ODD AND PERSISTENT, (Ch 4/5)

By Loxodontack

Rating: M/NC-17/Mature/18
Fandom: Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Disclaimer: Don't own them, just hoping to bring them closer. Anything you recognise from the movie or extra's is not mine! They were originally Lauren Weisberger's but by the time I got to them they were Fox's. I do however own all the mistakes herein and apologise for any that offend your grammatical sensibilities.

A/N: Thank you to my wonderful wife who created the masterpiece that is the graphic to go with my fic. She also read it through to let me know it made sense (to her at least!)

A/N: Thank you to Punky and XenaVirgin for arranging the wonderful DWP extravaganza that has been June and July, I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

A/N: Thank you to XenaVirgin for an initial beta reading and also for a last minute crisis avoidance. Thanks also to Akasarasmom for a mental health check with a last minute question I had completely tied myself up in knots about.

"Would you care to explain this?" With a link to an online newspaper, opening the link Miranda vehemently curses so loudly it brings her daughters running.

'Mrs and Mr Priestly reuniting' was the caption over a picture of Stephen kissing her goodbye last night.

"Are you okay mom?" "What's happened?"

Tempted to deny it, Miranda realises they will both see it as soon as they go out or online.

"It would appear the media captured a moment between Stephen and I last evening and Andrea has asked for an explanation."

"Ewwww! How come you were with Stephen mom?" Then suddenly they intently looked at each other, then at her, horror etched on their faces, before asking "you're not getting back with him, are you mom?"

"No Bobbsey's, of course not. I was merely arranging a surprise for you all."

"What surprise could possibly include him!" Caroline shrieked.

"Come here." When they were all settled into a hug on the bed, Miranda gave them a kiss and explained. "The divorce was finalised last night."

"Yeah!" "Excellent!" They each gave Miranda a kiss then started jumping on the bed with joy.

"Come here you little rascals!" Miranda said before tickling them both.

After long minutes they all settled back into the pillows to catch their breath. "But what about Andy?" Cassidy asked.

"Yeah, she's gonna be so bummed if she thinks you're getting back with Ratbag." At Caroline's helpful observation a somber mood descended over them all.

"I'll explain everything and invite her to dinner. Perhaps we can all celebrate then?"

"Yes! We can buy balloons ..." And they were off, trusting Miranda would explain everything to Andrea and make it okay, they excitedly began to plan a celebration dinner. Miranda lay back and let their chatter wash over her as she tried to decide on her approach to Andrea.

As Andy walked past reception on her return from a meeting midmorning she was advised there was someone waiting for her in her office. Since beginning her new job she increasingly understood Miranda's tirades about incompetence, was it too much to ask that at the very least a name was taken? She was tempted to turn around and walk back out, it was really only her mother or grandmother who would turn up unannounced at the moment as she was still relatively under the radar in her new role. She really wasn't in the mood to deal with them now. After sending the text to Miranda earlier she had been waiting long agonising hours for a response and all she wanted to do was curl up and hide from the world. Certainly not hear from her grandmother, yet again, how much better she should be treating Miranda, or hear from her mother all the reasons this was yet another error in judgement on her part 'how foolish she was'.

Nearly at her office she diverted quickly into the nearest bathroom, they could wait another minute. She allowed herself a moment before gathering her thoughts and channelling Miranda. She had witnessed Miranda just before high tension meetings add a little extra to her presence, and so it was with shoulders back and head held high she strode towards her office, willing to stand up for herself against the anticipated foe.

Miranda caught a glimpse of Andrea as she turned the corner heading towards the office she was now waiting in. She truly was a sight to behold in her pinstripe suit with Louboutins, added to that, there was an edge to how she carried herself, a confidence which created the impression of a powerful lioness striding among her pride, which Miranda had to admit was extremely attractive. It also created the Andrea Effect, phenomena first noted in Paris where the room heated up and oxygen supplies diminished. Miranda shifted slightly as Andrea strode into the office with great intent, she seemed to pause for a moment then Andrea looked directly at her for a long moment.

"Miranda." Andrea acknowledged coolly before turning to close the door.

Andy couldn't believe it, not in a million years would she ever have expected Miranda to be the person waiting in her office. She was so tempted to turn and rush to her as soon as the door was closed until a flash of the photo from last night crossed her mind and hit her in the chest.

