Untitled Chapter 5/?
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine...
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2137.html#cutid1
Chapter 2 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2510.html#cutid1
Chapter 3 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2930.html#cutid1
Chapter 4 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/4474.html#cutid1
A/N: I deeply apologize that it took so long to get this posted. I was lucky enough with the first four chapters to have this story practically write itself, but I wasn't so lucky with this chapter and had to work on it. Hope you're not disappointed.
The first week of Andrea’s absence went by quickly. Miranda found herself busier than ever having to deal with the press from her separation as well as the publication of the month’s issue. She barely had a moment to herself, much less time to wonder what Andrea was doing and if her family issue was being resolved.
Things had slowed down by the beginning of the second week, and Miranda was able to see that even though everything was being handled, errands were being ran and appointments were made and kept, nothing seemed to run as smoothly as when Andrea was there. She also found the time during the second week to wonder if Andrea had been completely honest with her. Miranda suddenly found it odd that a family emergency would occur at the exact timing of Andrea’s doctor visits.
By the third week Miranda was beginning to feel a bit pathetic with missing Andrea. She hadn’t realized until their time apart just how accustomed she had become to having the girl with her practically at all times. She hated stepping into the office in the mornings without Andrea’s bright smile there to greet her. Hated not having Andrea’s sunny disposition in the office that had been so infuriating in the beginning but had obviously grown on her.
But she was stubborn enough not to do anything about it. She refused to call. If she called, it would only give someone else the knowledge of just how pitiful she was becoming, and even if that someone else was Andrea, she refused to do it.
Miranda had heard her girls on the phone numerous times over the past three weeks, and somehow she had known they were talking to Andrea. She had given thought to questioning the girls as to how Andrea was or if they knew what she was doing, but in the end, she had not.
By Wednesday she was really starting to question the fact as to whether it would really be so ridiculous to simply call and question after her well-being. And by later that afternoon, she was ready to crack. Needy or not she needed to speak with Andrea. The entire day had been horrible. She had been in a horrendous mood. Emily had messed up the schedule so bad that not a single one of her meetings had been on time the entire day. Her early morning coffee had been cold and her lunchtime steak had been overcooked.
Just as she was ready to break down and dial, a thought came to her: what if Andrea were still in New York? What if it were an issue with her brother here rather than back in Ohio? She could simply stop by Andrea’s apartment to inquire of how quickly the issue was being handled. And if Andrea were in fact in Ohio then no one had to be the wiser. With a plan set in place, she sat about to get her work finished so she could finally leave the office.
Just after six, she signed the last paper that needed her attention and immediately walked out the door. “New Girl”, as she had dubbed the stand in assistant because Andrea would be back, practically ran after her to hand off her coat and bag. She was glad to see Roy waiting at the curb for her, not even reveling in the idea as to what she would have done had he not been there. Upon arriving home, she didn’t even bother going into the townhouse, but went immediately to the garage instead.
The closer she drew to Andrea’s apartment, the more ridiculous she felt. What if Andrea wasn’t even there? She would be in the exact same position she saw herself in now. Only then it would probably be worse since she had worked herself up about actually seeing Andrea after so long. What if she were there? She would have to explain to Andrea just why she was showing up at her apartment after three weeks. Miranda was beginning to feel more and more like a fool.
She nervously wiped her hands on her slacks as she stepped out of her car parked outside of Andrea’s apartment building. She set her shoulders and walked purposefully up to the call box. Just as she reached to push the button, a young couple stepped out of the doors and Miranda strode in behind them. She refused to put anymore thought into her actions as she rode the elevator up to Andrea’s floor and walked down to her door. A single deep breath was all she allowed herself before she knocked.
And then Andrea was opening the door. Miranda could barely contain herself at the very first glimpse she had had of Andrea in three weeks. How long had it been since she had looked into those bright, emotion-filled brown eyes? How long since she had last kissed those full, red lips? These thoughts flashed through her mind as she pushed Andrea back into the apartment, kicking the door closed behind her, lips ravenously on each other.
She continued pressing Andrea backwards until Andrea came in contact with the wall. Even through the lusty haze Miranda was in, she could tell that the gasp that had left Andrea was not from lust or surprise, but from pain. She immediately pulled back and looked at Andrea who had her eyes closed and was taking slow, shallow breathes. “What-“she began to ask what was wrong, but was stopped by Andrea raising a hand asking her to wait.
“I need to sit,” Andrea finally said after she seemed to gather herself.
