Chapter Text
They all know Merlin can dance.
During training, he taught them all to Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and even to Salsa. And frankly it was a sight to behold. Merlin’s hips are a weapon all of their own.
However, neither Eggsy nor Roxy quite realise the extent of Merlin’s pelvic-sorcery until on a mission.
The dancefloor of the underground club is packed with people but a distraction is needed to keep it that way, wanting no stragglers walking by. Not while Lancelot breaks into the vault to reach the stolen codes. Galahad stands guard, scanning the monitors to his right, and ready for any intruders to appear on his left.
Over the com, Merlin tells them not to worry. “One diversion coming right up.”
Just as Roxy breaks the first combination lock, Eggsy from his view of the CCTV cameras sees the crowd part and form a circle in the centre, beneath the large disco ball. But Eggsy is too busy handling two bodyguard's to watch much more.
He’s quick to dispose of them, and stores their unconscious forms inside said vault, after Roxy successfully opens the steel-bolted door. Then with the USB securely stored inside her Kingsman designed bra, they make a move.
However, emerging from the backrooms and weaving into the main bustle of people; bass thumping, trumpets blowing, and people singing along, they finally realise the spectacle they’ve been missing.
On the edge of the circle of bodies, the pair can't believe, but can't deny, the sight that is the one-man dance machine rocking to Uptown Funk. Their handler, their friend, Merlin.
“Got the package?” His voice purrs in their ears, but not missing a beat as he winks and strips his velvet jacket. Shrugging it off his shoulders in one smooth move and chucks the item at the front row of ladies, who holler and whistle excitedly. “‘Cause I may have left the taxi running.”
To which they can only nod, Roxy and Eggsy’s mouths still slack.
It’s definitely Merlin, but it’s not Merlin at all. His jaw heavily stubbled, when it was freshly shaven this morning. And he’s swapped his usual uniform sweater for a tight, white shirt, and even tighter pair of black jeans, that somehow don't stop him from grooving. The man hustles across the light-up squares, and shakes it like no ones business - snake hips killing the crowd.
But it gets better. He raises a seductive eyebrow at Roxy, throws out a line and begins to reel her in. And she goes - mock-astonishment transforming into a saucy grin, hips swaying. The cheers are deafening at the display, the sea of people dividing to let her through and clapping in time with the beat.
Taking her hand, Merlin twirls Roxy, her black dress blooming up beautifully. Before he wraps an arm around her waist, pulls her close against hip and chest, then dips her low just as the song roars into the final repeat of the chorus.
The crowd is so pumped they finally jump in with their own dancing, and the trio slip out, unnoticed.
*****
Merlin is not only a master of disguise, but of seduction.
Nobility, high-ranking officers, and politicians from all around the world fill the ballroom of the Schwerin Palace of North Germany - unaware an assassination is planned to take place. But not if Lancelot, Galahad, and Merlin have anything to say on the matter.
Dressed to the nines, Roxy is ravishing in a beautiful red gown as she keeps a close eye on the potential target. While Eggsy is scouting from up high; leant against the ornate, bronze railing, champagne flute in hand as his glasses scan the crowd.
The assassination will be a spectacle - this is political, it will be up-close. Eduardo Galos must not be left alone for even a second.
But the man is popular, everybody wants to shake hands and meet the favourite to be the future Italian Head of State. A multitude of socialites continue vying for his attention, applying every trick in the book, but to no avail. Roxy has only managed through sheer force of will and sharp wit to stay by his side. But people keep pulling him away, his attention slipping from her; she’s going to lose him...
“Miss Faversham.”
Roxy turns at the use of her codename for the night, to find a tall, very well-dressed gentleman at her left. She smiles politely but doesn’t recognise the handsome man beside her. Until he smiles.
Roxy could never mistake those dimples and the crinkles around his eyes. Her training hides her shock, but her mind gasps, Merlin!
She admires the disguise with a studious gaze, wondering how he put it together so quickly. Not five minutes ago he'd been on the plane. With perfectly quaffed, dark brown hair; a lick of grey threading through the chocolate strands, and a black tail suit that accentuates his long legs, he's an incredible sight. But it's the details, the pale blue sash that compliments his equally blue contacts, and the six medals of honour displayed across his breast, which finishes the attire.
Roxy unconsciously takes a swig of her champagne, throat suddenly dry.
Merlin's whole demeanour is different too; his posture relaxed, welcoming, and a youthful confidence beams from his bright eyes and playful grin. He looks at least ten years younger for it.
