I do not own DWP I have just borrowed the characters for inspiration.
The next two weeks were busy at Runway prepping for Paris Fashion Week. Nigel was looking for the ideal gowns for Miranda and Six to wear to the Awards Ceremony.
With all the success of Runway in the last two years everyone wanted them to wear their pieces.
All the gowns were beautiful and the choices were hard. Even the jewelers were fighting for skin. He finally settled on Armani Prive with Cartier diamonds for Andréa, and Atelier Versace with Fred Leighton diamonds for Miranda. As soon as he had them picked out he had the couple come to the studio to try them on so alterations could be made.
The couple came from the dressing rooms at almost the same time. They looked at each other and melted immediately. Miranda's eyes were on fire but not because the Dragon was loose, all the while Andréa's eyes smoldered. As Nigel took in the presence of the two women he was afraid he would have to clear the closet once again.
"Oh yes, you two will knock them dead up on the podium accepting that Gold Award!" Nigel circled Six in her iridescent champagne strapless gown with Paillettes and Swarovski crystals that softly fell to a short train. "Emily bring the diamonds. Six there are enough Cartier diamonds here to feed all of New York. Do not lose them." The two large men standing behind Emily huffed.
"Gee thanks Nigel for not making me to self-conscious." Andréa rolled her eyes.
Miranda stood in a cloud of low-cut gold lace Atelier Versace that fell into a medium train. Emily helped her on with her diamonds. Nigel nodded, "Like I said before Miranda you and gold are a match made in heaven."
Miranda smirked, "Fed Leighton, very nice Nigel."
Andra was wide-eyed, "Miranda how did you know that?"
Miranda mused, "Andréa have I not taught you anything yet?"
Andréa shrugged and grinned.
Nigel had confirmed the Singer's shoot for the week following Paris Fashion Week. The designers were to fly straight to New York from Paris. Nigel had only a few days to secure the watches and jewels before leaving for Paris. He was waiting on Rolex and David Yurman to confirm later that afternoon.
Elias-Clarke sprang for a jet to take Runway to Paris. The only problem, Irv was on it too. Runway had three issues up for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards given at the end of Fashion Week, (Children's Issue, Teen Issue, Miranda and Andréa's Wedding Issue) and Miranda had to win this. The future of Runway counted on it. The Board would never bow to Irv's antics after this years win. Miranda had no idea why the little man wanted to destroy the one magazine that brought him so much money.
Andréa knew Miranda and Runway had a lot running on this season, but Miranda seemed much more calm and relaxed this time around. Once again they visited all the top shows. Designers and the press swooned over Miranda and talk never wavered from Miranda and Andréa's wedding issue. The issue had sold out and copies were going for hundred's of dollars on the internet.
The afternoon before the awards show had everyone in Miranda and Andréa's suite preparing them for the banquet. Serena did the hair and make-up, Emily helped them get dressed. Nigel stood guard over the diamonds while three large men guarded him. Once everyone was dressed they proceeded to the banquet in a line of limos. Everyone that is except Irv he came by himself.
Once inside the venue Nigel whispered in Miranda's ear. "Look who is over there." Miranda turned in the direction Nigel was referring to, and coming toward them was Meryl, Mamie and the baby. Miranda grinned. Her old friend never ceased to amaze her. She welcomed Meryl and whispered in her ear, "You have guts bringing a small child to this."
Meryl shrugged, "What can I say she insisted, and Grandma gives her anything she wants. Besides her picture will win an award she needs to be here to collect it."
Mamie was laughing out loud by this time, "Mother really."
The night was full of electricity. Miranda and Andréa where radiant in their gowns and jewels. Every chance they could get they would catch a kiss from one another to the point Emily was tired of reminding them to fix their makeup and just shoved the small kit into Andy's hands. Miranda smiled. Emily did not know about the plan for her to run Teen Runway and this time next year she would also be sitting in the same position as Miranda. Miranda laughed, well maybe not next year. Miranda had planned on her last year at Runway to out shine all her other years.
Soon it was announced for everyone to take their seats. Meryl and Mamie took their seats at the Runway table.
Andréa whispered to Emily, "How did you get them here?"
Emily smiled, "all we had to do was ask. Meryl was glad to do it for Miranda."
