Andrea in reality had heard what Miranda had said but chose to ignore it because she didn't know what to say. That was all people said anymore, 'I'm sorry about your parents' and she was getting sick of it. They treated her like she was some rare piece of art about to collapse unless that belonged in a glass bubble, and Andy couldn't stand it. She was grieving this was true but she wanted to be treated like everyone else and she sure as Hell didn't want to hear pity in Miranda's voice, so she ignore it. She did however make it a plan to snag Miranda's schedule and sit down to talk to her.

Emily and Andy talked until the seatbelt lights came on and Andy started to look nervous.

"Seriously Andy when are you going to get over this fear of heights? You are completely safe." said Emily as she took her friend's hand. Andy gave her a glare and said, "I know I am safe and that my fear is irrational but what can I say I like my feet on solid ground. And you should talk Ms. I hate small spaces." She replied as she gripped Emily's hand. By now Miranda was practically cracking a rib from not laughing so she spoke up. "Girls stop fighting. Both your fears are irrational and you should try to deal with them."

"Well then Miranda what are you afraid of?" Asked Andy before she could stop herself.

"Snakes." She answered simply and when she felt the plane begin to dip she locked her gaze with Andrea's and mentally dared her to break it. This was as close as Miranda could get to offering comfort. Andrea in return held her gaze with an intensity that shocked Miranda. The fire behind Andy's eyes was matched inch for inch by the ice behind Miranda's. However when the plane hit the runway Andrea broke the mock staring contest and released Emily's hand with a smile.

Miranda followed Andrea off the plane and was behind her in line to go through customs. All of a sudden Andrea turned to Miranda and said, "So how have you been?"

Miranda was stunned for a second before saying. "Fine."

"That's good, how about the twins? I assume they are well also?'

"Yes they are, they appreciated that you remembered their birthday although you were no longer working for me."

"It was nothing, plus I already had the gifts. But I'm glad they liked them. They are 13 now right?"

"Yes, God they grow up so fast. Have you ever thought about children, Andrea?"

"Well I think I would need a husband for that and somehow I don't see that happening. But it doesn't matter, I don't think I would make a good mother."

"You never know until you are one. I didn't imagine having children now I cant imagine my life without them."

"Wow, Miranda getting sentimental. I never thought I would see the day. Would you care to have dinner with me?" Andrea asked suddenly before she could chicken out.

"First you make fun of me then you ask me out, but as I don't have dinner plans I will accept. Where and when?"

"Eight a clock at Citrus Étoile?" Andrea suggested as that was where she was planning on having dinner. She had read the review online and it sounded good.

"Fine, I'll meet you outside the hotel at 7:30. Don't be late." Miranda added as Andrea swept through customs. As Andrea made her way to the luggage retrieval she made the okay sign with her hand over her shoulder.

Miranda's eyebrows hit her hairline when she saw Andrea's reaction to her telling her not to be late. The okay sign, her daughters did that to her but they were thirteen and Andrea was… Actually Miranda didn't know how old Andrea was, that was something she would ask over dinner. Yes that would go well, Hello how are you, how old are you? Miranda mentally laughed as she slipped her shoes off. Stupid metal clasps on her stupid shoes, setting of the stupid metal detectors and reducing Miranda to her short height of 5'6". She stood in her stockings thanking God or whatever deity that was listening that she decided to wear stockings as she walked slash skidded through the metal detector.

Once her shoes were back on she moved over to where her entourage was waiting for her but trying to look like they weren't waiting. It was actually quite amusing, Emily was looking at the luggage, Paul was looking at something in the distance she didn't know what. Jocelyn was reading or at least she was pretending to as her eyes weren't moving. And Andrea, Andrea was not there.

"Paul, where is Andrea?"

"She went to the hotel, she said she was going to the Louvre today and then meeting up with a friend for dinner. Did you need her for something?" He asked curious.

"No nothing although I don't have her number and I need in case of emergency. Plus I like to have the numbers of all the people I am traveling with." replied Miranda. Paul looked suspicious but handed her a folded piece of paper with her name in Andrea's hand. Miranda pocketed it and moved to the car, with astonishing speed. She had nothing scheduled and never did on her first day of arrival because traveling was so unpredictable and you never knew that could happen. So instead she prepared for the up coming shows and planned out every detail of her party as it would be the only time she would get to do that. Her assistants were expected to contact everybody and get the moving on the food, décor, music, etc. There was only one problem, Miranda couldn't concentrate and had almost lost track of the conversation twice. Come on Mira, pay attention its only dinner. Stop thinking about her, she silently berated herself while flipping through a book of menus trying to find the ones she wanted.

