The Devil Wears Prada: Science of Fashion Part 22

[vicar_dibley]

Title: Science of Fashion (22/?)

Author: vicar_dibley

Fandom: The Devil Wears Prada

Pairing: Andy/Miranda AU

Rating: G (for now)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from The Devil Wears Prada
Author's note: English isn't my first language, this hasn't been beta'd so forgive me. The mistakes (language wise and otherwise) are all mine. This is my first DWP fan fiction. Hope you like it:) Comments are welcome!

Summary: It’s an alternative universe, Andy is about 35 and Miranda is 50. In my story Andy is not cheery.

Science of Fashion

22

Sophia had been overjoyed when the twins had asked her if they could call her nonna. The way they had greeted Andy had been everything she needed to know. Those little girls adored her granddaughter and Andy felt the same for them. Miranda and her daughters were what Andy needed and Andy was what they needed. It was plain as day to the Contessa that the women were a perfect match. Shaking her head at the memory of yesterday Sophia had to agree with Bridget, to have two more redheads in the family was not only about bloody time. It was equally time to see Andy in love and being loved again and it was heart warming for the old woman.

She had every intention to not only make Miranda Priestly feel welcome but also to present her to their friends as her granddaughter´s new partner. On her way to Andy´s room Sophia thought about how to convince Andy that this was the best way to make it clear among their social circle for the future, knowing how the woman despised such gatherings.

Hoping to catch Andy before breakfast Sophia made her way to her granddaughter´s room to talk about her idea. The Contessa knocked softly and opened the door carefully. Catching her breath at the scene before her the older woman stood stock still, a lump forming in her throat. She hadn´t expected this and the sweetness of the scene brought tears to her eyes. Each redheaded girl was lying sound asleep nearly on top of an equally asleep adult. Dark brown hair was mingled with silver and their hands were touching on top of the covers. They each had a content smile on their face, blissfully unaware of the intruder. Sophia covered her mouth with her hand to slip undetected from the room. She closed the door as quietly as possible and leaned against the door to wipe at her face.

It was silly, really. She shouldn´t be crying, she just couldn´t help it. They were too precious. A happy smile was forming on her face and she welcomed it, glad that her little Andy had found what she had been looking for. Miranda Priestly was not only what Andy wanted she was definitely what Andy needed.

The click of the closing door brought Andy to full wakefulness, she opened her eyes only to find two pools of blue gazing at her.

“Morning”, Andy whispered to not wake the girls.

“Good morning, darling”, Miranda´s hand tightened her hold on Andy´s.

“Did you sleep well, love?”

“Quite so”, Miranda smiled with a look at the red haired girl on her chest. “They enjoyed their slumber party.”

“It seems so”, Andy smirked gazing at the other girl, sound asleep on her shoulder. “What about you? I didn´t mean to be presumptuous.”

“You weren´t”, Miranda soothed her worries, knowing that Andrea had every intention of doing the right thing. Easing out from under her daughter Miranda got out of bed and put on her robe.

“I´m going to my room to get ready for breakfast.”

“Should we wake them?”

“No, let them sleep. I´ll see you downstairs.” The editor put her knee on the bed, leaned over her slumbering daughter and kissed Andy briefly on the lips before she left.

Looking at the closed door for a minute Andy finally did the same as Miranda, careful not to wake the girls she got up to start the day.

After she had showered and dressed, Andy returned to her bedroom, only to stop at the foot of the bed to look with fondness at two little redheads still sound asleep. She walked to the side of the bed and sat down at the edge contemplating the turns her life had taken in the last few months. With a gentle hand she brushed the hair from Caroline´s forehead, smiling when the girl leaned into the touch in her sleep. Yes, those turns had definitely been good ones. Without making too much noise Andy slipped from the room, leaving the girls to their dreams.

Sophia was already seated at the breakfast table when Andy entered. She kissed her grandmother´s cheek and got her own breakfast. A few minutes later Miranda joined them taking her place next to Andy, wondering what was on Sophia´s mind as she smiled warmly at them.

