After Season 3, Episode 14 - Heartburn
Disclaimer : I own nothing.
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Turning the key in the lock, Donna pushed her apartment door open, and with a deep sigh crossed the threshold and kicked the door shut behind her. Not even bothering to lock it, her feet carried her pass the red walls to the foyer table and where she dropped her keys and purse on top. Kicking off her heels right there, she reached back and already started tugging on the zipper of her dress as she made her way to the kitchen.
It had been a a long two days between Louis's heart attack, Harvey's sour mood because of Scottie, handling Louis's broken heart after his 24 hr engagement, and still having a a finger on everything else in the firm. She was tired, hear heart ached and felt pulled in so many different directions she just wanted to forget about it all.
Her last action of the night before leaving the firm was handing Harvey the phone and telling him to call Scottie and apologize. Life was too short , to spend time being angry at the person you love. You never knew when it was going to end, or when a relationship would end.
Popping the cork off the bottle she started last night, she poured herself a glass and took a long sip . Topping it off , she carried the glass with her to the bedroom. Her mind wandering as she started the stripping, bathing and winding down process. Her thoughts going to the problems of the day, Harvey, Louis's heart attack, Harvey, Scottie, her and Harvey, Shelia, Harvey. Sinking into the bathtub she let out an aggravated grunt at the realization of where her thoughts kept landing. It wasn't fair. His father had been the one to die of heart attack, and here she was imagining how it could be him just as easily that could of had one instead of Louis. A part of her felt a touch guilty that that was the first thing that came to her mind when Jessica had told them yesterday about it- her eyes widened with fear as she reassured herself Harvey was right here - she closed her eyes at the memory of his face, his eyes wide and already glassy with tears. She knew how close to home it was hitting and she had to stop herself from reaching out to grab his arm out of comfort.
Taking another sip from her glass, she shook her head and rolled her eyes as she leaned her head back against the tub - replaying Harvey's words as he stared at her earlier , phone outstretched to him telling him to call Scottie.
"Donna, what's wrong?" His voice was slow and full of concern as he saw her hardened, yet worried filled face, looking down at him . She had just walked in , picked up the phone and said to call her and apologize, but he could tell she was shook by something. He stared at her, without even realizing he was holding his breath waiting for a response.
"You just…you need to make this right. It doesn't matter ..fights don't matter , at the end of the day..the person you love just needs to know you're still there ..and you love them no matter what," her voice choked on the last words. She hoped she was conveying she was referring to Scottie.
Harvey slowly dropped his pen and took the phone from Donna's hand, placing it back in it's cradle, he ignored the huff she let out and how she crossed her arms over herself. "Donna,"
She rolled her eyes and turned to walk away.
"Donna," he said a little more forcefully as he rose from his chair , reaching out he gingerly wrapped his fingers around her wrist. Swallowing at the jump in his heart rate as their skin met, shooting tingles up his arm. It's why they never touched. "What happened?"
Donna stilled, not turning to face him but allowing his hand to stay. "I just …Louis," she tried to keep the sob down, but the emotional toll of the past 2 days was catching up. Her other hand raised to swipe at the tears that started to spill over, she felt her body turn involuntary, as his hand slipped from her wrist to her waist to turn her . His fingers lightly skating over the material of her dress, he pressed lightly on her hip , pulling her into a comforting hug. Her hands covered her face as she molded in his embrace.
"Louis is fine," he whispered , his hands running soothing circles on her back.
Donna was quiet for a moment as she tried to regain her composure . But all the thoughts going through her head, being in Harvey's arms was comforting yet making her break all at the same time. "Louis and Shelia just broke up," her voice come out muffled between her hands and being buried in Harvey's chest.
Harvey let out a deep sigh. "Donna-"
"Just Harvey," she cut him off , leaning back slightly , her palms moving to rest on his chest as his hands dropped down to her hips, but kept her close. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, opening them she started into those chocolate eyes she loved so much . Her breath hitched in her throat at the amount of love she felt for this man who was completely oblivious , yet knew at the same time how she felt. "Life is too short. You never know when.." Her voice trailed off, her eyes shifting to focus on a spot on his tie.
"Donna, Scottie and I …we'll figure it out. I'm sorry …about Louis and Shelia,"
Donna sniffled and nodded her head. "Just don't wait , Harvey,"
"I'M not going anywhere either," emphasizing the "I'M" with a light squeeze at her hips. He knew how she thought and at that he could see her eyes well up again , but she looked at him and his heart broke. Even as she carried everyone else's load , her worry for him was bringing her to tears and he hated seeing her cry. He tilted his head slightly and his shoulders dropped. "I'm right here," he said softly .
Donna bit the inside of her lip and nodded. "No heart attacks, ok?" She said with a pat on his chest, she pushed away from him slightly , signaling it was time to let go .
The corners of his mouth tugged upward in a slight smile as he let his hands fall, shoving them in his pocket as Donna took a couple steps to back up and round the desk. "Look at me, do I look as out of shape as Louis?" He waved one hand up and down his frame as Donna rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Harvey," she warned.
He smiled , not quite reaching his eyes, but trying enough so she would smile. "I'll call Scottie, Donna. I promise. But, I'm not going anywhere"
Donna took a deep breath and nodded, two fingers tapping his desk . "Good night, Harvey,"
"Good night, Donna"
Crawling into bed later that night, Donna burrowed under the covers letting out a weary sigh. Her mind in overdrive yet slightly calmer after the second glass - she was once again lost in thought when her phone pinged.
Tucking the covers under her arms, Donna reach for her phone . Her heart skipping a beat when she noticed who the incoming message was from.
Harvey: Did you get home ok?
Donna bit her bottom lip , trying to hold back a smile and failing miserable. She slowly typed out a response .
Donna: Yes. Curled up in bed . Thank-you.
Harvey: Are YOU ok?
Donna: Yea. I'm sorry about earlier, long two days, guess it all caught up with me.
She hated that she broke down in front of him, but that was one of the things she loved about her and Harvey's relationship - no matter what went on - she knew they would always be there for each other.
Harvey: You know, I'm always gonna be here for you, right? I want you to know that .
Donna took a deep breath, reading that he just confirmed her very thought .
Donna: I know. Just remember your promise..maybe hit the gym tomorrow.
Donna laughed softly and dropped her phone on her stomach. Remembering that he was with Scottie, faded her smile a little bit , but the fact that he checked up on her , the fact that he was able to see she was upset and comfort her, she knew there was love there, even if he wasn't ready for the full deal yet. She hoped they'd eventually get there. But for now, she would just hold him to his promise of always being there.