Q - Valentine's

[0_0_7]

The reservations had been made weeks in advance and Bond took the liberty of picking out Q's clothes for him. There were roses on the table, champagne chilled and waiting, and a decadent meal created by one of the top chef's in London. The lights were low and the restaurant quiet but for a violin.

Bond sat across from Q, his eyes sparkling as he sat mesmerized by how deeply and truly he loved this man. He still hadn't returned to work but Bon dhad found he was quite enjoying throwing himself into building a relationship. he'd never really done that before. Everything for him had always moved so quickly- he grabbed onto women in case he might die tomorrow- so having the luxury of time was a blessing.

"Oh, here's the food," he said as the waiter arrived and broke his reverie.

Comments

[quartermaster_q]

Q smiled, flattered by the attention, and always pleased to have an excuse to spend a romantic evening with Bond.

"I've never been here before," he confessed. "Sould I be nervous or excited to try my meal?" he asked with a faint and teasing smirk, as he nudged Bond's foot lightly with his own beneath the table.

[0_0_7]

"Oh, be excited. Joel is one of the most magnificent chefs in London today," Bond smiled as the plates were placed before them. They were art as much as they were food, the first course a delightful amuse to start the night. He smiled as he watched Q drink in the sight of it and he playfully nudged the man's foot in return.

[quartermaster_q]

"It looks absolutely amazing, James," he smiled, taking a bite, then moaning in appreciation. "Divine," he sighed.

[0_0_7]

"Only the finest for you," he promised, savoring his own plate. It was phenomenally good, but then everything he'd ever had here was beyond compare.

"I got you a gift," he said. "But I think I might make you wait until the dessert course to give it to you."

[quartermaster_q]

"That's fair- I don't intend to offer you yours until we retire to bed," Q said, his grin a little wicked as he paused between bites.

"You know, I've hardly ever bothered with Valentines in the past."

[0_0_7]

"Hmm," he said, wishing he could say the same but he simply didn't recall. It stood to reason he likely went out and picked up some lonely woman. That seemed to him to be something he would have done.

"I can't wait for my gift," he said with a smile. "But I'll be patient."

[quartermaster_q]

"Then so will I," Q smiled, taking another bite and watching Bond eat. He loved watching the other man's mouth- Loved every last thing about him. The curve of his lips and the bob of his adam's apple as he swallowed... Things that most wouldn't notice, Q savoured.

[0_0_7]

Bond was quite drawn to watching Q's mouth as well. He liked watching him eat but loved watching him speak.

"How are things going at Q branch?" he asked, unable to keep from at least asking about work. Everyone who knew him knew he was itching to get clearance.

[quartermaster_q]

"Dull- Painfully so," Q admitted, shaking his head slightly, and pushing his glasses back up his nose. "M's reluctant to offer me anything challenging still. I'm not certain if it's a matter of trust or fear, but I'm sure it will pass eventually."

[0_0_7]

That was not the thrilling tale he'd hoped to hear so he let the matter drop. Just as he finished his last bite the waiter appeared with the main course, a perfect lobster, with lovely vegetables and a Chateau Chelon sauce. Bond imagined there was a much fancier description in the chef's words, but he was fairly straightforward.

"This looks elegant," he said, trying to decide how to begin with the crustacean.

[quartermaster_q]

"Looks expensive," Q replied with a soft laugh. "Though I'd be concerned if it wasn't. You do love the finer things in life, don't you, James?"

[0_0_7]

"I like the finest things," he said, looking pointedly at Q. He smiled softly. "I don't feel I should be ashamed for spending my money on what makes me happy, though what they say is true. The best things in life are free."

[quartermaster_q]

"Who says I'm free?" Q teased softly, going quiet for a moment as he enjoyed his meal.

It really was wonderful, and he couldn't help but let himself enjoy every last moment of each bite.

[0_0_7]

Bond made light and polite conversation, suggestive at times but only so much as to make Q smile. By the time the waiter offered dessert, an assortment of pastries and chocolates, Bond was ready to go. He ordered an apricot tart paired with a late harvest Reisling and waited for Q to order and the waiter to go before he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small parcel wrapped in gold paper and tied with a white ribbon.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Q," he said, offering the boffin a first printing of Keats.

[quartermaster_q]

Q raised a brow, his fingers brushing against Bond's as he took the gift and then unwrapped it.

He couldn't help but smile as he gently ran his fingers along the spine.

"Keats," he smiled. "A very unplugged gift for such a wired man- But a wonderful one. I love it, James. Truly. Thank you."

[0_0_7]

"I'm sure you can find it all with Google, but there's something about holding an original copy. The feel of it. The smell. Books are quite sensual," he said, reaching across the table to offer Q his hand.

"And, sadly, I couldn't give you the moon and stars. I'll save a grand, romantic gesture like that for your birthday," he smiled.

[quartermaster_q]

"Why would I want either, when I have you?" Q asked with a faint smile.

[0_0_7]

"I need to not make the mistake of thinking you're not every bit as romantic as all that," Bond smiled. "You charm me without even trying."

[quartermaster_q]

"I have my moments," Q allowed. "Though I'm not certain what I've planned for us can top such a wonderful meal."

[0_0_7]

"Joel has outdone himself for the holiday...but I have a feeling whatever you have planned will make me forget this altogether," he smiled. Bond paused momentarily. "I love you, Q. Everything we do together makes me so happy."

[quartermaster_q]

"I love you too," Q smiled, squeezing Bond's hand, then letting go. "Let's have our sweets- Then I'll show you what I planned for tonight."

[0_0_7]

If there were ever anything that could prompt Bond to hurry it was clearly the promise of something unknown and exciting. His dessert was delicious, the wine perfectly paired, and soon enough it was gone. Bond settled the bill while they drank their coffee and by the time the brew was half gone he was ready to go.

"Lead the way," he said once they were done. "I know you'll have that GPS telling me just where to go..."

[quartermaster_q]

"Of course. I will always be ready to guide you, double-o seven," Q said, his lips twitching into a faint smile.

He'd dithered over where to take the other man, but had, eventually, settled on making reservations at the private club he'd taken Hex to- Deciding to skip the dining hall this time and go right to their suite. He'd booked the grandest one available, and had requested that the kink be mild and the furniture leaning towards the more traditional- Rich dark woods and velvet cushions. Something he was sure Bond would adore.

There were roses in vases al around the room, the curtains parted and offering a stunning view of the city.

"It's ours until Monday morning," Q said softly as they stepped inside, watching Bond to judge his reaction. "Though we don't need to stay, if you don't like it. I did ask them to keep the kink to a minimum, so the only toys and things are hidden in cupboards. ...The real benifit is the lack of human contact. It's just us here. Room service can be ordered via an app on my phone, and it's all delivered via dumb waiter... No distractions, nothing but you and I, James."

[0_0_7]

"I have you all to myself until Monday?" he asked, smiling at that. Bond slipped out of his suit coat and laid it aside, then took Q into his arms.

"Best gift I could have ever dreamed of," he purred, kissing Q slowly. He wondered just what was hidden in the cupboards and found he was excited to explore and try out what was likely entirely new to him.

[quartermaster_q]

"This isn't the gift," Q assured him, reaching into his pocket and retrieving a small box. "This is."

He wasn't very good at romantic gifts, but he'd tried his best, and inside the velvet box was a golden USB drive, engraved with the date of their first kiss, and filled with photos and videos of the pair. ...From innocent kisses Q had snapped with his phone, to stills taken from video they'd shot that hadn't offered enough anonymity to go on Q's blog. Private moments, kept forever.

"Happy Valentines day, James."