Chapter 1: Running away from home

Summary: What if Mike was Harvey Specter's half brother.

A/N: I write for fun so I don't check for my grammar or English. I'll update when I've got you for reading.


Harvey Specter had two younger brothers he loved very much Marcus and Michael Specter. Michael was adopted. His mother had brought him in when he was 6, and had adopted the boy. His mother said that both his parents had died in a car accident. The scared 6 years old that walked in through the Specter's porch all those years turned out to be the one who lightened up the Specter's home with his bubbly and clumsy ways.

But for some reason, Harvey held a softer spot for his younger brother, Michael. When the boy was in the third grade, he return home covered in bruises because the boys his age would bully him for being a nerd or outsmarting them. So Harvey grew to be overprotective elder brother, Michael's 'knight in shining armour'. The more Harvey spent time with Michael, he discovered Michael was a genius with eidetic memory. Michael would always take his older brother study materials because he was bored with his own. The two got along so well on an intellectual level, often challenging each other with puzzles and riddles. Michael and Harvey spent so much time together as if they were real brothers, having frequent movie night together,etc. It was to the point that Marcus occasionally felt left out, but didn't quite mind because he loved his two brothers.

For 5 years, the Specter family were living harmoniously until one day, Harvey returned home on Friday afternoon for the weekend from college, hearing weird noises, "Mom," he called out. Harvey grabbed onto a baseball bat as he ascended the stairs to the source of the noise. As he opened his parents bedroom door, he dropped his bat, which prompted the source of the noise to stop.

"HARVEY!" Harvey was no stranger to the sight before him. He was a grown college student in. He knew infidelity when he sees one. From the other side of the bed, he saw his neighbour Bobby climbing out from under the covers.

This was not the first time, he remembered the time when he was nine, he caught his mother in the same act, with the same man, but at that time he did not know how to interpret the sight. At that time, his mother disappeared for a year, claiming to have gone on a business trip. Now, he knew exactly what he saw 12 years ago, he dashed down the stairs, the two people he did not want to see at the moment, hot on his heels.

Harvey grabbed his jacket that he had left on the dining table before turning to face his mother, "You made a fool of your father for the last time,"

Bobby was climbing down the stairs, buttoning up his shirt, "Harvey," he started.

"You get the hell out of my father's house!" Harvey approached the man as he pointed for the front door.

The man looked defeated as he walked out to the front door, Michael was there, having seen everything.

Harvey was at a loss of what to do, "Fix it," he chastised his mother, before pulling his brother out of the house. Unfortunately for Harvey, his younger brother was too smart and had figured it out so Harvey explained the situation to him. Michael hugged Harvey.

That night Harvey and Michael visited their father at a bar he was performing at. The two always enjoyed listening to their father playing the saxophone, and their father always played better when any of his son come to watch him play.

"Need I remind you Harvey, that bringing your twelve year old brother to a bar is very irresponsible," Gordon Specter bend down to ruffle his adopted son's hair.

"I wanted to see you play, Dad," Michael jumped excitedly.

Despite the long and mentally draining day, a warm smile tugged at the edges of Harvey's lips. Harvey as he pulled his brother to sit on his lap on the high stool while their father took over Michael's stool.

Michael's mood suddenly darkened and this didn't go unnoticed by their father, "What's wrong, puppy."

Michael got out of his stupor and panicked before turning himself to look at Harvey. No word were exchange for a good minute before Harvey sighed.

"Dad, I've got something to tell you. I've been thinking about whether I should," Harvey took a glass as he sipped his champagne. Harvey knew couldn't be entirely sober to tell his tale.

And so Harvey told his story to his father. The two boys felt guilty to be the ones bearing the news to his father, and it got worse as they saw his father unable to hide the pained expression all over his face. They knew that family was what their father treasure above all and he loved their mother a lot despite being unable to return home on occasion due to his tours.

And so Harvey brought Michael to stay over at their grandparents home while their father steeled himself to confront his wife.

Thinking their parents had resolve their problem that night, the two brothers arrived home that Saturday morning and met Marcus on the front porch before entering the house. Apparently, their parents had not resolve their issues because they were having a heated argument in the living room. The three did not want to get in between their parent so chose instead to stay near the front door, within hearing distance.

"I hated the fact that you had an affair with my best friend. And then you do the same thing again! But I let you bring Michael in because he is your son! And you know what, I love that kid. I could never understood how you could lie to me and send him to a foster home in the first place" Their father's voice boomed.

