A/N: DISCLAIMER: Contains heavy themes. Please proceed with caution. I put these warnings at the beginning, for your safety. It's finally Christmas time! Woo, only nine days to go until the big day. Happy Holidays, in whatever way you celebrate it, I hope that it's a great year, and you spend time with the people who matter most to you. Enjoy this chapter, and the rest of the story. Have a fantastic day. Thanks and enjoy this chapter. JusticeIsn'tEasy0083 D.

The Specter Family Chronicles

Holiday Special Year One

Chapter Eighteen: New Year's Resolutions and

Next Year's Plans

December 30th, 2017

Specter Family House

Greystone, Massachusetts

Seeing as Dare Week had been suspended, Helena made sure to put it back on the Itinerary for next year, in order to make up for it, and she also made Mike promise that he wouldn't 'scare the shit out of them' anymore. The younger man had chuckled but promised that he wouldn't. He had gone for a walk that morning, to Calliope Park, and picked a Cherry Blossom from one of the trees there. When he'd returned home, he had put the flower in the press Harvey had given him for Christmas. When Mike had gotten in the shower that morning, he noticed that the bruise was still on his side. Mike let the warmth of the water wash over his body. He doesn't know how they're going to go when they're back in New York. He will miss having 'a family'. He's never had this before, and Harvey's family have given him that. He's forever grateful for it, even if it all goes to the shitter later. Mike doesn't know how long he stayed under the water, but no sooner had he gotten in, then he'd gotten out and started getting ready. He had just pulled on a pair of sweatpants when the bedroom door opened, and Molly stuck her head in, sending him a cheerful 'good morning'. Mike turned his head to smile at her, replying back, then turned back to the bed prepared to grab his shirt, and pull it over his head, until he felt hands on his side, where the bruise was. Molly was examining it. Mike told her that it was 'just a bruise', and she raised that patented Specter eyebrow at him, before frowning and pressing her fingers against the bruise a little, causing Mike to hiss at the pain. The closer she got to the bottom of his torso, the worse the pain seemed to be. Mike said that he'd had an allergic reaction the day before, but he didn't bump into anything causing a bruise that he can remember. Molly nodded, smiled at him, and left the room quickly, not saying another word. Mike frowned, then shrugged pulling his shirt over his head, and returning his shower things to the bathroom. It's New Year's Eve tomorrow. Then it will be 2018, and it can be a new start for all of them. Mike is going to spend next year not being afraid anymore. He doesn't want to waste time with stupid things like that. Mike exited the bedroom and was accosted by the kids, who all asked him to come and help them build their Lego things they were still working on from Christmas. The younger lawyer excitedly offered his services, and followed the kids into the Den.

About an hour later, when Harvey found his boyfriend, sprawled out on the floor, building a section of the Lego Disney Castle, he couldn't help but smile. Harvey took a picture, causing Mike to frown at him, then smirk and wink. The kids all asked their uncle if he was 'here to help', but Harvey just shook his head, and told them that he's here to tell them that 'lunch is ready'. There was a stampede as all the kids jumped to their feet and ran out of the room. Mike took a second to get up, blaming being 'old' on the fact that he needed the boost, but Harvey just rolled his eyes, and told him that he can't be that old considering 'how flexible he was last night'. Mike, again… rolled his eyes. But he followed Harvey out to the kitchen, where everyone was gathered around, talking, and cooking, and eating. Damien cheers to Mike and Harvey for 'winning the case', but Mike shook his head. It wasn't really a win when the client didn't even show up. Devon had called Harvey afterwards, and said they were 'even'. Mike didn't ask, he didn't want to know. But it didn't seem right. The amount of time they usually spend on a case, compared to the amount of time they spent on this one, and how easy it was for them to win… Mike knew that something had gone on behind the scenes, he just hopes that Jessica and Harvey are protected enough that no one, including Ford, ever finds out about it. They had received a text from Donna when the group had gotten back to New York, with a subtle-but-not-so-subtle reminder from Jessica about when they were due back at work, and how much they would have to catch up on. Mike lamented to Harvey that he probably 'won't see him for a month' because of all the 'shit that he'll have to do'. That didn't sit well with the older lawyer, but he didn't say anything at the time. Helena and Molly are talking quietly in the corner, but they keep looking over at Mike, who is engaged in a conversation with Peter about his work and what they're doing. Harvey notices though and makes his way over to his sister and sister-in-law, who immediately stop talking when he gets close to them, awkwardly pretending to be looking anywhere else but at him. He just stands near them, eyebrow raised, arms crossed, that look on his face that he uses when someone has done something stupid and had been caught doing it. Helena knows that look; she's used that look many times before. But she doesn't give in.

