Prompt 44 by kathzbl: Pre-canon, s8. Harvey gets persuaded by Louis to join the bachelor date auction of the holiday fundraising event that the firm has to host for a charity. Aside from Harvey, one of the many bachelors on that auction is Thomas Kessler, Louis' client that Donna recently helped. It's the same guy who just recently asked her out and she has yet to guy would Donna bid on? Or will she even bid at all? Will this auction be the reason Donna and Harvey finally get together? Also, Scottie is there at the event and bids at the auction too.
Donna's POV
Part One
This was getting ridiculous; it was less than a month until Christmas and none of the named partners have said anything about this year's Gala yet. There is no theme, no date, and zero organisation. What is it with Harvey and Louis right now. I know Robert put them in charge of the event this year, but now I'm starting to get worried. I mean, I get that the merger with Robert Zane is still pretty recent and has been tough on everyone, but to not have anything planned yet is beyond a joke. Maybe I should go and talk to them; put the wheels in motion.
I was about to do just that when Katrina appeared in my doorway. "Louis is calling a meeting in Conference Room A about The Christmas Gala." She didn't have to say another word. I jumped to my feet, excitement coursing through my veins. I loved Christmas and the firm's Christmas Gala was my favourite event of the year.
Katrina left and I followed the sea of people heading for the conference room, as eager as I was to hear the announcement. I spotted Harvey near the front and made a beeline straight for him. "Hey." I said, trying to sound all casual when in reality my heart was beating so fast. "What's this? You know, you could have given me a heads up since you know how much I love Christmas!" I joked, but he didn't laugh or even try to defend himself. Something was off; he wasn't happy and he usually looked forward to this Gala just much as I did. "Harvey, look at me." He didn't, just continued to stare straight ahead, so I grabbed a hold of his face and made him. "Now tell me what's wrong!" I demanded. He knew just how well I could read him, I mean, I am Donna after all.
"This!" He snapped, and I let go of him, fearing that I had upset him further. "The Gala." He clarified. "Louis took over and I hate it. He put me forward for something that I really don't want to and I'm not sure I even want to go at all anymore." What he said surprised me. It couldn't really be that bad could it?
Louis cleared his throat from the front of the room, making sure that all eyes were on him and that silence fell before he spoke. "Thank You all for coming to this little impromptu meeting." I could hear a few people whispering nearby about things that really didn't matter. They noticed me watching them and so I shot them a death stare, causing them all to shut up immediately. "So this year's Gala will be a benefit to raise money for Inspire; a charity to help bring The Arts to the underpriviledged youth of New York." A smile lit up my face. This was such a good cause and I knew how much The Arts mean to Louis. So, not the end of the world so far. "It will be held at the Whitmore Hotel on the 23rd December and will be a formal dinner followed by a Bachelor Auction." My face fell, instantly realising that Louis being Louis had probably put Harvey forward for the Auction without consulting him first. He was still getting over how things ended with Paula, and although I didn't really like the woman; Harvey had loved her and had been crushed when she had forced him into a decision that caused them to break up.
"Oh." I sighed. I could see why Harvey would be upset about this, but I found the idea rather intriguing and the thought of winning a 'date' with Harvey more than a little alluring. In fact, that thought actually quite excited me, but I couldn't let on so I had to remain straight faced.
Turning to talk to him again, I was shocked to find that he had already left. I glanced around the room, but couldn't see Harvey anywhere. If Louis really had done this behind his back then maybe he just needed some time to get used to the idea, or maybe this was the push I needed to make my move. As long as he stays in the game and I have the highest bid, then that date with Harvey was mine.
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Part Two
Later that afternoon, I found Harvey in his office, still moping and staring at a folder in his hand but not really reading it. "Is it really that bad?" I asked, hoping he would give up and eventually give in. Maybe if I could convince him that this wasn't the end of the world, then he would lighten up a little and we could both get something out of this.
"Bad? No, this is so much worse than bad!" He stated through gritted teeth without even looking up from the folder.
