Donna, Harvey and Amelia are having dinner together. They decided to spend the evening together and so they cooked. Since their favorite food is Chicken Parm they just decided to cook that and some self-made pasta. They also made Bruschetta as a starter and Harvey also made Tiramisu for dessert. Donna and Amelia aren't particularly good at it but Harvey is. It's one of his 'secrets' only a few people know. The kitchen looks like it's been bombed, but they had a lot of fun doing it.
"Wow dad. We've eaten in a lot of premium restaurants but this Tiramisu is the best I've ever had" she says as she licks her fingers, making Harvey laugh.
"That I can confirm" Donna adds "but I've also never seen someone licking their fingers on a table like that"
"Uhm uh" she looks at them in turn "sorry?"
"Thanks for the compliment" Harvey laughs "There's enough, do you want seconds?"
"God no!" she laughs "I'm going to burst. I'd better leave some for tomorrow"
"all right" he smiles
"Oh my god! You're my dad!" she gets up and jumps at him again while he's sitting on his chair.
"Wow, take care" he says laughing putting the plate and mug away before he hugs her tight.
"uhm, not that I cared before but now I know I have nothing to do with him" she feels the urge to justify her sentences
"I know" he reassures her putting her hair behind her ear.
"I think I've never been that happy in my life before" he says affectionately
"Me neither"
"Non of us" Donna adds and approchaes them and Harvey and Amelia get up to embrace each other.
"sooo" he looks at his favorite women after a few seconds "who's going to clean up? I mean since I cooked" he looks at them with a huge smile
Amelia clears her voice "Uhm- I'd love to but… I have a hell of a lot homework to do for tomorrow" she says and wants to leave.
"yeah sure" Harvey laughs "what's your excuse?" he looks at Donna.
"I have a meeting with my bath. I'm sorry honey I can't cancel again it's planned for weeks" she says with such a confidence that one could think it's something really serious
"seriously mom?" Amelia laughs "My excuse is at least halfway credible" she shakes her head
"So then since you don't have any plans" Harvey gets up from the kitchen table "I wish the two of you lots of fun cleaning" he walks towards the bedroom
"where are you going?" Donna asks
"I have a meeting with my bed" he smiles at them and leaves.
The two women look at each other "Did he really leave?" Amelia asks and her mother nods "He tricked us"
"Goddamn lawyers!" they say in canon with a smile and start cleaning.
… … …
When Donna wakes up in the middle of the night the place next to her is empty. She waits a little in hopes Harvey will come back but he doesn't. She then gets up to look for him. As she enters the living room she sees him sitting on the couch in the dark. Only a slight light from the lamp in the corner is making light.
"Can't you sleep?" she asks in a low voice and he flinches because he hasn't hear her come in.
"Sorry" she apologizes. I didn't mean to scare you.
"It's okay" he smiles
Donna sits down next to him on the left and places a hand on his back and with the other she takes his.
"Another nightmare?" Harvey nods.
"I know it's pathetic"
"No, it's not. Harvey, what you've been through in the last few weeks is not so easy to forget. And I don't just mean the kidnapping and what they did to you" she says softly. "He was the cause of a lot of bad things that happened to you. Of course you can't let go of it that easily" she tells him lovely.
"but it's over now" he says, sounding ashamed "It was much worse for Amelia and she doesn't act like me either"
"Honey" Donna puts her palm on his cheek and turns his head to face him.
"Everyone deals with experience differently. You can't compare yourself with Amelia or anyone else and in case you've forgotten: she was in therapy to be able to deal with it! You're right, it is over but it doesn't mean that you just can go on as if nothing had happened."
"It's weeks ago. I know she's safe now and I know they can't hurt anyone anymore. It's just every time I close my eyes I can hear her shouts not to hurt me, I can't get her voice outa my head.
Or once I fall asleep he takes her away from me and I can't help her" he gulps while a tear rolls down his cheek. She lifts her arm and wipes it away with the back of her index finger.
"Of course you can't forget it that easily. They almost killed you and let you beaten up on the floor while they kidnapped her in front of you. That alone would be worse enough. Now it turned out that the person who came in our house so many times did all of that and it's the same person who tried to destroy your relationship to Amelia and me. You need time, honey." She tells him softly not really knowing what to tell him.
"And I haven't noticed the slightest thing" he whispers
"No, that's not on you" she stories his back "How could you? I spent a lot more time with him than you did and didn't realize it. If anyone should've noticed, it was me."
"He was kind in front of you, you had no chance" he says softly. They stay in silence for a few moments till Harvey starts speaking again. He's also struggling with the fact that he can't even be at that place anymore but he doesn't know if he can bother her with it. Eventually he decides to tell her since he also had to promise her the other day to be honest about his feelings.
"I can't even be there anymore" he tells her quietly.
"Have you tried it?"
He nods slightly and then looks at her "I'm sorry I didn't tell you" he apologizes
"You don't have to apologize. Maybe it'd really help you to be there again and see that nothing will happen anymore"
"Yeah maybe. If I could manage to be there" he swallows.
"Would you like me to come with you?"
He shakes his head "I'm sorry Donna. You know I love you and trust you most in the world but- this is something I need to do alone"
"No need to apologize" she assures him lovely "I understand. I just don't think you should do it alone. You could ask Mike?" she suggests "Sometimes it might be easier to talk to friends first" "Honey, I can talk to you about everything" he smiles "I won't ask Mike on something I said no to you"
"I know that you trust me. I don't mind if you do" she assures him "I just want you to feel better and thought it would be easier for you since he was the first there and saw you"
He shakes his head "The only person who really knows how I feel is Amelia. And I can't and won't ask her"
"why not? she'd be happy to help you"
"She's been through enough herself and had just started to come to terms with it. Now she's found out that her own father kidnapped her. Everything she went through was because of someone she really cared about. She has enough stuff to deal with already. I'm not gonna burden her with my problems, too"
"I get you, really. But maybe it helps both of you to deal together with it. You get each other better than anyone else could. You both were there. You could try and go back where it happened. You know she's able to be there again. She also had to try it a few times but then she managed it"
"We tried it Donna." He tells her for the first time "Last time we went for a walk and I didn't know it'd bother me she asked if we wanna go back there. We had to turn because of me. I almost had a panic attack as soon as we got only in the near of it and then a car passes us- a black SUV and I just rushed and left her back. I can't do that to her again. I'll get over it at some point it doesn't matter, I don't even have to ge back there ever again. I'm just glad she can be there without panicking. And please don't be mad at her I asked her not to tell anyone"
"Don't worry, I'm not" Donna takes a deep breath
"Have you thought about therapy? It might help you, too?"
