A/N: What's this? I hear you say. More already? And such a GIANT chapter?
The wife has informed me that I have not written anything "sexy" in a long, long, long time - "not even for me personally" she says. So I'm beginning here, and we'll see how it goes. I love you illestviking xxx
Y'all have her to thank ;-)
Also, the end of this chapter kinda sounds like the end. It's not. I'm not done with them yet. Are we still okay with no external drama? I'm seeing how long I can keep you all entertained with "normal" drama. I can tell you I've not had anyone shoot at me, or crash my car or anything, and my life's still pretty full of drama. I think it's nice to kinda give them that.
But let me know if you agree or disagree. I know a lot of you love it, and I appreciate it more than you know (don't stop, keep telling me lol). But be hash if you need to. I don't want it getting stale.
See disclaimer CH1
NOTE THE RATING CHAGE Peace out
-0-
Landing at Charles De Gaulle was harder than leaving from JFK. Andy had to work twice as hard to get all of them to the same place at the same time. She couldn't have done it without the twins. They held tightly onto Liv and Nick's hands while she carried Sam through the packed airport. Fashion week had obviously only just started, and many people were still arriving. In fact, Cassidy pointed out a few people that they would no doubt meet again throughout the week as they stood in line for passport control.
There was definitely something to be said for travelling with Miranda. Andy remembered with fondness as they just stormed through the airport. The third time they'd travelled to Paris, Andy had hummed the Darth Vader theme tune in tune with Miranda's heels, causing a number of the accompanying staff members to blanch. By then though, she and Miranda had come to terms with what had happened the in the previous years and Andy only got an eye roll instead of a severance package.
This time, it was like herding cats.
Blind cats.
Blind and deaf cats.
Andy had failed to take into account so many aspects of travelling to Paris. They'd packed very few clothes, and had therefore managed with a small suitcase each and a backpack each, knowing that during the premier fashion event of the year, Miranda would have clothes sent over for them. In the moments when Miranda had to work, they would get by just fine.
But, Andy realised ruefully, she had no way of getting to Miranda's hotel. The thought of a cab made her turn up her nose, and there were too many of them anyway. And the thought of catching the Metro made her queasy. She realised as they stood there on the busy sidewalk, that they'd have to call someone to send them the limo.
Andy ushered them back inside, unimpressed by the facilities in Charles De Gaulle for anyone who wasn't being picked up right away. She managed to buy a few snacks for the kids, and they all sat on the floor by one of the big windows where the little ones could see the planes taking off while she found a payphone within sight.
"Oui, Allo?"
"Nige? It's Andy, are you with Miranda right now?"
"Six? No, I'm in my room, we're going to reconvene in about ten minutes. Honey, maybe you should call her, she's been a bear this whole time. We've barely managed to get a word out of her without her biting our heads off."
"So," Andy said, checking on the kids. "I've done one better. We're here. In Paris."
"You're what?!"
"Yeah, for better or for worse, right?"
"Where are you? Are you all okay? Did you bring Cara?"
"Um, no, just me."
"Six!"
"Yeah, I was doing pretty well until I realised I can't really call a cab, and I'm not taking the Metro. Can you get a limo to come and pick us up?"
"Of course cher'," he said. "I'll call you right back okay?"
"My phone doesn't work here yet," Andy groaned. "I never switched it. I had this idea about 10 hours ago. And we pretty much woke up and travelled."
"Andy you never do things by half do you," he chuckled.
"No, not really," she admitted. "I'm going to go buy a sim card now, so I'll text you my number once I've got it running."
"No worries. I'll send someone to you. Be careful. God forbid something happens to you."
"We'll be fine," Andy smiled, thankful for his love. "What's her schedule like tonight?"
"Dinner with the French team, then nightcap with Donatella."
"Maybe we'll crash dinner then," Andy smiled. "Donatella's been asking about them all forever. Miranda keeps putting it off. She's the safest bet I think."
"I'll be there too, so there'll be enough hands."
"Thanks Nige. Love you," she said quickly.
"Love you too kid."
She sighed, hanging up the phone and going back to the kids.
