Chapter Text
Harvey Specter was the best closer around.
Everyone knew about it, which was also the only reason Jessica promoted him to senior partner. And that was why Harvey was now stuck in some stupid interviews.
“Recruiting. Harvey.” Jessica was saying, as Harvey sat on her leather couch and Louis hovered around them, like a vulture waiting to eat the carcass. “Your interviews are set up for tomorrow.”
“What?” Harvey asked, crossing his legs. “Why don't we just hire the Harvard summer associate douche?”
Jessica raised an eyebrow. “I think if you listen to the phrasing of that question, you'll come up with an answer.”
Harvey answered. “We need people who think on their feet, not another clone with a rod up his ass.”
Louis intervened at that moment. “Harvey, the fact that we only hire from Harvard gives us a cache that's a little more valuable than hiring a kid from Rutgers.”
Harvey stared at Louis as if he had just said something crazy, and Jessica, losing her temper, exclaimed. “You went to Harvard Law.”
Harvey answered. “I’m an exception.”
Jessica said, with a final note in her tone. “Find me another one.”
And that was it.
After yet another idiot, Harvey had told his secretary, Donna. “Donna, we're gonna need to streamline this. Give each guy a hard time. Before you send them back, give me a wink if they say something clever. Cool?”
Donna gave him an appraising look. “Okay.”
As Harvey turned to walk back into the room, Donna asked him. "What are you looking for?"
“Another me.” Harvey replied, a satisfied smile on his face.
“Got it. arrogant, self-absorbed, blowhard, thinks he's the smartest one in the room.” Donna sat down in the chair.
Harvey answered. “That's why I love you. You get me.”
***
Michelle “Mike” Ross wasn't having a fun day.
When Mrs. Sacz told her that Pearson Hardman was interviewing for a new associate that day, Mike had sent in his application in less than a second.
Well, technically, Mrs. Sacz had sent in her application, knowing that Mike would be perfect for the job.
She was better than all the mannequins surrounding her at that moment, at least.
Mike sighed. There had been a reason she hadn't engaged in overly emotional interactions with her fellow lawyers. Not because she was there on a scholarship and they instead had enough money to pay for their arrival there.
No, it was because they were all so stupid .
Convinced of their charm, at least twenty of them had tried to offer to spend the evening with her, leaving Mike to wonder if people had always been this stupid, or if it was just her lucky day.
When the secretary called. “Michelle Ross.” Mike jumped up and quickly reached her.
“Is there any particular reason why I should let you in, Ms Ross?” The woman asked.
“See, Donna, it would be your good deed of the day. No, of the year.” Mike nodded. “Otherwise, I might actually end up in prison for murder.”
Donna raised an eyebrow. "You know my name?"
Mike smiled. "Yup. Surprised?"
Donna smiled. “Mr Specter will be ready to receive you now.”
“Thank you, Donna.”
***
Harvey watched from the doorway as Donna talked to a blonde girl. When the secretary turned to give him a wink, he couldn't help but feel interested.
“Harvey Specter.”
“Michelle Ross.”
Harvey shook the girl's hand, taking note of her bright blue eyes, wavy blonde hair, full red lips, and straight white teeth.
The girl was wearing a feminine dress, without a tie, black and tight, elegant and perfect for a job interview like the one Harvey was doing.
“So, Ms. Ross, what brings you here today?”
"The interview." Michelle replied, raising an eyebrow. “When Sheila found out Pearson Hardman was hiring, she just sent my application, and t hen she told me.”
“And you don't have a problem with that?” Harvey asked.
“I would have done it anyway, but at least I got there first.” The girl replied. “Good idea, taking the secretary to do an initial filtering. I can tell you right now that they're all idiots, anyway.”
"Really? And do you know why?” Harvey asked, feeling amused.
“Because they are all busy rereading the law manual. Many of them are looking at the door like it's a bomb, and they're staring at the ones coming out in sheer terror." Michelle shrugged. “Pretty pathetic, if you ask me.”
