First off I apologize for the lack of update, my grandfather passed away and I had an incident with the man that abused me as a child, I'm ok but with everything going on I just couldn't post, please forgive the long wait.

Previously:

"Yeah because that will prove you're not a kid to her, won't it" she remarked. We headed to the associate area only to be stopped by a loud commotion of three associates hashing it out on the floor, more like two of them beating the snot out of Mike.

"What the hell, is going on here" I yelled making everyone freeze.

Warning : slight violence, mentions of child abuse and allusions to child prostitution, nothing graphic.

Harvey's POV

"I said what the hell is going on" I repeated angrily.

"Well uh you see we were uh" one of them began to stutter.

"You were what beating the crap out of your fellow employee for the fun of it" I yelled. Jessica settled a hand on my arm.

"I've got it, calm down and get Mike out of here." She whispered. All of my anger melted from me as I instantly sought him out. He was sitting on the floor with his head on his knees.

"Mike, come on, let's get you out of here" I said softly making him jump. He glanced up at me warily. I slowly offered a hand to help him up which he took but let go of as soon as he was standing.

"Let's go get you checked out" I said and he jerked away.

"No, no hospitals, please" he pleaded.

"Ok no hospital, we'll go back home, ok" I said gently and he nodded and followed me silently down to the car. He stayed eerily silent the entire ride and through the door to the suite.

"Are you angry with me?" he finally asked softly

"No, come on kid, everything's ok" I said and gently guided him to the bathroom.

"Why are we going in here" he asked softly a tinge of panic barely hidden.

"Just sit down" I said lowering the seat of the toilet so he could sit. He sat carefully and eyed me as I moved to the cabinet. I grabbed a few things from my medical kit and stood back in front of him. As I moved to wipe the cut on his cheek he grabbed my hand stopping me.

"It's just medicine, that cut looks pretty deep" I told him

"How much" he asked

"What do you mean how much" I asked now quite confused

"what's this going to cost me, I mean I can do this myself, you don't have to" he tried to explain his head lowered.

"Mike, I want to do this, your hurt, your in my care so let me take care of you please" I said softly. He nodded and lifted his head. I wiped down the cut and put some ointment on it. Your going to have a nice shiner for a while" I told him and he nodded.

"are you hurt anywhere else?" I asked him and he shook his head slowly

"Are you sure, it's ok if you are?" I reasoned.

"No, I'm ok" he said softly.

"Ok well let's move this conversation elsewhere" I said and walked out of the bathroom with Mike trailing behind me.

"Go sit down on the couch, I'll be there in a minute, ok" I instructed.

"Yes sir" he mumbled. I grabbed a glass of water and an Icepack from the kitchen before walking slowly towards the living room, where Mike was having what seemed to be an extreme panic attack. I walked closer but was careful not to touch him.

"Mike, I need you to breathe for me, in and out ok real evenly, just like this" I said and mimicked a few deep breaths glad when he followed my direction.

"You good now" I asked and he nodded

"Ok are we alright to talk about what happened" I asked and he nodded. I sat down next to him glad when he didn't flinch.

"Here take this first" I told him and handed him a pain pill and glass of water. He swallowed obediently and I gave him the icepack. "Put it on your eye while we talk" He sighed but did so warily.

"Just tell me what happened, ok" I said softly

Kyle and Jeremy hate me anyway but uh somehow they found out, you know about my age and they said some things and I got mad and started fighting with them, that's all" Mike said

"Yeah you're a really terrible liar, it was more than that, and what did they say to you." I asked

Mike sighed.

Mike's POV

Flashback/telling Harvey

"Hey Mike, did you remember to bring your blanket to work today?" Kyle sneered

"No Kyle, did you need one" I threw back.

"No dipshit, just figured you would, you know being an actual kid and all" he said leaning over my cubicle. I froze momentarily.

"I don't know what you're talking about" I said trying to play it cool. Jeremy walked over and joined Kyle with a paper in his hands. He cleared his throat and began reading

"Louis, Michael Ross is no longer one of your associates, he will work solely for Harvey – Jessica Pearson" Jeremy read.

"Um ok what does that have to do with anything?" I asked calmly

"Well, I saw this on Louis's desk when he was throwing all 'your' work on me. He left his office and I followed him and listened to his and Jessica's conversation. He threw a temper tantrum until she told him, you are only 16 and that you're going to be living with Harvey and going to classes during the day" Jeremy said smiling widely as the other associates had all stopped working to listen.

"So Ross, you're not just Harvey Specter's golden boy, he's your new daddy too. What did ya have to promise to get that, blow job, or maybe you just offered yourself over to him" Kyle said and the others laughed.

"No Kyle I don't have to sell myself to get what I want, sorry that you do, must suck being you, well you probably do most of the sucking" I said smirking at his outraged face.

"You stupid piece of shit, you need a lesson in respecting your elders" he yelled and jerked me out of my chair and threw me on the ground.

"Ohh real tough guy beating up a kid, you must be trying to compensate for something" I told him

"And that's when Jeremy joined in, you walked up a couple of minutes later." I told him looking away. To my surprise he laughed.

