Not Made To Woo (Part 2) - The Devil Wears Prada - Miranda/Andy
Title: Not Made To Woo (Part 2)
Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Miranda/Andy, Emily, Caroline, Cassidy
Prompt: Written for perks123 for the help_japan auction. She wanted a humorous story that showcased Emily in a good light and had Miranda having to work a little harder to get Andy. I hope this fits the bill.
Summary: "Can you explain to me," Andrea again skipped the pleasantries and Emily thought that Miranda had certainly rubbed off on her, "why a man knocked on my door this morning and delivered to me a dozen peach roses and a turtle?"
Spoilers: Everything's fair game
Word Count: 13,284
Disclaimer: I do not own The Devil Wears Prada, any of its characters, any of the performers, designers, Broadway shows or charities mentioned, or anything at all really.
Author's Note: As I said, this is a very, very late response to perks123's generosity at the help_japan auction. I hope it's worth the wait. Title is taken from the Shakespeare quote 'We should be woo'd and were not made to woo' from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Thanks: To the always wonderful damelola for batting around ideas with me and the stellar beta job. I am forever grateful.
Tuesday morning found Emily waiting for either the barrage if things had gone poorly the night before or some kind of inkling that things had gone well. Instead, she got a rather subdued, introspective Miranda that scared her more than a raging Miranda ever could have.
She made it to the first coffee run of the morning (minus the initial coffee that she'd had waiting) before she dialed Andy's cell phone number.
"Hey, Em, what's up?" Andy sounded cheerful enough, which gave her some hope.
"Oh, nothing much, just - you know, called to see how things are with you."
Andy laughed. "Em, I know you know about last night and that's why you're calling. You don't have to beat around the bush, especially since you probably have very little time to make this phone call in."
Emily didn't know whether she wanted to slap Andy or kiss her for her straightforwardness. "Well, then just tell me already. What happened last night?"
"It was…"
"It was what, Andy?" Emily pressed, even as she moved the phone away from her face to place the coffee order.
"She paid for them to perform on their dark night for just the two of us."
Emily blinked. She hadn't expected that. Front row or box seats, naturally. Schmoozing with the cast afterwards, a tour of the set, sure. But for it just to be the two of them…
"Well, how was it?"
"The show was fabulous, and afterwards we went back stage, which was wonderful. But Em, only us in the audience? It was a little much."
Emily felt dread rising up. She knew Andy was right, but still. Why Miranda wasn't more livid, she didn't understand. "And you told her that?"
"Yes." Andy confirmed calmly. "And I think she understood."
Emily wanted to say more, but she was arriving back at Elias Clark. "Alright, well, I've got to go deliver coffee. Bye."
"Bye, Em. Good luck."
Emily sighed. With these two, she was going to need it.
**
It wasn't until the new girl had been dismissed for the evening that Miranda called Emily into her office.
"Last night went… well." Miranda told her, although her lips pursed just the littlest bit, which Emily noticed right away. "It may have been a bit much though."
"Oh?" Emily tried to act as though she hadn't talked to Andy about the date earlier that day.
"The theatre was perhaps a bit… formal for our first… outing."
"Y-yes, I could see that." Emily choked out.
"I'm thinking perhaps dinner this time."
"Yes, Miranda." Emily nodded quickly. "That sounds perfect."
There weren't a lot of ways Miranda could screw up dinner. She'd probably take Andy to a hugely overpriced, completely fancy, five star restaurant, but Andy should know to expect that. And besides, the journalist loved food so much, it wouldn't matter to her in the slightest. Emily felt the tension begin to bleed away. This was something she could work with.
Miranda eyed her employee. "Any suggestions on where to dine?"
"Oh, um," Emily began to go through her mental notes about Andy. There really wasn't anything the woman wouldn't eat, as far as Emily knew. But as she thought about the few dinners they'd shared together and the other times she'd seen Andy eat, something became abundantly clear. "Well, I know Italian food is always a good idea."
"Italian." Miranda murmured, as though trying it on for size.
"Yes, pizza and pasta and bread. And-" Miranda looked up sharply and Emily quickly caught herself, "I mean, some people just love their carbs."
Miranda made a noise of acknowledgement. "Thank you, Emily."
"Yes, Miranda." Emily turned to start out of the office.
"Oh, and Emily?"
She pivoted back quickly. "Yes, Miranda."
"Make sure that some people," and it almost looked like Miranda was smiling as she said it, "have an updated passport."
Emily's eyes widened a bit as the implication of that command sank in.
"Uh - yes, Miranda, but -"
"No, no." Miranda shook her head. "No buts."
"Of course, Miranda. It's just -"
"That's all, Emily." Miranda's voice brooked no argument and Emily left Miranda's office, trying to convince herself that Miranda just wanted to make sure Andrea had all her documents and that the editor had no intention of taking her out of the country for dinner.
It didn't work.
**
Andy was settled on the couch, her laptop balanced on her knees and Alexander splashing around beside her, when her phone rang on Thursday night. She paused the YouTube video of Stephanie she'd been watching and answered.
"Hello?"
"Good evening, Andrea."
At the sound of Miranda's voice, Andy sat up straight on the couch. "Hi, Miranda."
"I was wondering if you would be interested in spending some time with me this weekend?" Miranda didn't sound as nervous this time when she asked and Andy had to smile.
"Of course, Miranda. I'd love to see you."
"Wonderful. Roy will be by to pick you up Saturday morning at 6:00."
"Wait - six in the morning?" Andy asked, surprised.
"Yes. Unless that's not suitable for you." Miranda sounded annoyed.
"N-no, not at all. It's just - early. But it's totally suitable."
"Excellent." Miranda said, and then without another word, hung up the phone.
Andy looked over at Alexander. "Six in the morning?"
The turtle slid under the water in his tank, as though to say, "don't ask me, I don't know".
**
At precisely 6:00 AM on Saturday morning, Roy pulled up in front of Andy's apartment building. She was waiting for him along the curb, and when he climbed out of the front seat holding a coffee cup, Andy nearly threw her arms around him.
"I could kiss you, Roy." She proclaimed as she greedily grabbed the cup from him.
"Good morning to you too, Andy." He grinned as he opened the door for her.
She was surprised when she slid in the backseat to find that it was empty. She figured that Miranda would be in the car, and felt a tickle of annoyance at that fact that she'd gotten up so early and the woman hadn't bothered to meet her.
"She's waiting for us at our destination." Roy supplied without being asked. "Wanted to go over all the details, make sure everything was ready for when you got there."
"The details?" Andy frowned. "Roy, where are we going?"
"Ah, now that I am not permitted to tell you." He smiled at her in the rearview mirror as he eased out onto the street. "You know how she is."
Andy nodded and relaxed back into the plush leather seats. At least she was comfortable for the ride. She let her eyelids slide shut and was soon sound asleep.
**
"Andy, wake up. We're here." Roy's voice cut threw her subconscious and Andy sat up quickly.
"Shit!" She gasped out, then grimaced as she looked at Roy in the mirror. "Oh, Roy, I'm so sorry."
Roy just smiled. "No need to apologize, Andy."
When he opened the door for her, Andy climbed out and blinked the sleep out of her eyes, once again gasping as she took in the sights around her. "Roy, why are we at an air field?" She asked, although she already knew the answer.
"Because Miranda requested that I bring you here." He pointed to the jet that was waiting just a few hundred feet away. "That'll be your ride for the remainder of the journey."
"Roy," she looked at him but he just shook his head.
"Ask her, Andy. I'm just the driver."
"Oh my god." Andy mumbled as she started toward the jet.
**
"Oh, there you are! I was beginning to worry that you'd overslept." Miranda greeted her as she entered the jet. The door was closed and sealed behind her and before she could speak, Miranda was informing the pilot that they were ready for takeoff. "You'll need to sit down and put on your safety belt, just until we reach cruising altitude, Andrea."
Automatically, Andy did what she was told, her head still spinning, but her body already programmed to respond to Miranda's demands.
"Miranda," Andy greeted slowly, once they were in the air, "why are we on a jet?"
"Well because we couldn't very well go to Italy in a car, now could we?"
"It-Italy? We're going to Italy?" Andy's eyes nearly bugged out her head.
"You like Italian food, do you not?" Miranda questioned, as though it was a perfectly normal thing to hop on a jet and fly to another country just for a meal.
"Y-yes, but Miranda, that's not the point. I - I don't even have my passport with me! They'll never let me into the country!"
Miranda reached into her Prada bag and pulled out two passports, one which she handed over to Andrea. "Problem solved."
"Is this - but - how did you get my passport?" It was far too early in the morning for this.
Miranda looked like the cat that ate the canary. "I have my ways."
"Miranda," Andy started, but as she looked over at the older woman who looked so pleased with herself, all the arguments she was ready to unleash died on her tongue. Even if she spouted off every reason why this trip was insane and far too extravagant, it wouldn't change the fact that she was already on a jet, in the air, on the way to Italy. So she swallowed and decided to ask the far more pressing question. "Please tell me that there are at least some M&Ms or something on this plane."
