Chapter Text
Eggsy made his way to the side of the secluded airplane runway, joining the other Kingsman agents who were able to attend the momentous occasion.
He caught Roxy's curious glance and gave her a cheeky grin while she responded with an amused eye roll and a small smile of her own. After exchanging nods with the rest of the agents, Eggsy went to the front of the group where Merlin was and placed himself at the man's right side. After making sure he looked presentable in his bespoke suit, he raised his eyes to the jet that was just starting its descent in the far distance.
"Nervous?" Eggsy asked, keeping his gaze fixed.
Merlin gave him a pointed look, causing Eggy's lips to quirk.
"You're late," he stated. "And between our constant communications with Stateman, my meticulous combing of Hennessey's records, and multiple holo-meetings with her, I'm confident that she's just what we need. She'll make a more-than-competent Arthur."
"Aw, admit it, Merlin. You'll miss having all that power, gettin’ to boss us around and whatnot."
"I like being a handler and I like my tech," he responded simply, casting his eyes down to his ever-present pad to type in something. "I don't like the endless amount of paperwork and bureaucratic bullshit." He paused for a second. "And I certainly didn't appreciate you calling me Merthur at every given opportunity."
Eggsy gave a small chuckle, then looked at him with seriousness. "You were still a good leader. Don't know how anyone else could'a handled it after, you know, V-Day, and everything, and..."
and Harry dying, Eggy's mind supplied. Despite the months that had passed since then, the memory still haunted him, making his heart ache with sorrow and regret.
It was a blank, Eggsy. It was a fucking blank.
Can’t you see that everything I’ve done has been about trying to repay him?
Eggsy quickly looked away. "You were good," he finished lamely.
Merlin, as if knowing what he was thinking, rested a hand on his shoulder and gave a soft, comforting squeeze. "Aye, thank you, lad. I know I was good, but that's because it was necessary. Hennessey, on the other hand, will be great."
After Merlin slid his hand off, Eggsy nodded and cleared his throat uncomfortably, signaling the end of the conversation.
By this time, the jet had already landed and taxied to a smooth stop alongside the group. After a few moments, the door swished down as a staircase, and then a dark-skinned woman emerged. From the first click of her heels, she radiated solemn authority, causing all the agents to stand a little straighter. She was wearing a plain gray yet elegant sleeveless dress, offset by the pearls around her neck. Her natural hair was kept close to her scalp but still had some volume, which only added to the regal beauty of her face. Her steps were careful, and the scrutiny of her gaze as it swept over her surroundings was confident and calculated.
More than competent, Eggsy thought, echoing Merlin's earlier words.
Merlin tucked his pad in the crook of his elbow and strode over to Arthur, offering his hand. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person, Arthur," Merlin said, his voice succinct yet sincere. "We've been looking forward to a fresh perspective and a change of pace."
She shook his hand firmly and gave a friendly smile. "Thank you, Merlin." she said, then directed her attention to the rest of the agents. "Statesman send their regards and well-wishes for the future of their brethren."
Everyone bowed their heads in acceptance, and Merlin clasped his pad behind his back. "I trust that the flight over here was no trouble?"
"Uneventful," she replied, "but not as boring as I expected since Excalibur is good company. He should be out shortly."
Merlin drew his eyebrows together in confusion. "Excalibur? I wasn’t aware that Statesman was sending another agent with y—“
Merlin's voice suddenly faltered to a stop.
Eggsy's eyes snapped to the figure standing at the jet's entrance and he felt the blood physically drain from his face as the other agents stilled with alarm and shock. He opened his mouth to say something, anything, but no sound came.
Eggsy had never believed in ghosts, but the word kept running through his mind as he found himself staring at Harry fucking Hart.