A/N: At the moment, I am making plans to move to Tasmania. It's going to be amazing, to make that big move from where I am currently living, on the mainland, in Victoria, to Tassie. I can't wait. I'm super excited to start this next phase in my life, and I can't wait to start my teaching job either. Whoop. Enjoy this chapter, and I hope you have a wonderful day, or night. Whenever you're reading this! JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.


The Specter Family Chronicles

Holiday Special Year One

Chapter One: Meeting the Specters

November 25th, 2017

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

Harvey pulled into the driveway of a large, brick house on Brighton Drive. It was like the house you would see if you were the kind of family that had influence, the ones who never knew what it was like to live in a small little house, with barely any money, or space. But this house, with its marble features, and it's impeccably kept front yard was the opposite of anything Mike had ever seen, let alone stepped foot inside. Harvey stopped the car and got out, going around to the boot of the car, where he began grabbing out their bags. Mike had packed less than Harvey, figuring it wouldn't be a problem for him to do washing whilst they're here. Harvey had brought with him almost three bags full of clothes. They're going to be here until just after New Year's, and if Jessica needs them to come back to work sometime before that, then Harvey might consider cutting their vacation short. But for the moment, they're here for the better part of three months. It's also their nine-month anniversary in December. Another reason to celebrate. The front door opened just as Harvey got ready to knock, and a woman appeared, shouting something to someone behind her, before almost knocking his boyfriend over when she hugged him, squealing cheerfully. Mike knew this was Harvey's favourite person in his world: his big sister Helena. He had told him a lot about her, how she was the first person he came out to, how she was the one who was there when he started dating, she was the one who helped him with everything. Mike had been grateful that Harvey had had someone like that, and mildly jealous, because Harvey had siblings, and Mike had to go through all that on his own, because he had no gay friends, and Trevor… well everyone knows how that worked out. They entered the house, Helena joking with Harvey that he brought his "whole god damned closet", and were led upstairs, to the far end of the hall, and then into a room that looked like it hadn't been used since the seventies. There were little touches of Harvey now in it, but you would have to look ridiculously hard, and know the man to see them,

Mike placed his own bags down on the floor by the foot of the bed, whilst Helena talked a mile a minute about something their brother had done. Mike just listened to them talk, whilst he took in the room around him. It was amazing, getting to see this side of his boyfriend. It had taken him almost four months, just to convince Harvey to leave clothes at his apartment and vice versa. Although, they had been spending a lot more time at Mike's apartment, than they had at the condo, and Donna thinks that means something. Mike doesn't know anything about it, or he pretends not to. They've been together for almost nine months, and they don't live 'live' together, but they "live" together. The talking in the room stopped suddenly, and he heard his name being called. Mike returned his attention to his boyfriend and Helena, who was smiling at him, a strange look on her face. Harvey mouthed to him that he was sorry, but Mike was confused, until Helena pounced on him literally, hugging him tightly, and saying how great it was that they were finally going to meet the infamous Mike Ross that had tamed their little brother. Mike liked Helena. She was funny, openly blunt, and was just like Harvey in so many ways. He can see why his boyfriend preferred the company of his sister, although he hasn't met the brothers yet. Helena was telling him stories of Harvey when he was younger, and Harvey groaned, because he knew that Mike would remember all of them. Finally, after warning both not to hurt one another, or she'll kill them both, he was released, and Helena left, telling them to relax for a minute, then come downstairs and see Lily and Richard, otherwise known as mum and dad to Harvey and Helena. Mike sat down on the bed, whilst Harvey moved around the room for a moment. He was lost in thought when he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders, and a soft kiss being pressed to his cheek. He smiled, and turned to fully embrace Harvey, sharing a light kiss, before the older lawyer declared that they should head downstairs, and get Mike introduced to everyone. He nodded, hiding his nerves, because let's face it, Mike doesn't know what it is to have a family like this, nor does he know what it is to have holidays like this. But he won't show that in front of his boyfriend. He must be strong; his Grammy would want him to be. Donna had told him that he is allowed to be jealous, that if she were in his shoes, she would be, but she knows that Mike doesn't want Harvey to think he feels like that, no matter how true it is.


