'Tis the Season
Prompt 28: A company outing to the mountains, snow, cottage, fire, etc. Donna injures something and her bf Thomas takes care of her, driving Harvey crazy ? preferably M-rated (both ships)
Donna hums as the chill of the room vanishes, skin on skin creating a friction that leaves her body vibrating with heat as she straddles her boyfriend's lap. The bed they're in is ridiculously huge, and the log cabin's over-the-top decor dissolves under Thomas' adoring gaze as she leans down, murmuring against his lips. "We're going to be late."
He splays his fingers around her hips, keeping her right where she is, in awe of the fact he was privileged enough to be invited along on the trip. The weekend was supposed to be just for senior staff of ZSLWW, a proper break in the lead-up to Christmas, which from what Donna's told him hasn't happened since she started there. According to his girlfriend, the firm usually works through the holiday season, on-call to their clients no matter what the date, which was her very convincing argument for him to come along. He phoned his long-time friend and new managing partner out of courtesy, but Louis insisted they were short on numbers and he was more than welcome to join. As he's fast learning, his girlfriend isn't only persuasive, she's in tune to everyone's needs, and he skims his knuckles over her satin negligee, not surprised they lost track of time. Tardiness isn't something he's ever had a problem with before, but recently he's found himself slipping into the office later than usual and not minding in the slightest. "We're going to be late," he beams his amusement at her, "because you're a bad influence."
"Is that a complaint?" she teases the question, smirking when she feels his muscles shudder beneath her touch. Maybe she did cheat a little by bringing him here. But with Robert in Seattle, and Katrina booking a last minute flight to see her parents, Louis managed to convince himself the trip was going to be a disaster, so she figured why not indulge herself while putting her friend's mind at ease.
"How could I possibly be complaining?" he asks seriously, fluttering his eyes closed when she sinks on top of him, and groaning as he leans back into the pillows. He honestly has no idea how he got so lucky.
She runs a hand through her hair, rocking a steady pace as her gaze dances across the pine wood and Christmas lights adorning them in a soft glow. This is the first holiday season she hasn't spent alone in who knows how many years, but she's not just grateful to be sharing her time with someone. Thomas is more than a body who keeps her warm at night. He's a man who boasts strong morals, is a good judge of character and has been showering her with his undivided attention. He's clever and witty, makes her laugh, and the connection they have feels real. A bliss that's surpassing the honeymoon phase. She can see herself having a future with him, and the idea tangles with her growing desire as he raises his hips, meeting her need with the same unspoken yearning.
He grips her tighter, trying to keep a rein on his control. He's never had an issue pleasing women in the bedroom, but Donna isn't like anyone he's ever met before. She can lead him to the brink with just a sultry smile, and he tugs her down, hitting deeper, the whimper she makes causing him to thrust harder. His eyes clamp shut as he works his thumb over her, rubbing between the apex of her thighs.
She gasps loudly, clenching around him, and he drives faster, slipping over the edge first. He cums hard, her trembling walls squeezing and shuddering as she topples over with him, and he catches her arms, riding out the tremors rippling through her. She composes herself before he does, the words that bubble up smothered by her perfect smile and gorgeous eyes as she sits straighter, raking her nails over his sweaty chest.
"For the record…" She pats his firm muscles with a wink. "I wasn't complaining either."
A throaty laugh escapes his lips as her thighs lift off him, and he shrugs aside the blankets, climbing out of the bed to join her—a huge grin plastered on his face as he catches her waist, walking them towards the ensuite.
They may have only been dating a few months, but this is the happiest he's ever been in a relationship, the most comfortable he's ever felt, and he's looking forward to getting to know her friends and colleges.
Right after he gets to know his girlfriend again in the shower.
…
Harvey grumbles under his icy breath, freezing and already frustrated by Louis' overbearing enthusiasm for the day's events. Ankle deep in snow, tired and cranky, he glares at the wide open hole in the group where Donna should be. He's only here because she and Mike tag-team coerced him into not being a scrooge. His best friend had nagged him from Seattle, while Donna pleaded with her big brown eyes, insisting that Louis needs all of their support to act as the firm's newest managing partner. After reluctantly agreeing, she then blind-sided him with the news Thomas Kessler would be joining them. Though technically she asked if he would mind her boyfriend coming along, he couldn't fumble together a reason to say no.
Now he can think of several, and the fact they've all been left waiting on the pair riles his annoyance.
All he wants to do is get this ridiculous travesty over with. Go work on the cases he brought and close enough to disappear up to Boston for a few days. His family, after years being estranged, are now ironically the closest thing he has to, well… family. Mike and Rachel left, Jessica is gone, Louis has a baby on the way, and Donna—he breathes in sharply, spotting her approach with Thomas.
She's moving on, too.
Scottie had tried to warn him, flipped the lid open on his feelings seconds before the truth slapped him right in the face. He waited too long, and now she's happy with someone else. Her smile as she walks towards the group failing to melt the icy shards inside his chest.
"Sorry we're late." She tucks herself and Thomas in between Alex and Samantha. Both are wearing a knowing smirk, and her cheeks flush under their silent teasing. The only person who looks unimpressed is Harvey. And with all the gear Louis has set out, she's not surprised he isn't feeling the holiday spirit. There are backpacks, maps, whistles and a twenty-page itinerary that doesn't exactly scream they're all in for a casual and relaxed weekend.
"The most important thing—next to winning, obviously—is safety." Louis takes the mouth-piece around his neck and blows into it. The group flinches at the high pitched sound but safety is paramount, and he hands them each a copy of the map. "There are several ranger huts marked in red. They all have working radios, a first aid kit, basic supplies and are easy to locate. If you see a bear—"
"A bear?" Samantha snorts. "We're at a retreat in New Jersey, not Yosemite Park."
"Yes, a bear. We all signed a waiver—"
"We did?" Alex interrupts, sharing a bemused look with the circle. "I'm pretty sure there was nothing in the fine print about wild, ferocious animals."
"That's not—"
"What's a whistle going to do against a bear?" Donna interjects, grinning when Thomas presses his lips close to her ear.
"Don't worry..." He smiles, squeezing waist."If there's a bear I'll protect you."
Harvey rolls his eyes at the exchange, shifting in the snow and directing his irritation at Louis. "Ranger's stations, we get it. What's next?"
Louis reels off two pages of safety protocols, all of which Donna ignores, leaning against Thomas to try and keep warm. She doesn't enjoy being out in the cold, but she can see Louis channeling his confidence to take charge—exactly what she hoped would happen—and when he gets to the rules, she focuses her attention on the set of instructions.
"The teams will be made up of two and each pair has a map tailored with a special route." He turns his laminated paper around, pointing to the green spots scattered across the course. "The objective is to find six flags that match your team's color. First pair back here wins."
Donna takes her map and glances at the dots, frowning when she sees Thomas is holding a different color.
"Samantha and I are green, Alex and Thomas are purple, and Harvey and Donna are orange."
Her gaze flashes across to Harvey who looks equally perplexed. He obviously assumed she would be partnered with Thomas as well, but before she can query the pairings, her boyfriend presses a soft kiss to her temple.
