Susan, if one would ask Roxy for the most fitting word, was like a child in an amusement park. An utterly adorable child. She and Eggsy agreed when she sent the latest candid video. Given, she was already streaming it back to HQ the usual way, but there was a need to keep the memories for later. Knowing Merlin, there's a great chance the feed would be encrypted a thousand times over just for security.

It was far from anything ridiculous, just Susan crouching down to look closer at one of those cheap mechanical toy dogs being promoted. What made it adorable was how her face mimicked the young boy's that was beside her. Twin looks of wonder.

"Look. Look. It's backing up!"

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"Just watch. Don't blink!"

Susan's surprise when the toy dog did a backflip was caught crystal.

"By the Lion!"

"That's so cool!"

"Do they always land upright?"

"Not always. That's what makes it exciting!"

"Where to next?"

Roxy blinked and looked up from her phone and pushed up her eyeglasses. Susan stood beside her looking around, her body swaying slightly as she swung the new bag she held. It was a small cloth bag that she purchased from one of the stores. For the little trinkets, she said.

Roxy was damn proud of her achievement. The shopping district's bazaar was the perfect choice just by the jaw drop.

"Where do you want to go?" They already got two bags of various clothing necessities. Necessities being something Susan needed while not incurring her shock and ire of the price. Roxy got her reaction filmed too, even her rant that she would definitely pay back. It was quite a sight. "I doubt this would last you long enough."

Roxy did slip a few extra pieces that she knew Susan would need. Those were definitely pricier, but not by much. The trinket bag and its contents were the only things Susan was adamant of getting.

"Well, I can always do the laundry. What necessities do you think I still need?"

Roxy hid her giddy excitement of being offered the control. "They're not necessities in the traditional sense of the word, but if you really want to try what I have in mind, you can't say no."

"Are you sure of these words?"

"Yeah."

"I'm in."

XXXXXX

"I do not need an ongoing commentary while I am working." Merlin did his best to keep his voice level. It was hard, because he was trying to work.

"Come on, Merlin. She was so cute."

Eggsy came barreling into his lab the first moment Roxy's feed started. He just walked in, rolled a seat to his side and just plopped onto it. Merlin was then audience to his junior Kingsmen gushing over the reactions of a time displaced woman plopped into the modern world.

"Ye've said that before." He rolled his eyes as he started security coding the newly decoded files from Mordred. "Repeating it doesn't change anything."

"Do you even watch these?"

He sighed. "I do when I am not an audience to a live commentary."

"Or you just hate women shopping."

He did watch the live feed every now and then. He had a smaller window of the same live feed in the corner of one of the screens he's working on. A really small one for appearance's sake, because Eggsy had taken about a whole third of his screens for the live feed. He had taken to listen more for her speech patterns, tone and inflections. An analysis if it was as nuanced as her expressions and body language. An experiment on whether she also had mastery over it as she had with the other two.

"Hmm. Is the blue blouse really that expensive? She looked pretty good in it."

Roxy's hum filled the lab with a few rustles of cloth. Susan's movements taking the background. "That's not that expensive. I definitely wouldn't buy it before I became a Kingsman though."

"Susan, are you sure you don't want this?"

"It's too expensive."

"I'm putting it here anyway."

"Roxy, no."

"You can't say no."

"Damn good move that one, Rox."

Merlin pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath to stem the annoyance somewhere else. He collapsed the security coded files and leaned back to his chair. He would just need to review the live feed later and try to see if what he heard matched with what her expressions were.

"Roxy, you're jesting. I definitely don't need leather pants. It looks tighter than the skinny jeans. My poor pores."

"Pair it with this shirt and tuck it in. Don't even try to say no."

"Oh, I hope we're done after this."

Roxy's chuckle had Merlin finally turning to look at the live feed. "We've barely started."

He was welcomed with a sight of Susan holding up before her the leather pants. It was black and it did look a bit on the tight side. That was all he was able to think of because Roxy started pushing her to the closest dressing room. "Well then, take your time and call me if you need help."

"Alright."

Roxy turned away the moment the door closed and moved to a clothes rack of a considerable distance. Merlin saw a flash of her earphones, a bud put in, and then she started collecting more clothes.

"You're getting this?"

"Aye and I would have ye and Eggsy run five laps when this is done." He ignored Eggsy's hanging mouth when he cut in.