I needed to get him to look at me if I was to convince him to get over himself. "Harvey, can you please look at me?" I tried, but to no avail. I moved closer to his desk, coming to stop right in front of him with my arms folded to make it clear that I wasn't going to give up anytime soon. "Just tell me why; why is it so bad? I thought that having women fight to get a date with you would be right up your alley." It was a joke, but the way he looked over at me, it was obvious that Harvey didn't see it that way. "Come on, it was just a joke." But he still wasn't laughing.
"Usually yeah I would, but after Paula, I'm just not ready to put myself out there like that. Louis could have at least have given me the option instead of just assuming I would be up for it." I was right; it was about Paula and Louis not the auction itself, and I understood it. I might not have been too happy about taking part if I was in his shoes either.
Then it hit me; the perfect idea. Harvey wouldn't have to pull out of the auction or go on a date with some total randomer, and I get what I want too; him. "Then how about we fix it, so that I win the date with you?" It was a long shot, and I wasn't sure he would agree, but what harm could it do, right?
He looked at me, intrigue etched on his face. "How?" I had him on the hook, and now to reel him in.
"It's simple really. We make sure we know who all of the players are and how much money they have to play with and we ensure we have more." My heart was racing at the thought of us pulling this off and it was hard to keep my emotions in check, but I had to. I had to get him to agree.
"You think we could pull it off?" He was coming round; he just needed one more nudge.
"Of course. You think anyone could be match for us at full power?" I said, my lips curling up into a smirk.
I could see the exact moment he made the decision to go along with my plan, I saw his face relax; all of the tension drained from his body and his cheeky little grin that I loved so much had reappeared. "Okay. I'm in! But we can't leave any of this to chance." He stood and began to pace back and forth in front of the window. "This has to be foolproof, so we have to keep an eye out for anyone or anything that could interfere." I couldn't have said it better myself.
"Consider it done!" I stated, feeling pleased with myself. Not only did I get Harvey to agree to not pull out of the auction, I also avoided the major blow out with Louis that would have ensued had he tried to do so.
Harvey's phone rang. "Hello." He answered and I thought it best to excuse myself. I waved, mouthed a silent goodbye and exited his office with a smile on my face. My new little plan was going perfectly and now all I had to do was sweet talk Louis into giving me a sneak peek at the guest list and Bachelor list. I would wait a few days though to give everyone a chance to enter.
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Part Three
Four days later, I had gone to Louis to get the list of Bachelors and although he had wanted to help, he couldn't as he was no longer in charge; having delegated to Samantha Wheeler. He did however, give me the current guest list; incomplete, but said I should check back closer to the event, which I fully intended to do. Of course there were already plenty of rich and powerful people on the list, but none of them seemed much of a threat at first glance.
With the first task complete, for now, I made my way to Samantha's office to get my hands on the list of eligible men that would be entering the Auction. I knocked and she glanced up, surprised to see me. "Hey." I said, not sure how to breach the subject of why I was there.
"Donna? What can I do for you?" She was suspicious; that was obvious. We weren't really friends, but we had a pretty good working relationship.
I edged inside the office a bit more. "Louis tells me that have the list of the Bachelors for the Gala and I was wondering if I could take a look." I figured she wouldn't be too forthcoming, but she ignored me almost completely; the raising of her eyebrow her only reaction. "Did you hear me?"
Her head snapped up. "Oh, I heard you. I'm just trying to think of a reason why I should help you." Her comeback only seemed to annoy me more, while she actually seemed rather amused by the whole thing.
"Look, I don't have time for this." I snapped. "I need that list."
"Oh you need it, do you? Well why didn't you just say that?" The sarcasm was evident in her voice and she was really getting on my last nerve. I was about ready to storm out of there when she reached into9 her bottom drawer, retrieved a red folder labelled CHRISTMAS BACHELOR AUCTION and held it out for me. "This does not leave this office, and no sneaking it out to the copy machine." She warned as if reading my mind. "I am assuming this has something to do with Harvey though. Am I right?" She was, but I wasn't going to tell her that.
I looked over the contents; scanning the list of names. Harvey's was at the top of course, right under Louis'; then there was Alex and some of the other partners and a few associates, but it was the name right at the bottom that caught my attention. Thomas Kessler; the client who wouldn't take no for an answer, at least when it came to asking me out that is.
"Thank You for this Samantha, but can I ask you who added Thomas Kessler to the list? I was curious since I assumed it would only be people from within the firm who would be taking part.
