A/N: As promised more More! lol This week and the last has been particularly hard for fans of the British drama Last Tango in Halifax. If you know anybody who watches it, stop them from what they are doing and let them sob into your shoulder. They'll be forever grateful :(
For everyone who's not in full-scale mourning for a fictional character, here's more Devil Wears Prada :D As always, my beta is the best beta a girl could possibly have and she is SO good to me!
For everyone following my rather cryptic post from last week, it will be posted as soon as I'm done here. Is it possible to share too much fanfiction?
-0-
The girls ended up being five minutes later than Andy thought they'd be, but they came in like a pair of whirling dervishes.
"Cara?"
"We're all in the kitchen girls," Andy called, giggling with Sam at the excited cries that followed.
"You're home?" Caroline said, smiling as Olivia hugged her.
"I am, Sam needed me to come home early."
"So Mom didn't come home too?" Caroline asked, with a tone that Andy didn't like.
"What did I say about giving your Mom a break? I came home because I was already out, and I had to drop some things back here. Your Mom said that she would try to get here for dinner, but," she stared at Caroline, who looked suitably mollified, "as I took the rest of the day off, she's now an assistant down."
There was an awkward silence before Cassidy stepped in for her twin, poking Sam's belly and finding cookie crumbs.
"Oh no fair, how come they got cookies?" she wailed.
"There's plenty for everyone," Cara said, breezing into the room. "Go and change, take your bags upstairs and I'll make you both a plate."
"Wear something you are comfortable in. We have some work to do afterwards," Andy called.
"I'm not sure how much you'll get out of them," Cara warned. "They're -" she sighed, choosing not to finish her thought.
"Yeah I know, we'll have to see how we do. When it was just them and Miranda, that was fine, but it's not anymore. Everyone has to make adjustments, you most of all it seems."
"Oh, I love it," Cara shrugged. "Those two were little terrors as kids, so these three are angels by comparison," she smiled at Olivia. "And I have a super helper when I need it."
Andy grinned as Olivia preened under the praise and wondered absently what their lives were like before the accident. Did Olivia help with Sam when he was a baby? Or did she look after Nicholas while their mother looked after Sam? Did she help with the washing, or did she and her father learn how to ride her bike instead? She sighed as Olivia sat swinging her legs on the chair, glancing at the door every now and then for signs of the twins.
They all heard them before they saw them, careering down the hallways and the staircases until they skidded to a halt in the kitchen, grinning from ear to ear.
"Is this alright Andy?" Cassidy asked, picking at her shirt, which was probably the worst thing Cassidy owned. A bright yellow polo that looked like it had been through about four million washes. Glancing at Caroline's slightly more fashionable ensemble, but noting it looked easy to move in, she nodded.
"It's perfect you guys."
Olivia chatted to them both now they were all ears at the table, re-telling all she'd done with Cara during the day. They nodded and commented as they went and Andy was more than a little proud of them. She'd thought maybe Miranda should have a chat with them about being role models now, but it looked as though they'd be alright. It was, however, only the third day of them being there, and the first day of some sort of routine. Time would tell how it went after the twins got over the novelty and the kids settled into their new home.
After snacks had been consumed, Andy led them all into the 'guest' sitting room. Caroline explained that nobody ever went in there, not unless they had visitors; which they never had. Andy looked around the room and saw why. It was half the size of the den, and was not as comfortable as the media room or the upstairs sitting room. She wondered about converting it into something more useful, but then reasoned that perhaps with more of them there, they would now have visitors. Andy wasn't sure what the policy was on her meeting her friends - what was left of them - and chalked up another item to discuss with Miranda later on.
Her eyes widened at the progress Cara had made, sorting the bags into piles. There was a corner for Olivia, a corner for Sam and a corner for Nick. The woman had mercifully kept all of the toys Andy had brought back with her in a bag behind the sofa. It wouldn't do for the kids to get into that and not do what they needed to before Miranda came home.
"Alright kiddos," Andy began, letting Nick go with Cara, and nodding to Cassidy to go with Olivia. "We're going to go through all the things that I've brought here, and we're going to be really good okay? Anything that we don't want, or doesn't fit goes into these bags which we can then take to the thrift shops."
"Caroline and Cassidy, you can help Olivia," she said, smiling as Olivia slipped her hand into Caroline's. "Remember girls, your Mom will probably get a heap of stuff for them anyway, so keep your choices to sensible play clothes that Olivia can get dirty in, and wear around the house okay? Olivia? Nick? If there are any things you absolutely positively have to keep put them in a different pile and I'll go through them with you afterwards. "
"Got it Andy," Cassidy said, already sitting down beside the small pile of clothes that was only a portion of what had been in Olivia's closet.
