Ok, so finally we have reached the end of this story that was supposed to only be a one-shot. Thank you to all who have enjoyed this and even thank you to the reviewer that called me a prick, because you also said I was smart and sassy. We should be friends.
And of course a huge thanks to Elliewrites that read and read and re-read every one of these chapters, which has caused her to start drinking tequila.
Chapter 11
Slipping out of the sleeping woman's embrace, Andy donned the ever famous grey robe and headed quietly downstairs to the kitchen. The cashmere robe felt cool against her bare skin, but having the scent of Miranda wrapped around her was a viable substitute for the lack of warmth. When she saw the robe hanging on the bathroom door a flash of memories flooded her mind. The vision of her boss, the indestructible Miranda Priestly, sitting on a sette in Paris looking as far removed from the iconic persona as possible. Andy thought her to be heartbreakingly beautiful as the editor sat sans makeup and with red rimmed eyes. The open rawness of her vulnerability created a striking contrast to the reproachful attitude that was usually in place. Andy knew Miranda had to keep up a certain persona for Runway which honestly was incredibly hot to witness, but she had also been privy to glimpses of the real Miranda and the transparency she had seen in Paris stole her heart.
Andy padded into the kitchen and began looking in the the cupboards for the ingredients she would need to make breakfast. Their second round of lovemaking this morning had left her both sated and starved. A goofy grin splayed across her face as she thought of how insatiable Miranda had become. I can definitely get used to a sex crazed Miranda. Her hands and her mouth... and what the hell am I doing down here again away from her? As if on cue, her stomach growled. Oh yeah, pancakes.
As she shuffled about the kitchen, Patricia came in wagging her tail hoping for another dollop of food to hit the floor no doubt. "Hey sweet girl. I bet you're hoping I accidentally drop some pancake aren't you? I should probably make you your own stack since you're the reason Miranda and I finally got it together. I don't know if I'd have ever been brave enough to tell her." Andy said the last bit with a hint of melancholy in her voice. She didn't want to think about not being with Miranda.
"Well, lucky for you I was eavesdropping that night." Miranda had made her way downstairs into the kitchen and walked up behind Andy. When she had woke up alone, a sense of longing had filled her chest and she climbed out of bed in search of her young lover. "And it appears that I've once again overheard you speaking with Patricia." she said with a hint of amusement in her voice. She placed her arms around Andrea and kissed her behind the ear as Andy leaned back into the embrace. Strengthening her hold on the younger woman she said, "I can't bare to think of how much more time we would have wasted with our longing for one another. I wanted so badly to run after you that night and kiss you senseless."
"You did?" Andy asked.
"Hmm, yes. But I didn't know if you would trust the sincerity of my feelings. I couldn't let you just walk away though, so I went with plan B thus sending that ridiculous text knowing full well that the proofs were already fine. I mean really Andrea, you are the most competent person I have ever hired." Andy turned in Miranda's arms and smirked at her revelation.
"Anyway, I had to reassure myself that you would be at work the next day."
"Oh, so you were really just afraid that you would be without your 'most competent' hire-e uh?" Andy teased.
"No, you silly girl. I actually wanted you to be at work so that I could show you that I cared about you too. In fact, I had a whole week's worth of wooing planned, but then I spoke to the girls, and then you and I had our conversation and" but whatever she was about to say was interrupted by Andy.
"Wait. Did I just hear you say a week's worth of wooing? You mean more than knowing my coffee order and having freelance opportunities? Because those were both huge gestures yesterday!"
Instead of a verbal reply Miranda simply rolled her eyes.
"Aww, deep down you really are just a romantic aren't you?" Andy asked as she squeezed Miranda tighter.
"Honestly, I don't know." she said shaking her head much like she did when calling a hurricane mere drizzle. "But I do know that I have never felt like this about anyone before. I really do love you Andrea." Andy pulled Miranda closer and seared their lips together. Whispering against her mouth, Andy replied "I love you too."
Breakfast ingredients were temporarily forgotten as Miranda's hands slipped to the knot on Andy's belt, teasingly pulling at the fabric. "Nice robe by the way." Miranda murmured against Andrea's throat.
"It's my favorite piece of clothing." Andy said as she ran her fingers through the older woman's white hair.
The sentiment was not lost on Miranda as she knew that Andrea had said she fell in love with her the night she was wearing it in Paris. She played that night over in her head numerous times, wondering what would have happened if she had not turned Andrea away with her cold shoulder and "your job" remarks. But that was in the past, and one could not live on 'what if's.' No, one lived on hope, and she would put her hope in this relationship, in her Andrea.
