Chapter Text
Miranda Priestly noticed everything, she had an eye for detail, it was something she prided herself in. So when a new writer started covering articles about her at major events and not just gossip rags she noticed. ‘Andy Sachs’ was a name she seen more often than not when it came to articles about her. After the 5 year mark she noticed that these articles were often written by him, he obviously took his job seriously in Miranda’s mind because every article he wrote was flattering yet well written. Every assistant she had knew at this point that if it was written by Andy Sachs it was intended to hit her desk.
Emily had deposited a new article on her desk this morning, one about the benefit Gala she had the previous night. Miranda picked it up and looked over the article reading the flattering yet formal piece.
Miranda Priestly, seen in a stunning Prada dress. Raising funds for child cancer research foundation for the 7th year in a row. A woman of integrity who sets her free time aside often to benefit others and the community she has helped build. She is a prime example of New York City’s elite class that cares about her community and those around her. Many call her The Devil In Prada, but those who take time to look at the woman’s actions see that she is a deeply compassionate and caring individual. Cont. pg. 6
“Another flattering piece from him.” Miranda mumbled as she flipped to page 6 and continued to read. She set the newspaper aside and then called Emily into her office. “Emily, please come here.”
Emily arrived a few moments later and stood next to her desk with a note pad. “Yes Miranda?” Emily asked eagerly.
“The next benefit gala we have, I’d like to be introduced to Mr. Sachs.” Miranda demanded of Emily.
“Of course, I’ll make sure he is found by either myself or Grace.” Emily answered as she looked at Miranda and started writing that down in her notebook.
“That’s all.” Miranda said as she focused back on her computer, she had plenty of work to do and she couldn’t spend all day focused on a man who quite frankly was good at his job.
~
The first few Gala assignments The Mirror had assigned Andy sucked, she hated them. Then she was told to focus on Miranda Priestly and something changed. She started enjoying going to these events as press. She wasn’t necessarily a fan of Miranda Priestly, but she grew to admire the woman and how hard she worked for Runway and her community.
She was sitting at her desk working on an article for a charity event that had just passed when John walked over to her. “Heya Andy, I got an interesting phone call a moment ago.”
“Oh? You did?” Andy asked as she looked up at him. She had been at the Mirror for ten years. She liked to think she looked great for thirty-six, but the large grey streak that had shown up after a particularly stressful year reporting in politics wasn’t something that made her look young.
“One of Miranda Priestly’s secretary’s has requested you formally meet the woman at the next Gala.”
“Did I offend her?” Andy asked.
“I don’t think so, the high-strung young woman didn’t give me a chance to even correct her on the fact that you are a woman.” John told Andy.
“Ah. The most common problem for me.” Andy said with a chuckle. “When is the Gala?”
“Two months from now.” John answered as he looked at Andy.
“Perfect. I’ll start looking for something that’s this season if I have to meet The Miranda Priestly.” Andy said with a smirk. “Alright I gotta finish up this puff piece and get the 10 articles you handed me this morning edited.” Andy told him.
“Sucks being the junior editor doesn’t it?” John teased.
“It’d suck less if someone retired.” Andy teased back.
“I’ve got a couple good years left in me.” John joked knowing his retirement was right around the corner. Andy would be the editor of The Mirror by the end of the year and they both knew it.
“Get back to work.” Andy barked in a joking manner before she went back to writing her article.
~
Two Months Later.
Andy was wearing a pair of Louis Vuitton heels and a black Louis Vuitton pleat collar fitted dress. She made her way to the Gala with her press pass and flashed her pass as she walked up the stairs. A security guard flagged her down. “Are you Andy Sachs?” The man asked looking at The Mirror press pass.
“The one and only.” Andy answered as she pulled her ID out of her clutch and handed it to the man. She had expected this to happen with Miranda tonight, not a security guard but she was at least prepared.
“Ah alright, there’s a redhead waiting for you inside, her name is Emily. She’s expecting you. I recommend keeping that out.” The security guard suggested to Andy who just smiled at her.
“Thanks. Have a great night.” Andy said as she made her way up the stairs. She stepped inside to find a redhead checking press passes. Andy walks right over to her and smiled. Emily eyed her for a moment before she noticed The Mirror press pass hanging from Andy’s neck.
“Don’t tell me you are Andy Sachs?” Emily asked.
“Prepare to be disappointed.” Andy said as she pulled out her ID and handed it to Emily. She sighed and looked at the ID.
“Andrea? You go by Andy but your name is actually Andrea? Why?” Emily asked with a huff as she looked at the ID.
“It’s a man’s world kid, gotta play by their rules to get anywhere.” Andy told the young woman in front of her. She couldn’t be any older than twenty-two.
“If you say so. Stay here. I need to speak to Miranda.” Emily told Andy as she handed her ID back to her. Then Emily turned and rushed away.
Andy sighed and rolled her eyes before a photographer from The Mirror approached her. “Heya boss lady.” Nate greeted Andy excitedly.
“Hello Nate, make sure you get good photos, and none of me.” Andy demanded of the young man.
