Work Text:
1.
Looking up from his phone, Harvey noticed Mike walking towards him, wearing a suit that looked suspiciously familiar, slight baggy on Mike’s frame.
“That’s my suit. My extra suit from my office.”
“Yeah, it’s Louis’ fault, I went to the clients place, it was overrun with bedbugs, so I went back to the office.” Mike replied, fumbling with his bag.
“You tracked bedbugs into my office?” Harvey interrupted.
“No-” Mike said.
“Oh, you walked in there naked?” Harvey teased, voice low, as if his heart didn’t skip a beat at the image.
“No, Donna met me in the downstairs men’s room.”
“Okay, Donna’s fired and you’re buying me an extra suit,” Harvey started before noticing something different “By the way, that’s a three-piece suit, where’s the vest?”
“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,” Mike replied “Vests? Really?”
“Says the guy with the bike helmet” Harvey retorted, rolling his eyes as he walked away, with Mike following behind him in a too-big suit.
A too-big suit that Mike looked far too good in. Harvey ignored the tight feeling in his chest at the sight of Mike in his suit, opting to brush it off as annoyance at Mike nearly being late to a meeting, rather than admitting it for what it was.
It doesn’t matter, this was a one off instance, Mike wasn’t going to wear his clothes again. It wasn’t going to happen again.
2.
It happened again.
Harvey walked into the break room with the intention of making a cup of coffee before the meeting with a potential client when he noticed Mike rubbing aggressively at his once white shirt, with a face of exasperation.
“You know you’re supposed to drink coffee right?” Harvey teased, going to make a cup of his own.
“No shit, Harvey,” Mike replied, still trying to salvage his shirt.
“You’re not getting that out,” Harvey remarked “Go grab mine from my office.”
Mike looked up at Harvey with a questioning look.
“Just how many shirts do you have in that office?” Mike asked with a teasing smile.
“Do you want it or not?” Harvey retorted.
Mike made his way to Harvey’s office, shooting a grateful smile at Harvey to which he nodded before once again turning his attention to his coffee, shaking his head, smiling at the quirks of his associate.
A couple minutes later, Harvey made his way back to his office, looking down at an email on his phone. He entered his office, looking up to see Mike shrugging the shirt on, lithe body on display, muscles flexing as he buttoned up his shirt.
“Was there nowhere else to change?” Harvey questioned, voice breaking slightly as he composed himself.
“The briefings in a couple minutes, I needed to change quickly.” Mike answered, gesturing towards the conference room.
Harvey nodded, before making his way to his desk to grab the case files watching as Mike buttoned his top button, before grabbing his tie and attempting to put it on. A few seconds of watching Mike fumble with his tie prompted Harvey to move towards him, taking his tie in hand, fingers brushing against Mike’s.
“I can do it.” Mike mumbled, vehemently refusing to look up and acknowledge how close Harvey was standing to him.
Harvey ignored his protests, pulling the silk tie between his fingers before pausing.
“Is this my tie?”
“I spilled coffee on mine,” Mike shrugged. “Besides, thought you’d prefer me not wearing a skinny tie.”
Harvey nodded his head in response before continuing to tie his tie, ignoring how his heart skipped a beat at Mike wearing his shirt and tie. His fingers grazed the side of Mike’s pale neck, leaving goosebumps in its trail, as he adjusted the tie. Harvey kept his eyes trained on tying the tie as Mike, unbeknownst to Harvey, was looking everywhere besides Harvey’s hands and the way his long fingers were working on tying the tie, hoping the blush spreading on his neck wasn't too obvious. Finally, Harvey pulled the tie through the loop, jerking once, twice before moving away from Mike, leaving him slighly flustered as he loosened his tie. Mike thanked him, moving to grab his blazer, which thankfully wasn't covered in coffee, creating a phsyical distance between the two in an attempt to distract himself from whaever just happened.
