A Lull in Conversation (3/4)
Title: A Lull in Conversation
Author: fluffygremlin
Pairings: Harvey/Mike
Rating: R
Warnings: none
Word Count: 5,281
Summary: Harvey Specter, third year law student, is too busy focusing on his future to pay any attention to the here and now until one too many happenchance meetings with a blue eyed freshman leave him questioning everything he's ever built himself up to be.
Authors Note: This is an AU. Many thanks to veritas_st for the beta and cheerleading. Thanks to everyone else for the continued comments and love.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned people who are NOT me. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended and no money is being made.
“Okay, writing a paper…” Mike stared down at the laptop sitting on his thighs, the cursor on the screen blinking at him in a decidedly taunting fashion. “Relationships in Greek mythos…” He ran a hand through his hair, pulling at the ends until it was sticking up in all directions. “Nisus is older, puts everything on the line for the younger Euryalus… Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like tripping the competitors in a footrace and then going on a bloody killing spree.”
Mike groaned, dropping his head back against his headboard and staring up at the ceiling. He ran his tongue over his lips and couldn’t help the way his thoughts drifted from Greek love affairs to his own debauched fantasies involving crushing kisses in bar bathrooms. He closed his eyes against the mental images but opened them again quickly when the shadowy figure in his imagination stepped into the light and smirked at him.
“Oh fuck no,” Mike said, straightening up and looking back down at his computer. He typed a few lines before deleting them all and returning to a blank page. Every word he had read in the past few weeks swirled around his brain until he couldn’t remember what was the books and what was him. The feeling normally drove him straight to smoke but this time as he pushed his computer from his lap his mind drifted back to Harvey.
He closed his eyes again, this time allowing the smirking Specter in his imagination to continue stalking towards him, reaching out to run one long finger along his jaw. Harvey leaned in whisper silent words against his ear, the phantom feeling sending blood rushing down to Mike’s groin. Mike’s hand followed, caressing himself through his sweats as the fantasy built. He sighed as his hips pushed up into his grip, his hand slipping beneath the waistband once he couldn’t bare the cotton being a barrier between skin any longer.
Mike thought of the way Harvey’s eyes had been so dark that night in the bar, the way they had skittered across his face and along his body before Harvey pushed him against the door. This time the encounter didn’t end with Harvey pulling away. As Mike fisted his own cock, in his mind Harvey was doing the same, pulling Mike out of his jeans so that Harvey could wrap a hand around him. Mike moaned low in his throat, slipping down on the bed to be more comfortable as he jerked off. He thought about Harvey’s fingers interlaced with his own, a deep, low voice whispering all sorts of sordid things into his ear as he chased his orgasm. It was quick and it was dirty and, in the end, it made Mike see stars when he finally came all over his own fist.
“Wow,” he said quietly, biting his lip as his cock began to soften between his fingers. When his heartbeat finally slowed and he opened his eyes he found his mind buzzing along quietly like the perfect high. He blew out one long, slow breath before sitting up, clumsily grabbing tissues to clean up before dragging his computer back onto his lap.
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“You’re late.” Harvey tapped his watch as Mike approached his table in the library.
“I know, I know,” Mike said, holding up his hands. “I just was up late and…”
“And I don’t care,” Harvey finished, pushing a chair out for Mike with his foot. The blond rolled his eyes before slipping his book bag over his head and dropping onto the chair. Harvey stared at him expectantly and Mike just stared back for a moment before scrambling for his bag.
“Right, the paper…” Mike said to himself, digging through notebooks and folders until he pulled out a the right item. Harvey rolled his eyes as Mike handed it over. His fingers trailed over the other man’s and Mike pulled away quickly, a faint blush creeping along his cheeks in a way that left Harvey’s curiosity spiked.
“You know, I read up on these two the other night,” he said conversationally, glancing up at Mike over the top of the paper. The younger man met his eyes for a moment before looking away, staring off past Harvey’s left shoulder. “Gay Greek soldiers,” Harvey continued, turning his focus back to the words in front of him. “So original.” He glanced back up in time to catch Mike glare at him.
“It’s more than that,” the other man insisted. Harvey cocked an eyebrow and Mike stammered over his words, looking away again quickly in a way that had Harvey’s curiosity piqued. “They… ummm…” Mike cleared his throat. “Nisus was willing to give up everything and Euryalus followed him to war and left everything behind.”
“Right,” Harvey nodded and flipped a page, reading quickly over the black words. Mike kept fidgeting as Harvey read and the longer the older man kept quiet the worse it got. “Something bothering you?” he asked finally, looking up again.
“What?” Mike’s head snapped up. “No, no, nothing’s… bothering. No. Why?” The entire time he spoke his eyes kept skipping over Harvey’s face and the blush on his cheeks grew hotter.
“Are you on drugs?” Harvey asked, setting the paper aside and crossing his arms.
“No!” Mike insisted. “Not right now.”
“Consider me convinced,” Harvey replied blandly. Mike ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat again.
“So the paper…” He reached out for it only to have Harvey grab his hand.
“I’m not done,” he said as Mike pulled his hand away quickly. Harvey’s eyes narrowed as he watched the way Mike looked everywhere but at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Mike maintained. Harvey shook his head.
“Nice try, kid. Now look me in the eye and say that.” Mike looked up but couldn’t hold Harvey’s gaze without glancing away again. “Mike…” Harvey’s voice softened. “If this is about that night…”
“It’s not that,” Mike interrupted him, reaching out to grab Harvey’s hand where it still lay on top of the research paper. “I told you I get it and I do.”
“Then how about you tell me what’s going on,” Harvey prodded. Mike let go of his hand and looked back down at his lap, mumbling. “Speak up, rookie.”
“Fine.” Mike looked back up and took a deep breath. “You’re hot. If I had a type, you would be it expect for the whole ‘not gay’ thing. And the other night I was trying to write my paper but I was so distracted I couldn’t concentrate and my mind kind of wandered and I totally lack self control sometimes and I…” he clamped his mouth shut suddenly with a snap. Harvey stared at him as Mike’s eyes went wide and his cheeks turned a bright red.
“Are you saying…” Harvey turned his head slightly, biting his cheek to keep his usual smirk at bay.
“I’m saying I wrote a paper. After… not being distracted anymore… Shut up, Harvey.” Mike crossed his arms over his chest, his expression going from embarrassed to annoyed as Harvey’s shoulders began to shake with contained laughter.
“I’m sorry,” Harvey said, reaching out to grip Mike’s arm for a moment. “It’s just… not something I’ve heard before.”
“Right,” Mike said sarcastically, “I’m sure no one has ever expressed their attraction to you before.”
“Well, sure, but those people were female and it was normally after I bought them a drink.” Harvey shrugged as Mike sighed.
