The Devil Wears Prada: Science of Fashion Part 9
Title: Science of Fashion (9/?)
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
9
“Emily!” Miranda’s soft voice was drifting into the outer office, causing the second Emily to nearly jump out of her skin. Whereas the real Emily merely rolled her eyes at her co-workers antics.
“Get a grip, would you!”
Hurrying into the inner sanctum that Miranda’s office Emily stopped before the editor’s desk, waiting patiently for whatever task Miranda was going to throw at her.
“Yes, Miranda?”
“Am I right to presume that Professor Sachs has confirmed her attendance of the Fashion Week.” Miranda asked without taking her eyes from the computer screen.
“Yes.”
“Good.” Leaning back in her chair Miranda looked over the rim of her reading glasses at her trusted assistant, not that she would ever admit that fact to the younger woman.
“Maybe I should ask her to come and watch a run-through beforehand. This would give her a better insight into my day to day work. What do you think?” Looking expectantly at Emily Miranda waited for her input. Knowing she had caught the British woman off-guard by the way her eyes where roaming to the left and to the right. Trying inconspicuous to find out if somebody else had entered the office without her realising it.
“Well?” Miranda finally prompted, still waiting for Emily to answer. The corners of her mouth were slightly turned upwards indicating only the smallest of a smile.
Pointing her index-finger at herself, Emily’s eyes turned wide with shock causing Miranda to roll her own in exasperation.
“Yes, yes, I am asking you. I understand that you two have formed some kind of friendship, or have you not?”
“No, I mean yes we have”, Emily finally blurted, having finally found her voice again.
“She speaks! Will wonders never cease?”
“Yes, well, about the run-through”, Emily stumbled on, “I think it’s a good idea.”
“I thought so as well. It’s settled then. Put me through to her office! That’s all!”
“Yes, Miranda!” Emily hurried out to her own desk, gratefully sinking into her chair, dialling the number of Andy’s office. When she had her on the line Emily put her through to Miranda and with a sigh she sank back in her chair. Silently wondering what that was all about. One could never tell with Miranda. The woman surely knew how to keep you on your toes. Thinking about Miranda’s intentions Emily suddenly had to smile. That could be interesting. Witnessing a run-through was the best way to convince Andy that Dragon Lady was a well earned name and Miranda certainly knew how to live up to it.
Sitting in her office on campus during a brake between two lectures Andy was having coffee with Pauline, chatting about everything and nothing in particular when the telephone rang.
“Sorry”, Andy apologised to her friend when she took the call. “Andrea Sachs.”
“Hello, Andrea”, Miranda’s warm voice put an involuntary grin on Andy’s face.
“Hi, Miranda! What pleasure do I owe your call?”
Chuckling at Andrea’s good-natured way Miranda felt uncertainty creeping up at her. Would witnessing a run-through change the younger woman’s perception? Would she agree with everybody else that she in essence was the cold hearted bitch everybody thought she was? Well, there was only one way to find out.
“I’m delighted that you accepted my invitation, Andrea.”
“The pleasure is all mine. I have never been to such an event before.”
“So you have said”, Miranda was slowly gathering her courage to ask Andrea what she initially wanted to ask. “I was wondering if you would like to come over to my office the other day and watch a run-through.”
“I beg your pardon?” Andy had no idea what the editor was talking about. She seldom had, fashion and producing a fashion magazine was a whole new world to the biologist.
“Its quite self explanatory, really, when you see it. It might give you an idea of my work. What do you say?” Without realising it, Miranda held her breath waiting for Andrea’s answer.
“Gladly, I’d be honoured.” Andy accepted without a second thought. “When do you want me to be there?”
“How about the day after tomorrow, let’s say at three in the afternoon?” Miranda suggested.
“Perfect. This is my afternoon off. I’ll be there. Good bye, Miranda!”
“Good bye, Andrea!”
Putting the receiver back on the cradle, Andy found Pauline expectantly looking at her with a certain glint in her eyes.
