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. 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
Chapter Twenty: Our Love is Eternal
January 3rd, 2018
Pearson, Specter, Litt
Manhattan, New York
The day following Scottie showing up at their apartment was tense. Mike had barely said a word to Harvey that morning, choosing instead to use touch as his form of communication. Donna couldn't even get out of him what was wrong, and she is Donna… but there wasn't really any time for dallying around. They had work to do, heavy work. Mike and Rachel were beginning depositions for their own case, and Harvey, Jessica and Louis were having a briefing this morning about the requirements for this case. Apparently, the CIA and the FBI are sending in two of their best to chat with them, regarding their work on the Vanderstrom case. Mike and Rachel's case was taking them to the NASA Headquarters here in New York, where they would be talking with two of the engineers that had created the apparently 'faulty' piece of equipment. So, there wasn't really any time for Mike or Harvey to really talk about anything. He doesn't like the idea of Harvey being anywhere near Dana, and because she is the opposing council, he knows that they're going to be crossing paths. Jessica appeared suddenly, at the door to Harvey's office. The closer didn't look up at his Managing Partner, so she just spoke anyway. She spoke of how Mike was going on the case and saw the look of longing in Harvey's eyes. She mentioned something about the 'file room', and Harvey excused himself, leaving his office and Jessica, who just winked at Donna as she walked past. Harvey found Mike, buried in the corner of the file room, papers everywhere, pen behind his ear, highlighter in his hand. He had his laptop open as well, looking up NASA. Harvey smiled. He hasn't seen this side of Mike yet. Doesn't know how he couldn't ever stop seeing this side of Mike. The younger lawyer, not even looking up, asked what Harvey wanted. He felt the highlighter being removed from his hand, turning to face Harvey, who pulled him to his feet, and kissed him, hands either side of his face. Mike smiled as he pulled away, going to move away from the man, but Harvey pinned him between the wall and his body, and as much as Mike tried to protest and explain that he 'has a meeting in an hour that he has to prepare for', Harvey was still trying to seduce him... and of course, it was working. The younger lawyer felt his belt loosen, and then the button on his pants and heard the zipper being pulled down. Then he felt Harvey's hand slip into his underwear and then he kissed Harvey… maybe he left a hickey on the older man's neck… maybe Harvey left one on his.
After both men had come down from their high and had redressed themselves, Harvey asked Mike to remember that he loves him… only him. Mike nodded, kissing his boyfriend back into the wall, before pulling away and saying that he 'has to get to a meeting'. Harvey called after him that he was a tease, and Mike just winked and smirked at him. Whilst the older lawyer calmed himself down, Rachel met Mike just as he was leaving the elevator to grab the files he needed. They're tag teaming on what needs to be done. Rachel is going to run through depositions with the NASA Astronauts via Teleconference, and Mike is going to the NASA HQ here in New York, to talk with Theodore 'Teddy' Galvin, who was the person whose name had been used for the device that Calder had created. Galvin is a somewhat 'celebrity'. He's made his fortune by putting his name on big shot items that have made him a household name, and sponsor of like… everything. Mike passed Jessica on his way out of the firm, and she wished him luck, and also told him that he might need to find Miss Zane and get something to 'cover up the hickey on his neck'. Jessica could only chuckle as Mike walked away mumbling 'damn it Harvey' and covering the patch on his neck with his hand. Jessica, Louis, and Harvey were working in the conference room, going through all the files, and information that had been provided to them. Scottie, the opposing lawyer, is going to be here this afternoon to take depositions from the people involved, and the CIA and FBI are sending over their techs to begin background checks, and polygraphs to make sure they can give them clearances that they need. Whilst going over some files, Donna knocks on the door. She is holding something her hands and looks panicked. Jessica motions for her to enter, and she does, immediately apologising for interrupting, stating that she just received the questions they're going to be asked for the polygraph. Harvey looked up at her, and their eyes met, a silent conversation filtering between them as Donna handed them out the sheets of paper she had in her hand. Harvey knew there was going to be things on here that might stump them all. He knows that this is going to get worse before it gets better. He hired Mike, through his back channels. The kid doesn't have a degree no matter how many times they say that he does.
