Chapter 2
Dredging Up The Past
Mike had slipped into unconscious pretty fast last night and couldn't stop the memories of his past with Jackson slip into his dreams. It turned into a nightmare when the memory of his wedding day replayed over and over, and it was so painful for Mike; it was like his heart was breaking all over again.
He woke up with a cold sweat and breathing heavily and he tried to remember where he was. He looked at the clock and saw it was 6am, he didn't have to be at work for another few hours. Then he thought work; Harvey! He thought back to last night and that they had kissed and Mike left.
"Oh God" Mike sat up as he realised he just left Harvey there without an explanation
"What did I do?" Mike grabbed his phone to call Harvey and saw he had 6 missed call and a voicemail from Harvey.
"Shit"
He played the voicemail;
Mike,
Are you ok? You left and you looked really upset. God I hope you didn't get into an accident last night. Look I don't know if it was me or the phone call that upset you, but if you want to forget what happened that's fine, I will. Just let me know you got home ok
Mike didn't want to forget what happened so he instantly dialled Harvey's number. It just kept ringing and then went to voicemail; dammit, maybe he doesn't want to talk to me
Mike didn't know Harvey was in the shower and didn't hear his phone
Harvey,
I'm sorry I left so suddenly last night and didn't explain. The phone call it just it upset me and I just, I just wanted to go home. It had nothing to do with you or what happened.
I don't want to forget what happened Harvey, that we kissed. I'm glad it happened.
I did get home ok by the way, I should have called and let you know, I'm sorry about that.
Look I'd like to explain properly if you let me; today, I'll come in early, say 7:30? Alright, I'll see you later and don't worry I won't be late for once.
Mike hung up and let out a sigh as he ran a hand across his face, he'd never told anyone what happened with Jackson. Trevor only knew as he was best man at the wedding and Mike had stayed with Trevor after he left.
Jumping out of bed Mike went to take a shower; a long one as he tried to push away all the emotions that were being brought up. It was only one phone call, but just hearing his voice and brought him back to a point in his life he just wanted to forget.
Mike didn't know what he was going to say to Harvey, but he knew he had to tell him. If Mike was going to have any relationship with Harvey, he had to tell him.
Once Mike was showered and dressed he ate some breakfast and checked his phone. There was a text from Harvey
Glad you're ok Mike. See you at 7;30
-H
It seemed like a dream; last night, Mike still couldn't believe he had actually kissed Harvey, and he had feelings for him too. Mike smiled as he put his finger to his lips remembering the kiss, it helped to have an eidetic memory.
Placing the bowl down on the counter, Mike looked at his watch - 7:03am. Mike was ready with time to spare, he decided to take a cab as the way he mind was right now it probably wasn't safe to bike. He grabbed his messenger bag and slung it over his shoulders as he pulled open his door, and almost ran into a delivery man
"Oh sorry" Mike said as he stepped back and smiled
"You Mike Ross?" The delivery guy said holding out a white package
"Yeah that's me" Mike took the package and signed for it, then closed the door. It was a small rectangle box. Mike sat down on the sofa and pulled off the lid. Inside was a note on a bit of paper folder in half; with his name on.
Mike picked it up and opened it;
Mike,
I know our history is not a great one and I know I hurt you
Instantly Mike recognised the handwriting and knew who it was from. He knew he should stop reading, but he couldn't.
The words I'm sorry are not enough for how I hurt you, so I won't patronise you by saying them, but I just wanted to say that I never waned to hurt you. I still care about you Mike, and that's why I want you back in my life, I miss you.
Mike stopped reading after that and screwed the note up and threw it across the room. Then he balled his hands into fist and rested his head against them for a minute. Then he finally decided to see what else was in the box, he lifted the tissue paper, to reveal a small piece of car; A5 size, with gold swirly writing on it. Mike picked it up and read it, and he felt his heart stop;
Jackson Henry Philips
and
Seth Richard Jones
Would like to invite you to their wedding, to take place on June 25th
Mike dropped the piece of paper on the floor as he gaped. Wedding? They were getting married? Mike knew this might happen, but nothing prepared him for this moment, he placed a hand over his mouth, he didn't want to believe.