Miranda kissed Andrea sweetly on the mouth and said, "Clearly I am not the only romantic."
"Yes, well I'm thinking this is now my robe." Andy claimed with just a hint of defiance. She would still let Miranda wear the robe, only so that her scent would be on it, but it was definitely Andy's robe now. Miranda laughed knowing that she would never deny the doe-eyed woman in front of her anything.
There were only two initial fails at making breakfast. Miranda kept claiming she was "helping" but all she was really doing was distracting Andrea with her roaming hands and light kisses. Finally on Andy's third attempt, edible pancakes were accomplished. As they made their way to the table, Miranda pulled Andrea into her lap. Andy was ecstatic to find that Miranda couldn't keep her hands off of her. Even burning two batches of pancakes was inconsequential in comparison to the feel of the older woman's hands upon her. For almost a year she had lived off of those subtle shoulder bumps in elevators, hands just barely grazing over coffee, and sometimes though rare, the times when she had miscalculated and slid over too far in the backseat of the towncar. But now, being able to openly have those hands on her was almost overwhelming.
Andy remained on Miranda's lap while they both ate. "My plan was to make you breakfast in bed but I like this too."
"Hmm yes, I agree. I can't seem to keep my hands to myself anymore. I'm being silly I know."
"No. Not at all. I like it. In fact I was just thinking about how very little we have actually touched before now. The first time you grazed me in the elevator at the James Holt showing I almost passed out." At Miranda's almost look of disbelief Andy continued, "No, seriously. You are such a commanding presence, and of course beyond sexy. I was definitely already in lust with you by then."
"And now?" Miranda asked.
"And now I can't get enough of you so you better just keep it up with the grabby-hands." Andy said as she fed Miranda a bite of pancake.
"Hmm, grabby-hands? And dear god you want to be a writer." Miranda tickled Andrea while mocking her.
"Well, it is kind of hard to concentrate on being eloquent while you're being all adorable having me in your lap." Andy said while licking a dab of syrup off of her finger.
Momentarily speechless at watching Andrea's tongue flick around her finger, Miranda finally found her voice. "I'd dare say I was adorable."
"Oh, no you don't." Andy started and placed her hand under Miranda's chin. "You are adorable and gorgeous and generous and kind and all of the other adjectives I say and will continue to say. You have too many other people out there saying and believing negative untruths about you and I won't have you be one of them. So even if it takes me the next 50 years to convince you of that so be it."
Taken aback by the conviction in Andrea's voice, she couldn't help but marvel at the love surrounding the words she had heard. Although the 50 years remark did bring up something that had been bothering her. If their recent performances were of any indication, age was not an issue, but Miranda still felt it necessary to make a statement on the matter.
"In 50 years I will be 100." Miranda said flatly. Earlier they had been playful and now the conversation was beginning to venture into a serious tone for Miranda. God what was I thinking... she's so young, she can have anyone.
"Yeah, well. We'll just have to let Willard Scott know so you can be the Smucker's birthday girl." Andy deadpanned. And then she put her finger over Miranda's lips to keep her from responding. "Miranda, I am not worried or bothered by your age. And even though you are truly the hottest 50yr old I have ever seen, I fell in love with what is on the inside. I can't even begin to think about what the press will say but the only opinions that matter are ours, this little family." Andy had not meant to say the word family, but she was speaking from her heart which was even more unfiltered than her brain. "Um, yeah... so ok." If her hands hadn't been resting on Miranda's shoulders, she would have facepalmed herself for her awkward ending.
Family. Andrea had said family and now she was blushing and feeling like an idiot which did not go unnoticed by Miranda. Looking back over the last few months, Andrea's involvement into their private lives had been initially somewhat sporadic, but then over time it was as if she was there more often than not. She had even went beyond the typical homework help and had attended games, recitals, and plays that the twins participated in. Her presence was definitely more apparent than any past lover, husband, or friend even. Not wanting her young lover to feel embarrassed, she went out on a limb hoping that it wasn't a Freudian slip and that Andrea really did view them as a family already.
"Family. I like the sound of that." Miranda said against Andrea's collarbone. Looking up into brown eyes she said, "Please forgive me for my insecurities."
"There is nothing to forgive ok? I want for you to always talk to me, even if you are sounding like you've fallen and smacked you're pretty little head on the pavement." Andy finished with a blinding grin across her face.
Miranda retaliated by pinching Andrea's bottom and saying, "You are a cheeky thing aren't you?"
