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 Twenty:
Jill was sitting on the couch having arranged the room service on the coffee table. She looked up when Andy entered the room. "Nice hickey." She sniggered.
"Fuck off Shithead." Andy hissed embarrassment flaring up her cheeks as she snatched the mug of coffee out her sister's hands.
"Children behave." Miranda sniggered as she walked into the room dressed in a pair of jeans and one of Andy's oversized t-shirts.
Jill laughed. "Wow. You're wearing one of Andy's Northwestern shirts. It must be love. So Miri..." She grinned wickedly. "...how did my sister mark you?"
Miranda quirked her eyebrow and seeing Andy blush even brighter she grinned. "Mm now that would be telling and I'm not the sort to kiss and tell." She sat opposite the blonde and patted the seat next to her showing Andy should sit. As Andy sat, she poured herself a cup of coffee and looked at Jill. "I will ask if there's a room for you here if you wish. Or we can check out and all go to your parents. We should be together until Nathaniel is in police custody."
"You'd do that?" Jill queried softly.
Andy looked at Miranda and seeing the determination nodded. "Yeah, we'd do that. Whichever you would prefer. So what were you doing at the house?"
"One girl from my J.D is looking for a place so she's taking over my lease. I struggled to sleep last night, so I was packing up and I spent the morning moving home. I will take the basement." Jill looked down. "Mom needs someone, I'm here, and it seems stupid for me not to step up."
"You realise I'd stay right?" Andy murmured ignoring the expression of shock on Miranda's face at her words. "If I was needed I would stay," Andy explained.
"No!" Jill exclaimed. "I don't mean this nastily Andy but this isn't your home, it has never been home for you, not really. I know you never believed you fit with us, you were adrift in the world, even more so after we lost Brad and then Grams. I grew up watching my big sister, who I idolised, staring out at the horizon in search for something I didn't understand, seeing your eyes filled with a yearning we did not know how to help you fulfil? You believe we don't see you, sis, we do, and it's true we don't understand you, but that doesn't mean you don't belong. You do, you belong in this world, making a difference by being you." Jill crossed her legs and looked at her sister. "New York is your home Andy, scratch that, Miranda is your home. Don't throw that away to become buried here in a life you are not meant to live."
"But...but..." Andy stuttered tears forming. "Damn it, Jilly. I want to do the right thing for once. I want to make this better." Miranda clasped and squeezed her hand.
"You can't," Jill told her sadly. "After Brad, there was a time I climbed into your bed every night. Do you remember?" Andy nodded. "I wanted to make it better but I couldn't bring him back for you and I wasn't him. I held you every night for months when you cried as you fought against your nightmares. During the day you were withdrawn, you wouldn't talk, you barely ate, you wouldn't write. I remember the day you cut off your hair and then smashed the shit out of that old junker of Uncle Jay's with a crowbar, and you screamed, you screamed all your pain out and then withdrew even further into yourself."
Andy turned her face into Miranda's neck as the older woman pulled her into her arms. Anchoring her to the moment and making her feel safe.
"We weren't able to get through whatever barrier you put up against the world until you started to sing, and from there, your writing flourished. You created so much beauty from your darkness, from your voice and from your written words, but we never really got you back." Jill hugged herself. "You were never the same. You grew up, and you moved out into the world, you sometimes dated and then you got with him, and he wanted you, he wanted to be the one to break you down and to make you whole again, but you never really let him in. You hold so much beauty within you Andy but you cannot see it, you offer your unfailing kindness but you are self-contained, you wear your heart on your sleeve but you also held everyone at arm's length, until now. It is only in our pain now you have returned to us, with your strength and your fire."
"But you don't need me, do you?" Andy stated hoarsely.
"We have always needed you, Andy, what you need to ask yourself is, do you need us? Because it is only by you letting us in, by trusting in us, that we can be that family Miri talks about." Jill explained.
Andy pulled herself out of Miranda's arms and looked at her sister and then at Miranda. "I want that family. I want to go forward from this point with the belief you'll do right by me because I'll always do right by you. I won't allow any hurt come to you, my family." Andy told them softly.
"Well then..." Jill clapped her hands together. "It's time we went home. Mom is being released from hospital tomorrow, they had her on her feet for the first time this morning." She stood and pulled Andy off the couch and into a hug. "I want you to adopt the baby." She whispered hesitantly.
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Andy stepped back from the hug, shock highlighted in her hazel eyes. "What?" She whispered stunned.
Jill rolled her eyes and sat back down as Miranda looked between them curiously, concerned over Andy's reaction. Andy walked to the window and looked out into the distance.
