Past Takes
A Darvey AU
The room buzzes with activity as a slew of actors and crew members move about on the set. Everyone is anticipating the chemistry read between the top actors that the director has selected from the initial auditions, the chemistry read being the final test to see if they will be the leads for the highly anticipated romance film.
Harvey Specter, tall and dressed impeccably stands off to the side, a smirk forming on his lips as he reviews the script. Everything about the film, besides the small chunk of script he was handed by his manager has been secretive, something about the director saying that it would keep the excitement for the film more genuine. As Harvey looks back down at his script, wondering who his scene partner will be, he doesn't notice the striking red hair and presence drawing eyes.
"Donna, great to see you!" Jessica Pearson says excitedly, "We're excited to see you read with Harvey."
Donna's smile is professional, hiding a mix of emotions. Up until that moment, she was not aware of who she was going to be reading with. She thinks she's going to kill her publicist later.
"Likewise, Jessica. Let's make some magic," Donna says.
Jessica nods and heads towards the table where Harvey was standing by, giving him a smile as they approach. Donna walks in the same direction, and as she gets closer, Harvey lifts his head up from the script, locking eyes with Donna. His mouth slightly drops and Donna couldn't help but smirk. The room continues with its bustling activities, everyone oblivious to the tension between the two.
Taken aback, all Harvey could muster was, "Donna?"
"Hello, Harvey. It's been awhile," Donna responded, but before Harvey could say anything back, Jessica's powerful voice commanded the attention of the room.
"All right, everyone, quiet on set! Let's get this chemistry read started so we can finally move forward with filming," Jessica jokes, though it was not entirely a lie. She has been waiting for the two perfect actors to star in her film. Every other minor character has been casted besides the leads, and she's hoping that Harvey and Donna will be it.
They quickly dive into the scene, which was an argument between the two characters that is integral for the climax of the film. Jessica watches with awe as the two actors say their lines with so much emotion, so much tension, and so much magic. At that moment, Jessica knew that she had her leads.
Harvey and Donna were down to their last few lines, and as his character, James, Harvey gave it his all, "Liv, please, I had to make a choice. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
Donna looks at him, tears welling around her eyes. Shit, he had some surfacing, too. Donna gives her character a sad, yet strong voice, "And I wasn't? You didn't even consider what we had!"
"AND CUT!" Jessica yells, both actors turning their heads at the director, "We have our Liv and James!"
Donna looks around the room as everyone claps for them. She wipes the tears from her eyes that have fallen as they were going through the script. Harvey still looks at her, afraid that they might have acted their scene a little too well. Harvey glances at Donna as she continued to face the cast and crew. Once they returned to their designated tasks, Harvey took it as an opportunity to whisper to her.
"Are you okay?" Harvey asks.
Donna follows the voice that belong to the deep brown eyes that were locked on her, "Why wouldn't I be?"
"The scene-"
She cuts him off.
"That's all it was Harvey. A scene." Donna says curtly, "We were simply acting."
Donna returns her eyes back to Jessica who rounded the table to hug both of her leads, giving them details on how the next few months will look, and that she will be in touch with both of their managers for the final details. Jessica gives Donna her regards first, and then moves to Harvey. Once Jessica finished saying her goodbyes to Harvey, he looked around the room for the redhead, however, she was gone before he had the chance to talk to her.
Donna's head was pounding when she wakes up, but the pounding might have more to do with the insistent knocking against her front door, and not the cocktails she consumed last night. She drags herself out of bed to see who the disruptor she was going to give an earful to at the other side of the door. The thought dissipates when she is met with a warm smile from her best friend and manager, Rachel Zane.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Rachel chuckles as she entered Donna's house, coffee in hand.
Donna closes the door and accepts the coffee Rachel extended out to her. She closes her eyes at the warmth of the liquid, thankful that the brunette knows her well. They both sit on the couch, Donna still sipping her coffee, while Rachel eyes her curiously.
"How was yesterday?"
Donna lightly laughs, "You're telling me you didn't get all the details? Aren't you my manager?"
Rachel rolls her eyes at her client and best friend, knowing she means well. Of course she got all the details, but she needed to know how Donna felt about it, and not as her client. Donna can practically tell what Rachel was thinking and decides to speak before Rachel spirals into more thoughts.
"It was good. We read the lines, Jessica loved us, and we are now the leads," Donna explains in one breath, then added, "Would have been nice to know who my scene partner was though."