"Uncle Nigel's sending us a limo okay?"
"We see M'anda now?"
"We're going to go to the hotel, while M'anda works for a while, then we're going to have some snacks and go to dinner with Uncle Nigel and M'anda and Aunty Tella."
"Oh boy," the twins chuckled. "That's going to be fun."
"Shh," Andy grinned. "It's going to be awesome."
"Who's Aunty Tella?"
"She works with Mom," Caroline explained, offering Liv more crackers. "She's really cool. She makes us cool clothes every year."
"M'kay," Liv shrugged, not really understanding.
It occurred to Andy as she sat with them for a while that the little ones had never really seen Miranda as Miranda. Sam spent as often as he could tucked up on her knee watching her scribble in the book, but in general, they only ever saw "Home Miranda".
"Hey guys," she said, addressing the smallest three. "Remember way back when you first came home, and I was talking to Caroline about how sometimes M'anda needs to be a knight, but sometimes that she sounds like a dragon?"
"Can I be's a dragon?" Sam asked, clambering onto her knee.
"You can be anything you set your mind to," Andy chuckled, kissing his wild hair. "But, what I mean is, M'anda has to be a bit bossy when she's at work, and she sounds really mad sometimes, but she's not mad with you okay? She's never mad with you guys."
"I guess they've never been to Runway have they," Cassidy mused. "We used to go all the time, so we grew up hearing it, but then she and Dad fought a lot too, so it wasn't really anything. She's not talked like that at home for ages."
"Pretty cool, huh," Andy smiled.
"You've made her really happy Andy," Caroline said, hugging Nick enthusiastically.
"We all did sweetheart," Andy smiled, tugging on her ear. "Now, I have to track down a sim card for my phone."
"Here, I can turn on your roaming," Cassidy held out her hand.
"That'll cost a fortune," Andy grimaced.
"Nah, Runway picks up the tab every year. Mom already had me switch hers for her, and I switched Caro's and mine when we landed. It's one less number you have to remember."
"Thanks Cass."
As Cassidy fiddled, the phone buzzed a few times, and Cassidy winced, looking at the screen.
"Mom called, like three times."
"Oops," Andy grimaced. "Let's check Uncle Nige got the car sorted, then I'll ring her back." She scrolled through her messages and found an expected arrival time for the limo and checked the time. "He'll be here in ten minutes, let's go wait outside."
The all trudged out of the airport and back onto the busy passenger pick up area. She tucked them all into a corner and rang Miranda, knowing that as she was on her way out, she wouldn't have long to chat.
"Oui?"
"Hey," she smiled into the phone. The excitement of knowing they'd see her in a few hours was almost too much.
"I have been calling and calling and you did not pick up, I was about to call out the National Guard!"
"I know, I'm sorry. We had a busy morning, then I left my phone at home. But it's okay. We're all fine."
"It's noisy, where are you?"
"Ur," Andy grimaced. "Well Roy's stuck in traffic, so I'm going on the subway to meet him. I can't talk long, I just wanted to let you know we're all okay and we'll call you properly a bit later on."
"I have a dinner," Miranda muttered. "It will be late."
"That's okay," Andy said, letting the love shine through her voice. "We'll be there. I love you."
"I love you my darling," Miranda sighed. "I'm so glad you're okay, I've been worried."
"I'm sorry, I've been flying all day -" Cassidy snorted, slapping her hand over her mouth to muffle the sound. "But we'll be right here waiting for you when you get back, okay?"
"Alright, I must dash my love. Tell them all I love them and I miss them," Miranda said sadly.
"I will," Andy sighed. "I love you."
"Au Revoir."
Andy hung up and she and the twins burst into laughter.
"This is the best," Caroline grinned happily, snagging Nick's backpack before he could wander off. "She's going to be so happy."
"Hey," Andy nodded to a driver getting out of a black limo.
"Priestly-Sachs?"
"Oui," Andy said, beckoning the children. "Come on, let's go."
They piled in and soon they were speeding down the motorway and into the city itself.