"What's going on?" Miranda demanded of Jillian. "What did you say to Andréa to garner that reaction?"
"I told her I want her to adopt the baby," Jill admitted quietly.
"You sprang that on her and roll your eyes when she reacts with shock?" Miranda let out a bark of derisive laughter. "You really are something else, Jill."
"Who better than the sister I adore? The one I recently found out can't bear children?" Jill asked. "I spoke with Mom about it, and she agreed with me. I realise I wasn't especially tactful but..." Jill sighed. "...Look, Andy, you can say no." She spoke softly at the brunette's tense back.
"I need to think about it, Jill. That decision wouldn't just affect me and..." Andy spun around to look at her sister. "...Have you considered what it would mean? I'd be raising your child and you would still see him or her." Andy paced. "Would you view him or her in disgust because of the way he or she was conceived? And what's to say you wouldn't eventually change your mind and decide you want your baby? Am I supposed to bond with him or her and then just hand the child back?"
"I wouldn't do that to you, I can't raise this child but I want to give him or her a chance at life Andy. You are the best person I know and the child would be cherished. The way he or she has been conceived...Well, that's not the child's fault." Jill explained sadly. "I would help you be a mom to your own ice-hockey team if that's what you wanted." Miranda looked at her confused. "Andy decided at nine years old she would produce six children and pit them against the Cyclones after they lost in the first round of the playoffs," Jill explained causing Miranda's eyes to widen.
"I can't..." Andy stalled. "I can't think of this now...I need...I will shower and get dressed." Andy muttered as she stumbled from the room.
Jill looked at Miranda. "I didn't mean to upset her. I hoped...God knows what I was expecting! It was wrong of me to tell her." Jill said.
"I may have done the same in your shoes. I'm not particularly well known for my tact either." Miranda sighed, "Andréa is a little vulnerable in fact, she has been hiding her vulnerability for quite some time. We have also experienced a bit of uncertainty over the last two weeks since admitting our mutual attraction, and well I'm not known for making things easy. I'm not known for my warmth and..." Miranda shrugged. "...I'm trying to be there for her and in many ways, I am so out of my depth...But I can't just switch on my usual ice queen persona, not with her and certainly not when she needs me to be the soft place she falls."
"If Andy hadn't needed to come back do you imagine your relationship would be where it is now?" Jill asked.
"We would have definitely had a few more dates, we had plans to see Les Mis and planned lunch with my twins. I even offered to help her fold laundry." Miranda smiled softly as Jill chuckled. "I wish we had come here under different circumstances but I needed to be here with her. I couldn't let her come here and face this alone."
"And the press? Andy showed me today's Page Six but..." Jill stalled. "...my sister isn't a celebrity Miranda, she's just a regular person..."
"I don't want to change the amazing person who Andréa is Jill. I appreciate how hard dealing with the press can be, and I will do my utmost to protect her. The article today was favourable, which was surprising. Stephen's behaviour has assisted somewhat. My Andréa acted in self-defence against him. I hope he now gets the help he needs."
"That's very magnanimous of you. The divorce though..." Jill faltered. "...I don't mean to be nosy." She grinned shyly.
"The divorce will go ahead and my lawyers will ensure he walks away with only slightly more than what he entered the relationship with. He knows not to make things any more difficult, there are certain things even he wouldn't want to be made public. I accepted his request to keep the Porsche we purchased together, and he also has the Hummer I bought him for his 50th birthday,"
"You bought him a Hummer?" Jill grinned.
"Yes, Andréa has also expressed her interest in one, apparently it would act an extension of the penis she doesn't possess." Miranda smiled at the remembrance of the shock and amusement that statement caused as Jill burst into laughter. "And as for the Porsche, it was no real loss. Andréa organised an upgrade."
"So what you're saying is that you can just buy whatever you want, without having to save for it?" Seeing Miranda nod she whispered. "Wow." Jill was stunned.
"I worked hard for many years to ensure I am financially secure, not just for me but for my daughters. I wanted to give them the best life, most importantly the best education. Dalton is the best. I didn't always have money Jill, I understand what it's like to be hungry." Jill was amazed by Miranda's admission. "My investment broker is exceptional, a friend of my first husband James." Miranda tried to explain. "He has somehow tripled my net worth in the last five years alone. I can put you in touch if you wish."