"I wanted to pick Alex's brain about a couple of things," he murmurs apologetically. "I hope that's okay?"
She nods, swallowing her hesitation. The idea makes sense. Alex has just taken over his account, and this is a good opportunity for Thomas to get to know the lawyer a little better. She's just surprised, and clearly so is Harvey. But there's no reason pairing with him should be awkward. He said he was happy for her, that he had no issue with her dating a client, and she's missed spending time with him recently. While she's been indulging in the perks of having a boyfriend, Harvey's been… busy. But they're friends, that hasn't changed, and she gives Thomas' hand a squeeze, leaving to go stand beside her teammate. "Hey, partner."
She smiles and he breathes out, forcing his mouth up at the edges. "Hey."
"Everyone, time starts now!"
He flinches as Louis announces the beginning of the game, trying to navigate around the knot pitted in his stomach. He hasn't exactly been avoiding Donna, but he's been keeping his distance, not wanting to get in the way of her relationship. And the small flutter of hope that they might reconnect while away was squashed when she told him about Thomas joining them. Now he's been gifted some time alone with her—three hours according to Louis' itinerary—he feels like he's still encroaching, like a third wheel or spare part, but the glimmer of amusement in her gaze helps ease the tension.
"You were never in boy scouts were you?" She smirks, turning the upside down map the right way up in his hands.
"I can read a map, Donna." He points to the large red X with a sarcastic scoff. "We're here. See?"
She rolls her eyes, glancing around at the other pairs who are all aligning their compasses. Instead of doing the same, Harvey shoves everything but the map in their backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. "Shouldn't we at least keep the compass out?"
"Don't need it," he answers confidently, starting toward the treeline.
She trudges after him with a sigh, hoping that if they do come across a bear, it's Bear Grylls, because there's a good chance they're going to need someone to come and rescue them.
Chapter 2
Donna pushes a tree branch out of the way, crinkling her nose when it snaps back flinging snow in her face. She hates this. It feels like they've been walking for hours when in reality it's only been about twenty minutes, but the path Harvey chose is dense with shrubbery and she stops to rake the leaves out of her hair, shooting a glare at him. "Are you sure this is the right way?"
"Positive." He doesn't check the map because they aren't lost; they're just not following the course, but he knows exactly where they're going.
"Harvey."
She fires his name in warning and he slows down to let her catch up, reading genuine concern in her expression when she does. Feeling bad for worrying her, he finally relents and holds out the map to let her in on his plan. "There's a ranger's station about one mile from here. I figure we can get out of the cold for a couple of hours, then take a short-cut back."
She's relieved they aren't actually lost and would love nothing more than to sit down somewhere dry and warm, but he's forgetting one pivotal thing. "What about the flags?"
He digs into his pocket, cold fingers revealing the spare flags he swiped when Louis wasn't looking. "Before you say anything," he quickly defends, "this isn't cheating."
"How did you come to that conclusion?" She plants her hands on her hips, ready to dispute his argument. He might think this all some stupid game, but everyone one else is taking it seriously, and Louis will be crushed if he finds out Harvey rigged the activity.
"The objective is to find six flags that match your team's color," he parrots the rules with a shrug. "That's what I did."
"Unbelievable." Though technically his logic is right, stealing the flags to win is wrong, and she shakes her head with a disapproving huff. "You're such a lawyer."
He grins smugly, taking the quip as a compliment. "You say that like it's a bad thing." Her glare pierces straight through him and he rolls his eyes. Despite what she's thinking, he wasn't trying to undermine Louis. If anything, he's trying to do what she asked and be supportive. "I was always going to let him win, Donna." He tucks the map back inside his pocket with a sigh. "I just don't see the point of traipsing around while we're waiting for him to finish."
The revelation surprises her, and she drops her arms with a quizzical expression. His claim seems genuine, but in all the years she's known him, he's always jumped at the chance to compete with Louis, and she narrows her gaze skeptically. "Since when are you okay with losing?"
He takes offense to the question, flourishing a hand behind her. "Look, you can go play Inuits in the freezing cold if you want. I'm going this way." He turns abruptly, regretting the frustration as soon as he starts walking. He would never actually leave her alone out here, but she hit a nerve with her comment. Lately, he's had to find a way to grapple with losing because everything's started slipping away from him; his office, his title, Donna. It's like he put one foot in quicksand and now he's whole body is being dragged under, but when he hears her rustle follow him, he breathes a sigh of relief.
Donna sweeps another branch from her face, not sure what just caused his spat, but she's not about to push for an answer when they're lumbering around the middle of nowhere. Let her loose in Manhattan on a Friday night and she's in her element, but here she's being attacked by trees, her feet hurt, and she's already missing Thomas and his easy, light-hearted nature. She hopes her boyfriend is having a better time than she is, but Harvey was right about one thing: the ranger's station will at least be an escape from the cold snow, and the sooner they find the shelter and get inside, the better.
...
Alex stretches his thick, fluffy parka sleeve towards the tree housing their next flag. The jacket is bulky and impractical, but Rosalie insisted he bring it, and with the temperature in the minuses, he's glad he listened to his wife's advice. "You want the honors." He nods to Thomas who is taller and has more movement in his sleek, weather proof vest.
Thomas fights a smile, reaching up with ease to snag the piece of fabric. So far, he's been thoroughly impressed by every insight the lawyer has offered. After years working with Louis, he learned to trust the man implicitly and couldn't fault his ability to crush numbers, but there were times they often clashed over management style. Louis has a firmer hand when it comes to dealing with workers, but Alex seems to have a better grasp of how he likes to wrangle his staff, and as he hands the flag over, and Alex fumbles with the backpack, he suspects some of those leniencies are playing out right now. "Why do I get the feeling this isn't really a race?"
"Hey man, if you want to swap..." Alex shrugs in the ridiculously puffy outfit, but the jacket isn't the real reason he's in no rush. He's gone up against Samantha plenty of times before, and with Harvey's competitive streak, Louis is going to have to pick up the slack if the man wants a victory. He's happy to let the two teams battle it out, and focus on client relations instead. "We're all here to win," he insists, not wanting to sound too soft. "But sometimes there's more victory in just finishing a race. Didn't your parents ever teach you about the Tortoise and Hare?"
Thomas gives a throaty chuckle, appreciating he's in the company of a lawyer who's able to see winning doesn't necessarily mean crossing a finish line first. That same loyalty is why he's never sought different counsel, and now he's with Donna, he's even more confident keeping his business with ZSLWW, despite the scandals they've faced under previous names. "I might be biased," he says casually, holding the map out between them, "but the new merger is a good fit."
He glances down searching for their next route, and Alex assumes the comment about being biased is a reference to Donna. While he's willing to answer any questions about Thomas' business or the firm, Donna's strictly off limits. Firstly, because she'd kick his ass, and secondly, because he's had suspicions about Harvey's feelings since the day he started. He's glad Donna's found someone who makes her happy, and he has a lot of respect for Thomas, but he doesn't want his personal feelings weighing in on something that, really, is none of his business
Thomas notes the man's silence, and his gaze lifts, taking in the man's hesitation with a smile. "Relax, Alex. I'm not going to grill you about Donna."
