Not Broken
Category: Romance/Angst
Summary: Harvey proposes to Donna but a spate of unfortunate events create a strain in their relationship and a disaster on their wedding day puts everyone's lives at risk. Will they make it to the altar or will the future they've been planning end in tragedy?
AN: Another multi-chap fic because I clearly hate myself haha. For those who have read it, this is a sequel to my previous story Bent but it works as a stand alone. There are some references thrown in for fun but nothing central to the plot. Also the line format option is driving me crazy so I'm posting as-is. Happy reading! :)
I can't stop thinking, how you just keep making sense of all that was broken before.
- Not Broken Anymore, Blue October
To say the location is extravagant wouldn't even begin to do the proposal justice. Fortunately Harvey Specter isn't a man shy of spending money. He likes luxury, flashy cars and expensive suits so when it comes to planning things the devil lies in the detail not his bank account.
To say the location is extravagant wouldn't even begin to do the proposal justice. Fortunately Harvey Specter isn't a man shy of spending money. He likes luxury, flashy cars and expensive suits so when it comes to planning things the devil lies in the detail not his bank account.
It took some finessing to get Donna to London but Rachel had been incredibly persuasive and convinced her the girls trip would be fun. He'd then worked on a way to fly Mike and himself over without her suspecting anything (because she's a stickler for managing his diary -even as COO) but with Louis onboard and a few dummy appointments penciled in, they were able to clear his schedule for a few days. The final stroke of genius was having the firm redirect his call so when he rang to wish her a happy birthday it looked like he was still inside the office not thousands of miles up in the air above the Atlantic Ocean.
He's planned everything meticulously and according to Rachel's text his girlfriend is still unaware and assumes the trip to Shakespeare's Globe is just another stop on their sightseeing tour. He has his doubts- she's Donna, but after weeks of planning it seems to be coming together and he wipes his palms down the length of his trousers, ignoring the smug look Mike throws him.
He already regrets inviting the kid and he checks his watch, shifting his gaze out the office window and down to the open theatre below. It's an impressive space but he doesn't really care about the architecture or history, just impressing Donna, and he flicks his wrist up again with a sigh. "Where the hell are they?"
The room is small and Mike shuffles back on the polished desk absently swinging his legs with amusement. It's rare to see Harvey out of his comfort zone but the agitated pace is starting to make Mike dizzy and a light warning spills from his upturned lips, "seriously dude, you need to stop freaking out."
Harvey stops and shoots him a glare. "I'm not freaking out."
He's isn't. That would imply he thinks there's a chance Donna will say no and she won't. They've been talking about getting married on and off for months and in every conversation she's been on-board agreeing it would be a good idea at some point but maintaining there's no rush; she's perfectly content. By his logic that means there's no reason he should be nervous- he's not.
Mike watches him start to stalk the tight space again and rolls his eyes candidly. The man really is impossible at times. "Come on, you know she's going to love this."
"Of course she will." Harvey asserts, stopping in front of the window for the third time. It's one of the few occasions he's actually put effort into doing something romantic. In fact it's probably the single most amorous thing he's ever come up with but he doesn't want the extravagance to draw away from the intimacy and bites the inside of his cheek, uncharacteristically second guessing himself. "What if it's too much?"
"You mean hiring one of the most famous theatre's in the world, flying her out here to propose and lying about it?" Mike teases, almost regretting it when Harvey pales against the mid-morning light. He's known the pair over a decade and admittedly the gesture is excessive but it speaks to both of them and he's willing to put money on Donna being completely wow'd and left speechless, a rarity that should easily seal the deal. "This is Donna we're talking about..." he offers trying to give the man some genuine reassurance, "she's going to say yes."
Harvey nods digging his hands into his pockets with forced confidence. Either she's going to agree to marry him or she's going to completely flip out, slap him, and he's going to spend the entire flight back home trying to figure out what the hell he did wrong. Right now both seem like a possibility. "You psychic now?"
"I've read up on Stockholm syndrome-" Mike shoots back, receiving a vacant stare, and he sinks forward on his palms with a sigh, "because you idiot she loves you." It takes a moment for the words to sink in, Harvey's shoulder's relaxing in response and Mike grins, "besides she's been engaged how many times? Odds are in your favour on this one."
Harvey tilts his head with an exaggerated huff, nearly jumping out of his skin when the theatre curator knocks on the door breaking the silence with his enunciated accent.
"Miss Paulsen and Mrs. Ross have arrived." He smiles warmly, readjusting his glasses. It's not everyday a billionaire from America flies in to pop the question and being a romantic himself the substantial revenue increase is just an added bonus. "If you'd both like to follow me I'll take you down."