All of a sudden the phone ringing made him jump and thinking it was Harvey he instantly answered
"Harvey I'm on-"
"It's not Harvey"
"Jackson? I told you not to call me again" Mike went to hang up but Jackson stopped him
"Wait, no please don't hang up Mike. Hear me out."
"Hear you out?" Mike scoffed "What could you possibly want from me, we had a deal. And this?" Mike pushed the box onto the floor as he jumped up furious
"This wedding invitation? What is this? Are you trying to throw it in my face?"
"NO! Mike listen I meant what I said in the note, I never meant to hurt you I-"
"Well you did, and I've moved on, started a new life, one without you. Now we had a deal, one which you agreed to. So honour that and never contact me again, and no I won't be attending your wedding." Mike hung up and was so tempted to throw his phone, but he didn't want to break it. He glanced at his watch; 7:16am. He didn't have much time to get to the office.
Mike knew he shouldn't bicycle in his state, but it would be quicker than getting a cab in rush hour traffic. So grabbed his bike and raced down the stairs.
He was peddling like a madman, he didn't want to be late seeing Harvey. He didn't want Harvey to think he regretted last night. Already he had nearly been hit by 2 cars as he went through 2 red lights. It was ok though, as he could see Pearson Hardmann, and he glanced at his watch 7:32 am.
"Shit!" Mike said as he pulled up to Pearson Hardmann and didn't even bother locking his bike, thinking if someone wanted it they could have it.
Mike raced through the lobby and up to the elevator just as the doors closed in his face, he'd missed the elevator. Groaning Mike flew open the stair wall door and started running up the stairs. He had tripped a few times and now his hands were all red as well as his knees probably.
~~SUITS~~
Harvey had gone home last night and gotten barely any sleep. He had called Mike 6 times with no answer and was considering going to check on him, but decided against it.
He had been overjoyed to see Mike had called and left a voicemail, and when he heard it he smiled; relieved it was nothing he had done.
Now though he was sitting in his office at he saw it was 7:32am, where was Mike
"What's wrong Harvey?" Harvey glanced up to see Donna standing in front of him with her face full of concern
"Why would you think-"
"Because I know you Harvey" Harvey sighed as he placed his elbow on the desk and his head rested in his palm.
Donna sat down in one of the chairs opposite his desk; "I've never seen you like this Harvey, so that tells me it's serious"
"No, it's nothing" Donna glared at Harvey as he said that and he knew she would find some way to get it out of him, because she was Donna
"Don't give me that. Now you've been acting strange since Monday, and I've noticed Mike hasn't been around lately and I know you were fine when I left last night, but then Mike was still here and...something happened with Mike last night didn't it? Harvey what did you do?"
"Nothing! Well I don't think I did. Why would you think I did something?" Donna looked confused
"Just what happened last night Harvey"
Harvey closed his eyes and placed a hand over them as he said it; "Mike and I kissed last night" When Harvey didn't hear anything he removed his hand over his eyes and looked at Donna. For once she was actually speechless
"Wait so you..you and Mike..." Harvey waited and allowed her to process it
"So you like Mike? How the hell did I not see that, I'm Donna" Harvey smirked
"Wait so did Mike kiss you back?"
"Yeah and I thought he felt the same way. Then he got a phone call and got upset and bolted"
"Did you go after him?"
"No should I have?"
Donna rolled her eyes at Harvey and said "Duh"
"Oh"
"So he didn't say who it was, or why he was upset?"