"Thank you but no. I wouldn't know what to do with large sums of money. My trust fund is sat in my bank generating the usual interest and that's enough, Dad invested Andy's. From what I understand she will be pleasantly surprised at the return. He wanted her to hold enough to fall back on if she decided she wanted to change careers. He said it wasn't necessary for me, the law provides a stability that journalism may not." She sat back thoughtfully. "She's taking her time," Jill mumbled.
"Yes, she is, however that is not unusual when she has things to process. If she is not out in five minutes, I will go check on her." Miranda advised softly.
"You seem to understand her," Jill stated.
"It has been a steep learning curve. I imagined I knew her however she has a hidden depth I didn't quite account for when I eventually let myself face my feelings for her." Miranda smiled softly. "It is like I have known Andréa forever, it is like we met each other in countless other lives and yet it also feels like my soul travelled endlessly until it finally met hers. I am brave enough to say I never experienced the warmth that love can bring, not until I had my daughters and then once again when your sister stormed into my life."
"I recognise the importance of the connection you're speaking of," Jill replied sadly. "I was hoping I would find it, and then Nate..." She swallowed hard. "Regardless of what was said yesterday morning, I am not a slut and..."
Miranda cut her off. "You need not explain Jill, and I am sorry for what I said to you. I was intentionally cruel because Andréa was hurting."
"You're as protective of her as she is for you," Jill stated. "I'm glad she has people who have her back."
"Andréa is a phenomenal person. What I told you and your mom has been the truth. I didn't realise she had such a fierce protective streak until Friday evening, I saw it again on a couple of occasions on Saturday and then as you experienced yourself and saw last night. I had heard rumours in the past about her cutting people off as they insulted me but..." Miranda shook her head. "...in our industry, you take such rumours with a pinch of salt, most of the people in fashion are prone to hyperbole. I didn't realise that whatever she did was from more than a sense of loyalty."
"Well I read what happened Friday and last night but Saturday's events are still shrouded in mystery." Jill smiled.
"Oh, there's no mystery. The first instance of my Andréa wielding her protective streak was her offering to break a paparazzi's camera or nose depending on my preference. We were taking a leisurely walk through the park with Patricia." Miranda smiled at Jill's look of confusion. "Patricia is my St Bernard who refuses to listen to Andréa unless she speaks to her in French and who also has the tendency, from what I gather, to knock Andréa on her backside while offering very slobbery kisses."
Jillian laughed loudly. "Now, that I would like to see."
"Also on Saturday afternoon as I took Andréa home we exited the elevator in her apartment complex to find Nate there. He, unfortunately, made the mistake of barring our progress to her apartment and then shouted at me." Miranda pursed her lips, her displeasure clear.
'What he said must be bad for Andy to go feral on him." Jill said.
Miranda sat back and crossed her legs at the ankle. "He asked me what I'd done to her, telling me she wasn't the same person he fell in love with because she was so wrapped up in me and Runway. He then told us that being together is sick and wrong because of our age difference. Well, your sister stepped between us, told him to shut up and threatened to knock him on his, I will use her words, 'skinny ass'. He was understandably shocked when she reminded him of his knowledge of how protective she is of the things she loves."
"I can't imagine that went down well," Jill said.
Miranda thought about the look on Nate's eyes when Andy admitted her love. "He looked heartbroken...defeated. I was sad for him. His words were; 'She couldn't find it in herself to love me, care yes, but never love'. That's what's confusing me the most. If he loved her as much as he claims why didn't he celebrate her growth and offer his unyielding support as she navigated a stressful job? I used to hear her apologising to him, unnecessarily so. And the night of my gala, Emily was sick, so I also requested Andréa's presence, his actions that day left the impression his birthday celebrations were more important than her career." Miranda shook her head. "If it was me, I would move Heaven and Earth to rearrange the night. If he loved her as he claimed to why was he sleeping with Lillian? Why did he do what he did to you?" Miranda looked at Jill. "Did you tell him you were pregnant?" She asked softly. "As you are aware, he knew and broke the news to Andréa."
Jill shook her head. "No, I had no contact after that night, I told Lily hoping that she could get hold of Andy when I struggled. I didn't realise she had abandoned her for Nate. I imagined 20 years of love and friendship would mean something to her and that her loyalty would be to Andy."
Miranda looked angry. "That's how it should have been Jill. Unfortunately, Andréa lost all three for a time. Douglas, as you saw, came around. He knows his actions and behaviour were wrong and Andréa has forgiven him for his lapse of judgement. She has had Nigel and Serena in her corner, and unknowingly she had Emily too. Now if you'll excuse me a moment, I'll check on her." Miranda stood and made to walk towards the bedroom.
