** Spoilers for No Time to Die **
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This is my second No Time to Die alternate universe one-shot. The main characters are James Bond and Madeleine Swann. Several characters are mentioned, including Lyutsifer Safin, Mr. White, Madeleine's mother, Bond's parents, M/Mallory, and M (Judi Dench).
This story is rated T for Teen for sensual material.
The genres are romance, drama, and family.
This story takes place a few weeks after my one-shot, Secrets and Gifts. The couple will continue to discuss their future in this story.
Norway
In the semi-darkness, Madeleine Swann lies in bed, thinking. Even without her busy mind, she always has difficulty sleeping this time of year. There is still a hint of sunlight throughout the night. She is still getting used to the 24 hour sunlight again.
Madeleine and James Bond had been in Norway for about two weeks now. They had arrived on a late sunny afternoon. The house was roughly the same way she had remembered it. Except she had never seen the house quite so dirty or the yard in such disarray. Madeleine had not been back home in quite a long time. She doubts her father had visited in years either. She imagines this place held too many memories for him.
Between picking up and cleaning the interior and yard, it had been a busy last few weeks.
Outside they had picked up the yard. There were so many broken branches and twigs scattered across the ground. They had trimmed the grass and little hedges. Later, they had fished at the lake, walked around, and explored the property. Madeleine had shown James the property lines. The house sat on nearly forty acres with lots of trees and a lake. There were no close neighbors, so it was very secluded and private. James seemed to enjoy the peaceful seclusion and the lake. He had already gone fishing several times, twice Madeleine had joined him. In total, he had caught at least seven fish and she had caught two. They had driven around the countryside, looking at the fjords, lakes, wildlife, old architecture, and other sites.
Inside the house, they had dusted, cleaned, straightened up, and sifted through her father's secret room.
Behind the locked door, they had found two SPECTRE rings, a Quantum pin, earpieces, five passports, and almost 10,000 euros. James also found two handguns, one semi-automatic weapon, and several rounds of ammunition. He had fixed up her father's security system both in the house and the driveway alarm. While fixing up the security system, he had discovered the hidden files.
They had both read the paperwork, folders, and documents of SPECTRE operatives and targets. They had soon found the very one they needed on the Safin family. The family was SPECTRE's poisoners. At some point, they had a falling out with Blofeld and he ordered one of his top men—Mr. White to kill them all. Her father held a banquet for them, used their own recipe—dioxin in the dessert. No wonder the only survivor, Lyutsifer Safin wore the mask.
Madeleine shook her head as she stared at the photos in the file of the Safin family.
"Hey, you okay?" Asked a concerned James. He was probably worried she would make herself sick over this.
"It is so wrong." Madeleine would not stop shaking her head. "They would have suffered horribly." She would forever despise Lyutsifer Safin for killing her mother. Now however, she almost understood and pitied him. She could not imagine suffering and watching everyone she loved dying in that horrific way.
James gently pulled the file away. "Your father was following orders." He pointed out. Not all that different from him. Though for a very different team.
"You have entirely different methods." Madeleine very much doubted M would order him to kill an entire family like that.
"True," James concedes.
James had messaged everything on the Safins and the other SPECTRE related information to MI-6. He had also found information on Quantum, a division of SPECTRE that had served as its front. His boss, Mallory or M had seemed pleased with all the information. He thanked them both. He then asked James when he was returning from his "extended holiday". James insisted he was not returning from his holiday. So he and M then discussed the retirement package and ceremony all agents received upon their retirement from Her Majesty's Secret Service. James did not really want to have a celebration or party, but M and Madeleine insisted that James had earned this. She believes and hopes he has come around to the idea. They had not really discussed the ceremony further.
Instead they had planned and decided where to put the baby's room, cooked, watched télévision, and read.
Madeleine had initially thought they would put the baby's room upstairs where her childhood bedroom had been, but upon further evaluation, they had both decided they wanted the baby closer to them, especially during the night. They could put the child upstairs as he or she grew older. For now, they could turn the small office by the master bedroom into the nursery.
It was nice to be home again and have a kitchen. They had spent much of their time together in the last several months in eating hotel room service, getting takeout, or dining in a restaurant. Madeleine could cook simple things like eggs, toast, and cereal. A few nights, James had skinned and prepared salmon he had caught in the lake. It was not bad, actually it was pretty good. She had no idea he could even cook.