"No and I called him 6 times and nothing, but then this morning he called and left a voicemail saying it was nothing to do with me and that he would explain when he got here at 7:30"
"Oh I see so your upset because he's late and you think he's actually avoiding you. You know, Mike could just be late, it may not mean anything. He's always late"
"Hmm"
Donna went back to her desk and left Harvey to think, when suddenly she heard a crash and craned her neck to see Mike running down the hallway towards Harvey's office. She glanced at Harvey who was now standing in the doorway after hearing the same commotion
Mike had turned around midway to apologise, when he crashed into another person and files went everywhere. He quickly helped the person pick them and carried on running. He almost hit Harvey as he skidded to a stop
"Are you training for a marathon?" Harvey joked trying to ease his worry about Mike
"Shut..up...got..stuck..in...traffic...missed...elevator..run..stairs...tripped" Mike said in between breathes as he pushed passed Harvey into his office and flopped down on his couch
"Did you say you ran up the stairs?" Donna said following Harvey in his office. Harvey sat next to Mike on the sofa and Donna stood by the door
Mike nodded as he leant his head back and closed his eyes trying to get his breath back
"That's 13 flights!" Harvey almost yelled
"Exactly" Mike said as he lifted his arm up and it flopped back down
"Wait did you say you tripped, where?" Harvey asked worried Mike hurt himself
"Er the 6th floor, then the 7th and the erm what was it oh 11th floor."
"Not the floor Einstein..wait you tripped 3 times. God Mike! I meant where did you land"
"On my hands, oh and my knees" Harvey picked up one of Mike's hands that was all red and bruised as well as a few cuts
"Donna get me the first aid kit"
"No I'm fine. Really" Mike tried to get up and felt dizzy after all the running and nearly collapsed, but Harvey caught him and sat him back down
"Are you sure? Want to try that again?" Harvey smirked and Mike lightly punched him on the arm
Donna came back with the first aid kit; "Donna stand guard by the door in case the puppy tries to make a run for it again"
"Haha very funny Harvey" Mike said but winced as Harvey cleaned his hands, to stop from getting infected
"Geez kid 3 times;" Harvey started laughing "Only you"
"Yeah well that's why I was late, didn't want you to think I was avoiding you" Mike said, Harvey looked at Mike, but he had his eyes closed and his head against the couch
"All done" Harvey said and Mike inspected his hands; "Thanks Harvey" Mike glanced out at the door which was closed and Donna was on the phone, Mike turned back to Harvey who was putting stuff back in the first aid kit
"Listen Harvey about last night. I'm sorry I left so suddenly and didn't explain." Harvey turned around to face Mike
"It's ok Mike, you just looked really upset and I thought that I did something"
"No Harvey it wasn't you" Harvey saw Mike's expression darken
"It was the phone call?" Mike nodded
"Who was it?" Harvey asked
"Someone from my past. Someone who I trusted but ended up hurting me a lot, who I never want to hear from again" Harvey placed his hand on Mike's knee, causing Mike to turn to face him
"Mike I'm sorry, if you want to tell me about it I'll listen" Mike smiled and placed his hand on Harvey's
"Thanks Harvey, I want to tell you, just not here" Harvey nodded and understood
"So you didn't run because of what happened then?" Harvey asked
Mike looked Harvey in the eyes; "No Harvey. I'm glad it happened, I wanted it to, I'm just sorry it ended like that"
"You did?" Harvey smiled and moved closer to Mike; "You know we could finish where we left off" Harvey raised his eyebrow at Mike as he pulled at Mike's tie, pulling Mike closer to him
Mike turned his head back at Donna, then turned back to Harvey; "What about Donna?!" Mike whispered
"Oh I already know" Mike heard Donna say over the intercom
"You told her?" Mike gaped at Harvey
"She's Donna, you can't say no to her" Harvey shrugged his shoulders
"He's right, but don't worry Mike. I won't say a word, and I won't watch" Donna chuckled
Mike glared at Donna then turned his head back to Harvey; "Harvey I-" Before he could say anything else Harvey put his hands on Mike's face and pulled him in for a kiss, it was similar to the kiss last night and Mike didn't want it to end
Harvey was running his hands through Mike's hair messing it up and Mike had his hands on Harvey's waist pulling him closer. The feel of Harvey's hands sent a shiver down Mike's spine and he let out little whimpers as Harvey's body touched his own. Harvey loved the effect he had on Mike, and the little moans he made.