Miranda took advantage of Andrea slowly walking towards the couch by taking in the apartment. The kitchen was just to the right of the door, separated from the living room by a long bar. Past the bar to the right was a hallway that she assumed lead to the bedroom and restroom. There was an alcove to the left of the living room that Andrea had obviously turned into an office. She had a desk set up as well as several bookcases crammed full. Also in the alcove was a window seat. Miranda took a moment to imagine Andrea sitting there, the sun shining through highlighting her beauty.
She shook herself from her thoughts and walked to a chair near the couch. She turned to Andrea who appeared to be studying her. It was obvious that Andrea had been spending a lot of time on the couch since there was a pillow and blanket there, as well as numerous magazines and books piled on the coffee table.
“What is this?” she asked as she motioned first to the couch and then towards the entryway where Andrea’s little spell had occurred.
Andy took a moment to look at Miranda before answering. “I have the flu,” she finally said. “I had actually thought that I was better and would be in today, but obviously I was wrong,” she smiled wryly. “I’m feeling much better, but I’m still very sore and achy.”
Miranda looked slightly chagrined knowing that her force on Andrea had most certainly done more harm. “I’m sorry you’ve been ill. Were you able to resolve the family emergency?”
“Yes,” Andy answered, lightly running her hand over her stomach. “It was actually finished last week, and I was going to be able to return on Monday, but then I got the flu, so…” she trailed off with a shrug.
Silence fell between them and Miranda took the advantage to take in more of the apartment. Andrea had it stylishly, yet affordably, furnished. She had dedicated one wall in what appeared to be family pictures. Miranda toyed with the idea of getting up and studying them, but in the end remained seated. There were also black and white photographs that were obviously done by a professional scattered along the wall, mostly of expertly done landscapes but some of cities or buildings as well. She focused on one in particular, wondering why it seemed so familiar to her.
She was brought out of her musings by Andrea’s voice. “What brings you here Miranda?” She hurriedly added, “Not that you aren’t welcome. It’s just, well…” she trailed off again.
Miranda studied her for a moment, contemplating which answer to give, before deciding on the truth. “I’ve missed you these past few weeks.”
A look of shock crossed Andrea’s face before she smiled shyly. “I’ve missed you too Miranda.”
“When do you suppose you’ll be able to return to work? I’m sure that little debacle helped your recovery in no way,” she smiled slightly and looked towards the door.
“Umm,” Andy said as she absently rubbed her stomach again. “If you’d be willing to allow whoever is running errands now to hang around for the rest of the week, tomorrow.”
***
Just as discussed, Andy was back to work the next day. Upon her return, it made little sense to anyone why Miranda was using three assistance since Andy couldn’t fulfill her entire job, which was basically everything since she had not only taken over the first assistance’ responsibilities of arranging the schedule but was also handling that of the second’s since Emily was in a walking boot, but it made Miranda feel better, calmer.
Monday morning saw everything as back to normal as possible at Runway. Except now Andy was staying in the office as much as possible, using the connections she had made as being Miranda Priestly’s friendly second assistant to have things delivered if possible. Miranda didn’t even scold the twins for being up so late when they caused a loud uproar at ten o’clock that night when Andrea delivered the book.
Even though she was trying to take it as easy as possible throughout the week, Miranda noticed that by Friday Andrea looked absolutely exhausted. The weekend seemed to help a little, but Andrea still looked tired to her on the next Monday morning. As it didn’t seem to get any better throughout the week, Miranda began mulling over the idea again that Andrea hadn’t been completely honest with her about her absence.
Miranda was almost taken aback by the first glimpse she had of Andrea on Thursday morning. She practically looked like death barely warmed over. She was pale, with dark circles under her eyes that appeared to be sunken into her face. She had obviously tried to cover it with make-up, but it was obvious to the fashion queen. Miranda desperately wanted to question Andrea, but knew that she could show no concern for an assistant in the workplace.
Later that day, when it appeared as if all Andrea’s errands had been made since she had been at her desk for nearly an hour, Miranda called Andrea into her office. She watched as Andrea braced herself on the desk and slowly stood from her chair. Andrea took a few deep breaths before making any other movements. Miranda stood from her chair as well when she noticed that as soon as Andrea began walking it seemed as if she paled even further if it were possible.
She walked to stand in front of her desk when she noticed Andrea pause on the side of her own desk. She then strode forward when Andrea leant over and vomited in the wastebasket. Before she even made it to her door, Andrea had passed out on the floor.
A/N: Last cliffhanger I swear. And although the next chapter isn't being nice enough to write itself either, unlike the first four, hopefully it won't take as long as this one did.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Characters aren't mine...
