As the sun began to set, the atmosphere on set remained charged with tension of the unscripted kiss. Harvey and Donna had barely spoken since the incident, their interactions limited to professional courtesies as they tried to focus on their roles. The rest of the cast and crew did not seem to notice though, which made filming a lot easier despite the growing tension between the two leads.
Donna retreated to her trailer after the day's shoot, seeking refuge from the whirlwind of emotions. The trailer was a haven of quiet, away from the prying eyes of the crew and the curious whispers that had followed after the kiss. Donna knew they had to be careful, especially since their past relationship has not been made public. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling a breath.
The small space was decorated with a few personal touches, a vase of fresh flowers on the table, a cozy blanket draped over the couch, and a framed photo of her and Thomas on a romantic vacation they in the early months of them dating. The sight of the photo stirred a pang of guilt in her chest. She had been caught up in the past with Harvey, but she was with Thomas now. She needed to remind herself of that.
Donna crossed the room and sank onto the couch, her mind still replaying the kiss. She touched her lips absentmindedly, the memory of Harvey's kiss lingering there. It had been so familiar, yet so foreign, like revisiting a place she once called home but hadn't seen in years. It's ridiculous, how much he still affected her.
There was a knock on her trailer door, pulling her from her thoughts. She stood, straightened her clothes, and opened the door to find Harvey standing there, his expression a mix of uncertainty and determination.
"Can I come in?" He asked, his voice soft but tense, as if he knew he was treading on delicate ground.
Donna hesitated for a moment, not allowing herself to linger on how he looked. She decides to step aside and to let him in, "Sure."
Harvey entered the trailer, glancing around the the space before settling his gaze on her. He looked like he wanted to say something, but the words seemed to elude him.
"Look, Harvey," Donna began, sensing his struggle, "about what happened earlier-"
"I'm sorry," He interrupted, his voice filled with sincerity, "I shouldn't have kissed you like that. It was unprofessional and... confusing."
She wanted to laugh at the irony. Here they were, arguing over an unscripted kiss, when their characters were bound to have more intimate scenes in the future. Instead, she crossed her arms, her gaze softening as she looked at him.
"It wasn't just the kiss, Harvey. It was everything that came with it. All the unresolved things between us."
"I know," he said, his shoulders slumping slightly, "I thought I could handle working with you, but being around you, it's like all those old feelings are just-"
"Too much?" Donna finished for him, a small smile tugging at her lips.
He nodded, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart ache. "Yeah. Too much."
A heavy silence settled between them, neither knowing how to bridge the chasm that had opened up between their past and their present. Before they could continue, there was another knock on the door. Donna's heart sank as she realized who it might be. She moved to open it, and there stood Thomas, smiling warmly as he held a bouquet of flowers.
"Surprise!" Thomas said, stepping into the trailer and pulling Donna into a gentle embrace. He then presses a chaste kiss on her lips. "I thought I'd stop by to see how your first day was going."
Donna forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil swirling inside her. "Thomas, this is... a surprise."
Thomas handed her the flowers, his smile unwavering. Harvey was watching the whole scene unfold. "I thought you could use something to brighten up your day."
Donna took the bouquet, feeling the pang of guilt yet again as she caught a whiff of the sweet, floral scent. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
It was only then that Thomas noticed Harvey standing awkwardly by the couch. His expression faltered for just a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Harvey, good to see you."
Harvey nodded, his face an unreadable mask, "You too, Thomas."
Harvey knew Thomas, in passing. Hollywood actors run in a small circle, therefore, it's not hard to know someone who knows someone. Thomas was one of those people he knew, though they've never had conversations aside from a simple hello during an event.
The tension in the room was thick, the air heavy with unspoken words. Donna felt trapped between the two men, both of whom held significant places in her heart, albeit in very different ways.
Thomas, ever perceptive, seemed to pick up on the awkwardness. He glanced between Donna and Harvey, his smile faltering slightly. "I didn't mean to interrupt anything."
Donna shook her head, trying to regain control of the situation, "No it's fine. We were just... going over somethings."
Harvey cleared his throat, sensing that his presence was only making things more uncomfortable. "I should go. We can talk later, Donna."
He moved towards the door, but Donna's voice stopped him. "Harvey, wait."
He turned back to her, his eyes searching for some sign of what she was feeling.
"Let's just... not leave things like this," Donna said, her voice soft but firm.
Harvey nodded, understanding what she was trying to say, "We'll figure it out."
He leaves her with a sweet smile, and with that, he left the trailer leaving Donna alone with Thomas. The door closed with a soft click, but the echo of Harvey's presence lingered in the air.
