Harvey sat in the low lit room watching as Mike's chest would rise and fall peacefully. Two hours had passed and all he could do was tear himself apart for being the reason the kid was in that bed in the first place. Did he intentionally do it? No. Never. He wasn't a violent person. Never had been and never would be. When he was in high school he protected kids that were like Mike. Smaller than the athletes and the perfect target for bullies who wanted to feel better about themselves.
Mike was a good kid. Harvey always warned him of his moral compass and being a lawyer but it never did any good. The kid has a big heart and nothing was going to change that. Despite all the crap the world could throw at him he somehow always remained positive and witty. His sense of humor was a breath of fresh air for Harvey and it made him grow all the more fond of the him.
When Mike began to stir, air got stuck in Harvey's throat, he wasn't ready to face the kid. When Mike opened his big blue eyes, Harvey felt glued to his seat, he didn't know if he should move or not. He didn't want to startle the kid.
Perhaps moving would have been the better idea, at least making his presence known, because when the kid noticed him he flinched hard and hit his casted arm on the bed rail. "Ah," the kid gasped as soon as his arm had hit and Harvey winced because he knew that had to hurt.
"Hey, it's ok," Harvey attempted to calm Mike down, but damn it, did he make it hard to stay downcast. Harvey found himself trying not to chuckle. The kid was the epitome of a golden retriever puppy. Big eyes, messy hair, and in search of someone to lead him to safety. Not that Mike couldnt take care of himself but like most golden retrievers he is also too trusting of people. "I'm right here." Harvey reassured.
The kid looked at him, confusion glossing over his big eyes, and uncertainty in his creasing eyebrows. "Harvey?" He asked, "You're here? You're ok?" His voice sounded parched and part of his words had some squeaks to them. He looked around quickly, "wherever here is..." He trailed off.
"You're in a recovery room. Donna had you moved here as soon as she could." Harvey explained. "And yes, I'm here." He said as he pulled his chair closer and sat back down. "And yes, I'm ok." He reassured.
Mike just stared at his boss. He was confused and he didn't understand what the heck had happened. "But you were in pain..." He said softly. "And you...you were...uh..." He was fumbling over his words. "But you couldn't have been..."
"Are you ok, Mike?" Harvey asked trying to mask his discomfort and concern with a concern that maybe wouldn't confirm what the kid was trying to say.
"You were turning green and getting...bigger..." The kid said lowly. "You were on your knees in pain. I remember." Mike said confident.
Harvey just looked at him. He couldn't deny the information but he also didn't know exactly what had happened either. "Do you remember what happened?" Harvey asked afraid of what he may hear.
"It was late. We were the only ones left in the firm." Mike began. "You wanted to see me. I had messed up again and I knew you were mad. So I went to your office."
Harvey could recall that much at least. He knew Mike had made some mistakes but nothing he deserved major heat for. "You yelled at me and after you found out I had been in touch with Trevor-", that name was enough to set Harvey off. He clenched his jaw but kept quiet. The kid had done so much for himself in the last three months than Trevor had ever dreamed of helping him with their entire friendship.
"You kinda lost your temper. You threw your drink and told me to get out." Mike sounded hurt. Harvey knew he would be. His anger had been over the top and he didn't have to remember exact details to know that the kid took his yelling at him to heart. "I couldn't leave you though." Mike explained.
"You collapsed to your knees holding your head. I was scared for you. I wanted to help, but you screamed in pain, and told me to leave again. I didn't. I stayed." Mike said. His eyes searched around trying to recall more detail.
"I remember hearing your bones cracking and watching as you started to double in size..." He trailed off,"but that could also be the pain meds messing with my memory because the next thing I know I was waking up in the E.R with Donna next to me."
Harvey looked at the kid. He vaguely remembered what Mike was saying. He thought the sound of his bones breaking and shifting could only be heard by him. Clearly, he was mistaken and he had scared the crap out of the kid as well as hurt him. "How are you feeling?" Is all Harvey could reply.
