Q

[lepidopterologist]

The day after the awards show party Harry had to work late, which vexed him to no end as he'd promised Q that he was going to be home to make dinner. He texted him an apology and instructions to have a snack if he was hungry, and when he finally arrived home around 8pm, came with boxes of fresh sushi that he'd had delivered to the office, along with a bouquet of flowers.

"I'm home," he called when he came in, and a touch sheepishly held out the flowers when Q came in.

Comments

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q smiled at the flowers, taking them and then leaning in for a kiss.

"You're sweet, you didn't need to bring flowers though," he assured him. "You work hard, I should be giving you flowers."

He went to fetch a vase, putting the flowers in some water.

"Long day, are you alright?" he asked.

[lepidopterologist]

"I don't like breaking promises," Harry said, and laid the sushi out on the dining room table. "And I'm just fine. A bit tired, perhaps. Please get some plates to set the table, my love."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q wandered off, returning with the plates and napkins.

"The animals have all been fed, watered and walked," he said as he set a place for them each. "I think they're all napping now, actually."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry smiled at that. "I think that Mr. Pickles is very happy to have all of you here," he said as he handed Q a pair of chopsticks, and sat down.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"The cats are starting to warm to him, I think. Poe is, certainly. Keats might take a bit," he added with a laugh. "They've both warmed to you, it seems."

[lepidopterologist]

“The approval from Keats is all the more meaningful,” Harry assured him with a chuckle.

“How are you feeling today?” he asked casually before plucking out a tuna roll. “You had a bit of an adventure last night.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q went a bit pink, then shrugged. "I'm fine today," he said as he put some sushi on his plate.

[lepidopterologist]

“Would you like to talk about it?” Harry asked, before taking a drink of water.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q still looked embarrassed, shaking his head.

"Later, maybe," he said. "Tell me about your day first."

[lepidopterologist]

Hannibal was definitely not going to drop it, but he allowed the delay for now. "I dare say this is significantly less interesting," he said, slightly amused, but still went into a description of his day at the office, which was taken up largely by a messy contract dispute between a movie studio and the author whose book they were adapting.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"They're lucky to have you as a lawyer," Q noted with a small smile, still eating as he spoke. "Still, must get exhausting. Seems like you've been going non-stop."

[lepidopterologist]

"That's been my default mode for quite a while now," Harry said. "I didn't mind..." He smiled softly at Q. "Until quite recently."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"You deserve a break," Q said. "Maybe once I'm working again and have some money, we could have a vacation," he suggested.

[lepidopterologist]

"I think a vacation is a wonderful idea, actually," Harry said. "And we should do it now before you're working, so you don't have to take time off. And I certainly think I'm due for some."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q was just worried the work might not come.

He nodded though, pushing his hair back a bit. "That would be nice, even if we just spend time here."

[lepidopterologist]

"We could go away though," Harry said, looking thoughtful. "Where is somewhere you've always wanted to go? Somewhere relaxing though. We'll climb mountains some other time."

He sometimes wondered if Q actually did not realize just how much money he had. Or if it was only an issue of feeling uncomfortable with not contributing. If there was one thing that did not concern Harry, however, it was money.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Oh, I don't know," Q admitted. "Mykonos or something would be new and exciting. I've never been there, but it always looks nice in photos."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry smiled. "A Greek island is an excellent idea. Though I might suggest Santorini over Mykonos, it's a bit quieter and more serene. Less nightlife, more seclusion seems appropriate for this one."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Yes, alright," Q agreed, happy to go wherever Harry thought was best. "I've never seen either. I don't travel much. ... Afraid of flying, actually. Getting to America was a bit of a nightmare."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "If we go first class on Emirates you might entirely forget you're on a plane. It's like a very small bedroom in the sky."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Oh, I don't know if that's true. It's not a rational fear at all. ...I tend to just take something to help me sleep through it," Q admitted, looking a little sheepish.

[lepidopterologist]

"Ah, I see. Well, first class is still quite fun, though. Do you think it would be worth it, flying all the way to Greece? We could always go to Napa or something instead, if you'd prefer."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Harry, I'll go anywhere you like," Q assured him with a tiny smile. "Being with you is the only part that matters."

[lepidopterologist]

"Well I'd very much like to show you more of the world, if the getting there part isn't too unpleasant for you."

Since they were sitting at the corner of the table, Harry was able to stretch over a bit, and kiss his cheek.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"There's always boats," Q quipped, returning the kiss and laughing softly.