"I did, i'm still thinking about it. I just don't think someone who has no idea what I've been through can help me"
"It helped Amelia"
"yeah that's right" he confirms with a weak smile on his lips
"Look, it's on you how you wanna deal with it. Just promise me not to keep it to yourself. Talk to me or Mike, ask Amelia or go and see someone, just please don't try to deal with it alone" she pleads. She knows him and she knows he never wants to bother someone with his problems or never wants someone to worry about him but this time she has to insist multiple times. Because he needs them and actually he knows that, too.
He nods "I promise" he kisses her.
"Let's go back to bed. We are facing a difficult time and we need to stay focused"
"But there are gonna be great times again. I mean," a huge smiles builds up on her face "She's yours" and he returns the huge smile the second he thinks about it "She is, she's my daughter"
"As soon as this scum is behind bars, we'll forget everything about him and never mention him again"
"Mrs Specter" he raises an eyebrow "I didn't know you know those words" he chuckles.
"Oh, you still don't know a lot about me, mister"
"is that so?" She nods
"Does that include the bed activities?"
"seriously? Bed activities?" she emphasizes
"what?" he narrows and she rolls her eyes "It's a normal word" he protests
"Yeah sure" she starts kissing his neck again.
"So does it?" he insists of an answer because he loves it to tease her.
"Why don't you come into the bedroom and find out?" she just shoots out and walks towards it. He stays there for a few seconds slightly confused about his wife before rushing after her.
… … …
"Wow!" he lies on his left side watching her "Where have you been all those years?" he teases.
"Means what? You haven't been satisfied all the other times?"
"Uhm- uh" he now regrets his sentence and she knows it but she loves it just as much as he does to tease him.
"I'm waiting" she forces back a laugh
"I-" he scratches his head while he thinks about what to say
"I love you, too" she tells him in a serous tone.
"that's not what I meant" he manages to say and she can't hold it anymore and bursts out in a laugh and can't stop herself.
"You've had enough?" he asks at some point but she has a laughing fit.
"Yeah, sorry" she places a kiss on his lips "It's just… the look on your face when you don't know what to say is simply unbearable." She chuckles
"I'm glad you're having so much fun with it."
"Me too" she quickly places another kiss on his lips and turns her back to him and snuggles up to him while he gently surrounds her.
"You were great as always" he lets her know affectionately and she chuckles because she finds his urge to let her know that he's always loved it funny
"You too"
Four days later
The trial will be soon since the police found all evidence it were Scottie and Derek. After he had told them where the money was they went there. After his mother's death Derek took over the condo because it was cheap and he couldn't let go of it but for him it was always his mother's condo. After he was able to earn enough money for himself he just payed the rent and put a fake name on the door. For himself he rented a bigger one. After the kidnapping he had the perfect place for the money. But now the police has everything. Finally they can proof it was him since there was the whole amount of the marked bills.
They also managed to catch Sergio. It was pretty easy after Derek's description. They also found him in his contacts so they can proof too that he was involved and helped him.
Harvey and Mike are getting about 48.9 million dollars back. Derek and Scottie spent almost a million dollars. They only slept in expensive hotels for the last weeks, bought a lot of expensive clothes and a car for each of them. Sergio had spent about 100.000 dollars but he doesn't want to tell them for what and he doesn't care about the punish. The rest was in a hut on the mountains that belonged to his family.
Mike and Harvey are doing everything to find even more proof to bring Derek behind bars for a really long while, at the best for his whole miserabler life. And the same counts for Scottie and Sergio.
Derek on the other side wants to see Amelia and is asking for days now. He pretends to be sorry for everything. He knows there's no way out of the whole thing so he decided to act as if he'd be sorry to get a slighter punish.
He doesn't know they already know the truth. Mike wanted to tell him the other day but he preferred to let Harvey have that satisfaction and he was really grateful for him.
Harvey is glad Jessica didn't tell Amelia everything Derek said about her. He knows she's hurting enough and knowing that he never wanted to have anything to do with her will make it worse than it already is, even thought he's pretty sure she knows it inside her. Rachel told him that she had decided not to go and see Derek if he wouldn't be okay with it. But now she has no intention of doing it anyway. She has nothing to do with him so there's no reason anymore to try and understand why he did it. It was money nothing else.
Harvey is on the kitchen Island drinking a cup of coffee when his daughter ones in.
"Dad, d'you have a moment?"
"Yes sure, what is it sweetheart?" He puts the cup on the table and focuses on her.
"Are you alright?" she asks, fully aware of the answer but unsure how to approach the topic.
"yes honey, why d'you ask?"
"Because you… you look like you haven't slept in days and you're-" She hesitates but decides to be honest "jumpy"
"You're imagine it" he tells her "I'm fine" he smiles weakly.
"Sure" she adds sarcastically
"Did Donna talk to you?"
'No why? What about?" she asks and he notices from her tone that she really doesn't know what he's talking about.
"Nothing" he shakes his head but he can't even convince himself.
"Dad please. No secrets anymore, right?" she looks him with puppy eyes and his heart melters
"right" her father confirms.
Harvey takes a deep breath and tells her about the nightmares and what he talked with Donna about.
"Then let's go there together" she suggests "I've been there and know how to deal with it. If it doesn't help you than you can consider a therapy just like me" she smiles at him.
