Captains log, supplemental.
I thought it was best to keep a log going during my current situation. I need to keep track of what is going on, currently.
First off, my crew of more than one thousand souls has been stranded on an uncharted planet alongside the crew of the Midnight Shadow, four hundred souls more or less. We have also been joined by a group Q, one bein have personally known for a while before the stranding.
There is currently no conceivable way to get off this planet, due to some unknown force keeping all of our distress beacons from emitting their signals. Alongside that predicament, all the Q that are stranded with us are rendered almost powerless, minus small bursts of their powers coming back in dire situations.
It's been a week since T'Q used hers to save my life after I drowned in the river outside of the abandoned town we are all staying at. I owe her a debt of gratitude.
Now, personally, I am at a loss about any of the logic behind this planet. I am unsure why we even crashed in the first place, and why the Q with us were pulled here too. Perhaps there is some divine power holding us here, or something outside of all our realms of thought. I hope that we are able to figure it out and finally be rescued.
In the meantime, we are making a formidable city to live in. We have taken the abandoned city and rebuilt it into a hub of life. We are surviving, thriving. I don't know how much time will pass until our rescue, but we are all doing our best to make the best of this situation.
The thought that we may never be rescued has crossed my mind many times before. At first it was a debilitating one, one that depressed me to no bounds. Now that thought is an uncomfortable one, yet I had beat it aside with hope. Perhaps joy will come to us all, thriving as one people and township.
This place can become our new home if needed.
The past has proved that humanity can thrive wherever it's placed.
I have a feeling that we all can, too.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
The dark blue of the night had descended upon the city, illuminating the roofs and roads in a bath of crystalline silver light. Tiny stars filled the darkened sky, like diamonds dancing upon a velvet sheet. The desert and mountains that surrounded the town became a sea of serene waters, drenched in moonlight.
For those who inhabited the town, the splendor of night did not go unrecognized.
Sitting on top of one of the taller clay buildings' roofs was Picard, his eyes gazing upon the spectacle of starlight. His eyes glinted in the soft light, full of contentment and peace- something that didn't come easily to this stranded captain.
The roof was illuminated by a single candle, flickering in the light nighttime breeze, scattering its light on the flat roof. A few chairs were scattered around, currently uninhabited. Picard elected to stand, leaning on one of the ledges along the edge of the rooftop abode.
Peace filled and surrounded the captain, calming his mind and spirit. The serenity of night was a great medium for peace, and Picard was going to take advantage of that every chance he got.
"It's really beautiful at this time of night, isn't that right, mon capitaine?"
Picard was spooked out of his blissful state and whipped around to see Q leaning on the ledge near him, also looking out into the night.
He was about a yard away, for once not being uncomfortably close to the captain. He did not turn to look at Picard, instead electing to look out at the dark scenery surrounding them. A calm demeanor was upon him, his robes and hair being fluttered in the cool breeze. He had a content grin on his face, one of peace and bliss.
Picard looked at him, not saying a word. Conflicting emotions caught in his mind and chest, whirring around like a caged tornado. He wanted to say something, yet his words were being blended. Remorse, frustration, bliss, and a little lust were trying to combine into one coherent sentence, yet they all were not going to fit together in one breath.
He opened his mouth when the words finally formed within him, ready to let his voice into the silent world.
"Q, I apologize."
Q turned around, looking over at the captain. An eyebrow rose, signing light confusion in the Q.
"About?" Q asked, not moving from his position.
Picard took in a long breath, and sighed out briskly. He felt his shoulders slump forward, a feeling of emotional defeat washing over him like the night zephyr.
"I apologize for my outburst last week, it was very unprofessional of me,"
"And rude." Q smirked, shrugging. He leaned a little in Picard's direction, "It's understandable, you have been under a lot of pressure." He turned back to the night sky and let out a blissful sigh, "We all have."
Silence fell between the two men, wrapping them in a blanket of cool midnight. They did not look at each other for a while, both soaking in the beauty of the dark world around them.
"If I were someone who smoked, this would have been the best aesthetic time for a cigarette." Q announced, turning to look at Picard.
"Huh?" Picard turned, giving Q a questioning look.
"In humanities' past, I saw people that would find themselves on balconies and rooftops with cigarettes and pondering almost imponderable things," Q explained, "This feels like one of those times."
