AN: Hey guys. Sorry it took me so long to update; this winter has been very busy. So, without further ado, Enjoy!

Chapter 10: We're Back

Donna stood numbly at the balcony staring into the distance. Her fingers brushed gently against the icy cold surface of the railing as she watched New York City get coated once again by the winter snows. Her bathrobe billowed in the cold wind and the cup of hot chocolate sitting on the patio table quickly turned cold. She didn't seem to be affected by the freezing weather.

Just a week ago, she stood in the same place almost ready to leap over the railing and succumb to her depression. Six days ago, she did let the pain get the best of her and the scars along her stomach and her arms would forever be a reminder of that. Today, she still thought about it, but Harvey needed her. She clenched her fingers against the metal bar before leaning forward to rest her head against her hands, covering her face and letting a tear fall down.

Harvey walked slowly behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She turned around to ask him to hold her. He ran a hand through her hair, "You're cold."

"I'm okay," she mumbled into his shirt.

He kissed the top of her head, "What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing, really," Donna reached down to grab her hot chocolate, then winced, grabbing onto the armrest of the chair next to her to support herself.

"Donna?" His voice heightened as he helped her down onto the chair. "What happened?"

"I'm okay," her left hand rested behind her back as she arched uncomfortably. "My back just gave out when I reached down."

"We should go to get it checked out. You've been unable to bend down for nearly a week now." Harvey knelt down next to her, holding tightly onto her free hand.

"I'm fine Harvey," she sighed exasperatedly. The last thing she wanted to do was go back to the hospital. "It's probably just the aftereffects of the D&C or something."

Harvey kissed her forehead and helped her up from the lawn chair, maneuvering together to the office.

"Donna, how are you feeling today?" The therapist asked gently.

"Better," Donna nodded, "I'm feeling better." Harvey captured her hand in his as they sat for the third time in the office of Harvey's apartment.

"Have you been having nightmares?"

"Well, yes. But they've been less terrible," Donna smiled tentatively, "I feel better sleeping next to Harvey." She stroked the lines along Harvey's hand.

"That's good to hear," the therapist commented, observing the couples loving behavior. "Have you been having any pain anywhere?"

"It's been okay," Donna averted her eyes.

"Donna," Harvey injected, pleading to ask her to tell the truth.

"It doesn't hurt here," Donna pointed to her upper thighs stiffly, "I used to not be able to move because of what happened during the dream; it's definitely better."

"But?" the lady pushed for answers.

Harvey squeezed Donna's hand before answering for her, "She's been tiring really easily and her back has been giving out." Donna sighed, not wanting to appear weak even though she evidently was. She leaned on his shoulder, closing her eyes.

"Recovery is hard, I know," the therapist turned her head to meet Donna's eyes. "I think that you're taking this especially hard because it's radically different from your normal lifestyle."

Donna nodded silently, letting Harvey answer for her again, "The switch has definitely been hard and she wants to go back to work, but I don't know if that's a good idea. I'm worried."

The therapist leaned closer to the couple. "I know this is an odd request, but Harvey, can you make me some coffee?"

"Wait, Harv," Donna held onto his arm as he proceeded to get up, "Can he stay please?" She was feeling weak and vulnerable; even though she probably had things she wanted to say to the therapist alone, she wanted to feel his arms around her first.

"It'll just take a minute Donna," he kissed her gently on the lips.

"There's nothing I can't say in front of him." Donna argued, knowing that that was the true reason for the therapist's asking for coffee.

"Donna, I'm just going to go for a minute. I promise I'll be back," Harvey stated, exiting knowing that there were things that she couldn't say in front of him. He was okay with that.

"What's going on Donna? Two days ago when we met you were wearing a smile," the therapist asked her gently.

Donna sighed, wiping a tear away, "I'm not sure. When I outside this morning, I started thinking again. A week ago, after the D&C but before the incident, I was standing on the balcony and I wanted to jump because I was just in so much pain, both physically and emotionally." She looked away, embarrassed, "I was thinking again today, this morning, and what I realized was that I still wanted to and it was terrible because I didn't want to think that way. I love Harvey and I love my life."

