A/N: Good evening. I would have had this up a few days ago, thanks to my wonderful beta, but I forgot . I'm so sorry about that. Anyway. Never fear I'm going to leave you hanging. I literally have another ten or so chapters written I think, so there's something to look forward to :D
Thanks as ever to my magnificent beta. She's magic. And she's all mine hehe
-0-
"Mom?"
Andy twitched, waking up at the new voice in the bedroom. She almost sat up, but Miranda's quiet voice made her stay where she was lying.
"Shh Bobbsey, Andréa is still sleeping," Miranda said quietly, to whichever twin it was. Miranda could no doubt tell, even in the fluffiness of sleep, but Andy wasn't so sure. It sounded like Cassidy, making her wonder whether Caroline was still annoyed at Miranda.
"Um, does this mean that, like, you're really a lesbian? I mean I know what you said yesterday, but I just -"
Andy couldn't help but chuckle against Miranda's cheek as she heard Cassidy sigh. Surreptitiously pressing a kiss against her lover's shoulder, she rolled over slightly, grinning at Cassidy.
"Hey Cass."
"Hi Andy," she said, kneeling on the bed and kissing her cheek without a word of warning.
"How would you feel about that?" Miranda asked, dodging the question quite nicely.
"It's cool. Ellen's totally hot right now, hey, does that mean you and Ellen can, like, be friends now?"
Andy laughed again and patted the bed next to her for Cassidy to join them as Miranda laced her fingers with Andy's, nodding for her to take the lead.
"Cass, your Mom and I decided yesterday that we might like to be a family together. What that makes us, is together. I don't know about your Mom, but I don't really like labels. I think love should be with whomever you feel love for."
"Oh," Cassidy said, looking a little crestfallen. "So like, you won't go and meet Ellen?"
Andy laughed again, but Miranda grimaced.
"What is this new obsession with the word 'like'?" she asked.
"Um, well everyone at school says it, it's just," Cassidy shrugged. "Like, you say something and it's there."
"No," Miranda said looking fierce.
"What?" Cassidy asked, frowning as she looked at her mother.
"I said no. I do not want to hear it come out of your mouth again in that circumstance. If you wish to convey those feelings you must find other words for it. It is common, pedestrian Cassidy. And you are anything but those things."
"Oh," Cassidy said, nodding. "Okay. Sorry Mom."
"Thank you, but no more," Miranda said graciously.
"Are we making breakfast or shall I just get cereals?" Cassidy asked, playing with Andy's fingers.
Andy watched, feeling something blossoming in her chest at how easily this little girl that had been hurt so badly before accepted her into her life, into her mother's bed without a word of argument. Not only that, but she had accepted her so completely that she was comfortable playing and seeking comfort from her. It was a novel feeling for Andy and she wasn't sure she'd ever get used to it.
"I think we will come and make breakfast. While we eat, we shall talk about going to the museum today."
"Oh sweet, I'd forgotten!" Cassidy said, bouncing off the bed. "I'll go and tell Caro."
"Nicknames," Miranda muttered, looking unimpressed. "You have given my children nicknames, and it has stuck."
"Um, oops?" Andy said, recognising the tiny little sparkle in Miranda's eyes as mirth, rather than evil dragon-rage.
"I am doomed," Miranda mused, rubbing Sam's back as he blinked owlishly.
"M'anda," he said with a bright smile.
"Hello Samuel," Miranda replied with more patience than Andy had ever seen.
"I hung'y."
"We were all just discussing that," Miranda said, helping him roll off her without pressing his knee into her stomach. "What would you like?"
"Sketti!" he yelled, throwing Bop into the air and laughing as it landed on Andy's head.
Miranda groaned, dropping gracefully back into bed. Andy smiled and leaned over her, desperately wanting to kiss her, but not wanting Sam to get confused. She merely patted her shoulder and moved to get up.
"Don't do that," Miranda said quietly. "They must learn."
Andy was a bit bewildered until Miranda sat up again, and pulled Andy back gently, placing a chaste kiss on her lips.
"Don't be afraid of them."
"I just didn't know if it was appropriate."
"It is, at home," Miranda said, in a tone that meant no arguing. Andy grinned and nodded, but didn't say anything else as she got up using the time she had to check on the others. She took Sam with her so Miranda could start her morning with a little peace and quiet.
