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-Two: Helena's Fiftieth Birthday Bash
January 20th, 2018
The Inn at Four Eleven York
Norfolk, Virginia
Harvey and Mike had flown into Norfolk this morning and had made it to their hotel in record time. Mike had been blown away by the size of the room that Harvey had booked for them (the presidential suite) and spent half an hour just exploring the thing before he collapsed down on the sofa beside Harvey in the living area. They had wanted to drive, but it was six hours from Manhattan to Norfolk, and without Mike being able to take over from Harvey, the closer figured it was easier to just fly in and fly out. Mike had been nervous about flying, it had only been his second time on a plane, but Harvey just took his hand, pressed a kiss to it, and smiled. Jessica had given them the weekend; they were due back Monday the twenty-third. That sat fine with Harvey, he has a client meeting here anyway that he can attend in the middle, so that worked out fine for both him and Jessica. Of course, the case was pro-bono, but he was sure that Mike wouldn't mind, after all Calder had begun putting the stops in place to help Mike with the final things, he would need for his court case in a week, and Harvey was making sure that his boyfriend was one hundred percent ready. He didn't want to hear anything less than 'Harvey, I won' come out of his boyfriend's mouth. Of course, he wouldn't really care either way, but it would be nice for Mike to have that confidence of winning. Helena had messaged him when they had landed and invited them over for dinner, demanding that they do it, or she would show up at their hotel and make a scene. They would've stayed with Helena, but their house isn't that big, and Molly and Damien are already there with the kids, so they figured it would be easier for them to stay in a hotel. Besides, Mike knows how Harvey feels about imposing on his family members. Mike was flicking through the TV channels when Harvey's cell rang. He answered it immediately, and before he could do anything, he was stuck in an hour-long phone call with Louis about something stupid that was going on with the Vanderstrom case. Mike tried to be sympathetic about it, but to be honest he's going to be glad when that case is over and done with. The sooner they can go back to working together, the better it will be. Mike had been in charge of getting the present and the card, which he had protested to greatly, because he didn't know Harvey's sister that well. So, they're going to go shopping today and try and find something nice for her…. Something not as expensive as her Christmas present… Harvey thought to himself and he hung up his cell and collapsed onto the couch, curling up to Mike.
By the time they had returned from their shopping trip, it was almost four pm. Harvey and Mike showered, and then went downstairs to the lobby. Harvey had hired a car in Norfolk, but they had to take a cab to pick it up, which was ridiculous, because they could've just taken a cab to his sister's house. Finally, when they got to the car rental place, it was almost five thirty, and it would take them at least twenty minutes to get back across town to Helena's house. Mike just listened as Harvey talked, he was feeling overwhelmed at the moment, and the sound of his boyfriend's voice just cut through the madness that was going on in his brain. Finally, they pulled into Ruggeri Drive, and up to a lovely brick house. There were a couple of cars parked out the front, and the lights were all on in the house. Harvey pulled up in the driveway and stopped the car. They got out, and Harvey took Mike's hand as they headed up the path to the front door, where Harvey was about to ring the doorbell, but before he had the chance, the front door was yanked open, and then Peter was shouting something to someone behind him, then when he turned around and saw them standing there, he hugged both of them, telling them to 'come in, don't stand outside like idiots', closing the door, and heading back through the house. Helena appeared moments later excitedly hugging her brother, and Mike who just smiled and thanked her for inviting them. She patted Mike's shoulder, and led them through the house, in the sitting room, where everyone else was seated, watching… something… Molly and Damien stood to great them, and the kids all shouted hi. Molly asked Mike how he was doing, and he just nodded, smiling. She kissed his cheek, Harvey glared at her, and told Damien to 'keep his wife's lips away from his boyfriend's cheek', but Molly just smirked and winked, before heading into what Mike assumed was the kitchen… there is so much going on at the moment. Mike sat down on the couch, and rested his head on Harvey's shoulder, the older man wrapping his arm around him, taking the drink offered to him by Damien in the other. Helena was shouting things to Peter, who was shouting things back, Molly shouted to ask if Helena needed any help, but didn't get a reply. She was nursing a glass of red wine and her phone, whilst Damien looked put out a little. Mike had told him and Molly to 'be more spontaneous' in their relationship, but he didn't know if his advice worked.
