted to aid her. And Aunt Celeste didn't approve.
"Her mu-mother is trying to set her up with a total wanker."
"Ah. Say no more. We do try our best, my dears, but, alas, even the best mothers get it wrong sometimes. Just look what happened that year I had you bid for Penelope's basket, Harry. She didn't speak to me for two weeks."
"As I recall she didn't speak to me for four months." Not that he'd exactly mourned that fact.
"She didn't, did she. And that was the last time she participated, wasn't it?"
"No...she did it one more time when she was engaged." When she was assured someone not related to her by blood would buy her basket.
"Right, right." Aunt Celeste sighed in remembrance. "Well it's very kind of you to have Miss. Morton's back, Eggsy."
"She's a good mate."
Harry's aunt smiled and then asked if she shouldn't tell people that Eggsy was taken then. She'd already had a few inquiries since he was family now.
The moment's pause before Eggsy answered felt like a million years had passed.
"Nah, tell em I'm taken, thanks."
When Harry let out the breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding Eggsy looked over and grinned at him rather cheekily.
Harry's aunt's eyebrows about hit her hairline in reaction.
)
Earning the title of his favorite Kingsman agent for the foreseeable future, he might just put her in for a pay raise in fact, Lancelot came over to join them before Harry's aunt could attempt to quiz either one of them about just who had 'taken' Eggsy off the market. His agent was looking quite pretty in a greyish purple dress that complimented her coloring and figure, the skirt ending just above the knee. It was a more sedate look than a lot of the dresses being worn by her peers, but Harry thought her choice showed good taste and common sense. If they were suddenly under attack by someone Miss. Morton would be able to defend herself much easier than if she'd worn one of those bandage dresses. Or whatever they were called. Not important.
What was important was that on arrival Roxanne linked arms with Eggsy, said hello to Harry's aunt again, and then reassured them both that she had their auction paddles in her purse. And oh, had they taken Daisy to see the polo ponies yet?
"Ponies!"
Either Daisy wanted to see ponies really badly or Roxanne's presence meant there were enough people she trusted around her that Daisy was willing to risk not hiding from the overly affectionate stranger in their midst. Harry almost dropped her, she twisted around so fast to look eagerly in Miss. Morton's direction.
Which of course made everyone laugh. Including him.
"Well Harry knows the way to the stables, and I should get back to mingling, anyway. But I will catch up with all of you later. Especially you, my darling nephew. It's been far too long since we've caught up on each other's news."
Not liking the look in her eye one little bit, his self-preservation instincts were razor sharp, Harry settled for a smile and nod that promised nothing.
Because mentally he was already plotting how best to go about arranging to leave early.
The low sound she made in her throat suggested his aunt was onto him, but she didn't call him on it as she made her goodbyes before heading off.
Pulling out his handkerchief Harry offered it to Eggsy. "You'll want to rub your cheeks. She marked you."
"Sh-oot." Eggsy caught himself just in time, taking the handkerchief with a grimace.
"Here, hand that over and I'll get it for you. Then we can hide in the stables until it's time for the auction."
"Excellent plan." Harry agreed, watching his agent remove the red lipstick marks from Eggsy's cheeks for him. He could have done that, and was kicking himself for not thinking of it.
"Thank you, Sir. I'll get Daisy's cheeks in a minute."
"She gots me too?" Daisy's eyes went wide at the idea for some reason.
"Yup."
A little hand came up to touch her pink cheek. "Mummy used ta get me."
"Yeah, she used ta get us both, didn't she."
Daisy nodded solemnly.
"We'll have ta go and see her this comin week, won't we? We'll tell her all bout your dress and the ponies and such. She'll be real proud bout ya helpin the kids with your basket, she will. Just like me and Harry. Ya can draw her a picture and we'll get her some real pretty flowers too."
"Yeah? Okay." Daisy smiled now, cheering up at that thought.
Coming over Roxanne carefully rubbed at Daisy's cheek while neatly changing the topic to something less morbid and happier. I.e. she complimented Daisy on Mr. Fox's lovely bowtie. Very fashionable.
"He's my date."
"I see. And here I thought you were Eggsy's date."
"Nope. He's Unca Harry's."
Harry couldn't help but look in Eggsy's direction, noting that the younger man was looking everywhere but at him. With pink cheeks.
His were probably a little pink too.
But wisely Lancelot didn't call him on it, and once Daisy's cheeks were clean they all headed in the direction of the stables once Harry pointed them in the right direction.
"By the way, Rox, I'm done the books ya gave me. I would have brought them with me, but I forgot. Sorry."
"It's no problem. I reread them before I gave them to you in preparation of 'Time's Convert'. That's out on the eighteenth on September by the way."
"Oh I know. I bought the trilogy from a used bookstore near Harry's on Thursday, and I've ordered the sequel as well online. Though I don't know about it bein as good as the first three. I mean I liked Marcus well enough, and Phoebe seemed pretty aces...but I'll give it a shot. And Harry said he'd read the books too, when he's got the time, maybe."
The considering look she gave him had Harry fighting the urge to squirm a little.
"Then no spoiler discussions."
"Nope." Eggsy agreed. "Specially since I think he'll really like em based on his movie collection."
"Well if he does, we can have our episode parties at your place once the TV episodes start airing. And they better not mess it up or else..." The way she trailed off and the look on Miss. Morton's face made it clear that the producers would rue the day if the show failed to live up to the source material.
It had been a very, very long time since he'd gotten together with friends for the purpose of watching a TV episode or doing a movie marathon with them...but Harry found himself warmed by the idea. Even if Eggsy's food probably played a part in Miss. Morton's suggestion. Regardless he told her that he liked the idea very much. And would look forward to it even if he wasn't as big a fan as they were.
"Do you like Matthew Goode?"
"Does anyone not?"
"He's playing the male lead."
"And the bird from 'Warm Bodies' is in it as well. Have ya seen that one?"
"No, I haven't." And it sounded like the title for a porn movie.
"Ya'd like it. I'd tell ya bout it but it's got Z-O-M-B-I-E-S in it." Eggsy threw a significant look in Daisy's direction.
"Ah. I see. Yes. Though I've never been fond of them in movies or real life. Especially when it comes to the latter."
Eggsy's eyes about popped out of his head as he asked if he was serious.
Biting his lip to hide his amusement, Harry gave Eggsy's back a comforting rub before answering. "They aren't like in the movies, I assure you. Basically they're just falling to bits
while bumping into everything in their surrounding area. It's the smell...well that's more deadly than the things themselves."
"Gross."
"Quite."
"What's gross?" Daisy wanted to know.
"Boys." Was Lancelot's quick response.
"Oh. Yeah."
Daisy's absolute agreement with that statement gave them all another reason to chuckle.
"And speaking of gross we're getting close to the stables so mind where you all step."
"Gross." Was Eggsy's opinion, his attention immediately going to the grounds around them.
"At least you're not wearing sandals."
Eggsy's gaze turned to study Lancelot's feet and the dainty sandals she was currently wearing. "I could probably carry ya if ya need me ta."
"Thanks, but if I wanted to be carried around like some emptyheaded princess I'd be one of those twits who doesn't have the sense to realize that outdoor parties aren't the place to wear heels. I'll let Daisy be the princess here."
"I's a princess?" Daisy asked Harry, looking very shocked at the idea.
"Your mine and Eggsy's princess, yes."
Daisy beamed.
Chapter 35: Save a Horse, Ride a Kingsman
Chapter Text
Save A Horse, Ride a Kingsman
Given that Daisy had never had any contact with horses before Harry had anticipated that despite her initial enthusiasm she'd be a little hesitant to get close to one when actually faced with the real thing. Especially now that he'd been witness to her anxiety when it came to being around squirrels, which were quite a bit smaller than the horses waiting patiently in their stalls. What he hadn't counted on was the fact that he couldn't depend on Eggsy to help him talk Daisy into at least trying to pet one. Because Eggsy, it seemed, had never been around horses either. And once faced with them up close and personal Eggsy became quite wary of their size and especially their teeth when one happened to show them his. Or hers. Regardless...Eggsy wasn't any more eager to get close than Daisy as the two hung back and stared at the horses like they expected to be eaten at any moment.
"You do know they're herbivores, Eggsy."
"So are elephants and...and...other ones that can flatten ya."
The look on Eggsy's face suggested that elephants were the only example the other man could come up with on the fly. And while Harry could actually list off several herbivories that could easily kill an adult human if given the chance Harry thought it best not to bring them up. For obvious reasons.
"It's very safe, especially since they're in their stalls currently. I'll show you."
Walking over to the nearest one Harry gently stroked his hand over the obliging horse's head and neck for a minute or so before looking in Eggsy's direction. And sent him a look that told him to man up and get his pretty arse over here. Now.
It worked too.
Selflessly handing his sister over so that he alone would be at risk, Eggsy took a deep breath and then walked over to stand at Harry's side, everything about him screaming young man aggression and bravado. Except for the fact that he was still refusing to pet the horse.
Shaking his head, though it was rather charming in a way, Harry reached out and wrapping his fingers around Eggsy's wrist brought it up and over. Which Eggsy allowed him to do while giving him looks that suggested that if he lost fingers, Harry was going to be blamed and made to pay for it. Fair enough.
Manipulating Eggsy's hand so that his fingers brushed up against the chestnut colored horse's jaw, well away from the teeth, Harry watched as the worry was quickly replaced with interest and a real smile. Eggsy's natural curiosity and love of textures soon took over as quickly as Harry had known it would, meaning he could let go and step back without Eggsy freaking out. No, Eggsy just kept stroking the horse's head while looking quite pleased with himself.
"It's real soft."
After a quick look to confirm Harry agreed that yes, she was.
"And she can't get out less we open the door, right?"
Harry nodded.
"Okay. Okay." Nodding as he came to a decision Eggsy dropped his hand away and walked over to retrieve his still very suspicious sister from Miss. Morton. Harry didn't catch what Eggsy murmured to her but after a minute or so Eggsy came back with Daisy in his arms, her eyes going progressively bigger the closer they got as she clutched Mr. Fox to her chest like a lifesaver.
"It's all right, Flower. She ain't gonna hurt ya. She's a good horse. Me and Harry, we told her she's gotta be nice ta ya."
"And we'll be right here." Lancelot assured Daisy as she kept close to Eggsy's side, having brought up the rear so to speak. "And I can hold her head if you want."
"She might bite ya!"
"No. This horse? This is a very nice, not biting horse. I can tell."
"No bite?" Daisy asked Eggsy.
"No bite."
"You no bite!" Daisy ordered the horse, pointing at it for emphasis.
The horse didn't seem overly concerned with the toddler's threats, but that was fine since the horse didn't try to bite or even show much interest in Daisy once Eggsy got her to pet it. It just took longer before Eggsy didn't have to move her hand for her and Daisy finally started to relax a little.
She categorically refused to try and feed it anything.
They had just about talked Eggsy into giving it a try though when Miss. Morton reached into a hidden pocket in her dress and pulled out her vibrating cellphone. Grimacing at whatever it said.
"According to my mother all picnic basket participants need to report to your aunt ASAP, Sir. I have to go."
"We have to go." Looking pleased to have a legitimate excuse not to attempt feeding the horse, Eggsy was all but beaming smile wise. "Daisy's gotta go then too, right? Plus I wanna make sure they didn't mess with our baskets."
Hiding his amusement Harry agreed that they should accompany Lancelot out, yes.
"Yeah, so, bye, Horse. Was nice meetin ya and all." Eggsy gave it one last pat.
"Bye, bye, Horsie." Daisy echoed, opting to just give it a wave with her free hand.
Playing along Harry said good bye to it as well and then joined the others in heading out of the stable. "Now that wasn't so bad, was it? We'll have you both riding before you know it."
That statement earned Harry a serious headshake from Daisy. In fact it was a wonder the girl didn't give herself a neck injury in the process. Meanwhile Eggsy opened his mouth to protest the idea, but then seemed to think better of it. Though the gleam that came into the younger man's eyes warned Harry that wasn't a good thing.
"Nah, not anythin that's got more legs than me, anyway."
Oh that little bugger.
Mind filling with images of Eggsy riding his cock, because that was exactly what the cheeky sod had meant, Harry very nearly walked into a post.
Eggsy pulled him out of the way just in time.
"Careful there, Harry. Ya ain't any good ta me with a concussion, ya know."
"Terribly sorry. I was just making plans for your first lesson. Since you're a total novice."
The outrage on Eggsy's face was punctuated by Lancelot's snickering as she held open the door for them. And really it wasn't appropriate to speak this way in front of a lady or one of his employees, so he should apologize for his insinuation.
But never let it be said that Eggsy didn't have excellent recovery time. The boy's next words practically dripped with innocent sweetness.
"Ya know, ya're right, Harry. I'll have ta watch ya ride a few times, learn from a master, yeah?"
Braced for it this time, the look Eggsy had shot him beforehand had held plenty of warning, Harry was able to think about the change in position, which he was completely on board with both visually and in practice, while maintaining most of his dignity. And retain his ability to fire back without stuttering like a simpleton.
"That sounds like an excellent idea. And I really think you'll enjoy it, once you give it a try, Eggsy. And get used to the aches and pains that come with, of course." Harry gave Eggsy his most pleasant of smiles. "I'll be happy to rub you down given how sore you'll be afterwards, until your body adjusts."
Oh the way Eggsy's jaw dropped. So very, very satisfying.
Though dammit. He'd forgotten about Miss. Morton again. Eggsy really was a horrible influence.
"I'll look forward ta that." Was what Eggsy finally said when he found his voice again as they started walking down the path. "Though it shouldn't be that bad given how flexible I am. Ya wouldn't believe the positions I can get it inta, no problem. And ya know how strong a gymnast's thighs are."
All right...well played. Very well played.
If not for the smug look Eggsy was directing in his direction Harry would have quite happily focused on the other man's thighs for quite a while. But since that was the case Harry moved in so that they were as face to face as they could be given their height difference, staring each other down.
"That...flexibility will most undoubtably prove useful. Though I think you'll find that there aren't a lot of similarities between a pommel horse and something that's constantly in motion."
"I think I'll manage ta stay on."
"It's generally the getting off after the ride that beginners have problems with."
Eggsy's grin was pure wickedness now. "I'm sure ya'd help me with that though, right. Gettin off properly?"
"It'd be my pleasure."
Grinning down at Eggsy, who was grinning right back at him, Harry had just wrapped his arms around Eggsy's waist and was lowering his head when it suddenly occurred to him...
"Weren't you holding Daisy?" And oh shit, Lancelot.
Blinking, Eggsy's brows furrowed in confusion.
Together they turned their heads in the direction of the party, easily spotting Daisy and Miss. Morton on the path in front of them. They were rather far away considering that Daisy was walking and not being carried.
"When did she take Dais from me?"
"I have no idea."
Eggsy turned his head to give him a horrified look. "Ya don't think she understood..."
"No. And if she did, I can afford the best physiatrists money can buy."
Looking less than reassured, Eggsy suggested they hurry up and catch up with their 'dates'.
Harry agreed that that was probably for the best.
Unfortunately.
)
By the time they caught up with the girls Eggsy had recovered enough to start singing the chorus to a sing about 'riding my pony' under his breath that Harry surmised wasn't about riding an actual pony at all. Wisely he didn't ask. Instead he apologized for their earlier rudeness and insisted on carrying Daisy the rest of the way to make up for lost time. Thankfully both Daisy and Miss. Morton graciously accepted his and Eggsy's apologies, and once they'd rejoined the rest of the guests found them too occupied to mob them again. The focus had turned to getting ready for the auction in some capacity, so they were able to deliver both ladies to the stage that had been erected for the 'show' his aunt would soon be emceeing without difficulty. Once there Lancelot retrieved their paddles from her purse, handed them over, and then took back Daisy since she'd be in charge of looking after her until the last basket had been auctioned off.
Thankfully it seemed that while he and Eggsy had been having their 'riding' discussion Miss. Morton had been reassuring Daisy's about the auction and the two of them not being with Daisy until afterwards. Daisy wasn't thrilled at the idea, obviously, but she had bonded enough with Lancelot that she was willing to let them leave her. Though she flat out refused to let them hold on to Mr. Fox for her.
Mr. Fox stayed with her.
Not about to argue they both gave her a hug for luck and then headed out to find a good spot so that she'd be able to see them clearly when she was on stage.
"So how's this all work, then?" Eggsy asked as they walked away.
"Basically we men stand around and then lift our paddles when the lady of our choosing comes up on stage with her basket. Whoever is willing to pay the most wins, while the ladies stand there and fervently hope that their baskets are picked and that they can stand whoever buys it. And heaven help the man who isn't willing to pay the price for his lady's basket."
"Yeah, that would be a pisser."
Harry chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"So like someone's ex, or the arse no girl would ever willingly date could basically make the most popular bird here have lunch with them if they was willin ta fork up the dough?"
"Sadly, yes. Though most would hopefully have a father or some family member willing to save them."
"Like me and Rox."
"Exactly."
Eggsy was quiet for a minute.
"Should I have asked her about a limit? For how far up she wants me to go. I mean it is her money."
"I'm sure she'll give you some sort of signal if she wants you to drop out of the running."
"True. How much does a basket usually go for, anyways?"
"The starting bid used to be a hundred pounds, but that was at least a decade ago."
"Shut up!"
Harry had to laugh at Eggsy's expression. "You do recall that Merlin paid you that amount earlier for some of that fried chicken."
"Yeah, but I was gonna use a lot of it for ingredients. For food for him. He knows that, right?"
Because Eggsy looked so worried Harry assured him that that was the case. Though in reality Harry didn't think Merlin cared either way so long as Eggsy continued to feed him. The glutton.
Thinking to lessen the shock a little Harry reminded Eggsy that all the proceeds did go to charity as they made their way through the crowd until they found a decent spot amongst the other paddle holders. Most were in their twenties and thirties, with Harry definitely one of the oldest as far as he could tell. It was a young man's sport, so to speak. Though he wasn't the oldest, at least. There were a couple of fathers and even grandfathers in the crowd, prepared to rescue family members if need be. Or at least he hoped they weren't bidding for other reason. And of course Lord Cecil McAdam was there to bid on whatever basket he'd decided would provide him with the best meal. Harry knew the man bribed his aunt every year for an inside look at what was being offered so that he knew which basket would best appease his rather infamous appetite. The man put Merlin to shame.
Or maybe it was more accurate to say that Merlin lacked McAdam's gut at least. Though the way the Scotsman kept nagging Eggsy for food...
And damn. McAdams had caught him looking in his direction and was now waddling over. Possibly to comment on whatever Eggsy had made. And if that prissy Prince of Epicure said one negative thing about Eggsy's menu choices Harry was prepared to buy every basket the man attempted to purchase just so that the other man would be stuck buying one of the mundane baskets made up for those who hadn't brought their own or had failed to purchase their intended auction basket.
The man had almost reached them too when Harry's aunt saved the day as her voice came over the microphone, welcoming them all to the event and thanking them for coming. Manners meant that they all had to stop what they were doing and give her their attention, Harry listening to her spiel with appreciation for the fact that she managed to make her speech sound fresh despite the fact that she'd been doing this for decades now. She had a real flair for it.
For wheedling money out of people as well, Harry observed with a smile, as the auction kicked off with the bid starting at one hundred and fifty pounds. One did have to account for inflation, after all. And why not when people were willing to pay it as basket after basket was sold for significantly more than they were worth. Not that that was readily apparent given that the descriptions of the baskets' contents were full of 'infused with', 'prepared by Chef...' and 'imported from'. The name dropping was to be expected, even as Harry shook his head over the fact that it mattered.
Eggsy meanwhile did some muttering under his breath over the bidding and money spent, though after the fourth basket or so he fell quiet, simply watching the show with an unreadable expression. Or at least unreadable to most.
Leaning down Harry whispered into his ear. "Ridiculous, isn't it? How much effort goes into making small servings and overpriced offerings sound appetizing."
That got a snort of amusement in response.
"Mine ain't near so fancy." Eggsy whispered back to him.
"Which means it will not only be delicious, but worth every penny."
"You're biased."
"Only because I know what you're capable of in the kitchen. If it doesn't get the bids it deserves than it will be their loss and our gain."
That got him an eyeroll, but at least Eggsy was smiling again and continued to do so until the end when it was announced by Harry's aunt that that they were down to the last two baskets. Which was Miss. Morton's cue to appear onstage, her basket in one hand and Daisy's hand in her other. A gentleman Harry didn't recognize carried Daisy's basket for her, and Harry nodded in the man's direction in thanks for the assistance provided. He also tried to meet Daisy's gaze to reassure her but Daisy was barely visible now, hiding behind Lancelot's leg while Harry's aunt introduced Miss. Morton to the crowd and then started rhyming off what was in her basket.
They would dine well, Harry noted, since the plan was they would combine their baskets and share with each other. He was particularly looking forward to her shrimp pasta salad and the very nice wine she'd picked to go with it. And he did like strawberry cheesecake.
"Well here we go."
Confused for a moment Harry looked in Eggsy's direction, the paddle Eggsy's was holding clueing him in.
Time for Eggsy to save Miss. Morton from the dastardly attentions of her Mother Approved Suitor.
Chapter 36: Action at the Auction
Chapter Text
Happy Slightly Belated Valentines' Day!
Action at the Auction
Harry hadn't bothered to ask Eggsy or Miss. Morton who her mother approved suitor was. Why would it matter? Whoever he was, Miss. Morton had to have very sensible reasons for choosing to spurn his advances and enlist Eggsy's help in thwarting the other man's courtship. Or so he assumed. Once the actual auctioning began and Harry saw who was attempting to outbid Eggsy for the basket after the other twos quickly backed out, well then Harry had to wonder what he was missing. Because from where he was standing there was absolutely nothing objectable about the prime example of British manhood currently bidding three hundred and seventy-five pounds for Miss. Morton's basket.
Ah. Of course. This was about Charlie.
Charlie Hesketh was a loathsome little worm and Harry had very much enjoyed watching him fail his Kingsman trials. And not just because he'd been King's nominee at the time. A more egotistical, self-absorbed, over confident twat...well he did know some who were worse, but they were all at least twice the brat's age and had built up to that level of disgustingness. Charlie Hesketh had given every indication he'd been born that way. It was also fair to say that he and Miss. Morton had pretty much hated each other from the moment they'd met and Hesketh had been very vocal when he'd lost the position of Lancelot to her.
The young man now upping the bid to five hundred pounds was Charlie's older brother Edward. A brother who, from what Harry knew of him, was the complete opposite of his younger sibling. Edward was an Olympic athlete, a swimmer, and while the man had never managed to beat that American Phelps before the latter's retirement Harry had always interpreted that as proof that Edward Hesketh was a gentleman. As a Water Gifted, and a very powerful one at that, Edward could have easily won every meet he participated in without anyone being the wiser. Races were won by the fraction of a second sometimes, and there were a lot of ways Edward could have cheated. Harry could think of well over a dozen methods without straining himself.
But back to his original point Edward Hesketh was accomplished, successful, intelligent, and quite handsome from where Harry was standing. The two brothers might be twins in terms of height and coloring, but the buzzed hair, attractive stubble, and very appealing swimmer's build definitely made Edward the catch of the two. By a landslide.
"Are you eye fucking im?"
Looking at Eggsy's outraged face, Harry hurried to placate by assuring Eggsy that he hadn't. He was just admiring the man's suit. Which was excellent.
"Right."
"You're about to lose the bid." Harry pointed out, trying to distract.
Thankfully it worked as Eggsy put up his paddle for a bid of six hundred and twenty five pounds. Then bit down on his bottom lip to worry it when Edward raised him another fifty pounds. "Holy fuck is she serious? We're almost at seven hundred pounds. For a fucking picnic basket."
Harry looked over to see Miss. Morton giving Eggsy a look that warned him to keep his head in the game and win. Or else.
"Keep going."
"You posh lot are fucking ridiculous." Was Eggsy opinion as he called out 'seven hundred and fifty pounds'. "And I can't fucking believe I just said that."
Both turning to look in Hesketh's direction, Harry wondered what was going through the other man's head as he considered his competition. Or not his competition anymore as, at Aunt Celeste inquiry, he shook his head, indicating the bidding was over and Eggsy had won. How Edward felt about that Harry couldn't say, though he'd imagine that as a professional athlete the other man unquestionably didn't like to lose.
"I need a stiff drink."
Chuckling, Harry gave Eggsy's shoulder a squeeze while others applauded his generosity. "Steady on. We still have to get through Daisy's."
"Shit."
"Now, now. This should be over quickly." Emphasis on the 'should'.
Miss Morton had remained slightly off to the side throughout the bidding for her basket, Daisy partially hiding from everyone behind her legs. From his vantage point Harry could see his aunt motioning for her to come over, but was having zero luck. Now it looked like Miss. Morton was also attempting to get Daisy to at least show herself for a moment, but Daisy popping her head out to peek at the crowd before popping back out was the best they were going to manage without he or Eggsy up there.
Apparently figuring that out Aunt Celeste gave up and turned her attention back to the matter at hand.
"And now, Everyone, for our last entry. I'm please to present a member of my own family, my nephew Harry's ward, Daisy. She is the first child to ever participant in this auction, and asked to be a part of it after learning that the proceeds would go towards helping other children in need. Naturally, I was thrilled to let her. I should also add that anyone bidding on her basket should be aware that you will be thoroughly chaperoned by my nephew and her older brother. But I think the contents of her basket will more than make up for that. Daisy's basket features spinach salad with dried almond slivers, tomatoes, three types of cheese and a garlic dressing, as well as a garlic cheese loaf with green onions, diced tomatoes, and drizzled in garlic butter. There's also potato salad, authentic Southern fried chicken, lemonade, and fresh watermelon and chocolate biscuits for dessert."
Harry's stomach had been mildly interest in eating before his aunt had listed off all the food within Daisy's basket. Now his stomach threatened to embarrass him by growling loud enough for everyone to hear. And on that note...
"We have all that in your basket, yes?"
"Yes, Harry. I'll take good care of ya even if someone out bids us." Eggsy gave him a teasing wink softened by a fond look.
"Do I have a starting bid of three hundred pounds?"
His aunt the mercenary.
Restraining himself from rolling his eyes Harry raised his paddle to accept the opening bid. It wasn't like he wouldn't have donated generously anyway.
"Three hundred and twenty five?"
McAdam, who had bought two baskets already, raised his paddle. Because of course he would.
"Four hundred." He was not suffering a meal with that man. Not happening.
"Four hundred and fifty." McAdam called out.
"Five hundred."
"Five hundred and fifty."
Opening his mouth to up it again, and really he was prepared to set a record for most money paid for a basket if that's what it took, Harry abruptly closed his mouth when a very familiar voice called out from behind him.
"A thousand pounds."
Gasps and instant chatter erupted all around them while Harry casually turned around to look in the cause's direction, mentally preparing for anything.
"You do know that's a little over thirteen hundred dollars American, don't you?"
)
Grinning like the cat that got the canary, which wasn't an unusual expression for this particular American to be wearing, Tequila had thankfully forgone the cowboy hat for the first time of their acquaintance. Instead the cocky young man was wearing a very nice suit that complimented the Statesman's coloring and physique well while giving him a look of respectability save for that grin. As to why Tequila was here and attempting to buy his ward's picnic basket...Harry was hoping it was just gluttony or curiosity that had brought the boy here. He had plans for this evening that didn't include disposing of the man's body so thoroughly the rest of the Statesman would never find it.
"You're one of them cowboys, ain't cha?"
Tequila winked at Eggsy. "I thought I'd come see what ya did with my Meemaw's recipe."
"You Yanks really-"
"Well now, the current bid is a thousand pounds." Aunt Celeste couldn't have been happier as she unknowingly interrupted Eggsy from her place on stage. "Do I hear a thousand and fifty?"
Glancing in McAdam's direction Harry confirmed from the look on the man's face that he wasn't going to go any higher and then turned back to study Tequila. And surmising that the other man would keep going if necessary, Harry decided to forgo the bidding war and get to the part where the Statesman explained himself.
And they got to eat.
Shooting him a look that said she would have appreciated him squeezing more money out of the American, Harry's aunt called for any other takers a second time before conceding the win to Tequila.
"Well that was short but certainly sweet." Aunt Celeste beamed over at Daisy, who'd remained glued to Miss. Morton's side throughout. "Congratulations, Daisy. You've raised a thousand pounds to help other children."
He was too far away to see Daisy's face, but Harry imagined it would be quite comical if he could judging by the chuckling of those closest to the stage.
"All right then, thank you all so much for participating. Gentlemen, those of you who won a basket should proceed to the right of the stage where you can present a check for the winning amount or transfer the money electronically. Also, in approximately one and a half hours the polo match will begin, which I know we're all looking forward to as well. Bon Appétit."
Harry watched as the gentleman from before came over to help the girls with the baskets and then turned back to find Tequila and Eggsy engaged in a staring contest. Because of course they were.
Clearing his throat Harry moved in closer, pitching his voice so that only Tequila and possibly Eggsy would hear him. "I trust that you'll be on your best behavior around my ward, Tequila. While you couldn't ask for a finer last meal, I'd rather not have to kill you."
A cocky grin. "Now, now. I come in peace."
"And if I were to call Champ right now?"
Tequila looked a little less sure of himself for a moment, suggesting that his boss didn't know Tequila had decided to pay the Kingsmen a visit. But he quickly bounced back with the typical overconfidence of youth.
"I'll be on my best behavior. On my word."
Mentally shaking his head over Tequila crossing his heart for emphasis, Harry turned his attention to Eggsy as he stated that they should join the quay to pay for their baskets so that all the good picnicking spots wouldn't be taken.
"Lead the way, Hoss." Was Tequila's 'charming' resort. "Don't want to keep the ladies waiting."
Sharing a look with Eggsy Harry started walking in the direction of the stage, Eggsy moving to walk beside him with Tequila bookending Eggsy on the other side.
"So how long have you been dating the blonde?"
"Wot? Ya mean...nah, it ain't like that. She's me mate. And paying me back after this."
"Ah. Gotcha. I'll admit I was mighty confused when you started bidding on her. That you prefer brunets came through pretty loud and clear before."
The sidelong glance Eggsy aimed in Harry's direction made him smile. Probably like an idiot.
"Yeah."
It was tempting, so very tempting, to take Eggsy's hand or steal a kiss. But the way Tequila was smirking at him rather killed the moment.
"So why didn't your friend want the Beautiful Brit?"
"Beautiful Brit?" Eggsy repeated, eyebrows raising.
"Well I don't swing that way, but according to my sisters Edward Hesketh gets gold for sexiness. They actually wanted him to beat Phelps last Olympics." Tequila shook his head over that sacrilege. "On my side of the pond that's what they call him, right?"
"Edward Hesketh? That was Edward Hesketh? Holy fuck I didn't-I mean I thought he looked like im a little... But he was on the other side of the crowd and there was all these tall bastards in front and...shit. What the fuck was Rox thinkin? That bloke's sexy as fuck!"
He'd been thinking something similar earlier, so Harry had no right to be put out...but still...
"Shit. Do ya think I could still get an autograph from im?"
"I don't think your odds would be that good, Buddy."
"Damn."
"Language, Darling."
And all right, perhaps calling him darling wasn't entirely appropriate. But the pleased little smile Eggsy gave him made it clear Eggsy didn't mind in the slightest.
"So...he calls you darling. What's your pet name for him?"
While Harry gave Tequila a dark look for that Eggsy stated that he didn't have one for Harry. Which of course meant the two got to enjoy themselves listing off every annoying, overly cutesy, and outright offensive pet names they could think of.
Not being a fool Harry pointedly refused to react to any of them. It would only encourage them.
Instead he focused on spotting Daisy or Miss. Morton, though more so Miss. Morton since she was significantly taller than Daisy and therefore a lot easier to pick out of a crowd. And there proved to be quite the crowd around both girls as it looked to him like multiple people wanted to compliment Daisy on her decision to enter the charity event. Miss Morton had Daisy balanced on her hip and appeared to be doing her best to keep the three year old there even though Harry knew for a fact that the little girl was a lot heavier than she looked.
"Right. You two go and pay for your baskets, I'm going to rescue Daisy and Miss. Morton."
Trusting his orders would be followed Harry went into full Kingsman mode, his strides, expression, and body language making it clear that everyone better get the hell out of his way or they'd end up flattened under his oxfords. He also let enough of his power leak out that those with magical ability would naturally sense it and know that a heavy hitter was in their midst. So beware.
It was wonderfully effective.
A couple dozen 'Excuse mes' later, he was still a gentleman after all, Harry was in position to reach out, place his hands on Daisy's waist, and then with a gentle tug brought her up to his chest so that she could wrap her arms around his neck and bury her face against the safety of his neck. She even sighed his name with relief as she settled in, confident he'd free her from the cheek pinching hordes.
"Terribly sorry to interrupt, Everyone. I'm afraid my ward is on the shy side and large crowds tend to make it worse. Miss. Morton, the baskets?"
"They were taken with the others to wait until payment is made. And I know it's past Daisy usual lunch time so we should go get them now, shouldn't we. If you'll excuse us." Miss.
Morton's regretful smile was perfectly paired with her determined gaze. "We'll have to caught up with you all later. During the match."
Appreciating her that much more Harry joined Miss. Morton in giving the crowd pleasant smiles and goodbyes all around, accepted some last minute compliments and goodbyes, and then as quickly as manners allowed they turned and beat a hasty retreat towards the pay line where Eggsy was standing with Tequila.
"The gentleman who won Daisy's basket is one of the Americans I recently did business with." Harry told her as they approached, holding her gaze for a telling moment before looking back in Tequila's direction. "I don't think he's here to cause trouble but keep an eye on him."
"Of course, Sir."
"And that was well done back there."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Harry is fine when we're not at work, Miss. Morton."
He could practically see her internal struggle over that for a minute, her feelings on it undecided as they came to a stop beside the other men, who were second and third in line respectively.
"There's my Flower. Ya did so good up there, Dais."
Slowly and cautiously Daisy turned her head to get the lay of the land, smiling at her brother before shooting a wary look in Tequila's direction. Pointing a finger in his direction Daisy identified him as 'The Cowboy Man'.
Tequila lifted a hand, then dropped it back when he realized there was no hat to tip in Daisy's direction. "You can just call me Channing, Little Lady. It's a right pleasure to meet you."
Still looking suspicious Daisy asked if the Caterpillar Man was with him.
"Him? Nah. I don't like him none either."
"He was mean."
"He can be. Plus that mustache of his went out of style in, like, the nineties."
"More like it should have never been in style." Was Eggsy's opinion.
"Aww, Selleck didn't do too bad with it."
"Who?"
"You might know him as the older man Monica was involved with in 'Friends'." Harry suggested.
Miss. Morton nodded immediately. "Oh, him."
The blank look Eggsy gave them made it clear he was still in the dark.
Pulling out her phone Miss. Morton typed away, showing off her multitasking skills by also pointing out to Eggsy that it was time for him to pay.
By the time Eggsy had done that Miss. Morton had brought up a site for Eggsy to look at, the blank look staying on his face as he stated that no, he still had no idea who this guy was. And that the moustache was still a mistake.
Some more scrolling down and then Eggsy's face brightened up. "Oh, he was the voice of adult Cornelius in 'Meet The Robinsons'. I love that movie."
Having just pulled out his wallet Tequila gave Eggsy a startled look. "Wait...he was?"
"According to this he was. I'll show you when you're done."
"Huh." Looking thoughtful Tequila took the machine from the man behind the table, inserting his card. "Actually yeah. That was him. And that family tree gag makes so much more sense. Damn, I haven't watched that movie in forever."
"Have you seen it, Harry?"
"No. We'll have to watch it sometime."
"It's a date." Eggsy assured him with a grin.
One Harry was quite happy to return.
"Me watch too?" Daisy wanted to know.
Of course she could, they assured her.
Chapter 37: Lunch Time
Chapter Text
Note: So the original look sported by the actor playing Charlie in Kingsman did absolutely nothing for me, while his Golden Circle look was pretty damn sexy in my opinion. So I decided to give that version of the actor a new role as Edward heh.
Lunch Time
Once Tequila had finished paying for Daisy's basket the Statesman offered her his arm with all the pomp and flourish of a prince offering his arm to his princess. Daisy looked up at him with a bright red face, bashfully taking it only after both Harry and Eggsy gave her reassuring nods and promised to stay close by should she need them. She still gave Tequila several distrustful looks though as they headed over to the next line where Eggsy and Tequila showed off their receipts to prove that they'd paid for their auction baskets already. Once both men had theirs in hand, with Tequila visibly surprised at the heft of his basket, the five of them set off to pick up the basket Eggsy had made for the two of them to share. Thankfully they didn't have to go far to get it thanks to Harry being the nephew of the hostess. One of her staff recognized him as they approached and immediately retrieved and brought the basket over to them so that there was no standing in another line.
"Thank you, Peter." The man in question had been in his aunt's service for years, and Harry knew him to be excellent at his job.
"Of course, Sir. I hope you and your dining guests enjoy your meal and afternoon."
"I hope your afternoon goes well also. Goodbye."
Inclining his head in Harry's direction, then the others, Peter headed back to the tent to continue handing out baskets to the other guests.
"You know my momma, she always told me that 'Us Southerners get our good manners from the British'." Tequila drawled out.
"Pity you lot used it up so quickly." Eggsy informed him with a smirk. "Then maybe people would like ya more."
Tequila looked pleased as punch as he stated that some people might think those were 'fightin words'. And Eggsy should keep in mind what happened the last time their countries got to fighting.
"Do we really need to have that discussion again?" Harry interrupted, giving Tequila a quelling look for good measure. "I think we settled the matter rather conclusively at that bar regarding which country has the more skilled fighters."
"I seem to recall that we gave you Brits a hand with that."
"I don't recall us asking or needing your help."
"Just ta clarify, he ain't the one ya bruised your knuckles on, right?" The look Eggsy gave Tequila made it clear he'd be bruising his own knuckles on Tequila's face if that was the case.
Naturally Tequila didn't look worried in the slightest as he drawled out his answer. "I'd have given him more than a sore hand if he had."
"Boys. Do try and remember that you're in public. With ladies present."
Ah. Yes.
"My apologies, Miss. Morton. Daisy." Damn. He really was making a right arse of himself in front of Lancelot today, wasn't he? "Let's find a good spot for our picnic, shall we?"
Eggsy shot Tequila one last look of warning before pasting on a smile and nodding in agreement. "Right. How about over there by them trees, Harry? That would give us some shade."
Looking down at Daisy Harry asked her if she thought it was a good place for them to have their lunch.
Peering through the crowd to try and get a good look, no easy thing given her height in comparison to those around them, the task occupied Daisy for a couple of minutes before she finally turned her head back to give him an 'okay' nod.
So they made their way through the crowds and joined the others in picking a spot where the large, mature trees in their vicinity offered plenty of shade and backrests for those who required one. Setting their baskets down Harry opened the lid of their basket as Eggsy instructed to retrieve the large black and grey plaid blanket Eggsy had placed on top of the food while Eggsy got out Lancelot's blueish grey one. Adding in the blanket Eggsy had put in Daisy's basket they soon had plenty of space to sit on without worrying about troublesome grass stains. Harry sat next to Eggsy, with Lancelot sitting directly across from him and Tequila on her left. Daisy sat at the 'head' of the table, flanked on either side by Eggsy and Tequila since odds were Eggsy would have to help her with some of the food at some point.
Pulling out an apron of all things from their basket Eggsy held it out to Tequila with a smirk. "Do ya mind puttin this on Dais while we get the rest sorted out? She'll lose it if she gets anything on that dress."
"You're not just a pretty face, are you." Miss. Morton teased Eggsy as Tequila took the apron with a good-natured smile. The apron in question was black with gold trim, covering Daisy from neck to ankle as the American tied the waist string twice around the girl's waist before tying it in a bow.
That done Tequila declared that it was time to eat, his grin wide with anticipation. Though once he got a better look inside his basket the blond's eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Where did ya all find this?"
"Online."
Turning his head Harry had to grin too when he saw that Daisy's wicker basket had been opened to reveal that the plastic plates belted into the inside of it were shaped like cartoon fox heads. And all the cutlery was orange with fox figurines on the ends. The plastic cup Tequila took out of the basket also proved to be clear save for the frolicking foxes depicted around the sides.
Harry smiled over at the likely culprit. "I'm going to assume that you picked those out, Daisy?"
The little girl nodded proudly. "Like Mr. Fox."
"Excellent choice."
The other plates and such were much more adult, but Tequila seemed tickled pink by his and Daisy's fox themed picnic and with great ceremony got their 'table' set between them before going to work taking all the remaining food out of the basket while the rest of them did the same.
"So, Miss. Morton, why the objection to getting up close and personal with Hesketh? Not your type?"
Lancelot gave Tequila a cool look. "If you'd ever had the 'pleasure' of meeting a Hesketh you'd understand."
"Edward Hesketh is superior to his brother in every conceivable way." Harry felt obligated to inform her. The man in question didn't deserve to be tarred with the same brush as his brother.
"That's really not saying much, S-Harry."
Harry acknowledged the truth of that statement by inclining his head in agreement before elaborating. "I should have said that from what I know of him, Edward is a good man and a gentleman."
"But is he worth having to spend time with Charlie?"
"Ah. Perhaps not. Though my understanding is they aren't close."
"And their parents?"
He was starting to see her point. However wonderful Edward Hesketh might be, the majority of the man's family were as entitled and snobbish as Charlie was. If you weren't in it for their money and titles, theirs wasn't a family one would ever be eager to join.
"Ow bad is this Charlie?" Eggsy wanted to know.
"Oh the stories I could tell you. And will when there's more liquor than this to drink." Lancelot held up the bottle of wine she'd brought to go with her meal. "Speaking of which, who would like a glass?"
"I would love a glass." Harry replied.
"I'll stick with the lemonade. And we better eat the loaves and salads first." Eggsy informed them firmly as he looked over the various containers set out on the blankets. "The bread won't stay warm that much longer, and we all need the healthy crap before we get ta the good stuff."
Rubbing his hands together, Tequila agreed that they needed to get this party started.
)
Having already had Eggsy's garlic cheese loaf Harry knew what to expect, the added enjoyment coming from watching Tequila make an idiot of himself making yummy noises and exclaiming over the perfection of it all. Well that and the knowledge that he'd covertly turned on his glasses to record every moment of the American's reactions for future use. Harry was fairly confident that if nothing else, the other man was bound to give him excellent blackmail material today.
The food the boy kept shoving into his mouth also had the benefit of preventing Tequila from talking.
And speaking of handsome young men Harry sensed that one was walking towards them right now, Harry twisting around to see Hesketh coming towards them with a determined stride that suggested he had a purpose in mind. And given that Eggsy had won Miss. Morton's basket from him Harry instinctively moved closer to Eggsy, prepared to come to his defense if Hesketh decided to prove him wrong about being a gentleman with manners.
Miss. Morton got to her feet too, while Tequila adopted an expression that suggested he thought he was in for dinner and a show. Americans.
"Hesketh's behind me, ain't he?"
"It will be fine."
The look Eggsy shot him was half disbelief, half insult. Then he proved how flexible he really was by twisting his upper body around enough that he could keep an eye on the bloke in question.
"Excuse me. My apologies for interrupting your meal." Sounding every inch the British gentleman Harry thought him to be, Edward's eyes swept over them and then focused in on Miss. Morton as he walked around the blankets towards her. "I simply wished to apologize for bothering you, Miss. Morton. And to give you this."
Miss. Morton stared at the piece of paper he pulled from his pocket and then held out to her, taking it from him warily before glancing down at it, her brows furrowing in confusion as she looked back up at him. "I don't understand."
"I chanced to overhear that you had your friend bid on your basket so that I wouldn't win it. I thought it only fair to reimburse you for your troubles."
Oh, shite. His aunt. She'd blabbed to people. Of course she had.
The look Miss. Morton aimed in his direction made it clear she'd connected the dots too. Fuck.
"No, I'm sorry." Turning her attention back to Edward Miss. Morton gave him an apologetic look. "It wasn't personal. I've never heard anyone say anything that would make me think I wouldn't enjoy your company. It's just-I hate your brother. To a degree I can't quite put into words."
"Which just proves you're as intelligent as I gathered." Edward's lips curved in small smile. "After you beat him for the internship Charlie had a lot to say about you whenever I had to suffer through his company. Reading between the lines you sounded like a woman I'd enjoy getting to know. That was my only motive in asking your mother about you and attempting to purchase your basket."
"Oh."
Miss. Morton, Harry noted, looked lovely with rosy cheeks.
"Well I can't-I can't accept this." Miss. Morton held the check back out to him. "It wouldn't be fair."
Naturally Edward refused to take it, holding his hand up in a stop motion. "I insist."
"But-"
"Right, so seeing as he ain't a complete arse like his brother why don't ya invite him ta join us at the very least." Eggsy suggested, neatly interrupting Miss. Morton's planned argument. "I put extra stuff in our basket, just in case there was an extra mouth ta feed."
Harry was going to go out on a limb and guess that that extra food had been added in case Merlin showed up unexpectedly.
"Would you? Like to join us." Miss. Morton asked.
Looking pleased, Edward stated he would. If she was sure.
"Please."
Shifting some things around so that Edward could take a seat close to Miss. Morton took no time at all, Eggsy retrieving the extra place setting to hand to Harry who then handed it over to Edward while Miss. Morton took care of the introductions.
Due to Tequila's presence Miss. Morton presented herself as a friend of Harry's family rather than a work colleague despite Edward's knowledge of Kingsman and her position within it. Harry was confident in Edward's ability to read between the lines and understand that they didn't want the American aware of who she was and the potential threat she posed if Tequila had motives of being here that had nothing to do with sheer gluttony.
'Mr. Channing' was introduced as working for a company Kingsman tailor shop did business with upon occasion.
"Mr. Channing works for a bourbon whiskey company out of Kentucky that we're in a joint advertising campaign with." Harry added, lying as smoothly as the whiskey the Statesman produced.
"I see. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'll have to keep my eye out for that brand."
"Best there is." Tequila assured him with a wink.
"Speakin of best there is, I'm a fan." Eggsy smiled at Edward. "Phelps might have more speed but you've got the better form and-I want ta say fluidity in your strokes? Ya flow with the water better."
"Thank you. It's kind of you to say."
"And don't you start about Yanks versus Brits again." Eggsy pointed a knowing finger in Tequila's direction. "Ya came all the way across the bloody pond ta try my fried chicken, not reenact the American Revolution."
Edward's eyebrows rose as he asked Tequila if he'd really done so.
"He's usin my Meemaw's recipe." Tequila explained. "Said he could make it just as well as she can. I had to to come and try it for myself."
"He means his grandmother." Eggsy added. "They got ta have weird names for everything over there."
"You really want to get in a debate about whose country has the 'barmiest' names for things, Boy?"
Eggsy delighted them all by sticking his tongue out at Tequila.
"We have chicken now?" Daisy wanted to know, obviously done with listening to the adults be silly.
"Yeah, let's just divvy everything up then."
Thanks to Eggsy and Daisy's baskets being identical save for portions it wasn't hard to see that everyone got their fair share of the food, Tequila making quite the show of looking over Eggsy's fried chicken and critiquing it in terms of the breaded mix the chicken had been rolled in. Or shaken into? Harry had no idea. But apparently Tequila thought that while the chicken smelled 'almost' as good as the original, while visually his meemaw's was superior to it.
"Put the chicken where your mouth is, Bruv. Then we'll see what ya got ta say."
"All right. Care to place a little wager before I do?" Tequila waved the drumstick in Eggsy's direction teasingly.
"Hundred pounds?"
"You're on."
Leaning across the space the two men shook over it.
Doing some subtle leaning in of his own, Harry made sure that he was in optimum position to record Tequila's reaction as the Statesman brought the chicken to his lips and bit in.
He wasn't disappointed.
Though Harry had to admit that it was a little disturbing to hear Tequila make such a sexual noise as he chewed, the look of rapture on his face...well you'd have thought someone was performing oral sex on the boy at the very least.
Snickering like crazy at Tequila's side, Miss. Morton gave Harry a knowing look before turning to inform a very confused looking Edward that you always had to brace before eating something made by Eggsy, otherwise you made an idiot of yourself like Tequila just had.
"Thank you for the warning."
Tequila, meanwhile, had managed to take two more bites during that conversation, the noises very distracting, especially since it was making all the nearby guests stare at them all.
"Unca Harry, don't ya want the chicken? it's yummy." Daisy informed him.
Daisy, Harry noted, was halfway through her own piece and had done so with hardly a noticeable peep.
"Of course."
And braced for it Harry managed to limit himself to a purring sound of pleasure as he bit through the slightly crunchy outside to reach the tender chicken inside, the herbs and spices elevating the relatively common offering into ambrosia for the mouth. Though Gran Gran's chips were still superior.
He also wasn't so lost in his own pleasure that he failed to note the sounds of appreciation Lancelot and Hesketh made, though he did his best to mostly tune out Miss. Morton's reaction out of politeness. And for both their sakes.
"Dammit, Eggsy." Miss. Morton threw him an exasperated look.
"How on earth did you make it so...is it magic?" Edward wanted to know, the swipe of the man's tongue over his lips to better savor the taste something Harry could very much appreciate.
"I'm part house elf." Eggsy explained smugly. "You should try-"
"What the hell?! That was better than my meemaw's! Best chicken..." Tequila trailed off, color actually draining from his face as he took on the look of a man awaiting execution. "Shit. Don't any of you-if any of you ever have the pleasure of meetin my meemaw you CAN'T tell her I said that. She won't ever cook for me again, she hears I even suggested someone cooks better than her. My life won't be worth livin once she catches wind of it."
"She won't hear it from me. So long as ya don't welsh on our bet."
Tequila glared at him for a moment, then wonderment came over his face as he looked down at his plate and then back to Eggsy again. "Do all house elves cook like you do?"
"No idea. But if ya want I'll eat your chicken if you want ta stick ta the salad and such."
That earned him a death glare from Tequila.
Right before the man made a grab to add more of the chicken to his plate.
Chapter 38: A Noisy Meal
Chapter Text
A Noisy Meal
It came as no surprise when they continued to get odd looks from those around them, they were all making a rather lot of noise after all. Still, Harry could at least comfort himself with the fact that he and his family were the least noisy of the bunch. Which in all honesty was mostly thanks to Eggsy and Daisy who enjoyed their food, but didn't feel the need to express it verbally. Their house elf magic must give them superpowers in that regard. It was the only logical explanation.
As for himself, well at least he was used to eating like a king while Miss. Morton had only eaten Eggsy's food a couple of times to the best of Harry knowledge. Edward and Tequila...well the former did do his best to at least stifle his reactions. Tequila wasn't even trying at this point.
Thank God Tequila wasn't his responsibility. Or any reflection on him. He could and would claim he was only sitting with the American because he'd bid on Daisy's basket.
But all that aside Harry found himself very much enjoying the chance to spend a lovely day outside with Eggsy and Daisy. Even if he would rather have been alone with the former given the earlier revelation that Eggsy was as interested in him as he'd been pretending he wasn't interested in Eggsy. Now that they'd gotten that sorted out...well it was still probably for the best that they were here since it would be hours yet before the two of them could be alone to further...discuss what they wanted from the other. If they were at home they'd have less to distract them and time would just drag on and on to spite them. Tequila's antics were certainly distracting, as was the food.
And so it was that they were all down to the last of their main course when it happened, Lord Cecil McAdam hard to miss as he came strolling over in their direction. More like lumbered in Harry's opinion, the man's fake smile doing nothing to hide the gleam in the prat's eyes that said he'd come to cause trouble.
"Ah, Hart, good to see you. I meant to say hello and greet your new family earlier, but the crowds, you know. This event of your aunt's gets more popular every year. But where are my manners, it's lovely to see you again, Miss. Morton. Hesketh." McAdam nodded to each in turn before looking at Tequila with faked casual curiosity. "And you are?"
"Tatum Channing. The company I work for does business with Kingsman occasionally. And you are?"
"Lord Cecil McAdam. Pleasure." Dismissing Tequila as being beneath his notice now that he knew the other man wasn't someone he'd heard of, McAdam turned his attention back to who had likely precipitated his visit in the first place. "And correct me if I'm wrong, but these are the children you've adopted, Harry?"
Having expected the jab Harry merely showed his teeth in warning. "This is my ward, Daisy, and her older brother Eggsy. Who is far too old to need adopting."
"Hi." Eggsy lifted his glass in greeting before taking a deep sip, giving him an excuse not to say more. Or to muffle whatever he was saying into the lemonade.
Daisy, naturally, continued eating. Very few things could hold her attention long at the dinner table.
"I see. And you're the 'cook' who prepared Miss. Daisy's interesting basket, are you not?"
Recognizing the fact that the man has used the word 'cook' as an insult, Harry considered various responses before deciding to use the quickest, most lethal method of disposal currently in his arsenal. One did have to take their surroundings into consideration after all.
"Eggsy is an amazing chef, yes. I'm sure someone such as yourself, who's devoted so much of his life to seeking out the finest food the world has to offer knows that it's often the simplest of foods that bring us the greatest pleasure. But don't take my word for it. Care to sample some of his chicken?"
"Wait...what?" Tequila gave him a look of stunned confusion. Possibly because the American had eaten all of his already and had only minutes before attempted to convince Harry to give up his last piece without success.
"Eggsy, would you pass me the extra fork and knife from the basket, please."
Shooting him a look that said he knew Harry was up to something, Eggsy still did as asked and handed over the spare utensils he'd brought in case their own needed to be replaced.
Thanking Eggsy for the assist Harry took the utensils from him and then cut off a mouthful's worth of his as yet untouched chicken. Then piercing it with the fork Harry held it out towards McAdam. The 'I dare you' went unsaid, but Harry could see from the look on McAdam's face that the unspoken message was coming through loud and clear.
"I suppose..." Leaning down to take the fork handle from Harry, McAdam straightened up and then looked over the piece of chicken critically. "It does look like it's been cooked correctly."
Tensing up in preparation Harry slapped his hands over his ears just as McAdam bit into the chicken. There were just some sounds he did not want to hear.
Judging by the expression on the faces of his adult companions...they wished they'd done the same.
McAdam's expression was bad enough.
Eggsy's 'Ewww.' was under his breath, but Harry could easily relate.
"Tell me I wasn't that bad." Tequila murmured to Miss. Morton, who just smirked at him.
"That was-I've never-the chicken was so moist and the herb choices..." Trailing off McAdam stared at the now empty prongs on the fork before ever so slowly his gaze shifted over to the direction of Harry's plate. And the fried chicken still sitting on it with the remains of the rest of Harry's lunch.
And having waited for just that moment Harry picked up the piece of chicken with his bare hands and then bit into it.
The look on the man's face...priceless.
And it only got better watching the prick frantically look around to each of the people's plates, then the containers. Fruitless searching for an untouched piece of fried chicken and coming up empty. Harry's chicken had been the last untouched piece.
"There's...no more?"
Eggsy's bottom lip quivered for a moment before he firmed it up. "Sorry, Bruv. That's it."
"I...see. It was-you have a gift, young man. And I-I really should be going but-If you'll excuse me."
Face red with pent up emotion, McAdam gave Harry a pathetically disguised look of fury and then nearly ended up sprawled on the grass as he spun around on his heels in his haste to leave.
Not the most graceful of men, McAdam. Harry was a little sorry the man had caught himself in time. But at least he'd gotten it all on video.
"Was he tearin up?" Eggsy wanted to know once the man in question was out of earshot.
Looking just as shocked as Eggsy Miss. Morton nodded, stating that she thought he had been.
"That was fucking evil." Tequila stated after a minute or so of silence, the look he aimed at Harry suggesting that he thought he was looking at the devil himself. "Like Voldemort or Valentine evil. No...like Bellatrix Lestrange evil."
While this wasn't the first time someone had accused him of being evil, or even sadistic, Harry took some offense to being compared to all three of those individuals. At the very least he had the intelligence to know that trying to rule or control the world and its population was a pointless endeavor. Only idiots aspired to that level of stupidity, thank you very much.
But rather than complain about the comparison Harry simply reminded Tequila that he wasn't to swear in front of Daisy before taking another bite of his chicken.
"Out of morbid curiosity...just what did he do to you in a previous life to deserve that?"
Raising his eyebrows, Harry had to smirk a little as he stated that he wouldn't have taken Edward for someone who believed in reincarnation.
"I don't, in the traditional sense. But I would have heard about it if he'd done something in this life to deserve that, and I haven't. Ergo you must believe he did something truly heinous to deserve that."
"Jeez, it ain't like he kicked a puppy in ta traffic or somethin. I mean that was damn mean, no question, but quit makin it sound so bad. It was just chicken."
"You have no idea how good your food is, do you?"
"Ya all make it pretty clear it's good the way ya carry on." Flushing in reaction to Miss. Morton's backhanded compliment, Eggsy shook his head. "Ya'd think ya all grew up in the estates, not us. My cookin is good, yeah, but you all grew up with chefs and goin ta fancy restaurants all over the place."
"I have travelled all over the world both for pleasure and competitions, and I can say in all seriousness that you have a gift when it comes to cooking, Eggsy. You should take pride in your abilities." Edward added with a smile. "And feed your friends often. By which I mean myself. And Roxanne."
