A/N: PLEASE READ = IMPORTANT.
1) This baby takes place BEFORE Episode 11 (Rules of the Game)… that is crazy important. REMEMBER IT. It's in between Ep. 10 and 11… about two months before 11.
2) Flashbacks are in italics—they should be pretty obvious, I tried to make them so. When you see the pyramid of periods and all italics = flashback.
3) I change POV's in this one—pay attention.
4) Some of you will like this, some of you will hate it… just try to stay open. The word "date" is a bit of a super stretch for this one, but I think it's worth it.
There's an A/N at the end that will explain everything further—including why this took so long… I really hope you guys enjoy this one.
Disclaimer: I do not own Suits—*cries*—the boys and Donna belong to USA Network and Aaron Korsh.
DATE 4: GHOSTS OF THE PAST
"He was my mentor."—Harvey Specter
Donna POV
Jessica had outdone herself this time. The grand ballroom of the Capitale was striking on its own, but the Managing Partner had added a characteristic elegance the only she could. The result was an eye-opening combination of modern style with classic architecture. Perfect for broadening a reputation. And as I stood with my peers, I realized this year would be no exception. It was almost funny.
Harvey had very nearly begged me to come, not that he'd needed to. The entire firm was invited to the black-tie affair. Though that had not stopped me from pillaging Harvey's credit card and buying the exquisite navy dress that clung to my figure. It had cost a small fortune, not that Harvey would care. Jessica had never been petty about these events. Even the associates could attend. Speaking of associates…
I turned my head away from the conversation slightly, eyes scanning for the pup. Mike was around here somewhere. And I secretly prayed he was smart enough to stay out of trouble for one night. If it were even possible…
My eyes found Harvey first. The closer was doing what he did best: smooth-talking clients and sponsors into the Pearson Hardman ring. It may be the annual Pearson Hardman Charity Banquet, but business was never excluded. Charity made us look good. Business made us rich. And Harvey was playing both ends of the field expertly. His current circle included Max Davis, CEO of Armsted Industries—a multibillion dollar corporation. Harvey was never one to deal in millions.
It was no surprise when the closer shifted slightly and met my stare, subtly nodding his head near the refreshment table. I followed his direction and found what I had originally been looking for. Mike was standing in a circle of his own. My eyes widened slightly as I realized he was chatting up Edward Stevenson, founder of a quaint little real estate company that owned nearly every corporate acre on the East Coast. Millions were pocket change in that department.
Well I'll be damned—the kid might actually have it in him.
I shook my head and noted with relief that Rachel and Harold flanked Mike, smiling and nodding when appropriate. Good. At least the kid chose acceptable company this time. I returned my gaze to Harvey, the lawyer already giving me a knowing stare. My responding expression was one he knew well, and I saw the barest hint of a smirk grace his lips before he turned back to his company.
I let my focus fall back to my small group. Norma was in the middle of what was sure to be another obnoxious story about Louis. The woman never stopped talking about him, and unfortunately for her, most of what she gushed was completely false. Not that I was going to correct her. It was fun to watch everyone squirm.
"It went down in the firm lobby," the secretary said, "the woman went crazy, but Louis of course was too much of a gentleman to hit back," Norma nodded to confirm her opinion. "He eventually had to settle for a restraining order, she was all over him like some crazed monkey," Norma laughed in encouragement.
The circle followed accordingly, though it was obviously forced. My laughed was choked.
Oh Norma. If only she knew what the woman really said.
"Hey does anyone know the man standing next to Governor Cuomo?" Carrie, a veteran floor commander from the IT office voiced curiously. "He keeps glancing over here."
I turned toward her object of interest and instantly regretted it. My stomach turned.
Of course he would be here.
I groaned inwardly and returned my attention to the conversation. It was hard to ignore the demeaning glint in Norma's eye as she laughed outwardly at the other woman's question.
