A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. I put these warnings at the beginning, for your safety. Keep that in mind okay? It's the happiest time of the year for the Specters, and Mike. Let's dive in and see what they get up to, for the Holiday Special: Year One. Thanks for reading! JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D


The Specter Family Chronicles

Holiday Special Year One

Chapter Ten: Those Who Fly and Those Who Fall

December 16th, 2017

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

On the morning of the sixteenth of December, Harvey and Helena were taken by surprise, when they entered the dining room, to see their Uncle Bruce, and his wife and kids. For a moment, Harvey felt like he was sitting on top of the world, like he could do anything. Helena was close beside him, glaring at her Uncle, not that he could see, he was facing the other direction. There has been a divide in the Specter House over the last few days. Since Trevor showed up (he hasn't been back thankfully), and now that Bruce was here. Lily didn't like the man much either, but of course she couldn't say that. Richard is her husband, and she loves him, but sometimes that means that she also hates him. Right now, she can't decide, but she stands beside him, talking with Bruce and Greta, his wife, about their trip. They live in Alabama, so they flew up for Christmas, and then they're going to 'hop on out' just before New Year's. In the few times that Lily has had interactions with her brother-in-law, she has not felt welcomed to their family. Richard, of course, just tells her that she just needs to 'get to know him', but she can't do that if he won't get to know her in return. The family dynamic around the house is static. As they move in the living area to chat, Harvey and Mike share a look, Molly notes that there is pain in their eyes, and almost bursts into tears when she sees them take a seat at opposite ends of the couch, her, and Damien in between them. Molly bumps his shoulder, and he shoots her a small smile. She hates this. Helena is still glaring at her uncle and his family, wishing that she could be back in highschool, where she went off at the man, and her father didn't tell her off. He claims that his brother has 'changed', that he's grown and become a better person. But she doesn't believe that, and the fact that Harvey doesn't feel like he can sit beside his boyfriend in his presence, proves that. Damien and Molly are called over to help Lily, leaving Harvey and Mike, sitting beside one another, but not near enough to touch, sitting stilted as though they're going to be stoned if they even so much as look at each other. Helena hates it, and Lily, looking over at her son for a split second, can see it too, almost dropping the plate she is holding. Richard enters the room and stops when he sees his brother, and then looks at where Harvey and Mike are sitting.

Bruce didn't seem to notice his nephews stilted seating arrangement, he didn't seem to pay him much mind at all, but Callum, Harvey's cousin, did. He had been excited to come and see his cousin, mostly because Harvey would be able to listen to him and help him with his predicament. He had heard from his Aunt Lily that Harvey was bringing his boyfriend, which intrigued Callum, because he's been having thoughts… ones that aren't what he would define as "normal". For the last couple of years, he's been dealing with this, and he's come to terms with it himself, he knows who he is, but his siblings are all younger than him, and his father… well his father isn't the nicest man. He's been brought up to love sports, plays on the highschool football team, and obviously his parents expect him to take a girl to the homecoming dance and the prom… it's just like his best-friend said that it would be. But if he's completely honest with himself… he doesn't really like girls…like that… he likes girls as friends, but he can never picture himself being with a girl. The worst part is, is that he's the eldest sibling, so he can't confide in any of them. His friends at school don't even know, and it's not like he can just call up anyone and chat to them. He lives in Alabama. For the most part, he can sense that his cousins aren't going to judge him, because of Harvey and Mike. Obviously, they are fine with that relationship, and he is as well. But he doesn't know how his parents will react. He's dead afraid that his father will kill him, and that his mother will kick him out, and he has nowhere else to go. He doesn't have friends who will take him in, especially if they find out why he was kicked out. Harvey and Mike leave the room, and head upstairs, and Callum takes the opportunity. If he doesn't do it now, he's never going too, and whilst his parents are distracted downstairs, maybe he can ask Harvey some questions that will help him. When he gets to the top of the stairs, he sees Harvey grabs Mike's hand, and then pull him in for a hug. He can't help but smile. That fills him with so much… joy? Is that the right word? Regardless, he makes his way upstairs to the now closed bedroom door, praying that he isn't interrupting anything, and raises his fist to knock, but he hears someone coming, and quickly darts into the bathroom. When he's sure they're gone again, he runs over to the door, and knocks hearing the 'come in' before opening the door and stepping inside.

