A/N: Sorry for the delay. I was in London, meeting my wonderful beta! I'll keep it short for now. Thanks for all the lovely reviews. Merry Christmas everyone!

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Olivia grumbles, harrumphs, and mutters as she storms up the three flights of stairs in record time.

When Donna opens the door, she flops on the couch with her arms crossed and mumbles some more.

Donna quietly hangs up her own coat and makes a hot cocoa with an extra marshmallow. She sits down on the coffee table, placing the mug in front of her little one. She just sits, looking at Olivia, rubbing her knee, waiting for her to come out with it.

"That stupid Molly," Olivia finally scolds. "She had yet another new coat today and bragged about how her dad has enough money to buy a house full of coats. She turned up her nose at mine and stuck her finger in the loose seam at my neck."

Donna bites her lip. She should have sewn up that hole when she spotted it yesterday but after wrapping twenty-five gifts, her fingers were aching last night.

"But the worst part," Olivia goes on and Donna braces herself for what's coming, "is that she is getting that baby sister that I always wanted."

The words take Donna by surprise. Olivia rarely talks about their unique family situation.

Donna scoots over to the couch and pulls Liv close. "I will fix that seam. You can only wear one coat at a time so next time Molly is on her high horse just picture her wearing all her coats all at once, unable to walk, round as a barrel, and just laugh."

"Molly doesn't have a horse but that is a good one. I'm going to do that," Olivia's face perks up already.

"And—" Donna continues. "I'm working on expanding our family. Rachel set me up on a date."

Olivia looks at her pointedly.

"Well, it's a start right?"

Liv rolls her eyes. "I guess. What does he do?"

"He's a technical writer."

Olivia pulls up her shoulders, looking confused.

"Apparently he writes those manuals for IKEA."

Olivia's eyes bulge. "That's a job? That's gotta be so boring."

Donna wholeheartedly agrees but chooses to stay silent and just holds out her hand. Olivia hands her the coat that is definitely on its last leg. Her grumpy mood has lifted a bit so she finally digs into her cocoa.

Donna bites her cheek walking to the cupboard holding the sewing kit. The little one mutters, "Ikea manuals. I won't hold my breath for that sister soon then."

…

Upon entering the bar, Donna realizes it's not just a bar. And sure enough, a man is waving at her. The worst part is, he's holding a pair of bowling shoes while wearing a pair himself as well.

Donna briefly closes her eyes. The Gutter Bar, she should've known better.

Pasting a smile on her face, she shakes out her red locks, sticking out her hand in her date's direction.

"Ryan Golding," he beams at her as he pumps her arm enthusiastically.

"Donna."

"Just Donna?"

"It's like a name and title in one."

Ryan frowns and Donna purses her lips.

"So bowling?" She brushes over the awkwardness that hangs between them.

Ryan holds up the pair of shoes. "Rachel already told me your size. I got here early. Bowlers always have time to spare."

Donna throws him a fake smile. She'll have a word with Rachel later. It's not like she runs around all day in heels anymore but bowling shoes are the other side of the spectrum and she has her limits.

"Let's rock and bowl." Ryan leads the way to the lanes as Donna mutters, "Kill me now."

…

Donna: You want me to source a bottle of scotch for your ex-girlfriend?

Harvey: There are only three left in the world of this rare blend.

Donna: Scotch. For your ex-girlfriend.

Harvey: We've been drinking scotch since Harvard. She'll love it.

Donna: So you two are definitely over?

Harvey: I refuse to answer that on the grounds that I don't want to.

Donna: I had to do a backflip through three hoops to get an appointment with this collector that sells it.

Harvey: When is it?

Donna: Tomorrow at 11 am.

Harvey: Compliment his insanely outrageous pants. It'll help, trust me.

Donna: Thanks, I think ;-)

…

Panting while running up the stairs, Donna curses loudly. The subway is her only way of transportation, taxis aren't in her budget, but it's unreliable as hell.

She is arriving with just a minute to spare and she knows she looks frumpled. She likes to arrive early to make a good first impression but a power outage at Columbus Circle had thrown her whole schedule for a loop.