When they get downstairs, there are a lot of people shouting over the top of one another, but when Harvey and Mike enter the kitchen, everyone seems to stop their shouting and turn to them, welcoming them and hugging and asking how their trip was. Mike was caught up in a hug with Lily, Harvey's mother. She had accosted him and asked him about how the trip was and whether he has gotten used to Harvey singing in the car. The older lawyer glared lovingly at his mother, who just smirked when Mike told her that he hadn't had the pleasure of listening to it. Harvey shook his head, mouthing the word 'no' clearly so Mike could see it. That made Mike smile a little, but the pit in his stomach was back, and he doesn't know how to get rid of it. He hates himself for being jealous, it's ridiculous to be jealous. He had a good life with his Grammy, and sure he didn't have siblings, but he had… he isn't sure what came over him, but he suddenly finds himself in the bathroom. He locks the door, hearing Harvey and the others calling out, asking if he's okay. Mike sinks to his knees and throws up in the toilet. Once he is done vomiting, he flushes and finds some air freshener to spray around the room, but it doesn't help. He feels nauseated again, and Harvey is still calling to him from the locked door. Mike washes his mouth, and sprays the freshener again, before unlocking the door. Harvey immediately grabs him and asks if he's okay and he says that he is still feeling a little sick from the car ride. Harvey doesn't buy it, but his mother does, and ushers him upstairs immediately, where she tells him to take a nap and she'll send Harvey up later. He apologises to everyone and is immediately thrown back when they all tell him that he doesn't need to apologise if he isn't feeling well that's not his fault. Helena jokes that it must be Harvey's fault for 'driving like a maniac', which earns some laughs from the room, which Mike is glad for. Mike thanks them, and goes back up to Harvey's bedroom, changing into his down clothes and climbing into the bed. He tries to sleep, but his mind won't shut up. It just keeps going over and over in his mind, and he begins to work himself up into a panic attack, and before he knows it, he's back in the bathroom, throwing his guts up, trying to calm himself down again.

He finds himself unable to steady his breathing. He's sitting on the floor of the bathroom, having a full-blown panic attack, unable to breathe because of something so ridiculously stupid. When Harvey comes up moments later, he hears Mike's panicked breathes and bursts into the bathroom, where he finds his boyfriend leaning against the wall trying to manage his breathing. Harvey kneels beside him, hugging him close, and tells him to match his breathing. Surprisingly, he does manage to calm himself enough but he's rocking back and forth, holding onto Harvey. The older lawyer can't help but worry now. He's never seen Mike like this before, and he doesn't know what he's supposed to do. He knows that Mike sometimes has panic attacks, but he's never had one this bad. He can hear his boyfriend apologising, saying that he's sorry, that's why he lifts Mike's face up so he can kiss him, which probably wasn't smart when he's trying to get Mike to breathe, but he just wanted him to relax. Mike clings to him, like he's going to disappear. There is a slight darkness around the young man's eyes, and the tears that are streaming down Mike's cheek aren't helping him in any way. Harvey stands, carrying Mike out to the bedroom, and places him down on the bed, before climbing in with him, and hugging him to his body. He lets Mike go through his attack, promising that everything is going to be alright, that he's not mad, that no one hates him, they're all just worried about him. When Mike has finally calmed himself down enough, he looks up at Harvey, hair matted from the sweat, eyes red and puffy, and he kisses him, just once. Harvey just holds him, telling Mike to try and sleep, but they're going to talk in the morning. He undresses himself so that he's just in his boxers, then pulls the doona up over them, and curls up with Mike. Within what Harvey deems to be minutes, Mike is asleep on his chest, breathing steady. There is a soft knock on the door to his bedroom, then his sister sticks her head through the gap. He motions to Mike being asleep, and she nods telling Harvey she'll see him in the morning. He thanks her silently, and she closes the door. About six hours later, at three am, Harvey is woken by Mike mumbling and tossing and turning. He knows you're not meant to wake someone having a nightmare, but his boyfriend looks like he's in distress, so he must do something. He gently taps Mike's face. Nothing. He gently shakes Mike…nothing again. He tries again, then Mike sits up, a small scream escaping his lips, and immediately clings onto Harvey. He hopes that didn't wake anyone else up.