"All of them?" Harvey asked. "Not you?"
“I was busy avoiding a murder charge for killing the idiots who thought nice shoes were enough to ask me out.” Michelle smiled, and Harvey understood why Donna had been so enthusiastic.
She was definitely different from the other dandies.
“Why didn't you apply for the summer job?” Harvey asked. “If you're as good as you state.”
“Why would I settle for a summer job when I could have a real job?” Michelle replied, raising an eyebrow.
“Do you think you're really better than everyone else?” Harvey smiled.
Michelle shrugged. “What if I told you that I consume knowledge like no one you've ever met?”
Harvey answered. “I'd say you're full of crap.”
Michelle smiled back, something mischievous, as she gestured towards Harvey's desk. “That's a Barbri legal handbook right there, right? Open it up. Read me something. Anything.”
Harvey smiled, picking up the manual and feeling too amused to do anything else.
“Civil liability associated with agency is based on several factors…”
“…including the deviation of the agent from his path, the reasonable inference of agency on behalf of the plaintiff, and the nature of the damages themselves.” Michelle finished, smiling at Harvey with the confidence of someone who knew she had won.
Harvey looked at her speechless. “How did you know that?”
Michelle smiled. “Because I studied for the bar.”
Harvey narrowed his eyes, sensing the challenge. “Okay, hotshot, fire up this laptop. I'm gonna show you what a Harvard attorney can do.” Harvey stood up, giving way behind the desk to the beautiful girl. “Pick a topic.” He challenged, smiling.
Michelle said. “Stock option backdating.”
“Although backdating options is legal, violations arise related to disclosures under IRC Section 409a.” Harvey said, satisfied with his knowledge, and the knowledge that he had beaten the new girl.
Michelle didn't seem impressed. “You forgot about Sarbanes-Oxley.”
Harvey snorted. “The statute of limitations renders Sarbanes-Oxley moot post 2007.”
“Not if you can find actions to cover up the violation as established in the Sixth Circuit, May 2008.”
Harvey looked at Michelle, despite himself feeling impressed by her confidence.
“That's impressive, but you're sitting at a computer.”
Michelle rotated the computer, allowing Harvey to see the game in progress. “Playing Hearts.”
Harvey had to suppress a smile. This girl was definitely another him.
Michelle continued with her sentence, convincing Harvey even more. “Sorry. If you want to beat me, you're gonna have to do it at something else.”
Deciding he needed to know the other girl's secret, Harvey investigated. “How can you know all that?”
Michelle answered. “I told you. I like to read. And once I read something, I understand it. And once I understand it, I never forget it.”
Harvey nodded. “I'm inclined to give you a shot, but what if I decide to go another way?”
Michelle shrugged. “I’d say that’s fair. Sometimes I like to hang out with people who aren't that bright, you know, just to see how the other half lives.”
Harvey smiled. “Move over. I'm emailing the firm I just found our next associate.”
***
Mike arrived at Pearson Hardman looking around impressed.
That place was definitely elegant and expensive.
“Michelle Ross?”
A voice made her turn, and she raised an eyebrow at a black girl with black hair and dark hazel eyes.
Definitely attractive.
Mike's bi panic kicked in.
“Hi, I'm Rachel Zane. I'll be giving you your orientation.”
Michelle reached out to shake her hand. “Wow, you're sexy.”
Rachel blushed. “And you are shameless.”
“I also have flaws.”
“Did Harvey hire you, by any chance?” Rachel said, before turning and continuing to walk. "Take note. I am not gonna repeat myself."
“The firm operates on a chain of command model. Harvey's your commanding officer. However, Louis Litt, he oversees all associates, so you'll also answer to him.” Rachel explained.
“What do you think about Harvey?” Michelle asked, taking advantage of the opening she was given.
“People are in awe of him. They say he's the best closer there is, but I have very little contact with him, so I don't know.” Rachel replied, without missing a beat.
“And what about Louis Litt?” Michelle asked.
