#especially once Picard can tell that Q is serious

[yourbuerokrat2]

@pepperchipper

The great thing about using this song is that Picard has probably called Q irresponsible and thinks him to be unrealiable, undependable and more than a bit mad.

'Do my foolish alibies bother you'? With the mariachi scene is funny. Because yes, Q, they do bother Picard.

'I just adore you with that smile and the thrown kisses that were very obviously meant solely for Picard. Meanwhile Picard is not at all impressed.

'Tell me I am impractical' and it's the scene where Q kidnaps Picard in a shuttle somewhere in the middle of space and instead of just telling PIcard why he is doing this he just throws a ball against a wall till Picard gives in.

'Rainbows I am inclined to pursue' not sure if choosing these two scenes were meant to represent that but Q walking directly into a wall he cannot see and then the scene after Picards death afterwards could be seen as Q wanting to spend 'some time' with Picard is the rainbow he is trying to pursue but he is walking against the wall.

the first 'irresponsibly mad for you' followed by a few scenes where Q is clearly invading Picards privacy one way or another is very fitting.

'unpredictable' with a smiling judge!Q is also fitting.

The second 'rainbows I am inclined to pursue' and it's Q smiling and getting into Picards bed followed by Picards reaction to Q pursuing him is funny.

And I just really love the editing at the end.

'It's undeniably true' and it goes to show the way Q smiles at him and the way Q hurriedly stands up to stand in Picards way only for the drawn out 'mad' to show the drawn out 'cleaning service' Q provided for PIcard (even though even PIcard knew that Q did not need to touch him like this if he wanted to clean Picards uniform.) is great. To have 'for' and the bouquet of roses and babybreaths (there is a really long analysis post on here about this basically a confession of eternal love and more fitting to a wedding) is also a nice touch.

The snippets that are together in 'you' is exactly how I picture Picard finding out that Q is mad for him/romantically bsessed with him would go. From the way Picard is still and the face he pulls in that bed scene to Q not being pleased that he is not getting the reaction he wants fromPIcard (maybe even calling Picards silence/discomfort heartless or make a reference to his mechanical heart) and then leaving before Picard can even say anything.

And Picard is just left to stand in his quarters with the knowledge of just what exactly the nature of Qs interest in him is and what it could mean for the future , perhaps not even knowing how to feel about this and what he is going to say to Q the next time they meet.

They will meet again after all, probably sooner than later.

Picard: I always knew that you were mad but that you are mad over me is new to me.

We've finally made it! inspiration provider @ivaavna

[centipede-rain]

Heya bestie, im not rlly into startrek and so i know practically nothing about the characters, so would u be up for telling me about them? :D (only if u want to ofc 💞💞 but u seem to rlly like them so :3)

DJGKLDLCKLWKDF BESTIE THATS SO CUTE!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺💜✨❤️💜💚💚🤍🖤💜✨🥰🥰🥰🥺🥺

Of course I will tell you about them!

The characters I love so much are from a show called „Star Trek, the Next Generation“

You probably mostly see posts about Q and Picard on my dash, and occasionally some about Data, Riker or Barclay.

The whole premise of the show is that it plays in a future where humanity travels space to make new friends and find out cool stuff. One of the star ships to do so is the enterprise, of which Jean-Luc Picard is the Captain.

He is very friendly, respectful and a good diplomat who tries to keep things peaceful and help other civilisations. He adores tea, reading (especially Shakespeare and other older stuff) and acts very stoic, keeping his emotions bottled up. He can be very awkward and shy too, especially with children since he doesn’t know how to deal with them.

Q is an alien which they encountered during their adventures. His race (also called the Q) is all powerful and immortal, so he is kind of a bastard most of the time. He first tried to act as a judge towards all of humanity, trying to decide whether they’re worthy of being allowed to travel space even farther. They saw all the wars on earth and just weren’t convinced. However he quickly becomes more and more interested with humanity and Picard especially, returning to the ship, „testing“ them, annoying them, even asking to be part of the crew. He turns from an antagonist to a general nuisance and a begrudging ally. He loves dressing up in dramatic costumes and garish clothes, and he is a mischievous and arrogant being with a nice side he tries to hide. He isn’t human (actually far beyond human comprehension) but took human form to interact with them.

I ship the two of them because they just have a LOT of chemistry… Q tends to act all high and mighty, trying to impress Picard, always finding new reasons to come back to him, while Picard doesn’t take any of his sh*t. Yet when Q is vulnerable and in need of help he comes to Picard, who despite everything does the best he can to protect him. They are polar opposites with a shared love for discovering new civilizations, and while Q could help Picard to relax and have fun once in a while, Picard could help Q to see the value in things, and to drop his act and be really himself.

Data is a sentient android who is incredibly strong, smart and generally very cool. He can’t feel emotions though, or at least thinks he can’t. He is very curious and helpful and kind and adores humans, wishing he were one. He is also working on the ship. He loves painting and his cat Spot :)

Riker is the first officer. He’s very suave and flirty, loves joking around and playing the trombone (awfully). He can’t stand it sit normally (what an icon) and would do anything for the people he loves. He’s genuinely warm and respectful towards everyone, probably the personification of non toxic masculinity.

Barclay is a anxious genius with some serious problems socialising. He has panic attacks and stutters, which leads to some problems with how others see him, but they talk about it and the others behavior improves, giving him the ability to show off his awesome abilities. He is very sweet and soft, I’m not ashamed to say that he is my poor little meow meow.

So yes, there are others but I like these the most :)))))) I hope I didn’t bore you! Thank you for being so sweet and awesome and supporting 🥺🥺🥺

[impalaanddemons]

Q Vadis

A/N: I have been watching way too much TNG in the last two weeks and was pretty disappointed with the amount of Q fanfic. So. Io and behold. Here we go. I don’t know if I’ll continue this, but this part was a lot of fun to write and I’ll probably do a second part. I’m still getting a hang of the characters, bear with me!

Story: Reader is a Lieutenant on Picards Enterprise - and happens to run into a certain chaotic god-like entity when she just tries to start her shift. She gets a stern lecture and a surprise visit. Local superbeings noticing you admiring their looks might notice.

Words: 2000ish

Q x Reader

You weren’t thinking of anything special that day as you headed over to the bridge - the past few weeks on the Enterprise had been calm and without much action. The crew had visited a planet, collected samples of early plant life, some amazing fungi. No sapient life though, but topped off with long evenings at ten forward. It was nice, a bit boring and absolutely uneventful, which in sum made up for a very happy Captain Picard and therefor a happy crew. You’d take over astronavigation for the next few days, with Ensign Wes being ill and confined to his bed until further notice. Not that there was much to do right now. It was simply duty. Thus was your mind pre-occupied with idle thoughts of nothing in particular, when the turbo lift stopped and opened it’s doors to the bridge for you. “Lieutenant…”, you began to signal your appearance on the bridge but stopped as soon as you took in the scene unfolding before you.

