Detail

[0_0_7]

Around the time the rest of Q branch was clearing out to catch to Tube and find their way home before the sun set, Bond wandered in to see if Q was ready.

"They've set the implant for Thursday morning," he said. "Unless something comes up."

As he made his announcement, he picked up a new creation to inspect it.

Comments

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"No, but you once asked me if I could stop it and block the cameras in there," Q reminded him.

[0_0_7]

Bond smiled slowly.

"I have no doubt you could control the entirety of the city, given enough time and tea," he said appreciatively. "Would you? If I asked?"

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Start bringing back the equipment, and I'll think about it," Q replied dryly.

[0_0_7]

Bond didn't agree, but he resolved to do it. If for no other reason than to see the look on Q's face.

"You are a man of a singular focus," he smiled.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"What can I say, I'm tired of building you new guns- And cars, and coms, and watches, and... Need I continue?" Q replied.

[0_0_7]

"I think it may be in my best interest to obey you," he noted. "I will try, Q. I'll promise that much."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q had doubts about that, but smiled. It was sweet that James even thought he might.

[0_0_7]

"I will do my level best," he promised, stealing a kiss as he shifted a little.

"Everyone will wonder what magic spell you cast to get me to behave," he grinned then.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Just tell them I threatened to stop giving you the best cars," Q replied with a laugh.

[0_0_7]

"That would do it. Nothing says reprimand like a base model Volkswagen," he chuckled, knowing the nondescript vehicle Q had worked on for 004 was durable in a way Bond needed more than she did.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q laughed, but the thunder cracked again and he flinched even more than he had earlier. Without realising he was doing it, he reached for James and held on.

[0_0_7]

Bond caught him and held him tighter than before.

”The storm will pass,” he promised him, then kissed him to distract him from the storm completely.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"Will these feelings? I can't be flinching in Q branch every time there's an explosion," Q said, leaning into Bond.

[0_0_7]

"They always tell me to go see the therapist. A waste of everyone's time, in my case. He's a sharp fellow, though. He probably helps other people," Bond said.

He resented the old man and his clip board, and all of MI6 knew about Bond's disdain.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I don't want to do that, I don't want to speak with him. I just need to ride it out until it passes," Q decided, stroking Bond's chest.

[0_0_7]

"Most people maintain a healthy fear of explosions," Bond pointed out as he caressed Q's back. "I don't think anyone will fault you for being nervous, you know."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"You don't know that," Q said, shrugging and pulling away as he went to sit on the bed.

"I don't think either of us can predict what might happen at six. Everytime I think I have it all figured out, something changes or shifts. Half the time I don't even know if Mallory is going to scold me or give me a raise."

[0_0_7]

Bond gave him a curious look.

"Q...You're the youngest Quartermaster in the history of MI6. If anyone were more capable, you wouldn't be here. You're not going to get sacked," he scoffed.

Bond had no idea about Q's past. He'd done a cursory search, knowing Q wouldn't have a public profile, and wasn't surprised when he found nothing. He'd heard a few things, but not much.

He honestly found the fact that Q was a mystery to be a bit of a thrill.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q wanted to say he was also a massive fuck up- But he couldn't bring himself to. He didn't want the other man to know about his past if he didn't have to tell him.

"I suppose," he said softly.

[0_0_7]

"Rest easy," Bond soothed. "You could be anywhere, but you're at 6. Where you belong."

Of that, he was certain.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"I hope you're right," Q said, hesitating, then offering his hand.

"Come to bed?"

[0_0_7]

Bond took his hand and nodded.

"You ask like I might refuse," he replied, kissing him all the way there, and then down to the pillow.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"You might, you do like to surprise me," Q pointed out between kisses. "One day you might abandon me, leave me a husk of a man..."

[0_0_7]

"Impossible," he replied, a whisper against Q's mouth. "You're mine."

And in case Bond's tone left any doubt, he began to manhandle him out of every stitch.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

"You say that, but people leave cats on the street all the time. Give them pretty little collars and then discard them in parks," Q insisted, though he was laughing a little, the melancholy a bit put on now.