Chapter Text
When Harry woke up the next morning, his back was hurting really badly because of Eggsy's couch. That thing was really uncomfortable and the fact that Eggsy was sleeping peacefully on top of him wasn't helping either. Still, Harry didn't want to get up, he didn't want to move and not even his back pain could erase the euphoric feeling of being loved back. The fact that he was tired from their last night activities was another item in the shortlist of "Reasons Why I Shouldn't Move" right under "I Don't Want To Wake Up Eggsy."
Unfortunately, Eggsy moved like he was about to wake up and, by doing it, he pressed Harry against the sofa. Harry let out an unpleasant groan. He was too old to sleep naked on a couch with another person sleeping on top of him, but he didn't exactly care about it last night and he had zero regrets. However, his painful groaned must have indicated otherwise to Eggsy, because he looked at Harry with a wrinkled, sleepy, and serious expression.
"If you start mumbling about how you regret fucking me I swear to God...." Eggsy started and Harry chuckled.
"No, dear. I do not regret a thing, but I do believe that my spine is emphatically disagreeing with me because it's hurting considerably," Harry smiled fondly at Eggsy. "I think it doesn't appreciate the fine things in life, like waking up with a gorgeous man on top of me, as much as I do." He proceeded playfully making Eggsy smile.
"I'm sorry," Eggsy breathed. "We should have gone to my flat, it's close."
"There is no need to think about it right now," Harry said, slowly caressing Eggsy's arm. “But I do believe we should go somewhere more comfortable.”
"Well, we can go to my place now," Eggsy said getting up so Harry could sit, then he sat on Harry's lap and kissed him. "But we should clean the office a little bit first, Gazelle will kill me if she notices what happened here."
"We can't let it happen, it would be a tragedy,” Harry pointed while putting his arms around Eggsy's. "However, if you are not opposed to the idea, I think we should go to my house. It's a little far, but I got a dog and he’s still a puppy. I don't think I should let him alone for so long." Harry said and Eggsy looked at him with a surprised expression and a big grin.
"A puppy? Did you got a puppy?" Eggsy gasped amused.
"Yes, a little cute thing that I found on the streets," Harry replied with a smile. "I always wanted a dog and I were feeling lonely so I decided to keep him," Harry explained. "I missed you a lot." He confessed after further consideration. Eggsy gave Harry a little kiss on his lips.
"What's his name?" Eggsy asked.
"Mr. Pickle," Harry replied hesitantly while blushing. Eggsy's eyes narrowed.
"But you hate......" Eggsy started laughing so hard that he was shaking and Harry had to hold him so he wouldn’t fall from his lap. "You really missed me," Eggsy purred into Harry's ears and the other man sighed.
"You don't have any idea of how much my darling."
"We're lucky then, today is Sunday and we can spend the day together," Eggsy commented. "Make up for the lost time."
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Harry agreed and then kissed Eggsy’s shoulder. “We should get dressed.”
“And eat something, I am starving,” Eggsy replied. Harry put his hand on Eggsy cheek and kindly caressed his skin.
"I can prepare something for you when we arrive at my house," Harry offered. "As much as I miss your food, I think it's time for me to repay you for all the lovely meals you cooked for me."
"I won't turn down your offer, but I think what you did with my body last night was a fair payback, luv," Eggsy winked making Harry blush.
"Well," Harry swallowed. "As I said, I should repay you for the lovely meal." Harry was still blushing.
"Harry Hart," Eggsy said smiling. "You're a cute fucking bastard."
2 Years Later
"Eggsy, darling," A voice whispered in Eggsy's ear. "It's time to wake up, you'll be late."
Eggsy moaned before he opened his eyes to see Harry smiling at him with a smitten expression. Harry's eyes were warm and comfortable as the blankets surrounding Eggsy's body, and he didn't want to get up.
"Can we just stay here the whole day?" Eggsy asked with a hoarse voice.
"I supposed we could," Harry said stroking his hair. "But then all those lovely people that are waiting for you on the BBC's studious won’t be able to interview you and ask you about how are you feeling about winning your second Michelin Star," Harry explained making Eggsy smile.
"I'm feeling bloody fantastic," Eggsy said leaning forward to give Harry a little kiss. Harry kissed him back, but when Eggsy tried to deepen the kiss, he backed off.