"Carrie dear," she began, still chuckling. "You need to get out of that hole of a department more. That's Cameron Dennis. The DA," she reprimanded, emphasizing the fact a little too much.
I could not even begin to feel sorry for Carrie, or come to her defense for that matter. The current topic of conversation brought up a much more pressing issue.
Cameron Dennis was here.
It should not have been surprising. These things always made people like him look good. The DA's social status was important in the polls, and there were plenty of higher-ups to schmooze tonight. But it did not make me feel better. I knew he was here now, and instinct indicated he had not deterred his interest from our little circle. Norma's voice brought me back.
"Yes actually," Norma continued to the rest of the group, "Donna here worked for him for a while, didn't you Donna?" She questioned for the other's benefit, eyes locking on mine.
It was sometimes hard to remember that Norma had been with the firm nearly as long as me. I held back my glare as politely as I could.
"Something like that." I managed to grind out, my tone clearly indicating I was not delving further.
Norma didn't take the hint.
"Well that something," the secretary hinted, "must have really been something, because he's coming this way." Her eyebrow quirked in surprise and the other women were not far behind in their expressions.
I felt him before I saw him. A long-forgotten chill ghosted down my spine for the first time in twelve years.
"Donna!" The DA's voice came off cheery, but it was a familiar act. I steeled myself and put on a smile as I turned toward our new guest.
"Cameron," I acknowledged. "It's been a while." I noticed the group go silent as they undoubtedly were drinking in every minute of the exchange.
"That it has," the attorney nodded. "I caught you over here with all these lovely ladies," he beamed at the women, "and I just had to come and say 'hello'."
I nearly rolled my eyes at the group. The women were bubbling with ridiculousness. They were two seconds away from screaming like obsessive fangirls. After all, it wasn't every day us lowly secretaries got to talk to the District Attorney. It was unfortunate to see Cameron's charm was still intact.
"You really shouldn't have," I eyed Cameron reproachfully, tone obvious. "You don't need the distraction," I finished, nodding back towards his political assets.
"Oh I'm sure they'll survive," Cameron responded easily. "And I wanted to catch up with my former AA," he hedged and a different smile lit his face.
My expression turned uneasy, and I hated it. I knew that face.
"Care for a dance Donna?" The lawyer asked. It would have been charming, if it weren't Cameron.
I stayed silent, a hard edge running up my back.
Cameron smirked at my reaction and turned to the group, "That is… if you ladies don't mind?"
"Oh of course not," Norma nearly giggled. "Go on Donna," she forced, head nodding towards the hardwood floor in the middle of the hall.
Cameron raised his brow and extended his hand toward me.
I eyed his hand warily and held my ground for the mere seconds I was able. I had absolutely no choice.
Clever. Even I could admit it, however grudgingly.
A public setting, surrounded by our peers, not to mention Louis's damn secretary… it was the perfect setup really. I was trapped by social standards. No one refused the DA, especially not an assistant. Norma's questioning stare solidified the fact. Cameron had played his cards well. He always did.
"Of course," my delayed response came out as pleasantly as I could stand and I placed my hand in his.
"Wonderful." Cameron's grin was wolfish as he led us onto the dance floor.
By some miracle, I managed to catch Harvey's eye as we progressed through the crowd. The barest hint of surprise glinted in the closer's eyes as his gaze wandered to the figure leading me. Harvey had never known my full opinion of Cameron, but he knew enough. We had both been linked in Cameron's web for too long, and while the lawyer never shared my loathing for the man, he was not stupid enough to assume complete innocence from his former mentor. Our departure from the DA had thrown the closer into some of the truth. Harvey had never looked at Cameron the same way again. But even that was not a full relief.
Harvey's blind spot for Cameron remained. Despite my best efforts, that particular defect had yet to be remedied. I honestly did not know if it ever would be. And it was enough for me to bear my opinions in silence.
I slowed my pace slightly to allow my eyes to stay with Harvey's a bit longer. His held a clear message:
Be careful.
