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 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 Seven:
Miranda clasped Andy's good hand entwining their fingers as she led them out of the restaurant and down 74th and Lexington towards the Townhouse. Andy kept her head down, looking at her feet as she walked beside Miranda, embarrassed at her behaviour.
The walk took less than five minutes and as Andy was pulled into the Townhouse she looked up, her tears falling rapidly. "I'll call a cab," Andy told the other woman as she swiped at her tears.
"You'll do no such thing. You'll allow me to tend to your hand. Come on into the kitchen Andréa." Miranda let go and gestured for Andy to follow her. Hesitantly Andy made her way to the kitchen. "Now sit yourself down and show me that hand," Miranda demanded. Andy perched on a stool at the breakfast bar and held her hand out. Miranda looked down at the hand quickly before moving to the freezer and pulling out a bag of peas. "These should do the trick." She told herself as she moved back towards the brunette. Sitting down next to Andy she took a gentle grip on Andy's right hand and placed the frozen peas against the knuckles. "I thought you said you could punch," Miranda said catching Andy's eye and offering her a small smile.
Letting out a deep breath Andy muttered. "I guess I'm out of practice. I have hit no one in years plus he was a bit closer than I'm used to."
Snorting Miranda rolled her eyes. "It was good seeing him get knocked on his ass," Miranda told her. "I am sorry though."
"What the hell are you sorry for?" Andy demanded. "It should be me apologising. I saw how you looked afterwards, the shock and the disgust."
"You think I was disgusted with you?" At Andy's nod of confirmation, Miranda leaned towards her. "No, my darling. I was so very proud of you standing up to him, not only for yourself but for me too." Miranda explained. "My disgust was aimed at him, that he had the nerve to grab you, that he thought he could say such a despicable thing to you, that he could make you threatened enough to actually hit him." Miranda offered another smile. "Then the way you chewed him out on his behaviour was something he won't forget in a hurry." Miranda laughed. "I was especially impressed with your declaration you would happily punch him again if it would knock some common decency into him."
Andy smiled sadly back at her. "I lost it, it was all such a blur and then I saw your face and it brought me back. I thought for sure I'd totally messed up." Andy admitted as she looked down at her hands.
"How is your hand, Andréa?" Miranda asked. Getting no response she cupped Andy's face. "Please look at me and tell me."
As Andy raised her eyes again Miranda smiled, and she embraced an overwhelming sense of relief. "It's just bruised," Andy told her. "I can move my fingers." Andy moved the peas away and wiggled her fingers, wincing slightly at the discomfort.
"Do you want a drink? I know I could do with one. Or I could get you some Tylenol?" Miranda queried.
Andy looked at Miranda. "I should go home. It's getting late." She said.
"You can stay if you wish." Miranda invited. Seeing Andy's expression of disbelief she became flustered. "Well...I...well...you...there are the guest rooms, or we could stay together, nothing has to happen...I just...well I don't want you to leave." Miranda stuttered.
Andy laughed. "Oh my God Miranda, I've never seen you so thoroughly flustered. I'll be happy to stay, I'm not quite up to a cab ride across the city. A drink would be great." Andy smiled as she leaned forward and brushed hair out of Miranda's face. "Thank you." She whispered.
"Come upstairs, I will find you something comfortable to change into. You mentioned earlier you potentially looked forward to a Friday night in your pyjamas." Miranda smiled and pulling Andy to her feet she put the peas in the sink before dragging her up the back stairs to the master suite.
"I also told you I wanted to drown myself in Jack Daniels too." Andy sniggered as she entered the room for the second time. "It's strange what a few hours of someone's delightful company can do for a person."
"It's been an overwhelming week, now it's time to relax and unwind. I have a bottle of Jack Daniels in the dry bar in the study if you see the need for it though." Miranda smiled and made her way to her closet. As she looked around for something suitable, she called out.
"Do you have a preference of what you sleep in?"
Andy told her. "I usually sleep shorts or boxers and a vest or t-shirt."
Spotting a stack of clothing from Ralph Lauren, Miranda found some cotton boxers, a tank and a sleep shirt for herself within it.
Walking out of the closet she found Andy sat at the end of the bed, eyes closed. "Here you go," Miranda said hesitantly.
Opening her eyes Andy smiled as she spotted what Miranda was offering. "So you have a stash of men's boxers on hand?"
Miranda smirked. "They're new. They would have been passed along to that bastard if he'd stuck around. I forgot they were there."
"I should go get cleaned up," Andy said. "Which room should I use?"
Miranda flicked her wrist to the other side of the room. "My bathroom's over there, everything's there that you'll need. There's a spare toothbrush in the top drawer of the vanity."
"I won't be long," Andy told her as she made her way across the room and into the en-suite.