Miranda smiled again and unfastened her seatbelt. She moved around the cabin, opening cabinets and things, until she pulled out what she was looking for. "Plain or peanut?" She offered as she held up a bag of each.
"Peanut." Andy answered, catching the bag that Miranda tossed at her with a laugh.
And maybe this was crazy, but seeing Miranda like this was kind of worth it.
**
After their arrival in Parma and what Andy was pretty sure was the quickest trip through customs and security ever - apparently being Miranda Priestly also offered that perk - they were met by a car at the airport which, after some quick directions from Miranda in perfect Italian, took them to a small restaurant. It was not at all what Andy was expecting and her surprise showed on her face.
"You were expecting something else?" Miranda questioned as she climbed out of the car.
"No, not at all. It's just - cozy." Andy smiled though.
"I thought you would enjoy it." Miranda led the way into the restaurant where she was greeted excitedly with hugs - actual full on hugs - and greetings in Italian by the wait staff.
Once they were seated at a table toward the back, Miranda conversed in Italian with the waiter and Andrea realized that she wouldn't be getting to order for herself. Not that she'd really be able to anyway, as the entire menu was in Italian. Wine was poured into a glass for her, and Andy took a probably larger than socially acceptable gulp of it, thankful that Miranda didn't seem to notice.
"I hope you don't mind," Miranda ventured after the waiter had left, "that I ordered for you."
Andy could only shake her head and sip her wine. "It's fine, Miranda."
While they waited for the food, Miranda told Andrea how she had come to find this particular restaurant during one of her many trips to Italy and how she had come to adore the food and the owners. Although she felt incredibly out of place, Andy did love seeing Miranda this way - casual and making conversation that wasn't about fashion. It was lovely and she planned to enjoy it while she could.
They were interrupted in the middle of the story of Miranda's first trip to Italy by the waiter bringing their food. And when he set it down on the table, Andy didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was pizza. Absolutely mouth watering, delicious looking pizza. They had flown to Italy to get pizza.
She managed to hold her crazy emotions in check and pulled off a piece. It was to die for and she was sure she let out a totally inappropriate moan, but she couldn't bring herself to care.
"I take it you're enjoying the pizza?" Miranda smirked, but even in the low light of the restaurant, Andy could make out the faint blush on her cheeks.
"Oh god, it's soooo good." She mumbled around the mouthful of pizza she was still eating.
Miranda laughed and picked up a piece for herself. Andy nearly choked on the cheese as she watched Miranda take a large bite. Never in a million years did she ever imagine she would be eating pizza with Miranda Priestly anywhere, let alone in Italy.
As they ate, the waiter continued to bring more and more food out until their little table was covered with breads and pastas and salads and all other manner of delicious concoctions. Andy had to laugh then, because there was no way that she and Miranda could possibly eat all of this food.
"I didn't know what you would enjoy, so I ordered a little bit of everything."
"Miranda, this is too much." Andy protested, even as she dished herself up some salad and eyed the pasta that was sitting in front of Miranda.
"It's Italy, Andrea. Eat what you want."
And Andy did just that.
When they had finally stuffed themselves completely, Miranda paid the bill, and they opted to walk back toward the airport, meandering through the streets, taking it all in.
"It's so gorgeous here," Andy sighed as she took in the sights. "This has been amazing Miranda, really. I can't even tell you -"
Miranda cut her off with the wave of a hand. "Nonsense. I'm glad you've enjoyed it."
"I have." Andy assured, and then they walked together in an easy silence.
**
On the plane ride home, Miranda and Andy continued to talk easily and openly with one another. Andy loved seeing this other, more human side to Miranda. However, she was conflicted by the fact that the past two 'dates' - if they could even be called that, she wasn't sure - had been so extravagant. While she'd always been aware of Miranda's power and influence, she'd never thought of it in the sense of what a relationship with her would be like.
And so, when they were back in New York City and in the town car heading for her apartment, Andy had to make a decision.
When they pulled up out front of her building, Miranda smiled at her again, the smile that Andy had long since fallen in love with. "May I see you again soon, Andrea?" Miranda asked, boldly.
Andy's smile faltered just a bit. "I - Miranda, I -"
"Yes?" Miranda's smile faded at Andy's stuttering.
"I just think - I think we should maybe take some time and - I don't think we should see each other again. At least, not for a while." Andy rushed through the words, pushing them out of her mouth as quickly as she could.
And then, before Miranda could give any kind of response, she shoved the door open and hurried out of the car and up the steps of her building, never once looking back.
**
Andy was incredibly jetlagged from the whirlwind trip, not to mention emotionally exhausted from her conflicting feelings, so that as soon as she made it back into her apartment, she collapsed on her bed and fell into a deep sleep.
When her phone started ringing, she blindly reached out and shoved it off the nightstand, rolling over and covering her head with the pillow. She sighed in relief when it stopped, and was just about to sink back into the blessed sleep when the phone started ringing incessantly again. She tried to ignore it once more, but again, as soon as it stopped, it started back up and she finally had to admit defeat.
She rolled over and half crawled, half fell out of bed, feeling blindly for the phone until she came in contact with it and clicked the answer button.
"H'lo?" She mumbled out, crawling back toward the comfort of her bed.
"What in god's name happened yesterday?" Emily's voice was far too shrill.
"Jesus, Em, calm down." She muttered as she climbed back into the bed and fell back on the pillows. "What time is it? Hell, what day is it?"
"Are you bloody kidding? It's Sunday. 8:30 on a Sunday. And I'm at Runway because Miranda is in a vicious mood and I know it's all your fault, so I ask again, what in god's name happened yesterday?"
"We went out for dinner. In Italy, Em." She said, already drifting back to sleep.
"Damn it, Andrea, wake up this instant and speak to me. I don't have much time, and if I have to come over to your apartment, so help me god -" Emily's voice was loud and angry and cut through the lovely haze Andy had going on.
"Woah, woah, calm down. I'm up, I'm up." Andy got up and stumbled her way out to the kitchen, hitting the coffee maker.
"What happened at dinner?" Emily pressed.
"Nothing. We talked, we ate. It was fine. Great."
"Then what the hell happened that has her in this apocalyptic mood?" Emily did not have time for these silly games with Andrea. She needed answers and she needed them now.
"I don't know, Em. I mean, I told her that I thought we shouldn't see each other for a while but -"
"You did what?" Emily hissed, everything suddenly clicking into place.
"I told her -"
"Why in hell would you do that?"
"Em, she's been taking me on these extravagant… outings and I -"
"You said she would have to work for it. You told me that. And you can't say she hasn't been working for it. She's bloody well been working for it!" And so have I, Emily wanted to add, but didn't. She'd been working her tail off for it, and if Andrea was going to act like it wasn't enough now, Emily was going to kill her with her bare hands.
"That's just it." Andy sighed. "I didn't think - I mean I never imagined -"
"What? You think I ever imagined this?" Emily hissed, seeing red. "Miranda Priestly trying to woo Andrea Sachs? Believe me, it never even crossed my mind. But it apparently crossed hers and she's been doing everything she can to woo you. You. She's bending over backwards for you, a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati. So I don't see what the problem is."
"That's just it, Em." Andy sighed as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "She's doing all of these insanely amazing things for me. Me. Emily, you know as well as I do that this isn't me. If I want to go see a Broadway show, I have to scrimp and save and wonder if it's really worth it to buy a nose bleed ticket in the mezzanine, because that's all I can afford. Miranda wants to see a Broadway show, she buys out the whole damn theatre."
"Andrea -"
"She flew us to Italy for pizza, Em. Pizza! When I want pizza, I got to the shop on the corner or hit a Sbarro. When Miranda wants pizza, she flies to Italy. That's just - not me. And what's going to happen when she realizes it?"
"What do you mean?" Emily asked, finally starting to understand.
"To Miranda, these things are nothing. It's a drop in the bucket. But to me, they're huge. Things like this don't happen to me. And what's going to happen when Miranda realizes that? When she sees that I'm just a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati who likes pizza from Sbarro and watching Broadway videos on YouTube? Do you really think that whatever this is that's happening right now is going to last through that? Because I live in the real world, Emily. And I know that it won't."
"You're saying you think this is just a passing fad for her?"
"I'm saying that I don't know what it is. And that's part of the problem. Is she really serious about this? Or is this something that's going to be fun for a while and then get boring? I mean, of everything we did together, the thing I loved most was just getting moments to see the real Miranda. To talk to her and engage with her. But is that something she's going to want to keep doing?"
"Oh, Andrea," Emily smile into the phone, "don't lie. The thing you loved most was meeting that Block woman."
At that, Andy let out a laugh. "Okay, you got me." She teased.
"In all seriousness though, what you're saying is that when you said she'd have to work for it, you didn't necessarily mean through grand gestures. You meant she'd need to show you that she actually wanted a relationship with you."
"When I said she'd have to work for it, I never thought she'd ever even want to work for it." Andy told her. "But yes, I guess you're right."