Harvey and Marcus was stunned but Michael had already ran and slam the door to his room, locking the door in the process. It took Harvey another minute to understand the words his father just said. His eyes widened in realisation. That time he caught his mother having an affair with his neighbour, that led to his youngest brother's birth and the reason why his mother disappeared for a year after that. So that means Michael was actually his half brother. Harvey turned to Marcus, no doubt both of them had finally comprehended the situation. The both of them nodded, Marcus went to his parents while Harvey climbed up the stairs to his brother's room.

"Michael, open up!" Harvey knocked on the door.

"Leave me alone," Michael sobbed.

After Marcus had talked to his parents, four grownups was standing in front of Michael's room door, persuading him to open up. Marcus told them that they should leave him be till dinner as he would need his space.

By the time dinner came, they started knocking on the door, but got no answer. Their father forced the door open, but no one was in the room, the room looked particularly cleaned. Tied to the pole of the bed were a bundle of clothes tied together to form a rope and led to the outside of the window, to the ground. The closet was cleared out. A note left on the bed, "I'm sorry" it read.

The Specter's panicked and had requested a search for their lost brother / son. A year went by yet he could not be found. The Specter family was breaking apart, their parents divorced. Harvey did not know if the reason for the separation was because of the affair or Michael. And as more years pass by, they were slowly giving up but never forgetting the young boy who ran away from home. The police were unable to continue the search after a year.

Harvey had left home as well, too upset with his parents. And it was not even because of the affair, they had drive away his precious little brother. He found himself ignoring the fact that his brother was the son of the man his mother had an affair with because regardless of parentage, he loved Michael very much. And the loss of his brother caused Harvey to be so cold and indifferent. Harvey drowned himself in his studies, and eventually met Jessica Pearson who was slowly able to crack his mask and sent him to law school before working in the DA's office and eventually landed a job in Pearson Hardman.

Meanwhile, Mike went to the one place his family would not think of finding him, he moved to his actual adopted family's grandmother's place. After hearing the boy's story, Edith Ross raised the boy up. Eventually, Mike grew up, skipped a few grades and landed himself in Yale with a full scholarship. There he met Trevor and Jenny and they were his best friend. Sure Trevor was a bad influence, but Mike normally ignored his bad ways except that he did indulge in the occasional smoking of pot. He strived to become a lawyer and had read almost all the books in the college library. Mike took the LSAT and secure his spot in Yale Law School there. While he was there, he graduated as not only the valedictorian but the one of the youngest graduate at 25 and thereafter acing his bar. His grandmother was suffering from Alzheimer and her condition was worsening.

One day, Trevor bursts into the apartment to inform Mike that he had been discovered during his drug deal and told him to pack up, that's how the two of them moved to New York.

And because of Trevor, Mike had to quit his job after working with Hayes Piers Law Firm while living with Trevor in Philadelphia for three years, and he was even promoted to Junior Partner. But working as a Junior Partner was not enough to cover his adopted grandmother's growing expenses.

"You know I don't want to be involved in your dealing."

"No, there is this guy who needs to help with his LSAT," Trevor raised his hand to show his 5 fingers.

"Fifty dollars? No I won't do it," Mike shook his head.

"No, five thousand dollars," Trevor smirked.

That's a lot of money. Quick cash. "What if they recognise me, I did already graduate from Yale Law School.".

"I got you covered," Trevor pulled out glasses, a cap and a wig and passed me the man's ID, Rick Jones. He also passed me some books to study, "Get to studying, I am only asking for a $100 commision per client.".

And so that's how Mike exam taking was opened for business. Mike had helped 4 students with their LSATs, even disguising as a girl on one occasion. It was against his moral code and could have him disbarred if he was caught but he didn't have much of a choice as he had to help his grandmother.

A year passed by in New York and Mike was struggling as he was earning a measly pay in a legal clinic, because unfortunately for him majority of the law firms were not hiring due to the economic meltdown. And even if they did, some of the firms had an exclusive school tie-up hiring system.

"Mike I know you're in need of cash, I really need your help," Trevor opened a briefcase with ten thousand dollars.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Mike knew if he was not desperate, he would've not agreed to Trevor's insane plea for help. Mike sighed, he knew this was going to get him in a whole lot of trouble but he really did need the cash. He stuffed the stick in his mouth taking a long whiff. He needed it if he was going to do whatever it is that Trevor needed him to do. And he knew that this time, it was not some test taking, it was definitely dealing.

"You'll need a suit.".

In Pearson Hardman

"Oh it's nice of you to show up at 9.30, two hour since we open for business and I see you're dressed like a pimp," Louis Litt snapped.