'Callum? Is everything alright?' Mike asked, as the young man shut the door behind him.

'I was wondering if I could talk to you both,' he asked, keeping his head down, missing the look that Harvey and Mike shared

'What is it about Callum?' Harvey asked, softly, urging the young man to move along.

'I'm gay,' he replied, surprised by the non-reactions he received from Harvey and Mike.


Mike was not surprised when Callum came out to them, and neither was Harvey. What he was surprised about, was the way that Callum reacted to them not reacting to him coming out. The teenager took a seat on the small chair in the corner of the room, whilst Harvey and Mike chatted with him about what Harvey would later refer to as 'all things gay'. Mike had chuckled at the words, but it was basically true. More than anything, Harvey told Callum that he's stronger than his father. He knows who he is, and he can accept that, and in two years when he goes to college, he can embrace that person. Mike told him that he should just embrace it now, tell everyone and pave the way for others like him. The teenager admitted that he had another friend at school, they're just friends, but he's gay also, and his parents weren't happy when he came out. He barely survived, and had to move in with his aunt, who was a little more receptive to who he is. Bruce is a horrible man. Harvey had filled Mike in on things that had happened when he was younger, and he told Callum to watch out for his father, but to also be strong. There was a division between them, as to whether the teenager should come out to his family, but Harvey suggested waiting. Until he was ready. Until he could fight for himself against his father. Callum talked to Harvey and Mike for what felt like hours but was probably only forty minutes. When he left his cousins room, he felt a lot better about what he was feeling, and who he was. Lily had watched her nephew leave the room, and softly smiled to herself, wishing protection on that boy, because she knows what Bruce can do, and she hopes, beyond everything, that it doesn't happen to Callum. Harvey and Mike hid themselves in Harvey's room for most of the time that Bruce and Greta were here. They're heading to the Collier Street Party tonight, so that should lighten the mood a little, and Harvey always enjoys a good street party. Mike, of course, had never been to one. Harvey explained that it's like a neighbourhood party, but it's in the street. It sounded simple, but Mike was still confused. Whilst they were tucked away, safe in Harvey's room, they just lay together on the bed, hands meeting hands, just talking as they normally do in the mornings. It has been a while since they have done that, and more and more, Harvey thinks it is why Mike has been so erratic with his medications.

At some point, Mike had fallen asleep, and in an effort to give his boyfriend some downtime, Harvey snuck out of the room and headed back downstairs, where his family were still sitting in the living room, chatting amicably. Helena linked her arm with her brothers and whispered something, Harvey just said that Mike was having a nap upstairs. He nodded to Molly to let her know that everything was alright. Bruce and his family had left, gone back to their hotel, and Damien was telling Harvey what he had missed after he and Mike had gone upstairs. Richard had gone on and on about how they should all get together and go camping, or something, and Greta had brought up how things were going with the business. Callum had come back downstairs, and faced off against Bruce, when he started 'making plans' for his sons future, stating that he might not remain in Alabama after graduation. That had sent everyone off the rails. Harvey mentioned that he and Mike had chatted with Callum, and Helena had guessed that it was the reason the teenager had gone upstairs. Harvey just shot her a look, but she shook her head. Good, at least there is one kid who can do as he's told… Harvey thought, thinking back to when he was a teenager. His father had never really reacted badly, but he hadn't exactly thrown Harvey a pride parade either. Then Bruce got in his ear, and we all know how that ended. But he didn't bring that up, fearful that it would cause a fight, and it's Christmas. He just wants to have a beautiful holiday with his family, no fights, no hate. Just enjoying the festive season, and yes. Before this, he might have thought differently, might have wanted to stir the pot, but he's determined to give Mike the best Christmas, so be damned the rest of the shit. The kids had chosen to watch Despicable Me, so the adults had gathered around in different locations in the living room to either watch the movie, read, play on a phone or iPad. Harvey was watching the movie. He's never seen it, obviously… and to be honest, he found the humour in it that the kids did. That is probably Mike's childish brain rubbing off on me… Harvey thought, smiling when he pictured his boyfriend in his mind. That is how Donna figured out that something was "up with him". He had been thinking about Mike, smiling like an idiot, and his secretary had caught it. He'd never lived it down, until he asked Mike out that was all he heard about from Donna.


