A/N: DISCLAIMER: Heavy mature themes. You get it right? Do I need to keep putting this here? I have learned, over the years, how to handle most things, but there are some things that I still find it difficult to look at, to hear about. The point is, is that there is always going to be someone, or something, out there that is never happy. You can't care about those things, because you'll waste your entire life trying to please that person... they'll just end up disappointing you. Be thankful for yourselves, and what you have now. Live the moment now, not tomorrow. Here is the next chapter. Enjoy, and thank you. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
The Specter Family Chronicles
Holiday Special Year One
Chapter Three: What I'm Thankful For
November 30th, 2017
Morning/Lunch
Specter Family House
Greystone, Massachusetts
The morning of thanksgiving, Harvey and Mike woke to the sounds of people shouting downstairs. They didn't move to get up but decided to just lay together for a while. They weren't really needed right now anyway. Mike had called his doctor in New York, and he said that he could possibly get Mike back on Tangent when they return to the state, but he doesn't want to prescribe it through a doctor in Massachusetts in case something goes wrong and Mike needs something else. Harvey was a little pissed but agreed to waiting until they returned to New York. Traditionally, on Thanksgiving morning, Harvey would've gotten up, gone for a run, then gone to Donna's house. They would've drunk too much, eaten too much, and fallen asleep watching some god-awful movie. But this year…. This year and for the rest of his life… he has Mike. He is immensely thankful for that. Harvey presses a kiss to Mike's lips, pulling him close, running his hands up and down Mike's sides, he can feel the shivers run through his boyfriend's body. Mike sunk into the kiss, both still naked from the night before, he had given up on pretending that he didn't want Harvey. He had gotten over it being weird to have sex in his parent's house, especially when he had accidentally walked in on Damien and Molly in the living room. That will forever be burnt into his eidetic brain. He shakes that from his thoughts as Harvey's hand moves down his naked torso, stopping just on his waist, tickling the skin there. Mike bucks his hips forward, hoping for that friction that he so badly desires, but he doesn't get it. Mike moans Harvey's name, then their hips collide, and Mike breaks out of the kiss to let the feeling overtake him for a moment. He's about to deepen the kiss, when the door to Harvey's bedroom swings open, and Helena, Damien and Marcus appear, shouting to them that they need to come downstairs, right now. Mike hid himself in Harvey's arm, as if that would make the fact that he's on display right now, go away. In the darkness of the room, none of them could see the scars, so Mike was grateful for that, but he immediately moved to re-dress himself as soon as the rest of the siblings were gone. Harvey ran a hand down Mike's still naked back, along each of the scars, kissing each one as he went. Mike shivered at the touch, then stood to go and shower. Harvey really needs to get revenge on his siblings right now.
When Harvey and Mike finally made it downstairs, they were thrown right into the middle of the chaos that was unfolding. Lily had recruited Molly, Helena, and Mike to help her with the food, so with a quick kiss, Harvey was yanked out of the kitchen by his brothers and led down the hall, into the garage, where their father was setting up the pool table. Harvey scoffed at the goings on. He knew that his father didn't help much in the cooking department, but the rest of the things, he thought that Richard Specter might at least make an appearance, instead of locking himself in the pseudo games room/garage. Harvey didn't complain, he grabbed a cue, and told his brother that he was going to beat him with it, if he didn't shut up with the innuendos about him and Mike, then the pretended to wrestle for a moment, until their father called them to attention. They set up the first game, whilst Harvey pulled his phone out and sent a text to Mike. Inside the house, the women, and Mike were busy preparing the food. Mike had never seen so much food in all his life. Usually, he and Grammy would just eat whatever they would cook at the nursing home, their little pieces of turkey, and that would be it. But this year, there is a giant turkey, that Lily lets him in on all the secrets for. He tells her that he's thankful that she knows how to cook a turkey, because Harvey didn't pick up that skill, and he causes the women to laugh. Suppose he was with the men, whatever they're doing… he gets a text from Harvey and frowns, confused. He reads it and scoffs, at what it says: My dad dragged me and my brothers into playing a game of pool instead of helping… should I feel guilty? Mike couldn't begrudge his boyfriend the opportunity to spend time with his dad and brothers, so he replied no because he didn't think it was that bad. But apparently, Lily didn't see it the same way, and three hours later, when all the food was laid out on the table, and everything was set up for Thanksgiving Lunch, she went on a rampage to the garage to get the boys, each of whom were placated when she started yelling at them. Mike had never seen Harvey more terrified of anyone in his life, than when his mother was yelling at them. The boys re-joined the group, and each of them took their seats around the lunch table. Dinner is apparently going to see more family members arriving, some of whom will be joining them for their Christmas festivities as well.