He got up and grabbed the water sitting on the bedside table and handed it to Mike. The kid gladly accepted and drank most of it before replying. "My body feels like I got charged by a bull and I have a headache."
Harvey felt terrible. He remembered the broken building and demolished cars. If he could do that he knew the kid was lucky he had only sustained what he had. If you could call that luck. Harvey pressed the call button when he handed the water to Mike, so before he had to say anything else, a nurse knocked on the door and entered.
"Mr. Ross," the lady looked to be in her fifties, "glad to see you're awake." She said gently with a smile. "If you don't mind I need to check your vitals. Make sure everything is reading good."
"Yeah, of course." Mike agreed and Harvey stepped out.
He needed to get out of that room but he also couldn't leave. Donna would have him for dinner if she got back and he was gone. So while the nurse did her thing he paced in the hallway. When the nurse stepped back out of the room she addressed him. "Mr. Specter, I assume?" She asked.
Harvey smiled and looked at her. "You are listed as an emergency contact with full permission to hear Mike's medical needs." She explained. "With his ribs and concussion it would really be best if he had someone who could keep an eye on him in case we would have missed a break or his concussion worsens. Do you know anyone we can call that could do that? Next of kin or something." He could tell her concern was genuine and before he thought it through he answered.
"I'll be taking care of him." He blurted. Why he said that? No clue. He had just put Mike in more danger of getting hurt or worse. Harvey couldn't let the kid be alone, though. It annoyed him that he even felt protective of the dweeb, but that was his dweeb, and he wasn't about to let that dweeb risk his safety by taking care of himself.
"Oh," She chimed happily, "that's great news! I'll let the doctor know and Mr. Ross will be ready to go home in the morning." She then turned and went on her way.
Harvey huffed out a sigh before going back in Mike's room. In the short time he had been in the hallway the kid had fallen back asleep. He knew it was probably the pain meds and he knew the kid would be this way for the next couple of days. That made it easier for him though. As long as Mike was drowsy from medication that meant less chances of him losing his temper on him. For Harvey, that was a win.
The morning came fast and before he knew it he was watching Donna help Mike put his shirt on. The bruises that coated the kids right side were hues of purple and yellow. Just looking at them made Harvey grimace. He knew it had to hurt. Mike wasn't able to do a good job at hiding the pain either. Moving around made the poor kid gasp and wince. Any jolt or even soft movement had him hissing in pain and each time Donna's frown grew bigger.
She was gentle with him, treated him like a little baby who was vulnerable to the world, and Mike was completely oblivious. Donna either liked you, or she didn't, and when she did like you she would take you under her wing and never let go. Unless you betrayed her and then she'd happily toss you over a cliff. The woman was fierce and that's what made Harvey never want to let her go. That and how looking in her eyes gave him a sense of belonging and like he could take on the world.
A gasp from Mike caught Harvey's attention when the kid stumbled and tried to grab himself. Instinctively, he tried to use his right hand, but that didn't go so well. He nearly fell over before Harvey caught him and re-balanced him. "Thanks." He breathed heavily through his nose.
Harvey knew the kid was aching and he sympathized for him. He wouldn't want to be in the kids condition.
Once they had made it to the car, Donna said her farewell, and Harvey ushered Mike into the seat. After the kid was situated Mike went around to his side of the car and got in. He still hadn't told the kid he'd be taking care of him, so when they pulled up to his apartment instead of Mike's, the kid got a very confused look on his face.
"I don't understand." He said tiredly. He was already getting drowsy from the meds again.
"I'll be taking care of you." Harvey explained and then exited the vehicle. Ray opened Mike's car door and before he could even consider getting out Harvey had arrived in front of him. He waited patiently for the kid to move but Mike just stared at him instead. "What's the rush?" Harvey dead panned as he looked at the kid.