Emily was talking now, saying something about flowers. "No freesias, Emily." Emily nodded rapidly while Paul looked confused and asked, "Why not they are a perfectly lovely flower."

"They make me sneeze and I end up looking like some coke addict." Replied an icy Miranda and she turned back to the menu book, flipping through it with renewed energy. It went on like this for another hour before Miranda waved them off with a distracted motion of her hand confident that they could handle the rest alone. She kicked off her shoes the minute the door to her suite slammed shut and sighed. The couch she was sitting on was very comfortable and on a whim she flopped back and swung her feet up so she was laying down. She probably looked a right sight in a her black Donna Karen dress and Cavalli belt, black stockings and Hermes pumps laying beside her. She snuggled down in the couch before she shot up like a rocket. Andrea's note.

Off the couch and at her purse in two seconds flat, she found the note at the bottom of her overlarge Fendi purse. She once again dug for her reading glasses and for the millionth time cursed their existence. Back on the couch she opened and scanned their contents.

Miranda,

I am staying at Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon and my cell is 215-567-9980. Feel free to call but no more 'that's all' . I look foreword to dinner, don't be late. See you soon.

Best Wishes,

Andrea

Miranda sat back and looked the note over again. "no more that's all." Did she really say that as often as people said, if she did she was in danger of earning a catch phrase. Horrors of horrors, but Andrea did have very nice handwriting, much better than her own. It was barely legible to herself. She shook her head and ran her fingers through her short silver hair and glanced at the clock. It was only 2:30, and without thinking her actions through she shoved her shoes back on with only the hint of a grimace and glanced in the mirror fixing her hair, grabbed her purse and was out the door. She forwent the limo to take a cab and was at the Louvre in record time. A few minutes of wandering, something Miranda hated to admit she did, found her successful. There was Andrea, staring at the Mona Lisa with a contented smile on her face.

She had changed from her outfit on the plane and was now wearing a pair of black tailored pants and a light pink cashmere sweater with her white trench coat draped over her arm hiding her purse. Miranda paused for a second before walking foreword. Her heels echoed on the stone and made her presence know to the young woman whose head turned. But she smiled and waved Miranda over.

"She's beautiful you know. When I came to Paris after I graduated from Northwestern I sat here forever and looked at her smile. She is trying to tell you something but she is also hiding it. But here I am rambling again, look what you do to me Miranda." Andrea teased as she nudged her companion. Miranda smiled and replied, "Yes she is beautiful, I remember spending afternoons watching her when I lived in Pairs and my life seemed so much simpler. I was just an assistant and I had the free time to appreciate Paris. Do you know I have lived in New York for fifteen years and I have never seen the Statue of liberty or the Empire State building. My life just got so complicated and I no longer have the time for the small things. God I don't even have the time to pant my nails. I know that sounds silly but it is the perfect example of what I have become."

"I understand but Miranda you are here with me looking at her. You found the time to come to the museum. And hey we can paint your nails if you want to. Yes life gets complicated and we see the innocence and extra time that we had when we were young slip away but we can still have fun. It just takes more effort. But when we get back to New York we are going to the Statue of Liberty and taking your picture in front of the statue." Miranda laid her hand on the younger woman's arm and gave her a rare real smile that was so warm and genuine it would probably solve the world's energy crisis.

The stood in silence for another minute before leaving. Miranda headed to where the cabs with Andrea right behind her. Miranda got in but noticed that Andrea was not behind her. She looked up and noticed that Andrea started to move down the street. Miranda hopped out of the cab and waved it off following Andrea down the street.

Andrea had gone straight through customs and was out of the airport in no time, stopping in front of Paul for a second jotting down a note and hailing a cab to take her to her hotel. She was like a little kid when she got in her hotel room jumping and laying down on her bad and giggling. She was glad that Miranda was not here to witness this, Miranda she was having dinner with Miranda tonight. What had possessed her to ask Miranda to dinner? She all of a sudden felt comfortable talking and being in Miranda's presence. She was extremely attracted to the woman but she was not about to let that get in the way of a possible friendship with this woman.

