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. Just because they're not yet married, doesn't mean that the Specter's don't see Mike as family, and like the title says: "family is family". Still the holidays for the Specters, but it's almost Christmas. Thanks for reading! JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D
The Specter Family Chronicles
Holiday Special Year One
Chapter Eleven: Family is Family
December 18th, 2017
Specter Family House
Greystone, Massachusetts
Mike's eye was still visible, even under the fifteen layers (that might be an overreaction, but it seemed to be a lot) of foundation that Molly had applied to it. They're meant to be going out of the house today, but Mike didn't want to leave with a black eye. For now, it's covered fairly well, but as they climbed into their respective cars, Mike was asking Molly how women wore all this makeup because it just feels like 'a bunch of crusty shit on his face'. Harvey chuckled, whilst Molly just put her chin up and said that it's because they're 'more used to it'. Mike nodded, agreeing. He's never really been into the makeup scene. He knew a guy when he was younger who was into all that makeup stuff, but it never really got to him. He's always been the more "masculine stereotype", which he hates to think about because he hates stereotypes, but when you're a teenager you can't escape them. In fact, he knows that people probably still apply that to them now, and they're grown adults. Harvey was driving, and Mike was in the passenger seat. Sometimes they will hold hands, but everytime they did that, Molly would tell Damien, who would tell off Harvey. The lawyer would just roll his eyes, and deliberately do it again, eventually Molly and Damien had 'occupied themselves' and the two in the front were free to hold hands, whilst Harvey drove at the same time. They had decided to leave Greystone, and head to Edenburgh, the neighbouring town, where there was apparently a Christmas Market happening, as well as some activities for the kids. Harvey hadn't really wanted to go, but he had to get something for Mike for his birthday, so if he could find five minutes to sneak off into a shop, that would be awesome. Mike's birthday is in two days. He hasn't told anyone in his family because Mike is weird about celebrating his birthday. Last year, Donna threw him a party, and he almost burst into tears when he realised the amount of effort she had gone to for him. It was a nice little party, and Mike had appreciated it, but his family… when they do birthdays, they throw them like they're going out of style. Mike had requested that it just be the two of them this year, and of course, it's not like he's going to deny Mike. If that is his birthday wish, then so be it. As long as Harvey gets to be with him, he doesn't care. It had taken him so long to convince Mike that there is more than one type of family. Everyone at the firm (Donna, Jessica, Rachel, and Louis in some way) are a family. They might not be blood related, but they're a family.
Edenburgh was a forty-minute drive away, and in the back seat, Molly and Damien were… Harvey didn't want to think about or see what they were doing. He was going to have to disinfect his car, and make sure that he bleached his vision so that he couldn't see them making out with one another. It's as if they don't have kids, haven't been married forever. Finally, they got to the area where the market was taking place and found a car park. Of course, it's Christmas, so there are going to be people everywhere, but the minute they got out of the car, there seemed to be a rush. Mike had never been good in large crowds. He feels like he's suffocating sometimes, so he grabbed Harvey's hand and held it tight, feeling the other man squeeze it back made him feel better. They're meant to be meeting up with Trevor and Bella here, but who knows how long it's going to take to find them in this crowd. Lily and Richard led the way, heading towards the kid's activities section first. The older kids were allowed to hang with their parents, which didn't sit well with the two boys, because they don't think their parents are 'cool'. Mike, thankfully, didn't seem to hear the conversation, he was looking around at all the stalls that were here today. Sometimes Mike wishes that he could just… say to those kids that they should be grateful that they still have parents. They don't have to worry about who is going to look after them, who is going to cook for them, clean for them. Harvey wishes that Mike had of had that opportunity to have his parents love him the way that his do. Now he's mad at no one in particular. He doesn't know who to be mad at, but it's ridiculous. He calms himself down as Mike pulls him towards a table that looks to be selling crystals. Harvey smiles… Mike knows him so well… he thinks as they approach, all the shiny crystals taking Harvey's attention from Mike. They browse for a moment, listening to the woman trying to sell them different rocks that pertain to different healing powers, claiming that she can 'read Mike's aura'. Harvey tells her that they might have to think about it, and pulls Mike away, whispering that he isn't buying anything from someone who has 'crazy eyes'. Mike chuckles, patting his face and telling him he's still a judgmental barstard. Harvey smiled back.