There were a few grumblings as the afternoon were on, but Andy wasn't worried. They'd got nearly all of it done by the time the rest of the items arrived. Andy was so pleased with their progress she decided that they'd had enough for one day, and helped the three younger kids carry their things upstairs. Andy double checked them as she put them away, putting a few aside for Miranda's veto while the twins retreated to do some homework and Cara went to start on dinner.
"Alright sweethearts, who is first for baths?"
Olivia shrugged so Andy decided it was best for the two boys to go first. She left Olivia playing and went to run the bath, getting changed before collecting the boys .
She was kneeling on the bathroom floor, trying to wrestle Sam's socks off his feet when Nicholas walked up to her and draped himself over her back, wrapping his arms around her as best he could. She let Sam run around in nothing but his socks for a while so that she could turn and pull Nick into her arms.
"Are you feeling better little prince?" she asked as she kissed his hair. He nodded and Andy felt all her exhaustion just melt away. "Alright then little man, how about a nice bath with your brother, then you can have a play with your toys while I help your sister? Once everyone's had baths then we'll give Miranda a call before dinner, does that sound like a plan?"
He nodded and went to stand by the bath, watching until Sam was finally ready to get in.
"Come on then boys, let's get you all squeaky clean."
Andy was extremely happy that she'd changed because they'd managed to get water everywhere after Sam discovered he could create waves big enough to splash his brother with. Nick had valiantly ignored him at first, but Andy could see that his patience was fast running out.
"Let's get you out little prince, then your brother can have his fun."
Nicholas was wrapped up like a snuggle bug when Cara appeared at the doorway.
"Lasagne is in the oven, I thought it would be easier with so many."
"You're a lifesaver Cara, thank you. When are you scheduled to go home?"
"I usually wait until Miranda gets home so there's time yet. Would you like me to get him dressed so you can sort Sam out?"
A thankful smile was all she got in reply, except for a wave for Nick as he was carried out, still wrapped up tightly.
"Alright Sam, we need to wash your hair and put away your toys so that you can go and play with Nick."
"Why?" Sam asked, not even waiting for an answer before he lay back in the bath, dunking his head under.
-0-
Baths sorted and the nearly-done lasagne making tummies rumble throughout the house, Andy placed the call to Miranda.
"Yes?"
Andy bit her lip, but forged on anyway, ignoring the imperious tone at the other end of the phone.
"Um, hey, it's just me. Dinner is fifteen minutes away, shall we wait?"
"Darling! I am just walking out, perhaps you could wait? I will instruct Roy to be as speedy as possible; I realise that seven o'clock is rather late for the little ones."
Andy smiled at the change of tone, her heart beating painfully at the thought of her being the one to cause that in the usually stern woman.
"They're okay, they had a snack when I got home - back - when I got back, so they're not ravenous."
"Home," Miranda said quietly. "I would prefer it to feel like your home. Whatever we need to change to make it so, we will do."
"You're pretty sweet, do you know that?" she said rhetorically. "We can talk about it later, okay? Just get back here so we can all have dinner together."
"I is something I will need to show you later, but it is nothing to be worried about. After the children are in bed."
"Um, okay?" Andy said, half expecting the talk to happen now. She wasn't wrong.
"We were photographed on the weekend, both in the park and at the museum. It is nothing Andréa, but we should discuss it before someone gets the wrong idea. I will not have your reputation impugned."
"Wouldn't it be the right idea?" Andy teased. "And it wouldn't be hard to impugn my honour, I am sleeping with the boss."
There was a pause as Andy bit her lip, the double entendre making her nervous.
"Well, yes, I suppose you are," Miranda said wickedly, and Andy knew from her tone that she was smiling. "But we should discuss it anyway."
"Yes Miranda," Andy replied, grinning to herself.
"Yes, well. I will be back soon."
Andy hung up just as Olivia came to sit with her, Patricia following and flopping down at their feet. The big dog had taken to the little girl like a shadow and followed her around constantly. Andy thought it was sweet, but she suspected Miranda was a bit put out that Miranda's dog had taken to the child so quickly. Instead of keeping Miranda's feet warm as she worked on The Book, or stayed up reading, Patricia would sleep at the foot of Olivia's bed. Andy found it amusing, and resolved to keep Miranda warm at night, or at least persuade her to sleep more - right next to her.
"I'm hungry," Olivia said apologetically.
"I know sweetheart. Miranda is on her way home now and then we're all going to have dinner together, okay? Do you guys like lasagne?"
"Sam loves it," Olivia said with a smile.
"What about you?"
"I like meatballs better, but it's still yummy. Will there be garlic bread?"
"Indeed there will be little one," Cara said as she poked her head around the door frame. "Andy, the lasagne is cooling on a board - Miranda messaged me. I'll be off. See you tomorrow Livvy."
