Chapter Two:
Paris wrapped up a few days later. Miranda and Andy had spent their nights wrapped in each other's arms, and their days were spent acting as if nothing had changed. Miranda was happy to be going home, but Andy was nervous. She wasn't sure what their relationship would be like when they got back to New York. It would be harder to go unnoticed when they were on their turf, and Andy was afraid that Miranda would change her mind when they weren't in the city of love. She tried not to let Miranda detect her doubts, because Miranda had been telling Andy every day just how much she meant to her. Still, Andy couldn't stop her anxiety from rising.
"Darling, have you finished packing? I was thinking, since our flight doesn't leave until tonight, we could take advantage of the next few hours." Miranda asked as they walked into Miranda's suit. They'd just left a showing with Versace and Armani. It was the last event of Paris Fashion Week.
"I should probably prepare for the trip home," Andy said. "It's a long flight."
"I can help keep you busy." Miranda smirked. She could clearly see through the facade Andy was trying to put up. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine." She lied.
"Andrea, you know how much it disappoints me when people are dishonest with me. Particularly those I care about. Let's not waste time being untruthful. Tell me, what is it that is bothering you?" Miranda demanded. Andy sighed and sat down on the sofa. She leaned her head back, and willed herself not to cry. She felt the sofa dip as Miranda sat down beside her. The tears won the battle and started to leak from her eyes. "Darling, what is going on in that beautiful head of yours?"
"I'm scared," Andy whispered. "I am so afraid about what's going to happen when we get home."
"With us, you mean?"
"Yes, with us," Andy sat up so that she could look at Miranda. "I know that we need to keep our relationship between us for a while. But, what will that look like? I mean, I see you at work, sure, but will we be able to have moments like this? I can't just show up at the townhouse, and I can't even picture you in my rundown apartment. Even if you wanted to be there, it would look suspicious, so that's out-"
"Andrea, take a deep breath, okay?" Miranda instructed, taking Andy's hands in her own. Andy did as she was told, and regulated her breathing. "Listen to me, we are going to figure this all out together. I know that I said we need to be careful, but that doesn't mean we won't ever see each other outside of the office. I want you to get to know my girls. I mean, I know they already have a deep adoration for you after the Harry Potter incident. And they admitted to setting you up when you walked in on Stephen and I arguing."
"They wanted the yelling to stop." Andy informed her lover. The twins had confessed this to Andy on one of her book deliveries. Andy wondered if Miranda knew just how much time Andy had spent with Cassidy and Caroline. They chatted with her almost every night, and begged her to tuck them in on nights when Miranda wasn't home to do it herself.
"They never liked Stephen. I wanted to give them a family, and I failed with Stephen." Miranda said sadly. She looked at Andy seriously. "But that doesn't mean I can't still show them what a family looks like. I want them to know that love can be many different things, and that they can love whomever they want."
"I want to spend more time with your girls too, Miranda," Andy told her with sincerity. "I happen to adore them as well. They might be little pranksters on the outside, but inside they are kind, smart, funny, and they just want people to see them as individuals. I think I impressed them by being able to tell them apart after our first meeting."
"Stephen never could, they despised that." Miranda smirked.
"I just want you to know that I will love your girls like they were my own, Miranda. I will never make them feel like I am taking you away from them, or like they have to fight me for your attention."
"Thank you, my love. I already knew that, but it's nice to hear it anyway." Miranda said. Andy knew how important the girls were, they were Miranda's whole world, and that alone made Andy love them already. "Do you trust me?"
"With my life."
"Then believe me when I say, we will find a way to make this work. We can navigate this new relationship, and any bumps we might find along the way. I don't go into anything half heartedly, as you are well aware. I understand your concerns, love. I am not without a few insecurities of my own as we embark on this new journey. But, I am certain that we will make this work." Miranda vowed, looking Andy in the eyes as she spoke. Andy nodded her head, letting Miranda know that she understood her words, and believed them. "Plus, this is only for now. Soon, we can shout our love from the rooftops."
"Miranda, I'm going to say this now before I lose my nerve, okay?" Andy asked shyly. Miranda didn't say anything, but gestured for her to continue. "I love you. You don't have to say it back, I know it's soon, but I want you to know it. I love you, and I have for a while now."