"Okay." Emily nodded. This she could work with. This she could handle. All wasn't entirely lost yet. She could still salvage it. "Well, thanks then. Go back to sleep now."
"Em, I just drank a cup of coffee. I'm not going back to sleep now."
"Sorry." Emily didn't sound the least bit sorry. In fact, she sounded smug.
"The only reason I'm going to let you live is because I know you have to deal with Miranda today." Andy told her before she hung up the phone.
"Oh but Andy," Emily smiled as she hung up, "I've just found a way to change Miranda's mood in no time."
**
Andy didn't hear from Miranda or Emily for the rest of the week. In fact, it wasn't until the Thursday of the following week that she received a phone call. Her stomach flipped a bit at the name on the caller ID.
"Hello, Miranda." She answered.
"Hello, Andrea. I hope you don't mind that I'm calling. I know you said you thought we shouldn't see each other for a while."
"No, Miranda," Andy assured softly, "I don't mind. What did you need?"
"I was hoping you would be willing to accompany me to the theatre one more time." Before Andy could answer, she quickly added, "I promise there will be other people there this time and it will be on a… smaller scale."
Andy had to smile at that. "Miranda, are you sure -"
"Andrea, I would not have called and asked you if I did not want to attend with you. Now, will you be my date tomorrow evening or not?"
Andy's stomach flipped - pleasantly this time - at the word date. She smiled widely. "Yes, Miranda, I will be your date tomorrow."
"Wonderful." Miranda replied. "I will see you tomorrow." And then, the line clicked off.
"Wait! Miranda!" Andy called, but it was no use. Miranda had hung up.
Andy turned to Alexander with a sigh. "So I've got a date with Miranda Priestly tomorrow but no idea what time or what to wear. Isn't that just typical?" She flopped back on the couch, while the turtle peeked out through the glass at her with what she swore was a sympathetic look.
**
Andy had barely gotten into her apartment after work on Friday, when the buzzer sounded.
"Oh shit!" She cursed, nearly tripping over herself trying to get to the buzzer. "Yes?" She called, fearing the worst.
"Will you bloody well ring me up before I'm mugged down here?" Emily's voice came through the intercom, and Andy felt relief flood her. At least it wasn't Miranda yet. Emily she could deal with. Maybe.
"Come on up, Em." She said as she hit the button, before she started to strip out of her work clothes.
She was in her underwear, with a robe tossed on haphazardly when Emily's knock came on the door. She flung it open, then headed back for the bathroom to try to do something with her hair.
"Oh, thank god I decided to come. How are you not ready yet?" Emily asked as she took in the apartment.
"I'm sorry that I had to work and that Miranda didn't give me a time she'd be arriving." Andy shot back sarcastically, shrugging out of the robe now that the door was closed. "Go ahead," she spun to face Emily, "take your shots while you can get them."
"Actually," Emily said, running her eyes over Andy quickly, "you don't look half bad, weight wise. I mean, you could obviously still lose about ten pounds but -"
"But I'm a normal person, not a starving Runway slave," Andy shot back with a smile, "And if I need to lose ten pounds, you need to gain twenty, Em."
Emily rolled her eyes, but smiled just a bit. "Well, at least you're still a four, otherwise this would never fit you," she thrust a garment bag at Andy.
"This is getting to be a pattern, Em." Andy raised an eyebrow as she unzipped the bag. "And don't act like you're not the one giving Miranda pointers, because I know that you are. Which begs the question, why?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "Please, as if I have time to play spy for Miranda when it comes to you. I do have a life, Andrea."
"Sure, Em." Andy smiled, but she wasn't fooled.
"Just put on the damn dress and shut up already."
Andy mock saluted as she headed for the bedroom. "That bottle of wine in the kitchen better be open by the time I'm changed," she called over her shoulder.
"It's probably the cheapest swill there is." Emily called after her.
"And yet, you'll drink it," came the muffled voice from behind the bedroom door, and Emily had to laugh.
When Andy emerged from the bedroom wearing a black Alexander McQueen dress with gold embroidery on the top of the bodice and matching gold Christian Louboutins, Emily was already holding a half empty wine glass.
"Look, Alexander," Andy cooed to the turtle, spinning for him, "it's one of your dresses."
"You need to stop with that turtle. It was cute. Now it's just weird." Emily told her as she handed off a glass to Andy.
"Says the woman who told Miranda that I liked turtles." She smirked as she took a sip.
Emily shook her head in frustration. "You two belong together, I swear." She muttered under her breath. "You both drive me crazy."
"Aww, you're so sweet, Em." Andy laughed. "Seriously though, thank you for this." She motioned to her outfit with both hands.
"Just don't spill any wine on it, for god's sake. It's brand new!" Emily tutted.
"Do I look okay? I mean, you obviously know where we're going tonight, but I've got no clue so -"
"You look fine. Would I have picked out that dress if you didn't?"
"So where are we going?" Andy pushed, taking another drink from the glass.
"I am not here to gossip, Andrea, I am merely here to make you look presentable. And speaking of, give me a hairbrush. We must do damage control on that mop. Not to mention your makeup."
"Emily," Andy whined, but went to get the hairbrush and makeup anyway.
"I don't know why I put up with either of them." Emily told the turtle as she watched Andy go.
**
By the time that Miranda arrived, the girls were on their second and third glass of wine respectively, laughing comfortably together. When a knock sounded at her door, Andy looked up, startled. No one had buzzed her to be allowed in, so who could be knocking on her door?
She moved to open it, still laughing at something Emily had said, so when the door opened to reveal Miranda, her laughter died in her throat. "Miranda! I - I didn't realize - how did you -?"
Miranda took in the sight of Andrea, looking surprised and a little nervous with her face slightly flushed, and Emily on the couch, looking far more relaxed than she ever did at Runway. She hadn't expected her assistant to be there, even though she was aware of the apparent friendship between the women.
"Someone was leaving your building as Roy pulled up. I thought it would be… appropriate to come to your door to pick you up."
Andy smiled widely at that. "That's so sweet! Come in, please. I just need to grab my coat and bag, and I'll be ready."
Miranda entered the apartment and glanced around it. While it was rather small, it also had a comfortable, homey feeling to it, much like Andrea herself. She liked what she could see of it. Andrea came back out of the bedroom, leaving the door open and Miranda could see that on her nightstand she had a frame housing the picture of her with Stephanie. Miranda smiled at it, as well as the two signed Playbills that Andrea had framed and hung beside her television.
"Em, you'll be okay to get home?" Andy asked as she came to stand next to Miranda.
Emily rolled her eyes. "Really, Andrea, I am not an invalid or an idiot. I can find my way home."
Andy smirked. "That's not what I meant, and you know it."
Emily just shrugged. Andy grinned as realization dawned.
"You're going to stay."
"Well, I figured that Alexander would want some company tonight."
Miranda looked sharply over at Emily, wondering who Alexander could possibly be. Andrea laughed and hugged Emily. "You're the best, Em. You know where everything is. Food's in the fridge - eat something. Just lock up when you're done." Then she turned and looked at a large aquarium that Miranda noticed for the first time. "Bye Alex. Be good for Auntie Em."
"Andrea, I swear to god -"
"Love ya!" Andy cut her off, grinning as she turned to Miranda. "Ready?"
Miranda looked at the little turtle swimming around and Emily, reclined comfortably on the couch, before she smiled. "Yes."
As she moved out of the apartment, Andy looked back and mouthed 'I'll call you' to Emily. Emily nodded her agreement.
**
"I didn't realize you and Emily were so close," Miranda observed as they sat in the back of the town car.
"Oh, well, yeah." Andy shrugged. "It's kind of a new thing. But it's nice. You know, having a girlfriend. I mean - a friend who's a girl."
A slight tint rose on her cheeks and Miranda smiled. "I do know what you mean. But do you not have other girlfriends?"
Again, Andy shrugged. "There's my friend Lily but… we're not as close as we used to be. And there are a couple girls at the Mirror that I'm friendly with. But Emily's actually turned out to be a really great friend, even though she acts like it's such an inconvenience all the time."
"That sounds like Emily." Miranda almost laughed.
"Yeah. But regardless, she's a pretty great friend."
Miranda nodded. She certainly had to agree with that statement.
The car pulled to a stop and Roy was out of the front seat and opening the door for Andy. She climbed out and looked up, taking in their location in surprise.
"We're at Dalton?" She turned questioning eyes on Miranda.
"I told you it would be on a smaller scale." Was Miranda's only response as she strode ahead, causing Andy to rush after her, just like she'd always done when she was the second assistant.
They reached the Martin Theatre and proceeded to their seats, which Andy noted with a wry smile, were very much the same as their seats for Wicked had been. However, this time there were other people in the audience and the theatre was certainly smaller than the Gershwin had been.
Andy looked down at the program she had received as she made her way to her seat. Annie was emblazoned on the cover, along with the famous cartoon orphan. Andy turned to ask Miranda a question, but the houselights blinked and then started to go dim. Déjà vu, she thought.
