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[ one million separate messages etc. and plenty of ( ... ) from typing and retyping. ]
hey
is this james potter?
glasses
swoopy hair
?
it's eggsy unwin
i think we met before
hey
is this james potter?
glasses
swoopy hair
?
it's eggsy unwin
i think we met before
[ there's....a lot happening. a lot. and james is still trying to filter through it all. but the message comes to him directly at a time where it's....honestly. needed. ]
eggsy unwin
yeah i think we have
munition shipments?
good and bad eggs?
[ yes, he remembers. he remembers everything. ]
eggsy unwin
yeah i think we have
munition shipments?
good and bad eggs?
[ yes, he remembers. he remembers everything. ]
[ relief floods him, even though it shouldn't. their connection was built on false pretenses — only, no, it wasn't. you can't manufacture friendship, even if memories and history were haphazardly reworked and strung together to suit the simulation. meeting harry again and instantaneously vibing proved as much.
no point in playing coy, then. ]
oh thank fuck
mate shit has not gotten more normal since then let me tell you
no point in playing coy, then. ]
oh thank fuck
mate shit has not gotten more normal since then let me tell you
[ it's....relaxing, in a way. to know that at least this was something that still felt real. that even some kind of quick letters pushed back and forth can still feel the same as that grin, the flash of adrenaline.
part of james wonders if it's fair, really, the way he is almost hungry for it. but it's a welcome feeling compared to the rest of it all. voldemort, sirius, their fates. it's overwhelming - overwhelming in ways james isn't even sure what to do with - so this? this he'll take.
this he'll take ten times over. ]
mate
you have no idea how much i know
guess its good to know your name /is/ still eggsy
[ he doesn't know how to ask about the gun. about the history and kind of careless way eggsy held himself through it all. james was - is - reckless disregard, sure, but the other boy had a kind of practiced air to him. experienced. ]
part of james wonders if it's fair, really, the way he is almost hungry for it. but it's a welcome feeling compared to the rest of it all. voldemort, sirius, their fates. it's overwhelming - overwhelming in ways james isn't even sure what to do with - so this? this he'll take.
this he'll take ten times over. ]
mate
you have no idea how much i know
guess its good to know your name /is/ still eggsy
[ he doesn't know how to ask about the gun. about the history and kind of careless way eggsy held himself through it all. james was - is - reckless disregard, sure, but the other boy had a kind of practiced air to him. experienced. ]
wouldn't change it for the world 😉
[ yes, the grin, the irreverent wink, and the thrill. followed shortly by the crash. ]
i'm assuming you haven't got any gaping wounds at least
[ joking. ah, but perhaps he shouldn't be. ]
you really don't have any, do you?
[ given how they parted ways. he recalls stumbling back, unable to process the meaning of the red staining the snow beneath him, whipping his head in search of answers and his partner, knees buckling — james, what about james? ]
[ yes, the grin, the irreverent wink, and the thrill. followed shortly by the crash. ]
i'm assuming you haven't got any gaping wounds at least
[ joking. ah, but perhaps he shouldn't be. ]
you really don't have any, do you?
[ given how they parted ways. he recalls stumbling back, unable to process the meaning of the red staining the snow beneath him, whipping his head in search of answers and his partner, knees buckling — james, what about james? ]
none to speak of, currently.
which- all things considered- probably a bonus
[ he remembers a bright flash of light, he remembers the screeching, the crash. the sharp pain, the warmth from his side, the haze.
there is a pause before james' next message, a few moments of his own blinking dots. he remembers trying to open his mouth, but no words coming out. remembers trying to push them out but unable, eggsy, run, run, run.
and then- nothing. ]
really, i'm fine.
you didn't [ he cuts off that thought, though. you didn't die too, did you? ]
you don't either, right?
and for the record?
that was not part of the plan.
which- all things considered- probably a bonus
[ he remembers a bright flash of light, he remembers the screeching, the crash. the sharp pain, the warmth from his side, the haze.
there is a pause before james' next message, a few moments of his own blinking dots. he remembers trying to open his mouth, but no words coming out. remembers trying to push them out but unable, eggsy, run, run, run.
and then- nothing. ]
really, i'm fine.
you didn't [ he cuts off that thought, though. you didn't die too, did you? ]
you don't either, right?
and for the record?
that was not part of the plan.
not right now
it's still the early afternoon though
[ that is to say, yes, he knows how well their plan went in the end. best not to dwell on it, especially when the blows haven't stopped since their failed simulation. ]
guess we can only go up from here
well
it's been swings and roundabouts so far
[ deaths and resurrections, perhaps. not necessarily an upward trend. ]
so maybe not
fucking hell i need a drink
it's still the early afternoon though
[ that is to say, yes, he knows how well their plan went in the end. best not to dwell on it, especially when the blows haven't stopped since their failed simulation. ]
guess we can only go up from here
well
it's been swings and roundabouts so far
[ deaths and resurrections, perhaps. not necessarily an upward trend. ]
so maybe not
fucking hell i need a drink
[ they'll make it through though. james doesn't have the slightest doubt about that. whether or not what happened was real, or went well, it happened. james has made his decision about eggsy. they're as good as friends.
they did die together, after all. ]
i'd watch your words about that
don't want to jinx anything
but knowing how this place is- we might already be jinxed
you know
a drink sounds perfect about now
you know a place?
they did die together, after all. ]
i'd watch your words about that
don't want to jinx anything
but knowing how this place is- we might already be jinxed
you know
a drink sounds perfect about now
you know a place?
