A/N: This prompt came from Facebook's DWP Mirandy Page. I have been trying to coax my muse out from her winter hibernation by feeding her a particular nutty chocolate bar. Anyway, the prompt I was given is as follows;

Andy catches Miranda having Snickers and almost dies of shock.

Disclaimer: As always I am just fooling with these characters. I do not own or make any money from them. They are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.

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Chapter Eight:

Andy woke up to the sound of moaning. Bleary-eyed and confused she tried to reorient herself. She was on the edge of a bed with a warm body pressed against her. Turning she looked around, realising that she was in Miranda's room meant that there could only be one person pressed so close against her. "Miranda, sweetheart?" Andy queried softly.

"No, let her go. Don't hurt her. Please...please let her go. Stop, please." Miranda begged, sobbing as she slept.

Turning more fully she pulled Miranda against her rubbing her back. "Miranda it's okay. You're safe with me. Please wake up, sweetheart." Andy spoke softly as Miranda continued to sob. "Come on, sweetheart, open your eyes and look at me." Andy requested. Sensing the women in her arms stir she brushed Miranda's hair out of her face and placed a kiss on her forehead.

Opening her eyes Miranda met the concerned gaze of the brunette in her bed.

"Shh, it's okay. You're okay." Andy reassured as Miranda's hand came up to touch her face.

"Stephen..." Miranda gasped. "He was hurting you."

"It was just a dream Miranda, he can't hurt me. I'd knock his teeth in if he even attempted touching either of us." Andy smiled gently as she pulled Miranda closer.

Taking a deep breath and inhaling Andy's scent Miranda snuggled in placing her face against Andy's chest. "So warm," Miranda muttered as she placed a kiss on Andy's sternum.

"Try to get some more sleep, sweetheart. I'm here, we are safe and warm." Andy soothed.

"You're really here?" Miranda questioned as she settled.

"I'm here, sweetheart. I am not going anywhere." Andy reassured.

Miranda's hand moved from Andy's face and around her waist as she settled. "It seemed so real darling. I was so scared." Miranda admitted quietly looking up at the brunette with sleepy eyes.

As Andy gazed down at the editor her heart clenched at the pain expressed in her blue eyes. Tilting her chin up she captured Miranda's mouth in a gentle kiss of reassurance.

Miranda sighed and let the kiss continue as Andy gently steered herself so there was space between them. Miranda's body followed as she pressed herself against Andy's warmth.

"Miranda." Andy husked against her lips. "If you continue to move towards me like that, I will fall out of this bed."

Miranda broke the kiss and looked at the young woman next to her. "You keep moving away." She frowned. "I need to be close to you, to feel your warmth."

"Sweetheart I want that too but I need a little space to exercise a modicum of self-restraint," Andy admitted.

Miranda rolled her eyes and moved back towards the centre of the bed. "Come here." She demanded. As Andy moved closer, still leaving a space between them. Miranda pulled her closer until their bodies were flush against each other. Andy groaned as Miranda entangled their legs. "Now I have you where I want you," Miranda smirked and ensnared Andy's lips in another scorching kiss.

Andy held onto Miranda tightly as she succumbed to the intense exploration of silky lips and tongue moving passionately against hers, the sensation caused by the burning lips owning her in a way her no-one else's kisses ever had. She couldn't hold back and matched the hunger expressed, the sense of urgency behind those beautiful lips. Her heart thudding wildly in her chest she felt her level of desire for Miranda increase and moaned into the kisses.

Miranda pulled their bodies even closer together as she rolled Andy onto her back landing softly on top of her without breaking their kiss. Andy's hands roamed, traversing the soft curves of the older woman above her until she could no longer breathe. Taking a deep breath Andy pulled her lips away, causing Miranda to whimper at the loss of contact.

"We've got to stop," Andy begged.

"Why?" Miranda asked as she placed blazed a trail of kisses up Andy's jaw.

"I don't...I can't...I'm going..." Andy struggled to form coherent words as Miranda nibbled at the pulse point on her neck. "Oh God help me..." Andy whispered breathlessly.

"Mm trust me when I say even the good Lord can't assist in your fight against this particular Devil." Miranda chuckled throatily.

Andy gripped her hips in an attempt to stop Miranda moving against her. "If you continue to move against me like that, I will come," Andy admitted in a whisper as she blushed.

Miranda moved back and caught her eye. "I think I would like to see that, I think you'd look spectacular coming undone beneath me," Miranda whispered hoarsely, her mouth suddenly dry. She placed her palm across Andy's chest plate. "The blush here, the sign of your desire, it is the most beautiful colour I ever saw."