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Within ten minutes Andy walked back to the bedroom to find Miranda sat on the bed crossed legged tapping on her Phone wearing her sleep shirt.
As Andy crossed the room Miranda looked up and smiled. "I was just giving Leslie a heads up into tonight, just in case. She said she wishes it was captured on camera, she would love to see it. Can you grab me my robe from the bathroom and we'll go get that drink?"
As Andy turned back towards the bathroom Miranda gasped. "Darling, those marks on your arm, did Stephen do that?"
Andy looked back confused. "What marks?" Looking down at her arm she saw nothing, trying to twist to get a better look she still couldn't see. "I can't see anything."
Miranda got up and putting her cell in her breast pocket she stalked towards Andy. As she reached her side, she gently took Andy's arm. "You have four marks on the back of your arm darling. When I put my hand around it, it shows where Stephens fingers would have been, then there's a thumbprint just here."
"Ouch." Andy hissed.
"Just how hard was his grip on you? Jesus Christ, I could kill him for this, for hurting you." Miranda seethed.
"My arm is a little sore but not as much as my hand," Andy admitted. "I didn't think about it."
"I will take photos. I want evidence. Come along to the bathroom, the light will be better."
Andy spent the next five minutes being twirled around and her body manipulated to allow for Miranda to capture her bruising in the best possible light. When she was done, she forwarded the photos to Leslie.
As they made their way to the study Andy whispered. "What will I do if he tries to press charges?"
"He won't. He wouldn't bring his own embarrassment to anyone's attention." Miranda told her as they entered the room.
Miranda walked over to the dry bar while Andy sat in her usual corner of the leather couch. "Plus it was an act of self-defence. It wouldn't go far. Leslie will liaise with my lawyer first thing tomorrow, he needs to be aware of the new development."
As Miranda moved to the couch two drinks in hand, she saw Andy pulling her fingers in her agitation, a habit she'd not seen in the young woman since that day on the roof. Placing their glasses of scotch on the coffee table Miranda knelt in front of Andy. "Darling, talk to me, tell me what's going through that beautiful head of yours," Miranda breathed as she placed her warm hand on Andy's knee.
"If this hits the press what the hell will people think?" Andy asked. "What will the girls say? Everything was just settling down for you and them." Andy explained.
"I will speak to the girls should the need arise. They will be shocked at the extremity of your actions but they will understand the place it came from. As for anyone else's opinion, I frankly could not care less. I will speak with Sherri in HR on Monday about us even if you proceed with the resignation."
"You're ready to declare it to HR?" Andy whispered.
"Why yes? We cannot be seen gallivanting around the city to dinners and Broadway shows and not do so." Miranda's genuine smile at her coaxed one out of Andy.
"So…um...are you still up for tomorrow night?" Andy asked hesitantly as Miranda got up off her knees and sat herself down in her corner of the couch.
"Yes, as discussed earlier, it will be an acceptable way to spend the evening," Miranda said happily.
Andy grinned before turning serious. "Can I ask you something, Miranda?"
Miranda raised her eyebrow and asked. "Of course. Why would you ever believe you couldn't?"
Andy giggled. "Well, the rules obviously." Seeing Miranda's expression of confusion she stopped laughing. "You don't know about them, do you? I assumed you did."
"No darling, what are the rules?"
"Well, there's a few." Andy took a deep breath. "Phones must be answered at all times, that's all calls to the cell, even at 3 am, and all calls to the office during the day, regardless of the need to pee." Andy smiled. "Then the no touching, no questioning no matter how confused, no elevator sharing, arriving 15 minutes early for everything and the fact that heels at least 3" high must be worn at all times within Runway." Andy saw the flash of amusement in Miranda's eyes. "Starbucks must be hotter than the sun, I was advised to test it on my wrist and if it burns it's acceptable, crying is forbidden in your presence, there's no eating allowed in the office, no becoming an incubus for viral plague and the final one is the best." Andy laughed. "Upon hearing the words 'That's all" get out as quickly as you can.
Miranda giggled. "I have to say you have broken almost all of my so-called ridiculous rules. So what was your question?"
Andy looked up nervously. "Can I have a hug?"
Looking towards the young woman she scooted towards her. Opening her arms she smiled. "Come here, my darling." As Andy scooted across meeting her in the middle of the couch, Miranda pulled her into her arms and whispered. "You never have to ask for comfort Andy, I will always try to give it willingly."
As Andy snuggled in, finding peace in Miranda's arms, she felt the light brush of a kiss on her head and smiled happily.
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They sat wrapped around each other in companionable silence for a while. Andy had her head resting on Miranda's chest, soothed as she listened to the deep thrum of her heart.
Sighing she moved away, extracting herself gently from Miranda and leaning for her drink. Talking a small sip of the amber liquid she hummed. "This is good Scotch," Andy said smiling.