The curtain rose, revealing the orphanage set, with sleeping girls on the stage. One of them was sitting up, looking out a window, her red hair giving away exactly who she was supposed to be. Andy smiled as she watched the scene unfold and listened to Cassidy sing ‘Maybe’. She was a very good singer and, Andy had to admit, just spunky and adorable enough to pull off playing an eleven year old Annie.
As everyone applauded, Andy leaned over to Miranda. "Where's Caroline?"
Miranda looked from Andy to the unopened program on her lap and then back again before she smiled a smile that Andy couldn't quite decipher and answered her. "Caroline is playing in the pit. She much prefers that to being on the stage, unlike her sister."
Andy thought back to what she knew of the Priestly twins. "Is she the pianist?"
Again, Miranda had that smile on her face. "Yes, she is."
"They're both amazing." Andy whispered, before turning back to the stage to continue watching.
This time as the musical progressed, Miranda began to understand what Andrea had been trying to tell her before. It did feel like an entirely different experience now that she was just a tiny part of the audience instead of half of it. She'd never taken notice before, but it was fun to clap with everyone else or hear people laugh or react to different things. She was most taken with Andrea's reactions - her laughs and smiles and the way she looked almost as proud of Cassidy as Miranda herself was.
At intermission, Miranda didn't get much of a chance to talk to Andrea, as various other parents came up to her to compliment her on Cassidy's performance. Andrea spent her time finally examining the program and also slipped out to use the restroom, so that by the time they were finally able to talk to one another, the house lights were going down. Andrea just smiled at her before focusing her attention on the show.
During the curtain call, Andrea stood and cheered with as much as enthusiasm for Cassidy as she had for the cast of Wicked, and kept the same enthusiasm up when the cast motioned at the pit. Miranda knew then that everything had been worth it.
Once the crowd had begun to disperse, Miranda led Andrea backstage to greet the girls. Andy felt suddenly nervous as they wound their way through other parents and children, seeking out the girls. She had no idea if the girls would remember who she was, let alone know that their mother had been… what? Pursuing her? Andy shook her head.
They finally found them as the girls exited the dressing rooms, both wearing identical Annie cast t-shirts and jeans.
"Mom!" They grinned happily, hugging her tightly.
"Hello, darlings." Miranda kissed each of them. "You were both marvelous."
The girls looked over at Andy who was standing silently beside Miranda. "Hi, Andy."
If she was surprised that they knew who she was, Andy didn't show it. She just smiled at them. "Hi, girls. Cassidy, you were amazing tonight. And Caroline, your playing was fantastic. I would've thought a Broadway pianist was playing had I not known it was you."
That same secretive smile soon formed on the girls' faces. "Thanks, Andy!"
"So," Miranda smiled, "I was thinking that both your performances deserve a celebratory dinner, since none of us got to eat before the show. What do you think?"
The girls both nodded vigorously.
"What are your feelings on pizza?" Miranda asked and both girls' eyes widened.
"Seriously?" They asked at once.
"Seriously."
The girls both tackled Miranda with hugs and exclamations of "That's so awesome, Mom!"
Miranda enjoyed the affection, but waved away their words. "Don't thank me, thank Andrea. She's the one who inspired the idea."
Before she could react, both girls were then hugging Andy. "You're the best, Andy!"
Andy looked over their heads at Miranda and smiled. "Thank you." She mouthed to the older woman, but Miranda just shook her head.
**
Andy had given Roy directions to the pizza shop that she preferred and looked about as surprised as the twins when Miranda had announced that they would be dining at the small shop instead of picking up something to go.
They quickly settled into a round booth, with the girls sitting between Miranda and Andy. Throughout dinner a steady stream of conversation was kept up, including discussions about Andy's current work, the girls' schooling and activities, and a few mentions of Runway. But the girls seemed far more interested in Andy than they were in their mother's work.
When Miranda announced that it was time to depart the restaurant and take Andrea home, the girls both moaned.
"But it's not that late yet!" They insisted.
Andy smiled. "It's getting pretty late for me. And I'm sure both of you need to get your rest tonight so you'll be ready for your performances tomorrow."
"Are you coming again, Andy?" Cassidy asked.
Miranda's eyes widened at her daughter's question, but Andy took it in stride. "I'm not sure, kiddo. I won't be able to make both shows, but I could maybe swing the evening performance, if your mom doesn't mind and could get me a ticket."
"We can get you a ticket." Cassidy quickly assured, without giving Miranda time to comment.
"Yeah, and afterwards we could go out for dinner again."
"Yeah, maybe Chinese this time?"
Andy looked over at Miranda with a grin. "I do know a pretty good Chinese place."
Miranda wanted to roll her eyes at her children's antics, but she was too pleased with the outcome to do so. "Well, it sounds like you three have it all planned out." She said instead.
The girls high-fived each other, while Andy laughed. "Come on you two, we need to get going. You've got another big day tomorrow, and I'm about to turn into a pumpkin."
The girls slid out of the booth after Andy. "Andy, it's not even eleven yet. And Cinderella didn't turn into a pumpkin, her carriage did."
"Oops." Andy grinned. "Then I'll turn back into a peasant, and we certainly don't want that either."
The girls just shook their heads and climbed into the car. The ride to Andy's apartment was quick and rather quiet, as both girls drifted off to sleep. When they pulled to a stop in front of her building, Andy smiled at Miranda. "Looks like they didn't make it to midnight either."
Miranda nodded and followed Andy out of the car, walking with her to the steps of her building. "Miranda, you don't have to -"
"Andrea, allow me to walk you up to your apartment." Miranda's tone was firm.
"But the girls -"
"Are both asleep and will be fine with Roy for a few minutes."
Andy found that as usual, she couldn't argue with Miranda. When they reached her door, she paused, unsure if Emily was still in her apartment or not and if that mattered at all. It wasn't like anything was going to happen after all. Miranda's girls were asleep in the car downstairs.
"Thank you for accompanying me tonight, Andrea." Miranda told her, leaning over and gently brushing her lips against Andy's cheek.
"Thank you for inviting me. It meant a lot that you'd allow me to intrude on your time with the girls."
Miranda shook her head. "You are in no way an intrusion, Andrea."
Andy blushed and looked down.
"I am a rich woman, Andrea. I enjoy lavish and extravagant things like flying to Italy for pizza or buying out Broadway shows. I worked hard to get to where I am today, to have the power and the influence and the money to be able to do all of those things without thought or question. I won't apologize for that."
"Miranda, I -"
"But my children mean more to me than any of the rest of that combined. I guard them, because they are so precious to me."
"Of course." Andy whispered.
"Asking you to come with me this evening was… more difficult than anything else I've done in our… relationship so far. Expensive gifts and grad gestures are easy for me, but letting someone in, allowing someone to see the real me…" Miranda looked at Andrea, and waited until she had caught the woman's gaze before continuing. "But then, you've always seen the real me, haven't you, Andrea? Just like you were able to tell my girls apart tonight without looking in the program. How do you do that?"
Andy shrugged. She honestly didn't know. She just knew that she could.
"You're afraid," Miranda started after a few moments of silence, "that when I see the real you I will become bored by you, isn't that it?"
Andy's eyes widened as she looked at Miranda, but she was unable to deny it.
Miranda chuckled. "You silly girl. I've already seen the real you, at least parts of it, and I'm still here. But the last time you saw the real me…"
Miranda refused to mention Paris, but Andy knew what she was referring to all the same. "Miranda, I didn't leave in Paris because of that."
"You may not think so, but when people see the real me, Andrea, they leave."
"Well," Andy straightened herself up, "I'm not planning on leaving, if you're not planning on leaving."
Miranda looked Andy up and down. "Does this mean that you are agreeing to a relationship with me?"
"If you can deal with pizza and Chinese takeout and me dorking out over Broadway shows and being just a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati whose fashion sense is still horrendous--according to Emily--then, yes."
Miranda smiled then, a real genuine smile that nearly took Andy's breath away. "I think I can, if you can deal with my extravagant tendencies and devotion to my children and my constant work."
Andy grinned then. "Haven't I been doing that for the past few months already?"
Miranda shook her head, then leaned over and gently kissed Andrea for the first time. Andy responded in kind.
"About bloody time!" Came the call from inside the apartment, and Andy jumped away as though she'd been caught by her parents. She wanted to sink into the floorboards and chanced a glance at Miranda, expecting to see her looking utterly furious or horrified. But the fashion maven just looked amused instead.
"Good night, Andrea." She smiled then looked back at the door. "Good night, Emily. And thank you."
Emily beamed at the praise, thankful she was hidden by the door, while Andy just laughed and rolled her eyes on the other side.
And when Andy came into the apartment, Emily simply hugged her, demanded that she return the dress first thing in the morning, and left with a smile on her face. Eventually she'd tell Andrea that she owed her big time for all of this. But for now, she was content knowing that Operation Andy had been - even with all the craziness - a success.
Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada
Rating: PG-13
Pairings/Characters: Miranda/Andy, Emily, Caroline, Cassidy
Prompt: Written for perks123 for the help_japan auction. She wanted a humorous story that showcased Emily in a good light and had Miranda having to work a little harder to get Andy. I hope this fits the bill.
Summary: "Can you explain to me," Andrea again skipped the pleasantries and Emily thought that Miranda had certainly rubbed off on her, "why a man knocked on my door this morning and delivered to me a dozen peach roses and a turtle?"
Spoilers: Everything's fair game
Word Count: 13,284
Disclaimer: I do not own The Devil Wears Prada, any of its characters, any of the performers, designers, Broadway shows or charities mentioned, or anything at all really.
Author's Note: As I said, this is a very, very late response to perks123's generosity at the help_japan auction. I hope it's worth the wait. Title is taken from the Shakespeare quote 'We should be woo'd and were not made to woo' from A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Thanks: To the always wonderful damelola for batting around ideas with me and the stellar beta job. I am forever grateful.
Tuesday morning found Emily waiting for either the barrage if things had gone poorly the night before or some kind of inkling that things had gone well. Instead, she got a rather subdued, introspective Miranda that scared her more than a raging Miranda ever could have.
She made it to the first coffee run of the morning (minus the initial coffee that she'd had waiting) before she dialed Andy's cell phone number.
"Hey, Em, what's up?" Andy sounded cheerful enough, which gave her some hope.
"Oh, nothing much, just - you know, called to see how things are with you."
Andy laughed. "Em, I know you know about last night and that's why you're calling. You don't have to beat around the bush, especially since you probably have very little time to make this phone call in."
Emily didn't know whether she wanted to slap Andy or kiss her for her straightforwardness. "Well, then just tell me already. What happened last night?"
"It was…"
"It was what, Andy?" Emily pressed, even as she moved the phone away from her face to place the coffee order.
"She paid for them to perform on their dark night for just the two of us."
Emily blinked. She hadn't expected that. Front row or box seats, naturally. Schmoozing with the cast afterwards, a tour of the set, sure. But for it just to be the two of them…
"Well, how was it?"
"The show was fabulous, and afterwards we went back stage, which was wonderful. But Em, only us in the audience? It was a little much."
Emily felt dread rising up. She knew Andy was right, but still. Why Miranda wasn't more livid, she didn't understand. "And you told her that?"
"Yes." Andy confirmed calmly. "And I think she understood."
Emily wanted to say more, but she was arriving back at Elias Clark. "Alright, well, I've got to go deliver coffee. Bye."
"Bye, Em. Good luck."
Emily sighed. With these two, she was going to need it.
**
It wasn't until the new girl had been dismissed for the evening that Miranda called Emily into her office.
"Last night went… well." Miranda told her, although her lips pursed just the littlest bit, which Emily noticed right away. "It may have been a bit much though."
"Oh?" Emily tried to act as though she hadn't talked to Andy about the date earlier that day.
"The theatre was perhaps a bit… formal for our first… outing."
"Y-yes, I could see that." Emily choked out.
"I'm thinking perhaps dinner this time."
"Yes, Miranda." Emily nodded quickly. "That sounds perfect."
There weren't a lot of ways Miranda could screw up dinner. She'd probably take Andy to a hugely overpriced, completely fancy, five star restaurant, but Andy should know to expect that. And besides, the journalist loved food so much, it wouldn't matter to her in the slightest. Emily felt the tension begin to bleed away. This was something she could work with.
Miranda eyed her employee. "Any suggestions on where to dine?"
"Oh, um," Emily began to go through her mental notes about Andy. There really wasn't anything the woman wouldn't eat, as far as Emily knew. But as she thought about the few dinners they'd shared together and the other times she'd seen Andy eat, something became abundantly clear. "Well, I know Italian food is always a good idea."
"Italian." Miranda murmured, as though trying it on for size.
"Yes, pizza and pasta and bread. And-" Miranda looked up sharply and Emily quickly caught herself, "I mean, some people just love their carbs."
Miranda made a noise of acknowledgement. "Thank you, Emily."
"Yes, Miranda." Emily turned to start out of the office.
"Oh, and Emily?"
She pivoted back quickly. "Yes, Miranda."
"Make sure that some people," and it almost looked like Miranda was smiling as she said it, "have an updated passport."
Emily's eyes widened a bit as the implication of that command sank in.
"Uh - yes, Miranda, but -"
"No, no." Miranda shook her head. "No buts."
"Of course, Miranda. It's just -"
"That's all, Emily." Miranda's voice brooked no argument and Emily left Miranda's office, trying to convince herself that Miranda just wanted to make sure Andrea had all her documents and that the editor had no intention of taking her out of the country for dinner.
It didn't work.
**
Andy was settled on the couch, her laptop balanced on her knees and Alexander splashing around beside her, when her phone rang on Thursday night. She paused the YouTube video of Stephanie she'd been watching and answered.
"Hello?"
"Good evening, Andrea."
At the sound of Miranda's voice, Andy sat up straight on the couch. "Hi, Miranda."
"I was wondering if you would be interested in spending some time with me this weekend?" Miranda didn't sound as nervous this time when she asked and Andy had to smile.
"Of course, Miranda. I'd love to see you."
"Wonderful. Roy will be by to pick you up Saturday morning at 6:00."
"Wait - six in the morning?" Andy asked, surprised.
"Yes. Unless that's not suitable for you." Miranda sounded annoyed.
"N-no, not at all. It's just - early. But it's totally suitable."
"Excellent." Miranda said, and then without another word, hung up the phone.
Andy looked over at Alexander. "Six in the morning?"
The turtle slid under the water in his tank, as though to say, "don't ask me, I don't know".
**
At precisely 6:00 AM on Saturday morning, Roy pulled up in front of Andy's apartment building. She was waiting for him along the curb, and when he climbed out of the front seat holding a coffee cup, Andy nearly threw her arms around him.
"I could kiss you, Roy." She proclaimed as she greedily grabbed the cup from him.
"Good morning to you too, Andy." He grinned as he opened the door for her.
She was surprised when she slid in the backseat to find that it was empty. She figured that Miranda would be in the car, and felt a tickle of annoyance at that fact that she'd gotten up so early and the woman hadn't bothered to meet her.
"She's waiting for us at our destination." Roy supplied without being asked. "Wanted to go over all the details, make sure everything was ready for when you got there."
"The details?" Andy frowned. "Roy, where are we going?"
"Ah, now that I am not permitted to tell you." He smiled at her in the rearview mirror as he eased out onto the street. "You know how she is."
Andy nodded and relaxed back into the plush leather seats. At least she was comfortable for the ride. She let her eyelids slide shut and was soon sound asleep.
**
"Andy, wake up. We're here." Roy's voice cut threw her subconscious and Andy sat up quickly.
"Shit!" She gasped out, then grimaced as she looked at Roy in the mirror. "Oh, Roy, I'm so sorry."
Roy just smiled. "No need to apologize, Andy."
When he opened the door for her, Andy climbed out and blinked the sleep out of her eyes, once again gasping as she took in the sights around her. "Roy, why are we at an air field?" She asked, although she already knew the answer.
"Because Miranda requested that I bring you here." He pointed to the jet that was waiting just a few hundred feet away. "That'll be your ride for the remainder of the journey."
"Roy," she looked at him but he just shook his head.
"Ask her, Andy. I'm just the driver."
"Oh my god." Andy mumbled as she started toward the jet.
**
"Oh, there you are! I was beginning to worry that you'd overslept." Miranda greeted her as she entered the jet. The door was closed and sealed behind her and before she could speak, Miranda was informing the pilot that they were ready for takeoff. "You'll need to sit down and put on your safety belt, just until we reach cruising altitude, Andrea."
Automatically, Andy did what she was told, her head still spinning, but her body already programmed to respond to Miranda's demands.
"Miranda," Andy greeted slowly, once they were in the air, "why are we on a jet?"
"Well because we couldn't very well go to Italy in a car, now could we?"
"It-Italy? We're going to Italy?" Andy's eyes nearly bugged out her head.
"You like Italian food, do you not?" Miranda questioned, as though it was a perfectly normal thing to hop on a jet and fly to another country just for a meal.
"Y-yes, but Miranda, that's not the point. I - I don't even have my passport with me! They'll never let me into the country!"
Miranda reached into her Prada bag and pulled out two passports, one which she handed over to Andrea. "Problem solved."
"Is this - but - how did you get my passport?" It was far too early in the morning for this.
Miranda looked like the cat that ate the canary. "I have my ways."
"Miranda," Andy started, but as she looked over at the older woman who looked so pleased with herself, all the arguments she was ready to unleash died on her tongue. Even if she spouted off every reason why this trip was insane and far too extravagant, it wouldn't change the fact that she was already on a jet, in the air, on the way to Italy. So she swallowed and decided to ask the far more pressing question. "Please tell me that there are at least some M&Ms or something on this plane."
