Suits Fic: In Totidem Verbis (Part 2 of Fate's Decree series) 2/2
Part 1
Part 2
Mike's apartment was not what Harvey expected. It was in a much nicer part of town for one thing, and Mike's unit was the only unit on the top floor. If the place had been a high rise instead of a three story 1880s conversion, Harvey would've said Mike had the penthouse. It even had an actual functional fireplace of its own, from what Harvey could tell.
"How do you afford this place on a resident's salary?" Harvey asked, curious despite himself.
"Chief resident, and no student debt. Though I think I might've offended the gods of bowties or something because for the life of me, I cannot get this thing to stay on straight." The sight of a frustrated Mike tugging at the half done bowtie was pathetically cute. And Harvey had been right, Mike looked utterly delectable in the tux, which was not doing Harvey any favours at that particular moment considering the fact that they were going to be late if they don't leave soon.
Harvey snapped himself out of his musings about what he wanted to do to and with Mike and lent him a hand in defeating the god of bowties before rushing them out of the apartment.
Harvey had to admit, the look of utter surprise on Donna's face in discovering that Mike was very real, was one Harvey would treasure. However, one look around the ballroom and Harvey knew what everyone else was thinking; Harvey had found himself another pretty little thing to show off. Never mind that they had no idea who Mike was much less the fact that he was a bona fide genius and did more for society as a whole in one day than most of the people in the room would ever do in their entire lives.
Harvey knew Donna was going to make him pay for brushing her off, but the need to dispel everyone's notion that Mike was just a pretty face gained a sudden urgency. So Harvey made sure to introduce Mike with his full title and position and watched in satisfaction as eyes widened in surprise. It was time to let people know that it wasn't Mike's looks that caught Harvey's attention, but his quicksilver mind, his ability to keep up with and actually challenge Harvey. Mike seemed to have picked up on Harvey's mood and didn't say anything about his qualifications and position being flaunted around.
"Well, this is a surprise," Jessica said to Harvey as they watched the CEO of Pfizer Pharmaceutical and Mike engaged in a debate over the state of modern medicine over their main course.
"What? I told you I was bringing a plus one."
"I didn't expect..."
"Someone actually respectable?"
"Someone who actually seemed to know you well enough to call you on your bull shit," Jessica finished.
"Was that what you were talking about earlier?" Harvey asked.
"Among other things," Jessica replied, not giving anything else away. "And you have to admit, he's not your usual type."
"I have a type?" Harvey asked jokingly.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Jessica gave Harvey a looked that said he should know better by now. "Time for the speeches."
"Joy," Harvey said dryly, taking a sip of his Merlot.
"Behave or I'll have you do it next year," Jessica threatened Harvey with a mischievous smile as she stood up and got up the stage.
When Mike's cell phone went off forty minutes later in the middle of dessert with an almost ear splitting screech (where on Earth did Mike find that god forsaken ring tone was what Harvey wanted to know, it almost sounded like a Ringwraith from Lord of the Rings), he was sure the entire ballroom had heard it. Mike dashed off to make his call and was back at their table a couple minutes later looking harried and concerned.
"I've got to go. Major train derailment and they're predicting casualties by the hundreds," he whispered into Harvey's ears, leaning in close.
"Get Ray to drive you," Harvey said.
"Yeah. I'll text you when I'm done," Mike replied before giving Harvey a quick kiss, completely unselfconscious despite their audience.
"Call me," Harvey said, it was past time that they actually speak to each other on the phone instead of texting like a couple of teenagers. "Even if it's three in the morning."
"It's probably going to be three in the afternoon, but the sentiment is noted," Mike gave him a small smile, made his excuses and dashed out of the ballroom. Harvey watched him leave.
"Harvey?" Jessica turned to him, clearly expecting him to fill her and the rest of the table in with a bit more details than Mike's rushed 'there's been an emergency and I have to head back to the hospital'.
"Hang on," Harvey took out his cell and opened the Reuter News App. The words in capital letters 'BREAKING NEWS: NEW YORK TRAIN DERAILMENT HUNDREDS INJURED & FEARED DEAD' blinked at him right at the top. There was a video link that Harvey tapped on, leaning over to Jessica so she could see. The video took a couple of minutes to load even on Harvey's state of the art smart phone, but the rough footage from the first on scene reporter showed the scale of the catastrophe.
"My god," Jessica exclaimed. She took the phone from Harvey and passed it around the table so the rest could see.
"This is why he had to go," Harvey explained. "And some of the people you're seeing on that screen right now will be alive tomorrow because of Mike."
If there was a hint of pride in Harvey's voice, it was only natural.
* * *
Charlie was the only one from his family who showed up at Harvey's graduation from Harvard. Harvey wasn't sure why he was expecting anything else different given that he hadn't spoken to his parents since they stormed out of his apartment in New York, and any attempts on his part over the last few years to rebuild their relationship had ended in disaster.
"Give them a bit more time, Harvey," Charlie had said that night in Harvey's apartment after ditching the rest of his graduating class in favour of somewhere private where they could talk.
"It's been four years, Charlie. Dad refuses to even acknowledge my existence!"
"You know how they are with their old fashioned thinking. It'll take a while to get around an entire lifetime of belief. I'm trying to get them to see sense, but it's slow going. At least trust me to talk them around," Charlie said, taking a sip of his beer.
"It's not you I don't trust, it's that I have more faith in Dad's stubbornness than your patience and stamina to wear them down."
Graduating from Harvard Law was supposed to be a happy occasion, something to celebrate, yet the disappointment of not having his parents around clouded everything. Harvey wasn't even sure why he cared, but seeing all his classmates with their family reminded him that this was the second graduation without his parents. Harvey had been too angry to care the first time round, but grad school and Harvard were different, he was proud of what he'd accomplished and Harvey couldn't help but want to share that with his parents.
"At least I'm here," Charlie said.
"And they have no idea do they?" Harvey asked wryly.
"Nope. They think I'm spending the week at Janice's place, and if they ever ask her, she'll say the same."
"The ever dutiful son and his fiancé, Dad must be so proud," Harvey really had not meant to sound as bitter as he did.
"Harvey - "
"Sorry, Charlie. You know I didn't mean it that way. I am proud of you. It's just..."
"Fucked up?"
"Yeah," Harvey sighed, wishing he didn't actually care about his parents. Wishing he could take back the words he'd uttered that night and instead taken the out his mother had offered him; that his father was ready to accept. No wonder his mum had slapped him, she had given him a way out of the situation and he had pretty much done the equivalent of throwing a glass of water in her face. "And I can't even show up at your graduation next month." Regret, Harvey had learned, was not something that sat comfortably with him.
"Come anyway."
"I don't want to cause a scene."
"It's my graduation, and I want my big brother there," Charlie insisted.
"Let me know where the after party is, I'll join you there instead?" Harvey suggested. As much as he wanted to see Charlie walk across the stage and collect his degree, he didn't want to cause any drama, not at Charlie's graduation.
"Yeah, okay. I guess I'll have to settle for that."
The only thing Harvey ever wanted to be wrong about was Charlie's ability to convince their parents about Harvey's sexuality. Of course, like with everything else, Harvey wasn't wrong.
* * *
When Mike finally called, it was close to lunch the next day. If anyone asked, Harvey would deny until his last breath that he had been checking his phone since he woke up that morning, waiting for the phone call.
"Hey. You asked me to call, I'm calling."
Mike sounded like he was about to fall asleep right then and there and Harvey said as much. Before Harvey could think about it, he was already putting on his coat and had his car keys in his hands.