Edited 2017-09-13 22:48 (UTC)
someone's left their stash of good shit unattended
lounge three doors down from the observation room left-hand side
if you're not against a bit of thieving
[ eggsy's already there, kicking back on a sofa with his feet on the table. he wearsall black except for a white snapback, tipped up to reveal more of his face than usual. his features have been arranged in neutrality, betraying only a hint of low spirits in his mouth and the crease between his brows. a bright yellow sport jacket's been chucked in nearby chair. a bottle of dark light brown liquid sits on the table, alongside two mismatched mugs. ]
lounge three doors down from the observation room left-hand side
if you're not against a bit of thieving
[ eggsy's already there, kicking back on a sofa with his feet on the table. he wearsall black except for a white snapback, tipped up to reveal more of his face than usual. his features have been arranged in neutrality, betraying only a hint of low spirits in his mouth and the crease between his brows. a bright yellow sport jacket's been chucked in nearby chair. a bottle of dark light brown liquid sits on the table, alongside two mismatched mugs. ]
not in the least
be there in a bit
[ it takes james all of ten or so minutes to get there, still unsure of how his apparating will work in these halls and a bit too shaken to test it quite yet. so he walks, keeping his head down, tired and strung out and really, really, really looking forward to whatever drink it is that eggsy has produced.
which is why - when he steps through the doors to the lounge - he almost (almost) physically relaxes at the sight of it. his brows do arch at eggsy, the clothing not necessarily expected but not a bother either, as he walks over to the table, chair, and couches. james is in something easy - something comfortable he'd been wearing at home - slacks and a sweater, with a worn white collar peeking out. he'd managed a jacket, too, but already has plans to take it off at the sight of the bright yellow one across the couch.
momentarily, he wonders if he was supposed to dress up for this, and the thought is ridiculous enough that he manages a smile, though there is a good chance it's more telling than he means it to be. ]
Nice jacket. [ a beat, and then he's moving to slip out of his. ] You bring that with you or get it here?
be there in a bit
[ it takes james all of ten or so minutes to get there, still unsure of how his apparating will work in these halls and a bit too shaken to test it quite yet. so he walks, keeping his head down, tired and strung out and really, really, really looking forward to whatever drink it is that eggsy has produced.
which is why - when he steps through the doors to the lounge - he almost (almost) physically relaxes at the sight of it. his brows do arch at eggsy, the clothing not necessarily expected but not a bother either, as he walks over to the table, chair, and couches. james is in something easy - something comfortable he'd been wearing at home - slacks and a sweater, with a worn white collar peeking out. he'd managed a jacket, too, but already has plans to take it off at the sight of the bright yellow one across the couch.
momentarily, he wonders if he was supposed to dress up for this, and the thought is ridiculous enough that he manages a smile, though there is a good chance it's more telling than he means it to be. ]
Nice jacket. [ a beat, and then he's moving to slip out of his. ] You bring that with you or get it here?
Edited 2017-09-14 18:21 (UTC)
[ at the sight of his friend alive and well, eggsy feels intense relief wash over him once again. being a spy and all, eggsy immediately notices the sharp edge to james, distinct from his carefree appearance in the vr. did dying cause that? james had agreed that the swings kept coming, even after waking up on thesa. perhaps he had a similar encounter with ghosts, as eggsy had with harry.
in reality, james looks a bit like the other kingsman recruits, with his slacks and jumper. the uniform of the middle to upper class englishman, certainly. it reminds eggsy of kingsman. and of roxy, too.
eggsy lights up at the compliment, though he remains dimmer than usual. ]
Thanks. It's from home — home being London, obviously. [ obvious from the way he pronounces thanks as fanks, among other things. he gestures to the second mug, a confirmation that it's for James. ] Guessing your outfit ain't spaceman chic, either.
in reality, james looks a bit like the other kingsman recruits, with his slacks and jumper. the uniform of the middle to upper class englishman, certainly. it reminds eggsy of kingsman. and of roxy, too.
eggsy lights up at the compliment, though he remains dimmer than usual. ]
Thanks. It's from home — home being London, obviously. [ obvious from the way he pronounces thanks as fanks, among other things. he gestures to the second mug, a confirmation that it's for James. ] Guessing your outfit ain't spaceman chic, either.
[ he notices the way eggsy eyes him - the paranoia of war seeped deep and thorough into his skin and bones. he can tell eggsy is noticing things about him, but he doesn't know what, so james lets the air remain momentarily tense as he finally drops his jacket down next to eggsy's, all but collapsing into the space next to him on the couch. ]
London? [ there's a bit of energy back to james too at the comment, brows raised. ] You're from London, then? [ he doesn't know why, but the idea that eggsy was also english built a whole other level of camaraderie between them. he chuckles - a bit tired, maybe, but easy enough. he reaches for the mug. ]
Ah, no, this is West Country English at its best. [ he picks at a piece of fuzz from his sweater, flicking it off somewhere before he motions to the mugs. ] May I?
London? [ there's a bit of energy back to james too at the comment, brows raised. ] You're from London, then? [ he doesn't know why, but the idea that eggsy was also english built a whole other level of camaraderie between them. he chuckles - a bit tired, maybe, but easy enough. he reaches for the mug. ]
Ah, no, this is West Country English at its best. [ he picks at a piece of fuzz from his sweater, flicking it off somewhere before he motions to the mugs. ] May I?
