A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. I put these warnings at the beginning, for your safety. Almost the New Year. 2023 has been hectic and busy, but 2024, for me anyway, is going to be even more chaotic. I'm moving to Tasmania, so it's all going off in the New Year. A new state, a new job, and a new chapter in my life, just like there is some new chapters of my stories. Happy New Year, and I hope your 2024 starts off wonderfully. Thanks for reading, and we'll be continuing into 2024, when I have the chance to upload because of my move and new job. Have a fantastic day. Thanks and enjoy this chapter. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.
The Specter Family Chronicles
Chapter Twenty-One: The First of the Season
January 12th, 2018
The Condo, Evening
Ten Month Anniversary
Manhattan, New York
After they had gone to the supermarket to get food, Harvey had taken them both back to the apartment, and was preparing to cook dinner. He had a glass of wine, as did Mike who was sitting at the bar watching his boyfriend cooking dinner, whilst Harvey explained the recipe to him, saying that it was his grandmothers from years past. Mike listened intently, watching as Harvey showed off his prowess in the kitchen. Mike made a joke about an apron, and the Name Partner raised that patented Specter eyebrow and smirked. He had thought about it but decided against it. They talked for a bit longer whilst Harvey cooked, and Mike could "help", by putting things in the pan and stirring. You know, the things that anyone can do. There was a comment made that 'he could cook', to which Harvey had yet to experience, but Mike prefers it when Harvey cooks. To be honest, he only knows a few recipes, most of them came from Grammy, and they're remarkably simple things like Spaghetti, and Lasagna. Harvey seems to have all the prowess that you see those chefs have on those cooking shows that are always littered throughout the TV channels. Their conversation eventually switches to work, and Mike fills Harvey in on what he's working on for the case currently. Harvey laments that he misses working with Mike, and that Kelly 'is nowhere near as good as he is'. Mike backs Harvey up until he's pinned between the counter and Mike's body, and then presses their bodies together, before kissing Harvey and smirking, reminding him of that indeed. They kiss for a minute, then Harvey jumps away to deal with their dinner, whilst Mike grabs some utensils and sets the table. They would eat on the couch, but Harvey wanted to make it romantic, and he's set up candles, and flowers… Mike blushed when the older man explained to him, but he likes that it's just the two of them, in their house. They don't have to worry about other people, or getting to and from the restaurant, and they can go straight from dinner to sex without having to travel in between. They don't even have to go to the bedroom. If they really want, they can just have sex here. Which they've done before, but Harvey lamented that they would 'not be doing that again'. Mike can be persuasive when he wants to be though. The storm outside has gotten worse, as explained by the loud rumble of thunder and crash of lightening that can be seen through the glass windows of the patio. Mike never liked thunderstorms as a kid, but now he finds a kind of excitement in them. It's thrilling, especially in a blackout, not that there is one, but he wouldn't mind if there was.
They had just sat down to eat when there was a knock on the door. Harvey looked over at Mike, who just shrugged his shoulders. They sat in silence and ate for another couple of minutes, hoping that whoever it was at the door would take the hint and go away, but five minutes later, there was another knock, and then Harvey's phone began to ring incessantly. Mike groaned as Harvey stood and stalked over to the front door. The young lawyer just grabbed his wine glass and sipped some of his drink, hearing Donna's voice ringing through the echoes of the hallway, until she came into sight of Mike. Seeing that Harvey and Mike were having a nice dinner, Donna apologised, but sat down beside Mike anyway, grabbing herself a plate of food. She was drenched from the rain and explained that she and her boyfriend had 'had a fight', so she came here, because Rachel isn't home either. Harvey didn't say anything else, just ate in silence, and Mike felt awkward carrying on a conversation with the woman, she is, after all interrupting their anniversary dinner. Maybe they should've gone out… Mike thought, making eye contact with Harvey, and sending him a small smile. Donna was the one who kept the conversation going. She was telling them about her fight with her boyfriend, and how ridiculous it is, and how the weather is mad outside. She also began talking about Rachel, and this new guy that the paralegal was seeing. Mike rolled his eyes, this was not missed by Harvey, who chuckled. The three finished their dinners, and Mike collected the plates, telling Harvey that he will clean up because the older lawyer cooked. Harvey just said that 'Donna will do it', and grabbed Mike's hand, pulling him over to the couch, where they collapsed together, ignoring Donna's mumbling about it 'not being her mess', to kiss Mike. The two lawyers were still making out with each other when they heard Donna's footsteps disappear down the hall. She had called out that she was going to get changed, and Mike took that opportunity to straddle Harvey's waist, driving his hips into his boyfriends, both moaning into the others mouth as they grinded together. They would've deepened it, but Donna returned, and she was talking a mile a minute about watching a movie. Mike groaned but curled himself up to Harvey under the blanket on their sofa. For the next five minutes, Harvey and Donna debated about which movie they wanted to watch, whilst Mike just viewed the two of them, a small smile on his face. Sure, Donna barged in on their anniversary, but he could forgive her. So long as she picks a god damned fucking movie…
'Can you just pick a fucking movie please?' Mike asked, curling himself further into Harvey, who just kissed his forehead.