"If you can hold off passing out for another twenty minutes, go take a shower or something, I'll pick you up," Harvey said, already on his way out the door.
It took Harvey just under twenty minutes to arrive at the hospital, a quick text and Mike was meeting him at the visitor's entrance.
"'This could be the beginning of the ultimate contagium,'" Harvey quoted as Mike got in the front passenger seat, tossing a small duffle bag he carried onto the backseat before putting on his seat belt.
Mike pulled Harvey in for a quick kiss in greeting, then blinked at him. "Day of the Dead? Never pegged you for a zombie fan."
"You must be tired. That was Day of the Dead Two," Harvey corrected, pulling out into traffic. "And you look like one."
"Feel like one, too," Mike replied, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. "Don't let me fall asleep now, because if I do, you'll have to carry me out of this car and into my apartment."
"I'm driving. What am I supposed to do to stop you?" Harvey replied. "I'd ask you how your day was, but I think I have a pretty good idea. The news said there were over 200 people injured in the crash?"
"And we got 128 of them, the majority suffering level one trauma. Lost three even before they got to us," Mike made an effort to sit up straight and opened his eyes again. "Four children below ten are either in the O.R. as we speak or in ICU fighting for their lives, I'm not even sure where their parents are to be honest. It's been utter chaos."
Mike's usual cheer and optimism were absent, but considering the night that he'd had and the fact that he's been awake for at least 36 hours if not more, Harvey wasn't too worried. "You gave them a fighting chance, the rest is up to them."
"And God?"
"You mean the surgeons?" Harvey quipped and was pleased to hear an amused snort from Mike.
"Yeah, they're one and the same," Mike replied. "Oh dude, I am beyond tired. I can't believe I used to be able to pull 60 hour shifts on nothing but Red Bull and doughnuts," Mike rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Must be what growing old feels like."
"Watch it, junior," Harvey warned, but his tone was light-hearted. "I'm still fully capable of going 48 hours without sleep if the situation calls for it. Of course, I start hallucinating at hour 46, but that's beside the point."
Mike let out a tired sounding laugh. "Thanks for picking me up," Mike said as Harvey made a left turn and found a parking spot across the street from Mike's apartment.
"Come on, let's get you home."
Mike had basically mumbled "Make yourself at home" to Harvey before he faceplanted on his bed and passed out on top of the covers the moment he got home, still completely dressed.
Harvey stood by Mike's bedroom door, watching the other man sleep before he walked into the room to remove Mike's shoes. The scrubs Mike was wearing looked comfortable enough, so Harvey merely tugged the covers out from underneath Mike and tucked him in. Harvey couldn't help running his hand through Mike's hair, still slightly damp from his shower at the hospital.
"Sweet dreams, Mike," Harvey whispered, wondering how the sight of a sleeping Mike could make him feel...content.
* * *
"Have you heard?" Donna practically leaped out of her chair and followed Harvey into his office the moment he arrived at work on Monday.
"Donna, I literally just stepped into my office. What is it that I've supposed to have heard?"
"Oh, nothing," Donna replied in a tone that definitely suggested something. "How was your weekend?"
"Relaxing," Harvey replied, eyeing Donna suspiciously. He set his briefcase down, made himself comfortable in his chair and waited.
"With... Mike?" And there was it, just as Harvey had expected.
"Out with it, Donna," Harvey said impatiently. He wasn't normally prone to office gossips, but had learned the hard way early on that when it came to gossips about him, he better pay attention and get damage control in place if necessary.
"They're saying that Mike left halfway through dessert because his carriage might've turned into a pumpkin otherwise."
"They?"
"Paralegals, support staff, associates, everyone," Donna rattled off, standing in front of Harvey's desk. "Basically, he's too young and pretty to be who you said he is, especially given your history with young, pretty things. He left halfway through so he didn't have to answer unwanted questions."
Harvey couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I should fire the whole lot of them."
"For gossiping about your boyfriend?" Donna asked, surprised.
"For failing research 101! A simple Google search would've turned up the residency program profile page at NYP with his name and photo on it. If they're missing something this obvious, what else are they missing when I tell them to dig up dirt about the opposition?"
"Isn't that what you have Vanessa for?"
"Not the point."
"Seriously Harvey," Donna frowned at him in obvious confusion over Harvey's reaction. "It's office gossip, a pretty harmless one at that. Never seen you react this way before. You didn't seem to care last year when they speculated about what's her name you brought to the mid-year function."
"Francyne, with a 'y'," Harvey supplied.
"Yeah, whatever, her," Donna waved her hand dismissively. "You didn't give a damn what they said the next day. So what's the difference?"
Harvey really didn't want to talk to Donna about his personal life, but he'd also known Donna long enough to know that she was unlikely to give up and she would make his life hell if he didn't give her something after brushing her off on Friday night. She would probably just end up trying to find out herself and god knows what else she'd uncover in her search or what crazy theories she would come up with. Besides, it wasn't as though she didn't already have all the information she needed to put everything together, all Harvey needed to do was give her a hint.
"Francyne was my date for that evening, we had a good time, and that was it," Harvey said.
"And Doctor Mike is...Oh!" Donna seemed stunned. "I think I need to sit down," It was a few seconds before she continued in a lowered voice. "Oh my god, you've been seeing him for the last six months!"
"To be honest, Donna. I thought you'd have put it together quicker than this. I'm disappointed," Harvey smirked, the fact that he'd managed to stun Donna so completely was rather satisfying.
"You don't do relationships! Forgive me if I never thought to take that into account!" Donna paused, glaring at Harvey as though Harvey had done something terrible. "It's serious then." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I'm meeting his grandmother for Christmas lunch."
Donna cocked her head and considered Harvey. "Yep. Scotty definitely broke you with her last stunt," she finally concluded before she stood up and headed back to her desk.
Harvey wasn't about to tell her that he'd met Mike before the whole debacle with Scotty started. If that mistaken belief would keep Donna off his back, Harvey was more than happy to let her continue with it.
* * *
It was six weeks into the New Year before Mike had another three consecutive days off work. Day one happened to be a Friday and Harvey was taking advantage of the situation by having Mike come to his part of town for lunch. Of course, Harvey's phone chose to ring just before he was due to meet Mike in the lobby of Pearson Hardman.
On phone with long winded but important client. Might take a while. Come on up. Harvey sent a text to Mike in between reassuring Ms Consunsky that yes, they were doing everything they could to take care of her matter.
Harvey was still on the phone by the time Donna had collected Mike from reception and brought him to Harvey's office. It worried Harvey slightly to see a calculating gleam in Donna's eyes, but Mike seemed happy enough to be chatting with her after giving Harvey a wave through the open door.
Ten minutes later, Ms Consunsky was still going on about how everyone wanted her business and Harvey was really starting to think she might be suffering from some form of paranoid delusion when there was a panicked cry for help. It had sounded like Harold. Both Donna and Mike looked up from god knows what they were looking at on Donna's computer screen and rushed towards the level 50 kitchen area.
"Ms Consunsky, I'm more than happy to address any other concerns you may have, but I'll have to call you back later. I'm running late for my next appointment." Harvey hung up as quickly as he could without appearing rude or dismissive and followed Donna and Mike.
"Louis, where's your epi-pen?" Harvey heard Mike ask even before he could make his way through the crowd of associates and support staff around the kitchen. The crowd parted automatically once they noticed a Senior Partner among their midst to allow Harvey through.
Louis was lying on the kitchen floor, tie and jacket undone, his face an unnatural shade of red and lips swollen as he struggled for breath. Mike was beside him, hands urgently going through Louis's pockets before he found what he was looking for. Harvey couldn't help but wince when Mike stabbed the epi pen into Louis's thigh and injected the drugs.
