Written based on this prompt submitted to Darvey Virus
"Harvey sends Donna on a scavengers hunt to the most important places of their relationship (also pre-canon places like where he saw her in Shakespeare)"
She felt the butterfly weight of his kiss brush against her temple and groaned softly, burrowing deeper into the blankets, desperate not to leave the world of sleep just yet. Harvey chuckled softly at her actions and she allowed one eye to crack open. He was sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, perfectly put together in a three-piece suit, hair coiffed, face clear of the stubbly beard that had been present yesterday. Donna groaned again, for a different reason this time. She had to admit she'd missed the three-piece suits. Harvey opted for a slightly more casual approach to his work attire now in Seattle, but since they were back in New York for a few days for work, that apparently meant a return to Harvey's dress style of the past.
"Shhhh" he murmured, a hand tracing lightly over her check. "It's early, go back to sleep. I just wanted to say goodbye to my girls before I leave" his other hand stroked tenderly over the swell of her stomach beneath the covers. At his action Donna felt the slow roll of the baby inside her, the bump of a foot pressing against her fathers' hand, always eager to make their presence known.
Harvey's mouth brushed against her ear and she felt his warm breath as he whispered, "Happy six month anniversary" with a chuckle.
The words made her grin, despite the heavy weight of sleep pressing down on her, and she fully opened her eyes to take in his sparkling expression above her. He had been marking every month that passed since their wedding so far, Donna finding it adorably sweet. It turns out married Harvey was a bit of a love-struck fool.
"You're such a sap" she teased him sleepily, a yawn escaping. "But I love you."
Harvey leant down and pressed a soft lingering kiss to Donna's lips, hand still caressing her bump. "I'll call you later" he whispered, pulling back before either of them could get too caught up in the moment.
They were back in New York because of a lawsuit Harvey was currently involved in against a manufacturer who sold products that they knew where potentially dangerous to children. It was the first cases that Harvey had brought into the clinic and he had been working on it for months. A round of potential settlement meetings had been scheduled for the week in New York and Donna had decided to accompany Harvey back to the city, to catch up with friends and indulge in some retail therapy.
Six months. Donna couldn't believe they had already been married for half a year. It still seemed surreal to her some days, despite the time that had passed, despite the feather kicks of their baby in her stomach, that he, Harvey Specter, was actually her husband. She still woke most mornings to the tiniest feeling of surprise when she found him in bed beside her, or more usually, wrapped around her. Harvey seemed incapable of sleep unless she was secured under his touch.
It had been six momentous months of change. The move to Seattle, adjusting into their new roles at the firm of Ross Zane, settling into their new house and, most significant of all, the discovery of their impending arrival.
The pregnancy hadn't been planned, they hadn't even had a chance to have that discussion yet, although the knowing glances they shared the night of their wedding, while she held newborn Lucy Litt, had been enough confirmation to each other that it was something they both wanted, in the future. But, unbeknownst to them both, their baby girl had already existed at that very moment. A fact Donna didn't discover until several weeks later after the craziness of a spontaneous wedding and cross-country move started to settle down and she realised what had been missing for the last few months. Unplanned it may have been, but the sheer joy on Harvey's face when he found out told her everything she needed to know about how he felt. A baby, their baby. Her heart had never felt so full.
Donna thoughts began to cloud in her mind, and she closed her eyes again, letting herself sink back into the depths of sleep, the effects of their late evening flight into the city and the third trimester of pregnancy having exhausted her. Sleep quickly reclaimed her.
Reawakening a few hours later Donna rolled onto her side and was surprised to spy a large bouquet of flowers resting against the pillow. She smiled at the gesture. Underneath the tough, caring makes you weak, exterior he tried to project, Harvey really was a complete and utter sap when it came to his wife, something that had increased since discovering she was pregnant.
Picking up the beautiful flowers she breathed in the delicate scent before noticing the tag dangling from the stem.