"My bad, Louis. I was out late last night. When I woke up this was the suit your wife picked out for me," Harvey replied back smugly.

"... That would've been funny if I actually have been married." "You're not married?"

"Moving along. Recruiting. Harvey. Your interviews are set for tomorrow," Jessica Pearson intercepted shaking her head at the antiques of her two best lawyers in her firm.

"What? Why don't we just hire that Harvard summer associate douche," Harvey lamented.

"I think if you listen to the phrasing of that sentence, you'd come up with the answer," Jessica pointed out.

"We need to people who can think on their feet, not another clone with a rod up his ass," Harvey stated.

"Harvey, the fact we only hire from Harvard, gives us a cache than hiring a kid from Rutgers," Louis started his lecture.

Harvey pointedly ignored his friend.

"You went to Harvard law," Jessica pointed out.

"I am an exception,' Harvey replied smugly.

"Then find me another one!" Jessica said in finality.

"Can we please skip the recruiting, I work better alone anyway," Harvey replied cockily.

"Well I would, Harvey, except all senior partners get an associate. It's just a rule," Jessica ordered.

"Wh-what, Jessica, I deserve that promotion. My billables destroy his. And I am here night and day doing whatever's need, instead of swanning in and out out here when I please," Louis complained.

"I must admit, he does make me sound very swan like," Harvey joked.

"Harvey, shut up," Jessica crossed her hands, "Louis, this is how it is. Now you two play nice."

"Louis, I apologize. Now if you would excuse me, I am going to text your pretend wife that I just made senior partner."

Next day in Chilton Hotel, In Suite 2005

Harvey pokes his head from the inner room, "Donna, we're going to need to streamline this. Give each guy a hard time. Before you send them back here, give me a wink if they say something clever. OK?"

"OK," Donna Paulsen stopped Harvey, "What are you looking for?"

"Another me," Harvey said as a matter of factly.

Meanwhile in the lobby of the Chilton Hotel

Mike entered into the hotel nervously with the briefcase in hand. He noticed a bunch of men and women in the lobby wearing suits, the sign for recruitment of Harvard Law students at room 2005. Harvard. Mike laughed bitterly, maybe that was better than doing what he was doing right now. But right now he was in desperate need of money and he had promised Trevor. To the right he saw a sign that says the pool closed during construction.

Mike ignored them as he dragged himself to the hotel lift.

Back in room 2005

"So Chip, what makes you think that I am going to let the whitest man I've ever seen have an interview from our firm," Donna remarked sassily.

"Er… er… because I have an appointment.". Donna shook her head.

The next applicant appeared before her, "Kid what's wrong with you, you look like you're eleven years old…" No wink for him either.

Back to Mike

Mike finally reached the floor. He check his watch, it was the stipulated time given to him by Trevor. As he headed to the hotel room, he noticed a man in suit right in front of the hotel door. Something was not right. He thinks about it, this bellman was not wearing gloves, earlier in the lobby he remembered that all the bellman wore gloves.

Walking right up to the man, remembering the closed pool sign, "Excuse me, I was thinking about going for a swim. Are the pool facilities here nice?"

"Of course sir, this is the Chilton Hotel," the 'bellman' replied.

Mike turned to the man beside the bellman who was clad in a suit, " Do you have the time?"

The man raised his arm followed by his sleeve to look at his watch, Mike narrowed his eyes as he saw the gun holster on his belt. "It's 10 o'clock."

"Thanks," trying not to alarm the two of them, Mike walked away calmly to the emergency staircase before dashing down the stairs, trying to call Trevor to no avail.

"He saw your gun, do you think it's him?" "He matches the description but he didn't go in the room.". "Go after him, stay on the radio.". Realisation dawn on the two of them as they made chase.

Mike remembered the interviews where he saw his fellow alumni wearing the same attire as him and made a run to room 2005.

"Rick Sorkin," MIke heard a lady call out. She ran into the room and saw a lady who stood up looking around as she called out for a Rick Sorkin.

Mike burst in, trying to catch his breath, but Donna stared at him, "Excuse me Rick Sorkin, you're 5 minutes late. Is there a reason, why I should let you in?"

Still panting, Mike struggled to answer, "Er… Look I am just trying to ditch the cops, ok. I don't really care if you let me in or not…"

Harvey opens the door, Donna turned to him and gave him a wink from Donna. "Mr Specter would be right with you. Can i get you something to drink? Coffee? Bottle of water?"

If Mike was not too tired, he might have caught onto the familiar name. Mike entered into the room, he was greeted by a well built man in a 3 piece suit.

