Corruption, Purity and Desire (7/14)
Title: Corruption, Purity and Desire
author: ragelikeafire
rating: pg-13
pairing: andy/miranda
Disclaimer: The Devil Wears Prada does not belong to me. No infringement intended to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. All characters are purely fictional. Thanks to various crime fiction for the inspiration behind the dialogue.
Summary: Two and a half years after leaving Runway; Andy Sachs is now working as an investigative journalist for a New York newspaper. Miranda Priestly continues her reign as The New York Fashion Queen, but under the surface the cracks are beginning to form. The unfortunate events of one cold winter’s evening force them to face the unrelenting demon that hides in the shadows. When do you run and when do you stand your ground?
AN: Comments make me do the snoopy dance so please keep 'em coming!
AN2: Reviewed and edited (03 Jan 2011).
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Part seven
Miranda pulled back slowly from the kiss and ran her fingers through her silver locks. She walked to the window turning her back on the bed looking out at the fireworks, which were still lighting up the night sky.
“What are you thinking?” Andy spoke gently; her heart was racing from the unexpected kiss. Miranda remained silent, continuing to stare out of the window. “Miranda? Talk to me please!”
Miranda’s breath hitched as she spoke, “I’m thinking that I’m scared.”
“Oh.” Andy was about to reassure her. Reassure her of what she had no idea, but she was about to try when Miranda spoke again.
“I’m scared of how I’m feeling, I’m scared of what I just did, of what this means. Most of all I’m scared of losing this, of losing you again.”
“Miranda?”
“Please.” Miranda turned around to face her, leaning against the wall and window. “I need to say this... I know why you had to go, I understand why you left, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt any less.” Miranda closed her eyes and rubbed her brow letting out a frustrated sigh. “I’m sorry, I’ve never been any good at this.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Andy cut in. “You did nothing wrong. I had to leave.”
“Why?” Miranda begged.
“Because, I didn’t recognise myself anymore, and I didn’t like the person I was becoming. I know it's no excuse. What I did; that was unforgivable! But you need to believe me when I tell you that leaving you was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make. I hurt you, I hurt myself. My whole world was you, every waking second and even now nothing can fill that void.”
Miranda shook here head. “I paid you to be at my beck and call.”
“No Miranda.” Andy shook her head and tried again to make her understand. “It was more than that. I was devoted to you, not the job.”
“I saw so much promise in you, I was ready to invest in your future, to help you go all the way.”
Andy could hear the disappointment in Miranda voice. “You did help me!” She reasoned. “You could have destroyed me when I left, don’t think I don’t know that. Instead you helped me get this job, let me walk my own path.” Andy had played this conversation in her mind so many times; still she couldn’t help the tone of desperation. “I’m scared too. I’m scared about what happened last night, petrified that I will never be able to close my again eyes without seeing it over and over in my head. I’m scared that I’m always going to be looking over my shoulder, but most of all I’m terrified that all this is just a dream and when I wake up you will be gone.”
The Miranda sighed loudly and shook her in frustration. “Everyone is entitled to have moments of stupidity, but really Andrea you abuse the privilege.”
“Hey! Andy feeling slightly insulted. She let the feeling pass, knowing that it was Miranda’s way telling that she wasn’t going anywhere. She reached out her hand again, silently pleading with Miranda to move closer. “What do we do now?” She asked.
Miranda took Andy’s hand covering it will both of hers. “We concentrate on getting you better and out of this hospital. Right now I am going to attempt to get some sleep in that monstrosity.” She pointed to the chair at the side of the bed. “And I suggest you do the same. You have some hills to climb tomorrow.”
For the second time that night Miranda leaned down over Andy, this time accurate in her intended aim. Their lips touched, the kiss was full of emotion and relief, speaking the words that neither were ready to say yet.
“Sleep!” Ordered Miranda as she gathered her bag and slipped into the adjoining bathroom.
Andy slept peacefully through the night, not waking during any of the checks. Only stirring as the sunlight began to
pour across her face from the open blinds. She opened her eyes squinting as they adjusted to the brightness. Then she caught the beautiful sight of the woman curled up in the chair still sleeping. The blanket was pulled tightly around her body and her legs were tucked beneath her. Her face was natural and free of make-up. She looked so peaceful, so relaxed. Andy couldn’t take her eyes off her.
