A/N: This one is going out with a massive shout out to Callie-G over on FFNet for providing the prompt.
Summary: Years after the events in Paris, Miranda finds one of her darling Bobbsey's remained in touch with the assistant that got away, Andréa (Call me Andy) Sachs. What will happen when the editor comes face to face with her past? Will she still see a lot of herself in the brunette?
Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling around with these characters. I do not make any money them because Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox own them.
xxxxxxxxxxx
Andy paced the Townhouse kitchen, waiting for Miranda to descend from her bedroom from getting ready.
Dressed in an Elie Saab black Sleeveless Peplum-Waist Jumpsuit and a tailored tuxedo jacket, her look was classically timeless. The jacket was nipped in at the waist and had a textural floral embroidery holding red flowers to add a dash of colour to her ensemble, and her four-inch red-soled glossy black Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies pumps added height to her already tall frame.
She was seriously nervous. Although they had dinner dates over the weeks since they had reconnected, this was vastly different. This was her stepping into the world they both lived, in as someone significant to Miranda.
It was a rare occurrence that Miranda went to events with a plus one unless she took Nigel to events with her.
What made things worse was the reports that had landed on Page Six that morning, suggesting Miranda was using her to increase Runway sales.
It was Christian who set the record straight when in her panic she had called him that morning in tears.
His voice had been hoarse and holding remnants of sleep as he spoke reassuringly to her.
"She loves you, Ohio. It's so bleedin' obvious. Stop being so dumb."
"This is all so new, Tassie. What if..."
"No! No, what-ifs, Ohio. She loves you. So much so that she's including you in her life. Can't you see how special that is? Miranda does not casually date. When she goes to these events, she goes alone or with Nigel. You know that, Andy. You've queried it over the years."
"But..."
"But nothing. She has opened up her life and her heart to you. This thing between you is special and I know you understand what a gift it is. She is not using you."
Andy considered the words once the call ended and knew the truth of them. Christian was right.
Miranda showed her feelings in the most surprising ways. In the way she had accepted them into her home, creating rooms that suited each of them, from their nights cuddled close in either of their beds while they spoke quietly of their feelings and from the way she had Miranda's undivided attention when they went out.
She knew what they were building together could be something that could stand the test of time, as long as they continued to communicate openly and in the spirit of honesty, she had told Miranda how nervous she was.
Taking a deep breath, she remembered the words she had spoken in the past to Cassidy and also to Miranda, to be fearless in the face of what sets your soul on fire. She thought of the words she had spoken passionately the night they had arrived back in the city after dropping the twins and Isabel off.
"I will set the city, fuck it, the entire world even, on fire with the truth...I love you, Miranda Priestly. I have loved you for years and I'll continue through life, to my grave, always loving you."
The night before, Miranda had opened up and expressed her deepest wish to watch Ethan grow up and Andy had seen the sadness in her eyes. Miranda admitted she wished she had known of his presence in the world because she felt like she had missed so much of their lives.
The admission had stunned Andy, and she wondered what life would have been like if Miranda had been there through her pregnancy and the intervening years.
She agreed with Miranda, they'd wasted years where they could have been happy together, and yet Andy knew she had needed that time to grow into the person she was, the woman that was Miranda's equal. When she had voiced this, Miranda had begrudgingly agreed.
She could easily imagine how attentive the editor would be if she was pregnant, no doubt calling Emily or the newest second assistant at all hours of the day to ensure her every whim was catered to and she couldn't help but laugh as her imagination took over.
"Emily, pick up my scarves from Hermes, I will need twelve skirts from Calvin Klein's upcoming season, find that lamp I saw three weeks ago and Andréa' s hungry. Bring some jellied eel, she developed quite the taste for them while we were in London."
The vibrating of Andy's cell caught her attention and snatching it up off the counter, she saw Miranda's name lighting up the screen.
Miranda: Come upstairs, my darling.
Andy smiled and tapped out a quick response before setting her cell back down and heading from the kitchen.
Andy: I'll be right up.
xxxxxxxxxx
Miranda stood in nothing but her La Perla thong and viewed herself critically in the mirror. She saw the lines around her eyes and mouth as a testimony of the passing years.
