Q (pre-AU)

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was typically happy to do what the king asked of him. He had for years, after all. Even when they were children. And even if they weren't friends, it would have been his duty. He'd already lost an eye for him.

He was known as the king's right hand man, his chief advisor, a good hand with a sword and with a keen military mind. So he'd had to do plenty of things he didn't care for...

This was not one of them. This he was always more than happy to do. And it was completely silly, how happy he was to have an excuse.

He knocked politely on the wizard's door. Adjusted the patch over his eye, and then tugged at his coat to straighten it.

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[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q was focused on his current spell work, and he got the door without turning to look, waving his hand in the air and coaxing it open wide.

"Yes?" he said, still not looking to see who his visitor was.

There were many words to describe Q, however, polite probably wouldn't make the list.

[lepidopterologist]

Honestly, this was how Harry liked to find him. Distracted, focused on his work. There was something strangely endearing about it.

"Hello, Q," he said. His voice soft at first, but then he cleared his throat. "The king sent me to pick up his latest commission."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Harry's voice snapped him out of his focus, and he stopped what he was doing so he could turn to look at him.

Gods he was handsome.

"Of course, yes, let me fetch it," he said, adjusting his glasses and getting to his feet. His robes were thick and lovely, built to protect him from burns and explosions, but right now they made him feel frumpy compared to the other man.

"It's been a while," he said as he fetched the box of charmed arrows. "You've been well, I hope?"

[lepidopterologist]

"I was away for a while," Harry said, watching him as he moved. "Visiting King's Realm." Pause. "Reconnaissance."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Oh? Should I be worried, preparing for battle?" Q asked with a smile, offering the box, then pausing.

"I was about to pause for tea, if you'd like to join me."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry took the box from him.

Then at the offer, smiled, and said, "Thank you. Yes, I can stay for a spell."

It was terribly silly, how much he looked forward to excuses to come see the wizard.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q smiled, waving his hand to put the kettle on. The things he'd been working on neatly tucked themselves away, and a beat later one of the tables was clearing itself.

"How long were you away?" he asked.

[lepidopterologist]

"A few weeks," said Harry. "I'm happy to be back. Home." His eyes continued to follow him. The effortlessness of his magic was always impressive. "Have you been well since I saw you last?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I have," Q nodded, sitting at the table just as the kettle started to whistle and remove itself from the heat. "Working, mostly. The king wants cannonballs that always hit their mark. I explained that might not be possible, even if I manage to charm the cannons too. So I've been trying to think of something better- But possible. I'm thinking flames."

[lepidopterologist]

"Flames from the canons?" Harry asked, interested. "Or flame from some other source?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"From the cannon balls," Q grinned, looking pleased with himself.

[lepidopterologist]

"That would be... quite something," Harry said. "I can tell Arth - tell the king you're working on it. I'm sure he'll be pleased."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"No," Q said quickly. "Please, don't tell anyone. It might not even be possible. More importantly, someone out there has loose lips. I've had people tell me they've heard people talking about my work at nearby pubs and inns. I'd prefer not to have word get out about this potential new weapon."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry hesitated. He didn't like keeping things from Arthur. But it wasn't as if he'd know what he didn't know... and he already thought Q was working on something.

He nodded. "All right," he said. Then frowned. "Do you think we should be concerned about the knowledge of your work?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"No. ...I don't think so. ...Well, perhaps, but we can worry about that another time," he said as he poured their tea.

He hesitated a beat, then wet his lips.

"Do you think a fight is coming? The king seems so on edge, and I can't tell if it's paranoia or justified worry."

[lepidopterologist]

"I think... it is not outside the realm of possibility," Harry said. "There is reason to be concerned about King's Realm. And the fae. And the sea."

His expression softened. "You needn't be worried though. We will protect you. I mean. The kingdom."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q smiled softly at that, nodding.

"I know we're all safe under your watch. ...I certainly feel safe under your watch," he added quietly.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry glanced away, a touch embarrassed. (Even if a little pleased.) "You mean under the king's watch."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I assure you, I know what I said, and I meant it," Q replied, pushing his glasses back up his nose, the simple metal frames leaving little marks on his nose.

[lepidopterologist]

"... oh," said Harry, his gaze settled on Q's face. Though it slid from his glasses to his mouth. "Well. I appreciate that vote of confidence. It is my duty to care for the kingdom. On behalf of the king."

Duty was very important to him. And he also cultivated the perception that it was the most important thing to him. That it was, for example, why he'd never married. Despite many, many interested women.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Right, of course, the king," Q said, smile fading a bit.

Sometimes Q was certain Harry was as keen on him as he was him. Other times... Well, other times the man was a mystery. Not that it mattered, he was certain the king wouldn't be alright with his right hand man and the wizard carrying on anyway.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry felt much the same way. Which was part of the reason he'd never made any sort of... advance, towards Q. Well, that and he had no intention of anyone, especially the king, finding out that he preferred the company of his own sex. Every... dalliance he'd ever had, was with utmost discretion. And were in all honesty rather few and far between.

"Is there anything you're concerned about?" Harry asked. "Anything that makes you feel unsafe?"

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q shook his head. "No. Well, the usual things, dragons, murderers, wolves, but I feel safe here, Harry. I consider myself fortunate to have this work and a place in the castle."

[lepidopterologist]

"Good," Harry said, and nodded. "Good. I'm glad you're content. And... safe. That's important."

He wanted to tell him how far he would go to protect him, but he knew it would sound a bit mad.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Are you afraid of anything, Harry? Q asked, watching the other man as he slipped his tea. "You see and know so much more than I do. That's a privilege that comes with heavy burdons"