'Harvey, question seven,' Donna said
'Have you ever done or been involved in anything illegal?' Harvey read, looking up at the occupants in the room
'Shit. This isn't going to be easy. We're going to need to come up with a plan of attack. How do we approach this, Jessica?' Louis asked, whilst Harvey just looked pale
'Well… I could "fire" Mike… then we haven't been involved in anything illegal…' Jessica said, using air quotes around fire
'You mean put him on unpaid leave for a month. You don't think they'll check that, Jess?' Harvey asked, standing up to pace the room… he would do anything for Mike… anything…
Mike met with Teddy Galvin at the NASA HQ in Manhattan. He was working on something when Mike arrived, taking in everything that he could whilst he was here. He asked Galvin some standard questions, and the "celebrity" gave standard answers. He also acted like he was devastated that he put his name on something that had injured two people, and he wants compensation for that. He and Calder are friends, they've been working on the Galvin Tracker for years, and when it was finally ready, and it went up to space with the astronauts, Calder came to him and told him that he'd changed a couple of things, to make it more 'aerodynamic', and it ended up hurting people. He was furious. Mike took notes (because people find it strange when he doesn't) and nodded in all the right places. He was still a little confused about this whole thing. Galvin's name was on the device, but he said that he and Calder had worked on it together, but Calder hadn't mentioned that Teddy had been anywhere near the device. So, if Teddy is telling the truth, and it was Calder that made last minute changes to the device before it went up, then Calder was going to be the shouldering the blame. Something didn't sit right with Mike about Teddy's story, but he didn't say that, thanking him for his time, noticing some plans on the table, which he quickly looked at, then turned and left. He doesn't know what prompted him to go back to Calder, but when he got to their HQ, and knocked on the door to Calder's office, he could sense that something had happened. Mike asked if he'd been approached by the opposition council, and he said that he had, but hadn't said anything because he didn't have his lawyer present. Surprising, because Teddy was more than happy to talk. Mike mentioned this to Robbie, who looked just as confused as Mike felt. He asked some follow up questions to Robbie, and then told him he'll call him when he has more information about the court date. They shook hands and Mike left, heading back outside, wrapping his scarf around his neck, as Ray pulled up to the sidewalk, and he got into the town car which would take him back to PSL. Rachel had managed to get a teleconference with the Astronauts, which she had recorded, and thanked them for. They were happy to help, and still held Robbie in high regard, especially considering they're the ones that were injured because of this thing. When Mike got back to the firm, he was so focused on the case that he didn't notice he was standing in the middle of Harvey's office, until the older man called his name, smirking when Mike almost jumped two feet in the air. Mike hugged his boyfriend but didn't lift his attention from the file.
Jessica was going through a list of ways that she; Harvey and Louis could pass the polygraph they were going to have to take. She was about to pick up the phone and request a delay, when Donna entered her office, stating that the state had pulled the polygraph on account of delays with the defense lawyers. Jessica smirked, and thanked Donna, who just winked and walked back out of the office. She had put in a call to the DOJ about the Vanderstrom's requesting or using CIA and FBI assets against them, and he had demanded that they do not do that, but because of that, they're now under more scrutiny than ever. Harvey was thrilled when he heard but was also worried because no one outside the firm knows that he's with Mike. That could be something that is used against him, and because he lives with Mike and works with Mike, they might jump to the conclusion that he has talked about this with Mike. Not that his boyfriend would be paying that much attention, he is dealing with his own case, and Harvey has never been more turned on by the image of Mike, kicking ass in the courtroom. Rachel has been helping his associate out as well, so that it also great. Now Harvey is stuck in this case, and he wishes that he could find a way to get Mike to help him, without letting on that it was Mike who helped him. Louis is paranoid that the CIA is going to hack their systems, or plant bugs in their offices, so he's taken to recording all their conversations and only talking in code. Harvey rolled his eyes, and wasn't taking it seriously, until Mike mentioned something about that happening to another firm who tangled with the CIA, and then Harvey got an idea. If they planted false leads about the case on their computers, and the CIA did manage to get in, what they would be seeing wouldn't be real. Sometimes he must pat himself on the shoulder for a job well done… and then remind himself that it was because of Mike that he came to this conclusion. Vanderstrom was supposed to be coming in for a meeting today, no one was looking forward to it. Harvey was using one of the other associates, because he couldn't use Mike, and he hates it. It makes him appreciate what he has with Mike more, and that he doesn't tell his boyfriend that enough. But he's going to start doing that.