“What?”
“You are seeing her again?” Pauline was surprised.
“Yes, do you have a problem with that?”
“No, of course not”, Pauline assured her friend. “Just wondering. That’s all.”
“About what? We have become friends.” Feeling silly for having to defend her friendship with Miranda to her best friend.
“Uh-huh.”
“Look”, Andy sighed, “I like her. She is a funny, smart, witty, caring and an absolutely no-nonsense woman.”
“And beautiful, sexy as hell and, may I mention, single”, Pauline added.
“Not that again”, Andy groaned with a roll of her eyes. “We are friends and that is all that is to it. Why can’t you get that in your head?”
“Don’t tell me you don’t find her attractive?”
“We’ve already had that remember? Of course, I do. But that doesn’t mean I have to want more than she could give. Besides, the woman is straight.”
“So what? What the hell is wrong with you? Ever since that damn accident you seem to exist from your neck upwards.” Pauline was getting impatient and angry with Andy. Why she kept denying this attraction and tension between herself and the editor was beyond her.
“I am not. If you excuse me, I have to get ready for my next lecture.” Andy was closing herself off from her friend. Her tone and her body language were a clear sign that Pauline had gone too far this time.
“Andy, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...”
“It’s quite all right, really. I have to get my things together.”
“Okay”, Pauline sounded defeated, knowing she better left before things got out of hand.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you”, the physicist softly said from the door.
“I know”, Andy acknowledged, a look of forgiveness in her eyes.
“Lunch tomorrow at my office?” Pauline asked hopefully.
“Of course”, Andy agreed with a smile.
“Good. Bye!”
“Bye! You royal pain in the arse.” Andy accused.
“Yup, but you love me anyway.”
“Get out!”
Laughing heartily Pauline quickly left the office before a flying rubber could hit her in the head instead of the door.
At Mrs Moran’s questioning look Pauline merely shrugged her shoulders and laughed even harder when the secretary shook her head, muttering “Children!” under her breath.
When she entered the townhouse that evening Miranda heaved a sigh of relief, glad that her day was over and she could relax in the comfort of her home. The absence of pounding feet on the stairs painfully reminded her that the girls where at a sleep over at a friend’s house. She already missed them dearly, like she always did when she wasn’t greeted by their unconditional love and exuberance.
The soft sound of nails scratching over the hardboard floors lifted her spirit somewhat, though. Patricia came swaggering down the hall to greet her mistress with her usual goofy doggy grin.
“At least somebody is happy to see me after a horrible day”, Miranda gave Patricia a good scratching behind the ears, expertly avoiding a sloppy kiss from the huge dog.
“Yes girl, I love you too”, Miranda cooed, not in the least embarrassed. Not that she would ever admit it to anybody who wasn’t family, not even under threat of torture, but she did love that dog.
Just like with her daughters with Patricia she didn’t have to pretend. Either waking up with a sleep wrinkled face, wearing no make up or just launching in sloppy clothes on the couch, Patricia didn’t care.
Observing the exchange of loving gestures between dog and mistress from the kitchen door, Maria Carvalli shook her head. So much for the big bad Ice Queen. All it took was a stupid looking dog and Miranda Priestly turned into a mush-ball. Well, that and her daughters. Miranda the editor-in-chief could be a frightening sight to behold, Roy had assured her many times. Miranda the woman and mother on the other was something else. Roy knew that as well, which was one of the reasons her son was so fiercely loyal to the woman. It was also why Maria herself really liked Miranda and was nothing less loyal.
“When you are done kissing your dog hello you might say good evening to me as well, what to you say?” Maria gently teased from the kitchen door.
“Good evening, Maria”, Miranda smiled at her housekeeper, adviser and dear friend. “She misses the girls, just like I do. That warrants some extra scratching don’t you think?”
Rolling her eyes at her boss, Maria returned into the kitchen followed by a smirking Miranda and a content Patricia.
