I've been super busy lately, but I finally found some time to finish this fic. Thank you everyone who's followed/favorited/reviewed! Happy 2014. (PS. Ignore that Emily doesn't get in trouble for what she does in the end of this story. I know that she would have most likely gotten caught and arrested, but let's just suspend belief). Thanks!
"Don't dawdle Andrea," Miranda turned over her shoulder and looked at Andrea. The tall brunette had been quiet ever since her phone call, and it worried the Editor. She stopped and waited patiently for the other woman to catch up with her.
"Coming," Andrea called and quickened her pace slightly. The cottage came into view, but before they entered the house, Miranda pulled Andrea's arm and stopped her.
"What's wrong?" Miranda crossed her arms.
"Nothing," Andrea tried to shrug it off, but Miranda's piercing glare stopped her. "Ok," she blew out a big breath and losing her nerve, stared at her shoes scuffing back and forth on the ground. "It's just…" Miranda reached out and gently tilted the younger woman's face back up to meet her gaze. Andrea swallowed nervously, feeling stupid for not being able to voice her thoughts. "With the risk of sounding like incredibly cliché, I think I'm falling for you," she whispered finally, tearing her eyes away from beautiful blue ones. "And I don't want to share you," she bit her lip when that part came out.
"Is this about Stephen?" Miranda grasped the glove-covered fingers in her own. "Because I can assure you-"
"It's about Caroline and Cassidy," Andrea blurted, and crossed her arms, suddenly getting passionate. "I'm sorry for looking at your phone id, but I couldn't help it. You get calls from them constantly, and you always answer it. Whoever they are, I will battle their affections and-"
"Darling," Miranda placed her hands on the brunette's forearms. "Andrea, while I am flattered by the intensity of your display, they are unneeded. Caroline and Cassidy are my children."
"Children?" Andrea's steam went out immediately, and her eyes softened. "You have children?"
"Yes, they are my pride and joy," Miranda ran her palms up Andrea's arms and locked them around the stunned woman's neck. "So while you may not need to battle for my...affections, as you put it, you will have to share me with them." She caught her lip between white teeth. "I apologize I didn't tell you earlier. I-"
"No need to explain. I get it," Andrea smiled and leaned in to press her lips against the older woman's, wrapped her arms around Miranda's slim waist.
The other woman smiled into the kiss and broke away just slightly to mumble, "That's something."
"What?" Andrea murmured, placing kisses down Miranda's neck and nuzzling the soft skin behind the Editor's ear.
"You were jealous of my children," she smirked but then moaned slightly when the brunette found an especially tender spot and bit it slightly.
"How was I supposed to know if you weren't some powerful woman with hoards of women at your beck and call?" Andrea chuckled and lathered the slightly irritated skin with a strong tongue, making the older woman feel weak at the knees.
"The powerful part is true," Miranda gasped, tightening her hold around Andrea's neck, feeling the writer smirk into her neck when she realized the effect she had on the Editor.
"Let's go inside," Andrea purred and ran her hands up and down the length of a slightly arched back.
"It's even colder in there," she pouted slightly. "We didn't keep a fire going when we left."
"I can think of plenty of ways to get you all warmed up," Andrea licked the shell of her ear.
"How can I be attracted to a woman with such smooth lines?" Miranda said breathlessly.
"Because I'm charming," Andrea pulled back and pecked her on the lips with a wide grin. "Let's go inside before you get even more cold."
Hours later, both women were panting and laying face-up, staring at the ceiling.
"Wow," Andrea chuckled breathlessly, breaking the silence.
Miranda rolled over and propped herself up on her elbow, resting her other arm in the space between Andrea's breasts. Her fingers traced nonsense patterns on the smooth skin, and she leaned in to press a kiss to luscious lips, slipping her tongue in the warm mouth.
"Satisfied?" Miranda said smugly after pulling away and leaving a panting Andrea gazing up at her with dilated pupils.
