Silence surrounded them again. The seconds passed and all Miranda could do was look at the woman across form her. Worrying. Waiting. Hoping.
Andrea's skin went pale, her breathing more irregular and her pupils dilated. Miranda wished it to be for some other reason, but she recognized the signs for what they were: fear. Miranda extended her hand, to try to ground the girl. "Andrea-"
"No." The girl jumped up from her chair, looking anywhere but Miranda. "I need to… You can… I…"
"Do you want to take a walk?" Miranda saw the signs of distress.
"No, just don't… I… Yes." Andrea nodded absentmindedly, not at Miranda, but rather because of her own thoughts. She walked out of the room and Miranda watched her, hesitant. It broke her heart to see Andrea in such a state, to not have had her feelings returned and to not know how to help. She wasn't the overly emotional type, but this was an emotional situation. She was a little overwhelmed too.
When Andrea walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind her, Miranda didn't really know what to do, but she most certainly wouldn't leave. They needed to talk about this, but before she could even think of anything to do or say, Andrea returned. Her expression had sobered, but Miranda wasn't sure that was necessarily a good change. The girl looked at her, cracked her neck and composed herself. There was no anger in her eyes, that was something at least. "I need to get some air."
Still unsure of what to do or say, Miranda decided a nod would suffice. For now. Walking was a good idea.
They walked in silence, Miranda walked right besides Andrea, but followed her lead. She didn't know where the girl was headed or if she was headed anywhere for that matter, but she kept her mouth shut. She knew a fight or flight response was triggered in Andrea when she told her that she loved her, and she was just glad that it was flight instead of fight. It dawned on her that it was always flight with Andrea. In Paris, in New York and now in London.
After a while, to Mirandas surprise, Andrea led them into a café. She had expected a bar or something similar, but she was glad that Andrea didn't want to get any more intoxicated. Although the adrenaline had likely flushed all the symptoms of alcohol from them.
The girl chose a table in the furthest corner of the café. It was dimly lit and the booths were somewhat secluded, feigning privacy. She then ordered a coffee for herself and a piece of lemon cake, she also gave the waitress Mirandas coffee order and then the waitress turned to Miranda and asked if she wanted something to eat as well at which she shook her head to decline. It was good to hear her voice, it didn't sound angry or agitated anymore and Miranda felt a little relief, but the imminent conversation gave her pause.
"I need to know…" Andrea trailed off, but Miranda was without doubt what the girl was asking.
"I… I love you, Andrea." Surprisingly easy to say it now. It actually even felt good to say it. A smile slowly grew on Mirandas face. "I have been in love with you for a while."
"I don't understand." She looked so lost and confused and Miranda wished she could comfort her somehow, but she didn't know how to answer the girl's questions. Nothing felt like it was right or enough.
"Neither do I." Their order was served, and Andrea ate most of her cake before she looked up again at Miranda.
Andrea grew tired of this conversation. "Why are you telling me now?"
"I don't know. I…"
"What were your expectations for this-" she just waved her hands between them. "encounter?"
"None." Even though Andrea didn't like the answer it was the truth. Miranda hadn't made any kind of plan or thought too much about it, she just needed to tell the girl.
"You must have- You didn't come here without a plan. What do you expect to happen now?"
"Andrea, I had no expectations or plan whatsoever. I had hoped for a little less resentment or rejection, but I understand that this must be… overwhelming." She couldn't read Andreas face at that, but the girl didn't give her a chance to wonder.
"Overwhelming? Miranda, I just started a job 3000 miles away. On another continent! How do you expect this to work?"
"I told you, I had no-"
"Yes, you had no expectations, I get it. But I don't understand Miranda! I left in Paris because I couldn't bear being near you-" That stung. "Then you ignore me in New York until you suddenly don't anymore and reappear into my life after months! Then we form some sort of friendship until you ignore me again, just to follow me halfway around the world and tell me you love me?"
"Halfway around the world would be somewhere close to Australia."
Andrea let out a frustrated chuckle, folded her hands in front of her face and spoke a few seconds later. "Are you serious right now?" She tried to not sound angry, to suppress it, but a hint of anger was still in her voice.
"I'm sorry. I don't know why I said that."
"I need you to help me understand this." Pointing back and forth between them again. "What do you want?"
"I-" Miranda looked down at her hands, considering what she wanted to say. "I don't know Andrea." The frustration growing withing Andrea couldn't be ignored. "But I do know how I feel about you."
"And I had to move to London for you to realize this?" her voice was softer again.
