Disclaimers: I do not own James Bond and I never will. I do own Michael Stone, though.

A/N: So, another Stone and Bond fic? I know, crazy isn't it? I just can't stop writing about these two. Don't worry, I am working on the next chapter for all my other stories. School's almost over. I swear there will be more to come. Reviews appreciated!

Measures of Happiness

"Beautiful city, isn't it?"

James Bond glanced to his right to catch his close friend, Michael Stone, come from behind and make his way to his side.

He looked back to the monuments that created filled the city.

It was Washington D.C. It was indeed a beautiful – magnificent city, and James knew it was at its best when the sun rose and when the sun set.

Bond made it for the sunset.

"Yes, it is," he replied with an agreeing nod. "Ten minutes till pitch black."

They were standing at one the best places to see the sun and the city: Lincoln Memorial.

Michael took a knife and handkerchief out. He began to slide the blade within the cloth.

"You should be here when it snows," he mentioned. "It's even more beautiful."

Russia snows…

"I've grown to hate the winter." James said suddenly.

"Why's that?" Michael curiously asked; a slight dose of worry coming over him.

He immediately started to slide the blade in and out of the cloth a little faster; it was a motion that would hopeful calm him down.

James closed his eyes.

Bang! The warehouse blows up!

"Because of Alec."

James opened his eyes. He looked at Stone and found the CIA officer giving him a knowing and sad look.

Turning away to look back at the spectacle in front of him, James gave an affirmative nod.

"Yes. Alec," he said. Double-ohh-six. "He died in Russia during a mission."

He didn't deserve to die.

"And now it's like he didn't even exist," he continued. "He's just a star on the bloody wall. And M keeps telling me to forget, but I can't. He was my best friend!"

"A brother." Michael added.

James nodded; eyes glued to the setting light and the way it touched the city.

"A brother," he agreed. "I know other areas in the world have winter too and other areas have snow, but every time I think of snow it just sends memories of that mission in Russia back to me – vividly."

"I'm so sorry." Michael said in sympathy to his friend, but he was also empathetic.

"I know." James answered. "I just miss him."

"Just think he's in a better place." Michael suggested as he took a seat on one of the Memorial's steps.

James followed his friend's lead, and replied, "Like where? Heaven?"

"Maybe…maybe not…" Michael said with a shrug. "But a man like Trevelyan – the man you called brother and friend – does deserve happiness." He looked at his friend. "Do you think he's happy?"

Do I think he's happy?

TBC

End-note: I hoped you all enjoyed that. I hope to have the next chapter up soon.