"Like you aren't," Andrea snorted.
"I am," Miranda smiled her rare smile and rested her head on the brunette's shoulder. "I'm happy."
Andrea pressed a kiss to Miranda's forehead and wrapped her arms around the slender woman. "I am too."
They laid in silence for a while, each appreciating the solace they found in each other, and the peace that settled into their beings. Andrea's fingers trailed up to the other woman's signature coif, and gently started to play with it. If it had been anybody else, Miranda would have pushed them away before they had even touched a single hair on her head, but Andrea's fingers were soothing, and they massaged her scalp in a way that made the older woman want to stretch out and purr like a kitten. For a second, she considered doing just that, but then remembered that they were taking a small break and settled for letting out a contented sigh instead, nuzzling closer to the heated skin.
"How long are you going to be in Surrey?" Andrea asked quietly, her nails scratching soothingly at the base of Miranda's scalp.
"Two weeks. Until New Year's," Miranda's spirits dampened at the thought of only having 14 days with this miraculous woman.
"Well we'd better make them count, shouldn't we?" Andrea held Miranda just a bit tighter as she said that, unknowingly sharing the same thought as the other woman.
"Yes," Miranda rolled over on top of the writer and looked down into soulful brown eyes with a tender expression. Without any words, she leaned in and captured Andrea's lips with her own.
David set the plate in front of her and Emily stared at it, her green eyes growing bigger and bigger with each passing second. The scent of the eggs, toast, and bacon wafted up and Emily's nostrils twitched unpleasantly. It had been a long time since she had indulged in those breakfast items, and her stomach churned at the scent. She looked pleadingly up at David.
"I can't," she said helplessly.
"Just one bite Em," David ran his hand through her hair and pressed his lips on her forehead. "I don't want to force you into anything, but I also want to help you get better."
"Ok," she picked up the fork and scooped up a small bit of egg on the utensil.
"That's it," David said encouragingly.
She hesitated before opening her mouth and popping the food in quickly so she didn't have time to dwell and second-guess herself. Chewing quickly, Emily forced herself to swallow the egg and then tossed the fork down when she was done. She had to admit, David was a wonderful chef, and the small amount of egg she consumed was delicious, but the greasy food was hard on her fragile stomach.
"It was good," Emily wrapped her hand in David's. "Thank you."
He leaned in to kiss her and then pulled back with a grin. "One bite of toast, and then we can do anything you want today."
"Anything?" Emily raised an eyebrow coquettishly.
"Not that," David frowned. "I told you…I hate it."
"But it's fun!" Emily whined playfully.
"Fine, but that requires three bites of toast, another bite of the egg, and a nibble of the bacon."
Emily narrowed her eyes. "Two bites of toast, a nibble of the egg, and a crumb of the bacon."
"Fine," David gave her another kiss. "Eat up. You're going to need the energy."
"Oh bullocks," David cursed under his breath and struggled to remain upright.
"You've got this," Emily laughed and twirled around him.
"I have no balance whatsoever," David frowned and grunted when he fell on his bottom for what seemed like the millionth time. "I hate the ice."
Emily chuckled and grabbed his arm after he shakily stood up. "I've got you."
"This is humiliating," David groaned. "I'm supposed to be the one supporting you!"
"Just because I'm a woman?" Emily raised her eyebrow.
"No," David shook his head and then flushed. "Ok, yes. It's more romantic if the girl is falling over the guy."
"Sexist," Emily sniffed. "I think it's romantic either way."
"I apologize," he held tighter to her arm. "You're right. This Rock place is beautiful."
"Rockefeller Center," Emily gently rested her head on his shoulder. "It's going to snow soon. Would you care for some hot cider?"
"Does it have alcohol?"
"Of course," her eyes twinkled.
"Then lead the way."