“In case you were wondering what happened to Emily”, Sophia said with a knowing grin, “she and Bridget went riding.”

“That´s fine”, Miranda said off-handedly, “she does need some time to relax as somebody had pointed out to me a while ago.”

A warm hand covered the older woman´s one and squeezed gently. Looking at the owner of the hand Miranda was stunned at the emotion she found in those doe-brown eyes. It rendered her speechless and a swarm of butterflies was suddenly taking flight in her belly.

The soft clearing of a throat brought them back to the present.

“Sorry to interrupt your moment”, Sophia said mischievously, causing them to blush nicely. “But I was pondering the idea of a little get together to introduce Miranda to our friends and everybody else worth knowing.”

“Nonna, do you have to...”, Andy started to object but was stopped by Sophia´s raised hand.

“I know, cara mia”, Sophia tried to make Andy see her reasons, “you both need time to yourself and with the girls. But I promised myself, I wouldn´t repeat the mistake I made when you and Sarah became a couple.”

Andy remembered very well what had happened back then. Most of her so called peers were terrible hypocrites and the first time she and her late wife had made an appearance in that circle they had treated Sarah like an outcast. She knew Miranda could hold her own, being more experienced than Sarah was but still. She knew how cutting and mean those people could be and the last thing she wanted was for the woman she loved to endure this spite. They needed the family to show their support and build a solid front, to send the message that Miranda and the girls were an integral part of this family. Things like these could never be done too soon.

“Don´t worry”, the Contessa said, knowing what Andy was thinking, “they´ll be here. The party will take place on Thursday. Enough time for everybody to arrive and to take care of the preparations.”

“Miranda?” Andy would call a stop to it if Miranda indicated the slightest unease or displeasure about this unexpected surprise.

“It will be all right, darling”, Miranda assured her, “there is nothing they can do or say I probably haven´t heard before.”

“Yes, well, but that doesn´t mean you have to...”

“Darling, I appreciate your concern but you really don´t have to worry”, Miranda tried to settle her fears, fully aware that Andrea wanted to spare her any unpleasantness while she was there. “I can be the Dragon Lady any time, if that´s what they want.”

“I know you can”, Andy sighed, “but that doesn´t mean I have to like it when you are forced to be. I wanted you to have a wonderful time and to be able to just be Miranda for a change.”

“I have, thanks to you“, Miranda gave the fingers of Andrea´s hand a reassuring squeeze, “but I also know what Sophia is trying to do and it´s perfectly fine with me.”

“All right”, Andy finally relented, “but if you change your mind and even only five minutes before that damn thing, you say the word and it´s over.”

“I will. I promise.”

After this was settled they continued with their breakfast which was as relaxed as ever and even more so when the girls finally joined them, already showered and dressed and ready to explore. Soon enough Sophia excused herself to talk to her assistant to get things on track for the upcoming event.

Andy and Miranda took the girls an a tour through the outdoors, showing them the park, the stables, the pond where they fed the ducks and taking a walk through the surrounding fields and woods before lunch. The girls were delighted to spend so much time with their mother and Andy. They loved the fact that they could roam free without caring about the dangers of cars, the press or other unpleasant people. When they finally discovered Andy´s old, but well maintained tree-house, happiness was perfect. Reminding them to be careful, the adults found a cosy spot under a tree a few feet away where they could keep an eye on the girls and enjoy their closeness.

The women sat on a fallen tree trunk, turned into a makeshift bench, with Andy´s back against another tree and Miranda between her legs, leaning back into the younger woman´s chest and her hands lightly on Andy´s jeans covered thighs. Andy covered the hands on her thighs with her own, entwining their fingers. She briefly closed her eyes when she inhaled the scent of Miranda´s shampoo.

“You comfortable?” The brunette whispered into the delicate ear next to her mouth.

“Perfect”, Miranda sighed, leaning her head on Andrea´s shoulder. Smiling when she felt soft lips on her temple.

