A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. I put these warnings at the beginning, for your safety. One more chapter before Christmas, and three months till Christmas 2023 in real life. You're welcome. Enjoy this chapter, and the rest of the story. Have a fantastic day. Thanks and enjoy this chapter. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.
The Specter Family Chronicles
Holiday Special Year One
Chapter Fifteen: The Most Wonderful
Time of the Year
December 24th, 2017
Specter Family House
Christmas Eve Night
Greystone, Massachusetts
Mike's panic attack about the 'almost crash' didn't manifest itself until he was alone in the bathroom. He sat on the side of the bath but trying to get his breathing back under control. He hates cars. Hates being in them, hates being near them… he just hates them. When he is in the town car though, he can stand that, Ray is good at driving, and he likes being a car when Ray is driving. Mike closes his eyes and remembers the images of Harvey and his siblings just being ridiculous outside last night, and it seems to calm him down enough so that he can breathe again. Mike was upstairs wrapping presents. The crystal bowl that he brought for Harvey when they were in Whitewater was wrapped and safely tucked away at the back of the Christmas Tree. Harvey had raised an eyebrow at him when he had appeared in the living room to deposit gifts under the tree. Lily was standing guard making sure that no one touched anything with their name on it. Harvey was terrible for doing that as a kid apparently, and Mike laughed, making a statement along the line of 'not surprising'. That had earned him a punishment, that wasn't really a punishment because he 'got off'. The large dining table had been decorated for dinner that night, that Helena was appraising it, in the same way that Harvey sometimes appraises Mike in a suit before they leave for work. Grammy would've loved all of this. She had always wanted a Christmas Eve like this, and Mike remembered her telling him that when she was younger, she would always try to get James, Mike's father, to do something like this, but they never really did. Or if they did, it wasn't as fancy as this. Harvey entered the dining room, holding a glass of what looked to be red wine, and went to pick something off the table, when someone in the kitchen shouted, "no picking Harvey", and he groaned, then grabbed something anyway, winking at Mike who smiled. There was music, Christmas songs, filtering through the house, and hordes of people outside, looking at all the lights. The kids had been interested in seeing all the displays as well, so they're going to do that later. Harvey said they could, only if they were back by ten. He sent Mike a wink when he said it, and Mike just smirked. Lily wanted them seated and eating by seven, it's six forty-five now. They have fifteen minutes. Mike ran upstairs to take his medication, and came back down, having changed into something more suitable for a family dinner. The others had dressed themselves up a little so he figured he could do the same.
They were all seated around the table at seven on the dot. Mike was nursing a glass of red wine, and fielding questions from Brock and Luna about his career and what Harvey was like in and out of the courtroom. Richard and Lily were seated at the ends of the table, as the heads of the family, whilst their parents were sat beside them, and then the kids and in-laws I the middle. The kids had their own table, which they seemed to enjoy, because they didn't have to sit with their parents. Harvey was relaxed as they ate and chatted. His had his arm around Mike's chair, playing with the hair at the back of his neck, telling stories about all the stupid things they had done as kids, and defending himself when someone tried to embarrass him. Mike asked Harvey if he would sing for him on the way home, remembering the conversation with Lily on his first night here, and grinned when Harvey glared at him. Helena told Harvey that he would have to do that for his boyfriend, at some point in their relationship. Marcus then chimed in and said that his daughter has the 'Katy Perry' CD if Harvey wanted to sing along to the songs on that. Mike chuckled, and Harvey decided it was wholly appropriate to throw food at his brother, who dodged it, then threw something back. Lily chimed in then, stating that if they make a mess, they can clean it up, and then they're both grounded. Marcus rebutted with the fact that he's an 'adult and can't be grounded' but shrunk back in his chair when his mother turned to glare at him. Helena started a game of Never Have I Ever, whilst Lily, Molly and Mike helped to tidy things up. Whilst they were in the kitchen, they heard shouting and then cheers, and then the kids were running into the room, followed by Peter, who said that they needed to be escorted out of the room before 'Helena says anything else to scar them'. Mike chuckled, and the kids made themselves comfortable on the couch, watching Christmas movies. Mike wandered back into the dining room, just as the game was wrapping up, and sat down beside his boyfriend, who immediately kissed him, earning jeers from Damien. Harvey flipped him the bird, continuing to kiss Mike. Luna and Brock went in to join the kids watching movies, and Molly declared that she is the winner of the game, because she isn't half-drunk. Mike looked at her, as she stumbled when she stood up, and had to laugh because… she might be a lot more than a little drunk…