Power walking to the building, she smooths down her hair, runs her tongue over her teeth, and fans her face until she's stopped in her tracks. At the entrance of the building with his back to her, is Harvey Specter talking to the doorman.

She looks down at her attire. It's the same one she had on when she met him in the bar. Only now she is wearing a coat on top and her coat is shabby. It's been on its last legs for years but Olivia keeps growing and keeping her niece warm and clothed is a bigger priority than Donna's own closet.

She takes off the coat, folding the most threadbare parts out of sight, draping the coat and her scarf over her arm, hoping it'll look like she just stepped out of a taxi.

"Didn't expect to see you here." Donna stands firm and tall, sweeping her red locks over her shoulder as Harvey turns around, his eyes glancing over her body.

"Maximilian the Third can be a pain in the ass. I couldn't let you go into that lion's den alone in good conscience." With his hand splayed lightly onto the small of her back Harvey ushers her inside.

"Oh my god, what a character," Donna giggles one hour later when they resurface, slightly tipsy, into the bright daylight. "Who builds a cellar, on the forty-eighth floor?"

"That's what old money does to you."

"And new money doesn't?" Donna steps forward in Harvey's direction.

He automatically backs away a little.

Donna slowly lifts her arm in the direction of his tie. He slightly twists his torso and then decides to hold still. She pushes his tie to the center and fiddles with the knot.

"I haven't built a cellar in my penthouse, if that's what you're asking." Harvey looks down at Donna but her eyes are glued to his collar.

"We just spent twelve thousand dollars on a bottle of scotch. On your ex-girlfriend."

Donna takes a step back to observe her handiwork.

"Why do you keep saying it like that?"

Giving it a satisfying nod Donna looks up. "It makes me wonder what you spend on someone you are trying to woo."

"Want to find out?" Harvey wiggles his eyebrows.

"I don't get involved with men that I work with."

Harvey shrugs. "Okay, then you're fired."

"I'll drop off twenty rolls of wrapping paper, thirty bows, and fifty yards of ribbon at your office tomorrow."

He stares at her, she stares right back.

"You sound like a challenge, woman."

"One you will never get to take." Donna licks her lips.

His eyes roam over her body and suddenly she is shivering. She realizes her coat is still draped over her arm and he is looking her up and down in the same clothes she was wearing the other day.

It's too cold to keep standing there in a sleeveless dress so she has no choice but to slowly wrap her scarf around her neck and reveal her tattered coat.

Harvey observes her actions.

"This coat was my grandmother's. It's so old but I just can't say goodbye to it. I'm sure you have some sentimental items you can't say goodbye to either," Donna babbles to hide her embarrassment.

Harvey wouldn't even let his mother wear a coat like this and that's saying a lot but he chooses to remain silent on the subject.

Donna digs up a box out of her handbag, handing it over to Harvey. A bit surprised he opens it, pulling out a scotch glass with an engravement.

"D.J.S. This is a present for Scottie."

"I will wrap it together with your overpriced bottle of scotch."

"See, it is a great gift."

"Now it is." Donna takes back the glass and stows it away.

Harvey sets off along the pavement. His driver is parked around the corner. Donna follows him. The subway station is three blocks away.

"For the record, her middle name is Victoria."

"No, it isn't."

"What is it?"

Donna throws him a sideways glance, shaking her head.

"Please she never told me!" He holds out his arms, showing his palms, pleading with her.

"Julie?"

"Seriously?"

"Jessie?"

"Oh my god."

"Joy?"

Donna keeps walking.

"Jenny?"

"Not telling."

…

Harvey sighs. "Just find the money trail." And he shoos Mike and Rachel away with his hand.

They are already out of the door when he pipes up, "Hold on one second, Rachel."

Rachel shuffles back in.

"Close the door please."

Rachel obliges.

"Miss Paulsen, she is a friend of yours?"

Rachel's cheeks flush. "Yes, but that is not why I recommended her. She knows people and has a knack for knowing their needs."

"She doesn't have a website." Harvey looks her straight in the eye.

"Word of mouth," Rachel responds.

"Yeah, that's what she said." Harvey taps the desk with his pen. "Tell me about her."