They had watched a few classic films and parental videos online. They were also reading a few classics. Madeleine had read some George Orwell and Charles Dickens. While James had watched videos and read books on fishing, sailing, and hunting. Though the pair had mostly read books on pregnancy and childcare.
Unless she was dealing with a troublesome patient, Madeleine feels like she has not read this much since college. She almost felt like she was preparing for an exam. She supposes they are preparing for one, due in about 32 weeks—less than eight months.
Madeleine rolls over on her side to look at James. He's laying on his side facing the wall. His breathing is steady. He appears to be asleep. A warm smile touches her lips. She is glad, there are still some nights he just lays there in the dark. Then he will get restless, get up to jog, read, watch television, or exercise.
"I've always been a light sleeper," James had said one morning in a Spanish hotel room. He had spent most of the early morning doing sit-ups and push-ups.
Madeleine imagines that is true. He probably thinks about his past and his former occupation. She sometimes has not slept well either. They have both lived their lives with ghosts.
Though Madeleine cannot help but think the past is the only thing keeping him awake. Her fingers rest on her still flat abdomen. She looks back over at James. She believes he truly is excited. He has smiled a lot more lately. Though at the same time she could tell James is nervous. Is it possibly their safety? They both each have their own fears about the past coming back to haunt them. Madeleine even wonders if it is perhaps his age. Most men in their mid to late forties are thinking about sending their teenaged or perhaps grown children off to university, not about their first child.
Madeleine also wonders if his doubts stem back to his childhood. James lost his parents at the age of eleven and then he bounced from the care of his aunt and foster father. Madeleine also suspects his relationship with his parents was not the greatest. At least with his father. He has never exactly said it, but there has always been the slightest hint of a strained relationship. It was there again yesterday when they were discussing names.
For a boy, they had discussed Luis, Friedrich after her father, or Andrew after his father. Though James had quietly bristled at the last idea.
Madeleine flipped through the pages of the baby name book. "What about Andrew?" She looked up at him. "After your father? It means strong and brave."
James tried to smile, but he tightened his jaw. "I think...there are better names," He said tightly.
Madeleine understands, she has her own complicated relationship with her late father. She does not need to know. He could tell her when he is ready.
As for a girl, they had discussed Clare, Mathilde after her own mother, or possibly even Monique after James's mother. He seemed more enthusiastic about those names. She suspects he does hope for a daughter.
James grinned over at the kitchen counter, "I like all of them." He was finishing preparing their meal.
"James," Madeleine gave him an annoyed look.
"What?" James said innocently, he placed their plates down on the table as he sat down. "I do."
Madeleine sighed, "Well, which one do you like the best?"
"I don't know," James gave a little shrug. "Clare Bond, Monique Swann..." He said aloud. They had not decided on the surname yet. "Mathilde..." His voice trails off, he seems to consider something, "Mathilde Olivia Swann." James seemed to like the latter.
Madeleine raised a brow, "Olivia?" They had not discussed that name or any middle name for that matter. They were still trying to decide on a first name. Where had it come from?
"Just an idea for a middle name," James gave a warm, almost wicked smile. "I could never use it as a first name."
Madeleine gave him a quizzical look.
Olivia was the name of his beloved M. The woman had been his mentor, boss, and something of a surrogate mother. James had only mentioned her a few times. From the bits he had told her, they had a complicated relationship.
"She should have trusted me..." James said with a hint of bitterness.
"...I did fail her," He whispered sadly.
Earlier, Madeleine had looked up the meaning of Olivia. She believes the name means olive, olive tree, kind one, and peace. The latter was something they both long for and are working towards. Yes, Madeleine thinks Olivia or perhaps Oliver would make a good middle name. She rolls over on her side, closes her eyes, and waits to let sleep take her.
Some time later, the mattress shifts. James reaches over, nuzzles against her hair, and kisses her cheek. "Love you," He whispers.
Eyes closed, "Je t'aime aussi," Madeleine whispers against her pillow.
"Hm," James quietly says something else, though it is less audible.
Madeleine moves her head, "What?" She is groggy and partly asleep.
James whispers against her cheek, "What do you want?"
Right now?
"Sleep," Madeleine groans.
"No," James asks softly. "What do you want to do? About us?"
What?
James asks more specifically, "Do you want to get married?"
Madeleine's eyes shoot open. He wants to discuss this now? Did he have any idea what time it must be? Madeleine exhales, "Non...oui," She closes her eyes once more. She does not want to do this now. What Madeleine really wants is sleep.
James presses on, "We've talked about it before." He pauses, "A little," He says quietly.