Donna was on her cell phone, presumably having the wits to call 911 while everyone else stood around and gaped.
"Where's the first aid kit?" Mike asked, looking up at the crowd. Harvey was pleased to note that it was Harold who hurried over to the counter and grab the kit next to the sandwich toaster. "Louis, are you feeling any better?" Mike asked, opening the kit and rummaging through it for what he needed. "Breathing getting any easier?" Mike asked, calm and collected, clearly in his element.
Louis shook his head, his face getting redder. It was obvious even to Harvey that Louis was finding it harder and harder to breathe.
"Your tongue is swollen, and it's looking like your throat is doing the same," Mike had grabbed the penlight from the first aid kit and was checking Louis's airway. Somewhere along the way, he had put on a pair of latex gloves. "The epi should've slowed it down at least, but it's not looking like it was a high enough dose if you're not feeling at least some difference."
Louis's eyes widened in alarm even as he struggled to draw in more oxygen.
"Everyone except Donna, clear out," Harvey ordered. This was a medical emergency, not a circus sideshow. Even Louis deserved some privacy under such circumstances. Harvey was also pleased to see Mike looking up at him and mouthing a quiet 'thanks'. There were still a few of them lingering near the doorway, but at least they weren't crowding the kitchen.
"Don't panic Louis, you're going to be fine, trust me, I'm the doctor," Mike reassured and Harvey had to stop himself from laughing inappropriately at Mike's reference to Doctor Who, of all things. Given Harvey's own experience with Dr Mike Ross at the ER, it seemed like making obscure television and movie reference was part of his professional M.O. "Donna, are you still on the phone with dispatch?" Mike asked.
Donna nodded. "They're about ten minutes out."
"Can you put them on speaker?"
"Hold on, I'm putting you on speaker," Donna said to the 911 operator on the line.
"Dispatch, this is Dr Mike Ross from NYP Columbia ER. Patient in anaphylaxis after ingestion of unknown quantity of peanuts. Severe airway obstruction after .15mg epi dose via subcutaneous injection. Confirm of angioedema and likely mucosal endema as well," Mike rattled off to the operator.
It was then that Louis started to really panic, wheezing even as his hands clutched desperately at Mike's.
"Dispatch, make that confirmed mucosal endema!" Mike grabbed the penlight again and shone it into Louis's mouth. "Tongue has completely swollen, I can't intubate him even if I have the equipment."
"EMT are still seven minutes away, doc." Dispatch said over the tiny phone speaker.
"He's going hypoxic, he doesn't have seven minutes!" Mike said urgently, looking up around the kitchen. "Harvey, get me the fruit knife." Mike ordered, and Harvey grabbed the small knife drying next to the sink and passed it to Mike.
"Dispatch, I'm going to attempt an emergency tracheotomy," Mike said, grabbing some alcohol wipes and using it to sterilize the knife as best as he could. Harvey was almost glad to see that Louis had passed out by this point because from what Harvey could tell, Louis really didn't want to be awake for the next bit.
"Harvey, can you find me a straw, or a ballpoint pen, or some sort of small plastic tube?"
"Right, straws." Harvey replied, going through the various drawers and cupboards. "Do we even have straws around here?! Someone grab a pen," Harvey finally turned to the small crowd of onlookers still standing just outside the kitchen. He had left his jacket with the pen in the jacket pocket back in his office.
"I think I might have something, Harvey, hold the phone," Donna said, passing her phone to Harvey as she ran out of the kitchen back to her desk. She was back less than a minute later with something clutched in her hands. "Would this do?" She handed over whatever it was she had to Mike.
"Tampons?" Mike said as he had a good look at the package. "Right, the application tube, that should work. Dispatch, ETA?" Mike asked even as he opened up the pack and disassembled the tampon to get to the parts he needed.
"Still five minutes away," Dispatch replied.
"I have to go in. He's not going to last otherwise, not without permanent brain damage."
"I'm going to go downstairs to wait for the paramedic," Donna said.
Harvey nodded, looking away as Mike made a horizontal cut into Louis's throat right beneath his Adam's apple.
"Harvey, get me the adhesive tape," Mike said, and Harvey had no choice but to look. Mike had his left index finger in what seemed like halfway in Louis's throat and was working to get the plastic tube in with his right hand. When that was in place, Mike breathed into the tube repeatedly every few seconds until Harvey saw Louis's chest start moving on its own. There was a lot less blood than Harvey expected from a cut that size.
"Dispatch, I have good breath sound and looks like he might be coming around," Mike reported, his right ear pressed against Louis's chest, listening. Taking the roll of tape from Harvey, Mike tore off two strips to secure the tube in Louis's throat.
"I've alerted the EMTs, and they should be there in a couple of minutes. Good work, doc," Dispatch replied.
"Yeah, I can't even get a day off without something like this happening," Mike replied jokingly and Harvey felt himself relax. If Mike was cracking jokes, then Louis was probably going to be all right.
"Right, EMTs are on site and on their way to you."
"Thanks, Dispatch. I can take it from here."
"Have a good day, doc."
Harvey hung up and pocketed Donna's cell. He could hear rapid footsteps approaching and Donna came through the kitchen with the paramedics right behind her.
"What's going on?" Harvey looked up to see Jessica standing by the kitchen entrance looking flummoxed at the scene before her.
"Louis had a severe allergic reaction to something he ate," Harvey explained. "Mike saved his life." From the corner of his eyes, he could see the paramedics starting an IV line and Mike busy injecting various drugs into the line. Their brief exchanged seemed to indicate that Mike knew the paramedics.
"Ms Pearson, you might want to get in touch with Louis's next of kin. He's going to be in the hospital for at least a few days." Mike said as the paramedics lifted Louis up onto the gurney. "I haven't seen a food allergy reaction this bad for years."
"Mike, you riding along?" asked one of the paramedics.
"Yeah. Weill Cornell?"
"It's the closest," the same paramedic replied.
"Harvey, meet me there?"
"Yeah, I'll see you there." Harvey managed a reply before Mike was out of the door with the paramedics and Louis.
There goes their lunch plans, though the incident should put to rest the rumours around the firm about Mike's real qualifications. Harvey just wished it hadn't involved Louis Litt almost getting killed by peanuts.
* * *
It was Friday evening, and Harvey was at the office at 9pm, waiting for Mike to get off a double shift. With both of their careers and schedules, it had been a struggle to actually see each other more than a couple of times a week. Harvey have had to cut down on his after work networking activities, and Mike have had to slowly and stealthily reorganise the ER's roster so his shifts fitted better with Harvey's schedule.
Of course, it didn't help that Mike was due to sit his board certification exam in a few months. And despite the fact that the oral examination wasn't due to take place until at least the year after, Mike had started panicking about it, which lead to increasing amounts of study sessions on top of his 60 to 80 hour work week.
"Don't you think it's a bit premature to be panicking right now? You still have to actually finish your residency program and then pass the written component first," Harvey had asked. They were at Harvey's place and Mike had taken over the living room with various textbooks and copies of files spread out all around him while he sat on the carpeted floor, a pen in his hand and a highlighter stuck behind his ear. The scene was not unlike the numerous occasions when Harvey brought work home while under tight deadlines.
"I'm not worried about the written component. I've never encountered a written exam that I haven't been able to pass with flying colours, it's the oral exam I'm worried about."
"Isn't that just a role play scenario?" Harvey asked. He was sitting on the couch, half paying attention to the baseball game playing on the television. "How's that different from what you do every day?"