For a moment your thoughts unfolded in an unorderly manner while you tried to assess everything at once:

At first you noticed Captain Picards strained voice. The kind of strain that made people happy to stay far away from his ready room, or the bridge. And usually for good measure - he was the kind of stern, friendly father you never wanted to see really upset. Next you noticed a certain angry excitement that had everyone up on their feet, shuffling around, their faces - as far as you could see them - expressing varying degrees of irritation. And then you noticed, at the center of all that attention, a tall man - at least two heads taller then most of the crew, his hair in short black curls. He wore a captains uniform - all black and red and very very suiting. You felt a smile creep on your face. Cocking your head lightly, it took you a moment to rip yourself from your temporary admiration of the figure before you Maybe I can get a transfer to THAT ship. Snapping back to attention had you noticed a couple of things that had escaped you until now: For one, your captain had stopped talking angrily and had turned around to you. You saluted quickly and wiped that stupid grin from your face pressing your lips into a firm line. Well, so much for being subtle. Huh. “Lieutenant Y/N, reporting back to the bridge, Sir. I didn’t know we had a guest on board. There was no information about another ship.” - “Thats because there is no other ship”, Picard stated matter of factly, “And he is no captain.”

“Oh, mon capitaine”, the tall figure pouted and put his hand in a motion of false hurt on his chest with more unnecessary bravado then you had ever seen. His voice though… His eyes turned from picard to you, a curious glint in his eyes. With a snap of his fingers he vanished and reappeared just centimeters from you - leaning with one arm against the turbo lift door and looming over you, wiggling his eyebrows. “I’m afraid dear Jean-Luc”, there was an exquisite sarcasm as he spoke your captains first name - it was outrageous, really, “is not very fond of me.”. “Leave her alone, Q. She has nothing to do with this.” The person called Q turned half around, without letting go of the door, to face Picard. “See, I’m JUST trying to have a civil conversation. Didn’t you just say I know nothing of your species?” He clicked with his tongue at that and shook his head, a perfect display of disappointment. “Now, my love.”, he continued, turning back to you and producing an excited smile. “Since your dear captain does not wish to see poor moi anymore today, we will discuss…” he paused for a split second, searching your face curiously, “… We will discuss your wonderful entrance later.” and with another snap of his fingers he vanished and where he had been, only the rest of the bridge crew was left. “Lieutenant“, that was your Captains voice and he sounded more stern then usual. „To my ready room, please. Counselor Troi, Commander Riker, please follow me as well. Commander Data, you are in command.“ Oh shit. „Aye, Sir.“

Deannas reassuring smile was what kept you from freaking out. You had nothing done wrong, had you? „Sit down“, Picard said and sat down first, everyone followed him doing so after that. Riker was smirking, but he did that a lot, so nothing to worry about. Yet. „Sir,“ you began, figuring that perhaps a forward attack was your best chance. „Have I.. done something wrong? I didn’t want to interfere, just attend to my du-„ Your captain waved his hand, cutting you short. „You did nothing wrong, Lieutenant. But I felt it was necessary to explain to you the situation at hand.“ Riker and Troi exchanged a look. „Sir?“ you asked looking nonpluzzed. „He calls himself Q.“ Picard began, leaning back. The memory alone stiffened his expression and he folded his hands in front of him. „As far as we know he is an entity that regards itself omnipotent.“ Troi eyed you curiously and then continued in place of the captain: „Our experience with him so far confirms his statement. He seems not … malevolent.“, which garnered her a pointed look from the Captain, „but … chaotic. He seems fond of games and only concerned with his own interests.“ „It is best we have him interfere with us as less as possible.“ finished the Captain, folding his hands front of him. You nodded, still confused as to how that pertained to you. „Sir, I have one question though…“ you began carefully. „How does this relate to .. me?“ Riker chuckled. „He seemed interested in your appearance on the bridge.“ Heat spread over your cheeks and Troi was now grinning alongside Riker. Even Picard had to withhold a smile that tucked visibly at the corner of his mouth - though the expression vanished as fast as it’s shadow had crossed the captains face. „Last time he was particularly interested in Commander Riker. You weren’t on board back then.“ „Ugly business, Lieutenant Y/N“ „Yes“, Picard stretched the word and his eyes looked at you with equal parts stern captain and worried father. „I want to remind you that if he seeks you out, you must remember that he is immensely powerful, chaotic. The purpose of his actions eludes us.“ You nodded, a dim feeling spreading through your chest. „Understood, Captain.“ „If he engages you, you are to tell me immediately. Understood?“ „Aye, Sir. Understood."

Afterwards you were released from the Captains ready room - accompanied by Trois sympathetic smile, as she probably felt exactly how confused you were about what had happened. But there was no more mention of this early Alphas events and you were happy to occupy yourself with the Enterprises telemetric systems. Since Alpha was not your usual shift, end of shift kinda caught you by surprise - though not an unpleasant one - and you went on to have dinner, work out, get an alcohol-free drink at ten forward as well as dessert to your dinner and then head over to your quarters to spent some time alone. Guinan offered some very good drinks, but you felt that you wanted a clear head tonight. Besides, the last few weeks were filled with one party too many. Pulaski had some serious lectures about extended drinking (and drinking games in particular) and Captain Picard would never tolerate the discipline of his crew deteriorating. Sighing and rubbing the bridge of your nose you entered your quarters, door sliding shut behind you. You threw your uniform jacket on the bed and stretched slowly, hands over your head, your joints snapping. „Ew, that’s awful.“ „WHAT THE -„ you yelled and jumped upwards, like a frightened cat, just not as graceful, then hastily turning around to see the foreign captain leaning on the wall next to your door. He pulled a disgusted face. „Really, was that necessary? You should let someone have a  look at those joints, in fact …“ he lifted his right hand, pressing the tip of his thumb and his middle finger at each other. „I could do that for you. As a gift. It’s no problem for me, fixing your archaic biology.“ You stood there - your mouth open and your brain hastily correcting your first thoughts: No, not a captain. Omnipotent. Dangerous. Some sort of god-entity. „No.“ your voice was pressed. „No? I’m starting to feel that my generosity is wasted on your species.“ „I’m sorry“, you answered, your retort more of a puzzled reflex then a heartfelt apology. You managed to collect yourself to answer: „These are my quarters.“ „Well,“ he quipped his eyebrows,“I do hope so. Otherwise we’d be trespassing!“ „Yes. I mean. No. I mean.“ you took a deep breath before you continued. „You’re in my quarters. Why.“ „Ohhhhh“, he stretched the word and pushed himself off of the wall, strolling lazily into your direction. „Yes, that’s right of course, ma chère. Good old Jean-Luc always gets so irritated with my presence.“ he scoffed, rolling his eyes „Seized my ship, psh.“, he mumbled to know one in particular, then returning his beaming smile back to you. „I thought I’d pay you a personal visit. This ship really is home to some fascinating primates“, continued the being and his tall figure stopped right in front of you, locking eyes with you. „Especially with that really interesting entrance back then.“ It was hard not feeling intimidated. You noticed that his eyes were dark with what looked like a hint of gold. Maybe it was the light in your room, maybe it was just a trick of your mind, maybe just your nerves. Your breath caught for a second. He was perhaps an obnoxious omnipotent - dangerous and sly, untrustworthy - but dear god it took all your composure to keep your knees from shaking and your breath steady. „Isn’t there a more interesting species for you to pest.. Q?“ He huffed and lifted a hand. „None that’s as interested in me as you are, archaic little thing.“, he answered and grinned at that. Lifting his hand further he gently touched the bare skin at your shoulder, just an inch over where your uniform ended. At first there was just the touch itself - a soft fingertip on soft skin. Then there was an electric quality to it. Like the soft buzz you felt in the air just before a thunder storm hit. You felt it in the muscle beneath your skin and deeper than that, a tingle that rose goose bumps on your skin and made you shudder involuntarily. „What are you doing?“ you asked, but the question sounded neither as self assured, nor as demanding as you had intended. It was a mere whisper. He leaned even closer before answering:
„Spoiled you for a mortals touch.“