'What's up Harv? Having a good day? The weather looks shit outside, doesn't it? Who needs another drink?' Helena asked, about to walk away, but Harvey grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

'What is going on, and don't lie to me this time?' he said, and watched as Helena and Molly shared a look.

'I'm worried about the bruise on Mike's side. I saw it by accident when I was up there this morning,' Molly said, clearly, she had talked about this with Helena.

'What about it? He doesn't know how he got it. As far as I know, he hasn't bumped into anything that dramatically,' Harvey said, annoyed that Molly shot another look to Helena.

'It might be bigger than that Harvey… worse…' she replied, unable to elaborate as Lily called them all for lunch.

Mike was curled up to Harvey, they were watching Where the Wild Things Are with the kids, when Marcus came running into the room. He looked around nervously, scratching the back of his neck, then asked his brother if he could speak with him for a moment. Mike let his boyfriend stand, immediately missing the warmth, but he laid back on the couch, and closed his eyes, suddenly too tired to hold them open any longer. Marcus and Harvey were gone for almost an hour, and when the closer returned to the living room, he was agitated. Mike was asleep, so Harvey just sat down, moving Mike's head so that he was lying on his lap, so he could run his hand through the young man's hair. This has been a nice vacation. A wonderful holiday. He's looking forward to getting back to New York, back into a routine. Helena will be in the city in February, and he made her promise that she would stay with them, and not 'waste money on a hotel'. His sister had taken him up on the opportunity, and Harvey was excitedly planning to show her the city, and the firm, and of course Spring would be coming soon, and then Summer, and he has a few plans for the summer that he hasn't yet shared with anyone. Donna had caught on to the fact that something was going on, and that he's planning something big for next year, but he didn't elaborate on anything. There was a loud bang from somewhere in the house, and Mike jolted awake, rubbing his face, and looking over at Harvey, his hair cutely mussed up from where he had been playing with it, eyes still droopy, having not yet woken from the slumber that he was in. The kids had abandoned the movie, and Harvey had switched the TV over to another channel, and was happily watching it, whilst Mike just got his bearings back. Marcus had gone upstairs, not wanting to be in the same room as his brother. There was something going on, but Mike didn't ask any questions. He wasn't in the mood to have Harvey angrily arguing with him about things that 'weren't his business', and yet every time Mike had employed that excuse, Harvey had told him that Mike is his business… it doesn't make sense, but then again, when does anything with Harvey ever make any sense? He's still a mystery to Mike, even after nine months. He's still trying to work the man out, and maybe he never will, but he feels like he's slowly getting there. The kids were back in the den building their Lego castle, when their parents found them later.

There was a long-standing tradition in the Specter house, that the newest member of the 'family' would have to be the contestant in one of their 'Memory Games'. Mike looked at Harvey, who just rolled his eyes, and told his parents that they were 'too tired to play stupid games'. Helena pretended to be offended, Molly threw a shoe at Harvey, Damien flipped his brother off, and Marcus flicked him with the dish towel, causing Harvey to threaten bodily harm on his brother. Mike told his boyfriend that he's fine with it, he doesn't mind playing along. Lily just wanted to test Mike's amazing memory, and she and a friend of hers had been reading about accessing memories and hiding memories. Maybe it's manipulation, and maybe it isn't, but some psychiatrists use this method to help their clients deal with stresses in their lives. Mike sat up, but Harvey still held him close, arm around his waist, tucked into the crook of his arm. The young man didn't know what was going to happen, or what kind of questions would be asked, but if they're trying to test his memory, then he isn't going to hide anything from them. Besides, Harvey loves it when he uses his mind. It apparently 'turns him on'. Lily asked Mike a bunch of questions, and then he asked her if he could show her something cool. She frowned a little but nodded. Mike grabbed a book off one of the shelves and quickly scanned the first few pages. Then he handed the book to Lily and asked her to follow along. She looked up at Mike and Harvey, who was just smirking, but opened the book to the page Mike had marked it on. The younger lawyer began reciting, word for word, punctuation mark for punctuation mark, words contained within the book. Lily followed along, and as they got towards the end, Mike could see that he had made an impression. Helena was smiling as well, but Damien and Marcus were gaping. They asked Mike if he was some kind of 'robot', but he just explained to them that he has an eidetic memory. Everything he sees, or reads, he remembers. Lily was blown away, and Harvey had to subtly adjust himself, because when Mike does things like that with his mind it turns him on, and he has admitted that to Mike before, but only under the threat of him not blowing him and getting him off. He would never admit it aloud without an incentive. For the rest of the day, Marcus, and Damien test Mike's memory, and by the end, they think that he's awesome, and that they can see why Harvey hired him.