"I don't know honey"
"Come on dad. I know you don't want anyone to worry about you and you don't want to bother anyone but you're not doing it. You're always there for everyone. You were there for uncle Marcus when he was ill, you've been there for me and mom always" she emphasis "I mean you even helped uncle Mike and you didn't even know him" she arguments. "This time it's you who needs help. Please let's try it"
"Okay" he agrees "When do you have time?"
"Whenever you want"
"how about today afternoon?"
"sounds good" she tells him.
"is anything else?" he asks lovely
"You promise to be honest?"
"yes"
"Do you think he ever cared about me? I mean I know he always knew he wasn't my father but- do you think he liked me somehow?"
Harvey hoped she'd never ask him that but he promised to be honest so he will "No, I don't think so"
"That's what I thought" she says sadly
"I'm sorry honey"
"you don't have to be, dad. I'll get over it. Actually it's much easier to get over it. Now when I know that I'm not related to that son of a bitch. He started to piss me of anyway when he kissed mom and locked you in the file room… However, he'll get his punish and he'll realize that all he did with this whole thing was destroying his own life. We'll get over it and we'll forget everything about him." She smiles gleefully "but he'll always remember us"
"Yeah, that's damn right"
… … …
"Hey" he enters her office
"Hey" she approaches him placing a kiss on his lips.
"I missed you today morning"
"I missed you too" she tells him "I had an important meeting and didn't want to wake you. You were sleeping so peacefully"
"Thanks for the breakfast" he thanks her kissing her again "Amelia and I ate way too much" he chuckles
"I'm happy you liked it"
"Do you wanna take over cooking now and replace me?" he asks in a teasing voice.
"Nooo! Sure not!" she laughs "This was a one-time thing for sure. So don't get used to it"
"Well, I think that's not going to work. It was too tasty to be a one time thing" he teases further. He knows very well it was ordered food. As much as he loves her and as good as she is at everything she does, cooking is not her thing. Even if she served the food in such a way that it didn't look perfect, the taste gave it away. He and Amelia had a lot of fun with it because they noticed it immediately. And she also had forgotten a little bag behind the kitchen counter.
"You know?" she says somehow disappointed.
"Of course we know"
"Amelia too?" she shoots out and Harvey laughs out loud about her shocked voice
"I'm sorry honey but it was too tasty to be cooked by you"
"You know what. I will never try to be nice to you both again." She loosens herself from him as he tries to hug her.
"come on" he asks in such a soft voice that she can't avoid a smile and lets him embrace her.
"I love you" he tells her tenderly "We really appreciated it. And you know what?" he looks at her with shining eyes "It was our second first breakfast as father and daughter."
"OH NO Sherlock, really?" It's on Donna to tease him now
"you knew?"
"Of course I knew. Why d'you think I did it?" Harvey shakes his head and smiles "you're really the best" he says quietly
"what? I didn't got it" she puts her hand on her ear.
"I said you're the best" he repeats it on her ear "Thank you" he whispers and kisses her again.
"You're welcome"
… … …
Harvey and Amelia are on their way to where it happened.
"Are you okay?" she asks lovely looking at him.
"Yeah" he smiles weakly but the closer they get there the faster beats his heart. She stops walking and so does he.
"why d'you stop?" he asks
"Because I want to tell you something first. I know how difficult this is for you. I also know that you tried it alone after we were here together."
"How?"
"Because I did it alone myself" she admits to him "but it doesn't work alone. I want you to know that we can turn back at any time and that it's not shameful. It takes time daddy. BUT I also want you to try it. If it doesn't work today, then tomorrow or next week or next month. It doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is that you do it and you will" she says confidently "because I did it too and because I won't let you stop when I know you can go further"
"Last time a car drove past" he tells her quietly "and I had to turn around what I if it happens again?"
"Then I'm here for you." She assures him "It happened to me myself when I was here with my therapist"
"What did you do?"
"I ran away" she had actually told him after the incident with him but obviously he was so lost in thought that he didn't even listen to her. She doesn't want him to feel bad and doesn't mention it.
"Let's get closer" he whispers hesitantly
Amelia knows how he's feeling, she was in the same position weeks ago. A few feet further he then turns to her
"I think we should go back" he's just too afraid to enter that place again. He doesn't want to risk her by being back there.
"If you want that we will but I think you can go a few feet further"
"I can't see that place again Amelia" he tells her quietly and she gets in front of him to face him.
"That's what I said back then too and than I did it and it helped me an incredible amount to process the whole thing."
"I can't ever go back there"
"Do you know why I was able to do it? Because of you. You always taught me to never give up and fight. I got over it because of you. Now you have to follow your own advice"
"okay" he agrees and they walk till where it happened. The closer they are the harder he squeezes Amelia's hand. It hurts her a little but she doesn't mind. If she can help him than it's worthy.
Now they are standing at the same position as back then when the car stopped in front of them. Harvey's breathing starts to labour and sweat is building up on his forehead.
"It's okay, I'm here" she tells him softly but he can't really hear her. His vision is getting blurry as he remembers the scenes. He closes his eyes and is transported to the situation weeks ago.
"Amelia" he whispers hearing her shouts. He can't really get air in his lungs and Amelia is mad at herself for not going back when he suggested it.
"I'm here dad" she puts her right hand on his left upper arm to make sure he knows he's not alone but to also give him space. But it doesn't seem like he's noticing her at all.
"Amelia run" he tells her. He thinks it's happening again and can't different the imagination from the reality.
"Look at me" she asks him more forefully. Somehow her voice catches him so he opens his eyes.
"I am alright. We're alone" she tells him, stroking his arm.
"Look around, there's no one. Nothing will happen" and he does. It calms him as he looks into the distance and sees no one far and wide.
"He got you in front of me" he lets out and tears start to roll down his face. He hates it but can't control it. He kept it inside him for so long but now being back here he can't control it anymore.
"It wasn't your fault"
"I should've protected you- but I failed" he closes his eyes while tear rolls down his checks even more. They sit down on the floor while she holds him tight. He wants to stop them but can't and her heart aches to see him like this.
"Daddy please look at me" he blinks a few times to be able to hold them open.