“Look, I’m embarrassed enough, okay? I know this is probably really uncomfortable for you but…”
“No,” Harvey interrupted. “This isn’t a big deal.” Mike looked down at the ground as Harvey leaned forward. “I’m flattered. Not gay, but flattered.”
“You’re such a dick.” Mike looked up with a sneer on his face that didn’t seem at all sincere.
“Wasn’t that the point?” Harvey cocked his head again and laughed when Mike pushed him away. The blond smiled at him and Harvey felt something coil tightly in his chest.
“Right,” Mike said after a moment. “Gay Greek soldiers…”
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Harvey yawned as he turned another page in his text book. He had spent most of the afternoon laughing at Mike’s attempts to seriously convey his adoration for fictional characters and now he found himself cramming for an exam he should have studied for days ago. It wasn’t the way Harvey Specter normally operated but he didn’t feel very normal at that moment.
“I totally get it now.” Harvey looked up to find Scotty standing across from him.
“Is this the point where I pretend I have any idea what you’re talking about?” he asked. She smiled before pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him. “Please… have a seat.”
“You and the kid.” Scotty look smug and Harvey sighed, pushing his book away as he straightened up before making a gesture to encourage her to continue. “He’s cute, obviously, but I have to admit I’m surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever turned anyone gay before.”
“Well if anyone could do it…” Harvey crossed his arms. “Not that you could claim it now. I’m not gay, Scotty.”
“Right,” she nodded and narrowed her eyes, “I saw him. I saw you. I saw the way you looked at him.”
“He’s a student in the class I’m helping out with,” Harvey explained. “I was helping him write a paper.”
“Of course you were.” The condescending tone grated down Harvey’s spine. “For three hours. Looking at him like you used to look at me.”
“Are you stalking me now?” Harvey pushed back. “I’m so touched.”
“Harv…”
“You’re observational skills need work, Scotty,” Harvey said, speaking over her. “Mike’s a bright kid but nothing more. I’m helping him out because someone once gave me a hand up. Think of it as paying it forward. It’s not totally altruistic either; Mike has one hell of a memory. He’d come in handy as an associate when I make Senior Partner in a few years.”
“Ha!” Scotty scoffed at him. “You’re going to be pushing papers at City Hall for the next decade Harvey. If you’re lucky, they might left you see the inside of the courtroom once in awhile.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Harvey smirked back, shifting comfortably back into their usual banter.
“Blah blah blah… Harvey Specter knows people…” Scotty rolled her eyes before standing up. “Too bad they can’t help you pass the Bar.”
Harvey watched Scotty walk away before taking a deep breath and looking down at his hands that were shaking in his lap. He stared down at them, clenching his fingers into fists so tight his knuckles turned white.
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Jenny was waiting for Mike when he walked into the apartment, balanced on the back of the couch so that she could block his path to his room.
“Please, don’t.” She grabbed his arm as he tried to move past her. “Please, Mike.” The blond took a deep breath and let it out through his nose before turning to face her, the smile that had been on his face when he’d left the library fading away to nothing.
“Jenny…”
“No,” she stopped him. “Come sit with me.” She tugged on his arm until he dropped his bag and allowed himself to be pulled to the couch. He watched her as she stared down at her hands. “I never should have agreed,” she said finally in a small voice.
“Agreed to what?” Mike asked, reaching out to stop Jenny’s fidgeting.
“To the… you know,” Jenny looked up at him with her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Mike just shook his head slowly. “The threesome.”
“Oh…” Mike sat back on the couch as Jenny shifted her legs up under her. “Trevor may have told me it was your idea.”
“He what?” Mike pulled back farther as Jenny’s eyes went wide.
“Well…”
“Okay, so I may have mentioned that it was kinda hot after he told me that you guys fooled around but actually doing anything about it? That was all Trevor. I was afraid it would ruin our friendship and…” Jenny paused and seemed to deflate into nothing. “I was right wasn’t I?”
“No, no,” Mike shook his head and reached for her hand. “Nothing’s ruined just… mangled slightly. It’s just a little weird around here right now.”
“But it doesn’t have to be.” Jenny moved closer on the couch and held Mike’s hand in between both of hers. “Nothing’s changed. Not really. It’s not like it was the first time I’d seen you naked or anything.”
“There’s a difference between skinny dipping at the lake when we’re 15 and what happened the other night, Jen.”
“I know that,” Jenny insisted, “but we’re the same people we were before. I still care about you Mike. Trevor does too. It’s not fair for you to just… throw us aside.”
“I haven’t…” Mike stuttered over his words as Jenny’s eyes flashed.
“You have. You won’t talk to me. You avoid Trevor as much as you can.” Jenny climbed off the couch and began pacing, Mike’s eyes on her the entire time. “It was a onetime thing, Mike. It’s not a big deal. You’re blowing it out of proportion and…”
“One time for you maybe.” Mike stood up as well, crossing his arms over his chest protectively. “I don’t think Trevor sees it that way.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jenny stopped and faced him. “We talked about this. He knows it isn’t happening again. He promised after I told him I felt a little weird afterwards. But I moved past that!”
“So has he,” Mike countered. “That would explain why he was waiting in my room the other night wanting to ‘talk’ when he was high as a kite.”
“What?” Jenny shook her head even as she asked the question.
“He was waiting for me,” Mike said again slowly. “Just like every other time.”
“You make it seem like it’s happened a lot…” Jenny’s eyes went wide at Mike’s somber face. “Oh…” she said softly, dropping down onto the chair behind her. “He said it was the first time since high school…”
“Jenny…” Mike moved to kneel in front of his friend. Before he could say another word the door the apartment swung open with a bang, Trevor walking in with his usual cocky grin plastered on his face.
“Hunny, I’m home!” Trevor laughed as he tossed his bag aside, oblivious to the tension in the room as Mike stood back up and turned to face him. “Who’s hungry? I could murder some tacos.”
“Not me,” Jenny said, pushing Mike aside so she could stand up. “I actually have a really bad headache right now.”
“I know a way to help that,” Trevor winked at her. His smile slipped when he saw the way her eyes were red and shadowed. “Oh, babe, I’m sorry. Why don’t you let me drive you home? You shouldn’t deal with the bus right now.”
“Yea, okay,” Jenny nodded. She glanced at Mike with a torn look on her face before following Trevor to the door.
“Tacos, Mikey!” Trevor called before pulling the door closed. “Find us tacos!”
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Mike settled back into the oversized chair, cuddling his coffee to his chest like a child as he relaxed. The coffee shop was as loud and busy as ever but it was an oasis to the blond after the prior evening’s stress. He felt like he was just starting to catch his breath when a shadow fell over him.
“What did you say to Jenny?” Trevor stood in front of him, hands clenched into fists at his side.