It did nothing to squander the uneasiness roaming through my gut. Because no matter how much I wanted it to be a warning of Cameron himself, I knew it was the exact opposite. Harvey was not ready to see that side of Cameron Dennis. No. Instead, this was a warning of politics and nothing more.
Behave—that was the truth behind the warning.
Harvey was playing the game, and he needed me in it.
I tore my eyes away, already cursing the situation to the deepest pit of hell. I had been avoiding Cameron Dennis like the plague for twelve years, and for good reason. And here I was, cornered by social decency of all things, about to dance with the bastard.
I took a breath and let myself focus on the one relief. Even if Harvey may never be aware of Cameron's true colors, at least he was watching. It gave a small ounce of needed comfort as my heels clicked onto the hardwood of the dance floor.
My ears vaguely caught the music as it flowed into some trivial slow rhythm that was easy to adjust to. I forced myself to relax and not shudder as Cameron took my right hand and rested his other on my waist. We swayed in stiff silence as I waited for the required pleasantries. I kept my focus on the man in front of me, expression calm and collected. Cameron broke his mask first, exactly like I knew he would.
"You look stunning as always," the DA complimented, drinking in my dress before meeting my eye again.
It was far more politeness than I expected, but I was not fooled. I only nodded in response, silently promising to limit this conversation to the best of my ability.
He had gotten me into this with the DA power-hold, but he was not going to win me over. He had lost that ability long ago. And I had an ace in my pocket too. I had Jessica. Not even Cameron dared to cross lines on her turf. He was being careful… for the moment.
"I heard Harvey won the Drybeck settlement," Cameron commented to fill the silence. "Send him my congrats won't you?"
"You could tell him yourself," I hedged, purposely ignoring the DA's eye. "But then again," I gasped in fake astonishment, "you'd never really mean it."
"Which is why it would sound so much better coming from you," he eyed me pointedly, ignoring the theatrics.
I rolled my eyes at the familiar tactic. He never stopped trying to use me, even after all these years.
Cameron chuckled at my reaction.
"Always the observant one," he remarked at my silence. "I always liked that about you," the attorney whispered conspiratorially, smile nowhere near pleasant. "It's a shame really, the way it turned out," he mused as he continued. "You were two of my best, Harvey in particular. So much talent… and to throw it all away," his eyes found mine again. "Such a waste," the DA shook his head in attempted remorse.
That was quick.
"Still pouting about it Cameron?" I quipped, raising my eyebrow in mockery. "It's been nearly thirteen years… I would think you would be over it by now."
The older man smirked.
"Losses are hard to forget, especially ones of that price," he countered, taking his eyes away from mine and scanning the crowd at my back. It was no secret who he was looking for.
"He was never yours to lose," my tone stayed neutral as we circled the dance floor. "Jessica sent him to you, he would have left eventually," I reasoned.
Cameron laughed outright at that.
"Right," the attorney mused sarcastically. "What is the metaphor she uses? Puppy returning to its master?" He smirked. "I never knew Harvey to be so well trained."
I glared in response.
"It could have been so different," the lawyer continued.
"It was time Cameron," I countered firmly, already sick of the topic. "Harvey needed a change an—
"Don't expect me to ignore your influence on that change Donna," the DA suddenly bit, eyes flashing.
Both our resolves to be careful had officially been thrown out the window. Cameron had moved the conversation to dangerous ground, and had full control. That did not mean I was not going to fight for it.
"You can't influence Harvey Specter." It was a statement of fact.
Cameron chuckled and leaned closer. I held in my discomfort as best I could, but Cameron knew me well. And he never let me forget it.
"Nothing went on in that office without you knowing," he said it low enough for only the two of us to hear. "You had to tell him eventually…
"I have no idea what you are talking about," I stated coolly, fully aware of where this was going.
The DA's expression turned to mocking astonishment.
