The Butterfly Effect

by TheMightyDonnaPaulsen

The butterfly effect involves the idea that small things can lead to big change. How much could change over the years if a Donna met Harvey five years earlier and they weren't working together? They might date, break up when life pulls them in different directions, leaving Donna to figure out how she is going to tell her ex she just found out she is pregnant. AU fic

6. Chapter 6

A/N: Thanks so much again for the feedback! I am glad the last chapter was well received, and I hope this next one will be too. I am sorry that it took longer than I wanted. I started organizing my outline by year, and eventually by season, which has lead me to getting totally carried away with length. I hope that I am not too longwinded and that you still enjoy. Thanks for reading!

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June 20, 1999 – Present Day

"Do you think that Judge Boudin will notice if I don't show up tomorrow?" Harvey asked, though he did so facetiously, while using a damp cloth to wipe the stickiness from Addy.

She had been eating solids for months now, but her highchair was always a disaster zone post fruit and pureed vegetables. Her mouth and curious hands never fared much better, nor did Harvey's face, on the occasion that her hands got a little extra adventurous.

Donna looked up from where she was folding baby clothes on the table they typically used for studying. These days, they spent most of their time in the basement, where the washer and dryer also were, and had outfitted it for Addy accordingly. Her highchair was at one end of the table, and Harvey was sitting perpendicular to it, and across from Donna.

"Harvey, you're clerking for a sitting judge on the United States Court of Appeals. Your old boss in the freaking mailroom might notice if you don't show up tomorrow. I thought things were going well?" she questioned, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, as she looked up from the yellow dress she had just picked out of the pile to fold.

"I'm Harvey freaking Specter," he responded, making it a point to mimic, teasingly, her use of the word. "Of course things are going well, it's not that."

"Well then, what is it?" she followed.

She halted her hands to give him her full attention. Multitasking was easy enough, but Harvey had that look on his face that suggested he might want to open up about something that was weighing on him. It happened infrequently enough for her to not want to give him anything less.

"Sometimes I hate leaving," he confessed, his voice lined with gravelly diffidence. Donna being the one person he could share anything with didn't mean it was easy to do so. "Why can't the courthouse be in Hartford, or somewhere closer than Boston?" he whined, but more jocosely than before.

"You do know that you're clerking for the 1st Circuit and Connecticut falls in the 2nd, right? You'd have to go to Manhattan for that anyway," she replied with a smile that conveyed her amusement.

During their relationship, she had discovered that there were different levels to him getting things off his chest. This was one in which she determined that keeping the mood light would help facilitate the conversation. Her question was asked in more of a rhetorical way, ribbing him slightly.

"I was going to say I did know that, because I've been there a couple of weeks and definitely should, but you'd know I was lying about it," he admitted sheepishly, being far enough into his summer clerkship to be expected to know the ins and outs.

"Fiiinally, you're learning," she retorted, dragging out the first word for emphasis. "Something tells me it won't keep you from trying to pull one over me in the future, however." She paused to imagine it briefly and pointed a finger in warning when she continued. "You better not bring Addy into your schemes against me. Us girls gotta stick together," she finished, tipping her head to the side in a way he found endearing.

"You know well and good that she's going to be a daddy's girl. My pull is irresistible," he boasted, tilting his head to the side, somewhat mirroring her movement, but with less bouncy flair. He then hoisted his daughter from her chair, and her babbling and delighted laughter helped to prove his point.

"Yet, you're the one contemplating skipping out on a prestigious clerkship to spend an extra day with us. I think you might be mistaken on who the irresistible one is," she volleyed back.

He was aware that she was joking with him, just typical playful banter really. Somehow, despite her being Donna and knowing seemingly everything, he didn't think she realized just how spot on she was with her last remark. She was irresistible to him, but she was also off limits. That could change after law school, in the best-case scenario, but he had one more year to go, and she had two left before they were full-fledged lawyers. Once they passed the bar, of course.

With everything else, he had always seen rules as walls that he was prepared to break down. Whenever he was backed against them, whenever they separated him from what he wanted, he was ready to swing the wrecking ball or drive the bulldozer. With this, he couldn't shake the feeling that unlike every other decision in his life, powering through it wasn't the best approach. Impulsiveness wasn't either.

When it was just him, flying by the seat of his pants generally worked. Nothing forced you to face the man in the mirror like a baby that you didn't know was on the way, however. Harvey knew he had to consider how things would affect Addy before acting on his urges now. He also had to consider Donna, because he couldn't stand losing her twice.

It was the fear of not being good enough or losing her that made him try to force things with Scottie. He had pulled himself out of that sort of thinking, but he still wouldn't push things now.

"I'm sorry," he stated suddenly, focusing on his redhead.

Donna's first response was to place a hand on his forehead, as if she was checking him for a fever. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?" she asked in jest, knowing he wasn't really sick, but still keeping it light.

He gently batted her hand away with the one not holding his daughter. It was difficult not to pull it closer instead, and to resist placing a kiss on her wrist.

"What, it's not like I never apologize," he grumbled, without any real annoyance, before shifting Addy in his lap.

She was starting to squirm, eager to explore. She had taken her first steps a couple months ago, and was quite the curious girl. Donna, seeing her restlessness, swung around and grabbed one of her books to occupy her. It was the kind that had buttons that played animal noises, which both Harvey and Donna had learned to drown out. After they finished talking, and folding clothes, it would be bath time for Addy, followed by a bedtime story or two.

"Well, it's not very often… and never unprompted. We weren't even arguing," she chided with narrowed eyes, before the grin she was hiding spread, revealing the true nature of her words.

They were both stubborn people, but in the grand scheme of things, they didn't fight often. Differences in opinions or approaches would definitely pop up, especially when they were dating, and occasionally with co-parenting. That could mean raised voices or regretful words, but it was never frequent enough to be problematic, nor entered into territory they couldn't return from. She had loved the way he loved her, and now, their daughter too.

His demeanor changed, as his jaw tightened and his shoulders tensed, signaling to her that it was time to drop the teasing. "Hey, I'm listening," she said soothingly, and reached her hand over again, this time to give his forearm a comforting rub.

"I guess I was just thinking about my final year and what happens after. I'll be back in New York and even though it's not that much farther than Boston, once I start working– winning– cases, I won't be able to make it here every weekend," he explained, then paused, shaking his head almost imperceptibly.

He continued when he found the rest of his words. "I can't help but think about what I've already missed, like her first steps or her first word. I know I am meant to do this, and I'm looking forward to starting my rise to the top. But I am not looking forward to seeing you both less and missing more," he finished, then placed a kiss atop Addy's head, lingering a little longer with it.

The desire to do so was twofold. He loved his little girl, but it also gave him a reason to look away from Donna. She ached on behalf of him, and he could see it on her face. It only intensified what he was feeling, and it highlighted the parts he couldn't yet put words to.

Not being present for so many moments and milestones was difficult to say the least, but when he thought about being less available after he graduated, it wasn't just the year Donna would still be in school that weighed heavily on his mind.

There was a hunger in him, to be the best, to dominate his opposition, and to bend people to his will, that felt so imbedded or ingrained in him that it must be in his blood or DNA. It wasn't something that he could shut off, and he certainly wasn't pursuing a career that would dampen his drive or require less of his time. There was a pit in his stomach that was only growing out of an unvoiced worry that working at the firm and towards seeing his name on the wall one day, would always mean not being there enough for the two most important people in his life.

He tried to bury the feeling, as he felt her eyes on him and got lost in them again. Her serene voice hugged his senses, adding to the effect.

"It won't always be this way, Harvey" she responded tenderly, and slipped in another reassuring rub.

She waited for him to acknowledge her, which came in the form of a single nod, then suddenly stood up and raced upstairs. Harvey was puzzled by her seemingly unprompted departure, but she returned shortly after, carrying the explanation.

"Happy Father's Day!" she blurted, while handing the immaculately wrapped present to him. "Addy and I are both so lucky to have you in our lives and don't you forget it, mister."

She crouched down eye level to Addy, opposite of the side Harvey was securing her in his lap, and gently stroked her hair.

"Open it when you get home," she instructed, as she leaned into him, hugging his side. He had lifted his arm to give her access when he felt her moving in, and she stayed nestled in longer than she normally would.

When he got back to his apartment, he unwrapped the package containing a VHS tape. There was also a brief note attached. I had a little help from my friends in the film department. Don't feel guilty that you forgot about Mother's Day.

He knew even before he popped the tape into the player that Donna had somehow anticipated his needs. When he pushed play and was able to watch so many of the moments that tore him apart for missing, his heart all but exploded.

He watched it three times before he fell asleep.

July 16, 1999 – Present Day

Jim Paulsen loved his daughters. They were his pride and joy, and his greatest gift. As any parent should, he tried not to play favorites when they were growing up, and to view them as equals. While he certainly wouldn't admit to doing so, not aloud at least, he did in fact have one. Donna was his baby girl, and maybe the most talented child he'd ever seen, but nothing could quite measure up to his first-born, his Veronica.

There was something about having a kid when you were young, and just finding your way in the world that magnified the experience. Every sacrifice he made, every extra hour he spent at work, it was all to give Veronica the best upbringing possible. When his business wasn't taking off the way it should, Clara wanted to wait to discuss having another child. When finances became less of a struggle, were coming along well even, Clara was ready, but he wasn't so sure he fancied a second. He already had his little princess, and she was more than enough for him. Eventually, his desire to have a son won out, so they tried for a kid again. Six years after they had Veronica, Donna was born.

The fact that she wasn't a boy only bothered him briefly. He could sense that there was something different about her almost instantly, and it didn't hurt that she turned out to be a natural at virtually everything she attempted from an early age. Whether it was excelling in school, at skiing, shooting, or just knowing things that children shouldn't, Donna was special. Sometimes, too special, as he didn't particularly enjoy the ease with which she surpassed him at the gun range or how she could uncover the true meaning of the things he purposefully left unsaid with just a glance.

It was that very sort of mindset that troubled him on occasion. He loved his little girl, he never wanted to see her hurt, and he was damned proud that she was so impressive. Still, he couldn't help but be jealous from time to time.

It wasn't a reaction that he particularly enjoyed. Donna was just so good at everything, and he still hadn't made it up the mountain. When he was a younger man, he would have laughed at the idea of being his age now and doing nothing more than managing a real estate firm. A firm in which everyone around him was having a lot more success.

The last chance he took, it didn't go so well. That was what brought him to the firm. If that didn't humble him enough as it was, the idea that it required a hand leant by his brother was almost more than he could stomach. His brother certainly never let him hear the end of it. Clara, to her credit, always stood by his side, always chose to have faith. Now, however, she wanted him to be lax in his pursuit of more, of greatness. They had Donna back, and Addy to think about, and to Clara, stability was key.

He didn't see it the same way. With Donna being back, and going to law school, it only served to remind him not to give up. His daughter was on her way to becoming a world class attorney, and he was what… just supposed to sit on his laurels and settle for mediocrity?

With Veronica, well, she was more like him. She was a fighter, not afraid to try and fail, without things coming so naturally. Sometimes with her, the trying wasn't there even. She would rely on her father more, then, to pick up the pieces and make sure that she didn't stray too far from her path. Veronica always knew she could come to him, and he would always be there for her. Perhaps that was the real heart of the matter that troubled him. It wasn't that he played favorites, it was just that one daughter could excel on her own, and the other needed him more. Jim liked to be needed, and Jim liked to be respected.

For a brief moment, when Donna came back pregnant and sans a husband or even co-parent, he thought that she might not be so perfect after all. He thought that she might even need him now. The thought was one that he had quickly tried to shake, the first part, by reminding himself that perfection was not something to besmirch, when it came from a child of his. He knew he should focus on his pride for her, and his love. Then, when she had announced the Yale news, he knew she would still need their help, but it left him feeling less than. When he pictured the doors she was opening, it only reminded him of how stuck he really was.

It wasn't just her, either. Harvey, the man he had looked down on for his pedestrian job, came back into her life, and was now attending Harvard Law School himself. He was being a father, as he should, but was also well on his way to a career that would command respect and financial reward. The type that he himself craved.

Jim Paulsen could no longer stand by idly, he knew. He must craft a plan, but he kept running into the same problems when he tried to follow the blueprints of those already established in real estate development. The rich kept getting richer, and they had their ways to block people like him from getting a seat at the table.

It was time to think outside of the box, and to find a new, up and coming business, that he could get in on the ground floor, cheaply. With the right partner and the right opportunity, he could bring his vast knowledge of real estate to the table to help with expansion, and he could be co-heading something fitting of the man he was. He just needed to find the right partner, someone younger or more inexperienced that he could mentor, and help facilitate growth.

Where he would find the ideal fit, he wasn't sure, but he wouldn't stop searching until he did.

August 7, 1999 – Present Day

"Alright, spill it, Specter," Donna commanded, while keeping her volume low.

Addy had worn herself out playing with her blocks and puzzles, before stumbling over to her dad and reaching out to be picked up. Harvey had intended to put her down for a nap after a brief cuddle, but once she fell asleep in his arms, he couldn't bring himself to move her.

Donna wasn't able to resist taking a picture, even though she likely had hundreds of the same. A peaceful Addy snuggled up with her daddy was a sight that always left Donna melting. She had spent the majority of her pregnancy terrified at the prospect of telling Harvey about the life they had made together, knowing fatherhood wasn't in his plans, but looking back, it was almost humorous now. The way he was with her, she could never have hoped for something more.

His voice snapped her out of her fuzzy thoughts, ones that were about to venture down a romantic path. She knew that they were still better saved for a future journey.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," he responded without looking her way and, only granting her half of his attention. Normally, he would grant her all of it, but the phone call he received the day before was occupying his mind.

He had been craving a distraction and was grateful he was with them now. Being with his girls always kept his brain busy, especially recently. It seemed like every time he left, he would return home and dream about them, or dream about just Donna. The ones with both were usually domestic flashes to the future, with the three of them permanently living under one roof. The others, with just his fiery redhead, included plenty of racy scenarios, but were often tamer too. Soft kisses and a cup of coffee in bed, with her wearing his shirt, for example. When he was in their presence again, he was flooded with images of what could be. Today, those waves weren't enough to wash away what his dad had told him, unfortunately.

"Oh please, the way you've been staring at Addy while she sleeps, it's like you're afraid she'll disappear if you take your eyes off of her. And you've hardly said one word all day. Something is on your mind," she insisted.

Addy whimpered a little, still asleep, and Donna reached above her head to gently stroke her. They were relaxing on Harvey's bed at her house, watching a movie, having added a TV and a VCR to his space. Harvey was sitting propped up against the headboard, while Donna was slightly lower and more reclined.

They had already started spending more time downstairs, since it was more isolated, but the way her parents had been arguing lately drove them to the basement more frequently. It didn't affect Donna as much as it would have if she was a child still, but she hated to see her parents hurting, especially her mom. She had made so many sacrifices over the years.

"Why don't you just read my mind then already, Miss Cleo," he joked, focusing on what she was saying a little more.

"I'm still developing that superpower. You're just going to have to go ahead and tell me, or I might just have to torture it out of you," she replied, titling her head up just in time to catch his grin.