“I…” Trevor shook his head to stop Mike’s words.
“Don’t lie, Mikey. I always know when you’re lying. You do this… thing, with your eyes.” Mike sighed and sat straighter.
“I told her the truth about the things we’ve done. Something you, apparently, whitewashed a bit.” Mike took a sip of his coffee and winced as it burnt his tongue.
“I didn’t want to hurt her,” Trevor insisted.
“Really?” Mike asked. “Really? Because I think it’s a bit late for that, Trev.” Mike set his coffee aside and rubbed a warm hand over his face. “I can’t believe we let it get this far,” he sighed.
“She said she wants space,” Trevor said coldly. “She said she doesn’t trust me anymore.”
“Trevor…” Mike reached out for his friend only for him to pull away sharply.
“This is all your fault.” Trevor’s jaw clenched. “First you disappear and then you have the balls to turn Jenny against me.”
“I didn’t disappear, Trevor. I’ve been busy…”
“Right… busy with that brunet from the bar?” Mike could feel himself beginning to flush. “I saw the two of you at the library the other day. You seemed really busy.”
“He’s my TA,” Mike insisted. “That’s it. He’s helping me write my paper.”
“He’s awfully attractive.” Trevor sneered down at him.
“Want me to get you his number?” Mike asked snidely before taking a deep breath. “He’s not even gay, Trevor.”
Trevor leaned down over the chair, bracing himself on the back of it.
“That never stopped you before,” he hissed into Mike’s ear before straightening up again. Mike could feel a retort catch in his throat. Trevor smiled down at him, a cold, cruel look on his face. He opened his mouth to say more just as Mike’s name rang out. Both men looked up to find Harvey Specter grinning smugly at them from a nearby table.
“Mike,” Harvey said again, stepping away from the tall table and walking over to stand next to Trevor with his arms crossed over his chest. “I was just thinking about you.”
“Harvey,” Mike’s voice squeaked so he cleared his throat. “Harvey, this is my… friend. Trevor. Trev, this is my TA, Harvey.” Harvey smirked at Trevor as the other man’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Nice to meet you,” Harvey said offhandly before turning his attention back to Mike. “Look, I know we’re supposed to meet at the library this afternoon but we might have to reschedule. I saw a sign posted this morning that the study room is reserved for a club meeting.”
“Oh… well…” Mike stammered as his eyes flitted between Trevor’s glare and Harvey’s smile.
“Actually, I just had a thought…” Harvey’s tone made it sound as if he never did anything spur of the moment. “Why don’t you come over to my place a little later this evening? We can do pizza and I’ll buy some beer that you are absolutely not allowed to drink.”
“Ummm,” Mike swallowed. “Yea. Yes. That sounds great.” He stared up at Trevor and caught the way the other man flinched at the idea of Mike going to Harvey’s apartment. “I don’t have your address though,” he added. Harvey pulled a pen from his pocket and grabbed Mike’s hand, scribbling across the palm before dropping it back to the arm of the chair with a wink.
“Don’t forget to read that before you wash it off,” he added before tipping his head at Trevor and strutting back to his own table.
“Just helping you write a paper, right Mike?” Trevor’s face looked stormy when Mike met his eyes.
“You have no right to be pissed at me,” Mike said, suddenly feeling more sure of himself. “You did this to yourself. It’s not like you have any claim on me.”
“You’re my oldest friend,” Trevor said before Mike cut him off.
“Friend, Trevor. Your friend. That’s it.” Mike stood up so that he was standing nose to nose with the brunet. “And, honestly, right now I don’t even want that.” He grabbed his bag and disappeared into the crowd before the other man could react.
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Harvey opened the door to his apartment expecting a pizza delivery and finding a very angry looking blond instead.
“You did that on purpose,” Mike said as he pushed past Harvey. Harvey cocked his head slightly before closing the door and turning around to watch the other man come to a stop in front of his book shelf filled with old records.
“Please, Mike, come on in.” He walked over to where the other man was standing and took in the way his shoulders were hunched.
“You were eavesdropping,” the other man accused as he turned to face Harvey. The older man only shrugged.
“If your conversation happened to drift towards me in a very crowded space…” Mike glared at Harvey and the other man couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I was eavesdropping. You seemed stressed.”
“I’m not some damsel in distress, Harvey.” Harvey chuckled and glanced down at his feet. “Now what’s so funny?”
“Well,” Harvey looked back up with a grin, “I just pictured you in drag.” Mike rolled his eyes and shoved Harvey slightly before stepping away to toss his bag onto Harvey’s couch.
“Your place is a lot smaller than I thought it would be,” he said, wandering around the room.
“I’m saving up for bigger and better.” Harvey turned slightly to follow Mike with his eyes.
“It’s not the size that counts,” Mike singsonged. Harvey was about to respond when there was another knock at the door. “Pizza!” Mike said, grinning in a way that made Harvey feel very old and slightly perverted. “Have you ever had the pizza with the cheese in the crust?”
“No,” Harvey said as he greeted the delivery man. “And we’re not having it tonight either.” Mike walked over and sniffed over Harvey’s shoulder as he paid the man at the door. The brunet shivered slightly as Mike’s chest brushed against his back before the other man pulled away. Harvey pointedly ignored the way the pizza man’s eyes kept flitting between him and Mike before taking the pizzas and pushing the door shut with his foot.
Harvey made his way to his kitchen, Mike following close behind like a well-meaning puppy. The older man rolled his eyes as Mike groaned in delight at the smell that escaped the box when Harvey opened it.
“Not for nothing,” Mike said, looking at the meal, “but the green stuff is…”
“Spinach. Don’t.” Harvey slapped Mike’s hand when the other man reached over to pull a piece of sausage from the top. The blond only hummed to himself as he popped the piece of meat into his mouth and stepped away to allow Harvey space to dig paper plates out of a cupboard.
“So… about that beer I’m not allowed to have…” Mike watched Harvey as the other man turned to face him. Harvey crossed his arms over his chest. “I finished the paper already,” Mike continued. “And you did poke your big nose into my personal issues this afternoon.”
“My nose is not big.” Harvey insisted. Mike only shrugged and pulled a face. “Your immaturity is showing.” Harvey turned back around, putting a couple of slices onto his plate before walking over to his fridge to pull out a single beer. He could see Mike trying not to pout out of the corner of his eye and just shrugged. “Maybe once you can act like you deserve to sit at the adult table.”
“That’s just cruel,” Mike called after him as Harvey walked back into his living room.
“TAs don’t have to be nice,” Harvey countered, dropping onto one end of the couch. Mike appeared with his own plate, already taking a bite with a soda tucked under his arm. The blond hesitated for a moment, staring at the opposite end of the couch that was occupied by his bag, before sitting down next to Harvey, his knee bouncing against the other man’s as he shifted around his plate and drink.