November 30th, 2017
Evening/Dinner
Specter Family House
Greystone, Massachusetts
In between Lunch and Dinner, Mike and Harvey had managed to sneak out of the house to go for a walk. Harvey wanted to show him more of Greystone, and because it had temporarily stopped snowing, he thought it would be a good idea to go now. They held hands as they walked along, Harvey telling Mike stories about different things, or memories he has in certain places. They walked to the pier near Lake Wellington, and stood on the railing, taking a moment to be thankful that they have this place, and that they're here together. Mike took another picture of them, against Harvey's protests, then they wrapped their arms around one another and shared a kiss. Passers-by didn't notice them, or if they did, they didn't care. One of Harvey's old friends from school must have seen them walking because she ran over to him, shouting to him. He spun around and immediately greeted her with a hug, asking her how her parents were, and how she has been going in Boston. Mariah, (apparently that is her name Mike found out later), and Harvey had apparently 'dated' in highschool before he came out. She was basically flirting with Harvey, even though Mike was holding his hand, and she knew that Harvey had come out, that he's gay… all that stuff, and she's still shoving her chest in his face, and twirling her hair around her finger, and biting her bottom lip. The sun was setting, and Harvey told Mariah that they had to get back before his mother sent out a search party, and she went about telling a story of a time that had really happened. Mike chuckled, waved goodbye and walked back towards the Specter Family House in silence, whilst Harvey just talked about how good it was to see her again, and how he had missed all those stories from his teen years… Mike, for the most part, was good at pretending that he was interested. He had learnt that quickly since he started working for Harvey. But he couldn't hide the lingering jealousy of the outwardness of the woman. She was clearly flirting with his boyfriend, not that he seemed to notice that it was happening, or if he did, he was ignoring it, which he supposes is a good thing, but still. He didn't even introduce Mike to her. They got back to the house just as the sun set on the horizon.
When they entered the house, everyone was gathered around, finding their seats. Lily shouted to someone in the back that she had found Harvey and Mike, then made to scold her son for disappearing. Harvey whispered to Mike about the 'search party', then led them over to their seats. Mike tried to look interested in the conversations that were going on around the table. Lily was telling a story about the time that Marcus ran around the house wearing a cape, thinking the floor was lava, and tried to jump off the stairs so that he could fly. Everyone chuckled, whilst Marcus tried to defend himself, whilst blushing. Harvey was sat so casually, arm draped around the back of Mike's chair, softly playing with his hair, and caressing his neck, and cheek. He likes this, Harvey. He wants more of this Harvey, especially at the office. They had turned to listening to a story that Helena was telling about her kids. It was something completely different. Mike had never experienced anything like this, being involved with such a large family on Thanksgiving. For years, it was just him and Grammy, and a couple of times, Trevor, but he knew that Grammy only allowed him to do that when he was younger, because she was trying to make up for his parents not being there. Now though, as Mike looks around the room, people laughing and smiling and Harvey beside him, he wouldn't change this for anything, and even though he and Harvey have only been together nine months, he is thankful that he's had any time at all. Two weeks ago, it had been a different story. Mike wasn't sure if Harvey was going to invite him to visit his family, and Mike had made a backup plan just in case. But Donna had let slip that he'd been invited, and that Harvey's family were excited to meet him. He was working, when Harvey came into his office, mumbling and stuttering before Mike made him sit down and take a deep breath, asked him to relax. The man finally asked him to come to Thanksgiving, and it was a weight off Mike's chest. Harvey told him that he had planned to ask, but Donna made him do it sooner than he had wanted. But now, he's here. They're here, and from the look that Harvey gives him when their eyes meet, he knows that his boyfriend is happy about it. He leans in to give Harvey a kiss, but the older man deepens it, shooting the bird to his brother when he starts hooting and making ridiculous noises. After that, they went around the table saying what they were thankful for.