"It wasn't your fault" she repeats in a soft voice.
"I blamed myself too for what happened to you. I realized that it's nobody's fault but their's. Please believe me, it's not your fault" she says and can barely hold back her own tears.
"Please, Just hold me tight okay?" he asks and she does.
"I love you daddy"
"I love you, too cupcake"
They stay there for a little while because Harvey asks her to. He wants to wait till a car passes them to see if he can bear it. After half an hour it happens. As soon as they notice the car Amelia grabs his hand and whispers "Nothing will happen. I'm right here"
It's a red Mercedes and a hound man is in it. He stops in front of them and Harvey's hears stops a beat. He lets go of Amelias hand and knocks his own hands together squeezing them as hard as he can.
"Are you alright? D'you need help?" the man asks friendly.
"No thank you" Amelia answers with a smile
"sure?"
"Yeah, thank you" she nods and he drives away
"Dad?"
"He wanted to help" he says quietly
"Yeah" she smiles at him and rests her head on his shoulder.
When they're back at home Amelia makes some tea for them. Even though it was worse, Harvey is feeling much better than the whole last weeks and especially since they know Derek was the kidnapper.
"Thank you" he smiles at her "You were right. Being there helped me a lot. You have no idea how much this means to me"
"You don't have to thank me dad. I'm just happy I could help you a little bit"
"It was a lot" he corrects her. "I thought I'd never be able to go back there. I never told anyone but you were right. I tried it multiple times on my own. I always had to stop. I am grateful to you that you encouraged me to go ahead and not to stop when I wanted. I know you're blaming yourself for the panic attack but I want you to know it was the right thing to do."
"okay" she says quietly. "Are you okay?" she asks concerned and he doesn't answer. He's considering to tell her about the nightmares.
"You are having nightmares lately, aren't you?" she asks and thus makes the decision easier for him even thought is shocks him that she obvious noticed it.
"Yes" he tells her but quickly assures her. "I'll just need a little time but now I know I'll be okay again and just because of you. You're helping me with my claustrophobia, you're helping me with this"
"I don't mind dad"
"I know that." He smiles at her
"I also never thanked you for stoping him to sue me"
"You didn't have to, I screwed up and I snapped at you when you hit him. I kinda owe it to you although he had no right to do that"
"However, it doesn't matter anymore. We're good now that's what counts. I know that if things had gotten tough, you would have chosen me."
"Uncle Mike told you"
"He did. He wanted to make me feel better after they… he told me that you shouted a him and protected me. He wanted to make clear that you never stopped caring about me, so don't be mad at him"
She smiles "I'm not. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't know if you'd believe me. So I decided to proof it to you otherwise"
"You did. I know that you always loved me and I hope you know it was the same the other way around" she just nods and hugs him.
A week later
It really helped Harvey immenseley that he was back there. Unlike all the days before, he only had three nightmares this week, and not every night."
He knows it needs time, but with his friends and family by his side, he'll get over it, especially as soon as the whole real nightmare is over."
There's nothing he and Donna want more than spending an evening together, just the two of them. It's a long time ago he had it. Yeah sure they were alone and enjoyed it but they need a real evening together.
Amelia noticed that and planned it for them. She ordered food for them, everything they need: appetizer, main course, dessert.
She has set the table for them and decorated their apartment romantically and has even provided music so that all they have to do is press the button.
Their bedroom is full of roses and candles. Here she had to get help from Rachel because she had no idea how to do it as she is not the most romantic person in the world.
"What have we done to deserve this?" Donna asks in surprise
"Because you're world's best parents and because I love you."
"We love you too honey" Donna kisses her cheek and so does Harvey
"thank you" they say in canon.
"You haven't had an evening for yourself in months. I thought you could forget everything for a few hours and just be together. Just the two of you"
"you won't join us?" Donna asks
"No. This is meant only for you. I'll sleep at Julia's" she smiles "Oh and"
"I don't think the dessert survived the transportation that well"
"never mind, we don't need any" Harvey shoots out without thinking and looks at his wife with a smile "okaaay that's enough! I'm leaving" she says with a grimace of disgust and leaves the apartment.
Donna laughs loudly "why d'you do that?"
"It seemed to me that she was taking longer to leave. I wanted to speed things up. Was I wrong?"
"No" she shoots out laughing "We do have a great daughter, don't we?"
"the best" he confirms and start to dress her up.a
"Our food" she whispers
"we have a microwave"
"Yeah you're right" she agrees while buttoning his shirt eagerly.
Later they get up again and enjoy the food their daughter has organized for them. Obviously she knows them too god because she took care the food is in boxes which can hold the warmth multiple hours. That's why she hasn't places it on the plates and decides to let them do that themselves when they really need it.
They laugh at that even though it's a little uncomfortable to know she knows them too well about that. They decide just to tell her that it was really tasty and to never mention the boxes. If they act like they had eaten it immediately they'd never know the boxes are there to hold the food warm.
10 days later
Today is the trial and since there's enough evidence, it doesn't need a jury to decide but a judge.
Derek is playing a perfect act to manipulate the judge and convince him that he's sorry for everything that happened. He claims that he was blind for hatred against Harvard because of what happened with his brother and for keeping Amelia from him.
"You goddamn son of a bitch" Harvey yells at him and gets up from his chair. He wants to approach him but is hold back by Mike who's his attorney.
"Watch your mouth Mr Specter" the judge warns
"He's lying" Harvey yells "She's my daughter, that damn bastard manipulated the test" Harvey watches directly in Derek's eyes enjoying the shock. He thought they'd never find out and now he also lost the one thing he had against them. Derek realizes it and Harvey can see it in his eyes.
"Yeah you scum" Harvey smiles gleefully "we've known it for a long time. But I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you myself. Your expression right now I wouldn't won't to miss it for nothing in the world. You lost you won't be remembered by no one. Never again." Harvey tells him with such a joy in his voice that it makes the whole situation even worse for Derek and he doesn't even try to hide it. He couldn't even it he wanted. His expression says everything"
"Is that true?" asked the judge after Harvey finishes.