Shaking his hand, Mike greeted, "Hi, Rick Sorkin."

"Harvey Specter, nice to meet you. Why don't you have a seat here."

Having heard that name, Mike dropped his briefcase in shock. Mike's briefcase opened, a whole bunch of weed dropped out of it. And so Mike told his story of how he got roped into a drug deal. While Mike told his tale, Mike was finally putting the pieces together. This was Harvey Specter, his older brother. 18 years since he last saw him. Harvey definitely looked a lot older, wrinkles lines on his forehead and eyes. But essentially he still looked the same. Mike wandered if Harvey could recognise him but the last time Harvey saw Mike was before he hit puberty and Mike had changed tremendously since. Mike tried to remain composure as he told Harvey about Trevor and the drug deal, knowing he could trust the older man.

"And how the hell did you know they were the police?" his brother questioned.

"I read a novel in elementary school, it was the exact same thing."

"You read a novel in elementary school?" Harvey asked in disbelief.

"What? I like to read," Mike answered lamely.

"And why did you ask them what time it was?"

"To throw them off, I mean what kind of drug dealer asks the cops what time it is when he is holding a briefcase full of pot?" Mike replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Harvey shook his head, "We should hire you. Jesus, I'd give you the 25k as a signing bonus."

"I'd take it," Mike replied spontaneously.

Harvey sighs, "Unfortunately, we only hire from Harvard. And you not only have not gone to Harvard Law School, you hadn't gone to any law school.".

Mike bit down his tongue to prevent himself from laughing, "What if I tell you I consume knowledge like no one else. I've actually passed the bar.".

"I'd say you're full of crap."

Mike points a book sticking out, " Is that a Barbri Legal Handbook right there. Open it up, read me something," Mike requested knowing this was a way to prove how good his memory was.

"Okay." Harvey says, indulging the boys request. He flips to a page and starts to read, "Civil liability associated with agency is based on several factors, including…"

"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." Mike recited word for word.

Harvey looks slightly impressed at that, "How did you know that?"

"I learnt it, when I studied for the bar. You could pick any page in that book and I could recite it, word for word."

Harvey stood up, "Okay hotshot, fire up that laptop. I'm going to show you what a Harvard attorney can do." Harvey says and so Mike moves over to other side, being pretty sure that he can beat the older man.

"Pick a topic." Harvey tells Mike as he opened a game of hearts,

"Stock option backdating." Mike says, picking the first topic he can think off.

"Although backdating options is legal, violations arose related to disclosures under IRCsection 409A." Harvey says.

"You forgot about Sarbanes-Oxley." Mike comments.

"The statute of limitations renders Sarbanes-Oxley moot post 2007." Harvey comments.

"Well, not if you can find actions to cover up the violation as established in the Sixth Circuit May 2008." Mike informs Harvey.

"That's impressive." Harvey admits, doing that against his better judgement, "But you're sitting at a computer."

Hearing that Mike turns the laptop around, "Playing hearts. Sorry, if you want to beat me, you're gonna have to do it at something else." Mike says, shutting the laptop.

"How can you know all that?"

"I told you, I like to read. And once I read I understand it. I never forget it," Mike slouched onto the office chair, proud of himself.

"Ok look, this is pretty fascinating stuff, but I'm afraid I got to get back to work. I'll make sure the cops are around to find you." Harvey glanced outside and saw five guys that are not what he is looking for and deep down, he knew the man before him is the guy to be his associate. He was as smart or maybe even smarter than his lost. younger brother. Harvey sighed in resignation, the uncanny resemblance made him want to hire the man before him without question.

When Mike saw Harvey turned to the door, he was about to stop the man and confess that he was a Yale Law graduate when the older man turned back to him and gave him a determined look. That shut Mike up.

"Let me tell you something, this isn't elementary school. Long hours, high pressure. I need a grown goddamn man," Harvey warned.

"You give me this and I will school those Harvard douches and become the best lawyer you have ever seen," Mike declared with conviction. Well yeah, his competitive and Yale pride flared up a little at that statement.

"I am inclined to give you a shot but what if i decide to go the other way?" Harvey was still unsure about his decision

"I says that's fair. Sometimes I like to hang out with people that aren't that bright too. You know just to see how the other half lives?" Mike remarked pointedly, not worried because he knew if Harvey was not going to hire him, he could just tell him he graduated law school.

"Alright, move over. I'm emailing the firm that I've just found our next associate," Mike smiles as Harvey types.