Lips twitching in amusement Eggsy just shook his head at them while Tequila piped up that he was Eggsy's friend too.
"Ya live on the other side of an ocean, remember? How the heck am I supposed ta feed ya? Care packages?"
"To better relations between our countries, yes."
"Bruv...we got enough problems with Brexit without you Yanks getting more involved with us."
"Brexit. Don't even get me started on that foolishness. The EU is going to make us pay through the nose for decades once the government is forced to admit they can't go through with it. Not if they have brains in their heads, anyway."
Agreeing with Edward's statement one hundred percent, Harry and Miss. Morton joined Edward in discussing the problem while Tequila did his best to convince Eggsy that it was of international importance that Eggsy keep feeding him in the future.
Eggsy wasn't buying it.
But both conversations continued right up until Edward casually helped himself to one of the chocolate biscuits set out near him and took a bite.
The sound he made...well it made Harry think that should the man ever become destitute he could have one hell of a second career in the porn industry.
Damn.
Even Daisy stopped eating long enough to stare at him like everyone else.
"Ya sound like Mr. Merwin." Was her opinion before Daisy went back to eating her own biscuit.
No, he definitely didn't sound like Merlin, Harry silently corrected, but apparently he was just as much a choco-holic as the Scotsman.
Oh, dear.
Harry was going to go out on a limb and guess that they weren't going to have enough biscuits.
)
In the end Harry and Eggsy selflessly opted to stick with the watermelon and Miss. Morton's cheesecake so that the others could enjoy more biscuits. And Edward and Tequila's reactions to them. Though their verbal 'enthusiasm' didn't exactly help distract Harry from thinking about what would happen after this event either, when he and Eggsy had a chance to be alone together in the privacy of their own home once Daisy went to bed. It also made him think of several uses for chocolate that he was sure Eggsy would appreciate were he to suggest them later on. Unfortunately they weren't the best thoughts to be having given how expertly tailored his trousers were.
The way Eggsy occasionally squirmed beside him suggested he wasn't the only one thinking and reacting in ways not exactly appropriate for their surroundings.
But in short order the biscuits were gone and they were left dealing with two men in the process of slipping into happy food comas, Miss. Morton only slightly better off as she nibbled on a piece of watermelon.
Tequila, showing a complete lack of dignity, let himself fall backwards to lay sprawled out on the grass. "Ugh. I might never move again."
"I told you not to eat that last biscuit."
"Cookie. They're called cookies." Tequila informed Miss. Morton, eyes still closed as he threatened to slip into a food coma before their very eyes. "You Brits and your weird names for things. Calling fries crisps and soccer football."
"They're not cookies or biscuits. They're ambrosia." Sighing, a look of utter contentment on his face, Edward patted his stomach before sending a killer smile in Eggsy's direction that had a blush heating up the younger man's cheeks. "If I thought Hart would let me steal you away and live to enjoy your food, I would."
"But I wouldn't, so you'll have to contend yourself with visiting us occasionally."
"Harry." Eggsy elbowed him in the side, the look he gave him equal parts affection and exasperation.
"I don't blame him. And we're definitely exchanging phone numbers and email before we part ways."
"Yeah? Aces."
Lacing his fingers with Eggsy's Harry gave them a squeeze. Smiled when Eggsy squeezed back.
"I full, Unca Harry."
Harry glanced over in her direction. "That's no surprise." She'd eaten quite a lot considering her stomach was a lot smaller than the rest of theirs. "Come here and we'll get that apron off you then."
"Kay."
Getting to her feet Daisy walked over and around Eggsy, surprising him. Instead she came to him with an expectant look, Harry touched as he undid the strings for her. Shifting up to his knees Harry slid the neck strap off and then handed it off to Eggsy when he held out his hand for it.
When Daisy held out her arms Harry naturally picked her up and brought her over and against his chest, thinking she needed a hug due to all the people around them and the overstimulation of it all now that the food wasn't distracting her. He didn't expect her to curl up in his lap for a snuggle, though he didn't mind in the least. He was happy to wrap an arm around her waist, his other hand returning to take Eggsy's.
His family.
Leaning over Eggsy reminded Daisy not to fall asleep. There was still the polo match to watch after all.
"Ponies." Daisy agreed, though sleepily.
"Pass."
Out of curiosity, Harry asked Tequila if he'd ever watched a polo match before.
With a loud, exaggerated groan Tequila propped himself up on his elbows to look in Harry's direction. "You gonna tell me I'm missing out? It's like playing croquet with ponies. Who wants to watch that?"
"Quite a lot of people, actually. It's one of the world's oldest team sports and considered by some to be the sport of kings."
"Ya like it that much, Harry?"
"God no. I find it rather tedious after a while. But it's still deserving of more respect as a sport than golf, just for instance."
That earned him a laugh from everyone except Daisy. She was fast asleep in Harry's lap.
)
Once they'd packed up their baskets and folded up their blankets it was time to return their things to the car and then come back just in time for the polo match to begin. They could have handed it all to Aunt Celeste's staff for safekeeping until the event was over but Eggsy figured there was no point in that and they could all do with some stretching and walking anyway. Particularly Tequila so he wouldn't slip further into the food induced coma and require them to carry him about like a child. Tequila, for his part, was so food happy he didn't take any offense to that. Or the reminder that he would need to write Eggsy a check to pay him his winnings if he didn't have the cash.
No, Tequila was content to help carry stuff while still inquiring as to how he could go about arranging a monthly care package from Eggsy. That Eggsy couldn't see that working out well given the ocean between them and the sort of food Tequila was asking him for didn't seem to faze the American in the least.
Edward and Miss. Morton, who were now strolling arm in arm, both seemed to enjoy good naturedly needling Tequila about their much easier access to Eggsy's cooking too.
"Where there's a will there's a way." Tequila informed them sagely.
Eggsy, who was now carrying Daisy while Harry carried their basket, rolled his eyes in the Statesman's direction. "I ain't sayin no about feedin ya, especially as ya said Daisy could keep her basket, but I can't mail ya fried chicken and all that other stuff ya want. The biccies, yeah, but not the rest."
"True enough. Which is why I'm just gonna have to talk Champ into sending me here once a month or so to stock up on the essentials. We can bribe him with more of your cookies. And pecan tarts. He loves those things." Tequila frowned. "Crap...he might insist on coming instead of me. New plan...I can become a liaison between our two companies." Tequila shot a hopeful look in Harry's direction. "You can make that happen, right?"
Harry didn't even have to think about that one.
"No."
"Oh come-"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Eggsy was not put on this earth to feed all my business acquaintances. Merlin is bad enough. And if I was going to ask for someone from your camp to work directly with mine I would pick Ginger."
The puppy dog look Tequila aimed in his direction was impressive...but both Eggsy and Daisy did it better.
"No."
Chapter 39: The End of The Day
Chapter Text
The End of the Day
The polo match proved to be about as entertaining as Harry had expected it to be. Which was basically not at all. The only enjoyable part about it was leaning in close so that Eggsy could hear him as he explained the various rules and such since Eggy's attempts to understand them via Wikipedia hadn't really panned out. The cheers from the crowds kept Daisy semi-conscious for the first chukka, the ponies racing around interesting her for nearly that long before the novelty wore off. At that point she snuggled in for a series of cat naps against whichever chest she was pressed against as he and Eggsy took turns holding her. She was heavier than she looked.
Tequila offered to hold her too, but Daisy wasn't quite sold on the blond yet so they thanked him but declined to even try. As for Miss. Morton and Edward Hesketh...well the two were rather busy conversing with each other and Harry wasn't about to interrupt to see if Miss. Morton, who Daisy did trust, would give them a hand with the heavy lifting, so to speak.
And to his credit Tequila was leaving the couple to their own devices as well, though there was a gleam in the younger man's eyes that suggested he found observing them far more amusing than the polo match.
When he wasn't badgering Eggsy about feeding him in the future of course. The man was not letting this go.
Eggsy was good at tuning him out though.
"So these blokes are...really good at this?" Eggsy asked halfway through the third chukka.
"I would say so, yes."
Eggsy gave him a sidelong look. "I get that it's got ta be fuc-fudgin difficult ta whack that ball around while on horseback. Or ponyback, I guess. Fuc-nevermind. The point is...it's like tennis. Maybe fun ta play, but watchin it for more than ten minutes is pretty bloody boring."
In perfect agreement Harry asked if Eggsy was ready to head home then.
"Can we? I mean this is your aunt's thing, right?"
"And we brought a built-in excuse." Harry look pointedly down at the little girl half dozing in Eggsy's arms.
"Sweet."
Now that that was settled Harry turned his attention to Tequila, cutting the younger man off before he could offer to come with them. Or worse, suggest going home with them so that he would have access to any additional leftovers Eggsy might have in their fridge.
"It's been, as always, interesting to spend time with you, Mr. Channing. I hope you enjoy the rest of your time in London, and that you return to the US in time to get your fair share of the biscuits Eggsy intends to send you and your colleagues. Until we meet again."
Harry could see the mental struggle as Tequila very grudgingly took Harry's hand and shook it.
"I'll be sure to drop in on you guys the next time I'm in your neighborhood."
Next Tequila offered his hand to Eggsy, all charming smiles now as they shook. "It's been a real pleasure making your acquaintance, Eggsy. I'll be sure to send those recipes I mentioned your way as soon as I get home."
"I'll look forward ta it, Mate. Try ta stay out of trouble, all right?"
Tequila winked. "Now that's easier said than done."
"I have the same problem."
The two young man shared a laugh and grin over that, Tequila asking Eggsy to pass on his goodbyes to Daisy when she was awake enough to hear it. Eggsy promised that he would.
Having said their goodbyes to Tequila Harry and Eggsy turned their attention to saying goodbye to Lancelot and Hesketh, the two having noticed their impeding departure and so put their own conversation on hold. Brisk handshakes and promises to see each other again soon made the rounds, Eggsy promising to send some biscuits Edward's way after Edward commented that Tequila and his colleagues were lucky to be getting that biscuit delivery.
Edward was obviously grateful.
Amused but not surprised, Harry had the feeling that he was going to have to put his foot down eventually or Eggsy would wind up sending food to everyone who tasted his cooking. Merlin was already bad enough with his gluttonous demands on Eggsy. But for now Harry just nodded one last goodbye and then not at all subtly began herding Eggsy out of the crowds that surrounded them with the hand he placed on Eggsy's lower back.
Once free of that crowd Harry was faced with the unfortunate fact that manners and family obligations meant that he had to go and find his aunt to say goodbye to her in person. He knew from previous experience that a text would not go over well with her. Or his mother when she called her sister to complain about her son's bad manners.
Ever the gentleman Harry offered Eggsy an out, telling him that he could head for the car with Daisy and he'd catch up. He'd give his aunt their regards for them.
"A good soldier never leaves a man behind."
Chuckling as Eggsy had intended him to, Harry inclined his head in agreement while stating that he still got points for being willing to sacrifice himself.
"Fair enough. So which way da we go?"
"She'll be over there by that tent if memory serves. All the better to see and be seen."
Aunt Celeste was indeed holding court with her usually cronies, the older women all visibly perking up at the sight of them approaching. Harry also noted that the conversations they'd been having amongst themselves died off so that they were all quiet and waiting for them, making Harry think that odds were high it was his family at least some of them had been discussing.
"There you are! And oh Daisy is all worn out, isn't she? Poor thing. Too much excitement?" Getting out of her chair Aunt Celeste came over to them, her friends all watching them with rapt interest. And eavesdropping to the best of their hearing aids' abilities in some cases, Harry didn't doubt.
"Yeah. And she usually naps around this time anyway." Eggsy volunteered.
"Which is why we've come over." Harry added, before his aunt or someone else could start trying to chat Eggsy up. "We're going to head home now so that she can sleep in the car, away from all this noise."
"Oh but she could sleep in the house. I could have one of the maids stay with her."
"Nah. I mean it's real kind of ya ta offer but she'd freak if she woke up in a strange place without us around. She's still havin a hard time with Harry and I droppin her off at daycare sometimes. Plus Harry just got back from a business trip and she's been his shadow ever since. She wakes up and he ain't there we'll be able ta hear her all the way out here."
Doing his best to hide how pleased he was about the fact that Daisy seemed to have actually missed him that much Harry stated that as much fun as they'd have here, Daisy's needs had to come first.
"Of course, of course."
"And where is my granddaughter whose basket you bought, young man?"
Damn. Miss. Morton's maternal grandmother.
"You're Roxy's grandmother?" Eggsy asked, smiling at her charmingly when she nodded. "Nice ta meet ya. I'm Eggsy. She's back in that direction with Edward Hesketh if ya want ta talk ta her. Or I can text her for ya."
"With Edward Hesketh? Really?" Aunt Celeste's eyes gleamed over that news. "Now isn't that odd."
"Yes. Apparently someone let it slip that Miss. Morton had asked Eggsy as her friend to bid for her so that she wouldn't end up having to have lunch with Mr. Hesketh." Harry gave his aunt a look that made it quite clear he knew who exactly was to blame for that. Not that her face betrayed that fact for a moment.
Instead his aunt smiled at him. "Obviously things worked out if they're together now."
"He came over to apologize for putting her in that situation and we all ended up having lunch together. As it turned out her main reason for wanting to avoid him was because of his younger brother Charlie, not any problem she had with Edward personally."
"That makes so much more sense." Miss. Morton's grandmother stated, nodding her head sagely. "Edward Hesketh is quite the catch from what I know of him. His brother on the other hand...that one I'd keep above water long enough for him to suffocate, then throw him back in."
Two of the women choked on whatever they were drinking, while the rest just stared in stunned silence or started whispering to whoever was situated beside them.
One hissed 'Margot' but was drowned out by the woman who got out of her seat to demand that Miss. Morton's grandmother repeat what she'd just said about her grandson.
"Oh please, Estelle. His taste in women says it all. He is still dating that classless twit Clara Von Gluckfberg, yes?"
"As a matter of fact he isn't. And if he and your granddaughter don't get along then I'm entirely sure it's not my Charlie's fault."
"Your Charlie can only wish a woman like Roxanne would give him the time of day. And I do mean that literally. Can he tell time?"
"This is bound to get ugly. Get out of here while you can." Aunt Celeste whispered to Harry out of the side of her mouth, a fake hostess smile on her face as she hurried forward to try and break up the brewing fight as Miss. Morton's grandmother puffed up in indignation on her granddaughter's behalf. He'd missed whatever Mrs. Hesketh had said to set her off, but it had definitely riled her up.
"Right...goodbye, Aunt Celeste. Lovely as always to see you." Harry called out after her, trusting her instincts on the matter. And Agnes was nearby and had medical training if one of the women required it shortly. Still...
Eggsy called out his own goodbye and then motioned with Harry to make a break for it with him, pointedly looking down at Daisy to remind Harry that the last thing they wanted was Daisy being exposed to a shouting match. Lancelot's grandmother still had quite the set of lungs on her after all.
Nodding his understanding Harry took one last look at the two women squaring off against each other and then joined Eggsy in making a quick exit.
"You hold on ta her and I'll message Rox and Edward and let them know that they should probably get over there. Just in case. Maybe those old birds will listen when it's their grandkids tellin them to settle down before they give themselves heart attacks or somethin." Eggsy passed over Daisy to Harry, the exchange made seamless enough that she hardly stirred before snuggling in against Harry's shoulder.
"Good idea."
)
By the time they'd made it to the car and deposited Daisy in her car seat Eggsy received texts that reassured them that the couple had arrived in time to ensure that the grandmothers hadn't ended up coming to blows or requiring CPR. Shocked their grandchildren with their language, yes, apparently, but thankfully Edward Hesketh was a smart man who knew his grandmother well. According to Miss. Morton's text he'd whispered something into her ear about how if she didn't agree to calm down and stop trading barbs with Miss. Morton's grandmother someone was liable to ask what Charlie had done to offend Miss. Morton so deeply. And she did not want anyone hearing the answer to that.
And apparently trusting her grandson judgement in this case, as well as probably being at least somewhat aware of her grandson's flaws no matter what she'd claimed earlier, Mrs. Hesketh had agreed to shake and agree to disagree on the matter.
"So now the two are stuck hangin out with their grandmothers ta make sure they don't kill each other while their backs are turned."
"Should we provide her with an extraction?" Harry couldn't see how he could save Mr. Hesketh, but Lancelot did work for him.
"I'll ask her."
While Eggsy typed away Harry double checked that Daisy was all buckled in, Mr. Fox secured along with her, and then asked if Eggsy wanted to drive back.
"Nah, you can drive. That way my hands are free."
Shaking his head affectionately Harry walked over to the driver's side and got behind the wheel, Eggsy somehow managing to take his seat while still texting away at lightning speed. Leaning over Harry grabbed Eggsy's seat belt and buckled it into place for him before seeing to his own, smiling when Eggsy's hand reached out to give his a squeeze of thanks.
Starting up the car Harry backed up and then soon had them on their way down the drive that would lead to the main road.
"She says no for now. She'll let me know if that changes." Looking up from his screen Eggsy glanced behind him at Daisy and then pocketed his cell rather than hooking it up to play music again. Which, given the little girl sleeping in the back, made absolute sense.
While also leaving them with a long car ride with nothing to distract them.
"Wot's with that look?"
"Nothing." Or no, it wasn't nothing, Harry silently admitted to himself. And really he needed to not silently admit it because it needed to be said. To Eggsy. Now rather than later when certain decisions could not be undone or forgotten. I mean yes he thought they were on the same wavelength, and Eggsy might be young but he had to grasp the seriousness of the step they were considering taking...but it was better to be sure, wasn't it?
"Harry?"
And all right, Eggsy was obviously not buying his 'nothing' answer. Smart boy.
"Just so we're clear I...what happened earlier and the things I said and insinuated-well I just want to be sure you realize that, that I'm not just interested in that. And that if that's all you're interested in I'd prefer to know now rather than later."
Fuck. How much more ridiculous and convoluted could he have been. If not for their safety being at risk Harry would have been tempted to smack his head a couple of times on the steering wheel. God, he hadn't been this awkward in decades. Possibly since he was younger than Eggsy was now.
And now Eggsy was giving him a weird look that Harry knew he deserved.
"If you're askin if I want us ta be, like, in a relationship and shit...Harry, we already are."
Harry expression obviously said it all because Eggsy laughed at him.
"Seriously, Harry. We're practically married at this point. You're the first adult I see in the morning and the last before I turn in. We eat most meals together and we're raising a sprog as well. We're a fucking family and that's why I ain't made a move before today. Cause I didn't want ta fuck things up even if ya kept egging me on, no pun intended."
"I've been egging you on? What about you?"
"Do ya even realize how many times you've called me 'Darling' without realizin it?"
Oh. "Well if I didn't realize it then that shouldn't count. Also do you have any idea how thin some of your undershirts are?"
"Yup."
The cheeky smile Eggsy aimed in his direction said it all.
"So you've been torturing me on purpose."
"Hey, you ain't any better, Bruv. Does the term suit porn mean anythin ta ya?"
Technically no...but Harry was going to go out on a limb and guess that it meant Eggsy found the way he looked in a suit to be very attractive.
"Don't say that around Daisy." A quick glance in the review mirror confirmed she was still sleeping, thankfully.
"Wot? She thinks ya look real pretty in your suits too."
Eggsy's grin shifted into serious lines. "I don't want ta fuck up our family neither, Harry. But now that we both know it ain't onesided...we'll fuck it up if we pretend otherwise. Just don't treat me like a kid. I might be younger but we gotta be equals for this to work, yeah?"
"Feel free to call me on it if I forget or make you think I think otherwise."
As for the statement that they'd fuck up their life together if they let fear keep them apart Harry agreed with that one hundred percent. Especially now. Ergo it was better to give them a shot than have them both be miserable and haunted by the what ifs for the rest of their hopefully long acquaintance.
And Harry had his own request to make. "If you change your mind about this I want your word you'll tell me. No dragging it out and making it worse in the long run."
Solemnly Eggsy stated that he'd promise if Harry did.
"Then you have my word."
"Mine too."
)
The majority of the drive home was passed in companionable silence, neither of them in the mood to further analyze their changing relationship. And since that was front and center in both their minds...well silence seemed the best option as Harry, at least, spent his time planning the rest of their evening in his mind with quite a bit of anticipation. Plans that had to be altered when his brain remembered that Daisy would not be sleeping for the rest of the day, unfortunately, but that was probably for the best since he wasn't a young man anymore and just didn't have the stamina. Though he'd make up the difference there with experience, thank you very much. He was very much looking forward to it in fact.
They were about twenty minutes from home when Daisy woke up and started looking around blearily, wanting to know where the ponies had gone.
Eggsy explained to her that the ponies had had to go have their naps too after playing polo all afternoon.
"Oh. Where are we goin now?"
"Home, Luv."
"Good."
Chapter 40: Eggsy's Prince
Chapter Text
Eggsy's Prince
As fate would have it they happened to drive past Daisy's favorite park on the way home, sparking her request to go play there once they'd gotten out of their fancy clothes. Not the way Harry had thought they would spend their time until Daisy's bedtime, he'd rather fancied a quiet evening at home relaxing, but Eggsy immediately stated that that was a great idea with a very pleased look on his face. And when Harry gave him a questioning look over his visible enthusiasm for the idea Eggsy's grin only grew as he pointed out that the more tired Daisy was the more likely she was to turn in early. And sleep through the night. Ah.
"Excellent idea." Harry agreed.
"I thought so."
Sharing the need to grin now Harry was tempted to reach out and take Eggsy's hand and give it a squeeze but restrained himself. For the moment. He certainly had no intention of doing so later when they were finally alone.
And he really needed to stop thinking about sex or he was liable to hit something on the road or sidewalk, Harry reminded himself, which was another excellent reason to keep his hands to himself.
Thankfully he managed to get them safely home without incident and once there he and Eggsy quickly and efficiently worked together to get everything inside and into the kitchen while Daisy supervised and held the door open for them. Unsurprisingly Eggsy's house elf nature showed itself in the fact that just leaving the stuff there to deal with later was out of the question. Eggsy wanted/had to get started on a load of dishes and such first and shooed them upstairs to get changed while he dealt with the silverware and such. He'd be quick.
Knowing better than to argue when Eggsy had that look on his face Harry agreed to the plan and picking up Daisy to save time took her and Mr. Fox upstairs so that they could both get out of their formal wear. Daisy, thankfully, assured him very indignantly that she was perfectly capable of getting out of her dress herself when he asked, and so they parted ways at the top of the stairs so that they could each retire to their room for their wardrobe change.
Starting from the bottom and working his way up in case Daisy finished first and, in her impatience, decided to barge in on him, Harry traded in his trousers for much more leisurely and comfortable ones and then went to work removing the other articles of clothing without being disturbed.
Buttoning up the lightweight, short sleeved white shirt he'd decided on Harry took a glance in the mirror to confirm that his hair was still in place before turning around with the intention of retrieving the carefully laid out suit pieces he'd set out on top of his bed and see to them properly.
His bed.
Mind immediately turning to the activities that might occur on that bed later Harry smiled in anticipation, taking care of his clothing automatically as the majority of his thoughts focused on other, much more mind consuming matters. Like should he turn the bed down before leaving? Was it wrong to presume they'd use his bed? Would Eggsy be more comfortable using his even though that would put them within hearing distance of Daisy should things get...loud in the heat of the moment. Come to think of it was he getting ahead of himself, Harry silently scolded himself, assuming that that was what Eggsy had been implying earlier.
Eggsy deserved everything and what they had-might have together...Eggsy's happiness and wellbeing had to come first. And he hadn't even taken the other man out on a proper date yet. Not just the two of them.
Of course Eggsy was also twenty two and while it had been a distressingly long time since he'd been that age Harry did remember enough to know that sex was rather high on any young man's to do list. Far more important and desired than romantic dinners and trips to museums and other places of interest. Then again, young men weren't usually interest in long lasting relationships either. Eggsy was though, or at least Harry thought that had been made clear in their discussion earlier. Please Gods let them be on the same page there.
He would take Eggsy on dates in the future. He would make it clear to the world and most especially Eggsy that he was proud to call Eggsy his and bugger anyone who had a problem with that. He never wanted Eggsy to think that Harry considered him a dirty secret or a late midlife crisis. Though he supposed he was still young enough for that to be-but it wasn't. It wasn't.
And he wouldn't turn down the bed or do anything to suggest that he expected Eggsy to join him in said bed tonight. If that's what Eggsy desire than that was what they would do and the bed could be taken care of them. If, however, Eggsy was more inclined to take things slow and-oh damn, what if they ended up on the couch? That would not be good for his back later.
Fuck. That's all he needed. To throw his back out.
Thank all the powers that be that Eggsy's house elf magic had improved his health as much as it had, really, Harry mused darkly as he did his best to ignore what his various inner voices wanted to say about how the difference in age could potentially cause problems in the bedroom. He had enough to worry about, thank you very much. Focus on the present and go from there.
So he'd let Eggsy set the tone, he would not rush the boy into anything, and what he might lack in some areas he could more than make up for in experience and genuine care for Eggsy and his pleasure.
And now he was wondering just who Eggsy had been with before and that was not a road he wanted to go down. Fuck no.
A little fist hit the door.
"Unca Harry. Are ya ready?!"
"I'll be out in a minute, Daisy."
"Ogay!" The sound of small feet stomping away toddler style.
Right. Enough dilly dallying. He just needed to grab his wallet and he'd be ready to go.
Walking over to his bedside table Harry picked the item in question up and slid it casually into his pocket before turning and-Harry froze. Shit.
Turning back around in dawning horror Harry found himself faced with the question of whether or not he actually had protection should it be required that evening. Lube wasn't a problem but he hadn't brought someone home in quite a while and he had a bad feeling that he wasn't wrong to think that he'd tossed out his last, expired box weeks ago and hadn't replaced it. Fuck.
Opening the drawer to check, while telling himself Eggsy must have at least one in his room, Harry stared and then stared some more at the unexpected contents of said drawer. Well, two items that should not have been there to be exact.
Reaching down Harry gingerly plucked the folded piece of paper from its resting place on top of something that most certainly had not been purchased by him and then unfolded it. Harry wasn't even surprised when he saw what it said.
"Either all that sugar has rotted your brain or you have a death wish, Merlin."
Another knock sounded at the door, this one higher up and not nearly as loud.
Turning around Harry called out for Eggsy to come on in, fighting the urge to crumple the paper in his hand.
Now dressed in one of his ridiculously tight polo shirts and jeans Eggsy came in with a smile and almost nervous bounce to his step. "Hey, Daisy is ready and I-wot's wrong? Ya look like someone switched all your oxfords with brogues."
Shuddering instinctively at the thought of such a travesty occurring, Harry held out the piece of paper to Eggsy to insure Merlin ended up on his shit list as well.
Walking over to take it with a 'I'm very confused' look on his face, Eggsy shot him a suspicious look before turning his attention to the note.
"Take care of our elf." Eggsy read outloud, eyebrows rising questioningly.
Turning sideways Harry pointed down at the contents of the drawer.
Looking down Eggsy stared for a long moment at what Harry was point at and then started blinking hard, his bottom lip trembling in amusement before he burst out laughing as he picked up the brand new box of condoms, waving it in Harry's direction. "So I'm guessin these weren't here before ya went ta America, then."
"No. It was not."
Shaking his head while his chest still heaved with amusement Eggsy put the box back and then picked up the bottle of lube, which was about half full at the moment and had actually been purchased by Harry.
"Been makin a lot of use of this lately, hmmm?"
Preferring not to answer on the grounds that that would incriminate him, not to mention distract him, Harry pointed out that they were keeping Daisy waiting.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Returning the lube to the drawer Eggsy closed it and then reached into his pocket to retrieve something of his own, placing it on top of the table while looking everywhere but at Harry. While twitching just a little with nerves as he shoved his hands back into his pockets, note and all.
The question of why Eggsy was putting a baby monitor on his bedside table hovered on Harry's tongue for a split second before his mind caught on, aided by the twitching and slight reddening of Eggsy's cheeks. Eggsy kept that monitor by his own bedside so that he could hear Daisy calling for him at night. Eggsy wasn't planning on sleeping in said room tonight. He was planning-hoping to sleep in Harry's room.
"Figured...so I wouldn't forget it later."
"Good idea."
"Yeah?" Eggsy was all adorable sexiness as he peered up at Harry through his lashes.
He deserved a medal for lasting this long without taking Eggsy to bed, wonderful as he was, Harry decided as he moved in to subtly shift their positions so that they were chest to chest as he lowered his head with the intention of making it very clear just how good an idea it had been.
Which was of course Daisy's cue to very loudly yell for them from the hallway to 'Hurry it up!'.
"Later?" Eggsy asked with a sheepish grin.
"Later."
)
Given that the weather was still agreeable the three of them decided to walk to the park in mostly companionable silence, Daisy full of energy as she hurried ahead with Mr. Fox's paw tightly clenched in her hand. It was beyond adorable, in Harry's opinion, how she was showing off that she knew the way all on her own. And since Daisy wasn't all that fast and knew enough to stay well away from the road and traffic they let her have her way, confident that they could easily reach her in time to advert any disaster. Not to mention the fact that any time a stranger drew close she immediately ran back to walk at Harry's side until the way forward was clear of pedestrians once more. And since she didn't require them to hold her hands at the moment Harry took the opportunity to lace his fingers together with a surprised Eggsy, who immediately beamed at Harry as he gave their hands some teasing swinging. Eggsy moved in a little closer as well, in his own little show of 'we're a couple'.
When they arrived at the park it was to find three other children playing on the playground equipment while two women on a nearby bench supervised them. Harry wasn't surprised when the women immediately waved flirtatiously at Eggsy and called out hellos to him before giving Harry a thorough looking over as well as they nodded in turn.
The looks they gave him would have been somewhat flattering if not for the way the two went a tad bug eyed when they clued into the fact that he and Eggsy were holding hands. Also Harry was pretty sure he remembered seeing both women in that glimpse Chloe had shown them of Eggsy and Daisy at the park.
"Friends of yours?"
"Nah. They're just part of the Yummy Mummy Group."
Brows furrowing, Harry's 'Pardon?' sounded horribly priggish to his own ears.
Eggsy smirked. "It's just what I call em and these two other mums that come here with their sprogs most days."
"I see."
"Hey, they go to all that work, least I can do is appreciate it."
"While they drool over you."
"I am pretty sexy, yeah. But taken." And so saying Eggsy brought their joined hands up to his lips and kissed the back of Harry, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Though maybe ya should lay one on me, just ta make sure they know they can only look, no touchin."
Given that any hesitation or attempt to draw things out led to Daisy interrupting them immediately Harry didn't pause, just leaned in to give Eggsy the thorough snog he was asking for and to hell with anyone who might be watching as Eggsy's cap hit the ground. All that mattered for the moment was Eggsy and how bloody right and good it felt to kiss him and draw him up against his chest as Eggsy shifted up on his toes to give them a better angle to work with.
And Harry kept right on snogging his man until air was required and they had to break apart before they ended up in a breathless heap.
"Well that'll show em." Eggsy breathed out with a delighted grin.
Tightening his arms around Eggsy just a little Harry grinned back. "I aim to please."
Giggling
Which had not come from either of them.
In tandem with Eggsy Harry looked over and down to see Daisy with a hand over her mouth, apparently trying and failing to muffle her giggling as she stared up at them with obvious glee.
"Ah. Right."
They were in public. With small children running around. Damn.
Turning Eggsy loose with regrettable quickness, naturally Eggsy found that hilarious and started openly laughed at him, Harry turned his full attention to Daisy while trying to hide how utterly mortifying it was to be caught making out on a playground.
"Our apologies, Daisy. Do you need help getting on the equipment?"
Or me to whack your brother upside the head for finding this so hilarious, apparently?
Rather than answer Harry's actual or silent question Daisy held out her hand and taking it Harry allowed her to lead him over to the lowest platform where even someone as small as Daisy could step up and onto it. Why she needed his help Harry couldn't begin to guess but he was willing to give her a hand if she felt she needed to be careful about it.
Once she was on the platform Daisy let go of his hand and then crooked her finger in his direction, apparently wanting him closer to her level for whatever it was they needed to discuss. Shit. What did she want to talk about?
Crouching down Harry gave her his full attention as she leaned in close to whisper to him.
"Unca Harry, you's is Eggsy's prince now, right? You'll give im hugs and kisses and beating up mean people who try and hurt him. Like in Disney."
Actually, according to a couple of videos Eggsy had shown him on YouTube Disney couples were pretty much doomed to fail in a lot of cases, but Harry wasn't about to burst the three year old's bubble. Especially since Daisy's parents were an even worse example.
"I'm not a prince, Daisy, but I will do all those things for Eggsy, yes. And you as well, if that's all right with you."
"Yup." A beaming smile. "I'm gonna climb now. Hold Mr. Fox for me?"
"Of course."
Taking the offered stuffie Harry watched as Daisy turned her attention to climbing the ladder up to the next level platform while Eggsy came up behind him, giving his shoulder a teasing shove.
Giving Eggsy a nudge back Harry smiled at Eggsy who smiled back at him just as broadly.
Then together they followed Daisy around the playground while keeping Mr. Fox safe from harm. And getting dirty.
)
Proving hardier than expected Daisy spent an enjoyable hour and a bit enjoying all the playground equipment with Harry and Eggsy's help. They even joined her on the swings for a while, much to her serious amusement judging from her giggles over it. But finally she was ready to turn in and once they were home Daisy's attentions turned to supper and what they were having. Since neither he nor Eggsy was that hungry Eggsy made some sandwiches and that was more than enough for both them and Daisy, who started to nod off a little at the table as her long day caught up with her.
Deciding her bath could be put off until the following day Eggsy slugged her over his shoulder fireman style and took her upstairs to get her ready for bed while Harry took care of the dishes for once. Mainly because they were only plates and cups and Eggsy was willing to trust that he could handle that at least without his personal supervision.
He did an exemplary job if Harry did say so himself. Mrs. Talbot would be proud of him.
And having done his best to ensure that Eggsy's kitchen was as clean and perfect as usual Harry took a deep, calming breath and then left the room to head upstairs to say good night to Daisy if she was still awake by the time he got there.
And find Eggsy.
Chapter 41: Something New
Chapter Text
Note: So given the fluffiness of this fanfic I've formatted this chapter so if you're just here for the feels and want to skip the smut you can skip over this chapter and not miss anything. Thanks again for reading!
Something New
After a quick stop in the loo to freshen his breath and check his hair Harry headed down the hallway towards Daisy's room and heard Eggsy's voice before he'd even reached her door. One of the two had left the door open and through the opening Harry could hear Eggsy clearly as the younger man sang about a tiny dancer and counting headlights on the highway. Demonstrating, Harry thought with a smile, what an Elton John fan the younger man was. Of course he'd already known that thanks to listening to some of the boy's playlists for Daisy and this was one of his own favorites by Elton. Especially as sung by Eggsy, who was putting his own spin on the classic song. Fuck but Eggsy really was practically perfect in every fucking way as far as Harry could see. And of all the people Eggsy could have chosen...he'd chosen him.
How the hell had he gotten so lucky?
Knowing the song well Harry was aware that he'd come in on the second chorus and he stood outside the door listening until the end of the song. It was never a hardship to listen to Eggsy sing Daisy to sleep. And it seemed that that was that as Harry caught the sound of Eggsy murmuring something and then quiet footsteps Harry only heard because of decades of training. And then Eggsy was sliding through the gap between the door and the jamb, Harry moving out of his way.
Eggsy turned to look at him, putting a finger to his lips before motioning for Harry to head further down the hallway. So together they walked away from the door, Eggsy voice low as he stated that she was out for the count.
"She had a long day."
"Yeah."
Looking down at Eggsy for some clue as to how to proceed, Harry found his vision hampered by the fact that Eggsy was hiding his eyes behind his lashes. Though he was looking back at Harry too, suggesting he was looking for guidance too.
Right. Time to be the responsible-
Harry didn't have a chance to finish that thought as suddenly Eggsy's arms shot out and then those arms were wrapping around his waist, pulling Harry in so that they were chest to chest. And then more importantly mouth to mouth as Eggsy moved in to kiss him like he'd been starving all day for a taste of him.
Which was only fair, really, since Harry had been.
Carding his fingers into Eggsy's hair, the strands catching on the callouses there, Harry hardly noticed as he held Eggsy's head gently in his hands and did his level best to demonstrate the many advantages of kissing someone with decades worth of experience.
And bloody hell, did Eggsy prove that he knew what he was doing as well.
It took them a few minutes to get the hang of things and figure out how to compensate for their differences in height and how they liked to be snogged, but once they got the basics down...well it was a wonder they didn't just combust on the spot. Especially when Eggsy's hands pulled Harry's tucked in shirt out so that he could get his hands on Harry's skin. Which didn't exactly help Harry when it came to thinking clearly, but they managed.
They managed very, very well.
Or at least as well as could be expected since they wanted to get to his bedroom but couldn't seem to stop kissing or touching each other long enough to see where they were going. They kept stumbling or pressing the other up against a wall as their greedy mouths and hands did their level best to drive them both mad. Hell, they didn't even get halfway there before they ended up with Eggsy pressed up against a wall, their bodies were grinding against each other's in a desperate need to get what they needed while only making it harder on themselves. Pun entirely intended.
It was like being a teenager all over again, Harry thought in some dim corner of his brain.
Wet and messy and lacking all finesse and yet-and yet it was better because of that. Better because each kiss was a like a first kiss, and every inch of skin Eggsy permitted him to touch a gift. Something he should feel proud and honored to be trusted with. Well that, on top of the breathless fear and exhilaration of crossing into new territory that would change who they were to each other forever.
You forgot what that was like as you gained experience and moved on from fumbling on the sofa or in the car to proper beds and adult relationships. Ones where you were both experienced enough that even your first time with someone new followed an expected routine. A little freestyling thrown in perhaps, each wanting to demonstrate their skillset, but you went in knowing how things would go barring some unfortunate turn of events.
Harry had absolutely no idea what dance they were dancing here-and he loved it.
He loved that they were bumping into things and fumbling and that Eggsy's hands shook a little as they attacked the buttons on Harry's shirt. He loved the fact that Eggsy looked at him like he couldn't believe they were doing this but was as thrilled as a child on Christmas Day that it was. Harry was pretty sure he looked the same, since it was certainly how he felt.
By the time they'd made it to his bedroom Harry's shirt had been left behind in the hallway and Eggsy's shirt had been pulled up multiple times but was sadly still on Eggsy's body. Though not due to lack of trying on Harry's part. And that being the case Harry forced himself to pull back so that he could get a couple words in, no easy thing since that just invited Eggsy to go for his throat. Which he immediately did with pleasure.
"Shirt. Off."
Pulling back to meet his gaze, Eggsy's looked a little drunk as he grinned up at Harry. "Mmmm?"
"Take your shirt off for me, Eggsy."
Eggsy's tongue came out to lick his lips, the look in his eyes pure sex as his hands fell away from Harry's waist to grab the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head in one smooth motion before carelessly tossing it aside.
Harry had seen Eggsy bare chest before of course, but this was different. This time he could look his fill and did.
"Like wot ya see?" Eggsy asked almost shyly, his body language that of someone who was trying to appear relaxed but was actually tense as hell.
"Beautiful." Reaching out Harry wrapped one arm around Eggsy waist to pull him up against his chest again, the other hand rising further up to cup Eggsy cheek as Harry gave him what he hoped was a reassuring kiss.
But the nerves he'd seen flipped enough of Harry's protective instincts to bring his brain back on line. Or at least working to a degree that meant he remembered his plan to take this slow and make sure Eggsy knew that this was important to him. That Eggsy was important to him.
So Harry kept this kiss lighter and when he pulled away this time it was to move the hand cupping Eggsy's cheek up to swipe a finger over the scar running through the younger man's eyebrow. He'd always thought it lent Eggsy a sexy, dangerous air.
"I never did ask you how you got this."
"The scar?" Eggsy blinked at him in confusion. "Flyin glass. Bar fight when I was fourteen or so. Didn't get out the way fast enough."
"You were lucky it didn't hit your eye."
"So the doc said at the time."
Angling his and Eggsy's head Harry placed a kiss over the scar and then asked about the buildup of scar tissue he'd noticed on Eggsy's right elbow.
Eyebrows raised, Eggsy visibly struggled to figure out how they'd gone from making out like teenagers to discussing battle scars. His expression suggested he thought Harry had possibly lost it. "I wiped out on a friend's bike. Fucking chain came off." Eggsy's hands ran along Harry's sides. "Are my 'battle scars' really wot ya want ta be doin right now?"
"I rather hope to learn every inch of you, yes."
Ducking his head in reaction, Eggsy squirmed under Harry's gaze. "Then why ain't ya..."
"I'm trying to make it clear that there's no need to rush. And before the thought enters your head, Eggsy, yes I want you. I just want you to be happy."
"Yeah?"
"Of course."
)
That earned him another kiss from Eggsy, which Harry was happy to accept and return with equal enthusiasm. And when Eggsy started to walk backwards towards the bed Harry went with him willingly, more than happy to be led in that particular direction. The room would have normally been dark save for the light coming through the gap between the drapes but apparently before taking Daisy to her room Eggsy had come in and turned on both of his bedside table lamps in preparation for this. Harry approved his lover's foresight. He didn't want to miss anything as they drew apart, chests heaving and the bed right beside them now. The bed Eggsy had also turned down for them.
"Ow do ya want ta do this?" Eggsy asked him eagerly, vibrating with it as he chewed on his bottom lip a bit. Which of course landed Harry's mind firmly in the gutter for a minute before he got his thoughts somewhat under control. And given that he had no idea what Eggsy had and hadn't done Harry thought it wise to ask if Eggsy had a preference.
"I-uhm, I ain't never been on-I ain't never been the bottom. It's not that I'm against the idea or nothin but I just-ain't never been someone I'd trust my arse ta, ya know."
Hoping it wasn't obvious that he was pleased he'd possibly have the pleasure of being Eggsy's first in that regard, not everyone enjoyed bottoming and they could work their way up to seeing if that was actually something Eggsy might enjoy doing, Harry gave Eggsy a quick kiss before stating that his own arse was very much up for grabs as well. Just putting that out there.
Eggsy's groan suggested he really liked that idea.
Taking that as encouragement Harry lowered his hands to his belt, eyes on Eggsy for signs of discomfort as he undid it and went about removing it before unhooking his trousers. The way Eggsy's eyes tracked every movement of Harry's fingers was flattering to say the least, though they also made his tailored trousers a tad uncomfortable before Harry pushed them and his pants down to the floor, stepping out of them.
"Oh fuck yes, please."
Chuckling, though he was more than a little chuffed by that reaction, Harry lifted up one foot and then the next to remove his socks while giving Eggsy a look that invited the younger man to finish stripping as well.
Grinning cockily Eggsy had no problem removing his own trousers...and revealing in the process that the little tart hadn't bothered to wear anything underneath them.
"If I'd known earlier that you had nothing on underneath...I'd have bribed Merlin to come babysit earlier."
"Wanna traumatize im, huh?"
"You can't argue that he deserves it."
"We can talk about that later, Luv."
Appreciating the rakish wink aimed in his direction, though not quite as much as the sight of Eggsy naked, Harry made sure that his appreciation was obvious as his gaze traveled the length of Eggsy's body. And if he lingered over certain areas of Eggsy's anatomy...well Eggsy had worked hard to achieve that muscle definition and it deserve to be appreciated.
"Shall we retire to the bed?"
"Sounds like a plan ta me."
And putting words into action Eggsy sat down on the bed and then swung his legs up so that he was lying on Harry's bed, shifting up on his elbows to give Harry a sexy as fuck 'come and get me' look.
Perfect.
Setting a knee on the mattress Harry easily maneuvered himself so that he was straddling Eggsy, hands braced on either side of Eggsy's head as he leaned in to resume their kissing as Eggsy's hands land on his back to pull him in close. Hands running covetously over the curves and planes of Harry's back, Eggsy's hums of pleasure went straight to Harry's head in the best possible way.
Kissing while grinding against each other, being skin to skin with Eggsy like this as sweat slicked their way and gasps and moans filled their ears...how could it be better?
But it just kept getting better and Harry could feel his orgasm building with alarming speed after hours spent waiting for this. Not to mention the fact that it had been entirely too long since he'd shared a bed with someone. Either way Harry was fairly sure that this wasn't going to last as long as he might have liked but fuck it, they'd been circling around each other for too damn long and the pleasure was what mattered, not how they got there.
Back arching as their bodies lined up just right Harry broke off the kiss with a gasp, riding out the pleasure with a great deal of shuddering and the awareness that he was so fucking close and was Eggsy-Eggsy's eyes were closed and his face was scrunched up in a rather distasteful grimace.
Panting out Eggsy's name, Harry had to say it again before Eggsy's eyes slitted open.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothin."
"Eggsy."
Eggsy's grimace deepened. "I just...I don't want ya ta think I can't...tryin not ta come already."
Ah. Thank God.
On a sigh of relief Harry leaned forward and kissed Eggsy's forehead and then pressed his own forehead against Eggsy's. "Darling. I'm right there with you. There's no need to hold back."
"Yeah?"
"Oh, yes. We've only just begun." Harry assured him with a grin. "And we have all night."
Eggsy's face broke out in a mischievous grin. "Hell ya."
Smiling back Harry reached down to take both their cocks in hand and began jerking them off in tandem, Eggsy completely onboard with the idea as his hands moved down Harry's back to his arse, fingers digging in hard as Eggsy pistoned his hips to meet Harry's as he bit off demands of 'tighter' and 'faster' and 'fuck me, Harry.'.
With fucking pleasure.
Neither of them lasted long after that.
And they were definitely all right with that as they collapsed against each other, utterly content to stay that way for the foreseeable future as Eggsy cuddled close and Harry held him with pleasure.
)
Harry was having the most delightful dreams. Really, he wanted to wallow in them forever. And yes, in some dim part of his mind Harry knew that he had no business imagining what it would be like to grind against Eggsy or give his darling the best, most drawn out blow job he was capable of giving until Eggsy was promising him Gran Gran's chips for a week straight if he'd just let him come already and-
Brows furrowing as instinct told him to open his eyes, Harry grimaced a little and then forced his brain to concentrate on coming online instead of fantasizing about what Eggsy looked like naked. He needed to wake up because-because there was someone else in bed with him. Someone who smelled like Eggsy and sex and-oh.
Opening his eyes Harry stared up to see Eggsy looking back at him with a fond look on his gorgeous face.
"Hey."
"Thought I'd dreamt it all." Harry murmured, lifting a hand to card his fingers through Eggsy's thoroughly tousled hair. "Good morning."
"Ya didn't dream it. Not unless we're sharin dreams now." Eggsy's lips curved into a grin. "I'd be okay with that."
Chuckling, Harry agreed with him.
"Sorry for wakin ya up. Just didn't want ta leave without saying nothin. I gotta shower afor Daisy wakes up and then get breakfast goin. Ya can sleep another forty or so if ya want."
More sleep would be lovely, Harry considered, as would joining Eggsy in the shower. But given the possibility that Daisy might wake up early and come looking for them...well that as just too horrifying to think about for long. And served to wake him up completely.
Not wanting to state that he didn't want to join Eggsy in the shower, Eggsy would probably just roll his eyes over the Daisy concern, Harry settled for stating that he'd nap a little longer and then join him downstairs shortly.
"Wore ya out?"
Since Eggsy very pleased expression was well earned Harry simply pulled him in for a quick kiss, morning breath be damned before pulling back to assure Eggsy that yes, he most certainly had.
Looking very pleased with himself Eggsy leaned in to give him another kiss and then off he went in a blur of motion, far too awake given the time of day and their activities of the night before.
Oh to be that young again, Harry mused with a wistful sigh. Though at least he hadn't embarrassed himself the night before. Being over half his age Eggsy had a much quicker recovery time than he did but getting his boy off was far from a hardship, especially when he got to enjoy watching Eggsy's reactions to his touch and mouth.
He was very much looking forward to seeing more of it later on that night.
Which meant, unfortunately, that they were probably going to have to have a talk about sleeping arrangements and making Daisy aware of those sleeping arrangements so that if she needed Eggsy in the night she didn't go to his present room and panic over his absence.
It would be wrong of him to just let Eggsy tell her, wouldn't it?
Damn.
But so very, very worth it.
Chapter 42: Breakfast and Conversation
Chapter Text
Breakfast and Conversation
When Harry came downstairs for breakfast it was to discover a very excited Daisy who was all but bouncing in her chair as she announced that Eggsy was in a really, REALLY good mood. Which was lovely to hear of course, though it did lead to some laughter and blushing on Eggsy's part when Harry learned that as a result of that good mood Eggsy had gone a little overboard when it came to the food preparations. As in they could have invited a few more people to dine with them and still had leftovers thanks to the Full English currently waiting to be devoured.
Which was why Daisy was acting like she'd had a great deal of sugar and needed more, Harry surmised as he looked over the offering spread out across their table. It was all there from the sausages, bacon and eggs to the baked beans. The only things missing were the blood pudding and mushrooms, as none of them were terrible fond of either food item.
"Thank goodness I worked up an appetite." Harry blurted out without thinking, a role reversal occurring immediately as it was his turn to flush while Eggsy burst out into delighted laughter, the boy's entire torso shaking with amusement.
"Yeah. We got ta keep our strength up, don't we?" Eggsy finally managed to choke out with a grin.
"Among other things, yes."
Damn. He'd forgotten the 'no sexual innuendos around Daisy' rule.
Naturally Eggsy didn't mind, the boy's grin growing that much wider.
"Right. Well we better start eating all this before it goes-"
The doorbell rang.
"Oh for-it's Sunday morning. Whoever that is is fresh out of luck. Ignore it."
Turning his head in the direction of the front door Harry gave it a fierce scowl. He was a gentleman, yes, but there were lines that should not be crossed. Bothering someone this early in the morning on the weekend was one of them.
"I'll get it. Could be one of the neighbors needin sugar or somethin."
Possible, Harry supposed, though he would have thought most of said neighbors were well-mannered enough not to bother someone at this ungodly hour. But the point was mote since Eggsy was already on his way out of the room anyway, leaving Harry with a very impatient Daisy who wanted to eat but knew that she had to wait until Eggsy was back and they were all served.
Harry could sympathize with her as he started to fill up his plate, the variety of choices giving him enough pause that he'd barely put anything on said plate before he heard two separate pairs of feet approaching. And he immediately recognized the tread of their 'guest'.
"Of course it's you."
"I came to drop off Eggsy's containers." Was Merlin's oh so innocent response, the Scotsman utterly without shame as he followed Eggsy into the dining room. "Good morning by the way. You're looking well."
Rolling his eyes Harry watched Merlin stroll over to take a seat while Eggsy shook his head at the both of them while stating that he was going to put the containers away and get Merlin a plate and such. They were to behave until he got back.
"I'm not the one showing up unannounced and uninvited to our table." Harry muttered under his breath, wishing for Merlin to hear him rather than Eggsy.
"For your information the lad invited me to join you. He said he'd made too much as it is. Which obviously he did." Merlin's eyes moved over the table's contents lovingly, his gluttony on full display.
"He only invited you because it would have been rude to do otherwise. Which is why you came this early in the first place. You should be ashamed of yourself." Harry pointed the prongs of his fork in Merlin's direction for emphasis. "You're just lucky that he did make too much."
"Which also means that my showing up is fortuitous as one should never waste food." Merlin shot back as he took his seat across from Daisy, who gave him a distracted wave. "And good morning to you, Lass. Did ya have a good rest then?"
Daisy nodded without looking in Merlin's direction. She was too busy watching the door Eggsy had disappeared through, willing him to appear faster so that she could eat.
Not offended in the least, Merlin chuckled. "Right. Food first."
"She tends to be a glutton at mealtimes. Just like someone else I know."
"Then I'm in good company, am I not?"
It was tempting to start eating right in front of Merlin, just to make a point, but there was Daisy to consider. Especially since she might very well unleash a tantrum of epic toddler proportions if he was to eat before she did. And that being the case Harry distracted himself by asking Merlin if there was anything he needed to be apprised of workwise.
Nothing of importance as it turned out, Merlin's summation of the previous day's events carrying them over until Eggsy returned with a plate and such in one hand for Merlin, the other hand holding the plate he'd already prepared for Daisy.
Showing a keen awareness of just how on edge Daisy was after having to wait so long for her food Eggsy went to her first to hand over her plate. Reminding her to eat slowly Eggsy shook his head over the way she dug right in and then turned around to share a look with Harry.
Smiling back Harry stated that given the feast Eggsy had prepared it was hard to blame her.
Face lighting up with pleasure Eggsy stated that Harry was always saying that as he walked around the table to hand the plate laden with utensils and a cup over to Merlin, who accepted them with eager thanks.
"No problem. Eat up, then."
Turning back around Eggsy walked around the table once more, passing by Harry's chair a little closer this time around. Which Harry couldn't help but notice and react to as he met Eggsy's gaze again, memories of the night before in both of their eyes before they remembered that there were other people in the room.
But of course Merlin noticed. And smirked at him.
Though the smirk didn't last long as Merlin pulled out his phone out and seemed to look something up. "Damn. Kay won the pool."
Of course there'd been a pool.
Eggsy just laughed, oh so innocently asking Merlin what pool he was referring to.
"Not the one in the basement, I can tell you that."
"We gots a pool?"
Turning his attention to Daisy Harry smiled at her. "Not the sort of pool you can swim in, I'm afraid."
Daisy's bottom lip popped out in a pout.
"Here now, none of that. Time ta eat your brekkie, kiddo." Taking his seat beside her Eggsy gave Daisy a wink and then turned his attention to filling up his own plate before Merlin took it all.
Having already filled his plate Harry mused over the question of how old she would have to be before Daisy would be big enough to fit into a wetsuit so that she could possibly swim with him in the basement if she really wanted to. Just how small did they make wetsuits? Would she even want to wear one given how much it would have to cover her to ensure that she didn't freeze? It was a question he'd have to pose to Eggsy given that his perception of 'cold' was quite different thanks to his selkie heritage.
Eggsy could join him though. If he wanted to. Something to think about for the future.
Setting that aside for later Harry was tempted to ask Merlin just who had been in the pool and what the odds had been, but thought better of it. He probably didn't want to know how little they'd thought of his self-control where Eggsy was concerned. For that matter...the idea of them betting on his sex life was mortifying.
His facial expression must have been quite amusing given the reaction he got from Merlin.
He hoped the Scot choked at some point. Or not since that would require either himself or Eggsy to give the arse mouth to mouth resuscitation. He'd prefer to avoid that. Not to mention it would likely be disturbing for Daisy on a number of levels.
Darn.
)
They had just finished eating, with food still left uneaten on the table despite Daisy and Merlin's best efforts to decimate everything, when Merlin announced that there was another reason he'd dropped by besides wanting to return Eggsy's containers after the delish lunch he'd prepared for him the day before. The obvious reason was that Merlin was a gluttonous freeloader who would have stolen Eggsy from Harry by now if he wasn't well aware that Harry would kill him for trying...but the serious expression that came over the Scot's face suggested that he might actually have something important to tell them.
"Didn't want to ruin anyone's appetite by bringing it up before." Merlin added, before anyone could ask him that very question. "And I promised Eggsy I'd keep him in the loop."
"It's about that-Lamont guy?" Eggsy asked.
Oh shite.
"Possibly." Merlin gave a pointed look in Daisy's direction.
"Right. I'll put this stuff away while you two get her cleaned up and distract her with coloring or somethin. I'll be quick as I can."
"No rush." Pushing back his chair Merlin got to his feet with a reassuring look on his face. "If it was as bad as you're imagining I would have said something earlier."
Not looking convinced and who could blame him, Eggsy got out of his own chair and started packing things up much more quickly than he would have normally.
Harry was tempted to go over and try to soothe him, but he wasn't all that great at it and getting Daisy cleaned up and occupied would probably be more beneficial in the long run. He was also tempted to demand answers from Merlin now, he could always repeat it for Eggsy later, but Eggsy would likely take offense and Harry wasn't about to shoot himself in his own foot. Particularly if he had to impose safety measures Eggsy was going to hate in the near future.
So he came around the table and picked Daisy up and into his arms instead, Daisy smiling at him while wearing ketchup all around her mouth and sporting dirty fingers that she held up to show him. She almost seemed proud of them.
"Right. A good wash for you, young lady."
Giggling, Daisy was willing to cooperate so long as Mr. Fox came too.
Since there was no way she was going to be holding her favorite stuffie until she was cleaned Harry nimbly tossed the stuffed animal to Merlin to carry before they proceeded to the nearby bath to clean his girl up and make her presentable. At least she hadn't dirtied her clothes.
In short order they had her scrubbed clean, Daisy opting for coloring when she was given a choice between that and playing with her toys. Well aside from Mr. Fox of course, who was situated beside her as she sprawled out on the floor with her coloring book, fat crayons scribbling away with enthusiasm while Harry and Merlin watched her from their nearby seats.
"Should I be worried?" Harry kept his voice low and for Merlin's ears only.
