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 a 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 Fourteen:

Miranda held Andy in her arms for over 20 minutes as she let her grief out. Quietly soothing the brunette with her presence, no words were said, they weren't needed. She let her own tears flow at Richard Sachs words. She was glad he understood his daughter well enough to recognize that she would need answers. She was amazed, after seeing what he'd written about Andy's feelings for her, by his knowledge that the young woman may run away from her. It was exactly what had happened the previous week she was just grateful they had now come to an understanding and expressed their feelings.

She swore to herself at that moment she would try to be what her Andréa needed. To not break her trust or take her beautiful heart and soul for granted. Gently extracting herself from the embrace she stepped back. "Darling." She said hoarsely. "Come with me." Seeing Andy nod her acceptance she took her hand and led her to the passenger side of the car. She watched as Andy folded herself into the car and pulled the seat belt across. She pulled out her cell and noticed texts from Nigel and Doug. She smiled to herself as she read, sent off a quick response and got behind the wheel and moved back onto the interstate. "There seems to be a change of plans for lunch, darling. I hope you don't mind?" Getting no response she glanced quickly across at Andy to find she had fallen asleep. Deciding to let the brunette sleep she navigated around the Cincinnati traffic and within 20 minutes was pulling in at the zoo and botanical gardens. "My darling. It's time to wake up." Miranda said as she brushed the hair out of Andy's face.

As the brunette stirred and looked around, she was shocked. "The zoo?" She whispered, her voice gravelly from her tears and sleep.

"This was Douglas's idea. I hope it's okay that I said yes." Miranda was nervous.

"It's perfect," Andy told her. "I couldn't cope with a crowded restaurant."

"We will do whatever you want my darling. Nigel and Douglas are on their way over now." She waved her hand in the general direction of the two men.

"They make a lovely couple." Andy smiled sadly. "Dad would be happy, he worried about Doug too and they became close after Dougie moved in."

"They are striking together. Nigel deserves someone good in his life and Douglas seems like a lovely young man. I look forward to getting to know him better." Miranda offered the young woman a smile before exiting the car gracefully. Moving around the passenger side she opened the door and held her hand out to Andy. "Now my beautiful Andréa how about we get out and spend time walking around this place?"

"That sounds wonderful. Will you be warm enough?" Andy asked concerned. "There is a couple of sweaters in the trunk." She told the editor.

"That would be acceptable." Miranda grinned as Andy clasped her hand and exited the car.

Opening the trunk she pulled out a new black Northwestern hooded sweater and handed it to Miranda, who shrugging her jacket off pulled it over her head before replacing her leather jacket and wrapping her new scarf back around her neck. Andy followed Miranda's movements pulling another hoody out she pulled it on and topped her ensemble with her new scarf and beanie.

Nigel walked over and placed a soft kiss on Miranda and Andy's cheeks. Looking at the brunette he pulled her into a tight embrace. "You look like Hell." He whispered to her with a smirk. Punching his shoulder Andy feigned offence while Nigel pretended to be hurt. Their behaviour made Doug and Miranda smile. Nigel looked at Andy again. "In all honesty Six, you will always be beautiful. You look drained though. If you want to forget this and go sleep that would be perfectly understandable." He murmured.

"It's been a rough morning but I need this. Andy admitted. "The zoo is one of my favourite places. I used to find peace here."

Doug looked at Nigel. "I told you." He smirked as he glanced into the trunk. "You've got your guitar?" He asked. Seeing Andy's nod he grinned at her. "Well, there's no reason for us not to go to the open mic tonight then."

"Douglas, I believe you produce the most wonderful ideas," Miranda told him with a large smile.

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They spent a few hours leisurely wandering around the zoo hand in hand. Miranda had been teased mercilessly by Nigel for her reaction within the insect house as her fear of all things creepy crawly had overridden her usual coolness causing her to hold on to Andy even tighter while hiding her face in the brunette's neck. They had stopped off for lunch at the Base Camp Cafe. Before leaving Andy had found herself enthralled by the white tigers and when prompted by Doug and Nigel told them they reminded her of a certain editor.

