Freshly graduated from Yale, Donna was eager to take on New York and Broadway. After a three-hour train ride from Hartford, she stepped out of Grand Central, bags slung over each shoulder, and grinned up at the towering skyline — she had finally arrived. At twenty-three, the redhead had earned a bachelor's in arts after four years of hard work and had spent the last year working and saving up for this moment. Now, standing on Vanderbilt Avenue, she could feel tears threatening to well up — everything she'd dreamed of since her teenage years was coming to fruition. With excitement bubbling inside her, she made her way toward the nearest subway entrance, maneuvering through the crowds with her heavy bags, until she finally reached Brooklyn, where she'd rented a place. Thanks to some help from her parents and her earnings from a café and restaurant job, she had managed to secure a small studio in Manhattan. It wasn't much, but it was all she needed. Once inside her new home — a space that currently only held a couch, a table, and a dozen or so moving boxes — she dove straight into unpacking as the thrill of settling in for the first time surged through her. A few hours later, after organizing enough to feel somewhat at home, she flopped onto the couch with a contented sigh, her eyelids heavy with exhaustion, and a wide smile lingered on her face as she drifted off to sleep. The next morning, as she got ready for her shift at Starbucks, she closed the door behind her and turned to face a stranger.
«Oh, hi»
«Hey»
The girl's response was a single, weary word, her voice flat, dressed in an evening gown that seemed out of place in the morning light. Her tired blue eyes and platinum blonde hair made her look almost plastic, and Donna couldn't help but notice the exaggerated features — fake lips, fake breasts — marking her as someone who seemed more interested in appearances than anything deeper. She stood there for a moment, silently assessing her, before the girl continued to stare without saying much more. Taking the cue, Donna extended her hand with a warm smile, her voice soft and friendly.
«Nice to meet you, I'm Donna. I just moved in, I'm in the studio right there — your new neighbor»
«Lisa, nice to meet you. But I don't actually live here»
«Oh»
«Yeah, it's at Harvey's. He's your neighbor»
«Harvey, alright. Hmm, maybe another time, then?»
«I don't think so, but you'll have plenty of chances to meet new neighbors. They come and go around here »
Without a word, Lisa turned and walked off down the hallway, leaving Donna standing there, confused and a little taken aback. As Donna pieced everything together, she couldn't help but realize her neighbor must have some... exciting nights, and the thought made her cheeks flush without warning. The brief interaction left her with more questions than answers. Shaking it off, Donna refocused, heading out of the building to start her day. Her mind briefly lingered on Lisa and Harvey, but by the time she arrived at work, she buried those thoughts, diving into her shift with all her attention. The day flew by, and soon enough, she was free to explore the city. She wandered through the streets of New York, taking in the vibrant energy, the endless possibilities, and the thrill of being part of something so alive. The next morning, as Donna hurried out of her apartment, she was greeted by a different face — a brunette this time, looking just as disheveled as Lisa had the day before, while Donna couldn't help but think of her mysterious neighbor again. Who was he? What was he like? Should she knock on his door and introduce herself? The idea lingered in her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. What if he turned out to be some creepy old guy? She wasn't sure she wanted to risk that, at least not yet. Later that evening, after a long shift, Donna returned home exhausted. She was looking forward to a quiet night, but it wasn't meant to be. For the past twenty minutes, loud music had been blasting from the apartment next door, shaking the walls as Donna tried to ignore it, hoping it would stop on its own, but the minutes dragged on, and her patience wore thin. With a frustrated huff, she threw on a cardigan and stormed out of her apartment, heading straight for the door across the hall as she knocked sharply, but for a few seconds, nothing changed. Just as she was about to knock again, the music abruptly stopped. She could hear footsteps approaching, and the door swung open to reveal none other than Harvey — shirtless, his athletic shorts hanging low on his hips, his skin glistening with sweat. Once in front of her, the faint smell of exertion lingered in the air, and Donna noticed a treadmill in the living room, confirming her guess of him doing his workout. When Harvey's eyes met hers, his expression shifted. First, there was surprise, but then — almost imperceptibly — something darker, more charged. His gaze locked on her, and for a brief moment, Donna could feel the tension building between them. That quiet, lingering desire in his eyes made her throat tighten, and she was caught off guard by the sudden rush of heat that flushed her face.
«Hello»
«Hey. How can I help you?»
«Hum.. I'm your new neighbor, and I can't sleep because of your music»
«Well, first, nice to meet you, new neighbor, and second, you're already sleeping?» smirked the guy.
«What?»
«It's barely eleven»
Donna blinked, thrown off by his smirk and the unexpected comment, as she couldn't help but let out a small snort before replying with mock scandal.
«Oh, sorry, I didn't realize it was your business and that I needed to justify myself. But I work early tomorrow, so could you please turn down the music?»