'Sleeping with the enemy hey Harvey?' Damien asked.

'What?'

'Well, I mean if Mike wasn't working at your firm, he would probably have been snapped up by some other firm, and then he'd be your enemy, and he's smarter than you, so that means that he's the only other lawyer on this earth that could beat you,' Marcus said, as if it were meant to be obvious, but Harvey just frowned

'I don't know if that would be true, but I sure do challenge Harvey. He'll deny it, but he knows that it's true… he knows I'm smarter than him…' Mike said, smirking and when Harvey just raised his brow at him, Mike jumped up before the man could tickle him.

Target was bustling with people. Helena, Molly, Damien, Peter, Marcus, Lily, Harvey and Mike had all come to Target to get some last-minute things for New Year's, but they had left it until a bit later in the day, so that it wouldn't be so busy, but that wasn't the right thing to do. It's almost six pm, and it is probably busier than it would be at a normal time of day. Mike and Harvey are holding hands, they're standing near Helena and Peter who are looking between the different televisions in the technology section, debating whether to get one here, or wait until they get home. Mike is going to be moving into the condo when they get back to New York, but he knows that Harvey has a nice TV in the living room. He had suggested getting one for the guest room, so that they could 'lock Donna in there' and she wouldn't disturb them, but Harvey had shot down that idea, as well as most of Mike's others. He didn't let it affect him. It is going to take adjusting to their new living arrangements for a while. Mike's lease had ended on his old apartment, and he had told the landlord of his new living arrangements, so that had all been settled. He had called his neighbour Sally and promised to invite her over for dinner once he's settled into his new place. She is a good friend to him; he needs more of them outside of the firm. At some point during their Target shopping trip, Harvey and Helena disappeared from the group. Peter had informed them that Helena went to the bathroom but didn't know about Harvey. On the other side of the mall, Helena had found her brother skulking around the window of a jewellery shop. He looked like he'd been caught cheating when Helena tapped him on the shoulder. He rubbed the back of his neck, and began spouting out a litany of nonsense, but he knew that is sister wasn't buying any of it. Eventually, Harvey gave in, and he made his sister promise that she wouldn't tell anyone else what he was doing, especially Mike. Helena frowned but promised her brother. He said that next year, he's planning to propose to Mike. Helena screamed excitedly, and jumped over to her brother, hugging him. It caught the attention of some passersby, but Helena didn't seem bothered. She told Harvey that it was exciting and asked if he needed any help. Somehow, they both ended up inside the jewelry shop, and had spent almost an hour in there, before they met back up with the group, who were still in Target (Lily has an exceedingly long list…literally).