Harvey braces himself reiterating that there's no reason to be nervous; he's got this... and Mike let's a low chuckle, pushing of the desk and catching the man's arm with nudge, "you did remember the ring right?"
"Mike, I swear to god-" he breathes in sharply, exhaling at the young lawyer's amusement. If he does find himself needing to propose again he's dumping the kid in the furthest, remotest part of the world he can think of first... so Donna had better agree, for all their sake's.
.｡o - o｡..
Amusement creeps into Donna's confusion as Rachel fusses 'fixing' the auburn hair curls draped over her shoulder. The brunette should be paying attention to the stunning woodwork, the carved out stands and the historic atmosphere not worrying about a few out of place strands and she pushes her friend's wrist away with a puzzled frown. "Rach, what are you doing?
Rachel bites back a smile trying to contain herself and look natural despite the secret bursting to escape. She's been waiting weeks and isn't about to blow it now, not with all the effort they've gone too, but she can feel her excitement bubbling to the surface and tries to temper it casually, "you're about to be on a stage, just making sure you look the part."
Donna can't help her scepticism. "I always look the part."
It's mostly true and Rachel drops her hand fighting a grin."You're right... I dunno what I was thinking." The diversion is poor at best, a feeble attempt to cover her frenzy and she quickly points over her shoulder making an excise to leave before she really does let something slip. "I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."
"Now?" Donna stares in amazement at the odd but consistent behaviour. She was subjected to three outfit changes before breakfast, all but forced into a dress that feels far too flashy for an afternoon of sightseeing, and her best friend has barely been able to keep still fidgeting with anything and everything in reach. It obviously has something to do with her birthday, a surprise or something, and she plants her hands on her hips determined to draw out an answer but Rachel is quicker stepping back with an apoplectic shrug.
"Be right back, I promise."
She's left with little choice but to wait and angles her body toward the centre of the stage, feet sweeping across the floor and taking it all in. She can clearly picture the seventeenth century theatrics, how it must have felt when the stadium was packed, and she immediately thinks of Harvey wishing she could thank him for the trip. It was incredibly thoughtful and she feels a pang of disappointment that he couldn't join them but it's understandable with the firm's current case load. It simply wouldn't have been plausible for him to-
"Donna."
Her heart skips at Havery's familiar voice and she turns around, panic stirring at the sight of him. She's beyond perplexed and it doesn't even occur to her that the timing's deliberate. Her first instinct is that something's wrong and she throws a worried expression at his approach. "Harvey, what are you doing here?"
Her alarm penetrates his nerves and he forces a smile reassuring her there's no emergency. "Relax... everything's fine." Her fear slides into confusion and he stops in front of her taking in a quick breath, "you said if I did this in my office with fairy lights you'd walk straight out, figured I had to find somewhere with more confusing exits."
Her eyes widen, lips parting in surprise as she tries to piece together what he's saying.
He gives her a moment to catch up, his attention washing over the outfit she's wearing. She looks stunning -as always- and he slips his hand into his pocket pulling out a small velvet box. Her gaze follows the movement, her cheeks flushing the same colour as her dress, and his mouth curves watching her finally register what's going on.
"You planned this?" She asks, still in a state of shock as she glances between his hand and the smirk cresting his lips. Usually she's on top of everyone else's game but this is something she definitely didn't see coming and she's honestly lost for words.
"You didn't know?" He really shouldn't tease but catching her off guard is nearly impossible and the amount of times he was almost caught out makes the whole extravagance that much more rewarding. The fact she's still gaping is an achievement in itself and he steps forward pressing his fingers into her hand to bring her back "Donna..." he shifts in front of her shaking his awkwardness. Kneeling isn't exactly his style, neither are long heartfelt speeches, and he grazes her knuckles keeping things simple and to the point, "what do you say, want to get married?"
She almost laughs at the casualness but wouldn't expect anything less and moisture collects on her lashes as she leans in to answer him with a kiss.
He smiles against her mouth tasting the faintest hint of orange's and champagne as he breathes in the reaction trying not show his disappointment when she pulls back with a 'yes' replacing the feel of her lips. It's only been two days and he wants more but his need to reacquaint himself is second to her excitement and he tugs open the box revealing an Edwardian Tiffany engagement ring.
Her face lights up at the timeless piece and she catches his gaze, holding it and taking a moment to absorb everything swirling through her mind. She has no idea how he managed to pull off the surprise but swallows the rush of questions, wiping her eyes and trying not to feel self-conscious about the watery smile she can't seem to get rid of.