"Andrea." Just hearing her name in the way Miranda pronounced it, not to mention the tender passion that infused her tone, eased the tightness Andy felt in her chest. She still needed an explanation though, some reason that would explain why Miranda cancelled their evening to spend it with Stephen.

"What can I do for you Miranda?" The coolness of the query surprised Miranda, so used to hearing warmth suffuse Andrea's words when they spoke she missed it dearly. She didn't get where she was in life without learning to read people, and assessing Andrea now she noted with dismay the fight preparedness so evident in her approach to the office was gone, replaced by defensiveness. She deeply regretted being the cause of this in Andrea, which surprised her, usually she felt no responsibility for how people felt as a result of her actions, they were their feelings after all.

"I would like to explain the circumstances surrounding the photo you sent this morning. I thought that would be best done in person." As she said it the thought that she could have explained what she was doing prior to the picture being taken, which would have avoided any opportunity for misunderstanding, crossed her mind. Such a foreign concept was put to the side for further deliberation later. She did however hold out a bouquet of red roses as a peace offering.

To say Andy was shocked would be a gross understatement, Miranda never explained, she never went out of her way during the work week for anything personal that wasn't directly involved with her daughters. The fact Miranda was sitting in her office looking to explain her actions replaced the dread that had begun to consume her with a delight that was surely preposterous, and yet there it was.

"I have increasingly become favourably disposed towards our exploration of a relationship and determined that to facilitate it I should expedite the finalisation of my divorce from Stephen." As she seemed to be holding Andreas attention she continued. "As you may appreciate there were a number of technicalities to address and agreements to reach." Andrea's nod buoyed her. "Therefore I prioritised a meeting last evening with Stephen to achieve this objective."

"You cancelled last night to finalise your divorce from Stephen" Miranda nodded, delighted Andrea appeared to understand. "And you did that because you want us to date?"

"I found myself ... uncomfortable pursuing a relationship with you while still married to another, you deserve better." Ridiculous, she was sounding like a ridiculous old fashioned, old fool, could they not move on to kissing? Even one of those full body hugs would do.

Andy was gobsmacked, when she saw the article this morning this possibility had never even crossed her mind. Now there was only one thought going through her mind 'Gotta Kiss Her!'

As of she'd willed it Andrea leaned over and gave Miranda the most passionate kiss of her life, she would swear her toes even curled. That one kiss was worth making such a fool of herself.

"Will you please join us all for dinner?" Miranda asked after she caught her breath.

"Definitely." Was Andrea's immediate response. "Thank you Miranda."

"For what?"

"For coming here to explain last evening to me, I know you don't explain yourself. The fact that you came here to do so... I don't have adequate words to describe it, just Thank you." they said their goodbyes as Andrea walked her to the front door of the building, garnering more than one curious gaze.

"I love you Miranda, see you later" were the words Miranda heard as she settled into her seat while the car door closed. She observed Andrea as her driver waited for an opportunity to merge into traffic, she was magnificent, even more alluring than when she had been striding towards her office only half an hour ago. She looked as if she owned the world, Miranda admitted to herself she felt a bit like that herself at the moment, life was definitely looking better.

When Andy arrived at the townhouse it was like a carnival, there was upbeat music, balloons everywhere and as she was dragged by two very enthusiastic girls to the kitchen she was sure she saw a 'Congratulations You're Divorced' home printed sign.

"Mom's on her way home now, she got stuck at the office because of some incompetent fool." Cassidy explained.

"We ordered all our favourite dinners for the party." Caroline pointed to the range of food containers. "Mom said you liked that." Caroline pointed to a couple of containers on the sideboard.

Intrigued about what Miranda thought she liked to eat Andy made her way over to the indicated containers, and there sat her favourite dish, duck in spicy plum sauce with basmati rice, it smelled delicious.

"Well? Do you like it?" Cassidy wondered, as Andy looked up she saw three very interested faces looking at her.

"Yes, it's my favourite dinner." Cassidy and Caroline lost interest immediately and returned to placing all the dishes on plates. Andy caught Miranda's eyes and moved towards her. "Thank you." She said as she stopped before Miranda, unsure how Miranda wanted them to behave in front of the girls.

