Chapter Text
The rays from the sun slowly invited themself into Miranda’s apartment, lighting up the cold and dark space. A deep breath escaped Miranda’s plush lips as she ran a hand over her outfit, taming any wrinkles or creases that dared to show up.
See, it would be Miranda’s first real job interview after her difficult decision to drop out of college. Miranda had never grown up wealthy and so finding ways to afford college was difficult and she simply couldn’t keep up with their demands any longer.
Her dream was to work for a major magazine, specifically to be the Editor in Chief of somewhere like Vogue or Runway, but the amount of money she possessed got in the way of that.
She went to college for journalism, to prepare her for the hardships that came with such an important job, only to have to drop out not even one semester into her sophomore year. It was one of the most difficult decisions she had to make in her lifetime, that and leaving home to tackle this dream in the first place.
Miranda knew that running away from home to pursue something greater would be challenging, and though she was strong sometimes she truly did contemplate going back home and throwing this ridiculous dream out of the window.
But she persisted, she wouldn’t let a few inconveniences get in the way of living the life she wanted. The life she deserved.
Her interview was with Andrea Sachs' first assistant, Miranda didn’t bother remembering her name as she knew she’d be reminded the second she met the girl. The interview was for the role of 2nd assistant. She wasn’t too set on being an assistant, let alone an assistant to Andrea Sachs who was the Editor in Chief of Runway. She much preferred having a bigger role in the fashion industry but she supposed that she would have to settle for this until she was able to climb the ranks. How tiresome.
Miranda stared at herself in the mirror, taking one last good look at her outfit. Her white, short sleeved button-up wrapped tightly around her torso, accentuating her curves while her tight, black pencil skirt perfectly complimented her hips. She wore simple black heels and pantyhose to complete the look. It wasn’t much, nothing in her closet was designer, but she felt confident enough to take on whatever today brought to her.
She took one last deep breath before tying her gorgeous honey blonde hair into a pony tail and heading out into the streets of New York City.
Her shoes gently clicked and clacked all through the Elias-Clark marble lobby, along with the many other women passing through, as Miranda made her way to the security desk, acquiring a guest key card, letting her into the true walls of Elias-Clark.
She rode the elevator up to Runway’s floor, she wasn’t too thrilled that she had to share an elevator with so many other people. If she were being honest with herself she was feeling quite claustrophobic, the stuffiness that accumulated when sharing elevators with others was an uncomfortable feeling for her. She absolutely hated it.
It didn’t help that the majority of the girls around her wore strictly designer clothing, in a place where Miranda was supposed to feel in her element she only felt like a black sheep.
The elevator dinged when it reached the floor that Runway resided on, she immediately stepped out, not wanting to waste another second in that terrible elevator.
She walked up to the receptionist, straightening her back and shoulders. “I have an interview for the position of Andréa Sachs’ second assistant.”
A girl appeared not even a second after those words left Miranda’s mouth, “Miranda Priestly?” She confirmed before stepping forward and holding out her hand for Miranda to shake. “My name is Minerva, Minerva Parker.”
Miranda squinted her eyes slightly, staring Minerva up and down in an analytic way, she could sense that the girl in front of her stiffened up anxiously at Miranda’s gaze. Miranda rolled her eyes before taking Minerva’s hand into her own, shaking it gently.
Minerva hair was jet-black and ended just below her shoulders, her hair was pin straight with bangs that ended just above her straight and sharp eyebrows. Her outfit complimented her hair, it being just as black.
“Follow me,” Minerva spun around, her heels continuously clicking on the floor before the two women ended up in what seemed to be the outside of Andrea’s office space with the two assistant desks being placed right outside of it.
Miranda’s blue eyes quickly caught sight of Andrea in action, speaking to - who Miranda presumed to be - a male colleague.
Andrea’s hair was a gorgeous color of brown with very minimal strands of gray hairs that went down to her midback, with a soft fringe that ever so slightly covered her eyebrows, though they were still barely visible. Despite the gray hairs she looked so very youthful, her gorgeous smile only exemplifying that.