"Aw, Merlin."

"Ten laps with weights if ye don't stop now. I do not need an ongoing commentary." He was calling this a misuse of company tech and he'd have to do something about it later on.

"Deal."

"Deal." Eggsy was so damned smug that he didn't even have to look at him to see the sure smile. "Do you have any more pictures and videos to send over?"

"Of course. I took a few when she asked if we could buy that kid a dog, and Eggsy, did you see how torn she was? She was horrified it was, to her, expensive, but she really wanted to give the boy a dog. Colin, the boy, was absolutely taken with her. It didn't even matter if she could buy him a dog or not. They hit it off fantastically."

"Ye bought a dog?" A dog was definitely not what was in Merlin's mind when he remembered what he heard earlier. A dog was also a plenty of responsibility and he doubts the boy's parents would just agree because—

"A toy one, Merlin. Those that do a backflip. Daisy had one at one point. They are very easy to break though."

"I get why she's torn. More than the cost she's probably computing the lifetime of the toy. She's mentally computing ever since the first one."

"Her reaction to the ripped jeans was gold."

"Her nose scrunches are adorable."

The thought that he should've watched the feed along with Eggsy crossed his mind, because he couldn't relate. He pushed that thought back from where it came. It would be better to just review the feed later and try to get some work done. Eggsy likely wouldn't budge from his place and whatever he dish out to them would only urge them on.

Aye. Work it was then.

"Roxy."

The feed shifted.

"Fucking hell."

"Oh. My."

"This feels like a corset, but for legs."

Merlin felt his throat catch at the sight. A realization that he had never really looked at her until now came. He had been too distracted by his thoughts and suspicions to really look past what she represented to the Kingsman. Now he saw her past the threat and past his questions, because dressed like that, she looked real. She looked like every other woman her age that would walk the streets of London. An ordinary beautiful young woman.

"I thought you already left."

"And miss your reaction? Remind me to bring you clubbing."

"I will do my best to forget that."

"I fucking won't."

He looked away, but the image burned in his mind's eye. Another realization followed and it made him turn back to the live feed. No, not ordinary.

"You've worn corsets before?"

"No. This is what I've thought how it would feel, theoretically."

He had seen plenty of women in his life, loved some and found all of them beautiful in their own way. There were those that he was floored by their undeniable beauty at first look, then he moved on. Susan didn't fit that mold. Maybe, if he was a stranger he would've looked back to know what was it about her that made her stand out. The thing was, he already had the advantage of knowing and still he couldn't help but look again. There was something more to figure out and it was a fact. More than her secrets. More than the details of her past.

She stood there with an air of wonder and innocent contemplation which clashed against the undercurrent of a pull that charged the room. He didn't miss how every person in the shop turned to look at her and how most of those gazes stayed.

The pants hugged her legs as leather often would, but the fact that her shirt was tucked in gave an impression that her legs were longer. The white shirt was loose which only helped with the highlighting. It was also a bit too big, because it slipped off a shoulder and he was transfixed at how her clavicle moved when she shrugged.

He cursed himself at that.

"It's not as comfortable as the jeans, but I can see why people would want to wear such. It feels a bit like armor."

"So I'm buying it."

"No! I saw the price tag, Roxy. No."

"Rox, do tell her that she looks hot."

No, Merlin thought. She should've been hot in that getup. She would be able to seduce anyone to their knees if she so wanted. But, hot wasn't the right word. The air around her didn't drip with power or seduction. Instead, it was curiosity and a degree of openness that he only now noticed. The light in her eyes was definitely one of excitement. All this over an allure that he thought wasn't a fitting label still.

"No, Roxy. You will not buy me something so expensive that I might never wear again."

"Ah. You said might, and you can't say no."

"Roxy."

"You'll need it when we go clubbing."

Susan sighed, Roxy smiled, and Eggsy chuckled by his side. "Is there even a point in this?"

Roxy laughed. "You're the one who wanted to go shopping, Su."

"At least let me pay you back when I could."

"We'll see."

No. Susan Pevensie wasn't hot.

"Now, let's check out micros and minis!"

"Minis...and now, there're micros. Lion help me." The freckles on her face shifted as she scrunched her nose.

Sublime.

