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 them because Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox own them.
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Miranda, after some pushing from her twins and Andréa, settled in her study to work a little on the book before dinner. Instead of working, she placed Isabel's sketch on her desk before finding a frame. Isabel had set the drawing with Micador Fixative Spray so it wouldn't blur.
Frankly, she was amazed by the detail of the sketch showing herself and Andréa in Paris. She recognised it from one of the many photos that had been taken at the Valentino after-show party, photos that Isabel had admitted, to must blushing from Andréa, the journalist had copies of.
Isabel clearly had real talent and she wondered if it was portraiture she was interested in as a future career. She would learn more, she was sure of it, but the girl intrigued her.
Opening the book, she struggled to concentrate when she heard the laughter coming from upstairs. The house seemed more alive with Andréa's presence there and she felt like she was missing out. She caught the clatter of Patricia's feet and the happy chatter of the delightful little boy who had been sleeping so peacefully just a short time before. She heard Andréa's soft voice as she answered him.
She had been delighted upon seeing him. In dark jeans, sneakers and a tailored shirt and bow-tie, with his dark curly hair unruly he looked very much like his mother. Ethan was truly adorable and Andréa had whispered that he'd chosen his own outfit carefully, wanting her to notice him in his 'nice' clothes.
Tapping on the door had her standing and stepping sedately towards it. As it opened, Patricia brushed past her and she looked down into Ethan's smiling blue eyes. "M'wanda, can I sits with yous?" Ethan asked. "I gots my colourin' book an' crayons." He waved the book and crayons she had given him at Runway at her with emphasis.
He grinned and she couldn't help but return his wide smile. "Why aren't you with your mom, Isabel and the twins?" She asked softly.
"They's playin' games momma says aren't suitable for little eyes. They's shooting monsters." Ethan told her seriously. "I promise to be quiet an' a good boy."
Miranda bent and picked the boy up and he tested his head against her shoulder. "In that case, I would love for you to sit with me. Now, tell me, did you come down those stairs alone?"
"Naw, momma brung me down. She told me to waits for her, an' not to be a menace while she went pee, but me didn't wanna wait." Ethan grinned. "I knocked an' yous answered."
"Yes, I did. Come along, we'll go to the kitchen and get you some juice before we settle down and colour." Miranda told him.
As she made her way past the toilet, the door opened and Andréa caught sight of them. She watched as Andréa closed her eyes and Miranda sensed she was counting to three. "Ethan Josef Mirth, I believe I asked you to wait?"
"But momma..." Ethan bit his lip nervously. "...I don't wanna sit in the kitchen."
"It's fine, I was unable to concentrate. I was about to come up and join you all." Miranda wanted to reassure Andréa. "But if you are desperate for a quiet space away from the girls and their noisy games, you are very welcome to join me in my study, or the library."
"I just don't want us becoming an inconvenience," Andréa muttered as they walked side by side into the kitchen.
Miranda deposited the boy on a high stool by the kitchen island. As she moved to the fridge, she spoke. "You are not, nor will you ever be an inconvenience, Andréa." She poured juice into a bright blue plastic tumbler and smiled at Andréa's raised eyebrows. "I had pink and purple ones once upon a time, full of Disney Princesses. My Cassidy was awfully clumsy. I hate to think how many plates and glasses she's dropped over the years." Miranda moved towards the coffee machine.
"Look, momma. Paw Patrol." Ethan wriggled ecstatically in his chair.
"Jeez, you've started something now," Andréa muttered, leaning against the counter beside her as she prepared them a drink.
"I was under the belief it was suitable for his age," Miranda stated. "And as we walked past his room last weekend I noticed his bed was covered in this police dog."
"He loves it. Paw Patrol is an excellent way of introducing the little one to police and firemen." Andréa grinned. "With living in the city, I don't want him to be scared of asking for help should he need it."
"Then I made a good choice." Miranda was pleased. "Now, once we have finished our drinks I have something to show you all."
Andréa tilted her head to one side, clearly curious. She shrugged and offered a small smile. "Okay."