"Does that mean whips and handcuffs? Because if so, sign me up." His voice held mainly a playful tonality, but the desire was there too. "Although, don't we have a rule in place? You little tease…" he trailed off, still humorously.

She used the opening to jump in and steer the conversation towards safer waters. The flirting wasn't something she minded, maybe even something she enjoyed, but she was already testing her limits with her thoughts before. She wasn't ready to revisit their relationship status. If he still wanted to be with her after they both graduated, it would give her the confidence to believe that he was all in, and not just in until the next rough patch or difficulty. She trusted him with her life and with Addy's, but her heart still needed some time to recover from their breakup before she risked it again.

"Part of that rule involves putting it out of our minds, Casanova. Also, you know good and well that wasn't what I meant! I was thinking more along the lines of showtunes and chick flicks," she corrected, then brightened as an idea struck her. "Ooh, or maybe I'll feed you jars of Addy's green bean puree," she threatened with a twinkle in her eyes.

"The wise Wayne Gretzky once said, 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take," he recited and shrugged, adding a lascivious smirk. "I had to take a shot. And as much as I like the idea of you feeding me, I'll have to pass on anything I've seen her spit or shit out."

"I'm pretty sure he's more known for his slap shot than his wisdom," she retorted, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance.

"You know who Wayne Gretzky is?" As big of a hockey star as he was, it still surprised him.

"I know we are in the basement, Harvey, but the upstairs isn't a rock I'm living under. Of course I know who he is. Besides, I'm Donna, I know who everybody is," she sassed, and would have included a hair flip, if not for the comfortable pillow her head was on.

"How could I ever forget?" he said while grinning and shaking his head. "Going back to movies, instead of a chick flick next, we could always watch Goldeneye. And while we watch, I am more than happy to let you sit Onatopp of things…" The gesture towards his crotch was not needed for Donna to catch his drift.

"You and your bad Bond girl puns." Her eyeroll returned.

"Technically, she's more of a villain than a Bond girl, though some people consider them one in the same," he continued, casting the bait.

"A villain with some inspiring metho- oh, see, you almost got me to play along and threaten to crush you with my thighs like she does," she said, stopping herself as she caught on. She sat up to glare at him fully, and would have added a playful shove if he wasn't holding Addy.

Instead, she decided to guide the conversation back to where it had gotten away from. "So, let's hear it then."

He sighed first, but knew it was time and gently shifted Addy before jumping in. "My dad called me last night. Marcus is gambling and worked himself into a pretty big hole. He just got out of it, or I think my mo-, I mean Lily, covered it for him in the meantime, but my dad is worried he hasn't actually stopped."

"I'm sorry, Harvey. Cancer can be a hell of a lot for someone to go through, especially someone so young. Sometimes the body heals before the mind does, and this might be his coping mechanism. Though really, not a very healthy one. Is there anything we can do to help?" She had to stop herself from crawling up the bed and joining Addy in his arms.

The gears turning in his head were all but audible to her, and she could sense that it was guilt powering them.

"I got him into poker, and I even took him to the track to bet on horses. I didn't know how to be there for him after… everything… and I think I made it worse," he blurted.

"Hey, you didn't know he would develop a problem. You can't blame yourself for not predicting the future, but you can be there for him now. And I'll help with anything you need. Maybe getting him into a group like Gamblers Anonymous is an option," she responded soothingly.

"I think my dad is handling it for now, but thank you, Donna. How do you always know what to say?" A warm feeling of peace seeped into him, and he believed for a second that maybe Marcus wasn't his fault.

"The wise Donna Paulsen once said that we're 'co-parents and best friends,' and as your best friend, it's my duty to help keep you sane. We are in this together. Always," she stated firmly, adding a squeeze to his calf.

"Okay, maybe you do deserve the title more than Wayne Gretzky," he joked, but he really was appreciative. He decided to brave showing it by leaning forward and brushing a kiss to her forehead. It might not be a best friend kind of a gesture, but he hoped she wouldn't mind.

She didn't.

October 3, 1999 – Present Day

"Wakey, wakey, my little stud muffin," a familiar voice demanded, rousing Harvey from his slumber with an added shake to his shoulders.

He was disoriented as he blinked his eyes a few times, before sitting up and rubbing his face. "Oh god, you? Please tell me that I am still asleep, and this is a nightmare," he pleaded for with dread, once finally aware enough.

"Mmmmm, see, I know that you are just joshing, little one, because I am what dreams are made of," she replied, at least having the decency to keep her somewhat nasally voice low. She was seated on the edge of his bed, much too close for Harvey's comfort.

"Instead of debating you on that, I am just going to ask why the hell you are waking me up at time I probably am better off not knowing," he grumbled, closing his eyes again and burrowing into the pillow, hoping she would disappear.

"Well, I've decided to visit my dear parents for a while, and since your tiny offspring hijacked my old bedroom, I've been regulated to the basement," she answered with a bit of a whine.

"Did you forget that your mom converted it into an office first?" he retorted, his eyes still shut tightly.

"That, my tasty treat, is neither here nor there," she said, and he was suddenly grateful he had opted to sleep with a shirt on, and pajama pants instead of boxers.

When he didn't move, she continued, snapping her wrist as she spoke. "I am like so fucking drained, so unless you want to make room and share, I suggest you go ask my little sissy if she is willing to. Or, you can always take the couch," she finished nonchalantly, clearly not caring either way.

With an exaggerated sigh, Harvey got out of bed and made his way upstairs. He dipped his head into Addy's room and saw that she was sleeping peacefully before he lightly tapped on Donna's door. He could tell he woke her, but she summoned him in all the same.

"Why didn't you warn me your sister was coming?" he asked, as soon as he crossed the threshold.

"What?" Donna questioned, completely caught off guard and definitely not fully awake. "Veronica is here?" she continued, after a yawn.

Neither her mom nor her dad mentioned to her that the wicked witch was coming. She wondered if they even knew, as Veronica was one to show up unannounced. It often seemed to coincide with the end of a relationship, or especially a marriage. Her track record wasn't great with either, although she never did stop trying.

"She is, and she kicked me out of my bed. Can I sleep in here with you?" he inquired without presuming, waiting for her response to approach.

Her initial impulse was to turn him away, thinking only about the temptation. Friends could share a bed, however, she convinced herself. They already shared a daughter as it was, and she knew the couch wasn't one that was very comfortable for sleeping. She simply nodded instead, and pulled back the covers after making space.

He climbed in with a simple "thank you" and did his best to respect her boundaries, not wrapping her up like he used to do.

Donna had trouble falling back asleep. Not only was Harvey's warmth an overwhelming distraction, but thoughts of her sister were stampeding through her mind. She remembered the first time that Veronica met Harvey.

December 31, 1996

"Donna, do you think we will make it to the party before midnight?" Harvey called out to her, as she was still getting ready in his bedroom. The door was open, but he couldn't see her from his vantage point in the kitchen, where he was waiting with a drink.

"You know, most guys don't complain about their women getting all dolled up for them," she called back through puckered lips, as she was applying her lipstick.

"I'm pretty sure that men complaining about waiting for women dates back to prehistoric times. And most guys don't have a girlfriend who could roll out of bed and be the hottest woman in any room," he added. The last part was for good measure, but still entirely true to him.

"I knew there was a reason no one has ever accused you of lacking in intelligence," she retorted while leaning closer to the mirror to make sure that her mascara was on point.

"I don't think it takes much to recognize that you're gorgeous," he replied, then took a big swig of his beer, leaning back against the counter.

"Oh, I am well aware. I meant you realizing that it was time to pivot to flattery to avoid the hot water you were wading into. I'm almost ready though. 20 minutes tops."

She was teasing him with the time and was nearly done. It was more fun to make him sweat a little first, however.

"That's what you said 30 minutes ago!" Harvey responded after a loud groan, checking his watch.

"And you won't be saying anything once you see me in this dress," she sing-songed, knowing she looked fantastic. It really hugged her in all the right places. With money always an issue, she didn't splurge on clothing often. She wanted to look her best for the party, however, and was fortunate to find a discounted dress that looked anything but.

"As long as that happens before the party is over," he muttered, still risking drifting towards warmer waters.

"Keep flapping those gums and you'll miss out on what I have planned for after the party, mister," she rebuked, knowing that the threat was empty. She'd already seen how good he looked, and she wasn't going to punish herself after all.

"Take as long as you need, honey," he followed, deciding to smarten up, just in case. He finished the rest of his beer and was debating if he should open another.

"Now that's more like it. Because-" The rest of her line was cut off by a knock at the door. It wasn't loud, more of a delicate tap, but it still managed to have an ominous effect.

Harvey went to open it, wondering if his roommate was back in town early and forgot his keys again. He wasn't expecting anyone and had no other ideas of who it could be. As he swung it wide, he was thrown off when a redheaded woman immediately brushed by him, just as Donna emerged from the room.

"Long time no see, Little Sissy," the stranger greeted, leading Harvey to put the pieces together.

"Veronica. What are you doing here? Wait… how do you even know where here is?" Donna asked, failing to hide the shock from her face.

She hadn't seen her sister in years. The last she'd heard, Veronica had moved out to California and married some silver spoon-fed older man, who was moonlighting as a Hollywood producer. His day job was blowing through his family money, of which she was sure Veronica was a great help.

The timing of her dating him had always been suspicious to Donna. It started right after one of those phases in which the guilt hit Donna hard enough to try to patch things up with her older sister. She had confided in her that she wanted to be an actress. Next thing she knew, her sister was marrying into the movie making business, and even had a non-speaking appearance in one of her husband's subpar projects.

Growing up, they never really talked about things of substance, certainly not their hopes and dreams. The six-year age gap was definitely a contributing factor, but it went deeper than that. There were several lessons learned throughout her childhood that her sister could not be trusted with her inner thoughts, and certainly not her secrets.

It started with small examples. If Donna said her favorite flavor out of the box of popsicles was strawberry, her sister would be sure to eat them all, despite preferring lime. One time, when Donna admitted she was nervous about a test, her sister hid her notes and textbook, and insisted they were just misplaced.

The worst Veronica related memory she had was from her 18th birthday. Her sister had been in town, and got her drunk to celebrate. She had only tried alcohol a handful of times at that point, and never as much as her sister poured. Donna slipped up and told her that she was still a virgin, as was Andy, her boyfriend at the time. Veronica utilized the drinks to drag out of Donna that she was planning to change her status. Before her sister left town again, Donna walked into her room to discover that Andy had apparently been tired of waiting, and took that step with Veronica instead.

It had broken Donna's heart, and she knew then their relationship would never recover. Veronica had always been jealous of her, which was a weird feeling for the much younger sister. Still, there had been lines she thought her sister wouldn't cross, but she would never make that mistake again.

"Gavin and I flew in for a party, but he's been rather unreasonable all night," Veronica started to explain, entering the kitchen fumbling around until she found whiskey and a glass. "I decided I may as well drop in on my baby sister while I was in town. Daddy gave me you address, but Petunia told me I would find you here."

"You mean Peggy," Donna corrected, well aware that her sister didn't care about the names of others.

"Same difference," she replied with a dismissive wave. "Petunia didn't warn me that your boyfriend would be so delicious," she shifted to, looking Harvey up and down while downing the whiskey, before slapping the glass onto the counter.

"Peggy doesn't go after other people's men, unlike someone I know," Donna scoffed, crossing her arms, and subconsciously moving closer to Harvey.

"When will you let that one go, Sissy? All I am saying is that as delectable as he looks all dressed up, it really is a shame I didn't get here earlier. I can picture that body in nothing but a towel. Take it as a compliment, it's not like I am trying to add him to my collection." She responded, while looking down at her nails as she picked them, signaling her disinterest.

Images of her sister trying to seduce Harvey invaded her mind. Donna knew that Harvey wasn't like Andy, he would never hurt her like that, but the insecurity from that period of her life could never fully go away. Even the mere suggestion enraged her, more visibly than she would have liked.

Harvey had been watching their exchange silently, but decided it was time to step in. He wrapped an arm around Donna's waist and pulled her into him, her back to his chest. "It's been lovely to meet you, Veronica, but Donna and I were just about to leave. We are already running behind."

He placed a kiss behind her ear to help bring her back down, but also to send Veronica a message. He had all the woman he would ever need tucked safely in his arms.

Veronica sighed. "I can take a hint and will slog all the way back to my hotel," she conceded, not before pouring another whiskey and taking it as a shot. "But we must do lunch, the three of us, before I fly back. I am so excited to tell you about the new movie. And Donna, if you're still struggling to land roles, never hesitate to reach out. I am sure Gavie has some connections here as well."

To an outsider, it might have sounded like a genuine offer to help. Donna knew, however, that her sister was only trying to rub it in her face that her career hadn't taken off yet. Veronica didn't understand the process, how hard it was to catch the right break. She was too used to sleeping her way into any success that came her way, and it wasn't even like Veronica was making a name for herself.

Despite knowing her sister, and knowing all of that, her words still got to Donna. She couldn't stand it, that she still let her have an effect. It irritated her that a brief visit could still tank her mood, but she couldn't deny it either. Even after the door closed and Veronica was on the proper side of it, the desire to go out and party with their friends had vanished.

Harvey could sense it, that putting on a face and being the center of attention, which she always seemed to be, wasn't what she needed for the night. "What would you say if we blew off the party and had our New Year's Eve here?" he asked, ideas already formulating.

She looked relieved as she answered. "I think that sounds nice, Harvey, but are you sure you don't mind. My sister wasn't lying about how good you look."

"And I wasn't lying when I said you're the sexiest woman in any room you enter," he flirted, turning her around in his arms.

"Technically, you said hottest, but I'll accept the paraphrasing this time," she joked, her arms finding one of their favorite places, snaked around his neck. After a pause, she turned more serious. "Thank you, Harvey. I hate that she still has this power over me, but she does."

"If anyone can understand messed up family relationships, it's me. Don't even think twice about it. I am going to run out and pick up a couple of things while you draw us a bubble bath. Give me a fifteen-minute head start though," he requested before giving her a kiss and dashing out.

When he had teased her before about running late, it wasn't as close to midnight as he made it seem. Though, most of the restaurants in their area had still locked-up early. He was happy to find a sushi spot still serving, and ordered some to go. He also grabbed a couple of bottles of Champagne from the corner store to toast the new year, and strawberries and whipped cream to set the mood.

Neither of them regretted staying in, sharing their midnight kiss in between rounds.

Present Day

How late she stayed up, she couldn't say, but when she opened her eyes again, there was sunlight peeking through the clouds and her curtains. She noticed a weight draped across her hip and was suddenly reminded that Harvey was in her bed again.

It had been a long time since she had shared one with a man, with Harvey being the last, and her longest relationship. Contact like this reminded her of what she had been missing. It had surprised her back then, how clingy he was in his sleep, though she was just as guilty of it. They always seemed to wake up spooning, or otherwise tangled with each other.

She could tell that he was up, or at least parts of him were. She found herself pushing back against him, grinding just ever so subtly. The desire to spin around and face him, to feel those abs again, maybe nibble on his neck enroute to his lips… god… she wanted to taste him, suck his tongue into her mouth. It was almost suffocating. His scent, his body, it was setting hers ablaze.