He feels a swell of pride as he takes the ring out and slides it onto her finger, his own coil of emotion tempering any further teasing. It's why he rarely goes all out with grand gestures but this time he's glad he made the exception and places the box inside his pocket, settling his hands around her waist and clearing the tightness from his throat.
"Happy birthday Donna."
She smiles like an idiot back at him, threading her fingers through his hair and meeting his lips with a fierce kiss. It feels like forever since she's seen him and she completely forgets about Rachel, reminded when a girly squeal erupts behind him. She glances over his shoulder and grins at Mike playfully covering Rachel's mouth to keep any more sounds escaping. "You brought the pup?"
"He insisted." Harvey reluctantly lets her go and amusement rings through his soft groan, "we should probably put him out of his misery, kid was a wreck."
She throws him a look suspecting the facts are being twisted but takes his hand regardless, shifting her attention towards Rachel as they approach. Harvey she can understand, even Mike to a degree, but she has no idea how she didn't see through her best friend and narrows her gaze suspiciously. "You knew this whole time."
Rachel gives an apologetic smile but it doesn't stick. She's more focused on the ring Harvey's been keeping a mystery and her eyes fall on the diamond with a mixture of shock and relief, directing it back to him, "you picked this out?"
He wants to feign offence but can't, grinning like a cat who just got the cream. "You realise I'm not Mike. I actually have taste." The kid elbows him hard in the ribs and he smirks, collecting his side as he spots the curator by the far exit. It's not really his thing but he'd organised a private tour of the grounds and he places a hand on the small of Donna's back with a nod, "Oliver over there is going to show us around."
She leans back into him quirking her mouth, not sure if he's being deliberately smarmy or it's the jest-lag setting in. "His name is Owen."
"That's what I said." His smile says otherwise but he doesn't admit it ushering her over and weathering the platitudes and congratulations, making sure he finds a space at the back of the group when they start being led around. Mike does the same and it feels like a school trip, most of the historical facts lost on him, but Donna seems to be enjoying herself so he trails along resisting the urge to touch anything that looks fragile or important.
Mike doesn't have the same restraint and Harvey rolls his eyes when the kid picks up an old style helmet brandishing it on his head. He paid enough to hire the place, he doesn't need breakables added to the tab, and he steals it back trying not to give into the amusement pulling at his lips.
He can't help it.
He's never really taken a vacation before and the ease at which he settles into it surprising although that could have something to do with the future Mrs. Specter walking ahead of him. He can't help being caught up in her enthusiasm and after nearly an hour of roaming they find themselves in the much safer realms of the gift shop, deciding to head out for a drink and enjoy the English summer.
They find a place nearby with outdoor seating and he doesn't ague when Mike and Rachel insist on buying the first round, pulling out a chair for Donna and sliding her in. She makes a comment about the chivalry but he just shrugs with a loose smile commenting 'when in Rome' .
She snorts at the stereotype and he tugs his lapels deciding to keep the jacket on despite the sun beaming down. The air is still crisp and he makes himself comfortable beside his fiancee, watching her attention dart to the sparkle on her finger and a chuckle coils in his throat. "You really had no idea?"
Shakes her head still amazed he managed to pull off such an elaborate plan without her having the faintest inclination. She ran through his schedule before leaving and there's no way he could have rearranged everything at such short notice. "What did you do?" She asks accusingly, trying to think back to anything she may have glossed over but there's nothing- she was promoted for a reason.
He grins, easing himself against the cobblestone wall and enjoying the upper hand. "Let's just say I owe Louis."
It evasive and she knows Louis can't have taken on all his meeting because she checked his diary as well but she lets it slide deciding she'll find a way to pry the details out of him later. Maybe when they're alone back at the hotel. "I think we owe him one."
Humour flashes in his gaze as he fishes around the inner side of his suit pulling out the pen he purchased in the gift shop. It has a crystal globe on top and he clicks it with a satisfied smirk, "I think this has me covered."
She eyes the novelty gift shaking her head at the boyish grin spread across his face. "You're an idiot."
"And yet, you agreed to marry me-" he points out, swirling the tip and sliding it back into his pocket.
She opens her mouth to protest or possibly agree (she isn't sure which) but is interrupted by Rachel and Mike returning with two gin and tonics and two pints of larger. The pair seat themselves on the opposite side of the table and Harvey lifts his glass to cheers, taking a sip and nearly spitting it out when Mike gleams at him from across the laminate surface.