Happy Six Month Anniversary
I've organised a little adventure to keep you entertained for the day,
until I can be the one doing the entertaining.
First stop is breakfast at our favourite spot.
I love you and our little girl, thank you both for choosing me.
Harvey
Donna melted at the handwritten words. She knew not many people would ever believe that the same womanising, egotistical, best closer in the city persona from a few years ago was now leaving love notes for his wife. Even Donna wouldn't have ever of expected Harvey to plan something like this. It was most definitely a surprise. She had intended on making the most of her first free day in the city by shopping up a storm, both for herself and her new addiction, things for their baby girl. However, she was more than eager to see what Harvey had in store for her instead.
As for the breakfast destination that was easy, Nougatine of course.
Easing herself out of bed Donna headed for the bathroom to get ready for the day, slowly stretching out her stiff muscles. She had found pregnancy fairly enjoyable so far, having avoided most of the common unpleasant symptoms. But as she surpassed the six-month mark and entered the third trimester, her bump was becoming much more pronounced and things were starting to get a little uncomfortable.
They were staying at Harvey's old condo, having decided to keep it for times like this when they came back to visit. And because Donna knew that as much as he was committed to their Seattle move, this apartment would always be home to him in some small way. She knew he hadn't been ready to let it go.
Once she was dressed and ready for what was sure would be an interesting day, Donna headed out to the street to hail a cab, before she spotted a very familiar looking black car waiting at the kerb. Her suspicions were confirmed when the driver appeared.
"Ray, it's so good to see you again" she called fondly, smiling at the older gentleman.
"You too Mrs Specter, you're looking wonderful."
Donna couldn't help the grin, or the movement of her hand instinctively running over her stomach. She still used Paulsen in her professional life, however being called Mrs Specter always did give her a little kick of joy.
She chatted happily with Ray on the way to the restaurant, asking him about his wife and children and how he liked working for Samantha and Katrina, who had taken on his services after she and Harvey moved to Seattle.
Breakfast at Nougatine as usual did not disappoint, nor did the much needed coffee, even if it was only decaf. Donna had missed their visits here, the sporadic occasions when Harvey would simple appear, waiting for her outside her building ready to whisk her off to breakfast. There had never been a rhyme or reason to his appearances, no pattern that Donna ever discerned. With the exception of one time of course. The morning Harvey took her to breakfast after Stephen Huntly was arrested.
She felt a cold shiver run down her spine, something that always happened whenever she thought of him. She had always been so appreciative of Harvey for that morning, and through the whole horrible debacle. For letting her be there when Stephen was arrested, so she could see the smug smile wiped of his face and fear replace it. For the way he defended her, even if he had refused to admit it was a duel, Donna had known Harvey fought Stephen for her, for what he had done and how it had affected her. And for the way he tried to take her mind off what had happened, with breakfast and handbag shopping and most of all, simply the comfort of his presence. Harvey had always been there for her, whenever she needed him, long before he became her husband.
Having finished her breakfast, the waitress cleared her plate before returning with an envelope. The next clue in Harvey's planned adventure Donna realised. Pulling out the card inside, she couldn't help but roll her eyes, almost feeling the smugness of his words radiating off the page.
Do I even need to tell you where to go next?
He wasn't wrong though. Without fail every Nougatine breakfast had ended with an excursion to Hermes and Donna certainly wasn't about to break tradition.
Harvey had always been generous in sharing his wealth with her, always insistent that he would have had none of it without her help. Shopping expeditions involving new handbags and dresses having been only one of the ways he did that. She had never known just how deep that generosity went however, until she went to work for Louis and the truth about her salary had been revealed. She realised that was something they had never discussed, not since the night they argued at her door, the bitter memories of that time not something Donna liked to reflect on often.
After browsing the options Donna picked out a new handbag, something more practical to use once their daughter was born, however most of her interest was drawn by the children's section, a regular occurrence these days. She selected a few things for their baby girl, however stopped herself from going overboard. After ringing up her purchases the sales assistant handed her another envelope. Harvey really had organised this well. Or more likely he had a little helper she thought to herself.
