Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow, Russia
Bond watched as M shook the hand of the chief of the Moscow police department and walked away. Bond was seated in a window seat of M's jet, his head was throbbing but his heart was worse. Despite searching for hours, Dani was not found and was declared MIA, missing in action. For now, the search was being handed over to the Russian police department. Bond argued with M, stating that he was not going to leave Dani alone. M told Bond that it was more than likely that Dani would only come home in a coffin draped with the British Union Jack.
"Bond, I'm sorry." M stood in front of Bond, knowing fully that Bond would most likely leave MI6 after this mission. "I've talked with the MP, and she said that Dani will be given full honors." Bond felt a little better, just a little, knowing that Dani's sacrifice would be recognized. Still Bond brooded and stared out the window, holding a wrapped gift for Dani on his lap that he picked up for her in a shop before the explosion. At least I can give her this when she gets back. The plane took off a few minutes later and Bond said goodbye to Dani for now. Wherever you are Dani, don't forget your coat and don't forget to call.
London, England... Three Days Later... 4:32 AM
Bond was just waking up. "Dan-" Bond had to remind himself that Dani was gone. Yesterday, after two more days of searching, the Russian police called off the search and Danielle Kaylah Bond went from MIA to KIA. Bond only cried a few times in his life, when his parents died, when Vesper died and when M died. But when he got the call that Dani was dead, he broke. Bond wept for hours and was ready to pick up the bottle again but knew Dani would want that.
Bond's eyes were still puffy and red, no doubt from crying fits in his sleep. Bond rubbed his face as he felt tears fill his eyes again. Why can't I stop crying? Bond kept Dani's room the way it was when they left for Russia, except her laundry was done and folded on her bed. Stepping in her room, he half expected her to be sitting at her desk, typing away on her laptop. Instead, Dani's laptop lay closed and starting to gather dust.
Dani's bed was made and the pillows were placed in the corner of the bed, leaning right up against the wall. The walls were adorned with posters from TV shows, movies and bands that Bond had no real interest in. She always did try to get me to like these things. The lamp in Dani's room was always on, a beacon for Dani to find, to let her know that Bond was still waiting. Bond gently lowered himself onto Dani's bed and just looked around the room.
Books with cracked spines, ripped, folded and stained pages lined the shelves. Her closet was filled with jackets and only one simple black dress. It was for when Dani was officially registered as a member of MI6. Dani hated the damn thing, but she could never get ride of it because Bond bought it for her. Speaking of things Bond bought for Dani, the still wrapped package from Russia was still on Dani's bed stand. Bond decided that it would be best to leave wrapped up.
Dani's union jack pillow still sat on her chair. Bond remembered buying that for her due to her fear of flying. It put a smile on Bond's face, if just for a moment to remember Dani when she was much smaller and younger. Her bright blue eyes, her hugs, her goodnight and good morning kisses. Bond felt the tears flow down his face, and he let them. Finally Bond got up and left Dani's room, but noticed something that he hadn't before. It was a small photo that Dani had taken of them on a trip to Skyfall manor, or at least what was left of it. She loved that trip. Bond looked at the picture closer; Bond and Dani's faces were pressed together, Dani had a big grin, Bond had his usual smile, and the wind was blowing their hair. Dani was so excited to see where Bond grew up. She even got to meet Kincaid. He absolutely loved Dani, saying that she was the spitting image of Bond when he was a boy.
Bond put the picture back and went to the kitchen to make coffee. He always made Dani's coffee or dinner, half expecting her to walk through the door and sit down. Bond figured it was just the denial portion of grief. Bond took leave from MI6, and M was sure Bond wouldn't come back, but Bond was going to prove him wrong in a few days. As Bond sat at the dinning room table and stared at the empty seat. How did that song go? Empty chairs at empty tables, where my friends are dead and gone. Bond heard the phone ring and rushed to it. He always did, just in case, by some miracle Dani called. "Hello?" Bond was anticipating Dani's voice, but heard M's instead. Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Bond just listened to M. "Bond, I was just calling to make sure you are all right. Also the MP just called, and Dani's has been awarded '00' status, posthumously of course." Dani would have been ecstatic to hear of her promotion. Bond smiled just at the thought of her running about and cheering, wanting to go out and celebrate. "That is good news. Still, you don't need to check up on me. I'm doing fine." Bond knew that was a lie. After a few more minutes, the two hung up and Bond went to sit on the couch and watched TV.
Bond looked around his now empty home and recognized a thin, leather bound book. It was an empty journal, though Dani said it was a diary that she had given him for Christmas. Bond hadn't actually opened the book and decided it was time. Opening the journal, the first page was already filled and it was Dani's handwriting that filled the page.