His suddenly sultry voice was a soft purr - gentle and affectionate. But his eyes - his eyes were those of a predator prowling wounded prey, lazily taking one step after another, assured of a prize that offered itself up to him, perhaps without knowing so. His face was so close to your neck and ear now that you could feel heat emanating from his skin, and that heat colored your own cheeks crimson red before you even knew what had happened. There was a burning, tingling sensation where he had touched you just seconds before - stray electrons twitching gently over that small part of bare skin, muscles spasm with anticipation and memory. “Imagine”, he whispered. And then he stepped to the side, to watch you like a piece of art he had just finished and a wolvish, smug grin spread over his face. “Enchaté”, he murmured and with a snap of his fingers, a white flash, he was gone and you were again alone in your room, the silence of the walls pressing down on you. Only then did you remember to breath again and exhaled slowly.

Smallest taglist in the world. I really don’t know who would want to read this. If you wanna be tagged please notify me.

@eufeme @noodledragonoverloard @trashcan-to-end-all-trashcans @reading-in-moonlight

[yourbuerokrat2]

@technicolor-dreamss

I finally got enough energy and time to give this compilation a bigger review.

I really hope that the 80s qcard AU plays in an AU where homophobia was not as rampant as it was historically. Because boy was there the whole problem with the AIDS crisis, homophobia and the Reagan era. Freddy Mercury was only 'found out' in the late 80s and even musicians such as Elton John only dared to come out in the 90s. So yeah, personally hope this is a bit of a more.. whimsical AU. Although Picard is still repressed.

To be fair, I think Picard would also turn red and be awkward if Q got him to dance with him somewhere on the Enterprise especially if it was somewhere semi-public.

The second picture really made me think that for the most time Q probably doesn't really have a 'body'. I mean he is actually from a species that would make the average human mad just by looking at them because they kind of go against the law of physics and common sense since Q did imply that the laws of physics are only a mild inconvenience to him at best. And for him to come to the Enterprise and present himself and his human body of choice with a 'tadaa' is so funny to me. Love the little heart with an exclamation mark and Picard once again not being impressed with godlike entity trying to get with him.

I have no idea who that character in the third picture is but I dig the expression.

Absolutely digging the entire concept (the postures, the way Q holds the bow, the outfit and Picards everything) in the fourth picture. Love the detail of Q slightly blushing. This is both the silliest and slightly romantic version of making someone fall in love with you. Q justifying this to himself by Picard actually liking a Midsummer Night's Dream (although Puck used no arrows but semantics, Q just likes cupid better anyway and with this the one Picard falls in love with is a lot more fail-proof). I can see Picard turning around and saying something along the lines of Q finally having gone completely mad. The thing with cupid arrows is that generally the 'love' these things cause are generally portrayed not to be real love but instant infatuation. Which I can see Q enjoying, with Picard being the one fawning over and being very obviously into Q but it's all very surafce level and shallow and while Q certainly does not mind suddenly having become Number One on PIcards priority list and getting various compliments Q does find something important missing in all of this. Sure, Picard being the one who brings up Qs offer of spendin eternity with him and actually wanting to go away with Q is nice and great but it does not feel right that Captain Picard actualyl seems to forget all of his duties in favour of Q. It's a victory for Q for sure but a hallow one.

I do have a compilation of various Picard hugs on this blog somewhere. Two people who generally do get a Picard hug are Beverly and Riker. I think something liek this could happen some time after TNG with either Q or Picard having an involuntary moment of vulnerability and Q being the one to hug first. And while just a few years ago, Picard would have pushed him away now that Q has saved him a few times and he knows Q as a person more, he is willing to accept and give this bit of comfort. If a bit awkwardly. And Q would honestly be so happy that they have come this far.

Ah yes, the kiss in the highschool AU, that I already saw on Instagramm. Also something I can see happening in TNG where PIcard demands of Picard to tell him what Q wants from him and what all of this is about and Q kisses him but does not get the answer he wants and instead only gets a Picard who does not even want to meet his eyes.

Sketches! Kisses are probably such a hard thing to draw.

'You need serious help, mon capitaine' I think this could be very interesting in an AU/headcanon where Picard is more into men than into women which would bring Qs surprise at Vash being his weakness and the 'I would have arrived as a woman' in another context because Q thought that Picard would be more into him as a man but Picard is denying this part of himself for some reason. I woudl say homophobic parents but I saw one hc about Picard having just a really bad taste in men and that his taste in people evolved into a taste of 'bad boys' in his highschool and Academy years which resulted in him having had even messier relationships with men than with women and therefore just having sworn men and this part of hmself off entirely. Which would be so interesting, frustrating and funny to Q because in a weird way he is exactly Picards type of man and he can tell that Picard is actually quite into him but Picard gets very, very defensive once Q brings that up.

I don't know what this is more fitting to pre-TNG!Q meeting DejaQ!Q and being like 'Am I actually going to become this pathetic` or postTNG!Q meeting DejaQ!Q and being like 'was I actually this pathetic?'

And of course some nice sketches from more TNG crew. I actually do hc that Q is kind of terrified, tries to ignore Deanna because he has been on board naked both literally and empathically so Deanna has felt a variety of Qs emotions, perhaps has figured out a few things about Q as a person tha the does not want others to have figured out.

