Chapter Text
It took a long time for Merlin to muster up the courage to ask Eggsy on a date. In fact, it had been a year since V-Day… Since, well, Harry. The boy had been grieving and Merlin was not going to deepen the wound by bothering the boy. Merlin tried not to think about the fact that he was pining after the boy who would have been his best friend’s lover. There was no doubt in his mind that the two had strong feelings for each other and, given the time, he was sure they would have acted on them. Time and time again, the guilt overwhelmed his desire for the newly reformed Kingsman, but today, his heartache finally won out. Merlin just hoped that Harry could forgive him, wherever he was now.
After a particularly long honeypot mission in which Merlin had become well-acquainted with Eggsy’s flirting techniques, the tech wizard finally decided to act upon his feelings for the boy, sure that the way the new agent Galahad acted towards him indicted that he shared some similar feelings for the older man as well. Eggsy had only just returned from the mission when Merlin called upon him under the guise of discussing the mission report the handler had to write up.
Eggsy burst into his office with a smirk, pleased to see his handler and surely about to begin a brag about his seductive prowess. Merlin adopted his own grin, as his agent threw down his belongings and positioned himself to face Merlin across from the desk Merlin occupied.
“Ya wanted ta see me, Merlin?" Oh, wow, would Merlin ever be able to look into abyss of Eggsy's eyes without drowning?
“Yes, well, I wanted to discuss something with you,” Merlin cleared his throat before continuing, “Would you like to go out to dinner with me?”
Eggsy’s grin quickly dissipated, but Merlin found himself unable to decipher the poker face Eggsy adopted instead. Merlin felt both proud and anxious, waiting for the response that never came. The older man felt old and foolish, determined to ignore the sharp sting of rejection. Had he read the boy all wrong?
“Well, I suppose that’s a no, so you’re free to go, Galahad.” Merlin finally forced out, diverting his eyes awat and trying to busy himself return with his neverending paperwork.
“No!” Merlin was startled at the sudden outburst by the boy and he looked up just in time to see him leap to his feet, shoving the chair skidding across the wooden floor. Merlin tried not to wince at the screeching sound of wood on wood as he caught the wild-eyed gaze of Eggsy.
“I mean, yes,” Eggsy repeated, softer this time. He cleared his throat with an embarrassed cough. “Yes, I’d love ta go... With you… To dinner.” Eggsy scratched the back of his neck sheepishly as he trailed off, flushing a flattering shade of pink. Merlin stared blankly ahead in shock.
“All right,” he said finally. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 7.” Eggsy's next smile actually met his eyes and a wave of relief washed away Merlin's previous doubts.
“I’ll be ready for you.” With a saucy wink, Eggsy gathered his things and left. After the door clicked shut, Merlin released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He rubbed his hands over his face and head, clasping them and leaning back in his chair. His eyes fell shut as he began to mentally prepare himself. He wanted everything to be perfect.
The next night, Merlin was nearly late picking up Eggsy after spending too long trying to find something to wear. It had been at least ten years since he had gone on a proper date and he had absolutely no idea what he was doing anymore. Finally, he settled on one of his more causal suits, one that had been perfectly tailored to his form. The charcoal gray suit contrasted with the cobalt tie he selected, but a glance in the mirror verified his decision.
Merlin had felt confident the entire drive to Eggsy's home, up the walk, and ringing the bell. It was how elegant Eggsy looked when he opened the door, cradling his baby sister lovingly in his arms that shook Merlin down to his bones. While Merlin’s suit was fashioned by a typical tailor, Merlin recognized Eggsy’s suit as one fitted by Kingsman. The deep blue complimented Eggsy’s sparkling eyes and the oxfords adorning his feet were shined to the point of practically glowing. Eggsy's neck was adorned with a silver bowtie that made him unreasonably cute.
“Gorgeous.” Merlin heard himself say, reaching out to take Eggsy’s hand and press a kiss to the soft skin on the back. Merlin was rewarded with the blossoming of a pink blush over the boy’s pointed nose and cheeks. The older man only had a moment to admire the rosy hue before Eggsy disappeared to hand his sister over to his mother. Merlin looped his arm through Eggsy’s once he returned and escorted the man to dinner.
The two men chatted pleasantly about past missions as they headed downtown to a classy joint that Merlin himself visited regularly, albeit usually alone. Reserving a private space for the two of them had been fairly easily, and using his connections, he had in fact booked the entire restaurant for the night.
Merlin opened the door for his date, holding his hand out for Eggsy, who took it in his with a pleased smile. Over the past quarter hour, a pretty blush had formed over his cheeks and now the street lights were illuminating the rosiness in such a way that made Merlin shudder. He just wanted to kiss the boy. But, no, as Harry always said, a gentleman was patient.
The couple made their way to the door, which was held open for them by a waiter.
Eggsy quickly noticed the lack of other customers and became perplexed. “Why isn’t…” The boy trailed off.
“I wanted it to be perfect.” Merlin responded, carefully leading the agent through the empty restaurant to a booth surrounded by tables covered in bouquets of daisies, which Merlin knew was Eggsy’s favorite flower. Candles flickered all around them and suddenly, Eggsy was flustered.
"Merlin… You did all'a this for me?”
Merlin nodded, “Of course, Eggsy. In the past year and a half, you’ve become very special to me. I only hope that I can mean the same to you.” Eggsy turned to him before they sat, looking up at the taller man coyly from beneath his long, golden lashes.
“Merlin…” Eggsy trailed off, curling his fingers around the older man’s hand. He clutched it tight as he said, “I don’t know what to say. I’m bloody well not worth all of this, you know.” Eggsy smiled, eyes suddenly distant. Merlin frowned, reaching down the cup the boy’s chin and lift his gaze up to his own steely eyes.