'Molly, how is work?' Harvey asked, looking over at his sister-in-law who looked up from her phone and smiled.
'It's been slow the last few nights. Strange I know. You'd think more people would hurt themselves but… it's been good,' Molly said.
'Aren't people not hurting themselves a good thing?' Mike asked, frowning in confusion.
'Not if you're a doctor in the ER,' Molly replied, looking back at her phone, whilst Mike just chuckled.
Dinner in the Michael's house was something akin to trying to get a bunch of school kids to sit together quietly. People were shouting, kids were arguing, and Mike was in between Harvey and Damien, who were in the middle of a debate about what the legalities of 'Contempt' really are. Of course, Harvey was winning, because he's Harvey, and Mike was kind of just pushing his food around on his plate. He listened to the conversations that were happening around him, and as Helena explained that everyone else would be here tomorrow, and that she's excited to be turning fifty. Mike couldn't help but smile at that. Harvey made a terrible joke about something ridiculous, and in her attempt to throw something at Harvey, Helena missed and hit Mike, who was knocked out of his silent reverie by the object hitting him in the side of his head. The table was plunged into silence, Mike just looked around at everyone, stating that he's 'alright', whilst Harvey just grabbed the thing, it was a shoe, and threw it back at his sister. Thankfully, no one seemed to notice Mike's silence, including Harvey and he was thankful for that. Eventually, when they had all finished dinner, and the kids had escaped from the table, and it was just the adults sitting around, Harvey asked Helena about her work, and she began telling them about one of her co-workers. Helena works at some PR Business Firm, and she's currently telling them a story about a co-worker who was fired because she lied on her resume, and if anyone caught Mike's choking on his mouthful of food, they didn't say anything. Harvey had placed a hand on his boyfriend's knee and would give it a light squeeze everytime Helena said something about it again. Knowing that his sister didn't stick up for that girl, that she wouldn't give her a second chance, it kind of made him question things, and he knows that it's different believe that he knows. But still, he saw something in Mike (other than himself) that made him want to give the kid a second chance, and since then Mike has done a lot to prove to the entire firm that he is worthy of that second chance, and sure, they've all had their battles, but who doesn't? They're a family. Mike isn't a fraud; he just never went to law school. He didn't lie on his resume, he just never technically attended Harvard. The whole conversation put both lawyers in a seemingly bad mood for the rest of the night. Mike curled himself into his boyfriend the minute they were together, as if to say, "protect me" and Harvey would. Always.
After dinner and dessert had been completed, Harvey declared that he and Mike would head back to their hotel, and they would see them all tomorrow. They hugged and said goodbye and when Harvey and Mike were both safe in the car, they shared a look with each other. It was something akin to fear, but also loyalty. Harvey drove them back through the streets of Norfolk, to their hotel, and finally when they reached their room, they took the time to undress on another, and then climbed into bed together. Harvey pulled Mike close, just holding him, peppering soft kisses to his jaw. Mike just closed his eyes, a small smile on his face as he let Harvey hold him. Why should they have to be afraid? Of course, they're always going to be terrified. This Vanderstrom case has them both on the edge. The CIA and the FBI have never been this close to the firm before. One wrong move and everything they have worked so hard to build over the last eight years, can come crumbling down. It's a lot of pressure, and Harvey knows that he would do anything for Mike. Hell, when he hired Mike, he knew that he would do anything for him. But hearing his sister's story and thinking about her words "how could she lie to all of us like that?" and "the damage that she has done to the firm's reputation and to my reputation" … Harvey could see sense in both of those arguments. Of course, the firm would be damaged. His reputation, Jessica's, Louis'… they would all take the hit. No one would be safe. Thinking about all this just made Harvey hold Mike tighter. He didn't want to let his boyfriend go, even for a second. He doesn't know what he would do if his sister found out. Would she immediately call the police? Harvey doesn't want to think that she would, but her story has made him question everything. Mike's eyes open slowly when Harvey presses a kiss to his lips. The younger lawyer deepens it, pressing Harvey back into the mattress, and whispering that he's not going anywhere. Harvey dug his fingers into Mike's back, made him promise… swear on everything… and Mike did. He did because he knew that's what Harvey wanted. But truth be told, Mike would fight everything he could to stay, and if that means that he has to leave the job that he loves to protect the people that he loves… then that might just be something they have to discuss in the near future.