Shit I never posted 😭 School has started so I’m locking in. Some of it is qcard aus. Guess what the aus are cuz I’m not fucking explaining

[yourbuerokrat2]

The Continuum has just given up on him after he was welcomed back in Deja Q. Although he is not really welcome in the Continuum, instead they just tell him to go the Enterprise which Q actually agrees to do. The people there and especially thei captain are cooler and more entertaining then any of the other Qs anyway.

Picard just ... accepts it. Not that he can really do anything against Q deciding to treat the Enterprise and Picards quarters like his home anyway. And Q is not really much of a threat most of the time. And hey, they seem to have a regular meet up time which might work for Picard because at least he knows when and where to expect Q. At least when Q feels like it.

I love the nice touch of having Q outside of the panel to show him as the disembodied voice Picard hears while having the lipstick as a similar color as can be seen on the sugar jar.

At one point once everyone got used to Q, they no longer think that Picard has gone crazy when he says that he is talking to Q when he actually semems to be talking to himself from time to time.

Love the guy saluting their captain all serious even though they hear their captain tell no one in particular not to arrive as a sugar jar.

beautiful au where there's no q war and q just keeps randomly appearing in enterprise's adventures he basically lives there and does this every tuesday (he's a disembodied voice in picard's head sometimes)

[yourbuerokrat2]

@cchipollo

This is such an interesting AU since Q would make such a chaotic starfleet Captain yet also brilliant in his own rights. I think the Trial would be very interesting since Q here would maybe see the Trial as a great challenge and maybe even 'fun' especially since he gets to be with Picard and Picard is frustrated since this mortal is clearly not taking this as serious as he should.

Now, the first picture is interesting because Picard here does feel jealousy. But Picards jealousy either as a human or as Q would be such a subtle thing. Q is definitly offering Picard a threesome with Vash who is also on board with this.

Human!Q is already quite into Picard while Picard lives in denial at this point, considering they are dating in the last picture. Q has . nothing to lose here. He is in love/attracted to a godlike being and the godike being in question is not smting him for flirting with them. So, clearly he has a chance.

Maybe Q can even tell that the interest is not entirely onesided. But I can totally see Q!Picard having a list of reasons for why giving into this humans flirtations is a bad idea. For once, he is the Judge of Humanity and Q is the Representative so even if the Continuum does not really care, Picard would see it as a bit problemtatic due to the power imbalance, then there is the general difference between them in powers.

Deja Q in this AU is also interesting because the Continuum would kick Q!Picard out for a whole other reason than they did Q. Maybe because Picard goes too easy on other species and has repeatedly gone against Continuum orders simply because by his own moral code what they wanted him to do was wrong. Which would bring in the question as to what Picard would have had to do to becoma a Q again since self-sacrifice would be something the Continuum woudl have expected from him.

Picard would have the opposite problem on Qs ship than Q had on his. Partly because Picard as a Q at least somewhat respected the crew, a bit cold and arrogant but he is not the kind of Q that considers playing with mortals appropriate behavior for a highly evolved being. In tis Deja Q Au Picard would also not be put on the Brig with Captain Q maybe even offering to become roomates. Picard would also offer to make himself useful and assist the crew. Sil having problems with being turned into a mortal and having trouble adjusting and being a team player but it would be a bit easier on him than it was with Q mainly because the Enterprise crew is not all that hostile towards him. Considering the attraction/feelings are not all that onesided (last picture) I doubt that was how it went but I think it would be hilarious if turnedhuman!Picard actually wants to 'start over' and work for Starfleet/the Federation as a whole and does not want to spend the rest of his life on this ship with Q. Picard actually considers being thrown naked and utterly defenseless on the Enterprise as part of his punishment. And while Picard in Deja Q insisted for Q to leave, human!Q insists on Picard staying. Picard wants to be useful to humanity/starfleet/the Federation and how could he be more useful than by working on the flag ship. Besides, Q really has quite the need for Picard. Professionally. But also privatly. In case Picard finds himself changing his mind about a few things. The offer of sharing the captains quarters is still open. Just saying.

Picard gets back into the Continuum after nearly begging and promising that he is going to take the Continuums wishes more seriously from now because even if he may be feeling things for Captain Q that he really shouldn't in his opinion he is not okay with the thought of spending literally the rest of his life on Qs ship.

Q is lucky that Picard actually really ends up appreciating a long V-neck and revealing clothes even once he gets back his powers.

Honestly though, Q liking Shakespeare is canon to me although the nature of his appreciation for his dramas and comedies is different from Picards.

Nevertheless as far as I remember Romeo and Juliette kiss twice in that last act. Romeo kisses her before he kills himself and Juliette kisses him before she kills herself.

Q: Oh it is quite romantic for humans. Now, Johnny. How about we continue this? I know that you know the lines.

Picard:.. this is just an excuse for you to use my powers so you can have a starring role in a shakespeare play while also seeing me in a dress, proclaiming my none-existent literally suicidal love for you, and to play marry me and for us to kiss, isn't it?

You know what else would be hilarious? If the Q Continuum would actually want to turn Q into a Q. Partly because here they also want Picard to be distracted because even though after his run-in with mortality he has gotten better/less bothersome he still spoils the fun of other Qs every now and again if he thinks what they are doing is wrong. And Picard always manages to bring up the Continuum laws and he is frustratingly good at debating about them. So, turning this Q fellow into Q would not only provide entertainment but also force Picard to take care of any mess this new Q is going to cause.

And while canon Picard would not want to become a Q, I can see human!Q actually enjoying the thought of that much power and freedom and to be able to play with Picard on a more equal level. Q!Picard is not all that onboard on making Q a Q because while against his better judgement he has gotten attached to this mortal he can see that Q would make for quite the chaos causing trickster if given that power.

been talking to @technicolor-dreamss about a qcard swap au where q's captain and picard's a q. ive uploaded this like two or three times please tumblr let this go through. im begging.

[yourbuerokrat2]

Okay, but you have really put so much thought into this and I do find this a very interesting subject as well. So.. life reaction:

Yeah, Qs condescension is a bit of a problem in their relationship because honestly? Q does not reall make Picard like Q holds any respect for him or for Humanity as a whole even if Picard at one point is willing to admit that Q may like him. But I also can sort of see why Q would be like this. I mean, he really is a near-omnipotent, robably billion of years old being who lives a couple dimensions and evolutionary steps ahead of Picard. I mean you would have problems taking the life experience and words from a sentient hamster or even ant very serious now would you? Then again, Q does not even bother to hide it most of the time, even or especially with his last TNG appearance as the Judge. But Picard is also so used for Q to 'look down' on him (and Data did not help with that comment) that even though I do think that the way Q smiled at him in that last court scene and the way he said 'I knew you could do it even if the others did not' was completely sincere, even gestures like this would leave a bit of a bitter aftertaste in Picards mouth.

