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londoncallingrpgQ 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.
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.
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Date: 2017-01-14 02:35 pm (UTC)"Even if you can guard your weak spot, I'm not certain six, or five, would take you on," Q said honestly. After all, they so much preferred to have their spies brainwashed to be loyal to them, not dead men. Also tabloid darlings, no matter how forgotten, weren't the best secret agents.
"That, however, doesn't rule out other possibilities," he allowed, looking a bit put upon as he slipped his glasses back on and picked up his tea. "The police force. Private investigative work... Unless you're hoping for a job in the office. You don't have the right set of skills currently to join Q branch, but a few more years of school and you could work for me, or in medical, perhaps. You're pretty, we could use a few more pretty psychologists and doctors. It's nearly impossible to lure the double-o's and other agents in for check ups and psych evaluations."
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Date: 2017-01-15 01:16 am (UTC)It was how put upon he looked to be having this conversation at all that disheartening. "But you would rather I just drop it altogether?"
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Date: 2017-01-15 01:30 am (UTC)He pursed his lips, then shook his head. "I've no doubt you could be an excellent weapon, I just think it would be impossible to know if we were tossing a grenade or dropping a nuke every time we put you in the field. ...Lucky for you, however, I don't get a say in what applications are accepted. If it's what you want, then that's your choice."
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Date: 2017-01-15 04:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 04:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 04:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 04:44 am (UTC)He looked at Alcuin for a long moment, then shook his head. "I'm not going to list things that would have 'made me like you'. It's a pointless exercise, and you know it. It can only result in you either grieving things that can't be changed, or picking apart everything I say, looking for the key to making us dear friends. ...And there isn't one, because I don't dislike you, Alcuin. I simply find you a difficult man to trust, something that forces me to remain cautious and detached. I'm sorry if that wounds you, that's not my intent. I'm protecting myself, and I'm protecting James. Nothing more."
He fidgeted with the small wedding band he wore now, a very thin bit of silver, easy to miss if someone wasn't looking for it.
"I'm not sure what it is you want from me anyway. I'm not exactly 'BFF' material. I can't talk to you about work, I hardly have a social life outside of James and the cats. I can count my friends on one hand, and two of them are co-workers- And that's without counting Bond."
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Date: 2017-01-15 05:11 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 05:26 am (UTC)"And James was very fond of him. We both were. ...For whatever it's worth, I am sorry, Alcuin. I can't imagine the pain you're in right now. ...Well, no, I suppose that's not completely true. I can imagine."
Terence had been abusive, a cruel bastard of a man who'd nearly killed him. He'd also been a lover though, and Q had grieved him. Deeply.
"...You should find a way to honour him. Something just for you. It wont magically sooth away the ache in your heart, but- It helps."
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Date: 2017-01-15 05:45 am (UTC)Then he looked up at Q. "I know that you likely couldn't tell me if you found out something about his death. But if you do... and you can... I would of course appreciate it."
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Date: 2017-01-15 04:51 pm (UTC)Q nodded, opening his laptop again.
"Should I uncover something that I'm able to share, I will send it your way," he agreed, pausing, then frowning to himself as he realized what he was about to say next. "...Should you require anything, you're welcome to contact myself and James."
Hannibal had been so kind when James had been burned. Was, honestly, likely the reason James had managed to find him in time when he'd been taken. They would never be able to repay the doctor directly, but they could help Alcuin.
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Date: 2017-01-15 05:45 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-01-15 05:48 pm (UTC)Q nodded a little, then returned to checking his email.
"Take care, Alcuin. If there was someone after Hannibal, they could well be looking for you next. I'd advise increasing your security."