"No. I had realized this a while ago. I was… scared. To admit it, well, to myself and to you. I just know I love you." Easier every time…
"I wish you would've told me sooner." She finished her cake and coffee. "I signed a contract here, Miranda." Miranda saw the girl's eyes moving rapidly, before directly staring at her again. She came to some kind of conclusion "We should go home." We? Home? "Your house if you want, or my place. Whichever you prefer."
"Yours."
Andrea got up, went to pay for their order. She turned to Miranda for her to join her. They left the café and Andrea called a taxi for them with a quick call. Standing next to each other, Miranda couldn't help herself but feel a bit awkward. But then Andrea extended her hand with a smile on her face, and before Miranda really understood what was happening, she took Miranda's hand in hers. Speechless she let herself be led up the street where the taxi had arrived at the same time as them. Somehow, Miranda didn't remember exactly, they'd gotten to Andrea's home and went inside. All she remembered was Andrea's hand. It was soft, slender fingers and a little cool to the touch, not that she minded, she just noticed. She also noticed how Andrea had let it go to get in the car, took it again in the car and the same procedure when they left the car. She didn't let go of it again until they stood in her apartment.
When Andrea closed the door after guiding Miranda in, she looked at her. Miranda was still confused and didn't understand anything anymore, but the girl was braver than she had expected. Andrea pulled her closer and when Miranda hesitated right before their bodies would touch, she pulled a little more, dropped Mirandas hand and instead put it on her lower back, slightly pushing them together even more. With her other hand she stroked Mirandas cheek before she cupped it. The cool touch send a wave of goosebumps down Mirandas body. But maybe it wasn't the coolness but rather the touch in itself? Either way, Mirandas breathing hitched and she couldn't grasp what was happening until the girl leaned in and pressed their lips together. Her lips were smooth and warm and a little moist and Miranda loved it. She had closed her eyes as soon as it happened and quickly grew hungry for them to intensify this experience. She wanted to feel more. Needed to feel more. Andrea hadn't said she returned her feelings and if this was the only thing she got, the only chance she had, she would damn well take as much she could. She parted her lips, hoping Andrea would follow. Her heart was racing, if she weren't that incapsulated in the moment and the sensation, she might've believed she was about to have a heart attack. Andrea parted her lips and their tongues touched and moved in sync, neither fighting for dominance, that's when Miranda realized she didn't want this to end. Ever. But they pulled apart and Miranda gasped, probably for oxygen but it felt like she lost something too. She already missed Andreas lips on hers and when she looked up at the girl, into her eyes, she was that the girl was just as thrilled about what had happened as she was. These brown eyes on her, with so much emotion in them, it was almost too intense.
Miranda wanted to say something, do something, anything really, but nothing came to mind. Nothing eloquent enough for this moment. It didn't matter, because Andrea glided her hand down Mirandas body until she had a hold of the editor's hand again. A warm smile spread her face and she pulled Miranda. "Come." It was a whisper, barely audible. It wasn't explicit and at the same time it was. Still unable to make a coherent thought, Miranda followed the younger woman, who pulled her into her bedroom.
Andrea pushed her down on the bed and straddled Miranda, who could barely believe what was happening. She suddenly got nervous, but Andrea kissed her again, more eager, merciless, and Miranda forgot. When Miranda broke the kiss to breathe, Andy just kissed her chin, her ears, her throat, anything that she could reach and at one point Miranda was being pushed down on the bed, but Andrea kept going until she suddenly stopped. They looked at each other, both flushed, both panting and Miranda looked into the young woman's eyes, and they were black, the beautiful brown color gone and replaced with lust, but she also saw reluctance on her face. Andrea gulped and then spoke.
Her voice was husky and more of a whisper than anything else. "You don't know how long I've been waiting for this." She kissed her jawline. Waiting? "How many times I've dreamed of this." Her kisses trailed along her throat, to the sensitive spot close to her ear and down her throat. "How much I want this." She wanted this too. Along her collarbone to the middle of her chest and down between her breasts. She knew she was breathing heavily from excitement but also from fear, but as it turns out she didn't have to worry. "But-" Nooo, no but, please. Miranda groaned at which Andrea smiled at her. "I don't want to sleep with you." Although it was somewhat of a mood killer, Miranda wasn't nearly as turned off off as she would have been if one of her husbands, or anyone else for that matter, had said that to her. She didn't feel rejected. The girl hadn't gotten up from her, from the bed and left, she was still on top of Miranda and still looking at her with so much lust it was almost incomprehensible for Miranda. She didn't want to worry about what the girl might see in her, she rather wonder what this means for them. Not worry about it, but wonder. Hope.