Andy squealed before leaning in and huskily whispering against Miranda's ear. "How about you punish me for my behavior?" And with that, she hopped from her lover's lap with Miranda chasing her up the stairs.
Monday morning brought with it the realities of Runway, the work that could no longer be ignored, and forcing attentions to be turned to things besides each other. It had been ages, if at all since Miranda had truly spent an entire weekend for the sole purpose of fun and relaxation. Oh and what fun we did have.
As the towncar made it's way to Elias-Clarke, Miranda stared out of the window and her thoughts began drifting over the last few days. Andrea's presence in her home had always made it feel special, but after this weekend it felt as though the house was held together with a love and happiness. And with Andrea came an air of completeness.
Yes, there was an added peace throughout. Rich laughter spilled from both her and her daughters, and even Patricia's tail seemed to wag more when Andrea was around. Not waking up with the brown eyed girl this morning she decided was completely unacceptable. Although Miranda had plenty of extra clothing and toiletries at her home, Andrea had left last night to return to her own apartment. She had been reluctant to leave and the girls did everything in their power to drag out Andy's departure.
They haven't even let me tuck them into bed in over a month, claiming to not be babies anymore. Yet they had managed to each get a story! It simply would not do for them to have the same bedtime story since there were two of them. Of course Andrea would comply. I'm afraid she is a lot like me when it comes to telling those two no.
The towncar reached it's destination and as Roy opened the door, he leaned forward and spoke discretely "Miranda, I can't remember the last time I've seen you smile on your way into work. It looks good on you. But don't worry, I sent a text to the staff and told them to 'guard their loins' just the same for your arrival."
Miranda saw the mischievous glint in her driver's eyes and had to refrain from laughing. Roy had been her driver from the first day she became editor over 15 years ago. He had proved his loyalty many times over the years, being the very soul of discretion. God only knows what words he had heard literally having a front row seat to conversations that had occurred. Roy could have made a fortune selling tid-bits of information to Page 6 but instead opted to be steadfast in his honor towards Miranda.
He had obviously put two and two together when earlier this morning Miranda had insisted upon him giving Andrea a ride into work. She would simply not allow her young assistant to take the subway any longer. She would pull out all of the stops for her Andrea and spoil the girl in both large and minute ways. There could have been three feet of snow on the ground and she still would not have sent her car for Stephen or for anyone save her girls, so when Roy received a call from Miranda herself he knew the score.
Andy was practically giddy and beaming when he pulled up outside of her apartment building, but then the crest fallen look that appeared on her face as she realized a Miranda-less back seat, was all he needed to confirm his suspicions. When he had dropped Andy off the other night at the townhouse she had looked heartbroken and as if her whole world was falling apart. But this was different, it was a look of disappointment but there was still a contented smile that held her facial features. It's about time those two figured it out. It's been almost painful to watch those two in the rear-view mirror. It's like when you're watching a movie and you keep waiting for the two leads to hurry up and kiss each other already. I don't know if they're together together yet, but there is definitely something going on between them, finally!
Roy was interrupted from his thoughts when Andy acknowledged him. "Good morning Roy." He could tell that she wanted to ask where her boss was. "Good morning Andy. After I drop you off at Elias-Clarke, I am to fetch Ms. Priestly." He handed her a small white bag along with a note. Andy displayed one of her million watt smiles and tore open the small cream colored envelope that held a matching cream heavy cardstock with an embossed M on the front.
Good morning darling,
I wanted to make sure you had something to eat for breakfast. Yes, this really is from me. I was under the assumption that you could use the extra calories after the rigorous activity your weekend entailed. See you soon- MP
And she even kissed it! Can I love this woman any more? Right below the handwritten message was where Miranda had blotted her lips to the paper. Andy raised the note to her own lips and sighed against it. Peering into the bag, she saw a delicious looking chocolate croissant straight from Miranda's kitchen. As she leaned against the back seat taking a bite out of the flaky pastry, she pulled out her phone to type out a text.
She had not wanted to leave the warmth of Miranda last night, but she knew that showing up in her boss's attire was not the most subtle way for them to come out. Miranda had been adamant in the fact that they would not hide their relationship. Her divorce was finalized, the girls were fully supportive, and although it was frowned upon for superiors to be involved with their subordinates, it was not against the HR code of ethics policy. Technically it was no one's business but their own, and it wasn't like they were going to take an ad out in the Times, but Miranda did not want Andy to feel as though she were a dirty little secret. So they had decided that although they would not hide their affection for one another, they wouldn't announce it either. They had only briefly discussed the matter, but the plan was that things at work would stay the same with the exception of Andy turning in her two-week notice today.
