Prompt #22 by adrimol_: "The firm decides to do a white elephant gift between partners and Harvey is determined for Donna to pick his gift (something sentimental of your choice that would let Donna know he's ready). Inspired by The Office episode when Jim gives Pam the teapot. Set during Season 8 (assuming Thomas never happened)."
"Harvey! I'm surprised you are awake at this hour," Mike greeted as he accepted the call after debating letting it go to voicemail. His morning had gotten off to a later start than he wanted. Rachel had left for work over an hour ago, and Mike hadn't even showered yet.
"You know, for a guy with a perfect memory, you seem to frequently forget that we live in different time zones now. It is almost 10 here," Harvey smirked through phone. He'd been awake for a while, but was at home, still in his PJ's and bathrobe.
Jumping into the playful banter felt easy, and belied how appreciative Harvey was to reach him. It seemed like they had been playing phone tag with each other's voicemails a lot lately, and this call was about more than just catching up.
"Don't act like I haven't seen you stroll into work past noon. Besides, maybe this is my way of politely reminding you that it is a bit early here for a call." Mike placed the call on speakerphone so that he could pick out his suit and tie for the day while they talked. He was sure his closet did not rival that of Harvey's, but his options were expanding.
If there was one way in which Harvey rubbed off on him, it was seeing his suit as a suit of armor. He wanted to pick the right one for the occasion. Straight off the 2 for 1 rack Mike had come a long way.
"You do know I wasn't sleeping when I came in past noon, right? And don't act like you aren't happy to hear my voice anytime I call. I know you miss living in my shadow… hoping that one day you can grow up to be as bad ass as me." He took a slow sip of his coffee with vanilla, feeling no rush to head to the office.
He had outgrown his morning meetings, or perhaps acknowledging his feelings for Donna made them feel less desirable, but he still had a reputation to uphold. Not with Donna, however. If the subject of his morning meetings ever came up, he would want her to know he was past those.
"I can tell you I don't miss that ego. But seriously, Harvey, I do have to get ready for work soon, and I know you didn't call just to tell me how awesome you are." Mike continued to browse then landed on the tie that Rachel gave him the first day at their new firm. He always landed on that tie when he needed to feel his strongest.
Both Harvey and Mike knew that he was welcome to call any time, but evening calls were more typical. A call at this hour likely meant he had something to get off his chest, and Mike really did have to get ready for work. Skipping a shower definitely was not an option after the night he had with Rachel, and neither was being late to court.
"As if I need to remind you of that, but you're right, I do have something that I want to talk to you about." Had they been on Facetime, Harvey would have been able to see Mike's smug reaction to being right yet again.
"I am all ears, for at least the next 10 minutes. Should I make my coffee Irish for this conversation?" He was mostly joking, but it did not sound like a bad idea. The case he was working on was going well, but the stakes were high. There would likely be an anxious undercurrent until the families he was fighting for were compensated justly.
"Here's the thing. I told you that wasn't what I was saying, but I couldn't yet, and now I can. And I am. Saying that." The words sounded better in his head. Harvey grimaced at how nonsensical they sounded out of it.
"I am definitely going for that Irish coffee because it sounds like you have already started drinking. What the hell does that mean?" Mike paused his movements with his question, just in case his multitasking added to the confusion.
Harvey rolled his eyes at Mike's quip. "When I broke up with Paula, you asked me what happened and I told you that it was complicated, but that I realized she wasn't the one. You asked me if it was because Donna is, and I deflected because I couldn't go there yet. But I am ready now, and I am saying that Donna is the one." His next breath felt powerful, as if a weight had been lifted from his chest after finally speaking those last words to someone else. Even if they came at almost a whisper.
"Oh my god, have you told Donna that yet?" Mike snatched up his cell and took it off speakerphone so that he could hold it up to his ear. He caught himself fanning his face in excitement with his other hand and was mortified by his response, even without an audience.
"I haven't and that is why I am calling. Louis let becoming managing partner go to his head, and he is throwing a mandatory Christmas party. Even though he's Jewish. He's also forcing us do a Secret Santa gift exchange. I was planning on refusing, you know how I am with holidays. Donna was so excited though, so I picked a damn name out of the hat. I got Donna, and I thought, I don't know, maybe this is my chance to show her I am ready." He scratched the back of his head while he rambled a bit.
Picking Donna's name out of the hat was the sign he needed to act on his feelings, not that he really believed in signs. Not that it made it any less nerve-wracking either.
"Holy shit, the Tin Man finally got his heart!" Mike exclaimed, dragging out the holy. He was ecstatic that his friend was finally catching up to what everyone else already knew. The fact that Harvey wanted to take the next step in romantic fashion almost made him book the next flight out. He probably would if not for his big case.
"That's not the insult you think it is. You do realize that the Wizard was a fraud and that the heart was filled with sawdust, right? But it didn't matter because the Tin Man was the most caring all along. Speaking of frauds…" he trailed off and smiled at the chance to get a fraud dig in. After inhaling the scent of vanilla, he took another sip of his coffee. Images of Donna flashed in his mind, and he couldn't stop the smile from returning. Vanilla tended to do that.
"I'm going to skip the fraud comment and go straight to giving you shit for knowing so much about the Wizard of Oz. I mean I know you were, what, my age when it came out, old man, but here I thought you just played Star Trek and the Rocky movies on a loop." The backhanded swing gesture with an imaginary tennis racket was Mike's new move when he felt like he successfully returned a burn from Harvey. Rachel hadn't seen it yet.
"First of all, those are classics, and second, my mom watched the Wizard of Oz and read the novel all the time when I was a kid. Also, I called you for advice, did you forget that too, Scarecrow?" He used his fingers to emphasize his counting for the empty kitchen.
"Doesn't it follow that the Scarecrow was the wisest all along?" Mike still hadn't dropped his grin.
"Enough about the Wizard of Oz, can we get back to the fact that I am a terrible gift giver, and I can't screw this one up." A little desperation leaked out, and Mike picked it right up.
Mike raised his hands to acquiesce out of habit. "Okay, okay, you're right, but can I ask why you are asking me and not Rachel?"
"I can't risk Rachel tipping Donna off, even by accident. Which means you can't tell your wife. This is the only time I will ask this of you, other than when I am getting ready to propose, but it's for Donna." Harvey did not think Rachel would intentionally tell Donna, but with her way of just knowing things, he couldn't chance anything that could ruin the surprise.
People often recommend sitting when hearing big news, but Mike was grateful he was standing as he surely would have fallen out of his chair. "Good lord man, you are already thinking about marrying her and you are not even together yet? What the hell happened to you when I left?" He couldn't decide if he was more happy for or surprised by Harvey in the moment.
"Mike…" He hadn't really meant to let the last part slip, but he didn't find himself caring. Getting Mike to focus back on the gift was why he interjected.
"Alright, alright. All joking aside, you have my word, and I'll help you through this. I'll even give you more than 10 minutes if that's what it takes." He attempted to ground himself with a deep breath, wanting to actually help his friend with why he called.
"You better, because you've been wasting time giving me shit instead of helping," Harvey reasoned, glancing at his wrist out of habit, forgetting he had yet to put on his watch.
"Okay, you know Donna. Let's start with something sentimental, maybe something from her childhood." Mike was more in touch with his emotions than Harvey, but he wasn't exactly a Donna level gift giver either. They could still figure it out together.
"I know she's always wanted to go to Paris since she was a kid, but I think she wants to do that with her mother. Besides, Louis is a cheapskate and set a $200 limit. He claims it will force us to be more creative." He rolled his eyes when mentioning Louis. The man hadn't yet sent out his baby shower gift registry, but Harvey knew full well it would not be capped at all.
"You told me how cheap he was with the whole Donna salary thing, but the man did donate half a mil to the clinic, so I am going to vouch for him on this one." Louis had his highs and his lows as a person, but Mike would never forget his generosity when Mike needed it the most.