He quickly breathes out his relief. "That's good… because she'll just mind-jedi whatever I say, and then we'll both be in the doghouse."
Thomas grins, the assumption not wrong. His girlfriend has an amazing ability to read people, which he's sure might be intimidating to some, but it's something he finds remarkable, right along with everything else he's learned about her so far. She's smart, confident, fun and witty. In his eyes, Donna is nothing short of perfect, and he doesn't need a second opinion to back up his reasons.
A look of love winds across his features, and Alex can't help the twitch that lifts the corners of mouth. He knows what his client is feeling because he still gets butterflies thinking about Rosalie and how lucky he is that she made him take a leap of faith. In return, he received everything he didn't know he was searching for. Without her, he would be half the man he is, and if Thomas feels even a fraction of that way about Donna, then it doesn't matter which horse Alex has in the race. Thomas deserves a chance at winning her over. "Here next, then we can loop around." He points to the map, pulling the man's focus back from the cloud he's obviously still floating on.
"Sounds good to me." Thomas checks the compass to orientate them, and can't help wishing Donna was here with them. He didn't know they were going to split into pairs when he asked Louis if he could team up with Alex, but he hopes this is the kind of thing his girlfriend might like to do more often. He loves being outdoors, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, and wonders if it's too soon to suggest inviting her to the countryside for Christmas. He doesn't want to come on too strong, having sensed she's more cautious when it comes to dating. She had her reservations about seeing a client, but he wants to keep things moving in the right direction, and even though he doesn't want to put Alex on the spot, he'll take any help he can get "Can I ask you one thing about Donna?" He slips the compass into his pocket, continuing when Alex nods. "If you could give me any piece of advice, what would it be?"
He could always ask Harvey what not to do, Alex thinks, but he settles on the same piece of advice he would give anyone in a relationship. "Talk and make sure you listen." Two cornerstones of his marriage. In his experience, the downfall of most couples is not communicating, and he lets Thomas mull over the succinct wisdom. He has to hand it to Louis, he and Thomas have already gained something from the exercise, and he's looking forward to working with the man.
He just hopes the other teams are finding the experience as beneficial.
...
"No… Absolutely not." Donna glares at the stream trickling past, separating her and Harvey from the side the ranger's station is on. They can see the cabin sitting picturesquely over the crest of the bank, but if they fall in the water they're likely to freeze to death, and she waves her hand pointedly at the map. "Isn't there a bridge or something?"
He tips his head with a sigh. "It's a creek, Donna, not a river." She doesn't look any happier with the less dramatic description, and he carefully edges forward in the snow, nudging the nearest rock sticking out of the rivulet. It doesn't budge, and there's several scattered close enough to give them access across, they just have to be careful. "Piece of cake," he shrugs, climbing up onto it and moving over to the next one.
She groans under her breath, nervous as she follows him, but he tests each step first, making the short distance less daunting, and she absently wonders how Louis is handling the terrain. He probably took one look at the activity pamphlet and imagined woodland creatures coming out and singing songs to help, the thought making her smirk as Harvey reaches the bank.
He pulls himself up onto the snowy ridge, turning and offering his arm, taking her hand. "See, that wasn't so—"
She shrieks as the ledge suddenly slides out from under her, and she isn't sure which is more painful, the pop in her ankle as she's swallowed by freezing cold water or Harvey's ridiculously strong grip as he hauls her up, sending both of them flying back. She lands on his chest with a hard thud, breathing heavily through a grimace of pain.
"Are you okay?" His voice is hoarse as he holds her awkwardly, worried when she shakes her head and doesn't climb off him right away. "Easy, just take a breath."
She nods, pulling air into her lungs, and forcing her eyes open to find she's pinning him down in the snow, and her cheeks flush with heat as she scrambles to lift her weight. "Ow, dammit!" She crumples next to him clutching her ankle with a sharp hiss.
He doesn't need to ask how bad the injury is. The grief contouring her face is clear enough, and guilt floods through him as he slides his palm against the small of her back. She's wet up to her knees, already shivering from the added cold, and being slumped in the snow isn't helping either. "Can you stand?"
She loosens her grip around the throbbing pain, glancing at the cabin behind them. It's not far but still feels like it's going to be a marathon effort, and she clenches her jaw, testing to see how much she can move.
"Let me help."
Her glassy eyes give him permission to move in closer, and he slips her arm around his neck, holding onto her waist with a firm grip. "Ready?"
She swallows a whimper as he pulls them both up, black spots blurring her vision when she tries to put weight on her ankle. She's not going to make it anywhere on her own and leans against him with a frustrated sigh.
He keeps her supported as he hobbles them forward, debating whether to throw her over his shoulder and carry her. The only problem is she'd probably kill him, so he abandons the idea, taking it slowly until they're finally close enough for him to swing the door to the cabin open. The set-up is basic, not exactly the Four Seasons, but it's shelter from the elements, housing two small rooms, one with a makeshift kitchen and table, the other with a lumpy looking bed.
He leads her to the mattress, sitting her down and kneeling in front of her, taking in her pallor and tightly wound expression. The last thing he wants is to cause her more discomfort, but he needs to get her boot off to see the damage, and he skates his hand over her leg with a soft squeeze. "I'll try to be gentle."
She nods, gripping the sheet as he unlaces her shoes, sliding them off one at a time, and she swallows a pained gasp when he releases her injured foot. It's almost twice the size, and she isn't sure if the dark blotches of purple are bruising or frostbite, but he's careful like he promised he would be, delicately running his fingers along the bone.
"I think it's just a bad sprain," he determines, not feeling anything broken, but he is worried by how cold she is. Her skin is frozen beneath his touch, her body wracked with shivers, prompting his gaze to settle on her wet jeans. "We need to get these off."
"O...offering to... swap?" she asks through trembling lips, not enthused about sitting around in her underwear, waiting to be rescued.
"There might be something here." He pushes up, offering to go look, but hesitates, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Do you need me to—"
"I can...m... manage." She feels ridiculous turning away his help. He's seen her in far less, but things are different between them now she's seeing Thomas, and she struggles through removing the wet denim herself, because like or not she's been using the distance Harvey's been keeping as a crutch as well. They don't joke around and flirt like they used to, softly spoken pleasantries filling the silence as they pass each other like ships during the night. She misses having a drink after work with him and catching up on all the gossip, but she also likes going home to Thomas, curling up and being with someone who isn't afraid to share his emotions. She doesn't want to give up either relationship, and when Harvey comes back, holding the most god-awful flannel pajamas she's ever seen, she clutches the blanket over her lap, trying to keep her teeth from chattering. "No... silk?"
He sets them on the bed, resisting the urge to try and warm her up by running his hands over her thin coat. She'll be fine once she's changed and has something hot to drink, and he thumbs over his shoulder. "I'll make us some tea."