Perching on one of the stools at the breakfast bar Miranda leaned her head in her hands to watch Maria cook while Patricia flopped down at her feet with grunt and started to snore.
“Well?” Maria finally asked, knowing there was a reason why Miranda had joined her in the kitchen.
“Well what?” Miranda countered all innocence. Rolling her eyes again, Maria knew there was something her boss wanted to talk about and like always they had to play the 10 questions game. One would think that after all these years Miranda got tired of it, being impatient as she usually was. But that was just the way for her to gather her courage to talk about the important things.
Relenting to Miranda’s need, to prolong the way to the matter of the heart, Maria gave in with a sigh and played along.
“Is there something you want to talk about, Miranda?”
“Yes”, Miranda admitted without further delay.
“That was fast. Must be hellishly important.” Maria muttered surprised.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Nothing”, Maria coughed, “nothing. Go on !”
Sighing and putting her chin in her hand Miranda looked intently at the older woman before she continued.
“I asked Andrea to come to my office and watch a run-through. In order for her to get an idea how I work, how I make my decisions. The day after tomorrow, before the Fashion Week.”
“And?”
“And I’m afraid she might not like what she is going to see.” Miranda explained.
“Ah, the Dragon Lady at her best.” Maria guessed.
“So to speak.”
“I’m merely an uneducated Italian immigrant and maybe I’m wrong but being a university professor and a woman still takes a lot even nowadays, no?”
Thinking about Maria’s question Miranda had to admit there was some merit to it. Maybe Andrea understood her better than she gave her credit for? After all, she wasn’t put off after the shoot, was she?
“Yes, I suppose it does.” Miranda had to agree thoughtfully.
“See! The good Professor doesn’t strike me as one who is easily scared off”, Maria smirked at her employer.
“No, she isn’t”, Miranda laughed, scratching her chin thoughtfully.
“I thought so”, Maria walked over and put her hand over one of Miranda’s where it lay on the counter.
“Look, my friend, don’t think too much about it! Just show her what makes you the best and if she is anything like I believe she is, she will understand and this friendship of yours will strengthen only further.”
“Thank you, Maria.” Miranda smiled gratefully.
“You are welcome, boss. I like her, that Professor of yours. She is a tough one. Somehow I doubt she will let you get away with much.”
“You might be right”, Miranda nodded.
“Good for you!” Maria patted Miranda’s hand. “Now get out of my kitchen and take that hairy beast with you or there will be no dinner for you today!”
“Right.” Miranda laughed at her housekeeper’s antics, “You are the best! Come on, Patricia! You can keep me company while I take a look at the pictures of the shoot at the campus.”
“Yes, go! Both of you!” Shooing the strange couple out of her kitchen, Maria shook her head at the woman.
Dragon Lady, ha! Ice Queen, an even bigger ha! What did these people know? Nothing, absolutely nothing. Tough outer shell, nearly impenetrable. But an incredible soft core. That was the Miranda Maria knew and loved. Not many people made the effort to get past that shell to find the core. To find Miranda, the caring and loving woman, one had to accept Miranda the hard boiled, demanding and ruthless businesswoman. Her husbands never could, they always wanted her to be something she wasn’t and they certainly never tried to get past all the walls that Miranda had built around her exceptionally tender heart. The reward would be infinite love, a passionate heart and the most caring partner one could think of. Somehow Maria suspected the only person best suited for the task was a certain biologist. It was plain as day to the housekeeper that the two had a special chemistry between them. Maria could only hope that they realised it before it was too late. With a sigh Maria returned to her preparations for Miranda’s dinner.
On the afternoon of the arranged run-through on her way out Andy handed some notes to her secretary to copy them for her next seminar.
“I’m off then, Kate,” Andy took her cane from where it leaned against the desk, after shrugging into her suit jacket.
“Fine with me. What is it again you are supposed to watch today?”
“A run-through”, Andy answered with a frown. “And before you ask, no, I have no idea what it is.”
