Chapter 5

Bond sits in M's office waiting for her return. Tanner is elsewhere in the building, and Bond sits in silence, contemplating killing the man. How could a man he thinks is a friend suddenly turn against him?

Christ, Tanner was giving him pointers on wooing M and now, now Bond has no idea what is going on with Tanner.

The man is lucky enough to have something going on with Eve, one would think that is enough. Tanner has always been close to M, at work and likely as a sounding board. It is natural for them to have feelings for each other, but something is changing between them and Bond doesn't like it.

There are two beautiful bouquets of roses on the desk, awaiting the object of their shared affection, no...apparently their all encompassing desire.

Bond holds the cards in his hands as he sighs. So much for friendship. James replaces the cards from Tanner under the respective flowers.

Bond has always had difficulty keeping friends. A woman inevitably comes between them. Once he slept with a school mates, sister and then his mum. That ended that friendship, and there were others since.

M can't believe he could care for a woman of her age. Hell! He's slept with older women since he was bloody well 16 years old.

Red and white roses...the like of which in the past, have started wars in this county. In the end the winner took the prize, Elizabeth of York and the crown.

The white rose represents purity, innocence, spirituality, a symbol for true love. The red rose, love and passion, people who you have great respect for, and those who have shown great courage. All of these things apply to M.

However, when given to M from one very generous Mr. Bill Tanner, neither of these bode well for Bond's position in this mess. Bond is angry and frustrated and he wants a confrontation with M and Tanner.

Tanner for inserting himself stealthily into M's life as her saviour, and M for not accepting him in the first place.

James Bond is not used to having to actively pursue a woman. They usually fall into his lap. He does see her point that it is not socially acceptable for them to date, but they can keep it silent...they are spies after all. If he is unacceptable then so is Tanner, likely more so because they are constantly together.

Where is poor sexy Eve in all of this? Do she and Tanner have an open relationship? Bond never took Tanner for the type, but he could see Eve as a casual sort of relationship woman.

M will block him as inappropriate and then date her brother-in-law or someone else older, more acceptable.

It is 5:40 when Bond hears the elevator and conversation as Eve and M enter the outer office. M bids Eve goodnight.

"Bill is still here somewhere so I will go find him."

"Yes, you and he should have a nice dinner tonight."

"Thank you M. I will ask him."

Bond can hear Eve leave as M hops on her crutches into her office. She is overwhelmed by the smell of roses.

M spies two large vase on her desk with cards placed carefully underneath. As she makes her way to smell the lovely flowers her spine stiffens suddenly in fear.

There is someone in the room with her…

M sniffs the flowery air and turns to see James Bond, legs crossed looking relaxed with his top shirt buttons open, sans tie, and his arms draped carelessly over the back of her sofa.

"I do hope you have reason to be lounging here in MY office 007."

"I did book an appointment."

"I cancelled said appointment."

"Yes you did. I can't help feeling you are avoiding me M."

"Bond, I...you do not have any business reason to be here so I suggest you go out on the prowl and enjoy your evening."

"I would rather sit here waiting on you than doing something so unfulfilling M."

"Such a change from the norm. I think I will book a full psychological work up for you and a medical one too."

"Lashing out at me so soon M? We are just getting started."

"NO...no we are not! You are just about to leave and I am gathering my things and calling for my car."

"I can take you home M."

"No."

"Why not?"

"You bloody well know why the hell not 007!"

"Calm down M. I have not made a move towards you and it was just a suggestion. I was serious when I said I would not push you, even when I desperately want you."

"And how the hell was that night, and now not pushing it Bond?"

"I'm sorry M. I was overwhelmed by the moment. In all honesty I was bone tired and had a few drinks before stumbling in on you and Tanner in bed. That was a shock and it made me angry. That is why the events unfolded as they did. It is not like I actually expected you to allow me to get that far. I had hoped but…with you...I now know to expect the unexpected."

M sighs, tired of fighting with the stubborn man. "I'm sorry Bond. I did not mean to lead you on, or tease you in anyway. I was shocked quite honestly."

"I know M. The bigger question now is, what are you going to do about Tanner's affections?"

"What! Bill and I are friends only. As you likely know he has a lovely lady in his life already."