'You love all my personalities,' Harvey said, hugging Mike, chin resting on his shoulder.
'Yes, I do. Even the jealous one,' Mike said, smirking.
'I never get jealous,' Harvey said in his 'as a matter of fact' voice, Mike raised an eyebrow at him.
'Really? Would you like me to test that for you?' he asked, but Harvey just held onto him tighter, and kissed him, Mike chuckled.
Eight Months Ago
April 12th, 2017
Harvey and Mike's "First Time"
One Month Anniversary
The Condo
Harvey was cooking dinner, whilst Mike worked at the counter using the excuse 'my boss is an ass' to satisfy Harvey, who just raised an eyebrow and smirked. They had not yet gone to the next level in their relationship. Mike had tried on many occasions, but the furthest he had gotten, was getting off whilst grinding against Harvey, still fully clothed. It was like he was back in highschool, and it was his first time, so he was nervous. Of course, he is nervous when it comes to Harvey because the man has had a lot more experience than he has, and he's worried that he won't be good enough, or live up to the hype or anything like that. He doesn't have to read a handbook to know the ins and outs of sex though. He's been there once before. This is the fifth time this week that he's "slept over" at Harvey's. They eat dinner, curl up and watch and movie, then go to bed. It's rather boring. Mike wants to change that tonight, and hopefully he will be able to. Harvey is quite happy with their relationship how it is. Sex complicates this. To be honest, he wants Mike. He's wanted Mike since the moment he met the kid, and it's hard enough keeping his pants on now, but for the last month… he's been dying to take his and Mike's pants off. He's been trying to convince Mike that their relationship isn't just about the sex though. But maybe he's been more trying to convince himself that he needs Mike. That he wants the man in that way. He watches Mike from the corner of his eye, highlighting things, working hard, doing the files that he gave to him. Of course, he's an ass at the office, that's his reputation. He can't go soft on Mike; people will start to think that he'll be that way to everyone. He has to keep that wall up at the firm. Donna tells him that's ridiculous, so does his sister. He's beginning to believe them, and that is the terrifying part. Mike has, for the most part, been good at keeping their private business private. But he overheard him telling the paralegal that they've done nothing more than 'highschool shit', which Harvey wants so badly to change. He's so lost in these thoughts, that he doesn't realise the dinner he's cooking is boiling until Mike is shouting to him. He quickly turns off the stove, and places a lid on the pot, letting it simmer, whilst he prepares their plates. Mike is asking if he's alright, Harvey just nods as he walks past the younger man, their hands brushing as Mike had reached out to him, and Harvey feels it… that electricity that Mike had described feeling when he's near Harvey. It shoots straight to his crotch.
They eat dinner curled together on the couch, watching reruns of the comedy channel shows, and Mike can't believe that Harvey actually laughs at some of these. He imagined the man just watching documentaries, and the news. He never actually thought that Harvey even knew what the comedy channel was, let alone watched it. Harvey explains to Mike that he had grown up with a lot of these shows, and quite enjoys re-watching them, then made him promise that he wouldn't spread that around the office. Mike winked and promised that he wouldn't. It wasn't long before Harvey suggested they head to bed. Mike noted that it was only nine o'clock, but followed his boyfriend, turning the TV off and the lights as they went. When they got to the bedroom, Mike sat on his side of the bed, whilst Harvey disappeared into the bathroom. Mike heard the water turn on, and then what sounded like Harvey brushing his teeth. The young lawyer felt awkward, sitting there in his boyfriend's bedroom, as though he was intruding, even though they're dating. He's wearing one of Harvey's old Harvard t-shirts and a pair of his old sweatpants. Something about wearing Harvey's clothes just… he was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of the bathroom light flicking off, then he felt the bed dip behind him. He was about to ready himself to go to sleep, but he felt Harvey behind him, hands on his shoulders, massaging him, pressing soft kisses down his neck, jaw, shoulders… Mike moaned, letting Harvey control whatever he was doing. Eventually Mike moved so that he was facing Harvey, both up on their knees, mouths connected in a heated kiss, hands fisting in shirts, in hair. Then he felt Harvey's hands move to cup his ass, and then his shirt was being lifted over his head. Harvey tossed it away, lying Mike down on the bed. He kissed down Mike's now exposed torso, until he reached a nipple. He licked at it, sending shivers through Mike's body. The younger man preened at the attention to his nipples, wanting that attention back on his lips, he pulled Harvey up, kissing him again, this time he pulled Harvey's shirt off, throwing it to the side. For a moment, they stilled, just looking at each other, a silent conversation happening, then a nod. Mike flipped so that he could give Harvey the attention he had given him moments ago. He had Harvey emitting groans in no time, then sat back up so that he was straddling Harvey's waist. He waited for a moment, then felt Harvey's fingers play at the waistband of his sweatpants. He just whispered Harvey's name into the man's mouth, and Harvey removed the last two items Mike had on, not shy about checking out his boyfriend at that moment, completely naked in front of him.