Miranda watched her daughters deeply engrossed in their play in the tree-house, having the time of their life. She still couldn´t believe that she had found Andrea and what was more that she had to become a woman of 50 to experience such love. This was, without a doubt, what she had been waiting for all her life. She hadn´t lied to Andrea when she had said that she was having a wonderful time and that she was just Miranda. She always was when she was with the younger woman. With everybody else in her life it has always been an effort, with Andrea it was the easiest thing. But what was even more compelling was the fact that Andrea didn´t resent her when she had to be the Editor-in-chief or worse the Dragon Lady. Andrea just knew, she understood. Yes, for the first time in her life, Miranda Priestly, was completely and irrevocably in love.

“Are you asleep”, Andrea´s voice roused her from her musings.

“No, just thinking”, Miranda confessed.

“Good thoughts I hope.”

“Wonderful, happy thoughts.”

Andy looked at the girls when she heard them giggle and waved at them. It wasn´t every day that they saw their mother so content and relaxed in somebody´s arms. But with Andy it just seemed right, it didn´t feel awkward or strange.

“Do you think they like it here?” Andy asked worriedly, causing Miranda to sit up and turn to look into those soulful brown eyes.

“Darling”, Miranda put her hand against Andy´s left cheek, “they absolutely adore it. I´ve seldom seen them this carefree and happy. It´s a special gift I have to thank you for.”

“No, you don´t”, Andy disagreed, covering Miranda´s hand with her own and kissing the palm, “I just wanted for the three of you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.”

“We do.”

When it was time to return to the house for lunch the twins only reluctantly climbed down the tree wrestling the promise from the women that they would return again. Bridget and Emily were back from their ride and Sophia was happy to announce that everything was running smoothly for the party. The girls were digging into their food with gusto after a morning of fun and play outdoors.

“Hey, Em it´s not nice to have been replaced as your riding partner so soon”, Andy couldn´t resist to tease the woman.

“Well, uhm, I´m sorry but Sophia said you wouldn´t be up any time soon and Bridget offered to accompany me and I thought...”, Emily hastened to apologise.

“Relax Emily”, Andy laughed at the English woman, “it´s fine with me. Did you have a nice time?”

“Yes.” Emily blushed and suddenly found her food quite interesting.

“What about you, Andy?” Bridget came to Emily´s rescue and diverted the attention.

“It had been great actually”, the brunette answered with a happy smile.

“Glad to hear. What about you girls, are you up for another adventure of exploration? Let´s say the attic?”

“Cool! May we mom?” Cassidy asked eagerly.

Unsure if she could burden Bridget with the care of her daughters but not wanting to spoil their fun Miranda didn´t know what to say. When she felt a warm hand giving her thigh a reassuring squeeze she nodded her assent.

“Of course, baby. Promise me to be good.”

“Promise!” Caroline agreed for them both.

“What about you English, you up to it?” Bridget smiled at Emily, hoping she would come along.

“Uhm, I don´t know, Miranda might need me”, Emily hesitated, sparing a pleasing glance at her boss.

“Oh, please”, Miranda rolled her eyes at Emily´s pathetic look, “I´m quite capable without you, you know. Go on and have some fun, we all know you can use it.”

“Thank you”, Emily gulped, wondering what had happened to her boss. Andy was definitely good for her.

Armed with torches after lunch, the girls with Bridget and Emily set off towards the stairs to the top of the house on their quest to find out what else was in store for them. Sophia had asked Miranda to join her in her study to talk about the two designers they had visited the other day, since there had been no time so far to exchange their impressions.

Andy decided to head for her grandfather´s and actually since his death her study to work on some articles and notes for the new semester.

This morning events and Miranda´s heartfelt words kept running through her head while she was trying to concentrate on her work. After Sarah´s death she thought she couldn´t love again and if she could there would be nobody who would love her in return. Everything had changed when she met Miranda though. How could she not have fallen in love with the older woman? She was beautiful, sexy, sophisticated, intelligent, warm and loving. The way she walked, talked and looked at her with those gorgeous pools of blue made Andy´s heart beat faster every time she was near her. Yes, she was head over heels, utterly and madly in love with Miranda Priestly.

