A/N: DISCLAIMER: Heavy themes, language, and sexual references. Proceed with caution. Here is some alarming news for all of you: FOUR MONTHS TILL CHRISTMAS 2023. Am I a fully grown adult who still loves Christmas? Yes. It's the best time of the year. I get to see my family, and I love that. But it's still four months away... plenty of time to panic buy right? ;). JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.
The Specter Family Chronicles
Holiday Special Year One
Chapter Four: Pardon My Past
December 3rd, 2017
Whitewater Creek Campground
Whitewater, Massachusetts
Mike sneakily snapped a photo of Harvey asleep in their tent that he could send to Donna. She wouldn't believe him unless there was photographic proof, and as much as he didn't want to betray his boyfriend/boss, this is something that he can have in his back pocket in case he needs something to go his way. Regardless, waking up that first morning, Harvey's arm draped over him, the sounds of the birds, and the wind rustling, and the rain… it was calming. Even though he knew it was ridiculous to go camping in the winter, Whitewater didn't have snow anywhere near it. In fact, they weren't high enough in the mountains to even see it, but you could feel the chill. The first thing Mike did before he got up, was take his medication. He doesn't want to panic whilst they're here, and recently his episodes have been sporadic and out of control. Harvey shifts beside him, sitting up, and rubbing his face. His hair is messed up, he would never let anyone see him like this… so Mike took a picture. Harvey was still waking up, so he didn't notice. The lawyers woke up fully and exited their tent to join the rest of the already awake Specter clan by the fire. It was warm, and they were in the process of making breakfast. Beautiful yoghurt and cereal, and bacon and eggs. Mike didn't know which to choose. Harvey didn't realise how ridiculous his hair was, until Helena came over and ruffled it, and he basically ran back into the tent to fix it. Mike chuckled a little, if there is one thing that Harvey is OCD about, it's his hair, and maybe his suits, but mostly his hair. Harvey returned minutes later, his hair now fixed, but Helena pouted and told him she can just ruin it again, edging closer to him. Harvey hid behind Mike, who looked a little put out, and was more interested in the food that smelt so good. Harvey and Helena were messing around, until their mother told them to stop acting like children, they're grown god damn adults. Both stood with their heads down, and said 'yes mother', but were smirking at each other, as if they had planned for that to happen. Mike took a seat on one of their camp chairs near the table and listened as everyone talked and debated what they were going to have for breakfast. He struck up a conversation with Braiden and Bridget about school, and even let them in on his eidetic memory. After he had passed all their tests, he was deemed 'super cool'. Harvey winked at him.
Harvey sat down beside Mike about ten minutes later, and handed him a plate with a bacon and egg sandwich on it, as well as a juice drink that Damien had made with the blender that he 'absolutely didn't have to bring but brought anyway'. He called it the Fizz Whizzer, even though there was no Whizz Fizz in it. Harvey and Mike talked with Molly and Helena about some rafting thing that they had seen that they wanted to do. All was going smoothly. Then Mike started coughing. Harvey didn't think anything of it, until his boyfriend disappeared into their tent rather quickly. He heard Richard say something about the smoothies that Damien had made, and asked his brother what was in them, because they were delicious, and he mentioned a bunch of things, but Harvey's eyes went wide when he heard his brother say strawberries. Harvey shouted Mike's name and bolted into the tent after him, finding him just as he managed to stab himself with his EpiPen. He was the one who was meant to inform them about Mike's allergies, that's his job. Mike only had a sip; the tiniest sip and it caused a reaction this big. He told his boyfriend to match his breathing, in and out, and then told him to rest when he was sure that the epinephrine had done its job. He kissed Mike's forehead and told him to rest, then exited the tent to find his whole family looking at him. Harvey informed them all that Mike had had an allergic reaction to the strawberries that were in the smoothie, to which Damien said that he didn't know Mike was allergic. Harvey calmed the waters, taking the blame for not informing them of Mike's allergies, and then told them that he was allergic to strawberries, and nuts, and a couple of types of weird salt things. His mother slapped his shoulder and told him that he should've told them when they first got here, and Harvey shouldered the blame, having told Mike that he would tell his family. Molly ducked into Harvey and Mike's tent to check on him, noting that he was warm, but breathing normally. Harvey told his brother that it wasn't his fault, that he should've asked before he gave Mike a sip, and not to blame himself. Damien punched Harvey's shoulder, and then everyone kind of went back to eating, but now in silence. Molly returned to join them, asking to speak to Harvey a little away from the group.
