James + Harry

[cuppa_q]

Q hated flying, but sometimes doing what one hated was necessary- That, and he still had a dreadfully hard time telling Bond no. So did Harry, he assumed, since they were all currently sitting in first class, flying over the heart of Russia.

"Let's go over this one more time. You heard tell of a human trafficking ring at some cocktail party, and now we're all just going to zoom into action on a not quite sanctioned mission," Q said, speaking just loud enough to be heard, his voice a hiss of a whisper as he scowled a bit at Bond. It was the third time he'd said this, and though he was sure they were both tired of hearing him bitch, he simply couldn't quite get over the fact that he'd allowed himself to be roped into this.

Comments

[0_0_7]

"In the field you have to know how to listen, Q," he replied. "The party was the first palpable lead we've had in months."

He sipped his scotch, artfully leaning casually in his seat. One might think it was Christmas from the gleam in his eye.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry, who was seated on the other side of Q, rearranged himself slightly and crossed his legs. "Perhaps James is just hoping for another party," he said.

[cuppa_q]

The boffin hummed, looking over at James as if expecting a response to that.

Though he was on his third drink and blissfully tipsy. Perhaps he was just staring into space.

[0_0_7]

"If the lead proves right, it'll be the best kind of party," he replied as he slowly nursed his scotch.

[lepidopterologist]

"The kind where you're shooting at people while wearing a very good suit?" Harry said dryly.

[cuppa_q]

"Or the kind where there's a half-naked woman beneath you?" Q added flatly.

"Either way, I'm certain I'm going to end up locked in some hotel room on my laptop without even a good cup of tea."

[0_0_7]

Bond chuckled softly. Part of him felt bad Q was jealous, but that was the job. Everyone knew women meant little to nothing to him.

"You're saying you'd rather run round with Harry and I?"

[lepidopterologist]

"I think he wants to wear a good suit," Harry said, and with a nod of thanks took a scotch from the flight attendant.

[cuppa_q]

Q looked as though he was sulking, but huffed a bit. "Just assure me it'll be a nice hotel I'm locked in. Something with a view."

[0_0_7]

"And room service. And wifi. And a shower big enough for three," he promised.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry shrugged, a small smirk on his lips. "I'd have let you come with us if you wanted," he said.

[cuppa_q]

"Oh? I could be your date," Q offered.

He wasn't really keen to be in the center of the action, but he did like getting to be on someone's arm. It felt like such a rare treat.

[0_0_7]

"You'd light up the room," he said. Bond took a sip, then grew serious.

"Moneypenny will be sending along Intel as soon as she acquires it."

[lepidopterologist]

"We should talk about it in the context of logistics for the mission, but if it won't put you in danger or hinder us without you in our ear, I'm happy to play the old queen with a pretty young thing on his arm," Harry said. Then in response to James' comment about intel, he nodded.

[cuppa_q]

Q seemed pleased by the praise on both sides and appeared to stop sulking. Instead listening to Bond's mention of intel and sipping his drink to keep his nerves at a suitably calm level.

[0_0_7]

"The easiest way in might be to pose as a buyer to get more intel. Get a look inside," Bond suggested.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry looked thoughtful and then said, "In that case, Q's presence might make that cover more convincing."

[cuppa_q]

"I'm not certain I follow," Q admitted, going slightly white knuckled as they went through a small patch of turbulance.

[0_0_7]

"And old queen and a smart, handsome, younger man? Q, who do you think buys people? As a pair, you'd fit right in. Especially in a good suit.," Bond said.

[lepidopterologist]

Harry nodded his agreement. "Honestly, it's a better cover than if James and I were there together. Maybe you ought to be the one out of the spotlight this time, James."

[cuppa_q]

Q looked a bit nervous.

"I'm not good at parties, I get anxious," the boffin admitted. "You're certain it's a good idea?" he asked the pair.

[0_0_7]

Bond looked him up and down.

"Dressed right? I think it will be the most discreet entry," he nodded.

Discreet entries were never a problem. It was the getting out that turned explosive.

[lepidopterologist]

"Only if you're comfortable with it, love," Harry said gently, to Q. "There are other strategies that would work fine."

[cuppa_q]

Q was silent, then wet his lips thoughtfully.

"I'll do it," he decided. "I want to help."

[0_0_7]

"When we land we can have dinner and find you some clothes. Harry has a good eye for that," Bond said. "I'm going to contact Moneypenny when we land. Surely she's had enough time to get something useful."