“Can do… So what are you doing after the event?” Nate asked in a tone that sounded almost eager.
“I’m going home to my cat. You, can do whatever you please after you drop the photos off at The Mirror.” Andy answered.
“I was wondering if you would-“ Nate started to ask.
“No whatever it is you are about to ask me. The answer is no.” Andy told him, and then Emily approached them.
“Miranda would still like to meet you Andrea. Please follow me.” Emily requested and Andy looked at her like she had just saved her from drowning. Emily then turned on her heel and walked away; Andy quickly followed the redhead. They walked through the wide open room to a door where Emily opened it and allowed Andy to step inside. “Wait here, Miranda will be with you shortly.” Emily instructed and then the door shut.
Andy didn’t have to wait too long before the door opened again. There, in all her glory, was standing The Miranda Priestly. Andy smiled brightly at her but waited for the woman to speak.
“I must say, for the last ten years I envisioned you to be a man. I am terribly sorry for that grievance…” Miranda apologized as she looked Andy up and down. “I refuse to call you that name now that I know you are a woman though. So please inform me, what is your actual name?”
“It’s not the first time it’s happened and it won’t be the last. Andrea. Andrea Sachs.” Andy answered as she looked over at Miranda, she felt nervousness bubble up.
“Andréa.” No one had ever said her name like that before, it felt like a song was being sung, not her name being spoken. “Now that’s a name that suits you.” Miranda complimented.
“Thank you.” Andy said sincerely, because for the first time in her life she genuinely believed Andrea sounded better than Andy ever had in that moment.
“It makes sense now. How I always found your articles about me appealing, they never felt disingenuous or overly flattering.” Miranda muses more to herself than Andy as she walks closer to the woman in front of her.
“I never wanted to sexualize you or worse vilify you. You do so much for the community of New York as a whole and every rag mag in the city has a target on your back. I decided to take my platform and use it for good, and if my readers happen to think I’m a man in the process good for me. People trust a man’s opinion more than a woman’s anyway.” Andy told Miranda.
“For some reason individual’s do tend to prefer the male perspective.” Miranda said with a sneer. “Tell me though, how come you are still stuck working events like this? You’ve been writing pieces about me for ten years. Surely you’ve climbed the ladder somewhat?” Miranda questioned as she stopped three feet away from the woman in front of her.
“In the beginning I was stuck working events like this. Now I do it because I enjoy it. Though this will be my last one. At the end of the year my position will change from Junior Editor to Editor when John retires. The paperwork has been filled out, now it’s just a waiting game.” Andy told Miranda honestly, it felt like they were talking shop, which technically they were.
“Ah quite the achievement for someone your age. Though this Mallen streak has me questioning exactly how old you actually are.” Miranda said as she reached up and gently brushed the gray streak away from Andy’s forehead.
“I’m thirty-six, and it’s a hard earned stress induced one. I learned very quickly political reporting was not for me four years ago.” Andy answered.
“Be prepared for more to show. Running a magazine or paper will not be easy.” Miranda warned her.
“Maybe, but hopefully I just made a friend that I can lament to after a long days work over a stiff drink?” Andy asked Miranda.
“I think that sounds lovely, I’d love to make more time for you tonight Andréa, I would. But I have to make an appearance and I’m already past my usual fifteen minutes late appearance. Tonight, meet me after?” Miranda asked with a soft genuine smile.
“Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.” Andy told Miranda who handed her a business card. Four Seasons Bar. 9:30. Sharp.
“See you then Andréa.” Miranda said before she turned and left the room. Andy made her way back to the press area where Nate was waiting for her, he seemed like a lost puppy who didn’t understand that she preferred cats. With an eye roll she walked right past him.
“Andy what was-“
“Listen, Nate I’m sure you are great. But I need you to learn how to be professional. We are working, please act like it. I’m not interested in you, or dating you. I thought I’d made that abundantly clear the last six times you’ve tried to ask me out.” She said cutting him off and turning to face him, his face fell instantly. Like he had never been rejected before.
“I just…”
“Nate, you are what? 21? For Christ sake your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed. Go find a nice young girl to flirt with.” Andy told him before she walked away.
~
Three hours later Andy was sitting in The Four Seasons bar waiting for Miranda. She had arrived around 9:15 p.m. and was nursing a manhattan when Miranda walked into the room. A silence fell over the room as she made her way toward Andy. She sat down next to her, still in her gorgeous Balenciaga dress.
“Lovely to see you again Miranda.” Andy greeted the woman.
“You as well Andréa, did you enjoy the benefit?” Miranda asked politely as she set her clutch down.
“I did, though I am going to have to fire someone on Monday.” Andy told Miranda honestly before she lifted her drink and took a sip.
“Comes with the territory I suppose, what grievance did they commit?” Miranda asked as the bartender approached with her drink and set it down. Whiskey on the rocks.
“He hasn’t gotten the hint that I am not interested in dating him. Every event we work together he asks me out for drinks, or lunch, or dinner afterwords and I’ve told him no multiple times. Apparently it’s too difficult for his primitive pea brain to understand. So I’m just going to fire him, I can find another photographer easily.” Andy explained.