"My tactics were far from sainthood, but they worked," he noted, eyes trapping mine. "Even you can't deny that."
"You were obligated as a public servant t—
"I was never obligated to anything." The lawyer's voice rose slightly and I felt his grip tightened on my waist. "I put the bad guys in jail, let the innocent go free—end of story," he ground out. "Harvey was proud to be a part of it."
"Harvey had no clue," I nearly growled.
"No," Cameron conceded. "He didn't. Not until you opened that pretty little mouth of yours."
"Jealous Cameron?" I tried to keep my breathing even, but I could not stop my eyes flashing.
The DA sneered and opened his mouth to retort but I cut him off.
"Harvey didn't want it."
"No," the attorney scoffed, "you didn't want it."
My jaw nearly dropped at the absurdity, but Cameron was not done.
"You couldn't stand to see the man you adored reach his true nature," the lawyer plowed on. "He was great Donna! The perfect ADA… Vicious and manipulative when he needed to be, and it got the job done. He went for the kill. And there is nothing wrong with that."
My fingers clawed into his hand.
"It was not the man he wanted to be," I whispered icily. "You knew it, and you pushed him."
"I pushed him to his potential and he was great." Cameron did not even flinch. He raised his posture at the statement, using it to look down on me. Some things never changed.
"He is great. Far better than you could have ever been," I glared death at the man. "And he did it without you Cameron. Get. Over. It."
Cameron leered down at me, but didn't say a word. The expression on his face was enough. I felt the pressure increase on my hand. I wondered who would break the first bone.
"Despite what involvement you think I had," I retorted, whisper barely audible. "Harvey was on his way out long before the Miraz case," I countered darkly. "Harvey didn't want it," I emphasized again, glaring it into the man.
Cameron was silent for a long moment before something seemed to register.
"And Harvey always gets what he wants," his expression darkened as his eyes roamed my figure for the second time tonight.
My instincts screamed at me, but I ignored the taunt. His change in tactic did not beckon physical violence just yet. It was nothing a well-placed glare could not fix. Cameron had always had a problem with my relationship with Harvey. Loyalty was never something he could understand.
"I have to say I'm surprised," Cameron mused openly. The dark expression turned light in an unnerving instant. "I would have thought you two would be well on your way by now…
I started in surprise and the DA chuckled. I quelled the moment's panic, but barely. Cameron would not go there. At least that's what I told myself.
"That was the plan wasn't it?" The lawyer mocked and I felt myself pale as the realization hit.
Yes, he would.
"Kids, white-picket fence, the whole nine yards… You two were practically married, and that was ten years ago," Cameron finished with a sinister smile.
I stiffened despite myself, but held on, hardening my gaze.
Cameron's smile widened.
"Then again," he continued, clearly amused. He broke eye contact to look at something to our left. "Maybe the two of you have gotten somewhere."
My eyes reluctantly followed his to find a familiar scene. Mike and Harvey stood near the edge of the dance floor, chatting adamantly as only they could. Arguing, I'm sure, over something ridiculous. I almost relaxed, until the grip on my hip reminded me of my current company.
I snapped my attention back to Cameron.
"Picked up a stray Donna?" The DA smirked.
I ignored him. My head turned forcefully away and I prayed the song would end soon. A chuckle met my ear and I jumped slightly at the eerie sensation.
Cameron never did like being ignored.
"I have to say, I'm glad I never had any," Cameron sighed purposely.
I vaguely wondered where the hell this was going as he continued.
"It's too much of a hassle really, and with this year's election coming up, the last thing I need is a crazy kid digging up old skeletons."
"How your wife can stand you I'll never k—
"My wife stays out of my business," the lawyer interrupted, completely ignoring my bite. "And she is blissfully oblivious to any and all of my work, which is a very good thing," he added and paused as he seemed to consider something. "Tell me Donna—does that little network of yours extend to the Attorney General's office?"