"It is" Mike confirms and gives him the test, which Mike has had done twice to be absolutely sure.
"Do you remember what you said to Mike? That I will always be reminded of you?" Harvey shakes his head
"She is my daughter, my" he repeats, emphasizing "While you will spend your life alone in your 48 sq cell, we will enjoy our lives and not waste a single thought on you"
"Do you have anything to say about this Mr. Bradford" asks the judge
"I can only repeat how sorry I am" he says as he bursts into tears. "I don't know what has gotten into me. I never thought" his voice breaks. He takes a few seconds to gather himself "I never though I'd be capable of something like this" he keeps lying in hopes it'll work out and the judge will believe him. "I am really sorry Harvey" he looks in his energy's eyes "For everything I've done"
"Shut the hell up" Harvey says between clenched teeth.
After a few seconds of silence, the judge speaks "We withdraw to make a judgment."
"I can't believe how callous some people are." Rachel says upset after they left the court room.
"Goddamn bastard" Amelia says in a low voice
"Honey are you okay?" Donna asks and she nods but they all notice that Harvey's struggling.
"Dad? Are you alright?" but there's no answers, he's too lost in thought.
"Dad?" she approaches him placing a hand on his shoulder. He then lifts his head to look at her
"I'm sorry, uhm- I need a minute" he says and walks towards the exit.
"Daddy" Amelia wants to follow him but is held back by Donna "Stop honey. Give him a little space"
"He shouldn't be alone" she protests
"Mike should go"
"Donna I don't think i'm the right person"
"I think you're the one who can help him best" she says knowing that Derek's act affected him in some way.
Mike finds him outside the building in a corner. He approaches him and they stay there in silence till Harvey speaks up "what if the judge believes him?"
"Harvey" Mike looks immediately at him not expecting that from him "There's no chance a single person would believe him that bullshit of an act"
"He made it look like it was all my fault."
"No one believes him" he tries to convince his friend. He never thought he'd struggle with something like that since the evidence are pretty
I find he was pretty convincing"
"okay, then look at me and answer me honestly" and he does as told "If anyone else had approached you with all the evidence we have against Derek to auction him off in court. Would you have had the slightest doubt about winning? Or would his acting have unsettled you in any way?" Harvey shakes his head tearing his look from Mike
"You see? You don't have to have any doubt here as well. The burden of proof against him is enormous. And now there is also the manipulation of the paternity test."
"Yeah" he says in a low voice "Let's go back, they must be worried" he says and starts walking.
"Harvey" Mike grabs him by his shoulder "Don't worry, I promise you there's no chance he can get out of this"
Harvey just smiles at him and nods briefly
Sentencing
"This court has sat through the file, has heard arguments of defense and the state, has listened to the witnesses today and after considering all of those things and since we also have the confession of the defendant I have come to the following verdict. The defendant Derek Bradford is sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping, concealing the administration of drugs and forgery of documents.
"What!" Derek jumps up in shock "You can't do that!?" he says terrified "That goddamn bastard deserved it" he blurts out.
"You see?" says the judge calmly "I didn't buy your absurd excuse. You did all that with full awareness. You were driven by greed and hatred. You tortured the victims with full intent, inflicting and enjoying.
The verdict is in, the trial is closed.
"No!" Derek protests but is ignored by everyone. The police get him and bring him back to his cell.
"I can't believe it! it's over!" Donna laughs and throws herself at Harvey while Amelia thanks Mike.
"Dad" she hugs him tight them "it's over" she looks at him beaming all over her face.
"Yeah it is" he replies full of joy and embraces her again.
They all hug each other and decide to go at the Specter's and celebrate. They even allow Amelia to drink but also make clear it's a one time thing till she's 21. Of course all of them know she'll do it again 'secretly' they've done it, too.
Today, a week after is Scottie's and Sergio's trial. Scottie is sentenced to 20 years for helping him with everything and torturing them. Even though their weren't that much evidence against her like against Derek it was pretty clear that she knew everything. Sergio is sentenced to 15 years for helping him with hurting Harvey and kidnapping Amelia. The Specters are pretty happy with the punishment especially with Derek's.
The family is watching TV when Harvey gets up to open the door when someone knocks on it.
"Hello Mr Spencer" a girl greets him. She's Amelia's age and is probably a Latina. She has bangs and her black hair is gathered into a ponytail.
"I am Paloma Lopez, Sergio's daughter" she introduces herself hesitantly
"what do you want here?" he asks somehow coldly.
She presses her lips together and takes an envelope out of her bag "I'm here to give you this" she hands it to him
"what's this?"
"Some of the missing money. He gave it to me weeks ago and said he won it and I believed him because… he's a gambler. He destroyed our family with it was credible." Harvey doesn't interrupts her and listens to the girl.
"He bagged me to take it. He said I would need in to pay the collage in a few years and wanted me to go and buy some good clothes only once."
"There are missing 30 thousand" he says and she nods "I know. I paid my mom's therapy. That's why I hesitated to give it to you right away. My dad didn't pay it he said that's all he won. I didn't know how much he really got. He would've let her die just to keep it a secret." Her eyes fill with tears.
"It was wrong, my mom found out and made clear that it's not right to keep someone else's money. Don't worry I'm looking for a job and I will pay you everything back. I know it'll take a long while but I'll pay back everything. I am really sorry for what my dad did to you and your family" and her voice breaks "I never thought he'd be capable of something like that" she says and turns to leave. Harvey looks at the envelope and then at the girl again.
"wait" he stops her
"what about your mother? Does she need more therapy?"
"Yes. But we don't have the money so… she'll die" she swallows
"here" he stretches out his arm with the envelope in his hand "take this"
"No" she shakes her head "I can't take this"
"Yes, you can and you will" he says softly "My mom will never accept it, anyway"
"She will. Tell her that I'm okay with it. And your father was right, you also need it for college" he smiles at the girl.
"why do you do that? after everything my father did to you"
"Because like you said it your father did it, not you. Just because he's an asshole doesn't mean you are. And I don't want you to lose your mother, too."
