A/N: This prompt came from Facebook's DWP Mirandy Page. I have been trying to coax my muse out from her winter hibernation by feeding her a particular nutty chocolate bar. Anyway, the prompt I was given is as follows;
Andy catches Miranda having a Snickers and almost dies of shock.
Disclaimer: As always I am just fooling with these characters. I do not own or make any money from them. They are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.
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Chapter Three:
Miranda stalked from the elevator into the foyer of Runway with determined steps. Looking up she swept her Gucci sunglasses off her face and looked towards her assistants, ignoring Emily she locked eyes with Andy. It had been two days since their conversation on the roof and they hadn't found time to talk.
"Good morning Miranda," Andy said grinning happily as she stood and handed Miranda her morning Triple, Venti, No Foam Latte as she took the Book from her and placed it on her desk.
Seeing the expression of approval in Miranda's eyes Andy pulled out her notebook, moving around her desk followed Miranda into her office as she fired off instructions. "Ahn-dré-ah I need you to speak to Patrick, advise him that his photos from the Barcelona shoot are sublime, we will require his presence for the Miami shoot next month. Tell my lawyer I am happy with his current proposal, Stephen may keep the Porsche, however, I want this divorce completed as soon as practically possible. Then call the Porsche dealership and tell them I want a new Porsche 911 Turbo, preferably in metallic dark teal." Miranda smirked as she eyed the brunette. "That's all." She whispered softly with a fleeting smile.
"Yes, Miranda." Andy smiled as she walked out of the office.
"What are you so happy about?" Emily muttered as Andy came out of the office smiling.
"Ah well, you know, it's Friday. Are you and Serena still up for drinks tonight?"
"Nigel wants to go bar hopping. Are you sure you can keep up?" Emily smirked.
Andy cackled happily. "You understand how much of a lightweight I am, it's probably a good thing you have a few hours drinking time on me as I wait for the Book."
"Pft." Emily rolled her eyes at the brunette as Miranda stepped from the office.
"Ahn-dré-ah is there a reason you are cackling like a hyena in the office," Miranda asked as she sauntered out of her office.
"Sorry Miranda," Andy said contritely.
"I didn't ask for an apology. I asked what the reason was. Perhaps you have a joke worth sharing?" Miranda smirked at the young woman.
Andy offered her a small smile. "We were organising drinks tonight. I admit to being glad I wait for the book. I'm not as hard-core as Nigel or Emily with the cocktails or shots. You should join us." The offer slipped out before she could consider it. Looking towards Emily and seeing her stuck dumb she smiled even wider.
Miranda looked between her assistants and smirked, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "I may just take you up on that offer. I need you to go to James Holt's studio now and pick up his design for the dress for next month's gala. I want more coffee on your return. Book a table for 1 pm at Pastis, be ready to leave here with me at 12:30." Miranda sauntered into her office and sat back at her desk.
"What in God's green Earth were you thinking?" Emily hissed as Andy grabbed her coat.
"I don't know...It just slipped out. How bad could it be?" Andy whispered back. She was secretly pleased with making the offer.
"Bad," Emily whispered.
"Don't be ridiculous Em," Andy muttered as she made her way to the elevators.
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Arriving back to Runway she placed the designs in Miranda's outstretched hand and the coffee on her desk. She confirmed that she had spoken to the lawyer, Patrick and the Porsche dealership. Sitting back at her desk her mac pinged with incoming emails.
Sender: echarlton
Recipient: asachs, nkipling, serena
Subject: Unexpected guest
Andy invited Miranda for drinks! She will think about it! I need Vodka and lots of it!
Sender: nkipling
Recipient: asachs, serena, echarlton
Subject: RE: Unexpected guest
What the hell were you thinking Six? Have you lost your tiny little mind?
Sender: serena
Recipient: asachs, nkipling, echarlton
Subject: RE: Unexpected guest
Hey Andy, ignore those two. It was brave of you to invite Miranda and also quite a lovely offer; it will be interesting seeing her outside Runway if she comes.