'Don't be shy Mike. You're gorgeous,' Harvey whispered, kissing down towards the spot that Mike was desperate for him to take.
'Uh… Harvey…' Mike moaned, as Harvey bit at the inside of his thigh
'Mike, tell me what you want,' Harvey asked, as the older lawyer finally licked his way up Mike's member, then took it into his mouth.
'Uh… fuck… uh… oh yes… take me Harvey. Make me yours,' Mike managed to get out, whilst Harvey worked his erection.
It didn't take long for Harvey to also get naked. Mike looked away, shy, until Harvey kissed him, telling him that he's allowed to look. He's the only one. Mike bit his bottom lip, and looked over at the man lying beside him, he had to take a moment to take everything in. Harvey is gorgeous. He can't believe that this is about to happen, but he desperately wants it to. Harvey grabs the lube and a condom from the draw beside his bed, almost forgetting what he was doing when he felt Mike's mouth close around his erection. He wanted to feel that mouth around him. Once he had deposited what he needed beside him, he landed on his back, and Mike took him in his mouth. Harvey fisted a hand in his hair, the other one fisted in the sheets, in times with Mike's mouth, bringing him closer. But he wanted to come inside of Mike. He pulled the man up, and kissed him, then he eagerly took his place back on the bed and watched as Harvey prepared to prep him. Mike had wanted to watch Harvey's finger sink into his body, but the older man had come up to kiss him, working the first finger into his hole, stretching him open just a little to begin with. It was almost like Harvey was torturing him with pleasure. Harvey soon introduced a second finger, making Mike moan his name in a way that he wanted to hear again and again. He teased a nipple, made sure that he left a hickey on Mike, then went back down to where he could suck and pleasure at the same time. Mike wasn't expecting the third finger, his back arching into the feeling that shot through him, panting clutching at the sheets like a lifeline. He managed to get out that he just wanted Harvey to take him and watched as the older man put the condom on, lubed himself up and lined himself up at Mike's hole. Mike wrapped a leg around Harvey's back to give him the perfect angle. Without another thought, Harvey thrust into the tight, warm hole, moaning Mike's name as both let the sensation wash through their bodies. Harvey bent down to kiss Mike, moaning his name in the man's mouth. The young lawyer bucked his hips, and Harvey began to pull out, slowly, before thrusting back in, so that he was buried balls deep in his boyfriend. Mike moaned loudly, and Harvey was thankful that he didn't have neighbours.