“You know,” Harvey said after several quiet minutes had passed, “I’m actually surprised you agreed to this. I figured you’d be out on a Friday night.” He glanced at the other man in time to see a blush creep up his neck
“Yea, well,” Mike ran his finger around the top of his soda can, “I’m getting to old to party all the time.”
“Galloping around the cosmos is a game for the young, Doctor.” Mike looked up at Harvey in obvious confusion. “Star Trek,” the brunet expounded. “Captain Kirk?”
“Oh my god!” Mike’s eyes went wide and he appeared to be chocking. Harvey was about to reach out to him with the laughter bubbled out. “You’re a geek!”
“Hey! Captain Kirk is the man,” Harvey insisted. He tried to look stern but he could feel the way his lips twitched as Mike bent over in mirth. One warm hand landed on Harvey’s knee and the older man found all of his attention focused on it. Mike finally moved it to wipe away the tears that had squeezed out. “You are absolutely not getting a beer now.” Harvey turned slightly on the couch to better watch Mike.
“You’re mean, Harvey.” Mike was grinning at him again, the same one that always seemed to make him feel warm and cold at the same time.
“I thought we covered this already,” Harvey said. Mike only shrugged, shifting in counterpoint to Harvey to his leg was drawn up on the couch slightly, his knee pressing into Harvey’s thigh.
“Well…” Mike glanced away for a moment before turning back, looking decidedly shyer, “I could always use more friends.”
“Yes,” Harvey nodded, “You really could.”
“That’s not…” Mike shook his head and Harvey held up his hand.
“I’m not trying to be a dick, Mike,” he explained. “But if Trevor was as good a friend as you’ve made him out to be you two wouldn’t be having an argument like that. At least, not in public. Didn’t seem very friendly to me.”
“You would know since you just added fuel to the fire.” Mike’s jaw clenched as he glared at Harvey.
“I don’t know what he said when he whispered to you,” Harvey said softly, “but I could see the look on your face. Whatever it was I really doubt you deserved it.”
“You have no idea…” Mike looked away, staring off in space. “I probably did.”
“I don’t think so.” Harvey watched the way Mike only shrugged, feeling at a loss after the young man’s quick emotional turn. “Mike…” He reached out and set his hand carefully on the other man’s arm. “Mike, you’re a good man. Trevor doesn’t deserve you.”
Mike looked back at him, eyes wide and bright in the fading light of the evening. Harvey tried to think of something else to say when the younger man shifted, leaning forward over their legs and pressing his lips against Harvey’s. His mind went blank and all Harvey could think about was the soft heat sealed against him. He didn’t even have time to react when Mike suddenly pulled away and stood up, backing away quickly.
“Oh god,” the blond muttered. “Harvey, I… I’m sorry I just… I know you’re not gay. It’s been a really long day and I’ve been stressed and… shit. Sorry.”
He was out the door before Harvey could move, leaving the other man to run his finger tips lightly over his bottom lip. The brunet took a deep breath before standing up and digging through the papers on his table for his cellphone.
“I need you,” he said when the line picked up.
”Harv…” Harvey cut Donna off before she had a chance to finish.
“Mike kissed me.” He started pacing around his apartment as he listened to Donna breathe. It felt like hours before she finally spoke again.
”I’m on my way.”
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“Why do I let you talk me into these things?” Harvey leaned on his elbows, staring into the glass of scotch the bartender had set in front of him.
“Because we’re not doing this sober,” Donna explained, toying with her own brightly colored drink, “and the only thing you had was beer.”
“There are other bars around here.” Harvey turned to the red head who only rolled her eyes.
“I like the ambiance here.” She twirled around on her barstool before coming to stop facing him. “Seems as good a place as any for a gay crisis, right?”
“Donna…” Harvey growled warningly but the woman only brushed him off.
“I know you, Harvey,” she said. “You don’t let people get to you. This kid did. That says more than anything else.”
Harvey sighed before downing his drink with one quick swallow. He hissed slightly as the alcohol burned its way down. The bass of the music thudding around him felt almost suffocating.
“I don’t think I can do this,” he said softly. He felt Donna rest her hand on his shoulder and squeeze slightly.
“It’s not supposed to be easy.” She leaned in and rested her chin on Harvey’s shoulder. “But that’s why I’m here to help. Gay, straight, or sideways, you’re still Harvey Specter. That’s all that matters in the end.”
Harvey huffed out a laugh as Donna straightened up and waved down the bartended for refills.
“I’m going to run to the men’s room,” Harvey said, pushing himself somewhat wobbly to his feet.
“Try not to make out with any pretty boys on the way,” Donna called after him. He made an obscene gesture in her general direction before pushing through the crowd. A body knocked into his, pushing him slightly off center and he reached out to steady himself, brushing against someone else as he did so.
“Sorry,” he said, not bothering to turn around.
“Harvey?” The brunet stopped short, taking a deep breath before turning around and finding blue eyes staring at him.
“Mike,” he said hesitantly. He was about to step forward when he noticed the shorter, curly haired man currently wound around Mike’s body. His eyes locked onto Mike’s face and he could make out the way the other man’s lips looked red and swollen and the faint mark on his neck as the stranger pulled away from him. “New friend?” Mike glanced to the side and the other man only smirked back at him.
“Yea… this is… ummm…” Mike ran a hand though his hair and Harvey noticed how his eyes were red and dilated. “Fuck…”
“Not yet,” the dimpled man purred. “But we’re getting there.” He was talking to Mike but his cocky grin was aimed right at Harvey and the older man felt something burn inside of him at the obviousness of the gesture. Harvey turned on his heel and stalked back towards the bar, growling when a hand clamped down on his arm and forced him to turn around.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mike asked. He was panting slightly, as if he had run after Harvey.
“Me? I’m perfect,” Harvey lied. “Have fun with your friend.” He pulled out of Mike’s grip and turned away, ignoring the way the other man called after him.
“Tell me again why I ever listen to you,” he all but hissed at Donna when he reached her, digging into his pocket for his wallet.
“Because I’m your friend?” Donna asked, leaning away with a concerned look on her face.
“I was perfectly happy the way things were,” Harvey continued on, mostly to himself, as he tossed several bills onto the bar. “I didn’t need anything else. I didn’t want anything else.”
“I’m not going to apologize for trying to help you,” Donna said firmly. “You needed someone to call you on your bullshit and pick up the pieces. I’m not sorry.”
“Well I’m not going to apologize for this,” Harvey said, turning to her and leaning closer. “Go fuck yourself.” He didn’t look at the woman as he straightened up and walked away, disappearing into the cool night air.
Also on AO3.
