Work Text
“I am not workin’ with ‘im, again!”“As if I want to work with you, too!”The once quiet department was interrupted as soon as the two wizards appeared in Merlin’s office. The argument has been going on for about a half-hour, showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. He knew he’d get this reaction as soon as he broke the news but they were adults not. With jobs. Not in school.“I don’t get why you two are here when all you’re doing is fighting,” the wizard snapped but like before, he was ignored.“You almost got me killed!”“You were fine.”“You were supposed to be the lookout and you fucked tha’ up! You had one-”Merlin groaned as he watched two of his best Aurors having a spat. An unprofessional blowout. He was regretting the decision to pair the two together. “I’d rather get hex than work with you.”“And you don’ think I think the same way?”“If you two don’t shut up, I’m excusing you both for a month!”The two wizards fell silent, still glaring at each other but focused on Merlin.“I honestly wonder why I put up with you two,” the wizard sighed but the Aurors didn’t respond. Eggsy knew when to shut up. Well, only when he was told.Eggsy turned to the older wizard. These were the moments when he realized he really shouldn’t be working with Charlie but he wasn’t about to quit. It was just a realization.“Are you two done?”Charlie and Eggsy nodded, knowing the if one of them speak, it would set the other off.“It wasn’t even that difficult of a mission. You were gone for work. You are a team which means you may do or work with people you couldn’t care less about but this is your job. My job. I don’t care if you were ex-lover or hate each other. You each need to pull your heads out of your arses and do your job. If I catered to every Aurors’ demands I’d have only two who’d work together.”Eggsy shifted on his feet. He hated being yelled at. Harry did it, Dean did it and now Merlin. Well, this wasn’t the first time the wizard yelled at him but it was the time he felt genuinely uncomfortable.“Look, just go. I call you back when I’m sure you two can do your job and not act like children.“Righ’. Sorry, Merlin,” Eggsy mumbled as he turned first.“Great work, Unwin,” Charlie sinned as he pushed past Eggsy.“Get bent,” he snapped back, going towards Roxy’s office instead.Roxy was writing a note as the wizard walked to her desk, dropping into one of the chairs.“So… What did Merlin want that caused that fight?”“I guess you heard it?”“The whole bloody floor heard it. You two weren’t silent. Have never been quiet.”“Well, he gets on my nerves. Like school.”“Also, mine but I’m not starting a war whenever we get paired,” Roxy smirked when she looked up, meeting her friend’s scowl.“He wasn’ a dick to you. You’re Pure-Blood. M’ not and he had to remind me. Excuse me if I wanted to escape him when I left Hogwarts.”He picked the enchanted star with a string of smaller stars and sparkles flew around. He smiled he turned it around. Daisy had given her it for her birthday. Well, he got it but Daisy had asked to get something for Roxy, so he took his sister to a shop to pick it out.“And yet he’s here. You are here. You two are adults and Aurors. Learn work to-” she stopped when she saw Eggsy wasn’t listening anyone. “Put that down. I don’t want you to break it.”“I’ll have to tell, Daisy you have it at work.”“Well, yeah. I like it and I don’t want it broken. Put it down! Thank you,” she sighed when the wizard complied. “Anyway, I’m assuming the debriefing didn’t go well if the yelling was any indication.”It was known that after six years Eggsy and Charlie didn’t get along and when yelling happened, shit had hit the fan. It had been a quiet year but everyone, even Eggsy knew it couldn’t last.“I don’ need a lecture but the bloke almost got me killed and Merlin didn’ care.”“Mmm.” Roxy dropped he quill into her ink pot and sat back in her chair. “Well, he probably did but with all that yelling, he probably stopped caring. You two have a reputation now and it’s embarrassing and-”“I know. I know. ‘M an embarrassment to you and my dad. I’m puttin’ shame on his legacy but Charlie froze and let the wanker fire the killing curse at me.”“Wasn’t going to say it exactly like that but, honestly, Eggsy. This is your dream job. What you wanted since I’ve met you. You’re letting Charlie get to you. I know you a right to be mad but he’s not worth it.”Eggsy hummed, focusing on the rising stars. She had a point. She always had a point. In school, a year ago and with Charlie. She was the voice of reason. His mum couldn’t help and his dad was dead. As he got older, he missed his dad more and more. Roxy had her family but he was alone here. There were Muggle-borns but they had more friends here than he did.“Just be glad that this is the first time in over a year since Merlin paired you two together. Your luck has run out and now you have to do your job. You became an Auror for a reason but Charlie is just-” she stopped. She wasn’t thrilled when she saw the wizard in training but she also didn’t let anything get to her. She just wished Eggsy was the same or not let Charlie get to him so much.“I guess. I don even know when we’ll be assigned to the same mission.” He really should have just shut up and let Charlie have it later.“You know, those negative people always find a way to cling onto people that don’t want it. Like you and Charlie. You just have to do your job and realize Charlie isn’t going anywhere.”“Unless he gets sacked,” he joked, pulling an unimpressed face from Roxy.“Honestly, you’d be the first.”As much as he wanted to protest, he actually couldn’t deny it. He was the one getting in trouble because he did moves that weren’t ‘by the book’. Sorry, but sometimes missions called for them. It still got the job done and it was really fifty-fifty if Merlin called him out. It usually didn’t work in his favour.”“So… Have any-”“Don’t you have work to do?” Roxy asked, interrupting the man, still keeping her eyes focused on her writing.“I do but I can do it later.”“We are done in two hours and do you really want to stay late on a Friday? When we know you won’t touch anything from here during the weekend.”She was right but it was a little insulting that at twenty-four, Roxy treated him like he was seventeen. Yes, he did slack off on Fridays but he wasn’t the only one at Ministry. “Fine,” he groaned. He knew she was right. He had work but Charlie pissed him off and Merlin was miffed. He didn’t like when Merlin thought he wasn’t a good Auror. He was and it wasn’t what Merlin had said but it’s what he felt. He was getting better but he still felt ashamed no matter if it really wasn’t his fault.He knew he should have waited until he and Charlie were alone, where no one could overhear. But he was pissed at Charlie. He almost got him killed and the prick got away with it. The mission wasn’t difficult. The only difficult part was working with the prat. They both got their jobs done. They were working together as well as they could. It was the final day when Charlie ignored Eggsy’s orders and let wizard they were after through the wards but didn’t stun him when he had to.He barely missed the killing curse the wizard fired it. Charlie had this blank look when the wizard fell to the floor, all because of Eggsy.They’ve been in a fight ever since. Merlin didn’t care and Roxy almost didn’t. He knew that was part of the job but what they were ignoring was that his partner froze and didn’t do his job.He sighed and grabbed the pile of files on his desk and dropped them in front of him. Even on missions, the mass of forms didn’t stop. The only good thing that the stack was smaller than last time. *****Eggsy got home an hour past his shift. He took Roxy’s advice and was both grateful and regretting it. He was exhausted and was just changing when he realized he was late.“Shit,” he groaned, pulling a jumper on before rushing to the fireplace.“Argh! Stop doing that!” his mum cried when he stepped into the living room. “Sorry,” he smiled sheepishly but was distracted by Daisy rushing to him.“Really, Eggsy. I have asked you to stop doing that. You can call and warn me or Apparate outside of the house.”“I know. You told me before.”He felt bad. It wasn’t like he forgot. He was late and this was easier.“Then remember it. And I’m late because you didn’t come when I told you to.“Ooo. Mum has a date,” Eggsy teased, holding Daisy, who basically climbed on him.Daisy just giggled and clapped her hands.“It’s not a date. I’m just going out with some mates from work.”“Mmm,” Eggsy hummed. “You don’ ‘ave to lie to me. You can-”“Really, Eggsy? I’m late thanks to you and I’m not dealing with this right now. I just hope they waited since my son is a nob.”“Mum!”Michell just smirked and walked towards her children, kissing Daisy and Eggsy both on the cheeks. Eggsy moved away, wiping his cheek.“Okay. I’m leaving. Do I really need to remind you to put Daisy down on time and no magic?”“Nope.”His mum had a thing against magic when Eggsy watched her at night. Daisy never left her brother alone or settled down without a fuss. He wanted to say he wouldn’t but Daisy got so happy and it entertained her more than the telly. His mum should appreciate the magic more.He mum didn’t say anything but he was sure his mum didn’t believe him. He lucked out because she was already running late and decided not to start anything that wouldn’t be solved in less than a minute.He waited until he heard the car start up and disappear down the road. He smiled when he remembered the first and only time, he got Roxy into his mum’s car. It was amusing having something the witch didn’t know how to work. Roxy grew up in a family of Pure-Bloods and despite living around muggles, always used the Floo network or Apparate.The witch asked if Eggsy wanted to kill her with how fast they went. Also, how reckless he drove. He really should have been safer but he’s been driving since he was thirteen, not legally, and he knew he was a good driver.“So,’ he looked to his sister who was just looking at Eggsy, “what do you want to do.”Daisy didn’t answer but ran to her.“No running, love. Mum will kill me if we end up in the hospital,” he muttered the last part. He knew magic or not, his mum would find a way to band him from London.Daisy muttered a ‘sorry’ as she carried a few toys with her. He knew what she was doing; they’ve played this game before.“Really?” he smirked, smiling down at the small girl.“Yes, Eggsy,” she grinned.It had taken him a long time to teach her how to say his name properly.“Okay.” He sat on the chair by the coffee table, picking up a teddy bear that has seen better days. His sister has basically ruined it but his mum refused to let him repair the poor bear. He considered repairing it while playing this game but his mum never liked him indulging Daisy with his magic. If he did something parament with the stuffed animal, his mum would know.“This one,” Daisy demanded, pulling the bear from he brother’s hand and shoved a stuffed dog. He learned very earlier that Daisy wanted her toys to be turned into cute things. He turned a bunny into a snake once and sent his sister into a fit of crying for over an hour. The snake was plush and smiled but apparently, a snake was a snake to a two-year-old.They played the game for about two hours. He was tired after his day at the Ministry. He didn’t want to do magic until he had to. He knew he needed to start telling Daisy ‘No’ when she asked but he knew she wasn’t going to be fascinated for long anyway.It was a struggle getting the little girl ready for bed. She still wanted to do something and even though it was Friday, he already kept her a half-hour passed her bedtime and his mum would drag him here tomorrow if Daisy was being difficult getting up.“No, Daisy. I already read to you and changed your stuffed animals back. It’s late and you need to sleep.”“Why? ‘M not tired,” she said through a yawn, proving the wizard’s point.“Yes, you are.”“No,” Daisy pouted, crossing her arms over her chest.He smiled at her, remembering how she used to mimic him when he did it. Now, she did it to let them know she wasn’t happy. Well, as unhappy a child can be.“Okay. Tell you what, if you go to sleep now, I’ll visit next week.” He was going to be there anyway; he always visited on the weekend but Daisy was too young to realize that Eggsy was there to visit without bribing.Daisy pursed her lips as if she was considering the other.