«Anything for you»
«Thank you»
Just as she was about to turn and head home, Donna caught him looking her up and down with dark, lingering eyes. His gaze traced over her long, pale legs, taking in the matching top and shorts she wore, along with the long cardigan wrapped snugly around her. The intensity of his stare made her feel unexpectedly exposed, despite knowing she was covered just fine. She could almost feel his eyes burn into her skin, making it prickle — but she refused to let him see that it affected her. Quickly, she turned and made her way back to her apartment, but once inside, she froze in the middle of the room. Her mind replayed the image of him — his sculpted body, the arrogance that somehow made him even more magnetic, and the way his eyes had roamed over her, assessing every inch, as though he was trying to figure her out as the entire exchange left her a little breathless, her heart still fluttering, though she tried to shake it off. Alright, the guy was an asshole — but a sexy asshole. Meanwhile, Harvey stood at his door for a few moments, his eyes locked on the spot where the mysterious redhead had vanished as his mind was drifting, still tangled in the aftermath of their brief encounter. He knew the apartment across from his had been up for rent, but he hadn't paid much attention to who had moved in. It wasn't his business, but he never could have predicted that she would be the one to take it. Harvey had been with plenty of beautiful women — plenty — but her… she was different. She was something else, perfection in its purest form. Her fiery red hair, those cute bangs that framed her face just right, her big, soulful green-brown eyes that seemed to look straight through him, her delicate, straight nose, and that slightly parted mouth... damn, he just wanted to explore it with his tongue. He let out a low breath, running a hand through his hair as he leaned against the doorframe, his thoughts replaying her image in a constant loop. She wasn't just attractive — she was captivating, a pull he hadn't felt in years — never actually. But before he could linger any longer, he was jolted back to reality by the sound of another neighbor slamming their door, pulling him out of his thoughts. With a reluctant sigh, Harvey pushed himself off the doorframe and retreated into his apartment, where he took a quick shower, trying to clear his head. The physical release helped, but it didn't erase the thoughts of her, and as he finally crawled into bed, sleep didn't come easy that night. The days following their brief interaction passed without any further encounters. They both fell back into their routines, their lives picking up where they left off, and the brief exchange faded into the background of their busy schedules. No more incidents. No more unexpected meetings. At least, not until that random Tuesday, when Donna nearly killed him. She was juggling a mountain of grocery bags as she fumbled to keep everything balanced, her arms ached from the weight, and as she shifted her feet, one of them collided with something on the floor — an errant bag, maybe? Whatever it was, it sent her off balance. With a startled yelp, she stumbled, her bags slipping from her hands and spilling groceries all over the hallway. It was a chaotic mess, a crash of cans and produce scattering in every direction.
«Seriously?»
As Donna crouched down to pick up the scattered groceries, she let out a frustrated sigh. Her eyes landed on a pair of polished dress shoes casually tossed in the middle of the hallway. She was almost certain they were Harvey's. She could feel her irritation building with each item she gathered, her mind running a mile a minute, fuming over the mess he'd left. Then, the sound of a door creaked open, and there he was — Harvey, dressed in a sharp suit, leaning casually in his doorway with an amused chuckle escaping his lips.
«Need some help, neighbor?» he asked, his tone light and teasing.
Donna didn't even bother to look up at him, her patience already worn thin. Instead, she shot back with a sharp, irritated tone.
«Really? Shoes in the middle of the hallway? Did no one ever teach you how to put your stuff away?»
«You should watch your step»
«You kidding?»
«Well, do you need help or not?»
«I can handle it on my own, thanks» she shot back, her patience wearing thin.
«Perfect. I'll leave you to it, then»
With that, he stepped over a bag of flour, his smirk still playing at the corners of his mouth, before turning and strolling down the hallway. Donna stood there, completely stunned for a moment, watching him walk away in disbelief. How could he be so ridiculous? She grabbed an apple that had rolled farther down the hall, exhaling an exasperated sigh as she bent down to scoop it up.
«Fucking asshole»
After finally managing to pack everything into the bags, Donna returned to her apartment, still fuming. Harvey's arrogance had somehow gotten under her skin, and the more she thought about it, the more her frustration simmered. She couldn't believe how unbearable he was, how he seemed to just exist to push her buttons. But, once again, the days passed without them running into each other as she slipped back into her routine, the annoyance slowly fading into the background — until two back-to-back shifts at work completely drained her. By the time she made it back to her building, her body felt like lead, every step a struggle to just get to the elevator and escape to her apartment as she leaned against the wall, letting her exhausted body sag with relief as she waited for the doors to close. It wasn't much, but it was enough to give her a brief moment of peace. Just as the doors were about to slide shut, she spotted him — Harvey, walking down the hallway toward the elevator, clearly hurrying to catch it before it closed. As he quickened his pace, now almost running, trying to make it before the doors shut, Donna wasn't about to make it that easy for him. Without a second thought, she pressed the button, watching the doors close just as he reached them. The soft ding of the elevator signaled the finality of her decision. She didn't care if it seemed petty — she was too tired, too irritated to deal with him today. As the doors slid shut, she leaned back against the wall with a quiet sigh of relief, feeling the tension in her shoulders finally ease. She didn't even want to think about him anymore. For just a moment, she could escape his presence entirely. In the hallway, Harvey stood frozen, his mouth slightly agape as he watched the elevator doors close in his face. He blinked a few times, caught off guard, not quite sure if it had just happened or if he had imagined it. He was the type to tease and be unapologetic, usually indifferent to what others thought of him. But this? This bothered him. The redhead had been avoiding him for days — he knew it —and the fact that she'd gone so far as to shut him out of the elevator... well, it stirred something inside him. Something he wasn't used to. Harvey had been with plenty of women, but she was different. The way she completely ignored him felt almost like a challenge, a puzzle he was determined to solve.
«Mr. Specter, is everything alright?»
«What?»
«Is everything alright?»