"Oh, God!" Andy moaned. "You will be my undoing Miranda." Andy gasped as Miranda moved against her. "We've literally just had our first date. I want you so much but I'm scared of we rush this it will be something you regret." Andy explained breathlessly.

"I may regret letting you go more," Miranda whispered in her ear. "But I must take your wishes into consideration. We will revisit this Andréa, and soon." Miranda slid to the side and Andy turned towards her.

"I expect us to revisit this, hopefully, once my dominant hand is back in full working order," Andy told her smiling.

"Oh, God," Miranda whispered, concern filtering through her blue eyes replacing the desire. "I'd forgotten. How is it, my darling, do you need anything?" Miranda asked as she ran her hand up Andy's arm.

"It's fine. A little uncomfortable when I bend my fingers, I doubt I'll be making a fist for a day or two. I'll take some Tylenol later."

"And your arm?" She asked.

"My arm's also fine. No pain or discomfort. I've been lying on it most of the night." Andy smiled gently. "Please don't worry about me, sweetheart."

"That's like asking me not to expect perfection, absolutely impossible." Miranda smiled back at her.

Hearing a shrill ringtone she looked over at the cell on her bedside table. "It's Cassidy. I must answer." She told Andy.

"Of course you must. I'll go put the coffee on." Andy said hesitantly.

"Stay, they may have questions for you." Miranda requested. Picking up her cell she connected the call.

"Good morning Cassidy. Is Caroline also there?"

Andy could hear the happy chirp of young voices talking muffled through the cell.

"So, I'm on speaker? Okay...Yes...I...well...Yes, she is here with me...Give me a moment and I'll put us on speaker too." Miranda smiled as she fiddled with her cell.

"Okay, we are all on speaker. What is the reason for such an early morning call?" Miranda asked them, a small smile playing on her beautiful lips.

"Well we were online researching for our History paper and there was this news article. It claims Andy punched Stephen and broke his nose." Cassidy told her.

"Is it true Andy?" Caroline asked excitedly. Miranda looked at Andy, eyebrow raised.

"Yes it is true, but there was a very good reason for it, as you are aware I don't just go around punching people," Andy said softly

"Whoa! I wish I'd seen you punch him, Andy. That would be so cool." Cassidy muttered breathlessly.

"Dad laughed when he read it, said it couldn't have happened to a nicer fellow," Caroline said giggling.

"Well I am glad you are all amused by it, however, it wasn't so funny at the time," Miranda explained. "He grabbed Andréa quite roughly, enough to leave bruises, and he insulted her, and me."

"I hope he didn't hurt you, Andy," Cassidy told her.

"Not so much no, my hand is sore today though," Andy responded.

"It sounds like he deserved it," Caroline said. "Will you teach me how to fight Andy?" She asked.

Andy gasped. "Um... well...I don't...well I don't know if that would be appropriate Caro. There are better ways to get your point across. A well-timed insult for one can be vastly devastating." Andy smirked at Miranda. "That's a skill your mom could impart."

Miranda snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Cool, we've never seen that," Cassidy explained.

"Really?" Andy queried. "She's awesome at it in work, well unless you're on the receiving end."

"Have you been on the receiving end?" Caroline asked.

"Not for a while, no. Not since before Paris really." Andy smiled remembering how Paris changed their relationship.

"That's 'cause she likes you." Cassidy uttered happily as Miranda blushed. "Did you enjoy your date?"

"Bobbsey what makes you think it was a date?" Miranda asked.

"Well, the article said you were laughing. You only laugh with us so it must be special." Cassidy explained, exasperation clouding her tone.

"Don't roll your eyes at me, Cassidy Anne Priestly." Miranda playfully scolded as she grinned and shook her head.

"But how...Aww...Mom, how do you always know?" Cassidy demanded as Andy laughed loudly.

"I'm all seeing," Miranda told her daughter as she fought against her laughter.

"We had a very pleasant night barring Stephen's boorish behaviour. We made plans to see a show tonight."

"Cool. We hope it's fun, mom. Andy, take care of her for us." Cassidy said.

"Bobbsey's you should get on with that history paper, it will allow you more time this afternoon and tomorrow to do the things you enjoy. I will say goodbye for now."

"Wait...before you go, will Andy be at home when we arrive tomorrow? We could have lunch." Caroline asked hopefully.

"I don't know Bobbsey. Maybe you should ask her." Miranda stated happily.

