The day Bond is finally allowed home he immediately delivers his mission report to Mallory. A report that only contains several pages because each day of agony is meticulously described in two lines containing the date and two words: 'nothing happened.' Tanner who is in Mallory's office looks almost shocked at Bond's handing in the report, clearly remembering past times when he had to chase the agent for days only to write it by himself in the end.

"I was bored," is Bond's explanation and if the two other men hear the silent threat 'don't do this to me ever again' then Bond certainly won't complain.

His next steps take him to q-branch to deliver his unused equipment in an impeccable state to the quartermaster. The equipment is accompanied by an extensive list of possible improvements.

As during his last visit Q is in the middle of the lab tinkering with some parts and pieces that look at least electronic this time. But apparently the bits and pieces in front of the Quartermaster aren't cooperating judging by the scowl on his face. Bond notices the longing looks Q throws at the tea mug in the hand of one his underlings and can practically see when he decides not to interrupt his work to get himself some.

For the first time in a very long time Bond tries to be a good Samaritan and walks the few steps to the electric kettle to help the Quartermaster with his dilemma. His reaching for the Earl Grey is however intercepted by one of Q's minions.

"He is too stressed out and sleeping badly. He doesn't need more caffeine." The girl beside him hands him a teabag from another box. Bond slowly lifts it up and takes a sniff. "Lavender?"

"Among others," shrugs the girl. "It's soothing and helps him to get a decent night's sleep."

Bond decides not to question the girl and continues with his preparation.

At the soft thump of the mug Q looks up and upon recognising Bond smiles a bit. The smile vanishes almost immediately and is replaced by a soft sigh. Apparently deciding that he should take a break Q hands the tools and parts to one of the technicians beside him who has watched the proceedings closely. Bond follows Q in his office. He waits until Q stands behind his desk and has taken the first sip from the steaming mug before he places each piece of equipment in front of the Quartermaster. He kind of enjoys the look of surprise but still raises his eyebrow questioningly.

"I thought with your level of boredom you'd dismantle everything and blow it up piece by piece."

Bond must admit that this possibility certainly has crossed his mind, but he decides not to say this out loud. Instead he acts affronted.

"I don't know why you have such a low opinion of me. As if I would deliberately destroy equipment." Bond doesn't really try to sound sincere and chuckles at Q's disbelieving snort.

He is even tempted to hand back his watch, but he is stopped by Q. "No, keep it. If we improve it, you'll get another one."

"Now I'm really convinced you want to force me into retirement. I even get the proverbial watch to prove it." Bond is only half joking.

He can't really decipher the odd look he receives from Q but before he can contemplate on it, Q grabs the doll which has sat on his desk and hands it to him. Through the movement the doll's eyes seem to flicker between the two, settling finally on Bond. James hesitatingly takes its arm when a flash and loud bang erupt from the lab. Jumping at the sound Q almost turns over his tea mug but saving it in last minute with only a few spills on his cardigan. Q also loses his grip on the doll for a moment but before it can fall on the desk he instinctively grabs it again and realises immediately that Bond had the same reflex. Their hands touch, their gazes met and another flash lightens the office.

With the instincts of a trained agent Bond shoves the doll in the safety of Q's arms before hastening out of the door to the safety switch off. Q takes the second to carefully place the doll back on his desk before he follows Bond. He gets as far as his office door when he is met with absolute darkness and an eerie stillness that seems absolutely shocking compared to the usual constant buzz of all the computers, lights and other electronic devices or the more or less constant chatter of his colleagues.

The only sound heard is some remaining cacklings and frizzles from the exploded experiment which seem awfully loud against the silence. Bond interrupts the darkness with the flashlight in his watch and orders everyone to stay put. He doesn't wait for the murmur of acceptance but directs the light to Q's office door, illuminating him. In a calm voice Q confirms Bond's order and waits until the agent reaches his side. They both walk carefully to the workbench where Q carefully unplugs every piece of equipment on the whole table before Bond lights the way to one of the exits, instructing Q's minions to collect flashlights and returning them to q-branch so they can examine the damage before electricity is turned back on.

Bond stays the whole time beside Q, much too close for the Quartermaster's concentration and when everybody has finally left he can't suppress the quip: "Pretty useful for a retirement gift."

Bond doesn't take the bait and doesn't leave Q's side. He just grins: "I'm also in a pretty good shape for a retired veteran."

Q sighs again, completely agreeing and not knowing whether to curse or praise the fact that Bond's grin still gets to him.

"Thai," announces Bond several hours later.

They are still both alone in the lab while Q has sent his entire staff home. He wanted to check each piece of equipment individually to see if it was damaged by the incident. He had also tried to get Bond to go, but his suggestion was met with plain refusal. Instead Bond plays assistant: putting up illumination devices, handing him tools and apparently also organised food. He watches as Bond clears some space on one of the workbenches, placing some flashlights as if they are candles between take-out boxes and even puts some napkins on each side of the table.

Q can't resist the delicious smell from Bond's corner and decides to abandon his work for a moment.

"You know this looks awfully romantic. Almost like a date."

As soon as the words leave his mouth he wishes he could take them back, but being so close to Bond, working hand in hand has weakened his resolve. He hopes that Bond will ignore his remark, pretend that it was never said, but Bond meets his eyes steadily.

"You consider take-out in an abandoned lab a date?"

Bond sounds sincere and suddenly the atmosphere grows tenser every second Q needs to formulate an answer. The reasons why this is a bad idea flash in front of his mind: Bond's history of meaningless sex, his own history of a broken heart and broken dreams. The fluttering in his heart every time he sees the agent. And now this man looks at his as if he really wants this. Does he dare to trust the hopeful expression on Bond's face? Q tries to speak, but can't get a sound out. He swallows nervously, shifts his weight and tries again.

"Yes."

He barely recognises his own voice, bites his lip so hard that it hurts, but then Bond smiles and the stones of dread that lay heavily in his stomach turn out to be butterflies and he almost feels dizzy with relief when Bond replies "Then it is a date if you want."

"I want. I definitely want."