She wore a simple beige turtle neck, with loose black dress pants, paired with sleek black heels. Though it was simple, it was also classy and very put together.
“Oh! Minerva,” Andrea said while spinning her head to get a clear view of the two women that stood only a few feet away from her. “Sorry, are you in the middle of interviewing her?”
“We haven’t started yet,” Minerva reassured.
Miranda’s eyes squinted and her brows furrowed in confusion, she didn’t understand the need for pleasantries. At the end of the day, Andrea was Minerva’s boss, she didn’t need to apologize for simply calling out the girl's name. It made no sense in Miranda’s eyes.
Andrea wore a pleasant smile on her face. “Oh, well if that’s the case why don’t you bring her in. I can do it myself.” She shooed the random man away as she invited Miranda in.
Minerva nodded, clearly a little surprised at Andrea’s willingness to take over the interview, she quickly led Miranda into the room, closing the large glass doors behind the honey-blonde girl.
Miranda stepped into Andrea’s office, her resume folded neatly in her hand before handing it to the taller woman. Andrea’s deep brown eyes glazed over Miranda’s neatly typed out resume.
“My name is Miranda Priestly.” Miranda highly doubted a woman as busy as Andrea Sachs would know her name from the sea of girls desperately wanting this position.
“I know, darling.” Darling? “Miranda is a gorgeous name.” Andrea smiled, more like smirked, at Miranda. “I’m sure you know already but I’m Andrea Sachs, but I go by Andy.”
Andy? What a ridiculous nickname. Miranda chose not to dwell on it, much like many other things Andrea has done in the short amount of time they’ve been speaking to each other.
“It’s wonderful to meet you in person, Andréa Sachs.” Miranda held out her hand for Andrea to shake.
Andrea did just that and shook Miranda’s hand with a sense of confidence that intrigued Miranda. “Oo… Andréa, what a fancy way of saying it, but there’s no need to be so formal. Here at Runway we all work together to produce something magical, you can just call me Andy.”
Andrea sat down at her desk. She held her hand out and gestured to the two seats that were placed in front of her desk, silently asking for Miranda to sit down. Miranda did as she was told and sat in front of Andrea’s desk, crossing one leg over the other while her hands neatly placed in her lap.
“Why do you want to work at Runway?” Andrea quickly placed the question onto her.
Miranda honestly had no idea how to answer this question without it sounding like some sort of sob story, she had no intention of opening up to anyone here at Runway or really any other place for that matter. She was desperate and in need of money, that was the truth.
Miranda guessed she was glaring at the woman like she had insulted her entire bloodline because she responded quickly to the silence that took over the office space, “Uhm..” Andrea stumbled over her words trying to find a suitable alternative for the question, “what do you like about Runway that brought you here?”
Ah, that made more sense. “It’s simple really, just like everyone else here I have an interest in fashion.” Miranda stated matter-of-factly.
Andrea held her welcoming smile though there was a hint of unsurety, to be quite frank, that scared Miranda. “Miranda, though that is true, I need you to be a little bit more specific.”
Miranda took a deep breath, she was irritated easily but she had enough self control to know this wasn’t the place for that.
Miranda stared at the woman before her blankly. “And what exactly do you want me to be specific about?” She was asking a question, though she really didn’t need clarification.
Andrea hesitantly opened her mouth to speak before shutting it and opening it up again, “I suppose I mean what about fashion do you like and why do you like it?”
She supposed she should really be ‘selling herself’ so she continued, “I have been into fashion since I was a little girl. Fashion has truly meant so much to me in all aspects, and to me it isn’t just simply wearing clothes. It’s much more than that, it’s art and self expression.” Miranda paused to moisten her lips before continuing, “and I feel as if my goal in life is to get people to understand that. Being able to work around it really is a dream of mine. Though, I know the job of assistant isn’t necessarily a part of being in the creative process, still, being able to just be around it is enough for me.”
Miranda knew it wasn't a lot but it was a lot in her mind, sharing so many details about her feelings towards the topic since she was young. It’s the most she’s ever shared with anyone before, and all so she could score a lousy job position. How pathetic, she thought.