"Wow, I haven't been back forever," Cassidy said, looking out of the window. "Check it out Sam, there's a museum for aeroplanes!"
"I'd forgotten you speak French," Andy quipped, leaning over to watch as they went by. "Can you ask the driver how long we'll be?"
"Sure," Cassidy said, sitting up straighter. "Um." She leaned over and whispered in Caroline's ear, who nodded. "Excusez moi? Quand allons-nous arriver?"
"Quarante minutes," the driver said, his face showing some shock at the question. "Tu parle français?"
Cassidy winced.
"Un peu," she said.
"C'est bon, bien fait," he said, an easy smile on his face.
"Merci," Cassidy blushed.
He cleared his throat, apparently now okay with talking.
"I," he thought about it. "Do not speak so well, but will try, if you try Fracais?"
"Oui," Cassidy smiled, finally. Andy noted that the man was not dissimilar to Roy in his mannerisms.
"Why you speaking funny?" Sam asked, pulling Cassidy's face towards his.
"It's French baby," Andy said. "People in France speak French like we speak English."
"We lives in English?"
Caroline laughed.
'No silly. It's a different language. Like when the driver says Bonjour."
"What does that mean?" Livvy asked, perking up and joining in.
"It means hello," Andy explained. "When we meet someone new, we say hello, but people here say bonjour, which means we should try to say it to new people."
"Oh," Livvy said, thinking. She turned to face the front. "Bon-dior driver."
Thankfully the driver laughed even as Andy did.
"We will work on them no?"
"Oui," Andy smiled, cupping Liv's cheek. "Absolument."
"Are you here," he changed lanes. "How you say, holiday?"
"Sort of," Andy said in English. "We're surprising someone. They're here for fashion week."
"Oui? Maybe I drive them before?"
"Oh, probably," Andy muttered, looking at the twins. They shrugged and she decided she didn't care. "With your discrétion?"
"Oui bien sûr," he said.
"Miranda Priestly?"
"Non," he said, looking shocked. "Le Grande Dame?"
"Yeah," Caroline piped up. "She's our Mom."
"Une femme formidable," he said, looking at Andy in the mirror.
"No kidding," she said with a soft smile.
"Ah," he said, nodding. "L'amour."
"Bien sûr," Andy parroted.
"She will be pleased them, to have her famille all together."
"I sure hope so," Andy said, the closer they got, the more nervous she felt.
"Bonjour," Sam called out, breaking the tension and making them all laugh.
"I never asked your name," Andy said after a moment.
"Enzo," he said, touching his hat.
"I'm Andy, this is Caroline, and Cassidy and Olivia, Nicholas and Samuel."
"Bonjour," Sam called again.
"I think we'll definitely work on that," Andy chuckled.
Enzo left them to their thoughts as they travelled on. 45 minutes really wasn't long, but with traffic, and five children, it felt longer than ever for Andy.
"Madame?" Enzo said, after a time, breaking into her thoughts.
"Um, yes?" Andy said, smacking Cassidy's leg gently as she laughed at the title.
"We could make a small detour to see Le tour Eiffel?"
"Ooh," Caroline said, digging out her camera. "Please Mama? I wanna take some pictures."
"Alright," she sighed. "But we'll go on another day and have a proper look okay?"
"Okay," Caroline said.
"Just a look please Enzo, we won't be getting out."
He nodded, getting off the highway and joining the busy streets of the city.
-0-
By the time they arrived at the hotel, Nigel had messaged twice to keep her updated on what Miranda was doing. Andy could feel the day's stress catching up with her, and could only imagine what would happen once the jet lag started. She knew the children would be up for a while longer yet, and would probably be awake most of the night, but if she could help it, she would prefer them to sleep on Paris' schedule.
"Come on munchkins, let's go."
She walked up to the desk and asked for the room key to Nigel's suite. The desk had been properly briefed, as they passed it right over without question. She followed the man carting their luggage to the elevator and kept a firm grip on Sam's hand as they all piled in.
