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]

"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.

[0_0_7]

He took his time to chew and swallow before a smirk settled on his lips.

"Not remotely," he replied. "but it is quite the treat."

He took a sip of wine.

"I liked Q's new jewelry in that picture," he added plainly.

[lepidopterologist]

It took Harry a second to remember which photo they'd decided to send to Bond. Ah, yes.

"Do you mean the tie around his eyes or my hand around his neck?" Harry asked. He glanced at Q, and smiled. "Both suit you."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q went pink again, drinking more wine in an effort to hide the way his cheeks flushed. He'd sort of forgotten about the photos.

[0_0_7]

"You do have a lovely tie collection," James smirked, his eyes on Q. The touch of colour in his cheeks made James's blood rush hot through him.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry refilled their wine glasses. “You can pick out a couple after this if you like,” Harry said to Bond. “And decide what to do with them. After all, you’re our guest.”

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q squirmed in his seat a bit, stealing a glance at James, then looking at Harry again. "No desert?" he quipped.

[0_0_7]

"It's an exceptionally good cake, Q. You're going to have to earn dessert," James said mildly, looking at the younger man, then to Harry to make certain that was acceptable.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry’s lips quirked. “I think that sounds very fair. Perhaps we all can.”

He began to cut his final pieces of steak. “Q can tidy up while we have a look at my ties.”

He also wanted a moment to speak with Bond since unlike Q he hadn’t had time alone with him lately.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q glanced between them, then nodded a little in agreement.

"I don't mind cleaning up," he said, finishing up his own meal with small and thoughtful bites.

[0_0_7]

Bond ate his last potato and left the dregs of his wine for Q to attend to. He followed Harry to see the collection, curious if their games were all domestic and improvised.

"Your home is beautiful," he mentioned as he admired the art.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry smiled. "Thank you. I suppose you were a bit distracted the last time you were here, hmm?" He led them into his bedroom, and threw open the doors to the walk in closet. Though firs the turned to Bond and said, "Are you glad to be here, James?"

[0_0_7]

"Glad? What an interesting word choice," he said as he walked past Harry to feel the quality of the silk ties.

"I imagine I am. Well fed, welcomed playmate, and enjoyable enough to be invited back. I'd say yes," he answered thoughtfully.

[lepidopterologist]

“I just want to be sure that you’re entirely comfortable with this arrangement,” Harry said, watching him. “I am. Q is as well, he’s fond of you.”

Harry had been a bit surprised when Q had suggested Bond join them on a vacation, though the idea was growing on him.

[0_0_7]

"Is there more to the arrangement than food and sex?" he asked to the ties, then turned to Harry.

"Are there...feelings?" he asked, his first show of reluctance about anything.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry tried very hard to read his tone there and found himself fairly confident that he was asking with wariness and not hope. He also wasn’t quite sure how to answer. Finally he said, “I don’t feel that I should speak for Q but I’ll only say that that isn’t something that concerns me at present.”

He paused. “Would you like to put some boundaries in place? By which I simply mean being very clear about what you want this to be.”