"Fair enough." Their friendship had come a long way. He could admit now that Louis had his moments.
Returning his thoughts to Donna, he added, "She did have a piano that she loved as a kid that she lost because her dad is a shitty businessman. Her apartment doesn't have room for a piano, though, and that would also greatly exceed the $200." He stroked his chin as he thought out loud, subsequently reminding himself to shave before work. If he ever took another vacation, he planned to let his beard grow. He caught himself wondering if Donna might like that.
"Is there anything you can think of along those lines?" Mike was impressed. A lost childhood piano was definitely sentimental.
"Now that you mention it, I know a guy who can carve anything. He used to make custom baseball bats for me, but I have seen some of his other shit and he's good, great. Maybe he could make a decorative piano that could be displayed on an accent table or something. She likes art." Harvey had started pacing in his kitchen as the ideas started rolling.
"Since time is off the essence, I'll ignore that part about you knowing what an accent table is and tell you that actually sounds pretty cool. But if she is going to get the message, you are going to have to go further than that. Maybe you could hide some additional goodies in the lid, assuming he can make a functional one." Mike nodded at his own idea.
"Look who finally decided to step up to the plate. I like that, but any ideas on what?" Harvey stopped pacing and tilted his head up to the side as he attempted to answer his own question. He was confident his guy could make a lid that opened.
"Maybe start with something you could do together?" Harvey immediately approved of Mike's suggestion, as being together was kind of the point.
"I could take her to a show, but I don't know what she's seen lately, or what she wants to see." Harvey scratched his not yet gelled hair as he pondered.
"I am pretty sure you going to a show with her at all would be special. But keeping up with the sentimental theme, can you think of one that has meaning, even if that means she has seen it before?" Rachel was going to kill him when she realizes he sat on this information. Having the chance to help plan her best friend getting swept off her feet by the man she would always love would shoot her right up over the moon.
Harvey knew Donna loved Shakespeare, but picking at random did not seem good enough. Choosing one that he saw her act in felt more thoughtful, and he started scrolling through his mental catalogue. He suddenly remembered her telling him about her very first time on stage in New York, and while it wasn't Shakespearean, he thought she'd appreciate him remembering.
"Well, I know that she got her start in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I could probably find an off Broadway showing of that." His tone downplayed how proud he was to pull that one out. It didn't surprise him, though, he remembered everything about Donna.
"Now you're cooking with gas! That's perfect, Harvey. You really pay attention to Donna. I wouldn't be shocked if you forgot what color my hair is, and yet you remember what her first show was way back when. You really do love her." Sensing that they almost had it all figured out, Mike thought it safe to multitask again. Entering his bathroom, he switched the call back to speakerphone and started lathering up his face for a shave.
"Haven't you been implying that I do for years? Don't feign surprise now," he grumbled, but he was grinning.
"You're right, the only surprising part is how long it took you to finally admit it. But maybe that shouldn't be either, Mr. Caring Makes You Weak." The teasing tone of his voice was not lost through the speaker.
Harvey could hear Mike turn on the faucet, and some metal clinking against porcelain. He guessed that Mike was shaving and was immediately grateful the background bathroom noise wasn't that of flushing and handwashing. It would be just like Mike to take a dump during Harvey's moment of enlightenment and revelation.
He refocused on the conversation and his favorite topic, Donna. "I don't have to worry about being weak, Donna is strong enough for the both of us. Anyway, do you think that is enough or should we think of more?"
Mike noticed the way Harvey's voice softened when spoke about her. Moving to Seattle with Rachel had been the absolute right decision for them both, but he had been worried for his friend. Everything he had in his life, he owed to the opportunity that Harvey gave him. One that came with great risk to Harvey and others. Despite getting caught and briefly going to prison, it was all entirely worth it. He would forever be grateful. Harvey had provided the launchpad for his growth and treated him like family in the process.
He went from a stoner who was kicked out of college and surviving as an underachieving bike messenger to a married man with a successful career and a passion for helping people. His growth was more about being able to live out his dreams and see the bigger picture, however. He always knew he wanted to help people, and he was always willing to give his love to the right woman.
Harvey, on the other hand, had been so closed off and angry for so long. He had his reasons, with his childhood trauma and trust and abandonment issues, but Mike had feared he would never get past them. Then Harvey started having panic attacks and sought therapy. He decided to forgive his mom and allowed her back into his life. He became closer with Louis and learned how to make amends when they still butted heads. Donna was central in all of that. Now he was ready for everything with her, and Mike knew his friend would be okay.
"That she is, and that depends. It might be nice to include something of yours, maybe something that reminds you of her, something sentimental to you this time. Do you have something like that?" Mike didn't know what Donna might like, but he thought about what he would include for Rachel.
Once he got past the whole fraud thing with Rachel, and a few lessons about expressing feelings about her law school choices, communication was a strength for them. It wasn't often, however, and usually by route of apologizing or celebrating special dates, that he made big romantic gestures anymore. He still knew he was more experienced than Harvey, whose playbook mostly just consisted of sexy cars and suave words.
"I would say the cactus that she gave me, but that wouldn't fit, and I wouldn't want her to think I was returning it." Harvey thought about all of the gifts that Donna had given him over the years. Because he tended to buy everything that he wanted himself, many of her gifts were thoughtful acts or tickets to games, not tangible items he could place in the piano.
He thought back to their early years, and then he remembered the picture of them he kept hidden away. "I do have an old picture of us, from years ago, soon after we first met. I don't think she's ever seen it. Is that too cheesy?"
"Oh no, that's cute. You should definitely include that. You should also text me a picture of the picture. I want to see young Harvey and Donna. Man, I almost forget how long you two have known each other. You are crazy for waiting this long." Mike brought his fingers up to chest level and tapped them together while he plotted the fun he could have with the picture he hasn't even seen yet. He stopped short of the maniacal laugh, not wanting to alert Harvey to his scheming.
Harvey was willing to share the existence of the picture with Mike, but he wasn't quite ready to explain why he held onto it all of these years, or why Mike would never see it. He hadn't shared the photo with Donna because it felt too intimate. He had collected a few pictures of them over the years, mostly because Louis liked to record moments with pictures almost as much as he did with his dictaphone. There were a few favorites, but none of them measured up to the picture that was left on his desk after a holiday party back at the DA's office. It was possible that Donna could have been the one who left the picture, but Harvey did not get that feeling.
Donna had just stolen Cameron Dennis's Santa hat, a bold move that she might have only gotten away with because Cameron was three sheets to the wind at the time, and placed it on Harvey's head. She was likely just as drunk and had the biggest grin on her face when the picture was taken. What felt too intimate to Harvey was the way he was gazing at Donna in the photo. When he took it all in, he knew he was looking at a man in love. Unwilling to admit that to himself over the years, he buried the photo amongst some of the records he kept at home, while simultaneously burying his feelings.
"There is no way in hell that I am showing you the picture. And I know, I wish I came to my senses sooner, but let's focus on making sure this works instead of reminding me how much time I've wasted."
As soon as the thought of the photo, his legs carried him right to where it was safely tucked. Retrieving the picture and looking at It for the first time in years, he doubled down mentally on the fact that Mike would never see it.
"You know, if you want to be super-duper sure that she gets your message, you could always write her one. I mean, I know you aren't the love letter type, but you could write something short and sweet. Post-it note style." Mike felt like he was on a roll.
"What would I even say?" He didn't hate the idea, but he didn't know where to take it either.
"How about something that says I love you, even if you want to hold off on those exact words for now." Harvey was a lawyer who thought as quickly on his feet as anyone. With time, Mike was sure he could find the right words.
"The last time I told her I love her it didn't go so well. What about 'I am ready if you are' or is that too short?" Harvey realized that was the second time he slipped during this conversation and shared something he was not intending to. God damned Mike Ross.