"You're very welcome." Miranda responded as she hugged Andy. "We're delighted you could join us this evening."

"Yeah!" "Definitely!" Came from somewhere behind Andy, but she barely registered them as Miranda pulled her even closer and she was overwhelmed by the feel and scent of the other woman, it had been far too long since that afternoon, Miranda accepted her red roses with a peck on the cheek.

Dinner was an enlightening experience, apparently it was an embedded tradition to discuss big events while everyone ate their favourite meal. As a result Andy was introduced to a wide range of anecdotes from Stephen's time with the Priestly women, some were very happy, some hilarious in the retelling, others, particularly those near the end, were sad. The flow was constant and the openness of how everyone felt about different situations was startling to Andy, she knew there was probably another level for Miranda which caused Andy to wonder who she had to speak about those with.

Overall it appeared that for some time it was a very happy family and when the end came, it came quickly for the girls. Caroline and Cassidy's opinions differed from each other, and from Miranda's at times, and while their loyalty to Miranda was absolute Andy was intrigued that obviously did not require a thorough vilification of Stephen, just an understanding that sometimes things didn't work out. They referred to him as The Ratbag throughout, but that was more because he didn't get in touch after he and Miranda separated than for any other reason.

When dinner was over and everyone enjoyed dessert Cassidy declared it was time to move to the family room. Cassidy and Caroline had, with the help of Cara their nanny, decorated the family room with more balloons and posters declaring 'Congratulations!', 'Happy Divorce' and 'Go Mom!' Which they seemed very proud of, and Miranda acknowledged with a hug and a kiss each.

They had a wonderful fun filled evening. The highlight of the evening was seeing Miranda reign supreme in the dance competition they held. Apparently it was an ongoing challenge between the other three, this being Miranda's first victory and for someone so accomplished she seemed genuinely delighted she had won. When accused of practicing when the girls weren't around she just smiled and didn't deny the suggestion. The girls took it well only promising to practice more so this would be the "One and only time Miranda would win."

The responding "Bring it on!" And subsequent heckling caused Andy to have tears in her eyes from laughter. Feeding off her laughter seemed to spur the Priestly women on to a point where Andy was sure their laughter could be heard all over Manhattan.

Throughout the evening Andy felt included in every aspect, and in no way felt like she was intruding on a private occasion, which had been a concern when the invite was issued and again when conversation had begun at dinner. As she sat back on the couch, while Miranda brought the girls to bed, she wondered how she had gotten so lucky as to be there waiting for Miranda after enjoying an evening with her daughters.

"Thank you Andrea." Andy looked across at Miranda silhouetted in the doorway, which seemed to add an air of mystery to the comment.

"Whatever for Miranda?"

"Sharing this evening with us." Miranda seemed frozen in place.

"It was my honour Miranda." Andy was delighted to have been included in their family ritual.

"Thank you" Miranda repeated as she leaned over to kiss Andy softly, there was something in her eyes that caused Andy to guide Miranda into her arms for a hug. When Miranda offered no resistance and cuddled into Andy, she knew it had been the correct thing to do. They sat for so long in silence, only interspersed with kisses from Andy to the top of Miranda's head, that Andy thought Miranda had fallen asleep.

"He is not a bad man ... he's actually a very nice man." Miranda gently broke the silence. "He loved me ... I was fond of him... Should I have married him?" It was definitely a rhetorical question as far as Andy was concerned, she pulled the other woman closer and kissed her cheek.

"Hindsight is always 20/20, so easy to criticise a younger you ... Lying here, feeling what I'm feeling for you, if he even only felt half of what I'm feeling now, it seems cruel to have married him." Andy was shocked she never expected Miranda to confide in her, always having seen the other woman as fiercely private. Although she had hoped to be someone Miranda could trust and speak to this was not even remotely what she would have expected to hear, but she couldn't deny it was exciting and wonderful to know that Miranda felt safe enough and trusted her enough to share her thoughts. Tempted to roll them both over and kiss Miranda senseless Andy quickly caught herself, that is not what this was about, this was the final part of the dinner conversation, this was closure for Miranda on a part of her life, Andy was intent on respecting that, however one little kiss couldn't hurt.