He was awake, she was sure now, and he was eager, ready. It wouldn't take much at this point for her to disregard her rule. His hand on her hip was inches away from being able to breach her barriers and slide home. There was very little left of her resolve, just a touch could shatter it.

"Donna…" he started, and she could hear the lust and the uncertainty in his voice. She felt his breath on her neck and just as soon as his lips began to ghost the back it, just as he started to pull her in tighter, Addy started fussing over the baby monitor, breaking the spell.

Whether it was the universe looking out for her, or it laughing in her face, she wasn't sure. Not waiting to figure it out, she beelined to her daughter's room, and decided not to dwell on it. Whatever would happen, didn't have to happen now. She still wanted him to be sure.

She needed him to be.

October 28, 1999 – Present Day

While he had yet to hit a homerun with any of his business ventures, no one could ever accuse Jim Paulsen of skipping batting practice. He was a worker, and once he had his sights on something, he was willing to do anything to see it through.

His search for his next business venture had taken him out of Connecticut, back to New York in fact, his old stomping grounds. He'd spent quite a few weekends there recently, attending conferences and conventions, hoping to expand his horizons beyond just real estate listings and projects.

When he met Thomas Kessler, he saw a motivated young man with integrity and talent. Thomas was a skilled craftsman with an artistic mind and sharp eye for interior design, at least to Jim's limited knowledge. With Thomas's ability to create, and Jim's knowledge of the real estate market, he saw it as a potentially perfect marriage. Thomas needed to get his product into stores and eventually open up several of his own, and Jim thought of himself as a top-flight partner to help to facilitate it all.

Thomas was a man who valued honesty with old school business ideals. Jim appreciated that about him, as he still believed in the spirit of handshake agreements and complete transparency. In his opinion, too many of the younger folks these days operated more like Harvey, a shark in the water smelling blood.

Jim had been making every effort to get along with him, and could begrudgingly admit that he was a decent father. He still wasn't the man he would pick for his daughter, and he couldn't understand her infatuation. As contradictory as it sounded, part of the reason that he wasn't exactly rooting for them to reunite was the fact that Harvey hadn't stepped up and married his daughter the second he found out about Addy. Jim was a firm believer in traditional households, even if Donna was far from a traditional woman. He did not approve of the fact that his baby girl had a baby out of wedlock.

Clara didn't hold the same complaints; she even liked the boy, and had warned him that Donna would be back with Harvey before they knew it. While his relationship with Clara had been wilting before Donna showed up with a bun in the oven, he couldn't deny that his stance towards the man who impregnated his daughter was causing additional strain.

Jim knew that Donna would probably always love Harvey, and maybe that should motivate him to come around to Clara's side, but he still had hopes for a better man. Maybe in time, someone like Thomas could steal her heart away. It crossed his mind that Veronica was soon to be divorced, and deserved a good man too, but to him, Donna was the more pressing matter. The image of her with Thomas was nestling into his brain.

That last part, Jim wouldn't admit to himself, attempting to ignore his self-interest in the matter. He'd hardly known Thomas long enough to label him as someone that should court his daughter, but they also didn't know each other well enough to go into business yet, at least by Thomas's standards.

Having two beautiful daughters was something that Jim saw as an asset, even if he tried to deny those thoughts. Donna was closer to Thomas's age, and the one he was already linking to him. If he fancied either of one of his daughters, Jim had no problem leaning on his preference, to help him seal his deal. Thomas was a good man after all.

Since they still were feeling things out and talking them through, Jim had decided to invite Thomas over to dinner to meet his family. The evening had been going well. Clara had prepared a delicious boeuf bourguignon that Julia Child herself would have been proud of, and Thomas had gotten along swimmingly with his girls. Even Addy had been quite the charmer.

Jim could see it now. It still might take them a month or two to work out all the details and sign a contract, but after the reasonable wait, he would use the alliance to end his pattern of business failures. To him, Thomas was like a prized horse that he could ride to the wealth and status he'd always known he deserved. He would be entering at the right time, early enough that no one could question his role in the development.

"Thomas, why don't you explain to my girls how you got your start making furniture," Jim prompted, in between bites.

"I am more than happy to share my story, but only if they'll do the same," Thomas responded politely, making sure to include Veronica, even though it was just Donna who captivated him. She was insanely attractive to him, and he wasn't one to mind a kid. In fact, he'd always loved them, and her daughter was precious.

Veronica rolled her eyes, noticing where Thomas's had landed. She hadn't come back just to visit, not that she ever really did. The last time she saw her sister, as brief as it was that New Year's Eve, was the first sign of trouble with Gavin. He didn't love it when he walked in on her making out with his friend, who with his wife had joined their trip. To her it was just kissing, it wasn't like they fucked.

They hung on for a few more years, but things eventually reached a breaking point. She left while their estate was being settled and hadn't even signed the divorce papers yet. Still, it bothered her not being the center of attention.

"My father died when I was just a boy. I was the only son, and the older brother of three sisters so I became the man of the house at ten years old," Thomas started, his eyes still fixed on Donna. "My mother did her best, but we were always strapped financially. I started looking for little ways to help, fixing things, building things, including furniture," he explained, then broke briefly to take a sip of his wine.

Making sure to acknowledge the rest of the room, he glanced around as he resumed. "One day, after I watched a recording of my performance in a high school play, I realized my love for acting wasn't something I could hang my hat on. The next thing I knew, I was a young man designing pieces in my garage while cranking the Boss."

"You're still a young man," Jim chuckled. "But a very impressive one, with good taste in music.'"

"Maybe to your generation," Veronica said, not at all under her breath while shuffling food around her plate.

"Your generation wouldn't know good music if it bit them in the ass, young lady," Jim responded, but with a playful tone.

"Not in front of Addy, honey," Clara corrected sweetly, not waiting to see if Donna would. She was even more sensitive about language, at least at this age.

"So, Donna, your father tells me that you're attending Yale." Thomas brought up, once again looking across the table at the younger redhead that he found so enticing.

He had wanted to get to know Jim Paulsen better, before he made any decisions on any joint ventures. His business was still in its infancy phase, but things were sound enough to be in no rush. So far, Jim had said all the right things, but he was just a manager at his firm, which made Thomas want to proceed with caution. Time was indeed on his side as he expanded his catalogue, but some of the ideas that Jim had floated to speed up the growth process were intriguing to say the least.

Inviting him over for a homecooked meal and to meet his family was a good move in Thomas's book. He was a family-oriented man, and while he didn't have one of his own yet, a man with similar priorities was a prerequisite for partnership. That one of Jim's daughters was breathtaking had come as a surprise. Both were beautiful really, but he was quite taken with Donna the second he laid eyes on her.

"I am. Second year of law school, and I can't wait to be done," she responded politely after encouraging Addy to eat the food in front of her.

Donna wasn't sure what to think about the dinner. Thomas was nice enough and seemed to have a good head for business on his shoulders. From an investment or partnership perspective, her dad might be on the right track. Reading people was her gift, however, and she could see what her dad wasn't saying. Tonight was about more than just good food and introductions. She deduced that her dad was counting on her to help reel in Thomas, and she wasn't entirely sure what all he expected of her.

"I bet most people there would say the same," Veronica huffed snidely, before Thomas had a chance to respond.

When she had heard her little sister had gotten pregnant, she had been elated by the news. Kids to her were nothing more than sniveling, sticky, inconveniences that cost too much money and caused stretchmarks. Which just so happened to be exactly why she was so happy. Her sister had big dreams, and she knew with annoying certainty that Donna would be able to accomplish them. She had always been so good at everything. A surprise baby, however, was a wrinkle in any plan.

"If that's true, I am sure it's because you're running circles around them," Thomas said with a warm smile. "And with a young daughter too, I'm sure they don't know what hit them."

It wasn't the type of response Veronica was looking for, so she dug in further. "Well, her acting career fizzled out, so she had to try something," she expressed, rolling her eyes.

"Don't tell me that you share my love for the theater," Thomas exclaimed, leaning in towards Donna. "We should see a show next time that you are in New York," he offered after finishing the bite of food he had taken, sidestepping Veronica's attempt to belittle her.

Thomas lived upstate himself, not planning to move into the city until he got a little further along in his career, with how expensive it was. He would gladly make time to visit, and to take in a play or a musical, if Donna wanted to join.

"She doesn't get there very often these days with school, but we do miss New York," Clara cut in, throwing Donna a bone. She had noticed the wheels spinning for Donna, as she tried to craft a gentle rebuff.

"I do miss the theater as well," Donna added, as to not fully ignore the comment that was directed at her. Addy helped by providing a distraction, as she was ready to be removed from her highchair. Donna lifted her to her lap, and inconspicuously checked her diaper, which was still thankfully dry and clean.

"You should have seen her on the stage, Thomas. Donna was as talented as she is beautiful. But being the type of mother she is, she wanted something more predictable. How many women can pivot like Donna, and end up at Yale Law School," Jim bragged, far from oblivious to Thomas's interest in his youngest daughter.

The flattery was a little annoying to her. Donna knew her father was proud of her, but he had never been so complimentary when she was pulling double shifts, trying to scrape by. She knew this was a show for Thomas, and while she was willing to help, she had her lines in the sand. Hopefully, her father wouldn't ask her to cross them.

"Donna does seem quite remarkable," Thomas responded. His words were directed at Jim, but he couldn't help gazing at Donna again. "Speaking of remarkable, this dinner was truly delicious, Clara. I can't thank you enough for having me over for it."

"It was no problem, Thomas, I enjoy cooking, and I hope you've saved room for dessert," she returned, then added, "I am going to go ahead and heat it up now. Jim, do you mind helping me in the kitchen for a moment."

As soon as he followed her in, Clara got right to it. "Don't think for a second that I don't know what you're doing, Jim." she chastised in a lowered voice, with there being no doors separating the dining room from them.

"And what would that be, dear?" Jim asked, crossing his arms loosely and steeling his face. He knew that Clara had asked him to join for a reason, and that the reason had nothing to do with the pie she had baked earlier.

"It's a bad idea," she responded with a shake of her head.

"You still haven't clued me in on what exactly 'it' is, honey," he said a little slower, then decided to open up a new bottle and pour himself a glass of wine. He was in the kitchen anyway, so he might as well.

"It's one thing to invite him over for dinner to introduce him to your family, it's quite another to lean on our very busy daughter to help move things along. It feels like you are trying to merge a lot more than just business, and I would ask you to reconsider," she said, while preheating the oven. She did actually want to warm up the pie.

"This is only about business, Clara. I'm sure that Donna is onboard with things. She's constantly helping people with various matters, why not her own father?" he said with a bit of an edge, though accompanied it with a limp wave of his arm.

"Thomas is a perfectly nice young man, but he is obviously smitten with our girl. I hope you don't expect her to entice him. That would be asking way too much of her," she replied, still minding her volume.

"Women have been used to help finalize business deals for about as long as deals have existed. I am not forcing anything, just giving a little nudge here and there. Sometimes merging business goes even smoother when families are merged as well," he explained, trying to justify his stance, and admitting to more of the thought process he tried to bury than he should.

"Jim!" she exclaimed out of shock. She was glad she had already placed the pie in the oven, lest she would have dropped it. "Do you think we are still living in those times?! You can't just marry off our daughter to Thomas to strike a deal."

"I'm hardly trying to marry her off, Clara. I'm just saying it has happened before. You know that all I am doing is working tirelessly to put this family back on the map," he stated firmly. "I'm not meant to be stuck meandering around my firm with no future. If something develops between Donna and Thomas because she wants Addy to have strong father figure, I can assure you it won't be my doing."

Back in the era she was referring to, daughters were like currency for fathers, but he wasn't going that far. There were no plans to arrange any marriages for a slice of the pie, he just wouldn't have any complaints if it happened organically. Even Clara could see that Thomas was an honest man, the type he would like to see Donna date. Despite that, he would leave it up to her, he always would.

Knowing his daughter meant knowing how independent and headstrong she was. There was no point in trying to influence her decision-making, especially now that she was a mother. Jim wasn't trying to manipulate the circumstances; he was simply tired of being behind the trends and of his projects falling apart. If Thomas and his daughter bonded further, and Harvey stayed a weekend dad, well that was just icing on the cake.

"Sweetheart, you need to take me very seriously when I say you are playing with fire. The only time I've seen Donna look at you with anything other than that warmth that's always inside her, was when you laid into Harvey the first time you met him. She loves him something fierce and if you can't stop whatever is going on inside that head of yours long enough to see that he is doing right by our girl and our grand baby, then you're going to lose Donna and break her heart in the process," Clara cautioned, stepping closer to deliver the warning with a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Their relationship had seen better days, but Clara had never stopped loving her husband. He was a sweet and attentive man with a big heart, but he had one glaring weakness. As a boy, he had once confided in her, he had always felt overlooked and underestimated. His siblings were tall and athletic, most of his family was. It helped to explain Donna's height, but with Jim, he had been treated like the runt. His father had placed such an emphasis on sports and masculinity, and Jim could never compete. He was still so sensitive about it all, and searched for other ways to stand out. It had triggered his obsession with wealth and success, and it worried her, the lengths he was willing to go.

When he focused on things outside of business, she really had no complaints about their life together. It had started to shift again, when Donna announced her plan to become a lawyer, and got into Yale. Clara had noticed his insecurities bubbling to the surface again.

His issues with Harvey weren't helping things either. Clara surmised that some of it was genuine concern. He did love his daughters and he did want the best for them, so being slow to accept everything involving Harvey and Donna wasn't without logic or merit. She didn't mind him having high expectations for man for their girl, it was just his obliviousness to what Donna actually needed, and wanted, that irked her on occasion.

Harvey had his flaws, but how much he loved Addy and Donna was not one of them. Clara saw a maturing man who had his demons, but would always protect his family. Donna loved harder than anyone she had ever met, and Harvey had her heart. That wasn't changing on her end, and she was certain it wouldn't fade for him either. They were young, but they would figure it out in due time.

"Harvey already took care of that, or did you forget?" he asked rhetorically, referring to the breakup. It was true that he had never seen his daughter more depressed then, but he disregarded the part where he had never seen her happier than when she spent time with Harvey and Addy.

"Love isn't always linear, and he's back, stepping up. Frankly, I thought you noticed, but regardless of that situation, do not insert yourself. Feel things out with Thomas all you want for business, but get this idea of him versus Harvey as far out of your mind as possible," she warned.

With that, the dessert was ready to be served.

November 15, 1999 – Present Day

"Of course it's the day I'm running a little behind for an exam that your daughter decides to catapult her breakfast everywhere," Donna recapped over the phone, back home from a long day.

"Don't think I haven't noticed how she's always my daughter when she's acting up," Harvey joked, muting the basketball game he had been watching before her call. He still phoned them nightly, but she beat him to it this evening.

"Don't pretend we both don't know who she got it from," she sassed, dropping the highlighter she had been twirling between her fingers onto the table.

"I can't fault her for being a daddy's girl, and I did warn you she would be," he responded, grinning into the phone. He loved to tease her about it, but Addy was enamored with both of her parents.

"She really is, Harvey. After you leave on Sundays, Mondays are always tough for her. I am pretty sure that's why I had to clean yogurt off the walls. And pick up cheerios and blueberries off the floor," she said with a soft, breathy tone.