'How many EpiPen's did you guys bring with you and how many CC's does Mike have?' she asked, crossing her arms
'We have seven after the one he used today, and he usually has about fifty. Why?'
'Harvey, that was a severe reaction. His lips were turning blue. You always need to have one of those on you . If you hadn't of had those, Mike would have suffocated within minutes,' she said, punching Harvey
'Ouch,' he said, holding his now bruised shoulder
'That's for not telling us about Mike's allergies and scaring the family half to death. No more secrets between you two. Okay?' she said, and Harvey nodded, but crossed his fingers behind his back knowing there are something things he can't share.
Later in the day, when Mike is feeling better and everyone has gotten over the scare, they gather up the kids and head back towards the public mess hall for the first of the day's activities. Mike apologises to all of them for not letting them in on his allergy. Lily tells Mike that she expects him to not hide anything from them anymore, and he nods, giving her a hug, but shares a look with Helena and Harvey, who both know that there are some things that he just can't share with everyone. Apparently, the first event of the day is a scavenger hunt. They must find the clues and fill out a piece of paper that will lead them to the final area, where they will be rewarded with lunch. Harvey and Mike decide to just take it slowly again, given what Mike had already been through this morning, and are one of the last three teams to leave, just behind the Meyers family, who for some reason, have been nothing but nice to them since they got here, they even invited them around to their on-site cabin for dinner. Mike found this suspicious, especially when the girls all started flirting with Harvey, even though he's standing right here. But regardless, they get all the things that they need, including some silly hat that Harvey makes Mike wear because you know… his hair… and they hold hands and set off on their walk. Helena texts Harvey telling him that some of the clues are tricky, and that they're going to need Mike's brain… to which Harvey just sends her the emoji that is sticking it's tongue out and a sly winky face. Helena replies with the crying face and they chuckle. This is completely different to the one that Harvey's parents made. This one asks them math questions, and to figure out riddles, it almost like an escape room, but they're not escaping. There are some clues that Mike solves even before Harvey has had a chance to read the riddle. For the most part, the hunt takes them until about two pm to finish, and when they get the last clue, it tells them to race back to the place that it all began… Harvey rolls his eyes and whines that this whole time they're just going back to the hall. Mike kisses his cheek and tells him that he's so smart, figuring out all those clues. The older lawyer just pokes his boyfriend in the side, stating that for the rest of the afternoon, he's going to hang out with his sister. Mike pouts but finds himself caught up talking to another young girl, here camping with her boyfriend, who is about Mike's age, who is also a lawyer. They get into a very in-depth conversation about a case she's working on.