"Yes, but a man who sends two dozen roses with a card that reads love Bill, that is not just a friend."

M turns to look at the flowers on her desk again as she finds the two cards. "This must be some sort of mistake. Bill may have sent one to me as a gift but the other was for Eve, I'm sure of it."

"I don't know M. The symbolism for those flowers, passion, and true love. Which ones do you think he chose for you? The passion or true, eternal love?"

M turns back to Bond as they hear talking outside the office. "I have to say goodnight to M I will meet you down by the car."

"Hurry, Tanner...I'm hungry." Eve purrs to him.

Tanner enters M's office to see her standing beside two dozen roses and to the left is James Bond looking entirely too comfortable on her sofa against the wall.

"M? I see you got the flowers."

"Yes Bill, I did. You really did not have to go to such trouble."

"Yes Bill, you really outdid yourself." Bond cracks sarcastically.

Tanner scowls at Bond's arrogant attack. "I thought you would be happy if M was happy?"

"Oh yes, I want to see her happy but I am confused as to why you continue to insert yourself into M's happiness when you have that very happiness with Eve?"

"What are you on about Bond? M I will escort you down to your car if you are ready." Tanner says suspicious of Bond's attitude and intent.

"Yes Tanner, I am ready and thank you very much for the flowers. I am sure one of these will be lovely on Eve's desk in the morning."

Tanner moves forward and takes the bouquet of red roses to Eve's office. Bond and M watching him carefully the entire time.

M knew one must have been for Eve but that does not really explain why he would send a dozen white roses for her. She knows better to begin questioning too much with Bond here looking entirely too wound up. All the while he is sitting there attempting to look casual.

"Tanner the meaning behind roses, do you know them?" Bond tosses at him as he comes to collect M.

"A little but I am know expert. Red means desire and passion, I think and white purity."

"And true love. So what is it about M that classifies her with the white rose and not the red. Perhaps you should have had a mixture of both for both women. I will admit that takes guts...to send them to both women in the same office."

"I don't know what you are on about James but it made sense considering they both bloody well work here."

Bond shakes his head and chuckles as he stands finally to follow M and Tanner out of the office.

"Bond it was a very nice gesture and that is how it should be taken." M says trying to steer the uncomfortable conversation away from anything remotely volatile. The last thing she needs is the two of them coming to blows hear at the office.

"I'm sorry M." Bond says chastised.

"Oh Bond, there is a short case that came up this afternoon when you and Eve were gone M. It is just to Paris until Friday. The one with the minister we have been discussing M...here is the folder." Tanner says suddenly all business.

M stands at the elevator resting on her crutches and looks through the folder. "Yes, so he is on the move now, I've been waiting for this. 007 I think you should handle this. Here is the file look over it tonight and we will meet on it tomorrow before you leave."

"Fine M. I see you are not quite over your need for avoidance."

M's eyes flash to his. "Bond your job is to go where I think best! Do you understand that?"

"Yes, ma'am! I will be in at 9. Call my office when she wants me in Tanner." Bond avoids looking back at M as he walks away to open the doors for the stairs. Bond slams the door shut, he cannot bear to be near the two of them right now.

Once he makes it to the parking garage he sees Eve standing against Tanner's car looking pissed, at her watch.

"Eve darling, you and I need to talk. Come I will take you out to dinner. Tanner is too busy with M right now."

By the roll of Eve's eyes Bond can tell that the two of them are on the same wave link when it comes to frustration with Bill Tanner and M.

"Fine...but you're paying."

Bond gives her his trademark smirk as Eve sends off a message on her mobile.

"I wouldn't have it any other way my dear."

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Tanner looks at his message as he help put crutches into the car with her.

"What is it Tanner?" M can tell by the way his face fell, there was something wrong.

"Eve left me for dinner with Bond."

"What? Because of the flowers?"

"What about the flowers M? I thought he would be happy that I sent them to you."

"Tanner, you know I really enjoy that we are now friends but you sent me roses, Two dozen is a lot and unlikely to go unnoticed by Eve, Bond, or anyone who saw them delivered. I understand that you have strong and confused feelings for me but that many roses, white for true love and red for passion...that is too much."