After making tentative plans for the evening as they left the zoo and said their goodbyes Andy held back. "I should go to the hospital." She told Miranda. "I'll drop you at the hotel if you want?"

"You'll do no such thing," Miranda told her softly grabbing her hand. "I'll come with you."

Andy smiles softly. "Thanks." She said.

"No thanks needed darling. I am here with you. I am not letting go of this." She waved her free hand between them. "Would you like me to drive?" She asked. "I like your Alfa Romeo." She grinned. "She suits you."

"I'd like to drive her as much as possible for the time I'm here," Andy admitted. "I enjoyed driving your Porsche before Paris, though I had to push the chair back a fair bit and I'm less than graceful getting out. The guys at the dealership had a good laugh as I fought with my Blahnik's. I struggle to drive in heels," She grinned.

"Ah so that was you, I took quite a while to readjust the seat," Miranda smirked. "Come on then darling, we'll go visit Beth." They continued their walk towards the car, opening the passenger door Andy handed the older woman into her seat. "So chivalrous." Miranda grinned as Andy blushed as she moved around the car and slid into the driver's seat.

As they drove Andy kept stealing glances at Miranda. "So I'm curious, you call my mom by her nickname but you still predominantly call me Andréa." Andy queried. "Why is that?"

"Andréa is a beautiful name, plus I find Andy is far too boyish for such a glorious embodiment of femininity as you most certainly are." Miranda declared boldly.

"Wow," Andy muttered. "You can be quite the smooth talker when you want, sweetheart, I'll give you that." Andy smiled as they continued through the traffic. "I'm glad you're here, but I hope you realise you are free to leave if you need to, I understand your schedule was immensely busy," Andy told her softly.

"My schedule is not something Emily and Nigel can't handle between themselves. I am not leaving Ohio without you my darling, and if you wanted to drive this beauty back to the New York, I would be happy to provide company on a road trip, I possess plenty of leave and I am aware you have taken no time off over the past 11 months. You could store it in my garage at the Townhouse." Miranda said.

"You'd let me store my car?" Andy was amazed. "That's a generous offer Miranda but..."

"Just consider it, darling." Miranda interrupted. "I hope to spend more time with you outside Runway and there is space in my garage. I can even give you a key to the garage so you can come and go as you please. It seems silly to keep this beautiful car, that you've so lovingly restored, in a city you don't live in and have it sat gathering dust." Miranda believed her logic was faultless.

"What happens if this doesn't work out between us?" Andy queried hesitantly.

"Well, I don't see an issue arising. I hope even if this doesn't work we can remain adult about it and continue to be on friendly terms. I do however desire for this relationship to become long-term my darling, I enter none of my relationships lightly." Miranda smiled. "Now that doesn't mean I expect you to hire a U-Haul anytime soon but I assume you want the same. You told me that day on the roof I'm stuck with you, I want you to understand that I return those sentiments wholeheartedly."

"I want this to work, Miranda. I just..." Andy trailed off as she turned into the hospital. "...well I realise I have little to offer you."

"You are an amazing woman. You have so much to give. Your kindness and generosity and as your father said you possess a magnificent heart and soul." Miranda told her. "I hope you don't mind me saying but you do not seem self-assured in your relationships outside Runway. I hope I can change that and that what we build allows you to gain more confidence."

As Andy parked the car, she looked across at the editor. "You absolutely blow my mind Miranda, do you know that?" She grinned shyly. "Just when I think I can't fall any deeper I do. You never cease to amaze me." Andy exited the car and held the door again for Miranda.

Miranda's breath had caught on hearing the young women's words. "Ditto." She whispered as Andy assisted her from the car. The words caused Andy's mega-watt smile to make an appearance briefly. Entwining their fingers they walked hand in hand to through the hospital to Beth's room.

As they walked into the room hand in hand Andy took in the presence of a young Doctor. Spinning around, he glared at both Andy and Miranda and declared. "This patient has an immediate family only request in place. Now her son and daughter have been already. I must tell you and your mother to leave."