"Whoa, hold up, you told Donna that you love her? When the hell was this and why don't I know about it already? Come to think about it, I don't think Donna told Rachel either." Mike moved his phone in front of his face and stared at it for a beat, as if his phone could confirm what Harvey just said. He brought it back to his ear when he could hear Harvey speaking again.
"That's a story for a time that will never exist. Now can you answer my question, Wonder Boy?" Harvey wished Mike could see the glare he was shooting him.
"What was your question again… oh, right, the note. I think that's perfect, Harvey. If you give her that, all of your many balls will be in her court. Although, she's probably always had your balls." Mike wiggled his eyebrows as he spoke, wearing a knowing smirk.
Harvey smiled at the jab, knowing Mike couldn't see him. It was fleeting, as fear replaced it. "It's going to work, right? I really need this to work. I… I can't lose her."
"Harvey, she's been by your side for almost 15 years. The woman loves you, that's why she kissed you when you were with Paula." If only he could reach through the phone and give Harvey a smack upside his forehead.
"She told me that she didn't feel anything." Harvey hated the vulnerability he heard in his own voice, but he needed to acknowledge that lingering cause of doubt.
"And what did you tell her before she said that? It's a genuine question because I have no idea. I just know Donna, and she almost always puts others first. That is exactly the kind of thing she would say to protect your friendship if you were busy being an asshole. The way you two were dancing at the wedding, all the texts Rachel and I have received from one or both of you while you two were having drinks in the office or going out for them quite frequently now… She loves you. Don't talk yourself out of this."
"I'm not…I'm ready," he stated with a singular nod. The pep talk was nice, though.
"You really are, Harvey, and let Louis know I got dibs on best man." Mike ended the call before Harvey could respond. He couldn't resist leaving it on that note. The excitement of the call had settled him down for his case. Speeding up his morning routine even more, he was eager to go ride his wave of energy and anticipation to victory in court. He was fired up.
The day of the party had arrived, and Harvey was buzzing with nervous excitement. Today could end up being the best, or worst day of his life. There was also room for the middle ground, if Donna simply didn't understand the weight of the gift. Harvey was confident that Donna, being Donna, would know what it meant, however. Now it was just a matter of waiting to see if she reciprocated his feelings or not. Mike better be right, god damn it.
If Harvey cared about things like Christmas decorations, he would have to give credit to Louis for how festive it all looked. To Harvey, it was over the top, like Buddy the Elf had vomited up Christmas cheer throughout the firm. The immaculately decorated tree was so tall that he knew some poor sap or two had to carry it up 50 flights of stairs. There was no way it fit in the elevators. Looking around, he noticed there was tinsel, paper snowflakes, lights strung up everywhere and more than likely mistletoe hidden somewhere. Louis was not one to consider the potential HR complaints.
Louis had also put up quite the Hanukkah display with an impressive Menorah. It included a table adorned with customary food as well as placards explaining the history. He had felt it right to make Christmas the theme of the night, mostly because of the gift exchange options, but he had also polled every staff member to make sure no one felt left out of their personal celebrations. Christmas was by far the most selected, so Louis didn't mind prioritizing it over his own traditions. He set up a Kwanzaa station in addition.
The party kicked off with eggnog and appetizers. Harvey couldn't be entirely sure if it was planned or due to the fourth cup of eggnog with brandy that Louis was already on, but he decided to give a speech about firm camaraderie. The speech was dragging on and Harvey had stopped listening somewhere around the third "We are a family and I love all of us so very much," but he still didn't miss it when Louis threw a giant fucking wrench in his plan.
Since the theme of the night was bonding, Louis in his infinite drunken wisdom, decided that it would be more interactive and fun to switch the Secret Santa gift exchange to a White Elephant one. Most people protested, as they had picked gifts tailored to the recipient, but Louis invoked his managing partner powers to have the final say. He apparently had even included it in the bylaws that the managing partner had sole purview over all staff bonding or appreciation related events unless otherwise delegated. Harvey felt like he was finally on the receiving end of one of his sucker punches.
Donna must have noticed the look of panic on his face because she immediately sashayed over to him. He couldn't take his eyes off her as she approached. There wasn't a color that he didn't think she looked amazing in, but green had always been something else. This particular dress incorporated many of his favorite elements. The other time had burned images into his mind that he would never relinquish, and that most definitely included the way her breasts looked when he finally took her bra off. Every flash of cleavage took his mind back to that glorious time, and this dress transported him right back there quite tastefully. It was also on the shorter side, giving him a lavish view of her long legs that he missed being wrapped around him so very much. She was a vision.
"Are you okay, Harvey? You look like you just found out you knocked up one of your morning meetings," Donna teased and handed him a glass of Macallan 18. She had grabbed a bottle from her office, knowing that Harvey wouldn't go for the eggnog or other Christmas themed drinks that Louis had restricted the menu to.
"I'm okay, Donna, and you know I don't do those anymore. I guess it's just that I put real effort into my gift and was put off by the idea of it not going to the person I bought it for." He was hoping that if he planted the seed now, that when Donna saw his gift, she might realize it was meant for her.
"That can't be right. Who are you and what have you done with Harvey Specter? I would have bet my salary for the year that your gift was a bottle of scotch, or maybe even an off-label bottle of tequila and some oddly expensive, but still somehow cheap looking shot glasses." She was joking, but entirely serious at the same time. Harvey never put much thought into his gifts. He noticed that she was still in his space, not having moved away after handing him the drink. It might not mean anything, but he chose to interpret it as a good sign.
"What about you? You are the most thoughtful person and gift giver I know. I can't help but think whatever you bought is perfectly suited to the name you picked." He loved the way her nose scrunched a little and her eyes twinkled at the compliment. It was mild compared to everything else he wanted to say about her, but her reaction made him want to make sure he praised her more going forward.
"It is certainly not Louis's best idea, but I am hoping that the more personal gifts will still end up with the intended recipient after some swapping. If not, I am sure we are in for some laughter at least. I'd bet you a Birkin bag that someone ends up with a brand-new dictaphone tonight." She gave him an encouraging nudge with her elbow to emphasize the wager.
"You know if I won that bet, I would just be giving the Birkin bag right back to you. If you want me to buy you another purse, Donna, all you have to do is ask." He leaned in a little closer with his words. If she was changing the rules about space, he would take full advantage of it.
"The thing is, Harvey, I would never lose the bet. Also, you already bought me a new purse for Christmas this year. Thank you, it is quite lovely." She gave his biceps a gentle squeeze, not wanting to back down from this change in proximity either. The sudden and jarring sound of Louis's voice caused her to, however.
"Here ye, Here ye!" Louis all but roared while gesturing animatedly. "It is time to filleth thy cup and gallivant unto your room-eth of assignment." His attempt at old English faltered more the longer he continued.
With both the original Secret Santa idea, and now the White Elephant exchange, Louis had determined it would be more practical to split the staff into two groups. The named and senior partners plus Donna, would be in the conference room doing their exchange, while the associates, junior partners and support staff would be in the library doing theirs. Brian, Gretchen, and Benjamin were the exceptions and got invited to join the first group. A few of the senior partners, led by Paul Porter, who never could earn offices on the 50th floor, decided to have their own intimate gathering at Porter's country club instead.
"Oh god," Harvey whined. "Is he going to be like this the rest of the night?" Picking up the bottle of Macallan that Donna had set down on the table next to them, he refilled their glasses, making sure to brush against Donna in the process.
Donna smiled and shook her head at his whining. "Come on, Pretty, let's go unwrap some presents." She laced her arm through Harvey's as they walked towards the conference room. He wasn't thinking about Louis anymore.
…..
"Now listen up everyone, I am going to explain the rules of the great White Elephant. While you were all busy mingling and enjoying my perfectly executed nog of egg, I had Gretchen print out these handy reminders for anyone who may need a little extra assistance with the rules." Holding the stack of papers high above his head, he rotated around slowly, making sure every last person could see.
