Chapter Text
Andrea doesn’t know what a war zone actually feels like - but she imagines it’s not so differentf from the ward today. It's not even noon yet and they have had two fire alarms already, three fights and now she is being held at knife point by one of the patients.
Andrea knows, they all know that Clare won't purposely hurt her. It doesn't stop the adrenaline pumping nervous energy throughout her as the upset patient tightens her grip around Andrea's waist.
"I know you are upset, Clare. It's understandable." Miranda is only a foot away, four other staff behind her as she tries to calm the situation, "I am really sorry your mother missed your meeting today." Andrea watches Miranda inch forward, "how about you let Andy go, and we can get a coffee and have a chat?"
As Andrea feels the girl loosen her grip, she impulsively spins and pulls the bread knife from her hand. Clare is known to self-harm, her biggest trigger to do so is remorse. She watches the girl flee into Miranda's embrace as she excuses herself, heading to the restroom to compose herself.
She closes her eyes as she tries to steady her breathing, 1...2...3...
"Andrea?" The voice is soft, soothing. A pull at her arm, and she opens her eyes to the reflection of her senior behind her. “You okay?” those clear blue eyes seem to scan her for injuries.
A nod. A nip of her bottom lip has Miranda turning Andrea to face her.
"Are you okay?" Any injuries?" And Andrea knows it's Miranda's job to check, she has to write the report after all, but, there seems to be something other than professional concern in the older woman's gaze. A look that makes it impossible for Andrea to resist, to hold it back anymore.
Miranda tastes like coffee, the strawberry blend in her vape, and sweat, but her lips are soft. So soft that Andrea is scared she will become lost in them, that the kiss with become more than it should, then it can. So she pulls back, both a little breathless.
"Thank you." She whispers with a brush of her thumb over Miranda's cheek.
“We need to get back.”
With a soft nod Andrea heads for the door, not daring to glance back.