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 Sixteen:
Andy let Miranda drive them back to the Hotel. Handing the keys to the Valet Miranda waved him off as she walked around to open Andy's door and helped her out "And they say chivalry is dead." Andy smiled down at the older woman as she stepped from the car and was thrilled to see a genuine answering smile.
"Chivalry is well and truly alive and well my darling. You bring it out in me and don't assume I have not noticed that you can be gallant yourself." Miranda told her. "Come Andréa, we'll get ready for our evening and sit down to a quiet dinner."
"Yes, Miranda," Andy said cheekily as she stepped towards the elevators at Miranda's side.
"Are you happy to eat at the Hotel restaurant? I could book us somewhere else or we could order room service." Miranda asked as the doors opened and they stepped into the elevator.
"Dinner here sounds perfect sweetheart, room or restaurant. Right now I'd be happy with McDonald's." Andy grinned as Miranda shuddered. "Don't tell me you don't eat Macca's?" She asked.
"I haven't eaten at McDonald's since the first year I moved to New York. It was the one on Broadway and 96th Street." Miranda told her. "The days have long passed where burgers and fries are thrown away if not served within a specific time-frame."
"So it was the late 70's was the last time you ate a McDonald's?" Andy shook her head in disbelief. "Wow."
"If I remember correctly, your mom was with me that day," Miranda told her. "You weren't even a twinkle in your parent's eyes." Miranda looked at Andy, concern clear in her blue eyes.
"I know what you're thinking Miranda, I don't want you worrying about the difference in our age," Andy told her. "I am not concerned by it, I love you. I adore hearing stories from your past. When you speak of the 70's I imagine Nigel with big hair, big sideburns, a pornstache and high-waisted flared corduroys. I bet he loved the platforms." She sniggered.
Miranda grinned. "I'll tell him you said that." Her smile faltered. "I believe you should hold one or two reservations about the age difference, my darling."
"No Miranda, age is just a number and a mindset. I will not let it define or limit me." Andy told her.
"You are very mature for your age," Miranda stated.
"God, do you realise how patronising that is Miranda?" Andy shook her head. "Maturity is a choice, it is learning from the experiences you have had not how many birthdays you may celebrate."
"I'm sorry darling," Miranda told her grabbing her hand. Are you aware I became Editor-in-Chief of Runway in '82? I was 24 years old, younger than you are now. I had spent just over three years before my promotion proving myself as an editor, then as the senior editor. I spent the three years before that at Chic, working my way up from Assistant to the editor to a junior editor position."
"You started off as an assistant?" Andy asked amazed.
"Yes. It is why after one year you get the pick of jobs outside Runway, after two years you can move anywhere within Runway. experienced first-hand how hard an assistant works, and I demand excellence. I realise I do not show my pleasure often but if you do a good job, you stay, and at the end of that time you are rewarded." Miranda explained.
As they exited the elevator and silence fell between them. Miranda was stealing curious glances at Andy. "Just ask me whatever it is Miranda," Andy told her noticing the glances.
"Your mom had a year left at Law School when she left New York and you were born the year after she would have graduated." Miranda grinned. "After an intense discussion one evening, I know Beth was waiting for marriage, to be intimate with your father. But then Jill mentioned their 20th anniversary..." Miranda trailed off causing Andy to laugh.
"You should really have this conversation with my mom. We were all born before they got married. It was a scandal, shacked up with three children. My maternal Grandma was less than thrilled, Grams agreed with Mom and told dad to stop pressuring her." Andy grinned. "Dad wanted to marry my mom right after graduation in the summer of '81 but Ma kept pushing back, she said a piece of paper wouldn't change anything if they loved each other if they knew they were destined to be together. She finally agreed in Christmas '86 and they got married August '87. Ma always said, her children being there made the day extra special. They'd been together around 15 years by that time."