"It's normal. You have had an excruciating year; it's getting better but everything seems like it's in your way. You're still in a lot of pain, emotionally and physically, I know," The older lady responded.

"It's just when I try to be like what it was before, it takes a lot of effort and I can't be so brilliant anymore. I want to go back to work, but I know I won't be able to finish a whole day properly. Harvey was telling you the truth earlier; I really can't bend down," Donna smiled tiredly, as if accepting defeat.

"Donna, tell me about the weakness," the therapist asked.

"It comes when I do anything, whether walking from my couch to the kitchen or talking for a longer time," Donna told her, "I try to lean down to pick something up, then my back just has a knife in between the lumbar area and the sacrum. Then I sit because if I don't I collapse." Donna stared out the windows to look at the white blanket over the city.

"Have you gone out to see the snow?"

"Yes, Harvey took me to Central Park. It was beautiful," Donna responded dreamily. Harvey knocked on the door, carrying a tray of two hot coffees and one hot chocolate for Donna.

"Thank you," the therapist took her cup and sipped.

Harvey wrapped an arm around Donna's slim figure and she once again leaned into his embrace. "We made angels and built snowmen," She continued dreamily.

"Donna, you can try to go to work and maintain your routine again, just make sure to take time off and your health is above everything else," the therapist smiled, picking up her bags, "It's time, but I'll see you soon."

They both nodded goodbye to the therapist. Harvey ran a hand through her hair, stroking her back simultaneously, "You feeling okay?"

"Yeah," she offered a weak smile.

"So, work tomorrow?" he confirmed slowly.

"Work, yes," Donna nodded, "Work." She smiled softly, "Don't worry. I'm feeling better. Besides, you're the one that needs to work. Your potbelly is growing," she joked playfully, leaning into his embrace to kiss his stubble, "Time to shave, old mam."

"Who are you calling old? Please. I'm in my prime," He struck a pose, right hand in his hair and left arm at his waist, smiling creepily.

She burst out laughing at his expression and he laughed with her; when she was happy, so was he. She laboriously stood up, placing her hand behind her back and leaning on Harvey, "What's for lunch?" Donna arranged her bathrobe nicely and let him lead her into the kitchen.

The next morning, they woke up per their "normal" schedule at 6:30AM. In comfortable clothing, they walked out the apartment to go on a morning stroll in place of the normal morning run. Donna was still short of breath and tired easily. By 7AM, they were back in the apartment, showering together. Harvey helped Donna out of her running shoes and her clothing; he unclasped her running bra and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her neck.

"You can go first," he kissed her ear and opened the glass for for her.

"Nonsense, together. It saves water," she smiled seductively and grabbed his hand, leading him into the spacious granite shower. He followed, hands trailing on her soft skin. She kissed him hard on the lips as he lathered her hair in shampoo. As the hot water poured onto their heads, a drop fell down his nose as he kissed her eyelids, softly, slowly. She felt her arms tighten in their embrace and her body shaking. She was crying that's why he was holding her like he was.

His fingers scraped her scalp, combing through her tangled hair with conditions, "Donna, sweetheart," he lifted up her chin and the shower water continued to beat down on them, "It's going to be okay."

"I know," she smiled, "I'm not sure why I'm crying," She laughed nervously, "We should go soon."

"This is nice," he smiled, kissing her again and tickling her nerves. Her lavender body wash next to his unscented one, courtesy of Rachel. He picked up the body wash and squeezed it onto his hand, proceeding to lather it all over her body, massaging as she stood, sighing happily. His magic fingers ran along her body, making her every nerve tingle without every making her feel scared. She could almost imagine them making love, having hot sex, with his magic fingers and her super human flexibility, though she wasn't sure she could still do the same things. Her back seemed to be always paining her; she hoped it would go away. He finished massaging her and they stood, eyes locking, under the scalding hot water.

