A/N: This one is going out with a massive shout out to Callie-G over on FFNet for providing the prompt.

Summary: Years after the events in Paris, Miranda finds one of her darling Bobbsey's remained in touch with the assistant that got away, Andréa (Call me Andy) Sachs. What will happen when the editor comes face to face with her past? Will she still see a lot of herself in the brunette?

Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling around with these characters. I do not make any money from them because Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox own them.

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Caroline barrelled into the house shortly after Miranda dished up lunch. They'd all finished their soup and Andréa was wiping Ethan's tomatoey face when they all heard the clatter of her feet up the stairs from where they sat at the kitchen island.

Miranda frowned at the level of noise, unused to such a display from her eldest daughter. She looked at Cassidy who was growing paler and understood there was possibly an undercurrent of angry words being broadcast internally by her sibling.

They all raised their heads again when they heard her feet clattering back down the stairs and then there was silence except for harsh breathing. Miranda turned and found her eldest daughter glaring at Andréa in disbelief. She watched as Caroline's anger got the better of her.

"I hate you, Andy Sachs. This is all your fault." Caroline shouted. "You, and that stupid club you had my sister joining." She huffed. "And then I find you here, in my home. Agh!" Caroline pulled her hair in frustration. "What are you even doing here? I wish my mom had blacklisted you when she had the chance."

"Caroline, I don't..." Andréa started to speak.

"Caroline Mae, apologise to Andréa, right this instant," Miranda demanded, embarrassed by her daughter's display.

"No," Caroline stated. "I won't. That little gay club Cassidy joined now has everyone now questioning my sexuality." Caroline stomped her foot. "All because I won't go on a date with that fat-head Paul, they're calling me a dyke."

Miranda frowned as Andréa stood. "Um, I should..." She trailed off as Ethan spoke.

"Whoa, you's almost the same." He grinned at Cassidy. "Why you look so alike but so different, Cassi?" Cassidy shrugged.

Caroline looked at the little boy, her eyes softening slightly. "Who are you?"

Ethan scooted out of his seat and walked forward, his head tilted as he observed the slight differences between Cassidy and Caroline. Coming to stand in front of the young woman. "My name's Ethan Josef Mirth Sachs. Momma calls me E.J. She would tell me to be polite an' say it's a pleasure to meet you, but I don't like the way you's shouting at her." He told the redhead truthfully. His chin wobbled and he clenched his fists.

Miranda snorted out a small, disbelieving laugh. Caroline's face was a picture of embarrassment with a bright flush creeping up her neck and cheeks. It certainly wasn't every day she was put back in her place by a three-year-old.

Caroline nodded once before shrugging. "That's fair enough, E.J." She looked up into her sister's eyes. "I still don't know why you felt the need to join the G.S.A, Cass. I mean, I know your best friend is gay, or whatevs, but..."

"Izzy's not gay, Caro..." Cassidy interrupted before covering her eyes. Miranda knew her own eyes reflected her surprise at the words. After what Cassidy had claimed about Isabel being her soulmate, she had assumed they were more than friends. She glanced at Andréa briefly and saw her looking serene. "...I am." Cassidy admitted.

"You're...you..." Caroline fumbled for the right words and Miranda glanced at her, conveying with one look that she should be extraordinarily careful in what she said next. "Well, why..."

"I wanted to tell you, Caro, but you have all those new friends who insist on labelling everything negative as gay. They're bored in science, it's gay. Max doesn't want to play Soccer, he's gay. Elise joins the softball team, oh look, she must be gay." Cassidy swallowed her disdain. "So, when we joined the G.S.A, Izzy took the brunt of their teasing, for me. She joined the G.S.A to support me, and also to support the woman raising her." Cassidy looked towards Andy. "But she let everyone think it was me supporting her."

Caroline's head spun to look at Andréa. "You...you're..." She stumbled again, unsure of how to process everything.

"Also not quite straight..." Andréa smiled softly. "E.J, come finish your lunch. It's almost time for me to take you home. You still need your nap." She stood and pulled her son into her arms. Andy chuckled when Ethan blew a raspberry into her neck and tickled the boy a little causing him to let out a high squeal.

"What does that even mean, not quite straight?" Caroline had clearly let go of her anger and curiosity was replacing it.