"But I did ... It seemed like the correct thing to do at the time... I didn't realise... I didn't know... Then you walked into my life." Miranda turned in her arms to look at her accusingly. "You ... Your entry into my life heralded the beginning of the end. I didn't realise it at the time... So oblivious" Andy held Miranda, kissing her occasionally, as she seemed to retreat into her thoughts.

Miranda was shocked she was speaking to Andrea about her marriage to Stephen, it definitely had not been an expected element to their evening, certainly it seemed odd to share so much about a previous relationship with a new love interest. Yet lying in the other woman's arms, she felt cared for, loved, and safe enough to express her thoughts and feelings, trusting that even though she found herself lacking, Andrea would still be there; the experience, as terrifying as it was, was exhilarating.

"It's so obvious now, instead of ringing Stephen I would ring you. I started working later and later, just to be closer to you. Stephen tried to understand, tried to understand how busy I was, but it got to the point I even stopped offering excuses for being late or not turning up at all. Oh he tried to speak to me about how he felt, how it was impacting our marriage, but I wasn't willing, couldn't understand what he was talking about, having convinced myself nothing was amiss, didn't I have Irv and Jacquelene to thwart, a magazine to publish, children to attend to?"

Once again looking deeply into Andreas eyes she tried to explain, tried to understand herself what had happened. "Ultimately the more he fought for us the more distance I put between us, he didn't even ask for much, for me to turn up to our anniversary dinner, to introduce him so people could address him by his own name, not having to resort to calling him Mr Priestly, to spend time with him when we weren't in the company of others ... Not terribly unreasonable requests for a partner to make."

Miranda got lost in the memories, it hadn't been an unhappy marriage, she just had not been fulfilled by it. Thinking back to the beginning she remembered occasions where they spent time as a family, spent time as a couple, they were pleasant, but Miranda realised now she was never truly invested, was never truly there. It seemed now that she had always kept her distance from him, only truly trying to connect with her children, perhaps it had been the failing in other relationships she'd had too.

Feeling a kiss to her cheek, then to her temple she realised that for some unfathomable reason Andrea had crossed that distance with lightening speed. Miranda had not known it was possible to feel this deeply for someone, her children being a completely different matter, yet it was beginning to feel like Andrea had always been there, she was beginning to believe Andrea would always be there, how extraordinary. The realisation startled her, while at the very same time shrouding her in unexpected warmth that seemed boundless, "I'm no longer alone" She whispered.

"What was that Miranda? Are you okay?" Andy was startled when she realised Miranda had tears running down her face, which contrasted deeply with the peaceful smile that seemed to warm her eyes. When she tucked into Andy's side, Andy held her close and kissed her, they lay like that for what could have been minutes or hours.

"It's startling to look back on your life and realise how oblivious you've been... I didn't realise... didn't know what it could be like... how others might feel... I wasn't intentionally cruel, just ignorant of the cruelty I was responsible for... that's no excuse though." As Miranda lay curled in Andrea's arms she felt the hands that soothed her, the kisses that connected her and heard Andrea's heart beat which created tranquillity in her like nothing had before.

Much later, as they neared the front door Andy felt Miranda pull on her hand, she immediately stopped and Andy looked quizzically at Miranda, who seemed nervous.

"The girls are away with my mother this weekend and I wondered if you would like to come to dinner on Friday?" Andy was flabbergasted, Miranda had a mother! Miranda was inviting her to dinner where they would be alone in the house, Miranda had a mother.

"Of course I'd be delighted to!" Andy sealed her declaration with a kiss.

"You could bring an overnight bag if you'd like?" Andy felt her knees get weak, needing to do something to stop making a fool of herself she leaned over and kissed Miranda deeply. Five minutes later when they pulled apart, Andy was pressed up against the wall with Miranda leaning into her, head on her chest, trying to catch her breath, Andy's knees were still weak but she just couldn't bring herself to care.

"I love you Miranda, I'll be counting the seconds until I see you on Friday." Miranda didn't verbally respond but Andy once again found her lips caught in an explosive kiss.

Thursday flew by, Andy was exceptionally busy in work, which had been interrupted briefly by her grandmother who rang to say "Dinner in my house next Thursday, bring Miranda." Hanging up before Andy could refuse or enquire further.