"Thank you" she says and throws herself at Harvey
"yeah you're welcome" he taps her back.
"I'll pay you everything back"
"You don't have to" He assures her "I have enough, I don't mind" he smiles at her "you shouldn't have any debts before you are even in employment" she chuckles and nods thanking him
"Goodbye Mr Specter"
"Goodbye Paloma"
"How did she know where we live?" Donna asks confused while Amelia is standing next to her
"Seriously? That's your first question?" he raises an eyebrow, making her smile. She already knows where he wants get to it
"oh my god. I can't believe what a good person you are" she approaches him and kisses him tenderly.
"Much better" he chuckles
"Are you done now?" Amelia asks sarcastically annoyed
"why did you do that dad?" she then asks seriously
"Because it's not her fault what happened. She just lost her father, I don't want her to lose her mother too."
"She could still die"
"I know, but maybe she doesn't. At least I hope it very much for her"
"She sounded really sorry"
"she is. And I don't wanna punish her for something she hasn't done"
Half a month later Harvey gets a letter from Paloma, in which she thanks him. She sent him a picture of her and her mother. She's fine again and there's still enough money for her to pay college.
Harvey smiles at this and puts the envelope in one of he drawers. He always wants to be reminded that the whole thing had a good outcome: one life was literally saved and another will have a fair chance to achieve something in life.
Paloma kept writing Harvey and the Specters on every Christmas and let him know when she ended college and became on of the best lawyers in Seattle. They even met one or two times and had some coffee together.
A week after the last sentencing
The Specter-family is sitting on the dining table and they're having dinner when Donna clears her voice.
"I thought we could go on vacation together when everything is over, maybe on Christmas?"
"Yeah, that's a great idea" Harvey replies with a smile
"Any idea where? Maybe Hawaii?" he suggests
"I thought about Miami Beach" it was Amelia's wish the year before last but they went to Cuba and last year they visited Harvey's fly in Boston.
"What d'you think?" Harvey turns to his daughter knowing the answer already. But since they have made up Amelia is always on his side whether she's okay with it or not. Harvey has noticed it a while ago, he just thought or hoped it won't last. However, it's not changing and he knows he has to talk to her. This is the next test he has for her.
"I think Hawaii would be great" she says with a smile.
"Really? You've been dying to go to Miami Beach for a while, haven't you?"
"Yeah but- I don't know" she shrugs with her shoulder "I changed my mind" she lies.
Harvey clears his voice "Honey" he looks at her "You don't always have to agree with what I say just because you don't want to disappoint me"
"I'm not doing it. I just don't want to go there anymore"
"I have an important call I completely forgot" Donna says and leaves to leave them alone.
"Look, I get that you don't want to disagree with me. It doesn't mean you have to be okay with everything I say. And sure not about something like this"
"I don't wanna disappoint you again" she says sadly "I have hurt you so incredibly. I just never want to do it again"
Harvey takes a deep breath "Honey, I know that" he says lovely "Yeah you hurt me and it took me a little to believe you that you're sorry and that you care about me. I also told you that we're good. I know you're sorry and I know you love me and care about me, I know that!" He emphasizes "You don't have to keep trying to proof it to me anymore. I want you to keep saying your opinion even if it's not the same I have. I won't be disappointed just because you want to eat something different or to visit another place than I want" he tells her softly.
She looks with teary eyes at him "Okay?" he asks lovely. Amelia takes a deep breath "okay" she nods.
"Come here" he gets up and takes her in his arms.
"So it's Miami Beach, right?"
"Actually" she breaks their hug "I thought we could invite our big family to us on Christmas"
"big family?" Harvey asks confused. Their family isn't that big.
"Mom's and your parents, all your siblings with their families, Aunt Rachel and her parents and of course uncle Mike"
"Wow" Harvey laughs "That's a lot of people"
"yeah I know and I know it's your money but maybe we can celebrate together and book some hotel rooms for them. I don't think they need the most expensive ones and I'd take it over to take care of it. I'd say they could sleep here but-" she smiles "Our apartment isn't that big"
"That's a really great idea. It's something we need to talk about first. Let's ask mom what she thinks" Harvey suggests and they call Donna and tell her about the idea.
"That's a great idea, honey" she smiles
"Yeah" she shrugs "I thought it would be great to celebrate together"
"You still seem somehow hesitant?" Donna notices
"Yeah, It's uhm… uncle Mike. We all would have our parents around us, everyone but him. I don't want him to be sad.
"Honey" Donna approaches her placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
"I think he'll love the idea. He'll always miss his parents on those days. Nevertheless he'll love to celebrate with all of us"
"you sure?"
"pretty sure"
"Okay than let's ask them. Could you ask him first dad? And analyze his reaction?"
Harvey chuckles "I will"
"I thought we could invite Mike and Rachel for diner" Harvey speaks up again "Without them we would never have found out the truth and we wouldn't who knows how the whole thing would've ended without their money. There's nothing we can buy or give them they can't get themselves but we just can spend time with them and let them know how much it means to us"
"I'm sure they know that daddy. It's a great idea though and I also have an idea for a present"
"Yeah? What is it?" Donna asks curiously
"Next month it's their fifth wedding anniversary. We could give them a vacation maybe for a week with everything they like. With activities they can do together for example paragliding and some they can do alone like spa for aunt Rachel and climbing for uncle Mike"
"That's a really great idea" her parents agree
"Since I can't pay that I'd suggest that I could organize and take care of everything. Just give me a money limit and I'll take care of the rest"
"You have free limit" Donna tells her, just ask us maybe before booking.
"Sure. And if you know something they told you what I don't know, let me know"
"we will" Harvey says
… … …
"Hey Harvey, you wanted to see me?"
"Hey Mike yeah, take a seat" he points to the couch in their living room.
"Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, yeah don't worry. Everything is great."
"Are you alright?"
"I am, thanks" he smiles reassuringly "It was a hard time but since he's in jail and I know he can't get out of it, I'm much better"
"Yeah I noticed that. I'm really happy for you"
"you noticed?"