Andrea laid half on top of and half next to Miranda, leaning on her and one leg dragger over and placed between Mirandas. She whispered in her ear. "Why are you crying?" And Miranda hadn't realized she was, but she quickly wiped her face and looked surprised at her hand when she noticed the moisture. "Are you worried because I don't want to sleep with you?" Miranda just swallowed, which wasn't an easy task as she felt a lump in her throat. "Do you want me to get you some water?" She shook her head only thinking please don't leave. "You have to talk to me." Why was it that Andrea, the jittery, antsy Andrea, was so confident, while she was a complete mess? Since she hadn't received an answer, she propped herself up on her elbow and looked down at Miranda, concern in her eyes. "Just nod or shake your head, okay?" Miranda nodded. "Okay. Do you not want this?" Shake. "Are you worried?" Shake. "Are you sad?" Nothing. "Okay… getting closer." She leaned in and kissed Miranda by her ear again and a small gasp escaped her mouth. "Do you want me to stop?" Shake. "So, you want me to continue?" Nod. "You're worried why I won't sleep with you tonight." Nothing. It wasn't really a question anyway. "I see."
She looked down Mirandas body and started tracing a finger along. Beginning at her throat, past her pulse point, down the collarbone, between the gape of her breast, along the underwire of Mirandas bra and back and then down the middle of her stomach. She didn't stop when she reached the pants and continued until she passed the zipper, that's where she stopped. And the whole time Miranda could hear herself gasping and holding her breath and almost moaning even.
"It's not that I don't want to." Oh god, she wants it. "But not tonight. I don't want you to regret anything." Why would she regret it? "I want to savor the moment and make it memorable for both of us." Wha-? "You shouldn't be so anxious about it." How could she not be anxious? "I want you to be comfortable."
Apparently, Andrea realized Miranda was still too focused on what just happened. She changed the subject. Somewhat anyway. "How long are you staying?"
After taking a few more breaths and finally being able to face Andrea again Miranda answered. "One week-" she cleared her throat; she hadn't expected her voice to crack. "Maybe two."
"So, plenty of time. I have to work tomorrow and the day after, but I'm off on the weekend and we'll just see how it goes okay?" Miranda just nodded, not trusting her voice. "Would you like to stay the night?" Another nod. "Do you want to take a shower first or should I?"
"You go first." She didn't think it was a good idea to get up now, her legs felt numb, and she was entirely too dazed.
Andrea didn't take long and when she stepped out of the bathroom in nothing, but a pair of panties and a far too short tank top Miranda's face flushed but she didn't stop looking at her, appreciating her slender figure, her long legs, pale and smooth skin. "It's kinda cold." The girl hurried over to her, held her face and kissed her, before she walked to the wardrobe and grabbed some clothes. When she reached up for something Miranda realized the girl was well defined, from her shoulders all the way down her back and even her butt. Before Andrea could catch her staring, she quickly turned away. She handed Miranda a few items and told her that towels were in the cabinet in the bathroom and sent her off. Goosebumps were covering her, and she could see the girl was cold because of her, well, she could clearly see it. But she looked up and went to the bathroom.
After a quick but hot, very hot, shower she was left with the task to decide what to wear, she went through the options the girl had provided. There was a pair of boxershorts, a pair of leggings and a pair of sweatpants. No way am I going to wear that. She didn't really feel comfortable wearing pants anyway, since she had taken her panties off and knew without a doubt, she could not put them back on, they were, well, no good anymore. She checked the other items, there was a tank top like Andrea had put on as well, but that wouldn't do, she didn't want Andrea to see how cold or excited she was, just like she could see on the girl. There was also a sweatshirt, what's with all these sweats? And a far too big Yankees jersey. She settled on the leggings and the sweatshirt and returned to the bedroom feeling less dressed than she actually was and a little self-conscious. The feeling vanished though when she saw Andrea. The girl was sitting in the middle of the bed with her blanked wrapped around her body and over her head. She laughed, it felt easy enough and Andrea smiled at her.
"I'm cold! What took you so long anyway?"
"Let's just say your taste in… sleeping garments, is, well, it's not what I'm accustomed to."
"You look fine to me."
"Thank you." While blushing she shifted a little, uncertain of how to proceed. But Andrea smiled smugly.
"You know, I won't bite you."