Text: Good morning! Thank u for sending Roy and for breakfast! You are good at wooing. Although I'm finding the back seat overly spacious. xoxo
A moment later Andy's phone buzzed indicating she had received a text.
Text: I miss you too darling. I hope I never stop wooing you.
The car rolled to a stop as Andy sent off one last message.
Text: I wish I was kissing you instead of this note. And I hope we don't ever stop.
As soon as Miranda had stepped off the elevator, clackers ran, writers scurried, and assistants tried to look busy. But for Andy, it really was as if time stood still and all she could see was her heart walking towards her. It took everything she had within herself to not push Miranda back into the lift so she could have a 26 floor ride make-out session.
Andy's hands lingered just a hint longer than appropriate while helping Miranda out of her coat causing the older woman to stiffen. Andy immediately pulled back as though scalded and a look of confusion filled her face. But then Miranda leaned forward and whispered "I'm sorry" while trying to put every ounce of her conviction into her eyes, trying to tell her lover that she was just simply overwhelmed at the moment. She had thought she would be able to handle this morning just fine but when she stepped out onto the office floor and saw Andrea looking at her, she was overcome with emotions that threatened to surface in a place where her image meant everything. She was unaccustomed to the butterflies, to the need of having someone in her arms, and it both thrilled and terrified her.
Although Andy had heard Miranda's words, she was too shocked to know what Miranda was apologizing for. This weekend had been everything Andy could have ever hoped for, but was Miranda now regretting it? Had entering back into the workplace made her station to Miranda too glaringly obvious? She could feel the wetness forming in her eyes despite trying to keep it at bay.
Oh no, she's not understanding. She's going to start crying. "Andrea, office."
The abruptness in Miranda's voice did exactly what she had hope it would and it snapped Andrea back into focus. When they entered into her office, Miranda shut the door and then grabbed Andrea's hand hoping to convey to her that everything was actually all right.
"Ok, let's start over." Miranda leaned forward and gave Andrea a quick peck on the lips before saying, "Good Morning."
An unsteady relief washed over Andy because one minute Miranda was stiff and then the next she was holding her hand, kissing her. The 180 flips were wreaking havoc on Andy and a lone tear managed to escape down her cheek while she waited for Miranda to continue.
Miranda brushed the tear away and decided to forego her fear by holding Andy firmly against her. To hell with the walls being glass and she could fire anyone caught gawking at them. Outside of the office, no one breathed a word as to why the Dragon Lady's door was closed. The two figures sitting on the sofa may have had their backs to the fashion world, but clearly this was one meeting where there would be no interruptions.
"Andrea darling, I am sorry and I owe you an explanation. Please, let's sit over here on the sofa."
Andy fell into step behind Miranda, starting to feel somewhat better but still reserved as she had yet to hear her lover's next words.
"All I could think about this morning was you. I have never been... I have never felt like this before. When I saw you, I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around you and kiss you within an inch of your life." Miranda said as she squeezed Andrea's hand.
"Really? But you..." Andy stumbled to finish.
"I know darling, and I'm sorry. I was just so completely overwhelmed and I froze. This- she indicated by waving her hand in between them- has never happened to me before. Aside from my girls, I have never truly needed anyone, and I..." Miranda seemed at a loss for words but it didn't matter because Andy was cupping her face and pressing their lips together for a sweet tender kiss full of reassurance.
Pressing her forehead against the editor, Andy sighed heavily as all of the pieces of her heart shifted back into place. Hearing Miranda's words and experiencing this openness from her brought comfort in the fact that her own feelings of neediness were reflected in the older woman.
"Miranda, I feel it too. I was afraid that... I mean this is all surreal and I keep thinking that any minute I'll wake up to find this has all been a dream. Because that's what you are to me, a dream."
"I can assure you that this is real Andrea. Very real." Andy knew that she was referring to far more than just the physical state of things. Their feelings for one another ran deeper than they could have ever imagined.
Despite the setting, Miranda pushed forward wanting to get all of it out there especially since she had in just one move shattered Andrea's reserve earlier, "For years I have woke up alone. Even my ex-husbands had their own bedrooms eventually. But for the first time in my life, waking up was lonely." Blue eyes bore sincerely into brown when the next words were uttered, "I don't want to mess this up." Andy's grasp on Miranda's hand tightened, sending unspoken encouragement. "I don't want to rush you..."
