AN: Requested by a friend, who is not feeling well at the moment.

Hope you feel better soon my dear.

Chapter 1

...

The sound of her alarm caused M to let out a groan, as it made the pounding in her head worse. Every joint in her body ached, as she tried to move to turn off that insufferable sound. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this weak and tired. She had went to bed early in the hopes of sleeping off the cold she seemed to have caught two days ago, but even sleep didn't seem to have helped, if anything it made her feel worse.

Finally managing to press down the button, she gave a happy sigh at the silence, even though it felt like a marching band was stomping across her forehead. Even swallowing was proofing difficult. She couldn't afford to be sick; she had appointments to keep, and a secret agency to run.

Pulling back the covers, she managed to get herself in a sitting position, feeling a chill go through her as she removed the duvet that was covering her body. She had an hour to get ready before Ross would be here to take her to headquarters. The mere thought caused a fresh wave of nausea to wash over her. Taking a few deep breaths, she closed her eyes waiting for it to pass, before standing up and starting the slow process of getting changed and doing the rest of her morning activities.

She would be skipping breakfast, she didn't want to think of food, and it wouldn't be easy for her to swallow anyway. Grabbing the first suit from her wardrobe, and the first set of underwear from her drawer, she made her way to the bathroom and started the slow painful task of trying to undress. Her hands were shaking as she tried to undo the buttons on her pyjama top.

Giving a sigh in relief once they were undone, she pulled it off her body and removed her pyjama bottoms holding onto the sink for support. She wouldn't be chancing a shower, it's not like she would have the time, with the rate it was taking her at the moment to undress.

Tossing her nightwear in the washing hamper, she started the slow painful task of changing into her underwear and suit. She gave a sigh in relief, as the last button on her blouse was done.

She looked into the mirror wishing she hadn't. The reflection staring back at her made her wish she hadn't bothered. Her face was devoid of colour, except for the red flush on her cheeks and the dark circles under her eyes.

Reaching for her makeup, she applied more than usual hoping it would hide any trace that she was ill. Once she had brushed her teeth, she walked back into the bedroom, noticing she had five minutes to spare. As she reached for her coat and bag, the sound of her doorbell ringing caused her to groan, before a sharp cough overtook her small frame.

Once it had passed, she left the room and grabbed her keys from the bowl on the hall cabinet. Unlocking the door, she opened it to see Ross giving her a worrying look.

"Are you all right Ma'am?"

"I'm fine, Ross." Her answer came out in breathless whisper.

Ross didn't believe her keeping a careful eye on her as he escorted her towards the car. Opening the door, he heard her groan in pain. Moving to help her, he stopped mid way when she shot him a scathing look. Though it had less effect than normal.

Once he was sure she was in, he closed the door and made the drive towards headquarters, hoping Tanner would at least be able to make her see sense and send her home.

He watched her through the review mirror every so often to make sure she was okay. It was only when they were five minutes from headquarters that a series of loud coughs filled the car.

He stopped the car at the side of the road, ignoring the horns from the cars passing him and focused on his boss in the back seat. He was about to get out, when her coughs lessened to harsh breaths as she tried to regulate her breathing back to normal.

"Drive Ross." She weakly ordered him.

"I don't think that's…"

She narrowed her eyes at him, regretting it when another stabbing pain shot through her head. "I gave you an order. Now, drive."

Ross gave her one last look before starting the car, and continued driving towards headquarters. Once they had arrived, Ross held the door open for M watching as she left the car and entered the building, shaking his head.

"That woman is too bloody stubborn." He murmured to himself, before slamming the car door closed.

M could feel Ross' eyes bore into her back as she walked towards the entrance. It was only when she was inside, that she gave a sigh in relief. But it was short lived when she saw Tanner walk towards her with a set of files in his hands.

She wasn't in the mood for talking; she just wanted to get to the confines of her office, and lock herself away for a few hours.

"Good morning Ma'am." Tanner greeted her with a small smile.

"Is it?" She snapped.

Tanner gave her a concerned look, as she started to walk slower than usual to her office. He caught up with her in a few steps, knowing something wasn't right with her.

"What is it Tanner?"

"I have Bond's mission report for his debrief in a few hours…"

"And what has he done this time?" She completely forgot about her debrief with Bond, she wasn't in the mood for any of his antics.

"That's the strange thing. He has returned his gadgets to Q branch and there were hardly any damages."

"First time for everything." She softly told him.

"Ma'am are you sure you're all right?"

"Just fine Tanner, I will be better if people stop asking me that damn question." She held onto the wall as the room started to sway causing the nausea to return.

Tanner held onto to her to keep her steady as he helped her towards her office. The fact that she didn't protest caused Tanner's worry to grow.

"I think you should have stayed at home Ma'am," he told her, helping her over to her chair once they had entered her office.

"I'll be fine in a few moments Tanner." She leaned back in her chair feeling the cool leather sooth her neck as she let her eyes close.

Tanner didn't believe a word of it, she could be stubborn when she wanted to be, and he doubted anything he would say would make her go home and rest.

"Do you need me to reschedule your appointments?"

"No." She opened her eyes and looked at him. "It's just a cold Tanner, it will pass. Now, if that's everything, I have work to be getting on with."

"Very well Ma'am." He placed the files on her desk and left her office, knowing he wouldn't be able to make her see sense. But, perhaps a certain double-0 agent could persuade her.