Title: Interference

Author: Brithna

Beta: Peetsden

Fandom: Devil Wears Prada

Paring: Miranda / Andy

Rating: Read at your own risk…

Summary: I will let the title speak for itself. Enjoy

Interference

Andy looked at her reflection in the mirror for the seventeenth time this morning and was finally satisfied. She had to look good…beyond good. Her personal daily mission was to dress for Miranda and to see that gleam in Miranda's eye after she got done with her roaming eye review. She couldn't miss that, couldn't give Miranda a reason to be displeased…no way. Miranda's approval, silent though it was; was essential to Andy's existence. Very essential and very much a turn-on.

Today was different though, Andy thought as she made her way to the refrigerator and checked the calendar just one more time. Sadly enough her attention would be a little less focused on Miranda and more on the days coming event. Yes, today was Thursday, she sighed. The Thursday. The day her father was going to be in town for the afternoon to take her to lunch. The day her father was coming into the Elias-Clarke building, up the elevator and into Miranda's world to get the nickel tour and then whisk Andy away for the afternoon.

Andy should be excited right? She should be totally pumped, totally ready because Andy hadn't seen her father in four months. Then why did she dread it so much? So much so that she spent the entire night wishing she could cancel. To make matters worse, there would be nothing in the way this time to break her lunch date for her or interrupt it half-way through. No phone calls…no work in the way. Why? Because the time for this tour and lunch had all but been approved by Miranda. That's right. Miranda knew her father was coming and personally let her know that she would not be disturbed. Which was new. Very new. What was Miranda doing being so accommodating? Andy turned the bracelet on her right wrist a few times to calm her nerves before slipping on her coat. Roy would be downstairs by now…with Miranda just like every day for the past ten months.

"Good morning, Miranda." Andy said as she slid into the seat and Roy closed the door behind her. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the light blue pinstripe suit Miranda was wearing. Andy loved that suit. A lot. It made her wet just looking at it. God, if she ever got Miranda alone in that, there would be no stopping her…

"Good morning. I trust you slept well?" Miranda didn't look at her of course. She just played with her phone like she did every morning…for the past ten months. Andy was dying to know what sort of games she had on there because Andy knew damn good and well Miranda wasn't texting or emailing anyone.

"Uh…not great but not bad…I guess it was a draw." She couldn't say 'oh, I slept fantastic' because Miranda would know she was lying.

"Well I imagine after today is over you will indeed get a good night's rest." Miranda was still fiddling with her phone, frantically pressing the screen. She had to be playing a game. Just as Andy leaned a little closer to try for a peak, Miranda threw her phone in her purse. Damn-it.

"Yeah…yes, hopefully. Thank you for today. I know you...well. Just thank you." Brilliant Andy…just brilliant.

"You're welcome but there is something you need to know, Andrea." Miranda turned her head and gave her a piercing look. "If I should happen to call, do answer your phone because it will be about you, not Runway."

Andy felt the hair on the back of her neck stand at attention and the chill that ran through her body could not be ignored. That look and that voice were both sexy as hell but what in the fuck was Miranda talking about?

"Andrea, I have ears." Oh, okay. So she understood...at least a little that Andy wasn't really looking forward to this visit; but that still didn't explain why Miranda would be calling her in the middle of what would not doubt be an afternoon from hell-just to check on her.

"Uh, right. Yes, thanks." If Andy wasn't so superstitious she would have asked the world 'can the day get any weirder?' but she knew better. You never ever ask those kinds of questions. Especially when you work for Miranda Priestly.

The rest of the morning passed with its usual string of lattes, e-mails, phone calls and meetings…not to mention several ogling sessions. It was ridiculous really, that Andy should notice and read so much into it, but she couldn't help it. At least she had the courage to look right back. And she did - every single morning, afternoon, evening and every other opportunity in between. It was all in good fun, right? Right. To Andy it was their game; their way of dealing with it. They could look but they could not touch. So? They settled for a whole lot of looking.

It had almost been ten months since that kiss. Neither of them could explain the why or how of it all. It was lame to say but really - it just happened. It was a fluke, an anomaly, a shift in time…something. Actually what it really was -was fucking incredible. Right there in Miranda's office…with hardly any lights on and Miranda was in that white wrap blouse that Andy never could get enough of and it just happened. As soon as they both landed on the couch though, it was over. Suddenly they regrettably came to their senses and it was done. Both agreed it was a fluke, an anomaly, a shift in time…something and moved on; which frankly surprised Andy. It would stand to perfect reason that Miranda could use that as a good opportunity to get rid of Andy to cover for her transgression but she didn't. Instead Miranda kept Andy close and they never mentioned it. Only there was all that looking and eyebrow raising and brushing of hands and shoulders in the elevator…all that…yet they never mentioned it. Maybe they should? Maybe Andy should? Maybe if they could just get back to the couch and-

"Andrea." Fuck.

"Yes Miranda?" Andy hurried inside to get her orders from the woman she was dying to kiss again.

For the sixth time this morning Miranda opened her calendar to check the date just to be sure she wasn't dreaming. Yes, it was Thursday. The Thursday. The day Andrea's father was going to be in town for the afternoon to take her to lunch. The day Andrea's father was coming into the Elias-Clarke building, up the elevator and into Miranda's world to get the nickel tour and then whisk Andrea away. Hopefully, it would just be for lunch and not for good.

But really what would Miranda do if the girl wanted to go back home? To Ohio? Miranda cringed at the very thought. She wouldn't allow it, that's what. And she knew he would try. Miranda had perfectly good hearing and had heard more than she cared to about Richard Sachs. This was his modus operandi: Every now and then he would come to New York, take his daughter to eat where he would then proceed to tell her she couldn't make it, couldn't survive on her own, and try to scare her; no guilt her into leaving. That was his way. But he hadn't won so far and hopefully today would be no different. Four months ago he tried over dinner and Miranda paced the floor all night until she couldn't stand it anymore and called Andrea about some ridiculous schedule change. She assumed the girl would sound irritated but no, she almost sounded grateful for the interference.

Today would be different though. Miranda was allowing him to come here, into her domain where she reigned supreme. She wanted to look at the man who tortured his daughter whenever he felt like it. She wanted to look him in the eye and size him up. She wanted to look him in the eye and somehow convey that he needed to give up because his mission was pointless. Andrea was never leaving this city. Never.

Miranda's eyes swept over to the couch in the corner of her office as she took another sip of her now lukewarm coffee. She could hardly sit on that couch without picturing Andrea underneath her with that beautiful wanton expression that begged for everything Miranda wanted to give her. Yet they had stopped. For Miranda it was fear…she had no idea what it was for Andrea but for Miranda it was definitely fear and she cursed herself for it every day since. To complicate matters…at the time she told herself that there was no merit in it; in an office affair…but it wouldn't have been an affair. Miranda knew that now but she couldn't turn back the clock. All she could do was get through today and hope and pray for the best because if Andrea stayed, Miranda was going to make a move.

She was done being a coward, she was done standing by, and she was definitely done looking. They did plenty of that so she knew without a doubt that Andrea would be open to trying…something because anything was better than what they were doing. All this looking each other up and down all the time and the innocent touches and on and on were torture for them both but they kept doing it. For ten long months they kept at it and it never did anything but get worse instead of better. So? Miranda was done. All she had to do now was contain herself enough today to get him in and out of here and then wait, pace, and terrorize anyone and everyone she felt worthy of her attention until Andrea came back from lunch. After that? Well after that Miranda was going to her apartment tonight and…she was still figuring out that part but tonight everything would change.

Miranda heard a great deal of noise and looked up. Andrea was back from Chanel loaded down with bags and more coffee. Thank God on all three counts. Miranda got up and took the bags and her coffee right out of Andrea's hands which earned her a funny look but Miranda choose to ignore it. "Andrea, I believe you have twenty minutes until your father arrives, correct?"

"Correct." Andrea's expression should have read: excited; but it didn't. Instead it read: I very well might vomit.

"Well then…you're pale. Do something about that. Use my bathroom if you like. I have a variety of things that should help, and then call Nigel and Jocelyn into my office. I'd like to discuss these pieces with them before they run off to lunch themselves. That's all." Miranda headed to the corner table in her office with the bags and Andrea disappeared into her personal bathroom. She came out five minutes later looking refreshed and as ready as she could be under the circumstance. Before Andrea could run back to her phone to call Nigel and Jocelyn, Miranda stopped her. "Andrea." Andrea turned sharply and her gaze flitted from Miranda to the couch very quickly. Miranda felt blood rush to her face and had to fight to keep from glancing at the couch in turn. Now was certainly not the time to strip each other naked and just go for it. Which she could tell from the look on Andrea's face was exactly what would happen if given the chance. "Andrea…I know you're nervous."

Andrea looked at her and then played around with the bracelet on her right wrist. Miranda had given her that for her birthday a few months ago and the girl apparently never took it off. Just like the couch and everything else…neither of them ever made mention of it. "I am but you know…it doesn't matter. He's my dad, so? What am I gonna do?"

"Yes, of course…now please make the call to Nigel and Jocelyn. That's all." It exasperated Miranda to see Andrea turn into a completely different person when dealing with her father so it was better to end the conversation here before Miranda made her even more upset.