Nine Months Ago

March 12th, 2017

Mike and Harvey's First Kiss

Pearson, Specter, Litt

It's late. Almost midnight, and they've all been slaving away, working their butts off. Jessica and Louis had left almost thirty minutes ago, now it's just Mike, Donna, Rachel, and Harvey, spread out on the floor of the partners office (Harvey is on the couch, obviously), going through files for their most recent case. He has been pushing them to work harder, trying to push away the desires that have built up inside of him. His sister told him that he should act on them, but he doesn't want to ruin what he has. If he acts on those desires, those feelings, and things go wrong, it could ruin everything. Donna stood and said that she's going to get them some food, and Rachel said she would go with Donna. So, now it's Mike and Harvey, working in silence. The younger man is lying on his stomach, on the floor, highlighting things, chewing the lid of his pen in his mouth. Harvey was watching his associate, really, he should be concentrating but he can't. He hasn't been able to concentrate since he came to the realization that he has feelings for said associate. Donna seems to think that Mike will reciprocate those feelings, but he is afraid. He's scared of giving Mike all of himself. There are so many things that he doesn't even know about himself, that he still needs to work through before he can give someone all of himself. He's tempted to tell Mike to leave for the evening, save himself the trouble of trying to navigate these feelings that have settled in his body. He looks away for a moment, frowning in that typical Harvey Specter fashion, then when he goes to take another look at Mike, the young lawyer is also looking at him. There is a blush on Mike's cheeks as he quickly looks away, but it's enough for Harvey to put his file down and ask Mike to come and sit beside him. If he is going to do this, he isn't going to sit on the floor to do it. Reluctantly, and with the blush seeming to crawl up more of his face, Mike stood and moved to take a seat on the couch beside his boss. Harvey asked Mike if he was feeling okay, because he was a little red in the face. Mike raised his hands to his face, noting that he felt warm, suggesting to Harvey that he might be coming down with something. He saw the smirk on the older lawyer's face.

Once again, there was silence in the office. Harvey didn't know how to approach the topic of what he wants to talk about, but Mike had removed his hands from his face, and was looking down at them, now in his lap. Harvey, hearing his sister's words in his mind, and feeling bold all of a sudden, raised his hand to caress Mike's cheek, rubbing his thumb softly over his cheek bone, the young man looked up, making eye contact with Harvey, and the moment that hazel met blue, Harvey knew that there was something there between the two of them. Mike looked between Harvey's eyes, and quickly glanced at the man's lips, before he was surprised by Harvey bringing them closer together. He whispered something that Mike didn't catch, and was about to ask him to repeat it, when he felt a pair of warm lips on his. It was like everything he had been feeling rushed to the surface, and when he felt Mike kiss him back, he pulled the younger man closer to him, grabbing his face with hands, thumbs softly caressing cheekbones, whilst Mike had his hands on Harvey's chest. They broke apart, but didn't move away from one another, and Mike raised a hand to his lips as if to ask himself if that really happened. Harvey looked like he'd been knocked off his feet, and had fallen onto that couch, finally with the recognition of the things he'd been feeling. Mike was the one who brought them back together. He grabbed the lapels of Harvey's suit and pulled them together, moving to straddle Harvey's waist. The closer was surprised, but didn't protest the move, if he got to kiss Mike more, then he was happy. He's… he's happy. The smile was lost in the kisses that Mike was pressing to his lips, as they both adjusted to this change in their relationship. When Mike tried to move them forwards, as in towards something more, Harvey moved the 'puppy' off his lap and stood up, moving to the other side of the room to prevent himself from rushing forward. He so desperately wants to, but he wants to do things right as well, and take Mike on a date first. When he mentioned this to the other occupant of his office, Mike nodded. He stood up as well, straightening his suit jacket, and was looking between the floor and Harvey again. He asked what this means for their relationship now, how they're going to do this. Harvey didn't have the answers right now. He stepped towards Mike, whispering that he doesn't know, but they're going to work it out together, then he kissed Mike again, holding him as close as he possibly could. They didn't break apart until they heard cheering. He looked up to see Donna and Rachel outside his office, dancing around.