"What's so imponderable about right now, Q?" Picard asked, leaning an elbow on the ledge in front of him.
"Many, many things," Q responded, before hushing back into a silent stare.
Picard felt his stomach turn into a knot. He was now finding himself pondering what Q may be pondering, which turned out to me imponderable for Picard.
Q noticed the change in demeanor of the man near him, and turned back to him.
"You're wondering what I'm pondering, are you not, mon capitaine?" Q asked, his voice low and hushed.
Picard didn't face Q, but answered in a quiet "Yes, I am."
"Of course you are," Q replied in a playfully sly fashion.
"So, what are you pondering?" Picard asked, facing Q. He prayed to whatever deity may be out there listening that it wasn't going to be something silly or unserious- but also not dark and depressing- since his time on this planet had been that and more.
Q drew in a breath, and kept looking out to the twinkling stars.
"Love."
"Love?"
"Yes, love," Q said sincerely.
"What about love?" Picard asked, his chest tightening. He now knew Q's ponderings were about him, yet he did not want to verbally state that.
Yet Q was going to state it.
"I find myself unable to figure out the complexities of love. It's unspokeness, it's confusion."
"Oh," Picard exclaimed quietly. This was about him.
"I would conjure up planets and supernovas, even rewrite the positions of stars to show my love for one, yet humans are all about the little ways of showing love." Q explained, "flowers, morning pecks, picnics, all that. It's a little puzzling."
This was very much so about him.
"Q,"
"Hmm?" Q turned to Picard, his eyes flashing a small glimmer of hope at the captain standing mere feet from him.
Picard felt his heart fall still. A lump gathered in his throat, making it hard to speak the words he wanted too. He gathered his thoughts.
"Q, I want you to be honest with me," Picard asked, his voice one of a gentle dusk breeze.
"Yes?"
"Do you truely, without a doubt, love me?"
Q felt as if a million supernovas were going critical inside of him.
The air around Q became absolutely electric, buzzing with life and joy. He found himself stepping close to the captain, and outstretching his arms. He gracefully took Picard's face in his hands, holding him there.
Picard felt himself freeze, yet not in a fearful way. This was something else, something sincere, something beautiful.
"I do, without a doubt. Jean-Luc, I love you." Q murmured quietly.
He looked into Picard's eyes. The starlight was shining in them, more beautiful than anything the Q had seen throughout time and space. The man standing before him was the most beautiful thing to him, incomparable to anything he had encountered in his infinite lifespan.
Picard looked up at Q, taking in the quiet, still moment. He took in a soft breath, letting his body relax. He found himself melting into Q's touch, letting himself be carried away by the feelings of now.
For the first time in this relationship, Jean-Luc felt secure. He knew in his heart and mind that this wasn't a hoax, manipulation, or elaborate prank that Q was pulling- this was real.
Q looked at Picard, watching the captain's composure change in mere seconds. He went from tense and stress to peaceful and serene, accepting and loved.
Q realized that Picard was truly accepting his feelings, feelings Q knew were honest and true. He didn't have to be a god to see that Picard loved him back, his body language was speaking enough.
"Just know that even if you do feel the same way I do, you are still the same Captain Jean-Luc Picard that you where before," Q explained, hoping to dispel any worry from Picard's mind, "You are still the same man I met at Farpoint, just more mature and in touch with his feelings."
He smiled for a moment, sincere and loving, "Your crew will still respect you and care for you, as they always have. And I will too. I love you."
Picard found himself at a loss of words. He wanted to say so many things, so many apologies and so many confessions. The slurry of words and gestures filled his spinning mind. He didn't know what he was supposed to do in this situation.
He also loved Q. That was the truth.
He didn't feel at odds with the deity any longer. He wanted to be close to him, let himself be held by the omnipotent yet now powerless Q who did so much for him.
They may not get along all the time, yet the silly quarrels were nothing compared to their loyalty for each other.
He wanted to show Q that his love for the captain wasn't one sided- but the words caught in his throat again.
And Q noticed.
But Q had an idea.
Q leaned his face down, gently touching the tip of his nose to Picard's. He held the captain's face in his hands, lightly stroking his cheeks and chin. He found himself appreciating every detail of the man's face, feeling at his soft cheeks and sharp cheekbones.