"Gretchen refused to cut them into snowflakes and glue them onto more appropriately colored construction paper, but I will discuss that with her later." Louis had put down the papers and procured a stool somehow. He stepped up while continuing to address the room.
"Louis, let's just get this over with. We don't need printouts on how to pick presents," Harvey complained. His patience was wearing thin, he just wanted to get to the part where Donna picked his present.
"Not all of us had the privilege of being invited to join exchanges such as this growing up. Come to think of it, have you ever even done one before, Harvey? You're not Mr. Festive or anything." Louis stared him down, awaiting his response. The stool was sturdy, but his alcohol affected legs were not and he swayed precariously. His arm was busy striving for balance and likely the only reason he had yet to fall.
"Well, no, but I shouldn't be tonight either," Harvey said with an eyeroll. "This was supposed to be a Secret Santa, and we all know exactly how that works."
"Oh come on, Harvey," he whined. "If we stuck with that, we would just open our presents and be done with it. This will be far more interactive and fun. You know we've had a tough few years at the firm, and as your newly appointed admiral, I am here to turn it around. I will lead our fleet to victory," he proudly boasted, still swaying on his stool.
"Louis, just explain the rules already," Samantha pipped in. If the look of utter disinterest on face was anything to go by, she was just about as eager for this as Harvey seemed to be.
Samantha had chosen Robert's name from the Santa Hat. She had planned to re-gift him the same vintage books she found in his drawer with the bow still on a year after she gave them to him. When she inevitably found them in his drawer again the next year, she planned to take them back and give them to him again for his retirement. Now she was a bit miffed at the prospect of someone else receiving the books. Because of their vintage nature, they had cost her more than the $200 limit. She figured she could skirt the rule since she technically did not pay anything for them this go around. That did not mean she was willing to sink the cost for someone else, and if Robert did not end up with them, she would have to come up with a retirement gift after all. She was not too keen on that.
"Right, thank you for the assist, my fierce femme fatale." He drew an hourglass figure in the air with his hands then shot finger guns towards her. She rolled her eyes and paid more attention to the fingernails she was inspecting for dirt.
"Here is how it works: the first person up gets to pick any gift from the pile. I had Gretchen remove the gift tags so that no one knows who the gift was originally intended for, aside from the purchaser of course. And Gretchen if her memory hasn't started to go yet." He turned at stared at her, narrowing his eyes.
It's not that he doubted that she was just as sharp as ever, he just needed that extra reassurance that he wouldn't be losing his secretary anytime soon. Somehow, Gretchen had weaseled her way into his heart even deeper than Norma. Next to Donna, he could never love a secretary, or former one, more.
Facing the group again, Louis continued. "We'll all watch them open the gift, and then whoever is up next has the choice of stealing an unwrapped gift or picking another from the ones still wrapped. A gift can only be stolen twice and still be in play, so the third person to steal it owns it. If a gift is stolen from you, you have the same choice of stealing another or picking from the pile. Now let's take our seats and get this party started." He jumped down from the stool, barely sticking the landing. The dance he added to his getting started words left most of the room staring blankly at him.
"And remember, the cheat sheets are right here for anyone who needs it!" He gave an exaggerated double point down towards them.
Everyone took their seats around the conference table, except for Samantha, who lingered in the corner, still standing. Harvey took a seat next to Donna, and she couldn't help but notice when he scooted his chair closer to hers. They were sitting close enough now that their legs were lightly brushing. There had been something different about them lately, as if the space required to keep their lines from getting even more blurry was steadily evaporating. It wasn't just tonight, but it seemed like Harvey was being more intentional about it. She was too, tonight, if she admitted it to herself.
After he had cooled off about the kiss, they had hugged. That was something they hadn't done in years, the feeling of being in his arms was too dangerous, too delicious. Lately, they've had more late-night drinks in the office than even when they worked at the DA's and were a lot more honest about their mutual attraction. Then Mike and Rachel's wedding happened, and he looked at her like he could imagine them being there someday. They danced, and there was something electric, yet sensual, that sparked between them. He referenced the other time after teasing Louis, and she knew he was still thinking about it as much as she was. It felt like it was finally happening, that he was ready, and she was ready to be honest with herself, but then the final leap never followed. Drinks kept being drinks, with maybe a little flirting and nothing more. The late-night calls were still happening, with all of the right tones, but never the right words.
She couldn't figure out how to fully close herself off from Harvey, even when she tried, but she knew she had to protect herself. There were only so many times she could think it really did all mean something just for him to tell her it didn't, before it finally broke her for good. So, while it felt like he was blurring the lines even further, she was getting ready to build walls. She would always be there for him and could never leave him, but she was beginning to give up, despite stepping closer this evening.
Gretchen had encouraged her to put herself out there, maybe have some fun. While she had decided ultimately not to take the plunge with a client, she was starting to think she should put herself out there again. It would take her considerable time to discover how to want everything with someone other than Harvey, but she refused to wake up one day and realize it was too late for her. She would at least have fun tonight, however.
Thinking about Harvey had demanded her attention so fully that she hadn't noticed when he got up to fetch them both another round of drinks until he was sitting back down, invading her space again. When he handed the glass to her, he leaned in closer so that his low, gravelly voice could waltz into her ear.
"Donna, if it is still there when it is your turn to pick, you should choose the shiny green package with the red bow." He was determined for her to take his gift home, and to take him with it.
She couldn't ignore the way his breath felt on her ear and neck. She longed to swap his breath with his lips. The masculine scent of his cologne assaulted her nostrils, and she thought about the time it lingered on her sheets. Somehow, she remembered to respond, and hoped it would distract her before her body started reacting too much to his proximity and her memories.
"I guess I know who my Secret Santa was," she said with a wink, resisting the need to fan herself.
"I won't ruin the surprise, but I will say it is not an off-label bottle of tequila." He grinned at her, feeling proud of himself. The sudden urge to kiss her cheek alarmed him, but he had the sense not to act on it.
"It better not be lingerie either, mister," she pointed a finger at him, fearing he might actually go there, even in front of their coworkers.
"That's not the type of gift a gentleman gives with an audience. Could you imagine what that would do to Louis? The last thing we need is for him to have another heart attack." Donna laughed but gave him a playful slap to his arm for his comment.
"I guess we are back to pretending you are a gentleman," she shot him a knowing look, which he held longer than he would have previously allow himself to. They both thought back to their conversation in the DA's office.
Breaking their gaze, she spoke again. "Speaking of heart attacks, don't tell him, but I arranged for bags of bacon and McMuffins to be delivered to Benjamin everyday at work for a month. Because I didn't want his gift to be just a piece of paper explaining that, I also got him a new shirt for the blind date I am sending him on. I am trying my hand at matchmaking these days. And since I'm Donna, they'll be married within the year. Book it."
He shook his head at that but knew better than to doubt her abilities. "How did you keep food delivery for a month and undoubtedly an expensive shirt under $200?" He noted the way she was looking at him, as if he should already know the answer. "You called in favors and paid nothing, didn't you, you little minx."
"For the food, yes, there are worse favors one could do, and boy does he owe me. For the shirt, I purchased enough stuff for myself and other Christmas gifts that they just threw it in, no charge." She shrugged, used to receiving complimentary items.
Louis interrupted their chat by announcing that the order for picking presents had been determined, and that Benjamin was the first name picked. Bejamin went straight for the large package that was on the floor, propped up against the table holding the rest.
"I see that Benjamin is a believer that size matters! Well don't keep us in suspense, tear that bad boy open." It seemed as if Louis had taken it upon himself to emcee the event, much to Harvey's annoyance.
Benjamin proceeded to do so, only to unwrap a rather large painting of Louis holding his departed cat. The artist had added a halo and wings. "Well, this is… something. Um, thanks I guess." He trailed off, wondering if he was going to have to attempt to drag the painting home with him.
