Q

[0_0_7]

Saturday morning was beautiful The sun was bright, the air chilly, and mist hovered on the surface of the water so it seemed as if the school was surrounded on all sides by a cloud.

Bond had gone for a run, first around campus and then into town. He was just emerging from the fog blanketing the bridge when he spotted Q. He slowed to a jog, then finally stopped near him.

"I can't believe you're awake this early," he said. "I didn't wake you up, did I?"

He hardly wanted to admit it, but he rather liked Q in his bed at night. He liked the lad in his rooms all the time. He enjoyed chatting with him. Enjoyed spending time in silence. And he enjoyed waking up with the weight of Q's limbs on him.

Comments

[cuppa_q]

Q hated being touched by strangers, but it was done soon enough, and once the staff set to work without him, he quickly moved to rejoin Bond at his side.

[0_0_7]

"Done for now?" he asked. He gave the shopkeeper a nod and turned his attention to Q.

"There's a cafe three doors down. Let's go get a bite. Dinner isn't until 8."

[cuppa_q]

Q nodded a little, thinking about the man who'd ducked his head when Bond had spoken.

He was happy to be Bond's for as long as he'd keep him, but he had no desire to be a nervous little slave. He wasn't a pet, he was a partner, and he wasn't a slave, he was a sub.

Feigning confidence, he reached and took James' hand.

"That would be lovely."

[0_0_7]

Bond looked down at their hands.

"Bold," he said simply, then pulled him out of the shop.

"I assume that's your first bespoke experience?" he said. "What did you think?"

[cuppa_q]

"I don't like being pawed at by strangers," Q said honestly. "I choose who touches me."

And that was important, clearly, though he offered no reason as to why.

[0_0_7]

"They meant no harm," Bond said, soft and gentle and he gave Q's hand a squeeze. "You did well. It's hard to be still while they measure you."

[cuppa_q]

"They won't need to do it again though, right?" Q asked, looking down at their hands.

[0_0_7]

"Never again, unless you put on a few stone," he promised as the arrived. Bond dropped his hand so he could open the door.

"I'm hungrier than I thought," he said. The Cafe was posh, fitting for the street. Front and center was a dessert case with treats on display. A young woman smiled and seated them near the window.

[cuppa_q]

Q was looking out the window, watching people walk by.

"I don't think I'm very hungry," he admitted. "A coffee would be nice though."

[0_0_7]

Bond ordered two coffees and a sandwich with crisps.

Then he followed Q's gaze.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked.

[cuppa_q]

"The past. The future..."

Q returned his gaze to Bond. "I dunno, I suppose it's been some time since I was out with someone. It's brought up a lot of confusing feelings."

[0_0_7]

"How do you mean?" Bond asked. He could see something in Q. Something the man let slip from time to time that only made Bond curious.

[cuppa_q]

Q picked up a napkin off the table, twisting it a little.

"People don't choose me," he said simply. "They don't stay. Trainer man went looking for another toy, and he wasn't the last. They all leave."

[0_0_7]

"I think that reflects poorly only on your taste in men, Q. Perhaps I should be offended if you assume the same of me," he said. The waitress brought their coffees and Bond immediately sipped it black, his eyes on Q the entire time.

[cuppa_q]

"I don't know what I think of you," Q admitted. "I know I love you, and I believe you love me, but- I have no way of knowing if your love will last. I want to believe it will. I want it to last. ...But people always leave me."

[0_0_7]

Bond was quiet for a long moment.

"Perhaps our luck is changing," he said. Our luck. Ours.

Harry had dumped him. As had Antonia when she was done. And every student had moved on. No one stayed with him. He simply assumed and accepted that Q would go soon enough, too.

[cuppa_q]

Q nodded, holding his coffee in both hands- Then putting it down and reaching for Bond's hand again.

[0_0_7]

Bond held on loosely, indulging in the fantasy that this could last. It was a lovely dream.

"I have no plans to leave you, Q. I chose you. I wanted you."

He wouldn't deny he'd wanted him for a plaything at first, but his walls had tumbled down and now he could hardly imagine a day without him there.

[cuppa_q]

"What if our relationship makes me less fun for you in the bedroom?" Q asked. "I know what I was to you at first. I'm not stupid. Queer, naturally submissive, no close family... Perfect prey. That changed, but that means your sexual relationship with me is changing too."

[0_0_7]

"Do you feel you've been treated badly?" Bond asked.

[cuppa_q]

"No. I'm worried you'll feel compelled to treat me better," Q said honestly, letting go of James' hand and taking up his cup.

[0_0_7]

Bond snorted softly.

"Oh, pet," he chuckled. "It's adorable you worry. But don't. I know what I like, and you perform so well."

[cuppa_q]

Q had doubts, but let it be. He hoped Bond was right.

They sat with their coffees for a while, but eventually they were all done. "Should we check in at the hotel?"

[0_0_7]

Bond looked at his watch and nodded.

"Do you like to swim?" he asked. "We'll have time before your clothes are ready."

[cuppa_q]

"I do. I'm not a strong swimmer though," he admitted.

He paused a beat, then wet his lips. "Can I have pyjamas?"

It was the first thing he was asking James to spend money on. One small request. Q hated being cold, especially at night.