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Their New Life
Before Harry could agree to talk with the other man, there wasn't any way for him to get out of it and he was actually feeling strong at the moment, thanks to the slight pain in his knuckles that reminded him that he'd just punched out a dominant without flinching, Harry found himself interrupted by his mate, who spoke before he could so much as nod his head.
"Might I suggest that the others move to where you were standing before to insure that we're not interrupted while you speak to Harry and I?"
"I need to speak to him, not you." Was their Guild Master's cool response.
"I see. Well I hope you'll understand that Harry is both MY omega and treasure. And therefore if you wish to speak to him, it will have to be in my presence. I'm afraid I have to insist." Eggsy easygoing smile was completely at odds with the underlining demand in his words.
Holding his breath Harry waited to see if Chester would argue with him. Because technically speaking Eggsy did have every right to demand to be present for this conversation regardless of King's higher standing. Eggsy could actually refuse to allow their Guild Master access to him unless King could prove that it was necessary. And somehow Harry didn't think whatever his former mate wanted to talk about, it was that important to anyone but Chester King.
"Fine. If the rest of you will excuse us for a minute."
"We'll make sure you aren't interrupted as Eggsy suggested." Edward stated, subtly making it clear that all of them would be close enough to intercede if they felt it necessary. They'd be able to hear the whole conversation from the entryway.
"Guild Master." Colin added with a respectful nod that nonetheless reminded Chester that Colin was not someone the Guild Master wanted to get on the bad side of, particularly since the man wasn't so delusional that he wasn't aware that his decision to cast Harry aside had angered many in their Guild, and further pissing off Colin, who was the most popular and beloved member of their Guild, would not end well for him.
Jaw clenched tight, King gave a curt nod, watching closely as the others moved away before turning his attention back to Harry, his gaze piercing as their Guild Master very pointedly ignored Eggsy in favor of focusing his malevolent stare on Harry.
"Exactly what have you been telling the humans about the end of our relationship? I was quite clear, I believe, when I informed you what you were to say on the matter. Yet it seems that very different stories are being told. Ones that are embarrassing Veronica and questioning my honor and integrity."
Harry wanted to say that Chester didn't know a fucking think about honor or integrity, proof that Eggsy was rubbing off on him figuratively as well as literally, but he reined the urge in with practiced ease. "People will talk and gossip. And we all know that the original story always ends up altered significantly as it moves from person to person. I HAVE been telling everyone that asks that our split was a mutual decision."
"My apologies, Guild Master, but might I suggest that you're not looking at this from a human perspective?"
Chester gaze switched over to Eggsy. "A human perspective?"
"Exactly. While we understand what's going on here, the humans are seeing these changes in one of three ways. Either they're seeing the consort as a fortune hunter and you as a cradle robber, which is of course not true, and very much in line with our traditions…but you'll note that people gossip plenty about other men here with younger wives. It's a practice that many humans frown upon. Harry and I aren't getting that sort of backlash because most are probably seeing me as his rebound, since they have no idea he's my mate. Others are jealous of either you or Veronica, you for getting such a beautiful young wife or her for landing a man of your prestige and wealth. And the others, well they just like trouble and are looking for it where there should be, even if we're not cooperating. So they're making stuff up."
Looking at his mate Harry was desperately impressed that Eggsy had managed to say that so civilly. It inspired him to try as well. "I'm sure once they get to know Veronica better, and see how happy the two of you are together, the gossip will die down."
Quiet, and with a thoughtful look on his face, Harry allowed himself to hope that Chester was realizing that Eggsy was in fact right about what he was saying.
"And the rumors that the two of you have been a couple far longer than the truth?"
"They recognize me from my time as his bodyguard. And of course they'd expect the worse. It's human nature. They tell themselves others are far worse to excuse their own behavior."
What went unsaid, but Harry heard it nonetheless, was that it wasn't just humans that thought and behaved that way. Their Guild Master saw the world always as he wanted it to be, not how it actually was. And he condemned others regularly while doing worse himself.
A snort. "True enough. Humans."
"We will continue to correct people, Guild Master. On my word."
His gaze holding Harry's, the older man nodded in acknowledgement that Harry's word was his bond.
"Fine. I will hold you BOTH to that. And I will not tolerate even the suggestion of otherwise. Do I make myself clear?"
Harry and Eggsy spoke their yeses in tandem.
"Good. Now if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to attend to."
Keeping his face blank Harry nodded and watched as King walked away from them, pausing to give more polite goodbyes to the others before exiting to rejoin the crowd.
"Fucking gobshite."
Eggsy said it under his breath, for Harry's ears only, and Harry had to agree with his mate one hundred percent on that.
