Work Text:
Andrea Sachs did not expect this at all. Not today, at the very least.
"Excuse me! Coming through! Sorry!"
She hurriedly ran and passed through one person to another in the crowded street of New York City with the Starbucks and shopping bags in both of her hands. God knew how tremendously panicked she was. She never anticipated that today she would be a little bit late because of a hangover. Much to her dismay, she did not even plan that she would be drinking all night in that damned bar. Now that she did, she prayed to every possible deity that crossed her mind so that Miranda would be late running to her office. She could not afford to see Miranda witness her coffee is somehow not on her desk yet nor hearing her morning reprimand.
When she finally took a step in the Elias-Clarke building, she took a quick glance at her environment. The office situation was still somehow airy and the staff was still chatting as if there was nothing to rush. Witnessing the miracle, she took a huge exhalation of pent-up breath and mental pressure, thanking whoever deity had answered her prayer.
She took an elevator up to the 26th floor where Miranda's office was located. After she had arrived at the designated floor, she saw Emily who looked at her in disbelief.
"Bloody Jesus! Where have you been?!" Emily stood up from her desk and hissed.
"Long story." Andrea shrugged the woman off, "I need to deliver these to Miranda's desk." She rushed to Miranda's office.
"Hold that thought! You are practically late! She left five minutes ago and, God! God knew I could not stand her speech complaining about her coffee!" The redhead said while staring at the brunette viciously.
Andrea stood frozen exactly in front of Miranda's desk upon hearing that. She shut her eyes.
Great, just great.
She walked to her own desk and sat down. She read through the editor-in-chief schedule on her computer until she found something that piqued her interest.
The Avara Ballroom – 19.30.
A train of thought rushed through her brain. Ballroom? What occasion? Party? Why is it unspecified?
She shook her head immediately. It was none of her business to know what Miranda would do at such a place. She took a sip of the coffee which was intended to give to Miranda and took a deep breath after that.
Her hands crawled on her desk to find her pen and a strange envelope accidentally dropped from her desk. She inspected it and widened her eyes when she found her name written on Miranda's cursive font. She opened the envelope and found a letter in it.
Ask Nigel to coordinate your dress for the ballroom. This time, I do not tolerate any excuse to be late.
Andrea rubbed her eyes in disbelief and read the letter all over again.
What is going on?
"No, not this one. Definitely not."
Nigel's right hand threw the white dress away after putting it in front of Andrea's chest while his other hand browsed through the dress. Andrea curiously stared at Nigel through the closet mirror.
"Nige, why do you think Miranda wants me to come with her to the ballroom?"
Nigel glanced at Andrea and arched his left eyebrow briefly. He then continued to find the dress.
"Well Six, if there's something I know wisely, that would be no one can exactly read what is going on inside that silver head." He sighed when he said that, then moved his left finger side to side to Andrea face when she was about to say another word, "uh-uh, not even me."
"I don't know. It happened all of the sudden! I have no slightest clue about what she will do there! There was no description of the event when I went through her schedule! I–I think she is going to dance with her ex-husb–"
"No, there will be no Stephen, that's for sure." He finally picked a dress after a long time browsing and put it in front of Andrea. "There. Perfect." He gives the dress a chef's kiss. "I knew Valentino would suit you like a glove. Now be a good girl and try it on." He threw the dress to Andrea.
It took several minutes for Andrea to fully get dressed. Upon seeing Andrea go back with the dress, Nigel looked at Andrea with proud eyes. Andrea's mouth even dropped when she looked at her wearing the black, strapless dress from the mirror. It captured her body perfectly and showed her shoulder in the most mesmerising way she had ever imagined. The dress was not exactly daring, but it simply had an elegant sense that made her could not help but shiver by looking at her own reflection.
"Et voilà !" He clapped his hand and shook Andrea's soul forcefully to get back to her body. "Miranda would be enchanted! Now for the shoes.." Nigel rushed to the shoes section and browsed there.
Although Andrea wanted to roll her eyes at the fact that she had never seen the editor genuinely smile at her nor enchanted as Nigel put it, a smile rose from her lips instead. Her fingers then traced through the soft black silk. As she succumbed to the sense, she imagined if..
if Miranda skin would feel anything like this.
She shook her head, forcing that innuendo image to get out of her brain. She exhaled. She did not know why, but her gut feeling somehow sensed that tonight would be special.
That tonight, somehow, would be different.
"Nigel."
"What?"
"Thank you." Andrea muttered softly.
A gentle smile was drawn on Nigel's lips upon hearing that.