'Harvey, Vanderstrom is here. Jessica asked you to meet them in Conference Room C. I'll call Kelly,' Donna said through the intercom
'Go get 'em babe' Mike said from his position on the floor of Harvey's office, raising his hand in a hi-five motion, Harvey smirked but hi-fived Mike on his way past
'Hi Mr. Specter, my name is Kelly and…'
'I don't care. We're late let's go,' he said, and Mike just shook his head, a smirk on his face when Donna sent him that look
January 3rd, 2018
The Condo
Manhattan, New York
Mike had gotten home hours before Harvey. He's making dinner when he hears the front door open, and close. He isn't expecting Donna to be with his boyfriend, but she smiles when she sees Mike, stirring something on the stove. He kisses her cheek, smirking when Harvey raises his arms and asks where his kiss is. Mike is tempted to tease, but he just presses his lips against Harvey's, wrapping his arms around the man's neck, and holding them close as they kiss. This is until Donna starts making lewd sounds, and they break apart, Harvey shooting his secretary the bird, before he goes back to the room to change. Mike returns to cooking, but he's also doing work at the same time, digitising the last of the records for the firm. He's had so much going on, that he has neglected this, and he still has about twenty to do. Harvey returns moments later, dressed in casual, comfortable clothes. He wraps his arms around Mike's waist, and rests his head on his shoulder, kissing his neck, and under his ear, watching whilst Mike cooks, and types. Donna admires the sight of her boys, together and happy. She doesn't get to see Harvey like this most of the time, so she sneaks these little moments when she can. She takes a picture for Mike and sends it to his phone. When Mike is finished cooking, Harvey and Donna set the table, and grab some drinks, whilst Mike plates up the food, and they all sit down at the dining table to eat. The don't talk about work, but listen to Donna talking about her new beau, and how she thinks he might be hiding something from her. Harvey asks her if she would like him to check him out, and she nods. Mike rolls his eyes, which is noticed by the two other occupants of the room, and then he reminds them both that they can't 'vet' everyone. Donna tells Mike about the almost polygraph, which Harvey then explains "wouldn't have changed anything". They then shift to talking about their vacation, and Mike shows Donna some of the pictures he took whilst they were away, including the one of Harvey sleeping in a tent, which earns him a glare from his boyfriend, but he's smirking at the same time, so he isn't mad. Donna tells them that Harvey's family is amazing, and Mike agrees. Greystone is also beautiful, and if Mike had to live anywhere else, it would absolutely be there.