Miranda let out a bark of laughter. "Oh my God, she used my argument against Richard." At Andy's look of confusion, Miranda pulled Andy into their suite and led her to the sofa, shrugging off her jacket as she explained. "I mentioned your mom, and I discussed marriage. We did so over two bottles of wine and dinner one evening. At the time I was dating a young man called Archer who worked at Condé Nast. Well, Archer wanted to take things further, and I was contemplating it. I was curious to find out what the fuss was about." She sat down and kicked her shoes off watching Andy shrug off her coat and hoody before patting the seat next to her. Andy sat down listening intently, happy that Miranda was sharing some of her past. "Well your mom was adamant she was waiting for her marriage to Richard and I told her it was just a piece of paper and if their relationship was meant to be, she was wasting time by waiting. I compared sex to buying a car, you take it for a test drive to see how well it fits before purchasing."
Andy giggled. "So did you test drive, Archer?" She asked.
"No, I took into consideration what Beth said. I actually ended up waiting until I married James." Miranda explained.
Andy was dumbstruck. "You waited and Ma didn't?"
Miranda nodded softly and smiled gently. "So it seems. I was cynical about Beth and Richard's relationship, but deep down I wanted that kind of love for myself. I didn't realise I would be almost 50 before I found it." She turned towards Andy and tucked her knees up under her. "So where's the open mic tonight?" Miranda asked.
"We'll be crossing over the river into Kentucky." Andy grinned. "To the Southgate House in Newport."
"Will that take long?" Miranda queried.
"Driving, around 15 minutes max, it depends on traffic," Andy told her. "It's less than two miles."
"I'll call the driver," Miranda told her softly. "I am sorry if you thought I was patronising you before my darling. It wasn't intentional."
"I realise that sweetheart," Andy whispered closing her eyes. "As I said before, I do not have a problem with our age difference, and I don't want you to be troubled about it either, I want you to trust in what we are building and everything behind it."
"What concerns you my Andréa?" Miranda asked scooting closer.
"Other people's reactions to us. They'll think I'm with you for all I can get, your wealth, your position." Andy took a deep breath. "I'm not though. What you have achieved is extraordinary, but I don't want or need all the trappings that come from your hard work and dedication. I want you, and the twins, to be happy, healthy and most of all loved."
Miranda straddled Andy's legs, so they were at eye level and gave her a soft smile. "You do, you make me feel loved and protected." She leaned in and pulled Andy's hair from its high ponytail and as she ran her fingers through the curls brushed a light kiss on Andy's lips. "You are so beautiful my darling," Miranda whispered. Leaning back again she grinned. "I should shower."
"Wait," Andy asked as Miranda moved off her lap. "I have a question for you." Miranda relaxed back and looked at Andy, curiosity shining in her blue eyes. "Earlier today when I...um...we...um...in my room..."
Miranda smirked. "When you came gloriously as we made out?"
Andy blushed furiously. "Well yeah, that. Well, what I want to know is did you come?"
"No my darling," Miranda told her.
"Oh." Andy was embarrassed.
"I wanted to, I was so close and then you came undone and it took my breath away, I was captivated, to be in that moment with you was exquisite. If we had continued after that I'm sure I would have." Miranda grinned. "What you do to me, the way you make me feel, well it's been quite a revelation my darling. I haven't made out with someone like that since my twenties, and with you, well it's not at all awkward or uncomfortable. It is like you are breathing life into me." Miranda stated breathlessly. Andy leaned forward and clutched Miranda's ass. Pulling her closer she tilted her head slightly and ensnared her lips in a searing kiss. Miranda moaned as Andy's tongue swept across her bottom lip. Pulling back she whispered. "Darling, we'll get nowhere if you continue with that."
"Suits me." Andy grinned. "I'd be happy to spend the night wrapped around you in that very large bed."
At Andy's words, Miranda's breath hitched. "Oh, God." She muttered. Glancing at Andy she saw the fire lighting her eyes and cupped her face. "I want you so much my darling, but we have made plans..."
Andy turned her head slightly and placed a soft kiss against Miranda's palm. "I'll cancel."
"Nigel and Douglas came all this way..." Miranda was cut off when Andy kissed her again.
After a few moments, she broke the kiss. "I'm sure they would understand, however, what I have in mind would not take very long," Andy smiled. "But if you insist then I'll organise room service while you shower."
"God, you're such a tease." Miranda husked. Her words causing Andy to give her one of her brightest smiles. Seeing that smile made her heart soar. "So what did you have in mind?" She asked curiously.