«Yes, yes. Um, I should go— good evening »
Harvey quickly made his way to the elevator, his mind still processing the moment. He couldn't quite shake the image of the elevator doors closing in his face, the abruptness of Donna's rejection. It wasn't like him to feel bothered by something so trivial, but for some reason, she had gotten under his skin. When he reached his floor, he hesitated in front of Donna's door, walking a few steps back and forth as he tried to figure out what to do next. The last thing he was going to do was apologize for his behavior — after all, he was Harvey Specter — but the more he thought about it, the more he realized he couldn't just leave things like this. He couldn't let their interaction end on that note. He needed to do something — anything — to bridge this strange, uncomfortable gap. So, he did what came naturally: he decided to be himself. Harvey Specter might be an asshole at times, but he was always confident, always in control, he would find a way to make things right, even if it was his own peculiar way. The next day, after yet another frustrating audition that probably hadn't gone well, Donna came home, her body exhausted and her mind still mulling over the complexities of the day. She fumbled with her keys as she approached her door, and that's when she saw it — a bouquet of flowers placed delicately on the floor right in front of it. Her brow furrowed in confusion. Who could have left these? She bent down to pick them up, the soft petals brushing against her fingers, and her eyes immediately flicked to the small card nestled in the blooms. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if she should just throw them away — or if she should read what the card said. But curiosity won out. Slowly, she opened the card, her fingers brushing the edges as she unfolded it.
I promise never to leave my shoes lying around in the hallway again, and call me if you ever need help carrying your groceries
— H
Below the apology, his phone number was written in neat, precise handwriting. Donna stared at the note for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly — was he being sarcastic, or was Harvey genuinely trying to apologize? It was hard to say with him. But as her eyes moved to the second part of the message, she couldn't help but feel a small smile tug at the corner of her lips. Days passed, and though they didn't cross paths often, Harvey kept up his small gestures, perhaps foolishly hoping that one day she might change her mind about him. No matter how ridiculous these efforts seemed, he couldn't help himself. He'd leave her delivery packages by her door, slip her mail under it, make sure never to play his music too loudly, and surprise her occasionally with another bouquet of flowers. Slowly, these gestures led to brief exchanges — passing words in the hallway, shared elevator rides, and smiles whenever their paths crossed. Little by little, Harvey found himself getting more and more attached to her. She was getting under his skin in a way that was both thrilling and frustrating at the same time. Things were progressing, and Harvey felt an increasing urge to get to know her better. But he had no idea how to approach it. There was something different about Donna, something that made him hesitate. She wasn't like the others, and he didn't want to screw this up by coming off as too forward or too casual. He knew if he invited her over, she might think he was just looking for a chance to get into her bed. So, he needed to find a way to approach her that wouldn't make him seem like a creep, then, like a stroke of genius, the idea hit him. And so, there he was, standing in front of her door, giving her time to come back from whatever she'd been doing.
«Harvey»
«Hey, I'm sorry to bother you, but I really need your help — you're not busy, right?»
«No no, what's going on?»
«My TV just gave out, and there's a Yankees game tonight. Can I use yours? I've got beers»
Donna was taken aback by his request, but as he looked at her with that charming smile and those irresistible eyes, she couldn't help but soften.
«Sure, come on in»
«Thanks»
Once inside, Harvey paused to take in the space. It had the same layout as his, but it felt entirely different — more refined, more feminine. The small apartment had a cozy charm, but there was something else about it, something soothing that seemed to wrap around him like a soft blanket. He moved through the living room, taking in the personal touches—the carefully placed books, the soft hues of the decor, the little details that made it feel so distinctly Donna. As he wandered a little farther, he suddenly heard Donna's soft voice from another room, pulling him out of his thoughts.
«Have you eaten?»
«Nope»
«Should I order something?»
«Yeah, but it's on me — thanks for letting me crash here. What do you feel like? Personally, I'm good with anything»
«Shitty Thai?»
«You're reading my mind»
«Alright»
He set the beers down on the kitchen counter and grabbed his phone, opening the delivery app as Donna stood beside him, leaning in to get a better look at the screen. The proximity between them was almost overwhelming. Harvey felt an instant rush of awareness, his senses suddenly flooded by the subtle scent of her — something fresh, floral, and undeniably intoxicating — that made him want to turn his head, to breathe her in more deeply. He forced himself to focus on the menu, trying his best to ignore the warmth spreading through him, but it was hard to stay composed with her so close. After a moment, Donna muttered softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
«I'll take the chicken and basil noodles»
«Alright»
Harvey quickly added Donna's order to the cart, followed by a pad Thai for himself just as Donna rummaged through her drawers searching for the bottle opener. For the next twenty minutes, they settled into the kitchen, each with a cold beer in hand, chatting casually about everything and nothing as there was a comfortable rhythm to the conversation, something easy about it that made both their hearts race in quiet anticipation. Donna had been in relationships before — some serious, some not — but it had been a while since she'd shared a simple, easy moment like this with a man. The kind of moment that felt almost like a date, especially with how much she'd been focused on her career and studies lately. As for Harvey, this was uncharted territory. He had always been surrounded by noise, always caught up in fast-paced, superficial interactions with girls he didn't even remember the name. But this — this was different. It was just him and Donna, no expectations, no agendas — just talking about life, sober, without any pressure. It was rare, and it felt good in a way he hadn't quite anticipated.
«So, what do you do for a living, by the way? I always see you in a suit and tie»
«I'm a lawyer»
«A lawyer? Really?» smiled the redhead.
«Yeah. Why? Surprised?»