"It's a 15-year-old Macallan, it's another of my guilty pleasures." Andy smiled at Miranda as she grabbed her own drink. "Can I ask you a question?" Miranda asked gently. Seeing Andy's nod Miranda continued. "Why were you so nervous requesting a hug? Am I so unapproachable even now?"
"No," Andy reassured. "That's all on me. You've been extraordinary, really. I've been emotional, and you have offered me reassurance and comfort so willingly multiple times. It has been wonderful Miranda. I hope you realise that should you need me to provide the same warmth and caring you know I'll be here."
Miranda smirked. "With a punch in the nose for anyone that disrespects me." At Andy's snort of laughter, Miranda said. "I knew how kind and caring you are, and now I have the first-hand experience of how protective you can be. So please explain why you are so apprehensive about asking me for a simple offer of solace."
Andy gathered her thoughts and explained. "A few weeks before Nate and I split I'd had a rough day. I approached him for a hug, looking for the reassurance and safety he used to bring. He hesitated before complying, grudgingly. At that moment in his arms, I finally woke up to the fact he wasn't happy to offer me any sort of comfort. After five years it was like I was being held by a stranger. like I had forced him into it, it was so humiliating."
"I'm sorry he left you feeling that way, my darling. I know I'm not a particularly tactile person, that's probably the reason for the no touching rule." Miranda smirked. "But with you, since we came to that agreement up on the roof, after I allowed myself to touch you for the first time, to wipe away your tears and then to hold you, well it changed everything."
"What did it change Miranda?" Andy asked softly as she turned her body towards her, one foot tucked under her leg.
"At the time I already knew I cared for you deeply Andréa, you are like no-one else I have ever known. I already knew that I somehow found a peace in your presence I have never encountered before. But I didn't know, until that moment, just how complete I could be when surrounded by you, your warmth." Miranda smiled shyly.
At Andy's return megawatt smile Miranda pulled her in closer and brushed the hair out of Andy's face, tucking it behind her ear. "Did you know Nigel, Emily and Serena cornered me on Wednesday afternoon about my intentions towards you?"
Andy laughed. "I hope you told them to mind their own business."
"Well no. I explained to them I wanted to date you. Emily looked at me as if I'd grown a second head, Serena had the nerve to hug me and Nigel muttered something like 'God help us all'." Miranda rolled her eyes. "They are good friends, they all really love you, darling," Miranda remembered her exact words to Nigel before he left the office. 'I think I may love her Nigel. And if it is not yet love, well, I don't think it would be long before I could say it is. She's truly remarkable.'
"You really explained yourself to them?" Andy sputtered.
"Well, of course. I wouldn't want them to assume I had some nefarious scheme in place to bathe in your blood or something equally ghastly." Miranda grinned as Andy laughed loudly.
"I've missed your laughter this week. Miranda told her softly.
"I've missed you, just you," Andy whispered. Feeling her eyes droop she tried to stifle a yawn. "I'm sorry." Andy stuttered blushing. "Scotch always makes me sleepy."
"No need to apologise, it is getting late. If you're ready to sleep we can go on up." Miranda spoke gently.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Andy told her as Miranda knocked back her Scotch. Standing she grabbed the empty tumblers and placed them on the coffee table. Holding her hand out to the editor, Miranda placed her hand firmly in Andy's, and she was pulled off the couch and led her from the room.
As they climbed the stairs side by side, fingers entangled, Andy thought of how perfectly their hands fitted. Miranda's hands were so warm, their brief touches sparked the flame of her desire for the older woman. They reached the guest room first and Miranda hesitated. "Darling?" She questioned. "This is the guest room, my room is right next door if you need anything." Miranda looked down blushing as Andy untangled their hands. Turning she made to walk down the hall before she was stopped by a warm hand on her wrist.
"Miranda, look at me." Andy requested. As Miranda turned to look up at the brunette, she saw warmth expressed in her eyes. "Goodnight sweetheart." She whispered. Stepping forward, she brushed a gentle kiss against Miranda's lips. Miranda gripped Andy's waist and pulled her closer as she deepened the kiss. Andy let her hands roam up Miranda's arms until they cupped her jaw and then moved into the soft silver hair. Miranda moaned at the contact as Andy continued to tease her mouth softly with her lips and tongue. Breathlessly Andy pulled away gave Miranda one of her brightest smiles.
"Stay with me tonight," Miranda asked breathlessly.
"Are you sure?" Seeing Miranda nod she took the older woman's hand and walked her to the next room. As the door closed behind them Andy was pinned against it as Miranda snare her lips hungrily in an intense kiss. Pressed fully against each other Andy accepted the heat of the older woman's hands on her hips as they made their way underneath her tank. Miranda moaned when he hands ran along the warm flesh underneath them. Gasping for air again Miranda broke the kiss and led Andy to the bed, turning down the covers she locked gazes with the young woman, letting her see the myriad of emotions in her blue eyes.