-0-
As it turned out, there wasn't any sketti. Something Andy immediately promised to rectify for tomorrow. What was the point of breakfast if one couldn't have sketti on toast? Instead, they had eggs and wheat toast and some turkey bacon Andy found in the bottom of the fridge.
"I done," Sam said, clambering down from his chair.
"Samuel, the rest of us are not finished yet," Miranda said, looking pointedly at his chair. "You may not get down from the table until we all are."
"Wha'?" he said, looking aghast. "But i's boring."
"It may be, but it is good manners. Sit back at the table please."
"No!" Sam said, stomping his foot.
"Sam," Olivia hissed, pointed at his chair.
"It's alright," Andy whispered in her ear. "Let Miranda deal with him."
"But I don't want her to get mad and have to go away," she whispered back.
Andy smiled and smoothed back her bed hair.
"Listen to me princess -" she waited until Olivia had returned her focus from the little tantrum Sam was building up to, back to Andy. "We're not going to send you back. That I can promise you now. No matter how many tantrums Sam, or Nick or even you throw. You're here now, you're going to be part of our family and we're keeping you forever."
The little girl smiled and Andy wondered how many times they'd each have to explain that to her before she really understood that they were never going back, that they had a home here. Andy couldn't even guess though she knew how it felt, but as she turned back to see Sam stomping on the floor, she knew it didn't matter, not really. They would repeat it for the rest of their lives if these kids needed it.
"Samuel, you will sit at this table until we are finished eating, or you will not be going to the Museum today to see the dinosaurs."
"Dinosaur?" Sam said, stopping his mini tantrum immediately and looking hard at Miranda. "Are you tricking?"
"I am not, you may ask Cassidy or Caroline. I assure you there are dinosaurs at the museum."
"Pinky promise Sam," Cassidy laughed, holding out her little finger and shaking it with him.
"Coo'," he said, getting happily back in his chair. "When we goin'?"
"We must first finish breakfast, and then put our dishes in the dishwasher. I will book the tickets and then we can go."
"That'll take ages," he said, looking astonished. "Why we can't go now?"
"Because you don't have a ticket."
"Why?"
"Andy can I please have the orange juice?" Caroline asked, breaking in before Sam could really build up a head of steam.
And just like that, the gentle hush of breakfast returned. Andy kept an eye on Nicholas, who seemed content munching on his breakfast and ignoring most of what was going on.
"Is that good?"
As they had come to accept, he didn't reply vocally but he did nod, so Andy considered it a small step forward. She figured that if he hated it, he wouldn't have eaten any of it, but she made a mental note to keep an eye on him during meal times to make sure that never happened.
-0-
Miranda insisted on buying full memberships for all three kids, and Andy as well. Andy had half-heartedly protested, but Miranda had simply raised her eyebrow and the matter was done with.
When they all gathered in the hallway by the front door, Miranda and Andy suddenly realised that they weren't all going to fit in the SUV, or in any of the Runway cars, owing to the car seats the children were required, by law, to sit in.
"Well, we'll just have to walk," Miranda said, the airy tone belaying the irritation Andy saw in her eyes.
"Well, I suppose we could. Why don't you take Sam and maybe Nick in the car and the girls can come with me through the park? That way we can call you before we get there, and you don't have to go straight away."
The irritation eased slightly and Miranda's lips lifted just a little at the corners.
"Alright, change of plan girls, you shall go with Andréa; Olivia, you as well. Nicholas and Samuel, you are both staying with me for a short while before we take the car over. Is that satisfactory to everyone?"
Andy had to hand it to the kids, even Sam, who looked like he was going to protest for a moment, but Caroline quickly tapped his shoulder and he closed his mouth. Andy was quickly realising that home was not that much different from work; whatever Miranda wanted, she got.
"Alright then, girls, grab your coats and we'll get going," Andy said, helping Olivia into her threadbare coat the home had given her.
"Andy?" she said quietly, looking sideways at Miranda, who was standing watching.
"Yes princess?"
"Can we go home soon?"
Everything stopped, including Andy's heart as she looked at the little green eyes looking up at her.
