AN: This fic takes place a week after my other fic The Hutchinson Affair which can be found on my profile page. I would read the Hutchinson Affair first to understand some points in this fic. :D I will he uploading a prequel in due course, along with part three.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to their respective owners. I own nothing sadly.

Think that is everything my dears. Hope you enjoy.

It had been exactly one week since she and James had started their friendship, and she had to admit that she couldn't remember ever being as happy than when she spent time in his presence. He was gradually helping her through the loss of Alfred, being there when she needed someone to come and talk to, or confide in. She still missed him, but it was gradually becoming more bearable with each passing day. They were still no closer to finding out who was responsible for Alfred's death or the death of the three victims prior, the first being an MI6 agent.

M watched Bond from her desk noting how restless and irritable he was at sitting around doing nothing. She knew he was as frustrated as she was about this full case, he needed to be out there rather than stare out the window of her office daily, but the personal part of her didn't want him to go should they get any leads. Rising from her chair, she walked towards him, causing him to turn and look at her when he no doubt felt her presence. She stood next to him and looked out to the London skyline, watching as the rain as it hit off the windows outside, only to turn when she heard James sneeze beside her. Now looking at him, she took in his pale parlour as he lets out another sneeze that soon turned into a cough.

"Are you feeling alright James?" concern laced her voice as she placed a hand on his arm in comfort.

He gave her a nod and smile which came out more as a grimace.

M narrowed her eyes giving him a sceptical look, he would not say anything if he was feeling worse than what he was letting on, he was too bloody stubborn for his own good.

"Are you positive it's not the flu? It's going around."

"I neba catch the flu."

She raised an eyebrow as he gave a sniff. "Yes, and not being able to breathe through your nose is normal James."

He took the handkerchief from his suit pocket, and blew his nose. He could feel his eyes watering and become heavy at the simple action. He couldnot recall the last time he had felt this awful, getting shot didn't even feel this bad. All energy seemed to have left him. He wanted nothing more than to just go home and sleep. The burning sensation in his throat when ever he swallowed wasn't helping matters either.

"I told you am fined."

"I'm assuming that was meant to be fine?" She raised an eyebrow.

He gave her a scowl, to which she ignored. "The medical team will be the judge of that, besides I need you to get a check-up to make sure you're on top form should we get a break through on this case."

He let out a groan both in pain and annoyance. He knew there would be no way to get out of this.

"Let's get this over width."

M had to prevent a laugh from breaking free at seeing the sullen look fall over his face at the prospect of going to medical. He could be worse than a child at times. She dropped her hand from his arm and watched as he began to make his way to the door to her office, before following after him.

He turned to give her a questioning look. "You don't need to come."

"Do you really think that I am stupid James? I know for a fact that you won't go to medical, this way I'll know myself that you actually go."

He let out a sigh and made his way from her office, secretly touched that she cared for his well being, but if he was truthful he would rather just go home and spend some more time with M.

The journey to medical was made in silence, only to be broken now and again with the sound of James' coughs and M's heels on the floor. They had just made it through the door when one of the doctors saw him and let out a groan.

"What have you got yourself into this time Bond?"

M cleared her throat causing the doctor to sober up. Finally noticing M was with him.

"I need a thorough examination on 007, preferably without the attitude. I'm fully aware of the trouble he has caused in the past, but you are paid to ensure the well being of all staff and agents in this building regardless."

"Yes Ma'am."

If the circumstances were different he would have enjoyed the dressing down the doctor just received, but at the moment he just wanted the examination to be over with.

"Good, now if you could do what you are paid to do, preferably today it would be greatly appreciated."

The doctor merely nodded silently cursing himself for his stupidity.

"Very well, come along Bond let's get this over with."

Bond gave M a pleading look, to which she merely ignored and instead motioned him to follow the doctor.

"You're a mean'd woman M." He told her with much annoyance he could muster and followed after the doctor.

M looked on in amusement debating whether to follow them. Mind made up she followed them to one of the examination rooms the doctor giving her a confused look as she made her way into the room. Ignoring him, she kept her attention on Bond who was currently trying to get his coughing under control.

"I would also check for Flu symptoms as well." She gave the doctor a knowing look.

"I told you, I neba get the flu."

