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 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?

[just_hex]

Hex sipped his tea, quite calm as he, too, awaited the reply.

It didn't take even a minute for the phone to chime.

Love to but can't. Trip to America in the works. Have fun. -JB

[quartermaster_q]

Q's smile faded a little, but he covered it quickly, forcing a smile.

"Sadly, he's a bit busy. He's due abroad for work," he said, slipping his glasses back on.

[just_hex]

"We'll get him yet," Hex assured him. "Until then...I hope I'll do."

[quartermaster_q]

"Always," Q assured him. "I just wish he wasn't always... Well, never mind. Anyway, where would you like to go?"

[just_hex]

"Always gone?" Hex replied, then he drank down the rest of his tea. He didn't need an answer really and got to his feet.

"I'm not dressed for any of the clubs, and it's a bit early for them anyway. What about that one you took me to the one time. The posh place."

[quartermaster_q]

"The hotel? Yes, alright," Q agreed, trying to push away the small bit of hurt sitting in his chest. ...Though he didn't move to text Bond back. As though punishing the double-o with silence.

[just_hex]

Hex went over to the register to pay for everything, giving Q time to pack away his laptop and such. By the time he was done he was sure the man was ready.

"Tube or taxi?" he asked.

[quartermaster_q]

"Uber, one's already on the way. I contacted the hotel as well, I booked us a suite for the night," Q replied, not sure if Hex would even want to stay with him all night.