Pushing those thoughts aside she showered and dressed casually wearing a modest two inch heel, knowing that she would be walking and if she wore anything higher she would be in agony all day. The Louvre was the first place on her list of places to see. Actually it was re-see because she had been to Paris and around Europe after she graduated college.

They took six months and she and Nate traveled all over Europe. That however was when they were happy and when they were still kids. Nate was now engaged to another chef and was happy beyond his wildest dreams. He even invited her to the wedding which she graciously accepted after talking to Clarisse, Nate's fiancé, who said it was okay. She didn't want to create waves and assured Clarisse that she had no feelings for Nate and nothing on this Earth would make her want him back.

So now Andy was standing in front of her favorite picture in the whole museum having a silent conversation with Mona Lisa when she heard the sound of stilettos on stone. She turned her head to see, Miranda. She was wearing the same outfit that she had on this morning and still looked pristine. She was the only one she knew who could keep her clothes looking nice after a six hour flight. It was unnatural. She waved Miranda over and was surprised when she joined Andrea in front of the picture. Andrea was watching Miranda look at the portrait and wondered what she was thinking of so she started a conversation. Miranda's response surprised her almost as much as having a real conversation with Andy in the crowded airport. Miranda seemed sad and missed the time she used to have. So it seems that Runway was not her whole life. She wasn't fine at all, but the smile that Miranda gave Andy told her that she would be okay.

Andy put Miranda in a cab, thinking that she had to get back to work, and headed off down the street in desperate need of coffee. She was so caught up in the beauty around her that she almost missed her name being called. "Andy!" she turned and saw Miranda behind her.

"Shouldn't you be working?"

"They are planning the party, it is the same every year. This is the only day I give myself to relax. Then it is back to work, work, work." Replied Miranda. Andy shook her head and told Miranda that she needed coffee and where did she suggest.

Miranda grinned and motioned down the street to a sidewalk café where she paid for both their coffee and they walked while they sipped the hot liquid. They chatted about their time in Paris and how it changed them. Miranda, Andy noticed had the perfect French accent, not that she was surprised but Miranda was surprised that Andrea was fluent in French also.

"What other surprises do you have, Andrea?"

"Just you wait and see." Andrea winked and giggled until she saw Miranda wince.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, its just these shoes. They were not made for comfort."

"Come on my hotel is just across the road you can sit down for a little while and I will call your driver to pick you up." Andrea said and steered Miranda over to the door of her hotel. It showed the amount of pain Miranda was in because she didn't complain that much.

Once in the hotel room, Miranda sagged against the door and took of her shoes and signed in relief, before shooting a glare at Andrea that said, "mention this to anyone and I will kill you myself."

"Come on sit down." Said a giggling Andrea and secured Mirnada on the couch before she sat on the loveseat and took off her own heels. Miranda got off to get her pruse she left in front of the door and as she passed Andrea said, "Wow, youre short."

"Thank you, Andrea. Yes I am short."

"I just meant that I never noticed how petite you were. It's cute."

"Cute!?"

"Yes, you're cute. You can only be cute if your short. Didn't you know?"

"No, as I have been called 'cute' before." A testy Miranda said and snuggled into the corner of the couch closet to Andrea's chair.

"How tall are you, Andrea?"

"5'9", why?"

"No reason." And with that she pulled out her phone and began dialing. Andy shook her head thinking that was Miranda. She slipped her shoes on and took her purse over to the French doors and opened them, stepped outside closing them behind her. She lit up a cigarette and blew a perfect smoke ring. She knew that she should quit but oh well, life had been difficult as of late. She had so much on her plate that she felt like she could relate to what Miranda was saying about not having the time to appreciate the little things in life. Lilly still hadn't forgiven her for not being their enough when she worked for Miranda. She said that the final straw was when Andy came out.

"Hey." Said a quiet voice that shocked Andrea out of her thoughts. She looked down at a barefoot Miranda standing in the doorway. She motioned for the cigarette and took a long drag releasing the smoke through her nose.

"The perfect Miranda Ann Priestly smokes. I'm surprised."