'I am thankful for Mike,' Helena said, causing Harvey to look at her, eyebrow raised whilst the young lawyer looked put out 'Harvey hasn't been here for thanksgiving in years. Mike, thank you for bringing back my brother. I know you'll deny it, but you saved him, and his heart, and you changed him and by extension, all of us. Even in just a small way, you have changed all of us. So, thank you,' Helena said, and everyone at the table cheered to Mike, whilst Harvey just winked at him
'I am thankful for what we have, because I know some people don't have a lot,' Marcus said, then Lily told Harvey to go
'I am thankful for my family, and of course, for Mike. Don't roll your eyes at me Rookie. Bit by bit, you have changed me, and like Helena said, you saved all of me, and my heart. I love you Mike, thank you for loving me and showing me that I can be loved, and for my family, for accepting Mike as one of us,' Harvey said, kissing Mike again, more cheering, of course now it's Mike's turn to say something, Harvey nodded and smiled at him
'I am… god this has turned so sappy. I am thankful for Harvey. For him giving me a chance, and a second chance, and for giving me all of himself, even when he thought he couldn't. I love you, and you can't deny that you no longer care, and thank you to all of you for inviting me and making me feel welcome. Thank you for giving me a family,' he whispered but Harvey heard him, and fought the tears that had filled his eyes, Mike let his fall and Harvey subtly wiped it away, kissing the tear tracks, and pressing their foreheads together
After they had finished dinner, Harvey and Mike snuck upstairs. They had both been overwhelmed by what had happened down at the dinner table, especially Mike who immediately grasped onto Harvey as if it was the last time, they would ever see each other. He kicked the bedroom door shut, didn't care about locking it, and pressed Harvey into the wall, kissing him. To his credit, Harvey recovered well, and when they pulled away to breathe, he managed to get them over to the bed, where they collapsed together, now making out like horny teenagers. They ground their hips together, whilst Harvey kissed every part of Mike's exposed skin, whilst he worked at removing the shirt so he could expose and kiss more. At some point, Harvey's shirt had also been removed, and now they're both shirtless, making out on Harvey's bed, never wanting to let the other go. Harvey went for Mike's belt first, but the younger man flipped them so that he was on top, whispering to Harvey that tonight, he's in charge. Harvey immediately felt himself harden at Mike's whispered tone, and the fact that he loves it when Mike takes control, not that he'd ever admit it aloud. Mike removed Harvey's pants and boxers in one swift movement, then began teasing the man, by kissing the inner side of his thigh and lightly swiping his finger over the place that Harvey really wants it to be. Mike took his time, gently removing his own pants and boxers, until they were both naked. At this point, he had begun licking the tip of Harvey's erection, and the older lawyer was trying to force himself not to move, so that he could experience all what Mike was doing. Mike was suddenly back in his face, kissing his lips, neck, chest, suckling on the nipple which made Harvey shiver with pleasure, and Mike sensed this, doing it again and getting the same result. He filed that information away for later. Harvey had closed his eyes, to let the sensation of Mike's tongue wash over him, fill him up, but then he heard the click of a lid, and his eyes sprung open the minute he felt a finger enter his hole. Mike curled it, hitting the perfect spot, hearing Harvey's moan which he silenced a little with his mouth, he moved his hand down to jerk himself a little, prepping himself, then added another finger, stretching Harvey out for him. The man preened, he started begging for Mike to take him. He has never done that before, (he'll deny it if anyone says otherwise).