The beginning of vanilla coffee and late-night scotch.
I knew you were into me.
And I was definitely into you.
The DA's office, of course. She advised Ray of their next destination before settling back into her seat. As the busy city streets flowed past her window Donna let her mind drift back to those early days of working together.
God, they had both been so young when they worked there, babies really and without either of them even knowing it, at least not on a conscious level, already so in love with each other. The words of the song they had danced to on their wedding night suddenly trickled through her mind making her realise how fitting it was. They really were just kids when they fell in love.
That dance with Harvey had felt like pure magic. Hearing him call her his wife for the first time, the feel of his wedding band on her skin. It was a perfect moment of joy and happiness, the moment she finally let herself acknowledge that she finally had everything she ever wanted. A sentiment that had been even more true than she realised, given the tiny cells that had been forming in her uterus that very night.
A little over a year earlier she and Harvey had danced together at Mike and Rachel's wedding. And even though he had held her close that night, their bodies pressed into one another without conscious thought, there had still been a chasm of all that was unsaid and missing and wanting between them. But on their wedding night they had been one, full and whole and complete.
And it had all started over a decade earlier in the DA's office she thought, reeling her mind back from its sudden tangent.
As Ray pulled up to the front of the building Donna spotted a familiar figure waiting out front. Exiting the car, the woman called out to her.
"Well, well, well look at you Red. Bout time that boy finally woke up to himself."
Big Bertha. Donna could only laugh at her words. The reality was Bertha was probably one of the first people to realise that Harvey was in love with Donna, long before they or anyone else knew. She had borne witness to much of his insistent flirting and line pushing during those early days.
Donna spent a few minutes chatting with the woman, catching up on each other's lives before Bertha needed to get back to work, but not before handing her the next envelope.
Donna was incredibly eager to continue her trek around the city. It was clear to her that Harvey was sending her on a literal walk down memory lane, visiting all the places that marked moments in their history together.
I told you I didn't want to lose you,
I just wasn't brave enough to say in what way.
Thank you for saying yes to all I could offer you at that time.
She felt the pinprick of tears in her eyes reading the next card, a tightness forming in her throat. Faith. It's what she had always had in Harvey, from the very beginning. Faith in him to start with, in who he was a man, and then eventually faith in them, that there would be a them someday. And while her younger and slightly heartbroken self from that morning at the diner, the morning after the other time, probably didn't expect it would be well over a decade before she next felt him move inside her, she held no regrets. The life she had now, it was worth every moment of heartache and pain and all of her endless patience.
She settled into a stool at the counter, ordering a coffee. It was the same spot she had been sitting the last time she was there with Harvey, only his second ever visit. The day he confessed to the fact that it bothered him that she was seeing Stephen. She refused to let herself dwell on the why, having already given the murderous man too much thought today, and instead focused on the declaration Harvey had made that day. It had been one of the first times he had actually confirmed there was more at play between them then what either were willing to acknowledge. Her first tantalising hint that maybe he really did want more, even though at the time he was claiming the exact opposite.
She was pulled from her daydreams when the waiter placed her coffee down in front of her, and with a wink, handed her yet another envelope.
I like to think we had a decade of dates before this one,
but please enjoy lunch where we had our first 'official' date, Mrs Garfield.
PS – I may have arranged some special guests to keep you company.
Quattro Gatti. She had to commend him on his lunch choice, she was definitely in the mood for Italian, it being her number one pregnancy craving.
And as the memory of their first date, or more specifically what happened after they got home, flashed through her mind she felt a different sort of craving. She had nearly made Harvey weep beneath her while bringing to life his Mrs Garfield fantasy that night. Just the thought of it made her press her thighs together, her rampant pregnancy hormones only adding to the sudden flood of desire coursing through her bloodstream. It had certainly been a night to remember.