When they finally broke apart, Harvey rested his forehead against Mike's; "Have dinner with me." Harvey said and Mike pulled away
"What?" Mike wasn't sure, he wanted to move forward with Harvey but he felt like there was something holding him back - Jackson
"Tonight. Have dinner with me?" Harvey was smiling at Mike and rubbing circles on Mike's hand as he held it
"Harvey I don't-" Donna interrupted Mike as she barged into the office
"Donna!" Harvey growled
"Louis is heading this way!" Donna said and rushed back to her desk
"Dammit what does he want" Harvey said, but then he saw Mike's saddened expression, he cupped Mike's face and kissed him on the forehead; "Talk later?" Mike nodded as Harvey got up and went to sit at his desk and flipped open a file. He was pretending to read it when Louis barged in
"Yes Louis by all means come in" Harvey said without looking up "What do you want Louis?" Harvey said as he leant back in his chair and looked at Louis
Louis had a smug smile on his face and Harvey didn't like it; "Mike" was all Louis said
Harvey flipped his gaze to Mike who was staring into space
"Mike? Why do you want Mike?" Harvey said it a little louder to snap Mike out of his thoughts, which it did as Mike shook his head and looked at Harvey, then Louis; just realising Louis was in here
"I have a big case I'm working on and need more associates."
"So go take some other associates" Harvey said and waved his hand
"No. I'm taking Mike"
Mike jumped up at that; "Woah taking me! I'm not some object. Don't I get a say"
"No" Both Louis and Harvey said and Mike sat back down and placed his head in his hands; He could not deal with this today
"Look Harvey you can moan all you want but I've cleared it with Jessica so Mike's mine for the day and he is not allowed to work on any of your cases"
"What, you can't do that. Can he do that?" Mike said as he leant forward and looked at Harvey
"He just did" Harvey frowned
"Come on Mike, we have a lot of work to do" Louis yanked him out by the arm, not before Mike whispered to Harvey 'save me' before being pulled out the door
Harvey followed Mike out the door and stopped at Donna's desk watching Mike be pulled away. He was pissed, no one took his puppy.
Watching Mike though, his expression softed as he saw Mike turn his fingers into miming a gun and put it to his head and pretended he fired it. Harvey sniggered at this, then as Mike was pulled into Louis office Mike gave Harvey a salute, as if he was going to his death. Harvey shook his head to hide his smirk. He glanced at Donna who was smiling at him
"What" Harvey frowned
"Nothing." Donna went back to looking at her computer, Harvey was still standing there
"Well?"
"What?"
"Well I thought you were going to see Jessica and beg for Mike back"
"I don't beg" Harvey went back into his office and sat at his desk
"So you've decided to be miserable all day, rather than beg for Mike back"
"Yes" Donna rolled her eyes at Harvey and went back to her desk; her boys were a handful
~~~SUITS~~~
It turns out Mike was the ONLY associate helping Louis and he had been in Louis' office all day working on the case files. Louis wouldn't even let Mike have any breaks, although he had allowed Mike a lunch break of 10 minutes! There has to be some law against that.
To top it off, Louis was giving Mike the creeps. He kept coming over to Mike on the sofa and sitting far too close and kept touching his arm, Mike felt like he needed to take 2 showers.
Mike had seen Harvey walk past a few times and mouthed 'help me'; only to have Harvey smirk and walk away.
Louis had just left his office to go to lunch, and told Mike to stay; just like a dog. Mike may be a puppy, but he was Harvey's puppy. So Mike walked to Louis' office door and checked if it was clear - no Louis. Then Mike ran to the wall opposite and crouched down as the top half of the wall had glass. So Mike had to stay hidden, then he began to hurry down the hallway towards Harvey's office
Harvey had been miserable all morning without Mike to joke with, and he missed Mike's laugh and smiles; as well as his lips. He had been thinking of their kiss when Donna made a sound at him
"Psst Harvey" Donna was whispering
"Why are you whispering?"
