Like most things, it seemingly came from nowhere overnight. This new virus, whatever it was, at first presented itself with flu like symptoms, and it was assumed that it only affected the respiratory system. But within a matter of days, it became apparent that it wasn't just limited to the lungs. Using infected needles, a bad blood transfusion, leaving open wounds untreated. All these rapidly proved to be deadly. These new revelations came just that little bit too late, and as a result, the hospitals were the first to discover how out of its depth New York really was.
Initially, it just seemed like a tragic, citywide epidemic. The death toll was rising by the day, and soon the streets became close to empty. Then came the news that people in other countries were becoming infected with the same sickness. The articles in the paper and the news anchors tried to pass it off as something that they would get on top of, when in reality, the world seemed to be slowly falling to pieces around them.
As it stood, Pearson Hardman may as well have been on hiatus – Mike had received a call telling him not to bother coming in until everything had blown over, but judging by the news reports, he probably would have skipped town of his own accord anyway. Or at least, he would have if stepping outside was still a safe option. The streets were bumper to bumper with cars, horns blaring and people close to rioting. The view from his window provided him with front row seats to the unfolding panic, and all he could do was keep trying Harvey's mobile in the hope that the next time he did, the lines wouldn't be jammed. Mike had never bought into the whole 'worldwide pandemic end of the world' crap you read about online, but that was what this was starting to feel like; all they needed now was the virus to bring back the dead and the scene would be complete.
He was pulled rather violently from his thoughts and his cereal when someone suddenly banged on his door, nearly making him jump out of his skin.
"Mike, open the door" Recognizing the voice immediately, he approached a little less warily, pulling the chain latch away and letting Harvey in. Shutting the door behind him, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the younger man, taking him a little by surprise.
"I've been calling you – don't you ever pick up your phone?"
"The lines are jammed – I've been trying to get you too. What're you doing here?" Pulling away, Harvey gave him one of his looks – a look that said 'ask yourself that question and really think about why you bothered in the first place'.
"Alright, alright…but you shouldn't have come out here, you should've stayed home"
"Better yet, you should have taken my offer to stay at my place until everything settled. Anyone could get in here"
"Oh, and you live in Fort Knox?"
"Compared to this place? Yeah, I do. Now pack your stuff, if we leave now we should be able to get back without too much trouble." Mike wanted to protest, but thought better of it. Instead, he made his way into his bedroom, leaving Harvey to watch the scene from the safety of the window. Within fifteen minutes, Mike had a large rucksack thrown over his shoulder, full of only the essentials, plus some added bits and pieces. Harvey looked over at him, raising a brow at how little he had.
"What..?"
"That's it?"
"Well it's not like I'll be living at your place permanently. Besides, I roll my clothes." The brow stayed up.
"…It makes it easier to get more stuff in your bag"
"Whatever you say"
"It's a useful trick – did you never go camping?"
"Not lately – come on, Bear Grylls, the sooner we get back the better." Smirking at the nickname, Mike followed Harvey out of the door, though he did catch his hand as he finished locking up. Squeezing his fingers lightly, he added;
"Thanks for coming here"
"It's no problem. Thanks for not living on the top floor; the elevator's out of order."