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 Five:
A week had passed since their night out and Andy had spent the week keeping herself out of the office as much as possible as she ran all the errands leaving Emily at her desk.
Miranda, Nigel and Emily had all unsuccessfully tried to talk to the brunette, but she had shut herself off from them and had so far avoided any attempts at a deep and meaningful conversation. She was embarrassed at allowing her feelings for Miranda to blaze so brightly that night, allowing everyone to view her heart. Doug had tried to call her, but she was sending his calls to voicemail, unable to deal with the questions she understood would be asked.
Entering the office at 7 pm that night, arms full of couture she dropped the bags off at the closet and sorted the items onto rails ready for the next run through on Monday. As she sorted through the items, she heard the closet door slide shut. Spinning around, she spotted Miranda leaning against it. "I've caught you at last." Miranda breathed "You've been avoiding everyone. Nigel and Emily are concerned."
"I don't have time for this Miranda. I need to sort all this and..." Andy was cut off.
"Ah but I imagine we can find the time, after all as your employer I can ensure we make the time." Miranda frowned at the brunette. "Why are you avoiding me Andréa?"
"I'm not!" Andy said weakly.
"Don't lie," Miranda told her. "I waited all week for you to come and speak to me. You aren't here when I get to work in the morning, yet my hot coffee is there waiting upon my arrival, all I've caught is fleeting glances of you as you run in and out of the office. You sneaked into my house each evening so quietly I did not realise you are there."
"Is there something you need Miranda," Andy asked.
"I need answers. I followed you last Friday night, you kissed me and then you ran! You left me stood there in the middle of the East Village wondering what the hell had happened. Was kissing me so bad you had a change of heart?"
"Miranda, no! I just...I can't...I'm appalled at myself." She stuttered. "I sang my heart out to you in front of everyone, and if that wasn't awkward enough for you I then pushed you against that wall and jumped you in the middle of the street. I've explained before that I don't want you to be put in an uncomfortable position, I assured you I was happy to wait and then I do that to you. Jesus Miranda! I didn't even give you a chance to say no." She wrapped her arms around her waist and sobbed.
Miranda walked towards Andy and pulling her into her arms whispered. "Darling you bared your soul. It was an act of courage that left me speechless. I was amazed by it. Please don't run from me again Andréa, you pulling away from me hurts more than I thought possible." Miranda rubbed her shoulders in soothing circles. "Dry your eyes and finish up here. I'll go make us a cup of tea. Come find me when you're done. Okay?"
"If you insist," Andy said as she calmed herself.
"I do. We need to discuss this Andréa. Please don't push me away again." Miranda left the closet leaving the door open behind her.
Andy finished up her task quickly. As she left the closet, she ran into Nigel. "Hey, Nige. You're here late" She looked at him, embarrassment clouding her eyes.
"Hey Six, long time no see. You've made yourself busy this week. Are you okay?"
"Sure," Andy said hesitantly.
"You don't seem too sure." Nigel grinned at her. "So what happened last Friday?"
"Aha you know, everything that happened with Nate and Lily, it all just got overwhelming," Andy told him as she looked away.
"Bullshit! Miranda followed you out and when she came back, she looked furious. What happened?" Nigel questioned.
"Nothing happened. I went home." Andy told him. Seeing his expression of disbelief she said. "Look I don't want to talk about it. There's stuff I need to finish before the book arrives. I'll catch you later, okay?"
As she moved to step around Nigel, he pulled her close. "Drinks later?" Nigel asked as he caught her eye.
"I have plans," Andy told him.
"With Miranda?" He whispered.
"No, with my good friend Jack Daniels. Now please let go of me Nige." She said hoarsely.
Looking into her eyes he saw the tears forming. Pulling her into his office he sat down and pulled her into his arms. "Oh God Andy, what did she do to you?" He asked gently
"Absolutely nothing, it's what I did to Miranda that's the problem," Andy admitted. "I put her in a shitty position Nige and I don't see how I can make it right. I should have just left Runway when I had the chance in Paris." Andy's shoulders slumped as she fought against her tears.