Picard let out a light sigh, one of contentment and love.
Q grinned, then placed his lips against Picard's, letting them lightly touch. He found himself appreciating the softness of his lips, tasting of fruit and fresh spring water.
Picard's eyes fluttered close, and he leaned into the kiss. His lips pressed against Q's in a silent reciprocation of the Q's admission of love. His arms wrapped around Q's waist, gentle and yet possessive in a way. He was hesitant to do much at first, but he found himself being filled with a feeling of love and light. He wanted to be close to Q, he wanted to be held, to be guided, touched, pampered, loved.
He found himself breaking away from the kiss for a mere moment, wanting to say the words that he had found within himself.
"I love you too Q," Picard said, looking up at Q through his eyelashes.
He felt a warm blush cover his face as the words came out, coaxed through Q's kiss. He fluttered his eyelashes in the light breeze, feeling sultry and fine in the night, in Q's embrace.
Q smiled, his eyes crinkling up joyfully. The reciprocation meant everything to him.
The captain that he loved, loved him back.
It was the best feeling in the galaxy. He no longer felt the horrid nagging sensation in his chest, one of unrequited love, one of loneliness, one of misunderstanding. The pain, the ache, was gone. It was replaced by a weightless, warm feeling. One that made him feel as if he could fly.
He let go of Picard's face and grasped at the tattered red uniform that covered Picard's waist. He looked at Picard in whole, taking in the beauty of the man. He dared to press his hands into the softness of his waist, waiting for Picard to say something, to show what he wanted, if anything. He had noticed the glint of lust in the captain's eyes, and if Picard so chose to let himself go, Q was all too ready to aid.
Picard leaned into Q again, pressing his chest into him. His hands found themselves on Q's shoulders, holding himself up against the taller deity. He craned his head up and kissed Q's lips, pressing deep into him. Q kissed him back, now clutching Picard's waist as one clutches a pillow in sleep. He pulled Picard to himself, holding him there strongly.
The two stayed in each other's embraces for what felt like an eternity, drinking up each other's presence. Lovely intoxication filled them, hazing their minds and eyes. Only they existed in this time, and only each other was their wants. Winds and time whirled around them, lifting their hearts to strange new heights, strange new feelings. Love and lust collided, sparking at their lips and becoming an uncontained fire within their chests. A wait of what felt like forever was over. Two became one in mere seconds, an unbreakable bond between man and god.
Picard broke the kiss, slightly pulling his face away from Q's. He didn't lift his hands from Q's shoulders or pull away, but instead spoke softly.
"My quarters are downstairs," he began, his lips brushing Q's as he spoke. He looked up at Q though his half lidded eyes, blinking slowly. "Are you able to carry me?" he propositioned. He felt his legs becoming weak at the lewd thoughts filling his mind. The world in his eyes became shaded in romantic reds and pinks, tinted by the lustful loving haze of mind and sight.
In this moment, Picard found himself no longer a powerful captain, but now a submissive man. It was exhilarating, an alluring feeling he had not felt before- but one he wanted to feel forever.
Q looked at Picard, his eyes lighting up at the proposition. An almost devilish smirk appeared upon his face, a sign that the lewd thoughts Picard had were where one's that Q shared.
"Of course I can, mon amour," Q cooed, lightly biting his lip. Salacious thoughts filled his mind as he bent down and scooped up Picard, almost effortlessly. He heard Picard gasp sensually as he was lifted into Q's arms, held in a bridal style carry. He placed a kiss on Picard's forehead, and trotted to the stairs that descended into the old clay building for a night of passion.
Captains log, supplemental.
0200 hours
Note:
Wow.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Q found himself slowly waking up in a room that didn't seem familiar to his own. First off this room was much smaller than the ones in the small building complex he and the other Q shared. Plus the blankets covering him were much too thick, he was more accustomed to thin sheets and a duvet.
Confusion set at Q tried to think of where he was. Maybe he got mixed up and fell asleep in the wrong quarters, or maybe this was a prank played by another Q, or one of those fun loving Thaleen.
Then he looked down at the bed that he laid in and saw a clue that started to make Q realize where he was.