They had briefly discussed it a time or two after a waiter and then the hotel concierge had referred to them as husband and wife.
"We talked around it." Madeleine amends. There is still a hint of irritation in her voice.
Madeleine lays there for awhile. Again, more than anything, she just wants to go to sleep. However, she is wide awake now. Thinking. Though Madeleine has thought about this before. What she would like to do. What she wants to do if they did this—marriage.
Madeleine exhales, taking a few moments to gather her thoughts. She also feels those old fears regarding this subject begin to bubble and resurface. Madeleine supposes they had been there, they had just not been at the forefront of her mind. They had been busy with the house, the yard, and making plans.
"Tell me what you need," James sounds a bit upset.
Madeleine turns over to face James. She lays on her side and studies him for a moment. "What's bothering you?" Why the sudden urgency? They had not discussed it in weeks. Why now?
"Nothing, I am okay," James smiles and tries to sound reassuring.
Madeleine is not entirely convinced. "Cher..." She touches his lower arm.
Is he upset?
James lowers his eyes and touches the sheets. "I have just been thinking...about a lot of things lately." He is very quiet.
He is always thinking.
Brooding.
Madeleine waits patiently.
"Everything feels more..." James searches for words, "Vulnerable."
"We are perfectly safe," Madeleine reassures him. She touches his hands and arm.
The Aston Martin DB5 and all the windows in the house are bullet proof. They had a driveway alarm and security cameras. They also had guns and plenty of ammunition if God forbid they ever need them.
"I know," James replies a bit weakly. He is worried and upset. "I will never let anything happen to you, either of you." He brushes a strand of hair from her face.
"I know." Madeleine reaches for his hand and kisses his knuckles. "I trust you. I trust these hands." She is not worried. However, Madeleine is not naive either, she is careful. She is not on social media and watches where she goes and parks when she goes out. Still, she is not going to live her life in fear. What kind of life was that? For them or their family?
James hesitates, "What do you need of me? I will do..." His voice trails off and he seems to consider so many different things. "Whatever you need."
Madeleine smiles warmly as she touches the soft fabric of his shirt. "I have everything I need right here." She is content.
James locks eyes with her. She knows what he means.
Madeleine sighs as she looks at him. She strokes his arm again. "I need you by my side." Which he already is.
"I will," James nods.
"Our side," Madeleine amends.
"Always," James caresses her face and her abdomen. "Now, tell me how you feel?" He asks once more.
"Fatiguée," Madeleine repeats. Though she knows that is not what he means.
"No, I mean," James pauses and gives her a knowing smile. He sees right through her. "You keep talking around it," As she had said. "How do you feel about us?" He emphasizes.
Madeleine hesitates.
"I'm asking you to trust me," James says gently. "Just tell me what you want."
Madeleine considers this, "I want us to spend the rest of our lives together."
"Okay," James nods.
"Okay," Madeleine echoes.
"Just this?" James gestures at both of them. "Is that all?"
"That is everything." Madeleine would be completely content with that.
James seems to agree, but there is something else on the tip of his tongue. "I know you're scared, but I think we can have more." He stops.
Madeleine wonders what he is thinking about. Maybe it is what she said in Italy.
"But I am willing to take that chance."
"And you know it too," James concludes.
Madeleine rolls over on her back to stare up at the dark ceiling. She plays with her fingers. "As I've heard a few people say, marriage is one of those things that...looks a lot easier than it is." From her parents, her aunt, former colleagues, and patients. "Marriage comes with expectations and people think everything will be magical. That it doesn't change things, but it does." She has seen countless couples get married and then everything fell apart.
That is probably what terrifies Madeline the most. That she and James would ruin everything they had. Should they risk it? Between their pasts and SPECTRE, hadn't they both been through enough? Their child is already about to change everything.
"Yes," James agrees, "People get into it without thinking it through."
Madeleine looks over at him. "Exactly, people think that they're in love and that's it." That was all they need. "It's not." It is no wonder fifty percent of marriages end in divorce.
"Right, people have to know each other," James says softly. "Same values and basic interests."
"Hm," Madeleine nods in agreement, "Depends on the couple. Look at my Mama and Papa." They thought they had so much in common. Similar backgrounds, interests, and values. "They thought everything was great, but then everything fell apart and the resentment set in and grew." Madeleine believes everything was good the first few years, but at some point the cracks developed. Maybe it was after her birth or maybe it was always there. Perhaps her mother thought her father would change. Over time, he grew more distant and fell deeper into his work. While Mama's resentment of Papa's occupation just grew and grew, along with her depression and addictions. Nor did he really know how to address her Mama's problems or help her.