"I had it made for Louis since we were supposed to be doing Secret Santa and all. I had to steal pictures from his office and make copies to give to the artist and everything," Alex responded, frustrated that a gift he spent considerable effort even thinking of was going to waste.
"It's magnificent, Alex, what an amazing idea. And now Benjamin has the opportunity to have his leader always there, always looking out for him. If no one else steals it that is. Really incredible work, you must give me the name of the artist. Do they dude nude paintings?" They all could see the wheels turning in Louis's head. Some dared to wonder if he was planning for Shiela or himself. Or both.
"That is something that I am never going to ask, Louis." The words were paired with the best "that's my final word" glare Alex could muster.
"But why? The human body is the truest form of art!" Louis was shocked by his objection. "Donna, back me up on this!" He turned to her and the eyes of everyone else followed.
"Louis…" Donna started, unsure as to why he picked her as an authority on nude paintings. Harvey had no problem picturing her naked, albeit sans the artist.
"Move it along and announce the next name already. Some of us have our programs to get home to," Gretchen chimed in much to their collective relief. She did have her shows, but she wasn't really in a hurry to get home. It was just that she had noticed Harvey and Donna canoodling in their seats and caught how off-guard Donna appeared when inserted into Louis's latest nonsense. Red had been good to her, especially after the Coral Gables fiasco, so she threw her a bone.
"Right, of course. Alex, you happen to be up next. Congratulations!" Louis clapped in excitement.
Alex got up and circled the present table before selecting a gift bag that had the tissue paper perfectly arranged. He pulled out a wrapped package and an envelope. Opting to open the wrapped box first, he soon held up a dictaphone.
"Well, I certainly know who this is from," Alex deadpanned.
Upon seeing the dictaphone, Harvey turned to Donna. His lips grazed her ear as he whispered into it, "I guess you'll be getting another purse for Christmas after all. I'd ask you how you knew, but you're Donna."
"You don't have to honor the bet, Harvey. But if you do, you're buying me breakfast first like last time. You know, we could always make this an annual tradition like Del Posto. You do still owe me from bailing on the last anniversary." This time she whispered into his ear. She didn't usually reference the Paula era, but she was feeling a little spicey tonight. It could be the Macallan 18.
He frowned a little at the memory of why they did not go to Del Posto last anniversary, but he shook it off. "Breakfast and Birkin bags, it's a date." He added a light touch to her forearm. They might set records tonight.
Louis was still beaming about his gift. He had just finished a speech about battery life and which kind it requires when he directed his spiel back to the rest of the gift. "It pairs with the rest of the gift. When there are memories to be made, dictaphones ensure they are always saved!"
"You do know that iPhones can do that now, too right. I can't even work these new-fangled coffee machines, but I can make my phone record," Robert spoke up for the first time, without looking up. He had also learned to play solitaire on his phone, which he was currently doing to keep himself entertained. Laura had forced him to stay since he was still relatively new at the firm, despite him not caring about the gift exchange.
"Not with the same sound quality, storage capabilities, and ease! And believe me, when he opens the next part, you'll understand why storage is at a premium." Always one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, or his face, the outrage from Robert's insinuation was obvious.
Alex moved on to the envelope, and he let out a sting of expletives when he saw what was inside.
"Holy shit, these are mother fucking plane tickets to Paris with a hotel reservation that costs more than Harvey spends on his suits in a year. God damn." Alex forgot to consider the likelihood of his present being stolen in his excitement.
"What the hell, Louis, you said we had to cap the gifts at $200!" Harvey snapped his head towards him and exclaimed. He was proud about what he came up with to give Donna, but the thought that he could have added more to sweep her off her feet crossed his mind. His gift would have already exceeded the budget, if his guy didn't make him the piano for free after he helped him with some legal work, as it was.
"I know, but then I thought about how good Gretchen has been to me and I got a little carried away." Louis feigned innocence with a hand to his heart. "Don't you worry though, Alex, the tickets are fully transferable!"
"Louis, you were going to send me to Paris? You do know that I wouldn't be able to bring you your morning paper and keep you in your prunie supplies while there, don't ya?" She was skeptical, as was the look she gave him, and quite flattered at the same time.
"Oh my god! I never thought about that." Louis staggered back dramatically. "Norma the III is the floating temp right now, I really dodged a bullet. Her grandmother was a god damned battle axe, and she's a freaking butter knife. I heard it can skip a generation, but I think it died with Norma. The body odor sure didn't, though." He turned up his nose and shook his head with the last line.
"Louis!" Donna chastised and pulled away slightly from Harvey to give Louis a stern look.
"I'm just saying, the perfume I gave her for her birthday every year didn't make a difference. Anyway, let me consult my list for who is up next!" Louis wasn't seeing double, but he wasn't far off and needed his finger to aid him in reading the right line.
Donna leaned back over to whisper in Harvey's ear, "You know, I might not be able to pass up stealing a trip to Paris over your totally not tequila or lingerie gift. I was supposed to go with my mom growing up, and I think an all-expense paid trip might make her feel a little less guilty than me footing the bill."
"What, no, Donna, you have to pick my gift! It can't end up with Louis or someone like that. I'll take you and your mom to Paris if I need to!" He shot up straight in his chair and his eyes bugged at her warning.
There was some truth in Donna's comment, but she really did still plan on choosing Harvey's gift, if available. It was obvious that it truly meant something to him. It was fun to tease him a little and he must be really desperate if he was offering to accompany her and her mom on a trip to France.
After Louis got carried away telling Alex about all the places he must take his wife in Paris, he finally announced the next name. Gretchen was up next, ironically, and immediately stole the trip to Paris.
"We have our first theft of the night! Unsurprisingly, my gift is in hot demand. Alex, since your gift was stolen, you can choose another." Louis was delighted by the turn of events and rewarded himself with big gulp from the refilled cup of eggnog he never should have poured.
"Can I just steal the trip back?" Alex asked hopefully, his tone sweeter than usual.
"Of course not, where is your sense of adventure? Just so everyone knows, there are no takesie-backsies, so if your gift gets stolen, it becomes off limits to you. Now go ahead, choose another." He waved one hand towards the pile of wrapped gifts and used the other to highlight the available gifts already selected.
Alex circled the table again and Harvey's present caught his eye this time. Harvey's face paled when he saw him select it, but he held out hope that Donna would steal it.
Alex tore open the wrapping paper, still disappointed about the tickets being stolen. "Huh. I'm not sure what I would do with this, but it is actually pretty nice. My wife might like it for her office." He nodded, talking himself into not being too disappointed.
"Harvey, it's beautiful!" Donna exclaimed quietly, intending it just for his ears. Despite knowing that Harvey had obviously put more effort into choosing a gift than in the past based on his desperation for her to pick it, she still did not expect it to be something so lovely. "You remembered what I told you about my piano growing up, didn't you." She reached one hand down to his thigh and gave it small squeeze, overcome by his thoughtfulness.
Harvey grinned at her making the connection. "I did. I would have loved to track down that same piano, but some of us here thought Louis was serious about the $200 limit." His eyes wanted to roll at the Louis comment, but he couldn't stop smiling long enough to.
"As incredibly sweet as that would have been, I don't exactly have space for it at my apartment. That is perfect, Harvey, and truly beautiful." She gave his thigh another squeeze and a pat while silently praying for the chance to steal his piano.
"The thought crossed my mind… but now that you have seen my gift, will you steal it please?" He reached down and took her hand into his as he pleaded.
"I guess you'll just have to wait and see." She smiled and winked in a way that she hoped conveyed her true motives, still enjoying her hand in his.
"Hey Harvey, eyes up here!" Louis interrupted. "You're up next. You might have heard me say that the first time if you weren't too busy flirting with Donna." Donna blushed, hoping the lights were dim enough to conceal it. Louis had them lowered to highlight the Christmas lights. Still, she knew they were pushing up against their boundaries more than in recent years, she just did not realize that anyone else had noticed.