"Alright, you're gonna start a week from Monday. Here's what you're gonna have to do, First, no more pot, we drug test. Stop smoking now and you'll be fine. I assume you only smoke and that's all the drugs you do. And how I know that's cause you read books and I read people. ANd pothead smokes pot, that's what they do. You're never going to talk to Trevor again. You're gonna ditch that briefcase and get the plane to Harvard, and you're going to learn everything there is to know about going to law school there. Buy some new suits.".

Mike rode his bike to work. He couldn't believe that he was going to work with his older brother. He got his life together, rented a new apartment for himself, bought new suits. He travelled to Harvard on the weekend to learn all there is to learning Law there. He saw the sign Pearson Hardman.

"Mike Ross? Hi. I'm Rachel Zane. I'll be giving you your orientation," Rachel introduced herself

"Wow, you're pretty," Mike complimented the girl before him.

"Good. You've hit on me. We can get it out of the way that I am not interested.".

"No. I'm sorry. I wasn't hitting on you," Mike defended himself

"Trust me. I've given dozens of these, and, without fail, whatever new hotshot it is thinks that because I'm just a paralegal that I will somehow be blown away by his dazzling degree. "

"Let me assure you. I won't. I was," Mike stumbled on his words.

"Mmm-hmm." Rachel stared him knowingly.

"I was hitting on you," Mike admitted in defeat.

"You were. Take notes. I'm not going to 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 started the orientation

"What do you think about Harvey?" Mike asked, genuinely curious, since he missed out 18 years of his brother's life.

"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." Mike swelled with pride.

"What about Louis Litt?" Mike didn't get a reply.

"Let's continue with your tour. And finally, this is where you'll live. Wow. I gave you that for a reason. You haven't taken one note. That's because Because you were too busy ogling me to listen to a word I've said?" Mike looked offended that she questioned his ability to remember.

"Partner's offices anchor the wings. Fifth floor is research. Sixth is security. All work gets billed, even if it's finding an address. 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. Oh… It's also pretty clear that you think you're too smart to be a paralegal," Mike replied smugly.

"You know what nobody likes? Nobody likes a show-off," Rachel turned and walked away.

"You used the word ogling," Mike muttered to himself.

"When do I get to see Harvey?" Mike asked to no one in particular.

Meanwhile, Harvey entered the office in a good mood, "Hey, Becky. You are glowing. I wonder why that is. Oh, yeah. It's the day they announce my promotion…. Jimmy, have you lost weight? Steve-o! Looking like a guy who came to work."

As Harvey approached his office, he noticed a man at his door, "Excuse me. Why are you scratching off the "Senior" off my door?"

"I got a work order to take it off," the man continued, ignoring Harvey's presence.

"Who issued the work order?" Harvey demanded.

"My supervisor."

"Why did he issue the work order?"

"If I knew that, I'd be his supervisor."

"Donna? Someone's trying to have a little fun with me here." Harvey complained,

"Jessica wants to see you in her office," Donna informed her boss, "Now.".

Harvey was in a sour mood, Jessica had just told him that Gerald Tate had fired the firm and his promotion was retracted because of it. When he reached his office, he noticed his new associate pacing in his office, "Mike.".

"Hey. Who's ready for a great first day? I'm going to have to let you go," Mike greeted his boss excitedly.

"What? I just got reamed for lying to a client and if they find out that I lied about you not having graduated law school, they'll take away my license. Look, I have to put my own interests above yours. It's nothing personal. You're fired."

"Wait. So you're worried that if I stay, then they might find out that you lied about me and you'll lose your license. But if you fire me, then I could tell them that you lied about me and you'd definitely lose your license," Mike smirked.

"Are you telling me that if I throw you under the bus, you're going to drag me with you? But you put your interests above mine?" Harvey was impressed by the boy's audacity.

"I mean, I'm just putting mine back up next to yours," Mike shrugged

"You're rehired."

And so Harvey returned to Jessica's office with the same argument logic his new associate used on him. And in return he got a goddamn pro bono case, he was ok with anything but pro bono, which of course now became his associate's responsibility. Harvey won't be Harvey if he did not warn his associate not tell anyone he laid the case to him and also mocked said associate about his skinny ties.

For the rest of the day Mike works on the pro bono case, he visited with the client and updated Harvey regularly. Harvey was surprised that Mike could easily fills out the subpoena he has to file to get the information that they require. Even Law students never learnt how to fill them.

As he knew better than leaving early on his first day Mike is still hard at work when Rachel came to his desk to inform him that Louis Litt wanted to see him.

Mike got up and hurried off to Louis's office "I know you had your orientation from Rachel, but I wanted to give you a special welcome from me." Louis says, "Amongst other things, I'm sort of the disciplinarian of the associates."