Qs overall chances would improve at least a little bit if he were to openly tell Picard that he did not consider Picard a toy nor a pet and while e does not realy consider Picard his equal he wants them to become just that. I do think that Picard would be a bit more open and more omfortable with Q after that. But that would requite a bit of openness and even vulnerability that Q would not like to show.

Picard would not like for Q to openly voice his frustrations with him about how Picard is not simply letting Q guide his major life decisions like he should.

Yeah, I do think that these are also reasons he sticks with humans and likes to play with humans/the Enterprise crew and even other Starfleet crews in general. He probably expected some cowering, begging, etc. when he first arrived on the scene but he never really got that. Except for that 'I need you' but that was a life-or-death situation Q deliberatly put them in to teach Picard a lesson.

Regarding the human!Q vs. Q!Picarrd I would like to add that even though it is completely unlikely for Picard to ever agree willingly to become anything other than human (except if it's in a situation where him becoming a Q would somehow be the only thing that could save a huge number of people or that was really shown to him would be better for the Greater Good but to him it would always be a huge sacrifice he did for the general public and not even for Q alone) their relationship would be healthier with a Q!Picard on quite some levels.

For once human!Q would be miserable, Q!Picard to a certain extent as well but Picard would still ahve something. I can still see Picard isiting the Enterprise, though he would not be allowed to interfere a lot, he would visit Data and Guinan and maybe even Sarek and other people with long life spans and then there would be Amanda and I can even see him getting along with that other Q from Deja Q considering they don't approve of the way Q treated those they had planned to make First Contact with (and wouldn't that just bother Q a bit? He finally has him and still has to share him with so many others?).

Human!Q has already made it very clear in Deja Q that he did not care to become a team player or really integrate himself with the crew or humanity as a whole but that his first proprity is to make himself indespensable to Picard. Which could lead to a disastrousl unhealthy relationship as you have already made clear with the way Picard is.

There would be a huge conflict about Q, even though Q literally gave up everything for Picard to the point where Picard is the only thing he has left, not being Picards priority. Because Picards priority would always be the Enterprise, the crew, then his missions, then Starfleet, the Federation, his duties etc. It's something any romantic partner of a Starfleet partner would have to deal with but especially so with Picard. Although I can see Picard, before Q makes the decision, saying as much to Q. But Q either thinks tat this will change or that he won't be bothered by that.

Q would be bothered by it.

Because another difference in Q!Picard and human!Q is that Picard would, even though his overall opinion of the Continuum is pretty low I do think that the Qs have actual reasons for the self-assigned jobs they have aside from boredom (call me crazy) and that a lot or at least some of the stuff the Qs do serve 'A Bigger Picture' and Picard is someone who can be a bit amoral in the name of the Prime Directive as I recall that one episode with a colony and Worf human brother. I think Q!Picard would eventually een become a better Q than Q even though Picard would try to help 'lesser beings' perhaps a bit too much in the Continuums eyes.

Q on the other hand does not like labor of any kind, especially since the kind of jobs he would be given due to his lack of actual experience would not be things that he would find satisfying nor challenging. Making the dependence he has on Picard even worse, especially since Picard would want or expect Q to be Q, personality wise, every time he gets back to his quarters and, as you said, there would be a bit of a conflict if Q was becoming less than easy to deal with.

But there would be a chain between them with Q as a human that would make Picard getting interested in anyone else or even losing interest in Q because Q is no longer the independent and free challenge that he was before so difficult. A chain made out of the words of 'I gave up everything for you. You can't leave me'.

Their only hope is that maybe during one rather strong argument Picards conceeds at least a little bit and says that they will have to see Deanna (and he does trust Deanna. Deanna was the one he told that he 'saw'/wished he saw that one more light during his torture so I can defiinitly even see him talking with Deanna about his other relationships).

Deanna would be the one to bring up the unhealthiness of their relationship and it would be difficult. For once it would be difficult in any scenario with a darker Jean-Luc Picard (at least when it comes to Q) even with Q being still a Q for both of them to come to the point of Picard being the one in the wrong because both Q and Picard are aware that the more 'moral' and 'good' person between them is Picard. For twice I can not see Q taking even the suggestion of a break-up very well. Not as a Q and especially not now as a human who is about to lose the only person he has left, the person for whom he has given up immortality and omnipotence).

The worst thing that could happen in such a case is them not going to Deanna and Picard simply breaks up with Q in a heat of a moment after one argument too much. Maybe even telling Q that it would be for the best if Q were to leave the Enterprise (where else is Q supposed to go?)

Q then gaining omnipotence and being greeted back into the Continuum with a 'we told you so' would be.. terrible. Because I do think that partly for the drama and partly because the Continuum would think that Picard deserves it, the Continuum would just sit back and tell Q to 'go wild' and do whatever he wants with 'his human' and his little space ship.

And Q, hurt, still not at all recovered from the dependence he had felt towards Picard (having and still deluding himself that the feeling of dependence was just incredibly strong attachment and love after all there are so many human poems and songs about not being able to breath or live without the other person), desperate and very angry (how dare Jean-Luc? After everything Q did for him? How dare Jean-Luc Picard try to throw him away?) would make Picard pay or at least he would try to make Picard 'see reason' and bring the Enterprise in such a situation that Picard ends up begging Q to take him back.

Human!Q v. Q!Picard discussion

Ok, so I finally watched Helluva Boss season 2, and I already had a comparison post about Stolitz/Qcard last year.

After episode 11 and 12 I got some ideas on how Qcard relationship would work between two absolutely different species.

Picard

Picard's main problem is Q’s omnipotence and high stance in the galaxy level, which obviously does not sit right with him in relation to their equality. Q has constantly overruled Picard's decisions due to his "knowledge" and "experience," and if Q does not see it as a problem, Picard cannot be in a relationship where his own opinion and experience are undermined only because he is a human. Also, i feel like he kinda considers Q's involvement as cheating the system.

Q

Q's main problem is Picard's limitation: in his lifespan, in experience, in thinking and open minding. Q simply can not understand why this human is so stubborn and does not let Q guide his Capitan in the right direction since he already knows the proper way.

Obviously, these two are hard to to see on a long-term run despite their other matches such as Picard's desire for an adventure partner who is ready to go anywhere he goes and Q's desire to be with someone who does not see him as a God to obey to and rather a some nuisance instead.

I do think Q is tired of the conatant treatment of being the highest creature, so being treated with some sort of disrespect and ignorance like Picard does to him, makes him feel real and alive as it keeps him entertained enough, and that's why he will never be bored of Jean-Luc, because no matter what, the Capitan will never be soft and obedient toy in his hands, his mind, will to explore and love for life are what keeps Q amused and excited.

Im not even bringing the Q Continuum. Obviously, Q feels rather like a black sheep around them, so it's logical for him to look for a companionship somewhere else.

But taking into consideration what if one of them change? Who is it likely to be?

I think it's Q.

Being mortal is terrifying but does it worth it?

