Work Text:
Title: Friend or Foe
Louis sat across from Harvey and Jessica in the sleek conference room, the air thick with anticipation as they delved into the details of the latest merger on the table. Legal jargon filled the room as they strategized, each word carefully calculated to ensure the success of their client's venture.
As they wrapped up their discussion, Harvey leaned back in his chair, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Well, looks like another win for the dream team," he declared, his confidence bordering on arrogance.
Jessica rolled her eyes, accustomed to Harvey's bravado. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Harvey. We still have a long way to go," she cautioned, her tone laced with weary patience.
Before they could delve into further debate, Louis cleared his throat, interrupting the banter. "Actually, I need to step out for a bit," he announced, his expression a mixture of frustration and resignation.
Harvey raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by Louis' sudden departure. "What's the rush, Louis? Got a hot date or something?" he teased, unable to resist the opportunity to poke fun at his colleague.
Louis sighed, exasperated by Harvey's jest. "No, Harvey. A friend of mine is dropping by, and he's being a pain about signing on as a client," he explained, his irritation palpable.
Jessica shot Harvey a pointed look, silently urging him to rein in his sarcasm. "Well, we wouldn't want to keep your friend waiting, Louis. Go ahead, we'll manage without you for a bit," she reassured him, her lacing her voice with gentle understanding.
As Louis made his exit, Harvey couldn't help but smirk, the playful banter between colleagues a familiar comfort in the midst of their high-stakes world. With Jessica's weary sigh serving as a backdrop, the dynamic duo continued to navigate the intricate dance of corporate law, each step bringing them closer to their next triumph.
Later as Harvey strode through the bustling maze of cubicles, his gaze fixed firmly on his prey—Mike—his path suddenly intersected with a familiar figure waiting by the elevators. Louis stood there, his expression tense with anticipation, his eyes darting anxiously between the floor indicator above.
Harvey couldn't resist the opportunity to tease his colleague. "Looks like someone got stood up on their hot date," he quipped, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.
Louis shot Harvey a withering glare, ready to fire back a retort, when the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding. In stepped a man dressed in a suit so impeccably tailored, it practically screamed "elite clientele only."
Harvey's curiosity piqued at the sight of the newcomer, his keen eye taking in every detail of the man's attire. "Who's your well-dressed friend, Louis? Got a hot date after all?" he joked.
Louis' expression softened slightly as he moved forward to greet the newcomer. However, as Tony turned to face him, Louis caught sight of the spectacular bruise marring the side of Tony's face—a stark contrast to the polished image he projected. His gaze shifted to the cast adorning Tony's hand and the slight limp in his step, all subtle indicators of a recent altercation.
As Louis took in Tony's appearance, a wave of concern washed over him, transforming him into a veritable helicopter mom in a tailored suit. "What the hell happened?" he exclaimed, surprising even Harvey with the rare curse slipping from his lips.
Tony's response was characteristically flippant. "You should see the other guy," he quipped, his smirk failing to mask the discomfort etched into his features.
Louis huffed impatiently, his worry escalating with each passing second. "I don't wish to go to the morgue to see a dead body," he retorted, inflecting a mix of exasperation and genuine concern.
Tony's eyebrows shot up in offense. "What makes you think he's dead?" he countered; his voice tinged with amusement at Louis' overreaction.
Louis narrowed his eyes skeptically. "You're telling me he isn't?" he pressed, refusing to let Tony off the hook.
Tony's smirk widened into a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Nope. They are. But they deserved it," he confessed, his attitude dripping with satisfaction.
Louis shook his head in disbelief, torn between amusement and incredulity at Tony's cavalier attitude toward violence. "I'm sure," he muttered under his breath, already mentally preparing himself for the inevitable chaos that seemed to follow in Tony's wake.
As they moved away from the elevator toward Louis' office, Harvey couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of Louis's enigmatic friend, pondering the mysteries that lay beneath their seemingly ordinary facade.
TBC in another one-shot?