"Brazen." But it worked, Miranda sat down on the bed and let Andrea put the blanket around her and the next moment they were lying. Andrea was in a similar position as before, her leg over one of Mirandas, but one arm over Mirandas head and the other hand resting on her abdomen, while her face was buried between her shoulder and head. Miranda felt every breath of the girl, the soft and warm air brushing against her skin. It was quite comfortable and blissful sleep took over them.
Miranda woke up, disoriented for a few seconds, until she took in her surroundings. She was in London, at Andreas place, in her bed. She had confessed and, well Andrea didn't reply to her confession, but she responded physically. With her fingertip Miranda brushed over her lips, hazily remembering the events of the previous day. Andrea wasn't in bed with her anymore and she missed her already, the warmth, the closeness, the touch. But dwelling on it wouldn't do any good, so Miranda got up and went to the bathroom.
When she exited the bathroom she smelled food and realized just how hungry she was and walked into the kitchen. The hardwood floor was cold, and she tiptoed around. "Good morning." She flushed at the sight of the girl, she got a good look at her, when she reached for something in the upper cabinets, only wearing panties and a tank top.
"Good morning to you too." So chipper already. What time is it anyway? "I made breakfast."
"I can tell." It was only 6:40 something, she saw it on the stove behind Andrea.
"How'd you sleep?"
"Quite…" Fantastic? Best sleep I ever had? I don't know how I'll ever sleep without you again? Why aren't we still in bed? "Well."
Andrea had already sat down and placed the newspaper on the table. Miranda joined her at the table, taking in what Andrea had actually prepared for them. Toast, scrambled eggs, some cut up fruit and tea. With lemon in it. And Miranda couldn't stop herself from smiling. She doesn't remember when someone's done something nice like that for her. Of course, her daughters for Mother's Day and her Birthday. But someone that she didn't birth? Well, that was a while ago anyway.
"Any plans for today?" Andrea asked, while gesturing at the newspaper, asking whether it was okay for her to take a look at which Miranda nodded.
"No."
"Okay." The girl didn't really read the news, just skimmed over the headlines. "You know there's not much for me to do today, I'll probably be out of the office before noon, I have to cover an event tonight. We could go sightseeing or something."
Sightseeing? Really? Well… "Okay."
"Great." They ate their breakfast and Andrea handed her the social event section of the newspaper, knowing full well that Miranda wouldn't care about the local politics or sports section.
When Andrea was done, she put her plate and mug in the sink and headed for the bedroom, she emersed fully dressed just a few minutes later. "I'm gonna head out now." She kissed her on the cheek. "You can stay if you want, I have a set of spare keys on the cabinet next to the door."
"Andrea…" The girl was turning away, but Miranda grabbed her hand.
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Another kiss, but this time on her lips and it sent sparks through her body again, although it was just a simple kiss. It still felt like the world to her. "See you in a bit."
Miranda finished her breakfast, rather slowly to be honest, because she savored every piece of it. Two reasons, first, she was really hungry and the second, Andrea had prepared breakfast. For her. For them. Together.
She resumed the things that have happened since she arrived. It was all a little much, overwhelming, and still not enough. It was too early for her to do anything really so she grabbed her purse and went back to the bedroom, feeling a little like an intruder now that Andrea wasn't there, but Andrea surely wouldn't mind after she already slept in there.
Lying down with her phone she inhaled the smell, it smelled so much like Andrea, but her perfume lingered in there too and she loved the combination and she wrapped herself up in the blanked. Just in case, she checked her phone and found too many notifications. The first she read was her daughters, hoping nothing had happened. Cassidy had texted her several times, telling her about school, their activities and whereabouts. Miranda smiled at that, Cassidy knew she always wanted to know as much as possible of their life's and as much as they were willing to share. She replied, telling her daughter to enjoy her time with their father and the usual stuff, pay attention in school and behave yourself. Caroline on the other hand just asked one question and Miranda didn't really know how to answer. She read over it a couple times, hoping the answer would reveal itself.
C: What did she say?
Yea, what did she say. She said nothing, then she said some angry things, some hurtful things and then she didn't say anything anymore but did something and they shared a bed and she prepared breakfast for her.
Caroline wanted Andrea to come back to New York and the girl hadn't really said much about the matter. Miranda hadn't asked if she would move back to the states or anything like that. Come to think of it, she was endlessly grateful her feelings weren't completely rejected, although not completely returned either, she wasn't sure how they would work this newly established relationship they were in out. Were they in a relationship? She hoped they were, but Andrea hadn't spoken much about her feeling. She admitted that she had been waiting for this, dreamed, and wanted this, but what exactly involved this? Kissing her? More physical activities? Love? A relationship? There were some darker things that came up in her mind, but she quickly shook those thoughts away. Andrea surely wouldn't want to do anything to hurt Miranda in any way.
