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.

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[0_0_7]

He tugged his cuffs into place, settled his tie, then picked up his topcoat.

"Yours is still in the garment bag," he said. "We should go. There will be traffic."

[cuppa_q]

"Of course," Q nodded, going to fetch his own coat and pausing to look at himself in the mirror.

He took a moment to adjust his glasses, then quickly followed along at James' side. He wondered if the man would order for him. He liked fine food, liked to see what others ordered.

[0_0_7]

Bond kept his hand on Q's back all the way down the lift, then escorted him to the car. The other patrons paid them no mind.

The valet held the door for Q as Bond got in. Once in traffic it flowed smoothly, though they seemed unlucky with the lights.

"What sort of food do you enjoy?" he asked. "The menu is unique every week."

[cuppa_q]

"I like seafood," Q replied, unable to take his eyes off bond.. "I don't eat much other meat, except on occasion."

[0_0_7]

"Hopefully the dish will be interesting," he said. "Tell me a bit more. What do you enjoy eating? If you're going to keep crawling into my bed, the least I can do is keep something on hand for you."

[cuppa_q]

"Pasta, sushi..."

Q listed off his favourites, from comfort food to fine dining.

"What about you? What should I keep in my dorm in case you stop by?" he teased.

[0_0_7]

The light turned red and as he stopped the car, Bond looked over at him.

"When I pop by, it won't be for snacks," he said.

[cuppa_q]

Q shivered a little at that, wetting his lips with a flick of his tongue.

Well, that was a new fantasy for his dreams, wasn't it?

[0_0_7]

The light changed and Bond drove on. At the curb, he gave the keys to the valet and waited for Q before going inside.

They were seated right away, the reserved tag taken off the table. There was champagne chilling and two glasses waiting, as well as a delightful charcuterie.

The server introduced them to the dishes of the night and Bond selected the fish for Q and the beef for himself. When she left, Bond turned his attention on Q.

"I keep pressing you for information, Q. Do you have any questions for me?"

[cuppa_q]

"Millions, but I think half them are off the table based on names you don't wish to hear..."

He hesitated, then asked something he hoped was safe.

"Why me?" he asked softly.

[0_0_7]

Bond sipped his champagne and considered that for a moment.

"Would you accuse me of being superficial if I said it was initially simply because I thought you were beautiful?" he said. "And then I enjoyed you. And now...you are very bright. And I enjoy you. You're quite interesting, Quinton."

[cuppa_q]

"I don't think I'm that interesting, and I'm certain you could have your pick... But thank you," Q said softly.

"...What do you like to do when you're alone?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

"I enjoy reading. Films. I enjoy furthering my skills with spellwork," he said. "And I run."

[cuppa_q]

Q was about to ask something more when a server came back over to the table, and he fell silent so James could speak.

He glanced around curiously, making note of the crowd. Everyone here looked like money.

[0_0_7]

They were given the first course. The presentation was beautiful and the food decadent. It was barely more than a taste. Just enough to interest them.

The wine came moments later and the boy apologized for being late and poured them each a glass that complemented the dish, and would be delightful with the next, he assured him.

"Next up is the soup. A potato and leek puree with smoked salmon flake and dill," Bond told him. "I peeked at the menu while you were shaving."

[cuppa_q]

"Sounds lovely," Q said, savouring each bite.

He felt slightly out of his depth, but he couldn't pretend it wasn't wonderful- And only made better by Bond's company.

[0_0_7]

Bond made conversation easily. He asked questions and offered stories of his own.

It became apparent by the time the entrepreneur arrived...he was treating this almost like a first date.

[cuppa_q]

And by then Q felt like a date, not just a pet being given a treat. James was charming, warm even in many ways. It was lovely. ...Strange, but lovely. Like seeing a whole other side of the other man.

The food was bliss, the drink perfectly matched. He felt positively spoiled, and by the time they reached desert Q was smiling. Q wasn't a smiler by nature, by default the aspiring boffin tended to look bored or put out. Sulky, even, on occasion. For him to smile so openly and freely was a rare thing.

[0_0_7]

Bond smiled more easily as well. He was so pleased to find Q was witty and smart. If the nature of the relationship had changed, Bond needed to be able to enjoy him outside the bedroom.

"You're wonderful, Quinton," he said as he passed the server his card. "I'm so glad you joined me."

[cuppa_q]

"I'm glad you invited me," Q replied. "Thank you for this, James. It was lovely."

[0_0_7]

"Shall we go enjoy the suite?" Bond asked. The server brought his card back and he signed, not even looking t the price. Q had been well worth it.

[cuppa_q]

Q noticed, he was far more observant than people suspected him to be.

"Of course," he nodded. "I'd like that."

[0_0_7]

Bond kept up the conversation in the car all the way back. But once they entered the lift he put his hand on Q's back with enough pressure to let him know he could expect what he was accustomed too once they were secured away.

"Tonight has been absolute torture," he said quietly in his ear. "I can't wait to have you begging me..."

[cuppa_q]

Q shivered a little, but played it cool, not wanting James to fully know what sort of effect words like that had on him. He knew enough to be cautious about the emotional power he handed over.

"And here I thought we'd had dessert," he replied easily, tone light and almost teasing.

[0_0_7]

"I still have a bit of an appetite," he promised.

Once inside, he waited for the door to close, then he took hold of Q and pulled him into his arms. He looked into his eyes and smiled softly.

"I think I've fallen in love with you a little bit more," he said warmly.