Once Mike was fully dressed, they made their way down the corridor to the conference room just as the potential clients appeared. The meeting went as well as could be expected, Harvey’s attention split between the case and repressing the recurring feeling Harvey got every time Mike wore a clothing of his. Harvey’s eyes flickered towards Mike every time he adjusted his tie, eyes darting to his neck and the movement of his slender fingers against it.
Half an hour later, the meeting ended, Harvey finally being able to move back to his office and away from the sight of Mike wearing his clothes.
Just before leaving the conference room, Donna turned back to look down at Mike and Harvey.
“Nice tie.” Donna remarked glancing at the tie Mike was wearing, directed more at Harvey than Mike.
Donna walked out, not before shooting a knowing look at Harvey and after a couple moments of silence, Mike started speaking.
“Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes, I’ll give them back later.”
Harvey nodded in response, moving to leave the conference room, unwilling to ponder on how Donna knew it was his tie, why it even mattered and why Mike wearing his clothes was making him spiral this much.
3.
Harvey had just finished getting ready for the fundraiser when he heard a knock at his door. He opened the door to see Mike standing there wearing a sheepish grin.
“I’ve forgot my cufflinks,” Mike started, looking a little embarrassed “Could I-“
Harvey, knowing what Mike was going to ask, simply walked off, grabbing a box out of the multiple he’d set on his coffee table when he had been choosing which ones to wear himself. He walked over to Mike, who had stepped inside the apartment and was just closing the door behind him, handing the velvet blue box over to Mike who gratefully grabbed the box, moving to put them on.
Harvey moved back towards the coffee table to put away his glass of whiskey, looking back to see Mike putting the cufflinks on with a faint blush across his face. Once Mike was done, he looked up at Harvey before looking away just as fast, blush deepening.
Weird.
“Ray’s downstairs, he’ll drive us to the fundraiser.” Harvey said, walking to leave his apartment with Mike moving to follow behind him.
—
Once they arrived at the fundraiser, Harvey and Mike split ways, mingling with different crowds until finally Jessica rounded them up to introduce them to a potential new client. That's when Harvey really noticed the cufflinks.
Harvey hadn’t realised the cufflinks he had given Mike were the ones with his initials engraved into them. With every hand he shook, Harvey’s initials peeked out of Mike’s sleeves, glimmering dangerously, with every eye, especially Harvey’s, catching on.
No wonder Mike had blushed putting them on. He hadn't been opposed to it though. Harvey shook his head, hoping to forget the thought, knowing the sight of Mike adorned subtlety in his initials was going to stay in his mind, whatever he did.
A possessive feeling flared up in Harvey’s chest at the blatant marking of Mike as his. The thought of Mike willingly wearing his initials only worsened the feeling inside him. He moved away from Mike, opting to join a group of lawyers nearby, knowing he needed to physically move away before he did something unforgivable, like kiss him in the middle of the fundraiser.
The night dragged on, his accidental claim on Mike at the forefront of his mind as he shook hands with various lawyers and businessmen. He needed to focus on them, not Mike but God was it hard to, not with him now standing at the bar, fiddling with his cufflinks.
Harvey walked over to him, noticing that they’d apparently come undone with his insistent fiddling. He knew Mike could do them himself, he did back at the apartment, but something came over him. Harvey grabbed his wrist, pulling Mike slightly closer to him. His fingers grazed against the skin of Mike’s wrist as he fastened the cufflinks, skin burning with every accidental touch, as Mike stood there staring at him with an expression he couldn’t quite decipher. Nor did he want to.
After fastening the cufflinks, Harvey held onto Mike's wrist for slightly longer than what might've been appropriate, looking down at his intials on the cufflinks, before looking back up at Mike who was doing the same. He let go of Mike’s wrist before stepping back, nodding at the soft thanks Mike murmured, before walking back to mingle with forgettable lawyers.
4.
“I can’t be at a watch party without repping a team” Mike stressed to Harvey, leaning against the sofa at Harvey's apartment, “You don’t have a jersey I could borrow?”