"You wanted to see me?" a man entered Louis's office.

"Yes, Gary, please come in. Mike, this is Gary Lipski. Gary's one of our most promising associates form last year."

"Hi." Mike says as he shakes Gary's hand.

"Gary, Ms Pearson wanted me to ask, have you completed the Petrenko filing?" Louis asks.

"Oh, well, my brother was in over the weekend so I didn't really get to it." Gary admits.

"I mean, Gary, come on, this is, like the third time I've had to ask." Louis reveals.

"I'll get right on it." Gary was quick to defend himself.

"Don't bother, you're fired." Louis informs him.

"What? You can't fire me." Gary begged.

"Oh, yes, I can. And I just did. Go pack your things. And don't you ever show your face in this place again." Louis says and Gary hurries out of the room.

"See, I arranged for you to see that because we pay our associates very well and we provide the opportunity for advancement. But, in return we expect results. Have I made myself clear?" Louis asked.

Mike could not utter a response, as he just nodded in agreement.

"Great. Welcome to Pearson Hardman." Louis says, "Feel free to go back to work." He says and Mike gets up and heads out of Louis's office.

"Um, Devlin McGreggor is fighting the subpoena. They filed a motion to dismiss the case based on our lack of evidence," Mike approached his mentor for help.

"Good," Harvey said dismissively.

"Good Wait. What do you mean "good"? They don't want to hand over the files," Mike asked curiously.

"You pressed where it hurt. You're looking in the right place. Did you think they wouldn't fight back? I keep forgetting you don't actually know anything," Harvey muttered, "The idea is you make a move, they make a move. You go back and forth until one of you wins."

"What if they win the motion and the case gets dismissed?"

"Then you're not as good as you think you are." Mike walked away to get back to work when Jessica approached Harvey.

"Harvey! What a coincidence. I was wondering how the pro bono was coming," Jessica asked knowing that Harvey had already thrown the work to the new kid. Well, at least she could test Harvey's new associate while gaining a pro bono out of the man.

"I'm all over it," Harvey lied smoothly.

"That makes me very happy. Because if I were to find out that you weren't putting in your full effort, I would be very upset," Jessica smirked as she walked over to her office.

"Rachel, Rachel, Rachel. I need your help. There's a hearing on my subpoena," Mike tried to catch up to said woman.

"I've got three cases in front of yours. You're going to have to wait in line," Rachel dismissed to man.

"No, no, no. My hearing is tomorrow. Donna says you're the best researcher in the firm," Mike pleaded and Rachel relented

Mike was surprised that Rachel had her own office even though she was a paralegal.

Mike and Rachel threw themselves into research, looking into privacy and harassment law, hoping to make a combination of cases to make an argument while having sushi for dinner. Eventually Rachel shared why she was still a paralegal and not a lawyer because she don't test well. And Always bombed the LSATs. She even doubted could get into a law school, stating that there's just no way she'd pass the bar.

"So, if only there were someone who could take the tests for me," Rachel pondered on the thought, not noticing the man across her who winced at her statement.

Mike had been to courtroom trials countless of times. But seeing his brother in the courtroom was a different experience all together. He's respect for his mentor had increased tenfold, not that he would ever admit to said man, "That was awesome.".

"It was your argument. I just framed it in a way that humanized the situation and brightened all of our afternoons," Harvey complimented Mike.

"I feel like Michael Corleone in that scene where that fat guy teaches him how to shoot that gun," Mike exclaimed excitedly.

"Are you saying that I'm the fat guy? Because I'm not the fat guy," Harvey was amused by his associate as the both of them walked out of the courtroom, Harvey buttoning up his suit.

"Do you know what his name was?

"Cardoza," Mike teased.

"Clemenza."

"I knew that. I was just testing to see if you knew it."

"I knew that you knew that I knew." Mike missed his brother. It reminded him of his younger days.

So When Mike returned to Pearson Hardman. He headed to conference room C with Rachel Zane.

"They're trying to bury you in paperwork," Rachel stared at the piles of files in disbelief.

"Well, they picked the wrong guy."

"If they didn't, I did. Get it done by the end of the week. I've got to run and charm a new client," Harvey patted his associate on the shoulder in encouragement before leaving.

Mike washed up in the washroom before he got to work, pouring through file by file, line by line. He was determined to get through it fast.

Harvey approached Mike at the bullpen the next morning. "Did you get through all those files in one night?" Harvey was thoroughly impressed.