"So you guys really didn't do it at our wedding?"
Rachel slaps his arm and Harvey swallow roughly, his eyes landing on the brunette with a questioning look, "thought you would have taught him some manners by now?"
"It's a work in progress." She scoffs into her drink hiding her smile behind the tall glass.
Harvey shifts his gaze back to Donna, his expression softening as he recalls the night. Although he'd ended up drinking it out with Robert there are still parts that stir an entirely different association and he stretches his hand round the back of her chair with a wink, "I do miss that dress though."
She blushes deciding it might have to make a reappearance when they get home and it suddenly dawns on her why Rachel was insistent on choosing her outfit. Aside from the obvious she has no idea what their plans are and throws the question out to the table. "So anyone want to fill me in on what we're doing?"
Mike points to her glass and feigns an English accent, "that my dear Watson, would be drinking."
"Funny." She shoots back the retort, crossing her legs and feathering her skirt down over her knee. She catches Harvey's gaze on her and knows he's too distracted to answer leaving it up to Rachel to fill in the blanks.
"Mike and I were thinking of going to see a show." She takes a sip of her drink, eyes moving passed her husband to the people strolling by. It's a busy street but her gaze is drawn to a corgi waddling through the mix and she grins down with a wave as he passes.
Mike deliberately ignores the interaction knowing it's a conversation that will likely unfold later. They've been talking about getting a dog but can't seem to agree on a breed. He wants a larger one, she wants a smaller one... it isn't going to resolve itself anytime soon and he steals her hand under the table winking at Donna. "Figured you guys might want some privacy to celebrate."
Harvey ignores the less than subtle connotation because truthfully it's exactly what he wants. Even more so now that the alcohol is starting to relax his inhibitions (that plus he's always had a thing for her in red) but he manages to keep his eyes averted as he relays the plan. "I booked us a table at the Shard for dinner at eight. Then afterwards, whatever you want to do."
His expression is easy and she has the distinct feeling he knows exactly what she wants to do but neither voice the innuendo Mike was suggesting. Instead her lips curve over the top of her straw with a cheeky smile, "careful... I could get used to being spoiled like this."
He drums the table with a raised eyebrow. "I figure your birthday warrants an exception." It isn't often he gets to surprise her because, well, she's Donna and usually their work commitments don't leave room for many social engagements but if he could treat her more often he would deciding it's a nice change of pace.
"Ten bucks says you don't know my birthday." Mike throws out the challenge watching Harvey shift in his seat trying to come up with a plausible excuse. Being a lawyer it doesn't take him long.
"I sent you a card." He shrugs, pretty sure Donna mentioned it to him a few months back. If memory serves he even left a voice mail but he doesn't push his luck watching the kid jump in with a quick rebuttal.
"Yeah I remember..." he tilts his head curiously, "could have sworn that was in Donna's hand writing though." His gaze is questioning, though there's no annoyance to it whatsoever. He'd probably go into cardiac arrest if Harvey did remember but it's fun to play the martyr and he grins taking a sip of beer.
Harvey phone buzzes before he can retaliate and he slides it out skimming the notification. He doesn't need to open it. The message is short and to the point and he slips it back inside his pocket with a smirk. "April ten."
Mike opens his mouth, realising the culprit has to be sat at the table, but neither Rachel or Donna have their phones out and he glares with an exasperated sigh, "are you guys kidding me right now?"
"I've got an open position for best man." Harvey grins behind his pint, deciding to throw the pup a bone, "would that help smooth things over?"
Mike scoffs at the platitude. He figured it was a given anyway (since Harvey was his) and he ignores the side-eye Rachel sends him, obviously anticipating where he's about to go with conversation. Rather than prove her right he gives her an indifferent shrug, "he was best man at mine."
"Yeah but I have more friends than you." Harvey shoots back, bringing his hand up to straighten his tie. The afternoon sun is getting stronger but he likes the weighted comfort and keeps the jacket on watching the corners of Mike's mouth twitch up in response.
"You don't have friends you have acquaintances."
The banter is light and easy and Harvey takes his turn with an indignant huff, "you want the job or not?"
The kid mutters something under his breath along the lines of 'needing to think about it' and Harvey shifts his attention back to his drink as Donna and Rachel steer the conversation towards venues, dates, flowers and god knows whatever else. It sounds like a minefield but Donna seems happy to take charge and he's grateful. The proposal just about tapped all his creative resource and he's content to sit back and relax, let it all sink in without worrying about work, clients or anything else that would usually consume his thoughts.
New York isn't going anywhere.
And for the next three days, neither is he.