Chapter Text
They didn’t go through with their plan on raising their own footie team. Still, Hamish couldn’t exactly complain. They have three beautiful kids that brings him unending joy.
Still, he would admit that with his age it’s getting hard to be both a handler and a father.
“Is Dad coming home tonight?” Hector –their second child asked over his glass of orange juice.
“Aye.” He answered him as he served them their breakfast. “We had finished the…job at midnight. He’s currently on the plane home.”
He didn’t miss the way Heather –their eldest, grimaced at the word job. Ryan has been teaching her how to spot a lie. Hamish is confident that her only daughter would be safe from lying suitors when the time comes. That, and Harry’s been teaching her how to use her words as a weapon. Besides the actual fighting that Roxy has been teaching her. He is sure that Heather would either make people dizzy with her words or with her fist.
“I’ll take Hector to his practice, then.” Heather, at the age of thirteen, was frighteningly responsible.
He and Eggsy had long realized that their absence during most of her childhood gave her more perspective than their other children. But then again, they did make it a rule that there should be no lying inside their home. They both think that it would be safer for the kids to understand that they have a…demanding profession. They don’t want their kids to be blindsided the same way that they were.
“Aunt Daisy’s around, too.” Hector exclaimed excitedly. “Maybe she can give me pointers on my gestures.”
Like Eggsy, Hector had shown talent in sports. He’s still eleven but he is slowly making his mark in the world of figure skating. He isn’t as graceful as his Dad. He is as swift and as strong as Hamish enough to make them speculate that he would be an Alpha when he presents.
As if on cue, Howie –their youngest, walked in with a serious case of bedhead. He was scowling at the tablet in his hand as if it hand offended him deeply. Hamish is aware that maybe he should be at least a bit alarmed at how attach his son is to his gadget.
He gave his youngest a glass of milk to ease the frown, and breakfast in hope to improve his morning.
Dainty hands picked up the fork and knife on the table, Howie started eating and would sigh every now and then. Heather was already giving him a look that says he should do something. And Hamish is really a sucker when it comes to his kids.
“What has ye frowning and sighing this morning?” He asked as he took a sip of his coffee. Hector was eating his own breakfast but having trouble with chewing due to him smiling too much.
“The code is giving me trouble.” Howie said in a small voice. It only tells Hamish that his youngest boy is not progressing at a speed that he wants to. He wonders if he was the same when he was still a child.
“Maybe ye just need to take a step back.” He offered up advice. “Sometimes when we’re too close to the problem that the finer details that makes it a whole goes unnoticed.”
Howie pursed his lips to the side. “How about you help me with it?”
Hamish couldn’t stop the smirk that stretched his lips. Howie’s the cheeky one out of the lot. “Or, ye can let it rest for a day. Ye should enjoy the sun out –have fun.”
“Coding is fun.” Howie pointed out. “And the sun is harsh on my skin.” He had inherited Eggsy’s complexion.
“Nae if ye are getting frustrated by it.” He said. Howie huffed indignantly. Hamish bit back a sigh. The woes of being a kid genius, he thought to himself.
“Just come with us today.” Heather implored her brother. “You know you get this bouts of inspiration when you’re not actively thinking about your projects. Maybe you will get one of those again, and if not –at least you got to spend the day with us.” She just used the right tone to manipulate her brother without him noticing it. If Hamish didn’t have any experience in sensing a Beta’s tone, he would have fallen for it, too.
His daughter will definitely make people dizzy.
Hamish’s usual routine didn’t change abruptly when he got married. It was a slow process and Eggsy was patient in breaking his habits. They started in lessening the days he stays in Kingsman. Then, having him actually take a day off. Soon, he was working nine to nine on weekdays, half day on Saturdays and Sundays are spent with Eggsy and the pack –that is if Eggsy’s not on a mission. It’s still not healthy, but it is relatively healthier.
Two years in their marriage, they finally deem themselves ready to have a baby.
It was a lot of first times. He wouldn’t be ashamed to admit that there were moments that he was just so scared for the little baby growing inside his husband. It led to some disagreements and arguments, but never a shouting match. It brought about memories that are better left forgotten.
He will forever hold the memory of Eggsy crying because of a McDonald’s commercial was dear in his heart. He is certain that Eggsy will forever remind him of his panicking state –arriving in Kingsman only in his boxers and shirt as he yell for a doctor, as if he isn’t one, when the baby was about to be born.
When his eyes landed at the baby girl that holds his eyes, his breath was knocked out of him. He knows that his nights will be sleepless, and he would constantly worry for his daughter as she grows older. But at that moment, he was happy. Heather’s mere existence brought to life his long lost dream of being a father.
Their second came after two years. This time Eggsy wasn’t often a crying mess, but there was always a questionable amount of mustard inside their kitchen. Hamish arrived at Kingsman wearing a shirt and pants, but no shoes. Hector came into the world with a cry that told them he has a powerful set of lungs.