'Mike, sweetie it's alright right. Baby, what's wrong? I'm right here, it's okay. I love you. Shhhh. What's going on?' Harvey asked, pushing Mike's matted hair off his head, he could feel Mike dripping with the cold sweats, but he didn't care.

'It… it was a nightmare. Harvey, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you,' Mike said, looking around the darkened room.

'It's fine Mike. Talk to me please. You had a panic attack earlier, now a nightmare. I'm worried about you. Please, talk to me,' Harvey basically begged.

'I um… I panicked because… oh it's so stupid Harvey. It's so fucking stupid. I saw you with your family and it… made me wish that I had that, and I was jealous… and then I hated myself because I was jealous, and it's stupid to be jealous because I had a good life with Grammy and then I worked myself up and…mph' Mike was cut off by Harvey kissing him.

'Mike, it's okay to be jealous. If I were in your position, I would be too. Don't hate yourself for it and don't work yourself up. It's not stupid, I don't blame you for being jealous,' Harvey replied, and Mike nodded, crying again.


He and Harvey talked for a bit, about Mike's panic attack and the nightmare, and then Harvey ran Mike a bath, a bubble bath, and made him get in, then he got in with him and gently washed his boyfriend, kissing every part of exposed skin that he could, making him promise that he wouldn't hate himself, and he wouldn't work himself up over it. Mike promised, leaning back into Harvey's body as they relaxed in the bath. When the bubbles had basically subsided, and the water was lukewarm, they got out, and Harvey wrapped a towel around his waist, before sensually drying off Mike, letting skin touch skin, and wash away all the crap that had happened before. Mike dressed in his sleep clothes, as did Harvey, then they got back into bed (Harvey had changed the sheets), and fell asleep, Harvey holding Mike tightly. The two lawyers woke at six, when Harvey's alarm went off, but didn't make a move to get out of bed. They just lay awake, talking, like they do sometimes. Mike had promised Harvey that they would do this whenever one of them was feeling overly worked up. Hell, they had started doing it just for the sake of it. It was nice, just something they did together. They tried to do it every morning, sometimes they only managed to do it on the weekends that Jessica didn't call them into the office. But it was nice to know that they could do it here as well… or so they thought. Harvey took the opportunity to fill Mike in on one of his siblings' favourite things to do: Tin Panning. Mike looked at him, confused and Harvey explained that at some point, his brothers and sister will burst into their room banging pots and pans and shouting. Mike made a joke at that point then saying that maybe he was kind of glad he didn't have siblings. Harvey chuckled, and then Mike chuckled, and then they kissed. They made out for a while, and continued to talk, and before they got up to go downstairs, Harvey made Mike promise that he wouldn't work himself up, because Harvey was scared half to death when he came in and found Mike in the middle of a panic attack. Mike promised, straddling Harvey's waist, pressing their hips together, teasing the middle Specter brother. Harvey didn't miss the inflection in Mike's eye when Harvey ground against him, but they knew they should stop and go downstairs, much to both their disappointment.


November 26th, 2017

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

As soon as they got downstairs, everyone was asking if Mike was okay. It was kind of overwhelming and touching, as Mike had never had that many people care about him, but he thanked them all, and said that he had just a bit of travel sickness, that Harvey's driving was verging on maniacal. He hi-fived Helena, who just winked at him, whilst Harvey just told him that he was free to walk next time. Given what had happened last night, Harvey began introducing Mike to everyone officially. He met Harvey's eldest brother Damien, and his wife Molly. They have three kids, eldest son Diego (14), and daughters Sandy (12) and Bridget (10). Then he met Helena's husband Peter, who had just arrived this morning, and their two kids' sons Frederick (15) and Braiden (13). Then he was introduced to Harvey's grandparents, Lily's parents, Luna and Brock and his father's father Mitchell, before he was introduced to Lily, who hugged him tightly and made sure that he was really okay, and Richard, who gave him a firm handshake and told him that if he has any trouble with Harvey, to come to him and he'll give his son a whack, (this said with a smirk and a wink when Harvey pouted). The last member of the Specter clan was Harvey's youngest brother Marcus. He's the same age as Mike, and has a daughter, Caroline (8). Harvey knew that his boyfriend would remember everyone, so he didn't take his mother's advice to repeat everything, sending a sly wink to Mike who just smirked to his boyfriend. Mike joined Harvey and Helena at the bar, taking a seat beside his boyfriend, who was talking to Damien about stock prices and housing prices in New York. Mike found out that Molly, Damien's wife, is an ER Nurse, and they got into a conversation about her field of work. Mike found it fascinating. Harvey had his arm loosely around Mike's waist as they both engaged in conversations with various family members. Helena took a moment to snap a mental picture of how comfortable her brother looked and how content and happy he was with Mike, and it brought happy tears to her eyes, so much so that she had to take an actual picture, which is what she did, startling both Mike and Harvey who looked at her with confusion, but she just smiled. Mike learnt that Damien works in Finance, Helena's husband Peter is a Construction Worker, and that Marcus is currently working as a Caterer.