"Another make out session, perhaps this time I could have you coming undone for me," Andy spoke quietly.
"Well although that sounds delicious." Miranda purred. "I believe I may require some additional handling."
"Really? What were you thinking?" Andy asked.
"You and me, the shower, now," Miranda stated. Andy stood quickly causing Miranda to let out a small squeal of surprise. She wrapped her legs around Andy tightly as she was carried from the sitting room into the bedroom. Dropping Miranda unceremoniously on the bed she grinned and stepped back as Miranda huffed her displeasure.
"What do you want to eat sweetheart?" Andy asked happily. Miranda raised her eyebrow and bit her lips causing Andy to blush. "Behave yourself." She hissed breathlessly. "If you will insist on us going out tonight, you can't look at me like that."
Miranda laughed joyfully as she stood and stretched. Stalking towards Andy she whispered "My darling, my offer of a shower stands. But if you insist on backing off, I suppose I'll allow you to order me whatever you think I will enjoy." She stepped beyond Andy on her way to the en-suite when her wrist was gripped gently.
"No way Priestly! I'm not having you saying I backed off from a challenge." Andy saw Miranda's smirk as she stepped into her personal space and pulled her close and angled in for a kiss. Letting her hands roam down Miranda's back she cupped her ass and pulled her close enough that her thigh sat between Miranda's legs. "Your ass is magnificent, sweetheart," Andy told her before their lips met.
As they kissed Andy walked Miranda backwards towards the wall. As Miranda's back touched it she gasped and broke their kiss. Andy trailed her lips down Miranda's neck. "Andréa..." She whispered as Andy's tongue flicked against her ear. "I want...Oh God, I need..."
What do you need my love? Tell me exactly what you want." Andy whispered gently.
"Your hands on me, touching me," Miranda growled.
Andy's hands moved from the editor's ass around to her hips to the front of her jeans. Tugging the button Andy looked at Miranda, locking eyes she let her feelings shine. "May I?" She asked softly. Seeing Miranda nod she spoke quietly. "I need you to say yes my love. I need to know you're okay with this."
Miranda saw the desire, love and tenderness shining within Andy's brown eyes. "Yes, Andréa. I want you. I need you. Please, my darling..."
Andy unbuttoned Miranda's jeans and pushed her hand into the opening. Feeling bare skin covered in soft hair she gasped. "Mira? Where the Hell are your panties?"
"Purse...ruined...Had to take them off..." Miranda hissed breathlessly as Andy cupped her. "Oh, my God."
Andy swiped two fingers softly upwards through the folds, the tips of her fingers bringing Miranda's copious wetness towards her clit. "You're so wet my love," Andy whispered close to her ear. "Next time you ruin your panties I want them, I want proof of the effect I have on you."
Andy was teasing Miranda's clit with feather light touches as Miranda bucked against her looking for more contact where she needed it most. "Andy please," Miranda begged. Hearing the pleading tone Andy pushed herself closer to Miranda and placing her free hand under Miranda's ass hoisted her upwards holding her against the wall.
"Wrap your legs against my hips, my love," Andy told her. As Miranda complied Andy brought her thumb hard against Miranda's clit causing a gasp from the older woman. Miranda rested her hands on the back of Andy's neck as she brought their lips together. Andy moved two fingers down and rested them against her opening. "Do you want me inside?" She asked, her lips pressed against Miranda's lips. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Yes...inside...please..." Miranda was panting. "Want you so much." She moaned as Andy entered her gently with two fingers. Adjusting her stance slightly Andy thrust gently as her thumb moved over Miranda's sensitive clit. Angling her finger she found Miranda's sweet spot. With a cheeky smile, she rubbed it in a circular motion causing a deep moan to be rent from the woman in her arms. Miranda retaliated by placing a bite on Andy's shoulders causing her to gasp. "Gentle." Miranda stuttered eyes closed.