'Want to go upstairs and have some fun?' Harvey whispered in Mike's ear, causing the younger man to jump a little, as Harvey ran his hand up Mike's thigh
'We have to go and see the lights Harvey… that was… uh… that's… oh you are an evil barstard…' Mike said, as Harvey ran his hand over Mike's crotch over the fabric, and squeezed
'Can you really wait until we come back from seeing all those lights Michael?' Harvey whispered again, nipping at Mike's earlobe
'Can you?' Mike asked, standing, and moving away from Harvey, causing the older man to groan and glare at him, Mike just smirked and went into the foyer
Once they had finished eating and had cleaned up, the family rugged themselves up in their warm clothes, and headed out to look at some of the lights. As soon as the kids got out of the house, they began running around and meeting up with other kids, calling out to their parents. Helena and Peter were telling them all to slow down, they have plenty of time, and heaps of houses to look at. Molly and Damien walked just behind Helena and Peter, who were ahead of the pack, whilst Caroline stayed close to her dad, and Lily, Richard, Luna, Brock and Mitchell dawdled not too far behind Harvey and Mike. As they walked, they looked at the houses, decorated for the festive season, and the town, lights wrapped around lamp posts, store fronts decorated with fake snow and lights, banners hung saying 'Merry Christmas from Greystone, Mass,' on them. Snow was falling, but only lightly. It didn't even stick, you couldn't tell, but it was cold. There were a few people out with their families. Along the way, they met up with Trevor and Bella, who had been spending their holidays just exploring and getting to know one another. Whilst Mike and Harvey hung back a bit, the others moved forward quickly. They had come to stop just outside a small lane of shops that Mike hadn't been down before. He and Harvey snuck away from the chaos, and walked down the quiet street, still hearing the shouting and music coming from the parade not too far from them. They were talking about what had happened in Target today. Harvey told Mike that it's never too early to talk about something. They need to be able to talk about it. Mike said that he wants kids, not right now but in the future, and Harvey said that he wanted that as well. Having both agreed that it was something they wanted, the decided that they would wait until they're married, before they bring it up again, but promised that they would talk about it. Harvey asked Mike how he was feeling on the new medication, and the younger man said that he is feeling better. Then he mentioned the panic attack he'd had this afternoon after the 'almost crash' at the mall. Harvey's arm tightened around his shoulders and he pressed a kiss to Mike's temple, telling him that he loves him. They met back up with the group of people, leaving the small lane of shops, just as the parade was turning the corner.
Mike had never seen the Christmas Parade in New York. Harvey made a mental note to put that on the itinerary for next year. Whilst they were chatting, Harvey mentioned something about Jessica mentioning a client who was in LA, who they're going to have to go and see, and she's sending the two of them to sign him to the firm. Mike lamented that he has never been to LA, that his parents had planned to take him to Disneyland on his twelfth birthday, but obviously, that never happened. Donna would make it happen in a heartbeat, and Harvey thought that maybe he could convince Jessica to let them stay a couple of extra days in LA so Mike could experience Disney, but it was put to the back of his mind when he heard his mother shouting something at someone. He and Mike ran over to the commotion, and saw that Bruce had returned, not having returned to Alabama as Greta had said he had. Richard was on the ground, and Harvey immediately ran over to his father to help him, whilst Marcus and Damien stood in front of Mike, to protect him from their Uncle. Callum somehow made his way over to Mike, and the young lawyer told him to stay beside him, the boy just nodded. There were police everywhere. Richard was fine, his brother had just punched him, but Harvey and the others were furious. They told Bruce to 'go back home', but he didn't listen. He was swinging something around, calling out that his son was going to 'die' that he's 'going to hell', and that Mike and Harvey are to blame. Mike's eyes found Harvey's and a silent conversation between the two occurred, then Richard told his brother that he needs to calm down. Mitchell stepped in between his two sons, telling Bruce that he was not raised to hate, that he was raised to love all, including his children, and that if he doesn't start doing that, he'll be cut off. Bruce told his dad to go away, but Mitchell didn't move. It was soon discovered that Bruce had a baseball bat that he was swinging. He raised it, going to hit his dad, but Harvey pushed his grandfather out of the way and took the hit to the chest. Mike was beside him in an instant, as was Molly. He knelt, getting Harvey to look at him, asking him if he could follow his breathing, whilst Molly ran an examination. Mitchell was helped back to his feet by Richard, and Bruce stood off to the side, just watching the scene. Most of the other people had disappeared with the parade so it was just them. Harvey was wheezing.