Harvey powered forwards, wanting to hold onto this sensation for as long as he could. He watched Mike below him as he thrust in and out of the beautiful, sexy, gorgeous man below him. Mike gripped Harvey's arms to steady himself, one hand jerking himself in time with Harvey's quickening thrusts. He could feel himself rushing towards the edge, and he wanted to make sure that Mike was there with him. The sounds that Mike was making, he wanted to hear those again and again. There was something in the back of his throat, threatening to unleash itself. He quickened the pace again, leaning down to kiss Mike. This caused the position to shift slightly, and Mike let out a loud throaty moan that Harvey almost lost it at. He shifted them again, and Mike made the same sound. Mike's fingernails were digging into his back, cupping his ass, pulling him closer if ever possible, asking for Harvey to 'go hard'. He didn't want to hurt Mike, but he wanted to 'fuck him like he's never been fucked before' as well. Soon enough, Harvey felt himself heading towards an orgasm. Mike nodded at Harvey silent question, and soon the young man was coming between their stomachs, almost a scream coming from him as he let the orgasm overtake him. Harvey thrusts into the willing body a couple more times, then let his orgasm take him, moaning Mike's name. He collapsed onto the bed, feeling Mike's hands slowly running through his hair, as they both came down from their high. Harvey shifted to move out of Mike, feeling the other man shudder. He tied off the condom and threw it towards the bin, then grabbed a tissue to clean Mike up. When it was all done, he fell onto his back, and rolled over to Mike, pulling him close and kissing him. Mike placed a hand on his cheek, and they laid just facing one another, still coming down from their highs. Eventually, they fell asleep in each other's arms. Mike had dreamed that night, of just nights like they had been having before, but he was completely and thoroughly fucked by his boyfriend, and he lamented that it was the 'perfect first time for them'. When he woke in the morning, he ran his hand through Harvey's hair, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, causing Harvey to wrap his arms around him, pulling him close. Mike kissed his neck, his chest, his lips. Harvey's eyes fluttered, but didn't open, and in that moment, with the sunlight streaming through the gap in the curtains, Harvey was bathed in that golden light, Mike never wanted to forget that. Sitting up, he grabbed his phone, and took a picture, just for himself. Then he laid back down.
'If that gets out to anyone else, I will sue you,' Harvey muttered, nibbling at Mike's earlobe.
'It won't. It's just for me,' Mike whispered, looking at the picture again, before closing his phone
'You are perfect Mike. Last night was perfect,' Harvey said.
'Yes. It was perfect Harvey, and you're not so bad yourself,' Mike said, still blushing at the thought of naked Harvey.
December 18th, 2017
Specter Family House
Greystone, Massachusetts
At lunch time, Harvey had convinced Helena to help him 'escape' from the group to 'tend to something personal'. He had promised to tell her what it was, if she helped him out, but only after he had finished his errand. So, when Harvey disappeared whilst Mike was looking at some of the handmade jewellery with Molly, neither of them noticed, and because there were so many people, Harvey was able to get away, basically unscathed. He had had Mike's birthday present sent to him, but he couldn't get it sent to the Greystone Post Office. He knew someone that worked here at this Post Office, so when he entered the building, he was immediately helped by his friend Jo. Donna had been so surprised when Harvey had not asked her to help him this year with Mike's present. He had the perfect idea, and he was going to do it himself. Donna had raised her patented eyebrow at him, then leaned down on her desk, in fine Donna fashion, to try and tempt it out of him. Of course, Harvey didn't fall for it, and she figured that it might've been easier just to get Mike to tempt it out of him. But she waited, and eventually when Harvey's card statement was sent through to her computer, she found out what he had brought for Mike… there was a hushed conversation, which led to them both acting weirdly when Mike entered the office to give Harvey some files. Usually, he would give Harvey the files, kiss his boyfriend and leave, but he looked to be in some kind of silent staring competition with his secretary, so Mike had just basically bolted the minute he could. He didn't ask Harvey about it later, so they figured they had gotten away with it. Harvey opened the package, to make sure that everything was there, then quickly ran over the road to the small gift shop to get a gift box and card. Also, he had plans for Mike's actual birthday as well, but he was keeping those on the DL. When Harvey re-joined with his family at the lunch area, he had missed a whole bunch. Apparently, Lily had basically spent three hundred dollars on fruit, which Richard was a little annoyed about, and Damien was tipsy after trying the homemade brew, which made Molly angry. Mike found Harvey, and handed him a feather, that he had found, one of those fake ones off those gaudy feather boa things. Harvey put it in the lapel of his jacket and smiled. Mike turned to follow him back towards the car park, no one really in the mood to eat lunch, and the kids were tired and wanting to go home.