"I'll be the judge of that Bond. Take your shirt off, I need to examine your chest."

"Fine'd."

His joints protested at the movement causing him to let out a groan. M stepped towards him batting his hands away helping him to remove his suit jacket and shirt giving her a look of gratitude. He could faintly smell her perfume overtake his senses, while he felt her fingers brush against his skin causing a shiver to go through him at the simple action.

The doctor watched them narrowing his eyes wondering what it exactly was between them. He knew M cared for her agents and staff, but there was something more between these two if the looks and small touches were anything to go by. Whatever it was, he wouldn't dare voice what he was thinking, he valued his job too much, not to mention he already had one dressing down he didn't need another.

"Sit yourself on the bed Bond."

Bond did what the doctor told him for once, no longer having the energy to argue.

M watched on as the doctor carried out his examination, wanting nothing more than to offer him some comfort, but her job came first despite their new found relationship. There was no question in her mind that they would have to create some distance between them, no matter how much she enjoyed his company. She needed him focused on his missions rather than on her. They couldn't afford failure. It was one of the reasons any relationship between personnel was frowned upon.

She heard the doctor give a sigh as he finished his examination.

"Congratulations Bond, it looks like you don't have the flu, but rather a common cold."

"See, told you I don't get the Flu." He told the doctor and M smugly.

M had to refrain from rolling her eyes.

"Yes, and it seems even a common cold doesn't stop you from being a smug bastard." M told him sarcastically.

"I'm putting you on sick leave, that means that you go home and rest nothing else. I'll give you some paracetamol to help with any pain, Make sure you drink to keep yourself hydrated, and when I say drink I mean water Bond. Follow my orders and no doubt you'll be back to your normal annoying self in a few days at most."

The doctor told him nonchalantly as he started to clear away the equipment he had used.

"Are'd you going to let him speak'd to me like that?" He looked to M waiting for her to give him a bollocking.

M ignored him and turned to the doctor. "Is here anything else?"

He stopped what he was doing and looked towards her.

"No, I'm more than happy to clear him for field duty once and only once the cold clears up. Which means I want him back here in three-four days time for another examination."

"That can be arranged "

She heard James mumble to himself as he started to re-dress himself.

"Need any help Bond?"

"I can manage." He told her annoyed that he struggled to find the energy to perform the simplest of tasks.

"Stupid cold." He muttered to himself.

She heard him give a sigh in relief which was followed by a sniff as he managed to navigate his arms through into the sleeves.

Once dressed, the doctor held out a box of paracetamol which Bond grudgingly took seeing no alternative.

"I'll see you in a few days Bond, Ma'am."

The two of them watched him go leaving the two of them alone.

"Are you ready James or do you need a few moments "

"No." He told her standing, not wanting to stay longer than necessary.

"Very well. I expect you to go straight home and rest. Do I make myself clear?"

"M...

"I mean it James. Last thing I need is for you to be injured or killed on your next assignment because you were too stubborn to follow mine or the doctors orders."

Seeing the concern reflected in her eyes, stopped all arguments he had. She was right as always. He would be no use to her or six if he couldn't do his job.

"I promise."

"Well, I'm glad that matter is cleared up. I shall see you in a few days James."

Disappointment slowly creep over him. He thought he would see her before he had to come back. If he could not go a few days without her being with him, how was he going to cope being away weeks on end with missions. He had it bad and they weren't even a couple. As of yet at least and he wanted to be near her and have her close.

"Ma'am."

M watched as he sluggishly walked out of the examination room, a thoughtful look on her face. She didn't miss his disappointed look, but it would be best for both of them if they had their own space now and again. They would become dependant on each other if they didn't, then how would they both manage to do their jobs. She made her way back to her office, positive her decision was the right one, but with each step she took she could feel the guilt of her words start to wash over her.

/*\*/*\

Throughout the rest of the day, her mind would drift back to James, no matter how much she tried to keep herself busy with paperwork. Finally giving up, she threw down her pen and picked up the phone calling Ross telling him to have the car ready. Replacing the phone, she rose from her chair and grabbed her bag and coat before making her way from her office. If Ross was curious as to why she was leaving early, he didn't say anything for which she was glad.

