Hi Darvey fans! After discussion with Mary, my partner in crime for this story, I'm posting this chapter now. This story is going to be a little different and have two alternate endings, titled 10A and 10B. So, this is Chapter 10A. The two of us have had so many discussions over the last few months about how 7B could go and this was one route we thought could have been taken before we knew which cast members were staying and which were leaving. Now we all know that answer for sure, I feel less guilty posting this version, safe in the knowledge it won't happen on screen (and hopefully you all won't get mad at me for it either!). That being said, it is very angsty (although hopefully the end makes up for it). The alternate non-angsty ending, chapter 10B, will be up before the show returns. Read one, read both, I leave that entirely up to you!
As always, if you have time, do review and let me know what you think and thanks for the support of my writing. I may dream of being in a writer's room, but writing for you is the next best thing!
...
Chapter 10 – Version A
Donna was stirred from sleep by Harvey's touch, as his hand gently stroked a line up and down her back. It was a sensation that both soothed her and set her on fire at the same time and she smiled, slowly opening her eyes.
It was still early morning according to the bedside clock, but it seemed quieter to her somehow, almost unnaturally so; a slight unease she couldn't place settling in her stomach momentarily, until her eyes met Harvey's and she relaxed.
His head was resting on the pillow next to hers and he lay on his side, his eyes staring in to her own, his arm protectively across her body, his hand continuing its trail along her spine. "Hey," she murmured.
He smiled, something she'd missed so much in recent weeks. There had been so much anger and pain that she'd almost forgotten what his smile was like and how it made her feel. "Hey," he replied, moving closer, his eyes never leaving hers, until they closed as he kissed her. She moaned quietly against his mouth in response. It amazed her how with just a kiss he could elicit more of a response from her than any man ever had. Her hand moved over the muscles of his back and she smiled at the quiet groan that escaped him.
The ringing of Harvey's phone, causing them to reluctantly break apart, broke the quiet of the room. He took a moment to stare at Donna before leaning back in. "Screw it," he murmured. Donna smiled, but the phone continued to ring and the unease from earlier started to resurface. "Harvey, it could be important."
He raised an eyebrow. "More than this? Unlikely." The phone went silent and he smiled. "See," he murmured smugly, kissing her again, a hand at the back of her neck, his fingers in her hair. She was starting to relax in to his caresses when the phone began to ring again. She touched her hand to his cheek. "They're certainly persistent." She looked towards the floor, trying to pin down the location of the offending object. "Harvey…"
He sighed. "Fine. You win." He turned over in the bed and scrambled around on the floor with his hand, trying to locate his jacket pocket. The ever-continuing ring was even starting to worry him, although he would not admit it to Donna. "It will be Louis. He'll have some off the wall idea that's come to him in a sugar-fuelled dream," he grumbled, already annoyed with his fellow named partner.
Finally locating the phone, he saw the caller ID and frowned as he answered. "Mike…? As close as we are, surely you have better plans this morning. I know I do." He tried to keep it light to counteract against the concern he now felt.
He was met by silence. "Mike…?" Had he dialled him without realising? He sat up in the bed, the frown deepening across his brow.
On hearing Mike's name, Donna sat up, her face filled with questions, as the alarm bells started to ring loudly in her head. Something's wrong, she thought.
"Mike….are you there? Mike?!" Harvey's voice raised a little in worry. The noise that followed made him feel as if he'd been punched, a sob, unmistakeable in its agony. He was about to call out again when he heard Mike's voice, quiet and confused and broken.
"She won't wake up…I…I don't know why…I've tried….I…Harvey…." There was another sob and Harvey felt his hand tighten around the phone.
"We're coming Mike. We're leaving right now."
He ended the call and turned to Donna. Her face was paler; having lost the flush that had been there mere moments ago. The fear in her eyes made his heart ache. "Something's happened…I don't know what…Donna…I…I don't know….."
She nodded and got out of bed, moving to the closet to retrieve a pair of jeans and a jumper she'd brought with her. Placing his feet firmly on the floor, he reached for his clothes, as his mind continued to race.
They left the room in silence, pressing the button for the elevator, as the worry continued to mount. As they stepped inside, Donna pressing the button, he took hold of her hand and held it tightly, interlacing their fingers. Neither knew what to say; they both knew something was very very wrong.