Lily was making breakfast, pancakes with the works, and was chatting amicably with the members of her family, glancing over every now and then at Harvey and Mike, who had moved to the grand dining table with the others, and were now sitting close to one another, Mike's head resting on Harvey's shoulder, his arm around his shoulders, holding him close. She had never seen her son this happy… for a long time. Helena noticed her mother watching the two and walked over to show her the picture. Lily excused herself for a moment, feeling the overwhelming emotions of happiness that she didn't think she could explain. Richard was chatting with Mike, wanting to get to know the boy who had captured his son's heart. They're currently talking about sports, something Harvey knows a little about, but not as much as Mike. Harvey didn't move from his position, even whilst his father chatted with his boyfriend. Everyone in his family had long come to terms with Harvey just being who he is, and they have nothing against his relationship with Mike. Even Luna and Brock were happily chatting with the "newest Specter couple". Mike had never seen anything like this in his life. Even when he had spent Christmas at the nursing home with Grammy, and she invited all her friends over to her room, it was never like this. But he liked those moments regardless. This… this was wonderful, but it was also overwhelming. Harvey could sense that Mike was starting to panic, because his boyfriend placed his hand on his thigh, and looked at him in a panic. Mike quickly stood, excusing himself to the bathroom, and Harvey quickly followed suit. The young lawyer gripped Harvey's upper arms as he tried to control his breathing. Harvey told him that if he keeps apologising, he's going to throw him out in the snow, in nothing but his underwear, and that made Mike laugh. He hates that Mike has these attacks, and he hates that Mike thinks it's stupid what he feels. If Harvey were in his position, if he had lost both of his parents when he was eleven, he would feel jealous seeing everyone else's happy families as well. He doesn't blame Mike. He isn't angry. Mike takes deep breaths, sitting down on the edge of the small bath, head in his hands, just breathing. They're about to leave, when Helena opens the door, and sees Mike. She doesn't say anything, just apologises and leaves. Harvey and Mike follow not long after.

'Is everything alright?' Helena whispers to Harvey when they re-join the commotion in the kitchen.

'Yes, Mike is still a little under the weather. Everything is fine,' Harvey said, grabbing some soda water from the fridge and filling a glass for Mike, who takes his gratefully, Harvey presses a kiss to Mike's temple, then moves to help Nanna find her seat.

'If something is going on Harvey, you can talk to me. I'm your sister. You can tell me anything in confidence, you know that' she says, following Harvey into the dining room.

'I know Lena. It's a private matter okay. If Mike wants you to know, I'll tell you,' Harvey says, almost exasperated by this conversation.

'This is more than Mike just being 'under the weather' isn't it?' she asks, Harvey doesn't answer, but the look on his face gives him away, she drops it, patting Harvey's shoulder before leaving the room.