[ he gives james a reassuring clap on the shoulder, letting his hand linger and thinking he should have stood to hug him. next time. ]
Don't talk like this for a laugh, ya get me? [ that is to say, yes, london born and raised, though he looks like he might literally laugh, the nervous bubbling of someone equally, desperately grateful for this topic of conversation. ] Was just thinking that about you. You've got the good 'ol English boy thing. [ classy-looking. warm in its familiarity. ]
[ which might explain the earlier stare. james asks may I? too, like a proper gent, and eggsy startles a laugh this time. ] Oh, get on with it, James. [ accompanied by a generous swig of his mug. catch up 'cause he's two shots in already. ]
Don't talk like this for a laugh, ya get me? [ that is to say, yes, london born and raised, though he looks like he might literally laugh, the nervous bubbling of someone equally, desperately grateful for this topic of conversation. ] Was just thinking that about you. You've got the good 'ol English boy thing. [ classy-looking. warm in its familiarity. ]
[ which might explain the earlier stare. james asks may I? too, like a proper gent, and eggsy startles a laugh this time. ] Oh, get on with it, James. [ accompanied by a generous swig of his mug. catch up 'cause he's two shots in already. ]
Edited 2017-09-15 22:41 (UTC)
[ something about the shoulder clasp jolts through james, a shot of energy in light of everything else. if eggsy had gone in for the hug, james would not have hesitated to return it, and that is a thought he files away. ]
Fair, fair. Never know- sometimes you get those lads trying to fake it depending on where they're from. Can't be too sure what's real these days. [ but it's with eggsy's comment that james actually laughs, bursting out of him without much warning and pushing him to lean forward, elbows on his knees. he's shaking his head as he reaches for the bottle, pouring a very healthy amount in his mug as the laughter dies back down again. ]
You wouldn't be the first, though I've been told I sound more like a Manc. [ he shrugs, a bit of a smirk still curled at his lips when he takes a long drink from the mug - longer, probably, than he should have for his first. after a second, he drops the mug back again, coughing lightly and wiping the corner of his mouth with his sweater. ]
Merlin that's good. [ which is said a bit more under his breath than anything, an honest appreciation for the burn currently running down his throat. ] Oh, manners, right? [ he grins over to eggsy, reaching is mug over to knock the rims together. ] We might be on some kind of world-saving ship hurtling through space, but there's no point in forgetting that we're good English boys, yeah?
[ he already feels better, if he's being honest, brows raised towards eggsy. ]
Fair, fair. Never know- sometimes you get those lads trying to fake it depending on where they're from. Can't be too sure what's real these days. [ but it's with eggsy's comment that james actually laughs, bursting out of him without much warning and pushing him to lean forward, elbows on his knees. he's shaking his head as he reaches for the bottle, pouring a very healthy amount in his mug as the laughter dies back down again. ]
You wouldn't be the first, though I've been told I sound more like a Manc. [ he shrugs, a bit of a smirk still curled at his lips when he takes a long drink from the mug - longer, probably, than he should have for his first. after a second, he drops the mug back again, coughing lightly and wiping the corner of his mouth with his sweater. ]
Merlin that's good. [ which is said a bit more under his breath than anything, an honest appreciation for the burn currently running down his throat. ] Oh, manners, right? [ he grins over to eggsy, reaching is mug over to knock the rims together. ] We might be on some kind of world-saving ship hurtling through space, but there's no point in forgetting that we're good English boys, yeah?
[ he already feels better, if he's being honest, brows raised towards eggsy. ]
[ there's nothing as rewarding as earning a laugh. it transports him to nights in the pub with jamal and ryan, uninterrupted by dean's cronies — or making his way through harry's lush as hell liquor cabinet, utterly at ease despite his upcoming exams. hard not to grin, despite his shite day.
this moment, right here, is light in and of itself, but eggsy's memories filter it, further brightening the whole picture. ]
Do not flatter yourself, bruv. No Mancunian would ask before drinking. [ the north invented benders. ] Maybe someone from Cheshire, but that ain't fucking Manchester now, is it?
[ people from cheshire regularly claim they're from manchester to sound cool. it's a whole thing. westerners. he rolls his eyes, fond despite the ribbing. ]
Cheers. [ he clinks their mugs on request and indulges in a generous swig. it goes down easier on him, since he had a head start. ] Can't remember ever being a good English boy, but I'll take your word for it. [ wait. ] Sorry, did you just say Merlin?
[ he thinks of his instructor, not the wizard, when he asks. ]
this moment, right here, is light in and of itself, but eggsy's memories filter it, further brightening the whole picture. ]
Do not flatter yourself, bruv. No Mancunian would ask before drinking. [ the north invented benders. ] Maybe someone from Cheshire, but that ain't fucking Manchester now, is it?
[ people from cheshire regularly claim they're from manchester to sound cool. it's a whole thing. westerners. he rolls his eyes, fond despite the ribbing. ]
Cheers. [ he clinks their mugs on request and indulges in a generous swig. it goes down easier on him, since he had a head start. ] Can't remember ever being a good English boy, but I'll take your word for it. [ wait. ] Sorry, did you just say Merlin?
[ he thinks of his instructor, not the wizard, when he asks. ]
[ now that it's broken out, now that the laugh has happened, james feels no resistance in any of them following after. each breath he takes feels a bit lighter, like it's preparing for another string of them. like each inhale is just another chuckle, another grin. ]
Point. [ but he shrugs, uncaring, at the comment. ] If anythin' ah shoods soond loch a Scot. [ he dips his voice, curls it around like all of the locals from hogsmeade, and then taking it to the next extreme. they spent enough time at school imitating it, making jokes on its behalf. ] Ah spend enaw time up thaur.
[ but then he snorts, and the laughter follows. their mugs click together and james takes another healthy drink. it goes down easier this time, settling in his gut with a warm and comforting weight. ]
That's part of it though, you know? Lord of the Flies came from somewhere, didn' it? Jolly old England. [ he snorts again, enjoying the familiarity of home and letting it comfort him despite it all. he lays back into the couch again, swirling the drink around in his mug as he looks over to eggsy's question. ] Hmm? Oh- yeah. Why?
Point. [ but he shrugs, uncaring, at the comment. ] If anythin' ah shoods soond loch a Scot. [ he dips his voice, curls it around like all of the locals from hogsmeade, and then taking it to the next extreme. they spent enough time at school imitating it, making jokes on its behalf. ] Ah spend enaw time up thaur.
