Hey Everyone!

Wow, it's been a while. I got some explaining to do.

The way I write stories is that I at least have two chapters written, unedited. With TPOG, I had written around five (after a drunk stupor that caused me to go on a writing tangent). I was so pleased with my chapters that I sent them all to Blue. When I mean send, I mean I brought my external hard drive to her house one night for her to work on it (Blue lives down the street... lol). Unfortunately, Blue managed to corrupt the files (yes, I'm blaming you, dude, because it's your fault), and those five chapters were gone.

Don't get me wrong, I had the basic outline for the other chapters so I didn't really lose anything, but those were skeletons. I needed bodies, and the shock of losing all that hard work took its toll. I was angry that I had to write it all again, and the work just wasn't the same quality that it was.

Instead of giving up, I told myself to shift my focus on writing another story, to get the juices flowing again. Sure enough, I somehow managed to vomit an entire other fanfiction. I still was so angry with the outcome of TPOG that I waited until I felt the need to write it again. And sure enough, one day, I said "I miss Harvey and Max".

And here we are!

Hopefully I can keep the updates coming as frequently as my other fanfiction "The Tin Man's Lament", so if you're a Criminal Minds fan, feel free to check it out!

Enjoy!

P.S. I do not own Suits.

P.P.S. A reviewer, Emma, had asked who I envisioned Max to be. I usually don't try to set my characters to fit a specific celebrity, but if I had to guess who my Max would be, I'd say Gemma Arterton, but a very curvy Gemma Arterton.

Harvey had learned a very vital thing about his new wife.

She hated airplanes.

In fairness, she had pre-warned him months in advance, letting Harvey know of the horror that he was faced with at that moment. He tried to hide his laughter as he watched Max grip the armrest, riding out the turbulence on the flight. Harvey had told her repeatedly she was going to be fine, but Max couldn't help but not believe him in that moment. It didn't feel like she was going to be alright. It's been more than seven hours, Max kept reminding herself. It's been more than seven hours. Less than thirty minutes until you arrive.

Less than thirty minutes until London.

Harvey dropped the bomb when they arrived at JFK, just after they had picked up their luggage. It had been very early, and the airport was practically empty when Harvey told Max the honeymoon was in London. Well, it was going to start in London, and then spend their last two days in Amsterdam, to which Max rolled her eyes before laughing her ass off at his choice. She figured Harvey would be the type of person to have a surprise within a surprise, and her unpredictable husband didn't let her down. Max hoped that her honeymoon would end up somewhere in the Northwestern part of the world, but knew that Harvey wouldn't let a little thing like her fear of flying stop him from spoiling her (to Max's standards, of course).

"Attention passengers, we will be arriving to Heathrow Airport within twenty minutes-"

"Would you ease up on my hand, babe?" Harvey had cut off the pilot's announcement as Max was snapped out of her thoughts, realizing her hand had caught Harvey's in a vice grip, effectively cutting off all circulation.

"Sorry." Max pried her hand off, watching her new husband flex his fingers.

"Now I'm definitely scared of you in labour."

Harvey's wife smirked as she leaned back on her headrest. "Hopefully I get to break your other hand."

"Is that a bet?"

"Do you want to make it one?"

Harvey scanned Max's face, a grin growing on his own.

"A hundred bucks."

She opened one of her eyes to peer at Harvey. "Let's make it a thousand."

Max stuck her hand out, watching one of Harvey's eyebrows lift slightly. He met her eyes, watching the mischief dart around the hazel gems as she turned her head to stare at him.

"You're on, Specter." Harvey bit out playfully, clasping Max's hand to confirm the bet.

Turbulence hit the plane again, causing Max to flinch back into her seat as she clutched onto the armrests for dear life. Harvey tried to muffle his laugh, being unsuccessful as his chuckles annoyed Max. She was frustrated at him for thinking her aviophobia was hilarious, but she knew her fear of flying was ridiculous. It didn't help her though, as the pit in her stomach wouldn't settle every time the plane jolted.

"You could try not being an asshole, thanks."

Harvey sighed, the smile still on his face as he took Max's hand back in his. His favourite shit-eating grin was slowly growing. "But then I wouldn't be myself."