She lifted her breasts and upon releasing them, noticed how they sagged slightly. Gone were the days of perkiness, in its stead was a softening stomach, sagging breasts and crows feet.
And yet she did not feel her age and that was partly due to to the woman who had entered her life again. This thing between her and Andréa had her feeling at least ten years younger and she found she was no longer concerned about intimacy issues arising from her age.
In fact, she was finding her desire for the woman growing exponentially every day and she couldn't get enough. It honestly felt as if Andréa's presence had turned back time.
Unwilling to change into her gown, just yet, she stalked to her bedside table and picked up her cell and fired a quick text to Andréa, who she knew would be pacing below nervously.
Regardless of what would occur that night, Miranda was not nervous she was certain this night would be the one that would turn her life around. If it all worked out the way she planned, she would have Andréa in her life always.
Moving to her closet, she heard the door of her bedroom whisper open.
"Miranda?" Andréa was breathless from rushing up the stairs to answer her summons.
Miranda slid her thong down her legs and kicked it aside. Picking up a small package, she smirked and entered the bedroom, coming to stand behind the brunette.
"Andréa." Miranda watched as the younger woman jumped and spun on her heel, her eyes widening. "I wanted you to see what will be yours later, should you wish to take it."
Andréa swallowed audibly and her eyes darkened as they roamed over her before her eyes landed on the box she was holding outstretched. Miranda raised it again, implying she should take it from her. Andréa did so and shook it, a small smile lighting up her face as her eyes shone.
"You don't have to get me presents, Miranda." The joy in Andréa's eyes outweighed the words.
"It is something for both of us, my darling." Miranda smiled as Andréa tore the box open and gaped at the contents, a furious blush rushing up to her face. "I would like you to wear it tonight. And then when we get home...well..." She locked her lips. "...Ethan is with Cara and we have all night."
Her gift to Andréa was a way to show her trust, a way of letting her know she was willing to hand over control of their sexual intimacy to the younger woman. It was something she had always struggled with.
Andréa seemed stunned at the sight of the low-rise Lace Harness Briefs and the flexible, life-like coloured dildo. She had been assured it would be comfortable and flexible enough to fit between Andréa's legs without leaving a giant bulge in the front of her jumpsuit.
To be honest, Miranda had found this one of the least intimidating of toys when she was researching. The six inches of insertable length seemed adequate and preferable to something overly large and rigid.
She considered how this may look to the younger woman and was suddenly concerned Andréa may think she missed being with a man. Frankly, that thought did nothing for her.
The gesture was simply meant as a means of bringing them together, of them both achieving pleasure. She had hoped Andréa would feel powerful and confident in her sexuality.
Torn from her musings, she watched as Andréa rushed towards the ensuite and water ran. She heard the shifting whisper of clothes being torn away and stepped closer to the partly open door to see the other woman had removed her clothes. Her La Perla boyshorts, jumpsuit and jacket lay in a pile on the floor and she had pulled the harness briefs up to sit snugly on her hips. Andréa was soaping the toy as she ran it under the hot water faucet. Miranda watched as she patted it dry and secured it in the pants by pulling it through the in-built o-ring.
Andréa caught her eyes and stalked forward gracefully on bare feet. Walking around her she pressed against her back and Miranda felt the length of silicone against her ass.
Miranda found her breath catching and her anticipation rising. No matter what happened tonight, Andréa would be ready for her and she would be the only one to know what the woman wore for her beneath her outfit. The very idea of it was invigorating.
"Mm, I think this should be easy enough to hide, don't you?" Andréa whispered, nudging her as she flexed her hips.
Miranda whimpered and turned to face the woman. "Tease." Her voice showed her rising desire.
"Says you, parading around in nothing but your glorious birthday suit." Andréa's voice was teasing. "How is a woman supposed to resist?"
Miranda pushed against her, standing on her tiptoes to snare her lips in a fierce kiss. "Don't resist." She husked.
"We'll be late," Andréa whispered.
