Chapter Text
Andrea
The Runway office was surprisingly quiet today. Likely because Miranda Priestly had decided to not grace the office with her overbearing and demanding presence and everyone was taking some much needed respite from the usual hustle and bustle.
However, nothing could stop the Emily Charlton. She was a force against mother nature herself. Even the end of the world could come and that wouldnt stop the red head running around working at top speed, answering calls, sending emails and thrifting through large bundles of papers.
How does she do it whilst remaining so elegant? Andy was entranced.
She couldn't help admiring the beautiful and bold woman across from her desk. Her ludicrously expensive clothes fitting her extremely small figure so perfectly, radiating an easy power she held. Her bold red hair was worn down as usual and she wore her iconic blue eyeshadow which almost, almost, hid how tired she was.
She was truly beautiful. Andy had known that from the first time she looked at Emily. How stunning the younger woman actually was. How entrancing it was when she spoke, when she mocked everyone. Her British accent only adding to her beauty and aura.
And then there was those truly terrifying piercing eyes that were the most alluring thing about her. The most gorgeous shade of blue Andy had ever known. Man she was so gorgeous. Andy always got lost looking at her whenever Emily wasnt looking. Secret glances and stares that let her fall into some form of a trance or daydream every single time. She was never able to focus fully on her work when Emily Charlton was around.
After a few moments picturing Emily she realised to her horror that the red head not only had arrived into the room but was glaring directly at her.
"What now!" Emily scolded, rolling her eyes as if dealing with Andy today was taking up her entire life force.
"Umm, I- ... Nothing" Andy stuttered before rushing back to working, focusing her eyes on the monitor, refusing to look back at Emily.
"Whatever" Emily mumbled before turning quickly and leaving with a heavy load of papers in hand.
Emily seemed to pause a second at her desk "Try not to be completely useless whilst I'm out Andrea" she added before continuing in her stride.
It took everything in Andy to not turn to look at her or watch her leave. She couldn't keep this up.
How many times was she going to get lost thinking about Emily. How long before Emily noticed? It has truly become too much. She was becoming rather obsessed with being around her and also couldn't function around her at the same time.
She scolded herself for behaving like a love struck puppy. This ridiculous crush had to pass.
And of course non of this was helped by the fact Emily would practically hold the door open if Andy messed up this job and Miranda fired her. She would probably push her through it and slam the door in her face.
She sighed and slumped in her chair. She just needed to last the year. One year. Then she would be able to do the work she was passionate about, journalism.
What irritated her the most was that she just couldn't understand why Emily hated her so much. Like sure she was naturally hard headed with everyone and passionate about her job to an insane level. Andy also wasn't interested in fashion much but she was competent, hard working and smart.
She couldn't shake the fact there was more to why Emily refused to even remotely talk to her. Like she went out of her way to avoid Andy. And when she failed to avoid her, it was the equivalent of talking to a wall. Did Andrea drain her that much?
She knew there was always more going on in Emily's head than whatever left her mouth. She was super smart after all and every word articulated and thought about carefully.
She had seen a softer side to Emily. A small smile she hadn't managed to stop herself from enjoying or the small soft laugh she often suppressed but sometimes didn't manage. There was a softer side to her that only Andy seemed to see. Maybe they could be friends?
She sighed, rubbed the daze from her eyes and continued with her day, avoiding Emily at all costs. But still thoughts of Emily stuck in the back of her mind.
-
Emily
It was getting late now and Emily quickly returned to collect her coat and bag, heading out for the day. Not that she had much to rush for. An empty penthouse apartment with an empty fridge and an empty cold bed.
She glanced over at Andrea still sat working, which wasn't shocking seeming as she did everything at such a glacial pace it was a wonder how anything got done with her around. Though the thought of her leaving at the end of the year pained her more than she would admit, even to herself.
She expected incompetence. Yes.
But she didn't expect Andreas quiet chaos in her every move nor the alluring creativity she had to solving the most impossible tasks.
