Please give me direction, I think the hurt set in.

- Matchbox 20, Kody

Donna takes a sip of her drink, her eyes washing over the crowd of people gathered in honor of Louis. The man himself is practicality glowing although that could be the tequila he's been consuming all night. With just over a month to go the nerves are starting to show and she makes mental to note check in with him on Monday, maybe take him out to lunch and remind him there's nothing to worry about. He's going to be an amazing father and she takes a sip through her straw, jumping when she hears a low voice by her ear.

"Hey you."

She smiles as Thomas' large hands graze the curve of her waist. She'd been worried he wasn't going to show, something about a last minute contract needing approval, and she relaxes turning to face him. "Hey, you made it."

Maybe it's the alcohol or the atmosphere but she greets him with a kiss, lingering on the sweet spicey taste in her mouth.

It takes him by surprise but he's in no way complaining, a grin splitting across his face when she pulls back. "You look beautiful." His eyes move from the drink in her hand to the short red dress. Nothing too flashy but on her it's a showstopper.

"And you are setting a dangerous precedence for compliments." She lifts a playful eyebrow, the beat of pop/rock music behind them adding to the relaxed feel. Louis had wanted something surprisingly low-key, a casual foray into fatherhood, and vastly different from the baby shower she's helping Sheila plan. It's going to be a monstrosity but ever mother deserves to have the shower of their dreams and it's her job to make it happen. "Was everything okay at the office?"

He nods, amusement drifting over his expression. "Shoptalk?"

"Better than cheesy one-liners." She throws back, letting out a laugh as his hands sweep in returning to her waist. It's their fifth official date and there's an easiness to him, a fun relaxed vibe that she can't help getting caught up in, and she bites her lip when he leans in to whisper in her ear.

"That's good because I only had about two left anyway."

She feels him smirk against her cheek and grins, ready with a comeback but he kisses her and for a moment she forgets where they are until a wolf-whistle rings out behind her. She gently pushes him back embarrassment heating her face as Katrina appears beside them.

"Well, hello" she takes a sip from her long island ice tea letting her eyes rake over the handsome man. She's seen him in the office a few times because, honestly, who wouldn't notice the tall dark and charismatic CEO swooning about. He's certainly made an impression and she extends her hand enthusiastically, "I'm Katrina."

Thomas lets his arm drop from Donna's side fixing the blonde with smile. "Katrina, it's lovely to meet you I'm-"

"Thomas Kessler." Harvey interrupts with Jessica in tow behind him. Her arrival had been a surprise for Louis, the celebration coinciding with a business trip she'd planned, and he opens his palm greeting the man. "It's good to see you again. This is my former boss Jessica Pearson."

They shake and Jessica's next, her interest piqued by the man Donna is currently dating. There's something familiar about him but she can't place it and smiles playing the cards close to her chest. "Nice to meet you."

Thomas returns the gesture humbled by the women's presence. Aside from her reputation as an excellent lawyer he also knows about her from another mutual source and uses the story as an icebreaker. "Actually I believe you know a friend of mine, Alison Keylie."

The name is a blast from the past and she can't help smiling broadly at the association. "My god, you know Ally?" The two of them used to be thick as thieves in university until the would-be lawyer changed her degree but they'd still remained close, only drifting apart when their careers had branched into different cities.

"We actually dated for a while back in university-" it slips out before he considers it might be awkward but Donna's smile is reassuring and Jessica's is one of bewilderment.

"You're the Thomas?" She asks, feeling Harvey stiffen beside her. She'd wanted to reserve her judgment but is steadily coming to realise she already knows a great deal about the man, probably more than Donna at this point. "Ally and I went to Vassar College together before she transferred," she fills in bringing the group up to speed. "She'd call me going on and on about this amazing freshman she had a crush on. I can still remember when you finally asked her out-" she laughs, shaking her head, "I don't think I've spoken to her in, it must be two or three years now."

"She's doing well," he confirms with a smile, "living up in Baltimore with two great kids. I can give you her number if you like?"

The urge to groan rests in Harvey's throat but he swallows it trying to remain civil. If nothing else the fact Jessica holds Kessler in such high esteem should be a comfort but he can't help latching into the odd comment. "So the two of you are still in touch?"

It's a slightly accusatory tone and Thomas lifts his hand in mock surrender. "Nothing like that," he assures, "I go way back with her husband, I actually introduced them."