Thomas moved closer to Donna, his hand gently touching her arm. "Everything okay?"
Donna forced a smile, nodding, "Yeah just... first day jitters, I guess."
Thomas studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "If there's anything you need to talk about, I'm here."
"I know," she whispered, more to herself than to him.
Later that evening, Rachel and Mike decided to play peacemakers, aware of the tension that had simmered between Donna and Harvey throughout the day. And, as much as Mike and Rachel loved their friends, they still had to ensure that their business is not at risk. So, they arranged a small gathering, inviting both Harvey and Donna in the hopes that a more relaxed setting might help ease the strain.
The restaurant was one of those cozy, tucked-away places that Rachel always seemed to know about-dimly lit with flickering candles on each table, the kind of spot where the white noise of the city felt far away. Donna arrived first, slipping into the warm interior with a quick scan of the room. She was lead to a table near the back, one that offered a bit of privacy but still had a view of the bustling kitchen and the soft hum of other diners. She had assured Thomas that everything was fine before leaving for the dinner, and that her and Harvey were simply practicing lines when he had stumbled upon them in her trailer. It wasn't long before she saw Mike and Rachel enter, followed closely by Harvey.
Harvey, of course, spotted her immediately, and Donna felt a familiar flutter in her chest. He looked handsome, as he always did, but there was something different about him tonight, a certain softness in his eyes when they met hers, a brief flash of vulnerability that made her heart skip a beat. He offered her a quick smile as they approached the table, and she returned it with one of her own, though she could feel the slight tension simmering beneath the surface.
"Hey," Rachel greeted, sliding into the seat next to Donna and leaning in for a quick hug, "I'm so glad we could do this."
"Me too," Donna replied, her voice warm, though her eyes flickered to Harvey as he took the seat across from her. She was acutely aware of him, of the way his presence seemed to fill the space between them.
Mike and Harvey exchanged a quick, familiar greeting before Mike settled next to Rachel, leaving Harvey and Donna seated across from each other. As the waiter arrived to take their drink orders, Donna noticed Harvey's subtle glance in her direction. It was the kind of look he used to give her when they were alone in their apartment, the one that told her he was attuned to her every move.
The waiter left, and Rachel immediately launched into conversation, her enthusiasm filling the space. "So, Donna, how's first day of filming going? You guys must be excited to work together."
Donna hesitated, her eyes flicking to Harvey's before she answered. "It's... been interesting." There was a hint of amusement in her tone, but also something more, something she wasn't ready to unpack yet.
"Interesting is one word for it," Harvey added, testing the waters, his lips curling into a half-smile. "Challenging might be another."
Donna arched an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a smirk, "Oh, are we talking about your acting skills now?"
Harvey chuckled, leaning back in his chair as if accepting her challenge, "You've always been my toughest critic, Donna."
"You know someone has to keep you in check," she teased, her eyes sparkling with the kind of mischief that had always existed between them. It was a familiar dance, this back and forth, and for a moment, it felt like slipping back into an old, comfortable routine.
Mike and Rachel exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. They could see what was happening, the way Harvey and Donna were circling each other, testing the waters, but they chose to stay out of it-for now.
The waiter returned with their drinks, and as he placed a glass of red wine in front of Donna, she caught the way Harvey watched her. It was subtle, just a slight narrowing of his eyes as if he was remembering something, something about them that he only knew. Donna picked up glass, swirling gently before taking a sip.
She felt Harvey's gaze linger on her for a moment longer, and when she looked up, their eyes was a charge between them, something undeniable, and it made Donna's breath hitch from her throat.
"So, Harvey," Mike began, breaking the silence. "I hear you've been impressing everyone on set. Jessica was singing your praises earlier today."
Harvey's attention shifted to Mike, but not before Donna caught the faint flush of red on his cheeks, "I just try to keep up with this one," he said, nodding toward Donna, "She sets the bar pretty high."
Donna felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, but she quickly masked it with a playful roll of her eyes. "Someone has to show you how it's done."
The banter continued throughout the meal, light and teasing, filled with quips that had always come naturally to them. But beneath the surface, there was something more-something tender and unspoken that simmered between the lines.
At one point, as they were sharing a plate of appetizers, Donna reached for a piece of bruschetta at the same time as Harvey. Their fingers brushed, just barely, but was enough to send a jolt of awareness through her. She glanced at him, expecting to see his usual smirk, but instead, she found him watching her with an intensity.