Miranda spent the first part of the evening playing with the baby. Every once in a while the audience would hear the baby laugh out loud. It was a scene stealer. Irv was more than irritated. Something had to be done about the woman. All of them, even the one called Nigel. They all thought they had him in the palms of their hands. Well, he would show every one of them. He was not going to let them have the upper hand any longer.
It finally came time for the three big awards, and Miranda was glowing, every camera in the building was directed at her. This was not like last year Miranda knew she had it in the bucket, there was no doubt. She would win gold again there was no other magazine that could out do the Wedding Issue.
"Ladies and Gentlemen what a year it has been for the fashion magazine, and as you can tell by the contenders for the three top awards Runway's Miranda Priestly has been the main reason for that." Miranda smiled and nodded. The applause was deafening. The announcer smiled looked at Miranda and stated, "I have Ellen's underwear on." Everyone laughed. "Now for the bronze award. The winner is … (the gentleman smiles) there is no surprise here … Runway and its Teen Issue featuring Alexandra Mirs. And ladies and gentlemen this is Alexandra's first year in the business." The room was quiet as all eyes turned to the Runway table.
Miranda stood up and walked over to Alexandra who was dressed in one of her originals. The young girl was in a state of shock. "Come darling this is as much your award as mine." Miranda put her hands on Alexandra's shoulders and helped her up out of the chair and to the podium.
Andy was beaming at her love. The audience gasped at the antics of the Dragon Lady. Once at the podium Miranda collected Alexandra in an embrace. "Ladies and Gentlemen Alexandra Mirs." Miranda stepped back, "It is your time to shine darling." There was polite applause.
Alexandra looked out at the audience all staring at her and she trembled, turning she looked at Miranda and was suddenly calmed by Miranda's beautiful smile. She walked up to the mic and waited for the applause to settle down. She looked back at Miranda one more time. "I just want to say thank you to Miranda. She took a girl who literally had nothing but a few pieces of paper with drawings on them and turned them into the beautiful clothes like I have on." The crowd went wild. "I can not thank everyone at Runway enough for bringing my dream to life. I accept this for all of them."
Alexandra walked back to Miranda. Miranda grinned and whispered into Alexandra's ear, "Child you forgot you award." Alexandra smiled shyly and went back to retrieve it. The crowd laughed and Alexandra blushed.
"Thank you ladies,and we all thought she was a Dragon." The audience laughed nervously. Miranda just smirked and Andréa could not help it she had to give Miranda a peck on the cheek.
"Now for the Silver Award. Last year it was the first of two wins for Runway, but this year it is the second of two wins for Runway and the Children's Issue."
The audience was beside themselves. Miranda sat calmly for a few minutes, then she turned and gave Andréa a kiss. As she stood up she reached out her arms for the small child. Mamie placed the baby in her arms.
As Miranda started for the podium she turned and smiled, "You two are coming with me."
Mamie and Meryl followed Miranda up the podium. Miranda stood at the podium and waited for everyone to settle. "Thank you. I am pleased to see such an innovative concept be awarded to Runway. Runway wants to thank the women like Mamie and Meryl and Mamie's little one for allowing us to show how happy families made the outfits glow. Runway had a great time with Anne Geddes and our models to make this happen. We hope they enjoyed it too." Mamie and Meryl nodded smiling brightly. "Runway has dabbled with many new ideas this year and we want to assure you all we intend to continue it this coming year. Nigel, Emily, job well done." Miranda bowed and led the trio off the stage.
The audience stood and applauded as Miranda made her way back to the table. Miranda had a genuine smile as she placed the award on the table and embraced first Emily then Nigel.
At the table everyone seemed put out.
Nigel remarked, "I thought for sure the Special Issue on the Wedding would win something. This is very disappointing." Nigel rubbed his bald head. Miranda sat preparing herself for the next surprise, she knew ...
The announcer quieted everyone down, "Now it is time for the big one. Runway won it last year and was the first magazine ever to win two of the three awards and they repeated that tonight. Now The Gold Award goes to a magazine who has never done this before, and it is a first for the awards. Runway's table said a silent moan. For their very first Special Issue and a sweep of the awards Runway and The Wedding of Editor in Chief Miranda Priestly and writer for Runway Andréa Priestly."
The table gasped.