When they got home, Mike told Harvey that he's feeling a bit groggy, and went upstairs to lie down before dinner. Helena sent him a look, but he just shook his head. Molly noticed this interaction and raised her patented 'Specter Brow' at the two of them, who looked like deer caught in headlights, before excusing themselves in opposite directions of the house. Lily and the girls had begun putting things together for their New Year's party tomorrow night. They're inviting a few guests, Bella and Trevor, their cousins who had gone back to Alabama (thankfully) and a few of Lily and Richard's friends from around the neighbourhood. About an hour later, Helena and Harvey met at the top of the stairs, and whilst Helena was joking about this being an 'awesome spy mission', Harvey just wanted to get this done so he could relax. He needs to know Mike's ring size, and short of asking the man, and giving everything away, he's going for the 'sneakier' option. Helena had suggested measuring the rings whilst Mike is sleeping. The only problem is, is that Harvey doesn't know how Mike will react, or what he's going to do if he wakes up in the middle of their 'mission', he also wishes his sister would take this whole thing more seriously, which he whisper shouts at her. She pokes her tongue out at him and pushes the bedroom door open. Mike's is napping on his side, left hand resting over his hip. Harvey grabs the rings out of the little box and goes to kneel beside the bed. He gets distracted, momentarily, watching his boyfriend sleep. There is no emotion on Mike's face, he's just calm… relaxed… not stressed about anything. It's like in his sleep he can be free. Resisting the urge to touch him, Harvey carefully slides the first ring onto Mike's finger. It's too small. The second goes a little farther, but it's still too small. The third one Harvey tries, fits exactly right. Helena nods at him, and he's about to remove the small silver ring, when Mike sighs, and then rolls over to his other side. Harvey is wide eyed, and now his hand is trapped under his body, and the only way to get the ring off, is for Harvey to get onto the bed, which normally he wouldn't mind, but he wants this to be a secret. Helena is pointing and making weird sounds and he flips her the bird finger, and she whispers something to him. Harvey climbs on to his side of the bed, and grabs Mike's hand, carefully slipping the ring off, and returning it to the box, throwing the box to Helena just as Mike opens his eyes and sees the two of them.

'What are you two up too? Are you playing a joke on me or something?' Mike asked, rubbing his face as if that would explain something, whilst he eyes Helena who has her hands behind her back, suspiciously.

'We're not up to anything Mike. I'll be leaving the two of you now. Good day,' Helena said, weirdly backing out of the room, Harvey face palmed.

'Ah, okay. You want to explain to me what you were doing and why you're holding my hand?' Mike asked, brow raised, at Harvey who just shook his head, then distracted Mike by kissing him.

'I love you,' was all the man said, and whilst Mike replied with a mumbled 'love you too', he still wanted to know what was going on.

July 14th, 2017

Chilton Hotel

PSL Conference Ball

Manhattan, New York

Mike had promised Jessica that he would keep Harvey in line, and the senior partner promised Jessica that he wouldn't cause a scene. The PSL Ball happens every couple of years, this year, they're celebrating a new name, and a new legacy. Jessica wanted everyone to know that they're back, bigger, and worse (but in a good way) than before. She had also agreed to open the associate pool to Columbia, which Louis wasn't happy about, but made her happy about. Donna had been hiding Mike from him for most of the night. She had told Harvey that she was 'taking care of the puppy', and that he was 'in good hands'. He texted Donna earlier stating that if she is making Mike wear something ridiculous, he'll take away her bonus. She just sent him a sad face and a winky face. At seven thirty, Donna showed up, looking as stunning as ever. Harvey was trying to listen to whatever it was that Jessica was talking about, but he had seen Mike. The young man was wearing a tuxedo. He looked… hot as fuck… was what went through Harvey's mind, then followed by something dirty about how Mike would look out of the tux. Jessica had noticed her number twos attention shift to his boyfriend, and smirked. She greeted Mike as he approached them, Harvey was still gaping. Donna sent him a subtle wink, entering the ballroom with her date for the night. Mike smiled at Harvey and was surprised when he was pulled close to the man's body and kissed… in public…although there weren't that many people out here, and Jessica already knew about them. The Managing Partner asked Mike if he would escort her into the ballroom, and Harvey glared at her. She chuckled, but Mike took her arm anyway and walked through the double doors, Harvey immediately pulling him close to him when they had separated from Jessica. She gave them a nod and looked at Harvey with that 'behave' look on her face, and he just nodded back once. The soft fabric of the tuxedo Mike was wearing felt amazing under Harvey's hand, and he whispered in his boyfriend's ear that he 'cleans up nice'. Mike blushed, and chuckled, then headed over to the bar. He ordered himself a drink, then got caught up in a conversation with Kyle and Mark, two associates that Mike kind of talks to, but not really. Harvey made his rounds, speaking with some of their prestigious clients, who congratulated him for becoming a Name Partner, and spent a couple of minutes chatting with Jessica and her date. From across the room, he sees Mike, and when their eyes meet and Mike smiles at him, Harvey kind of breaks… in a good way… but Jessica nods in Mike's direction and he moves towards the bar.