Previous Chapters:
Chapter 1 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2137.html#cutid1
Chapter 2 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2510.html#cutid1
Chapter 3 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/2930.html#cutid1
Chapter 4 http://crashtwig.livejournal.com/4474.html#cutid1
A/N: I deeply apologize that it took so long to get this posted. I was lucky enough with the first four chapters to have this story practically write itself, but I wasn't so lucky with this chapter and had to work on it. Hope you're not disappointed.
The first week of Andrea’s absence went by quickly. Miranda found herself busier than ever having to deal with the press from her separation as well as the publication of the month’s issue. She barely had a moment to herself, much less time to wonder what Andrea was doing and if her family issue was being resolved.
Things had slowed down by the beginning of the second week, and Miranda was able to see that even though everything was being handled, errands were being ran and appointments were made and kept, nothing seemed to run as smoothly as when Andrea was there. She also found the time during the second week to wonder if Andrea had been completely honest with her. Miranda suddenly found it odd that a family emergency would occur at the exact timing of Andrea’s doctor visits.
By the third week Miranda was beginning to feel a bit pathetic with missing Andrea. She hadn’t realized until their time apart just how accustomed she had become to having the girl with her practically at all times. She hated stepping into the office in the mornings without Andrea’s bright smile there to greet her. Hated not having Andrea’s sunny disposition in the office that had been so infuriating in the beginning but had obviously grown on her.
But she was stubborn enough not to do anything about it. She refused to call. If she called, it would only give someone else the knowledge of just how pitiful she was becoming, and even if that someone else was Andrea, she refused to do it.
Miranda had heard her girls on the phone numerous times over the past three weeks, and somehow she had known they were talking to Andrea. She had given thought to questioning the girls as to how Andrea was or if they knew what she was doing, but in the end, she had not.
By Wednesday she was really starting to question the fact as to whether it would really be so ridiculous to simply call and question after her well-being. And by later that afternoon, she was ready to crack. Needy or not she needed to speak with Andrea. The entire day had been horrible. She had been in a horrendous mood. Emily had messed up the schedule so bad that not a single one of her meetings had been on time the entire day. Her early morning coffee had been cold and her lunchtime steak had been overcooked.
Just as she was ready to break down and dial, a thought came to her: what if Andrea were still in New York? What if it were an issue with her brother here rather than back in Ohio? She could simply stop by Andrea’s apartment to inquire of how quickly the issue was being handled. And if Andrea were in fact in Ohio then no one had to be the wiser. With a plan set in place, she sat about to get her work finished so she could finally leave the office.
Just after six, she signed the last paper that needed her attention and immediately walked out the door. “New Girl”, as she had dubbed the stand in assistant because Andrea would be back, practically ran after her to hand off her coat and bag. She was glad to see Roy waiting at the curb for her, not even reveling in the idea as to what she would have done had he not been there. Upon arriving home, she didn’t even bother going into the townhouse, but went immediately to the garage instead.
The closer she drew to Andrea’s apartment, the more ridiculous she felt. What if Andrea wasn’t even there? She would be in the exact same position she saw herself in now. Only then it would probably be worse since she had worked herself up about actually seeing Andrea after so long. What if she were there? She would have to explain to Andrea just why she was showing up at her apartment after three weeks. Miranda was beginning to feel more and more like a fool.
She nervously wiped her hands on her slacks as she stepped out of her car parked outside of Andrea’s apartment building. She set her shoulders and walked purposefully up to the call box. Just as she reached to push the button, a young couple stepped out of the doors and Miranda strode in behind them. She refused to put anymore thought into her actions as she rode the elevator up to Andrea’s floor and walked down to her door. A single deep breath was all she allowed herself before she knocked.
And then Andrea was opening the door. Miranda could barely contain herself at the very first glimpse she had had of Andrea in three weeks. How long had it been since she had looked into those bright, emotion-filled brown eyes? How long since she had last kissed those full, red lips? These thoughts flashed through her mind as she pushed Andrea back into the apartment, kicking the door closed behind her, lips ravenously on each other.
She continued pressing Andrea backwards until Andrea came in contact with the wall. Even through the lusty haze Miranda was in, she could tell that the gasp that had left Andrea was not from lust or surprise, but from pain. She immediately pulled back and looked at Andrea who had her eyes closed and was taking slow, shallow breathes. “What-“she began to ask what was wrong, but was stopped by Andrea raising a hand asking her to wait.
“I need to sit,” Andrea finally said after she seemed to gather herself.