James reaches for her, "We are not like your parents."
Madeleine wholeheartedly agrees, "Oh, I know." Unlike her mother, she understood James and his former profession. She understands the shadows, secrets, danger, and killing. She understands the adventure, excitement, danger, and the loneliness of it all. "I accept you." She does not expect him to change. "I like our life just the way it is." It did not need to change. There is no pressure.
Yes, it would be nice to refer to James as something more than just her boyfriend, partner, and now child's father. Yes, sometimes it would be nice to make it a little more official. To have a more...formal commitment. However, she does not need a church or piece of paper to say that they are in love.
"I like our life too, but we can have more than that," James smiles. He touches her side and arm. "I mean, I love you, but it is just not enough to say the words anymore." His fingers meet her own. "I want to prove it to you."
Madeleine's eyes widen.
James really is serious. Part of her is still surprised he even wants to get married. Granted, he was the one who brought it up the first time they had discussed—talked around the subject. Still why?
"I'm willing to take that chance," James says. Echoing something she had said in Italy.
There is something Madeleine must know before she gives him her answer. "Why do you want to get married?" It is a valid question. For a time, James struck her as the type that never wanted to get married. Had she been entirely wrong? Did he always want those things? Was it something else? Does he expect it to fix him? No, he is old enough and wise enough to know marriage will not fix or change him—them and their pasts.
James looks away, considering his answer. A moment later, his eyes meet hers. "I have lost a lot throughout my life." He means his parents, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. "But it has also taught me that I have to hold onto what I love."
It takes Madeleine a few moments to find her voice. "Alright..."
"Alright?" James slightly tilts his head.
"If we do this..." Madeleine hesitates.
James waits patiently.
She is gathering her thoughts. "If we do this, I have three conditions."
James seems pleased and a bit hesitant.
Madeleine's fingers run down his elbow and lower arm. "I would like to be asked, properly." Maybe it seems silly, but she did not want to just go down to the courthouse or chapel tomorrow. If they are going to do this, she wants it to be real.
In the semi-darkness, Madeleine can tell James is frowning. "Would you like me to get down on one knee?" She hears a hint of reluctance in his voice.
"No," Madeleine is not going to make him do that with his bad knee. That would be cruel. "No, that won't be necessary." She reassures him by kissing his cheek and lips.
James kisses her lips in return. He seems grateful and relieved, "Alright," He agreed.
"I would also like a ring." Again, if they do this, Madeleine wants it to be real. It is funny and perhaps ironic. She never thought she would want or care about such things. Though she did not know what sort of ring she wants. There were all sorts. Madeleine knew she did not want it to be too big or too small. She stares up at the ceiling in wonder. "I think I'd like to go pick one out together."
James seems to hesitate, "You don't trust my tastes?"
Madeleine pauses, she does not want to fight, but how else could she put this? "I have seen your flat." All those boxes on the floor as if he had just moved in. Nevermind he had been living there for quite some time. Yes, he did not spend much time there. Still, it was unimpressive. "Let's go look together." She tells him how one of her former colleagues went and picked one out with her fiancé when they became engaged. "She said it was really fun."
"Hm, maybe..." James acts like he is going to say something, but decides against it. Madeleine cannot decide what he is thinking or tell what sort of expression he is wearing. She hopes he has not hurt his feelings.
"And I get to keep my name," Madeleine concludes, touching his hand.
"Very well," James agrees softly. He seems completely unconcerned with her last condition. He touches her wrists and fingers.
Madeleine is glad he is unconcerned with her taking his surname. Another reason she loves this man. Besides, MI-6 might give him a new name with his official impending retirement ceremony.
"Je t'aime," Madeleine continues to touch his arm.
"Je t'aime aussi," James leans in closer. He bends his neck and brushes his mouth against hers for a new, deeper kiss.
Madeleine reaches and pulls him in close.
James is soon atop her as they run their fingers through each other's hair.
The kiss deepens and intensifies.
Madeleine's hands run down his neck and back. They both began clawing at each other's clothing. Her heels dig into his backside as their bodies and souls become one in the darkness.
A few days later...
Evening
James looks around the kitchen, dining, and sitting area. He is wearing a new shirt, tie, and suit-jacket.
