Chapter Eight - Infatuation of Expectations

It was a mutual decision that they discontinue their team missions together. It wasn't a typical thing for two Kingsman agents to be in a partner type situation as Eggsy and Roxy were, in the first place. For the sake of their relationship's longevity, and professionalism, they sat down with Merlin.

"We love having each other as partners, but we don't need each other to succeed. We've decided that Kingsman could use more coverage on the map. We enjoy each other's company too much to keep taking advantage of the team missions." Eggsy said, glancing at Roxy.

"Though we'll work together when the time calls for it. Happily." Roxy added.

"About damn time," Merlin said, pushing the glasses up his nose, "we've needed you split ages ago, and since you were both rookies we- well I thought I'd let you have it. Keep an eye on each other and getting acclimated. Speaking of about time, we've finally finished vetting the remaining out of service Kingsman agents. You both better be ready to meet the new Arthur. 0060 hours, be here suited up and the other knights will be tuning in as well. Than you're both getting your next assignments." Merlin handed them both tablets with their missions all mapped out. "Lancelot, you fly out first thing this afternoon. Galahad, you're first thing tomorrow morning. But local."

Eggsy glanced at Roxy, he knew they would be seeing less of each other, but he hadn't realized just how soon.

"By the way, you'll both be pleased to know that the wrap-up of the Radcliffe operation is going swimmingly. That drug injection devise that you found off his body, Roxy, was quite the jackpot. We were able to track the drugs and the devise to a large underground dealing and manufacturing drug company that he had partnered with. They've all been taken care of, and dismantled thanks to you two. Also, I'm sure you'd be curious as to know what happened to the children you saved. They're doing well, all trying to adjust to childhood life. We thought it best not to separate them, and give them all slow and steady movements into society. You've both been given authorization to visit them if you'd like. Anytime you're open, which will be no where near soon, knowing your schedules."

"Fantastic to hear, Merlin." Roxy said, her eyes sparkling.

"Now you'll see in your briefing Galahad, that your mission requires you to get a brand spakin new suit. Mr. Harold will take care of you down stairs. Whenever you're ready."

"That it?" Eggsy asked.

"That's it. Good luck you two."

The two agents made their way to the tailor.

"No, it's alright. I can do it. I need to practice anyways. I am a tailor aren't I?" Roxy said, as she politely took the measuring tape from Mr. Harold, the old man who's job as cover tailor was always fantastically done. Both as a front cam and a tailor. He did teach all the kingsman their craft too. In tailoring of course.

As Roxy fitted Eggsy for his brand new red velvet suit, it finally hit him. He had a seriously hot girlfriend, who was also a serious girlfriend, whom he had never properly introduced his mother. He'd never even brought her to meet his kid sister. Though the time for that would come. Just like the sun always did morning after morning. The inevitability of a future with the girl he fell for, was the reassurance he needed to keep him from slipping up. He had something he had to live for, and someone to make proud. Thus, he could never fail.

"Two Kingsman together is uncharted territory." Mr. Harold said, leaning on the door post, looking on at them with his signature kind, old, green eyes.

Eggsy turned to him, "We can be the Trail Blazers." He said, with a fiery foresight in his eyes, and a smile on his face.

"Professionally." Roxy cut in, smiling at Mr. Harold, and straightening Eggsy's neck to take the right measurements.

"Of course." Eggsy smirked. "If that's what you'll have. Professionally and stylishly."

"Is there any other way?" Roxy asked with a smirk.

"No. There most certainly is not." Mr. Harold agreed, then patted them both on the back. "Good luck to you both then. God speed." Mr. Harold then left the fitting room, closing the door behind him.

"Finished." She uttered.

Eggsy stepped down from the platform and stood in front of Roxy.

"Stay safe out there. Alright?" He uttered.

"You don't have to worry about me Eggs. I'll be fine. I worry about you. You were the one that didn't get the initial spot in Kingsman," she teased.

"At least I'm not one so affluent that I had to change my name among my friends."

"Taking it a little too far there," she shook her head.

"Just a tad?" he took a step closer.

She followed suit, "Just a tad."

"Bring me back a souvenir from your travels?" He interlocked his fingers in hers.

"Anything"

"Your smile"

Roxy punched his shoulder lightly, "you're cheeky. You know that?"