Nigel's room was much smaller than she knew Miranda's would be, but it was functional for their immediate purpose. Ushering them all inside, she checked the time. There was about an hour of free time before she knew they needed to think about getting ready. Instructing the girls that they were in charge and forbidding them from leaving the room, Andy lay on the bed and closed her eyes.
-0-
"Mama?"
Andy blinked, yawning as she opened her eyes to see 5 pairs of eyes staring back at her.
"Oh, sorry loves, I dozed off," she said, sitting up. "You alright?"
"Your alarm went off," Cassidy said. "I'm sorry, but I didn't want to miss Mom."
"No, that's fine," she said, kissing everyone's forehead one after the other. "Let's start on showers, who's going first, you or Caro?"
"I'll go," Caro said quickly, grinning when Cassidy punched her arm.
"Alright. Don't be too long. You can have a proper one tomorrow, just one to get us ready, okay?"
As Caroline locked the bathroom door, there was a knock at the door, confusing Andy. She went to the peephole and looked out. A woman who looked overworked and underpaid was tapping her foot, holding a garment rack full of clothes.
"Are you looking for Nigel?" she said, as she opened the door.
"Non," the woman said, raising her eyebrow at Andy's shredded jeans and a plain shirt. She looked down at the note. "Andréa Sachs?"
"That's me," Andy said, opening the door.
The woman handed her the note and turned and walked away, leaving the garment rack in the hallway.
"Hey," Sam said, peering out from behind her. "Are they for us?"
It was then Andy realised what she was seeing. Nigel had obviously arranged to have some clothes brought over, and she smiled, thanking him again in her head, letting Sam rearrange the shoes so he could sit at the bottom while she wheeled it in.
"Alright," she said. "You three did pretty well, so we're going to skip showers for you, but these are very special clothes," she explained, mostly to Olivia and Nick. "We have to make sure we keep them nice and clean okay?"
"M'kay mama," Olivia said happily, running her hand over the long dark blue of a dress that Andy didn't want to even consider yet.
"Okay," she looked through the garments. "Nick, this looks like you. Let's get you sorted first, then you can listen to your book again okay?"
He nodded and held up his hands so she could help him with his shirt.
After some help from Cassidy, Andy stepped back and smiled. A white shirt, sleeve rolled up, and bright blue stretch jeans along with a gorgeous bowtie with dinosaurs on had him grinning happily. He looked adorable, and Andy couldn't help but pick him up and swing him around, kissing him soundly.
"You look very dapper young man."
"Nicky don't wear diapers?" Sam said, looking confused.
"No, dapper. It means looking good," Andy smiled. "Very very smart and handsome."
"Wha'a about me?!" Sam squealed. "I's diaper!"
"Dapper," Cassidy laughed. "Not diaper silly. Livvy next?"
"Is that for me?" Olivia asked, looking up in wonder at the bright, sunshine yellow dress Cassidy was holding.
"Yep, Uncle Nigel picked it, do you like it?"
"I love it!" Olivia squealed. "Can I wear it always?"
"No," Andy said. "Not always, but when we go out this week, we'll make sure Mo-," she glanced at Cassidy. "M'anda and Uncle Nige get you some yellow."
None of them seemed to notice the slip, and Andy wasn't really sure why she'd said it either. Well. That wasn't true. Miranda was very, very genuine about how beautiful she found them all calling Andy Mama, but Andy couldn't help but notice just a tiny hint of sadness in her eyes when they called her M'anda. It was always with love, to be sure, but it was odd that it would pop into her psyche at that moment.
"Alright, Cassy, you wanna do Liv's hair?"
"Um, I'm not great at hair, I'll leave it to Caro."
Caroline poked her head around the door at the mention of her name.
"Oh Nicky, you look awesome!"
He grinned, pulling on his bowtie.
"I love it," Caroline smiled. "Mama, can you hand me my dress?"
"Which one?"
"Blue," Cassidy said, handing Caro the dress. "Caro is always blue and I am always purple. Same, but different. Uncle Nige has always done that."
"That's kinda awesome," Andy said.
"He's always loved us."
"That is true," Andy smiled. "Come on then Miss Olivia, let's get you sorted."