Samantha took the folder back and found his name. "Oh right. Louis added him this morning. They had a meeting and the Gala came up and Thomas asked if he would be able to be one of the Bachelors. At first Louis said no, but he must have said something to change his mind because an hour later and he came in and added his name himself. "So what, did he blackmail him or something? He was probably only doing it to get at me in the hopes of wearing me down.
"Thanks Samantha." I said again before turning to leave.
"Oh Donna, I hope everything works out with Harvey." She called out after me. For a moment, I was confused as to why she would bring up Harvey, but then I remembered that she asked earlier if this was about him and I hadn't answered her. She must have taken my silence as confirmation.
"Oh right. Yeah, me too." I flashed her an awkward smile and headed back to my office distracted. Thomas Kessler shouldn't complicate things, but his name on that list meant that extra measures would have to be taken as I was certain that he would do everything he could to get me to bid on him.
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Part Four
Another three weeks had passed and it was now the night of the auction. Harvey and I had done everything in our power to ensure that our plan would not fail and now it was time for all of our efforts to pay off. I had just arrived at The Whitmore Hotel and as I walked into the ballroom, I couldn't help but stare at how magnificent it looked. There were two huge Christmas trees standing at either side of the stage adorned in sparkling red and gold decorations and topped with bright gold stars. There were hundreds, possibly even thousands of twinkling lights hanging fom the ceiling giving the illusion of a magical starry sky. My mouth hung agape as I took it all in. Whoever had decorated had done an incredible job, and clearly everyone else thought so too, if their stage whispered comments were anything to go by.
"Hey." Harvey's voice caught my attention and so I turned to face him. "You look beautiful." He smiled and I could feel my cheeks burning up.
"You don't look too bad yourself." I retorted, reaching out and straightening his bowtie. He didn't protest and let me fix it.
Louis called out for Harvey to meet him by the stage along with all of the other Bachelors. He didn't show any signs of moving, but that just caused Louis to shout even louder, giving Harvey no choice but to go. "Okay Louis. I'm coming." He shouted back, rolling his eyes. He apologized and excused himself.
I wasn't alone for long as Samantha appeared beside me within seconds and handed me a glass of champagne. She smiled weakly and opened her moth to say something, but before she managed to utter a single word, I heard another voice; one I knew well. In pretty much any other situation I would have been happy to see Dana Scott, but not here, and not tonight when Harvey is the one on the line.
"Well, well, well, it's nice to see you again Donna." It was clear that for her it was not in fact nice to see me again. She always thought I was in love with Harvey and back then she couldn't have been more wrong, but now; now she wasn't too far from the truth. "And you must be Samantha Wheeler? Nice to meet you. I'm Dana Scott."
I watched as Samantha's eyes widened in realisation. "Oh, so you're the one that ditched Harvey and ran off to London?" I had to give it to her; Sam was fearless. I as dying to laugh and barely managing to keep it in.
Regaining my composure, I decided not give Scottie the chance to respond. "What are you doing here Scottie? I didn't see your name on the guest list." I could tell by her expression that she thought I was threatened by her presence, which I wasn't. She had had her chance with Harvey, but that was done a long time ago and well, he didn't go after her, did he? No.
"You're quite right, but when I called the firm earlier to speak with Harvey, they told me he was here and well, how could I resist?" It was obvious that she as referring to the chance to win a date with Harvey and not just to give to a worthy charity.
"Oh, and why did you want to talk to Harvey?" I asked, and at this her façade finally faltered; losing eye contact with me for a brief moment.
"That's none of your business; it's between me and Harvey." Her statement got to me more than I cared to admit and I know Samantha, who had been watching our little interaction curiously, had noticed. "Now if you don't mind, I'd better go collect my bidding paddle." She flashed me a sly grin and I clenched my fists at my side, barely able to refrain from slapping her. Dana was used to getting what she wanted, but tonight she would lose. Harvey and I had a plan and I had no intention of letting her or anyone else derail it.