"Heaven forbid that shit happens." Max shook her head at the man beside her.

The atmosphere they were in was whirling in sarcasm as Maxine Specter watched her Harvey give her an unamused look. "I can't wait until you're old and bitter."

"Old? Most likely. Bitter? Nah."

He smiled. "So you won't get upset when your boobs hug your knees?"

Max snorted. "Why do you think there's plastic surgeons in this world?"

Harvey stared at his wife, his eyes squinting at her in disbelief. "I should divorce your mean ass while I can."

Her fingers held Harvey's tightly, her tone reflecting differently than her actions. "Can we wait at least another year? It would be too obvious."

"Ten months, then."

She rolled her eyes. "At minimum."

"What's the maximum?" He asked, now leaning over the armrest to dote on his wife. Both of them had equally playful expressions on their faces. Harvey could see how excited Max was to be in London as she was squirming in her seat. It was that, or she was itching to kiss Harvey after their witty banter.

"Hmm. Let's do a century."

"Our love is worth only a century?"

Max chuckled at Harvey's fake pain. "In this lifetime, yes."

"Okay, so if we're speaking on universal terms, what would be the cut off?"

"Well, is there number that signifies an end?"

Harvey raised an eyebrow. "Max, I don't know if you've noticed, but numbers go to infinity."

"And beyond." Max concluded for him, leaning forward to kiss her husband on the cheek before erupting in a fit of chuckles. The blond dropped his jaw in shock, realizing he had heard a high amount of references to children's movies in the past week. It had been too coincidental that so many quotes from movies had been said in such a short timeframe.

"Did you set me up for that?"

"…Maybe."

"If you tell me Mike convinced you to watch a ridiculous amount of Disney movies recently and spent the whole time with him alone in doing so, I will for sure divorce your ass."

"We did have a marathon a couple of nights ago. And no, I was the one who convinced him. Marcus came in the middle of Lilo & Stitch, so we had to continue with at least another two movies. So, realistically speaking, I spent the night with Mike and Marcus, not Mike alone."

Harvey shook his head, releasing Max's hand to cross his own arms, dejected, staring anywhere else except for Max's direction.

"I married a child."

"Kind of shitty you figured this out after the wedding, huh?"

Harvey held Max's hand the whole time they had been walking through the streets of London. Their airplane had arrived just after the sun had set, illuminating the streets with bright lights. The puddles on the ground glowed from the street lamps, and it had added to the night-life charm of the city. Harvey, who had been to the city multiple times, had watched as Max's eyes wandered everywhere, looking at every building in awe. They were near the London Aquarium, and Harvey promised to take his wife there the next day. But his plans for the night included several spins on the London Eye.

If Max was going to see London for the first time, she was going to see it properly. Even if he was uncomfortable with going to extreme heights.

They had bought their tickets, Max eagerly walking into one of the capsules. She laughed at Harvey's hesitation as she pulled him towards the windows. Harvey had instantly taken a step back, to which Max huffed in frustration before pulling her husband close.

"Relax, babe." She snuggled to his chest, to which Harvey responded by pulling her closer. "I didn't think you were afraid of heights."

"I'm not," Harvey had been trying to hide his fear. "But there is something on my mind."

Max looked at him, curious. "What's up?"

He hesitated before answering. "You know, we never talked about our living arrangements."

Max hadn't thought about the subject in the slightest. She was just concerned about marrying Harvey so much that she had forgotten the fact they had two separate homes. Max's place and Harvey's place were two different locations, and Mrs. Specter knew that Mr. Specter was anxious to know whether or not the two homes would become one. She didn't want to give up her house, as it was one of the most beautiful apartments she had ever lived in. Then again, she hadn't really been living in it since the day she bought it. She frequently slept at Harvey's place. Most of her clothing had been hanging in Harvey's closet. Her favourite novels had been mixed in with Harvey's law books on the shelves. Even her toothbrush was constantly sitting beside Harvey's in the bathroom.

That was the moment Max realized that they had already moved in together.

"I never use my place," she said, astonished.

"O…kay?" was Harvey's clever response.