Harvey POV
She was not comfortable. Not in the slightest. I could not remember a time that she had ever been at ease in his presence. Donna could play a damn good game, but everyone had their limits. And being forced into close proximity with Cameron Dennis of all people was well past pushing it. I hoped she didn't do anything rash. Then again if Cameron's hand moved any lower down her hip, I doubted hope would be enough to stop her.
I felt a presence stop beside me and did not bother acknowledging it. Only one person in the firm would wear a work suit to a black-tie event. At least he got the tie color right. I let him stew for a moment, keeping a close eye on my assistant instead. Her posture had turned even more rigid, but she had yet to hit him. I'd take what I could get.
"Stevenson huh? Not bad," I finally mused. If the associate was surprised at my break of silence, he did not show it.
"Why do I feel like that was meant to be insulting?"
Typical.
"Whatever you say kid," I smirked into my glass, taking a drink and letting the alcohol burn its way down.
"Right," I heard him mutter. My smirk widened. It was just too easy.
"So who's the guy dancing with Donna?" Mike asked—he could never hold onto a topic for long. "Doesn't she have some rule about 'earning it' or something…
I scoffed. The kid was not that far off.
"Cameron Dennis," I nodded toward the couple. "DA."
Mike's eyes almost came out of his head. I shook my head minutely. The kid was in desperate need of a poker face.
"District Attorney," I drawled out sarcastically. "Aren't you supposed to be a lawyer?"
Mike glared at the quip and followed my attention to the dance floor.
"She doesn't like him," he stated confidently.
The tone caught my attention, and a stolen glance at the associate revealed an analytical expression far beyond his years. It was the same one he got when he was reading case files. He didn't need to find the loophole this time though, it was not his to find.
"She never has," my response came out darker than intended. I tried to force some of the tension out of my shoulders.
The pup's proverbial ears were perked, and the last thing I needed or wanted was him digging around where he did not belong.
"She's known him a while then." It was not a question. I felt him turn towards me. "You've known him a while."
"You could say that," I hedged, still watching the dancing pair.
Mike seemed to realize that was all he was getting and rejoined the silent vigil.
I watched as Cameron leaned down to whisper something to Donna, she jumped slightly, and my hand clenched my glass a little harder. I tried to remember the last time the three of us had resorted to each other's company. The track record had never been a good one.
….
…
..
.
"Harvey," Donna's voice echoed through the file room. "It's not worth it."
I looked up from the case file to find the redhead leaning against the nearest shelf. The scene was starting to become routine. I forced my attention back to the paper in front of me.
"Not now Donna," I did not have time for this. Neither of us did. Trial continued tomorrow and every doubt had to be settled tonight. Cameron had insisted, and when we succeeded, Anthony Miraz was as good as dead.
"That didn't work five minutes ago and it's not going to work now."
I could feel her glare on me, but I kept my focus on the file.
"Harvey," she growled. "Look at me."
I conceded grudgingly.
"You know what he's doing is wrong," her eyes widened in emphasis, her tone one she rarely used. The woman had been bitingly persistent ever since the Donovan case—and that was three months ago. Something had happened, and she had yet to tell me what.
"You have no proof," I repeated slowly, silently hoping she would leave it be this time.
Her eyes flashed. "Don't you dare talk to me like an incompetent witness Harvey Specter, not about this."
"This isn't housing court Donna," I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. "It's the DA. What the hell do you expect me to do?"
"I expect you to use your common sense—something you seem to have completely forgotten in the past month."
"It's not that easy."
"It should be," her eyebrow quirked knowingly.
"The law's never black and white," I sighed, exasperated as I stood from the desk. If I was already resorting to old law school lines, we were in trouble.
"No," she conceded. "It's not, but it shouldn't stop you from doing the right thing."
I scoffed at that, turning and locking the assistant with an inquisitive glare.
"It's been too easy Harvey, you know it has," she offered slowly.