…
The door to Mike and Rachel's suite was opening, as they neared it, the hotel manager appearing in view. He saw them and stopped. "Can I help you?"
Harvey stepped ahead of Donna. "Our friends are staying in this room. We got a call. What's going on?"
He saw the older man's face shift to one of sympathy and Harvey felt his stomach tighten. "You better come in…I need to make a call….."
He walked past them down the hallway. "Harvey….?" It was only one word, but it was weighted in fear and vulnerability, so much so, that he almost couldn't meet her eyes.
Instinctively, Harvey entered the suite ahead of her, feeling a strong need to shield her from whatever awaited them inside. Mike was sitting on the couch, ramrod-straight, his eyes open, but staring straight ahead, as if in a trance. They froze. The atmosphere was stifling. "Mike….."
He didn't respond to Harvey, no flicker of any form of reaction and Donna moved forward across the room, sitting down close to her friend, her arm moving around his shoulders. "Mike, what's happened? Where's Rachel….?" She took his hand from his lap, desperate to make a connection with him.
Harvey moved silently through the suite towards the bedroom. He could hear the voices of what he assumed must be EMTs. Their voices were quiet, none of the reactiveness he'd have expected with an emergency. His heart fell through his chest as it caught up with what his brain already knew; there was no longer any emergency for them to help with.
He stood in the doorway and took in the sight before him. He'd lost his father and the pain had been unbearable, but he hadn't seen him. A quiet gasp left his mouth, as he supported his weight against the doorframe.
The EMTs looked up at him sadly, clearly assuming he was family. I suppose they're right, he thought. "The coroner has been called. Someone should be here soon….We're very sorry for your loss."
He nodded dumbly, as they made their way past him. His mind went blank as he stood there. Donna's voice brought him back to the present and he turned away, closing the door before going back to the living room, the term feeling somewhat cruel to him tonight.
The EMTs were making their way out and Donna's confused voice stopped them. "Why are you leaving? I don't understand!"
Harvey gave them a nod that it was fine for them to go, before making his way across the room. His eyes met Donna's and he knew she already knew the truth. She just wasn't ready to accept it. She shook her head, the tears welling in her eyes. "No, Harvey."
He closed his eyes briefly, hating to have to be the one to take away her last shred of hope. Mike's eyes met his. There was no light in them. "She really is dead, isn't she?" It was a whisper, one that broke Harvey's heart. He swallowed and nodded his head, the emotional reality hitting him as his voice cracked. "I'm so sorry Mike."
Mike gave a small nod and then shattered before his eyes. He seemed to crumple in to himself as the shock gave way to devastation and he started to sob. Donna couldn't process the reality before her, her eyes widening in shock, as she fought to catch her breath. She looked from Harvey back to Mike and wrapped her other arm around him, holding him securely as he sobbed; her own tears falling silently down her face.
Harvey stood fixed to the spot, no idea what to do. The two people he loved most were in agony and he didn't know how to help them.
- How the hell did this happen?
One of the EMTs reappeared behind him and he realised this was how he could help, by dealing with the horrid mundaneness of the events. He moved towards the young woman. "What happened?"
"We're not sure Sir. The coroner will be able to provide those answers. It's routine for the police to be called in these circumstances and they'll be here shortly, but there doesn't appear to be any indication of anything suspicious."
"But how could she just die? She was fine a few hours ago."
"We don't know Sir. I'm sorry. Is there anyone else we can call?"
Harvey knew that that was beyond her remit, but he appreciated the kindness. He shook his head. There was one call to be made and he realised he would have to make it. The thought made him sick. Returning to the living space, he sat down gingerly on the glass coffee table in front of Mike and placed a hand on his knee.
"She was fine. She'd mentioned a headache earlier, but she said she was fine. I didn't think…I…I don't understand…." His gaze met his friend's and Harvey squeezed his knee gently. "I don't either. No one does Mike, but this was no one's fault. There's nothing you could have done."
Harvey swallowed and raised the subject he would give anything not to have to mention. "We need to tell her parents. I'm going to go and tell Robert."
Mike closed his eyes. "I should do it…..I….." Harvey stood up and squeezed his shoulder. "Let me do this for you, alright?"