'Harvey, baby let Molly examine you. Babe, let her help you,' Mike said, grabbing Harvey's face, as he nodded
'He doesn't have any broken ribs as far as I can tell. I don't know for sure without an x-ray, but it might just be that the shock of the blow is what is doing it. Harvey, do you feel lightheaded at all?' Molly asked, and Harvey answered by shaking his head
'Guess it's my turn to look after you now huh? All those times you've had to do this for me, now I can finally pay you back,' Mike said, as he helped Harvey to his feet.
'Is Grandpa, okay?' Harvey asked, looking over to see his grandfather, standing beside his dad, the man just smiled and waved
After what had happened at the parade, Mike and Harvey decided they would head home, whilst the others enjoyed the rest of the parade. Bruce had been taken to the police station by the cops, and Mitchell and Richard had gone there to help them out. Mike couldn't hold back the tears when they got back to the house, and Harvey removed his shirt. The older lawyer just pulled him into a hug, promising that he's fine, he's just a little winded. He was lucky he was wearing so many layers, the bat didn't do nearly as much damage, instead just knocking the air out of his lungs, instead of seriously breaking something. Mike had gotten a taste of the worry that Harvey must've had after his attack and made him promise that he wouldn't do something like that again, even though he did it for a good reason. The closer just hugged Mike, kissing him and apologizing. Not one for letting them dwell on the bad part of the night, Harvey reminded Mike of his family's tradition of 'having sex in your childhood bed on Christmas Eve'. Mike mentioned that they've already done that 'heaps before now', but Harvey just pushed him on to his back, removing his shirt, and kissing his way down Mike's chest, until he reached the waistband of the pants Mike was wearing. The hungry look in his eyes made Mike's heart fill with warmth, and he fisted Harvey's hair, pulling the man up to him, and kissing him. He felt the button on his pants being undone, then unzipped, then he felt a hand wrap around his already half-hard member, stroking it slowly, as Harvey nipped at his neck, his jaw, his chest, sucking on a nipple. Mike bucked his hips into the touch, giving Harvey the go ahead to strip them out of the rest of their clothes. Once they were both naked, Harvey reached into the nightstand to grab the lube, almost forgetting what he was doing when Mike got a hand on both and started stroking. Harvey deposited what they needed on the bed, and then kissed Mike, full on the lips, whilst lubing up his fingers. The first one he slowly inserted into Mike, smirking when his boyfriend made a sound low in the back of his throat and said his name in that way that Harvey goes nuts for. Mike was already panting when Harvey inserted the second finger and began scissoring. Mike was just trying control his breathing but ended up panting Harvey's name as his boyfriend prepped him.
