Disclaimers: I do not own James Bond. I do not own Alec Trevelyan. I do not own the other familiar characters. I do own Michael Stone, Lauren Benedict, Margie, and others whom were created to suit the purpose of this story.

Summary: Friendship. Love. Brotherhood. This story is about James Bond, Alec Trevelyan, Michael Stone, Lauren Benedict, and many others. It is about how forgiveness is important. How life is so strange that before you know it, you might be doing something that you never thought you would do. This is about hope.

A/N: I hope you enjoy this. If you don't understand the references to Michael Stone I suggest you read some of the one-shots. Review!

Whatever Tomorrow Brings

During the series of days; during the three days that Alec had promised to take in as punishment and as a condition for what he did to England, James busied himself in files. He read and read. He busied himself in flirting with Moneypenny and the other beautiful ladies in MI6. At nights, he goes out and has his "bonus time" and drinks, but mostly, he thinks about Michael.

Bond thinks on the fact that ever since Trevelyan has died he got colder; more numb than he was before. He missed his best friend so much. But then he met Michael, and everything changed. He thought he would never have such a close friendship as he had with Alec. But everything changed when Michael Stone came into his life.

James was now in the double-ohh section. He smiled at the memory. He had been assigned to copy files for the BlueShine company. It was Michael who came after him. They met and bickered and the friendship began. Bond earned himself a new best friend. And who would have thought that it would be a Central Intelligence agent? Sure, he was friends with Felix, but it wasn't the same. Michael was like Alec. Michael was unlike Alec. Michael soon replaced the feeling of loss. He became a brother.

He looked at the double-ohh insignia. Alec was reinstated. What was M thinking? He took a sip of his shaken – not stirred martini and ran a hand through his hair. M did it for invaluable information. She did it for England. He understood that reason. He did many things like that before too. And Alec seemed to be happy that he was able to be reinstated. Her conditions… It was her conditions that made him worry. A week of evaluation and then, I must be partnered with him. He could see the problems that ahead. I don't know if can trust you, Trevelyan – double-ohh-six – Alec.

"Mr. Bond," a voice said behind him as he stared at the double-ohh insignia.

James turned to the voice and was met by the second assistant secretary of the double-ohh section.

He nodded at the man. "Yes, Dints?" he asked, noticing the folder he was carrying.

"This is for you," Dints replied and handed the agent the folder.

"From who?" James asked as he took another sip from his martini.

"It doesn't say." Dints said as he turned away, leaving James alone to wonder who sent him that folder.

James put down his glass and went to a desk. He sat down and laid the folder in front of him. I wonder… He opened the folder and to his pleasant surprise, letters pop up. It said: 007! Her Majesty's loyal servant! James laughed. He easily took the pop up out from the folder and gently laid it down. He found in the folder a handwritten sheet; cursive writing that James easily recognized to be in Michael's own.

He picked it up and gladly read what his friend had to say.

I don't like starting with dear – friend. That wouldn't be me if I started a letter like that. It just wouldn't be right! That wouldn't be me and you know that wouldn't be me. (Of course, it wouldn't be right.)

I apologize for not being with you for the past year and a few months. I hated it but I hope you coped without me.

Do you miss me? (James missed him for than ever now since finding out about Trevelyan's betrayal.) I bet you miss me. I don't blame you for missing me. After all, I am your bestest – and I mean the bestest friend that you ever had. (James smiled sadly at that sentence. You're the second.) No, wait! I'm the second. Yes, I'm the second. One cannot forget your dear friend Alec Trevelyan – double-ohh-six. (Yes, Michael.) But I don't think him and I are the same person. We are not. I'm not replacing him in your heart. I know sometimes you say that to yourself, but I'm not. (How do you know, Michael) A person can have two best friends. I guess for a man like you, it is in your best interest that you must have two best friends. One an Englishman and the other an American. (James could just see Stone grinning madly.) Two sides of one coin. You carry us with you all the time, Jimmy boy.