At his side was a slumbering Picard, curled up at his side.
The hot, steamy events of his late night came rushing back to him, making the deity blush. Yet another thing came to mind.
I guess Picard and I are now official, He thought, a joyous smile spreading across his sleepy face.
He sat up and looked down at Picard, admiration filling his chest. He let out a content sigh, and brushed his fingers delicately across Picard's face. Picard grunted lightly in his sleep, but didn't stir any further.
Q sat there next to Picard, looking over the slumbering captain's form. He was beautiful, both bodily and personality wise. So thoughtful, so strong, so kind.
Yet there were worries that Q had gone forward. Things that pricked at the back of his mind ever since he realized his own love for the balding captain.
Picard was so duty oriented, and yet more concerning, so self sacrificial.
He was so… mortal.
Yet Q loved him, and he wanted to do anything, meaning anything, to bring joy to Picard's life. He wanted the best for Picard, whatever that meant.
He buried his emerging fears, and kept sitting next to Picard, enjoying the calm morning.
He'd bring up his concerns to the Q stranded with him- later, that is.
Picard's eyes fluttered open slowly, his eyes slowly adjusted to the pale light filtering through the window, pooling on the floor like a puddle of gold. He blinked a few times, clearing the fog from his vision. He started to stretch out his strangely aching body, starting with his toes. He then stretched out his legs, then back. He sat up and lifted his arms into the air, stretching them out in the morning light. A brief yawn escaped him, aiding in the lifting of the morning haze from his mind and body.
But he was having problems with the painful kinks in his back and legs.
Then everything came rushing back at him.
He slept with Q.
And it was wonderful.
Picard's heart whirred deep within his chest, and his breath hitched in his throat.
He had just had the most wonderful night with Q, one that ended in the best sex he had ever had. He felt so fulfilled, so content.
And filthy.
But not in the sexy way.
"I need a shower," Picard grunted, slowly sliding out of his bed, internally cursing the fact that the buildings he currently resided in had no functioning showers at the moment. A quick sponge bath was going to be the best he could get until he could bathe in the river later that day.
He looked around, realizing that there was no Q to be seen in his room. There was no sign of him, minus the ache in Picard's bones and the musky scent hanging on him and his bedding. There was no balled up clothing or shoes scattered around the room that looked like Q's, only Picard's tattered uniforms and hastily shed boots.
His eyes landed on what looked to be a piece of paper lying on his bed stand, slightly crumpled and yellowed by sunlight.
He slowly walked over to the bed stand and picked up the scrap of paper, reading over what was written on it.
Mon Capitaine.
I am sorry that I wasn't able to stay this morning. I had an early morning meeting with the other Q. I will be able to meet up with you tonight, if you are up to doing so.
My quarters are in the building next to the bakery, up on the fourth floor.
I will hopefully see you later, mon adorable capitaine.
-Q
Picard rolled his eyes with a smile. It used to be so unusual to see Q so thoughtful, or professional. But it was nice seeing this side of him- seeing all these new sides of him.
Picard caught himself gushing over Q mentally, thinking of how wonderful the last night was, and all the ways Q made him feel not just seen, but loved.
He figured he might as well take up Q on his offer. He wasn't sure what to expect, but Q already made him want to come back for more.
But first, Picard also had a meeting, just with the bridge crew- instead of the Q.
Picard finally left his quarters and walked outside into the bright, refreshing sunlight. He did his best to conceal his limp, but there was only so much he could do. He could blame it on previous injuries from the crash, since that would be at the very least a half truth.
He walked down the street, passing the bustling town square, full of people of all types. Thaleen crews working alongside bipedal crews was a nice thing to see. It made Picard grateful that the two crews found each other, they were able to bring out the best in both crews. Barely no time passed and the combined crews were able to rebuild the crumbing city into something more livable.
He walked up to a short building on the outskirts of the town square, one that was currently being used for leadership teams of both crews alongside representatives of the Q. It was a quaint town hall of sorts, one that was still being worked on. The windows were still boarded up to keep the infrequent sandstorms from tearing apart the internals, and the doors were still the same old wooden ones found on it before they all inhabited the town.
But it worked perfectly for their needs.