"Oh kid, I know you said you had a mouth on you but boy you really take it to the top huh" Harvey said laughing.

"So you're not mad at me?" I asked hating how a warm feeling settled in me at the thought.

"No, actually I think you did quite well, except the whole getting beat to a pulp. Listen Jessica will take care of those two; they won't be an issue anymore. Everything is settled with you being here but since you haven't been to a doctor in three years, Jessica set up an appointment for tomorrow.

'No, I can't no, I won't you can't, no I mean don't" I started. He couldn't find out, he couldn't know.

"Mike, calm down, it will be ok" Harvey said

"no, no it won't, you can't know, you'll hate me" I told him hating how close to tears I was.

"No matter what happens, I'm not going to hate you" he said compassionately.

"Damn it no, you don't understand!" I screamed and got off the couch

"I did stuff after I left the Welch's, I had times when I couldn't get any good marks to pickpocket and well it paid really well, enough for a good couple of weeks, I swear I didn't like it" I told him hating myself even more as I felt hot tears slipping down my face.

"Mike, Michael, look at me for a minute kid" Harvey said gently. I obeyed scared of what I would see on his face, disgust, anger, or worse even lust. I sighed and looked at him, shocked when I didn't see any of it.

"You did what you had to do to survive, nothing else. You're a strong kid Mike. I promise we'll get through this together, you aren't getting rid of me that fast." He said and put a hand on my shoulder gently.

"Why Harvey, I'm just a kid, some freak off the street with a screwed up brain, why do you want to defend me. No one else ever has, god my own parents hated me, and I'm just so confused!" I shouted then quickly apologized

"Mike, we'll figure it out as we go ok, why don't you lay down here on the couch try to get some rest, we're uh going out for dinner later, if that's ok" Harvey said and I nodded.

He went to this bedroom and I lay back on the couch wincing as my sore ribs were jostled. I hope Harvey's not to mad when he finds out I lied about being hurt. I put the icepack on my ribs as they were hurting worse than my face.

Harvey's POV

As soon as I entered my room, I called Jessica

"Harvey I know what you're going to say, they're both already fired" Jessica answered making me smile slightly.

"No that one was a given I want us to press charges against the one named Kyle at least, he started it. They beat him up knowing his age" I informed her.

"They know how old he is, how?" Jessica said shocked

"Yeah that's what it started over. They overheard your conversation with Louis apparently" I enlightened her.

"Well that changes things; I'll have Louis draw up charges on them both for assault on a minor. Is Mike ok" she asked

"Yeah his face looks like it went around with a meat grinder, but he's alright" I said

"Good, I already told Jen so she won't freak out when you bring him by later. I'll let you know when I find out how they found out his age" Jessica said and ended the phone call. Around three I woke Mike up and we went down to the car.

"No Ray this time?" Mike asked

"No, just me, that alright" I asked and he grinned and shrugged

"So where are we going exactly" he asked as I started driving.

"Uh well, her name is Jennifer Pearson, she's Jessica's older sister. She also is the one that took me in when I was 14" I said

"Oh, so she's a foster parent?" he asked wearily.

"Yeah she won't hurt you though" I promised. He nodded and turned to look out the window.

As I pulled into the driveway a dark haired girl of about 15, came running out.

"Hey Emily" I said stepping out of the car.

"Hi Harvey" she said and jumped into my arms. I laughed.

"Don't you think your getting a little bit old for that" I asked and she huffed

"Fine see if I hug you anymore, uh who's that" Emily said pointing at Mike who was still sitting in the car.

"That's Mike, go easy on him, k" I said and she nodded and went back into the house after glancing at Mike again.

"Come on kid, you can't sit out here all night" I said opening my car door. He nodded and got out slowly.

"You alright, I can get you some more medicine if your side is hurting you" I said

"No I'm good, thanks" he said and followed me to the door. Jennifer met us there with a young looking child hanging on one side; she hugged me with one arm and moved aside for us to walk in.

"Jen this is Mike, Mike, Jen" I said

"Hi ma'am" he said softly

"Nah none of that ma'am stuff is needed around here, Jen, Jennifer or even hey you works for me" Jen said

"Ok Jennifer" Mike said

"Oh this here's Spencer, he's been with us about two days, you want to say hi, Spence" Jen asked the little boy who shook his head and hid behind her. I noticed a bright green cast on one arm.

"Who all is home" I asked

"Well Emily is and she has a friend over, that's why she came back inside and Aaron's upstairs in his room, he got bullied again today. Alexia is coming home with Dave; she was staying over at school for a project." Jen said

"So what's for dinner" I asked grinning and Jen rolled her eyes.

"Like you didn't know already, lasagna is your favorite, do you like lasagna Mike" Jen asked

"Yeah that's fine" Mike said softly.

"Come on I'll introduce you to the kids" I told Mike but stopped when I noticed him looking at the little boy.

"Mike, you ok?" I asked

"Spencer, do you remember me" Mike said suddenly moving slowly towards the young boy. I glanced at Jen both of us confused.

"Mikey, is dat you" the little boy said. Mike nodded slowly. Spencer then ran to him crying.