Walking over to Beth Andy grinned wickedly as she looked down. "Hello, Ma. Are you able to get up yet? This Doc seems quite insistent we leave."

"But...but..." The Doctor stuttered nervously.

"Come on Ma. You heard the man. Get your butt out of that bed." Andy was fighting her laughter as she recognised the twinkle of amusement in Beth's eyes. Looking across at Miranda she noticed the older woman's shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. "My love could you grab a nurse and tell them Doc is discharging my mom, she'll need all these drips and everything removed. Oh is that morphine? Sorry, Ma you must do without that." Andy was on a roll. Looking between the Doctor and Miranda she continued her diatribe. "After you've spoken to the nurse, could you come and give me a hand to get Ma up and home?" Looking towards the doctor, who looked absolutely mortified, she smiled widely and held her hand out. "Andy Sachs."

The doctor ignored her outstretched hand and looked towards Beth. "Mrs Sachs...Beth...this is highly unusual..." He stuttered.

"What is? My daughter and her partner are here from New York as is my foster son Douglas and his boyfriend. If you check my paperwork, you will see both Andy and Jill are my emergency contacts when my husband is unavailable." Fire filled Beth's eyes as she continued to speak. "Since you apparently pronounced Richard dead upon his arrival at this hospital, you surely appreciate just how unavailable he now is. It is not my problem you made the assumption Doug was, in fact, Andy, which is short for Andrea."

The Doctor continued to sputter as Andy pulled Miranda into the chair next to her mom's bed. "A wise man once told me assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups."

Miranda snorted out a laugh as Beth grinned up at her daughter as tears formed in her eyes. "Richard..." She whispered. "...I thought you would hate him."

"No Ma, never. This explained a lot, and it helped make sense of this." She pulled the letter out of her pocket and handed it to Beth. Looking at the Doctor she asked. "Was there a reason for your continued presence in the room?"

"N...no. I was just doing my checks. I'm on call should you need anything. I will see you in the morning, Mrs Sachs...Beth."

As the Doctor made to move from the room, he heard the quiet words coming from Miranda. "Not if I have anything to do with it." Looking towards the Doctor she continued. "For a man in your profession, your bedside manner is atrocious. Maybe you should reconsider a new career path." She offered him a small smirk as he rushed out of the room. "I'm sure I can find someone who can rid you of that charlatan and provide you with a proper Doctor Beth."

Beth looked at Miranda. "He's not so bad. He was the one who recommended the immediate family only rule. Nate's parents tried to visit. Jill was here at the time, she went feral."

"You'd think she'd want to cosy up to the new in-laws," Andy muttered darkly. Miranda stood and pushed Andy into her seat. Placing a gentle hand on Andy's shoulder she squeezed softly, offering her support.

Beth looked at her curiously. "Do you want to explain that comment?" She asked.

"Nope, it's no longer any of my concern." Andy shifted uncomfortably. "If Jillian hasn't thought to share her life with you it's not my place to discuss it."

"Andy if you know something you should tell me...she's become so distant." Beth coaxed.

"I slept with Nate." The voice came from the doorway causing Beth to gasp. Spinning her head around Andy saw Jill and frowned as she saw how drawn her little sister looked. "I told Andy last night."

"And on that note, I'm outta here," Andy said standing quickly. Looking down at Miranda she saw the older woman shake her head.

"Darling, sit down." She asked gently. "Please. You can't keep running from what hurts you, my love." Sighing Andy sat down and scowled, arms folded across her chest defensively. Miranda stood and pulled her chair to the opposite side of Beth's bed. "Jillian, sit," Miranda told her.

"Don't think you can come in here and tell me what to do Miranda, I'm not one of your minions, I don't fucking work for you." Jill hissed.

Andy launched herself out of her chair and stalked towards her sister fists clenched as Jill backed up. "Don't be so fucking rude. God, you're such a...I should just drag you out of here and drop kick your fucking head off your shoulders, teach you some manners."

"Andy!" Beth hissed. "Stop now."