Miranda marvelled at the easy acceptance. Anyone else would question her, then again, Andréa knew just how much she loved to be questioned. She understood the easy acceptance was no hardship for the younger woman, but her good nature often left her confounded.
They looked up at the sound of two sets of feet on the stairs and a range of breathless giggles. Pushing herself from the counter, Miranda peered into the foyer and saw her daughter and Isabel sharing a chaste kiss. She caught Andréa's hand and pulled her to where she could see the two young women.
Andréa giggled, causing the two girls to jump apart. Teasingly, she called out to them. "Ewww, my eyes! They bleed!"
Her laughter rang out as she saw her daughter purse her lips as Isabel blushed furiously. "Andy, perhaps you should spend more time kissing mom." Cassidy blustered.
"And miss the chance to tease you? No way, Cassi." Andréa's smile widened. "Perhaps you're right though." She turned towards her and wagged her eyebrows suggestively.
Miranda found she couldn't stop the inelegant snort of laughter escaping through her nose. "Ridiculous." She breathed before leaning up and catching Andréa's lips gently with her own.
"Ewww, get a room!" Cassidy hollered as payback while tugging Isabel back up the stairs. "Come on, Fizzy."
"No closed doors," Miranda called out the reminder to the retreating teens. She caught Cassidy's groan and smirked.
"Well, we'll just have to see how long that rule lasts." Andréa husked breathlessly. "Now, how about that coffee?" She murmured hopefully.
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As they settled into the comfortable sofas in Miranda's small library, Andy let herself reflect on the words Miranda had spoken the weekend previously as they lay in the large hotel bed together.
"When I first started to see you as more than my assistant, I released you would have the capacity to spin my whole world on its head. I many ways, you were the one I had been searching for all my life." Miranda's hands ran through her hair and she was soothed by the gentle touch. "You were so sensitive, loving, honest, compassionate, caring, bright and funny. Your eyes reflected the most beautiful spirit I had ever encountered and over time I became scared by the depth of my feelings."
"Why?" Andy breathed.
"All I have ever taken from my relationships, outside of that I have with my children, is that they bring up emotional stuff I am seemingly unequipped to deal with. So, I pushed you, not really giving you any choice but to leave, and you did. My words were meant to hurt, believing that it would be better that way than having us collide only for you to end up disillusioned when I was unable to give you what you required." Miranda was hesitant, struggling to find the words to explain. "I couldn't fathom how it was I had become so comfortable with you, so used to your presence. I didn't let anyone close, not even my husbands, but then you..." She faltered. "...you entered my heart, Andréa. And I was suddenly so very uncomfortable."
"You do realise a relationship cannot always feel comfortable, right?" Andy asked.
"But it was, with you. Don't you see? I learned so much about myself, from you, and it was that which caused my discomfort." Miranda declared firmly. "Having you in my life was the closest I had ever felt to bliss. You were simply perfect and it was so easy having you with me, effortless. Hearing your greetings each morning along with a flash of your beautiful smile brightened my day, so much so I did not want to be without it in Paris. I cannot say I was blind to your growing affection, but I could not act on it. I was, doe all intents, married. But my word, you offered such temptation."
"I tempted you?" Andy was stunned by the admission.
"So very much." Miranda blushed. "That night in Paris after Stephen faxed the divorce papers, I was sorely tempted to seek solace in your arms knowing you would allow it."
"I cannot bring myself to regret anything about that night," Andy told her. "It brought me, Ethan." She sighed sadly, realising she was far from understanding anything regarding the editor. "What do you want from a relationship, Miranda?"
"You'd have thought I should have lost hope by now but I don't ever want apathy to take over my life. When we kissed today, I felt butterflies take flight in the pit of my stomach. I don't ever want the butterflies fluttering around my stomach to disappear. The way my heart pounds, when you are near, is another thing I want to last forever. I want you to be my last first kiss, my last first date, my last first time. I want all the beautiful last firsts to be with you." Miranda looked up warily. "Does that make sense?"