Mike stopped scanning the page in front of him and looked up at Harvey. "You looked up the exam formats for the ABEM."
Harvey shrugged, "At least I didn't register to sit the exam."
"Oh my god, I can't believe you still haven't got over the fact that I passed the Bar exam!"
"How much did you score anyway?" Harvey couldn't help but ask.
"Uh...800 overall."
"Are you kidding me?! You only need what? 675 to pass? You do realise this is getting ridiculous?" Harvey asked.
"You want to see my result letter? What was your score? You didn't get lower than 800, did you?" Mike put his pen aside, getting into the conversation.
"Of course not, but 800?! Without even going to law school? You are utterly ridiculous."
"Yes, we've established that counselor; now tell me how you did. Unless you scored lower than I did, then I might just have to rethink about dating someone below my clearly superior level of intelligence."
"Dating below your..." Harvey growled and got off the couch, standing over Mike who was still sitting on the floor, head tilted up to look at Harvey with a teasing smile. Harvey extended a hand, which Mike accepted and Harvey hauled the younger man to his feet. "You smug bastard," Harvey said, pulling Mike in for a kiss. "For the record, I scored 890, top of my year." And to stop Mike from any further one-upmanship or just talking back in general, Harvey shoved his hand down Mike's pants and his tongue down Mike's throat. As far as Harvey could tell, it was a foolproof strategy to make Mike stop talking, and to stop thinking in general.
Harvey smirked at the memory, studying was the last thing on Mike's mind by the time Harvey was done with him that night. Though, now that Mike had officially completed his residency and was only moonlighting at the hospital until he sat and passed his board examination, his hours had become a bit more flexible and civilised.
Harvey was contemplating whether it was worth getting started on a draft of Donaldson's new corporate constitution when his phone rang.
"Harvey Specter," he answered.
"Still at work, Harvey?" Charlie's voice greeted him. "What time is it in New York? Quarter pass nine? On a Friday night?"
"Yeah, I've been sitting here, waiting for you to call."
"Funny. Seriously though, Harvey. No plans for a Friday night? That's not like you."
"I have plans. My plans don't get off work until 10. I was planning to leave at 9:30 to pick him up and have a late dinner." Harvey replied.
"Must be some special plans if you're willing to wait," Charlie teased.
"Charles, you didn't just call me all the way from Shanghai to discuss my social life."
"No. Wanted to tell you that Janice and I are moving back to New York in the next month, and... uh... I have a favour to ask. Do you think Janice and I can stay with you for a few days until we find a place? I know we'll be basically throwing a spanner in the works that's your social life, but it's just going to be a few days until - "
"Charlie, it's fine. I have a guest room with a very comfortable bed and more than enough space."
"Okay," Charlie replied, sounding a little taken aback. "That was way too easy."
"What? You were expecting me to say no?"
"I was expecting some negotiation and quid pro quo, yes. So, who are you and what have you done to my brother?"
"Charlie - "
"Really, Harvey, what's up? You were practically mellow when I spoke to you on Christmas, but I thought that was because you just got laid, and now this."
"I did just get laid when you called on Christmas."
"Knew it!" Charlie cheered.
"Probably should've told you then, actually."
"Told me what?"
"That I'm seeing someone," Harvey admitted.
"Seeing someone as in a proper, real, long term relationship?" Charlie asked, sounding as though he wasn't quite sure he was hearing Harvey right.
"Yes. Is it that hard to believe that I am capable of an actual, long term, committed relationship?" Harvey huffed in annoyance.
"Is this the same 'him' that you're picking up at 10?"
"Yes."
"And what does he do for a living that he doesn't get off work until 10?" Charlie asked, his tone implying something that made Harvey distinctively uncomfortable.
"Just what are you implying, Charlie?" Harvey asked, and if he sounded a little defensive, well, he was getting tired of people making assumptions about Mike just because Harvey's previous taste in bed companion didn't usually come with much of a brain.
"Nothing! Just that you're a rich and successful big shot lawyer worth millions and there are plenty of gold diggers out there. I'm just trying to look out for my brother."
Harvey sighed. "Sorry. I'm just getting tired of people making assumptions about Mike when they don't know the first thing about him."
"Mike. That name does not inspire confidence in me. Sounds like the name of a... waiter or the cashier at the local grocery."
"That's Dr Michael Ross to you, punk." Harvey made an effort to lighten his tone. "He's a doctor at NewYork Presbyterian and they're appointing him as attending physician as soon as he passes his board certification, which he no doubt will because he's a genius."
There was silence on the other end of the phone, and for a moment, Harvey wondered if there was something wrong with the phone connection.
"Harvey, you are utterly head over heels for this doctor, aren't you?" Charlie finally said.
"I... Yeah," Harvey admitted, his eyes automatically drawn towards the abstract snail cufflink on his right sleeve, the small diamond at the centre twinkling under the office light. "We just celebrated our one year anniversary a couple months ago."
"One year?! And you didn't tell me about him until now?!"
"Hey, it's not like we're in the habit of talking about our personal lives, you call twice a year at most and I was legitimately distracted over Christmas. You didn't bother telling me you were moving to China until you'd been there for nine months!"
"Right, fine. There was that," Charlie admitted.
"I'll introduce you to Mike when you get back."
"Yeah... you said he works at NewYork Presbyterian? You think he might know a good obstetrician?"
"He might. Why?" Harvey asked.
"Janice's three months pregnant."
"Wow, congratulations. And when were you going to tell me that piece of news? At your kid's first birthday? And you had the gall of accusing me of not telling you about Mike."
Charlie laughed. "Yeah, we kinda suck at the communication thing don't we?"
"Mum and Dad know yet?" Harvey asked. Neither of them liked to bring up the topic of their parents, but as much as Harvey didn't like it, having the first grandchild was a big deal.
Over the years, Charlie's relationship with their parents had slowly deteriorated. After having 'lost' Harvey, their parents had tried to exert more control over their youngest, which only drove Charlie farther away. The fact that Charlie never stopped trying to change their mind about Harvey didn't help either.
Eventually, Charlie got tired of their parents' endless meddling and he ended up at a multi national engineering firm, moving overseas to head up various engineering projects in developing nations. Janice, who loved traveling, couldn't be happier following her husband all over the world, picking up English teaching jobs whenever she could.
"No. The last thing Janice and I need right now is drama, and you know the moment I tell them, there will be Drama." Harvey could practically hear the capital 'D' in Charlie's voice. "I just want to come home, settle back down a bit before letting them know. I can really do without mum and dad criticising and trying to take over everything."
Harvey let out a sigh. "Yeah, I understand." He looked at the time on the phone display, 9:42PM. "Listen Charlie, I have to go or I'll be late. Email me your arrival details and I'll pick you up from the airport or send someone if I can't make it."
"Yeah, yeah, go see your boyfriend."
It was five minutes pass ten by the time Harvey made it to the hospital and the sight of Mike waiting for him had grown to be familiar, comforting. Not for the first time, Harvey silently thanked Ray for dragging him into this exact ER over a year ago and bringing Mike into his life.
"What are you smiling about?" Mike asked, buckling his seatbelt, and Harvey suddenly didn't feel like going out for dinner and sharing Mike's attention with the rest of the world.
"You," Harvey answered, clearly surprising Mike with his honesty.
"Someone's in a mood tonight," Mike teased, returning Harvey's smile. "I feel like having pizza. Let's go home and order in."
"Yeah," Harvey replied, pulling out into traffic, still somehow surprised that Mike had easily picked up on Harvey's mood. Harvey had since learned that he really didn't mind surprises when they were related to Mike. "Home sounds perfect."
