Title: What I’ll Fight For

Author: Arina

Email: mystic_spirit@hotmail.com

Rating: PG?

Category: BTVS/WWE

Pairing: Willow/Jericho, Xander/? (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help pairing her up with him again)

Spoilers: None for WWE, except that there’s no roster split. Set after the end of Season Five of Buffy, then it’s my own world from there

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Joss has BTVS and ATS and Vince owns WWE

Summary: This is my response to Eena_angel’s challenge.

ORIGINAL CHALLENGE

Hey Everyone,

I've got another one for you. I would like to see a BTVS/WWE

crossover where the Summers are related to someone in the wrestling

world. Set it after Buffy died, Willow and Xander get into a custody

battle with aforementioned relatives over Dawn. Assume that Giles is

gone back to England and get rid of Tara and Anya somehow.

Must Haves:

1. One of these pairings: W/Jeff, W/Matt, W/Edge, W/Jericho, W/RVD,

X/Lita, X/Trish, X/Stacy, X/Torrie.

2. A showdown at a live show.

3. Dawn wanting to stay in Sunnydale, but unwilling to choose sides

between family and friends.

4. Lindsay being roped into being Wills and Xands lawyer, via Angel.

5. Vicious court battle.

6. Must be a Wrestling is a show verse.

Optional:

1. The line: I may be little, but even I've got more balls than you.

2. The line: The world won't stop just for you. I could make it

though.

3. The line: Yeah well, naked is the best way to do it.

4. The line: I could help, but you're botching it up just fine

without me.

5. The line: Why would I want to do that? It's physically

impossible!

6. The line: If I wanted him dead, I would have sent him to the

Bronze. I just want him maimed, that's why I sent him to the park.

7. The line: I can be asponsible if I want.

8. Someone chaining themselves to another.

9. Dawn and Xander getting into someone's wrestling gear.

10. The line: It's not my fault. I only wanted to break one of

those.

11. The line: I could turn you into a rat, but it looks like you

beat me to it.

Okay, that's a bit weird, but I'd like to see it done.

Thanks

eena_angel

PART 1

There’s a saying that when it rains, it pours. That if you’re having one of those days, one bad thing can lead to another . . . and another . . . and another.

Willow was having one of those days.

Oh sure, it started out tame enough. At nine-thirty in the morning, Willow had been in a meeting with Dawn’s high school principal. Apparently, Dawn was truanting. Again. A typical teenage reaction to grief resolution, the principal said.

Whatever.

Then she came home to see a stack of bills waiting in the mailbox. Yay. Willow didn’t even know it was possible to fit so many digits on the one piece of paper. When she scanned through all the notices, she realised that there was no way she could possibly pay off the bills. Even though Willow had taken up a part-time job since Buffy’s death, her and Xander’s combined income could barely pull them through each month. There was no one else to rely on –Giles, Tara and Anya were all gone.

Giles left Sunnydale not too long after Buffy’s death. Feeling the urge to return to his homeland, he’d left with promises of keeping in touch and that he’d always be there for them. Despite the knowledge that Giles would always keep his promise, Willow couldn’t bring herself to slam down the problems and burdens she was currently facing on the man.

Anya couldn’t bear the grief of the Slayer’s death. Well, it wasn’t so much the death of the Slayer that shook her, but the reluctant acknowledgment of her own mortality that had her hightailing out of Sunnydale. Leaving Xander and the others, Anya went off, searching for new ways to ‘live her life’.

And Tara . . . shortly after Giles left, the blonde witch received news that her father was extremely ill. Whether or not she really believed it, Tara still had to go home to see how he was. When she left, she promised both Willow and Dawn that she’d be back soon.

She wasn’t.

Willow’s bad day seemed to have a hand in arranging the phone call she’d gotten from Tara that afternoon. The one where the blonde told her that she wasn’t coming back. At all.

Willow put her head in her hands and sighed. Everything was so wrong. She really missed Tara, but she was also extremely pissed off and hurt that she would just leave at a time like this. A time when everyone needed one another.

Dawn didn’t deserve this. She didn’t deserve to lose both her mother and her sister in the span of a single year. And Willow was trying. She was trying really, really hard, using up every ounce of her energy in efforts to make things easier.