“Curious”, Kate shook her head.
“You can say that again. I’m quite certain that some of my ancestors have been run through by a sword but somehow I suspect that is not what Miranda meant.”
“I very much doubt it, dear”, Kate Moran laughed. “Although, knowing the woman’s reputation it is exactly what might happen.”
“Do you really think Miranda Priestly would need a sword for that?” Andy deadpanned.
“Honestly? No.”
“Neither do I. Her wit and sharp tongue will do nicely.”
“I don’t doubt it”, Kate agreed. Looking contemplatively at her boss she saw a gleam of excitement in those brown eyes. Interesting. Andy was enjoying this Kate was sure and what was even more interesting she really seemed to like the notorious difficult fashion queen.
“Well, have fun then!” Kate waved her good bye as Andy was getting on her way.
“Will do.”
Heaving a sigh when she got off the taxi in front of the Elias-Clarke building, Andy thought of her last visit to Runway. Too late now, Sachs! You can do this!
Fashion was a world beyond her comprehension. Her grandmother had tried, it had always been the older woman’s secret passion and still was. Andy’s was science. Maybe today and next week should would get a better understanding what it was all about. Miranda and her nonna shared the same passion. What a strange coincidence, come to think of it. Andy was certain they would like each other.
Stepping out of the elevator on the Runway floor Andy determinedly made her way towards Miranda’s office. She was half an hour early but she suspected the editor would appreciate it. Seeing Emily behind her desk forcefully attacking the keyboard of her computer Andy had to smile at her friend. The smile grew even lager when she heard Emily’s muttering under her breath `I love my job, I love my job´.
“Hey, Em!” Andy greeted jovially.
“I love my job!” Emily blurted in shook of Andy’s sudden appearance.
“Good for you”, Andy smirked with a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry! Hi, Andy!” Emily perceptively relaxed in her chair. “Rather early, aren’t you?”
“Quite so, I thought it would take me longer to get here. I hope Miranda doesn’t mind.”
“Miranda certainly does not mind”, the editor voice sounded clearly from where she stood in the doorway of her office. Smiling when Andrea and Emily slightly jumped at her voice.
“Not nice to scare a biologist Priestly! It might come back and hound you one day”, Andy playfully uttered.
“I count on it, Sachs.” Miranda replied with a daring smile.
“Mhm. It hits you when you least expect it. Consider yourself be warned!”
Looking in rapt fascination at the women’s banter Emily felt like she had been beamed into the twilight zone. Who was this woman and what had she done to Miranda? Could it be that the two were actually friends? Andy had suggested as much but Emily couldn’t imagine such a thing, not with Miranda. The editor had associates, admirers and acquaintances but no real friends. Yet here she was engaging in playful banter with Andy. Well, what was the phrase Miranda has recently used? Ah, yes. Will wonders never cease?
“Noted and accepted”, Miranda grinned. “Hello, Andrea!”
“Hello, Miranda”, Andy greeted with a smile of her own. “I hope you don’t mind that I’m early.”
“Not at all. Please do come in”, Miranda stepped back to allow Andy to enter and turned towards Emily. “Call them and tell them to be here in five minutes! That’s all!”
“Yes Miranda!” Emily breathed out, her hands already flying over her phone to get everybody here for the run-through.
What happened then for the next twenty minutes was the most astonishing thing Andy had ever witnessed. As soon as Miranda’s employees had entered her office with all kinds of clothes racks and accessories Andy had felt the atmosphere shift in the room. In the blink of an eye gone was Miranda the woman and friend to be replaced by Miranda the editor. Andy had never seen anything nearly as fascinating. How Miranda found the slightest flaw in the presentation and cutting to the matter of the heart without taking care of any sensitivity was a sight to behold.
Demanding the best from her employees and getting nothing short of perfection was the sole reason Miranda was the best in her job. That’s what made Runway the most prestigious magazine in the Elias-Clarke family, Andy could see that. She now had an even better understanding of Miranda’s work.