“Is he handsome? Dumb but good looking can be beneficial sometimes.” Miranda told Andy.
“Unfortunately for me dumb but good looking doesn’t do anything for me. But neither do men in general.” Andy answered.
“Ah, I see. So you are a lesbian I take it?” Miranda asked.
“Yes. One that has been much happier ever since she figured that out about herself.” Andy answered, then she polished off her drink and raised it to show the bartender she’d like another.
“Good. I like a woman who knows who she is.” Miranda complimented, then added. “Though my husband hates that I still call myself bisexual.”
“Why? You picked him over every single eligible bachelor and bachelorette? That’s a hell of a compliment.” Andy offered to Miranda as the bartender placed another drink down in front of her. “Thank you.”
“Hunter… Hunter hates it because I refuse to bring another person into the bedroom. He heard bisexual and assumed that I’d just be alright with him bringing home another woman for us to ‘play with’ his words not mine.” Miranda told her.
“Gross.” Andy answered.
“Agreed.”
They sat in silence for a long moment before Andy turned and looked at Miranda. “Can I make an educated guess without insulting you?”
“Go right ahead.” Miranda answered.
“He wanted to bring someone much younger home didn’t he?” Andy asked quietly.
“It was like looking at a child.” Miranda answered with a grimace.
“Do I even want to ask how old she was?” Andy questioned in a concerned tone.
“19, almost 20 I think? It was a few months ago.” Miranda answered as she looked at Andy.
“In the nicest way possible. Gross.” Andy told Miranda before she took another sip of her drink.
“Agreed. I will confess, I did half entertain the idea of cheating on him with you when I thought you were a man. I know he’s been cheating with her for a while now, any moment he will grow tired of me and file for divorce.” Miranda said honestly as she looked at her slow melting ice cube in her glass before she took a sip of her drink. Andy waited patiently “But I realize I have better morals than that and could never cheat on him even if he’s already doing it to me.”
“You’d have to work a whole lot harder to get into my pants anyway. I’m a difficult case and find it hard to just jump into bed with someone. Probably why I’ve been single for so long. Women want you to have sex with them after the first date and I just can’t. I need to know things about you, care about you, before I can be intimate with someone.” Andy answered and Miranda turned in her seat so that she was facing Andy.
“That’s called being a romantic I think.” Miranda flirted as she looked at Andy. “And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the reassurance.” Andy told Miranda before she looked back to her drink. “I’d really like to be your friend Miranda, I think it would be a benefit to us both. Professionally speaking.”
“I’d like that as well Andréa. So tell me a little about yourself? I feel like you know more about me than I do you.” Miranda requested.
“I’m thirty-six, I live in Manhattan, I have a flame point Siamese cat named Sapphire but I call her Saffie or Fire most of the time. I work way more than I probably should, and my favorite flowers are lillie’s.” Andy answered Miranda before she looked at her with a smile. “I know what you present to the public, but I don’t really know much about you. So your turn.” Andy told Miranda.
“I’m forty-five, I also live in Manhattan, currently I don’t have any pets, but I do have a set of three year old twins at home that cause more stress than I ever thought possible. I also work more than I probably should and I hate freesias.” Miranda told Andy.
“Why?” Andy asked.
“Why what?” Miranda asked.
“Why do you hate freesias?”
“They are my mother-in-law’s favorite flower, she insisted my entire wedding be filled to the brim with them. I hated my wedding day for that reason alone. She refused to listen to me…maybe that should’ve been a sign. But it is what it is.” Miranda told Andy before turning to face the bar again.
“I’m sorry. That’s extremely disrespectful.” Andy apologized.
“It was 5 years ago. I just can’t stand looking at those flowers now.” Miranda told Andy honestly.
“Understandable.” Andy told Miranda, then a phone started ringing in one of their clutches. Both women scrambled to grab their bags and Miranda realized it was her phone ringing. She looked at the caller ID to see that it was their nanny calling.
She quickly answered it. “Hello, Cara is everything alright?”
“Hunter is not home yet and I was wondering when you’d return. The girls want a parent to tuck them in, not me.” Cara said into the phone.
“I’ll be home shortly. I’m sorry they are being difficult.” Miranda told Cara.
“Thank you.” Cara said appreciatively before Miranda hung up and paged Roy. Then she looked over at Andy with a sad smile. “I hate to cut this short but my husband is not home yet and our children are demanding one of us. They refuse to go down for the nanny sometimes I swear.” Miranda apologized.
“It’s fine, let me get your number or give you mine?” Andy asked as she eyed the phone in her hand.
Miranda handed her the phone. “Put your number in and call yourself while I pay my tab.” Andy dialed herself while Miranda waved down the bartender.
“I’ll pay for your drink.” Andy told Miranda as she handed her phone back to her. “You can get the next one.”
“Very well. I’ll call you sometime this week.” Miranda said as she stood up. “Thank you for the lovely conversation Andréa have a lovely night.”
“Have a lovely night.” Andy said with a smile as Miranda got up and collected her things. The bartender came over a few moments later and Andy paid for their drinks before she headed home herself.