It was James' least favourite holiday tradition. Q had insisted after the twins were born and he didn't want to say no to that hopeful look on Q's face. However, it had continued the next year and then the next. When Abby was born, James thought maybe the addition of a girl to their family would change things but no, Q persisted and now Charley and Harry were on his side as well. James was dreadfully outnumbered and so he smiled and did as he was told, hoping and praying that no one ever saw.

So when Q suggested that they use this as their family Christmas card this year, James knew he needed to put a stop to this. Not only were there no people he wished to send cards to, and particularly none he wished to see him like that. "But James, think of how cute it would be," Q had argued but this time James put his foot down.

"Q, no. Who would we send them to? M? Can you imagine? Absolutely not. I know you love this tradition and I go along with it but I do not want it to go outside of our family." Q almost managed to keep the look of disappointment off his face but James knew his husband well enough that he caught it. "You know I love you and would do almost anything, but think about it. We can't send out cards with any picture of our family. It would be a liability and we can't put the kids at risk like that."

His lip drawn under his teeth for a moment, James knew Q saw the reason in his argument. But he also knew that he wouldn't give up that quickly. As the slow smile spread across his face, James knew he was in trouble. "Fine, no picture card. But there will be a picture. All five of us and the cats. I will develop it at work and it will never leave the building but I will have a record of this." James sighed, knowing he was beaten.

"Just promise me it won't be completely embarrassing?"

"I will do no such thing."

The next week when Q had a box delivered, James worried about what would be in there but he also knew there was not a damn thing he could do about it. The kids, however, were thrilled and gathered around to see what Papa had purchased for them this year.

All of James' worst nightmares were confirmed as he saw the red and white stripes in every single bag. The kids grabbed theirs and ran off, giggling. Q giggled as well when he handed the bag to James. "Put it on and don't complain."

James did as he was told, hoping it meant he wouldn't have to sleep on the couch and might get to make love to his husband before the new year, but he wasn't thrilled. Q had set up a camera in the living room and the kids were already there by the time James came back, red and white striped pyjama pants and a white t-shirt covering his body. The kids were all in matching pyjamas, as was Q though his shirt was red instead of white.

They all got settled on the sofa, James and Q with the three kids on their laps. Q began to countdown from five for the timer and even James managed a smile when the flash went off.

True to his word, the family photo appeared on Q's desk the next morning, framed and placed in a position of honour. James had to admit that regardless of how ridiculous he felt, the picture was rather cute. Q's hair a mess, the kids beaming brightly and him smiling fondly at the chaos that had become his life. A day later, a matching photo appeared on 007's desk upstairs but no one was brave enough to say anything to him though several more pairs of pyjamas appeared on his desk before Christmas.

To this day, James is still convinced 006 was to blame.