Look, Picard rather die thousands times than become something else than human. And it's not only because he is afraid of spend enternity with Q, but rather, being even not the most religious man, he still wants to end up in places where all humans go. Exploration of the universe means nothing for him without his crew, family and friends.

I also think he hopes to see Robert and Rene once again and that's why Q is not in his afterlife plans.

He could see himself spending some time with Q while he still alive, even fantasizing about all the possible adventures they could go into, but death? No no, he wants to reunite with his family and friends and maybe then go for even further parts of the universe.

Also, he isn't a fan of the way Q work, he finds them rather spoiled and ignorant and way too overpowered. Entitled even. There is no way he will ever become one of them, unless it is a sacrifice for the best (then he can pretend that he did not have a choice), as his biggest fear is to become someone else (e.g. borg) but human.

That leaves us with Q, going down to his level.

Yes, Q was terrified in Deja Q of becoming the vulnerable mortal, no powers and no ways to cheat. For a being like him it was as if human became a worm, too hard to comprehend.

But out of all he came to Jean-Luc, person of trust and love. He basically said to his siblings that do with me what you want as long as Picard is near by.

I feel like that if Q would be kept as human for longer, the only reason for him not going crazy and really trying to become a decent human being is Picard's approval.

Here comes my #dark!Jean-Luc arch. Jean-Luc is a man of many qualities but we also see him as pretty selfish partner. He isn't compromising in his love life, his job is always a priority so his partner has to be on the same side. So he is looking for easy and not demanding person ( yeah you think Q is far away from being not demanding but hear me out) to be with.

Q is a temptation, but he only ever goes for him only if Q becomes a human. That's basically it. He wants q as he is, adventurous, mouthy, filthy, cocky spoiled brat but as long as he is on the same level with Picard.

He can make Q his lover or even a partner as long as Q is not a threat, as long as he is made of blood and flesh.

You see, Picard is man of pride, but he cannot overcome his own insecurities when it comes to his decisions.

He needs to know that Q is not going to be always right or give him a cheat code to any issue. He wants it to be real on his own terms.

Q is not comfortable for him as Q. But as human...he will definitely give it a shot.

And there where I see Q giving in. It does not matter how depressed he can be from becoming a mortal, once Jean-Luc shows an interest in HIM he will do anything to keep it going. If that means forget his Q identity, he will as he is too desperate for Jean-Luc's love and affection.

I even can see that if there going to be a choice, between him getting back into Q Continuum but forgetting about Picard and him staying as human and being with Picard he will choose Jean-Luc.

And it would be a sick win win since Jean-Luc would be delusional and he would take it as Q being truly genuine and wanting to be a human like him is a true desire since "obviously" being human is not that bad for a billion years cosmic entity, right?

But for Q it's a way to tell his family to fuck off, you see he loves me, he wants me, I can be without you as I was right, mon Capitan truly desires only me, which is also delusional but in so different manner.

Both of them are getting what they want but being in denial of the truth. They both lie to themselves and to each other but nothing of it probably will even come out as they are too far into this game.

Conclusion

Jean-Luc being a narcissistic manipulative asshole towards Human!Q and Human!Q being a complete mess but with his Capitan.

Continuum would leave these two alone, they wanna see how it ends and when Q will open up his eyes.

Cuz if Jean-Luc ever decides to break up with Q and Q gave up his powers to be with this man... Boy of boy. What can happen. Even being mad at Q for his choice and words, Continuum will return Q his powers just to see how it will play out for Picard and his ignorance.

[yourbuerokrat2]

This dialogue is actually quite interesting, because is known to already have made peace with his own mortality and his inevitable death upsetting Q more than him would be interesting. On the ohter side, this conversation would also work as a pre-Tapestry conversation, if Q had actually been fully serious about making Picard spend eternity with him after he has left his 'mortal coil'. As a sort of loophole (he is going to die but I get his soul). Only t be confronted by a Picard who does not really want to spend that much time with him (yet as Q would tell himself) and so he simply gives Picard another chance.

Another loophole would be making Picard a Q. That Picard would make an, in the eye of the Continuum, better Q than Q would probably not even controversial. He has proven himself in two trials, already has a reputation as a great diplomat, can be quite rational about though decisions and they wouldn't have to deal with any tantrums from Q any more and any chaos Q could cause would be fixed by Picard.

The problem with both loopholes would be Picard himself. Picard, who even if Qs feelings were reciprocated at a later point would not really be all on board of living eternally. It's quite a long time. On wether Picard would willingly trade his humanity for becoming a Q or not is also another debate, since I don't think Picard would want to be stuck with the Continuum for all eternity. Especially once he sees the ffects living for an incredibly long time can have on a person, even a god.

Q: "I can't stand this!"

Q5: "Oh shush it Q."

Q: "I won't! I don't like this one bit!"

Q5: "Oh, what's the point of your tantrum?"

Q: "Why he have to die? Why he have to live such a short life. Be being that will pass in blink of an eye. I can't stand this! It's unacceptable!

Q5: "That, will pass, as all things did. As all things must. All things."

Q: "I won't accept that."

Q5: "That's not something to accept or not, that's how things are."

Q: "Then I'll made them different."

Q5: "You can try but it's pointless. All things will come to pass, not us but the mortals will. They always do. And your... What they called them? Feelings, will too."

Q: "They won't! He won't! I'll not allow this to happen. I promise him eternity and I'll make it happen."

Q5: "You can try. But it's all pointless. And you, my little brother, are hopeless."

[yourbuerokrat2]

The perspective from the crew and Guinan:

Some of the crew, trying to talk to their captain about it, only to get mixed messages from him.

One of the earlier confrontations was particularly strange. It got to where their captain got defensive and when they tried to remind him how sudden his feelings for Q came, he told them that sometimes love was like this. Unpredictable.

But when they tried to talk sense into their captain by telling him how strange all of this was and that they don’t like the way Q looks at him, he only nearly shouts at them ‘Don’t you think I don’t know that.’

But before they can get through to him, Q arrives and talks about having their date earlier and that he knows just the right place and the captain is gone for a while.

Some try to contact Command to see if they can do something, but a few Higher ups get a not so friendly visit from Q and suddenly their relationship is allowed and even more than approved of.

The crew gets increasingly frustrated, especially since Picard is still Picard. There is just this strange love and how he reacts to Q that rubs everyone the wrong way especially the way Q behaves around him and the crew.

Q and Guinan have had two confrontations about it.

During the first one they both got rather angry. Guinan telling him that she always knew that he could go low but never this low and trying to defend her friend telling Q to get himself another toy and leave a man who has gone through enough already alone.

Q on the other side tells her that he has finally gotten what he has wanted for so long and he will not let it be ruined or taken away by anyone.