With a mix of fondness and exasperation, Harvey went to his wardrobe to grab a spare basketball jersey, throwing it to Mike who caught it with a grateful smile.
That evening, a couple of the associates, Harvey and Louis, had gathered at a bar to watch the game. Harvey saw Mike walk into the bar, greeting a table of associates, before grinning at him, whilst shucking off his jacket, revealing a familiar jersey. Harvey looked away, clocking back into the conversation with Louis, in hopes of distracting himself from how he felt at the sight of Mike in his clothes.
Mike caught his attention again he turned around to put his jacket on the back of the chair, turned away from Harvey. It took everything in him to not choke on his whiskey at the sight of Mike adorning his jersey, “Specter” written in block letters across his back. Harvey saw a couple of the associates eyes widen at the jersey, glances shot his way, intrigued but far too scared to verbalise the questions they had.
He was absolutely fucked.
After talking to the associates for a couple minutes, Mike walked over to Harvey, leaning against the bar casually, close enough for their arms to brush against eachother as Mike commented on the game they were about to watch between the the Knicks and the Celtics, Harvey humming in response at the appropriate times, ignoring his desire to press Mike against the very bar he was leant against.
A couple minutes of idle chatter go between the two before Harvey spots a man glancing over at Mike repeatedly, clearly interested in him and it wasn’t long before he made his way over, sliding in next to Mike.
“Nice jersey,” He starts, “Although I’m more of a Celtics fan myself.” before introducing himself as Derek to Mike, glancing over at Harvey, shooting a slight smile that he did not reciprocate.
Derek said something that Mike couldn’t hear over the loud atmosphere of the bar, prompting him to move in closer, Mike’s ears mere inches away from the man’s lip as he said something that made Mike throw his head back in laughter, a smile gracing his face.
Harvey gripped his whiskey glass with more force than necessary as he took a sip, trying to distract himself from the ugly feeling that was spreading across his chest. It shouldn’t matter if Mike wanted to flirt with guys at the bar, he was well within his rights but well, Harvey couldn’t help but be envious of the way Mike’s attention has turned towards this man, smiling in a way only Harvey should be able to make him.
Mid conversation, unable to bear anymore of the closeness and the laughter, Harvey sticks out his hand, stopping the two of them.
“Harvey.” He says, introducing himself “Harvey Specter.”
Derek’s eyes widen at the realisation that Mike was sporting a jersey with his name, carefully backing away from the two after reaching the wrong conclusion of Harvey and Mike being together.
He mumbles a “Sorry, didn’t realise you were with someone” to Mike who just stared at him in response, bewildered by the sudden change in attitude and a little flushed at the idea of Harvey and himself being together.
Harvey felt slightly guilty at the thought of having done that, just to get rid of a guy Mike was talking to, but that feeling was quickly replaced with gratefulness that Mike was not only giving him his attention, but that no one would hit on him for now with Harvey’s name across his back.
First the cufflinks, now the jersey, Harvey was sensing a pattern that he did not like the sound of. Mike was his associate, nothing more, nothing less.
Thankfully, it wasn't long till the game began, with Harvey and Mike joining the associates at the table. They sat next to each other, side-by-side, Harvey noticing that Mike's knees knocked into his own as he watched the game, skin growing hot where they touched despite the layers of fabric separating the two of them. All throughout the game, Harvey’s eyes kept flicking over to Mike, taking in the sight of him wearing Harvey’s last name and at the sheer excitement Mike visibly felt watching the game, unable to stop the joy mirroring on his own face.
Harvey was so screwed.
5.
It was nearing 1am when Harvey and Mike wrapped up work at the office. As Harvey grabbed his briefcase, ready to leave, he glanced at Mike who was leaning back on the sofa, top buttons of his shirt undone and tie loose, looking about two seconds away from passing out. Pitying his associate, Harvey walked over to him, tapping him on his shoulder.