Touché, I thought you were the perfect one. All full of innocence and you surprised me. That's hard to do. Where did you find out my middle name?"

"Google is my best friend. And I was full of innocence until my world fell around my ears and I had to chose between my friends and family and my dreams. But I think it was mom's death that woke up and told me that it was time to grow up and act like and adult. You should get back inside with bare feet you'll get chilled."

"Yes mom. Why did you say that you didn't think you were ever going to get married?" Andrea was about to answer when the room phone rang. Andrea stubbed out her cigarette and moved to answer it. "Oui?" She listened then hung up before saying, "your car is here. I'll see you tonight." She said all this without facing Miranda. She didn't want to continue the previous conversation. She wasn't ready.

"Thank you, I'll see you soon." And with a click of the door closing Miranda was gone. Andrea put her face in her hands and groaned.

Miranda watched as Andy walked to the French doors and closed them behind her. She thought for a second that she was giving Miranda some privacy but then she saw her light up a cigarette. She finished her call and walked over to the doors and opened them, but Andy didn't notice to caught up in her thoughts. Miranda inched closer and said, "hey." She wanted to comfort Andy but she didn't know what was wrong and frankly had no idea where to begin with comforting someone. Andy looked down and passed the cigarette when Miranda motioned for it. Miranda hadn't smoked in years but she was having one of those days. As she spent more time in Andrea's company she began to crave more and more time with the girl and cursed her jam packed schedule.

She for some reason found the younger woman completely sexy and wasn't sure what to do with these emotions. She felt like a teenager about to go out with her first boyfriend. Except she was only friends with Andrea and she wasn't sure if she was even that. She asked Andrea why she thought she would never get married but Andrea didn't answer due to the ringing phone and then wouldn't meet her gaze. Her voice was pleasant enough and she still wanted to have dinner but she wouldn't look at Miranda.

In the car Miranda put her head in her hands and groaned almost silently. She didn't know what to do, and that was foreign to her. She was used to being in control and knowing what people were going to do because they did what she told them. With Andrea she didn't want to order her around or control her but she hated feeling like she had no control. Oh well maybe by the time dinner rolled around Andrea would be easy to read. Yea okay Mira and maybe you are going to wear jeans and sneakers to the fashion shows.

Andrea decided to try to work until six, and managed to get a lot done in that short amount of time. A hot shower relaxed her muscles and she looked over her clothes trying to decide what to wear. She finally decided on a blue Donna Karen dress and silver flats. She knew from their conversation this afternoon that Miranda was self conscious about her height. Her hair was swept up and fell down her back in tight curls, with light make up and minimal jewelry. She slipped into her white trench coat and left the hotel to meet Miranda outside her hotel.

Meanwhile Miranda was also getting ready although from the looks of it you would think that a bomb went off in her hotel room. She had changed clothes five times and stated that she had nothing to wear despite the fact that thousands of dollars of clothes were scattered on her king sized bed. She wanted to create the right mood with her outfit and all of her clothes said "frigid Bitch", "Ice Queen", or her favorite, "Wicked Witch with better clothes." She just wanted to be Miranda so she decided on a black knee length Chanel dress with deep red heels. Her jewelry consisted of a watch and diamond studs. She blew dry her hair and instead of styling it she shook her head and rang her fingers through it. The make up the same as it always was but the last thing she did was to pant her nails a light pink. Once they were dry she out the door grabbing her Hermes clutch and matching jacket to the dress.

She arrived at the lobby before Andy and turned around relaxing and nodding to the people she passed. When she passed by the door to the lounge she saw Emily, Paul, and Jocelyn were talking and laughing. She walked in, and noticed their reaction to the "casual" Miranda.

"Hello, all. "

"Hello Miranda." They said in unison. She rolled her eyes and waved off the waiter when he asked if she wanted anything. They there eyes locked on something over her shoulder. She knew it was Andrea when she saw Paul's reaction.

"Little Sister, you look too nice who are you going out with?"

"Oh Paul, I told you she is just a friend. Ready Miranda you look nice." Miranda smiled when she noticed that she was the same height as Andrea. Andy wore flats to make her feel more comfortable.

"Yes of course, I told you not to be late and yet you are." She bit out because she was touched.

"I'm not late see the clock it says 7:25. I am five minutes early, but anyway come on, I'm hungry."

"You're always hungry."