Shaking her head at her friend's antics she responded quickly.
Sender: asachs
Recipient: serena, nkipling, echarlton
Subject: RE: Unexpected guest
Hey
The offer was made, it cannot be taken back. I doubt she'll even come. Have any of you, other than Nige, ever bothered to ask her to join you for drinks or dinner? She's human, she must need people too. It must be lonely at the top. Everyone needs friends.
Sender: echarlton
Recipient: asachs, nkipling, serena
Subject: Unexpected guest
Friends? Delusional much? The only friendship you want with Dragon Lady is the one that provides other benefits Ahn-dré-ah.
Looking across at Em she saw the redhead smirking into her screen as she typed. Unable to get her attention she sighed and replied.
Sender: asachs
Recipient: serena, nkipling, echarlton
Subject: RE: Unexpected guest
Hey Em! Fuck off!
Hearing a snigger from the Brit she dropped her head to her desk and took a few deep breaths.
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Andy was lost in thought as Miranda called for her coat and bag. Emily threw a paper ball at her to grab her attention. Looking at the redhead nodding her head in the direction of the closet she jumped from her seat she grabbed the items and her own jacket as Miranda came out of her office.
"Emily? Tell Nigel the run through will be at 3 pm. That's all."
"Yes, Miranda," Emily said nervously.
As Andy assisted Miranda into her coat, she brushed her fingers along her neck, feeling a tremor in the older woman she let go, and got into her own coat. Walking two steps behind to the elevator banks as the door opened and Miranda entered she nodded once again to show Andy should join her.
"You seem tense," Miranda said.
"Let's just say it's been an interesting morning," Andy told her.
"The invite went well then?" Miranda smirked.
"Nigel asked if I'd lost my tiny little mind, Em declared her need for Vodka and Serena was as beautiful about it as always, she told me it was a lovely idea." Andy smiled. "So lunch?"
"Mm yes, I thought we could talk again," Miranda told her. Looking over at the brunette she said. "You look lovely today."
"That's a high compliment from the queen of fashion." Andy chuckled as the elevator doors opened to the ground floor. There was a flash of shock on the clacker's faces as Miranda swept from the elevator followed closely by a smiling Andy. Miranda provided her usual death glare as they scattered to let her through.
Roy held the town car door open for Miranda as Andy rushed around and slid in next to the editor. The privacy screen moved up as the car moved into traffic.
"So?" Miranda said with a hint of nervousness. "Tonight?"
"Miranda, you can decline if you feel uncomfortable," Andy told her.
"I'm not uncomfortable." Miranda sputtered. "It wasn't what I had in mind for our first date."
"Oh my God, no Miranda! This wouldn't be our first date. I wouldn't enforce tonight's madness on you and have the nerve to call it a date. This is just us going for a few drinks, perhaps some dancing, if Nigel has his way there will be karaoke. We always do drinks this time of the month. It's the weekend after the recent issue has been put to bed it's a relaxing few days before the madness of the next issue occurs," Andy explained.
"Oh." Miranda exhaled.
"I want you to know when we make time to go on a proper date, I want it to just be us, just us talking and getting to know each other outside our usual professional relationship, and maybe having a bit of fun together too." Andy clarified. "I'm not expecting the whole dating thing to happen right away, you are still going through the divorce and Stephen's made things difficult and has been dragging things out. I don't want to give him any reason not to co-operate with your Lawyers."
"Have you changed your mind about trying this?" Miranda waved her hand between them.
"No!" Andy was horrified that Miranda's mind had jumped to that. "Oh God! Why would you assume that Miranda? After Wednesday?"
"Well, we've not really spoken since..." Miranda trailed off and looked away as Andy captured her hand and held it between hers.
"Miranda, look at me." As Miranda turned back towards Andy, she saw the determination in the chocolate eyes. "I want this. I want you. If that takes time I'm willing to wait."
