November 22, 2011
He would never forget that match.
While Jessica had secured full funding for the future lawyer's studies at Harvard, Harvey hadn't lost sight of his first passion: football. He knew making the Harvard Crimson team was no easy feat, but with his stellar academic record and remarkable athletic ability, he earned his spot quicker than most — and to his great satisfaction. It only took one try, and after barely an hour, the recruiter approached with a sly smile at the end of training, as Harvey already knew it was a done deal.
«Welcome to the team, Specter»
«Thank you, Sir»
Harvey had no intention of becoming a professional athlete, but during those three years at Harvard, football gave him the chance to keep playing and just have fun on the field. In his first year of law school, he balanced classes with practice, finding in sports a perfect way to blow off steam and take a step back from the pressure of becoming the best. And sure — the cute girls he met in bars helped with that too, as Harvey was a flirt, charming every innocent student he crossed paths with, flashing that arrogant smile over a drink while, more often than not, the night ended in his dorm room. Thinking about it, moving out had felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. As Cambridge wasn't far from Boston, those few miles still gave him the breathing room he'd craved for years — away from his mother, his father, and the mess they'd left tangled in his mind since he was a teen. Of course, his views on love and relationships hadn't changed — Harvey Specter would never fall in love, never, as the girls he dated were conquests, nothing more. His plan was clear: spending the rest of his days having fun in New York, throwing money at fast cars, expensive drinks, and beautiful women — but that was before her, before that fateful November 22nd — the day the future lawyer's entire life changed the moment his eyes landed on her.
«Alright, guys, we're here. Today — it's not just a game — it's the game. You all know how much the Harvard-Yale Game means, this isn't just about us — it's about the legacy of this team. It's for Harvard. For every player who's worn this jersey before you, and every one who'll wear it after you. So go out there and make it count»
That year, the famous game was held in New Haven — it was Yale's turn to host — and after nearly two and a half hours on the bus, the Harvard players arrived at a hotel next to the Yale Bowl. The next day, after a good night's rest and a light breakfast, the team gathered on the field for one final practice. With the last tactical adjustments made, their coach's motivational speech delivered, and their uniforms on, they were ready — not just to win, but to crush the other team and celebrate all night long. Harvey had faith, and after nearly three and a half grueling hours of play and giving it everything they had, Harvard clinched the victory by a narrow margin, but the score didn't matter — they had won. Determined to make the most of it, the team returned to the hotel to freshen up and change before heading out in search of a bar to drink, have fun, and celebrate. They knew they were deep in enemy territory — but they didn't care — all they wanted was to enjoy the night and soak in the glory.
«Well done, Specter»
«Thanks, dude»
«You scored almost half the points»
«Well, isn't that the role of a quarterback?» smirked the future lawyer.
«That was crazy»
For a few more minutes, the three young men joked and chatted before joining the rest of the team at one of the nearby bars, ready to party until they couldn't stand anymore. Hours later, with Harvey halfway through his fourth beer, Elijah tapped him on the shoulder and laughed while talking a bit too loudly for the quarterback's liking.
«What are you still doing here, Specter?»
«What do you mean, Johnson?» chuckled the future lawyer.
«Well, there hasn't been a single night where I haven't seen you with a gorgeous girl on your arm. This is Yale, a whole new world opening up to you... You're telling me you're going back to the hotel with us tonight?»
«Who knows... Tonight, I'm here to celebrate, not to —»
Harvey didn't even finish his sentence before he froze — slouched at the bar, mid-laugh, he caught a flash of red hair as someone walked through the door — and that was it. He didn't need to see her face, that blend of copper, orange, and gold? Yeah, that was his favorite color now. He might've been about to say something clever, maybe even flirtatious — but then she turned, and just like that, his heart picked up speed. She was stunning, and even if Harvey had dated all kinds of girls, beautiful in their own way, this one… she was something else — so perfect it stole the words right out of his mouth.
«Wow, you're alright, dude?»
At his friend's question, Harvey didn't respond, as his gaze was locked on the redhead who had just walked in, his mind going quiet as he studied every detail of her face from across the room. He was trying — failing, really — to process the fact that someone could look like that. Large, expressive eyes, freckles scattered across her face and arms, made visible by the cut of her top, long, slender limbs, a straight, elegant nose, and that smile — God, that smile. She wasn't just beautiful, she was unreal and for a few seconds, Harvey could only stare, completely still, as she took drink orders from her friends and started making her way toward the bar. The second he realized she was headed in his direction, he nudged Elijah away, straightened up in his seat, and plastered on his most confident, most charming smile. Alright…Showtime.
«Hey»
Since she clearly hadn't noticed him yet, the moment she lifted her eyes at the sound of his voice, their gazes met — and Harvey swallowed hard. Brown-green… the redhead's eyes were brown-green, and, man, he felt like he was getting lost in them. Surprised to have been called out, she let out a small laugh, a little embarrassed as she muttered softly, her voice so sexy yet peaceful.
«Hey?»