"Thank you for refraining from calling him that to his face or implying it."
"Like he has the brains or awareness ta know if I was implying it. Fuck. If I'd been mated ta him I'd have smothered him with a fucking pillow the night of. Or poison. Poison would be good too. Especially one of the nasty ones that would have made him suffer, the fucker."
Turning slightly to place a kiss against his mate's hair, Harry took a moment to breath in the comforting scent that was Eggsy before suggesting that they rejoin the others so that they could leave. They both needed food, quiet, and a chance to bitch about King without the chance of gossiping ears.
"Too right."
So arm and arm they walked over to where their friends were waiting, the group of them re-entering the ballroom together as they made their way through the crowds with purpose. There was the occasional stop to say goodbye, but everyone kept it quick as Colin was making his way very determinedly over to Estelle Hesketh, who smiled brightly in welcome.
That smile didn't last long, though.
"Pardoned me, everyone, for interrupting you all. This will only take a minute." Colin gave everyone a sweeping, sweet smile before his gaze landed on Estelle, his smiling dropping away immediately. "I just wanted to let you know, Estelle, that unfortunately Edward and I won't be coming to your dinner next week. Your son Charles has insulted my husband, son, the young lady Percival is currently courting, AND one of my oldest, most dearest friends. Therefore we will not, from now on, be associating with you or your family." A pause to let that sink in. "And also, you might want to send your husband to retrieve your son, as he is currently lying unconscious in the East Wing Hallway."
Estelle stared at him in stunned silence.
"Ladies, my apologies again for interrupting. I hope you all have a lovely evening."
And so saying Colin nodded sharply, looped his arm through his mate's, and then visibly gave Estelle his back and strolled off like he owned the place.
"I love Colin."
Grinning down at Eggsy as they followed after the man in question, Harry agreed that he loved him too.
)
Since Merlin and Serena had taken a taxi to the fundraiser Eggsy offered to give them a ride to the restaurant and then home. When Colin expressed surprise about the restaurant Serena explained that they'd decided to go because they were all still hungry, and then surprised everyone when she extended the offer, while looking at Percival, for them to join them if they'd like.
Naturally Percival said yes, and Roxy was all for it.
Neither Colin not Edward were the McDonalds type, but they graciously accepted the invitation as well after only a moment's pause. So after arranging for their driver to pick up the rest of them Eggsy gave Edward directions on where to go while they waited for the valet to bring around Edward's car. Edward's car came through first, Serena asking as soon as the Mortons had driven off if they thought Colin was correct in using the term courting when it came to Percival's interest in her.
In almost perfect synch they all gave their affirmative on that.
"Courting is different from just dating in Kingsman terms though, yes? Courting implies…more."
"He's smitten with you, Lass. And Mortons, they've always seemed ta have a sixth sense when it comes to them meeting the one for them. And they aren't the sort to beat around the bush once someone's caught their eye."
Understanding, Harry gave Serena a soft smile of encouragement. "If you've been thinking that he's only interested in dating you short term, that you being only half Kingsman would be a deterrent from being serious, you're wrong."
The way she crossed her arms made it clear she wasn't buying it just yet. "He is from the old lines on both sides, is he not? Even if it does not matter to him, the same will not be said of his family. Aside from his immediate family."
"Luv, they ain't like the bastard's family. Which you're lucky ta not be a part of given the way most of them turn out. And if Colin likes you, which he does, ain't no one on either side of the family tree gonna argue with him if you and Percival get serious. Which would be brilliant, just saying."
A grudging maybe was the most Serena was willing to offer by the time the car arrived.
Merlin sat in front with the driver while Serena sat in the back with him and Eggsy, the presence of the very human driver necessitating that they talk about mundane things like the weird food, odd fashion choices, and in Harry's case how warm it had been in the ballroom, which none of the others had noticed in particular.
Once they'd arrived at their destination Eggsy offered to pick up something inside for the driver, which the man graciously declined, and then they were strolling into the McDonalds to find the others waiting for them in the lobby.
They must have been quite the sight, Harr mused, with all the men in black tie and Roxy and Serena in evening gowns. The jewels the former was wearing were worth more than many of the room's occupants made in a year. But they ignored the looks and instead focused on more important things, like what they were going to order and who was paying.
Sharing a look with Colin Harry politely asked one of the workers if he could be given a tray. He and Colin would reserve tables and collect straws and such from the sidebar.
"Ta, Luv. Lots of ketchup for Serena and I. She loves it too."
"Of course."
Accepting the offered tray with thanks, Harry headed over to the side with Colin walking beside him.
"I haven't had McDonalds in…well not since the children were small. They're more homey looking that I remember." Colin gave him a questioning look. "Have they become healthier?"