When they did return to the house, Harvey rushed upstairs to hide the present from Mike, pretending that he had been on the phone to Donna when Mike came upstairs to change into something comfortable. Harvey, unashamed, watched his boyfriend changed, even when Mike turned so, he wasn't facing him, Harvey just tilted his head, and smirked. Mike walked towards the closer, getting up in his personal space, then whispered against his lips that 'he'll pay' for that. Then he turned and left the room, smirking to himself as Harvey gaped. Lunch was a quiet affair, they just sat and had leftovers, and listened to the kids tells stories and put on a play they had written. Marcus had been in and out of the house all day, and Harvey was concerned that it had something to do with his ex, Caroline's mother. She's in London at the moment, choosing to leave her family behind to take a job with her boss/lover. Mike blanched at that, asking Marcus if he thought that it was a bad idea to begin a relationship with your boss, to which the youngest Specter sibling smirked, and said to Mike that he is the exception to the rule. He told Mike about Katy, about how they would never have worked, and how he's glad that he got Caroline out of the whole messy situation. Mike smiled and told him that he'll find someone again. Marcus nodded, and fist bumped Mike, causing Harvey to roll his eyes and ask them what was 'wrong with their generation' that they resorted to 'fist bumping'. Mike had, on occasion, tried to get Harvey to do it, but he never has. Maybe with a bit of teasing, he might be able to get something out of the man. Mike had found a couple of new books to read at the Market, and had curled himself up in the living room, near the fire, and started reading one. That was where Harvey found him, curling up beside him, resting his head on his shoulder, and letting the warmth from the fire send him into a slumber. Mike smiled as he heard Harvey begin to snore softly on his shoulder. He pressed a kiss to his boyfriend's temple, then moved the blanket so it was covering Harvey. If Helena snapped a picture of the two, that was her business, but she sent it to Mike who thanked her. If she also sent it to Molly and the rest of the family… well that was also her business.
'It's Family Games Night tonight,' Helena said, unfortunately causing Harvey to wake from his nap, he was warm snuggled up to Mike, who just kissed him when he pouted.
'Great, can one of them be sleeping tiger?' Harvey asked, trying to return to his place of slumber, but his brothers' threat of cold water being tipped on him was incentive enough to make him wake.
'No Harvey don't be ridiculous. Okay, Bridget, Fred, you two are going to be the captain for the first game. It's the Floor is Lava. Now remember the rules. You touch the ground, you're out. First person to the end, wins a prize. Everybody up,' Helena said, and all of the kids, and adults stood up on a piece of furniture, whilst the kids picked their teams and led the way.
'Mike, you're never going to make that jump,' Peter said, as Mike looked between the table at the stool on the other side, he sighed and told everyone to 'tell Harvey he loves him', then 'fell' into the lava.
At seven, the kids had set up 'The Game of Life'. Harvey and Mike decided to play, as well as Molly, Peter, Braiden, Bridget, and Fred. The others were playing Catan in the other room. As they drew for careers, Harvey surprisingly got 'Teacher', Molly was happy because she got Doctor, Peter was the Sheriff, Braiden was unemployed, Bridget was a Journalist, Fred was an Author, and Mike... he picked his card and then looked at Harvey, who raised an eyebrow at him. He mentioned something about taking Harvey's place as 'the best closer in New York', then showed everyone that he was The Lawyer. Harvey whispered that later, he's going to take Mike upstairs and show him who the best closer is, sending a shiver through the young lawyer's body. Molly winked at him, and Peter subtly reminded the two that there were children in the room. Mike rubbed in that he was a lawyer to Harvey every chance he got. Lily's parents, Luna and Brock had ventured into the living room to check on the Life group and listened in as Harvey debated whether to have children. Mike didn't appear to be listening to the conversation, he was chatting with Fred about a video game that he wanted for Christmas, and Bridget about a new phone that she wanted. Harvey made the choice to have two kids, placing the little men in his car, then handing the dice to Mike. Of course, Mike had heard the conversation, he had pretended not to, so that he wouldn't be drawn into it. He hasn't ever thought about having kids. He didn't know that Harvey wanted kids, he doesn't even know how they would go about having kids. They're not even married. That is probably something they need to think about first. Bridget was about to win the jackpot when coming in behind her was Molly. She retired first, got all the money and promised to fly her and Bridget to Paris for the weekend. Mike looked at her, hands on his hips, and asked where his ticket was, flicking his imaginary hair. Molly told him that he wasn't invited, and Mike raised his head and told her that he was taking the boys and going to Milan. Molly looked over at him, Peter was adamant that he wasn't leaving the United States, and excused himself to the bathroom, but Helena was more than on board to go to Milan with Mike. Harvey, betraying his boyfriend, went to Paris with Molly. Mike faked as though he'd been stabbed in the heart, collapsing on the ground. Molly moved over and pretended that he needed mouth to mouth, yelling silly things to the kids, who giggled and played along, whilst Harvey just smiled and laughed. Helena took another picture.