When he reached his boyfriend, Mike had found a seat at one of the tables, close to the bar, but also far enough away so that no one is really listening to them. They're leaning close together, Mike is keeping his hands busy, fiddling with the glass in his hands, and Harvey is telling him a story about Louis 'back in the day'. They're basically minding their own business when someone appears in front of them. He's a young guy, probably a few years older than Mike. Harvey ignores him for a moment, before he looks up and acknowledges the man. His name is Andrew Mayfield. Mike shakes his hand and introduces himself and must almost yank his hand away when Andrew holds onto it for too long. He can feel Harvey tense beside him, and from the look on his boyfriend's face, Andrew might want to walk away now if he wants to keep his life. Mike tries desperately not to engage too much in conversation with Andrew, but he doesn't want to be rude, and as he places a hand on Harvey's knee under the table, his boss/boyfriend nods at him, and gives him a small smile in understanding. Although, when Andy pulls up a seat and begins telling Mike stories about Harvey and what happened to his father a few years ago, Mike feels like he's been ambushed. He squeezes Harvey's knee, trying to send a silent message to his boyfriend, but he doesn't seem to get it, or he's so lost in glaring daggers at Andrew that he just doesn't sense Mike's awkwardness. About five minutes later, someone is calling Andrew away, and he leaves, but not without sending a wink to Mike, who is so creeped out that he almost knocks over his glass on his way to pick it up again. Harvey slowly relaxes as he feels Mike's hand caressing his thigh, but now he has another problem… and it's that all he wants to do is claim Mike, right here, right now. But that would be both unprofessional and inappropriate. Finally, when Mike finishes his drink, Harvey seems to have calmed himself enough that he can begin a conversation with Mike about one of their cases. He mentions that he would like to get started on it, and he's about to give Mike all the details, when a drink is delivered to their table from none other, than Andrew fucking Mayfield. Mike cringes, but thanks the waitress, who smiles and winks at Mike, before walking off. That seems to piss Harvey off even more. Mike can feel the jealousy radiating off him, and apparently so can Donna and Jessica when they approach the table.

'Whatever Andrew Mayfield is up to Harvey, ignore it. We don't need a repeat of '09, and I don't need any lawsuits against us now,' Jessica said, sipping her wine.

'It's fine Jess. Nothing is going on,' Harvey said, but Donna just smirked at him.

'Jealousy is a normal emotion to have Harvey. Besides, I'd be jealous too if Mike looked the way he did and another guy was hitting on him right in front of me,' Donna said, and she'd meant it as a compliment, but Mike just put his head down, cheeks red from embarrassment.

'Donna… you're not helping the situation… and I'm not jealous…' Harvey said, getting up from his seat and walking back towards the bar.

For the rest of the night, Harvey tried to enjoy himself. Mike did look amazing, as Donna had said, but knowing that he couldn't hold Mike the same way that everyone else was, pissed him off. Mike was dancing with Donna and was heading back to the table when the song ended. He had just sat back down, when Andrew came back over to them, Donna glared at him, but he just grinned that stupid fucking smile that Harvey really wants to punch off his face. Donna moved closer to Mike, and Harvey rested an arm around the back of the chair Mike was sitting on, bringing it up to play with the hair on the back of Mike's neck, whilst his other hand sat dangerously close to Mike's one that was resting on the table. Andrew didn't seem to notice this, or if he did, didn't care. Mike wanted to lean over the short distance, kiss Harvey's cheek, but he didn't know how his boyfriend would react to that, and they hadn't talked about whether they were going to go public yet. So, this whole situation could have been avoided, if Mike had just kissed Harvey's cheek, instead he hadn't. Andrew sauntered over and planted himself between Donna and Harvey, then bowed ridiculously in front of them, asking if Mike would like to dance. He tried to keep his composure, not laugh at the ridiculous suggestion, and politely replied 'no, but thank you for asking'. Donna was still glaring, as was Harvey, but he also had invisible steam coming out of his ears at the audacity that this guy has to ask his boyfriend to dance. Donna and Harvey were having a silent conversation, Mike was looking anywhere but at the three people in front of him. At that moment, he felt Harvey's hand on his cheek, then when he raised his head to meet Harvey's eyes, the older lawyer kissed him. Just a quick peck on the lips, then he got up and went over to the bar, whilst Mike just sat, wide-eyed, looking at the space Harvey had just vacated. Donna took the seat on the other side of Mike, whilst Andrew was still stood there, still grinning that stupid shit-eating grin. Jessica joined them after Harvey had returned with drinks, and then Louis appeared in their line of sight, introducing himself to Andrew. Harvey (and he will never admit this aloud) was thankful that Louis showed up at that moment, because he was about to hit Andrews stupid face. But Mike seemed to have gotten his bearings back, even though he'd just been kissed… in public… by his boss/boyfriend… in front of the entire firm… and their partners… and guests… Donna just winked at him.