'I think we might have been outed,' Mike said in a whisper, still close to Harvey's lips, caressing his (boyfriends?) cheek.

'I don't care. I have you Mike, I'm not letting you go,' Harvey whispered again, kissing the young lawyer.

'Okay, so we get that this is all new and whatever, but we do have to finish all of this work,' Donna said, placing the food on the table in Harvey's office, arms crossed eyebrow raised in typical Donna fashion.

'Yes. Right. We should… Mike have you found anything that could help us?' Harvey asked, separating, and going back to work as if someone had flicked a switch, Mike was caught in the whiplash for a moment, but recovered strong.


December 16th, 2017

Collier Street Party

Greystone, Massachusetts

At about six pm that night, the Specter Family headed over to the street party. Mike had woken up not even twenty minutes before, and had spent about ten of those minutes, trying to convince Harvey that they had time for a 'quickie'. To be honest, his boyfriend looked sexy in his black button-down shirt and dark wash jeans. Mike had no idea what to wear to this kind of party. He didn't really have anything neat casual, most of his stuff was comfier casual. He'd ended up putting on a navy-coloured shirt that Harvey had brought for him a couple of months ago, and his own pair of black jeans. Just to top the look off, Mike put on a stupid skinny tie, and grinned when he exited the bathroom, seeing the look on Harvey's face, that hard look he had when he was about to do something, like pin Mike between his body and the wall, and tell him that he definitely isn't wearing that stupid skinny tie. He didn't have it done up completely, it was done, but hanging rather loose around his neck, like he'd pulled it down after a long day at the office, apparently that still wasn't good enough for Harvey, but on her way past, Molly said that she thought Mike looked good, so he took that as a compliment, and kissed Harvey before leaving the room, catching up with the others at the bottom of the stairs. Fine, if Mike likes that damn tie so much, I'll make sure to use it later… Harvey thought to himself, smirking when he walked up to his boyfriend, wrapping his arms around his waist from behind, and pressing a kiss to his neck, whispering what he was going to do Mike with that tie later. The young man choked on the water had just taken a sip of, frowning at Harvey as he walked off smirking. He couldn't be bothered going after him right now. If Harvey thinks that I'm going to give into that…he has another thing coming… but it certainly won't be me… Mike thought to himself. He was admiring how bright the street looked with all the houses decorated with Christmas lights, and the snow that was on the ground. Okay, so because it was so cold outside, the Colliers had moved the street party to the park that wasn't far from the houses, where they could have an open fire, and use the Barbeques, and there was also an indoor area, where they could sit out of the snow. Mike had cursed himself for not bringing a jacket but found that it was warm enough near the fire, that he didn't really need one. Besides, Harvey was latching onto him was like a blanket.

