Title: New Territory
Author: EllieWrites
Disclaimer: I do not own the Devil Wears Prada or the characters but I have taken the liberty of borrowing them for this story. Please forgive any injustice I do to them as I have tried my best to stay true to them.
Hi Guys, thanks for the inspiration through the reviews. I spent my morning at McDonalds continuing this one shot. Maybe it's not a one shot any longer, but who knows when it will end. Until then...next chapter is up so get on it!
Andy's head was down, writing furiously on her laptop when Nigel walked past and halted. "Well aren't you a productive minion still slaving away at 9pm on a Thursday. You need to get a life Six. Which of the Twins papers are you writing now?" Andy laughed as it did seem reasonable that she was still doing work for Miranda. "This is for me Nigel. I've decided to take advantage of the last few weeks of waiting for the book, as I suspect Kate will be taking over that duty shortly. Miranda is beginning to trust her and may have even learned her name. And I'm writing now, or at least, attempting to write again, sort of."
"Ah yes, the new Emily. She has almost survived the three month mark. That must be a first, that your first hire managed to stay longer than a week. Congratulations Six. You raise the bar once again."
Andy smiled and gave a huff of a laugh at the thought. "Yah well just doing my best to survive Nigel."
Her attempt to shrug him off of any praise or analysis failed. "Don't think Miranda hasn't noticed. It was bad enough that she had to give up Emily, I cannot imagine what she will do when it's time for you to go."
Andy looked up at Nigel wondering once again if he suspected anything. The women were impressed with their abilities to guard their shared secret, but truly the idea of anyone melting the Ice Queen was a bridge too far. Nobody could conceive of it even in their wildest dreams.
"Nigel it's Miranda. For all we know she could toss me out tomorrow for bringing her a well done steak. I'm just making sure I have a back-up plan. Maybe when I'm finished you could take a look?"
Andy played the part of fearful assistant quite well, and Nigel bought it. He knew that Miranda had a soft spot for his Six, and had been genuinely hurt by her attempt to flee in Paris, but how far that went he was not sure. He saw how Miranda stared just a bit too long at her assistant as she walked away, or how she would gaze up and down once more than normal when assessing Andy's outfit. Come to think about it Andy was rarely on the receiving end of public assaults by the Editor. While Miranda barked at Andy there was almost no bite. This girl who was once an ugly duckling had become his Swan, and he was proud of her.
"Sure Six I'd be happy to. Leave it on my desk when you're finished, and I'll take a look. Now more importantly when are we going out with your lovely friend Douglas again? It's been months since you teased me with that handsome young boy. Is he still single?" Andy laughed at Nigel and his description of her friend. She had secretly hoped they would find each other interesting knowing Doug's passion for fashion, but nothing had come of it yet.
"Nige – it won't be finished until after the fall shows, but I will ask you to read it then. As for Dougie, I'll give him a call and set something up. He's single as ever, and would love to go out." Just then Andy's phone beeped with a text message. Knowing who it must be, a nervous expression crossed her face, and Nigel caught it. "Who's that Six, fresh meat? Is he the real reason you no longer have time for your old friend Nigel?"
"Go home Nigel, I'll set something up with Doug soon. You're right that I don't go out enough but you know who my boss is. The book should be ready soon and I'm outta here. You should take your own advice and leave as well."
"Night Six. I look forward to reading your masterpiece." And with that Nigel strode off and Andy packed up hoping the book would in fact be ready soon. Miranda had just texted that the girl's father picked them up a day early, and that she should plan to stay. Life was good.
Almost a month later Fall Fashion Season began with New York, before moving to Milan, and then Paris. This was the craziest time of the year, and despite everyone's best efforts, all hell was breaking loose. Miranda was ready to fire half the staff for incompetence several times over, and Andy had talked her down from firing Kate, who as the first assistant was an easy target. Run-throughs were moved up, deadlines were pushed back, and there was still not enough time. Kate was doing her best to handle the day to day, while Andy focused her time on the shows, but everything remained a controlled chaos.