"Babe. I don't go back to my apartment," she said, half looking at Harvey, and half gazing at the beautiful scenery of London. "I think the last few days before the wedding was the most time I've spent there. I've… mostly been at your place."

"Our place," Harvey corrected.

Max laughed at his words. "It's your place, babe. I only call it home because you're there."

Harvey stared at his wife, watching as her tranquil face looked towards the lights of London. She had been lost in her own world, enjoying the new scenery she'd be able to etch into her mind forever. He still didn't understand why she chose him. He was easily the most unpleasant person to be around. Yet, the woman in front of him somehow made it look easy putting up with his bullshit. Max didn't notice how Harvey's smile grew more and more on his face as he thought of a way to find a place both Max and he could agree they would call their own.

"So, let's move."

That was when Max's eyes left the skyline.

"Are you being serious?"

"Very," he pushed her hair away from her face, looking at her eyes. "We can sell our houses, get a place in Brooklyn-"

Max burst into laughter. "The day I live in Brooklyn…"

Harvey mirrored her grin. "Alright. A two-story in Manhattan."

"You're going to find a two-story in Manhattan?" She said in disbelief.

"You've never underestimated me before."

"Just like that?" She asked, looking at him skeptically.

He looked at her, thinking that she was the world to him. "We need a place to call ours. Not yours, or mine."

Max's smile was glued to her face. "I like the sound of that. Our place."

"Home," Harvey corrected her.

She leaned towards him, leaving a long, sweet kiss on his lips.

"Home," she echoed.

"Harvey, look!"

The next day, Max walked the streets, her arm weaved through Harvey's as they enjoyed the grey skies. She loved the charm of London, even though the streets were highly polluted with people. What she loved more was that she got a whole week with her favourite person in the world, without the distraction of work. Max noticed Harvey didn't pull out his cellphone the two days they were there. She sometimes had to fight for Harvey's attention when he was caught up in a big case, and the relief of having his undivided attention on her honeymoon was one of the greatest joys he could have ever given his wife.

Max pulled herself tighter to Harvey as the quietly walked through the streets. She felt London seep into her bones, and Max loved every minute she was in the rainy, busy city. One of the many cities she wished to visit in her life was London, and since it was at the top of the list, Max thought it was appropriate that she'd start a new chapter in her life with her favourite person doing her most desired task. She couldn't help but love Harvey more: he wanted to give her the world, and all she wanted was to be a part of his.

"What, babe?"

"Vespas." Her arms shot out comically, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she pointed out the rows of scooters. "Look, this one has rust on it. Rust, as in it has aged. As in it has survived a significant amount of years without being destroyed because the driver knows what they're doing."

"Is there a point you're trying to make?" Harvey asked.

"I'm quite observant."

He was attempting to get out a straight answer from his wife. "Observant to which situation?"

Max knew the game her husband was playing. "Just pointing out the obvious to those who are blind."

"Next topic."

"You can't just next a serious conversation like that."

Harvey stopped walking, staring at Max. "And how would that conversation go? I'd tell you not to drive it, but you would do it anyways. I'm not going to force you to have Ray drive you everywhere, but that doesn't mean I don't have to like your choice of transportation. There's absolutely no point in reasoning with you."

Max smiled. "It's not fun when someone doesn't listen to you, now is it?"

"I'm starting to see why everyone gets upset with me so easily."

About time, Max thought to herself.

"The Vespas are pretty."

"Of all the sights to choose from, you choose the Vespas?"

She stared at him, unamused. "Don't get smart with me, Specter. The ones back home are so plain."

"Are you done with your obsessive fetish?" He asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Says the man who knows when people breathe on his records."

"Not me, Donna. And I know Donna."

Max thought about her friend in that moment. "Which reminds me, I have to call her to thank her. That café she recommended was sublime."

"Where else would you want to go?" Harvey looked at Max.

"The Queen's castle. And Big Ben, definitely."

"It's a clock, Max." Harvey groaned at the prospect of hearing the damn tower ring his ears off. "Do we have to see it?"

"Yes. And take an absurd amount of pictures."