«No, I mean, I can already picture you in court, boring the opposing side. It's just… you seem young to be a lawyer»
«Well, I'm twenty-five, and sure, I've only been a lawyer for four years, but I'm pretty damn good»
«And modest too»
«Always»
For a moment, they both laughed at Harvey's arrogant tone as the lawyer chuckled, taking a sip of his beer before murmuring.
«What about you?»
«Actress»
«Actress? Like Hollywood?»
«Theater»
«Oh»
«You know, Shakespeare, Molière, all that stuff»
«Well…»
«You don't know»
«Nope, sorry»
Once again, they both laughed at the exaggerated, mock expression of boredom on Harvey's face. It was a simple moment, but one that felt surprisingly comfortable, and for a second, neither of them wanted it to end. Just as the air between them started to settle into a quiet ease, Harvey's phone buzzed, announcing that their food had arrived. He got up to answer the door, and as the door clicked shut behind him, Donna let out a sigh she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Her heart was pounding, the steady rhythm making her wonder — maybe he wasn't so bad after all. In fact, he wasn't bad at all. A few minutes later, Harvey returned, knocking on the door as he stepped inside, the smell of fresh Asian food filling the small space. He gave her a smile, one that was somehow both cute and mischievous, and as they moved to sit down at the table, Donna suddenly reached for the remote, turning on the TV.
«What time is the game?» she asked casually.
The game. Shit. Harvey had been so caught up in the conversation with her that he'd completely forgotten the reason he was there.
«Uh, eight»
«It already started, then»
«Yeah, apparently»
«What channel?»
«Fox Sports»
«Alright»
As the game came on, they settled comfortably onto the couch with their food, each with a plate in hand. Donna wasn't particularly invested in the match itself, but she found herself enjoying the easy back-and-forth with Harvey. It wasn't about the game — it was about the connection, the simple joy of sharing space with someone who made her feel... at ease. About an hour later, when the game wrapped up and the channel switched to a post-game show, they barely noticed the time passing. The conversation flowed effortlessly, from stories to jokes, opinions to random thoughts. It was easy, natural — nothing forced or rushed. They simply existed in the moment, the night stretching on unnoticed. As Donna yawned, a faint wave of exhaustion finally crept in, and Harvey glanced at the clock and realized just how late it had gotten as a hint of reluctance tugged at him. He stood up, but not before letting his gaze linger on her for a moment — her presence, warm and casual, pulling him in more than he expected.
«I should go» he murmured, almost wishing he didn't have to.
Donna nodded, offering Harvey a soft smile as he left, though there was an unexpected tug in her chest. It had been a long time since she'd spent an evening so effortlessly with someone, and now that it was over, she found herself missing it more than she expected. That night, both of them fell asleep with a smile on their lips, thoughts drifting back to the evening they'd shared. Donna appreciated Harvey — sure, he was sexy, magnetic, with a presence that drew people in — but there was something more about him, something hidden beneath the layers of arrogance and self-assurance, something tender, fragile. Yet, he was still the kind of guy who flitted from one brief fling to the next, always living fast, always provoking. He wasn't the kind of person she could ever imagine a future with. If Donna felt conflicted, it was nothing compared to what Harvey was going through. He had no idea what was happening to him. He'd never felt this way about anyone before, and it made him feel... weird. Every time he saw her, his heart raced, and he found himself craving her presence. It was as if something inside him had switched, and suddenly, just catching sight of Donna — or even the thought of her — could turn his whole day around, putting a smile on his face. A few weeks after that night, both of them could feel it — the shift between them. The lighthearted banter had started to give way to something deeper, something neither of them was ready to confront, but both were keenly aware of. One evening, as Harvey was coming home, he ran into Donna in the hallway.
«Donna. Hey»
«Hey»
«You're going out?»
«To work, yeah»
«Until when?»
«Late»
«Courage»
«Thanks. See you, Harv»
«See you»
Once alone, Harvey stood there, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched Donna walk away, her stunning red hair flowing behind her. She was like a vision, and the way she moved haunted him long after she had disappeared into the elevator. Days passed, and Harvey finally worked up the nerve to ask her out for a one-on-one dinner. But just as he was about to approach her, something unexpected happened. The elevator doors opened, and a guy stepped out — tall, blond, with piercing blue eyes, and wearing a tight t-shirt that showcased his impressive biceps. Harvey froze. The guy was heading straight for Donna's door, a smug smile on his face. A sudden, foreign feeling washed over Harvey — jealousy. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. He wasn't the type to care about other men, but seeing this guy, his confidence so blatant, ignited something deep inside Harvey that he couldn't quite explain. Without thinking, Harvey quickly turned and retreated back to his apartment, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. From the safety of his apartment door, he couldn't help himself, he crept back down the hall and pressed himself against the door, straining to hear any sound that came from the other side. His heart hammered in his chest, each beat louder than the last. Every sound, every movement, felt amplified. Harvey didn't know what he expected—maybe he was hoping for some sign that the guy was just passing through. But as the guy knocked on Donna's door, Harvey couldn't tear himself away, his thoughts tangled with confusion, frustration, and something much deeper than he was ready to face.