The End.
Part 2
Mike's apartment was not what Harvey expected. It was in a much nicer part of town for one thing, and Mike's unit was the only unit on the top floor. If the place had been a high rise instead of a three story 1880s conversion, Harvey would've said Mike had the penthouse. It even had an actual functional fireplace of its own, from what Harvey could tell.
"How do you afford this place on a resident's salary?" Harvey asked, curious despite himself.
"Chief resident, and no student debt. Though I think I might've offended the gods of bowties or something because for the life of me, I cannot get this thing to stay on straight." The sight of a frustrated Mike tugging at the half done bowtie was pathetically cute. And Harvey had been right, Mike looked utterly delectable in the tux, which was not doing Harvey any favours at that particular moment considering the fact that they were going to be late if they don't leave soon.
Harvey snapped himself out of his musings about what he wanted to do to and with Mike and lent him a hand in defeating the god of bowties before rushing them out of the apartment.
Harvey had to admit, the look of utter surprise on Donna's face in discovering that Mike was very real, was one Harvey would treasure. However, one look around the ballroom and Harvey knew what everyone else was thinking; Harvey had found himself another pretty little thing to show off. Never mind that they had no idea who Mike was much less the fact that he was a bona fide genius and did more for society as a whole in one day than most of the people in the room would ever do in their entire lives.
Harvey knew Donna was going to make him pay for brushing her off, but the need to dispel everyone's notion that Mike was just a pretty face gained a sudden urgency. So Harvey made sure to introduce Mike with his full title and position and watched in satisfaction as eyes widened in surprise. It was time to let people know that it wasn't Mike's looks that caught Harvey's attention, but his quicksilver mind, his ability to keep up with and actually challenge Harvey. Mike seemed to have picked up on Harvey's mood and didn't say anything about his qualifications and position being flaunted around.
"Well, this is a surprise," Jessica said to Harvey as they watched the CEO of Pfizer Pharmaceutical and Mike engaged in a debate over the state of modern medicine over their main course.
"What? I told you I was bringing a plus one."
"I didn't expect..."
"Someone actually respectable?"
"Someone who actually seemed to know you well enough to call you on your bull shit," Jessica finished.
"Was that what you were talking about earlier?" Harvey asked.
"Among other things," Jessica replied, not giving anything else away. "And you have to admit, he's not your usual type."
"I have a type?" Harvey asked jokingly.
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Jessica gave Harvey a looked that said he should know better by now. "Time for the speeches."
"Joy," Harvey said dryly, taking a sip of his Merlot.
"Behave or I'll have you do it next year," Jessica threatened Harvey with a mischievous smile as she stood up and got up the stage.
When Mike's cell phone went off forty minutes later in the middle of dessert with an almost ear splitting screech (where on Earth did Mike find that god forsaken ring tone was what Harvey wanted to know, it almost sounded like a Ringwraith from Lord of the Rings), he was sure the entire ballroom had heard it. Mike dashed off to make his call and was back at their table a couple minutes later looking harried and concerned.
"I've got to go. Major train derailment and they're predicting casualties by the hundreds," he whispered into Harvey's ears, leaning in close.
"Get Ray to drive you," Harvey said.
"Yeah. I'll text you when I'm done," Mike replied before giving Harvey a quick kiss, completely unselfconscious despite their audience.
"Call me," Harvey said, it was past time that they actually speak to each other on the phone instead of texting like a couple of teenagers. "Even if it's three in the morning."
"It's probably going to be three in the afternoon, but the sentiment is noted," Mike gave him a small smile, made his excuses and dashed out of the ballroom. Harvey watched him leave.
"Harvey?" Jessica turned to him, clearly expecting him to fill her and the rest of the table in with a bit more details than Mike's rushed 'there's been an emergency and I have to head back to the hospital'.
"Hang on," Harvey took out his cell and opened the Reuter News App. The words in capital letters 'BREAKING NEWS: NEW YORK TRAIN DERAILMENT HUNDREDS INJURED & FEARED DEAD' blinked at him right at the top. There was a video link that Harvey tapped on, leaning over to Jessica so she could see. The video took a couple of minutes to load even on Harvey's state of the art smart phone, but the rough footage from the first on scene reporter showed the scale of the catastrophe.
"My god," Jessica exclaimed. She took the phone from Harvey and passed it around the table so the rest could see.
"This is why he had to go," Harvey explained. "And some of the people you're seeing on that screen right now will be alive tomorrow because of Mike."
If there was a hint of pride in Harvey's voice, it was only natural.
* * *
Charlie was the only one from his family who showed up at Harvey's graduation from Harvard. Harvey wasn't sure why he was expecting anything else different given that he hadn't spoken to his parents since they stormed out of his apartment in New York, and any attempts on his part over the last few years to rebuild their relationship had ended in disaster.
"Give them a bit more time, Harvey," Charlie had said that night in Harvey's apartment after ditching the rest of his graduating class in favour of somewhere private where they could talk.
"It's been four years, Charlie. Dad refuses to even acknowledge my existence!"
"You know how they are with their old fashioned thinking. It'll take a while to get around an entire lifetime of belief. I'm trying to get them to see sense, but it's slow going. At least trust me to talk them around," Charlie said, taking a sip of his beer.
"It's not you I don't trust, it's that I have more faith in Dad's stubbornness than your patience and stamina to wear them down."
Graduating from Harvard Law was supposed to be a happy occasion, something to celebrate, yet the disappointment of not having his parents around clouded everything. Harvey wasn't even sure why he cared, but seeing all his classmates with their family reminded him that this was the second graduation without his parents. Harvey had been too angry to care the first time round, but grad school and Harvard were different, he was proud of what he'd accomplished and Harvey couldn't help but want to share that with his parents.
"At least I'm here," Charlie said.
"And they have no idea do they?" Harvey asked wryly.
"Nope. They think I'm spending the week at Janice's place, and if they ever ask her, she'll say the same."
"The ever dutiful son and his fiancé, Dad must be so proud," Harvey really had not meant to sound as bitter as he did.
"Harvey - "
"Sorry, Charlie. You know I didn't mean it that way. I am proud of you. It's just..."
"Fucked up?"
"Yeah," Harvey sighed, wishing he didn't actually care about his parents. Wishing he could take back the words he'd uttered that night and instead taken the out his mother had offered him; that his father was ready to accept. No wonder his mum had slapped him, she had given him a way out of the situation and he had pretty much done the equivalent of throwing a glass of water in her face. "And I can't even show up at your graduation next month." Regret, Harvey had learned, was not something that sat comfortably with him.
"Come anyway."
"I don't want to cause a scene."
"It's my graduation, and I want my big brother there," Charlie insisted.
"Let me know where the after party is, I'll join you there instead?" Harvey suggested. As much as he wanted to see Charlie walk across the stage and collect his degree, he didn't want to cause any drama, not at Charlie's graduation.
"Yeah, okay. I guess I'll have to settle for that."
The only thing Harvey ever wanted to be wrong about was Charlie's ability to convince their parents about Harvey's sexuality. Of course, like with everything else, Harvey wasn't wrong.
* * *
When Mike finally called, it was close to lunch the next day. If anyone asked, Harvey would deny until his last breath that he had been checking his phone since he woke up that morning, waiting for the phone call.
"Hey. You asked me to call, I'm calling."
Mike sounded like he was about to fall asleep right then and there and Harvey said as much. Before Harvey could think about it, he was already putting on his coat and had his car keys in his hands.
"If you can hold off passing out for another twenty minutes, go take a shower or something, I'll pick you up," Harvey said, already on his way out the door.
