A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. I put these warnings at the beginning, for your safety. It's finally Christmas time! Woo, only three days to go until the big day. Happy Holidays, in whatever way you celebrate it, I hope that it's a great year, and you spend time with the people who matter most to you. 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 Nineteen: New Year's Wishes and

New Year's Kisses

December 31st, 2017

New Year's Eve

Evening, 10pm

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

Mike had never had anyone to kiss on New Year's Eve. Sure, he'd had partners, but they'd never been around long enough to have that coveted "New Year's Kiss". It's different with friends as well. Rachel had kissed him on the cheek, and that was nice. But this year, he has Harvey, and if the closer thinks that he isn't kissing Mike when the clock strikes twelve, then he's mistaken… and if there is one thing Mike knows… it's that Harvey hates making mistakes. Which is why, when he mentions this to his boyfriend, he finds himself trapped between Harvey, and their bed, whilst he is slowly stripped out of his clothing. They've been drinking, but they're not drunk. Downstairs, the party is in full swing. The kids had challenged themselves to stay up until midnight, and Mike had challenged himself to get Harvey to kiss him. Right now, he just wants to be fucked by Harvey. He just wants his boyfriend inside him. Sensing that this might be the case, Harvey begins to prep Mike, the first finger causing the younger man to arch off the bed, as Harvey hits the sweet spot. Mike makes a loud noise, no one can hear them, the music is too loud. But if they're gone from the party too long, he's afraid they might come upstairs looking for them, and last time they caught them having sex, he doesn't want that to happen… he loses his train of thought as Harvey inserts another finger, whispering things in his ear about what he wants to do to Mike. The younger man is panting. Like the fucking puppy that he is. He preens again when Harvey hits that sweet spot, and it only takes a moment after that, before he feels his boyfriend enter him. Mike moans loudly, Harvey's name rolls off his tongue. Their bodies are tangled together, their kisses are frantic, Harvey isn't moving against Mike's wishes for him to fucking move… the younger man is trying to push down, but Harvey just pulls out. He asks if Mike is ready, and only getting a nod from the younger man, he smiles, then thrusts into the hot, tight hole, going in deeper than he's ever been before, seeing his boyfriend pleasure wrecked beneath him, sweat beading on his forehead, nipples raw from Harvey's earlier ministrations… he's sure he has hickies all over his body, he's thrumming with pleasure… Harvey pulls out and then thrusts back in again, setting a brutal pace. Mike moans and groans and screams Harvey's name, their tongues dancing when they kiss. Then, Mike comes between them, and the sound he makes, makes Harvey also come, pressing his body against Mike's to shoot out and fill his lover completely. They both collapse on to the bed, sated and coming down from their highs.

By the time they rejoin the party downstairs, it's almost eleven forty-five pm. Trevor and Bella have arrived, and they're standing in the kitchen chatting with Peter and Damien when Harvey and Mike reappear. They look less stressed somehow, and Damien sends his brother a wink, before going to find his wife, see if she wants to… de-stress before the ball drop. Mike's thinks about next year, how they're going to be in New York for New Year's. The city comes alive during the holidays, so it's going to be good. Trevor strikes up a conversation with Harvey, and surprisingly, the older lawyer is… nice. He doesn't make sarcastic comments or threaten bodily harm. Mike smiles, pouring himself a drink of soda. He really doesn't want to drink right now. Noticing this, Harvey frowns slightly, but Mike just shakes his head. Trevor continues to chat with Harvey, and Bella makes her best effort to bond with Mike, but he can tell that she's uncomfortable. Whether it's because she doesn't know him, or something else, he doesn't know, regardless he chats with her, asks her how she and Trevor met, lets her in on some secrets, and then dodges questions about how he knows things about her boyfriend. He just smiles and says that they're "old friends". She doesn't question anything else, but she does shoot Trevor a strange look, then walks off. Mike turns back to find Harvey and Trevor still talking. He moves into the living room to stand with the others. They have ten minutes until midnight. Ten minutes until he gets his New Year's kiss. One of his resolutions is to be kissed on New Year's Eve. Tomorrow, he and Harvey must pack up and head back to New York, so they can be back to work on the second, and to be honest, he is going to miss this. Hanging out with Harvey's family… he will miss it… nothing about going back to work excites Mike, not like it usually does. He's also afraid about Harvey returning to the person he was before they came here. He loves Harvey, he always will. But New York Harvey, he is shut off, harsh, a bit of an asshole. Here, he's been able to be free somehow. Mike hopes that his boyfriend won't lose that when they get back home. Harvey wraps an arm around his waist as they begin counting down with the rest of the family. Mike smiles, watching all the people around him, smiling, shouting numbers, and he can't help but smile. He's so distracted, that he misses the "HAPPY NEW YEAR", so when Harvey turns him to face him, and presses a kiss to his lips, Mike wraps his arms around the man's neck, and presses their lips together. His first resolution is done.