[ but then he snorts, and the laughter follows. their mugs click together and james takes another healthy drink. it goes down easier this time, settling in his gut with a warm and comforting weight. ]
That's part of it though, you know? Lord of the Flies came from somewhere, didn' it? Jolly old England. [ he snorts again, enjoying the familiarity of home and letting it comfort him despite it all. he lays back into the couch again, swirling the drink around in his mug as he looks over to eggsy's question. ] Hmm? Oh- yeah. Why?
[ james doubles down on reminding him of merlin with his impression of the scottish accent. similarly, eggsy's laughs keep coming, relieving much of the tension coiling in his limbs.
however, there's a small, hidden snag at james' mention of lord of the flies. see, eggsy didn't pay attention in school after primary, really. he was too distressed about life at home. and then he dropped out, like he did with everything else that mattered, too. from the context, he takes it to be a pop culture reference of some kind. involuntarily, he recalls nights in the barracks with the other kingsmen recruits: charlie in lush jumpers just like james wears, playing games to pass the time, chatting about their favourite plays and novels, charlie occasionally targeting eggsy to expose his lack of knowledge. eggsy had little to contribute, left with nothing but hope roxy would bail him out of any direct questions on his preferences. she always did.
but james is more roxy than charlie in every way, snorting in a carefree manner that puts eggsy at ease, even if he knows then that there is a difference in upbringing between them. that doesn't matter, not when they've fought together. not when they're mates. he focuses instead on the merlin of it all, leaving the reference unacknowledged. ]
Know a guy who goes by Merlin, is all. [ and he noticed the name's mention as an expletive 'cause he's a fucking spy. ] Not used to it being an expression or something.
however, there's a small, hidden snag at james' mention of lord of the flies. see, eggsy didn't pay attention in school after primary, really. he was too distressed about life at home. and then he dropped out, like he did with everything else that mattered, too. from the context, he takes it to be a pop culture reference of some kind. involuntarily, he recalls nights in the barracks with the other kingsmen recruits: charlie in lush jumpers just like james wears, playing games to pass the time, chatting about their favourite plays and novels, charlie occasionally targeting eggsy to expose his lack of knowledge. eggsy had little to contribute, left with nothing but hope roxy would bail him out of any direct questions on his preferences. she always did.
but james is more roxy than charlie in every way, snorting in a carefree manner that puts eggsy at ease, even if he knows then that there is a difference in upbringing between them. that doesn't matter, not when they've fought together. not when they're mates. he focuses instead on the merlin of it all, leaving the reference unacknowledged. ]
Know a guy who goes by Merlin, is all. [ and he noticed the name's mention as an expletive 'cause he's a fucking spy. ] Not used to it being an expression or something.
[ james doesn't notice any tension with the mention of the book. honestly, james' own knowledge of it had more to do with his private schooling before hogwarts, and then his mother's personal curiosity for muggle literature. still, it doesn't matter as much anyway, as eggsy laughs and james feels good about it. like he's back at hogwarts again, hiding off up in his room, laughing around a smuggled bottle of firewhiskey, ignoring the impending war.
but then there's the question, and james watches eggsy's fairly well hidden meaning behind it. there's the initial no, you know better, they're muggles but then james thinks about where they are, and what has happened. he's known eggsy for all of a day, but the idea of lying to him still doesn't sit well in his gut. ]
Not a very common name. [ he watches eggsy, trying to gauge how the other will even take it before james sighs, leaning forward to pour himself another. ] But that's got...more of a story to it. [ he pauses again, just for a moment, before he's sitting back. ] If you're in the mood for more....impossible things. What with- [ and he motions around them with the mug. ]
but then there's the question, and james watches eggsy's fairly well hidden meaning behind it. there's the initial no, you know better, they're muggles but then james thinks about where they are, and what has happened. he's known eggsy for all of a day, but the idea of lying to him still doesn't sit well in his gut. ]
Not a very common name. [ he watches eggsy, trying to gauge how the other will even take it before james sighs, leaning forward to pour himself another. ] But that's got...more of a story to it. [ he pauses again, just for a moment, before he's sitting back. ] If you're in the mood for more....impossible things. What with- [ and he motions around them with the mug. ]
[ it's like the door to this room will keep out all the madness. somehow, james and eggsy's troubles are elsewhere. the combination of the friendly weight at his side and the burn of whiskey in his throat tips eggsy's mood from the verge of a breakdown to easygoing companionship. childishly, he hopes they stay undisturbed for the evening.
eggsy pours himself another shot, cradling his mug as he considers james' proposition. his brow creases in thought. finally — ]
Why not?
[ he gets the idea that the surprise isn't a nasty one. he knows james isn't that sort of bloke already. he's good people. and a better mate. besides, something impossible might prove even more distracting. ]
eggsy pours himself another shot, cradling his mug as he considers james' proposition. his brow creases in thought. finally — ]
Why not?