«Hey»
«Mitchell, hey. Please, come on in»
Harvey's pulse quickened when he recognized the name. Mitchell. He didn't know the guy, but the arrogance radiating from him was unmistakable. The way Donna had greeted him — so familiar, almost too comfortable — had only fueled the jealousy gnawing at him, something he couldn't seem to shake. All afternoon, he tried to distract himself with a rerun of a football game, but it was impossible to focus. The thought of Donna alone with that guy in her apartment kept creeping back into his mind, twisting his insides. He knew he had no claim over her, no right to feel this way—he was just her neighbor, after all, as the gnawing jealousy refused to let him go. He kept wrestling with it, unsure of what to do, when suddenly the sound of Donna's door slamming shut pulled him out of his thoughts as someone had just left — either Mitchell or both of them. For a brief moment, Harvey stood frozen, contemplating his next move, but then, as if remembering who he was, something inside him snapped. It was time to step things up. Meanwhile, Donna, having just sent Mitchell on his way, was about to step into the shower when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, a small frown tugging at her lips as she saw the name flashing at the top: Harvey.
Are you home?
That was strange. Why was Harvey asking if she was home? Surprised, Donna responded with a quick yes and finished tidying up her living room, and just as she was about to relax, a knock at the door interrupted her. When she opened it, she froze, her throat tightening. There stood Harvey naked, barely covered by a towel hanging low around his waist, shampoo still in his hair, and a few drops of it smeared across his chest, muttering under his breath.
«Hey, sorry to bother you, but I'm out of hot water. Mind if I use your shower?»
Donna's eyes briefly lingered on Harvey's sculpted abs before she cleared her throat, murmuring.
«Sure, yeah»
As he walked into the apartment with a victorious smile, Donna observed his muscular back, the towel molding his ass while she was invaded by a heat. On his way into the bathroom, Harvey caught the look Donna had given him — her surprise, her quick glance, the way her eyes lingered just a little too long — he knew he'd made an impact. Smirking to himself, he stepped into the shower, the faint scent of Donna still hanging in the air, making him feel a little bolder. A few minutes later, he emerged, the towel still low on his hips, his wet hair tousled. He flashed her a grin, his eyes sparkling with that trademark cocky charm.
«Thank you, you save my day»
«You're welcome»
«I should go. Thanks again»
After giving her one last wink, Harvey left Donna's apartment, heading back to his own. On the other side of the hallway, Donna stood frozen for a moment, still processing what had just happened, before quickly rushing to the bathroom for a cold shower to cool off. The days that followed returned to their usual rhythm. Harvey, however, was relentless. He continued his efforts, subtle but persistent, determined to win Donna over, no matter where it might lead. One random Thursday afternoon, the two of them ran into each other in the building's lobby. Harvey, ever the smooth talker, suggested they grab a coffee before heading back to their apartments. Donna, always up for a good conversation, agreed. They settled into a cozy corner of the café, sipping on cappuccinos, talking about everything and nothing in particular. Their laughter and easy conversation flowed effortlessly, and as the time passed, they found themselves sitting closer, their hands almost touching, the air between them charged with a quiet tension. It had been six months since their first meeting, and though nothing romantic had happened yet, it was impossible to ignore the fluttering in their stomachs or the way their hearts raced when their eyes met. As they finished their drinks, Donna glanced at her phone and stood up, ready to head home. Harvey, dressed in his usual sharp suit, walked beside her as they chatted casually, but just as they reached the door to her apartment, Donna froze. Standing just outside, leaning casually against her door, was a tall blonde guy with an air of confidence. His eyes met hers as she approached, and she instantly recognized him.
«Mitchell, hey»
«Donna, I hope I'm not too early»
«Not at all, come in — see you, Harv?»
«Yeah, of course, see you»
As soon as Donna and the guy disappeared into her apartment, Harvey retreated to his own, irritation bubbling inside him. He stripped down to his boxers, put on his headphones, and hopped onto the treadmill, hoping the physical exertion would help him clear his mind — but it wasn't working. He was convinced that there was something between him and Donna, that maybe she saw him as more than just a neighbor — he'd even changed for her, after all. But now, it felt like it had all been in his head. Frustration mounted as he pushed himself harder, but the tension and anger continued to gnaw at him, refusing to let go. After a while, he gave up on the treadmill, took a quick shower, and decided to head out to the nearest bar — a whiskey was exactly what he needed to drown out the noise in his mind. One drink turned into two, and by the time he finished his second, he found himself chatting with a cute brunette, a smile tugging at his lips. For the moment, at least, she was a welcome distraction.
«Hey you»
«Hey»
«I'm Amy»
«Harvey»
«Nice to meet you, Harvey. What are you doing all alone here?»
«I'm looking for some company»
«Really?»
After two more drinks, he found himself in the girl's apartment. They kissed again and again as the taste of whiskey and cocktail mixed with that of acid, Harvey feeling nauseous from everything that was happening. A few minutes later, the young woman — Ellie, Nancy, Emily? God, he couldn't even remember — was in her underwear, busy undressing the lawyer. Only, no matter how many times she rubbed herself against his crotch, nothing happened. If he pretended not to understand, he knew very well what was happening — he was about to sleep with a girl when he had had his heart broken a few hours earlier by another. Seeing that the brunette was persisting for nothing, he pushed her lightly before whispering.
«Alright, stop»
Still a bit disoriented, the young woman watched in silence as he quickly dressed and left the apartment, not uttering another word. Stung by the humiliation, Harvey walked home on foot, making a pit stop to grab another bottle of whiskey. He drank straight from the neck, like someone trying to drown out the chaos in his mind. It seemed to do the trick, because by the time he reached the street where his building stood, he threw the empty bottle aside and stumbled toward the entrance, everything around him spinning, his head thudding painfully. Meanwhile, several floors up, Donna slept soundly, only to be abruptly awakened by a knock at the door. As she glanced at the time, panic set in — who could possibly be at her door this late? Then she heard a voice she instantly recognized.
