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

[lepidopterologist]

"Me too," Harry said. They made quick work of tidying up, checked that the animals were indeed peacefully sleeping, and then went into the bedroom. Harry took off his suit jacket and hung it up, then began unbuttoning his shirt.

"I really will start planning for a vacation," he said. "I'll talk to the other partners tomorrow about timing. The contract dispute is really the only case of mine right now that someone else couldn't easily lead for a time, and I think it will be wrapped up within the week."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I look forward to it then," Q smiled. "It'll be nice, spending time together. Just relaxing."

Q had been watching Harry undress, but after a moment started to do the same.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry stripped out of his clothes, and then pulled on only a pair of light linen pajama bottoms.

"I don't think that I've ever looked forward to a vacation so much," he said, and smiled gently before holding out his arms to him.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q moved closer, still nude as he slipped his arms around Harry.

"You deserve one," he said softly.

[lepidopterologist]

"So do you," Harry said, twisting his arms around him in turn.

And then said quietly, "You've changed everything for me, Q."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q leaned against him, closing his eyes for just a moment. "For the better, I hope. I know my life is better with you in it, Harry."

[lepidopterologist]

"Immeasurably for the better," Harry said as he stroked his hair.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q smiled, touched to hear it, and started tugging Harry towards the bed.

"Lay with me."

[lepidopterologist]

They both tumbled onto the bed, and Harry pulled Q into his arms. "I've not been this happy in a very, very long time, Q," he said softly.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Me either," Q said. "I'm not sure I was ever this happy before, actually," he admitted as he curled up close.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry stroked his hair again. "I hope you know that you really needn't... worry, about anything. Especially money."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I don't want to be a leech," Q said quietly. "I want to contribute in some way."

[lepidopterologist]

"You can contribute however you like, Q, but..." Harry sighed softly. "I think you may not appreciate just how much money I have. It isn't just my job. I had an inheritance."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"...Oh," Q replied. He'd been aware that Harry clearly had money, however, it had never crossed his mind to ask how much.

"Would you not feel taken advantage of?" He asked.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry blinked at him. “If you… wanted me for my money you’ve done a good job of hiding it.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I don't want you for your money," Q assured him. "I just never want you to wonder."

[lepidopterologist]

“I don’t wonder,” Harry assured him, and kissed the top of his head. Then teased, “Didn’t you tell me once that you wanted to be a kept man?”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Well, yes, but... I mean as a daydream it's nice, isn't it?" Q said, letting his fingertips trail up and down Harry's side.

[lepidopterologist]

“It can be as real as you want it to be,” Harry said softly.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q seemed unsure, still worried that if he had nothing to contribute, Harry might resent him over time

"Maybe if there were other ways I could contribute?" He suggested.

[lepidopterologist]

“Well you’re saving me on the dog walker…” Harry offered. “But Q… I truly think you are underestimating the positive impact you have had on my life.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"How so?" Q asked.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry hesitated visibly. And then looked quite vulnerable honestly. “Darling I haven’t been in love in about twenty years.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q moved a bit closer, leaning in and kissing him softly. "That's shocking, because you're very easy to love, Harry."

He stroked the other man's cheek, then kissed him again.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry kissed him back, gentle at first and then deeper, wanting to somehow make Q understand with this kiss just how important he was.