[ he gets the idea that the surprise isn't a nasty one. he knows james isn't that sort of bloke already. he's good people. and a better mate. besides, something impossible might prove even more distracting. ]
[ james, belatedly, thinks that maybe this isn't a good idea. that he's prompted something he shouldn't have and that he'll have to backtrack his way out of it. he knows, realistically, he could just wipe eggsy's memory if he needs to. just erase every mention of this if it turns out to be for the worse. but a bigger, softer, almost desperate part of james hopes that he doesn't have to.
he does pause for a moment, watching eggsy, needing that half second or so to finally, truly decide. but then james huffs a laugh, muttering something about why the fuck not as he sits back up in his seat a bit. ]
See- back home this was a bit of a secret. [ he says the word with a complicated sort of tone. humorous, but grave. the kind of way you talk about rules in primary school, you don't go into the restricted section. but as james takes another swig of the mug and sets it back down on the table, he looks at eggsy with a slight smile - just as complicated as his tone. ]
You're good at keeping secrets, I take it? [ there are a few moments of silence after, like james is waiting for eggsy's answer - a kind of tension that almost lends itself to expecting an answer - when james shrugs, effectively destroying the moment and pulling out his wand from his pocket and setting his mug on the table in an easy, fluid moment.
he holds the wand between his thumb and pointer fingers, waving it in the air for a second at eggsy as a slow, kind of secretive grin. something thrilling and exciting and all together light hanging in the air as james grabs hold of the wand and flicks it off in the direction of the door, muttering a couple of words under his breath as a red spark flies out from the tip and circles the room - a rendition of the periculum charm that he and sirius had worked on. it wasn't quite as impressive as either of them had planned (they had yet to master making it into something. a red sparking dragon would be a lot more interesting than just a spark) but it did its job, circling the room once before fizzling out.
james, with his wand now comfortable back between the fingers of his right hand, settles back on the couch - kicking his feet up and setting them on the table with just enough of a flourish. once settled, he flicks his wand again, this time at the bottle, muttering the wingardium leviosa and looking just a tad bored as he holds out his mug and lets the bottle refill it for him, before it moves to hover near eggsy's, james unsuccessfully trying to hide his expectant look as he watches the other boy's response. ]
he does pause for a moment, watching eggsy, needing that half second or so to finally, truly decide. but then james huffs a laugh, muttering something about why the fuck not as he sits back up in his seat a bit. ]
See- back home this was a bit of a secret. [ he says the word with a complicated sort of tone. humorous, but grave. the kind of way you talk about rules in primary school, you don't go into the restricted section. but as james takes another swig of the mug and sets it back down on the table, he looks at eggsy with a slight smile - just as complicated as his tone. ]
You're good at keeping secrets, I take it? [ there are a few moments of silence after, like james is waiting for eggsy's answer - a kind of tension that almost lends itself to expecting an answer - when james shrugs, effectively destroying the moment and pulling out his wand from his pocket and setting his mug on the table in an easy, fluid moment.
he holds the wand between his thumb and pointer fingers, waving it in the air for a second at eggsy as a slow, kind of secretive grin. something thrilling and exciting and all together light hanging in the air as james grabs hold of the wand and flicks it off in the direction of the door, muttering a couple of words under his breath as a red spark flies out from the tip and circles the room - a rendition of the periculum charm that he and sirius had worked on. it wasn't quite as impressive as either of them had planned (they had yet to master making it into something. a red sparking dragon would be a lot more interesting than just a spark) but it did its job, circling the room once before fizzling out.
james, with his wand now comfortable back between the fingers of his right hand, settles back on the couch - kicking his feet up and setting them on the table with just enough of a flourish. once settled, he flicks his wand again, this time at the bottle, muttering the wingardium leviosa and looking just a tad bored as he holds out his mug and lets the bottle refill it for him, before it moves to hover near eggsy's, james unsuccessfully trying to hide his expectant look as he watches the other boy's response. ]
[ eggsy's answer comes immediately. ]
I ain't ever grassed anyone up. [ not his friends, not harry, not even fucking dean. he holds james' gaze, steady and unblinking. ] Won't start with you, mate.
[ initially, eggsy's eyes track the movement of the wand. he doesn't understand, but for a split-second, he considers the gun hidden in his jacket, a usp compact concealed out of his reach. he pushes that thought away. james isn't gonna stab him or something. what could he do with that, anyway? give him a wee splinter. naturally, as soon as eggsy thinks he has the situation sussed, reality shifts to surprise him personally. by the time red sparks whizz around the room, eggsy's brows have climbed as far as they'll go, complemented by the way his mouth hangs open. clary had something similar going on in the vr, but this is old-fashioned, proper magic. wand and everything. at the trick with the whiskey, he lifts his mug, expecting a refill of his own. he watches every movement, entirely transfixed.
finally, he regards james with a broad grin, his incredulity evolving into absolute delight. he sets the mug down a touch too quickly, the liquid sloshing dangerously near the edge. ]
That is the shit! [ in the BEST WAY. following his former instincts (to touch, to steal), eggsy leans into james' personal space, fingers brushing over his wrist, wanting to pull it and james' magic fucking wand over for inspection. however, eggsy catches himself quickly enough, removing his hand to tousle his hair. sheepish, yes, but unafraid. he notes the hint of concern, tugging james' features into something far less relaxed than eggsy would like. with his offending hand, he flicks james' nose. ] Stop looking so bored, you prick — you're fucking magic.
[ said without a note of offense, entirely charmed by the simultaneous display of trust and supernatural ability. ]
I ain't ever grassed anyone up. [ not his friends, not harry, not even fucking dean. he holds james' gaze, steady and unblinking. ] Won't start with you, mate.
[ initially, eggsy's eyes track the movement of the wand. he doesn't understand, but for a split-second, he considers the gun hidden in his jacket, a usp compact concealed out of his reach. he pushes that thought away. james isn't gonna stab him or something. what could he do with that, anyway? give him a wee splinter. naturally, as soon as eggsy thinks he has the situation sussed, reality shifts to surprise him personally. by the time red sparks whizz around the room, eggsy's brows have climbed as far as they'll go, complemented by the way his mouth hangs open. clary had something similar going on in the vr, but this is old-fashioned, proper magic. wand and everything. at the trick with the whiskey, he lifts his mug, expecting a refill of his own. he watches every movement, entirely transfixed.
finally, he regards james with a broad grin, his incredulity evolving into absolute delight. he sets the mug down a touch too quickly, the liquid sloshing dangerously near the edge. ]
That is the shit! [ in the BEST WAY. following his former instincts (to touch, to steal), eggsy leans into james' personal space, fingers brushing over his wrist, wanting to pull it and james' magic fucking wand over for inspection. however, eggsy catches himself quickly enough, removing his hand to tousle his hair. sheepish, yes, but unafraid. he notes the hint of concern, tugging james' features into something far less relaxed than eggsy would like. with his offending hand, he flicks james' nose. ] Stop looking so bored, you prick — you're fucking magic.