"Yeah you… you were a little jumpy after the attack" Mike admits "I asked Donna since I didn't want to bother you. I thought it'd be good to have one person who doesn't ask how you were doing all the time" he smiles and so does Harvey
"Yeah, you were right. You don't need to worry about me anymore. I can sleep through the night almost every time and I can even be there without panicking anymore"
"That's great, Harvey. Uhm yeah what did you want to talk to me about?"
"There are to things actually. First we wanted to invite you and Rachel for dinner, you know to thank you for being there for us the last weeks… month" he corrects.
"You don't have to thank us that goes without saying"
"No it doesn't. What you did for us is something we can never thank you enough. I don't only mean the money you gave us to get her free. For that reason alone, I will always be grateful to you. "you" he points at Mike now clarifying that he's talking about him now "were the only one who saw that something was wrong with him, who counted one and one together.
Only because of you we found out the truth and only because of you they're behind bars. I got my family back thanks to you, I will always owe you for that. You helped me to get over it and forgive them. Even though it turned out there was nothing to forgive Donna.
"Harvey-" he shakes his head telling him to let him finish.
"I never thanked you for all of that. No to mention all the other things you've done for me"
"saving my life back then. You just came without asking thousand questions. You were there when he made Donna kiss him and you were there during the most difficult part of my life. I know I can't do much but saying thank you. Just wanted you to know how much it means to me, to all of us"
Mike takes a deep breath not knowing what to answer. For him everything he did was a matter of course "We're friends Harvey, I'd do it all over again. You never have to feel like you owe me, I don't want you to think that. What you did for me years ago is something I can never pay back to you, and you didn't even know me back then. Actually I didn't even liked your first after you got the table" they chuckle
"Amelia and Donna are also my family. So everything I did was to get my family back, it wasn't because of you" he tries to cheat up the situation and to make clear to Harvey that he doesn't owe him anything. What works out because Harvey chuckles again.
"Fair enough! Thank you anyway" he approaches Mike and embraces him.
"You're welcome" he taps his back.
"What's the other thing?" he asks as they break the hug.
"We wanted to invite all of you and all parts of our families for Christmas including all parents and siblings with their families"
"Wow" Mike laughs "Let me guess, Amelia?"
'Yeah. What d'you think?"
"That's the best idea in a very long while" he says sincerely
"Good. Just ask Rachel and her parents"
"I will"
A few days later Mike and Rachel go to the Specters for dinner. They are overwhelmed about their friend's gesture with the vacation and what Amelia organized "I couldn't have done it better if I had done it on my own" Rachel tells Amelia honestly "how did you know all of that?"
"magic" she answers and shrugs with her shoulders. Harvey promised to take as much meetings as he can and Donna cleared up their week and postponed as much other meetings as she could. So since she's Donna almost each of them.
The couple has also great news to share with their friends.
"No!" Amelia cries out in joy before Rachel can even finish her sentence "You're really pregnant?"
"yes" Rachel laughs
"No honey, she just trying to fool you" Harvey says sarcastically and Amelias slaps him on his arm
"Ouch" he cries out but she ignores him hugging Rachel and Mike
"Congratulation" Harvey says embracing Mike "You'll be a great father" he tells him sincerely
"Thank you, Harvey"
"Soo, we're getting a new family member?" he says out loud looking at his family.
"We are" Donna confirms
"and since we're Amelia's godparents. We return the favor" Rachel tells them lovely
"Well actually-" Harvey starts but his wife cuts him off.
"stop it Harvey" she says with a smile knowing very well what he's about to say, they all do.
Amelia clears up her voice "what about me?" she asks sarcastically
"Oh honey" Mike smiles looking at her "You'll be his or her favorite person anyway" and all of them agree.
"So you don't know yet?"
"No, we just found out last week so 'pssst'" Rachel puts her index finger to her nose "Don't tell anyone. You're the only ones who know. I haven't even told my parents yet"
"okay" Amelias whispers
Namely that they became godparents later then normal godparent does. They had decided not to have any for Amelia. Harvey had no real friends at the time and Scottie was also gone. And since Marcus was already the uncle and Donna's relationship wasn't the best back then they thought they'd leave it alone.
When Mike came back from Harvard to work for Harvey, Amelia was just a little kid and he quickly became her godfather. Harvey trusted him and they had each other's back at any situation there was no reason why he shouldn't be. Later Rachel came along as Donna's best friend and eventually the couple were married.
… … …
Mike and Rachel had a great week they really needed it. And the Specter decided to postpone their vacation on spring and spend Christmas together since almost everyone agreed to join them. They also asked Jessica and Louis but they already had plans with their other families.
"Merry Christmas everyone" Harvey shouts in the crowd and they join him by echoing the greeting.
Mike is really touched by Amelia's gesture of placing a picture of his parents and his grammy on one of the tables where everyone can see them.
"Thank you, honey"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah" he answers honestly. Of course he wishes they were there but maybe they're watching him from above.
"I love you" he whispers standing in front of their pictures
"hey" Rachel embraces him from behind. He gently places his hands on her arms, squeezing them slightly.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm just touched about their gesture"
"they're great"
"they're the best" he says softly and turns to face her
"They would've loved you. Each one of this whole crowd" he chuckles and so does she.
"Look at them" Mike says pointing at Donna, Harvey and Amelia "Her family was almost destroyed"
"but it's not and that thanks to you. You were the only one to realize he's a monster" she kisses him.
"I'm just they're back together" he whispers and kisses on her head while they keep watching their friends.
Half a year later
Harvey just called it a day and is on the way home. A few seconds later after he entered the elevator it stops and his heart misses a beat although he doesn't panic he's just used to it. He realizes that he's not paining, that he's okay. He pushes the button for help and after a few seconds they tell him they'll be there soon. So he takes a deep breath and looks around. He thinks back to the time when he was a child and also when Derek locked him in the file room but nothing happens. He doesn't panic, he keeps breathing regularly and his heart keeps beating as usual. Twenty minutes later he's free. As soon as he leaves the elevator a curly red head jumps a him hugging him tightly.