January 1st, 2018

12:03 am

Specter Family House

New Year's Day

Greystone, Massachusetts

It has only been 2018 for three minutes, and already Mike has completed two of his 'resolutions'. Harvey was still drinking with his siblings, Mike reminded him that he still needed to drive home today, and Harvey nodded, just kissing his cheek. Mike decided to head up to bed, hugging all the Specter's, wishing them a Happy New Year, then heads upstairs. He's changing into his sleepwear, when the door opens and Harvey enters, before closing the door again. Mike doesn't say much, just climbs into bed whilst Harvey changes into his own clothes. Mike has already snuggled himself down into the bed, when Harvey climbs in, he kisses Mike, pulling him close and whispering Happy New Year. Feeling a little guilty for making him miss the party, Mike tells him that he didn't have to come upstairs, but Harvey smiled and said that they're all heading to bed anyway, which was backed up when he heard the rest of the family shouting and talking as they reached the second story landing. Mike smiled, placing a hand on Harvey's cheek, caressing it softly. He curled himself up to Harvey, and they fell asleep. It's a three-hour drive back to New York, so Mike doesn't know what time Harvey wants to leave, but it's been the best holiday… the best vacation that Mike has had so far. He's looking forward to getting back to work though, filling the day with stupid cases, and listening to Louis babble on about shit, and Donna tell him that she needs a 'wingman' to help her pick up guys (which Harvey doesn't like, but Mike thinks he's more afraid of what Donna will do if he doesn't let Mike go with her). He wants to have gossip sessions with Rachel, and amicable short conversations with Jessica. He has missed working, the structure. Yes, he's loved having the freedom that they've had on this vacation, and he doesn't want to lose what he has with Harvey right now. He's afraid that his boyfriend will revert back to his old self when they return to the city, and he doesn't know if he'll be able to handle that. At work, it's different. They keep their personal and professional lives relatively separate (you know, except for that time they had sex in the file room, or in Harvey's office, or the other time in the file room…) most of the time they are professional at work. Harvey doesn't fall asleep as quickly as Mike. He lies there, watching his boyfriend sleeping, a small smile on his face. Mike is so content when he isn't plagued by nightmares. This has been an amazing vacation, and Harvey is excited for the next stage of their relationship… and to get back into routine… but he'll get to wake up every morning and go to bed every night with Mike beside him. He counts that as a win.

When Harvey woke in the morning, it was to an empty bed. He rolled over, and heard the water running in the bathroom, figuring that Mike was in the shower. He sat up, rubbing a hand down his face. He can feel the slight twinge of a headache, but he isn't hungover. Some food and juice will help him get rid of this feeling. He doesn't want to be all day getting back to New York, so they might leave just after lunch. Harvey sat back against the headboard. He had all these ideas in his head about the things that he wanted to accomplish this year. He already has his name on the wall. He can tick that off. He has Mike. He can tick that off. The main thing he wants to do this year… is ask Mike to marry him. He hasn't run this past Donna yet, but he's quite sure that his secretary has secretly been planning their wedding since before he and Mike even got together. Hell, she's probably been planning it since before they even met. Harvey doesn't usually do "resolutions", he sees them more as "goals", but asking Mike to marry him… that doesn't sound right as a goal. He is absolutely going to need Donna's help in planning it, and he must make sure that everything is perfect. Jessica had sent him a list of things that the firm is looking into doing this year as well, so they have those things to look forward to too, he supposes that Louis had a lot to do with most of them. The bathroom door opened, and Mike re-entered the bedroom dressed in a navy-blue button-down shirt, and black jeans. His hair was still wet, and the smile he shot Harvey was one that reached his eyes. The older lawyer got out of bed, and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist, kissing his neck, ear and temple, before smacking his butt and going to take his own shower, sending a wink to Mike who just winked back. The younger lawyer was beginning to pack their things, making sure their Christmas gifts, and his birthday presents were tucked safely away to prevent damage. In amongst the cleaning that Mike was doing, he found the picture that Marcus had given him of Harvey wearing a skinny tie and chuckled to himself. He can't wait for Donna to see this. Mike was almost done packing their things when Harvey exited the room, wearing a grey Henley t-shirt and jeans. He kissed Mike as he caught him walking past, both men smiling as they wrapped their arms around one another. The bedroom door opened suddenly, and the siblings all stood in the threshold, grinning like idiots.