"Andrea Sachs, you never fail to catch me by surprise. I love you too, my brilliant girl."
Andy couldn't help it, she pulled Miranda to her and kissed her over and over. Miranda kissed her back with just as much passion. Andy still found it hard to believe that this was real. She kept waiting to wake up, and find out this had all been a dream. As she moved her lips against Miranda's, she thanked the universe for letting her have this life. A life where she got to love Miranda Priestly.
"I'm sorry, did you not need to leave to prepare for our travels?" Miranda asked, pulling back with a knowing smirk.
"Mmmm, I think I'm prepared now, I think instead I need to help you," Andy smiled, kissing her way down Miranda's neck. "How will I sit through an 8 and a half hour flight knowing you're up in 1st class?"
"You silly little thing, I have a row to myself, as usual. You will be moving seats to sit with me." Miranda told her, letting her hands roam over Andy's curves. Andy paused for a moment.
"Won't that look suspicious?" Andy asked her. Miranda shrugged.
"I'm a horrible, mean, dragon of a boss who makes her assistant work even on the plane ride."
"Well, I suppose, I can't say no to my boss, can I?" Andy grinned.
"Now, let's enjoy the last few hours in Paris in the best way possible…beneath the sheets." Miranda smiled.
DWP DWP DWP DWP DWP
Miranda and Andy returned to New York that evening. After their adventures in Miranda's suit, they were both exhausted. Miranda had fought the urge to sleep on Andy's shoulder, knowing it would make heads turn. Nigel already seemed to think something was going on. He'd seen Andy leave Miranda's suit, and didn't buy their story. Miranda had tried to tell him that Andy was simply helping her back, but Nigel had known the editor for a long time. He knew how particular she was when it came to her clothes. But, despite the questioning look he gave them, he didn't push any further.
"Well, home sweet home, I guess." Andy said as they got into the car. Miranda asked Roy to put up the privacy screen. Though he was a trusted employee who had been with her for years, she didn't want to risk the exposure. Roy could keep a secret, but she'd rather not put him in that position.
"The twins won't be home until tomorrow. Since we arrived so late tonight, there was no point in having James bring them home considering they'd be asleep when I got to the townhouse anyway," Miranda told her assistant. "I'll be alone for the evening."
"Are you trying to ask me something?" Andy asked coyly. Miranda rolled her eyes.
"Would you like to stay the night with me tonight, Andrea?"
"Yes, Miranda, I would love to." Andy smiled.
They arrived at Miranda's place a few minutes later. They quickly made their way inside, and up the stairs. It had been a long day, and they were both exhausted. Miranda found pajamas for herself and Andrea, not wanting the brunette to have to unpack her suitcase to find a set of her own. She also found her a spare toothbrush and some toiletries to use.
"I am beat," Andy said, flopping onto her back on Miranda's California King Bed. "I could sleep for a week."
"What a shame," Miranda smirked, slowly untying the silk robe she had on. "Because I was thinking we could take advantage of having the place all to ourselves."
"Suddenly, I got a second wind." Andy grinned, she sat up, wrapped an arm around Miranda's waist and pulled the older woman on top of. Miranda let out what could only be described as a giggle. It was music to Andy's ears. "Your laugh is my favorite sound."
"Mmmm, I thought there was another sound you preferred." Miranda smirked, kissing Andy on the mouth. She smirked as Andy's jaw dropped. She loved that she could take the younger woman by surprise.
The pair made use of their last night alone. Tomorrow, they'd be back to reality. There would be schedules to plan, meetings to attend, children to hug, and a million other things. But, tonight, they just enjoyed being in one another's arms. Miranda vowed not to take this for granted.
The older woman was still unsure why Andrea wanted to be with her. Page six had labeled Miranda anything from the Dragon Lady to the Ice Queen to The Devil Wearing Prada. Still, Andrea managed to see past all of that, and look at Miranda for who she really was. The editor just hoped there wouldn't come a day when Andrea woke up, and realized what a huge mistake she'd made.