"I would have done it faster, but I ordered a pizza. Speaking of which, have you ever had the cheese in the crust? Because it blew my mind," Mike replied cheekily before yawning from the lack of sleep.

"What did you find?" Harvey got straight to business.

"There was a dismissal on March 12th, 2005. But the file with the employee name on it is missing. That's our woman. I know it is."

"I'm moving to slap sanctions on their attorney, possible jail time. The guy is not going to know what hit him," Harvey got his phone out to make a phone call, "Dennis, it's Harvey Specter. Did you have anything to do with the March 12th, 2005, files left out of discovery? If they're here by noon, I'll believe you. If not, we're filing for sanctions."

After ending the call Harvey turned to his associate, "Threat of sanctions is better than filing for sanctions. Shave." Harvey slapped a disposable in his hand. What man carries a disposable razor in his pockets?

After shaving as instructed, Mike visited their original and new witness. He worked on it all day until he walked into Harvey's office, who was listening to music. "What happened with the witness?"

"I failed," Mike feigned a defeated look, before it morphed into a grin filled with pride "To not be awesome. I got her to testify. You should have seen me. I tried everything. 'He'd do it again.'. I'd be with her every step of the way. Nothing worked. And then, it hit me. I asked her, what if it was her daughter that he did this to? She melted."

"Oh, and you know how I came up with that little gem? I cared about her," Mike said smugly as he feigned shooting with his fingers, even blowing on them as if blowing a smoking barrel.

Harvey was highly amused by his associate who looked like he was about to jump in excitement, "I'm glad to see that staying up all night doesn't make you act like a complete idiot. Now, go home and get some sleep. I don't want you waving that thing around during tomorrow's deposition," Harvey instructed.

As Mike left Harvey's office, Jessica entered the office.

"Harvey. How's the pro bono going?" Jessica asked knowingly.

"Great! I just talked a witness into testifying," Harvey reveals indignantly.

"Really? What's the witness' name? I'm not an idiot. Don't treat me like one. You pawned off the case," Jessica crossed her arms. Despite knowing that Harvey would have done this in the very first place, nevertheless she was still disappointed in him.

"Jessica, I've got higher profile cases," Harvey argued.

"Need I remind you that when we first met, you were a screw-up? I gave you a shot at the mail room, led you up the ranks, and then paid for you to go to Harvard, where, by the way, you jerked off the entire time you were there. And I still hired you," Jessica stated as a matter of factly.

"And you've benefited from that ever since. Look, I closed the Dockery case, okay?" Harvey countered.

"You made a promise to me. You broke it, and then you lied to my face. So let me be clear. This isn't professional. This is personal. And I'll tell you something else, you made your bed, you better goddamn win," Jessica warned before leaving Harvey's office.

Meanwhile, Louis ambushed Mike as he was on the way to the bullpen "It's pee-in-a-cup time," Mike was nervous. Hopefully a week is enough to flush out all the pot.

"Oh, by the way, um, my cousin was your year at Harvard, and I asked him if he knew you. It's so funny. He didn't," Louis scrutinised the young man before him accusingly.

Mike frowned at what Louis was insinuating, "Well, what's his name?" "Mitch Samberg."

"Yeah. Don't know him personally. It's a big school. We get 7,000 applications a year. But I've seen him around, With the slicked back hair? He graduated seventh in the class," Mike revealed carelessly, remembering that particular piece of information when he had his field trip to Harvard last weekend.

The next day Mike returned to the office after a good night's sleep, but his day spiralled downwards as not only does the deposition go badly, but the second witness that Mike found now refused to testify and Mike did not manage to fix it.

Mike ruffled his hair, and returned to his cubicle in the bullpen and as he sits at his desk, Mike knew that he screwed up big time. He didn't know how to fix it.

"What happened with the witness?" Harvey asked as Mike made his way out of the office.

"Nothing. Nothing happened. I couldn't fix it." Mike confessed in shame.

"So, you're gonna quit?" Harvey asked.

"It's either that or have Louis Litt fire me," Mike commented in resignation.

"What are you talking about?" Harvey asked in confusion.

"My first day, Louis fired Gary Lipsky for screwing up a case. He said if I did the same thing, I'd be gone just as fast," Mike revealed reluctantly.

"Well, you go back to the witness' house and you get her to testify again," Harvey instructed Mike.

"I tried everything, there's no way," Mike was more frustrated in himself than anything.

"There's always a way," Harvey said sagely.

Mike's frustration morphed into irritation "Then why don't you go and convince her."

"Because you screwed it up," Harvey snapped back, sounding just as annoyed as Mike.