Nigel pulled her closer as she cried. "C'mon Six, it can't be that bad?" He whispered.
"It's bad Nige. I kissed her and then I ran away." Andy admitted between sobs.
"What the fuck was you thinking?" Nigel exploded as he pulled away and looked at his friend.
"I wasn't thinking Nige, but she knows how I feel about her," Andy said.
"Since when?" Nigel asked her.
"Since last Wednesday, after she cancelled the run through. That afternoon I told her I wanted to leave Runway, she demanded an explanation. I told her everything."
"How did she take it?" He asked her softly.
"Which part?" Andy questioned.
"I'll start with the whole you telling her about your feelings for her," Nigel smirked. "It has been obvious for a while how deeply you care and it's clear she feels the same."
"Well, she wasn't unresponsive. We are supposed to be taking it slow, with the divorce and everything, and then I ruined it. I should never have invited her last week, it's like playing with fire and expecting not to get burnt." Andy brushed the tears away and looked down.
"And how did she take you wanting to leave?" Nigel asked her.
"Not so well. There will be fireworks later. I've got my resignation ready to give to her." Andy told him.
"You can't leave Six." Nigel shook his head. "Don't think we all haven't noticed you put your barriers up against us this week. Your usual sunny presence has been missed, even by Em. Doug warned us you would do this, or pretend it didn't happen."
"Doug should mind his own fucking business. How I deal with this is no one's concern." Andy seethed.
"Look Six, we all understand you possess a loving heart, you wear it on your sleeve often and it's beautiful. Don't push her away Andy, don't do that to her. You would break her. I saw her with you on Friday, it's obvious she cares about you deeply. We spoke to Miranda on Wednesday, she wants a chance at a future."
"This conversation is over Nigel." She told him, determination clear in her eyes.
"Just consider it Andy, that's all I ask," Nigel said sadly as she swept from the office.
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As she entered the outer office, she spotted the book on her desk. Grabbing it she entered Miranda's office, spotting the editor leaning against the back of the couch with her eyes closed she walked over and placed the book between two cooling mugs of tea. "Miranda? The book's here. There's no dry cleaning tonight so I'll be heading off home." She mumbled.
"You're running again," Miranda told her sadly, eyes still closed.
"Miranda, it's been a long week, I want to go home, soak in a bath, sit in my pyjamas and drown myself in a bottle of Jack," Andy admitted.
"If you need a drink so badly, there's a bottle of Scotch in my bottom drawer, knock yourself out." Opening her eyes she glared at the brunette. "It won't help though, trust me on that." She sighed heavily. "I wish you would just explain what's going on in that head of yours Andy." Andy walked forward, pulling an envelope from her pocket she laid it on top of the book. "What's that?" Miranda questioned.
"My resignation, two weeks' notice effective immediately. Goodnight Miranda." As she turned away Andy heard a gasp.
"I won't accept it Andréa." Picking up the envelope Miranda tore it in four and threw it on the floor. "You said you would stay, that you wouldn't leave me."
"I also told you I would wait, as I proved I couldn't do that either. Regarding my resignation, it doesn't matter that you tore it up. There's a copy for HR which I will send to them once I get home." Andy said sadly.
Walking towards the brunette Miranda grabbed her hand and entwined their fingers. "Don't walk away from me Andréa. Talk to me, my darling. Tell me how to fix this." Miranda spoke passionately.
"Why can't you understand that there's nothing for you to fix. I wanted this so much, and I sabotaged it. I couldn't stand by my promises to you, the assurances I made. I failed you. This is on me Miranda, not you. And I don't know how to make it right. I don't trust myself not to hurt you. Nate and Lily were right about me, I'm selfish. You deserve better than that Miranda, you deserve better than me." Andy made to walk away but Miranda's hold on her hand stopped her. "Please just let me go, Miranda," Andy asked gently.
