M grimaced slightly as the band played a festive tune. The gaudy red and green tinsel adorning their music stands shined in the light. As if they the music itself wasn't loud enough…

"I'm just going to go grab a drink. I'll be back." James gave her back a small pat and made his way through the crowd.

M tried to find another place to stand, as she saw her previous corner had been newly occupied by a couple who'd gotten a little too merry. She would have marched over and made a comment about professionalism, but she figured it was Christmas time, they were allowed a bit of fun. As long as they kept it at snogging, they were alright. Hopefully they were sober enough to have the presence of mind to go back to their respective hotel rooms before they got onto that special holiday treat.

M put a hand out and braced herself against the wall.

She pulled a face. The music was so loud, she could clearly feel the vibrations from the sound system.

Except…

She glanced over her shoulder.

She was nowhere near the speakers.

She carefully zoned in on the feeling of the wall beneath her fingertips.

Nothing.

"What in hell…?"

She slowly realized that it wasn't the room that was vibrating. It was her.

Or more specifically, her knickers.

The band struck up an even livelier number and she had to bite her lip to stop herself crying out.

The vibrations were fluctuating depending on the volume and tempo of the music, getting more intense during the upbeat numbers and easing off a bit during the quieter interludes. But how the hell...

Of course.

Bond.

She could feel his eyes on her. She scanned the buffet, and when her eyes finally landed on him, he was leaning on the dessert table, staring back at her, chuckling as he sipped his drink.

She glared at him, trying to get him to call off whatever it was. She saw him slip a hand into his pocket.

"God!" she gasped, her knees nearly buckling as the vibrations increased again.

Great. Not only was the device dependent upon the music but Bond could also control it via remote.

Just what she needed.

He sauntered over to her, still nonchalantly sipping his champagne as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

She tried her best to remember her training. She stood as straight as she could manage and concentrated on controlling her breathing.

"Enjoying your gift?" he smirked.

"What the hell is this?"

He snorted. "I think you already know the answer to that."

"How-?"

"I convinced Q to do me a favor." He casually leaned against the wall, stifling his giggle as the band began to play another upbeat holiday tune.

She gasped and clutched at his arm before remembering herself.

"Christ! James!"

He chuckled. "Relax. They haven't started the swing music yet." He sipped his champagne and she groaned.

"James…" she warned.

"Ma'am are you alright?"

Eve came up behind her, placing a hand on her back.

"Fine. Just a cramp."

"Maybe you should sit-"

"No. No. I'll be alright. In fact, I think I should call it an evening."

The younger woman looked on with concern. "If you're sure…"

"I am." She gave Eve's arm a small pat and smiled. "You all have a drink for me. And don't keep Bill out too late." She smirked at Eve, who began to blush. "Bond. Call my car."

"Ma'am." He walked off toward the door.

"Ah!" M clutched at Eve's arm again.

She growled low in her throat. Bastard.

"Are you sure you'll be alright, ma'am?"

"Yes. Nothing a nice soak won't cure. Now go. He's probably wondering where you've run off to."

Eve smiled. "Yes, ma'am."

She gave M's arm a gentle squeeze then went off to find Bill again.

After a few more seconds, Bond walked back over to her.

"Ready to go?" he smiled.

She glared up at him. "Now."

He walked her to the door, disassembling his Walther in his head so he wouldn't giggle. M allowed herself to take his arm, only because her knees were so shaky now, she didn't know if she could walk on her own.

Eve caught up with Bond by the door.

"Is she gonna be alright?"

"I think so. I'll see her to the car, just in case."

"Right. Tell her I'll check in on her tomorrow."

"Right." He smiled. "Now get back to your date."

Eve rolled her eyes, smiling and skipped off to where Bill was standing.

"Is the boss gonna be alright?" he asked, seeing the way M seemed to have trouble walking.

"Yeah. I think so. James is gonna walk her to the car. I told her I'd check in on her tomorrow."

"Good." He grabbed her and twirled her around, making her giggle. "Now… I believe I owe you a dance…"