“Get up, I’ll get Ray to drive you home.” Harvey said, a fond smile growing on his face as he watched Mike grumble at being disrupted, before thanking Harvey and moving to grab his belongings.
They made their way towards the elevators, Harvey noticing that Mike had apparently forgone any appropriate winter attire and was sporting just his suit in the January cold.
Once in the elevator, Harvey checked his phone, seeing that Ray had sent him a message letting him know he’ll be at the firm in ten minutes. He gave an affirmative reply, before putting his phone away and looking up at Mike, taking in the soft slopes of his side profile, itching to be closer to him, but knowing he shouldn't.
The elevator stopped, doors opening and shaking Harvey out of his daze, prompting him to walk out before Mike, hoping some distance would clear his mind.
They walked over to the sidewalk, choosing to stand near where the coffee cart was normally open during business hours. Within a few minutes of idle chatter between the two, Harvey noticed Mike shivering slightly in his threadbare blazer, wrapping his arms around himself in a sorry attempt to keep warm. With a sigh, Harvey moved closer to him, shrugging off his own coat to place them on Mike’s shoulders, pulling the lapels of the coat close, ensuring that Mike was covered.
Mike looked up at him, close enough to not only see his breath in the cold winter night, but also feel it against his own lips, looking slightly startled at Harvey giving him his coat. Harvey’s eyes flicked down to Mike’s lips, watching as he breathed, before flicking back up to Mike’s blue eyes, even bluer in the cold night. He felt himself move in subconsciously, hands slowly moving up from the lapels to the side of Mike’s neck when suddenly a group of slightly drunk office workers appeared out of the corner. Realising their proximity, Harvey moved back quickly, looking down at his phone in an attempt to distract himself, as Mike turned away from him, coughing into his fist.
“Ray will be here in five.” Harvey said in lieu of acknowledging the previous closeness between the two, with Mike nodding his head in response, staring down at the sidewalk.
Harvey couldn’t help but sneak glances at Mike, unbeknownst to the fact that Mike was doing the same, watching as Mike pressed his face closer into the coat, seemingly taking comfort in the soft wool of the coat. His heart raced at the sight but he quickly looked away, letting out a sigh of relief as he saw Ray’s car come into view.
+1
It’d been a week since the night at the sidewalk and Harvey and Mike were once again up late working on the case, although this time at Harvey’s apartment. Mike was crouched over the coffee table, flicking through the case files whilst on his fourth cup of coffee that night. Harvey was doing the same seated opposite him, arm hung over the back of the sofa, tips of his fingers just about grazing Mike’s shoulder while he sat up.
“It’s getting late.” Mike started when he’d glanced at his watch, realising that it was nearing 2am, making a move to gather up the files, “I’ll make my way home.”
“Stop,” Harvey said, moving to get up himself “It’s late and pouring it down, you really want to bike back in this weather?”
Mike opened his mouth to refuse, not wanting to be a nuisance but Harvey cut in.
“Stay over, you can take the couch, I’ll order takeout.”
Mike responded with a nod of his head, secretly glad to avoid the trek back to his apartment, moving to put his files away as Harvey walked into his bedroom.
Harvey walked back out just as Mike had tidied the table, holding folded clothes that he moved to offer to Mike. Mike grabbed the clothes, feeling how soft the clothing felt.
Mike moved to the bathroom, taking his clothes off once he entered. He picked up the slightly worn out burgundy tshirt, shrugging it over his head, suddenly surrounded by the gentle scent of Harvey’s cologne that had clinged onto the shirt. He pulled on the soft grey sweatpant next, tightening the waistband before turning to look at the mirror, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to look somewhat presentable. Bundling up his office clothes, he moved out of the bathroom, into the living room just as Harvey ended the call with the pizza place they often ordered from when working late, shooting a slightly awkward smile at Harvey.