He might have been kidding, but she was serious, and her delicate timbre fully conveyed her sincerity. When he didn't immediately respond, she knew he was picturing her scrambling to clean up the mess, probably in a short skirt and not the pants she had been wearing. She could imagine his related grin.

"It's not easy for me either, although I haven't tried tossing my breakfast as a stress reliever yet," he eventually followed, after finishing his French maid fantasy.

"I won't be the one cleaning it up if you do. Make sure to keep that in mind before experimenting," she retorted, keeping up with the humor. She started putting away her study materials, realizing that her brain was too exhausted to retain anything additional.

"I seem to remember being the one to clean up the strawberries and whipped cream after the first time we had sex." He was feeling bold, bringing it up. He'd been feeling that way a lot more lately. She had been ignoring his comments or changing the topic less.

"You just wanted to make sure it wasn't the last time we had sex!" she exclaimed with a laugh. "But I'll give you credit, you've never left me with the mess," she said acknowledging the first time, and their subsequent indulgences. They were great memories.

"If cleaning helps with that, I am showing up with a trunk full of Pine-Sol this weekend," he flirted.

She noticed that he was doing so more often lately, and she didn't think he could help it. Respecting her rule was something he had been intentional, and good, about. It was her impression that he still fully intended to be, but it was becoming increasingly hard to ignore that things had shifted sightly, after sharing the bed a month before.

His body had reacted naturally, but she was sure that he had been alert when she pushed back into him, and he pulled her back even closer. She thought for a moment that they were about to toss her rule out the window, and got the sense that he did too, and was all for it. That was until the baby monitor snapped them out of it. They never did address it after, and too much time had passed to do it now.

Forcing her heart to be patient was difficult enough, but nearly impossible now with her body screaming for more. Shaking her head, she reminded herself that she had dialed him for more than just to hear his voice. "Hey, I wanted to discuss this weekend with you."

"Sure, what do you have in mind? Want to go somewhere with the little miss?" he asked, slouching slightly and relaxing in his reclining chair.

"Well, actually," she hesitated, "My dad asked me to do a favor for him. The Yale Harvard football game is Saturday, and I am taking Thomas."

Harvey stiffened at her words and sat up a little straighter. Of all the things she could have followed with, he wasn't expecting the favor to be going somewhere with another man.

"It's news to me that you're a football fan," he said gruffly, not bothering to hide his irritation.

"Harvey, this isn't about me. I told you that my dad is talking about working with him, and he's trying really hard to show Thomas that he has some good ideas," she said, granting him patience.

"Maybe he wouldn't have to try so hard if every deal he touches didn't turn to shit. And I don't see how that is your responsibility anyhow." He sounded childish, and he knew it, but he hated everything about it.

"You don't have to be a jerk. My dad is doing his best here, and all he is asking of me is to help introduce Thomas to the people with too much money who will be there" she informed him gently.

Having the conversation in person might not have made him take It any better, but at least she could have used her touch to calm him. She didn't want to wait to spring it on him Friday night when he arrived, however.

Donna continued explaining it to Harvey, who thankfully didn't interrupt. "You know, probably better than I do, that this game attracts many of the who's who of the upper class. And you know that networking is something that I am great at. The rich folks all tailgate lavishly, which is the perfect opening to get access. My dad wants to prove to Thomas that he can help with investors and that kind of thing, that he can help him grow. Or in this case, that I can."

"I guess I'll stay out of your hair, then, this weekend. It's not like I am already not there enough or anything," he protested petulantly, grateful that she couldn't see his scowl or how hard he was gripping the armrest.

"Harvey," she sighed. "Of course I still want you to come. I'll just be gone a few hours, and Addy needs her daddy anyway."

"Fine, I'll be there at the normal time," he grumbled, not wanting her to hear his relief. It made him more nervous than it should have that she wouldn't want him to come. It wasn't even a rational thought, as he knew she'd want him there for Addy no matter what, but it was still good to hear her say it.

He also hoped that he would have the chance to assess this Thomas guy for himself.

November 20, 1999 – Present Day

"Dada up," Addy commanded and reached her arms out for her father.

At just about 19 months, her speech still consisted of limited words, but she was an expressive girl. Their pediatrician even suggested that she may be a little ahead of schedule on some of her development, which didn't surprise Harvey one bit. She was his kid, after all, and with Donna as a mother, the world better be on notice.

He reached down and scooped her into his lap, from where she had been standing after finishing with her toys. She giggled then snuggled into him before making her next demand.

"Saurs!" she shouted excitedly, slightly off in her pronunciation of the last half of dinosaurs.

"You want to watch The Land Before Time again, Little Foot?" he asked, using the nickname that had spawned from how often they'd already watched the movie series. Initially, he was worried that Sharptooth might be too scary of a character, but she loved the movie and all the sequels.

She babbled in response, mixing a "ya" in with her unintelligible chatter. He stood up to turn the movie on, holding onto her as he did, while she clapped in excitement. It was worth it to sit through it for the millionth time to see the joy on his baby girl's face.

They were watching in the living room, instead of their usual downstairs hangout. He didn't think twice about why, but if he did, he would have to admit that he wanted to be closer to the door for when Donna returned from her "not" date with Thomas. He had no idea if Thomas would come in, to talk to Jim or for other reasons, but if he did, he would see Harvey with Addy, waiting for her momma.

"Well, aren't you just too precious," Veronica cooed in a tone that was just as fake as she typically was, as she entered the room. "Scooch over," she demanded, before sitting down on the couch, a little too close for Harvey's liking.

"It's a big couch, you know," Harvey replied, but shifted away to leave as big a gap between them as possible.

She ignored his response and continued talking. "I see you're stuck babysitting while my baby sister is out having fun with that hunk of a man," she said then paused to let it sink it more. "Isn't he even taller than you, Harvey?" she asked, feigning innocence.

"It's not babysitting when it's your own kid. And it's just business," Harvey calmly replied, though she was already testing his nerves. He knew that was her intention with the way she spoke about Thomas.

"Oh, sugarplum, I wouldn't be so sure about that. They already have plans to attend some sort of ritzy Yale event together next month," she informed, her voice dripping with condescension.

Donna hadn't told Harvey about that yet, but somehow, he knew that Veronica wasn't bluffing. He felt himself getting even more worked up, but he didn't want to give her the satisfaction of seeing it, and took a deep breath, as inaudibly as he could.

When Harvey remained silent, she kept going. "He's probably going to be over here even more as he and daddy figure out this deal they are working on. I wonder if Addy will take a shining to him. He seems like he would be great with kids, don't you think?"

"I wouldn't know. I haven't met the guy," he admitted, before he realized he probably shouldn't engage her even that much.

"You mean my sister hasn't introduced you yet? I wonder if there is a reason for that. She never introduces me to the guys she's crushing on..." she trailed off, turning towards him more to gauge his reaction.

"Well, you did fu-, sleep with her boyfriend," he replied, censoring himself just in time. His tone was getting the better of him, but he didn't want Addy repeating a bad word in front of Donna and getting him in trouble.

"We're not here to talk about me, but I can't help it if little sissy left him… wanting," she deflected, refusing to consider how cruel she had been.

Never one to be willing to linger on unpleasant thoughts, she refused to reflect on her choices, and instead always believed her actions were justified. It didn't matter how low she went; she could spin it into someone else being the one to blame. When it came to Donna, it was easy for her to.

Harvey's desire to defend Donna was burning with an extreme intensity. He despised it when anyone tried to bring her into any sort of drama, or said a bad word about her, but it hit a little harder when it was her own flesh and blood. How her sister could be so repugnant towards her, he couldn't begin to understand.

Before Harvey had a chance to filter his thoughts down to the reply he would go with, the sound of the front door opening interrupted him.

"Donna, I can't thank you enough for being my all-access pass for the evening," Thomas said, with a hand on her back.

They hadn't made it into Harvey's line of sight yet, but his ears were straining for every word.

"The first time is free, but I may have to charge you for the next one. A nice bottle of red should do the trick," Donna responded with just a touch of flirtation in her tone.

It wasn't interest that she was conveying, it was more of a residual effect from being deep into her act most of the evening. The reason her dad had asked her to accompany Thomas to the game was centered around the fact a few big wigs in the furniture world were there, and there was no one better than her to charm them.

Describing it as tailgating failed to do it justice. If she didn't already know what they looked like, as her research was never lacking, all she would have had to do was seek out the decked-out RVs, or the tent arrangements that resembled high-end garden parties, to find the money. They didn't stop at those with connections to interior design either. They approached anyone who looked like they had enough wealth to consider investing it, and could label the outing a success.

Thomas wasn't looking to secure financing or get his pieces into showrooms quite yet, just to lay the groundwork and meet the right people. He hadn't even officially decided to work with her father after all. It was an important steppingstone with Jim's track record being what it was, proving that he had ideas with merit.

Donna hadn't expected to enjoy herself for multiple reasons. To start, she was far from a football fan, and had never even been to a game. It was also hard to sacrifice her weekend time with her baby and Harvey, and to do so with Thomas, someone she had only just met.

What she hadn't predicted was how good being back in her element felt. Thomas had also proven to be better company than he had anticipated. He was driven and intelligent, a must for her in a man, but he was also considerate and attentive. She could admit that he was easy on the eyes, and someone she might have been interested in, if she didn't have her family already waiting for her at home.

The game that followed the networking was not to her taste, but she did enjoy the fact that Yale beat Harvard 24-21. It made her think about Harvey, and picture rubbing it in his face. She kept catching herself imagining him there with her, and the comments he might make. He would roll his eyes in mock annoyance as she questioned every play and proceeded to forget all the rules. His excitement would rub off on her, though, and she would have spent more time watching his reactions than she would have the players on the field.

"I'll do you one better and add dinner to that wine. You just say the word, Donna," Thomas replied to her joke about the bottle of red, lowering his pitch, and leaning in a little closer in the process.

Harvey overheard the invitation and felt his blood start to boil. He knew it wasn't fair, Donna was only ever supportive when he was with Scottie, but in the moment, it didn't matter. Scottie was never a real threat; he had no idea if Thomas could be.

"Now, now, Thomas you know we're focusing on business, not pleasure," she said lightly, still mindful of her father's intentions.

They were standing in the foyer now, a little awkwardly, as Donna didn't know if she should offer him a drink or a coffee.

"Have I ever told you that I am a great multi-tasker," he retorted, buying time, hoping she would ask him to stay longer. The day had gone superbly, in his opinion. They had made some good connections, and he hadn't enjoyed a woman's company as much in a long time.

Harvey couldn't hold himself back from approaching any longer. "Look who it is, Addy, it's Mommy!" he said, stepping into their view. He feigned surprise at seeing Thomas there, but did at least shake his hand and introduce himself.

"Thanks for taking care of my girl's mother, Thomas," Harvey said, his tone as fake as ever. "Donna, welcome home," he added, before stepping closer and placing a possessive kiss on her cheek. She would have rolled her eyes if not for her company.

"Harvey, could you give us a moment," Donna requested, although she didn't leave him with any choice in the matter. Her glare was enough to make that obvious.

"Sure, but don't take too long, we just started a movie," he followed suggestively, and gave Donna another kiss on her cheek, really making a show of it. It was well worth the daggers her eyes shot into him.

Thankfully, Thomas took the hint and left shortly after.

November 30, 1999 – Present Day

"Sccoottiiee," Harvey said in way of greeting, dragging out her name as he took a seat next to her in their criminal procedure class.

"Harvey," she replied stiffly, not turning to acknowledge anything beyond her name from his lips.

"I come bearing gifts," he tried and held out a cup of coffee, moving it around slightly, hoping her peripheral vision would catch the motion. "Skinny vanilla latte with caramel," he added, knowing it was her favorite. It wasn't even the crappy coffee cart variety; he had swung by one of those Starbucks shops that had been popping up all over the Boston area the last few years.

Scottie sighed and snatched the coffee from him. She had stayed up late studying, still determined to finish first in their class. "What could you possibly want?" she questioned, knowing good and well that he wasn't bringing her coffee as a random act of kindness.

"Is it too soon to ask you a favor?" he floated, while turning up the charm with his body language and tone.

Typically, he would have sat at least a few rows behind her, giving her space. Their relationship had never gotten very serious, but he understood that her feelings for him might have, and he didn't want to make things any more difficult for her. He never denied caring about her, and he never wanted to see her hurt, but she was the closest thing he had to a friend on campus, and it just so happened he needed her help.

"You can ask, but I can't guarantee it won't end with this cup of coffee being poured on your head," she warned, hiding her contentment after taking a sip. The caramel level was perfect.

"Just make sure you take at least a few more sips first. I went off campus for it, and even wrapped it in foil to help keep it hot." He didn't want his coffee bribe to be lukewarm, not when he really needed her to say yes to the favor.

He knew, with what he had planned, that he was risking really pissing Donna off. It was better than risking Thomas swooping in, however.

"Let's just get to the point," Scottie replied impatiently, after taking another sip.

"Your cousin, the one who graduated from Yale. Is she available this weekend?" Harvey asked, following her advice to get to it, and utilizing his best puppy dog look.

"Oh, you've got to be shitting me. You want me to set you up with my cousin? What the hell, Harvey?" she exclaimed. Glancing around the room, she was glad that class hadn't started yet, as most people were still chattering. Her response was louder than she had intended it to be.

"There's an alumni event at Yale this weekend, and I need to get in," he stated bluntly.

"Let me guess, current students will be there too, and this is about Donna. Yet again. God, can I never escape that woman?" She huffed in annoyance, but it was better than her initial thought.

Even though they weren't back together yet, Harvey reuniting with a woman he had loved before he even met her was something her ego could handle. Random women, and especially her own cousin, wasn't.

"I know I shouldn't be asking you this-,"

"Why are you?" she asked, interrupting him. "Why not just man up and talk to her, Harvey? You have a kid together, so we all know you've already stuck your boy parts in. And she still looks at you with the same moon eyes you shoot her," she followed with an eyeroll, but was truly curious.

Harvey hesitated, wanting to choose his words correctly. She hadn't agreed to help yet, and he wanted to frame his answer in a way that would make her more likely to. Scottie, who had been scanning his face, was able to fill in the gap that his slow response had created, however.

"Wait, she's going with another guy, isn't she?" she questioned, continuing to stare, and continuing to stimulate her brain while rewarding her tastebuds with her sugary coffee.

He simply nodded in affirmation.

"You're such a god damned coward, but I'll give my cousin a call. She thinks you're hot, so don't lead her on and don't fuck her," she warned, even if it shouldn't matter.

"Thank you, Scottie, that won't be a problem. And for the record, I owe you one," he responded appreciatively.

"It's going to be a big fucking one when I ask for it, Specter," she threatened, mumbling the reply.

"Fair enough, and I'll give you a free sample. Last year, when you didn't want my help and Stemple beat you in moot court, he cheated. He bribed the jury, and he did so this year too."

He was going to tell her that either way, despite her reaction being poor the time before, at just the offer of assistance. It wasn't something that he wanted to sit on, however, Stemple was too much of a dick for that.

"That son of a bitch! I am not going to let that wormy, asshole get away with it."

He didn't this time. With evidence of him cheating again, Harvard asked A. Elliott Stemple not to return.

He blamed Harvey for it, and he wasn't letting go.