Arriving at the hall, Andrea felt the hairs on her neck standing in anticipation of everything that was going to happen tonight, and more specifically Miranda. Her heart started beating faster as she heard the music being played softly and her palms began to perspire nervously. As much as she tried to calm herself, she could not shake those emotions completely.
When she entered the ballroom, it seemed surprisingly empty. Despite that, the ballroom looked exquisite. The lights were dimmed and the chandeliers were twinkling. The music was beautiful. The decoration was elegant and gorgeous, but in a more modern, minimalist way. The colors of the place were light. Nothing seemed too heavy and everything was simple yet elegant. Her eyes scanned through the area from above once again, but didn't notice any single body attending just yet. But again, why would not anybody be there? Nobody would refuse an invitation from Miranda, unless...
Oh.
Her mind slowly connected a lot of dots.
Oh god.
But it couldn't be it, could it? Even in Andrea's wildest dream, she could not bring herself to imagine why Miranda would reserve the whole ballroom just for themselves. If anything, that would be very uncharacteristically of Miranda to do anything like this. Or, maybe Miranda wanted her to be there to plan the next event with her at this venue. Yes, that must be it.
Or maybe, Miranda wanted her to dance with her.
Andrea mentally chuckled, trying to make light of things and forget the weird assumptions and anxiety she felt. It could not be far fetched from the work stuff, she thought.
As she made her way descending down the stair to the centre of the ballroom, her eyes found Miranda.
She looked beautiful.
Andrea's heart beat so fast that she was almost dizzy. In all honesty, Miranda had been dressing like an absolute goddess tonight. She was stunning with her black dress hugging her slim, elegant figure beautifully and complimented her complexion which was enhanced by the dark make up which accentuated her beautiful features perfectly.
For some reason she was not able to look away.
At first she could not believe her eyes and that was how long she stood rooted to the ground in shock. Suddenly, Miranda's beautiful blue eyes locked with hers. They were shining brightly in the dimness of the room; they pierced into her eyes and held them captive.
"Pray tell, Andrea. Have you planned all your way here to just idle and stare?" Miranda asked mockingly with raised eyebrows.
Andrea's eyes widened at the words and shook her head. Her mind was still processing what had just happened. And her eyes were still glued to Miranda in front of her.
She swallowed heavily.
"N-no, Miranda. Wait a second, I'll be there."
She made her way from the stairs toward Miranda who was waiting for Andrea at the foot of it. When Andrea got near Miranda, she noticed the scent of sandalwood and jasmine perfume emanating from Miranda. It felt soothing and warm to her senses and, just like before, she could not pull her gaze away from Miranda.
Miranda raised her eyebrow once more. Andrea blinked quickly, cleared her throat, and looked anywhere but Miranda.
"Uh, sorry," Andrea said nervously. "Um, you look beautiful, Miranda."
Miranda nodded her head lightly and turned around slightly. She took two steps away from Andrea and glanced throughout the room.
"Regardless of what happened this morning, at the very least you managed to make me not disappointed by your rather–let's say–on-time arrival tonight." She said calmly without looking towards Andrea. Her voice sounded as cold as a frozen lake.
"I'm so sorry, Miranda. I was–"
"No, no. That was not a question." Miranda interrupted Andrea quietly. She was silent for a moment. Then she sighed, closed her eyes and said with a sigh, "I should have known better than to expect you to arrive fifteen minutes before the schedule."
Andrea remained silent. She knew better than to defend her ground due to her clumsiness. Miranda had every right to scold her, especially due to her performance today. If she was unlucky enough, Miranda would fire her effectively in this very place despite not being at her office at all. She bit her lower lip in nervousness.
A minute passed and the silence remained. Miranda decided to break it.
"Do you know why you are here?"
Andrea shook her head. Miranda looked to the ceiling and sighed before taking a breath. She stared at Andrea. Her blue eyes pierced through the younger girl's soul. It made Andrea feel uneasy, but she did not look away. After what seemed like an eternity, Miranda spoke again.
"Well, you see," Miranda paused, hesitating, "I have not danced for a while now. Ever since.." Miranda paused again, but soon finished her sentence with a whisper, "...since my divorce." Miranda paused once again, "...so, it occurs to me that you could somehow assist me with some warm-ups. That's if you want to." She said it as simply as possible.
Andrea could only look blankly at her. Her heart skipped a beat. Miranda was supposed to be demanding, intimidating and demanding in every aspect. Why? What changed? Was she alright? Maybe. Andrea did not dare to ask any questions to her now, and it definitely did not occur to her that Miranda might actually demand–no, cross that–ask her to help her dancing.