«I'm Harvey, by the way»
«Donna»
«Nice to meet you, Donna»
«Likewise, Harvey»
«Are you a student at Yale?»
«I am, yeah» smiled Donna.
«I'm from Harvard»
«I know»
«You do?» chuckled Harvey.
«I do»
«You recognized me? I mean, I know I scored a lot of points in the game today, but I didn't think that —»
«Oh, I'm not into football, but either you're from Harvard or you're the only student from Yale who's wearing the opposing team's shirt — and that's weird» giggled Donna.
«What — oh shit, yeah, you're right»
As they both glanced at the burgundy t-shirt with the university's name stretched across Harvey's chest, they couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the moment. Then, as they were calmer, with a small smile, Donna turned to the bartender to place her order.
«Two margaritas and three daiquiris — thanks»
«Right away»
Once she was done, Harvey seized the opportunity while the bartender was busy preparing drinks, as he couldn't wait to hear more of that voice — the one that had sent a chill down his spine the moment he'd heard it.
«Did you come with your friends?»
«Well done, Sherlock» smiled the redhead.
«And what about spending the evening with me?»
«Are you going to be that honest?»
«What? It saves time» chuckled Harvey.
«Alright, you know what? I'll go back to the table with my friends over there, and if after my margarita I feel like having a second one, maybe I'll consider spending some of my evening with you»
«Deal»
As they shook hands, chuckling, Donna grabbed the tray of drinks and skillfully maneuvered through the crowd, her hips swaying with each step, her tight pants accentuating her every move and that bouncy ass while she settled at the table with four other girls, but before sitting down, she threw one last glance over her shoulder. In a second, as he couldn't wait to talk to her again, Harvey glanced at his watch — 10:18 p.m. — gosh, this night was going to be long. Surprisingly, if it had been any other night, he would have moved on to another girl or gotten so drunk he wouldn't remember a thing. But tonight? Tonight, he just waited, still sipping the same beer, his eyes locked on the redhead as he was desperately hoping she'd get up for a second margarita, maybe give him a sign, or show a little interest. But as midnight neared, and he watched her laugh while twirling the decorative umbrella in her empty glass for what felt like an eternity, Harvey finally took action. As soon as he spotted a young man with the bar t-shirt, he grabbed the passing waiter, signaling for his attention.
«Hey, see the redhead over there? Can you bring her a margarita? It's on me»
After handing over a bill to pay for her drink, Harvey watched as the waiter went behind the bar to prepare it, and when the man passed by him again, Harvey seized the opportunity again, quickly calling him over.
«Wait»
Taking a pen that had been lying around on the bar counter, Harvey quickly scribbled something on a napkin and slid it under the glass, signaling to the waiter that it was good to go. Meanwhile, Donna, engrossed in Anita's wild vacation story, was suddenly interrupted when a waiter placed the drink in front of her.
«Oh, I didn't order anything»
Without a word, the waiter walked off, leaving Donna to grab the little beige napkin tucked beneath her glass. She unfolded it, her eyes scanning the words, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she realized it could only have come from him, her heart racing wild.
Just so you know, even though I'm starting to get desperate, I'll wait for you all night if I have to (I'm not a weirdo, I swear)
As she laughed, she glanced over her shoulder to see Harvey staring at her with a teasing yet arrogant look, pretending to be desperate while Donna could do nothing but give in — he was just too handsome. After excusing herself from her friends, who were congratulating her for ending her night with such a sexy guy, the redhead grabbed her drink and the napkin, and made her way toward Harvey, who had never been so happy or excited in his life. As soon as she was in front of him, she shot him a challenging look before declaring with a big smile.
«Looks like the desire for another margarita has hit me»
«I'm glad, then. I'd feel bad knowing you were thirsty»
As they both laughed at the dangerous little game they were playing, their conversation shifted to all sorts of topics all night long as they learned more about each other through casual banter, the minutes slipping by as the bar slowly emptied. Neither of them could explain it, but there was something effortless between them — an unexpected sense of ease, of safety... of being themselves? Anyway, as the clock neared one in the morning, having already covered subjects like their studies, universities, and future plans, the bartender called out to them.
«Sorry, lovebirds, but we're closing»
«Sure, yeah»
«We're leaving»
As Harvey felt a twinge in his chest at the thought of parting ways with her, overwhelmed by emotions he couldn't quite understand, he stood up quickly, then he murmured something, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness, hope, and sincerity as he looked at her.
«Would it be crazy to say I don't want this night to end right now?»
«My room's just a ten-minute walk away»
Donna couldn't believe she had just said that — inviting a guy she'd known for only a few hours into her bedroom — as, of course, they both understood what it meant. They were about to continue getting to know each other... but in a more physical way. Hearing her, Harvey, completely excited at the thought of spending the rest of the evening with her — not just talking, which he truly enjoyed, but... something more— gently bit his lip before murmuring, his eyes dark with desire.