The rest of the day flew by and that evening Andy spent every spare minute, between eating and Skypeing Miranda, to prepare for the following evening. While she knew nothing had been said she was hopeful, so she shaved, she plucked, she moisturised, she toned, she groomed and she spent time in front of the mirror looking at herself from every angle, trying to guess what Miranda would see. Obsessing suddenly about her size six figure it took hours to choose the perfect outfit, even then she wasn't convinced it was perfect. Of course when she was speaking to Miranda she never let on and it appeared they both had a very uneventful evening reading.

In contrast to Thursday, Friday dragged so slowly Andy was starting to believe it would never end. At one point she did a google search to see if it was possible something had happened to slow down time, when her research came back inconclusive she acknowledged there was nothing she could do about it anyway, and went back to waiting for it to pass.

When she did eventually turn up at the door, Cassidy and Caroline were just leaving for their grandmothers, backpacks and huge dog with them.

"Bye Mom!" They screeched before Miranda came into view, she was a vision of beauty; Andy could do nothing but stare as she floated down the stairs and over to kiss the girls goodbye.

"Goodbye Bobbsey's, have a great weekend and I'll see you Sunday." Miranda gave them hugs and kisses goodbye, Andy was delighted to receive hugs from them too as they made their way to the idling car waiting to bring them to their grandmothers.

As soon as the door was closed Miranda and Andy spent long moments just gazing at each other. Andy found that because she was so nervous and excited to finally be here with Miranda she couldn't think of a single thing to say, which started a panic through her system, her feet felt numb, her stomach erupted in a swarm of butterflies, her heart was about to beat out of her chest and her mind went blank. What was Miranda going to think?

'Get a grip on yourself Sachs! It's just an evening in with the most incredible person in the Universe, nothing to panic about! What could possibly go wrong?' She found that was exactly the wrong thing to have asked herself as her mind treated her to a litany of things that could go wrong, which didn't help her nerves at all. Andy offered Miranda the bouquet of red roses she brought for her, Miranda smiled and nodded her head in thanks as if from very far away.

"Can I interest you in a drink of anything Andrea?" Andy was brought back to the present as Miranda turned and headed for the lounge, effectively calming her nerves. Having set her overnight bag at the bottom of the stairs she hurried after Miranda and arrived as she was pouring two glasses of wine.

"Dinner should be here shortly. I've ordered your favourite meal. How are you today? I'm sure work is terribly busy. I hope the girls enjoy the weekend, they usually do. I advised Nigel of my plans today, he seemed pleased if the whoop of delight, which I'm sure all Manhattan heard, is any indication, really he can be so dramatic sometimes, I suppose it goes with his artistic flare. Emily, as anticipated was much more refined in her response, however no doubt when she advises Serena of the changes there will be much celebration. Patricia ..."

"Miranda." Andy tried to get the other woman's attention.

Miranda continued as if she didn't hear her, and admittedly she mightn't have given the far away look in her eyes. "Was groomed today, as I'm sure you noticed, she no longer appears unkempt and uncared for, no doubt she will enjoy her weekend also. I've often wondered if I should get her a playmate, however another dog is quite a responsibility and what if Patricia does not want anyone intruding on her pack, it could be disastrous. Donatella called today, there are some dramatics happening between herself and Carlos, why she might think I was even remotely interested I'll never know, however she appeared to get some resolution from talking it through. Michael rang today ..."

"Miranda is everything okay?" Andy took the other woman's hands in her own and realised they were freezing, she had stopped talking though but the sudden silence was eerie. "Miranda are you alright?"

"Miriam."

"Miriam?" When Miranda said nothing else, just looked at her, Andy was mystified. "Sorry Miranda, I don't know what you mean. Miriam who?'

"Miriam, 'beloved' or 'star of the sea' depending on your world view, is my name. Miriam." Miranda looked at her with a hint of defiance in her eye, challenging her to something, but Andy for the life of her couldn't figure out what it was.

"Okay. Miriam are you okay? Is everything alright?" Andy was thoroughly confused, Miranda's name was really Miriam? That was completely unexpected, but she could ask questions about that later, she had always believed in keeping the main thing the main thing, it served her well in work and kept her focused. At the moment the main thing as far as she was concerned was Miranda's, Miriam's unusual behaviour and finding out if she was okay, she could wonder about everything else later.