"I missed you Mikey, I miss you to much. Mr. B say you dead. He say it my fault" Spencer sobbed. I had a sick feeling that Mr. B was Bryan Welch.

"I'm sorry I left buddy. I had to, I'm so, so sorry I left you behind" Mike said choking up as he held the little boy. I motioned with my head for Jen to follow me. Once out of the room she spoke.

"That's the most I've ever heard that boy speak at once. He came from a home that was deemed 'neglectful' because they never reported another foster kid missing. I'm guessing Mike is that kid" Jen said

"Yeah, I've met the man, he's a bastard, tried to hit Mike in front of me. If Mike asks, I'm going to say hi to the others." I said and Jen smiled and nodded. I went upstairs and knocked on the first door.

"You may enter" a voice said and I smiled

"Hey Aaron, what's up" I said

"Hey Harvey, what are you doing here" Aaron asked

"Just thought I'd drop by, how are things going?" I asked

"Ok I guess no one at school like me because I'm smart" Aaron said.

"They're just jealous, Aaron" I told him.

"Yeah because everyone wants to be the kid that knows everything" the nine year old said.

"You know what, there's someone downstairs, I want you to meet. He's in the kitchen with Jen and Spencer. His name is Mike, why don't you go introduce yourself.

"Aww, do I gotta Harv" Aaron whined.

"Yes, you do or else, the tickle claws will never leave you alone" I told him very seriously before proceeding to tickle him.

"Ok, Ok I'll go meet him" Aaron giggled.

"Good, I'm going to go say hi to the others" I said and went to Emily's room and met her friend Rachel before heading back to check on Mike.

I found him watching TV with Aaron and Spencer so I went to help Jen in the kitchen.

"He's a pretty nervous kid" Jen said as I walked in.

"Yeah, he's been through a hell of a lot. I think he sold himself those three years he was on his own." I told her and she shook her head.

"I hate our system so much. Take little Spencer for instance he was only removed because of neglect, he's terrified of Dave and barely even talks." Jen began

"Yeah, Mike's extremely skittish and always blames everything on himself, when's Dave getting home, he's going to be tense around him." I said

"Any time now, oh god, that house was terrible, Spencer has been there for almost his whole life, he's nearly seven, even though he looks four, he was left abandoned at a church. No history of abuse at the house though." Jen explained

"Yeah Mike's jumpy as hell, Jessica got his medical files, turns out the abuse didn't start in foster care, his own parents abused him" I whispered. Jen shook her head.

You'll be fine, your what he needs, here get the table set and gather everyone up if ya will" she said and I nodded. Spencer sat in Mike's lap and Aaron sat next to him, Mike was looking relatively more relaxed as the door opened.

"We're home, hope there's still some food for us" a voice chuckled and Mike froze. Dave walked in with Alexia and headed to the table. I watched the youngest, Spencer tense up as much as Mike was and looked Dave over. He had a few of the same attributes as Bryan Welch. I sighed. Dave noticed Mike and Spencer and frowned slightly.

"Hey Harvey, what's up" Dave said and sat carefully and slowly at the end of the table away from Mike and Spencer.

"I'm good, this is Mike, Mike this is Dave" I said

"Hello sir, nice t-t-too meet you" Mike stuttered slightly. I watched as Aaron nudged his hand.

"He won't hurt you, he's not like that" I heard him whisper. Mike nodded and relaxed a bit but his eyes darted to Dave every few seconds. As food was served and conversation started Mike eased up a little more. I thought things were finally going well when a cup dropped to the floor and shattered, Mike's face paled and he leapt from his chair immediately.

'I'll take care of it, its ok" he said bending down to pick up the glass shards after carefully setting Spencer down in the chair.

"No Mike, stop, you'll hurt your hands." Jen said softly

"I'll get it" Dave said having already walked out of the room and back with a dustpan. Mike eyed him wild-eyed and stood up warily.

"No" he said nervously.

"Mike, I'm not gunna hurt you, kid, just going to sweep up the glass" Dave said softly.

"I know that trick, no, it's my fault the glass broke, not his" Mike said guarding Spencer

"It was an accident Mike, no one is going to be punished for it" Dave told him. Mike shook his head

"I know your type you can't trick me, stupid ugly bastard" Mike spewed when a loud voice stopped everyone.

"NO DON'T TOUCH MY MIKEY, NO HURT HIM, PLEASE" Spencer yelled before starting to cry. I watched amazed as Mike's body language changed.

"Hey, Spencey, I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you" Mike said holding the little boy's hand. Spencer's eyes kept darting to Dave. I looked at him and he nodded before walking out of the room. I took the dustpan and broom and began sweeping up the glass while Jen poured another for Spencer.

"I'm sorry Harvey" Mike whispered. I nodded unable to speak at the moment.

"May I please be excused" he asked softly

"Yes Mike, you can" Jen said

"Ok" Mike said and slipped out of his chair after whispering something to Spencer, he went out the front door. I got up but Emily stopped me.

"Mom, May I be excused" she asked and Jen nodded smiling as Emily went out after Mike.

Well this went a whole different direction than I planned, don't worry there will be more White Collar characters in the next chapter. Tell me what ya think if ya got a mo.