"Shut up and come here, your gonna want to see this" Harvey raised his eyebrow put exited his office and stood nect to Donnas' desk; "What?" He looked at Donna, who then pointed to the hallway and Harvey turned his head and nearly burst out laughing. Mike was crouched down running down the hallway, pressed up against the wall
"What the-" Harvey said and smiled
Mike stopped as he came to the end of the wall, which was only a few away from Donnas' desk, he looked both ways. Then he rolled forward, landed upright again and ran the last few feet and slumped down on the floor, resting his back against Donnas' desk and looked up at Harvey who was standing next to him
Harvey scoffed; "What the hell was that?"
Mike looked around to check the coast was clear then ran into Harvey's office and Harvey followed shutting the door behind them. He looked back at Mike who was crouched in front of the bookcase with his records on; it was the part of the office that no one could see. Mike glanced back at Harvey
"You never seen Mission Impossible" Mike raised his eyebrow
Harvey took a few steps forward into his office; "That's what that was?" Harvey smirked; "So you think your Tom Cruise now?"
"Oh and you think I can't pull of Tom Cruise, did you see what I just did?"
"Yeah I saw and I was thinking of filming it and putting on the internet it was so funny"
"Shut up, it was awesome! Alright so maybe not Tom Cruise. Bond?"
"Alright Bond, so what was that?"
"Louis has kept me prisoner in his office all morning, he wouldn't even let me go to the bathroom! And he only gave me 10 minutes at lunch, I mean who does that. So he left and I took my chance and escaped, taking refuge here."
"Aww so you came to me" Harvey smiled and Mike smiled back
"Seriously Harvey, you have to get me out of there. I swear to god I can't take much more of it"
"Why what's he doing?"
"He asked me if I got my hair dyed or if it was natural?"
"Ok, is that it?"
"He asked me about my family Harvey and if I worked out! Then he put his hand on my arm. I mean what the hell?"
Harvey burst out laughing; "I don't think its funny" Mike frowned
"It so is!"
"Don't you see what he was doing?"
Mike looked confused
"He was flirting with you" Donna said over the intercom
Mike gaped at both of them and then shuddered. He placed a hand over his mouth; "I think I'm going to be sick"
"Yeah well don't do it in here"
"Wait so Louis is gay?" Mike's eyes widened
"Apparently"
"I guess I'm just so irresistable, I've got 2 partners after me" Mike smiled
"And 3 associates and 2 secretaries" Donna said over the intercom
"Really! Hear that Harvey. You afraid of a little competition"
Harvey frowned; "You gotta be kidding. I own you"
"Oh my god you're jealous." Mike jumped up at his realisation
"I am not!" Harvey didn't look at him
"He is" Donna said
"Donna! Look I am not jealous, I don't get jealous"
"Really?" Mike stepped closer to Harvey so they were nearly touching, "Because I was going to have lunch with you, but now I'm curious to see if someone else wants to have lunch with me" Mike turned to leave and Harvey grabbed Mike's arm and yanked him back against him
"No you won't" Harvey growled putting his hands on Mike's waist
"Give me a reason Harvey" Mike said running his hands up Harvey's arms
Harvey knew Mike was teasing him, but the very idea of Mike with someone else sent a wave of anger through Harvey.
Harvey pulled Mike closer against him and kissed him, furiously and possessive; Mike liked seeing Harvey jealous.
Once they stopped kissing Mike pulled away and smiled at Harvey as Harvey stroked Mike's cheek. Mike looked into Harvey's eyes; he had known Harvey for well over a year now and had to admit he knew Harvey pretty well, and as he looked into Harvey's eyes he saw something that made his heart thump in his chest, Harvey looked at Mike in a way no one ever had before; not even Jackson, Harvey looked at Mike like he really cared for him and would never hurt him.
"Yes Harvey, I'll have dinner with you tonight" Mike smiled as he said it, he realised a long time ago that he had to let his feelings for Jackson go and not let how much he hurt him, affect his future relationships. So he wasn't going to let that happen with Harvey.