It took Harvey just under twenty minutes to arrive at the hospital, a quick text and Mike was meeting him at the visitor's entrance.
"'This could be the beginning of the ultimate contagium,'" Harvey quoted as Mike got in the front passenger seat, tossing a small duffle bag he carried onto the backseat before putting on his seat belt.
Mike pulled Harvey in for a quick kiss in greeting, then blinked at him. "Day of the Dead? Never pegged you for a zombie fan."
"You must be tired. That was Day of the Dead Two," Harvey corrected, pulling out into traffic. "And you look like one."
"Feel like one, too," Mike replied, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. "Don't let me fall asleep now, because if I do, you'll have to carry me out of this car and into my apartment."
"I'm driving. What am I supposed to do to stop you?" Harvey replied. "I'd ask you how your day was, but I think I have a pretty good idea. The news said there were over 200 people injured in the crash?"
"And we got 128 of them, the majority suffering level one trauma. Lost three even before they got to us," Mike made an effort to sit up straight and opened his eyes again. "Four children below ten are either in the O.R. as we speak or in ICU fighting for their lives, I'm not even sure where their parents are to be honest. It's been utter chaos."
Mike's usual cheer and optimism were absent, but considering the night that he'd had and the fact that he's been awake for at least 36 hours if not more, Harvey wasn't too worried. "You gave them a fighting chance, the rest is up to them."
"And God?"
"You mean the surgeons?" Harvey quipped and was pleased to hear an amused snort from Mike.
"Yeah, they're one and the same," Mike replied. "Oh dude, I am beyond tired. I can't believe I used to be able to pull 60 hour shifts on nothing but Red Bull and doughnuts," Mike rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Must be what growing old feels like."
"Watch it, junior," Harvey warned, but his tone was light-hearted. "I'm still fully capable of going 48 hours without sleep if the situation calls for it. Of course, I start hallucinating at hour 46, but that's beside the point."
Mike let out a tired sounding laugh. "Thanks for picking me up," Mike said as Harvey made a left turn and found a parking spot across the street from Mike's apartment.
"Come on, let's get you home."
Mike had basically mumbled "Make yourself at home" to Harvey before he faceplanted on his bed and passed out on top of the covers the moment he got home, still completely dressed.
Harvey stood by Mike's bedroom door, watching the other man sleep before he walked into the room to remove Mike's shoes. The scrubs Mike was wearing looked comfortable enough, so Harvey merely tugged the covers out from underneath Mike and tucked him in. Harvey couldn't help running his hand through Mike's hair, still slightly damp from his shower at the hospital.
"Sweet dreams, Mike," Harvey whispered, wondering how the sight of a sleeping Mike could make him feel...content.
* * *
"Have you heard?" Donna practically leaped out of her chair and followed Harvey into his office the moment he arrived at work on Monday.
"Donna, I literally just stepped into my office. What is it that I've supposed to have heard?"
"Oh, nothing," Donna replied in a tone that definitely suggested something. "How was your weekend?"
"Relaxing," Harvey replied, eyeing Donna suspiciously. He set his briefcase down, made himself comfortable in his chair and waited.
"With... Mike?" And there was it, just as Harvey had expected.
"Out with it, Donna," Harvey said impatiently. He wasn't normally prone to office gossips, but had learned the hard way early on that when it came to gossips about him, he better pay attention and get damage control in place if necessary.
"They're saying that Mike left halfway through dessert because his carriage might've turned into a pumpkin otherwise."
"They?"
"Paralegals, support staff, associates, everyone," Donna rattled off, standing in front of Harvey's desk. "Basically, he's too young and pretty to be who you said he is, especially given your history with young, pretty things. He left halfway through so he didn't have to answer unwanted questions."
Harvey couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I should fire the whole lot of them."
"For gossiping about your boyfriend?" Donna asked, surprised.
"For failing research 101! A simple Google search would've turned up the residency program profile page at NYP with his name and photo on it. If they're missing something this obvious, what else are they missing when I tell them to dig up dirt about the opposition?"
"Isn't that what you have Vanessa for?"
"Not the point."
"Seriously Harvey," Donna frowned at him in obvious confusion over Harvey's reaction. "It's office gossip, a pretty harmless one at that. Never seen you react this way before. You didn't seem to care last year when they speculated about what's her name you brought to the mid-year function."
"Francyne, with a 'y'," Harvey supplied.
"Yeah, whatever, her," Donna waved her hand dismissively. "You didn't give a damn what they said the next day. So what's the difference?"
Harvey really didn't want to talk to Donna about his personal life, but he'd also known Donna long enough to know that she was unlikely to give up and she would make his life hell if he didn't give her something after brushing her off on Friday night. She would probably just end up trying to find out herself and god knows what else she'd uncover in her search or what crazy theories she would come up with. Besides, it wasn't as though she didn't already have all the information she needed to put everything together, all Harvey needed to do was give her a hint.
"Francyne was my date for that evening, we had a good time, and that was it," Harvey said.
"And Doctor Mike is...Oh!" Donna seemed stunned. "I think I need to sit down," It was a few seconds before she continued in a lowered voice. "Oh my god, you've been seeing him for the last six months!"
"To be honest, Donna. I thought you'd have put it together quicker than this. I'm disappointed," Harvey smirked, the fact that he'd managed to stun Donna so completely was rather satisfying.
"You don't do relationships! Forgive me if I never thought to take that into account!" Donna paused, glaring at Harvey as though Harvey had done something terrible. "It's serious then." It was more of a statement than a question.
"I'm meeting his grandmother for Christmas lunch."
Donna cocked her head and considered Harvey. "Yep. Scotty definitely broke you with her last stunt," she finally concluded before she stood up and headed back to her desk.
Harvey wasn't about to tell her that he'd met Mike before the whole debacle with Scotty started. If that mistaken belief would keep Donna off his back, Harvey was more than happy to let her continue with it.
* * *
It was six weeks into the New Year before Mike had another three consecutive days off work. Day one happened to be a Friday and Harvey was taking advantage of the situation by having Mike come to his part of town for lunch. Of course, Harvey's phone chose to ring just before he was due to meet Mike in the lobby of Pearson Hardman.
On phone with long winded but important client. Might take a while. Come on up. Harvey sent a text to Mike in between reassuring Ms Consunsky that yes, they were doing everything they could to take care of her matter.
Harvey was still on the phone by the time Donna had collected Mike from reception and brought him to Harvey's office. It worried Harvey slightly to see a calculating gleam in Donna's eyes, but Mike seemed happy enough to be chatting with her after giving Harvey a wave through the open door.
Ten minutes later, Ms Consunsky was still going on about how everyone wanted her business and Harvey was really starting to think she might be suffering from some form of paranoid delusion when there was a panicked cry for help. It had sounded like Harold. Both Donna and Mike looked up from god knows what they were looking at on Donna's computer screen and rushed towards the level 50 kitchen area.
"Ms Consunsky, I'm more than happy to address any other concerns you may have, but I'll have to call you back later. I'm running late for my next appointment." Harvey hung up as quickly as he could without appearing rude or dismissive and followed Donna and Mike.
"Louis, where's your epi-pen?" Harvey heard Mike ask even before he could make his way through the crowd of associates and support staff around the kitchen. The crowd parted automatically once they noticed a Senior Partner among their midst to allow Harvey through.
Louis was lying on the kitchen floor, tie and jacket undone, his face an unnatural shade of red and lips swollen as he struggled for breath. Mike was beside him, hands urgently going through Louis's pockets before he found what he was looking for. Harvey couldn't help but wince when Mike stabbed the epi pen into Louis's thigh and injected the drugs.