"You...you're...you're not taking care of me." Mike stammered. "I am fully capable taking care of myself." He argued.
"Doctors orders." Harvey insisted. "Now come on."
Mike hesitated but he decided he didn't have the energy to argue with Harvey. He swung his left leg out of the car and used his left arm to brace himself so he could lift himself out of the seat. All was going well until his right foot caught the lip of the door frame and sent him staggering towards the pavement. Harvey somehow managed to catch him before he fell and got him upright in a swift motion. "I had it under control." Mike's voice sounded exhausted.
Harvey rolled his eyes and responded, "I'm sure you did." They then made their journey to the apartment. That at least went smoothly. Once inside Mike made his way over to the couch and plopped down forgetting about his bruised ribs. The kid hissed in pain again and Harvey couldn't help another eye roll.
"Sure," Harvey thought to himself, "he can take care of himself."
Before Harvey could get the kid a pillow or a blanket, he had already passed out on the couch, so Harvey was forced to reposition him so that he could actually rest. Mike barely stirred during the process and Harvey slightly wished he could be knocked out like that.
While Mike slept, Harvey looked at the news articles and stories again. Headlines of his other self plastered the TV and papers. He didn't know what he was going to do. From what he could tell, nobody knew where the green guy came from, or where he went. That was reassuring for him at least. While he read one of the articles, about the big green man that rampaged the streets, a text message popped up on the screen. It was Jessica and she told him they needed to talk. Now.
So Harvey stepped out of the room and called her. He knew it probably wouldn't be enough but he was hopeful. "Meet me at my office." Jessica ordered and Harvey didn't hesitate. He text Donna that he had to go meet Jessica and she said she'd be on her way. When Harvey left, Mike was sleeping soundly on his couch, and he couldn't help the smile that clung to the corner of his mouth. That kid was making him soft.
As he approached Jessica's office, he could see her sitting at her desk, drink in her hand. That was the thing with glass walls, you could always see what was going on at all times. Sometimes Harvey really liked that, but other times not so much. This was one of those times. He knew something was wrong, he was all too familiar with the look on her face, and he dreaded whatever it was.
"Have a seat." She said as he opened the door. She motioned to the chair closest to her and Harvey took the seat hesitantly.
Jessica was someone he trusted. She always had his back. So when she calls him into her office on a Saturday he knows something is wrong. "I'm sorry I never called you back." Harvey apologized. He knew it was wrong. She took another drink and continued looking out the window.
It was an overcast day. Some rain had fallen that morning. The moisture, and a few droplets on the floor to ceiling windows, was a reminder of that but the sun still tried to peek out. "How's Mike?" She asked as she continued to look out over the city.
"Banged up," Harvey said ashamed, "but he'll be ok. Doctor wants him to rest for a week with supervision." He paused. "So he's staying at my place." Harvey knew that would get a reaction from her.
She raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at him. "Careful Harvey," she started, "sounds like you're getting attached." She held back the amusement in her voice. One thing she had worried about with Harvey was his ability to care about others. She had noticed since the kid had started working there that Harvey had begun to soften a bit and she was hopeful he would become the leader she knew he could be.
Harvey rolled his eyes at the remark before arguing, "Where else was he going to go? In the home with his Grandma?"
Jessica smiled slightly. "Harvey," she began, "we need to talk about the other night." His stomach flopped when he heard this. "I saw what happened."
"I don't know what happened." Harvey explained. "All I know is that I got this migraine that won't go away and when it reaches its peak something bad happens." He was frustrated.
"You mean like turning into a giant green man and rampaging the city?" She asked in her boss voice.
"Something like that." Harvey confirmed.
"I think you should see this." She turned her computer screen so that he could see it and then pressed play.