XXXXXX

Josh was pulled out of his desk when Nancy poked her head in his little security office. That was different because he hadn't seen anyone shoplifting yet. The bazaar crowd was yet to arrive and with it, the unsavory individuals. So, when Nancy motioned him to come with her, he was prepared to kick out whoever was causing problems. He ran his fingers through his dark hair and rolled his broad shoulders. Hopefully, they would be intimidated enough by his height and built before it came to physical hits.

He expected a sexual harassment issue when he saw the ladies by the counter. He was halfway an outline of things to do when he reached them.

"I'm really sorry for pulling you out of your office, sir." The lady with darker hair and blue eyes started the conversation. Her companion, a hazel-eyed, dirty blonde lady with glasses stayed a few steps back. He could feel his fury spike and looked around for anyone who could've compromised them. He hated it when these incidents happen. The ladies were only having a good time with their shopping and they don't deserve any of these troubles. They shouldn't be suffering the trauma of having their personal space invaded and the dirty feeling of being violated. He would give the bloke a punch before personally delivering him to the police. Maybe a kick on the sheen too.

"Miss Nancy told me you were the one in charge of the play...list."

"...eh?" That made him blink. His fury turned to another direction and made him grit his teeth. "I apologize Miss if a song offended you."

"No. No. Not at all. I just wanted to know the title of a song and who sang it."

"Oh?"

He blinked again at Miss Sapphire Black. The fury died so quickly he was still reeling at its leftovers.

"Yes. Nothing unsavory, I assure you." She pulled out a receipt from the bag she held and patted her dress pockets for a pen. He automatically took the one under the counter and held it out to her. Her eyes smiled as she took it. "Thank you. I hope it wouldn't be much trouble."

"Uhm." Josh waited as she flipped the receipt and smoothed it out on the counter. "Do you remember the tune or some of the lyrics? It also helps if you remember how many songs ago it was."

"About three songs ago. The tune went like this." She hummed a few bars and waved the pen like a chorister's stick. Her eyes were trained on something to his right. "... Just keep following the heartlines on your hand. Just keep following the heartlines on your hand. Keep it up! I know you ca—"

Her voice cracked and she blushed. He couldn't help smiling at that. She had a decent voice. He believed she would be able to reach that note if she didn't sing it softly. That song wasn't one to be sung in a whisper. It wouldn't be an outstanding cover, but it wouldn't be a bad one.

"I know what song that is. The artist is one of my favorites." He motioned to the pen and paper. His grin was ecstatic because he's ever ready to talk about music. "If you like, I can also recommend you some more artists to listen to."

"Yes. Please!" She passed it to him and then leaned over the counter to get a better look at what he wrote.

He wrote down the title and the artist, then wrote a few more of the artist's songs that he thought she would enjoy listening first.

"How is that read?" She pointed at the artist's name.

"And. It's read as 'and' but is stylized as a plus. You can just use 'and' when searching for them on the net though. Florence and the Machine. Here." He pushed the paper to her so she could read the things he listed. "These artists are the closest in terms of genre and style."

"Many thanks."

He motioned to the list he made.

"So yeah. Here's the song title, the album it's in, and the artist. Then these are the recommendations in the same format. You can easily find them on the net. They're not as mainstreamed, but they're good. I really hope that you'll like them."

"Thank you so much. I'll make sure to listen to them as soon as I am able. I'm sure I will like them."

"Y-you don't have to say that before you even hear them."

"Oh. Don't worry. I have a feeling."

"How can you be sure?" He always felt a bit awkward when recommending songs. Especially when they weren't the mainstream ones, but she looked like she really enjoyed the song that's why he couldn't stop himself.

"You really liked them. Your eyes were so luminous when you wrote the songs down, and if they are similar to what took my attention, I am confident that I will like them for one reason or another."

"W-well if you want some more songs to listen to, feel free to come back and ask. I'm always around the shop this time before going to my classes in uni."

"What do you take?"

"Huh?"

She smiled as she folded the receipt. "What course do you take in your university?"

"Ah. Right. Sound design."

"Sound design? Is it similar to being a musician?"

"You can say that, but there's also something more about it. Like sound effects in movies. You know how sound must fit the scene? Or a creature in relation to the story? Those sort of things and more."

"Can you tell me more? This is the first time I've heard of this. Well of many things really, but it sounds so intriguingly specific."