This evening the entire Runway crew would attend a party at the tents, as New York was hopping during Fall Fashion week. After following Miranda from one show to another, Andy was ready for a crazy night out as it had been a while. Miranda planned to attend for a short time, but she had encouraged Andy to stick around and network. Andy who continued to research for her story, knew this was a necessary evil. She wanted to attend the party with her girlfriend on her arm but that was unrealistic. That would happen one day, but for now they would keep their distance as technically for the staff it was a night off, and she had no excuse to stay beside the Editor.
Ralph Lauren's show was just ending, and it was the last of the day. Cocktails followed, and Nigel, Emily and Serena appeared to be sticking around, but Miranda ushered herself and her assistant away as quickly as possible. Andrea always enjoyed the cocktail hour following a show, having a chance to hear people's comments about the collection. Surprisingly, working at Runway and dating Miranda had changed her opinions on fashion. She had actually begun to admire the work as Art, as it truly was. Inwardly she laughed at herself thinking of the evolution of her own style.
The main event was later though and Miranda wanted to get home to share a quick dinner with her girls, and change for the outdoor festivities. When they entered the car Miranda spoke.
"Darling, have you decided what you're wearing tonight?"
Miranda knew that these days Andrea would always be dressed appropriately, but she smiled in question at the young women beside her. Her assistant had developed an eye for fashion over the past year beyond what she had expected. Despite that, one of Miranda's favorite new past times was dressing Andrea. Her body deserved to be dressed by the best. It wasn't a stick thin Runway model's body, but a women's body, and any designer should worship the opportunity to have their clothing on such lovely curves.
Andrea loved when Miranda dressed her. They both took it very seriously as being dressed by Miranda Priestly herself was sacred. Andy relished in the attention, and once dressed felt like a Goddess. "I hadn't decided yet actually, do you have any ideas," she said with a bit of longing in her voice and a small pout on her lips."
"You're impossible. Why do you do that to me?" Miranda then asked Roy to take a slight detour to Runway on her way home. They would stop first to pick up an outfit for Andy, before returning to their respective houses.
Fifteen minutes and four wardrobe changes later Miranda adjusted Andrea's zipper and stepped back to assess her work. Andrea, standing there in a V-necked Halston dress and five inch Christian Lou's, was burning up. They were alone in the Closet, with all of Runway empty, and she had not been with Miranda in over a week because of their crazy schedule. Miranda's hands had just been all over her, and Andy saw that she too was struggling.
"Turn around" Miranda said in a more sultry voice than normal. Andy turned and looked in the mirror. "Wow that's hot" she was almost shocked when she saw herself. "Who am I wearing this for Miranda?" She asked as she felt Miranda's hands back at her hips and slowly making their way up towards her breasts. Andy turned around while trying to step back and take Miranda's hands. "We shouldn't," she whispered in a meager attempt to slow her lover. Miranda was lost in the moment, and all that mattered was the girl in front of her to whom she spoke, "Mmm, now the fun part. Let's take this off."
Three weeks later they were back in Paris. The whole crew was there, and after a group breakfast this morning everyone went their separate ways. Emily and Serena were out in the open now, electing to share a room despite normal Runway policy of everyone having their own. Miranda had thought it unprofessional, but decided to ignore it. At this point how much more of a hypocrite could she risk becoming.
It was day three of a week-long marathon of shows, meetings, and parties, and Miranda was tiring already. Andrea had every inch of the schedule packed with the most essential events to attend and designers to court, and fortunately understood the importance of network building. The Editor could trust her assistant to ensure she was with the right people at all times. Their working relationship was seamless. Oh, how she would miss that.
Because as much as Miranda thrived in this situation, Andrea's talents were being wasted. She had no future at Runway. If they remained together, and went public it simply would not work, even if her love had actually wanted to work in fashion. Andrea's career would be tarnished with the constant judgment of favoritism, many suspecting she only advanced because of personal relationship with the Editor. Andrea really only needed a year for a glowing recommendation, but she stayed so they could be together. Both of them knew it. During the transition period it was the only way for them to see each other without raising red flags. Now that the divorce was over, and Miranda was a free woman, it was time for Andy to move on.