"Yeah"

Their lips became affixed together as the strong affinity between them had mixed with the knowledge of their coming separation.

"I forgot to tell you two-" Merlin said opening the door, his eyes fixed on his tablet until he looked up.

What he saw was what looked like Roxy measuring Eggsy's collar, though she seemed slightly frazzled. Since she had just been snogging her boyfriend and was now trying to hide it.

Merlin assessed their faces for but a moment, "as I was saying, I forgot to tell you two that the new Arthur wants you both suited up in your classic Kingsman suites. Not the ones you're getting fitted into."

"Noted," Eggsy said, staring with no emotion at the wall.

"Good." Merlin said, then left promptly. Though he could tell he had interrupted something. However, he thought it was just a conversation.

Eggsy smiled at Roxy, and they burst out laughing. They did it quietly though, in true spy fashion. Giggling with covered mouths, and sneaking in a few more kisses. They felt like giddy teenagers.

Eggsy threw his arm around Roxy as they laughed, he was so pleased to see her in such a good mood. Smiling and laughing was not something she did all that often. Though he loved making her smile, and laugh. More than he could say. He took a deep breath. "But please do stay safe out there. I won't have your back..."

"Eggs, I'll be fine. It was me that always had your back remember?"

"Seriously Rox. I don't want anything happening to you. I couldn't live with myself if anything were to happen..."

"I don't see how you can live with yourself now." She made a downward glance at him, then she grinned. "But you know I will be fine Eggs." she said with a serious tone, "You'll be fine too. Won't you?"

"Yeah. You're right."

"Although tomorrow is never promised, we've done this a million times. Mission go, success, then go home. Or on another mission. We really don't get that much time off now that I think of it..."

"Yeah, but we were doing it together. Two mates, taking on the world, back to back. Unstoppable."

"We're still unstoppable, and together. Two mates, just a bit further apart. But you realize that if you're not feeling up to the solo missions thing, it's okay to ask for help." She joked.

"I don't know what you're on about. I'm perfectly fine on my own I'll have you know. It's just... It's just that I'll miss you Rox."

"Oh Eggs. I'll miss you just the same. Who will I have to make fun of Merlin with?"

"I'm sure you'll never find anybody who throws shade at Merlin quite like I do. Positive."

Roxy sighed, "It'll be an adjustment, but nothing either of us hasn't already been through. We'll be fine. We're adapters, you know?"

Eggsy shook his head in agreement. "And what is it they say? Absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

"Yes. I do think that's what they say."

The two agents met the elderly new Aruthor after a few longing glances at one another. Roxy also had to actually measure Eggsy without getting distracted for once.

Arthur greeted them with respect, and they did likewise. He shook their hands and they all sat at the meeting table, joined by the virtual faces of all the other Kingsman. They shared a toast to commemorate the new leader and partnership. Then all exchanged a few kind words before the close of the meeting. Perceval winked at Roxy before his hologram had to vanish. And she knew what he meant by it.

"Just another week at work. I don't even think I have to wish you two luck on these two. You're hardly rookies anymore." Merlin said, then carried on in conversation with the new Arthur.

The two Kingsman agents went to tea at a nearby café, after they suited up and properly prepared for their coming missions. They had a wonderful conversation about shoes and ambassadors. And how most ambassadors they've run into end up having terrible or fantastic tastes in shoes, nothing in between.

Roxy glanced at her watch when she realized she was enjoying herself too much. She frowned at Eggsy.

"That time ain't it?" He looked off at the London streets.

Roxy reached over the table and moved his face to hers. "Yeah. It is." She bit her lower lip, and she just looked him in his eyes for a good minute.

"Sometimes you scare me Rox." He said honestly, still holding her gaze.

She sighed. "Sometimes- most times you scare me."

They embraced, then said their goodbyes.

Eggsy kissed Roxy, she then straightened his tie as he fixed the glasses back onto her nose.

"Off to work then."

"I'll see you in a bit. Alright?"

"Yeah. Call me Eggsy."

"After I finish saving the world."

"Likewise."

They called two cabs and Eggsy made sure to open the door for Roxy's. "You take good care of her," he said to the driver as he waved them off.

"That your wife?" His cab driver asked. She fit the description of an often eavesdropping woman in her fifties.

"Nope. But she sure is my girl." He replied as he smiled at the storefronts they passed.