"Please, please, please Andy." The twins chorused simultaneously.

Laughing Andy responded. "Well if you insist."

"Oh we do Ahn-dré-ah," Cassidy said laughing.

"We'll see you tomorrow Andy. Have a good day. Give Mom a hug from us." Caroline requested.

"Will do kiddo. Have a good day." Andy said with a smile. The call disconnected in a manner resembling their mother's. Shaking her head Andy smiled. "So coffee?" She asked hopefully.

"Acceptable," Miranda smirked as Andy bounded out of the bed.

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By the time Miranda came downstairs showered and dressed for the day her coffee was ready and Andy had whipped up an egg white omelette with spinach, mushroom, turkey bacon and Swiss cheese.

Placing the plate and coffee in front of Miranda as she sat she smiled at Miranda's choice of clothes. A pair of Armani jeans and a grey cashmere sweater paired with Converse Chucks.

"You look gorgeous Miranda." Andy stuttered. "I will go get dressed, enjoy your breakfast."

"Have you eaten?" Miranda asked, seeing Andy nod she looked down at her plate and smiled. "This looks delicious, thank you, my darling."

"You're welcome, Miranda." Andy blushed, as she made her way from the kitchen she brushed a kiss against Miranda's cheek. "I'll not be too long."

"I've left some items out you may find useful. I didn't think you'd want to change back into yesterday's clothes." Miranda called after her.

Walking back into Miranda's bedroom she spotted the clothes laid to one side. A pair of skinny leg True Religion jeans that would pair up nicely will with the Roger Vivier shoes she'd been wearing the day before and a yellow Michael Kors cowl neck cashmere sweater. She had even provided new La Perla underwear. Andy shook her head as she headed to the en-suite pulling off her sleepwear and heading for the shower.

After finishing her shower and brushing her teeth, she tied her damp hair up in a high ponytail and dressed for the day. As she stood in her new bra and panties she heard the door open and a loud gasp. Spinning around, she saw the shadow of Miranda in the doorway. "I'm sorry Andréa..." Miranda stammered as she looked away. "I thought you'd be in the bathroom. I left my cell." She gestured to the bedside table.

"It's okay Miranda. This is your home, you are free to go wherever you please. I forgot to take the clothes in the bathroom so..." Andy shrugged and moved towards the bedside table, picking up Miranda's cell she stalked towards her.

Miranda gasped again as she caught sight of the tattoo that sat on her upper thigh to her hipbone. As Andy reached her, she looked at the brunette as she trailed the tips of her fingers against the tattoo causing the young woman to shudder as goose bumps exploded beneath Miranda's trailing fingers. "It's beautiful," Miranda whispered. Falling to her knees she traced the script next to the blue watercolour Dragon.

Perhaps all the Dragons in our lives are Princesses who are waiting for us to act,
Just once, with beauty and courage.

"Rainer Maria Rilke?" Miranda queried looking up into warm chocolate eyes.

Andy smiled. "Yes. It seemed fitting." She clarified breathlessly.

Miranda couldn't stop herself, she allowed her eyes to blaze over Andy's delicious curves. As her eyes roved, she caught sight of Andy's second tattoo, lettering on her rib under her left breast.

i carry your heart with me
(i carry it in my heart)

Miranda stood up gracefully. "I love that poem. E.E Cummings sums up his love wonderfully, but when you had that inked it wasn't written for a lover, was it?"

"No, it was for Brad," Andy admitted. "It's his handwriting." She smiled sadly. "We studied it in one of our essays just before he died. It was one thing I kept, even now it sits in a memory box under my bed."

"What do you mean by, we? I thought he was older?" Why would you be studying the same prose?" Miranda fired questions as she sat at the end of the bed.

"He was older." Andy grinned. "By all of 32 minutes, and he never let me forget. I remember being furious with him when wouldn't take his essay seriously. He kept saying it was a cliché. I couldn't get him to understand that when it was written it was ground-breaking, I remember calling him a Philistine." Andy's laugh made Miranda smile.

"A twin? It's no wonder you experienced his loss so totally." Miranda was saddened, she couldn't imagine Cassidy without Caroline, she had learned hard about the truly magical bond between twins as she raised her own. "I should really let you finish dressing," Miranda said as she stood and took a step forward towards the door.

"Well, that's easy." Handing Miranda her cell she pulled the sweater over her head and grabbed the jeans, sliding them up her thighs with some struggling, wriggling and muttered curses. As she stepped back into her heels, she saw the look of amusement twinkling in Miranda's eyes.