After the organisers of the activity hand out the prizes, the campers disperse, and somehow Mike ends up in between Harvey and his apparently ex-girlfriend Marianne. Helena is glaring at the woman as she walks behind her, and Molly is contemplating how she can trip the woman up without making appear to be her fault. Marianne doesn't even seem to see Mike, arm linked with Harvey's, she just keeps talking about their relationship, the precious two weeks that they spent together, and how good the sex was… look Mike hates this woman, but he can't deny that. Lily and Richard are up ahead with Marianne's parents Scott and Paula, and her brother is behind them, hanging with Peter and Damien, who are aware of the relationship that Harvey had with Marianne. He doesn't know what came over him, but as soon as they get back to camp, Mike plants himself firmly in Harvey's lap, draping his legs over one side, whilst Harvey holds onto him around his waist. That still doesn't deter the woman, who is so busy talking that she doesn't even see Harvey and Mike literally kissing in front of her. Helena is growing sick of this chick following them around. Lily wanted to go into town today, the small town in Whitewater is gorgeous, with little nick knacks, and Mike had seen something in one of the shop windows that he wants to get Harvey for Christmas. Finally, Marianne leaves, winking and blowing a kiss to Harvey who ignores her for the most part, but Mike is now in a bad mood, and all he wants to do is take that bad mood out on Harvey, using sex as the mainstay. But they're in a campground, in nothing but a flimsy, non-soundproof tent, surrounded by his family members. He decides against it. But Harvey assures him that he doesn't like Marianne, he only has eyes for 'this guy that he works with, he's kind of smart and kind of stupid at the same time,' winking at him and kissing him once, smacking his arse as he walks off to join the girls on their shopping trip. Damien and Marcus decide to take the kids fishing, and get themselves ready to do that, whilst Richard asks Harvey if they can have their talk now. He doesn't know what his father wants to say to him, but they go for a short walk up one of the trails together, stopping when they reach the top of the small incline that looks over the campground.
'Harvey, you are my son. My flesh and blood. Out of the four of you, you're the one I was the hardest on. When you came out, I'm not going to lie, I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting it. It was a shock. But I dealt with it in the wrong way. Harvey, my son, I love you, and I accept who you are, and I always have, but that stubborn part of me, that I get from my father, and I know you inherited from me, always told me to never be soft when it came to you kids. It made you stronger. But I never have been prouder of you now, than I was in that moment,' Richard said
'Dad… you have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say that' Harvey said, hugging his father, Richard hugged him back
'You and Mike are beautiful together. He is a wonderful man, and the way he looks at you, and how you look at him… My boy I am glad that you are happy. I just want you to know that I have always been proud of you, but I lost myself after you came out, but I never stopped loving you son. Never,' Richard said, and Harvey made a joke about his dad going soft then replied with
'Press until it hurts right?' Harvey asked, fighting back the tears
'No, not this time. This time, I am just going to tell you that I love you boy. All those bad experiences we had here… I made it seem like you had to try and prove yourself to me, and that was wrong, because all I wanted was for you to be yourself. But you are more yourself now, than you were when you were seventeen. Don't lose yourself again Harvey,' Richard replied, patting his sons' shoulder and then turning around to face the river when they heard the others shouting to them.
December 4th, 2017
Whitewater Creek Campground
Whitewater, Massachusetts
Damien had heard from a friend of his that the carnival was in Whitewater for today and tomorrow only. The kids were super excited when it was mentioned to them, so they decided they would head into town and spend the day at the carnival. However Mike made a mistake when he mentioned that he had never been to a carnival, and the girls spent the rest of the day planning out how they were going to give Mike the experience he missed out on as a kid. Harvey doesn't like those rides, they're not his thing, and he supposes that Mike shouldn't either because he's epileptic, but Helena promised that she would only take him on safe ones, so long as Harvey promised to accompany her on a rollercoaster. He couldn't lawyer his way out of it, so he was stuck. The kids were the first ones out of the car once they were parked, not even waiting for their parents, before they sprinted into the carnival ground. Harvey and Mike walked side by side, hands touching but not connected. Molly had noticed that they do this when they're in a place they don't know, and she had mentioned it to Mike, who had confirmed that. He'd rather not get himself hurt, or see Harvey get hurt because people are ignorant. The Whitewater Winter Carnival was bigger than any Harvey had been to in Greystone when he was growing up. Mike had always wanted to go to a carnival, but his parents were never able to take him, and is grandmother never really had the money, so he missed out, but he was never mad about it, most of the kids said they were 'basic' anyway. They walked through the crowds of people, spotting the kids that belonged to them waiting in line at some ride. Their respective parents went over to tend to them, leaving Lily, Richard, Mike and Harvey waiting by some food stalls. Mike remembered a time when his mother had had to bake things for a food stall at school, but he didn't tell her until like eight o'clock pm the night before. She was so mad, but she stayed up with Mike and they made cookies, and in the morning, Mike took them to school and sold them and they were a hit. He can remember the smell of the baked goods as it filled their house, and the sound his father made when he bit into one that didn't turn out too good. Harvey led them over to a vacant table in a food tent, and they sat down. It's a bit chillier in the town, and chances are there is going to be snow, so Mike brought his extra-warm coat that Donna had brought for his birthday last year that he pretended to be mad at her for, but was actually grateful.