“Okay!” she cried and flopped down in her bed, pretending she was already sleeping.Eggsy just smiled and bent over, kissing his sister’s forehead. He waited until he was sure Daisy was asleep before turning the lamp off and closing her door, leaving it opened by a crack.He went to the living room, claiming the couch as he turned the telly on. He turned the channels until he landed on some sitcom that he didn’t know but got pulled into the storyline.He remembered when Roxy was here. Aside from the phone and the car, the witch wasn’t impressed with the telly, claiming that she learned more from books and the Daily Prophet. He argued that Muggles had that too but shows were also great entertainment.He felt his eyes growing heavy as the day’s events wore on him. He knew he should be awake until his mum got home. It showed responsibility but it wouldn’t be the first time he fell asleep while watching his sister. As long as she was sleeping and safe in her bed, he saw no difference when he stayed the night. Also, he just needed to rest his eyes. *****Eggsy yawned when he sat in his chair. The weekend was for relaxing and preparing for the week ahead. He got guilted into staying at his mum’s all weekend. He didn’t realize how tiring it was looking after a child for only three days. He felt a little bad for his mum when he remembered how when his dad died, he wasn’t the best-behaved kid and also struggling with magic with no help. Daisy had no magic but damn, he was exhausted and wishing the weekend was longer.He assumed his mum wanted him to suffer so she could go out. He could help out more. He knew that. The problem was that his mum wasn’t a fan of him using magic while he watched over Daisy or visited her and his mum.It wasn’t that his mum was against magic, she was just nervous that Daisy could share with her classmates what Eggsy was doing. She knew Muggles didn’t know about magic. She thought Lee was winding her up when he confessed that he wasn’t a police officer.When Eggsy was young, it was easy to pretend her son wasn’t a wizard but she knew that she couldn’t keep that life from her son. No matter how much it hurt to be reminded that her husband was dead because of a curse and not a gun. Eggsy deserved to be who he was born to be. She would never admit how much she hated not seeing Eggsy as much as when he wasn’t attending Hogwarts. Even though it gave him the chance for a job she knew would never have happened if he was a Muggle like she was.Even though he helped so much with Daisy and helped her leave Dean, a mother would always miss her son no matter where he moved.She would never tell Eggsy how she cried that night he got his letter. Lee should have been there to see that, to be there to see their son off for the first time. It was a realization that she was doing this on her own. She was proud when Eggsy became an Auror like his dad. What he always wanted to be to honour his dad but she was always worried when Eggsy went on a mission. Worried that he would be injured or killed like Lee. As much as she wanted to step in, she couldn’t crush the happiness in Eggsy when he got the job in the Ministry. Dean wasn’t but Dean never liked the thought of Michelle having a wizard for a son. One of the reasons he and Eggsy never got along.Eggsy has been an Auror for five years now and she wasn’t thrilled he was following in Lee’s footsteps.Eggsy groaned when he saw the stack of letters and folders. He finished his work on Friday so he didn’t know how his work could pile up again after only one weekend. He contemplated putting work off until he felt fully awake but he knew Roxy was going to lay in on him if he put things off again to the point where he was rushing to finish before the deadline.He cursed under his breath when he saw the file for the mission he just finished with Charlie. He knew Merlin was late getting these to him on purpose. He usually got these the day he got back but he pissed Merlin off and was facing the consequences.He was so invested in his work that he didn’t realize someone was in his space until he heard a voice clearing.“You know, I admire you working without having to tell you to but you also need to stop for lunch,” the voice said when Eggsy let out a loud sigh as he dropped his quill into the ink pot.He looked up to see an unamused Roxy. They’ve had similar fights before about Eggsy work routine. He either would dick around and miss deadlines or work until Roxy had to force him to take a break. He never had a usual work day.“Merlin dropped the forms off today and ‘m tryin’ to get them done before he gets on my arse and Charlie beats me.”The witch rolled her eyes as she sat in one of the chairs. “Well, it’s lunchtime and I’m here to make sure you eat.” She dropped a paper bag on his desk, covering the parchments.“It’s a sandwich. Don’t worry,” Roxy said before the wizard could speak, which wasn’t what he was going to ask.“Thanks. Why aren’t you in your office?”“Because you’ve been to mine enough times where it’s only fair to invade your space now.”The wizard rolled his eyes. “Fine.”They were silent for a long moment before Roxy spoke again.“So, my cousin is starting Hogwarts this year. He’s so excited. Waiting for his owl.”“It’s only June.” “Well, yeah but I was just like that. Couldn’t wait and questioned every owl that came to our house before my owl came.”He gave a week smile. It wasn’t that he didn’t know he was a wizard before his letter came but it was a topic that wasn’t discussed in his house. He knew what his dad was a wizard and what he did but his mum didn’t tell him that he would be going to the same school until a week before his owl arrived. He was sure it was a sore subject for her and probably didn’t want Eggsy bothering her with excitement. He was fine. He did that for the next four years. When Dean came, he knew when it would come and would go to Diagon Alley with Roxy.“Well, I’m assuming that he will be in Ravenclaw.”“Of course. Well, my aunt is sure.”“Maybe he’ll surprise you as I did.”Actually, he didn’t know a lot about his dad’s family. His mum never brought it up and he didn’t want to bring it up and upset his mum. From the stories from the old professors, he disappointed a line of Gryffindors. Well, his nan was apparently a Ravenclaw. He didn’t have any aunts and uncles from his dad’s side and his grandparents died before he was born, so he was alone.“Probably won’ care which house he gets unless ‘s Hufflepuff.”Roxy groaned. She thought they got past this. Well, they did. Hogwarts wasn’t really in their everyday conversations but she knew Eggsy made his dad proud in becoming an Auror. Her friend would argue that that was just a lucky break.She wanted to defend her family but she knew that most of her family would have a problem if her cousin ended up in Hufflepuff. They were from a very long line of Ravenclaws. They were proud and she was sure that her cousin would feel like what Eggsy felt when he ended up in another House.“So, how’s your mum?”“Guilted me into spendin’ the weekend with her. I was only gone for a week. And ‘M a grown man. I don’ need to sleep over.”“Hey, she loves you.”She wished her parents were like Michelle. She could only handle a few hours with her family until the conversation turned into her career choice or lack of a romantic life.“She just loves you.”“She does this every time I'm gone for a week or more. Jus’ makin’ sure I didn’ end up like my dad.’“As I said: she just loves you. She wants to know that you are safe.”As annoying as it was, he would never admit it but he loved his mum worrying for him. It proved that she did love him even though he was a wizard. For the first two years, he went to Hogwarts, he thought she resented him for turning out like his father. Even now.“So, when are you gonna produce the next Ravenclaws heir,” he teased before he took a bit of his sandwich.The witch just glared. “Fuck off, Eggsy. I’ll get married when I am ready. I’m only twenty-four. And maybe I’ll marry a Slytherin just to piss my family off and ruin the legacy.”Her family was pressuring her to find a man, a Ravenclaw really is what they leave out every time they have the conversation.“Well, as longs as ‘s not Charlie, I’ll support it,” he smirked as Roxy narrowed her eyes.“Okay, because of that, you asked for it. Have you decided on anything with Harry?”It wasn’t a topic of regular discussion. After last year where he talked to Harry for the last time, he rarely brought the wizard up. He told Harry he needed time and the wizard understood or pretend that he did. Actually, this was Harry Hart he was talking about. He was giving Eggsy time.He was still as confused as he was when he was seventeen. After he got an apology and shagged him, he asked for time but it was over a year and he still didn’t know what he wanted.“No. ‘M I supposed to? It’s only been a year.”“Yes, but you never talk. And I’m not rushing you but have you thought about what you want. What you want to say to Harry?”The young man was silent for a long moment. He wouldn’t lie and say he hasn’t thought about Harry. They didn’t talk about him often but that didn’t mean he never thought about how he wanted to see Harry again. If actually saw the wizard again, what would he say?It scared him that he amusing himself in thinking Harry wanted him. If he was waiting for him.What would an older man want with a twenty-four-year-old wizard that only got this far because of said wizard?Even though Harry had apologized, and Dean was out of their lives, and he was a fantastic Auror, he still struggled with self-esteem issues. Everything happened with a stroke of luck for him. Harry wouldn’t have apologized if he hadn’t gotten the mission to patrol the school. Dean wouldn’t have left if he never became an Auror and could support his mum and Daisy on his own. He was only a great Auror because of Roxy practically railing through training if he didn’t perform to her standards. She was a little harsh but he owed everything to her.“I don’t even know if I want to do anything,” he decided to answer. “I can’t offer Harry anything and what if he realized that Lee’s boy isn’t worth the wait?”“I-I-”“Also, we are busy. ‘Arry’s busy. He’s at Hogwarts while ‘m here.”“True. But if you are saying you want to get over Harry, you should go. Find some man to date.”“Tha’s not what I was implying.”“Well, if you do want to try something with Harry, I’m sure you two can work it out.”“Do you jus’ want me to be with ‘im?”He won’t deny that he still has feelings for his old professor. After he left Hogwarts for the first time, he wasn’t planning on anything happening with Harry. It was impossible anyway because he didn’t see Harry at all. Which helped him more own. Somewhat. He wanted an apology and he got it but that was how his judgment got clouded and landed him here.He still didn’t know how he felt. He still had feelings for Harry but if they started something, what would it look like? A professor with his ex-student. The age difference, which didn’t bother him but he didn’t know what Harry thought. But he did say he would wait so that must count for something, right?“You know, I still don’ know wha’ I wan’. Like, I’m only-”“Eggsy, even though you asked Harry to wait for you, that doesn’t mean you have to rush your decision. He knows what he did to you, what you did. He’s old enough to wait. What he did, you don’t have to forgive him and figure everything out in just over a year.”Some people might say ‘get over it’ when they hear Eggsy and Harry’s story. And Eggsy may agree with them. It’s been seven years since he left and he was over the pain he felt as left the school. He was fine. He was confused now that he had a chance to have what he wanted; what he fantasized. He just wasn’t sure how this would work. He hasn’t seen Harry since they talked last year. He had no idea how to contact him. Actually, he did but he’d rather go on a month mission with Charlie alone than ask Merlin. And he was not about to write Harry. What could he say? ‘I’m ready. Want to try a relationship?’ No. That was pathetic.