December 4, 1999 – Present Day

Donna was scanning the room, taking plenty of mental notes as she waited for Thomas at the bar. The venue was exquisitely decorated, to the point she was sure that no expense was spared. The crowd was starting to fill in, and she paid close attention to who was walking through the door, and who to mingle with.

The dinner was structured like a charity event, though it was more of a fundraiser for the school. It kicked off with a wine and cheese hour, followed by the dinner/silent auction, and concluded with dancing and networking, for those so inclined. Both current and former students were in attendance, with invites being tailored to those amongst the wealthier class, at least regarding those who were done with school.

It had been her idea to invite Thomas this time, although she was still doing it for her father. She could tell Harvey wasn't fond of their plans, but to his credit, he didn't try to talk her out of it. He knew as well as she did, maybe more so, that her dad's instincts when it came to business were lacking. For once, with Thomas, it felt like he was onto something that truly had potential, and the risk wasn't terribly high either.

If she could help her dad she would. He forgot, sometimes, that she could see his internal struggle. She knew that it tore him apart to be, in his mind, so underwhelming with his success, especially compared to his peers. Donna wished that her dad would be able to focus on loving her mother again, as she saw the way their relationship had been fracturing as of late. She thought, or hoped, that if he could partner with Thomas and help grow the business, he could stop obsessing, and her mother would get the partner she deserved back.

Her dad was a kind man, truly sweet when he wanted to be. Though he was, on occasion, rash with his opinions. His resistance to giving Harvey a chance was an example, and his quest for fulfillment had at times made things difficult during her childhood. She could forgive all that, as she did love her father. Sometimes she blamed him for allowing her relationship with her sister to be so problematic, as his business pursuits left him with little attention to give. They always competed for it, and things only devolved as they aged.

A small group had formed next to her, snapping her out of her thoughts. They were professors from Yale, she realized. Eavesdropping a little, she overheard them talking about some fellow professor at Harvard with a gambling problem. She continued to listen until her eyes caught Thomas returning, his smile as wide as ever.

"Donna, have I told you that you look absolutely gorgeous tonight, yet?" Thomas asked, armed with a glass of wine for each of them. He had leaned closer to her ear as he handed hers over, and delivered his line with just a bit of huskiness.

"Have I told you that grass is green, or the sky is blue?" she replied with a healthy does cocky sass.

"Okay, I get it. I was stating the obvious," he responded, still wearing a one-thousand-watt smile.

"That's right, Stupid," she teased, making sure to emphasize the playfulness behind the nickname. "And for the record, it is a daily occurrence. I place no limitations on my beauty, and you shouldn't either."

"No, I should not, and duly noted. You'll discover that I never make the same mistake twice, but in this case, can I at least get an 'A' for effort?" he asked, moving his hand to her forearm.

"I'll tell you what, I am going to have to give you an incomplete until you secure the funding to mass produce that lovely mahogany table of yours," she replied, shifting slightly on her stilettos, ignoring his hand.

"I see you've been checking out my catalogue. Say the word and I'll to take you to where the magic happens," he offered, still flirting hard.

He took it as interest in him, not realizing it was just a part of her being prepared, of doing her homework.

"Slow down there, Don Juan, or better yet, Harry Houdini," she said with an amused shake of her head, before taking the last sip of her drink. She might have downed it a little too quickly.

Still scanning the room, while determining her order of operation, she noticed that many of the attendees were shuffling into the dining hall. "We should head to our table soon, but first, I am going to order another glass of wine. I seem to have already made this one disappear."

"Nonsense, Donna. I am happy to get it for you," Thomas offered, brushing her back again.

"No, I'll grab it because that man over there with the unfortunate tie has a net worth over one-hundred million, and I heard he's a huge golf buff," she nodded towards him, not rude enough to point.

"Donna, I don't know anything about golf, I've never been a fan," Thomas protested. He knew that it was exactly what they were there for, and he did not wish to shun his business, but he was enjoying Donna's company quite a bit. His focus was on her.

"Well, you are now. Just mention Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, and next thing you know you'll have a tee time scheduled with him. It sounds like you might need some lessons first," she finished and crinkled her nose in fake judgment.

Thomas turned up his swagger and went to approach the wealthy man while Donna made her way to the bar and almost fell over in surprise when she arrived.

"Harvey?!" Donna questioned with a gasp. If she hadn't been only one drink in, she might not have believed her eyes.

"Hey Donna," Harvey responded coolly, with just a little too much cheer. He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, a new trend that he apparently wasn't letting go of. "Where's your date," he asked, his disgust dripping from the last word.

"My dad's potential business partner is over there doing what he came to do," she answered, gesturing with her eyes after she finished rolling them. Harvey is so obvious. "And who is your date?" she returned, highlighting the same word with more of a mocking tone.

"Oh, right," he stumbled, his plastered smile faltering as he seemingly just remembered that he hadn't showed up alone. Tilting his head down to the woman by his side, one that Donna thought looked a little too much like the brunette she was all too glad that Harvey had moved on from, he finally acknowledged her. "Ellen, let me introduce you to the mother of my little girl," he started.

Donna extended her hand and supplied her name to the fill-in, for him, though Harvey had already used it. "Hi Ellen, I'm Donna. Are you attending Yale as well?" she inquired, managing to keep her voice sweet and her face neutral as she gave her a once over.

This new lady wasn't triggering any alarm bells, and Donna was able to surmise that Harvey only brought her here to gain entrance. It was obvious that he wasn't as comfortable with Thomas's presence as he tried to appear. She also had a feeling that Harvey would be marking his territory by mentioning their daughter any chance he got.

"I graduated a couple of years ago, actually, but I've been to one of these before. Word of advice, don't pass up the bacon wrapped dates," she recommended, with an amiable tone.

Unbeknownst to Donna, Ellen was well aware that Harvey needed her to make the guest list and wasn't seeking anything more. She truly had enjoyed herself the last time, and wanted to do some networking of her own. Harvey had been convenient, as she was never one to attend an event solo, and she did enjoy a good dance partner. Scottie had promised her that he wouldn't step on her feet.

Once they received their round of drinks, they decided to make their way to their seats. Donna hadn't even begun to decipher which emotions she was feeling from realizing that Harvey and Ellen were sharing her table, when she discovered that Travis Tanner and his date were already sitting there.

"Donna Paulsen, what a treat," Tanner said as she reluctantly slid into her chair. "And wait a minute, do my eyes deceive me, or is this a Harvey Specter sighting as well. How long has it been since you sucker-punched me?" he taunted.

"Not nearly long enough, but I am always up for round two," Harvey responded while pulling out a chair for Ellen, then taking one himself. He would have done the same for Donna, but she was too quick in sitting down.

"Are you sure about that, Harvey? I wonder if Donna here, would agree on the accuracy of that," Tanner jeered.

"What the fuck did you say to me?" Harvey asked sharply, reading between the lines. His eyes possessed an intimidating darkness.

"I'm just saying, you're here with a different woman, so maybe you weren't getting it up enough to satisfy Red. Unless, you're the one who got tired of fucking her," Tanner goaded, while moving his finger back and forth, pointing at the two of them.

"You're pathetic," Donna piped in, more than ready to just ignore the jerk.

"Donna," he started, shifting his attention to her fully. "Don't tell me you came here solo. That desperate to keep tabs on Harvey?"

"She's with me actually," Thomas responded, choosing that moment to arrive at the table. "Thomas Kessler," he informed, despite already finding their tablemate obnoxious.

Harvey's internal struggle was twofold. Tanner was an instant threat of pushing him to his limits, but hearing Thomas declare that Donna was with him was yanking Harvey in another direction. The dinner was becoming increasingly unpleasant, but he still felt like he made the right call in coming. He was the one who needed to keep tabs, and on Thomas, but he would also put Tanner is his place if Donna's date was willing to.

"An interesting development. So, who is the father," Tanner asked as Thomas sat down, remembering that Donna was a mother from his student job in the office.

He had loved to poke and prod her about her special accommodations for pumping, and the likes. This opportunity to pile on was too good to pass up. He had yet to get over Harvey hitting him at the party.

Tanner's date seemed checked out, oblivious to what was going on around her. She remained silent, focusing on her food and the silent auction. Ellen was doing much of the same, as far as not joining in on the conversation, sensing that it was for the best. Scottie hadn't warned her about the drama, though it might make for an interesting night. She was quiet, but she was paying attention.

"That's none of your god damn business," Donna snaped, while Harvey forcefully uttered, "Be careful bringing my kid into this, Tanner," almost simultaneously.

Tanner just smirked in response, delighted by getting under their skin. The conversation stalled for a while, as they ate without much additional chatter. After the waitstaff collected their plates, Thomas, being a man of more diplomatic intentions, attempted to make the tension in the atmosphere dissipate.

"Do you know Donna from Yale…" he asked, smiling pleasantly and dragging the last part out, hoping the man would provide his first name, as he still hadn't caught it.

"Travis, Travis Tanner. And we actually met before Yale," he supplied. Thomas's words were like an invitation for him to get back to his antics. "So, when did you start sampling Harvey's sloppy seconds?" Tanner asked casually, as if he wasn't being offensive. He shifted back in his chair and took a large sip of his expensive scotch.

"I see that manners are not a part of the curriculum," Thomas responded, accepting that this Travis person wasn't interested in politeness.

"No shit, Sherlock. I'm just surprised that my good pal, Harv, is so okay with the two of you, even if he got bored of using his slutty little plaything. I can see why she picked you though, my buddy over there has a bit of a temper," he staged a whisper, and pointed his thumb over his shoulder at Harvey.

"They're not together," Harvey cut in, gruffly, wishing he could punch him again. "And I don't know what your fucking problem is, but she is off limits. This is the last warning I am going to give you about disrespecting Donna." His fists were clenching underneath the tablecloth as he could barely contain his rage.

"Or what, you're going to hit me again? In front of all these people?" Tanner provoked, tilting his head in a way that offered his cheek to incite him.

"Harvey, you're just giving him what he wants. Tanner is an ass, but he's nobody to us," Donna cut in, grabbing his hand to break his thoughts.

Thomas, noticing the comfort Donna was providing to Harvey, decided to step in. "Donna, would you care to join me for a dance?" he inquired pleasantly, and extended his hand anticipating a yes. When she nodded in the affirmative, he rose and helped her to her feet before leading her to the dance floor.

"Donna, I know your dad and I have been testing things out these last couple of months, to see if we have chemistry, but I don't think he is the only one I have chemistry with." Thomas expressed, whispering it softly into her ear, hand firmly on her back.

He was a little stiff, but overall, not a bad dancer. Being in his arms didn't feel remotely like being in Harvey's. She had always enjoyed the way he held her close, and the way their bodies communicated instinctively.

"Thomas, things are complicated. I am still in school, and I have a daughter, and…" she eased in, trying to let him down gently.

"And there's the matter of where Harvey fits into your life. Who is he to you, Donna? Is he the father of your child, or do you want him to be something more to you?" he questioned, beginning to process that his window of opportunity might have been sealed shut this whole time, but clinging onto to hope. He'd never had such strong feelings for someone who he didn't know long.

"You're asking questions that I don't have the answers to, Thomas. But the truth is, no matter what happens in the future, Harvey is someone that I will never be able to cut out of me, and I don't think I would ever want to."

She felt his hand tense on her back momentarily, and his step faltered, but he recovered quickly and continued dancing.

"I see," he said dejectedly. "I do appreciate your honesty, Donna. That is one thing I value deeply. I am a patient man, and I don't mind waiting to for you figure out what you want, but that's only if…" he trailed off, letting his last bit of hope hang in the air.

"If someday it might not be, Harvey? Thomas, I think we should stick to business," she said, still gently.

Harvey was approaching, and Donna could sense it. It was like she had a radar for him, or could simply feel his aura. For once, she didn't have any complaints about his jealousy-based timing, as she was ready for the conversation to be over.

Harvey gave himself a pat on the back for making it through an entire song before waltzing over. He had already moved from the table, figuring it was smart to distance himself from Tanner.

"Thomas, do you mind if I cut in?" Harvey asked, or rather masked his assumption as a question. His hands were already angling to pull her in, and only dissent from Donna would stop their travel.

"By all means," Thomas responded. His talk with Donna had certainly provided answers, and had given him more to think about than he had bargained for. He still wanted to tell Harvey to fuck off, but he was far too affable for that, and he wasn't one to make a scene. It was likely he was fighting a losing battle anyway.

Donna sighed, not in contentment, but in resigned acceptance as she let Harvey lead their dance. She might have welcomed the interruption, but Harvey wasn't really supposed to be at the event in the first place. "What are you really doing here, Harvey?" she prodded, knowing the answer but wanting him to voice it.

"I know I shouldn't be, but the thought of the two of you…" he started but couldn't finish.

"It bothers you," she supplied, completing the sentence for him.

"It does, it bothers me. And I know it's not fair, you said we need to live our lives, but Donna, I don't want to watch you live it with someone else," he confessed, knowing that he owed her the truth. Dancing like this with her again, with no space between them, made it easier to do so.

"Harvey, this is just a favor for my father. It's the only reason I came with him," she reassured him, firmly in words only, as her body felt like a puddle of goo.

"I don't think he knows that," he responded, his distaste not hidden in the least. He spun her around, then pulled her back in, flush against him.

"He does now, but either way, it doesn't change anything for me," she continued with the same tone.

He nodded, and neither spoke for a bit, as one song rolled into another. Eventually, he realized that he had more that he wanted to say.

"I want to respect your rule, Donna, and I know I've already done some living, but it terrifies me," he admitted with a rawness in his voice, while tightening his hold on her.

"Why does it?" she asked, searching for the truth in his eyes.

"I guess I am afraid that if I push too hard, I'll lose you. And if I wait too long, someone else will swoop in," he revealed while glancing down. If she didn't hear his preceding gulp, she felt it as he held her close.

She was so incredible and he was certain that there were men out there, good men, who wouldn't make the same mistakes he did, if given a shot.

"That's not something you have to worry about, Harvey. I want to wait because I don't want to lose you either. You'll be in New York before long, and I know you'll be back whenever you can, but everything is going to change with work. I don't think it is the right time to change things with us, too," she explained, the root of her fear being the same.

Their dancing was more of a sway now, but they were moving enough to still be able to label it that.

"You know my feelings for you won't be one of the things that changes, right? And that's still months from now," he said, barely audible to the point of sounding shy.

"I hope that's true, Harvey," she replied, acknowledging the first part. "And if it is, it still will be when I move there too," she said softly, letting herself burrow into him even more, all but nuzzling into his neck now.

As Thomas watched them dance, he started to accept that Donna was going to feel like the one who got away even though he never really had her. He wasn't ready to finalize a decision, but it felt like there was just no way he could go into business with Jim. Not while knowing that she would be around, likely dating Harvey.

He would sleep on it, but he was sure he would be informing Jim the following day.

December 5, 1999 – Present Day

"Donna, how could you?" They were the first words out of Jim Paulsen's mouth as he burst through the front door and found Donna and Harvey in the living room. His words were lined more with disappointment than anger, but he was working his way to that as well.

Donna, having agreed to let Harvey turn on the ESPN Sunday Night Football game, was bored enough to look for ways to create her own entertainment. Harvey might typically be on the road by this hour, but it was just one of those nights that neither wanted him to leave.