Author: fluffygremlin
Pairings: Harvey/Mike
Rating: R
Warnings: none
Word Count: 5,281
Summary: Harvey Specter, third year law student, is too busy focusing on his future to pay any attention to the here and now until one too many happenchance meetings with a blue eyed freshman leave him questioning everything he's ever built himself up to be.
Authors Note: This is an AU. Many thanks to veritas_st for the beta and cheerleading. Thanks to everyone else for the continued comments and love.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned people who are NOT me. No copyright or trademark infringement is intended and no money is being made.
“Okay, writing a paper…” Mike stared down at the laptop sitting on his thighs, the cursor on the screen blinking at him in a decidedly taunting fashion. “Relationships in Greek mythos…” He ran a hand through his hair, pulling at the ends until it was sticking up in all directions. “Nisus is older, puts everything on the line for the younger Euryalus… Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like tripping the competitors in a footrace and then going on a bloody killing spree.”
Mike groaned, dropping his head back against his headboard and staring up at the ceiling. He ran his tongue over his lips and couldn’t help the way his thoughts drifted from Greek love affairs to his own debauched fantasies involving crushing kisses in bar bathrooms. He closed his eyes against the mental images but opened them again quickly when the shadowy figure in his imagination stepped into the light and smirked at him.
“Oh fuck no,” Mike said, straightening up and looking back down at his computer. He typed a few lines before deleting them all and returning to a blank page. Every word he had read in the past few weeks swirled around his brain until he couldn’t remember what was the books and what was him. The feeling normally drove him straight to smoke but this time as he pushed his computer from his lap his mind drifted back to Harvey.
He closed his eyes again, this time allowing the smirking Specter in his imagination to continue stalking towards him, reaching out to run one long finger along his jaw. Harvey leaned in whisper silent words against his ear, the phantom feeling sending blood rushing down to Mike’s groin. Mike’s hand followed, caressing himself through his sweats as the fantasy built. He sighed as his hips pushed up into his grip, his hand slipping beneath the waistband once he couldn’t bare the cotton being a barrier between skin any longer.
Mike thought of the way Harvey’s eyes had been so dark that night in the bar, the way they had skittered across his face and along his body before Harvey pushed him against the door. This time the encounter didn’t end with Harvey pulling away. As Mike fisted his own cock, in his mind Harvey was doing the same, pulling Mike out of his jeans so that Harvey could wrap a hand around him. Mike moaned low in his throat, slipping down on the bed to be more comfortable as he jerked off. He thought about Harvey’s fingers interlaced with his own, a deep, low voice whispering all sorts of sordid things into his ear as he chased his orgasm. It was quick and it was dirty and, in the end, it made Mike see stars when he finally came all over his own fist.
“Wow,” he said quietly, biting his lip as his cock began to soften between his fingers. When his heartbeat finally slowed and he opened his eyes he found his mind buzzing along quietly like the perfect high. He blew out one long, slow breath before sitting up, clumsily grabbing tissues to clean up before dragging his computer back onto his lap.
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“You’re late.” Harvey tapped his watch as Mike approached his table in the library.
“I know, I know,” Mike said, holding up his hands. “I just was up late and…”
“And I don’t care,” Harvey finished, pushing a chair out for Mike with his foot. The blond rolled his eyes before slipping his book bag over his head and dropping onto the chair. Harvey stared at him expectantly and Mike just stared back for a moment before scrambling for his bag.
“Right, the paper…” Mike said to himself, digging through notebooks and folders until he pulled out a the right item. Harvey rolled his eyes as Mike handed it over. His fingers trailed over the other man’s and Mike pulled away quickly, a faint blush creeping along his cheeks in a way that left Harvey’s curiosity spiked.
“You know, I read up on these two the other night,” he said conversationally, glancing up at Mike over the top of the paper. The younger man met his eyes for a moment before looking away, staring off past Harvey’s left shoulder. “Gay Greek soldiers,” Harvey continued, turning his focus back to the words in front of him. “So original.” He glanced back up in time to catch Mike glare at him.
“It’s more than that,” the other man insisted. Harvey cocked an eyebrow and Mike stammered over his words, looking away again quickly in a way that had Harvey’s curiosity piqued. “They… ummm…” Mike cleared his throat. “Nisus was willing to give up everything and Euryalus followed him to war and left everything behind.”
“Right,” Harvey nodded and flipped a page, reading quickly over the black words. Mike kept fidgeting as Harvey read and the longer the older man kept quiet the worse it got. “Something bothering you?” he asked finally, looking up again.
“What?” Mike’s head snapped up. “No, no, nothing’s… bothering. No. Why?” The entire time he spoke his eyes kept skipping over Harvey’s face and the blush on his cheeks grew hotter.
“Are you on drugs?” Harvey asked, setting the paper aside and crossing his arms.
“No!” Mike insisted. “Not right now.”
“Consider me convinced,” Harvey replied blandly. Mike ran a hand through his hair and cleared his throat again.
“So the paper…” He reached out for it only to have Harvey grab his hand.
“I’m not done,” he said as Mike pulled his hand away quickly. Harvey’s eyes narrowed as he watched the way Mike looked everywhere but at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Mike maintained. Harvey shook his head.
“Nice try, kid. Now look me in the eye and say that.” Mike looked up but couldn’t hold Harvey’s gaze without glancing away again. “Mike…” Harvey’s voice softened. “If this is about that night…”
“It’s not that,” Mike interrupted him, reaching out to grab Harvey’s hand where it still lay on top of the research paper. “I told you I get it and I do.”
“Then how about you tell me what’s going on,” Harvey prodded. Mike let go of his hand and looked back down at his lap, mumbling. “Speak up, rookie.”
“Fine.” Mike looked back up and took a deep breath. “You’re hot. If I had a type, you would be it expect for the whole ‘not gay’ thing. And the other night I was trying to write my paper but I was so distracted I couldn’t concentrate and my mind kind of wandered and I totally lack self control sometimes and I…” he clamped his mouth shut suddenly with a snap. Harvey stared at him as Mike’s eyes went wide and his cheeks turned a bright red.
“Are you saying…” Harvey turned his head slightly, biting his cheek to keep his usual smirk at bay.
“I’m saying I wrote a paper. After… not being distracted anymore… Shut up, Harvey.” Mike crossed his arms over his chest, his expression going from embarrassed to annoyed as Harvey’s shoulders began to shake with contained laughter.
“I’m sorry,” Harvey said, reaching out to grip Mike’s arm for a moment. “It’s just… not something I’ve heard before.”
“Right,” Mike said sarcastically, “I’m sure no one has ever expressed their attraction to you before.”
“Well, sure, but those people were female and it was normally after I bought them a drink.” Harvey shrugged as Mike sighed.