“Maybe I should try and find a wizard,” he said, shocking Roxy and even himself. He was only thinking he should get more experience before he talked to Harry again. Maybe that was what he needed. Harry was his first and it was only a shag, not a relationship. Maybe he’d feel more confident if he was with a few more people. Maybe Harry wouldn’t mind it either. But the thought of being with another person made his skin crawl.If anybody asked, he was confident. He knew how to do his job and do it damn well. He was a good big brother. He only hesitated when the topic of a boyfriend was brought up. It wasn’t like he was missing anything though. As Roxy said: they were young.“Ha. Be serious, Eggsy. I’ve tried to set you up before and you asked Merlin for an out-of-county mission to avoid the bloke.”“Yeah, well…” he trailed off.It wasn’t his proudest moment but not to be judgmental, the lad wasn’t his type. From how Roxy described him. Blondes just weren’t his type. In school, yes, he liked Harry, but before Harry, he was attracted to some of the boys. All had dark hair though.“Maybe ‘m ready now.”“Mm-hmm. And has any wizard caught your eye?”Honestly, no.“Maybe.”Roxy arched her eyebrows. Not believing the Auror sat in front of her but she decided to play along. “Who? The one wizard who works in Magical Transportation?”“That could be anyone, Rox.”It was a big department and there were too many wizards to figure out which wizard she was talking about. Also, there really wasn’t anyone he was looking at.“The one that was hired when we were. Black hair, brown eyes. I think his name is Leo.” Even if he was looking at some guy to date, he didn’t know a guy named Leo. He didn’t think it was important to remember people’s name that he never associated himself with. A dick move, but he was sure he wasn’t the only one that did that.“Umm. No.”Roxy pursed her lips as if she was trying to think of another wizard, she saw her friend looking at.Eggsy cut in before she could suggest a name. “I actually need to get back to work.” They’ve been talking too long and he didn’t want Merlin on his arse when he handed in his finished work at the end of the day. His half-finished work if his pile was any indication of how much he had left.The witch looked at the clock on the desk before jumping up.“Shit. I am so sorry.”The wizard just waved his hand, already going back to the form he was working on before he was interrupted.“I’ll see you after work,” Roxy said by the door but left before Eggsy could reply. Like he would anyway.*****“So, I found a someone that has agreed to go out with you,” Roxy announced as she walked up to his desk on a Wednesday, two weeks after their talk about dating.In all honesty, after Roxy left his office that day, he never thought about finding anyone. He was too busy since Merlin decided to give him extra work for fun. Well, that’s what he concluded. Marlin was in a foul mood and he didn’t want to argue. After years of working for Merlin, he knew when he could test the head Auror and when to keep to himself.“Sorry?”The young Auror looked up, grimacing at his smiling friend.“Remember how we talked about finding you a date?”“No.”“Come off it, Eggsy. You know what I’m talking about.”“Okay. Maybe but neva said I actually wanted to go out.”“Humour me, Eggsy.”“Fine,” he sighed heavily as he put his quill in his inkpot and flopped back in his chair.“He works for the Daily Prophet and-”“Really? No.”“Listen and then judge. Be thankful that I didn’t find a wizard who works here.”“Okay. Continue.”“As I was saying, he covers the quidditch section.”Eggsy made a face. He wasn’t a fan of quidditch, mainly because he never made the team.“Don’t make that face. You two will have stories to exchange. His mane is Eric Penwise and is available on Friday night.”“Fri—wha’ the fuck, Roxy! How did you even meet and ask him?”“I met him in the Atrium yesterday. I was getting the Prophet and we got talking and I asked if he was interested in going out on Friday.”“Jesus, Rox. He may not have been gay.”“Well, he is.”“Oh, bullocks. You did jus’ ask ‘im, did you?”“Don’t worry, I didn’t. We meet at the World Cup and have been mates for a couple of years now.”“Still. Why didn’t you introduce us before if you are such good friends where you are setting him up with me?”“I thought I’d just try and I just had a feeling.”Eggsy groaned and dropped his head on his desk. “You straight people always claim you ‘jus’ know’ someone is gay.”“Hey, he told me once and be thankful I got you a date.”“I neva said I wanted to date.”“Just go on this one and I’ll never bother you again.”The young Auror tossed around his options if he said no. Roxy’s reaction probably wouldn’t be pleasant. Also, the idea of going on his first date, blind, wasn’t either. Though Roxy’s disappointment was something he didn’t want to experience and it was nice she went out to try and find him a date. Not something he wanted but it was sweet.“Fine. I’ll go.”Roxy squealed, which was something he’d never heard nor wanted to hear again.“Okay, first, neva do tha’ again. Second, m’ only doin’ this for you. And where are we gonin’?“The Leaky Cauldron at seven on Friday.”“Original.”“Like you’d choose anything better.”“Sorry.”He didn’t really want to go but he felt like he owed it to the witch.“And how will I know what the bloke looks like?”“I told you-”“Yeah, yeah. Brown eyes. Black hair. And his name is Eric but that could be any bloke. You can’t tell anyone’s eye colour unless you are staring like a loon.”“Wear that grey jumper and I’ll tell him what you’ll be wearing.”“You know you’re not really selllin’ this.”“I promise he’ll be there.”“Okay.”He didn’t say anything more. He didn’t voice his doubts. His reluctance on going out on a blind date. He liked to have an idea of what he was walking in to. There was the excitement of the unknowing but that was reserved for missions, not his personal life.In the years that he’s known Roxy, she’s never pushed him to find a man—wizard. She pushed him to get over Harry, which he did and didn’t regret. Now, this was different. If he wanted to date, he wanted to ask a man he was attracted to.“Okay? That’s it?”Eggay just shrugged. “Why no. I trust you.”The blonde narrowed her eyes, studying the wizard. This was too easy. He didn’t like anyone messing with his life. He was pissed at Ryan once when he tricked him into going to his parents when they were supposed to go to a quidditch match. That was a little harsh but Eggsy was only going to the match because Ryan guilted him. After that night, he ignored Ryan for two weeks.“What are you really thinking?”“Nothin’,” Eggsy shrugged before grabbing his quill.Roxy watched the man write. They both were ignoring each other, waiting for one of them to speak.“Are you goin’ to actually work?”“What do you really want?”“Umm, to go home if ‘m bein’ honest.”The witch rolled her eyes. “Why are you agreeing?”“Can’ I jus’ say yes without it meanin’ anythin’ more?”“Yes, but that’s not you.”“You may be right and if it goes tits up, it’ll make you do all my work for a week.”“I knew you agreeing had a condition.”Eggsy just smirked. “You know I don’t like this shit. It’s not me but maybe…” he trailed off. He really didn’t know. He was thinking too much about this meeting with Eric. It was just one night. A drink or two. And who said Eric would like what he had to offer. He knew he wasn’t the most eloquently spoken man. Or dressed the best.Maybe he was over thinking this because nobody ever asked him out and Roxy set this up, not Eric. Honestly, though, he was sure he’d feel the same hesitation if Eric had come to him.All he knew, his mum was never going to know about this and he really was going to give the bloke a chance for Roxy. ***** For a Friday night, the inn was pretty dead. He arrived ten minutes early. He wore the outfit Roxy picked out for and forced him into. She came to his flat before he had to leave, making sure he was actually going. He was. He didn’t need a reminder.Instead of standing around, he found a spot by the corner and waited. He felt a knot twist in his stomach. It was ironic that he’d go into a mission ready to die but dating almost made him regret being mates with Roxy.It was fine. At least he could tell the horror stories of this date to Amelia and Tina. He wouldn’t go hard to Roxy since she did know him outside setting this date up. His apparently been her friend for two years and never knew about it.He was so caught up in his thoughts that he jumped when he heard his name called.“Eggsy?”“Shit,” he cried, holding his chest. He looked up to what had to be Eric smiling sheepishly.Great first impression, right?“Um—uh, yeah. Tha’s me.” Held out his hand, not sure the proper protocol for meeting a date. “And you are-”“I’m Eric.”They both exchanged a smile as the other man sat.He couldn’t deny that Eric wasn’t attracted. He had great hair and was probably taller than him. He’d have to stand next to him to tell but he was sure they were around the same height or Eric was taller. He had light brown eyes and stickily thought of Harry’s eyes. Someone he hasn’t thought of in a long time.He knew Harry said he would wait for him and he was going to talk to Harry. At some point. If he decided to send an owl, how likely would his professor respond when it was during the school year?Eggsy ordered a Butterbeer while Eric went with an ale. He wanted to drink to calm his nerves but he was going to his mum’s tomorrow and didn’t want to be hungover and he didn’t have time to make the potion, so Butterbeer it was.“So, you work for the Daily Prophet?”The man took a sip of his drink before answering. “I am. Have gone to a lot of great events and Quidditch matches because of it.”“Sounds fun.”If Roxy knew this guy, why didn’t she go to games with him instead of forcing him or banging on how he never goes with her.“Have you been to a World Cup match?” Eric asked, with excitement shining in his eyes.Eggsy took a drink of his butterbeer. “Ah, nah. Not enough time and I don’…” he trailed off, stopping himself for saying he wasn’t really that interested.He didn’t blame his family but since he was raised in the muggle world for most of his childhood, he never saw a Quidditch match until he got to Hogwarts. And he did enjoy them but he wasn’t rushing to see a game. He survived eleven years with no magic, and all summer between years, he was fine. Well, not exactly eleven years, but he was too young to remember his dad doing magic at home and he knew for a fact that his dad never took him to a game. When he was younger, he wondered why, but now he knew. Being an Auror was an almost twenty-four-hour job. He remembered his dad being gone for weeks at a time and one time for a month.They didn’t care that they had families, Aurors had a job and family came second. Lee warned Michelle that and saying yes and living the reality were two very different things. In the end, she didn’t regret it, she was just mad that her husband died because of his job.“Yeah. I met Roxy at the World Cup two years ago.”“So tha’s she knows you. Was wonderin’ tha’.”He decided not to tell Eric that Roxy already told him the story. They needed something to talk about.“Yeah.”Eggsy hummed before they fell into a stretch of silence. He wasn’t shy. He’s actually has been told to be quiet on more than one occasion but tonight he felt out of his element.“So, you’re an Auror? Like Roxy.”“I am.”“How is that? I don’t think I could go into a field where I might get killed.”Eggsy stiffened. He knew the wizard didn’t mean anything by the comment but he was always insulted with the thought of how his dad died in the field. A dark part of him wished the curse hit Harry instead when he was humiliated by the wizard. Then he felt guilty for wishing death on Harry.“’S fine. Keeps ya busy. A lot of paperwork if it’s a long assignment.”“How long was your longest mission?”The one big thing about his missions was he couldn’t divulge too much information, which his mum didn’t mind much.He didn’t have to think too hard when he said about three months. It was his longest and most boring, and confusing mission to date.“My dad wos one. Caused a lot of fights in our family.” He didn’t know why he was sharing this with a virtual stranger that he’s only known for about forty minutes.“My mum and dad both work in the Ministry and it caused a lot of fights in our family. Long hours, missed family dinners and birthdays. Mainly mine.”“My dad missed my sixth birthday. Mum was so pissed tha’ she kicked him out for a week.”That was a sore moment. It was his last birthday before this dad was killed two and a half months later. He didn’t know why but he felt comfortable around Eric. Not attracted and he was sure the other wizard didn’t feel anything for him but this wasn’t a waste of time. Yet.