Guinan tries to get the more decent members of the Continuum to do something, but they tell her that they can’t do anything about it since Q has been more than dutiful in exchange for the Continuum turning a blind eye. And that ever since Qs and Picards ‘relationship’ Q has caused not much trouble outside of it.

So even though the Continuum agrees that this was a rather unfortunate predicament for the mortal it is seen as a sascrifice for the Greater Good and for more peace throughout the universe.

The second and last confrontation between Guinan and Q is after Q comes to to brag to her that Picard said ‘yes’ to spending eternity with him.

There is however, as Guinan notes, something different about Q this time. He is not angry at her anymore.

Instead he seems… genuinly happy.

Guinan reminds Q that if Q didn’t do what he had done to Picard than he would have never said ‘yes’.

The response Guinan gets makes her feel like her blood turned into ice.

Q has no idea what she is talking about. And as shocked as she is, she can tell that he is serious.

‘You made yourself forget. You became so obsessed with this ‘perfect’ picture of your relationship and him that you just couldn’t bear the reality that it is all fabricated anymore. And so you made yourself forget.’

She wants to go on. Wants to remind him of the reality of everything he has done. To remind him that Picards feelings for him aren’t real and never will be.

But Q seems to have taken away her ability to speak.

He tells her that it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter what he made himself forget, because this is the happiest he has been since he can remember.

And Picard is, despite what she may think, happy with him. Q is making sure of it.

She lets him know through her mimic and the way she stares at him, that she thinks him to have finally lost the last bits of his mind.

He ignores her and goes on, more talking to himself than to her. About how things are and how they will be.

That Picard is never going to die and all the things they will do and even after they have done and seen everything imagineable Q still wouldn’t have to feel the burden  of eternity anymore because they would have each other.

Especially once Q made Picard a Q as well.

No, Q interrupts himself, he won’t.

Somehow, Q thinks out loud, the thought of making Picard a Q feels wrong. Not that he thinks Picard would ever leave him, Q goes on, after all ‘mon armour’ has told him that he loved Q.

(The conversation went a little bit different for Picard than for Q

They were on one of their Dates recently and Picard could tell that something was off with Q. The way Q seemed to stare out at the stars, holding his hand in a grip that even his feelings towards Q couldn’t make him ignore that it started to hurt.

“Do you love me, Jean-Luc?”

Picard wants to both laugh and yell at Q in response.

What he does instead is answer “Of course.”

Q turns to him with an unreadable expression.

“Then say it.”

He really doesn’t want to. Everything about this feels more wrong than usual. As if he is signing some kind of contact he is unable to fully read just yet.

When he looks at Qs unreadable and hopeful(?) expression he knows that this time is very different from all the other times Q asked affection from him.

Because he can see, that this time it’s honest.  As if Q doesn’t know the answer.

As if he doesn’t know that Picard loved him (despite him not having a choice about it).

And as Picard opens his mouth, he wants to say ‘no’. He wants to tell Q, that he never really did and that he wants to end this relationship. That he wants Q to leave and never come back.

But he can’t.

Because that would be a lie. And somehow despite knowing deep down what he should say, he can’t bring himself to tell Q this lie. Not when the longer Q is wainting for the answer, the more hopeless and even sad and hurt his expression gets.

So, despite the chaos going on in his head, he can’t bring himself to be the one to hurt Q with a lie.

“I love you.”

His heart stands still, as Qs face and everything around them lights up in an instant.

“I love you, too.”

And as Q hugs him as if he never intents to let him go Picard is feeling both happy about Q loving him back and dreadful as the reality of his only way out of whatever this is was gone.)

Instead of trying to find out, just why the thought of making Picard a Q feels so wrong, Q simply shrugs. After all, whatever Picard wants Q will give him anyway. Q will lay the universe at Picards feet so what does he himself need to be a Q for anyway?

Thinking about giving Picard the universe, Q says that it was a waste coming here.

After all, instead of bragging to her, his old nemesis, he should be celebrating the rest of their eternity together with Picard.

Without another word to her, too caught up in his world, he leaves.

And Guinan can’t help but feel sick at the thought of her friends seemingly inevitable future.

Something your recent idea has made me think about: I am fascinated by the idea of love, trust and craving of affection coexisting with doubt, or possibly even knowledge that something is wrong, that the feelings aren’t really “yours”. Because while that knowledge is there and disturbing, the affection and “trust” is just as strong as before, so you just don’t make a love to oppose it. You don’t even have a reason like “I know the person only wants the best for me”, no. You just don’t have the ability to turn against this person, despite the knowledge that you should and would want to if you could want. But you can’t. Because this person has taken that ability from you and you know it. Yet you physically CANT feel upset about it. Maybe logically you know you do to some extent, but emotionally and instinctively you just cant. Now this definitely doesn’t fit the last Au, since Q there is still kind of respectful of such boundaries and plagued by guilt, but I feel like this would definitely fit a darker QCard interpretation.

Btw I’m sick right now, so my apologies if this is utterly incomprehensible

First of, I wish you well and hope it's nothing serious.

Ok, but this would fit a darker form of the dark prompt perfectly, where there was no attraction and no love or crush on Q in the firsts place and it was all just a fabrication/something made by Q.

And this would take a bit of a darker interpretation of Qs feelings for Picard as well since it is way less about caring for Picard as a person and doing what he thinks is best for both of them (since Picard in the first scenario did have feelings/attraction for Q and Q only made them stronger so Picard wouldn't be able to ignore them any longer) and way more about having him and Qs own happiness.

An interpretation where this could work would be in a verse, where Deja Q never happened and due to the jealousy about Picard flirting and being with Vash Q realizes his own feelings and what exactly he wants from Picard.

It would be strange at first, since I don't really think Q would be willing to see that he the great, perfect Q would fall for someone other than himself let alone a lower being.

But when Picard rejected him during Q Who, Q was angry at realizing that not only was his pride hurt but also his feelings.

He tried to ignore what exactly this could mean and instead distracted himself by enjoying 'the show'.

It's only when Picard tells him, that he needs him, that another feeling makes itself known. He really enjoyed hearing it. Sure, it was not entirely unprovoked that Picard said it, but somehow the thought of Jean-Luc Picard needing him made Q feel.. fulfilled in a way he didn't know before.

He goes away, trying to tell himself, that he has forced millions of others to say similar things to help them out, but he knows that nothing compared to this.

He floats around the universe and catches himself fantasizing about all the things that could have happened in the Shuttle Craft.

From time to time, he just stands outside and sometimes inside the Enterprise and watches Picard.

It should be boring. And, really, Q has so much better things to watch a starship captain go about his day.

So why does he feel a part of himself want to reach out? To just snap and let his newfound fascination know that he is there?

Why does it become harder and harder for him to leave someone, who doesn't even know he is there?