“Of course ye are, lad. And you’re worth plenty more. I’d be willing tae show you, if you’ll give me the chance.” Eggsy finally smiled with his beautiful eyes and leaned up, pressing a gentle kiss to Merlin’s cheek. He swiped his fingers over the tingling spot a moment later, curving his fingers behind Merlin’s neck.
“Show me the world, Aladdin.” Eggsy snickered, causing “Aladdin” to roll his eyes. He showed Eggsy to his seat before taking his own.
Not a moment later, a waitress brought them a bottle of expensive champagne and glasses, pouring the bubbly liquid before leaving once more. Eggsy hummed happily at the taste and Merlin took a sip himself.
“So, ah, no menu?” Eggsy asked hesitantly. Merlin shook his head, taking another drink.
“I requested the meals when I made the reservation. I didn’t know what ye’d like, so I ordered a bit of some of the more popular dishes. I, uh, hope that’s all right.” Suddenly Merlin felt a bit awkward. Maybe he’d gone to far to assume that Eggsy would be all right with all of this. Eggsy just nodded though, nursing his drink once more.
They returned to their pleasant small talk, and Eggsy began to talk about little Daisy, who he was clearly infatuated with. The love he had for his sister made Merlin want to swoon. Darling Eggsy had clearly taken his heart without him noticing.
The food arrived not much later, two platters of an array of food that Eggsy had never seen before. The waitress bowed away. Eggsy plucked up his fork and scooped a bit of food from the first bowl. Merlin had to explain the ingredients in each dish to the former chav, but he enjoyed sharing his knowledge with the boy.
Everything was going great until Eggsy reached a plate of various seafood. Eggsy’s eyes suddenly lit up.
“Lobster? I’ve never had any before!” Merlin smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm and showed him how to crack the shell away and reveal the tender meat inside. Eggsy scooped up a piece and spooned it into his mouth. After a moment of thoughtful chewing, complete with a scrunched up face, he swallowed.
“It’s really good!” Merlin chuckled.
“I’m glad ye like it.” Merlin looked down to his own plate, selecting some grilled shrimp for himself. He was just about to place the piece in his mouth when he heard a disturbing noise. He looked up, startled, to see Eggsy’s face turning purple.
Merlin’s utensils clattered onto his plate as he stood abruptly. He rounded the table to his date, curling his fingers under Eggsy’s chin to turn his face towards him. The boy’s lips and throat were swelling.
“Are ye choking, lad?” Eggsy tried to speak but only managed a throaty sound that made Merlin wince. “Are ye allergic?” Eggsy had no response besides the widening of his eyes. “Shit!” Merlin snarled at the waitress who had just arrived, “Call a cab ‘round!”
Merlin tugged the boy out of the booth before scooping him up bridal style. Eggsy was too frightened to complain, wrapping his arms around Merlin’s shoulders and pressing his face into the crook of his neck, wheezing for air. Merlin brought them out to the Kingsman cab, swiftly tucking the boy inside the vehicle before getting inside himself. “Go!” He shouted at the driver, who was, at this point, already shifting into gear.
Merlin began to comb his fingers through Eggsy’s golden locks soothingly, hushing the whimpers of the boy.
“Try to breathe, lad.” Eggsy turned his face into Merlin’s shoulders, becoming more and more dizzy by the minute. The cab was weaving in and out of traffic with ease and they quickly arrived to the shop. Merlin lifted Eggsy down to the train and they were at headquarters in less then five minutes.
Kingsman doctors greeted them and shooed Merlin away while they wheeled Eggsy away, who had just blacked out. Merlin tried to argue but was only successful in getting threats of sedation. He ordered one of the nurses to contact him when Eggsy was well enough to be seen and trudged to his office to wait.
What felt like hours later, he was finally buzzed down to medical to see his date. The boy’s face had finally returned to normal, but he was still resting in bed, exhausted from the whole ordeal. He smiled weakly when he saw Merlin enter and the sight tore the older man’s heart in two.
He sighed heavily as he took a seat at Eggsy’s side, cupping one of the agent's calloused palms in his. He laid another gentle kiss on the soft skin on the back before rubbing it against his cheek.
“I’m so sorry, Eggsy. I just wanted everything to be perfect for ye.” Eggsy frowned, yanking his hand away from Merlin and startling him. Instead, he placed his hand over the top of Merlin’s and tugged it to his lips, brushing his mouth over his knuckles in an almost-kiss.
“Merlin, everything about tonight were a dream. How could you ‘ave known? I didn’ even know!” Eggsy chuckled and reached up with his other hand to cup Merlin’s cheek, bringing him closer. Eggsy leaned up and for a solid second, Merlin thought his heart would stop.
Then, Eggsy’s perfect, full lips pressed to his and his world seemed to light up like fireworks. The nails on Eggsy’s hands dug into the back of his neck, pulling him even tighter to him so Merlin fell out of his seat and knelt at Eggsy’s bedside, allowing the kiss to deepen. The boy sighed into his mouth when he licked his way inside, rubbing his hand over Eggsy’s neck and shoulder, pushing the gown out of the way. Merlin pulled away from the kiss to get to Eggsy’s revealed skin, biting and sucking little purple hickeys into the tender skin. Eggsy made a noise that went straight to Merlin’s groin, pulling him out of the stupor as he finally remembered where he was.
Finally, Merlin sat back, curling his fingers into Eggsy’s soft hair and catching his eye. Eggsy smiled dazedly at him, causing Merlin’s heart to stutter over a beat. God, was he taken with the boy.
“Thank you, Merlin, for a perfect night.” Merlin merely smiled and dipped down to press another gentle kiss to Eggsy’s soft lips.