After they had finished their board games, Mike was asked by the kids to help them build something with Legos. Mike had never really had Legos in his life, but Harvey told him to go and help, so he did. When he entered the den where the kids were situated, he saw the giant Lego Disney Castle, and knelt on the ground. All the kids explained that had to be done, that it was 'basically simple'. Mike chuckled, and grabbed a few pieces, checking the reference guide so they could find where they all went. He's almost forty, and he's playing with Legos. It was amazing how intense the building got. They were so stuck into it, that when Helena told them that it was time for bed, and Mike look at the clock, it was just after ten pm. Mike promised the kids they could continue in the morning, and they all hi-fived him on the way out of the room. Helena told Mike they're starting a game of Uno in the living room, that he 'best go help Harvey', who flicked her ear as she walked past, earning a kick to the shins. Mike chuckled and followed his boyfriend into the living room. Harvey wrapped his arm around Mike's shoulders, playing with the hair at the back of his neck. For the most part, their vacation had been good. Next year, Harvey isn't going to cry as much, and they won't be so depressing to be around. He had also been thinking about hosting next year. His parents had said they had a desire to visit him in New York, and he has the room at the Condo to have them all stay there, besides if he and Mike are living in their new house by then, it will be good too. He hasn't suggested this to his mother though, and it's not because he has anything against Greystone, he loves it here, and he loves spending time with his parents. He doesn't know why he's suddenly thinking about hosting Christmas. He knows the stress that goes into planning and decorating and if he's in New York, Jessica could ask him to work as well… but he thinks that together, he and Mike could pull it off. Peter calls them out to teaming together to win Uno, Helena says that she's more than happy to work with her husband and refuses to sleep with him when he declines. Mike leans his head on Harvey's shoulder, a small smile on his face. He could fall asleep here and wake up like this for the rest of his life.
'Hey mom, I was wondering if I could run something by you,' Harvey said as they settled into the game, Lily looked over at her son.
'Sure dear, what is it?' she asked, taking her turn, then looking at Harvey
'I think you should all come to New York for Christmas next year. Mike and I will host,' Harvey said, and everyone stopped to look at Harvey, before nodding excitedly
'That sounds like a wonderful idea Harvey. I'm looking forward to it already,' Lily replied, then proceeded to win the first round, Harvey smiled, noticing that Mike had fallen asleep on his shoulder.
December 19th, 2017
Greystone Shopping Mall
Greystone, Massachusetts
When Harvey and Mike got downstairs on the morning of the nineteenth, it was literal chaos in the house. People were shouting at kids to 'put shoes on' and calling out whether they had their lists, and who was going to drive. Harvey and Mike watched from the bottom of the stairs, listening to Helena shouting at her kids, 'if they're not in the car in five minutes they're not getting any Christmas presents'. Peter was holding his wife's coat, and handbag, and handed them to her the minute she had the kids out the door. Molly was also shouting after her kids, basically saying the same things to get them to move their butts. Caroline and Marcus stood in the doorway to the living room, he was doing up her jacket, and putting the beanie on her head, and then she ran out to join the others, before he put his own jacket on, grabbing his wallet and keys. Mike and Harvey were still stood, watching the chaos that was the Specters get everything organised. Luna and Brock were the next ones out of the house, shouting to Lily that 'she best get a move on', and Harvey had to chuckle at that, earning a whack to the back of his head from his mother, who quickly ushered her parents out of the house, then followed them over to the cars. Now they're here, at the mall, and Harvey grabs Mike's hand, watching as the kids run off in different directions, and their parents call out to them, threatening to end their Christmases if they don't do as they're told. Harvey and Mike just strolled calmly behind the group, holding hands and basking in the knowledge that they don't have kids running around, they don't have to look after them. Whilst Helena, Molly and their families went off towards Target shop for the kids, Harvey and Mike went with Lily, Richard, Luna, and Brock to some other stores to pick up some last-minute things for Christmas. Whilst they were browsing, Lily was giving Harvey ideas for what he could do for Christmas next year and lamented that she was excited he had offered to host. Harvey followed his mother, taking note of some things he could get, frowning when Mike picked up something that… he would never under the pain of death admit that he liked… but he let him get it, because of the way Mike's face lit up when he held it up. It was a decorative bowl, and Harvey really liked it, but of course, he would never admit it. Maybe it might look nice in my office… he thought to himself as Mike paid for it.