"You've made it clear to the word that the boy is yours. And now he is in all the ways that matter. It would be suicide to touch him."
"I have a lot of enemies."
"And Kingsman behind you."
True. But there were always those who refused to believe that they could be beaten. That they weren't above the law because they'd been gifted with abilities regular humans didn't possess.
"You know I'd never let any harm come ta our elf."
"Our elf?" Harry repeated, pretending to be irked by the Scot's possessive phrasing.
"I do become their guardian if something were to happen to you." Merlin reminded him with a smirk.
"I'm rethinking that decision now."
"Oh? And who would you trust them with? Bors?"
Imagining how that would go distracted them both long enough for Eggsy to finish up in the kitchen, or at least enough that Eggsy felt comfortable leaving the rest for later. He came jogging into the room with a fake smile on his face, swooping down to run a casual hand over his sister's curly head before walking over to take a seat beside Harry, his attention immediately shifting over to Merlin with expecting eyes.
"Right to it then. Bedivere let me know that Samantha has been asking about you, Harry. And Eggsy."
"Who's Samantha?"
Harry sighed, this being a twist he had very much hoped to avoid. "Samantha Bannon is Lamont's sire. She's also one of the most respected and feared vampires in the United Kingdom. She's as well known for her cunning and intelligence as she is for siring 'children' who she should have just fed on and left for dead."
"Harsh." Eggsy's smirk said he wasn't insulted on Samantha's behalf.
"He's not exaggerating, Lad. Not a one of them is worth spit, really."
"Sadly for her that is the case." Harry agreed. "And her lack of 'children' who don't annoy or regularly incur the wrath of the Magical World has led to her finding other ways to maintain her status in the vampire community. Which is why it's not a good thing that she's showing interest in you."
"Or you."
"She knows not to cross me." Harry stated firmly, holding Eggsy's gaze. "And even if she's found out what you are I can't see her putting her life at risk to have you. Lamont's interest in you has likely just piqued her interest. Especially in connection to me."
"Bedivere stated in his report that he made it clear to her that she should drop the subject and stay far away from Eggsy."
Eggsy's eyes narrowed in speculation. "This one of the blokes I ain't met yet that you work with?"
Merlin nodded. "He is. And he is very much looking forward to meeting you."
Given that Bedivere was not only around his age, but very happily married with three children, Harry assumed that the Kingsman agent had heard about Eggsy's cooking prowess. The man had certainly stated his displeasure when he'd found out just how good the food he'd missed out on had been at Addison's party. Above and beyond the amusing affect a small child had on Bors.
The sound Eggsy made interrupted Harry's musings, the very pointed, 'you need to explain' look his-Eggsy was giving him puzzling Harry only for a moment before his brain connected the dots.
Right.
"Tomorrow you and Daisy will come to work with me. There are some forms you'll have to fill out and then...then I can give you a more detailed explanation as to why Samantha would hesitate to cross myself and the individuals who work with me. And some other things I've neglected to mention."
"I've been readin between the lines for a while now, Harry. But yeah, ta quote another Arthur I wouldn't mind some specificity."
"It's a good idea. Both the paperwork and him being there. You'll need to start training him."
"Training him?" Harry did not like the sound of that. That sounded like Merlin thought Eggsy needed Kingsman level training in order to survive.
"Harry, his Air Gift isn't much alone, but if you teach him how to synch and draw power from you he'll have an ace up his sleeve that no one will expect. Now that you two are so close, well se-" Merlin glanced in Daisy's direction guilty, spelling out the word with a flush to his cheeks. "S E X is very powerful magic all on its own. Especially if you share your magic during it. The two of you, your magic was highly compatible before. It will only be stronger now."
For a moment all Harry could think of was that this was not how he'd wanted their first morning after to go. Then he had to silently admit to himself that Merlin was raising some excellent points.
Definitely intrigued now, Eggsy asked Harry how much stronger his Air Gift could be if he borrowed some of Harry's power.
"Given our compatibility and the nature of our-relationship, I would imagine that with some training your power would-well we'll have to wait and see. I don't want to speculate. But I am extremely powerful, Eggsy. And our bond was considerable before..."
That earned him another smirk, though Harry's eyes detected a hint of color in the younger man's cheeks.
"Right. I'll reserve a training room for the two of you, and Daisy can hang out with me."
"You're going to babysit a toddler?"
"I helped Eggsy watch her while you were gone."
Fighting back a smirk of his own Harry was onboard with the idea. Especially if he could somehow find a way to slip Daisy a great deal of sugar without Eggsy finding out. It would serve his friend right for so arrogantly assuming that watching a toddler alone was easy. It bloody well wasn't.
But no, training Eggsy was important and needed to be done as soon as possible. That meant that having Merlin interrupt them constantly with Daisy related questions, or bringing Daisy herself to them because she was too much for the man to handle, would be problematic and counterproductive.
"So you'll be teachin me personally?"
Reacting to the mischievous tone of Eggsy's words Harry had to shake his head over where Eggsy's thoughts had gone.
Though he rather liked letting his mind wander in that direction too.
Chapter 43: A Picture's Worth
Chapter Text
A Picture's Worth
Shaking his head at the two of them, and Harry was hard pressed to blame him, Merlin pulled out his phone and after a few clicks and swipes held it out to Harry, telling him to pass it to Eggsy. On the screen was a recent picture of Samantha outside the mansion she was currently residing in according to their files. He recognized the gate and the abundance of red roses visible on one side of the image. Passing the phone over Harry gave Eggsy a moment to study the image before asking the younger man if she looked familiar to him.
Eggsy studied it for another minute or so more before shaking his head. "Course it's real easy ta change your look these days. Specially if you're a girl. The hair would be what stands out but it don't ring any bells."
Harry knew exactly what Eggsy's meant about the vampire's hair. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Samantha had the wild red curls to prove it. She looked to be in her mid to late thirties, a handsome woman with curves to spare on a short frame. Rather than a bombshell she was lovely from a distance...then she was just dangerous once you were up close and personal and her vampire nature equally seduced and terrified you.
"Samantha is very fond of her hair so odds are she won't disguise it."
Eggsy shot him a questioning look. "Ow come ya call her by her first name? You're normally so proper bout that sort of thing."
Merlin answered before Harry could explain.
"It's because she's a vampire, Lad. They live so long that they have to constantly change their names and identities so that humans don't realize they aren't aging. Many vampires, including Samantha, have a habit of keeping their first name or last name as often as possible while the other name varies. The smart ones hold tight to what reminds them of who they were before they were changed. Keeps them saner longer."
"Got it." Eggsy glanced down at the screen again for a moment then looked up and over. "Oi, Flower. Come ere a minute."
Glancing up from her coloring Daisy set aside her purple crayon and then came running over in her adorable toddler way, eager to see whatever it was Eggsy wanted to show her on the phone.
"See this lady? She ain't nice so if ya see her ya stay away, ya hear?"
Daisy looked at the picture. "She gots pretty hair."
Harry sighed in almost perfect unison with Merlin. Eggsy was made of sterner stuff.
"Mr. Fluffy's real pretty too. Ya remember wot happened when ya wanted ta pet im?"
The look on Daisy's face made it quite clear that she remembered why this Mr. Fluffy wasn't to be trusted. She even went so far as to fist her hands and draw them up against her chest in an X, making it clear she wouldn't be trying to pet that particularly animal ever again. Which begged the question...
"Who is Mr. Fluffy?"
"A... what's it called? Hold on a tic." Drawing the phone back to him Eggsy used it to look up lap dog breeds on Google. "Right. However ya pronounce this one, that's what Mr. Fluffy is. He belongs ta this lady named Mrs. Bishop. She walks im in the park all the time. She's as nice as her mutt is nasty."
"Shih Tzu." Harry informed him.
"Are ya serious? That's really ow ya say it?"
"Yes."
"Poor thing. No wonder he picks fights with everything that moves. He got screwed twice over, name wise."
Leaning forward Harry gave Daisy's head a pat as he asked if the dog had scared her. Obviously it hadn't bitten her, or he'd have heard about it. And likely gotten quite riled up on her behalf.
A solemn nod was Daisy's response.
"No worries. He didn't hurt her." Eggsy gave Harry's shoulder a reassuring bump. "He went into a growlin fit afor her hand got near im. And we asked first, but Mrs. Bishop...well she don't see that it's her dog that's the problem. It just needs ta be trained properly, really. Probably. Little dogs are funny things."
Having owned a Yorkshire terrier Harry could testify to that fact himself.
"Mr. Fluffy is mean." Daisy stated before making growling noises, her hands coming up and curling into mock claws as she glared at Harry menacingly. Or tried to do. It was actually pretty adorable the way she did it.
Laughing, Eggsy set Merlin's phone on the arm of the couch and then twisted around a little to retrieve his own phone from his trouser pocket. A few clicks and swipes and then he pointed it at Daisy and asked her to do her Mr. Fluffy impersonation for him again.
Naturally she was delighted.
"Good job, Flower." Eggsy gave her a thumbs up and then began fiddling with his phone again before holding it out to her screen first.
That earned a screech of delight, Daisy literally vibrating with glee as she watched herself.
Then Eggsy towards the screen towards Harry, revealing the fact that he'd somehow given the little girl puppy ears and nose to go along with her performance. It was too perfect. The giant tongue she sported at the end was a bit disconcerting though.
"Let's see it then."
Grinning in amusement Eggsy gave Daisy the phone to deliver to Merlin so that he could see too.
"How did you do that?"
"It's an app."
"Say no more." He didn't understand ninety percent of the apps and thingies on Eggsy phone despite the various explanations he'd been given since Eggsy and Daisy had come into his life. Daisy knew how to work today's phones better than he did sometimes. It would have been mortifying if not for-no. It was mortifying in all honesty. He truly hated technology sometimes. Thank all the powers that be that Merlin had learned how to explain the important, work related stuff to him over their long career together. Though it had probably cost Merlin at least some of the hair he'd once possessed.
"I'll show ya some fun stuff later if ya want." Eggsy offered.
"Oi. None of that around me or the Lass."
"I didn't mean that sort of fun. Though now that ya mention it..." Eggsy winked in Harry's direction.
Merlin made a gagging noise while Harry did his best not to think of just what sort of fun Eggsy might be referring to. Which was no easy thing.
"Right. If that's how the two of you are going to be then I'll head out."
"You mean you've been fed and passed along your message so now you're leaving." Harry corrected dryly, shooting his friend a knowing look as he joined Merlin in getting to his feet. Eggsy doing the same while Daisy asked her Mr. Merwin if he was chokin on somethin?
"Quite all right, Flower. Here, give your brother back his phone for me?"
"Kay."
While Daisy did that Harry motioned Merlin towards the front door. He'd see him out.
Naturally Eggsy and Daisy joined them at the door to add their goodbyes to his, the three of them waving Merlin off as the Scotsman's got into his car.
He'd come back when he got hungry.
)
The rest of the day went pretty well aside from the drawing on the wall incident. Daisy had decided that her coloring book wasn't allowing her enough artistic freedom and instead decided to color on a wall while Harry was busy with a phone call in the next room. This was apparently not the first time she'd colored there either, though it was the first time Harry had been the one to catch her at it. That she didn't cry or try to run to Eggsy for fear of being punished when he called her out on it struck Harry as a good demonstration of how far they'd come since she'd first arrived to live with him. And she proved her intelligence by pointing out that Ryan had been allowed ta color on her walls, so why couldn't she?
It was a sound argument. One that was hard to argue with even as Harry forced himself to tell her that there was a difference. Namely that Ryan had permission. And could actually draw something a normal human being could recognize, but Harry left that part out.
And after telling her that she would have to clean the wall, but he would help, Harry left her to retrieve the necessary cleaning supplies to remove the crayon from the wall. Only Daisy refused to erase her artwork when he returned. She stuck out her little chin, crossed her arms, and stared up at him with all the stubbornness that could exist in a three-year old's small body.
Which was intimidating as hell.
Thankfully he'd had to consult with Eggsy first about what was needed to remove crayon from a wall and so his better half had accompanied him out to see the damage for himself. And possibly to make sure that Harry didn't back down on punishing her for breaking the rules.
Either way when she hypothetically put her foot down Eggsy did the same, stating that there would be no dessert for her at dinner if she didn't clean up the mess she'd made. He'd help her like before, but she had to help.
That had brought on a hint of tears. Why didn't they like her drawings?
Harry of course had lied through his teeth and assured her that he didn't dislike her drawings, she was very talented, but she had to reserve her brilliance for paper.
What he didn't say was that in all honesty bloody Bors had insured that Harry couldn't look at many of Daisy's drawings without thinking morbid thoughts. Especially since she did like the color red a lot.
She did not like, however, being told that she couldn't draw on the walls.
Demonstrating that he was as smart as he was good looking Eggsy offered to take a picture of her artwork on his phone and print it out for her later. Then her artwork would live on long after they'd removed the 'art' from the wall.
Thank all the powers that be that she was willing to go along with that compromise. So long as she got to be in the picture too, of course.
Once the picture was taken Eggsy handed out the rags they'd be using and then assigned them their wall space to clean, Daisy situated between them so that she was under constant supervision to make sure she did her share.
"This works surprisingly well." Harry noted after a couple minutes of awkward silence.
"Yeah. Wot my mum always used."
Daisy, Harry noted, was doing a rather excellent job of demonstrating her house elf blood as she scrubbed away without getting frustrated or pretending to do it. She was doing a very thorough job of it. Better than he was, actually.
Eggsy smiled at him over Daisy's bent head, then winked at him in a way that Harry didn't interpret as sexy. More like a warning.
Which, as it turned out, was precisely what it had been.
"So, Flower. Just so ya know, if ya get scared at night, and I ain't in my bed, come knockin at Uncle Harry's door, all right. I might be in there."
Oh fuck. More warning than a bloody wink would have been appreciated.
Daisy, meanwhile, paused in her scrubbing to look over at her brother. "Why?"
Yes, Eggsy, how are you going to explain this to a three year old, Harry silently wondered, not sure he was mentally or physically prepared for the answer.
"Cause he's my boyfriend now, kay?"
Really? He was just going to blurt it out like that and-
"Ya mean he's your prince." Daisy corrected very primly, turning her head to look at Harry with big, knowing eyes. "Right, Unca Harry?"
"Ah, right."
"Kay."
Wait. That was it? If you just told them the truth instead of concocting weird and elaborate stories to distract them from the truth you could move on without countless 'Why?' questions? He'd definitely have to remember this for future reference.
"Can we have puddin for dinner?"
"Sure. What kind would ya like, Flower?"
"Vanilla."
All right. Apparently it was that easy. Brilliant.
Though Harry imagined a couple white hairs might have sprung up over the course of this very short conversation. He'd have to check later, when he had the chance.
)
The following morning Harry was functioning again on less sleep than he was used to but wasn't at all sorry about it. Well maybe a little sorry, but overall Harry thought that Eggsy was rather worth the loss. He'd learn to function on less sleep just as he'd taken to working out more to counteract Eggsy's cooking. It was all worth it in the end. Especially since Eggsy's happiness would have made it worth the lost sleep alone, let alone what they'd been doing to make the both of them rather happier than Harry had ever been, certainly.
But yes, he was dragging just a tad by the time they headed off in the car to go to the tailor shop for Eggsy and Daisy's first real introduction to Kingsman.
And part of his less than bright mood was the fact that Harry wasn't sure what Eggsy would make of Kingsman once he knew the truth about what it all involved and what the agents he'd met or had yet to meet were tasked with doing all over the world. Their work was often bloody, dangerous, and violent. Nightmare inducing. And while Eggsy wasn't joining the organization, God no, Harry still didn't like the idea that any of that would touch him even on the periphery.
Of course he'd touched Eggsy plenty the night before and the one before that, and his hands were far from clean.
Harry frowned at the thought. And about the stories other agents might now feel free to tell Eggsy about him after Eggsy's signed the non-disclosure forms. Especially if they were even now plotting how to steal Eggsy from him so that he'd cook for them instead. It wouldn't surprise Harry in the slightest. He wasn't even sure he could trust Merlin.
He'd have to limit Eggsy's exposure to them until he could send out a memo detailing exactly what he'd do should any of them be thinking about telling tales on him, Harry decided. Not to mention the fact that he had access to all their files and would unquestionably be able to dig up plenty of dirt on them in return.
Glancing over his shoulder, Eggsy had volunteered to drive, Harry checked to make sure that Daisy was still fine, which she was. She knew that they were visiting the shop and Merlin today and had insisted on packing extra biccies for their lunch so that Mr. Merwin wouldn't eat all of hers.
She wasn't wrong to worry about that.
Which also begged the question of just how many biscuits were made and stored in their home on any given day. Sometimes it felt like they must have a lifetime supply hiding somewhere, the way they went through them. Or seemed to. He should take a peek in their freezer next time he was in its vicinity.
"Wot ya thinking about?"
"How many biscuits Merlin must now eat in a week."
"Ya probably don't want ta know. Though at least he eats good stuff too. I don't want ta know ow much junk he ate before I started feedin im."
Harry was in total agreement that Eggsy wouldn't want to know and said so.
"Figured as much."
The sound of his phone ringing in his pocket had Harry apologizing for the interruption and then pulling it out to see who was calling. Damn. His mother.
Accepting the call Harry brought the phone up to his ear. "Hello, Mother."
"Good morning, my sweet boy. It is morning over there, yes? You know I'm horrible with time zones."
"I know. And yes, it's morning."
"Wonderful. How are you?"
"I'm very well, thank you. You caught me on my way to work as it happens. Everything all right?"
"Fine, fine. Don't worry that I'll keep you. I just had a couple of things to tell you." A pause, possibly for dramatic effect. "I'm afraid that I've broken up with my banker. Well, not my banker anymore. And never to be again, let me tell you. As it turned out he was-well let's not get into that. Only to say that he was not the man I thought he was. I'm on my way to Germany-catching up with some old friends before coming home-and thought I'd tell you I'll be back in England in a couple of weeks, I should think."
"Do I need to have words with your banker?"
His mother's bright, airy laugh answered that question before she assured him that no, there was no need for him to don his armor and defend her honor.
Glad to hear that seeing as Daisy wouldn't take kindly to him leaving the city, much less the country any time soon, Harry expressed the sentiment that he hoped she had a lovely time in Germany and that he looked forward to seeing her when she got back.
A bit of an exaggeration, that. But she was his mother.
"Oh I will, Darling, I will."
He didn't doubt it.
"Now how are Eggsy and Daisy? Celeste was all but raving to me when we talked yesterday. It seems that Daisy's entry in the picnic auction caused quite the stir and now everyone is saying that more children should be encouraged to enter. I told her I thought that was an absolutely marvelous idea."
"Unless someone bids on one of their baskets for all the wrong reasons."
"So cynical."
A truth that had kept him alive for decades despite his dangerous profession. Which his mother was largely in the dark about so Harry couldn't point that out to her.
"I'm glad the event was a success. We had a very enjoyable time."
"So I hear. She had quite a LOT to say about your Eggsy."
"I'm sure she did."
"Anything you'd like to tell me in that regard, Sweetie?"
Damn.
Chapter 44: Mum's The World
Chapter Text
Mum's The Word
It was on the tip of Harry's tongue to implore the Fates to explain to him exactly why he couldn't have been blessed with a mother who wanted to know absolutely nothing about her gay son's relationships with other men, but knew there was no point. He'd been asking the universe to explain his mother and her behavior to him for decades at this point and never once had he gotten a reply. Punishment for sins in a previous life, perhaps. But at least he had a mother who loved and accepted him, which was more than plenty of other children could claim. His was just...unique.
"What precisely do you think there is to tell, Mother?" An avoidance technique that never worked with her, but would at least buy him a few precious seconds to consider how to respond.
"Harry. Do you really think your aunt is the only one who's gotten in contact with me concerning your very public and adorable romance with my honorary grandson? My word-that sounds so very scandalous when I say it outloud. Like we're a member of a royal family." A sound of amusement. "Of course you and Eggsy aren't blood related so it's not nearly the same thing. Not to mention you're both men which makes it-nevermind. The point is everyone wants to know what I think about my son being engaged in a steamy affair with a dashing younger man. And how am I to have an opinion if I don't have all the facts?"
"That's never stopped you before." Harry couldn't help but point out.
"Oh, hush. But not really because I need the details."
"No. You don't. What Eggsy and I-our relationship is neither yours nor anyone else's business. And I'd be most appreciative if you were to respect that."
Glancing in Eggsy's direction it belatedly occurred to Harry that maybe Eggsy would take that statement the wrong way. Shit. Talk fast, Harry, or you're most definitely sleeping alone tonight.
"You can confirm that Eggsy and I are dating. it's new. We're very happy. I am very happy."
Giving Eggsy a look that hopefully conveyed his utter sincerity Harry reached out with his free hand to pat Eggsy's thigh before returning it to his own to rest. Daisy was in the car with them after all.
The squeal of excitement his mother made over the phone about deafened him.
Pulling the phone slightly away from his ear to save it, his hearing was quite good, thank you very much, Harry let her go off on a tangent about how she'd known this would happen and how thrilled she was for him and how she couldn't wait to meet Eggsy herself.
Sighing, Harry could only imagine what was in store for them. Unless his mother fell in love with someone between now and her arrival in London. It could happen. It certainly had in the past. Though it was odd to wish that it might happen, and made Harry a tad queasy to think about. But at least she was happy for them. Would support them without question.
While also no doubt having plenty to say and imply about the fact that his lover was over half his age. Sigh.
Waiting until she had to pause a moment to catch her breath Harry quickly spoke up, stating that he was pleased that she was pleased and that they would definitely have to get together when she returned to England. Until then he hoped she enjoyed her visit with friends and not to hurry back on his account. They'd still be here when she arrived.
The sound she made indicated what she thought of that even before she used his full name.
"Sorry?"
"Are you trying to give your mother the runaround, young man?"
"Mother. I haven't been young by anyone's definitely in quite a while. Depressingly so."
"You have always been an old soul." His mother agreed, her tone suggesting she pitied that about him. "But regardless, I am your mother and as such I deserve more than such an obvious brushoff. And avoidance. Do you not want me to meet Eggsy?"
In all honesty Harry would have preferred to put that meeting off as long as possible but he couldn't say that. It would hurt her feelings terribly and it wasn't her fault that he...found her more loveable in small doses. Often very small doses when it came to her love of interfering in his personal life.
"I have no doubt that Eggsy will find you very charming. As you'll find him. I'm just...concerned that your eagerness to see me settled will lead you to put unnecessary pressure on a very new thing."
There, that was diplomatic, wasn't it?
"Really, Harry. You make it sound like I've been planning your wedding since you were a boy."
"Haven't you?"
"Well..." The way she trailed off said it all. "But that's only because you know my mother basically railroaded me into doing everything her way when I married your father. And you are my only child and lord only knows what you'd come up with if left to your own devices. There'd probably be butterflies and taxidermy everywhere."
"Given how many times you've been married I think it's safe to assume you had control over at least some of your weddings, Mother. And the theme of my wedding would not be insects and Mr. Pickles."
"Harry. It's rude to bring up those other-and a lot of them were done rather quickly so I didn't have time to plan as much as I would with you. I mean knowing you you'd insist on a properly long engagement. Though that might not be in your interest, Dear, as you aren't a spring chicken anymore. You'll be trying to keep up with a very young man after all and if you want to be at your best for your-"
"Mother!"
"What?"
Very much aware of where she'd been going with that statement Harry hoped his cheeks weren't as red as they felt. No son should know as much about his mother's love life as he did, unfortunately, and no mother should know as much about her son's sex life as his mother seemed to want to know. Or at least tease him about.
"I'm not discussing that with you. Ever. What I know about your love life is bad enough. And I am almost at the shop so unless you have something not related to me or my se-personal life, I have to say goodbye for now."
Over the phone his mother muttered that she didn't know how she'd given birth to such a prude.
Numerous responses to that came to mind but Harry wisely bit his tongue.
A loud, very drawn out and dramatic sigh nearly caused his phone to vibrate. Typical.
"Well fine. If you want to be-well, your father, God rest his prudish, straight-laced soul-that's your business. But don't think this is the end of this discussion, Harry. And I will be back in London shortly and expect you to introduce me to Eggsy immediately. Understand?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Good. Now give the boy a kiss for me. Daisy as well."
"At the first opportunity."
"Good. Kiss the boy as often as possible. It will keep you in his good books longer. Ta."
And with that his mother hung up on him.
Sigh.
"Everything all right?"
Putting his phone away Harry worked up a smile for Eggsy as he leaned back in his seat. "I love my mother. I do. But she can be quite exhausting. Particularly when she focuses her attention on my personal life."
"Givin ya trouble bout me?"
"Not in the way you're thinking. She couldn't be more thrilled that you and I are together. My mother-well she's someone who believes one can never be happy if they're alone. Hence my stepfathers and her numerous male suitors over the years. The fact that I've never been seriously involved with someone, much less married-well it's worried her for quite some time."
"My mum was like that too. When it came to men."
For a moment they shared a look of total understanding before Eggsy had to turn his attention back to the road. They were almost at the shop.
And not about to risk there being any misunderstands, a lack of communication always spelled the doom of relationships in every romantic comedy and story Harry had ever read, Harry didn't drop the topic, however tempting it was.
"So just a heads up-so you can't say I didn't warn you-she'll be descending on us in the very new future from the sounds of it. You'll want to prepare yourself as it will be rather like being a guest on a talk show at first. She'll ask you all sorts of personal questions, many of which will make both of us horribly uncomfortable, and the fact that I am her son will not, as one would hope, likely stop her from asking intimate questions as well. She claims it's her way of making it clear that she's perfectly comfortable with my sexuality and maybe it is, but it's still mortifying beyond words. And feel free to decline to answer any question she might pose. Decline as often and as firmly as you like, actually. I certainly will. Oh, and if she has a little too much to drink and starts the story about her own 'experimentation' as a girl find something that immediately requires your attention elsewhere. No one sane wants to hear that story. Ever."
Eggsy had started laughing halfway through Harry's little spiel, his whole body shaking with merriment as they pulled in behind the shop.
"I can't wait to meet her." He finally gasped out, his face split wide with a grin.
"You say that now."
"Ya can say I told ya so later." Eggsy assured him as he pulled into Harry's designated spot.
"Oh believe me...I will."
)
Once they were parked and seatbelts removed Harry and Eggsy got out of the car, Harry retrieving his briefcase and laptop bag while Eggsy freed his sister from her chair and set her on her feet. That done Eggsy turned his attention to collection the two cloth bags they'd brought with them for the visit while Harry kept an eye on their girl as she hopped around in excitement. One of the bags contained their lunches as well as Merlin's, the other full of Daisy's books, toys, and other things to keep the little girl occupied when she was out of their sight. They'd deliberately left the crayons behind though. Just in case Daisy decided the walls of Kingsman Headquarters needed brightening up.
Daisy, of course, carried Mr. Fox in with her as they headed around the building to enter the shop from the front, the little girl skipping with glee over this change to their routine. She was thrilled that she was going to spend the day at the shop with her favorite people.
Amused by her Harry and Eggsy shook their heads, thanking her very gravely when she insisted on holding each of the main doors open for them cause their hands were full. Which they rather were.
"Good girl." Eggsy praised her, giving her a wink as he allowed Harry to wave him through first.
"Thank you, Daisy." Harry added as he followed Eggsy into the shop.
Beaming with pleasure Daisy's chest was all puffed up with pride as she strutted in after them.
"Hi, Mr. Andrew!"
Making his way from across the room Andrew was all smiles as he approached them. The shop was empty at the moment, Harry noted after a quick scan, which was always a nice twist of fate when it came to a Kingsman needing to visit the special 'additions' that lurked behind the walls of each of the tailor shop's dressing rooms.
"Good morning, Miss. Daisy. How lovely to see you. And you, Eggsy, as well. Sir."
Harry and Eggsy's return greetings overlapped a little, though it didn't really matter since Daisy droned them out as she excited informed Andrew that she was going to spend the whole day at Kingsman! And play with Mr. Merwin, too!
"So I was told. I hope you shall have a lovely time." Andrew looked down at Daisy with a fond expression before straightening and turning to look in Harry's direction, inclining his head slightly. "The room is empty, Sir."
"Thank you, Andrew. All right, you two. Follow me."
Eggsy brows furrowed a bit. "Okay...bye, Andrew."
"Bye bye!"
Hurrying over to help them out Andrew got the door open, holding it open for them as Harry led the way into the 'dressing room'. Thanking Andrew again as he passed by him Harry waited until Eggsy and Daisy were inside, Andrew closing the door behind them, before he set his briefcase and such on the floor in front of him to free his hands.
"Daisy. Would you come here, please."
Having wandered over to the triple mirror situated against one wall so that she could admire her reflection, Daisy broke out into a delighted smile when Harry picked her up to situate her on his hip.
"Now, Daisy, I have to do something that might be a tad scary. I'm going to ask you to close your eyes and press your face against my chest so you can't see anything. Eggsy will be right here as well, so there's no reason for you to worry."
"Scary?" Daisy repeated, not liking the sound of that at all.
"Like a rollercoaster or someone jumping out and saying 'BOO' sort of scary." The latter was something she probably had more comprehension of. "It will only be for a minute or two, I promise."
"Oh."
Daisy looked at Eggsy for reassurance, and when he nodded Daisy scrunched her eyes tight and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck as he switched her hold on her so that she could hide her face against his chest.
Meanwhile looking around at the room, which was admittedly terribly old-fashioned and perhaps boring looking, Eggsy's raised eyebrows said it all.
For a moment Harry considered explaining, then decided that could wait a moment as he turned and pressed his hand to the mirror to initiate the transport system. Some things you just needed to experience to believe.
Thankfully he was able to turn around quick enough to fully enjoy Eggsy's reaction as the floor beneath their feet started to lower them down.
At first Eggsy just stared straight ahead at the nearest brick wall, mind seeming to take a moment to comprehend what was happening. Then his jaw dropped and eyes widened as he tilted his head back to get a sense of depth as they continued down, deeper into the earth.
"How deep does this fucking thing go?"
"Deep enough."
Eggsy's face suggested that that was not reassuring.
But they didn't have that much farther to go before they reached bottom and the small platform where one waited, if necessary, for their transportation to arrive.
"All right, Daisy. You can look now." Harry informed her, setting her on her feet as her eyes popped open immediately. Keeping them closed as long as she had had probably been quite the chore from her point of view.
Smiling as she spun around a few times and then asked Eggsy where they were, Eggsy's rueful statement that he had no idea was charming in Harry's opinion as he collected his things and then told them to go ahead and take a seat. Whichever they liked.
"Is it-it's like the tube of the future." Walking over with Daisy sticking close to his side Eggsy studied the admittedly science fiction like transportation device that would get them to Kingsman headquarters. The real one.
"In a sense, yes. In you both go."
"Love the seats, Harry." Glancing over his shoulder Eggsy grinned at him and then taking a deep breath look down to Daisy, who was studying the whole machine with wary interest.
"Well let's go then, Flower. No point in sticking around here, yeah?"
"I want ta hold ya hand."
"Right." Leaning in Eggsy deposited his bags on one of the chairs and then picking Daisy up stepped into the cylinder and then took a seat with Daisy still in his lap. Cuddling her, Harry noted, much in the same way Daisy was holding onto Mr. Fox for comfort.
And since she was likely staying there Harry stepped in and then put his own items into the seat beside the one Eggsy had set his bags in. Once that was done he took the seat beside his family, issuing the order for the door to close as he did so.
"This is both seriously sick...and fucking weird as hell."
"Language. And yes. To a degree."
Huffing out a laugh, Eggsy continued to be amused by Harry's attempts to curb the boy's cursing around Daisy, Eggsy shook his head and looked out the 'window' of the tube. Not that there was anything to see but darkness.
"So where the fu-heck are we? And where we going, then?"
"Currently we are traveling under London. Our ultimate destination is Kingsman's official Headquarters."
He and Eggsy had had a discussion the night before about how well a three-year-old could keep a secret. One that it was vitally important that toddler keep. Eggsy was of the opinion that Daisy was actually quite good at keeping secrets for her age, but that being said...better not to risk it. Especially if it was the sort of secret you would want to tell everyone about, it was so juicy.
So for that reason Harry had to be careful what he said around Daisy, especially since she wouldn't be able to read, much less understand the nondisclosure agreement Eggsy would soon have to sign once they arrived at Headquarters.
"In the Magical World people know that we are far more than just a tailor shop. Which is what the human world believes us to be. And when it comes to the former the Magical community knows only what we've allowed them to 'discover'. The tip of the iceberg, so to speak."
"We went deep enough, that's for sure."
Chapter 45: A Day at Headquarters
Chapter Text
Sorry I haven't been updating, I was sick for a couple weeks and heavily medicated!
A Day at Headquarters
Daisy did not like the Kingsman underground tube. It rather freaked her out once she realized there was never going to be anything to see out the windows. Just darkness. So in the end to distract her Harry found himself joining Eggsy in plying her with random questions about daycare, the friends she'd made there, and whatever else came to mind that she might have an opinion on. Which was how by the end of the tube ride Harry learned that she thought vanilla cupcakes were better than chocolate, her friend Penny from daycare was wrong about pineapple on pizza being gross because Eggsy liked it and Eggsy was always right, and that a boy named Ben had thrown up in class that week. He'd apparently vomited all over the floor, right beside a girl named Alice. Who'd then proceeded to finger-paint with it until Mrs. Markle had noticed and made her stop. Daisy still wasn't sure what she thought of that, Harry hastening to tell her that no, human vomit was not a proper art supply and should not be touched. Daisy agreed that that made sense, especially once Eggsy reminded her of how bad that stuff smelled and did she really want her fingers smelling like that. She did not.
Harry also learned that Daisy wasn't allowed candy bars before eleven due to an unfortunate incident with a Mars bar-good to know-and also the fact that Daisy was already brainstorming ideas for who she would want to be for Halloween even though that particular holiday wasn't really a big deal here in Britain. Tequila had apparently mentioned it to her at the picnic and when Eggsy had told him about it not really being a thing in the UK Tequila had apparently invited them to come to the States to celebrate it properly.
Which meant, from Harry's point of view, that the American had bribed Daisy with thoughts of dressing up and candy in order to get Eggsy and his cooking skills to cross the ocean. Which was a clever ruse, Harry would give him that. But the joke was most likely on Tequila since it wasn't quite September yet and Harry was quite confident that without weekly reminders Daisy would forget about the whole thing within a couple of weeks.
It also wouldn't be the end of the world to have to celebrate Halloween in the United States-probably-so instead of worrying about that Harry concentrated on helping to keep Daisy distracted until finally they came to a stop and the doors opened to reveal the brightly lit room that signaled their arrival at Headquarters.
"YAY!"
Chuckling over her enthusiasm Harry motioned for Eggsy to carry her out and deposit her on the floor before together they retrieved all their baggage so that they could continue on their way.
Daisy, in the meantime, jumped in place and pointed towards the window directly across from them, wanting to know where they were and what was over there. She didn't want to find out without them by her side, just in case, it seemed.
"From that window you can see your brother's idea of heaven." Harry told her with a smile.
"Say wot?"
"Go see."
Eggsy gave him a suspicious look but set his bags down and scooping Daisy back up walked over to look through the window and down at Kingsman's transportation wing.
"HOLY FUCK!"
Knowing there was no point-Eggsy probably wouldn't hear him anyway-Harry didn't bother to remind Eggsy about not swearing around Daisy. Instead he left his own bag beside Eggsy's and walked over to join the other two at the window.
As he'd anticipated Eggsy was staring at the hanger's contents like he could cry tears of joy. Especially since Harry didn't doubt for a moment the boy's mind would soon turn to how he could go about convincing Harry to let him test drive the majority of the vehicles spread out before them.
Being a man Harry's thoughts couldn't help but think in terms of sexual favors, but of course he'd never demand that. Though he would require proper adult supervision in the cars with Eggsy when the younger man eventually manipulated him into letting him test out certain vehicles. And that adult sadly could not be him since Harry knew himself well enough to know he'd have one of two reactions to those experiences. Either he'd have a heart attack and die from worry and the shock of the boy's driving or he'd let Eggsy get away with whatever crazy stunts the boy came up with and they'd both end up in the hospital or worse. Ergo he'd ask someone, probably Lancelot, to accompany Eggsy instead. She'd keep him in line, no question.
"Are do's all yours, Unca Harry?"
"They belong to Kingsman, actually. They aren't mine except to borrow sometimes."
"Cause sharin is important."
"Yes, it is." Harry agreed, his tone as solemn as Daisy's had been.
"Harry..."
Lips twitching at the big eyed, pleading look Eggsy was now aiming in his direction Harry reached over to give Eggsy's back a comforting pat. "Yes, I'll arrange for you to get a tour of the hanger and its contents. What you will be permitted to get behind the wheel of will be determined over time. Now come on, we should get going before Merlin sends out a search party for us. It amuses him."
"He says you's is always late."
"He would."
Eggsy stared out the window longingly for another minute or so and then sadly dragged his feet away as they went back to retrieve their bags and then set off down the hallway to Merlin's tech department. Daisy, who was back on her feet once more, skipped along between them, urging them to go faster because she wanted to see her Mr. Merwin ASAP.
Poor Eggsy.
"There, there, Darling. Chin up. If everything goes as planned today there will certainly be time for us to at least visit the hanger. And really I'm sure once you start showing up with your biscuits and such the mechanics and drivers will fall all over themselves to let you play with whatever you like."
It only took a moment for Harry to think about that and just what Eggsy's could get access to. "Fuck. I shouldn't have said that."
"Language, Harry." Laughing, Eggsy grinned at him. "And I promise ta leave the planes alone. Least not without a whole bunch of lessons first."
Harry could literally feel the blood draining out of his head as cold chills shivered up his spine.
"Oi! It's in my blood, I'll have ya know. My grandad was a pilot, remember? Not ta mention my gift is Air."
"Still...for my sake...and Daisy's of course...no?"
Eggsy's attempt to keep a stern, straight face lasted for about fifteen seconds before he broke out into delighted laughter.
"Your face. Seriously. All right, all right. I stick with land stuff for the time bein, kay?"
"Thank you. That would be muchly appreciated." So much so that Harry leaned over and down to steal a quick kiss from Eggsy, which was returned with enthusiasm.
"So this is what was keeping ya?"
"Mr. Merwin!"
Running as only Daisy could run Daisy made a beeline for Merlin, who'd just appeared from around the corner having apparently come out to get them. Or his latest supply of biscuits.
Scooping Daisy up into his arms as soon as she was in reach Merlin settled her against his chest with a wide smile on his face. "Good morning, Lass. Welcome to Kingsman."
"I gets ta play with ya all day!"
"We'll have lots of fun, yes." Merlin grinned at her before turning his head to smirk in Harry's direction. "Your mother called. Wanted to make sure you were at work like you said."
"You must be joking."
"Sadly, no. Lucky for you, I assured her you were."
"Right. Like you don't owe me a hundred times over from when I stretched the truth for you. Especially when it came to your mum and your father's dieting restrictions. And I was basically at work when I got off the phone with her. I can't believe she called you."
He knew his mother was in serious denial as to her own age, but she had to be aware he wasn't a child at the very least.
"Really? You're surprised?" Merlin's raised eyebrows spoke volumes.
Right. This was his mother they were talking about. Of course she had.
Best not to dwell on it.
"Right. We've brought both your lunch and things for Daisy to play with. And of course if you need us at any time you'll know where to find us. Which room did you reserve for us?"
"Gym Three. And I expect you both to behave while you're in there."
"Merlin."
"Harry." Merlin shot back in the same tone of voice. "Don't act like I don't know ye. Now hand over the stuff and Flower and I shall be on our way. No need to traumatize her after all."
It was at times like this that Harry had to question what he'd been thinking, becoming friends with Merlin.
)
The gym they'd been assigned was one of the smallest at Kingsman Headquarters. It was usually signed out by one individual at a time and was kept empty unless equipment was requested for some training purpose. Today it was empty save for the large mats that covered parts of the flooring and the elemental features. Along one wall was a water feature that had water raining down a meter or so before ending up in a basin that then recycled the water, while on the opposite wall there were candles and other items that would provide them with fire if needed. Plants had to be brought in as there were no windows to see through and the lights were kept dim so as not to be too glaring. Some of their agents had a sensitivity to such things. Before they'd come into the gym both he and Eggsy had stopped in the supply room to pick up work out clothing kept on hand for members of Kingsman to borrow, the two of them changing into the simple black trousers and plain black T-shirts before entering the gym to begin Eggsy's first lesson.
Stepping inside Eggsy looked around with interest, his expression puzzled after he'd given the empty space a thorough once over.
"So...ow are we training, exactly?"
"By starting at the beginning. Which means that we don't need anything aside from what's already here or on our persons."
"O...kay."
Chuckling, Harry motioned Eggsy to follow him over to the closest mat, which was about the size of two king sized mattresses put together. Once there Harry leaned down and pulled off his left gym trainer, lightly tossing it onto the middle of the mat.
"Now you said that you've never been able to do more than move things a little with your Gift. What's the largest thing you've ever moved?"
"Uhm...a cat? It was about ta be hit by a car and I was able ta blow it back onto the grass afor it could get hit. But desperation probably helped with that one. I can lift little stuff easily enough, but I ain't no Matilda neither. My control ain't great if I'm tryin ta move more than one thing, and even with one thing I can't do much for long."
"I see. Then to start I think we should see if that's altered now that your house elf nature has been...nurtured."
"That's one way of puttin it."
Shrugging his shoulders Eggsy pointed at the trainer as he asked if that's what he was moving.
"To start with, yes."
Saluting him, Eggsy winked and then turned to face the trainer, lifting up a hand in its direction with his palm out like he was telling someone to stop.
Harry couldn't see the wind Eggsy conjured but the trainer rose up from the mat to hover about ten feet in the air in one quick jerk.
"Yeah...it's stronger than it was. I'd normally have to concentrate more."
"Shall we see if you can lift me?"
Eggsy visibly paled at that idea, the shoe thudding back to the mat as his concentration broke.
"Yeah...rather not. I mean I probably couldn't do it, but if I could-I don't want ta risk hurtin ya, Harry."
If Eggsy was a regular Kingsman trainee Harry might have ordered him to try anyway, but in this case Harry saw no reason to since the odds that Eggsy's life or someone else's would depend on his immediate training was slim. They could ease into this as slowly as Eggsy was comfortable with. So instead Harry asked Eggsy to attempt to do different things to the trainer, testing Eggsy's control.
He didn't have much as it turned out.
Eggsy did have more power than he'd apparently had previously, but had never had the opportunity to learn to harness it. The grandfather had no doubt taught Eggsy what little he'd been taught or learned on his own, but that would have been nothing compared to the sort of training given within the magical families. They would need to start with the bare basics before they moved onto anything further.
Going forward he'd have to assign another Air Gifted to train Eggsy given that one always learned best from someone who had experience with your element, Harry mused, watching Eggsy try to write his name with the trainer.
"Will ya show me how ya used my magic before?" Eggsy asked when he gave up on the name writing after the fourth failed attempt. "I've been real curious what it's like since I slept through it the last time."
That was very much skipping ahead training wise, but Harry saw no harm in it. Especially seeing as he did owe Eggsy for using his magic before without permission. It would also allow him to better judge the strength of Eggsy's gift for himself. He'd been too distracted when they'd been linked before.
"Of course."
Moving in closer Harry told Eggsy to stand in front of him, his back pressed against Harry's chest.
Eggsy leered at him. There was no other word for it.
"For science?"
"If you like."
And of course Eggsy had to snuggle his lovely arse against Harry as he settled in against him. Harry really should have seen it coming because of that leer. Oh well. It wasn't like he wasn't enjoying it. A fact Eggsy was no doubt well aware of given the additional wiggling he was doing.
"Enough of that. Enjoyable as it is. I'm going to use your magic first, then use my own. Eventually, with enough training, you should be able to draw on my magic even when I'm not in the room with you." Or at least Harry was willing to bet that their bond was that strong. Or would be in the near future. Provided things continued between the two of them in the romantic and sexual sense. There was nothing like sex to boost your magic after all.
"Ready when you are."
Calling Eggsy's magic up to obey him was as easy as the last time, Harry experiencing the other man's magic the same way as before. Damn.
Against him Eggsy jerked in surprise as the light breeze blew around them, weaving around and between their bodies.
His breathing becoming rather ragged to Harry's ears, Eggsy shuddered against Harry's chest. "Fuck. That's...ya feel that, right?"
"Yes. Like a bunch of cats made of air. Or at least that's what it reminds me of."
"Well I wasn't thinkin that before, but yeah-it fucking does. It's weird as fuck but...I can feel your magic too. In the wind. Fuck. It's like you're the wind too and you're all around me and in me and fuck! Fuck, is it supposed ta be like that?"
"If we weren't..." There really was no delicate way to put it. "We're already bonded magically and we had sex the night before. That matters, magically. I've never felt this strong a link when I've shared my magic with someone else." And curiosity had Harry breaking the link to Eggsy's magic, instead calling up his own this time and offering it to Eggsy through their bond to see what would happen.
Of course Eggsy had no idea how to use Harry's magic; but he could feel it.
"Jesus wot-this is your magic? I can feel it. It's like rain? Only not. It's like a cross between rain and sweat which sounds really gross but it ain't. Like water on my skin only it's clinging, not dripping. Is that what it feels like ta you?"
Imaging Eggsy's bare body covered in water clinging to every dip and curve of the boy's delicious body-well there was nothing Harry wanted more than for that to be true and he thirsted for the privilege of lapping up every drop of that water up with his tongue. Fuck.
The way Eggsy said Harry's name made it clear he had a pretty good idea why Harry hadn't answered his question.
It took Harry a minute or so to remember what the question was. "My Water Gift is extremely strong, as is my selkie blood. To me-I can feel my fur under my skin, taste the water in the air. I ache to submerge myself in water."
Twisting around Eggsy's pupils were blown and his color high as he stared up at Harry. "It hurts ya?"
Lifting up a hand Harry stroked his fingers over Eggsy's cheek, cupping it. "Aches. But I'm used to it."
"Fuck, Harry."
And understanding completely Harry mentally said to hell with Merlin's warning about behaving in the gym as he leaned down to take Eggsy's mouth in a searing kiss.
They'd bribe him with biscuits if necessary.
Chapter 46: Training Hard
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations the characters find themselves in. Thanks so much for continuing to read and giving me feedback on my work. It's muchly appreciated and I do read every review you send me!
Note: Sorry there have been so few updates from me in recent months. I'm actually working more, not less since the coronavirus started, and it's taking its toll physically and mentally. I'm hoping to do better in the future!
Training Hard
In some small, barely working corner of his brain Harry was a little embarrassed with himself. Of course he didn't regret for a moment ending up hot and sweaty with Eggsy on the gym floor, far from it, but they had come to Kingsman headquarters specifically to train Eggsy in his Gift-not to have really excellent sex on one of the gym mats. And it was more than a little mortifying, how quickly they'd given in to their hormones and jumped each other. They'd barely done anything before they'd lost control of themselves. He was really far too old to be so easily led around by his cock, or had thought he was, previously. Apparently he'd been wrong to assume he'd outgrown that the decade before.
So here he was, lying on his back with his head turned to the side to look in Eggsy's direction-because why wouldn't he pick Eggsy to look at instead of the ceiling-Harry had to smile at the smug grin on the younger man's face. They both had plenty of reason to be smug after all. He was most likely wearing a very similar expression.
They would be needing a shower and a change of clothes soon though. They had both pushed shirts up and trousers and such down earlier, but not quite enough to save them from getting dirty during their rolling around and grinding against each other.
"So ya think Merlin's gonna give us hell for this?" Eggsy asked, the huskiness of his voice sending some delightful aftershocks through Harry's system.
"There aren't any security cameras in here-but the man does have excellent instincts. Particularly where we're concerned, apparently." Harry imagined he would be teased insufferably for a while over this. "I would imagine he'll give me a hard time about it while you, on the other hand, are his dealer. He won't risk having his biscuits taken from him."
Eggsy chuckled at that. "I'll tell im not ta tease ya."
"That'll only make him worse."
The two shared another smile, content to just look and be with each other. For a couple of minutes. Then they both started to squirm a little as the high wore off enough that they became aware of the mess they'd made, which was currently drying on their skin. And making it itch. Which was what happened when you tried to tell yourself that you were just making out and that it wouldn't go further than that, Harry thought ruefully.
"We should probably go have a shower. And change."
"Yeah." Shifting up to rest his weight on his elbows, Eggsy grimaced a little. "Fuck. Lead the way."
With admirable skill Eggsy used the power of his legs to catapult himself to his feet in one smooth motion, Eggsy looking very pleased with himself as he walked over to stand above and then offer Harry a hand up.
Taking it Harry got to his feet easily enough. It was a point of pride.
And Harry definitely took considerable pride in the fact that Eggsy could hardly walk twenty some minutes later after he was done showing the younger man one of the benefits of having sex with a Water Gifted.
Namely the fact that no one did shower sex like they did.
Especially in this case, as Eggsy had given Harry permission to use his Air Gift whenever he wanted. A gift that allowed Harry to use both their Gifts to manipulate the hell out of the water that had poured down on them from the decadent Kingsman rain showers in ways he'd never gotten the chance to do before.
He was supposed to be teaching Eggsy about his gift after all, so using the boy's Air Gift to better to slide and wrap channels of both hot and cold water down Eggsy's body, sensitizing nerves and caressing every inch of Eggsy's skin as he got him 'clean'...well it was entirely for educational purposes.
It had been a very educational experience to say the least.
He was also very much going to enjoy honing these new, so very erotic skills in the months ahead. Especially since Harry was fairly certain that Eggsy would be a very willing volunteer.
Though now wasn't the time to discuss that with the man in question, Harry observed quite smugly as he had to use Eggsy's Air Gift for the purpose of getting his lover out of the showering area and over to one of the large, padded benches situated nearby. Eggsy's legs weren't up to the task of getting him there under his own steam.
Something else to be smug about, though Harry was honest enough to admit that he wouldn't have been in any better shape if his shower had had the same type of happy ending as Eggsy's had. Sadly his refraction period was nowhere near as short as the gorgeous man in his arms. Not that Harry minded how the shower had gone as he laid Eggsy out on top of the bench, making sure he was comfortable before taking a seat by Eggsy's head.
Gently Harry lifted Eggsy head up so that he could place it on his thigh, Harry unable to help but grin down at his unusually quiet lover, loving the stupefied expression of Eggsy's face. The boy hadn't said a word since he'd come and collapsed into Harry's arms.
"Fuck." Eggsy's finally got out, sounding dumbstruck.
"Again? Well aren't you insatiable."
Eggsy's jaw dropped adorably, his eyes going wide like a cartoon character's.
Laughing in delight Harry reached out to lightly ruffle the boy's wet hair. "I was joking, Darling. As lovely as it would be to revisit my youth some more-and I do have some fond memories of these change rooms-we really should get back to your training."
"That why Merlin warned ya about behavin before? Ya make a habit of playin water games in here?"
Since Merlin was exactly the sort of arse who would think nothing of telling stories on him Harry considered explaining just why Merlin had warned him about behaving himself when instinct kicked. There was something about the look on Eggsy's face and the vulnerability that had flashed there for a moment in Eggsy's eyes-something that said Eggsy would not find the story of Merlin stumbling on Harry in the throes with one of their former healers amusing in the slightest. Not even the part where Merlin had spun around and bashed his head so hard into the door the Scot had given himself a slight concussion. Which had also led to the healer breaking his leg because he'd been in such a hurry to lend aid he'd slipped on the tile and before Harry could grab him-not important.
What was important was the reason Eggsy might not find the idea funny. As in their relationship was very new and Eggsy might not like the idea of Harry with other men. Or the idea that Harry might make a habit of having sex while at work.
"Not a habit, no. Not even in my younger years. And while I have occasionally used my magic during intimate relations I can't say my magic has ever responded to someone the way it does you." Using Eggsy's Gift was almost effortless, that's how completely their magics seemed to mesh.
"Wot ya mean?"
"I mean that my magic, like every other part of me it seems, is very much drawn to you."
That got him a small smile.
Which was somewhat reassuring given that Harry was just a little embarrassed that he'd actually said that outloud. What this boy made him do without even trying. It was really quite mortifying.
Chuckling, Eggsy pointed out that Harry was blushing a little. And sounding like the lead in one of his rom com movies.
"Oh hush." Harry was not going to justify his taste in movies to Eggsy again. Liking romantic comedies more than action flicks in no way made him less a man, thank you very much. He had enough 'action' thanks to his career. Or he had.
Snickering at him now Eggsy lifted the hand closest to Harry, teasingly stroking his fingers across Harry's damp, bare chest. "That was pretty sick, the way ya made the water-so that your version of the ice cube trick?"
The little tease. "You could say that. Though I know how to use actual ice cubes, for future reference."
That got him a big grin.
"But we really should be drying off and getting back to your training. Merlin really won't let us hear the end of it if we don't."
"Couple more minutes?"
Helpless against the look Eggsy was giving him Harry nodded and then turned his attention to stroking his fingers through the wet strands of Eggsy's hair while the younger man nuzzled his face against Harry's thigh, eyes half closed in pleasure as he stroked Harry back.
They were both a little exhausted, Harry thought as he wallowed in the sweetness of the moment. Or hoped so. Otherwise Eggsy's stamina was going to put them both in the grave soon.
)
Eventually their nakedness, the possibility of someone stumbling upon them, and just common sense got them both moving, Eggsy and Harry finishing off the drying process and then getting changed into new work out gear that was thankfully identical to their earlier outfits. Once dressed they linked hands and then headed to the door to let themselves out-both of them stumbling backwards at the shock of finding Merlin standing in the doorway like a waiting guard, the Scot's arms crossed in front of him, a less then amused look on his face as he gave them chastising looks.
Scratch that, not like a guard at all, Harry realized with more than a twinge of embarrassed horror. It was like Merlin was Eggsy's father and Harry had been late bringing him home after a date. Or like they'd been caught making out in his car on the street.
"Merlin."
"For Christ's sake, Harry. Do I have to remind you how old you are so you'll act your age?"
Rather than answer that Harry asked where Daisy was.
"Mari is braiding the little lass's hair for her. Or trying to. From what I could tell the curls weren't cooperating, but Mari's a determined woman. And dinna worry, she's acting as Tristian's handler in French so the lass doesn't know what she's saying to him."
"Okay..." Eggsy drawled the word out. "Cryptic, much?"
"Well tell Mari we appreciate it, if you would. Now did you have a reason for coming here, Merlin, or did you just want to annoy me?" Because it was the latter Harry was going to find a way to deny Merlin biscuits for at least a week and-no. The damn Scot would riot. But he'd definitely put his foot down about all the meals the man took with them.
"Side benefit." Merlin gave Harry a small smirk before his features fell into serious lines. "There was an incident last night that was just reported to us involving the vampire community. Three of them were killed here, in London. All of them under Samantha's protection."
Shit. "Who's dead?"
"Donita, Jessmina, and Carolyn."
Well Hell.
"Do they know who killed em and why?" Eggsy asked, posing the next logical question before Harry could.
"It's not confirmed-at least not to my standards-but I wouldn't be surprise if they were killed simply for being themselves. That's the rumor going around at the moment. Whispers suggest that a slayer was hired to kill the three of them as a warning to Samantha to rein in her charges and hold them accountable for their actions. Though as bloody and brutal as it was-let's just say none of the three were recognizable when they were found. Slayers are normally a great deal tidier."
Harry elaborated for Eggsy's sake. "As punishment for the blights on society that are her 'children' Samantha has often been saddled with problem vampires or other vampires her sire doesn't want to deal with. Most, including myself, rather suspect that the Vampire Council does this because they want her to fail hugely enough that they can justify dusting her."
"If she'd just stop siring..."
"But she doesn't." Harry finished. "And she's too smart thus far to fall into any of the Council traps. She's both helped and hindered by the fact that her sire is on the Vampire Council...which is a very prestigious position in that world."
"He's dead useless for the most part. It's like his worst qualities skipped over Samantha and infected her children instead." Merlin grimaced ruefully. "One of the nicest vampires you're ever likely to meet though."
"True. And unfortunately Jessmina was his sister before he turned her-So Bertie won't take this news well. Donita and Carolyn were both troublesome young vampires that no one is going to really mourn or miss, but killing the sister of a Council member...there will be consequences, especially if the perpetrator isn't caught and punished sufficiently."
"So are we-are we worried about vampire war breakin out or somethin?"
Harry and Merlin shook their heads in perfect sync.
"That wouldn't likely happen anyway, but Samantha is smart enough to either find the person in the next forty-eight hours or kill someone and blame it on them. Bertie will take her word for it. Of the two of them she's unquestionable the smart one." Harry sighed just thinking about it. "What we have to worry about is how Samantha is going to react to this. On the one hand she was probably delighted to be rid of the three of them, while on the other...this reflects very, very badly on her. She's also always wanted to take Bertie's seat at the Council Table."
"Well whatever's coming will keep her busy, that's for sure. With a lot less time to be wondering about our elf here."
Eggsy rolled his eyes.