«Donna. Open the door, please»
As he continued to bang on the door, she quickly got up to open it, wanting to avoid waking the entire building.
«Harvey. What the hell? What's going on?»
«I needed to see you»
«Are you drunk?»
«Drunk as fuck»
«Urgh, come on in»
Donna quickly guided him to the couch, where he collapsed with a low grunt. She rushed to grab a glass of water, handing it to him as he leaned back, clearly disoriented. Sitting down on the coffee table in front of him, she watched closely as he took large, grateful gulps, trying to steady himself, and once he finished, she spoke softly.
«Why are you drunk?»
«It was so humiliating»
«What are you talking about?»
«It never happened to me before. Never»
«Harvey, I don't understand what you're talking about»
«It's because of you... all of this»
«Me? But what did I do?»
«She tried... over and over... but I couldn't because I kept thinking about you»
Alright, Harvey was definitely drunk — way beyond tipsy. Donna watched him, trying to make sense of his slurred words, but it wasn't just his confusion that caught her attention. It was the look in his eyes, a mix of sadness and something she couldn't quite place. His gaze was soft, almost vulnerable, and it made her heart race in a way she wasn't expecting. She couldn't understand where this was coming from or why it was affecting her so deeply.
«Who tried to do what?»
«I think about you all the time, Donna. You're driving me crazy. Day and night, you're the only thing in my head, and it's becoming an obsession. You're so beautiful. It's insane»
«You're drunk»
«Yeah, but tomorrow I won't be, but you? You'll still be just as beautifulas right now »
«Do you need help getting home?» whispered Donna, still in shock from his words.
«Are you in love with Mitchell?»
«Mitchell? Harvey, what are you talking about?We just share the stage because we're in the same theater group »
«I'm trying, Donna. All of this... it's for you, only for you. I want to change for you because you're different from everyone else. I don't care about anyone else, just you. But no matter how hard I try, it feels like it means nothing to you. You don't see me... you only think about Mitchell»
«Harvey, stop»
«That's why I drank. I'm miserable because you don't see me the way I see you, and I'm scared. I don't even know what's happening to me. It's the first time I've ever felt like this about someone... I think I'm in love with you, but I'm terrified of losing you the way my dad lost my mom»
At those words, Donna stiffened, her gaze fixed on him with a look of pain as he met her eyes with a sad, almost defeated expression. He then leaned back against the couch, his head falling heavily onto the backrest as he exhaled deeply. The room was still for a moment, the only sound being his slow, steadying breaths — an indication that he was drifting into sleep. Just before he completely nodded off, she murmured softly.
«I can't believe you're doing this when you're drunk... Help me, we're going to get you settled comfortably»
In that moment, something clicked within her. As she whispered those final words, Donna realized she had come to understand Harvey in a way she never had before. She saw through the walls he had built around himself — his strength, his confidence — was all just a mask, a performance to conceal the vulnerability he kept hidden deep inside. It became clear that, despite his bravado, something had always been missing in his life. No family, no real connections — just solitude. His parents' separation had left him with deep-rooted attachment issues, and she could see it now, how they played out in the way he interacted with the world. She had always thought of herself as just another woman to him, someone he flirted with when it suited him, someone who caught his eye when she dressed a certain way, but never anyone he could actually care about. The possibility that he might actually love her hadn't occurred to her — not until now. Her eyes stung with fatigue as she stood there, her thoughts heavy. With a quiet breath, Donna pulled her gaze from Harvey and left her place at the coffee table as she walked slowly to her bedroom, lying awake for what felt like hours, her mind replaying the conversation over and over. The weight of it all lingered, refusing to let go, until the morning light broke through.
«What have you planned today, sweetie?»
«I start my shift at nine, so I won't be long on the phone»
«I understand»
As Harvey slowly woke up, the first thing that hit him was the pounding headache, followed closely by the bitter taste of acid in his mouth. His brain was sluggish, trying to piece together the events of the previous night, but everything felt disjointed. All he could focus on was the relentless throb in his skull, making it nearly impossible to concentrate. Then, something strange caught his attention — pancakes? The smell wafted through the air, making his stomach turn, and he could faintly hear the sizzling sound of food being cooked. A few moments later, Donna's soft voice drifted to him from another room, the tone light, as though she was talking to someone on the phone. With a groan, Harvey forced his eyes open. The living room came into focus — Donna's living room. He took in the scene with bleary eyes, spotting a glass of water and some painkillers on the coffee table, clearly set out for him. She'd taken care of him. Great. He'd gotten himself drunk and ended up passed out on her couch. Not exactly his finest moment. He tried sitting up, wincing at the movement and the dull ache that refused to leave his head. As he did, he heard her voice again, low and soothing, speaking on the phone.
«Hey, Mom. I'll call you back later, alright? Bye»
She hung up, and without missing a beat, she came toward him with a plate of pancakes. She sighed as she looked at him, and her expression softened.
«How are you feeling?»
«Like I'm going to die — I'm sorry, Donna»
«Don't worry about it»
«I shouldn't have come here»
«It's fine. Really»
As he hesitated for a moment, his mind still fuzzy, he finally whispered softly, scared of the answer.