"You can't distract me, dear," Harry said softly. "Come on, I made you breakfast and I have to take Mr. Pickle out for a walk, before taking you to the studio and heading to Kingsman." Harry got out of the bed and Eggsy moaned again. Usually, Eggsy was the one that cooked for them, but Harry had insisted on preparing Eggsy’s breakfast on their last anniversary and it became a ritual for them.
"Today is our dating anniversary, we should say fuck it and do whatever we want," Eggsy hissed while getting up.
"I wish we could," Harry sighed. "At least we'll have a lovely dinner today.”
"Where will you take me, luv?" Eggsy asked with a smile while making the bed with Harry's help.
"It's a surprise," Harry smirked. "But you'll enjoy it."
Eggsy took a shower and when he got out of the loo, Harry was already at the breakfast table waiting for him. Mr. Pickle welcomed Eggsy in the room by jumping on his legs and when Eggsy finally sat at Harry's side, Mr. Pickle glared at them and whined for some food. One minute later Harry gave Mr. Pickle a big piece of bacon.
"You should stop doing it," Eggsy said with a reprehensible face. "It isn't good for him and you know that." Harry didn't roll his eyes, but his unfazed expression had the same meaning as Eggsy came to learn during the two years they were together.
"I hardly think Mr. Pickle will die because of a little piece of bacon," Harry hissed, he didn’t see any problem on it. Mr. Pickle deserved to enjoy his life and bacon was his favorite treat. "The vet said that he is strong as a bull, and all the good boys deserve a little reward sometimes."
"I think it means you don't deserve yours then," Eggsy smirked and Harry choked with his tea. "Good boys don't feed their dogs with food that is bad for them two days in a roll."
"Don't be cruel, darling," Harry replied trying not to blush. "It's our anniversary after all," he argued.
"Maybe if you tell me where you'll take me I will change my mind about your reward," Eggsy's drawled in Harry's ear.
"You won't tempt me," Harry said ignoring Eggsy and eating his breakfast.
"Not even if I...." Eggsy started to murmur dirty things for Harry with a seductive voice and he could see that Harry was trying really hard to concentrate on his food. "And I will bake you the muffins you love in the morning." Harry stopped eating and glared Eggsy's with narrowed eyes while considering his offer.
"You almost convinced me with the muffins," Harry gave him a sly smile. "But my lips are sealed."
"The muffins?" Eggsy said astonished. "That was what almost convinced you and not the blowie," Eggsy blurted making Harry choke in his tea again. "Sometimes I think you are just dating me because of my food."
"Partially," Harry replied playfully making Eggsy chuckle.
Eggsy and Harry finished their breakfast, picked up that they needed for the day, and then Harry started to drive Eggsy to the BBC's studio in London. During their way, they kept talking about things that they needed to do, like go to groceries, buy a birthday present do Daisy, and fix the bench in their garden that was broken. When a comfortable silence grew in the car, Eggsy started to sing softly the song that was being played by the radio, and Harry couldn't stop himself from smile stupidly. If Harry Hart was sure of something, is that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Eggsy by his side.
When they arrived at the studies, Eggsy sighed. He didn't want to get out of the car.
"I don't even know why I have to be here so early, the show is in the afternoon," Eggsy complained and Harry shrugged.
"I don't know, darling. You have been in more interviews than I'll ever be in my life," Harry replied. "Don't forget that I won't be able to pick you up because I have an important meeting today, you have to take a cab to our house and wait for me there."
"I could wait in the restaurant," Eggsy said. "If you give me the address."
"Good try," Harry said and then leaned forward to kiss Eggsy goodbye. "I hope you'll have a marvelous day, my dear."
"I wouldn't count on it, but thank you, luv," Eggsy smiled softly. "Try not to annoy Merlin so much, okay? You'll give that bruv a heart attack someday."
"I can't promise that," Harry said slyly. "Otherwise, how am I supposed to have a little fun?" Eggsy nodded negatively, a smile still on his lips.
"You're impossible," Eggsy said. "See you later, babe."
"Goodbye, dearest."
*
Harry was very nervous and also very excited because, after two amazing years together, he was going to ask Eggsy to marry him and absolutely everything have to be perfect. He was almost sure that Eggsy will accept, still, he couldn't stop thinking about everything that could go wrong even though he has been planning this day since Eggsy warned him about the interview.