When Mike figured that his boyfriend was stretched enough, he removed his fingers, hearing the whimper at the loss, but as he'd already lubed himself up, he didn't hesitate to replace those fingers with his member, thrusting into Harvey as hard and as far, as he could. The moan that Harvey let out was so loud, Mike just knew that anyone walking up the stairs would have heard it. But he didn't stop, he set the rhythm, hitting the perfect spot every time, and Harvey was muttering nonsensical words into his mouth as they kissed, legs wrapped around Mike to get that perfect position. If Mike had wanted to, he could've restrained Harvey, by tying him to the bed. Might be something to explore later… he thought, as he quickened his pace. He was on the edge, so was Harvey, he could tell because of the sounds that he was making, and he hoped to whatever deity that none of his family members were upstairs, because the noises his boyfriend is making… not only are they erotic, but they're ridiculously loud. Mike slowed, usually a sign that he was on the edge, Harvey kissed him, told him that he wants Mike to 'cum inside him', which of course, he did because that was just so damn hot. Mike collapsed on top of Harvey, who was still wanting that friction. He managed to manoeuvre himself so that he could finish Harvey off, but all he had to do was lick his finger in a seductive way, and his boyfriend came all over his stomach, pulling Mike into him and kissing him as they both came down from their arousal. Mike grabbed a towel and cleaned Harvey up, peppering soft kisses to his naked body… then Harvey wrapped them up in the blankets and told Mike that he's the only thing he needs to be thankful for. He doesn't even care about his career, as long as he has Mike. The young lawyer hugs himself closer, is possible to the closer, and presses one quick kiss to his exposed chest, before falling asleep. Mike dreams about the first time that he and Harvey slept together. He was so shy when Harvey undressed himself that he wouldn't even look anywhere but at Harvey's face. It had been adorable (according to Harvey) at the time, but to Mike, it was just embarrassing. Before that he had seen naked bodies…. obviously…but something was different about their relationship. Something was… better. That was a nice dream to fall asleep to.
December 1st, 2017
Specter Family House
Greystone, Massachusetts
Christmas had officially begun in Greystone, and in the Specter house. Thanksgiving had been and gone, and the decorations that he and Richard had worked hard to put up, had come down like it hadn't taken them three hours. Mike had never spent this long with someone, and he hadn't ever had a Christmas like this, but people in the neighbourhood were already beginning to decorate for Christmas, and he knew that soon, this house would need to be done as well. But Helena had mentioned something about the Specter Family Christmas Extravaganza, to which Mike was intrigued by, but also intimidated and a little afraid. He'd brought enough clothes to last the entirety of their visit, (not three cases like Harvey but enough). He didn't know what to expect, so when he got out of the shower that morning, wearing dark wash skinny jeans, and a Harvard t-shirt that he 'borrowed' from Harvey, as well as Harvey's socks (don't tell him), and a smart jacket it was like he had stepped back in time to the old Mike, who used to dress like this in his teen years. But the look that he got from Harvey, and the way the man undressed him with his eyes, he figured that Harvey approved. As they were leaving Harvey's room having finished their morning routines, they bumped into Molly, who sent them both a lewd wink, and thumbs up. Mike was confused, but Harvey immediately realised why she had done that, it was because they had heard them last night, most likely when they were coming up the stairs to go to their own rooms, and he will admit that he had been pretty loud. But he won't tell Mike that, because he doesn't want to give his boyfriend any reason to stop having sex in this house. When they got downstairs, the formerly decorated house was now bare of decorations, and the empty space was telling. Lily and Richard were sitting at the counter, sipping their drinks, whilst their grandchildren ran around. Harvey's grandparents were in the entertainment room, watching something on the TV, whilst Helena, Peter, Damien and Marcus were outside in the backyard, gathering up the rest of the Thanksgiving decorations. There was a silence that Mike felt uncomfortable with, and it was spreading through the house. There had been so much love and warmth and happiness less than twelve hours ago, and Mike can't think of what could've happened to make that change so quickly.