'Okay, geez. Let's watch Home Alone 2, I haven't seen that in ages,' Donna said, standing to put the movie on
'It's a Christmas movie,' Harvey said, looking over at his secretary.
'So? Christmas wasn't that long ago, and I missed watching it on TV last year, so I'm making up for it,' Donna said, as if that justified it, Mike just snuggled into his boyfriend.
After what felt like six Christmas movies, Donna had finally exhausted the genre. It was almost eleven pm and they had moved on to the Final Destination set of movies. Mike was trying to deny that he was afraid, but Harvey would just chuckle, kiss his forehead, and hold him tighter whenever the young man jumped a little. So, their night hadn't exactly turned out how Harvey had planned it, but it wasn't exactly a bad night. Besides, if Donna stays with them, she'll be in the guest room, and they can still have their 'sexy night'. The movie was about to finish, when there was a loud rumble, a clap of lightning, and then the room was plunged into darkness. Harvey chuckled as Mike let out a little squeak and buried himself in Harvey's warm embrace. Donna grabbed her phone and flicked the flashlight on, looking around the room. She went over to the dining table and grabbed the candles, and went about lighting them, bringing one with her to the living room. Harvey pulled his own phone out and went about calling the building manager to make sure it wasn't just their building. Mike had his phone out and was holding it with the flashlight on like it was a lifeline. He had said earlier that he wouldn't mind a blackout, but he's kind of regretting that now. Harvey sighs frustrated and told them that the phone lines must be down. They're looking around for more candles, when there is a banging on the door, and Mike literally screams, and runs to hide behind Harvey, who wraps an arm around his boyfriend whispering that 'he's safe' with him. Donna goes to answer the door, admitting Jessica, Louis, and Rachel. They follow Donna into the living room, where they all take a seat. Louis explains that they had been coming back from their meeting when the power went out, and because of that, the traffic signals had been knocked out, so they came here, because it's closer. Harvey told them that it was fine, it's not like he and Mike were doing anything special anyway… and went to grab them towels. Donna had some spare clothes she had left here, that she went and got for Jessica and Rachel, and although he was loathe to lend Louis anything that belonged to him, his brother had left some of his clothes here the last time he'd stayed, so Harvey lent those to Louis, who was thankful and went down to the bathroom to change. Mike was sitting on the couch, cell phone in his hand, blanket wrapped around him, up to his neck, he was rocking back and forth and shaking slightly. Harvey sat down next to his boyfriend and wrapped him in his arms, throwing the blanket over them both.