Spinning the young woman around Miranda grabbed her waist and pulled her towards as she captured Andy's lips in a searing kiss. Letting go of her hand and waist she cupped Andy's face in her hands, she couldn't help but run them up into Andy's silken tresses as Andy's arms tightened around her waist. The kiss started gently, Miranda was hesitant. Hearing Andy hum into her mouth she allowed it to deepen, letting the intensity of her feelings take over she tasted Andy's lips tentatively with her tongue as she traced it across the bottom of her soft full lips. Andy parted her lips and allowed Miranda's tongue to caress her own causing Miranda to moan.
Breaking their kiss Andy whispered Miranda's name breathlessly like a prayer. Their face only inches apart, the warmth of Miranda's breath sent a rush of heat deep into the pit of her stomach. She could feel Miranda's gaze burning deep into her soul. Leaning slightly forward Andy brushed Miranda's signature forelock out of her eyes and in that instance she pressed her lips back to the older woman's. As she was running gentle hands up Miranda's back she nipped at Miranda's bottom lip causing a gasp from the woman in her arms. She smiled as their lips met softly before Miranda broke the kiss and pressed her forehead against Andy's.
"Come to dinner with me?" Miranda requested softly.
Seeing the uncertainty in Miranda's eyes Andy ran her thumb over Miranda's lips as she whispered. "Sweetheart, nothing would give me greater pleasure."
Grinning at the brunette in her arms Miranda whispered. "We'll see about that."
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As Andy made her way to the bathroom to clean away the tear tracks Miranda called Roy and removed the rapidly cooling teacups from her office. Trying to get a handle on her swirling emotions she hunched herself over the kitchen sink and let her tears fall.
Entering the outer office Andy pulled Miranda's and her own coat from the closet as Nigel made an appearance. "I'm meeting Doug for drinks at the Lit Lounge. Are you sure you don't want to join us for drinks? Maybe dinner? My treat?" He tried to coax.
"I'm okay, Nige. I have dinner plans sorted." Andy offered him a brief smile. "Anyway, I wouldn't want to play gooseberry."
"I must admit I'm nervous. I know Doug's been trying to talk to you this week, when he had no luck he called me and much to my surprise he asked me out." Nigel giggled causing Andy's grin to widen.
"He's a good man Nige. I hope you both have fun. Tell him I'll call him over the weekend." Andy said happily.
"I will, and I'm sure we will have lots of fun." He said with a smile as he looked down at Andy's hands. Spotting Miranda's Burberry trench he whispered. "Is Miranda still here?"
"Yes, she was in the kitchen," Andy told him. "She wasn't happy with my resignation, she refused to accept it." She nodded towards Miranda's office. "As you can see the pieces are still littering her carpet." She sighed sadly.
"I'll clean up that mess on the floor if you go check on her. Just try to be gentle, no more running away from whatever is between you." Nigel told her softly. "And Six..." Andy looked at him as he entered Miranda's office. Looking over his shoulder he said. "I hope you'll change your mind about leaving us, you'd be missed."
Giving him another small smile she placed their coats on her desk and moved towards the kitchen. Entering the room she saw Miranda hunched over crying. Rushing over she pulled the older women into her arms. "Miranda?" She questioned gently as she cupped her face and swiped away the falling tears. "Sweetheart, talk to me, tell me what's wrong." She requested softly.
"You're still leaving me," Miranda whispered as she laid her head on Andy's shoulder, trying to calm herself. "It hit me suddenly, we've not even had our first date and you're leaving. I won't get to see you every day, to listen to your laughter ring out across the office."
"Miranda even if I leave Runway I will still make the time to see you, just on a more personal level, if that's what you still want. I am not leaving you. I've crossed so many professional boundaries this past week and I don't know if I can put them back up. I don't know if I want to." Andy admitted.
Miranda stepped back. "Why?"
Andy stepped forward into Miranda's personal space and ran her fingers through Miranda's hair. "Because I like you, well if I'm honest I more than like you. You are beautiful, Miranda. You drive me crazy in all the right ways and you challenge me and don't take my bullshit. You make me want to be better." Andy told her tenderly. "It makes my heart ache to watch you so upset over this sweetheart but I want more than a professional relationship with you allows, plus I don't want whatever happens between us to affect your professional life," Andy explained. "All I've wanted to do for months is to kiss you and now it's happened I don't want to stop kissing you." Miranda closed her eyes at the words the young woman was speaking.