"I do not wish to be defined by a label, Caroline," Andréa explained as she sat down with Ethan on her lap, he nuzzled into her happily. She nodded to the seat opposite her and Caroline sat without question, leaning forward on her elbows to listen to the brunette's words. "You are at an age now, I believe you can know the truth. Years ago, I realised I had certain romantic and sexual feelings towards women, there was one woman to be exact." Andréa rolled her eyes. "It spun everything I believed about myself on its head."

Miranda leaned across the island and handed Ethan a quarter on his sandwich, smiling as he bit into the grilled cheese happily. She wondered who the woman was that had Andréa redefining her sexuality.

Bending, Andréa brushed a kiss on Ethan's head and inhaled deeply. Miranda could sense she found the process soothing, it was something she used to do with the Bobbsey's often. There was always something calming about the smell of her daughter's skin and hair. She'd felt something akin to it when she held the small boy close.

"I was pregnant at the time of my realisation, and just starting my career as a journalist. So, I took my time to process everything. It didn't change who I am nor the fact I have two children to raise. My focus is, and always will be, on teaching both Izzy and E.J to be accepting and open. They will learn to live their own truth regardless of society's perception."

"So, you date women?" Caroline asked.

Miranda felt Cassidy kick her sister's shin. "Don't be nosy, Caro." She hissed.

Andréa blushed. "I have been known to take the time to have the occasional date while Ethan's dad babysits. Not one of my dates has been overly successful as yet. I've found not many women are overly interested once they find out I'm a single mom of two, especially when one of my children is kicking fifteen. And I don't speak of Isabel as anything other than my daughter, not only because I absolutely adore her, but because the right person would not judge me based on her age, they would come to know the truth, that she is my second cousin rather than my own child."

"Woah, that's crazy," Caroline stated. "You are clearly not choosing the right women to date."

Andréa chuckled, amusement flashing in her eyes at the bluntness of Caroline's words. "Obviously."

"So what else do you do for fun?" Caroline asked, attempting to reconnect with the woman they had pranked all those years before yet who had treated them with kindness.

"I read a lot and play Xbox. Socially, I go to parties with my best friend, and I see Nigel on occasion, I was his plus one at a non-Runway related event last week," Andréa admitted.

Miranda caught Andréa's eyes and saw her biting her lip nervously. She was clearly concerned she had said too much.

She'd honestly had no idea Andréa and Nigel had remained friendly. She was stunned that she had not known, she often prided herself on knowing everything that went on at home and at Runway, but this had proven otherwise.

She glanced at the captivating little boy in Andréa's arms. Ethan was chewing slowly, his eyes roaming between Caroline and Cassidy sleepily. He yawned loudly, partly covering his mouth, but continued to eat as he fought his obvious tiredness.

"You have yet to provide Andréa with a suitable apology, Caroline," Miranda reminded.

Andréa looked at her before turning gentle eyes on Caroline. "An apology isn't necessary..."

Miranda glared, causing Andréa to bite her lip. "You talk of raising your children to be open and accepting. I also assume you are teaching them right from wrong?" Andréa nodded quickly and looked down at the little one who was losing his battle to remain awake and was rapidly falling asleep in her arms, his grilled cheese still clutched firmly in his fist. Miranda continued to speak. "Caroline knows that I expect guests in our home to be treated respectfully."

Andréa looked up, catching and holding her eyes. "I left, Miranda. And no doubt Caroline views my quick disappearance from her life in a different light than Cassidy does. I made a promise, that I had no way of really keeping and she is not quite as forgiving about a young woman's foolishness when she has been let down due to it. I clearly disappointed her too."

"You were never a disappointment, Andréa." Miranda flushed brightly and tore her eyes away. Casting a glance at her daughters, she saw the surprise in their eyes at her words. She looked back towards the woman opposite and sighed. "You have so much to be proud of. In four years you have achieved so much both personally and professionally." Miranda smiled softly. "You are a mother now, and from what I have seen, a very good one. I have met Isabel, she is a well-mannered, well-rounded young woman and a credit to you. Ethan is simply beautiful. I see much of you in him. Then there is the fact you are now an award-winning Journalist and you could most assuredly have any job you wanted in New York, and possibly even further afield, yet you stay at the Mirror. Why?"

Andréa sat back, surprised by her words. Her eyes shone with shock from the warmth of her praise. Miranda knew she was not one to praise someone lightly, but in this instance, it was certainly warranted. Andréa was so unapologetically herself, and her soul shined brightly from within.