Rachel knew this was coming. To be fair, she didn't know either, otherwise, she wouldn't even have given Donna the script. But, Jessica was insistent on getting Donna for the final reading of the role, telling Rachel that the actor opposite her would make an incredible pair. Plus, no one passes on an Oscar winning director.
"We can turn down the offer, you know," Rachel offers, knowing that Donna would want the opposite.
"Please, you know how the media could spin that," Donna scoffs, "plus it's the Jessica Pearson, I'm not turning down the opportunity. No matter what, or who might get in the way." Donna takes another sip of her coffee and almost chokes when Rachel asks her next question bluntly.
"Was it weird seeing Harvey?"
"I don't know. I didn't get a chance to react, we were reading the script right away, I... He looked good though," was all Donna could come up with. Rachel eyes her friend once more, knowing that she's holding back. She's the only one, besides a few people in their circle, that truly knows what happened between them. It never made it out to the media, which she was grateful for.
"Good thing no one really knows about the history between you two. All they know is that you guys are two new co-stars set to do a film together," Rachel rationalizes.
"You're right, Rach. I'll be fine, a few months filming with Harvey will be fine, we're professionals after all," Donna says trying to convince Rachel, when really, it's herself that she's trying to convince.
It has been years, bordering on a decade since they last spoke to each other, so, nothing should really affect them and their performance. Donna is genuinely excited for the movie as it will be one that will showcase the public of her range as an actress. She knows Harvey is a great actor, has known of his projects here and there from other people, though she doesn't actually seek them out herself.
Rachel reels her back from her thoughts when she begins to speak again, "Good news though, so many fans are excited to see you two together in the movie. Jessica posted about it last night and media outlets have started their coverage."
Rachel hands Donna her phone, scrolling through the different posts and headlines. Sources like PEOPLE, Entertainment Tonight, Vanity Fair, and other media outlets have began to share their excitement for the new film. Jessica has been on hiatus for a few years, and with Donna and Harvey being one of the anticipated actors over the years, everyone is anticipating the collaboration.
Blockbuster Alert: Donna Paulsen and Harvey Specter Join Forces for Jessica Pearson's New Film.
Donna Paulsen and Harvey Specter has been casted for Jessica Pearson's Untitled Film!
Movie Stars, Donna Paulsen and Harvey Specter to star in a romantic movie.
Donna reads the ample amount of opinions from different people, and sighs in relief to see that majority of them are positive. She moves on to see the post Jessica had created about the film on her Instagram.
jessicapearson: I am thrilled to announce that I have found my Liv and James, for the new upcoming romance that I will be directing. You will love Donna and Harvey together. Stay tuned for more updates about the title, the plot, and more!
Donna was surprised to see the picture that accompanied her post, since it was one during their chemistry read, with Harvey staring intently into her eyes and Donna conveying the emotion of heartbreak. The post has garnered the likes of many, comments flowing with excitement, and some of her (and Harvey's) fans expressing how good they looked together.
"Expect interviews in the upcoming week," Rachel says, as she watches Donna look through more posts, "It might also be a good idea to talk with Harvey...you know, about the project."
Donna turns off the device and hands it back to Rachel. From a manager's standpoint, she knows Rachel is right. Her and Harvey should talk considering that they will be spending ample time together in the next few months for the movie. Donna gives in.
"Can you call his manager and tell him that I'd like to have lunch with him tomorrow?"
Rachel gives her a smile, "Sure, Donna."
Harvey Specter was nervous, and he doesn't get nervous. He's an actor, he's had years being in the spotlight, has done dangerous stunts, has pulled all-nighters for shoots. So, why is having lunch with Donna Paulsen the hardest thing he has had to do in a while? When Mike told him about Donna's manager calling for a possible lunch meeting, he had almost told Mike to say no. But, to hell with it, if they were going to spend the next few months together, one lunch won't hurt.
Harvey walks into the trendy LA restaurant and spots Donna at the corner table. Harvey opted to wear something more casual, his navy blue button up rolled up to his sleeves, dark jeans, and sunglasses. Donna wore something classic and casual as well, with light wash jeans, white shirt, and her hair in loose waves. She looks beautiful, Harvey thought.
"Waiting for someone?"
Donna quirks her eyebrows up at him, as he takes his seat. She offers him a small smile.
"Thought you'd bail," She jokes back, even though he is right on time.
"I didn't expect you to set up lunch."
"It was all Rachel."
There's an awkward pause. Donna didn't mean it in a way that meant she was there out of a chore, but as she glances at Harvey she knows he thought exactly that.
