Note: So it's been some time (about 6 months) since I last posted anything, but this year, so far, has been amazingly busy. I got married and then started a new role at work. In between all the madness, I've been working in the background on multiple things, including an 11K unfinished MirAndy as well as a 60k word Harry Potter MM/HG fic. I found I couldn't resist involving myself in the MirAndy July fic-a-thon, which prompted me to pull off this little fluffy piece. As always, the usual disclaimers apply, I don't own and certainly don't make any cash.
~x~
New York Fashion Week was in full swing and the Runway office was a hive of activity. They'd dubbed the editor-in-chief's office the queen bee's lair rather than the usual dragon's lair that week, mainly because no one dared to enter it without being summoned by the Queen herself.
Andy sensed something was troubling Miranda, more than the usual stresses of Fashion Week.
What no one knew, was that Miranda's birthday generally fell during New York Fashion Week each year, and more so, this year, she was turning 50. The fact was, due to changing herself into Miranda Priestly, the original details of her birth were not public knowledge and everyone thought Miranda Priestly was an ageless beast.
When Andy was called into the inner lair, she stood and straightened her crumpled skirt and silk blouse and prepared to enter her boss's office. Dread began to kick in. She wondered if maybe this would be the day Miranda decided to fire her. She'd expected it months before, after the events of the last Fashion Week she'd attended. Paris had been a cluster-fuck and it was rapidly approaching yet again, but this time she was prepared.
Andy stepped into Miranda's office sheepishly. "Yes, Miranda?" She asked.
Miranda glanced up and removed her glasses, brushing the arm against her lips. "I have an important task for you, Andréa."
"Oh!" Andy was surprised. "Okay, what can I do for you?"
"I would like for you to organise a party," Miranda stated lightly.
"A party?" Andy queried.
"Yes, Andréa," Miranda responded patiently. "A party. However, it is not the kind of party you would expect from me." She pursed her lips. "You see, it's my 50th birthday next Friday and–" She shrugged. "–I would like you to organise the party to be held at a funfair of some sort.."
"Seriously?" Andy exclaimed. "Why on Earth would you want it at a funfair, Miranda? Surely you'd prefer the day to be more–well, more you?" She questioned, in her surprise, forgetting no one ever asked Miranda anything.
Miranda's lips twitched. "May I be honest with you?" Andy nodded quickly. "The truth is, I've never actually experienced the chaos such a thing would incur, plus I want to be able to dress casually while I mingle with people. To show that I am more than the Devil in Prada. I realise most of my staff thinks I'm the devil–"
"No, they don't" Andy interrupted.
Miranda shook her head. "Do you think I can't hear the comments as I walk through the office?" She asked coolly. "I know I've perfected my resting bitch face, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't affect me. I want them to see the real me." She smiled.
Andy offered a bright smile in return. "Well, Miranda, in that case, I'll try my best to give you the party you deserve. Now, are there any specific things I need to keep in mind?"
"No, Andréa. You have free reign to do what you think is best." Miranda put her glasses on and picked up her pen.
"Free reign?" Andy confirmed.
"Yes, Andréa, free reign." Miranda reiterated, despite the fact she hated to repeat herself. "I find I want to recapture some of my youth before it is too late and it just so happens that there's something captivating about your youthfulness, which is why I'm putting this into your rather capable hands."
Andy was stunned. Not only had she gotten away with questioning the editor, but Miranda had also repeated and explained herself. "Leave it with me, Miranda. I'll see what I can do and promise it will be an event you won't forget in a hurry." She knew she'd do whatever she could to make it a roaring success.
"And Andréa, one more thing." Miranda looked down at the page in front of her. "It will be adults only."
"Oh, of course, Miranda." Andy agreed. The final caveat was a surprise, she imagined the twins would love to see their mom letting her hair down at a funfair.
~x~
While New York Fashion Week was a roaring success, with Miranda in her element and her minions at Runway ensuring each of her demands were met, Andy was planning the party of the year for her boss.
In her head, Andy was considering Miranda's usual parties and the events she attended. Her mind told her she should be organising something more elegant, with the fancy food and drink her boss was so used to, but at the same time, she understood that wasn't the type of party Miranda craved.
"Maybe I should show her a peek at my first proper date," Andy muttered. "It was the best date and the most fun, despite the coasters. Just letting my hair down with Ava on our first real Spring Break. I had just come out and we were here in New York–" She looked down and saw the name she'd jotted on her pad and grinned.
Opening her browser, she started to search for the details she needed and let out a breath of relief when she found what she was looking for. Picking up her cell, she dialled the number she'd found and waited, her pen circling the name she'd jotted down.
Coney Island.
