Happy Monday Darvey fans! Now I'm back from my holiday in NYC (scouting location ideas for stories, as well as visiting Del Posto, where, yes, The Scientist was played on the piano!) it's time to update my stories, so after Love & War, here's the next chapter of my first ever fanfic. One quick note. The show seems inconsistent on Marcus's kids. There are two at Gordon's funeral, so they would be be older now, but in 6.12 Harvey reads Pinkalicious at bedtime, which I've discovered is a picture book series, so either Marcus has three kids now, as they are being inconsistent! I've chosen the three kids option. Please do let me know what you think. Reading you thoughts is always lovely. Thanks again!
...
Chapter Fourteen
Mike strolled in to Harvey's office the following morning, a smile on his face. Louis had let him know that Harvey was taking the weekend off and Mike couldn't have been happier. He hated that something so terrible had to happen to bring his two friends together, but the result made him happy. They'd all been through so much over the last few years; a period of peace would be ideal and he was going to make the most of it.
"Good weekend slacking off?" he enquired cheekily, as he dropped down in to the seat opposite Harvey, who looked up at him from the papers on his desk and shook his head in irritation. "And what, you're telling me you were here all weekend, slaving away for the good of the firm?"
"God no. I was sampling wedding menus and pretending I care about what flowers we have."
Harvey frowned. "I'd rather have been working." They shared a smile and Mike didn't need to say anything more. "So, I've got a case that I think could be a lot of fun. You game for teaming up, or are you too busy now you're the big boss man?!"
"I'll always have time to be better at kicking ass than you Mike," he threw back with a smirk.
…..
Donna spotted Louis the moment he entered the restaurant, hurrying towards her; an eager look on his face. It was relatively early for business lunches, so they were some of the only customers.
"Sorry I'm late Donna. Esther has yet another potential case against her company, so my Monday has already been hijacked!"
He practically collapsed in to the seat opposite her. "It's fine Louis. Thanks for meeting me." He beamed and squeezed her hand across the table. "Of course! I love our lunches. We really should do them more often."
She smiled. "Well, I have lots of free time at the moment." The smile was forced and Louis knew it. "You'll be back in no time; it's important that you take all the time you need to get your strength back." A worried look crossed his face and Donna squeezed his hand in return.
"I'm getting there, bit by bit. I…I think I just need a little more help to process everything. Harvey, all of you, have been wonderful, but….."
"You need to talk to someone else. It's understandable Donna. You went through something unimaginable; whatever you need, we're all here to help."
He smiled warmly and retrieved a piece of paper from his pocket. "I spoke to Dr Lipschitz yesterday and he recommended Dr Anderson. He has experience of helping patients deal with….with trauma." His voice lowered on the last word and he lowered his eyes.
Donna bit her lip and nodded. "Thank you," she murmured. The thought of talking about what had happened terrified her, but she knew she needed to.
"I dream about it…about that night. It always feels so real, as if I'm back there." She swallowed and looked at her hands. Louis's heart ached for his friend and for how helpless he felt. He couldn't begin to imagine how Harvey must feel.
"Is that why you wanted to meet here and not at the office?" he asked quietly. She raised her head and met his gentle eyes and nodded her head. "I'm just not ready to be there…..not yet…"
He smiled. "Well, when you are, you'll be welcomed back with open arms. The place may fall down without you Donna."
She laughed lightly. "Oh, I don't think so, especially if you and Harvey are on the same page. He needs you more than you realise Louis."
Louis looked pleased at the idea of being truly needed by Harvey, a grin appearing on his face. "Enough talk! Let's eat."
…..
Donna was sitting up in bed reading, a couple of nights later, when Harvey let himself in to her apartment, shrugging out of his coat, as he moved towards the bedroom.
"Hey," she gave him a smile, as he came and sat next to her on the bed, kissing her gently. His eyes were soft, but tinged with worry. "How'd it go today?" he asked quietly.
Donna looked away momentarily, before leaning in to his side. "It was fine Harvey. He's nice. We talked about how I'm feeling. He said it would take time."