"Really Andrea, I inform you my name is Miriam and the only thing you ask is if I'm okay?"

"Well, yes, you were on a marathon of small talk, which is decidedly uncharacteristic, you hate small talk and the only reason you talk for that long ever is when you're giving orders to an Emily, added to that your hands are freezing, so yes that seemed the most important thing to ask." Miranda just looked at her for a very long moment.

"You really are quite odd, aren't you?"

"Em ... Maybe?" Was all Andy could really say, was she odd? She supposed it depended on your definition. "Is that a bad thing?"

Miranda quirked her eyebrow. "Not to date, no."

"That's good then. Are you okay?" Andy needed to know. She thought Miranda seemed more present now, also her hands seemed to be getting warmer, but she really wanted to hear it from Miranda.

"Odd and persistent, two characteristics you have shown consistently." Miranda smiled gently at Andy which settled her nerves somewhat, about to ask once more Miranda bet her to it. "Yes, yes I'm fine, thank you." Andy could finally relax.

Lying in bed Wednesday night Miranda had found herself becoming restless as she thought about the coming weekend. There was something about Andrea that was niggling at her and then at about three am it hit her, every time Andrea told her she loved her, as she had only hours ago, she addressed her as Miranda, which was perfectly normal, but for some reason it was bothering her. She had thought about it all night and throughout the following day, until at last it came to her.

Thursday evening she had spent a significant amount of time preparing for all eventualities that may happen over the weekend. She had cleaned, shaved, waxed, plucked, trimmed, moisturised and toned before standing in front of the mirror to assess the result. Standing there looking at herself in the mirror she couldn't help but notice the wrinkles, the sagging, the stretch marks and the scar from the Caesarian section she had needed to have her babies, all evidence of a body that had lived. Time had changed it since she last really looked at it. What she saw day in, day out in the finest couture was Miranda Priestly, that was who she had shown her husbands, who she had trained herself to see, taking lessons from Dolly Parton from early on in her career she was never without her 'face', Miranda was always present.

Standing there preparing for possible intimacies with Andrea she found herself seeing Miriam. Sure time had had its fun, had allowed muscles to become softer, less defined, areas to droop a little and skin to sag, but she was without pretence. She had tried to make the most of what she had, but it was Miriam she saw, not Miranda. She realised she thought of her real self as being Miriam and Miranda as being a facade she had created, then the lightening struck, that was who she was willing to show Andrea. She wanted Andrea to love Miriam, not just Miranda, the subtleties were there and suddenly exceptionally important.

She wanted Andrea to know the real her, she wanted Andrea to love Miriam, not the image she created. She believed Andrea saw more than just what she wanted her to see, but also knew Andrea didn't know it all, some she couldn't know unless Miranda revealed Miriam. Not just the physicality of Miriam, but the rest too, the pieces she guarded carefully, the pieces that only saw the light of day, or dark of night, when she was alone.

Miranda looked at the other woman now and felt herself relax, she had revealed part of herself, Miriam was present and Andrea had not reacted negatively, as she had in all the scenarios she played out in her head for the last agonising twenty-four hours. Now she wasn't sure exactly what to do, but she knew she could at least let go of the tension that had been building.

"So ... Miriam, is it Miriam Priestly?" Why hadn't she thought of this?

"It's actually Miriam Princhek." Just then the doorbell sounded, heralding the arrival of their dinner.

"Saved by the bell!" Andrea looked at her with a kind smile before heading to the kitchen, Miranda retrieved the food before following her. They moved smoothly around each other, Andrea removed the heating plates from the oven, placing them beside Miranda before filling their glasses again.

It wasn't until they were half way through their meals, following conversation about the food and work Andrea brought them back to their earlier conversation.

"Do you want me to ask?" Miranda knew there was no point in pretending or avoiding at this point.

"No need, as I said my name is Miriam Princhek, I was born in London, my mother died while giving birth to me, making me the youngest of six. The person I referred to as my mother is really a dear friend I've had since apprenticing in my early teens, I started with her when I was Caroline and Cassidy's age, she is an amazing seamstress, if a little eccentric." Miranda would forever be grateful for the entrance of Anna into her life.