It was at that moment that Molly entered the kitchen carrying a stack of paper, and Harvey groaned, asking his parents if they really still do this, to which Richard said yes, and that they're looking forward to having them both with them for the month of December. Mike had no idea what he'd signed up for, but when he was handed the itinerary for the Specter Christmas Extravaganza, he began to freak out a little. There was a lot of stuff on the list. Thankfully, Harvey hadn't told his parents about his birthday. He doesn't like making a big deal about it, it's five days before Christmas, there are many more important things that could be done. But he noticed, at the top, that there was a camping trip. Harvey was glaring at the paper, like he usually would a case file when something isn't right. Mike hadn't been camping since he was eight, that time that he and his dad went and spent a couple of nights fishing in Chattanooga Forrest. They slept in a tent, had a fire, roasted marshmallows, fished… it was fun, and he wouldn't be opposed to doing something similar again, but from the look on his boyfriends' face, he has the feeling that he and Harvey are going to be sleeping in a log cabin, which kind of takes the fun out of the whole 'camping' experience. Once everyone was inside, Richard called a family meeting in the living room. Everyone gathered around and they went through what was going to happen: in the morning they will be waking up at four am and setting off to Whitewater Creek, about an hour drive from here. They will get there and set up their tents, then they're going to the local Rock Springs, to take advantage of their Christmas retreat whilst they still can (Harvey was intrigued by that, Mike could see). Richard continued telling them about the hikes they would go on, the fishing competition that he expected all emphasis on all his children to participate in (Harvey groaned), and how they will be sleeping in tents… yes Harvey a tent. Mike really thought that his boyfriend would go around his parents and book them a cabin, that's something that Harvey would do, but he doesn't have Donna here to help him out, and it technically is December, and Christmas is coming. Mike was internally excited, but he won't tell that to Harvey, because he doesn't want his boyfriend to squash that excitement like it's a bug on the ground. He wants to hold onto it for a little bit longer. They were given car assignments for the morning, then told to start packing because there won't be any dallying in the morning.
'Mike, have you ever been camping?' Damien asked as they headed upstairs to get their things together.
'I went a couple of times with my grandfather when I was younger,' he replied, figuring that was the safest answer.
'Awesome. So, you're a natural. You could probably show Harvey a thing or two then, he's bloody hopeless,' Damien said, and was then tackled by Harvey, the two disappeared into another room.
'Don't worry about them Mike. Stick with us okay, we'll help you out if you need,' Helena said, elbowing her husband when he said something stupid.
Mike entered Harvey's room and began throwing their things into their bags. He doesn't know about this camping trip, he hasn't been in about twenty years, so he's probably rusty on how to put things together, or how to catch a fish. Harvey appeared a moment later, wrapping his arms around Mike's waist, and kissing his cheek, whispering in his ear that he's going to have a great time, and that if he has any questions, he can just ask Harvey, because regardless of what his siblings say, and regardless of the impression he gives off to others, he quite enjoys the outdoors, and camping, sleeping on the ground in a tent. He doesn't mind it at all, and he knows that Mike will probably assume that he got them some cabin (even if he wanted to, he couldn't because they're all booked out, he checked), but he's going to surprise everyone, including his boyfriend. He's going to sleep on the ground, in a tent, and go fishing and do all those things you do when you're camping. No one is going to see it coming. That's why he had deliberately packed his 'camp wear' in a separate case and brought some new things for Mike to wear whilst they're on this trip. He reminds Mike to make sure he has his medication, and his epi pen, and that he doesn't want him to leave anything behind, because they're going to be out of cellular range for most of the week, and they won't be able to call if they forget something. Mike nods, and goes back to packing his things, grabbing his toiletries, and shoving the case with all his meds and things in it, into his suitcase. They're riding in a car with Helena, Peter and their two kids Frederick and Braiden. Apparently, cool uncle Harvey has some 'cool car tunes' to listen to. Mike doesn't miss a beat, telling him that he hopes it isn't jazz, because that's not 'cool' music, it's just 'old uncle' music. Harvey looks over at Mike, who suddenly realises what he said, and begins to backtrack, but Harvey has him pinned between his body and the wall, and before he can protest, he feels Harvey undo his pants, and then he's being fucked against the wall. Harvey whispers in his ear about 'old dick' or something, but Mike is too busy losing his mind. He apologises to Harvey, and the man lets him cum, finally after the ministrations he promises that he didn't mean it 'that way', but that the kids would think it. Harvey cums inside Mike, but doesn't pull out, they just stand there, Mike hoisted up, still impaled on Harvey's member. When they hear Lily and Richard coming up the stairs, they quickly return to their previous state, looking like they hadn't just had sex against the bedroom wall.