Picard was just about to walk up the short flight of steps to enter the building when he heard a familiar voice call out to him. He turned around to see Counselor Troi chasing after him, her tattered blue dress fluttering out behind her. Her hair looked unkempt, which was becoming the norm all around the town.
"Picard!" She summoned the captain, "Captain Picard, I need to talk with you for a moment." She finally caught up with him and stood at his side right at the base of the stairs. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and looked up and down Picard, inquisitive.
"Good morning, Counselor," Picard greeted her, shooting a small grin, "how are you doing?"
"I'm well," She responded curtly, smiling back. But there was something off about her, something seemed wrong to Picard. He was no empath, but even he could tell something was wrong.
But she continued talking before Picard was able to get a single word in about his concerns.
"So, how was last night, if I may ask?" She inquired, shooting Picard a coy look. Picard felt his heart stop in his chest, and he looked at her with a bewildered expression.
"It was fine."
"I must say, if I and Riker were not sharing the quarters the floor underneath yours, I would be chalking your relatively good mood to a good night's sleep," She explained candidly, "But I figure there's more to your mood than sleep."
Picard stared at her for a solid second, realizing that she knew exactly what was going on. He also realized that the floors and walls of the place he was staying were so much less soundproof than he ever thought. An embarrassed flush covered his face, and he was hoping that the subject would be dropped.
"But overall, it's nice to see you feeling better," Troi said, smiling. Her smile soon changed to a bit more of a worried look, one that she hoped Picard wouldn't pick up on.
But he did, he always did.
"Deanna," Picard said, his voice calm and lowered, "Are you alright? You don't seem well." he asked sincerely. He was starting to become worried about his Counselor. He was hoping that their situation wasn't starting to wear her down as it was him and others.
"No," she responded softly, her voice a mere whimper.
There was a moment of silence between the two before Troi looked around, hoping there was no one else in earshot.
She hushed her voice even more, then turned to Picard.
"I just found out that I'm pregnant." she explained, worrying tinting her voice grimly. Picard's eyebrows shot up, concern showing on his features.
Deanna already knew what he was thinking, since she found herself having the same thoughts.
"I would normally be happy, but this is the wrong place." She explained, "I'm scared of having a child here, but there's nothing William or I can do about our situation." Picard nodded, his heart sinking at the glum situation.
"Deanna," Picard sighed, gently placing a hand on her shoulder, "I'm so sorry."
"It's not your fault," she explained, giving Picard a glum look, "on the bright side, I have William here with me, alongside everyone I would need,"
Picard nodded again, agreeing. They had everyone they needed there, Deanna had William and Picard had Q. But that still didn't change their situation. They were still stranded with no contact with Starfleet or even the Thaleen starfleet. It seemed hopeless.
"I will personally make sure we boost our efforts to get in contact with Starfleet," Picard explained, hoping to cheer up his worry stricken counselor, "I'm going to make sure nothing happens to you, or any of the crew, you have my word. You will get through this, we all will get through this."
"Thank you," Deanna exhaled. She straightened her posture and looked up at the old town hall, her eyes glassy, "Will and I will also be requesting today that we are relieved from duty due to our circumstances, for the sake of our child."
Picard nodded, understanding.
"Of course," he agreed, "Let's get in there."
Q trotted to the bakery, a pleased smile spread across his face. His robes fluttered behind him in the cool winds, combining with his 'on cloud 9' attitude to make him seem almost angelic. He smiled at everyone he passed by, showing the world around him how great he was doing.
He walked into the bakery and was greeted by a chipper Quintessa working behind the counter. She had just pulled out a batch of muffins, whole wheat with a jam filling. She had been working on making an even larger selection of foods to feed the town, since bread and bread alone could get tiresome to bake- and eat 24/7.
"Hi!" Quintessa chirped, looking up from her current baking masterpiece. She shot the fellow godly being a goofy look, arching her eyebrows playfully.
"So, where were you last night, hmm?" She quizzed the deity, watching Q's expression turn into one of sheepish embarrassment, "I presume with a certain mon capitaine, am I correct?"
"I'm putting my credits in that pool," Q-uack announced, sitting at one of the tables near the counter. He looked Q up and down, then turned his bill away to face T'Q, who was seated next to him.
"So will I." she elegantly agreed, turning to face Q from a few yards away.