"Yep come on"

"I'm coming stop pulling. I like it when my hand is attached to my wrist especially my right one."

"I wouldn't have to pull it you would walk."

"I am walking see this thing I do when I put one foot in front of the other, that's called walking. Don't tell me I have to teach you how to walk?" By this time her staff was rolling on the floor laughing at the pair. They probably were a funny sight with Andrea yanking Miranda's wrist and Miranda trying to walk like a civilized human being.

"I know how to walk, you however walk slower than molasses."

"Have you ever seen molasses walk, because I haven't so that comment is invalid." Andy didn't respond and instead moved behind Miranda and pushed her out the door. Finally Miranda starting walking at a good speed and Andy returned to her side, although she was enjoying watching Miranda's hips sway like that and her back muscles tense and relax under Andy's hands.

So was Miranda, up until now the only hands that were on her voluntarily were those of her husbands and they were too rough with her thinking that the ice queen could take it. In reality she liked slow love making. The kind that took all night where you spent time exploring your partner's body. So when she felt Andrea's soft warm hands on her back she tensed out of habit but then relaxed and relished in the feeling.

They made it to the restaurant at a little after eight and were seating right away. Miranda took in her surroundings while Andrea took in Miranda. She had never seen Miranda so casual and relaxed, she liked it. As though Miranda felt eyes on her she locked her gaze on Andrea's eyes but her stare didn't hold any of the ice it usually did. She instead look puzzled.

"You really do look great tonight. I like this look on you."

"Thank you" said Miranda as she brushed a stray strand of hair out of the way.

"You painted your nails, they look great." Andy reached across the table to take one of Miranda's hands in her own but released it when Miranda glanced around. "Sorry, I forgot."

Miranda wanted to say that it was okay but even in her head it sounded empty. Andy was only looking at her nails there was nothing wrong about that. The only thing was she liked the feel of Andrea's hands on hers and knew that if she got used to the feeling she would crave it for the rest of her life. There was no way that Andy could have feelings for her old boss who put her through Hell every since day for a year.

The read the menus in silence but when Miranda went to cross her legs she brushed Andrea's shin with the toe of her heel. The gasp caused her to look up slightly and noticed that Andrea shifted in her seat and her face was slightly flushed. Hmmm, thought Miranda and she decided that she would try to discreetly touch Andy throughout the night to see if the reaction persisted.

Andy was trying to decide what to order when she felt Miranda's shoe brush her shin and she felt that familiar shock run through her body and settle between her legs. Oh God this was not good if Miranda could turn her on this much with an accidental touch. She controlled her breathing and thanked God for the dimmer light in the restaurant to hide her blush. She put down her menu and looked at Miranda.

"So what's your schedule for tomorrow?"

"Well, I have breakfast with the party planners, and then a pre party show for Hermes. Then I have to oversee the set up for the shoot and the actual shoot itself. Then it is a trip to the spa with Donatella so she can tell me about her latest problems. And then getting ready for the dinner with Tommy. Its going to be tight."

"Yep sounds a lot like last year. Make sure you dress warmly I hear there is going to be a chill tomorrow. I don't want you getting sick."

"What is this sudden concern for my well being?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you." Miranda looked stunned and moved to place her hand on Andrea's when the waiter came over. She glared at him and quickly gave them their orders while slipping a hand under the table and placing it on Andrea's knee. She for once was grateful for the small tables and was even more pleased when Andrea covered it with her own. Suddenly Miranda said, "come to shows with me?"

"Sure, why not I have nothing else to do."

"Great, we can find you a new wardrobe." Miranda said and looked excited so excited that Andy had to laugh. She noticed though that the hand didn't move from her leg and stayed their in fact until their drinks arrived. When they went to clink glasses their was a huge commotion in the corner of the restaurant. They both exchanged a confused look and looked over to where people were snapping pictures. It was Meryl Streep. Andrea was impressed and even more so when Meryl came over and exchanged an air kiss with Miranda. Miranda appeared pleasant but Andy could tell that she didn't want to be interrupted. This made Andy happy that Miranda enjoyed her company that much to snub Meryl Streep.

"Wow, hey you didn't tell me you knew Meryl Streep. That's so cool, I love her movies." Andy said when Meryl had left to return to her table with her friends.