"Really?"

"Yes. Please do."

Josh didn't know how, but he ended up telling her not only about the subject but also about his classes. She asked about the ways they learn since it was about something almost intangible, and he told her. He explained jargons to the best of his abilities and enjoyed when the confusion on her face breaks into comprehension. He even told her of his professors and some of his projects at some point. She asked loaded questions that made him think and consider how he approached his craft. She also told him of her thoughts about music and how so many aspects of life both influenced and affected it. He could see the passion in her too. Her face went through so many expressions when she talked about how the natural sounds of a place influenced music and how music became nature in turn.

"Do you play?" He asked at some point, thinking that maybe he could find more music to recommend by knowing.

"Yes, though not as often as back then. I play the harp, and I am not proud in saying that I chose it for practical reasons, but in the end I love it all the same."

"That is what's important. I was the same when I started with the piano. You know how parents will always choose piano."

A giggle broke their conversation. Josh flinched in surprise before realizing that it was Hazel Blonde that giggled. He and Sapphire Black stared at her confused.

"I'm really sorry." Amusement and light-hearted guilt. "I didn't know how to intrude and say introductions would be nice. At this point, I guess you're friends already."

He could feel the heat crawling up his neck and cheeks. He should've introduced himself, especially since he was part of the staff. Sapphire Black's laughter took his attention and cut off his thoughts.

"I doubt it's too late." She turned to him and held out a hand. "Susan."

"Joshua. You can call me Josh. It's nice to meet you."

"So this is a family business? Are you Nancy's older or younger brother?"

He shook her hand and let it go to scratch the back of his head. "Yes. Our eldest sister started it. Nancy and I help around when we could. I'm younger than her."

He turned to Hazel Blonde before he and Susan kicked it off to talking about another set of topics and the world faded away. "And you are?"

"Roxy. A pleasure. I'm showing Susan around and bullying her to wear clothes."

"The pleasure is mine."

He felt a pat on his arm and turned to see Susan pulling back her hand where she touched him. "We've kept you for too long already. I'm really sorry."

"Don't. I enjoyed our talk. It's very refreshing. I look forward to talking to you again."

She returned the pen and stepped back, slipping her list to a dress pocket. "I look forward to talking to you as well. It's a delight."

XXXXXX

"Come in."

Susan took the third deep breath ever since she stood before the lab's door. Then, she pushed open the door, and poked her head and upper body through the gap to look inside the room. She shouldn't be here for so many reasons. First, it was half an hour before midnight. Second, she didn't even know how to deliver what she came here for and it could backfire grandly. Third, she could wait till the morning and could ask someone else for her questions. Did she though? No. She shooed Roxy to her own bed the moment the shopping bags were dropped in her guest room. She lied when Roxy asked if she needed anything else. Fourth,—

"Miss Pevensie." Merlin was really obvious with how much he didn't trust her, or at least the gap that was between them. "Come in. Do you need something?"

She stepped into the lab and approached Merlin, her eyes gravitating to the screens. Every time she went into this room, her eyes would always turn to the screens. Always. The information they contained was fascinating just for the sheer amount it presented and how the man could work comfortably with it. She admired it all. She stopped by the edge of his desk and placed a medium sized bag on it. She could feel his eyes move from her to the bag, then back to her. The awkward air between them was an understatement.

"I'm sorry for disturbing. I'm just here to deliver this and ask for some assistance." She pushed the bag a bit closer to him and dropped her hand. "The latter can wait till tomorrow. Both really."

"What can I assist you on?" He moved his chair to face her and sat back.

Susan always thought he had an intense gaze. Harry retained a softness, however little, in his eyes at almost every expression she saw so far. Eggsy's had a glint of a man proud of his work. Roxy's contained a sharpness, a clue of the energy to act just under the surface. These were as constant as the knowing and calculating glint they all had. Merlin's eyes held an intensity that could pin one's attention while laying down a challenge.

Given, these were impressions of the first few days, but there was a reason she started their acquaintances the way she did. Surprise always showed a split second truth.

She slipped the receipt out of her dress pocket and reached out to give it to him. He met her halfway and took it. She waited as he unfolded it and read its contents. The tiled floor was cold and his face was calm through it all.