She let him flip on the game, but they both were more focused on the challenge she had issued him, who could catch more M&M's in their mouth. Donna nearly choked on one as her dad caught her off guard with his sudden intrusion.

"Dad?" she started, startled, and more than confused. "I'm not sure what you are referring to..."

"I'm referring to you blowing up my deal just when things were looking promising. I had my final sales pitch all lined out, ready to sign a contract. But now, Thoms has backed out. After you took him to the fundraiser," he exclaimed with exasperation, his feet stopping at just the threshold of the room.

"That's not fair, I did everything you asked. Thomas just wanted more than I was offering," she defended, realizing she was still clutching the bag of candy and setting it down on the coffee table. She felt Harvey gravitate towards her from the last long-distance M&M toss, maybe subconsciously.

"Donna, I have never seen you fail at anything in your life. It's hard for me to imagine you were really trying when one night could undo everything," he replied, cycling through the rationale he had already convinced himself with on the way back from the office. He didn't usually go in on weekends, but he had been scouting properties for a flagship location for a furniture store.

"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be, Dad. I'm sure there will be other opportunities, and things are going fine at the firm, right?" she tried to rationalize, still a little off put by his assessment of the situation.

Standing awkwardly, she wanted to take a seat on the couch, but her back would have been to her dad, causing her to stay on her feet. Harvey was still hovering closely and had moved a hand to her lower back. Biting his tongue was difficult for him, and she knew his touch probably did more for his own restraint than her comfort.

"I don't want fine! Don't you get how important this was? This was my chance to get back in the game," Jim responded, pleading for her to understand what she had cost him.

"Listen to what you are saying! It was your chance, but it was my fault you didn't get it? And did you hear me? Thomas was into me, not your partnership. You were just too blind to see it," Donna finally snapped, triggered by her father's irrational blame. She noticed Harvey's hand start to rub circles.

"I've had it up to here, young lady," he said, his voice raised as well as his hand, signifying the level to which he was fed up. "Ever since you got with Harvey, you've been putting him before your own family." Jim growled, stepping forward with a finger in her face.

He wasn't blind to Thomas being attracted to his daughter, it made it that much easier for her to have helped him. He knew who stood in the way of that, and he was still standing in Jim's living room.

"Enough!" Harvey practically roared, sliding between them. "Maybe if you could handle your own affairs, you wouldn't have to put Donna in the middle of it."

"You're stepping in front of Donna like you need to protect her from me. Do you think I would strike my daughter?" Jim challenged with disgust, glowering at Harvey.

"Of course not, James. But she's not responsible for the deal going sideways," he responded, deflating a little but still on edge.

"I know you don't know much about family dynamics, since you cut off your own mother, but in this house, I am still in charge," he remarked forcefully, goading Harvey in the process. It hadn't surprised him to learn that Harvey's mother was an off-limits topic when he had asked about her.

"Dad! Don't bring Harvey's mom into this," she jumped in, upset her father would go there. He didn't have all the details, she knew, but he should know better than to use it in an argument. Before she could chastise him for it, she heard her mother's voice.

"James!" Clara exclaimed disappointedly. She had been downstairs, finishing up some bookkeeping when she overheard the less than calm exchange.

"Not now, Clara. This is about business," Jim said sharply.

"Yes now, Jim!" she countered, not understanding what happened to her loving husband as of late. "I feel like we are reaching our breaking point. This madness has to stop, or it won't just be Donna you push away," Clara followed, her voice shaking from emotion.

It was the last of what Donna took in, before she fled the room into hers, holding back tears. Whether they were more from anger or sadness, Donna couldn't say. She was feeling both resoundingly. After taking a breath to regain her composure, she ran a hand through her hair then dried her eyes. Her impulse was to immediately check on Addy, but if the loud voices had woken her up, she didn't want to her to see her mother so distressed unless she needed her.

Harvey watched from the doorway, as she paced around her bedroom.

"You didn't have to step in, Harvey. My father didn't mean anything by it. He was just upset about it falling through. I was dealing with it," she stated, once she had noticed his presence.

"It wasn't right that he was putting it on you. Even if it's your dad, I can't just standby when someone talks to you like that," he responded while entering, not surprised that she was already trying to justify her dad's words.

"He's my dad," she shrugged in annoyance. "Sometimes families fight. I can handle it on my own."

"Well, we are family too, and you're not on your own. You can get mad at me about it, but no one gets to disrespect the mother of child," he declared unwaveringly, not bothered by her reaction, but unwilling to compromise.

"I appreciate it, Harvey. He's just been having a hard time," she replied while slumping down on her bed. Her initial misplaced anger had been sucked from her by Harvey's words.

"He's done this your whole life! Choosing his career or money over you. I know what he means to you, but you're stuck with me now, and I am always going to protect you," he responded before taking a seat next to her on the bed and reaching for her hand.

"I know you will, but just remember that I don't always need protecting." She felt weak in the moment, but wanted to remind them both that she was strong.

"Message received," he confirmed, and used the hand not intertwined with hers to tilt her chin up. "Now, I am planning on calling in sick and skipping the mailroom tomorrow. I am not leaving tonight. So, can we pretend your sister is still here and share the bed again?"

"Just for tonight, Harvey. Just for tonight," she granted with a nod.

She was grateful he was staying.

February 27, 2000 – Present Day

"I don't get why he has such a grudge against me. I read the book he wrote cover to cover twice, and I always engage in his class. Yet, Professor Gerard doesn't even try to hide that he doesn't like me," Harvey vented, taking a break from taking pictures.

When they had checked the weather report the night before, they saw that they were in for sunshine and a mild temperature. The previous week had been pretty cold, so they decided to take advantage. Addy had loved her animal sounds book from the moment she got it, so a petting zoo was a natural choice.

"Do you want to pet the bunny, sweetie?" Donna leaned down and asked, Addy's hand in hers.

"Yes, Mommy," Addy said sweetly, twisting a little in excitement.

It was a new development, she had always used "mama" before, and Donna couldn't decide which version she loved more.

"Just remember to be gentle, baby," Donna instructed, then returned her attention back to the conversation with Harvey. "Are you talking about Henry Gerard, the ethics professor?"

"Yeah, how do you know him? Wait, don't answer. You're Donna, you know everyone," he asked then answered, after a slight delay.

Getting lost in thought was easy while looking at his girls. Addy's second birthday was less than two months away, and she already seemed to be growing so much. Watching her personality blossom was almost surreal, and it seemed like it was all a blur, how fast it was all happening. He was so grateful that he got to be her dad, and he couldn't believe that he used to be the guy who never would have wanted to be. It felt like a lifetime ago, or a completely different man.

It also felt like yesterday that he was with Donna, in a relationship with her. She didn't make it any easier to avoid getting lost in the moment. It wasn't just her beauty, which he would never get used to, or the memories of what they had. The way she flourished as a mother did something to him that he couldn't describe. Her being a good one was as predictable as snow in Alaska or rain in Seattle, but it was still a sight to behold. Watching them together seemed to short circuit his brain.

"Well, yes, but this time I had a little help," she answered. "I overheard some of my professors discussing some rather distasteful rumors about him, back at the alumni event," she said, not looking at Harvey. Her eyes were locked on Addy after releasing her hand and letting her approach the animals by herself.

"He's renowned for his stance on ethics, but I am still a little surprised that he was water cooler talk at another school. I'm sure he wouldn't be though, pompous prick," he grumbled, shifting the backpack holding mainly supplies for Addy on his shoulder. "Little Foot, can you tell me what sound a sheep makes?" he asked, glancing down at his daughter.

"Sheep go baaaaa," she answered and bounced in place. She was a little cautious about approaching one, but making the sound apparently gave her the needed courage as she went to pet it.

"That's right, my little smarty pants," he confirmed with an encouraging tone, wanting to make sure to help build her self-esteem. Although, between him and Donna, Addy wouldn't lack examples of self-confidence.

He glanced back at Donna, and she continued what she was saying.

"It was nothing that would stroke his ego. From what I heard, he has a bit of gambling problem, and might be making some questionable decisions because of it," she explained, while tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes still taking her in, remembering how often he used to find himself playing with her copper locks.

"Just gossip about little things like letting a student retake an exam, or letting another turn in an assignment late. For a price of course. If he's doing this now, though, and he keeps losing, who knows what he could do down the road," she explained. Rumors could be just that, but Donna had gotten the sense that there was truth behind what she shared with Harvey.

"He talks a big game for someone who claims to put ethics above all else, yet is capable of doing shit like that. Ass. To think I cared about his opinion of me," he followed, rolling his eyes.

"Language, and why do you care? For almost anyone else, you don't," she lightly corrected with a playful glare, before inquiring.

He paused again before responding, finding the way her eyebrows furrowed too adorable. Addy had already started picking up some of her mannerisms, he had noticed. He caught his mind spiraling towards a darker place next, as for whatever reason, thoughts of his mother took hold of his brain.

He never could quite come to terms with how his mother could put her needs so far ahead of his as a child, and that was before he was a father himself. Now, when he pictured Addy, the idea of doing something to hurt her was inconceivable. Yet, every time he left, he wrestled with the guilt that followed.

Not wanting to let his mood plummet enough to spoil their outing, he focused back on his professor and her question.

"At first, it was just the challenge of it. Him being so respected and all, and not dishing it out easily. But when I really thought about his reputation and him being someone who built a career around making the right choices, I guess I wanted him to see me that way because I want to be that type of man for our daughter," he confessed, his eyes on their girl.

"You are the type of man, Harvey. I don't care what some professor thinks, no matter what he's known for," she replied softly, but with some strength behind her words.

She had gravitated closer to him as they trailed their daughter, and she used the conversation as an excuse to step closer into his space. Wrapping a tentative arm around his waist, she gave his hip a reassuring squeeze.

"You're right," he stated after flashing an appreciative smile and moving an arm to her shoulders. "Maybe I should call him out on it, see what others think when the 'most esteemed ethics professor in the country,' according to him, is investigated by the school."

"I'm always right. And, well, that's one option…" she said, trailing off to make it obvious that she believed there was a better one.

"What are you think-," he started to ask before realizing Addy was losing her balance right next to an unfortunately large mud puddle. "Addy watch out for the…puddle," he finished under his breath after watching her fall into it, in what seemed like slow motion.

Addy froze for a second, considering if she should cry, then made up her mind and splashed around with a laugh that was infectious instead.

Donna only shook her head and started scanning for the nearest restroom while Harvey rushed to scoop her out of it. Being the ultra-prepared person that she was, there was always a change of clothes in the backpack, even plastic bags to hold the wet clothing.

"Come on, baby girl," she called, not holding back her grin, "Let's go get you cleaned up."

As they headed towards the restroom, Donna finished her earlier thought. "Instead of publicly humiliating him, deserved or not, you could try helping him out of his jam. If he's starting to fudge around with student bribes, his hole must be pretty deep."

"I imagine it is, but where do I fit in with this?' he asked, not tracking yet.

It was his turn to hold onto Addy, not wanting to use the stroller while she was so muddy, and he had her hand in his as they slowly trudged along. Normally, he might carry her on his shoulders or in his arms, when they weren't utilizing a stroller, but the mud deterred him from that as well.

"You're pretty much a poker maestro," she started to answer. "I heard that he plays in a tournament every month. You go there, convince him to let you sit in for him, win enough money to get him out of trouble, and then he'll owe you. His reputation will still be intact, and one day, you'll be able to call upon the 'most esteemed ethics professor in the country' for a favor," she explained with a shrug, while pushing the empty stroller.

"That sounds good in theory, but what happens when he just keeps gambling?" he questioned, mulling around her idea in his head.

"Well, you'd have to talk him into seeking help. Hopefully, the student he's been giving a hard time to knowing his deepest darkest secret would give him a push in the right direction," she provided, and he nodded in response.

"Speaking of maestros, are you some sort of chess grandmaster or something?" he joked, shuffling Addy to Donna, along with the backpack, as they made it to their destination.

"I might as well be," she shrugged without releasing Addy's hand. "Remember that, Pretty, I am always thinking several steps ahead," she warned over her shoulder as she entered the restroom to get Addy changed.

Harvey waited patiently for them, while considering what she had suggested. Their relationship, both the friendship they had now, and even more so when they were together, taught him a lot about her advice. Being ahead of her years was an understatement, she just had this way of understanding the world and knowing how best to navigate it. He had learned to listen to her, to seek her opinion even, and that was no small feat for a man wired the way he was.

Admitting that he was stubborn and headstrong wasn't hard for him. When he won as much as he did, when he was right as much as he was, it was only logical to stand his ground. One of the most valuable lessons she had taught him was that the outcome wasn't all that mattered. When he set his sights on something, he would truly lock onto it, and do whatever it took. She encouraged him to slow down and consider the collateral damage, and to remember that short-term victories could detract from long-term success. Especially if it involved methods that were a little shady, which he hadn't always been the best at avoiding.

He was a work in progress, still making mistakes, but being a father made him want to try that much harder. The examples he would set mattered, his mom was evidence of that. He wanted the world for his baby girl, and he wanted Donna to know he would never stop trying to be worthy of the both of them.

Another notion that he picked up from her was that favors carried power, and more value than money at times.

He thought back to one of the first times he witnessed it, remembering when he discovered that his barely scrapping by financially, aspiring actress of a girlfriend, could pull rabbits out of hats based on her growing network and ability to always come though.

January 16, 1997

"Are… are you nervous?" He asked from where he was sprawled out on the couch, cutting through the silence.

When he had made it home from the mailroom, he was a little more worn out than he was accustomed to being. It was a job that could get busy, and one with a ton of repetitive motions. Occasionally, his body would pay the toll, especially his shoulder that would never quite be 100% again, but it wasn't mentally draining. He had fallen into a solid routine of studying for the LSATs when he made it back most days. Today, for whatever reason, he had to push himself more.

Donna was an incredible help with that, more often than not. On evenings that she didn't have to stay too late for a shift or rehearsal, she would help him study. More importantly, those days in which it was the last thing he wanted to do, she was there to exchange the remote with his prep material, armed with kisses as a negotiation tactic. He was onto her tricks, the way she would preface any request he was likely to be reluctant about with the distracting allure of her lips.

His favorite sessions usually involved studying for the logic games portion of the exam. The section itself was actually the least enjoyable, since it involved problems to work through, and solutions that weren't quick. She was creative, however. An article of clothing removed for every correct answer was the best version, but sometimes they just raced to see who could solve it first, and the competition was enough. She won a lot, something he was having to get used to, but losing to her didn't irk him the same way it did with other people. Her intelligence was just another reason he found her so irresistible.

"I'm frustrated," she corrected, with a bit of a tone.

Her response was delayed, and it came as she stopped pacing to stare out the window. His older apartment was in an area that lacked a view, but somehow still captured the spirit of the city. The working-class spirit as it was, not the high-flying, movers and shakers side to the Empire City that they imagined in their future.

"I've seen you frustrated before, this looks different," he hummed in response, knowing the light taunt in his voice might trigger her to reveal the whole of it.

He had witnessed her in such a state, with her vexation typically summoned by a misstep of his. Outside of a few short-lived attempts in high school, he had never really been one for dating. Not possessing a personality willing to unpack or dwell on his relationship with his mother, he didn't attribute his lack of long-term commitment to anything more than just being a part of who he was.