"I have one more question," Jill mumbled. Turning slightly Miranda saw Jill looking nervous. "Andy said the decision wouldn't just affect her, and she's right. As new as this relationship between you is if she wants a future with you she has to consider what you want. So I have to ask would you support her if her decision was to raise this child?"
"By support, I assume you mean would I stand by her?" Jill nodded quickly. "I will not willingly walk away from her, not now. I will stand by whatever decision she makes. If it is to take you up on your offer..." Miranda smiled. "...Well, I'm sure that my girls would be overjoyed. They spent many of their younger years asking for a sibling." She smiled. "I do not know what Andréa will do but she will give your request great consideration." She walked into the bedroom closing the door softly behind her.
Andy looked up from where she was sat on the bed wrapped in a towel. As she heard the door snick shut, she offered Miranda a weak smile.
Miranda shook her head as she saw the telltale trail marks caused by Andy's tears. Sitting by the brunette she wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close, tucking Andy's head in the crook of her neck.
"Talk to me, my darling," Miranda asked.
"I don't know if I can do this Miranda. I always wanted children but..." She faltered.
"I was fairly shocked to hear you wanted enough children to create your own ice-hockey team," Miranda spoke softly. "If I could grant you that wish I would my darling."
"You would?" Andy whispered. Feeling Miranda nod Andy snuggled in more. "I don't see how I could do this alone. I always assumed...Well I want a career and I raising a child at 25 wasn't part of the plans I had, but it may be my only chance." Miranda could feel Andy's tears splashing against her neck.
"You will not be alone Andréa," Miranda told her. "If you do this for Jill, then I will stand by your decision. I understand this relationship is in its early days however I have faith in this, in us. Given time we could naturally progress to..." She hesitated. "...Well, I can see us living together and being a real family."
Andy raised her head from its position on Miranda's shoulder. "What would you do Miranda?" She asked.
"If it was me?" Andy nodded. "I believe I would do it, however, there are certain things to consider. I understand you possess a lot of love to give any child, but this child could be a constant reminder of Nate, would you be prepared for that?"
"I...I don't know." Andy stuttered.
Miranda nodded her understanding. "If you are in any way unsure, then you shouldn't do this darling. Jill would understand." She whispered.
"Would she? I can't imagine I would in her shoes." Andy said.
"My advice, reflect on it more. I'm relatively sure Jill does not require an answer straight away." Miranda caught Andy's eyes and offered her a smile. "Now are you going to spend the afternoon distracting me with nothing but that towel or are you going to get dressed?"
"Well if someone hadn't 'borrowed' one of my favourite t-shirts..." Andy grinned widely. "...And don't think I don't know they're my Levi's you're wearing either." Miranda looked embarrassed.
"I didn't bring enough comfortable clothes," Miranda admitted hesitantly looking down. "And the t-shirt is so soft..."
"Well, tomorrow I think we should go shopping Andy Sachs style." Andy smiled and ran her thumb along Miranda's jaw causing her to lift her head. "I like the fact you are comfortable enough with me to help yourself sweetheart and I must admit I love that t-shirt on you. I want you to keep it."
"Really?" Miranda asked.
Andy licked her lips and nodded. "Yeah. I have a few more that I can fall back on. And that t-shirt, the way it falls off the one shoulder..." Andy swallowed her eyes sparkling with mischief. "...Well, it makes me think of stripping it off you and kissing every inch of the skin underneath."
Miranda's eyes darkened. "Hold that thought my darling..." She husked. "...We have a guest and need to prepare to vacate the room."
"Yes, Miranda." Andy grinned cheekily before bending and kissing the bare skin of the editor's shoulder. "I love you." She whispered.
"I love you too my darling." Miranda stood and walked to Andy's suitcase. Pulling out another pair of Levi's and a fitted t-shirt she smiled and threw them at the brunette. "Now get dressed darling. We have things to do."
Andy caught the clothes and grinned.
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Within the hour they had packed everything up from the Cincinnatian and pulling the car around Andy was placing their luggage in the trunk of her Spider.
Jill looked at her sister. "You know I didn't expect this?" She said.
"It will be good for us all to spend time together. Plus we still have to sort the arrangements out. The coroner's report should be ready soon and dad's body released shortly after. You and mom shouldn't have to deal with that alone. And I don't think mom will be on her feet for a while. Not with the broken wrist and thigh...it's a shame the damage is all the right side."
"The P.T was there this morning. They had her on her feet using a walker. She was swearing like a drunken sailor." Jill smiled. "The titanium rod allows Mom to weight bear with the help of the walker or crutches, it was a clean break but it could take up to six months for her to be back to her usual self."