But things weren’t easy. A social worker stopped by the house once a week to check up on both Willow and Dawn. The moment she found out that Xander had moved in, she’d nearly burned a hole in her notebook, scribbling furiously. The social worker somehow knew Willow was having trouble keeping up with college and work, and after seeing the contents of the refrigerator, had walked away with a ‘tsk, tsk’.

And the whole lesbian thing . . . that was just a big no-no in the eyes of the social worker. So far, Willow’s chances of gaining status of legal guardianship over Dawn were not good at all.

The doorbell then rang. Answering it, Willow opened the door to find a large blonde man waiting at the doorstep. "Can I help you?" she asked.

"Is this the residence of Dawn Summers?" the man inquired.

"Yes it is." Willow answered.

"So I’m assuming you would be Willow Rosenburg?"

"That’s right." Willow confirmed warily. Something was not right.

The man smiled in relief. "It’s a good thing I finally found the right place. I’ve never been in this town before."

"If you don’t mind me asking, who are you? You seem to know who I am, but I have no idea who you are."

"My name is Chris Jericho. Actually, the reason why I’m here is because I heard that you were applying for legal guardianship of Dawn and that you were having trouble with it."

This was just great. Some stranger even knew about these problems. Things just could not get any worse.

Willow’s eyes narrowed. "And how does this concern you? What are you, like a lawyer or something?"

"No, I’m Dawn’s uncle. I’m here to claim custody over Dawn."

Or maybe they could.

PART 2

Dawn unlocked the front door and walked into the house. "Willow?" she called out. "Are you home?"

"In the kitchen," the redhead answered.

"You will not believe what I had to draw in art class today. I swear, it bordered on –Uncle Chris!" the teenager broke off with a squeal, running to give her uncle a hug.

"Hey, kiddo." Jericho smiled fondly at the young girl. "I hope you weren’t going to say anything dirty just then."

"Who me? Of course not!"

Chris laughed and gave the teenager a good look. "Look at you. You’ve gotten so much taller. My little Dawn is all grown up."

"Obviously not grown up enough for you to stop calling me kiddo," Dawn pouted. "When are you gonna stop that?"

"How about…never?" he teased. "Come on, Dawn. You’re always going to be my little kiddo. Even when you’re fifty."

Dawn began to giggle. Suddenly she noticed that Willow wasn’t smiling. At all. In fact, she looked positively miserable. And a little angry.

"Willow?" she asked. "What’s wrong?"

Willow sighed and gave the teenager a troubled look. "Maybe you should sit down."

* * *

"Hi, honeys. I’m home." Xander called out when he walked through the door. "Hello? Honeys? Anyone?"

Walking into the living room, he came upon a blonde man sitting on the couch. "You’re not my honeys," he stated. "Who are you?"

"He’s my uncle," Dawn said, walking in. "Well half-uncle, actually."

Xander raised an eyebrow. "Half-uncle?"

"Yeah, when Dad was like twelve or something, Grandpa sort of had a kid with a woman who, um, wasn’t Grandma."

"So old Grandpa Summers was a frisky little fella, eh?"

"Ew, Xander. Don’t make it sound so gross. Anyway, Uncle Chris was raised in Canada by his mom, but he’d always visit us when we lived in L.A. and always came by whenever I’d visit Dad."

"I see. Well, since Dawn here hasn’t made any actual introductions, I’m Xander Harris."

"Chris Jericho."

The two men shook hands. "So, what brings you to Sunnydale, Chris? A little family reunion?"

Dawn and Chris exchanged uncomfortable looks. "Uh, something like that."

"So –"

"Xander, Willow wants to see you in the kitchen," Dawn interrupted quickly. "Like, real urgent."

Xander went into the kitchen to find the redhead sitting at the counter, head in her hands. "Hey Wills. What’s wrong?"

"Everything’s wrong," she answered dully. "Everything."

"Oh, come on, Will." Xander tried to cheer her up. "I’m here now, so everything’s will be okay."

She didn’t smile. He tried again. "I don’t know what’s wrong, but at least there’s a bright side to it all. That guy Chris is here. Dawn really seems to like him."

Willow let out a bitter laugh. "You think that’s the bright side?"

Xander was confused. "Isn’t it?"

The redhead looked up at Xander, her expression miserable. "He wants custody of Dawn."