Richard had come upstairs to ask his son if he still had all his fishing gear here at the house, to which Harvey said that it was probably still in the garage from the last family fishing trip. Richard nodded, knowing that in the past he has been unfair on Harvey, but he's going to make it up to him on this trip. He won't let his father (Mitchell) tell him that he isn't doing this whole thing wrong anymore. He wants to be doing it right, so he needs to get it right with Harvey. That's the only way. Richard will be the first to admit, that when his son came out to him, it was awkward. It was at a time when he didn't know what that really meant, or what his son would go through. He let it affect their relationship, and because of that, he needs to work extra hard to repair it. Lily links her arm with her husbands, and asks Harvey if Mike needs anything to take with them, to which Harvey shakes his head, and Mike holds up a bunch of new fishing stuff that Harvey had brought him before they came to Massachusetts. Both Specter matriarchs nod, and then tell them that when they're done to meet them in the living room. Harvey nods, and Lily and Richard leave them too it. Okay, so there are parts of camping that Harvey might not like as much, and it stems from when he came out to his father. Like he said, his dad never outwardly acknowledges whether he was against it or for it, he's been better since he and Mike have been here, but the year that Harvey came out, they went on this trip, and it was like his father did everything he could to not include Harvey in anything that he deemed 'manly'. After that, he kind of lost his taste for camping, but this year…. This will be the year that he is going to show them that just because he's gay, doesn't mean he won't get his hands dirty… in more ways than one… he thought to himself, looking over at Mike standing beside him, flicking through a fishing manual. Not like he needs it… he'll be a pro… Harvey thought to himself, knowing the real story about how Mike learnt to fish and 'camp'. Mike had text Rachel earlier, telling her that they're going to camping, and she sent a text back asking him to take a picture of Harvey sleeping in a tent. He sent her back a winky face and the emoji doing the 'shh' face.
'So, what else is there to do at Whitewater?' Mike asked, he'd heard about the springs and the fishing.
'I know there is rock climbing and hiking, and I don't know if mom and dad still participate, but there have been like, little crafty activities and like game nights and things like that, but don't hold your breath for those,' Harvey replied.
'I'm looking forward to those springs. They sound so relaxing…' Mike said, rolling his neck, Harvey smirked and moved to massage him.
'Mmhmm, I've heard they're relaxing too,' he whispered in Mike's ear seductively, still massaging his neck, they stayed like that until Molly and Damien intruded on their moment, Molly demanding that she be Harvey's next 'client'.
