ODD AND PERSISTENT, Ch 1/5

By Loxodontack

Rating: M/NC-17/Mature/18 eventually
Fandom: Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Disclaimer: Don't own them, just hoping to bring them closer. Anything you recognise from the movie or extra's is not mine! They were originally Lauren Weisberger's but by the time I got to them they were Fox's. I do however own all the mistakes herein and apologise for any that offend your grammatical sensibilities.

A/N: Thank you to my wonderful wife who created the masterpiece that is the graphic to go with my fic. She also read it through to let me know it made sense (to her at least!)

A/N: Thank you to Punky and XenaVirgin for arranging the wonderful DWP extravaganza that has been June and July, I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

A/N: Thank you to XenaVirgin for an initial beta reading and also for a last minute crisis aversion. Thanks also to Akasarasmom for a mental health check with a last minute question I had completely tied myself up in knots about.

"Is there anything else I can do to help?" You never ask Miranda a question kept flashing through her mind, yet she could not have stopped herself, even had she tried. Andy waited with bated breath, hoping there was something, anything she could do for the other woman.

"Yes." Miranda looked at Andrea and allowed her eyes to travel from the acceptable Conran shoes to her adequately styled hair. She thought back to Nigel's first comment regarding her, if they had been doing a before and after piece, they would have excelled if this woman in front of her was the outcome. She was stunning, but it was more than how she dressed, there was something that, now the layers of insecurity had been replaced by an air of confidence, shone from within that was quite ... enchanting.

Andy found it impossible to decipher what it was the other woman wanted, the situation so unlike any other to date, so she waited in Assistant Mode, as she had dubbed it. It had taken a significant amount of practice over the last few months being so contrary to her nature, impatience usually kicked in after ten seconds. Yet this evening, for this one woman she found she had an infinite store of patience.

For some unfathomable reason Miranda found she did not want to be alone quite yet. Her world was being shaken, she felt tether-less. All she needed was five more minutes in this girls presence, five minutes and she could weather the evening to come and the sickening reality of tomorrow.

Five interminable minutes of silence later, Andy heard a decisive "your job." After one final check, Andy knew it was time to go, Miranda would not appreciate anything else. Expressed empathy would be interpreted as pity and anything less than consummate professionalism would not be tolerated. So with a heavy heart, Andy smiled, turned, and left the room as unobtrusively as possible.

Irv really was an insufferable excuse of a man. Miranda knew that while this battle was won, the war was far from over. At what point had her life come to this? It was time for action before despair set in. She would proceed as planned today; Jacqueline and James deserved each other after all. As for Nigel, that would ultimately be up to him, but she would ensure he had options and opportunities come his way as soon as possible. With a heavy heart she realised it was time for the dreaded luncheon.

How could she? How could Miranda do that to Nigel? Andy was furious, is this treachery what it took to succeed? It was all she could do to listen to the diatribe coming out of Miranda's mouth. How could the woman be so oblivious? Was it really necessary to stab a loyal employee in the back, in front of a room full of colleagues? A little notice would at least have been humane, but allowing Nigel to find out his dream was dead in a room full of his peers was just cruel.

"What if I don't want this?" Even as the words left her mouth she realised they were inadequate, lacking the certainty she should have, they sounded more whiney than definite.

"Oh, don't be silly – everyone wants this. Everyone wants to be us."

Space, she couldn't think, she couldn't breathe, and she needed distance to find her perspective having been completely disillusioned by the world she had worked so hard to become part of. When Miranda regally alighted from the car, she turned and walked as briskly as she could across Place de la Concorde trying not to draw attention to herself. One last look over her shoulder at Miranda and she launched her ringing phone into the fountain. She knew, by the astounded look on her face, the other woman truly was oblivious. That moment would forever be etched into her memory.