"Um, Olivia, I thought we'd talked about this," Andy said gently, kneeling before her and untucking the collar. "You're going to stay here with us."
"I know," Olivia said, unaware of the tension that had risen in the somewhat cramped entrance way. "But I want my own coat. It's red and has gold buttons. I got it for my birthday."
Andy was sure she heard Miranda sigh in relief as Olivia kept talking. Andy couldn't help but close her eyes and press a kiss to the little girl's forehead.
"Miranda and I are going to sort that out tomorrow, okay? You guys are going to stay here and keep Cara company while Miranda goes to work and I go and organise your things. Maybe tonight you can make a list of of all the things you want straight away and I'll do my best to bring them home with me."
"Okay," she smiled, before skipping over to Caroline and taking her hand. "I'm ready now."
Andy stood and looked at Miranda, who looked back with such emotion in her eyes that Andy knew she'd made the right decision in convincing Miranda to take the kids on. For a moment, she was about to walk away, but Miranda took a step forward and reached for her hand, glancing at the twins by the door.
"I'll see you soon," Miranda said, squeezing Andy's hand as she leaned in.
It was another kiss that Andy had never experienced. A kiss that tasted of hope and love and affection. Her goodbye kisses with Nate were often rushed and chaste, and nothing like this one. She fell into it, like she had no other choice. It was only when she heard the kids giggling that she pulled away.
"See-ya," Andy said shyly.
"Way to go Mom," Cassidy said before they left, making Miranda blush and gently push her out of the door.
"I'll wait for your text to call Roy, so please make sure to leave us some time to get around the park."
"No worries," Andy said, waving as they walked off.
"Olivia, hold Andréa's hand."
"I am M'anda," Olivia giggled, waving goodbye.
Andy grinned at the twins as they all turned around and waved, chuckling as Miranda waved back before realising what she was doing.
"She's different around you," Cassidy said after Miranda had gone back inside. "She's more like a Mom. I think sometimes she forgets she's supposed to be our Mom all the time, not Miranda Priestly."
"Yeah, it's tough on her," Andy said, swinging her hand with Olivia's. "But she'll get there Cass."
"Andy? Is Mom nice to you?" Caroline suddenly asked as they turned the corner and entered Central Park.
"What? Of course she is," Andy said, looking at her sideways. "Why do you ask?"
"Just checking I guess. Is it true? What Cassidy told me this morning? Did you sleep over in Mom's bed again?"
Andy felt her heart speed up and her breath shorten as she contemplated having this conversation with the twins without Miranda present. She kept walking, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other until she remembered what Miranda had said earlier, about it being appropriate for them to show the children their relationship; to not hide it because it's different.
"It is," she said, suddenly feeling completely at ease with those words. "Your Mom and I have decided that we'd like to have a relationship, and, we're discussing me moving in with you guys at the townhouse."
"Really?" Cassidy said, practically vibrating with the excitement she was exuding.
"Yup. Maybe not right away - well actually I don't really know. You know your Mom; when she gets an idea in her head, it usually happens straight away."
"But you want to be with her, right? You're not just doing this because," Caroline paused and looked guiltily at Olivia, "because of what happened."
"No, I'm not. I want to be with your Mom, Caro. Your Mom has already said this, and once she did I realised how true it was; she and I have been dancing around our feelings for weeks, months even. Ever since we went to Paris really. And now, with all you kids, it was just a way for us to be open with each other. I'm not staying because she's making me," Andy grabbed Caroline's hand, causing the girl to look up at her. "Alright?"
"Okay," she said with a sigh, looking as if the weight of the world had lifted off her shoulders.
"Does that mean you'll give her a break?" Andy asked, trying not to sound judgemental. "No disrespect to your Dad, or," she glanced at Olivia swinging their joined hands, "any of her husbands, but she's never had someone that knows her as well as I do."
"Someone who loves her," Caroline whispered.
"Yeah Caro," Andy smiled. "It's all very new to her, she's trying okay?"
"Okay," Caroline nodded.
"Andy?" Olivia said, breaking Andy's thoughts.
"Yes Princess?"
"Is that it?" she said, pointing to the museum. "Do we have to ring M'anda now?"