So, Harry called Merlin; to remind him that he wasn't going to work today, then he headed towards the market to buy all the things that he needed to prepare Eggsy a lovely meal, he passed by the flower shop in order to purchase some roses, and then he went on the animals' shelter direction. Eggsy loved Mr. Pickle a lot, but he was thinking about getting another dog for a while and Harry thought it would be an appropriate engagement gift.
"I'm thinking about getting a pug," Eggsy said to Harry once. They were walking through the park with Mr. Pickle. "They are kind of cute and they are about Mr. Pickle's size."
"They are not the brighter of the dogs," Harry commented.
"I do not care about it, babe," Eggsy intoned. "I just want Mr. Pickle to have one best mate while we are at work," he smiled.
"A pug it is then," Harry replied.
The shelter's volunteer guided Harry to see the pugs. He spent a reasonable time playing with the pups, but since Eggsy wanted the dog to be Mr. Pickle's companion, it was better to adopt an older dog. The volunteer talked with Harry about every one of the pugs, but only the last one caught Harry's attention.
"Does he have a name?" Harry asked while stroking the dog's fur while he was sitting peacefully with his tongue hanging outside his mouth. Different from Mr. Pickle, that had a lot of energy, the little pug looked like he was ready to take a nap.
"We don't know," she replied. "We rescue him from an old lady that died and the only thing written in his collar was J.B. Some people play around and call him James Bond sometimes." Harry nodded.
"He doesn't look like the greater spy of all times for me," Harry smiled. "But he looks like a well behaved dog."
"JB is a very gentle dog," she said. "We think he has three or maybe four years. He doesn't have a health problem, but he has the tendency to gain some weight."
"Does he get along well with other dogs?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but sometimes he can be a little lazy to play. He is also very good with kids if this is important for you."
"That's perfect actually," Harry smiled. "I want to adopt him today if it is possible."
"It is, we just need some information and we'll probably pay you a visit to see if he is adapting well."
The whole process didn't take too long and half an hour later Harry was already on his way home. JB slept the whole time in Harry's lap and he just woke up when Harry picked him up in order to put him inside the house. Mr. Pickle, that always welcomed Harry and Eggsy in the house, started to jump excitedly when he smelled another dog's scent. Harry was really worried that Mr. Pickle would reject the other dog, but when Harry carefully put JB on the ground, Mr. Pickle immediately started to smell him and lick his face. JB's little tail swung right and left while he was trying to smell Mr. Pickle as well.
"I'm glad that you both are getting along well," Harry smiled. "Please, try not to destroy the house while I pick up the groceries and the flowers," Harry requested, but the two dogs were ignoring him.
Harry started to organize the house right after he got everything inside. First, he decided to prepare the backyard, where he and Eggsy will have dinner. For his lucky, they bought a backyard's table not long ago and it was a perfect fit for what Harry had in mind. He put a white tablecloth over it and decorated it with a flower vase. Then, he decided to decorate the rest of the yard with twinkle lights that he spread all over the place.
It was near noon when Harry satisfied enough with his work to declare the task done, so he decided to start cutting all the ingredients that he would need later and also fix a quick lunch for him. Before he could eat, Harry fed the dogs, and only then he sat at the table. The good part about being busy is that Harry didn't have time to think about how anxious about proposing Eggsy he was. However, he was so decided to get everything done fastly that he had run out of tasks to execute besides preparing the dinner itself.
Since it was too early to start cooking, Harry decided to watch Eggsy's interview. He turned on the T.V, sat on the sofa, and let out a content sigh. When Eggsy showed up on TV and let a little " 'ello" out to the audience, Mr. Pickle immediately started whining.
"Yes, Mr. Pickle," Harry said while picking up Mr. Pickle. "Daddy is on TV. Now, calm down. There is no need to be this distressed, you saw him this morning." JB, that was staring at them, only jumped on the sofa when Harry tapped the place on his side. "You're really a good boy, JB. Maybe you can teach Mr. Pickle some manners,” he said stroking JB’s ears. When the dogs were finally quiet because of all the petting, Harry started to paying attention to the Show.