"Yeah, perfect sense." Andy breathed. Having decided to be honest, she had no trouble advising the older woman of what she wanted. "I want that too." She admitted. "Do you want to know what else I look for in a relationship?" Miranda nodded quickly. "I want to be able to build respect, honesty and trust in a relationship. To find someone that can offer me mutual emotional support and intimacy. I have my children to consider so I need someone who is willing for us to work together as parents, who won't treat my babies in any way but as their own, to be in agreement about finances, child raising and other important stuff.
"You seem to have given this some thought." Miranda teased.
"When I threw myself out on the dating scene, at Nigel and Christian's insistence, they told me my expectations were ridiculous. I just didn't wish to waste my time, or someone else's, if they were unwilling to at least consider a future or if they had a problem with the fact I have children." Andy stated softly. "I have responsibilities to E.J and Izzy and I never wanted them to get to know someone only to leave them feeling hurt when they ultimately leave, unable to handle the pressures of a new relationship with children involved. I didn't want them to have a succession of women leaving their lives. I want them to see how valuable it is to have someone to create shared dreams for a future with."
"Oh." Miranda seemed stunned. "That is extraordinarily sensible." She could see Miranda's mind going over what she had said. It was getting late too and she could see the swirling tiredness in Miranda's eyes.
Andy loved the fact they were able to talk without interruptions and distractions from the tv, phones or computers and hoped that they could share more moments like this. "If you decide that this is still what you want, Miranda, I will no doubt talk your ear off about the children or tell you funny stories of things I've seen or heard. You'll hear all about me overseeing the G.S.A meetings and my arguments with the Dalton P.T.A. You'll need to get used to my babbling again." She grinned as Miranda rolled her eyes. "But I will also listen to you and try to understand your intentions, needs and wants, and I will try my utmost to fulfil them."
"You mentioned intimacy before. You realise I may struggle..." Miranda trailed off and bit her lip.
"Yes, I understand that. But as we rebuild trust, intimacy will grow. I want to be able to share in your feelings, Miranda, to be there when you need to let your guard down, in the knowledge I'll be there to catch you when you fall. I want you to know that I will be there to offer reassurances. I know how much you value your independence, Miranda, but hopefully, you will learn to accept me being close to you, knowing you are loved for who you are, despite your faults. You will know that you matter."
"You matter too," Miranda whispered.
"You quoted Rabindranath Tagore to Izzy a little earlier. I believe it sums everything up for me too" Andy licked her lips and continued to speak. "But I think we should sleep now. I have a feeling my boy will be up rather early and demanding cuddles."
Andy was pulled from her thoughts as the cushion beside her dipped with Miranda's weight as she settled by her side.
"You seem awfully deep in through there, darling," Miranda whispered.
"I was just thinking about last weekend and our time in Ohio," Andy admitted honestly. "I've gone through this week on autopilot, wishing that I could see you again, and speak to you. But a little part of me grew worried that you would reconsider the words spoken in the darkness and comfort of that warm hotel bed."
Miranda shook her head. "I had the same concerns regarding you." She smirked. "You know, I believe we should take the time to have our first date, don't you?"
Andy knew her smile would be blinding. "How about Sunday? Christian has Ethan tomorrow through to Monday."
"Acceptable." Miranda breathed. "Now, about tomorrow. My Bobbsey's grandmother lives in New Canaan, which I believe could be a stop for us on our way to Long Lake."
Andy did the math. "Miranda, Long Lake is still over four hours from New Canaan."
She grinned as Miranda blew out a breath. "I thought perhaps you would be amenable to spending the day with me. We could take turns driving. Long Lake is still four or so hours from the city, and to be honest, I do not like the idea of you driving for so long."
"You realise I'd take a break, right?" Andy teased.
"Yes, well, I also find the idea of having ten or more hours without your presence intolerably long, especially when I could be spending it with you," Miranda admitted nervously.
"Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse?" Andy grinned. "I think a road trip will be an acceptable way for us to spend time, after-all it means you can't just run away if I talk too much or sing along to the radio."
"Good, then that's settled." Miranda's eyes reflected her satisfaction. "Now, if you have finished your coffee, I have something to show you and the children."