"And Runway, have you decided?" Miranda asked gently.
"Have you seen my resignation on your desk?" Andy asked.
"No. Did I miss it?" Miranda panicked.
"Sweetheart it's not on your desk, it's not happening. I am not leaving, well not any time soon that I can see." Andy pulled the Miranda closer. "I cannot leave you." She whispered into the editor's ear as the car pulled to a stop at the restaurant.
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Miranda paced around her bedroom in her underwear and bathrobe, her hair and make-up perfect. Hearing the front door she raced from the room. "Andréa?" She queried breathlessly craning over the stairwell. Looking down, she caught the eye of her assistant.
"Yes, Miranda?" Andy questioned.
"I have no idea what to wear." She confessed.
Andy held up the dry cleaning. "Let me put this away and we'll see what magic we can weave. Roy's waiting with the SUV; he knows he's needed tonight." She turned away to place the dry cleaning in the usual closet and placed the book precisely on the table before making her way upstairs to Miranda. "You really want me to help you choose?" She asked nervously. The last time she had been upstairs was when the twins had pranked her the first time she delivered the book, she had never expected to see the editor's bedroom.
Nodding slightly Miranda lead the way down the hall and opened a door and stood aside to let Andy in. Looking appraisingly at the young woman Miranda realised she had changed into a red Christian Dior Vintage double breasted flared dress that came mid-thigh showing an expanse of her tanned leg that made her breathless. "That colour looks wonderful on you," Miranda told her, appreciation colouring her tone of voice. Looking down again at Andy's shoes she raised her eyebrow at the René Caovilla Silver Snake shoes. "You mentioned dancing. Are you sure you'll manage in those?"
Andy laughed. "They may end up being kicked off at some point. I'm still a little unstable in heels but these are exquisite."
"Don't worry I shall catch you if you fall." Miranda smiled. "My walk-in is just through there." She waved in the general direction of a door to the right of the room.
Andy walked over and opened the walk-in. "Wow!" She exclaimed. "This is probably bigger than my whole apartment."
Miranda grinned. "It is a little excessive. I try to go through occasionally and downsize." Watching the young women go through her clothes, handling them with so much care, made her heart flutter.
Andy looked back at the older woman and asked. "Pants or a dress?"
"I think a dress. Choose wisely you must, my young Jedi." Miranda chuckled.
Andy burst out laughing. "Oh my God, I can't believe you tried to quote Yoda to me."
"I am a fountain of wisdom too you know." Miranda laughed at the shock displayed on Andy's face.
Looking through Miranda's wardrobe she said. "I like this side of you. Who would have guessed La Priestly has a sense of humour?" Winking at the editor she chose a cerulean Jean-Paul Gaultier knee length dress. "This will be perfect. It will bring out the beautiful blue of your eyes." Miranda blushed as Andy handed her the dress. "Shoes, shoes, shoes...Aha, here we are." She brandished a pair of Christian Louboutin Glitter Pumps at Miranda smiling happily.
"Thank you," Miranda whispered. Walking up to the young woman she brushed a soft kiss on her cheek.
Blushing furiously Andy said. "Well, I think my work here is done. I'll wait downstairs." Letting her nerves get the better of her she bounded from the room.
Within five minutes Miranda was downstairs dressed. Searching for Andy she found her in the kitchen, a glass of water in hand. "Can you help me with this?" Miranda asked holding out a necklace.
"Sure," Andy stated. Putting the water down, she took the necklace from the outstretched hand. "Turn around." She requested. As Miranda turned her back Andy stood closer as Miranda took a step back, chest to back Andy pulled the chain around her neck and after fumbling a little fastened the clasp swiftly before stepping away.
As Miranda turned her head to watch at Andy, she noticed her looking flustered. Smirking she asked. "Are you ready?"