Astroland had just celebrated its 45th anniversary that year and despite it recently being sold, still held the Cyclone. Then there was Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, which was always worth a visit. Making a note to follow up further, she knew if she pulled off the impossible once again and got both places and the sideshow alley to open up for Miranda, then the woman would have the birthday she wanted. It would also give her the chance to show Miranda what her ideal date looked like and that would be her gift to the editor.
Andy continued to plan Miranda's party, overcoming any reluctance by dropping her name until all she had to do was advise the woman of the day and time. Thankfully, it would coincide with the end of Fashion Week.
Stepping casually towards Miranda's office, she hovered nervously. Tugging at her top to straighten it, she gazed into the room and saw Miranda was turned towards the window, she raised her hand and ruffled her bangs before knocking on the doorframe.
"Come." Miranda turned her chair back to her desk as Andy stepped into the office. "Ah, Andréa, I was just about to call you." She let her eyes gaze up and down Andy's form before meeting her gaze. "Have Nigel come here as soon as he returns from Marc Jacob's show. I need him to explain to me how he's going to fix the creative team's most recent cock-up." She frowned. "How they could misplace thirty-thousand dollars worth of couture is beyond me." She shook her head. "And I want coffee when Emily returns from Calvin Klein."
"Uh, yes Miranda." Andy made a note of the requests easily. "Er, Miranda?" She hesitated.
"What is it, Andréa? I have no time for your babbling. Speak up now." Miranda hissed. "What is it?"
"Well, we need to discuss Friday." Andy blurted. "I have asked Roy to pick you up from home at 5 pm, to take you to Coney Island. The Parks and sideshow alley will be open to you and your guests from 6:30 pm until midnight. I have Nathan's Famous for food and drinks and–"
"Acceptable." Miranda offered a rare smile which disappeared as quickly as it arrived as she glanced over her shoulder towards the elevators. "Oh, don't bother contacting Nigel. It seems he's just arrived and I'll go to him. That's all." Standing, Miranda brushed past Andy and marched out of her office. She moved quickly through the glass doors that would take her to her Creative Director.
As she moved, the whole of Runway fell silent. They all knew that when Miranda frog-marched through the halls of Runway, her heels clicking in a staccato beat against the marble, she was usually on the warpath so most people ducked for cover, keeping their heads down, unwilling to make eye contact.
"Damn, she's something else," Andy muttered, watching the editor move out of view.
~x~
Friday came about quickly and everyone of note within the fashion world had been told about Miranda's birthday. The only thing the Runway staff could talk about was what they thought Miranda would wear since not one of them knew what her take on casual was. Due to a betting pool, many were impatient to see if they were right so they could win a thousand dollars. Most people had her in a dress, adding designer names to whatever ensemble they chose, or her usual tailored trousers and blouse, but Andy had decided she'd wear jeans and a shirt.l of some sort.
At 6:15 pm, Andy was waiting for Miranda's arrival, having received a text from Roy just before they'd left the townhouse and when the Mercedes finally pulled up twenty minutes later than expected, Andy could feel herself sweating and prayed it wasn't too obvious. She had dressed casually for the evening, in one of her favourite band t-shirts, black low-rise, boyfriend-fit jeans and her Vans. "Why did I wear red?" She muttered to herself. "The sweat is gonna show and these fashion bitches will call me a sweaty Betty. I seriously can't decide if that'd be better than the usual unfashionable cow."
Roy pulled the town car to a halt and stepped out to open Miranda's door.
The first thing Andy saw of Miranda was her five-inch Jimmy Choo stilettos.
"I thought she said casual dress?" Andy thought.
When Miranda moved from the shadow of the open car door, Andy saw she was wearing black skinny jeans and her breath caught at the beautiful, yet slender, curves shown under the tight denim.
Miranda stretched and the men's tailored shirt she wore strained across her breasts. The top four buttons were undone and Andy caught sight of the silky vest underneath it.
Miranda's silver hair glistened in the fading sunlight. "Where is everyone?" Miranda asked.
"They all have their wristbands and are inside waiting for you, Miranda." Andy smiled. "Here." She held out a wristband and waited.
Miranda stepped closer and held her arm out, nodding at Andy to secure it.
Andy quickly wrapped the wristband around her thin wrist before grasping her hand lightly. "Miranda?" She whispered.
"What is it, Andréa?" Miranda asked impatiently.
"I have something I need to show you," Andy admitted.
"Well, what is it?" Miranda demanded. "We are wasting time with all this nonsense."
"I have a small present for you, but we need to walk over to the Wonder Wheel," Andy responded nervously.
"Okay. Let's go." Miranda entwined their fingers as if there was nothing unusual about it and tugged her hand.
"Wait, one sec–" Andy laughed. "Hey, Roy. Catch!" She tossed a wristband at him. "Go park up and enjoy yourself."
Roy grinned at her. "Thanks, Andy." He called out as Miranda tugged impatiently at her hand again and she let herself be dragged through Astroland's entrance.
