"Eve darling is she in?"
"No she isn't Bond. Nice flowers. I don't suppose they're for me?"
"I will give you one my dear but you really need to ask that boyfriend of yours why he is slacking this Valentine's day." Bond hands Eve one of the dozen red roses that he bought for M.
"We have plans later. Did you get in late last night?"
"Yes. Why?" James asks her looking suspicious.
"I was wondering if you dropped in to say hello to the love of your life, or are you cooling your heels for her now?" Eve says with a raised eyebrow.
"No...I'm not and I'm not making any headway, even after her birthday surprise."
Eve smiles. "Yeah, I got to take her home that night."
"Don't remind me. I've heard rumours that you have some saucy pictures from that night, that I would be interested in."
"I do and Tanner has a very large mouth. I assume he showed you at least one?"
"No...he wouldn't let me see even when I threatened him with death. He's now officially more scared of you than he is me."
"I think he's more scared of M you mean. I am only to let you see one if you do what you're suppose to do on a mission."
"Well, M'lady Eve. I did on this very mission."
"That is for M to decide, not me. Bond in all seriousness, I think she wants too...but she thinks that with ignoring your advances and giving you time, you will revert back to your old ways. Continue along with a string of meaningless women. She dreads that the two of you do get together and then you will find another Vesper."
Bond opens M's door and walks into her office with Eve to place the roses on her desk. He turns back to Eve.
"I know that's what she thinks, but it won't happen. I do want her...still just as badly as when I confessed it to her when you boyfriend had his hands all over her. I am at a loss at how to play this? She stiffens up around me, like she's scared I will physically hurt her."
"Emotional or physical, if she falls in love with you, it may do just that. M doesn't know how to reconcile her feelings for you and the job she has to make you do. Imagine yourself in her shoes James. What if she has to listen to you seduce a 30 year old beautiful woman on her orders? It's too much for her."
"You don't think I know that? I do, and I will certainly try to avoid doing it at all. If I had her to come home to it would not be hard to resist. I want to take her out for Valentine's dinner. Wine and dine her. Take her dancing. All the romantic things people do on this day, but she isn't here. Do you know where she is?"
"Yes and you're not going to like it."
Bond frowns at Eve. "What are you hiding Eve?"
"M came in at eight this morning and was here for an hour but received a call from Arthur. She went to meet him for tea."
"Damn it! Why didn't you tell me this sooner. Do me a favour and call her. Tell her I'm here early for debrief."
Eve dials her phone as it goes directly to message. "Hello M, it's Eve and 007 has arrived early for his appointment. I just thought you would like to know that he did something correct, for once."
Eve hangs up as she looks at James with her shoulders up in a I don't know manner. "I left a message. Oh wait Tanner texted. We will be there soon. I guess Tanner met up with her after her date."
Eve darts out into her office and comes back into M's office with some files. "What if they've already made a date for tonight? I can't imagine Arthur not asking her."
"No me neither. Damn it all. I need a new plan." Bond begins pacing in front of Eve. "I've got it!"
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to ask her out, but if she says that she has a date I will be her driver instead."
"What do you mean her driver?"
"I will take the driver's place and have her all to myself while I take her to my flat where I will have made her dinner. Then I will take her out on the town for drinks and dancing."
"So essentially you plan on kidnapping our boss, the head of MI6."
"Yes."
"You're unstable."
"What? I've done it before."
"Yes and look how that turned out."
"Eve it's the only way to get her to acknowledge this. You know she ignores anything to do with this sort of thing and it's not healthy. Her eyes always find mine in a crowded room...I know she has feelings for me and they are not that of a son, or just her employee."
"I agree with you Bond and you know I want to see this happen as much as you do. Tanner not so much. He doesn't trust you with M's heart and as we've seen he's more than a little protective of M."
"Yes he is. Like her bulldog Jack. Arthur's a damn nuisance with all this asking her out. She told me that she has never been attracted to the man but their shared history and similar age seems to be swaying her in his direction all the time."
Eve smiles and she tidies M's desk and arranges the flowers. "Arthur is a charmer and he keeps close tabs on her. Can you imagine having a thing for a friend's wife for so long? It really is remarkable and romantic."