There was no fight in Mike and he simply nodded, before another wave of emotion swallowed him and he clung to Donna. Walking around the back of the couch, Harvey let his hand gently rest briefly on Donna's back. He ached to hold her and comfort her, but it wasn't the time. Mike needed them. "I'll just be a few minutes, okay?"
Donna lifted her head and met his gaze. The sadness in them made his heart crack. She nodded that they would be okay and he made his way to the door, passing the EMTs he thought had left in the entrance, talking to a police officer that had just arrived. He murmured that he'd be back and walked blindly to the elevator. Being Best Man had required him to know where the all the wedding party were staying, so he didn't need to ask anyone which room the Zanes were staying in.
As he reached their floor, he felt dizzy, the shock of what had happened starting to hit him with full force, now that he was out of the heavy atmosphere of the suite. It was a nightmare, yet none of them would be waking up from it.
…
Stopping outside the door of the room of Rachel's parents he felt his stomach tighten. This would be the hardest conversation he'd ever had, but he at least could do it in person. He knocked on the door, the noise sounding louder in the quiet corridor. After a few moments, he knocked again, a little louder and was soon met by a tired looking Robert Zane, as he opened the door to the darkened room. "Harvey, what the hell are you doing waking me at this time?"
He swallowed, a lump forming in his throat. "Robert…I…." The ability to speak seemed to leave him and Robert's face turned from annoyed to afraid. "What's happened to Rachel?" His voice was quieter, fearful, as he stepped in to the corridor.
Harvey closed his eyes, reordering the list of awful life experiences he'd had to put this right at the top. "We're not sure what happened Robert…..but she…..she's passed away. I'm so sorry. So so sorry….."
There was silence, followed only by a sharp choking gasp. He stumbled a little and Harvey reached out to steady him. "Is she….is she still here?"
"Yes. We're waiting for….for the coroner to arrive." The words made Harvey feel sick to his stomach.
Robert nodded, clearly in shock. "I have to tell Laura….Don't let them take her before we get there, Harvey. Please?" The last word was a whisper and Harvey nodded. This was a promise he was going to keep. "I won't." Robert said nothing else, simply walking back in to the room to break the news to his wife. Knowing that this was a private moment, Harvey walked back towards the elevator and on reaching it, took a moment to lean against the wall, closing his eyes.
Deciding he may as well deal with as much as he could at once, he reached for his phone. He couldn't face another in person conversation, so instead dialled Louis's number.
He answered after a few rings; his voice still shrouded in sleep and Harvey calmly and quietly told him the news. Once he'd taken a moment to gather himself, Louis's voice came back to the phone. "How Harvey? How could this happen….?"
"I don't know Louis. There must have been something wrong, that no one knew about, not even Rachel." He heard Louis sniffle and Sheila's voice faintly in the background. "What do you need me to do Harvey? I can come up there."
A room full of people did not seem right for Mike right now. "Donna's here with me and Robert is coming, but could you let Jessica know? I don't think I can say this a third time. I'll call you in a few hours."
"Of course. Tell Mike…tell him I'm so sorry."
Harvey nodded to himself and ended the call, before returning to the suite upstairs, which was now eerily silent, as Mike simply remained still and quiet in Donna's embrace.
He suddenly moved, standing up unsteadily and taking a few steps towards Harvey, who instinctively reached out to help him keep his balance. It seemed as if his world had literally tilted on its axis. "I got you, Mike."
"They're coming to take her, aren't they?" Harvey simply nodded solemnly and his friend moved past him and away in to the bedroom of the suite. Harvey let him go, respecting his privacy.
He looked towards Donna, who had stood up, but was holding on to the side arm of the couch for support. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, as tears fell down her face. Harvey moved across to her in a single stride, folding her in to his arms, a hand against her back, the other cradling the back of her head, as she started to cry harder against him. "I'm here Donna. I'm here."
He felt her arms wrap around him, fingers digging in to his back. Resting his head against the top of hers, he kissed it gently, feeling his own tears against his cheeks. Holding her in his arms in that moment was the only thing he needed; to know she was safe and well and they were together. "I love you so much," he whispered, as his arms tightened around her. Her reply was muffled against his shoulder, but the words gave him the warmth that he desperately needed in that cold room. "I love you too."