But why had the brunette remained in New York when the world was opening up before her? Why did she remain at the small newspaper, when she could be bargaining for a much better position elsewhere?

Miranda waited for an answer, needing them like she needed air.

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The question stunned Andy and she could see further questions highlighted in the depth of Miranda's eyes. She felt herself blush again and internally cursed he fair skin. Andy felt, once she told Miranda the reason she stayed at the Mirror, she would be viewed as the same silly, naive young woman that entered Runway.

Taking the squashed sandwich from Ethan's chubby baby fingers, she settled him comfortably against her chest, hoping to give herself time to formulate answers. They continued to sit in silence for a few moments.

Cassidy sensed Andy's discomfort, and standing up, made her excuses, dragging Caroline from the room quickly and thundering up the stairs.

Andy sighed as Miranda waited. She watched as the editor started drumming her fingers against the marble countertop beside her empty plate impatiently. Andy thought the woman was as infuriating now as she always was.

Pushing down her fear, she spoke quietly. "There is a simple answer to why I remain at the Mirror. Loyalty. My editor, Greg, has been really good to me. With Izzy and then Ethan, I hadn't accrued any kind of leave. When news of Amy's death came, Greg gave me time, allowing me to work from home when needed, which was quite often in the beginning as Izzy struggled to settle." She swallowed hard. "I was honest about my pregnancy, telling Greg as soon as I made my decision to keep the baby. I honestly expected the worst but he told me he would do what he could. I found out the Mirror offered no maternity leave beyond what federal law requires, 12 weeks unpaid Family and Medical Leave, and that is only if you have been in their employment for at least twelve months. I had only been there seven months when Ethan was born."

"So, how did you manage, Andréa?" Miranda asked, her genuine disbelief evident.

"I worked right up to the final minute. My waters actually broke during the editorial meeting much to Greg's amusement. He caught my small gasp of horror, followed my gaze to my lap and went into news anchor mode. He was all 'Breaking Story, the Sachs floodgates have opened'. Then he grinned at me, picked up his cell and called for his car to be brought around. When my first contraction hit it was pandemonium for a minute or two. Someone called Christian and Greg took me to the Presbyterian threatening to send me the cleaning bill if I messed up his upholstery."

"Wow." Miranda chuckled, appearing amazed by her story. "Do you mind if I ask? How was the birth?"

"Luckily it was fairly easy. Christian was there until the crowning of the head, almost two hours after my waters broke. He took a peek and started to freak out, telling me it was gross and acting like a big girl. I hissed at him that any mess my vagina was in, was all his fault for using a dodgy batch of Durex. The midwife was laughing as she eventually pushed him from the room." Andy giggled when Miranda chuckled at the imagery she provided. "Christian was...well, he was being Christian. But somehow, with the help of James Holt, he somehow accrued the latest and greatest travel system thingy. It was a godsend. After two days, I returned to work, helping with the online edition. Most days, the little one here sat in the car seat crib thingy from his stroller on a spare chair beside my desk. When he was awake and happy he watched the comings and goings, if cranky he rested against my chest, soothed by my heartbeat as I typed one-hand. Often he was cradled in Greg's arms as he did his rounds around the different departments. He often slept amidst the loud noise of the bullpen and even now, he still sleeps like the dead." She grinned down at her boy, still astounded she had created such beauty.

Andy looked up to see Miranda looking at them contemplatively. She was running her finger over her lips and Andy found herself held captive by the unconscious gesture.

"Just listen to me rambling. I feel as if I've done nothing but babble about my life. I know how much you must hate it." Andy stated softly. "And it seems my help was not required to help have a conversation with Cassidy."

"I asked you questions, Andréa. Questions are well known to require an answer." Miranda smirked across at her, her eyes holding a hint of affection. "Your babbling is actually quite endearing. There has been a lot of time between you leaving m..." Miranda stalled and closed her eyes briefly. "...Runway, and our meeting today, many changes. And although I try to be more present for my daughter's I believed Cassidy would be more comfortable with your presence here. I admit I struggle at times to communicate with her, she is vastly different from me, unlike Caroline."