"Oh, and you don't give a damn about the client? Right?"

"That's not my job." Harvey pointed.

"Does your job include giving a damn about me? Because the least you could do is offer to stand up to Louis for me," Mike argued.

"Stand up for you? I put my ass on the line for you. But it turns out you may have
had the balls to get this job, but you don't have the courage to stick it out
when it gets tough," Harvey lashed at his associate. The irony. Even though Mike knew it not to be true, but he couldn't help that Harvey's comment did sting.

"That's not true." Mike says, pain in his voice, "You don't know a thing about me." He says angrily.

"Don't I?" Harvey asked annoyed, taking a step towards Mike, "You've had one foot out the door since you got here. You screwed up once and you're running away. So, if you want to quit, go ahead. But this isn't because of Louis and it isn't because of me. It's because you're afraid you might have to admit that you're not as smart as you think you are," it felt like a slap to Mike's pride.

"If you're here in the morning, I'll know I still have an associate," Harvey walks away to leave Mike to gather his thoughts.

Harvey stormed towards Louis, "Hey, I get that you were upset that I was promoted before you, but if you ever threaten to fire one of my guys again, I am going to kick your ass."

Louis almost peed in his pants as an angered Harvey who also towered him, glared down, " What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, all right? You fired Gary Lipsky in front of Mike Ross," Harvey's face turned into confusion as he saw Louis started laughing, "What's so funny?"

"Gary Lipsky works in the mail room. I didn't fire anyone. That's how I let the new associates know what's expected of them."

"You plant a fake employee to manipulate the associates?" Harvey asked disbelievingly. Well as weird a method as it was, Harvey could see the benefits of it. That's the reason why Harvey
may question Louis working style but never when it comes to finance or the associates.

Meanwhile, Mike decided to cycle around the city to gather his thoughts. Should he just quit and return to being a doctor? But Harvey's words kept ringing out in his head Mike knew exactly what to do. He returned the suitcase of pot to Trevor, revealed to Jenny that Trevor was a drug dealer and in exchange got a load of cash to get himself a couple of brand new suits. He would not give up so easily, he was not a coward.

The next day, Harvey approached Mike as the both walked into the office, "Nice to see you came back to work. Nice suit."

"It was a barter transaction. I got six of them for one little briefcase. Look Harvey, I've never quit without a fight before. Now's not any different," Mike said, determination firing through his eyes, causing the edge of Harvey lips to crook up into a smile. "Listen, umm, I'm sorry, and…."

"Forget it. When I first started, Jessica rode me so hard, I quit once a month," Harvey revealed.

"I just told you what you needed to hear." Harvey reveals.

"That's just it. I've only every had two people who told me what I needed to hear." Mike said feeling nostalgic as one of them was right in front of him

"Maybe it's time I started trusting someone else." Mike says, looking Harvey causing the older man to reach over and slap him on the back in an affectionate way as Harvey hands him a file.

"Merry Christmas," Harvey said as he slapped a file in Mike's hands.

"Is this for real?" Mike asked and immediately scanned through the file.

"You know what to do."

"Press until it hurts," Mike gave Harvey a grin before walking out of the office.

After a successful trial at the courtroom, Mike and Harvey were leaving the courthouse together.

"So, just one question. Why'd you go to Joanna's house?" Mike asked as they walked out.

"Because I figured it out." Harvey responded.

"I object," Mike smiled knowingly, "I think you did it because you care."

"I did it because it's my job," Harvey argued, refusing to give Mike the satisfaction and unveiling his mask of indifference. The boy was starting to grow on Harvey.

"Would you admit it? You care about me," Mike commented smugly, "I saw you smile when I showed up for work this morning."

"I didn't smile. I was thinking of a funny joke., Harvey pointed out, "Look, we start on this tomorrow." Harvey said, handing a file over to Mike, desperately wanting to change the subject.

"Does this mean we're officially a team now?" Mike asked.

"I wouldn't move your things into Wayne Manor just yet," Harvey teased.

"So now you're Batman?" Mike asked disbelieving.

"Closer to him that Clemenza."

"Oh yeah… Kilmer."

"Clooney."

"Keaton." Mike and Harvey said together.

"Did you really quit when you first started?" Mike asked curious.

"Of course not. I'm not a wuss." Harvey said as the both of them made their way out of the courthouse, side by side.

And when Mike finally settled down in the bullpen, Jessica intercepted him, "Mike Ross, a word please."

All the associate in the bullpen gaped at Mike, burning with curiosity. This was the first time an associate was called into Jessica Pearson, the managing partner's office.