Once Harvey was sure that Mike was prepped enough, he removed his fingers, hearing the whine from his boyfriend at the loss. He slicked himself up, Mike wrapped a leg around Harvey's waist, giving the man the perfect position. Harvey didn't wait, he couldn't any longer he had to be inside Mike. He thrust into the beautiful man beneath him, both moaning. Harvey pulled out slowly, almost to the head, teasing, then slammed back in so that he was completely seated within Mike. The younger man moaned underneath him, begging Harvey to move forward, and as hard as he tried not to beg he couldn't help it and found himself chanting Harvey's name. A tongue teasing a nipple, little nibbles on his sensitive neck, the sounds that Harvey was making about him. Then their lips collided, the thrusts got quicker, Mike gripped the sheets in time with Harvey's movements. He could feel himself racing to the end, and he didn't want this to ever end, the feeling that overwhelmed his senses, made him lose control, but in the best way possible. He loves this feeling; he wants to keep this feeling. He heard Harvey whisper in his ear, in the most seductive way, that he wanted Mike to come for him, and the young man did… beautifully between them, as Harvey gave a few more thrusts, and then unleashed inside his gorgeous boyfriend, collapsing onto Mike, to give the final abortive thrusts. Mike's body shuddered a little as Harvey moved to pull out of Mike. He rolled himself over, and grabbed a tissue from the nightstand, cleaning his boyfriend up, before crawling back into the bed beside Mike, and pulling the blanket over them both. Mike found the warmth of Harvey's body beside him, and curled up to him, resting his head on Harvey's chest, hearing the beat of his heart beneath him, hand lightly caressing the sternum, as Harvey's ran through his hair. The closer pressed a kiss to Mike's head, wrapping an arm around his waist. These are the nights they sleep the best, when they're blissed out of their minds, coming down from sex, just curled up to one another. Harvey never wants to miss these moments. He never wants to wake up without Mike curled up beside him. Everything smells like Mike. He can't explain it, it just smells like him. Mike is peppering soft kisses across his chest, where the bruise had started to form, but it doesn't hurt Harvey. Not too much. Once they hear the commotion from downstairs, they settle back in the warmth of the blanket and each other.
'Was that the perfect Christmas eve sex in your childhood bed moment?' Mike asked, feeling the vibration of Harvey chuckling above him
'Every moment I spend with you is perfect Mike. Not just the sex. But yes, it was better than I imagined it would be,' the older man replied, kissing Mike when he tilted his head up, he went to deepen it, but there was a knock on the door
'Harvey, dear how are you feeling? Do you need anything? How is your chest?' Lily asked, smiling, not even seeming to care that her son might be naked under the duvet, Mike hid himself under the covers
'I'm fine mother. Tell the others that too. Mom… I love you but please… can you get out of my room?' Harvey asked, as his mother moved closer to the bed, she winked at Mike, told Harvey to use a cream to lessen the show of the bruise, then left the room, closing the door behind her
'Still perfect in your mind Harvey?' Mike asked, smirking trying to get out of Harvey's grip when he starts tickling him, peppering kisses anywhere he can.
December 25th, 2017
Specter Family House
Christmas Day Morning
Greystone, Massachusetts
It was five am when the door to Harvey's room burst open. Mike heard someone shouting, and jumping on the bed, and then there was silence. He cracked an eye open, just in time to see Marcus run into the room, but before he could react, the youngest Specter was jumping onto the bed, telling them to get up. Mike groaned and mumbled to Harvey asked what time it was. The closer sighed, rubbing his eyes before answering that it was five am. Then he said that they 'do Christmas early in this house'. Mike groaned again, mumbling something about it being 'too early', but Harvey was sitting up. Mike said something else, kissing Harvey's chest, mumbling that he doesn't need to go downstairs for his gift he'll just 'unwrap Harvey instead', hand moving down to stroke his boyfriend, mouth working at his jaw, and nipple, and biting at the earlobe. Harvey tried to fight it, he wanted to just let Mike take him. Harvey gasped, not expecting the touch, but quickly jumped out of the bed. Mike reached for him, but Harvey darted towards the bathroom, telling Mike that he'll have to 'get up if he wants him'. Mike groaned, burying his head in the pillows. He heard the shower turn on, then got up. He stalked into the bathroom and got into the shower behind Harvey. The older man, chuckled, only having a second to adjust to what was happening, then Mike thrust into his hole, Harvey screamed and moaned at the same time, pleasure starting to rip through him. Mike worked fast. In and out, teasing Harvey's nipples with his fingers, the water cascading over their bodies, acting as a lubricant. Harvey couldn't deny that this was hot. Whenever Mike takes him like this… he's hard thinking about it. Mike reaches down to stroke Harvey, then turns him around so he's facing the vanity, and tells him to brace himself on it. Harvey does, providing the perfect angle for Mike to 'fuck him to heaven'. Harvey was on the edge, he was moaning Mike's name, begging (which he will deny later) for release, but Mike came first, shooting into his boyfriends' tight hole, then Harvey came. Mike stilled for a moment, before pulling out, and turning Harvey to face him, pulling him in for a kiss. They just stayed that way, until they heard banging on the bathroom door, then Helena shouting that if they're not downstairs in the next five minutes, they're all coming into that bathroom, whether he and Mike are dressed or not. They finished their shower, and got dressed, then headed down to the living room, where everyone was gathered around, the kids bouncing excitedly up and down, waiting for Harvey and Mike. The two men curled up together on the sofa, and then the kids began opening their presents.