"Miranda" Andy whispered as she rubbed her finger slowly back and forth in a gentler motion. "You're so beautiful my love." Andy could hear the low hum as Miranda tensed up in her arms. "I want to watch you come," Andy told her. "Look at me please." Miranda opened her eyes and caught the expressive chocolate eyes. Without looking away Andy continued her gentle teasing as Miranda cried out her orgasm and exploded around her fingers. As she crashed from the intensity Miranda fell against Andy taking deep shuddering breaths, she buried her face in Andy's neck as Andy removed her hand delicately. Wrapping her arm around Miranda's back Andy held her close and walked them towards the bathroom. Keeping Miranda in her arms she started the water running in the tub and poured in Miranda's favourite bath oil before sitting down gently at the vanity. She rubbed soothing circles on Miranda's back.
When Miranda raised her eyes Andy saw the tears. "Thank you, my darling," Miranda whispered overcome.
"I love you, Miranda," Andy told her. Miranda continued to cry softly in Andy's arms. "Come, my love, let's get you in the bath." Standing, she unwrapped Miranda from around her and placed her on her feet. Tugging the jeans down Miranda's legs she spoke softly. "Step out." She requested. Miranda did so and blushed as Andy raised the sweater and her t-shirt over her head in one fluid motion leaving her in her bra. "You're breathtaking Miranda." She said as she saw Miranda trying to cover her stomach. "Don't hide from me, my love. You are the most alluring person I have ever met." Andy stepped forward and tilted Miranda's face towards her own. Placing a soft kiss on her lips she unclasped Miranda's bra and pulled it from her. Stepping back she gave Miranda a look of wonder. "Mm, you are gorgeous." She led Miranda towards the large tub and helped her step in. "Now relax. I'll be right back. I will order food. Would you like wine?"
"Yes please, Andréa," Miranda told her. "My darling?" She questioned as Andy made to leave. Seeing Andy stop and turn her head slightly. "I love you too." She told her lightly as she relaxed into the water.
"What's not to love right?" Andy grinned as she sauntered out the room.
"Nothing..." Miranda whispered to herself as she closed her eyes.
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Their dinner turned out to be silent and strained. They spent the avoiding deep conversation and Andy was bewildered by the change in Miranda since she left her in the bathroom to order their food. Miranda couldn't meet Andy's expressive hazel eyes.
Sat side by side in the car on the way to Newport Andy looked at the older woman as she stared off through the window. She turned her eyes away and catching the driver's eye made a motion for the privacy glass to be raised. Turning slightly she angled herself towards the older woman. "Miranda, have I done something wrong?" She asked hesitantly.
"Why would you think that Andréa?" Miranda asked still looking away.
"You have barely said two words since you got out of the bath other than to tell me your steak was acceptable. You can't even meet my eyes." Andy sighed. "If you have changed your mind about wanting to come out with me, you could have stayed at the hotel. If you regret what happened between us back at the suite just tell me, it would hurt but I would be adult about it." Andy whispered. Miranda remained silent; staring out of the window unable to say what was on her mind. "Maybe I should just stay at my parent's house tonight. I can't stay with you if I have made you in any way uncomfortable Miranda." Andy whispered sadly.
Miranda spun and looked at the brunette. "You want to leave?"
"No sweetheart! I...You...I..." Andy stuttered. "Goddamn I never want to leave you, and that's frightening in itself. I don't know how, when we get home, I'll react to not having you with me all day, not having you beside me when I go to sleep or wake up. God, it's only been three days and I can't imagine it." Andy faltered and took a deep breath before continuing. "I need to know if you still want this. Within the last hour, you've gone from being warm and loving to cold and distant. I don't know if I hurt you or not, I cannot work out what I've done wrong. I'm not a mind reader Miranda and you've shut me out."
"I hurt you," Miranda whispered. "I lost control when you had me up against that wall and I bit you." Miranda was mortified. "I saw the mark I left on you, as you changed into your blouse; it was all red and angry."
Andy was dumbstruck. As Miranda's words penetrated her brain she laughed. "You think...you...I...you..." She struggled to get her thoughts out through her laughter.
Ice filled Miranda's blue eyes. "I do not see what there is to laugh at Andréa," Miranda told her darkly.