'Can I help you?' Harvey asked, not letting go of Mike, who had buried his face in Harvey's shoulder.

'One last hoorah before you head off Harv?' Damien said, holding up a fistful of snow.

'DAMIEN MITCHELL SPECTER. YOU GET DOWN HERE AND CLEAN THIS SNOW UP AND THEN TAKE IT OUTSIDE AND LEAVE IT THERE!' Richard shouted from the bottom of the stairs, and the other chuckled at the scolding of their sibling.

'Okay Dad… you guys' suck…' Damien said, sighing as he went downstairs to clean everything up

It was almost noon by the time Harvey and Mike had packed the car for their trip back to New York. Molly and Damien were also leaving today, and had planned to also be leaving by noon, but the kids and things… they're getting there. Mike and Harvey hugged each member of the family, promising they would catch up at some point during the year, and Lily reminded Mike that if he ever needs to talk or just wants to visit, their door is always open. He smiled and thanked her. Richard hugged him, he wasn't expecting it, but the man did, thanking him for giving him back his son. Mike smiled and nodded. The siblings and kids all said their goodbye's, planning catch ups and play dates and facetime chats. Harvey and Mike got into the car and waved until they could no longer see the house. Harvey smiled, grabbing Mike's hand, and pressing a kiss to it as they drove through the streets of Greystone. Mike spotted Calliope Park, and smiled, remembering what he had told Helena. That was a resolution of his that he hoped would come true in the near future. As Harvey hit the edge of town, Mike couldn't help but smile. Yes, it's sad that their vacation is coming to an end, but it was an amazing one, and it will never be over, because he has an eidetic memory. He'll never forget it. Another of his resolutions was to get Harvey to sing in the car, as his mother said that he did when he first met her. He didn't want to push his boyfriend into doing it though, so when a song Mike liked came on, he was "singing" along, playing on his phone, when he heard Harvey singing beside him. He subtly took videos and a photo, knowing that he would be the only one to ever see them (or maybe Donna if she threatens to hurt him), but that's okay. Harvey shot him a 'tell anyone and I'll fire you' look, but Mike just smiled and winked. The three hours it took them to get back to New York seemed to drag on, especially because they stopped to get gas, and had something to eat, and just took their time, especially in the heavy traffic going back into Manhattan. When they finally reached the condo, and Harvey had parked in the garage, turning the engine off, Mike took a deep breath and smiled. He doesn't need to ask Harvey to drive him home because this is his home now. Most of his stuff had been put in storage, and they could work out what he wanted and get rid of the rest. As they got their bags, locked the car, and made their way over to the private elevator, the lateness of the day seemed to dawn on them, and Mike felt like he just needed to sleep.

