/\/\/\

The next two days passed in much the same way, they played cards and avoided talking about going back to Kingsman, until finally Eggsy looked at Harry and knew that his retreat was over. The other man was steadier on his feet and Eggsy could see a restlessness to him that told the younger man that he needed to call Merlin and organise the plane.

"Hey, Merlin," Eggsy said, looking up at the ceiling.

"Galahad."

"You call Harry that?"

"No, however, I need to train you in regards to your call name."

Eggsy wanted to pretend that Merlin didn't think of him as a human-shaped dog that needed to be taught not to fuck up but the older man's tone made sure he couldn't even have that.

"I think we're ready for the plane."

"Very well, I will organise for it to be ready to pick you both up tomorrow. I will arrange a departure time that is advantageous for both time zones."

"Thanks, Merlin."

"You are most welcome, Galahad. On related news your residence is ready for occupation at your earliest convenience."

"Thanks, I'll sort out me mum and move in when I get back."

"The paperwork is ready for your signature upon your return."

Eggsy looked up when Harry walked out of his bedroom, wearing a suit. Eggsy forgot for a moment what he had planned to say to Merlin.

"I would enjoy a walk today, Eggsy."

"Okay," Eggsy said, walking over to collect his jacket. "Where would you like to go?"

"A park, then we shall see if we can find somewhere reasonable to eat."

"Right," Eggsy tucked his gun into his holster and grabbed his wallet and keys and then turned around to smile at Harry. "Ready?"

"I am."

Eggsy walked over to the door and opened it, smiling at Harry until the older man grabbed his umbrella and walked past him and out the door. Eggsy followed Harry through the hotel until they reached the weak sunshine outside.

"I assume our conversation is over then, Galahad."

"Oh," Eggsy said, surprised. "Yeah, talk to ya tomorrow, Merlin."

"Merlin?" Harry asked, turning to look at Eggsy.

Eggsy shrugged. "He's sending the plane."

Harry nodded. "Yes, back to England and Kingsman."

Eggsy took two fast steps to catch up to Harry. "Do you want to stay here for a few more days?"

Harry turned to look at him and Eggsy was about to call for Merlin when the older man shook his head. "No, it is time to return to life as it should be in England. We both have responsibilities that can no longer be ignored."

Eggsy nodded. "But, you don't have ta rush, Harry, ya can take more time if you want it, yeah?"

Harry straightened his shoulders and gripped the head of his umbrella, tapping it on the ground, and then pointing towards the park Eggsy had found when he had gone for a run the previous day. "A gentleman cannot hide from his responsibilities."

"'kay, but when we get back, you and me are gonna go for walks in the park, yeah?"

"Yes," Harry agreed. "That would be pleasant however you will be away on missions quite regularly."

"Whenever I'm home then. I will be living just around the corner after all."

"Yes," Harry said, his eyes flicking to the left and away from Eggsy.

They walked through the park in silence. It was comfortable, Eggsy had learned early in life how to deal with silences that were fraught with tension or sadness but he hadn't experienced one of them with Harry yet. He still wanted to say something but he didn't know what so he walked through weak sunshine and cool shade next to Harry until they found an open air café for lunch and sat down to eat.

Harry was quiet through the afternoon and into the night when they played a round of gin rummy that Eggsy won much too easily. Then he went to bed early and Eggsy spent the rest of the night sitting on the sofa cleaning his gun.

Late the next morning, Harry and Eggsy walked up the steps to the plane and Eggsy was ready to yank his hair out from frustration. Harry shook hands with the pilot, calling her by name with a smile, and then walked through to the computer console and sat down. Eggsy watched him as he logged into the system and pulled up a video call with Merlin. The younger man slipped past Harry and walked into the back area of the plane, sitting down on one of the beds, and dropping his head into his hands. He had no idea what was going on. Harry had been different since the moment Eggsy said they were going back to England. He had never wanted to go back in time and change anything like he did that…except not shooting JB – if he could have gone back and fixed that maybe he would have been able to stop Harry ever being shot. Not that he would want to lose the last few days alone with Harry for anything. He was beginning to wonder if this was all because Harry had finally worked out what type of relationship Eggsy really wanted with him. A relationship that Harry had no interest in.

/