As the day progressed, they slowly made their way through the entire carnival. Damien made a bet with Harvey that he could win more of the silly carnival games than him, and Harvey took him up on that offer… Mike walked away with a lot of those silly little prizes you win and made to split them up evenly between the kids, keeping a special one for himself. Lily and Richard attended a jam making session and a wine tasting session, whilst Mike found himself drawn to learning about Martial Arts. Maybe if he knew how to fight, he could defend himself more? His doctor told him that he probably shouldn't do anything that could rattle his brain anymore, so when he saw the demonstrator get thrown to the ground, he left the tent immediately. Finally, as it drew to late afternoon, the kids had tired themselves out from all the rides, and the candy, and the long day, they piled back into the car and drove back up to the campground. They returned and re-started the fire. They had fire made pizza that night, and it was the best pizza that Mike has ever tasted, and he'll swear that in front of a judge and jury if you put him on the stand. As it got later and darker, it also got colder. Harvey brought a blanket out of their tent to wrap around him and Mike, and the settled into a chair, listening to Richard tell campfire stories. Mike's father had done that when he was young. He would tell a story about a brave little boy, who battled through rough seas and storms and high seas, until he found himself stranded on a little island, boat ruined, nothing but the clothes on his back. Mike found himself calmed by the story and dozed off. He wasn't sure how much later it was, but he was woken by someone shouting right near the tent. Harvey stirred beside him, groaning, and mumbling about 'idiots shouting', but he didn't wake, simply falling back to sleep. Mike couldn't return to his rem state of sleep, he was too distracted, so he grabbed his phone and saw that it was almost five am. He curled back into Harvey, and then felt a soft kiss pressed to his forehead. Harvey rolled over so that he was straddling Mike, then peppered kisses all over his exposed skin, down his neck (leaving a hickey that Mike wouldn't know about until Helena pointed it out later), and ran his hand down Mike's torso, under the waist band of Mike's sleep pants, and boxers and stopped when he had it firmly around Mike's member, causing the younger man to preen into the touch.
'Shhhh Mike, you have to be quiet. This is a tent. You have to be silent whilst I fuck you okay?' Harvey said, and Mike nodded, having no idea how he's going to manage that.
'Hmmm… nnnghhh… f-f-fuck Harvey,' he whispered as he was still lubed up from last night, all Harvey had to do was enter him and he did, covering Mike's mouth with his hand to remind him to be quiet.
'I love you Mike, god so fucking much I love you,' Harvey said into Mike's shoulder, biting softly
'L-l-love you… oh fuck… too… ahhhh,' he said, as Harvey thrust into his perfect spot, Mike moved in sync with his boyfriend, hitting that right spot everytime.