"As in, while he’s in Sunnydale, right?"

"No." Willow said flatly. "As in forever. He’s doing this on behalf of his brother –Dawn’s father."

"You can’t be serious." Xander couldn’t believe it.

"Do I look like I’m joking?" Willow had tears in her eyes. "We can’t win. If he takes this to court, we can’t win. No way can we afford a lawyer –we can barely afford to pay the bills. Xander, we’re going to lose Dawn."

"No." Xander said, jaw clenching. "We’re not losing anyone."

Storming into the living room, he glared angrily at the blonde man. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Look –"

"You think I’m going to let the bastard son of some two-bit fling take Dawn away? You think you can just turn up here and do that?"

"Look," Chris tried to reason. "I’m just doing what Hank asked me to do. I’m sorry it has to be like this, but –"

"Get out."

All eyes turned to Willow, who had quietly entered the room. Her hands were clenched into tight fists, eyes shining with tears of anger.

"Willow –" Dawn began.

"Dawn, don’t –just, please be quiet." Willow turned back to look at Jericho. "I want you out of this house. Now."

Without answering, Jericho turned and walked to the front door. "Uncle Chris –" Dawn started.

"No, Dawn. It’s okay. I’ll see you soon, I promise." He then gave Willow a apologetic look. "I’m sorry I had to do this."

Once he left, Dawn broke down in tears. As Xander went to comfort her, he looked over at Willow, who was still standing in the same spot, fists by her side.

This was not going to end well.

PART 3

~Authors note~ I live in Australia, so I’m basing the Family Court system on the Australian legal system (though I’m making a few modifications to it to fit with the story). Just thought I’d mention this in case it seemed like it’s going a bit weird. Anyway, enough of this crap, on with the story!

Willow was nervous. She clasped her hands together and found that her palms were sweaty. Beside her, Xander noticed her agitation and tried to calm her down.

"Willow, it’s okay," he soothed her. "Breathe. Just remember to breathe. It’ll be okay."

Easy for him to say. He wasn’t the one trying not to hyperventilate.

They were in the Family Court, waiting outside a Judge’s office for a summary meeting to begin. A week had passed since Chris Jericho’s arrival, and Willow was falling to pieces. She hadn’t attended any of her classes, instead taking on extra shifts at work to pay off the bills.

But she couldn’t escape this.

And it was all because of one man. Well, technically two men, but it was easier to blame it on the one she could physically see. Now, it wasn’t that Willow hated Chris Jericho. He was, after all, only doing what his stupid half-brother was telling him to do. And Willow could tell he didn’t like what he had to do; he truly cared about Dawn and her welfare. And she respected the fact that he was just trying to help out his brother.

But that didn’t mean she had to like him.

Looking up, she saw the appointed Judge walking down the hallway, flanked by an unknown woman and Chris Jericho.

"Ms. Rosenburg, Mr. Harris." Judge Greg Fuller greeted the two. "My apologies for keeping you waiting. Let’s head into my office, now shall we?"

Once all parties were seated in Judge Fuller’s office, introductions were made. "Ms. Rosenburg, this here is Amanda Peters," he said, indicating to the other woman. "Ms. Peters is a counsellor. I requested her assistance for this case."

Willow was confused. "A counsellor?" she turned to Chris. "You didn’t mention anything about a counsellor."

"I discussed it with Judge Fuller a few days ago," he said quietly. "I thought it would make it easier."

"Oh really?" Willow answered. "Easier for who? What, you do this so you won’t have to feel guilty about taking Dawn away from us? Because I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but I can’t afford to pay for a counsellor. You might be able to, but I can’t. So Ms. Peters, thank you for your help, but I’m sorry to waste –"

"I’m paying."

"What?"

"I’m paying," Chris repeated. "The charges for the services of Ms. Peters are sent to me. You don’t have to pay for it."

Willow was silent. She felt a little bad for snapping at the man. Just a little.

Judge Fuller cleared his throat. "Perhaps I should explain a few things here. The purpose of a counsellor in situations like this is to negotiate differences and settlement between parties –to act as a mediator, in a sense. With custody settlements, we usually prefer to enforce the role of a counsellor before imposing the ruling of a judge." The Judge gave Willow a comforting smile. "I know you would like to get this over with, and that this all may seem all too time consuming, but for Dawn’s sake, it’s probably the best way for now."