Mike had fallen asleep on the sofa, curled up to Harvey, who was lightly running a hand through his hair. Donna and the others had begun a game of Catan via candlelight. Louis was currently winning, whilst Jessica was playing for both her and Harvey. Rachel had never played before, so she was working together with Donna, who was not really explaining the rules, so much as just doing everything for the paralegal. There was another thunder rumble, and the occupants of the penthouse apartment looked over to the small balcony that was outside, seeing the rain pelting down, and the lightning through the absolute darkness that is currently New York City. Harvey had gotten word from the building manager that they're working on restoring power, but one of the generators is out, and they need to fix it. He believed it would take about three hours. Mike had whispered 'Happy Anniversary' to Harvey just before he'd fallen asleep, and made the older man promise that he 'wouldn't leave him alone', although Harvey is tempted to carry Mike to bed, and wrap him up safe in their duvet. They had gone through two bottles of wine, and almost a third of Harvey's scotch. Louis was tolerable, but that could be because Harvey is buzzed, and not thinking correctly. Also, the fact that the man is in his apartment… that should say something to the masses. Jessica had gone on off on a limb talking about the Vanderstrom case, and how much work they still have to do, and Harvey asked about Kelly, and why she was chosen to work with them, because she is the reason that they now know about Mike working at the firm. Donna shot Rachel a look, and the two couldn't hold back their giggles, causing Harvey to ask them what was going on, rather loudly, almost startling Mike, who shifted slightly, planting his leg in between Harvey's, and pressing up… he knows that it isn't supposed to arouse him, but it's Mike… and he's horny. They never got to have their 'Anniversary Night Sex' because their friends decided to bombard their apartment, so he just wants to take Mike… not whilst he is sleeping… god no Harvey would never do that… Jessica mentions something to him about Kelly being one of the most reliable Associates, after Mike and that is way, way after Mike. No one comes close to him. Rachel and Donna share a look, then the paralegal says something that makes the room kind of plummet into giggles and then into silence.
'Kelly apparently has a 'crush' on you Harvey. You're quite the ladies' man,' Rachel said, smirking around her wine glass.
'I'm gay,' he said, pointing to Mike lying curled up to him.
'We know that. But she doesn't. She thinks you're as straight as an arrow. The other day she came back into the associate's area, and her shirt was almost half un-buttoned, her skirt was hiked up above her knees… she looked like she'd just come back from the skank convention. It was disgusting,' Rachel replied, pretending to 'fake vomit' whilst Louis just glared.
'She's wasting her time. Harvey is mine, and you can tell her that,' Mike said, looking over at the paralegal, wrapping himself more around Harvey, who was smirking, the others just laughed.
January 13th, 2018
The Condo, Morning
Manhattan, New York
When Mike woke in the morning, he was alone in the big bed that he shares with Harvey, but he could hear talking coming from another part of the penthouse. He sat up, rubbing a hand down his face, looking around the room. He really didn't feel like getting up today, but he has a massive amount of work to do before tomorrow, and he knows that there are going to be a lot of questions asked as to why he's been sleeping so late recently. Mike swung his legs out of the bed, and put his feet flat on the ground, groaning again as he grabbed a sweater and socks and put them on. It's still cold, so he assumes that they haven't fixed the power yet. When Mike gets out to the living area, Donna, Jessica, Louis, and Rachel are all sitting around the kitchen table, working on their case, and drinking coffee. Harvey spots him first, and moves over to him, hugging him and pressing a kiss to his lips, which Mike wants to deepen, but the cat calls that they get force them to break apart. Harvey smacks his boyfriend's ass as he turns to walk away. Mike smirks at him, raising an eyebrow before he heads over to sit next to Donna, who hands him a file. He has been reluctant to help with the Vanderstrom case, considering the accusations that the CIA made, and how easy it would be for them to find out his secret if his name is mentioned anywhere near this case. But Donna tells him that if he does it where no one can see, then it isn't wrong and that it's "not technically breaking the rules". Mike rolls his eyes, but takes the file anyway, and flips through it, noting the statements seem slightly off from previous assessments, and that the stories seem to change, depending on who is asking the questions. The depositions from the FBI and the CIA are completely different. Mike points this out to Jessica, who takes the files and looks at them, frowning. If they can't make this case on merit, they're going to have to go after two of the most powerful organisations in America, and if they take on those two organisations, their whole firm is going to be under immense scrutiny. Of course, it's most likely just Vanderstrom trying to save face with each of them, but still… Harvey finds this very strange, and asks Louis to set up another meeting with Vanders, without the CIA or FBI present, to see if they can make sense of the shit he's been spouting.