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It was mid morning when Doctor. Miller entered the room, sipping from a juice box. “Good Morning Ladies, Happy New Year.”
Miranda acknowledged the woman, pursing in her lips in disgust at the threadbare sneakers and ill fitting, baggy scrubs that the Doctor was wearing, they did not do her figure any justice.
Doctor Miller studied the chart and began taking Andy’s vitals. She observed the two women as she worked. They were an unusual pairing, yet both were clearly comfortable in each other’s company. The hours and commitment required in her profession meant that Doctor Miller didn’t get out much nor did she have any time to invest in popular culture. She didn’t know who Miranda was and she didn’t necessarily care, all that mattered was that her patient was happy.
She turned to Andy and smiled. “Ok, I think its time to remove the Foley, and then I think we can get you out of the bed for a bit.”
Miranda waited for the nurse to arrive and left Andrea alone with the medical staff and what was remaining of her dignity.
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Emily had sent Miranda an updated itinery. Miranda heaved a heavy sigh; she knew she had to mentally prepare herself for the inevitable. She was falling behind on this month’s deadline and would need to leave the hospital soon.
“Hello Miranda” Emily answered picking up the call on the first ring.
“Emily, call the agency and arrange for them to secure the townhouse. I will expect to be picked up at eight. Call my ex-husband, I would like him to keep the girls out of the city until I instruct otherwise. You may explain the situation. I do not want him to take any unnecessary risks, just to feed his immaturity and the incessant need he has to annoy me.”
“Of course Miranda, would you like me to accompany you?” Emily offered.
“That will not be necessary.”
“Oh I almost forgot.” Emily added before Miranda hung up. “A package from the D.A’s office arrived by messenger a couple of minutes ago, would you like me to bring it to you?”
“No, arrange for it to be placed in my safety deposit box. That’s all.” Miranda ended the call and walked back the room deep in thought. She had what she needed, secure. All she could do now was wait and hope that Beatrice Sharpe was as good as they all thought she was.
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“Good News!” An excited Andrea hollered as Miranda entered the room. She was standing-more like leaning- against the bed with the IV stand at one side and a nurse on the other; poised to catch her if needed. The young woman was breathing like she had just run up a flight of stairs, when in reality she had just walked around the room.
“
Love the gown” Miranda stated dryly, looking up and down at ill-fitting hospital attire which tied at the neck and gaped open down her back.
“Oh you think this is sexy.” Andy bantered. “You should check out my paper panties, I hear they are this season’s hottest thing.”
Miranda chuckled. “What is the news that you seem so desperate to announce to the entire floor?”
“Doctor Miller thinks I’ll be able to go home tomorrow.” Andy beamed with joy but her face slowly dropped as she listened to Miranda’s reaction.
“Already? What kind of hospital is this? You have just had major surgery.” Andy realised that Miranda was just showing her concern but she wished that she had been a little more excited.
“Miranda, I’m young, strong and healthy. I’m fine!” She explained.
Doctor Miller interrupted to continue her assessment. “The arm will need to be supported in a sling and the dressing will require changing every eight hours, plus daily physio-therapy. Your dexterity will be limited and no doubt frustrating, do you have anyone to take care of you or shall I start the paperwork to request a carer?”
“There will be no need; she will be staying with me.” Miranda stated.
Andy had to stop her jaw from dropping at Miranda’s response. “Miranda, I don’t want to be an inconvenience.” The Nurse helped a physically drained Andy back into bed as Miranda addressed medical staff.
“Would you please leave us?” She asked politely. She did not wish her personal business to be the talk of the hospital. As soon as the door closed she spoke. “Don’t be ridiculous” This was non-negotiable. “I have hired extra security. I will not put our lives in the hands of the New York City police department, the very same people who put you here. You will stay at the townhouse with me where I can keep an eye on you and stop you getting into anymore trouble.”
“What about the girls?” Andrea questioned.
“They are out of town with their Father and they will remain there until I decide otherwise.”
“I’m sorry.” Andy felt the tears brim and she fought to hold them back. “I wish that it could be different. I’ve put you in danger, I’m so sorry.”
“Nonsense, I put myself in danger and I would do it again if I was given the choice.” The tears rolled down Andy’s pale cheeks. Miranda quickly moved closer and placed a kiss on her temple and tenderly ran her fingers through Andrea’s hair. “It’s all going to be ok.”