He nodded, trying to give her all the support and encouragement he could, despite how powerless he felt. "You know I'm here Donna. Whatever you need. Every step of the way."
He stroked her cheek softly and she smiled. "I know." He slipped off the bed, disappearing in to the bathroom to take a quick shower. She considered following him, but decided against such torture; instead snuggling in to the covers and closing her eyes.
As Harvey's arms encircled her in bed soon afterwards she felt a calmness wash over her. "If you don't feel up to this weekend Donna, it's alright."
She turned in his arms to meet his gaze. When he'd told her about his mother's invitation she'd had to hold back the tears. She was so relieved to see him reconnecting with his family and the fact he wanted her beside him, meant more to her than he could ever know. "I'm looking forward to it Harvey, although I admit, I may be a little nervous and I'm not even sure why!"
His kiss was soft and loving and he pulled her closer to him, enjoying the feel of her in his arms, running his fingers through her hair, brushing a few strands behind her ear. "They're going to love you. Maybe more than me, if I'm honest!"
…..
Harvey switched off the car's engine and turned to Donna the following Friday afternoon. She looked a little anxious, which was not something he was used to seeing on her face. "It's going to be fine Donna. If anything, I should be more scared than you!"
She smiled. "And why's that?" He leaned towards her. "The stories they can tell you…" She smirked and kissed him softly. "You think your brother is going to try and embarrass you in front of me?"
"We both know that's exactly what he's going to do Donna." She grinned and kissed him once more, before opening the car door. "Come on Mister, let's go."
As they walked up the path to his brother's house, Marcus appeared on the porch. "Hey loser, you're late!" Harvey shook his head, as he took the steps up to the house and greeted his brother with a hug. "I'm only on time for important people Marcus, sue me."
Marcus returned the hug. "Good to see you Harvey."
"You too." They pulled apart and Harvey glanced behind him to Donna, standing with a smile on her face. "Marcus, I'd like you to meet Donna."
His brother's eyes moved to the woman now standing next to Harvey and a playful grin appeared on his face. "It's good to meet you Donna, now my brother finally manned up. Good to put a face to the name."
Donna frowned and looked to Harvey, a questioning look on her face. Harvey sighed and chuckled. "Dad?" Marcus laughed in response. "He may have mentioned something." Donna laughed. She'd always had a soft spot for Gordon and it seemed surreal to imagine him talking about her to people she'd never met.
"It's good to meet you too Marcus. I've heard a lot about you."
He laughed. "I bet you have, but you know Harvey, he tends to bend the truth when it suits him, so don't believe all you've heard."
"I'm standing right here!" Harvey grumbled.
"Katie is picking the kids up, so let me show you around Donna. I've given you guys the back bedroom Harvey. Less chance the kids will wake you up back there."
He smiled at his brother. "Thanks Marcus. I'll grab the bags."
…..
When Harvey returned downstairs after dropping off their bags, Marcus was making coffee in the kitchen, Donna leaning against the breakfast bar. "You have a lovely home Marcus."
"Thanks. We like it. There's plenty of room for the kids. We loved our apartment, but once the kids came along, we needed more space."
The front door could be heard opening and a few seconds later Marcus's youngest daughter appeared in the kitchen, her eyes lighting up on seeing Harvey. "Hi Uncle Harvey!" He smiled broadly and picked up his youngest niece.
"Hey there Emma. How was school?" The little girl wrapped her arms around his neck and beamed. "It was okay. I won a gold star for my short story. Only two of us in class did!"
Harvey smiled. "That's great. How about you read it to us later?" She nodded eagerly. Donna couldn't help but smile at the sight before her. Harvey in family man mode was another first that she was very much looking forward to seeing more of. It made her heart swell.
"Who's that?" Harvey's niece's finger was pointing in Donna's direction, her inquisitive little face focussing on the person she didn't recognise. Harvey smiled and placed her back on the floor. "This is Donna," he replied. The little girl wandered over to Donna, the Specter eyes she knew so well analysing her face. "Hi Emma. It's great to meet you."