Donna and Rachel have decided that they're going to bake today. Harvey sarcastically tells them to 'make themselves at home', but Donna just smirks and says that 'she will'. The Name Partner rolls his eyes but takes the folder from Jessica. Mike is just returning to the living room when he is stopped by the sight that meets him at the end of the hall. For the most part, he considers everyone here to be a part of his weird, and wonderful family. In his own way, he loves them as if they are. He leans against the threshold that leads to the large living area, and just watches as Donna and Rachel cook in the kitchen, as Jessica and Louis are handing folders between themselves and chatting about meetings and numbers, and as Harvey tries to contain the craziness that is going on around him. Mike has a small smile on his face when Harvey's eyes catch his, and he takes a picture on his phone. For the most part, it's the calmest they've ever been, and the fact that Harvey and Louis aren't in each other's throats, or breathing down anyone's necks, or just arguing with each other, is a feat in itself. Donna watches as Harvey makes his way over to Mike, wraps his arms around the young lawyer's waist, Mike wrapping his around Harvey's neck, and presses a kiss to his lips. She can't help but smile. Harvey turns so that he can rest his head on Mike's shoulder, arms still around his waist, as they watch the madness unfold around them. But Mike also finds a sense of calm in the situation. He doesn't know why, but it just feels that way. Of course, that could also be because it's the first sunny day of January they've had, and the beautiful warmth is shining in from the patio doors, illuminating the once darkened room. Rachel and Donna start hyping up the muffins that they're cooking, and Jessica laughs at something they said, standing to go over and help them, and Mike never in a million year, thought he would see the Managing Partner of one of the most prestigious law firms in Manhattan, standing in his kitchen, laughing, and cooking anything. In fact, he never thought she would ever be here in this capacity ever. Louis is demanding that they get this work done, and then he turns to ask Mike whether he had finished digitising all their records, to which the young man just nods. It looks like Louis wants to say something else, but he sees Mike and Harvey together and something stops him… this is their place. This is where they can be together, without anyone else having an opinion, or trying to tear them apart. He doesn't want to be that person. So instead, he smiles and nods and thanks Mike. If Harvey hadn't been holding the younger lawyer, he swore he would've collapsed.
'Harvey, do you have that file from our meeting the other day, the one that I had Kelly take notes in?' Jessica asked, sifting through her bags.
'Ah yeah, its… here,' Harvey said, grabbing it out of his bag and handing it to the woman, who just smiled and thanked him.
'Mike, where is the flour, and the sugar, and the chocolate and the…'
'Okay before you two ruin the kitchen, I'm going to get everything out for you. I don't trust the two of you… especially Rachel… she burns fucking toast,' Mike said as the two women began to protest, with smiles on their faces.
January 15th, 2018
Pearson, Specter, Litt
Manhattan, New York
Helena had called Harvey last night, before they were able to settle down for their dinner and told him that she's "throwing a big ass party for her fiftieth" and demanded that the two of them attend. Helena and Peter live in Virginia. Her birthday is on the twenty-first. Harvey had said that he would talk to Jessica, Mike had never been invited to anyone elses birthday before, apart from Trevor's, and he's excited. That is if they can get the time away from work to attend. Mike would also love to see where Helena and Peter live. Just out of pure curiosity and nosiness. The young lawyer has locked himself away in the corner of the PSL library, with Rachel beside him. They're researching different legal strategies for obtaining the information they need for their case, but so far, they haven't found any legal ground that would allow them to get it. It's been frustrating, even more so when Mike overhears Kelly boasting about how she's 'totally going to hook up with Harvey'. Rachel just laughs, tells Mike that he has nothing to worry about, and logically, he knows that. But the jealous part of Mike, the one that is insecure and paranoid, is standing in the front of his brain shouting at him. That is why, around mid-morning, Mike finds himself knocking on Harvey's office door, asking if he can work in here with him. Harvey just raised an eyebrow at him, but Mike just shrugged, mumbled something about 'missing him', and then took a spot at the conference table in the corner when Harvey nodded. Donna shoots Harvey a look, that knowing one that she always has, but Harvey just subtly shakes his head, motioning for her to 'not say anything'. He has a meeting with Jessica at noon, so Mike might have to leave for a little bit, but he would never deny his boyfriend to work in here. Heck he can work in here when Harvey isn't around. Sure, call it a reward of 'sleeping with the boss', but even then, he would still allow it, and he doesn't care who knows it. What he does care about is other people coming in and out of his office like it's their personal playground. Just before Jessica is due to arrive for their meeting, Mike moves himself over to the couch, and is sitting on it, cross legged, flipping through a file. Harvey moves over to sit beside him, reading over the man's shoulder, commenting on how Mike's case looks like it's going to be solid, that he's doing good work. Mike thanks him, then hears Kelly's voice as she and Jessica enter the office. Harvey spots the look on Mike's face, smirking then looking up at the two women now in his office.