"I wasn't flirting," Harvey grumbled, mildly embarrassed for being called out. "And I already know what I want, I'll take the piano." He knew that no one, aside from Donna, was aware he brought the gift. Just in case she couldn't, or didn't choose it, he would and could give it to her himself.
Glancing around the room, Harvey noticed that half the group was less than engaged in the exchange. Katrina and Brian seemed a little too cozy, he would have to ask Donna about that later. Samantha was still standing in the corner, texting away on her phone. Robert had his nose in his as well. Benjamin looked to be fully participating, albeit silently. He hoped that the lack of enthusiasm would make it more likely that no one cared to steal his piano gift.
"I sure didn't see that coming," Alex proclaimed and passed the gift to Harvey. "Katrina or Donna, maybe, but my money certainly would not have been on you."
"I agree," Louis jumped in. "Are you sure that you don't want the painting of me, Harvey? I could get one done of you and we could be brush brothers!" He started towards Harvey, fully intending on wrapping him up in a bear hug.
"That's never going to happen, Louis." He stopped him in his tracks with a glare.
Louis simply held his hands up and then reminded Alex to choose another gift. He unwrapped another gift and pulled out a file before flipping through it. "Hot damn, this is a 7-figure client! Shit, maybe I should not have said that out loud."
Katrina had selected Samantha in the original Secret Santa. Still feeling guilty about impersonating Samantha during the case that made Louis managing partner and almost tore the firm apart in the process, she wanted to do something nice for her. Samantha's taste was so expensive that working within a $200 budget was leading her to nothing but dead ends. She did not know Samantha that well yet, even after working with her at Rand Kaldor Zane, but she knew work (and Robert) was everything to her. A work-related present was the best choice, and a client was the way to go. The client was quite difficult to land, as was negotiating the terms of coming to Zane Specter Litt Wheeler Williams without guaranteeing which partner would represent them. At least she did not promise Wheeler alone, but she was still a little peeved that her hard work was being passed on to the wrong recipient.
Alex quickly confirmed that he should not have said it out loud, because he immediately had the client stolen by Brian, who was next on the list.
"At this rate I am going to pick the Hope Diamond next and have that stolen from me too." Alex complained. He knew the drill and picked another package. Instead of going for the beautifully wrapped ones that caught his eye before, he decided to try his luck by selecting the bag that lacked anything festive. It turned out to be a mistake as he pulled out a tie that appeared to have specks of pasta sauce doting it.
"Robert, didn't I just see you in that tie a couple of days ago?" Donna asked innocently, realizing that he must have forgotten to get a gift and thrown his tie in one of the bags he brings his lunch in. It was just the right shade of green to pass off as a gift bag. It appeared he used legal paper instead of tissue paper to conceal the "gift."
"I definitely saw him in that tie when we had drinks a month ago," Samantha spoke up, still glued to her phone. Participating in the party wasn't up her alley, but she wouldn't miss the opportunity to flip Robert shit.
"So, I forgot about Christmas shopping this year. I haven't even gotten Laura a gift yet. Cut the old man some slack." He tucked his phone in his pocket deciding to at least give them his attention after mailing in the gift. The Christmas cookies he fixed his attention on next almost made staying worth it.
"Did I really just lose out on Paris and a 7-figure client for a used tie?" Alex slumped back down. He was confident no one was stealing his gift this time around. Maybe there was hope that Robert would want his tie back.
"Wear it with pride, my boy. My ties ain't cheap. Unlike Mike's old skinny ones." Harvey smiled at Robert's mention of Mike, even if it came with a mouth full of cookies. He missed the kid.
"Wonderful, it is my turn!" Louis jumped in. "Sorry, Harvey, but I am going to have to take the piano off your hands. Shiela would love it. Unlike Robert, I have not slacked on shopping for my warrior princess, but what's one more gift for my lady and pregnant mother of my offspring?"
"Louis, pick something else!" Harvey tensed before insisting. He hoped the power of the man crush Louis had on him would kick in and bend him to his will.
"Now, now, that's not how the game is played, Harvey. Now had it over." He waived his palm towards himself in a "gimme" gesture. Harvey did so reluctantly. There was only one steal left for it, and he had no idea when Donna would finally get her turn. He was getting nervous.
"Donna," he whispered. "This is just another reminder to please pick my gift." He paired his tone with his best puppy dog look.
She decided to stop teasing him about it when she caught the look in his eyes. "Harvey, if it's there, I'll pick it. I promise." She did a scout's honor sign then stroked his forearm reassuringly, taking any excuse to touch, eyes on them or not.
Louis reminded Harvey that it was his turn to pick again. Despite feeling a little guilty about taking it from Gretchen, he decided to steal the Paris trip. He could give it to Donna as well, if he needed any extra ammunition to make her see he was ready. If Gretchen got pissed about it, he could work it out with her later.
Gretchen was pissed, but graciously picked again, after fixing Harvey a sharp look. She chose what turned out to be Donna's gift of a men's shirt and month supply of bacon and Egg McMuffin deliveries. "While I'm sure this shirt would really make my eyes pop, I don't think it is my size. Or for women for that matter. And my doctor won't be happy about all this damn bacon."
Donna noticed how Benjamin's mouth all but watered when Gretchen first read the bacon sheet to the group. She was confident he would steal it when the time came, stroking her ego a little. While it was a terrible gift for Gretchen, it hit the mark for Benjamin. She would have no problem blaming Louis if the present did not end up with him.
"Robbie, my boy, you are up next. See anything that catches your eye? Like my painting for example?" Channeling his innermost Vanna White, he presented the painting like he was unveiling a letter.
"Louis, I see far too much of that mug of yours at work, I don't need to take that home with me. But I do hope to still be let in my house after Christmas and for that to happen, I need a present for Laura. Louis, hand over that piano." Staying for this party was really working out in his favor. He got brownie points for listening to his wife and found a present for her without having to brave any stores this time of year. Plus, the cookies…
Harvey sprung from his chair as Louis announced that the piano had been stolen for a third time and could no longer be.
"God damn it, Louis, this is exactly why we should have stuck with the Secret Santa. I got that for Donna, and I want her to have it." His hands were turning white from how hard he was gripping the table in front of him. He focused on keeping his voice low and steady, but everyone still heard the frustration in it.
"Harvey, we are so beyond that. Look how interactive this is! I am sure Donna won't mind missing out on your gift in trade for all of this team bonding." He gestured at the occupants of the room. "I am bummed to miss out on the piano too. It was truly marvelous. I am expecting far more thoughtful gifts from you in the future." He finished with a sage nod.
As oblivious as Louis could be, he was fully aware that Donna and Harvey had feelings for each other, even if he had given up on Harvey ever stepping up. Whether it was the eggnog or his frequent inability to see what was right in front of his face, he could not read how much the gift meant to Harvey in the moment. Rules were rules, outside of the courtroom, and he believed in sticking to the rules of the White Elephant. He would have helped Harvey with the piano, however, had he processed that it was a romantic overture. The tragedy in Shakespeare spoke to his soul, but with his friends, he was a true romantic in search of a happy ending. Especially with Donna, she deserved the best.
Harvey sat back down defeated. Donna nudged him with her shoulder and attempted to cheer him up. "I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to pick it, Harvey. It's beautiful though, and I love it. You've never put thought into a gift like this before, and I am touched."
"You don't even know the half it," Harvey could only grumble under his breath in response.
They continued picking gifts, with Louis stealing the painting of himself. Having lost the painting, Benjamin was able to steal Donna's gift, and was quite delighted. She would tell him about the blind date later.
Gretchen picked again having lost the bacon. She unwrapped a small box to find a couple of Molly Ringwald DVDs, Amelie, and tickets to the ballet. The summary on the back of the case for Amelie mentioned a café in Paris, and Grethen realized this movie was the closest she was going to get. At least she could give the ballet tickets to Louis and likely get a more generous Christmas bonus in return. She was always more of a Blues club or Cirque du Soleil kind of gal.