December 5th, 2017
Whitewater Creek Campground
Whitewater, Massachusetts
On the morning of December 5th, Mike and Harvey are woken by Lily and Richard at about five thirty am. Having not bothered getting dressed after their adventures last night, Mike lets out a small yelp, before covering himself with the blanket, whilst Harvey just rubs a hand down his face, frustration as he sits up, the blanket pooling at his waist, but still covering him, whilst Mike is basically hiding himself under it. They told the boys that they're on breakfast duty this morning, so they need to get themselves up and ready to cook. Mike groaned from his position under the blanket, blushing when Lily said something to Harvey, who just pressed a kiss to Mike's cheek and told him to come and shower with him. Mike didn't think anything of it when he and Harvey took the same shower stall. That left another available one for someone else. No, they didn't have sex in there either because… Ew… but Harvey took his time washing his boyfriend and vice versa. They also didn't think anything of it when they exited the stall, and Mike moved over to the sinks to brush his teeth and take his medication. Harvey waited for him, and the exited together, they didn't hold hands, but they brushed together as they walked. It was innocent (for them anyway), and it's 2017, people have evolved and changed. Or so they thought. When they got back to their campsite, they set about making breakfast. Mike knows how to cook, his grandmother taught him. Harvey can get by, so he left most of it to Mike, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend's waist, resting his chin on Mike's shoulder. The rest of the Specter clan were up and sitting around, waiting for their breakfast. They were discussing what the activity at the hall was today, and whilst not all of them were up for 'arts and crafts', there was going to be trivia tonight. Harvey and Mike shared a look, then both said that they're in for that in unison. Everyone looked at them like they'd grown two heads, but they both just smiled. Helena is the only one who knows about Mike's genius brain besides Harvey. As they were plating up breakfast, Mike was just thinking that he hopes his brain doesn't fail them tonight, because he's been feeling a bit fuzzy today. Everyone thanked them for making breakfast, of course Lily told them that it was mostly Mike, but he did give credit to his boyfriend for buttering the bread, so Harvey was happy with that. He wasn't happy that Mike patted his head and said 'good boy' like a dog, but he supposes that's payback now isn't it?
Harvey and Mike were doing the dishes whilst everyone else tidied up a little around the camp. They had plans to find out what was going on a trivia this evening, and the kids wanted to see what Arts and Crafts were about. Marcus was begging his eight-year-old to go fishing instead, but she didn't want to do that, instead going with her grandmother to the hall. Marcus kissed her temple and promised that he would see her later. Harvey had told him about Marcus and Caroline. His ex-girlfriend had run off after she was born, and never claimed her parental rights, so they were awarded to Marcus, provided that he cleaned himself up, got a steady job and a good house. He did all of that and gave Caroline a good life. Mike smiles when he thinks of the struggles that he went through, trying to survive working dead end jobs. He couldn't imagine doing that with a kid. But he respected Marcus for his drive and his determination and he's not brave enough to ask any more questions because he doesn't want to pry into the man's private life. He would sure hate it if someone asked him personal questions he didn't want to answer. The girls had gone to find out about trivia for tonight, and to drop the kids off at their craft session. Caroline and Lily would be staying there as well just to keep an eye on them. Helena and Molly returned from their small walk and were informing everyone, of what tonight's trivia night was going to produce, and what the rules were. They could have a team of eight, each of them had to participate, and they had to produce a catchy team name. Only one person could be appointed the captain. Harvey looked at Mike, who looked at Helena, who nodded. It was like a silent, mind only conversation, and then she nominated Damien as the team captain, surprising the eldest brother, because he thought it would've been Harvey. Whilst Harvey and Damien debated why each of them were better than the other, Mike cut in saying that maybe it should be Molly, because she's more level headed and able to knock them into line if they get out of it, all this said with a little bit of sass, and he and Harvey put away the last of the dishes. There was an agreeance through the group. Harvey had wrapped his arms around Mike's waist and was resting his head on his shoulder again, when out of nowhere some guys walked past their campsite.
'FAGGOTS!' one of them shouted, and Mike flinched, Harvey moving to stand beside him
'HEY, ASSHOLE YOU GOT A PROBLEM?' Damien called out after one of them, he and Marcus standing in front of them with Richard, and Lily and the girls close by, Mike noticed Harvey sneak into their tent
'Yeah, I got a problem. Those two need to be shot. It's disgusting, you two should be stoned to death for what you are,' the second guy said, Mike shot him the bird
'Why don't you walk the fuck away before we come over there and fuck you up,' Marcus said, fully prepared for beat the shit out of these guys to protect his brother, Mike snuck into the tent, to find Harvey curled up to himself.