"You're a lot of help Eve. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Don't kidnap the boss and isn't Arthur a charmer, who's side are you on here?"
"I'm on M's side and I would like to see her with a man that she wants on her terms only. The two of you will have to wait and see who she picks, if either of you at all."
They hear someone enter the outer office. Tanner and M come in to see Eve and Bond already in the office.
"So nice of you to make yourself at home in my office, as you do everyplace else that is mine 007."
Bond knows right off the bat that she's in one of her moods. He wonders what Arthur did to piss her off so badly.
"I did bring flowers. I was told not to drop by unannounced to your flat any longer and you obviously noticed that I did not do that last night."
"So what do you want? An award for doing your bloody job and not stalking me?"
"Possibly if there is such an award. Tanner, do you have any of these awards M speaks of?"
M's eyes flash between Tanner and Bond. "No 007. I don't" Tanner answers sensing the danger. It would not do to have M think he shared any picture of her to her most ardent admirer.
"Shall we all get back to work? Bond your report please." M moves the roses to the window ledge so they do not block her view of Bond and Tanner while they sit across from her and get to work.
Bond begins giving his report on his mission into Afghanistan. An hour later they conclude and Bond lingers behind to speak with M.
"I was wondering if you have any plans this evening M?"
"Yes I do."
Bond frowns when she does not elaborate. "With Arthur?"
M sighs. "Bond that is none of you bloody business."
"Ma'am...may I ask what has you so pissed that your rudely lash out at me and the rest of your staff? You barely acknowledge the roses I gave you?"
M slams her hands on her desk. "No you may not. Bond go find some work to do and leave all this nonsense to do with Valentine's day alone. Such a stupid manufactured holiday, there's little logic to it!"
"Fine Ma'am. Sorry for asking. Many people enjoy time with people they care about on such a day, but I see that you are a scrooge when it comes to this particular date. I will see you later."
M looks slightly abashed as she stares down at the paperwork on her desk. "Thank you for the flowers 007. They are lovely and not deserved after my outburst. You may take them and lavash them on a nurse in medical if you like."
Bond moves towards her angry suddenly. He fists his hands and rests them on her desk, leaning forward.
"Who has been filling your head with lies M? Arthur? Is Julie a mole for him?"
"Oh, Julie is it now? How well is it that you know nurse Julie, Bond?"
"Not as well as you think M! Or that Arthur has led you to believe."
"You do know her though don't you?"
"Oh yes M I know her. She happens to be the daughter of my upstairs neighbour. A fact I just realized the other day when I spoke to her in the hall. If I wasn't so interested and distracted by my unquantifiably sexy boss, I may have noticed earlier. No, all I'm interested in now is how you knew I spoke to her at all? I could swear that you are exhibiting signs of extreme jealousy M. If you could possibly manage to express that much desire for me, Ma'am."
"You flatter yourself Bond!"
"Oh do I? Who's watching me so closely M? You or your admirer Arthur? If it's him then we have a Kingsman mole at MI6 and if it's you, you're jealous."
M narrows her eyes at him sensing the trap too late to escape it.
"I saw the two of you."
"How did that make you feel M?"
"You're not my bloody shrink Bond and I don't have to answer your questions!"
Bond straightens up and adjusts his tie. "Fine M. You don't feel jealous. What would you feel jealous over...it's not like the girl is anything more than a quick screw in a supply closet anyway. It's not like she has been watching me for years pining away for me and waiting for the correct moment to pounce."
"Are you describing yourself or Arthur because I fail to see a difference?"
"There is a big difference, M and you know it! You love me."
"What! Bond you need a medical check up after your mission. Perhaps you better take one of these roses for the nurse when you go."
"Stubborn woman." Bond whispers under his breath as he turns to walk to the door.
M catches his mutterings. "Insufferable man." M says loud enough for him to hear as he opens the door.
"So I will pick you up at seven M?"
M looks up from her paperwork with a shocked expression on her face. "Hard of hearing 007? I'm busy tonight."
Bond frowns and says bitterly. "I bet you are, have a good evening then Ma'am."
Bond storms from her office past Eve at her desk and out to the hall. Bond needs to force that stubborn woman to see that he's not going to give in on this. He texts Eve and asks her to divert any of Arthur's calls if possible.
The plan in his head will get him either fired or killed. But there is no bloody way the woman he loves is spending Valentine's day alone, or God forbid, with Arthur.
It wasn't difficult for Bond to convince M's driver Ross to take the evening out with his wife and let him take care of M.
Bond arrives promptly at six at M's flat. He rings the bell.
"Oh dear God! What is it now Bond?"
"Happy Valentines evening to you also Ma'am, and may I say you look lovely this evening. Ross deserved a night out with his wife, so I will be your driver this evening."
M looks at him shaking her head in anger and reluctant acceptance. She's wearing a nice plain cut red dress that comes up to her clavicle. Pearls and a black jacket. Bond open the door of the company car for her to climb in the back.
"Where am I taking you Ma'am?" Bond meet her eyes through the rear view mirror.
"To the restaurant Trullo I take it you know where that is?"
"I do Ma'am. May I ask if you are meeting Arthur there?"
"You may ask."
"Who are you meeting then?"
M's eyes flash at him. "Not Arthur. I had tea with him this morning to appease him."
"To appease? I bought you flowers...I…"
"You think I should be appeasing you do you? You expect repayment of some sort?"
"Yes...I do."
M smirks at him through the rear view mirror. "Bond, you are lucky I don't fire you after some of the stunts you pull. Why do men always assume a woman needs to repay for something we didn't bloody well ask for in the beginning? I thanked you, isn't that enough?"
"You're right. You did thank me. I apologize for my sexist ways Ma'am."
They drive a few minutes in uncomfortable silence as Bond plays a contrite servant of sorts. The use of Ma'am and nothing more congenial, displays his dislike of the situation as it stands between the two of them.
Bond's fed up and more than willing to antagonize her. "Ma'am you must not have seduction in mind tonight...the way you're dressed."
M frowns looking down on her dress. "Why what's the matter with my dress?"
"You have work clothes that show off more. You must not really like this man." Bond says sarcastically.
"And here I thought you could not possibly be more irritatingly, presumptuous 007."
"Well I try my hardest to impress Ma'am. Who is this man you do not want to show much more than your ankles too? Are you afraid you will kill him with a flash of cleavage?"
"How do you know I'm even capable of seduction after all these years? And for your information this man has seen far more than a flash of cleavage over the years we've know each other."
"Oh, Ma'am...are you going to kiss and tell?"
"There is nothing to tell. He has seen me in swim wear since the 1960's."
"You've know him as long as Arthur?"
"Yes, you could say that."
"Ma'am...who is he?" Bond's genuinely very interested. He was certain it was Arthur he was taking her to.
"Marshall Mansfield"
"The brother in law?"
"Yes. The brother in law. I am meeting him and his daughter Isobel and her date. Before you ask, I did not arrange this. Isobel and my daughter have gone to great lengths to set us up...they think we will be good for each other. To ward off the spectre of loneliness that one experiences with widowhood."
"I bet they do, but what do you think Ma'am?" This is better than the alternative. M obviously is being forced into this date. Her attire, although attractive now makes more sense.
"It's not going to happen. Marshall looks too much like Nigel and it would just feel all wrong."
Bond smiles at her. "That's my girl." It comes out before he has a chance to control his mouth. Bond is very glad that this is in no way a real date, with real romantic implications. He has enough bloody competition for her time as it is.
"Bond...stop, it has nothing to do with you beleive it or not. You're arrogance is insufferable sometimes!"
"Only sometimes? I will escort you in and wait at the bar just in case you need me."
"No you can go. Marshall will drive me home."
"I will not put you in the uncomfortable position of having to give him a goodnight kiss Ma'am. It's a free country and I can sit a bar all I want."
"True but you'll be in no condition to drive anyone home then." M says flippantly.
"I'll be good...I promise you M."
Why does everything he say to her lately have a double meaning. Trying to calm her burgeoning feelings for the annoying man is becoming overwhelmingly difficult. Why does he have to look so damn good in a suit. His cologne is subtle and light and does enough to get her heart racing.
"No. Bond go and find a woman to entertain this Valentine's day. I will not have you waste your night watching over me. When will you finally acknowledge that this will never happen!"
"When will you smarten up and realize that no one else will do! I have not had sex with any woman since I confessed my feelings for you. I've had a multitude of cold showers trying to purge your ardent kiss from my mind's eye."
"I never kissed you. You kissed me!"
"Ah, but M you didn't pull away for a long time...and you definitely kissed back. To pretend otherwise would be a lie."
M grimaces at the fact that he is correct. For a time she did cave to his kiss. "I still can't believe you want...well I am still too old for you 007."
Bond just smirks at her knowing that he's wearing her down. Christ, she's the most stubborn woman he has ever met and he had a Scottish aunt for a guardian.
"Face it M...I'm yours. I've always been and will always be yours. Heart and soul. To order and command, for Queen and Country."
Knowing an attractive younger man wants her so unabashedly always makes her struggle to keep her composure around him. He drives her insane and makes her lash out at those around her at work and tonight, likely in public with Marshall.
Why she's fighting this so hard? It's making less and less sense to her. Ever since her birthday surprise from him, she's been seriously entertaining the thought of taking a big risk on James Bond.
"Stubborn man!"
"Yes...I am. Just a stubborn as you, we are truly perfect for each other."
"Perfectly absurd, you mean."
M actually did want to spend the evening at her flat. Half expecting Bond to break in and join her. Maybe a little dinner and wine and a movie...see where the night went too. Judi and Isobel the busy match makers that they are, tossed a wrench in her plans. Busy thinking that she's a poor lonely old lady who needs the company of Marshall, of all things. If they only knew.
Bond escorts M inside the door and makes his way to the bar so that it does not seem that he came with her. M finds her party immediately and sits with her brother in law and niece. The man...Isobel's with seems familiar so Bond snaps a photo with his mobile and sends it to Q.
Tanner texts back. Bond what in the hell are you doing stalking M on a date with her brother in law?
Bond send a message back. "Mind your own girlfriend Tanner and take Eve out on the town."
Q branch is running the photo of the man with M's niece.
"Good now go out and have fun Bill."
Bond nurses a martini at the bar as he observes M try to negotiate though this set up. Unfortunately, Marshall's a handsome man and he does look a lot like her late husband. The truly unfortunate part, is that Bond can see that the man likes M as more than just a sister. Bond can read people and he knows M can too.
The way she pulls her jacket closed around her to hide her shape from him as he gazes at her across the table. Isobel's an attractive, tall woman around Bond's age. She sits beside M and across from the mystery date she has.
The man excuses himself to head past Bond to go to the gents. As he does he makes a call and Bond overhears the conversation and follow him into the gents.
"Max, you are not going to believe who I am sitting across from at dinner. No...M the old gal herself, and I'm dating her niece. I even know her real name mate. How much is it worth to you?"
Bond smashes the mobile out of his hand and pushes the man's face up against the wall. Bonds forearm pinning him from behind at the neck. The man caught by surprise starts to try to fight back as Bond gets his wallet out.
"Who the hell are you! What do you want?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. Tanner...we have a problem. Who is a Peter Halton of 17 Cherry lane. Call me as soon as you know...he recognized M and is dating her niece, that's why!"
"You're an agent...listen mate...I'm MI5. Same side...same side mate."
Bond frowns but is about to let him go when Marshall enters the gents. Looking at the two of them in shock. "Peter...what?"
"Marshall Mansfield. I'm positive that you know a little about your sister in law's job...if so, please go get her and tell her to come in here now!"
Marshall looks strangely at Bond but nods and goes back to the dining area. M walks in the gents with Marshall who watches the door nervously.
"What on earth is going on?" M exclaims.
"M this man...Peter...was on his mobile, about to tell someone named Max at MI5 your real name."
"What!"
M snaps instantly into business mode. "Max who? Where is your identification? You do realize that I could have you charged with treason for such an infraction. It's completely coincidental that you discovered my name and work for our sister organization but I am not willing to risk it at this point. Bond take him in. Marshall go tell Isobel that he has taken sick and my driver has taken him to hospital.
"I alway guessed...but to have it confirmed like this my dear….I don't know…"
"We will discuss this later Marshall. Just make sure Isobel is unaware please."
Marshall leaves. "My God, could this be any more of a mess. I bloody well hate Valentine's day!"
"As for you Peter, you will be a guest of MI6 until we fully investigate what's happening here."
"Ma'am...I'm no threat!"
"Then who the hell were you talking too?" Bond asks severely.
"Max...Denbigh...a co worker."
"Why was this Mr. Denbigh so interested in what M's name is, that you would instantly call him?"
"Enough. Bond take him and his mobile to Q branch."
"How will you manage M?"
"I'm a big girl Bond. I can manage."
M leaves the gents and goes to work on a plausible story for her poor niece, who has now lost a boyfriend. She will never see him again, if M and Marshall have anything to say about it.
An hour later the three of them leave the restaurant. Peter's absence is eventually explained by Marshall. Marshall says that he caught him indisposed, with another man in the gents. That is not even a lie as far as M is concerned. Isobel is upset, this was only their third date and she really didn't know him all that well.
Marshall drops his daughter off, after they comfort her as well as they are able. Marshall begins a pointed conversation as he drives M home.
"I always knew you would climb far Olivia, but the head of MI6? Such a dangerous job"
"Some days more than others. Remember that bombing of MI6. I was on the bridge heading back when it happened and I was at the committee meeting that was attacked. None of what I have told you tonight you may repeat Marshall. It would be too dangerous for you and for Isabel."
"I knew you worked for SIS all that time ago, but then you and Nigel said you moved to insurance. That was obviously a lie, to hide how high you'd climbed. That young man is your driver? Bodyguard?"
"You could say that."
"There is a deeper story I sense."
"Yes. Bond is my agent and he substituted himself as my driver because he thinks he's in love with me."
"Really? Well not that I'm that surprised. I wondered why you looked so uncomfortable this evening. You and he?"
"No...I've refuse to allow it to go that far...too unprofessional."
"I feel you're hiding behind your age on this one Olivia. I know that the girls are trying to bring us together. In order to ward off some perceived loneliness. I will be truthful with you Olivia. I've always fancied you and that's why I agreed to come out. To see if you and I could find any spark."
"I always thought you were sweet on me Marshall, and Nigel use to complain about it. No I do not feel that way for you. You are a dear man but you are too much like him. It would feel like an odd betrayal of sorts."
"I understand completely Olivia. Will you give your young man a chance then?"
"I don't know. King has been pestering me to date him."
"Chester...my god he's still after you!"
M frowns and looks at Marshall as he drives. "You knew?"
"Of course I did. He knew I fancied you too. What of Robert? I know that you dated him to make Nigel jealous. What you didn't expect, was that you ended up making more than a few brothers jealous in doing so."
"That was two weeks I wish I could take back. There was nothing of substance between us. He wanted to rub it in his brother's face I'm positive. He only spoke of himself and his plans and how important his family was. In all honesty Marshall, Chester is a knight in shining armour compared to Robert."
"Ha...I will have to trust you on that. I never cared for either of them. Does King know of your young man?"
"Yes...they met. It was cordial enough but they do not get along."
"You have to do what your heart tells you to, dear. I officially toss my hat in the ring, but I will also admit that I've been seeing a few ladies from the clubs Josephine belonged too."
M arches her brow at him with as smirk. "Oh have you now Marshall? Isobel doesn't know that does she?"
"No, just as Judi does not know of your line of admirers."
The two of them laugh at the entire situation. Marshall stops in front of M's flat. "Goodnight dear. I will not pressure you to ask me in for a drink, while I awkwardly try to work up the courage to kiss the head of MI6."
M laughs and leans over to kiss his cheek. "Thank you for dinner and an interesting Valentine's day Marshall. I will call you with results on Peter and I will highly recommend he lose Isobel's number. In fact I will have my technology branch wipe it from his phone."
"What about him knowing your name?"
"I will deal with that. You will not see him again and nor will Isobel."
"You always were a scary woman Olivia." Marshall brings her hand to his lips.
He opens his door and comes around the car to help her out. He walks her to the door and waits until she unlocks it. M turns back to him and smiles.
"Goodnight Marshall and thank you for the dinner and the advice."
What ever are brother in laws for, my dear. Besides, your young man has got to be a better choice than the arrogant Chester King.
M laughs as she opens the door. Marshall pulls her back suddenly and leans down to kiss her.
As shocking as it is, it's not an unpleasant experience. It holds a muted passionate that is comfortable and not as forceful as Bond's. It doesn't have the heart pounding effect that Bond's kisses have on her either.
Once they part M smiles. "What was that for Marshall? I thought you were..."
Marshall pats her shoulders. "Don't worry darling. I just wanted to see if I could change your mind. We will always be family Olivia, and I hope that we can also be friends. Goodnight and I will call you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, friend Marshall."
M makes her way into her flat breathing a sigh of relief that it's all over. They did end up having that kiss at her door, but it was not as awkward as she thought it would be. Now she has another friend to call on should she feel loneliness creep up on her.
M puts her jacket on the hook and places her keys and purse on the table. She moves into the dining living room area to see a silhouette by the window. Just like when he returned from Turkey.
"Bond...do you have a report for me?"
"Not yet. Q branch is on it. Peter's in a cell, awaiting us to question him tomorrow."
"Good. If you're not here for a report then what the hell are you doing here?"
"As if you don't know. How was that kiss?"
"What?"
"Don't play M. I saw your date kiss you at the door, from this very window."
"Marshall just wanted to see...if...I don't have to justify it to you 007!"
"No you don't."
Bond moves towards her with a box that was hidden behind his back. A large heart shaped box of chocolates. M takes them and smiles. She opens the box and quickly picks her favourite and takes a bite. Bond watches her intently as she does.
M opens her eyes seeing that he has moved closer to her with his ice blue eyes flash with cool desire. M's heart clenches in her breast as her breathing changes suddenly, due to his gradual movement towards her. She's frozen looking back at him. Scared and thrilled, all at the same time.
Bond watches the way she enjoys the truffle and needs to be close to her. He needs her so much it hurts. The blissful way she devours the treat stirs him. The way she looks at him, when she realizes that he's watching her reaction to the truffle, is bliss. He realizes suddenly, that she feels the same attraction, it's all just her damn stubborn nature that's holding her back.
Bond kisses her gently. Leaning into her, his hands at his sides and not moving to touch her. He's going to let her dictate what happens.
Please let this happen...he can't take much more. M's moan breaks through his musings as she absently places the box of chocolates on the table beside them, while not allowing the kiss to end.
The second M's hands touch his arms, his dart out to her waist and pull her flush against him as his tongue enters her mouth.
They kiss for an age, the taste of chocolate swirling around in their mouths. Moaning and fighting for dominance as their hands move to caress arms, backs, necks and hips. When they finally, breathlessly do part they lock eyes.
They say nothing. M merely nods slightly at James.
James bends suddenly and pulls her into his arms. Darting up the stairs two at a time. M squeals in his arms as she laughs a deep throaty laugh.
"James!"
"Olivia...do you like the magic of Valentine's day now?"
"Magic...yes. Valentine's day...is just another day on the calendar."
"It's magic to me, and such a wonderfully easy day to remember. The day I finally convinced you of my love."
"Yes James...you wore me down. Thawed the heart of the Evil Queen of Numbers."
"Good." Bond still carrying her in his arms as he opens the door to her bedroom. "Are you sure about this M? Are you ready to become more than friends, or really...really good friends with benefits?"
M slaps his arm, "yes my dear boy. I can be friends with Tanner and Eve, but I could never truly be friends with you."
Bond stands still outside M's bedroom with her in his arms, but she gives him pause. "What do you mean by that?"
"I was lying to myself James. I could never hold you, as just as a friend in my heart and I battled this attraction for so very long. Longer than I will ever admit to you. I'm finally ready to move beyond the illusion of friendship with you."
Bond kisses her as he moves into her bedroom.
"Good because I've been really good, and very ready for the last 8 months."
Bond kicks the bedroom door closed. Cradling the woman he loves in his arms as he carries her towards her bed.
Bond finally gets to celebrate his love with M, his forever valentine.
The end.