Once inside the penthouse, Harvey took their bags (mostly his) to their bedroom, and dumped them there, telling Mike not to worry about that now. In the five minutes after Mike had 'laid down just for a minute' he was asleep. Harvey dozed off as well, and when they woke, it was dark outside, and the clock read 9:07 in bright, red letters. It was too late for dinner, but they didn't care. Harvey ordered a pizza, they both changed into comfy clothes, and Mike put a movie in. Once their pizza had arrived, they curled together on the couch to eat it, watching the movie. In the morning, they must return to work. Harvey groaned as he set the alarm for the morning, knowing that tomorrow is going to turn into a shit storm, because Donna had emailed him some briefs about their case, and apparently one of Jessica's clients is coming after them. Vanderstrom is owned by Stephen Vanders, and his long-time partner, and friend, Michael Strom. Their company specialises in creating medical devices to help those with organ conditions and things like that. Vanders is a doctor, has been for over thirty years, and his partner is the innovator. They're technically Jessica's client, but she has called Harvey in to help her, as they're apparently suing PSL for something that was litigated by them three years ago. Mike had of course, already read up on all the material for this case, and he was ready to go. Vanderstrom had moved into the world of espionage and had begun creating and testing devices for the CIA and FBI to use in the field. Whether it's to better identify fingerprints, or background checks, or apprehension. Whatever it is, they're a big company. Harvey isn't thrilled about having to work on this case, he's had to work with Jessica for them before, and they're brutal. He couldn't stand Michael or Stephen; both are just horrible people. But of course, he goes where he is told, and his first case back after Jessica gave him and Mike two months off, he can't say no to it. The clock ticks over slowly, and whilst Mike is almost falling asleep on Harvey's shoulder, the movie is also ending. The older lawyer suggests they clean up, and head to bed, considering the day they have tomorrow, they're going to want to be well rested. Mike nods, yawning and stretching as he turns the TV off, and cleans up their plates, and Harvey flicks off lights and heads towards the bedroom. They're too tired to even acknowledge the special night… the first time Mike slept in their bed… in their condo.

'Back into it tomorrow. You think Jessica is going to be able to stop this spinning out of control?' Mike asked as they turned back to the bed and changed into their sleepwear.

'I don't know, but if Vanderstrom have their way, they might be getting a large settlement, and a new law firm, and we don't want that,' Harvey said, pulling Mike close to him under the duvet.

'Harvey, is it going to be safe for me to work on this case? They do stuff for the FBI and the CIA. If they do background checks… who knows what they will find…' Mike said, but Harvey just held him tighter.

'No one is going to ask any questions if you don't give them a reason too Mike,' Harvey replied, and then both men fell asleep shortly after that.

January 2nd, 2018

Pearson, Specter, Litt

Manhattan, New York

There had been no time for pleasantries when Mike and Harvey returned to work, they were immediately called into a briefing with Jessica and Louis, and then put to work on the Vanderstrom case. Mike had taken his work to the file room, along with the three boxes of files that Louis had stuck him with, that he still needed to digitize by the fifteenth. Jessica had filled them all in on what was happening: Vanderstrom are launching a suit against them for a case that was apparently 'mishandled' last year, by Jessica. They have called in another lawyer to guide them. This 'mysterious lawyer' is meant to be arriving this afternoon, but Harvey doesn't believe that. He doesn't think that Vanderstrom are stupid enough to hire another law company. They are the biggest billables this firm will ever get, and if they lose this case, and Vanderstrom leaves, then they have a massive gap, but Harvey and Louis know that if that happens, they will also start bleeding clients. Louis had come up with a plan of attack and had arrived at Harvey's office to present it to the man. Donna smirked and let him in, whilst Harvey was typing something on his laptop. He sat down opposite the man, and they discussed the case. Harvey wasn't against Louis' idea; he would even go as far to admit that it's good… but never aloud. He's Harvey Specter after all. But he told Louis that he agreed with what he had proposed. Donna had been coming back from the ladies' room when she saw… who she though looked like Dana Scott exiting the elevator, but she shook her head, realising that it couldn't be. She had just returned to her desk, when Jessica appeared, calling both Harvey and Louis to her office. Harvey sent a text to Mike to meet them as well, and Louis called for Rachel and some other associate whose name Harvey didn't know. Mike was balancing files in his arms when he arrived at Jessica's office, moving to sit down at the conference table in the room, brain at the ready. Harvey smirked, Jessica just smiled at the two of them, whilst Mike blushed. Then the problems began. Donna entered the room stating that the lawyer for Vanderstrom had just arrived… then Dana Scott entered the office, and it suddenly became a lot clearer what was going on. Harvey saw Mike's fist clench on the table and had to hide the smirk at his boyfriend's jealousy. As long as she doesn't fucking kiss me again… Harvey thought to himself, glaring at Scottie when she sat opposite him. Mike didn't make eye contact with her at all.