Miranda smiled again and unfastened her seatbelt. She moved around the cabin, opening cabinets and things, until she pulled out what she was looking for. "Plain or peanut?" She offered as she held up a bag of each.
"Peanut." Andy answered, catching the bag that Miranda tossed at her with a laugh.
And maybe this was crazy, but seeing Miranda like this was kind of worth it.
**
After their arrival in Parma and what Andy was pretty sure was the quickest trip through customs and security ever - apparently being Miranda Priestly also offered that perk - they were met by a car at the airport which, after some quick directions from Miranda in perfect Italian, took them to a small restaurant. It was not at all what Andy was expecting and her surprise showed on her face.
"You were expecting something else?" Miranda questioned as she climbed out of the car.
"No, not at all. It's just - cozy." Andy smiled though.
"I thought you would enjoy it." Miranda led the way into the restaurant where she was greeted excitedly with hugs - actual full on hugs - and greetings in Italian by the wait staff.
Once they were seated at a table toward the back, Miranda conversed in Italian with the waiter and Andrea realized that she wouldn't be getting to order for herself. Not that she'd really be able to anyway, as the entire menu was in Italian. Wine was poured into a glass for her, and Andy took a probably larger than socially acceptable gulp of it, thankful that Miranda didn't seem to notice.
"I hope you don't mind," Miranda ventured after the waiter had left, "that I ordered for you."
Andy could only shake her head and sip her wine. "It's fine, Miranda."
While they waited for the food, Miranda told Andrea how she had come to find this particular restaurant during one of her many trips to Italy and how she had come to adore the food and the owners. Although she felt incredibly out of place, Andy did love seeing Miranda this way - casual and making conversation that wasn't about fashion. It was lovely and she planned to enjoy it while she could.
They were interrupted in the middle of the story of Miranda's first trip to Italy by the waiter bringing their food. And when he set it down on the table, Andy didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was pizza. Absolutely mouth watering, delicious looking pizza. They had flown to Italy to get pizza.
She managed to hold her crazy emotions in check and pulled off a piece. It was to die for and she was sure she let out a totally inappropriate moan, but she couldn't bring herself to care.
"I take it you're enjoying the pizza?" Miranda smirked, but even in the low light of the restaurant, Andy could make out the faint blush on her cheeks.
"Oh god, it's soooo good." She mumbled around the mouthful of pizza she was still eating.
Miranda laughed and picked up a piece for herself. Andy nearly choked on the cheese as she watched Miranda take a large bite. Never in a million years did she ever imagine she would be eating pizza with Miranda Priestly anywhere, let alone in Italy.
As they ate, the waiter continued to bring more and more food out until their little table was covered with breads and pastas and salads and all other manner of delicious concoctions. Andy had to laugh then, because there was no way that she and Miranda could possibly eat all of this food.
"I didn't know what you would enjoy, so I ordered a little bit of everything."
"Miranda, this is too much." Andy protested, even as she dished herself up some salad and eyed the pasta that was sitting in front of Miranda.
"It's Italy, Andrea. Eat what you want."
And Andy did just that.
When they had finally stuffed themselves completely, Miranda paid the bill, and they opted to walk back toward the airport, meandering through the streets, taking it all in.
"It's so gorgeous here," Andy sighed as she took in the sights. "This has been amazing Miranda, really. I can't even tell you -"
Miranda cut her off with the wave of a hand. "Nonsense. I'm glad you've enjoyed it."
"I have." Andy assured, and then they walked together in an easy silence.
**
On the plane ride home, Miranda and Andy continued to talk easily and openly with one another. Andy loved seeing this other, more human side to Miranda. However, she was conflicted by the fact that the past two 'dates' - if they could even be called that, she wasn't sure - had been so extravagant. While she'd always been aware of Miranda's power and influence, she'd never thought of it in the sense of what a relationship with her would be like.
And so, when they were back in New York City and in the town car heading for her apartment, Andy had to make a decision.
When they pulled up out front of her building, Miranda smiled at her again, the smile that Andy had long since fallen in love with. "May I see you again soon, Andrea?" Miranda asked, boldly.
Andy's smile faltered just a bit. "I - Miranda, I -"
"Yes?" Miranda's smile faded at Andy's stuttering.
"I just think - I think we should maybe take some time and - I don't think we should see each other again. At least, not for a while." Andy rushed through the words, pushing them out of her mouth as quickly as she could.
And then, before Miranda could give any kind of response, she shoved the door open and hurried out of the car and up the steps of her building, never once looking back.
**
Andy was incredibly jetlagged from the whirlwind trip, not to mention emotionally exhausted from her conflicting feelings, so that as soon as she made it back into her apartment, she collapsed on her bed and fell into a deep sleep.
When her phone started ringing, she blindly reached out and shoved it off the nightstand, rolling over and covering her head with the pillow. She sighed in relief when it stopped, and was just about to sink back into the blessed sleep when the phone started ringing incessantly again. She tried to ignore it once more, but again, as soon as it stopped, it started back up and she finally had to admit defeat.
She rolled over and half crawled, half fell out of bed, feeling blindly for the phone until she came in contact with it and clicked the answer button.
"H'lo?" She mumbled out, crawling back toward the comfort of her bed.
"What in god's name happened yesterday?" Emily's voice was far too shrill.
"Jesus, Em, calm down." She muttered as she climbed back into the bed and fell back on the pillows. "What time is it? Hell, what day is it?"
"Are you bloody kidding? It's Sunday. 8:30 on a Sunday. And I'm at Runway because Miranda is in a vicious mood and I know it's all your fault, so I ask again, what in god's name happened yesterday?"
"We went out for dinner. In Italy, Em." She said, already drifting back to sleep.
"Damn it, Andrea, wake up this instant and speak to me. I don't have much time, and if I have to come over to your apartment, so help me god -" Emily's voice was loud and angry and cut through the lovely haze Andy had going on.
"Woah, woah, calm down. I'm up, I'm up." Andy got up and stumbled her way out to the kitchen, hitting the coffee maker.
"What happened at dinner?" Emily pressed.
"Nothing. We talked, we ate. It was fine. Great."
"Then what the hell happened that has her in this apocalyptic mood?" Emily did not have time for these silly games with Andrea. She needed answers and she needed them now.
"I don't know, Em. I mean, I told her that I thought we shouldn't see each other for a while but -"
"You did what?" Emily hissed, everything suddenly clicking into place.
"I told her -"
"Why in hell would you do that?"
"Em, she's been taking me on these extravagant… outings and I -"
"You said she would have to work for it. You told me that. And you can't say she hasn't been working for it. She's bloody well been working for it!" And so have I, Emily wanted to add, but didn't. She'd been working her tail off for it, and if Andrea was going to act like it wasn't enough now, Emily was going to kill her with her bare hands.
"That's just it." Andy sighed. "I didn't think - I mean I never imagined -"
"What? You think I ever imagined this?" Emily hissed, seeing red. "Miranda Priestly trying to woo Andrea Sachs? Believe me, it never even crossed my mind. But it apparently crossed hers and she's been doing everything she can to woo you. You. She's bending over backwards for you, a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati. So I don't see what the problem is."
"That's just it, Em." Andy sighed as she poured herself a cup of coffee. "She's doing all of these insanely amazing things for me. Me. Emily, you know as well as I do that this isn't me. If I want to go see a Broadway show, I have to scrimp and save and wonder if it's really worth it to buy a nose bleed ticket in the mezzanine, because that's all I can afford. Miranda wants to see a Broadway show, she buys out the whole damn theatre."
"Andrea -"
"She flew us to Italy for pizza, Em. Pizza! When I want pizza, I got to the shop on the corner or hit a Sbarro. When Miranda wants pizza, she flies to Italy. That's just - not me. And what's going to happen when she realizes it?"
"What do you mean?" Emily asked, finally starting to understand.
"To Miranda, these things are nothing. It's a drop in the bucket. But to me, they're huge. Things like this don't happen to me. And what's going to happen when Miranda realizes that? When she sees that I'm just a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati who likes pizza from Sbarro and watching Broadway videos on YouTube? Do you really think that whatever this is that's happening right now is going to last through that? Because I live in the real world, Emily. And I know that it won't."
"You're saying you think this is just a passing fad for her?"
"I'm saying that I don't know what it is. And that's part of the problem. Is she really serious about this? Or is this something that's going to be fun for a while and then get boring? I mean, of everything we did together, the thing I loved most was just getting moments to see the real Miranda. To talk to her and engage with her. But is that something she's going to want to keep doing?"
"Oh, Andrea," Emily smile into the phone, "don't lie. The thing you loved most was meeting that Block woman."
At that, Andy let out a laugh. "Okay, you got me." She teased.
"In all seriousness though, what you're saying is that when you said she'd have to work for it, you didn't necessarily mean through grand gestures. You meant she'd need to show you that she actually wanted a relationship with you."
"When I said she'd have to work for it, I never thought she'd ever even want to work for it." Andy told her. "But yes, I guess you're right."
