"I don't doubt that," Q said dryly. "And I'm not keen to spell out our love affair or sex life for you, so just trust me when I tell you, he's not easily replaced.

It wasn't just love. Bond understood his needs in a way no one ever had. James knew what he needed and when he needed it. Knew how to center him when he started to feel lost. Bond knew that even when he was being mouthy, it wasn't cheek, it was how Q expressed his love. Bond just understood.