The morning came quickly. Miranda and Andrea were still a tangled mess of naked limbs, wrapped around each other tightly. When the sun peeked through the curtains, and pulled Miranda from her sleep, she placed a kiss on Andy's head. Slowly, the younger woman stretched, and woke up from her slumber.
"Good morning, beautiful." Andrea smiled up at her boss.
"Good morning, my love." Miranda grinned like a schoolgirl.
"What time will the twins be here?" Andrea asked her. Miranda looked at the clock.
"It's a little after 8 now, so in about two hours." Miranda replied. Andy nodded. "Andrea, I was thinking of taking the girls out to lunch, and perhaps for a walk in Central Park. If you're not too busy, would you like to join us?"
"That would be wonderful." Andy beamed. Miranda leaned down and touched her lips to Miranda's. They pulled away and Andrea looked at her seriously. "Are you sure you don't want to spend time with the girls alone? I don't want to infringe on your time with them, and I understand if you'd rather have a mother/daughter day."
"I love you even more for asking, but I am certain," Miranda reassured her. "Caroline and Cassidy would be thrilled to have the infamous Andy join us for the day. Plus, I'm still rather exhausted from the trip, and it'll be nice to have someone help with their energy."
"I can't wait, I am honored to spend the day with you and your girls."
"In the meantime, I suppose we should find a way to spend the next couple of hours. I, for one, am in desperate need of a shower. Care to join me?" Miranda asked, slowly rising and letting the blanket fall off of her.
Andrea was out of bed and scooping Miranda into her arms in seconds.
DWP DWP DWP DWP DWP
Just as Miranda said, the twins were very excited to find out that Andy would be joining them. They disliked nearly all of Miranda's assistants, but then Andy came along. She had managed to win them over, and once she did, they were determined to keep her around. They'd made her even promise once not to get fired, and insisted that Miranda would be sad without her around. Andy's older sister, Jill, had a daughter and a son, and Andy loved spending time with them. She was good with kids, and the nine year old twins were much more than what they appeared.
"Andy, can we get ice cream?" Caroline asked with a pouty face that very much could melt anyone's heart. Andy chuckled.
"I think we should check with your mom, okay?" She ruffled the girl's red curls.
"Mommy, can we please?" Cassidy asked, looking up with an equally good pout, at her mother. The twins were walking in between the two women. Andy had Caroline's hand, and Miranda had Cassidy's.
"Sure, Bobbseys, I think it's a perfect day for a sweet treat." Miranda agreed, smiling over the top of her daughters' heads at Andy.
The twins cheered in excitement. They made their way to the ice cream place, and the twins took in the menu. They read it over in great detail, discussing with each other what they should order. In the end, they both decided on cookie dough. Miranda got herself strawberry, and Andy settled for a chocolate soft serve with sprinkles. As they happily ate their ice cream, they finished walking the park.
"Andy, do you think you can come to our piano recital? It's just for our families, but our dad is going to be in Seattle with his new girlfriend. You can have his seat!" Caroline looked hopefully at her mom's assistant.
Andy looked at Miranda like a deer in the headlights. Going to the twin's recital was very public. Surely, an assistant wouldn't join her boss at such an event. The whole ice cream and Central Park thing was already questionable. Still, Andy didn't want to disappoint the girls. She really did love spending time with them, and getting to know them better.
"Well, Andrea, by all means, keep her waiting." Miranda said with a wink. Andy grinned and faced the 9 year old.
"I'd love to go and watch your recital." The brunette replied. The twins whooped in happiness.
As much as it disappointed her, Andy had to return home after their walk. She wished she could stay with Miranda and the girls, but that would definitely look suspicious. She was able to sneak in a goodbye kiss to Miranda when the girls were preoccupied. She also got big bear hugs from the twins, and promised she'd see them soon.
She returned to her apartment, and finally reflected on the week in Paris. She couldn't help the butterflies as she thought about it. She and Miranda had months of built up tension, but Andy never could have even dreamed they'd end up here. She was dating Miranda Priestly, and had never felt happier in her whole life. She knew they'd face challenges, and have obstacles to overcome, but she was confident that they could do anything together.
A/N Chapter three should be up soon! It will be our first look at Mirandy in the office. Let me know what you think so far :)