"I don't care." Miranda stepped back and taking Andréa's hand stepped back towards her large bed until her knees hit the mattress and she fell upon it, pulling the other woman down on top of her.
xxxxxxxxxx
Andy felt liberated and confident as she stood beside Miranda greeting people. They had been somewhat fashionably late which had caused a few raised eyebrow, especially since Miranda was usually so notoriously early.
Andy had herself convinced that every single person knew what they had been up to before their late arrival, and found she didn't care. There had been two specifically knowing grins from Christian and Nigel. Their reaction left her initially self-conscious but upon greeting them both, but her wide smile returned when they both exclaimed how radiant she and Miranda looked.
Andy felt like the luckiest woman in the world, with Miranda stood beside her encased in a black pleated dress by Stella McCartney with Manolo Blahnik Tora stiletto pumps, as she was introduced to the movers and shakers of the New York Publishing world with a hand resting proprietary on her lower back.
People's reactions shaped the entire night, she was stared at, whispered about and she knew Miranda had also caught the whispered speculation about their relationship, with some quoting the Page Six article from that morning, and yet each time she met Miranda's eyes, she saw the love and satisfaction in the depth of blue and knew her eyes would be reflecting the same back on her.
She had danced with Christian and Nigel shortly after their arrival, making sure to keep them at arm's length, just in case. Andy had enjoyed the moments shared with the two men who went out of their way to make her laugh as they chattered. It stopped her from feeling as exposed.
Andy didn't know if she would make a regular occurrence of wearing the extra appendage but she had certainly enjoyed the added benefit of it in the hour before they left the Townhouse. She'd quickly realised awkward laughter-filled sex with Miranda was an experience she wanted to have again and again.
Unable to stop it, laughter bubbled up in her throat and Miranda arched a perfect eyebrow at her in silent question. Shaking her head, she had but one option. "Later." She mouthed, offering the older woman one of her megawatt smiles.
The click of a camera shutter had her turning away from the editor and her smile disappeared as she glared balefully at one of her old colleagues, turned freelance photographer, who was doing the rounds. She knew he would sell any photos of her and Miranda to the highest bidder, which would no doubt be Page Six.
"Ignore it, my darling." Miranda's voice whispered in her ear. "No one can harm us unless we let it." Her tone was soft, almost pleading and looking at the editor, she saw the concern flashing in blue eyes.
"I'm okay," Andy assured her, taking Miranda's hand and squeezing it. "I won't let them scare me away."
"Acceptable," Miranda smirked. "Although I wish to take you home now."
xxxxxxxxxx
She called Roy and he assured her he would be there within fifteen minutes. Taking Andréa's hand, they moved through the room, making their goodbyes, using the excuse they needed to relieve the sitter.
The fifteen minutes passed quickly and she led Andréa towards the waiting car amidst a blaze of flashes.
The exhalation of relief from them both as they entered the warm, dark backseat had them looking at one another and letting out a burst of laughter that cleared the tension they both felt.
As the car started to move, Miranda noticed the privacy partition was in place and her smile widened. Inching closer to Andréa, she watched as the brunette's eyes widened in surprise. She moved slowly until she closed the space between them and straddled the younger woman's thighs. She couldn't feel the appendage, knowing Andréa had it tucked to one side, but knowing it was there had her wanting it.
"You know..." Miranda drawled, her voice whispering against the shell of Andréa's ear, making her shiver. "...each step tonight has been exquisite torture." She slid her tongue over Andréa's ear before nipping the lobe between her teeth. "I could feel the ache of where you had been and wanted more."
Andréa tried to affect an aura of nonchalance but Miranda felt the heat rising across Andréa's cheeks and knew she was blushing. "Really? I wouldn't have known." She heard the smile in Andréa's voice.
Miranda's hands came between them and made quick work of unfastening the buttons of the tuxedo jacket covering Andréa's curves. She wanted very much to feel the press of her breasts against her heated skin. Andrea put her hands on her knees and then slowly moved them along the front of her thighs under her pleated skirt. Miranda closed her eyes enjoying the gentle massage as Andréa's hands worked up her thighs until one of her hands slipped between her thighs and rubbed against the silk. She let out an audible moan.