Kelly notices Mike and Harvey sitting beside one another, closer than they probably should be in her 'professional' opinion. Jessica doesn't seem to be bothered by it, as she sits down opposite the two lawyers, and Kelly takes a seat next to Jessica. Mike isn't listening to their conversation, although he could recall it if he needed to. Throughout the course of their meeting, without realising it, Mike had been moving closer into Harvey, and was now almost shoulder to shoulder with his boyfriend/boss. Jessica was amused by the situation, knowing that Mike was trying to make Kelly back off. She wouldn't care if Mike staked his claim right here, right now. She wouldn't say anything because she is on team Marvey. But right now, she just smiles softly at Mike, who smiles back at her, snuggling closer to Harvey, grabbing a notebook, and taking some more notes on his files. Kelly is looking between the two of them, she looks to be pushing her breasts out as far as she can, and Mike resists the urge to roll his eyes. Harvey isn't looking at Kelly, he's engrossed in a file, listening to Jessica as she went over strategies for their case. If Mike were to act on his jealousy, it would be around the associates before the end of lunch. Kelly would no doubt probably run down there, telling them all. But at this point, he doesn't care. He just wants this woman to back off his boyfriend. Jessica catches Mike's eye and makes a small gesture that would suggest she's okay with him taking Harvey right here, to stake his claim to the man. She winks at him, and Mike smirks. Harvey puts the file down, throws his head back on the couch, and Mike sees Kelly shift in her seat, so he does the only thing he can: he straddles Harvey's waist, surprising the older man who immediately brings his head back up, and is pulled into a kiss by Mike. Whilst his boyfriend is dry humping him, Harvey makes eye contact with Jessica, who is just smiling, and smirking. She winks at him, then gestures to Kelly, who is… angry? He doesn't care though because Mike attacks his neck and he's sure to have a hickey. Finally, Jessica "breaks them up", jokingly scolding both for being "unprofessional" during a meeting. Harvey adjusts himself slightly when Mike moves off him, and back to his side of the couch, picking up a file like he hadn't just been sucking on his boyfriend's face in the middle of a meeting. Jessica winks at Mike, who smiles from behind his file, and Harvey smirks at Jessica who just smirks back. Then he chances a glance at Kelly. The young girl looks as though she's about to cry.
'Is everything alright Miss Prior?' Jessica asked, noticing the girls' emotional state.
'Mike, you're sleeping with your boss. Now we know why you get special treatment…' Kelly said, and Harvey was about to say something, but Jessica stopped him.
'There is nothing in the company bylaws that prevent them from being a couple. They have filed all the correct paperwork Miss Prior. As for you, may I suggest you stop with your flirtatious ways towards a Name Partner, it will not get you anywhere,' Jessica said, and the young girl just gaped at her.
'Mike… I thought we were friends. You could have told me you know. I wouldn't have acted like such an idiot. I am sorry Mr. Specter, Mike. Miss Pearson,' she said, then went back to looking at the file in her hands, whilst the room adjusted.
If Mike could have all his work completed, and Louis' work completed by the nineteenth, then Jessica would allow him and Harvey to go to Helena's birthday. Harvey had been furious, but Mike just agreed, knowing that in between everything else, he can get done all the work he needs to have finished. He was also completely surprised to find out that Kelly hadn't run back to the associate pen and told them all about his relationship with Harvey, not that he would've cared, just that he misjudged the girl. Still, she had been flirting with his boyfriend, and that was something that didn't like. But Harvey didn't seem to mind that for the rest of the day, he was walking around with a hickey on his neck, that no one told him about. Mike had been home for three hours when Harvey walked through the door. He was grumbling about something stupid that Vanders had done, and how the meeting was pointless because their lawyers wouldn't let them talk, and the whole thing was a waste of time. Mike was so entranced in the work that he was doing, that when Harvey placed his hands-on Mike's shoulders, the younger man screamed and jumped so high, Harvey thought he might fall off the chair. Mike put a hand to his heart, and took deep breaths, apologising for startling Harvey, who just chuckled and asked if he was okay. Mike nodded, standing to kiss his boyfriend. He's been jumpy today; he doesn't know why. Thought it might have something to do with the guy that came to the office looking for him earlier, but Mike couldn't remember everything. Besides, he's got all this work to do, and Rachel and Alex aren't available tonight, although Alex has promised him that he will have all his side of the work done by tomorrow, so they can meet and put their case together. Harvey would be jealous of Alex working with his boyfriend, but he knows Alex. The man is good. He's married, has two beautiful children. He's not gay. Mike follows Harvey through the penthouse to their bedroom, and flops himself down on their bed, listening to Harvey talk about Vanderstrom whilst he changes out of his suit. Surprisingly, he puts on some of Mike's clothes, which the younger man didn't think would fit his boyfriend, but obviously do. Mike grabs Harvey's Harvard hoodie pulls that over his head, and laments that if they're going to 'wear each other's clothes' then Mike is going to make the most of it. Harvey just smiles, wraps his arms around Mike's waist, and kisses his neck as they walk back out to the living area.