A soft chuckle escaped Andrea’s lips. “Something tells me simply being around it isn’t enough for you, but I’ll settle with what I was given.”
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
An unknown woman barged into Andrea’s office, seemingly in a panic, placing many different papers in front of her. “I have those photos you asked for, as well as the color swatches for each outfit.”
Andrea’s face ever so slightly contorted into a look of annoyance but it was clear she didn’t have the heart to show too much of her irritation as she stood up from her seat to talk to the woman.
Miranda simply didn’t have the patience to wait for this to be over, it was clear Andrea didn’t have a strong enough back bone to tell this random woman off. It made her wonder why the woman even came in with such a frightened look as Andrea seemed as if she couldn’t even hurt a fly, even if she desperately wanted to. How did Andrea even manage to get a job as demanding as this one?
Miranda got up from her seat, pushing her hand over her outfit to smooth out any folds. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
Miranda turned on her heel and began marching out the door, heading towards that dreadful elevator. Her pale hand pressed itself against the button that would call the elevator to take her out of this place, but before it could even start moving towards the Runway floor she heard a loud and honestly quite irritating noise. She turned around to investigate only to see Minerva running after her.
“Wait! Miranda!” The girl stood in front of her, Minerva’s bangs slightly ruffled from her running. “You’re hired, congratulations!” Minerva clasped her hands together, smiling cheerfully. “I’ll message you the details, oh! And you start Tuesday.”
Miranda was slightly surprised but chose not to show it on her face, after a small beat of silence she finally spoke. “Thank you.” Immediately after she heard the ding from the elevator and she quickly turned on her heel and left.
“You got the job? Congratulations, Miranda!” Nigel cheered as he raised his glass of champagne for a toast.
Nigel and Miranda had been friends for quite some time, in fact, he was Miranda’s first friend since she moved to New York or, she guessed, he was her first friend ever. She appreciated his company ever since the two met at an art museum, he spoke to her first, of course, and they hit it off pretty well. So here they were, at a bar together after Nigel had told Miranda that the second she was finished with their interview they would meet up for drinks.
Miranda looked away shyly - which was quite uncharacteristic of her, she’s not the shy type - before giving in and clinking her wine glass to his champagne glass. “It’s really not that big of a deal, I’m just an assistant. It’s not like I’m Editor in Chief or anything.”
“But you’re one step closer to becoming one.” He smiled optimistically, “So, what is she like?”
Miranda furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. “What is who like? You have to be more specific Nigel, I can’t solve your riddles.” She threw her hands in the air in annoyance as she rolled her eyes.
“Oh come on, what is Andrea Sachs like? I heard she can be pretty scary when she wants to be.”
Miranda rolled her eyes once more, she guessed she'd be doing a lot of that tonight. Nights with Nigel always called for it. “Oh please, she wouldn’t hurt a fly. I doubt she’s ever raised her voice at anyone.” Mirand crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair.
Nigel added, “You’ve never raised your voice at anyone and yet you’re pretty scary.”
Miranda scoffed, “I don’t believe I count, Andréa cares far too much about how others perceive her to be mean or stand her ground. At least, that’s what I gathered in my short amount of time with her.” Miranda shrugged her shoulders, placing the cold glass to her lips as she took a sip of her cheap wine. She had always wished she could dine somewhere fancy.
“Well, just wait for Tuesday, I’m sure your impression of her will change.”
“And I’m not too sure you’re right.”
Nigel nudged her arm playfully. “Your analyses are usually on the dot, but trust me on this one.”
“In all of our time being together you’ve never given me a reason to trust you, but oh well.”
Tuesday came a lot quicker than Miranda had expected, she was up and ready by 6am but knew she didn’t have to be there till 7am and she wasn’t the type to simply just sit around and do nothing so she made her way to the Elias-Clark building.
After getting her permanent pass from security she made her way to the elevator and up to Runway’s floor. The elevator was quiet and empty, just like Miranda liked it. She had a feeling by the time it reached 7am it wouldn’t be this nice and quiet anymore.