"Ladies first," he said softly, his voice low, and Donna could have sworn she heard something deeper in his tone, something that spoke of all the things they weren't saying.
"Thanks," she replied, her voice just as soft, as she took the piece he offered. For a moment, their fingers lingered against each other, and Donna felt a rush of memories flood her mind-memories of then they were together, from nights spent together in quiet corners of the world, from mornings when the only thing she wanted was the warmth of his body against hers.
She pulled her hand back, and the moment passed, but it left behind a warmth in her chest that she couldn't shake.
As the night went on, they slipped back into the rhythm that had once defined their relationship. Harvey made a point of refilling her glass before his own, a gesture so small that it might have gone unnoticed by anyone else. But Donna noticed. She always noticed.
When the main course arrived, Donna found herself lost in conversation with Rachel, talking about upcoming projects and industry gossip. Harvey, however, kept his attention on her, watching the way her eyes lit up when she spoke, the way she gestured with her hands-painted in the maroon color she always loved-the way she smiled, softly and genuinely when Rachel said something that made her laugh.
Donna could feel his eyes on her, and it made her both nervous and exhilarated. It reminded her of the times they had shared meals like this before, back when their connection was still new, still something they were both trying to figure out. Back when every glance, every touch, had been filled with the promise of something more.
She glanced at him, catching his eyes just as he looked away. It was such a rare sight, seeing Harvey Specter flustered.
As the night went on, the conversation flowed easily, with laughter and stories shared, but there was an undercurrent of tension that Donna couldn't ignore. Mike and Rachel were deep in conversation, giving them a rare moment of privacy in the bustling restaurant. Donna looked at Harvey, really looked at him, and she saw the same emotions reflected in his eyes that she was feeling; Longing, regret, a wistful nostalgia for what had been and could have been.
She wanted to say something, to break the silence that had settled between them, but she didn't know what to say. There was so much unsaid between them, especially with how their conversation was left at the trailer.
Harvey seemed to sense her hesitation, and he leaned in slightly, his voice low and filled with a softness he has only reserved for her, "You know, I've missed this."
Donna's breath caught in her throat, and she looked up at him, her eyes searching his, "Missed what?"
"This," he replied, gesturing between them. "Just... being around you. Talking to you. It feels like it used to."
There was a vulnerability that she wasn't used to hearing from him, and it caught her off guard. She looked at him once more and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room.
"I've missed it too," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, it felt like time had stopped. The noise of the restaurant faded into the background, and all Donna could hear was the sound of her own heartbeat, pounding in her ears.
But then Rachel's laughter broke the spell, and Donna was brought back to reality. She blinked, tearing her gaze away from Harvey, and took a deep breath to steady herself.
She couldn't do this. She couldn't let herself get caught up in what used to be. She had moved on. She had Thomas. And yet, sitting here, across from Harvey, she couldn't help but wonder if she had really moved on at all.
The rest of dinner passed by in a blur. Donna kept up with the conversation, laughing at the right moments, responding when necessary, but her mind was elsewhere. She was too aware of Harvey, too aware of the way his legs brushed under hers under the table, the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn't noticing.
As the night wore on and they were nearing to saying their goodbyes, Donna couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. The banter, the sweet moments, the way Harvey looked at her-it felt like a reminder what they could still have if things were different. The group stepped outside the restaurant, the city air was cooler, the lights of Los Angeles shimmering against the dark sky.
Donna wrapped her arms around herself, more out of habit than necessity. Rachel gives Donna a quick hug and Mike gives her a kiss on the cheek, they switch off and give their hugs to Harvey before heading off to find their car. Harvey lingered by, his gaze drifting toward Donna, who was already pulling out her phone to call car.
"You want a ride?" He asked, casually, though there was a hint of something more in his tone.
Donna glanced up, her instinct to refuse flashing across her face, "I'm fine, Harvey. I can get my own ride."
He gave her that lopsided, Cheshire cat smile she knew all too well. "Come on, Donna, it's late. I'll get you home safe."
She hesitated, caught between the comfort of routine and the undeniable pull of the familiar warmth in his voice, "You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"
"Nope," he said, popping the p, with playful defiance, "Besides, it's not like you're going to make me drive home alone after a night like this, are you?"
She couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at how easily he could sway her. "Alright, fine. But only because I don't want you getting lost on your way back."
"Good choice, he replied, moving closer to her as the valet pulled up with his sleek black car. He gestured for her to wait, ever the gentleman, as he walked around to open the passenger door for her.