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Miranda picked Ethan up and settled him in her hip as she moved gracefully up the stairs with Andréa close on her heels. Instead of making her way to the family rooms on the first floor, she moved further up the stairs to the second floor.
She knocked on the first door, which was closed and Caroline answered with a wide smile. Cassidy and Isabel were laying on the floor reading the most recent edition of Runway and giggling together as music played in the background. "Hi guys, I was wondering how long it would take you to make your way up here."
"Girls, come along," Miranda stated quietly.
"This is going to be awesome." Caroline bumped fists with Cassidy after she stood while Isabel looked up between them in confusion from her position on the floor.
Cassidy smiled at the blonde, and he held a hand out to her. As Isabel stood, Cassidy flung her arm across her shoulder and guided her from the bedroom.
Miranda watched as Cassidy and Isabel stopped outside the door opposite her own room and opened the door. She caught Isabel's gasp.
"Mom thought you might appreciate having a space to call your own while you were here," Cassidy explained softly. "It has a load of natural light which should help with your art and..." She trailed off when Isabel turned away. "...Fizzy, what is it?" Cassidy turned her panicked eyes on herself and Andréa.
She stood to the side as Andréa moved to enter the room in order to comfort her daughter, but overheard Isabel's whispered words.
"Look, Momma, the room's in my favourite colour, and there are new art supplies and..." Isabel trailed off as she became overwhelmed, crying into Andréa's chest.
Andréa's eyes darted around the room, widening in surprise. Miranda knew they would eventually land on the new MacBook Pro she'd had installed with the latest design software. The art supplies included an easel and a range of sketch pads, pencils, paints. There was also a closet full of clothes and shoes she'd personally chosen for the girl, things that would allow her to fit in easier at Dalton.
To be honest, it was not something she had considered necessary as part of the scholarship but had decided, should she organise another, then an allowance for clothing would be included. The last thing she wanted for any child offered such an opportunity was for them to feel their difference in monetary status.
As the twins stepped to her sides, Miranda worried her lip between her teeth nervously, unsure if she had overstepped some boundary as Andréa remained silent, soothing Isabel, while her eyes scanned the pale walls, ready to be filled with art and the deep purple accessories.
"It's amazing," Andréa whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she turned towards Miranda and the twins. "I can't believe..." A single tear escaped, rolling down Andréa's cheek. "...Thank you."
Before she could even formulate a response she was swept into Andréa's strong arms and held close. With Isabel pressed between them and the little boy at her hip, her heart soared.
Lifting her head, she caught her own daughters eyes and gestured for them to come closer.
Cassidy settled to the one side, as close to Isabel as she could get while Caroline hugged them from beside Ethan, pulling faces at him to make him laugh.
"Momma, you're squishing me." Isabel giggled. As they stepped away, she turned glanced up, her beautiful blue-green eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thank you, Miranda." She wrapped her arms around her middle and squeezed her.
Pulling back, Isabel turned to Cassidy and wagged her finger. "I can't believe you kept this a secret from me." Her laughter infectious, as Cassidy blushed furiously. "No more secrets, Cassi."
"I promise," Cassidy muttered, still blushing.
Glancing down at the little boy snuggled in her arms, his head resting against her shoulder, she knew she would, given the chance, provide him with the best things life could offer. She made a mental note to speak with the head at Little Dalton, but first, she had a room prepared for him that she hoped garnered an enthusiastic response.
She secretly hoped this would, one day, become a permanent home for them all.
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Andy was amazed at Miranda's gesture to accept her children into her home, but she was also a little concerned. They hadn't even had a proper date, and yet Miranda seemed almost ready to blend their lives together. She decided to bite the bullet and speak to the editor honestly.
Ethan was content in his new bedroom, sat playing with a pile of Duplo Lego, she tugged Miranda's hand and caught her eyes. "Can we talk?"
Miranda stiffened, her eyes holding wariness as if she now expected the worst. "I suppose." She muttered.