"She thought me about fashion, not just how exquisite it can be but the artistry behind it. Growing up my father was busy providing for us, she was the first stable adult in my life. She took me under her wing, financing my night school French lessons, allowing me to make my dreams a reality. Sounds dramatic, doesn't it, however without her I would never have been able to secure a post at French Runway." She looked over to see if Andrea was still listening, only to find her engrossed and hanging on every word. On every date it had been like this, Andrea really listened to her, cared about what she had to say. "I missed her so much when I was in Paris, I only ever used my holidays to visit her, which wasn't nearly as often as it should have been."

"I was twenty-four when I met my first husband, I told him my name was Miranda. It was a whirlwind romance and within six weeks I became Miranda Priestly. I don't think he ever even knew my real name, and so Miranda Priestly was born. Our marriage was but a distant memory by the time I was transferred to New York. You've no idea how happy I was when Anna said she was moving to New York shortly after I did."

"When I arrived in New York, I was engrossed in Runway, there was so much to do, it was then I met James. Like with Stephen it was acceptable but I was always busy, I do believe he thought I would change after having the girls, I did. Having the girls made me work even harder, I was driven to ensure they never wanted for anything, so if I wasn't working at Runway they were my sole focus, they would never be left wanting for a mothers love, after they went to sleep there was always more to be done, hence the delivery of The Book to my home." Miranda shrugged her shoulders at Andrea.

"He couldn't compete, he was never really in the game. The only reason I noticed his departure was because he tried to take my girls with him." Miranda remembered that time and was sure her face changed to express her determination. "I was never going to let that happen, oh he fought, he fought hard and he fought dirty, which is how the girls know, he included the media in our family drama so it's out there for all to see, including my inquisitive daughters. When they found it they had loads of questions for both of us, fortunately they asked him how I eventually won and he managed to satisfy their curiosity with a half truth." Seeing a high level of curiosity on Andrea's face, Miranda waited for the question, but Andrea just sat there waiting for her to continue.

"It's ironic really, I got to know James so well after our marriage had ended. When he launched his campaign I made it my business to find out everything I could about the man, it was that attention to detail that helped me. There was a loose thread and suffice to say when I pulled at it his facade fell away, oh there's nothing dangerous or anything that could become a threat to the girls, it's just not something he wants the world to know and being a reputable up and coming lawyer he did not want it exposed. All I had to do was hint that I knew in one of our many battles and he pulled out with as much grace as he could."

"It was also ironic that had he looked a little closer he may have become aware of my facade. Of course a key difference is that threat of exposure or anything else would not have stopped me, there was no way I would have given up the fight for my daughters!" Miranda felt the need to take a deep breath, regardless of how much time passed, the thought of losing her daughters never failed to upset her.

Andrea moved away for a moment when she was composing herself, presumably to use the bathroom or maybe to run from the neurotic woman she had shared a meal with, however she was back in moments with a glass of water and a tissue. When she had finished her water and use the tissue to wipe at the few traitorous tears that had freed themselves, Andrea took her hand "Come with me Miriam?" and led her to the family room. There wrapped in Andrea's arms, surrounded by evidence of her children she continued.

"It quietened down then, we came to an understanding regarding the girls and in time he came to agree that it was the best outcome. Then there was Stephen and I think we spoke about him enough the other evening."

With that she stopped talking and hesitant to move, or look over her shoulder she waited anxiously for Andrea's response. Reluctantly she moved when Andrea indicated a change in position was going to happen, bracing herself she was shocked to find her lips captured by Andrea's. Almost instantly she realised the emotions she had come to expect, and rely on, in Andreas kiss were still there in abundance, love, passion, respect and care.

Finally relaxing she responded in kind and let her emotions loose, she consumed, and was consumed by, Andrea. Distantly she was aware of moaning and when Andrea moved from her lips, down to her neck she realised it was her. Those tantalising lips caressed and nipped at her neck causing a tingling sensation throughout her body, it only increased as Andrea trailed up to her left ear, nuzzling before whispering "I love you Miriam."

"Oh!" Miranda thought her heart was going to explode, before that could happen though Andrea distracted her with further kisses down and across her neck to her right ear, where she nuzzled and licked causing Miranda's body to arch in pleasure, other parts of her body crying out for attention.