«What happened last night?»
«Well, you knocked on my door around one in the morning, drunk out of your mind. I gave you some water, you passed out on my couch, and I left you to sleep it off»
«Shit… did I say anything last night?»
Donna then paused for a moment but then answered simply as he let out a breath, relieved but still uneasy.
«No»
For a moment, they sat in silence. Harvey was itching to apologize, but Donna seemed to be waiting for something — perhaps some kind of reassurance about what he'd said the night before — as neither of them spoke until Donna finally broke the quiet.
«I need to head to work, but I made pancakes for you. There's water and medication for your headache, and you can use my shower if you'd like. Make yourself at home, okay? Just remember to close the door when you leave»
«Alright»
Donna smiled softly at him, her eyes filled with understanding, before turning to leave, disappearing into the hallway and leaving Harvey alone. For a moment, he looked around the room, then picked up the plate of pancakes, feeling a strange sense of calm despite the chaos of the night before. He could have easily gone back to his own place — his apartment was just across the hallway, only a few steps away. But for reasons he couldn't quite explain, he stayed. The comfort of the couch, the warmth of the pancakes she'd made for him, and the quiet sense of relief that enveloped him kept him anchored in place. It was just so... easy to stay. He took another bite, chewing absentmindedly as his eyes wandered around Donna's living room. The space felt different in the daylight — cozier, more inviting. The familiar scent of her lingered in the air, not just the perfume she wore, but something more intangible, like the warmth of her presence, the trace of her skin. It was as if she had left an imprint on the room itself. His mind drifted. He stayed there the entire morning, time slipping by unnoticed. Every now and then, he glanced at the clock but couldn't summon the energy to leave. Being in Donna's space, in her presence, made it feel almost effortless to stay where he was. But by midday, reality crept in. It was time to go as he headed back to his own apartment to shower, get dressed, and run some errands. When Donna returned home a few hours later, she was surprised to find a post-it on her door.
Stop by mine. Hope you haven't eaten yet
Curious, Donna stepped inside her apartment, dropped off her things, and shrugged off her jacket, and after a moment's thought, she headed back out and knocked on Harvey's door. A few seconds later, it swung open, revealing Harvey in simple dress pants and a polo shirt, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked at her.
«Hey»
«Hey, I saw your little note on my door»
«And? You haven't eaten yet?»
«No»
«Lucky me — please, come in»
As Donna stepped into the living room behind him, she was taken aback to see the table set with wine glasses, flowers, and candles flickering softly. Before she could ask a single question, Harvey walked toward her, a large bouquet of flowers in hand, a broad smile spreading across his face.
«Here, these are for you»
«Why?»
«To thank you for last night. I woke you up in the middle of the night, and you had to put up with me being drunk. You even made me pancakes, the least I could do was thank you with a meal. Do you like chicken Alfredo pasta?»
«You know how to make chicken Alfredo pasta?»
«I followed the recipe to the letter»
«Then I love chicken Alfredo pasta» chuckled Donna.
«Please, make yourself comfortable»
As soon as he finished cooking, Donna took a seat at the table, and they fell into an easy conversation, chatting about everything and nothing at all. Harvey then placed the two dishes in front of them, and for nearly an hour, they continued to talk, laughing and even flirting a little, before sharing a chocolate fondant for dessert. When they were finished, Donna smiled at Harvey, her expression soft, and spoke in a gentle voice.
«I didn't know you were such a good cook»
«Me neither. I just followed the recipe»
«Still, it was really good»
«I'm glad then»
For a few seconds, the room was quiet, the air thick with unspoken words while Donna cleared her throat, her eyes avoiding Harvey's as she finally spoke.
«Harv?»
«Hmm?»
«Why am I here?»
«I told you, to thank you»
«You spoke last night, Harvey»
«What?»
«Last night, when you asked me if you'd said anything, I told you no. But the truth is, you said things I can't quite make sense of. I thought this dinner was meant to lead to a serious conversation, yet we've been talking about everything except what's right in front of us. So, do you want to tell me something about us?»
For a few moments, Harvey stayed silent, just watching her, and Donna could see the panic flickering in his eyes. He knew that his next words could change everything. He could admit that his feelings for her went beyond friendship, that when he was with her, he finally felt happy and truly himself, that she took his breath away every time he looked at her. Or he could claim he was just drunk, that it didn't matter, that she was nothing more than his neighbor, someone he enjoyed spending time with. But in that moment, the only thing he feared was losing her. So he remained quiet, his heart sinking as he saw the disappointment in Donna's eyes. It hit him harder than anything else could. With a soft sigh, Donna stood up, her shoulders heavy, and murmured quietly before turning to leave.
«I see. I should go»
Without saying another word, Donna left Harvey's apartment, leaving him standing there alone, surrounded by the flickering candles and his half-empty glass of wine, his heart pounded in his chest, and the weight of his fear settled heavily over him. Just as he had dreaded, he had lost her. The realization hit him hard, and for a moment, he stood frozen, torn between reaching for whiskey or vodka to numb the ache in his chest. Meanwhile, on the other side of the hallway, Donna was stripping off her earrings, wiping away her makeup, all while the frustration and confusion churned within her. She was tired — so tired — of this as she felt like a fool. For so long, she had pushed down the undeniable attraction she felt for him, knowing it could only lead to heartache. And now, the proof was clear. After his drunken confessions, she hadn't slept a wink, and the very next day, she hit a wall. She was in love with Harvey, whether she liked it or not, but she couldn't keep waiting around for him to figure things out. When he made that confession and invited her to a homemade dinner, for a brief moment, she had allowed herself to believe. To hope. But in the end… no. No, it wasn't enough. She had changed into her satin pajama top and shorts, grabbed her phone, and was heading to her room when a knock at the door stopped her in her tracks. She knew exactly who it was and part of her didn't want to face him, but the knocking didn't stop, insistent, as she finally gave in. With a resigned sigh, she opened the door.