"I mean, how can I answer this?" Eggsy grinned. "I’m more than happy, Stacy," he said while crossing legs. "My staff and I have been working hard to achieve this and we finally got it, we're over the moon."
"And is this is enough to Gary Unwin, the youngest person to win MasterChef until the present date?" The interviewer asked with a smile.
"Of course not," Eggsy puffed. "I'm want to get my third star someday and maybe open a second restaurant."
"What about a new book? Love and Food: Homemade Recipes Around the World were a big hit, and a lot of us are wondering if you are planning to write a full recipe book or something similar."
Eggsy groaned. "Nah, luv. Writing isn't exactly my sport, so it was a time thing. Also, I want to let registered that I absolutely hate the title," Eggsy chuckled. "It's so corny, but we couldn't find one better."
"Really?" Stacy said surprised. "I love the name, and I think a lot of us are glad that you didn't change it."
"Yeah, my boyfriend likes it too," Eggsy commented with a fond smile. Harry’s heart melted a little bit and he wondered if he smiled like that while talking about Eggsy to others, he probably did.
"It's a shame that you are not planning a next book," Stacy said. "Now, about your next restaurant, do you have any concrete plans?"
"I think I will open an Italian restaurant this time, but otherwise I don't have any idea. I still have to talk with Gazelle, my business partner, about this," Eggsy explained.
"Is it also true that you were invited to host your own TV Show?" Stacy asked.
"No, it's just rumors," Eggsy intoned.
"Would you say no for an offer like this ?"
"Look at me, Stacy," Eggsy smirked. "Do I look like the kind of guy that would deny some attention?" He asked rhetorically. “Of course I would accept.”
"I bet your answer will make some TV Producers very happy, Eggsy," Stacy said. "Unfortunately our time is ending and I would like to address one last issue."
"Shoot it out," Eggsy said.
"For the past years, Chester King has been very critic toward your work, and he even went far as to say that you would never make success. Would you like to send him a message?"
"Oh, definitely," Eggsy said and then he looked straight to the camera. "Bruv, just keep watching my pretty face," he winked.
Harry laughed, scaring the dogs a little bit, of course, Eggsy wouldn't let the opportunity of poking Chester King go. His boyfriend could be very cheek when he wanted, Harry was very often one of Eggsy's poor victims. He nodded fondly at Eggsy's image on the TV one last time before turning it off. Then he called Gazelle.
"Hi, Harry," Gazelle said emotionless.
"Good afternoon, Gazelle. Did you see that interview already ended?" Harry asked in order to confirm. He asked Gazelle to keep Eggsy distracted for the rest of the day so Harry would have time to prepare everything. She was the only other person besides Merlin that new that Harry was going to propose. Harry also made Gazelle swear that she wouldn’t say a thing to Roxy because she couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, as Harry learned through Eggsy.
"Yes, Harry," Gazelle replied annoyed. "I was going to call him when you phoned me. I didn't forget the plan, there is no need to be nervous."
"Weren't you nervous when you proposed Roxy?" Harry asked intrigued.
"No," Gazelle simply said and Harry could almost see her smug smile.
"Okay, then. I am sorry if my nerves aren't made of steel," Harry replied. "Thank you again, let me know how I can repay you."
"Of course," Gazelle intoned before hanging up.
Minutes later, Harry received a call from Eggsy.
"Hey, luv," Eggsy muttered cheerlessly. "I'll be a little late today, I'm sorry."
"Oh, darling," Harry breathed trying to sound sympathetic. He knew it wasn't Eggsy's fault after all. "There is no need to be sorry, I understand. Are they holding you there?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, a little. One of the producers want to talk with me, but it won't take long, I guess. The problem is that Gazelle needs my help with something and I don't know how much time it will take," Eggsy explained. "I'm really sorry, Harry."
"I already told you that you don't need to be sorry, Eggsy," Harry intoned. "I really understand and, well, in the worst-case scenario we can always order food and watch a movie. Besides, we can do something special on the weekend."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, my dear," Harry smiled. "We'll be together anyway and this is what matters the most for me."
"I love you, babe," Eggsy breathed.
"I love you too, darling," Harry whispered fondly. "Now, go talk with the producer and help Gazelle. I'll see you later."
"Bye, luv," Eggsy said and then hanged up. Harry sighed and looked at JB that was glaring at him.