“Look, I’m embarrassed enough, okay? I know this is probably really uncomfortable for you but…”
“No,” Harvey interrupted. “This isn’t a big deal.” Mike looked down at the ground as Harvey leaned forward. “I’m flattered. Not gay, but flattered.”
“You’re such a dick.” Mike looked up with a sneer on his face that didn’t seem at all sincere.
“Wasn’t that the point?” Harvey cocked his head again and laughed when Mike pushed him away. The blond smiled at him and Harvey felt something coil tightly in his chest.
“Right,” Mike said after a moment. “Gay Greek soldiers…”
----------------------------------------
Harvey yawned as he turned another page in his text book. He had spent most of the afternoon laughing at Mike’s attempts to seriously convey his adoration for fictional characters and now he found himself cramming for an exam he should have studied for days ago. It wasn’t the way Harvey Specter normally operated but he didn’t feel very normal at that moment.
“I totally get it now.” Harvey looked up to find Scotty standing across from him.
“Is this the point where I pretend I have any idea what you’re talking about?” he asked. She smiled before pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him. “Please… have a seat.”
“You and the kid.” Scotty look smug and Harvey sighed, pushing his book away as he straightened up before making a gesture to encourage her to continue. “He’s cute, obviously, but I have to admit I’m surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever turned anyone gay before.”
“Well if anyone could do it…” Harvey crossed his arms. “Not that you could claim it now. I’m not gay, Scotty.”
“Right,” she nodded and narrowed her eyes, “I saw him. I saw you. I saw the way you looked at him.”
“He’s a student in the class I’m helping out with,” Harvey explained. “I was helping him write a paper.”
“Of course you were.” The condescending tone grated down Harvey’s spine. “For three hours. Looking at him like you used to look at me.”
“Are you stalking me now?” Harvey pushed back. “I’m so touched.”
“Harv…”
“You’re observational skills need work, Scotty,” Harvey said, speaking over her. “Mike’s a bright kid but nothing more. I’m helping him out because someone once gave me a hand up. Think of it as paying it forward. It’s not totally altruistic either; Mike has one hell of a memory. He’d come in handy as an associate when I make Senior Partner in a few years.”
“Ha!” Scotty scoffed at him. “You’re going to be pushing papers at City Hall for the next decade Harvey. If you’re lucky, they might left you see the inside of the courtroom once in awhile.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Harvey smirked back, shifting comfortably back into their usual banter.
“Blah blah blah… Harvey Specter knows people…” Scotty rolled her eyes before standing up. “Too bad they can’t help you pass the Bar.”
Harvey watched Scotty walk away before taking a deep breath and looking down at his hands that were shaking in his lap. He stared down at them, clenching his fingers into fists so tight his knuckles turned white.
--------------------------------------------
Jenny was waiting for Mike when he walked into the apartment, balanced on the back of the couch so that she could block his path to his room.
“Please, don’t.” She grabbed his arm as he tried to move past her. “Please, Mike.” The blond took a deep breath and let it out through his nose before turning to face her, the smile that had been on his face when he’d left the library fading away to nothing.
“Jenny…”
“No,” she stopped him. “Come sit with me.” She tugged on his arm until he dropped his bag and allowed himself to be pulled to the couch. He watched her as she stared down at her hands. “I never should have agreed,” she said finally in a small voice.
“Agreed to what?” Mike asked, reaching out to stop Jenny’s fidgeting.
“To the… you know,” Jenny looked up at him with her bottom lip caught between her teeth. Mike just shook his head slowly. “The threesome.”
“Oh…” Mike sat back on the couch as Jenny shifted her legs up under her. “Trevor may have told me it was your idea.”
“He what?” Mike pulled back farther as Jenny’s eyes went wide.
“Well…”
“Okay, so I may have mentioned that it was kinda hot after he told me that you guys fooled around but actually doing anything about it? That was all Trevor. I was afraid it would ruin our friendship and…” Jenny paused and seemed to deflate into nothing. “I was right wasn’t I?”
“No, no,” Mike shook his head and reached for her hand. “Nothing’s ruined just… mangled slightly. It’s just a little weird around here right now.”
“But it doesn’t have to be.” Jenny moved closer on the couch and held Mike’s hand in between both of hers. “Nothing’s changed. Not really. It’s not like it was the first time I’d seen you naked or anything.”
“There’s a difference between skinny dipping at the lake when we’re 15 and what happened the other night, Jen.”
“I know that,” Jenny insisted, “but we’re the same people we were before. I still care about you Mike. Trevor does too. It’s not fair for you to just… throw us aside.”
“I haven’t…” Mike stuttered over his words as Jenny’s eyes flashed.
“You have. You won’t talk to me. You avoid Trevor as much as you can.” Jenny climbed off the couch and began pacing, Mike’s eyes on her the entire time. “It was a onetime thing, Mike. It’s not a big deal. You’re blowing it out of proportion and…”
“One time for you maybe.” Mike stood up as well, crossing his arms over his chest protectively. “I don’t think Trevor sees it that way.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jenny stopped and faced him. “We talked about this. He knows it isn’t happening again. He promised after I told him I felt a little weird afterwards. But I moved past that!”
“So has he,” Mike countered. “That would explain why he was waiting in my room the other night wanting to ‘talk’ when he was high as a kite.”
“What?” Jenny shook her head even as she asked the question.
“He was waiting for me,” Mike said again slowly. “Just like every other time.”
“You make it seem like it’s happened a lot…” Jenny’s eyes went wide at Mike’s somber face. “Oh…” she said softly, dropping down onto the chair behind her. “He said it was the first time since high school…”
“Jenny…” Mike moved to kneel in front of his friend. Before he could say another word the door the apartment swung open with a bang, Trevor walking in with his usual cocky grin plastered on his face.
“Hunny, I’m home!” Trevor laughed as he tossed his bag aside, oblivious to the tension in the room as Mike stood back up and turned to face him. “Who’s hungry? I could murder some tacos.”
“Not me,” Jenny said, pushing Mike aside so she could stand up. “I actually have a really bad headache right now.”
“I know a way to help that,” Trevor winked at her. His smile slipped when he saw the way her eyes were red and shadowed. “Oh, babe, I’m sorry. Why don’t you let me drive you home? You shouldn’t deal with the bus right now.”
“Yea, okay,” Jenny nodded. She glanced at Mike with a torn look on her face before following Trevor to the door.
“Tacos, Mikey!” Trevor called before pulling the door closed. “Find us tacos!”
-------------------------------------------
Mike settled back into the oversized chair, cuddling his coffee to his chest like a child as he relaxed. The coffee shop was as loud and busy as ever but it was an oasis to the blond after the prior evening’s stress. He felt like he was just starting to catch his breath when a shadow fell over him.
“What did you say to Jenny?” Trevor stood in front of him, hands clenched into fists at his side.