The lawyer rolled his eyes at his wife, to which Max responded by flipping him the bird. Harvey would have given her a speech on how offended he was until he stopped, feeling his phone vibrate in his jacket pocket. He pulled the device from its spot, Mike's name showing up on the screen. Mike was under strict orders to not call the two, even if it was life or death. He promised himself he wouldn't think of work, for Max's sake. Harvey's eyes flipped to Max, who was slowly putting the pieces together. He watched as Max sighed, walking up to Harvey.

"Take it," she said softly, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "You've been behaving lately. You deserve a quick escape into the real world."

Harvey never could remember the extent of his love for Max. It was too much to contain and try to comprehend. He kissed Max fully, his hand holding her jaw in place.

"You are perfect."

She snorted. "Uh-huh."

"Perfect for me," Harvey corrected.

The smile grew on her face.

"Well, you're perfect for me, too."

Leaving him with another kiss, Max wandered away from Harvey, staring at the buildings around her. Her attention was pulled to a mother and her child standing beside a newspaper stand. Max gave a soft smile to the child, causing the little boy's grin to widen. Calling Mike back, Harvey placed the phone to his ear, the smile on his face as he watched his wife say 'hello' to a child in a stroller.

"Harvey." Mike's voice was strained.

It threw Harvey back into the office mindset.

"What's wrong?"

"I… I don't know where to start."

The blond's eyes locked onto Max's form. The smile on her face. The gleam of happiness in her eyes. The hands that were like puppets, causing the child to light up with laughter.

"Mike."

"Hardman's back."

Harvey's grip on his phone loosened. "He can't be, I made sure-"

"His wife passed away. He told the managing partners, as well as everyone else listening, about his indiscretions. They're buying every bullshit line he's dishing out."

"We can take care of Hardman." His voice was firm. "That isn't an issue."

"That's just getting started, Harvey."

The lawyer paled at the words.

"What do you mean?"

"Tanner. He's not pulling any punches."

No.

Harvey knew what Mike meant. Tanner was taking on Julian Satin, number one in skyscraper real estate, also the person in the middle of what was beginning to be the messiest lawsuit Harvey had to deal with (and that was saying something considering the cases Harvey dealt with). But it was also Julian Satin, Max's father. Tanner was the type of guy to go after his opponents personally, rather than professionally. He knew what Travis could do to get under his skin, Max's bachelorette party, for instance. The man would stop at nothing until he ended up with a sure, justifiable win. He was going to sneak the win under everyone's noses in the worst possible way.

"He's subpoenaing Max."

"Tanner wants Max's relationship with her father on record."

Harvey ran a hand over his face. Once it was made public knowledge that Max's father abandoned her just after her mother's death wasn't going to win Julian any points. "He wants to destroy Julian's image."

"Do you think it'll work?"

"You've seen them. Max has only been on speaking terms with her father in the past eight months out of the twenty eight years with each other."

"Which means I'm working on a back-up plan for the back-up plan."

"How long do we have?" Harvey asked, hopeful.

"Donna's contact says a day or two."

Harvey closed his eyes, frustrated.

Max doesn't even get a full honeymoon.

He was ready to hang up. "Get all the files ready, and make sure you don't miss anything."

"Wait, Harvey." Mike could feel his boss about to end the conversation. "There's one more thing."

"If you destroyed any of my records-"

"It's Wade."

Harvey's breath stilled.

"What happened with Wade?"

His eyes couldn't tear away from the image. Max, somehow, had a paper cup in her hand, browsing through the newspaper stand. He could see her making small talk with the attendant, laughing at whatever joke the kind old woman had said to her. That was a part of Max that Harvey tried protecting. She loved people. She was always open with anyone. Yes, she had her secrets, but that didn't stop her from believing in people, seeing the good found within them. Harvey may have been the opposite, but he knew better than to let anything change how Max viewed the world. Max kept herself an honest person, and for being a corporate lawyer, it seemed like one of the most difficult tasks. But it was Maxine, Max, his wife. If anyone could accomplish anything while keeping their integrity, it was Max Harris-Specter.

Which meant protecting her at all cost.

"Mike."

"He's gone."

"…What do you mean gone?"

"He slipped past Julian's men. Must have been known he was being followed."

His chest was heaving.

"How long?"

"Seventeen hours in counting. Julian didn't want to disturb you two, but I couldn't let the news wait."