"Knowing mom she'll be running around again in half the time," Andy said.
"Where's Miranda?" Jill asked.
"She's on the phone to Human Resources at Elias Clarke," Andy admitted looking down. "She's telling them about us, she has to."
"Well here she comes, and she looks less than amused," Jill told her.
Andy looked up and saw the Dragon was out in full force. As she reached Andy, she looked at the brunette and handed her the cell. "Can you please make this imbecile see that the relationship is, in fact, consensual and that as my employee I have not coerced you into this relationship with the promise of a promotion or committed any acts that could be deemed as sexual harassment." Miranda seethed. Andy nodded and handed Miranda the car keys and slipped into the passenger side as she placed the call on speaker and Jill climbed into her own car and set off.
"Hi, this is Andy Sachs."
Hi Andy, this is Sherri. How are you?" A chirpy voice said.
"Well, you know, I've obviously been better." Andy dead-panned.
"Oh yes, how silly of me." Sherri stuttered nervously. "So I have had Miranda explain about the new relationship you have entered, and although there's nothing in either of your contracts against forming personal relationships within the workplace there are certain things I have to cover. So..." She trailed off. "...We have seen it where junior-senior relationships in the office can hurt morale and even harm the company, There have been situations where the people involved forget their professionalism, do you think it may be a problem?"
Andy snorted. "You have met Miranda right?" Her tone of disbelief made Miranda smirk as she followed Jill through the Cincinnati traffic. "If you think Miranda could put our relationship before her position within Runway you are mistaken. She has given Runway almost 25 years of her life. So far I've had the weekend."
"Oh well...yes. We have seen where relationships like yours can lead to claims of favouritism or cause other co-workers to become uncomfortable and create a hostile work environment. What are your thoughts about that?"
"Emily Charlton, Nigel Kipling and Serena Oliveira already know of the relationship. Nigel spent a day in Cincinnati with us this weekend, helping myself my sister and my mother in our grief, before returning to New York this morning. Anyone else who could claim favouritism would be sadly mistaken. Miranda will tell you their incompetence is already known to be legendary." Andy shook her head. "Look, Sherri, is this necessary? As you may realise, this is not a good time."
"I have a few more points to note," Sherri admitted nervously. "Um, well, if things don't work out for you, and Miranda provided a poor performance review it would make claims of sexual harassment and retaliation a possibility. What would your actions be in this instance?"
"I would tender my resignation with immediate effect, no claims of harassment, no claims of Miranda acting in retaliation," Andy explained causing Miranda to gasp.
"We are putting policies in place, we want you to be assured you should not feel coerced into dating your boss, you will be protected if you wish to end the relationship. We could look at implementing a 'love contract'." Sherri breathed.
"You have got to be kidding me?" Andy hissed. "You think Miranda has pressured me into a relationship, have you seen her compared to me? My God, she could snap her fingers and have anyone she wanted."
"Well, I'll explain these 'love contracts' in more detail. The contracts show that the employees are voluntarily engaging in a romantic relationship, that the relationship will not affect the workplace, and that the participants know of the employer's sexual harassment policies." Sherri said. "The main purpose of the 'love contract' is to limit employer liability in the event that the romantic relationship ends." She explained. "As part of the contract, both employees agree that should their relationship end there will be no work-related retaliation and they will not sue the employer for sexual harassment. The love contract will also set forth guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable romantic behaviour in the workplace."
"I think I know what's appropriate behaviour for the workplace," Andy said, getting frustrated. "No public displays of affection around the office or at company events, they can make others uncomfortable and make you appear unprofessional," Andy stated. "Honestly Sherri, if this was a fling do you think Miranda would have reported it to you? As the person in the senior position, Miranda has done the right thing in telling you about this hoping this will become a long-term relationship. My role as her assistant does not affect this, in fact, it's not like I can influence her business decisions." Andy explained. "I have seen a year out as her second assistant, I hope to see out another year and be able to move into editorial, in the meantime I will do my job, as I always do, to the best of my abilities."
"Thank you for speaking with me Andy. We'll also be speaking with Irv about this." Sherri advised.
"Tell him I hope he enjoyed his whiskey," Andy smirked and disconnected the call. "Stupid woman. A love contract, really?"
Miranda looked at her hesitantly as they pulled up at a red light. "Would you sign it?"
"Yea, I'd sign anything to keep your position safe," Andy told her softly.
Miranda rested her hand on Andy's knee as she coasted behind Jill on their way back to Andy's childhood home.
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