Opting for the truth, at least parts of it, she texted her daughter.
M: We talked a little. I told her, she hasn't responded yet, but she's off to work at the moment. We will see each other when she returns and probably talk some more. I'll keep you informed. I love you. Be kind to your father and enjoy your time.
Moving on to the rest of her messages, there were some from Emily, other work-related messages, and Nigel.
Emily, the loyal employee she was, informed her of all proceedings at work and even commended Nigel. She read through other messages, nothing important until she went to Nigel's messages, already dreading the contents.
N: Hope your flight was alright, everything's running smoothly here, so don't worry about it and instead take care of your business with Six
N: Let me know how it went
N: I just checked your flight, it landed, so I assume you arrived safely
N: Seriously Miranda, this is not even funny
N: At least Six had the sense and told me you arrived!
N: Tell me how it went
N: Are you effin me? It's been like at least six hours, call me.
N: Unless you're like entangled in something.. someone… you know, then call me afterwards
N: There's no way either of you have enough stamina for it to take this long Miranda
N: Call me ASAP
Considering her options, which were ignoring Nigel and receiving a relentless number of messages for the duration of her stay, replying to his text and calling him she chose to call. Ignoring him would be annoying, if she replied to his messages, he would just call her, so she dialed his number. It was around 2am in New York, but he had asked her to call, right? Told her to call, even. Hopefully that would shorten the conversation.
"Good gracious! At last, a call. How is it that I'm blessed to have this honor bestowed on me?" Miranda didn't reply, already regretting her decision to make the call. Why wasn't he sleeping anyway. "Tell me what happened?" Since Miranda made no attempt to tell him anything he sighed and continued. "Oh come on. Six won't mind."
"Fine. It went okay."
Knowing his friend, he knew there was more. "Just okay?" Miranda didn't miss his tone but didn't want to give him the satisfaction. Not right away anyway.
"Just okay."
"Is that all you're gonna tell me?"
"It appears so."
"Miranda." She rolled her eyes, sadly he couldn't see it. "Have you told her?"
"As a matter of fact, I have."
"What did she say?" So eager to find out. Interesting.
"Nothing." Knowing full well she had to explain it further or he would never let go, she went on, "For a while, then she freaked out, followed by anger."
"No way that's all that happened, I know my Six." My Six? Since when was she his? She wasn't anybody's and if she were… Miranda hoped she would be the one calling Andrea hers, but she wasn't sure what the girl felt.
"If you know your Andrea so well, tell me, what did you expect to happen?"
"Oh, wait I got the perfect answer for this." She just heard him moving around and then he started a song and Mirandas jaw dropped, not believing what he just did. The song was from the 90's and he skipped it ahead until the lyrics You can touch, You can play, If you say, I'm always yours started playing.
"I'll hang up now."
„Oh no, wait." He quickly turned off the music. „But seriously Miranda, what happened?"
She took a deep breath, inhaling the scent surrounding her again, snuggled up in bed and started telling him. She left out some details, but basically told him everything that had happened, and Nigel was a good friend and listener.
He commented on some things like Fight or flight, huh?, she did not!, you did not!, sightseeing?, until she finished.
When she was finished there was a moment of silence. Of course, she hadn't gone into too much detail about certain aspects, but she told him the basics anyway. "Hmm."
"What hmm?"
"I expected something else."
Something else? She took a deep breath, a little annoyed at her friend. "Do tell." It came out harsher than she meant it, but this conversation as tiring.
"I don't know, I thought she would say it back." I hoped so too, but Miranda didn't voice it. "Well. Anyway, do you know where you want to go for your sightseeing?" Stressing on the sightseeing with a sing-song voice. She had never been the sightseeing type, Nigel knew.
"No."
"Well, I'd recommend the inside of a hotel room, but since you both have places to stay at, that's kinda pointless."
He laughed and Miranda gasped and warned him. "Nigel."
"There's nothing romantic to do in London!"
"Don't I know it." She'd been in this city many times; she owned a house here. One of her husband's once tried to have a romantic getaway in London too, but it didn't work out as he had hoped. Anyway, it's not like she didn't like the city, but she never considered it to be romantic.