"Well it's not something I go around saying. Hello, I'm Miranda Priestly. I know Meryl Streep. That would sound a little odd. If you must know she was on last months cover and I was present for the shoot."

"How was she to shoot?" Asked Andy genuinely interested.

"She seemed a little self conscious but other than that she was fine."

"She's an amazing actress. I swear she can play anyone. I bet she could play you."

"Me?!" Miranda almost choked on her wine.

"Breathe, there you go. Are you okay?"

"Fine. What do you mean play me?"

"Well come on your story could be an interesting movie and I think she could be a good Miranda Priestly. Do you think she looks like you?"

"No."

"Really? Put her in your clothes and your hair and bang you got a twin. I of course prefer the original." Andy said with a wink.

"I'm so glad. But I see what you are saying maybe in my clothes and with my hair she could be me. Of course she doesn't have my attitude."

"Nobody has your attitude, Miranda." Andy said playfully. The friendly banter continued through their salads and even though Andy took the check before Miranda could, that being the only thing they fought about, it was a pleasant evening. Andy said she would walk Miranda back to her hotel and catch a cab from there, Miranda said nothing enjoying the extra time with Andy.

Once they were back in the hotel lobby Andy leaned to kiss the air besides Miranda's cheek when Miranda said, "Come up for a drink?"

"Okay," and Andy followed Miranda up. Miranda's suite was the same one she had last year and she lead Andy to the couch and fixed their drinks and came to sit beside Andy. She reached to brush a strand of hair out of Andy's eyes and when Andy leaned into the touch she leaned in and brushed her lips across Andy's.

Andy was blown away when she felt Miranda's lip on her own and after a momentary pause she returned the kiss. After a minute though she broke away and looked at Miranda.

"Miranda if we are going to continue this I need to know what you want."

"I want you, I think I have been searching for you all my life and now here you are in my arms. If you want to go public and hold hands we'll do that or if you want to keep it quiet we will do that too. I don't care about what the papers say as long as I have you."

"I want to be able to hold your hand and kiss you to show the whole world that you are mine." Said Andy as she tightened her arms around Miranda. Miranda smiled and placed their glasses on the table and gently pushed Andy back on the sofa, moving to kiss her again. Andy pulled Miranda in closer and deepened the kiss moving one of her hands into Miranda's hair. When their tongues met for the first time, Miranda moaned and pushed her body more fully onto Andy's. They were so wrapped up in the kiss neither of them noticed the door open until it was too late.

Emily walked into Miranda's suite carrying the packages that she had spent all day running around Pairs trying to find. She knew that Miranda was having dinner with Andrea and she thought that she would be able to come in and leave the packages without dealing with Miranda. She had been impossible earlier that day and it seemed like she wasn't paying attention. However before Emily could continue that train of thought she walked into the living room to place the boxes down and saw Miranda.

Miranda sprawled across Andy kissing the life out of her and Andy moving beneath her. The gasp came out of her mouth before she could stop it and Miranda bolted up and glared at Emily.

"Can I help you?" She asked as she straightened her dress and wiped her mouth.

"I was just…I got your stuff…I mean your packages… I uh, I'll just go now."

"That would be best." Miranda said and moved to the open French doors where Andrea was. She stepped out and Emily watched as Miranda snuggled into Andrea and one of Andrea's hand came around her waist while the other smoked a cigarette. Miranda took a drag from Andrea's and blew an almost perfect smoke ring. Andrea giggled and copied Miranda although Andrea's was perfect. They both laughed and kissed gently. Emily shook her head and quietly left.

In the elevator she pondered what she saw and a smile broke across her face. After all Andrea went though, Miranda was a good partner for her. She needed someone strong who wouldn't smother her but who would be their for her. Someone who wouldn't mind the long work hours and Andrea's temper. Yes she thought Andrea and Miranda were the perfect couple.

"Are you okay?" Andy asked into the silver hair she was currently snuggling.

"Yes I was more worried about you."

"Emily already knows and was trying to fix me up with every woman she knows. She's a good friend but I wasn't sure if you wanted people to know so soon."

"Andrea I told you that I wanted the world to know. You said that I was yours. Well guess what you are mine too and I am slightly possessive."

"Good, because so am I." They stood for another minute in silence before Andrea left with a pretty intense make out session by the door.