The two lawyers decide they're going to watch movies and eat junk food. Okay, well Mike is going to eat junk food, whilst Harvey moans about how it isn't good for him. In the morning, Mike will get up and go for a run with Harvey, and all will be forgotten. Mike isn't at a point where he has to begin worrying about his looks, because Harvey is still interested in him, and the way he looks at Mike when he's naked… but sooner or later the young man is going to have to work to keep his body, or else Harvey will probably leave him for someone younger, more beautiful. As if the closer can hear the younger man's thoughts, he whispers in his ear that Mike was talking to himself aloud, and that Harvey will never leave him, even if he puts on weight, because he's not that kind of man, and he's it for him. Mike is it for him. Hearing Harvey say that makes Mike's chest explode with all kinds of feelings. Happiness, lust, it's like it begins to fill the holes that have appeared there over the years. Something about the way Harvey whispered it into his ear, the look in his eyes, Mike just knows that it's true. He is so entranced by Harvey, and the words that he'd said, that he doesn't even realise what the movie is, until the titular title comes on, and Mike raises an eyebrow when he realises that it's the Minions movie. Harvey just shrugs, grabs a handful of the fruit chips that Mike is eating, and settles back into the couch. Donna would make fun of them if she knew they were sitting here, two grown men (Mike is debatable), watching a kid's film, about yellow monsters that want to be evil. But there is just some kind of innocence about it, and Harvey chose it. Harvey Specter… chose this film, so who is Mike to complain. They settle together on the couch, no words are needed, because they're able to communicate even in silence. Harvey did take the time to mention to Mike that Kelly had come and apologised for her behaviour and stated that she was going to work on using her intelligence rather than her looks to get to the top. Mike smiled and nodded, then proceeded to leave a hickey on Harvey's neck, the older lawyer just frowning and going back at Mike that he is now the possessive and jealous one. Mike just winked at him and turned back to the movie. They went back to watching in silence, but Mike's attention span for this film was waning… he could think of better things to do more… adult things… Mike slipped off the couch, onto his knees and ran his hands up Harvey's thighs, until he reached the sweatband of his sweatpants, pulling them until his boyfriend's cock sprung free. Then he licked from ball to tip, before taking it into his mouth. Harvey just let out a gasp.
'If you want me to keep blowing you, you must watch the movie Harvey, and don't worry about what I am doing. Can you do that?' Mike asked, as he kneeled up to nibble Harvey's ear lobe.
'Fuck Mike…,' Harvey moaned, throwing his head back, Mike removed his mouth again with a pop, Harvey groaned, looking down at his boyfriend.
'Can you do that Harvey? Or do you want me to stop?' Mike asked again, sticking his tongue out and licking the tip, causing Harvey to moan at the sensation.
'I can do that… fuck… Yes, Mike I can do that… fuck…' was all Harvey managed to get out, before Mike smirked around his cock, causing Harvey to let out a squeak, moan and then begin panting Mike's name as he tried to focus on the film.
