It never ceased to amaze Harvey. There was nothing that turned someone into such a complete idiot as love.

It wasn't as bad as when you got drunk or stoned: you might do some dumb things you'd regret the next day—things that sounded really cool while you were up there, but weren't so hot once you were back on the ground. Like pissing in someone's office, Harvey remembered with a grin. He shook his head. No. Wrong example. Still cool sober.

No, love was much worse; at least if you were drunk or high, you had an excuse.

He looked at Mike, who had the usual stupid grin on his face. Harvey considered himself an expert at reading faces, but even a hamster could recognize the complete lack of coherent thinking that was normally plastered on the face of a person in love.

The thought of not being able to think straight terrified Harvey, and he thanked his lucky stars that he would never have to go through this mind-numbing process.

And why, for God's sake? You could get laid without being in love. You could have all the good times you wanted with friends. Hell, it was even easier when you weren't in love. So what was the point? And Harvey thought that the weirdest aspect of the whole thing was that people really seemed to want to fall in love. He didn't get it. And he was absolutely fine with that lack of understanding.

He waved some files in front of Mike's face. "Mike, are you going to come up with an answer any time soon? Or should I just go out for lunch and hope that your brain will finally kick into gear by the time I get back?"

Mike looked up from his phone. "Harvey, my brain is functioning just fine. Unlike some other people, I am perfectly capable of being in love and still remaining my brilliant self."

Harvey begged to differ but kept his mouth shut.

"I'll even work faster so I get to go home sooner and be with the one I love." Mike tried to look serious but he giggled when he saw the expression on Harvey's face.

Harvey felt he had to change the subject very quickly before his breakfast would reappear.

He threw the files in Mike's lap. "Merger. You have to work together with Louis. I could do it myself, but I'm too extraordinary and way too gorgeous to die of boredom. And since you are in a happy place where probably even Louis looks delightful, I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy it. And you know what? Let's make a deal: don't bore me with the details of your love life, come up with something that will make Louis happy and keep him out of my face, and you can go home early."

Mike eagerly grabbed the files and gave a Harvey a big hug. "I always knew you had a soft spot for me!" he whispered wickedly in his ear before practically running from the office.

Harvey couldn't help but smile at Mike's elated face. When Mike had hugged him he felt the slightest tingle run down his spine. It was only for a second, though, and he dismissed it before he could figure out why it had happened.

Donna walked in and looked at Harvey with amusement. "Watch out Harvey, that happiness might rub off on you."

"Don't worry Donna, I'm sure I'll be able to resist its clutches".

"I never doubted you for a minute." She handed him what appeared at a glance to be an invitation.

"What's this supposed to be?"

"Your plans for next Tuesday night."

Harvey looked at the golden letters on the ridiculously expensive, handmade paper as if somebody had just spit on it. "Oh God, what a waste of time. Why do these people have to show off every million dollar yacht they buy?"

"Because they can. I know, it's a drag." She rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a snob, Harvey. Why don't you take Mike with you? You know you love it when he follows you around in awe."

"That's not a bad idea." And it'll be the perfect opportunity to introduce him to a few clients, Harvey thought. "Can you ask him to get back here?"

Mike stuck his head around the door. "If you keep distracting me, I'll never be done early," he sulked.

Harvey chose to ignore that remark. "We're going to a party at the yacht club. I'll have Ray pick you up. Next week. Tuesday evening at 9."

Mike hesitated. "Uh…Tuesday? I can't Tuesday."

Harvey raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean, you can't? Are you planning to move out of state or die before that time?"

"No, but I already have other plans."

"And now you don't. Be ready at 9. And wear a tux."

"But Harvey, I really can't, I promised that I would go out for dinner. We've been dating for a month now and…"

Harvey was getting irritated. "Congratulations on that milestone Mike. But you can celebrate that all weekend. Tuesday night you're coming with me."

"But I..."

One look at Harvey made him swallow his words. "I'll be there."

"Of course you will." Harvey saw the disappointment in Mike's eyes and suddenly felt a sharp twist in his gut. What the hell was wrong with Mike? He had always been happy when Harvey invited him along before. But now there was some dumb bimbo that was suddenly the center of his universe?

He concentrated on his laptop and made a gesture that Mike could leave without looking at him. He suddenly felt like he didn't want to see that happy glow.

Truth be told, he didn't really like most of those stupid parties. He had been to so many that it had become utterly boring. He had been there, seen it, done them, and got more t-shirts than would fit in anyone's closet.

But ever since Mike had started tagging along, the usually stuffy events had become fun again. Sometimes, if they could skip early, they would go out and have a drink together—they would make fun of Louis, evaluate cases and talk movies. Did this mean that those late nights were now a thing of the past?

Harvey couldn't concentrate on the case before him—the growing irritation kept him from focusing. He closed his laptop and stared out the window.

Why did people have to fall in love? It always ruined everything.