Bond (pre-play)

[lepidopterologist]

[some years ago]

Harry had held a number events like this when he was the founder and CEO of one of the biggest social media platforms in the world. But this was the first one since Lepidoptera had gone public and he was more nervous than he'd anticipated.

There were several hundred people in the ballroom when he stood on stage and explained their AI technology, unveiled the first prototype of a self-driving car and a drone, and then laid out their plans. And it went off without a hitch. He felt powerful.

And when it was over, he snuck off into a bathroom in an off-the-beaten-path hallway in the venue, and leaned against a wall, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.

Comments

[0_0_7]

Bond followed shortly after, sparing Harry a glance before he faced the wall.

"Hell of a presentation," he noted.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry opened his eyes. He straightened up, clearing his throat, and straightened the cuffs on his suit jacket. "Thank you," he said, taking a moment to confirm he didn't know the man.

[0_0_7]

"I was hoping to speak with you alone," he said as he finished and straightened up.

Then he turned.

His eyes were devastatingly blue as his gaze met Harry's.

"Your work is impressive."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was pretty sure that this man was exactly what descriptors like "devastatingly handsome" were meant for. And if anyone came in and saw how Harry looked at him for just that split second, the rumors over the country's most eligible "confirmed bachelor" would be put to rest.

"Thank you," he said. "Are you a journalist?"

[0_0_7]

"No," he said. "The name's Bond. Commander James Bond."

He moved to the sink to wash up.

"You could change the world, you know..."

[lepidopterologist]

"I'm planning on it," said Harry, watching him in the mirror.

[0_0_7]

Bond dried his hands and smiled at Harry.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked.

[lepidopterologist]

It was a bit ridiculous because Harry was one of the richest men in England. But also, the way the incredibly hot man was smiling at him...

"I'd prefer to go somewhere where I won't be interrupted every five minutes by someone who wants something from me," he said.

[0_0_7]

"Back to mine, then?" he asked boldly.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked at him for a long moment, then said, "I'd prefer mine, I think." Less chance of this being some kind of trap.

Though he knew this was stupid regardless. The chance that this man just found him attractive and had no other motive was incredibly slim.

[0_0_7]

Bond smiled at the invitation. So far things were going to plan.

"I'd love to see yours," he said.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was still on a bit of a high from how successful the expo had gone. Maybe he'd earned a little recklessness.

"All right then," he said. "I have a driver waiting out back."

[0_0_7]

"Lead the way, Harry," Bond said, moving close enough that Harry had to move somewhere.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry recognized pricey cologne on him.

He stepped to the side, brushing against Bond's side, and then made his way out of the bathroom assuming Bond would follow. The audience for the expo would all be two floor down in an exhibition hall with free food, and they ran into few people on the route Harry took them.

"Hello, Mr. Hart," his driver said when they walked up, opening the back door. "Where to?"

"Home," Harry said, and gestured for Bond to get in first. "Thank you, Chase."

[0_0_7]

Bond got in and moved over for Harry. He was aware of what security there was around, and took note of the driver's name.

But he was relaxed in his seat.

"They loved you tonight," he said.

[lepidopterologist]

"It went very well," Harry conceded. "It's... an exciting time."

And then, "So you're military then?" Commander.

[0_0_7]

"Navy," he nodded. "You're not wrong about exciting times."

[lepidopterologist]

"So what brought you to my little show?" asked Harry. "Considering buying stock?"

[0_0_7]

"I came to talk to you about some...potentialities...with your anti-grav technology," he replied. There was harm in Harry being aware.

[lepidopterologist]

"Mmmm," said Harry. "I do think that it has a lot of potential. Early days, though. I should warn you, I'm not letting shareholders determine the direction too heavily."

[0_0_7]

"Mmm, I see. And what about investors?" he asked, moving his hand to Harry's thigh.

[lepidopterologist]

“Them either,” said Harry, and set his lips. “Why, you… looking for an investment?”

[0_0_7]

"The people who sent me...yes," he said, his hand creeping higher.

"I'd like to make a different sort of investment."

[lepidopterologist]

“That sounds more interesting,” Harry said. Reckless, yes, but he hadn’t gotten laid in over a month.

It would be easier for him if he was more public about being gay. He didn’t particularly care if people knew, but he’d had enough bad experiences with prejudice as a young man to want to be out and proud now. So he just let the rumors lie and didn’t speak about his personal life with the press.

[0_0_7]

"We'll take care of business in the car then, so we can enjoy your place when we get there."

He pulled out his phone to call up documents to share, laying out the military's proposed budget of investment in weapoizing Hart's current technology.

"It could turn the tide, Harry. You could save the world. Just...think about it."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked only briefly at it and then shook his head, giving the phone back. “I don’t make weapons.”

[0_0_7]

"If you'd release the proprietary rights we could find someone else to make the weapons," he replied evenly.

[lepidopterologist]

"I invented this technology to help people," Harry said shortly. "Not to kill them."

[0_0_7]

"Of course," Bond said. "But surely you can tell the temperature, Harry. Tensions are coming to a breaking point."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry sighed. "I am not in the war business, James. I created a social media platform because I thought it would connect people, bring the world together... and instead it just tore them apart. That's not want I want to do now." He was starting to look uncomfortable. Apparently the man did have an ulterior motive, and that was... disappointing in more ways than one.

[0_0_7]

"The day will come, Harry, when you'll have to choose sides," he cautioned.

The car rolled to a stop in front of Harry's.

"Has the work portion of our chat canceled my invitation inside?" Bond asked smoothly.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked at him for a long moment and then said, even though he knew it was probably stupid, "Not if the topic ends now."

[0_0_7]

"I've done what I came to do. I'm off the clock now," he grinned devilishly.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry wasn't entirely sure if he believed him, but there was just something about this man that... he just had this intuition that they were going to fit together. He hadn't had sex in a while, and even longer since he'd had good sex.

He got out of the car. "Thank you, Chase," he said to the driver, who nodded and left them be. Harry brought them to the door and let them in through a complicated security system. "What do you drink?" he asked. "Wine? Scotch? Martini?"