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]

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.

[lepidopterologist]

"Just anything but a cruise," Harry chuckled. "I do not find those relaxing at all." He pushed his plate away. "Finished? Perhaps we could go to bed early, hmm? Cuddle up and talk."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Mmm, I'd like that," Q smiled. "The cuddle, that is. Not the cruise," he added, his smile turning slightly impish.

"I like laying with you. I like the way you touch me."

[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.