'It's ridiculous that something stupid that my sister talks about can do this to us,' Harvey whispered, hand running through Mike's hair.
'We can try to deny it as much as we want, but I think when people talk about it, we can't justify that it's right,' Mike replied, caressing Harvey's cheek.
'It is right Mike. You are a lawyer. You're a better fucking lawyer than anyone else at the firm, and I'm including me in that statement. You had a bunch of shitty circumstances but listen to me… what we're doing is right Mike…' Harvey replied, mostly trying to convince himself.
'I love you,' was all Mike replied with, kissing Harvey before he could say anything else.
January 21st, 2018
Helena and Peter's House
Norfolk, Virginia
Helena's party started at twelve. Mike and Harvey arrived at twelve-fifteen and were immediately drawn into the drama that was taking place. Marcus and Damien were arguing over something stupid, and the moment they saw Harvey, they drew him into the conversation, stating that they needed his 'lawyer skills'. Mike just rolled his eyes and went to find Molly, who was trying to corral the kids in the den, sorting out a film for them, whilst the older kids had their computers, or phones… Mike never had anything like that when he was a kid, so the fact that so much of the world now relies on technology is strange to him. Harvey found him moments later, handed him a drink, whispering that his brother makes the best Gin and Tonics, and he wanted Mike to try one. The minute the liquid touched his lips, Mike nodded his head profusely. Harvey smirked, and went back to find Damien. Molly grabbed his hand and pulled him into the hallway, thanking him for the advice he gave to them about 'being spontaneous'. Mike just smirked and hugged her. Out of the corner of his eye, Mike saw Lily coming around the corner, carrying what looked to be a giant cake in her arms. After she had put the cake down on the table, she turned to pull Mike into a hug, asking him where Harvey was, just as the man came around the corner to greet his mother. The party was filled with members of their family, and some of Helena's friends from her work and her life. Mike and Harvey had found a nice quiet spot in the living room, where they could be engaged in conversation, but weren't in the way of anyone's either. Lily and Richard were apparently in the kitchen with Molly, whilst Helena was… somewhere. Neither Harvey nor Mike had seen the birthday girl since they had arrived. Harvey claimed that he'd heard his sister but hadn't seen her. Mike chuckled. They sat close together, just engaged in conversation between themselves. Molly poked her head into the lounge at about one, to call them in for lunch, and noticed that the two looked stilted, like they did at the house last year. She wanted to tell them to just be themselves, but she doesn't know Helena's friends either so she can't speak for them. When Harvey and Mike got into the kitchen to grab a plate of food, they finally found Helena. She and Peter were stood against the table, making out like teenagers. Harvey "accidentally" kicked the table, causing them to stumble, before Helena turned to her brother with an evil look on her face. Peter just walked over and greeted them, before grabbing a beer a disappearing through to the living area. Harvey smirked but hugged his sister and wished her 'Happy Birthday'. Helena smiled, hugged Harvey, and sent a wink to Mike.