Miranda took advantage of Andrea slowly walking towards the couch by taking in the apartment. The kitchen was just to the right of the door, separated from the living room by a long bar. Past the bar to the right was a hallway that she assumed lead to the bedroom and restroom. There was an alcove to the left of the living room that Andrea had obviously turned into an office. She had a desk set up as well as several bookcases crammed full. Also in the alcove was a window seat. Miranda took a moment to imagine Andrea sitting there, the sun shining through highlighting her beauty.
She shook herself from her thoughts and walked to a chair near the couch. She turned to Andrea who appeared to be studying her. It was obvious that Andrea had been spending a lot of time on the couch since there was a pillow and blanket there, as well as numerous magazines and books piled on the coffee table.
“What is this?” she asked as she motioned first to the couch and then towards the entryway where Andrea’s little spell had occurred.
Andy took a moment to look at Miranda before answering. “I have the flu,” she finally said. “I had actually thought that I was better and would be in today, but obviously I was wrong,” she smiled wryly. “I’m feeling much better, but I’m still very sore and achy.”
Miranda looked slightly chagrined knowing that her force on Andrea had most certainly done more harm. “I’m sorry you’ve been ill. Were you able to resolve the family emergency?”
“Yes,” Andy answered, lightly running her hand over her stomach. “It was actually finished last week, and I was going to be able to return on Monday, but then I got the flu, so…” she trailed off with a shrug.
Silence fell between them and Miranda took the advantage to take in more of the apartment. Andrea had it stylishly, yet affordably, furnished. She had dedicated one wall in what appeared to be family pictures. Miranda toyed with the idea of getting up and studying them, but in the end remained seated. There were also black and white photographs that were obviously done by a professional scattered along the wall, mostly of expertly done landscapes but some of cities or buildings as well. She focused on one in particular, wondering why it seemed so familiar to her.
She was brought out of her musings by Andrea’s voice. “What brings you here Miranda?” She hurriedly added, “Not that you aren’t welcome. It’s just, well…” she trailed off again.
Miranda studied her for a moment, contemplating which answer to give, before deciding on the truth. “I’ve missed you these past few weeks.”
A look of shock crossed Andrea’s face before she smiled shyly. “I’ve missed you too Miranda.”
“When do you suppose you’ll be able to return to work? I’m sure that little debacle helped your recovery in no way,” she smiled slightly and looked towards the door.
“Umm,” Andy said as she absently rubbed her stomach again. “If you’d be willing to allow whoever is running errands now to hang around for the rest of the week, tomorrow.”
***
Just as discussed, Andy was back to work the next day. Upon her return, it made little sense to anyone why Miranda was using three assistance since Andy couldn’t fulfill her entire job, which was basically everything since she had not only taken over the first assistance’ responsibilities of arranging the schedule but was also handling that of the second’s since Emily was in a walking boot, but it made Miranda feel better, calmer.
Monday morning saw everything as back to normal as possible at Runway. Except now Andy was staying in the office as much as possible, using the connections she had made as being Miranda Priestly’s friendly second assistant to have things delivered if possible. Miranda didn’t even scold the twins for being up so late when they caused a loud uproar at ten o’clock that night when Andrea delivered the book.
Even though she was trying to take it as easy as possible throughout the week, Miranda noticed that by Friday Andrea looked absolutely exhausted. The weekend seemed to help a little, but Andrea still looked tired to her on the next Monday morning. As it didn’t seem to get any better throughout the week, Miranda began mulling over the idea again that Andrea hadn’t been completely honest with her about her absence.
Miranda was almost taken aback by the first glimpse she had of Andrea on Thursday morning. She practically looked like death barely warmed over. She was pale, with dark circles under her eyes that appeared to be sunken into her face. She had obviously tried to cover it with make-up, but it was obvious to the fashion queen. Miranda desperately wanted to question Andrea, but knew that she could show no concern for an assistant in the workplace.
Later that day, when it appeared as if all Andrea’s errands had been made since she had been at her desk for nearly an hour, Miranda called Andrea into her office. She watched as Andrea braced herself on the desk and slowly stood from her chair. Andrea took a few deep breaths before making any other movements. Miranda stood from her chair as well when she noticed that as soon as Andrea began walking it seemed as if she paled even further if it were possible.
She walked to stand in front of her desk when she noticed Andrea pause on the side of her own desk. She then strode forward when Andrea leant over and vomited in the wastebasket. Before she even made it to her door, Andrea had passed out on the floor.
A/N: Last cliffhanger I swear. And although the next chapter isn't being nice enough to write itself either, unlike the first four, hopefully it won't take as long as this one did.