The kids opened all their presents first. Caroline opened a pretty purple princess costume that Harvey and Mike had brought for her, off of the list provided by Marcus, and thought that someone would call the police because the girl screamed so loudly in excitement, jumping up and down and showing her dad what she got. Marcus smiled, excited for his girl, and told her to thank Uncle Harvey and Mike. She ran over to them, and hugged them both, Harvey just hugged Mike closer when he looked over at him after he was referred to as 'Uncle Mike'. The rest of the present opening was smooth for the kids. Braiden almost lost his mind when he opened a PlayStation Four, from Harvey and Mike (Helena had begged them to buy it for him), and some games from his parents. Bridget had received probably one of the best gifts she had ever gotten for Christmas, a laptop for school. She spent the day just hugging her mother and father. Fred got his dream gift of merch from his favourite sports team, and tickets to the game, for him and his dad. Sandy thought that her new gaming system, the Nintendo Switch, and the two games she got with it were the coolest thing ever. Diego's present required a lot of batteries and building skills. He got two different Lego builds. One was for Hogwarts (that one was from Mike and Harvey) and one was for the Disney Castle (which was from his parents). He was so psyched, he wanted to start building it right away. There were gifts from grandma and grandpa, and from cousins and aunts and uncles. At about seven, when the kids had finally finished opening all their presents, they were sent to the den to play with them, and the adults were left to open their gifts. Helena went first. She picked up one of the gifts from Harvey and Mike and handed an identical one to Molly. The two lawyers watched with delight as they opened the presents and saw the Louis Vuitton label. Then watched as Helena and Molly literally screamed when they saw the purses, they had been looking at yesterday, that Harvey had secretly brought for them. Helena and Molly both hugged the boys, thanking them, and trying to explain to their husbands the importance of the gifts, to no avail. Harvey also brought his mother something from Louis Vuitton, a beautiful broach that could also be a necklace. Mike smiled as he shared a loving hug with his mother. Mike was surprised when he was handed a box, identical to the ones the siblings got. Each of the Specter siblings had been knitted (by Lily) a sweater with their name on it. Mike chuckled, only thinking of Harry Potter references whilst Harvey held it up, trying to hide his distaste for the item.
'Harvey, you have to put it on,' Mike said, laughing when his boyfriend glared at him.
'Mike I am not putting this on… right now,' he said, to appease the look on his mother's face.
'You're not getting any more kisses from me, until you put it on,' Mike replied, smirking as Harvey stood up and pulled the sweater on
'Happy?' he asked, Mike nodded and took a picture then Harvey bent down so Mike could kiss him… and he did.
When Mike opened his box from Lily, he saw that she had knitted him a scarf with his initials stitched into the bottom of it. He immediately wrapped it around his neck, thanking her, then hid his head in Harvey's shoulder as the tears overflowed. His boyfriend held him, knowing the reason he was emotional, but he didn't say anything. Everyone asked if he was alright, and Mike, feeling embarrassed, wiped the last tears from his eyes, and apologised saying that he loved it. No one said anything else, figuring that it wasn't the time. They went on opening gifts. Lily had brought Richard some new tools for his shed, and some new books for his study. The grandparents had each gotten a box of chocolates and the clothes they had chosen, as well as something small from each of the kids. Peter brought Helena tickets to Italy, and Molly spent the rest of the morning glaring at Damien. Harvey had gotten a box of 'gag' gifts from his sister, including silly little prank games and a drinking game, that apparently, he could use everytime he 'lost' a case. Mike muttered something about it 'never being opened', and Helena raised an eyebrow at him, smirking, whilst Harvey just grinned proudly. Mike had been waiting for the moment that Helena would find the gift from him to Harvey, and he was grateful that she was handing out the presents. When Harvey took the gift, he looked at Mike, who shrugged and just said that he 'saw it and couldn't resist'. Everyone waited with bated breath as Harvey opened the box, noticing that the packaging was from Whitewater. He looked over at Mike, who smirked. When Harvey pulled out the crystal bowl that Mike had brought whilst they were away, he was immediately shocked. He lifted it up, and everyone was commenting on how 'gorgeous it was' and how 'amazing' it looked. Mike asked Harvey if he liked it, and he just kissed him, asking him how on earth he had managed to sneak it home without him realizing it, telling him the story of Molly pushing him into the random shop. At the same time, they both said that it will be 'perfect on the mantle above the fireplace' and chuckled before kissing. Mike made a joke that Harvey better have 'gotten him something nice to match' and Helena made a comment about the price, to which Harvey said to Mike that he's the one who 'gets the card statements'. Mike just shrugged, fiddling with the scarf. Harvey hugged him close and whispered thank you, kissing him and flipping off the rest of the room when the hollered at them.
