A/N: So Nik asked me to put the ages of the kids up here ages ago, and I'm so sorry that I forgot to do so. I've been so distracted I truly meant to, and then didn't!

Twins: I never really thought about their age, maybe 11/12?
Liv: 6, Nick: 5, Sam: 3

Apologies for not posting this earlier today. I was all geared up to post, then had to do a million other things, all of which took up the rest of the time before I had to work .

As always, my beta and extraordinaire is everything anyone could ever want, and I'm super glad to have her! Thank you!

EDIT: I am absolutely horrified with myself for not replying to all your wonderful reviews for the last TWO! chapters. I can only apologise profusely to you all for doing that. I cannot believe I am that far behind, but if you would forgive me, I will do it better this chapter and all the rest (of which there are TONS!) Please know that if I forget to reply I have still read the reviews you've left and love each and every one of them. Even flames. Not that I've had any...but if you need to send them, who am I to stand in your way :D

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Andy's experience with children only extended as far as her sister, who was ten years younger than her. They hadn't been especially close growing up, but Andy had sometimes taken her to the park or the mall when they were waiting on their parents. Having three young children, as well as two over-excitable pre-teens turned out to be rather more complicated.

They assembled on the front steps, and as Miranda turned on the alarm, Cassidy declared she had to go back and get her camera. Then when they were half way down the road from Miranda's house, Sam realised he'd forgotten Bop - the rabbit he desperately needed wherever they went. Miranda rolled her eyes so hard, Andy was worried they were going to roll out of her head. She gave her bag to Cassidy, took Sam and Nicholas' hands from Miranda's and then sent the Ice Queen back, giving her time to decompress again before rejoining them.

"Andy?"

"Yes Caroline?" Andy sighed, her neck beginning to ache trying to watch all five children at her side like a hawk.

"Do you think that Mom will let you go home if you asked?"

Andy looked up sharply, forgetting the boys for a moment as she gaped at Caroline.

"Do you not want me here?"

"Oh, no, that's not what I meant, sorry Andy," she said quickly, shaking her head. "I just, I don't know, I wondered whether you'd live with us forever now." She glanced down at Olivia, who seemed to be watching every move everyone made. "I liked it this morning, with us all together. Mom's usually too busy, or too grumpy."

"Oh Caroline," Andy sighed again, taking a moment to smile down at Sam as they continued walking at an incredibly slow pace so that Miranda could catch up. "I think you need to start seeing your Mom in a different way."

"How do you mean?" Cassidy asked, her interest piqued by the topic of conversation.

"Well, she has to be the leader of the pack. The one with all the answers. Now I'm not saying that your Mom shouldn't let someone else, like Nigel or Emily handle a few more things to ease her load, but that magazine is responsible for millions of dollars in pay cheques and job security. All the while she's fighting to make it the best it can be, there are people around her that constantly try to get in her way. She has to remain strong and true, like a knight, not a dragon, so when she gets home, when she sees her two babies," Cassidy rolled her eyes, but Caroline smiled, "whom she knows love her completely and utterly no matter what, she can let go of all that armour and just be herself. But," she said conspiratorially, even making Nicholas lean in a little as they all listened to Andy's story, "if you've been so strong and wearing armour for so long, you're going to need to expand a little afterwards; like a sponge when you squeeze it, it goes back to it's original form. That's your Mom, going back to being your Mom after battling ogres and villains."

"Is M'anda really a knight?" Olivia asked, looking wide eyed.

"Sort of. People say she's a dragon, but I know she's not. Her armour is all the pretty clothes, the make up and the hair, and her sword is her sharp tongue. But you," she looked at the boys, smiling at Nicholas, "all of you are her babies now. She's going to protect you with all that she has, so that you're safe and warm and cared for."

"And I'm a princess!" Olivia said happily.

"Yes you are," Andy chuckled, "and Nicky is the little prince."

"Wha' 'bout me?" Sam yelled, looking distraught at the thought of missing out.

"You're a little prince as well," Andy said quickly. "We can have more than one prince."

"Wha' 'bout a monkey? Can I be's a monkey?" Sam asked, looking worried he'd forego that honour too if he was a prince.

"You most certainly can. Are you a monkey?"