"That's your reasoning?" I chuckled darkly. "You're going to need a lot more than that."
"I thought I had you," she raised an eyebrow accusingly.
"I can't Donna."
"You can't or you won't Harvey?" She toned knowingly, moving a bit closer.
"I won't." I stated firmly.
She stopped then and eyed me, asking for the truth.
And for the first time ever, I looked away. She was asking too much.
A resigned sigh filled the air I heard the door creak open. I should have been relieved, but I could not let go of the thought that lingered. Maybe this was one I did not want to win. I raised my eyes in time to see Donna regarding me sadly.
"Come get me when you see what's right in front of you," and she was gone.
….
…
..
.
She always knew. Always. Even then, when both our reputations teetered dangerously on the line, she kept pushing. And eventually, I had to listen.
….
…
..
.
"You wanted to see me," I did not even bother to knock as I entered the DA's corner office.
"Harvey yes," Cameron's eyes rose from the paperwork on his desk as he waved me into the room. "Have a seat. I'm just finishing up some details."
"For the Miraz case?" I inquired, curious. "I thought that was finished, if not I just wasted my time filing paperwork," I smirked, sitting in the adjacent chair.
"You know how the Defense is, persistent until the last verdict," Cameron mused and held out a file. "Take a look at this, just came in this morning."
I took the paper and scanned the information, eyes widening as I continued.
"The DNA test," I heard myself mutter. "They're disputing it."
"They're grasping at straws. Miraz's DNA is all over the murder weapon, there's nothing to disprove," Cameron countered, but my mind held on to something. A certain evidence file I had reviewed earlier that day.
"We had the lab run more than one test, and not all of them were conclusive," I hedged.
"But one was kid, and it's the one that counts. The lab is respected, and the test can't be rerun," Cameron took the file back. "We have them exactly where we want them."
"And we have the original tests," my gaze met his knowingly. "It will come up in court."
"The only test we revealed in trial was the conclusive one, and it's the only one we are going to deal with," Cameron responded shortly.
"Beyond a reasonable doubt Cameron, that's not—
"The man's guilty Harvey, get off your high horse." The DA scoffed, standing from his desk.
I glared, following suit.
"As it is now, the trial is cut and dry, adding this evidence would only prolong the process," Cameron caught my stare. "It's not worth it."
"It's not right." I countered.
Cameron chuckled.
"Preaching to the choir Harvey," he smirked.
"You can't do this," I said, resolute. "We can still win, even with the new evidence."
"And we can win quicker without it," Cameron finished, turning away.
It was in that moment that I finally realized what I was up against. And what I was slowly becoming. It was staring me right in the face.
"No," my tone had Cameron turning back around. "You can win without it. I'm not doing this. Not anymore." I fixed the DA with a stare that dared him to challenge.
"What are you saying kid? Too good to get the job done?" The older man taunted.
"It's grounds for disbarment Cameron," I forced. "The Attorney General lives for this—and with your title there to shine the bounty, there will be no stopping them."
"It won't get out," the DA glared.
"I've been taught otherwise," I countered lowly.
"What are you going to do Harvey? Run back to Mommy and report me?" The older attorney chuckled, but his glare said otherwise.
My eyes hardened at the accusation. "You know me better than that."
He had given me a way out, without even knowing it. Everything clicked into place.
My cold stare filled the silence until two words broke it. Words I should have uttered three months before.
"I quit."
"No you don't," Cameron ignored.
"Try me," I warned, grabbing the DA's attention.
The silence reigned and a small glint of surprise sank through the attorney's mask before he restrained himself. The knowing smirk returned to his features.
"Giving up Harvey," the DA baited, "it's not in your character."
I held my resolve and turned toward the door.
"Call it what you want Cameron, I'm done playing the game," I said to my back.
"You need to win. It's all I taught you to do," the DA's tone rose, my earlier statement seeming to finally sink in. His voice colored in an obvious taunt. It was his last resort.