Andrea stared at her computer screen with her mouth open in shock. Curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she had stolen Miranda's laptop when the Editor was in the shower to Google the enigma. The search results that had popped up were astounding. Some headlines praised her as the American Editor of Fashion itself, while others called her a cold-hearted ice queen who wasn't capable of loving anybody. Rupert Murdoch had the most scathing comments on Miranda, and although she knew she shouldn't read any of the tabloids, Andrea couldn't help herself and she skimmed each snarky and cruel word with tears brimming in her eyes.
"Andrea?" a low voice said, and the brunette jumped.
"I-I'm sorry," she whimpered and looked at the beautiful woman in front of her. The white-haired woman, fresh from showering, had no makeup on and was clad in a grey silky short robe. Her iconic hair was mussed and shiny, and she was barefoot.
Miranda sighed and walked over to the bed where Andrea was sitting. "Darling, you shouldn't read those. I learned my lesson the first year I took over Runway. They're just a petty way for untalented people to make money."
"But they are so cruel," Andrea whispered and buried her face in her lover's warm neck. "They don't portray the real you."
"How do you know that isn't the real me?" Miranda reached up and stroked the soft brown locks with her fingers.
"Because I've learned so much about you in the past couple of days," Andrea's voice was slightly muffled. "You're not the ice-queen the press makes you out to be. You're one of the most caring and wonderful people I know. You love your children dearly, and I know your heart is pure and beautiful."
Miranda gasped slightly. "My, my," she whispered, overcome with emotion. "Nobody has told me that before."
"Well it's true," Andrea said with conviction.
"Thank you," Miranda pressed her lips on top of the writer's head. "You, my Andrea, are truly a magnificent young woman."
The days passed too quickly for all four people. They were all very much in love, but unwilling to admit it yet to the other person. Emily took David around to see the traditional New York places, and each day, she ate a little bit more than the day prior. David's favorite day was when they spent a lovely afternoon walking around Central Park, admiring the natural beauty of the park, while Emily's favorite memory was when they visited the Guggenheim Museum and watched an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House. Emily still worked at Runway during the day, but her nights were reserved for David. They spent the evening visiting new restaurants, seeing shows on Broadway, or spending a quiet evening together in either Nigel's or Emily's apartment. They fell a little more in love with each other with each passing day as they learned more and more about the fascinating life of their significant other.
Andrea acted as Miranda's tour guide in Surrey, taking her to Leith Hill, where they enjoyed a romantic walk around the historic area. The view was beautiful, and Miranda found herself planning a new photo shoot in the stunning location. They held hands as they walked, something that Miranda would never admit to anyone, but secretly enjoyed. The Editor had never held hands with any of her previous boyfriends, not even those in high school, but it seemed with Andrea, she felt free to let her guard down and indulge in the sappy but sweet romantic gesture. The brunette then took her to an even more romantic place, Silent Pool. As the writer explained to Miranda, she felt a connection to it because one of her favorite authors, Agatha Christie, was believed to have drowned in the lake, and Andrea felt her calming spirit there. The brunette loved the peaceful feeling it brought, and she always drew inspiration from the scenic place. She liked to believe that it was because Agatha Christie's ghost was watching her, and somehow helping her with her writing, but admitted it was highly unlikely. Besides visiting the beautiful scenery of Surrey, the two also went to the theatre, and watched funny British plays. Andrea did everything in her power to make Miranda comfortable and happy during her stay in Surrey, and was always rewarded at night when the Editor showed her just how much she appreciated her younger lover's efforts.
Soon though, their magical vacation was up, and Miranda and David had to return to their non-extrodinary lives back in their respective countries.
"Promise you'll call as soon as you land," Emily held out the boarding pass.
"I promise," David took the paper and tucked it in his jacket before taking the younger woman's hands in his own. "I'll miss you," he said softly, leaning in and resting his forehead against hers.
"I know," Emily responded and closed her eyes. "I'll miss you even more."