"Uhm," Rachel stutters. "I'm not sure if it is my place…"

Harvey swirls around, his back to her, the city lights shining brightly at him.

"You gave her my Amex card."

Rachel releases a breath. "I met her when Louis once gave me tickets for this off-off-Broadway show. Donna was in the play and we shared a cab afterward."

"She left the theater scene when she became the guardian of her niece three years ago. It forced her to look for new job opportunities."

"She's an actress?" Harvey swivels back to face Rachel.

The brunette nods.

"Huh," Harvey hums to himself.

"Thanks, Rachel, that'll be all."

"Oh and just tell Donna what you want as a present." He calls after Rachel as she walks out of the door. "Saves me a lot of dirty looks."

…

Harvey: Can we meet up? I want to discuss something important with you.

Donna: Okay but I would need to bring Olivia. I don't have a babysitter.

Harvey had texted a time and a place and the whole way down there Donna feels nervous. Olivia is her usual chatty self but gives her aunt a sideways glance now and then because it's nothing like Donna to be so quiet.

They get off at 47-50 St / Rockefeller Center and Olivia bounces up the stairs. They don't go downtown all that much. They have everything they need in their little neighborhood and midtown is expensive. Even a cup of coffee here is a stretch for Donna's budget.

Olivia's eyes start to gleam when they reach street level and cross the street to be up close with the iconic Christmas decorations of Rockefeller Center.

"Wow," Olivia cranes her neck to see the famous tree in all its glory.

The mesmerizing look of her niece reminds Donna to see more beauty in the simple things but also that she should definitely take her out more. There is so much more to this city than their little bubble.

All feelings are overshadowed by the pit in her stomach though. Will Harvey call her out on her lie about being a professional gift buyer? Would he cause a scene in front of her niece?

"I always wonder how they get the lights in that huge tree, don't you?" Harvey addresses Olivia, emerging out of nowhere.

"Good question," Olivia ponders. "Maybe they hang a helicopter above it, like very still, and then this guy hooked at a cable jumps out with a huge backpack filled with lights and he hangs them all."

Harvey raises an eyebrow. "Adventurous mind this one," he directs his comment to Donna.

"She's like Annie Oakley and Amelia Earhart rolled into one, alright." Donna fondly lays her hand on top of Olivia's curls.

"Olivia, this is Harvey Specter. He's the client I'm buying the presents for."

"Our house looks like a warehouse. You sure know a lot of people."

Donna's cheeks flush a deep shade of pink but Harvey releases a loud rumble.

"I do kid, I do."

"How do you know them?"

"Let me tell you that over a cup of hot chocolate." Harvey stirs the two of them towards one of the little wooden ski chalets that are dotted around the ice rink.

Olivia jumps up and down with excitement, sitting on her knees on the bench, nose pressed up to the glass pane that shows a front-row view of the ice rink below.

"Now I'll have a cool story to tell at school on Monday."

Donna lightly holds Olivia's leg in fear of her tumbling over and looks at Harvey seated across the table from her. Her heart is still thumping wildly in fear of what he is going to say.

The lines around his eyes tell her that is amused by Olivia's enthusiasm and she is thankful that he is giving her this experience. He has no idea that just the simple act of renting the chalet for $30 per half hour is the highlight of the year for her niece and something she isn't able to afford herself.

The chalet is heated and Donna quickly peels off both their coats. Balling them up and stuffing them in a corner of the bench. Her feeble lie about her own coat not holding up next to Olivia's.

Harvey has ordered the promised hot chocolate and a plate of churros with chocolate sauce.

When it arrives Olivia's eyes grow like saucers.

"We need to have a chat." Olivia looks Harvey in the eye. "Are those all for you?"

Donna closes her eyes and purses her lips but Harvey chuckles.

"It's to share but your aunt has the final say."

"Oh can I Aunt Donna, please?" Olivia turns to her with puppy eyes.

"One."

Olivia pouts. "Two, pleaaaase… Because it's a special day?" The puppy eyes are pleading now.

"What's so special about today?" Harvey asks the little one.

"We seldom go out and always bring our own food."

Olivia grabs Donna's bag and before her aunt can stop her she pulls out a thermos and snack box.