January 16th, 2018
Pearson, Specter, Litt
Manhattan, New York
Harvey got to work before Mike. It wasn't strange. The kid is usually always late, especially on this day. Donna had promised to inform him the minute that Mike walked into the office, and she had been patiently waiting at the door. When Mike arrived, it was almost eight-thirty and he was brushing dirt off his suit, re-adjusting his tie, and fixing his hair. He had a cut on his forehead and blood on his shirt. Donna didn't know what was going on, but she called out to Harvey, who stood up, mumbling about Mike 'being late again', and how this wasn't a 'good look for a lawyer', but he stopped when he took Mike in. His boyfriend looked like he'd been hit by a car. Mike grabbed files out of his bag, and handed them to Harvey, telling him that they're done, now he's going to work on his case. But Harvey grabbed his hand before Mike could walk away and pulled him into the office. Donna came in with a first aid kit and asked what had happened. Mike had not wanted to tell them, but he could tell that Harvey was already verging on furious, especially when Donna lifted his shirt to reveal dark bruises and blood. Mike informed them that he had been leaving the meeting he'd had that morning and riding back to the firm. He had just gotten off his bike, clipping it outside the firm, when a car broke off the road, and hit him. Harvey began yelling asking how Mike could be so stupid, not to call the ambulance or the police. The younger lawyer just said that he wasn't hurt that bad, the guy in the car wasn't hurt that bad, and the ambulance and police had just arrived when Mike left, that he had told them he was fine. But he'd been knocked over by the force of the car and scraped up a little. Harvey wanted to march downstairs and knock the shit out of the guy that had done this to his boyfriend, but Donna was worried that this was something else. Mike was hiding something, his eyes kept flicking from Harvey to her, and she could tell that he was shaking. Donna subtly shook her head at Harvey, and told Mike to go back to work, but to come back here so they can make sure he isn't concussed. Harvey turned to his secretary who mentioned that Mike might be hiding something about how this really happened, or what it really was. Jessica entered Harvey's office at that moment, and Donna went back to her desk, promising to keep an eye on Mike for the better part of the day. She's still concerned, so she made a call down to tech to see if she could get the security footage as well.
Mike worked himself through until lunch, when he got a text from Harvey to meet him at the hot dog stand just outside their building. He smiled, standing, and grabbing his jacket and bag, before heading towards the elevator. Just as he stepped out of the building, he saw Harvey, waiting for him, and ran the short distance to catch up with his boyfriend. Harvey talked to him about the most annoying case in the world, and how much he had enjoyed Mike's little… game last night. The younger man smirked, and winked at Harvey, before sauntering over to buy a hot dog from the stand just in front of them. Harvey sped walked to catch up with him, tempted to throw his arms around Mike's waist, and whisper in his ear that he shouldn't tease, but he couldn't. Not here. Not yet. Once he knows that this case is over and done with, and that there is no danger to Mike, he can do that. Scottie is going to give them access to the clients, without their lawyers. Harvey knows this is some kind of ploy, but he wants the answers to those questions that the CIA and the FBI won't answer, and he supposes that is how those two organisations operate, but it doesn't mean that he has to like it. In fact, has made the comment, many times in fact, that he doesn't. Donna, on the other hand, was sitting at her desk going through the outside footage from their security cameras, stopping when she saw Mike approaching the building. He was knocked to the ground and beaten by a guy… she couldn't really get a good look at his face… but she couldn't believe it. In pure daylight, someone had come and beat Mike up… it didn't seem like there was any reason… he wasn't mugged… Donna didn't want to think that this was a hate crime… not again… Mike has been through enough of that. But she couldn't think of what else it might have been. Mike hasn't been making anyone angry lately, so she doesn't know who would be holding a grudge. She got a good look at the guy's face when he looked into the camera… idiot… she thought, pausing, and printing the image. If she can get in contact with her friend at NYPD, then maybe they can find this guy before he hurts someone else. Mike and Harvey meanwhile, were sitting down on a bench outside the office when into Harvey's line of sight came someone he detests: Travis Tanner, and he was wearing that stupid smug smile on his face, the one that Harvey wanted to punch off it the minute he saw it.
'Harvey didn't think you would stoop to having lunch with a Rookie Associate,' Tanner said, and Mike flinched at his words and the look on his face.
'Who I eat lunch with does not concern you, Tanner. I would rather eat lunch with Mike than anyone else. Can I ask what you are doing here?' Harvey said, not really caring.
'Oh yes. I'm here to speak with Jessica about a lawsuit that is being handled cross-firm. I'll be seeing the both of you then… Harvey… Mike…' Tanner almost spat Mike's name, before turning and walking off.
'Tanner is up to something….' Mike said, and Harvey nodded in agreeance.
A/N: Thanks for reading, and I will try to keep an upload schedule. I know most people say that and then don't, but I have a routine, and I'm hoping to carry it through into 2024. D.