“Hurts, doesn’t it? I don’t remember having a birthday where both of my parents were home. Now that I’m grown and out of the house, I think they realized that they fucked up and are trying to make up for it.”“Won’ work though.”“Right.”They feel into more silence. Both taking a drink from their glasses. Eric started looking around, while Eggsy ran his finger up and down a crack on the table.Eric turned and was about to say something, probably that he wanted to go but was interrupted by a new voice.“Hello, Eggsy.”The younger wizard tensed up, he felt Eric’s eyes fall on him as if he was waiting for him to say something.Eggsy slowly raised his head, looking to Eric and then Harry. He gave him a tight smile before looking to Eric who looked confused as to why their old professor was talking to them.“Professor Hart,” Eggsy greeted. He didn’t know if Harry knew Eric. He never asked Eric his age to see if he knew Harry or not.“Hello, Eggsy and Eric.”“Hello, Professor Hart,” Eric greeted. This was his first encounter outside of Hogwarts with a professor. When Harry Hart came to teach, he was in his sixth year and wasn’t sure the new professor would know him after almost ten years and only two years with him.“Wot-wha—umm, hi,” the young wizard stuttered, causing Eric to look between the to wizards. Eggsy was holding their conversation well but now he was a stuttering mess. He felt bad for him. He had a feeling that the wizard felt something for the other wizard.“Hey, Eggsy, I’m going head to the loo,” Eric said, deciding to give the two a moment without him observing.“O… Kay. Right.”Eric nodded and walked away. Eggsy looked stunned and Harry just smiled.“I’m sorry if I am interrupting something.”“You-you’re not… Really. Roxy set this up,” he felt like he needed to explain that this wasn’t really a date that he decided to go on, and he was sure if Eric stayed, he’d say the same thing.“Regardless, Eggsy. You were busy.”“How are you?” Eggsy decided to change the subject. “School startin’ in a few months and…” he trailed off. He didn’t know where he was going with this. He never talked to Harry outside of Hogwarts except for the day where they said goodbye.He looked from Harry to the empty chair. He wished Eric would come back soon. He was stuck and Harry wasn’t helping.“Merlin said you-”“If you mean almost killed Charlie, I did but tha’s because the-”Harry just smiled at the young wizard. “Merlin told me. I understand your reaction but you-”“Don’ give me the same shit Merlin gave and Roxy gave. I know I had a job but the wanker almost got me killed and no one understands how close the curse wos.”He didn’t mean to snap at the wizard but he just got over his near-death mission with Charlie and now was talking about it again. He knew it was a job. He knew Charlie was his partner for the mission but he almost ended up like his dad. They didn’t understand why he was reacting like it was a revelation that he could die in the field. He knew. His mum reminded him every time he had a mission or came back from one. He had pressure from himself and from his mum. They just didn’t get it.“My apologies, Eggsy. I just wanted to say that I understand why.”Eggsy just pursed his lips and nodded. He would understand but he didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to talk to Harry when he was out with another wizard.He wasn’t ready to talk to Harry. It wasn’t like Harry sought him out. They were just at the same pub and Harry just wanted to say ‘hi’. He didn’t really need to know what to say now. It wasn’t like he didn’t know he needed to talk and what he needed to say. He just didn’t know how. His feelings for Harry never left. They only got easy to ignore.“Oh, yeh.”He looked up, biting his life, questioning if he was mental for what he was about to ask. Roxy would surely agree.“Look, I-I-I-”“Eggsy, you don’t need to explain yourself.”“I wan’ to talk to you,” Eggsy rushed out, struggling not to slap himself. He didn’t want to do it like this. “Sorry, didn’ mean tha’. Well, I did. Jus’ mot like this. Maybe later? Next week maybe?” He knew he was rambling and he was making a nob of himself but it was too late to stop.“I’m sorry, Eggsy but aren’t you-”“We’re not datin’. Roxy set this up but I don’—actually, I just want to talk to you.”He knew Eric and he weren’t going to have another date but he was making it seem like he was ready to go to Harry. He really just wanted to talk to the man. He thought a lot and he still had some thinking to do but Harry was here and he didn’t know if he would get another chance this soon. Really, he wouldn’t call this a date. He’s never been on a date but from Roxy’s stories, this didn’t feel like one. Actually, he stopped feeling nervous after he shared about his dad. Roxy didn’t know about that until three months after they met.He was daft for telling Harry that he and Eric were nothing without talking to the wizard first.“You don’t need to tell me anything. This is your business. I just thought it would be rude if I left without talking to you.”“Righ’,” Eggsy nodded and pursed his lips. “I still wan’ to talk to you. If you hav’ time. I know you are busy with the school year comin’-”“I understand, Eggsy,” Harry interrupted with a smile. “I would like that. I-”“There you are, Harry,” a voice called, causing Eggsy to freeze. Could this day get any worse? Apparently, it could. He groaned when he saw Eric coming back over. In his defence, he had a right to here, not Merlin.“Merlin?” Eric asked as he walked back to the table. He looked to Eggsy who looked like he wanted to die or disappear through the floor.“Sorry?” the wizard asked, looking questioning at the new wizard.“Oh, sorry. I’m Eric Penwise. My mum worked with you on a mission. Elena Penwise. Maybe not. It was about ten years ago. You came over a few times.”“Yes. I do. How is she doing?”“Alright. Still in the office most days.” He smiled to both wizards before sitting back down.“Eggsy?” Merlin said like he just realized that Harry was talking to him.“Hi, guv.”He didn’t know what to say. He was seeing his boss outside of work, on a Friday night, on a date. Good or shitty, he didn’t want a reminder of work. Harry was already draining too much out of him.Merlin sensed this and turned to Harry. “We should leave these two to enjoy their night,” Merlin smirked and it took all Eggsy had to stop himself from banging his head on the table.“You are right, Merlin. Have good night Eggsy. Eric.”Eric smiled and nodded. Eggsy kept his eyes on his drink but nodded.“They’re gone,” Eric said when they were alone again. “Want to talk about it?”Eggsy just shook his head. “Rather not.”“Okay.”He could hear the smile in the other wizard’s voice and determined that it was safe to look up.“Out of all the pubs in wizarding London, they had to go here? ‘M gonna to hear about this on Monday.“He’s your boss, isn’t he?”“Yes, and tha’ won’ stop ‘im.”He liked to keep his private life away from anything to do with work. Merlin knew he liked Harry. He knew they shagged. He knew he was the reason why he never wanted to return to Hogwarts. Now, being out with a different bloke, something he’s never done in all the years he’s worked for Merlin, he would hear about. Him finally trying to be normal and Merlin would take the piss out of him. Actually, Charlie would if he found out about this night.They didn’t stay long after the two older wizards left. They found a place down the alley to Apparate before they stopped.“Look, I know this didn’t really-”“It’s fine, bruv. I think we know where we stand.”“It was nice meeting you. Roxy’s right, you are a great guy.”“Could say the same. I did hav’ a nice time.”“Even I think we know it won’t continue to anything,” Eric finished with a smile and Eggsy found himself returning the smile.“Roxy‘ll be pissed when she hears.”“We’ll just explain we are better off as mates.”“Righ’.”Both shifted on their feet, wanting the non-date not to end but also wanting to leave to start their weekend.“Umm, look, I know we agreed that nothin’ will come of this but we could still be mates?” he said in a rush, going out of his comfort zone. It’s not like this wasn’t something he wouldn’t do. Well, actually it was but for some reason now he was nervous. Maybe because he knew Roxy and with this question, he could ruin Roxy and Eric’s friendship. Maybe it was because he was put into a new environment right now.“Roxy would like that and I would too. I wasn’t lying when I said it was great meeting you, and I would like to continue as friends. Hey, I know it’s early and not really your thing but do you want to go to the World Cup with Roxy and me?”He wanted to decline. Even if he wanted to continue a friendship with Eric, he felt like a quidditch was too soon. Not like that was too demanding of a request.“Maybe. Mum always plans some trip in the summer and…” he trailed off when he realized it sounded like he was just making excuses. He wasn’t but he was making it sound like that.Eric was just nodding his head and smiled reassuringly which made him feel like a dick. He was being nice to him and he was passing him off.“Actually, yeh. Tha’ sounds like fun.”Eric just laughed. “It’s fine Eggsy. If you don’t want to go, I understand. Not everyone likes the game. My mum doesn’t and judges at how I cover the teams’ news.”“Thanks, but I feel like I should go to at least one game.”“How about this: I’ll leave the invitation open and you can decide when I’m not pressuring you.”Eggsy wanted to retort that he wasn’t but all he could do was give a crooked smile and nod. “Sure.”“Good. Well, I better let you go. I’ll let you tell Roxy how it went before I say anything,” Eric winked and then stepped back to make room to Apparate. “Have a good night, Eggsy.” With a loud crack, the wizard disappeared.Eggsy disappeared shortly after, landing in his living room. He just dropped on his couch and groaned. He didn’t want to face work on Monday. Not after seeing Merlin. He and Harry may take what he was doing there with Eric the wrong way. Well, Merlin. He did tell Harry.Speaking of which, he didn’t know if the wizard was really listening to him when he said he wanted to talk. He needed to talk to Roxy though, that’s all he was planning for right now. *****“Ye know wha’ I was thinking?” Eggsy announced as he entered Roxy’s office Monday morning.Roxy put her quill down and looked up at her friend, who was cheerier this morning than last Friday when she left him.“I am assuming the date went well then?” she asked, interrupting him.“What? No. It didn’. Anyway, I was thinkin’ that I should take my mum and Daisy on a Holiday? Next month or somethin’. I don’ know.”“Wait, so it didn’t go right and why do want to take a holiday?”He’s been in this field for years but has never taken more than a week off because Merlin forced him to.“Yeh. After I talked to Eric, I realized I have a mum who tried to make my childhood as normal as possible. I realized that even though my mum never wanted to talk ‘bout this world—still doesn’t—she didn’t keep me from it. Eric said his parents were never there for him.”“That’s sweets. But I thought you said the date didn’t go well?”“Oh, it didn’ but not because we didn’ get along. He’s a great bloke but we both realized that there wasn’ anything there. He convinced me to go to the World Cup. Or, well, maybe. Haven’t decided yet.”“What? On a date that didn’t get past names and you are going to a quidditch game? I’ve been trying since we left school to get you to see one game and Eric got you to see one after a failed date? And not just any game, the World Cup?”“Calm down, Rox. I said I haven’t decided and who knows, maybe it’s time to do more wizardry shit.”“Mmm. I guess.”They fell into silence before Eggsy gasped, remembering what he originally wanted to tell Roxy before Sunday happened.“Oh, hey, ‘Arry was there.”“Really?” She didn’t think that the pub inn was the older wizard’s type of environment.