There were many families milling about, and Mike had started chatting with two a couple of houses down from the Specters, Betty, and Paul Manna. They're both in their mid-sixties and have been living here since they were teenagers. They are telling Mike stories of their youth, and of course, like the child that Harvey always tells him he is, he was attentive as they spoke. When they asked who he was here with, and he said that he is here with the Specter Family, he didn't expect to hear stories about Lily and Richard when they were younger, and ones about Helena and some of the other kids. He didn't know whether to mention that he's Harvey's boyfriend, he isn't sure how far out of the circle people know, but he needn't have worried. Halfway through Betty telling him a story about her husband, Harvey showed up with a jacket and scarf for Mike, kissing his cheek before taking a seat beside him. Mike pulled the jacket on, and let Harvey adjust his scarf for him, looking over to see Betty and Paul just smiling at them. They asked if he and Harvey were dating, and without hesitation the Closer just said that they were. Betty clapped her hands together in delight and congratulated them, as did Paul, who began talking with Harvey about his work and some of the cases he's heard about in the news, whilst Betty talked with Mike about Harvey and 'how he is in the sack', this asked with a wink and a smile. Mike chuckled. He was reminded of the times he spent talking with Grammy. She would always make conversation and say things to make them blush. There was never a dull moment, so Mike didn't seem too bothered by it. Harvey had moved to wrap himself around his boyfriend again, resting his chin on Mike's shoulder as he and Betty chatted about her grandkids, and how they're off 'traversing the world', and Mike laments that he'd 'wished he'd done that when he was younger'. Betty nodded, taking Mike's hand, and saying 'same', nodding with a fond look on her face. After that, Betty and Paul headed inside to get some food, leaving Mike and Harvey just curled together on the chair, near the fire. Lily had of course, out of courtesy, invited the rest of their family members to join them. Bruce had said something about taking his kids out of town to 'hunt' or something. Mike was surprised when Trevor and Bella showed up though. Harvey didn't seem to care, not wanting it to bother him. He didn't even acknowledge the man when he sat down near them.

'So ah, we kind of started off on the wrong foot the other day. Look Mike, I'm not here to cause trouble for you. I didn't even know that you and Harvey were together before we got here,' Trevor said, whilst Bella had gone off to find her aunt.

'I'm not going to let it ruin my holiday. I suggest you do the same okay?' Mike replied, and Trevor nodded, looking at Harvey who wasn't looking at him.

'So, how long have you two been together? I mean, I kind of saw that coming the minute that Mike stumbled into that interview. It was the way you described Harvey to me after that first day… I knew that you had something for him…' Trevor said, grinning when he could see Mike's blush faintly in the glow of the fire.

'I never said a word about you. Don't get a big head Harvey. It's all fabricated,' Mike said, but there was a smirk, and Harvey kissed his neck and whispered, 'sure it was' in his ear.


So, it wasn't like something he ever thought would happen, but he, Harvey and Trevor sat there that night, near the fire, just chatting. Harvey heard stories about Mike as a kid, all the ones that he'd only heard snippets of from Mike. He and Trevor, for the most part, seemed to be getting along, which surprised even the best Lawyer in New York. Although, if Harvey were forced to choose who was worse between Trevor and his uncle, well he doesn't think Trevor would make the cut. That isn't to say that he wants the man back in their lives. Mike and Trevor seemed to be able to bond like they hadn't been apart for seven years. They told Harvey all the stories, and Trevor even apologised for some of the things he had done to Mike when they were younger. It wasn't a complete turnaround, but it wasn't like he didn't accept responsibility. Harvey asked him if Bella knows about his past, to which he replied that she didn't, and he isn't going to tell her, because he isn't that person anymore. Harvey said that if he's trying to prove he's 'changed', then maybe he can forget about using Mike's secret against them. To be honest, he isn't sure what he'd hoped for, but when Trevor said that he was never going to go through with that threat, it was just to rile them up, Harvey was a little relieved. He at least apologised for it, and made it known that he wouldn't spill the secret. Mike rolled his eyes when Harvey asked if he would sign something to back that up, earning a chuckle from Trevor, who said that if that's what it took, then he would. Helena glanced over to see her brother chatting amicably with Trevor, and asked Marcus if he had found anything out about the man, but he shook his head. Bella only knew whatever Trevor had told her. Helena also noticed that Mike seemed to know Trevor, as in before he met him yesterday. She usually doesn't interfere in people's business *Harvey scoffs in the back of her mind, and she frowns and shakes her head* but something is telling her that this guy is doing something bad. Now he's signing something… what? she thought, as Harvey took the papers, and then they shook hands. Mike had fully curled himself into Harvey at that point. The kids were inside doing activities and Lily and Richard were chatting with Nathan and Emily Collier, who had organised this event. Mike and Trevor's conversation drifted off into a comfortable silence.

