Reunited Paths: A Father's Journey (Harvey Specter ff)

Daily Routines

By  the end of the week, they had fallen into a comfortable rhythm. Harvey and Mike would start their morning routine together, getting ready separately but at the same time. Harvey would brew himself a cup of coffee before making Mike breakfast; either eggs and toast, cereal, or something grab-and-go if they were running late. They would hurry downstairs where Ray would wait for them. Harvey would be dropped off first, he would linger a little bit, before heading into the building. Either stopping to tell Mike to be good or to let him know that he would pick him up or Ray would. Mike would continue on to his school, where Ray would drop him off at the edge of the parking lot and wait for Mike to make it inside before turning to leave.

After school, Ray would pick him up unless he had something going on after school, in which case Harvey would pick him up. Mike would settle on the sofa or the dining table and work on his homework while Harvey whipped up dinner or ordered takeout depending on the day. They would eat in front of the TV, watching shows or movies. Both of them providing commentary in between bites. A wave of domesticity washed over father and son.

In the evenings, after dinner, they would often take a short walk around the neighborhood. The cool evening air and the quiet streets provided a perfect backdrop for their conversations. They talked about everything and nothing, from school projects to Harvey's work anecdotes. These walks became a cherished part of their day, a time to unwind and reconnect.

On weekends, their routine shifted slightly. Mornings were slower, with Harvey making pancakes or waffles, and they would sit at the breakfast table longer, enjoying the leisurely pace. Harvey would often let Mike choose the toppings, which led to playful debates about whether chocolate chips or blueberries were the superior choice. They would linger at the table, chatting about everything from school to Mike's latest interests. The kitchen filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of breakfast, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

After breakfast, they would spend the day running errands together, stopping by the local farmers' market or picking up supplies for Mike's school projects. They enjoyed these simple tasks, finding joy in each other's company. Sometimes, they would visit the park, where Mike would challenge Harvey to a game of catch or race him to the playground. Other times, they would just lounge at home, each absorbed in their own activities but still sharing the same space. Mike would often dive into a book or a video game while Harvey caught up on some reading or catch up on work.

On one particular Saturday, father and son had finished going through the routine earlier than expected. They both settled on the sofa in a comfortable silence after eating lunch.

"Hey, Mike. Wanna learn how to play poker?" Harvey suggested, breaking the quiet.

Mike looked at Harvey, he furrowed his eyebrows thinking for a minute. "Sure, why not?" Mike replied, intrigued.

"Alright, Mike," Harvey said, he got up from the sofa and went to find the deck of cards. "I'll meet you at the dining table", he said grabbing the deck and making his way to the dining table.  He sat down, shuffling the deck of cards with practiced ease. "Okay - Mike, poker is all about strategy and reading your opponent. Let's start with the basics. What do you know about Poker?"

He waited for Mike's response but the kid just shrugged, "you have to have a good poker face." Mike stopped for a beat, before he began singing, "can't read my, can't read my, no, he can't read my poker face."

Harvey laughed a little, "Lady Gaga, really? Remind me to confiscate the iPod, if you're going to listen such music."
Mike rolled his eyes, "you're just jealous that my music taste, is better than yours, dad."

Harvey just smiled. God, why hadn't he made an effort to be in his son's life before. He took a deep breath and decided to make the most of this moment.

"Alright, let's focus," Harvey said, dealing the cards. "Poker is about more than just having a good poker face. It's about knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. It's about reading people and making strategic decisions." He looked at Mike, who seemed genuinely interested now.

Mike nodded, "Okay, so what's the first step?"

Harvey grinned, "First, let's start with understanding the different hands and their rankings. Once you know what beats what, we'll move on to some basic strategies." He began explaining, feeling a sense of pride and connection growing with each word.

He continued, "So, a Royal Flush is the highest hand you can get—ace, king, queen, jack, and ten, all in the same suit. It's rare, but if you get it, you're golden."

Mike nodded, absorbing the information. "Got it. What about the other hands?"

Harvey smiled and began explaining, "Next up is the Straight Flush—five consecutive cards of the same suit, like 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 all in hearts. Then there's Four of a Kind, which is pretty self-explanatory—four cards of the same rank, like four aces. After that, we have the Full House, which is three of a kind plus a pair, like three queens and two sevens."

Mike nodded, trying to absorb the information. Harvey continued, "Bluffing is a big part of poker. Sometimes, it's not about the cards you have, but how you play them. You need to keep a straight face and try to read your opponents."

Mike grinned, "Alright, I think I got it. Let's play and see if I can remember all that!"

Harvey chuckled, "You're on, kiddo. Let's see what you've got."

As they played a few hands, Harvey guided Mike through each step, explaining the betting process. "You can call, raise, or fold. The key is to keep your cool and not give away your hand," he advised.

Mike tried his hand at bluffing, and Harvey watched him closely, providing feedback and encouragement. "You're getting the hang of it, Mike. Poker is all about practice and patience," Harvey said with a smile.

"Thanks, Harvey," Mike replied, "This is really fun. And hey, maybe we can play a game with the guys sometime."

Harvey chuckled. "Definitely. But remember, always keep your poker face on."

They laughed, enjoying the moment. It was a simple, yet meaningful way for Harvey to share his love for the game and spend quality time with Mike.

As the weeks turned into months, their routines became second nature. Weekends were reserved for small adventures. Sometimes, they would visit the local park, where Mike would challenge Harvey to a game of basketball or they would simply enjoy a leisurely walk, feeding the ducks by the pond. Other times, they would venture to nearby museums or libraries, indulging Mike's curiosity and Harvey's love for history.

Harvey also made it a point to introduce Mike to some of his favorite pastimes. They would spend Sunday afternoons watching classic movies or reading books together. Harvey would often share stories from his own childhood, weaving in lessons and laughter. These stories not only entertained Mike but also gave him a deeper understanding of his father.

Their bond was further strengthened by their shared interests. Mike had developed a keen interest in cooking, inspired by Harvey's culinary skills. They would experiment in the kitchen, trying out new recipes or perfecting old ones. The kitchen became their playground, filled with the sounds of sizzling pans, laughter, and the occasional mishap. These cooking sessions were more than just about making food; they were about creating memories and learning from each other.

In the quiet moments, when the day's activities had wound down, they would sit together, sometimes in comfortable silence, other times engaged in deep conversations about life, dreams, and the future. These moments of connection, both big and small, were the threads that wove their lives together, creating a tapestry rich with love, understanding, and shared experiences.

The bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, the rhythm of their lives intertwining seamlessly. Through these simple routines, Harvey and Mike found not just a sense of normalcy, but a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other, turning their house into a true home. There was an unspoken comfort in their weekend rituals, a shared sense of contentment that made their time together feel special and meaningful.