"Yep!" he said happily, making a few monkey noises before going back to his dancing as they finally got in sight of the park.

"I've never thought about it like that," Cassidy admitted. "It makes sense when you put it that way. Thanks Andy."

"Why are we thanking Andréa?" Miranda said, finally rejoining them with a grubby rabbit in tow.

"BOP!" Sam yelled, grabbing it and sticking the ear in his mouth immediately.

"Samuel, I would prefer you not do that," Miranda said sternly.

He took no notice and pulled out of Andy's hand to run into the sandpit where a few other toddlers were making castles.

"I guess we'll work up to that," Andy shrugged. "I might go and rescue Bop before we lose him. That would be a disaster." She looked down at Nicholas, who seemed to have no intention of letting her go. "Are you going to play?"

He shook his head, moving closer to Andy as he stared at the fairly busy playgym. It was a warm Saturday afternoon, and as such, there were no free seats available for Miranda to sit on. Andy chewed on her lip for a moment before deciding.

"Can you keep Miranda company for a moment while I go and rescue Bop?" she asked him, giving his little hand over to Miranda and rescuing said bunny. She moved to a spot in the shade of a tree that had a good vantage point of both the playgym and the sandpit so they could keep an eye on both Sam and Olivia - although she was playing with the twins. She slid out of her coat, thankful that it wasn't one from the closet she'd put on to impress Miranda, and spread it on the ground.

"I just thought you'd prefer to sit on that, rather than get grass stains on your slacks," Andy shrugged when Miranda raised an eyebrow at her.

"That is very courteous of you Andréa," Miranda said with a hint of surprise in her voice. "Thank you."

"You're most welcome," Andy smiled, helping Miranda sit down on the coat before dropping down on the floor herself, leaning back against the tree and watching as Olivia played with the twins.

"I am beginning to think that this is even more than we, together, can cope with," Miranda said, looking uncharacteristically nervous as she watched Sam.

Andy glanced at Nicholas, who was picking at the grass rather than watching the children.

"I think that suddenly having three small children after having such grown up ones for a very long time is going to be something," she paused, "we are going to have to get used to." Miranda hummed, but didn't comment. "What is really bothering you?" Andy asked, feeling freer than she ever had before; she could ask Miranda Priestly questions now.

"So many things Andréa. That I'm too old. That Nicholas will never talk again, that Samuel will never learn to sleep in his own bed. That Caroline and Cassidy will think we've forgotten them, that you will realise I'm a cranky old woman with too many children and resent me for making you stay."

"Whoa there," Andy said quietly, sliding her hand into the small gap between them, linking their little fingers together. Even on such a 'normal' day she was still very conscious of the public setting they were in. "You haven't made me stay. I stay out of my own choosing." Andy smiled as Sam waved to them from the sandpit. "I was telling the kids earlier, Caroline asked me if I could stay forever - admittedly it led to another discussion that I won't tell you about, because it was something that the kids needed to hear - but they want me here, and you, you want me here too and I've never had that," Andy faltered as Nicholas lay back, resting his head on her thigh. Andy let that sink into Miranda's brain before continuing. She ran her fingers through Nicholas' hair as she spoke. "You'll have to be a bit patient with me, because I truly have never had anyone ever want me before. I'm doing my best, but I'm going to freak out every now and then, until I realise you're not playing with my emotions."

"Oh Andréa," Miranda said sadly, squeezing her little finger gently.

"No, it's fine, it's something I know about myself, I just need you to be aware of that. And it's not like I've never seen your moods before. I'm probably exactly what you want and need Priestly," Andy chuckled. "I know you as well as you know yourself."

"More so, I shouldn't wonder," Miranda sighed, barely leaning against Andy's shoulder. "I have to call Leslie when we get home, and then I think we should all of us sit down and talk about what we need and what they want, and then maybe call in my builder and have him adjust the rooms accordingly. I think if we knock a hole in the wall through to the -"

"Miranda!" Andy said, laughing at the put out look on Miranda's face. "Let's watch the kids first, talk details later. Just relax. You have your sunglasses, close your eyes if you like."

"I could never do that," Miranda said, looking scandalised. "I've always been too focussed on the children."

"Alright," said Andy, knowing better than to argue, "but relax okay? Just enjoy it."