"We've talked about this. We'll make it work somehow," David wound his arm around her waist and kissed her forehead. "We have to. We'll be together the two weeks you get off in the summer, and we still have next year's holidays to celebrate together."
"Yes," Emily mumbled and tried to hide her tears. She rested her head on David's strong chest, listening to his thudding heartbeat.
Attention passengers. Flight 1829 to Surrey will begin boarding now.
"Time to go," David sighed and tightened his hold on her gently.
"I know," Emily whispered and finally let go. "Good bye David Mason."
He leaned in to kiss her. "Good bye Emily Charlton."
David gave her one last kiss, and then strode over to where Nigel was waiting. The bald-headed man was standing silently a distance away, giving the two lovers privacy and a chance to say goodbye properly. David embraced him and clapped him on the back.
"Thanks old friend," he smiled warmly at the man who had become like a brother to him.
"Thank you," Nigel said and grinned back. "It's always a pleasure having you in the States. Come back soon?"
"Of course," David shook his hand one last time and looked at Emily before walking through the security checkpoint.
Nigel walked over to where Emily was sobbing silently, and offered his shoulder as comfort. She turned and pressed her face into it gratefully, and sniffled pathetically. "I miss him so much already Nigel," she whispered.
"I know," Nigel said and patted her shoulder. "Emily, I'm going to say this once, so take it how you will. I've known you since the time you came to Runway three years ago. Not once in that time span have you ever taken a liking to a man. I mean, a real liking. Not just some fling or one night stand-a real connection that has a chance on becoming more. Now you've met the perfect man for you, and you're letting him walk away."
Emily slowly raised her head. "You mean…"
"I think he may be the one," Nigel raised an eyebrow. "It's up to you whether or not to get him back."
"Thank you Nigel," she breathed and hugged him before running after the man she loved.
Andrea watched Miranda carry her suitcase down the steps with a forlorn expression on her face. Her arms were wrapped around herself, and her dark eyes were sad. The driver Miranda had hired honked outside, and Andrea's heart fell at the sound. Miranda reached the bottom step and set her bags down to embrace her young lover. They held each other tightly, wanting to make the moment last forever.
"Promise to call when you land?" Andrea pulled back to look at Miranda in the face.
"I promise," the Editor said and pressed her lips to the brunette's tightly. "The second I land I will call."
"Tell Cassidy and Caroline I say hi," Andrea grinned, fighting back tears.
"I will," Miranda cupped Andrea's face in her hands. "Thank you for giving me the most wonderful time I've ever had."
Andrea kissed the soft skin on the older woman's palm. "Thank you for giving me that precious time Miranda. I will cherish it forever." she leaned in and kissed Miranda deeply.
The car honked impatiently again.
"Oh shut up," Andrea sighed and wrapped her arms around Miranda's back. "I have a gift for you," she whispered.
"Oh?" Miranda was surprised.
"Here, it's not much, but hopefully it's something you can use to remember me by," Andrea said shyly and reached behind her to produce a multicolored hand-crocheted blanket.
"When did you have time to do this?" Miranda said, amazed at the intricate detail. The fabric was soft and warm, and Miranda fingered the material gently. "I was with you all night and all day. I never saw you work on this."
"I have my ways," Andrea grinned adorably. "I know how cold you get, so hopefully it will help keep you warm."
Miranda embraced the brunette again. "Thank you," she whispered in Andrea's ear.
"You're welcome," Andrea breathed back and kissed the underside of Miranda's jaw. "You'd better get going," she said sadly when she heard the driver lay on the horn.
Miranda picked up her bags off the ground and Andrea opened the door for her.
"Goodbye Miranda," Andrea pressed a tender kiss to the soft pink lips she loved so much and fought her tears valiantly.
"Goodbye Andrea," Miranda pierced her with a soft look. "I'll never forget you."