“I…” Trevor shook his head to stop Mike’s words.
“Don’t lie, Mikey. I always know when you’re lying. You do this… thing, with your eyes.” Mike sighed and sat straighter.
“I told her the truth about the things we’ve done. Something you, apparently, whitewashed a bit.” Mike took a sip of his coffee and winced as it burnt his tongue.
“I didn’t want to hurt her,” Trevor insisted.
“Really?” Mike asked. “Really? Because I think it’s a bit late for that, Trev.” Mike set his coffee aside and rubbed a warm hand over his face. “I can’t believe we let it get this far,” he sighed.
“She said she wants space,” Trevor said coldly. “She said she doesn’t trust me anymore.”
“Trevor…” Mike reached out for his friend only for him to pull away sharply.
“This is all your fault.” Trevor’s jaw clenched. “First you disappear and then you have the balls to turn Jenny against me.”
“I didn’t disappear, Trevor. I’ve been busy…”
“Right… busy with that brunet from the bar?” Mike could feel himself beginning to flush. “I saw the two of you at the library the other day. You seemed really busy.”
“He’s my TA,” Mike insisted. “That’s it. He’s helping me write my paper.”
“He’s awfully attractive.” Trevor sneered down at him.
“Want me to get you his number?” Mike asked snidely before taking a deep breath. “He’s not even gay, Trevor.”
Trevor leaned down over the chair, bracing himself on the back of it.
“That never stopped you before,” he hissed into Mike’s ear before straightening up again. Mike could feel a retort catch in his throat. Trevor smiled down at him, a cold, cruel look on his face. He opened his mouth to say more just as Mike’s name rang out. Both men looked up to find Harvey Specter grinning smugly at them from a nearby table.
“Mike,” Harvey said again, stepping away from the tall table and walking over to stand next to Trevor with his arms crossed over his chest. “I was just thinking about you.”
“Harvey,” Mike’s voice squeaked so he cleared his throat. “Harvey, this is my… friend. Trevor. Trev, this is my TA, Harvey.” Harvey smirked at Trevor as the other man’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Nice to meet you,” Harvey said offhandly before turning his attention back to Mike. “Look, I know we’re supposed to meet at the library this afternoon but we might have to reschedule. I saw a sign posted this morning that the study room is reserved for a club meeting.”
“Oh… well…” Mike stammered as his eyes flitted between Trevor’s glare and Harvey’s smile.
“Actually, I just had a thought…” Harvey’s tone made it sound as if he never did anything spur of the moment. “Why don’t you come over to my place a little later this evening? We can do pizza and I’ll buy some beer that you are absolutely not allowed to drink.”
“Ummm,” Mike swallowed. “Yea. Yes. That sounds great.” He stared up at Trevor and caught the way the other man flinched at the idea of Mike going to Harvey’s apartment. “I don’t have your address though,” he added. Harvey pulled a pen from his pocket and grabbed Mike’s hand, scribbling across the palm before dropping it back to the arm of the chair with a wink.
“Don’t forget to read that before you wash it off,” he added before tipping his head at Trevor and strutting back to his own table.
“Just helping you write a paper, right Mike?” Trevor’s face looked stormy when Mike met his eyes.
“You have no right to be pissed at me,” Mike said, suddenly feeling more sure of himself. “You did this to yourself. It’s not like you have any claim on me.”
“You’re my oldest friend,” Trevor said before Mike cut him off.
“Friend, Trevor. Your friend. That’s it.” Mike stood up so that he was standing nose to nose with the brunet. “And, honestly, right now I don’t even want that.” He grabbed his bag and disappeared into the crowd before the other man could react.
-----------------------------------------------------
Harvey opened the door to his apartment expecting a pizza delivery and finding a very angry looking blond instead.
“You did that on purpose,” Mike said as he pushed past Harvey. Harvey cocked his head slightly before closing the door and turning around to watch the other man come to a stop in front of his book shelf filled with old records.
“Please, Mike, come on in.” He walked over to where the other man was standing and took in the way his shoulders were hunched.
“You were eavesdropping,” the other man accused as he turned to face Harvey. The older man only shrugged.
“If your conversation happened to drift towards me in a very crowded space…” Mike glared at Harvey and the other man couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, I was eavesdropping. You seemed stressed.”
“I’m not some damsel in distress, Harvey.” Harvey chuckled and glanced down at his feet. “Now what’s so funny?”
“Well,” Harvey looked back up with a grin, “I just pictured you in drag.” Mike rolled his eyes and shoved Harvey slightly before stepping away to toss his bag onto Harvey’s couch.
“Your place is a lot smaller than I thought it would be,” he said, wandering around the room.
“I’m saving up for bigger and better.” Harvey turned slightly to follow Mike with his eyes.
“It’s not the size that counts,” Mike singsonged. Harvey was about to respond when there was another knock at the door. “Pizza!” Mike said, grinning in a way that made Harvey feel very old and slightly perverted. “Have you ever had the pizza with the cheese in the crust?”
“No,” Harvey said as he greeted the delivery man. “And we’re not having it tonight either.” Mike walked over and sniffed over Harvey’s shoulder as he paid the man at the door. The brunet shivered slightly as Mike’s chest brushed against his back before the other man pulled away. Harvey pointedly ignored the way the pizza man’s eyes kept flitting between him and Mike before taking the pizzas and pushing the door shut with his foot.
Harvey made his way to his kitchen, Mike following close behind like a well-meaning puppy. The older man rolled his eyes as Mike groaned in delight at the smell that escaped the box when Harvey opened it.
“Not for nothing,” Mike said, looking at the meal, “but the green stuff is…”
“Spinach. Don’t.” Harvey slapped Mike’s hand when the other man reached over to pull a piece of sausage from the top. The blond only hummed to himself as he popped the piece of meat into his mouth and stepped away to allow Harvey space to dig paper plates out of a cupboard.
“So… about that beer I’m not allowed to have…” Mike watched Harvey as the other man turned to face him. Harvey crossed his arms over his chest. “I finished the paper already,” Mike continued. “And you did poke your big nose into my personal issues this afternoon.”
“My nose is not big.” Harvey insisted. Mike only shrugged and pulled a face. “Your immaturity is showing.” Harvey turned back around, putting a couple of slices onto his plate before walking over to his fridge to pull out a single beer. He could see Mike trying not to pout out of the corner of his eye and just shrugged. “Maybe once you can act like you deserve to sit at the adult table.”
“That’s just cruel,” Mike called after him as Harvey walked back into his living room.
“TAs don’t have to be nice,” Harvey countered, dropping onto one end of the couch. Mike appeared with his own plate, already taking a bite with a soda tucked under his arm. The blond hesitated for a moment, staring at the opposite end of the couch that was occupied by his bag, before sitting down next to Harvey, his knee bouncing against the other man’s as he shifted around his plate and drink.