Harvey was surprised at Mike, but then he smiled and gave him a soft kiss.
"Where do you want to go? Any preference" Harvey said as he went over to his desk and went on his laptop
Mike smirked; "You pick Harvey, surprise me" Harvey beamed at that as he picked up his phone and dialled; "I know just the place"
Mike smiled as he looked at Harvey, he had never been so happy.
"Mike Ross?" Mike turned as he heard his name; it was another delivery man standing at Donnas' desk
Mike walked over to him; "That's me"
"Here" The man handed him a long rectangular white box
Mike was scared it was another gift from Jackson; "Whose it from?" Mike asked the delivery man
"He didn't say sir"
Mike frowned as he looked at the box, debating whether to open it. "Mike, you ok?" Donna looked at him concerned
"Fine" Mike walked into Harvey's office and sat on the sofa with the box on his lap. He turned his head, to see the delivery man was still there
"Sorry sir, but the man who sent that told me to wait while you opened it and get a response"
Harvey had got off the phone by then and walked over and sat next Mike on the sofa; "Whose it from? A secret admirer" Harvey meant it as a joke, but stopped smiling when Mike didn't laugh. He saw Mike slowly lift the box lid to reveal one long stemmed yellow rose.
"Oh my god." Mike said as he picked it up and looked at it, then he put it back in the box
"Mike what's wrong?" Harvey didn't understand why Mike was so upset, he saw Mike's hands shake as he put the rose back in the box. Harvey put his hand on Mike's thigh and squeezed it to comfort him
Mike saw a little white card in the box with his name on, and he picked it up and flipped open the card
I'm sorry to hear about Grammy
- J x
Harvey stared at the card as Mike read it; who the hell was J, and a x? Who was this person sending Mike's flowers. Harvey thought
Mike's hands shook at he read the note, then he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose; this was not happening. Harvey watched while Mike sat there for a few seconds not moving, then all of a sudden Mike ripped up the card, leaving pieces all over the floor. Harvey's eyes widened and he looked at Donna who looked equally confused and worried
"Sir" The delivery man spoke up; "What is your response?"
Mike had his hand on his face; "My response?" Mike spoke slowly, then he got up and closed the lid of the flower box and shoved it at the delivery man who barely caught it
"You can tell Jackson this; you tell him, that sending me a flower is not going to make up for what he did! That I don't accept it. And that using my dead Grandmother is something that I will not accept, and if he doesn't stop stalking me I will call the police! You got that!" Mike yelled which shocked everyone into silence
The delivery man looked frightened
Harvey stood up and went over to Mike and placed his hands on Mike's shoulders and turned him to face him; Harvey saw Mike was near tears, so he pulled him into a hug. Mike hugged him back
"Erm sorry to interrupt, but he said you might say something like that" Mike pulled away from Harvey and looked back at the delivery man
"What?"
"The man who sent this, he said you might say something like that and if you did to give you this" The delivery man held out an envelope containing a letter
"I don't want it so take both the flower and the letter and go" The delivery man hesitated but was still holding it out
Mike took a step closer to the delivery man; "How much did he give you?"
"$1,000"
Harvey's eyes widened and Mike gripped his hands into fists, then snatched the letter from the delivery man
"Fine" The delivery man backed away from the office slowly and then flew down the hallway
Mike stared at the envelope in his hands, as he felt Harvey's hands go on his waist.
"It's from him isn't it, the guy on the phone? The one who hurt you?" Mike only nodded and sniffed
"Do I open it?" Mike asked as he turned to look at Harvey
"I can't answer that Mike, it's up to you. But if he's caused you this much pain already, will this letter only cause you more pain?"
Mike held the letter in his hands then put his hands on the top of the enveloped and torn the envelope in half, then again and then walked over and put it in the bin, He turned back to Harvey
"Mike that wasn't because of what I said was it?"