Finally, just as a final text from Nigel came through, Andy stepped back and looked at them all. She'd decided to put Sam in his clothes last, just in case, but was met with a very grumpy three-year-old when she finally got around to him.
"You's leave me to last," he huffed.
"I thought you'd feel funny in them," Andy explained gently. "Once you put them on, you have to stay in them, and you have to take care of them."
"I knows," he grumped. "I wear it for M'anda. LIke in da book."
It suddenly occurred to her, that of all of them, he would actually have more of an inkling at what they were doing than the others. Nicky wasn't really interested in being on Miranda's knee while she edited The Book, instead preferred when she was ready a normal book, which admittedly wasn't often. And Olivia sometimes drew at the desk beside her. Sam was the only one that watched as she made notes and scribbled things out and it occurred to Andy that Miranda always spoke to Sam about what she was doing.
"You're right," Andy said, crouching down beside their youngest. "I'm sorry honey, I was trying to help."
"M'anda always says you gots to look the best."
"She does, doesn't she," Andy grinned. "Give me two minutes, while I fix my make-up, then we'll go downstairs okay?"
"Yes Mama," they chorused, already engrossed in the television.
She stood before the mirror in the bathroom, her make-up didn't really need fixing, but she needed just a moment to contemplate what they were doing. Miranda didn't love surprises, but Andy was sure she'd like this one. She just hoped that she'd understand why she'd done what she'd done and not feel like Andy thought her weak.
"Ready Mama?" Caroline called softly.
"Yes," Andy nodded to herself. "We're ready."
-0-
"We go now Mama?" Sam half whispered from behind the curtain.
"Not yet," Andy soothed.
They'd made it to the restaurant first. Andy wasn't surprised, Miranda had a bit of schmoozing to do before she could leave, but they watched as Donatella arrived and settled down. Everyone waited for Miranda Priestly.
"She's here," Andy said, without looking up.
"How can you tell?" Caroline asked quietly, her hand firmly on Nick's shoulder.
"Feel it?" Andy asked. "The quiet? The stillness? It's like a wave."
"Oh," Caroline said. "That's Mom? I never realised."
"Duh," Cassidy said, rolling her eyes.
"Shut up."
"M'ANDA!"
It was not exactly how Andy had envisioned surprising Miranda as she had arrived, but Samuel, much smarter than he sometimes acted, had seized the moment she was distracted by the twins to wriggle off her knee and race out from behind the curtain at Miranda's legs.
The woman gaped and had it been less public, Andy would have laughed.
"Go on, before she panics," Andy smiled, as the others watched on in shock.
Livvy and Nicky ran forward, hand in hand, with Cassidy and Caroline walking a little slower behind them. Miranda looked from one to the other and then finally, her eyes came up, searching.
Andy stepped out from behind the curtain and stood there smiling. The love shining from Miranda's eyes was enough to keep Andy going for eternity, as Sam talked and talked, alternating hugging her and kissing her cheek. Miranda struggled to wrap her arms around all of them, but kissed them all, wiping lipstick from Cassidy's cheek with a smile.
"I'm so glad you're all here," she sighed.
"Miranda, you've never looked more radiant," Donatella said, standing and kissing Miranda on both cheeks, chuckling as Sam reached forward and kissed both her cheeks. "Oh, the first proper gentleman I have met in years," she said, poking his stomach.
"How long have you been here?" Miranda asked as Andy approached them.
"Few hours," Andy smiled. "Hi."
"Hi," Miranda muttered, kissing Andy gently. "Thank you my darling."
"My pleasure," Andy grinned. "Surprise."
"What a wonderful surprise," Miranda looked then, at all of their children. "Your clothes," she glanced up at Andy, who nodded at Nigel, standing just off to the left.
"Thank you, my friend," Miranda said, reaching out and holding his hand. "Now, I don't know about you, but I am starving. Tella, are we eating?"
"Whatever you need chéri,"
Miranda turned to the server that was hovering just a little away and reeled off a stream of French, before kissing Sam again and ushering them all to the table that Donatella had previously occupied.