Once the kids had all finished their shopping, the adults traded off looking after the kids, so they could buy the 'Santa' presents. Harvey and Mike decided that they would buy each of the kids one gift from each of them, and caught up with Helena and Peter first, to find out what was one each of the lists, repeating with Molly and Damien, and then Marcus. There was no doubt in his mind, that Mike had gotten him something for Christmas. He doesn't know what it was, but there was a bag, hidden in the back of the closet in his room that had something in it, so he knew that it must've been a Christmas present. Harvey had also gotten Mike something, even though they had said they wouldn't, they always do. It was like when Mike had given Harvey a birthday gift, even though the Closer said that he didn't need or want anything. But it was just a small something, and it was a thoughtful gift, so Harvey couldn't exactly begrudge his boyfriend the opportunity. Harvey had already gotten Mike's gift, actually he'd gotten him two things… the first one was an actual tie that was acceptable to wear to the office… and the other was something that Mike had told him about back when they had first started dating. It's supposed to be a 'thoughtful gift'. He knows that Mike will like it anyway. Lily had asked Harvey is there was anything that she could get to give to Mike, and whilst he knew that his boyfriend would tell him that he didn't need to get anything, Harvey knew that his mother wouldn't take no for an answer, so he pointed out a couple of things he thought Mike might like, and of course one of them was a tie. They all meet up at the food court for lunch, and whilst the kids chow down on their McDonalds, the adults are eating the "healthier" foods. Damien ordered an organic pizza, not realizing that it was a full-size pizza, so he had the idea to take it home and have if for leftovers. Mike was picking at the salad he had chosen, and when he was prodded by Harvey if he was alright, he just nodded, saying that has a headache. The mall was packed with people, doing their last-minute Christmas shopping, trying to control their excited children, lining up to get pictures taken with Santa. Mike smiled, remembering that his mother had taken him to do that once, when he was six. That put a small smile on his face.
'Oh Harvey, do you remember when mom and dad made us all take a picture with Santa?' Damien asked, looking over at Lily who was glaring at her son.
'Yeah, you were a pain in the ass. You still are,' Harvey replied, poking his brother, who flicked him back.
'You were all little shits. Wouldn't sit still, kept complaining. What kids don't like Santa Clause? I will never understand,' Lily said, a smile on her face.
'We were little shits. It took almost an hour just to get us all to calm down and smile. I'll show you the picture when we get back to the house Mike,' Marcus said, earning a glare from Harvey, he just poked his tongue out and winked at Mike who smirked.
They got back from their shopping trip at about four pm. Mike went upstairs to have a nap, whilst Harvey made Marcus swear that he would never bring out that stupid Santa photo. The youngest Specter sibling nodded but crossed his fingers behind his back. Of course, he's going to do that. Anything he can do to embarrass his big brother; he's going to take the opportunity to use against him. Of course, he loves his brother, but he loves embarrassing him more, and Mike deserves to see those pictures. Family is family, and Mike is a part of their family. He and Harvey might not be married yet, but they will be one day, and when that day comes, Marcus will be right there beside his brother. There is more than one type of family, and Mike had already blended with theirs, he's already a part of it. Nothing can change that.
A/N: I promise that Christmas Day is almost here in the story (and real life... sorry not sorry). Thank you, and have a wonderful day! D.
