Emilie woke up early on Sunday - way earlier than she wanted. She didn't have to be at the cafe until 8 but she was lying awake at six in the morning.

While she was grateful for her Saturday spent with her brother, she knew the inevitable needed to be faced.

She got out of bed after staring at the ceiling for a while and knocked on Harvey's door rapidly. She heard him stirring awake and grumbling. She took that opportunity to open the door.

"Harvey?" She glanced over at him lying in the bed as she stepped into his room.

"Em, it's early," Harvey mumbled out, laying his arm over his eyes.

"Sorry. I'm awake. I just keep thinking about all this stuff and this video and… I don't know what to do."

Harvey sighed. "Can you at least put on some coffee?"

Ten minutes later, Harvey was sitting at the island across from his sister. He sipped his coffee and motioned for her to continue talking.

"So, do I tell Ethan? I know it's the right thing to do but he's just such an awful person. But legally I should tell him? Like he's in the video too. Not that I can show him since hopefully the Internet has been scrubbed of it. But I don't want to talk to him in person but this is an in person conversation and -

"Em," Harvey put his coffee cup down and put his hand up to cut her off. "Take a breath."

She just sighed and crossed her arms, leaning on the counter.

Harvey thought for a moment. Legally, his sister didn't have to tell that cretin anything. Morally, maybe it was fair to give him a heads up. Above anything else, he knew the conversation he was about to have would be uncomfortable.

"So. Here's the thing." Harvey paused again. "I didn't want to tell you this last night but they found some hard drives. Presumably with video footage of, well, you know. And I'm sure sometime this week, maybe even today, they're going to ask you to come in and review it to confirm that, yes, it's you. And they're going to ask you who else is in it with you. This is to make sure all parties involved are protected and know of their legal rights and what happens next."

Emilie just stood and stared at him with wide eyes.

"So I have to go and scan through video footage that was taken of me, without any sort of consent, with some random police officer?" Emilie's voice was growing louder as she spoke.

"Emilie," Harvey wanted to calm her down. "Listen, I know this is uncomfortable but maybe Finn could-

"Oh fuck that, like I want Finn to see any more of that with him." She let out a frustrated moan and squeezed her eyes shut. "Did they at least arrest him?" She didn't want to say her landlord's name out loud anymore.

Harvey hesitated but he wished he hadn't. He didn't want to lie to her but the truth was difficult.

"I take this awkward pause to mean no. Why not? The video is from my apartment bathroom - isn't that enough to arrest him?" She was near yelling again.

"It is, of course. That's beyond means. But he left the state. They don't know where he is." Harvey figured being honest was the right thing to do. Even though he watched her closely as she listened - she was angry. Angry was better than sad.

"What the fuck?!" Emilie yelled out. "The legal system is garbage."

Harvey just sighed. His sister's feelings were fair and valid but he didn't like being yelled at before he finished his morning coffee.

"They're going to track him down. Don't worry. He's breached his probation so he'll stay in custody before he ends up prosecuted." He paused and narrowed his eyes. "Is there anyone who could cover for you today? Maybe you need a break from work and -

"Harvey, I can't do that to Jackie. I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I just… do I tell him?" She knew Ethan was working that afternoon. It would be hard to continue avoiding him and that topic.

Harvey swallowed the lump in his throat. "Only if you feel comfortable. Otherwise, we'll figure out another way."

Finn was waiting for Emilie in the cafe when her shift was over that afternoon. She was so happy to see him again but she knew she had to talk to Ethan first.

Their interactions at work were minimal now. Emilie was disappointed by how their friendship had deteriorated - she didn't want it to end but once Ethan had provided to be such a dick, forcing himself onto her, everything had changed.

She knew if she had told Jackie about the situation he would have been fired. But Emilie didn't want that.

And their whole shift that morning and afternoon had been uncomfortable. They barely spoke but she told him, sternly, there was something she had to tell him.

At the end of her shift, Ethan met her in the kitchen area while Lora ran the front of the cafe.

"So, what's up, Em?" Ethan asked shortly.