Her curiosity about special guests was soon answered when she spotted Louis, Katrina, Samantha and Gretchen waiting for her at the table. After a round of hugs and a vigorous baby bump rub by Louis she should have been expecting, they settled in for a delicious lunch and much needed catch up.
It was wonderful to be able to spend time with her old friends again, hearing stories about the latest firm drama and Louis's endless chat about little Lucy. She loved having Rachel and Mike back in her life again, and Seattle was a welcome breath of fresh air for them after years of stress and power struggles, but her journey around the city today, and now lunch, made her realise just how much she missed what they had left behind.
After a final round of hugs goodbye Louis slipped her the next envelope with a knowing grin.
I have always been and always will be a Donna fan.
Harvey had always been full of surprises, even long before they were married. The night he waited for her, flowers in hand, to accompany her to her closing night performance in a Merchant of Venice was certainly one of those times. She didn't even know Harvey had been aware she was in a play, given the craziness that had been happening with Mike at the time. But he did, and despite the fact Donna knew he hated theatre and Shakespeare, he had stayed and watched the entire show, intently. Donna had spied him in the audience on occasion during her performance and not once had his eyes ever been anywhere else but on her.
Afterwards he had taken her out to dinner to celebrate, both of them consuming far too much alcohol in the process. There had been a moment when he dropped her home, both stumbling a little as he escorted her to her front door. She had turned back to him after unlocking the door, and he was closer than she expected. They had stood there, standing far too close to simply be colleges or even friends, but not quite close enough for lovers, while a heated spark flowed between them. Harvey's eyes had been dark, and his expression torn, while she had tried to decide what to do or say, her drunken mind having been seriously considering inviting him in. But instead he had softly murmured "You were amazing tonight" and then lent towards her, Donna having felt her heart go erratic, because for a second she thought he was going to kiss her. And he did, but only on the cheek, just the slightest whisper of contact before he turned and walked away.
Neither of them ever mentioned the moment, both simply pretending it never happened, as was their usual way back then.
Arriving at the theatre she discovered that Harvey had organised her a ticket to the afternoon matinee performance being held there. Donna had sorely missed going to the theatre and even if it was off off Broadway, she still felt that tingle of joy run through her she always experienced just setting foot in one.
Leaving the theatre at the conclusion of the performance, Donna felt her heart skip a beat as she spotted him, leaning against the side of Ray's car like she had seen him do a hundred times before. She felt transported back in time, back to that night he had waited to being her to this very venue and all the other times over the years when he shared a car journey with her, a lift home late at night, or while on their way to anniversary dinners and breakfast non-dates.
Only this time she was free to do what she had always longed to, free to wrap her arms around his neck and join her lips to his, while the swell of their daughter rested between them. Harvey deepened the kiss and Donna groaned into his mouth, savouring his taste and touch as his hands grazed along her lower back.
Eventually Harvey pulled back, pressing a final quick kiss to her lips as her murmured "Definitely always a Donna fan."
His hands settled in either side of her stomach, cradling her bump. "Have my two girls been enjoying their day so far?"
Harvey was already so completely smitten with their baby; it was an absolute joy to behold. Not even born yet and she already had him wrapped around her tiny finger. Donna would have almost been jealous at the love she saw swimming in his eyes for her, if she didn't feel exactly the same way.
She knows he had been worried about this, about becoming a father, feared it was something he may not be good at. Not that Donna had ever been concerned. She knew his heart; knew how fiercely he protected the people he loved, and she knew without a shadow of a doubt that there was not one other person on this planet that she wanted to be the father of her child. And Harvey was already proving himself to be an amazing father, something that would only be enhanced when she finally arrived.
"We have very much been enjoying our little trip down memory lane."
"Well it's not over yet, I thought I'd join you for the rest."
"I think we'd like that" she said smiling up at him. "How did the meeting go?" she asked, suddenly remembering the whole reason she had been traipsing around New York today alone.