"Go on, spill," Quintessa said, coming out from behind the counter and joining the other Q at the table. She placed a small fancily plated tray of baked goods in the middle, which were not being touched due to the attention being at the smug Q who just walked in like he owned the place (to be fair, he technically had a stake in it).
Q shook his head, giving the other Q a wily smirk.
"You all know me so well," He said, standing over the group. He reached over and grabbed a muffin and bit into it, still eyeing the Q. They looked back at him, curious.
"Come on," Quintessa smiled back, shrugging, "The rumor mill is already starting, I've been hearing things all mornin'."
"Like?" T'Q leaned over to Quintessa, her need for drama betraying her Vulcanian looks.
"Hmm," She huffed, turning to T'Q but still eyeing Q in a haughty fashion, "There has been talk about how loud things were in Picard's quarters," She explained, watching Q for a reaction.
"Maybe it was a party, you all know how Will is," Q replied, mouth still full of muffin.
"Some people have been talking about how Picard's limp is back."
"Maybe he had a rough night sleeping." Q explained, "Or maybe he fell down the stairs."
"Many folks said they saw a certain black-robed figure leave his room."
"We're not the only ones with that apparel." Q shrugged, looking over at all the Q sitting at the table. Even Q-uack was wearing a mini black robe.
Quintessa smirked and narrowed her eyes at Q, sincere as one could get without an evil look.
"Someone even said they heard Picard's knocked up,"
Q spat out his muffin, whipping around to face Quintessa. His robes caught the plate on the table and tossed it aside, leaving the food items scattered on the ground. He faced Quintessa, his face red.
"Or out, with how Q is so clumsy." T'Q mumbled.
T'Q turned to Q, smiling.
"I-" Q was about to go on a long winded rant before a lone blue shirted man walked into the bakery, looking at the counter inquisitively before turning to the Q sitting at the table.
"Captain Picard is what?" he asked, already answering the question all the Q wanted to ask: Did you hear anything we were just discussing?
"The sign says closed," Quintessa piped up, pointing at a sign hanging near the entrance, "Now git."
The spooked Enterprise-D crew member shuffled out of the bakery as fast as his legs could go, his mind probably reeling with the fact that he went in for a bite to eat and left with mental whiplash.
"Great," Q sighed, "That will be a fun one to explain to Jean-Luc," he looked to the Q, then outside, "Oh yeah, sorry about that rumor, the other Q where trying to get me to talk to them about how I had sex with you last night and made up something preposterous to get me to talk." He turned back to Quintessa, cocking his eyebrows up, "Hmm? Is that correct?"
"Yeah, that part about the sex was what we were trying to get," she replied smugly, "Yet now we all have got a mistruth to quell."
"Agreed," T'Q placed her face in her hands, sighing dramatically.
"I know how to fix it," Q-uack sounded off, drawing the attention to himself.
"And how is that, my feathered friend?" Q crossed his arms, peering down at the fowl deity.
"Actually knock him up."
All the Q turned and looked at Q-uack, slack jawed.
"I swear-" Quintessa started laughing.
"Hard pass," Q narrowed his eyes at Q-uack, who began to peck at a piece of bread. Q-uack looked up for a moment, shrugging his wings.
Q rolled his eyes and picked up another muffin, shaking his head.
"I don't know how I put up with you all." he remarked, shooting Quintessa an annoyed look.
"You're fortunate it was us who were stranded with you," T'Q said, taking a sip from a cup sitting near her, "any other Q would have thrown you in some makeshift prison for your chaotic nature."
"Agreed," Quintessa nodded, "We're all still duty oriented, yet we at the least let ourselves partake in a little mischief."
Q looked over the group of Q, thinking about everything they were saying. They were correct. Any other group would have not put up with his chaotic nature, or his infatuation with the Enterprise-D captain.
"Huh." Q huffed melodramatically.
"So, how was your night, since we've at least figured out what you were doing at the captain's residence." T'Q questioned Q, her voice soft and angelic.
"It was good," Q replied, a smile creeping up on his face, "Very good."
T'Q nodded, her hair moving around her face like a sea of snow, "That's good to hear,"
"So are y'all official, or whatnot?" Quintessa asked, genuinely interested in Q's budding relationship with Picard.
