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The night was fresh with a cool, balmy breeze. Mike inhales and exhales, shutting his eyes for a split second. Some solar lights have been strung up along the pathway and they sway gently in the wind. Everything seems peaceful and calm here away from the business of the city and the traffic. He feels like he can unwind, decompress his busy brain after a hectic week-
“You with me?” Harvey’s voice interrupts his thoughts and Mike blinks, glancing at the older man. Harvey smirks lightly. “Earth to Mikey.”
Mike laughs. “I’m cool, sorry, just enjoying the calmness.”
“Alright.” Harvey sounds amused but doesn’t press further. He winds a strong arm round MIke’s shoulders and Mike smiles, leaning into him as they walk slowly through Central Park.
It’s dusk and the park is surprisingly quiet, just the odd jogger or dog walker.
Mike slips his arm round Harvey’s waist and exhales again, glancing up at the solar lights again that are strung along ahead of them. “I love it here. It feels like we’re far away from the chaos.”
Harvey nods in recognition, looking relaxed and at ease.
Mike smiles to himself, leaning into him. It’s rare to prise Harvey away from work, even on the weekends, and especially to go on a walk. He resisted a little at first, however Mike won out and now he thinks Harvey secretly enjoys their Central Park strolls. Especially in the evening when it’s dusk.
“Whats going on in that mind of yours, hmm?” Harvey murmurs, breaking his thoughts.
“Just thinking that you used to despise walking, now you’re all relaxed and vibing with it.” Mike grins.
“Vibing with it?” Harvey repeats. “Never say those words again.”
Mike laughs, his laughter turning to straight up giggles as Harvey pushes him away from his body before reeling him back in, as though they are dancing. “Stop it!” Mike grins, side stepping an old lady walking her dog. “Harvey.”
Harvey smirks and takes Mike’s hand this time, pulling him across and over to a bench. They sit down and Mike smiles, gripping his hand still. “Admit it, you love walks in the park.”
“What am I, a city dog?” Harvey smirks. He relaxes back on the bench and Mike blinks.
Damn Harvey looks good, even in some jeans and a henley and a jacket. It should be illegal to look good twenty four seven like this man does.
“Thought I was the puppy.” Mike quips, pulling Harvey’s hand into his lap and tracing a pattern across his knuckles.
Harvey laughs. “Correct, you are.”
Mike smiles and glances around the park for a long minute. The sun has set now and the air has cooled a little. He breathes in, breathes out.
“You should hit up Donna and try some of her fancy yoga classes, they do all sorts of weird breathing shit.” Harvey says.
“Weird breathing shit?” Mike quotes. “I’m so gonna tell her that tomorrow.”
Harvey snorts. “I already told her. God damn waste of money. Breathing is literally free.”
Mike laughs. “You’re such a thief of joy sometimes, babe.” He shifts and lays his head on Harvey’s shoulder, smiling when Harvey kisses him softly on the temple.
“Not a thief of joy, just a proprietor of common sense.” Harvey murmurs.
After a long minute he extracts his arm and slides it round Mike, rubbing his arm. “Come on. I’m buying you a pretzel.”
Mike sits up and grins. “Awesome.”
Harvey smirks as he stands up. “Are you a teenage boy on the inside? It would explain the hyper activeness and constant never ending food consumption.”
“My genius brain requires sustenance, Harvey.” Mike says seriously. He smiles as Harvey moves his hand up to the back of his neck, stroking his fingers through his hair.
“Sustenance.” Harvey says. “Is that why my god damn grocery bill has gone up exponentially since you moved in with me three months ago?”
Mike smiles innocently. “There should be no judgements or ultimatums in relationships, you know. I’m a little appalled.”
“So that's a yes, then.” Harvey smirks. “Come on, rookie. Pretzels await. Maybe even a donut.'
He winds a strong arm round Mike and pulls him into his side and they continue on with their stroll through Central Park, the breeze blowing gently and the solar lights guiding their way.