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Language:
English
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Published:
2024-01-31
Completed:
2024-01-31
Words:
693
Chapters:
2/2
Comments:
4
Kudos:
121
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7
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1,977

Of rhetorical questions and bow ties knots

Summary:

There are only two possible explanations as to why Mike didn’t tie his bow tie in that limo:

a) He wanted Harvey to do it for him.
b) He was an idiot, after all.

Notes:

These are two different versions of things that could’ve happened thanks to the glorious bow tie scene, so keep in mind chapter 1 and 2 have no continuity nor coexist in the same universe of possibilities.

As context (and because I know sometimes it’s hard to read episode-based fics and remember everything else happening in canon), this is placed immediately after Donna was fired for the evidence she’d supposedly hidden and then destroyed :).

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

“You just carry around an extra tux for the random occasion?” Mike asks, fumbling with the bow around the neck of his shirt.

“Something told me you’d need it. And by something I mean common sense. And by need it I mean you’re an idiot.”

Mike scoffs, trying to look at his reflection on a shiny metal surface of the divider window while he ties his bow. “So can I ask why we are going to Atlantic City instead of just messengering these contracts?” 

“No.”

“I’m sensing a little hostility. And you know what I think?” Mike turns to Harvey. “I think that you’re still stung about Donna, and you see a chance to blow off some steam, and you need a wingman.”

Harvey rolls his eyes, looks out the window. “Easy, Dr. Phil. We’re here.”

Mike lets go of the attempt of a bow on his neck. “There, how’s that?”

Harvey looks at Mike, actually perplexed. “You know all of the fucking decimals of pi but you really can’t tie a bow tie? Are you serious?”

“You know, Harvey, normal people don’t ever need to even wear a bow tie.”

“Right, I forgot, you’re an idiot.”

Now it’s Mike’s turn to roll his eyes. “Okay, fine, so will you help fix it or what? Will The Great Harvey Specter actually have a poor looking wingman?” 

Harvey squints slightly. Hold on a second - “You want me to fix it. This is what all of this is about, isn’t it? You do know how to tie it, you just want me to do it for you.” Mike looks at him, speechless at the accusation. “I’m right? God, I’m right! What are you? In love with me?”

“What? No!”

“It was rhetorical ! Unless-”

“No, yes, of course it was rhetorical-”

“But you answered it!”

“I know I did, Harvey! Alright?” Mike is clearly upset. He sighs, swiftly tying the stupid bow properly around his neck. He lowers his voice, “Despite your belief, you’re not the center of the universe, and not everyone is in love with you, alright?”

“Say whatever you want, Mike. We will talk about this eventually.” 

Harvey leaves the car and Mike, although a little shocked, figures he should do the same. At least he’s got time to figure out what his defense will be.