Title: Paradise
Fandom: the Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Rating: M
Summary: Five years after leaving Runway Andy is living her dream and writing as a freelance journalist. Life is good but she needs a serious break. She decides to book a private bungalow on the island of Antigua but there must be some mistake because someone else is also booked in her bungalow at the same time. Miranda Priestly.
Disclaimers: Not mine, obviously. Just taking them out of the box for entertainment and will return them when finished.
A/N: Just something my muse decided to throw into the mix. Let me know if I should continue.

Chapter One

Andy was really looking forward to her very much need and deserved vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The writer needed a change, something that would spark her interest and muse. The city just wasn't conducive to getting her creative juices flowing to take a crack at that novel she kept intending to write. She had spent weeks looking into a multitude of different resorts with spas and excursions finally settling on the beautiful island of Antigua in the Virgin Islands. She booked a private bungalow on the ocean with a magnificent view that was just far enough away from the others to be a little more secluded. It was perfect and she couldn't wait. She was leaving in less than two days and was already packed.

The brunette typed up the last few paragraphs of the most recent article she was working on and sent it off to the editor of Time. She received a text a few minutes later as she was double checking to make sure she had everything she needed for her two weeks in paradise. It was from Emily to her and Nigel.

Drinks at Porter's with me and Serena? 8pm?

Andy typed back a quick reply confirming her attendance and went to her closet to find something to wear. She thumbed through her collection of cocktail dresses and picked out a sexy Dolce & Gabbana black strapless cocktail dress with a sweetheart neckline. The dress was extremely form-fitting and stopped just above her knee. The pieces showed off a great deal of cleavage and leg. She selected a pair of red strappy Prada peep toe pumps, her interlocking circle lariat necklace, and a pair of diamond studs. The brunette quickly showered and did her hair before putting on her ensemble. Her make-up was dark and smoky with a deep maroon lipstick that made her luscious lips stand out even more. She finished her outfit with waist length black Prada blazer to ward off the early autumn chill.

She hadn't given Emily's choice of pub much thought until she was on her way and realized she would have to pass Elias-Clarke to get there. Andy really hoped she wouldn't run into a certain white haired editor, she just wasn't in the proper state of mind with the week she'd had. The many deadlines and loose ends before her trip had caused her a great deal of stress and left her feeling more raw and vulnerable than usual. Unfortunately, luck was not on her side as the silver Mercedes pulled up just as she rounded the corner which meant Miranda was more than likely just about to walk out of the building. The brunette steeled herself and instead of avoiding the older woman she decided a polite confrontation would suit just fine. The writer just hoped that being in her presence didn't increase the likelihood of her walls dropping even father. The brunette flicked her hair of her right shoulder and proceeded to walk in the line of fire.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Miranda stop and stare at her. Andy smiled and turned her entire body so the older woman could appraise her as she used to. Why she wasn't entirely sure, maybe just to show the woman she had at least learned some sense of style. Oh who the hell am I kidding? She mentally rolled her eyes. Andy wanted her to see her; to feel her gaze caress and burn at the same time. It was time she admit that to herself and stop denying it, especially since the editor was only feet away. "Oh. Hello, Miranda. Working late?"

The editor's eyes roamed over her body and a tongue darted out across her lips. Andy watched as cerulean orbs turned into a stormy haze of deep blue. Interesting. The brunette thought to herself. "Yes," Miranda finally responded curtly. It seemed she was rather frustrated or agitated by something but Andy wasn't sure by what.

Miranda looked rather gorgeous in her tight grey pencil skirt, white blouse and matching blazer. Of course, the blouse was one of the wrap arounds she liked to wear that showed more than a decent amount of cleavage causing the brunette's eyes to wander briefly before snapping back to the editor's face. She certainly was not a stranger to this woman's beauty but the recent affect it was having on her body was definitely new. A look of moderate surprise had crossed her face followed by confusion.

