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 was a little surprised that Bond agreed, but he did smile a little. Money wasn't really important to him, but the idea that someone would be willing to indulge him was. No one ever had before.

[0_0_7]

They rolled into a small town right before getting onto the M and Bond stopped for petrol. He opened his wallet and handed Q a few notes.

"Go inside and get me something to drink. And sweets. Some smarties, I think," he said, pressing much too much money into Q's hand.

[cuppa_q]

Q was a bit startled by the amount of money, but nodded a little, heading into the small convenience shop and selecting a drink and some smarties for Bond. ...Was he supposed to get himself something? Bond hadn't said to, and he decided he shouldn't. He wasn't comfortable spending money that wasn't his.

He returned a short while later with the things James had requested and the ample change.

"Here," he said, handing them over.

[0_0_7]

Bond wasn't really surprised Q had returned having one exactly as he was told. Bond took the money and treats and climbed back into the car.

He opened the packet as Q got settled, then put one to his lips.

"Thank you, Q," he said as he gave the lad his reward.

[cuppa_q]

Q parted his lips to accept the sweet, holding Bond's gaze as he let his lips graze the man's fingertips. He took a long moment to chew and swallow before speaking.

"How long before we're in the city?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

"Not long. While you were inside I made reservations," he said. He'd booked the St. David suite at the hotel and had arranged dinner at La Cuina, hoping Q might like to try something a bit more posh than he was clearly used to.

"We're going to have to pop to a shop to get you something to wear,though. You'll need a dinner jacket at the very least."

[cuppa_q]

Q looked a little worried, glancing down at himself.

"James, I can't afford new clothes right now," he admitted. "I suppose I could glamour what I'm wearing..."

[0_0_7]

Bond snorted a soft laugh and shook his head.

"Q. You're mine. And part of being mine means I'll take care of you," he said. "If I want you to wear a dinner jacket, I'll provide it. You don't need to be concerned."

[cuppa_q]

Q considered that. There was an appeal to being taken care of, though he knew there would be a price at some point. Some odd fetish, filthy demands... But it was James, and Q was willing to do nearly anything if the other man asked. Not for the clothes or money, or anything else- Those were just perks. No, he wanted to do it because he enjoyed James, that was all he really needed.

Though a nice dinner really made it more appealing, to be honest.

"Alright," he replied, sinking down in his seat and watching James as they drove on.

[0_0_7]

Once they were on the M, Bond laid on the gas. They may as well have been on the Autobahn for as little disregard he had for speed limits.

The car was built for speed, though, and she purred like a kitten as they practically floated along. He didn't slow down until traffic clogged up at the edge of Cardiff.

"Mechanic first," he said as he checked his watch. "We have plenty time."

[cuppa_q]

Q nodded a little, quiet as they pulled into the garage, where they were told they wouldn't be able to pick up the car until tomorrow, and offered a lender.

"Good thing you booked a room," Q said as they waited for the keys. "I wonder what they think might be amiss. It seemed fine on the road..."

[0_0_7]

"God only knows," Bond shrugged. "I can fix many things. Cars are not one of them."

He strolled to the loaner and opened the door for Q.

"It's early yet. We'll get a bite, something light, and get you some clothes. Have you been to Cardiff? I could show you some sights."

[cuppa_q]

"Once, a long time ago."

Quinton rarely shared things about his life, but after a moment he decided it was safe to offer a crumb.

"...When I was sixteen I met someone online and came here to meet them in person," he admitted.

[0_0_7]

"Was it everything you dreamed it would be?" Bond asked, then promptly shut the door. It gave Q time to decide how to answer as he walked around and made a face when he slid into the driver's seat.

This was not a car he would have chosen.

"Well?" he asked, awaiting the answer.

[cuppa_q]

"I'm not even sure what I dreamed it would be," Q admitted. "At the time it was exciting. I had an itch- I was... I had just begun to understand my sexual interests, but I was also sixteen. I didn't understand the importance of having at least some limitations. A way out, at the very least. ...He knew that. Took advantage, somewhat. He had a very specific fetish and was clever enough to know a young and hopeful sub would go along with it to get a taste of what they wanted in return. ...He had a thing for trainers, and while I indulged him to get my own itch scratched, I admitted it wasn't exactly my favourite part of the evening. ...So he ghosted me. No doubt found someone else young and new to the scene to try it with," he shrugged.

[0_0_7]

Bond listened as he left the garage and headed for a shop he knew that would have something for Q, or be able to make alterations within the hour.

"A mistake I hope you didn't make again," he said.

[cuppa_q]

"No. No, but the next mistake I made was significantly worse," Q admitted.

He wasn't sure he was ready to talk about that though, and so he didn't.

"It's a nice city, isn't it? Though to be honest, I prefer London. I've always hoped I might move there after uni."

[0_0_7]

"I miss London," he said, then got lost in thought a moment. The last time he'd been he'd been told he wasn't welcome. That his tastes in magic and philosophies on power were not in alignment of the ministry. Since then, he'd kept a low profile at the school.

But now, with Hotchner sniffing around, he was growing concerned.

Nothing he'd burden Q with, so he drove on.

[cuppa_q]

Silently Q entertained a little fantasy, where he and James shared some lovely flat. Where they woke up every morning and shared good strong tea and perfectly cooked eggs. Where they fell asleep on some plush sofa after watching crap late night telly and eating take out. ...Complete fiction. Something he knew he couldn't have.

Best to just enjoy what he could.

"Do you think you'll ever move back?" he asked, before he could stop himself.

[0_0_7]

"That's the dream," he said, snapping out of his concerns. "I have a house. It's shut up, but I can't part with it."

He looked over at him.

"Perhaps when I retire things will go in my favor."

[cuppa_q]

"I'd like to see it one day," Q said, though it didn't sound like a request, more like a quiet hope. Something he knew he probably wouldn't get.

[0_0_7]

"If I ever go, I'll take you," he said. In fact, though he wouldn't tell Q yet, he had an expectation the lad would be at his side wherever he went. He quite enjoyed the idea of a companion.

A partner.

[cuppa_q]

Q was surprised, and it showed on his face.

"I'd like that," was all he said though.

[0_0_7]

Bond pointed out an interesting building and went on, telling Q of a bit of history of magic in Cardiff. He warned him of fae and went off on a bit of a rant about the ugly glass towers that didn't have the beauty of the older architecture. He didn't let Q speak, he only went on, filling the silence.

Bond was a man of few words, but only because most people he didn't deem worth talking to. The more he got to know Q, the more he wanted to share with him. His thoughts. His knowledge. His ambitions.

He finally pulled into a spot in front of a bespoke shop that had ready to wear available.

"I think this tailor will suit your tastes," he smiled and led him inside.

[cuppa_q]

Q listened, savouring every last word like it was a rare treat. Something to treasure. James wasn't chatty, so when he did speak it felt so much more important to listen.

The shop wasn't the sort of place Q would ever step foot in, but it was nice. Full of expensive looking suits and shirts. Designer, by the look of them.

"I don't know anything about fashion," he confessed quietly.