Still smiling after her fruitful conversation with Sophia, Miranda was seeking out Andrea in her grandfather´s study. Knocking softly she didn´t wait for an answer but entered to find Andrea deeply in thought in front of her laptop. Concentration lines edged between her brows.

“Care for some distraction?” The editor asked as she walked over to the desk, edging a hip against the top.

“Always if it´s you”, Andy leaned back in her chair looking up at the silver haired beauty.

“Good. How about some coffee or tea? I´m sure Sophia could use one as well.”

“Sounds great”, Andy took the outstretched hand grabbing her cane from where it was propped against the desk and got up with a slight grunt.

“Darling?” Miranda was instantly worried at the sound and the contortion of Andrea´s face.

“I´m fine, love”, Andy tried to diffuse the woman´s worry, but was not quite successful by the look on her face. “Just a little stiff from this morning´s walking and sitting too long afterwards. No need to worry.”

By the look on her face, even though she tried to conceal it, Miranda knew it was more than just a little stiffness. Her leg must be bothering Andrea and trying to disguise it wouldn´t do. Especially if they were in a relationship. This was something meant to share, wasn´t it? Andrea was holding back, she knew. She felt it in every touch and every kiss. It wasn´t just the fact that they had agreed to take it slow, there was more to it. Miranda also knew that Andrea felt extremely insecure about her body´s limitations. They would have to work through it one after the other, sooner or later. Miranda was the epitome of impatience but when it came to Andrea it seemed her patience was endless. Andrea desired her she didn´t doubt it for she could see it clearly in the younger woman´s eyes. A feeling that was completely mutual, all she had to do was convince Andrea of it. She also had her inadequacies for crying out loud. How could she not? At the age of 50 her body wasn´t as firm as it had been, no amount of training could deny it. Her scar of the Caesarian and her sacking breasts were visible signs of being a mother. Andrea had already seen her without her makeup, she had seen the lines in the corner of her eyes, those on her forehead, around her mouth and on her throat but hadn´t seemed to mind. But being completely naked in front of a woman 15 years her junior was something completely different. They would make it work together Miranda was certain, everything else was out of the question. Their love for each other would help them along.

Sophia met them in the drawing room, coffee and tea already waiting for them. Miranda and Andy took a seat next to each other on a comfortable sofa. The Contessa poured each their own beverage and handed them the cups. Meeting her grandmother´s sparkling eyes Andy was suddenly struck by a thought that has been nagging her in the back of her mind ever since lunch.

“Nonna, I wonder why you told Emily that I wouldn´t be up soon?”

“Well”, Sophia had the grace to blush, an occurrence unheard of, “I meant to talk to you about the party before breakfast. When I came to your room I found you were not alone.”

“Oh”, Andy said wide eyed, wondering why her grandmother blushed it wasn´t as if she caught them in a delicate situation.

“Yes, well, I felt like the intruder I was”, Sophia explained. “It was a very personal moment and I had no right to barge in like that. I apologise.”

“That is quite all right”, Miranda put her fears to rest, “Andrea and the girls had been very insistent for us to spend the night in this huge bed. And I have to admit I couldn´t resist three sets of puppy dog eyes.”

“I know what you mean”, Sophia laughed at Miranda´s mock disgusted sigh at herself. “They are just too adorable.”

“Indeed. Even those strange looking pajama trousers.” Miranda shook her head with wonder.

“Hey”, Andy swatted her arm playfully, “they are not strange. Just so you know, Miss Fashion Queen these trousers are my colours.”

“I don´t understand”, Miranda was confused.

“Every clan has it´s own tartan and my pajama bottoms are made of my tartan. Being a Dutchess and all.”

“I see. I´m sorry. They looked actually quite cute in combination with your Paddington Bear t-shirt.”