He disappears again and she unfolds the scratchy fabric, gingerly sliding the bottoms up her legs. Her top half is mostly dry, just damp from the snow, but she tugs off the jacket, leaving her thermal vest and jumper in place. With an exhausted sigh, she leans back against the wall, closing her eyes as she listens to Harvey on the radio. When the staff inform him there was an incident up on the slopes and help is going to be awhile, she can hear guilt clipping his frustrated response, but things could be worse, and when his steps approach her, she flutters her gaze open with a soft smile.
The reassurance washes away most of his irritation, and hands over the steaming mugs, retrieves the first-aid kit he found, and drags across a chair so she can keep her leg elevated. There's not much blanket to share, and even though she's stopped shivering now, he lets her have it, lumbering onto the creaky springs and sitting next to her, rifling through the box for some painkillers. He exchanges two pills for one of the drinks and pulls a deck of cards out from his pocket. "Found these. They said it'll be a couple of hours before they can send someone."
"The insurance premiums for New Yorker's must double here," she jokes, wondering what the odds of two accidents occurring at the same time are. Not that she minds waiting. If the worst she and Harvey have to worry about is boredom kicking in, then so be it. "We're not playing poker."
She steals the deck and he smirks, but even though she seems more spirited, he's still worried she's in pain. "You doing okay?"
His tone is softer than usual, his eyes flicking down to her ankle, and this time she doesn't need to hear his guilt, she can see it, but the slip wasn't his fault. "It was an accident, Harvey."
"You wanted to go around," he points out, angry with himself for not listening to her. "I made you—"
"You didn't make me do anything." There's no reason he ought to feel bad. She knows he would never intentionally put her in danger. He even went across the stream first to make sure it was safe, and he's been doing everything he can to keep her comfortable. She could do without the busted ankle, but she's happier inside than she was knee deep in snow, getting whacked in the face by branches every two steps. "Believe it or not, you were right. This is better than being an Eskimo... Nature is so not my thing."
He chuckles over his mug, understanding and agreeing with the sentiment. The only time he likes snow is when he's staring at it from in front of a fireplace, cosied up beneath a pile of blankets. "We can always tell Louis there was a bear and we had to run for our lives."
She snorts, picturing a frantic look on Louis' face. "How about we say I rescued you from a bear?"
"Hey... I could handle a bear," he asserts with confidence, even though he wouldn't have the first clue what to do. Something Donna obviously knows because she gleams across at him with a smirk.
"Really?" She gives him a skeptical look. "Mr. Flinches At Kittens."
"That was one time, and the thing had it out for me." He shudders, remembering how much shit Mike had given him over the whole fiasco. It had been back in the early days whilst visiting a client, and a loose smile ghosts his lips as Donna nudges him. All embarrassment aside, those are the moments he misses; when he and Mike would run rings around people, and Donna was there, inside his reach whenever he needed her.
He hides his gaze behind his mug as he watches her balance her drink and shuffle the deck of cards. He's missed this too—the stolen glances, the warm amusement in her face when she teases him. His heart aches at the thought that this might be all the time they have together for who knows how long. No doubt she has plans for Christmas and he's going to Boston, the separate destinations almost like their spelling an end to something. This will be the first year they won't be in the office together or on opposite sides of a phone call while she's in Connecticut. The next time they see each other will probably be in the new year, and he's suddenly glad Mike convinced him to put his ego aside and join in Louis' organized fun. Everything's changing, and he doesn't want it to, but Donna put his happiness first for years.
It's time he started doing the same thing.
...
"Go fish."
Donna beams as Harvey reaches for the pile, muttering under his breath that the game is obviously rigged. They've been trading stories—her stomach sore from laughing so much—and she can't help but tease him as he shoves yet another card in the wad he's holding. "Seriously, how are you this bad at a kid's game?"
"Because it's a kid's game." He gives an indignant huff. "If this was poker, I'd be wiping the floor with you." Both comments are a lie and he fights a smile, hiding the fact. The real reason he's losing is because he hasn't been paying the slightest bit of attention to his hand, missing multiple pairs every time she distracts him with a memory he secreted away years ago. Over a decade of history is making him nostalgic and he drops the stack, surrendering the win as he leans his head against the wall.
She flushes under his warm gaze. He doesn't need to say what he's thinking—she knows—feeling the same way and voicing the thought for him. "This is nice." She adds her cards to his pile, giving up on the game, and sinking back with a soft sigh, bringing herself in line with his shoulders. "We should do this more when we get back."
He nods, wishing they could. For the past hour he's been able to forget a world outside the cabin exists, one where she has a boyfriend waiting and finding an excuse to spend time together isn't as easy as it used to be. He can't just call her into his office to help with a case or celebrate a big win. She's a brilliant COO but the new role keeps her busy, and his last invite to go for a drink was never mentioned. As far as he knows, she never even got the voicemail, and he doesn't have to guess why. "So… You and Thomas." He swallows roughly, absently fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. "It's serious, then?"
She nods hesitantly, not sure how to define the relationship with words. It's still only early days, but the two of them dating isn't frivolous, either. Thomas means something to her, but Harvey asking the question catches her off guard, and she takes a leaf out of the Harvey Specter handbook, skirting around the issue. "I thought we were ignoring that subject."
A knot tightens in his stomach, but he smirks in spite of the discomfort because she's not wrong. He's been afraid to broach the topic, and still isn't sure he's ready, but he manages to find the courage to be honest "Maybe I was," he admits quietly. It wouldn't have been difficult to stop and check in, just excruciatingly painful, and he clutches his hands in his lap, struggling with what else to say. He doesn't want to hear that things are going well between her and Thomas, that she's possibly falling in love with a man who isn't him. After years of telling her he didn't want more and screwing them both around, he took too long and missed his shot. Now he has to live with the consequences of waiting, but he really does want the best for her, and regret lodges in his throat as he glances down at her ankle. "I'm sorry you got hurt."
His eyes are directed toward her injury but his voice sounds miles away, and her breath catches in her throat, daring to take a leap and ask what he means. "When?"
He shakes his head, too close to admitting something he shouldn't. But if this is his last chance to be completely transparent, to tell her how much she means to him before she starts the life she deserves with Thomas, then maybe closure will pave a way for him to finally let her go. "When I couldn't admit how I really felt," he answers, unintentionally dropping his hand beside hers. They don't end up touching, but the comfort of her nearness helps blanket his fear. "I love you, Donna," he whispers hoarsely, finding her gaze. "All I want is for you to be happy."
His eyes draw the air from her lungs, and she's hit by the tenderness pooled in his dark orbs. She doesn't know whether her sudden urge to cry is because she wants him to say it again or take it back. She is happy with Thomas and is livid Harvey would choose now to confess what she's been waiting to hear for over a decade. But her heart doesn't care—beating like a caged animal demanding its freedom. He shifts ever so slightly, just enough so she feels a spark where their fingers brush, and she leans closer, starling when the door suddenly bursts open.
She jumps as two men carrying rescue gear announce themselves, their smiles reassuring, but the loss of Harvey from her side—the loud creak as he lumbers off the bed—rattles through every crevice in her body. She doesn't know if she just dodged a bullet or lost her one chance at finally getting everything, but with the moment now gone, she quietly gathers herself, swiping her eyes and forcing some composure as the older of the two men approaches.
