Bent
Category: Drama/Action/Romance
Summary: Louis is preparing for impending fatherhood, Donna finds herself quite taken with a client and Harvey gets into trouble when he misplaces his loyalties during the handover of a prestigious design business. Will he be able to cope with all the changes happening and keep the people he cares about safe when a revenge plot spirals out of control? (Slow burn Darvey)
AN: This is a monster story for me! I've outlined 17 chapters and am going to try and post them with no less than 2,000 words each. Something to keep me going until Suits comes back on the air :P I started playing with this idea before Thomas Kessler came up in spoilers. Originally I had Donna dating a doctor but I wanted to re-work it to be more inline with an AU 8B. It's set about six months in the future-ish. The timeline might ne a bit skew-whiff but I'm taking some liberties. Any way, I'll stop rambling! Happy reading :)
If I need some other love, give me more than I can stand and when my smile gets old and faded, wait around I'll smile again.
- Bent, Matchbox 20
Donna Paulsen, COO of Zane Specter Wheeler Williams, let's her gaze wash over the partner's names on the wall as she steps out of the elevator with two coffees in hand.
In the six months since Louis' promotion the firm has grown into a well oiled machine. There have been hiccups along the way, a few power struggles that were to be expected, but she was right about him taking over. His changing priorities and new lease on life have afforded them all a sense of balance and her lips curve as she closes in on Harvey's office.
The first thing she notices is his sharp Tom Ford suit, the blue silk lines contrasting against the overcast city of Manhattan behind him and she breezes in meeting his gaze with a warm smile. "The Carter's are down in reception, I thought you could use this."
The coffee lands on his desk prompting a wave of gratitude to roll through him as he reaches for the cup. "You have no idea." The sentiment stalls on his lips as he takes a sip letting the caffeine sink in. He's been in the office since seven working on a contracts for H. B. Carter Design's. He's known the founder, Henry Carter, for over thirty years and although the family handover seems straight forward he can't shake the niggling feeling that something is off. Not once since he took on Henry as a client has there ever been a mention of his son, Drake, showing any interest in the business but he's hoping their upcoming meeting will put his doubts about signing over the company to rest.
"We still on for later?" He asks, replacing the cup with a handful of the papers scattered across his desk. Time permitting, they'd agreed to go baby-shopping for Louis' shower and her silence throws him, until he lifts his head catching the amusement brimming in her gaze. "Yes, I remembered-" he shoots back, "that doesn't mean I'm excited to be going."
"You sure?" She grins behind the lid of her coffee. "Usually I have to stamp this kind of thing on your forehead."
It's only a partially fair statement and he leans back with a raised eyebrow. Usually he wouldn't go at all but the last gift they 'co-bought' had nearly sent him into bankruptcy. "I'm just trying to avoid a repeat of Mike and Rachael's wedding." An air of humour paints his smirk as he watches her flounce.
"That was a one-of-a-kind dining room set made from dark treated oak-wood." She defends, the luxurious purchase worth every penny. Maybe, just maybe, she'd gone a little over the top but if she'd left it to Mike and Rachael they would have been eating off boxes on the floor for the first six months. "They were moving into a new house," she justifies again, biting the inside of her cheek to hider her amusement.
"Which you practically furnished for them." He counters, secretly enjoying the banter. Despite his ribbing the money was never an issue. At the time he'd just been grateful they were speaking again and he laments happily that those days are behind them now. Things have evolved naturally back into a comfortable and friendly relationship. They do lunches and dinners, spend time together outside of work and he even gave her Bikram yoga a try last week.
Something he's never doing again.
But it all leads to the fact they've found their feet and he's drawn to the mischievous glint in her eyes, the look that says she's going to win this one no matter how many times he objects.
"You did say spare no expense." She argues teasingly, returning the warmth in his gaze with a soft smile.
It settles the debate, and the air around them, causing her cheeks to flush at the quiet stillness. She can't quite read what he's thinking and is about to ask when his assistant knocks behind her the sound immediately drawing both their attention.
"Mr Specter, the Carter's are waiting in the boardroom for you."
Harvey nods, his expression returning to a more serious nature as he stands with the stack of contracts. "Thank you Cameron," he dismisses the kid, picking up his coffee and isn't surprised when Donna intercepts him placing her drink down and lifting her hand to straighten his tie.