"Jesus," Andréa muttered. "You're so fucking wet." The expletive had Miranda's eyes blazing open and she looked down at Andréa to find her biting her lip. Her hand slid to her hip, steadying her as she continued to rub slowly.
It was maddening, she needed more.
Tearing the tuxedo from Andréa's arms, her fingers snaked around to the zip at the back of her jumpsuit and tugged it down. She gave a satisfied hiss as Andréa's breasts, encased in satin, came into focus, the pale globes tantalising her in the darkness. Her mouth descended to lavish them with attention as Andréa squirmed, her moans bouncing off the tinted glass windows.
Andréa's wriggling had the jumpsuit moving lower and Miranda lifted herself. "Backside up." She demanded impertinently. Andréa did what she was told and Miranda eased the jumpsuit lower so it was sat mid-thigh. Unwilling to fight with the material by further, her hand slipped between Andréa's thighs and pulled the flexible silicone up so it was sat between them. She rubbed against it, moaning deep in her throat as she felt her arousal flood her panties.
She felt it pushing against her as Andréa's hips moved and moaned again, but this time it was louder still. She wanted nothing more than to be filled again. Unable to resist, she caught Andréa's lips with her own and when she knelt up, Andréa's head tilted to meet her kisses, her hands running up into her hair and tugging it from its usual hold.
Their kisses were messy as they moaned against one another's lips and adjusted so their noses didn't crash together. Pulling her skirt up, Miranda drew her panties down to her knees and then freed one of her legs from the constraints. Adjusting slightly, until she was lined up with the dildo resting against her aching core, she pressed down taking it deep inside.
Andréa's moan was deep and somewhat guttural and it had her losing control. She pushed herself up and down the length quickly, her ass slapping against Andréa's knees, grinding hard against her.
"I...oh fuck!" Andréa was panting in her ear "Harder!" She hissed, holding onto her hips and pulling her down harder and faster as she increased the rhythm of her hips.
Miranda could feel herself on the edge, her whole body coiled tight. All it would take was...
Andréa's fingers pressed against her clit as she used the heel of her hand against herself and they fell over the precipice together, calling to one other as they shuddered against each other, their breathing harsh as they tried to stifle the noise of their pleasure. Riding out the waves, their lips met in another round of passionate kisses.
The car slowed and Roy's voice came sheepishly over the intercom. "There's some press loitering, would you like me to take the car around the back?"
Miranda pulled back and assessing the damage smirked. Pulling away, she moaned softly and settled in her usual position for a moment with her eyes closed. Leaning forward, she pressed the intercom. "No. Circle the block twice and before pulling up outside the house but wait for me to tap the glass." Her voice held a hint of huskiness. Shifting, her thong fell off the one leg and she bent to scoop it into her clutch. She watched as Andréa attempted. in vain, to put herself back into some semblance of normality.
Miranda scooted close again and stilled the tugging hands at Andréa's back. "Here, let me." She pulled the zip back into place with ease as expressive eyes wandered over her face.
"Your lipstick is smudged." Andréa's voice was low. "And your hair is a little mussed." She licked her lips. "They'll know we've been..." She stopped speaking as Miranda placed a finger over her lips.
"I don't care," Miranda stated.
And it was true, she didn't give a damn.
"But..." Andréa trailed off, pulling her lip back between her teeth.
"No buts. I don't care what Page Six writes, as long as I have you in my life." Miranda turned to face the woman and entwined their hands. "I want you to consider the future we could have together. I realise I am not getting any younger and yet for the first time ever, I feel I am truly living life. I wake up in the mornings knowing I am loved and I know what matters. Because of you, I know it is not too late for me to share my life with someone, other than my Bobbsey's, I know is worthy to have a place in it, my darling."
"Miranda, I don't understand," Andréa admitted.
Miranda smiled softly. "I swore I would never do this again. I didn't think I would ever have this chance."
"Do what?" Andréa's confusion was clear.