She made a mental note to always get here early just to have a moment of peace and quiet.
She walked through the halls of Runway, there were only a few people there - no more than 5 - probably also planning on getting a head start for today. She didn’t pay much or really any mind to them.
When she finally reached the room she would spend most of her time in she noticed a particular brown haired woman sitting at her desk. Miranda stopped in her tracks and looked at her watch, the Elias-Clark building was practically empty, it was only about 6:20am and Andrea wasn’t supposed to be in the office till 8am so what could she possibly be doing here so early?
She supposed she had been staring for a long time because Andrea lifted her head up from her desk, making direct eye contact with Miranda. “Oh! Hi Miranda.” She leapt from her chair and quickly made her way over to Miranda. “Did Minerva not tell you? You don’t have to be here for another thirty minutes.”
Before Miranda could stop herself she snapped back, “I could say the same to you, you’re not needed in the office for another hour and a half.” It was less of what she said and more of how she said it. Miranda’s tone came off as agitated, which she was, but she knew she shouldn’t speak to her boss that way.
Andrea visibly hesitated at the sudden switch in attitude but chose to ignore it, a light chuckle escaping her lips. “I guess you’re right.” Andrea shrugged her shoulders before making her way back to her desk, leaning on the side of it. “Well, while you’re here might as well make yourself a little useful and get me some coffee from Starbucks. I’d like an iced caramel macchiato with a little breakfast sandwich on the side.”
A breakfast sandwich, from Starbucks? Might as well just pick up a meat mountain from Arby’s.
Just as Miranda was about to turn around and make her journey through the Elias-Clark building once more Andrea began speaking again, “Oh, and get Minerva a cake pop and you can get a little something for yourself as well. Put it on Runway’s account.”
Miranda nodded her head slightly as she walked out, this time not being interrupted by Andrea giving her a list of things to order.
By the time Miranda got back to the office it was almost 7am, meaning Minerva was meant to come in soon and show Miranda the ropes. Miranda balanced the many coffees and treats in one hand while carrying many bags of designer clothing in the other - Andrea had called her on her trip for coffee to grab them on her way - she could honestly feel her fingers start to go numb.
“You’re back!” Andrea shot out of her chair once more, rushing over to help Miranda with the many items she was carrying.
Miranda simply didn’t understand Andrea’s joy every time she saw her, the two have only just met and they’ve barely exchanged any words with one another.
“Of course I’m back, did you expect me to book a flight to Uruguay?” Miranda questioned sarcastically.
A small pout was placed on Andrea’s beautifully plush lips, “I guess you’re right.” She took the many bags out of Miranda’s grasp, letting her fingers breath for the first time in what felt like forever.
“You…” Miranda paused, the next word lingering in the air, “guess?”
Andrea tilted her head to the side, quite confused by Mirand’s random burst of hostility, though it didn’t stay for long as a challenging, almost evil, look of amusement was plastered onto her face. “I guess you’re right.” She repeated slyly.
“Your outfit is super cute by the way.” Andrea smiled at her as she pushed her own hair out of her face, her bangs quickly falling back into place. Andrea’s motto, fight bitterness with kindness.
Miranda ran her free hand over her outfit, she wore a gorgeously fitted, white, long-sleeved button-up that had the top three buttons undone, paired with a simple black pencil skirt that ended just below her knees, as well as a pair of white heels to compliment the top.
Though the outfit itself was quite simple it was still nice, besides, Miranda didn’t exactly have the money to spend on the true extravagant outfits she wanted to wear.
Andrea placed the numerous bags onto the floor before then taking the coffee and treats over to their respective desks - placing her coffee and breakfast sandwich onto her desk, Miranda’s coffee onto Miranda’s desk, and Minerva’s cake pop onto Minerva’s desk.
Miranda let out a shaky breath, she wasn’t entirely sure if Andrea was being honest with her words or if it were a dig at her lack of designer clothing. “Thank you.” Miranda’s tone was blunt and sharp, drawing out the ‘th’ as if she was unsure of her own words leaving her mouth. She pursed her lips while studying Andrea’s true intentions.