"I mean she made a point, it'd be good for us. Especially if we will be working together for a good chunk of time."
"Really? Because you left the second you got a chance after the reading," Harvey says carefully, unsure if Donna would take his comment lightheartedly.
She closes her eyes and shakes her head lightly.
"This is exactly why we need to have a talk. We can't keep taking jabs at each other."
"Jabs? About what, Donna?"
"The PAST!" Donna raises her voice, but still quiet enough so other prying ears don't hear. They don't need to be at the front page of tabloid magazines tomorrow.
"From what I know, no one knows what happened back then."
"And I'd like it to stay that way. We don't owe it to the media, and we have built our careers."
"So you're expecting us to pretend that what, we're strangers? That we don't know shit about each other?"
"Yes, Harvey. This movie is highly anticipated and is in line to be submitted to many awards. We can't afford distractions that dilutes our performance."
Harvey looks at her incredulously.
"Putting your career over-"
"Don't even finish that, especially coming from you," Donna says, "I'm gonna go."
"Donna-"
"Harvey, just..." She closes her eyes, "I can be civil, we have a job to do and I would appreciate it if we kept things professional from this point forward."
She leaves, leaving Harvey perplexed. They don't notice the paparazzi capturing their photos from across the restaurant.
Donna wakes up to the sound of her phone buzzing a ridiculous amount of time. She almost puts it on silent when she sees Rachel's number flashing across her screen. She scans Rachel's texts.
Rachel: What the hell happened at lunch?
Rachel: Outlets are making ridiculous assumptions about why you left lunch abruptly.
Rachel: There's a direct quote from one of the servers.
Donna clicks on the link that Rachel sent. Sure enough, a good paragraph or two described her and Harvey's little outing yesterday.
"Drama on the Menu? Donna Paulsen Walks Out on Harvey Specter Before Lunch Even Begins!"
Los Angeles, CA - In a surprising turn of events, current film leads Donna Paulsen and Harvey Specter were spotted at an upscale LA restaurant, but their lunch ended before it even began. Paparazzi and onlookers were left stunned as Donna makes a hasty exit before ordering anything.
A server, who wishes to remain anonymous stated, "The two greeted each other cordially, but then something must have happened because Donna left and Harvey followed shortly after."
The two are set to star as leads in Jessica Pearson's comeback romantic film, which many are anticipating to lead award season. However, with the two stars already seeming to having tension, will the movie make it out of production?
Donna rolls her eyes at the article, having shared plenty of headlines over the years. But she knows it looks bad, so she calls Rachel. She knows Rachel means business when she doesn't even greet Donna a hello.
"How bad is it?" Donna asks, sitting up against her headboard.
Rachel sighs, "Luckily, a lot of people assume it's a PR stunt for the movie. Others are not so convinced though, but, I called Mike and he and Harvey agreed that you left because you had a family emergency."
Donna silently thanks Rachel for getting a head start at putting out the fire, and silently thanks Harvey for agreeing at the ridiculous excuse that they had concocted.
"Thanks, Rachel."
"Donna, this is me giving you advice as a friend now. I know you said that you will be fine, but if it gets too overwhelming with Harvey, just say the word and-"
"Rachel, it's okay. Harvey knows where we stand." She says, at least she prays that Harvey knows.
She hears Rachel sigh again, probably holding back a few words for the sake of her well-being, "Okay. I'll inform Mike. You have a good day, okay?"
"Bye, Rach. I'll see you soon."
Donna ends the call and expels a breath. She needs to get her shit together, needs to make sure that whatever she and Harvey had in the past does not complicate their careers. They have both grown, both established their careers, and have worked towards what they have now. Whatever happened is no longer a factor. This movie was going to further solidify their names in Hollywood.
She forgets she's alone when an arm drapes over her stomach. She glances over at the man she has been seeing for the last several months. Thomas Kessler, a fellow actor. He's smart, handsome, and everything Donna could ask for in a man. They have worked on several projects together, and decided that they take the leap of making something from fiction into reality.
Donna's mind clouds up with a different man, suddenly. Harvey.
Harvey, who she's going to have to be around with almost every day for the next several months, someone she's going to have to get comfortable with again. Donna's heart ached with a maddening contradiction; she loathed him, yet something in his smile still made her pulse quicken.
The next several months are going to be hell.
A/N: And that is the start... I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter of this multi-chapter story that I have drafted. Let me know your thoughts and if you want more! I know it's very AU, but you will see familiar faces / storylines that we loved in Suits in this universe.