Brian was disappointed that Katrina would not be able to watch some of his favorite movies, like The Breakfast Club, that he picked out for her, but he was too delighted by gaining a client for it to linger.
Louis finally announced Donna's name. Reading Harvey's mood, she leaned into him and lowered her voice. She was aiming for a husky tone hoping some light flirting and a few extra strokes to borderline intimidate areas would help pull him out of it. "I'm sure you don't mind if I steal the Paris trip now that I can't choose your gift, right?" Harvey just shrugged and handed her the envelope. No one else heard their exchange but they were able to figure out what Donna selected once Harvey extended his arm. The dictaphone was still next to Alex, but Louis would eventually notice and make sure Donna had both.
Harvey was up again, but had completely lost interest in the game. Wanting to get it over with, he snatched an envelope off the table just to pick something. Tearing it open without a shred of excitement, he held up a certificate for month of mudding at a nearby club.
Gretchen had picked Harvey's name out of the Santa hat and had in fact selected the month trial for him, contingent on it including a guest pass. Initially, she had planned to seek Donna's advice to help her figure out something Harvey might enjoy. He was the reason she first started working at the firm after all. Since moving from his desk, things had only gotten better. While she ended up threatening to quit at least once or twice a week, she really did love working for Louis. They had formed a real bond once she figured out how to navigate his mood swings.
Harvey and Louis got into one of their stupid spats again, however, and Harvey got on her nerves enough to try to gift him into having to go mudding with Louis instead of something thoughtful. She had gone to his office ready to set him straight because she thought Donna might be making plans with the Kessler fella. While she was happy to give Harvey the business, she was disappointed to learn that Donna never did set up the date. Watching her and Harvey hovering around each other all party reminded her of why Donna likely passed. Now she just hoped Harvey would remove his head from his ass long enough to give Red the other kind of business.
"Harvey, what a wonderful gift. Mudding is simply sublime, you'll love it. And now that Shiela is pregnant, I can safely be your plus one!" Louis's grin was ominous, at least to Harvey.
Harvey shuddered at the inserted memory of the Missy Dietler incident. "Sorry Louis, but I am taking Donna." He reached down and laced their fingers together, not thinking about how it might look to the rest of the room. Donna was aware, but she still did not let go, enjoying their hands together for the second time that night.
Louis immediately started reminiscing about his mudding trip with Donna. "Mmmmm, I can't fault you for that. Donna makes a magnificent mudding mate. That was truly a magical day. Has there ever been such a deserving goddess? Donna is worthy of only the finest of mud worship." He paused after singing Donna's praises. Harvey was suspicious that he might be recalling images of Donna in the mud, He really hoped she at least wore a swimsuit that day.
Remembering the more important woman in his life, Louis continued, "Other than Shiela! Of course, she is more of a chocolate sauce bath kind of deity. Robert, Alex, did I ever tell you about the time…" The way his eyes glazed over snapped Robert into action.
"Let me stop you right there, Louis. Once you tell this story I can't pretend I've never heard it. Last time we had drinks I learned the hard way that I never want to hear about what you and Shiela get up to." Robert held a hand up in the air and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with the other, so that he could stare down them at Louis.
Louis reluctantly focused back on the exchange and informed Katrina she was next. She jumped at the chance to steal the client, planning to still give them to Samantha. The client ended up with Samantha anyway, because when it was her turn to steal, she forgot all about the books for Robert and chose a present for herself. She was curious about who would offer a large client as a gift in the first place and planned to do some digging.
Brian, picking again after Katrina's steal, chose a box containing two board games. It was quite underwhelming compared to Parisian getaways and seven figure clients, but Julie loved to have her friends over and they often opted to play games like these. He was satisfied.
Benjamin had selected Scattergories and Code Names for Alex. His interactions with him had been limited to setting up his systems when he first arrived and the occasional troubleshooting, but he did note that he was a family man who regularly held game nights. He had consulted Donna, who leaned on Samantha, to covertly ensure the specific games were not already a part of his collection.
After Samantha stole the client, Katrina picked again and decided to steal the movies and ballet tickets. It was obvious to her that Brian had chosen the gift. A part of her wanted to choose something else, knowing her feelings for Brian were reaching a dangerous level, but she loved the ballet and couldn't turn down the opportunity to discover a new piece of him through his movies.
Gretchen was left to pick again, and went with the last remaining unwrapped present, deciding to end the game instead of prompting another round of stealing. She was less than impressed with the classic books she found. It had nothing to do with her appreciation for books, she was a reader. Mysteries and romance novels were more her thing. She had a fondness for Alex Cross and anything by Karin Slaughter or Nora Roberts, but these books didn't fit the genres. They also seemed like the type of books left on a shelf for show, not for actual reading. She much preferred to display pictures of her family.
Louis announced that the exchange was officially over, and that there would be a karaoke machine the floor below as the associates were planning an after party. Robert often seemed to move in slow motion but was the first out the door after wrapping up his remaining cookies and tucking the piano securely under his arms. Harvey was hot on his heels.
"Harvey, you should know by now not to creep up on a man who has seen as many things as I have." Robert informed him, with his back still facing him inside of his office.
"Sorry Robert, I am not looking to surprise you, just to negotiate." He got straight to the point. Begging wasn't off the table, but for now, he straightened his posture and sharpened his voice aiming for strength and confidence.
"And what might you have that you think I want? We already gave Louis managing partner. Drink?" He walked over to the side table that doubled as a drink cart and poured himself one.
Harvey shook his head in response to the drink offer. "We'll figure out what you want, but what I need is that piano," he stated with a point of his finger.
"We're talking needs versus wants. Here I thought you played your cards closer to the vest." With drink in hand, he walked back to his desk and took a seat. He'd been on his ass most of the day, but he was a man who preferred that to being on his feet.
"I am not here to close you, I'll bend the knee. Money, clients? Name your price." Begging was looming sooner than he planned.
"Huh, never thought I'd see the day. But I am going to have to shut this down and let you know there is no price. I haven't gotten Laura a good gift in ages. In fact, I haven't even gotten her a gift yet at all. If I bring this baby to the house, I'll finally be out of the dog's." His voice still carried its powerful boom, but the tired undertones of a long day, maybe week, were audible.
"Robert, I am sure we can work this out. I'll send Laura on the spa weekend of a lifetime, under your name of course, or whatever she likes." He took a seat across the desk, tapping his foot nervously.
"Harvey, I am not changing my tune on this one." He slumped forward in his chair. His posture mirrored his patience. "A handcrafted gift like this is special. I've sent her on all kinds of trips to know she'll like this a lot better. I like you, Harvey, I do, but I love my wife. This is how you keep a marriage going as long as ours."
When fate throws you a bone and drops a perfect Christmas gift for your supportive, but recently neglected wife into your lap, you don't throw it back.
"I'm sorry, but you're going to have to take this up with Louis. I played the game, that's all. Can't you just go have another one made?" He pulled out his handkerchief to dab the sweat on his forehead. The winter was always an uncomfortable time in the office for him. Sure, it was cold outside, but it never warranted the high temperature the office was set to boil to.
"It wouldn't be the same," Harvey retorted under his breath, sounding as petulant as he felt.
He could buy more tickets, recreate the additions inside, but it would come late. The moment would be missed, maybe lost. The thought crossed his mind to warn Robert about the gifts in the lid, or at least to ask for that part back, but something stopped him. Whether that was from hope it would still work out, or a level of pettiness that had him imagining Laura discovering that the piano wasn't meant for her, he wasn't sure.
Harvey stood to leave, once again defeated. Donna, who was heading to her office to return the Macallan 18, noticed him storm out of Robert's office and back towards his. Once he was out of sight, she stepped in to chat with Robert.