And her smile. The deadly smile that Emily just can't stop thinking about.
She tells herself it's irritation.
She tells herself it's unprofessional.
She tells herself it's nothing.
But every time the bubbly assistant bursts into the room, carrying coffee, hair somewhat askew and enthusiasm spilling out of her every word, she feels that familiar, unwelcome tug in her chest.
She would admit Andy was better than the last few assistants they had hired and, if you push past her way too bubbly exterior, she was actually rather sweet and clever.
But for some reason Emily couldn't stop thinking of Andy at the most inconvenient of times.
She was the nicest person Emily had ever met. A genuine kind soul which was both endearing and aggravating to no end.
But also interesting. She truly had a sense of 'Andrea' about her that was unique and humble.
I mean her clothing choices had much improvement to be made though.
Emily glanced down at the hideous skirt Andy was wearing. It was made of thick wool that was clearly well ages and was the kind of sad grey that made Emily nauseous.
She couldn't help imagining the horrid convention she had plucked it from. Filled with like-minded hideous skirt enthusiasts. What a horror show.
She couldn't help chuckle mentally, physically stoic of course. Only Andy could wear something so vile and still look somewhat adorable. Like a beaten teddy bear. Warm and cuddly and -
Her thoughts were interrupted as obviously Andrea attempted to talk to her.
"You have any big plans this evening?"
Emily scoffed "Yes" a little too quickly.
"Ah, nice. Me and my friend Lily are going out for drinks today, let off some steam and all that. It usually always ends with Lily leaving with a random hot guy and me sat drinking alone" Andy waffled on "It's fun though, we usually do drinks or game night or whatever really".
Without thinking and before she could understand why she even cared she asked "Don't you leave with any 'hot guys' too" mocking Andys words with air quotes.
"Nooooooo" she laughed "Not me, I am single but I don't date anymore". She paused a second seeming to realise how much she was saying.
"Why?" Emily was now looking at her. Really looking. Analysing her every move. This was news to her. Andy was attractive and smart so getting the attention of men should be easy for her.
She could see how nervous Andy became at the question. Andy's eyes darting anywhere but Emily. Emily noticed of course.
"Since starting here... I mean since meeting- No, I-..." Andy seemed to take a big breath in steading herself "No I haven't been dating".
"That wasn't an answer to my question". Emily wanted to mock her again at how it wasn't helping her work ethic if the aim was to focus on her job but couldn't move past Andy's sad big brown doe eyes. Something held in her expression. Something she couldn't quite put into words.
Emily felt the air getting heavier by the second.
Seconds passed and Emily stayed watching Andy for what felt like an enternity. What was happening here? What was Andy not saying?
Eventually Emily let the question pass.
"Well don't get too drunk. I'm not covering if you're late tomorrow".
Andy quickly glanced in Emily's direction catching Emily's beautiful blue eyes watching her intently before quickly darting them away again. A warm blush began to spread up her face as Emily watched.
Emily found it amusing and couldn't help but smirk. Was she having a hallucination? Was Andy flustered?
Andy was still at a loss what to say. At a loss what to do. Her body had given up altogether.
"Interesting" was all Emily replied. Caught in her own thoughts. Andy clearly had a secret and was blushing? at being watched by Emily. It was entrancing to watch.
She felt something rise in her chest she didn't understand.
Andy still remained silent. Flushed. Her embarrassment continuing to grow by each passing second.
Finally Emily began to leave breaking the moment.
She gathered herself and walked elegantly towards the exit. Andy stared at the wall, frozen. What had taken over her?
Emily could have fun with this. She could watch Andy blush all day. She paused at the door before turning her head slightly over her shoulder to speak.
"Goodnight Andrea." She purred slowly smirking before adding in a whisper "Don't stay up too late, darling".
It was loud enough Andy could hear and Emily knew it.
Then as if nothing happened, she strolled off out the door to the elevator.
Tomorrow would be fun Emily thought to herself wondering how far she could push her colleague.