"Careful Cameron," I warned tilting my head towards him as I stopped, hand on the door. "You're starting to beg," I caught his eye, "it's not in your character."
The older man's nostrils flared, and the mask began to crumble.
"The paperwork will be waiting for you in the morning," I continued coolly, hand twisting the knob.
"Give it to Donna," he ordered, trying to wave it off like normal business. It was anything but.
The name stopped me, and I smirked at the mahogany as my hand stilled its progress. I turned one last time toward my mentor.
"She's coming with me Cameron," I stated confidently, smiling as his eyes widened and he paled slightly.
I was done. I swung open the door and strode out. Not looking back.
….
…
..
.
History was slowly repeating itself as I my thoughts turned back to the present and to the death grip my assistant currently had on our former boss. I set my glass down on the table. Cameron had been given more than enough courtesy tonight. It was time to end it. Donna had been throwing warnings all night, and I'd be damned if I ignored her any longer. I strode out onto the dance floor, confident.
I was ready to play the game again.
And just like last time, she was coming with me.
Donna POV
The question was almost innocent in its accusation. The mental warnings were already blaring at the mention of skeletons. Now the AG? This could not be good.
"No," I lied stiffly, stuffing away the last of my curiosity. He was trying to bait me with cryptic allusions. And I'd be damned if it worked.
"Ah that's too bad," his tone lowered and his eyes moved back toward the distance to what I knew to be Harvey.
And suddenly it all clicked.
"Don't you dare," I growled, unable to stop myself.
The DA's attention was mine now, and he was smiling. It was exactly what he wanted.
"Don't worry. Harvey's a backup, nothing more. If all goes smoothly, he won't feel a thing," Cameron's eyes glinted.
"If the Attorney General is after you, it will be far from smooth Cameron," I warned. "Don't drag him into this, or I swear y—
"Swear what Donna?" The attorney smirked wickedly, arm tightening to an uncomfortable force as he pulled me closer. "We both know it's an empty threat. You have nothing. Absolutely no proof or hard evidence to stop me," he whispered against my ear. "And I assure you, I will do everything in my power to bring him down with me, should you so choose."
"You're not doing this to him Cameron," I finally let the hatred seep in. "Not again."
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," the lawyer laughed. "Things tend to get messy… though you and your new pup are welcome to try," his gaze locked on mine. He paused for effect, eyes listing a challenge.
"You always were protective," He whispered finally.
The retort died on my tongue as his attention suddenly snapped over my shoulder.
"But then again," Cameron mocked one last time, eyes returning to mine. "So was he."
"Stealing my assistant Cameron," Harvey's voice nearly had me sagging to the floor in relief. "You could have at least asked."
The closer stood to our right, and it took a moment for me to comprehend that Cameron and I had stopped dancing. Whether it was from Harvey's interruption or the after effect of the argument, I couldn't be sure. But I sure as hell wasn't complaining.
"When has she ever needed your permission Harvey?" Cameron smirked.
Harvey smiled a challenge. "Mind if I cut in?" He asked smoothly, eyes never leaving Cameron's.
"Of course Harvey," the DA chuckled, relenting. "Donna and I were just catching up," he eyed me knowingly. "It's been a long time."
Not long enough.
Cameron made a show of handing me off to Harvey before turning to leave. He didn't bother to hide his grin though, and the victory in it nearly made me sick. My mind could hardly let go of the past minutes, the entire conversation jumbled into a fog. I barely noticed Harvey begin to lead us through the music.
"What was that about?" The closer asked, attempting to mask the bluntness with a quiet tone. He seemed all too aware of my mental state.
I literally had to shake myself out of it. But even Harvey was not enough to ease the tension.
"Just Cameron being Cameron," I sighed heavily. I did not even try to appear nonchalant, I was already failing.
"Which is never a good thing," the lawyer hedged, looking down at me knowingly. "What did he say?"