"I'm sooo proud of you" she almost yells next to his ear but he doesn't mind.
"You planned that?" he asks surprised and she nods
"You know after every exercise there's a test, right? There're annoying but necessary" she quotes him with what he told her the last time she was upset about a test at school. Harvey remembers his words and chuckles "right" he confirms.
"why now? our last session is months ago"
"I needed to make sure you're really over it. If you struggle I could open the doors at every time and if not then… even better"
"You helped her?" he asks Mike
"yeah of course"
"You didn't say a word" he says playfully upset
"It was her secret not mine" Mike defends himself
"It's better" Amelia interrupts them "Now you know that it doesn't matter anymore where you are, you'll never struggle again with it.
"That's right" he smiles all over his face
"Thank you" he holds her tight
17 months later
Harvey and Amelia got over it what happened and they barely think about it anymore.
Mike and Rachel became parents of twins a baby boy and a baby girl.
Lucy Nina Ross and James Harvey Ross
Harvey was really touches by the gesture. Rachel felt the urge to explain herself to Donna but she made clear that she doesn't mind. She's happy for Harvey because she knows what it means to him. He was never someone to trust other people and with Mike he did it for the first time, expect her of course.
Harvey and Matthew are back in regular contact with each other. They went to JJ's grave together and decided to do it every year and both are glad to have seen each other again. Matthew has become a successful investment banker and has never regretted giving up law school, while Harvey has never regretted becoming a lawyer. They tease each other by insisting by playing the 'better sport'
"Happy 18 Birthday, cupcake" Harvey congratulates his daughter. He places a kiss on her forehead and pulls her into a tight hug. "I wish you all the best"
"Thank you daddy" they break the hug and does the same with Donna.
"Here" he hands her an envelope "This is from us"
She takes it confused "She really hopes it's not a voucher. She prefers something more personal even though she loves vouchers."
"oh my god!" she covers her mouth with her palms and looks really surprised at her parents
"You-?"
"You thought it's a voucher, didn't you?" he chuckles and she nods, her mouth still open.
"Don't forget to breath" he tells her laughing and Donna slaps him slightly
"Thank you" she jumps at them
"Europe!" she cries out and then looks at the card again.
"Wait… that's for two?"
"Yeah, I thought one of us should come with you to make sure everything's alright. I mean it's about six months. Don't worry we're changing at the half of time. You can choose who'll start" he teases but says it in such a serious tone that she believes it
"Oh uhm…yeah great" she lies and forces a smile and Harvey laughs out loud
"Daaad!" she shouts "that's not funny"
"Yes it is" he keeps laughing
"It's my birthday. You need to be kind"
"right" he clears his voice "we thought You'd like to take Julia with you. You finished school and since you have to wait for college a few months we thought you could gain some experience and get to know other cultures. We took care of everything including pocket-money for both of you"
"thank you" she repeats, not knowing what to say.
"I- I have to tell her" she turns to leave, but Donna calls her back
"There's something else" she hands her a present now.
"oh my god, that's beautiful" she says the second she sees it. It's a gold necklace with a heart which has a small diamond on it.
"That's the best present I've ever gotten" she whispers
"Thank you" she whispers "I didn't think something could beat Europe. I love it"
"I will never take it off my neck" she kinda promises them.
"Now I have something I'll always ember this birthday and this moment" she says lovely and makes them almost cry. In fact Donna does but Harvey forces back the tears. Even thought his eyes are pretty teary.
They spent the day together. When they return home a birthday party is waiting for Amelia with all parts of their families and friends. They celebrate almost the whole night all together and have a lot of fun.
Since what happened with Derek they've been enjoying their life even more and spending a lot more time together. Harvey and Amelia's relationship only got closer, so someone else could have gotten jealous in Donna's place. But she is just grateful that everything is good again and that she has her family back.
Two months later they're saying goodbye to their daughter. Amelia asked them to stay home and wished Mike to drive her to the airport.
"Goodbye honey, have a lot of fun" Donna says barely able to hold back tears.
"Thank you, I will" she hugs her parents and takes her luggage to go towards the exit while they watch her from the door frame.
"And don't forget to call us every evening to let us know you're alright" He calls after her "and a text message on mid-day" he adds quickly.
"Yeah sure why don't you give me a GPS I can put in my bag?"
"oh great idea, I almost forgot it"
He puts his hand in his pocket and grabs a GPS "here" he approaches her and stretches his arm to hand it to her
"Daaad! seriously?" she laughs
"yeah, why? Is it that strange?" he asks in a serious tone acting like it's the most normal thing in the world.
"yes" she nods slowly "I can't promise I won't lose it" she says taking it on her hand
"Yeah, just take care you don't lose it before you even reach the airport" he says and hugs her one last time and then she leaves. He turns to Donna and puts an arm around her waist.
"She's grown up" she says with shaky voice and teary eyes. "I'll really miss her"
"Yeah, me too" he wipes a tear away from his cheek while she leans on him, still watching the door.
"You know what?" he asks and she lifts her head and looks at him "we forgot the best thing about this" she still looks at him cluelessly
"We're alone" a smile builds up on his face "That means we don't have to take care what we do, when we do or where we do it anymore" and she returns the smiles.
"That's right" she smiles in realization and kisses him
"The last time we could do that is about 19 years ago"
"yeah and we only had a few months" he adds and she laughs
"That's right"
"we need to catch up on a lot time, don't we" he pushes her gently but eagerly back without letting go of her and slaps the door shut with his foot
"I love you" he whispers between kisses "I love you" she tells him while they throw their clothes on the floor until they reach their bed room… or do they make it that far?
/ / /
Soooo that's it! That's the end!
I thank each of you for supporting me by leaving comments and favorite/follows and sticking with this story, each one means a lot to me.
I hope you enjoyed the development of the story and are as satisfied as everything ended.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I hope you have a great 2024 ahead of you 3
Have a great time :)