She slowly reached past him, turning the water off and letting Harvey wrap her in a warm towel before drying himself off. She dropped the towel onto the floor and grabbed her clothing. He gaped at the sight, closing the space between them. She moved closer to him, starring into his eyes. She smiled, and then shut his mouth for him, slowly using her hand to push up his jaw, "Honey, you look like a bumbling oaf."

"I am not, but those are two melons," He eyed her breasts seductively.

She looked down to where he was staring and smiled, "No touching."

He pouted before dropping his own towel and flexing his abs, strutting past her. He echoed her sentiment, "No touching."

"You don't play fair," She argued as she slipped into her pantyhose and another long-sleeved blue dress.

"And you do?" He argued back as he threw a suit on a struggled with the tie. She smirked and walked closer, waving her hips. She helped him tie the knot and smoothed down the lapels.

She turned around and he zipped up her zipper, breathing down her neck and wrapping his arms around her when he finished. She leaned back into him and they swayed gently back and forth, "I'm scared Harvey."

"It's going to get better. Everyone is going to be happy to see you okay, especially Rachel and Mike." He kissed the top of her head.

"Everyone knows?" she asked in horror.

"No, just Mike and Rachel and maybe Jessica. To everyone else, we were just on a long business trip to Europe." He smiled, "We're going to smile and nod and be awesome, like we always have been, always will be." He led her out the door of his apartment, pressing a finger into the small of her back. "I love you," their hands touched as they rode down the elevator and he moved closer to her.

"You better," she smiled, "I love you too."

"It's go time," Harvey exclaimed as they arrived the Pearson Specter building in Ray's car. He smiled and stretched out a hand, meaning for her to take it as they walked back into their daily lives.

She slid her gloved hand into his and they walked together. Her heels clacked against the granite flooring. She smiled at the security guard, exuding confidence and looking exactly like she belonged there.

"Good to see you again Donna," He smiled warmed then nodded to Harvey, leaving them in through the gates.

"Have a good day Frank!" Donna called out.

In the elevator, Harvey wrapped his arm around her and kissed her hair. "Harv," she giggled, "We're in an elevator at work!"

"So?" He asked, hugging her tighter.

"What is someone catches us together?" she asked gently.

"Well, I'm the big boss here," he smirked, "It'll be okay."

"Even so," she shrugged out of his embrace to face him, "Let's wait until we're ready to deal with the corporate scandal."

"Fine," he kissed her forehead again and took her hand, "Are your ready?"

She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "Yes." The elevator bell rang, alerting them that they were on the right floor; Pearson Specter unfolded before their eyes and they walked out confidently and powerfully, like normal. The office secretary smiled politely at them and waved. Donna smiled back, walking towards Harvey's office. She draped her trench coat on the back of her chair and revealed the figure hugging blue dress; she sat down looking at the sheen of dust that gathered on top of her things. It had been a while, but she brushed it off and started her laptop.

Harvey sat down across from his beautiful secretary, friend, and now partner? They've always been partners. It felt good to be back in place with his records and balls and work. He took a deep breath then fired up his computer, beginning to work on the filed. He snuck a glance up across the hallway to look at Donna. She was hunched over the calendar, pouring over the schedule to figure in the two-week long absence they both had taken.

She stretched back, feeling her back creak and ache uncharacteristically. She winced and placed a hand behind her, supporting the aching area. Looking up, she could see his concerned eyes observing her movements.

"Are you feeling okay?" he asked through the intercom.

She pressed the Bluetooth to her ear finding his throaty deep voice soothing, "I'm fine," she smiled, "stop staring."

"I can't help it, you're beautiful," he answered.

She laughed and tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear, "Get back to work Mister!"

"You got it boss," he saluted her from the inside of the glass walls and returned to his work.

Her first adversary, Mike. The puppy would be sympathetic, kind, and caring. He would want to know what happened, whether or not she was okay, if he could do something to help her. She needed to prove that she was okay so Mike wouldn't run to Harvey worried. Harvey didn't need to worry; she was getting better.