His attitude irritated her immensely. He was the one who was in the wrong and had done wrong. Yet, he made it seem like she was the one at fault for their situation.

She paused and crossed her arms.

"You're not knocked up, are you?"

She almost choked. "No, augh. Of course not. Thank god for that."

She paused to try and find the words.

"Emilie, I don't have time to watch you think," Ethan rolled his eyes.

Before Emilie could reply, Finn stuck his head through the door.

"Em, everything okay?"

"Employees only, man." Ethan tried to shut the door but Finn pushed it open, standing his ground.

"Everything is okay. Just give me two minutes." Emilie just nodded at Finn, who sighed and closed the door. She knew he didn't go very far.

"Are you not allowed to talk to people without a bodyguard now?" Ethan crossed his arms and sat down on a stool.

"Can you shut up for two seconds?" Emilie spat at him.

He just rolled his eyes. "Whatever."

"A few months ago I found a hidden camera in my apartment. After a long stupid battle in court, nothing came from the situation aside from having a shitty landlord. When they investigated, the cameras weren't hooked up."

"I knew there was something up with that guy."

"Yeah, well, I can't do anything about it now. Anyway. What I'm trying to tell you is that last week it came to my attention there was a video of us...online. Recorded from that camera in my bathroom."

"Wait. What?" Ethan jumped up from the stool. He seemed angry. "When did you find out about this? Where is it?"

"Like, Friday night." She sighed. "I mean, I knew about the camera a while ago but I was under the impression there wasn't any video footage until, well, someone showed me."

"Jesus Christ, Emilie. You didn't think to tell me about any of this before?"

"Well, I didn't want to tell you at all but it's the right thing to do." She rolled her eyes at him. "I just thought maybe you should have a heads up in case a detective from cyber crimes reaches out to you about it."

"And then what?"

"Well, I guess they will want to confirm who is in the video and give you some legal advice about what happens next and -

"Did you watch it?" Ethan's tone seemed to shift from angry to curious as he watched her talk. Emilie suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable as he looked at her. "I mean, don't you ever miss me, Em? We had a lot of fun." He took a step towards her, trying to grab her hand.

"Oh, stop it, Ethan. Don't you remember last month when you tried to take advantage of me?"

"Grow up, Emilie. Take advantage of you? Like hell that's what it was. You came over to have sex and then -

"Ethan, I very clearly said no and you didn't give a damn." She just rolled her eyes and turned to leave. "You know what, good fucking luck. I shouldn't have said anything about the video in the first place. Forgive me for trying to be kind."

Ethan grabbed her wrist as she turned and pulled her toward him. "You were just a waste of my time this summer, Bryant. This whole arrangement was just me doing you a favour, anyway. I'm sure it made for a pretty fucking boring video."

"Oh, fuck you, Ethan." She tried to free herself from his grip. "I faked it the whole time, by the way."

He went to grab her other wrist and she pushed him away. "God, you're such a bitch."

Suddenly the Employees Only door flew open as Finn came back into the room, fists up. "Let her go, man." Ethan dropped his grip.

"Finn, stop," Emilie called to stop him before he collided with Ethan. As much as she wanted to see Finn push him around, she didn't want to waste another ounce of energy on the situation. "Let's just go. I'm fine."

They headed out the front doors of the cafe and Emilie could tell Finn was visibly upset by what had just unfolded.

"Finn, he's not worth your anger."

"No, Em. He is. He has no right to speak to you that way or lay his hands on you. Especially if he -

"I can't waste anymore of my time on Ethan Jones. He sucks. He has no aspirations. He's charming and manipulative. I'm just going to tell Jackie about what's happened and she'll likely just let him go."

"Hey," Finn turned to her on the sidewalk and put a hand on her shoulder. "You don't deserve that. How he treated you."

She just gave him a small smile. "I know. And he didn't deserve any of my kindness. But I'm trying to be the bigger person here and you should too. Especially when you have a police badge on." She pointed to his shirt pocket, where his badge was still clipped.