"Do you think he will be mad?" Harry mumbled and JB snorted. "Yeah, of course not. I'm just overthinking too much."
*
Eggsy was beyond annoyed. Gazelle kept throwing problems after problems on his hands and they weren't even that urgent, but every time Eggsy started to complain she would interrupt him and remind him that since they had two Michelin Stars, they couldn't let their standard quality get down or they could lose it. She only allowed Eggsy to go home when it was 7 p.m.
"Babe, I'm on my way," Eggsy hissed. "Will we be able to get where you wanna take me on time? And are you already at home?"
"Yes, darling," Harry said amused. "To both questions."
"Great, bye," Eggsy hanged up.
On his way home, Eggsy relaxed on the backseat of the cab while listening to the radio. Just A Sunday Kind of Love By Etta James was playing and Eggsy started to hum with a silly smile on his face because that was one of Harry’s favorite songs. He was relieved that he was finally going home to spend some quality time with Harry, they both were working so much lately that they barely had time to really be together. That’s why Eggsy was so pissed with the possibility of ruin their night.
"Fucking finally," Eggsy murmured to himself when the cab turned one corner and he was able to see their white house at the end of the street.
He paid the taxi driver, grabbed his keys excitedly, and opened the door just to be welcomed by a trail made with rose petals instead of Mr. Pickle jumping around. Eggsy gasped, his grin grew wider while he followed the roses until their backyard where Harry was waiting for him. He was sat with his legs crossed, and his smile reminded Eggsy of the first day they met. But the scenario? God, it was breathtaking. The table, the little lights around the three, and on the wood fence were so beautiful that Eggsy felt a little dizzy. It was perfect.
"Hello, my dear boy," Harry said softly while getting up. He walked in Eggsy's directing and kissed him. "As I said, you didn't have to worry about being late, the restaurant is quite understanding."
"Harry Hart," Eggsy proclaimed in a fake reprehensive undertone. "That is why Gazelle was keeping me busy?"
"I'm really sorry about that," Harry said while getting closer. "I'll compensate all the time you lost and all your hard work," Harry purred into his ear. "Later," he emphasized with a smirk. "The dinner is almost ready and you should refresh yourself."
"Where is Mr. Pickle?" Eggsy asked curiously.
"Sleeping in our office upstairs," Harry explained. "I took him for a second walk today so he would get tired. It would be very hard to have a romantic dinner with him jumping around."
"I'll talk with him after dinner then," Eggsy smiled and kissed Harry's cheek. "I'll be right back."
Eggsy took a short shower and put on a button-up shirt just because Harry was wearing one tool, and he knew how Harry liked to see him in more social clothes. When he went to the garden, the first dish was already on the table as well as a glass of wine. Harry pulled the chair for Eggsy and kissed his forehead when he sat. Eggsy loved the fact that Harry was always showing him affection.
"I already like the service," Eggsy said playfully. "I think I'll have to give this restaurant a nice rating on TripAdvisor."
"The owners will be very pleased, don't forget to let a nice comment too," Harry replied.
"Of course, luv. They even have Steak Diane that is one of my favorite dishes," Eggsy said while cutting a piece of steak to try, the meat immediately melted in his mouth. "Oh my god, Harry. This is really good." He blurted. "Are you trying to steal my job?"
"No, my darling," Harry said with amusement while cutting his own steak.
"Did you decided to prepare dinner for me because I always complain about the posh restaurants that you take me?" Eggsy asked. “I mean, the problem isn’t that they are posh because Galahad is too, but they are just pretentious without really being that good.”
"No," Harry smirked and then proceeded to eat. Eggsy narrowed his eyes, but he decided to let the subject go.
Harry and Eggsy didn't eat in silence, between the steak bites and the sips of wine they chatted about Eggsy's interview and what the producer wanted to talk with him. They also talked about taking Daisy to the museum next week and visiting Harry's parents. When they were almost finishing dessert, Eggsy could see that Harry was a little tense, so he picked up his hand.
"What's wrong, honey?" Eggsy asked gently.
"Nothing," Harry gasped. "I think it is time to get Mr. Pickle out of our office before he makes a mess, he is probably awake."
"I'll pick him up," Eggsy said getting up.
"No," Harry blurted making Eggsy frown. "I need to go to the bathroom as well so I will have to go upstairs anyway. Why don't you take the plates to the kitchen?"