"But I sent one dozen to Eve…"

"I assumed that but both the cards were addressed to M love Bill. Bond was sure to point that out to me."

"What! That was a mistake...M...I'm sorry but I sent one dozen to you in Bond's name to try to thaw things between you. No wonder he seemed so tense. Thank god I arrived when I did. You may need to write him up for being in your office without your permission."

"Relax Mr. Tanner. Bond stayed in a nonthreatening way on the sofa and made no move towards me. I told him I thought there was a mix up and that is why I told you to take Eve's flowers to her desk. This is all just a misunderstanding."

"Yes it is. But Bond and Eve don't know that and I am damned if I am going to guide two grown people through it! The two of them can wallow in their presumptions and jealousy. It's ridiculous…"

"I know it is. Now you understand how I have felt since all this began."

"Not that M." Tanner frowns. "Bond being in love with you is not ridiculous, nor is my admitting a crush. Come for dinner. We will not let their pettiness get in the way of a pleasant meal."

"Are you sure that won't make your predicament worse Tanner?"

"I don't care. I was planning on taking a special woman out for dinner so you fit the bill quite nicely M."

M slides over in the car and Tanner gets in. M orders the driver to her favourite Italian place and they drive off.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Bond takes Eve to a swanky modern sushi fusion place he has wanted to try. The two of them are seated after enjoying a drink at the bar.

"What is going on Bond? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. You finished your last mission way too quickly and then ended up at M's flat. Why?"

"You know why Eve."

"But why the rush back?"

"Tanner had his hands comfortably placed on M's legs, and he was taunting me on the comm. M was dazed from pain and drugs. I felt the urgent need to return and make sure she was alright."

"And that my boyfriend was not pushing the familiarity with our lovely boss too far?"

"Yes. You know how Tanner feels about her?"

"I have always suspected he felt something for her but he would never act on it Bond. There is always a crush that will remain just that, and M is Tanner's crush. I am not that concerned about any closeness they have a friends, so you shouldn't either."

"You didn't see the flowers?"

"What flowers?"

"There were a dozen red and a dozen white roses waiting for M upon her return."

"Wow! From who?"

"Tanner, that's who."

"What!"

"M thought one dozen was meant for you so she made him take it to your desk. The two cards read...to M love Bill."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes and as for Bill Tanner and that night at M's...he was in bed with her when I arrived. Did he tell you that?"

"What! No! Naked?"

"No, they were clothed but it was how I found them that concerned me. M had her arm draped over him...I almost lost it!"

"I can imagine but you are pushing her too fast Bond. Not all of us can just up and switch partners without a second thought."

"What partner? I have never even had a partner other than M and she is the only one I would ever trust enough to be my partner."

"Fine. What about Vesper?"

"What about her?"

"James you quit for that woman."

"Tanner's been filling your head with gossip. It wasn't much...it would never have lasted and had I discovered her duplicity on my own...I would have killed her myself."

"Really? You would have to be a cold hearted bastard to do that Bond. So what has changed in the last 6 years?"

"Everything. I settled into the job, had M's trust to mature and excel at it. Without M...I don't know where I would be."

"Tell me about Skyfall? Not the actual mind numbing report. What happened as you drove M to Scotland? What really happened with Silva. I've been dying to know."

Bond smirks at her as the waiter brings their food. "Really? Why so interested?"

"I was in that courtroom remember. I saw him get M in his sights and he didn't pull the trigger...it was if he couldn't do it. I also saw the look on your face when you arrived."

"I told Tanner to get her the hell out of there! Q and I knew he was on his way! I ran the entire way and thank god for Mallory of all people to have the ability to throw himself at her the way he did."

"Yes he was very brave, but Tanner later said that Silva would only have hit her shoulder. Still M did freeze like a deer caught in the headlamps."

"Yes...we switched cars and headed out of the city. She complained a great deal of the lack of comfort the DB5 provided." Bond smiles as he gets a far away look in his eyes telling Eve about M.

God, James has it bad for M. It is so obvious to Eve, if M could only allow herself…

"M slept a good deal of the way. I thought it was best. We did not speak of Silva but I could tell he was dominating her thoughts. Guilt. She felt guilt, I could see it when she spoke to him in the cage. Finding her in his arms in the chapel did me in."