Everything seems in order. The candles are all lit. The record player is playing a soft melody in the background. The flowers look nice, they are Madeleine's favorite. James looks back at the flowers. At least he thinks they are...now he is beginning to doubt himself.
Then James notices two of the candles are off center. He slightly shifts them over to the left...there. That is better.
James looks around again. He hopes this looks nice. Maybe they should have gone out to a restaurant or away to another location, but he wanted it to just be the two of them. They could talk and say everything that needs to be said without interruption or distraction. Besides, they had eaten out plenty the last several months while traveling around Europe.
Madeleine had gone out for the evening with a friend. James checks his watch, she should be back soon. He figured this would give him the chance to surprise her and get everything ready.
James breathes in and out. He wonders if he should stand or sit. James paces around, stands by the counter. He looks around, perhaps he should sit at the small dining table.
Actually, James believes it is time for a drink, some scotch whisky. He opens a few of the cabinet doors, searching for the hidden bottle. He wishes they had something more celebratory like champagne. However, Madeleine could not drink and James did not want to tempt her. So they had either hidden or given away any alcohol in the house. At first he was a bit irritated at the idea. That had probably been his least favorite thing about the pregnancy so far. After her bouts of morning sickness and exhaustion. Still, it was not all bad. James enjoys watching the slow, subtle changes to her body. He smirks, including her breasts. He had also come to see the next seven months or so as an opportunity to stop or at least lessen his drinking. What he told Madeleine at the clinic was true, he does consume too much alcohol.
James opens the third cabinet door. Ah, there it is.
He opens another door, finds a glass, and pours himself a drink. James holds the glass for a moment and takes a sip. He lets it sit and then swallow, savoring the aftertaste. When he was young and first began drinking scotch, all the finishes tasted similar. As James tried and enjoyed more varieties, he discovered each ended differently. Some ended more sharply than others, some had a near spiciness, and others simply warmed the body like sitting by a warm fireplace.
James studies the room. He hopes he has done everything correctly. He thought about contacting a friend or former colleague for advice. He had thought about asking Gareth Mallory, he is a married man. So he had some experience in this arena. The two men had come to respect each other, but he would not say they were that close. James had also considered his brother from Langley, Felix Leiter. He is also married, but then James felt too uncomfortable at the notion. Besides, Leiter is probably busy in the field. James shakes his head, he feels so silly and foolish. He could defuse a bomb, stop a shooter, or terrorist without second thought, but proposing to a woman? Here he is, second guessing himself. Again, he feels so bloody foolish.
James supposes this is just further proof that he—they were truly not like most people. He had been looking up ideas and tips on marriage proposals the past few days. They had no family and few friends to celebrate their special day with. No parents to go and ask permission as was tradition. A few times, he had also caught himself wondering what it would be like if their parents were here.
James does not recall if the groom's parents were traditionally consented. He believes it depends on the culture. For another brief moment he wonders what it might be like if they were here. James smiles bittersweetly, he believes his mother would approve of Madeleine. He cannot recall her ever disliking anyone. She always saw the good in everyone, even to a fault. As for him...James clenches his jaw, he doubts his father would approve of Madeleine. The man never liked anyone. James scowls and takes another sip, nor did it bloody well matter.
As for Madeleine's parents, James has thought about them a lot over the past few days. Madeleine's mother, Mathilde had died when she was a child. He has no idea how his late future mother-in-law might feel about her daughter marrying a former MI-6 agent. James senses she would not be too enthused at the idea. Though he knew the woman enjoyed her alcohol. He looks down at his glass, he would like to think they might find some things in common over some scotch.
As for Madeleine's father, well...James doubts he would get Frederich's approval. He takes another sip and smirks wickedly at the thought. James's life truly has been a strange series of events. Long before he had known Madeleine, he had known her father as the mysterious Mr. White. The man had been Vesper's contact, a top ranking member of Quantum, SPECTRE, and James's nemesis. He imagines Mr. White had similar thoughts. After all, James had shot him in the knee and taken him on a joy ride for interrogation. James takes another sip of his scotch. What would Mr. White say if he knew he was about to propose to his daughter? Again, James very much doubts he would get approval and possibly a bullet to the knee.
Still, James had once made a promise to Mr. White. That was arguably as close as he would ever get to receiving the man's blessing.
"You have my word."
"Your word?" Mr. White scoffed. "The word of an assassin?"
James pulled the gun out of his pocket and placed it across the dusty chessboard. "That's my word."
It is a promise James intends to keep until he draws his final breath.