“You know,” Harvey said after several quiet minutes had passed, “I’m actually surprised you agreed to this. I figured you’d be out on a Friday night.” He glanced at the other man in time to see a blush creep up his neck
“Yea, well,” Mike ran his finger around the top of his soda can, “I’m getting to old to party all the time.”
“Galloping around the cosmos is a game for the young, Doctor.” Mike looked up at Harvey in obvious confusion. “Star Trek,” the brunet expounded. “Captain Kirk?”
“Oh my god!” Mike’s eyes went wide and he appeared to be chocking. Harvey was about to reach out to him with the laughter bubbled out. “You’re a geek!”
“Hey! Captain Kirk is the man,” Harvey insisted. He tried to look stern but he could feel the way his lips twitched as Mike bent over in mirth. One warm hand landed on Harvey’s knee and the older man found all of his attention focused on it. Mike finally moved it to wipe away the tears that had squeezed out. “You are absolutely not getting a beer now.” Harvey turned slightly on the couch to better watch Mike.
“You’re mean, Harvey.” Mike was grinning at him again, the same one that always seemed to make him feel warm and cold at the same time.
“I thought we covered this already,” Harvey said. Mike only shrugged, shifting in counterpoint to Harvey to his leg was drawn up on the couch slightly, his knee pressing into Harvey’s thigh.
“Well…” Mike glanced away for a moment before turning back, looking decidedly shyer, “I could always use more friends.”
“Yes,” Harvey nodded, “You really could.”
“That’s not…” Mike shook his head and Harvey held up his hand.
“I’m not trying to be a dick, Mike,” he explained. “But if Trevor was as good a friend as you’ve made him out to be you two wouldn’t be having an argument like that. At least, not in public. Didn’t seem very friendly to me.”
“You would know since you just added fuel to the fire.” Mike’s jaw clenched as he glared at Harvey.
“I don’t know what he said when he whispered to you,” Harvey said softly, “but I could see the look on your face. Whatever it was I really doubt you deserved it.”
“You have no idea…” Mike looked away, staring off in space. “I probably did.”
“I don’t think so.” Harvey watched the way Mike only shrugged, feeling at a loss after the young man’s quick emotional turn. “Mike…” He reached out and set his hand carefully on the other man’s arm. “Mike, you’re a good man. Trevor doesn’t deserve you.”
Mike looked back at him, eyes wide and bright in the fading light of the evening. Harvey tried to think of something else to say when the younger man shifted, leaning forward over their legs and pressing his lips against Harvey’s. His mind went blank and all Harvey could think about was the soft heat sealed against him. He didn’t even have time to react when Mike suddenly pulled away and stood up, backing away quickly.
“Oh god,” the blond muttered. “Harvey, I… I’m sorry I just… I know you’re not gay. It’s been a really long day and I’ve been stressed and… shit. Sorry.”
He was out the door before Harvey could move, leaving the other man to run his finger tips lightly over his bottom lip. The brunet took a deep breath before standing up and digging through the papers on his table for his cellphone.
“I need you,” he said when the line picked up.
”Harv…” Harvey cut Donna off before she had a chance to finish.
“Mike kissed me.” He started pacing around his apartment as he listened to Donna breathe. It felt like hours before she finally spoke again.
”I’m on my way.”
--------------------------------------------
“Why do I let you talk me into these things?” Harvey leaned on his elbows, staring into the glass of scotch the bartender had set in front of him.
“Because we’re not doing this sober,” Donna explained, toying with her own brightly colored drink, “and the only thing you had was beer.”
“There are other bars around here.” Harvey turned to the red head who only rolled her eyes.
“I like the ambiance here.” She twirled around on her barstool before coming to stop facing him. “Seems as good a place as any for a gay crisis, right?”
“Donna…” Harvey growled warningly but the woman only brushed him off.
“I know you, Harvey,” she said. “You don’t let people get to you. This kid did. That says more than anything else.”
Harvey sighed before downing his drink with one quick swallow. He hissed slightly as the alcohol burned its way down. The bass of the music thudding around him felt almost suffocating.
“I don’t think I can do this,” he said softly. He felt Donna rest her hand on his shoulder and squeeze slightly.
“It’s not supposed to be easy.” She leaned in and rested her chin on Harvey’s shoulder. “But that’s why I’m here to help. Gay, straight, or sideways, you’re still Harvey Specter. That’s all that matters in the end.”
Harvey huffed out a laugh as Donna straightened up and waved down the bartended for refills.
“I’m going to run to the men’s room,” Harvey said, pushing himself somewhat wobbly to his feet.
“Try not to make out with any pretty boys on the way,” Donna called after him. He made an obscene gesture in her general direction before pushing through the crowd. A body knocked into his, pushing him slightly off center and he reached out to steady himself, brushing against someone else as he did so.
“Sorry,” he said, not bothering to turn around.
“Harvey?” The brunet stopped short, taking a deep breath before turning around and finding blue eyes staring at him.
“Mike,” he said hesitantly. He was about to step forward when he noticed the shorter, curly haired man currently wound around Mike’s body. His eyes locked onto Mike’s face and he could make out the way the other man’s lips looked red and swollen and the faint mark on his neck as the stranger pulled away from him. “New friend?” Mike glanced to the side and the other man only smirked back at him.
“Yea… this is… ummm…” Mike ran a hand though his hair and Harvey noticed how his eyes were red and dilated. “Fuck…”
“Not yet,” the dimpled man purred. “But we’re getting there.” He was talking to Mike but his cocky grin was aimed right at Harvey and the older man felt something burn inside of him at the obviousness of the gesture. Harvey turned on his heel and stalked back towards the bar, growling when a hand clamped down on his arm and forced him to turn around.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mike asked. He was panting slightly, as if he had run after Harvey.
“Me? I’m perfect,” Harvey lied. “Have fun with your friend.” He pulled out of Mike’s grip and turned away, ignoring the way the other man called after him.
“Tell me again why I ever listen to you,” he all but hissed at Donna when he reached her, digging into his pocket for his wallet.
“Because I’m your friend?” Donna asked, leaning away with a concerned look on her face.
“I was perfectly happy the way things were,” Harvey continued on, mostly to himself, as he tossed several bills onto the bar. “I didn’t need anything else. I didn’t want anything else.”
“I’m not going to apologize for trying to help you,” Donna said firmly. “You needed someone to call you on your bullshit and pick up the pieces. I’m not sorry.”
“Well I’m not going to apologize for this,” Harvey said, turning to her and leaning closer. “Go fuck yourself.” He didn’t look at the woman as he straightened up and walked away, disappearing into the cool night air.
Also on AO3.