Once they had finished dinner, and had cleaned up, Mike moved over to the couch with the files to do some more work, whilst Harvey and Donna debated what they should watch, and only settled on a movie, when Mike threatened to kick them both out if they didn't "pick something to fucking watch already". They settled on I Know What You Did Last Summer, and Mike snuggled into Harvey. This is going to be a long process, and he knows that January is going to be a long month. He had just received the date and judge for his case, and when he told Harvey that it was Judge Ramel, the other lawyer sighed and told Mike that he's going to have to make sure that everything is perfect, because Ramel doesn't accept anything less. She also won't accept a change in council late, or a postponement, meaning that January 27th, the date of their first court case, is the only time that Mike has to show that all these years of working at Pearson, Specter, Litt has paid off. Harvey was going over some of the work that Mike had done, even though he knows he doesn't need to, but he made a couple of notes for Mike. Overall, he thought his partners case was solid. Donna also thought the case was solid and asked who Mike was going to have as his second chair. Knowing that Ramel wouldn't accept Rachel (because she's still a paralegal), Mike had to find someone within the firm that he can trust, and who wouldn't try and lead the case. That rules out any of the associates, and because Louis, Jessica and Harvey are all working on the Vanderstrom case, he can't have any of them. But he doesn't know who else in the firm there is. He gets on quite well with Alex Moore, a Junior Partner from their division. They've had a couple of good conversations, and he feels like he might be able to trust Alex. Besides, he seems like he and Harvey get along from the short interactions they've had with him in the past. Mike opens his emails and sends one to Alex, asking if he would be interested in helping him out with the case. Donna jumps at the movie, and knocks her head into Mike's, causing the younger man to groan, before he decides that he's had enough of working, and curls up to Harvey on the couch, feeling safe when the arm wraps around him. Donna then curls herself up to Mike, much to Harvey's dismay, but Mike just finds it funny, because Donna is terrified of this film, even though she is the one who wanted to watch it… Mike pointing this out only earns him a whack to the shoulder, so he shuts up.
'Did Alex agree to help you out?' Harvey whispered in Mike's ear, warm breath sending shivers through Mike's body
'He's the only other person at the firm that I can trust Harvey,' Mike said,
'I know. Did he agree to help you out?' Harvey asked again, this time kissing Mike's temple
'Yes, he did. I'm going to meet him in the morning to figure things out' he replied
January 12th, 2018
The Condo
Ten Month Anniversary
Manhattan, New York
Mike was so turned on. The feeling running through his body made him moan, then he opened his eyes, and was met with the dilated, lust filled eyes of his boyfriend, in between his legs. Harvey smirked around his dick, whilst Mike fisted his hands in the sheets, in time with Harvey's sucking motions. He was desperate to thrust up into the warmth encasing him, arching his back off the bed, wanting to get closer to the feeling. Harvey relinquished his boyfriend with a 'pop', and kissed up his chest, sucking and licking on a nipple, before catching Mike's lips with his, kissing him and mumbling 'happy anniversary' in between the kisses. Mike smiled, and then said it back, before flipping them over so that he was straddling Harvey's waist, moving so that he could repay Harvey with the same gift that he had been woken up by. Harvey moaned and arched his back into the touch, fisting his hands in the sheets, and running one through Mike's hair. Harvey made a sound in the back of his throat, then thrust his hips up, as Mike released him with a pop, and began placing kisses and bites on the inside of his thigh, making his way up the man's torso, licking at a nipple then pressing kisses to the man's neck, before connecting their mouths and making out, thrusting against one another for the friction. Harvey ran his hands down Mike's back, cupping his ass, and squeezing pulling their hips together as they made out. Then he moaned Mike's name into the younger man's mouth, and Mike pulled away, reaching over to the nightstand to get the lube. He quickly settled back down between Harvey's legs, lubing up his fingers, and circling his hole with one, whilst he pressed kisses to Harvey's inner thigh, then he inserted the first finger as he got his mouth back on his lover, hearing his boyfriend moan loudly, then he began panting his name, the word yes… Mike smirked around Harvey's dick, then inserted the second finger, releasing his boyfriend's penis, to kiss him again. He begins scissoring his fingers, and Harvey starts begging (which he will deny later). Mike smirks, and Harvey can't help but be turned on by the confidence that his boyfriend has, that he helped build in the man. The older lawyer is about ready to ask Mike to take him, when he feels the third finger, and releases an almost scream of pleasure, before going back to begging Mike to take him. He feels Mike's fingers leave, and groans, but then Mike is lifting his leg up, lining himself up with his stretched-out hole.