Andrea’s face contorted into what seemed like confusion before quickly shaping itself into shock. “No! I didn’t mean it like that!” She explained. “I really do think your outfit is cute, uhm…” She paused, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips before continuing, “Runway has a closet with tons of clothing, you can borrow any of them during your time here. Only if you’d like to, of course.”
Miranda quirked her eyebrows up ever so slightly, surprised by the invitation. She quickly composed herself, “Where is this closet you speak of?”
It was visibly obvious how much Andrea’s face brightened at the question, Andrea took hold of Miranda’s hand and began walking in an unknown direction. Miranda wasn’t entirely sure what to make of sudden physical touch but she dared not to say anything, something about her enjoyed the feeling of Andrea’s soft palm against hers. The way Andrea’s fingers curled around her own, it was… electrifying, she thought.
What in the world is she thinking? She must be going mad.
Miranda frowned at the sudden loss of contact as Andrea unhooked her hands from Miranda’s to open the tall twin doors in front of her, her ocean eyes making their way to Andrea’s brown ones.
“Sorry, did you not like me holding your hand? I won't do it again if that’s the case.” Andrea completely misinterpreted Miranda’s frown, but Miranda wouldn’t dare tell her that she actually enjoyed it so she stayed silent.
Andrea turned her back to Miranda after not getting an answer, leading her into the grand closet that laid in front of them. “This is the closet, borrow whatever you need whenever. You can take a few things home when you’re finished working today.”
Miranda’s eyes lit up at the sheer amount of clothes at her disposal, she blinked a few times to compose herself, she never enjoyed it when people could read her like a book so she learned to mask her feelings but it was difficult this time. Fashion and clothes had always been her passion in life and having so much at her finger tips was enlightening and joyous.
“Ready to head back to the office? Or do you want to look around a little bit?”
Miranda turned her head to face Andrea and straightened her back. “We can head back.”
Andrea nodded her head and began walking back to the office with Miranda trailing behind her.
The rest of the day ran smoothly, Minerva explained to Miranda what each day would look like - though Miranda already had an idea that she’d be answering phone calls and running errands all day so it wasn’t really an eyeopener - and Miranda did whatever Andrea requested from her. Though Miranda had a slight feeling that Andrea was going easy on her, she quite disliked the feeling that she was being looked down upon just because she was new but there was nothing she could do about it. She decided that she would just wait it out, see what Andrea had to offer her.
Miranda began packing her things up, getting ready to leave the office as it was reaching closer and closer to 9pm. The Runway hallways were nearly empty, the only people left in the office being herself, Andrea, and around 3 other stragglers.
She could sense a pair of eyes staring at her, she could tell it was Andrea without even looking over - mainly because the two of them were pretty much the only ones in the office.
Miranda rolled her eyes at the silence that continued to grow. “Don’t just stand there, spit it out.” Miranda waved her hand in the air still without looking up at Andrea.
“Sorry, I just wanted to remind you to check out the closet before you leave here today. Okay?” Miranda’s eyes finally locked Andrea’s as the woman pushed a lock of hair flipping between brown and gray behind her ear.
Miranda nodded her head, “Do you hate what I wear that much?” She replied sarcastically.
“You know I don’t mean it like that. You just seemed excited about it, that’s all.” Andrea shrugged her shoulders awkwardly before smiling widely at Miranda.
“Would you like for me to get you your coat and bag?”
“Yes, that’d be very helpful. Thank you.”
Miranda walked over to the small coat closet meant for all three of their coats to go - though Miranda didn’t have a coat to put in there, so it was just Andrea’s coat left in there - pulling out Andrea’s designer trench coat as well as her designer hand bag.
“Here you go.” Miranda slid the coat onto Andrea, helping her into it before handing her her bag.
“Thank you, Miranda. You can go home now.”
Miranda grabbed her own bag and gracefully headed out of the Elias-Clark building but not before stopping by the closet.