"I love you Miriam."

"Oh!" What was the other woman doing to her? Her body was a mass of nerve endings, desperate for Andreas touch, her attention. Her heart was swelling and swelling with emotion, so much, so much she wasn't sure how her body could contain it.

Then Andrea was on the move again, moving down, finding a sensitive spot just behind she ear, creating sensations that just built on each other to the point Miranda thought she was going to explode, seconds before she did Andrea placed a last lingering kiss behind her ear before moving down and over her neck. Slowly, ever so slowly she moved back to her lips, kissing her until Miranda could hardly breathe. Then she pulled away, Miranda was bereft, trying to follow her, and when she couldn't meet Andrea's lips she opened her eyes to see why not.

Andrea was looking intently at her, for the first time in her life Miranda believed the eyes were the gateway to the soul and what she saw in Andrea's was awe inspiring. "I love you Miriam." The one sentence spoken with such honest intensity she felt something within her shift so profoundly she couldn't catch her breath. She pulled Andrea to her, curled into her arms and wept like never before.

Exhausted and feeling utterly ridiculous for loosing control Miranda wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want Andrea to leave, however she wasn't able for anything more physical than hugging tonight. Trying to decide how to approach it Miranda was surprised to hear Andrea suggest they go to bed. Nodding her head she followed Andrea out of the family room before going downstairs to close everything up for the night.

Miranda brought Andrea upstairs and led her to her own bedroom, which had been prepared for a night of romance, candles covered every surface and music played softly in the background. Fortunately Andrea seemed to sense her plan, she always did have a way of reading her mind, and took the awkwardness out of the moment by declaring she would grab her pjs and change in the bathroom.

Miranda went to her closet and changed in there. When she had changed into a favoured night dress she sat down on the couch there and thought about the evening, as she often did surrounded by the familiar. It had not gone as she had expected, Andrea had once again surprised her, confounding her in her responses. She really was an odd woman.

Miranda was torn from her thoughts by Andrea calling her name, she let her follow her voice into the closet.

"Holy moly! This is bigger than the living room! How far does it go back?" Andrea queried as she wandered in to the room.

"There are a couple of sections behind, why don't you have a look?" Miranda watched Andrea walk by in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt with a pair of thick wooly socks.

"Wow this is incredible! Have you seen the amount of shoes back here?" Miranda couldn't help but be amused by Andrea's response, and what a refreshing response it was. "Never mind, of course you have!" Miranda was tempted to follow her, but decided to let her explore on her own. "Wow, you've got the De La Renta Cerulean Collection back here!" Andrea's voice faded off as she continued to browse the room muttering occasionally as she explored.

"This is really an awesome room! Any other surprises Miriam Princhek?" Andrea asked as she came closer, with a twinkle in her eye.

"Not tonight!" Miranda said before finding her feet and making her way to the large bed. She was trailed by a laughing Andrea who went to the other side and climbed in. "I'm sure that now I've got you in my bed I'm supposed to say something suave and debonair, but quite frankly I'm exhausted. Sorry."

"That's okay, it's been a long week, and I'm looking forward to curling up and sleeping with you." Andrea said as she wiggled her eyebrows.

"You truly are odd and ridiculous!"Miranda said laughing, Andrea's responses were constantly unexpected and yet they were so refreshing. She crawled into bed and turned off the lamp, settling back into her pillows unsure how to act now that they were finally in her bed. Laughing at herself she realised how thoroughly ridiculous the situation was. She had been in this exact position on numerous nights thinking and anticipating just this eventuality and yet now, in the moment, she was exhausted and only wanted to curl up in Andrea's arms and fall asleep listening to her heart beat. Fortunately Andrea seemed to be on the same page and they gravitated towards each other, following a long kiss goodnight Miranda settled into Andrea who has raised her arm to wrap around her.

"Eh, what do you want me to call you? Miriam or Miranda?" She heard Andrea ask, almost in a whisper. She lay there thinking of the answer.

"Would you believe, lying here last night it seemed I knew exactly what I wanted, now I'm not so sure." Miranda really just wanted to sleep.

"We can discuss it tomorrow, goodnight Mir, sweet dreams."

'Mir, that's perfect.' Was Miranda's last thought before she fell asleep.