“Yeh. And Merlin was there too.” Which, speaking of whom, he realized he hasn’t seen the wizard all day. “Hav’ you-”“Haven’t seen him but I came in early to get caught up on some things. And I doubt that he will bring Harry up here at all, really. You are over thinking this.”Eggsy nodded, though he wasn’t sure why. He agreed. He knew he over thought everything. He’s done that since he was a child but he was worried what Merlin or Harry thought when they saw him.He never made an announcement that he was gay. He only told his mum and Roxy but he never hid it. He just never dated or kissed a bloke in public. Well, he did kiss a few boys with people around but never with his boss as a witness to his private life. Harry had to know. He told the wizard he loved him and shagged him but he never told him that he was gay. He never said those words.Really, did he really need to? He went out with Eric, in a crowded pub. People could draw their own conclusions.His main concern was, he didn’t know how much his explanation Harry took when he told him Eric was just a blind date. And it wasn’t anything more than what happened at the pub. He still wanted Harry and needed to talk to him.“I know what you are thinking and stop it.”“No, you don’t,” Eggsy argued.“You are worried what Harry and Merlin are thinking and-”“It’s not like ‘m still in the closet. I just… It was the first time someone who I work with or know saw me out. I don’t know. ‘M not ashamed.”“I know you aren’t but I can tell you that Merlin doesn’t care and I’m sure Harry doesn’t, and to tell you what I really think: he doesn’t get the fucking right to care if you are out with a man.”Roxy wasn’t the biggest fan of Harry after what he did to her friend but she would standby her friend with his decisions, even if she didn’t agree with it all.“I know he doesn’ but I really want to talk to ‘im—need to. And-”“Eggsy, he’s a grown wizard, I think he can handle rejection or understand that you needed to date other men before you get your shit together.”He was. That was what Eggsy needed to remember. Harry was the problem if he couldn’t accept Eggsy’ past from this past year. Not much of a past it was. He just worked, struggled not to kill Charlie and went out with Eric. It wasn’t like he went through a wizard each week. Well, there was the on time when he was in muggle London and blew some bloke in the toilets but Roxy didn’t even know about that.“I know. ‘S jus’, I’ve never felt the way I feel about Harry with any other wizard. I don’ want to fuck it up because I can’ explain wha’ I want properly.”“I know. But Harry knows you and if he’s waited for you, I think he wants to try whatever you ask for.”Times like these were when he loved and hated Roxy. She was right. But there were times where he wanted her to tell him he shouldn’t do it. Make the decision for him.“Cheers, Rox.”The blonde just rolled her eyes. “You’re welcome. Now, whilst you figure out what and when you are going to talk to Harry, go and do your job.”Eggsy gasped in mocked offence but she was right, he needed to go to do some work before Merlin found him bothering Roxy.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Eggsy was pacing the length of his lounge, as Roxy and Daisy watched from the couch.“Eggsy, calm down,” the witch sighed.“I shouldn’t have agreed to it. What if he doesn’t come? Or what if he does?”Roxy rolled her eyes. Honestly, her friend was more stressed over if Harry was coming than when he was regretting sending the owl.“Eggsy, you have to calm down. You asked and he said yes. He want-”“I know Rox but my mum fu—messed it up,” he corrected himself when he remembered his sister was in the room. His little sister was in the room. That was the main problem. He asked Harry to over so they could talk and see if they wanted to try something. If there was something. He was already freaking out and the additional barrier of his sister wasn’t helping.He was ready to kill his mum when she showed up earlier today and expected him to look after his sister for the day.He told her he had a date but since she hasn’t dated anyone since Dean, she thought any man that was in his life needed to accept his family. Fine, but not the first date. Pre-date really.Actually, his mum didn’t even know who the bloke was. She didn’t know what really went down between Harry and Eggsy all those years ago or that the man was Harry Heat. Honestly, he didn’t even know if his mum would remember who Harry was. His old professor maybe but not the man that delivered the news that changed their lives forever.“How am I going to talk to Harry when I have to take care of Daisy. And don’t offer to take her. My mum will know.”When Eggsy had felt down one night and had gone to Muggle London, his mum had asked if he could take Daisy for the night. He passed her off the Roxy so he could get drunk and wake up in some random bloke’s bed. Not his proudest moment. When he got home, Roxy was in his kitchen making Daisy breakfast. She didn’t judge but he knew she wanted to say something. He begged her to just leave it. He went to his bedroom to change. When he came back, Roxy was sat with Daisy.It wasn’t an hour later when his mum called him in anger.Never again.“Well, he knows that Daisy is here. You sent him an owl.”“I did but he hasn’t written back.”Roxy pursed her lips. She couldn’t get through to Eggsy when he was like this. It wasn’t just Harry worried about it. It was about Daisy and if she didn’t like Harry, then the older wizard had to leave. Then where did that leave them?Made if this night went tits up then it was a sign that nothing was meant to come to form this. Maybe if they were meant to just be Professor Harry Hart and ex-student Eggsy Unwin. If that was the case, maybe he could ask Eric if he had a mate that he could be introduced to.“It’s going to work out. Harry owes you to try and Daisy shouldn’t be a reason for him to leave.”Eggsy rolled his eyes and scoffed. “I really wish you would stop saying Harry owes me and don’t add Daisy to this.”He dropped onto the couch by Daisy.“I’m sorry but I still-”“I know you are still pissed at Harry and me for giving him a second chance.”Roxy made a face but didn’t comment. It was Eggsy’s life and if he wanted to give Harry a chance, then she’ll be there no matter what. And he always reminded here that may not want anything to come out of this. She doubted. He had a crush on the wizard for years but maybe in the time since Hogwarts, he matured to where that crush was just that: a crush.They were silent for a long moment before Eggsy sighed loudly. “I probably should clean up,” he said as he looked around the room. There were a few of Daisy’s toys scattered on the floor but other than that, nothing needed to be cleaned. After getting his own place, he figured it was time to grow up and take care of his things. He wanted to laugh that now his place was cleaner than Roxy’s.The blonde witch just rolled her eyes and she looked around the room. Eggsy spent all of yesterday night making sure his flat was clean for Harry. He didn’t say it but Roxy knew that Eggsy was worried that Harry would judge him because of the state of his place.“It looks fine and I seriously doubt that Harry’s place is as nice as your place. His office was a mess with files and books.”Eggsy hummed in agreement but this was different. Harry knew that he was unorganized and lost his homework in more than one class. He wanted to prove that he had his life in order.The wizard looked at the clock and groaned. Harry was supposed to be here in less than an hour. He needed to get Daisy’s dinner ready and distracted so she didn’t shy away from Harry. Or harass him questions on being a wizard.“I guess you’re right.” He groaned as he got off the couch. “I guess I should get ready. Get Daisy to clean up and make her dinner.”Roxy stood up and Daisy followed her to the fireplace.“I’ll see you at work on Monday. Tell how it went.”The man rolled his eyes. “Depending on how it goes I may visit you tomorrow.”Roxy smiled softly and bent down to kissed Daisy. “I’ll be fine; don’t overthink it. And you,” Roxy looked at Daisy and the little girl smiled brightly. “You be good for your brother.”She placed the girl in Eggsy’s arm before disappearing in flames. Eggsy looked at the empty fireplace and then Daisy.“Well, it looks like ‘s jus’ you and me. Yeah,” he muttered as he walked into the kitchen.He placed Daisy on a chair and then looked around the room. He was tempted to use his magic to fix Daisy’s dinner but he also liked to do it the Muggle way. He’s learned how to cook without magic. Maybe Harry would be impressed with that.He met his sister’s eyes. He held them as long as he could before they both smiled.“I’ll be back.” He went into the lounge and picked up Daisy's colouring book and crayons. He dropped them off in Infront of her. Daisy grabbed a blue crayon as she opened her book and started to scribble. He should have just given her parchment since the picture was nothing.“So, how ‘bout mac and cheese?” he offered. Really, he was making it because it was easy and was the first thing he learned how to make. He just hoped Harry would like it. He didn’t know if Harry ever had it. Roxy did but Harry gave him the feeling that the dish was too simple for him.He didn’t have much energy to make an actual meal. He spent the day running Daisy and now preparing for the date just was exhausting him. Also, it was simple for Daisy and his original plan went to ash when his mum called. He just hoped Harry would like it.Worst first date ever. He should have just cancelled.He was standing over the pot, stirring the noodles when a knock came through the room.“Sh-shoot,” he censored himself when he remembered that Daisy was here.Daisy just looked up and to the hall, as if she expected the door just to open.“I think tha’s Harry,” he said loud enough for Daisy but mostly to himself. He took a deep breath when he stood in front of the closed door.He opened the door and felt the air leave his lungs. Harry was here. He came. He was standing in the threshold of his flat.“Harry. Hi, uh, come in. He moved to the side, letting Harry walked through.The man looked good. He was in trousers and a jumper. He’s never seen Harry in anything but his robes and suits.“Hello, Eggsy. Thank you,” was the first time Harry spoke. Harry looked around the flat. He couldn’t see the kitchen from this angle so he couldn’t see Daisy or his bedroom.“This is a nice place you have,” Harry said, looking at a wall of pictures of his mum, Daisy, Roxy, Jamel, Ryan, and now Eric was in one photo when they went at a random quidditch game. Eggsy still hasn’t decided if he wanted to go to the World Cup.“S’ okay. ‘s nice to ‘ave space for when Daisy stays over.” He shrugged his shoulders just as Daisy’s voice rang from the hallway.“Eggsy!” Daisy yelled. The girl had some lungs. The young wizard groaned and walked toward the kitchen to see what his sister wanted.“The water,” the girl pointed to the overflowing pot, letting her brother that the stove was flooding the stovetop.“Oh, shit!” He rushed over to the stove, getting the plastic spoon from the counter.He heard a high pitch gasped as the words left his mouth.“Don’ tell Mum,” Eggsy pleaded when he turned around with wide eyes. He knew what his mum would do if Daisy came home repeating that word. “I’ll transfigure your crayons into sparkly ones if you don’ tell Mum.”The little girl crossed her arms and pursed her lips, a trait Eggsy apparently had when he was a child. According to his mum.“Okay!” Daisy cheered and pushed her crayons towards her brother. Eggsy momentarily forgot that Harry was still in the room.After the girl was satisfied with the colours and went back to colouring, Eggsy sighed and went to the pot again. He really should have just used magic. He really couldn’t do a first date and take care of his sister at the same time. He’d be a terrible father if that were ever to happen.Not likely.He sighed and waved his wand before the cheese added and dinner was ready. He scoped some on a plate for Daisy. He brought over the plate, moving the colouring book so there was room.“I cooled it,” he explained to Harry even though the wizard never asked. Actually, he’s been quiet since he opened the door.He then dropped down on a chair and then groaned into his hands. This was a terrible day and his mum didn’t even seem to care that she was interfering in her son’s personal life. He loved his mum but there were times where he just wanted to be alone.“Sorry,” he said looking up at Harry who just smiled and walked to the table.“May I sit?”“Go ahead.”Harry took the seat by Eggsy and across from Daisy.“Daisy,” Eggsy said, catching the girl’s attention who was looking at Harry intently. “This Harry. A mate of mine.” He felt weird calling Harry his mate but he didn’t know how you were supposed to introduce someone who wasn’t a lover at the moment to a child.The little girl looked from Eggsy and back to Harry.