"Maybe just go for lunch or something instead?"
"Let's just wait for her to come back home."
"I'm sure you'll figure something out. Keep me updated, will you?" They finished the call, said their goodbyes and Miranda was not sure how to feel about the conversation.
He expected Andrea to return her declaration, she had hoped for it too, but why did he expect it? There were many reasons why Andrea wouldn't say it back. She didn't feel the same way. She was scared for either her or Miranda, about the consequences for them, the media's reaction. Either of their reputations or careers. What people would say behind their backs, how friends and family would react. Being with a woman in general. Being with Miranda. The list was long and the more time she invested into the matter, the longer it grew.
Not wanting to go down this road anymore she got up from the bed and went to Andrea's wardrobe. Of course, she hesitated for a moment, but quickly shrugged the feeling off and opened it. Miranda wanted to see how Andrea's wardrobe has changed, what the girl was wearing in her personal time and if there were any remainders from her time at Runway. She approved. Out of boredom Miranda went to the living room to do the same with Andrea's books and CDs. It was a diverse collection, some of the books she found she recognized, having read them herself or having been gifted them, some sounded interesting, and she wondered if she should borrow them, and some were a complete mystery to her. Why Andrea read those, she couldn't fathom. But it showed that she was curious about many topics. It was basically the same for the girls taste in music, but she found a track she enjoyed herself and popped the CD in Andrea's CD player.
After Miranda cleaned up the kitchen while listening to music, she didn't know what else to do or when Andrea would actually return. She also didn't have the girls phone number anymore, so calling was not an option either and besides, she didn't want to be a clingy stereotype.
She turned off the music and settled on watching some TV and even dozed off to it after a while.
Andrea had a far more stressful time. It was hard to concentrate on work, knowing Miranda was in her flat, doing God knows what. Maybe she shouldn't have left her there alone? But she could trust Miranda, right? Whenever she thought of the previous day, she felt tingly and flushed. She was asked about it, which didn't make it any better, but she just told her coworkers that she had an unexpected visitor from the States. What was she supposed to say? A friend? It felt like more than that. Girlfriend? They hadn't really had the chance to talk about it. She definitely couldn't tell that Miranda Priestly was visiting her, they would recognize the name and she and Miranda also hadn't talked about those kinds of specifics about their… relationship yet. It was all a little confusing at the moment.
Luckily, she didn't have to stay too long, just check in on her mails, some revisions of her articles that had been reviewed and finalize them before handed them in. After that she discussed the schedule for the evening and was off.
The closer to her apartment she got, the more nervous she got. Hoping Miranda was still there, but not feeling prepared for it either. As it turns out, she needn't have worried about it, because when she got inside, she greeted Miranda, but didn't get a response. After taking off her jacket and putting her purse away she checked the living room, because she had heard the TV, and found Miranda asleep on her couch. Andrea tip-toed to the bedroom, got a blanket and carefully placed it over Miranda.
Andrea looked at the woman on her couch. Really looked at her.
Her face was a work of art, with delicate features that seemed to radiate beauty. She couldn't help but feel a warmth in her chest as she looked at her, drinking in the sight of her radiant face. Every time Andrea looked at her, she felt like she was seeing her for the first time, and she couldn't get enough. She was truly ageless, with a timeless beauty that left her breathless. Andrea knew, without a doubt, that she was in love with that woman sleeping on her couch.
"I love you too Miranda." It was just a whisper and Miranda couldn't have heard her, it still felt amazing to say it, she couldn't help herself from blushing and smiling. Andrea then kissed her on the forehead to gently wake her up and it worked.
"Hello there, sleepy head."
"Hey." Miranda smiled at her, looking sleepy, but she scooted over on the couch and made space for Andrea to join her. "What time is it?"
"Ah, maybe like 11.30 or something?" Miranda couldn't stop a yawn from escaping. "Are you tired? You could go to bed?"
"No, no. I'm fine." She cleared her throat and sat up straighter and Andrea grabbed her hand. Miranda was stunned about it, it seemed to come easy to Andrea to initiate physical contact.
"Alright then. I was thinking, you've been to London many times, you've probably seen all the sightseeings, haven't you?"
"Not all of them, I suppose there's always something new."
Andrea nodded absentmindedly. "Hmm."
"We can still go if you want?"
"Well, I've seen the big ones too." They sat in silence for a while. Andrea was making patterns with her finger in Mirandas palm, which Miranda liked. "We do have to go out at some point."
