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

[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.

[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.