Looking across as Andrea crossed the busy Paris streets Miranda was confused, why on Earth was the other woman fleeing as if Cerberus of Hades was chasing her. Shaking herself and focusing on the task ahead of her she knew now was not the time to dwell on it. If her plan was to succeed she had a show to attend, people to meet and an image to maintain. The 'Andrea Situation' could be dealt with later. For the moment she decided she was just off somewhere running an errand. Realising she was following Andrea's path across the square she pulled herself together and entered the show. Later, she promised herself she could try to figure out what had just happened.

As soon as she heard the plop as her phone hit the fountain she knew. That one action caused clarity to hit her with the force of an articulated truck; she had been wrong to run. Miranda's actions at the luncheon were necessary, there was no way she would have done it without an excellent reason; there was always a reason when Miranda acted in such a grand fashion. After all you didn't get to Miranda's position without knowing what you were doing. She must have been driven to it and instead of staying, supporting her and finding out the reasons Andy had thrown a tantrum and run.

Realising her impulsive behaviour was childish, she desperately wanted to reverse time and do it all differently. She had let herself down. If she wanted Miranda to trust her this was not the way to go about it. To be the person she was destined to be, wanted to be, she needed to be better than this. How could she ever hope to be worthy of trust if she continued to act like a petulant child? To be trusted, she needed to be trustworthy, she needed to be braver, firmer in her convictions, reliable and loyal not flighty and changeable as she had behaved earlier. There may be nothing she could do to change the past but surely there was something she could do to make amends. Time to woman up!

About to ring Emily to find out where Miranda was, the reality of no longer having her phone floored her. Without the one tangible connection she had to the other woman and her life, she felt physically bereft, ached to her very core. A connection to the other woman had become essential to her. Not Nigel, not Emily, not Runway, not even her family and friends, Miranda. Apparently it wasn't just Miranda who was oblivious, her mind treated her to a rapid succession of moments over the last few months, in every scene others faded to the background, there for the sole purpose of showcasing Miranda.

The raging emotions that followed this self revelation stunned Andy, she barely made it to a bench before her body was literally shaken to the core. How was she going to make it up to the other woman? Miranda deserved so much more. How could she reinstate herself in the other woman's life? What did she truly want? What was this really about? When the answers came, she was forever changed.

Her heart raced as she knocked on the door, unsure if it would even be answered. Eventually, after agonising moments, the door opened. The supremely pissed off look on the other woman's face slipped from shock to lust and settled on disdain.

"Your services are no longer required." Miranda had enough time after the show to reflect on Andrea's behaviour, it was unacceptable. For unknown reasons it hurt, hurt more than her ending marriage or the situation with Irv. For that reason alone the other woman was finished.

"Sorry" Andy barely managed to get out before the door started closing, it paused just before catching. Waiting with bated breath she remained still looking at the halted door, but nothing happened. Taking a chance she pushed on the door and as the door slowly opened she saw Miranda across the dimly lit room, sitting as she had the previous night, only tonight there was an air of defiance swirling around her, not defeat. Sexy.

Shoulders back, chest out, Andy slowly stalked across the room. As she neared, she observed the other woman closely, there was no way she wasn't going to use everything in her learned arsenal of the last few months to her advantage now. She was as outwardly cool as ever but Andy took hope from the fleeting look of shock that flittered across Miranda's eyes very briefly and the unconscious twitch in her eye.

Swallowing deeply Miranda couldn't believe her eyes, or her visceral reaction. Where did Andrea get that dress? Nigel, it must be Nigel. The dress was made for Andrea, it fit every curve perfectly, allowed tantalising glimpses of bare skin and hinted at so much more. Instantly she saw the Runway spread, and the appropriate front page. 'Keep your head Miranda, just keep your head'.

"What exactly are you sorry for?"

"For not being by your side this afternoon it was unacceptable behaviour." Andy moved a little closer, swaying her hips, intent on being noticed.

"That is of no consequence. That's all?" As the insubordinate woman moved closer, Miranda caught a glimpse of the stockings that clung to the other woman's her smooth, pale thigh. Suddenly the room became much warmer.