"Shit. Okay. Very observant, Bryant." He let out his breath and put his arm over her shoulder as they continued to walk. "I'm just exhausted today."

"Well, let's just go grab some pizza and not worry about all this mess for a bit. Maybe have a nap."

"You and I both know when you say nap, you don't mean nap."

She just smirked at him. "You are correct, Detective."

Finn drove her home that night after their pizza date. He brought her all the way upstairs back to the apartment to discuss everything with her and Harvey both.

"So, they're going to reach out to Ethan and bring him in tomorrow to chat, too. Before you, though."

Emilie smiled at Finn. She knew he was still mad about her interactions with Ethan at the cafe and would do anything he could to keep their distance. Especially since Ethan had been texting her terrible things ever since she left that afternoon.

"So I need to be there around 3?"

Finn nodded.

"Come to the office and we can go together," Harvey said simply.

"Harvey, you don't have to come."

"You're right. I don't. But I'm going to. As your lawyer and your big brother." Harvey crossed his arms and turned his head back to Finn. "Any other news?"

"A family member tipped us off to somewhere he might be staying near the Pennsylvania border."

"Well, innocent people don't hide," Harvey muttered, nodding.

Finn just let out a laugh. "I know. At least it's pretty cut and dry once they find him."

Emilie just stared at the two of them. It was comforting, in a way, to be dating someone she knew her brother liked. Not that she needed his approval.

Harvey went to sit at his desk while Finn said goodbye to Emilie at the door.

"Oh by the way, this is for you. I meant to give it to you earlier but well, your bare skin was distracting."

Emilie shushed him and swatted his chest, blushing.

"Please don't make out while I'm within earshot!" She heard Harvey call down the hall.

They both laughed again. Finn pulled a small wrapped package out of his jacket pocket.

"Since I won't see you tomorrow. Happy early birthday, Em."

She immediately could tell it was a book. She tore open the package, revealing a copy of The Hobbit in German.

"For your collection. I know it's kind of stupid but since you have the French one and two English ones and -

"I love it!" She brushed her hand across the detailed cover and flipped through the pages quickly. "Thank you. Wow. I don't know what to…" She trailed off, staring down at the book.

Finn was so kind. So kind. She was having a hard time understanding how he cared for her so much.

"Hey," Finn reached over and tilted her chin up. "I see your brain reeling. I just saw it at this little second hand shop in Brooklyn and it was screaming 'Finn, this is perfect for your girlfriend!' It's been hiding on my shelf for weeks."

"You bought this weeks ago?" She could have melted. "Wait, did you just call me your girlfriend?"

Finn's eyes went wide for a second. "I mean, that's what this is right? Sorry. I guess we didn't talk about this and -

She leaned up and kissed him. "Thank you, boyfriend." He pulled her into a tight hug. It was warm. The perfect warmth. He leaned down and kissed her again. And again. And ag-

Harvey yelled out again, "I can still hear you!"

Monday was Emilie's 24th birthday. She didn't mind her birthday, really. It was nice to celebrate but lately, it had been hard to have a positive attitude.

It was late afternoon and Emilie was sitting at the police station with her brother and Donna. Her knee was shaking up and down, a nervous twitch.

Emilie was waiting to speak with one of the cyber crime detectives to go over the video footage.

Harvey had choked his way through another uncomfortable situation with his sister and enlisted Donna for moral support. He obviously wasn't going to sit in while his sister reviewed that footage but Donna volunteered to be there. Although she did argue that Harvey should take them all out for drinks after since it was Emilie's birthday, after all.

As they sat there quietly, a door down the hall opened and Ethan walked out. He shook the hand of the detective and headed towards the door, pausing in front of Emilie. She noticed his nose was bruised and swollen.

"Em, hey," Ethan started, putting his hands in his pockets. He looked down at the ground. "Can we talk for a second?"

Emilie sighed. Considering how her conversation with him had gone yesterday, she wasn't in the mood. But he looked sincere in his ask. She glanced over at Harvey who remained stone faced.

She stood up and took a few steps away from her brother to talk to Ethan.

Harvey just stared at them while they talked.