It had barely taken a minute. Harvey had gone to the bathroom, leaving Mike sitting at the table eating lunch. He had been chatting with Marcus about his new girlfriend, when one of Helena's friends had plonked herself down in the chair that Harvey had vacated and began "flirting" with Mike. Marcus couldn't help but chuckle at the way the woman basically threw herself at Mike, who for the most part, was taking it like a champ. He kicked Marcus under the table, a smirk on his face. Then when Harvey returned from the bathroom and saw this woman all over his boyfriend and his brother laughing, he decided to make it known that Mike was his… okay so maybe he's still feeling a little possessive after last night… either that, or the fact that he knows the woman, her name is Sarah Hall. She and Helena used to go to school together, and when Harvey was about sixteen, the girls had a falling out. He didn't ask what it was about, he didn't really care. But when he was older, he had asked her why she didn't speak to the woman, but Helena just said, "stupid teenage shit". Apparently, they're friends again because she's here. Harvey reached the table, just as Sarah was about to launch herself at Mike or managed to maneuver himself out of the woman's way, and over to where his boyfriend was standing, whilst Marcus just burst out into laughter. Harvey is going to kill (metaphorically) his brother. Mike grabbed Harvey's hand and wrapped himself as close to the lawyer as he possibly could. Harvey just wrapped an arm around Mike's shoulders, and the two of them left the room, heading for the living room, which was less populated than the kitchen. Again, Helena was nowhere to be seen, but Peter was chatting with Damien nursing a beer. Harvey apologised for his stunt earlier, to which the other man just mumbled 'it's fine', and fist-bumped Harvey… he's clearly drunk… Mike took a seat on the sofa, a safer place to be, between Harvey and the arm rest. Sarah had given up in her mission to get Mike 'into bed' and had moved onto another target. Peter wasn't above having the woman booted from his house. He doesn't know why Helena invited her in the first place, she knows what the woman is like. At two pm, Lily called everyone to the large entertainment area for the cake. Helena was sitting on a bar stool, wearing a silly hat on her head, holding a glass of wine, and smiling. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to her, and then she blew out the candles, and asked if anyone wanted cake, waving the knife around dangerously, until Molly snatched it away from her. She pouted and went back inside.
'I don't think your sister is taking turning fifty very well,' Mike said, as he and Harvey took their cakes back into the living room to eat.
'Yeah, she's a lightweight. She'll feel it tomorrow,' Harvey replied, stabbing a bit of cake with his fork, and feeding it to Mike, who chuckled but played along.
'Sarah is persistent,' Mike said, looking over at Harvey who raised that eyebrow at him, smirking.
'Yeah… clearly something happened between her and my sister. The fact that she is here means that Helena is either out of her mind, or just really thinks she's trying to change… I hope it's the second one,' Harvey said, feeding Mike more cake, whilst the younger man just pointed to his own plate, and Harvey shrugged.
The rest of the party went by in kind of a blur for the two lawyers. Helena was barely anywhere to be seen, and whilst most of the guests had left by six pm, some were still here, including Sarah, who had returned to her mission of trying to 'get Mike into bed'. Harvey was on the war path, Damien and Molly were trying to hold themselves together, but both were having a hard time with the liquor. Mike was basically sober, he'd had one glass of wine, whilst Harvey was on his second glass of scotch. Lily and Richard were in the kitchen making dinner, and Peter had passed out in his armchair with the game on loudly in the living room. It was completely mad, but something about it made Mike smile. It might be a mad house, people might be slightly drunk, but it's something that a family would do. They get together, and things like this happen (although not all the time, he knows that). Whilst Sarah is drunkenly trying to seduce Mike, Harvey is trying to think of all the ways that he can sue the woman, and his glare would, at work, have Mike cowering in a corner. Eventually, once Peter has been woken up by a crashing coming from the kitchen, he demands that everyone 'calm the fuck down', and moves upstairs, probably to lie himself down. Mike asks Sarah to leave him alone, but instead she plants herself on Mike's lap. Like a fucking child meeting Santa Claus, and Harvey loses his mind. Mike makes up a story about him having a twin who went into the other room, and that is who is interested in her, and she immediately gets off of his lap, and runs (drunkenly) into the study. Harvey then walks over and locks the door, smirking at Mike, who is too traumatised to make any smart comments, or even acknowledge what his boyfriend is saying. They have leftovers for dinner, and whilst most of the family is sat in the den, now watching a movie, Helena is passed out on the couch in the living room, and Marcus went into the study to check on Sarah, to make sure she wasn't 'dead', and found her passed out as well. Harvey mumbles something about this being a 'typical Specter birthday', and Mike looks over at him, then says something about them throwing a 'rager for Harvey's fiftieth'. The glare he gets from his boyfriend isn't something Mike ever wants to see again, but the smirk that he employs in return… that threw Harvey off and that made him happy. Knowing that Harvey is relatively sober, Mike tells him that he's okay with the man driving them back to their hotel. They leave at about eight, after Helena starts getting sick, and Molly tells them that they don't have to be here for this. They hug everyone, thank them for the invite, and head out the door, Harvey spending an extra moment with his parents.