"Aunt Donna says money doesn't grow on trees."

Harvey looks over at Donna who in turn looks mortified and like she is about to crawl out of there.

"Trying to teach her the value of money," she mumbles, avoiding Harvey's eyes, tucking on Olivia's sweater instead.

Harvey glances at the coat pile in the corner. That scruffy coat again and Olivia's jeans seem just slightly too short and her sneakers are from several seasons ago. He knows that because Nike is his client and he gets a free pair for his niece and nephew every season.

Adding this up to the fact that Live for The Present didn't seem to exist until he hired Donna, he's becoming more and more convinced Donna is barely making ends meet.

"Two." Donna and Olivia have worked out a final number and Olivia is happily munching on the sugared dough.

"I hope you are happy with my work so far." Donna turns the subject around.

"Well, that depends. What did you get Louis?"

"An oil painting of his cat as a Royal."

Olivia's eyes start gleaming, alongside a loud giggling. Harvey almost chokes on a piece of churros.

Olivia pushes his chocolate in front of him. "You need to drink Mr. Specter, it helps."

"Yeah thanks," he squeaks and takes a sip.

"The painting is so funny," Olivia is still giggling.

Donna pulls up a picture on her phone which Harvey studies intently until he grins and chuckles.

"This has exactly the right ostentation and tackiness for Louis to love it." He looks at Donna impressed. "You keep having great ideas."

Donna flips back her hair. "The genius of Donna is every day."

"Yeah, mine too." Olivia flips back her hair as well.

Harvey's loud laugh reverberates in the small space and Olivia looks quite pleased with herself before she goes back to people-watching on the ice.

"I'm very happy with this out-of-the-box stuff. But I was wondering if you were interested in another project for me. Something discreet with a more sizable pay."

This time it is Donna who almost chokes but she manages to keep her chocolate in and not splutter it all over her boss.

"Some things are not for sale, Mr. Specter."

Harvey realizes his words might have come across as an indecent proposal and if Donna's red cheeks are any indication that is exactly how she interpreted his proposition.

"That's not what I meant— I…" Harvey clocks Olivia and he tilts his head ever so slightly in her direction. "Let's talk about this later."

When their half hour is up they walk to the front of the ice rink.

"I would love to make pirouettes here someday," Olivia sighs, staring longingly at the ice.

"Are you telling me that as a New Yorker you have never been on this ice, Miss Olivia?" Harvey clutches his heart in exaggeration.

"I haven't been on any ice!" Olivia exclaims.

Harvey gives Donna a shocked look.

"What? The reservoir in Central Park just didn't look sturdy enough last year."

Olivia plants her hands on her waist. "As a New Yorker have you skated here, Mr. Specter?"

Harvey's ears are crimson and it is probably not the cold.

"Well played, Miss Olivia, well played." He winks at the girl and queues in the skate rental line.

Olivia joins him, tugging his arm, bouncing around. "I'm a size eleven."

"Good to know. And your aunt?"

"She claims six and a half but she buys seven."

Donna joins them and Harvey flashes her a smile. "No secret safe here."

"You must always tell the truth," Olivia quips. "Right, Aunt Donna?"

"Yes, Aunt Donna." Harvey pokes Donna with his elbow.

Donna just wants the ground to open up and swallow her whole but Harvey's eyes glimmer with nothing but amusement.

"This is too much, Harvey," Donna argues when Harvey pays for the rental skates and the fee for the rink.

Together with drinks earlier, Harvey has spent over a hundred dollars on them in the space of an hour.

She knows that's like five minutes of his time if he was charging his hourly rate at the office and is absolutely peanuts to him but she promised herself to keep things strictly professional between them.

Olivia is already seated with her shoes thrown in a careless pile next to her. She eagerly grabs the pair of skates Harvey hands to her and Donna gives in to the inevitable. The lines are already blurry anyway. She might as well give Olivia these memories.

"Have you skated before, Harvey?"

"Mr. Specter," Donna corrects Olivia.

"Harvey is fine. And yes I used to ice skate with my brother in the winter."

"Are you going to spend Christmas with him?"