"I was miserable when I woke up without you this morning." Andy suddenly blurted. She had to let Miranda know she too was just as invested. "And if it's just the same to you, I'd rather not feel miserable ever again." At this they both smiled feeling less lost and more grounded at the unveiling of their vulnerability.
She wants this too. She doesn't see me as some needy old fool that can't go one night without her. "You can of course still keep your apartment, we don't have to worry about all of the logistics right this moment."
"No."
"No?"
"No, Miranda. I don't want my own bedroom across town. I want our bedroom." Andy whispered. "And I don't need it because I don't need a place to run off to. I'm never running away from you ever again."
"Ok then. It's settled, we'll start moving you in over the next few weeks. And the girls will be just as thrilled." Miranda placed one last chaste kiss on Andrea's lips. Every ounce of tension left them as they sat there looking at each other. Andy knew that within minutes the Ice Queen persona would be slipped back into place so she was enjoying these last few moments.
"I suppose I need to go ahead and make that call to HR." Andy stated.
"I'm in no hurry to have you leave my employ, but yes I suppose so since I can think of better ways for you to assist me." Miranda said with a smirk while Andy's mouth hung open. There was her playful Miranda back, and she loved it. "Now shoo, I'm sure there's been at least one person out there who has been looking at us harder than their computer screen and I may feel the need to pull another Harry Potter."
Andy just rolled her eyes, leaned over and gave Miranda a peck on the lips and said "I Love you" before heading out of the office.
Miranda could now face the challenges of Runway and anything else that lied outside her office door. Having spoken with Andrea, Miranda's nerves were settled knowing that she was not solitary in her feelings of wanting the girl in her home on a permanent basis.
Their home. I will have to see if there are any changes that Andrea will want to make, let her pick out an office. I will buy her a whole new house if that's what she wants. Walking over to her desk, Miranda picked up the phone, "Leslie, there have been some personal developments..."
Two weeks later:
As she stood in the foyer with the Book for the very last time, Andy saw Miranda and Patricia sitting at the bottom of the staircase together. She placed the book down and then strode over to greet two of her favorite Priestly's, one with a kiss and the other with a dog treat from her pocket.
Today had been her last day at work and while most of the day included a small going away party, other facets of the day had remained the same and thus Andy was bringing home the book one last time.
"We have something for you." Miranda said as she pointed to the ribbon tied around Patricia's neck. Upon further inspection, Andy saw a key dangling from the pet's collar.
"What is this?" Andy asked as she untied it, turning the key over in her palm.
Miranda had gotten one of those gimmicky keys that was in the shape of a house at the head of it. The key was completely plebeian and cheesy but knew that Andrea would appreciate the symbolism behind it. This was no assistant's key, this was an equal's key.
Andrea sat down on the stairs and wrapped her arms around Miranda, kissing her soundly, being touched by the sentiment. "Thank you, this is so sweet."
Miranda nuzzled into Andrea's neck, relishing the contact. Pulling back and sounding a little nervous she said, "There is also something else that I wanted to give you."
"Really? But you've given me so much already. I mean, just being here in this home with you and the girls is more than I ever thought possible."
Miranda reached for the box behind her and handed it to Andrea. Inside was an empty photo album that had the word Family embossed across the front. Andy ran her fingers across the letters almost in disbelief. "I love it...I" Miranda allowed her fingers to trace along with Andrea's and said, "I thought that maybe we could start filling this up... And there's one more thing" and Miranda helped open the album. Attached to the first page were four plane tickets.
"These are to... Ohio?" Andy's facial expression was priceless and Miranda couldn't help but smile at Andrea's pleasant shock.
"We can leave the day after tomorrow and spend some time there before you start your job at the Mirror if you would like?" Miranda asked.
"Yes! Oh, Miranda this is just... god I love you so much." Andy once again pressed their lips together and their kisses soon became heated.
"I sort of have something for you too." Andy said moving her lips over to Miranda's ear. "You see, Nigel was showing me the new La Perla samples that came in and"
Miranda cut her off, "Upstairs, now."
"Yes, Miranda." and Andy thought I will never get tired of saying that.
Patricia followed both women, her tail at full wag. Everything between the two in front of her had started on this very set of steps, and it would appear from tonight's staircase conversation as though great things would indeed continue for the newly formed Priestly-Sachs household.
And what was it that Cassidy had said? Everything would work out because Miranda loved Andrea, and Andrea loved Miranda. Yes, it would all work out just fine because this time there was love. And dog biscuits. Andy never forgot extra dog biscuits.
The End
-goes off to write more Mirandy