"It went well I think, but there will be plenty of time to talk about that tomorrow. Tonight, is for us."
He handed her another familiar envelope.
It really, really, really was my lucky day.
"You're an idiot." She grinned up at him. "But you're not wrong" she added with a wink. He just chuckled at her.
Ray drove them to the bar where they first met all those years ago, Harvey's hand not once leaving her stomach as he and their daughter had a silent conversation made out of kicks and rubs. She always came alive when Harvey was around, Donna certain she was already able to sense him, knew exactly who he was.
"So, who was your helper?" she asked. He raised his eyebrows at her, indicating she should know the obvious answer.
"Louis" they both said simultaneously, making Donna giggle. But of course.
"Apparently since we got married on the same day, it's now his duty to ensure I properly mark any and all milestones related to that day."
"So, this was all his idea?" She gave him a teasing grin.
"Oh no. He said the only proper way to commemorate six months of joint marriage was to go couples mudding together with him and Shelia." Harvey rolled his eyes, shuddering at the idea.
Donna laughed, not at all surprised by the suggestion, given Louis's lifelong ambition was to get Harvey to go mudding with him.
"This was a joint effort" he said, waving to the card in her hand.
Donna leaned over, pressing a kiss to his lips softly. "Thank you, it's been a wonderful day. We do have a lot of history in this city. It's nice to be reminded of it."
"Oh, and you should count yourself lucky" she continued, "Louis might have talked to you about mudding, but at lunch he detailed just exactly how and Shelia actually will be celebrating tonight..." Donna now being the one to shudder, while Harvey laughed.
At the bar they sat in the same booth they had that very first night, this time Donna snuggling in close beside him. She watched longingly as Harvey drank his scotch, her virgin margarita not really hitting the mark. She missed scotch, missed sharing a glass of an evening with Harvey while they sat wrapped up on the couch, watching whatever current tv show he was trying to convince her she would love. And wine too, she definitely missed wine.
She trailed her hand across his cheek and when Harvey turned his head towards her, she crashed her lips against his, her tongue slipping inside his mouth to stroke his, groaning at his taste mixed with the alcohol. The kiss was heated and raw and quickly started to border on the edge of public decency when she finally pulled herself back, tongue licking at the faint remnants of scotch that lingered on her lips.
"I suddenly feel a bit used" Harvey joked at her. It wasn't the first time she had used a kiss to satisfy her need for the taste of alcohol. But his hand was resting high on her thigh and his eyes were dark.
"I think it's time for the next destination" she said, voice low and fighting for control. He removed the next envelope from his pocket and handed it to her.
Today might be our half anniversary,
but we already celebrated 12 others here.
"I thought Del Posto was only for work anniversaries?" she said with a humorous glint in her eye.
"It is, because were not actually eating there."
"Del Posto do not do takeaway" she declared firmly; eyebrows raised.
"I still hold some sway in this city I'll have you know."
She only looked at him suspiciously, head titled "You bribed them, didn't you?"
"Oh absolutely" and she couldn't help the loud burst of laughter that erupted from her. "Besides, there was no way I was having shitty Thai food for diner"
"Oh, please you know you love that place" she said, shoving playfully against his shoulder.
"But if were not eating there, where are we eating?"
"That is for me to know and you to work out" he winked at her.
Sure enough, after had Ray stopped at the restaurant and Harvey returned carrying a large bag of food, the aroma of which quickly filled the small space making Donna's stomach rumble, he placed another envelope into her hand.
My name may have once been on the wall here
but giving it to you was by far my greatest achievement.
"The old office" she couldn't mask the surprise in her voice, for some reason not having expected that to be their final destination.
"I know it's not the most romantic of locations, but Donna no other place witnessed more of our history than there. You were always there by my side, every day."
Her smile wobbled a little at his words. And it was true, there was nowhere else they had spent more time together than the fiftieth floor of that building. It felt a little odd walking through the lobby, travelling up in the familiar lift, simultaneously feeling like forever since they were last there and also as though no time had passed at all.