(I thought I told you to not call me Jimmy.) Yes, I know that you hate me calling you all the little pet names that I christened you with, but I cannot help myself. I know it's bloody annoying but who gives a damn? I sure as hell don't!

James laughed. He could just hear Stone saying it. Wait, did I just say – no, write bloody? That can't be right.James laughed again.) Great! I can't believe this. You're rubbing on me! Who would have thought that I would be rubbed off on by an Englishman? (James grinned. You're not the only one. You've rubbed off on me too.) Whatever, it doesn't matter.

Mother has given me too many ops to deal with. (James rubbed his chin at that. It explained a lot.) I dealt with them as you know I only can. I sorely miss you. I wish that you were to join me, but I'm fine; just fantastic.

I'm still doing one now. So, that's why you can't send me a reply.

You know, brother, I have you in my heart. Oh shit, I'm getting very emotional… Ha-ha! (James laughed. He never thought that anyone could write sarcasm.) Well, time's running out. I hope to see you soon, Bond; James Bond.

Without the slightest hint of wax (Liar)

Michael Stone.

James touched the letter. He was touched that Michael sent it to him. He needed it more than ever. He was grateful. His friendship with Stone gave him the benefit of a brother. He liked and loved that.

He placed the letter back in the folder and placed a mark that everyone knew: 007.

He checked his watch. In two hours, Alec would be released and set to train and be evaluated. James felt shivers run down his spine. He didn't know what would happen after that.

……………………………………………………………………………………...

Alec looked around his cell. He was glad that he wasn't put in the lower cells; the ones that – well, were reserved to the most heinous crimes to the country. But didn't he commit a crime that was reserved for the infamous "lower" cells? Yet, that doesn't mean I'm not grateful.

His cell was small, but not too small. He had a comfortable bed, a useable sink, and a separate section to do his business. It wasn't hard being in the cell. He could see and sense the guards. He wasn't afraid. He got what he wanted. He was reinstated.

All he did for the past three days was read and think. That was all he could do. It's not like M would give him a tube to watch or a radio to listen too. He was lucky enough to be able to get a book. But his mind had been on few things. So, he really couldn't read.

He was thinking what happened with James. Why the hell did Bond save him? For invaluable information? He knew that it couldn't be the only reason. I doubt that he even knows why he saved me. But he doubted that himself. Yet, he remembered a look going on his former friend's face. It was like something – someone stopped him.Alec was sure that James didn't make the decision on his own.Something influenced him to do so but what?

Alec ran his hands through his hair. He thought during his time in the cell about what would happen after he gets out the so-called high security cell. What would happen? Mental and physical evaluation for a week. He would have to deal with that for the next week. Could he deal with it? But I know I probably can't deal with is the fact that I can't go on missions alone until M and James agree that I am trustworthy. It was ridiculous, but it got him free from being marked a traitor and being punished as one.

But mostly, his mind, heart, and soul always went to Lauren. He would smile fondly at the memory of his time with her. He would smile at the way he would just "pop-up." He missed her so much. I love her. But the question was: does she still love him?

He hated the possibility that she moved on. I wouldn't blame you, darling. I gave you no reason to believe that our love could last. Trevelyan made her believe he was dead. He knew she still thought that he was dead. I want to see you. He wanted to see her so much. But he knew he couldn't. Not yet.

He was lying on his bed; arms folded and his head laying on them. A sound was made. His head swerved to the door. He watched as an agent came in.

"Good morning!" he cheekily greeted.

The agent didn't smile at him. He just said, "M would like to say that your time served is done, double-ohh-six."

Three days passed that quickly, eh? Alec grinned slightly. "I'm free to go?" he asked.

The agent bent his head. He then just left the room, and also, left the door open.

I'm free. Alec smiled and left the room.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

TBC

End-note: I hope all enjoyed this. Reviews are love!