After all these years of restraint, it sometimes still amazes both Harvey and Donna how naturally physical contact between them comes nowadays. At any time, their hands find each other with ease, expressing their love less with words than with subtle gestures and delicate touches. As if it's never been different. And just like that, holding hands has become a precious constant in their lives.
They hold hands on their elevator drive down from the firm, finally laying down the burden of the day, enjoying the first exclusive time with each other since they left Harvey's condo in the early morning. As the elevator doors shut close and they are finally alone, she reaches for his hand hanging loosely down on his side and intertwines her fingers with his. She scoots a little closer, gives him a small peck on his cheek and rests her head on his strong shoulder. He tightens his grip on her hand and they both let out a breath that says „Let's call it a day.".
They hold hands in theater when Harvey recognizes a scene particularly touching Donna or stirring her up. He reaches for her hand then, takes it into his and gently brings it over to rest in his lap, between his warm and soft hands. He just holds it and squints over to her, her eyes being glued to the stage, and he observes her every expression, the fascination or affection in her eyes, that makes him fall head over heels in love with her once again. Donna doesn't look at him, but she senses the warmth of his hands around hers, the reassurance and safety they provide. He makes her feel sheltered and cherished at all times, even in such small moments like this. And so, so loved.
They hold hands when dessert is finished and they are about to empty their wine glasses. Their heads move just the tiniest inch closer together as they look deeply into each other's eyes. The conversation has become quieter, more intimate, less verbal. Instead, they communicate with gazes, gestures and hands. It's their way of foreplay in a public environment. Harvey grabs her hand that is resting on the table, squeezes it lightly and starts caressing her knuckles with his thumb. His gaze wanders down to their joined hands for a moment, as if to reassure himself once more that all of this is real, before he looks up into her eyes again, smiling softly, silently pleading her to go home soon, so that they can go over to the second, more intimate part of foreplay.
They hold hands on their ride home. Ray talking about some news he heard on the radio earlier that day, as Harvey's hand unerringly makes its way over to Donna's thigh to settle down there. His fingertips start dancing over the soft and warm skin, crawling under the hem of her dress, causing goosebumps to spread all over her body. After a moment, Donna puts her hand over his and interlaces their fingers. They share a short smile before getting back to the conversation with Ray.
They hold hands during sex, when Harvey hovers over her and bottoms out completely. He takes her hands and brings them over her head, intertwines their fingers to hold her in place and to connect with her in every way possible as he starts pounding into her, eliciting the sweetest sounds from her and the lowest moans from himself. They squeeze each other's hands when her heels press more forcefully into his butt cheeks to signal him that she is almost there. Until they cry out each other's names. And they hold hands when she is on top, slowing down the pace to prevent them both from coming too soon. She grabs his hands and bends down to kiss him deeply, until the wiggling of his hips signals her to pick up pace again or until he lets go of her hands, places them firmly onto her back and rolls them over to take the lead.
They hold hands when they eventually fall asleep. Some nights with Donna's head resting on Harvey's shoulder, one of her hands on his chest that he holds with his own, his heart beating steadily under the flushed skin. Other nights with Harvey spooning Donna, reaching for her hand and holding it close to her body. And a few nights with Harvey's face buried into the crook of her neck. She reaches for his hand on her side, brings it to her lips and kisses the knuckles before she closes her eyes.
And when one of them wakes up at night and finds that they drifted apart during sleep (which, since Donna is a very restive sleeper, happens regularly), he or she will find the other's hand in the dark and intertwines their fingers again, so they'll be close for the rest of the night until the morning sun wakes them from their dreams into a reality they've been both dreaming of for over a decade.
It's just a small detail that has crept naturally into the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives, one they barely even notice sometimes. But still, holding hands makes both of them realize that all of this is really happening, that they really have each other for the rest of their lives. And that they don't have to hold back any longer.