"Why?" It probably came out too fast, Miranda noticed this too, but even if she hadn't, Andrea looked at her and the smirk she gave her made it quite clear.
"I did some grocery shopping, but I doubt you'll want to eat what I have to offer." And before Miranda had to ask, Andrea elaborated. "It's mostly ramen noodles and other instant food. Sure, there are some veggies, but nothing I could cook a decent meal with. Not that I can cook like you in the first place."
"In that case, we can go to the market and restock your fridge with edible items." Mirandas tone was teasing, and Andrea teased right back. Andrea countered by straddling Miranda, grabbing her other hand as well und pushing them between Mirandas back and the couch. It left them both unable to move their hands ad Andreas were holding Mirandas in place and their faces were quite close. It happened a lot faster than Miranda could react, especially because she hadn't expected it at all.
Andrea leaned even closer in and whispered in Mirandas ear. "That's not nice of you to say." She then flickered her tongue along Mirandas ear, to which the editor gulped.
"I-" Struggling to make up a coherent thought Miranda started to stammer, which she never does.
Apparently, Andrea enjoyed her in such a state because she didn't stop, instead she continued and still whispered in Mirandas ear. "Yes?" The girl even drew out the s at the end.
"I'm sorry?"
"Miranda. Are you asking or telling?" What was even happening right now? What happened that put Andrea in such a power position and since when was Andrea even this confident? But Miranda didn't mind it too much.
"I'm sorry."
"Much better." She grinned at Miranda and let go of her hands, cupped her face, and gave her a quick kiss. "But you're probably right." Then Andrea got off her lap and stood up, leaving Miranda somewhat stunned and frustrated. "But maybe, and I know you don't do such a trivial thing, but maybe we have to go shopping first. Unless you want to walk around in my clothes."
"Certainly not."
"Hey, don't start again." Andrea had raised an eyebrow in a scolding way and Mirandas heartbeat shot up right away. "But yea, we will have to go buy you some stuff." Miranda rolled her eyes at that which Andrea chose to ignore.
"I have clothes, I just have to go to my place an get changed."
"Alright then, I suppose you try your best with my wardrobe for now until we can reach you place." Miranda extended her hand towards Andreas when the girl turned to the bedroom, but quickly changed her mind. It didn't go unnoticed, but neither woman said anything about it. "You coming?"
They went to Andrea's wardrobe, which was amusing to Andrea but for Miranda it was dreadful. She didn't only wear couture, but half of the girl's clothes weren't even branded, and the style was, well, quite different from Mirandas to say the least. Eventually though Miranda just settles on a simple blouse and black jeans. Out of courtesy Andrea started to remove herself from the bedroom. "Andrea."
"Yes?"
Miranda took a deep breath and composed herself. Eventually she would have to get more comfortable around the girl. "You may stay, if you'd like."
The surprise on Andrea's face was evident, but she didn't say anything, instead she returned to the bed and sat back down. "Do you want me to, like, I dunno, watch?"
"You may do whatever pleases you."
"Oh my, thank you very much." They exchanged a glance through the mirror on the wardrobe and Miranda could tell the girl was teasing her and trying to relax the editor. Miranda shook her head with a smile on her lips and removed the borrowed sweatshirt and was relieved that she had the mind to put on her bra earlier that day. Miranda didn't struggle with her body, she had always prided herself with it, but having someone so much younger and fitter watch her undress made her feel awkward. The girl didn't stare though, and Miranda was grateful for it. They made eye contact again and Andrea smiled at her, it was a lovely smile, full of adoration and Miranda wasn't sure which was more uncomfortable, so she quickly looked away. Miranda put on the blouse she had chosen and buttoned it up when she realized something. She blushed when she buttoned it up which Andrea noticed and instead of saying anything about it, Andrea just rolled over on her back and therefore stopped looking at Miranda.
Miranda then quickly took off the sweatpants she borrowed and got into the jeans. She would have to buy a new pair of both for Andrea.
"Are you-?" Andrea sounded shocked and Miranda quickly turned around. "You're not wearing any-?"
"It thought you turned away?"
"Well, yes but you said I may do whatever pleases me, didn't you?" Andrea got up from the bed and walked up to Miranda, who stepped back and backed herself up against the wall. They were really close to each other again, Andrea held her by her waist, kissed her and leaned in to whisper to Miranda. "But you know what I mean, don't you?" Miranda didn't answer, too occupied with her current situation. How did she end up like this again? "So, are you or are you not?" Since there was no answer forthcoming, Andrea decided to explore it for herself. She let her hands roam slowly down and eventually landed on Mirandas lower back, right about the jeans' hemline.