"No, but you were right. He's caused me so much pain that a letter isn't going to change that." Mike gave Harvey a small smile, but he was still so angry, he crossed his arms round his chest to keep from hitting something, or someone
"You want to get some air?" Harvey asked seeing Mike look like he was going to hit something
"Yeah" Mike sighed and let Harvey lead him out the office towards the elevator; Harvey had his hands on Mike's lower back and it was comforting for Mike
"Mike! Where are you going?" Mike heard Louis' voice and closed his eyes and crossed his arms tighter; "Oh no"
"Mike it's alright I'll deal with him, just get on the elevator" Harvey whispered to Mike as he waited for the doors to open. Whilst Harvey blocked Louis from getting to Mike.
"Louis we're going to lunch, if you've got a problem with that take it up with Jessica!" Harvey gave Louis a glare that said back off
"Oh no you don't we have a lot of work to do, and I have Ross for the whole day! Give him back"
Mike threw up his hands in the air; "STOP IT! JUST STOP IT" Both men stared at him
"I'm so sick of people treating me like some object, I'm a human being for god sake! Stop acting like bloody children and grow up" Mike yelled at both of them, and Harvey had to hide a smile at Mike standing up for himself
"How dare you talk to senior partners like that!" Louis sneered
"That's Junior partner" Mike mumbled
"I heard that, now you may work for Harvey; but your still an associate and I can have you fired like that." Louis snapped his fingers "Now come on"
"NO" Mike stood his ground
"No Harvey and I are going to lunch, you kept me prisoner in that office all day and I've had it, so get someone else to do your work for you!" Mike turned around as the elevator doors opened
Then he suddenly felt Louis grab his arm, Harvey had been watching the encounter and trying to hide his smirk, but realised the danger when Louis grabbed Mike's arm and Mike's expression darkened
"Get. Off. Me. Louis" Mike said it as calmly as he could
"No look I don't know what the hell is wrong with you Mike, but-" Harvey saw Mike clench his fists and Harvey rushed in and grabbed Mike's wrists as Mike swung around to punch Louis. Harvey grabbed Mike's wrist a few seconds before it hit Louis' face. Louis gaped and back away
"I'm going to Jessica, your associate is out of control"
"Out of control? I'll show you" Mike went to run after Louis, but Harvey had grabbed him around the waist and backed into the elevators and the doors closed.
Harvey pushed the elevator button with his foot, as he tightened his grip on Mike who was wriggling to get free. Mike didn't see which button Harvey had hit
"Harvey! Get off me" Harvey had his back against the wall and had Mike pulled against him.
"Mike calm the hell down" Harvey said but realised Mike wasn't listening to him, so he put his head on Mike's shoulder, right next to Mike's ear and he spoke softly into Mike's ear
"Mike it's ok, calm down. I'm right here" Harvey felt Mike's body start to relax and felt Mike lean his head back against Harvey's chest
Harvey could hear Mike's heart beat slow down; "That's it" Harvey said softly as he kissed the top of Mike's head. Mike closed his eyes and pushed himself closer into Harvey's touch
Then the elevator doors opened and Mike felt a rush of cold air and opened his eyes. This wasn't the lobby.
Harvey slowly released Mike from his grip and Mike walked out the elevator. Harvey watched him carefully; "We're on the roof?" Mike asked turning to face Harvey
"Yeah you needed some air, and I thought going down was a bad idea, I was afraid you might actually hit someone"
Mike ran a hand over his face as he walked over to the edge of the building; he put his hands on the ledge and gripped it tightly trying to let his anger out
"Not gonna jump are you?" Harvey joked but Mike didn't say anything, just stared out at the buildings
"It's beautiful, can't believe I've never been up here before." Mike whispered as he slowly released his grip on the ledge and looked around
"Yeah I come up here sometimes it's so-"
"Peaceful" Mike finished Harvey's sentence, Harvey smiled at him
Mike turned to look at Harvey; "Harvey I'm sorry about what happened with the letter and with Louis. I just got so angry"
"Yeah I could see that"
"You still should have let me punch him, he deserved it" Mike chuckled
"True, but I just saved you from a lawsuit" Harvey smiled back
"So this Jackson guy.." Harvey said and Mike looked at him
Mike sighed and felt the tears form in his eyes; he looked at the sky as he spoke; "His name is Jackson Philips"
"Jackson Philips; the CEO of that tech company, the billionaire?" Harvey was shocked
"Yeah that's him, he's er my ex-fiancé" Mike turned to face Harvey who gaped at him
"Your ex-fiance?" Mike nodded
"When?" Harvey had so many questions
"I met him when I was 23; so 5 years ago. I was looking for a job and I met him in a coffee shop; we talked and he was impressed with my brain so he offered me a job. He wasn't a billionaire back then, just starting out and looking for bright young people for his company. I was young, needed a job so I took it. I didn't release the type of man he was and by the time I did it was too late..."