"These are songs." It was a short list compared to the length of the receipt. She memorized it as they shopped, pulling it out to read every chance she could get.

"Yes." She confirmed. She didn't understand why she should though. Roxy wore the glasses and that would mean it was part of the mission. She was monitored all through the shopping. Her activities would be reported. She also caught Roxy talking to whoever was on the other line. She assumed it would be him since he was the one in the lab. In the end, she played along. "Yes. I was taken by a song from one shop's playlists and asked. The young man was kind enough to tell and give me recommendations too. If it's not a big trouble, I would like to have a way to listen to at least one. I am not sure if there's still vinyl records at this age and I don't really know what the 'net' the young man told me was."

"Internet." She blinked and cocked her head to the side at his words. Merlin dropped the list on his desk beside what looks like an odd keyboard.

"Internet? Inter...net. Oh. Is it like a fishing net?" She joked and saw a twinkle in his eyes as she tried the word out. A first amid all his suspicion and politeness. Her mind raced through the conversation she had with Josh and how he spoke about this 'net'. "No. A network. An international network. Is it?"

The twinkle grew brighter and there was an almost smile on his lips. That was a small observation amid revelations that filled her though. Her mind flashed through clues she found of this time and the possibilities of its meaning. An international information network accessible by even the commonfolk. She thought of the radios and televisions during her time. The technology that created Project Rebirth and Howard Stark's attempts in technological advancement. Her eyes jumped between the screens and Merlin. She remembered the phone that Steve, Roxy, and the general populace had. She remembered Narnia and the information network she and Edmund created. Of how she took advantage of Narnian variety to ensure Narnia's safety and prosperity. How far that information network reached with just the right choice of fitting Animals.

She was breathless at the truth that was implied before her.

"You were able to make an international information network accessible to all, with enough power and space to contain god knows how much information. In. Sixty. Years." She didn't realize that she had taken a few steps forward, watching Merlin for any sort of reaction. "Back in my day, we were still attempting to make flying cars and fingerprint scanners, but there's a definite race for such network. Yes, we direly needed and had a start with such information technology and scrambled to improve it, but I didn't expect such a leap in six decades!"

"The world is ruled by information." He stood and moved to another side of the room. Her gaze went back to the screens, trying to decipher the information that was there.

"A universal and time immemorial truth." Her gaze returned to him as she replied. She was still floored at the prospect of such advancement and her admiration to this man just grew. She wondered how Howard Stark took it. How he bolstered and helped with the advancement. She thought of how Edmund would revel in the information of this age. He would absorb it all up as she wanted to do now. She could see his face, tamed smile and bright eyes. If it was as she assumed, there's so much power available to the world now and it's just at the tip of the fingertips.

"Sit down." She blinked her eyes clear as she surfaced from her thoughts. She saw him rolling a chair to her direction. "This might be a bit too much to take in, even for a very summarized version."`

She did as instructed, watching as he took his own seat, pulled at the sleeves of his jumper, and moved closer to his desk. He motioned to the screens. "The world is run by information. The internet is just a part of how it works. It's not only an information network but a communications one as well. These computers, the smartphones, and many other gadgets are just means of making and accessing the information, among other things."

"Smartphones. You mean the one that Steve and Roxy have? They look so delicate." She remembered holding Steve's phone and marveling at how simple it was. She knew it was a phone just by the first glance of how it worked, but it felt like it could slip and crash on the floor so easily. "And you mean to say that they aren't just phones anymore?"

"Ye can think of them as mini computers, because they can do more than just calling someone now. The ones issued by the Kingsman are pretty sturdy."

She felt like he was going to say something else in line of that, but there's none. There's pride in his gaze though. Clue enough.

She took a deep breath and held a hand up. "Wait. Need to process."

"Take yer time." There was amusement in his voice, but there was also genuine understanding.

Susan considered it a rare blessing, being a witness to two people's ardent passion of their craft. She inched just a bit closer to see the controlled but undeniable enthusiasm in his gaze. Indeed, it was a blessing. It reminded her of Josh and even more beings that she crossed paths with throughout her lives. She wanted to see him succeed at whatever endeavor he was taking. She wanted that light in his eyes to inhabit it longer. She tampered her smile before it showed and looked back to the screens.

"All right. Tell me. One by one." His brow raised at that and she carried on to finish. "Summarized beginner version."

