Q

[0_0_7]

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

That was the last thing he'd said befor there was gunfire and the communication shut down. He was on the top floor and Q was in the server room in the basement. The insurgent force had been pared down to four, they thought, and Bond had killed one on his way to the lift. So three. There could be as many as three in the basement with Q doing god only knew what.

He needed to get down, and fast.

Bond forced the lift doors open and jumped into the shaft. He attached the grappler to the cable and held on, his shoes riding the cable as well as his own weight carried him down, down, down. He only stopped when he hit the cross beam that straddled the coiled sping.

Then all he had to do was get the doors open without getting shot...

Bond was driven by a need to get to Q. The silence in his earpiece was maddening.

Comments

[0_0_7]

"England wouldn't fall without me," he replied quietly.

[quartermaster_q]

"It would certainly falter," Q murmured, leaning in to kiss Bond again- Only to have the fan slow to a stop as the power went out once again.

"This is awful," Q moaned. "There's got to be a way home. What about boats? Are there no boats?"

[0_0_7]

"There's nothing. The borders are fortified, we cant even drive to /kundu to get a plane there. Patience, love."

[quartermaster_q]

Q groaned, but gave in as he settled against Bond and closed his eyes.

It was nearly a week later when they heard from M. A simple telegram with directions to a very off the grid airport, and a note saying there would be a one night layover in Perth before they returned home.

The plane was small and shaky, and they were the only passengers. A relief, really, given the state of them both. In Perth they were greeted by Seventeen, who was apparently there to pass off their new papers and the luggage they'd had to abandon on her way to Japan.

Q pretended not to notice the way she winked at Bond, and was quiet until they were finally settled into their room at the nicest hotel six could find them.

"I need a shower. ...Actually, I need several showers," he said, speaking up finally.

[0_0_7]

"Do you want to do it alone? I could scrub your back," Bond said. He hadn't once pushe d for sex, though he did take every opportunity to touch Q.

[quartermaster_q]

"I'm not feeling very sensual right now, Bond. I'm filthy. The grime feels like it's caked onto my skin. ...Let me wash, then- Then I'd very much like a warm meal, and a night with you on a bed that's not stuffed with hay," Q replied, practically moaning with pleasure at the thight of being clean and comfortable.

"Though I would like you to look at my wound before I dress. I believe the bandages can come off for good now."

[0_0_7]

Bond nodded in understanding and took the rebuff in stride.

"Wash with the dressing in and then I'll see to it. I'll have th concierge bring up some new gauze. And I'll was after you. Thank god we have clothes to change into," he smiled. "Go."

[quartermaster_q]

Thankful for Bond's understanding, Q nodded and headed off to do just that.

His shower was long, nearly forty minutes, but hen he emerged he looked so much more like himself.

Towel slung low around his hips, he made his way over to Bond.

"God, I am desperate to eat a real meal, Bond- Aren't you?"

[0_0_7]

"I am. You scout the local cuisine and I'll wash up...oh, let me look at your dressing first," he said.

[quartermaster_q]

"Let's just order room service. I'm sure they have steak for you- Perhaps some chicken for me..." Q said, letting Bond examine him as he spoke.

[0_0_7]

"Make sure it's good and bloody. And fried onions," he said, but his attention was on the wound. "You're healing well."

[quartermaster_q]

"Well enough to leave the bandage off?" Q asked hopefully. "And I know how you take your meals, double-o seven. I know everything, remember?"

[0_0_7]

"You do know everything. Take it easy...if it starts to seep we'll dress it again. Now I'm going to wash," he said and walked away. There was a hesitation to it as if he thought Perth special ops might break in and take Q wile he wasn't looking.

[quartermaster_q]

And yet, for once, fortune seemed to smile upon the pair. Q ordered their food, some wine, and fresh tea, and it all arrived Just as Bond exited the bathroom.

Their television was showing an encore presentation of one of the day's cricket matches, and Q was settled in on the bed, clad in his pyjama bottoms and happily filling himself.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

[0_0_7]

"So much," he said, towel clinging low on his hips. He joined Q and immediately dug into his steak which was perfect, drizzled with butter, served with fried onions...heaven.

"Good wine," he said after a sip. "You take excellent care of me, Quartermaster."

[quartermaster_q]

"All part of a days work, double-o seven," Q smiled, finishing his meal and putting his plate aside so he could stretch out.

"This room feels like heaven after that hut."

[0_0_7]

"You didn't like roughing it? Just wait til we get home to our own bed..." bond said before taking a bite.

[quartermaster_q]

Q moaned in pleasure at the thought, stretching out happily and settling in to watch the match while Bond ate.

"I've been missing Oberon terribly," he confessed.

[0_0_7]

"B has him, I think. Unless Eve does. We'll have him back soon enough," Bond said happily.

[quartermaster_q]

Q nodded. He'd known the cat would be in good hands. Eve always seemed happy to take care of the feline.

[0_0_7]

Bond happily finished his steak and then with his full belly he lay down next to Q to hold him.

"Perth isn't so bad," he said. "I can honestly say I have never been here."

[quartermaster_q]

"No, I can't either," Q confessed, settling against Bond as he spoke.

[0_0_7]

"Maybe we should play tourist tomorrow?" he said. "It might be fun."

[quartermaster_q]

"Mmm, if you like," Q nodded. "It would be nice to roam free a little."

[0_0_7]

"I'll buy you a floppy hat and a sweet drink. Maybe some shrimp on a stick," Bond teased.