Mike laid down so he was facing Harvey and placed his open hand on his cheek. He waited, hoping that Harvey would say something, but he just started crying. Mike pulled him close, hugging him tightly and telling him that those guys are just idiots, that he shouldn't let them get to him, because then they've won, and he doesn't let anyone win. Harvey chuckled, looking back up at Mike, who wiped the tear that had escaped his eye, then leaned in and kissed him. They stayed like that for a moment, just talking softly, and Mike, usually the one to break down in a situation like this, remained calm and collected whilst Harvey broke down. They just swayed together on the mattress, Mike was humming the tune to Harvey's favourite song, whilst he held the man close. Harvey's arms were wrapped around Mike, and his legs were over Mike's legs. To be honest, Harvey has never actually been called… that… to his face, and regardless of how strong he claims to be, hearing that word, directed at him and Mike… it kind of broke him a little. He wanted to beat the shit out of that guy, but he stood frozen, scared and afraid. Mike told him that he was scared too, that he's been through it before, and that he had to ignore it. In New York it's easier for them, most people there don't really care if they're gay, or if they hold hands or whatever. But it's different everywhere, and he supposes that here, in Whitewater, people aren't as safe to be themselves around, especially because this is a campground and they come from all walks of life, not just Massachusetts. The voice of Helena broke them out of their moment, and Harvey managed to call out that it was alright for them to enter. He wasn't surprised to see his entire family stick their heads though the door of the tent, Marcus telling the story of how they're going to kick some ass if those douches ever some back, that they have their backs. Mike thanked them but didn't let go of Harvey. Helena entered first, and wrapped her arms around the two of them, telling them that it isn't fair that they still have to deal with shit like that, then Molly, Damien and Marcus joined the hug, finally followed by Richard and Lily. Harvey was smiling and laughing by the end of it, and when he made eye contact with Mike, and nodded for the moment at least, he knew that Harvey was going to be okay.
In a single file line, the Specter family exited the tent, last followed by Mike, who zipped it back up. They had made plans to go for a picnic this afternoon, and Harvey made them promise that he wouldn't change those plans because of some idiots. His mother told him that she was worried because of his reaction, and he just hugged her, promising that he'll talk about it later, but right now they have an afternoon planned. The kids' craft thing didn't finish until noon, so as they all made their way over to the hall, Mike noticed Harvey hesitate to any physical contact between the two of them. He understands Harvey's reluctance, but if they give into people like that, they're letting them win. He isn't going to let them win, and he's sure as shit not going to let Harvey let them win either. Why kind of Associate to the Best Closer in New York would he be, if he let his boss give up without a fight? As they entered the hall, Mike took Harvey's hand, causing the older man to look at him and try to let go, but Mike held on, sending him a message with his eyes: if you let go of my hand, they win Harvey… you're the best closer in New York… are you going to let a couple of assholes win?... that is what it was saying. Harvey squeezed Mike's hand and nodded boldly leaning over to press a kiss to his temple, whilst Damien just gave them a thumbs up. Harvey rolled his eyes, but there was a smile on his face. The hall was noisy, packed with kids, and parents, running around, shouting after their kids… they spotted Braiden the corner, where he had gathered with his cousins, and as soon as they saw their parents, they bolted over to them, stating that things had gone mad. Helena looked around for the person running this show and found her on her phone in the back of the hall, with her feet on the table… typical teenager. Oh, she was terrified of Helena though, because she came running out of that room quickly, shouting to everyone to stop what they're doing and start helping to clean the place up. Helena stood behind her, holding what look to be the girl's phone. The Specter Clan just watched as things started to make their way back to normal, and Helena monitored that teenager like she was on house arrest. To be honest, it kind of terrified even her family members. But she supposes it's for a reason, she had let those kids run amok, and now things were… well they were messy.
'Mike, I love you,' Harvey whispered in his boyfriend's ear
'I love you too. Always,' he replied, and leaned in to kiss him not caring who saw them
'You two are adorable. Harvey, are you feeling better?' Richard asked, taking his wife's hand, smiling
'Not completely, but I have Mike, and you guys so… I know that I will soon,' he replied, thanking his father for asking, Richard just hugged him.