Andréa held her hands up to her mouth, "Oh my god."
Tears were in Nigel's eyes.
Miranda's smile shined and her whole face glowed.
She stood up and held out her hand to Andréa who accepted. The two women climbed the steps hand in hand as everyone stood and applauded. Once they reached the mic cameras were flashing from all corners of the room. Miranda looked throughout the room then she looked at Andréa. Miranda had nothing but love in her eyes and tears formed. Miranda leaned to Andréa and gave her the softest of kisses.
"I was skeptical of sharing our private life with all of you, but thanks to the love of my life she encouraged me to share and show all how happy we were and to show off the most stunning, exquisite wedding gowns made for us. Thank you to everyone who made our day extraordinary, especially Valentino my long time friend, Vera, and Stella." Miranda looked at Andréa, and Andréa smiled and squeezed Miranda's hand. There was continued applause. "I wish to part with one last thing, I am announcing tonight effective immediately after Paris Fashion Week next year I will be stepping down from Runway as Editor in Chief." The room went quiet. Miranda bowed and led Andréa off the podium.
Back at the table everyone was stunned. The three awards made a beautiful center piece for the table. Nigel, Emily, and Serena wiped tears from their eyes. Irv was more than irritated, now what was this woman trying to prove. Miranda now knew she could leave Runway next year with everything she had planned for it in place and with enough clout that Irv could not destroy her. The Runway crew stayed until everyone left. They graciously accepted the compliments and congratulations. They drank some, even danced. Two years in a row they broke all the rules, and made their magazine the one to beat next year.
The press had heard about the announcement and swarmed the exit. Thanks to prior planning Miranda and Andréa made a getaway out the back.
Once back at in the room Miranda did not know what to do. The three awards sat on the table like centuries at guard. Miranda continued to run her fingers over them.
Andréa walked up to Miranda's side and put her arms around the woman's waist. "Runway is going to have to build more shelving for them and the ones to come."
Miranda smiled and caressed Andréa's arm. She leaned her head on Andréa's shoulder. "They are beautiful."
Andréa laughed, let go of Miranda, and twirled around the room. She went after the bottle of champagne the hotel had left as a congratulations and popped it open. Miranda glared.
"Dr. Edwards said I could have one drink a day. And I am going to celebrate." Andréa gave a glass to Miranda and toasted her.
Slowly Andréa took a sip and circled Miranda, eyes smoldering. Once she stood behind Miranda she reached and pulled the zipper to Miranda's gown down. Miranda held it up to her chest. Andréa circled some more fingers skimming over the exposed skin. Miranda shivered. Andréa held out her hand and Miranda let the dress go and took Andréa's hand allowing the material to fall down around Miranda's feet. Andréa smiled and her tongue grazed over her dry lips. She led Miranda over to the bed and helped her to lay upon it. Andréa sat her glass down and slowly reached behind her and pulled the zipper down. Miranda lay on the bed with a thin white silk thong and her shoes on. Andréa stood legs spread and the same white silk thong and shoes. She picked up the glass and walked over to Miranda and crawled up on the side of the bed near her. She smiled and moved the glass over Miranda's body.
Miranda's eyes got wide, "Andréa."
Andréa tipped the glass and poured the champagne all over Miranda's body. Miranda squealed, Andréa smiled and proceeded to lick the champagne off her love. Andrea sent Miranda's nerve endings into a frenzy until she came. Miranda was breathing heavy and Andréa was flushed.
"God you are beautiful when you cum." Andréa purred. She continued to assault Miranda's body with soft kisses and caresses. Once again their kisses were long and passionate. Andréa opened her eyes during one kiss and gazed at her love. Miranda's face was flushed and glowing as Andréa pulled away with Miranda's lower lip in her mouth. As she pulled on it Miranda let out a guttural moan. The sensual play went on for hours.
At some time in the early morning hours Miranda awoke to an empty bed. She turned and flinched. This woman of hers was going to kill her. Miranda still had her jewels on and she had laid on one of the sharp edges. Then she heard a noise coming from the bathroom. It was Andréa … she was crying.
Miranda jumped out of bed and slowly walked into the bathroom. "Andréa what is wrong? You are crying."
Andréa looked at Miranda, "My period just started."