…
Harvey had no idea how long they had been standing there, clinging to each other, when they heard the sound of feet entering the room. Robert Zane appeared and his eyes caught Harvey's. He looked like a shell, the weight of loss evident from his devastated expression and the way his shoulders hunched, as if under a giant weight be could barely withstand. Behind him, Rachel's mother stood, clearly still in shock.
Donna broke from Harvey's embrace, wiping her eyes. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say." Robert looked to Harvey, the question clear in his eyes.
"They haven't arrived yet. She's…..she's in the bedroom. Mike is with her."
Robert Zane simply nodded, words deserting him, as he led his wife further in to the suite, towards the other room. Harvey guided Donna to sit down, letting her lean against him. "I know I should go and see her…..to say goodbye…but…I don't think I can…." Her voice was cracking with every word and he held her against him. "Give yourself a few minutes Donna. There's still time."
They were interrupted a few minutes later by the arrival of the coroner's department and the police officer he'd seen talking to the EMTs, whose solemn faces met theirs. Harvey stood up automatically, slipping in to the familiarity of his professionalism. "They are in the bedroom." He gestured to the closed door and moved to knock, still conscious of respecting the privacy of those inside.
Donna stood too and straightened her back, as if trying to regain some composure, before moving past him. "I'll do it, Harvey." He nodded and stepped away, leaving Donna to do what she needed to do. He had no desire to go back in that room again. He may not have been as close to Rachel as Donna or Mike, but the sight had still affected him deeply.
Walking to the side cabinet, he poured himself a glass of water and downed it, his throat desperately dry.
- How the hell are we here?
He couldn't believe that this was how the last few hours had ended. How the hell is this fair, he asked himself, knowing he'd never receive an answer.
…
Jessica opened the door to Harvey a couple of hours later. Her eyes were full of sadness, but her reassuring presence gave him much needed comfort after the hell of events. He stepped in to the suite and hugged her.
"Where's Donna?" Harvey moved past her and sank on to one of the sofas in the suite, closing her eyes for a moment. "She said she needed some [space]."
Louis raised his head, his tear-filled eyes, meeting Harvey's. "Should she be alone right now?" Leaning forward, Harvey rested his elbows on his knees, his hands moving to the back of his neck, as he bowed his head. "She said she needed some time, Louis. I wasn't going to argue with her. Not today. Whatever she needs is all that matters."
Jessica moved forward and took a seat next to Harvey, as Jeff settled cups of coffee on the table in the middle of them. "And Mike?" Just saying his name filled Louis with sorrow.
"He's with the Zane's. He's…..I don't know Louis…..I can't imagine how he's feeling."
Louis gave a small nod of understanding. It was unimaginable. "And Robert?" Harvey's eyes met Jessica's at her question, all too aware of his mentor's close friendship with Robert Zane. "It broke him….when I told him…..Jesus, how the hell has this happened?!"
Jeff leant against the wall, slightly apart from the close-knit group. "The coroner will be able to give those answers, not that that gives much comfort." Harvey nodded in agreement, reaching for the coffee. "You should eat something," Jessica commented.
"Maybe later. I need to clear their room now the police are satisfied there's nothing suspicious."
Louis paled at the comment. "How dare they think Mike could have done this!"
"It's procedure, Louis. They came, they asked some questions, they'll write a report," Harvey replied tiredly.
Louis wiped a tear from his eyes. "I'll help you with the room," he whispered, earning him a small sad smile of thanks from Harvey. "Thank you, Louis."
They drank coffee in near silence before Louis and Harvey moved to leave. Jessica rested a hand on Harvey's shoulder. "I'm going to stay a few days." He simply nodded, grateful that she would be here, yet again, helping keep them all afloat, before following Louis out of the room.
…
Mike was sitting silently in Robert and Laura's living room as Harvey approached, sitting down next to him. He knew all the things he could say, but everything seemed inadequate and so he said nothing, simply placing his hand on Mike's shoulder as he took his seat. According to Robert, Mike had barely uttered a word. After a few minutes, Harvey found his voice.
"I'll get you through this Mike. Whatever you need."
"All I needed was her," he whispered, his voice cracking.
Harvey took a deep breath, swallowing back the ache his words elicited and as Mike bent forward, quietly sobbing, he put his arm around his friend's shoulders, hoping the gesture would provide some solace.