"Please." She added because she was sure she wouldn't be able to sleep until she had something to chew on.

He did after a long drink of coffee. He explained each to her in words she could understand or in analogies that she could comprehend. He always asked if she had questions and if she wanted him to repeat anything. He would give her time and watch her expressions after every subtopic, taking sips of his coffee while doing so. She would repeat and summarize what she understood, making sure that she got it right. He would point out her misunderstandings and patiently explain to her again. He would also quiz her with quick and simple questions. The first part of their discussion felt like a few hours, but in truth was only one.

"Alright. This ain't a standard computer, so there would be quite a lot of differences. Later on, I'll show ye a standard one and probably a laptop. I'll also teach ye how to use it."

"You will?"

"A Kingsman agent must know these things to some extent, and I oversee the trainings of all agents. For now, I will demonstrate ye a few things." He picked her list. "Let's start with yer songs."

He walked her through every step of purchasing an album. Showed her how it was done and would repeat some of it if she missed or asked. He even let her purchase an album herself and he also let her make little mistakes. Anything drastic he guided her away from and explained to her what could happen. Viruses were said a lot among others. He also briefly told her how multitasking worked, which floored her again.

"Wait."

"Is something wrong?" His typing paused and his hands moved away from the keys. She looked up at him and tried to find the right words. She knew with how he waited that he expected it to be another question.

"You paid for those albums. I should be the one paying."

"Ah."

He looked sweet with that realization on his face that Susan couldn't help but shake her head in amusement. "I'll pay you back."

"No need."

"But—"

"Think of it as a welcome gift."

"But—"

"Also, it's hardly a dent on my paycheck."

She pouted. He gave her a blank look. She sighed. "Thank you."

"No problem." He typed a few more things. "Shall we listen to some of them?"

"Yes, please."

She watched as he went through the songs in a search and smiled when he picked the one that started it all. The one she heard in the shop.

Susan closed her eyes when the first beats floated into the room. She had frozen in shock back in the shop, and disbelief plus amazement fluttered in her core. This time, when the drums started beating, she let her mind go. The drums were echoed by faun and centaur hooves as soon as she did. The vocals reminded her of dryads and the merpeople. The whole song transported her to a fitting memory. The dirt and the grass under her feet. Narnian breeze on her tongue. The wildness she always laid to rest within her bones thumped with the beat. It clawed its way out.

We will carry...

We will carry you there...

Her skin prickled with the feeling of movement. She could feel the air moving. Twirling bodies and wide open arms. Laughter and songs. Dryads with their raised arms and flowing bodies. Fauns with their linked hands and skipping circles. Centaurs with their deep voices as they stomped their hooves. Heat filled her veins and the bonfires' warmth only heightened it. The beat carried on and grew louder. Voices blended into a wonderful cacophony of savagery.

Just keep following,

The heartlines on your hand!

Just keep following,

The heartlines on your hand!

Keep it up!

I know you can!

Just keep following,

The heartlines on your hand!

Cause I am...

She saw Lucy reaching out to grab her hand. Calloused fingers wrapped tight around her own. She returned it and felt her heart soar. Air rushed around her faster as they spun together in dizzying speed. Her sister's hair blazed like fire. Her throat tightened and tears prickled the corners of her eyes. Lucy slowed and laughed, twirling her around. Hands wrapped around her waist and lifted her. Edmund. Dark eyes fire blessed and his lips stretched to a smirk. His shoulders were steady as she grabbed them as he supported her back to the ground. She hugged him tight then and there, his laughter rumbling from his chest. He pulled away and offered a hand for a dance, ever the gentleman. She reached out only for her hold to be stolen by another familiar hand, twirling her around once more as Lucy giggled at the side. Edmund's surprise was the last thing to see before she saw blues. Peter. Bright grin. Shining blue eyes. The fire making his hair glimmering gold. His broad frame a reassuring comfort.

That was only the beginning. She moved through dear friends, dancing, dancing, and dancing. Wildness coursed through and into her bloodstream. Revelry filled her lungs. The lyrics fell away and got replaced by a more familiar set in its entirety. The tune and notes shifted to something strangers would call barbaric, but to her? Free.