Andrea bit her lip and nodded half-heartedly with a small smile. The Editor picked up her bags and walked out to the car, struggling not to look back. She slid into the seat and breathed out heavily. Ignoring the driver, she opened her wallet and checked to make sure she had her passport and boarding ticket. Suddenly, something wet fell on her cheek, and she reached up, startled. In amazement, she followed the trail up to her eyes, and realized she was crying. Miranda smiled and laughed quietly to herself.
"Stop the car," she ordered.
"Ma'am, we are on a tight schedule-"
"Stop. The. Car," she said in her iciest voice.
The car stopped. Miranda flung open the door, and started running back to the woman who had stolen her heart.
"David!" Emily yelled. "Wait please!"
The tall man stopped and slowly turned around, not believing his ears.
"David," Emily breathed when their eyes connected.
He dropped his bags, and the redhead ran to him with her arms outstretched. He caught her easily and swung her around effortlessly, making no effort to control the few tears running down his cheek.
"I forgot to tell you something," Emily laughed joyfully, savoring the feeling of being in his arms again.
"What?" David smiled gently at her and held her closer.
"I love you," she said, peering up at him under her lashes.
"I love you too," he said and kissed her soundly.
"Spend New Year's with me? We can figure out what to do then," Emily held onto him tightly, not wanting to let him go.
"Of course Em," David hugged her back. "I'll go anywhere with you."
Miranda let herself into the cottage, breathing heavily.
"Andrea?" she called. "Andrea?"
The brunette appeared in the doorway, her brown eyes rimmed with tears and her nose all red. Miranda decided she had never seen anything more beautiful in her entire life.
"Miranda?" she whispered, her shock written clearly over her face.
Miranda strode over to her and stopped just a hair's length away, still breathing heavily. She took a deep breath, gazed into the brunette's chocolate eyes, and said, "I love you Andrea."
Andrea's face broke out into a beaming grin, and even more tears fell as she responded, "Oh gosh Miranda. I love you too. I love you so so much."
Knees weakening in relief, Miranda fell into Andrea's arms and they clung to each other tightly. Soon, lips were urgently pressed together and trailed up and down the expanse of smooth necks, and noses nuzzled soft cheeks reverently.
"Stay with me," Andrea murmured, caressing Miranda's face with her lips. "Please. I can't bear it if you leave again."
"I will," Miranda vowed. "Always."
New Year was spent at Miranda's house. She had flown Andrea to the States, and had invited Emily and David over after finding from Nigel that they were a couple. She smiled fondly at the thought of her first assistant finding love. The frazzled, overworked woman deserved someone who could help balance her. David seemed like the perfect man for the redhead. Miranda noted that Emily was eating again. She had never seen her assistant eat before, and it was slightly fascinating to see the woman actually consume the food instead of merely watching it with a longing expression on her face. Caroline and Cassidy were also there, and were instantly charmed by Andrea's British accent and easy-going personality. The divorce had ended quickly after somebody had leaked a picture to the press of Stephen and another man in a hotel room, locked in a rather compromising position. Miranda was convinced that her young love had something to do with it, but when asked, Andrea just raised an eyebrow and said she had nothing to do with it. Her eyes always danced and sparkled whenever she said that, and Miranda fell a whole lot more in love with her because of it.
A pair of arms wound themselves around her waist and a rounded chin rested on her shoulder. Miranda leaned back with a contented sigh and relaxed into the sweet embrace. The stereo was on and lively music was playing, filling the Editor with love and joy. She turned in the hold and traced Andrea's nose with her own, her arms locking themselves firmly around the brunette's waist.
"Dance with me?" Andrea smiled.
"Of course darling," Miranda took her young love's hand and led them back to the living room, where David was holding Emily, and Nigel was doing a fantastic job teaching Caroline and Cassidy how to do the Foxtrot. Andrea giggled at Nigel's dance antics, and Miranda leaned her head on the tall woman's shoulder. Smiling blissfully at the scene unfolding before her, the Editor felt an extreme happiness deep within her. The new year was going to bring about wonderful changes. She could just feel it.