With Donna, he wanted to be an everything kind of man, but there were some learning and growing pains involved. On her end as well, as she could bottle things up just as tightly as he did, but she was still far more in touch with her emptions. She knew how to process them a lot better, and her ability to sense what others needed was unparalleled.

Thankfully, he'd always been a quick study. Mistakes aside, being with her was the happiest he'd ever been. The state he had reached was one that he never wanted to leave. That place in the back of his mind, the far recesses that he had yet to connect to conscious thought, was preparing for the other shoe to drop, however.

If and when it did fall, it would never be about her. Even his subconscious fully embraced the notion that anything he had yet to discover about Donna would blow his mind in only the most positive of interpretations. Relationships, in his experience, had expiration dates, but the thought of that with her, subconscious or not, was debilitating.

"I'm both, okay!" she snapped, with a tone that immediately made her feel guilty. Harvey hadn't done anything wrong.

"Do you want to talk about it, or do you want to see how much further you can jump down my throat," he responded, but with a gentle patience that reflected the fact that he was unperturbed by her mood. "I should have chosen my words better," he joked, "Because now I'm getting all of these mental images, although it's not my throat I'm picturing…"

She glared at him until he couldn't fight off his grin any longer. If she was by the couch, she might have thrown a pillow.

He raised his hands in peace, then continued after patting the couch to summon her to him and moving his prep books to the coffee table. "Tell me what's on your mind, please," he requested softly.

With the time spent rehearsing and her extra shifts, she had been on her feet even more than usual, and they were currently protesting. When she made it to the couch, she sat down on the opposite end instead of snuggling into to him, tempted by a massage. He took the hint when she extended her feet into his lap, and immediately started kneading.

"I was so excited to land the role of Cordelia in 'King Lear' but with the extra shifts I've had to pick up and then dealing with all of the drama at the venue, I haven't made enough time to rehearse. I should be off book by now," she exclaimed, in between moans caused by his skilled hands.

"Hey," he started gently. "I know how hard you work to support yourself while you're building your acting career, but you can always come to me when money is tight," he said while working his way up to her tight calves.

"You're saving up for law school, Harvey, I can't ask you for that." Her eyes had been closed and her head rolled back, but the sincerity of his last words pulled them open as she gazed at him. They hadn't even made it to their six-month anniversary yet, but she knew he would always look out for her.

"We're in this together, and while I'm pretty sure you should be on an FBI watchlist or something with the things you're capable of, I'll always want to take care of you," he vowed tenderly, his eyes still fixed on hers.

"Since you're being incredibly sweet, I'm going to choose to ignore the fact that your mind went to a watchlist and not a special agent or something. Although, a secret agent is probably more my speed. I would make an excellent spy," she boasted with a smile, using humor to break the intensity of the moment.

She extracted her feet from his lap and shifted over, needing more contact even after her playful response. His arms were ready for her.

"I have no doubt that you could out MacGyver, MacGyver, but my point still stands. I don't want you feeling like you have to sacrifice acting to pay the bills."

She loved him for that. She loved him for a lot of that's, but his words reminded her to remind him. "I love you, Harvey. I know I can always go to you, but really, it wasn't so much the extra shifts. It would have been fine if I didn't have to do so much to make sure everything at the theater got fixed in time."

"I love you too," he responded instantly but almost shyly, still getting used to saying it out loud. He had never been in love before, and he was certain he could never love like this again.

He gently toyed with the end of her hair before keying in on the rest of what she said. "Wait, I thought you just meant the headaches and uncertainty surrounding that. You're the one who actually pulled that all off? I didn't think Mayor Giuliani himself could have."

"It wasn't easy, I had to call in a few favors. Which just so happens to be chapter three in the 'Book of Donna' by the way," she stated with a sigh of contentment as she burrowed into him more. Being wrapped up in his arms had relaxed her, causing the nerves and frustration to evaporate.

"Donna…" he started.

"I know. You're curious how I pulled it off," she cut in when he trailed off, knowing where his thoughts were headed.

"From everything you told me, the building was one step away from being condemned with an extended timeline for any real fixes. According to the people in charge," he said, his confusion obvious.

"That assessment is still accurate," she responded with a slight smirk, waiting for him to spell out the question she already knew he was asking.

"Don't take this as a lack of confidence, I am just curious how my girlfriend, as stunning and incredible as you are, can pull more strings than Geppetto."

"Wow, you even have 'Pinocchio' references in your arsenal," she teased and glanced up at him, her look just as playful as her tone.

"What can I say, I am just that good," he responded with a smug look. "And so are you, but I am still patiently waiting to hear this latest example."

"Well, you see, it was hard to find a plumber who could fix the pipes that burst and the restroom issues fast enough, and maybe more importantly cheap enough. Fortunately for me, one of my regulars owns a plumbing company," she explained, then paused a second to enjoy his scent.

"Once upon a time, he forgot to book the hall for his daughter's quinceañera, only he didn't tell his wife that. Long story short, I got him the hall," she said with a shrug that downplayed the hurdles she had to leap over to make it become available again.

"And what about the materials they needed, to fix the supports that were failing, that were on backorder?" he followed with.

He wanted to hear the rest of the story, what all it entailed securing the location for him, but he had more questions about her building first.

"One of the suppliers, the owner is also a customer, though at the French spot. He came in one day right after an overly flirtatious diner left me a tip that consisted of a ticket for a singles cruise. One that I am sure the eager diner was planning on attending and hoping to woo me during. It was obvious that Mr. Supplier was having a rough day, so I gifted him the ticket I was never using, and he met his now wife on the cruise," she provided, shrugging again.

He enjoyed the feel of her movements against his torso, or just her in general.

When she saw his look, one that clearly demonstrated how impressed he was, she couldn't resist briefly halting the conversation to pull his head down to her. He closed the remaining distance first, with a kiss that was slow, but full of heat. She broke it off when she felt his hands slide underneath her shirt, wanting to finish their talk before they got too carried away.

"Let me guess, the building inspector who moved up her re-inspection date is also a customer, and you saved her dog from drowning or something along those lines," he resumed after adjusting his pants, and taking the hint.

"Not this time, actually. She bumped into me, spilled her coffee all over my jacket, and nearly burst into tears. It wasn't because of the coffee or my ruined super cute coat, it was because she couldn't find an affordable place to care for her dad with Alzheimer's, and was just so overwhelmed," she expressed while shaking her head against his chest, having settled back in, dejected by the state of healthcare.

"And you go him into one," he surmised confidently. "So, all these people came through for you and the theater because of what you did for them."

"Never underestimate the power of a favor, Harvey," she said, after inhaling his scent again. "I do things because I enjoy helping people, but I also know that I can call on them if and when I need a hand. Keep that in mind for when you're a bigshot lawyer someday."

"Maybe I'll just keep you around to remind me," he said with a playful tone and squeezed her a little tighter. He passed it off as a joke, but he did take note, and he fully intended to keep her around. "And as for your play, I have a couple of Red Bulls in the fridge. Let's crack those bad boys open and practice your lines until you have them down."

He didn't miss her appreciative look.

Present Day

"You're right, Donna," he announced when his girls emerged, and Addy was clean and dry. "Even if it doesn't earn me his respect, helping him out of a jam could pay off in the long run. I 'm going to play the tournament for him."

"I think that's for the best. I'll get the rest of the details and like I said, he'll owe you. You never know what that could mean down the road," she asserted with a smile, happy that he took her advice again.

"Can I get a kiss for good luck?" he requested, with a grin that made it obvious that he wasn't serious. Not that he wouldn't accept one should she be on board, but he was still willing to be patient in his pursuit of her.

"Of course, Harvey," she led off with, pausing to watch his look of surprise develop. "Addy is right here," she finished, just before he got his hopes fully up.

He did bend down and give his little one a peck on her cheek, eliciting a giggle.

March 3, 2000 – Present Day

"Mr. Specter, something tells me I'm not running into you here by chance," Henry Gerard stated bluntly from the bar, where he was ordering a drink. Harvey had caught his eye the second he came strutting into the poker room, on his way over to him.

"And that something would make you correct," Harvey responded, already bursting with bravado, psyching himself up for the tournament. Donna had in fact secured the details with relative ease, and it was time to get to work, once he convinced the older man to let him.

"Don't act so surprised, it wasn't my good looks that got me tenured at Harvard," Henry replied after a rather large sip of his whiskey. Drinking while gambling was probably half his problem, but he was down quite a bit as of late, and needed the buzz to soothe his nerves.

"Trust me when I say that with a mug like yours, I don't doubt it for a second." Harvey paused in thought for a beat after he said it. Maybe he did occasionally give his professor reasons to not be his biggest fan. He quickly shrugged off the thought, wanting to blame him instead.

"I know you didn't hunt me down just to insult me. Your presence in my class does more than enough in that regard," Henry volleyed back, already annoyed by his pupil.

"Hey, I am just here to help. What did I ever do to draw your ire?' Harvey asked defensively, despite knowing full well he just implied the man was ugly. It was just banter to him.

"Help me?" he asked rhetorically with a loud huff. "And let's see, you walked in like you owned the place, you don't love the law, just the way you can use it, and you've made it clear that ethics are just obstacles to you when I've made it my life's work. I'm sure I can come up with more if the point hasn't been received," he supplied, not holding back.

Henry took another large gulp then released a sigh, understanding now that Harvey wasn't leaving.

"You talk a big ethical game for a man accepting bribes from students," he uttered tensely, scowling in the process. He shifted his attention to the bartender and signaled he would have the same drink while Professor Gerard continued talking.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, but if you think you can blackmail me into giving you a better grade-," he started, his anger escalating. It perhaps was hitting a little too close to home with what he was doing, with the makeup tests and the likes. He hadn't fixed a grade yet, but it worried him that it could get to that if his debt kept growing.

"My grade isn't why I tracked you down. Believe it or not, I meant what I said, I am here to help," Harvey responded, making an effort to sound less combative.

He took a sip of the drink he was handed, after slapping a few bills on the counter to cover it, and then turned toward his instructor. Hopefully, his body language matched the less aggressive tone he was trying to present.

"And how exactly can you help me?" Henry asked, looking him in the eyes. He had more questions too, like how Harvey even knew where to find him, but he would start with that.

"Look, we can waste time with all the details, or you can take the night off from poker, kick back and enjoy your drinks while I win the whole damn thing on your behalf."

Professor Gerard didn't say anything in response. He stared at Harvey until he made up his mind and nodded once. He walked over to the table with Harvey following suit.

"Alright, gentlemen," Henry announced to the faces he recognized who were already seated at the table, waiting for the dealer to kick things off. "It looks like I will be sitting this one out. Mr. Specter, here, is going to take my spot in the tournament."

Harvey had glanced around the table as he approached, starting to assess the competition. A few of them looked like they would run in Professor Gerard's circle, and he was confident he would quickly be able to pick up their tells and get inside their heads. There were also a few men who seemed a step higher than working at a law school, perhaps corporate attorneys or high-ranking businessmen.

One guy stood out like a sore thumb, however. His clothing was expensive, or at least appeared to be, but not in the way that he was dressing for a courtroom or a Fortune 500 company. His suit had the wrong kind of flair for that, but it was his hands that really caught Harvey's eyes. While his flashy outfit screamed money, the callouses, cuts, scrapes, and dirty fingernails suggested menial labor or backyard brawls.

There was something off-putting about him. Harvey clocked him for being in his mid to late thirties, which was a bit younger than the rest of the group. He had an irritating way of eating buffalo wings, or at least a way that was so messy that even being the father of a toddler hadn't desensitized Harvey to it.

Using his pant leg as a napkin, the man wiped sauce off his fingers before extending his hand towards Harvey as he took the chair next to him. "Viktor," he said, introducing himself. "You know, I've met a Specter before. Marcus was his name, do you know him?" he asked with a mildly thick accent.

After eyeing the still greased hand skeptically, he decided to play along and shake it. "Harvey," he provided. "And let me guess, you met my idiot brother while taking all his money in poker."

"Brothers? Well, Mr. Harvey Specter, I hope you are a better poker player than him."

Something about the way Viktor responded made Harvey wonder if he should have disclosed his tie to Marcus. He was halfway tempted to question when they had met, hoping that Marcus hadn't slipped up recently, but continuing to cement their relationship didn't feel like the wiser option.

Moving on from that line of thought, Harvey returned his focus to reading the room. The tournament was just kicking off, and the early stages would yield a lot of information. He would take note of who raised out of position frequently, or who was quick to fold. The chatty talkers were often also gathering information, while the dead silent type would be more of the mathematical or analytical players. The ones who started ordering shots or doubles were easy money, and those who flashed expensive watches or wore Armani suits weren't afraid to take risks or lose their chips.

His intuition with the group was spot on. Harvey got up big early, and never looked back. Poker had long been something he was great at, but he was really rounding into near professional form. He was mastering how to play the man and was developing an impenetrable poker face. More importantly, he had won enough to get Professor Gerard back on track.

Harvey had never really placed much value in IOUs before Donna set him straight, not trusting people to follow through when the shit hit the fan, and it was time to cash in. She was constantly opening his eyes to the reality that dominating people wasn't the only way to get what you wanted, however.

No one else's advice mattered to him like hers did, and he already believed she was correct again. Her ability to be, was nothing short of awe inspiring. Harvey was a natural leader, but she was a woman who fit perfectly by his side, or in front. She was born to lead as well.

With their relationship, or the potential to rekindle one, he still refused to push lest he push her away. Although, his confidence was increasing that eventually she would be his again, when the time was right.

Abstinence wasn't exactly something he had been practicing immediately post Scottie, but that was something that had changed for him too. It had become apparent a long time ago that he couldn't will his feelings for Donna away even when they had terrified him. He was sure that it was something he didn't want to attempt to do now, anyway, especially not with an end to her rule existing.

It had been earning him a bit of a reputation around campus, but he never really felt the need to shy away from the attention or the chatter. The more women who knew in advance, at the time, that he was only good for a one and done, just made it easier anyway. Scottie even indirectly helped, as he was fairly certain she had told a woman or two that he was secretly gay or that he had crabs. Now, it felt like it mattered, at least it would, moving forward. Not the Scottie part, he still didn't care about that. He wanted people to know that he was off the market, and hopefully he would be for good. Even though he still had a long wait, he had clarity.

Exhaustion had set in, but he was riding high from his big win. Despite not getting to keep a penny of the money, everything went according to plan. He wanted to share the moment with Donna and decided to make the drive to her place late, instead of in the morning, as he had originally planned. She wouldn't be too upset, he hoped, if he woke her up.

He had to see her.

April 12, 2000 – Present Day

"Donna… thank you for bringing Addy to me. I was afraid I was going to miss her birthday," he confessed. "What kind of dad would that make me," he added, so quietly that she almost didn't catch the last part.

"It's not your fault that your professor dumped an assignment on you last minute, and that you couldn't get your shift covered in the morning. Besides, we are here now together, and that's what matters," she responded tenderly, knowing that he was still insecure about the things he missed.

The waiter interrupted the moment, as he arrived at the table with dessert.