After they had all finished breakfast, the Specter family gathered in the living room for what Harvey called 'The Specter Olympics'. Mike had never heard of any other families doing this. He was excited, and Harvey was excited to see Mike excited. They had been split into teams, (their couples) and the kids had been split into pairs. Each of them would compete in different events, leaving up to the grand final on Thanksgiving Day. They are going to be given a list of event rules and instructions, and of course, what they are going to be competing in, and their draw assignments. Mike had noticed that Harvey and Helena weren't talking. He didn't want to be the reason that Harvey was fighting with any of his siblings, he would hate to think that he is the cause of any fights. When they were given five minutes to 'discuss their strategies for their first game', Mike took the opportunity to tell Harvey that if he wants to tell Helena about his panic attacks, then he can. Harvey rested a hand on his cheek, softly caressing with his thumb, asking if he's sure, to which the young lawyer just closed his eyes, and nodded, telling Harvey that he doesn't want to cause any fights between him and his family, and he likes and trusts Helena, even though he's only known her a day. Harvey kisses him and says that he'll talk to her and Mike thanks him. They don't realise that everyone is watching them, until Damien clears his throat and asks them what their strategy is, that they realise they don't have one. Harvey produces one on the spot, and Mike just chuckles when he says something ridiculous like 'just win everything'. Mike rolls his eyes and reminds Harvey that just because he's the 'best closer in the city' doesn't mean he can 'win everything'. There are 'ooohs' that go around the room, but Harvey just promises Mike that he'll pay for that one later, by whispering it in his ear. Mike just smirks sending a wink to Molly who winks back. Their first event for the day, is called 'Alphabetical Order'. Mike frowns in confusion, then follows Harvey into the study, which he didn't notice before is like a giant library, where stacks of books have been removed from the shelves and placed in random piles. It hits Mike that they have to alphabetise the books on the shelves before the other teams. He glances at Harvey, who is asking his father when the last time he was even in this room, to which Richard just shrugs, smiles and pats his sons' shoulder, before 'thanking' him. Mike chuckles to himself.

The first round of the event pits Helena and Pete, against Molly and Damien, and Marcus and Mitchell. Harvey and Mike are sitting together in the lounge, just talking softly about the attack he had earlier, and about how Mike wants Harvey to tell his sister. The older lawyer asks Mike if he's been taking his medication, to which Mike just nods, but admits that he forgot to take his night one yesterday before they arrived. Harvey nods, and pulls him close, Mike rests his head on Harvey's shoulder, pressing a soft kiss to his neck, before tuning out to the sound of people cheering and shouting and whooping. It's about thirty minutes later, when the first group of three have finished, that Mike is woken by Harvey. He sits up, quickly looking around and apologises for falling asleep. Harvey just kisses him and tells him they're up. Mike and Harvey are going against Luna and Brock and Richard and Lily. Mike asks Harvey if it's fair to go against his grandparents, to which his boyfriend gives him that look he only sees in the office which is 'all is fair in love and law'. Mike rolls his eyes and readies himself. He and Harvey don't have a strategy. Luna and Brock are doing the 'pass one put it on the shelf' method, and Lily and Richard and just taking stacks and putting them up three at a time. Harvey follows the lead of his parents, whilst Mike works on alphabetising them, not realising they're ahead until he hands Harvey the last stack of books. He didn't need his brain to do that, it was simple alphabetising, and he's spent enough time in the PSL library, to know how to quickly alphabetise something. They're done before the know it, clocking the fastest time, and the 'gold medal' for the round. Harvey helps his grandparents finish, and congratulates them on their silver, and they walk out with their hands up, cheering, whilst Lily and Richard earn the bronze. Mike doesn't understand, but he had fun, so he guesses that's the main thing. He and Harvey return to the 'winners' room' with Molly and Damien, where they are treated to champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Harvey watches Mike, who is watching the rest of his family, a faraway look in his eyes. He doesn't want to give anyone any reason to ask questions that Mike isn't ready to answer. After the kids compete, and the winners are sent to join them, they're all called back to the lounge for their next 'activity'. This one isn't really up Harvey's alley, but Mike loves scavenger hunts, and he's excited.

'This might be fun Harvey. I haven't gotten to see a lot of Greystone, so you can show me around,' Mike said, leaning up to press a soft kiss to Harvey's lips.

'Well in that case… Mr. Ross, may I have the honour,' he asked, extending his arm for Mike to link his through, the young lawyer chuckled, but did it anyway, earning awes from the rest of the family.

'Okay, we have been given the first clue. Let's go,' Harvey said, grabbing his jacket and Mike's before exiting the house.

'Where to first governor?' Mike asked, in a weird accent, then apologised immediately when Harvey shot him a look.


