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 accepted the box and held it with care.

"I'll get you some wine," he said, quick to do as Harry asked as he took the box to the kitchen, then returned with a bottle.

"Harry has excellent taste in wine," he added, setting the bottle on the table and only struggling a little to get it open. He was still a bit pink, trying to act natural, but clearly self-conscious.

[0_0_7]

James took the glass with a nod.

"Dinner smells delicious," he said, loud enough for Harry to hear.

He gestured for Q to follow as he began to move to the kitchen to be together.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was already playing the meal. The steaks, perfectly seared with a deep, golden-brown crust, rested on the plates with a subtle sizzle.

Alongside the steak, he arranged a generous portion of roasted potatoes sprinkled with fresh rosemary and a hint of sea salt, and blanched green beans drizzled with butter and a squeeze of lemon. He finished it off with a dollop of garlic butter on top of each steak.

When they walked in he smiled. “How nice to see you, James. Would you help me get these to the table please? And Q if you could please bring the wine.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q nodded, taking the wine and a few extra napkins, just in case.

"Can I put my robe on while we eat?" he asked Harry.

[0_0_7]

James admired the food, then took two plates to carry. He was curious if Harry would let Q dress. This was quite the next step, and yet he wasn't shocked a bit.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was glad that Q felt comfortable asking, and also with Bond newly here this didn’t seem like the time for making a point. Besides….

“I already got it out for you,” he said, and a moment later was standing behind Q to slip it onto him.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q smiled brightly, letting Harry help him get it on.

"Thank you," he said, wrapping it a bit tighter to keep himself warm. He seemed slightly less self conscious then, a bit more at ease as he gave Harry a quick kiss.

[0_0_7]

"Everything looks delicious," James said as he took his seat.

He wasn't looking at the food at all, instead admiring Q and then meeting Harry's gaze.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry watched Bond watching Q. And once Q sat, Harry leaned over and kissed the back of his neck before taking his own seat.

“We’ve probably worked up quite an appetite,” he said mildly as he poured wine for himself and Q as well.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q went a bit pink, thanking Harry for his drink, then taking a sip.

"It smells wonderful, Harry. I'm afraid I wasn't much help preparing it," he admitted to James, offering him a little smile.

[0_0_7]

James smiled softly.

"I'm sure you did just as you were told," he praised warmly.

[lepidopterologist]

“He did,” Harry praised, and put a hand on Q’s knee.

Then he looked at Bond and added, “He generously offered to be my pet this weekend and has been terribly good. So as you can see it’s an awfully special time for you to join us.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q went slightly pinker, but it was obvious he liked the praise.

"I've been doing my best," was all he said.

[0_0_7]

"Pet? Quite the step," James replied.

He took up his wine to whet his appetite.

"I'm happy to hear it," he added.

[lepidopterologist]

"Just for the weekend," Harry said, as he removed his hand and began to cut into his steak. "Though I'm hoping I might convince him to wear a day collar."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I could be tempted," Q said, offering Harry a little smile. "What do you think, James?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

"I think you'd enjoy the experience," he said thoughtfully.

"And I can't think of a better man than Harry to put it on you," he added.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked at Bond, and smiled in approval at that comment. "Have you ever had a pet, James?" he asked conversationally. "Even for a weekend?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q sipped his drink, wanting to eat, but not before anyone else started.

He glanced over at James though, curious about his answer.

[0_0_7]

"Overnight, never a whole weekend," he answered.

"I fear it's my own attention span, unfortunately, " he added.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry realized then that he’d gotten distracted by the conversation.

“Please, have a taste,” he said with a smile, and took a bite of the steak.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q happily dug in, not having realized how hungry he was until the food was under his nose.

"This is lovely, Harry," he said.

[0_0_7]

James enjoyed his as well, the steak perfectly tender and the potatoes spiced well.

"Delightful," he decided.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked pleased, smiling at Q and then looking back at Bond. “And was your memory of my cooking what inspired you to accept our invitation?”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q glanced between the pair, still chewing his mouthful. He wasn't sure why he suddenly felt a little nervous.