In the filing room, she stood on the top of the ladder, perching precariously and looking for the file Harvey had needed. The puppy walked in, head buried in another file folder. He stopped near her and smiled, "Hey Donna! You're back!"

"I am!" she smiled, patting his head, "I hope you didn't miss me too much."

"Trust me, we all did. Louis was running rampant without you guys to check him," he shrugged, opening is mouth to ask if she was okay. She quieted him, placing a finger on his mouth. He looked at her with those puppy dog eyes and continued anyways, "Donna, are you okay?"

"Mike," she looked back over to the file she was looking for and reached out, pushing herself over to the far right, "I'm fine. And I'll be even better if I can reach this," Her finger reached and brushed over the spine of the file, but before she could grab it, her heel slipped and she stumbled, falling on top of Mike.

"Donna!" Mike yelped. She rolled over to her side and tried pushing herself up. Mike was practically panicked, kneeling next to her, worried, "Donna? Are you okay? Should I get Rachel? Maybe I should get Harvey. I'm going to go get Harvey."

"No," her voice pierced through his thoughts, "I'm fine, help me up," He took her outstretched hand and pulled her up gently. Her back was aching painfully and she soothed it with a hand, "Get the file."

Mike watched her carefully then handed Donna the file she was looking for. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," she breathed, exasperated, "Don't tell Harvey."

"But Donna," he whined and she shot him a glare. Harvey couldn't know; he would be more worried about her. Harvey had enough on his plate right now.

Together they walked back to the office, discussing the office drama that had transpired during her absence. So much had happened since two weeks ago. Apparently Jessica had walked in on two senior partners doing the horizontal hokey pokey in Conference Room B, a junior partner stole a senior partner's case, and two associates became fuck buddies.

"Even with the fiasco in Conference Room B, you and Harvey are by far the most talked about," Mike confessed, "Two weeks in Europe is quite something." Mike smiled as if he knew something. This time he actually did.

"Trust me, Europe," she put up air quotes to emphasize her sarcasm, "Wasn't that fun." In fact recovery was hard; Mike knew that too.

Reaching Harvey's office, the two observed Harvey smirking with his hands placed above his head. Within the first six hours back Harvey had already closed another client. Donna handed him the file and their skin brushed together, lingering dangerously. Of course, Mike was already privy to their romance, but the rest of the office didn't need to know. Harvey didn't care, keeping his hold on her hand as they talked about the new case.

Jessica walked in, smirking at the hand holding going on between Donna and Harvey, like she's known all along. Of course, she probably has. Donna pulled her hand out of Harvey's grasp and addressed the managing partner, "Jessica."

"Glad to have you all back," Jessica smiled, ignoring Donna's distress and Harvey's shit-eating grin, "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I'm better," Donna smiled, glancing at Harvey.

"Good, good." Jessica nodded, "There's a President's Day Ball hosted by Jonathan on Friday. You're both expected to be there."

Donna flashed a surprised look then quickly schooled her expression; she didn't know if she could do it yet: the high life with parties and all-you-can-drink alcohol. She probably wasn't ready yet for that type of shallow, yet very meaningful interaction with people. Harvey took Donna's hand again, knowing that she needed an anchor, and smiled, "We'll be there, together."

Jessica nodded, congratulating them in her own way, "Of course."

En Fin

AN: I'm very very tired. So, I won't belabor you for too long in the analyzing. I really enjoy the show's Mike dynamic where he really really cares about everything. Also, Jessica would of course know about Harvey and Donna before Harvey and Donna knew about themselves. I wanted to create a nice parallel between the balcony scenes, but of course, with a better (psychologically) Donna. I wanted that type of angst still with her depression. It's a long road to recovery.

I will update sooner, most likely with multiple chapters next week. I really want to get the story out before the show comes back. You should all get the chance to see closure with this story in order to continue with the show's real plotline. haha.

Reviews are the silver lining. Thank you and Have a great week! :)

Love,

Shannon