There is lust, love, and something else in Mike's eyes, and Harvey nods begging Mike to 'get on with it'. When Mike enters him, he arches his back into the feeling. He feels full, it's amazing. He loves this feeling. He pulls Mike down to kiss him, then his boyfriend begins setting a brutal pace. Harvey meets the thrusts as Mike drives himself deeper inside of Harvey. The fact that he knows Mike gets a thrill out of controlling him, turns him on as well, as he will admit that he does enjoy being the submissive sometimes. It's nice to feel full and get to experience the feelings that he knows Mike feels most nights when they're in bed. He wants his boyfriend to be able to take control, and just fuck him into the mattress, because Mike is fucking amazing at fucking him… the younger man smirks, when Harvey begins panting his name, mumbling things like 'fuck Mike you're the best'… 'So, fucking big'… he'll never admit it anywhere else, and that kind of turns Mike on, because only he gets this side of Harvey. He loves that only he gets to see this side of the man. They're sweating, and Mike is sure to have a couple of bruises on his waist from where Harvey is holding him, but he doesn't care. It's their anniversary. They've been together for ten months. That is almost a year. Neither of them ever thought that this would happen, and Mike never thought that it would last, but now that they're here… he's never letting go. Mike can feel himself getting closer to the edge, his thrusts become more staggered, and his breathing shallower. Harvey is gripping the sheets like a lifeline, and Mike manages to get a hand in between them, and begins to slowly jerk Harvey to finish. The older man nods, fingernails digging into the flesh of Mike's side. A couple more thrusts, and Mike's hand is finishing him, white spilling between their chests, almost up to Harvey's neck. Mike falls on to Harvey, staggered thrusts, then he's unloading into the man he loves, moaning Harvey's name as they kiss. Mike collapses beside his boyfriend, Harvey just runs his hand through Mike's hair as they cool down. When they've managed to kind of get back some semblance of strength, Mike pulls out of Harvey, and cleans them up, before he's pulled back down to snuggle up to his boyfriend, pressing kisses to his neck, jaw, and temple, then to his lips before their eyes close again and they drift off. It's almost ten am when they wake again.
'Mike… we have to get up and shower. Then I'll make you breakfast,' Harvey whispered, kissing Mike's forehead, chuckling when the younger man just groaned
'…urgh… no. Let's just stay in bed all day,' Mike said, slipping his hand beneath the covers again, until he gets a grip on Harvey, and slowly begins jerking him, the sharp intake of breath from his boyfriend makes him smirk
'Mike… we have the whole day to… ah… to ah… fuck Mike… we have the whole day to do that… again. I'm going to shower, then I'll cook breakfast. You can lie there until you're ready to get up,' Harvey said, escaping from the bed before Mike could tempt him again
'Ugh fine. Go shower… I'll just get myself off,' Mike said, smirking when Harvey gaped at him as he pushed the duvet down and began stroking himself
It took all of Harvey's self-control to turn around and go and shower.
Harvey was making breakfast when Mike joined him in the kitchen, dressed in sweatpants that belonged to Harvey and a Henley t-shirt and long sleeve underneath that belonged to Mike. He wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist, and pressed a kiss to his neck and cheek, before going to grab two glasses the juice out of the cupboard and fridge, respectively. They talked about Vanderstrom, and how stuck Harvey is on the case, and Mike knew that it was his way of asking for help, but played it as though he didn't know anything, smirking at the look on Harvey's face. Once they had sat down to eat their breakfast together, Mike promised Harvey that he would take a look at the files, but that today they're not working. Today is their anniversary, and they have plans of things to do. Harvey wants to go to the mall and grab a couple of things for tonight, he's cooking dinner for Mike, and the younger lawyer is grateful that they're not going out anywhere, because it's too cold to leave the apartment, and he doesn't need fancy restaurants for their anniversary, he just needs Harvey. Wherever they are is perfect, so long as they're together… for fucks sake Ross… can you get sappier?... he asked himself, so lost in thought that he didn't hear Harvey until his boyfriend was kicking his foot under the table. He apologised and thanked the Name Partner for making breakfast, and for making the morning perfect. Harvey rolled his eyes, but smiled, nonetheless. Whilst they were eating, Harvey was telling Mike about some of the things that he had planned for the day. Mike raised an eyebrow at him when he mentioned the Arcade, and almost choked on his mouthful of food when Harvey (jokingly) mentioned an 'adult store' he wanted to visit. They bantered with each other whilst washing the dishes, and then made out against the bench whilst Harvey was trying to explain what his other plans were for the day. Mike whispered that he's glad Harvey remembered, and the older lawyer smiled, placed both of his hands-on Mike's cheeks, rubbing his thumbs slowly across the cheekbones, before drawing him back in for a tender kiss. It was not a kiss they had shared often before, but Mike was always discovering new things about Harvey every day, glad that he gets to share this moment with his boyfriend. To be honest, he's just glad that he's not alone anymore. Deciding to relax for a while, the two lawyers move over to the sofa, curl up together and put on a movie. Harvey picks at random, knowing that it will probably just end up being background noise to them anyway. Mike curls into his side, and Harvey loves the feel of just having the man there, where he belongs.
