Chapter 3
James arrived at M's the next morning just before 9am. He knocked a few times before she eventually answered. She opened the door wearing loose black trousers and a duck egg blouse, looking a lot brighter than she had the previous day.
"Right on time Bond."
"Well you know me Ma'am, always punctual."
"Not always." She grinned.
She stood aside to let him in and closed the door behind him. He followed her through to the sitting-room and saw the 2 suitcases at the side of the sofa and laughed.
"What's so funny." She asked.
"We're only going for a week, how much clothes do you need."
"Well you never know what the weather will be like, I have to be prepared."
"Girl Guide, were you."
"As a matter of fact I was. Now, would you like a drink before we go."
"Yes please."
"Tea or coffee."
"Huh."
"It's a little early for the hard stuff, don't you think."
"Coffee then." He said, with a sulk.
He watched her walk away and leaned back on the sofa. He smiled when he heard her humming to herself. Seeing her behave like a normal person away from the stress of MI6 was very new to him but he couldn't deny he liked it. M came through with the coffee's and handed him his mug. She took a seat beside him and could feel his eyes on her.
"Bond, what the hell are you staring at."
"You look different."
"What, how do you mean."
"Not in a bad way. I'm just used to seeing you in suits."
"Oh I see, well stop staring anyway, it's un-nerving."
"Yes Ma'am."
"Are you going to call me that the whole trip."
"You won't tell me your real name."
"You already know it anyway you cheeky bugger, but seriously, enough of the Ma'am."
"Sorry, M."
"Shall we go."
"Yeah, let's get out of here."
He helped her to put on her coat and he carried her cases to the car. He held the car door open for her as she smiled at him and got in. They set off on their trip, James glancing at her every now and again. She stared out of the window, admiring the scenery that passed by.
"M, you okay."
"I'm fine, it's so beautiful isn't it."
"What is."
"The scenery James."
"Oh right, yeah it is."
"Do you think we could stop for a bit."
"Sure, I'll stop at the next rest point."
James drove for another half hour before he spotted a small café and pulled in. He helped M out of the car and made their way inside. They took a seat at a table in the corner and M ordered them both coffee's.
"I'll get a proper drink yet."
"Oh stop complaining, you drink too much."
"Pot calling the kettle black there, isn't it."
"Fine, I'll shut up."
They lapsed into silence and thanked the waitress when she brought their drinks over.
"M, are you okay."
"Why do you ask."
"You're quiet and you wanted to stop."
"My hip was bothering me, we've been driving for a few hours now."
"Will you be okay for the rest of way."
"I think I'll cope. James….about what happened at Skyfall."
"I thought you'd a least wait until we got to Loch Lomond before we had this conversation."
"We have the time now, unless you just want to pretend it never happened."
"Come and sit beside me." James ordered.
M got up from her seat and walked around to James side and sat down. He moved a little closer to her and kissed her cheek.
"What was that for." She asked.
"M, I don't want to pretend that it didn't happen. Silva nearly destroyed you and yes, when I held you in my arms I told you that I loved you. I couldn't bare not having you around. You're the most prominent person in my life."
"James, when you said you loved me, in what context did you mean. As a Mother figure, as a friend or….."
"I'm in love with you."
"Oh."
"Oh, is that it. I have to admit I was hoping for a little more than that."
"James, you are one of the best Agents I've ever had the pleasure of working with and I don't want that to end."
"It wouldn't, I have no plans to go anywhere."
"I just don't see what you find attractive about me."
"Do you have a mirror."
"What."
"A Mirror, a compact. Do you have one."
"Well of course I have."
"Take it out."
M did as she was told and removed the small mirror from her handbag and handed it to James. He opened it and placed it in front of M's face.
"Look into it." James said.
"James, what is this."
"Just do it, please."
"Very well, alright I'm looking."
"What do you see."
"An old woman."
"M, be serious."
"I am, James I'm 69 years old, I have white hair, slim is not anywhere near what I am and I'm dumpy."
James moved a little closer to her and felt her tense at the contact. His face came into view beside M's and he smiled.
"I see a beautiful woman with cutest white head of hair I've ever seen, the most adorable laughter lines and the bluest eyes I've ever seen. You're an amazing woman and I don't give a damn how old you are because it means shit to me. I love you for you, nothing else."
M closed the mirror and turned her head to face James and smiled at him. He hovered a little and his lips suddenly came into contact with her own. She felt his arms going around her waist pulling her closer and her own arm snaked up around his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. She pulled back and smiled at him.
"Can we get going, the sooner we arrive the better."
"Sounds like a good idea. Lets get out of here."
To Be Continued…