Emma tilted her head to the side, as she considered the woman before her. Donna felt as if she was trying to pass a test that she hadn't studied for, but the little girl smiled. "Do you want to hear my story too?"
Donna smiled widely, relief washing through her. "That sounds good to me!" Marcus smiled. "Honey, how about you read it before bed?"
Katie appeared then, alongside their older daughter, who looked up from her phone and smiled on seeing Harvey. "Hi Uncle Harvey," she murmured, giving him a hug. "Hey there. How's training going?"
"Good. I'm the fastest on the track team now!" She noticed Donna and smiled. "Is this your girlfriend Uncle Harvey?" Donna blushed at the term, one she felt a little too old for. She looked to Harvey and raised an eyebrow, making it clear she was leaving this question to him.
Harvey chuckled. "Yes. This is Donna." She smiled. "Nice to meet you," she replied before wandering off. "I have homework to do. What time's dinner Dad?"
"7:30," Marcus replied to her retreating form. "Where's your brother?"
"He went upstairs," she called back. Harvey smiled fondly after her and walked over to Marcus. "They're growing up so fast!"
"Tell me about it! Katie's been hinting about having another one, but I'm not sure. Three feels like a good number to me!" He looked across to the other side of the room, where Donna was chatting with Katie.
"What about you Harvey? You guys talked about kids?" He raised an eyebrow, aware at the personal nature of the question. Harvey ran a hand through his hair, looking a little embarrassed. "No. We're….," he sighed, struggling how best to explain his and Donna's relationship to someone else. "It's early days Marcus. We're still adjusting to being together."
His brother nodded, as he started to pull food from the cupboards. "That may be true, but you aren't getting any younger Harvey. Plus, the two of you have been practically married for a decade haven't you? I mean, let's face it, she's the only woman to have put up with you all these years. I've had friends get married and split up during the time you've been dancing around each other!"
"What exactly did Dad say to you about my private life Marcus?!" His brother laughed. "I might tell you one day Harvey."
…..
Donna was sitting on the back porch, watching Marcus's two youngest kids running around, as the sounds and smells of dinner drifted through the patio doors. "Hey." She looked up at Harvey, as he appeared through the doors, a couple of glasses of wine in hand. She smiled warmly. "Hey yourself."
He passed her a glass, as he sat down next to her on the swing seat. "Dinner is in capable hands, so I thought I'd come and join you. You okay?"
Donna nodded and sipped the wine. "I'm fine. What time is your mom getting here?" Harvey put his arm around her shoulder. "They're on their way over, her and….Bobby…."
Donna looked up at him. She knew Harvey was still adjusting to his mother being back in his life and Bobby's presence was a bigger challenge for him. "I'm proud of you Harvey." He smiled. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you Donna." She ran a hand down the side of his face. "You just needed a little push, that's all."
He kissed her softly, before tilting his head to deepen the kiss, a quiet moan escaping Donna's lips. They were interrupted just a few moments later by the sound of Marcus clearing his throat, looking incredibly awkward.
Harvey gave his brother an irritated look; one that Donna sensed had happened when they were younger and his little brother had interrupted him with a date. "Mom's pulling up."
Harvey nodded and Donna felt him tense just a little, so she placed her hand on his knee as a sign of support. He stood up and reached for her hand, as they wandered back in to the living room. Donna felt her stomach tighten with nerves. Harvey's mother had been a shadow in her life with Harvey ever since she'd met him and finally meeting the woman herself, aware of how much hurt she'd caused Harvey in the past, resulted in her having mixed emotions.
Harvey moved forward, as they heard Katie and Marcus greeting the older couple at the front door. Donna watched him swallow and his shoulders stiffen, so slightly that only she would ever have noticed.
Bobby appeared first and was greeted by little Emma running around his legs. "Grandpa!" Harvey's jaw tightened at the word. He knew it was silly, that his father was, by all accounts, fine with his mother's life with Bobby, but it still stung. Bobby caught Harvey's eye and nodded. "Good to see you Harvey." He nodded in return. "Hi Bobby."