Donna wants to stop this barrage of questions but Harvey motions that he doesn't mind.

"I'm not sure yet."

This comment earns him a raised eyebrow from Donna but he counters with a question of his own.

"Are you going to spend Christmas with your family?"

"Nope," Olivia pops the p as she ties her laces. "Grandpa is taking grandma on a cruise and according to Aunt Donna he is royally late on making that happen so she'll gladly sacrifice our time together to make grandma happy."

This time it is Harvey that raises an eyebrow and Donna who ignores him, suddenly very busy with tying her laces, and vowing to only make phone calls after Olivia's bedtime from now on.

Olivia is done first and practically runs to the ice.

"Remember to—" Donna shouts but Olivia is already out of hearing distance. "Be careful," she mutters.

"What did you want to talk about?" Donna seizes her chance with Olivia temporarily occupied.

"It's not going to work out, sorry."

"You summoned me to Manhattan on the weekend for something urgent and now you're blowing me off?"

"I'll compensate you for your time," Harvey hurries to add but it doesn't do anything for the deflated look on her face.

"You gave us enough between the hot chocolate and the ice skating. Thank you. This is a memory that will stay with Olivia for a long time."

"An issue arose at work and it's uncharted territory for me and I acted too hasty." Harvey massages the back of his neck.

"No hundred and forty-six ways out of it?"

His brows lift in surprise.

"It's really true. Women talk about everything."

A sly smile forms on Donna's lips. "Oh, you have no idea."

Harvey is just happy she has moved on from the hurt he seemingly inflicted on her just a minute ago.

"I know she is not yours but I see a lot of you in her," Harvey comments. He has a genuine smile on his face.

"I know this isn't the nineties anymore but there is always a need for girl power."

"Agreed."

"Believing in yourself is half the battle won." A smile tugged at Donna's lips. "And of course Pippi Longstocking. I have never tried that before, so I think—"

"I should definitely be able to do that," Harvey finishes with a chuckle. "But that might not work when standing on 3mm blades." He points at Olivia, scrambling on the rink.

She is barely holding herself up but determined to make that pirouette, she sets off. Only to land flat on her bum.

Donna snorts and quickly clamps her mouth with her hand to hide her snickering.

"Let's grab her a penguin before she tries an axel." Harvey holds out his hand and Donna gladly takes it to wobble to the entrance.

…

After all their cheeks are more than rozy from the time spent on the ice, the three of them walk to the curb of Fifth Avenue where a Lexus is parked.

"Can I give you a ride?" Harvey offers.

Donna wants to decline but Olivia beats her to it.

"Hell yeah!"

"Liv!"

But Harvey's driver has opened the door and Olivia is climbing in already so Donna has no option but to follow after her.

Olivia ooh's and aahs at all the decked-out window displays as they crawl down Fifth Avenue.

Donna: Today has been a true gift for Olivia. Are you sure I can't repay you by helping you with that issue?

Harvey takes his phone and his eyes flash to meet Donna's swiftly.

Harvey: If there's any chance of making name partner, I need a girlfriend for Christmas. Just a business arrangement, absolutely nothing physical.

Any of my normal dates would read way too much into so I considered hiring you. For a very hefty fee of course. But really it's discomforting to even ask.

Donna: Is this for the firm's Christmas party?

Harvey: It's in the Hamptons, at the house of one of the name partners. Of course Olivia is invited too and my offer is five thousand a day.

Donna's mouth falls open but she closes it quickly when she sees Harvey looking.

It would solve all her money problems for at least a year. But a date for Christmas to make name partner? What kind of lion's den would she be bringing Liv into?

Donna: That's a big ask. Can I think about it?

Harvey: Of course!

Eventually, they make it to The Bronx but Olivia has fallen asleep.

Donna made Ray, the driver, stop around the corner to not reveal the shabby look of their building but Harvey insists on carrying Olivia for her.

She tries to blow him off at the entrance but he's not having it and carries her up to the third floor where Donna has no option but to open the door so Harvey can lay Olivia down on her bed.

Harvey sneaks a quick peek around their living quarters as Donna ushers him out of the door.

"Thanks for today," she says again before closing the door and sinking her head against it.