"You deserve better" Andy sidled closer, batting her eyelashes, on the way there she had decided directness would be the best approach, she just hoped she was correct. However there was barely a flicker from Miranda, she had hoped for some reaction. If this didn't work... No! This had to work.

"I deserve better?" Miranda injected the sentence with as much scorn as she could. Okay Priestly get your head in the room. My, that dress emphasises every curve, it holds her breasts perfectly.... Must turn off the heating.

"Yes, soooo much better." Andy purred, desperate for a reaction to indicate she was getting through to the other woman, that she was having some effect.

Swallowing deeply, Miranda was shocked at her body's reaction to Andrea's declaration, her stomach clenched, and her breath caught. Trying to convince herself it was just a physical response, she decided to cut this silliness short. "You are not qualified to make such an assessment, it is time for you to run... again."

Determined Andy sat down next to Miranda, if she was going to be blacklisted, maybe even killed, she was going to give it everything she had first. "I'm sorry, I truly am. I was overwhelmed. Not thinking clearly." Finally Miranda looked directly at her. "I AM sorry, and you DO deserve better."

Miranda was floored by the intensity of the look directed at her. 'Keep your head Miranda, just keep your head'. She knew she should insist the other woman leave, yet there was something that prevented her doing so, more than the glimpse she had down the front of Andrea's dress, it was the look in her eyes. "Why exactly are you here Andrea?"

"To apologise." Andy inched closer, hoping her proximity would keep Miranda interested in talking.

"Apology accepted, you may leave now." Miranda really needed Andrea to leave, or get to the point then leave. Having glimpsed the swell of Andrea's breast when she shifted Miranda decided leaving was the best option, in that moment she couldn't decide if it should be her or Andrea to leave though. She felt a tickle of sweat run between her shoulder blades, and heat build in other places she refused to think about. She needed to ring housekeeping and complain about the air-conditioning, someone would be fired.

"Thank you, Miranda." Miranda was getting impatient, she kept shifting in her seat, she wouldn't have long now, Andy was amazed she had even had this amount of time.

"That's all." Miranda needed to contact security, perhaps someone had reduced the flow of oxygen into the room, which would account for her light-headedness.

'I'd like to explain." Andy was becoming desperate, Miranda was becoming distracted as if something else was far more important than listening to the explanations of an irrelevant ex-assistant.

"Really? How presumptuous." With a raised eyebrow Miranda slightly inclined her head. "By all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me."

Time to get to the point, taking a deep breath she plunged right in. "Miranda, in the car you said everyone wants this, everyone wants to be us. I don't." Miranda looked like she was about to stand up, or slap her. "Miranda please, I don't want to be like you, I just want you!"

Miranda was sure she was going to suffer from whiplash, that was the last thing she expected to hear from Andrea. Looking at the other woman she could see nothing but honesty and earnestness in her eyes. "Did you fall down and smack your little head on the pavement?"

"It's true Miranda. Today when the reality of leaving hit me, I ached for you. Not Runway, not the opportunities it presents, not Nigel, Emily, Serena or anyone else. You. Only you."

"Leave now." Miranda rose from the couch as if she were on fire. She was half way across the room when she was stopped by the voice behind her.

"Miranda please, I love you." Andy was desperate. Everything she said was true. She loved the other woman.

"Don't be absurd. You don't know me. You couldn't possibly..." Miranda was furious, she refused to be played with. "Get out."

Andrea reached for one of the red roses, from the huge floral arrangement on the table, before daring to walk over to Miranda. "It's true, I love you Miranda, completely."

Miranda was frozen to the spot as she watched Andrea draw near. She looked into the other woman's eyes, expecting to see amusement at Miranda's inability to move, derisiveness at the old woman in the grey shapeless dressing gown, or arrogance knowing she had the other woman by the heart. What she didn't expect was the almost tangible love, the utmost respect, and not just a little lust shining in those deep brown eyes. She could so easily fall into those brown orbs and never return, they were enchanting.

Andy knew she only had a minute at most before Miranda threw her from the room. She had completed her objective, she had apologised, gotten Miranda's attention and had declared her love. The fact she was still alive meant it had gone better than she thought it would. As she reached Miranda she held out the flower.

"I'll love you forever." Then taking any courage she had left she leaned in and kissed Miranda.

Miranda fleetingly wondered if Andrea knew the meaning of the flower, and her statement was one and the same. Then she could think no more as she was overwhelmed by the soft, gentle kiss. It was more powerful than any other kiss she had ever experienced, yet there was no aggression in the kiss, just the soft, gentle caress as lips moved on hers.

Andy was in heaven. She would live forever on this kiss, if necessary, even as she ended it with little pecks, she hoped this would not be the only time she experienced the wonder of Miranda. Slowly, gently and carefully she withdrew, so as to not jar the other woman.

With every ounce of willpower she could muster she gave one final kiss to the other woman's cheek then pulled away. "I love you Miranda, all of you. I will forever."

Crossing to the door she looked once more across to Miranda. "I'll be here before your 9.30 meeting in the morning." She closed the door gently behind her.

To say Miranda was shocked would be a gross understatement. The intensity of the kiss, the undeniable impact it had on her body, her mind and even her heart scared her. No one had ever been so tender, so adoring, so loving. She had prepared to keep her head during the conversation, she wished she had thought of her heart. What would she do now?

"Tell Serena I'm not going to approve that girl that she sent me for the Brazilian layout. Is attractive too much to ask? Am I reaching for the stars? And R.S.V.P. Yes to Jen Kao's party, I want the driver to drop me off at 11:30 and pick me up at 11:55 sharp. Confirm Donatella for lunch at that place we like. Call Katie Ermilio and tell her yes. Then call my ex-husband and remind him that the parent-teacher conference is at Dalton next Thursday. Then call my soon to be ex-husband, tell him to leave the townhouse by tonight. Tell Richard I want an immediate divorce. I pay him enough to take care of it. Am I making myself clear? I expect Emily to have redecorated the townhouse to my specifications by the time we return. Also, I need to see all the items that Nigel has for the next shoot and Serena's final drafts." Miranda was intent on ignoring Andrea for the day, send her on as many errands as possible, it seemed like the only feasible plan of action.

"Yes Miranda." Andy was frantically writing down the instructions as they made their way to the car. She wasn't sure what she expected, but she had expected something to be different between them today. Morosely she sat beside Miranda as the driver closed the door. Silence reigned as Andy texted and emailed in follow up to Miranda's instructions. As soon as she had left Miranda's room the previous evening she had made sure to replace the phone she had thrown in the fountain, there was no way to look after everything for Miranda without one, and she was determined to be the best assistant Miranda ever had.

"You're fired, as soon as we return to New York Emily will have cleared your desk, and a new second assistant will be in place." Miranda was certain what needed to be done. She had spent the entire night reliving the kiss. Andrea could no longer stay in her employ. She then exited the car to begin her day.

With a battered heart Andy followed Miranda around for the last day of fashion week. She had promised herself she would be okay with whatever Miranda decided, she had lied to herself. This week was turning out to be the steepest learning curve Andy had ever had about herself, she was being tested on practically every value and belief she thought she held dear, and failing miserably.

She spent the whole day being the best assistant she could be while thinking frantically. Who was she? Who did she want to be? By the time they returned to their rooms Andy had decided she would not give up, she would not fall at this hurdle, she would try again.

When Miranda answered the door, she was tempted to slam it shut again.

"Have you completely lost your mind? Do not disturb me again."

"Please Miranda, please." Andy was desperate, she couldn't face the idea that this was her last few hours with Miranda. She had to speak to her, she had to try.

Miranda wasn't sure what stopped her, perhaps it was the heartbroken look on the other woman's face, perhaps it was the glimmer of hope that had started to develop in her own heart. Whatever it was she allowed the other woman to follow her into the room. She indicated where she wanted Andrea to sit.

"Well?" Annoyed with herself for letting Andrea into the room Miranda quickly became impatient. Added to that she thought she had insisted security checked the oxygen levels in her room, it would appear the French were as incompetent as the Americans, her heart was going to beat out of her chest.