“Hi,” she mumbled shyly, clutching her fork tightly.“Harry, this my little sister, Daisy.”The older man smiled. “Hello, Miss Daisy. It’s nice to finally meet you.”The little girl looked at Eggsy as if waiting to be told what to do.“'S okay. You can talk to ‘im.”“’M good. Eggsy told me tha’ you are comin’”Harry smiled at the girl who cut her words off like her brother. It was endearing.“Sorry about tonight. Mum didn’ listen when I said I was busy.”“It’s fine, Eggsy. You can relax. This is not my first time looking after a child.”The young man just hummed and looked down at his hands.Harry had to smile at how much Eggsy has grown since his time at Hogwarts and when he first met as a six-year-old boy. He was just as shy as his sister. Even though they shared different fathers, the girl was developing some traits Eggsy had.It was odd seeing Eggsy in a normal setting. He’s seen him at the pub and at Hogwarts after he left but never in a house or outside of the Wizarding World. He was sure Eggsy was thinking the same thing but Eggsy was actually caring for his sister. He had a family whom he never really met, well Daisy, yes. He met Eggsy’s mum very briefly when he had to deliver the news the Lee was killed in the field.“Do you want anything to drink? Eat?” Eggsy looked down to make sure that Daisy was eating. Just taking care of his little sister for the night let alone two hours, he was sure he never wanted kids. Or wanted them anytime soon.Maybe being an Auror was the perfect excuse. Maybe that was why Harry never had any. Yet, his dad did have and he still managed to work and raise a family. He did miss important events and his parents constantly fought.Not having children was probably the best option.“I would like so tea, if you don’t mind,” Harry said with a small smile.Eggsy nodded and got the kettle out. He really didn’t drink tea but Roxy and he mum always wanted a cup when they visited,“You don’t want anything harder?” Eggsy teased as the water started to boil.“Not when the little lady is here.” He smiled down at Daisy who smiled back.“You won’ be sayin’ tha’ after an hour with this devil.” He walked to his sister and mussed her hair. He then realized that Harry may not understand the Muggle’s belief in the Devil. He never really asked Roxy and there was never any talk a Hogwarts but they did have Halloween and Christmas.“Are you looking after her for the whole night?”“Not suppos’ to but Mum suddenly decided that since Daisy’s here, I may as well look after her ‘til morning.”He looked to his sister who was doing a decent job at feeding herself.Maybe it was a good thing he had Daisy her. She was a buffer and it gave him more time to think if he really wanted to do this with just Harry. She was a distortion when he didn’t know what to say to Harry.“Your mother must trust you,” Harry said, smiling softly“I don’ think ‘s a matter of trust. I’m the only option, and mum is paranoid that Daisy will slip that I’m a wizard. She’s too young to understand.”He also left out the part where she took Daisy to one of her friend’s and Daisy asked her to make an apple float. He was now being punished.“Your sister looks like she’s happy with you.”“S’ because I use magic. She likes it. Roxy sees it as a bribe but I jus’ look at it as entertainment. Daisy thinks so.”He didn’t know why he was brushing off Harry’s compliments. Harry was being nice but he felt uncomfortable. This whole night was odd.“Are you ready for the school year?” he asked and mentally slapped himself. He sounded like he was asking Roxy’s cousin, not a professor.“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Eggsy. You never did,” Harry said with a stern look as he met Eggsy’s eyes.Eggsy was safe when the kettle whistled. He didn’t know what to say in response so he just busied himself with preparing Harry’s tea. The only problem was, he didn’t know what Harry took in his tea.“Umm,” Eggsy said as he turned to place the cup in front of Harry. “I don’t know what you take in your tea but I have sugar and milk. I don’t have cream though,” he rushed out the last part. “I don’t really drink tea. Mum and Roxy do but the like milk.” He didn’t know why he was explaining why he didn’t have cream or that he didn’t drink tea.“Sugar and milk would be great.”Eggsy just nodded and grabbed the milk from the fridge and the tin of sugar. When he placed the sugar on the table Daisy reached for it excitedly.“Nope,” Eggsy said as he picked the sugar up and moved it closer to Harry’s left side.Harry left a small smile spread over his face as the small girl pouted.So much like Eggsy.Eggsy walked back to the stove and grabbed a plate of macaroni and cheese for him before taking the seat between Harry and Daisy.They sat in awkward silence. Well, the only sounds were Eggsy and Daisy’s forks against their plates and Harr’s spoon stirring the sugar.He didn’t realize how hungry he was until he shoved the last piece of noodles into his mouth when Harry took his first sip.He felt his face heat up in embarrassment when he realized Harry must have seen him eating like a starved man having his first meal in years.Great first impression he chastised himself.First, he was stuck with his sister, he didn’t cook the meal he planned because he had to focus on Daisy first. And now he embarrassed himself by eating like a pev.“Hungry?” Harry teased, causing Eggsy to grit his teeth.“Long day. Didn’t have time…” he trailed off. It really wasn’t a long day. He spent most of the day with his stomach in knots as he waited for Harry to come. Then his mum de-railed his night and sent him into hyperventilation. Okay, that was a little dramatic but as he waited for Harry to arrive he didn’t have an appetite. Now, things were somewhat calm and Eggsy could finally keep food down. And embarrass himself in the process.“Don’t worry yourself Eggsy. Everything is fine.”Eggsy just nodded and looked down at Harry’s half-empty cup.“Sure you don’ wan’ anything to eat?”“I am fine, Eggsy.”Eggsy opened his mouth but before he could talk, Daisy pulled on her brother’s arm.“Eggsy?”“Wha’?” he asked dumbly, momentarily forgetting his sister was here.“'M done. Can I go play with my toys now?”“Okay,” he said as he looked to her plate which had a bit still left but she did eat enough to clear the plate. Sometimes she did which is why he gave her the same amount every time she was her.The girl jumped off her chair and hurried into the other room. As Daisy disappeared, Eggsy sighed heavily as he picked up the two plates and carried them to the sink.He’d do the dishes when Daisy was in bed and Harry left. When he had a moment to breathe.“Sorry ‘bout tonight’,” Eggsy said as he rubbed his forehead.Harry frowned at the lad. Eggsy looked so tired, something he’s hidden until Daisy left. He really should have cancelled on Eggsy and rescheduled. He was being selfish because he wanted to see Eggsy and he was nervous that Eggsy wouldn’t re-schedule if he cancelled.“It’s alright, Eggsy”-“But you didn’t eat anything,” Eggsy groaned as he realized Harry only asked for a cup of tea.“Eggsy,” Harry started as he reached out to place his hand over Eggsy’s hand.The boy sucked in a breath; he knew what Harry was going to say.
I don’t think this is working out.
This was a mistake.
I should have cancelled it.
“I think I should go.,” Harry’s tone was soft but it didn’t help the sinking feeling steeling in his gut. It was what he stressed over but he was hoping that Harry would stay and be fine with his half-arsed attempt at a date. He should have known that Harry was too proper to stay for a date that only offered tea and was highjacked by his sister.“Righ’,” Eggsy nodded and stood up. He may as well well lead Harry to the door or the fireplace.“Sorry, this night was so shit.”He was hating himself as he watched Harry stand. For a brief moment, he was hoping Harry would change his mind and stay.“Um, you can use the fireplace instead of apperating. Less chance of being seen.Harry stopped by the door and looked down the hall.“That’s quite alright, Eggsy.”“Okay. Umm, can you—Daisy,” he called walking back to the room where his sister was playing. “Come say ‘Bye’ to Harry.”Daisy got up without much fuss which was a surprise. Usually, when he had to pull her away from her toys, it would cause a fit.Harry was still waiting by the doorway which sent some relief through Eggsy. He was sure Harry would have made his escape when he was getting Daisy ready for bed.“Can you say bye, Daisy?”The little girl just smiled shyly and waved slightly. “Bye, Harry,”“Goodbye, Daisy. It was lovely to meet you,” Harry smiled and it was the first real smile Eggsy saw since Harry first walked in. His stomach sunk.Daisy just smiled and hid behind Eggsy’s legs.“Again, ‘M sorry,” Eggsy said before Harry could speak again. It was his fault this night was a disaster. He wanted at his flat. He wanted to show Harry who much he’s grown and cook a meal for him. Instead, he made mac and cheese and offered Harry tea.Really impressive.No wonder he left as soon as he could.“You are a great brother,” Harry said, ignoring Eggsy’s new apology. Eggsy had a hand on Daisy’s head, stroking the girl’s hair.“Thanks,” Eggsy muttered. He just wanted to get this over with and Harry was prolonging it for some reason. “It was nice for you to come.” He figured Harry didn’t want to hear another weak apology and he was happy that Harry did show up. Even if it was less than two hours. “It was lovely seeing you again, Eggsy,” Harry smiled and leaned down to kiss Eggsy on the cheek and left the house.Eggsy was stunned when he felt Harry’s lips on his skin that he didn’t realize Daisy had disappeared.“Daisy?” he called out as he walked down the hall.“Here,” the little girl cried, a little too loudly“Quiet,” Eggsy chastised when his sister’s voice pierced the quite flat. He didn’t wait for a reply; he wasn’t expecting one. He walked into the kitchen to start the dishes and the cleaning. He couldn’t see Daisy and she was quiet, which his mum said was never a good sign but he had magic. Anything Daisy broke, he could just wave his wand. Which… is what he’s going to do right now.He was too tired to do muggle chores and he just wanted to sit down or lie down. He liked cooking cleaning Muggle way. Roxy thought it was daft of him since he was a wizard but he grew up in the Muggle world way.He walked back into the living room and dropped down on the couch. Daisy paid him no attention continued to draw loops on paper he left out.“Eggsy?”Eggsy felt his eyes dropping but shot open when he heard his sister’s voice. His mum would kill him if he fell asleep and let Daisy stay up all night. Well, not all night. Daisy would fall asleep eventually but way past her bedtime.“Yes?”“Mummy said you have a friend comin’ over. Was tha’ Harry?”“Yes,” he said slowly. He didn’t know his mum talked to Daisy about his date. To be honest, he never really thought to ask. He just introduced Daisy to Harry when he came.“Oh. Why did he go? Mum told me tha’ I had to go to bed when you said because your friend—would be stayin’ late.”Eggsy frowned. So, his mum did care about his date or to a point. He was still pissed that she dumped Daisy on his first date but his mum warned Daisy. It didn’t matter. Harry ran as soon as he could. They didn’t even talk that much.Roxy would integrate him come Monday morning. He knew she was waiting to tell Eggsy he worked himself over nothing. He didn’t know what she would say when he would tell her the date went to hell.For once, Roxy was too optimistic. She always told Eggsy was overthinking things and he had to agree that he did. But he grew up with a shit childhood. He lost his dad at a young age, was suddenly told he was a wizard without a hint from his mum, and he grew up with an abusive step-dad. He learned to keep his expectations low.Tonight, proved him right for once.This date was destined to blow up in his face and it did.“Oh, um, he had to leave early.”What else was he supposed to say? He didn’t know why Harry left so early or, he did, he just wanted to ignore it. He was feeling like shit and he just wanted to bed but he still had over an hour before Daisy’s bedtime.He wished his friends owned phones. He was the only one with a mobile because he was only one out of his friends that grew up in the Muggle world. It was lonely when the only communication he had with them was thought owls or at work with Roxy.Even kids at Hogwarts with one magic parent and one Muggle had a mobile. He heard them trying to explain to their own friends what a phone was.