"How are you feeling, miss?"
"I'm fine," she lies, not daring to look at Harvey, trying to pretend that the pain she's in has nothing to do with the fact he just broke her heart.
Chapter 3
The snowmobiles land side by side, parking near where Thomas and Louis are outside waiting, and she thanks the two drivers for their help, trying not to flinch when Thomas appears at her side, his eyes filled to the brim with worry.
"Are you okay?" He clutches her waist, raking his gaze down her body as he helps her down. When he found out she was hurt, he almost went looking for her, but Louis seemed convinced Harvey would take care of her, and so the rest of the group hauled up inside the retreat's lounge to wait.
"I'm fine—"
"Thank god!" Louis breathes out his relief, flourishing the pair of crutches in his hand. "Can you walk? Are you in pain? Do you need anything?"
"I'm okay, Louis. It's just a sprain." She glances at the second snowmobile where Harvey is leaning and clasping her ruined jeans and boot. He catches her gaze, his expression mirroring her own deflated exhaustion, and it takes all her energy to muster a joke. "Next time I'll listen about the bears."
Louis pales slightly, and she sees Harvey smirk, her own lips twitching as he lumps Louis with her things. She's about to thank him, try and lift some of the awkwardness, when Thomas runs his hand through her hair, pulling her attention back to him.
"I was really worried." He cups her cheek, brushing his lips over her mouth and kisses her softly.
She's struck by his tenderness, the way he squeezes her gently, but she's aware of their audience, and her stomach flutters with guilt as she pushes lightly on his chest.
He smiles, gliding his palm down behind her knees and scooping her into his arms. She links her hands around his neck, gripping him tightly, and he presses a kiss against her temple, urging her to relax. "I've got you."
Harvey flinches at the exchange, jealousy crawling beneath his skin as Donna resigns herself to being carried. She would have killed him had he tried the same thing. All the lines and guards they've thrown up over the years have made it impossible to be vulnerable around each other in the same way, and a sting pulls his gaze away from the couple. He's not the person she wants taking care of her, and the notion stabs through him as he stalks ahead of them in the snow. He thought he could do this, that being honest would afford him some kind of relief, but all he feels is a deep sense of regret, like he just handed over the most important thing in the world to someone else. He'll be damned if he's going to hang around, torturing himself with the one thing he wants but can't have.
Mike was wrong.
This trip was never about bonding or showing he's a team player. At work, where it matters, he can play the game. All coming here did was serve as a reminder that he failed where it counts. He let pride rob him of the chance to be with the woman he loves, and now all he has is the stark realization that he's lost her. He doesn't know if he'll ever get over the feeling that's crushing his chest, but he can't face the thought of staying. It's time he went home, back to the city where he can console himself with a bottle of whiskey and forget this trip ever happened.
...
"You sure you're okay?" Thomas asks, sitting down next to Donna on the couch and handing over a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Louis agreed that she should rest while the others play a game of pictionary in the lounge before dinner, and he slides his hand along her propped up leg. "Anything else I can get you?"
"I'm okay." She smiles, clasping the warm liquid. He's been doting on her since the moment he laid her down on the couch, helping her change into more comfortable pyjamas and smothering her with attention. But his gentle care is fuelling the guilt that's been present since Harvey stormed off, leaving her safe and secure in the arms of a man who by all accounts is perfect. Or would be, if three small words—that told her everything and nothing—hadn't betrayed the armour Harvey's been keeping around his heart for as long as she can remember. She doesn't want to be affected by his words, reminding herself that the last time he said he loved her, he took it back claiming she was reading into something that didn't exist. But she also wants to trust her heart, believing that the time they spent together, laughing and reminiscing in the cabin, was more than just two friends reconnecting. When his hand brushed hers she thought he was finally ready to wake up and see that they could have everything, but as her gaze lifts to Thomas' soft expression, she berates herself for wanting anything else. Thomas is loyal, intelligent, funny and not afraid of his emotions or scared to say how he feels. And when he cups his palm over her knee, his eyes turning more serious, she breathes in deeply, hiding her hesitation behind the rim of her mug.
"What happened?" he asks, concerned by how quiet she's been since getting settled. She keeps insisting the pain is fine, but if she's not uncomfortable then there's clearly something else bothering her. The story he got from Louis was vague at best, and he's not accusing her of anything, he's just worried."I checked and I couldn't see any rivers on the map..."
"It was a creek," she answers, quick to brush off any assumptions while giving him a loose version of the truth. "We were looking for a short-cut. It was stupid."
He nods, ducking his head down and accepting the answer. If she says the incident was an accident, he believes her, but something is still off, and takes the mug out of her grasp, placing it on the table and clasping her fingers. "You don't have to be embarrassed." He smiles, feathering a kiss over her knuckles. "If the outdoors isn't your thing, I get it."
She holds his gaze, reading the kindness in his eyes, and she sinks back with a sigh. "You loved it, didn't you?"
"Yeah." He chuckles softly, dropping her hand and reaching up to smooth her hair. "But this is better."
Her cheeks flush as he leans forward, and when she meets his lips she wants to let go, but all she can think about is Harvey—the look in his eyes right before they were interrupted—and she jerks away, a flare of pain shooting through her ankle that feels like karma exacting revenge. "I'm sorry." She flinches, gripping her leg, but his easy smile washes over her.
"Here, let me." He guides her back, skating his touch down to her bruise and bending over to flutter a kiss across the swollen skin. "Better?"
She swipes her eye with a nod, not sure what the hell she's been thinking. Harvey had over ten years to tell her how he feels. Thomas is here, wonderful, and to top it off, emotionally available. Her heart is safe with him, and she gently tugs his sleeve, pulling him up and forcing Harvey out of her mind. "Maybe we could watch a movie?"
"Anything you want," he agrees, wrapping his arm around her with a gentle squeeze."Except Die Hard."
He picks up the remote with a smirk, and she relaxes into his chest with a smile, annoyed at herself for having doubts. She already has everything. Maybe it's not in the form she was expecting, but Harvey said he wanted her to be happy, and she is.
...
Louis leaves Harvey's cabin, raking a hand over his face, and breathing out a heavy sigh. The man's absence had been noticed during their game of pictionary, and Harvey made it clear he won't be joining in the rest of the activities because there's a problem with one of the firm's accounts. Despite insisting the deal could wait until morning, Harvey had already started packing, and he's gone to war enough times with the lawyer to know when to back down.
Rather than keep flogging a dead horse, he left to check in on Donna, and he winds his way around the retreat, stopping to knock on her door. When Thomas appears, he receives a much warmer welcome from his long-time friend and former client.
"Louis, come on in."
Thomas gestures inside and he steps over the threshold, his eyes softening with concern as he spots Donna on the couch, but she beams a smile at him, and he returns the gesture, dropping into the space next to her. "How are you feeling?"