All of this culminates in the perfect package that would have anyone wishing for an audience, many pairs of inquisitive eyes already turning; socialites priming themselves for attack - looking the delectable newcomer up and down. And again.
“How wonderful to see you again, my dear.” Merlin kisses her on both cheeks. His gaze travels the length of her with friendly warmth, hands cupping her elbows gently. “My, you're even more beautiful than the last time I saw you.” Faux-English accent rolling deep and heavenly off the tongue.
Roxy's lips rise high but she hides any sudden butterflies with a jovial pat of his chest.
“Care to introduce me to your friend?” Those baby blues landing on the captivated Mr. Galos over her shoulder.
“Oh, how rude of me. This is Diplomat Eduardo Galos.” Roxy prompts with a hand between them.
Merlin extends his and it’s received eagerly. “Commander Robert Delamonte.” The smile that joins the firm handshake is enough to drop anyone to their knees. And for a second, Roxy believes Galos nearly did.
Merlin isn’t done though. He steps close, just the right side of comfortable, and begins actively engaging the politician in small talk. Then on to the current state of affairs, which you’d think Eduardo would be sick of, but he lights up. He’s engaged, passionate, and that’s why so many love him - truly a man of the people and for the people. And why the old order of parliament do not. He will bring about change.
However, what seals the deal is when 'Delamonte' begins speaking fluent Italian, leaving many around them with no clue as to what they are discussing. And when he leans in to whisper; hand gentle on the diplomat's shoulder, thumb briefly caressing his neck, the pair laugh heartily and regard each other with a secretive smile.
Eduardo doesn’t spare anyone more than a glance and a polite word for the rest of the evening. He remains at 'Delamonte's' side no matter who presents themselves.
Now Roxy understands why no girl managed to grab his attention for very long. His public profile and even their own detailed intel hadn't revealed the secret. But Merlin had spotted and acted upon his hunch. And here he stands charming the pants off Galos. Merlin has pulled.
It shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise to either Roxy, or Eggsy. Whose champagne nearly slipped from his grasp, when his Kingsman glasses registered Merlin’s presence in the crowd below. Magnifying the image and disbelieving, until Roxy verified with a giggle.
Merlin had taught the seduction classes. Though it had been mostly theory – scenarios you may encounter, skills to be learned and tricks to use, with guest speakers and footage shown of past honey pots. There were practical assignments too and roleplay, but at no time did they involve Merlin showcasing his panty-dropping ability.
But witnessing the skill applied was something else - an art form. And made the younger agents realise they still had a lot to learn, having seen a master at work.
The assassination attempt is foiled in grand style.
Eggsy's frames alert him when the hitmen and woman appear. But with help from the live orchestra kicking it up a notch, drawing the crowd into a thick cluster, they're unable to get close to their target.
Upon the signal, Merlin makes it his duty to disappear Eduardo and himself, keeping out of harm’s way.
Lancelot and Galahad expertly direct the killer-trio with crowd participation. A few helpful waiters here, a clumsy socialite or two there, and a drunken couple spilling their beverages, bringing the frustrated three back to where they entered. And exactly where Lancelot and Galahad want them.
Roxy intersects, having slipped through the billiard room and round. She catches them in the deserted, main lobby and offers a knowing-smirk of, ‘I know exactly why you’re here.’ And when they turn to flee back to the ballroom, Eggsy is there waiting with an equally shit-eating grin, ‘Where do you think you’re going?’
Their only option is to go up the stairs. Just as planned.
So while the orchestra in the main gallery astonishes the distinguished gathering with the crescendo of Beethoven’s Symphony No.7, Eggsy and Roxy take care of business.
What's harder they discover is extracting Merlin from Eduardo’s company at the end of the night - the pair having snuck away onto a secluded, moonlit balcony for some fresh air.
Upon the ‘all clear’ from Galahad and Lancelot, Merlin begins his farewell.
Poor Eduardo is on the verge of tears when 'Delamonte' whispers his final goodnight. Declaring that he truly must go but would remember this night always - the sweet Italian promise ghosting warm over the shell of his ear.
But the sadness in the still-young politician's eyes plead, hopeful in their request. And Merlin shows mercy, and gifts the besotted Eduardo Galos a languid, goodbye kiss underneath the stars.
Roxy and Eggsy swoon; sighing in unison, elbows resting on the carved-stone balustrade above, overlooking the scene. The three unconscious bodies on the floor behind them, tied-up and completely forgotten.