"Uhm, uhm yes. Of course, Miranda."
Miranda took her hands gently and led her in the dance. Andrea was intoxicated with the scent that the older woman was emitting. The way her skin glowed and how she moved. Her eyes, a deep shade of blue, looked like stars in the sky. The brunette felt her heart beat faster, her palms sweating from her fear. She had imagined and wanted this. More than anything else. Also, for the first time Andrea realized how fragile, thin, and vulnerable Miranda really was. She always seemed strong and fearless, but tonight Andrea saw her showing something other than that. When she looked deeply into Miranda's eyes, she swore that Miranda's eyes held genuine emotion. There was so much warmth, compassion and care hidden inside it.
This was also the first time Andrea felt Miranda's soft touch. It was infinitely better than the fabric she was using.
Suddenly, Andrea felt Miranda's hands move along her shoulders and rest on her neck.
Andrea slowly lifted one arm and placed it around Miranda's waist to support her. This gesture seemed to give Miranda quite a shock. Andrea looked at her surprised face and saw the older woman's face turning redder by the second. Was she too bold? Miranda did not seem to mind though. She leaned back against Andrea slowly, letting her go after a short few seconds to grab her hand tightly and pull her closer to her. The two of them swayed lightly to the melody and kept their eyes fixed on each other as if neither could look away from the other. However, she found herself shivering in the arms of Miranda while dancing. Miranda seemed to notice as well.
"Just follow my lead."
Andrea did as Miranda instructed. Her heartbeat quickened. Her breathing sped up. But she followed Miranda's lead. Her eyes never left Miranda's eyes. She wondered if perhaps Miranda wanted to have this dance with someone else for this dance instead? But Miranda hadn't given any sort of indication that she wanted anyone else in particular. So, did it mean that Miranda was doing this for her? Did she want her to be the one to do all of the dance moves? Or maybe, this is what Miranda had intended all along. She was such a strange woman. Andrea could barely keep her composure when she realised that she had no idea what Miranda's intentions were behind this strange dance of theirs.
As she observed Miranda's beautiful blue eyes following her every movement, she wondered where that feeling originated in her. She had never seen her behave like this before. Miranda was usually always so arrogant and confident; even when they were alone at her office or her study, she used to act as if nothing in the world could bother her. But now she behaved differently towards her.
Miranda was so... tender... gentle... caring… Her mind suddenly wandered to what Miranda would think if she knew that Andrea thought that she was beautiful like this. Andrea wondered: Did Miranda even notice that she was admiring her all along? She hoped not. Otherwise, her thoughts and feelings would surely be written all over her face. Even she herself could not explain the intensity of her feelings for Miranda.
But then again, she had already started this strange dance of theirs before. And she liked it. She enjoyed being close to Miranda. Maybe she should stop analysing it and just enjoy it for once. She would never know when she would have such an intimate moment with this woman again after this.
Her mind went back to reality, as the music stopped playing.
They both broke eye contact after a few seconds and smiled. They were both out of breath and slightly panting.
"Um... You know, I don't mean to sound rude, but..." Andrea paused for a moment, taking several deep breaths in order to compose herself. She then continued, "why do I need to assist you to dance?"
It was evident that Andrea had not meant to ask the question, but she was curious to know the answer. After all, it was obvious that Miranda was a good dancer. Even though she needed help–especially from one of her lowly assistants–she knew that Miranda was capable of handling everything by herself. But, to hear her say that, Andrea couldn't help but feel curious.
Miranda inhaled deeply.
"Years of practicing and honing this were not easy on my part. As you've probably realized by now, my feet tend to get stiff easily. The credit for that, of course, goes to my age. Therefore, it has been quite a while since I have performed this dance. I am a little rusty and I have also been practicing nonstop for several days in a row." She sighed, her gaze softening as she stared at the floor before her. "As such, I need some assistance from my assistant–you–tonight if I wish to perform the dance well for the occasion." Miranda explained briefly, her face then was calm.
Andrea nodded silently. She understood Miranda's reasoning perfectly. Andrea did not want to admit that she felt insecure and uncomfortable because of the fact that she did not know how to dance well, especially knowing the extent of Miranda's skills.
"So, um, but why exactly are we having this dance anyway? With me. In this empty ballroom. I mean, except for the practice stuf–" she bit her tongue, "part."
"Hmm..." Miranda hummed as she pondered her words carefully. She raised an eyebrow, smirked and replied, "I suppose it was either I taught you to dance, or you taught yourself to dance, isn't that right? In which case, you should teach me."