"That is the silver lining, yes. Though pity Lamont wasn't one of the three." Oh well, that was probably too much to ask. "We should-" Harry fell silent as Merlin held up a hand, signaling him to wait a moment.
Lifting up his tablet Merlin tapped away on it with his usual dizzying speed. Then he was asking Mari what was wrong-while the sound of Daisy crying came through loud and clear in the background.
Harry and Eggsy's demands to know what had happened to Daisy overlapped and garbled them horribly.
Thankfully the only problem was that Merlin had been gone so long that Daisy had started to panic that he wasn't coming back and she was being left with strangers again. She still had separation anxiety and being surrounded by strangers without someone she felt safe with there all but guaranteed a crying fit.
Naturally Merlin felt horrible and assured both Mari and Daisy that he was on his way back, immediately spinning on his heels to start back the way he'd come without even saying good bye to either one of them.
"She's got im wrapped round her little finger." Eggsy observed, shaking his head in amusement.
"Quite." It served Merlin right, Harry thought to himself.
"So we gonna go back ta 'trainin'?"
Laughing at Eggsy's eyebrow wiggling, Harry agreed that that would be best. Actual training though, just to be clear.
"Spoilsport."
)
Unfortunately they didn't get that much farther into Eggsy's training before Merlin contacted Harry through his glasses, asking him if he and Eggsy would be willing to join him and Daisy for lunch. Apparently she'd been asking for them. Repeatedly. Or so Merlin claimed. Harry was willing to bet Daisy had only had to ask Merlin once and the big softie had caved. Oh well. Eating lunch with the two certainly wasn't a chore, especially since they had never left the little girl in Merlin's care for this long before. For that matter Harry doubted Merlin had ever been left alone with a child for longer than an hour, if that, since the man was a teenager or younger. Ergo...checking in to make sure Daisy was all right struck him as a good idea.
So they headed off with their own bag of food and met up with Merlin and Daisy in one of Kingsman's breakrooms.
Merlin and Daisy were already there when he and Eggsy stepped into the room, Daisy waving what was left of the chocolate bar she held in her hand at them enthusiastically before going back to gnawing on it determinedly. Her hair...well Harry honestly didn't know what to make of it.
"Is that...how her hair should look?"
"No, Harry. I ain't a professional stylist or nothin, but yeah...that's gonna be a bitch ta get out."
"Language."
The look Eggsy gave him was less than impressed, though he did pitch his voice lower so that Daisy wouldn't hear him.
"I'm gonna have ta work all those bands out her hair, her curly as fuck hair, then untangle it from those little braids. While she's wigglin and complain the entire time cause her hair don't like ta cooperate on the best of days and it'll hurt er."
"Oh. That is unfortunate."
"Yeah. No kiddin."
Merlin, meanwhile, had obviously noticed the looks they were giving him and gave them a sorry look in return. Though whether that was solely about the hair, as opposed to the chocolate bribery as well, remained to be seen.
"Ah...Mari couldn't manage what she wanted so she ended up doing a bunch of little braids instead. It's...the lass likes how it looks."
"She's three." Eggsy gave Merlin the evil eye. "And the chocolate bar?"
"Well...as long as she eats her proper lunch too, the order doesn't really matter."
Eggsy crossed his arms and made a very disapproving, mother type sound.
"Eggsy! Unca Harry! Time to eat!"
Of course. Nothing got in the way of Daisy's mealtimes. And woe to anyone who interrupted that. Especially since she seemed to have finished what was left of the bar.
Lovely. She was going to be a handful once that sugar kicked in.
Oh well. Merlin had brought that one on himself.
Chapter 47: The Perils of Sugar
Chapter Text
The Perils of Sugar
After the-er-lovely way the morning had gone Harry had thought a similar afternoon would be in store for them. Sadly not. Even before their lunch had concluded Daisy started to act up, unable to sit still and talking so fast that it was difficult to understand her half the time. And when Eggsy told Daisy she needed to stop squirming so much or there'd be no dessert for her-well instead of her usual pouting or wheedling Daisy actually slammed a little fist on the table with a loud "NO!".
A statement that was then followed by a lot of tears and whining because her hand hurt.
After a quick examination to confirm that she hadn't in fact done lasting damage to her hand Eggsy plopped her down in his lap and told her no dessert, and she was having a nap as soon as they were all done eating.
That was apparently the final straw.
Breaking out into wild sobs Daisy both kicked out and clung to her brother as she cried into his shirt, clutching it as she sobbed things Harry couldn't understand, but which made him feel awful as he reached out to pat Daisy's oddly braided hair.
"Poor, Lass. I shouldn't have left her to report to you. Or I should have brought her with me." Merlin looked utterly gutted on the other side of the table, the Scot not even touching his dessert.
"It's all right, Merlin. She's a toddler. This comes with the package, I'm afraid. She was due for a tantrum, specially with all the stuff what's been happening lately. She don't like breaks in her routine and meetin a lot of strangers at once. Built up in her." A telling little pause. "And FYI, it ain't never a good idea ta give Daisy that much chocolate afor noon. She don't handle her sugar near as well as you do, Bruv."
"Oh."
Something about the look on Merlin's face immediately raised Harry's suspicions...
"Merlin...was that chocolate bar the only candy you gave her today?"
"Wellllll..."
As it turned out Merlin had also been sharing some of his own candy stash with the girl throughout the morning...and Mari might have given her some Jujubes. Also one of Merlin's assistants had brought in donuts and it wouldn't have been right not to let Daisy have one too. And Percival had given her a sucker. While Merlin's back was turned so that one had not been his fault.
Oh...and he might have bribed Daisy with that chocolate bar because she'd started acting up in his control room before lunch.
The look Eggsy lobbied in Merlin's direction, well Harry considered it absolutely deserved as he added his own dark look to the mix.
"I know, I know. I shouldn't have given her the bar and we-I-didn't mean any harm." Merlin's gaze was truly sorry and regretful as he apologized to the hiccupping in between mini sobs Daisy.
"I know ya didn't do this on purpose. And you've learned your lesson, yeah?"
"Yes. I'll buy some fruit for the next time she visits." Merlin promised. "Or granola."
"Or ya could have just given her the snacks I packed for her in her bag like I told ya."
"Oh. Right. I forgot about those."
Eggsy rolled his eyes and then turned his head to look in Harry's direction. "Right. Harry, think the lessons are gonna have ta be over for today. Best if I take her home. She ain't gonna be fit company, plus bein in a strange place is gonna make it worse."
Out the corner of his eye Harry could see Merlin face drop like a child whose playdate had just been cancelled. Which, he supposed, was the case here.
"Quite right. I'll walk you down to the tube and make sure Thomas is waiting on the other end to see you safely to the car park. Will the two of you be all right traveling in it without me?"
"Yeah. She's gonna pass out in the next few minutes, I'll bet. Hopefully she'll sleep through the whole thing.
"Eggsy." Daisy's pitiful voice drew all their attention back to her.
"Yeah, Flower?"
"I wanna go home."
"Okay, Luv, okay. We'll go soon as we're done our lunch, kay?"
"Kay." Drawing in her legs to better snuggle in Daisy curled up against Eggsy and went quiet save for the occasional sniffle.
Needless to say the rest of the meal was a very quiet affair.
)
As planned Eggsy and Daisy headed back home after lunch had concluded, Eggsy texting Harry updates so Harry knew that Daisy had passed out two minutes into the tube ride and had still been fast asleep by the time they'd made it back to the shop. Thomas had helped Eggsy get all their stuff and Daisy back to the car, and the drive at least had been peaceful. Reading between the lines Harry had gotten the distinct impression that Daisy had not been in the best of moods or behavior after she woke up, but Eggsy didn't outright complain. Harry wasn't sure Eggsy would even if Daisy was driving him to the brisk of insanity. Harry was fairly sure that Eggsy knew that they had a permanent home with him, and that he wouldn't get angry or toss them out if Daisy had tantrums or broke things accidentally or even on purpose, but Harry also wasn't an idiot. He was well aware that Eggsy pretty much never complained about anything, especially when it involved his sister. A bad habit they needed to work on. But at least the following day was scheduled daycare. Eggsy would have the majority of that time to relax and recover from Daisy's sugar madness.
Perhaps he should book Eggsy a massage or something along those lines. Though in all honesty Harry didn't like the idea of some unknown individual having their hands all over Eggsy's lovely body for a bloody hour or more. He didn't like the idea even if the massage lasted a few seconds. Which was selfish and silly of him, but so sue him, what they had was new and he was-well Eggsy did turn his brain to mush with alarming ease.
Ergo Harry tabled that idea and instead insisted on bringing takeaway home for dinner instead, Eggsy's downright feeble, not to mention single attempt to protest saying it all.
With that in mind Harry announced that he was heading home early, Merlin not uttering a peep of protest and instead offering to take some of Harry's workload off his shoulders so that he had less to do that night. An offer Harry happily took Merlin up on, especially since this whole thing was partially the Scot's fault.
In the words of Charlie Bucket's Grandpa Joe, 'No good can ever come from spoiling a child'.
Though considerable good could come from spoiling your lover after he was forced to spend hours with a grumpy, disagreeable toddler coming off a sugar high, which was why Harry opted to get Eggsy's favorite Chinese takeaway and a pint of birthday cake ice-cream, which Eggsy had recently tried and fallen in love with. More sugar in the house wasn't a good thing, yes, but Harry was confident that Eggsy could keep it from Daisy or at least ration it out once it was safe.
And so with his offerings in hand Harry juggled those bags and his work ones as he unlocked his front door and let himself in, the quiet in the front hallway immediately tipping him off to the fact that yes, things certainly were not as per usual. Daisy was normally there to greet him-especially when she knew he was coming with her next meal.
The sound of steps on the stairs had Harry looking up, the strain on Eggsy's face making Harry wince in sympathy as he set aside his burdens and walked over to meet Eggsy at the bottom of the stairs.
"That bad?"
"It was all right until the hair." Was Eggsy's exhausted reply as he stopped at the final step, which gave him a little more height as he leaned forward to hug Harry, settling against him with a sigh. "Fuck. What a day."
Stroking Eggsy's back Harry asked him what he meant about the hair.
"The mess Mari made of it. Daisy's hair can be a right rat's nest if it ain't cared for right. I figured on undoing the braids once she woke up from her nap-no way I wouldn't have woke her up if I did them while she was sleepin. Got about a quarter of em out but fuck, Harry. Ya'd have thought I was murderin her the way she carried on. She didn't want me taking them out and nothin I said got through ta her. And when I finally got her ta sit down for it she wouldn't sit still and-I gave up. I'll bloody well deal with em later. It was that or lose it." A long, drawn out sigh. "That's why her hair looks even worse now, by the by. She's also right pissed off at me. Sulking in her room."
"I see." Harry was well acquainted with the pitfalls of having curls in one's hair, particularly when you were a child. And Daisy's hair was even curlier than his own had been as a lad. Knots were never fun to work out of hair either, particularly when you were in a bad mood to begin with. "Are we sending her to bed without supper?"
"Tempting...but you don't wanna see what's she's like if ya don't feed her."
Yes. Excellent point.
"Then in that case why don't you take the food to the table and I'll bring her down. I also brought you some ice-cream for later that should be put away post haste. All for you."
Eggsy leaned back a little, his facing lighting up. "Ya brought me ice-cream?"
"Birthday cake flavored."
Beaming his pleasure, Eggsy leaned in for a thank you kiss that Harry was most happy to receive. As was the hug they shared for a moment afterwards before Eggsy announced that yeah, it probably would be for the best if Harry went and brought Daisy down. He'd go hide the ice-cream, as she most definitely didn't deserve any of it currently. He'd share with Harry though.
"Thank you. We could chop up some of those fresh strawberries we have, mix it in with the ice-cream."
Eggsy's eyes practically glazed over with pleasure at the idea. "Fuck. You're just full of mind-blowing ideas today, ain't ya?"
Laughing, Harry accepted another kiss and then off they went to deal with their assigned tasks.
Delaying his face off with his grumpy toddler for a few more minutes Harry took the time to stow away his work and change into more casual at home wear before he cautiously approached Daisy's room, knocking on it gently before opening the door to find Daisy sitting on her floor, a glare firmly fixed on her face before she saw that it was him.
"Unca Harry!"
Squatting down to pick her up Harry noted that Eggsy hadn't been kidding about the state of his young ward's hair. He'd obviously started from the back, where Daisy's curls were free and only slightly tangled looking currently. The rest of her hair was still half in, half out of their braids and gave her a look that-well reminded him of pictures and movies he'd seen of very old dolls whose hair hadn't been tended to in decades after being 'styled' by a child.
"Eggsy being mean to me." Daisy blubbered against his shoulder, cuddling in for sympathy.
"And have you been being mean to Eggsy?" Harry returned, though he gave her a cuddle in return since this wasn't all her fault. The sugar high and then low had not helped matters.
"No." Daisy mumbled.
"Well I know Eggsy is very sad that you two quarreled. You know he loves you more than anything."
"Yes."
Lips twitching, Harry suggested that perhaps she might apologize for fighting with Eggsy. She was a big girl, after all, and Eggsy was very sad. If she did that Eggsy wouldn't be sad anymore and they could have dinner.
"Dinner?"
"Yes. It's downstairs, waiting for us."
"I want dinner."
"And will you apologize to Eggsy?"
Daisy's face turned mutinous.
"Daisy."
"He wrecked my hair!"
Actually that honor went to Mari, in Harry's opinion. But it was one Daisy apparently didn't agree with.
"Your hair can be fixed, and will be after dinner. Is your hair more important than Eggsy?"
Daisy made faces and squirmed around a little before admitting that no, it wasn't.
"Then will you apologize?"
A very long, drawn out sigh.
"Ogay."
"That's my good girl." Harry gave the top of her head a kiss. "Now is Mr. Fox coming to dinner with us, or has he gone to bed early?"
"He comes too!"
"Understood." Cradling her careful on one side Harry walked over to retrieve the stuffie, scooping it up and handing it over to Daisy before they headed out the room, Daisy sighing and continuing to cuddle against him in a way that suggested she would, hopefully, be tired enough to go to bed easily once her hair was taken care of.
)
Daisy's hair did not get taken care of.
To her credit-sort of-Daisy did apologize to Eggsy when they arrived downstairs to find Eggsy in the midst of portioning out the food onto plates. And Eggsy apologized too, to make her feel better, and so a truce of sorts was called. Daisy still sulked a little as she ate her dinner and Eggsy was quite clearly worn out, but overall it could have gone a lot worse. And rather did when dinner was over and Eggsy told Daisy that the rest of her braids needed to come out before bed.
Daisy gave her loudest 'NO!' of the day thus far. Or at least that Harry had been present for.
"Ya can't go ta sleep like that, Daisy. It'll only make it worse."
"No! I want em!"
"Dais, do ya want all the kids ta think your hair's a bird's nest or somethin tomorrow? It will be so tangled it'll take me hours ta set it ta rights."
The look Daisy gave her brother suggested she was prepared to bite or injure him in whatever self-defense methods a toddler possessed if he came near her curls.
Harry tried to help. "Would you let me fix it for you, Daisy?"
"NO!"
"Daisy! Enough! Don't ya take that tone with Harry, ya hear me?"
The mutinous expression she wore said yes, she'd heard him. And was not about to back down on the matter. And while on the one hand that was not a good thing...Harry was also glad that she felt safe enough to throw a tantrum like this. She certainly wouldn't have done it weeks ago. A weak silver lining, but one nonetheless.
Looking back and forth between the glaring siblings Harry turned his thoughts to how this could be solved without biting or further harsh words.
Harry motioned Eggsy over. "Eggsy. A moment, please."
Eggsy gave him a look too but walked over to stand at Harry's side, allowing Harry to lean over to whisper in his ear.
"What if we let her go to bed with them in, then once she's asleep undo the ties at the end. Wouldn't they unravel on their own, given how curly her hair is."
Eggsy took a moment to consider. "A lot of it would, but it would still be a mess tomorrow. And she's got daycare so it ain't like I got all morning ta fix it." A long, drawn out sigh. "But if you're okay with her hair not lookin the best in public...I ain't in the mood ta fight with her on this."
"I'm all for saying she insisted on doing her own hair."
That got a snort from Eggsy. "True enough."
Shaking his head Eggsy turned his attention back to Daisy, who was eyeing them suspiciously. Smart girl.
"Right. I won't mess with your hair...but no arguin with me bout going straight ta bed, all right? And only one story."
Grudgingly Daisy agreed to that. But insisted Harry be the one to read her her story. The look she aimed in Eggsy's direction indicated he should find this to be a horrendous insult, her not wanting him to be the one to read to her instead.
"I'd be happy to read you your story." Harry assured her, careful to keep his face from revealing his thoughts on the matter while Eggsy just shook his head over it.
So they got Daisy upstairs without any real trouble and into her pajamas, the little girl picking out one called 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' for Harry to read. She managed to stay awake for the whole of it, the girl smart enough not to ask for another. Instead she let Eggsy tuck her in more thoroughly and then he and Harry headed out of the room, leaving her nightlight on and the door slightly ajar in case she needed them.
"I'll give it an hour, then come back."
Agreeing that that was a solid plan Harry suggested that they go downstairs, have some of that ice-cream, and veg out for a bit in front of the telly. It would do them both a world of good, no doubt.
"Sounds heavenly ta me."
So that's what they did.
Chapter 48: Some Unexpected Knots
Chapter Text
Some Unexpected Knots
To the best of his admittedly meager ability Harry assisted Eggsy in his quest to undo the bands holding Daisy's hair into 'braids' that night. Afterwards they'd both agreed that calling them braids was being overly generous, and knotted, fraying ropes would have been more accurate. A fact they wouldn't bring up to Mari in the future...but the handler was now going to be banned from playing with Daisy hair in the future. Or at least never allowed to do so while also distracted by a mission. For now at least they were willing to give the woman the small benefit of a doubt as to her hair styling skills, especially since Mari's hair had never reminded Harry of a rat's nest in all the time he'd known her.
Regardless the two undid all the hair ties that they could, taking turns gently lifting and turning Daisy's head to give the other better access to the ratty mess. And they were pretty sure they'd gotten most of them, but it was hard to tell with the minimal light they were working with. Naturally they didn't want to wake her up, as that would no doubt lead to another tantrum that would have ended the night on quite a sour note. And they were already tired enough, thank you very much.
But they were able to leave her room unscathed and Eggsy opted to turn in early just so that he would have additional time to try and fix things in the morning. He was hoping-including crossing his fingers for emphasis-that he could at least divide the hair in half and put them in two reasonable looking pigtails.
Which in the short term should work...but eventually they would have to tame her hair back to its usual state and Harry was dreading that about as much as a long-term stay in the Kingsman Medical Bay. It was not going to be pretty. Especially since he'd gallantly-but also stupidly-made Eggsy promise to wait until he got home for that part so that he could be there to help. Or at least deflect some of Daisy's ire onto himself. It was, after all, one of Harry's employees that had got them in this mess in the first place.
So Eggsy went straight to bed-Harry's bed, thankfully-while Harry was unfortunately left with the task of doing some work in his office before being able to retire for the evening.
Dealing with a couple hours of mind-numbing paperwork-how did he hate it, let him count the ways-was still better than wrangling a toddler, which Harry reminded himself constantly for the hated stretch of time. And once those two hours were up he packed up for the night and headed to his bedroom to change into sleepwear before getting under the covers to cuddle with his adorable Eggsy.
All things considered...it was still a good day.
)
Harry could count on one hand with fingers to spare how he liked to wake up in the morning. The first was sleeping in until he could sleep no more, waking up at his own pace after falling back in and out of sleep several times over. Secondly there was being woken by the presence of another in his bed who was interested in doing amorous things to his person. That was very rarely not worth losing sleep over. The final wakeup call Harry enjoyed was the smell of Eggsy's cooking permeating the house, promising him delish treats to enjoy if he was willing to get up and follow his nose downstairs. Which for Eggsy he was always willing to do.
When it came to ways Harry did NOT like to be woken up...Eggsy yelling really loudly while close to Harry's ears was high on the list.
Eyes snapping open Harry jerked awake, his training and protective instincts such that he immediately assumed Eggsy was in harm's way and so he moved quickly to cover Eggsy's body with his own, both of them having opted to sleep on their sides with Eggsy's back against Harry's chest. And it was as his hand landed to brace on the other side of Eggsy's body that Harry caught sight of what had made his lover cry out in the first place.
"HOLY FUCK!"
As Harry had always made it a policy never to swear in front of Daisy-though he had admittedly slipped up a few times-Harry didn't know if his shouted curse was the cause of Daisy's shocked expression...or she'd just put herself into a state of shock earlier after catching sight of herself in some reflective surface on her way to his bedroom.
"Dais...wot the fuck did ya do ta your hair?" In sharp contrast to his earlier reaction Eggsy all but whispered the words that were also currently circling around Harry's mind.
"I fix it!"
No. She most definitely had not fixed it.
"Oh, Flower." Eggsy stared at her for a long moment and then craned his neck/shifted his body to a weird angle so that he could look up to meet Harry's gaze, his eyes silently asking 'What the fuck do we do now?'
Harry wished he knew.
Sharing a look that expressed that clearly, the two grimaced and then turned their heads to look back in Daisy's direction. Fuck.
Sometime in the night or early morning Daisy must have woken up and decided to take care of her knotted hair herself instead of going through the painful experiencing of having her brother attempt to set it to rights for her. And in true child logic she'd decided to do it in the quickest and least painful way she could devise.
She'd decided to cut the knotted hair off.
"How'd ya-you ain't got scissors that could-wot did ya cut your hair with, Daisy?"
"Scissors."
"Which scissors? Where'd ya get them?"
Daisy lifted up her hands, wiggling her fingers at them. "Nail scissors."
Ah. That explained that. Harry knew that Eggsy was careful to keep regular scissors far out of Daisy's reach, including the ones Eggsy used to trim his and Daisy's hair. Apparently the boy hadn't been able to afford a professional haircut before he'd come to live with Harry and had been growing his hair out anyway as long as Harry had known him. Manicure scissors on the other hand...Harry knew Eggsy kept a pair in the backpack he often wore when going out with Daisy on errands or such. A pack Eggsy often left on the floor beside his dresser in his room.
Which also explained why what was left of the toddler's hair was so uneven. She would have only been able to cut a very little at a time, and had likely gotten tired of the exercise after a while given how long it would have taken her. Though she had scalped herself pretty efficiently. What longish 'curls' remained were situated where Daisy would have had to be a contortionist to reach them.
"Bloody hell. Harry, I'm-"
"Hush." Harry stated in his best 'I'm the boss' voice, interrupting the apology Eggsy had been about to give. "It's not your fault. These things happen." Unfortunately.
"Breakfast?"
Of course. Of course she was only concerned about being fed.
Harry had to laugh.
"Ah, Dais." Sighing, Eggsy shook his head. "Fuck, wot time is it?"
A good question. There was definitely enough light coming through the curtains that they could see each other and the wreck that was Daisy's hair-though Eggsy had turned on his bedside lamp before Harry had woken, lightly to get a better look at the damage. His own mental evaluation of his sleep levels told Harry that he had most certainly had more sleep coming though.
Reaching out to retrieve his phone from the bedside table Eggsy tapped on his screen to bring it online, the screen revealing that it was fourteen minutes away from being six in the morning. Bugger.
But he wasn't about to leave this mess all to Eggsy, and so with a sad sigh Harry maneuvered so that he was back on his side of the bed, tossing aside the covers.
"Right, then. I don't imagine there's a hair salon open at this hour, but you could look online while I put together some cereal or some fruit for her to eat?" Technology was far more Eggsy's friend than his, and Harry could manage to cereal or slicing up some fruit.
Having shifted closer to the edge of the mattress Eggsy motioned Daisy over and was now running his hands over her head. "Yeah ta the last part...but I don't know if a stylist could fix this. I'm gonna take her ta the bathroom, see about evening things up a bit. She can shovel in some cereal while I do that."
It didn't strike Harry as very hygienic to let Daisy have her breakfast in the bathroom-not to mention set a bad precedent-but he was willing to go along with the plan. It wasn't like he had a better one.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll go get the cereal."
"With lots of extra raisins?" Daisy asked hopefully.
"Yes, I'll put the raisins in for you like Eggsy does."
"Yay!"
Shaking his head, something Eggsy was doing as well, the two shared one last look and then headed off to do their assigned tasks. Harry heading out into the hallway to go downstairs to prepare Daisy's breakfast, while Eggsy carried Daisy down the hallway towards their shared bathroom where he would attempt, somehow, to fix his sister's likely unfixable hair.
)
Fixing the cereal in no time at all Harry also opted to peel a couple oranges up as well, just in case. That and a sippy cup full of orange juice seemed a decent enough breakfast to him. Putting it all together on a tray Harry took a deep breath for courage and then headed back upstairs, saying silent prays the entire time in the hope that Eggsy would somehow be able to salvage the mess Daisy had made of her hair. Upon entering the bathroom-Eggsy had thoughtfully left it open so that he could easily get in-Harry discovered that no...those silent prayers had very much been in vain. Not to mention the bathroom was looking far from its best since Daisy had used the room to cut her hair earlier, which had resulted in a lot of hair clumps littering the floor like strange hairy, creatures.
"Hey." Eggsy shot him a rueful look over his shoulder before he went back to cutting more of Daisy's hair off. Daisy, for her part, shot Harry a sunny smile in the mirror she was facing, apparently completely unconcerned with what her brother was doing to her so long as it didn't hurt.
"I'll clean this up, no worries. Just didn't see a point in puttin down a sheet when she'd made a right mess of the place already."
"That's fine." Moving in closer Harry winced at what he saw. "There's no saving it, I see."
"Not a chance in Hell. She cut it right against the scalp in some places. I'm gonna cut it all down some and then just buzz it off." Absently Eggsy gestured to the other side of the sink, the cheap leather case situated there holding the clippers needed to do that.
Fuck.
"And there's no other option?"
"Look at it."
"I want my cereal!"
"You watch your tone, Flower. " Eggsy shot back, the look he aimed in the mirror making it clear that he meant business. "Ya know ya ain't supposed ta use scissors without my permission. Bein a brat ain't doin your future punishment no favors."
Daisy's shoulders slumped a little...but she also wasn't being subtle about eyeing her breakfast in the mirror.
Charmed in spite of himself Harry moved a few things around and then set the tray on the counter, picking up the bowl of cereal and holding it out to her. He'd put the spoon in it already, so she immediately began shoveling it in, all else forgotten. The sippy cup he sat down on the counter beside her.
Eggsy meanwhile looked at the ceiling-possibly asking for strength or guidance-and then went back to loping off hair.
Feeling a little queasy just watching him do it, Harry absently helped himself to an orange slice.
"It won't be that bad." Eggsy told him, possibly in reaction to the face Harry imagined he was making. "Or at least it will be loads better than it was. Plus this is primo blackmail material, so we got that at least."
Harry's eyebrows rose. "Blackmail material?"
"Yeah. Ya think she's gonna want anyone seein pictures of what she did? When she's old enough, I mean. I took a few 'Before' piccies with my phone." Eggsy's grin became just a little evil.
Blackmailing someone was not something he should encourage Eggsy to do...but thinking about reasons why they might need to blackmail teenage Daisy into behaving...
"Send them to me. That way even if she deletes the ones on your phone, mine can stand as backup."
"Good idea. Gotta get somethin out of all this. We're gonna have ta be bloody hat Nazis for the rest of the summer and into Fall."
What? He must have misheard because...hat Nazis?
Eggsy laughed. "I just meant we're gonna have ta be on her at all times ta wear a hat outside, Harry. She can't go out with her hair buzzed like this and no hat. Not without a headful of sunscreen slathered all over, anyway. Ya think she was in a right mood yesterday? Ten times worse when it comes to sunburns. Plus ones on the head are the worst. Learned that the hard way."
Harry winced at the thought. He'd never had a sunburned head, one of the benefits of having hair as thick as his, but he could imagine. He'd certainly burned elsewhere thanks to his weak, British skin. It did not do well in tropical or desert landscapes.
"Saw a picture of a bloke just the other day, got third degree burns cause he had a buzzed cut and was outside all day without a hat. Afterwards it looked like greenish grey mold was growin on his head."
"Third degree?" Harry paled just thinking about it.
"Swear down."
"Right. Well...I don't suppose writing on her forehead in permeant marker that she must wear a hat outside would work, would it?"
"Temptin. I'll have to have a word with Mrs. Markle, make sure she knows. Though she probably does, her being around little ones all the time. I'll put an extra hat in her bag, just in case."
Agreeing that that was a good idea Harry picked up another orange slice and was about to eat it when it occurred to him that it was rather rude of him to eat in front of Eggsy without at least offering him a slice. Daisy was well on her way to demolishing her cereal and would be after the orange slices next.
That being the case Harry picked one up and stepping over held out a slice to Eggsy, who instead of taking it from him bent down and neatly bit off half of it, chewing it with a decided gleam in his eyes that had Harry thinking some decidedly adult thoughts. Especially when Eggsy came back for the second half and licked at Harry's fingers before straightening up again.
"Thanks, Harry."
Harry had to clear his throat a little before telling him that he was welcome.
)
In the end Daisy ended up looking like a fresh young army recruit. If the army enlisted female toddlers. The worry that Daisy would freak out once her new 'look' sank in proved unfounded though. Daisy loved her new haircut. She thought it was the greatest thing ever. Or to be more precise, she loved the way her hair now felt when she ran her hands over it. So much so that she kept stroking her own head while getting dressed and collecting everything she would need for daycare. She was not thrilled to have to wear a hat, but since it was a cute hat she relented for the time being. Harry imagined keeping the hat on her head would prove a challenge until the 'thrill' of her head wore off.
Eggsy had been all set to take her to daycare but Harry had pointed out that there was no need since he was going that way anyway and had time to spare. Since they'd gotten such an early start he could easily do it and still be early getting to work, and this way Eggsy could enjoy a leisurely breakfast before having to tackle the task of cleaning up the hair currently decorating his and Daisy's bathroom.
So off the two of them went, Daisy joining Harry in his enjoyment of ABBA for the length of the car ride to Bag End Daycare. Parking the car after scoring a lucky spot thanks to the still slightly early hour, Harry quickly freed Daisy from her car seat, collected all her things, and then off they went.
As per usual Carrie was manning her desk, the woman's eyes visibly widening once she caught sight of Daisy.
"She decided to cut her own hair. With manicure scissors." Harry didn't want her thinking he or Eggsy made a happen of leaving sharp, pointy objects where Daisy could reach them. God forbid he had to deal with that social worker, Ms. Brice, again.
"Ah. I see. Yes, these things do tend to happen. Poor mite."
"I wuv my new hair. It's scratchy like Eggsy's face when he's got whiskers." Daisy announced, whipping off her hat for emphasis. And so that she could again enjoy rubbing her own head.
As for her other statement Harry had never seen Eggsy with 'whiskers'. A tiny hint of stubble, yes, but Eggsy had mentioned a while back that he had to go a few days without shaving to approach the most basic of stubble.
Harry did not find his mental images of Eggsy with stubble unappealing in the slightest. He rather wanted to see it now.
And do some rubbing of his own.
And fuck...so not the thing to be thinking about in a daycare.
Sigh.
Chapter 49: An Early Start to the Day
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations the characters find themselves in. Thanks so much for continuing to read and giving me feedback on my work. It's muchly appreciated and I do read every review you send me!
An Early Start to The Day
Not surprisingly Daisy was not the first child to show up at Mrs. Markle's door without a great deal more hair then they'd had the last time she'd seen them. The woman just smiled, complimented Daisy on her new look, and then reassured Harry that she and her assistants would all be diligent about making sure that Daisy wore a hat outside until her hair had grown out more. Thanking her for that-while also mentally thanking her for not making him feel like a bad parent for allow his child to half scalp herself-Harry then said goodbye to Daisy, who was too eager to show off her head to the other children to even care he was going.
Oh well, at least there weren't any tears. Though a hug goodbye would have still been appreciated.
But Daisy had already disappeared from view, and so leaving Daisy to her playmates Harry headed out again, appreciative of the large number of parents, nannies, and children coming in that meant he only had to wave goodbye to Carrie rather than stop and chat for a few with the woman who was still making her eligibility quite clear. The looks she gave him...it would probably be best if he made out with Eggsy in her vicinity at some point in the near future. All his polite attempts to make his disinterest clear thus far had failed to register with her. Or she was just that determined or desperate.
But this time at least Harry was able to seamlessly make his getaway without incident and was soon on his way to the shop, pleased not to have to rush since he had plenty of time to spare. Harry was also, of course, contemplating the odds of being able to have a nap later on in the day without interruption. Probably not. Sigh.
Still, early to work would ideally make it possible for him to return home early as well. That was something to look forward to. He'd just up his caffeine intake for the day to compensate. It was important to be awake and aware tonight as he'd rather like a more pleasant evening with Eggsy than the one before. Nodding off on the poor man during dessert would not a happy household make.
Though dessert might be off the table as Daisy punishment for cutting her hair, Harry remembered with a pang. He'd heard Eggsy muttering various punishment possibilities before they'd left the house. But there was still the ice cream at least. The strawberries had proved to be the perfect topping.
Musing over that it suddenly occurred to Harry, as it had upon many occasions since he'd welcomed Daisy and Eggsy into his home, how much his life had changed because of them. Really, it was still startling every time his mind paused to consider it.
He had a HOME to go home to. He had FAMILY waiting there for him. Family that would miss him when he was gone and be happy to see him when he came back. Home was a place he wanted to be more than work. Even if he were still an active agent instead of stuck behind a desk...he'd miss the home the three of them had made together.
God. What a sentimental old man he was becoming.
Harry shook his head at himself. And probably smiled like the sentimental fool he was.
The smile was likely still in place by the time he arrived at the tailor shop, Harry parking his car in its usual place and then walking around the building to come in from the front. He wanted to thank Thomas for the help he'd provided yesterday, giving Eggsy a second pair of hands while dealing with Daisy. Really Thomas never got enough credit for all the work he did, and Harry made a mental note to see about arranging that the older man got a raise in the near future. He certainly earned it.
Nodding to himself in satisfaction of that idea, Harry stopped for a couple minutes to look over the shop's window display as he evaluated and approved it. The colors might not be to his taste, particularly that orange number, but still...one must keep up with the times, as it were.
Eggsy would probably love the idea of an orange tuxedo jacket. Hopefully the item of clothing sold before there was any chance of him seeing it.
Amused with himself Harry took one last look and then headed inside through the front door, not taking any offense when Thomas did a double take at the sight of him, the other man immediately looking towards the nearby clock on the wall to confirm the fact that yes, Harry was quite early for work.
"Daisy got us up early this morning."
"I see. I hope she didn't make herself sick." Thomas's brows knitted with concern.
"No. She simply decided to deal with her hair problems by loping the majority of it off. With manicure scissors."
A long, slow blink as Thomas processed this, no doubt imagining what Daisy had looked like afterwards. "Ah. That is...unfortunate." Thomas did his best not to wince too visibly. "I hope the end results weren't too...misshapen?"
Setting down his bags-Eggsy had insisted on making his and Merlin's lunches as per usual before he had left the house with Daisy-Harry pulled his phone out of his trouser pocket and relatively quickly brought up one of the 'Before' pictures Eggsy had sent to him early. That done Harry then held it out to Thomas for him to see.
Moving in closer Thomas leaned in, not even trying to hide his wince now. "Oh Dear. She rather looks like one of my sister's dolls after I decided to give them haircuts when I was seven."
"To annoy her-your sister- or were you interested in becoming a hairstylist?" Harry asked, genuinely curious. Thomas was a very sweet man, after all, and he'd always assumed that Thomas had been equally sweet and well-mannered as a child.
His question earned him a knowing look from Thomas, followed by the slightest of shrugs. "She'd broken a lamp you see, and blamed it on me. Mummy always did believe her over me, and I thought the haircutting to be perfect revenge."
He'd only had 'siblings' for short periods of time during his childhood, but Harry didn't have fond memories of those times or the temporary siblings. Ergo he wasn't going to hold the haircutting against Thomas. Especially since he'd been seven at the time.
"How did she take it?"
The look on Thomas's face said it all. "Not well. I've often thanked God that even at seven, I knew if I cut her hair while she slept they'd never find my body."
Oh. "Do I want to know what she did in retaliation?"
"No, Sir. You don't. But it would be wise in the future to remember...never mess with a young girl's clothes, hair, or dolls. It never ends well."
"Fair enough. And thank you for the advice. I'll keep it in mind."
He would take all the help he could get, Harry thought ruefully, when it came to understanding the workings of the female mind. He'd been stuck with his mother for nearly half a century and she still boggled his mind on a semi regular basis.
And damn, now he was going to spend a great deal of time in the future speculating as to just what Thomas's sister had done to her brother in revenge for the dolls. As he recalled, the woman was only two or three years older than Thomas. He'd even met her once or twice, and his well-honed 'possibly a psychopath' alarm hadn't gone off in his head. What could she have-
"Best not to speculate, Sir. You'll give yourself nightmares."
"Excellent point." And recalling that he hadn't shown Thomas the 'After' picture, Harry brought that up and showed it to Thomas, reassuring them both in the process that however bad Daisy's haircut might look to the rest of them, she loved it. Daisy was all but radiating happiness as she beamed at the camera, delighted to have her picture taken.
"Ah. Well she certainly looks happy."
"She was rubbing her head like she thought a genie would pop out."
Thomas laughed. "Well I hope she continues to enjoy it. Though you might want to look into getting a potion that will increase her hair growth. Once the novelty wears off and she can't style it..."
"I'll contact Chloe as soon as I get to my desk."
"That would be wise, yes." An impish grin. "And not to chase you off, Sir...but if you head to work now you'll give Mr. Merlin the shock of his life, arriving so early. It would do him good."
"It would, wouldn't it."
And liking that idea quite a lot Harry bid Thomas goodbye and headed off to take the tube to Kingsman Headquarters.
He couldn't wait to see the look on Merlin's face.
)
Of course Merlin had to go and ruin all his fun. Dammit. Though upon further inflection Harry supposed that he should have expected it since it wasn't like he could reach the underground tube without passing through security that would, in turn, alert Merlin to the fact that Harry was on the premises. Still...Merlin could have just been waiting for him at the final stop, thus allowing him to at least enjoy the man's slightly delayed reaction to his early arrival. But no, Harry had barely sat down on his seat before his glasses signaled an incoming call.
"Good morning, Merlin."
"What the bloody hell are you doing here already? What's wrong?"
Realizing that he could at least be there to see Merlin's reaction to the pictures of Daisy Harry smiled as he stated that nothing was wrong. He'd just gotten an early start to the day.
"Bollocks."
"Then why do you think I'm here early?"
Silence.
Point, Me, Harry thought smugly.
"You're never early." Merlin finally stated, suspicion dripping on every syllable. "Not unless you're tricked into it or there's an emergency and you've been called in."
"And has either of those things occurred today?"
"Not that I'm aware-wait, did you get into a fight with Eggsy? Harry." Merlin's tone as he said Harry's name said it all. He was already on Eggsy's side and gearing up mentally to give Harry what's for if necessary.
"I did not have a fight with Eggsy." And dammit, there wasn't any wood in his vicinity to knock on.
"There better not have been. If the two of you break up I'm moving in with him."
"What?!"
"Well someone has to help him look after Daisy and recover from the heartbreak." Merlin pointed out, amusement plain. "And as old as I am, surely the judge would allow me to pick which parent I got to live with."
"Despite your childishness you are not a child, Merlin. For that matter neither Eggsy NOR I are old enough to have a child your age." Harry shuddered at the very idea.
He was also, Harry silently acknowledged, a touch hurt that Merlin's affections could be bought so easily. They'd been friends, practically family, for decades. Now he was being tossed aside for an endless supply of biscuits and homecooked meals. Where was Merlin's loyalty? Affection?
"Don't worry, Harry. I was just joking with you. I'd insist you two share equal custody of me."
So Merlin thought this was funny, did he?
"He can have you."
Harry's glasses practically vibrated off his head with the power of Merlin's laughter.
Bastard.
"If all you wanted was to assure yourself that your biscuit supply is safe, I'm ending this call."
Laughter still rang in Merlin's voice as he reminded Harry that he still hadn't explained why he was so early.
"And last time I checked I was your boss, and therefore don't owe you an explanation."
"Ah, Harry. Don't be like that."
"You can pick up your lunch from my assistant." And with that Harry cut the transmission, set his glasses on top of his head, and then crossed his arms afterwards in a 'so there' fashion that was perhaps childish-but made him feel better.
He did not do mornings well. Merlin should have known better.
Pulling out his cellphone after a couple minutes of sulking that wasn't sulking-because he was far too old for that-Harry decided to pass the time texting Eggsy.
'Remember to take it easy the rest of the day. Daisy got to daycare just fine and remains thrilled with her new look.'
Eggsy's response came quickly. 'Yes, Harry. Got the hair all cleaned up and just finishing breakfast now.'
Good. 'And go out for lunch. Enjoy yourself.'
'LOL. That means 'Laugh Out Loud' btw.'
'I know what it means.'
'Sure ya did.'
Actually he had...but only because of a case he'd been assigned a few years back before becoming head of Kingsman. The assignment had involved a hacker who'd sent messages full of the slang and tech short forms young people loved to use so much. Reading those messages had given him bigger migraines than being blasted in the head with magic.
Thinking to change the subject Harry sent a text stating that Merlin had been rather a git to him and therefore should not be given any biscuits for a week.
'Ya know he'd just come round the house, making puppy eyes at me till I caved.'
A horrible thought occurred to Harry. 'He doesn't do that now, does he?'
The return message featured both the word 'No' and a face where the character's eyes looked around shiftily.
'Do I need to have words with him?'
'Nah. It's okay. Hate ta put a downer on your bromance with him.'
'We do not have a bromance'. He was probably irrationally proud that he actually knew what a bromance was, Hary silently admitted to himself as he slid further into his seat, relaxing the earlier tension in his body. He really shouldn't have let Merlin's joke annoy him so. Also he and Merlin most definitely did not have a bromance even when they were on good terms. He found the phrase itself ridiculous and was prepared to say so in his next message.
'Sure ya don't.'
'We don't. The term bromance is misleading on a number of levels, which I'm too tired to list here.' And he didn't want to have to text that much info either, Harry silently acknowledged. 'I intend to reserve all romance for you.'
Had he just typed and sent that? Bloody Hell. This was why he slept in whenever possible. One's brain turned to mush without adequate sleep. There were plenty of studies to back him up. Really, no one should be allowed to wake him before he was good and ready and-
'I'll save all my romance for you, too.' Followed by a winky face.
Followed by a second message. 'Wish you were here'.
Going all soft over that Harry was lost in thought about how he wished he was there too when his phone signaled another message.
This time it was a photo of a shirtless Eggsy on his bed, his grin pure sex.
"Oh that's not fair." Harry stated into the silent tube as he stared at that picture.
He wanted to be in his bed with Eggsy too.
Sighing-and making a mental note to save that picture to his phone-Harry typed out a return text saying that he looked forward to sharing the bed with Eggsy later. And that Eggsy should take a nap in his place since he wasn't likely to get one. He would enjoy that mental image too
'Promise ta dream of you.' Was the return message, followed closely by, 'and if I make a mess I promise ta change the sheets.'
Wasn't one of the pros of being the boss was that you could call in sick and there was no one higher up the food chain to complain or insist that he had to come in?
Dammit. 'You aren't playing fair.'
'Would ya rather I sent ya another photo?'
'I'm liable to turn around and come home if you do.' Was Harry's truthful response to that.
'Now who's tempting who?'
Harry smiled. 'Well between him irking me and loving your biscuits, perhaps we can convince Merlin to allow me to come in to work AFTER lunch on Thursday.'
When Daisy would be in daycare.
'Could bribe him with Gran Gran's chips.'
'That should do it.'
'Deal. So what did ya two fight about, anyway? I'd think he'd be chuffed, ya comin in early for work.'
Not wanting to talk about even the possibility of he and Eggsy fighting, much less breaking up, Harry opted to be vague and stated that Merlin had insinuated that his stomach was more important than their friendship.
'Ah. Gotcha.'
Harry took that to mean that this morning was not the first time Merlin had insinuated that should Harry and Eggsy part ways Merlin had every intention of latching onto Eggsy like the two were anglerfish. Which was not a pleasant image to have in his mind seeing as that implied a romantic or at least procreating type relationship between the two since male anglers bit the larger females, their mouths fusing to the female's body to the point where their circulatory systems meshed up and the male basically took all its nutrients and such from the female's body. For the rest of their lives. The male's only contribution was sperm when reproduction was called for.
Plus anglerfish were just unattractive fish to imagine.
'Well tell Merlin that if I have ta pick between the two of you, you win, Harry.' Followed by a character blowing kisses.
Which made Harry stupidly happy again as he wrote back 'I should hope so.' And he added some xs and os because he was old school, and found scrolling through his phone's faces annoying.
Traditional was best, anyway.
Chapter 50: Chatting With Merlin...And Mother
Chapter Text
Chatting With Merlin...And Mother
The texting with Eggsy for the remainder of his trip to headquarters put Harry in a much more agreeable mood, to the point where by the time he arrived at his final destination Harry wasn't even that annoyed about the loss of sleep and Merlin being a loyal-less arse who didn't deserve the lunch he'd brought for him. So of course Merlin was there waiting for him as soon as the doors parted, his tech expert and so-called friend looking...well actually he was looking rather nervous and unsure, though Merlin was trying not to. Unfortunately for him Harry had known him far too long to be fooled by the businesslike demeanor the man was probably trying and failing to project. Served him right.
"Merlin."
"Harry." A telling little pause. "You aren't seriously mad at me, are you?"
Just to be an arse Harry pointed out very dryly that Merlin did know better than to annoy him when he was sleep deprived.
"Which you still haven't explained." Merlin muttered under his breath like the pouting child he was.
Rolling his eyes Harry stood up from his seat and then after retrieving his things stepped out and set them down on the flooring so that his hands were free to retrieve his phone. He then called up the picture of what Daisy had done to herself that morning while he and Eggsy had been blissfully asleep, unaware of the hell that would soon break loose.
That done he held the phone out to Merlin, who wisely took it with some trepidation.
"Oh, bollocks! She...Christ."
"She didn't want us to undo her hair so she did it herself."
Rubbing his own head-Harry had the amusing thought that Daisy only had slightly more hair than her beloved Mr. Merwin now-Merlin cursed a bit more and then asked if Daisy was all right. She looked quite pleased with herself in the photo, but a girl's hair was everything to her. Or so Merlin had heard.
"Good thing it's not everything to you or you'd be quite the tragic figure."
Merlin gave him the two finger salute.
"Eggsy did what he could. Just swipe to the next-but don't swipe further than that. If you do I promise that I'll cut off your biscuit supply for a month without a single ounce of regret. I'll take Eggsy and Daisy on a long, month long holiday and he won't be able to make you a single one even if he wanted to. I mean it."
Merlin was NOT allowed to see the picture of Eggsy on his bed.
Rather than looking remotely cowed Merlin just gave him an amused look. "Understood."
And so saying he swiped a finger across the screen to get a look at Daisy new haircut, which apparently necessitated more swearing. A reaction Harry could relate and understand perfectly. No matter how pleased Daisy looked in the picture...eventually the novelty would wear off. And then there was going to be Hell to pay.
He was also relieved that Merlin showed the good sense to hand his phone back over before the temptation to peek at whatever Harry didn't want him to see overwhelmed him. The man wasn't a complete idiot this morning after all.
"You're going to have to make sure she knows to wear a hat whenever she's outside. It's not like it was in our day anymore. It's ridiculous, how quickly a person burns being outside these days. In England!" Merlin shook his head over the madness of it all. "Ya have to pity those who live in warm climates already. It's a wonder they haven't all burned to a crisp at this point."
Harry found himself picturing that for a moment. Then really wished he hadn't.
Merlin poked his shoulder with one finger. "Seriously."
"I am aware." Harry shot back in annoyance at the poke. "She was wearing one when I dropped her off at daycare and her teacher assured me that she'd make sure Daisy wears a hat when they go outdoors."
He had been around Merlin when the man had gotten sunburned before so Harry was very much aware of how much a baby someone could become over a minor sunburn, much less a serious one. And Daisy did not have a grownup's tolerance for pain.
"Good. What level of sunscreen was she wearing?"
Oh. Well. What level of sunscreen did they use? Eggsy was in charge of the shopping after all and for himself Harry rarely wore the stuff unless he was somewhere where to do otherwise was madness. Thanks to his much more administrative job now he didn't actually spend that much time out in the sun and...
"Harry."
"I'm sure Eggsy put the appropriate type on her before we left." Though she wouldn't be outside that long and was it really necessary? Had climate change really gotten to the level where she would need it for recess? Surely not. Back in his day it was nothing-scratch that. It probably was that bad.
Ergo Harry promised to talk with Eggsy about it when he got home.
Tapping a finger against his mouth thoughtfully Merlin started speculating on the odds that they had any wigs that would fit the child's head. Probably not, but how hard could it be to find one?
"I'd guess rather difficult since thankfully it's the rare three-year-old that needs one. And those that need one deserve it more than a child who decided to scalp herself." He loved Daisy, he did, but Harry saw a valuable lesson in making her deal with the consequences of playing with scissors. Still...
"I am planning to contact Chloe when I get to my office about getting Daisy something that will increase her hair growth though. Thick as her hair generally is it won't take that much to adequately protect her head once more." He was hoping.
"Good idea."
And then the strangest look came over Merlin's face for a moment. One that made Harry pretty sure that if he could read the other man's mind he'd want to hit him. Hard.
"What?"
Merlin's face was pure innocence. "Hmm?"
"What were you thinking just now?"
"Nothing really. Just that it was a good idea, like I said."
Thinking their conversation over Harry couldn't come up with something that would explain Merlin's reaction...but eventually he would figure it out and then there would be hell to pay. Or at least biscuits he could 'accidentally' forget to deliver to Merlin when Eggsy made a new batch next. Which reminded him...
"I'm not coming in to work until after lunch on Thursday."
Eyes narrowing, Merlin demanded to know why.
"Because you want to keep your biscuit supplier happy, that's why."
It took a moment for that to sink in, Merlin immediately making the sort of face Harry had seen teenagers make when their parents showed each other any kind of affection while in their child's vicinity.
"I did not need those images in my bloody head, Harry."
"You put them there. And get them out. Immediately." He was the only one who should be imagining his Eggsy naked, thank you very much.
Merlin rolled his eyes, and did so in near perfect tandem to the sound of Harry's phone signaling an incoming call.
)
Pulling his phone out of the pocket he'd placed it into, Harry looked at the screen and was tempted to ignore it-but he'd feel guilty and pay for it later. Also it must be important since his mother knew never to call him this early in the day unless it was an emergency. And now that he was actively thinking about it she was due for some disaster, Harry thought ruefully to himself as he accepted the call and brought it to his ear.
"Good morning, Mother."
"Harry? Why on earth are you answering your phone, Darling? It's so early-isn't it? You know I'm rubbish with time zones but I checked and-is something wrong? Are the children all right? You?"
"Why would you call me if you know-ah." Of course. He really was tired if his brain had taken this long to put two and two together. "You called this early because you knew there was a good chance that I wouldn't pick up, meaning you could leave me a message about whatever is wrong rather than tell me personally."
The very loud silence on the other end confirmed it.
"What's wrong, Mother?"
"I don't just call you when something's wrong, Harry. It's very hurtful that you would imply that."
And there was distress in his mother's voice, but Harry was fairly sure that had more to do with the fact that he'd caught her as opposed to him suggesting she was less than an ideal mother.
"You do have other reasons to call me." Harry agreed. And silently acknowledged that those reasons were usually to manipulate him into doing something before continuing the conversation. "But you wouldn't be calling me this early unless you had a very good reason. Which is...?"
"You still haven't told me why you're so awake. You never are. You've slept through fire alarms in the past-which as your mother I always found very disturbing and nightmare inducing. No one wants to think about the possibility of their child being burned alive after all. Well some evil parents perhaps-and I have had a few amours where if they'd ended up-nevermind. How are you and what's wrong with you?"
Rolling his eyes Harry then nodded in thanks as Merlin picked up the lunch bags, leaving only Harry's work things for him to carry so that he could walk and talk with his mother at the same time. Which he was stuck doing since she was looking for a diversion while she regrouped and thought how best to drop whatever bomb she had to drop on him now that she'd been caught out.
"I'm fine. I had to get up early because Daisy had the unfortunate idea to solve her hair woes with a haircut of her own design."
"Oh! Oh NO!" Harry's mother sounded genuinely horrified. To the point where you'd have thought he'd just told her one of the child's limbs had needed to be amputated. "That's so dreadful! So horrible! A girl's hair is everything! It's a part of her identity, her look and...and...how could you two leave scissors around for her to do that?!"
"She used manicure scissors."
"Mani-dear God. How would she even...how bad was it? What did her stylist say?"
"She's three, Mother. She doesn't have a stylist. Eggsy fixed her hair."
Another pointed silence. "And did you forget to tell me that the boy trained as a hairdresser at some point? No one but a professional should EVER touch a girl's hair, Harry. I would think you would have the sense to know that!"
"There wasn't enough hair for even a stylist to save it. We had to buzz it all off."
A sharp, audible gasp.
"My grandchild...has a shaved head?!"
It was hard, honestly, not to laugh. "No. Buzzed. She has a little left on her head. And don't worry, we'll be keeping her in hats when she's outside so she doesn't burn her head. And she's actually quite taken with her new look. And it is cool for summer."
"Harry." The way his mother said his name suggested that he was of the greatest disappointments to her. "Oh, Harry. Where did I go wrong?"
"The majority of the men you dated after Father's passing? And before you married him?" Harry suggested.
"That's enough sass. You just don't-we need to get her a wig. They make wigs for children, don't they? I'll go shopping for it..."
The way she trailed off then, well Harry could all but see the light bulb turn on above his head. If his eyes allowed him to look above his head while still looking where he was going as he and Merlin navigated the hallways. Which sadly they did not. Though maybe not as Harry would imagine seeing someone do that would be quite creepy.
"Ah. So have you lost your credit cards, overdrawn them, or has someone 'borrowed' them for their own using and you now have no access to funds?" Again, Harry silently added.
"Such a cynical son I've raised."
"Mother..."
A 'hmph' sound was her answer.
"Which is it?"
"Oh...the last one. And my passport is gone as well which is why I really need your help, Darling. I can't come and solve the messes you've got yourself into until I can cross a few borders. Though really I travel so much you'd think I wouldn't even need a passport and-"
Sighing, Harry interrupted and asked if she'd already contacted the police. And her bank.
"I have, yes. Of course. What, do you think your mother is a simpleton?"
No, just a woman very used to her son taking care of any pesky 'problem' that came her way. Which love for her prevented Harry from saying as he dutifully inquired as to how he was supposed to help since apparently she already had things well in hand.
"Well you know people, Darling. Surely you can light a fire under them. I can't go a day without funds, Darling. You know that. Who could?"
"Far too many people, Mother. But yes, I can arrange for you to receive funds. I just need to know where to send it."
"I knew I could count on you. And will of course hurry home so that I can help you with Daisy. Not to cast any aspirations on you or Eggsy, Darling, but you obviously need a woman's touch when it comes to learning how to raise a proper young lady."
Sighing, Harry used his firmest voice as he made it quite clear that he would not be available to help her in the future if she said anything to Eggsy that made him feel inadequate or less than exemplary when it came to his parenting of Daisy. He would not stand for it. Eggsy was already self conscious enough as it was.
His piece said Harry waited for his mother's hurt or offended response, her actual one throwing him completely off.
"You're really quite gone on him, aren't you, Darling?" Her voice was soft and sighing for lack of a better descriptive. She seemed quite bestowed with the idea.
"I am very fond of him, yes." That he could admit without blushing or looking like an idiot in front of Merlin. "Now I am at work, Mother, so if you could give me the information I need I'll do my best to sort everything out for you as soon as possible. Merlin is here and needs my attention."
Merlin smirked at him.
"Sure he is, Darling."
"Would you like me to put him on?"
"Hmmm. Well all right, why don't you hang up and I'll text you the info. I forgot to write it all out and it's saved on my phone. Unless you know how to access it while we-but of course you don't. You've never been good with technology, have you, Harry."
"It's not my cup of tea, no."
"Well Eggsy can help you there. Men his age are all about their phones. It's really quite annoying. Though that reminds me thank him, will you, for that book series recommendation he gave me when I called the house last. I'm very much enjoying it and look forward to discussing it with him."
"Of course. Though be sure to let us know when you're arriving, will you? Daisy does better if she's prepared in advance to meet new people. She's rather shy and nervous otherwise."
And it would give him and Eggsy time to mentally prepare for the whirlwind that was his mother.
"Of course, of course. I really can't wait to see all of you." Another dreamy sigh. "Who'd have ever thought I'd wind up a grandmother. And you a father. I'd say if only your father were alive to see this day...but then I might still be married to him and then Daisy would have never ended up with you."
"It's funny how these things work." Harry agreed.