"Oh, yeah I almost forgot," Andy laughed, doing just that as they ambled.
It only took one ring.
"Do you realise that your ridiculous nickname for Samuel has caused him decide that he is only two evolutionary steps away from being a fully-fledged primate?" Andy bit her lip, trying not to laugh out loud as Miranda mumbled into the phone. "That is three bookcases in the half hour you've been gone. I walked into the reading room and found him clambering up to the top shelf. Heavens knows what would have happened if I hadn't insisted the builders fix the shelves in. He could have died."
"Oh, well - um?" Andy said, wondering what it was Miranda wanted her to say. "If it makes you feel any better we're nearly there."
"Thank God. Boys, downstairs, it's time to go."
Andy listened to her shepherding the boys to the front door, instructing them to put on their coats. "Yes, good morning Roy. That's right boys, in the car please. Roy, would you -" Andy smiled, impressed with the manners Miranda had for both the boys, and Roy.
"You sound stressed," Andy grinned into the phone.
"You're mocking me," Miranda replied, her voice going a little frosty.
"No, not mocking," Andy said gently, smiling as the twins skipped down the path with Olivia between them. "Teasing perhaps but never mocking.
"Hmm," Miranda said before absently thanking Roy, probably for strapping the boys in while she was occupied. "I suppose as my -" she paused, "paramore?" she offered.
"I like partner better," Andy whispered, catching up to the girls and taking Olivia's hand as Cassidy pushed the crossing button.
"As do I, my darling," Miranda said quietly. "As my, partner, should I resign myself to your teasing?"
"Oh definitely," Andy said. "I can't wait to introduce you to all these pedestrian things you have never dreamed of as well."
"I can hardly wait," Miranda drawled, sounding as amused as Andy knew she would - that was to say, very little.
"Okay, we're about to cross, meet you on the steps?"
"Indeed. I -" Miranda stopped talking, making Andy's steps falter slightly as they started walking, "I find myself without a proper way of ending this conversation without my usual departure; something Cassidy has expressly forbidden me from saying to you while we are not at work."
"Oh she did, did she?" Andy said, looking at Cassidy, who was teaching Olivia some sort of game as they hung out near to the crossing. "You could just say 'I'll see you soon', or 'I'll talk to you later'?" Andy said tentatively. "Perhaps later on in our," she glanced again at the girls, "relationship, we could say other words that would mean more. I know I have said it once, and you should believe that I was saying exactly as I meant it, but I'm not sure we are ready for fully fledged revelations."
"I concur," Miranda said, sounding relieved. "Therefore, I will see you soon, my darling."
Andy hung up, smiling like a loon as she joined the girls and waited excitedly for their mother to arrive.
-0-
The black town car pulled up to the curb, and Andy smiled as Miranda's perfectly clad leg exited the vehicle, followed by the rest of her. The traffic around them honked and hollered as Roy got out as well, waiting for a break in the traffic before opening the outer door and leaning in. Andy made sure that the girls were with her as she went to help get the boys out of the car.
"Hi," Andy said breathlessly as she touched Miranda's arm lightly, leaning past her to unbuckle Nick. She helped him out as Roy carried Sam around the car and onto the sidewalk.
"Hey Andy!" he yelled as Roy put him down. "Dinosaurs!"
"I know buddy," she said, taking his hand before he ran off. "Stick with me, okay?"
"Yup. Can we go in now?"
Andy smiled and patted his hand as they all gathered on the sidewalk.
"In a minute monkey," she said gently. "We have to wait for Miranda to talk to Roy and then we'll go in."
"I like Mr Roy," Sam said swinging his other arm in Cassidy's grip.
"I like Roy too," Andy said, checking everyone was with them as they all walked up to the entrance.
Getting into the museum turned out to be a breeze, with full access cards doled out to match Miranda's and the girls, and with that they were in.
"Whoa!"
The museum turned out to be the best idea they'd had since the kids joined them. Andy and Miranda walked almost hand in hand, stopping when any one of them wanted to look closer at one of the exhibits. Andy held Nicholas' hand as they walked, and she tried her hardest to get him to interact with them. She had all but given up when they were in the butterfly exhibit. Watching Olivia giggle with Miranda made Andy want to scoop them both up and kiss them all over. Sam was safely ensconced between the twins pointing at all the different butterflies which were beautiful to behold. Andy let Nicholas lead her out of the aviary but he stopped mid stride, pointing to a poster beside the door.