Willow remained silent. "Okay," Xander spoke up. "So what happens, then?"

"I just need to get information of all of you so we can find a common ground to work off," Ms. Peters answered. "Then we’ll try and negotiate an agreement about Dawn."

She noticed that Willow still looked nervous. Giving the redhead a kind smile, she tried to comfort her. "I’m not your enemy, Ms. Rosenburg. Nor are you and Mr. Jericho foes. We’re just trying to look out for the well being of Dawn. It is in her best interest that we work towards."

The counsellor shuffled through some papers. "It’s stated here that you’re both applying for full custody. Is there any way either one of you would consider joint custody?"

"No," Jericho answered quickly, surprising all people in the room. "I was told explicitly to claim for full custody and no less."

"Told?"

"By my half-brother, Hank. He’s Dawn’s father."

"So Dawn’s father will be taking care of her?"

"Uh, no. Hank asked me to apply on behalf of him, but with me as the legal guardian. So Dawn will be staying with me."

Ms. Peters and Judge Fuller exchanged glances. "If your bother wants custody, why wouldn’t he want the legal status?" the Judge asked.

"Dawn and I have always had a stronger connection," Jericho explained. "Hank thought she might prefer to live with me instead."

"Shouldn’t that be for Dawn to decide?" Willow asked angrily. "This is her future were talking about. Shouldn’t she get to decide who she wants to live with? How –"

"Willow," Xander said softly. She was seething. How dare this man do this!

"I’m sorry, Willow," Chris said. "If it were up to me, I would apply for joint custody. But it’s not, so –"

"So what? You’re just going to let your brother yank you around on a chain and just take Dawn away form us?"

"Look, I’m not –"

"If you two are quite finished," Judge Fuller scolded firmly, "we really need to get back on track here. Now this is a rather . . . unusual situation now, and we really must analyse the situation carefully."

Willow and Chris both mumbled apologies. The counsellor waited for the Judge’s affirmative nod before she continued. "Mr. Jericho, what is your occupation?"

"I’m a professional wrestler."

"Are you able to support Dawn financially?"

"More than able." Chris affirmed.

"Will your career interfere with Dawn’s upbringing?" Ms. Peters questioned.

"I don’t know," he answered truthfully. "I travel a lot, but I plan on taking Dawn with me."

"What about Dawn’s education? How will you manage that?"

"Private tutors, I suppose. I don’t want to ignore her education."

"I see." Ms. Peters then turned to Willow and Xander. "And how is the structure of your current lives?"

Willow shifted in her seat. "I’m a college student at UC Sunnydale and I work part time. Xander works in construction."

"And what of your financial situation?"

The redhead bit her lip. "We’re handling it," she mumbled.

The counsellor sorted through more papers. "The social worker that visits you every week made a few notes. She said that you’ve been having trouble keeping up with your classes."

"That’s just because there’s been a lot of bills coming in lately and Xander and I have both had to work more," Willow said defensively. "College comes in second to Dawn."

"May I ask what your relationship to Dawn is, exactly?" Judge Fuller asked. He’d been observing quietly, taking several notes.

"Willow and I are –were best friends with her sister, Buffy," Xander answered. "We also helped look after her after their mom passed away."

The counsellor looked at the two friends sympathetically. "You’re both rather young to be taking on this sort of responsibility."

"We love Dawn," Willow said simply. "And there’s nothing we wouldn’t do for her."

"I see," Ms. Peters said again.

The meeting continued in a similar fashion for about another hour. Questions on the social, professional and private lives of all parties were asked. Unfortunately, Willow’s relationship with Tara was one the counsellor seemed to focus on. She was scared to look at the Judge, for fear of a disapproving expression to be found on his face.

Finally, after exchanging another one of many looks with Judge Fuller, the Judge and the counsellor both stood up. "We’re just going to discuss a few things about this case outside. We’ll be back shortly."

After they left, there was complete silence in the room. Tension was thick, as Jericho looked over and noticed that Willow was clutching Xander’s hand so tightly, her knuckles were white. Whether it was from anxiety or anger, he couldn’t tell.

He didn’t want to do this. He could have killed Hank for doing this to Dawn. When Hank first approached him about the issue, Chris though he would be doing the right thing. