AN: Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed this little fic, i really appreciate it.

I have added one more chapter, which is a sort of epilogue, which was requested by BJames.

Thank you also to Saye0036 who helped me with this chapter.

Hope you enjoy my dears.

Chapter 3

...

Earlier that day, when Tanner had found out Bond had taken M home; he had tried to prevent himself from smiling that his theory was indeed correct. If anyone could have persuaded her to see a doctor and ensured she went home, it was Bond.

He had perceived there was more to their relationship than meets the eye, but how far it went he didn't know. Hearing, the ringtone from his mobile he looked at the screen noticing the call was from Bond. Quickly answering the call. He hoped her condition hadn't worsened.

"How is she Bond?"

'She's fine Tanner, currently sound asleep.'

"I'm glad to hear that." He told him relieved, before it dawned on him that Bond was still with her.

'The doctor asked her to take a few days off, a week at most. So, she wanted to know if you would be able to take charge…'

"Consider it done. Anything to ensure she actually stays at home and in bed." Tanner quickly agreed.

'Oh, I don't think that will be much of a problem, Tanner.'

Tanner could just picture that insufferable grin on his face at his statement. He had no doubt he would ensure M remained in bed. It was how he would go about it that made him just ask the question that would put his curiosity to rest.

'Tanner, are you still there?'

"Bond.. tell me straight. Are you in a relationship with M?" There was silence for a few moments, before he said the one word that confirmed what his earlier suspicions.

'Yes… and I'm only telling you Tanner, because M considers you a friend and so do I. Which is why I trust you to keep that piece of information to yourself.' Bond told him in a threatening manner.

"I had my suspicions, there was something more between the two of you, Bond. How long have you both been together?"

'Not long, only four months. It's still new territory for her. We're taking things slow, I don't want to rush her into anything she is not ready for.'

"I understand that Bond, and I'm happy for the both of you."

'I'm sensing there is a 'but' in there Tanner.'

"There is, and I'm only going to say this once. If you hurt her in any way, you had best watch your back and pray I don't find you. Understood?"

'Understood, but I would never hurt her Tanner. She means everything to me.'

"Bond, if I didn't know any better I would say you were in love with her." It was his turn to smile at his reply.

'I am, but she isn't ready to hear those words yet, it's too soon.'

"I understand Bond, and I am happy for the both of you."

'Thank you Tanner. I have to go I think sleeping beauty is waking up.'

"Go, and tell her I'm asking for her and everything is covered at headquarters."

'I will do.'

Tanner hung up the call and tossed the phone next to him on the couch. He wasn't as shocked as he should be, if anything he was relieved that they both had finally got together. He knew Bond would give her the tender loving care she needed.

The sooner she was back on her feet the better. He didn't mind covering for her, but they were swamped as it is. There were reports and files from three weeks ago that still had to be completed. It wouldn't have surprised them the reason for M being ill was due to her trying to get everything completed to catch up with deadlines.

He helped her when he could, but it seemed M needed someone permanent who could help with the workload. Ever since Villiers had been offered an Intelligence Officer position with MI5, they never seemed to have the time to appoint someone else to fill the position. M, was adamant that she could handle it herself, but now it didn't appear to be the case. He would wait a couple of days before contacting her to tell her his idea. If she were agreeable, then he would start the task of looking for a suitable candidate.

Looking at the clock, he noticed it was going on 9 pm and decided to call it a night. If he had M's duties, plus his own he would need all the rest he could get in the next week. He hoped M was agreeable to his idea; it would make both their jobs much easier.

/*\*/*\

The following days in M's absence were hectic to say the least, with various appointments with the minister and other government officials about their budget and about agents who needed to be kept on a tight leash, were slowly driving Tanner insane.

It was after the fourth day that he finally cracked and decided to call M about his idea. She seemed far better than what she had been when he had last spoke to her at the office, which made him relieved that she was on the mend.

When he had explained to her his proposal, he had expected her answer to be a straight out 'no', which was why he was surprised she had readily agreed to the idea. Whether it was from the stress in his voice, or the realisation that they couldn't keep going the way they were, he didn't know. He was just thankful that she had agreed.

It had taken him another three days after his chat with M to narrow it down to two possible candidates. He hoped the interviews today would go well. M would be back any day from sick leave, and he wanted to have at least someone appointed as her secretary in that given time.

However, luck didn't seem to be on his side as he was running late himself for his first appointment. He was about to enter M's office when he heard two female voices talking inside.

He recognised M's voice, but the other female he couldn't place. He hadn't expected M back until tomorrow. Yet here she was interviewing one of the candidates. From their conversation, it seemed that the interview was going well.

When he heard two sets of footsteps coming closer. He stepped away from the door and hurried over to the desk and picked up a file pretending to read over it, just as the office door opened.

"Good morning, Tanner."

He looked up to see M, trying to conceal a smile, as he realised the file he had decided to 'read' was upside down.

"Good Morning, Ma'am, How are you feeling?" He closed the file and placed it back on the desk.

"Better than I was last week."

"I'm glad to hear that Ma'am. It's nice to have you back."

"Thank you, Tanner. Now that you have graced me with your presence. I would like to introduce you to my new secretary." M moved out the way as the woman in question walked out of the office. Her brown eyes holding amusement.

"I would like to introduce you to my Chief of Staff, Bill Tanner." M, was trying to keep a straight face at seeing Tanner's dazed look.

Tanner, held out his hand for her to shake, which she gladly took in a soft, but firm grip.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Tanner." She gave him a genuine smile.

"Likewise, Miss…"

"Eve. Eve Moneypenny."

He let go of her hand, realising he had held it longer than necessary. "I look forward to working with you, Miss Moneypenny."

M watched the two of them with interest, trying her hardest not to smile. She could already see Bond's smug grin when she tells him about Tanner's little encounter with her new secretary, who happened to be the daughter of a former colleague.

"Now, that the both of you have been introduced, Tanner will help you get settled in?" M told the younger woman.

M's voice caused him to come out of his trance as he looked over at the older woman, realising she was still in the room. "Of course, Ma'am."

M walked back into her office, and discretely looked over her shoulder to see Tanner, take Moneypenny's coat and hang it on the coat rack. She looked away and took a seat behind her own desk deciding she would be keeping a watchful eye on the both of them. If this was how they reacted from their first meeting, she could only imagine what it would be like in the future.

The End