The gesture relaxes him and he breathes out slowly, thanking her with a nod. "I'll come find you once we're finished."
She folds her coffee back into her arms stepping aside so he can take the lead. "Go get 'em pretty."
...
When he arrives in the boardroom his gaze washes over the three occupants, landing on the newest addition to the board of H. B. Carter Designs.
"You must be Drake." He extends his hand, raking over the minute details catching his eye; sharp suit, expensive watch, solid posture and a charming smile to seal the package. An entrepreneur by definition but he's still wary as the man takes a seat between his father and the company's executive director, Barnaby Joice.
"Relax Harvey." Henry Carter leans back in his chair, the wrinkles around his eyes creasing as he smiles warmly. "I know this isn't what we initially discussed but in the last six months Drake has become an asset to the company. I can retire in peace knowing the legacy is going to be passed down."
"Retire?" Harvey's brows shoot up, his shoulders straightening as he reviews the file in his hand. There's no way in hell he would have missed such an integral part of the proceedings and tosses the folder down in confusion. "You agreed to remain as acting CEO for a probation period."
There's a beat before the the older man grimaces sheepishly. "Ah, yes... I may have left out that tiny detail."
Harvey feels the line of his jaw go slack and turns his body every so slightly in an attempt to shield his concerns. "Henry... I really think we should-"
"Now, don't go getting yourself worked up." The Chairman interrupts waving his finger at the sceptical tone. They've been working together for nearly as long as the company has been making lucrative profit, and while he appreciates the candor, the subject isn't up for debate. He's retiring safe in the knowledge that the business will continue to turn as it has been for the last twenty-five years. "I assure you Harvey, the probation isn't necessary. Barnaby will remain on to ensure any overall decisions reflect the company brand. It's a family run business and it's going to stay that way."
"We tried to talk him round," Barnaby interjects with a wry smirk, "you know how stubborn the old coot can be."
Harvey stiffens at the comment but the only apprehension in the room is his own and he reluctantly pushes it aside to take his seat at the head of the table. It certainly isn't the negotiation he was expecting but he doesn't have any choice and swallows his concerns in order to start the proceedings.
Unfortunately they doesn't stay buried for long, rearing to the surface at almost every junction.
Places he would expect to see a rise from Drake, for good reason if the man had any business sense, don't stir even a hint of interest and Harvey finds it hard to believe the man would give up thirty-seven percent of his bonus to ensure a safety-net for unplanned redundancies. It's something he would expect from Henry not the man sat opposite him wearing a a ridiculously priced Patek Philippe watch.
Still he keeps the opinion to himself as they continue unanimously approving the clauses.
It leads the meeting to wrap up far earlier than expected and Harvey tries to keep his movement fluid as he pushes up from the table with a curt nod. "Thank you gentlemen. I'll get this typed up, looked over and back to you by the end of the week."
"Always a pleasure Harvey." Henry extends his hand, the smile on his face lifting with gratitude. He owes the lawyer much more than just the success of his business and he's eternally grateful for the loyalty he's been shown throughout the years. "You know your father would be incredibly proud of you. Just like I am of Drake." He adds the last past hoping to smooth over any residing tension.
To Harvey's credit he manages to let the comment slide forcing his lips to curve in response. "I appreciate that Henry. You take care and I'll give you a call Wednesday."
He isn't sure why but he holds his breath until the three men clear from his sight. The fact everything ran without question is a clear warning sign and when Donna intercepts him on the way out, asking how it all went, he shrugs her off with a reserved sigh. "They agreed to every term, all I have to do is draw up the papers."
The result is almost unheard of she raises an eyebrow as she walks along side him. "Just like that?"
"Just like that."
The response is blunt, accompanied by a familiar twitch in his jaw and she keeps pace as he strides along the strip of carpet down the hall. "Harvey, I know that face. What happened?"
Her tone is inarguable but he dismisses it dropping a folder on Cameron's desk and addressing his secretary instead. "Have one of the associates downstairs look this over. I want it back on my desk by Wednesday." He doesn't wait for a response kicking his feet through to his office so he can grab his phone and wallet.
Donna stops in front of him readjusting the purse on her arm.
If he thinks they're going anywhere, let alone shopping, he has another thing coming.
