OTA

[quartermaster_q]

Q had managed to remain out of the field for a bit now, confined to his lab and Q branch, quite happily. In fact his world, as a whole, had been delightfully calm. He and Bond had spent the holiday abroad, doing things the office didn't need to know about... And he'd returned to London uncharacteristically chipper.

Today he was at a cafe not far from the office, hiding behind his laptop as usual- However, he seemed slightly less closed off than usual. Where he usually blended into the background, or made a point of not engaging with the world, today.... Today, however, he seemed interested, watching people pass by out the window, and even occasionally glancing up to see who was coming and going in the cafe.

In fact, he was so engaged with the world, that he didn't notice his laptop screen flicker strangely before returning to normal.

Comments

[quartermaster_q]

"It gives quite the advantage to anyone watching you. No nearby neighbours, less cctv..." Q pointed out, not nagging, just stating facts.

[just_hex]

Hex nodded as he listened. He could see Q's point. He'd known it all along, really. He'd known it even when Scotty had been alive.

The waitress brought him his sandwich and he offered her another smile, but it didn't touch his eyes. It was just reflex.

He looked back to Q.

"I'm sure you have a suggestion?" he asked as he picked up his food.

[quartermaster_q]

"Security cameras. Something hidden. I can assist in setting up something secure," Q replied.

[just_hex]

"I think I could get Danny on board for that," he said with a nod. "I've got money, still. It's drying up a bit since I haven't been making videos..."

[quartermaster_q]

"If you get the job at six, you can pay me back," Q said, his own subtle way of saying he'd foot the bill.

[just_hex]

"You're so kind to me, Q. I don't know what I ever did to earn you. You're a real mate, yeah?" he replied softly.

[quartermaster_q]

Q shrugged, not wanting to seem too soft or touched by Hex's words.

[just_hex]

The lack of a reply didn't bother him and he was too busy devouring his sandwich to say anything else. It was three large bites before he took a sip of his tea to wash it all down.

"So tell me about your wedding," he said, turning away from security and Danny in general.

[quartermaster_q]

It was a very private affair. Modest, remote... But perfect for us," Q smiled, taking his glasses off and looking thoughtful. "It was a pity we couldn't tell anyone though."

[just_hex]

"You couldn't tell anyone at all? Does anyone know but me?" he asked.

[quartermaster_q]

"Some very close friends, no one else," Q nodded.

[just_hex]

"It's a shame you can't share it, but I understand why it's got to be hush hush," Hex replied. "Keeps you both safer, yeah?"

[quartermaster_q]

"Yes. ...At least I hope so. I suppose there's always going to be a bit of danger to our relationship though," Q confessed.

[just_hex]

"With what he does...yeah. I don't think you'll ever get away from it," he said with a nod. "Do you ever think of doing something else? I don't even know if people like James can retire. Is that a thing?"

[quartermaster_q]

"It's possible, but- He wont," Q replied, a faint smile on his lips. "He'd be bored to death."

[just_hex]

"Likes the thrill of it, doesn't he? You don't need to answer. Of course he does," Hex chuckled. "It's written all over him."

[quartermaster_q]

"I'd be a liar if I didn't admit I like it too, sometimes," Q admitted. "...And I do seem to have a weakness for armed men."

[just_hex]

Hex swallowed another bite of his sandwich.

"Mmhmm. Does he do for you? I mean...what I taught him. Are you getting what you need?" e asked, trying to be a bit subtle since there were people not so far away.

[quartermaster_q]

Q went ever so slightly pink, a rare sight, then cleared his throat a bit.

"He does his best, but it's been a while," he admitted quietly. "I don't- I don't like to push."

[just_hex]

He took up his napkin and wiped his face, then put it down slowly.

"We could book a night. You and I. Or all three of us. I'm with Danny and I won't ruin that, but I'd love to work you over again. Would James be keen on that?"

[quartermaster_q]

"I can ask him," Q said, doing his best not to seem too eager or interested. "...I know I would enjoy spending time with you again."

[just_hex]

"You should ask. And if he's not...I'm still keen," he replied with a bright gleam in his eyes.

[quartermaster_q]

Q nodded, looking down at his phone and wondering if it would be wrong to try and text Bond right now. His gaze lingered on the back of his phone, then flickered up to Hex, looking for instructions.

[just_hex]

Hex gave a nod, looking from Q's eyes to the phone and back. It was all too easy to slip into the role of dominance when he was with Q. Odd, really, because in most all worldly ways, Q was clearly better suited to life than Hex. But Hex could give him this one thing he couldn't get from anyone else. It was freeing for him and he thought it had to be freeing for Q as well.

[quartermaster_q]

He couldn't lie, just that simple nod gave him a small thrill... Picking up the phone, Q sent off a very simple and to the point text.

Hex wants to play. Would you like to join us?