Miranda waved her free hand and smiled at those offering greetings and shouting happy birthday as she dragged Andy in the direction of the boardwalk.
Andy took in the happy smiles and laughter and her eyes widened at the sight of models, designers, photographers and writers, as well as various Runway staff members queueing for the whirl-and-hurl rides. She noticed Irv, standing in the middle of the madness, in his ill-fitting suit, glancing around unhappily. "Mr Ravitz, why don't you go get a Hotdog or something? We have an open tab at Nathan's Famous." Andy called out. Ignoring his glare, she chuckled darkly. "That dude needs to remove the stick out of his butt." She muttered.
Miranda threw her head back and laughed and Andy decided it was the most beautiful sound she'd ever heard. "You are something else, Andréa Sachs." She murmured once she got her laughter under control.
Soon enough they exited Astroland onto the boardwalk and Miranda slowed their pace, without letting go of her hand. Ambling along the wooden planks, the light breeze ruffled her hair and when she turned her head to look out at the ocean, she smiled. "I love being by the beach." She admitted. "Thank you for organising this for me." They continued to walk past Familigia Pizza and turned into Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park only to come to a standstill at the sight of the 150 feet tall Wonder Wheel.
Glancing down at her watch, Andy was pleased that it was so close to sunset. It had been predicted for shortly after 7 pm and the majestic view of the Manhattan skyline would be something she hoped they could marvel at together.
With a squeeze of her hand, Miranda led them down the tunnel that would allow them to board one of the stationary white or swinging blue and red cars.
Voices cut through the air and Andy easily recognised Nigel, Emily, Serena and Roy's voices coming from behind them. Glancing over her shoulder at them, she offered up a small wink and a grin and they held back. "One of the white cars, please." She told the attendant, letting go of Miranda's hand and pulling out her cell to type out a quick text.
"You don't wish to go in one of the swinging cars?" Miranda teased with a smirk.
Andy closed her eyes and sighed. "Not unless you want my vomit on your lovely Jimmy Choos."
"Fair enough." Miranda breathed as the car came to a stop and the door was opened for them.
Andy took Miranda's hand in hers and casually entwined their fingers, loving the way the editor's smaller hand fit in hers. Helping Miranda to board first, her heart began to race as she stepped up into the car. "Ready?" She asked softly.
"Yes, darling," Miranda whispered as she sat down
The door was shut behind them and the car tipped slightly and began to move slowly, coming to a stop occasionally to allow more people into the empty cars. When they reached the topmost part of the wheel, Andy broke the silence. "Look." She turned Miranda towards the open window, looking across the expanse of ocean. Andy leaned close. "I wanted you to see the world as I do. Not black or white, nor the various shades of grey in between, but full of colour." She whispered.
There's no other way to describe the display of colours in the sky. Bright, beautiful, vivid and awe-inspiring, it was better than any sunrise she had ever witnessed. It was almost as breathtaking as the woman beside her. The shades of red, orange, violet and blue brightened the sky above them. "Look at that sunset," Andy told her. "The way it lowers over our city and how the city lights are bursting into life." Her breath tickled against Miranda's ear, causing her to shiver. "Breath in, Miranda. Can you smell the hotdogs being grilled to perfection? Listen closely." She smiled softly. "Do you hear the spinning of coarse sugar into cotton candy?"
Miranda shook her head slightly. "I hear you, Andréa," she admitted. "And the faint screams of delight from the people riding the Cyclone." Miranda's head tilted to one side. "And singing."
The Wonder Wheel started to move again and the singing grew loud enough for them to make out. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you—"
"You orchestrated this too, didn't you?" Miranda asked.
"Happy birthday dear Miranda—" The song continued. "—happy birthday to you,"
"I might have," Andy smirked. "But I may have had an ulterior motive."
"Oh yes?" Miranda queried, turning to face her with a delicate eyebrow raised.
"I've wanted to do this for the longest time. Maybe from the moment I first saw you." Andy moved closer and put an arm around her shoulder slowly enough so that if Miranda pulled away, she would be able to move away. "Look at me, Miranda."
When Miranda turned to face her fully, they were that close their noses almost bumped together. Miranda paused for a moment, her eyes darting to take in her features before coming to rest on her lips.
Andy licked her lips unconsciously before leaning closer and pressing them against Miranda's soft lipstick-stained ones.
The tension between them was undeniable as they gently kissed. Andy swiped Miranda's bottom lip and when it parted teased her tongue against Miranda's. One of them moaned but Andy was unable to say who. She deepened the kiss until Miranda pulled back breathlessly.
Offering the older woman a bright smile, she was stunned when it was returned. "Happy birthday, beautiful." She whispered.
"As my twins would say–" Miranda whispered back. "–best birthday ever!" She leaned in and pecked Andy's lips. "And it seems I got what I wished for all along."
~End~