For RebaForever15, You know I just couldn't let the inappropriate feelings thing get in the way hehe

James, Bill and Eve were still in a bit of shock as they left to office with M. They still couldn't believe what they had witnessed. M who has no useful memory at the moment dressing down Garreth Mallory as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

After a nice dinner the four returned to M's flat for a drink to be followed by a series of questions about the evening's events. There were just some questions that needed answers. As M and Eve sat on the sofa, James and Bill were pacing around the room each trying to decide which question to ask first.

"M" said James "How did you do it?"

"Do what?" replied M with a slight smile

"How did you manage to deal with Mallory when you didn't even know who he was" interjected Bill

"M... Did you suddenly remember him?' asked Eve

"I have to admit" said Bill with a slight laugh "It was nice to see the Evil Queen of Numbers make an appearance with regards to Mallory...No offence intended M"

"Evil Queen of Numbers?" replied M sounding a bit confused

"Just a term of endearment, I swear" said Bill with a genuine smile

"And the way you defended us, It's as if you actually cared about us" said Eve

"Of course I care about you" said M sounding a bit hurt by Eve's statement

"Sorry M...that come out wrong. We know you care about us, it's just that before this you never would have been so openly emotional in front of anyone." replied Eve somewhat apologetic

"I see"

"M you remembered something when you were in the office didn't you" said James

"No not exactly" said M rather evasively

"What do you mean not exactly" asked James inquisitively "How is it you knew who Mallory was? Him of all people"

"Lucky guess" she said jokingly

"Lucky guess my arse you knew who he was didn't you" replied James with a hint of suspicion in his voice

"Alright yes I knew who he was, but not because of his face but more his name" she said getting up from the sofa and going to retrieve the file in her bottom desk drawer

"I found this in the drawer this morning. Most of it makes absolutely no sense to me, but the name I remembered" she said handing the folder to James

"So that's what you were doing up so early this morning. You were poking around" he said as it now all made perfect sense to him.

"I wasn't lying about not being able to sleep, so as long as I was up, I decided to see what I could find and to be quite honest there's really not a lot here, that's when I came across this" she said

"So I guess you have been able to determine who you are from this" said Bill as he took the folder from James

"Not quite. I still have a lot of questions but at least I know that I am the head of MI6 so that's a start" she replied as she tried her best to conceal a small yawn

"Well I think someone has had an awfully busy day" said Eve as she got up. "Bill I think we should go and let the "Boss" get some rest"

"Oh you don't have to go I'm fine really" protested M

"No, she's right. You need your rest so we will get going." said Bill as he headed toward the door

"M. They're right. You have had one hell of a long day and a lot to digest. If you behave maybe they can come and play with you tomorrow" he said with a laugh

"Fine" she said pouting just a little

After Bill and Eve left M went upstairs to get ready for bed as James finished clearing away the glasses. "I wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn't lost my memory" she thought as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Would they have still wanted to spend time with me or would it have just been business as usual" she thought. James came up the stairs and just stood in the doorway watching her for a few moments as she seemed lost in her own little world again.

"Hey…I thought you were going to get ready for bed" he said leaning against the door jam.

"I was, I mean I am why?' she asked sounding a bit confused

"Well I believe it would go much faster if you actually put your night dress on instead of holding it in your hand is all" he replied flashing her an playful grin

"I suppose you're right" she said as she got up to go to the bathroom to change

"Are you sure you're alright" he said the concern returning to his voice

"Yes why do you ask?"

"I don't know you just seem particularly quiet is all"

"Just have a lot on my mind I guess" she replied as she returned and got into bed

"Look. If you don't want to talk about it right now I understand" he said as he sat down beside her.

The look she gave him was one of both great sadness and confusion.

"Did you really think that I didn't care about the three of you before all of this?" she asked in all seriousness

James was surprised by her question. He always knew she cared she just wasn't able to display her emotions like most people, given her position. It would be considered unprofessional to let your feelings get in the way in their line of work, and she was anything but unprofessional.

"Slide over" he said as he moved to sit next to her with his arm around her shoulders pulling her closer to him.

"If there is one thing I know for certain it is that you care very deeply for those around you even if it isn't always possible for you to tell the so at the time" he said tilting her chin up so he could look into her eyes. "You have an enormous heart and you place a great deal of value on loyalty and friendship. You proved that tonight with Mallory. You stood up to him in defense of your friends like a mother bear with her cubs" he said with a smile. "So the answer to your question is no, we never doubted for a second whether you cared for us, it was just nice to be able to see you express those feelings for a change instead of having to keep them all bottled up."

"So what exactly are we supposed to do with these feelings we shouldn't have or display" she said as she snuggled closer to him "I mean really, before all of this happened I wouldn't have dreamt of inviting Bill and Eve or you for that matter here would I, and I certainly wouldn't have let you stay here let alone sleep my room would I?" she asked sounding confused

"No probably not" he said quietly

"It's a hell of a business were in isn't it" she said rather matter of fact. "We're supposed to care about everyone and no one all at the same time, but what happens when the lines get blurred"

"Well for me the lines have never been blurred as far as you are concerned. You are the one person I have always and I mean Always been able to count on to protect me when needed, defend me even if I didn't deserve it and kick my arse when necessary. I have always cared about you it just took a little tumble down the stairs to make me realize just how much." He said softly

"You had better be careful James that sounds an awful lot like those inappropriate feelings we're not supposed to have" she said sitting up to look at him

"Then I guess it's lucky for me that you don't remember the rules isn't it" he said as he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips.