Obsidiana

The magic of love

Summary:

Betas: Peetsden, Firebird93 and AsTavares.

Chapter 1:

One of these days he would be forced to shake Miranda until she recovered her senses. His boss and friend, the editor in chief of Runway magazine, was not just the most talented woman in the business, but also the most demanding perfectionist he has ever met. Having been around her for at least twenty years, he couldn't complain about something he was already so used to.

He certainly could deal with the pressure for perfection and the fact that she always expected from her staff the same dedication she put into her own job. He could definitely manage all of that. What he couldn't stand was a frustrated, unhappy woman who didn't seem able to apply the same skills to her personal life that she did to her career. How difficult could it be for someone to understand her owns feelings? Maybe, to convince her, he should use one of her favorite remarks: "Am I reaching for the stars here, Miranda? Not really."

He was not blind. After all, he was there when everything happened. He was there when they fell in love with each other, gradually, almost imperceptibly, working together day after day. His oldest friend Miranda Priestly and his best friend Andy Sachs were completely and utterly in love with each other, but unfortunately, they were the only ones not to see it.

In the last six months, they had been seductively dancing around each other, unaware of their own flirting. Smiles, brief touches, and orders murmured in an almost sensual tone were becoming natural between the two women, to everyone's amusement and, more recently, despair. They have been so immersed in each other, they didn't even realize that people were actually observing their actions.

It was amazing that two brilliant women couldn't recognize and act upon their deep emotions and secret desires. The major problem was that Miranda always was a woman of action, unused to being denied, even in her unconscious wishes. Her bad mood increased at an unbearable rate and Nigel was convinced that frustration regarding her personal assistant was behind the problem.

Miranda's excessive dedication to work and her increasingly demanding behavior were the main reasons why the magazine was more successful than ever. As a result, the board, including Irv, was very supportive of her decisions, even if that meant that Runway employees would suffer to meet her demands. Just one person in the entire building had been safe from the editor's harsh words and endless tasks. Guess who?

He crossed the Runway halls, heading to the kitchen. Perhaps an aspirin would be enough to control the pounding headache that had developed during the editorial meeting. As happened every Friday, Miranda was in all her dragon glory. Of course, beyond the prospect of spending a whole weekend without her beloved Andy, she was always ready to engage in a search and destroy mission against anyone who inadvertently crossed her path.

Taking the pills and a glass of water, he leaned on the counter, taking deep breaths to try to calm himself. An amused voice came from behind. "Hey, Nigel, what's the matter? Not feeling well?"

Smiling, he turned, aspirin and a glass of water in hand, to be greeted by his cheerful friend, Andy Sachs.

"Hello, darling, care to join me in my misery?"

She frowned, extending her hand to his shoulder, concerned. "What happened? Are you ill?"

He tilted his head as if not believing the question.

"What happened? Are you really asking me that? Our amazing Dragon Lady has been terrorizing everyone around here for the last six months. I'm seriously thinking about visiting a psychiatrist just to prevent future and irreversible mental disorder."

Andy smiled, taking one of the glasses from the counter. "Oh, c'mon, you're overreacting. I have not seen any difference in her behavior recently. I mean, she has always been demanding and critical. What's new about that?"

Nigel rolled his eyes, resting his glass on the counter. "Overreacting? Are you kidding me? No, wait! I forgot Miranda's nasty mood is not directed at you, just at us mere mortals. It's becoming harder than ever to survive at this magazine."

Andy took a sip of the water and looked at him inquisitively. "I don't understand."

"Six, darling," he drawled, "why do you have to be so obtuse sometimes? This will ruin you someday, you know?"

"Nigel, are we still talking about Miranda?"

"Of course we are. I'm talking about the fact our beloved Ice Queen melts when she is around her beautiful second assistant."

Choking, Andy spilled water on Nigel's shirt. "Nigel, I hope you're not saying that I get special treatment, because I work my ass off for this magazine! My life has never been easy around Miranda, so I have to learn fast how to deal with her. You of all people should know how much I suffered at the beginning."

Looking at his wet garments, he opened his mouth to argue, but she interrupted him. "In fact, I don't know how many times I locked myself in the bathroom just to cry or to gather my strength to come back to my job. What I'm saying is that I don't see why everybody suddenly decided to complain about her usual behavior."

He tried in vain to dry his shirt with a napkin. "My point exactly! She has changed a lot, but apparently, you are the only one who hasn't taken note."

Approaching, he took one of her hand and whispered, "Andy, she is getting more and more irascible each passing day, turning what was already difficult into impossible. Nobody can please her and people are starting to question her sanity."

Andy's shocked face just made him even more adamant. Obviously, Miranda was not the only one living in denial, but Andy had her own reasons for believing she would never catch Miranda's attention. She was simply unaware of her own allure, often dismissing compliments or men's advances. Since her breakup with Nate, nobody could find the way to her heart, or maybe, someone already had, but she couldn't accept the truth.

Just once had she admitted to Nigel her feelings for Miranda. It was a Friday night and she was exhausted after a long week. After a couple of drinks, she cried on his shoulder, revealing how much she cared about the editor. On Monday, when he tried to broach the subject, she pretended nothing had happened, dismissing his attempts to encourage her to pursue her desires. Since then, he could see the situation both women were in clearly, but he felt incapable of helping them and therefore, the entire fashion world. Not losing hope, he tried once again.

"Six, don't you see there's something happening with her? Don't you realize Miranda is suffering because she thinks she can't have you? You must do something about it and save our lives!"

The young woman's eyes widened in shock, like they used to do every time he tried to talk about Miranda. Retrieving the glass, she washed it hurriedly. "Sorry, Nigel, but I have to go back to work. Hope you feel better."

She quickly left the kitchen as Nigel prayed for any gods in the universe to give him strength.

Two hours later, Andy was still thinking about Nigel's words. The truth was simple and painful: she was very much in love with someone who would never give her a chance. It was a useless waste of time thinking about something that could never happen. Miranda was straight, famous, untouchable, and, in Andy's eyes, perfect. She was merely waiting for a new Mr. Priestly, and when that happened, Andy's hopes would be crushed once and for all. The thought of Miranda in someone else's arms caused more pain than she would admit, but the fear of rejection or professional retaliation was even worse, so she waited. Waited for something new. A new job, maybe even a new love - anything to take her mind off of her boss - and held out for the day she could leave Runway.

…

Nigel rolled his eyes as he was interrupted for the twentieth time since lunch. This time, it was Serena at his door, eager to greet him after returning from her vacation in Brazil. Even tired and anxious to finish the selection of images for Miranda, he smiled, welcoming his friend.

"Hi, Nigel, how are you?"

"Better now that you're back. You look wonderful! I trust you had a good time with your family?"

"Yes, it was great! We visited many interesting places. It's a pity Emily didn't come with me."

After kissing and hugging, she sat on his desk, already looking at the sketches in his hands.

"You can hardly blame Emily for not going with you." Nigel smiled and teased, "I would also think twice before taking one of Miranda's assistants away during these tumultuous days. I can easily imagine Emily coming back from a wonderful vacation, only to find a new girl already in her place."

Serena nodded in agreement. "Yes, you're right. What do you think is going on with Miranda? Everybody is so stressed around here. Well, even more so than usual."

Taking the sketches back, he stood and closed his glass office door. "I already shared my opinion with you."

A soft smile covered Serena's beautiful face. "C'mon, Nigel. How can you imagine that someone like Miranda wouldn't pursue another woman if she wanted? She can have anyone and if you want to know my opinion, Andy is already infatuated with her, which should make Miranda's efforts easier. I don't believe that anything would stop our boss if she were truly in love."

"I agree with you about Andy. I'm also sure Miranda is completely in love with our sweet friend, but I believe she can't figure out how to express her feelings. Think about it: Andy is her subordinate and so many things could go wrong if Miranda's feelings were not returned."

Serena thought for a moment, considering Nigel's words. "Maybe you're right. Miranda has a lot to lose."

Patting her shoulder, he offered her a mischievous grin. "Besides, I must say one thing: It's not true Miranda can have anyone. You and I are already hooked. I wouldn't leave my Doug for anyone and your eyes betray your feelings for Emily."

Blushing deep, the beautiful blonde murmured sadly, "True. But the object of my dreams doesn't even know I exist."

Nigel sat on his desk in front of her. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. Emily will realize her feelings soon; you must give her some time."

Serena took her bag and removed a small velvet case from it. "What if I can make things move along faster for both of us?"

He didn't understand until drew an exotic necklace from the case. "What is that? You intend to speed things up by giving Emily a tribal necklace?"

Looking in his eyes with a serious frown, she murmured, "You should be more respectful. This is a very powerful and ancient amulet that brings your soul mate to you."

Serena extended her hand, showing him the jewel. Looking closer, he was impressed by the beautiful pattern sculpted in jade. The gem was in the shape of a frog, with small inscriptions all over it.

"What do you have in mind? Are you so desperate that you believe in those things? Amulets and soul mates, really?"

Rolling her eyes, she stood, taking the necklace from his hands. Contemplating the object with reverence, she explained,

"Nigel, this is a Muiraquitã, a magic amulet given to me by a very powerful shaman from one of the Amazon tribes. According to legend, during traditional mating ceremonies a woman would give this amulet to her beloved. After the ceremony, they would be connected forever by true love. Nowadays, people believe if you give this to someone and that person is in your destiny, the magic will make it happen. The amulet will do whatever is necessary to bring the two soul mates together."

Suspicion covered his features. "What do you mean when you say 'whatever is necessary'?"

Serena smiled, raising an eyebrow. "Well, we're going to find out soon."

"Serena, this is a jade frog. It won't bring your destined mate to you. Wouldn't be easier if you just asked her out?"

Dismissing his skepticism, she took her purse to leave as he sat behind his desk again. "I want to see your face when it works and Emily comes to me, completely in love."

He couldn't contain a snort. "If a jade frog could attract love, I would offer one to a very irritated editor. Then she would have the courage to act upon her feelings and leave the rest of us alone and I would be the happiest man on earth."

Serena was already at the door when she replied, "Well, this one belongs to Emily and nobody else. If you want to give a Muiraquitã to Miranda, you find yourself one."

"Okay, crazy Brazilian, go on with your strange plan and leave me here with my problems. Can I work now?"

"Right, but don't be surprised if you see Emily jumping on me before the end of the day."

Leaving Nigel's office, Serena approached Miranda's sanctuary, looking for Emily. Surprised to see nobody around, she rounded the redhead's desk, thinking of ways to deliver the gift without creating any suspicion.

Still undecided about what to do, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway, followed by Andy and Miranda's voices. Hurriedly, she placed the necklace on the desk beside the keyboard. There, the first assistant would surely see the amulet and probably be curious about the gift and maybe, if Serena was lucky, even wear it.

When she had chosen the necklace, she was careful to pick a very delicate and beautiful piece that would attract Emily's exacting eyes. She would have to wear the amulet until she encountered Serena, so the blond woman wanted to be sure that the jewel would be fashionable despite being handmade. Knowing Emily so well, Serena was confident she would appreciate the gesture, even if she couldn't know where it came from.

According to the shaman, when the person who received the gift touched her destined mate, the magic would do whatever was necessary to bring them together and nothing in the world would be able to keep them apart.

The footsteps came closer, so she left the Muriaquitã in place and turned. Right at that moment Miranda entered, followed by Andy. Serena thought about explaining why she was alone in the office, but she was saved by Andrea's fierce hug.

"Serena, you're back! How was your trip?"

Over Andy's shoulder she could see Miranda looking directly at her, obviously annoyed by her presence, or perhaps, if Nigel was right, just furious about their embrace. Not intending to risk her job, Serena pulled back, releasing the brunette.

"I'm glad to be back. I really missed you guys. I have so much to tell you."

Andy offered her one of her brightest smiles. "That's great! We should go out one of these nights after work, so you can tell me everything about Brazil!"

At that, Miranda narrowed her eyes dangerously and cleared her throat.

"It's good to have you back Serena. I'm sure you have work to do after two weeks of absence. As you can see, Emily is not here. You were looking for her, weren't you?"

The tone was civil, but there was something behind it. Recognizing her cue to leave, Serena nodded.

"Actually, yes! I was wondering if we could have lunch together, but I couldn't find her anywhere. I will continue my search."

Andy picked up one of Serena's hands. "Don't forget about the drinks. I will invite Doug and Nigel too. It will be great."

Serena jerked back her hand as if she was burned, intimidated by the look in Miranda's eyes. With another silent nod, she found her way to the door, feeling Miranda's glare on her back.

If Serena could read Miranda's thoughts she would have realized how affected and jealous the editor was to see her second assistant offering her attention to anyone but her. Miranda was more frustrated than ever around the young woman, annoyed at her own reluctance to express her love.

Normally, she would be shocked to think about someone that she barely touched in those terms, but in this case, the truth was simple: she'd fallen in love with her sweet, young, and so beautiful assistant and had no idea how to solve this problem without risking her heart or career. Sometimes, she could almost swear her affections were reciprocated, but she wouldn't act upon her feelings, not until she was positive Andrea felt the same. So, until then, she waited. The hard part was to see other people look or touch what Miranda felt already belonged to her.

Turning again, she noted Andrea was looking curiously at something on Emily's desk.

"Oh, look at that! Serena was delivering a gift to Emily. Isn't that sweet?"

Miranda looked over Andy's shoulder at the jade necklace. "What an interesting accessory. Where did it come from?"

"Probably from Brazil. It appears to be handmade. Look at those intricate patterns."

Miranda picked up the jewel, turning it in her palm and examining it in wonder. "It's gorgeous indeed; so rustic and charming. This will be perfect in Runway's next issue."

Looking at Andrea, she approached. "Come here. Let me see how it looks on you."

Andy blushed when Miranda's soft arms encircled her neck to put the pendant in place. Miranda's face softened when she looked directly in Andy's eyes with a rare smile on her lips. "It is quite beautiful."

An unusual breeze passed through the room, causing them both to shiver. Miranda kept her hand on the amulet, touching Andy's skin when their eyes met, and for a moment, they seemed to understand something important but unfathomable. The connection was broken by the distant sound of a phone ringing and Emily running to answer it. Miranda blinked as if coming back from a dream.

"Andrea, find Serena. I want to know where she found this. Tell her I need a dozen of these necklaces for a shoot. I have some very interesting ideas."

Taking a deep breath, the brunette nodded and turned away from Miranda, who felt her absence almost immediately.

TBC

….