«Let's go, then»
Donna had never done this before — she preferred serious relationships over one-night stands — and she had a rule: never sleep with someone before the third date. Yet here she was, awkwardly stuttering it out to a guy she knew almost nothing about, a future lawyer who somehow made her laugh and lose her head all at once. If they thought things might be awkward or strange, they were both pleasantly surprised by how easily they got along — laughing about everything and nothing on the way to the student residence. About ten minutes later, barely showing her badge at the door, Donna stepped into the building, Harvey following close behind — actually, getting closer with each step — while they continued their conversation, his story about training still making her chuckle. By the time they reached the elevator, Donna found herself pressed between the cold metal wall and Harvey's imposing frame, both of his hands pressed on either side of her head. Once in front of her dorm room, she fumbled with the keys in her trembling hand, feeling Harvey's warm breath on the back of her neck as her legs felt like jelly. The room, though likely to be shared with a roommate, didn't seem to matter much to Harvey, as he was more interested in what came next — her bedroom. As Donna stepped back, she made her way toward the adjacent room, Harvey following close behind, his hands brushing softly the back of her arms. Once inside, she turned around to face him, and as they were still laughing and talking, their faces inches apart, the back of Donna's legs hit the bedframe, and she lowered herself onto the mattress. As he kept looking at her with desire, she scooted back with the help of her arms, propping herself up with cushions, watching as Harvey took off his T-shirt. Seeing his swollen chest and well-defined abs, the sight made her body heat up, her skin tingling as he crawled onto the bed and closed the space between them. For a few seconds, Harvey propped himself up on his arms on either side of her head, their faces so close now that she could feel his breath against her skin. The tension between them was thick, and their eyes locked — just inches apart, with the subtle brush of his body against hers.
«I'm glad Harvard won tonight» whispered Donna.
As she gave him an adorable smile, running her fingers through his hair, Harvey felt his heart race and a strange sensation stir in his stomach — something he had never experienced before. Not wanting her to notice how destabilized he was by her and sensing her teasing energy, he masked it with his usual arrogant smile, muttering softly as he let his nose slide against her jaw.
«Wow, a Yale student who doesn't support her team? Do you know how serious that is?»
«What? Are you going to handcuff me, Officer?»
For the first time that evening, the tone changed. If until now, they had been laughing, chatting, and flirting, now things were moving to the next level — something they both felt a natural pull toward. Without hesitation, and seeing Donna's eyes shine with anticipation, Harvey leaned in and placed his lips on hers, silencing them both for the first time since the redhead had joined him at the bar. If the kiss was delicate at first, it quickly turned into a consuming and intense kiss — something neither of them had ever felt before. For long minutes, they kissed, again and again, tasting their lips, tongues, and skin until they could no longer breathe. While Harvey was already shirtless, Donna moved on to his pants, unhooking his button and lowering his zipper before sliding her hand inside, making the young man moan against her neck. From there, everything moved very fast. They quickly found themselves naked, not even taking the time to get settled under the sheets — being too hot for that anyway — while both had the feeling of discovering sexual pleasures for the first time. Harvey has had a lot of sex before, but this was indescribable because of the way she was tight around him, the taste of her skin, her high-pitched moans, and her lips on his. Harvey had to think of everything to keep him from coming too quickly. As for Donna, the redhead even had trouble thinking straight — with every thrust, she felt completely full, as if they were meant to be together, while Harvey was a devoted lover, making sure no part of her was neglected, making her come again and again, never stopping, a satisfied and proud smile on his face as she contracted around him every time. They had done it all, even if they didn't know how many orgasms they had, stopping making love only to chat and laugh, exchanging a few stolen kisses as if it were the most normal thing in the world, and while it was now six in the morning, neither of them had closed their eyes the whole night. But as the first rays of sunlight filtered into the room, Harvey pulled away from Donna's embrace, falling back onto the mattress with a sigh.
«I can't believe it's over»
«Yeah» whispered Donna.
«It's crazy to say this, but for the first time in my life, I really felt like I didn't have any problems, that everything was okay, that I was... peaceful»
«I'm sure you say that to every girl you sleep with» snorted the redhead.
«No, that's not true. I spent the entire night with you, I mean… I stayed, that's something that never happened to me before»
«Well, I'm flattered then»
As they both laughed, their exchange still light and playful, the room fell back into a heavy silence, thick with unspoken tension, as neither of them wanted to move, knowing that once they did, everything would change. So, they stayed there, playing with each other's fingers, cuddling close, unable to articulate the emotions swirling between them. But then, a noise from the living room broke the stillness — Donna's roommate was awake. Back to reality, Harvey sighed and then whispered.
«Do you think we'll see each other again?»
«I mean, you're at Harvard, I'm here at Yale, we're both really busy, so we have no reason to run into each other. So we won't»
Once again, the room fell silent, giving Harvey a moment to collect his thoughts, and after a beat, he leaned in, his lips brushing gently against her shoulder, dropping a small kiss as he whispered, his smile playful yet sincere.
« What are you doing for winter break? »