"I was just on my way to Porter's to meet up with Nigel, Emily, and Serena. Would you like to join us?" the offer was out of her mouth before she even had a chance to think about it. Why did I just do that? Word vomit was something she was known for but this took the cake. She hadn't seen this woman in nearly four years since that brief moment outside this very building where she stupidly waved and smiled. A finely manicured eyebrow rose in response and the brunette shrugged. "Oh come on! Live a little! It's just one drink." Seriously? Oh. My. God. What in the hell am I doing? I must have a death wish.

"Fine. Roy, I'll alert you when I'm ready to go," the editor addressed her longtime driver who was holding the door for her waiting for her to slide in.

"Excellent," she replied trying to hide her surprise. Andy swung her arm around gesturing for Miranda to walk with her.

"You look quite fetching," the woman said softly. The brunette simply turned to look at her as if she had three heads. Where did that come from?

"I, uh…" she cleared her throat. "Thank you?" she grimaced. What? Jesus, Andy, get a grip! "You look amazing, but you always do so no surprise there." Again… She mentally slapped herself. Come on, Andy, could you be any more obvious? The white haired woman seemed to either not notice or decided to let the comment go without making a sarcastically scathing remark. Andy was sure it was the latter because let's face it t he woman noticed everything but she couldn't for the life of her figure out why she wouldn't take the opportunity to point out that she was babbling. "So, how's Runway?"

Andy expected the usual, bore someone else with your inane chatter, or something similar but instead the woman actually began to talk about her day. "Today was a total disaster. Honestly, it's a wonder anything gets done properly. No one was ready, Patrick was late – late! I cannot do a photoshoot without the damn photographer," she shook her head. Did she just curse? Andy was shocked but covered it quickly so the woman didn't stop speaking. "My assistants are incompetent and can barely handle getting me my coffee let alone do everything else I need them to do like delivering the book at a decent hour so I can actually get some sleep."

"Cold coffee and no sleep, that sounds awful, but the last issue was still great." The editor faltered just momentarily as if Andy reading Runway was such a big surprise. "The new Channel spread was fantastic, really a stroke of genius, not that I need to tell you that," the brunette smiled. Miranda looked at her wide-eyed. Good Lord Andy! Shut up! You'll give the woman a heart attack!

"You read Runway?" the editor finally asked.

Andy nodded and crossed her arms over her chest as a breeze chilled her inadvertently pushing her breasts together. Miranda's eyes trailed down her neck and straight to her cleavage before snapping away again. "Of course, it was a big part of my life for a year. And I certainly wouldn't be where I am now without it, or you."

"Hmm, yes. I read your recent article on the defunding of the women's shelters around the city. You really nailed the mayor," she chuckled lightly. "Although, the corruption in the DA's office was my favorite. What are you working on now?"

Andy was even more surprised now knowing that the older woman kept up with her work and was actually interested in what she was doing with her time. "I just finished an article for Time about the current economy and where the country stands as a global economic power."

"I didn't know you had an interest in economics."

"I majored in journalism but I have a minor in business, economics, and politics."

"The major players of the industry, of course." They finally arrived at the pub and Andy moved to hold the door for Miranda. "Thank you," the editor smiled. The brunette nearly melted where she stood. Holy hell her smile is amazing.

"You should smile more," Andy said quietly as she let the door close behind her. She knew Miranda would hear her. It's a damn good thing this is just drinks. She would need to talk to the gang once the editor left to get some perspective on these feelings she was suddenly having. Are they really all that sudden though? Oh shut up! Andy was muttering to herself when Miranda looked at her oddly. She shrugged and took the editor's hand leading her through the crowd and to their usual table. I'm touching her… oh God! Get a grip Andy! But her hand is so soft and warm.

Miranda squeezed her hand tighter when they navigated through a particularly crowded space a few feet from their table and pulled her into the booth. Nigel and Emily were running late but Serena was already there with the first round of drinks. "Miranda, how nice of Andy to invite you to join us. What would you like to drink?" she asked politely covering up her initial shock.

"Whatever you are all having is fine," she replied with a wave of her free hand since Andy was still holding on to her left. Oh! Shit! She let it go so fast it was as if the editor's touch burned her skin.

"Martini it is," Serena decided to go to the bar since it was highly unlikely she'd be able to flag down their waitress.

"Sorry about that," Andy sighed putting a little distance between them by shifting slightly and putting her left leg across her knee.