"Well, that was certainly something. If they're that difficult to get on I wonder how hard they will be to take off." Miranda bit her lip in her attempt not to laugh at Andy's look of shock and the blush forming on her neck and cheeks. "Now what are your plans for the day?" Miranda asked.

"Laundry and general housekeeping would be the task of the day. I should go home and get started." Andy told her reluctantly.

"How about a walk first? I'll take you home afterwards." Miranda asked nervously.

Andy's bright smile made Miranda glad she had made the offer. "That sounds wonderful." She beamed at the editor as she was led from the room.

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They walked through Central Park side by side, arms occasionally brushing as they offered each other occasional smiles, Patricia happily walking with them.

As they reached the dog-friendly area, Miranda let the huge St Bernard off her leash and pulled Andy onto a bench as she watched Patricia frolicking with a Labrador. "I love living so close to the park," Miranda admitted. "I don't take advantage as I should, I never seem to find the time."

"So what prompted this today?" Andy asked.

"There are multiple reasons, really. I woke up to find a beautiful person sharing my bed, my children and I are happy and healthy, I'm as up to date with my work as I can ever be and it's a gorgeous winter day. I must admit it's like for the first time in a long time I can view my life and respond with gratitude for everything that has brought me to today." Miranda smiled slightly before turning her head sharply to the bushes to the left and frowning. "It's just a shame the paparazzi can't find someone else to harass."

"Do you need me to break their nose too? Or their camera?" Andy offered, grinning widely.

Miranda sputtered out a laugh before schooling her face into its usual mask. Looking at the brunette she smirked. "That won't be necessary Andréa."

"Do you mind that there may be another photo of us on Page Six?" Andy questioned hesitantly. "I know that one last night was of us at the Met Gala but..." Andy trailed off.

"I dislike the fact they need to intrude on my private life and that it often impacts my children." Miranda sighed. "Regarding having the paparazzi photograph me with you, no I can't say I mind, I hope they do justice to your beauty." Miranda gave her an affectionate smile causing Andy to blush. Seeing the blush rise from Andy's throat up to her cheeks

Miranda unconsciously licked her lips. "Watching you become erubescent is breathtaking." She whispered.

"I...Um...thank you." Andy stuttered as her cheeks flushed even redder.

"If the press presence makes you uncomfortable, we can go." Miranda offered.

"No, I don't mind, as I've said I don't want what's growing between us to impact your life, and by extension the twin's lives, adversely," Andy explained gently.

"It won't. Shall we get coffee?"

"Sure, I'll run across to Starbucks," Andy muttered.

"No Andréa, that's not what I meant." She sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Oh." Comprehension dawned in Andy's eyes.

"Would you like to have coffee with me?" Miranda asked with a small smile at the brunette.

"Could this be classed as a second date?" Andy whispered.

"Well if you want to keep count then yes, it will be whatever you wish it to be. Our third date could be me helping you fold laundry, the fourth would be Les Mis and fifth our lunch tomorrow." Miranda's lips twitched as she fought against her laughter, her eyes sparkling with joy.

"Wow. You're invested in this whole dating thing, offering a helping hand with laundry duty too? That'll mean we will be totally past the third date rule by tomorrow afternoon." Andy giggled.

"Third date rule? Really, darling, I have no idea what you're talking about." Miranda pretended to be scandalised.

Andy laughed and got up off the bench. "I'll grab Patricia, then maybe we can walk across to The Boathouse?"

"Acceptable." Miranda clarified.

"Patricia, Viens ici!" Andy called. Patricia looked towards her, head lolling to the side. "Maintenant!" She declared firmly as the dog galloped towards her.

"You've learned to speak with her in French," Miranda said as she stepped next to Andy.

''The groomer gave me the heads up. She won't listen otherwise, and yet she listens to you, Cass and Caro in either French or English." Andy grinned. "I didn't realise the Elementary French 101 I studied at Northwestern would come in so useful." Patricia bound into her at that moment toppling her onto her backside and smothering her face with kisses as she laughed loudly. "Patricia, Arrêtez." She demanded weakly between her gasps of laughter.

"Patricia, stop! Sit!" Miranda said firmly as she looked down at Andy her eyes once again sparking with amusement. Patricia sat and offered her paw which Miranda took. "Good girl." She said grinning. Grabbing the leash from Andy she hooked it up to Patricia's collar. Holding her hand out she hoisted Andy backed onto her feet. "Are you okay?" She asked Andy.