They were getting towards the end, and Lily had moved into the kitchen to start making breakfast. Helena and Harvey were discussing some things for next year when they have Christmas in New York. He was giving her a list of things they could do, and how the light shows go, and when the parade is. He also mentioned that they can all stay at the condo, because there is plenty of room. Lily called to her son that she and Richard will be demanding the biggest room, to which Harvey said that she and her father could have the biggest guest room, because he and Mike have the master room. Peter was excited to be going to New York at Christmas. He's been to the city, but never at Christmas time, and he and Helena rarely get this kind of opportunity away from work, and the kids will be older, so they'll love it more as well. Marcus had given Mike a bottle of Whiskey, that they both liked to drink, and Mike promised to show him how to make 'The Cocktail', to which Molly shouted that she also wanted one. The youngest Specter had also given Mike a book. The Karma Sutra. Harvey raised an eyebrow at his brother, who wasn't making eye contact with them. Mike asked if Marcus had used the book before he gave it to him, because it looked well read. Harvey chuckled, and Marcus blushed, before admitting that 'so what if he had'. Mike laughed along with the others, and then opened it to a random page, showing Harvey, and stating that they're apparently 'going to try that'. The older man took the book, kissing Mike when he pouted and told him that he could have it back when he's older. Mike poked him in the side. The last thing that Marcus had given to Mike, was a picture of Harvey. He was about nineteen, and he was wearing… a skinny tie. Mike gasped when he saw it, immediately shouting to Harvey that he can 'no longer deny they're stupid'. Harvey looked furious, looking over at his brother who was smirking, before asking Mike to give him back the picture, and that if he knows what's good for him, he won't 'share it'. Mike mumbled that he's 'already faxed it to Donna', and Harvey pounced on him, tickling him, and saying that Mike is going to 'be punished'. There was laughter, and then the two lawyers were kissing. They settled to eat for an hour, then came back to open the last of the gifts. One of the last ones were from Harvey to Mike. The first gift Mike opened was a flower press. He smiled. The second one… he opened an envelope and inside was a preserved white Lily flower. He looked up at Harvey.
'It's the First one of the season,' the man said, hugging Mike close when he hid himself away, letting the tears overflow for the second time, as he realised what that meant.
'I can't believe you remembered that story,' Mike whispered, looking at the flower again, then at Harvey
'Of course, I remembered it. Merry Christmas Mikey,' Harvey said, and Mike kissed him.
'Merry Christmas. I love you,' he said, hugging him again.