[ said without a note of offense, entirely charmed by the simultaneous display of trust and supernatural ability. ]
[ the immediacy of the answer has james nearly laughing - no need to get touchy, mate, just making sure but it doesn't matter. eggsy holds james' gaze, honest, genuine with his response, and james believes him. wholly and entirely. if there was ever a hint of hesitation to this whole telling eggsy about magic bit, they would have been dashed by that look.
so james goes with it. james mutters the words and lets the mediocre spell shoot around the room. he refills his mug, and then eggsy's, feeling a bit like he's performing for some kind of class he hadn't studied for. then again, when did james ever study - taking all his marks with grace and improvisation. he settles, heavy and comfortable, and kicks up his feet, and eggsy grins like it's the greatest thing he's seen in days.
if there'd been any question about their companionship before this moment, that too is gone, burnt out and away with the spark of red. eggsy leans up against james and james lets out a laugh, his arm flailing out to the side to save his drink, the whole air to the room turned directly on its head. he does catch the brush of eggsy's fingers over his wrist, and james' grin couldn't get bigger, proud and excited, for something entirely not worth the dramatics. ] Correct term's wizard, thank you. [ but there is absolutely no malice to it, perhaps a twinge of playful ribbing, but little else as his face momentarily scrunches with the flick to his nose. he moves to set his mug down next to eggsy's on the table before resettling back in the same spot as before, leaning in to eggsy's space just as much as early, holding the wand out like it was some kind of technological miracle. ]
But I can use magic. All witches and wizards from home can. [ a beat, before james' grin shifts a bit dangerously, fed into the urge by the rush of adrenaline that comes with breaking one of the biggest wizarding laws they have, and the effortless complimentary tilt to eggsy's words.
after the beat, james holds his wand out to eggsy, turning it so that its base was pointed at eggsy's chest. ] You can take a look if you want. [ because he had noticed eggsy's initial interest in it. because he's feeling good, really good, and it's not like eggsy would do anything to it. ] Long as you promise to be careful.
so james goes with it. james mutters the words and lets the mediocre spell shoot around the room. he refills his mug, and then eggsy's, feeling a bit like he's performing for some kind of class he hadn't studied for. then again, when did james ever study - taking all his marks with grace and improvisation. he settles, heavy and comfortable, and kicks up his feet, and eggsy grins like it's the greatest thing he's seen in days.
if there'd been any question about their companionship before this moment, that too is gone, burnt out and away with the spark of red. eggsy leans up against james and james lets out a laugh, his arm flailing out to the side to save his drink, the whole air to the room turned directly on its head. he does catch the brush of eggsy's fingers over his wrist, and james' grin couldn't get bigger, proud and excited, for something entirely not worth the dramatics. ] Correct term's wizard, thank you. [ but there is absolutely no malice to it, perhaps a twinge of playful ribbing, but little else as his face momentarily scrunches with the flick to his nose. he moves to set his mug down next to eggsy's on the table before resettling back in the same spot as before, leaning in to eggsy's space just as much as early, holding the wand out like it was some kind of technological miracle. ]
But I can use magic. All witches and wizards from home can. [ a beat, before james' grin shifts a bit dangerously, fed into the urge by the rush of adrenaline that comes with breaking one of the biggest wizarding laws they have, and the effortless complimentary tilt to eggsy's words.
after the beat, james holds his wand out to eggsy, turning it so that its base was pointed at eggsy's chest. ] You can take a look if you want. [ because he had noticed eggsy's initial interest in it. because he's feeling good, really good, and it's not like eggsy would do anything to it. ] Long as you promise to be careful.
[ eggsy's already been exposed to spies, angels, and werewolves. might as well add wizards and witches to the list. in fact, it's the gesture of faith that shocks him more than anything else. people don't normally give him things, especially not a priceless item, given how unlikely eggsy returning it would be. ]
Seriously? [ he blinks in disbelief over the privilege, although his light-fingers outpace his mind, quickly snatching the wand. he swishes it experimentally, pointing at the wall, away from anything breakable. nothing happens 'cause he ain't a wizard, but it's still fucking cool in the same way harry sharing his gadgets had been. he turns to james, awed and overflowing with warmth. he feels an irrevocable fondness for this boy, one he doesn't think he'll be able to manage. it already makes him want to do something stupid. ] You're the guvnor.
[ he mimics how james positioned the wand, flipping it around. he wouldn't normally give something so valuable back, mind you.
suddenly, he wants more than anything to admit he's a spy. tenderness has left him wanting, desperate to blab, far more than the threat of death by a speeding train ever could. if not for his principles — for his devotion to kingsman and harry, roxy and merlin — he would rattle off every secret hidden beneath his dirty blond hair. of course, there's the question of whether james has already surmised that eggsy is unusual in his own way. there were flashes in the vr, right before it when to shit. eggsy twisted an assailant's arm with one-hand, damaging it extensively, and fired a single shot at another attacker, an instant kill. too fast, too deadly to be a fucking bodyguard. did his abilities speak for themselves in some capacity? he wants to ask, leading james to the conclusion on his own and still breaking every rule at kingsman in the process, but he can't.
not with harry here, offering him a second chance. instead, his voice softens in its sincerity, devoid of his typical, cocksure undercurrent. his eyes slot over to james once more. ]
Thanks, James. [ for the trust, laughter, and magic. in that order. ]
Seriously? [ he blinks in disbelief over the privilege, although his light-fingers outpace his mind, quickly snatching the wand. he swishes it experimentally, pointing at the wall, away from anything breakable. nothing happens 'cause he ain't a wizard, but it's still fucking cool in the same way harry sharing his gadgets had been. he turns to james, awed and overflowing with warmth. he feels an irrevocable fondness for this boy, one he doesn't think he'll be able to manage. it already makes him want to do something stupid. ] You're the guvnor.