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The journey between the townhouse and meeting Nigel, Emily and Serena in the East Village was quick, with traffic in their favour. Nigel had text her to advise they were holed up in the Lit Lounge, one of Andy's favourite dive bars with its bands and then DJ's playing Top 40 and eighties hits on rotation.
As they exited the SUV Miranda took in her surrounding's as they walked into the bar. "This place is interesting." She said showing her distaste.
Andy laughed. "I love the Underground no bullshit vibe this place offers. Utter, only-in-New-York-city ridiculousness. It looks like a dive but the bands are acceptable and the music and dancing later into the night is usually amazing. The crowd is usually eclectic too."
Miranda rolled her eyes. "I've been here a few times with my old friends but on Runway nights we usually only stay for two or three drinks to meet up. Em hates it. God knows where we'll end up. Last month it was Cubbyhole over in the West Village."
"Cubbyhole?" Miranda queried. "Isn't that a lesbian bar?"
"Yeah, it was an experience," Andy smirked. "There was an intense blonde that didn't want to take no for an answer. Serena had to swoop in and rescue me. Emily wasn't too thrilled." Andy told her. With a raised eyebrow Miranda queried Andy's statement. "Well, Em really likes Serena. You know like 'likes' her?" Andy clarified.
"Ah, I see. I can't say I'm altogether surprised." Miranda told the brunette as she spotted Nigel who waved them over pointing to the table of drinks.
"Looks like Nige has got the round in." Andy grinned. "Gird your loins; you're in for a treat."
Rolling her eyes Miranda stalked over to the table with Andy trotting behind her, her eyes focused on the editor's hips and ass as she strode forward.
"Wow, Miranda you look stunning. That dress really brings out your eyes." Serena told her.
Miranda smirked at the Brazilian. Looking at her she gave a subtle nod of approval at her clothing choice she said. "Thank you. I had Andréa help me choose."
Emily looked between Andy and Miranda, eyes flashing in disbelief. She'd yet to utter a word to the newcomers.
Andy sat at the table next to Serena and Nigel pushed a sticky pink concoction and a shot of tequila in front of her. "God, Nige are you trying to kill me?" She asked him laughing as she took a large gulp of her cocktail.
"You have some catching up to do Six. Same for you Miranda. Please sit." Nigel grinned. "Nice choices in dresses Six, both of you look exquisite. I guess my work as Fashion's fairy Godfather has obviously competed." Nigel commented as Miranda perched herself between Andy and Nigel.
Grabbing her cocktail Miranda sipped it. "Oh my God what on Earth is in this thing? It's like heaven in a glass," She asked.
Nigel's smile widened as he saw a glimpse of the woman he used to know. Serena responded. "It's tequila, black raspberry liqueur, white Crème de Cacao and half-and-half. They call it the Agave Kiss."
Andy grabbed salt and lemon and downed her shot of tequila. Nigel passed her another as Miranda looked on in astonishment as Andy bit into the sour lemon and shuddered. "So where too next?" Andy asked happily as she sprinkled salt onto her hand again. "I realise you only meet me here under sufferance."
Nigel grinned at the brunette, a twinkle of mischief clear in his eyes. "Maybe we should have our illustrious leader decide." He said. "We could do karaoke or go to one of the piano bars and have the lovely Andy singing for us or we could head west and hit up Henrietta Hudson or Monster. What do you think Miranda?"
Miranda spun her head and looked at the blushing brunette. "You sing?" She questioned.
Feeling embarrassed Andy stuttered. "I...well...I...Oh for fuck's sake Nigel!" Andy exploded trying to rid herself of her self-consciousness.
"Oh God, you should see your face." Nigel giggled hysterically. "It was you who mentioned Vogue the other day. I have it videoed on my cell." Nigel fumbled for his cell in his pockets, not realising it was on the table
Snatching the cell from the table Andy glared at him. "Nige, unless you want this dunking in that fuzzy navel in front of you, just stop!"