Seeing the coldness in Miranda's eyes sobered Andy's laughter as effectively as being doused with ice cold water. "I'm sorry my love. I wasn't laughing at you, I promise." Andy took off her seat belt and slid closer. Entwining her hand with Miranda's she used her free hand and tilted the editor's face up so their eyes met and tried to explain. "You didn't hurt me, Miranda. That little love bite was like a jolt of electricity that left me wanting more. If that is you losing control then I want to see it happen more often. You are simply intoxicating, arousing and exquisite." Andy brushed her free hand across Miranda's cheek. "Tell me one thing, why did you bite me?" Andy asked softly.
"You touched me and it was so intense, like that jolt of electricity you mentioned but in waves. I wanted more and yet needed it to be gentler, less extreme." Miranda shook her head. "I can't really find the words to explain. I felt alternately hot and cold, I was dizzy, my entire body seemed to vibrate and it seemed like every cell in my body was exploding in the most pleasurable way ever. I have never had that reaction, with anyone else."
Andy was thoughtful. "You've had orgasms with your previous partners, surely?" She asked nervously.
"I thought I had." Miranda shook her head and exhaled deeply. "I don't know." She whispered honestly.
"My love, we'll talk about this again, we're almost at the venue for tonight's date. But I don't want you to be fearful of hurting me, I'm really quite sturdy and what we do together will always be consensual." Andy offered Miranda one of her brightest smiles. "Now about the biting, as long as I don't have a trail of hickeys I cannot cover up, we should be okay, and even if I did, I'm sure Serena could work her magic to cover them." She leaned into Miranda's personal space and kissed her cheek softly. Moving her lips to Miranda's ear she gently nipped it causing Miranda to gasp. "Now I'll have everything I ever need with me tonight. You, my beautiful Miranda, my best friend and your best friend who is also one of my favourite people. Add my guitar to that and tonight will be perfect."
Andy sat back and fastened her seat belt as watching Miranda's blue eyes glowing as she contemplated all that had been said. Looking up she caught Andy's gaze and blushed. "Give me your hand," Miranda asked softly. As Andy extended her hand Miranda lifted her backside and pulled her panties off from under her dress and handed the La Perla thong to her. "Another pair ruined. I will need to carry spare underwear." She declared with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, God!" Andy exhaled. "And you seriously expect me to keep my hands to myself knowing you are commando under that perfect Chanel LBD?" Andy queried cheekily with a giggle.
"Mm. I'm sure you can extract a modicum of self-restraint my darling." Miranda told her with a breathtaking smile.
Placing the panties into her pocket Andy grinned back and whispered. "You amaze me, do you know that? You light my soul on fire."
Miranda took a deep breath at the words and spoke quietly. "I've told you I felt like something inside me recognised something in you when we met. When I finally settled in and let myself realise what it meant I could see the beauty and the rarity of you. I can't imagine my life without you in it Andréa. I don't want to." Miranda admitted.
"I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart," Andy told her softly as the car pulled up to the venue. Stepping from the car quickly she walked to the far side and opening the door, held her hand out for Miranda.
Clasping it gently Miranda allowed herself to be assisted out of the vehicle. "Thank you, my darling," Miranda whispered as she entwined their fingers and was led towards the entrance where Doug and Nigel were waiting. Her head spun to the side when a flash of camera captured her attention. She sighed. "Well, it looks like the press will know where we are by tomorrow," Miranda told Andy.
Andy spun around as another flash captured her attention. "That is just ridiculous." She let go of Miranda's hand as she stalked towards the photographer. "Hi, was there a reason you were taking my photo?" She asked sweetly.
The photographer, a well-dressed young man with long dark hair spoke. "You're Andy Sachs, you work for her, the Dragon Lady, you're holding hands with her and apparently you punched her husband."
Andy rolled her eyes. "Yes I am, yes I do, yes I was and yes I did. Please do not call her the Dragon Lady, it's disrespectful, and it makes me mad enough to want to punch someone." She grinned evilly causing the young man to step back quickly. Andy smirked. "Miranda is in Ohio with me while I organise and attend my father's funeral you stupid little..." Andy took a deep breath to calm herself. "If you stupid fuckers did what you were trained to do, some investigative journalism, you would know that." She had tears forming in her eyes.