Harvey waited for Mike to continue
"It was a great job at first, my mind was constantly being challenged and Jackson was impressed. I worked for him for a year before we started dating, I admired him and looked up to him; I couldn't say no to him. So when he asked me out I said yes, when he asked me to move in I said yes, and when he asked me to marry him.."
"You said yes" Harvey finished the sentence
"Like I said I was young and I was blinded by the job. He was a man known for getting what he wanted and I thought he cared about me, but I was wrong. I should have realised sooner, there was signs but I choose to ignore them. "
Mike stopped and looked at Harvey; "He took advantage of me, he only wanted me for my mind. I had had many people come to me offering me a job, whilst I was working for Jackson, and it was around the same time that he asked me out. He didn't care about me, he just wanted to keep me at the company; working for him"
"So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that he hurt me. it wasn't until after that I stopped lying to myself. He broke my heart Harvey. So I left the company, left Jackson and moved from LA to New York. But for a long time I was afraid to trust anyone, afraid they would take advantage of me like Jackson did." Harvey was furious at this Jackson for hurting Mike, he wanted to kick his ass
"That is until I met you, Harvey" Mike gave Harvey a small smile
"When I came into that interview and spilled pot all over the floor, I thought you would call the police. I thought you were like everyone else, but you gave me a job, you gave me a second chance, and it's because of you that I learned to trust people again. So thank you Harvey."
Harvey stepped closer to Mike put his hands on Mike's waist; "I'm glad you walked into that interview room Mike, and I'm glad that you began to trust again, to trust me. I'm so happy to have met you Mike." Harvey put his hand on Mike's cheek and Mike leant into it.
"Me too Harvey" Harvey pulled Mike into a hug. He rubbed circles on Mike's back with one hand and placed the other hand on Mike's head
"You're the first person I've ever told that to." Mike said as he leant his head against Harvey's chest and wrapped his arms around Harvey, hearing Harvey's heart beat was a sound that Mike loved.
"Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me"
Harvey knew Mike had held something back, about how Jackson hurt him, and why the relationship ended. But Mike had shared enough for now, he knew Mike would tell him when he was ready
"Is Louis going to have me fired." Mike mumbled into Harvey's chest
Harvey pulled back and put both his hands on Mike's face so Mike was forced to look at Harvey; "Mike I won't let that happen" Mike nodded, he believed him
"You still want to go to dinner later?" Mike asked
"Of course, if you want to?" Mike nodded and smiled
They walked back into the elevator and Harvey pushed the button for their floor. As it decended Harvey saw Mike tense, so he grabbed his hand and linked his fingers with Mike's
"It's going to be ok. Look just go straight to my office and tell Donna to not let anyone but me in. You can work in there for the rest of the day. I'll handle Louis"
Mike would have objected, saying he can fight his own battles. But he felt so defeated, all that anger tired him out. So Mike only nodded and squeezed Harvey's hand before they both let go and the doors opened.
Mike went to Harvey's office and Harvey went to Jessica's where he knew Louis would be. He told Donna what Harvey had said and was thankful she didn't say anything to him, as he walked into Harvey's office and collapsed onto the couch
He had felt so many emotions in the last few hours and his head hurt. So he closed his eyes and let it all go, just focusing on Harvey's touch and kiss to calm him as he drifted off to sleep.