After basically outing their relationship to the firm, and their partners and guests, Harvey and Mike spent the rest of the night buried in the corner of the room, near the bar, with Donna and Jessica floating between them and their guests, as well as Louis coming over to ask if they're okay, as if they need a bodyguard. Harvey doesn't think any of their clients really saw anything, but if Andrew goes around spreading the information, then he'll probably be getting some calls soon, asking him ridiculous questions. Mike tenses beside him every time someone comes over to talk to them, afraid that they had seen the kiss, and were coming over to yell at them or something. He hates that Mike feels that way, and sure, he'll admit it to himself… his jealousy got the better of him and he kissed Mike to keep that creep away from him… but he isn't going to deny that it wasn't his plan in the first place. He doesn't care who sees them, or what they think about them. He loves Mike… wow what? Harvey stopped mid-action, whilst Donna just looked at him, confused. He had just realised, in that moment, seeing Mike smiling and laughing with Rachel, that he is in love. Harvey has never felt love before. In fact, he always tried not too, because if you love, you put your whole heart in, and that makes it easier to get broken, and he was afraid of that, but now… whenever he looks at Mike, he gets butterflies. If he's not near his boyfriend, his heart aches, and he never wants to let him go. So, he must be feeling something other than just… I love him… Harvey thought to himself. Donna was looking at him as though he'd lost his mind, and Mike had caught on that something was wrong, and had placed a hand lightly on his arm, asking if he's okay, to which Harvey just leaned forward and kissed Mike again, longer this time, putting both his hands either side of Mike's head, rubbing his thumbs over Mike's cheekbones. They're secluded where they're seated, and Rachel is blocking them from the view of most of the party, but Harvey figures he'd better pull himself away before they do get seen. No that he'd care… but he must talk to Mike first… he must talk to Donna about his sudden 'love' epiphany. Mike stands to go and get them all another drink, and it's at that moment that he tells Donna and Rachel… and basically anyone else, who is around and listening to them… that he loves Mike Ross. The two girls share an excited scream, and then run off to dance, whilst Mike comes back with drinks and a smile…reserved just for Harvey.

'So, you do remember… that this is the hotel we were in when we first met?' Mike asked, leaning awfully close to Harvey's ear, causing the Senior Partner to jump slightly, smirking.

'Yes, I do. Those were the days Mike… before I had an annoying associate puppy, who followed me around like a lost dog… always begging for my approval… wanting me to care…'

'… and look where we are now… in a relationship. Careful Harvey, if you play your cards too far away from your chest, I might just see that you care,' Mike whispered again, smirking.

'You still always interrupt me when I'm talking…' Harvey said exasperated, then Mike kissed him again... before teasingly sauntering off towards the bar with Rachel.