"Yes, Miranda." Andrea went to her desk and Miranda played with her coffee cup while she waited. There really wasn't much to discuss about the pieces in the bags from Chanel. Miranda merely wanted Nigel there to stop her if things got out of hand. But hopefully that wouldn't be needed. Hopefully Miranda could keep her mouth shut.

Ten minutes later Nigel, Jocelyn and Miranda were elbow deep in skirts and blouses when she literally felt the atmosphere in the room change. He was here. He'd come in the building, went up the elevator and was now in her kingdom. Miranda remained still and feigned interest in the dialogue taking place in front of her; all the while listening very intently for his voice to add its presence into the equation. She didn't have to wait long. She could hear the whole thing going on from where she sat.

"Ah, honey its good see you." Richard…her father said as he was probably hugging her.

"Hey Daddy. Did you have a okay time getting here?"

"Yeah...yeah it was okay. I had a bit of trouble at the security desk but I guess that's what you get from a place like this."

Oh, and here we go. He had the balls to start his little game not five minutes into his visit. How charming.

"No…it's ah…they just have to call and make sure everything is squared away that's all. It's nothing bad or anything." Andrea said and Miranda couldn't help but notice that her voice was already changing back to that timid, quite tone that could hardly string two sentences together. Miranda had to admit that at times, that quality in Andrea was…quite adorable; but not in this setting.

"Hm, well it sure seemed a bit overboard to me. I was beginning to think they were about to tell me I wasn't dressed properly." Miranda clinched her fists and tried to refocus on these blouses but it was no use because he just kept going. "I was almost run over there in the hall but of course no one watches where they're going here." Miranda clinched her fists again.

"Oh, I'm sure it was only an accident. We all run on a high setting around here Dad…busy, busy." Miranda could hear Andrea moving some things around on her desk no doubt getting ready to go. Time to move forward.

"Nigel let's break here. I imagine Andrea would like to introduce you to her father?"

Nigel coughed. "Do I have to?"

Miranda glared back. "Yes…you have to." Jocelyn nodded her head and stood up immediately without being invited to do so. Sometimes women were so much better at understanding issues like this without having to be told all the gory details. The three quickly and quietly made their way to the door with Miranda leading the pack. Miranda stopped just outside the doorway as Andrea was introducing her father to Emily.

"It's nice to meet you Emily. I'm sure you're probably just as over worked and underpaid as my Andy here."

"I…well I wouldn't put it like that but I suppose." Emily gave Andrea a 'what in bloody hell is that about' look and sat back down in her chair. Apparently Emily was done with introductions. Miranda couldn't blame her.

"Andrea." Miranda said quietly so as to not totally barge into their conversation in which Andrea was valiantly defending their work load and adequate pay. As soon as her name was spoken, her father was the first to turn around. His eyes met hers and it was instant scrutiny on both their parts.

"Yes, Miranda." The look on her face was undeniable desperation. She wanted out of this but there was nothing Miranda could do. She needed Andrea to make it through this day so she would know for certain, one last time, that Andrea was not going anywhere. She had already been down that road several years ago in Paris and did not want to revisit it.

"I thought you might enjoy the opportunity to introduce your father to Nigel…and Jocelyn." Why not. Jocelyn seemed to be handling this better than Nigel anyway. Might as well bring her in on the festivities.

"Yes…yes absolutely." Andrea came timidly closer with her father in tow. It made Miranda ill to see her like this…so nervous. Miranda pushed Nigel and Jocelyn forward.

"Dad, this is Nigel…Nigel this is my dad Richard…."

Andrea continued on making introductions. Nigel went overboard with the pleasantries of course but Jocelyn, to Miranda's surprise was quite cool with Richard. Perhaps she had heard tales of his incompetence as well.

"And Dad…this is…this is Miranda." Oh, boy.

Miranda stuck her hand out in her usual regal fashion; determined to not lower her status even one degree. But for Andrea's sake she did plan on being as accommodating and pleasant as Richard allowed her to be… "Mr. Sachs it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you." She smiled her best fake smile and nearly choked but at least she spoke the truth. Andrea could not fault her for that. She had heard a lot about Richard…just not good things which she could in no way do anything about. Obviously.

Richard hesitantly took her hand. It was a horrible hand shake but Miranda kept her grip firm and tight. This was the first step in letting him know who ran this show and who might very well have possession of his daughter one day. Because that's what it would be…possession. Body and soul.

"Uh, yes…it's nice to finally meet you too Mrs. Priestly." Richard escaped her grip but didn't come away from it looking nearly as demoralized as Miranda had hoped. And then there was this 'Mrs. Priestly' thing.

"Oh, please call me Miranda." Again she nearly chocked as the words dripped like honey from her mouth…but it was rather amusing to see the look on his face as she corrected him. "Andrea, you're reservations are for noon?"

"Yes, they are." Andrea looked at her and her gaze never faltered. She was reaching out for a lifeline again.

"Then you should begin your tour and before you leave I need you to-"

"Now listen, my daughter and I only have so much time to be here before we have lunch. I'd like to use that time with her instead of her doing more work for you." Richard said as he folded his arms across his chest.

Everyone was dead silent…dead, dead silent. Not even a breath of air was released. Apparently he was in a show-down mood after all. So be it. Miranda hoped he was ready for what he was about to experience. Now if she could just pull this off without totally infuriating Andrea…that would be fabulous.

Miranda took a step forward and heard Nigel gasp. "Mr. Sachs…I can assure you that you will spend every single minute with your daughter this afternoon as this event has been thoroughly planned to insure that she remains available and undisturbed."

"Well, that is a surprise…coming from you."

"Dad, wait. You can't-" Andrea reached forward to grab his arm. She looked horribly embarrassed.

"No, no Andrea that's quite alright. I'm sure your father has his reasons for showing such disrespect…" Miranda felt Jocelyn take a step closer, yet Nigel gasped and moved back again. Perhaps it was time to give Jocelyn a raise. "Mr. Sachs I do not believe you have a true appreciation for what your daughter does here. She is…along with Emily, a very important part of this team. Though the two of them," Miranda motioned between Andrea and Emily because this would probably go over better in Andrea's eyes if she did not single her out. "Might not always receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work; it is valued by us all. Now, if you had allowed me to finish before jumping to an ill-advised conclusion; I was merely going to request that she let me know when she was leaving so that I might call our driver. That-is all." Miranda started to turn around and walk back into her office but decided to remain on the off chance that Mr. Sachs was dumb enough to continue running his mouth. And he was…

"Andy," He turned to his daughter. "honey, you know you don't belong here. Not with these people—"

"Dad, please stop. I like it here…and I'm good at what I do." Andrea pleaded for him to be quiet and looked as if tears were forming on those exquisite lashes which only served as gasoline to the fire that was burning in Miranda's chest. No one…no one got away with making her cry. No one. Having been the cause of those tears in the past, Miranda simply would not tolerate witnessing it again.

"Mr. Sachs, that is quite enough. Your daughter belongs here as much as anyone else that walks these halls and you are out of line to question her desires. If she wishes to stay – she stays. If she wishes to go – she goes; but not under duress. If she ever chooses to leave, it will be on her own accord. Now…" She turned to Andrea and tried to give her a reassuring look. "Andrea, enjoy your lunch and feel free to take as long or short of a time as you need."

Andrea yanked her coat and bag off her desk and took her father's arm. His eyes were still focused on Miranda. "Come on Dad. I think we should skip the tour and go. Can you call Roy?"

"Yes, I will call Roy." Miranda turned to Emily. "Emily, call Roy." Andrea rolled her eyes and gave Miranda a half smile, causing her to bite back a sigh of relief. At least she wasn't crying and maybe this meant Miranda hadn't gone too far in her interference.

Everyone remained still and quiet until the door to the hallway closed.

"Thanks be to bloody God!" Emily exclaimed. Miranda and company turned and looked at her in shock. "It's about time he was put in his place. Miranda," Emily looked right at her with no fear. "I take back every bad thing I've ever said or thought about you. That was brilliant. Bloody brilliant. Now if you would just do whatever else needs doing to fix whatever it is between the two of you – I'd be set for life. The two of you are killing me. Really." Emily promptly turned in her chair and started typing away at her computer, leaving Miranda, Nigel and Jocelyn staring in awe. Emily finally noticed them still standing there and said "What? There is far too much to do to stand around. Go, go." She waved her hand and shooed them away.

"Oh, my…" Nigel mumbled as Jocelyn pulled him down the hall.

"Emily." Miranda leaned against Andrea's desk.

"Yes, Miranda." Emily looked from her typing and sported a raised eyebrow.

"I suspect you know that you have crossed many lines…but for once in my life, I don't care. That's all." Miranda went back into her office and quietly closed the door. She guessed that Emily would have no problem with a little separation for a while. Once Miranda was seated at her desk she glanced at her cell phone. There was a missed text message.

Andrea: If I need you to…can you have my boss call me later with some impossible task to perform in an impossible time frame?

She wanted Andrea to do this on her own but Miranda couldn't deny her if she was openly requesting help. And it might be an odd notion but she was glad that Andrea realized there were in fact two sides to Miranda. But then again…Miranda's eyes fell upon the couch for the second time that day…yes, Andrea already knew there were two sides to Miranda.

MP: I can and will have your boss call you if that is needed. Do not worry.

Miranda sent the text and opened up her Jewel Quest game on her iPhone. It was time to get down to some serious, distractive work.

TBC