Jessica watches Harvey open his mouth presumably with a 'friendly' retort and swans herself in-between the men to play devil's advocate. "Why don't you let me buy you a drink Thomas. That's if Donna doesn't mind me stealing you away?"

Still somewhat perplexed Donna agrees not sure whether to feel grateful or uneasy but she relaxes when Thomas leans in with a quick kiss.

"I'll let you know if I need saving."

She smiles giving his arm a squeeze as Harvey closes the circle. She isn't surprised that they've lost Katrina. The senior partner is tearing up the dance floor and she takes a sip of her drink glancing up at Harvey. "Well, that was unexpected."

"Looks like you have the Jessica Pearson seal of approval." He comments wishing he had a glass in his own hand. He downed his last three a little too quickly but the sudden urge to pick up the pace rears itself.

She catches the flash of disapproval in his expression but knows better than to take it personally. If anything it has more to do with Jessica's attention being diverted and she nudges his side playfully. "Don't pout, you're still her favourite."

"Am I still yours?"

It's out before he can stop it and heat spreads down the back of his neck but he doesn't retract the question, intrigued by the rarity of seeing her lost for words.

"Donna!"

Katrina's overly loud voice breaks the moment and Harvey tries not flinch as her arms come up landing over both of their shoulders. "Tell me you are not dating that gorgeous specimen of a man." She jerks spilling her drink, which seems to go unnoticed, and Harvey rubs the wet spot with a frustrated huff.

"Excuse me." He leaves before the conversation goes any further making his way through the swarm of people and music that's far too loud. He should be at home with an aged scotch listening to the calming sound of Jazz not squeezing through a crowd half his age but this is Louis' party and he steels himself against the turn in his mood, breathing out sharply as he pushes into the bathroom.

Brian is at the basin washing his hands and Harvey tugs at his tie loosening it to get better access to the stain seeping into his shirt.

"Hey." Brian swallows awkwardly, catching Harvey's eye in the mirror. The lawyer seems more stoic than usual and he takes a deep breath turning off the faucet and reaching for a piece of towel. "Everything okay?"

Harvey's almost amused by the look of fear in his expression but it doesn't mellow his annoyance. "You might want to keep an eye on Katrina. I think she's hitting the long island ice tea's a little hard."

Brian nods, then hesitates, not sure whether to stay or leave but the pointed glare he receives makes it perfectly clear the conversation is over. Harvey watches him rush out shaking his head as he dabs a wad of towel against his shirt. The spot is barely noticeable, an easy fix for any half-decent dry cleaner, and he tosses the ball of paper into the bin redoing the knot on his tie.

Screw it.

He's here to have a good time not sulk in the bathroom and he mentally picks himself up making his way back out through the crowd. When he get's to the bar Thomas is there, presumably to buy Donna a drink because he already has one in his hand, and Harvey squares his shoulders as he approaches.

"The Thomas Kessler." He quips reaching into his back pocket to pull out his wallet.

"Harvey." Thomas tries not wince at the air of awkwardness between them. Professionally his dealings have mostly been with Louis so he can only assume the reason for the lukewarm reception has less to do with his business and more to do with him personally. "Look, I know we haven't been seeing each other very long-"

"You're dating me too now?"

It's quick off the bat and Thomas forces a friendly smile. "If you're worried about us working together don't be. Donna's already laid down the line and we're both on the same page."

Harvey nods keeping his expression neutral as he tries to flag down the bartender. "I'm sure you are."

Thomas angles his body away from the array of liquor to face the lawyer. He's never been one to shy away from confrontation but he's willing to tread cautiously for Donna's sake. "So it's just me you don't like then?"

"I'm not saying that." He argues, gaining the man in a vest's attention and forcing a smile as he orders a drink.

"You're not not saying it." Thomas challenges watching him get served. He get's it. He's a new man in Donna's life and a client at the firm. There's bound to be some friction and if he has to be the first one to bend a little he's prepared to give it a try. "Have you run a security check yet?"

It sounds like a genuine question and Harvey's actually surprised though he keeps it from showing. "Why, you got something to hide?"

"If I did would I be standing here talking you?" He raises an eyebrow, letting the comment sink in as he finally places an order for Donna's drink. He's half expecting Harvey to take the opening and run and he feels a small sense of triumph when the lawyer leans back against the bar with a slightly more relaxed jawline.

"You a Yankees fan?" He reluctantly throws out the icebreaker swirling his glass.

Thomas nods. "There any other team?"

The answer is adequate enough and Harvey takes a quick sip of his scotch. "You play?"