It wasn't until about, ten thirty that things started happening. Bruce and Greta had decided to show up with the kids. The man sounded like he'd already had a few to drink, and when he reached his brother, they hugged, and Richard asked him if he wanted another. Nathan Collier was hesitant to give the man a drink but did at the look on his face. Helena, Molly, Peter, and Damien had joined Harvey and Mike at the fire pit. They were just sitting around; Mike had dozed off on Harvey's shoulder. The sound of Bruce shouting woke Mike from his nice place in between awake and asleep, as they turned to see the burly man shouting something at his wife. Harvey and Helena rolled their eyes coordinated with one another, and slowly but surely, they watched as Bruce made his way around all his kids, shouting things at them. Helena told Harvey and Mike to stay as they are, from here Bruce can't really see them anyway. Mike nodded, and Harvey just gave his sister a steely look, silently telling her that he can 'say whatever he wants'. Molly had brought some marshmallows for the kids, who had gathered around to roast them. Helena was explaining to Mike that Bruce had been married before he met Greta, who is at least thirty years younger than him, but that he left his first wife for her, and had four kids with her, that's why they're so young. Mike nodded and absorbed this information. He could hear Richard in the distance, trying to control his brother, but it wasn't working. Greta joined the gang by the fire, and Mike went to move, but Harvey held him where he was, daring the woman to make a comment, but she didn't. She just smiled at them. Harvey frowned, sharing a look with Helena, then shrugging. He couldn't tell whether she was faking it or not, but he sure as shit wasn't going to give her the time of day anyway. Once the kids were settled with their smore kits, the adults began chatting about how good the lights looked, and how one night they should go looking at the different houses and see the lights, to which Helena made a note to add it to the itinerary. Callum had found himself a seat in amongst all the madness that was the other kids, and made eye contact with Mike, smiling, and then looking down at the ground. For a second, all was calm. It was nice, people were having a good time… then Bruce spotted them. He had been sitting in a chair up near his brother and Lily but was calling for his wife to bring him another drink, (not that she could hear), so he stood to go over to her. Everything slowed down in that moment.

'WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SHIT? YOU STILL BEING A FUCKING HOMO HARVEY? WHAT DID I SAY TO YOU WHEN YOU WERE SEVENTEEN HUH? You sick fucking faggots, acting like this in front of my kids. I'll follow through with what I said you know…' Bruce said, menacingly as Richard made his way over to his brother having heard the commotion.

'Leave us alone Uncle Bruce. We haven't done anything to you,' Helena said, sighing as if she was back being a teenager again.

'THESE TWO FUCKERS. HEY… NEW GUY… How about I beat the faggot out of you?' Bruce asked, then he literally yanked Mike up to his feet and head butted him, knocking him to the ground, but before Harvey could react, Richard had thrown a punch.

'YOU BARSTARD. HOW DARE YOU THREATEN MY KIDS. HOW DARE YOU HURT ANY OF THEM. GET OUT OF HERE. NOW!' He shouted, pushing his brother towards the street, he was shouting after his family to follow, stumbling as he slipped in the snow.