…
Jessica arrived soon afterwards and Harvey decides to leave her and Robert alone. Rachel's mother and Mike were both upstairs and there was nothing else for him to do there today.
He'd headed straight for Donna's apartment, knowing she'd gone home not long after leaving the hotel. She hadn't responded to his last call and he was worried, just needing to know she was okay.
She didn't answer the door, despite his many knocks and gentle calls, causing him to curse not having a key. Maybe she's not here, he thought. With no way of knowing if she was even inside, he decided to go home, hoping she was there. Every moment he was away from her was agonising.
His apartment was dark when he opened the door, but to his relief he spotted her bag on the counter and the low side lamp was on, providing a dim glow to the room, as the daylight ebbed away.
"Donna?"
He moved through the space and as he neared his bedroom, the worry he'd been carrying with him since her apartment eased.
She was sitting on his bed, her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. The blinds were still open, allowing the approaching night to seep in to the room, the twinkling lights across the city beginning to spread like fireflies.
Harvey slipped off his shoes and moved around the bed, climbing on to it next to her. "I didn't know where you were."
Her eyes met his, the depth of grief in them bringing a fresh wave of emotion to his own. How had things changed so much in just a few hours? "I wanted to come and see Mike, but I….I just found myself here."
Harvey nodded and moved closer to her, as she rested against his chest. "How's Mike?" It was a whisper against his shirt and he tightened his hold of her. "As good as he can be." His hand ran through her hair, the reality of her being in his arms giving him much needed comfort.
"Have you eaten? I can make something." He shook his head, breathing in the scent that was uniquely her. "I just want to stay right here."
Donna moved, reaching for the throw rug at the bottom of his bed, fanning it out over them. Harvey's eyes were already starting to close as she settled herself into his arms, exhaustion hitting him full force. His breathing started to even out and just when she thought he was asleep, his low voice broke the silence. "I love you." She bit her lip, overcome by so many emotions at once. "I love you too," she whispered back.
…
The service had been a joyous tribute to Rachel, full of happy memories and beautiful words and yet Mike felt hollow; his body simply a shell; the best part of him having disappeared in the blink of an eye. Only able to withstand so many kind words, he had slipped outside in to the Zane's garden, only to find Harvey had beaten him to it.
He walked across to where his friend was leaning against a low wall by the steps leading down to the lawn. "I was sure I'd be the first person trying to hide out here."
Harvey turned at the sound of his voice and gave him a sad smile. "Mike….I just needed some air."
His younger friend nodded. "I get that," he replied quietly. Guilt washed over Harvey at his insensitivity.
"Mike…..I'm…"
"Don't say you're sorry, Harvey. Please…..I've had more than enough apologies this past couple of weeks to last me a lifetime."
They exchanged a smile, before standing side by side in silence, letting the world pass by, as the distant chatter from the house carried in the wind. "You staying here tonight?"
Mike had been staying with the Zanes, but Harvey knew his friend would be ready for some breathing space. "I think I may just go home," he replied quietly.
"You know you can stay with me. Anytime. As long as you need."
Mike nodded, glancing away; losing himself in his thoughts. "I know, but I think I need to go back. In a strange way I think it may help me feel close to her." His eyes met Harvey's. "I know she's gone,…but….a part of her will be there with me. I think I need that tonight."
He paused for a moment, closing his eyes briefly before speaking again. "Harvey … we were just getting started….There was so much …. so much we wanted to do …. And a brain aneurysm has taken all that away … maybe … maybe if I'd done something differently … noticed even …" Mike was awash with guilt.
Harvey rested a hand on his shoulder. "Mike…..they said there was nothing … nothing anyone could have done, it was ….. just one of those things," Harvey reasoned, knowing it would make no difference to Mike right now.
Harvey still struggled to comprehend the pain his friend was going through. It was incomprehensible to him. How the kid was even able to get up was beyond him and it made him all the more determined to give whatever support he could.
Donna appeared on the terrace behind them and watched them quietly for a few minutes before clearing her throat, causing both men to turn their heads.
"Sorry to interrupt. Robert was looking for you Mike." She smiled, using every ounce of acting ability she had to get her through the day, before slipping back inside the house.
Mike watched Harvey's face as Donna disappeared, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure until she was out of sight. "You know I'm happy for you, right?"