December 31st, 2017

Specter Family House

New Year's Eve

Morning

Greystone, Massachusetts

The morning of New Year's Eve is frantic in the Specter House. Lily and Mike are in the kitchen, cooking whilst the others are putting up some decorations, and setting up some games, and things like that. Mike was happy to be in the kitchen, he and Lily were having a great time, cooking, and chatting. Mike was wearing an apron to protect his clothes, and Harvey couldn't get the image out of his mind of fucking Mike in nothing but that apron. He was knocked out of these thoughts by his father patting him on the shoulder and asking if he wanted a drink. They're starting early and Harvey has nothing against that. Before he met Mike, he would usually go out somewhere, and have a couple of drinks, then pick someone up and go home. Donna would sometimes go over to his house, and they would drink and celebrate together. But this year, this year… he has Mike with him. He has no plans on 'picking anyone else up'. But he is absolutely going to 'pick up Mike', later in the night. He doesn't want to be drunk, but he'll start drinking with his father. Helena and Molly were standing around on the second story, grabbing things that Marcus was handing them from the attic, when Helena accidentally shared, that Harvey had mentioned to her his plans for next year, and how they're going to be 'big'. Molly guessed that it was going to be a proposal, and Helena had no poker face, so she had to run into her bedroom just to prevent herself from confirming the news. Marcus thought his sister was weird but didn't comment on it. He grabbed the last thing they needed for New Year's, and handed it down to Molly, who took it, then held the ladder whilst he climbed down. They don't usually decorate for this holiday, but Richard wanted to sort through some things, and use his 'new tools', so they figured they best bring some things down and see if they still work. Helena returned to the group moments later, having washed her face and returned to her calm state. Molly asked her if she was okay, and she just nodded. She must tell someone. Harvey is being an ass, asking her to keep this secret. It's so exciting, he just wants him to do it already, but he knows that he has a special plan, and she doesn't want to ruin it… when she entered the kitchen to ask her mother if they could talk, she sees Mike, who smiles at her, and she begins acting like an idiot, blushing, and asking her mother if she can talk to her outside of the kitchen. Mike frowns in confusion, and Lily pats his shoulder and tells him she'll be right back. Mike just nods.

Lily and Helena go upstairs to the eldest sibling's room, and she asks her mother if she knows about Harvey's plans, which she says that she does. In the kitchen, Harvey makes his way over to Mike, wrapping his arms around the young man's waist, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and whispering in his ear how much he wants to take his boyfriend right here. Mike smirks, turning around in his boyfriend's arms, and kisses him, Harvey pins him between his body and the counter, and they kiss for a minute, until Lily returns and asks them what they think they're doing. Harvey doesn't step away from Mike, just holds the young man there, smirking when he sees the blush creeping up his boyfriend's face. Lily smiles at both of them and tells Harvey to 'go and make himself useful by setting the table', to which he just gapes at his mother, and then at Mike who hands him all the things he'll need, winking at him. Harvey doesn't like this… well he does… he loves it… but Mike… it's like the image in his mind. As they're sitting around the kitchen, they begin talking about resolutions. Mike scoffs, and then reminds them that no matter how many they set, they're never going to finish any of them, which sends the Specter's off on a betting pool. Mike rolls his eyes, but puts himself into the running, there are a couple of resolutions he knows that he can complete without so much as blinking. Harvey and Helena made a show of setting ridiculous resolutions for each other, and Molly jokingly set one about Harvey proposing, which sent the room into silence, and caused awkwardness, especially when Harvey rubbed the back of his neck, mumbling something and then leaving the room. Molly apologised, missing the look on Mike's face, and the shared look between Helena and Lily, who might know a little more than they're letting on. Mike hadn't really thought about it too much, he did tell Helena that he had envisioned them getting married in Calliope Park, but maybe… maybe Harvey doesn't want to marry him. Maybe he was wrong to think that he would? Lily dismissed Mike moments later, and the younger lawyer headed upstairs, entering the bedroom to find Harvey… pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself. He raised an eyebrow at him and asked him if he's okay. There was a moment, where Harvey just wanted to blurt it all out, that he has plans for him to propose, that he's going to do it next year, but he didn't. He just took Mike's hands, and sat them down on the bed, facing each other.

'Harvey, you don't have to explain. If you don't want to get married, I'll understand…'

'Mike… I am going to propose to you. I don't know when, but I will. Just know that okay?' the closer asked, surprising Mike, who smiled.

'Okay,' he replied, speechless at what he'd just been told, instead he just leaned forwards and kissed Harvey adding 'I love you' in a whisper.

'I love you too,' Harvey replied, and they fell back onto the bed, just lying there together.

A/N: They don't allow enough room for long chapter names, or maybe that's just my fault for giving all of these chapters ridiculously long titles. Probably more my fault than anything ;). Happy Holidays. D.