Miranda called out to the brunette quietly. "Andréa darling, please come here." Andy spun around, seeing Miranda's eyes pleading with her she walked back towards the woman, fists still clenched tightly as she fought against the overpowering waves of anger. Miranda was shocked at the anger in Andy, pulling her close she cupped Andy's face with one hand as the other coaxed her clenched hands to relax. She whispered. "We'll share this seat, am I okay to sit on your lap? If I go over there to get myself the other chair, I may have to live up to my reputation and throw your sister out of the window." Miranda smirked coaxing a small smile out of Andy.

Closing her eyes Andy took a deep breath and concentrated on the gentle, soothing touch of Miranda's fingers against her face and hands. Opening her eyes she was caught up once again in the depths of blue, shining with tenderness and concern. "Okay. We'll share." Andy stated softly. "I love you, Miranda." Sitting down she pulled Miranda onto her lap, wrapping her arms loosely around the editor's waist she rested her head on her shoulder. Closing her eyes, she took deep breaths, soothed by Miranda's scent surrounding her.

"I love you too," Miranda whispered as she settled into Andy's embrace.

Beth looked at them both and was amazed at the absolute contentedness within her eldest daughter and her old best friend. Shaking her head, she looked down to see Richard's letter to Andy. Leaning slightly she placed it between the pages of a book on the table in front of her. At Miranda's look of confusion, she nodded towards Jill and eyes pleading for understanding. Miranda nodded once to show her acceptance and settled into Andy more.

"Jill I think you should apologise to Miri," Beth told her. "And to your sister."

"Why the hell should I? Did you know Miranda practically called me a slut this morning...?" Jill trailed off as Miranda interrupted.

"I distinctly remember it was you throwing the word slut around. I simply expressed my amazement about that word being bandied around as you graced us with your delightfully obnoxious presence at our suite at 7:20 am. I also advised you that if the cap fits to wear it with pride. You can take that how you will." Miranda shrugged unapologetically.

"God Nate was right, you really are a bitch." Jill was furious.

"Watch that mouth, Jillian," Andy growled furiously.

Miranda eyes Jill curiously. "As I told the fry-cook last week I have been called far worse by better people. It is you that will lose from this when you alienate your sister even further with your poor attitude and disrespect towards me. You have seen first-hand just now how protective she is of me. She punched my ex-husband, not only because he disrespected her, but because he disrespected me." Miranda shook her head and looked at Beth offering a small smile. "The first thing that captured my attention when I first met Andy was the fire lighting her soul. That was a mere glimpse in comparison of the scorching blaze I have experienced in the last few weeks. You and Richard have raised an amazing woman."

"She was Richie's pride and joy. He was so..." Beth trailed off as Jill interrupted.

"Yeah right. That's why he wanted her dead. His Andy, so fucking perfect." Jill scoffed. "She was his perfect disappointment and when he saw that article he went crazy. That fucking job and that woman have ruined our lives. That is the reason my dad's dead." Jill was pointing at Miranda. "And you have the audacity to sit there Miranda, on my sister's knee, like some fucking Queen on her throne." She turned to face Beth. "And you're allowing it, mom."

Beth closed her eyes, she couldn't believe the venom coming from her youngest child. "That's not the reason he...he didn't want her dead, not really."

Jillian looked at her mother in disbelief. "We obviously heard two very different things then." At Jill's words, Beth cried.

"You need to shut the hell up Jillian." Andy seethed. "You have no idea what the fuck you're going on about. Ma, show her the letter, give it to her and stop her from fucking up any potential chance we have at rebuilding a relationship. She's already done the unforgivable, she broke the trust I had in her. She fucked Nate and got pregnant with his child 'cause she was too stupid and drunk to use protection, don't let her make this worse by spouting bullshit she does not understand."

Beth was shocked about the pregnancy, looking at Jill she saw the tears forming from Andy's words. Torn between the wishes of her husband and the tenuous relationship between her daughters she decided. Leaning forward she pulled the letter out and handed it to Jill. "I haven't read it. Read it aloud, I need to know what my Richie said." Closing her eyes against her tears she settled as Jill read.