"He's bringing another table to join this one," she explained. "Samuel darling, you can't sit on my knee, but you can sit right next to me."
"Don't wants to get winkles!"
Nigel chuckled.
"You outdid yourself, as usual, Uncle Nige," Andy said, linking her arm with his as they stood with the twins waiting.
"I had a lovely canvas to work with," he muttered, smiling and patting her arm.
"Finally joining us for dinner," Andy laughed.
"Finally," Nigel agreed.
"Come, sit," Miranda said, holding court with her own children. Sam and Olivia were both trying to outdo each other when Andy intervened.
"Darlings, one at a time. Miranda can only hear one of you at a time. Sam, let Livvy speak okay?"
"I tolds you," Sam grumped. "You's have that half," pointing at Miranda's legs.
Donatella laughed and patted the little boy's hand.
"You'll go far little man."
They ordered some food, Miranda in perfect French with Sam throwing in the occasional bonjour when he felt like it. Andy's stomach rumbled, and she realised she'd not had anything since breakfast.
"You alright?" Nigel asked. "You're quiet?"
"Hungry," Andy chuckled. "And letting them have some time. She'll be busy tomorrow, so we'll have to find something to do while she works."
"You could come to a few shows?" Miranda said, overhearing.
"Oh yes, do. There are so many wanting to meet the woman who ensnared Miranda's heart," Donatella said genuinely. "It is lovely to see you again Andy."
"And you Donatella," Andy smiled.
The woman wasn't someone she would ordinarily have socialised with, but she'd joined Miranda for drinks from time to time when Donatella was in town and found the woman to be far more than she appeared.
Conversation ebbed and flowed around them until they were the last ones in the restaurant. Donatella was regaling Andy with tales of a wayward model, while Nigel was chatting with the girls about what they had been up to, while Miranda sat happily, holding Sam on her knee as he slept.
Andy suddenly realised the time.
"Goodness," she said, checking again. "It's past midnight. We need to get everyone home to bed, you included," she nodded to the two woman. "Busy day tomorrow."
"We live for fashion darling," Donatella said airily. "It alone will sustain us."
Nigel snorted in his scotch and Miranda also chuckled as Donatella finished her wine.
"But I suppose the children must be taken care of. I shall see you tomorrow chéri," she said leaning over to press the customary double kiss on Miranda's cheeks. She paused as she moved away, taking Miranda's hand. "Love looks very good on you my friend."
"Thank you," Miranda whispered as Sam murmured in his sleep.
"I'll see you all tomorrow," Donatell said, sweeping from the restaurant.
"Right," Andy sighed, looking at Nick where he'd fallen asleep on the seat. "Cass, Caro, can you make sure Olivia makes it to the car, Nige," she glanced at Miranda. "You might have to take Sam for a while so Miranda can get out, and I'll figure out how to get Nick."
"Teamwork," Nigel said with a smile. "We can do that."
Andy shook Nicky a little and he blinked up at her.
"Mama?" he sighed.
"Yeah baby," she smiled, unable to help the thrill it gave her when he spoke. "I'm right here."
She managed to sit him up a little and get him to wrap his arms and legs around her, feeling Miranda's strong arms holding her steady.
"Thank god I had a pair of 2-inch heels in my bag," she chuckled, turning to meet Miranda's gaze.
"I love you," Miranda said quietly, cupping her cheek. "Thank you for this."
"You're welcome," Andy shrugged. "It was as much for us as it was for you."
"We were empty wivout you M'anda," Livvy said around a yawn. "Empty in here."
She tapped her chest where her heart would be and they all smiled.
"I was empty without you all with me," Miranda said, opening her arms and catching Oliva as she jumped into them. "Let's go."
Both limos were waiting on the curb as the exited, a few paparazzi were waiting, but they didn't seem as interested as they would usually be. They took a few shots, before wishing them a good night, and leaving them to arrange their transportation back to the hotel.
"Nigel, will you take the girls?"
"Of course," he smiled. "Come on troubles."
"You haven't called us that in forever Uncle Nigel," Cassidy protested. "We haven't pranked anyone in ages."