Taking a deep breath she looked up at the brunette and whispered. "If it's working for me that is the issue Andréa I could move you to the Art Department. You'd report directly to Nigel."
Andy pulled back in shock. "But that opening was for Emily. She's worked for you longer than me, she has more style and overall knowledge. She's perfect for the position. I still can't tell the difference between Brandeis blue and Azure or Zaffre and Ultramarine for Christ's sake."
Miranda barked out a laugh. That you know those four shades of blue shows you may possess more knowledge than even I ever realised."
"I kinda studied them after the Cerulean rant," Andy admitted with a wide smile.
"How many times do I need to tell you? I do not rant." Miranda smirked. Turning serious she cupped Andy's face. "How do you do that Andréa? How are you able to calm me and make me smile or even laugh when just moments before I felt overwhelmed?"
"Only you can answer that Miranda," Andy told her lightly. "I would do anything for you sweetheart. If you need me, I will always be here, no matter what."
"Once again I will ask that you to reconsider leaving Runway. Think about it my darling, please. Give it the weekend. If you're still determined after that I will accept your resignation." Miranda told her sadly.
"And where would that leave us?" Andy asked nervously.
Miranda looked up at her and smiled. "If you hadn't been avoiding me all week, I would have provided reassurances that there's no reason we can't remain working together even if we form a personal relationship. There's nothing in either of our contracts to forbid it, all that would be required is to advise Human Resources. I could also tell you I had spoken to Claire regarding you assisting them. She will email you requesting ideas for articles and features, you will be paid for anything published as a Freelancer, she also has some editing for you to sink your teeth into." Andy gaped at her in disbelief, unable to formulate her thoughts into words. Sighing in exasperation Miranda took her hand, smiled and said. "Close your mouth please Andy, we are not a codfish."
At her words, Andy's eyes blazed with delight and she let out a peal of loud laughter. Trying to get her amusement under control Andy wheezed. "God woman, you will be the death of me. I never know what will come out of that beautiful mouth of yours. Who knew you'd channel both Yoda and Mary Poppins in the space of a week."
Miranda smiled up at her and said. "You've found out another one of my guilty pleasures darling. I believe in time you may find them all. Now, I need to clean up and then I will take you to dinner. I know a gorgeous little Italian place I haven't been to in an age." She placed her lips on Andy's briefly before stalking back to her office and into her personal bathroom.
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Sitting behind her desk she shrugged her jacket on and leaning her elbows on her desk placed her face in her hands. Hearing the outer doors she saw Doug walk nervously into the outer office. Giving him a brief smile she asked. "Dougie, why are you here?"
He smiled back at her. "Nigel asked me to meet him here instead of the Lit Lounge. I somehow got myself lost in the maze of hallways. I saw the light up here and assumed this is where I'd find him. You look beat sweetie, a rough week?" He asked gently.
"You could say that, a hellish week of my making." She grimaced at him. "I'm such a dick sometimes Doug, I don't understand why any of you put up with me."
"The good in you far outweighs the bad. Just promise to try not to let those barriers up too much, not everyone will have the patience to knock them down." He looked knowingly at her. "Now if you could be so kind as to point me towards that bald little hottie, I have myself a date." Doug puffed out his chest and winked at her as she laughed.
"I'll do one better." Grinning, she pulled her desk phone handset to her ear and connected to Nigel. "Hey Nige, I have a tall, handsome, Versace clad accountant type here ready to whisk you away...yeah I can describe him...blondish, gorgeous green-blue eyes, a large smile and, oh-oh, there's spinach in his teeth." She pulled the earpiece of the phone away from her ear as Nigel cackled happily down the line. Hearing a snigger from the inner office she smiled widely. "Just try to give better directions next time, Dougie came out of the closet a long time ago I don't want him to get lost in there again...okay, I'll see you in a few." Looking at Doug she grinned. "He'll be down in a sec handsome."
"Andy, can I ask a question?" Doug asked. "Is that dress from the Phillip Lim Fall/Winter collection?"