"Just when I think it can't get better you look at me with such fire in your eyes and it takes my breath away. You'll never stop taking my breath away. You are so beautiful, Miranda." Andy whispered. Miranda blushed and looked down as Andy stalked over to her. "Did I embarrass you?" Andy queried softly as she cupped the older woman's face in her palm.
Miranda shook her head. "No, I'm just not used to this." She waved her hand between them. "It's overwhelming, my darling. I am amazed that you feel that way."
"I don't want to overwhelm you or rush into anything you may regret later. Okay? We'll take this as slow as you like. I will be content just knowing I am actually there beside you and that this isn't just a dream." Andy smiled softly and allowed her feelings to shine from the depth of her eyes. Miranda smiled back at the brunette as she stood shuffling from foot to foot. "What side do you prefer?" Andy asked hesitantly.
"Well, I usually starfish in the centre of the bed." Miranda chuckled and Andy laughed with her. "The right side is where I usually start off. I must remove my makeup, I'll be right back." Miranda told her still chuckling as she moved to the en-suite.
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By the time Miranda was back in the bedroom, Andy was sat against the headboard, long legs crossed at the ankles looking at her Phone.
Looking up at Miranda she smiled nervously. "Miranda, I should warn you the online edition of Page Six has been uploaded."
Miranda sighed. "I thought you'd be asleep. So what does it say?"
"I think you should read it yourself," Andy told her. Passing her phone to Miranda as she picked up her glasses off the bedside table, Miranda read.
Fashionista fist-fight in the Upper East Side
The rumour mill is in full swing tonight as stories have emerged regarding a certain silver-haired fashion editor's Second Assistant punching the living daylight's out of the now ex Mr Priestly.
Eyewitnesses have stated that a clearly inebriated Stephen Tomlinson and Andy Sachs went toe to toe in the Upper East Side restaurant Vivolo, which ended in Ms Sachs punching the fashion Maven's ex-husband in the nose.
To quote one highly amused onlooker; "It looked like Miranda was having a lovely evening with her assistant, there was lots of genuine laughter coming from their table, however on their way out Mr Tomlinson grabbed the young woman quite savagely and they obviously had heated words. The next thing I saw was Mr Tomlinson flat on his backside on the floor clutching his nose calling her all manner of despicable names as the young women in question cussed him out. The words 'absolute disgrace', 'tiny little dick', 'common decency' and 'disrespecting Miranda' were heard across the restaurant with a final, "you deserved it' thrown at him before she was led out of the restaurant by her dinner companion."
We questioned Mr Tomlinson outside his Soho home. Observing his patched up nose, two panda eyes and bloodied shirt we asked him how he came about his injury his muttered response was; "I walked into a door."
Upon completing further investigation Ms Sachs is known to be a pleasant, well-mannered young woman. She is highly respected by the people she comes into contact with.
Irv Ravitz, CEO of Elias Clarke, said. "Ah, Andy's lovely, such an intelligent young woman. We had quite an in-depth conversation about John Cheever at the Met Gala a few months ago and she always greets me with a beautiful smile. She's an asset to Runway and Elias Clarke."
We also spoke to James Holt at one of his infamous parties, he said; "Andy is just fantastic, she's so genuinely kind and caring. She is one of the loveliest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet and she wears my designs just beautifully." When asked about her having a potential temper Mr Holt laughed. "Andy is the calmest person I have ever met, which is great for Runway and Miranda. She's also hilarious, especially after a few glasses of my signature punch. The last time she attended one of my parties she pole-danced around Peter Dinklage to Pussycat Doll's Don't 'Cha, I also heard from a good friend that she does a wicked karaoke cover of Vogue."
It certainly seems Andy has a way about her, and she has obviously tamed The Dragon lady.
Unbridled laughter, from Miranda Priestly, unheard of!
The Dragon lady knows how to generate loyalty from her draconologist's, which begs the question, what exactly do they put in the water at Runway?
Miranda let out a loud burst of laughter. "Oh my God, this has to be the best story I've seen on Page Six." She guffawed. "Walked into a door..." Miranda continued to laugh joyfully.
"Well, I'm glad you're amused." Andy scolded playfully as she fought against her own oncoming laughter. "I can't understand why James told them those stories, I will have his guts for garters."
Miranda continued to laugh. "You may have quite a following tonight's fiasco, my darling. Stephen wasn't well liked in our professional circle. He insulted and alienate quite a few important people."
Andy smiled happily at Miranda's words. Yawning, she snuggled under the cover surrounding herself with Miranda's scent.
Miranda tucked the covers around Andy before settling herself under the covers. Turning she faced the brunette and smiled. "Go to sleep, my darling." She whispered as she placed a gentle kiss on Andy's forehead.
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