December 2nd, 2017
Whitewater Creek Campground
Whitewater, Massachusetts
They got to their campsite at six am. It wasn't as busy at Mike thought it was going to be, which was surprising, considering most of the Christmas rush would've gotten in early. He was also surprised when Harvey pulled a tent out of the car and carried it over to where their campsite was going to be. Mike just looked at him like he had two heads, even more so when he opened the bag and grabbed the instructions out to begin reading them. Helena noticed Mike looking at her brother like he was a monster from some horror show and chuckled to herself. She didn't miss as Mike pulled out his phone and took a picture either. Harvey heard the click of the camera, and turned to look at Mike, standing and raising an eyebrow, smirking, and asking Mike what he thought he was doing. The younger man didn't answer, simply kneeling to help Harvey put up their tent. Molly and Helena were astounded, in the fifteen minutes it took them to put up their tent, they didn't hear Mike or Harvey argue once. They had been constantly bickering with their partners in the process, mainly over who should be doing what, and where things were going to go, but Harvey and Mike just seemed to have this… ease about it. When she finally walked over to her brother to lament at the lack of fighting, they did whilst setting up the tent, she noticed something in the corner of her eye, that made her turn and run back to Peter. It was their old friend and camping friends, the Meyers family. Harvey ignored them, Mike didn't know who they were, but the rest of the Specters gathered around their communal 'dining' space to greet them. Harvey had escaped inside the tent with Mike, who was making their bed (mattress), and organising the inside of their tent. Mike grabbed a bottle of water out of the bag Harvey had brought and took his tablet whilst still in the tent. He then lamented to Harvey that they wouldn't be allowed to have shower sex, because a: those public showers are probably petri dishes and b: they're public showers. Harvey took that as a challenge, which Mike didn't want him to do, because whenever that happens, he always ends up losing, and sore. Once their bed was set up, Harvey pulled Mike over to him, and they laid down beside one another, just talking softly, until their discussion was interrupted by Helena and Molly, disclaiming that they're going to the mess to check out the activities, and sign their family up. Harvey groaned, but he and Mike went along.
Inside the public mess hall, there were a bunch of families all hanging around. Apparently, they were running their 'Christmas Adventure Competition', and all families were encouraged to sign up. Harvey had been involved in this 'competition' before, back when they were all teenagers. He didn't think that his parents would be signing them up now, because they're all grown god-damned adults, but alas, he was wrong and of course, he and Mike were going to be forced to compete. There were a couple of memory-based events that Mike would kill at, other than that, most were physical. But he knew that his fathers' main reason for signing them up for this stupid competition, was the Meyers family. They used to be friends with their kids, then their kids turned arrogant, after their mother remarried and got rich, and they thought that the Specters were trash. Mike stayed closed to Harvey, their hands touching but never connected. Helena noticed that this was happening and sent them a sad smile, wishing that she could still change the world, and that no matter how old you are, you can still face hate. She remembered the story that Harvey had told about Mike, that only happened six months ago. She wishes she could go back and prevent Mike, beautiful Mike, from being subjected to such hate. Even here, at Whitewater, they were being cautious. Once they had all signed their names, and received their team packet, they returned to their campsites, and Damien announced that he was going to take a walk to the Creek. Mike decided to go on the walk, but Harvey stayed back to help his mother finish setting things up. He hadn't had much chance to just spend time with Lily, so he figured now was as good a time as any. Mike was surprised when Molly and Helena linked their arms through his as they walked, ignoring the jokes that their husbands made about being 'ditched for the gay guy'. Mike just winked at them both, and chuckled. It was nice, it was friendly. Back at camp, Harvey helped Lily set up the rest of their tent, and the kids' tents, and a couple of things around camp. They talked a lot, mostly about Mike and their relationship, and a little about work. Lily had made Harvey promise that he wouldn't do any work this trip, he decided not to mention the brief time that Jessica had called back before Thanksgiving.
'Harvey, Mike is wonderful. You two are simply perfect together. I'm so glad you're happy,' Lily said, pulling her son into a hug.
'Thanks Mom. He really is wonderful. I've never felt so… I don't know… is it weird to say alive? I feel so alive,' Harvey replied.
'No dear, that isn't weird. You and your father need to talk Harvey. There are many things that he needs to say to you,' Lily said, pushing a stray strand of hair from Harvey's forehead.
'I know, and I'm ready to listen when he's ready to talk,' Harvey replied, taking the box of pegs and things back to his parents' car.
Harvey didn't get a chance to talk to Richard before the rest of the family returned from their walk, but the minute he saw Mike walking towards him, arm linked with his sisters, laughing, and smiling about something, he knew that Michael Ross, was going to be the man that he spent the rest of his life with. He doesn't need Donna to tell him that. He doesn't need anyone else to tell him that. He knew that the minute that Mike Ross fell into his interview room with a briefcase full of weed.
A/N: Tomorrow, the chapters will become more succinct, and on a schedule. Hopefully, but don't hold me to that. :D