"Well, you would have to be inhuman not to feel guilt for what he went through. He did not kill her right away in the chapel either did he?"

"No. Silva did have a gun to her head."

"What was her past relationship with Silva? Do you think it crossed the line you are now trying to cross?"

"No...I don't think M would have done that."

"No me neither. I do wonder if it changed the way she conducts herself with agents now."

"Perhaps, it helped her give me more leeway on my first missions. I thought she was being obtuse and controlling but she knew I was onto something before I did. Vesper may have caught her off guard. M did try to console me in her way. I was more angry at White for having Mitchell in his back pocket and trying to kill her in Siena."

"M was so lucky on that one."

"Yes she was. And when she came to Bolivia...I catch her in the hall after agents came to take me in, all by her bloody self!"

"What?"

"Yes, M thinks she's indestructible and ever since Silva even more so. That bullet would have killed her had I not radioed for backup just as his helicopter showed up."

"So in Bolivia you caught her without any guard?"

"Yes, Tanner was suppose to be with her but was still in the hotel room. I was so angry...and I must have bloody looked it. I scared her by the shocked look on her face."

"I think you need to find a way to relax Bond...you seem to be scaring her a bit too much." Eve pulls out her wallet to help pay the bill but Bond resists and pays for both of them.

"At least let me pay the tip."

Bond just smirks at her and pays the server. The two of them leave the restaurant and decide to take a walk in a nearby park to talk and work off the wine before driving home.

Eve reaches into the pocket of her jacket, the coupon M gave her is there.

"M gave me this. A weekend away to spend with Tanner she thought, but now I don't know."

"Why not? You don't seem that upset."

"It comes in waves. I think everything is fine and then he buys her two dozen roses and how can I truly be sure one was for me. And the way he insists on carrying her everywhere! I think he just wants her in his arms more than he should."

"Eve do you really believe he suddenly has no feelings for you?"

"No, but this is all a bit much swirling around the two of them. I think you and I are reading way more into their friendship than we should."

"I think you are right but that could be the alcohol talking. Not to mention the sexual frustration."

"James, you did not...on your mission?"

"No. I was too bloody concerned that Tanner was doing that to M. Tanner says M has other, older men calling. What do you know of that?"

"James, I don't think I should tell you. It is a breach of trust and privacy. But I will tell you this, M rolls her eyes when I give her the messages."

Bond perks up considering that information. "Good, I don't need any age appropriate interference. As it is I am in the doghouse, and likely forever, for that misunderstanding."

"Yes what did actually happen Bond?"

"M was tending to my wounds after I had a shower and I cannot lie Eve I was beyond a little hot considering she stayed in the bath while I showered. I came on a bit strong and I kissed her."

"What? How did you kiss her? Was it nice and gentle or did you push her up against a wall or something?"

"No it was gentle and yes I wanted more and tried to convince her to allow me to sleep in her bed...not that way...just to sleep. I was turned on and hopeful, but I was also dead tired. Besides she was asleep with Tanner just a short while before."

"Yes...and that clenches at my heart every time you mention it."

"Sorry Eve. I asked her how long it would take but I didn't mean it like it sounded. She took it the wrong way and I should have been clearer because I understood why she was pulling away from me after allowing me to kiss her."

"Why?"

"M allowed herself a moment of weakness and she gave herself away Eve. I called her on it, forcing her back to stiffen against the proverbial wall. She must have realized her protestations were shattered with that kiss. Then she attacked."

"Bond, I spoke with her about it and she was angry and conflicted. There is one thing that wrenched my heart in the conversation and it was just what you described. M will not allow herself to love anyone else."

"So what can I do to change her mind?"

"What if we reversed it all on them?"

"What do you have in mind Eve?"

"Why don't you and I go to Devon together and get a suite. I don't think it will take Tanner much to convince M to go with him in retaliation and jealousy."

"So you want to lure them to Devon and force her into sharing a room with me? I don't think that will work but I am more than willing to try."

"Good, I will sort the entire thing out while you are on the mission. Be back by Friday and I will text you the information for the hotel. You meet us there."

"I will. I just hope it doesn't crumble into a massive mess." Bond says as he holds the car door open for Eve and drives her home.

To be continued...