The car door shut out Nigel's reply as Andy waited for Olivia to slid in, Miranda having retrieved Sam from Nigel.
Before long, they were on their way, and Miranda sat back with a sigh, letting Livvy lean against her with a yawn.
"I truly don't know what I would do without you," Miranda muttered quietly, drawing Andy's attention from the city lights.
"You'd be okay," Andy shrugged. "But life is definitely better together."
"Undoubtedly," Miranda whispered.
She leaned over and ran her nose along Andy's cheek, making the younger woman smile. She turned and they kissed, properly, for the first time in two days. Andy sighed against Miranda's skin as they felt the car slow.
"You look divine," Miranda muttered. "It's been torture sitting so far away from you."
"Speak for yourself," Andy grinned. "You look beautiful. Paris brings out the best in you."
"No, Andréa," Miranda said as the door opened. "You do."
-0-
Bedtime had been as easy as stripping each child of their couture and sliding them under the covers. They'd figure out more beds in the morning, but for tonight, the girls were sharing the pull out in the living room, and the little ones were in the far bedroom. Andy groaned and threw herself on the bed, ignoring Miranda's tut.
"You cannot just flop into bed wearing an Elie Saab gown Andréa," Miranda muttered, her own dress having been hung up while Andy had tucked in the kids.
"Tell Elie when you see him next, that he needs to make one that I can," Andy said into the pillow.
Her eyes bugged out as she felt Miranda slowly drawing the zip down her back. Swallowing hard, she leaned up a little and allowed the dress to remain on the bed. Miranda's fingers tickled the base of her spine as she slid off the shoes and moved back to Andy's head, holding out her hands.
"My darling," Miranda whispered as Andy sat up, sans dress. "You are divine, in and out of it."
"I feel it, with you," Andy muttered, her eyes never leaving Miranda's.
She stood and the gown pooled at her feet. It was like she was dreaming as Miranda's eyes roamed her nearly bare body.
"Glorious," Miranda muttered, reaching out hesitantly. "Absolutely glorious."
"Miranda?" Andy whispered, realising that Miranda was bare as well, under that same grey robe that had so many memories attached to it.
"Yes, my love?"
"Make love with me?" Andy whispered, biting her lip.
"Forever," Miranda said, meeting her gaze. "Forever Andréa."
Their lips pressed against each other with an urgency that had not yet felt. It was as if every moment had lead to this one. The moan that Miranda uttered echoed Andy's as their bodies pressed against one another. They kissed and kissed and kissed. Until Andy pulled away breathing hard.
They didn't speak but moved in sync. Well, mostly in sync. Miranda knelt on the bed, leaning too far into Andy and they tumbled back, making them both laugh. Andy didn't mind. She rolled them, letting her hair fall down in waves as their bodies pressed together.
"Oh, Andréa," Miranda whispered, her hands roaming her body, every part she could reach.
Andy pressed kiss after kiss down the column of Miranda's throat, stopping to bite gently whenever Miranda's hips would twitch. The way Miranda moved under her was like nothing she'd ever felt. Her lips followed the movements, the noises that called to her, made her want everything and nothing all at the same time.
She pressed kissed every inch of Miranda's chest, pausing over her heart, listening, and trying not to cry as her emotions overflowed.
"I love you so much," Andy whispered.
Miranda only moaned as Andy took a nipple between her teeth, gently biting it, before sucking it deep into her mouth.
"Andréa," Miranda whispered, her fingers grabbing Andy's hair and holding on.
Andy didn't mind.
She could hear nothing but her heart beating as she sucked and bit, and licked and scraped her way down Miranda's body until she paused, face to face with a thin but visible scar.
"Don't," Miranda whispered, the first word she'd managed to speak.
"It's the mark of the beginning," Andy said gently, running her tongue along it. "The beginning of our family. There is nothing about you that is ugly, or frumpy. There is not an inch of you that is not the most beautiful thing I've ever seen," she thought back to how reticent Miranda had been before, and she moved back up Miranda's body to kiss her deeply.