James holds his arm up to check his watch. Madeleine should be back here at any moment. He exhales, takes another sip, and moves around the room.
Some time later, the driveway alarm chimes.
James puts the bottle of scotch away and the empty glass in the sink.
A few moments later, lights pulled up outside the house. With Madeleine going out for the evening, they had left the driveway gate open for the evening.
James goes to look outside the window. He knows it is Madeleine, but still he cannot help but worry and feel the need to make certain they are safe.
James slightly pulls back the curtain. Yes, he reconizes the Volkswagen. The passenger door opens and Madeleine climbs out. She is wearing a light jacket and a simple gown with a flowery design on it. She says something, smiles, and says something else. She makes her way towards the door and slowly slides the door open, "Bye! Thanks again!" She calls out as she waves at the car lights slowly driving away.
Madeleine closes the door, takes off her jacket, and finds James standing in the candlelit kitchen and living area. She seems surprised and yet not surprised. Madeleine knows what this is. She surely had some idea of why he asked how long she would be and what time she would be home.
Madeleine is the first to speak, "Hi," She says softly.
"Hi," James studies her. It is not just the candlelight. She is absolutely radiating—glowing. He understands what people mean by pregnant women having a glow.
A blush seems to creep up Madeleine's neck and ears. Maybe she had just noticed him staring. "You look good," She smiles.
"You look incredible," James reaches for her, "Perfect." Wrapping his left arm around her, pulling her in close. His right hand caresses her face and their lips brush and slide against one another. She tastes and smells so good.
Momentarily, Madeleine pulls back, she gives him a look. She can probably sense the scotch whiskey on his breath.
James hesitates, he hopes this does not ruin their evening.
Madeleine seems unbothered by it, she kisses his lips and jawline.
Relieved, James lips part, "So, uh..." Damn, what was he going to say? He has planned and rehearsed this moment the last few days. He had worked out in his head what he was going to say. Finally, he manages to open his mouth, "Can I get you anything?" James has a few things on the counter that she likes and can hold down like club soda and crackers.
"No, no, this is perfect." Madeleine pulls away to look over at the flowers. She is smiling from ear to ear. Apparently he had picked out the right ones. "Everything's perfect." She touches his arms and hands.
"Really?" James is glad to hear it.
Madeleine looks back at him. "Yeah, even your shirt and tie. They match your eyes." She ran her fingers along his tie and collar.
"It does?" James asks. He touches the tie and suit-jacket. He could not really tell in the candlelight. "I hadn't noticed." Had he? James mostly remembers trying to get everything just right.
Madeleine smiles as she places a hand against his chest. "You do wear blue a lot."
James frowns, he had never really thought about it, but he supposes he does. He would not say he has a favorite color, but if he had to pick, he would say blue, white, and maybe grey. Those were the colors he felt the most comfortable in. Looking back, James often wore them while at boarding school and later in the Royal Navy. "I can wear something—"
"Oh, non," Madeleine protests. "That is not what I meant. No, you don't need to change a thing to please me." She warmly smiles and gestures at the candlelight, the flowers, and the music. "This is perfect," Madeleine says again. Her lips brush against his jawline and chin. "Actually, it makes occasions like tonight special." She leans against him.
James wraps his arms around her, "Yes, but it shouldn't be a special occasion when I tell you how much I love and appreciate you." He has not always said it enough, especially in the past.
Madeleine smiles up at him. "I know you love and appreciate me."
James looks into her eyes. "But you deserve more." That is what tonight is about. Making it official. James pauses and starts to feel a bit more confident. Now he remembers some of the things he was going to say. His lips part, "You know, for a long time, there were so many things I did not understand...make sense to me."
"Like?" Madeleine raises a brow.
James wears a mysterious expression. "Like a party or ceremony to mark a special day, commitment, and vows."
For many years, James did not understand any of it. What if one changed their mind? All marriage did was make it harder to separate if things did not work out. Besides, why tie oneself down to one woman? Again, he did not understand it. Especially when he was younger, James had a bachelor's taste for freedom. As he grew older and fell in love the first time, he understood that...desire for human connection. However, for a long time he had not seen the point in trying again. James also understood that worked better for an ordinary man, but not for someone like him. He was always traveling and facing constant danger. That did not bode well for a long-term relationship. Not many of them understood him or his world anyway. Now that he had met someone like him, who understood his world, and he had left MI-6, everything is different.
James gives a little shrug. "A ring to symbolize a vow." He wears a puzzled expression. "I never really got the connection between something you feel and a...a piece of jewelry." It had all seemed so...old fashioned. Something to show a man could pay for his bride.