"So, about your emergency last minute meeting this morning…" Donna turned to Harvey, watching his locked gaze across the room. She glanced down at Harvey's hands as they rested on his knees. He stretched out his right hand for a brief moment.

"Donna, I'm not going to sit idly by while that piece of shit continuously harasses my sister." Harvey sighed. "She told me about their conversation yesterday. She showed me all these messages he sent her after the fact. All this cruel, inappropriate, accusatory shit and…"

"I hope you didn't punch him in front of any customers. Or get blood on those pastries you brought back to the office."

A few moments later, Emilie returned to her chair between the two of them. Ethan nodded at Harvey as he left through the stairwell.

"Well?" Harvey prompted her.

"He apologized like twenty times for everything," Emilie replied to him, turning her head. "I told him he probably needs to ice his nose."

Harvey just nodded. "You're right. He probably does."

Neither of them said anything else. Harvey was sure his sister could put two and two together but he had a feeling she would never bring it up. And maybe that was okay.

"Miss Bryant?" Emilie looked over as one of the detectives approached them. She just stood up and nodded. Donna stood up too, looking over at the young girl. They both walked down the hall into the room and the door closed behind them.

Harvey let out the breath he had been holding and squeezed his eyes shut. The last few days had been a lot to deal with but he was hoping the end was near. He felt like he had lost years off his life.

Finn had filled him in on what happened at the cafe and Harvey had been livid. He was sick and tired of Ethan Jones being an insufferable human, especially to his sister. He had made an impulsive decision that morning to visit him at the cafe and ask to have a conversation.

It got even worse when he made some snide comments about Emilie. That was it for Harvey. His hand collided with Ethan's face so quickly he almost missed it himself. It was stupid, really. But it did the trick. And it made Harvey feel a bit better.

He would finally feel some peace when he knew Jason Moore was back in police custody and on his way to be sentenced.

Emilie had insisted this would have to stay quiet. She didn't want her parents to know it got this far. And Harvey had to agree.

He really felt that he had failed his sister through this whole mess. He hadn't been able to protect her. He had let her down and their whole family. What good was his position and money and power and prowess if he let his pride get in the way?

He saw his sister crumble so many times over the years and the last few months had hit him the hardest of all.

It gave him plenty of time for reflection lately. Sure, he and Emilie had sort of put everything on the table at the diner the other night. But he was still wrestling with his guilt. He should have been better, he should have swallowed his pride, he should have helped her. He should have reached out and made peace with her when he did with his mom. Why did he let such a spitfire like Emilie have such a strong hold over his thoughts? Why did he have such a hard time showing that he actually cared for her and loved her?

His train of thought was interrupted.

"Well, if it isn't Harvey Specter himself in a police station. What a sight to be seen. I figured it was bound to happen someday."

Just the sound of Patrick Boone's voice made Harvey irritated.

He looked up to see Patrick standing in front of him in - slicked hair, smarmy smile, tacky pea coat.

"Patrick," Harvey stood up and plastered a smile on his face. "I hear one of your clients broke probation last week. Have you thought about explaining how the legal system works to them?"

Patrick rolled his eyes. "Once that invoice was paid, I washed my hands of that. I usually don't keep tabs on them after a win." He squared his shoulders back and glanced down at his watch. "How's the drama queen, anyway?"

Harvey pursed his lips. He could stand here and battle with Boone about anything but the last thing he was going to tolerate was him talking about Emilie.

"Listen, I understand you're just doing your job when you fight for the bad guys. But my sister was nothing but a victim caught in the cross fire. That son-of-a-bitch will enjoy a long jail sentence when this is wrapped up and I hope you sleep soundly washing your hands of it." Harvey didn't even realize his voice was growing in volume and he had his hand pointing at Patrick's chest.

Patrick grabbed his hand and threw it away from his chest. "You need to remove yourself from the emotions of it all, Harvey." Patrick smirked at him and adjusted his coat. "Your sister learned a lesson in all this, I hope."