Just as she was about to slide into the seat, a flash of light caught the corner of her eyes, followed by the unmistakable sound of cameras clicking. The paparazzi had found them, like they always did.
"Harvey! Donna! What can you tell us about your new project?"
"You look so close!"
"Are you guys on a date?"
The questions flew at them like rapid fire, but Harvey didn't miss a beat. He instinctively moved closer to Donna, shielding her from an onslaught of flashes. As he helped her into the car, he placed a gentle hand on her head, guiding her to duck so she wouldn't hit the doorframe.
The gesture was so natural, so intimately protective, that Donna felt her heart squeeze. It was the kind of thing Harvey always did, those small acts of care that only she seemed to notice, that always made her feel like she was something more to him.
"Thanks," she murmured as she settled into the seat, the door closing behind her with a soft click. Harvey circled around the driver's side, sliding in beside her with an air of calm that belied the chaos outside.
As they pulled away, leaving the paparazzi behind, Donna let out a small sigh. "You know, tomorrow's headlines are going to be all about this," she said, her voice laced with both amusement and resignation.
Harvey chuckled, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "Let them talk. Maybe it'll help the movie's buzz."
Donna shook her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, "You'd say anything for a little free publicity, wouldn't you?"
"Only when it's good press," he shot back, glancing at her with that familiar teasing glint in his eye, "And when I get to spend more time with you, it's a win-win."
"Harvey..." Donna says, in a tone that was both soft and a warning that they were slowly treading on the line they both carefully drew. But Donna couldn't deny the banter between them, it was effortless, so natural. But there was something different about tonight-something more charged, more meaningful.
The car hummed softly as they drove through the city, the lights outside flickering in patterns of gold and white. Donna's thoughts drifted, the quiet of the moment allowing her to process the night's events, the way Harvey had looked at her, the way he had touched her, and the easy rhythm they head slipped into during dinner. It felt like a glimpse of something she hadn't allowed herself to imagine for a long time.
Harvey cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence. "You know, my family still asks about you."
Donna turned to him, her surprise genuine, "Really?"
He nodded, his expression turning a bit more serious, "Yeah. My mom always wants to know how you're doing. And Gordon, and Marcus, of course. She even asked if you'd be coming to Thanksgiving this year."
Donna's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Thanksgiving. She had spent many holidays with Harvey when they were together. Even when they broke up, his family still held out hope that Donna would soon come back. So, when Harvey told his family about their movie, they had excitedly asked him questions like he was still Donna's boyfriend. But, Harvey denied all the questions, letting them know that it's not like how it was before, and it was better to put the past behind them. But his mother, had still been insistent.
"I didn't realize they still thought about me," she said softly, the vulnerability in her voice surprising even herself.
"Of course they do," Harvey replied, his voice warm and reassuring, "You were a big part of my life for a long time. They love you, Donna."
She looked down at her hands, her mind swirling with memories of those times, the laughter, the warmth, the sense of belonging she had felt with Harvey's family. It had been a long time since she allowed herself to think about those memories, to remember how much she had meant to them-and to Harvey.
"I miss them," She admitted, her voice in a low volume.
Harvey glanced at her, his gaze lingering on her profile before returning to the road. "They miss you too. You know, you could always come by... It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving."
Donna looked up, meeting his eyes, the sincerity in them making her feel all sorts of emotions, "I'll think about it," she said, her tone conveying more than just a polite response.
They fell into silence again, but this time it was filled with the weight of unspoken emotions, of memories and possibilities that hung in the air between them.
As they approached her house, Harvey pulled up to the curb, the engine idling softly. He turned to her, his expression unreadable, though his eyes held a depth of emotion she hadn't seen in a long time.
"Thank for the ride," Donna said, her hand resting on the door handle, though she made no move to leave just yet.
"Anytime," He replied, his voice low.
She hesitated, a thousand thoughts running through her mind, all the things she wanted to say but couldn't find the right words for. Instead, she leaned over, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. it was brief, almost chaste gesture, but the intimacy left them both a little breathless.
"Goodnight, Harvey," she whispered, pulling back and opening the door before she could second-guess herself.
"Goodnight, Donna," he replied, watching as she stepped out of the car and walked towards her front door.
As she disappeared through the front door, Harvey sat there for a moment longer, the warmth of her kiss lingering on his cheek. The night had brought them closer than they had ever been in years, rekindling something that he had thought might be lost forever.
And as he finally drove away, the city lights reflecting in his rearview mirror, he couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was just the beginning of something new-a second chance he wasn't going to let slip away.
A/N: As always, let me know y'alls thoughts :) More to come.