Miranda led them up another level and Andy was stunned to find herself pulled into a room that took up at least two-thirds of the floor. The room was classic, with lush cream walls and elegant decor and furnishings. It was clearly designed for relaxation. Andy found her eyes alighting on the large California King bed, finished with a soft gold throw draped over the bottom. She could easily picture herself wrapped around Miranda in the centre of the large bed.
Miranda pulled her to a room at the left of the room and they entered another study. Andy was surprised that the bookshelves around the wall were bare and the desk held nothing. Miranda sat gingerly on a large brown leather two-seater sofa.
"Miranda, why is this room bare?" Andy asked.
"It was always used for storage. I had it cleared this week and things moved to the attic." Miranda stated softly. "I thought there may be times when it would come in useful for you to have your own space here, to do with what you will."
"Why have you done all this?" Andy whispered, sitting beside the older woman and tangling their hands together.
Miranda raised their hands and shook them. "This."
No other explication was necessary really and Andy found herself newly amazed by the woman. For Miranda to turn her home upside down for her, Isabel and Ethan was something. It showed her just how much Miranda wanted this.
"If I have overstepped than I apol..." Miranda trailed off as Andy interrupted her words by placing a finger over her lips.
"Don't." Andy husked. "You have created beautiful spaces for me and my children to enjoy. Don't apologise for that."
"I wanted you to be comfortable here, darling," Miranda admitted. "I hope you will spend more time with us. I have enjoyed Isabel's presence over dinner, and I hoped I would have yours and Ethan's, but I do understand that there are occasions you will ultimately be busy with work. I know, regardless of what you say, that it is important to you, as Runway is important to me. I believed by creating this, you could perhaps work from here occasionally."
"Well, I don't have any work to do right now." Andy smiled softly.
Miranda licked her lips, leaving them glistening invitingly. Andy swooped in, capturing them with her own. She understood a kiss was important and given the right person, with the right moves, could make your toes curl and your back arch. Miranda's kisses left her aching for more. Miranda words about butterflies in her stomach fell utterly inadequate to describe what she felt in the woman's arms. She felt somewhat like Ethan must when he was on a sugar-high after too many cookies. Her heart thundered in her chest.
She was stupid for keeping her distance that week. If anyone understood the importance of work, it was the woman pulling her down so they were lay side by side on the sofa as they continued to kiss. She had missed Miranda's voice, the way she said her name or called her darling, then there was Miranda's unique scent and the way everything felt so much better when she was with the woman. She loved the calmness, the peace she had only ever felt in Miranda's presence.
Miranda slowed their kisses until she broke away, trying to catch her breath.
She couldn't stop herself from offering the editor one of her brightest smiles as Miranda's eyes darkened and she noticed the hunger in them.
"Where did you learn to kiss like that?" Miranda breathed.
Andy giggled and shrugged her shoulders. "I just respond to you." She whispered.
Miranda wrapped one arm around her back and held her close, just breathing her in. She looked into her blue eyes and saw her happiness reflected back at her.
Still smiling, Andy moved in for another kiss. It was gentle at first, a way of reconnecting and enjoying the moment.
Miranda's eyes fell shut, with lips slightly parted they continued to kiss. Miranda took her lower lip between hers and lightly tugged it into her mouth. She couldn't stop the moan from escaping at the gentle nip of teeth as they teased her.
Miranda pulled away, chuckling but started pressing light kisses down her throat.
Andy found herself arching her neck, giving Miranda more room to move along her throat as she nipped and licked.
She moaned softly as their lips found each other again.
Andy's thigh rubbed between Miranda's toned thighs as their kisses turned more passionate, with her tongue caressing Miranda's delicately.
It felt as if there was no one but the two of them in the world as she focussed on kissing Miranda, savouring the taste of mint and coffee on her tongue. The moment was electric and the air seemed to crackle around them as their tongues battled for dominance and their breathing turned ragged.
It was Ethan and Cassidy's chatter that had them breaking apart, just in time, as the redhead knocked on the door and entered the room with the little boy in her arms without waiting for a response.
"Momma, I got Legos in my nose." Ethan giggled as Andy groaned and pulled herself from Miranda's embrace.
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