"Bye Cara!" Olivia waved, but didn't get up from snuggling into Andy's side.
After a few shouted goodbyes and an exuberant sounding farewell from Sam, the front door closed and Andy was left alone with the children for the first time.
"Is everyone ready for dinner?"
"M'anda!"
Andy was as shocked as Miranda looked as Olivia leapt from the sofa and ran to wrap her arms around her hips, Miranda's shorter height enabling the little girl to bury her head in the woman's stomach.
"Oh," Miranda said, looking charmed at the display. "Why hello little one, how was your day?"
Andy sat back and watched as Olivia talked quickly and elaborately and Miranda listened to every word, sitting on the sofa and even allowing Olivia to get up on her knee, in her work clothes.
"Oh hey Mom," Cassidy said as she walked past the door. She detoured and pressed a kiss to her mother's cheek. "Can we eat now?"
"You see?" Miranda said with a smirk. "The things I have to put up with from my own children."
Andy laughed, but hauled herself off the sofa and followed Miranda into the hallway.
"Hi," she said awkwardly as the rest of the kids rounded the corner.
"Hello," Miranda replied, stepping forward and kissing her gently. "I missed you this afternoon."
Andy blushed when Caroline nudged her as she walked past, giving her a thumbs up for good measure before helping Sam navigate the stairs.
"She's changed her tune," Miranda commented offhandedly.
"I think she's realised I'm not going to disappear on her."
"You had better not," Miranda whispered fiercely, almost to herself.
"Hey!" Andy took Miranda in her arms and took advantage of the moment of silence to hold her tightly. "I told you, I'm not going anywhere."
Miranda sighed into her shoulder and Andy knew it was the beginning of the unwind from a busy day.
"Let's go and eat with the kids," Andy murmured, pressing a kiss to Miranda's temple.
"Our kids," Miranda said, leaning back a little to look at Andy. "Ours."
"Yeah," Andy said, leaning in for another kiss.
"MOM!"
They jumped away from each other, despite their conscious decision not to do so in front of the children, but when a crash came from the kitchen, they knew the moment was ruined.
"Later," Miranda promised, reaching for Andy's arm and locking their hands together.
"You better believe it," Andy said cheekily, following her lady down the stairs and back to their family.
-0-
Dinner was remarkable, as far as Andy was concerned. Everyone talked about their days, even Miranda, and they discussed things they'd learnt or seen during their time with Cara. Sam explained that his blue car was faster than his red car because they'd both raced each other down the stairs. Andy had to grab Miranda's hand quickly before she rang Cara for an explanation, nodding back to the kids and thankfully, heading off the impending storm.
The twins were on dish duty, rinsing and putting them in the dishwasher and Olivia stayed to help, leaving Andy and Miranda to inspect the items that had been sorted to stay at the house. The boys followed them like puppies, Sam pulling Miranda this way and that, first showing her his favourite green t-shirt and then his blue one. Andy had to bite her lip when Miranda started telling Sam about the different shades they were and she remembered with some consternation her Cerulean Blue lecture from the beginning of her tenure.
"Oh!" Sam said, grabbing their attention at the strange tone.
Andy frowned as she watched Sam pull something from his pile.
"Mommy?" he called, looking around with a smile. "MOMMY! You home!"
He took off like a shot before anyone could do anything, racing around the house calling for his mother. Andy ran after him, leaving Miranda to follow more slowly with Nick, until she found Sam at the front door, clutching a scarf and looking around hopefully.
"Mommy?"
Andy's heart broke for the tot, who looked up at her with such trust in his eyes. She felt Miranda's hand on her back and she watched as Miranda knelt on her wooden floor, still in her work outfit and hold Sam in her arms.
"Darling, Mommy and Daddy have gone to heaven," Miranda said, ever so gently. "Do you understand what that means?"
Sam started sobbing in earnest and the other children came out to see what was going on. When Olivia saw what Sam was holding she went very still, and Andy wished she would come closer so she could hold Nick and her together, but she was shuffling further and further away as Sam continued to cry.
"I want Mommy!" he wailed.
"I know sweetheart," Miranda said, her own vivid blue eyes awash with tears. "I know you do, and I'm so sorry I can't bring them back."
Olivia ran off, pushing past Cassidy and racing up the stairs. Miranda watched sadly, holding Sam to her chest. She opened one arm to Nick, who shyly but resolutely moved into her embrace, leaving Andy to go and find Olivia. There was a thump from inside her room and Andy knocked on the door before opening it, catching Olivia mid-throw, about to throw the twin to the shoe she had already thrown, leaving a small dent in the wall.
"Oh honey," Andy started, moving forward.
"No! No, don't touch me!" Olivia screamed. "They left me. They left me and they're not coming back!"
