Hey guys. I've had this idea brewing for about a week now and sat at 2am re-watching a Season 2 episode, I decided to finally put my brain into gear and write it. Now, I know there are a few similar stories up for Madam Secretary as I had a look before I posted but I would like to say that I'm attempting to make this as original as possible. I already have a good plan for most of the story and it's only the finer details that may cause some writer's block from time to time. So please don't be afraid to tell me if something I'm doing is too similar as I will attempt to remedy it. Thanks 😊

It is set around Season 4 and remains canon until the storyline about Conrad's tumour. That may be involved in this story (I haven't decided) but at a later date.

I know it's slightly cliché, especially the first chapter but just stick with it and me, it'll improve.

Oh and one last thing, I'm, from the UK so some of the language may be foreign but where I can I'll try to follow American English (for example I would normally say "rubbish" but I'll try to remember to change it to "garbage" or "trash" and "trousers" to "pants"). I'm sorry if it gets confusing at times.

"Henry!"

"HERE BABE," he called from the other side of the house. Elizabeth dumped her bags and coat near the door, and stepping out of her shoes wandered through the house in search of her husband. Locating him stood over the stove, stirring a scarlet sauce in a pan, she let a sense of relaxation wash over her. He hummed slightly as her hands wrapped around his strong chest, pressing her lips to the top of his back, between the shoulder blades.

"Something smells good."

"It's Chicken Tikka Masala, I saw a recipe online and wanted to try it," he replied matter of factly.

"I wasn't talking about the food."

A smirk spread across his features. It had been a long day and he couldn't wait to spend a few uninterrupted hours with his wife.

"Where are the kids?" Elizabeth asked as she hopped up onto the counter, focusing her gaze on the face she knew better than her own.

"Jase is at Piper's house tonight, Ali's at a study group and Stevie's on a date. She said she might not be back tonight and not to wait up for her," Henry replied as he added the chicken to the sauce and continued to stir.

"So it's just you and me then," she answered knowingly.

"Yes, and I'm just so excited to try this curry," he grinned as he knew his teasing would only infuriate her more.

She bit her lip as he glanced over and leant back ever so slightly. Henry knew what she was doing, that move always affected him more than he could say. Swallowing heavily, he shook his head and checked on the naan bread in the oven.

"Babe, could you get me two dishes?"

Groaning internally, she did as he asked. She had lost this round. She'd have to wait until after dinner.

'This could be fun'.

That's thought that crossed her mind as she handed her husband the dishes from the cupboard and went to pour two glasses of wine.

"Did I tell you you look beautiful today?" He asked as he brought the bowls to the table where she was sat, eagerly anticipating the meal.

"Only twice."

"Well, you look beautiful."

Kissing her on the head, he sat down and picked up his knife and fork. The next 20 minutes became unbearable for him. Elizabeth had decided to tease him the entire way through the meal. The only thing that broke the eye contact during their dinner was the blinking from either participant. At one point Elizabeth dropped some sauce on her chin. Wiping it off with her thumb, she placed the digit into her mouth and sucked. Henry felt his pants tighten as he tried to restrain himself. He could get through one meal! She smiled serenely, with full knowledge of what she was doing to him. The minutes began to feel like hours until they both finally had empty bowls and glasses. Neither one moved as if daring the other to give in. After what seemed like an eternity, but in fact was only half a minute, Henry suddenly got up, leant over the table and caught his wife's lips in a searing kiss. She gasped slightly as his mouth left a trail of kisses leading to her ear.

"You are a tease, Mrs McCord."

He sucked her ear lobe into his mouth and she grinned.

"As are you, Dr McCord," she replied whilst pushing him off. Laughing, she ran up the stairs in search of their bedroom. He grinned and raced after her, leaving the dirty dishes behind - forgotten for the next few hours.

2 Months Later

"Henry, please! I need to go into the office."

"No Elizabeth, look at you! You can barely stand straight."

"Henry, I am not an invalid and I'm not a child! I'm Secretary of State and Conrad needs me. Hell, the whole world needs me," she replied whilst narrowing her eyes.

"Yes honey, but I need you to get better."

She huffed but secretly her heart warmed at the words. He always made her feel safe; feel special. Even when he was infuriating and wouldn't let her go to work.

"Henry, I have the flu. I'm not dead. I'm going to work, end of."

Henry sighed, realising the fight was lost. His headstrong, smart, beautiful, charismatic wife would do exactly as she wanted, his thoughts be damned. It's the thing he hated most about her, and the thing he loved most.

"Fine, but you're home by 6 and then you spend the rest of the evening in bed," he moaned as he headed towards their bathroom.

"As long as you're in bed with me, that's fine," she smirked.

A laugh emanated from the bathroom. Elizabeth got out of bed and, waiting for the nausea to pass, started to get dressed for the day. Henry emerged and wrapped his arms around his wife, sighing at the way she fit perfectly in them, like she was specially made to exist in his arms. This was how he wanted to spend forever. Unfortunately, the sounds of their children debating rose through the house, breaking their little bubble.

"See you downstairs," he said as he kissed her cheek, rubbed his hands down her arms and headed to the bedroom door. She just smiled as she continued getting ready. There was the occasional moment where she had to perch on the bed as dizziness overcame her, but she ignored the increasing rate, desperate to go to work. Descending the stairs was far easier than it would be to get back up later in the day. Following the sounds of her children's laughter, she joined her family in the kitchen for their normal morning routine.