Smiling she nodded shyly. "Yea, I love it, I love how it can be paired with a blazer or even a leather jacket."
"Well, you look fabulous. I can't believe you didn't stop traffic running around Manhattan in that all day." He grinned at her as Miranda stalked out of her office.
"Good evening Douglas, it's lovely to see you again. I am pleased I'm not the only one who has appreciated how stunning Andréa looks today." As Nigel entered the outer office Miranda smiled and looking at Andy asked. "And what colour is that beautiful dress?" Looking towards Doug and then Nigel she explained. "Andréa seems to think she cannot discern all the different shades of blue."
"It's turquoise Miranda." Seeing Miranda's nod she grinned. "I'm obviously not a total lost cause. I believe it would be even lovelier in Cerulean." Seeing Miranda's smirk she got up from her desk. "Nigel please take care of Dougie tonight. Miranda, I have your coat here. Shall we?" Holding Miranda's coat she held it as Miranda shrugged it on. Andy stepped away and pulled Doug into a hug and kissed him on the cheek. "Take care, sweetie." Looking at Nigel stepped in and kissed his cheek. "Thanks for the pep-talk earlier Nige. I love ya both, enjoy your night and don't do anything I wouldn't."
Doug laughed and Nigel beamed at the young brunette. Looking towards the two men Miranda nodded to them. "Goodnight Douglas. I hope you have a wonderful evening. Nigel, get out of here and enjoy your date." Miranda smirked and grabbed Andy's as hand she pulled her towards the elevator. "I know I will enjoy mine." She whispered as Andy giggled at the expression of shock on her friend's faces.
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As they made their way down in the elevator Miranda looked at Andy shyly before stating. "I hope my comments to Douglas didn't embarrass you."
"Not at all." Andy declared in her rush to reassure the older woman. "The way you gaze at me sometimes shows if you approve or not of my choice in clothing. I never expected to hear you be so vocal in your approval though." She smiled. "The look on Doug and Nigel's face when they heard you mention the date though was priceless, I wish I'd had my camera handy." Looking at Miranda she whispered. "By the way, I don't think I told you how much I will enjoy it too?"
"How much?" Miranda asked softly as the elevator doors opened. Smiling Andy guided Miranda out of the elevator and through the Elias Clarke foyer. As Roy opened the town car door for Miranda Andy skipped around to the other side. As the privacy screen went up Miranda looked at the brunette. Miranda cleared her throat. "You haven't answered my question," she breathed.
Andy looked at Miranda and noticed the happiness blazing in her blue eyes. "Miranda I didn't think the foyer of Elias Clarke was the best place to discuss it." She smiled across at the woman. "I can honestly say this is a dream come true. It's so unexpectedly wonderful." She scooted closer to the older woman, moving sidewards she faced Miranda and entwined their fingers. "Thank you for giving this another chance." Miranda squeezed Andy's hand. "So where's this restaurant?"
"I thought you may enjoy Vivolo. It's near to my home, it's a renovated Town House and is quiet enough to allow for a pleasant dinner conversation, as its winter there will be a roaring fire. The last time I ate there I had an amazing Frutti Di Mare. The only time I've had better is in Milan." Miranda smiled.
Andy smiled. "I'm shocked you thought of Italian, all those carbs."
"I believe you should allow yourself to eat what you like in moderation darling, as you have become aware I have a sweet tooth. I love eating Italian food and my girls enjoy pizza, it's one of their favourites." Miranda told her.
Andy smiled widely. "Emily's exact words when I told her I was going to Paris was; 'It's not fair! You eat carbs for Christ's sake!' Miranda sniggered at Andy's impression of the feisty redhead. "It was when she was in the hospital. She was feeding her face with bread rolls and chocolate pudding." Andy rolled her eyes and sat back into the seat making herself comfortable.
As they sat side by side, fingers still entwined, silence descended between them. Miranda let out a sigh as Andy ran her thumb along Miranda's index finger, placing her head on Andy's leather-clad shoulder she closed her eyes and settled in for the rest of the journey.
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