Hamish’s mind raced on what sports his son could possibly want to try. He was silently praying for it to be footie. If not, then whatever it may be, he will support his son. He didn’t fret over Hector the same way he did Heather. He vowed to raise his son respectful to all genders, secondary genders and statuses.
Another two years passed, Hamish finally noticed that Eggsy had planned his pregnancies. The younger man laughed at him for not catching on earlier.
The last time came along with boxes of donuts and pints of ice cream for Eggsy. Hamish managed to arrive in Kingsman fully dressed, but going commando. Howie entered their life with a sleepy look on his face, but a babbling mouth.
Hamish marvelled at the fact that he has two sons. Two sons. He kept repeating that in the faces of the agents, scientists, inventors and techies that Harry had to intervene. He has his worries, yes –but he has been a father of two for a few years now. Plus, Michael had retired already and often volunteers in helping with the babies.
The kids finally left the house with Daisy assuring him that she will take care of them. He never doubted Daisy –she has the same protective streak as Eggsy. His friends walked inside his home without announcements as he stack the dishes in the cupboard.
When Michael retired, Jack followed after seven months. The only choices to be the next Arthur were Harry and him. With one look to his friend, Harry accepted the position. They never thought that the day would come wherein Harry would want to slow down. Ryan is a good influence to his friend, and Harry wouldn’t deny that.
“So, you are going to talk to him tonight?” Harry didn’t need to ask. He knows the answer to that.
“Aye.” He took in a deep breath. “I’m still nae certain how he will react.”
“This is Eggsy.” Michael said. “He will understand.”
Hamish knows that, but he still feels uncertain.
Eggsy got off the plane with a sigh.
His mission was a success, but the months of being away from his family takes its toll. He had missed Hector’s and Howie’s birthday this year. He can’t help thinking about how many other birthdays he will miss. Heather had resigned herself to the fact that her Dad wouldn’t be always here for her at the age of eight. It left a bad taste in Eggsy’s mouth.
He was greeted by Roxy in the landing pad. She held up a duffle bag for him. He was thankful for that.
Ever since he started curbing Hamish’s habits, he didn’t bother with keeping clothes in his room inside Kingsman. He just uses it now for bringing his covers to life. The problem with that is he doesn’t have a change of clothes if his mission ended abruptly –or if it goes south.
“I’ll wait for you in the shop.” Roxy told him. “There’s already a cab waiting.”
“You are the best.” He was quick in showering and getting changed –not worried about filing his mission report or attending his debrief.
His post mission routine had been slightly changed over the years. It might have helped that Harry is now acting Arthur and Hamish is both his handler and quartermaster. Then again, Harry is continuing the changes that Jack implemented inside Kingsman. They both care for their employees and would like to see them thrive even outside of their workplace.
They entered the compound side by side even when Eggsy wanted to sprint to his home. He misses his husband and his children. He misses his Mum and Daisy. He misses his family and his whole pack.
Roxy parted ways with him by the walkway of their porch. He took long strides and leapt over the three steps of the stairs to reach the door as quickly as he can. “I’m home.” He called out the moment he opened the door.
Eggsy heard heavy footsteps running. His breath was temporarily knocked out of him as Hector collided with his middle. Howie was soon to follow. Heather peeked through the doorway connecting their living room and kitchen. Eggsy gestured for her to come over and she did so with a small smile.
He held his children as tightly as he could. “I missed all of you so much.”
“We missed you too, Dad.” Hector is the most affectionate of the three. He is never shy of saying what he thinks or feels even when Heather tells him that he should think his words through.
“Yeah.” Howie is the less affectionate one, but will try to if given the chance and is certain that he isn’t the only one being sappy. Eggsy doesn’t really understand where his youngest picked that attitude from. Still, he found it adorable.
“Pa is in the kitchen –making dinner.” Heather knows how to say what she wants to say, but is having trouble gauging if she should say it. Eggsy could recall the number of times wherein she opened her mouth only to close it again firmly and shake herself off.
Hector moves to take the dufflebag from his hand and run up the stairs to drop it off the master’s bedroom. Howie turned to his mess and started cleaning. While Heather held his hand tightly and pull him towards the direction of the kitchen.
“Dad’s home.” Heather announced and Eggsy can see the amusement written over Hamish’s face. “You have five minutes to be kissy and icky, but after that –it’s family time.” Her tone left no room for argument. She left them with a skip on her step.
“We have been given five minutes to be icky.” Hamish wrapped an arm around his waist. “Let’s nae waste it.”
“Let’s keep it at three.” He smiled up at his husband. “I don’t think Howie has the patience for five.”
“True.” Hamish conceded. “Four would be pushing it, in all honesty.”
Eggsy’s huffed of laughter was drowned out by kisses and sweet words of longing.