"I don't know why your embarrassed Andy," Serena told her nudging Emily for backup.
"Yes Andréa you have quite a lovely singing voice," Emily told her. As Andy looked at Emily, she caught her muttering. "It's a shame about how it sounds the other 98% of the time."
Serena nudged her harder as Nigel giggled again. Miranda also catching the muttering gave Emily a glare of such icy proportions it caused the young redhead to blush so fully her face clashed unfavourably with her hair. Andy just shook her head and gave her a glance, expressing her amusement.
Looking towards the woman next to her and capturing her attention she flashed a shy smile and admitted. "Yes, I sing occasionally. I play piano and guitar too. My parents believed in keeping their children busy with extra-curricular activities."
Miranda offered her a small smile in return before knocking back her tequila without salt or lemon. Glancing around at the table she smirked at their looks of shock before being handed another. "Either karaoke or the Piano bar sounds splendid." She told the table, laughter shining from her blue eyes.
Nigel's eyes gleamed. "Planet Rose it is."
Andy groaned and muttered. "I think I will need more booze." Getting up from the table she made her way to the bar, pulling out her phone she sent a text Roy to come get them in 15 minutes and ordered a dozen shots.
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Knocking back two shots, Andy walked over to the table with the drinks perched precariously in between the palms of her hands. As she sat and placed the drinks down some sloshed over her hands. "Ah, shit!" She exclaimed as she licked at the liquor dripping from her hand. Seeing Miranda's attention focused on her she smiled nervously. "Everything okay?" She asked.
Taking a deep shuddering breath Miranda looked away. "Of course, Andy." She said.
The three others at the table looked between the two women. Nigel raising his eyebrow at Andy, who shrugged nonchalantly.
Em spoke up quietly. "Since when did you become Andy? It's always been Ahn-dré-ah." She drawled each syllable in a mocking tone.
Seeing Miranda roll her eyes at the redhead's question Andy grinned good-naturedly at the Brit and replied. "Well, I understand Miranda prefers my full name, however, I'm predominantly known as Andy, I don't care what she calls me unless she's whispering 'Oi you' at me from across the office." Andy giggled. "Oh God, I should lay off the shots."
Miranda, Serena and Nigel chuckled at the brunette as she downed another shot. "Good plan Six. Are you sharing or planning on drinking them all?" Nigel asked as he smothered his laughter.
"Oh yeah. Here you go." Andy passed the shots around, two to each of her friends. Looking at Miranda she raised her eyebrow and looked shocked when Miranda downed the two in quick succession.
"Close your mouth Andy, gob-smacked is not a good look on you," Miranda told her laughingly causing the Serena and Nigel to erupt into laughter and Em to smirk.
"Yes, Miranda," Andy replied cheekily as she threw a wink at her boss. Looking down at her cell she noticed Roy had texted her to notify of his arrival. "So are you guys ready to move? Roy's here." She told them.
"God yes," Em exclaimed as she finished her drinks. "This place makes my local pub back home seem like a palace."
"I quite like it," Serena said smiling at Andy. "It has character."
Nigel and Emily looked towards Miranda who smirked. "It's acceptable." She said.
"That's the booze talking." Nigel grinned at her as he stood. Stepping forward, he held an arm to Miranda which she accepted graciously. Winking at Andy he offered his other arm. "C'mon Six our chariot awaits."
"Why do I feel like I'm on my way to my execution?" Andy grumbled half-heartedly causing Nigel to guffaw as he led them out of the bar to the waiting car.
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They crossed the Village within 10 minutes and entered Planet Rose happily chatting among themselves. Andy was worried about Miranda. She looked like she was well out of her comfort zone. Holding back she whispered. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
Miranda nodded hesitantly and looking sidewards at Andy exhaled. "It's been a long time since I've done this. I don't quite know how to act."
"Just be you, just less of the Runway you and more of the Miranda you hide." Andy giggled.
