A/N: As most of you know, I wasn't originally planning on continuing this... but with so many people asking me to, I find I am unable to resist. It won't be a very long story, I don't think, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless :)

Chapter 2 - Start Over (Posted 17 November 2011)

Mike admitted to no one in particular the next morning that he was nervous to return to work. He'd promised no awkwardness, and Harvey had made the same promise in return. But he wasn't sure he could keep it.

But he would do his best. He owed it to Harvey. And he knew what everyone would say, they'd tell him that he didn't owe Harvey anything, that he was better off. But they would be wrong. He didn't regret his time with Harvey. And he knew Harvey had tried, and that was more than Mike ever asked of him. So no, he didn't regret it. He was grateful for it.

After all, although he wasn't above doing whatever was necessary to get something he wanted, when Harvey Specter told you he loved you, he meant it. And Mike knew that.

So he showered, shaved, and dressed for work like he did every morning. And he wheeled his bike out of his apartment since it was once again his main method of transportation.

He started to feel queazy as he entered the building. And he felt Donna staring at him as he past her desk.

"Morning, Donna."

"You came on your own." She said, trying to make it sound like a question.

"Yeah."

"Did you have a fight?"

Mike shook his head. "No."

"What happened?"

"Why are you asking me that? You probably already know the answer."

"I just wanted to confirm it. I didn't want to believe it when I saw him walk in here by himself. Here I was, expecting to see you just a step or two behind him as usual and... you weren't there."

"Well, I'm here now. And on time too." He smiled.

"Are you okay?"

Mike took a deep breath. That was something he'd wanted to avoid, being asked by Donna if he was okay. If she asked that, then the issue was serious. "I'm fine. You know I didn't want it to continue if he wasn't comfortable. I think it would hurt worse if I had to watch him torment himself just to be with me. I'm not going to walk around all mopey because I don't want him to feel badly about this."

She nodded. "Okay, well, he's waiting for you."

"Thanks," he said, walking past her desk to Harvey's office. His voice came to him easier than he expected when he had to face him. "Donna said you wanted to see me?"

"Yeah," Harvey answered monotonously without looking up from whatever eh was working on. He didn't say anything for a whole minute, leaving Mike to stand there awkwardly waiting for him to speak. "Shut the door," he decided on.

Mike nodded and shut the door to Harvey's office. "Okay."

"I don't know what to say..."

Mike was almost stunned. "You always know what to say."

"Not to you."

"You've never said the wrong thing before. What makes you think you'll start now?"

Harvey sighed deeply. "I always get... nervous when I think about talking to you. I don't want to say anything that would hurt you..."

"Harvey," Mike stepped closer and stood at the front of the desk, "the only thing that would hurt me is if you said you didn't love me. And even if you do say it, I'll never believe it."

"Good..."

"Is that it?"

"No. I want to tell you that... I had more to say last night. I know... I know what you thought. And you were right. But there was more."

"Oh?"

Harvey stood and leaned over the desk slightly. "I didn't want to end it permanently. I'm sorry I let you think I did, but I just didn't know how to say it... and I thought maybe it would be better if it was over for good, so that I didn't keep you in suspense for the rest of your life."

"I wouldn't have minded."

"I know. And I don't want to take advantage of that."

"It's not taking advantage if I willingly offer it and understand what I'm doing. I need you to know that." Mike paused, trying to keep calm. He wasn't angry, he was just... emotional. He couldn't help but be passionate when it came to Harvey. "I'm here to be whatever you want me to be. If it's a romantic partner, or a friend, or... just your associate. Even just a stranger on the street, Harvey, as long as I'm something to you, and you're happy..."

"I was happy with you."

Mike smiled, a feeling a bit of pride at that statement. "I'm glad."

"I just wasn't sure if I could make you happy. And keep you happy. In the long run. I didn't know how... and I was afraid you might get tired of putting up with me."

"I'd never get tired of you."

"Do you mean that?"

"Of course I mean it. I mean everything I say when I talk about how I feel about you. I love you. And I know you love me, you wouldn't get this worked up about some passing fancy, but I also know that this is hard for you. What kind of person would I be if I hated you because you were confused?"

"That's how most people would react."

"Most people aren't me."

"That's part of the reason I love you so much."

"I love hearing you say that. No matter the circumstances."

Harvey nodded. "I have to ask you something."

"Anything."

"It's so difficult..."

"Take your time. You know I'll always listen to what you have to say."

"But I want to say it now... I just don't know how to ask it."

"Then don't ask me. Tell me what you want, Harvey. If it's in my power to give it to you, I will."

"I don't deserve you."

"I'm the only one that gets to decide that. Now just tell me what you need." Mike leaned in a little bit, ready to hear Harvey's request.

"I... I want to start over."

"What?" This surprised Mike. He was expecting any number of things. Another night together. A chance to discuss everything that happened between them. To maintain a close friendship. Anything.

"I... I was afraid, Mike. We were moving so fast, and... I'm not a relationship kind of guy and I needed some space but last night... I missed you."

"I missed you too," Mike admitted.

"Then I'd like another chance."

"You have infinite chances."

"I don't need that many," Harvey assured, a faint smile reaching his lips. "I'm ready this time. I know that I don't want to be without you, but I need more time to get used to it. So I want to start over."

"Okay."

"I don't want to pretend what we had never happened. I just want... I want a chance to do better this time. To fix my mistakes. And don't say I didn't make any, I did, we both know I did. But I want to make it right."

Mike nodded, smile widening slightly. "You don't have to explain yourself to me."

"I know. But I want to. I want you to know that I'm serious, and I'm not going to give up on this. I need it too much."

"Need what?"

"You in my life. So I just want one more chance. I don't want to forget our past, but I want to start over. I want to take it slow this time. And take my time falling in love with you all over again."

"I'd like that a lot."

Harvey let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding in the short time it took Mike to answer. "How about we start with coffee?"