"Okay, sweet pea, Mommy and Daddy are going to let you try ice cream for your birthday," Donna stated, as she moved the bowl in front of Addy. "Sugar isn't good for a little one to have too often, but it's a special treat for a special girl," Donna said, and spoon fed a small bite to her.

Addy was more than capable of using utensils on her own, but she wanted to make sure that her baby girl didn't scoop too much and give herself brain freeze with her first bite. She let her take over after.

They watched as her eyes went wide from the new tastes and the cold sensation. "It yummy, Mommy," Addy exclaimed from Harvey's lap. The restaurant had provided a highchair, but she was having none of it, wanting to be closer to her dad.

Harvey hadn't noticed before, but a familiar face was seated a couple of tables away. The man looked up from his meal, and his eyes locked on Harvey's. At first, he didn't think anything of it, until he watched the man lean over and say something to his associates.

The way he did, Harvey could tell he was saying something about him. If he were frank, the rest of the people at the table didn't do anything to put Harvey more at ease either. Donna spoke to him, but he couldn't process it, as he was still staring at the man he remembered from Professor Gerard's poker tournament, and watching him approach their table.

"Harvey Specter. Marcus Specter's brother," Viktor stated, while helping himself to the empty chair next to Donna, and to some remaining French fries on Harvey's plate. He used his pants for a napkin again, then cracked his knuckles and his neck.

"Viktor, I am here with my family. Do you mind?" Harvey seethed, glaring at the unwelcome visitor while trying to maintain enough control not to frighten Addy or worry Donna. He wanted to pummel this guy for his audacity.

"Yes, your wife is very beautiful. Your daughter is so cute," he responded, his eyes sweeping over them in a way that made Harvey uncomfortable. "I'm a family man, Harvey Specter, but my business partners, eh, not so much…" he trailed off. He didn't threaten them, not with his words, but Harvey knew to take it as such.

"Whatever you have to say to me, we can step outside and handle this like men," Harvey suggested forcefully, wanting to take his family out of the equation.

"That won't be necessary, I just have a quick, uh, how do you say it, eh, message," he said, swirling his hand around as he looked for the word. Harvey thought it might be for show, but waited for Viktor to say the rest. "My friends," Viktor continued, patting his chest. "They aren't so happy with your brother. Marcus owes a lot money and he hasn't made any payments yet."

"I'm sure Marcus with square his debts," Harvey stated, although he didn't really know that to be true. The fact that he had fallen in with such shady people meant that his judgment was shit.

"My friends are very generous, Harvey Specter, but they aren't very patient," he warned, speaking with his hands as well. "They didn't ask Marcus for any collateral or any leverage. They thought he was an honest man, but he's been making a fool of them."

Viktor paused to take a drink of water from Donna's glass. Addy, who was clearly bothered by the stranger, whimpered and buried her face in her dad's shirt. Viktor's eyes lingered on the little girl before he continued. "My friends are worried that Marcus thinks he doesn't have to pay because there is no collateral."

"That's not what he thinks. Marcus knows better, I'm sure he's just a little behind. I will speed him up, though," Harvey vowed, wanting this conversation to be over and ready to tear his brother a new one for being so fucking stupid.

"I hope you are correct. And that would be good to do. Otherwise, my friends would be forced to get creative. Family makes for great collateral, Mr. Marcus Spector's brother."

…..

"Marcus, we're going to talk, and we're going to talk right fucking now." Harvey roared, after storming into his mother's house and finding him in his bedroom.

They had left the restaurant almost the second Viktor had departed from their table, and he had dropped Donna and Addy off at his apartment. He knew Donna wanted to be with him, to help keep him from flying off the handle, but she relented for their daughter.

As pissed off as he already was, he had thanked the universe when he saw that Lily's car wasn't in the driveway when he arrived. Probably fucking Bobby. There was no telling how the night could devolve if he had to confront her as well.

"Or what, Harvey? You gonna drop another bomb then disappear for months?" Marcus responded from his beanbag chair, eyes still on the TV while he was playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater on his PlayStation.

"Don't you dare try to spin this around on me! I was out with my daughter. My daughter, Marcus," he said with his fists balled and a vein popping on his forehead. He stomped his way over to his brother, prepared to throw his control through the TV.

"What the hell are you talking about, dickhead?" Marcus asked, finally pausing his game, probably just in time. He looked at his brother and didn't like what he saw. Heat was practically radiating off him, and Marcus realized it had been a long time since he had witnessed him this mad, if ever.

"I'm talking about some asshole sitting down at my table and making threats. What kind of bullshit have you gotten mixed up with?" he demanded, towering over his still-seated brother.

"It's nothing I can't handle. No one asked you to butt in," Marcus responded irritably, understanding more of what this was about.

"Are you fucking serious right now? I tell you that someone approached me when I was out with Addy and Donna and you're saying some shit about butting in?" He couldn't believe it.

"Yeah, I am serious, Harvey. You're never here, you don't just get to pick and choose when you're a part of this family," he shouted, maybe loud enough for the neighbors to hear.

"What, do you want me to feel bad because I am going to law school, making something of myself? Maybe you should try getting your shit together long enough to stop living with your parents." Harvey said, going low.

"Fuck you, Harvey," Marcus responded and flipped him off. Not liking the positional disadvantage, he rose to his feet and continued.

"It's only one parent now, you made sure of that. And doesn't your girlfriend, or whatever she is, live at home with her parents because you knocked her up and chose law school over taking care of your other family? I don't know if I would consider you the authority on getting your shit together. Definitely not the authority on being there for your family, dickweed."

"Marcus, if you bring Donna and Addy into this… so help me god I'll-" Harvey followed, his voice low in a dangerous manner.

"Who is the one making threats now?" Marcus cut in. "Why don't you just go, I don't know why you bothered showing up in the first place," he said, crossing his arms, not backing down.

"I'm here because you have a gambling problem, and you need help. Believe it or not I care about what happens to you and you need to tell me everything. Like, who you owe money to and how much."

He was trying to bring himself down. He knew he had to get through to Marcus, and his anger wouldn't get him there. Donna had warned him of such.

"I told you that I don't need your help. I needed you after you tore our family apart when you didn't give mom the chance to tell dad herself." Marcus said, not ready to let go, and still trying to dig in.

"What the hell did you just say to me? Mom had all the time in the world to tell Dad herself. She chose to keep screwing Bobby instead," he responded, his voice raising again.

"And you chose to go AWOL once you threw it in Dad's face," Marcus spit back.

"That's not how it went, and how can you say that?" It wasn't just anger showing on his face as his hurt was obvious.

"You're gone all the time. If you're not at school, you're in Connecticut. You don't give a shit about what happens here anymore," Marcus exclaimed, still laying blame.

"Marcus, when you were sick, I was ready to give you my tuition money. I would have done that for you in a heartbeat if Donna didn't come through with it. When you called me because you were having a tough time, I skipped out on one of the few days I get to spend time with my little girl to come and see you," Harvey rebutted, his tone tinged with hurt.

"Yeah, you came home and took me out gambling because that was easier than having a real conversation," he said rolling his eyes.

"So what, it's my fault that you're a shitty poker player and can't stop giving away your money?" He still couldn't believe the words coming out of Marcus's mouth.

"No, it's your fault that you couldn't keep your dick wrapped and had to abandon this family for your fake one," he replied with venom.

It was the final straw, Harvey was preparing to grab Marcus by the front of his shirt, and really lay into him, verbally, at least to start, until Donna's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Marcus! How could you say that? And about your niece!" Donna jumped in, announcing her presence and her outrage for his words. She could hear them when she first let herself in, and continued listening just outside of his room.

"Donna, I told you to wait at the apartment," Harvey responded sternly, though his anger was all for Marcus. He couldn't hide his surprise to see Donna there, as his eyes gave it away.

Her legs carried her to Harvey's side, snaking her hand underneath the back of his shirt to help ground him, and regulate his breathing. It was something that always seemed to work for both of them. She could feel his rapid huffs starting to even out.

"And I told you not to lose you temper, but here we are. And before you ask, Addy is with your father," she responded, but she really couldn't really blame him. The gambling problems she could forgive, but the people Marcus had chosen to associate himself with, and his ensuing words, had her steaming as well.

She noticed that both brothers had stopped talking, waiting for her to, so she continued.

"Here's what's going to happen, Marcus. You're going to apologize to Harvey and never use our kid as a pawn in an argument again. Then, you're going to give us every last detail so we can get you out of this mess. You're going to join a group or hire a therapist, or whatever it takes to stop gambling," she spelled out with authority.

"Donna-" Marcus started to protest.

"No, don't you Donna me. I can't believe you would talk to your brother like that. Harvey might not always be around, but you know he's always there when you need him. He'd do anything for you and you're ready to spit in his face," she defended, passion vibrating out of her.

"Look, I didn't mean what I said about Addy, but I meant the rest. He never wants to be here because he's too pissed about our mom, but he has other family too. And it's his fault I started gambling, he owes me," Marcus insisted.

"The hell I do-," Harvey started, but Donna raised a hand to silence him, the other still on his lower back.

"That's ridiculous, Marcus," she responded, wanting to strangle him for how preposterous he was being. After pausing to attempt to rub the tension out of her forehead, she continued. "This is that moment in life that you get to decide what kind of man you want to be. The kind who lashes out at others because you are ashamed of your actions, or the one who appreciates how much Harvey has already done for you and steps up and takes responsibility."

"Yeah, let's pretend that's something he is good at," Marcus mumbled, still throwing jabs, albeit with less force.

"You really don't give your brother enough credit. Even after everything you've said, he's still going to fix this for you. Now start from the beginning, and don't forget to thank your lucky fucking stars that you have a brother like Harvey," she said, her exasperation evident.

Harvey was still enraged, but he felt like he could start to come down now. He wouldn't fully relax until he ensured that there was no threat to Donna or their daughter, but he would. The idea of anything happening to either of them made him want to vomit, but Donna had a way of making it feel like everything was going to be okay.

He just better never catch Marcus gambling again.

June 8, 2000 – Present Day

Harvey's graduation was scheduled for a few weeks later than Harvard often held it, but he had no complaints, despite it pushing back his bar exam a little longer. With Donna in law school as well, the delay made it easier to ensure she could attend along with Addy. It wasn't something he would have cared about in the past, not before them, but now he needed his girls there.

He had just two tickets to hand out, but that was enough, as his daughter was too young to require one, and his dad was the only adult aside from Donna that he would regret not being there. Things were still strained with Marcus, and Lily wasn't even a thought. Jessica was one briefly, but she didn't strike him as the type to really care, as long as he followed through at the firm. He was sure she could score a ticket on her own, if his hunch was off about that.

Harvey had no idea that Donna had already arranged for her to be there for him. He had no idea how much it would actually mean to him, until he was on stage later, being handed his diploma, and scanned the crowd to find his family and saw Jessica there as well.

"Harvey!" Donna exclaimed, bolting over as soon as the ceremony had ended, and he could leave his assigned seating. "You did it! Not that there was ever any doubt," she followed before wrapping her arms around his neck in an enthusiastic hug.

His hands found her waist, and he couldn't help but pull her in closer. He also couldn't fight the urge to kiss her, though he still settled for her cheek. The way she was beaming at him, it consumed him. He felt a tingling sensation surging through his body, and he wasn't sure if it was because it was always electric being in her presence, or if he was actually proud of himself, his accomplishment. It was like her energy gave him permission to celebrate the moment, and not just move on to the next goal.

When their embrace eventually ended, she laced their fingers together and led him back to the others. Addy had been wiggling restlessly in her grandpa's hold, having wanted to follow her mom. Her eyes lit up when she saw Harvey approaching.

"Daddy!" She squealed, full of energy having slept through most of the graduation.

"There's my little princess," Harvey responded, mirroring her excitement, and reaching to scoop her from his dad.

"So, my boy is a kick ass lawyer now, huh?" Gordon said, his eyes crinkling behind his tinted sunglasses. "Congratulations, Harvey, I am proud of you, Son," he followed and extended his hand. As soon as Harvey shook it, he used their shared grip to draw him in for a hug punctuated with a pat on the back.

"Thanks. I still have to pass the bar though," Harvey reminded.

"A mere formality," he dismissed with a hand wave.

"Yes, Harvey, I fully expect you to take care of that on your first attempt. Otherwise, I might have to reconsider my investment," Jessica joked, rising from her seat.

Gordon wasn't done celebrating his oldest son, but he wanted to give him a moment with the woman who had provided the opportunity. After he signaled his intentions to Donna, she grabbed Addy back from Harvey and they gave Jessica and Harvey some space.

"Harvey, I'd start with congratulations, but I think that's been sufficiently covered," Jessica said, but in a way that he knew that's exactly what she was saying to him.

"I'd thank you for making it all happen, but we both know that you'll be the one thanking me in no time," he replied, wearing a smug look.

"I see that Harvard has done nothing to assuage your ego." Jessica rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

"Was it supposed to? I am a Harvard Fucking Law graduate now, baby." He held up his hand for a high-five, but Jessica just stared at him like he was crazy until he dropped it.

"Boy, call me baby again and I'll knock you back to your first year," she teased, knowing his use of it was for emphasis, not as a pet name. "And maybe if you finished top in your class, I would have given you that high-five, but I heard it was that Scottie woman you were seeing. Is that all behind you, by the way?" she asked, preferring it to be.

"Since when do you care about my love life?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, is that what you think this is?" she responded, narrowing her eyes. "I care about my firm and my plans. There are always things in motion, Harvey, I just want to make sure when the time comes, you'll be ready. Which brings me to something else. To help you be ready, I want you to go work for Cameron Dennis for a few years. Learn from him, get some trial experience under your belt."

"Why can't I just learn from you?" he asked. Even though he had an inkling that Jessica might suggest an arrangement like this, he still thought his most straightforward path would be starting with the firm.

"I won't always have time to teach you, and speaking of time, you'll have more of it for your daughter, and for Donna, starting there. The billable hours you will have to put in when you come back to me have crippled lesser men."

"I thought you didn't care about my love life," he followed with, noting the way she said Donna's name, and that she included her in the first place.

"Like I said, I need you ready. It doesn't take a genius, not that I am saying that I am not one, to see that you need Donna to have your head right."

It started to sink in for Harvey how real it was. He was headed back to New York City to work at the DA's office. Even though it might not be as grueling, or as time intensive as it would be to jump right in at the firm with Jessica, it still triggered that nagging fear. With school, and even the added shifts at the mailroom, his schedule was predictable, and his studying was mobile. He wasn't with them enough, but life rarely got in the way with anything planned.

New York wasn't too much farther. It wasn't the distance that worried him, it was the career. This was what he had been working toward, but it came with expectations. Cameron Dennis would be counting on him to come in and dominate cases. Jessica would want to see, even early on, that she hadn't wasted her money believing in him, grooming him to be her next in line. Perhaps most troubling would be what he required of himself. He needed to be the best, it was the only way he knew how to operate, and there would come a day, maybe frequent ones, that his work would require him to be in one place, while his family did in another.

It was only a year that Donna would have to remain in Connecticut, but a lot could change in a year. They had been growing so close again, and he was in love with being a father. He needed them, but he was afraid of them getting used to life without him, with even less frequent visits.

He was terrified that it would be because of decisions he made, choosing work and choosing winning.