Scottie outlined what Vanderstrom wanted: a complete investigation into the firm, and Jessica's case from last year. Louis, Mike, Harvey, and Jessica knew what this meant the minute the words had left Scottie's mouth: background checks. Mike hadn't worked on the case last year, but Harvey asked him for help. His name wasn't anywhere near it, but now that Scottie has seen him in here, she's definitely going to be requesting that Mike be checked as well. The young lawyer felt himself die a little inside. He kept his eyes on his computer, multi-tasking whilst still gathering all the necessary information. Mike needed to talk with the other partners, see if he could get his name off the case. He didn't want to put them at risk, and with Vanderstrom working closely with the CIA and FBI, there is no doubt in his mind that their background checks will absolutely reveal the truth. There isn't a way that Lola could change the information they find, unless she snuck into Harvard and planted a file in the file room… there was nothing they could do. Once Scottie had left, leaving them with the outline for the case, Mike asked what he could do to be removed. Jessica pandered to Harvey, that if he were to give Mike another case, one of his own, that would interfere with this case, and cause a conflict of interest, then they would have to remove Mike from all council. Louis knew of a case that would do that, and Harvey told him to assign it to Mike. The young lawyer apologised, grabbed the files and left the office before anymore could be said or done. Jessica nodded to Harvey, that meaning her approval of the way Mike handled the situation, and Louis said that he would drop the case off to Harvey shortly. Then they all left the room. Harvey found his boyfriend working on the couch in his office. He allowed Mike to do this, because he knows what the other associates are like, and he knows that his boyfriend isn't going to bother him… not that he ever did. Mike had spread himself out in the corner of Harvey's office, and was working away, digitising records. Vanderstrom has a subsidiary company, Calder, and Co, who work on rockets for NASA. They're fighting a claim that one of their products caused the injury to two astronauts who took it on their space mission. Mike could handle this case, and because he was working with Calder and Co, it meant that he couldn't take the Vanderstrom case. Harvey silently thanked Louis, who nodded, handing the file to Mike, before leaving the office.

'You okay with that case all on your own puppy?' Harvey asked, mockingly but with a loving smirk.

'Why? Are you going to miss me? Think I can't handle it on my own? Want to make a bet?' Mike said, standing and stalking over to Harvey's desk, before leaning into him

'What's the bet Mike?' Harvey asked, trying not to smile but failing.

'I crack this case, before you crack yours… I get to be on top for the month…' Mike said, silently but he knows that Donna is listening… intercom… duh… Harvey replied with 'you're on' and kissed him.

January 2nd, 2018

Pearson, Specter, Litt

Afternoon

Manhattan, New York

Mike had taken Rachel along with him, because she's the best paralegal at the firm, and his friend. He also needed backup in case something went to the shitter, and he feels guilty for bringing Rachel into this, but she knew what she was getting herself into. They got to the building, and took the elevator to floor fifty, before exiting into a bustling lobby. Rachel led Mike over to the reception desk and told the girl that they had an appointment with Robbie Calder at noon. The girl smiled and typed something into her computer, before picking up the phone. She had just hung up the phone when the person meeting them appeared, and led them back through the offices, to a rather large office, smaller than Jessica's but larger than Harvey's. The view was amazing. Mike and Rachel introduced themselves and sat down to listen to Robbie's side of the story. It was actually really interesting to Mike, this whole space thing. Rachel wasn't nearly as interested, but she stayed with Mike as they were given a tour through the building, and then taken into the room where they had designed the prototype. Mike was in his element, asking questions, taking notes… it was all there in the files. Rachel noticed something in one of the astronaut's logs, that she thought looked strange, and pointed it out to Mike as they were leaving the building. Robbie had given them his number and Mike promised to keep him updated. Considering those astronauts are you know… in space… he can't interview them. Unless she can contact them via computer or something… but he doesn't know how that would hold up in court, or if it's just NASA they're meant to be going after, or the bridge commander… he'll have to do some more work, but he remembered Rachel's note, and as soon as they got back in the town car, he was already formulating a plan in his mind. By the time they had returned to the firm, Mike had a basic plan in place, and was already formulating it in his mind. He had made notes on the paper, and asked Rachel to remember certain things, which she tried too. Mike didn't even stop by to go to his cubicle. He had to get some paper, and he knew that Harvey had some lying around his office. Surprisingly, both Donna and Harvey were not around, so he just entered the office, taking a seat on the couch with the paper, and beginning to work on his plan of attack. He was so caught up in the work, that he didn't even notice Harvey return with Donna until he felt something hit his head.