"Isn't it. Now I'll let you go, give Merlin, Eggsy, and Daisy kisses for me and I'll see you soon. And send you all the info you need to fix things over here. Really, I don't know why they make you jump through so many hoops when it comes to credit cards and passports. A woman my age should not be jumping through anything."
"Well I'll be sure to jump carefully in your place."
"That would be wise, Dear. Especially as you have a young man to keep happy now."
"Yes, Mother."
If he were Eggsy's age he'd be-as Eggsy put it-face palming right about now.
"How I raised such a prude I'll never know. But bye bye then, kiss, kiss."
And with that his mother, thankfully, hung up on him without even giving him a chance to tell her goodbye. A fact he was perfectly fine with since getting off the phone as quickly as possible was his main goal. And the key to retaining his sanity.
"So what trouble has she got herself into now?" Merlin asked, a knowing, sympathetic look on his face.
"Just the usual. Minus man problems, at least."
"Well that's something."
"True. Though this has all been an excellent reminder as to why I don't start my day this early by choice. Nothing ever good happens before noon."
Chapter 51: A Comforting Place To Be
Chapter Text
A Comforting Place To Be
Harry had originally hoped that he could pick Daisy up from daycare as well-give Eggsy longer to himself-but in the end that didn't happen. Not because he hadn't gotten his work done, he had thanks to starting earlier than normal, but because Percival needed him. And while he was new to the whole being a boss thing Harry had always made time for his fellow agents even when it hadn't been his job to do so. That being the case, he'd asked Merlin to call Eggsy for him and explain the situation. And pass along his apologies, of course. Merlin had promised to take care of it and go pick up Daisy himself if Eggsy couldn't for some reason, thus freeing Harry up to have a talk with Percival once his plane had brought him back to headquarters.
Their job came with a price. Anyone who donned the signet ring knew that. The price wasn't just physical either, but mental and emotional. They were called on to make the hard choices, to see horrors no one should have to see. Blood was often shed, and even when you knew the one dead deserved it, that the world was better off without them...there was a price to pay. Should always be a price to pay. If you stopped paying...then you'd paid already with your soul and that was priceless.
The man Percival had been sent to execute had committed far too many unforgivable crimes. Had trafficked in drugs, guns and human beings. Had gained access to magical potions that had been used in heinous, inhumane ways against his fellow human beings for his profit and entertainment. Percival's target had built an empire off the suffering of others, and all attempts by human law to stop him had gone nowhere thanks to corrupt officials and what was done to those who did stand against him. He made sure people knew that those who dared to try and take him down only ended up missing or in body bags. The ones who ended up in the latter category were usually luckier than the ones sold into human slavery.
Percival knew, in his heart and mind, that he'd made the right call. It was how things had gone down that was eating the man alive.
Because their target was a normal human whose crimes, for the most part, had not involved magic, it had been decided that sending Percival, their best sniper, was the most logical option. Quick, clean, and a very human way for a crime boss to die.
From Harry's point of view the man deserved to suffer a great deal more than a quick, painless shot to the head...but even though it was up to him, he wouldn't ask one of his men to commit acts such as what the bastard deserved.
Assignment given; Percival had set out to complete his task. A task that had required some planning as the bastard in question was not a foolish man. Arrogant, yes. Unaware of how many people wanted him dead-no. The target was rarely alone in private, and never in public. His security was superior, his men well trained and armed to the teeth. No match for a Kingsman of course, but few were.
After a few days of observation-paired with all the intel previously collected-Percival had decided to use the man's habit of swimming just before dinner to 'work up an appetite' as his window of opportunity. An excellent time and place to strike. The guards and security had been easy enough to get around when the time came, and Percival had found an excellent vantage from which to shoot from. Had set up, waited for his target, and then taken his shot.
Percival didn't miss.
What he had missed, what he couldn't have known, was that at the exact moment he'd taken the shot the target's seventy-six-year-old mother would choose that moment to come out to speak to her son.
She'd know what her son was. Everyone in that country had known his name and deeds. Intel suggested that he was a constant source of pain, shame, and despair for the mother who had loved her child regardless. Who'd prayed for him daily and who gave the money he gave her to the poor and needy rather than keep it for herself. A woman of morals, faith, and the ability to love a son who had become a monster.
It was her screams of anguish that haunted Percival now. Her grief that ate at him.
All Harry could do was listen and be there for his agent. Let Percival talk it out as much as the younger man was willing. Which wasn't a lot-they were British after all-but by the time they got up from their chairs and headed out for the evening Harry thought Percival seemed, at least a little, lighter than he had when he'd first entered Harry's office for the debriefing.
Exiting his office, Harry blinked in surprise to see Merlin waiting for them.
"Ah. Excellent timing."
"Problem?" Harry asked. He sincerely hoped not, but was resigned to having his evening plans further ruined. The curse of not getting enough sleep continued. And Merlin thought he was exaggerating...
"Not at all. Eggsy invited both myself and Percival to dinner tonight."
"He did?" Percival was as surprised as Harry by the news.
"He did." Merlin confirmed with a pleased grin. "He's making his Gran Gran's chips too. Which are not to be missed, Percival. Trust me."
"I wouldn't be the best of company, I'm afraid."
"They really aren't to be missed." Harry informed him, quick to seize the opportunity. It wasn't how he'd planned to spend the evening, but it would do Percival good and he'd sent the man on the bloody mission in question so really it was the least he could do. Though now that he thought about it...
"I'm surprised we're having the chips seeing as Daisy might see that as a reward for bad behavior. Unless they're to make up for denying her dessert." Which rather defeated the purpose in Harry's limited childrearing experience.
"Bad behavior?" Percival asked with a raised brow.
"She cut her hair this morning. With manicure scissors."
"Ah. That's unfortunate."
"I'll show you pictures."
Merlin cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "Eggsy said he promised you he'd make them, actually."
"He did? I don't-oh. Yes. Right."
Harry really hoped that his thoughts and memories weren't playing across his face as he recalled under what circumstances that promise had been made.
To distract them from the possibility-and it was the truth regardless-Harry pointed out to Percival that they both knew he intended to drink quite a bit when he got home. He might as well go to Harry's first and have something in his stomach to make the hangover in the morning a touch more bearable. He didn't have to stick around after the meal.
"And it's food prepared by someone of house elf blood. Think of the food from Bors' party." Merlin added to entice him.
Generous of him, Harry thought to himself. If Percival didn't come that would mean more food for Merlin, after all. He must be worried about Percival too.
And it seemed to be working, Percival's face becoming more receptive.
"If you're sure it wouldn't be an inconvenience..."
"Please. Come. I insist. And I am your boss."
"That's true, Sir." A hint of a smile. "I'd be delighted to come."
"Then let's go, shall we?"
Rolling his eyes over Merlin's enthusiasm Harry could only hope Merlin didn't embarrass him further. Though Eggsy seemed to find Merlin's antics endlessly entertaining, as did Daisy.
Sigh
)
Being environmentally aware Harry caught a ride home in Merlin's car, Percival following after them in his own car as they wound their way through the streets of London. Thankfully traffic wasn't worse than was typical of the hour and they made it to his place without any major headaches aside from Harry receiving a text message from his mother thanking him for fixing her 'little problem'. And adding that she would start looking into making her way home to London immediately so that she could finally meet 'her little boy's paramour'. That was how she phrased it. Ugh.
He was still shaking his head over that when they had parked and he was in the process of collecting his things from the backseat, Merlin of course already at the door in anticipation of the meal to come.
"Mr. Merwin! I gots hair like you!"
Glancing over Harry saw Eggsy standing in the doorway, Daisy in Merlin's arms as she rubbed her head with one hand, Merlin's with the other.
The sound of Percival chuckling over that was a welcome sound.
Closing the car door Harry waved off Percival's offer to help carry something and instead motioned him to go on ahead.
"Unca Harry! We gets Gran Gran's CHIPS!" Daisy called over to him, twisting a little in Merlin's arms so that she could look over at him. "But no dessert cause I was bad and cuts me hair."
Her shoulders visibly drooped over that even in the dim lighting.
"That seems fair enough to me. Daisy, do you remember Percival? He was at Mr. Addison's birthday party."
"Boy Elsa!"
Another laugh from Percival as he stated that she was not the first one to call him that.
"She is very fond of Elsa." Harry informed him.
"Wet it go!" Daisy sang out, just to prove his point.
"Let, Luv. It's 'Let it go'." Amusement on his face, Eggsy winked at his sister and then smiled over at Percival. "Hey. Come on in. Dinner's ready."
"Yay! Though Eggsy says we gots ta eat salad first."
Merlin gave a dramatic sigh. "We must?"
"Yup."
"Ah, well. Gran Gran's chips are worth it."
Daisy nodded as she made a sound of absolute agreement.
The two really were peas in a pod. Which was rather disturbing on a number of levels to Harry. Not that there weren't far worse people for Daisy to want to emulate of course. And he truly did hold Merlin in high esteem. But it couldn't be good for a child to only have people old enough to be her parent around her this much. They'd have to arrange some playdates with children from the daycare for her in the near future. Have Danny over for a sleepover, perhaps.
Did three year olds have sleepovers? It did seem a tad young. Eggsy would know.
Something to think about later, Harry mused, as he was tasked with seeing everyone to the dinner table while Eggsy went to check on something in the kitchen before rejoining them.
The table was already set with their salads waiting for them, this one a mix of tomatoes, avocado and cucumber from the looks of it. No hardship even for those who were big salad fans like Daisy.
Especially with the promising smells coming from the covered dishes on the table that likely held the chips and whatever their main side was. Harry's nose detected seafood of some sort, but the chip smell was overpowering everything else as per usual. There was also sliced bread in a basket and a dish with two types of pickles and another section of pickled beets, which Harry knew Merlin had a fondness for.
Merlin was all but vibrating with eagerness by the time everyone was seated, including Eggsy.
The salad portion of the meal didn't take long, they were all eager to get to the main course after all, but it was still very good and Daisy didn't even have to be goaded into finishing hers.
Percival was lavish with his praise, which wasn't surprising since the man was obviously determined to put up a good front while in Daisy and Eggsy's company. Harry had expected that. But at least the other man was eating and interacting with people. That had to help a little.
Their main course turned out to be seafood sausage, which proved to be an excellent accompaniment to the chips. The real main course, let's be honest.
And of course there was Merlin and Percival's reactions to said chips to overcome and try to tune out, but thankfully his own enjoyment of his dinner helped with that most efficiently. As did the change in conversation when Daisy happen to mention that Eggsy had used his 'elfy' powers for dinner.
"Elfy powers?" Merlin repeated, giving Eggsy a questioning look.
"Not exactly. It somethin mentioned in this paper Ginge sent me."
"Ginge?" Harry asked. "Ginger?"
"Yeah. I was talkin ta her online bout the whole sending the Statesmen biccies thingie, and one thing led ta another and I mentioned how we was havin a hard time finding info bout house elves. She said she'd see what they had on it, went through their archives and such. She's sent me a few things already and said she'd keep an eye out for more. I was reading some of it this morning, which was why we ended up with the seafood sausage and extra food all ready when Merlin called."
They all gave Eggsy blank looks. Well, aside from Daisy who was focused solely on her food once more.
"I don't like wastin food and I had stuff ready for dinner tonight, cept I got this feelin this afternoon that I should make somethin else and do some more shoppin. Would have shrugged it off, but in the paper Ginge sent there was this notation bout how house elves can sense their masters' needs. Get feelins bout whether they're getting sick or want a certain kind of food or had a shite day. Like we somehow got this sixth sense when our master's gonna need somethin. So this afternoon when I felt like I needed to change dinner around and buy extra..." Eggsy shrugged. "Seems maybe it's true."
It was on the tip of Harry's tongue to remind Eggsy and the room at large that he was most certainly NOT Eggsy's master...but he wasn't about to make an issue of it given that he knew where all their minds save Daisy's would go. And there was a child present.
Ergo he opted to ask what they would have had for dinner instead.
"Giant meatballs!" Daisy piped up, surprising him.
"Giant meatballs?" Really?
"Yup. They're HUGE!" Daisy gestured with her arms, making it seem like the meatballs in question would be as big as she was.
"Not quite that big, Flower. The butcher shop we usually go to writes out recipes on their chalkboard, like as a gimmick thing. The last one was for 'spaghetti stuffed meatballs' and Dais really wanted to try them."
"Spaghetti stuffed...meatballs."
Oh no. The look on Merlin's face...
"No worries, Merlin. Ya get one. They're gonna be in your lunches instead tomorrow."
"Bless you."
"You're a brave man, Merlin. Looking at Harry's man like that." Percival observed with a smirk.
"It's not me. It's the food he's thinking of."
"Which is why he's allowed in the house." Harry added, raising a glass to toast in Merlin's direction. "Just as he knows not to abuse Eggsy's kind heart and overwork him with selfish food demands."
The 'or else' was unspoken...but heavily implied. Harry made sure of it.
"Oi. I pay him for my biscuit supply."
"Ya do." Eggsy agreed with a laugh. "Which reminds me, I need to stock up there."
Merlin's ears practically perked up.
"Not for you. Tequila's volunteered ta take the biscuits I'm sending to the Statesmen in thanks for the recipes back with him once he's done doin somethin in Malta."
"Sure you trust him to deliver?" Harry wouldn't.
"I said I'd confirm with Ginge that all the ones that ain't for Tequila go to who they're supposed to. And I wouldn't cook for him again if that weren't the case."
"That would do it." Merlin agreed, Percival nodding along too.
Another charming smile from Percival. "I'm certainly looking forward to my birthday more now, knowing I get to have more of your cooking."
"I'll even take requests." Eggsy promised. "And for the record there is d-e-s-s-e-r-t for after Daisy goes to bed. My gut said to make some r-a-s-p-b-e-r-r-y c-h-e-e-s-e-c-a-k-e."
"You made...I LOVE rasp-"
"Ah ah ah." Eggsy wagged a finger in Percival's direction.
"Right." Percival made a zipped motion.
They all look at Daisy, who was in the process of biting into a pickle. And looked back at them warily in reaction to them all looking at her.
"It's all good, Flower. Keep eatin. Then Merlin is gonna read you your bedtime story tonight."
Daisy's face lit up as Merlin's face fell for a moment. But to give the Scot credit he worked up a smile pretty quick.
"We'll save some, promise. It was your idea." Eggsy reminded him, Merlin nodding in agreement of that.
Merlin had probably thought there wouldn't be dessert to miss out on due to their conversation about Daisy that morning, Harry surmised with amusement. Oh well. Having to wait a little would probably be for the best considering how much the man had consumed over dinner. His poor stomach had to have a limit.
Right?
Chapter 52: Reasons To Say Thank You
Chapter Text
Reasons To Say Thank You
Once Merlin had scooped up a laughing Daisy into his arms-and Mr. Fox too, of course-and headed upstairs with her Eggsy excused himself to go get dessert, leaving Harry and Percival behind to try and convince their stomachs that yes, they had enough room for the cheesecake. And would work out extensively the following day to make up for said stomach filling. Something Harry dryly informed Percival was his new norm now that Eggsy lived with him.
"I can see why. And would say it's worth it."
"And really I have you to thank for it. If you hadn't suggested that I take Eggsy in as well as Daisy, have him take care of her...it's a debt I can never repay you." It was only now occurring to him, and it should have earlier. "Thank you, Percival."
Harry could see that the truth and emotion behind his words had registered, Percival looking startled, then a tad flustered as he brushed it off, claiming that it had just been an idea. Harry had been the one willing to take the gamble in the first place.
"I wouldn't have thought to take it if you hadn't put the idea in my head." Harry pointed out, which Percival couldn't argue with as Harry was not that sort of 'wildly think outside the box' person. And they both knew it. "I thought you were crazy when you suggested it. But once you put the idea in my head I couldn't get it out-and believe me I did try. But if there was a chance it would work, if I could give her back her brother, I thought I owed it to Daisy to try and now here we are. I-the three of us-have a family now. Thanks to you."
"Thanks to im?" Eggsy asked inquisitively as he came back into the dining room, the cheesecake plated up already with the plates resting on the tray in his hands.
"Percival gave me the idea to ask you to be Daisy's nanny."
"I didn't know that. Thanks, Bruv. Big time. I'll make ya dinner any time ya want."
Eggsy shot Percival a dazzling smile as he set the tray down, stretching his arm across the table to hand over a plate to the agent.
Percival looked dazzled in return by Eggsy's smile, then blushed like a schoolboy. It was a rather adorable reaction, Harry mused. Especially given the persona Percival tended to adopt, particularly around attractive men and women.
Thankfully Percival had also seen, live and person, what Harry was capable of on numerous occasions when suitably provoked. And was neither suicidal nor the type to try poaching.
He would have hated to put the man on the disabled list for the rest of his life.
Taking the plate he was being offered Harry observed that it looked delicious, as usual.
"Well gotta keep ya hale and hearty, don't I?" Eggsy winked at him.
"Not sure cheesecake is the way to do that." Harry observed with a chuckle.
The sound Percival made as he sampled his cheesecake distracted them both from their teasing, Harry absently thinking to himself that it was going to make future Kingsmen meetings a tad awkward for him, at least for the next little while, that thanks to Eggsy he'd likely hear all of them make sex sounding noises due to the boy's food at some point.
It was a disturbing thought.
"Maybe wot Tequila said bout British cooking was right. You all act like my food is-wot's that word?" Related ta the gods somehow. Greek, maybe?"
Harry's lips twitched in amusement. "I believe the word you're looking for is ambrosia."
"Yeah! That! Plenty of people ate my food before and they don't act like your agents, Harry."
"You weren't such a happy little house elf then." Harry teased, unable to help himself.
"Harry."
"Right. Not little. Perfect." God, he hadn't flirted and teased so much in years. He'd forgotten how much fun it was. And stimulating.
Pity Percival was still in the room, Merlin upstairs with Daisy.
"I can give you two the room, if you'd like."
Glancing over at Percival, who was looking at them in definite amusement, Harry deliberately made himself sound as prim as possible as he stated that wasn't necessary. If Percival was amused by them, he wasn't feeling depressed.
Possibly also picking up on Percival's better mood, or just being the cocky twenty something that he was, Eggsy grinned wickedly as he stated that actually, yeah...Percival might want to keep his eyes on his cheesecake cause he'd just realized he ain't had the chance ta properly kiss Harry all 'welcome home' like.
Harry had a moment to be amused by the way Percival theatrically made a show of turning a little in his seat so he was looking away-then Eggsy was thoroughly snogging him and thinking about anything other than that would be sheer lunacy.
He also must look exceedingly well kissed by the time Eggsy turned him loose. Harry certainly felt that he had been as he watched Eggsy pull away with a very pleased smile on his red lips before retaking his own seat at the table.
Watching Eggsy spoon up and then wrap those lips around the dessert and his spoon should not be that erotic. Even if he was doing a lot slower than Harry judged necessary.
A sidelong glance in Percival's direction showed that the man's shoulders were shaking with laughter, though to his credit he wasn't saying a word as he continued to look in the opposite direction.
Apparently feeling Harry's eyes on him Percival spoke up. "The cheesecake and I saw nothing, Sir. On my word as a gentleman."
"Might as well get used ta it. I plan on kissing im plenty to make up for lost time."
He was onboard with that idea, Harry silently acknowledged.
Turning back in his seat Percival grinned at Eggsy. "Oh, I think I speak for all of Kingsman when I say we've been mentally preparing for quite a lot of...PDA where you two are concerned."
"Oh, really?" Harry wasn't sure how he felt about that.
"You've practically had hearts in your eyes for weeks now. Sir. We all knew it was coming."
Eggsy's face lit up. "He did?"
"I did not have hearts in my-not that I don't adore you, of course but-" Damn. Harry couldn't see a way of defending himself that wouldn't see him sleeping on the couch.
Well, no. But Eggsy would go back to his own bed and that was just as bad, though not so much for his back as the couch.
Thank God Percival came to his rescue. Sort of.
"Well maybe not hearts, but he talked about you constantly. Not to mention his sudden increase in gym time in the mornings, when he generally prefers to be a sloth before noon. We all thought he wanted to be fitter for you...though having had your cooking I can now guess that was part of it too."
"I'm never a sloth. They-do you have any idea how slow those bloody useless creatures are? And I'm also fairly sure I read somewhere that they have green algae growing in their hair. Their hair, Percival."
"Wait...they're so slow algae grows on em?" Eggsy looked shocked. Then pulled out his phone because of course he was going to look this up.
A minute or so later.
"Christ. He's right. There's piccies on Google and everythin. I knew they were lazy as fuck but still..."
"They're excellent swimmers." Percival randomly volunteered. "I've read that they can hold their breath for forty minutes or so."
"Yeah? Well at least they're good at somethin. How come they ain't extinct though? They can't be hard ta catch. Do they taste bad?"
Harry joined Percival in stating that he had no idea what sloth tasted like. And were in no hurry to find out. Eggsy agreed that that was fair. He wouldn't want to eat one either.
"The algae actually helps camouflage them, increasing their survival. The relationship between it and the green algae is a symbiotic one." Harry offered up as that bit of info popped into his brain. That and a couple other facts about then that he opted not to voice since they were still eating.
"Really the whole animal kingdom is fraught with 'what was evolution thinking'." Percival added. "Google random animal facts. And brace yourself."'
Eggsy smirked in Percival's direction and asked if he knew that koala fingerprints were so like humans that they'd been mistaken for such at crime scenes.
"As a matter of fact, I did. Did you know that all clownfish start off as male, the chosen few becoming female when they mature?"
"Serious?"
"Serious."
)
And so Harry spent the next twenty minutes or so learning quite a lot about weird animal facts, many of which he could have done without knowing, actually. It was mildly terrifying, as a matter of fact, just how many female insects killed the males they mated with right after sex. He'd known of the obvious ones, such as the praying mantis, but there were apparently quite a lot more where they came from. And don't even get him started on lobster courtship and how females went about showing their interest. Hard pass.
Naturally Eggsy was having fun using his phone to find weird facts to toss back at Percival, who apparently made a habit of looking up random animal facts when he was bored and had nothing better to do.
Apparently they needed to find more productive things for Percival to do with his time between missions. ASAP.
The trivia game was finally interrupted not by sanity returning, but by Merlin coming in to announce that 'Their little lass' was fast asleep and where, exactly, was the rest of the cheesecake.
"I'll get you some. Anyone else want more?"
Harry declined while Percival indicated he could probably find room for a bit more. Since Eggsy was offering.
"On it. Ya want any tea or anythin, Merlin? These two passed before."
"Just the cheesecake, Lad. Thanks."
Merlin watched Eggsy go and then raised a very inappropriate brow in Harry's direction. "He seems very happy."
"They were snogging while the cheesecake and I were otherwise occupied."
"That explains it."
Being an adult Harry did not roll his eyes. Though it was a very near thing as he changed the subject. "She went down all right for you?"
"Of course. The lass loves me most, you know."
"I believe Eggsy holds that exalted position."
"True. But I'm her second favorite."
"You are one of her favorite playmates." Harry agreed. While silently conveying that he thought Merlin could act as childish as a three-year-old at times. Particularly when visiting his home.
"She seem to be handling her lack of hair well. Not many women would." Percival observed, rejoining the conversation. And possibly trying to avoid more bickering.
"I'm fucking loving in now that I've gotten over the shock of it all." Eggsy announced as he came back into view. "The amount of time this is gonna save me...I hope she keeps it like this."
Surprised, Harry asked him why.
"Her curls are a right bitch ta control on a good day, Harry. Now she ain't got none. Bath time, hair drying, combing...it's gonna be a bloody snap now."
Trying to wrestle Daisy's curls into submission wasn't something he'd really had a hand in, but having curls of his own Harry could see the logic of what Eggsy was saying. And as long as Daisy and Eggsy were happy with Daisy's lack of hair Harry didn't really mind.
He'd gotten used to having a curly haired toddler. How much stranger could a toddler with very little hair be?
Having passed out the plates of cheesecake to their recipients Eggsy retook his seat and then turned to look in Harry's direction, Harry automatically turning as well to give Eggsy his full attention.
"Before I forget, the dishwasher's actin up. I was thinkin of havin Ryan check it out, since he's comin tomorrow ta put the finishin touches on Daisy's room anyway. His dad's a plumber, and taught im stuff. It's not his thing, but I figure he'd be cheaper than a professional. Or would ya rather I call whoever ya usually call? It's up ta ya. I won't be offended or nothin."
To buy himself some time Harry asked what was wrong with the washer.
"It ain't drainin well. Can't figure out why though. Nothin blockin anything that I can see."
That didn't sound that bad. And he had had the appliance for years now, so if Eggsy's friend were to break it beyond repair it would have been replaced in a few years anyway.
"If he doesn't mind, he's welcome to look. And we'll pay him, of course."
"Nah. He's a mate. Plus I'm feedin im."
Payment enough in anyone's books, Harry silently acknowledged. "Well I look forward to meeting him if he's still here when I get home."
The face Eggsy made did not bode well. And the other two men caught it too.
"You don't want them to meet?" Merlin asked, saying what they were all thinking.
"It's not that. It's just...well...he'll have a lot ta say bout Harry and I datin and all. Specially since I've been tellin im and Jamal for weeks now that we wasn't shagging."
"It's understandable that they would worry about you." Harry pointed out, trying to be as diplomatic as possible. Especially since it wasn't like he wasn't aware that he was older, a great deal wealthier, and was technically Eggsy employer. And had Daisy as leverage if he were the sort of vile bastard who would stoop that low.
"Invite them to dinner. Let them meet Harry." Percival suggested.
"Maybe after they freak out. If they say shit bout Harry I'm gonna have ta knock some sense into em."
"Or I could come home for lunch tomorrow and-"
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
All heads turned in the direction of the noise coming from outside the room.
"Daisy." Harry, Merlin and Eggsy all said together, recognizing the sound of Daisy coming down the stairs on her bottom.
"Right. Everyone done? Hand over the plates so she don't see em."
Showing super agent speed the men all had their plates in Eggsy's hand in a snap, Eggsy quickly vacating the room with them before Daisy came toddling into the room, trying to rub at her eyes with the hand clutching Mr. Fox's tail, which wasn't working so well. In her other hand she was holding a folded piece of what looked like computer paper.
Having already gotten to his feet Harry started down the length of the table to meet her, the other men doing the same to peer across the table to see what she was up to.
Blinking owlishly as she looked around her, Daisy asked where Eggsy was.
"He's just putting something away in the kitchen. Is there a reason you're not in bed, Daisy?"
Daisy yawned, slowly nodded, and then waved the hand holding the paper.
"I forgots about it."
Well at least she had a reason for being up. And one that didn't involve cleaning up an unfortunate mess or crying. Bonus.
"Is that for Eggsy?"
Nod.
"Did you draw him a picture?"
Daisy shook her head no.
"Is it a note from daycare?"
Another nod.
"May I see it then?"
A pause to consider, then Daisy held it out to him to take.
Thanking her for entrusting him with the message Harry took the paper and unfolded it, turning it the right side up so that he could read the two paragraph notice from the daycare.
The just of the message was that the children were being given a week to put together a poster featuring photographs of their families, which they would then present to the rest of the class. A lovely idea, Harry mused, especially since the notice made it clear that people you considered your family could be included regardless of blood relation. Pets were also allowed.
"Well this sounds like quite a lot of fun to do." Harry told his sleepy ward. "I'll make sure that Eggsy sees it and I'd be happy to help you with it tomorrow, after work if you'd like."
"You're gonna elp me?" Daisy seemed stunned. But in a good way. Hopefully.
"If you want me to."
Daisy nodded so hard it was a wonder the poor girl didn't give herself whiplash.
"What's the lass got to do?" Merlin wanted to know. And just in time too, as Eggsy rejoined them.
"Daisy has to make a poster featuring pictures of people she considers family. It's due next Tuesday, Eggsy."
"Yeah? That don't sound too difficult. I've got plenty of piccies on my phone she can use. Or is she supposed ta draw them?" Eggsy's face made it clear that he questioned Daisy's ability to draw anything where it would be obvious who was who.
"Photographs."
"Right. Cheers, then."
"You can use the printer in my study by the way. There's paper-or whatever you call the paper that you can print photographs on so they look like real photos-in the cupboard with the regular paper. I can show you before we turn in tonight. I also told her I'd help her with the project tomorrow."
"Ya did? That'd be great."
The look Eggsy gave him had Harry going all warm and soft inside.
"Eggsy. Can we heat up Mr. Fox, peas?"
His gaze lowering to his sister, Eggsy smiled and held out a hand to her. "Sure we can. Let's go do that."
"Kay. Night night."
The men all echoed the sentiment, watching her go fondly.
Chapter 53: Look At These Photographs
Chapter Text
Look At These Photographs
While Daisy supervised Mr. Fox being warmed up in the microwave Eggsy put together a bag full of treats for both Merlin and Percival to take home with them. Both men were delighted with the care packages; Merlin of course expecting it as his due while Percival was both surprised and grateful for Eggsy's thoughtfulness. Not to mention the fact that at least some of that gratefulness was because the food meant Percival wouldn't have to worry about going out or getting delivery the following day. And fair enough. The most important thing was that Percival was looking a great deal better by the time Daisy had been put back in bed and Harry escorted both Percival and Merlin to the door, waving them off with Eggsy at his side.
Once the two were in their respective cars and on their way Harry turned his attention back to Eggsy, thanking him for inviting Percival over. It had really seemed to help.
Eggsy smiled back. "No prob. Specially seeing as I know now ow much I owe the man."
Lowering his head Harry gave him a kiss of agreement, enjoying the moment wholeheartedly before they broke away to close the door. Harry would rather not put themselves on show for anyone who might be looking their way after all. A sentiment Eggsy found quite amusing.
Door closed and locked up for the night, Harry cautiously re-broached the subject from earlier, which had been weighing on him in the back of his mind.
"Given how early Daisy goes to bed, it occurs to me that it might be better if I were to come home for lunch and help her with her project then. Otherwise she'll have to wait all day for my help, and she seemed quite excited about it."
"Yeah, she is." Eggsy's nose scrunched up. "It wouldn't be too much trouble, though? You comin home then?"
"I'll make it work. I am, after all, technically the boss. Not that Merlin seems to remember that. Well, except when it comes to the division of paperwork." Harry tacked on, smiling ruefully before his face dropped into more serious lines. "But are you all right with that? Your friend will be here after all."
"Nah. I'll just wait until you're gone ta tell im. It'll be fine." Eggsy assured him. Though he didn't sound as confident as Harry would have liked.
"If you're sure..."
"I'm sure, Harry."
Oh, well. Hopefully it went all right.
"Good. I'm looking forward to meeting your friend."
The look Eggsy gave him made it clear he wasn't buying that, which was fair.
"Well...I'm not sure what we'll have to talk about. And as someone who's important to you I would rather he liked me than not...but we'll make it work somehow."
Which could be quite difficult given that Ryan might already be set against him without even having met him, Harry silently added to himself. He wasn't a fool, he was aware that all the negative things people would point to when it came to his and Eggsy's relationship would also apply here in terms of age, status, and wealth. He doubted very much that he would have anything in common with Eggsy's friend save for, well, Eggsy himself.
"I won't leave ya alone with im." Eggsy promised. "He'll behave."
"I'd rather we just learn to coexist so that he feels comfortable visiting you here. You haven't had friends over here while I've been here." Which was only occurring to Harry now. He was really slipping lately.
"Just really only have the two tight mates. And Jamal is workin nights right now."
"And how does he feel about you living with me?"
"He was suspicious at first, but he said that he could see ow happy I was livin here with ya and so long as it stays that way he was fine with it." A telling pause. "He thinks you're my sugar daddy."
Now there was a term Harry had never thought would ever be applied to him. Well, unless he was undercover at the time, which was not the case here. Though he supposed he should get used to the term being applied to him given that a great many people were likely to leap to that conclusion in the future.
Whatever face he was making had Eggsy snickering again in amusement.
"Right. Well. It's not that funny."
"Sorta is."
He should be grateful, Harry supposed, that Eggsy wasn't offended or hurt at the idea of people seeing him as someone who would be kept by an older man. Though Eggsy had been worried about the charity picnic and how people would react to them there...hmmm. Perhaps it was only Harry's friends' opinions that Eggsy was worried about. Either way it was probably for the best that Harry had been married to his work for so long that the majority of his friends were also colleagues.
As in for the best because they would either know better or be too afraid of what he'd do to them to insult Eggsy. Not to mention they'd be desperate to keep being fed by him, especially since...damn.
"I just realized...now all of my agents are going to be lobbying to come over for dinner."
Face lighting up with the laughter escaping Eggsy's lips, well it was apparently that the younger man thought Harry was kidding him. He so wasn't. Lancelot, Merlin, Bors and now Percival had all eaten here. The others would have to receive invitations soon or they'd feel left out. And that would not end well for him.
Bollocks.
"Got any more work ya got ta do tonight?"
Technically, yes. But in light of things-and just because he was the boss- Harry shook his head and wrapped an arm around Eggsy's waist, drawing him closer to his side in the process.
"I'm all yours."
)
The next morning Harry came down the stairs to be greeted by the sound of Daisy butcher a song beyond recognition in the dining room. Not the best way to start the morning, but still preferable to the way she'd woken them up the day before. And she seemed to be in a good mood, so the hair loss had yet to become a negative in her mind which was another plus. Or at the very least more positive than the song Daisy was 'singing'. Now that the male singer was singing instead of the female, voice loud and hard enough that Daisy couldn't overpower it, Harry recognized the song in question. Not the happiest of tunes, but Harry surmised that that was just luck of the draw. Or playlist, in this case.
"-The mind plays tricks
You are confused
The man you seek is long gone
Dead and cold
A story told, by those he trusted,
Those he loved, and those who then...
Moved on."
Eggsy came in as the Count of Monte Cristo and Mercédès began their duet, Eggsy's voice a sharp contrast with Daisy's in terms of power and skill. Eggsy, after all, could not only carry a tune, but was truly lovely to listen to. There was also the fact that Eggsy had the verbal skills to accurately pronounce the lyrics and not mangle them beyond comprehension, too.
Voice dropping away at the sight of Harry Eggsy smiled and walked over to him, brushing their lips together in a 'Hello' and 'Good morning' kiss that Harry was more than happy to reciprocate.
"Good morning. I see Daisy is wide awake and feeling very...expressive this morning."
"I figured I'd distract her with some music. Works like a charm."
"Quite. Though this song is a little dark, isn't it?"
Eggsy shrugged. "Never too early ta teach er about good music though, right?"
He couldn't argue with that.
Talking over Daisy, who was still lost in 'song' but not in volume, Eggsy leaned in to be heard better. "By the way, we got ta go out this morning before Ryan comes by. Want we should drop you off, or do ya need the car?"
"A ride would be lovely."
"Brill. We have to go and get 'special paper for her project." Eggsy punctuated the 'special' with his fingers.
"Hi, Unca Harry!"
Turning to smile at Daisy now that she'd noticed his presence, Harry returned the greeting and complimented her on her singing.
Daisy beamed.
"I wuv this song. It's got ponies!"
"Ponies?"
"Youtube." Eggsy explained, giving a 'what can you do' sort of shrug. "A fan of the musical and the new 'My Little Pony' series decided ta animate scenes from the play with the ponies playing the characters. It popped up on my vid suggestions cause I've listened ta the soundtrack for it, and I clicked on it; figured what the hell. Then I showed it to Daisy...she flippin loves it."
"I wuv it." Daisy confirmed.
"I see. Well I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Daisy nodded in satisfaction, then asked Eggsy where breakfast was.
"The frittata is almost done. Bout three minutes more."
Restraining himself from rubbing his hands together in glee at the thought, Harry asked if there was anything he could do to help. Like set the table.
"Yeah? That would be great."
"Right. Daisy, I trust that you can make sure that Mr. Fox behaves himself until we get back?"
"I will."
Following Eggsy into the kitchen Harry was surprised when Eggsy asked if Thomas was working in the shop today.
"As far as I know. Why?"
"Daisy needs a piccie with him. For her poster."
Heading straight for the oven Eggsy opened it up and peered at whatever was inside. Which was not the frittata; Harry could see that cooking on the stove top.
"Of Thomas?"
"Yeah. We was talkin bout it before ya got up and she listed off the people she wanted on the board. I got plenty of pics of her with us, Mum, Mr. Fox, Merlin, and Rox, but I don't got a really good one of her with Thomas. That's part of why I said we'd drop ya off. I figure we can nip into the shop for a minute and take the pic if he's workin."
Eggsy turned his head to grin in Harry's direction. "Addison was on her list too. I figured I'd just have Merlin send me a pic of im."
Dear Heavens.
"That would be best, yes. And he's out of the country, currently." Which was also for the best.
Retrieving some oven mitts Eggsy reached into the oven to retrieve what proved to be hash browns, reminding Harry that he was supposed to be collecting the silverware and such for their meal. The delicious meal they couldn't eat until the table was set.
As motivations went-not to mention an excellent distraction from the fact that Daisy apparently thought of Addison as part of their family-Harry considered his assigned breakfast task an adequate distraction.
)
After breakfast and during the car ride to work Harry learned why Thomas was on Daisy's list of family members. Apparently when Daisy had first started daycare she and Eggsy had made a point to drop in at the shop afterwards, hoping to catch Harry working so that they could say hello. But being that he'd usually been at headquarters or busy Harry hadn't been around to see them. So instead of visiting with him they'd ended up chatting a bit with Thomas, and once they'd figured out Harry was never around for them to visit they'd decided to still come by and say hi to Thomas instead. Daisy loved the shop and getting to see all the 'pretty boys' that came in.
Daisy, apparently, shared her brother's love for a good-looking man in a bespoke suit.
The way Eggsy winked at Harry as he said that would have pleased him more if he weren't feeling bad for the fact that he hadn't been there to see them when they'd come by all those times. Daisy must have been particularly disappointed.
"No makin that face. Wasn't a big deal. If it was I would have said sometin to ya."
That did make him feel a little better, but still...
"I can make an effort to do some of my work in the conference room at the shop. On the days you stop by."
"Only if it works for ya. And you're willin ta share her with Thomas. He loves hangin with Dais too."
"Fair enough."
Daisy was certainly eager to go visit Thomas, their little girl wiggling like mad in her car seat. She had insisted on dressing up for the occasion, in a lovely blue frock, and if not for the whole being nearly bald thing Harry thought she'd look quite stunning.
The basically shaved head was going to take some getting used to still.
Arriving at Kingsman in good time, Daisy all but danced in place as she waited for them to collect Harry's things so that they could head to the front of the shop. Apparently Daisy liked looking at the display before they went in.
So they circled the building, Harry only remembering a moment too late that there was a particular article of clothing in the window he'd rather hoped that Eggsy would not get a chance to see. Though then again, he hadn't realized how often Eggsy came by the shop, so perhaps it was unavoidable.
"Sick." Was Eggsy's opinion of the orange tuxedo jacket, the younger man moving in for a closer look. "Now that's aces, that is. If ya got ta wear a penguin suit, at least that's got somethin extra to it."
His nanny and tutors hadn't raised him to be a fool. Harry just smiled and nodded. Then suggested they head inside and get that picture, Daisy showing her support by forgetting the display and running over to the door, yanking it open hard enough to draw both their attentions back to her.
Excellent distraction. He'd bring her some candy to reward her once she was out of trouble for the hair.
Following her inside the shop-which was thankfully empty save for Thomas and one of his assistants-Harry watched as Daisy made a beeline for Thomas, who was already crouching down to scoop her up into his arms and into a hug.
"Thomas!" Daisy crowed. "I here!"
"So I see, Miss. Daisy. And how lovely to see you. Your hair looks even lovelier in person."
"I look like Mr. Merwin!"
Harry gave Thomas full points for stifling the laughter dancing in Thomas's eyes.
"You do."
Beaming with pride, Daisy asked Thomas if he liked her dress.
"It's very becoming. Are you going somewhere special today?"
Shaking her head hard enough that her curls would have been flying everywhere if she still had any, Daisy fingered Thomas's collar.
"I gets my picture taken."
"Oh? What's the occasion?"
Doing another wiggle, and looking up at Thomas from beneath her lashes like a classic femme fatale-and how did she know that female trick already, she was three for crying outloud-Daisy coyly informed Thomas that she was getting her picture taken with him.
"With me?"
"Uh huh. Peas?" Daisy aimed the big eyes look at Thomas, Harry sympathizing. That look was lethal.
"Well of course you can, but...why?"
"For my poster!"
Thomas looked to Harry for answers. Which was fair.
"Daisy's daycare has assigned her the task of creating a poster decorated with pictures of those she considers family. Which includes you."
For a moment Thomas's face was blank, then understanding hit him. And for a moment it actually looked like he might tear up, considerable emotion coming over his face.
"Well I-I would be..." Thomas loudly cleared his throat and blinked hard a few times. "I would be honored."
"Yay! Piccie, Eggsy! Piccie!"
"I know, Flower. Got my phone right here." Eggsy waved it for emphasis.
"We gots ta smile." Daisy informed Thomas very seriously.
"And so we shall." Thomas assured her, still looking more than a little bright eyed as he determinedly turned to look in Eggsy's direction, Daisy doing the same as she wrapped her little arms around Thomas's neck.
It was very adorable in Harry's opinion. And the pictures Eggsy took and showed them proved it.
That Thomas requested a copy was just the icing on Daisy's cake, so to speak.
"I'll show ya my poster." Daisy promised Thomas, craning her neck up to beam at him. "I'm getting special paper."
"And we should hurry and get it cause we need ta be home afor Ryan, right? So say goodbye, okay? We'll come visit Thomas soon."
"Bye, Unca Harry! Bye, Thomas!" Daisy bounced as she said it, Eggsy taking her hand to keep her a little stiller.
"I'll be coming home around lunch time to have lunch with you and then help you with your poster." Harry reminded her after Thomas had returned Daisy's goodbye. "I'll see you then, all right?"
"Yup."
"All right then. Bye all. Don't forget ta give Merlin his lunch before ya come home."
"As if he'd allow me to forget. Especially considering he knows what his lunch is to be."
Eggsy laughed in agreement with that.
Chapter 54: Lunch With Eggsy's Friend
Chapter Text
Lunch With Eggsy's Friend
After calling Eggsy to make sure that there was nothing he needed to pick up for Daisy's project on his way home-though heavens knows how he would have fared if there had been and he'd had to go hunting in the shops-Harry bid a temporary goodbye to his office and then headed out for lunch at home. He would be back in a couple of hours, he promised, barring some unfortunate happenings at work or home. It was a toss-up as to which was more likely, really, which did not bode well for his digestion. Or the rest of the afternoon. He almost wished that his mother would appear to act as a distraction.
Almost. He wasn't quite that desperate. Yet.
Pulling up to the house Harry took a deep breath, got out of the car, sent one last silent request to the powers that be that this would all go well, and then approached the front door.
Letting himself in Harry took an appreciative note of the smells coming from the dining room. Ah. He loved coming home at mealtimes. The sound of Eggsy's voice drew his attention, though the topic under discussion was unexpected.
"-right bitch. So what ya do is soak some paper towel in vinegar and then wrap it round the parts where the hard water residue built up on ya. Leave it for ten minutes and then pour warm water all over ta get off the remaining vinegar. DON'T forget that part. Vinegar's an acid, remember. So lots of warm water and then that's that."
"Worth a shot. Sounds easy, at least." Came a new voice, the accent identifying who that voice most likely belonged to.
And thinking that sneaking up on Eggsy's friend would most likely not be the best way to begin their relationship Harry opted to call out his arrival.
"Eggsy. Daisy. I'm home."
"UNCA HARRY!"
Oh yes. Someone was definitely excited about her art project, Harry thought as Daisy came running out of the dining room and straight for him like a heat seeking missile.
His hands thankfully free Harry bent down to scoop her up and settle her on his hip. As was typical of Daisy, food was her primary source of excitement after the art project. A fact she made very clear as Daisy stated that she'd been waiting for forever for him to get home.
"I would have liked to have been here sooner as well. Did you find the right paper for your project?"
Nodding hard Daisy inform him that she had found the prettiest paper ever. It had daisies on it.
"Well that's very appropriate, isn't it?"
"What's app-oepiate?"
"It means perfect for your project."
"Oh. Yeah. It's the most app-oepiate paper ever!"
Laughing over that Harry smiled at her before turning his attention to the two other men who'd come over to join them.
At first glance Harry could see that Ryan, like Eggsy, had very much embraced the chav look so popular with certain youth. Unfortunately. The second thought was that like Eggsy when Harry first met him, Harry got a sense of deep hunger from Ryan. And not just that the boy wasn't being fed enough judging by his face and frame. There was the feeling that he had spent his life with his face pressed against windows, looking in at things he'd always wanted but never had. And expected to be punished for wanting them.
It was one of Harry's new missions in life to ensure that Eggsy did not look like that anymore.
"Hello. You must be Eggsy's friend Ryan. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Harry Hart, as you no doubt already know. Please, call me Harry."
Looking for a moment like Harry's hand was a mouse trap just waiting to spring on him, the young man needed an encouraging look from Eggsy before he took the necessary couple of steps and slid his hand into Harry's.
A weak handshake, Harry noted. But then, Ryan probably didn't do a lot of handshaking. Which was probably a very snobbish thought for him to have-but he had read the boy's bio as one of Eggsy's known associates so he wasn't wrong, either.
"Hi."
Letting go of Ryan's hand after that less than thrilled greeting, Harry went with the next, most logical thing to talk about. "I've been very impressed with the mural in Daisy's room. You're quite talented."
That earned him a rough shrug. "It's nothin."
"On the contrary. The world would be a much darker, less worth living place if not for the arts. If not for those, like yourself, who attempt to make something ordinary something so much more."
That got him a small smile, at least. He'd take the win.
Giving him a not terribly discrete thumbs up-though Ryan didn't seem to notice-Eggsy beamed at Harry as he stated that he hoped he had an appetite cause he might have gone a bit overboard with lunch.
"We gets giant meatballs and gar-wick bread and peaser salad!"
"All that?"
"Uh huh. No dessert." Daisy added, shaking her head sadly. And then pointed at her head like Harry might have somehow forgot what she'd done. Which was not happening any time soon.
"Well I don't suppose we'd have room for one of Eggsy's desserts even if we did. Well perhaps you would, but you really must think of my waistline, Daisy."
"There ain't nothin wrong with your waistline, H'arry." Eggsy told him, his accent a touch thicker than normal. Slipping in to old habits, or trying to make Ryan more comfortable, perhaps.
"You do recall Percival teasing me extensively about all the gym time I've had to fit into my schedule because of you, don't you? It was only last night after all."
"Unca Harry's pretty."
Laughing, Harry thanked her for the compliment.
"Right. Agree to disagree. Bout the being fit thing. Now come on, you lot. In ta the dining room so we can eat before it all gets cold."
"FOOD!"
Ears ringing a little Harry gestured for the other two to proceed them and 'lead' the way in.
Entering the room Harry noted that rather than put Ryan on Harry's other side, which would have made sense balance wise, Eggsy had set the table so Ryan would be sitting on Daisy's other side instead. Mr. Fox would have to share her seat, Harry supposed. But if Eggsy thought that would make Ryan more comfortable then so be it, he wouldn't say anything.
Handing Daisy off to Eggsy when the latter held out his arms expectantly, Harry gave him a reassuring look and then walked around to take his customary seat while Eggsy got his sister settled to her liking. Poor Mr. Fox was indeed quite squished at her side, but of course could not be left out. Heaven forbid.
The 'giant' meatballs turned out to be quite large, not exactly balls, and rather weird looking when you cut into them and discovered the spaghetti and cheese inside, but that didn't change the brilliance of its smell and taste. Particularly when paired with Eggsy's amazing garlic bread and excellent Caesar salad. Harry only wished he could pile up his plate like the two younger men could.
Oh to have the metabolism of a twenty-year-old man, Harry thought to himself with an inward sigh of envy. He would likely continue to think that to himself until Eggsy hit thirty. Then he'd have to change the number, but not the sentiment.
Eggsy friend obviously preferred to concentrate on his food rather than conversation, and thinking it best not to push Harry did his best to divide his time between eating, complimenting Eggsy on the food, and talking about in sequential things Ryan could talk about too, if he chose.
He didn't. Though at least he was loudly appreciative of the food, making lots of yummy noises and complimenting Eggsy on the weird as fuck meatball/spaghetti.
Eggsy told his friend not to swear in front of Daisy, possibly worried that Harry would say something along those lines if he didn't. As he did with Eggsy, though Eggsy was getting better about it.
The look Ryan gave Eggsy in turn said he thought that was ridiculous. And the look he shot in Harry's direction made it clear who he thought was being unreasonable to ask him to mind his language in front of a child. Which...fair.
"Oi. Ya want me ta get called into the daycare cause Daisy used them words round her classmates?"
Also very true, Harry mentally added.
"Yeah, yeah. I got it. Though seriously, Bruv. This whole spaghetti in the meatball thing is weird but brill. Like somethin on a cooking show like what Gordon Ramsay does. Do ya need ta take your shirt off every time ya cook too?"
The boy was both teasing and obviously testing Eggsy and Harry too.
Harry, for his part, was doing his best not to think about how much more he would appreciate meals if Eggsy was always topless for them. But no, that was just asking for him to get a bad burn. The shirts had to stay on. Especially since Merlin kept making a pest of himself, dropping in all the time.
"I keep the shirt on less I get somethin on it. Now keep eatin afor it gets cold." A moment's pause. "And since when do ya watch cookin shows?"
"Mum."
"Right. Actually, I should get her recipe for her special chicken casserole."
Ryan shot a sidelong glance in Harry's direction. "Not somethin posh people eat much, casserole."
"You'd be surprised. And I'll look forward to trying your mother's casserole. I'm sure Eggsy will do it justice."
What Ryan would have said to that was interrupted by Daisy asking Eggsy for more garlic bread.
That was probably for the best. So far...well things could be going worse.
Even as he thought that Harry wanted to kick himself in his backside for thinking that. That was just asking for it, dammit.
)
Later Harry would muse ironically over the fact that the thing that seemed to tip the odds in Harry's favor when it came to Ryan's opinion of him-at least for now-was entirely thanks to Daisy's love of food. As in her enthusiasm for the meal had caused Daisy to be slightly messier than normal, the sauce ending up on her hands and ringing her mouth like clown makeup. And Harry had never been terribly fond of clowns, truth be told. There's been an incident involving a very ugly, child sized clown in a closet during his childhood that-nevermind. Not important. What was important, at least to Ryan, was that Harry had taken notice of the mess Daisy was making of herself and had used her napkin to clean her off a little while she nibbled on some garlic bread.
"All clean?" Daisy asked when he was done.
"You'll need some soap and water for that, I'm afraid, but you'll do for now."
"Kay."
"Thought ya didn't know nothin bout takin care of sprogs?"
Blinking in surprise, Harry had to admit he was quite chuffed that Ryan seemed to be implying that Harry did know how to take care of children.
"I'm still very much a work in progress. And been very much at a loss without Eggsy. Though I am better than I thought I would be at it. My family...well in the past other people have always been hired to tend to the children and so I wasn't entirely sure we had anything resembling a hands-on parenting gene. As it turns out I do have them, undeveloped as they are."
"You're great with Daisy."
"I still panic a little when you leave me alone with her." Harry shot back, giving Eggsy's a 'you know I'm right' smile. "But I am getting better. And it is very helpful that she has the verbal skills to tell me what she wants and needs, unlike an infant."
Even if she did mangle their country's language beyond recognition at times. But yes, thank all the powers ever created she wasn't a baby when she'd come to live with him. That would have been...problematic.
"Does that mean I got ta supervise you elpin her with the project?" Eggsy teased.
"That I think we can manage. Can't we, Daisy."
Daisy blinked back at him owlishly, having no idea what was going on. She WAS still eating after all.
"We're going to work on your project after lunch, yes?"
"YEAH!" Was her enthusiastic response, food slightly visible in her mouth given how wide she had to open it to be that loud.
Oh well.
"We printed out all the piccies, by the way. Ya just have to put em on the board and write somethin like 'Daisy's Family' on it. I figure ya could do bubble letters, then she colors em in."
Harry tried to remember the last time he'd had to use bubble letters and failed. Again. Hopefully he remembered how. And if they were bad, surely Daisy's coloring would hide the worst of it. Not that it really mattered given it was a three-year old's project. All the other projects would look the same-save for those projects taken over by helicopter parents who did the poster for their child instead.
Note to self-let Daisy do the majority of it no matter how bad the finished results would be. This was her project and he was NOT going to be one of those parents who cared more about appearances than their child's learning and happiness. Daisy was very excited about this and it was HER project.
Maybe Eggsy should supervise. A little. Bollocks.
"I don'ts got a piccie of me and Mr. Addy-son." Daisy stated sadly, sighing as hugely as a toddler could as she brought Harry's attention back to her.
"When he gets back we'll definitely arrange for you to get one with him." Harry promised her. He'd pull the Boss card if necessary...though oddly he didn't think it would come to that. He had the feeling Addison would be secretly pleased to do it...while saying the opposite to his dying day.
In his mind Harry pictured that being Bors' final words right before he blew himself up. Because that was absolutely going to be how the other man went when his luck finally ran out. Addison blew himself up on a semi regular basis and one of these times he wasn't going to walk away from it.
But yes, as he flew through the air Harry could picture perfectly the man yelling 'I am not soft on Daisy'. Just in case those were his last words.
It really was a pity that the man refused to see any of the mental healers, Harry thought with a small sigh. And that they refused to see Bors at this point despite their oaths.
"I gets a picture with Mr. Addy-son? Pinky swear?"
"Pinky swear." Harry returned, linking his pinky with hers to seal the deal.
Satisfied with that Daisy went back to smiling as she stated that she'd picked the bestest piccies for her poster.
"I look forward to seeing them."
Daisy nodded in absolute agreement with that.
)
And as planned, once lunch was finished and Eggsy had, as per usual, refused all help cleaning up because it had to be done 'his way', Ryan headed upstairs to get back to work finishing up Daisy's wall and Harry and Daisy headed into the family room where everything had already been set out for them to begin their work. Which really shouldn't take long-but Harry certainly wasn't holding his breath there. He might not have had Daisy that long, but he had had her long enough to know that even simple tasks could take a hundred times longer than you thought they would just because of toddler logic or their 'help'.
"Dee's are my piccies." Daisy announced, having run into the room ahead of him and scooped them up off the coffee table. Eager to show them off she ran back over to his side and held them up for his approval.
"Thank you." Taking them with great formality Harry had to smile as he saw the top picture, which was one of the three of them that he hadn't seen yet. Crouching down to show her, Harry asked if she knew where Eggsy had gotten this picture of the three of them at his aunt's charity picnic.
Daisy shrugged.
"I see." Well either way it was a lovely shot of him holding Daisy while she was half asleep, Eggsy close against his side and the two of them looking at the camera-only he didn't remember having the picture taken in the first place. Of course his aunt did have professional photographers at her events, so odds were that was the most likely source. He'd have to ask Eggsy later.
Either way he definitely wanted a framed copy of it for his desk.
The next picture was of Daisy and her mother, the shot nice enough. Though sad as well. In the picture Eggsy and Daisy's mother was smiling as she held her daughter against her chest-Daisy was a great deal smaller, perhaps one in the picture-but there were lines on her face and a quiet sadness in her eyes that spoke of a hard life. A painful one she tried to smile and bear with.
"This one of your mother is very nice."
"Mummy's in Heaven."
"She is, yes. She would be very proud of you and what a good girl you've become."
Beaming, Daisy rocked back and forth on her heels, her smile seeming to light up the room. She would, the Fates willing, never know the tragedies her mother had.
He would do his very best to ensure that that happened.
Chapter 55: It Must Have Stickers
Chapter Text
It Must Have Stickers
A quick flip through the other pictures Daisy had provided confirmed they were indeed all there. The picture of Merlin and Daisy passed out together on Eggsy's bed had been chosen for Merlin's picture, while there was a lovely one of Daisy and Lancelot showing off their picnic dresses. The picture taken that morning of Daisy and Thomas had turned out very well, and the picture supplied of Bors...well at least it wasn't likely to scar any of the children that gazed upon it. The man didn't smile, but at least he wasn't glaring of holding a weapon in the picture. That was really the best they could have hoped for.
The final picture was, of course, of Daisy holding Mr. Fox.
Handing the pictures back to Daisy Harry asked her if she wanted him to write her name on the top of the poster board or in the middle. That had to be decided before they proceeded.
Wide eyed, Daisy gave him a look that said she had no idea what she wanted. And was expecting him to know how to proceed because she sure as hell didn't.
Right.
"Let's see, shall we?"
Thinking a visual was best, Harry asked for the pictures back and then motioned for Daisy to follow him over to the table where the poster board had been laid out. Kneeling down with Daisy hugging his side, Harry placed the pictures in the bottom two thirds. "We can do it like this, with the letters here, or-" Harry rearranged them so that they were all around with the middle empty, 'we could have the letters of your name here."
"Wike dat." Daisy decided, picking the second option after a moment or two of contemplation.
"Excellent choice. Now I'm going to write out the words in pencil, just in case, and then you can figure out which picture you want where, all right?"
"I'll gets the pencil."