"I'm fine, it's a regular occurrence. She likes to show me who is the boss." Andy laughed again as she patted Patricia's head and grabbed her lead. "Come on I need a comfy chair for my bruised ass, coffee would be good too." Andy smiled happily as Miranda linked their arms and they made their way towards the centre of the park.

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As they made their way back to the Townhouse in companionable silence Andy recollected their conversations. Hours had passed as they continued the previous night's questioning, discussing politics, their respective religious views and hopes for the future. Miranda spoke passionately about her love of fashion and Andy discussed in greater depth of her passion for literature and her family. They found they had much more in common than either had expected, sharing the same taste in movies, music and even books.

She realised as they continued to walk she had not looked at her cell once that day. She had switched it to silent the night before upon arrival at the restaurant and forgotten its existence. The idea made her laugh out loud causing Miranda to turn to her curiosity shining in her eyes. "I haven't checked my cell once today, it struck me suddenly, and I've not missed it. Since it's been constantly glued to my hand for the last eleven months I thought it would be a hard habit to break, you prove a great distraction."

"But I am most probably the reason you have it glued to your hand," Miranda told her with a smirk. "Why would you need your cell when I am right here demanding your undivided attention in person?"

"Well, when you put it like that..." Andy muttered. "...I think I prefer being able to give you my undivided attention this way."

"I must admit I am enjoying being on the receiving end of all your attention recently, this has been an acceptable way to pass the morning Andréa. Thank you for allowing me to know you better." Miranda said as they reached the house.

"It should be I thanking you, it has been a magical morning." Andy gave her one of her brilliant mega-watt smiles before Miranda turned to open the door.

"I'll get the car keys and drive you home," Miranda told her softly. "I'll meet you at the front."

"I'll just grab my stuff." Andy smiled as she saw Miranda roll her eyes and made her way upstairs.

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As she bounded out of the Townhouse, a few minutes later she saw two photographers lurking nearby as Miranda's new Porsche idled at the curb. She made sure the house was secure before moving down the steps and towards the car, thankful that the dealership had provided tinted windows and the photographers didn't seem to realise who was sat behind the wheel.

"Hey Andy, do you have anything to say about last night?" One of them shouted.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She told them with a small smile. "Have a good afternoon, gentlemen." She said politely as she opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.

Upon settling herself and pulling her seat-belt across Miranda moved the car into traffic and smiled. "You handled that well, my darling."

"I wanted to ignore them but assumed it wouldn't hurt to play dumb. Their questioning was tame, I don't think they know anything for sure so they're just fishing for information." Andy grinned.

"We most definitely had our photo taken this morning at the park." Miranda sighed. "I don't want this to overwhelm you Andréa. As you've stated, that outside my home just now was tame, it can be much worse."

Andy grabbed the hand closest to her. "Miranda, I am obviously quite overwhelmed just being with you like this. I'm honestly struggling to see why you'd want this, want me. I will talk to you, sweetheart if at any stage this whole situation feels unmanageable."

"Promise you'll talk to me honestly and openly, my darling. I don't think I could bear to have you walk away from me again, running away from this is no longer an option and I'm invested in making us work." Miranda admitted nervously.

"Miranda, if I leave Runway and get another position, will people assume it's due to my relationship with you?" Andy asked softly.

"They may, yes. However, you have earned a recommendation from Runway regardless of if it's from me or Nigel. I'm sure Nigel would provide one so my influence isn't brought into the decision. I however still hold the hope you stay with us at Runway a little longer." Miranda told her. "I've enjoyed working with you, the spark of amazement when you see designs brought to life, the amusement you try so hard to hide when I say something particularly cutting or witty and a multitude of emotions seen blazing in your eyes. Then there's the calm and the laughter you brought into my office which has brightened my days." Miranda offered her a brief smile as they coasted through the traffic.

"I've yet to make the concrete decision, sweetheart. You will be the first to know once it is made." Andy was still battling her confusion regarding her future career.

"You must do what's best for you Andréa. If you decide that is not Runway then I will honour your decision, my darling. I'm sorry if my actions made you think any differently last night. It was a shock." Miranda explained honestly.

Andy looked towards Miranda as she did so she realised Miranda was about to turn into her street and felt nervous. Removing her hand from Miranda's she pulled her fingers in agitation. Miranda noticed as she pulled up in front of the Apartment as she switched off the engine she grasped Andy's hands in hers.