"I'm almost sure we are," He responded, taking a bite out of his muffin.
Quintessa's question began to bring back all the strange thoughts the morning gave him, ones of both excitement but worry. He swallowed hard, his mind beginning to become a whirlwind of questions and painful answers.
"Quin?" He asked, clearing his throat.
"Yes hon'?" she turned to him, noticing there was a slight change in the Q's demeanor. His tone changed just slightly, going from one of mischievous delight to one of calm concern.
"What was it like when you were with Sappho?"
Quintessa's cheery attitude suddenly went out of the window as she realized what Q was asking.
"My wife from Earth?"
"Yes, her."
A lump formed in her throat. She brushed her long pink hair out of her eyes, her eyes flashing a look of sorrow.
"It was wonderful, for the time it lasted," she reminisced, "It was back in the Earth days where homosexuality wasn't something that was looked on in a good light, so it was both fun and difficult at the same time," Quintessa blushed, "She was so beautiful, so kind, so artistic. Her poetry would always blow me away,"
"But?"
"She was mortal, I immortal." Quintessa said poetically, her eyes staring off into something in the distance, unseeable by everyone else, "I knew it was going to end, sooner or later."
"Are you asking this because of Picard?" T'Q asked, picking up on Q's change in disposition.
"Yes."
Silence filled the bakery as the four stood there in melancholy.
"I love him, yet I have so much hesitation now that I realize-" Q explained, "I know he's-"
"Q," Quintessa said, somberly, "Dear, I think you already know this, but you need to believe it- You may love Picard, but he's mortal. Finite. Even if you two live together, it's only going to be for a short time." She looked into Q's eyes, trying to show her sincerity. "Your relationship with him is beautiful, but that's not going to change the fact that he's going to die. We may be infinite, but his soul is finite." She shook her head sadly, "And there is nothing you can do about that."
"Love is a wonderful thing, but when it comes to immortal loving a mortal, it has an expiration date." T'Q explained calmly.
"You know I was once in your situation," Quintessa explained, "We married and lived the rest of her life together, but she was finite. She died, and I couldn't do anything. There's nothing you can do to keep a human soul going if it's their time to go." A tear slipped down Quintessa's face, rolling down her cheek, "I tried, Q, I tried. But I took comfort in knowing she lived a good life."
Picard is not Sappho," T'Q said, "He's a decorated captain, whose future is uncertain- yet we all know how it ends." She paused, and looked to Q.
"I know," Q sighed sadly, "He's finite."
"That shouldn't dissuade you from loving him, darlin'," Quintessa said, placing a hand on Q's shoulder, "You can still love him, but we want to make sure that you know what you are bargaining for."
"You've had many romantic mortal partners, but they never lasted long," T'Q remarked, "But this one is different. We can tell he's your 'soulmate' as humans call it." She smiled, "If he were Vulcanian, he'd be your Th'y'La."
Q stood there silently, taking in everything that the two lady Q were saying. His heart ached, pulling him in two directions at once. Both took him though the life of one person, and both ended in death.
But they were right. There was a certainty of an end to this relationship, but it shouldn't keep Q from the person that he loved.
"Take comfort in the now, Q," T'Q said, "Live in the now."
"Anything you wanna say, Q-uack?" Quintessa turned to the duck sitting at the table, still pecking at his food.
"Not much," he shrugged, "I just think you should still kn-"
All three bipedal Q whipped around to Q-uack, cutting him off.
"No."
The light blues and oranges of the world around the town started to darken, filling the environment with beautiful exhaustion. The work day was over, and everyone was starting to head back to their places to rest the night away- or party for the few who still had energy.
Picard found himself exhausted from the day, physically and mentally. A long day of meetings, menial labor that even he couldn't escape, and emotional turmoil had worn away at him, making him want to curl up on the nearest bench and fall fast asleep.
He walked out of the town hall, his legs wanting to collapse with every step he took. He bid Riker and Troi goodnight as they walked out with him, thankful for him getting them maternity and paternity leave even with them all still stuck on this strange planet and needing all hands on deck.
Picard limped in the direction of the bakery, eyeing the closed sign that was placed over the door. He had hoped to pop in before they closed to grab a few goods to quell the gnawing hunger in his belly. He had made the mistake of using his short lunch break to aid in repairs of one of the windows of the town hall, and now he was dealing with the consequences.