The question surprised Harvey and he looked uneasy for a few moments before finding his voice. "I know. Thanks Mike…I…" He swallowed, never very good at expressing such intimate emotions. Mike rested a hand on his shoulder. "She's be bouncing up and down with excitement if she were here. I swear, part of her was more excited about you finally getting your shit together that day than marrying me." His eyes watered at the memories; still so unbearably recent.
Harvey sighed. "I wish there was something I could say Mike."
With a nod, Mike put his hands in his pockets. "I think I'm going to go away for a while."
Harvey turned to him, a frown of concern on his face. "Mike…." Before he could continue, his friend cut him off with a wave of his hand. "I'm not going to do something stupid, Harvey. I think I just need some time to try and process….this. Maybe go somewhere and do some good for people who need it." He smiled at a memory flashing through his mind. "I know she'd always wanted to do something worthwhile."
Harvey nodded. That sounded like Rachel. The thought of Mike leaving worried him, but also selfishly made him sad. "Don't leave without saying goodbye."
Mike agreed and turned to go back inside, before a thought occurred to him and he turned back to Harvey. "Cherish every second you have with her Harvey."
His friend swallowed, his own emotions threatening to get the better of him. "I will," he murmured, before, an arm on his shoulder, he walked back with Mike in to the house.
…
Epilogue
Harvey awoke to something prodding his upper arm, over and over again. Taking a few moments to open his eyes, he couldn't stop the smile that formed on his face at the sight that greeted him.
Standing by the bed in her pyjamas, staring intently at him, as he lay on his side, was his little girl; her small fingers continuing to prod him.
"I'm up, baby," he whispered, taking in her face and the eyes that were so like her mother's.
"It's party day Daddy, so can I have pancakes?" The pout that formed made him smile. It was the same as his father and his brother and, as Donna regularly pointed out, him.
Breakfast pancakes were reserved for special occasions and he knew this was one of them and it seemed Abigail did too.
Glancing behind him, he saw Donna was still asleep and he smiled. He loved watching her sleep, but duty called. Doing his best not to wake her, he slipped out of bed, lifting his five year old in to his arms. "Come on, let's let Mommy sleep for a little while."
…
He made his way downstairs in to the kitchen, depositing his daughter on the counter, while he moved to the fridge for eggs and milk. "Are you excited about today? Do you remember what we are celebrating?"
She nodded eagerly. "The New Year! And I can stay up past bedtime!"
Harvey knew she loved it when the house was full of friends and family. She was much more of a social butterfly than he'd ever been; definitely taking after her mother. "And you're going to help set the table, right?"
"And decorate it!"
Harvey smiled, as he whisked the batter mixture in a bowl. "Right! How about after breakfast you show me the place settings you started yesterday? Mommy said they are your best yet." To help her learn how to write, it had become tradition for each place setting at any family event to include a personalised name card created by little Abigail. Harvey had a growing collection of them in his office. "Yes Daddy!"
He felt his heart swell with the love he felt for this incredible little person. She was already growing up so quickly.
The pancakes were piling up on the plates when Donna appeared in the kitchen, taking a moment to stand in the doorway watching as her little girl chattered away to her father as he cooked. She still sometimes wondered if it was all just a dream.
"Something smells good," she murmured, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. Harvey smiled at the feel of her body against his. Moving the pan off the stove, he turned around; his own hands moving to her waist. "Only the best for you," he murmured, kissing her softly.
Abigail started to giggle at the sight, causing Donna to break their kiss and move to face her at the counter. "Something funny?" Her question was followed by tickling her little girl until she wriggled in her arms. "Stop it, Mommy!"
Donna smiled and picked her up, sitting her down properly at the kitchen table, before helping Harvey carry the food across. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of the can of whipped cream. He shrugged. "I apologise for nothing."
…
A few hours later, Abigail ran excitedly to the door at the sound of the doorbell, making Dona laugh, as Harvey followed. Opening it, he smiled on seeing his friend. Abigail beamed up from her place beside her father, "Uncle Mike!"
He smiled and crouched down to her level. "Hey there kiddo. Happy New Year's Eve." She giggled as he ruffled her hair affectionately, before standing up again and giving Harvey a hug. "It's good to see you Mike."