Family time is dinner time. It’s them listening to their children talk endlessly and sometimes senselessly. Howie would babble about his projects and codes that mostly only Hamish understands. Hector would tell him of his practices and new skills that he would be excited to watch. Heather would tell them about her classes and classmates and Eggsy is secretly relieved that at least one of his kids are having a somewhat normal childhood.
After dinner, they would tell the kids to wash up and get ready for bed. Hector would roll his eyes and tell them that they should stop treating them like they are toddlers. Eggsy would tell them that he would always treat them like babies because they are his babies. Howie would grimace at that declaration –his youngest is always in a hurry to grow up.
Eggsy and Hamish would be left standing side by side as they wash the dishes. They would converse in hushed tones about work –trying to make sure that the kids wouldn’t hear anything specific. While they don’t keep their profession a secret, there are details they would like their children to never hear.
Hamish gave away a sigh. It’s one of those sighs that tells Eggsy that his Alpha has something very important to tell him that would affect their dynamic. All he has to do is wait for him to speak.
“I’ve been thinking of retirement.” That got Eggsy pausing for a moment, but he let Hamish continue on. “Nae completely –at least nae yet…just from being a handler.”
Eggsy doesn’t exactly know what to feel about that. Merlin has always been his handler in all his important missions. He can’t imagine donning a cover without hearing Merlin in his ears.
Though, he does understand. They both know, even back then, that the solutions they have come up with their circumstances weren’t permanent. They can’t both always be away from their children.
Still, a part of Eggsy doesn’t want to be undercover agent Gaheris if it’s not Merlin with him.
Maybe…
Maybe he should think of taking a different position in Kingsman –or would that be selfish, too?
“I’m sure we can work around it.” Hamish voiced out –trying to be reassuring when his silence overwhelmed the both of them.
“I –I understand why you want to –need to.” He confessed. “But, I don’t want to be in the field for months without you as my handler.”
“We have time to think about it.” Hamish comforted him with a kiss on his temple.
“The thin’ is, I want to stay here, too.” Eggsy knows that this is the right time to admit the thought that has been plaguing him for some time now. “I want to be wit’ my family, now –but I…I’m just not ready to retire yet.”
Hamish huffed a laugh. “Me, too. It’s why I thought of backing away as a handler but staying as the quartermaster.”
“Well, maybe we can find somethin’ like tha’ for me. Part-time agent or somethin’.”
They finished the chore and started heading upstairs. Eggsy noticed the light from Heather’s room is still on. He told Hamish to go on first. He knocked three times even when the door of his daughter’s room is slightly ajar.
Heather was sitting on her bed with a hairbrush in her hand. Eggsy approached her to sit beside her and help with brushing her hair. He can see that Heather’s tense and he idly wonders if this is the fruit of his labour.
“You know you can tell me anythin’, right?” He started. “Whether it be about school, boys or your brothers. Even if it’s about me an’ your Pa.”
“Hector’s coach said something about preparing him for the Olympics.” Heather’s voice was strangely subdued. “I heard Uncle Jamal said you were once on your way to the Olympics, too. And Howie –Howie’s smart, like Pa.”
Eggsy already has a feeling on where this conversation is headed.
“Let me stop you there, little missy.” He made his daughter turn to him. He bopped her nose with his index finger. “You may have forgotten, but you fight like your Pa an’ I combined. Maybe it’s time for another demonstration.” He playfully added.
“How do you two fight?” Eggsy can see the determination in Heather’s eyes. For all his daughter’s care in what she says and how she says it, she has an edge on her that is sharp. He feels sorry for all the boys that will grow infatuated with her.
“Pa goes for the vitals, an’ I move fast an’ confusin’.”
“And, I’m like that?”
“You are.”
Heather nodded at him. “Thanks, Dad.” Eggsy could only kiss Heather’s temple and tuck her in.
He stepped inside the master’s bedroom and Hamish was quick to throw him a questioning look. Eggsy suggested to him that they should let Heather see their sparring matches. Hamish seemed like he wanted to know more, but he agreed right away. They lie down next to each other with their fingers intertwined.
Their family life is not perfect, but it is theirs.
Everyone was present for breakfast the day after his Dad came home. It’s one of the things he also likes when his Dad comes back from his…job. The three of them are aware that even though it’s Saturday morning, their parents would have to go to work. Aunt Daisy volunteered to take them out –and since his siblings are aware of his upcoming competition, they all went to the ice skating rink.
Their Aunt let them play –practice in Hector’s case, on the ice as she does her holiday homework by the side of the rink. Looking up occasionally to make sure that they are not getting into any kind of trouble.
Hector did his routine. He would always start off strong, but stumble once he gets to the part wherein he has to do a triple. After stumbling more than a single hand can count, his brother called him.