Rachel paused uncomfortably this time. “Let's continue with your tour.”
When they reached the cubicles, Rachel pointed to one. “And finally, this is where you'll live.”
Michelle pretended to put a hand to her chest. “Wow.”
Rachel looked at the completely empty clipboard. “I gave you that for a reason. You haven't taken one note.” She pointed out.
“That's because…” Michelle tried to explain, only to be interrupted by the other girl.
“Because you were too busy ogling me to listen to a word I've said?”
Michelle raised an eyebrow, before starting to answer. “Partners' offices anchor the wings. Fifth floor's research, sixth is security. All work gets billed, even if it's finding an address.” She placed her bag on the desk, continuing. “I answer to Harvey and Louis Litt, and, judging by the way you responded to my questions, I should admire Harvey and I should fear Louis. You have been here for five years, and just because I outrank you does not mean I have the authority to command your services.” Michelle clicked her tongue as she added. “Oh, it's also pretty clear that you think you're too smart to be a paralegal.”
As Rachel searched for words, Mike said. “See, I'm good enough to ogle at you as you walk and listen to what you say.”
Rachel shook her head. “Well played, Michelle.”
“Mike it's okay.” Mike replied
Rachel smiled in response, and Mike recognized that she had just made a friend
***
A folder was placed next to Mike. “Your first case.”
“Awesome, what is it?” Mike opened the file, checking on Harvey momentarily as she did so.
The lawyer seemed a little too pleased with himself to have simply handed her a folder containing some papers.
“Pro bono. Sexual harassment." Harvey nodded to her, and Mike began to scroll through the papers, reading them quickly.
“Don't tell anyone I laid it off on you, and don't screw it up.”
“Got it. You can't handle it.” Mike smiled, standing up. “I'll knock it out of the park.”
“Easy, Clarence Thomas. Just go meet the client.” Harvey scolded her, smiling slightly.
***
Michelle was checking her case, along with the list of women fired from their jobs, when Donna approached her.
“I thought you were always at your desk.” Michelle told her, and Donna smiled. “Sometimes yes, other times I take a day off and go to grace humans with my presence.”
“I feel honored, then.” Mike smiled.
Donna raised an eyebrow. “You say you're good, let's see how good. How do you know my name?”
"I know everything." Mike looked at her. “I can also tell you that you and Harvey slept together, and not in a platonic way.”
"How do you know it?"
“It's written all over your face.” Michelle smiled. “For what it's worth, I think you were lucky to remain such good friends with Harvey despite that.”
“Why you say this?” Donna asked, looking at her curiously.
“Not everyone is this lucky.” Michelle said.
“You're talking about yourself.” Donna understood. “A friendship of yours was ruined after you two had sex.”
“A friendship of mine improved when we had sex. We became lovers. And then, he cheated on me with my childhood best friend.” Michelle gulped, tearing her gaze away from the older woman. “ This ruined our friendship. And it probably saved my future, but, damn, if it hurted.”
"I am sorry." Donna said, her tone sincere. Female solidarity.
“Do you know what the worst part is?” Mike asked.
Donna shook her head.
“I had had a crush on that same girl, and Trevor and I had agreed to never pursue a girl or a boy we both liked.”
“Oh my god, you're bisexual.”
“No, I'm Michelle. I also answer to Mike.” Michelle replied, and Donna smiled. “Well, Trevor is a piece of shit. A fake friend.”
“ Fake friend .” Mike looked up. “Donna, you are a genius.”
Donna stood still as Mike got up and ran towards Harvey's office.
“Well, I know. Thanks for noticing.” Donna smiled, before turning and walking back to her desk.
***
Harvey raised his eyebrow at Mike. “What can I do for you, Michelle?”
“I know why the other woman didn't tell us everything.” Mike said, his tone confident. “Because she was never one of them.”
Harvey frowned. “Excuse me, what?”
“That woman never worked for them. She is a fake witness, who they have made unfit to testify.”
“Oh, that's a bad crime.” Harvey smiled. “We really need to warn them of their mistake.”