Stepping out into the foyer Donna noticed Harvey pause to read the firm name plastered along the wall, Litt Wheeler Williams Bennett.
"Do you miss it?" she asked. So much of his life had been spent in pursuit of getting his name on that wall, she knew he had to be feeling something seeing it gone.
He turned back to her and smiling sadly.
"Honestly nowhere near as much as I expected."
"Why the sad face then?"
"Looking at that I wall I just realised I spent too long fighting for something that wasn't anywhere near as important as I thought it was. I spent too long fighting for what I thought was missing in my life. But turns out I was fighting for the wrong thing" his gaze was heavy with emotion and she felt herself tremble slightly as she took in the meaning of his words.
"It was important Harvey. You deserved it, the acknowledgment of all you achieved professionally."
Walking closer to her Harvey splayed his hand across her stomach. "It wasn't as important as you, as us. If I hadn't been so solely focused on getting my name on that wall and then keeping it there, I might have come to my senses sooner." He gave a little laugh. "And then we could have a tribe of these little ones running around already."
"A tribe?" she chuckled "I think we might just start with one and see how that goes."
"Yeah, you're probably right about that. One mini Donna is sure to be the end of me."
Harvey looped an arm around her shoulders as they headed off towards his old office. The floor was deserted, Harvey explaining that Louis had forbid anyone from being there tonight.
Donna was surprised to find Harvey's old office empty and clearly unused. His old furniture, the desk and couch remained, but beyond that it is clear no one was working in this office.
"Apparently Louis refuses to let anyone take over the office" Harvey said with a shrug of his shoulders.
Donna shook her head lightly at the words. She knew Harvey leaving had been hard for Louis, so she shouldn't have been surprised he was treating his old office like hallowed ground. She and Harvey had certainly come a long way, but the same also had to be said for him and Louis. They had truly gone from enemies to family.
Harvey spread out the food from Del Posto on the coffee table and they settled onto the couch to eat. The food was delicious as was to be expected and while they ate, they found themselves reminiscing about their spontaneous wedding six months earlier.
"I still can't believe you managed to surprise me with an engagement and a wedding in the same day."
"And I can't believe this little girl was right there with us and we didn't even know." Harvey's words so filled with joy and love as he stoked her bump.
"It just makes those memories even more special now."
She settled back against the couch, finished with their dinner and rested her head on Harvey's shoulder.
"Thank you again for today Harvey. It was such a wonderful way to spend the day." She threaded her fingers between his hand, squeezing tightly. "Although you do know you just set the bar sky high for our actual anniversary" she jokingly teased him with a smirk, chuckling when she saw the realisation wash across his face.
"Well I think it's your turn to impress me" he fired back, having recovered.
"Please, I impress you every day."
"Yes, you do" the joking tone had left his voice, replaced with what could only be described as awe.
He took her face in his hands, nose brushing against hers before he kissed her. What started out as sweet and tender, soon became heated and lustful, tongues intertwining, bodies pressing together and hands gripping tightly.
"Take me home Harvey" she groaned against his lips.
He pulled back from her with a smirk.
"You know Louis did banish everyone from this floor for the night and we never did get to do it on your old secretary desk" he waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively. "It was always my number one fantasy."
"Oh, I was always well aware of that" she grinned at him, poking a finger against his chest.
"So, was that a yes?"
She rolled her eyes at him. "Take me home Harvey" she repeated more firmly.
They gathered their things and went to leave, Harvey pressing his palm to her lower back as they left his old office, the simple action heightening her already pulsing need. As they passed by her old desk, she found herself pausing, before turning to grin wickedly up at him.
"Actually on second thoughts….."
A/N: I picked this prompt because I wanted something that was light and fluffy and fun, given all that is going on in the world at the moment.
But I ended up really struggling to write this one, and I have to admit I'm not entirely happy with it, so if you read all the way to the end, thank you!
Please stay safe everyone.