The young man turned and met her gaze and she saw the sorrow in his eyes. "I'm sorry Andy. I'm not a journalist and I'll delete the photos." He fumbled with his camera as he tried to explain. "I just thought...well there are rumours flying around in fashion blogs after pictures of you both in Central Park appeared on Page Six, and then you were seen getting on the Elias Clarke jet together. I was shocked to see you here. I thought..."
"You thought it was fair game. I get that." Andy breathed. "I'm sorry for getting mad. What's your interest in fashion?" Andy asked him.
"I'm at the University here studying fashion design, my final year." He smiled sadly. "My parents weren't too thrilled with my choices."
"Mine wasn't either. For me, it was writing rather than law. I have one bit of advice for you. If you want to work within the industry, do not take photos of Miranda or do anything to piss her off. That includes writing about her in a blog. The last person who did that has been unable to find work on the East and West coast; she apparently now works as a seamstress in some Butt-Fuck small town in Nebraska. Miranda is a private person, and she can make or break a career. Don't let one stupid moment mess up the rest of your life." She grinned. "Now if you want, I can introduce you." She offered. Looking over her shoulder she saw Nigel and Miranda looking at her curiously as Doug grinned. "What's your name?" She asked.
"Richard, my friends and family call me Richie." He mumbled.
"Well, that's a good name, a solid name." She smiled sadly. "Come on Richie, you'll meet Miranda and Nigel from Runway. They're a lot more important than Andy Sachs from Cinci." She grinned and grabbing his wrist pulled him towards the waiting trio. "Hi guys, this is Richie. He's studying fashion at the design school at the University." She grinned. "This is Miranda, Nigel and my best friend Doug." She looked up at a fourth person joined them. "And this is my little sister Jill." She said. "Hey sis, I didn't realise you'd be here. This is Richie."
Jill barely acknowledged Andy as her eyes met those of Richie as he mumbled his way through a greeting. Raising her eyebrow she looked at the pair and shrugged.
"We should go on in." Doug coaxed gently. "C'mon Andy. I got your guitar off that surly driver Em hired." He grinned and held his hand out to Nigel. "C'mon hot stuff, this place does a Mojito that will rock your world." Grasping his hand Nigel laughed loudly as Miranda sidled up to Andy.
"So he's not paparazzi?" She queried softly.
"Nah. He was shamefaced when I told him the real reason we are in Ohio. No journalist would be affected that much. He deleted the photos immediately. I think the silly boy just wanted to impress his peers over on the fashion blogs. I have provided a cautious tale of what happens when people mess with the Queen of Fashion."
"I think he's now working at impressing your little sister. So what did you tell him?" Miranda smirked.
"Well, that will make this evening interesting. I told him unless he wants his only career prospects to be as a tailor in some Butt-Fuck City in Nebraska not to take photos or post about you on the fashion blogs." She smiled happily as Miranda gave her a genuine chuckle. "Come on sweetheart; let's find that guitar of mine." Andy smiled down at Miranda. "And don't think I've forgotten for one minute what my mom said about you singing."
Miranda rolled her eyes. "For you, maybe, just maybe, this once." She smiled up at the brunette as Andy watched Richie and Jill intently as they made their way inside. "Are you worried?" Miranda asked.
"A little," Andy admitted. "I don't want her to be hurt any more than she has been and then there's the baby."
"She is strong, like you. She will do what is right." Miranda told her softly. "Now come inside my darling."
"You seem impatient; surely your desire to sing isn't that great?" Andy said cheekily as she was led inside.
"My desire," Miranda explained huskily in her ear. "Is to get tonight started so it can end, preferably with us being wrapped around each other in that very large bed in our suite." Andy blushed causing the older woman to smirk as she leaned in and whispered. "Going off how furiously you just blushed I think it's safe to say you may also need to carry spare underwear Andréa."
Andy looked down at her True Religion Jeans paired with Chanel ankle boots. "Right now, I wish I had worn a dress too. You'd have my lingerie stashed in your purse rather than your own." Andy grinned as Miranda blushed. "You're so beautiful Miranda and as much as I want to see where that blush starts it seems we now have a triple date to contend with." Andy grinned happily as she made her way to the bar.
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