"I don't know what to say. I keep hoping the perfect words will come to me and you'll give me a chance." Andy looked into Miranda's eyes, there was something there, just behind the shield she always wore.

"You do realise it could never work?" Miranda had spent all night thinking about the reasons it could never work, only realising in the early hours that it should have been because she didn't want it. She had been surprised how disappointed she was when the realisation had crystallised, but she prided herself on being a realist so accepted the inevitability of being alone for the rest of her life, after all she had tried and failed on a number of relationships that were more likely to succeed.

"Of course it could." Andy too had been up all night thinking about a possible relationship with Miranda. She had been ecstatic to realise that there was nothing she could think of that they couldn't overcome, if only they both wanted it. Miranda, she knew, was the greatest challenge. But she'd be worth it.

"Andrea you realise I am your boss, a nearly three times divorced, middle aged woman with twins rapidly approaching their teens." Miranda was sure reality would hit, Andrea would realise that she was not someone to pursue and leave. Surely Andrea had many other prospective suitors.

"I can't help but notice, none of your reasons are because you don't like me." Andy was becoming hopeful. "Besides I'm fired." She watched as Miranda looked around the room. "Miranda I love you. Not one of the reasons you have given is insurmountable or deters me in any way."

"Andrea you don't know me. You don't know who I am. This is ridiculous!" Miranda should have anticipated resistance, known Andrea would not be easily deterred. After all she appeared to be an optimist, cheerful in a way that would be aggravating if it weren't so perfectly balanced with a maturity Miranda couldn't deny.

"I know more than you probably realise. I have been your right hand for months now. I won't claim to know everything, but I know enough. I love you Miranda, please give me, give us, a chance."

"I don't know you. If I knew you, I may have seen this coming." This had all come out of nowhere as far as she was concerned, this time three days ago she had been married. Now she was divorcing and her second assistant was declaring her love. "You may be a ghastly, despicable human being." Miranda doubted that though, was sure given the opportunity the absurd feelings she was developing for the other woman would deepen. That scared her sufficiently to want to put an end to this farce; she refused to be a middle age cliché.

"So get to know me, give us a chance to get to know each other, please." Andy was beginning to panic, this was not going well at all. She had to think of something immediately to convince Miranda to give her a chance, flustered she resorted to pleading. "Please one date, if it doesn't go well you will never have to see me again." The wait seemed endless, Andy was beginning to despair, what could she do to convince the other woman to give her a chance? There was one thing she was sure of, she would not give up.

The inscrutable look on the other woman's face had Andy baffled, what was she thinking, would it give her any insight to what she could do? As each excruciating moment past Andy moved from hopeful to doubting herself. She had never tried to approach anyone before, any of her past dalliances were just that, insignificant, she had never invested in them. Now she found herself in a position where it mattered, and she had no experience, no finesse. She was charging at this like a bull in a china shop, with her heart on her sleeve and her size six ass hanging out the window.

Miranda looked at the other woman for a long moment. She saw the earnestness, the hope, the determined look in her eyes. Realising that in all likelihood if she refused the presumptuous woman would attempt to convince her another time, which had the potential to be tiresome. Knowing she could just get a barring order or advise security to limit Andrea's access to her, for some unfathomable reason she did not want to get a third party involved in this matter, knowing if not handled sensitively had the potential to deeply wound Andrea, impact her optimistic outlook on life, she did not want to be the cause of that. Besides if she agreed to this 'date' she knew Andrea would realise the absurdity of pursuing her.

"So be it. When would you like to go on this date?" Miranda, hearing her agreement out loud, was just as shocked as Andrea looked that she agreed, and was even more surprised to realise she was looking forward to spending time with someone who thought positively about her, usually all her social engagements were work related.

"Tonight at 9pm?" When she received a nod, Andy left before the other woman could change her mind.

At quarter to nine, Andy stood outside Miranda's room anxiously hoping the other woman had not changed her mind. Knocking, she was surprised when Miranda opened the door immediately looking stunning in a little black dress and deep burgundy bolero.

"You look exquisite Miranda." With that she handed Miranda a bunch of red roses.

Miranda was touched that the other woman had arrived with flowers, she could not remember the last time someone had taken the time to give them to her personally. Hoping to hide her blush of pleasure, she turned to place them in a vase.

Andrea waited just inside the door. When Miranda returned she escorted her to the elevators and entered the one Andy had held open. Miranda was curious that they were going up and not down, raising an eyebrow at Andrea she received an enigmatic smile in return.

Holding her hand out for Miranda, Andy smiled when the other woman tentatively took it. Leading her down the corridor Andy felt the butterflies in her stomach take over. She hoped she picked the right first date, everything hinged on it.

Miranda, not for the first time in the last week, was wondering how her life had turned out like this. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought she would be on a date, with her recently fired second assistant. Even if she understood Andrea would, by the end of the evening, realise the ludicrousness of a relationship occurring between them, she intended to enjoy herself. Looking across at her date, she felt a flutter in her chest. She was so distracted trying to remember the last time that had happened she failed to notice they had stopped. Never, she had never felt like this.

Andy looked across at Miranda as she opened the door they had stopped in front of. She had made a number of friends while in Paris and had managed to secure a suite on the top floor for the evening. Entering the room she was pleased with the amount she had achieved in the last couple of hours.

Miranda was stunned, the room was covered in brightly burning candles. Music was playing softly in the background. Andrea led her over to a finely set table and held her chair out. She looked out the French doors and could see Paris laid out before them, it was a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Andrea poured a glass of her favourite wine before placing a prawn cocktail in front of her. Touched Miranda looked at the other woman as she sat opposite her. The smile that greeted her was wondrous.

"So, how was your day?" Miranda couldn't help herself, the laugh was out of her mouth before she could stop it. The pleasure of being asked such a normal question floored her. Looking into Andrea's eyes she saw honest interest in them, to her own surprise she decided to commit to this date, as if it were real and responded telling Andrea about her day and news from her daughters.

Andy had never seen Miranda laugh so openly before, she was adorable. The surprised flicker that flashed across the other woman's face was priceless and made Andy wonder when the last time Miranda had laughed like that was. That very moment Andy committed to trying to make the other woman laugh as often as possible.

They spent the next couple of hours talking about films, music and books. Miranda couldn't believe how 'normal' a first date it was. Andrea was asking her interested questions and actually paid attention to the answers. To top it all off, the prawn cocktail was succulent, the steak was cooked to perfection and the lemon soufflés was the best she'd ever tasted. All her favourite dishes, perhaps, she acknowledged, Andrea might know a little about her. What was truly extraordinary was that she found herself enjoying learning about Andrea. The other woman was quick, witty, intelligent and very kind hearted, all very attractive traits.

Andy was astonished how easily the conversation flowed. She had been very apprehensive that their work dynamic would creep into the evening and was delighted to find the bubble she tried to create remained intact. Oh she knew the real world beckoned. After all, she had nowhere to live, Nate had emailed her to let her know he had terminated his lease, she would not have wanted to continue living there anyway, but needed a day or so to collect her belongings and find somewhere else to live. She was recently fired, which she couldn't regret as she was on a date with her ex-boss, and would much prefer to date Miranda than work for her, besides she would find employment, of that she was sure. Not to mention there was still Miranda's misgivings to overcome. Yet here, gazing across the table at a thoroughly relaxed and smiling Miranda Priestly, she knew they could overcome it all.

Being escorted to her suite by Andrea, Miranda wondered if she dare give this potential relationship a chance. She had forgotten herself this evening, the atmosphere Andrea had set was magical. The view across the city of lights was perfect, the amorous ambience delightful. The meal was the nicest she'd had in as long as she could remember, not least because Andrea had gone to the effort of having all her favourites there. To complete the evening, her companion had enchanted her. She had made her feel like the most interesting, intelligent woman on the planet. Every word was listened to. All evening she felt cherished, from the things Andrea said, to the effort she had put into preparing the evening. She wondered at the wonder of it all.

Realising it definitely hadn't gone as she anticipated, in the moment she wondered if it possibly be the first date to end all first dates? Miranda knew she could love Andrea. Not Andrea, former employee, but Andrea, prospective suitor, the woman she met tonight. Dare she believe this could possibly survive the reality of New York? Was this woman worth taking a risk on? Her heart yearned to continue to feel this excitement and to feel so cherished. Her soul craved the potential happiness offered. Her mind cautioned her about foolishness, clichés and inevitable disappointment when Andrea left her. Weighing it all, dare she take the leap?

Her most recent divorce papers had only arrived the previous evening, a second ex-husband, to add to the first. Not a ringing endorsement for her ability to form long term meaningful relationships. In fact so far, with the exception of her daughters, she had failed in sustaining any intimate relationships.

Professional focus would be required in the coming months, Irv had been very close to succeeding this time, she would need to review the list to find out why she hadn't known sooner and develop contingency plans for the future. She also had amends to make and loose ends to tidy up. This would all be very time consuming, could she, would she make time for a developing relationship amongst it all?

Her daughters, her precious daughters, had already had so much turmoil in their life. Could she reasonably take more time from them to spend with Andrea? Dare she introduce a new person into their world? Not just any person, but a woman younger than she is, a recent ex-assistant, someone just starting out in life. Rapidly approaching puberty could they accept this, whatever it was?

Absent-mindedly Miranda left the suite door open after she entered her suite. She was surprised when she came back to herself and realised Andrea had followed her to just inside the threshold, and was looking directly at her.

"Thank you Miranda, I had a truly wonderful evening." With that she leaned over and kissed her on the lips. After too short a time, as far as Miranda was concerned, Andrea pulled back. She gazed into her eyes and smiled. "Thank you."

As she turned to leave the room Miranda couldn't believe it. That was it, that's all? All that effort put into the evening and Andrea wasn't going to try for more? Miranda knew, without doubt, that the other woman wanted her. She also knew that anyone else would be expecting more. They would be looking for something in return for such an enchanting evening, either from her or from the editor of Runway. They would not just be thanking her for an enjoyable evening and turning to leave. It definitely wasn't even for show or effect either. Andrea fully intended to treat her to the best date of her life, have a fleeting kiss and walk from the room without anything more. This, more than anything else could have, convinced Miranda that Andrea might just be worth it.

"Andrea." She called, and then saw the other woman pause at the threshold to turn back.

"Yes Miranda?"

"Would you care to join me for dinner next Tuesday evening?"

"Yes, yes, yes. I'd be delighted to!" The smile she received nearly bowled Miranda over. The ecstatic look on the other woman's face was a joy to behold. To have been the cause of it made Miranda feel invincible. "Here, these are my new contact details, as I'll return all my Runway property to Nigel on the plane home." Miranda took the piece of paper from Andreas grasp and looked at the details, touched Andrea had written them down in hope of them staying in contact. She then took a leap herself and offered Andrea her private contact details. The wattage of Andrea's smile increased and Miranda knew she understood the implication of the offer. She was trusted.

"Thank you so much Miranda, for tonight, for everything." Another kiss, again too short, and Andrea left the suite. Miranda turned and surveyed the room. Shocked that everything seemed just as it had before her world, her life had been irrevocably altered, the full effect of which had yet to be revealed. Miranda found, for the first time in what felt like forever, she was truly looking forward to the future and what it would bring. She wasn't naive, so knew it wouldn't always be easy, but what she hoped for no longer felt like it was beyond her grasp, true happiness.

Andy barely made it to her room before the biggest squeal of delight left her lips. She had prepared, she had hoped, but she had never been sure that a second date with Miranda Priestly was possible. She knew that Miranda would have to be the one to initiate it. Andy had put all her cards on the table, yet for her own self-respect, for the foundation of their relationship, Miranda had needed to be the one to take the next step.