Rachel had been emailing Mike some information that she had found, and he was working hard in Harvey's office, minding his own business. His boyfriend/boss was working at his desk, mostly on the phone, Mike doesn't know with who. Donna had informed Mike that Scottie was asking why he was taken out of the case, and Harvey had informed her that Louis had given him a case that clashed with theirs. She seemed to buy it, but Mike didn't trust that woman for anything. He found himself glaring at the glass door, as though she was going to walk through it and just kiss his boyfriend again. Harvey must have also thought this, because he kept looking up every now and then, even when Donna promised to warn him that she was coming. On the crackling of the intercom from Donna, to announce that Scottie was on her way to the office, Harvey noticed Mike clench his fist on the table, before seemingly returning to working without stopping. He knows that there isn't any way that he can get away with kissing Mike in the office, that wouldn't land them both in Jessica's office, and probably give them away to the entire firm, but he also didn't want Dana to kiss him again, so Harvey did the only thing he could think of at the time… he got Donna to stop her at her desk, and then asked Mike to help him. His boyfriend glared at the papers on the table, before looking up at him, sighing when Harvey grinned at him. Mike stood up and walked over to stand beside his boyfriend, their fingers brushed lightly against one another's. Donna let Scottie enter Harvey's office, and she placed her bag down on the couch, before turning to face the two men. Mike didn't know what Harvey's plan was, he didn't really care, so long as this woman doesn't kiss his boyfriend. I should've left another hickey on Harvey's neck this morning… Mike thought at he watched the woman pull something out of her bag. It was a mirror and lipstick. Mike rolled his eyes, as did Donna from her desk. If Dana was trying to tempt Harvey, she wasn't going about it the right way. She needs to change her gender for him to even be remotely interested in her. There was an awkward moment where Dana shook her hair, like she was puffing it out or something, and Mike raised an eyebrow at Harvey who just shrugged. He doesn't know what is going on, any more than Mike does. So, they're not expecting the next words to come out of Dana's mouth… especially not Mike.

'Harvey, I set up a date for us tonight. It's at seven, Lessie's on Bourke. You and I have a lot to talk about,' Dana said, smirking.

'I'm not going out on a date with you Scottie,' Harvey replied, and Mike silently celebrated.

'Come on Harvey don't be a dick. I know that you care about me. I know that you still love me. We need to talk about a lot of things, and tonight we can do that. Just give us a chance,' Dana said, and Donna was trying too hard to hide the laughter threatening to overflow, whilst Mike just wanted to leave this situation.

'You know what, I am in love Dana. But not with you,' Harvey replied, kissing Mike on the lips, and leaving his office and Mike gaping after him.