[ he mimics how james positioned the wand, flipping it around. he wouldn't normally give something so valuable back, mind you.
suddenly, he wants more than anything to admit he's a spy. tenderness has left him wanting, desperate to blab, far more than the threat of death by a speeding train ever could. if not for his principles — for his devotion to kingsman and harry, roxy and merlin — he would rattle off every secret hidden beneath his dirty blond hair. of course, there's the question of whether james has already surmised that eggsy is unusual in his own way. there were flashes in the vr, right before it when to shit. eggsy twisted an assailant's arm with one-hand, damaging it extensively, and fired a single shot at another attacker, an instant kill. too fast, too deadly to be a fucking bodyguard. did his abilities speak for themselves in some capacity? he wants to ask, leading james to the conclusion on his own and still breaking every rule at kingsman in the process, but he can't.
not with harry here, offering him a second chance. instead, his voice softens in its sincerity, devoid of his typical, cocksure undercurrent. his eyes slot over to james once more. ]
Thanks, James. [ for the trust, laughter, and magic. in that order. ]
[ james had, in the half second, already run through a list of things that could have happened. he was the idea man in the marauders, after all. he was good at that, at planning and seeing situations and working his way around them. the worst that could happen would be that eggsy, in some off-chance way, had the ability to use magic. flicking around james' wand would then prove to possibly be dangerous, and in the experimentation, eggsy could shoot something off into the rest of the room. the bigger, more possible scenario, was that nothing would happen at all. that eggsy would flick the wand around and get no response, and that was where james holds his chances. ]
'course. [ he just about snorts at eggsy's look, watching the other's fingers move over the wood as he flicks it around. there's something about the way that eggsy is looking at the object that reminds james he made the right idea. no matter how dangerous this was, no matter how many rules he's broken just sitting here tonight, he doesn't regret it. doesn't regret this show of trust to someone he'd just - generally - met. it feels good to be able to, to feel like it was the right choice in the midst of everything else he's learned, and part of the wizard feels like he needed that more than anything.
it's not wrong to trust people. nevermind peter, nevermind home, nevermind-
james blinks, jerking himself out of the thoughts and back to eggsy, watching him flick the wand around like even he knows nothing will happen with it. ] 's made of Mahogany, pliable. Great for transfiguration. [ the last bit has him grinning a little, like poor ole olivander had set him up in allowing the match to be made. not that he's complaining, of course. he also knows that eggsy most likely has no idea what that is even supposed to mean, but james doesn't seem hurried to explain, reaching back for his mug and settling back into the couch.
and honestly, he'd be lying if he didn't suspect there was something under eggsy's skin. a secret, maybe, but something more than just that. james, who had always considered himself fairly skilled with people could see something edging just under there. it felt a lot like magic, like eggsy had a part of him that had to be there and was integral, but not for everyone's attention. there'd been too much in the vr, too many comments and signs and clues. eggsy, who'd moved too fast and who'd killed too easily and carried himself in a way that spoke to more than just fake memories.
james - curious, always, but also understanding - doesn't push. and he certainly doesn't blame eggsy for keeping it under his chest. he watches eggsy flick his wand around with little expectations of a response, because he knows himself well enough to know that even if he didn't have his suspicions, this moment still would have happened. this laughter, and these secrets - this camaraderie - would have still occurred. so instead of asking, james just catches eggsy's eyes, holding them for the briefest of moments before his grin makes a slow, fluid appearance again. ]
Back home we're not allowed to talk about it outside the magical community. [ his tone is casual, as if he's talking about the weather, the traffic, just how bloody impossible it is to navigate through london these days with all these tourists. ] What with the trials back in the day and all that- the Ministry assumes it'd cause some kind of mass-muggle riot. I think it's all a bit medieval, really. But. [ james shrugs, unfazed. as far as he's concerned, if his home really is destroyed and what he has left is this ship, telling eggsy about magic isn't exactly going to be on his list of worries.
the bottle is still floating, hovering back behind the couch until they need it. it's a little detail that james is accustomed to, has been since he was a baby, but his eyes follow it now. casually, easily, like he's staring out at the door to the room or a rug on the floor. ]
Though- [ and then his attention is back, his slightly distracted expression back to the smile, the lightness of the air. ] You're taking it pretty well.