"Yeah, of course," Eggsy said with a raised brow. Harry was definitely worried and anxious about something.
Eggsy went into the kitchen with the dishes and started washing it since there were only a few of them. He was finishing his task when Mr. Pickle came running into the kitchen and started to jump on Eggsy's legs. Eggsy laughed; then he dried his hands on his pants, something that Harry absolutely hated, and kneeled on the floor to pat Mr. Pickle.
"Hello, sweety," Eggsy said trying to stop Mr. Pickle from licking his mouth. "I luv you too, yes I love you.” In the living room, Harry turned the radio on and Eggsy started to listen to Nancy and Frank Sinatra singing Something Stupid. Eggsy smiled and picked up Mr. Pickle. "Let's see why your father was so nervous," he mumbled.
When Eggsy got inside the living room it was pretty clear why Harry was so nervous, he was holding a pug with a big gift bow around his neck. Harry's eyes were wide open and he was a little pale, Eggsy thought his expression was so comical that he couldn't stop himself from chuckle. Eggsy put Mr. Pickle on the ground and the little dog immediately ran towards Harry.
"Is that why you were so nervous?" Eggsy asked walking toward Harry and picking up the pug from his arms. "You got me a bloody pug," Eggsy proceeded excitedly. "He is so cute, luv."
Harry didn't say anything, he had a little smile on his face, but he was still a little tense and pale. Eggsy didn't understand why until he started trying to remove the gift bow, that couldn't be comfortable for the dog and found out a golden ring trapped on it. Eggsy gasped and then looked at Harry.
“Okay,” Eggsy said slowly with an astonished expression. “You aren’t nervous about the dor, are you?” He picked up the ring and put the pug next to Mr. Pickle, both dogs started to play together.
"His name is JB," Harry said nervously. "The dog, not the ring, of course," he rambled and then he kneeled with a fumbling attempt. "Eggsy, I swear that I prepared a very poetical speech, but you just made me lose my words and I can't describe how much I love you," He smiled. "So, I have to ask it before I make a fool of myself, do you wanna marry me?" Harry grabbed Eggsy’s hand and glared at him with so much expectation and love that Eggsy’s heart clenched a little. Eggsy loved Harry so much that it was hard to breathe at that moment.
"Yes," Eggsy chuckled with his eyes tearing. "Yes, Harry," he exclaimed while kneeling too. Harry breathed with relief and kissed Eggsy’s hand. Then, he put the ring on Eggsy’s finger and kissed his hand again. "Damn," Eggsy blurted while wiping his tears." I wasn't expecting this."
"What did you expected?" Harry asked curiously helping Eggsy to get up.
"I dunno," Eggsy replied, and then chuckled. "A pan or something related to the kitchen, to be honest. I know you hate my Adidas Jackets too much to give me one even though I love then." Harry laughed, but he smiled faded fast when Eggsy’s expression grew stern. Eggsy started talking again with hesitation. "Also, after you told me about what happened with Emma, I thought you wouldn't want to get married again," he confessed. Harry put a hand on his cheek. “I didn’t even think it was a possibility.”
"I was. Well, I'm still a little terrified, to be honest with you," Harry whispered softly. "But I love you so much that the fear that I feel is insignificant, and I’ll be damned if I let it control my actions. I learned my lesson two years ago," he drawled.
Harry brushed his lips tenderly against Eggsy's, and Eggsy quickly deepened the kiss. They stood there, kissing each other while their dogs were playing. The room was warm and peaceful. It was exactly what Harry had expended years of his life desiring but believing that he would never get, and it was more than Eggsy ever dared to dream. They felt at home there, in each other's arms, surrounded by their dogs, and inside a house full of pictures of their family and friends on the walls. Both, Eggsy and Harry, knew that perfection wasn’t something real or achievable when it comes to relationships, but it felt close anyway.
"Now I feel bad," Eggsy said when they separated. "My present for you isn't this nice," he laid his head on Harry's shoulder. And Harry started swing making Eggsy keeping up with his movements. Just like that, they started to dance slowly.
"Oh," Harry murmured. "What would it be?" He asked curiously, but without really caring. What gift could be better than having Eggsy on his arms?
"A book," Eggsy intoned making Harry laugh.