Their anniversary was tomorrow, and Miranda wanted to celebrate it. It was only six months but she almost couldn't remember a time when she didn't feel the safety of being surrounded by Andrea. For the first time in her life she trusted someone to look out for her best interests. This was new. While she remained suspect of everyone else, she knew her Andrea was loyal to a fault. Professionally that was a breath of fresh air as she was finally able to focus her attention on the most important issues at hand, but personally it was simply wonderful. In Andrea she had love, and she was beginning to have a friend. It made her younger. It made her happier. It was…strange.
But they had to celebrate it, and so Miranda adjusted their schedules and Andrea took care of the subterfuge. They were unable to risk going out so instead they would celebrate exactly where it all started, in their combined suites. Everybody would believe that Andrea was out shopping for Miranda's children, and that Miranda was having lunch with Donatella. Donatella was the one person in Miranda's life other than Roy who currently knew the truth, and she was happy to participate. When Miranda informed her of the affair she was overjoyed, simply because she loved a good story and a good romance.
And so at 1pm after the morning shows, Miranda and Andy both snuck back into the hotel after publicly selling their stories to the Runway crew. Serena had even offered to go shopping and site seeing with Andy, but Emily cut that off promptly and demanded Serena spend their free hours picking out samples from the designers to take back to New York. Laughing at her clothing obsessed girlfriend, Serena smiled, kissed Emily's cheek, and said "anything for you my love," while Emily blushed a bit at the public display of affection. Nigel passed them by as he was still scheduled for meetings, and exclaimed "you all enjoy your vacation. Some of us still work for a living," and he was off before they could stop him.
When Andy walked into the suite a few minutes later she found Miranda had made herself comfortable, covered in only a silk robe. Andy spotted what looked like a grilled chicken salad for her, and steak for Miranda, with a chocolate mousse cake centered between the two plates which was undoubtedly for Andy's dessert. Miranda knew she could have anything she wanted from the girl, as long as she fed her chocolate. Andy smiled at Miranda who caught her eye with a look of mischief. "Wow Miranda, you know how to get a girl going." They ate first, shared a bottle of champagne, and after a few other activities fell asleep in each other's arms for a nap before the evening shows. It was perfect.
Nigel passed Emily and Serena who were currently planted in the lobby, knee deep in piles of clothing. He was making his way upstairs to deliver samples to Miranda's room from his latest find, a young Argentinian designer who was having his first showings in Paris. This young man was good, in fact very good Nigel thought. Miranda had to see these when she got back.
"Ladies, has our fearless leader returned from lunch yet," Nigel asked as he admired one of the blouses Emily had in her hand. "Oooh pretty," and as Emily informed him that she had not in fact seen Miranda and they had been there for over an hour, Nigel knew he was in the clear.
After exiting the elevator, hands full with bags of samples and sketches, he adeptly pulled Miranda's key from his pocket and opened the door, using his chin and other arm to balance a few boxes. What he saw in front of him was the most unbelievable site his eyes had ever witnessed, and somehow it wasn't. Miranda was on the couch asleep on top of Andy. Thankfully both were semi clothed, at least the important parts, because as of this moment Miranda was stirring and there was simply no way Nigel was getting out of this unnoticed. The ever so carefully balanced items that were only a moment ago balanced in his hands were making their way towards the floor. As they hit the ground both women flew up, as Nigel fell into the room trying to right himself. Without even thinking he kicked everything out of the way and closed the door behind him, trapping himself in the room with the Dragon who had just appeared.
There was no plausible lie Miranda could sell, seeing a half empty bottle of champagne in a bucket, and a tray of dishes, and clothing that was strewn somewhat everywhere. Both women had donned robes due to the chilly room temperature, but other than that they wore nothing. Andrea cringed in the corner of the couch, so obviously wishing she was suddenly invisible, awaiting her fate as well. Miranda took a deep breath, and after fighting a momentary battle with her anger, breathed out and gestured to a panicked Nigel to take a seat.