Seeing Mike walk out of his bathroom, wearing his clothes knocked the wind out of Harvey. Despite being a similar height to Harvey, Harvey’s wider frame meant that the shirt hung loose on his shoulders. From the way his clothes looked on Mike, to the strangely domestic look on him, so different to the usual formal attire he wore at the firm, Harvey was lost for words. He almost regretted telling him to stay over. Almost.
He wanted to pull Mike in close and kiss his lips swollen but instead of doing what he really wanted, Harvey moved towards his bedroom to get spare bedding for Mike to sleep on his couch.
He returned to the living room, handing Mike half the bedding as they both worked to make Mike’s makeshift bed for the night. Just as they finished making Mike’s bed, a knock sounded at Harvey’s door, prompting Harvey to walk over to collect their takeout as Mike went to the kitchen to grab some cutlery. After placing their takeout on their coffee table, Harvey made his way to the kitchen to grab some glasses for their water. Mike walked past Harvey towards the takeout and Harvey was hit with the scent of both his and Mike’s scent mixed together.
Harvey tightened his grip on the counter, forcing himself to take a deep breath in an attempt to clear his mind. He opened his eyes to Mike calling out his name, telling him to join him and eat. He regretted looking at Mike the second be opened his eyes as he saw the borderline obscene domestic image of Mike wearing Harvey’s clothes, seated on the couch, tucking into his food as if this was a regular occurrence. He just wanted to hold Mike tight, to kiss him, to have him, but he couldn’t do that. Regardless of his growing affection to Mike in his clothing and in his space, they had a strictly professional relationship. Well as professional as a relationship could be between coworkers who were spending the night together.
Harvey moved to sit next to him, close enough that their knees knocked as Harvey sat down, grabbing his own meal. Gentle conversation flowed between the two as they ate their meal, tempting Harvey with how good it could be if he made this their reality.
Once they were done with their meal, Harvey walked to the kitchen to clean their dishes with Mike following behind him. Mike sat down on the stool at the counter, apparently unwillingly to let their conversation end. Once Harvey was done with the dishes, he moved around the counter to Mike, who stood up, leaning against the kitchen counter, still talking about something or the other. Mid-conversation, he stopped talking, realising how close he and Harvey were standing, barely inches apart. Mike looked up at him through his lashes and the last of Harvey’s composure broke.
“Fuck it.” Harvey whispered before leaning in, grabbing his waist and kissing him hard.
Mike froze for a split second, shocked at Harvey’s reciprocation of his own feelings, before melting into the kiss, arms moving to hang over Harvey’s shoulders, one hand moving up to hold onto his hair as he kissed him back. Harvey kissed him with a gentle ferocity, an intensity that he’d never experienced before apart from when he was with the man himself. Harvey’s hand moved to cradle his face, the other hand on his waist tightening, bringing Mike even closer to him.
Harvey pulled away, leaving Mike breathless but still absentmindingly moving to follow Harvey’s lips. Mike looked up at him, irises blown as Harvey slowly swiped his thumb back and forth over Mike’s swollen bottom lip, before dragging his thumb down. Harvey’s eyes finally moved from Mike’s lips to his eyes, as he moved to cradle Mike’s face between his hands.He brushed his thumbs over Mike’s cheekbones, still in a state of shock at what was happening, how the months of agonising over Mike had led to this, to Mike standing in front of him, in his arms, looking utterly ruined.
This time it was Mike who leaned in, kissing Harvey with everything in him. He pushed at Harvey’s chest, relishing at the feel of his muscles moving under his palms, wanting to take this to Harvey’s bedroom. Harvey seemed to get the hint, as he spun them around, walking Mike backwards until he was up against the door of Harvey’s bedroom door. Mike’s head collided with the door with a thud and Harvey leant in again to give him a chaste kiss, before opening the door to the bedroom knowing that if they stepped inside, things would never be as they used to be. But Harvey wouldn’t walk away. He couldn’t. Everything had led to this.