"I see those two shots you inhaled at the last bar have taken effect," Miranda noted with a small smile.
"You saw that?" Andy exclaimed embarrassment flushing her face. "I needed Dutch courage"
"If I'm honest, I haven't been able to take my eyes off you. I thought you may be extraordinarily nervous with me here. Can I ask you something?" Miranda questioned.
"Maybe, I'm just a little nervous about making an ass of myself." Andy grinned. "You can ask me anything," Andy responded.
"I appreciate you said Emily offers her friendship under sufferance but is she usually so sarcastically mocking towards you?" Miranda questioned gently.
"Ah, you noticed that?" Miranda rolled her eyes. "Look I know you're keenly observant, you know everything that's going on at Runway, it allows you to run the magazine effectively. Em has always been a bit colder towards me than Serena or Nigel. She hates the fact I formed friendships with Nigel and Serena, even when I was wearing hideous skirts and lumpy jumpers. It pisses her off that I am efficient and can occasionally pull off the impossible. She was sufficiently flabbergasted at my makeover. But her biggest issue with me was me going to Paris, it was her dream after-all, not mine." She told Miranda.
"What will you do with her?" Miranda asked her curiously.
"I'll continue to be me. I will smile and laugh and ignore the barbed comments she throws at me. Occasionally I tell her to fuck off. I have to admit half the fun of being around Emily is getting a rise out of her but I hope one day I'll crack her and gain her grudging respect." Andy smiled.
Hearing Miranda snort she looked at the editor and her smile widened. "Well, I've yet to meet anyone who hasn't been charmed by Andréa Sachs. Come on, I want to hear you sing." Miranda told her.
"Your wish is my command, Your Highness." Andy laughed as she guided Miranda towards the bar where Nigel stood.
"Serena and Em have gone to grab seats." He told them.
Taking in the decor that included deep rose walls, leopard-print carpet and zebra-stripe couches Miranda was shocked into silent laughter.
Feeling the older woman's shoulders shuddering Andy looked at her. "What's wrong?" She asked.
As laughter bubbled up out of her throat Miranda squeezed her eyes shut. "The decor..." She tried to explain. "It's so...so..."
"Tacky? Funky? C'mon Miranda you are Editor-in-Chief of the largest fashion magazine in the world, use your words." Andy smiled at her teasingly.
Getting her laughter under control she looked at the teasing brunette and smirked. "It looks like the place was decorated by Elvis."
Snorting with Laughter Andy told her. "There's so much animal print in this place I always think I should bring a gun and kill the couch." Miranda giggled at her as she caught the attention of the bartender.
"Hey Andy what can I get you and your friends?" He asked giving her the once over and winking flirtatiously.
"Um..." Andy wasn't sure how to respond to him.
Seeing Miranda's eyes fill with ice Nigel stepped in. "We'll have five shots of tequila, five Corona and five Tequila sunrises." He told the barman.
"Are you singing?" He asked Andy hoping to get her attention.
Miranda raised her eyebrow at Andy who stuttered while keeping her eyes averted. "Yea...yes I will be." Glancing at the older woman she smiled. The bartender pushed a post-it and pencil towards her and she scribbled her song choice down. Smiling she handed it to him. "Thanks."
"Are you going to tell me what your song choice is? Do I get to hear Vogue? Will I have to call and tell Anna that my assistant is proactively advertising the competition?" Miranda smiled as she handed her card over to pay for the drinks.
"Nope, it's a surprise. No, it's not Vogue, I'm not drunk enough to commit that kind of atrocity again." Andy grinned as she grabbed the beers. "C'mon we'll go sit. They can take their time getting through the individual singers. They'll find me when it's my turn and pass me the mic."
"Nigel caught the barman's attention as the woman walked away drinks in hand. "Give me a post-it; I have a request for Andy." He grinned as he was handed a post-it and pencil. Scrawling his song choice his smile widened and carrying the cocktails joined the four women.
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