Of course there was less risk in Miranda asking Andy, as she had been clear regarding her feelings. Yet at the point of asking, for the brief moment of uncertainty that everyone experiences when they put themselves out there, she could have refused. Of course she was never going to decline, she was sincere, and she truly wanted a loving, lasting relationship with Miranda. Their date had been far more successful than even she dared to hope. But she would settle for nothing less than mutual respect and equality. For that, the relationship could not begin wholly one sided, the uncertainty of putting yourself out there needed to be experienced by both.

While Andrea was celebrating, Miranda was pacing her suite in panic. When had her world turned upside down? Six months ago she was married, dedicated to Runway and had no desire for change. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and reviewing the Book in her free time, she had even found a way to tolerate Stephen, most of the time. Now she didn't know which way was up. The evening had been a complete success, how had that happened? She was thoroughly unprepared for that outcome. She had been so sure Andrea would realise a relationship with her would not be in her own interests, also Miranda expected to find Andrea to be less engaging and appealing than she had demonstrated herself to be. It was time for a glass of wine.

Moving out to the balcony, she took a seat. Surveying Paris at night, she remembered being here in her youth, her whole life in front of her. At the time, so focused, so desperate to leave the past behind she never allowed herself to appreciate the beauty of the city or to reflect on her decisions. Now it seemed she was compelled to do both. Putting her feet up, she settled in for a long night.

The following morning Andy fulfilled the last of her duties as Miranda's second assistant. Miranda had been distant when they met in the foyer, but Andy thought nothing of it. They never stopped, not until everyone was seated on the plane and Miranda had given them their instructions for the flight. Just before the plane landed Andy handed Nigel her replacement phone, her final tie to Runway. Looking over at Miranda as she entered the car and Roy closed the door, she had a moment of anxiety this would be the last time she saw her.

It was Saturday evening, she had one night to collect all her belongings from the apartment she had shared briefly with Nate and leave by midday Sunday. Before she had left New York for Paris she had arranged a couple of viewings for the following morning. Entering the abandoned apartment she noticed Nate had taken practically everything with him. All that was left was her belongings, some books, her clothes and some odds and ends, and the bare minimum of furniture. Thankfully Nate had rented the apartment part furnished so she at least had a couch to sleep on, she did not want to have to face her mother that night.

By eleven the following morning she had seen six apartments. Entering the lobby of her last viewing of the day, she took the elevator to the correct floor. The realtor opened the door then showed her around. Andy loved the apartment, it was exactly what she was looking for, and the location was great and the size perfect.

That evening, as she was settling into her new apartment she tried to ring Miranda but got no answer. After an hour she tried again and when she still got no answer she sent a text message wishing her sweet dreams. When she heard nothing she got anxious as she still didn't know the details for their date Tuesday night. Having paced the empty space she decided there was nothing she could do so went to sleep.

Monday was spent discussing her future employment. She couldn't believe they had asked Miranda for a reference, and then was floored by the reference the editor had given. "I called over there for a reference, left word with some snooty girl. Next thing you know, I got a fax from Miranda Priestly herself... saying that of all the assistants she's ever had... you were, by far, her biggest disappointment. And, if I don't hire you, I am an idiot. You must have done something right." She was delighted, hope glimmered in her heart. Miranda liked her, she really liked her. She only hoped when all was said and done they had a future together.

Walking back to her new apartment she couldn't resist walking by Runway. As chance had it, she was walking by just as Miranda exited. Impulsively she waved at the other woman, and was disheartened when Miranda hardly glanced at her. She hadn't expected a wave but had hoped, given the fact they were supposed to be going on their second date the following night, she would have at least warranted a smirk or even a nod.

Disappointment settling in, she decided to make a call that was sure to cheer her up. Emily was truly priceless, she deserved the dresses from Paris. It was even possible they would be meeting for drinks again in the near future. As soon as she hung up her mind returned to Miranda. She needed to contact the other woman today, somehow.