It's the Perfect Time

"I can't believe you're really doing this." Trevor was smiling but had a bewildered look in his eye as he folded up the last of his carry-on clothes and tucked them neatly into his bag.

"Neither can I… It's so surreal." Mike was nearly jittering with both excitement and anxiety. This was really, really happening.

"I'm so proud of you." Trevor let out a laugh as he grabbed his boyfriend to him, kissing him hard. "I never thought I'd see this."

Mike's smile was bright as he stood on tiptoe to kiss the taller man again.

7 hours prior

"I can't believe you're really doing this." Harvey was most certainly not smiling. He had a bewildered look in his eye and could barely contain himself from practically vibrating with nervous energy. This was really, really happening.

"I'm sorry, Harvey, but he finally has a chance. He can go legit and come right back and work for you again, Harvey, and we won't have to worry about going to federal prison for it every day." Jessica was pleading with him to see reason. She knew it would hurt – oh did she ever – but she also knew that it was for the best and that Harvey's support system of herself, Donna, Louis, Marcus, and the rest of the world, were not going anywhere. They were there for him no matter what.

"They could be married by the time he comes back."

Her face softened – mostly in lieu of not breaking down right with him. "Harvey, he doesn't remember… But that doesn't mean-"

"If he goes to Harvard that's exactly what it means."

The next morning

It was late – well, late for him anyway – but Harvey still had to slump himself out of bed, and stumble into his sweatpants with the incoordination that comes with a night of heavy drinking. Finally, he made it to the door and pulled it open with a wince as his eyes took in the quick movement. He was happily surprised, and very glad he'd decided to play hooky. "Mike!" He greeted, stepping aside to let the man in.

"Hey, Harvey, I just came to—" it became apparent that Mike had noticed Harvey's state of undress as his eyes dipped below eye level, and came back up with a blush and a clear of the throat. "I uh – thought I should say goodbye."

Harvey tensed, his too-tight smile threatening to tear his skin. "Well, thank you for stopping by."

Mike shifted where he stood, making no move to leave. Instead, he did just what Harvey remembered with poignant discomfort as something he would have done when they first met. The younger looked uncomfortable, but still determinedly turned his back on the other man and walked further into the apartment, sitting down on a barstool in the kitchen. With a heavy exhale, Harvey let the door closed and followed his ex-fiancé into the other room.

Mike watched as Harvey poured them two glasses of expensive looking amber liquid, and placed them gently on the island, taking a seat beside him. "I hope you'll visit." He said quietly, picking up his own glass and twirling it in his hand after taking a sip.

"You'd want me to?" Harvey looked… Mike couldn't actually place the expression. Was it relief? Confusion? Whatever it was, it made Mike's heart ache.

"Of course," he said as if offended by a thought otherwise. "I mean-" he took a deep breath that should have been more cleansing. "I don't know, Harvey, there's something about you." He stared at the wall opposite them while he took a larger than necessary drink of his scotch, and then returned his gaze to the cool marble below him.

"How's your memory been?"

Mike was exasperated by the question – one he'd heard far too many times at this point – but he recognized Harvey's need for conversation, just not the conversation they'd been having. It was no secret that Harvey was sensitive about whatever their relationship had been before. There wasn't a doubt in Mike's mind that his leaving would be difficult for the man – and somehow, it was difficult for him too. He found himself almost hoping that Harvey would come with him. "I don't really remember anything. I'm not sure if my dreams are memories or if they're just from stories I've heard about the live I haven't lived." He shrugged. "It's pretty frustrating." The self-deprecating laugh resounded through the apartment, settling low in their chests.

Harvey's hand clapped down onto Mike's shoulder, squeezing in an oddly comforting way. "If you ever have any questions, Mike, anything you want to confirm, or-"

But then Mike's lips were on his, and… what? But then they were gone, before he could so much as kiss him back – like he'd wanted to, needed to for so long now.

"Remember to visit." Mike said sternly, not looking at him as he strode quickly to the door.

"Mike!" He called after him, rushing forward but not clearing half the distance he needed to before the door was slamming shut. He could have chased him, probably should have, but he didn't. Instead, he poured himself another scotch, called Marcus, and proceeded to search for any distraction he could find.

A/N: Sorry for the short chapter. It was going to be longer… Not really sure what happened there lol The next one will be longer for sure! R&R?:)