"We don't have to do this," Andy whispered, brushing Miranda's hair back. "We can just lay here like this."
"I want you," Miranda moaned. "And I need you."
"Here then," Andy said, rolling to the side and pulling Miranda's leg over her hip. "Like this?"
"Mm," Miranda said, opening her eyes and meeting Andy's. "Perfect."
Andy kissed Miranda while her hand meandered back down her body. She could feel Miranda shaking, and decided that she wouldn't take too much longer. She ran her fingers through the wetness that she found, her eyes widening at just how much there was.
"Wow," she whispered, smiling as Miranda cracked one eye open. "I love you, Miranda Priestly. All of you."
"Andréa -"
She didn't get a chance to speak again, instead moaning deeply, sending Andy's own body into meltdown as she slid her fingers inside. The feeling of loving this woman was so profound, Andy just stopped for a moment, revelling in the tight, hot wetness that was Miranda.
"Please," Miranda whispered, moving her hips, making Andy move.
She slid her fingers out, and then back in again, cataloguing the sounds that Miranda made, and the sounds she didn't make. She curled her fingers and nearly broke her hand when Miranda pulled her closer with a gasp. She did it again, this time prepared for the reaction and met Miranda's mouth with her own. She knew now, how to love her, and love her she did. She pressed, over and over until Miranda couldn't even kiss her properly. The noises Miranda made, even quiet, were going to send Andy over the edge first if she didn't calm down. She wanted Miranda to sail into the stratosphere, to see what love really was. She rolled them, so she was on top, and she bit down on Miranda's throat, making her jerk again.
"Please, please, please," Miranda hissed, like a mantra.
Andy used her knee to pry open her legs, moving deeper within and pressing harder and faster.
Miranda keened, as Andy felt it. A flutter. A pull. A tightening.
She sat back, not letting up, but holding Miranda's hand and watching with bright eyes. She was glorious. Her hair was slick, her face red, her chest heaving and she'd never looked so beautiful.
And then.
Her back bowed, and her fingers tightened in Andy's, along with other places too. Andy kept moving and leaned over to meet Miranda's lips. She pressed forward and Miranda wailed again, her arms and legs wrapping around Andy's tightly as she sobbed into her shoulder. Andy kept moving, seeking more, until Miranda dropped back to the bed, sucking in as much air as she could.
"No more, please," she croaked. "No more."
"Shh," Andy said gently, stilling her hand. "I have you. You are so beautiful."
"I don't," she buried her face in Andy's neck. "I can't even -"
"You don't have to," Andy whispered, kissing whatever part of Miranda she could reach. "Just feel it, my love."
Andy wasn't sure how long they lay there, their heartbeats thumping together against their chests. She was pretty sure Miranda had passed out, but her hand was cramping and she really needed to move. She tried to shift, and Miranda' opened her eyes and pulled her closer.
"It's okay, I just have to move my hand."
"Oh," Miranda said, looking anywhere but at Andy.
"Don't go shy on me now," Andy said with a small grin as she pulled her fingers from Miranda with a tiny moan. "You've just rocked my entire universe."
"I believe it was you who rocked mine," Miranda said, peering out from beneath the arm she'd draped over her eyes.
"Well," Andy said, feeling a bit smug. "I do like to please you."
Miranda laughed. Not a fake laugh, not even a laugh she often shared with the children, but a deep and ultimately happy laugh. She pulled Andy in and kissed her deeply and slowly.
"I," Miranda blushed. "Is it terrible of me to want to reciprocate, but instead perhaps tomorrow? I," she sighed. "I am too old to function on no sleep at all."
"Not at all love," Andy said, already knowing this would be the case. "Thank you for allowing me to love you."
"My darling, I do not know why I was so afraid," Miranda sighed and rolled Andy back on top of her. "Are you comfy? Because I find myself the comfiest I've ever been outside our own bed."
"Yeah," Andy said, resting her head against Miranda's heart. "I'm perfect."
"Tomorrow Andréa."
"Yes Miranda."
"Mmm," Miranda said, bucking her hips up into Andy's a little. "Cheeky."