They opened the clue and read it together: Follow the path to the learning tree. There you will find your next clue. Mike guessed that it might be the school, and Harvey linked their arms and lead Mike in the direction of his old highschool. It wasn't snowing outside, it was cold, but not snowing. They walked slowly, feeling no need to rush, Harvey didn't care if they finished last with this activity. Okay in all honesty, he did, but he wasn't going to deny himself the chance to show Mike around. Besides, this is only day one. They have until Thanksgiving to catch up. Plenty of time, especially because they've got memory games and trivia coming up and he has the best secret weapon of all time: Mike. Harvey saw Helena and Pete rush past them, shouting something about them 'maybe picking up the pace', but they continued to just walk slowly. Mike took in the town, asking Harvey what it was like growing up here. The older lawyer didn't hesitate to answer, filling Mike in on some embarrassing stories first so that his mother didn't take him by surprise. No doubt she still will. Mike wasn't surprised to find out that Harvey played baseball but was surprised to learn that he also volunteered for the Drama Society in highschool. He put this down to 'needing extra credit', but Mike didn't believe him. As they neared the highschool, Mike saw the rest of Harvey's siblings rushing around, almost slipping in the snow, and laughing just having a great time. Mike, decidedly against his better judgement, bent down to pick up some snow in his hand, and rolled it into a ball. He waited until Harvey was a little bit in front of him, then threw it at his boyfriend, who slowly turned around to look at him, a dark, dangerous look in his eyes. Mike tried to look innocent, but he knew that Harvey knew it was him, obviously. Suddenly he felt himself being picked up, thrown over Harvey's shoulder, and led away. He was placed down on the ground near the school, where Harvey then told him that his punishment for throwing the snowball was going to come when he least expected it. Mike just threw another snowball at him, causing Harvey to give chase, catching Mike almost immediately, and tickling him, whilst dumping snow on his head, and then kissing him. He heard Helena behind him, shouting to them to 'get a room'. He flipped her off and continued to kiss Mike.

Once they had finished their 'make-out sesh', Harvey went about searching for the clue, whilst Mike watched the rest of the town just go about their business. When Harvey found it, he called Mike over, shaking the snow from it, and opening it. He and Mike read it together: From childhood to teen hood, this is the coolest place to be. Harvey frowned. He and his siblings and friends had a couple of hangouts they considered 'cool', but he didn't know which ones his parents had chosen. Mike asked him what he considered 'cool', and Harvey smirked at him, taking his hand and continuing their walk down Harvey's memory lane. They caught up with Damien and Molly heading towards Kars a café/roller rink they used to hang out as and figured that would be the easiest place to go. Mike listened to his boyfriend tell him stories, and as the day got later, and the sun began to set over Greystone, Mike asked Harvey to tell him something about him that was exciting about his teenage life. Harvey told the story of the time that he informed his parents that he had been early accepted to Harvard, and that he was going to study Law. His father had patted his shoulder and told him that he was proud of him, and his mother just cried and hugged him. Mike smiled, patting Harvey's shoulder, and saying that he's proud of Harvey, for being able to let him in, for opening himself up to him, and for allowing Mike to share this part of his life with him. Harvey stopped walking and told Mike that there isn't anyone else he would ever share this with, that Mike is it for him, then he kissed him, in the middle of the street, where anyone could see. When they pulled away, the sun was setting over the horizon, and they had forgotten about the scavenger hunt. Mike pulled out his phone and took a picture of him and Harvey in front of the sunset. He set it as his background. They decided to keep walking to Kars, even if they didn't finish the scavenger hunt, Harvey wanted to show Mike the place they used to hang out. By the time they got there, it was just after five pm. They grabbed the clue (they're the last ones) and left with it, not even caring that they didn't finish. They walked back towards the Specter Family House, holding hands, and just talking. Harvey didn't need to win this competition. He'd already won Mike, and that was perfect for him. When they got back to the house, they found out they weren't the last, but because they didn't finish, they were disqualified. Harvey accepted that, and he and Mike went upstairs to ready themselves for dinner.