Miranda walked closer to Andréa and wrapped her arms around the woman standing in front of her and pulled her close. "I am sorry Sweetheart."
Andréa took a deep breath. "I thought for sure it would work just like the last time."
"I know Sweetheart." Miranda ran Andréa's long locks through her fingers as she rocked the love of her life.
"It is O.K. because we can try again. Right?" Andréa sounded hopeful.
Miranda smiled and nodded. Tears were in her eyes. This is exactly what she was afraid of. She could not stand seeing Andréa hurt and so sad. Reluctantly Miranda replied, "We can try as many times as you want."
Andréa gave Miranda her megawatt smile. "I love you."
"I love you to Sweetheart."
The couple went back to bed and once again fell asleep still wearing their jewels. Miranda had Andréa cuddled into her as silent tears fell.
The next day on the plane the only person not hung over or tired was Alexandra.
At one point Miranda got up to use the rest room and she found Alexandra fingering the awards. "What you accomplished is amazing."
Alexandra jumped. "Oh Miranda, I thought everyone was asleep."
"Bathroom call." Miranda remarked.
Alexandra smiled shyly, "If it hadn't been for you no one would have known my name last night."
"Maybe not last night but soon they would. Once someone found you … I was just lucky to find you first. Do not let anyone fool you Alexandra. You have the will and desire to make it no matter what. I was just lucky enough to help you speed it along."
"Miranda you were the only one who bothered to look at my pieces"
"Well, not really it was Andréa who saw your pieces and dragged me to them." Miranda laughed. "I used to love patrolling the tents around Fashion Week, now I barely have time to pee." Alexandra startled.
"What?"
Alexandra giggled, "Miranda Priestly said pee."
Miranda smirked, "So I did." She walked away to the bathrooms.
Roy was waiting for the women when the plane landed. Thank god for the private jet. Roy had the door open for the two ladies.
Miranda looked around. "Alexandra can we drop you off at your place?"
Alexandra smiled, "Please."
"You can climb in up front." Miranda motioned.
"Roy drop Alexandra off first then head for the townhome."
Roy nodded, "Yes Miranda."
Once in the car Miranda had some things to say to Alexandra. "Alexandra there maybe paparazzi stalked out at your place, if not now they soon will be. Do not let them intrude on your private life. If you do you will not last long in this business. Be courteous, stop and answer question if they wait for you at Runway but never at your home. If you have any issues with them you call me. I am giving you this advice. If you chose to use it, and I hope you do, you will last long. I just warn you do not let it go to your head. I have been in this business for a long time, and you are good. If you remember where you came from you will have a long and happy career."
Alexandra had been intently listening to what Miranda had to say, "Thank you Miranda. I will remember what you have told me." Miranda smiled.
The paparazzi was unbelievable at the townhome so Roy went around the back. "Monday is going to be a whirlwind Miranda they started staking out their spots the minute the news came through about your win." Miranda grinned.
Andréa was laughing, "Oh Roy you know Miranda gets a high from it all."
Miranda glared at Andréa. "I am just happy that Runway is finally getting the recognition she deserves."
Miranda and Andréa arrived at Runway to a horde of paparazzi. They had decided on the ride in to stop and talk with the press. When Miranda and Andy exited from the car the crowd went wild. The couple walked over to where security had them roped off from the entrance to Elias-Clarke. Miranda and Andréa stood holding hands trying to answer all the questions yelled out to them.
"Where are the awards?"
Miranda smiled. "They were brought to Runway over the weekend. There is a special shelf for the three from this year in the case with the ones prior."
"Is it in your office Miranda? Can we see it?"
Miranda smirked, "You wish you could."
"Are you going to do it again next year Miranda?"
Miranda arched an eyebrow, "We will try our best. Now we must be off."
Once the elevator door opened Miranda led Andréa to the Dragon's Lair, but navigating the hall was like running an obstacle course.
"John, where is that man?" At the outer office he was waiting for her. "John, what is all this?" Along with the hallway the outer office was packed with various clothing on racks, plants, flowers, and other gifts.
"Presents from every designer, other magazines, models, photographers … you name it." Explained John.
Andy looked around, "This is insane."
"Do something with it." Miranda flipped her hand in the air and walked off.
"Miranda what is going to happen with everything?" Andréa questioned.