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Part Five
There was a formal sit down meal before the Auction and I was seated between Harvey and Katrina, with Louis on the other side of her. The food looked and tasted delicious and once I had finished, I made my way towards the bathroom to freshen up, but an arm shot out in front me and yanked me to the side.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" I yelled, turning to face the bastard who dared lay a hand on me. "Kessler?"
"Nice to see you too Donna." He smirked, trying to flirt. It did not have the desired effect; in fact it made me feel rather nauseous.
"And what do you want?" I snapped, trying to get away from him, but he just held on tighter.
He flashed me another sick smile. "Isn't it obvious?" It was, but what I couldn't grasp was how he didn't seem to get the fact that I wasn't interested. "You." He said, placing a hand creepily on my arm, which i immediately pulled away.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't want to go out with you. Now or ever. Not gonna happen." I finally managed to push past him and almost made it to the bathroom when his hand slammed against the door in front of me.
"Playing hard to get; I like it!" Ugh, could this guy be any sleezier? Probably, but I didn't want to find out. All I wanted was to get as far away from his as possible. I tried to remove his hand from the door, but it was no use. He wasn't budging.
I was so done with him. "Let. Me. Go!" I demanded, but he still wasn't moving, so even though I really didn't want to do what I was about to, I had no choice.
Grabbing a hold of him by his collar, I yanked Kessler out of my way and tossed him to the side before finally entering the bathroom without a single glance back. It served him right for not leaving me alone. What he did as practically sexual assault.
A few minutes later, I headed back to my seat, casting tentative glances around, half expecting Thomas to pop out from behind a potted plant or something and make another pass at me. Sitting down in my seat, Harvey leaned over and asked if I was okay. He must have sensed something was up, but I just nodded and assured him that everything was fine. He flashed me a smile, looking as handsome as ever, causing my cheeks to flush and my palms to go all sweaty.
That man really had no idea of the effect he had on me and how much I wished that I could just be honest with him about how I felt without going through this whole bidding charade, but he wasn't ready and I had to respect that. I just wanted him to realise that I'm the one he should be with; the one who has been there for him through everything. Me; not Paula or Scottie. Me.
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Part Six
Harvey disappeared a half hour later and my heart was now pounding waiting for the auction to start. I kept glancing at my watch; I was so nervous. Then Louis' voice came through the speakers. "Thank You everyone for coming pout to support us tonight. I won't keep you too long. I just want to thank a few people." Louis continued, while I zoned out, not able to stop my mind from wondering why Scottie was really here. Did she honestly just come to talk to Harvey or did she want him back? And what about Harvey; what did he think of her being here? He must have seen her around by now, but he hadn't said anything to me so I assumed our plan was still a go. "And last but not least I would like to thank Donna Paulsen for all her help with the charity this year." The mention of my name brought me back to reality. I was so lost in my own thoughts that I almost forgot where I was.
Louis finished his speech and handed the microphone over to Robert Zane, who would be emceeing the auction. First up were a few of the better looking associates and a couple of Junior Partners, then Alex, who of course was bought by his wife, and Louis, whom Sheila paid nearly Twenty Thousand Dollars for. Admittedly, Katrina, Samantha and I had driven the price up a little after Louis had asked us too; even telling us Sheila's limit. As long as we gave up before she reached the limit and she won, he didn't care.
There were now only two Bachelors left; Thomas Kessler and Harvey. The plan was to ignore Kessler and outbid everyone else for Harvey and the price was of no consequence since Harvey would be paying the majority anyway.
As Thomas took to the stage, he shot me a look as if to say You know you want me, Don't deny it. I looked away to avoid his eyes burning a hole into me, only to see Samantha eyeing the situation with interest. I made my way over to her. "Hey. I need a huge favour!" I pleaded and she was intrigued enough to nod in agreement. "I need you to win Thomas Kessler. He has a thing for me, but no matter how many times I tell him I'm not interested, he just won't give up. He wants me to bid on him, and I will, but I can't win." I said it as plainly as I could and although it wasn't the whole story, it was enough for her to agree.
Robert opened the bidding at $3,000 and a few others showed their interest by bidding too. I pulled out at $12,000; the others shortly after and Samantha eventually won with a bid of $17,000. I flashed her a gratuitous smile, which she returned with a nod. Something told me that she was planning on bidding on him anyway, but I didn't really care; Thomas Kessler was no longer my problem and now I could focus on beating Scottie for Harvey.