So, Harvey's little show that he'd put on had gotten back to Jessica. Dana had run to her, and told her what was going on, as if the Managing Partner had no idea. She explained to Scottie that this wasn't new information to her, that she had known about it since the beginning and that the only one who has a problem with it, is her. Dana stormed out of the office. She didn't seem to think that this was funny. Harvey kissing his associate just to get out of going on a date with her, and what did he mean by I'm in love but not with you? He can't be in love; they're meant to be together. Even Donna had been telling her that she should just 'leave it alone'. She isn't going to because she's Dana Scott. That is why, that night she found herself knocking on the front door of one Harvey Specter and unbeknownst to her, Mike Ross. Her curiosity was peaked when the associate answers the door, wearing what seemed to be Harvey's clothes (because they looked too big for him), and holding a file in his hand. She didn't let it bother her, and instead, asked if Harvey was home. Maybe he's just here working… she thought and noticed that Mike was reluctant to let her inside, but eventually did when she heard Harvey asking who was at the door. Dana stepped over the threshold, and into the condo. Harvey had his arms crossed, looking at her like she didn't mean a damn thing to him. Mike closed the door, harder than normal, and stood for a moment, glaring at the back of her head, before walking past her mumbling something about 'having a nice date'. Harvey grabbed his boyfriend's hand and pulled him close. They must deal with this, and they have to deal with it now. He doesn't want this dragging out any longer than it has to. Mike looked hesitant to stay in the room, and he looked at her like he was trying to make her vanish with his mind. Dana entered the condo more, noticing the small changes. Pictures had appeared, there were some different bits and pieces scattered throughout. More books than anyone needed, and the DVD's had been organised. Mike and Harvey looked majestic together, and she got it in her head that when Harvey had told her that she 'wasn't his type' he had meant it. Then why did we date and get engaged? She thought. Mike rolled his eyes when she began talking about how she was here to 'see him'. She wanted answers, and she wanted them 'now'.

Harvey wrapped an arm around Mike's waist and held him close. The younger lawyer had his arms crossed, defensively across his chest, but melted into the touch that the older lawyer had on him. Dana eyed them for a moment, then sat down at the table, where Harvey promised her that he would tell her everything, but she had to 'prepare herself for the truth because it will hurt'. She nodded, and noticed Mike's reluctance to join her, but he sat down next to Harvey, fiddling with the hem of the shirt he was wearing. Whilst Harvey began giving her the answers she wanted, Mike had gone back to working on the file he'd had in his hands when he answered the door. She was really amazed at the ability that he possessed. Harvey told her about his uncle, and his father, and how he was afraid to be who he really was, so he tried to be someone different, and when Dana's father had caught onto their relationship, and then the fact that Harvey was planning on breaking up with her because he's gay, he made Harvey propose to her. But he couldn't lie to her, couldn't let her live-in denial with him. He couldn't sustain that lie, and it was hard to tell her what he did. It wasn't the real reason they broke up, but it was the one that would spare her from the real story… that he didn't want anyone to know… but her father had somehow found out about. Scottie looked between Harvey and Mike, noticing now that the younger man had relaxed into the body of the older man, unaware that he had done it, almost as if it was a natural thing for him to do, and she realised how much she had missed the last time she had been here. She had kissed Harvey, which she now realises why he freaked out the way that he did and Mike… he saw the whole thing. Dana didn't know what to say. She was taking it all in, and Harvey gave her a moment, letting it sink into her mind, that this was what was happening, and that all these years she had spent waiting for him to lover her back, were wasted, because she didn't tell him the truth from the get-go. Harvey apologised for lying to her, for not telling her, because they were… are… friends. She deserved to know for that reason, but he was afraid.

'Mike and I are together Scottie. We've been together for nine months. I love him, more than anything. He's my world, and I know that I hurt you. I'm sorry. I was a coward, and afraid, but you deserve the truth… hell you deserved it back then,' Harvey said, but Mike was ignoring them.

'You know, I always thought there was… something. You would never have sex with me normally, it was always from behind… I thought that was weird. But I didn't question it too much because I thought it might have been a kink. I did one time, catch you checking out a male waiter, but I didn't say anything because I was in denial at that point. You could have told me Harvey… I would have understood,' Dana said,

'Your father would have killed me, Dana. I did what I had to do. He wanted me to leave, and I did, because I was afraid. But I'm not afraid anymore,' Harvey said, and she smiled at him.

'Well, I guess I can call back that guy who hit on me in the bar last night. I really am happy for you… both of you… 'she said, trying to catch Mike's eye, but the young man ignored her, Harvey thanked her, kissing Mike's temple.

Mike didn't say much else that night, but when he and Harvey got into bed, he made sure to hold onto his boyfriend a little tighter than normal. He doesn't trust Dana Scott, even though she came here, even though she knows about them. He doesn't trust her, and he doesn't trust her to stay away from Harvey. If Mike must mark Harvey, to show people he's taken… then he will… because he's not letting him go… not his only family…

A/N: Happy Holidays. D.