Later that night, the clan headed back to the hall for the Trivia night. Harvey and Mike had spent the day just talking, and whilst Harvey admitted that he feels as though he has let Mike down, Mike demanded that he take it back, because he's the strongest person he knows, and because they have each other, that it the reason they can get through the shitty times. Harvey admits that he's been shielded from that kind of behaviour, from people calling him those kinds of names, and maybe that has made him complacent, so when he heard it, and it was directed at him in straight daylight, in front of his whole family, it threw him a little. He admitted to Mike that he was called that one after he came out, and he couldn't handle it, instead he pretended that it hadn't happened, and hid himself away, so much so that he made himself pretend he was someone else completely, someone straight so that he wouldn't have to deal with the pain of knowing that word. Mike has already told him the stories of the things he went through, and to be honest, he was terrified of something like that happening to him. But Mike and the rest of his family are right. If he gives into them, like he did all those years ago, he's letting them win. He doesn't want to let them win, so he took a hold of Mike's hand as they entered the hall. Helena was behind him, Damien and Marcus in front of them, and Molly was standing on his right side. No one looked over at them when they entered, but he didn't let go of Mike's hand either. He could feel safe anywhere, as long as he's with Mike. They went over to the sign in desk and let the people know they're here, they were allocated a table and a colour (purple) and took their team name over to where they were sitting. Lily had offered to stay back with the kids, so that Richard could play, because he's an 'old trivia nut' apparently. Harvey had made a joke about his father being 'crazy' and had earned a deserved whack over the head, but there was a smirk on Richard's face when he did it, and Mike knew that Harvey's relationship with his father had definitely gotten better since they came back here. Richard had even had a full conversation with him about how he thought the Knights would do in the playoffs this year. It was like Mike had been dropped into this different world, and now all of a sudden he's surrounded by all these people who want to know him, and support him, and stand up for him, and that is overwhelming. Harvey hasn't let go of his hand, so he leans in and kisses his boyfriend's cheek, earning a smile from Harvey.
They were in the top two teams moving onto the Trivia Finals tomorrow night. Mike and Harvey left the hall with the family, feeling as though they had accomplished something, and whilst Helena was the only other one who knew about Mike's mental prowess, it appeared as though she hasn't told the family. It's not like they're trying to hide it, it's just that Mike doesn't want people to think he's 'special' because he can do all these things. As they walk back towards their campsite, Helena and Peter announce that tomorrow they're going to the Whitewater Rock Springs Spa for the day, and that anyone who doesn't want to attend, is free to stay here. They didn't get any objections, Mike said that it even sounds like fun, and then lamented that his boss never gives him the time off from work to go to a Spa, side eyeing Harvey who stopped just before their campsite, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms at Mike, who was smirking. Harvey told Mike that's he's more than welcome to take the day off to go to the spa, but his work won't suffer for it, and if it does, he'll be relegated to doing Louis' grunt work, to which Mike scoffed, crossed his arms, and told Harvey that he'd just take Donna with him, so then he wouldn't have anyone to schedule his day for him. The rest of the Specter family were standing around near their respective tents watching whatever this was, unfold. Harvey mentioned that when they get back to work, he's sending Mike to work with Louis for the week, at which point Mike stalked past him, over to their tent and then said that he was fine with that… so long as Harvey was fine with not having sex with him for that same week, then he entered the tent and closed the door. Harvey was gaping, and his siblings were making stupid noises. He shot them all the bird and followed Mike into their tent. When he knew that everyone was getting ready for bed, he pulled off his shirt, and pants and dressed in his sleepwear, then he made himself comfortable under the doona, pulling Mike close to him and whispering in his ear that his little show that he pulled outside, he was going to pay for his little display. Mike smirked in the darkness, kissed Harvey, whispered that he was 'looking forward to it', then fell asleep. It had been a long, emotional day. Tomorrow, they're going to do nothing but relax. Or at least that's Mike's plan.
A/N: In this day and age, are we still caught up in all these little things? I have a friend, who is severely allergic to strawberries, and actually carries an Epinephrine Pen with her, in case she has an allergic reaction. It's a terrifying thing to see, but totally worth learning about. You could save someone's life. D.