"And for our final Bachelor of the evening; a man I'm sure needs no introduction, but I'm giving him one anyway. Harvey Specter!" The room erupted into stage whispers; most of which were the few women who hadn't managed to bag a date yet, including Scottie. As Robert started the bidding, she shot me a cunning smirk, as if she had already won, but I wasn't going to give up without a fight.
Harvey however, wasn't paying her any attention; his gaze fixed irmly upon me. For a second I forgot what I was supposed to be doing. I was lost in his sparkling, brown eyes. "$9,000" Robert shouted, jolting me back to reality.
"$10,000." I shouted, earning a glare from Dana, who upped her bid by another thousand. We kept it up until we reached $17,000 when the last of the other women withdrew.
"$18,000" She called out. She had money and could probably outbid me alone, but I had Harvey's money. I din't want to waste it all though so decided to just end it now.
"Twenty Five Thousand Dollars!" I declared, a triumphant look on my face, and pretty much everyone's mouths fell open. Scottie looked defeated as Robert announced that I had won and I couldn't help but glance up at Harvey. He wore a huge grin; whether or not it was from our plan coming together or because of me, I couldn't tell. All I knew was that in that moment, I felt the happiest I had in a while, and I think that although he would never admit it, Harvey did too.
Now that our plan had been executed to perfection, I could return to put my own plan into action; the one that I had never uttered a single word about to anyone.
As I watched him walk towards me, the butterflies returned and I felt my cheeks begin to flush again. I prayed that he couldn't tell, but I kept my eyes on him, unable to move. It was as though I were hypnotised by him and as much as I might have wanted to, I just couldn't look away.
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Part Seven
From the corner of my eye, I could see Samantha and Kessler greeting each other. She wore a bight, broad smile on her face, whilst he had a look of disappointment on his. He caught my eye and it was clear that he was pissed; n ot only had I not won him, but I had bid even higher for Harvey and I had won.
I was pulled away seconds later as I felt a hand take hold of my own. It was Harvey and I glanced up at him, greeted by those damn heart-melting dimples of his. "Thank You." He stated softly, but I couldn't find the words to respond; I just nodded awkwardly. "I don't think Scottie winning would have worked out too well." He was being sincere and it left me somewhat confused.
"But, it's Scottie, you two have - " I trailed off, but it didn't matter; we both knew what I was going to say.
"We do have history, but let's just say it probably would have ended in a huge fight, ruining the night and destroying hat we have left of our friendship." Harvey smiled again and this time I lost all sense of myself; I just stood there staring at him like an idiot. "Donna, everything okay?" He asked, his voice snapping me back.
"Yeah, sorry. And it's no problem. We had a plan and we pulled it off." I felt awkward. Technically, I had won a date with him , but we never actually discussed those details when we came up with the plan and now I wasn't sure where we stood. "So, now what?" I had to know, even if I was unsure whether or not I actually wanted to hear his answer. I, personally, would love for him to honor the rules and take me on a date, even if it were just as friends, although it would make my year if it was as more than that.
"Honestly, I'm not sure. Obviously, I will take you on a date, as per the Auction rules." Yes! My heart leapt at the thought. "But for now, how about we get a drink?" I could use one of those and so I followed him over to the bar where he ordered us both a large Pinot Noir. He took a sip, then spoke again. "Thank You again Donna, you really are a great friend." And there it was; the crushing blow. My heart sank at his words and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Excusing myself, I bolted for the nearest door, not wanting to let him see me cry. I left him by the bar looking rather confused, or so I thought.
Before I even reached the door, a hand grabbed a hold of my wrist and spun me around. Harvey stood there, concern all over his face. "Let go of me!" I demanded, yanking my hand back, but I wasn't quite quick enough s he managed to get a grip on my other one.
Tears were practically streaming down my face now and all I wanted was to run and hide, but I couldn't bring myself to flee anymore. Harvey looked so worried, that it actually made my lips curl into a little smile. "Talk to me. What's going on?" I shook my head, unable to tell him. I had already made enough of a fool of myself and I wasn't about to put my heart out there just for him to smash it to pieces and throw it back on my face.