Thankfully, the streets are quiet on the drive back to the hotel. Mike asks Harvey if that was something that happened all the time in their family, and Harvey told him a story about other birthdays that Helena had. Mike gaped at some, laughed at others, and cringed as well. When they got back to their hotel room, it was only nine o'clock. Harvey declared that they should change into their PJ's and watch a movie in bed. Mike was too tired to suggest doing anything else, so he agreed. They changed in silence, Mike going to the bathroom just to wash his face. When he returned to the giant bedroom, Harvey was under the covers, flipping through the movie channel, commenting on how ridiculous hotel movies are. Mike agreed, climbing into the bed, and curling up to his boyfriend. Molly had messaged them earlier on behalf of Lily, to make sure they had gotten back to the hotel okay, and Harvey replied, just to give them all the peace of mind. Then they settled in and put on The Kraken. Mike pretended to not be scared, Harvey pretended to not notice that Mike was scared, curling ever so close to him when something terrifying happened, and it was like one of their first dates. When they were still navigating their relationship, Harvey was still trying to not be himself, and not let Mike all the way in. How times have changed. Soon, they will be at their eleven-month anniversary… then shortly after that, they will celebrate being together for a year. One year. Surprisingly, that doesn't terrify Harvey as much as he thought it would six months ago. In fact, he's so surprised by how unsurprised he is, that he freaks himself out. He knows that he has plans. Big plans. He's going to ask Mike to marry him. Heck if it were socially acceptable and not at all rushed, he would've done it six months ago. He just wants to be able to call Mike his forever. All these thoughts are running through his mind, distracting him, that when the movie gives them a jump scare, Harvey almost falls out of the bed he jumps so high, but he likes seeing the teasing smile on Mike's face as he laughs, then kisses his cheek and tells him that it's "just a movie". Mike isn't sure when he fell asleep, but he was woken by something crashing in the bathroom, and then someone swearing under their breath. He turned the light on to see Harvey re-entering the room. The older lawyer flicked the bathroom light off, and went over to get back into bed, pulling Mike into him.
'Sorry babe. I knocked over the tray of shampoo and shit. It's in the dumbest spot,' Harvey said into Mike's neck as he pressed soft kisses to it.
'What time is your meeting in the morning?' Mike asked, then a yawn escaped, and he began to doze again.
'Ten o'clock. Are you going to be okay by yourself for two hours?' Harvey asked, but Mike could hear the smirk.
'Yep. I won't miss you at all,' Mike replied jokingly, and Harvey tickled his side, pressing a kiss to Mike's lips before they curled up again.
January 22nd, 2018
The Inn at Four Eleven York
Norfolk, Virginia
Mike was sitting back against the headboard of the large bed, watching Harvey get ready for his meeting. One of the downsides of being allowed the time off to come to Virginia, was that Harvey had to meet with a pro-bono client who was also here in Norfolk whilst they're here. Mike had been given this case off, considering the amount of work that he's doing for Calder, he can't be running himself thin, and this client is a long-time client of Harvey's anyway, so once they get back to New York, if Harvey needs help with the case, Mike will step in as much as he can. As always, his boyfriend looks amazing in his suit, hair perfectly done, that aftershave that Mike will swear on the stand, under oath that he pretends to hate but really doesn't… it all comes together quickly, and then Harvey's phone chimes with a text to let him know that his cab is waiting for him downstairs. With one last look in the mirror, Harvey grabs his briefcase, turns to give Mike a kiss, and tells him not to get into any trouble, that he hopes to be back by twelve, or one o'clock at the latest. Mike just informs his boyfriend that he also has a lot of work to do, referring to the pile of briefs he has busied himself with, and Harvey winks, kisses him once more, and turns to leave the room. Mike hears the door close, before tossing the briefs aside, and burying himself back under the duvet. Seriously, he doesn't want to do any work today, and he knows that Alex is going to have most of his done, and that kind of motivates him a little, but really… he just wants to lie in this big bed and do nothing. That isn't too much to ask is it? Mike is in that place between asleep and just lightly dozing when his phone starts ringing. He groans and rolls over to answer it, not even checking the caller ID. He hears Lily's voice, asking him if he would like to go to the market with her and Molly this afternoon, and he feels something rising inside of him, so he excitedly says yes. He tells the girls where they're staying, and they plan to meet at one in the lobby. He's hoping that Harvey might be back so he can join them, but if not, it will be a lovely day with the girls. Once again, Mike settles back under the duvet, flicks the alarm on, just in case, and tries to go back to sleep, at least for another hour or so.