Andrea raised an eyebrow as well, thinking that this remark was not entirely appropriate. Nevertheless, she found herself smiling. Miranda, of course, was joking. And Miranda's jokes weren't so bad. Not that she would ever admit that.
Miranda walked over to Andrea, placing her hands on the brunette's hips, and pulled her closer.
"Come now, Andrea. Do enlighten me, why are I would have this dance with you, in this empty ballroom, despite the practice," Miranda inhaled deeply, "stuff?"
Another silence.
"Well?" Miranda pressed a bit harder.
Andrea closed her eyes, and took a long breath before opening them and speaking, looking Miranda straight in the eyes as she spoke, "Because, maybe... perhaps... that you wanted to dance together."
There was another prolonged silence between them. A silence that felt to Andrea lasted for eternity before the next song played out and Andrea decided that Miranda wasn't going to answer. Andrea turned her head away from Miranda's face.
"...and?" Miranda inquired.
"Nothing. Nothing at all. I am sorry I asked."
"Don't apologize." Miranda insisted. She slowly wrapped her fingers around Andrea's wrist, gently pulling her away and brought them in a circle around her neck.
Miranda was not a particularly big dancer. She danced fairly simple and elegant dances. Andrea, however, could tell very well that Miranda could have done many more complicated steps. She loved it. It felt intimate, safe, warm and comfortable. She wanted to hold onto this feeling forever.
The song ended and Miranda quickly released her hand from Andrea. She stepped aside to create some distance between them.
"Let's call it a night." Miranda said, her voice sounding like usual.
Miranda started walking towards the door, but before she reached it, she stopped abruptly and spun around to face Andrea again who was still not moving upon her leave. Miranda's gaze, somehow, was unguarded. And vulnerable. And she smiled at her, a small, almost shy smile, but a genuine one nonetheless.
"Will you dance with me again sometime?"
Andrea stood rooted to the ground. Was Miranda serious? Why did she even ask this? What if she didn't really want to? There was so much going through her mind at that moment that she didn't know what to do. Miranda was staring at her. She noticed Miranda staring at her. Did Miranda even know that she was nervous right now? That she was terrified of messing up? Of disappointing her? Of letting Miranda down? Of ruining Miranda's whole evening? Of screwing everything up by making an idiot out of herself?
Instead of answering, she kept her mouth shut and looked to the ground.
Upon receiving no response from her, Miranda's lips returned to a thin line and her gaze turned cold. She began walking towards the door.
As much as she wanted to remain still, Andrea could not stop the force that pull herself herself towards Miranda. She caught up to Miranda quickly and grabbed her wrist tightly. She glanced into Miranda's eyes. The butterflies were beginning to return full force. Andrea could see Miranda's breath coming in short gasps. The sight of Miranda's beauty, standing directly before her, her heart pounding in her chest and palms sweaty and tingling, gave her strength.
"Andrea." Miranda whispered quietly, her voice was laced with desire.
Andrea pulled her waist and leaned forward slowly, their faces inches away. She hesitated for a moment, looking Miranda deep in her darkened blue eyes, looking for any indication of refusal but she did not find any. For a moment, there was only silence between the two of them.
Andrea slowly let go of Miranda's wrist and cupped her cheek with her other hand. Her thumb caressed Miranda's lower lip, and she watched her visceral reaction. Miranda' mouth parted slightly and her breath quickened slightly.
Suddenly, without knowing what she was doing, Andrea pressed her lips firmly against Miranda's. Miranda gasped slightly at first. She seemed surprised, but quickly melted into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around Andrea's waist and pulled her body closer to hers. Her fingers moved slowly up Andrea's back. The brunette moaned softly against Miranda's mouth as they kissed and she felt a sudden desire to bury her fingers in Miranda's silver hair, to pull her even closer to her body.
The kiss slowly became deeper and more passionate. Miranda pushed Andrea against the wall, deepening the kiss. Suddenly, Andrea's hands moved from Miranda's cheeks to her waist, and she pulled Miranda even closer to her and hugged her tightly. Their bodies were pressed against each other so close that they could feel each other's breaths on their skin. They pulled apart slightly and gazed deeply into each other's eyes.
"So," Miranda tried to catch her breath, "may I take that as a yes?" Miranda spoke in a shaky whisper.
Andrea felt hot. Everything about Miranda, from the look in her eyes to the touch of her lips made her dizzy. Her heart was racing and she felt giddy inside.
But that's what being attracted to someone means. All she could think of was the way her body was responding to Miranda's touch.
"Yes." She leaned forward, kissing Miranda again.
And they cherished every moment of it.
-fin-