He was glad his associate was being smart about the situation. While Harvey didn't want to disturb his honeymoon, he knew there was no other path to take than tell his wife a small part of the problem. Wade was out of the question, and telling her about her father's lawsuit was a thorn in his side. Hardman was an excuse that Harvey could tell Max, and have Max see through his charade. He had to choose the lesser of the evils. To tell her about Wade would have Max fearing a man that might hurt her. But to know her father was potentially facing a large amount of jail time caused Harvey make his decision.

He didn't like lying to her, but there were too many variables to worry about, and make Max worry about them as well.

He knew what he was going to tell her.

"Call me with any updates," the lawyer said, ending the conversation.

His eyes darted to the people walking past him briskly. He looked at everything: the lampposts, street vendors, restaurant windows… That was when he realized Max wasn't near the newspaper stand, nor near the mother and child. Where is she? Harvey's heart dropped along with his phone, turning everywhere to find Max. He knew he should have called out to her, but his throat wouldn't open. Where is she? His voice was clogged with emotion, with worry. She was just there, not even a moment ago. He had her eyes on her… how could she have vanished?

Where is she?

"What the fuck, Harvey?"

He never thought Max swearing would sound sweet to his ears. He watched as she bent down, grabbing his phone from the pavement. She inspected his phone from every angle, realizing that there wasn't a scratch of a scratch on the small electronic item.

"You are unbelievably lucky, do you know that?"

Harvey knew she was talking about his phone.

But he didn't take it that way.

His hands cupped her face, getting a glimpse of her eyes shining along with the glimmer of his wedding band. His lips met hers with force, Harvey's lips frantic against her. The powerful lawyer felt immobilized by the rapid fire of bad news. Hardman was a hindrance, but Julian's lawsuit would taint Max greatly. They were filing charges that could land Satin in jail. Max had just gotten her father back after not having him in her life for years. And Wade? Wade was the dark, dreary cloud, following him every chance he possibly could. He couldn't confirm if Wade was dangerous, but he had the potential to be dangerous if he could give slip past four trained men.

Max pulled away, confusion on her face.

"Harvey."

She knew something was wrong. Harvey would clench his jaw when he was angry or sad, his eyes telling her the difference. In that moment, standing in the middle of London, Max could tell how scared her husband was. The force of the kiss, however, was a dead giveaway that her husband was terrified.

"What's wrong?" She pleaded. Max knew her husband would always play his cards close to his chest. But that didn't stop her from peeking at his hand.

Harvey allowed himself a deep breath. He always hated giving bad news, especially Max.

"The honeymoon has to be cut short."

He saw something shift in her eyes, Harvey's heart clenching as he looked at his wife. He saw her put on her brave face. He never wanted to cause Max pain, a promise to himself when he married her, yet he was standing in front of her, breaking his vow to himself.

"Is it Hardman?" Max's gaze met her husband's with concern. "Donna was giving me highlights the other day. He waited until you were gone to strike."

I have to stop assuming she won't figure things out.

"But… She said he wasn't a problem." Harvey saw how Max was putting the pieces together. "And you wouldn't fear someone you've already defeated. The only thing that scares you is-"

There it was, the fear settling over Max, realizing the severity of the situation.

"Wade?" Her voice wavered. "Is it Wade?"

Harvey's words clogged his throat.

"My father's men are watching him-"

"He slipped his tail."

"What?" Max's screech caused strangers to stare in her direction. "How could he? There were several men tracking him!"

"Wade figured out he was being followed." She hated how small Harvey's voice was. She took a step away from her husband, turning around to face the scenery that, five minutes prior, would have captivated her. Instead, it filled her with sadness, knowing she wouldn't get to absorb London in its entirety. She was mad at the events, but not Harvey. It was her weakness, being able to forgive Harvey for all the things he did wrong. In Harvey's defence, he wasn't as bad as he was before.

She turned back to watch Harvey staring at her intently. Max was so proud of her husband. While the news of a very short honeymoon destroyed her, Harvey didn't keep her from the information. He told her the truth, which is what she asked for from him. Complete, and utter honesty. Max walked up to Harvey, tipping his chin to look into his eyes.