Before Harvey could reply, he heard the door down the hall open. He saw Donna take a step out and look down towards him. "Harvey?" She waved her hand rapidly for him to come down to the room. The officer in the room slipped out in front of Donna, mentioning he would give them some time.

Harvey turned away from Patrick and hurried down the hall.

"I'm going to go find some water but I think your sister is on the cusp of an anxiety attack," Donna patted him on the arm and headed steadfast down the hall to find water.

Harvey looked into the small room to see Emilie pacing. There was a closed laptop on the table.

"Emilie." Harvey walked in and closed the door behind him. "Come and sit." He took a seat and pulled another chair to the same side of the table. He watched her as she paced - breaths rapid, eyes shut, mumbling to herself.

"You know, I distinctly remember you telling me that one day I would understand the real world and it wouldn't be forgiving." She stopped pacing and dropped onto a chair beside him. "You were right." She crossed her arms onto the table and rested her head.

"Emmy, I really wish I wasn't this time." He reached his arm over and rubbed her back.

"What do I do now, Harvey?" She stayed resting on the table but she seemed to be calming down. "I can't wrap my head around all this. Thousands of people saw some weird sex tape of me and I can't undo it. It's out there. And like maybe it's gone from that website but who knows who else has a copy of it and" She stopped and raised her head up to look at him. "That guy from cyber crimes told me they found footage from a few other rental properties. All in the bathroom. So now they have to find all those people and tell them about this and try to track down the files online. That's so messed up."

Harvey was really at a loss. In the past, he usually left Mike to deal with the emotional side of cases. But this time, it wasn't a case. It was his sister and he wished he could help her get through this suffering.

On her birthday, of all days.

Emilie leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. "Harvey, I'm just tired. Of everything. I don't want this life anymore. I want to go back in time and just… change everything."

"Emmy," Harvey said quietly. "This isn't your fault."

"I know that! I wish people would stop saying that. Please." She stopped and took a breath. "Sorry. I'm sure you're tired of me yelling at you. You don't deserve to be yelled at."

Harvey just gave her a half smile. "I would rather you yell at me than not talk to me at all, Em."

She sighed. It was moments like this she was reminded of how far she and her brother had come over the last few months.

There was a knock at the door. It opened to reveal Donna holding a bottle of water. She took a few steps in and handed it to Emilie.

"Thanks, Donna," Emilie said as she opened it to sip.

"The officer said that's all they needed from you so we're free to go. Whenever you're ready."

Emilie just nodded. She didn't want to stay any longer. She was grateful for Harvey - listening to her rant, talking her down.

She was grateful to Donna, too. She had sat beside her in that room while Emilie stared uncomfortably at the screen and answered questions for the officer. At least the worst of it was over.

"You ready?" Harvey stood up and extended his hand out to his sister.

She nodded and grabbed his hand as helped her to her feet.

"So. Dinner?" Donna looked between the two of them as they walked out of the building.

"Don't you both have to get back to the office?" Emilie knew it was a lot for them both to leave in the middle of a workday. Especially on a Monday afternoon. It was only five o'clock. They could both jump back into their piles of emails.

"The office can wait until tomorrow." Harvey said sternly.

"We need to celebrate the last year of your early 20s. Considering next year you'll be closer to 30." Donna nudged Emilie on the shoulder, smiling.

"What a droll reminder." Emilie added in. "Although, if we're doing the math, this makes Harvey nearly 45 which is -

"Another year closer to 50. But what a handsome old man he still is."

Ray pulled up outside.

"Hey now," Harvey interjected their banter. He was happy to see his sister's mood lifting even if it came at his expense. "Did you see George Clooney at 45? A silver fox."

Emilie rolled her eyes as she climbed into the back of the car, "You're no Clooney, Harvey."

"A Russell Crowe, at best." Donna concluded as she slid in behind Emilie.

Harvey just rolled his eyes as he shut the door behind Donna, getting into the front seat.

They dropped Donna off after dinner and headed back to Harvey's.