"Nigel and Emily know what to do with it. Most of it will be donated to charity auctions for the year. The plants, and flowers will go to hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where people can enjoy them."
Andy stood in awe. Miranda turned around with questioning eyes. "Babe you never cease to amaze me." Andréa exclaimed.
Miranda smiled and went to kiss Andréa. "So much for the Ice Queen."
In Miranda's office the couple sat on the couch as Andréa talked with Dr. Edwards.
"Andrea it is a fifty, fifty chance to get pregnant whether it is artificial or the regular way." Explained Dr. Edwards.
"Can I try again right away?" Andréa questioned.
"Yes it is perfectly safe to try once again with this period, but if you want you can wait until next month."
"No, I … we want to try right away. If I wait another month I will be delivering to close to Fashion Weeks in September and that cannot happen."
Miranda stopped Andréa, "maybe we should wait, let you rest for three months or so." Miranda was hoping, all of this was breaking her heart.
"No Miranda we discussed this I do want to try right away. If it does not work this time then we can wait a couple of months." Andréa was pleading with Miranda through her eyes. Miranda smiled and kissed Andréa. "Yes we want to try right away."
"O.K. you know what to do. Let us know when your temperature starts going up and we will try to make a baby."
"Thank you Dr. Edwards." Andréa smiled as she ended the call.
After Andréa left for her office Miranda sat at her desk looking out the window sipping on her coffee. "Miranda there is a call from ..."
"Not now John, leave and close the door."
John did as he was told but was confused.
Miranda picked up her phone and dialed, "Chris."
"Miranda congratulations you must be on cloud nine." Chris exclaimed.
Miranda smiled slightly, "Thank you Chris. It is all very exciting."
Chris knew it right away. There was something wrong and Miranda did not call to talk about the awards. "Miranda, what is it?"
Miranda took a deep breath, "How did you know there was something wrong?"
Chris smiled, "Miranda do you know who you are talking to?"
Miranda nodded to herself. She told Chris about the failed invetro attempt and her concerns over Andréa once again wanting to try.
Chris took a deep breath, "Miranda have you told Andréa about your concerns?"
Miranda told Chris about their conversations, "I can not say no to her. She wants a baby so bad."
"And you do not?" Chris questioned.
"Oh no I want a baby with Andréa, it's just ..."
"You can not stand seeing her hurt. Miranda this can truly be a stressful time for the two of you. Unfortunately it will not be the last. True life is not happily ever after. I know it is hard for you but this is something you can not control. The two of you have one of the strongest relationships I have ever known. You have to know Andréa is a strong woman and with your open relationship you have to know she will tell you when she has had enough."
Miranda listen intently. She knew her and Andréa's relationship was the strongest she had ever had. She had never loved or been loved by anyone so strongly as she had with Andréa. This was all so new to her. She finally smiled. She understood. "Thank you Chris."
Chris smiled on the other side of the line, "Anytime Miranda."
Miranda received calls all day with congratulations for the coup she had achieved. John filtered out the most important ones and Miranda tried to field them during her meetings to finalize the singer's shoot. All the important people involved were to start flying in today and Miranda wanted to make sure they were all picked up and taken to the hotel to settle in. This was going to be one of the biggest shoots they had done and required precise organization. The shoot was going to take place at Carnegie Hall, and everything they were going to need was being delivered to the concert hall today. People were in route to and from Runway trying to get everything set up. Most people would be working throughout the night.
Miranda arrived home late and would need to get back to Runway early the next day.
Andy was in bed waiting up for her. "Hey Babe, you made it home."
Miranda smiled walked over and kissed Andréa. "Yes, and I cannot wait to crawl into bed." Miranda went into the bathroom and took off her make-up. When she walked out Andréa had the covers turned down for her.
Miranda crawled in and snuggled up to Andréa's warm soft body. "Mmmmm, god you feel good."
Andy smiled and kissed Miranda on the nose pulling her close. Miranda fell asleep quickly. Andy smiled and snuggle in falling asleep as well.
Early the next morning Miranda was out of the house before Andy had even woken up. Lying on her pillow was a pink rose bud and a note. "Sorry I had to leave so early. Think beautiful tiny thoughts of our baby. I will be home in time to start your shots tonight. Love you now, tomorrow and forever. Miranda."