"I know your secret."

"You're going to have to be more specific their buddy. Which one? I have a lot of skeletons in my closet.

Mike was already having a bad day. He had woken up with a call from Harvey stating he must get "his ass to work, before it's never allowed here again". He had just run out of coffee, and now he was running late for work. Harvey was going to be so pissed, more pissed than usual anyway.

All of this contributed to him not paying much attention to his surroundings. Well, maybe it was the 2 hours of sleep last night that did that, but either way, he failed to notice Jessica holding a stack of Harvard student folders. From 2002.

Oblivious to this, Mike hurriedly secured his bike, and ran up to the office, stopping for a moment at Donna's desk to catch his breath.

"Morning Donna"

She jumped, as if she hadn't seen him, which was unusual for anyone here, let alone Donna. Mike brushed it off, not really in the mood to inquire.

"Mike, why are you so out of breath?" She asked, turning back to her computer, a panicked expression still on her face.

"I-"

She cut him off before he could get an explanation out, but he doubted he would been able to speak after hearing her next words.

"Jessica wants to see you in her office, immediately" Donna said.

It took a second for him to register, and one more for the implications of this to set in. He had only seen an associate call to her office once, and once he had walked out of the office, he was never seen again. Mike wasn't an idiot, he knew he was doing good work, so this could only mean one thing. She knew.

He searched Donna's face for any trace that she thought something different. He was doubtful, but if Donna thought it was something different, it probably was.

All his hopes were crushed when she whispered "I'm sorry Mike".

Nodding silently, he made his way to her office. He didn't feel real, after all this, they had been so careful. All good things must come to an end though. His legs blindly leading him, all he could do was keep his breathing even, and hope no one would notice the clenched hands that he couldn't seem to relax as he made his way to Jessica's office.

Taking one last look back, after all it might be the last time he saw this place, he stepped in. Forcibly unlenching his hands as he did so, any signs of stress or worry were going to make this worse. Glancing around the room, he saw Harvey sitting across the desk from Jessica. The sight of Harvey there gave him a last spike of determination. If he was going down definitely he sure as hell wasn't doing it without a fight, and he was leaving his way. If he was going to lose his job, what would a little banter do anyway?

Apparently a lot judging by the murderous expression on Harvey's face, he knew what Mike was thinking, he always did. Walking to the seat next to him, he kept looking at Harvey, partially to avoid Jessica's face, and partially to search for the man sitting beside him.

There it was. Harvey was able to read Mike, but he could sure as hell do the same thing. He was good to go, and Harvey would back him. It would be alright.

He sat down next to Harvey, and looked up to Jessica, ready for whatever was to come.

"I know your secret."

Mike just managed to hide his surprise from here statement. He wasn't expecting that, and apparently neither was Harvey. Maybe she didn't know?

"What secret? He's done everything you've asked him to, and damn well too", Harvey said, glaring across the desk to Jessica.

Harvey may not care, but he is protective at the very least.

Whether it was Harvey's words or, sheer stupidity of the moment he had no idea what caused him to say calmly "You're going to have to be more specific there, buddy. Which one? I have a lot of skeletons in my closet. "

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized that was not the best thing to say. She now knew that he had more than one secret, and if she queried this it would put him in a worse position than before.

He didn't let this rush of thoughts show on his face, a small smile of cocky confidence, one to rival Harvey's played across his face. Maybe it would throw her off?

He didn't dare look at Harvey, but he could guess he was having the same thought process. Judging by the fleeting shock that passed through her face, one that would've been missed if he'd blinked, Harvey's expression was similar to his own.

"You know what I'm talking about" Jessica said coolly, her face remaining a mask of indifference.

"No, I don't" Mike said, furrowing his eyebrows, it was a long shot she would buy it, but he was going to try.He had learnt from Harvey to never give up that easily.

"You never went to Harvard" She said, glaring at Mike. He tried to speak, but Jessica cut him off.

"Don't try that bullshit with me, I know and if you don't start talking, you are going to be out this door before an explanation passes your lips,"

So much for defiance and banter. It was over. Before Harvey could say anything, Mike blurted out "I know I never went to Harvard, okay! But I worked my ass off to get here, I earnt my place, I did everything you ask and more. Please just let me stay, I-I can show you how I got the job. Just give me a chance. Please."

He stood there, panting slightly from his rant. Not daring to break eye contact with Jessica. She just stared at him, not saying a word.

Next to him, Harvey stood up. "If he goes, I go too".

Breaking her gaze from Mike, she turned to Harvey "You wouldn't dare".

Lowering his tone, he growled "I would".

"Fine, you are fired"

"No I'm not, and neither is he", He said, turning to Mike, using his chance to shoot him a look that said "Don't interfere".

Obeying the silent command, Mike stood still, watching the scene next to him unfold.

"If you fire me, you lose 40% of our clients, not to mention all cases I have ever done, I will sue you for wrongful dismissal. And even if I lose this case, which I won't, your firm will fall apart when they realize you didn't know about this sooner." Harvey said, standing up beside him, staring defiantly into Jessica's eyes.

"You wouldn't dare" Jessica said, staring back at him, neither one showing any signs of lowering their gaze.

"Try me"

Mike knew they'd won. Harvey may have been bluffing, but even Jessica knew not to take that chance.

"Fine, he can stay", Mike let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "But if anyone else ever finds out about this, you both gone. Am I clear?"

"Crystal" Harvey replied, still appearing to be unbothered.

Harvey put a hand on his back and steered him out had the office, probably so he didn't screw up whatever miracle Harvey had just performed.

Once they made their way out and into Harvey's office, he allowed his poker face to drop and breathed a sigh of relief, sinking into his chair.

Pouring a glass of whiskey, he closed his eyes. Mike sat down on the chair next to him, closing his eyes briefly, allowing the relief to wash over him.

He was safe. Thanks to Harvey.

"Thanks for that, Harvey" he breathed.

"Don't thank me yet kid, you're going to be working your ass of for the next week to make up for this" Harvey said, clearing trying to pretend this was a casual thing he did. To save himself, of course.

Mike didn't buy it, nor did he miss the small smile that flittered across his face as they entered the room. Yeah, Harvey definitely cared.