The dinner with Harvey and Donna had been a perfect ending to the day. It was nice to laugh and actually understand things going on in her brothers life. Donna spent most of the night telling Emilie stories about their first couple years working together in the DA's office. And detailed accounts of Harvey's dating history.

Once they got inside, Emilie tore into the cheesecake she had taken to go at the restaurant.

She leaned on the island and offered a fork to Harvey. He dropped onto a stool and took a bite.

"So, I imagine this is up there for your worst birthday experience ever?"

Emilie just laughed and put her fork down to think.

"Honestly, I'm not sure." She paused. "I think it was my tenth birthday… I was at school. I shared a birthday with this other kid in my class, Noah Stevenson. His mom came in at lunch and brought in cupcakes. I went home that day and mom was laying in bed. Dad was out of town working. Marcus was going to take me to dinner but ended up working a double shift. I didn't even hear from you so I assume you forgot." She sighed. "So, while spending the afternoon at the police station sucked, at least I didn't have to make a grilled cheese and eat a cupcake with Noah Stevenson's basketball number on it."

Harvey took another bite of the cheesecake and stared at her. He cracked a smile. "That was bleak."

Emilie couldn't help but laugh. "You asked! And hey, things got better over time. I think it was when I turned 12 we had that awkward family dinner at Marcus and Katie's place. You brought some date and it was uncomfortable. But at least we tried and at least we were together."

"I remember that. I don't think I made it to dessert."

Before Emilie could continue her phone was vibrating. It was their mom. She had meant to call her back earlier but well, it had been a rough afternoon.

Emilie answered it and put it on speakerphone, much to Harvey's dismay.

"Hey mom," she said as she rolled her eyes at Harvey's annoyed face. "You're on speaker."

"Hi mom," Harvey chimed in.

"I just wanted to call and finally say Happy Birthday to my baby girl," Lily sang out through the phone. "Harvey, I hope you took your sister out for dinner."

"My credit card indicates I took her somewhere very nice," Harvey replied.

"Well, I just wanted to check in and see how things were going. And I wanted to tell you me and Bobby are going down to Jacksonville for Thanksgiving. It's Margo's 75th birthday so we wanted to surprise them."

Emilie just shrugged. Her great Aunt Margo was a fun old lady but she was grateful to have to miss the event. Mainly to avoid seeing her dad's extended family.

"That means you're going to miss Emilie cooking a turkey in my kitchen," Harvey added in. He knew Marcus, Katie and the kids were coming to the city that weekend but hadn't heard back from his mother. He was a little relieved he didn't have to host his stepfather.

Emilie just laughed. "Yeah, fat chance. We're ordering in. I will only bake desserts for the occasion."

Their phone call ended a few moments later and the siblings fought over the last few bites of cheesecake.

Emilie licked her fork clean and dropped it on the counter. "So, what about you? Worst birthday?"

Harvey sighed. "Let's see. Maybe when I turned 19. Mom had just left. Marcus and I went for pizza. He told me mom was pregnant with you."

Emilie opened her mouth to reply but nothing came out. She was certain he didn't mean that offensively but there was a twinge of animosity in his voice.

"Also my best birthday, though, Em." Harvey stood up and grabbed the remains of the to-go container and the forks. He circled past Emilie and nudged into her. "Despite our tumultus history, I love you, kid."

"Yeah, I love you too, old man."

A/N: awww I love these two dummies. And I told ya Harvey was going to punch someone before this mess was over. Harvey will take no shit anymore when it comes to Emilie. But come on, a big family dinner for Thanksgiving will be a breeze right? Completely drama free? Let's only hope. I just need to brace you all that this wraps up in Chapter 15. I promise you it'll be good - juicy and long and full of banter and love!

Thank you thank you thank you again to everyone who reads and has enjoyed this story. I didn't know where my little idea was taking me so quickly but the last few months have been such a whirlwind. I don't want to let these characters go yet! So don't be surprised to see me again in the future. I'm mainly an OC writer. Once I'm done season nine watching we'll see what inspires me!

Thank you to Andelin, LilSparrow7, and cicia724 for reviewing. I always appreciate your thoughts and feedback and excitement! All my love!