It was a video of him from last night. Him and Mike were in his office and he was mad. Everything Mike had said was true but what he had left out was how he had lost control. He watched in horror as he saw himself knock Mike's hand back, and when he got up, shoved the kid backwards out of his way. The only problem was that he had already doubled in size and the shove launched Mike across his office crashing into the records on his wall. Before he left, he had done a double take and looked over at the kid, before he darted out of the room. The video went black and then Jessica went to the next one. It showed as he ran out of the front doors of the building but he was now absolutely massive. As he leapt out of view the video stopped again.
Harvey was at a loss for words. He leaned forward putting his face in his hands. Disgust ravaged his stomach and his eyes burned. "I don't know what is wrong with me." He whispered.
"Harvey, you've not been right since that accident." Jessica comforted. "Your miraculous recovery. Now the anger outburts and the migraine."
He knew she was right. He knew it should have taken twice the amount of time it did for him to heal and bounce back. He just wasn't wanting to acknowledge it. He should have died but somehow he lived. "You need to go see that scientist." She suggested.
Harvey lifted his head. "Dr. Banner" He asked quizzically. "What's he going to do?"
Her eyes bored into him. "Whatever happened to you came from his research. He will be able to give you some sort of answer of what this could be." She pointed at the computer screen.
"Jess-" He started to argue but he knew she was right.
"You are lucky you didn't hurt Mike any more than what you did, Harvey." She said as her face softened and sympathy took over. "What happens the next time?"
Her question hung heavy in the air. He had hoped there wouldn't be a next time. He knew it was a false hope but he hoped regardless. "I don't know." Harvey exhaled. He didn't realize he had been holding his breath.
"You better find out." She ordered. "A security update interrupted the security feed last night. The cameras went down around 11:45 and came back on around midnight." Jessica explained. "Nobody knows what happened to Mike Ross or who attacked him."
Harvey was relieved to hear that news. It lifted a small weight off his shoulders. "Thank you," he said before standing up. They exchanged looks with understanding in both of their eyes and then Harvey made his way out of the firm.
Ray was already there waiting for him. Ray was always there when he needed him and Harvey appreciated it. He appreciated the loyalty and being able to rely on him. However, he wondered when it would be Ray who was getting hurt. Or maybe it would be Donna. Or a client. Harvey couldn't get the image of him knocking Mike across the room out of his head.
"Where to sir?" Ray asked with a smile on his face.
"Home please." Harvey replied and they were quickly on their way.
What was he going to do? How was he going to prevent himself from hurting someone else or worse? What if next time he killed somebody? What if he had killed Mike? The what ifs were endless. Harvey needed to find a solution and find it fast. He didn't know how he was going to but Jessica was right. The scientist was a great place to start.
Walking into his apartment somehow let him relax a little. The comfort of his own home still allowed him to be free of the outside world. It's the one place he didn't have to worry about his reputation or obligations. Donna sat across from Mike. The kid was still sleeping, and from what he could tell, hadn't moved from where Harvey had left him. Harvey and Donna shared a brief smile. He went and poured himself a drink and offered Donna one as well. She accepted and the two of them stood at the counter half looking out at the city and half looking at the kid.
"Thanks for taking care of him." Harvey said.
Donna smiled, "Figured it was better than crating him while you're gone." She joked. "Y'know, puppies."
Harvey let himself laugh a little. He didn't have to be miserable at all times. Heck, maybe lightening the mood would help him be more in control of himself. He still couldn't quite ease up though. The migraine was still there and as the day went the more noticeable it got. Small increases in pressure but increase nonetheless.
"I'm sorry I didn't call you and let you know I was ok." Harvey apologized. "Or at least text."
Donna looked at him, her eyes soothing, "Something happened," she began, "and I know you are trying to figure it out." She comforted. "If I were in your position I probably would have done the same thing."
Harvey released a sigh and gave a warm smile. Him and Donna rarely had moments like these. At the office they had complete understanding of each other and he looked forward to Donna being...well...Donna. she had this thing about her where she could taunt him, bicker with him, do whatever she needed to do to get what she needed, but he could always count on her. She was his secretary and that meant more to him than anything.