"Batting average of three forty."

It's childish or maybe it's the alcohol hitting his system but the fact the average isn't as good as his own makes Harvey ease up. Maybe he was being 'slightly' unfair and though he wouldn't go so far as to admit it he doesn't immediately bolt when Louis appears next to them.

"Thomas good to see you!"

The greeting is exuberant and Harvey smirks at the exchange not sure whether he's being sarcastic or if he's just that happy from the amount of tequila he's been putting away. "Thomas was just telling me he's a Yankees fan."

"You get I'm into theatre right?" Louis brandishes the comment, perusing the bar when something important tugs at his subconscious. Thomas Kessler is here. Donna said something about-

"Oh-my-god-you're-dating-Donna!"

Harvey almost spits out his drink at the delayed reaction and covers the response with a cough but to Thomas' credit he takes it in his stride.

"I am." He confirms with a smile. He's worked with Louis for almost four years and the man's unique character along with his talent for numbers is one of the reasons why he's so loyal to the firm. If anything now it's his turn to impress and he offers his arm in a show of respect. "I know this is a little awkward but I think Donna is amazing and I would never do anything to hurt her."

Louis shakes his hand, a look of dumbfoundment passing over his features. Since becoming managing partner he's had to take on a lot of roles and responsibility but this feels like a conversation that should be directed at Harvey and he exhales a hushed whisper, "are we okay with this?"

A smirk catches Harvey's lips knowing that if he wasn't Louis would have his back but it's not about him. It's about Donna and he holds Thomas' gaze nodding into his glass, "yes Louis, we're fine with it."

...

Jessica stands from across the room watching the three men as she hands Donna a drink. She knew the moment Harvey approached it would likely be a long wait and she wasn't wrong but so far everything has seemed amicable. "Now isn't that just picture worthy."

Donna turns peering over her glass to the other side of the bar. "You know I need all the gossip right?" Her eyes move from Thomas to Harvey and as if sensing her his gaze lifts across the crowed floor. It instantly makes her smile and she mouths a thank you swallowing a laugh at his eye-roll.

"All you need to know is that he's a good guy." Jessica assures noticing the exchange that's over as quickly as it began. "But then again so is Harvey."

The comment draws Donna's attention back, a faint blush warming her cheeks as the other women regards her. Maybe in the past things between herself and Harvey had seemed like they were moving in certain direction but she's been up against that wall so many times and it never bends or breaks. He's never wanted more than friendship and maybe she didn't either, maybe she was just so caught up in it all she couldn't see the lines for what they really were. "We're both happy Jessica."

It's an ambiguous answer one that she considers carefully. It's not her place to speak for Harvey but at the same time she's known him longer and stubbornness is his own worst enemy. "It's complicated, I get it-" she replies with a friendly smile, "has been ever since he demanded I hire you and I'm betting long before that too."

She's not wrong and Donna can't help wondering about the intuition. Despite her efforts she doesn't know much about Harvey's past before the DA's office and she toys with her straw, a note of curiosity creeping into her tone. "Did you and he ever-"

"Good lord no." Jessica actually laughs at the idea. It's not from a lack of imagination but their relationship has always been one of respect and in the early says neither of them would have ever tampered with those foundations. To even give it consideration would have happened after his rise to managing partner but by then he'd already had eyes for somebody else. Whether he'd admitted it or not. "Can I be honest with you?"

"Depends, about this dress or my hair?" She asks covering the nervousness in her stomach. She's always admired Jessica's no bullshit approach to the truth but she's lived through her relationship with Harvey firsthand and no matter what anyone says this is how things are supposed to be between them.

"He isn't afraid to fight for you Donna he's scared to win." Jessica lifts her gaze finding him over the sea of people, "you know our boy Harvey, once he has something he's not exactly great at keeping it."

She follows Jessica's eye-line to Harvey who's motioning with one hand and she just knows he's trying to explain something in baseball. This time though it's Thomas who catches her eye and she smiles swallowing the tiniest flare of guilt. Thomas is who she wants to be with, not Harvey. That ship sailed a long time ago and she turns her attention back to Jessica. "So, enough about me. I want to hear all about what's happening in Chicago."

It's a fair diversion and Jessica doesn't argue the change of subject. At the end of the day it's not Donna she should be talking to, it's Harvey and she drags her gaze away from him deciding that tomorrow she'll simply cut right to the chase. If it isn't what he wants then she gladly accept it.

But if it turns out he doesn't.

Then she'll be damned.