Mike wakes again at eleven, just before his alarm is due to go off. He gets up and has a shower, waking himself up more. He gets dressed, and moves back into the bedroom area, to pack up his files and tidy the room up. He gets a text from Molly at eleven-thirty, stating that she is bringing Sandy, her daughter, along as well, and Mike just sends a smiley face emoji back. Mike is wearing a pair of skinny black jeans and a black shirt/t-shirt, and his Converses. He's done his hair, but it doesn't have any product in it, he just couldn't be bothered doing his whole routine. Grabbing his phone, the room key, and his wallet, he heads out of the room and over to the elevator. Molly had texted him stating that they're almost there, so he can just wait for them in the main lobby area. Whilst he knew that it was unlikely that Harvey would be joining them anytime soon (he had gotten an angry face emoji and a sad face emoji from Harvey just a moment ago), it was nice that his mother and sister-in-law had thought of him. Finally, when he got to the ground floor, he had just stepped out of the elevator when he heard someone calling his name, and then Molly and Lilly were hugging him. Sandy gave him a hug as well, thanking him for helping her to 'escape from her brothers'. Mike chuckled and linked his arm with Lily's as they headed back out of the hotel and down the street. It is not far to the markets, but they are packed with people. Lily begins explaining to Mike how this market came about, and he enjoys hearing the history of it. There are stalls with trinkets, and clothes, plants and just homewares and accessories. They enter through the large metal gates, and head towards the stalls. Molly has her phone and purse in her hand, as if she's ready to snap up a bargain. Sandy asks Mike how his brain is going, and he chuckles and replies with 'ready for a rematch', to which the young girl just smiles and laughs. Lily darts off to get some organic fruit and vegetables, whilst Molly and Sandy head towards a stall selling jewellery. Mike has been tasked with 'carrying everything'. He doesn't mind, as Lily hands him another bag and then links her arm with his again. After exploring most of the market, they find somewhere selling food, and settle down at one of the picnic tables to eat. Sandy is telling them all a story about one of her friends from school, when Mike gets a call. He apologises, then moves slightly away from the table to answer it.
'Hey, did you finish your meeting?' Mike asks as Harvey groans on the other end of the line.
'Yes. Where are you? Did my mother kidnap you?' Harvey asked, and Mike just chuckled.
'We're at the Norfolk Market. It's not far from the hotel if you want to join us,' Mike said, ignoring the calls from Molly and Lily who then chuckled.
'Yeah. I'll have a shower and text you when I get there. Tell my mother not to buy too much. I love you,' Harvey said, and Mike could hear the water turn on through the phone.
'Love you too, see you soon,' Mike replied, he hung up and went back to the table, explaining that Harvey was going to be joining them soon.