"Yes, it's been far too many years, but I believe they were necessary." Andy took a deep breath. "Your youngest daughter is so brave, Miranda, it amazes me. When she asked Izzy out last year, her heart broke at what she saw as a rejection. Izzy was not cruel, I would never stand for that, but she explained although she loved Cassi, it was purely platonic. It took a few weeks for things to come right between them, but they apparently missed each other too much for it to be a something they could not overcome. They came to me one afternoon and asked if I would help them create a safe space for the middle school's L.G.B.T youth. At our first G.S.A meeting, I made a throwaway comment, for each of them to be fearless in the face of what sets their soul on fire. Cassi seems to have taken it as her personal mantra." Andy's smile widened. "Your youngest doesn't necessarily wear her heart on her sleeve, but I know first-hand she loves fiercely. I believe she is more like you than you think, Miranda." She stood and shifted Ethan in her arms. "I should go on home now and leave you and the twins to settle for the afternoon. Thank you for lunch and for giving me the chance to explain..."

"Stay." Andy looked up at the request and saw Miranda had also stood. She looked as if she wished the ground would swallow her whole. "I mean...well...there is no need for you to rush off and..." Miranda faltered. "...we could talk more..."

"Why?" Andy asked. She stepped forward to search Miranda's blue eyes for a hint of something that would provide an inkling into her thoughts. Finding nothing she could decipher, she asked again. The usual no question rule no longer applied now she didn't work for the editor. "Tell me, Miranda. Why do you want me to stay?"

"Because it is you who sets my soul on fire," Miranda told her, looking down at the floor.

She moved quickly towards the older woman, and raised her hand, tilting Miranda's face to meet her eyes, she saw the older woman's uncertainty and fear. "Will you show me where I can put Ethan down?"

Miranda swallowed and nodded quickly. Taking a step back from Andy's touch, she spun on her heel and moved quickly out of the kitchen and towards a room to the left of the stairs. She stalled just inside the doorway and Andy almost knocked into her as she followed closely at her heels.

Andy glanced around and saw she was in a library of sorts. The walls were lined with floor to ceiling bookcases, and a large window looked out onto the back garden. Miranda's laptop sat on the table between a comfortable looking chair and sofa. She loved the room immediately.

Stepping to the side, Miranda waved at the couch and offered a strained smile.

Andy stepped beyond her and knelt to place Ethan down carefully. She covered her boy with a throw off the back of the sofa and settled cushions beside his small length to stop him rolling to the ground. Kneeling up, she placed a soft kiss against his warm forehead. "I love you, sunshine." She whispered.

Easing herself back onto her feet, she gazed at Miranda and her breath caught. Taking two steps forward, she cupped Miranda's face and searched her teary eyes. "Don't be scared." She brushed her thumb gently across her cheekbone. "Please."

The clatter of feet down the stairs had Andy stepping away and shoving her hands in her jeans pockets. Miranda pursed her lips at the sudden distance between them.

Andy understood that Miranda wasn't displeased by her presence, but by pulling back. Miranda had said she set her soul on fire. She had been affected by her light touch, but she was scared. By what, Andy had no idea, but she would do what she could to chase her fears away.

The idea that Miranda didn't object to her touch was nerve-wracking yet thrilling. Catching Miranda's eyes, she offered a shy grin and held her arms out, offering the older woman a hug, but unwilling to approach her with any possible unwanted advances.

Miranda seemed to shake herself and took three steps into the circle of Andy's arms. Andy pulled her in, wrapping her arms around her and tucking Miranda's head against her neck. She held Miranda close, inhaling the unique scent of the older woman.

Miranda grasped the back of her t-shirt and shuddered and Andy felt the pooling wetness at her neck from the editor's tears. She knew Miranda was letting her pent up emotions go. She was always so strong and self-contained. Andy understood, if she was given the chance, she would be strong for Miranda when Miranda couldn't be strong for herself.

Glancing up Andy met Cassidy's eyes, so much like her mom's. The young girl wore a soft smile and she looked upon her holding her mom close. Andy held out her arm, gesturing for the young woman to come closer.

Cassidy ran up and threw her arms around the two women, her face buried in her mom's shoulder.

Miranda raised her eyes and looked up into gentle dark eyes as Andy looked down at her.

Caroline entered the room and seeing the three-way embrace, stalled. Looking over her shoulder, Miranda gestured for her eldest daughter and when she stepped close she was pulled into the hug.

Surrounded by the three Priestley's, a ripple of awe spread through Andy and her heart was set ablaze. She felt everything melt away, letting her see the truth.

Life was a beautifully messy paradox.

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