"It's quite alright," Miranda replied staring at her. The stormy orbs made the brunette blush furiously and she suddenly felt hot all over. What is this woman doing to me? She wondered not for the first time that night. "So is there anyone else you keep in touch with?"

"Cassidy and Caroline both friended me on Facebook so we chat occasionally," she figured she should fess up now rather than later.

"Oh. Really? I did not know that. How long have you been friends?"

"Oh, I don't know a couple years I guess. Cass asked me about an assignment she had for school and Cari approached me about asking one of the girls in her class out. We've been chatting ever since. They call me sometimes when they have a really bad day. I hope you don't mind."

"Ah yes, Jenna. She was over a few times for a "school project" I caught them making out. Caroline was mortified. And no, I do not mind in the least. It's nice to know they have someone they trust. I am not around as much as I would like to be."

"You try your best and they know you love them," Andy smiled reassuringly.

Miranda smiled back softly at her former assistant's kind words and their eyes locked. The brunette felt her heart hammer against her ribs as if wanting to break free. Her palms were sweaty and she could feel her pulse racing. She had the urge to reach out and touch the older woman but refrained. Her warm amber colored eyes taking in the stormy orbs then moving along the plane of the editor's face memorizing every inch, not that she hadn't already. Her gaze lingered on Miranda's lips a second too long and when she finally looked back up Miranda was no longer smiling but seemed as if she was ready to bolt. Damn it! Way to go Andy! You're scaring her. Stupid!

Just as Miranda was about to slide out of the booth Serena came back with her drink. Andy sighed and turned back around so she was no longer facing the editor and pulled the tall blonde into a conversation. Ten minutes later, Nigel and Emily joined them. Emily looked moderately frightened but Nigel's expression merely told her she would be spilling her guts later. They all joined in the conversation and a couple drinks later Miranda excused herself for the night. She thanked them all and then turned to Andy. Her eyes were just as stormy as they had been earlier when she had apprised the outfit the brunette was wearing. The editor leaned in and kissed her cheek uttering a soft thank you before retreating.

Andy sat their dumbfounded. Miranda kissed me. Not air kisses like she did other colleagues and acquaintances but an actual kiss. Soft lips touched her cheek. A warm breath swept across her skin making her shiver and goosebumps erupted all over her skin. Her eyes had fallen closed at the touch and when she opened them everyone was staring at her.

"Okay! Just what in the blood hell is going on?" Emily asked zeroing in on Andy.

Andy jumped as if she were caught doing something she shouldn't be. "Jesus, Em! I don't know, okay? I walked by Elias-Clarke and she was coming out and I just word vomited."

"Explain," Nigel requested with a raised eyebrow similar to Miranda's.

"Ugh, stop that!" Andy shivered. "It's just creepy when you do it."

"And when our illustrious editor does it?"

"It's fucking sexy as hell!" she replied banging her head on the table. "What am I doing?"

"Oh, Andy…" Serena grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"I can't stop these thoughts from running through my head or my damn mouth from uttering whatever I seem to think. Like telling her she always looks amazing."

"You did what?" Emily shrieked. "Please, tell me you didn't."

"Oh, I'm afraid I did. And I told her I still read Runway. And I held her hand. And oh God! I practically screamed I wanted to kiss her before Serena came back with her drink."

"Wait, what?" Emily's eyes were wide.

Andy looked up and sighed. "When Serena went to get her drink, we sort of had like a moment I guess where we were looking at each other and I… fuck! I stared at her lips okay?"

"Oh honey, you got it bad," Nigel shook his head. Andy stared at him. "This might be the first time you are realizing all of these feelings but this has been going on since you were her assistant. Both of you just weren't in the right head space to admit anything."

"I can't believe it," Andy sighed downing her martini. "You're right…" she said laughing caustically at her own expense as she replayed their interactions in her head. All of the soft touches that barely brushed their skin. The looks. The need to please her. It was hard to pinpoint when it became more than a job to Andy because the line had been blurred so early on that it was never really there to begin with. And then Paris. "I'm in love with her," she whispered her revelation.

.