Donna was on her cell phone, presumably having the wits to call 911 while everyone else stood around and gaped.
"Where's the first aid kit?" Mike asked, looking up at the crowd. Harvey was pleased to note that it was Harold who hurried over to the counter and grab the kit next to the sandwich toaster. "Louis, are you feeling any better?" Mike asked, opening the kit and rummaging through it for what he needed. "Breathing getting any easier?" Mike asked, calm and collected, clearly in his element.
Louis shook his head, his face getting redder. It was obvious even to Harvey that Louis was finding it harder and harder to breathe.
"Your tongue is swollen, and it's looking like your throat is doing the same," Mike had grabbed the penlight from the first aid kit and was checking Louis's airway. Somewhere along the way, he had put on a pair of latex gloves. "The epi should've slowed it down at least, but it's not looking like it was a high enough dose if you're not feeling at least some difference."
Louis's eyes widened in alarm even as he struggled to draw in more oxygen.
"Everyone except Donna, clear out," Harvey ordered. This was a medical emergency, not a circus sideshow. Even Louis deserved some privacy under such circumstances. Harvey was also pleased to see Mike looking up at him and mouthing a quiet 'thanks'. There were still a few of them lingering near the doorway, but at least they weren't crowding the kitchen.
"Don't panic Louis, you're going to be fine, trust me, I'm the doctor," Mike reassured and Harvey had to stop himself from laughing inappropriately at Mike's reference to Doctor Who, of all things. Given Harvey's own experience with Dr Mike Ross at the ER, it seemed like making obscure television and movie reference was part of his professional M.O. "Donna, are you still on the phone with dispatch?" Mike asked.
Donna nodded. "They're about ten minutes out."
"Can you put them on speaker?"
"Hold on, I'm putting you on speaker," Donna said to the 911 operator on the line.
"Dispatch, this is Dr Mike Ross from NYP Columbia ER. Patient in anaphylaxis after ingestion of unknown quantity of peanuts. Severe airway obstruction after .15mg epi dose via subcutaneous injection. Confirm of angioedema and likely mucosal endema as well," Mike rattled off to the operator.
It was then that Louis started to really panic, wheezing even as his hands clutched desperately at Mike's.
"Dispatch, make that confirmed mucosal endema!" Mike grabbed the penlight again and shone it into Louis's mouth. "Tongue has completely swollen, I can't intubate him even if I have the equipment."
"EMT are still seven minutes away, doc." Dispatch said over the tiny phone speaker.
"He's going hypoxic, he doesn't have seven minutes!" Mike said urgently, looking up around the kitchen. "Harvey, get me the fruit knife." Mike ordered, and Harvey grabbed the small knife drying next to the sink and passed it to Mike.
"Dispatch, I'm going to attempt an emergency tracheotomy," Mike said, grabbing some alcohol wipes and using it to sterilize the knife as best as he could. Harvey was almost glad to see that Louis had passed out by this point because from what Harvey could tell, Louis really didn't want to be awake for the next bit.
"Harvey, can you find me a straw, or a ballpoint pen, or some sort of small plastic tube?"
"Right, straws." Harvey replied, going through the various drawers and cupboards. "Do we even have straws around here?! Someone grab a pen," Harvey finally turned to the small crowd of onlookers still standing just outside the kitchen. He had left his jacket with the pen in the jacket pocket back in his office.
"I think I might have something, Harvey, hold the phone," Donna said, passing her phone to Harvey as she ran out of the kitchen back to her desk. She was back less than a minute later with something clutched in her hands. "Would this do?" She handed over whatever it was she had to Mike.
"Tampons?" Mike said as he had a good look at the package. "Right, the application tube, that should work. Dispatch, ETA?" Mike asked even as he opened up the pack and disassembled the tampon to get to the parts he needed.
"Still five minutes away," Dispatch replied.
"I have to go in. He's not going to last otherwise, not without permanent brain damage."
"I'm going to go downstairs to wait for the paramedic," Donna said.
Harvey nodded, looking away as Mike made a horizontal cut into Louis's throat right beneath his Adam's apple.
"Harvey, get me the adhesive tape," Mike said, and Harvey had no choice but to look. Mike had his left index finger in what seemed like halfway in Louis's throat and was working to get the plastic tube in with his right hand. When that was in place, Mike breathed into the tube repeatedly every few seconds until Harvey saw Louis's chest start moving on its own. There was a lot less blood than Harvey expected from a cut that size.
"Dispatch, I have good breath sound and looks like he might be coming around," Mike reported, his right ear pressed against Louis's chest, listening. Taking the roll of tape from Harvey, Mike tore off two strips to secure the tube in Louis's throat.
"I've alerted the EMTs, and they should be there in a couple of minutes. Good work, doc," Dispatch replied.
"Yeah, I can't even get a day off without something like this happening," Mike replied jokingly and Harvey felt himself relax. If Mike was cracking jokes, then Louis was probably going to be all right.
"Right, EMTs are on site and on their way to you."
"Thanks, Dispatch. I can take it from here."
"Have a good day, doc."
Harvey hung up and pocketed Donna's cell. He could hear rapid footsteps approaching and Donna came through the kitchen with the paramedics right behind her.
"What's going on?" Harvey looked up to see Jessica standing by the kitchen entrance looking flummoxed at the scene before her.
"Louis had a severe allergic reaction to something he ate," Harvey explained. "Mike saved his life." From the corner of his eyes, he could see the paramedics starting an IV line and Mike busy injecting various drugs into the line. Their brief exchanged seemed to indicate that Mike knew the paramedics.
"Ms Pearson, you might want to get in touch with Louis's next of kin. He's going to be in the hospital for at least a few days." Mike said as the paramedics lifted Louis up onto the gurney. "I haven't seen a food allergy reaction this bad for years."
"Mike, you riding along?" asked one of the paramedics.
"Yeah. Weill Cornell?"
"It's the closest," the same paramedic replied.
"Harvey, meet me there?"
"Yeah, I'll see you there." Harvey managed a reply before Mike was out of the door with the paramedics and Louis.
There goes their lunch plans, though the incident should put to rest the rumours around the firm about Mike's real qualifications. Harvey just wished it hadn't involved Louis Litt almost getting killed by peanuts.
* * *
It was Friday evening, and Harvey was at the office at 9pm, waiting for Mike to get off a double shift. With both of their careers and schedules, it had been a struggle to actually see each other more than a couple of times a week. Harvey have had to cut down on his after work networking activities, and Mike have had to slowly and stealthily reorganise the ER's roster so his shifts fitted better with Harvey's schedule.
Of course, it didn't help that Mike was due to sit his board certification exam in a few months. And despite the fact that the oral examination wasn't due to take place until at least the year after, Mike had started panicking about it, which lead to increasing amounts of study sessions on top of his 60 to 80 hour work week.
"Don't you think it's a bit premature to be panicking right now? You still have to actually finish your residency program and then pass the written component first," Harvey had asked. They were at Harvey's place and Mike had taken over the living room with various textbooks and copies of files spread out all around him while he sat on the carpeted floor, a pen in his hand and a highlighter stuck behind his ear. The scene was not unlike the numerous occasions when Harvey brought work home while under tight deadlines.
"I'm not worried about the written component. I've never encountered a written exam that I haven't been able to pass with flying colours, it's the oral exam I'm worried about."
"Isn't that just a role play scenario?" Harvey asked. He was sitting on the couch, half paying attention to the baseball game playing on the television. "How's that different from what you do every day?"