"Would you have a child with me?" Miranda was suddenly nervous. She hadn't planned to say it and what if it was too soon? They had only been together a matter of months and yet, she knew it was what she wanted, to create a life with this beautiful woman. "I would also become a second mom to both Isabel and Ethan. I'd put you all at the centre of my world and cherish you endlessly. I would marry you in a heartbeat." The car pulled to a stop and Miranda disentangled their hands and scooted back.
Her eyes fell closed as Andréa gaped at her in disbelief. "You want a child?" Her voice rose an octave. "With me?"
"I understand if it's too..." Miranda gasped as Andréa's lips crashed into hers stopping her flow of words.
"Jesus, Miranda. Will you just stop babbling? Andréa was grinning against her lips. "It's yes, to it all. To a baby, marriage and whatever else you want or need."
Miranda felt a blaze of happiness unfurl within her and showed her appreciation with a heartfelt but chaste kiss. "Thank you, my darling." She leaned forward and tapped the glass.
xxxxxxxxxx
The flash of cameras one again lit up the night sky as Miranda stepped from the town car, pulling Andy along with her.
Andy's hand came up and covered her eyes against the brightness. She stumbled against Miranda and forced her hand down from her eyes, blinking quickly to adjust her eyes. She straightened and pulled her jacket down over her hips nervously and then ran her free hand through her hair as the questions started.
"Miranda, can you tell us how true the rumours you are just using one another for your careers?"
"Andy, how does Christian Thompson feel about his son staying in the dragon's lair?
"Miranda, how do your children feel about you playing happy families with Andy and her children?"
Miranda glared at the waiting reporters her lips pursed contemplatively and Andy swallowed hard. She glanced around, her eyes widened as she recognised several faces.
Her eyes landed on one of her old colleagues from The Mirror who had asked the question about Christian and her frustration rose. It was a shitty thing to drag Christian into things but they had never hidden their connection. Grinding her teeth, she tried to ignore the questions and squeezed Miranda's hand.
Miranda's voice rose as she answered for them both. "If our relationship is going to impact our careers positively, so be it. We are simply going to continue to live our lives, navigating this relationship with the knowledge that it is worth holding on to."
Andy felt a smile blooming and glanced down at the older woman and noticed how dishevelled her hair was and the fact her lipstick was smudged and faded. It had to be obvious to everyone that they had been making out, if not more. She tugged at her tuxedo jacket again as her apprehension rose.
Miranda continued to address the press. "Those who know us, including our children, ex-partners and friends, support our decision to follow our hearts. That's all."
Andy knew how rare it was for Miranda to speak to the press, and her words had caused a ripple of energy through the milling reporters.
"Andy, what are your plans for the immediate future?" Someone yelled.
"Weeeell..." Andy smirked. "... it's getting late so I think I should take Miranda to bed." There was a bark of laughter and Andy was shocked to realise it had come from the woman beside her. "It's time to practice making babies." Her voice echoed through the sudden silence and she looked down at Miranda and grinned. "I'm hoping for another set of twins."
"Miranda, if you are successful in growing your family, will you be putting a ring on it? They say third times a charm." The Mirror gossip columnist shouted excitedly.
"I shall be claiming what's now mine and putting a ring on it, in due course, regardless of any expansion of our family." Miranda looked down and blushed.
"Awesome."
"Amazing."
"Fantastic."
The hushed whispers from her peers stunned Andy. She pulled Miranda forward, brushing past those who were blocking their path. "I think that's enough questions for tonight." Andy declared firmly. Taking Miranda's key, she opened the door and let Miranda pass her but saw her hovering in the foyer.
Swallowing her hesitation, she turned back to the speechless members of the press. "Do you know why I succeed where others fail? I have always remained unapologetically me. In my work, I have never relied on speculation as it breeds uncertainty. When you share the truth, when you are unapologetically you, you give a gift to the world. You can inspire with your authentic voice. You can set the world on fire and it will make you shine so fucking brightly you will never be forgotten." She nodded at The Mirror's reporter. "Goodnight."
She turned her back on her peers and as she made to shut the door, Miranda spun her around and snared her lips in a tender kiss and the night was once again aflame with the blaze of flashes.
xxxxxxxxxx