The stance remains firm and he knows she isn't going to budge, not without an explanation and he leans back against the edge of his desk with a sigh. If there's anyone he can count on for honest no bullshit advice it's Donna and he concedes lifting his gaze thoughtfully. "I've been Henry's lawyer for over ten years and he's never once mentioned retiring early or letting his son take over the business."
She can't argue it isn't a fair point but under normal circumstances the situation wouldn't be bothering him this much. The difference is that this time it's personal. Henry Carter is a family friend and she moves to stand beside him deliberately keeping her tone objective. "Did Drake seem genuine?"
"Try disinterested." He reflects tiredly scrubbing a hand over his face. "I don't know, there's just something about him."
"Good looking, charismatic, egocentric, arrogant?" She suggests leading him with the ghost of a smirk. His loyalty has always been a commendable part of his character but sometimes it blinds him to things. Like judging someone for being too similar to his own personality.
"So you were listening in." He accuses not in the least surprised.
"Who says I'm talking about Drake." She makes her point, relieved when he huffs out something that could almost pass as amusement. It paves way for a more serious insert and she flicks her wrist brushing her fingers along the inside of his elbow. "I know you're worried about Henry and that's understandable but Harvey-" she pauses waiting for his full attention, "this is his decision. He wouldn't be making it if he didn't have his reasons."
Something catches in her voice and he reads into the sympathetic change in her expression. The shift is only slight but it's there and he narrows his gaze suspiciously. "You know something don't you?"
She nods unashamed by the fact. Her intention was never to keep information from him just to wait until the right time to share it. "I made a few calls. Henry had a minor heart attack few months ago. There were no serious complications and he kept it out of the news but if I had to guess I'd say it's one of the reasons he wants to hand over the company."
His mouth goes dry and he swallows the shock absorbing and taking it in his stride. It gives the situation more context and if those are the reasons he's glad the man is taking the time out he needs, he just wishes there was an option besides Drake Carter. Someone more in line with the previous predecessor Barnaby Joice. Middle aged, solid business skills and an aptitude for investing money. Barnaby would have been the perfect fit and he fully intends to do his own investigation into Drake once the dust has settled.
"You know what always makes me feel better?" She drops her hand nudging him gently, "shopping for baby gifts."
He smiles in spite of himself. He's actually looking forward to the break, a chance to get out of his own head, and rolls off the desk feigning a serous look. "Just so long as whatever we get doesn't have clowns."
"Agreed." She straightens on her heels and follows behind him giving Cameron a wink as they pass by. Regardless of his filing system the kid has found his place in the firm and she walks beside Harvey with a relaxed smile as they make their way down to Ray who's waiting outside.
Harvey opens the door for her and she graciously climbs inside securing her belt while he moves around to slide in next to her. Once he's issued their directions they merge out into the busy street making their way to Saks Fifth Avenue.
...
There's a chill on the air when they arrive, the sky still overcast from earlier, and she rubs her hands together as they enter into the warm store. To her surprise Harvey navigates the various departments with ease leading them to a range of display cases filled with christening gifts. The first thing that catches her eye is a ballerina rabbit wearing a pale pink skirt and she just knows her best friend in Seattle would love the gift. "You think we'll be doing this for Mike and Rach soon?"
He smirks at the thought of Mike, the kid he met running from the police, all grown up and starting a family of his own. It's still hard to believe but he couldn't be more proud of the man he's come to call his best friend. "I hope not. I'm still paying off their wedding gift."
She rolls her eyes ready to admonish him when they're suddenly interrupted by a perky blonde sales assistant.
"Hi welcome to Saks." The women greets enthusiastically, bouncing on her nine inch stiletto heels. "Is there something I can help you with today?"
Instinct lifts the corners of Harvey's mouth and his expression relaxes at her overt cheeriness. There was a time she would have been every bit his type but his tastes have tempered over the years and he brushes her off with a polite smile. "That's very kind of you-" he checks the name on her badge, "Sandy... but we're just browsing, thanks."
"For yourselves or?"
"Friends." He confirms smoothly, earning an amused look from Donna. Sometimes he toys with the notion that she's more his type than any sales assistant, waitress or model he's had eyes for in the past but it's dangerous territory and he tries not to wince when Sandy grins broadly, indifferent to the private thought.