Mike woke up with a pounding headache, and a black eye. Harvey was sitting beside him on the bed, whilst the rest of the family were spread around the room. Richard and Helena were talking softly just outside the door. Mike tried to sit up, but was overwhelmed by dizziness, and was immediately told to stay lying down. Molly asked him how he was feeling, and he replied something along the lines one 'hit by a dump truck', earning a few chuckles. Harvey looked down at him when Mike placed a hand on his cheek, the few stray tears that fell from his eyes, were caught by Mike's thumb, then Harvey was hugging him, and apologizing into his shoulder. Mike scolded him, told him that it wasn't his fault. It was then that Richard stepped into the room and took blame. Everyone looked at him, including Harvey, who was still looking at Mike. But Richard asked his son to look at him. He told the room that he was sorry. That it was his fault for not believing what they were saying. He couldn't believe that his brother, his family, would threaten to kill his son. Then he told Harvey that he's proud of him. Of the man that he's become, of the son that he is, and he apologised. For trying to change Harvey, for making Harvey think that he wasn't normal, that he wasn't himself. Helena choked back a sob; Mike just squeezed Harvey's hand. Richard said that it wasn't any excuse for him to treat Harvey any less like his son because he is, and those years that they lost… those years that were thrown away because he was scared… scared for the things that he would face because of who he was. Scared of him being hurt because people wouldn't understand. He was terrified of losing his son to some barstard who didn't like who he was, and that manifested itself. Richard walked into the room, knelt beside Harvey, and placed a hand on his face, looked into his eyes and said that he never hated him. He never thought he was weird. He always loved him, and he always will. Mike had to be strong for his boyfriend, Harvey hates breaking down in front of people. Richard told them that he had always lived by the same motto that his father had taught them 'press until it hurts'. Mike smiled, finally knowing where that stupid saying had come from. He apologised to his son for pressing until it caused him to hurt, to think he wasn't allowed to be just who he was. Then he hugged Harvey, and Mike shed a tear of joy, of longing… he isn't sure which. But it was a tender moment.

December 17th, 2017

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

No one said anything about what happened between Harvey and Richard, and the closer was grateful for that. Of course, he knows that he is allowed to feel emotions. Heck since he's been with Mike that's all he's been feeling, and he's come to terms with the fact that he's allowed to feel them, and that he does feel them. He isn't even trying to hide it anymore as he buries his head in Mike's neck, breathing in his scent, and shedding some tears as he talks about everything is happening. Mike just lets him. They've spent enough time on him, it's time to spend some time on Harvey. They just spend the day talking in bed. Lily comes up at about noon to offer them some food, and as she leaves, she presses a kiss to Harvey's temple, whispering that she loves him. Harvey smiles, a smile that Mike hasn't seen in a while, and before he can make it disappear, Mike is snapping a picture on his phone. All these memories that he has stored on his phone, memories between himself and Harvey, and others in his life… he's thinking of making into a scrapbook. Maybe he can give it to the man on their one-year anniversary? That might be a nice idea. For now, he just holds his boyfriend, lets him talk, lets him cry, tells him that he loves him and that everyone downstairs does as well. Helena comes by to visit, jumps on the bed, flicks Harvey's shoulder, and tickles him when he tries to lock her in a head grip. Damien and Marcus appear as well, and they all begin to play fight, Mike just watches, smiling, camera out, snapping pictures. His black eye is the standout event of the night, when he and Harvey go down for dinner. No amount of foundation is going to cover that, Molly tried… she said it will probably be bad for a few days, maybe a week, but Mike doesn't care, because Harvey is holding his hand, and smiling at him, and he pushes a strand of loose hair back off his forehead, and then follows that with a kiss, whispering 'I love you' to him, and it's like everything that happened in the past twelve hours is just erased with three simple words. Richard makes jokes at the dinner table, and Lily delves into some Harvey stories for Mike, making the man blush, and threaten to sue his parents for everything under the sun, but he smiles when he says it, so they know he's kidding… for the most part anyway. Damien throws a pea at Marcus and the table erupts into chaos, until Lily is shouting that they're all grounded… it makes Mike smile.

Later that night, the family is involved in a game of 'the floor is lava', which takes the kids almost an hour to explain to them. But they're hoping over pillows, thrown on to the floor, and standing on the table, and different objects, and when one of them falls, it's farewell to them, but it's fun, and it makes everyone laugh, and when Harvey falls into the fire, and Mike falls almost on top of him, they take the time to kiss, earning cat calls from the rest of the family, then everyone is piling on top of them like piggy in the middle, and Harvey is demanding that they all get up, or he's going to sue them all. Mike just kisses him whilst they're pressed against each other, the rest of the family piled on top of them, and it's one of the best nights they've had so far.


A/N: We are almost at the end of the First Holiday Season, so soon we will be moving on to other things. I hope that you're enjoying this story, because there is so much more happening. D.