Two Months Ago
October 10th, 2017
The Story
New York, NY
Mike's father, at the beginning of every new season, would pick a flower. The first one that he saw in bloom. James was a simple man. He liked to give gifts that let people know how he felt, how he saw them, and he loved Nina. More than anything. Their first Christmas together as a couple, he gave her a flower like this. It had become a tradition. He would take that flower and preserve it in a flower press preserver. Then, in December, he would give her the flower. He used to say that this was a sign, that love is ever lasting, that it needs to be preserved, but it is always beautiful. There hadn't ever been a moment in his life where he thought anything other than 'beauty and grace' when it came to things like this. Nina had never wanted some fancy gift, she had always loved the small, simple things that James had gotten for her. Edith always used to say that 'the simplest of gifts fills a heart more, than an expensive one that empties the pocket'. She had loved that expression. It had stuck with her, through every anniversary, every birthday and Christmas. Every Valentine's Day. She had started doing the flowers for James as well, and he would always smile, kiss her, and tell her he loved her. It was their thing. Of course, as they got older, and their lives got busier, they would forget, things would get in the way, they wouldn't have time. Then one Christmas, whilst Nina was nursing their newborn son, James presented her with a 'Nina' flower. He had been researching different kinds of flowers. This one he presented to her with a card, to explain the meaning behind the flower: The 'Nina' Flower has yellow flowers, and typically matures as a rounded shrub. It can grow to be 10-12' tall and as wide. This flower blooms along bare stems, from mid-to late winter. Each flower has four, narrow, ribbon-line, curled and crinkled, yellow petals (each 7/8" long). It was the first time a flower had been presented to her by James that had meaning other than just 'I love you'. Of course, this meant that as well, but it was nice to know that their romance was still alive, even after the birth of their baby. After that, the Ross' kind of forgot their tradition, and their flower press ended up wrapped up in an old box and given to Edith after their passing. It had a note attached, that it was to be passed on to their son when he was old enough. Edith had given it to Harvey before she passed. Mike had told this story to his boyfriend when he saw the press, and Harvey had planned then, to carry on the tradition that Mike's parents had started so long ago. He wanted Mike to have something of his parents, and if this little thing was something he could do, then that would be it. He promised Edith that he would take good care of it and give it to Mike when the time was right.
December 25th, 2017
Specter Family House
Christmas Day Afternoon
Greystone, Massachusetts
After all the presents were opened, and all the breakfast eaten, it was full steam ahead for lunch in the Specter House. Mike had gone outside to stand on the backyard balcony, facing into the house, watching the chaos that was going on inside. He was leaning back on the railing, a small smile on his face. If he thought that he knew what Christmas was like before, he was wrong. This is what Christmas is really supposed to be like. The fact that he now has this whole family, something he never thought would happen, and that Harvey would be… the man that he envisioned spending the rest of his life with… he never thought that would ever happen. It had taken them too long, dancing around one another, pretending that things wouldn't work. It was just something silly that finally made them act on their feelings, and if Mike had known that this is what he was missing… this… this feeling… this scene… he would've jumped Harvey earlier. That thought made him chuckle. The snow was coming down, but it wasn't thick. Mike made his way down to the backyard, just kicking the snow along as he walked. He didn't even care that he wasn't wearing appropriate snow attire. There was just something so… innocent about the whole thing. Like when they were watching the kids open their gifts, that innocence in their eyes… Mike missed that. He wanted that back in his life. Harvey found his boyfriend, leaning against the water feature fountain, that was frozen. He wrapped his arms around Mike, whispering something in his ear about 'wandering off a mountain', but Mike just smiled, turned around in Harvey's arms, and smiled. Then he bent down, picked up some snow, and threw it at Harvey. The grin on Mike's face was infectious. Harvey tried to look mad. He tried, but the smile was overpowering, and soon he was chasing Mike around the backyard. What made the situation better, was the fact that the rest of the family came barreling outside, kids included. The snowball fight was the best (and only) Mike had ever had, and whilst he was pinned underneath Harvey's body, they shared a kiss… and it was enough to say everything they needed to in that moment. A little while later, Lily called them all in for lunch. By this time, Trevor and Bella had arrived, as well as Greta and the kids. Bruce was still in the lock-up, Mitchell had gone to see his son, asking if he could be civil, but the man had just yelled and screamed. He figured his son was better left there.
'This is nothing like my families Christmases,' Trevor said to Mike as they watched the chatter going on around them
'No, but they weren't all that bad,' Mike said, and Trevor nodded he turned to look at Mike
'I'm glad that you're happy Mike. Really. You deserve it, so does Harvey,' Trevor said, extending his hand, and Mike shook it, pulling his old friend in for a hug
'Thanks, you deserve it as well Trevor. Don't hurt her,' Mike said, warning tone, and Trevor nodded, sharing his 'scouts honour' with Mike, who just laughed and punched his shoulder
A/N: It's almost Christmas in real life, and now it's finally Christmas in this story. Enjoy this story, and have a wonderful day, and be nice to people, because they'll be nice to you back. D.