'course. [ he just about snorts at eggsy's look, watching the other's fingers move over the wood as he flicks it around. there's something about the way that eggsy is looking at the object that reminds james he made the right idea. no matter how dangerous this was, no matter how many rules he's broken just sitting here tonight, he doesn't regret it. doesn't regret this show of trust to someone he'd just - generally - met. it feels good to be able to, to feel like it was the right choice in the midst of everything else he's learned, and part of the wizard feels like he needed that more than anything.
it's not wrong to trust people. nevermind peter, nevermind home, nevermind-
james blinks, jerking himself out of the thoughts and back to eggsy, watching him flick the wand around like even he knows nothing will happen with it. ] 's made of Mahogany, pliable. Great for transfiguration. [ the last bit has him grinning a little, like poor ole olivander had set him up in allowing the match to be made. not that he's complaining, of course. he also knows that eggsy most likely has no idea what that is even supposed to mean, but james doesn't seem hurried to explain, reaching back for his mug and settling back into the couch.
and honestly, he'd be lying if he didn't suspect there was something under eggsy's skin. a secret, maybe, but something more than just that. james, who had always considered himself fairly skilled with people could see something edging just under there. it felt a lot like magic, like eggsy had a part of him that had to be there and was integral, but not for everyone's attention. there'd been too much in the vr, too many comments and signs and clues. eggsy, who'd moved too fast and who'd killed too easily and carried himself in a way that spoke to more than just fake memories.
james - curious, always, but also understanding - doesn't push. and he certainly doesn't blame eggsy for keeping it under his chest. he watches eggsy flick his wand around with little expectations of a response, because he knows himself well enough to know that even if he didn't have his suspicions, this moment still would have happened. this laughter, and these secrets - this camaraderie - would have still occurred. so instead of asking, james just catches eggsy's eyes, holding them for the briefest of moments before his grin makes a slow, fluid appearance again. ]
Back home we're not allowed to talk about it outside the magical community. [ his tone is casual, as if he's talking about the weather, the traffic, just how bloody impossible it is to navigate through london these days with all these tourists. ] What with the trials back in the day and all that- the Ministry assumes it'd cause some kind of mass-muggle riot. I think it's all a bit medieval, really. But. [ james shrugs, unfazed. as far as he's concerned, if his home really is destroyed and what he has left is this ship, telling eggsy about magic isn't exactly going to be on his list of worries.
the bottle is still floating, hovering back behind the couch until they need it. it's a little detail that james is accustomed to, has been since he was a baby, but his eyes follow it now. casually, easily, like he's staring out at the door to the room or a rug on the floor. ]
Though- [ and then his attention is back, his slightly distracted expression back to the smile, the lightness of the air. ] You're taking it pretty well.
[ a few words stand out, their use here foreign to him, but not because of his limited vocabulary. transfiguration. ministry. muggle. something to do with wizard politics and, like, the salem witch trials? mental stuff. he starts taking notes in his head, compiling a list of questions to pursue now or later. having had his fun, he offers the wand back, expression mellowing into curiosity. ]
So, you've got wizard rules. [ there's amusement lilting his tone, too. mischief always charms him, even now that he travels along the straight and narrow. ] Perfect for breaking, naturally. [ already broken for eggsy, of course, reinforcing their friendship with a precious secret. well, that and the delight that comes with flipping off authority, yeah? not to mention the implication that james doesn't think of non-magical people as lesser, especially not when he picked eggsy to enjoy his magic.
all of it pushes eggsy closer to violating the code that binds him, and yet he resists, taking james' observation with a private smile and soft shake of his head. another swig of whiskey seems wise, buying him time to construct an adequate reply. ]
I've been through some mad shit, bruv. [ which is more than he should say despite its vague implications. a cocktail of memories come to mind. his signet ring electrocuting charlie, valentine spouting his james bond-esque villainy, a fucking princess warming to his advances — but harry most of all, rocking up to him outside the observation room in a pristine, bespoke suit. eggsy swallows. he may be a spy, but the flicker of conflict on his face is obvious. he can't tell james about kingsman, no, but there's something far closer to his heart worth sharing. his thoughts aren't conducive to their present mood, so refreshing and sparkling, but he knows there's anxiety running rivulets down their spines (from the events of the vr and all that came after, only forgotten during peels of laughter). anything said won't be reversible, not with his watch confiscated by the orbiters. he knocks back more of his drink, aware of the alcohol softening his thoughts. might loosen his tongue as well, if he isn't careful. he forges onward, attempting to around casual but failing to convey neutrality. he knows his tells these days: trailing off mid-sentence is one of them. ]
Like, you ever seen someone...come back from the dead?
[ being magic and all. he doesn't think that's what happened with harry, exactly, given that he specifically asked for his mentor to be rescued before his demise (wish fucking granted, for once in his life). ]
So, you've got wizard rules. [ there's amusement lilting his tone, too. mischief always charms him, even now that he travels along the straight and narrow. ] Perfect for breaking, naturally. [ already broken for eggsy, of course, reinforcing their friendship with a precious secret. well, that and the delight that comes with flipping off authority, yeah? not to mention the implication that james doesn't think of non-magical people as lesser, especially not when he picked eggsy to enjoy his magic.
all of it pushes eggsy closer to violating the code that binds him, and yet he resists, taking james' observation with a private smile and soft shake of his head. another swig of whiskey seems wise, buying him time to construct an adequate reply. ]
I've been through some mad shit, bruv. [ which is more than he should say despite its vague implications. a cocktail of memories come to mind. his signet ring electrocuting charlie, valentine spouting his james bond-esque villainy, a fucking princess warming to his advances — but harry most of all, rocking up to him outside the observation room in a pristine, bespoke suit. eggsy swallows. he may be a spy, but the flicker of conflict on his face is obvious. he can't tell james about kingsman, no, but there's something far closer to his heart worth sharing. his thoughts aren't conducive to their present mood, so refreshing and sparkling, but he knows there's anxiety running rivulets down their spines (from the events of the vr and all that came after, only forgotten during peels of laughter). anything said won't be reversible, not with his watch confiscated by the orbiters. he knocks back more of his drink, aware of the alcohol softening his thoughts. might loosen his tongue as well, if he isn't careful. he forges onward, attempting to around casual but failing to convey neutrality. he knows his tells these days: trailing off mid-sentence is one of them. ]
Like, you ever seen someone...come back from the dead?
[ being magic and all. he doesn't think that's what happened with harry, exactly, given that he specifically asked for his mentor to be rescued before his demise (wish fucking granted, for once in his life). ]
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