Author's Note

This is my first fan-fiction! It's actually the first time I've written anything more than a few random scenes from a potential novel I've been working on for 10+ years. Writing is something I've wanted to do for a long time as I always seem to have a story or two running around in my head.

"Blurry Lines" was inspired by the awesomeness that was 8x16… finally! It started off being called "No Words" and began with what is now Chapter 7 and ended with Chapter 13. However, I found myself imagining further into their future and needing a clearer picture of where they'd come from (ie. established canon from S1-S8) and the rest of the story took off from there. Chapters 1-6 are mainly Harvey and Donna's story up to the end of 8x16 as I've tried to summarize their significant moments and bring to light their feelings and thoughts during those times.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing their story. Please leave any and all feedback- as I said, I've never done this before and would be so grateful for anything you can offer to improve my writing and the story. Thank you!

Chapter 1- When Harvey Met Donna

The blurry line of their relationship had been drawn thirteen years ago with the flirty banter of their first meeting when Donna told Harvey she didn't want sex from him, she wanted a job. Their connection had grown and intensified while they worked together at the DA's office as their professional lives become irrevocably intertwined. Harvey quickly came to rely on her advice and support but he also couldn't deny that he found her extraordinarily attractive. Donna's attentions and astute observations, as well as her supposed immunity to his advances, made him long to have her. She was a challenge to him, but one she'd never let him take so long as they were working together.

For her part, Donna couldn't ignore the fact that she felt a spark with Harvey. She tried to cover it up but there were unguarded moments in which her desire poked through. It was hard to resist the allure of Harvey Specter- he was incredibly sure of himself and quite skilled at charming everyone he met. Donna's natural ability to know exactly what people were thinking allowed her see him and understand him like no one else ever had. She was able to see beneath the carefree, arrogant façade of the cocky young lawyer and know that Harvey had a heart. He cared deeply for the people he chose to let into his circle, his loyalty knowing no bounds for those lucky few. Donna admired his tenacity and willingness to push the boundaries of any situation, careful never to cross the line but always willing to see just how bendy it might be.

But, no matter how much she respected and cared for Harvey, Donna was bound by her one unbreakable rule- she would never get involved with a man she worked with. It was the line she could never cross with Harvey, no matter how many times her heart fluttered as he shamelessly flirted with her. It was mainly for her protection as she didn't want to be accused of sleeping her way into a position. She also wanted to avoid the complications that inevitably seemed to arise from having an intimate relationship with a co-worker, let alone, a boss. Donna chose her words carefully around him and often fell back to the safe "I'm Donna" defense when he suggested she was into him, had thought about being with him and was actually afraid of falling for him. Donna even told Harvey that if anyone was falling for anyone, it would be him for her in an attempt to protect her line.

Because the truth Donna was incapable of admitting to herself was that she and Harvey were intimately involved. Even though they didn't have a physical relationship, they were as close as two people could be without having 'that'. Over the years, Harvey and Donna repeatedly denied wanting more with each other, but they could never truly convince themselves of this, the underlying feelings always simmering between them. Witty banter turned into sly innuendo, inside jokes and potential pre-trial rituals involving whipped cream.

When Harvey and Donna discovered the DA, Harvey's boss, had intentionally buried evidence (and not for the first time), Harvey was offered a promotion. His boss, Cameron, claimed he'd done it for the greater good, saying the men were guilty so it didn't matter anyways. Harvey's father, whom he greatly respected and Donna were able to make him see that if he did this once, what's to stop him from doing this again and again and again. They both asked if that was really the type of lawyer he wanted to be. When the two most important people in his life questioned his decision, Harvey was forced to look at his actions. He did the right thing, turned over the evidence and submitted his resignation as 'penance.' In truth, Harvey no longer wanted to work for someone as dishonorable as Cameron Dennis and he eagerly left the DA's office.

Realizing he and Donna are no longer co-workers and really, unable to help himself, Harvey heads over to her place under the pretext of simply informing her that he's resigned. Donna greets him at 206, already aware he's quit and expecting him to show up at her door. When Harvey informs her he's decided he won't be the type of lawyer who buries evidence just to get a conviction, Donna's also surprised to learn he turned over the 'misfiled' report. His actions reinforce her notion that underneath everything, Harvey is a good man, even if he insists on hiding it behind his carefree, self-important attitude most of the time. Harvey is shocked to learn she quit as well, not wanting to work for a shady DA and worriedly tells her he can't get her another job. It's of no consequence to Donna as she's already fielding multiple offers from several prestigious law firms, having earned an excellent reputation while working for Harvey.

"Suddenly realizing" they no longer work together, Harvey turns on the charm as he casually mentions this to Donna, leaning against her door. She calls him on this bullshit saying she knows that's the real reason he came over and knew he'd show up the second she heard he quit. She produces the can of whipped cream she's been hiding behind her back and steps aside, opening the door wider to invite him in. Harvey and Donna give into the simmering attraction they'd been trying so hard to ignore- one night of passion that would forever change them.