"Nothing I didn't already know," I whispered to myself. I could handle Cameron, and Harvey was not going to be a part of it.
Harvey clearly heard me, and he was not buying it. I fixed my stare on the lapels of his jacket to avoid the question I knew his eyes were asking. The simplicity of the black fabric helped my mind to slowly begin to process past events. It locked onto one fact.
Cameron had been wrong.
I had proof—damning proof. Enough to bury Cameron Dennis for eternity. And the only thing stopping me was the man in front of me.
It always came back to Harvey.
Cameron would drag him into this. It was inevitable. If the cards were falling the way it sounded, the DA would be swarmed by the Attorney General within the month. And if Cameron could not talk his way out of it, he would do what he always did. He would turn to Harvey.
I sighed and inched myself closer to my partner. Surprisingly, Harvey let me. He seemed to be waiting contently, but I knew the curiosity was riling beneath the surface. Still, the silence was a small reprieve. And it was one he was willing to give.
The sick feeling returned to my gut. I would do everything in my power to protect him. And as much as I wanted to go after Cameron guns blazing, I knew it was suicide. It would give the DA exactly what he needed to drag us both to hell. No. I had to be patient and wait. Cameron had to show his hand. All of it. When the attorney had nothing left to pull, I could act. I felt my shoulders droop slightly at the thought.
When the time came, it wouldn't be easy.
Harvey would fight me tooth and nail, every inch of the way.
And he would hate me for it.
An unfortunate price willingly paid.
Harvey's hand ran gentle circles into my back, returning me to the present. My expression must have revealed more than I wanted, but it was too late to reconcile. I welcomed the distraction and closed my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder.
He could never know.
I felt Harvey pull me closer and relaxed for the first time that night. Content to relish the one ounce of peace before the past tore it apart.
A/N: It's long… sorry (lots to explain -_-U).
Phew. I apologize profusely for the wait guys, but this one took some research and I have been writing, researching, watching DVR, writing, and editing all of these 3 weeks. I hope it paid off.
Ok, so first off, if you do not remember Ep. 11, I suggest you go watch it. Then come back and reread this fic. I took one look at Harvey's face during the scene where Cameron "surprises" him and Mike by the car and POOF instant inspiration.
My mind has been begging for a Cameron fic ever since ROTG premiered and this idea was just too interesting to pass up—technical date or not.
(Oh and for you Burn Notice fans: Cameron is Harvey's Larry. Think about it.)
I tried SO HARD to get my facts right—I cannot tell you how many times I watched Ep. 11 and 12 (which is not easy b/c the Harvey parts are so heart-wrenching). However, if I missed something, please don't hold back.
I fully admit to making up cases, the ones given in Ep. 11 either hadn't technically happened yet, or weren't exactly what I was looking for. It got a bit ridiculous when I wanted to use certain things and emotions that I couldn't because Ep. 11 had not happened yet = completely dug myself a rut. Past-wise, there's really not that much to go off of-so I apologize if the flashbacks were vague.
Overall I just wanted to introduce Cameron in a different light and give us all something we desperately want: a look into the Harvey/Donna DA life.
Oh! And Super Brownie Points to anyone who can find me the actual facts on Harvey/Donna history—I need/really really want to know whether or not Harvey met Donna at the DA office, or if they knew each other before that. I tried to make this one read for either option, but I was doing the math in my head for the episodes and Harvey says he worked with Cameron for 2 years, it had been over a decade since he worked for him, and he's known Donna for twelve-ish? HELP. I MUST KNOW LOL. It's been bugging me.
That little blue guy down there? He would like some hugs.
I seriously would love to hear your guys opinions on this one—I have no Suits fans in the family and am desperate for feedback—if your too shy to review, PM me… I love to chat (obviously). I want to know if I captured a good scene for you guys, or if I totally blew it.
Thank you guys so much for reading (especially my long ass A/N)—HV.