"Well if you change your mind I'll be just over there."
He smiles back, a breezy expression covering his discomfort. "If I change my mind you'll be the first to know."
She scoots by with a friendly brush of his arm and Donna shakes her head at the interaction. "Do you have to flirt with everyone?"
He feigns ignorance with a quick shrug of his shoulders. "What? I was being nice."
"Uh-huh, yeah sure... oh wait-" she raises her hand with a teasing smirk, "you've just got a little bit of drool-"
"Okay, very funny." He swats her away with a low chuckle, "can I help it if I'm naturally good looking and charismatic?"
"You forgot egocentric and arrogant."
She throws it back with a grin shifting her attention to the gifts on display and he smiles, his gaze drawing towards a silver moneybox in the shape of a baseball. The stitching has been intricately engraved and he picks it up running his thumb over the detail. It's the kind of present his father would have given and he returns it to the shelf with a whimsical sigh. "Maybe that's not my style any more."
"Don't even try to convince me your days as a bachelor are over?" The banter is filled with amusement and she's surprised when it doesn't halt his perusal. Instead he picks up a soft furry bear to inspect and she stops along side him.
He squeezes it dismayed when it doesn't make any sort of noise and he doesn't know if it's the setting or the echo of his father following him but for once he wears the vulnerability instead of squashing it down. "It's something I have been thinking about recently." He risks glancing up. There's no judgment in her gaze, only curiosity, and a light smile touch his lips in response. "What about you?"
She's genuinely confused now and inclines her head towards him. "What about me?"
"You ever think about doing this for yourself one day?" He puts the bear down wondering if it's too forward a question but he doesn't take it back. It's what they should have been doing from the beginning, asking the difficult things and telling hard truths. It's what's brought them closer together recently and he watches her reach for the toy splaying her fingers over the brown fur.
An air of discomfort rises in her chest as she handles the animal. Of course she's thought about having kids but a committed relationship has never seem to stick. She's always been too busy with her career or other distractions... but maybe he's right, maybe it is time to start reassessing her priorities. "Ask me again after my date tonight." She places the bear back with a lopsided smile turning and missing the look of surprise that flashes across his face.
"Anyone I know?" He asks casually, trailing behind her into an isle with more robust toys for children to play with. There's a rocking horse at the end that catches her eye and he almost thinks she's forgotten the question, or is avoiding it, until she throws out a name he does know.
"Thomas Kessler." She answers crouching at the wooden structure. It would be a few years before he or she could ride it but the carvings are beautiful and she glances over her shoulder looking for Harvey's approval. "What do you think?"
"As in Louis' Kessler?" There's no doubt they're talking about the same person. The name isn't exactly common and he stumbles over the piece of information. The wealthy CEO is one of Louis' long time clients and he wants to be supportive but in his vast experience it's never a good idea mixing business and pleasure. "I think... I mean, I'm sure you know what you're doing."
"I meant about the rocking horse."
"Right." He clears the embarrassment from his throat with a cough dragging his attention to the antique design. He can remember someone in his family having one just like it when he was a child and shrugs at the idea. "What kid doesn't like climbing on things?"
It's not the enthusiastic response she was looking for but it's probably the best she's going to get. Which isn't really a surprise given she picked out most of the gifts for his brother's kids when she was his secretary. The fact settles the debate in her mind and she pushes up going back to his uncertainty over her date. She's had her own doubts surrounding the situation and nervously bites down on her lip. "You think going out with Thomas is a bad idea?"
He hesitates for the briefest of seconds then quickly swallows the reaction shaking his head. No matter how far their friendship has come it's not his place to get involved in her romantic relationships and he suggests an amicable peace offering. "You should leave early, get Ray to give you a ride home."
She smiles feeling a wave of relief at the gesture. "Thanks Harvey." Having his support means a lot and she touches his arm briefly, showing her gratitude before leaving the isle to find Sandy.
He watches her go, staying put and glancing at the horse. He can't quite shake the feeling of unease that's settled but puts it down to being entirely out of his element. He still has a lot of issues to work through before he can entertain starting a family of his own but he wants to try and lifts his head to where Donna is chatting with the blonde sales assistant.
Deep down he wants a lot of things.
He just has to work out where they all fit in the grande scheme of things.