It took all of Mirandas willpower to not make any unappropriated sounds, but when Andrea was about to wander even further down, she stopped her. "I'm not, so please stop this teasing, it will make it even more uncomfortable than it already is."
Andrea had already let go of Miranda and just looked her up and down now. "Interesting."
"Can we just skip this conversation for now?"
"I think its brazen." Andrea cupped Mirandas face and kissed her again, this time she lingered a little longer, then smiled at Miranda. "I'll call us a cab."
Miranda nodded and when Andrea left the bedroom, she gave herself a once-over. This semi casual look looked good on her, although she wasn't going to dress like this for any work-related situation.
The cab arrived rather quickly and luckily for Miranda there were no more tense moments in the meantime. She gave the driver the address once they've both entered the cab and they stayed silent for the ride to her townhouse. The driver got paid and they walked up the stairs to Mirandas house.
Before they went inside Andrea commented on it. "It's a lovely house." Lovely? Miranda offered a small tour, but Andrea declined. "You wanted to change." They went upstairs and before Miranda headed for her bedroom, she hesitated for a short moment but decided to ignore her self-consciousness for now and stepped inside with Andrea.
It took a while, but eventually Miranda had settled on an outfit for the day when Andrea absentmindedly mentioned something which made her freeze for a short moment. "If you want to stay at my place, maybe you should bring something." Luckily Andrea was busy looking through her closets as well and didn't notice, but apparently it took Miranda too long to regain her composure, so Andrea looked questioningly around the closet-door at Miranda. "I don't want to impose anything. We can stay here if you want. Or we stay separate. Whatever you like." Her ramblings amused Miranda, she relaxed and smiled at Andrea. "I mean, we haven't really talked about… You know… okay." She'd noticed her ramblings too and started to get embarrassed so she closed her eyes, took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. "What I'm trying to say is, we haven't talked about us. Where this is heading." She motioned between them. "You know what I mean, don't you?"
Miranda couldn't help herself but smile, the rambling used to bother her when Andrea worked for her, but maybe it was just frustration. But this was important to her, Miranda wouldn't push the girl, but she wanted to make her position clear. "Darl-" Well, interesting start. "Andrea. I am in love with you. Apparently, I have been for a while. I was too scared to admit it before, but I'm not anymore." She'd put the clothes she planned on wearing on the bed and walked up to Andrea. "I can't tell you where this-" And she copied Andrea by pointed between them. "Is going or how to proceed from here on out. There's only one thing I'm certain about concerning this." Now it was Andreas turn to be uncomfortable by Miranda's confidence. That's more like it. It boosted Mirandas confidence even more and she stepped closer to the girl and pushed a strand of hair out of her face. "May I kiss you?"
"Uh-huh." Their kiss was sweet but didn't last too long; Miranda remembered her predicament and chose to stop before it got too heated.
"I should get changed now." Andrea didn't reply and Miranda started to unbutton her blouse; she had yet to step away.
In an attempt to distract herself the girl started talking again; she was staring at Mirandas hands. "I, um, my question…Wh-… If we become close friends… is there anything I should know about you?"
The usage of the term close friends didn't sit right with her. "Well, Andrea, I suppose you know me quite well already, wouldn't you agree?"
"In a professional manner, yes. But I'm sure there's many things I don't know about you."
"How would I know what that might be?"
"You can just tell me whatever feels right."
"In my private life I enjoy the simple things of life. I love to sit down and read a good book or take a walk or even as simple as preparing a meal for me and the girls." The blouse was off, and she started unbuttoning the jeans. "Do you mind me asking a question?" The girl shook her head. "What would you change about your childhood or your upbringing if you could?"
Andrea chuckled, almost laughed even. "Where to start?"
"Wherever you want."
"It's actually not that easy to answer. I love my parents and I know they love me. It can't all be perfect; every parent makes mistakes of course." It was obvious the girl was lost in her thoughts when she continued. "I hated the events they dragged me to as a kid, I hated the feeling of expectations placed upon me and we had far too many discussions about my choices, especially when I went to college. But I understand where they were coming from and its okay, but I would never put my child through that." Andrea's answer raised many more questions for Miranda, but they were both startled when Andrea's phone ringed. Miranda quickly put on the pants she'd chosen. If Miranda would've had to describe the look on Andrea's face, she put it somewhere between shock and bewilderment; it intrigued her. "Hi Emily, what can I do for you?"