It didn't take long before the car had stopped outside her apartment, with Ross holding the door open for her so she could exit. Giving him a small thanks, she made her way to the front door, unlocking it and letting herself in.

She would get changed then make her way round to James' to see how he was. She shut the door, dumped her keys in the bowl on the hall cabinet and made her way to her living room only to stop in her tracks.

James was sprawled out on her sofa, in his shirt and trousers, mouth slightly open fast asleep. She didn't know whether to be amused, or annoyed that he had disobeyed her orders yet again. Placing down her bag and removing her coat throwing it on the chair, she made her way quietly towards him, bending down and running her fingers through his hair. He lets out a moan and leaned into her soothing touch. Before his eyes gradually opened.

"I told you to go home and rest?"

"An I did. You just didn't specify which home."

She shook her head fondly. "How exactly did you get in?"

"I got a duplicate of your key made a few'd days ago." He let out a sniff.

She was going to reprimand him for not asking her beforehand, but it could wait.

"Could you pass me a tissue'd?"

She looked to where he was looking, seeing the box of tissues on the table. Grabbing the box she held it out to him as he took three, blowing his nose. She tried not to wrinkle her nose in disgust at the sound.

"Thank you. What time is it?"

"Going on three." She told him placing the box back on the table.

"Has there been a breakthrough?" Wondering why she at home as early as she was. She usually stayed at the office until late.

"No, I left early because I was going to visit you to see how you were, but since you're here you've saved me a trip."

"Aren't I the smart one'd?"

"I'm not even going to respond to that James. Have you eaten?"

"No, I don't feel like it." He felt nauseous at the thought of it.

She gave him a disapproving look. "You have to at least try."

"Fine'd."

"Good, I'll make some soup hopefully you will be able to keep that down, but first bed."

He gave her a weak smirk. "You were the last person I thought would take advantage of an ill'd man."

"Didn't you know, I did it all the time." She told him in a deadpanned voice.

She got up, and helped him into a sitting position. It was the first time she had seen him this weak, even if he was shot or battered and bruised he could still walk around Six as if he owned the place.

He rested his head against her chest, trying to get the strength to move, although if he was truthful he would rather just stay like this.

M saw his eyes close and gently shook him, "You can sleep when you're in bed James."

He nodded against her and rose from the couch, wrapping one arm around her shoulders feeling M wrap hers around his waist. The height difference made it awkward, causing them to go at a slow pace. James stumbling most of the way. He felt like a ton weight, leaning most of his body weight onto her smaller frame.

They finally reached the bedroom much to her relief. The effort alone was causing her to become short of breath. She pulled back the covers, and sat him on the bed, hearing his relieved sigh. His arm dropped from her shoulder as M started to unbutton and remove his shirt. She didn't attempt to remove his trousers seeing as he was fighting to keep his eyes open.

"You can lie down now."

"Thank god." He croaked.

She watched as he lay down, helping to lift his legs onto the bed, the pulling the covers over him.

"I'll wake you in a few hours."

She was about to leave him when she felt his hand weakly grasp hers.

"Stay."

"James..."

"Please."

The pitiful plea weakened her resolve, giving in.

"Alright, give me a moment until I get the tissues. I have a feeling you're going to need them."

"Thank you."

He regretfully let's go of her hand as his tired eyes watched her leave. He knew he should have gone to his own apartment rather than M's, but hers was closer and he didn't feel like travelling another fifteen minutes in his state. The fact that he decided to drive himself didn't help matters, and the last thing he needed on top of anything else was yelling at him about damages all because he was too stubborn to get a taxi from the nearest taxi rank.

He saw M return with the box of tissues in hand and her laptop. Placing the tissues on the dresser, she saw his questioning look.

"If you want me to stay, I may as well do some work for any updates on this case."

She stepped out of her heels and moved round to the other side of the bed, propping a pillow behind her back for support as she lay herself on her bed next to him.

James turned on his side so he was facing her, faintly smiling at seeing her sitting on top of the duvet, computer resting on her lap.

"Try to get some sleep James instead of watching me."

He saw the side of her mouth twitch at the side, as she tried to stop herself from smiling.

"Yes, Ma'am."

Unable to keep his eyes open any longer, he let M's gentle tapping on the keyboard lure him to sleep.