Q

[0_0_7]

James woke up to a message to meet at Harry's office at noon. He assumed, naturally, it was about the brilliant young filmmaker they'd been discussing. Because money was involved, James cleaned up, shaved, and even wore a suit so he'd be taken seriously by the attorneys.

He stepped into the elevator, eyes on his phone and ignoring the others. It rose, let a few out, then shuddered to a stop. James looked up from his screen, signal lost, and finally noticed Q.

"Lunch may be delayed," he sighed, assuming Q was going to visit Harry independently.

Comments

[lepidopterologist]

Harry smiled at that. "Yes, well, I do enjoy it. If only I didn't work so much. Q's been doing more too though, he's a quick study."

[0_0_7]

Food was a safe topic and once James had sipped his whiskey down to a safer level in the glass, his panic ebbed as he thought of the ladies of the colony.

"I've got a bit of last season's honey," he said. "I'll bring you a quart and the two of you can use it in your dishes."

The next sip he took, his hand had steadied.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q still looked a bit pale, but seemed a bit less tense. Eventually even taking off his shoes and shrugging off his jacket. Eventually he was curled up in the corner of his chair, looking a bit more himself.

"Do you cook?" he asked James.

[0_0_7]

"Only for myself," he replied. "Comfort foods. Julia Childs. I don't generally entertain."

One more swallow and James's nerves stopped buzzing.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry almost suggested that Bond should join them for dinner sometime, but he still felt quite unsure about Q's feelings towards him.

He was glad they both seemed a little less tense now, though.

"What do you typically do with all the honey?" he asked curiously instead.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q was curious about that as well, watching James with those sharp and inquisitive eyes of his.

[0_0_7]

"I sell enough to qualify for a USDA farm label, the rest I give away," he said. "I donate to gift baskets, silent auctions, charity events. Give it as gifts to friends."

[lepidopterologist]

"Well... I have an excellent recipe for honey-glazed chicken," Harry said. He glanced briefly at Q just in case he seemed more tense or hostile towards Bond than he had previously. Then decided this would not be too poorly received added to Bond, "Perhaps we could have you over for dinner, if you brought the main ingredient."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q seemed to consider Bond a moment, then added.

"Harry truly is a wonderful chef. You should come."

[0_0_7]

James looked at Q and nodded at his insistence.

"That will be something to look forward to," he said, finally managing a smile.

[lepidopterologist]

"Very good," Harry said, nodding. And he was rather pleased with the idea, even if he wasn't entirely sure why. Perhaps he was just glad that Q and Bond weren't at each other's throats, even if he knew he shouldn't really care...

[qu4r73rm4573r]

With spirits looking up, they finally sorted out their food.

By the time they were nearly done with their meal, Q felt a bit more himself. He didn't mean to, but his gaze kept drifting to Bond, watching him and drinking in the sight of him- Then he'd get embarrassed and looked down at his plate instead.

[0_0_7]

The food was delicious, and the conversation delightful. He noticed how Q kept looking at him, and noticed Harry didn't seem to mind, even a little.

He'd tried to put Q off, but he clearly didn't need to. Not if Harry didn't care.

"Does anyone want to split the last naan?" James asked with the food almost gone.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry was so comfortable in his relationship with Q that he was mostly unconcerned about where his eyes might wander. And to be honest he couldn't really blame them for wandering towards Bond.

"Please, the two of you have it," Harry said with a smile.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q picked it up and gently ripped it in half, before offering one half to James.

He realized he was staring again, averting his gaze and looking a bit embarrassed as he turned his attention to Harry. "This was lovely, Harry. Thank you."

[0_0_7]

This time when he caught him doing it again, James met his gaze and held it until Q looked away.

"I do feel much more like myself with a full stomach," he smiled, nodding in agreement. "Nearly ready to nap," he added with a chuckle.

[lepidopterologist]

For a brief moment, Harry allowed himself a fantasy of something that might happen next. What immediately came to mind was Q on his knees for both of them.

He of course did not act on this. But it was a nice fantasy.

"I'm here so much that I've considered what it would take to put a bed here in the office," he said mildly.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q went a bit pink at that, then pinker when he realized they could both likely see him blushing.

Awkwardly he cleared his throat and started to clean up.

"Should I put the kettle back on?" he offered.

[0_0_7]

James watched Harry, then looked to Q. A question about a kettle and a mental image of a bed in the office tangled up between his brain and his tongue and the words that tumbled out were-

"That'd be hot..."

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked amused. "The kettle or the bed? Could be both, I suppose..."

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q blushed again, then practically scuttled off to go fill the kettle- Though he wasn't really thinking about tea anymore.

[0_0_7]

James looked confused at himself, then cleared his throat and shook his head.

"That's not what I meant," he said apologetically.

It was, though. It was exactly what he'd meant and it was obvious the way he shifted in his seat as his trousers began to pinch.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked between them. He wished he could have a thirty second conversation with Q.

But speaking of hot…

“And Q, take off your jumper. It’s warm in here.” And he reached over to pour a touch of the scotch for himself. He’d gotten a notification on his phone a few minutes before that his after-lunch meeting was canceled.

[qu4r73rm4573r]

Q glanced at Harry, but compiled without question. Stripping off his jumper, he folded it neatly and set it on one of the chairs. Beneath he had on only an undershirt, leaving him slightly exposed as he set about making them tea.

[0_0_7]

James wasn't surprised by the obedience as much as the order. Still, a small smile curved the corner of the mouth.

"You don't need to make him undress for me to admire him, Harry," he said quietly as Q fussed with the kettle.