She wanted to dance. By the Lion's Paw, she wanted to dance. The realization made everything shift back, because Narnia, she knew, was no longer a shadowland and she was in England. The wildness didn't settle back within her bones and when the song ended, she grasped at every echo. This wildness would take long to bury.

The light was too white to be bonfires. It hurt her eyes as they fluttered open. It took her a few moments and staring at nothing to calm her breathing and return to this reality. For the wildness to not tear through her skin and run artistically amok. She turned to her side when she was sure she was grounded enough.

She was given a chance to observe Merlin as he worked. A few moments. She knew he knew that she was alert. She knew that he's finishing a batch of his workload, something she had done with her own work. He gave her a glance and motioned to something before her. "Welcome back. I don't have chocolate, but I have milk."

She wondered what he saw on her face with that glance. She also wondered if he even looked. There before her was a mug of warm milk. She reached out and held it with both hands. The warmth reminded her of the dance that just occurred, memory it had been. She took a tentative sip. Calm.

"Thank you." She sighed. The wildness retreated a bit, spent and given its time. Patient and craving for a next chance.

"Here." She jerked her head up in time to see him push something across the desk to her. "This is a standard issue smartphone for Kingsman agents. This way you can listen to your music as long as you have it and it has power. This is something I'll teach you as well. Everything. For now, I'll teach you enough for you to listen to your music."

He showed her the steps the same way he had always done. The pattern almost familiar now and she followed through easily. There were things that she still knew, like how the headphones work. Though Merlin said that this one was called earphones. The phone was a sleek black set and it was probably around five inches in height or more. She had to hold it with both hands just to be able to type properly. The fear that it would slip from her hold had her be very careful.

"Tapping that symbol will shuffle your playlist. Tapping this one will repeat the playlist. Another tap and it will repeat the song." He tapped the symbols on the phone she held to demonstrate. His voice low close to her ear. "You can make playlists, but that would be a lesson for later."

She nodded and tapped the icons he showed her.

"You're already connected to the internet and the steps are similar to what we just did earlier. However, know that not all the information in the internet is reliable. As easy as it is to access it, it is the same for making up information."

"Understood." That was something she was intimate with. Making information was always easier than gaining it.

She stood up and hid her yawn behind a hand. She looked at her phone and saw the time. "Is it really 4AM?"

"Hmmmhmm." He nodded while drinking his coffee. Amusement danced as he tilted his head. "You should get some sleep. Eggsy will get you up and early for that date."

"I'm sorry. I should've been aware with the time. Or at least with how many cups of coffee you've inhaled."

"Don't be." He inclined his head forward, his lips quirking once more. "I like coffee as much as you like chocolate."

She chuckled. "I doubt it. Thank you, Merlin."

"You're welcome."

She walked to the door with her hand wrapped around her phone and earphones. The other held its box. The fatigue finally crept into her system and made her sluggish. She hoped he's wrong with Eggsy being early. Her brain still raged through all the information it got. Deconstruct and reconstruct. Amid it all, the idea of sleeping in sounded heavenly at this point.

"Miss Pevensie?"

"Hmm?" She blinked her heavy eyes alert. She found him looking at her with the same small smile.

"Pink with cherries?"

Pause. Blink. "Wha—"

Look down.

Oh. Her bare feet and painted toes welcomed her sights. Little cherries adorned every toenail.

"Roxy." She could see the fondness he held for the young woman when she answered.

"Ah." He reached out and took her gift off the table. She watched as he set it on his lap and opened it. His face morphed from curiosity to surprise, both brows raised and a little head tilt. It was just a trinket she found while walking around with Roxy.

"Is this a wake-up call that I should sleep on time?" He turned the gift this way and that before setting it back to the desk to look at her. "Or is it the size of my glasses? Makes my eyes big, doesn't it?"

She chuckled and shook her head. There sat a small wood-carved tree two hand spans high. An owl was perched on one of its branches. It held a couple of chains in its talons, which were attached to a hanging clock.

"If I wanted to give you an alarm clock, I'll choose a barn owl. Have you heard how loud they screech?"

"So, he hoots?"

She went back to his side and reached out for one of the tree roots. She pressed it and the owl hooted. Wonder filled her again. "You really have advanced in so many things."

"If only we'd advanced on the rest of them as well."

"Get some sleep, Merlin."

"Goodnight, Miss Pevensie."