Q

[0_0_7]

It was a lazy Sunday but Bond was not particularly enjoying it. Every day was lazy these days. He hated being on medical leave. He understood, he did, he was hardly service ready when he couldn't remember anything more than a few years ago. He'd begun to get bits back, recalling the most odd snatches of things. Things from his childhood, from Eton, from the Navy. But it wasn't enough to get him working again.

He sat on the sofa with a glass of scotch and Q's tablet. He was going through the man's blog, looking at the pictures from last year. He was shameless about it, about enjoying the sight of the man he loved. Q was beautiful and Bond loved the different pictures.

He found one he particularly liked and he stopped to study it. Maybe Sunday wouldn't be a waste. He could enjoy his fiance.

Comments

[0_0_7]

"Some of this looks absolutely ridiculous," Bond said. He pointed to a top that was metallic and was printed with peacock feathers. "That would fit in at Carnivale. Have you ever been? It's a hedonist's paradise. Rio does it right."

[quartermaster_q]

"Not really my sort of scene, James," Q smiled. "Focus on what you like- Surely there's something here."

[0_0_7]

Bond looked around, examining the playful clothing and novel accessories. Nothing particularly caught his eye. Not in that shop. But the next was a bit more classic- trendy, but with firm roots. Bond clearly appreciated that shop more.

"Oh, these are nice," he said, showing Q a display of ties that were hand painted silks.

[quartermaster_q]

Q laughed softly. "You're delightfully predictable, James."

[0_0_7]

"Do you think so?" he asked. "I just like what I like."

He smiled then and reached out to stroke Q's cheek.

"You're the most modern thing I enjoy, by far. Even the car has classic lines. But you...you're the brave new world, aren't you?"

[quartermaster_q]

"I suppose I am-" Q smiled, leaning into the touch. "But the past has it's charm, I can understand why you'd be reluctant to let it go."

[0_0_7]

"If only I could recall why I'm drawn to it to begin with," Bond said, moving on to look at some antique silver accessories- a safety razor, a pill box, maybe a bit too antique for his tastes.

[quartermaster_q]

Q's heart ached for the other man, and he watched the other man for a moment before turning away.

He picked out a few items- A shirt, a rather nice pen, and a new pair of shoes. He quite liked shopping if he was honest, and though his heart was aching, spending money did make him feel just a bit brighter.

The last shop was Q's favourite, and he didn't hesitate to fill his arms with shirts and cardigans- But he did pick up something a little different than what he usually wore. It looked like a prep school uniform- Not exactly, but close enough, and he held it up for Bond to see.

[0_0_7]

Bond had been browsing until Q's outfit caught his eye and then he went still. Bond's tongue slowly wet his bottom lip and he easily imagined Q in a new pair of panties, dressed in the uniform.

"I like that. Quite a bit," he said evenly, doing his level best to control himself.

[quartermaster_q]

"Then I think we better get it," Q smiled, heading towards the cashier- then pausing an picking up a pair of fake glasses.

"Just out of curiosity- Try these."

[0_0_7]

He examined them for a moment, noting the lenses were only clear. He slipped them on and looked at Q. The picture he painted with the glasses and jumper, the collar of his shirt peeking up a conservative half inch...he didn't look like himself at all.

"Do you like them?" he asked.

[quartermaster_q]

It was strange how such small things could change Bond so much- But it was lovely, and Q wet his lips.

"Oh, yes- Very much. Let's get those," he smiled, moving close and removing them himself.

"Let's go home, James."

[0_0_7]

Bond wasn't about to argue. They sorted out their purchases and then started back to the car, both of them with bags to carry. He hit the fob when they were close and got everything settled, then they were off.

A few blocks down the road Bond reached over and laid his hand on Q's leg affectionately.

"It's been a lovely day," he said. "I think I need to get out of the flat more often."

[quartermaster_q]

"You do," Q agreed. "Perhaps I ought to take some time off- We could take a trip. A small vacation."

[0_0_7]

"I'd like to travel," he said. "Maybe if we go away the pressure to remember will be less. I feel bloody useless, and I hate medical leave. More than anything."

[quartermaster_q]

"I know," Q said softly. "I know. We'll make plans as soon as I talk to M."

[0_0_7]

"If you can't get away...don't press it. The country needs you, Q," Bond said as he made his way through the streets. "It's not as if Six's Quartermaster can just take a holiday whenever his broken double-o needs to see the sun."

[quartermaster_q]

"Of course I can. England stood before I joined six, she'll not fall because I take a weekend off," Q huffed. "I'll do as I've always done, Bond- Exactly as I please."

[0_0_7]

"You're quite the rebel. It's oddly attractive," Bond replied. "I feel like I'm being quite bad even associating with you."

He was only partly teasing. Q and he were really quite different when it came to things like duty and service.

[quartermaster_q]

"Really? I've never been a bad influence before. How exciting," he smirked.

[0_0_7]

Bond only chuckled and drove on. The flat wasn't far and he parked in his usual spot. He couldn't help but think of a conversation he and Q had had once, crystal clear in his muddy memory, when Q admitted he could very easily become one of England's most capable enemies if not for the few things that kept him on the straight and narrow. Bond wondered then just how good an influence he really was, especially in this condition.

It was nothing he gave voice to. He simply parked and gathered up the baggage to take it inside.

[quartermaster_q]

"I think I'm going to get changed... I'd let you pick what pants I put on, but I think I'd rather surprise you," Q grinned, taking a few of the bags from Bond, then slipping into the bedroom.

[0_0_7]

Bond gave his time to Oberon who emerged to demand love and treats. He fed the cat by hand, stroking him and scratching him. And when he was sure Q had had plenty of time to change he went to his shopping and found the glasses and slipped them on to be ready for when the younger man emerged.

[quartermaster_q]

Q emerged, dressed like a private school darling- But with a cigarette between his lips.

Smiling, he leaned lightly against the door frame, taking a long drag off the cigarette.

"Oh, I do like those glasses," he purred.

[0_0_7]

"Smoking indoors? You know the rules," Bond scolded, looking quite stern. He walked up and snatched the cigarette from him and walked away to put it out.

"Ten demerits," he called over his shoulder.