He offered me his handkerchief and I reluctantly took it. "I can't." I sobbed, before he took my hand and led me outside.
It was now just the two of us and I looked around at where we were; in the Whitmore's gardens surrounded by magical twinkling lights and romantic water features like something out of a fairytale, and I thought about everything that got us here. It was my idea to fix the bidding sure, but it had been Harvey who had insisted on the lte nights going through the files on anyone we deemed a possible complication to that plan; and it was Harvey who had made it clear to me earlier in the evening that he and Paula (and he and Scottie) were through, almost like he was making a point of telling me to ensure that I knew. Did he do it on purpose? Could he see how worried I was that we would go running back to them given half a chance? Could it actually be possible that he was so quick to agree to my plan because he wanted to spend time with me and have the winning bid all along?
His hand still held onto mine and I was now more confused than ever. After dabbing away the tears, I found my voice again. "Why? Why did you go along with the plan? And I want the truth!" I wanted; no, I needed to know.
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Part Eight
The question hung in the air like a raincloud about to burst and let the rain come pouring down. Harvey couldn't look me in the eye and I was afraid of what he would say. Then after about five minutes, he finally spoke. "I... I don't know. At first I thought it was because of Paula, but as time went on, I figured out that it wasn't that at all." As he spoke, his grip on my hand tightened as if never wanting to let me go, and I got my hopes up. Maybe it was foolish of me, but I couldn't help it.
"Okay, so... why?" I was still confused since my original assumption had been both correct and incorrect at the same time, but not once did I take my eyes off of him.
"You!" What? Did I just hear him right? "You were so excited and I couldn't bear to disappoint you and let you down." Was he serious? "The more time we spent together, the more I realised that it wasn't the thought of letting you down that got to me, it was the thought of doing this with anyone else."
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. I was in shock at what I had just heard, and Harvey leapt at the opportunity. Before I had a chance to process what was happening, Harvey's lips had crashed onto mine and his arms wrapped around my waist drawing me closer to him. It was so full of passion and desire and I didn't want it to end, so I deepened the kiss and slipped my own arms around his neck.
A minute or so later, we drew apart, catching our breath. I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything, but Harvey did. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't go another second without doing that." Clearly he had nothing to apologise for, but the gesture was much appreciated.
"Really?" He nodded. "Then there is nothing to be sorry for." I stated, pulling him back to me. This time it was me who kissed him.
We were totally consumed by each other and completely lost track of how long we had been outside or what time it was. It wasn't until we heard someone clearing their throat close by that we parted again, only to be met with the amused faces of Samantha and Katrina. "Louis wants all the couples on the dance floor for a sort of first dance kind of thing." The latter stated, and they all rolled their eyes, knowing that this was just a ploy for him to get Sheila to dance.
"Okay, we'll be right there. I jut need to pop to the bathroom." I dashed past the two women without another word as Harvey followed them back to the ballroom.
After a few minutes, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, finally happy with my make up again and ready to head back out to the Gala. I took a deep breath and opened the door, expecting to have to weave through the crowd to find Harvey, but to my surprise, he was right outside the door waiting for me. "You ready?" He asked; the question referring not only to the dance we were about to do, but also the fact that every single person would be able to tell that something had changed between us.
"So ready!" I replied and took his hand as he led me out onto the dancefloor. Katrina saw us approaching and signalled Louis, who in turn signalled the band to start playing. The music started immediately and my face lit up as I recognised the piece as The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker.
We took our positions and began waltzing around the floor; Harvey's dancing skills taking me by surprise. I had no idea he could waltz. My gaze remained fixed on him the entire time and the more we danced, the stronger the urge was to kiss him again, but I couldn't, not here and not with everyone's eyes on us. We would be the only thing anyone talked about for the rest of the night; probably even the rest of the year.
Apparently, Harvey wasn't as bothered by the thought of being the talk of the Gala since as the music slowed to finish, he took me in his arms and pressed his lips softly against mine. I could hear gasps from around the room as people began to notice, but all of the anxiety I had felt moments earlier faded into nothing because I no longer cared. I was right where I wanted to be; where I was meant to be. In Harvey's arms. And if I had my way, I would stay here forever.
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THE END