It was in easy reach, but Harry allowed her to get it for him and thanked her profusely. It made her happy to help, as her beaming with pride made clear. And now with pencil in hand...well he was faced with the daunting task of bubble letters.
Surely she could just trace over his letters if he wrote the words out normally. His mother had actually made him take a calligraphy class back in the day, and while normally his handwriting wasn't anything to write home about he could, if he put effort into it, actually-nevermind. Daisy's project. And she could not consistently color between the lines, much less trace them perfectly. Bubble letters it must be.
Reminding himself, repeatedly, that it did not have to be perfect-far from it-Harry did his best version of bubble letters as he spelled out 'Daisy's Family'.
Far from his best work...but legible. And more importantly Daisy, when asked, nodded her approval.
"All right then, now you decide where you want your pictures to go around the letters, then we'll glue them into place."
"Kay."
This task took a great deal longer than his bubble letters, Daisy proving to be very particular about her photograph placement. Though at least she knew that she didn't want her pictures touching or covering the letters. She was even trying to balance out the placement too, which was a nice surprise.
Finally she had them where she wanted them.
"You're sure?"
"Yup."
Taking her at her word Harry retrieved the glue and then carefully applied it to the back of the photographs, one at a time. He got Daisy involved by having her hold down the photo to encourage it to stay in place and stick better. She liked that part.
Personally Harry thought she looked like she'd tried to do a chest compression and been frozen in place, but oh well. He couldn't argue that it probably would better ensure the pictures stayed in place once she stopped trying to force her will upon them.
"Excellent work." Harry assured her once that was done, the pictures hopefully well stuck in place. "Shall I go over the letters in black for you? Then you can do your decorating."
"I color them." She reminded him sternly.
"Yes. You will be doing the coloring. I promise."
Reassured, Daisy was content to supervise Harry drawing over the pencil with the marker Eggsy had provided and left out for the task. This took no time at all, and then Harry shifted over to give Daisy room to take over the rest of the project.
Or at least he didn't think there was anything else he needed to help with.
Pleased, Daisy thanked him and then got up and retrieved a container from the end of the table that Harry hadn't paid any attention to before.
Coming back over to his side Daisy proudly tipped the box to the side so that he could see what was inside. "My stickers!"
"Oh."
Stickers. Stickers she no doubt intended to scatter all over the available-and possibly unavailable-space on the poster board. Harry could see it vividly. And while he had promised himself he wouldn't curve her creativity or take over the project...
"Are you going to use those to frame the pictures?"
"Frame?"
"Yes. Like the pictures on the wall." Thankfully there was a painting in the room Harry could point to. "Are you going to put the stickers around the pictures?" It was thinking on the fly, but Harry thought that it would look better than the pictures and words being overpowered with smiley face and Disney princess stickers.
Suitably intrigued by this idea, Daisy nibbled on her bottom lip for a couple of minutes and then stated she would use the stickers to frame the pictures.
Thank Goodness.
"Ow's it goin in here, then?"
Looking over at Eggsy as his lover came into the room, Harry shot him what he hoped was a confident enough smile. "Very well. We have the pictures in place and Daisy has decided to use her stickers to frame them."
"Fancy. Wike on the wall." Daisy announced, pointing at the painting in case her brother didn't understand her artistic intentions.
"Oh yeah? You'll have the best one, won't ya, Luv."
"Uh huh."
Having come over, Eggsy crouched down on Harry's other side, the two of them bookended him.
"Nice bubble letters."
The amused look Eggsy shot him had Harry fighting down the instinct to defend his lettering. Which was obviously what Eggsy was aiming for, the little shite.
"Thank you."
"A man of many talents." Leaning in Eggsy nipped Harry's ear, making him jerk in surprised arousal. Not to mention embarrassment since Daisy was right there. "Ya should see your face right now, Harry."
"Behave. Especially with your friend in the house."
"Nah. No need. He figured it out right quick. Apparently it was written all over my face at lunch. He said as much when I went up ta check on him."
"Ah. And how did he take the realization?"
"Says it's okay cause you're legit gone on me."
"That's one way of putting it. And very true."
Harry leaned in and angled his head to meet Eggsy's kiss this time.
A kiss they very much enjoyed until Daisy broke it up because she needed help deciding which stickers should go with which person.
Sticker choosing proved to be an arduous task, but in the end the frames came into being. Merlin got teddy bears because Daisy was wearing her panda pajamas in the photo, while Lancelot got Elsa and Anna ones. She was a badarse girl too. Thomas got random Disney princesses because he made clothes, and the girls were all about their dresses, and Addison...well he got the coveted fox stickers because of Tally. Originally they'd thought the smiley face stickers to compensate for his lack of smiling, but in the end they all had to agree that the neon yellow faces didn't suit the man. Those stickers went instead to Daisy's picture with her mum. Finally, Mr. Fox was decorated with flowers and the best picture-that of the three of them-was encircled in hearts. Daisy insisted.
)
Project completed save for the coloring of the bubble letters, Harry was about to subtly question Eggsy as to whether it was all right for him to head back to the office or not-this had taken longer than he'd thought-when there came the sound of knocking at their front door. A brief glance in that direction, he wasn't expecting anything, and then Harry asked Eggsy if he'd ordered anything to be delivered to the house, the other man shaking his head in turn.
"Someone's here!" Daisy announced unnecessarily, tossing aside the marker she'd been holding back onto the table. "I get it?"
The odds of someone with evil intentions knocking-and now ringing the bell-were low, but still a possibility. Ergo...
"Eggsy and I will come with you."
Reassured that she was allowed-and had backup if needed-Daisy ran in that direction while Harry and Eggsy kept up with her as they all headed to see who was visiting.
The thought that it could be his mother flashed through Harry's mind, but surely the Fates wouldn't be that cruel. Or perhaps it was for the best if it was her, since at least he would be here to supervise rather than Eggsy be left to fend for himself against her intrusive questions.
It was not his mother at the door though, as they soon found out. But a deliveryman.
"Good afternoon, Gentlemen. Mademoiselle." A wink aimed in a giggling Daisy's direction, the man's accent making his French ancestry clear. "I have a delivery here for a Mr. Eggsy Unwin?"
"That's me. But I didn't order nothin."
"It is a gift from one of our regular customers."
"Oh. Ah. Thank you?"
"You are most welcome. I will go get it from the lorry, I just needed the door open as it requires both my hands to carry. One moment please."
"Do ya need help carryin it?" Eggsy offered. "Just gotta grab my trainers."
"No, no. Not necessary. Though most kind of you."
Turning around the man headed for the lorry parked nearby, Harry immediately recognizing the logo on the side immediately. "Ah. You are in for quite a treat, Eggsy."
"I am?"
"Yes. 'Paradis' is famous internationally for their food. Primarily they're hired to cater high profile events, but they also have some small shops that sell their products as well."
"Who do ya think sent it?"
"Someone who wants you to continue feeding them. And no, it wasn't me. Though I'm rather kicking myself for not thinking of it." He was already making a mental list of restaurants and such he should introduce Eggsy to when the opportunity arose. He needed to remember to do things just because, as a gentleman should show his appreciation for his lover all the time, not just when a commercial holiday that demanded it came around.
"Wot is it?" A big eyed Daisy wanted to know, the little girl pointing in the direction of the lorry.
An understandable question, Harry thought, as they were now able to see that the deliveryman was returning with what looked to be a sizable wooden tray in his hands, two separate or attached somehow wooden plates/bowls resting on it. The whole thing was encased in clear cellophane and tied at the top with colorful ribbons Daisy would no doubt love to have.
"Here we are, then. A grand feast in the making."
A grand feast indeed. The two separate square bowls, which themselves were divided in half, contained elegantly displayed meats in one, cheeses beside it. The second dish held sliced bread and crackers on the left, a mixture of nuts, grapes, and some sort of pate in its own little bowl in the other. A charcuterie platter fit for a king.
"I can't see." Daisy complained.
Picking her up with an apology, Harry let her see the treat that was in store for them.
Her response was completely in character.
"FOOD!"
Laughing, Eggsy agreed with her as he held out his hands to take the tray from the deliveryman, the surprise on his face at how heavy it was quite amusing.
"Why don't you take that into the dining room before you drop it. Can I sign for it or does Eggsy need to do it?"
"Mr. Unwin, I'm afraid."
"No probs, be right back." Eggsy called over his shoulder as he headed inside and out of view.
Having been waiting for this Harry set Daisy down and told her to follow her brother before pulling out his wallet, intending to tip the man. Eggsy had no idea just how prestigious and expensive Paradis was. Ergo the amount one normally tipped would-
The other man was holding up a hand to stop him before he could even open it. "No need, Sir. The tip was paid for as well."
"I see. Thank you. And please pass on my compliments to your coworkers. That all looked quite amazing."
"I can guarantee it will be."
Returning without Daisy-she was apparently guarding the food-Eggsy took the machine and stylus from the deliveryman and used it to sign off on the delivery. And then reached for his wallet as well.
"No need, Young Sir. It's already been paid for."
The look Eggsy sent in Harry's direction.
"It wasn't me." Thank goodness. "Apparently it was included in the overall bill."
Apparently not trusting him, Eggsy gave the deliveryman a questioning look, the man doing his best to hide his amusement as he stated that Harry's statement was accurate. And that he wasn't allowed to accept more money as tip. Though he thanked Eggsy for offering.
"Right. Okay. Hold on one minute."
And with that Eggsy dashed back into the house, leaving Harry to play host to the bemused deliveryman. Thankfully there was an obvious question Harry needed to ask, anyway.
"The packaging is, I presume, childproof?" If it wasn't, big lunch or not, Daisy would be trying to help herself while their backs were turned.
"Unless she has scissors, it should be fine."
"Good to know. Though as her hair implies, it wouldn't be the first time she got her hands on scissors when we weren't looking." And that being the case Harry put aside his manners for a moment and bending back through the doorway called out a warning to Daisy that she was NOT to open the package until he or Eggsy could help her.
"I KNOW!"
"The Little One, she keeps you on your toes, I see."
"That she does. Do you have any of your own?"
As it turned out the man had a son close to Daisy's age and another a couple years older. The two of them traded toddler stories until Eggsy reappeared with one of the cheap plastic containers he regularly put Harry and Merlin's lunches into.
"Here. My homemade chocolate biscuits. I'm told they're pretty brill."
"Oh. Merci beaucoup. I'm sure I will enjoy them very much."
Thanking him in turn Eggsy waved the man off and then together Harry and Eggsy headed inside to make sure that Daisy hadn't gnawed her way through the cellophane to get to the food.
It was a possibility.
)
Thankfully Daisy was impatiently waiting for them in the dining room, the little girl standing on a chair so that she could better see the prize in front of her. And no doubt plot what she was going to try and eat first, Harry mused to himself with a wide smile. The girl would make herself sick if they didn't limit her intake. But at least she'd left the packaging alone, nothing indicating that she'd unsuccessfully attempted to tear into it. Well...the ribbons had been tugged on a little, but she could have just been playing with them. He'd give her the benefit of the doubt.
"Can I have some Lunchable, peas?"
"Lunchable?" Harry repeated.
Having started on undoing the ribbons, Eggsy didn't look up as he explained. "She thinks it's like a grownup version of a Lunchable. Ya buy em for kids to take to school for lunch. It's got some meat, cheese, and crackers in em."
"Ah. Well, Daisy, that is actually called a charcuterie platter. A very fancy one."
Daisy's attempt at repeating the word-well Harry gave her points for her attempt, even if she did mangle it beyond all recognition. Nodding along like she'd at least come close, Harry asked Eggsy if he wanted him to go and find some scissors for him.
"Naw. I almost got it. I think. They didn't knot it all to hell like some do."
That being said Daisy was vibrating like an impatient spring by the time Eggsy got through and could hand her the ribbons to wave around for her amusement.
While she did that Eggsy reached in and retrieved the envelope that had been placed between the bowls and the cellophane, though he paused for a moment to study something.
"Those bowls and the tray, we get ta keep them too? They must have costed a pretty penny as is."
"They're all yours."
"Friggin A." Shaking his head in disbelief over there Eggsy lifted out the envelope and looked that over, turning it so that Harry could see it as the bewildered boy pointed to the fact that his name had been written across the surface with a fountain pen. By someone who had taken a class in calligraphy and loved his or her flourishes.
Doing his best to hide his amusement, Harry instead asked who it was from.
Carefully opening the envelope like he might plan to save it as some sort of keepsake, Eggsy withdrew the card made of obvious high-quality stock. The front featured the company's logo, and inside...
"Percival sent it. For all of us." Eggsy announced after reading whatever the inside of the card stated. "He wanted to thank us for yesterday. Fuck. I didn't even make anything special."
"It's not just the food he's thanking you for." Harry softly suggested. "You showed him care when he needed it. That meant far more, and was very obviously appreciated."
Chapter 56: Someone Wicked, This Way Comes
Chapter Text
Someone Wicked, This Way Comes
Despite the very large lunch she'd eaten Daisy was shocked and dismayed to learn that they would not be touching the contents of the gift basket until dinner time. There was food in front of her, therefore she should be allowed to eat it. And truthfully it was hard to argue with her simple toddler logic, since it did all look so very appetizing and ready for the tasting. A compromise was reached in that Eggsy promised Daisy she could have a little bit after she finished her poster for daycare. And helped him with the laundry, which was apparently something she could do. Who knew? But at least she was satisfied with that, and Harry was able to take his leave without any protests from her. The poster and food were once again at the forefront of Daisy's mind, and his presence wasn't required for her to get either.
So with a kiss on her forehead and one on Eggsy's mouth Harry left the house and headed back for work, very much looking forward to coming home and getting to sample the treats awaiting them.
Or so he thought.
Hours later, when he had once again returned home, Harry was greeted at the door by a very, very guilty looking Eggsy. No Daisy in sight.
Taken aback by the look on Eggsy's face, and very much concerned as to what he may have missed since last he was here, Harry hovered in front of the threshold, not sure what was going on. He'd only been gone a few hours...what could have possibly happened? Had Eggsy's friend decided to start painting other rooms? Had they found an abandoned animal outside and wanted to keep it? Was Daisy-no, Daisy couldn't be missing. Eggsy would be hysterical and overwrought if that was the case. Perhaps she'd colored herself with permanent marker. Oh shite, that was it. And it would be partially his fault because he'd left that-
"Hey, Harry. Welcome home."
"It's good to be home." Harry answered weakly. "Is everything all right? Daisy?"
"Ah...well...yeah? Sorta. I mean she's fine. Really. Shite. I'm fucking sorry, Harry."
"For...?"
"We ate a bunch of the gift basket."
Laughing in relief, thank God Daisy wasn't multiple colors, Harry's shoulder relaxed and the tension bled out of him. Admittedly he was a little disappointed to hear he wasn't having quite the treat for dinner he'd been expecting, but that wasn't that big a thing in the grand scheme of disasters that could befell a house that was home to a toddler. So Harry shook his head and smiled at Eggsy, trying to convey with his expression that he really wasn't mad. "It was your gift basket, Eggsy. You weren't obligated to wait for me. And...well I'm well aware of the fact that Daisy can be a bottomless pit, as can two men yours and Ryan's age."
"Yeah, but I was supposed ta share it. And, well, I did, but not with you and-we didn't mean ta eat so much of it, swear down! We was just gonna have a little and then...we couldn't stop." Eggsy admitted his 'crime' with a grimace and slumped shoulders. "It was like that one crisps slogan. We couldn't eat just one of anythin!"
Reassuring Eggsy again that it was fine, Harry stepped through the door and set his bags off to the side, stating that he'd throw together a sandwich and be just fine.
"It ain't quite that bad. I did manage ta save some of it. Wouldn't let Daisy touch it on punishment of another week without dessert."
"Thank you. But really, if she wants it that much she can have it."
"She's eaten enough for the day. Trust me."
The look on Eggsy's face said volumes about how much Daisy had apparently consumed in his absence, Harry now having horrifying visions of her throwing all that up later in the evening. Though at least her hair wouldn't be in the way. That was a silver lining.
"I got it all laid out on the table for ya. Daisy's watchin a movie so she ain't gonna disturb ya or ask ya ta share."
"And will you be joining me?"
"I ain't got room for nothin else, but I'll keep ya company."
"Sounds lovely."
Following Eggsy into the dining room Harry was soon seated and faced with a lovely looking dinner as far as he was concerned. Yes, there were a few items he knew had been in the basket that were no longer available, but in general he ate like a king thanks to Eggsy, and a lighter meal once in a while could only do him good, really.
And all that aside, sharing a glass of wine with his lover was always something to appreciate, especially with Daisy otherwise occupied for the moment.
It was nice, to sit there and discuss their days. Eggsy's friend had finished painting Daisy's room-she was quite pleased with the results-and Eggsy had transferred her stuffed animals and such into his room so that Daisy could sleep there until the paint fumes were no longer an issue. She was looking forward to having the big bed all to herself.
Eggsy winked as he stated that it wasn't like he needed his bed, after all.
Quite happy to continue to share his bed with Eggsy for the foreseeable future Harry toasted him with his wine glass in agreement.
Work wise Harry didn't have much to report that Eggsy would find at all interesting. Thankfully he had loads of stories from back in the day when he'd been an active field agent to fall back on. He only had to exaggerate a tiny little bit to have Eggsy looking at him like he was a cross between Captain America and Batman, which definitely gave him an ego boost.
"Freaking zombies." Eggsy breathed out, his attention rapt.
"The smell was indescribable. Thank all the powers that be that most magic users have the sense to realize that raising the dead is a waste of time and power. They'd be better off using the power to kill their enemies out right, rather than to try and make decomposing bodies do their bidding. Some never seem to grasp the importance of a working brain."
"Gives a whole new meaning to 'good help is hard to find'."
"I have faced 'minions' who were about as intelligent as a zombie, yes. I've always appreciated when that's the best help a would be world conqueror can find. I mean it takes the challenge out of it, but watching them try to be villains is often quite humorous."
"Even when they start evil monologuing?"
Harry groaned just thinking of some of the speeches he'd been forced to hear. Or almost forced to hear, as he tended to cut them off as quickly as possible. Often permanently.
"That bad, huh?"
"You have no idea. There's a water witch, Cordelia, who is without a doubt the biggest monologuer this world has ever seen. She's the on again, off again girlfriend of a known arms and drug dealer-though he's small time so we mostly use him as a snitch-and any time we have to deal with her she goes into these long speeches about how we're wrong about him or how she knows she should leave him, but she just loves him so much. Oh, and she likes to repeat herself, repeatedly, if you don't constantly comment on every little thing she says. Her parents apparently didn't give her enough attention as a child."
Harry was about to launch into one of his favorite Cordelia stories when it occurred to him that Eggsy's mother had stayed in a relationship with a small-time drug lord and he might have just really put his foot in it. Damn.
"Don't worry. I ain't mad."
Eggsy, it seemed, really could read him like a book these days. It was both lovely and terrifying, as it did not bode well for him getting away with things in the future.
Face lighting up with laughter, Eggsy shook his head at him. "Finish your dinner. I'm gonna go check on Daisy ta make sure she's behavin herself."
Opening his mouth to comment, Harry's mouth snapped shut as a magical jolt of power hit him out of nowhere. The feeling wasn't an unpleasant one, it rather felt like someone had just pulled on his seal pelt to get his attention, but he still immediately pushed back his chair and got to his feet because he knew what that feeling meant, and it was not a good thing.
Pushing back his own chair Eggsy looked around in confusion as he asked what the fuck had that been.
"You felt that?"
Eggsy rubbed his chest like he had a touch of heartburn. "Yeah. Wot was it? Was like downin a shot of your whiskey."
"It's an alarm I have on the house. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, that you felt it." He should have warned Eggsy about it, actually. "You are the house elf of the house. Though the alarm is supposed to be tied to me so..."
Something to think about later.
"An alarm? An alarm against wot?"
"My mother."
"Your-"
"Eggsy! Unca Harry!" Running into the room Daisy looked spooked, the toddler clutching Mr. Fox protectively against her chest. "I feels funny!"
"Oh. Fascinating." He was going to have to tell Merlin about this. Hopefully the other man could explain it to him. And perhaps alter it a little so that Daisy wouldn't be affected. Though really, she would probably appreciate the warning too, once she knew what she was getting into when it came to her 'grandmother'.
"Your mum?" Eggsy prompted, hands on his hips while Daisy hurried over to lean up against her brother's leg, hugging the limb while joining Eggsy in looking at Harry expectantly.
"I put wards up in the neighborhood so that I'd have a two block warning whenever she's in the vicinity of the house. It keeps her from catching me off guard. And gives me the chance to flee or hide my presence if I need to." Harry reluctantly tacked on. He didn't like admitting the cowardice of that...but again, once they met his mother they were sure to understand.
"She's your MUM."
Understanding Eggsy's scandalized expression-not to mention the fact that the boy had just recently lost his mother and likely still felt her absence acutely-Harry reached over to give Eggsy's shoulder a squeeze.
"I love her. I do. But she's...you'll see."
"I'll..." It was Eggsy's turn to trail off, his beautiful eyes going even wider as something apparently sank in. "I'm about ta meet your mum. Fuck! I gotta change."
And so saying Eggsy dislodged Daisy from his leg, handed her over to a surprised Harry, and then took off running, the sound of his feet pounding up the stairs soon reaching their ears.
)
Harry thought about calling out after Eggsy, telling him that he didn't need to change, but after a second to think about it he wisely opted to shut his mouth and keep mum on the subject. Yes, in his opinion Eggsy could make even the gaudiest of chav wear look somewhat appealing-if only because of the joy Harry had imagining removing the offending garments from Eggsy's body-but even if that weren't the case it was Eggsy's body, and therefore Eggsy's choice what he wore over it. Harry wouldn't treat his lover like a child and try to dress him or make him think that he needed to change in order to be more attractive or acceptable to Harry's mother. That being said...his mother was the sort who would insist on buying Eggsy a whole new wardrobe if she thought it necessary. Whether Eggsy liked the idea or not. Ergo...better to ease Eggsy into the insanity that was his mother as gently as possible.
"Your mummy is coming?"
Turning his attention to Daisy, who was looking adorable in her panda bear jammies and therefore had no need to change, Harry stated that yes, he was pretty sure she was.
As if on cue another jolt went through him, confirming that she'd just turned in on his street and was now approaching the house.
"Right. Here we go, then. Brace yourself." Harry told Daisy quite seriously.
Not surprisingly the little girl didn't know what to make of his warning as Harry adjusted his hold so that she was more comfortably resting on his hip, but there was no time to explain as they headed for the front door so that they were there when the doorbell rang.
Taking a deep breath, and sending up a quiet prayer to the powers that be that they all survived this, Harry unlocked the front door and then opened it, fixing a welcoming smile on his face.
His mother had cut her hair since he'd last seen her. She was sporting bangs again. Her expertly highlighted blonde hair was pulled back in an elegant twist, not a hair out of place, and she'd quite obviously freshened her makeup before leaving the car. In his opinion she looked nearly twenty years younger than she was, not that she would take that as a compliment if he were to say so. She preferred to believe she still looked middle aged, max, and heaven help the poor fool who suggested otherwise.
She was also, Harry noted, sporting those ridiculously long fake nails that were so in fashion these days. Daisy was liable to think they were claws if she caught sight of them. Heaven knows they looked lethal enough from Harry's point of view.
"Ahem."
Oops. "Good evening, Mother. I was just admiring the color of your nails."
Eyes narrowed and arms moving to cross in front of her, Harry's mother sent him a look that said she was very much not amused or distracted from his lack of manners in not greeting her right away.
"You put wards up around the neighborhood again, didn't you?"
Ah. Hell. He shouldn't have been so quick to answer the door. "I am the head of Kingsman, Mother."
"So none of those wards are specifically tailored to me? Like the previous ones."
Ah yes. The lovely reminder that he had to keep upgrading and testing the wards meant for her because she kept paying people to dismantle them.
"I've missed you. Meet your only grandchild, Daisy."
Silently Harry apologized to Daisy for essentially throwing her to the wolves, but in this case it wasn't like his mother would eat her. Just pinch her cheeks, talk to her like she was a baby, and possibly crush Daisy's face into her man made breasts for an uncomfortable minute or two. Harry would of course rescue her immediately should that occur. Obviously.
Shooting him a look that said they weren't done discussing the wards, because of course they weren't, Olivia Hart Declan Baker Statton Bradford shook her head at him and then turned her focus to plastering on a smile as she beamed at Daisy, who immediately reached up to flip her hood up and over her head, then for added measure turned to hid her face against Harry's chest with Mr. Fox as an extra shield.
"Oh there, there, Sweetie. No need to be shy! I'm so happy to finally get to meet you in person. Remember, we've talked a few times on the phone. I'm your honorary grandmother."
Was that how she was putting it? Because technically Daisy was not only technically her actual step granddaughter, but was also young enough to be his mother's great grandchild at this point. She should wish she was as young as the average grandparent.
Dear God, he was technically old enough to be someone's grandfather. How depressing.
"Poor child. And the hair... But don't you worry, my darling girl. I have just the thing for that in the car."
Looking over his mother's shoulder Harry could spot the hired driver currently attempting to carry the numerous boxes and bags his mother had brought with her for the visit. He was doing a good job, but Harry felt bad about not really being able to help the poor fellow out. But that would mean putting Daisy down, and that was not likely to go over well before Eggsy got back. He had to settle for moving off to the side to better give the man room to enter and set his load down on the floor
As if she could read his mind Harry's mother asked where Eggsy was. He was home, wasn't he?
"He'll be right down, no doubt. He was upstairs when the bell rang."
"I see."
Packages delivered, Harry thanked his mother's driver and apologized for not being able to help, the driver assuring him that he wasn't to give it another thought before nodding in Harry's mother's direction, stating that he'd be in the car, waiting, should she need him.
Seeing the driver out Harry closed the door behind him and then turned around to see that his mother's face had softened a little, becoming a touch bemused as she studied him and Daisy.
"I must say, you two look so very domestic. I never saw you as the father type, My Dear. But you're a picture together."
"I didn't think I could do it either, in truth. I wouldn't have survived this long without Eggsy."
"Now that I believe." Harry's mother smirked at him, then started to look suspicious once more. "You aren't hiding your boy, are you? Because you know I'll meet him eventually. And that I didn't raise you to be the sort of man to treat his one and only mother that way."
Going for honesty this time Harry stated that Eggsy had just gone up to change his shirt. He wanted to make a good impression.
"Awwww. He didn't need to do that. I'm sure he looked quite handsome in whatever he was wearing before. Unless he wasn't wearing a shirt before. Did I interrupt something?"
Her meaning crystal clear, Harry very pointedly looked down in Daisy's direction.
His mother just smirked at him again.
"The only thing you interrupted was my dinner. Now let's retire to the next room, shall we? We can wait for Eggsy there."
Chapter 57: Animal Crackers in My Soup
Chapter Text
Important: For the record I grew up loving Shirley Temple and her movies, and as an adult I own the entire collection of her full length features. That being said...yeah, a lot of them are very dated in some ways that mean they haven't aged the best if you're old enough to notice. But I still love them!
Animal Crackers in My Soup
Naturally it didn't even occur to Harry's mother that she might help with the bags and such. No, she just smiled at him expectantly and then glided off in the direction of the room in question, leaving him to deal with them for her. Despite the fact that he had a toddler to carry already. A toddler who was, ironically, much more used to picking up after herself and doing her part than her grandmother was. Which was a thought that both depressed and amused Harry, and of course he wasn't stupid enough to say as much to his mother. It would not end well for him.
Instead of incurring his mother's wrath Harry turned his attention to Daisy, who was peeking out a little now that his mother was no longer in the hallway with them.
"If I put you down will you help me carry some of the bags? I would imagine at least some of them contain things for you."
"Food?"
"No. Well...possibly. We'll have to wait and see, won't we? Will you help?"
"Ogay."
Allowing herself to be put back on her feet Daisy walked over to begin studying the various bags and boxes while Harry attempted to find the lightest bags to entrust her with. They did need to join his mother quickly or she'd come back out to make her displeasure over their tardiness plain.
"Wot's all this?" Eggsy called down from the top of the staircase, the young man hurrying down while his gaze darted around, obviously looking for some other sign of Harry's mother.
Eggsy was now wearing a simple white dress shirt, which Harry approved of as he explained that he'd invited his mother to go and sit down. They were in charge of transporting her baggage into the room for her.
"I'm helping." Daisy explained, lifting up a bag in each hand.
"That's my girl. Let's do this then." Taking a deep breath like he needed it to settle his nerves-and really, who could blame him-Eggsy quickly joined Harry in picking up the rest of the parcels. Then all of them loaded up they headed in search of Harry's mother, who they found on the couch, her attention focused on the television.
"So this is what passes for entertainment these days?"
Harry glanced in the direction of the screen, not recognizing the children's show on it. Though the characters on the screen resembled-wait a minute. He knew that tune. Was that pink creature singing 'Sound of Silence' by Simon and Garfunkel? What sort of show was this?
"Ah, it's the 'Trolls' movie. She loves it."
"Dat's Poppy and Bwanch." Daisy added, apparently feeling safe enough standing between them to speak up.
Watching what was happening on screen Harry couldn't help but wonder if the animators had been dropping acid or on something when they'd come up with the look of this scene. He was a little disturbed, actually. Was the whole movie like this?
"It's very colorful, but-oh, Eggsy, Sweetheart!"
Having apparently just realized that Eggsy was finally in her vicinity Harry's mother bounced to her feet, showing surprising speed and grace considering her age. Eggsy hardly had time to blink before Harry's mother was giving him a hug, followed by smacking cheek kisses before she pulled away, framing Eggsy's face between her hands.
"Even more handsome than your pictures. I'm so happy to finally meet you!"
"Thanks. Lovely to meet you as well, Olivia."
A beaming smile in Eggsy's direction, then her gaze lowered down towards Daisy, who instinctively moved over a little so that she was partially behind Eggsy's leg and just out of grabbing distance. "And I see you're still too shy to come out. But that's all right, My Dear. We'll become good friends in no time. Would you like to see what I brought you? Harry, I'll need that box on the top of your pile, please."
"Yes, Mother."
In short order all the bags and packages were on the table in front of his mother, who had returned to her seat on the couch. Eggsy had turned off the telly for the time being, and Daisy was now perched on his hip instead, arms wrapped around Mr. Fox and her brother's neck. But she was intrigued enough by the potential presents that she wasn't hiding her face, though it was partially obscured by Mr. Fox again, just in case.
The large, square box was opened first...to reveal the fact that Harry's mother had gotten Daisy a child sized wig. A Shirley Temple styled wig.
"She'll look just like Shirley Temple!" Harry's mother enthused, obviously very pleased with herself.
Daisy stared at the wig like she didn't know what to make of it. Perhaps she thought it was an animal of some sort. Eggsy, meanwhile, asked who Shirley Temple was.
"Oh, My Dear..." Harry's mother began, the look on her face making it clear she pitied Eggsy his ignorance.
"She was a famous child actress from the 1930s." Harry explained, thinking to cut off the long-winded rant his mother might launch into about one of her favorite childhood actresses. "You'd probably recognize at least her picture, if you looked it up on your phone."
Harry's mother tacked on the fact that she'd buy them the boxset of Temple's works. She was sure Daisy would just love them!
Knowing he must tread softly Harry was as diplomatic as possible. "They are very enjoyable movies, particularly for children...but there are a few that she shouldn't be allowed to watch. You and I will have to screen them beforehand, Eggsy."
"What's wrong with her movies?" Harry's mother demanded to know, eyes firing up for a fight.
"Mother...they're very much a product of their times. Many of her films are rather racist. When was the last time you watched them?"
Frowning, Harry's mother had to admit that it had been a while. But surely not.
"Mother...I distinctly remember one where the black slaves couldn't understand why they should want to be freed from slavery. And didn't want the North to win the American Civil War."
Harry's mother opened and closed her mouth several times, the look on her face making it clear that yes, she was remembering things from the movies that were not at all politically correct. And had never been morally correct.
"Oh. Now that you mention it...damn it all, Harry. You've ruined a beloved piece of your mother's childhood. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Any number of replies occurred to him, but Harry settled for stating that the films could still be enjoyed, they just needed to be viewed and explained correctly. Which he and Eggsy were more than capable of doing once Daisy was old enough to understand.
Clearing his throat and coming to Harry's rescue-which Harry very much appreciated-Eggsy turned his beaming smile in Daisy's direction. "Come now, Flower. Let's see ow you look as Shirley, all right?"
Daisy did not look sure she wanted to do that, so Harry picked up the wig to show Daisy that at least it wasn't alive. Though if she thought it was a dead animal...shit.
"Here."
Handing the wig over to Eggsy, who was giving him 'gimme' hand signals, Harry had to chuckle when Eggsy crouched down to more Daisy's height and then put the wig on his own head. Naturally it just lay there, Eggsy's head too big for it, and he looked absolutely ridiculous. Which Daisy, of course, found wonderfully hilarious.
"Think it's funny, then? Well let's see ow it looks on you, eh?"
Willing now, Daisy allowed Eggsy to rearrange the wig onto her mostly bald head, the wig fitting her surprisingly well. And while she didn't look like Shirley Temple-her face was thinner and she lacked the dimples-she did look cute in the wig. And it looked natural enough on her head, aside from the fact that no child was forced by their mother to wear their hair in whatever Shirley Temple curls were called these days.
Eggsy used his phone to take a picture, then passed it over to Daisy to see while Harry's mother cooed over how adorable Daisy looked.
"I look like a dolly!"
"That ya do."
Patting her head with a delighted look on her face, Daisy announced that she needed her flower dress. Then she'd REALLY look like a doll. And not waiting for their agreement Daisy took off in the direction of the stairs with Eggsy running after her, calling out over his shoulder that they'd be back in a jiff.
)
"Well that was certainly a hit. She'll be singing 'Animal Crackers in My Soup' before you know it." Or trying to, at least, Harry thought as he listened to the sound of little feet pounding up the stairs. Daisy's singing voice was still very much a work in progress, thought hopefully in the future it would become as lovely as Eggsy's singing voice. Apparently their mother had had quite the singing voice to hear Eggsy tell it.
It shouldn't take long for Daisy to change, or at least he didn't think so, but it had been a long day and Harry opted to take a seat beside his mother on the couch, inquiring as to how long she was going to be in London this time as he turned his attention back to her.
"Eager to get rid of me already?" His mother teased, though there was a hint of hurt in her eyes, quickly hidden.
Reaching over Harry set his hand over top of hers, which she'd placed on top of her thigh. He gave it a squeeze for emphasis. "I didn't mean it that way." Mostly. "You know I'm not good at small talk."
"True." Her other hand came over to cover his, sandwiching it between hers. "You get that from your father."
"So you're always telling me." Every 'flaw' in his character was always attributed to his father.
Personally Harry was just fine with the whole taking after his father's side of the family. It made life a great deal less complicated. Toddlers made it complicated enough. Add in dating someone young enough to be his son and-
"And it's always true. I think we can both agree that carrying a conversation is something I excel at."
"Very true."
"And to answer your question, I think I'll stay in the city for a few weeks, at least. You know London really isn't my scene, Darling. The British are so horribly stuffy and rigid. Especially the older they get. Present company excluded, of course." The smile his mother aimed at him was very...motherly. An unusual look for her, to be sure. "I would imagine your little family will keep you young better than any plastic surgeon. They're both smitten with you. And you're the same, aren't you?"
"Hook, line and sinker, yes."
"Good. I want you to be outrageously happy, after all."
"I know. And I want the same for you."
A knowing wink. "So long as I don't break any laws or give you another stepfather."
Honesty was occasionally the best policy. "Preferably, yes."
"Hmmm. And when should I expect a brand-new son in law? I really have hardly any firsts left, so I'm rather excited about this."
It took a moment for Harry's brain to re-engage and process.
"We've only just started dating, Mother. That's jumping the gun more than a little. And don't say that I'm not getting any younger." He added, anticipating her next move. "I'm well aware of my age, thank you very much. And no bringing it up when Eggsy comes back, either. We're progressing slowly, yes, but that just means that what we're building has a foundation. A solid one."
"I'd argue...but I have too many failed marriages and engagements for you to throw in my face. You know far too much about my dirty laundry."
"And whose fault is that?"
A rueful nod of acknowledgement. "Life is meant to be lived."
"I have a toddler. Life is never dull."
"You have a toddler." She repeated, shaking her head in amusement. "I still can't wrap my mind around it, honestly. Neither of us saw this coming."
"Very true. Thankfully Eggsy's an excellent teacher."
"You always were a teacher's pet."
Harry groaned as he said 'Mother.' in his most pained tone of voice.
"Oh please. Really, Harry. Would you rather I asked you how the weather's been, or how your last doctor's visit went instead?" A downright evil look came into her eyes. "I mean I could ask when you last got your prostrate examined by someone other than Eggsy, seeing as you are getting-"
"MOTHER!"
Laughing with unholy glee, Harry's mother choked out that he just made it too easy.
"I need a drink."
"Get me one too, Darling. You've always made excellent martinis."
Rising to his feet Harry took a deep, calming breath, prayed for strength, and then started walking in the direction of the dining room, calling over his shoulder that he didn't keep liquor in this room anymore. He'd return momentarily.
Harry had almost reached the doorway when his mother said his name so softly he almost didn't hear her. Twisting his upper body around so that he could look in her direction, Harry waited to see what she was changing her order to drink wise.
Instead his mother gazed at her hands for a good minute or so before she finally raised her head, her smile more than a touch wobbly. "I really am, you know. Glad that you've made a family of your own. It's so horrible, to be alone. Or at least it's always been for me. You've never seemed to mind it-but you never seemed very happy, either. You're happy now...which makes me very happy too."
Emotions rising, which as a British man Harry was not entirely comfortable with feeling, much less expressing, Harry had to clear his throat before he could get a response out.
"I'm glad our family has grown too."
In the awkward silence that followed that statement Harry beat a hasty retreat, leaving his mother to organize the gifts she'd brought or check her make up. Her eyes had looked a touch...shiny to him.
)
There were no tears or emotional moments during the rest of the visit, which Harry certainly appreciated and gave silent thanks for. He could no more handle his mother crying real tears than he could Daisy's. He was liable to go to pieces when he eventually saw Eggsy crying, God forbid. Though at least he always kept a handkerchief on his person. There was that, at least. But more importantly, the rest of the visit went surprisingly well. His mother's turn as a very early Father slash Mother Christmas went over well, Daisy quite excited over the new clothes and stuffed koala bear she'd been gifted. The stuffie had been christened Buster Moon after a character in a movie Daisy loved, and apparently he would require a bowtie from Kingsman ASAP.
Harry assured her that that could be arranged.
Eggsy politely thanked Harry's mother for the expensive watch and two shirts she gifted him with, his sweet smile turning to slack jawed shock before breaking out into one of his super nova smiles over his final gift. The brown leather jacket looked amazing on Eggsy, who immediately slid it on and then handed over his phone to Harry to take a piccie so that he could see for himself. The jacket fit the younger man's frame nearly perfectly, and a quick trip to Kingsman could make it perfect.
Though given how appealing Eggsy looked in it already, perhaps he shouldn't offer to have it tailored.
Bad enough he had to hear his own mother tell his lover how sexy he looked in it.
Naturally Eggsy was too giddy and Eggsy to be at all mortified. Instead Harry watched his lover haul Harry's mother into a big bear hug that literally lifted her off her feet. Her expression was such that Harry took advantage of still having Eggsy's phone to take a picture.
Which his mother immediately demanded he delete.
Assuring her that he understood, without actually deleting the picture in question, Harry turned his attention to his own presents, which were clothes-as per usual-a book on butterflies, which he genuinely appreciated, and a purple copper butterfly specimen.
Daisy thought it was quite pretty, and Harry offered to hang it up in her room if she liked.
After a minute or two to think that over Daisy asked if Mr. Pickle could move into her room instead.
"Oh, no, Harry. You still have that dog?"
"Until the day I die, Mother."
"Do you know how disturbing it is to be a mother whose son is into taxidermy? It's so Norman Bates."
Harry couldn't keep his lips from twitching as he reminded her that he would never fit into her clothes and he'd leave the wig to Daisy. And he didn't stuff things himself, he reminded her.
"You still fill your house with dead things."
Eggsy did a fair bit of snickering over that, having made similar comments when he'd first come to live with Harry.
Harry, for his part, was very much used to it and just toasted his mother with his martini glass.
Oh, and any guilt Harry might have told himself he should feel over not deleting the picture died and could go stuff itself.
He was going to make that picture his wallpaper as soon as he could get Eggsy to show him how to do that again.
Chapter 58: We Survived...Maybe?
Chapter Text
Note: So no one got the irony of the koala bear stuff named Buster Moon? Come on, Everyone! Go watch 'Sing' and listen to Taron Egerton sing!
We Survived...Maybe?
Stretching out his limbs the following morning Harry was sad when neither his arm nor leg encountered the warmth of Eggsy beside him in the bed. But that was the norm unless he had to get up as early as Eggsy did for some reason. Or Daisy came running in after hacking all her hair off with manicure scissors, Harry mentally tacked on with a grimace. But hopefully that wouldn't happen again any time soon, which was pretty much a given now that Harry was thinking about it. She wouldn't have hair to hack off for months.
Unless she decided to give her new wig a haircut, Harry mused as he opened his eyes with a great deal of reluctance, blinking up at the ceiling for a couple minutes before throwing aside his covers with a groan of disappointment. He did so hate to get up. Though thinking about his mother's reaction if Daisy were to give her wig a new look did bring a smile to his face. Or at least it did until Harry imagined what Eggsy's reaction would be, especially if the younger man found out how much the hair piece had likely costed. Hopefully they could just keep it in its box for the most part, then donate it to a child who actually needed it.
And he needed to get out of bed. Sigh.
No surprise he was missing his comfy bed even before Harry staggered in the direction of the bedroom door, Harry heading for his bathroom with several muffled yawns and twinges from his body. Eggsy's magic had definitely improved things in that regard, but there was only so much their combined magic and healers could do.
Getting old fucking sucked.
But Harry wasn't so old yet that he couldn't get around unaided, thank the powers that be, and he took care of the usual morning business without a hitch. Or at least not one that he was aware of before he showered to wake himself up faster. And speaking of things mostly going off without a hitch, Harry found himself musing over how well their visit with his mother had actually gone the night before. At least in comparison to how bad he'd been expecting it to be. Visits with his mother were always full of embarrassing stories, questions, and commentary on his life choices that were rarely positive.
Apparently all he'd needed to do to gain some of her approval was get a boyfriend who was young enough to be his son. In retrospect Harry had the feeling that he should have realized that. Ah, well. At least his mother hadn't asked them any pointed questions about their sex life. He'd even give her serious points for waiting until Daisy had passed out in Eggsy lap before telling some of her more risqué stories.
Eggsy, for his part, seemed to get along with her very well, the two very much holding up the conversation while Harry had opted for the role of observer. It had just been safer for him that way. He would have absolutely thrown himself upon a sword for Eggsy if necessary, of course, but-and that thought led to another, more perverted one involving a very different sort of 'sword', which ended with the filthy image now floating around in his head. Images and then an outright play by play that distracted and stimulated him into having to have a talk with his little brain about how he didn't have time to deal with him at the moment. Plus an orgasm would make him more tired, and right now he was sleep deprived already. His mother had not wanted to leave for some reason, and had stayed late. You'd have thought she was the twenty something, the way she'd outlasted both he and Eggsy.
But the visit hadn't ended in disaster, and no one was traumatized. A little loss sleep was worth that miracle.
Finishing up his shower as quickly as possible before he gave into temptation, Harry got out and dried off, wrapping his towel around his waist as soon as he was done. That done Harry turned his attention to his reflection in the mirror, pleased to see that the spell that kept his mirror from fogging up was still working well. Even if that did mean he had a clear view of the fact that he didn't look his best when wet. It was a good thing Eggsy liked how he looked in suits so much. And getting him out of them.
Smiling over that bolstering thought Harry retrieved his robe to switch it with the towel since he wasn't about to risk running into Daisy wearing only a towel around his waist. Especially since she had a habit of tugging on things to get someone's immediate attention. Flashing his child would traumatize them both in horrifying ways. And therapy would be required, at least on his part.
With that in mind Harry finished up and then poked his head out to confirm that Daisy was not around-she was not-and then made a hasty beeline for his bedroom and his closet to get ready for the day.
Of course he was only in his pants, trousers in hand, when Daisy started banging on the door with both fists, demanding to know if he was up yet cause the pancakes were ready.
"I'll be right down. You two can start without me."
"Eggsy says we can't start without ya!"
Chuckling in spite of himself Harry called out for her to tell Eggsy that he had said it was all right to start eating, all the while hurriedly getting his lower half covered just in case she decided she needed to speak to him face to face. Or as best as two people of their varying heights could, anyway.
"OGAY!"
Sounds of very loud toddler stomping followed that statement, Daisy taking off back down the hallway towards the stairs at little girl speed. Harry had no idea where she found all that energy so early in the morning. Hopefully she wouldn't take the stairs too quickly and remembered to bump her way down. She did love her pancakes.
But no sounds of distress reached him, thankfully, and Harry had donned his dress shirt, suit jacket, and was looping his tie around his neck before Daisy came stomping back down the hallway again to inform him that Eggsy was apparently refusing to feed her until Harry was present at the table. Her tone made it clear how unacceptable she found this.
A far cry, Harry mused, from the little girl who'd had to be prompted, with Eggsy beside her, to knock on his door in the past, much less speak more than a couple of words to him.
Now, here she was, Daisy decision to open and then march into the room without asking first further emphasizing how far they'd come since she'd come to live with him. Also her impatience with him and the situation at hand, Harry mentally tacked on with a small smile. And while Harry hated to scold her, he'd hate her walking in on Eggsy and himself naked even more.
"Daisy. You know that you're supposed to knock first, remember?"
"Oops?"
Shaking his head in amusement Harry decided that he could don his socks and shoes after breakfast. "Right. Lead the way, then."
He finished tying his tie while he followed her out, Harry delighted when she took his hand once he was finished. Of course she only held it until they reached the stairs-she did love to go down on her bottom-but it was the thought that counted. And she was adorable bouncing down the stairs beside him.
"I see you're wearing one of your new tops."
"Yup!"
The top looked like it couldn't decide whether it wanted to be a top or a dress, but apparently that was in style and looked quite charming with Daisy's favorite pair of bumblebee striped tights. Not what his mother would have paired with the black top with white flowers embroidered around the short sleeves, neckline and hem. Oh well.
"Is Mr. Moon joining us, or remaining in your room this morning?"
Having reached the bottom Daisy made 'hurry up' gestures with her hands while explaining that Mr. Moon was also apparently anxious for breakfast to begin, waiting at the table with Mr. Fox.
Possibly because he feared Daisy would eat him instead, was she made to wait any longer, Harry thought but didn't say.
Instead together they entered the dining room and headed for their respective chairs, Eggsy in the process of cutting up Daisy's pancakes for her, much to her vocal delight.
Oh yes. He was most certainly awake now.
Then Eggsy looked up with a soft smile to say good morning and all was right with Harry's world.
)
Pancakes were a lovely way to start the day as well, Harry happy to join Daisy in demolishing the ones on his plate after ensuring that his had the proper amount of butter and syrup. Daisy had quite a bit of both on hers as well, and Harry was hopefully that he had less syrup on his face than she had on hers. Periodically Harry made it a point to lick his lips, just in case, which Eggsy seemed to take entirely the wrong way based on the heated looks he got in turn. Not that Harry was complaining in the slightest. Or licking more than was strictly necessary. He was just making sure he got all the syrup, nothing more. There was a child present, after all.
Even if a bomb could potentially explode outside the house without her caring so long as her plate had food on it, Harry mentally tacked on to that thought.
"Why you shakin your head?"
Blinking, Harry smiled at Eggsy ruefully. "Just a random thought."
"Can't believe we both survived your mum?"
Laughing this time, Harry admitted that it had gone surprisingly well all things considered. Though...
"It did go all right for you, yes?" They'd basically gone straight to bed without really discussing any mental scarring his mother might have caused Eggsy without Harry noticing. Though surely he would have noticed-right?
Eggsy's grin reassured him. "Yeah, it was fine. I liked her. She's wot my Grandad would call a pistol."
Harry didn't even have to think about that one. He immediately nodded in absolute agreement.
"She just don't know how to be your mum." Eggsy continued, gesturing with his orange juice for emphasis. "It's like-well your mum just wasn't around for your childhood really, right? Posh people pay people ta raise their kids, so they don't bond so much that way. So you didn't bond early, and now she wants ta be close ta ya, but she don't know how so she treats you more like you're a sibling or mate stead of her son."
"You aren't wrong. Or the first person to see it that way. Things would be much easier if I could see her as a friend or older sister."
"But ya want her to be your mum. I get that."
Yes. Eggsy would. The ways in which their mothers had fallen short when they were boys was different, but in the end their mothers hadn't been there the way they'd needed them to be a great deal of the time. All children dreamt of having a perfect mother, a fairytale life with her, Harry supposed. Though come to think of it, in most fairytales mothers tended to meet a bad end. Even more so if you were a stepmother.
"Now wot's that face for?"
"It just occurred to me that Disney's fairytales are considered watered down, sanitized versions of the original Grimm's tales, and yet the parents in Disney movies tend to fair just as badly, or worse in the long run."
Eggsy snorted in amusement. "Ya ain't wrong. Though Disney's doing better there. Not killing their parents off so much."
"I believe 'Frozen' would argue otherwise, but I'll take your word for the newest ones."
"Yup. Let that one go."
Getting the reference, which was unusual for him, Harry shared a grin with Eggsy.
And thinking to change the subject to something more positive Harry asked Eggsy what his plans were for the day. He could drop Daisy off at daycare.
"Nah, that's okay. I got some errands ta do already. As for the rest, I don't really got nothin planned cept for me and Rox havin lunch together. Well, less you call her off for a mission."
"I wasn't planning to. What are you making?"
Another grin. "Nah, she's treatin me. Says it's the least she can do."
"I approve even more then. Do you know where you're going?"
"It's a surprise."
Harry's follow up question of whether or not Eggsy wanted him to try and pick up Daisy for him instead then, as he was expecting a relatively light day work wise, was halted by the ringing of their doorbell.
"If that's Merlin I'm going to sh- S-H-O-O-T him." Harry only just caught himself. Saving himself from Daisy's considerable wrath given her love of the man in question.
"I got it." Having already gotten to his feet Eggsy was making his way down the length of the table before Harry could even protest or point out that he should get it, just in case. Which might also be for the best since Eggsy would NOT appreciate being protected that way, Harry ruefully acknowledged. However much Harry wanted to be Eggsy's knight and shield against the world-Eggsy would only let him play that role so much. And most definitely not against what was probably his friend come to mooch off of them again.
Pushing back his chair so that he could get up quickly if need be though, just in case, Harry waited, prepared to move at the slightest provocation.
And it seemed fine, murmured voices and then the sound of the door closing. Eggsy calling out that it was an Amazon delivery which was unexpected, since the delivery yesterday had caught the younger man off guard because he'd said he hadn't ordered anything. But perhaps it was another thank you or bribe from one of Eggsy's many admirers and...
Eggsy had yet to come back in.
"Eggsy?"
No response.
Harry called out a little louder, again, no response.
Fuck
Ordering Daisy to stay put and call if she needed him Harry leapt into action, not caring that he was quite possibly overreacting in the extreme as he ran for the front hallway where Eggsy stood still as a statue, staring down at what looked like an ordinary Amazon package to Harry. It looked about the size of a thick hardcover, slightly smaller, and before Harry could ask what was wrong Eggsy sensed his presence and looked up.
And upon meeting his eyes Eggsy turned bright red and immediately hid the box behind his back like a little boy who'd been caught with his hands in the biscuit jar. Actually, no. Scratch that. Like a teenage boy who'd been caught with a dirty magazine by his mother. Possibly with his pants down.
What had he ordered that would make him-no, really, Harry realized with a frown, what could Eggsy have possibly ordered that would fit in that sort of box? Visual porn was the most obvious answer, but Eggsy would have kept that to his laptop or ereader. An article of clothing...?
Not important. What was important was that Eggsy was not in danger and clearly did not want to discuss the box in question.
It wasn't easy, but Harry managed not to grin as he apologized for rushing in and overreacting. He'd leave Eggsy to open his package in peace. While silently hoping that he'd find out soon what Eggsy had bought. For a variety of reasons.
"I didn't-it's for both of us."
"You didn't order it?" Harry's suspicious, protective instincts started to flare up again. Especially since he could think of a number of dangerous things that could fit into a box that size. Hell, there could be a spell on the package itself that Eggsy was reacting to for that matter. "You don't know what it is?"
Wait...why was he still blushing if he didn't know what it was? The box hadn't been opened yet.
"No." Fresh color flooded Eggsy's cheeks. "That's not-Hell. Fuck it."
Eggsy brought the box out from behind his back and held it out to him.
Very curious now Harry took the box, eyes scanning over it to confirm that the postage information lined up and-oh.
The postage info. More specifically...who the package was addressed to.
Mr and Mr. Unwin-Hart
Eggsy was now not the only one very red in the face. Especially since Harry had a very, very good idea who he had to thank for this wonderful moment.
"Bloody, buggering, Hell! I told her to hold off on the wedding talk!"
The silence greeting that was deafening. Oh fuck.
Chapter 59: Fae My Life, Seriously
Chapter Text
Note: Serious sorry for the lack of updates on all my fics the last two months. Work was basically a bunch of Dementors, sucking out my soul constantly. I was not, therefore, in the right mind to write anything that wasn't dark and depressing as fuck. So I didn't write period. I'm hoping to do better in the months ahead. Wish me luck, seriously.
Fae My Life, Seriously
His mother was going to pay for this. Harry didn't know exactly how, when, or how much of his soul he might have to sell to a demon from Hell to make that happen, but she would pay for this. Oh, yes. There would be payment, and it would be dear. But first he was going to have to pay, and pay dearly as Harry found himself doing the worst possible thing that he could possible do in this situation, which was to babble like an idiot without taking a moment to try and organize his thoughts enough not to make this situation worse. Somehow. If that was possible.
"I didn't mean-I'm so sorry, Eggsy. It's not what you think-or it is, but not in the...Bugger! Mother. This was all her-she was making comments about us getting married last night and I told her we weren't. Yet. I was very clear on that, and I told her not to bring it up with you or tease us about it-though of course she ignored me." Harry muttered a few curses under his breath to express his opinion on that before realizing how his words might be interpreted. "Not that I don't want to marry you someday, if that suits us and our relationship progresses to the point where-shite! It's just that-Fuck." Come on brain, Harry told it frantically. Start working! "I told my mother not to bring up the topic of possible marriage until you and I had been seeing each other long enough that that wouldn't be out of line. If you were to indicate that that was something you would-not to pressure you into anything! I realize that our situation is highly irregular and fraught and that you might feel that you-"
Harry groaned, wincing at himself. "Damn. I don't suppose you'd let me try that again?"
"Go for it."
Blinking in surprise at the...amused tone of Eggsy's words, Harry really looked at the other man, Eggsy's lips visibly twitching as the other man tried to keep a straight face.
"Think that was funny, do you?"
"You weren't hearin it from my end, Harry."
"And if I had been?"
A bitten off snicker was Eggsy's reply. "I ain't never heard ya babble like that afore. It was pretty cute."
Mortified, Harry could feel his cheeks heating up ridiculously. "And I suppose you could have done better."
More snickering. "Ya could have just said it was your mum being a matchmaker, and not to worry bout it."
Damn. That would have been the more logical, less traumatizing response, for sure. A pity he hadn't thought of it in the heat of the moment. But since he hadn't-well turnabout was fair game.
Or was it? Did he dare tease Eggsy about the possibility of them getting married? Wasn't there an alarmingly high chance that that would come back to bite him in the arse? What if Eggsy said yes to the idea that they might marry in the future? What if he said no? And how long were two people supposed to date before marriage was a reasonable topic to introduce into conversation? Did he want to propose marriage? Wasn't it too soon? Shouldn't they get to know each other better and better establish their feelings for one another. Come to a mutual decision about how they wished to proceed in the future? He loved Eggsy, yes, but was he in love with Eggsy? It certainly felt like they were headed that way from his side of things, but what of Eggsy's? Was he going too fast? Too slow? Why the hell couldn't his mother have left things well enough alone so that he could have had this panic at a later date, preferably when Eggsy wasn't around to see it!
Warm hands on his cheeks, familiar, callused fingers stroking over the skin to soothe. Harry looked into Eggsy's eyes and finally remembered to breathe, which was good, as the sudden air in his lungs felt bloody good. How long had he been-
"There, now. In and out. No need to panic."
Placing his hands over Eggsy's Harry finally had enough oxygen flowing to his brain to say something right.
"I'd be lost without you."
A pleased smile lit up Eggsy's face. "You was doin all right before."
Harry didn't even have to think about that one. "I wasn't. Not really. I had no idea, how much I was missing. Before you."
Eggsy had to clear his throat a bit, shuffle his feet before stating that it was a good thing then, that Harry had him now.
"On so many levels." Lowering his head Harry pressed his lips against Eggsy's forehead, drawing more comfort from the contact. "And I apologize for the babbling. And any offense I might have caused. I didn't mean to."
