Beethoven Sonata No. 29, 'Hammerklavier'

Harvey and Mike have been together for a substantial amount of time. Harvey knows that Mike isn't boring, that's actually a strong reason why he was attracted to him in the first place. It still amazes him that Mike can take him by surprise after all of these years though. The date starts off as normal. They have an early night away from the office and Harvey decided Mike needs real food, not takeout for the 100th time in the last month so Harvey gets a car and they drive out to a nice restaurant that actually serves real portions of food that is pronounceable, a.k.a. a place that Mike will enjoy. He should just cook but he doest have the ingredients nor the patience tonight to go all out like Mike deserves, so a restaurant is the next best thing. Judging by Mike's face as they enter, he wasn't disappointed in his choice. He only heard about this establishment from Marcus and Katie lat time he was on the phone with them and they were raving about how fantastic it is and that the food is to die for! Harvey is going to introduce his brother to Mike after hooking him up with this restaurant for sure. He knew this because the moment their food came out, Mike looked like a little kid lost in delight. Not only did they have burgers, but the dish also included wings, ribs, and a side of mac and cheese. Granted, all of these were expensive cuts of meats and were not described as blatantly as mac and cheese or wings, but from the first bite he knew they were just the basics with prime cuts and they would be visiting this place at least once a year.

As they left the restaurant, Mike commented that he ate too much but quickly rescinded the statement and said it was amazing and Harvey completely agreed. Instead of heading home, Harvey suggested drinks and Mike happily agreed when faced with the option of walking four blocks home or sitting down for another hour and let the food settle. They found their way into a little hole in the wall that had live music. Honestly, Harvey was surprised the place had room for a set up, let alone the large piano that laid off to the side across from the bar and on a raised stage to avoid the danger zone of the drunks. It seemed that tonight was a jazz night if the sound of the sax was anything to go by when they entered. He would have preferred a quiet nook but the music emanated strong to each section of the bar. It was good at least. He got so wrapped up in the jazz that he just nodded when Mike asked if he wanted another beer and let him go grab the next round. Another song came to a close when Harvey really finally started to wonder where Mike had gone. He told him he was just grabbing another drink and after a few minutes he assumed he ran to the bathroom before getting hitting the bar but this was now past the reasonable amount of time it would take him to grab drinks so he made his way across the room and that's when he saw it. Mike was on stage, teaching the piano player a new song began, it was none other than Mike sitting at attention at the piano making the most beautiful music.

As he said before, he and Mike have been together for a while and yet, the kid still blows his mind. He had no idea. He picked a new seat the the bar-top directly across from the piano to properly take in the sight. As the song came to a close, Harvey was surprised his cheering didn't knock Mike out of his trance because he knew he was loud if the looks the other patrons were sending his way were anything to go by. He watched on as the band took a break and dispersed away from the stage but Mike remained. It started quiet, but as he pushed forward with the song, not only did he grow more confident but the bar actually began to quiet down to listen to him and he didn't have a clue. He was lost in the music, as he has done so many times, but never quite like this. This was pure brilliance. He knew Mike was a genius but he had never seen his abilities extend out in such an obvious way. What he was playing was definitely a classic but just hearing it sounded beyond difficult and if he had to bet, there were only a handful of people in the state with the ability to play the piece. It was probably even more rare to find someone who could play it without missing a single key stroke while at a bar after drinking and not playing piano in at least a few months, unless he snuck out in the middle of the night to join a classical music piano playing cult that sold their souls to the devil for talent. The kid continued on without a hitch. He only opened his eyes once to even look at the keys. Harvey was awe-struck. He was positive that Mike was Mozart in another life. He almost felt guilty for making him work as a lawyer, wasting such pure talent. Mike finished and it's like a spell was broken and he noticed he rounded a large gathering of people around him to witness such a remarkable piece. He looked up and locked eyes with Harvey and tilted his head to the door before he got up and rushed out. Harvey threw some money on the bar and trailed as swiftly as he could through the crowd.

He found Mike on around the corner in the alleyway. He wanted to say so many things but he couldn't push Mike, especially after he rushed out of there, clearly overwhelmed. He walked up and kissed him. It was quick at first until Mike melted into him and he couldn't stop. After a moment, he took charge and forced himself away from his soft lips. He grabbed his hand in his and began the walk back to the apartment in comfortable silence. Only whispered bits and pieces were exchanged along the way but neither was uncomfortable, it was really nice just enjoying the feel of Mike's hand knowing he could be anything in the world and yet he CHOSE to be with him. Mike still blows his mind.

As they slid under the covers and he wrapped Mike in his arms he had one lingering question that he had to ask before he fell asleep so very, very happy. "What piece was that? It was absolutely stunning." "Beethoven Sonata No. 29, 'Hammerklavier.'" "I liked it." He squeezed his arms tight and kissed the kid's soft spot just under his ear. "I love you, Mike. Goodnight."

There was never another word spoken about that night, not even when one of the most expensive pianos Mike has ever personally seen with his own eyes was suddenly covering the back corner of the living room as they walked in after a late night at work. It was placed so perfect as if it was there forever and he was just now noticing it. Words were never necessary. Harvey didn't buy it for words. The unshed tears as Mike turned back to look at him were enough to know it was worth every penny. They still never talked about that night even as the piano in the living room began to show actual signs of wear from the constant use. And they still let it slide every Sunday as Harvey would remain in bed listening to the most beautiful sounds reverberating into the bedroom from the most amazing man he has ever met playing his heart out in the next room over. It isn't until another year passes that he finally hears the story but really, he's heard it in every note and every look Mike has given him while playing, and that is enough.