"I know baby," Andy said, taking a few solid kicks to the thighs as she picked her up.
She sat down on the bed, where Olivia immediately shied away, moving up the mattress and curling into the corner.
"Listen princess. I know it's horrid, sad and awful but you can't go taking your anger out on me, or the house okay? It is totally okay to be angry at your parents for leaving you - that's a part of grieving; missing them, but it's not alright to take it out on people or things," Andy explained gently, letting her have her space. "One day you won't be angry with them, and if you accidentally break something that reminds you of them, then you'll have nothing at the end. The best way is to come up here to your room, or somewhere else quiet and cry if you need to, or come to Miranda or I and cry with us. You can even have a cuddle if you like." Andy smiled sadly as Olivia tucked herself up tighter into a ball. "Alright sweetheart, we'll be downstairs if you need any of us."
She tried to kiss her forehead, but Olivia tucked her face into her pillow so Andy left her to it, hoping that she'd make a reappearance later.
-0-
The mood was pretty sombre in the media room downstairs. They'd put the film 'Madagascar' on in the hope it would cheer Sam and Nick up, but they sat clinging to either Andy or Miranda even during the dance scenes. The twins also kept close, their moods just as melancholic. They sat quietly, subdued as well until the end of the film.
"M'anda?"
Olivia appeared at the door, her face a red, blotchy mess that showed them exactly what she'd spent the last hour or so doing. Nick had moved away to pick up his book now that the movie had finished and spying an empty lap, Olivia rushed to Andy, clambering up onto her and crying into her neck. It wasn't long before Sam, who had been dozing, realised that his sister was upset and started crying again, his little hands making fists in Miranda's incredibly expensive silk shirt.
Andy rocked the little girl back and forth, whispering that they would be alright and that it was okay to let it all out. Nick looked between his two siblings, ensconced on both the adults' knees and his face fell. The tell-tale bottom lip quivering prompted Caroline to pat her knee and she helped him sit up against her, leaning into Miranda's chest. Cassidy's arms went around Olivia and Andy as Miranda looked over her children's heads to meet Andy's eyes. It was the most lugubrious evening, but as Miranda awkwardly reached around and cupped Nick's cheek, kissing his nose, Andy knew it would be alright.
-0-
"We should have checked the things before giving them to the children," Miranda growled much later, once all the children - even the twins - were asleep.
"You mean me?" Andy challenged, gratified to see the horror in Miranda's face.
"No, no I truly didn't Andréa. I just meant that the things should have been checked before giving them to the children."
"Which is the same thing," Andy said, meeting her in the doorway to Miranda's room. "How would we have known which is theirs and which is their Mom's?"
Miranda didn't say anything but she growled in frustration.
"I don't ever want them to have to go through that again though," Andy finally gave in, letting Miranda off the hook.
She moved forward a few steps, meeting Miranda's lips with hers, amazed at how good a kisser Miranda really was.
"I feel the same way," Miranda said as she pulled away. "We cannot shelter them forever though, and now is the best time for them to come to terms with it."
They were silent for a moment before Miranda sighed, lulled as Andy rocked them both gently as they stood.
"Wanna dance, Priestly?" she asked, sliding her hands down Miranda's back.
"You couldn't keep up," Miranda smirked, gasping a little as Andy took up her hand, secured the it on Miranda's back and proceeded to dance her around the room.
"Where on earth did you learn to dance this well?" Miranda asked, graciously allowing Andy to lead. "And why did I not know about it?"
"You never asked," Andy replied cheekily. "I'm sure there's plenty I don't know about you. My first foster parents trained me, or bought me lessons, whatever. They wanted a debutant, but they gave me back before I could make them proud." Andy paused, shaking her head at her self-deprecating tone. "I kept the knowledge although I'm a bit rusty."
"No," Miranda whispered, resting her head on Andy's shoulder. "You are not. You're a wonderful dancer."
"Thanks," Andy smiled, her fingers tightening around Miranda's. "They'll be alright, won't they?" she asked after a while.
"They will," Miranda reassured, her fingers creeping up Andy's neck and tangling in the hair at the base of her neck. "With your heart and my iron fist, they'll be fine."
Andy smile and pirouetted Miranda round twice, bowing gallantly as Miranda bobbed into a curtsey.
"I'm beginning to see that maybe it's your heart," Andy said, brushing her lips against Miranda's before pushing her towards the bathroom. "Now come to bed, before I get old waiting for you."
Miranda chuckled, but did as she was told, leaving Andy reeling as she dropped down onto the bed with a euphoric smile on her face. There was nothing for it now; she was going to have to stay with Miranda forever. The woman meant more to her than anything ever had before. The only problem now was navigating the future, but as Miranda slipped back into bed, freshly showered and smelling of toothpaste, Andy smiled. They'd navigate that future together.