I think we all forget that Bond is the quiet one and Q is the loudmouth. Sure, Bond is so suave and cool and sexy and charismatic- that’s his whole deal- but rarely does he make small talk or chat. Because everything he does is for a goal or super-objective, so the lad really doesn’t do a lot of pointless talking.
Q on the other hand? Oh he natters. He nitpicks. He loves some good rapport. He makes awful jokes and banters and asks waiters their favorite meal. He doesn’t do it with any charisma whatsoever but he likes chatting.
This gives you two wonderful things:
1. Bond and Q grabbing coffee, Q flapping his hands around and explaining some new thing. Maybe the latest book he’s finished, maybe his new project, maybe the newest opera vinyl he’s been playing for them while he cooks spaghetti. Bond watching him with that smarmy little smile that says he’s enamored with the strange guy in front of him and proud to be sat with him. Cocking his head to listen as Q starts in on a new topic. And Q doesn’t worry that he’s talking too much because Bond is taking everything in, adding the occasional helpful observation or little question.
Q’s never felt so valued and Bond’s never felt so comfortable.
On the other hand:
2. Q’s incessant chatter and banter often head to Bond needing to find new ways to get him to stop bickering. These include a soft hand in his hair that suddenly turns to a pull, a lazy finger along the inside of his thigh at the dinner table, a hand squeezing all the way around his wrist with just enough pressure, his tie being straightened–yanked. Little habits that make Q stop in his tracks and reevaluate what he was saying or … decide that he could be doing something else instead of talking.