Dinner that night was a riot. Mike listened as stories were shared about today's activities, and bragging about couple's place on the scoreboard, and how they're going to beat everyone tomorrow. He couldn't help but just feel the love in the air. This family loves one another, irrevocably. He had felt that before, with his parents before they passed, and with his Grammy. He also feels that kind of love with Harvey… but he'll deny it, because whenever he loves someone like that, they always seem to leave him, and he can't lose Harvey. He won't. Eventually, the conversation turned to memories, and Mike listened intently, especially to the stories about Harvey. He laughed when Lily told the story about how he refused to be in the school play because he wasn't, the 'main girl character', and rubbed his boyfriend's back comfortingly when he turned beet red because of it. Then, when Helena reminded them of a story of Damien's, he laughed along with the rest of the Specters. Luna and Brock told stories about Lily, and Mitchell about Richard. Then the siblings told stories about their kids, to which their kids moaned and groaned and called them 'embarrassing'. But Mike had never experienced this before. He remembers everything, but he's never had anyone to tell embarrassing stories about him before. His Grammy did once, when he first brought Harvey by to meet her, and he thought he would die right on the spot, but then he realised that it wasn't that bad. Harvey told a story about the time that he and Helena both dressed up, pretending to be each other for Halloween one year, and Mike asked if there were any pictures, earning a glare from Harvey when Helena shouted that she "absolutely had some". Mike clapped his hands excitedly, kissing Harvey's cheek when he saw the look on his face, promising that he won't ever let him live it down. When Helena returned with the photo album, she placed it in front of Mike, and flipped to the picture he asked to see. Harvey shook his head and reminded everyone that it was Halloween… and they were kids. Mike said that Harvey made a surprisingly good girl, earning a weird look from his boyfriend. He shrugged his shoulders, and thanked Helena, who winked at him. Once dinner was finished, Lily announced that they're starting their game night tonight, and that anyone wanting to play needs to be in the living room in fifteen minutes. Mike escaped upstairs to take his medication, followed by Harvey to make sure that he took it, and to punish him a little. He pressed Mike against the sink in the bathroom, and kissed him until he was hot, before pulling away and telling Mike to meet him downstairs. Mike just whined at the teasing.

When Mike returned downstairs, the living room had been set up so that everyone could participate in whatever game they're playing. Mike never really got into board games. He, Jenny, and Trevor would play sometimes, but they'd eventually get bored and do something else, but this looked official almost. Harvey was helping to set up, what looked to be Monopoly. Mike knew how competitive his boyfriend can be, he's seen him and Donna play games before, and he knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of a losing Harvey. Regardless, he makes his way over and curls up to his boyfriend on the couch, stating that he'll just cheer Harvey on, pressing a kiss to his boyfriends' lips when he turns to look at him. Helena and Molly apparently have a betting pool going, which they let Mike in on, for who would flip the board first out of Damien, Marcus, or Harvey. Mike chuckled, and then subtly handed Molly a ten for Harvey. She was surprised, but winked at him and took the money, ignoring Harvey's questions about what she was doing. Mike sat back in the chair next to where Harvey was sitting on the little cushion on the ground. He was feeling a little lightheaded, but that could be the medication, sometimes it makes him drowsy. Regardless, he tried to stay awake for as long as possible. He watched as his family members bankrupted around him, as Harvey became king of the board, but Damien was close behind him, and Marcus as well. The only people left at the three-hour mark were Damien, Harvey, and Marcus, Helena having just gone bankrupt. Mike could sense Harvey's frustration. It had just hit eleven pm, and he knows how his boyfriend gets with this game after a certain amount of time. Harvey was just about to make his next move, when Damien called out that he was done, and flipped the board, sending everything flying, and storming off. So, Mike had lost ten dollars, but that was interesting to say the least. Mike hung around to help pack up the scattered pieces and put the living room back to the way that it was. Once that was done, he and Harvey headed upstairs where they broke off from Helena and Peter, saying goodnight, and heading into their room. Harvey hadn't broached the subject of sex yet, but Mike was sure it would be soon. He doesn't know how he would feel about… doing it… in Harvey's mother's house… but he wants his boyfriend… badly.

'How did you feel today, Mike?' Harvey asked as they got ready for sleep.

'Good. I'm drowsy from those meds though,' he replied, pulling back the covers and getting in, curling up to Harvey.

'Maybe we should talk to the doctor about lowering the dose?' Harvey asked, kissing Mike's temple.

'Mmm… maybe,' he replied, falling asleep immediately. Harvey just smiled and fell asleep beside him.


A/N: Mike has had his fair share of kicks whilst he's down, but he always manages to get back up and see the bright side. I know personally what it is like to live with a condition like this. It's not fun, so you have to make your days as fun as possible. :)