His mother appeared then and smiled at her oldest son. Seeing him back with his family was a sight she'd been afraid would never happen. "Hello Harvey. I'm so pleased you could come this weekend." He smiled and walked over to give his mother a hug, which she returned. It was a sight that brought unshed tears to Donna's eyes. He'd come so far.
Harvey moved back a little and glanced towards Donna. "Mom, I'd like you to meet Donna." She moved away from Harvey and gave Donna a warm smile as she approached her. She'd heard so much about her and knew how much she meant to her son. "It's lovely to properly meet you Donna. I'm so pleased to see you feeling better."
Donna smiled, swallowing back her nerves. She knew this moment was important. "Thank you Lily. It's lovely to meet you too."
Marcus and Katie remained in the doorway, taking in the scene in front of them; Katie giving Marcus a squeeze, all too aware how much seeing his family together meant to him.
"Let's eat before the feast I've whipped up gets cold," he announced, herding the children towards the dining table. Harvey smiled and guided Donna, his arm around her waist, dropping a kiss to the top of her head affectionately.
He'd never imagined he'd have this kind of life, one with a family around him, sitting down for a birthday dinner and he didn't stop the grin that spread across his face.
…..
After they'd all eaten as much food as they could manage, everyone had settled in the living room, except Lily, who was clearing up in the kitchen. As Harvey was telling his nephew about his favourite cars, Donna slipped out of the room and wandered in to the kitchen, picking up a tea towel. "Let me help you."
Lily smiled. "I'm putting most of it in the dishwasher, but I won't say no to a helping hand!" They worked side-by-side clearing up, Donna a little unsure what to say to her. It was Lily who broke the silence. "I've been looking forward to having the opportunity to talk with you Donna. I wanted to thank you."
Donna glanced at her curiously. "Thank me?" Lily put her towel down on the surface and turned to her. "I'm quite certain that my son wouldn't be here this weekend were it not for you."
She tried to respond, but found the words caught in her throat; she had no idea what to say. "I'm sure you'd have resolved things at some point Lily."
Lily nodded and placed a hand on Donna's arm. "That may be true, but we both know it could have taken years. We're both very stubborn after all. Harvey inherited that trait from me."
Donna smiled at that. "Thank you Donna, for giving me another chance with my son. It means so much to me." It was an emotional statement and Donna found herself holding back her tears. "You're welcome," she whispered.
Lily gave her a warm hug, which Donna returned, the knot that had been in her stomach since they'd arrived, loosening. "Harvey told me how special you were and he was right. You're exactly who he needs in his life."
Donna looked a little surprised. "He told you I was special? At the hospital? I know you came to visit me." Lily smiled at the woman before her. "We talked at the hospital, that's true, but the first time I knew how special you were to him was during the first dinner we tried to have."
Donna knew what she was referring to and she found herself surprised. That was before her attack, before her and Harvey had taken the next step. Did he really tell his mother I was special back then?!
"He didn't say your name, but I knew it would be you. From everything Gordon had told me, it seemed it could only be one person."
Donna blushed, but before she could respond, they were interrupted by Harvey's appearance. "So, should I be worried by the two of you conspiring in here?"
Lily chuckled. "Maybe." With that, she moved past him to re-join the others. Harvey studied Donna. "I don't need to worry right….?" Donna laughed and walked over to him. "Not yet Mister, but I do plan to unearth all your most embarrassing childhood stories."
…..
Emma had been insistent that Uncle Harvey and Donna keep their promise and hear her story before she went to sleep. Harvey was clearly under her spell and they found themselves perched on either side of her bed. Being only six years old, her story was very short and she demanded a proper bedtime story before lights out. "You read to me last time you were here Uncle Harvey."
He shook his head in defeat and reached for the book on her nightstand. "This one?" He noted she'd moved on to Purplicious now. She nodded eagerly. Harvey caught Donna's amused expression; she was clearly enjoying this far too much. "Come on Uncle Harvey, get reading!" Donna teased quietly. He gave her a look that let her know he'd torment her later and opened the book, while Emma nestled herself against Donna's side.