"Really good." Her mouth twitches higher as Thomas closes the door and joins them. An hour to unwind with her boyfriend was exactly the distraction she needed, and she clasps his hand, giving it a soft squeeze
Louis eyes the pair up and down and couldn't be happier they seem in high spirits. When Thomas called him to ask if coming along on the trip might pose a problem, the first thing he did was reassure the man he was welcome. They have a long standing history, but he's also invested in Donna's wellbeing. She's one of his closest friends, and he's hoping her injury won't stop her from enjoying the rest of the weekend "We have a reservation for 7pm at the restaurant. Do you think you feel up to it?"
Donna's stomach growls at the suggestion, eager to eat something that's not snacks from the mini-bar. As much as she wants to stay in the bubble she and Thomas have created, order room service and prolong facing Harvey, she doesn't want to put a damper on Louis' plans. "We'll be there."
His grin with excitement, relieved they can still salvage the evening. "That's great. We put down a deposit, and with Harvey leaving—"
"What?" she interrupts, her stomach fluttering with unease.
"Hillingdon are thinking about rescinding their offer," he explains. "Harvey's driving back now to fix it."
She slips her fingers free from Thomas' grasp, concern mixing with a wave of irritation. The trip up to the retreat was almost three hours during daylight, and driving back in the dark and poor conditions isn't just stupid, it's completely reckless. "Louis, he can't…" she argues, snapping her frustration. "Someone needs to go with him."
"I tried to tell him, Donna." His enthusiasm waivers, feeling the same ripple of concern, but Harvey was adamant. "He wouldn't listen."
Of course he wouldn't. Because Harvey's an idiot, she thinks, raking a hand through her hair. Even if the deal is at risk, he could have told her instead of rushing off, and the thought of an accident occurring because he's being hot-heated rattles through her. She has to at least talk to him, and reaches for her crutches, fumbling to get herself off the couch and flinching at the failed attempt. "Ow, dammit!" she curses, her gaze stinging as she tries to get her balance.
"Hey, take it easy." Thomas presses his hand over her shoulder, scared she's going to trip and hurt herself.
She's annoyed by the hindrance, but he's right, she's never going to make it in time, and to hell with bad ideas. "Will you go talk to him, please?"
Thomas stumbles over what to do, not sure he's going to have any sway over Harvey leaving, but Donna is clearly upset, and he nods, swallowing his apprehension. "Yeah, sure." He glances at Louis, urging him to stay with her. "I'll be right back."
She watches Thomas leave, and Louis' confused gaze settle over her, making her toss the useless crutches aside as she slumps back down. Maybe she's overreacting, reading too much into Harvey leaving, but he said he loved her knowing full well how much weight those words carry, and this wouldn't be the first time he's run away from his feelings. She thought he was trying to make peace with her relationship, but everything she just spent the past hour convincing herself was perfect with Thomas now feels jaded again, the realization spilling moisture over her cheeks.
Louis opens his mouth, but before he can ask what's wrong, she leans into his shoulder, burying her face into his sweater, and he's never been good at comforting people, but Donna means the world to him, and he wraps his arm around her with a tight squeeze. He's a genius when it comes to numbers, not emotions, but he doesn't have to be Sigmund Freud to piece together Harvey's bad mood and Donna's reaction to the man cutting the trip short. When he paired them up today, he had hoped with all his heart the two would find a way to reconnect, that Harvey would realize Donna being in a relationship doesn't erase all the history they have together. He didn't anticipate Harvey finally waking up to his feelings. After ten years of the lawyer living in denial, he figured sending them off was a safe bet—a mistake that could cost the firm more than one client tonight. He just prays that if Thomas manages to catch up with Harvey, the whole thing doesn't come to blows.
Thomas is a good man who doesn't deserve to be caught in the middle. Even though that's exactly where he's landed himself.
...
Thomas tugs his coat tighter, unease pitted in his stomach as he approaches the carpark. Even though Donna managed to relax, and he was almost ready to put this morning's incident out of his mind, he feels a surge of protectiveness rush over him as he spots Harvey slinging a bag into the boot of his car. He's not an angry person by nature but he's confrontational when a situation requires it, and shoves his hands into his pockets, being polite but also wary as he addresses the lawyer. "Louis said you're leaving. That there was some kind of emergency?"
Harvey stiffens at the intrusion, pulling the metal hatch down and locking it in place. "That's right," he answers bluntly, not interested in having a conversation about the decision.
"Don't you think it would be smarter to drive back in the morning?" he suggests, intervening on his girlfriend's behalf.
Harvey leans against the car, sweeping his gaze over the CEO who looks like he couldn't care less either way, and it suddenly dawns on him why the man is still blocking his path. "Donna sent you out here, didn't she?" He knew she'd be pissed, but figured he would be on the road by the time she heard, and he swallows a tiny pang of guilt, blaming the feeling on Louis' big mouth. "Tell her I'll call as soon as I'm back in the city."
Thomas assumes the compromise is meant to smooth over the situation, but for all Harvey's stubbornness, he still softened at the mention of Donna, and Thomas narrows his gaze curiously. "There's no emergency, is there?"
Heat and frustration stir under Harvey's collar, but he doesn't let the feeling sway his resolve. He's leaving. It doesn't matter why, and if Thomas has any suspicions, he should just appreciate the decision benefits everybody.
Sensing he's not going to get an answer, Thomas takes a step back giving Harvey access to the driver's side of the vehicle, but the awkward silence is worse than anything the man could have admitted—proof that the lawyer who's renowned for winning any argument considers this one lost, that Harvey's ruthless reputation pales in comparison to his feelings for Donna. When the door flies open he catches it out of reflex. "Does she know?"
Harvey's chest constricts, a thousand different ways to avoid the question drilling through him. He admitted his feelings to Donna, and denying them now would save his pride, but it wouldn't protect her, and he starts the car, shaking his head. "She doesn't."
Thomas nods, closing the door on the lie, and taking a step back, watching the man who just threw himself under a train for Donna, turn on his headlights and drive away, leaving his heart conflicted and yearning to forget everything he just found out. He wasn't sure he was ready to admit he was falling in love, but the heavy weight that carries him to their cabin is evidence he was, and he enters the room, finding Louis gone, and meeting Donna's gaze with a subtle shake of his head.
She fights the concern pitted in her stomach, appreciating that he tried, and taking in his weariness with a hesitant frown. She hadn't thought through the repercussions of sending him after Harvey, and she swallows nervously as he hovers by the side of the couch. "What happened?"
He takes a seat, not angry or looking to make accusations. She's been here with him since she got back, the two of them wrapped up in each other, watching trashy movies and not a care in the world, but the second that bubble burst, he realized something—she's not the kind of woman who hides away. She's strong and confident in every other aspect of her life, except when it comes to listening to her heart, and he fingers the strands of her hair, remembering what Alex told him. If they can't communicate any chance they have is already gone, and he exhales with a slow sigh. "Harvey wants you to be happy, Donna."
She frowns, the echo of Harvey's words falling from Thomas' lips making her feel more uneasy. "I don't know what that means, but—"
"Are you?" he asks, surprised when she answers him without any hesitation.
"Yes."