He doesn't know how long he's slept for, but when he wakes up, the movie is ending, and Harvey just looks over at him, smiling. Mike has been working himself almost to exhaustion, what with the case, and worrying about Vanderstrom, and just trying to figure out what the hell is going on, because Galvin and Calder aren't giving him any information that is helping him. Suppose he could ask Harvey in return for Harvey helping him, but he doesn't want to put his boyfriend in that position. He knows that would mean collusion, and with the CIA and the FBI sniffing around the firm, they're not in the best position to be doing anything else. Harvey shifted them on the sofa that he was lying down next to Mike and kissed his boyfriend until he was awake enough to not want to fall asleep again. Mike felt the hand breach his sweatpants and gasped, not expecting the touch. He was all ready to just let Harvey take him without preparation (because he was so thoroughly prepped earlier when Harvey had taken him, back when they were still in bed, and comfortable and didn't have to get up) when the doorbell rang. Both men groaned, and Mike let his head fall back onto the couch, hands on his face when Harvey got up, grumbling all the way to the door, yanking it open and growling the word 'what' at the person on the other side. It was Jessica and Louis. He was loathed to let them in, they have plans today for their anniversary, and he doesn't have time to be dealing with the case today. But Jessica and Louis entered the condo, heading towards the living area. Mike crossed his arms as Harvey reentered the room, to Jessica apologising for interrupting their anniversary, but that she needed to inform Harvey of what had happened. The CIA had been to the firm, and were doing paperwork checks, and making sure that everything was in line. They had been sniffing around some of the associates, and some of the partners. Kelly (the associate that was working with Harvey on this case) had mentioned that he and Mike were dating, which Harvey hadn't mentioned to the CIA. Louis wasn't looking at either of them. Mike was the one who asked what that meant, and why they were here. It was Louis, looking up at them both who answered, and he wasn't sure how to phrase it in a way that didn't make it sound better than the actual situation.
'The CIA wants to ask you some questions, find out why you didn't tell them about Mike, and make sure that Mike knows nothing about this case. They don't like the fact that you work together, and are dating,'
'They think that Mike and I are colluding?' Harvey asked, and Jessica shared a look with Louis before nodding
'Yes. Whatever you have discussed, whatever you know about Vanderstrom Mike, you need to forget it. The CIA have many methods of getting information from you. If they find out you're a fraud, they will fire first, and ask questions never,' Jessica said, and Mike rubbed a hand down his face
'I haven't done any work on this case Jessica. I know nothing about it. Who is Vanderstrom?' Mike said, and they all chuckled at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation at hand.