When she entered his office, she found Harvey staring out at the window at the spectacular view of the city. The holiday lights and decorations made it standout even more than usual. She placed the piano on his desk, but having opted not to turn, he hadn't noticed. Approaching him, her first thought was to grab his hand and hold it like she did the night that Jessica left. Instead, she lifted his arm slightly, giving her space to melt into his side. Her arms found his waist, enclosing it with tentative pressure. She knew now that they were finally on the same page but contact like this was rarely permitted throughout their history. Old habits die hard, even after a night like this.
He tensed at the initial shock and then tightened the arm she had ducked under, around her. This type of connection he longed to get used to. Basking in the moment trumped his initial urge to ask her about the embrace.
"Harvey, I am ready too," she stated softly, but with certainty beyond what she had ever been able to express to him.
He looked down at her with wide eyes, even more surprised. "You got my present?" Optimism and joy flooded his heart after the initial shock. She said she was ready too. She was giving him his shot and he would make sure it was the last one he ever needed.
"I did and I love it. When did you get so romantic? The piano itself…" she paused and shook her head smiling. "But tickets to what was my first performance, that picture from the DA's office. Your note. Harvey, this was the best gift I have ever been given." She looked up at him with eyes that were tearing.
He was grinning. He was floating. There were all sorts of emotions that he had never felt before permeating his being. "I told you I really tried this time. And the reason I did was because I didn't want to waste another opportunity to tell you how I feel about you." He turned in her arms and pulled her flush against him. A side hug wasn't enough contact, he wanted to feel it all. His arms clung to her waist and hers laced around his neck. They stood like they were dancing, but without the movement or the music.
"I know I've messed things up in the past, but I hope you can tell that it's different now. I am different. I am ready." His eyes fixed on her lips as he licked his.
There were a multitude of responses swirling around her mind. They ranged from humorous, to lighten a moment that felt suffocating in its intensity, to flirtatious, as the last few hours (or the last 12 and a half years) already felt like foreplay, to declarations, because she had bottled up so many thoughts and emotions over the years that the idea felt freeing. Ultimately, she chose no words at all.
They had always been great at nonverbal communication for all things work, but never personal. Their bond formed quickly, maybe the night they met, at least after a few weeks working together at the DA's office. He was the person she knew better than any, and the one who knew her. They walked in lockstep, always in tune, a united force if there ever was one. She could anticipate his needs, read his moods, and uncover his scheming with enough time to change his mind if the situation called for it. The way he felt about her was the only question she couldn't Donna, the only puzzle she couldn't solve.
Waiting for him to provide the answer felt futile. Every time she had pushed him for it there was always a but it doesn't mean or a love me how lurking around the corner. Or even worse, a five foot something ex-therapist waiting with ultimatums. He never could find the right words, but tonight she no longer needed them. The piano held the fucking decoder, and the talking could wait. All she needed now was touch, lips, tongue, and a bed, his or hers.
Harvey had more that he wanted to say but knew now that he could save it for breakfast. If the partners hadn't voted down Louis's idea to install hidden nanny cams in all of the offices, they could have replayed the video to see who leaned in first. He couldn't bring himself to care after the nibble to her bottom lip elicited a moan that went straight to his groin and provided all the access his tongue needed to tangle with hers. He couldn't bring himself to care after his hands found their way underneath the hem of her delectably short dress and his fingers discovered how ready she already was for him, before circling around to cup her ass and lift her up onto the windowsill.
With her perched between the autographed Lebron James and Michael Jordan balls, dress bunched around her waist, Harvey spread her legs and stepped between them. The height wasn't perfect, but they adjusted, and the friction was. Their mutual groans and oh fucks were already threatening to reach dangerous volumes just from the grinding with layers still between them. Unzipping her dress just far enough to, he unhooked her bra, he freed the breasts he'd spent the last decade longing to be reacquainted with.
"Fuck, Donna, you're perfect," Harvey mumbled into her chest.
She scraped her fingers through his hair and hooked her leg around his ass to pull him impossibly closer. Their angle shifted slightly, allowing her to grind against his impressive bulge even more deliciously.
"Oh god, Harvey," she moaned in response.
They were both too far gone to notice when Louis's rendition of Last Christmas blared through the speakers. Benjamin, per Louis's orders, had hooked up the karaoke machine to the sound system for all of the floors. Susan's incredibly offkey rendition of All I Want for Christmas Is You was enough to break the spell, however.
The fact that they were in a glass office with the majority of their coworkers still roaming the building hit her suddenly, after Susan's screeching assaulted her ears. Her breasts were bared, and she was about three seconds from freeing Harvey from his pants. If even one person rounded the corner, there was no explaining away what they were doing. While she had no problem with her coworkers learning that she and Harvey finally made it, she greatly preferred not to have any witnesses.
She slowly retracted her hands from his waistband and leaned back from him. "Harvey, wait. We have to stop," she forced out, having never uttered words more reluctantly. Moving her hands to his head, she gently pulled up, detaching his lips from collarbone.
The sheer panic that transfixed his face sunk her heart a little and made her quick to explain. "Harvey, glass walls and drunken coworkers everywhere."
He nodded, understanding that she didn't want to stop things from progressing, she just needed a change of venue. She rewarded him with a kiss but broke it off before they could forget about the walls again. After stepping back from between her legs, he extended a hand and helped her down. The windowsill wasn't high enough to require assistance, but the urge to stay connected in some way overwhelmed. Once she was on her feet, she pulled her dress back down and he helped her with her bra and zipper.
Their desire was still running rampant. It took all of his self-control to not throw her over his shoulder and run to the elevators, or the file room if the lock and lack of glass was enough to appease her. Instead, he found himself taking a moment to tuck some loose strands of hair behind her ear before giving her another kiss. He had wrapped an arm around her hips, realizing her waist was a magnet, and left it. It was longer than the last, but more sensual than passionate, knowing too that he couldn't risk fanning the flames to the point of no return. Her waist had become a magnet, as he wrapped an arm around her hips.
"Hey," he started softly. "How did you get Robert to give you the piano, anyway? I offered him anything and he wasn't budging."
"Well, the simple answer is that I am Donna. You might be the city's best closer, but I am the state's best problem-solver. I'd say country's, but I haven't been to every state yet." She shot him a grin that conveyed both her confidence and sense of humor.
He found her boasting endearing, and didn't doubt a word, but he still wanted to know. "And the complex one?" He brought a second hand to her hips, and lightly stroked her sides.
"The complex answer is that I marched on in there and told him what was happening. I told him that I would be giving Gretchen the Paris trip that she deserves, and that she would be giving me the vintage books that Samantha chose for him. He would accept the books back, thank Samantha for them, and give me the piano." She stated matter-of-factly. She weaved a hand between the buttons of his shirt, wanting to feel skin. Thankfully he had gone without an undershirt today.
He shook his head incredulously. "I offered him clients, money, whatever, and all you had to do was tell him what you wanted to happen?"
"Well, that and promise to come up with another present for Laura for Christmas, and every birthday and anniversary for the next three years. Totally worth it." She grabbed his hand, ready to leave and more than willing to lead the way.
Still holding hands, she used her free one to grab her purse from where she left it on his desk next to the piano. He used his to tuck the piano under his arm and carry it for her. Still feeling pride about his gift, he added, "You do know I'll never be able to top this gift, right?"
"Harvey, I meant it when I said it was the best gift I've ever been given. I can hardly expect you to be able to top that every year. You're welcome to try, but I'll probably still add a pair of earrings or heels to your present." They had always exchanged gifts, or rather he had always given her permission to buy herself them, but what he was saying was different. She knew it wasn't about the gifts, but about their future together. She was beaming.
"As long as we are on the same page." He punctuated it with another kiss. Touching her, kissing her, he was never going to get enough.
"Oh, we are, and I plan on keeping it that way. Now take me home so that you can unwrap the best gift you've ever been given," she leaned back in to whisper in his ear, as sultry as possible.
"What are we waiting for?"