"Okay." Emily nodded. This she could work with. This she could handle. All wasn't entirely lost yet. She could still salvage it. "Well, thanks then. Go back to sleep now."
"Em, I just drank a cup of coffee. I'm not going back to sleep now."
"Sorry." Emily didn't sound the least bit sorry. In fact, she sounded smug.
"The only reason I'm going to let you live is because I know you have to deal with Miranda today." Andy told her before she hung up the phone.
"Oh but Andy," Emily smiled as she hung up, "I've just found a way to change Miranda's mood in no time."
**
Andy didn't hear from Miranda or Emily for the rest of the week. In fact, it wasn't until the Thursday of the following week that she received a phone call. Her stomach flipped a bit at the name on the caller ID.
"Hello, Miranda." She answered.
"Hello, Andrea. I hope you don't mind that I'm calling. I know you said you thought we shouldn't see each other for a while."
"No, Miranda," Andy assured softly, "I don't mind. What did you need?"
"I was hoping you would be willing to accompany me to the theatre one more time." Before Andy could answer, she quickly added, "I promise there will be other people there this time and it will be on a… smaller scale."
Andy had to smile at that. "Miranda, are you sure -"
"Andrea, I would not have called and asked you if I did not want to attend with you. Now, will you be my date tomorrow evening or not?"
Andy's stomach flipped - pleasantly this time - at the word date. She smiled widely. "Yes, Miranda, I will be your date tomorrow."
"Wonderful." Miranda replied. "I will see you tomorrow." And then, the line clicked off.
"Wait! Miranda!" Andy called, but it was no use. Miranda had hung up.
Andy turned to Alexander with a sigh. "So I've got a date with Miranda Priestly tomorrow but no idea what time or what to wear. Isn't that just typical?" She flopped back on the couch, while the turtle peeked out through the glass at her with what she swore was a sympathetic look.
**
Andy had barely gotten into her apartment after work on Friday, when the buzzer sounded.
"Oh shit!" She cursed, nearly tripping over herself trying to get to the buzzer. "Yes?" She called, fearing the worst.
"Will you bloody well ring me up before I'm mugged down here?" Emily's voice came through the intercom, and Andy felt relief flood her. At least it wasn't Miranda yet. Emily she could deal with. Maybe.
"Come on up, Em." She said as she hit the button, before she started to strip out of her work clothes.
She was in her underwear, with a robe tossed on haphazardly when Emily's knock came on the door. She flung it open, then headed back for the bathroom to try to do something with her hair.
"Oh, thank god I decided to come. How are you not ready yet?" Emily asked as she took in the apartment.
"I'm sorry that I had to work and that Miranda didn't give me a time she'd be arriving." Andy shot back sarcastically, shrugging out of the robe now that the door was closed. "Go ahead," she spun to face Emily, "take your shots while you can get them."
"Actually," Emily said, running her eyes over Andy quickly, "you don't look half bad, weight wise. I mean, you could obviously still lose about ten pounds but -"
"But I'm a normal person, not a starving Runway slave," Andy shot back with a smile, "And if I need to lose ten pounds, you need to gain twenty, Em."
Emily rolled her eyes, but smiled just a bit. "Well, at least you're still a four, otherwise this would never fit you," she thrust a garment bag at Andy.
"This is getting to be a pattern, Em." Andy raised an eyebrow as she unzipped the bag. "And don't act like you're not the one giving Miranda pointers, because I know that you are. Which begs the question, why?"
Emily rolled her eyes. "Please, as if I have time to play spy for Miranda when it comes to you. I do have a life, Andrea."
"Sure, Em." Andy smiled, but she wasn't fooled.
"Just put on the damn dress and shut up already."
Andy mock saluted as she headed for the bedroom. "That bottle of wine in the kitchen better be open by the time I'm changed," she called over her shoulder.
"It's probably the cheapest swill there is." Emily called after her.
"And yet, you'll drink it," came the muffled voice from behind the bedroom door, and Emily had to laugh.
When Andy emerged from the bedroom wearing a black Alexander McQueen dress with gold embroidery on the top of the bodice and matching gold Christian Louboutins, Emily was already holding a half empty wine glass.
"Look, Alexander," Andy cooed to the turtle, spinning for him, "it's one of your dresses."
"You need to stop with that turtle. It was cute. Now it's just weird." Emily told her as she handed off a glass to Andy.
"Says the woman who told Miranda that I liked turtles." She smirked as she took a sip.
Emily shook her head in frustration. "You two belong together, I swear." She muttered under her breath. "You both drive me crazy."
"Aww, you're so sweet, Em." Andy laughed. "Seriously though, thank you for this." She motioned to her outfit with both hands.
"Just don't spill any wine on it, for god's sake. It's brand new!" Emily tutted.
"Do I look okay? I mean, you obviously know where we're going tonight, but I've got no clue so -"
"You look fine. Would I have picked out that dress if you didn't?"
"So where are we going?" Andy pushed, taking another drink from the glass.
"I am not here to gossip, Andrea, I am merely here to make you look presentable. And speaking of, give me a hairbrush. We must do damage control on that mop. Not to mention your makeup."
"Emily," Andy whined, but went to get the hairbrush and makeup anyway.
"I don't know why I put up with either of them." Emily told the turtle as she watched Andy go.
**
By the time that Miranda arrived, the girls were on their second and third glass of wine respectively, laughing comfortably together. When a knock sounded at her door, Andy looked up, startled. No one had buzzed her to be allowed in, so who could be knocking on her door?
She moved to open it, still laughing at something Emily had said, so when the door opened to reveal Miranda, her laughter died in her throat. "Miranda! I - I didn't realize - how did you -?"
Miranda took in the sight of Andrea, looking surprised and a little nervous with her face slightly flushed, and Emily on the couch, looking far more relaxed than she ever did at Runway. She hadn't expected her assistant to be there, even though she was aware of the apparent friendship between the women.
"Someone was leaving your building as Roy pulled up. I thought it would be… appropriate to come to your door to pick you up."
Andy smiled widely at that. "That's so sweet! Come in, please. I just need to grab my coat and bag, and I'll be ready."
Miranda entered the apartment and glanced around it. While it was rather small, it also had a comfortable, homey feeling to it, much like Andrea herself. She liked what she could see of it. Andrea came back out of the bedroom, leaving the door open and Miranda could see that on her nightstand she had a frame housing the picture of her with Stephanie. Miranda smiled at it, as well as the two signed Playbills that Andrea had framed and hung beside her television.
"Em, you'll be okay to get home?" Andy asked as she came to stand next to Miranda.
Emily rolled her eyes. "Really, Andrea, I am not an invalid or an idiot. I can find my way home."
Andy smirked. "That's not what I meant, and you know it."
Emily just shrugged. Andy grinned as realization dawned.
"You're going to stay."
"Well, I figured that Alexander would want some company tonight."
Miranda looked sharply over at Emily, wondering who Alexander could possibly be. Andrea laughed and hugged Emily. "You're the best, Em. You know where everything is. Food's in the fridge - eat something. Just lock up when you're done." Then she turned and looked at a large aquarium that Miranda noticed for the first time. "Bye Alex. Be good for Auntie Em."
"Andrea, I swear to god -"
"Love ya!" Andy cut her off, grinning as she turned to Miranda. "Ready?"
Miranda looked at the little turtle swimming around and Emily, reclined comfortably on the couch, before she smiled. "Yes."
As she moved out of the apartment, Andy looked back and mouthed 'I'll call you' to Emily. Emily nodded her agreement.
**
"I didn't realize you and Emily were so close," Miranda observed as they sat in the back of the town car.
"Oh, well, yeah." Andy shrugged. "It's kind of a new thing. But it's nice. You know, having a girlfriend. I mean - a friend who's a girl."
A slight tint rose on her cheeks and Miranda smiled. "I do know what you mean. But do you not have other girlfriends?"
Again, Andy shrugged. "There's my friend Lily but… we're not as close as we used to be. And there are a couple girls at the Mirror that I'm friendly with. But Emily's actually turned out to be a really great friend, even though she acts like it's such an inconvenience all the time."
"That sounds like Emily." Miranda almost laughed.
"Yeah. But regardless, she's a pretty great friend."
Miranda nodded. She certainly had to agree with that statement.
The car pulled to a stop and Roy was out of the front seat and opening the door for Andy. She climbed out and looked up, taking in their location in surprise.
"We're at Dalton?" She turned questioning eyes on Miranda.
"I told you it would be on a smaller scale." Was Miranda's only response as she strode ahead, causing Andy to rush after her, just like she'd always done when she was the second assistant.
They reached the Martin Theatre and proceeded to their seats, which Andy noted with a wry smile, were very much the same as their seats for Wicked had been. However, this time there were other people in the audience and the theatre was certainly smaller than the Gershwin had been.
Andy looked down at the program she had received as she made her way to her seat. Annie was emblazoned on the cover, along with the famous cartoon orphan. Andy turned to ask Miranda a question, but the houselights blinked and then started to go dim. Déjà vu, she thought.