“To got to work?”“Um, no. He didn’ say why. Jus’ he had to go.”“Oh.”And because Daisy was young, like most kids, that answer satisfied her and she went back to colouring.Since he didn’t have anything to right now and he was banned from watching the telly when had Daisy, he just twisted and laid back on the couch. He groaned and his back hit the cushions. He was on his feet all day running after Daisy and running a hole through his floor and now he could finally relax.He must have nodded off since he was pushed into the side of the couch and shot up. He looked franticly for a clock but Daisy interrupted his search for the time.“Wha-”“You fell asleep,” the little girl said, crossing her arms.He didn’t know why she would be upset since it was…“Oh, shit,” Eggsy swore and jumped up from the couch. “Mum’s going to kill me,” he said mostly to himself but he picked up Daisy and carried to her room.It was two hours past her bedtime and as much as it seemed like she had a lot of energy, she’d crass without warning.“Okay, get changed and we’ll brush your teeth.”Daisy just looked up at him with a slow blink. He placed her down and went to her bed. When he turned around, Daisy was sat on the floor, taking her shirt off. She ended up getting her head stuck and started to cry.“Okay,” Eggsy muttered. He was going to have to dress her and forget brushing her teeth. One night wouldn’t kill her. He’d just make sure he brushed them very well tomorrow.It was a struggle to get Daisy changed because she was basically asleep when he was dressing her but eventually, he was tucking her in her bed.After kissing Daisy good night, he went to the bathroom to get ready. It was a little earlier than most nights but the day really tried him and he was exhausted. On another note, he found himself falling asleep earlier when he was looking after Daisy.He was laying in his bed, starting up at the ceiling, replaying the night’s events. How happy he was to see Harry. How excited he was to talk to Harry again. And how nervous he was to introduce him to Daisy.Then it all went to Hell. He was exhausted to cook a proper meal. Daisy interrupted their date. He had to make mac and cheese. Harry only had tea and left after two hours.Harry did kiss him the cheek so maybe that did mean something. Harry may have been acting like a gentleman.Then a thought hit him: Harry left before Eggsy could comprehend what happened. Harry never asked for a second date and Eggsy didn’t get the chance to ask for a redo.Harry just left.Well, Harry answered his question without a single word.He felt tears roll down his cheeks. Nothing ever worked out for him when Harry Hart was involved. Tonight, was his answer. He didn’t have anything to offer Harry. Harry asked him for a second chance and now he was realizing what a bad idea that was. It’s okay. He was better off single. He had Daisy, Roxy, Ryan, Jamal and now Eric.He was fine. He would be fine. ***** Eggsy walked to his desk without stopping at Roxy’s office like he usually did. He dropped his bag and fell into his chair. He grabbed the pile of files on his desk and began to sort through then. The day after his disastrous date, he and Daisy slept in which was fine since his sister didn’t run into his room and demand breakfast. His mum, that was another story. She arrived near noon and Daisy was still in her pyjamas and began to interrogate Eggsy on why her daughter was eating breakfast at noon. Eh, “interrogating” was a little extreme. She was just mad and questioned Eggsy on why Daisy stayed past her bedtime and why did fall asleep while watching herHe ended up just apologizing and quickly slipped in the fact that his date was shit.Fortunately, his mum was meeting another friend who had a kid so Daisy was dragged there and left him alone.“How did it go?”Eggsy didn’t look up but he could feel Roxy’s bright smile as she stood before Eggsy.“Shit,” Eggsy replied without looking up. He continued doing his work while Roxy processed what he just said. Or, he assumed that what she was doing since she was still in front of his desk.He also realized something: that he was better at work when his spirit was broken. Well, that was a little dramatic. It wasn’t like the seventh year. Harry just left because his mum dropped Daisy on him and he wasn’t about to help. It was fine. It was good. Harry made it clear early on that Eggsy was just a kid who fancied his professor. There wasn’t anything between them and the weekend proved that.Harry was just testing if he jumped too quickly on Eggsy, and he did. That’s why he left in a hurry.“What happened?”“Wha’ I said would happen. For once, I was right.” He looked up to Roxy then, not meeting her eyes directly.“Eggsy, what really happened?” Roxy took a seat in one of the chairs in front of the desk.“I made a shit meal. He didn’ want to be around Daisy so he only had tea and left after two hours.”He looked back down at the report he was finishing. He tried to focus on the words and he read over what he wrote.He wouldn’t cry this time. He spent too much time during the weekend crying and hating himself. He was fine.“Eggsy, I am so sorry,” Roxy sighed. She knew how much Eggsy stressed and worried himself over this date. He had the meal planned out and made it two times for Roxy to test. He put so much thought into the date; to prove to Harry that he wasn’t a child.Then his mum asked—forced Eggsy to look after Daisy on his date. She knew Eggsy would do anything for Daisy and his mum but Michelle shouldn’t have guilted Eggsy. This was Eggsy and Harry’s first date and taking care of a child didn’t help. She did offer to look after Roxy until the date was over, but Eggsy said Daisy would let it slip.“Did the meal not-? It was a stupid question. She knew that the last thing Eggsy was thinking about.“Never made dinner. Daisy tired me out by the time Harry arrived. I made noodles for ‘er but didn’ have any energy to cook anything else.”“Maybe-”“He didn’ even ask if we could go out again. He didn’ even give me a chance to ask for another chance. He jus’ gave me a kiss on the cheek and left.To be honest, Roxy didn’t know what to say. She was so sure that Eggsy was just overreacting. She didn’t think that the date would end a disaster. She wanted to ask Merlin if Harry said anything but she knew that wasn’t her placeMerlin may not know anything and he was her boos; it was highly inappropriate. She couldn’t ask. She didn’t have the right to ask.“Tell Eric I wan’ to go to the match,” Eggsy said, dropping the subject of his failed date.He wanted to move past this talk and focus on something more important. He had a job to do and despite what Roxy thought, he did care about his job. He wanted to prove that he could his job even when he was distracted. Merlin may know about their failed date and he wanted to show that he wasn’t affected by it. He hasn’t seen Merlin yet but he doubted that he would bring Harry up in the office.“Really?”“Yeh. Figure I need more friends and Eric is nice.”“Okay. I’ll let him know,” Roxy smiled.She knew Eggsy and Eric were hanging out more than they were admitting. She was sure that there was more going on between them after they only went out once. She thought they hiding something but Eric denied it and Eggsy was still pining after Harry. ***** It was later in the day when Eggsy stepped into the lift. He had to drop-off a report to the Transportation Department. And then Henry—who he never really talked to—walked out of the lift and decided he suddenly anted to catch up with Eggsy.Needless to say, when he got into the lift again, he dropped his back and left out an exhausted sigh. He didn’t do small talk. Well, he just listened and Henry did all the talking. He learned to much about his sister and a knob her boyfriend was; how much he hated his job ever since his mate got promoted; and how his girlfriend cheated on him and took his cat. “Tiered, Eggsy?”“Shit,” Eggsy exclaimed as a familiar voice broke his peace. “Merlin. ‘M so-”“Relax, Eggsy. Don’t look so worried. You’re not in your office. The lift is safe.”“Still. Yur my boss. Wasn’ professional. Jus’ had a busy weekend and—you probably don’ care.”Merlin took in Eggsy dishevelled hair and sunken eyes. The poor lad looked exhausted and he did know what happened. Harry came to his place right after he left Eggsy’s. He was sure that Harry wasn’t going to visit him until the next day but when he showed up at his house at night, he knew something happened.Eggsy focused on the closed doors with his arms hugging himself. He could feel Merlin’s eyes on him, but he fought to keep his eyes forward.He wondered what Harry said to Merlin about their date. He had to know. Merlin knew that he and Harry shagged. He probably said that he was mental to think Eggsy was a good choice. Actually, he was the mental one. How he hoped that Harry finally saw him as a successful Auror and not a student still.He really needed to talk to Harry. He wanted to prove that he was the mature one and talk to Harry. They couldn’t continue this miscommunication anymore. Harry needed to talk to him to say if he wanted to try or not.Harry was acting like a child. When the lift chimed, announcing their floor, Eggsy turned to Merlin and smiled.“I’ll have the files on your desk late today.” He didn’t wait for a reply before he left the lift and rushed to his desk. He didn’t have an office like Roxy did so he couldn’t hide behind a door if Merlin came looking for him.He spent the rest of the day working. He saw Charlie, but the bloke was too busy with his nose buried into his parchment. He ended up walking into an empty desk, which caused Eggsy to laugh. He muffled his laugh because the last thing he needed was to cause a fight with the prick. He already just wanted to get out of here and figure out how to get a hold of Harry.He just needed to borrow an owl. He used Roxy’s last time, but now he wasn’t sure if Roxy would lend him hers. He was sure she would let him, but reluctantly. Maybe. He didn’t know what Roxy thought about Eggsy writing Harry.She didn’t say Eggsy should let Harry go. That he should be the one tracking Harry down. Last time was his job since Harry asked Eggsy to write to him when he was ready. Now was because he needed to see where they stood and Harry left without a promise to keep in touch.“Funny see you working past the clock,” an amused voice cut through the silence.The wizard jumped, almost knocking over his inkpot. He looked up and glared at Roxy. “I still have work to do and I want to get it done.”“So, you’re pissed at Harry?” Roxy smirked as she dropped down in a chair.Eggsy raised his finger as he continued to write, ignoring his friend.“I am, but this has nothing to with this.”“You’ve done this every time Harry disappoints you. You put your anger and hurt into your work. I’m glad you are working hard, but I hate that this is the only way to do your work.”“Oi, fuck off, Roxy. I do my work jus’ fine.”“Okay. Okay. I’ll rephrase this: you work harder when Harry fucks you up. You want to prove to him you’re not that student anymore.”“So, what if I want to. And I wan’ to prove to myself and make my dad proud,” Eggsy argued back as he stood up. He collected his work, making sure everything was in order.“I think you’ve already made your dad proud,” the witch said as she followed Eggsy out to the corridor.“Tanks, but I still feel I haven’ done enough.” He knocked on Merlin’s door and waiting for the invitation.Eggsy just greeted Merlin as he dropped his stack onto the desk.“Hav’ a good nigh’, Merlin,” Eggsy said before leaving the office. Merlin was busy so all he did was thanked Eggsy. It was fine. He didn’t want to stop and talk to his boss again.As they entered to lift, they realized that Charlie walked in as well. There was also an older witch in the corner.“Don’t start anything,” muttered Roxy, in a stern tone.He knew what she meant, but he wasn’t about to. He really didn’t start the fights. It was usually Charlie and he just responded because that’s what he did. Charlie was quiet and so he’d be.“Hey, I need to borrow your owl again,” Eggsy decided to say.Roxy didn’t bother looking at the wizard, but Eggsy could feel the eye roll.