By the time Jill was halfway through the letter, her tears were free flowing down her face, Beth was fighting against her own tears. She could easily hear the deep timbre of Richard's voice as the words on the paper were read out loud, she had always loved how Richard had communicated with his eldest daughter, she understood the letters, little notes, postcards and cards were cherished by Andy. Miranda and Andy sat snuggled, both deep in their own thoughts. Miranda had turned slightly, her cheek resting on Andy's shoulder, as her fingers unconsciously entwined in the long hair at the back of the young woman's neck.

As Jill ended the letter Beth opened her eyes and looked at her. "Anything to add Jill?" She asked. Jill shook her head mutely and placed the letter back on the table in front of her mom. "Andy?" Beth had turned her head towards her eldest daughter.

"That yesterday wasn't my dad. Yes, he was intense and hard to handle but he was never irrational or crazed, that was that fucking cancer eating away at his brain, making him into something he wasn't."

Beth nodded at her older daughter. "We talked about you often. You were always the one that concerned us the most. I need you to realise that Richie didn't have a problem with Miranda, despite what he said about Runway and your life in New York. His problem yesterday was with Miranda's ex, Stephen. Your dad had finally thought his baby had gone toe to toe with someone that could seriously hurt her. He was scared for you and concerned about the repercussions, of any retribution." Beth sighed sadly. "It got twisted in his mind."

"You don't have to explain Ma," Andy breathed. "I understand, really I do."

"No, I need to tell you, Andy." Beth's voice was strained. "You gave very little away about your work at Runway but the little slips about the inappropriate comments made to you and Em as you resisted Stephen's calls and visits to Runway caused concern. Your dad was amazed you didn't just cuss him out. Then there was the time of the Gala when you felt the urge to step in and deflect his drunken behaviour. Even then you were protecting your Miranda."

Miranda caught her eye and Beth gave her a wide smile somewhat similar to the ones Andy gave, but also lacking something Andy's beautiful smile provided. "I know Jill told you both about Richard's words and behaviour, Doug and Nigel told me that much this morning. I pleaded with Richard yesterday to leave you be. To leave you in New York with Miranda. I requested it knowing she would protect you. Having seen the photo of you together I realised that your Miranda was actually Miri and I doubted she had changed so much as to allow anything to happen to someone so loyal." Beth closed her eyes. "Your dad said your attachment to Miranda was unnatural, that was because he believed it was unrequited. We all did." Beth told her softly. "He thought what you felt would hurt you or change you. That your pain would kill the fire within you. But looking at you right now I think you have found what you've been searching for. You seem content...and that fire, well that's a roaring blaze."

Andy looked at her mom and saw the tears. Her heart broke again for the woman who raised her. That she had lost what Andy was only just finding with Miranda. "You have been told your dad hit me. Believe me when I say it was the one and only time he touched me with anything but gentleness. At that moment when I looked into his eyes, he was unrecognisable. Something had snapped, and he was no longer my Richie. When he said what he said about correcting the mistake made when Brad died and you lived I lost all hope he'd return to me. If it wasn't for his life being taken when the truck hit he would have spent his remaining days in care. Not that he had much time left. He was in so much pain and he had begun experiencing regular seizures."

Beth looked at her daughters and saw both had tears flowing. Miranda was still sat wrapped around Andy whispering words of comfort in her ear. "Andy you are not to blame for Brad's accident. We have never blamed you, but we didn't know how to handle the depth of your loss." Beth admitted. "I see who you are and how much your despair and guilt has coloured your world. I understand why you made the choices you have and how the trust you had in us is important to you. And I know why you see what Jill had done as unforgivable. But it is just us against the world now. For this family I want you to listen to what Jill has to say."

"Ma..." Andy trailed off at the look of determination in Beth's eyes. "I don't know if it will make a difference," Andy admitted. "I don't know if I have the strength to forgive her."

"All you can do is try my beautiful girl. Listen to your sister so we can try to move forward from this. We'll mend the bridges one brick at a time if that's what is needed. Please." Beth pleaded with her daughter hoping her stubborn nature wouldn't win out.

"Fine," Andy stated.

Jillian was shocked as all eyes turned on her waiting for an explanation.

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