Andy hadn't expected her to, but Miranda did as she was told. Andy was in heaven, enjoying the sunshine on her legs, Nicholas' affection as he lay over their thighs and Miranda's little finger, still entwined with hers.

"M'anda, M'anda!"

Andy looked up to see Olivia running towards them, looking so happy. The thought of what these kids had lost caught her breath in her throat and she had to breathe very deeply to stop herself from tearing up.

"Olivia, if you must call me something, try Miranda," Miranda said gently, but firmly.

"M'anda?" she said innocently, making the twins giggle.

"I can't -"

"What's up princess?" Andy said, heading off any arguments before they happened.

"Can we get ice cream?"

Andy looked around and saw the ice cream cart just down the pathway. Knowing that no matter how good an idea she thought it was, Miranda would get the last say in this. She looked at the woman she was slowly getting to know and saw the tiniest smirk appear on her lips.

"I suppose you're all going to turn those eyes on me now, aren't you?" she huffed, looking down at Nicholas who looked slightly more enthusiastic about getting an ice cream. "I believe I am outnumbered. Bobbseys, will one of you go and retrieve Samuel from the sandpit and then we shall discuss what we each want."

Both twins scampered off, leaving Miranda to deal with an excited Olivia and Andy cuddling with Nicholas on her knee.

"What about you little prince?" she asked, smoothing back his hair. Miranda would no doubt have it cut after the weekend, but for now it was quite similar to Andy's. "Are you up for an ice cream?"

Nicholas nodded shyly and Andy smiled at him. She didn't doubt any of this show of bravado from Olivia would soon crack, and she'd be mourning her parents too. She supposed, without knowing her well, that it was just Olivia's way to be the leader; the strong one. Not unlike the woman beside her. Nicholas was more like Andy; quiet but sharp. She knew he was following everything that was going on, all that was around him. Being silent in such a noisy world meant that you noticed more, saw more and once he started talking again, Andy knew he'd be just as precocious as the twins were.

"Why I have to come back?" Sam asked glumly as Caroline placed him on the grass in front of them.

"Well, once you've had a big drink of water," Andy said, helping him drink from a bottle, "Miranda has something she wants to ask you."

"M'anda mad?" he asked, looking weary. "I no be monkey anymore."

"Monkey?" Miranda asked, looking sternly at Andy.

"It's an inside joke," Andy said quickly. "Aren't you going to tell him?"

"Tell Tham, p'ease M'anda!" Sam said, getting on his knees and leaning on her slacks with sandy hands.

"I suppose that was inevitable," she sighed, wiping sand from his forehead and cheeks. "Would you like some ice cream Samuel?"

"YEAH! Ice cream!"

They all chuckled as he started dancing, wiggling his hips and waving his arms around while chanting ice cream. Andy looked over to see Miranda smiling softly at her, and she mirrored it, squeezing the little finger still clinging to her own.

"Alright, what is everyone getting?" Andy asked, looking at the twins first.

After much arguing and vetoing of choices - on Miranda's part at least - Andy had a sort of understanding of what everyone wanted. After a semi-tantrum that upset not only Sam but Olivia as well, Miranda gave in with an almighty sigh and let him have the Spiderman one. Miranda shook off Andy's suggestion that she too should have one, so Andy went off, with Cassidy in tow to buy them all what they wanted.

"Do you think Mom's mad we made Olivia ask you guys for ice cream?" Cassidy said, biting her lip.

"No," Andy smiled, bopping Cassidy on the chin. "I think she's just a little overwhelmed at looking after all of you."

'You're not though?"

"I am, but I'm also far more laid back than your Mom, Cass. And I'm nobody special. Your Mom is the one they'll put in the paper tomorrow."

"You are special Andy. To all of us."

Andy could have been knocked over by a feather as those words pierced her heart. She knew it was stupid, but the love and care and just, well… She pulled Cassidy back into her body and kissed her head, even as she was mid sentence with the man about to hand over his ice creams.

"Thanks Cass," she whispered, but quickly stood up straight and nodded to the guy.

They got the right ones eventually and wandered back to the group, passing out all of the treats and handing Nicholas' to Miranda.

"Is this the one you wanted Nicholas?" Miranda asked gently. "Olivia tried to guess."