“Thank you”, Andy mumbled now blushing herself. She was spared more embarrassment when the door to the drawing room flew open, revealing four very dirty but happy explorers.

“Hey”, Andy greeted them laughing, “weren´t the four of you supposed to be red haired?”

“Well, thank you for sweeping the attic. It saves George quite some work”, Sophia added with a grin.

Every objection Miranda had to the state of her daughter´s clothes, face and hair died on her lips when she saw their happy smiles.

“Off you o then”, she said instead with a warm smile, “take a shower and get clean clothes. And when you find my daughters somewhere underneath there tell them to join us for some cocoa.

“Okay, mom.” “Love you!” They shouted before racing to their room to do as they were told.

“And what are you two waiting for”, Miranda looked sternly at Emily and Bridget.

“Go! Take a shower and dress yourself like human beings before you join us again”, Miranda sniffed haughtily.

“Yes, Miranda.” “Yes, ma´am.” Both grown-up redheads swallowed, bumping into each other in their hasty retreat.

After the door closed behind them Sophia and Andy couldn´t hold it any longer, they burst out laughing hard at their frightened faces.

The rest of the day was spent with a few games of Activity, where not only Emily but also the twins showed a certain talent for pantomime. It was a lot of fun and even Miranda found herself enjoying the game. At the end of dinner the girls became more and more silent, showing signs of exhaustion after a day full of exciting activities. When they had finished their dessert Miranda send them up to their room to get ready for bed and surprisingly enough they did so without a word of protest. A clear indication how beaten they were.

Miranda climbed the stairs to her daughters´ room alone, knowing that Andrea wanted to give her some time alone with them before she joined her to tuck them in. She entered their room and found already in bed, whispering and giggling.

“Hey, babies”, Miranda sat down on the edge of the bed, kissing both their foreheads.

“Hi, mommy”, Caroline smiled at her mother.

“Did you two have a good day?”

“It was fantastic”, Cassidy chimed in, “the best thing was the tree-house.”

“Yup”, her sister agreed readily.

“I´m glad”, Miranda brushed the hair from each girl´s forehead.

“We love you, mom”, Cassidy suddenly said, feeling the need to tell her mother.

“I love you too”, Miranda hugged them both tightly.

The soft clearing of a throat announced Andy´s presence. She was leaning against the door frame watching the girls hugging their mother. Feeling a lump in her throat and a distinct sting in her eyes.

“Andy!”

“Hey there”, she pushed from the door and sat on the other side of the bed, “ready to go to sleep?”

“Yeah”, the little redheads snuggled under the covers and waited for Andy and their mother to tuck it in around them.

With a kiss to their cheeks and a warm good night, the adults left them to their room and closed the door softly.

“I thought I´d call it a day myself”, Andy said outside the girls´ room.

“Are you all right?” Miranda asked worriedly.

“Yes. Just tired”, Andy reassured her.

Not quite trusting her voice at the moment, Miranda took a step towards Andrea and put her arms around the younger woman´s neck holding her tightly. Revelling in the softness and warmth of the brunette´s body. Sensing Miranda´s need to be held Andy put her free arm around the editor´s back pulling her impossibly closer. They fit together perfectly. The feeling of Miranda´s breasts pressing against her own, the warm breath against her neck, Andy had trouble keeping her desire in check. Miranda didn´t help when she drew back enough to capture Andy´s full lips in a passionate kiss. When it was becoming too much for them Miranda gentled the kiss to soothe the desire they both felt simmering just beneath the surface.

“Wow”, Andy breathed as she leaned her forehead against Miranda´s.

“Wow, indeed”, Miranda agreed.

“Where did that come from?”

“Just to let you know how much you are wanted”, the older woman said huskily.

“This goes both ways”, Andy whispered.

“Good to know”, Miranda pecked her on the lips before she let go of Andrea. “Good night, darling.”

“Night.” Andy watched Miranda disappear into her room, shaking her head at the woman´s sexy sway of her hips.

Live was indeed good again for one Andrea Sachs.

TBC