January 22nd, 2018
Norfolk Market
Norfolk, Virginia
Lily was chatting with a stall worker about buying herself a new hairdryer, when Harvey appeared through the crowd, telling his mother that she 'doesn't need one'. He wrapped his arms around Mike's waist and pressed a kiss to his lips when he turned around. Sandy made 'awing' sounds and earned a wink from her mother. Lily turned to look at her son and told him that she "does not" need his approval, but then Mike reminded her about Richard, and she nodded and told the person working that she would 'think about it'. They headed away from the stalls, Harvey now holding Mike's hand. Molly was asking him about his case, and the lawyer just groaned and began explaining how 'stupid and incompetent' his client is. Mike sighed, knowing that he was going to be stuck dealing with said client when they get back tomorrow. Harvey asked how Helena was doing this morning, and Molly just shrugged saying that she was 'still asleep' when they left. Lily made a face at her son, and Mike was about to ask what was going on, when he heard someone calling his name, then he was stopped by an old friend of his, Tyler Moorely. Mike hadn't seen the man since they were in highschool, but clearly, he has a better memory than Mike remembers him having. Tyler began a conversation with Mike, as the group moved over to a smaller building where more stalls were set up inside. Harvey was not enjoying himself right now. He had never heard of this Tyler before. Mike has never mentioned him. Their conversation goes from high school to what they've been up to. Mike tells Tyler that he's been working in New York, doing some business stuff, and squeezes Harvey's hand to send him the silent message to just 'play along'. Of course, he was going to do that anyway, he's not an idiot. Tyler then notices that Mike is holding Harvey's hand this guy is an idiot… was all Harvey could think, and punches Mike's shoulder making stupid noises before he holds his hand out and introduces himself to Harvey. He is polite, he shakes the man's hand, asks what he does for a living and laughs along to the conversation. But he can sense that Mike is uncomfortable. By this point, Tyler tells them that he'd better 'get going', that he'll look Mike up when he's in New York. He disappears into the crowd, just as Molly, Lily and Sandy rejoin them. Mike is shaking, almost as if he's terrified of what just happened. Harvey wraps his arm around his waist and leads them back towards a stall he saw earlier. Mike doesn't say anything.
Mike didn't say much for the rest of the day either. Harvey and Mike were getting the eight am flight out of Virginia tomorrow, but his mother demanded that they at least come to the house to say goodbye to everyone this afternoon. Having agreed, the two lawyers waited until the ladies were in the cab, before they went back to their hotel. Mike was still shaking, he didn't say a word until he heard Harvey close their room door behind him, then he turned to make sure that it was his boyfriend, and not some stranger, before he basically jumped into a hug, holding Harvey as if he would be taken away from him. Harvey was worried. Some random guy that Mike had known in highschool appears in Norfolk, Virginia, and suddenly his boyfriend is acting as if they're in a horror movie and someone is going to die. They're supposed to be going to Helena's for "dinner", but he doesn't think Mike will make it there, not if he's acting like this, and Harvey has to find out what is going on, he can't do that if they're surrounded by his family, as good natured as they are. There is a knock on their door, and Mike jumps, makes a 'squeak' in the back of his throat, and wraps his arms around himself, glancing at the door before looking at Harvey then at the floor. The older lawyer moves towards the door, opens it, and is almost knocked in the face by the page boy going to knock again. The boy apologises profusely, hands Harvey a letter that he said was left for him 'in the lobby' then he turns and basically runs back to the elevator. Closing the door, and turning around, he finds Mike packing his things into his bag. Harvey takes a chance and asks Mike if he's okay. The younger man doesn't reply, he doesn't look at Harvey, he doesn't do much of anything. But he's folded the same shirt about fifty times by the time Harvey gets his attention. Harvey throws the letter into his bag, figuring that it's just something from the firm he can read tomorrow on the plane, and moves over to where Mike is now wide-eyed, staring at his suitcase like it bit him or something. Harvey tries again, getting Mike to answer his questions, but it doesn't work. Finally, he wraps his arms around Mike's waist, rests his head on Mike's shoulder, and presses kisses to his neck, just under Mike's ear, at the bottom of his hairline. The young man's eyes flutter closed, and he tilts his neck to give his boyfriend more room, then he feels himself being pulled down onto the bed, and he snuggles into Harvey's strong embrace, feeling the warmth surrounding him. Harvey kisses him, caressing his cheek softly, their eyes connect.
'What is going on Mike, and don't say that it's nothing because I know you,' Harvey asked in a whisper.
'Tyler was an old friend of mine from high school. He um… he's um… he was my, um... you know… my ah, first,' Mike managed to get out, Harvey frowned, still confused as to why Mike had this reaction to him.
'You two dated? I'm guessing it didn't end well, considering how you reacted to him,' Harvey said, hoping he managed to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
'No, you could say that it didn't end well. I ended up in the hospital because of him. He's the reason I was outed in highschool. He wasn't a particularly great human… or boyfriend,' Mike replied in a whisper and Harvey understood what he meant… he held him tighter.
A/N: I hope your 2024, brings many more stories, and days of joy. D.
