This is a follow-up to "Your Last Mission," and references "Paper Faces on Parade," though the latter doesn't necessarily have to be read to understand this. The music used are the songs "Fields of Gold" by Sting and "Once I Loved" by Antonio Carlos Jobim. I suggest listening to the Dallas String Quartet's version and Frank Sinatra's version of those songs to get the full effect.

My only excuse for this is that I am a total sappy fluff-lover. And I have no shame.

The actual ceremony went off without any fanfare whatsoever. No flowery language, no lining up and presenting of guests- just a few simple exchanges. Both men had written their own vows- "Harry, do you take me," "Ian, do you take me-" followed by an exchange of the rings that they had gotten made. That was exactly the way Merlin had wanted it, and Harry had no choice but to concede to that wish. Sure, all the while they were watched by three pairs of eyes, but the ceremony required witnesses. And it wasn't as if Merlin could simply tell their guests not to come. Eggsy would have been sorely disappointed, claiming that he was being left out, and Roxy was just as morbidly curious, though she denied her interest when asked. As for Percival, Merlin supposed he had earned the right to attend after all the work he had put in rebuilding Kingsman. That, and all the years he had spent teasing Merlin about his relationship.

After signing their names in the register, Harry leaned in and gave Merlin a peck on the cheek. There had been no command to "kiss the groom," but Merlin was so flattered that he didn't mind the public display of affection. Easing closer to Harry, he leaned over and returned the kiss, this time on the lips. His hand brushed gently against Harry's cheek. Harry smiled when Merlin pulled back, and Merlin decided that perhaps he didn't mind the attention. Not even when Eggsy whistled at them.

The reception was another affair altogether. Merlin had been the first to pose the question- what was the point of getting married if there were no celebrations afterward? The modest group of five headed back to Kingsman HQ, the interiors of which had already been decorated. As Merlin and Harry stepped through the front entrance, several refreshment tables and a live band greeted them. Not to mention the six remaining agents and their plus-ones, mingling about with drinks in hand.

Just this once, Kingsman's eyes didn't need to be focused outward. The world would do just fine on its own for one evening.

All of the agents congratulated the newlyweds, but while Merlin accepted their words along with a glass of champagne, he noticed that Harry kept eyeing the stage. When Bors and his wife had finished enthusing on how Merlin and Harry had finally joined the prestigious ranks of "married couples within the organization," Harry leaned over and murmured in Merlin's ear.

"Shall we dance, love?"

"Why do you think I hired them?" Merlin responded, gesturing to the musicians at the end of the room. They were poised to play and likely trying to figure out how all these people knew each other. Merlin walked over to them and spoke to the conductor, then turned back to Harry with open arms. As soon as the strings sounded, an unlikely grin burst over his face.

Harry's reaction to the music wasn't immediate. He took Merlin into his arms and placed one hand on his waist, the other wrapping around Merlin's neck. As they began to sway, though, Harry's brow creased thoughtfully- followed by the widening of his eyes as realization hit.

"Ian!" He wrenched himself away from Merlin's arms, though he still clung to his hands, and stared both incredulously and wondrously at his new husband. "This isn't- our first dance…"

Instead of answering, Merlin only smiled. He began to softly sing the words, making sure not to voice them too loudly for fear of disrupting the live band. "You remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley…"

Harry blinked heavily, and Merlin was positive he saw tears in his eyes. "I… don't know what to say. How- how did you-?"

"Shh." Merlin gently pulled Harry back into him. "Let's dance first and ask questions later."

They spun around on the floor while the guests watched rapturously, and both of them savored every moment.

When "Fields of Gold" ended, Merlin saw another musician rise from the sidelines. He approached a microphone centered before the band, and for a second trepidation rose in Merlin.

"Harry, I swear if you played a joke on me and chose some godawful pop song, I'll-"

Harry struck him with a withering, pitying look. "You know me too well for that, Ian."

They began a simple step when the song started, moving in sync. It was only when the vocalist began to sing that Merlin recognized the tune.

"Once I loved… and I gave so much love to this love that it was the world to me. Once I cried, at the thought I was foolish and proud and let you say goodbye."

The song's lyrics sobered Merlin. His mind began to pass through all sorts of memories, from the first time he had seen Harry out on the lawn choosing his dog, to their first major mission together where he had shown Harry who was boss, to the endless lunches and dinners they had taken together and the few times they had worked together in the field. He recalled their brief separation and joyous reunion, which was again repeated just last year. Most of all, he recalled the words that Harry had inscribed on his ring- Save the world.

Inside Merlin's ring was the response. Come to me.

Through the years, agents had joined and been replaced, Kingsman had undergone a change of hands, and the world had suffered some serious losses- but Harry Hart, and his love for Merlin, had always remained.

"I will hold you close, make you stay… because love is the saddest thing when it goes away."

In Harry's arms, Merlin surrendered himself, closing his eyes. Love, and Harry Hart, were both here to stay.