"I know. If it makes ya feel better...I'm chuffed she thinks I'm good enough for you."
"Too good for me."
Flushing a little, Eggsy gave him a look that suggested fond exasperation. "Nah. You're biased."
"Absolutely." Harry stated, in total agreement. "I think you're wonderful, and will shoot anyone who suggests differently."
Eggsy shook his head, but went back to looking amused and happy.
Right. Enough mushy stuff. They were British, after all. Talking this much about their emotions was not good for them. Everything in moderation, as one of his nannies used to say. That he just didn't want to talk any more about the whole marriage thing until he'd done some research and asked some people about appropriate dating lengths and such. So Harry cast around for something to distract them with, his thoughts landing on the package that had started this whole mess. Which, after a quick scan of the immediate area, Harry spotted the offending item on a nearby table where Eggsy must have tossed it at some point. It was perilously close to tipping onto the floor.
"So what do you suppose she sent us?"
Turning to look in the direction of the package too, Eggsy shrugged. "I figured it was those movies she was talkin about. With the Temple kid."
"Most likely." Stepping away from Eggsy, however loathed he always was to do so, Harry walked over to open up the package to reveal the fact that yes, it was a DVD box containing all of Shirley Temple's childhood movies. Oh boy.
Harry wondered absently if the sigh he made in reaction to the reveal could be heard from outer space. "Well I know what I'll be watching for the next little while. And you too, I'm afraid. You probably know more about what's child friendly than I do."
Laughing, Eggsy nodded, then suggested they go and finish their breakfast.
"Good plan."
And so they headed back towards the dining room where an impatient Daisy waited for them, Harry's thoughts turning back to the questions his mother's little joke had put on his mind and that now refused to go away. Damn.
Eggsy didn't seem bothered by any of this. Or at least he'd gotten over his earlier embarrassment and bashfulness fairly quickly, as he was no longer blushing or avoiding eye contact. He didn't seem bothered at all now.
What did that mean?
That question, along with a few others that were equally frazzling, circled around and around in Harry's mind as they ate the rest of their breakfast, finished getting ready for the day, and Harry headed out to work.
Though the long, lingering kiss Eggsy gave him before he left did make Harry feel better.
)
Harry was still stewing over what his mother had done and the resulting panic a few hours later when his phone signaled an incoming call from his mother. A call Harry felt zero guilt declining. He did the same for the next two calls from her, and didn't bother to read the texts that followed the calls in rapid succession. Giving someone the silent treatment might be childish-but it was also bloody effective too. Extremely so, actually, when dealing with someone of his mother's personality type. So let her stew for a while, was Harry's thoughts on the matter, especially since he had more important things to think about than how else to go about expressing his displeasure with her prank.
After the fifth or so text Harry's secretary buzzed in to inform him that his mother was calling for him.
"Tell her that if she wanted me to speak with her, she should have learned by now not to use me for her own amusement. You should also feel free to hang up after that."
A telling pause, then a 'Yes, Sir' that likely meant she would be far more polite to his mother than Harry was giving her leave to be...but that was her choice.
Knowing his opponent well Harry didn't bother to immediately go back to work, opting instead to get up from his desk to get a bottle of water from his mini fridge. One needed to hydrate, after all, and sadly even the boss shouldn't get roaring drunk while at work. However tempting that was.
He'd just unscrewed the lid when there came a knock on his office door. His assistant.
Sighing, Harry called out for her to enter.
Stepping inside with an apologetic look, she quickly and efficently relayed the fact that she had given his mother the message as ordered...and his mother had responded by stating that she was calling because Harry was in trouble with members of the Fae, and needed to know about it.
"What line is she on?"
"Two, Sir."
"All right. Thank you."
Not only resigned, but absolutely prepared to hang up on his mother if she was blowing hot air up his trousers, which was likely the case, Harry went to pick up his work phone. There was, after all, the slight chance that he or a member of Kingsman had somehow angered the Fae, his mother learning about it through her gossip circles. She was well connected, his mother.
"Hello, Mother."
The sound of his mother screeching his full name was not what he wanted to hear.
"You have one minute to tell me why a member of the Fae would be angry with me or I hang up."
"I'm your mother and-"
"Thirty seconds. I'm in no mood to-"
She interrupted him this time. "Well maybe I shouldn't tell you about the trouble coming your way then, if this is how you're going to be just because of a small little joke that I'm sure Eggsy thought was-"
"Why is trouble coming my way? Last chance."
"The alarm system barrier you had put around your neighborhood, Harry. It attacked Shion!"
Confused, Harry stated that that made no sense.
"I was there, Harry! It threw him into oncoming traffic and through someone's windshield!"
"That's...how badly was he hurt? Has he had medical attention?" Because his mother did not do well in a crisis and Harry had no idea where exactly they were. Had other people been around to assist this Shion person? The barrier was rather large after all, to give him plenty of warning time.
Also...what the Hell?
The working had multiple purposes, yes, but primarily it was an early warning alert when certain individuals or potential threats were in his vicinity. When it came to the latter the barrier should have acted as that-a physical, impenetrable wall that was invisible to the naked eye. Attempts to bring the barrier down would, or at least should have resulted in a hard electrical shock, yes...but not enough to send a member of the Fae flying. Especially since they were always magically shielded against attack to begin with.
His mother continued to screech in his ear. "I don't know how he is-how would you be?"
"It does hurt like a bitch." Harry agreed absently, having caused himself all sorts of unique injuries in unusual situations over his decades as a Kingsman. "He is receiving medical attention?"
"His brother appeared, teleported Shion off to somewhere in their lands, I assume, and now he's back wanting answers about what the bloody hell happened and I don't know! And in case you were wondering, having to wait for answers because my son won't answer his own mother's phone calls has not improved the situation!"
Ignoring her rant while trying to figure out what had happened, Harry had to admit he was stumped. And intrigued, because a barrier that would do that sort of damage to one's enemies could very much come in handy in the future.
"Harry? Are you there?"
"I'm here. The barrier shouldn't have reacted in that way. A mistake must have been made when your friend tried to dismantle it." And now he had the name of the person who kept fucking with his barrier/alarm system, which resulted in him having to pay for a better, more expensive one. A definite silver lining, that.
"Not according to Shion's brother. He says it must be your fault. Which, in case you're going senile as well as becoming more staid in your old age, Dear, is why he's out for your blood for injuring his little brother, remember?!"
"And how is it MY fault the man was tampering with my magical barrier, exactly?"
"This is the Fae we're talking about, Harry. Do you really think that's how Shion's family will see this?"
No. Getting a member of the Fae to admit that they were at fault or had made a mistake was like trying to keep Merlin away from Eggsy's cooking. It couldn't be done short of imprisonment or death.
Not bothering to hold back a sigh Harry asked which house Shion and his family belonged to.
No answer.
It took him saying his mother name three times before she finally answered. And it wasn't to answer his question, but to inform him that Shion's brother wanted to talk to him. Now.
Oh joy.
"I'll talk to him. What's his name?"
"Lantis. From the House of Tempest. Or maybe it's Fray. I'm so discombobulated I hardly know up from down. He went through a windshield, Harry. Right in front of me! I'm going to be traumatized. I'll need years of therapy, and the gods only know what sort of recovery time Shion will have. And disfiguring his very fine arse permanentlythat's a crime against my sex, really. And those men like you of course. I can't believe that-"
With long practice Harry went back to ignoring his mother rant, focusing instead on the very worrying fact that neither of the houses she'd mentioned were ones he wanted to be on bad terms with. Ever. Bloody HELL! The ramifications and-did she just say Eggsy's name?
"What about Eggsy?"
"I said, maybe we'll be all right after all. Eggsy's just arrived on the scene and Lantis is looking quite interested."
"What do you mean, he looks quite interested?"
"Well Eggsy isn't wearing a shirt, Dear. And may I say...very nice. VERY nice indeed."
"Why isn't he wearing a shirt?!"
"Well given how sweaty he looks, I'm going to guess he was out running. Or doing something else that is making him look very appetizing and-how do the young people say it these days? Fuckable? Lantis might be drooling a little. I'll get closer to check...and admire your excellent taste in men while I'm at it. He really is quite-"
"Mother!"
"There's no need to yell, Harry. My hearing is still quite excellent, thank you. Or it was."
Pushing back his seat Harry was out of it and no his way towards the door, phone in hand, as he started issuing orders. "Get the elf or whatever he is away from Eggsy! And tell Eggsy to get back behind the barrier where it's safe. Is the barrier still up?"
"He obviously wants to lick his way up Eggsy's ripped abs, Harry. Not harm him."
"There will be no licking!"
"Well I hope you do some licking or you're not going to-ugh. I do not want to think about that."
Later Harry would marvel at the fact that they'd finally found a line his mother wouldn't cross, but in the present he had more important things to ruminate on.
"No shit. Now you make sure that elf keeps his bloody hands and tongue off what's mine or I'll be declaring war on his whole bloody house AND blame you."
And so saying Harry hung up on his mother since he couldn't take his work phone with him, leaving it on his very started and confused assistant's desk on his way out while calling out to her over his shoulder that he'd be out for an unknown period of time, and that he could be reached on his cell.
That done Harry turned his attention to getting home as quickly as possible.
And if the pointy earred bastard had put so much as a finger on his Eggsy...well currently Harry planned to rip those ears off and stab this Lantis fellow to death with them.
So the elf better behave himself.
Or else...
Chapter 60: The Head of Kingsman
Chapter Text
The Head of Kingsman
Harry cursed his decision to work from the Kingsman estate with every breath he took. He was also looking at his watch with alarming regularity and dismal results, which only agitated him further because he was aware enough to know that looking at the damn thing wasn't going to make time go faster. Or more importantly make the tube go any faster and get him to the shop that much quicker. In fact it might actually be slowing him down somehow.
Or at least that's how it felt to Harry, the powerlessness he was feeling not helping his anxiety one little bit. Eggsy could be in serious danger and there was nothing he could do about it. Well other than what he'd already done, which was to call Lancelot and ask her what time she was scheduled to meet Eggsy for lunch. As it turned out they'd planned for a late one, fuck, but his agent had been willing to head out early and act as Eggsy's bodyguard until Harry got there.
So she would make sure that Eggsy was safe and he was worrying for-Harry's phone signaled an incoming call from Eggsy, the familiar ringtone stopping his musing in their tracks. Immediately accepting the call Harry put his lover on speaker as he demanded to know if he was all right.
"I'm fine, Harry." Came Eggsy's amused voice, the sound of his voice a comforting stroke down Harry's back. "Just calling to tell ya that ya don't need ta come all the way home again. We think we've got things figured out here."
"Is Lan-Miss. Morton there yet?" Oh fuck. Another thought occurred. "Was my mother having me on about the situation entirely?" If that was the case there would be Hell to pay. This was no laughing matter and he'd enlist all of Kingsman and their allies if need be to make his mother pay for this if she was just having a lark.
"I don't know what she told ya exactly, but probably not? I didn't see it or nothin, but I heard how her elfie ex went flyin into a car and such. The coppers are all about still, evaluating things and tryin ta figure out ow they're gonna explain all this. And good fucking luck ta em, cause they're gonna fucking need it. The whole thing fucked up four cars pretty good, specially the one the elf hit. And his brother, Lantis, he was pretty damn livid about the whole thing til I came around and we worked out with Rox what happened."
"And what exactly did happen? The barrier should not have done what my mother claimed it did."
"Well...ya know how my magic does shite without me knowin it? Specially when it comes ta ya? That's wot happened-we think. Lantis says that our bond-yours and mine-is so strong that I reinforced your barrier without knowing I did it. He said that cause the barrier was tied to you AND the house, and ya both belong ta me, my magic did the rest." An awkward cough. "That's what he said, anyway."
"Now that actually does make sense." And made Harry happy too, to a ridiculous degree. Any reminder of how tightly bonded they were was welcome, but the fact that this would protect Eggsy and Daisy that much more was the cherry on top.
"If ya say so. The more important thing is that Lantis and his family ain't gonna be after us for it now. Rox says that they're the ones in the wrong, and that they have ta make this up to us now. I'm getting the vibe they'll owe us big, too. Lantis went white as a sheet when he figured wot was wot a few minutes ago."
The answer to his follow up question of why the elf would react that way came to mind before Harry could ask it. Of course. Eggsy had elvish blood. He was technically Fae, or at least considered kin to. That meant that Shion had committed a serious social faux paus, attempting to take down Eggsy's barrier without permission. Even worse, he'd done so at the behest of a human. Screwing with the humans was actively encouraged amongst the Fae, but you didn't disrespect your own kind-at least not out in the open without any attempt to cover your tracks-without a damn good reason. And when you were caught...you paid.
And oh fuck...
"Eggsy, this is very important. Do NOT make any deals or accept anything from this Lantis. They-"
"Rox's has already given me this lecture, Harry."
"Oh."
"Plus I have ta sing Dais the 'Changeling Child' song at least four times a flippin week. I KNOW not ta make deals with the Fae. Or at least not without someone seriously brill around ta find all the loopholes the pointy earred bastards love so much."
It took a moment, but as Eggsy had stated that particular song was one that Daisy expected to hear often. Very often. Almost as often as the song about the selkie.
"That's the song about the woman who bargained with the Fae for a baby, only to find out that the child would never grow up beyond an infant."
"A babe was all she asked for, their promises they had kept."
The sound of Eggsy singing the words over the phone should not sound nearly as...stimulating as they did.
"And I ain't done tellin ya how brill the barrier is now. Or at least you'll love it."
Harry couldn't help but think that the teasing amusement he could hear in Eggsy's voice did not bode well for him. "Oh?"
"Yeah. So it seems, Mr. Hart, that you don't want the elf getting anywhere near the house...or me. And the barrier is prepared ta move its arse and warp itself ta cover me. Gave Lantis some hard shocks in fact, when he got too close ta me for its liking."
He...was just fine with that.
"So the elf is giving you your space then."
"He don't have much choice."
"Good."
Eggsy laughed through the speaker. "Right. So I'm guessing that you're still comin and I should tell Lantis that you'll be here soon, if he wants to talk to you."
"Yes. I'll be there as soon as possible." And thank all the powers that be, he'd arrived and now just had to take the lift up to the shop and take the car home. A fact he happily relayed to Eggsy.
"I'll see ya then. Drive safe."
"I will."
Saying their goodbyes Harry hung up, feeling slighter better about the situation.
)
Harry feeling better about everything lasted about fifteen minutes or so. And it wasn't the traffic that greeted him once he was on the road and making his way home that had fury igniting and burning through Harry like an out-of-control forest fire. That he'd expected and mentally accounted for given the hour and the route he would be taking to get home as quickly as possible. No, it was a random thought that led to several other thoughts and realizations that had Harry so furious it was for the best that he was alone in the vehicle and had no one to unleash it upon. As it was Harry sped a touch more than was wise, but it helped release a little steam.
Helped enough, at least, that by the time he approached the scene of the barrier accident his fury was still burning bright, but coldly. Ice cold.
Pulling into a side street since there was no way he was getting any closer, much less finding a place to park given the spectacle of it all, Harry found a safe enough spot shortly thereafter. Locking up and leaving the car there Harry made an absent mental note to have the company car retrieved and then focused solely on getting to Eggsy and not killing anyone.
One in particular.
Thankfully for all involved Harry spotted Eggsy relatively quickly, the younger man looking unharmed and utterly at ease after a quick look over. With the advantage of height Harry could see that Eggsy was currently talking to one of the shop owners and, more importantly, was now wearing a shirt. A fact Harry appreciated rather a lot since before his big realization he'd been wondering how he'd go about convincing Eggsy to cover up without coming off like the possessive boyfriend that he was.
God. He still couldn't believe he was a boyfriend at his age.
But the main point was Eggsy was safe with Miss. Morton standing nearby, on her guard. She could defend Eggsy if needed.
Having confirmed that the two most important people involved in this mess were fine and likely to stay that way Harry went into predator mode, his eyes going cold and hard as they started to scan for the other two people he would need to deal with.
The elf was wearing a glamour to hide what he was but Harry saw right through it. And yes, part of that was his Kingsman glasses, which allowed him to see through that sort of thing, but even without them Harry would have known what he was looking at. Members of the Fae might grudgingly alter their appearance so that they could walk among humans without the 'silly creatures' being the wiser, but they were almost always too vain not to look as much like their true selves as possible. Meaning that while passing for human they were still unnaturally good looking, always extremely well dressed, and prone to looking at actual mortals like amused gods who thought humans were made for their entertainment.
This particular Fae wasn't one Harry recognized, but he was known to Kingsman apparently as Harry's glasses began to relay the pertinent information. He was looking at a member of House Fray. He'd have to alert Merlin that Lantis was one of the man's aliases, they didn't have that one listed. As for the elf's true name...that they'd likely never know. A lot of the man's family probably didn't know what his true name was. And excellent, the man was from one of the less prestigious, connected branches of House Fray. That meant he'd be desperate to keep this quiet, especially once he knew who he was dealing with. That would make all this much easier.
Committing the information to memory Harry nodded decisively and then turned his head to look for the final problem to be dealt with. His mother.
Who was currently talking to someone Harry made as law enforcement even from a distance. The bad suit, shoes, and demeanor gave him away as much as Lantis's human disguise. Harry had no problem leaving them to their discussion.
Dismissing them Harry started to make his way through the crowds that had yet to be dispersed or lose interest in the scene, Harry's planned destination Eggsy's side so that he could let him and Lancelot know that he was on the scene before he went to talk to the elf.
That was the plan, but just when Harry was close enough to call over to Eggsy without being rude or having to yell he felt it. Eyes on him that had Harry slowly turning his head to meet the searching gaze coming at him from across the street. And in the stunning amber eyes Harry's own eyes locked with Harry saw fear. The sort of fear that told him quite clearly that while the name Harry Hart probably hadn't meant a thing to Lantis...he recognized Harry to see him. Recognized him either as the new head of Kingsman, or just Galahad. And now knew enough to know that this was so, so much worse than the elf had thought.
Harry could all but see Lantis consider vanishing right then and there. He already knew the elf had teleportation capabilities thanks to his mother and the database, and House Fray was well known for their magical artifacts. And being Fae Lantis would have plenty of other tricks up his fashionable sleeve.
But the elf stayed put as he was apparently old enough, wise enough, to know that a smart being didn't run from a Kingsman. Fae or not. Kingsman had an agreement with the Fae Queens of Winter and Summer and House Fray causing friction between their two 'organizations' over something like this...no. Better to try and keep it between them. So Lantis stayed put and started walking towards Harry, earning points of respect in the process.
A familiar presence, then Eggsy's hand was slipping into his, Harry also catching sight of Lancelot moving into position at their backs.
"Ya know im?"
"No. I don't believe we've met. But apparently he knows who I am, or enough to know that putting me at odds with his House, potentially his Court, would not end well for him and his feckless brother."
"Your mum's still here."
"I'll deal with her momentarily. Please let my hand go and place your hand on my back instead. I might need both hands."
Eggsy's indrawn breath signaled his surprise, but Eggsy did as asked, placing his hand on the small of Harry's back instead. A small comfort, but one Harry appreciated nonetheless.
He might have been out of the field and drowning in paperwork for what felt like an eternity at this point, but that didn't mean that Harry had forgotten who and what he was. In his world he was someone to be feared, respected, and above all else not to be fucked with. He might wear the title of Arthur now, but at heart he remained Galahad, and now Harry slipped into that suit as effortlessly as if he'd never taken it off.
He'd gone head to head with the worst the Magical World had to offer and come out on top. He was, without ego or false pride, a legend in the Magical World. And right now...he was fucking furious.
Harry didn't give the Fae time to give some flowery, empty apology. As soon as Lantis was in range-after cautiously making sure the barrier would let him-Harry made his lines very, very clear.
"Your brother came onto my territory, has most likely done so repeatedly, to attack and dismantle the shields around my territory for no reason the Courts would approve of. Today he failed, but had he not, he would have not only left my home vulnerable, but my CHOSEN and our CHILD. His trespasses have now reached an unforgivable level, and you will return home to your House and discuss with your Head how your family is going to go about compensating MY family for your brother's dishonorable, unprovoked attacks upon mine. And make it very clear to your Head that if I feel your apologies and compensation are insufficient I will make it my mission in life to put all of Kingsman's strength and support behind House Fray's enemies and cause your House every discomfort and loss of status and wealth I can. Believe it. Fear it. I may not be Fae...but this is MY world, and I am no human prey. You're now my prey. Understand?"
A tellingly long pause. "Not many of this world would speak to a Fae that way."
"Do you need a list of how many Fae no longer draw breath because they underestimated me?"
"My brother-"
"No excuses. You have forty-eight human world hours to decide your course of action and then you will meet with me and my people. I suggest you use those hours wisely. Your time-" Harry lifted his arm to check the time. "-starts now."
Holding the elf's gaze without blinking Harry had no problem staring down the creature who was trying, and failing, to stand his ground. Meanwhile he wanted, absolutely, for Lantis to understand that Harry was not bluffing here. He would have this Shion's head on a pike, with Lantis' as collateral damage, if it came to that. They would have potentially caused his family harm. Unforgiveable.
So he would be unforgiving. And show no mercy.
Looking away first Lantis was obviously furiously embarrassed by that fact, but he pulled himself together long enough to incline his head in acknowledgement.
"Galahad."
Ah. "I've been upgraded to Arthur, actually. Best keep that in mind."
It was gratifying, the look that crossed Lantis's face as he muttered curse in elvish Harry didn't catch. Then in a snap Lantis disappeared from sight. Good.
"Fuck, Harry."
Turning to his side with the intention of better facing Eggsy so that they might have a proper conversation Harry found himself turning more so that he could face off against the woman who'd just said his name unnecessarily loud as she came towards him.
Lifting his arm Harry held up one quelling finger. "I'm not speaking to you. You asked that elf to break down my barrier. The barrier put in place that protects Eggsy and Daisy from harm when I'm not at home to protect them. You've been taking down my barriers, putting my life at risk, for bloody decades at this point and I tolerated it. That's on me. But I'm done. When I wish to open the lines of communication between us, I'll inform you. Until then-go away, Mother."
And so saying Harry gave her his back and held his hand out to Eggsy. "Home?"
"Home." Eggsy echoed, taking the hand without hesitation.
"And we'll reschedule lunch." Roxanne stated dryly, joining them in ignoring the stunned speechless woman to her right. "And I'll report what's happened to Kay. I assume you'll want him in on the negotiations, Sir."
"Yes, thank you, Lancelot."
"I'll see you guys later then."
Trusting her to get it done Harry started forward with Eggsy, the two of them going through the barrier no problem.
Chapter 61: Showing His Appreciation
Chapter Text
Note: Big sorries for the lack of updates. Between work being less than kind AND breaking my wrist just before Christmas I haven't done much updating across the board. I'm hoping to do better in the future. Fingers crossed. Also sorry this one's a little shorter...I ran out of time.
Showing His Appreciation
This was most certainly not how Harry had thought things would go. Not remotely. When Eggsy had started speed walking them towards home, pulling him along with him through their joined hands, Harry had assumed that the other man was anxious to get Harry far away from his mother to prevent further harsh words from being spoken. Given that Eggsy had lost his mother less than a year ago, and was still mourning her passing, Harry had understood that. Eggsy had made it crystal clear that he wanted Harry to have a better relationship with his mother the night before, and while Harry couldn't give him that he wouldn't hold any future scolding or attempts to reconcile them in the future against his lover.
The latter definitely wouldn't happen any time soon of course, but Harry was prepared to be kinder about things once he'd calmed down a little more. Or at least be better prepared to be civil to her when Eggsy was around, Harry silently corrected in his head. Or when good manners absolutely required it.
What Harry had not foreseen or expected was Eggsy pushing him up against their front door as soon as they were safely inside their home and away from prying eyes. A move that was quickly followed by Eggsy pressing up against him so that Harry found himself sandwiched between the door and his suddenly very needy lover, being snogged like one of them had been away at war for five years and this was their reunion.
It was messy, uncoordinated, and fucking amazing.
And it only got better with Eggsy muttering things in between kisses and gropes that made Harry feel like he was everything Eggsy could ever want in a man. That in Eggsy's eyes he was the sexiest, most desirable and fittest man alive. Like he had driven Eggsy mad with want when he'd taken the elf down 'like a fucking boss'. It was a heady thing to be wanted like this. Especially given the urgency Eggsy was expressing and showing with every bitten off curse over the durability of Kingsman clothing, not to mention the fact that Harry was wearing so many layers.
A complaint Harry completely shared as he did his best to help Eggsy divert him of the clothing that was getting in the younger man's way. His coordination wasn't the best though, particularly when Eggsy got his trousers open and clever fingers wrapped around his cock to distract him.
"Fuck!"
Things got a little blurry after that, though the sight of Eggsy dropping to his knees to suck him off was one Harry wasn't likely to forget any time soon. That moment when Eggsy had looked up at him, the way he'd looked at him...well that was going to be etched quite firmly in his memory, thank you very much.
What followed was hot, dirty, and quick, with Harry's fingers buried in Eggsy's hair while he let Eggsy's mouth have its way with him.
Harry would have been embarrassed at how quickly he'd come if not for the strength of the orgasm ripping all other thoughts from his deprived of blood flow mind. And eventually, when he regained enough braincells to worry about Eggsy's pleasure, it was to discover Eggsy was equally embarrassed to have come untouched-he'd been that worked up and on edge.
Thank God. He wouldn't have had the coordination to have been much help in that regard.
Instead, Harry found himself sitting bare arsed on his front entrance floor, his back against his door and his clothes hanging off his splayed limbs to varying degrees. They'd held up pretty well, considering the lack of care shown by them in their haste. A thought that entered and left Harry's brain fairly quickly.
Eggsy, meanwhile, was resting his head on Harry's bare upper thigh, the boy's shirt still in place while the rest of his garments had been kicked off and were presently scattered across the front foyer. Normally Harry would have disapproved of using clothing to clean themselves up a bit-but Eggsy's trackies weren't exactly a loss.
And while later Harry was fairly sure he'd shake his head at himself, for now Harry was fine with his present predicament, however undignified. The sex had absolutely been worth it. And most certainly bore repeating in the future.
For now he would just appreciate the view as he absently stroked Eggsy's sweaty hair and tried to remember how exactly one stood, much less walked. Eventually they were going to have to get up off the floor.
The feel of Eggsy moving his head and twisting his body around had Harry giving his lover his full attention. Particularly his swollen, red lips.
Color still beguiling high on his cheeks, Eggsy's gaze was surprisingly solemn. "She's been doin it for decades, puttin your life at risk?"
Ah.
"To be fair, I've never pointed that out to her before today." He shouldn't have had to point it out, but this was his mother, Harry thought with a held back sigh. "She didn't have the previous barriers taken down to hurt me. She most likely saw it as an amusing game we were playing. Or a way of sticking it to me for shielding against her in the first place. Which many would argue is fair."
Eggsy had had a similar reaction to learning Harry warded against his mother, and knew it. Harry didn't hold that against him.
"My arrogance can be blamed as well."
"Wot ya mean?"
"If I'd confronted her, reminded her of the dangers of my job and the need for those wards and shields, she might have thought better of her actions. She doesn't actually want me hurt or killed, after all. But I was arrogant and egotistical enough that I brushed that off and basically pretended not to notice what she'd done. I believed that even if one of my enemies could find and get to my home, they wouldn't stand a chance against me. Which is flawed thinking, obviously, since even the strongest and most skilled can be killed with enough planning and force. It took having you and Daisy living with me for me to...your safety is of paramount importance. And I won't tolerate any threat to it."
"Plus you were already mad at her."
"That too. And her involving a member of the Fae..." Harry had to take a deep, calming breath at that thought before he could continue in a reasonable tone of voice. "I've let too many things slide with her. That needs to end. Now. She needs to start understanding that there are consequences for bad behavior."
Eggsy lips twitched in amusement. "Want ta send her ta her room, hmmm?"
"No. She has far too many things to amuse and occupy her there. As does Daisy, for that matter." Because that was obviously where both their minds were going.
Eggsy laughed in agreement.
"She'll ignore me and the situation for a while, whine to her family and friends about me. I would imagine the reason I'm angry with her will change significantly over time, and eventually she'll convince herself it was all a misunderstanding or my fault." Harry's lips curved evilly. "Which is why I'll be ringing my aunt this evening to tell her what actually happened."
Eggsy's still very distracting and beguiling lips opened to say something that went unspoken thanks to his stomach suddenly growling rather loudly. Reminding them both that Eggsy hadn't had lunch yet.
Chuckling over the increased redness of Eggsy's cheeks, Harry suggested they go hunt up some lunch.
That earned him a concerned look as Eggsy shifted into a sitting position beside him, looking quite debauched and sexy as hell in Harry's opinion. "You ain't had your lunch yet?"
"As a matter of fact, I haven't. Paperwork continues to rule my world." Ugh. "When I speak to Merlin about the fact that I'm staying here for the rest of the day, I'll tell him he can help himself to it. That should soften the blow."
Face lighting up, Eggsy hopped gracefully to his feet and then reached out a hand to help Harry do the same.
Very much appreciating the gesture Harry was grateful for the hand up, his other hand occupied with grabbing and then holding his trousers up to mid-thigh so that he wouldn't trip over them. He didn't even want to think about what a sight he must be at the moment.
"We should shower off first." Dressing, Harry thought as he looked Eggsy over again, was optional.
Hand free now, Eggsy looped them around Harry's neck as he stretched up for a quick kiss.
"Sounds good to me."
)
After rinsing off and getting dressed-with a few pauses in between for more kissing and loving touching-the two of them headed back downstairs to throw together some sandwiches for lunch. At this point both of their stomachs were making it clear that that needed to be their priority, unfortunately. Eggsy insisted on taking over the construction while Harry called Merlin to let him know that all was well and bribe him with Harry's original lunch.
The sooner that was taken care of the sooner they could have their lunch. And, maybe, a little nap?
Liking the thought of that rather a lot-especially since he could think of some delightful ways to enjoy Eggsy's company before they passed out or had to pick Daisy up-Harry readily agreed to Eggsy's plan and sat down to make the call and supervise the sandwiches being constructed.
And helping himself to some of the gherkin pickles Eggsy had already placed in a dish for them within easy reach. He was very fond of them.
"About bloody time you called." Merlin barked out as soon as he picked up. "Is the lad okay? What exactly happened?"
Right. He'd been skimpy on the details when he'd texted Merlin earlier. Of course at the time he'd barely known what was going on, so really, that tone was uncalled for. Not that Harry was stupid enough to say so as he gave a quick rundown of everything that had happened.
Merlin took a minute or so to think it all over. "Well. This could work to our advantage."
"Quite. I intend to tell Kay to do his worst."
"And that's considerable. I'll start coming up with a list of demands as soon as I get off the phone." Another pause, Merlin's tone changing to resignation. "I suppose you're also calling to tell me that you're staying home for the rest of the day. For the lad's sake, of course."
Despite being the boss Harry's original plan for today to be a half day hasn't cut it with Merlin when he'd suggested it before. In the end Merlin had agreed to him going home early...so really this was just a little earlier than they'd originally planned. And he'd do work from home, Harry added, when he pointed that out to Merlin before the Scotsman could start complaining too much.
He just wouldn't do it until much later in the evening, Harry silently added to himself.
The sound Merlin made conveyed suspicion.
"And this means you can eat my lunch as well as your own. Eggsy insists."
A loud sigh. "Fine. But only for the boy's sake."
"Of course."
Ignoring the heavy sarcasm Merlin went back to their original topic for a few more minutes, the two of them talking strategy before Harry told him that he had to go. His lunch was ready, and Eggsy was waiting for him. They had to keep his elf happy, after all.
"Git."
And on that note Merlin hung up on him, Harry amused rather than insulted.
"So ya can stay, then?"
"I can."
Face scrunching up a little, Eggsy lifted up the tray he'd put the sandwiches and drinks on. "You need an assistant, Harry. Ya work way too hard."
Picking up the pickle dish Harry nodded in agreement. "I know. Unfortunately, for the time being, that's not possible. May King rot in Hell."
"Wot?"
"My predecessor. Chester King. He restructured everything during his reign so that his approval was needed for every aspect of our operation. He wanted to know everything that went on in Kingsman-and control it. He enjoyed, I believe, thinking of all of us as being dependent upon his word and good will. Knowing that things couldn't get done or sanctioned without his knowledge and approval. He derived a great deal of pleasure from that."
Taking his seat, Eggsy stated that this King bloke sounded like a right git.
Sitting down as well Harry gladly accepted his plate from Eggsy. "Worse than that. The power went to his head and he damn well almost took Kingsman down with him." Harry wanted to kill the bastard very slowly every time he thought about it. "But as I was saying, the problem is that people got used to him exerting that much control over them. Expect it, now. Merlin and I are trying to slowly change things to give people more autonomy when possible, but also not overwhelming them all at once. Especially as, in some cases, we aren't entirely sure the individuals CAN do the job without someone looking over their shoulders."
"Gotcha."
Following Eggsy's lead Harry took a big bite of his sandwich, appreciating it quite a bit as it hit his very pampered stomach. Damn. Even Eggsy's sandwiches were better than some five-star restaurant offerings. Not that Eggsy would believe him. Hmmm.
"You know...we could ask for more information about house elves, as part of House Fray's atonement."
Having just taken a bite of his sandwich Eggsy couldn't verbalize his excitement just yet, but his face lit up and he gave the idea a thumb's up for emphasis.
Harry had to chuckle.
It was a very good idea though, if Harry did say so himself. They knew precious little, and what they did know wasn't from the most reliable of sources. House elves might be from a very unique branch of the Fae tree, but they were still Fae. They wouldn't have revealed all their gifts to their masters, much less how the gifts themselves worked. There was also the possibility that Eggsy could learn how to strengthen his abilities or to use them with purpose rather than accidentally, which could only benefit them.
Also, if there were cookbooks written by other house elves Harry knew that Merlin would move heaven and earth to see that Eggsy got his hands on them. He wasn't entirely sure he should put that idea into the other man's head.
Though he wouldn't be opposed to the idea...
"That would be fucking sick!" Eggsy enthused. "Especially if I could learn how ta protect ya at work, too."
"What do you mean?"
"Well house elves are connected ta everything owned by their masters, right? And you're the head of Kingsman. If I get super powerful than my magic should mix in with the shields and what not you lot have around the shop and headquarters. That will help keep you and Merlin, and the rest, safe. Won't it?"
Come to think of it, Chloe had mentioned that it would be a good idea for Eggsy and Daisy to spend time at Kingsman headquarters for that reason.
"It would be beneficial-so long as it doesn't put too much of a strain on you magically. And you do have a lot on your plate already." Even with Daisy in daycare Eggsy very much did the bulk of their shared parenting and other things. Harry was not about to ask more when he was already trying to think of ways to lessen the load for Eggsy.
A Cheshire cat smile. That was the only way to describe the type of smile Eggsy aimed in his direction.
Thought there was starting to be a hint of leer in it as Eggsy pointed out that he'd love excuses to visit Harry at work.
Ah. Well. Huh.
Thank goodness he was British and too well trained to squirm the way he wanted to. And Eggsy had likely intended.
Chapter 62: Stranger Things
Chapter Text
Happy Birthday to my Country!
Stranger Things
After lunch the two of them headed back upstairs for a joint 'nap' in their bed together. It was the most enjoyable afternoon nap Harry could remember having in quite some time, no surprise. Sadly, they couldn't spend the whole afternoon in bed. Eggsy's phone went off eventually, reminding them that Daisy needed to be picked up soon from daycare. And heaven forbid they were remotely late, so together they got their clothes in order and then set off in the car to go and get her.
As Eggsy navigated the now very familiar route Harry suggested that once they had picked their girl up they could go out for ice cream, as there was a place near the daycare that was quite good. Or would that mess with the no dessert rule currently in effect?
Looking amused, Eggsy glanced over to smirk at him. "And deny myself ice cream? Nope."
Technically they did have ice cream at home, and it would certainly be a lot cheaper than what they'd pay shortly, but there was just something about ice cream from an ice cream parlor that made it all worth it. Until the brain freeze kicked in, anyway.
"But she's only getting a kiddie cone. No letting her sucker ya into more, get me?"
"Understood. You can have a double scoop though, if you want." Harry teased. "Seeing as we worked up an appetite earlier."
"Funny. And here I was thinkin my tongue had seen enough action for the day."
Fighting to keep a straight face Harry reminded Eggsy that practice did make perfect.
"Anythin in particular I should be workin on?"
"Not a bloody thing." Was Harry's truthful answer.
Laughing, Eggsy grinned over at Harry for a moment, then shaking his head turned his attention back to the traffic in front of them. "Thanks. Same."
Pleased with the compliment, Harry just smiled and leaned back to enjoy the rest of the ride to daycare.
Or that was the plan up until Eggsy teasingly asked whether Harry was going to get vanilla or chocolate, a poke at the fact that generally Harry preferred traditional flavors of ice cream rather than the more wild concoctions Eggsy was prone to trying.
"I did try and like your birthday cake ice cream as you'll recall."
"Yeah. But ya also said regular chocolate was better."
"Because it is."
Eggsy literally snorted at that.
"A gentleman does not snort."
"Oh really? I beg ta differ. Plenty of the posh come ta my neck of the woods ta snort plenty. Or send their lackies for it."
Rolling his eyes, Harry pointed out that that was not the sort of snorting he'd been referring to.
"Yeah, yeah."
"And what sort of ice cream are you getting?"
"Don't know. Will have to see wot they got, won't I. Specially if there's one you're making faces over like the last time we was there."
"Eggsy, I adore you. That being said, if you order Spaghetti and Cheese Flavored ice cream your mouth will not be going nowhere near my person for at least twenty-four hours." He was probably giving himself far too much credit, especially since Eggsy was a quick study when it came to what buttons to push, but it was the principle of the thing.
Just the thought of those flavors in ice cream made Harry's stomach revolt.
"I ain't mad, Harry. Didn't have it last time, now did I?"
"And I heartily suggest you repeat the order from before." Harry shot back, then retrieved his cellphone from his pocket to look something up.
"Wot ya doin?"
"Looking up what the most popular flavor of ice cream is." And if it was some disgusting favor Harry was prepared to lie through his teeth. The internet lied regularly and there was no way on this green earth that- "Hah. Vanilla is the most popular flavor. And plain chocolate is third, so there."
"Wot's the second one then?"
"Matcha, apparently. Which makes sense, given the population of the various Asian countries."
Eggsy sent him a blank look.
"Green tea ice cream, by another name."
After a moment to contemplate this Eggsy stated that he'd try it.
"It's quite good. Though not as good as vanilla. Or chocolate, no matter what the rest of the world thinks."
Laughing, Eggsy just shook his head and then changed the subject by asking how much ice cream was sold per year.
Harry tried to look that one up, but couldn't find the answer and told Eggsy he'd have to look it up later. The best he could do was a statistic that said the average person ate twenty galleons of ice cream a year.
"That can't be right. Seriously?"
"So sayeth the internet."
"Well that's just barking mad, that is. Think of the brain freeze alone, much less the stones you'd gain."
"Agreed."
)
The two of them enjoyed looking up and commenting on the various ice cream related trivia Google had to offer until they arrived at their destination. Unfortunately, the usual parking lot by the daycare was unusually full, necessitating that Eggsy keep driving and instead they wound up finding a spot at a nearby shop that apparently didn't mind people occasionally using their lot for other business. Or at least they hadn't complained yet, according Eggsy. This was not, it seemed, the first time he'd used it for this purpose.
Hoping for the best Harry exited the car with Eggsy and off they went, Harry taking Eggsy's hand in his just because. A move Eggsy appreciated, judging by the smile it earned him.
Enjoying the chance to stroll with his lover Harry's Kingsman training was still too ingrained for him not to keep a sharp eye out, especially after the earlier incident with the elf. Not that Harry expected a member of the Fae to appear and try and take them out to avoid paying restitution-that would be the height of stupidity. But still, it always paid to-
"Bugger."
"Harry?"
Silently asking the universe what he'd done to so thoroughly piss it off-because surely it couldn't be on his mother's side in all this-Harry glanced down at Eggsy and then subtly inclined his head in the direction he'd just been looking in.
"Do you see the attractive young man standing beside the bookshop across the street? Jeans with a black, short sleeved shirt. Coloring brown and brown, androgenous features and slender build."
"Yeah." Eggsy answered, his tone making it clear he could have done without the 'attractive' comment.
"If we were closer you'd see his very vacant expression." Harry dryly informed him. "If Lou ever has two brain cells grow in at once they'd both explode from the exertion."
Appeased by that Eggsy went back to smiling, smugly this time. "So his wheel's still turning but his hamster's dead?"
Filing that one away to use at a later date Harry assured him that not only that, but the hamster had been decomposing for a good sixty years at this point.
"He's a vampire, then."
"Quite. One of Samantha's, in fact. The three of them are." He'd scanned for the boy's keepers as soon as he'd spotted Lou standing by himself. The boy was a harmless idiot; there wasn't a mean bone in his body. That made him very unsuited to survive in the world of vampires. Ergo he required constant supervision as he was a favorite of Samantha's. "The two women about half a block up the street from him. One dark haired, the other dyed red. The one being hit on is Jenny, and the one hitting on the man hitting on her sister is Cora."
"A real family affair."
"Often the case with those two. And as per usual they're almost as bloody useless as Lou."
Making the same mental leap that Harry already had, Eggsy stated softly that they were awfully close to the daycare.
"Yes. So, while Jenny is off in her own little world and Cora is distracted, let's ask Lou what he's up to. Odds are he'll tell us."
Remembering from before Eggsy let go of Harry's hand so that it was free if needed. Though Eggsy immediately started cracking his knuckles with an expression on his face that didn't bode well for Lou, so that could factor in as well. Eggsy wouldn't stand much chance against a member of the Fae without training, but a human could go toe to toe with a vampire and win provided he knew what he was doing.
Lou wasn't a challenge on his best day.
Case in point the vampire didn't even notice them approach him, the boy's attention apparently fixed on...something. Something visible to only him because Harry could see nothing worth viewing himself. But that worked for him as Lou actually visibly jolted when Harry called his attention to him.
"Good afternoon, Lou. I trust you're well."
Blinking in confusion, Lou stared at Harry in that universal way that said he had absolutely no idea who Harry was.
Leaving him to struggle with that Harry asked him what had brought him to this part of London.
"We're looking for..." Lou trailed off as it apparently only then registered that rather than continue to stare at Harry in the hopes that his name would come to him, Lou might want to check out the danger Harry's companion might pose.
And bollocks. The way Lou was looking at Eggsy very strongly suggested that Eggsy was the person they were looking for. Or one of two, if they were also looking for Daisy.
"Really. And why exactly were you looking for Eggsy, Lou?"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh."
The sound of his name being called by female voices had Lou literally wilting in relief, the boy whirling around to wave desperately at the vampire sisters running over to save him from himself.
That Lou was so casually giving them his back without an ounce of concern was all the testament anyone needed as to the boy's intelligence. Or lack thereof.
Chancing a quick glance in Eggsy's direction, Harry was satisfied to see that Eggsy was thinking the same.
While Cora pulled Lou away from Harry with a hard yank Jenny got between them with a smile that couldn't have been more awkward and forced if Lou had planned it.
"Arthur. I hope Lou wasn't bothering you. How lovely to see you and your companion. Hello, I'm Jenny, and this is my sister Cora. You're Eggsy, yes?" It was said in a rush, the girl hardly pausing for breath. Not that a vampire needed to.
"Hello."
"Pleasure." Cora purred in Eggsy's direction, which was not surprising. The woman was as obsessed with getting a man as Greta Thunberg was with saving the environment. And had about as much luck, sadly. At least in Greta's case. Personally, Harry pitied every one of Cora's male victims. They never knew what they were getting into even before she started sucking the life out of them. Metaphorically and literally.
"And what are the three of you up to today?" Harry casually inquired.
Jenny's shoulder shrug was likely meant to seem casual and carefree. To Harry's eyes it looked more like a nervous jerk. "Nothing much. Just enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. You two?"
"We're on our way to pick up our ward, actually. After a rather trying afternoon thus far." And now Harry let a little of the predator show in his smile. "You see early today a member of the Fae decided that it would be a good idea to test whether or not I've lost my edge. Some people seem to think that now that I'm sitting behind a desk for Kingsman, I've forgotten all my training. Today House Fray learned differently, and is even now frantically trying to placate me so that I don't unleash my considerable wrath upon them."
"Fairies? Real ones? Did they have wings?" Lou wanted to know, a vampire wide eyed with childish excitement.
Harry actually hated to disappoint him by telling him no.
"I'm surprised a member of that family would be so foolish." Jenny stated, showing that she was indeed as close to the brains of her group as could be managed.
"As was I. It will take quite a lot on their part to mend fences. I'm planning for them to swear to come to my aid and make my enemy theirs should anyone else try something similar. Particularly when it comes to my lover and my ward."
"Fuck." Cora muttered under her breath.
"Quite. Do pass that along to anyone of your acquaintance who might also be thinking about crossing me in the near future. I'm sure you'd hate to lose them."
Lou nodded so hard and rapidly that it was a wonder the boy didn't give himself whiplash. Meanwhile the girls looked like they'd drank bad blood as they weakly agreed to do so, then announced that they really shouldn't keep the two of them any longer and really, where had the time gone. They really must be going themselves.
Saying their own goodbyes Harry joined Eggsy in watching the three of them all but run away, Lou in the middle to keep him from dawdling.
"Think they got the message?"
"I'll make sure word gets back to Samantha, just in case."
"Good idea. I wouldn't trust that lot ta look after a cactus."
"A cactus?"
Eggsy shrugged. "Well ya have ta have one hell of a black thumb ta kill one of them, don't cha?"
"True. Do you like cactuses?" Now that Harry thought about it, they didn't have many plants inside their home. Perhaps they should make more of an effort in that regard. And even he could manage a cactus, surely.
"Used to. Then a mate of mine, his sister kept one side her bed. She grabbed it instead of her alarm clock one morning. Rather put me off of em."
Grimacing at the thought, Harry agreed that yes, that did not sound pleasant at all.
"Ya thinkin we should maybe have some plants though, in the house?"
"Maybe next spring? It would be educational, one would imagine, for Daisy." Or at least Harry was vaguely aware that he'd read books and seen shows on the telly where children planting things was used as a teaching tool.
"She'd probably get a kick-oh bugger! We're gonna be late picking her up!"
Sharing alarmed expressions, Harry joined Eggsy in walking very quickly in the direction of the daycare.
Lord help them if they were late.
)
Luckily, they made it just in time, which meant that the ice cream was still a treat and not a bribe for being late and worrying her. Daisy, naturally, was thrilled at the idea of going to the shop and all but bounced with glee as she bragged to Danny and Jasper about where they were going. So it was no surprise, really, that the boy immediately rounded on his father and asked if they might not go for ice cream as well, puppy dog eyes used to maximum affect. And so their party of three became one of five as they all walked out together to get their cool treats.
Daisy and Danny were full of stories about their day as they walked ahead of the adults-turning back every once in a while to make sure the three adults were close and still giving them their full attention.
A boy in their class had had hiccups the entire day, which had amused them, and a girl named Clarissa had just joined their group and both Daisy and Danny were a little afraid of her. She was very, very bossy.
"Maybe she was just nervous, and came on a little strong." Harry suggested.
The look they gave him when they turned around strongly suggested that they disagreed.
Danny thankfully opted to change the subject by mentioning that his friend Fred's big sister had come to pick him up and had said Daisy looked like a little eleven. Did his dad know what she'd meant by that? Daisy wasn't a number. She was a flower.
"I'm a flower." Daisy agreed very solemnly.
"You are." Harry assured her at the same time that Jasper told them that Eleven was a character in a show.
"With really short hair like you." Eggsy added, for further explanation.
"She's like me?"
Jasper smiled down at her. "Well her hair is like yours. I don't think you can move things with your mind or get into fights with monsters a lot, do you?"
Big eyed, Daisy asked Eggsy and Harry if she had to fight monsters.
"No, Luv. You have only one job, and that is to help me take care of Harry so that he can keep all the monsters away from everyone else."
"And Mr. Merwin, Mr. Addy-son and Roxy, right?"
"Right."
"Ogay. I can do dat."
Eggsy gave her a big thumbs up.
Chapter 63: Beware Pointy Things
Chapter Text
Note: It is currently August 2018 in this story, just so you know.
Beware Pointy Things
In the dream that Harry knew to be a dream, he found himself standing in the middle of the road, nary a car in sight. The familiar houses and buildings that surrounded him were all dark, the only light coming from the streetlights bracketing either side of street. He wasn't afraid, but wary as he walked towards the barrier ahead of him. A barrier that only vaguely resembled the most recent one Harry had arranged to have placed around the perimeter of his neighborhood, nearly two years ago.
For starters, rather than a mix of blues to signify its linkage to him and his Water Gift there were now hints of green, silver, and purple threaded through the predominant blues. Colors associated with the Fae and someone with an Air Gift.
So what he was seeing was presumably Eggsy's influence on the original barrier, Harry surmised.
It was quite lovely to look at, actually, and Harry would have settled for admiring it a while if not for the individual he could see on the other side of the barrier, waving her hands about as she performed some sort of magic that was causing odd, swirling patterns in the barrier's surface. Not breaking through it, but affecting it nonetheless.
Harry had had quite enough of people fucking with the barrier today, even if this was a dream.
And that was why Harry glared coldly at the house elf that was currently ignoring him in favor of doing whatever it was she was attempting to do to the protective construct.
It felt odd to glare at someone who was about the same height as Daisy, Harry thought to himself absently, he'd been alive long enough not to discount the danger she might pose, especially given what she was doing. Given what she so obviously was.
There was no way to guess how old she was to look at her, the woman's pale blonde hair intricately braided at the sides with the rest of it falling down to midway down her back. Her warm brown tunic was simple in construction, but heavily embroidered with symbols that Harry didn't recognize in gold thread. Sewn with real gold, if he wasn't mistaken. Simple black tights and boots completed the look, no jewelry save for a ring on her right hand and four simple, gold studs placed in her long, pointed ears.
"No need to glare so fiercely, Mr. Hart." Her voice was soft and amused, the accent musical. "I'm simply seeing what the barrier can tell me about your house elf. I have no intention of dismantling it or crossing into your territory."
"And why are you interested in my elf?" Harry asked in turn, not trusting this elf further than he could throw her.
Though given her size he probably could toss her a fair distance, Harry mused in silent amusement. Amusement he kept very pointedly off his face as he awaited her answer.
"You've caused quite a stir in House Fray. They contacted my Master and asked that I look into the matter for them. The degree of repartition that must be paid depends somewhat on your elf's house, after all. And if his House also takes offence...House Fray would prefer to see that danger coming."
"His House is Kingsman. And we have taken grave offense."
Musical laughter, like the chiming of bells. "You may claim him, but his bloodlines connect him to another House as well. A powerful one, if I'm correct. And I am very rarely wrong."
Intriguing, but one never trusted an elf. Particularly when they were volunteering information they didn't have to give.
"We'll see when I meet him in-"
A warm but strong wind suddenly blew out from behind Harry, blasting past to blow back the elf's hair before making her take a couple staggered steps back at the sudden violent burst of air.
Then Eggsy's voice, magnified and booming, came from nowhere and everywhere.
"You're trespassing. Go away!"
Opening her mouth to say something the elf closed it just as quickly, her eyes widening ever so slightly as she stared at the barrier, which had begun to crackle and pop with violent energy, like a live electrical current or a thunder bolt.
Inclining her head in acknowledgement when she turned it to meet Harry's gaze, the elf seemed to be silently telling him something he didn't understand. Then she vanished in a snap, as though she'd never been there.
What the...
)
Waking up with a jerk, Harry sat up in bed, his body braced to spring into action even as he mentally took in his surroundings, looking for the possible threat. A threat he couldn't see from his place in the bed, the curtains drawn and the room dark. Eggsy was sitting up beside him, equally as awake and just as tightly wound. That suggested that something was messing with the house or the barrier, and given the odd realness of the dream he'd just had...
"Is someone trying to break through the barrier?"
"No. She was just messin with it. She won't be doin that again." Eggsy informed him with obvious satisfaction. "I felt it, what she was doing while I was dreaming. Could sense it somehow, that she was interested in it and you. Not on my fucking watch, the pointy earred busybody. Did it wake ya up too, what she was doin?"
"In a way." Harry summarized his dream, ending with the statement that he had no idea why he'd had the vision, if indeed that had been the case.
"I didn't have a dream about it. Wasn't like I was there or nothing. I just...knew things."
"Well, first things first. Let's go check the cameras."
"The wot now?"
Pushing aside his covers with deep regret-though there was no way in hell he was getting back to sleep without making sure it was safe to do so-Harry explained that he'd had cameras installed at various points throughout his neighborhood covertly. Just in case.
"Pretty sure that's illegal as fuck, Harry."
"You aren't wrong. Coming?"
"Yeah. I'm in."
So together they headed out of the bedroom and down the hall to Harry's office, Eggsy taking Harry's hand as they did so. A lovely gesture Harry appreciated, squeezing Eggsy's hand back to silently convey that.
Knowing the setup of his study like the back of his hand Harry easily made his way to the desk in the dark, leading Eggsy by the hand. Harry opted to turn on a lamp situated on his desk since that wouldn't wake him up nearly as much as turning the room's bright main light on.
Though he was still likely to have a devil of a time getting back to sleep after this.
In short order Harry had his laptop set up and the camera feed accessed, Eggsy watching over Harry's shoulder with his arms carelessly draped across it. The boy's body a comforting weight against his side.
Starting the feed most likely to have captured something, going an hour back just in case on fastforward, the two of them watched as nothing out of the ordinary happened on screen. Harry explained that the cameras wouldn't show the barrier until it was disturbed, but would reveal anyone coming close to it. Depending on what the unknown house elf had done, and her level of power, the barrier might-
Harry joined Eggsy in looking in the direction of the study door, having both heard the pitter patter of little feet. A loud knock at the door followed seconds later.
"Come on in, Flower." Eggsy called out, then murmured softly that she must have been woken by the house elf's arrival too.
The door flying open before Harry could agree, Daisy came running in and almost slammed into the desk, she only just barely dug in her heels in time.
"Unca Harry! Eggsy! I think Harry's mummy is coming again!"
Wouldn't that just be the icing on the cake, Harry thought. But no, she wasn't that foolish.
"Harry's mum ain't visitin, Luv. An elf was just messing with the barrier round the house again. It's okay."
"An elfie?" Coming around the desk Daisy held her hands up and put them over her ears, fingers closed. Possibly, Harry guessed, she was trying to mimic the longer ears elves were well known for. It was adorable regardless.
"Yes. But don't worry, the barrier kept her out." Harry assured her. "Your magic and Eggsy's scared her away."
"I did magic?" Daisy's face scrunched up in confusion.
Shaking his head in amusement Eggsy gave her a very simplified explanation as to what Harry meant, Harry turning his attention back to the screen he'd forgotten to pause. Thankfully that proved to work in his favor, since Eggsy wasn't even done explaining when it happened before Harry's eyebrows were rising high in surprise.
"Well. That was unexpected."
"Wot?"
"Take a look."
Harry quickly rewound, then watched it all over again with Eggsy leaning forward, Daisy balanced on his hip so that she could see too. At first there was nothing on the feed-until suddenly the barrier burst into view in all its dazzling color. And the barrier's startling appearance was followed quickly by the elf from Harry's dream showing up on screen for a couple heartbeats, staggering back from the barrier before winking out of sight once more, the barrier doing the same.
"That the elf you saw in your dream."
"I believe so."
"Fuc-fudge. That can't be good."
Harry had to agree.
)
Neither Harry nor Eggsy slept well the rest of the night, catnapping instead. Daisy was the only one in their bed to get any real sleep, the little one passing out quickly in between them, knowing she was safe in their company. She also didn't wake up again until her usual time, which suggested the barrier had been left alone. Eggsy hadn't sensed anything to suggest otherwise, and neither had Harry. And while they appreciated the fact that the elf had apparently decided to leave them alone...she'd still put them on high alert regardless, and Harry joined the younger man in cursing her once morning arrived and it was time to get up and start the day without adequate sleep.
A quick call in to headquarters confirmed that the agents Harry had called in to guard the perimeter of the barrier had reported zero disturbances. That was something, at least. The guards would stay in place until he, Daisy, and Eggsy left to spend the day at Kingsman, where it was safest. Just in case.
After assuring Merlin that they'd be on their way as soon as they were done breakfast Harry said good bye and headed down to help Eggsy finish bringing food to the table and ensure that Daisy was kept from eating without them.
She was slippery like that.
Thankfully he could distract her with the news that she was going to get to visit with Merlin for the day.
"Yay!" Daisy threw up her hands in excitement. "And Thomas and Mr. Addy-son?"
"Thomas, yes. You'll have to wait a bit longer to see Addison, I'm afraid. He's away on business."
"Is he fightin with the tan-ja-rine man?"
Harry's lips twitched at the reminder of Daisy's special name for the current president of the United States. "No. Or at least he's not supposed to be. He's...having a very firm talk with someone who's been misbehaving lately."