After a long walk in the calm quiet of the cool dusk, Picard found himself at the steps of the buildings housing the Q. He had still remembered Q's proposal that morning, hastily scribbled on a scrap of paper.
Picard wondered what he was going to be walking into. Almost all his ponderings led to sex or something along those lines, things that he found himself craving but not having the energy for. He didn't want to disappoint Q, but he was tired.
He stepped into the building, and started up the crumbing clay stairs all the way to the fourth floor. He felt his knees wobble with exhaustion as he almost collapsed at the top of the last flight of stairs, his distinguished nature melting away.
He looked around at the hallways, wishing that he had at least gotten a room number of sorts. He wanted to call out Q's name, but he didn't want to sound desperate. He still had a reputation to uphold.
"Jean-Luc?" a familiar voice announced, sounding cheery and inviting.
Picard looked around and saw a door wide open with a black robed person standing inside, holding a lit candle. Q.
Picard exhaled, and walked over to the open door. Q stood there over him, smiling brightly in the low light.
"I'm so glad you found your way here, mon cheri." He beckoned Picard in, leading him into his well lit quarters. Picard stepped in, letting his eyes adjust to the candle light.
The room was slightly larger, sporting a well made bed and a small dining table. It wasn't much, but it was much better than a cold bench to collapse on.
"How was your day, mon capitaine?" Q asked, wrapping an arm around the tuckered out captain. He placed a kiss on Picard's head then waited for a response.
"It was…" Picard sighed, looking up at Q, "Tiring,"
"Ahh," Q nodded. He felt Picard collapse onto him, his body trembling with exhaustion. Q wrapped his other arm around him, stabilizing the man he held.
"Are you alright?" Q asked, his voice wrought with concern. Picard barely said a word, letting himself completely go limp in Q's hold.
"I'm exhausted," he breathed into Q's chest, feeling his eyelids droop, "I had a lot to do today,"
"I see," Q said, sympathetically. He ran a hand down Picard's back, holding the man to his chest. He held him there, soaking in the moment, just as the other Q had told him. He rubbed Picard's back, letting him know that he was there for him, that it was all going to be okay.
"I have dinner prepared, if that may help," Q offered, slightly pulling away from the weary captain. He nodded over at the small dining table, set with a small selection of varied fruits, vegetables, and baked goods.
Picard looked over his shoulder and eyed the table, impressed by Q's thoughtfulness. It wasn't that Q wasn't thoughtful at all, in fact many things Q did for Picard throughout the time they knew each other were thoughtful, it was just that Picard didn't expect this at all.
But that was probably just him being exhausted.
He let Q lead him to a chair and sit him down, then sat across from him at the table. Picard didn't say a word, he was depleted of energy or thought.
The two men finished their meal, with Picard starting to regain a little energy. He and Q moved away from the table and sat down on the bed, one that felt much more comfortable than Picard's.
Picard felt himself sink into the soft material of the blankets and mattress, letting his body be caressed in warmth and support. He leaned back, letting himself lay flat on the bed next to Q. He was feeling much better, aided by letting his feet up and having a good meal.
"So, what are you up to tonight?" Q asked, leaning over Picard. He heard the older man take in a deep breath and sigh it out in a tired fashion.
"Not much, if I'm to be honest," Picard replied, closing his eyes, "I'm still plenty exhausted from last night."
"Oh," Q enunciated, "I'm sorry about that, I should have provided you with aftercare, or something along that idea."
"It's alright," Picard smiled, "I fell asleep, there wasn't much you could have done,"
"Yes there was," Q shrugged, "There's a lot I could have done."
"Like?"
"Hmm," Q hummed, looking over Picard, "I could have given you a massage, if you like those."
Picard cracked an eye open, still smiling.
"Yes, I do like massages," he sighed, "It's been a while since I've had one."
Q smiled back, and got off the bed. He stood over Picard, looking at the flopped over captain.
"I can remedy that now, if you would like, mon amour." He offered, rolling up the sleeves of his black robes. Picard glanced up and Q, a small flicker of eager light in his eyes.
"Yes, I would like that."
.
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(full smut scene can be found on Archive Of Our Own)