Madeleine nods, "I think that is very wise." She touches his jacket and shirt. "To not care about the symbol but the actual feelings." Her other hand reaches for his hand.
James squeezes her fingers. "Yes, but I have been thinking it over lately." Rings, vows, and all the rest. Maybe it was all symbolic, but he wants her to know they were truly partners now and for the rest of their lives. That he is not going to change his mind. He also wants to give her and their family stability. That is very important to him, because he lost it very early on as a child. "I think we do need symbols and...special days in our lives." Things to look forward to and celebrate.
"Otherwise we will start taking things for granted." Especially on the days they were busy and tired with the child or life in general. "That somebody will always be there or knows how one feels. I've done that to you. We've been so comfortable in our relationship. It has been so easy, because I had already started counting on our future without ever saying the words or asking you."
Madeleine reaches for his hand. "Yes, but you know how I feel." He knows how she feels about him. How she feels about marriage. All of it.
James runs his fingers through her hair. "Yes, but I know that you're afraid if we do this...the feelings will go away. That we'll wind up like your parents, or that I'm only asking because of...the baby." His hand slid down her side. "Which I am not." James looks into her eyes. He believes she knows this, but he just wants to make certain they are on the same page.
Madeleine seems almost irritated, but understood he wants to be completely clear with her. "I know you're not." They had discussed the topic before her pregnancy.
James nearly hesitates, but presses on with his speech. "I know we're not...you and I have lived in the shadows for most of our lives. I know we're not...conventional people, but I think...I believe we can make it work." They were so much alike. They understood each other and the world each had lived in. "We can make a home." A safe place for them and their family. A place where they could give their child everything they wanted and lost. A normal life. They could take him or her on their travels, spend Christmas morning together, go fishing, sailing, and all the things Madeleine had mentioned. James has slowly been allowing himself to think about all those things. All the things he never thought about before. All the things he never thought he would have.
Madeleine looks down and seems to consider her next words. "You know my mother used to say, set your expectations low, that way you won't ever be disappointed." She crosses her arms and shakes her head. James suspects Madeleine had also believed this for a time. "That is a really sad way to live."
"Yes, it is," James nods as he reaches for her. "What's the point of holding yourself back from something you really want?"
"Agreed," Madeleine nods. "For a long time, I did not want any of this," As she told him in Italy. "Now...I am so grateful you showed up in Austria. I never thought...I am so happy." A single tear leaks and falls down her cheek.
James wipes away the tear. "Me too. Years ago, I did not think I wanted any of this. I thought I would spend my life alone." When he was in the Royal Navy, he thought he would die out at sea. Then later, as an MI-6 operative and Double-O, he thought he would die out in the field. If he was lucky, he might get to retire on a beach somewhere. "And for a time I thought I had found that and...then I figured I'd never have it again, but I have." He smiles. "I have found that." He takes both her hands into his own. "I love you so much, and I would be honored to spend the rest of my life with you." He squeezes her hands as he looks into her eyes. "Madeleine Swann, will you marry me?"
Madeleine meets his smile and squeezes his fingers back. "Yes, James, I will marry you."
Their lips meet and James is lost in the searing, endless kiss. He is lost in the taste and the softness of her mouth. He is lost in her answer and to joy. He is lost in thoughts of their future, all its wonder, and possibilities. He cannot remember the last time he felt so happy.
When the infinite kiss ends, James reaches inside his pocket. "I have something for you."
Madeleine looks surprised and worried, "James..."
He gives her a mysterious, almost mischievous look. "I did not buy you a ring." Which is true. James had planned this before she had suggested they pick one out. Still, he hopes he did the right thing. "I just...it did not seem right to not give you something tonight. We can still go pick one out," James says gently and softly. It did not matter to him. "This was my grandmother's." He held up the ring. The band was gold and silver with the inscription, "All the time in the world" all around it.
A bewildered Madeleine takes the ring into her hand.
"I believe my mother wore it during my parents' engagement." His Aunt Charmian received the ring upon his parents' death. Then she gave it to James after she passed away. For a long time, he had no idea why, but now he is glad she had given it to him.
Madeleine covers her face with one hand as she marvels at the ring. "Oh, James, it's beautiful." Her voice is filled with joy, along with a hint of emotion.
James takes the ring from her fingers and gently slides the gold and silver band on her finger. "Yeah," The ring fit perfectly. "Beautiful..." He lowers his head for another searing kiss.