When all the people had left the office, crawling back to their safe haven to lick their wounds after having received heavy burns from the Dragon Lady’s fiery breath, the editor looked expectantly at Andy. This had been a major hallmark in their friendship. Would it change what Andrea thought about her? There was no time like the present to find out.
“That was the single most impressing thing I have ever seen”, Andy said slowly. “I had not idea what kind of details you had to take into account when deciding what gets into your magazine. But I am not sure if I can appreciate it properly.”
“Never mind, Andrea. You do understand though and I sincerely hope it doesn’t change what you think of me.” Miranda asked. A sudden uncertainty detectable in her tone.
“Of course, not.”
“Good.” Relieve was flooding Miranda’s system. “Now you probably can relate why they call me the names they do?”
“Yes and no.” Andy voted for honesty. “From the employee’s point of view it’s only understandable. Don’t get me wrong but that’s what people do. It’s their way of coping with being in the positions they are. As for everybody else, not really. If you were a man they would call you fierce and admire that you hold your own against any obstacle. They would slap you on the back and ask you out for a drink. But because you are a woman people tend to abhor the same qualities they admire in a man. It royally sucks but you don’t give a shit and that’s what makes you the best in this business.”
“Thank you”, was all Miranda could manage around the lump in her throat. “That is kind of you, Andrea.”
“Not at all, merely the truth.” Andy smiled at the older woman. “You said something about dinner before the whole show started?”
Laughing at Andrea’s attempt to lighten the mood and her self invitation Miranda felt more light- headed after Andrea’s words.
“I said no such thing but you are very welcome to join me and the girls for one of Maria’s miracles any time.”
“Gladly”, Andy accepted without a second thought.
“It’s settled then. Let’s say at seven at the townhouse?” Miranda suggested.
“Perfect.”
“See you at seven. Until then, Andrea.”
“Good bye, Miranda!”
Closing her day with a wonderful dinner at the Priestly townhouse and a lot of fun with the twins, much of it on Miranda’s account, Andy returned to her own apartment with the sudden need to call her grandmother to talk about the upcoming Fashion Week.
Waiting for her grandmother to answer the phone, Andy suddenly wondered if she should have waited to call her nonna.
“Maledetto! Do you have any idea what time it is? This better be something important”, her grandmother’s cranky voice flooded over the line.
“Sorry, nonna, I forgot about the time difference”, Andy cringed guilty.
“Andy, is that you?”
“Yes, sorry, maybe I should call later.”
“No! What is it? Has something happened?” There was worry in the older woman’s voice.
“Nothing happened.” Andy sighed, not sure how to broach the subject. “Well, I have been invited to New York Fashion Week and I accepted.”
“After all these years and my unsuccessful attempts to share my passion with you, you finally do it.”
“You know I’m a scientist”, Andy reminded her, “but all these people are scarier than any of the creatures in the animal kingdom.”
“Nonsense, cara mia”, her nonna sternly replied, “remember who you are, remember who your parents were and nothing can fathom you.”
“Well, sure, but you know these kind of gatherings have never been my cup of tea.”
“Oh, please! All these snobs, pretenders and pseudo-VIPs have nothing to you! You are an accomplished and distinguished academic and so much more. Put your head high, your shoulders back, remember who you are and it’s going to be a piece of cake.”
“I don’t know...”
“But I do. Believe me, cara mia!”
“Thank you, nonna”, Andy smiled at the woman’s words of encouragement.
“You are welcome, my darling. And I want to hear each and every little detail about it! So there is no escaping.”
“Of course, not.”
“Good. Now let me get back to sleep. I woman of my age can use any amount of beauty sleep she gets.”
“I love you, nonna. Bye!”
“I love you too, cara!”
Ending the phone call with a smile Andy finally got to bed. Her nonna was right there was nothing to be worried about. Andy was really looking forward to this new experience.
TBC