"No. Not really."
Colin sighed, muttering about having to do an extra hour of yoga at the very least tomorrow.
"You're gorgeous, and your husband thinks you hung the moon and stars." Harry pointed out as he set the tray on the counter and turned his attention to pulling out the white cups meant to hold the desired ketchup. "You have nothing to worry about."
"Well thank you, but still…I have every intention of aging to the best of my ability. And fast food doesn't help." Counting out straws Colin set them down on the tray. "Just because I'm a grandmother doesn't meant I want to look it."
"How are Matthew and his brood?"
Brightening up at the mention of his lone omega son, and more importantly the only one to provide Colin with the grandchildren his friend wanted so much, Colin was happy to chatter away about the latest news from Austria, which was where Matthew had moved with his husband two years ago.
And yet he wasn't nearly as bright and animated as he normally was given what they were discussing, and when Colin actually fiddled with his collar, risking it not being straight and perfect, Harry knew something was seriously up.
"Is everything all right, Colin?"
"Yes, I…I think the heat of the ballroom…I'm still feeling a little overheated."
"You too? I was thinking to myself that it was a wonder people weren't complaining even with the stiff upper lip we British are known for."
"You…oh thank goodness." Colin actually placed a hand on his chest as he sighed in relief.
Concerned, Harry reached over to place a hand on his friend's shoulder as he asked if he was all right.
"Yes. Really." Colin reached up to give Harry's hand a squeeze in turn. "I was worrying that it was something else. That it was just me and I might be having a late in life heat, it rather felt like it used to and-"
"Ah."
"I don't think Edward's back could take it." Colin muttered to himself. "All those years sitting behind a desk, leaning forward because he wouldn't let me buy him a new chair to replace his father's old-Oh God."
Colin's face actually went red in embarrassment over what he'd just said.
Harry, meanwhile, bit back a laugh and reassured Colin that his lips were sealed even as he struggled to keep a straight face.
"Sealed about what?" Roxy wanted to know as she came over with Serena, both women giving them interested looks. "Mom, why's your face so red? Are you all right?"
"He's fine." Harry assured him. "You've come to help?"
Willing to help Colin, especially since the man had come to her defense earlier, Serena spoke before Roxy could act on the curiosity and concern written all over her face. The men, Serena informed them, had decreed that the carrying of the food was their job, and had sent them over to help hold the table.
"Then we should get our tables, shouldn't we?" Picking up the tray Harry suggested that the women lead the way, Serena walking across the relatively empty room to a spot where there were two tables that could both hold four people comfortably side by side.
Roxy was keeping an obvious eye on her mother, but she didn't ask any questions as Harry held the tray and the other three equally divided what it held between the two tables. When it was time to sit down Harry sat down with Colin taking the seat beside him, Roxy narrowing her eyes over that before taking the seat at the other table that would put her beside her mother, while Serena took the seat across from Roxy.
"So I hope you don't need much ketchup, or we might need more at our table." Serena informed Roxy, drawing her into a conversation about whether or not these fries needed ketchup or not. Not that Serena was entirely successful drawing Roxy's attention away from Colin, but Colin's coloring did get better quickly, which helped.
Then the men arrived with the trays, and the smells hit all their noses and actually made a couple stomachs rumble. Harry was embarrassed to say one of them was his own while Roxy flushed and, under her mother's piercing gaze, admitted she'd missed lunch and was starving too.
Eggsy just grinned as he set their tray down so that Harry's Big Mac meal was aimed in his direction, Harry helping himself while his mate opened his usual quarter ham, putting the fries in the top of the burger's cardboard container before reaching for two ketchups to start with.
Naturally Edward took the seat across from his mate and joined Colin in reminding Roxy of the importance of not skipping meals, lecturing her like she was a child while her eldest brother smirked at her a little from his seat beside Serena. Merlin wisely stayed out of it from his seat beside Roxy, especially since he was notorious for missing meals.
Something proven, Harry thought wryly, by the fact that the man had ordered himself an extra McChicken sandwich and upsized the rest.
Biting into his own burger, and humming over its unhealthy goodness, Harry smiled over his friend and then looked around, taking in what had become of his life.
Here he was, in a pedestrian, fast food restaurant in evening wear eating a burger with his wonderful mate, some of his closest friends, and surrounded by people who were interesting and wonderful as well. No stiff formality, no rules of protocol, and instead plenty of teasing and laughter as Roxy passed Merlin a vinegar packet, and Eggsy laughed over something Edward had said that Harry had missed.
This was his life now, Harry thought with a grin. And wasn't that bloody wonderful?