Their tender moment didn't last long. They hardly ever did. This time, though, it was from a pained groan coming from the couch. Both of them perked up and looked fully at him. The sight was pitiful. Mike was attempting to sit up in his drugged stupor but was failing miserably. His cast was tangled in the blanket and his sore body was resistant to the movement. Harvey felt himself roll his eyes for the fourth time today. "Hang on," he said as he sat his drink down and headed over to the pathetic sight before him.
"I got it," Mike mumbled but was still failing at his task of sitting up. "I feel so heavy." He complained as he put some oomph into his motion and immediately yelped in pain. "Stupid ribs." He said frustrated.
Harvey let out a big sigh as he helped the kid sit up. "You know if you would just be patient you wouldn't cause yourself extra pain."
Mike looked at Harvey. Harvey assumed the pout was meant to be a glare but it wasn't very intimidating. In fact, it was one of the least intimidating things he had ever seen. "I can take care of myself." He argued.
Harvey believed that as much as he believed in Santa Claus. "Yeah, I know." Harvey said gruffly. "You're doing a splendid job of it too." He mocked.
Donna interrupted the two men as they squabbled. "Behave," she interjected, "and Harvey be nice." She elbowed him. "Mike can take care of himself," she paused, "once the doctor clears him to." She looked down at him. His pouting face was now looking at her. She smiled. "Can I get you anything?" She offered.
Mike let out a sigh. "No." He mumbled.
She looked at him sympathetically. "If you do, Harvey will be here to help." She said. "If you'll excuse me, I must be going." She walked over and grabbed her purse.
"Thanks, Donna." Mike said and Harvey followed her to the door.
"Yeah," he started, "thanks, Donna." He said softly. She smiled at him and went on her way leaving the two men to get along.
That would be a lot easier if Mike wasn't such a stubborn pain I'm his rear, though. The door had barely closed when Harvey heard a pain filled "ah". He turned around to see the kid trying to balance himself while also trying to hold his side protectively. This time when Harvey rolled his eyes a deep inhale and exhale accompanied it. "You never listen do you?" Harvey asked as he walked quickly over to the kid and steadied him.
"I just want to go to the bathroom." He whined. "But every time I move it hurts and this dumb cast keeps getting in the way."
Harvey understood the frustration Mike was going through. Bruised ribs hurt. He had bruised his ribs before while playing sports in high school. The broken arm was something he'd never had to deal with before, though, so he couldn't know how annoying that must be. Especially being right handed. "I know." Harvey tried to comfort. "But if you want the pain to go away more quickly you're going to have to let me help you stand and stuff." He explained.
Mike looked at him knowingly. "I know and I'm sorry." He said. The two of them stood there for a few seconds in silence. "But I really gotta pee." Mike was about to scurry away but remembered he'd never been to Harvey's apartment before this. "Where is your bathroom?" He asked and Harvey showed him the way.
The rest of the evening went by smoothly. Mike was more willing to be helped and Harvey didn't have to roll his eyes as much. He was glad that Mike hadn't asked any questions about the night before last. It wasn't that hard to avoid considering the kid was barely able to stay awake for long period of time but Harvey knew it was a matter of time before Mike's brain started working normally again. It was only the pain meds fogging his head and Harvey knew that. Before they went to bed, Harvey got Mike situated in the spare bedroom, and then went to bed himself.
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoy Chapter 3: Confirmation!
I know it was supposed to be 'The Shark Feeds' but the chapter was getting to be too long so Ch. 4 will definitely be 'The Shark Feeds'!
I didn't plan for this to be as long as it is turning out to be...but I'm pacing as fast as I can...however the next chapter will definitely have more action.
All medical information is probably not accurate, I don't claim it to be accurate, nor do I claim ownership of anything.
As always please like, follow, favorite, review...whatever floats your boat. Although, reviews would be welcomed greatly! Just be kind about it :)
I'll catch y'all on the flip side.