"Did they cut their hair like me?"
"No. They...have just been very, very naughty."
"Oh. Father Christmas ain't gonna like that."
The person in question wouldn't live to see December, but Harry just nodded along in agreement.
"You two plotting something?" Eggsy asked as he joined them, a plate piled high with toast in hand.
Smiling, Harry assured him that they were just talking about the importance of behaving, lest Father Christmas find out and take grave offense.
"It ain't even September yet."
"But one should be good all year round, just in case. Right, Daisy?"
Daisy nodded definitively, then looked a touch panicked as she inquired as to whether or not Father Christmas would be angry at her for cutting her hair.
Reaching over Eggsy would have ruffled Daisy hair-had she had any real hair to begin with. "Nah. Not real angry, anyway. So long as ya don't do it again, kay?"
"Kay." Daisy mulled over that for a moment. "How long till Christmas?"
"Months, Luv. We haven't even started Fall yet."
Slumping forward, Daisy pouted over that unwanted bit of reality. For about three seconds. Then she noted that Eggsy was taking his seat at the table, which meant it was time to eat.
"Breakfast!"
Joining Eggsy in laughing at her enthusiasm, Harry shook his head and then helped divvy of the food as quickly as possible. He'd feel better, once they were all safely within the walls of Kingsman.
All was quiet save for the sounds of food being eaten for a few minutes, Eggsy the first to break the silence by stating that he was looking forward to Fall. It was his favorite season, especially as he was looking forward to a break from all this bloody heat. They were in England, for Christ sakes. Not the bloody Carribean.
"It's hotter over there." Harry informed him, amused when Eggsy tartly shot back that it was supposed to be. "True enough."
"I want jumpers. Leaf piles. Ta be able ta pile on the blankets before bed!"
"You like to weigh yourself down with blankets when it's cool enough for that?"
"Uh, yeah? Who doesn't?"
"I find that very, very attractive in a man, Eggsy."
Face lighting up with laughter-which Harry also found extremely attractive-Eggsy shook his head, then slyly commented that he'd keep Harry nice and warm at night so long as he did the same for him.
"Consider it done."
"I will then."
In deference to the small child who was ignoring them completely for the moment-but might suddenly start paying attention to them at any moment-Harry went back to the original topic at hand, asking Eggsy if he was one of those people obsessed with pumpkin flavored drinks come cooler weather.
"Nah. Least not that I know of. Didn't have pumpkin anything, really, growing up. Tequila sent me some recipes though, so I'll give some of em a shot. Did I tell ya he wants us ta come ta America and celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with im?"
"Why the Canadian version?" Harry was aware that the two nations celebrated the same holiday nearly a month apart for some reason, but Tequila was American.
"Cause he wants his pie and ta eat it too. He figures I'll cook im a feast in October and then he'll get another going home and spending the American one with his own family."
"Are you serious?"
"Swear down. Told him no, too. Fuck did he whine. We got ta talkin bout other holidays comin up, and he spent a good ten minutes or so dissing Guy Fawkes Day. I mean yeah, it's a holiday celebrating a bloke getting tortured and murdered, and then burned in effigy all over the country-but still. Americans probably have loads of mental holidays as well. And the whole Fawkes thing, it's tradition."
"Building large bonfires to commemorate unjustly torturing and killing people is actually very much a European thing, I'm afraid. Though given sufficient time, provided they don't wipe themselves and the rest of us off the earth, I'm sure eventually the Americans will start having more violence related holidays."
"Now I'm thinking bout 'The Purge'...and that ain't something ta think about while we're eating."
Harry had never seen any of the movies, but knew enough about the premise of that franchise to know Eggsy was absolutely right in this case.
"Agreed. We should-pardon me."
Harry was a firm believer that one shouldn't answer or look at their phone during a meal unless necessary, but the beep had signaled that the incoming message was from work. Given the current situations with both the elves and the vampires, Harry wasn't going to risk his family's safety just for the sake of phone etiquette.
The message turned out to be related to both, though not in a way Harry had been expecting.
"It would seem that Merlin decided to reach out to Ginger yesterday, asking if she had any information on House Fray we weren't in possession of. He explained that situation to her, which she in turn relayed to Champ. The text message I just received is to let me know that the Statesmen have spoken to House Fray to make it clear that they will answer if we call on them for support against their House."
"Seriously?"
"That's what it says."
"Huh. They must have really liked the biccies."
Chuckling, Harry ruefully stated that he'd had no idea previously, what gluttons so many of his work colleagues were.
"Well, here's a toast to them. May we not need their help dealing with the pointy earred-and pointy toothed-bastards of the world."
Seconding that, Harry tapped Eggsy's juice glass with his own.
Chapter 64: A Kitten or A Muffin
Chapter Text
Disclaimer: As always, I own nothing but the original characters and the situations the characters find themselves in. Thanks so much for continuing to read and for giving me feedback on my work. It's muchly appreciated and I do read every review you send me!
A Kitten or A Muffin
It would seem that they'd suffered enough for the Fates to take some pity on them. Given how Daisy's last visit to Kingsman's headquarters had gone, both Harry and Eggsy had been a touch apprehensive about her spending a day there. Thankfully, however, one of Kay's handlers was in house and the older sister of five younger siblings. Before they'd arrived at headquarters Merlin had asked her if she was willing to watch Daisy for them for a couple of hours, and Evie had mercifully said yes. Provided she got paid in Eggsy's now infamous biscuits, which he was more than willing to supply once informed.
Daisy herself was skeptical upon introduction-right up until Evie informed her that they were going to watch 'Frozen' and paint their nails. Then she was all for going with the pretty lady, swearing very earnestly to be a good girl for her.
Knowing Evie to be a very capable young woman Harry thanked her for the help and then joined Eggsy in waving the two off before heading to Harry office for a powwow meeting with Merlin and Kay.
"Hey, Harry. How many Houses are there? For the Fae, I mean."
"That, unfortunately, is constantly in flux. You would think, given how long lived they are, that that wouldn't be the case, but their love of deceit and trickery constantly gets them in trouble. With each other and with the Queens. A family considered worthy of being recognized as a House must constantly be wary of those vying to become one."
"They can't make Daisy and I be a part of their House though, can they? Just cause we're distantly related, I mean."
Harry considered for a moment trying to pretty it up-then discarded that idea for the honest truth as, in this case, it would be welcome.
"They will consider your blood tainted, Eggsy. The Fae has only mild respect for some humans, and those humans will have had to do something truly impressive in the eyes of the Fae to earn that regard. Added to that you're of house elf descent, which is also considered...less. They do respect the power of house elves, and certainly enjoy the benefits of having one serve them, but your people aren't social climbers or power seekers. They're very much the black sheep of the Fae families."
Not looking the least offended, Eggsy simply stated that he was glad that he wouldn't have to worry about some pointy earred bastard trying to carry them off to Fairyland.
Harry smiled. "Good to know. There are many who waste their lives trying to find their way there."
"Morons."
Amused, Harry found himself quoting Yeats. "'Come away, Oh human child! To the waters and the wild. With a faery, hand in hand, for the world's more full of weeping than you can understand.'"
Coming to a sudden stop with a surprised look on his face, Eggsy took a moment to think about that.
"Okay. That I get."
Understanding why Eggsy would, Harry reached over to take Eggsy hand and give it a squeeze.
"No worries. You're stuck with us now." Eggsy assured him as he squeezed back. "You bring the water and I'll bring the wild."
Laughing, Harry grinned at Eggsy with his full affection for him on display, the younger man doing the same.
Starting to walk again while staying hand in hand the two walked in companionable silence for a couple more minutes before Eggsy asked what Kay had done to earn the Fae's respect. Or did he just know a lot about them from research.
"Ah. Now that's a touchy subject, in the King family. Their official stance on the matter is that those of their line are simply superior-in magical power and intelligence. So much so that they can make mutually beneficial deals with the Fae without issue."
"And the actual reason?"
"It's been suggested that the reason Kings tend to be scheming, power hungry arseholes with delusions of grandeur is because there is Fae blood running through their veins."
"Seriously? But wouldn't they want to brag about that?"
"No. For two reasons." Kay announced, coming around the corner. "Firstly, Fae might occasionally take a human lover but children from such a union are seen as a source of shame by the Fae. Likewise, it's the same for those in the magical community who refuse to accept that the Gifted most likely got their gifts as a result of humans having children with non-humans. And while it is true that some humans might want a Fae child for the gifts it would be born with-they would put themselves and said child at risk to openly name a member of the Fae as its parent. Many Houses would see them dead, rather than face the social embarrassment of others knowing they'd dirtied their blood with such a lesser species."
"Yeah...can't say I'm liking my efly cousins one little bit."
Kay's lips curved in a half smile. "They aren't all bad. Just most of them."
While Eggsy made a sound of agreement Harry posed the question of what the second reason was, genuinely curious.
"They can't tell because the elf they're descended from put spells in place to make sure they couldn't. Some do knowingly allow their non pureblood children live-but they and their family wouldn't want that mercy getting out. Ever. So they make sure it can't."
Ah. That made sense.
"Gotcha. So odds are my 'House' won't be bothering me none, then. Less it's to tell me to keep my gob shut about em, which I'm aces at."
"Not necessarily." Kay informed him. "The type of elf you are complicates things."
Both Harry and Eggsy together asked what he meant.
"House elves aren't normally seen as dangerous because they don't enjoy power, money, or status the way most every human and magical species does. They're content to stay in their homes and make homes for others. That, in the eyes of many, would make them seem weak and powerless. Yet House Fray sent someone to determine which house elf branch Eggsy is from, risking further escalation of the situation. The question then becomes why?"
"I had wondered that myself. Especially with his blood as diluted as it is." And none of the answers Harry had come up with boded well. Particularly after what Kay had stated earlier.
"As yet I have no confirmation...but something did occur to me. House elves influence the home. What if instead of doing so in a positive way...they could do it in a negative way. Make the food horrible, the furniture uncomfortable. Always too hot or too cold, things breaking or disappearing. Not what one would think of as torture-until one really thinks about it. Especially in the long term."
"Fuck."
Harry had to agree with Eggsy on that point. It didn't seem so bad at first, but when you stopped to think about what it would be like to never have a happy place to come home to-especially as anyone who lived with you would presumably also be affected-that was indeed quite the punishment. Was it possible that House Fray was worried that Eggsy's distant relatives would see that that happened to them? Would care enough to come after them.
"Do ya really think that's a thing I ca do? Mess with someone else's house? Cause my magic does shite without me knowing all the time."
"I've never heard of house elves cursing someone in that way." Harry stated, which was the truth.
Kay inclined his head in agreement. "True. It's just a theory of mine."
And what a theory it was, Harry and Eggsy silently conveyed to each other.
Oh boy.
)
As previously predicted Merlin had made his own list of things he thought they should demand from House Fray, including a request for copies of all recipes created over the centuries by house elves. They got a good laugh out of that-they'd all been expecting it. The other items were more practical like access to their spy networks, insider information, magical items, etc etc. Also added to the list was a request for more information about house elves-and the request that from now on all members of the Fae stay the hell away from Eggsy and Daisy. Or else.
"And away from Harry."
"Unfortunately, I do have to deal with them from time to time, Eggsy. And making that stipulation would be, to them, a sign of my age and growing weakness. Better that they think I continue to believe myself a match for them."
Eggsy's scowl said he wasn't liking that.
Perhaps trying to distract Eggsy, Merlin asked if there was anything else he wanted to ask for.
"Info about how ta put protection spells on our home and Kingsman, since it's mine through Harry."
His darling, Harry thought fondly. While feeling a little less fondly over the fond looks Eggsy was getting from the other two men in the room.
"We'll most certainly put that on the list and-" Merlin trailed off, his attention caught by something over Harry's shoulder.
Turning around Harry saw immediately what had the Scot's full attention now. The bird might almost be translucent as it was made of crystal rather than flesh and feather, but it still drew all their attention as it futtered around in front of the window. Trying and failing to get in.
"Well damn. Most impressive, Eggsy."
Confused, Eggsy asked Kay what he meant while Merlin and Harry already knew.
The crystal bird was a message from a Fae. A powerful, high ranking one. And yet it wasn't getting through the barriers and wards placed around the building.
And it should be able to.
They needed to be able to get messages from the Fae after all. That lot might prefer to do their version of policing their own, rather than asking for Kingsman's assistance, but open communication was still key. If the message itself meant to do harm the wards would know and give warning, but wouldn't stop the message from arriving.
Ergo...
"Eggsy. You need to think, and think hard, that that message bird is allowed in. We need to know what it's come to tell us, please."
"I didn't do-fuck. My magic's doing shite without me meaning it to again, ain't it."
Eggsy did some muttering about how bloody unfair that was while closing his eyes and concentrating, presumably, on doing as Harry had asked.
It took him a couple of minutes, then the bird flew through the window like it was air.
Then proceeded to hover in front of Eggsy's face in a menacing way.
"Oi. I didn't do it on purpose!"
A squawk of disgust, then the bird turned and arrowed through the air towards Kay, who held out a finger for it to perch on. And once it was comfortably situated Kay reached out with his other hand and placed a single finger on the bird's head.
Knowing Eggsy wouldn't understand Harry explained that the message would be sent to Kay telepathically, and would have been encoded to give said message to him and him alone.
"Sick. But also bloody annoying, since we don't know what Tweety is saying."
"True."
The message, thankfully, was a short one, the bird hopping back into the air and out of sight in a flash of rainbow light from the sun catching on its crystal wings.
They all watched it disappear, then turned expectantly towards Kay.
"It was from a contact of mine. Rumor has it that the house elf who visited you last night believes you to be from House Farfadet."
"Say wot? That sounds French. Am I French?" Eggsy sounded horrified at the idea. "Bad enough I find out I'm supposed to be short, and have magic I don't know how to fucking use, but I'm not even British now?!"
"You were born in England, Lad. You're British regardless of where your ancestors came from." Merlin pointed out.
"Ever heard of the kitten muffins argument?"
Harry got a very disturbing image in his head of muffins with furry cat ears, legs, and tails sticking out the sides. Especially since he was also imagining them meowing now.
Kay spoke for all of them when he asked Eggsy what he was talking about.
"The whole argument about how if a pregnant cat has her babies in a cool oven, are they kittens or are they muffins. Cause they were born in an oven, just like I was born in England. Allegedly. For all I know that could be absolute bollocks as well."
It was hard not to at least chuckle over the way Eggsy threw up his hands in exasperation.
"Your people on both sides of your family have lived here in England for generations at this point, so I think it's safe to say that you're British, Eggsy." Amused now, Harry gave the younger man's shoulder a pat. "So no need to have kittens over it."
"Oh har de har har, Harry."
"I thought it was funny."
Eggsy gave him the two finger salute-but there was a hint of a smile that said yeah, he'd found it funny too.
He just wasn't about to admit it just yet.
)
Once they'd finished their little byplay Kay spoke up again to inform them that if the news was true on all counts, then that meant Eggsy and Daisy didn't come from a top tier House-but they did come from a very old and distinguished line. One that had the respect of far more powerful players who would, most likely, be inclined to lend their power should House Farfadet decide to cause trouble for House Fray. Word on the street, so to speak, was that Shion would be very, very lucky to get out of this mess in one piece.
"I don't suppose there's any way to confirm his House before we go into negotiations?" Harry asked.
"Unlikely. Though if I get further information I'll, of course, pass it along."
"Thank you, Kay."
"Yeah. Thanks." Eggsy added. "Evie said you were definitely the one for the job, getting this all sorted out."
Eyebrow raising ever so slightly, Kay asked how Eggsy knew his handler.
"She's here today, and agreed to watch the little lass for us while we talked. I knew with all her siblings she'd be up to the task."
"Evie is in today? But why? I wasn't originally scheduled to be in and she's my handler."
The emphasis Kay put on the 'my' came through loud and clear. As did the fact that he was not pleased at the idea that anyone else might be working so closely with the very attractive, intelligent and witty woman in question. Who was also single, to the best of Harry's knowledge, and only a few years younger than Kay. Interesting. Very interesting.
A covert glance in Eggsy's direction confirmed that he wasn't the only one to pick up on something.
Merlin's amused tone suggested he made three, the Scot dryly informing Kay that Evie had stopped in re-stock her candy drawer and take out a few books from the library in preparation for Kay's upcoming diplomatic mission in Austria.
"Oh. Wait. How is she running low on candy again? We've talked about her sugar intake and need to cut back."
"Apparently she disagrees with your edicts."
Kay, being Kay, immediately went all stiff and formal at Merlin's obvious amusement. "They aren't edicts. Just...I'm looking out for her. A good handler is very hard to come by."
"Mhmmm."
Eyes narrowing-but was that a hint of a flush on his cheeks-Kay cleared his throat and then very deliberately turned all his attention to Harry as he asked if there was anything else they needed to discuss now that he had the list of demands and some idea what they would be going up against tomorrow.
"No. And thank you again for your help on this. It's much appreciated."
"And if ya want ta talk ta Evie bout the whole sugar thing she said she was taking Daisy to the Lemon Room, whatever that is."
Kay smiled a little. "We just call it that. It was painted a lemon yellow for some reason a decade or so ago. No one's ever gotten around to painting over it."
"It does brighten up the place." Harry pointed out with a smile.
"A little too much, Sir."
"Right. This I gotta see."
Amused, not to mention feeling very confident that Kay had far more interest in Evie than in Eggsy, Harry suggested that Kay show Eggsy the room. That way Kay could say hello to his handler and Eggsy could take Daisy off Evie's hands as planned. And actually, given the time Kay should see if Evie didn't want to have some lunch with him. It would give him a chance to see she ate a healthy one, at the very least, to balance some of that sugar out.
The look the agent aimed in Harry's direction said he was the worst matchmaker ever.
Eggsy and Merlin's muffled snickering didn't help any.
"Of course...Sir."
Right. Note to self, don't attempt to matchmake again any time soon. Or at least not without assistance.
Still looking very amused Eggsy stretched up on his toes to give Harry's cheek a kiss, and then stated they'd meet up for lunch as planned in an hour. Harry could find them in the Lemon Room, apparently.
"It's a date."
Chapter 65: Nailing It At Kingsman
Chapter Text
Note: The Chanel nail polish mentioned is my personal favorite, which I highly recommend heh.
Also sorry this chapter is basically filler and a little short...I just wanted to post something before the New Year. I resolve to post more, btw. Wish me luck!
Nailing It At Kingsman
So, things didn't go quite as originally planned. As it turned out, Daisy and Evie had decided to make it a movie marathon and had started the second 'Frozen' movie by the time Eggsy and Kay arrived on the scene to relieve her. The girls had no intention of letting a couple of 'dumb' boys-according to Evie-interrupt their fun. Not only that, but as punishment for trying to get in the way of Elsa and Anna's awesomeness Evie decreed that both men deserved to be sorely and immediately punished.
Harry would learn later that Evie had apparently only intended to make Kay watch the movie with them.
Daisy, on the other hand, had decreed that that wasn't enough given the severity of the offense, and that both men should also have to get their nails done too.
Kay's handler had agreed that that was an even better idea, and congratulated Daisy on her quick thinking.
For his part Harry had seen Eggsy wearing nail polish before-this wasn't the first time Daisy had decided her brother needed to be more colorful-but Kay with purple toe nails with white polka dots was an unexpected first.
Eggsy would later confine that he'd done what he could to save the Kingsman agent, informing Daisy that Kingsman agents couldn't wear nail polish on their fingers because identifying marks were bad, and could get them in a lot of trouble. The toes had been a compromise.
Others might have wondered how someone like Kay had given in even that much, but Harry was well aware of the persuasive powers of a toddler. Especially when her backup was a woman Kay was seemingly much fonder of than Harry had previously realized. That being the case Harry had very manfully held back any comments about the other man's toes aside to congratulate the two females in the room on their artistic endeavor.
So of course he ended up wearing Chanel number 531 'Peridot' on his own toe nails. Eggsy, at least, insisted on doing it himself rather than force Harry to suffer through the mortification of having one of his employees do it for him.
The color chosen for him, incidentally, was because it was what Eggsy had on both his finger and toe nails. They had to match, according to Daisy. And while Harry had not had polish attached to his nails since he was a child unable to get away from older female cousins, he had to admit that he was really enjoying the color. It was designed, presumably, to shift in color depending on the angle one looked at it, and the unusually goldish green color did suit him.
As for the girls, Daisy was now sporting sky blue nails with little white daisies in the center. She also now worshipped the ground Evie, who'd come in with a subtle French manicure, walked on.
Movie wise Daisy insisted that Kay had to stay and watch until the end because he'd foolishly confessed that he'd never seen it before. Eggsy and Harry, who had seen both 'Frozen' movies multiple times at this point, were permitted to leave the room to go and throw together some sandwiches for all of them to snack on.
Ergo once his toes were dry and he was allowed to put his socks and oxfords back on Harry headed off with Eggsy to show him to the kitchen area.
And get his finger nails far away from Daisy. Just in case.
Eggsy, for his part, didn't start snickering until they were well out of hearing range.
In between his noise making Eggsy managed to get out that he wasn't laughing at Harry, but at Kay. It had taken all Eggsy had, it seemed, to hold in his amusement and need to bust a gut laughing at how completely and seemingly effortlessly the girls had big eyed, sweet talked the Kingman's agent into letting them paint his toe nails. And the faces Kay had made as he struggled and then gave in quicker than the Belgium army in World War Two...priceless.
Honestly, Harry was sorry to have missed it.
Harry was also amused by the way Eggsy was so clearly fascinated by the hints of red and green that randomly appeared in the gold of his nail polish, the boy trying and failing to pretend otherwise. All the finger wiggling he was doing was frankly adorable.
But Harry pretended not to see, and instead asked why they'd picked purple with white polka dots for Kay.
"Evie's idea."
Huh. "Do you think that means she might be receptive to his courtship or not?"
"No bloody clue."
They had a good chuckle over that all the way to the kitchen, Harry holding the door open for Eggsy to proceed him.
Following after him Harry jolted with surprise to discover that they weren't alone, the kitchen already occupied by four people from three different departments. And they were all crowded around a middle-aged woman Harry recognized as being part of their research department, their focus on the large plastic container she held. A plastic tub that looked very much like the ones Eggsy had bought to transport food in for Merlin.
Oh hell. Was he going to have to deal with Merlin in biscuit withdrawal?
"Wot ya mean, it's almost empty? I just gave Merlin a new supply for you lot on Wednesday!"
Harry joined the others in various versions of 'What?', though for different reasons. He hadn't been aware that Eggsy had sent biscuits for the staff, while the others had never met Eggsy and therefore were surprised to finally meet their biscuit supplier. Harry's sharp ears heard the word 'chav', the look he aimed in the other man's direction draining the color from the prat's face.
And while the arse's life flashed before his eyes the other three descended upon Eggsy like ravenous wolves, wanting to thank him for the treats while also not being at all subtle about the fact that they would like more. As soon as possible.
"Oh for..."
"Easy, Harry." Eggsy even patted his arm soothingly before aiming one of his brilliant smiles towards his latest gluttons. "Happy to do it. Though do you lot know if it was full when you got it? The container, I mean. Merlin didn't pinch any before putting it in here so everyone could have a share?"
"It was full." A man child wearing thick, coke bottle thick glasses assured Eggsy.
He looked barely old enough to drink, Harry silently marveled. Which made him feel depressingly old even as he made a mental note to make sure the lad was at least twenty. He was, the gods save him, in charge, after all.
"Right." Coming closer Eggsy peered into the container. "Cripes. How many people are eating these? Merlin said I gave im more than enough for you guys, but there's hardly any left."
Almost all together the four stated, in different ways, that no, they had most certainly not gotten enough.
"Maybe send a tub to each division. Make sure it gets divided more evenly that way." A secretary suggested without an ounce of guile. Or guilt, apparently.
Eggsy, being Eggsy, just looked amused.
Harry was not. "Eggsy will make as much or as little as he prefers to do so."
Reading their boss correctly all four immediately nodded in near unison. So fast it was a wonder they didn't give themselves whiplash.
Under other circumstances Harry would have been amused by how in synch they were. But as he was not in the mood to be amused now Harry instead turned his attention to Eggsy, knowing that the younger man would end up making more regardless of what he thought on the matter. That being the case...
"I'll assist you the next time you decide to grace the staff with your baking. Helping however I can is the least I can do."
"Yeah?" Eggsy look delighted by the idea.
"I'll look forward to it." Which was partly true.
"It's a date then."
Showing good sense at last, the other four hastily left while Harry and Eggsy smiled at each other like fools. Neither noticed right away, either, which was just as well.
)
The kitchen was kept well stocked with sandwich fixings, soups, fruits and vegetables. Harry explained that once upon a time there'd been staff whose sole job it had been to provide food for Kingsman's people, but over time they'd come to the conclusion that that wasn't needed. Even the wealthiest and most privileged of them could throw together a sandwich, and the less unnecessary staff with access to headquarters the better.
No surprise, they did have staff solely for cleaning and the maintaining of their vehicles, magical items, and the estate itself.
While Harry put together the sandwiches and Eggsy chopped up some vegetables and fruit to take with them, Harry told him about the estate and how it had originally belonged to the Duke of Oxford's family. The history of Kingman and its beginnings was a fascinating tale that took them through the meal prep and all the way back to the Lemon Room, where Daisy proved that as deep as her love was for 'Frozen'...her stomach would always win out in the end.
The movie was paused for the time being.
It was as the sandwiches were being passed out that Eggsy's phone signaled a message from Merlin, the younger man's brows rising over the message.
"I'm getting a special suit for tomorrow?"
Ah, right. He'd forgotten to mention that to Eggsy yesterday, hadn't he.
"You'll be wearing a special Kingsman suit when we have our meeting with the Fae delegation." Harry explained. "It will help protect you in case they try to use spells to manipulate or harm you."
It would be a hassle, after all, if Harry had to visit the Queens and explain why he'd ripped off the heads of some of their subjects. Not to mention the trouble of getting blood out of all their clothing.
Wearing a hint of a smirk that said she might know the thoughts currently circling around in Harry's mind Evie explained to Eggsy that Kingsman made special suits that had spells and enchantments woven into their very fabric to protect its wearer. The process was very long, arduous, and required a high level of skill, so the degree of protection varied depending on the user and the level of protection needed.
"A lot of the items we wear on our person, like the signet rings and watches, have layers of magical protection on them as well, to boost our magical defenses." Kay added.
Harry had every intention of adding several of those items to Eggsy's person for the meeting tomorrow as well.
"The suit you'll be wearing won't be bespoke, or tailored to fit you perfectly, I'm afraid. We keep some on hand for emergency situations like this, where there's no time for an agent to retrieve his own suit, or we need it for the protection of someone in our care."
"Yeah, I ain't worried so much about the fit, Harry. So long as it works and the pointy earred bastards don't try anything."
"Oh, they'll try something. A few somethings." Evie dryly informed him. "They're Fae. Asking them not to manipulate and scheme is like asking the world not to turn." A thoughtful pause. "No. That's not fair. They can occasionally do it. It's just rare. Like a female superhero not having a too tight, too revealing costume."
"Great."
Harry and Kay both reached out to give Eggsy's shoulders pats of sympathy.
"Eggsy?"
"Yeah, Luv?"
"You sad?" Daisy wanted to know, proving that there was indeed something she loved more than food. Or someone, in this case.
"Just a little. I'll be all right though; don't you worry none."
"Do ya need your 'Heartstopper'?"
Eggsy laughed. "No, I'm good, Dais."
"O-M-G." Evie drew out the letters, her smile getting bigger and bigger. "Eggsy Unwin, are you a 'Heartstopper' fan?"
"Hell to the yes I am."
Evie slapped her hands over her heart. "Me too! It's my happy place."
"Mine too! I've read it over and over, specially when I need the lift, ya know? The updates can't come bloody fast enough!"
"Too right." Evie pointed a finger at Eggsy. "You and I have to chit the chat about it sometime. When the kid isn't around to hear you help me brainstorm new ways for Ben to die. I've been trying to come up with the perfect death for him since the first volume, and none of them are horrible enough."
"You can't come up with a death horrible enough?" Kay repeated before Eggsy could respond.
Harry completely understood the younger man's confusion. They were Kingsman agents. Evie was a handler, not a field agent, yes...but that didn't mean she didn't know many, many...many ways to kill a person in theory. Many of which were too horrific to contemplate, much less actually do to another person.
What the hell had this Ben person done? And what was 'Heartstopper'?
"Ben's the fu-friggin worst." Eggsy informed them, obviously seeing their confusion. "He deserved wot happen to him in 'Solitaire' and way worse."
"You've read her debut novel?"
"Wish that I hadn't, but yeah." Eggsy made a face at Evie. "How the same person could create both of em is beyond me. I was so fu- really depressed after reading that book. It's like she wanted ta make the most rainbow and depressing book series ever."
"Truth. I mean at least it was really well written...but I'm sticking to 'Heartstopper' when it comes to her works."
"Same."
"So exactly what is it about this book series you two like so much?" Kay wanted to know.
Eggsy and Evie looked at each other, and then in perfect sync said the same name.
"Nick Nelson."
"Charlie is adorable and great," Evie began.
"But everyone should have a Nick Nelson in their life." Eggsy finished, Evie immediately nodding in complete agreement.
Blinking at the adoring, soft look suddenly being aimed in his direction, Harry assumed that the way Eggsy was looking at him meant that his lover thought of him that way. And while Harry had absolutely no idea as to the character or appeal of this Nick Nelson, Harry did understand that in Eggsy's mind it was a high compliment, so he took it that way.
"What's so great about this fictional character?" Kay wanted to know, likely with ulterior motives.
Which was fair, as Harry intended to thoroughly investigate this character and his appeal ASAP.
Crossing her arms Evie stated that there was no way to really put into words just how wonderful Nick was. You had to read the webcomic to understand.
"She's right."
"And then after you read it you can help us come up with ways to kill Ben." Evie sounded as delighted at that as Harry's mother would be about a shopping trip.
"F-U-C-K Ben." Eggsy muttered.
"I know that! I know that!" Half-eaten sandwich in hand, Daisy suddenly started jumping up and down, seemingly very excited about something as she waved her lunch around for emphasis.
"Know what, Flower?"
"That word." And with the beaming pride shown by toddlers everywhere when they've learned a new skill, Daisy proudly announced her latest achievement. "That spells fuck."
The room immediately filling with the sound of laughter from all the adults save Eggsy, who was alternating between groaning and cut off swearing, Daisy beaming that much more.
She didn't know what she'd said that was so funny, but was pleased she'd made them laugh regardless.
Chapter 66: Flowers For Dinner
Chapter Text
Flowers For Dinner
Coming to Eggsy's rescue Evie suggested that he might consider a new method of swearing, since obviously he was having problems not doing so. Especially now that Daisy had learned what the f word sounded like when spelled out. It was an excellent method too, her suggestion to simply substitute the swear word for a food word that began with the same letter. To everyone else it would be weird, but socially acceptable. Eggsy would still know what it meant, which was the main thing. Using the actual words could be reserved for 'special' occasions when it was really called for.
Thus, fuck became fudge, shit became sugar, and so on and so forth. Given Eggsy's love of cooking and baking, Evie figured it was right up his alley.
Testing it out Eggsy figured he could make it work-Daisy making it that much more humorous by saying some of the food words with him, thinking it was some new game he was playing. Plus, it made the adults laugh, which pleased her.
The amusement of that followed them through the rest of the meal and then Harry regretfully had to say goodbye and head out to actually do some work in his office. Daisy was less than pleased to hear he wouldn't be watching the rest of the second 'Frozen' movie with them, pouting over the news until Eggsy pointed out that Harry had to work to keep her in chips and biscuits.
Once that sunk in, he couldn't leave fast enough to suit her.
The rest of the workday passed by unremarkably, which suited Harry just fine. He did make reservations for dinner, which he announced to Eggsy and Daisy when they arrived at his office so that they could head out together.
Eggsy, who had his borrowed suit slung over one shoulder, the hanger hook held by his fingertips, insisted that he could just make something when they got home. No need to go out someplace that needed reservations.
"I know you could, and it would probably be even better than what we'll be eating. But this is a special treat for Daisy."
"For me?"
"For you." Harry confirmed with a wink. "You were a very good girl today, and you deserve a reward."
While Daisy beamed over this Eggsy gave Harry a look that made it clear that just because Daisy had behaved better than the last time they'd visited here, that didn't mean she needed to be rewarded. Which was fair, since that bar had been set fairly low the last time. And she had scalped herself afterwards.
"No dessert." Harry promised.
"I'm holding you to that. And it ain't super fancy or nothin, right?"
"What the two of you are wearing is fine." Eggsy tended to dress up a little more when he knew he'd be interacting with Harry's agents and staff outside the tailor shop. What he was wearing was a tad casual for the place Harry had in mind, but it was fine. As for Daisy-she was a child. No one would comment that she was wearing regular, everyday clothing.
And if they did say anything unkind Harry would quite happily deal with them. He still had plenty of leftover anger to take out on available victims. Enough for the foreseeable future, in fact.
"Where we goin, Unca Harry? Is it far away?"
"Not far at all, once we get back to the shop. And as to where we're going, that's a surprise."
A moment to process that, then Daisy immediately started in with insisting that they had to go. Now. Immediately. Without delay.
Chuckling over her enthusiasm Harry assured her that he would collect his things post haste, and then they'd be on their way. Naturally he couldn't do this fast enough to suit her, but they were out and on their way quickly enough for most people.
As they walked Daisy told Harry all about what a good girl she'd been, reminding him of that often in between stories about how wonderful Evie was and how Daisy was going to grow up to be just like Evie when she got big. And like Roxie. And Elsa and Anna. And a few other female names that Harry had never heard of but assumed were okay since Eggsy was just smiling and nodding along.
When Daisy needed to catch her breath for a minute from all her talking, Harry asked Eggsy if the suit fit all right.
"Yeah, it's fine. "The bloke who came with it, Elton, apologized a gazillion times bout it being a little too baggy in the leg and the shoulders are a bit tight. Told him it was fine, it fits well enough, but you'd have thought his job was on the line." Eggsy rolled his eyes for emphasis.
"The fact that all of Kingsman knows you and I are dating might have something to do with that."
"Oh." Eggsy considered this. "Right."
"And here at Kingsman we do rather pride ourselves on our bespoke suits. Few things pain the tailoring staff more than a suit that does not fit its intended wearer." Harry smiled. "I would imagine it would be like you being forced to serve food that you knew was a touch burnt or undercooked."
"I'd order takeaway."
"Exactly."
"Touche." A moment's pause, followed by a mischievous grin. "So where we goin, Harry?"
"Patience is a virtue, Mr. Unwin."
"I ain't got any virtue left though, specially round you."
Harry had to struggle to sound stern as he reminded Eggsy that Daisy was with them.
The twinkle in Eggsy's eyes made it clear that he had failed miserably-and Harry couldn't bring himself to be sorry in the slightest as he smiled back.
)
After a trip back to the shop that included more than a few double entendres-because neither of them could help themselves and Daisy had become absorbed playing a simple matching game on Eggsy's phone-the three of them retrieved the car and then drove for about fifteen minutes or so before pulling into a carpark close to their destination. The weather was a bit damp as yet, but not so much that they needed an umbrella for the short walk to the restaurant. They were British, after all. If a bit of rain hurt them no Englishman or woman would live to see their first birthday.
When Harry said as much Eggsy laughed and agreed.
The building they ultimately stopped in front of didn't look like much. It was weathered and decades old, though lovingly cared for now. It looked like the regular entrance to a regular English shop one might find anywhere in the city.
But appearances could be deceiving.
"Spring Garden?" Eggsy asked, raising an eyebrow in Harry's direction over the shop's name, which was elegantly scripted across the doors' windows.
Which was a fair reaction. Especially since Eggsy had yet to see what awaited them.
"You'll see." Opening the right door Harry motioned for them to walk in.
Walking through those and the following doors, the three of them found themselves in a small lobby with a single woman behind a desk to the left. To the right was the doorway into the restaurant, only it wasn't currently visible to them. Only those on the guest list would be allowed entrance. The only thing that hinted as to what lay ahead was the elegantly arranged flowers strategically placed around the room that was no bigger than a delivery lorry.
"Mr. Hart. Welcome back."
"Thank you. Pleasure to be back."
Smiling brightly the woman raised her right hand, a glowing ball of light appearing there.
Tossing the ball of light into the air so that it hovered above her desk for a moment, then leapt across the lobby to hover in front of them. "Enjoy your visit to 'Spring Garden'. Please follow the light to your table. I hope you all have a lovely evening."
Staring at the golden orb Daisy reached out, then hesitated.
Approving her good sense, Harry patted her head and then told her that she could touch it if she liked. It wouldn't hurt her.
Letting go of Eggsy's hand Daisy very carefully cupped the ball between her little hands, beaming when the light allowed it.
"Pretty."
"And there's more pretty to see. Shall we continue on our way?"
After some consideration Daisy let the light go, retaking Eggsy's hand as they followed the orb to the right side of the far wall. A wall that mostly disappeared when the ball of light passed through it, revealing instead-a garden.
"Bloody hell." Eggsy breathed as they walked through the 'doorway'.
"Wow." Was Daisy big eyed agreement.
The room they walked into appeared at least seven times larger than the building that housed it. The tables were spread out a decent distance from one another, the tables made of wood with legs and chairs designed to look like flowers and vines. And all around them were tiered planters and green spaces filled with flowers and small trees, as well as two koi ponds and a small waterfall. Above them, instead of a normal ceiling, one could see bright blue sky. Which betrayed the fact that it wasn't the actual British sky, but illusion magic.
"Freaking A. The ceiling's like Hogwarts."
"It is. The magical ceiling is also why all these plants are real and blooming so brilliantly. In fact, we will be eating some of these flowers today."
"Say wot?"
"This restaurant is famous for its use of edible flowers in its menu. Many of the drinks, starters, and desserts are made with flowers."
"Seriously? Like them candied violets wot rotted the first Queen Lizzie's teeth?"
Impressed that Eggsy knew that Harry smiled as he stated that those were indeed on the menu, should he wish to try them.
"We gonna eat the flowers?" Daisy asked, sounding very confused by that.
"That we are, Daisy." Eggsy grinned impishly. "Of course you can! Everything in this room is eatable, even I'm eatable! But that is called "cannibalism," my dear children, and is in fact frowned upon in most societies."
Harry joined Daisy in giving her brother a very confused look.
"Wot's candy-bolism, Eggsy? Is it chocolate?"
Laughing outloud, Eggsy grinned widely enough to almost split his face as he stated that no, it wasn't a sort of candy. "It's said can. Cann-a-bo-lism. It's a bad thing, when something eats the same thing as them. Like if I ate Harry."
The look Eggsy sent him made it clear he was thinking of eating Harry up in a very non-cannibalistic way...and now Harry's mind was very much on that, which were not thoughts to be having around their child. Again.
"And wot I said before, it's a line from the 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' movie." Eggsy continued, then laughed. "No need to look at me like that, Harry. I said the one with Gene Wilder was loads better at Addison's party, didn't I."
"I don't see why you bothered to see the remake at all."
"Two words. Johnny Depp."
Not liking that answer one little bit, Harry pointed out that Depp hadn't displayed true acting brilliance since the introduction of Jack Sparrow, and even that character had been ruined eventually.
"Fair. And he was a pretty bad Wonka-for the Mary hair alone. Or was it the other way round?"
While Eggsy looked that up on his phone Harry picked Daisy up to carry her in one arm-she was in danger of giving herself whiplash, she was trying to see everything at once-and with his free hand Harry placed it at the small of his lover's back and gently guided him in the direction they were meant to go.
Thankfully, through long practice, Eggsy easily maneuvered his way up a short flight of stairs without stumbling or assistance.
It had been sheer luck that he'd gotten a reservation. When he'd called the restaurant earlier it had been a spur of the moment thought, the idea being that he could book the next available table in a few weeks, if that early. A lucky cancellation had netted him the table, and Harry was pleased to see that it was situated close to a cherry blossom tree that would bloom over them and their table. Magic kept it perpetually in bloom-and would keep any petals from ending up in their food.
"Wonka wore it first." Eggsy announced as he looked up, his jaw literally dropping as he took in the beauty of the setting.
Daisy was just speechless, the girl's mouth hanging open.
As requested one of the table's usual chairs had been replaced with one designed to seat a small child. It was adorably carved all over with animals peeking out of vines carved into the wood. Once Daisy saw her chair she found her voice after all. She insisted on being put down so that she could see them properly before taking her seat.
"You said this weren't fancy."
"And it's not. In the sense of fine dining. Or wardrobe. But they do take a great deal of pride and care in providing a setting as gorgeous as their food." And knowing where a great deal of Eggsy's trepidation came from, Harry leaned in to kiss his cheek. "If you like you can see the bill before I pay it. The prices are very reasonable considering they could charge a great deal more."
After a brief study of Harry's face Eggsy nodded in acceptance, his shoulders loosening up a little.
Even with the generous wage Harry paid Eggsy to take care of Daisy and the house the younger man would never get over memories of growing up in the estates. Would always likely hate the idea of spending money on fancy clothes or food when much cheaper varieties would suffice.
Eggsy also likely hated reminders of their difference in wealth, which was something Harry couldn't change unless he gave a great deal more to charity than he already did. That at this point he already had a 'what's mine is yours' mentality when it came to sharing his wealth with Eggsy was not something he sensed Eggsy was ready to hear just yet.
So, with that in mind Harry turned his attention to the third member of their little family. "Right. Daisy, if you want your dinner, you're going to have to sit in your seat."
Food would always win in this case as Daisy immediately nodded and then put her hands up in a silent demand to be helped into her seat.
Once she was seated in her chair Harry and Eggsy took the seats on either side of her. The tables weren't large, and only meant for four, but Harry didn't mind bumping knees with Eggsy occasionally. Especially when it meant he could admire Eggsy along with the rest of the scenery.
The sudden color in the boy's cheeks had Harry raising a questioning eyebrow in his direction.
"The way you look at me sometimes." Was his muttered reply.
Ah. Taking that to mean it was rather obvious at times how ridiculously fond he was of Eggsy, Harry was fairly sure he was doing some flushing of his own now.
"Where's da food, Unca Harry?"
And Daisy, as always, could be counted upon to kill a moment. Though in this case it was most certainly for the best.
)
As if on cue their server appeared with welcoming smiles to introduce herself and tell them about the specials of the night. Harry appreciated that she took the time to speak to Daisy as well, informing her that there wasn't a child's menu per say, but recommending a few items that she thought Daisy would appreciate. She also brought with her a pitcher of water, which caused the first exclamation over what they'd be consuming as the pitcher contained not only water, but sprigs of lilac in it.
Daisy thought it very pretty, while Eggsy just stated the obvious, which was that there were lilacs in their water. In a tone of voice that made it clear he was very confused as to why.
Lips twitching for just a moment before she got ahold of herself, the server went into a practiced spiel about the various edible flowers they offered in their food and drink, Eggsy absorbing the knowledge with varying degrees of doubt that made it clear that once the server left their table he was going to do a lot of Goggling on his phone.
Perhaps picking up on this the server offered to come back in a few minutes so that they could have a chance to read over the drink menu if they'd like individual drinks.
Harry thanked her and wasn't at all surprised to be proven right as soon as she headed over to check on a nearby table.
"It's actually a thing. Like a regular people thing." Staring at his phone screen in disbelief, Eggsy visibly struggled with the concept.
"It is. Now look at your drink menu so you can start Goggling your options."
That earned him a narrow-eyed look before Eggsy did precisely that, the younger man immediately exclaiming over the idea of drinking various things.
Harry simply poured them all lilac water, and then sat back to sip his and enjoy the show, so to speak.
Chapter 67: Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
Chapter Text
Thanks so much for still reading, will continue to try and bring this one to a close soon. Please enjoy this chapter and HAPPY CANADA DAY TOMORROW!
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
In retrospect Harry realized he should have seen it coming. When he'd first had the idea to try and get a reservation at 'Spring Garden' the thought had been that Eggsy and Daisy would especially appreciate it due to their Fae blood. The Fae tended to enjoy their food in its natural state, with a marked preference for vegetarian options. Daisy and Eggsy were unquestionably fond of meat, but Harry had thought that maybe he should make the effort to introduce them to other options not commonly found in the British diet. And if nothing else the place truly was a beautiful sight to behold.
Still, he probably should have seen Daisy's refusal to eat the pretty flowers on her salad coming.
Eggsy was hesitant as well, but that had more to do with the oddness of eating flowers, not his belief that the flowers were too pretty to eat and should be picked off and taken home instead. Showing Daisy that she did need to at least try her salad with the flowers on it by trying it himself was what had Eggsy taking his first bite from his own plate.
After much discussion Daisy agreed to eat half her flowers to gain 'Flower Power'-a genius idea on Eggsy's part-and the other half got piled up beside her plate to go home with them.
Harry was grateful to hear from their server that she was far from the only little girl to do this.
Thankfully the other two ended up enjoying their salads, rose summer rolls-which were thinly sliced vegetables and rose petals wrapped in see through rice paper and dipped in soy sauce and rose vinegar-and ricotta crostini, also with edible flowers. The appetizers, meanwhile, were much more standard fare and did not require the amount of Googling the other items had. Eggsy had also taken a number of pictures of the food and their surroundings as well, to show his mates later.
All in all they were having a lovely evening together right up until the empty chair at their table suddenly moved back of its own volition, doing so in order to make space for the house elf who appeared out of thin air to sit on it. A very familiar looking one.
"You." Eggsy pushed back his chair in time with Harry, both getting to their feet in preparation of defending themselves and their loved ones.
Daisy, meanwhile, just gaped at the sight of her first introduction to a member of the Fae.
The female house elf simply raised an eyebrow, looking amused by their behavior.
"I come in peace." She stated with a smirk.
"Wot you doin here?" Eggsy demanded to know before Harry could ask.
"I came to deliver some information to you." Was her calm reply. "You may call me Layla, by the way. Please sit down-no one can see me but the three of you as it is. You're going to cause a scene."
That statement was followed by a heaving sigh, Layla shaking her head at whatever she saw written on their very distrustful faces. "I swear on the Queens, I'm not here to cause you problems or harm you in any way. I'm here to help you."
"Fae are not generally in the business of 'helping' people." Harry slowly drawled out. Though he did pull out his seat and retake it, Eggsy following his lead.
"True. Just as you both very obviously know that one does not swear upon the Queens unless they mean it. The chances of the Queens learning about it are slim, yes...but only the most ignorant or foolish would risk that. Especially under these circumstances."
Harry inclined his head in agreement, waiting to see what she would say or do next.
"You're an elfie?" Daisy asked.
While Harry braced to defend again-Fae did not take kindly to human nicknames for them-Layla thankfully just laughed musically and agreed that she was.
Strange.
"Do ya work for Father Christmas? Is he mad cause I cuts my hair?"
The kindness on her face as Layla assured her that no, Father Christmas wasn't angry with her made Harry consider throwing out the book, so to speak, when it came to his assumptions about her because she was Fae. Layla was Fae...but she was also a house elf. Someone whose sole purpose in life was to take care of people and the home they resided in.
"So...I'm getting a puppy, then? Like Mr. Pickles, only not dead."
A side long glance in Harry's direction, something oddly 'what comes out of children's mouth, am I right?' about Layla's expression before she turned her attention back to Daisy.
"If you want him to bring you something like that, you must get your brother and his mate to sign your letter to him, giving their permission. Father Christmas insists on that."
"Ogay. Thank you. I willy like your ears."
"Thank you. I like them too."
Having gotten the information she wanted from the 'elfie', Daisy beamed a smile in Harry's direction. "Unca Harry, can I have a puppy, please?"
Well, bugger. What the hell was he supposed to-
"We'll see, Flower. That's an important thing ta talk about, and right now we gotta talk to Layla bout some important stuff. So, finish your dinner like a good girl and we'll talk about the puppy when we get home, kay?"
"Father Christmas strongly disapproves of children not finishing their dinner." Layla added.
Watching Daisy attack her dinner with renewed gusto Harry just shook his head.
"Never a problem for her, I assure you."
)
"House Farfadet acknowledges them as kin." Layla announced, now that they were able to pick up their earlier conversation. "They are kin to the extent that a threat to them will be seen as a threat to my House. And no, we're not closely related by any means. There are several branches between our two lines, Mr. Unwin." Layla's smile turned ever so slightly predatory, which was a lot more disturbing given her size and appearance. "House Fray is aware of this, and your compensation for their transgression will be...considerable. At least by your standards."
While Harry absorbed this Eggsy asked why House Farfadet had never claimed his family before. Wasn't like he and Daisy were the only ones, after all. Were they just using them to mess with House Fray?
An excellent question, one Harry would have asked if Eggsy hadn't.
"Your mother, grandfather, and so forth didn't have the magic required to be recognized as kin." Was her blunt response. "You two wouldn't either, if not for your mate."
"Wot's Harry got ta do with it?"
Right. It was absolutely not the time or place, but Harry couldn't help but beam on the inside to hear Eggsy acknowledge that they were that closely bonded to each other.
Layla opened her mouth to answer, only to be cut off by Eggsy.
"Wait, got a question before we get ta the serious stuff. I don't want ta risk forgetting, if this is my one chance." Eggsy leaned forward in his seat for emphasis. "Wot the hell is up with the way people react ta my cooking? Ain't no one's been able ta explain it to me, other than ta say it's cause I'm part house elf. I eat the same food as they do, and it's better than wot they got here, that's for sure-no offense, Harry. This is pretty sick location wise, and I like the food and all-but yeah, my cooking is better. But I still ain't moaning and carrying on like someone's giving me a-I ain't enjoying it like they are half the time. Same with Daisy. So what's the deal?"
Pretty damn sure he knew what Eggsy had almost said Harry could only hope his face wasn't as red as it felt. Normally he just enjoyed everything Eggsy made immensely, but sometimes, yes, eating his food was a rather...sensual experience to say the least. Especially in the beginning, when Eggsy had first come to live with him and he hadn't known to brace himself, as it were.
Lips twitching in amusement, it was obvious the house elf was thinking her answer over, choosing her words carefully.
"Presumably you've tried and failed to research house elves, yes?"
Eggsy nodded.
"You would have found little because most don't consider us worth studying. Those few that have shown interest-well we have better things to do than to answer their questions and feed them. Which often seems to be why they show interest in the first place. So, the short answer to your question is-there is no definitive answer. There are theories, which make sense to us, and we leave it at that."
"Theories like...?"
"It's what we were born to do." Was her simple response. "How our magic expresses itself. And just as your mate uses his training, will, and desire to shape water as he wishes, so too do you. When you make food you make it for people you love or care about. You want them to be nourished, enjoy and love your food. You put those thoughts, wishes, desires, into everything you make."
"But that don't explain why..." Eggsy trailed off as he came to the same conclusion that Harry was coming to. Daisy was Eggsy's sister and a child, and perhaps Eggsy's magic would recognize that fact and not affect her the way it did Harry because...well because as a young man in his early twenties Eggsy's mind was most likely on sex a fair bit. And one of the two people Eggsy was most often making the food for was someone he'd had strong sexual feelings towards. Yes, others might eat it too-but usually the food was primarily made with Harry in mind.
Eggsy's drawn out use of the word fuck was entirely called for. And Harry was too busy being mortified and yet somehow turned on beyond words to even think of correcting him. Especially when Eggsy's reaction was so very appropriate in this case.
Showing herself to have an excellent poker face Layla asked if they could now return to the question of why Eggsy and Daisy were now considered kin thanks to Harry.
Grabbing the lifeline she'd thrown them with both hands, Harry's 'Please, do,' was heartfelt, to say the least.
"Eggsy, think of your magic as water-since your chosen is a Water Gifted. Like most of your ancestors your magic was dammed up and barely moving at a trickle. Your human blood...it caused your magic to stagnate and lose its power and purpose." The way she hesitated made it clear Layla's first thought was to refer to Eggsy and Daisy's human blood in much worse terms. "You couldn't use or grow your power because you couldn't access or allow it to flow as it was meant to-until him."
Layla gestured gracefully in Harry's direction.
"When he merged with you and your sister on a magical level the strength and power of his gift broke those dams to bits. Instinctively his magic taught your magic how to flow properly through your bodies. How to channel and use your gifts as they were meant. Your magic flows through him, as his flows through you. Becoming more powerful and potent as your bond matures and your love deepens."
While Eggsy blushed over that-or was still blushing from their earlier discussion- Harry picked up the questioning to make sure this conversation thread continued instead. He did so while doing some blushing of his own, unfortunately, but he had something to declare and so pushed through the embarrassment.
"Your House does understand that Eggsy and Daisy belong to and are claimed by Kingsman, yes?"
Layla didn't seem at all bothered by the force and quiet threat he'd woven into those words. "It's understood. My House has no intention of interfering in your lives. I came here only to tell you that my House recognizes them, to give you a list of what you can expect as compensation from House Fray, and to give a warning."
"A warning?" Harry repeated.
"I know things." Was her simple reply. "There's no rhyme or reason, and I can't force the ability. It is just simple fact, that sometimes I know what should, at that time, be unknowable. Things like it's very, very important that you demand the last items on the list I will give you."
"Which are?"
"Power sharing bracelets. One for each of you, so that should Eggsy require the use of your magic he will smoothly and quickly be able to summon it." A pause for emphasis. "You've only begun to teach him, and it will be a while yet before the bracelets won't be needed. And I believe he will have need."
Fae would never side with humans against their own kind, even if their own kind was in the wrong. But Layla had said that she and her House considered Eggsy and Daisy kin, so Harry asked any way.
"House Fray?"
"No. They're not that stupid. Others cannot say the same."
And warning now given Layla inclined her head and then vanished once more, leaving behind a roll of parchment tied with gold ribbon on the empty place setting in front of her now vacant chair.
"Bloody Hell." Was Eggsy opinion, one Harry completely agreed with.
Naturally the idea of Eggsy being under attack infuriated and worried Harry, the possibility of it now at the forefront of his thoughts. Clairvoyance wasn't a skill the Fae were generally known to possess, but as stated very little was known about house elves, and Harry wasn't about to discount Layla's warning. Which meant he was going to have to take steps to ensure that Eggsy was always protected until the threat was either discovered and neutralized or Eggsy was trained to Kingsman level.
Harry foresaw quite an argument about that in their future. Fuck.
But that wasn't something they could discuss now, in public and with Daisy present.
The two men shared a long look to convey that, then glanced over at Daisy.
Their little girl was frowning again, though thoughtfully.
"Do ya think she'll tell Father Christmas I ate everythin? Even though I didn't eat all the flowers?"
"I'm sure she'll give you an excellent review, Daisy." What else could Harry say?
"Good. Ya better finish your dinner too, Unca Harry. Otherwise ya won't get no presents."
"I will." He assured her gravely.
Looking over at Eggsy, Harry found the younger man's attention focused on the piece of parchment Layla had left behind. Whatever it said, the contents were obviously surprising given the way Eggsy's eyebrows kept moving about, the boy's mouth dropping open a little at one point.
Harry had to say Eggsy name twice, and Daisy poke him, before he looked up and blinked at them questioningly before going back to blushing in Harry's direction.
Understanding completely, Harry used a teasing voice. "Your dinner is getting cold. You don't want to anger Father Christmas by not finishing your dinner."
"It's still summer, Mate. Plus he's got the melting polar ice caps and such to worry about."
"True, but one should behave their best even when it's not December?"
Eggsy couldn't argue with that, and since they had shelved discussing the rest for now the two men found themselves discussing Christmas with Daisy even though December was still quite a ways away.
Oh, well.
)
As Daisy was not allowed to have dessert-Eggsy had made that very clear beforehand-Harry had had to use covert means to order the shortbread biscuits the restaurant was famous for to take home so that he and Eggsy could enjoy them later. Needless to say Harry did not have to use any of the skills he'd learned at Kingsman to point to what he wanted on the menu and state that they would get that particular item to go, rather than eat them at the table.
Proving her intelligence Daisy had given the box Harry was handed a narrowed eye, accessing look when it was brought to their table, but as per usual the box was a lovely lavender color that did nothing to reveal what was inside.
His excuse that it was more flowers-which was partially true-was enough to make her lose interest.
She did express a desire to come back though, so the meal was mostly a success. It also raised the question of how Layla would have approached them otherwise, as she wouldn't have been able to get through the barrier currently protecting their home. And he most certainly did not want her or any other member of the Fae popping into their home uninvited.
Though with the power sharing bracelets, that wouldn't be an issue. If the Fae were struggling now, they would most certainly not be able to get through the barrier once Eggsy had that much access to the power of Harry's gift.
Not that they'd be requesting the bracelets from House Fray. Hell, no. Harry trusted that House about as far as he could throw Buckingham Palace. He was willing to believe that Eggsy would have need of that sort of power in the future, but the bracelets themselves would come from Kingsman's treasury, made by individuals Harry trusted.
He also wanted them to be tasteful and discreet, which was often not the case with Fae jewellery. Especially when they were only giving it to you out of necessity. And spite.
And now Harry was thinking of other, matching jewelry he and Eggsy might require in the future.
Fuck.