“You really need to get your own owl, Eggsy.”The wizard just shrugged. “Don’t really need one. See you at work, I call mum on the phone, and Ryan and Jamel just send their owls. I use them when I write back.”“Surprise you don’t have an owl. What else do you use of Roxy’s? Her work like you did in school? Her b-” Charlie didn’t finish his word before Eggsy shoved his into the wall.“Wan’ to say tha’ again?” he seethed. He was fine when Charlie insulted him. It was expected. But when he brought Roxy into their fights that was crossing a line.“Eggsy, stop,” Roxy pleaded and she pulled at Eggsy. “You can’t into-”“‘M not at work.”“Listen to your girlfriend,” Charlie sneered when Eggsy walked back.The witch was staring at them with a scowl.“The way you two behave is an embarrassment to the Ministry. You two are at work, not school.”Eggsy almost laughed when he saw Roxy’s eye-roll. The woman was right, but this was a situation that didn’t need an outsider’s opinion.“Sorry, but when someone insults my mate, ‘m not goin’ to ignore them.”Before the witch could reply and Charlie could chime in, Roxy pulled Eggsy out of the lift and though the atrium.“You need to stop fighting with Charlie.”“He insulted you. I wasn’-”“Thank you, but I can handle myself. Also, don’t start fights with other people around. They know you are an Auror and they can report you to Merlin.”He fell silent as her words sunk in. She was right. He got into trouble at school because he and Charlie would have it out in the halls where professors walked by.“Your righ’. Sorry.” He wasn’t really sorry and Roxy knew that. Eggsy would never be sorry when it came to Charlie. Roxy just hummed and pulled Eggsy towards the fireplaces.“Do you want to come to mine?”“Thanks, but ‘m goin’ to my mum’s for dinner. I think Daisy told mum I used magic for her.”He didn’t know for sure, but he never went to his mum’s for dinner during the weekdays. She probably had something to tell him or had something to scream at him for.“Okay. And I’m sure it’ll be fine.”“It’s the same thing when I used magic the last time I looked after Daisy. She didn’t mean it, but mum was pissed tore me apart on a Thursday night.”“I’m sure you are just overreacting again,” Roxy argued when they stopped in front of the fireplace.“Sure, but I think I know my mum. If I’m not at work tomorrow-”“Stop being dramatic. Just go,” Roxy said as she rolled her eye and shoved Eggsy in a fireplace before going to an empty one. ***** It turned out Roxy was right, yet again. Daisy didn’t betray Eggsy, his mum just wanted to hear about his date. He guessed the fact that Harry was his second date ever, his mum couldn’t wait to hear.His mum was noisy as she was demanding. He didn’t tell her the exact details o why he thought Harry left so soon. He wanted to blame Daisy but he realized Harry probably realized he was too young and immature.Making mac and cheese to dinner while on a date was pretty juvenile. But he was feeding his sister and, in the end, he had to put Daisy before Harry. Immature was probably the wrong word. Harry probably didn’t want to deal with a child as well as a young adult.His mum just reassured him and sheepishly promised not to leave Daisy with him again while had a date. He figured him mum probably felt a little guilty for his failed date, and he'd rather trick himself into believing that Harry left because of Daisy and not because of him.“So, I see you’re not dead,” Roxy cheered as she walked to his desk.Eggsy just rolled his eyes and kept silent. He didn’t want to give Roxy the satisfaction that she was right, yet again.“Mum jus’ wanted to know how much of a disaster my date was.”“So, I was right,” the witch gloated.“Didn’ say that.”“Okay. Fine. I’ll just take the reluctance to confirm as I was right.”Before Eggsy could reply, Merlin walked up to his desk, looking stern as ever. Seriously, he couldn’t tell if he was happy or pissed.“I need a word with you.”“Uh, sure.” Eggsy put his quill down and sat up straighter.“In my office.”“Oh, okay.” He felt his blood run cold. He didn’t know what Merlin wanted where he wanted him in his office when he didn’t do anything wrong. So, he thought. He didn’t have any late or missed paperwork.He stood up just as Roxy stood up.“I’ll see you at lunch,” Roxy said in a reassuring tone. She smiled at Merlin but the wizard didn’t move his face. She felt a little worried about Eggsy. Merlin was scowling which he didn’t often do unless he was pissed.She glanced back to Eggsy who looed stiff and was playing with his hands as he walked around his desk.Eggsy made his way to the Wizard’s office, knocking on the door to let Merlin. The door was opened and Merlin asked for Eggsy but he felt improper if he didn’t knock first.“Eggsy, please come in.”Eggsy moved into the room, standing behind one of the chairs facing the large oak desk.He felt like he was back in the headmaster’s office, awaiting detention. He’s been in this office hundreds of times but this was the first time he felt uneasy.“Sit down Eggsy.”“I’d rather sand.”He didn’t know what this was about but he had a slight idea what this meeting was about. Merlin looked like he wanted to argue but decided to let Eggsy get his way this time.“Eggsy, I’m asking you this as a friend of Harry’s and not your boss.”Great, Eggsy thought. This was so unprofessional and couldn’t Harry come and talked to Eggsy himself? He didn’t ask Roxy to talk to Harry for him. “Okay?”“I know you and Harry had your date the other night,” Merlin started causing Eggsy to grit his teeth. He did not want to have a conversation with Merlin about his failed date with Harry.“Merlin, I know you are my boss and Harry’s friend but I don’ really wan’ to talk abou’ this with you. I know I fucked I up but I don’ wan’ my boss to bring this up. It was durin’ my day off. If you wan’ to tell me tha’ Harry doesn’ wan’ anythin’ to with me, don’t worry, I know.”Merlin looked like he was expecting Eggsy’s outburst. He probably thought the younger man would stay silent and let the older man speak. That wasn’t going to happen. He wanted this failed experience over with and never brought up again“Eggsy, that wasn’t what I was-”“Sorry but I prefer to keep my life separate than my life out there. If Harry has anything to say, I’d rather have him tell me.”It was embarrassing having your boss tell you the man you’ve been crushing on for years he doesn’t want to be with you.Merlin wanted to say something, anything. He knew he was overstepping a boundary but Harry wasn’t talking to him. Eggsy was the next option but Eggsy wasn’t sharing anything, except he thought the date ended in disaster.“You’re right Eggsy. I apologize. I overstepped-”“Sorry to interrupt but am allowed to go now?”He didn’t wait for Merlin to do any more than nodded before he went to find Roxy.“Can we go out for lunch?” Eggsy asked in lieu of a hello.Roxy looked up from her parchment. “Sure. I just need to finish this report and then we can go.”Eggsy just too a seat in one of the chairs in front of Roxy’s desk. He was glad Roxy didn’t ask why he was asking to eat out. The Witch was the one who partially begged her friend to eat away from his desk.After ten minutes Roxy packed up her things and then stepped around her desk.“Okay, I’m ready.”They didn’t talk on in the lift or when they stepped out in Muggle London.“I thought we could go to Lunch here?” Eggsy asked as he walked across the street to a small café.“Sure.” There really any room to protest since Eggsy had already walked into the building without Roxy’s answer.She was okay. She was just hoping Eggsy was paying because she didn’t have any Muggle money on her and she didn’t feel like using magic.“What do you want?” Eggsy asked after he ordered.They quickly got their order and found a seat by the window.“Merlin is an arse,” Eggsy grumbled as he picked at his muffin.“What happened?”“Merlin was just interested in my failed date. Don’ know why he didn’ ask Harry. Guess he’s not talkin’ to Merlin and I’m the only option.”“At work? That is very unprofessional. Merlin is our boss. He’s not our friend.”“Guess he was desperate or wanted to hear my side of the story.”“What did he ask? What did you say?”“Nothin’. He’s my boss and don’ want him goin’ to Harry blabbing abou’ what I said.”“Good for you, Eggsy.”Roxy was proud that Eggsy didn’t release his frustrations out on Merlin. She was sure Eggsy wouldn’t have. He kept everything in until it was too much and then he lashed out. The failed date really rocked Eggsy and she was sure he was only hanging everything together by a thread. He wouldn’t yell at Merlin. He was too proud to let Merlin or Harry see his struggles.He was done.He gave Harry a second chance. Harry had said he would wait for him and he did. Only it was probably too late and his date with Harry didn’t help.Harry probably thought about what he did all those years ago. He was young, naïve and only an okay Auro. Harry was right: he was only infatuated with Harry because of how much attention Harry gave him in Hogwarts. He needed to move on. Find a guy that wasn’t out of his league or too old for him, as his mum said.“‘M done with Harry,” Eggsy announced after a moment of silence.He thought about that all weekend. He was done chasing Harry. If he didn’t want Eggsy he just had to tell him. He didn’t have to ignore him and get Merlin to question him.He had work and a family to worry about. A man he a crush on for years didn’t in his life anymore. He felt like he moved on a while ago and Harry leaving the date only after a couple of hours gave him the answer he was looking for. Harry didn’t feel anything for him.“Nice joke, Eggsy,” Roxy said with a fond eye roll.“‘M serious, Rox. The date showed me we are too different. We are from different worlds.”“It doesn’t matter where you grew up Eggsy.”“I know. Tha’ doesn’ mean we are meant to be together.”Eggsy looked out the window, watching the Muggle walk on the sidewalk, just busy focusing on themselves.“He almost left my flat as soon as possible. I’m sure he only stated as long as he did just to not make it look like I failed. I did though. What grown man wants a kid’s meal for dinner. Maybe my mum did me a favour.“Maybe or maybe this is just a jump.”“Nah,” Eggsy said. He didn’t say he’d write me when and he didn’ ask for a second date. I may not be a good wizard but I know how to take a hint. I grew up being disappointed. I can read people when they think they’re fooling me. Harry wasn’ lookin’ for anythin’ after tha’ night.”“Okay. If you have decided I’m not going to push you.”“I wouldn’t have listened to you anyway. I didn’ listen back then when you first told me to stay away from Harry.”Roxy smiled at the memory. At the time she was ready to jinx his friend when he wouldn’t shut up over Harry. Now Eggsy has grown up and realized Roxy was. Harry was dangerous. It just took two times of Harry hurting him to realize they wouldn’t work.“I think we should get back to work,” Eggsy said after he looked at the shop’s clock on the wall. They had ten minutes and he wasn’t looking to be corned by Charlie or Merlin because they were late.“You told Eric?” the wizard asked once they were in the lift, heading to their floor.“I did but I think if I didn’t, he was going to track you down a force you to come.”Eggsy bit his lip to hide his smile. He and Eric may have decided to just be friends it was nice to have someone want to be around him. He may not have the best time at the game. He wasn’t the biggest fan of Quidditch but he always had a fun time when he was with Roxy. He just hoped she would tease him about the players and which one Eggsy wouldn’t mind shagging. Maybe Eric was the right choice and he had to go through all this with Harry to realize. It could also just be because Eric was the only man, he felt the most comfortable with. With Harry, he always felt like he had to watch what he said and did. With Eric, he felt like he could be himself and not be judged. “Well, that’s good tha’ he wan’s me there and wasn’ jus’ being nice.”Roxy didn’t say but Eric was preictally begging Roxy to force Eggsy to attend the game with him. She knew the man probably felt something for his friend even though they both said the date didn’t lead anywhere. She was positive they both felt something but she also knew Eggsy was probably just thinking anyone was good since Harry wasn’t an option.She’d have to wait and see.