He nodded and smiled brightly at Miranda, but still didn't say thank you. It was one of the only times Andy had seen Miranda give up gracefully and she sat back down with a groan.

"You better not make any wise crack about you getting old Andréa," Miranda said cheekily.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Andy replied, giggling a little as she felt Miranda's finger find her own once more.

"Hey Mom, can we go to the National History Museum?" Caroline asked suddenly. Andy noticed the other kids perked up as she said it, and she looked sympathetically at Miranda, who shook her head.

"That is unfair Caroline," Miranda said, chastising her gently.

"It's just a question, sorry," Caroline said, not sounding the least bit sorry at all.

"Going to the museum is not as simple anymore Caroline, we have other people to think of now."

"Yeah, but they'll love it too. We always did."

"And what if Samuel gets tired, are you going to carry him when he falls asleep?"

"Well, no, but you probably won't either," Caroline said, making Andy's eyes go wide.

She wanted to jump in, to tell Caroline to lay off and to insist she didn't want to be a part of this argument, but she bit her lip as Cassidy had done earlier and accepted both boys on her knee as the two Priestly women glared at each other.

"Caro, Mom's right, we're not on our own anymore. It takes more planning," Cassidy said, tugging on her sister's sleeve. "Just leave it, we'll go another day."

Andy could already see Miranda's face as she no doubt did exactly as Andy was doing - thinking forward to find another day where they could go to the museum. After having Friday off, and with the luncheon next Saturday, Andy couldn't see Miranda having any time to do so until the weekend after next.

"Girls, enough," Miranda sighed, taking off her sunglasses and looking them squarely in the eye. "Caroline, I am unhappy with your behaviour and I shall talk to you about it later, however," she paused and looked sideways. Andy smiled at her and nodded her consent, knowing exactly what Miranda was thinking before Miranda said it, "however, I do not envision being able to do many things next weekend, so I shall agree to going to the museum tomorrow."

"Yey!" Olivia yelled, throwing her sticky hands around Miranda's neck. "Thanks M'anda."

Caroline looked suitably cowed, but Miranda accepted Sam onto her knee as well, agreeing that perhaps there was time for just a little more play before all of them went home to sit down and talk.

"Sam walk with M'anda!" he yelled, before anyone else could say anything.

Andy bit her cheek to stop herself from laughing as Sam's red sticky hands extended outwards towards Miranda's. And Miranda's face was a picture of horror as she saw what was coming.

"Whoa there monkey," she said, making him giggle. "You need to wipe your hands first before you hold onto Miranda. You wouldn't want her to get sticky hands too, now would you?"

"She hold'a sword betterer," Sam shrugged, but held out his hands anyway.

It was the second time he'd alluded to the conversation Andy didn't want to have with Miranda. She had no idea the opinion Miranda would have of her, once she realised the type of chat she'd had with Miranda's own children.

"What on earth is he talking about?"

"Oh yeah Mom," Cassidy said, all ready to go with Andy's bag on her back and Olivia's hand in hers. "Andy explained why you work so much. She said you were a knight, not a dragon. And that you had to be strong for everyone, and that your armour squeezes so tightly that sometimes you have to just squash back out again."

"Like a sponge!" Olivia giggled.

Andy could feel Miranda's stare and how her own ears were burning, no doubt matching the rest of her face as she busied herself with cleaning Sam's hands.

"And we are all princesses," Olivia said happily, "but Nicky's a prince and Sam's a prince, 'cept he wanted to be a monkey."

"Yey!" Sam yelled, rushing back to Miranda and slipping his hand into hers. "I ready."

Andy finally looked up to see Miranda staring at her, as if she'd never seen her before.

"Sorry," she shrugged.

"Do not apologise," Miranda said, clearing her throat as she struggled to get the words out. "I am not angry or upset. I am in awe of you Andréa Sachs. In awe."

She turned and walked away, with the twins, Olivia and Sam following and it wasn't until Nicholas tugged on Andy's hand that she realised they'd been left behind.

"Sorry little prince," she said, shaking herself and rushing to catch up with the others.

She had no idea what she was doing, but she wanted Miranda to speak to her with that tone of voice, and the look in her eyes all the time. She wanted that for the rest of her life and she was going to do anything to get it.