Chapter 4- Fallout
The fallout from their break up at work reverberates in all aspects of their lives. Harvey is in flat out denial and at a complete loss as to how to function without Donna, leaving him determined to get her back by any means necessary. He's cruel to her and Louis any chance he gets and tries to undermine their new working relationship. But, when Jessica tells him to get his shit together and asks if he wants her to undo this, he can't bring himself to make that decision. Harvey refuses to force Donna to work for him, needing her to want to be with him.
The time apart, in which Harvey goes to therapy after he began to suffer panic attacks brought on by her absence, challenges the ingrained idea that he can't function without her and he comes to realize he simply doesn't want to function without her. The insight allows him to reach a new level of acceptance with his life, of how he interacts with his colleagues and of his relationship with Donna. Harvey can see how she's always put him first and sacrificed for him when he needed it. He is able to sincerely thank her for the time they've had together and really appreciate all she's done for him. Harvey's even able to accept that Donna needed to move on- grateful they can still be friends and knowing that if he ever really needed anything, she would be there to support him unconditionally.
When Mike is arrested and the investigation into their fraud begins, Louis willingly, but tearfully fires Donna so she can return to Harvey as he knows Harvey and Mike need her for whatever is coming their way. The look of hope on Harvey's face and the crack in his voice when he asks if she's really coming back to him shows her how far he's come. He had been prepared to face this without her by his side, but she can feel the relief emanating from him as he knows that now, he won't have to. Donna will be with him every step of the way, side-by-side as they attempt to head off the relentless attacks from Anita Gibbs, who's threatening to destroy all they've worked for.
Harvey goes to Donna's while they're waiting for Mike's verdict, ashamed of his actions and wanting to turn himself in to get Mike off the hook. Breaking down and near tears, Harvey admits it's his goddamn fault that Mike is facing jail time and he can't bear the thought of Mike taking the fall for a situation he had a hand in creating. Donna begs him to believe in himself, believe that they made a good case and believe he and Mike are worthy of being found innocent. The honesty Harvey's able to express almost destroys her- from someone who professed and sincerely believed that caring made you weak, to see him in this state of anguish from caring so damn much is absolutely gut wrenching for her to witness.
It reinforces her knowledge that Harvey is a good man and worthy of her love and commitment. Donna smiles to herself after he's left, reflecting on what Mike has contributed to Harvey's life- that being forced to protect him taught Harvey that compassion was his greatest strength, not a weakness. As Louis said, Harvey wasn't Superman anymore- he's Batman because Batman needs Robin just how Harvey needs Mike. Donna contemplates Harvey's growth, his expanding capacity to love and his unswerving loyalty to his friends. How far he'd come... willing to go to jail to spare his friend and Mike, having been let into Harvey's circle, ultimately caring enough about him to be willing to do the same. Donna had once told Harvey she'd metaphorically take a bullet for him, but had stated that it was a two-way street. Donna expected the same from Harvey, but she didn't think he had it in him at the time, no matter how much he professed to value loyalty. Seeing him willing to sacrifice for Mike and for her over the years, shows how much he's grown and how much he truly cares for his friends.
After Mike takes the plea deal to spare Harvey and Jessica, Harvey finds out the jury would have found Mike innocent so, he works relentlessly to get him released from prison early. When he finally succeeds, the joy of the victory is short lived as Jessica announces she's leaving the firm. Harvey is devastated to lose his mentor, his friend, his family. He shares his scotch with Donna as they toast to Jessica's departure, his hand lightly brushing hers as he passes her the glass. Standing alone in his office later, Donna comes up to him and takes his hand in a show of support and comfort after Harvey says he doesn't want to be alone. It's the first time she's touched him like that and broken the invisible barrier between them. The next morning, Harvey wakes up in a cold sweat after dreaming Donna was bringing him coffee after spending the night together- it's the second time he's dreamt of her in his bed.
When Mike refuses to come back to the firm as a consultant, Harvey viciously lashes out at Louis in his anger at Jessica and Mike having left him. Donna convinces him that he needs to reconcile with his mother because if he keeps looking to his work family to fill the void of his real family, he's never going to be able to truly live his life.
Despite a rocky start, Harvey is able to make peace with Lily. He's even able to ask for forgiveness for neglecting his family for the past twenty years when she and Marcus point out that Harvey left them too and has missed out on a lot of their lives. Lily gives him a picture of her painting the artwork that used to hang in his office after he tells her that he's so angry about what happened, but now, he doesn't want to be angry anymore. Harvey's even able to tell Lily he loves her. With Donna's gentle guidance, Harvey can see his anger has been holding him back from really living his life and exploring more serious relationships.
When he returns to New York, Donna gets Harvey to make up with Louis. The two of them agree to be interim managing partners together, acknowledging they each have different strengths and assets to bring to the table. Although Harvey jokes with Louis about being better than him when Louis comes to him for help with a client, it's clear a bridge has been crossed for them. Harvey can appreciate what Louis brings to his life and he's grateful to have him as a friend. Harvey and Donna share a quiet moment as they hang Lily's picture in his office later that night, in the same place where the original art used to hang.