Since meeting Thomas she's been enjoying every single second of their time together. He's fun and easy to be around, a good man. She doesn't know if Harvey is taking an out or giving her one, and neither scenario offers her any sense of relief, leaving her stuck and trapped between what her heart wants and needs. But when Thomas rests his hand over her knee, his eyes filled with love and regret, she knows he's making the decision for the both of them.
"That's not enough, is it?" he asks, reading the same guilt pooled in her face that he saw in Harvey's expression. Whatever happened today, it wasn't about a one time thing, and he could sit here and defend that he's the better man, that if she chose him they could fall madly and happily in love, but the truth is, he doesn't want to compete with someone who took himself out of the race just to put Donna's needs first. He wanted this to work, more than anything, but it's clear Donna and Harvey would go to the ends of the earth to protect each other, and he has to do the same thing. "It's okay."
His gentle acceptance knots in her throat, a sob expanding around the apology she chokes out, and when he shelters her with his arms, she knows she doesn't deserve his kindness, but she allows herself to be swallowed by his comfort, staying in his grasp until he eventually suggests it might be more appropriate if he stayed the night in Harvey's room. She agrees, the irony that their break-up was an indirect result of Harvey running away not lost on her. But she doesn't voice the thought, and when the door closes, leaving her shrouded with uncertainty, she finds her phone, not surprised there are no messages or missed calls. Just because she ended things with Thomas, doesn't mean she expects Harvey to be waiting, ready and available.
Her only care, regardless of all the emotions plaguing her, is that he got home safely, and when a text finally comes through to say he's back in the city, she swipes the tears wetting her cheeks, hobbling across to the bed and curling up on the mattress without sending a reply.
She gave him twelve years, he can give her one night to weigh up where they go from here.
Chapter 4
Samantha turns down the sound system in the car, parking and pulling out her keys as she glances at Donna who's seated in the passenger's side. "You sure about this?"
Donna shakes her head with a thin smile, appreciating the woman's candor and support during the day. After missing dinner the previous night, she met up with the group for breakfast, where Thomas announced he needed to head back early. She understood why, her own enthusiasm for the trip thwarted. But instead of getting in the car with him, she and Samantha had stayed in the lounge watching movies, while Alex and Louis headed to the slopes. Once alone, it had taken five minutes for the blonde to query the amicable but awkward pleasantries between herself and Thomas, and she hadn't had the energy to lie, spilling the whole truth about the break-up—including why Harvey really left.
To her surprise Samantha hadn't battered an eyelid, merely scoffed something about emotionally unavailable men, and the pair had bonded over terrible break-up stories, agreeing that in the new year they should do more together outside of work, preferably with Tequila thrown in the mix.
After lunch, the remaining four had regrouped again, playing board games until it was time to call an end to the weekend get-away, which all things considered, wasn't all bad. Her shambles of a love-life aside, she had fun with her colleagues today, only now they're back in the city, parked outside Harvey's condo, she's questioning the wisdom of going up.
It's late enough on a Sunday that there isn't any doubt he'll be home, but she hasn't heard from him since the text he sent, but she takes a deep breath. If she doesn't face him tonight, she'll have to do it tomorrow in the office, and history's taught her glass walls don't make everything transparent.
"I'm sure." She nods, trying to feign confidence as she unbuckles her belt.
Samantha gets out first, sliding the crutches from the backseat, and Donna gets her bearings on the stupid things while the blonde shoulders her overnight bag, locking the car, and helping her inside. They ride the elevator up in silence, and it isn't until they reach Harvey's apartment that Donna manages to find her voice. "Thank you, Samantha."
"If you wind up needing a lawyer… or an alibi, call me," she offers, giving the woman's shoulder a squeeze.
Donna smiles, watching her leave, and waiting until the woman disappears around the corner before closing her fist and knocking, balancing awkwardly while she waits.
When the door flies open, she's greeted by a sight she's never witnessed—an unshaven version of Harvey, who's dressed down, red-eyed and smelling like a brewery. All she can think is that she misread the situation, there really was an emergency, and her shock manifests in a frown. "What happened with Hillingdon?"
"Nothing," he snaps. "The deal's fine." It always was, but he needed to leave in order to let her go, which is exactly what he's been trying to do—drink away the loneliness and regret he felt coming home to a dark and empty apartment. Her being here to discuss work just twists the knife in deeper, and he doesn't have it in him to smooth things over tonight. "You should go."
She startles at the cruelty behind his tone, scrutinizing him with a glare. "You're drunk."
"I'm merry," he growls, not giving a shit if she judges him or not. He wasn't lying when he said he wanted her to be happy, but that doesn't mean his own heart wasn't ripped into shreds. He's allowed one goddamn night to himself to process everything, and he swings his arm, stumbling slightly. "Tis' the fucking season."
Tears bite her gaze, and she breathes in sharply, realizing that coming here was a mistake. He walked away, and she accepted the decision, but some small part of her hoped he might change his mind, find the courage to fight for them. But clearly he would rather write himself off than keep her in his life as friends, and moisture spills over her cheeks as her voice rasps between them. "You're right. I should go."
His heart clenches as she fumbles for the strap of her bag, slammed by a wave of guilt as she struggles to get it over her shoulder. He's about to help when the thought of Thomas waiting downstairs rips the air from his lungs, keeping him in place, but she's crying and hurt, and mother f'cker—he didn't sign up for this. For his chest to cave in every time he looks at her, and he pulls the leather from her hand, swinging the gear outside of her reach. "Why are you here, Donna?"
She leans on her crutches, exhausted, as her gaze lashes over him. "Because I thought you cared… about me, us." Her voice waives brokenly. "But all you care about is protecting yourself."
"You're damn right I do." The bag drops like a stone between them, and he tears a hand up through his hair, not sure what the hell she expects from him. He tried to do the right thing, and it's killing him. He can't just magic up a way to be fine or settle back into whichever screwed up normal they decide works best until it doesn't anymore. "Jesus, Donna… why do you think I left? I told you how I felt… but I waited until it was too late—until you were happy with someone else. So what am I supposed to do?"
"Say it again." She makes it easy for him, holding onto the truth about her break-up, afraid that if he's going to hide behind excuses, he'll never be ready to face what he really wants. "Tell me I'm worth fighting for."
He grips the door desperately, warring with his internal struggle. Of course she's worth it. He would give up everything in a second if that didn't mean asking her to do the same thing. And he can't. He loves her too goddamn much. So much he's fighting like hell to let her go so he doesn't wind up ruining her chance to be with a better man. "You are..." he croaks painfully. "But what if I'm not?"
The assumption catches her off guard, and she tilts back on her crutches, reading the doubt in his glassy gaze, willing him to see what she does and has since the night they met. "Then I wouldn't be standing here," she says honestly, drawing on all her strength, terrified of being rejected. But this is why she came here, to tell him the truth, and hope he doesn't run in the opposite direction after hearing it. "Thomas and I ended things… and it wasn't so that you would—"
He sweeps forward, claiming her mouth and cutting off whatever reasons she has. The fact she broke things off before coming here crumbles all of his fears and doubts, and suddenly it hits him—this wasn't some kind of test designed to make him fail. The only way he can lose is by hiding what he really feels, and he cinches her waist, taking all of her weight as the crutches clutter the floor.