Mike smiled. “It would be the nice thing to do, yes.”
“Prepare the case and the request you think is most suitable.” Harvey stood up, smiling. “I'm going to go talk to our little witness.”
***
Mr Hunt and his lawyer sat before Michelle who, with Harvey's blessing, had been given permission to be responsible for Hunt's punishment.
Handing the documents to the lawyer, Michelle listed. “Wire transfer from your account to Joanna Webster's, phone records with Joanna Webster prior to her testimony, and an affidavit stating you paid Ms. Webster to falsely testify.”
At the end, she looked at the CEO. “Mr. Hunt, harassment is a civil violation. The penalty is money. But witness tampering, that's a crime, and you will go to prison, where I guarantee you'll learn more about unwanted sexual advances than you can possibly imagine.”
Hunt sneered at her. “Do you think this is going to intimidate me?” He seemed too sure of himself, perhaps because it was Michelle, and not Harvey, who was speaking. “Even if this evidence was credible, who are you going to get to prosecute a small-time witness tampering charge, huh?”
Michelle turned to the older lawyer, present only as moral support for her (or to have fun at his opponent's expense). “Harvey, didn't you graduate law school with the current U.S. Attorney in New York?”
Harvey answered quickly. “In fact, I did. And I think he might even be interested in pursuing a case like this.”
Michelle insisted. “Wait, are you two still close?”
Harvey replied, looking at Mr Hunt as he did. “Well, I was the best man at his wedding.”
Michelle couldn't help but murmur. “Wow.”
Hunt turned his arrogant gaze on Harvey. “No, you weren't. You're bluffing.”
Harvey began searching his jacket pocket for his phone. “No. I think I've got some pictures of us at the ceremony.” When he took it, he approached Mr Hunt to show him the photos. “Let's see. Yeah. Here we are. You must admit, I look very dashing. This is me and his mother. The woman adores me. Here we are at his bachelor party. There's no strippers. It was lame. But he can't put guys like you away for sexual harassment and then go to strip clubs, now, can he?”
Mr Hunt's lawyer, resigned to the evidence, asked in defeat. “All right. What do you want?”
Michelle was quick to respond. ”An admission of guilt and a guarantee that you'll obtain treatment before working again. And Nancy gets reinstated with back pay.”
Hunt growled. “Fine.”
“And a raise.”
Hunt's lawyer stopped his client's sprinting movement, saying. “Okay. All right. Are we done?”
Harvey turned to his associate. “The kid should be able to grow up without the burden of tuition hanging over his head, don't you think?”
Michelle pointed at Harvey as if she had just thought about that possibility. “Which is why you're also gonna pay Nancy an extra $250,000.”
Mr Hunt, evidently tired of Michelle's attitude, started to get up and approach the girl.
Harvey moved to be closer to the girl and Hunt's lawyer stopped the CEO.
“Charles.” He warned him.
Then, turning to Harvey and Michelle. “Good afternoon.”
As the two men exited, Harvey pulled away from Michelle slightly, and Nancy hugged her tightly.
“Thank you for everything.”
Michelle, squeezing her back, responded. “You're welcome.”
***
As they walked away from the courthouse, Michelle turned to Harvey. “Mr I don't feel emotions, what was that that just happened? Were you going to defend me?”
“I don't care about you, let's be clear.” Harvey replied.
“I never mentioned that you care about me.” Michelle tilted her head. “It makes me think you really care about me.”
"Forget about it." Harvey told her, before handing her a file. “From tomorrow we start with this.”
“Oh, so we're officially a team?” Michelle asked, taking the paper and starting to read it.
“I wouldn't move your things into Wayne Manor just yet.” Harvey replied.
Michelle snorted. “So now you're Batman?”
Harvey responded with a raised eyebrow. “Closer to him than Clemenza.”
Michelle looked at him. “Oh, yeah, Kilmer.”
Harvey answered. “Clooney.”
And then, after a moment of silence, they both said. “Keaton.”