Listening to Harvey reading to his niece was an experience Donna could never have pictured and it warmed her heart. Just when she didn't think she could love him more, he found a new way to make her fall just a little bit further.
Emma started to drift off to sleep after the second time through the story; that reading one Harvey had insisted Donna should give. As Emma started to fall more asleep, Donna shifted her from her position against her side, so she was properly tucked in to her bed. Harvey smiled at her from across the child's bed. "Not bad reading style there Donna," he whispered. "You almost put me to sleep too."
She smirked. "Very funny." He smiled and leaned across, brushing a kiss against her lips. "I love you." She met his warm eyes and returned the kiss. "I love you too. Now, let's leave this little one to get some sleep."
He nodded and together they slipped out of the room to re-join the adults downstairs.
…..
When they reappeared, Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Which delight was on the reading list tonight Harvey? Pinkalicious or Purplicious?"
Harvey laughed and retrieved a beer from the table. "The second one. Seriously, how many are there in that series?!"
"A lot," Marcus replied, opening another beer. They continued to talk and laugh for a few more hours, before Lily and Bobby made their way home for the night. Harvey shook Bobby's hand at the door. It was difficult, but he found it growing easier to accept him over time. His mother gave him a hug, before doing the same with Donna. "I'll see you both tomorrow."
…..
That night, Donna found herself still awake long after Harvey's breathing had evened out and she turned fully on her side to stare at him. He looked relaxed in sleep and she took a few minutes to really marvel at the fact that they had finally made it here. She knew she was still dealing with what had happened to her, but she knew everything would be alright with Harvey beside her.
Finally feeling tired, she shifted herself closer to him, resting her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She smiled, as she felt his arm instinctively tighten around her back as he slept and a few minutes later she followed him in to a peaceful sleep, one not broken that night by nightmares of the past.
…..
The weekend passed quickly; filled with food, wine for the adults and an abundance of entertaining of the children, who'd taken to Donna almost instantly. Harvey joked with her that Emma might have a new favourite.
They were leaving Sunday afternoon and following a walk, Harvey found himself sitting outside with his mother. "Donna seems to be doing well, but how is she really Harvey?"
He bit his lip and gave her a weak smile. "She's okay Mom, but she's dealing with so much that I can't help her with. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried."
His mother nodded. She'd assumed there would be emotional wounds that would still need to be healed after what Donna had suffered. "It'll take time, but she'll be alright Harvey. She's a strong woman and she has you to support her."
He smiled. "She's good for you Harvey. Your father was right about that! But you're good for her too. It's what a partnership should be."
"I know Mom and thanks for making her feel so welcome this weekend." His mother smiled warmly and gave a light laugh. "Of course. Knowing how important she is to you, she is always going to be welcome in this family." She rose from her seat, squeezing his shoulder as she passed him. "And I think it's important I get to know my future daughter-in-law!"
Harvey almost choked on his coffee at her directness. "Mom!" She responded by giving him a look that dared him to disagree with her and he just shook his head in amusement.
…..
Knowing they should get going soon, a few hours later Harvey went looking for Donna. He found her in the playroom at the back of the house, where Emma seemed to be showing her every toy she owned. It made him smile and he leaned against the doorframe, watching them in silence.
"Donna?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Are you and Uncle Harvey going to get married?" Ahh, the boldness of children, Donna thought to herself. She felt her cheeks flush and it took her a few moments to recover herself.
"I don't know Emma. He'd have to ask me first."
The little girl seemed to accept that response and turned her attention back to her toys. Donna smiled and got up from the floor.
"Noted."
Harvey's voice caught her by surprise, as she turned around to find him leaning against the doorframe, a smirk on his face. She narrowed her eyes and wandered towards him. "Listening at doorways is very childish Mr Specter."
He smiled. "Oh, I don't know. Sometimes I find it very informative," he murmured, with a wink, before wandering away down the corridor.
…..
I really hope we get to see Lily meet Donna one day! All fingers are crossed. I've already started the next chapter, so hopefully it'll be up soon!