"This isn't your doing, Harvey. Don't feel bad about this."

"I ruined our honeymoon."

Max rolled her eyes. "You really think we won't take the time for another honeymoon?"

"I didn't want to have to. You deserve a vacation, babe."

"Well, being married to you is a full-time occupation. Vacations aren't a factor in that equation."

"Max-"

"Harvey, I get it. The firm needs you now." She grabbed his hand. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop apologizing for things that are out of your control?"

"You're not upset?" Harvey pushed away the hair that managed to block Max's face.

"Of course I'm upset, it's my fucking honeymoon. But I married someone who is devoted to their work just as much as I am, and I would be more upset if I was away on a vacation when I could be back at the firm, doing everything I could to help."

"I'm sorry, babe." Harvey meant it, apologizing for not only telling her the news, but apologizing her for not telling her the entire truth. Not that Max knew the true motive behind Harvey's remorse.

"You stubborn ass." She kissed him again. "If it makes you feel better, you're forgiven."

Harvey noticed Max was tugging him back in the direction of their hotel. Max caught onto his look, giving him a bittersweet smile.

"While the idea of getting on the plane is scary as shit, we have to head back as soon as we can. Can't let Hardman get the upper hand."

"Hey, stop." He stood, rooted in his spot. He had to get Max's attention. "Max, you can get angry at this."

"I am mad."

Harvey took a step closer to Max. "No, this is you telling me you're mad. When you're mad, you go radio silent, Max." His hands rested softly on her upper arms, rubbing soothing patterns into her skin.

"No, I don't." Max said, a pout creeping on her face.

"Yes, you do. You repress every negative emotion that you feel. Did you know that some wonderful woman once told me that it's not okay to keep your emotions in?"

Max tried not to laugh. "I did not. This woman sounds smart."

"She is. She's the smartest person I know, except when it comes to herself." He playfully tapped underneath her chin. "She's clueless when she's dealing with what she feels. Which is why I'm here to remind her that while she's focused on everyone else, she should remember to focus on herself too."

Max looked away from her husband, trying to blink back her tears. "Holy hell, Harvey. How can you be so sweet?"

"I learned from the best."

He leaned down, leaving a long kiss on her lips.

"I'm sorry." Harvey whispered again.

Max shook her head, staring at Harvey. He knew what she was saying.

It's not your fault.

She felt Harvey's hand intertwine with hers. "I'm still sorry."

Smiling, Max placed a kiss on Harvey's unmarred hand, walking back to the hotel with her husband. Harvey let go of her hand to hook his arm around her neck, dropping a kiss on her hairline. Max was so in love with Harvey, she often forgot how deep her love was. She sometimes surpassed her instincts, relying on her emotions to guide her in her relationship with her husband. Yet, there was something odd that was poking at her brain. Harvey apologized more than once. Getting Harvey to apologize in general was a struggle on its own, and Max managed to get three apologies from him over a situation that wasn't Harvey's fault.

Why did he want her out of London so fast?

As the couple was silently walking down the London streets, Max's red flags set off in her mind. Harvey felt bad, and Harvey only felt awful when he was keeping something from Max. Most of the plans that Harvey and Max made never did go according to the set plan (for example, Max and Harvey's entire wedding), so for him to be apologetic for that reason was new to her. But what was it? She knew about Hardman, and Harvey had come clean about Wade. So what was the other factor? Why was Harvey feeling so guilty about cutting their honeymoon short?

She felt Harvey stop walking beside her. Max opened her mouth to ask why, when she realized the reason they stopped was standing right in front of them. Max had to admire the pointy, nude heels matching the large, leather bag. The black skirt, accented with the artistic red overcoat threw Max off. The woman, Max identified, carried the same features she did. Long, dark hair. Captivating brown eyes that pierced into any soul. The woman carried a 'no-bullshit' attitude, along with the 'I-rule-the-world' persona. Max knew what the woman was capable of just by her appearance; Max was the exact same way.

One word fell from Harvey's lips.

One word, in Max's mind, that explained why Harvey felt guilty.

"Scottie."

Review?

xoxo N.

ON THE NEXT TPOG: The Honeymoon's definitely over, especially by Max's standards.