“Right.” Howie looked up from the tablet he is holding. “You can make that jump if you accelerate your speed by one half of your speed now. But-” he turned the tablet towards Hector and Heather. It has an illustration. “-you are going to watch your weight, because I factored that in.”
Heather gave Howie a disapproving look. “You can’t tell him that.”
“I factored it in.”
Hector knows that they are not alike the average families. No one is really average in their family and pack. Well, maybe Uncle Ryan –but he can sniff a lie a mile away. He can’t really consider Uncle Jamal, too, since he is not like the usual High Alphas. He is not even going to bother mentioning his Uncles from his Pa’s side.
Thinking about it deeply, he thinks Grandma is the only one normal in his family. He is just going to ignore the fact that she can still scare his Pa, and her favourite pass time would be to embarrass both of his parents. Aunt Daisy is a different case, because she’s the best and therefore she is not average.
“Can it be done without factoring in the weight?” Hector asked.
“Yeah, but that’s if you can do physics on the fly.” Howie snorted.
“You –besides Pa, is the only person who can ‘do physics on the fly’.” Heather air quoted her copied words.
“It’s okay.” He told Heather. “I’m already watching my weight anyway.” He guesses he will soon say goodbye to ice cream the same way Aunt Daisy did.
“You’re eleven.” Heather reminded him.
“I want to be able to do a triple. I need to be able to do a triple.” He said gravely. “Have you seen that Russian figure skating TV show? The contestants are ten and they can do a triple followed by a double.”
“I don’t even want to know what they had to do to be able to do that.” Heather shook her head slightly.
Howie held up the tablet once again. “So, you need to pick up your speed when you get here.” He pointed at one point in the illustration. “You should have enough momentum to do the jump by the time you get here.” He pointed to the other side of the illustration. “If I have timed it right, that should be the crescendo of the song.”
“Maybe he should do it without doing the whole routine first.”
“Yeah.” Hector agreed.
He circled around the rink before picking up his speed at the point where Howie told him to. He added what he presumed another half of his previous speed. Hector reached the other assigned point and kicked the ice to propel himself upwards. He held in his breath and tucked his arms close to his body as he spin himself in the air –mentally counting his rotation.
He landed a triple and he let out a whoop that mixed with the cheer of his siblings.
“I’m going to try again –to make sure it’s not a fluke.”
“It’s not a fluke!” Howie told him. “It’s physics.”
Hector landed two more triples before he was confident enough to deem it not a fluke. He skate back to his siblings. He noticed that Heather’s nose is starting to turn runny. They have been inside the rink for a few hours already, and his siblings aren’t as used to the cold as he is.
“I think I’m done for the day.” He told them.
As they pack up, he noticed the parents of other skaters. It’s not often their parents could join them on an ordinary Saturday afternoon. It’s even rarer for their parents to be out with them on holidays. Hector thinks that he would probably feel jealous that their parents are with them if he didn’t know what his parents did for a living.
He saw a friend’s parents kiss and exchange affectionate words. He had seen his parents kiss countless of times. He had seen them just stare at each other’s eyes as if it holds the secret of the universe. But, he has never heard them say ‘I love you’ to each other. That realization got him frowning a bit.
“You okay?” Heather asked –worried.
“I’m fine…just got something on my mind.”
Aunt Daisy sorted out her notes and they were walking out of the ice skating rink with hot chocolates in their hands. See, their Aunt Daisy is the best. Hector would miss her when she goes back to her ballet school.
As they walk through the park, the thought of his parents not being vocal towards each other never really left him.
That night, during dinner, his eyes would swing from his Dad to his Pa. He is vaguely aware of the small pout he is wearing, and the questioning look both Heather is throwing him. They all turned to Howie when he let out a heavy sigh.
“Can somebody just ask?” Howie addressed them all. “We don’t have to spend dinner tense and waiting for some metaphorical shoe to drop. This is family time.” His tone was chastising.
“Is there anythin’ wrong, Hector?” His Dad asked.
“Nothing’s wrong.” He started. “I was just wondering why you don’t exchange ‘I love yous’.”
“We never felt the need to.” Their Pa said simply.
“Then what do you tell each other?”
“Other versions of it.” Their Dad said and they just grew confused.
Their Pa cleared his throat and their eyes shifted towards him. “There are millions of ways to show and tell someone ye love them. What we feel for each other cannot be contained by three simple words.”
“I’d rather hear your Pa’s poetic mumblings than a simple ‘I love you’.” Their Dad smiled at them. “Does tha’ clear the air?”
Hector nodded. “Saying ‘I love you’ is too normal, that’s why you don’t do it.”
“Normal is a social construct anyway.” Howie blew raspberries in the air.
“Yes.” Heather ride along. “What’s normal to a spider may be chaos to a fly.”
“Our kids are so weird, sweetheart.”
“Aye, leannan.”