In order to forget what Jessica had come by to inform them of, Mike and Harvey decided they would go out for their anniversary lunch. Harvey wanted to head to the mall anyway, they need food, and he wants to take Mike to the Arcade that he and Donna used to frequent back when they were younger and stupid. But he enjoys going there, and his brother had enjoyed beating him at the silly little games, so he hopes that Mike might have a little bit of fun. Besides, you're never too old to go to an arcade. Upon exiting the condo, the weather seems to go from bad to horrible. The two lawyers press ahead, getting into the waiting town car, and asking Ray to drive them to their destination. On the way, Harvey talks to Mike about Vanderstrom, and what they're going to do if the CIA does come knocking on their door. The idea would be that Mike would just say that he isn't working with Harvey on the case, that he is working on his own case. He's also curious to meet this Kelly woman, the one who told the CIA about their relationship. He's more in danger now than he has ever been. He's seen movies before. If the CIA want information, they can certainly get their hands on it. But Mike wasn't going to let that worry him. There is nothing that they can do right now anyway. When they get close to the Arcade, Harvey begins telling him stories about the times that he and his siblings would go to an arcade, and just bet one another that they could beat one another at the games. Helena would always win, and Marcus was the one who had lost the most out of all of them. Mike raised an eyebrow and smirked at Harvey, saying 'I thought you always won', and was then pinned to the door of the car, being kissed by Harvey. Ray chuckled as they exited the car, telling Mike that he ought to be careful teasing Harvey about winning, to which the younger lawyer just smirked and winked at the driver, before thanking him and sauntering into the Arcade. Harvey shook his head, but ran inside after his boyfriend, if not to avoid the rain, then at least to avoid the stares he was getting from the parents outside who were dropping their kids off. Mike had never been to this Arcade. When he would go to a place like this, it was always with Trevor, who had the money, and Mike would always watch. He'd have a couple of dollars, but of course his Grammy wasn't rolling in the dough, and neither was he. A paper route isn't exactly big business.
It might have seemed stupid to anyone else, two grown men going to an arcade, but Harvey found a strange innocence in it, and Mike was just excited to see Harvey this excited about something. Usually, he's the one that has the childlike innocence, and it's Harvey that tells him to 'act his age', but he doesn't have a leg to stand on anymore. Not after this. They're literally in an Arcade. This is where teenagers come to hang out, and they're grown fucking men. But Mike likes it, and he likes that Harvey enjoys this. Their fourth month anniversary was to an aquarium. Granted, it had to do with a case, but Mike found the romance in it, just like he finds the romance in this, especially when he's challenged to Air Hockey, and he tells Harvey that he's going to 'kick his ass'. Mike won that game, and the next two, and Harvey watched as his boyfriend stalked away to the next part of the Arcade, and okay maybe he let Mike win a couple of the games, and maybe that wasn't fair. But he just wants this to be something that they remember, something fun that they can hold onto whilst they live their adult lives, in their adult jobs. His sister always tells him that he can still find that childlike innocence in certain things, he just has to be willing to accept it and tap into it. He's been trying to do that, especially when a case gets difficult, and he just needs to disconnect from it for a while. Having Mike beside him, has allowed him to do that with more ease, and he's glad that his boyfriend also enjoys it sometimes. As they move around the Arcade, Mike begins to think of something he can use for his case, and he knows that it's weird, considering they're not remotely anywhere near the office, or the files he's working on, but there is just something about being here… in this place… it's almost like a gimmick, like a childish act… something clicks in Mike's brain, and he loses a game to Harvey because of it, pulling out his phone to type himself a quick note, so that he doesn't forget it. There are kids all around them, teens in the back games room, and he and Harvey, the only adults in amongst the bunch, who look so out of place it isn't funny. He's glad they're not wearing suits this time. Mike returns his phone to his pocket, in time to see Harvey throw something at him. Realising that it's a stuffed Panda, he quirks a brow in confusion at his boyfriend who just grins, then leaves Mike there to ponder the reason behind it. A few moments later, the younger lawyer runs to catch up with his boyfriend by the entrance.
'You won me a panda Harvey. That's so cute,' he says, kissing his cheek
'Yeah well… you know me… I'm cute,' the closer replies, smirk on his face as Mike crossed his arms, jutted his hip out to the side, and frowned at him
'What you are, is egotistical,' Mike replied, letting Harvey pull him in so their hips were connected, then he let the man kiss him
'Yeah, but you love me,' Harvey replied, smiling when Mike agreed, then whispering 'I love you too' into his ear before kissing him again, then he grabbed Mike's hand and led him back through the Arcade.
A/N: Merry Christmas. I hope you get some wonderful gifts, and get to spend some amazing time with you family and loved ones. Thank you for reading. D.