Q

[lepidopterologist]

In the days after Q left, it felt to Harry almost like it had been a dream. It was absolutely absurd, what he'd felt, and how quickly. And yet...

Once he knew for certain that Q was on the station, he waited a couple of days. And when he heard nothing, he assumed that Q indeed did not remember him. It was a hard pill to swallow, but he'd been expecting it. He did, however, put in a request for Q to come to his office.

And somehow, even though he'd been thinking about this for days, when the door opened and Q walked in, he had absolutely no idea what to say.

Comments

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q was a bit nervous when the commander called him to his office, but he did his best to seem calm as he entered.

"Commander," he greeted with a little nod, pushing his glasses back up his nose. "I was told you wanted to see me. How can I be of assistance?"

[lepidopterologist]

Harry got to his feet. And just looked at Q for a moment, searching for any sign of recognition.

Nothing. His heart sank.

"Hello, Q," he said. "It's nice to see you again. Were you aware that we've met before?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q raised a brow, combing his memory banks. All he found was another hole, and some vague data points.

"I am aware that I was briefly on the station before being installed permanently aboard. There were tests that had been requested- I assume by you? That makes sense, I suppose. Starfleet weren't very keen on Six having priority in Q-Branch, at least that's what I was told. Also there are documented concerns about a droid running six at all. The file shows I was cleared by- Ah, you. Thank you for that, I appreciate your confidence in my abilities, Commander."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was actively trying to maintain his composure, but he couldn't help it; he winced slightly. Partly at the thought that anyone might think that what happened between them had been a test.

Though all he said was, "You're welcome." He walked around his desk and picked up a book on one side. He moved closer and held it out for Q. Said quietly, "I promised that you could borrow this later."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q took the book, turning it over in his hand, and trying to will himself into remembering.

"I don't remember, but... Thank you. I'd still like to read it, if you don't mind."

[lepidopterologist]

"It's yours," said Harry.

"Is it... strange for you, to know there are things you've experienced that you don't remember?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"A bit. There's someone else onboard who says he has met me before. I believe him, there's evidence of it, just no memory. I want to remember, I do, but... I know that's not possible. All I can do is carry on," Q said. "It seems we had become involved, at least he believes so. It makes me wonder what else was taken from me."

[lepidopterologist]

"... involved?" Harry repeated, and tried to ignore the way his immediate interpretation made him feel.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Lovers," Q clarified.

[lepidopterologist]

Well that did definitely make Harry feel some kind of way.

“Were you glad to know?” he asked after a moment of uncomfortable silence.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I think so. ...He was certainly keen to try and remind me as well. It's been a lot to think about," Q said honestly. "I'm sorry, I imagine this is very inappropriate to share. I've been told in the past I need to learn what is and isn't polite conversation."

[lepidopterologist]

What Harry was feeling he finally properly identified: jealousy. Jealousy with a hint of concern.

"It's fine," he said. "Though perhaps... would you like to join me for dinner tonight? I'd like you to have an opportunity to get to know me again."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Oh- I don't really require meals, but... Yes, that would be good," Q smiled, not wanting to make any missteps here on the station. Knowing the commander better could only be helpful.

[lepidopterologist]

"I enjoy cooking," Harry said. "You can help, if you like - it's quite fun, even aside from eating it. Could you come to my home about 6pm tonight?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Oh, um, yes," Q nodded, smiling a bit. "I don't have plans yet for this evening."

He'd thought they were going out to a restaurant, this, somehow felt much more intimate. That wasn't what he'd expected.

[lepidopterologist]

"Very good," said Harry, and gave him directions for getting there.

Part of him was hoping that something might jog Q's memory. Though he was torn on what he might tell him if not. Q had told him to use his judgment. And Harry just wanted to do what was best for him; he didn't want to be selfish.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I will see you tonight then, I'll be prompt," he promised. "Was there anything else?"

[lepidopterologist]

"No... no, Q, nothing else," Harry said. And then went back around to his desk, very intentionally not looking at him. "I'll see you tonight."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q wasn't sure what he'd done wrong, but he knew he'd done something when Hart didn't look at him.

"Of course," Q said awkwardly. "Have a good afternoon, commander."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry mulled over this for the rest of the day, hardly getting any work done at all, and then when he got home, gathered up all the ingredients needed for the same stew he'd made the night that Q had been there. And a very similar bottle of wine.

When the door chimed, he said, "Come," and offered him a smile when he walked in. "Good evening, Q," he said.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Good evening, commander," Q said, hesitating a beat, then holding out a bottle of wine.

"It's customary to bring your host a gift," he noted.

[lepidopterologist]

"Oh," Harry said, looking a bit surprised, and took the bottle. "Thank you. You're correct, it's very polite. Here, I'll get us some glasses." He went into the kitchen. "May I ask, why did you choose this particular bottle? Do you have preference in wine?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q looked embarrassed, but wasn't one to lie. "I searched what wine was most versatile in terms of being paired with a meal," he admitted. "Is it not good?"

[lepidopterologist]

“No that’s perfectly fine,” said Harry with a small smile. “Very practical.” He opened the bottle of wine and poured into two glasses.

“Why don’t you tell me about how things are going for you here on the station while I finish this up?” He said, and went back to chopping some carrots.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

There was something so familiar about this, yet he had no solid memory of being here- Just a feeling. Data with no solid facts behind it.

"Splitting my time between Six and the federation is more work than I expected, however I have a very good team. They're nice- They treat me like I'm one of them, not equipment."