"Mysteries of the Unseen World," Andy said out loud, looking down to see Nick looking longingly at the poster. "Would you liked to go and see that?" He nodded desperately and she crouched down in front of him. "Will you give me a cuddle then?"
Nick jumped into her arms and she picked him up, letting him cling to her as she turned to see Miranda laughing as she walked out of the butterfly conservatory with the twins, Olivia and Samuel in tow.
"Nick wants to go and see that. I imagine it's not your scene," she grinned as Miranda rolled her eyes, "so I'll take him in if you like, there's a showing in ten minutes. Anyone else want to come along?"
"I'll come," Cassidy said, smiling as she stepped forward.
"Alright then, Nick do you want to stay with Cass for a moment while I speak to Miranda?"
He nodded and held Cassidy's hand as Andy drew Miranda aside.
"I realise you're the most capable woman I've ever met, but are you going to be alright with the rest of them if we go in there for a while?"
"Andréa, you are right, I am perfectly capable. I believe another wander through the dinosaur exhibit might be in order, if the girls are amenable. It will keep Samuel busy until you are all back."
"Alright," Andy said, wanting desperately to lean forward and kiss her. "I'll keep my phone on in case you need me."
"You are always ready, aren't you?" Miranda said quietly, glancing behind Andy suddenly. "Samuel, don't you dare!"
Andy spun around to find Sam clambering over a railing to get into an exhibit. He quickly slid back to the ground and Andy blushed under the light glare Miranda gave her.
"Your fault," she muttered as she swept past, taking Sam's hand and leading him away.
"Alright guys," Andy said, grabbing Nick and winking at Cassidy. "Let's go see the unseen world."
-0-
"Mom!"
Andy let Cassidy run up to Miranda and start regaling her with tales of some of the amazing things they'd seen in the show.
"Did you like that munchkin?" Andy asked, glancing down at Nick.
He nodded but Andy wasn't as worried. His facial expressions were enough to assuage her fears while they were watching the somewhat disturbing film. It certainly was interesting but in truth freaked her out a little. She dreaded returning to see Patricia now that she knew just how many bugs lived on her skin, in her fur and in her mouth.
"Are you with us Andréa?" Miranda asked, sliding up beside her.
"Contemplating burning the world to rid us of germs," she quipped.
"Ah, well I would advise against it," Miranda said, squeezing Andy's hand gently. "As we would not be able to enjoy ourselves and our future now, would we."
Andy smiled as Miranda continued talking about their future, and she watched Cassidy and Caroline corral the smaller children.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere but here with you," Andy whispered, suddenly realising how true those words were. "Truly."
"Quite," Miranda said, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. She stepped forward to retrieve the children, but Andy held her back.
"Let them enjoy some time together," Andy whispered. "They need to."
"And we shall do what?" Miranda asked, amusement lacing her tone.
"We shall, what is the turn of phrase they use in Jane Austin novels? We shall take a turn about the boards?"
"And there is your charming sense of humour," Miranda chuckled quietly. "I always had you pegged as a romantic."
They walked in a slow arc, both of them close, but not touching, keeping one eye on the children at all times.
"Can I ask you something?" Andy asked suddenly. "Were you in love with any of them, their own stupidity withstanding?"
Miranda sighed, glancing at her watch. Without speaking, she moved forward to where the children were taking in the exhibits and asked them gently to join them in another walk through the butterfly house.
"But what about the dinosaurs?" Sam asked.
"The dinosaurs will be here on the next visit," Miranda said gently. "We will come back."
"Fine," he huffed, slipping his hand into hers easily.
Andy simply watched on, giving up her question as unanswered.
"I will answer your questions when we are home, away from long range microphones and telephoto lenses. Not that it is anything terrible, I would just be more comfortable talking in my -" she paused, looking a little smug, "our home."
"Then I shall wait until we are home then."
They smiled gently, even with the reminder that they were not within the safety of their own four walls and enjoyed one last rotation through the museum, making sure to stop at all the favourite exhibits before making their way back to the townhouse.