Mike stopped scanning the page in front of him and looked up at Harvey. "You looked up the exam formats for the ABEM."
Harvey shrugged, "At least I didn't register to sit the exam."
"Oh my god, I can't believe you still haven't got over the fact that I passed the Bar exam!"
"How much did you score anyway?" Harvey couldn't help but ask.
"Uh...800 overall."
"Are you kidding me?! You only need what? 675 to pass? You do realise this is getting ridiculous?" Harvey asked.
"You want to see my result letter? What was your score? You didn't get lower than 800, did you?" Mike put his pen aside, getting into the conversation.
"Of course not, but 800?! Without even going to law school? You are utterly ridiculous."
"Yes, we've established that counselor; now tell me how you did. Unless you scored lower than I did, then I might just have to rethink about dating someone below my clearly superior level of intelligence."
"Dating below your..." Harvey growled and got off the couch, standing over Mike who was still sitting on the floor, head tilted up to look at Harvey with a teasing smile. Harvey extended a hand, which Mike accepted and Harvey hauled the younger man to his feet. "You smug bastard," Harvey said, pulling Mike in for a kiss. "For the record, I scored 890, top of my year." And to stop Mike from any further one-upmanship or just talking back in general, Harvey shoved his hand down Mike's pants and his tongue down Mike's throat. As far as Harvey could tell, it was a foolproof strategy to make Mike stop talking, and to stop thinking in general.
Harvey smirked at the memory, studying was the last thing on Mike's mind by the time Harvey was done with him that night. Though, now that Mike had officially completed his residency and was only moonlighting at the hospital until he sat and passed his board examination, his hours had become a bit more flexible and civilised.
Harvey was contemplating whether it was worth getting started on a draft of Donaldson's new corporate constitution when his phone rang.
"Harvey Specter," he answered.
"Still at work, Harvey?" Charlie's voice greeted him. "What time is it in New York? Quarter pass nine? On a Friday night?"
"Yeah, I've been sitting here, waiting for you to call."
"Funny. Seriously though, Harvey. No plans for a Friday night? That's not like you."
"I have plans. My plans don't get off work until 10. I was planning to leave at 9:30 to pick him up and have a late dinner." Harvey replied.
"Must be some special plans if you're willing to wait," Charlie teased.
"Charles, you didn't just call me all the way from Shanghai to discuss my social life."
"No. Wanted to tell you that Janice and I are moving back to New York in the next month, and... uh... I have a favour to ask. Do you think Janice and I can stay with you for a few days until we find a place? I know we'll be basically throwing a spanner in the works that's your social life, but it's just going to be a few days until - "
"Charlie, it's fine. I have a guest room with a very comfortable bed and more than enough space."
"Okay," Charlie replied, sounding a little taken aback. "That was way too easy."
"What? You were expecting me to say no?"
"I was expecting some negotiation and quid pro quo, yes. So, who are you and what have you done to my brother?"
"Charlie - "
"Really, Harvey, what's up? You were practically mellow when I spoke to you on Christmas, but I thought that was because you just got laid, and now this."
"I did just get laid when you called on Christmas."
"Knew it!" Charlie cheered.
"Probably should've told you then, actually."
"Told me what?"
"That I'm seeing someone," Harvey admitted.
"Seeing someone as in a proper, real, long term relationship?" Charlie asked, sounding as though he wasn't quite sure he was hearing Harvey right.
"Yes. Is it that hard to believe that I am capable of an actual, long term, committed relationship?" Harvey huffed in annoyance.
"Is this the same 'him' that you're picking up at 10?"
"Yes."
"And what does he do for a living that he doesn't get off work until 10?" Charlie asked, his tone implying something that made Harvey distinctively uncomfortable.
"Just what are you implying, Charlie?" Harvey asked, and if he sounded a little defensive, well, he was getting tired of people making assumptions about Mike just because Harvey's previous taste in bed companion didn't usually come with much of a brain.
"Nothing! Just that you're a rich and successful big shot lawyer worth millions and there are plenty of gold diggers out there. I'm just trying to look out for my brother."
Harvey sighed. "Sorry. I'm just getting tired of people making assumptions about Mike when they don't know the first thing about him."
"Mike. That name does not inspire confidence in me. Sounds like the name of a... waiter or the cashier at the local grocery."
"That's Dr Michael Ross to you, punk." Harvey made an effort to lighten his tone. "He's a doctor at NewYork Presbyterian and they're appointing him as attending physician as soon as he passes his board certification, which he no doubt will because he's a genius."
There was silence on the other end of the phone, and for a moment, Harvey wondered if there was something wrong with the phone connection.
"Harvey, you are utterly head over heels for this doctor, aren't you?" Charlie finally said.
"I... Yeah," Harvey admitted, his eyes automatically drawn towards the abstract snail cufflink on his right sleeve, the small diamond at the centre twinkling under the office light. "We just celebrated our one year anniversary a couple months ago."
"One year?! And you didn't tell me about him until now?!"
"Hey, it's not like we're in the habit of talking about our personal lives, you call twice a year at most and I was legitimately distracted over Christmas. You didn't bother telling me you were moving to China until you'd been there for nine months!"
"Right, fine. There was that," Charlie admitted.
"I'll introduce you to Mike when you get back."
"Yeah... you said he works at NewYork Presbyterian? You think he might know a good obstetrician?"
"He might. Why?" Harvey asked.
"Janice's three months pregnant."
"Wow, congratulations. And when were you going to tell me that piece of news? At your kid's first birthday? And you had the gall of accusing me of not telling you about Mike."
Charlie laughed. "Yeah, we kinda suck at the communication thing don't we?"
"Mum and Dad know yet?" Harvey asked. Neither of them liked to bring up the topic of their parents, but as much as Harvey didn't like it, having the first grandchild was a big deal.
Over the years, Charlie's relationship with their parents had slowly deteriorated. After having 'lost' Harvey, their parents had tried to exert more control over their youngest, which only drove Charlie farther away. The fact that Charlie never stopped trying to change their mind about Harvey didn't help either.
Eventually, Charlie got tired of their parents' endless meddling and he ended up at a multi national engineering firm, moving overseas to head up various engineering projects in developing nations. Janice, who loved traveling, couldn't be happier following her husband all over the world, picking up English teaching jobs whenever she could.
"No. The last thing Janice and I need right now is drama, and you know the moment I tell them, there will be Drama." Harvey could practically hear the capital 'D' in Charlie's voice. "I just want to come home, settle back down a bit before letting them know. I can really do without mum and dad criticising and trying to take over everything."
Harvey let out a sigh. "Yeah, I understand." He looked at the time on the phone display, 9:42PM. "Listen Charlie, I have to go or I'll be late. Email me your arrival details and I'll pick you up from the airport or send someone if I can't make it."
"Yeah, yeah, go see your boyfriend."
It was five minutes pass ten by the time Harvey made it to the hospital and the sight of Mike waiting for him had grown to be familiar, comforting. Not for the first time, Harvey silently thanked Ray for dragging him into this exact ER over a year ago and bringing Mike into his life.
"What are you smiling about?" Mike asked, buckling his seatbelt, and Harvey suddenly didn't feel like going out for dinner and sharing Mike's attention with the rest of the world.
"You," Harvey answered, clearly surprising Mike with his honesty.
"Someone's in a mood tonight," Mike teased, returning Harvey's smile. "I feel like having pizza. Let's go home and order in."
"Yeah," Harvey replied, pulling out into traffic, still somehow surprised that Mike had easily picked up on Harvey's mood. Harvey had since learned that he really didn't mind surprises when they were related to Mike. "Home sounds perfect."
The End.