A few days later...
Somewhere in the Norwegian countryside, a small wedding ceremony is being performed. The groom and bride stand hand in hand surrounded by a small group of people. They were all standing in a beautiful flower-covered arbor overlooking the sparkling, blue lakes and the beautiful green Fjords.
The groom is in a dashing midnight blue tuxedo with silver cufflinks that match the bride's dress.
The bride is in a beautiful, simple, long sleeved silver brudekjole with a simple Norwegian bridal crown. On her ring finger is the gold and silver ring that her fiancé gave her a few days ago.
They had arrived just a few hours ago. They had recently obtained a license to marry. Today, they had been exploring this beautiful part of the countryside and felt there could not be a more beautiful location for a wedding. The chapel had everything they needed. The rings, the flowers, the bløtkake, the brudekjole, the tux, the holy man, and the witnesses.
Before them stood a Norwegian holy man. He wore a simple, dark robe with a crucifix. His hands raised above their heads as he recites the ancient prayers, blessing, and ekteskapsløfte.
Steps away stood the witnesses who were the holy man's brother, niece, and nephew. All three are wearing the traditional bunad.
The young woman wore the traditional bunad dress with the long sleeves, double-shuttle woven wool skirts, jacket, and scarf. She holds a basket with the rye and barley grains that wait to be thrown.
While the two men wore the hand-made woolen bunad suit that is made up of a silk pants, stockings, vests, and top coats. They were covered with intricate and colorful designs. Both men hold violins that were played during the procession.
The rings are exchanged. They were two simple golden bands.
The holy man wraps the beautiful hand-knitted scarf around their arms. He is symbolically wrapping the couple together to demonstrate that their fates are tied to one another.
When the final proclamation is made, the people bearing witness to the union began to whistle and clap.
Then James Bond and Madeleine Swann share their first kiss as husband and wife.
End.
Thoughts?
Trivia: Friedrich König was possibly Mr. White's true name. Olivia Mansfield was M's (Judi Dench) true name. It is written on the box that Moneypenny gives Bond at the end of Skyfall. Ian Fleming often wore blue and white clothing. "A bachelor's taste for freedom" is a quote from On Her Majesty's Secret Service. This one-shot was nearly called Three Conditions.
Bond's Father: This is just a theory, but the way James threw his father's gun down in Skyfall has led some to speculate if he and his father did not get along. I believe some of the non Flemming books and comics have also somewhat touched on this too. I have not personally read them, I just got my information from the James Bond Wiki.
Madeleine's Mother: Currently, it is unclear what Madeleine's mother's name is. The character is just listed as "Madeleine's mother" in the credits. In my mind, Madeleine names her daughter after her mother. It makes sense to me, especially after the opening of No Time to Die. It allows Madeleine to forgive her mother in a sense. Also the actress that portrays her mother is named Mathilde Bourbin.
The Ring: It is the same one Bond and Tracy look at in the shop windows and she later wears in On Her Majesty's Secret Service. I thought that would be a cool little nod and Easter egg.
French: Je t'aime means "I love you"; Je t'aime aussi means "I love you too"; "Cher" means "Dear"; Non means "No"; Oui means "Yes"; Fatiguée means "Tired".
Norwegian: Ekteskapsløfte means "wedding vows"; Brudekjole means "wedding gown"; Bløtkake means "soft cake". I wanted to throw in some real life Norwegian traditions with the language and the bunad.
Bond: I hope Bond is in character. That has been one of my biggest worries. Some fans believe it is out of character for Bond to marry or want a normal life. However, I don't think it's entirely out of character for Bond to want to marry and have a normal life. The character has married once in both the films and novels. He has also fallen in love and tried to walking away from MI-6 a few times. It happened twice in the original novels and now three times in the films. So again, I don't think it's out of character, but I'm curious to hear opinions.
I can't see Madeleine's mother approving of Bond, and especially not Mr. White. Imagine the family dinners. LOL! Though Bond ultimately kept his word to Mr. White in No Time to Die.
** Future chapters: I'm not sure how many one-shots or chapters I'll do. Possibly four in total, I'm not sure so I'm going to keep it marked as complete just in case those ideas do not flourish. **
Again, what do you think? I hope James and Madeleine seem in character. I have worried there was too much talking and going back and forth. Though I think a lot of discussion makes sense when a couple is contemplating a big decision like that.
Updated 1/10/22
Please tell me what you think and leave your thoughts down below. Thank you for reading.