She groans as his tongue invades her mouth, whatever she was about to say forgotten as the woody taste of scotch overpowers her. Every nerve in her body is on fire as he stakes his claim, demanding she's worthy of everything he can give and all the things her heart desires. When he pulls back, the need for air finally separating them, her lips curve around a smile. "Say it again."
"I want to show you." He's tired of words masking the way he craves her. The agonizing realization that he knew how he felt in the cabin, and all he could do was brush her hand, propels his confidence. Maybe he isn't good enough, but she's here, unattached, and asking for more that he can finally give without the fear he's stealing something away from her.
She arches her head back as he kisses her neck, falling down onto her foot with a whimper, and then suddenly the ground is gone and she's in his arms, weightless, and blushing under his gentle smile.
"You okay?" he asks, checking he didn't jostle her too much. She nods, beaming at him, and he's having a hard time believing this is real, but it is, and he nudges her bag across the threshold with his foot, leaving the crutches for now, and kicking the door closed behind him.
Her hands feather the hair at his neck, her eyes drinking him in as he carefully navigates their way through to his bedroom. She knows, without any doubt, he's the reason she could never fully commit to anyone else. She's been waiting for him to realize what they could have, and when he sets her down gently on the mattress, her chest floods with warmth as he kneels to slide off her shoes.
He cups her ankle tenderly, lifting his gaze up to meet hers. She's hurt. He wasn't trying to be presumptuous carrying her in here, and doesn't want her to think he's in any rush. "Donna..."
She reaches down, reading what he's thinking. In the thousands of ways she's envisioned them getting together, she never imagined this particular scenario, but she just wants to be with him, and slowly pulls him up, finding his lips with firm reassurance. She slides her palms under his sweater, helping him remove the item, and she shrugs off her own, smirking as his gaze washes over her with a dopey smile.
"What?" he asks, warming under her amusement.
"Nothing, just… You're making me do all the work." She's teasing, a laugh bubbling in her throat as he rises to the challenge, delicately undoing her jeans and pulling them down, being careful as he tugs them off. He hums, kissing the inside of her thigh, and she shivers as his lips flutter up, hungry as they capture her mouth again. He leans into the mattress with one hand, the other unhooking her bra, and she groans as he rids her of the item, his palm replacing the lace with a gentle but firm squeeze. She forgets herself, flinching as she lifts her heel to pull him closer, and he breaks the kiss, nodding his head behind her.
"Lay back."
She gingerly slides along until she's nested in his pillows, entranced as he shrugs out his slacks and underwear, and she bits her lip, not shy, but in awe of them—the way they know each other so completely, and that she's allowed to stare without being embarrassed. He crawls between her legs, guiding them open with a caring yet needy touch as he slips off her panties. The other time had been a chaotic whirlwind of want and desire, and if she wasn't hurt they would probably be all over each other, a tangle of hands and limbs desperate seeking refuge, but there's still a burning passion in his gaze as he dips his head, lapping her up, his stubble adding an extra level of friction. She could cum from just the intimacy alone, the way he's taking care of her, loving her, and when she clenches, the flash of pain in her ankle adds to the charge of sensations flowing through her. He stalls, but she drives her hands through his hair urging him not to worry. "Don't stop."
He pushes his concern aside, his lips winding around a smirk as he focuses his attention where she needs it, sliding his fingers inside her and rocking a slow, steady pace, using her injured leg as a gauge. When it twitches again, her knuckles clenching his scalp, he thrusts deeper and sucks harder, throwing her over the edge. His mouth stays pressed where it is, gently guiding her back down, until she quivers with a whimper and he licks his lips, gazing up and mesmerized by her heaving breasts. It takes him a moment to catch his breath as well, overcome by how goddamn lucky he is that she came here tonight and saved him from the self-torment he was ready to drown in. He couldn't handle losing her, the path he was headed down fraught with bad choices, but she's here now, swallowed by his bedding with the promise of forever brightening her smile, and he pulls himself over her body, cupping her cheek. His heart is so full of love that words can't find their way around the tightness in his chest even though he wants to come confess everything.
She breathes in his hesitant exhale, the warmth of air filling her in a way that mirrors how he feels, but they're not finished, the pressure straining against her stomach already coaxing her for more, and she stretches down, clasping him in her hand and nuzzling the gruff shadow beneath his chin.
A growl punches from his throat as she strokes him, his arousal almost forgotten between his need to satisfy and take care of her—the reminder that she's hurt tunneling through his heightened senses. "We don't have to—"
"We do." The instance falls somewhere between a demand and a plea as she pulls his neck down, kissing him fiercely. Stopping is the last thing she wants. They've waited too long to get here, and she tries to draw him closer, wincing when pain flares through her calf.
He separates them, his hand moving down to still her hips as he tenderly brushes her lips, silently instructing her to let him take control. "Just relax," he murmurs, gliding his palm beneath her thigh and lifting her good ankle to rest over his shoulder. "How's that?"
She wants to argue his light touch isn't necessary, but the position takes the pressure off, and she digs her nails into his shoulders, encouraging him to keep going. He does, with a torturously mindful pace, teasing her folds until he finally sinks inside them, letting her adjust with a slow rhythm that already has her seeing stars.
He moves carefully, each thrust clenching his wavering control, and it slips too quickly from his grasp, his hips jerking into her heat as his body becomes an entity of its own. He grips her calf in a futile attempt to stop her feeling any pain, the only absolution he can offer working his thumb against her clit, rubbing in circles as he chokes out her name. "Donna—"
She crashes over the edge, and he follows a second later, emptying himself inside her, and she's never felt more complete or safe as he grips her thigh to stop himself from collapsing. She's had orgasms before, but the way he focuses on her—his eyes seeking out hers to make sure she's okay ripples through her. He's never been one to say how he feels, but he doesn't have to, because right now he's proving she's the most important person in the world to him, and she slides her leg down, holding his gaze as he props himself up over her.
"Do you think…" He stops, and she runs her thumb over the hesitation wrinkling his brow. He breathes out slowly, feeling ridiculous. For one, Donna knows he isn't the sort of guy to sky-write a romantic gesture. But that doesn't mean he isn't sentimental when it counts, and he bites the inside of his cheek, smoothing the hair back from her face. They've wasted so much time getting here, and maybe he should say something more profound, but all he wants to do is ensure they're kept together for as long as possible. "I'm going to Boston over Christmas."
The statement falls between them, and she knows what he's trying to ask, her lips curving in a smile. "Of course I'll go with you."
He grins widely, the thought of taking her home and showing Marcus and Lily he's genuinely happy fluttering in his stomach, making his entire being quiver. "Thank you."
"For what," she asks, confused. She's spent over a decade following him, Boston is hardly a stretch, but his eyes soften as his lips press against hers, murmuring his answer against her lips.
"Everything."
She sinks into his kiss, knowing she has plenty to be grateful for as well, that the word isn't just a spur-of-the-moment whim. Their past led them here, but this Christmas is about starting their future, and she knows this is finally where they're supposed to be.