«What did I say last night?»
«Does it matter, Harvey?»
«Of course it does. So, what did I say last night?»
«That you were in love with me»
At her response, Harvey swallowed hard, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. He could feel the weight of her frustration pressing down on him, and once again, he saw how tired she was of this endless back-and-forth. Nervously, he bit his lip, a gesture of helplessness as Donna sighed, her patience clearly worn thin, and began to close the door. But before she could fully shut it, Harvey reached out, his hand catching the door, stopping it from closing. He pushed it open again, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke, his words soft but urgent.
«I'm scared»
«Harvey…»
«I'm in love with you, but god, I'm so scared»
«What?»
«I never let myself fall in love because I was afraid of getting hurt. But I don't know what you did to me… with you, it was different. I fell in love with you. And the thought of you leaving… it scares me more than anything else»
«Why would I leave?»
«Because everyone leaves at some point»
«Harv…»
«I'm so scared» whispered the lawyer.
«But you're in love with me?»
«Crazy in love»
«Then that's enough»
In a split second, she hooked a hand behind his neck to pull him toward her, their mouths colliding as they both sighed in contentment. They had never felt so much emotion in just one kiss, but as they devoured each other's mouths, Donna closed the door behind them. Blindly, they moved towards the redhead's bed as they kissed, Harvey holding Donna against her with his hands on her hips as she slid her fingers into his hair. When the back of Donna's knees touched his bed, Harvey lifted her against him, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist as he climbed onto the bed. For a few minutes, they kissed again and again, caressing every part of each other's bodies as they began to get hot, very hot. Little by little, the temperature rose in the room, and their movements were much more urgent and intense — at the same time, it had been months since Harvey had slept with a woman. As he placed open mouthed kisses on her neck, gripping her thigh tightly while grinding against her, the moment she moaned in his ear, he lost what little resonance he had left. He straightened up on his knees quickly, removing his polo shirt and pants before sliding his hands under Donna's top, shivering when his fingers made contact with her warm skin. As he was ready to do anything with her, he felt Donna's hands on his wrists to stop him before she whispered against his lips.
«Harvey. Stop»
«I'm so sorry, Donna. I shouldn't have assumed that— »
«No, no. I want it. Really. It's just..»
«Just what?»
«I've never gone that far»
For a few seconds, the room was silent except for their heavy breathing as Harvey swallowed hard before whispering.
«What?»
«I'm.. a virgin»
«Oh. It's — I didn't know»
«Why? Because I'm twenty-tree?»
«No, no. It's just.. you're so hot, I thought someone else would have tried»
«Well, I was waiting for the right person»
Once again, the room fell into silence, the air thick with uncertainty. Donna could feel the weight of her own thoughts, dreading Harvey's reaction, afraid that now he knew, he might pull away from her. She had always feared this moment — the moment where her vulnerability might become a barrier, not a connection. The fact that she was still a virgin seemed so irrelevant compared to everything else, but it felt like it was suddenly looming between them. Harvey, on the other hand, was lost in a storm of emotions. The truth of what he was feeling confused him — how could he be the right person for her? He wasn't the good guy, not by any stretch, he wasn't worthy of someone like Donna. And as much as he wanted to make things right, doubts crept in, making him question himself. Over time, Donna had learned to read him like a book, and now, as he stood over her, caught in his own turmoil, she saw it — how desire, passion, and longing had all been replaced by fear and distress in his eyes. Without waiting for him to speak, Donna closed the space between them, her lips pressing soft, open-mouthed kisses along his neck. The simple touch seemed to break through the tension, and as her lips brushed against his skin, she heard him whisper, his voice barely audible.
«I don't think I'm the right person for you, you deserve so much better»
«And you deserve so much more. And there's no one else I'd want to do this with right now, so please, can we…»
«Are you sure?»
«I am, yeah»
«Alright. But Donna, if you want to stop or anything— »
«I'll tell you»
If a few minutes before it had been intense and passionate, this time, it was soft and slow as their kisses resumed, but each took the time to explore the other's mouth. Harvey's lips then went down on Donna's body, tasting her skin at each place before removing her top, then her shorts delicately, while trying to see if she agreed and was comfortable with what he was doing. Once both naked, he kissed her again before murmuring against her lips.
«Are you sure?»
«I am, yeah»
After settling under the sheets, Harvey positioned himself above her, aligned himself with her center before kissing her while entering little by little inside her, analyzing the slightest sign of discomfort on her face. That night, if it was Donna's first time, it was the first time Harvey had made love — truly, passionately and languidly, letting carnal pleasure and feelings mix without being afraid of what comes next. That night, while Donna had fallen asleep, nestled in his arms, Harvey stared at the ceiling, reflecting on the turn his life had just taken. He finally felt happy, as if she had been the answer to everything he had been searching for and needed for years.
Never he would have thought that home was just a few steps from his door.