But it is when he spies once again on Picard (Q really has no excuse aside from his own obsession, but he still tries to justify it to a bored and amused Continuum that really didn't ask him about his whereabout and doings that it was all for the Trial) and sees Vash.

Once again, as he finds out, on the Enterprise. An old fling of Picard during his last vacation on Risa.

And a horrible (wonderful) realization hits Q as he watches previous interactions between Vash and Picard.

He wants to be in Vashs place. Q wants to be the one openly flirting with Picard and have him reciprocate.

Q wants to be the one able to kiss Picard. (A really strange thought, since to Q any bodily affection between organics was generally regarded by him as disgusting.)

And why shouldn't he?

After all, he could offer Picard so much more than whatever this woman could even dream of.

Coming to this conclusion, Q enters Picards office bringing him his offer.

Q thinks the comparison between himself and Picards more inferior options like Beverly Crusher and Vash would help his case.

Picard reaction is less than pleasant and if any other being human or otherwise would have dared to say what Picard said to him after Q reminded Picard that in the end Picard needs him, they would no longer exist.

But Q is not really angry, as he disappears as a reaction to Picard answer without a flash. He is hurt. Incredibly hurt.

And for once after a long, long time he feels worthless, simply because a simple, small, unimportant human seems to regard him as such.

Q grows angry with himself, for aeons he hasn't so much as cared about the other Qs and the universes opinion of him and a few words of a human are bringing him to this state where he is questioning himself?

He grows even more frustrated when he catches himself internally whining about Picard not wanting to have him when Q would do and give everything for him.

How dare Picard not want him?

How dare the universe show him something that would finally make him feel complete?

How dare the powers that be inflict such a want and obsession on him and make the object of it feel nothing for him return?

But, and here Q reassures himself, he is a Q. The Q. Since when has he ever cared about what the universe or 'the powers that be' thought and wanted?

The universe was his plaything and he could make it Picards plaything as well.

All that he would have to do is help his good captain realize the errors of his crude rejection.

An internal debate of which Q cared nothing about occured in the Continuum this precise moment as the other Qs realized just what Q was planning to do.

The faction that has grown weary of their own duties and what should and shouldn't be done won.

They hoped, that Qs obsession would prove to be at least mildly entertaining.

The want to make Picard fall head over heels for him was there. 

But no, Picard is an intelligent man. The perfect human and Qs perfect partner. He would be able to see the truth and be able to overcome his own feelings if it were done so suddenly after his rejection.

So Q decided to play the long game.

First, make Picard forget the horrible confrontation and especially Qs insistence that his life would be so much better if he chose Q.

Change it towards an offer of taking Picard to an ancient civilization.

Then, plant a bit of an attraction. Make Picards heart skip a bit as he addressed him from horse as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Plant the question of how it could have been had he gone with Q just as Q and Vash left in his mind.

A few weeks later a dream of which he lets Picard wake up only to remember the pleasant things.

Q showed up again a few days later, telling him that Vash only used him to get to the riches and sell them later. He reassures Picard that Vash is doing fine and he once again lets Picard feel attraction towards him as he gets closer.

When Q appears the next time he hangs over Picards table and comes close enough that they can nearly kiss.

He gives Picard the want to just move forward and kiss him and for a short second Picard almost does till his human catches himself.

Q just smiles this time, knowing that in the end he would win anyway.

But Q is growing impatient with each person he so much as thinks is flirting with his captain and he ends up cutting the game short.

When the Enterprise next faces a great danger that seems impossible to escape (something which Q is mainly at fault for but none of them especially Picard need to know that little detail) Q makes a point to make a great entrance and save them.

It's a bit of a show meant to distract Picard from Q erasing all doubts he ever had about Q.

And when after that Q leaves only to later come back when Picard makes himself ready for bed, Picard asks him why he has done it.

As an answer, Q kisses him and in that moment he makes sure to make Picard fall in love with him.

----------------------------------------------------

When Picard wakes up the next morning only to remember that Q disappeared after their kiss, Picard finds himself actually missing Q.

But that couldn't be right could it?

The question of wether Q made him feel this way came up only to be shortly discarded afterwards.

Q would never do this. He has no justification why he thinks Q would never do this, but he is still (partly) confident in this.

When he is on the Bridge the memory of the kiss and his own feelings during and after it still haunt him.

Deanna asks him for a private talk afterwards and he can feel it on the tip of his tongue to say 'yes', but he ends up rejecting her offer.

He enters his office later only to discover it and all his rooms empty.

Picard is not sure why he is disappointed.

A part of him wants to tell Q to come back and explain himself. Another part just wants to ask Q to come back.

But (thankfully) his pride is too big for either of these things and he thinks that if Q decides to come than he will come.

---------------------------------------------

Q meanwhile is outside of the Enterprise. 

Waiting.

Something rather foreign to him, he has to admit.

But he feels it is worth it this time.

He wants Picard to tell him to come.

He wants Picard to invite him in.

And he knows that Picard will.

When the third and the fourth day come and even though he knows that he made Picard fall in love and he knows that he made Picard miss him, Picard still doesn't call for him Q doesn't know how to feel.

On one hand, he is frustrated. After all, here he is the great, unfathomable Q. Standing outside a space ship like dog waiting for its master to call him.

On the other hand, he feels it is another sign that in the end Picard is the perfect partner for him. After all, Q recognizes the pride and stubbornness in himself as well.

So, in the end Q decided that he was willing to once again be the first one to initate the next step into their relationship.

--------------------------------------

When Q comes back after a long, tiring mission, Picard can't help himself but actually give him a half-smile as he enters his office only for Q to sit in his chair.

Q stands up, greets him and once again kisses him.

A part of Picard, that quickly gets silenced, wants to push Q away and yell at him. Demand of him to stop whatever he is doing to Picard and leave.

Instead, Picard reciprocates the kiss and lets Q put his arms around him.

He smiles up at Q (why is he smiling? and at Q out of all people?) and puts his arms around his (Q is not his. He does not want Q to be his) godlike being.

"Took you long enough.", Picard says.

"Oh you know, mon capitaine, I just can't stay away from you for long."

And just as Picard is pleased to hear there also is an underlying feeling of dread.

Like something is very, very wrong here, but he just can't say what.

And even though during their later meetings, Q seems to treat him like the best thing that has ever happened to him, the feeling stays.

When Q takes him (without really asking him) to other planets, sights no human has and will ever see, he is amazed but under all the fascination and the warmth he feels as Q pulls him close there is a buried anger and a fear that this time Q will not bring him back to the Enterprise.

That Q will take this choice away from him as well.

It is a strange thought to Picard however, as he sitting on top of a hill watching a comet shower made just for him all the while Q holds him in a warm (possessive. too tight. there is nothing warm about any of this) hold.

And as years later, when he reaches out to kiss Q as an answer to the entities question (demand) if Picard would like to spend eternity with him, a silent part of him screams.