"Morning mom."

"Hey mom."

"Feeling better mom?" The chorus of voices acknowledged her presence.

"Of course, Stevie. I'm going into work today."

Stevie smiled and continued to organise herself for the day. Elizabeth went and grabbed an apple and her flask and headed for the door.

"Hey, you need to eat more than that!" Henry exclaimed.

"Henry, my pants are getting tighter. Too much ice cream. And it's only for a few days until they loosen," Elizabeth replied with a sigh, disappointed that she'd have to give up the fries in place of salads for the next week or so.

"Babe, you're beautiful, no matter what."

"And you're sweet, but I don't want to buy new clothes when I can just lay off the popcorn for a week."

Henry seemed to accept her position.

"Okay babe," he replied. "But you're eating a proper meal tonight, healthy but filling. Oh and Jason, don't forget to take the trash out."

Jason groaned and headed to the garbage bag in the corner of the room. Everyone slowly filed out of the room, ready to start their day.

"Morning Ma'am," Matt exclaimed as she stepped off the elevator.

"Oh no, the elevator ambush." She realised. "Okay, hit me."

"Madam Secretary, the situation in Turkey is escalating. American aid workers are finding resistance at the border. Currently there has been no gunfire or reports of attack. The White House has said your presence will only be required if there is further development," Nadine informed.

"Thanks Nadine, Blake?"

"Ma'am, the British Ambassador David Smith is in the boardroom with Jay. He's here about the treaty and it sounds like Australia wants more imports to the UK, which the UK disapproves of as it will affect prices and cause further inflation. They also want more concessions if Australia gets import rights."

"Damn it, why can't everyone just agree on the terms laid out 3 months ago?" Elizabeth huffed in frustration whilst swapping her bag and coat into Blake's arms and taking the coffee he had for her.

"I have the first draft of your remarks for the speech to the Women's Right Foundation. It's on your desk."

"Thanks Matt," she said as if it was the last thing she needed to focus on today. "And Daisy, what's your issue?"

"The press have been asking for a comment on the recent situation in Germany, and whether you support Chancellor Engel's bid for second term."

"Shouldn't it be Conrad giving the comment?" Elizabeth asked as they neared her office.

"They want it from you Ma'am," Daisy replied.

"Well, say 'We are delighted that the economic issues in Germany are finally over, and we support Engel's government in future endeavours.' That's diplomatic but covers the request."

The crowd following her dispersed as she reached her office. Closing the door behind her, she collapsed onto the sofa, exhaustion overcoming her. She closed her eyes for a second, which turned into 10 minutes. She was awoken by a sharp rap at the door.

"I'm awake!" She exclaimed to herself. Straightening her shirt and standing to sit behind her desk she called,

"Come in!"

Jay stalked in, flustered.

"Morning Madam Secretary, I've just finished talking to Ambassador Smith. We agreed for Britain to accept more commercial imports from Australia in exchange for cheaper tariffs on steel and parts used in car manufacturing from the States."

She heaved a sigh of relief. It meant one less issue for her to deal with; one less distraction that would prevent her from going home at 6pm.

"Thanks Jay, I'll let Conrad know," she dismissed him as she began to fan herself, a hot flash overcoming her.

"Pardon me Ma'am, but are you feeling okay?" Jay asked cautiously.

"Yeah, it's just the flu. I'll get over it."

"With all due respect Madam Secretary, you should be at home and in bed resting," Jay said adamantly.

"It's alright Jay, I've had worse," Elizabeth smiled. "How's Chloe?"

Jay sighed, realising he had no authority to send her home, despite only being worried about her wellbeing.

"Chloe's perfect, I can't believe she'll be starting Kindergarten soon."

"Ahh this is when it starts. One minute they're at kindergarten, the next they're dropping out of college and making you age prematurely," she laughed with a wink.

"God, I can already feel the heart attack coming!" Jay joked as he backed out of her office towards his own, hoping to get started on the stack of paperwork on his desk.

Alone and with her own stack to sort through, Elizabeth perched her glasses on her nose and began humming a soft tune. Peace was a rare commodity in the State Department and she was prepared to take full advantage. She continued to work steadily for the next 3 hours, only stopping when she became too dizzy or the nausea was too strong to concentrate. When lunch time rolled around she sighed, disappointed she wouldn't be able to get the golden fries that were Chef Marco's specialty. She eventually decided upon a 'Grilled mixed seafood salad served with fresh Mango and Melon'. She eagerly anticipated the arrival of the food, watching the clock count down the seconds. Chef Marco arrived with a platter and a wide grin. Marco had really outdone himself, the platter full of exquisite colours. However, all that Elizabeth could focus on was the stench that filled her nostrils and sent a shiver down her spine. The nausea, which she had managed to keep at bay all day, spilled out into the nearest trash can. She hunched over it until she had finished emptying her already bare stomach. Barely registering Marco's cries, Elizabeth slowly lifted her head as one thought crossed her mind.

Crap.

So that's the first chapter! I know it's short but I really wanted to end it there and upload something today before the new episode. Next chapter should be up sometime this week, and I'd love to know what you think (drop a review ;) ).

Thanks for reading :)

Also, did you hear about Putin getting re-elected?