Bond

[cuppa_q]

from here

It was a terrible idea and he wasn't actually going to go. That's what Q'd been telling himself all night. Bond was just teasing him. Hazing him. Besides, even if Bond was serious he wasn't actually stupid enough to go over to the man's home. He wouldn't actually let the other man believe he had that kind of power over him.

Right. Yes, he wouldn't do that. He wouldn't fall for such things.

So why was he standing on the corner of the other doctor's street, glancing at his watch? It was five minutes to nine, and he really ought to turn around and take the tube home. Pulling out his phone he opened the app connected to his cat's automatic feeder and checked there was ample food still. A glance told him there were three meals left in the machine, plenty for tonight and the morning if need be. A quick glance at his security feed showed they were both sleeping as well, one stretched out on the sofa, the other curled up on a cat tree in the corner. The litter looked fine as well- Literally no excuses to turn tail and flee.

Two minutes to nine and he was lingering at Bond's door, still debating if he ought to knock or not.

Comments

[0_0_7]

Bond's doorbell told him he had a visitor and at 9 on the dot, he opened the door, looking pleased.

"Do come in," he said. By the door was a rack. "Please take off your shoes."

He wasn't wearing any of his own.

[cuppa_q]

Q looked unsure, then tried to stand a little taller as he stepped inside and took off his shoes.

"I really shouldn't be here," he said, struggling to filter himself.

[0_0_7]

"Of course you should, Q. There's nothing wrong with a little wine after work," Bond assured him, leading him inside a gorgeously decorated manor. Every inch of it was masculine, every inch of it was money.

"Join me in the kitchen," he said as he walked away, expecting Q to follow.

[cuppa_q]

Q looked around, then followed along, a bit nervous, but doing his best to look calm and sure of himself and not intimidated. ...He could not let James know he was intimidated.

[0_0_7]

On the granite countertop were two glasses and a crystal decanter with a red so dark it was nearly black.

"This is from my family's vineyard," he said as he poured. "This vintage is pleasant."

[cuppa_q]

"It looks very nice," Q said, glancing around again, as though he expected someone to jump out and announce he was being pranked.

[0_0_7]

Bond poured for him and passed it over. His fingers brushed Q's as he took it.

"I'd like to first apologize for being a prick. No need to mince words. My ego was bruised and my disappointment wrongly targeted. I ope you can forgive me and we can begin fresh," he said smoothly, taking his own glass to pour.

[cuppa_q]

This absolutely had to be a trap. Men like Bond didn't apologize to men like him. ...They didn't. Did they?

"It's alright, I understand," Q said, genuine, but also cautious as he spoke.

[0_0_7]

"Good. Then now we're on level ground, Q. And I'm sure you understand why I've asked you to come," he said, watching him like he was prey.

[cuppa_q]

Q's mouth went dry, and he paused to sip his wine.

"I don't really," he admitted. He knew what had been implied, but he genuinely wasn't sure James wasn't fucking with him. Hell, part of him wondered if the man planned to murder him and bury him in the yard.

[0_0_7]

Bond arched a brow. He was certain he was right.

"I think you do," he said.

"Why don't I give you a proper tour."

[cuppa_q]

Q wet his lips again, then put down his glass.

"Alright," he nodded.

[0_0_7]

Bond took him through the home, noting pieces of art and bits of architecture. He showed him the salon, the library, the game room, then upstairs.

A few guest rooms, all nicely appointed. Bond was quite proud of the plumbing in the bathroom and showed off the fixtures. And then, at the end of the hall, were a set of heavy, wooden double doors.

"But we both know this is what you came for," he said, opening to his own bedroom.

[cuppa_q]

Q followed him in, then paused, tensing.

"Have you been talking about me at work with the nurses in casualty?" he asked suddenly, recalling his interaction with Hex. "Making assumptions, or- God, bloody bets or something?"

[0_0_7]

Bond chuckled darkly.

"The nurses? No. But if you mean Hex, I'm not surprised he sniffed you out, too," he said. "He's young. Learning. I know what I'm looking for in someone I'd invite home."

[cuppa_q]

"And what is it you're looking for?" Q asked bluntly, ignoring the flutter in his gut.

[0_0_7]

"I'm looking for someone tough to break," he replied honestly.

[cuppa_q]

Q couldn't help but shiver a little.

"And that's what you think I am? That's what you think I like? Being broken?" he asked. "What about me gives you that impression?" he asked. ...Desperate to know so he could hide it away.

[0_0_7]

"Because, Q, the way you look at me tells me everything I need to know."

Bond reached out and stroked his cheek lightly.

"Would you like to come inside?"

[cuppa_q]

Q was silent a beat, then nodded slightly.

This was a dreadful idea, dreadful- But he wanted it so badly.

[0_0_7]

Bond let him in and closed the door.

"Please, feel free to look around," he offered.

The bed was large and imposing and there were traces of points for restraints. There was a wide patch of floor and directly above it was a clunky looking fire alarm. There was a built in full of clothes, and a wardrobe. Bond walked to the wardrobe and opened it, revealing a tantalizing selection of toys and tools.

[cuppa_q]

Some of this was familiar, some of it new, and Q found himself struggling to maintain the image he'd been so desperately crafting for himself at the hospital. Strong, confident, in control... It was all a mask, and he could feel it crumbling.

"If you tell any of your staff, I'll ruin you," he said, finally looking over at Bond.

[0_0_7]

"I value discretion, Q. I also value consent. If you'd like to finish your wine, maybe have some cheese, think it through..." he offered.

[cuppa_q]

Q was silent for a beat, then shook his head.

"Let's talk terms," he replied.

[0_0_7]

"By all means," he nodded. "What are your requirements?"

There was a chair in the corner of the room, draped casually with a blue throw. Bond sat, leaning back comfortably with his legs splayed before him. He casually gestured to a low stool that sat next to the chair for Q.