After realizing that all of them needed to be a bit more comfortable for this discussion, Miranda suggested she and Andrea would return shortly, and both women touched fingers and their eyes met before leaving for a moment to slip something on. A speechless Nigel watched as they left to the opposite bedrooms, and returned only seconds later with Andy in jeans and a sweater, and Miranda in Prada slacks, and a blouse.
Miranda began the discussion. "Nigel, I will not apologize for this, but I do regret the way you have been informed of the situation," she continued as Andrea kept silent.
"Is this new Miranda? How long?" He could not help himself but ask the question. "I know it is none of my business, but I have to know."
Miranda contemplated her answer, fighting her instinct to attack, as Nigel was her friend. He was. He had not been trusted to this point but he could be. "Welcome to our sixth month anniversary Nigel. We are so glad you could share it with us. After all, it is my understanding from Andrea that without your little talk that night we would not likely be here right now."
Miranda awaited her fate, as there were so many ways this relationship could be construed, and Nigel's opinion would be a good barometer of what they would encounter elsewhere.
Nigel sat back against the chair and watched Andy, as she too looked worried. Who was he to judge really? It all made sense. The looks, the clothes, and the less frequent emergence of the Dragon…he saw it now. This was actually happening.
Miranda was fast becoming impatient. "Miranda, I am processing here. This is crazy." And at that she stiffened until he continued, "but at the same time it's not. What's your plan Miranda, Six, are you going to stay?"
Andy took a chance at speaking for the first time, and risking her wrath, took Miranda's hand in her own. "Nigel, I'm making my way out of Runway slowly. We're figuring this out as we go along, but this, we, are serious." She looked at Miranda for confirmation while she said that, and Nigel watched as the Editor's careful facade disappeared as she met Andy's hopeful eyes. Miranda relaxed into the gaze, and nodded briefly assuring both her young lover and herself simultaneously. It was incredible.
With his hand on his forehead Nigel watched the scene unfold in front of him. Miranda was taking her cues from Andy, and he could hardly believe this was possible. "Wow, Miranda I do not know what to say. Good for you I guess, but please be careful. Your enemies will have a field day with this." Nigel shook his head slightly, and regarded both women again. He saw the fear in Miranda's eyes which could quickly lead to anger and realized his mistake.
Taking a chance of having it bitten off, Nigel laid his hand upon Miranda's knee before speaking. "Miranda, we've known each other over twenty years. I hope you know by now I consider you family, dysfunctional maybe, but still family. You deserve to be happy and if that's with Andy then I'll stand by you till the end."
He noted the shock in Miranda's eyes and realized maybe she hadn't believed he would forgive her, and smiled when she nodded in small show of thanks. With his hand remaining on Miranda's knee he looked sideways, "Take care of our Queen Six." And at that he made a move to get up.
"Ladies I'm going to run now and hope that I will not be murdered in my sleep," he mentioned jokingly, or at least he hoped jokingly. "Six you can take me out for drinks to thank me and tell me the story later. For now I need to go have my blood pressure checked, and take a valium." Miranda stopped him at the doorway. "Nigel?" She said as he halted his step and turned. "Thank you my friend," and with that Nigel left the two women sitting next to each other, hands threaded together, never looking back.
As the door closed Andy felt a chill at what would come next. The two women shared a moment of silence before Miranda stood up and moved towards the window. Andy hesitated and then followed her. As they both looked out over Paris, she wrapped her muscled arms around Miranda's body and rested her chin on the elegant women's shoulder. "Are we okay?"
Andy waited a moment for Miranda to gather her thoughts. She struggled to maintain her silence, fighting the overwhelming need to both defend and reassure. Miranda had to make peace with this on her own. The verdict came shortly thereafter.
Suddenly Miranda spun, grabbing at the back of Andy's head, pulling their lips together forcefully kissing her, and holding on for dear life. When she broke the embrace, Miranda stepped back with tears in her eyes and admitted for the first time aloud "I love you, Andrea. I love you more than I ever knew was possible." A stunned and now watery eyed Andy stroked first the cheek bone, and then white hair of the women in front of her. "I love you too, Miranda," and with that Andy enveloped her love in her arms, tears flowing, realizing that she never, ever wanted to let her go.