His friend smiled. "You too." Harvey glanced to the door. "It's great you could make it Claire." She smiled nervously. "Thank you for inviting me."
Harvey took their coats, as Abigail ran back to find her mother, who was busy opening a bottle of wine. "Uncle Mike is here!" Donna put down the bottle and wandered through to the living room, greeting her friend with a warm hug.
"Hey Donna. You look great." She waved off the compliment with her hand, before offering them a drink.
"What's that?"
Abigail's inquisitive voice caught their attention and Mike laughed. "You don't miss anything, do you? Just like your mom!"
He opened the gift bag in his hand and pulled out a small parcel in sparkly wrapping paper and held it out to Abigail. Her eyes lit up as she reached out for it.
"What do you say sweetie?" Donna prompted.
"Thank you," she whispered, as she took the parcel from him and sat down on the floor to open it. Harvey smiled at the gesture, as he passed Mike and Claire some champagne. "Well now you really will be her favourite. Christmas and New Year gifts," he stated jokingly. "Louis will not be happy."
The four of them sat down and talked, as Abigail played with her new toy, until the other guests started to arrive, including Harvey's family and Donna's parents and as they all sat down to eat, Harvey took a moment to marvel at the number of special people he had in his life. They toasted to family, friends and loved ones no longer with them and he momentarily felt bad for Claire. He liked her and she was good for Mike; he'd smiled more in the few months since they'd met again and started tentatively seeing one another again, but he knew it couldn't be easy for her.
As he helped Donna and Harvey clear the plates in to the kitchen after dinner, Mike cleared his throat. "So, I have some news." Donna raised an eyebrow in his direction.
"I'm going to move back to New York."
"For good?" Harvey's voice couldn't hide his pleasure and it warmed Donna's heart. They'd both missed Mike since he'd moved away.
"For now. If I'm going to try and make things last with Claire, I need to be here. She deserves it…" Donna sensed the conflict in him and she put her hand on his shoulder. "She'd want you to be happy Mike and so do we."
He nodded, his eyes glistening. "I know," he murmured. "I want to be."
…
As the evening grew ever closer to midnight, Harvey gestured for Mike to follow him in to the back garden. His friend was already in the loop on this part of the celebrations and followed him without question.
"What are you two up to?" Donna questioned, as they disappeared, receiving silence as a reply. She looked to Claire and laughed. "Should we be worried?"
Ten minutes later, Mike reappeared. "Okay folks. We need everyone outside."
Abigail lifted her head off Donna's chest, where she'd been napping on her lap. "Why?" Mike put on his most mysterious voice. "It's a surprise Abi." She seemed to consider his answer. "Where's Daddy?"
Mike smiled. Getting to spend more time with his god daughter was another perk of moving back to the city. "He's with the surprise. Come on, where's your coat?"
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she slipped off Donna's lap and showed him where the coats were. He helped her put hers on, before Donna added her little woolly hat and picked her up.
Once everyone had gathered outside on the terrace and the New Year arrived, the fireworks began, filling the sky above the garden with explosions of all colours, causing Abigail to giggle excitedly. Harvey left Mike to set off the rest and joined Donna and their daughter, whose eyes were now wide awake with delight. "So that's what you were up to earlier," Donna said with a smile.
Harvey smiled and looked to Abigail. "What do you think Abi?" She gave him a huge Specter smile. "It's pretty Daddy!" Seeing her delight made it all worthwhile for Harvey and he put his arm around Donna, keeping them both close.
As the final set of rockets took off, Mike rejoined the group, taking Claire's hand in his, causing her to catch his gaze and smile, a smile he returned. He'd been so unsure, wanting a sign that it was finally time to move forward and now, watching the fireworks, surrounded by his closest friends and with Claire's hand clasped in his, he finally knew that Rachel was smiling too, telling him to be happy.
…
Okay, so that's the first ending. Chapter 10B will have the non-angsty version following the wedding in chapter 9. Now, I know this is pretty sad, but as soon as it was clear Rachel would be leaving this season, I couldn't shake the idea of an angsty departure. However, this would only really have worked on screen had PJA been staying on, so you could have watched him wrestle with such tragedy and find his way through it, while his friends also had to deal with the loss. With both characters leaving, there's no point making their end a sad one, so I feel less guilty posting this! Anyway, I'd love to know what you think! :)