The curtain rose, revealing the orphanage set, with sleeping girls on the stage. One of them was sitting up, looking out a window, her red hair giving away exactly who she was supposed to be. Andy smiled as she watched the scene unfold and listened to Cassidy sing ‘Maybe’. She was a very good singer and, Andy had to admit, just spunky and adorable enough to pull off playing an eleven year old Annie.
As everyone applauded, Andy leaned over to Miranda. "Where's Caroline?"
Miranda looked from Andy to the unopened program on her lap and then back again before she smiled a smile that Andy couldn't quite decipher and answered her. "Caroline is playing in the pit. She much prefers that to being on the stage, unlike her sister."
Andy thought back to what she knew of the Priestly twins. "Is she the pianist?"
Again, Miranda had that smile on her face. "Yes, she is."
"They're both amazing." Andy whispered, before turning back to the stage to continue watching.
This time as the musical progressed, Miranda began to understand what Andrea had been trying to tell her before. It did feel like an entirely different experience now that she was just a tiny part of the audience instead of half of it. She'd never taken notice before, but it was fun to clap with everyone else or hear people laugh or react to different things. She was most taken with Andrea's reactions - her laughs and smiles and the way she looked almost as proud of Cassidy as Miranda herself was.
At intermission, Miranda didn't get much of a chance to talk to Andrea, as various other parents came up to her to compliment her on Cassidy's performance. Andrea spent her time finally examining the program and also slipped out to use the restroom, so that by the time they were finally able to talk to one another, the house lights were going down. Andrea just smiled at her before focusing her attention on the show.
During the curtain call, Andrea stood and cheered with as much as enthusiasm for Cassidy as she had for the cast of Wicked, and kept the same enthusiasm up when the cast motioned at the pit. Miranda knew then that everything had been worth it.
Once the crowd had begun to disperse, Miranda led Andrea backstage to greet the girls. Andy felt suddenly nervous as they wound their way through other parents and children, seeking out the girls. She had no idea if the girls would remember who she was, let alone know that their mother had been… what? Pursuing her? Andy shook her head.
They finally found them as the girls exited the dressing rooms, both wearing identical Annie cast t-shirts and jeans.
"Mom!" They grinned happily, hugging her tightly.
"Hello, darlings." Miranda kissed each of them. "You were both marvelous."
The girls looked over at Andy who was standing silently beside Miranda. "Hi, Andy."
If she was surprised that they knew who she was, Andy didn't show it. She just smiled at them. "Hi, girls. Cassidy, you were amazing tonight. And Caroline, your playing was fantastic. I would've thought a Broadway pianist was playing had I not known it was you."
That same secretive smile soon formed on the girls' faces. "Thanks, Andy!"
"So," Miranda smiled, "I was thinking that both your performances deserve a celebratory dinner, since none of us got to eat before the show. What do you think?"
The girls both nodded vigorously.
"What are your feelings on pizza?" Miranda asked and both girls' eyes widened.
"Seriously?" They asked at once.
"Seriously."
The girls both tackled Miranda with hugs and exclamations of "That's so awesome, Mom!"
Miranda enjoyed the affection, but waved away their words. "Don't thank me, thank Andrea. She's the one who inspired the idea."
Before she could react, both girls were then hugging Andy. "You're the best, Andy!"
Andy looked over their heads at Miranda and smiled. "Thank you." She mouthed to the older woman, but Miranda just shook her head.
**
Andy had given Roy directions to the pizza shop that she preferred and looked about as surprised as the twins when Miranda had announced that they would be dining at the small shop instead of picking up something to go.
They quickly settled into a round booth, with the girls sitting between Miranda and Andy. Throughout dinner a steady stream of conversation was kept up, including discussions about Andy's current work, the girls' schooling and activities, and a few mentions of Runway. But the girls seemed far more interested in Andy than they were in their mother's work.
When Miranda announced that it was time to depart the restaurant and take Andrea home, the girls both moaned.
"But it's not that late yet!" They insisted.
Andy smiled. "It's getting pretty late for me. And I'm sure both of you need to get your rest tonight so you'll be ready for your performances tomorrow."
"Are you coming again, Andy?" Cassidy asked.
Miranda's eyes widened at her daughter's question, but Andy took it in stride. "I'm not sure, kiddo. I won't be able to make both shows, but I could maybe swing the evening performance, if your mom doesn't mind and could get me a ticket."
"We can get you a ticket." Cassidy quickly assured, without giving Miranda time to comment.
"Yeah, and afterwards we could go out for dinner again."
"Yeah, maybe Chinese this time?"
Andy looked over at Miranda with a grin. "I do know a pretty good Chinese place."
Miranda wanted to roll her eyes at her children's antics, but she was too pleased with the outcome to do so. "Well, it sounds like you three have it all planned out." She said instead.
The girls high-fived each other, while Andy laughed. "Come on you two, we need to get going. You've got another big day tomorrow, and I'm about to turn into a pumpkin."
The girls slid out of the booth after Andy. "Andy, it's not even eleven yet. And Cinderella didn't turn into a pumpkin, her carriage did."
"Oops." Andy grinned. "Then I'll turn back into a peasant, and we certainly don't want that either."
The girls just shook their heads and climbed into the car. The ride to Andy's apartment was quick and rather quiet, as both girls drifted off to sleep. When they pulled to a stop in front of her building, Andy smiled at Miranda. "Looks like they didn't make it to midnight either."
Miranda nodded and followed Andy out of the car, walking with her to the steps of her building. "Miranda, you don't have to -"
"Andrea, allow me to walk you up to your apartment." Miranda's tone was firm.
"But the girls -"
"Are both asleep and will be fine with Roy for a few minutes."
Andy found that as usual, she couldn't argue with Miranda. When they reached her door, she paused, unsure if Emily was still in her apartment or not and if that mattered at all. It wasn't like anything was going to happen after all. Miranda's girls were asleep in the car downstairs.
"Thank you for accompanying me tonight, Andrea." Miranda told her, leaning over and gently brushing her lips against Andy's cheek.
"Thank you for inviting me. It meant a lot that you'd allow me to intrude on your time with the girls."
Miranda shook her head. "You are in no way an intrusion, Andrea."
Andy blushed and looked down.
"I am a rich woman, Andrea. I enjoy lavish and extravagant things like flying to Italy for pizza or buying out Broadway shows. I worked hard to get to where I am today, to have the power and the influence and the money to be able to do all of those things without thought or question. I won't apologize for that."
"Miranda, I -"
"But my children mean more to me than any of the rest of that combined. I guard them, because they are so precious to me."
"Of course." Andy whispered.
"Asking you to come with me this evening was… more difficult than anything else I've done in our… relationship so far. Expensive gifts and grad gestures are easy for me, but letting someone in, allowing someone to see the real me…" Miranda looked at Andrea, and waited until she had caught the woman's gaze before continuing. "But then, you've always seen the real me, haven't you, Andrea? Just like you were able to tell my girls apart tonight without looking in the program. How do you do that?"
Andy shrugged. She honestly didn't know. She just knew that she could.
"You're afraid," Miranda started after a few moments of silence, "that when I see the real you I will become bored by you, isn't that it?"
Andy's eyes widened as she looked at Miranda, but she was unable to deny it.
Miranda chuckled. "You silly girl. I've already seen the real you, at least parts of it, and I'm still here. But the last time you saw the real me…"
Miranda refused to mention Paris, but Andy knew what she was referring to all the same. "Miranda, I didn't leave in Paris because of that."
"You may not think so, but when people see the real me, Andrea, they leave."
"Well," Andy straightened herself up, "I'm not planning on leaving, if you're not planning on leaving."
Miranda looked Andy up and down. "Does this mean that you are agreeing to a relationship with me?"
"If you can deal with pizza and Chinese takeout and me dorking out over Broadway shows and being just a sodding little journalist from Cincinnati whose fashion sense is still horrendous--according to Emily--then, yes."
Miranda smiled then, a real genuine smile that nearly took Andy's breath away. "I think I can, if you can deal with my extravagant tendencies and devotion to my children and my constant work."
Andy grinned then. "Haven't I been doing that for the past few months already?"
Miranda shook her head, then leaned over and gently kissed Andrea for the first time. Andy responded in kind.
"About bloody time!" Came the call from inside the apartment, and Andy jumped away as though she'd been caught by her parents. She wanted to sink into the floorboards and chanced a glance at Miranda, expecting to see her looking utterly furious or horrified. But the fashion maven just looked amused instead.
"Good night, Andrea." She smiled then looked back at the door. "Good night, Emily. And thank you."
Emily beamed at the praise, thankful she was hidden by the door, while Andy just laughed and rolled her eyes on the other side.
And when Andy came into the apartment, Emily simply hugged her, demanded that she return the dress first thing in the morning, and left with a smile on her face. Eventually she'd tell Andrea that she owed her big time for all of this. But for now, she was content knowing that Operation Andy had been - even with all the craziness - a success.