"My darling, please look at me." As Andy looked towards the older woman, she experienced a sense of calm. "I wasn't always as rich as I am now, as you know. Many years ago, when I first moved to New York from Paris and I first worked at Runway, I lived a couple of blocks from here, over on Rivington Street and Essex Street. You have nothing at all to be nervous about, I know the streets of the Lower East Side as well as I do the Upper East Side." She smiled. "I have some wonderful memories of dinners and drinks with Nigel down here. I may drag his couture-clad arse back down here to remind him how far we have both come, him with his Soho loft and I with the Townhouses."

"Townhouses? As in multiple?" Andy whispered.

"Yes. There's the one here obviously, the London Townhouse and there's the Hampton's house and the villa in Cannes."

"Wow, okay," Andy muttered as Miranda moved from the car and walked around to open Andy's door. Holding her hand out to the brunette she smiled.

"We can talk more inside. Please show me your home." Miranda requested as Andy grasped her hand gently and peeled herself from inside the Porsche.

"Remind me when I'm a famous writer never to buy a sports car. I feel about as graceful as a dancing hippopotamus." Andy murmured as she untangled her long legs from the low car.

"It takes some getting used to." Miranda sniggered. "I would suggest investing in property if fast sports cars aren't your thing, art is also a good investment."

"Well, I'll give that some consideration." Andy grinned as she pulled Miranda into the lobby of her building. As they reached the elevator, the doors opened, and they entered Andy jabbed for the 3rd floor and said. "When the time comes maybe, I'll invest in a Hummer. It can be an extension of the penis I don't have." Andy smiled widely at Miranda's look of shock.

"Stephen had a Hummer." Miranda murmured amusement replacing the shock shining in her eyes.

Andy burst into laughter as the elevator doors opened. Grabbing Miranda's hand as she tried to leave she walked straight into Nate.

"Aw, fuck no!" He whispered as he saw their entwined fingers.

"Good afternoon Nate, excuse us." Andy made to move past the Chef.

He barred their way. "Andy, we have been trying to reach you all day. I need to speak with you privately."

"My cell died which is why there's been no answer, not that I would answer your call, anyway. As I stated last week, I have nothing to say to you. Now please move aside." Andy requested gently.

"Like fuck, I will..." Nate roared. Spinning slightly he glared at Miranda furiously. "What the fuck have you done to her? She's not the same Andy I fell in love with, she's all wrapped up in you and Runway. The two of you together it's sick, and it's wrong, she's young enough to be your daughter."

"You shut the hell up. You know nothing Nate." Andy seethed at him as she stepped between Miranda and her ex. "How the fuck dare you? To speak to Miranda like that. One more word out of you I'll knock you on your skinny ass."

"Like you did with her ex-husband?" Nate demanded.

"Damn straight." Andy was furious. "You know what I can do Nate, how protective I am of the things I love. Why don't you fuck off back to Boston and leave me the fuck alone to live my life how I see fit?"

Nate swallowed hard as his eyes filled with tears. "You love her?" He whispered hoarsely. Seeing her small nod he looked over Andy's shoulder. "She couldn't find it in herself to love me, care yes, but never love." His shoulders fell as his eyes expressed his defeat. "I still need a word, it's about Jill and your parents and the hall isn't the place for this. It's probably a good thing Miranda is here."

He stepped back allowing Andy and Miranda to make their way along the hall towards her apartment as he followed. Unlocking the door Andy gestured for Nate and Miranda to follow.

"Tell me whatever it is and get out," Andy told him, fear showing in her eyes. Miranda pulled her to the sofa and sat them down as Nate paced.

"I'm sorry Andy, there was an accident this morning. Your dad didn't make it. Your mom's in a critical condition and Jill, she's pretty banged up but...well she lost the baby."

"She was pregnant?" Andy whispered.

"You didn't know?" Nate asked looking away. "I'm sorry Andy, you've always been so close I assumed..."

"You need to leave..." Andy husked fighting against her tears. "Get out!" She demanded at him. "I don't want or need you here Nate, I have things to do...I need to...just fuck off!"

Nate stood uncertain, having never seen Andy so hurt. Miranda stood and gestured towards the door. "I'd do what she says. I'll take care of her from here." Miranda hissed.

Nate glared at her, hate and distrust filling his eyes, and refused to move. Miranda whispered. "Your new job, the Oak Room is it not?" Seeing a small nod she continued. "Are you aware the father of my twins owns it? Nathaniel if you do not leave as Andréa requested I will ensure he knows of your reprehensible behaviour towards the mother of his children. You'd be lucky to end up flipping burgers. That's all." She gestured again to the door and Nate spun around and left.

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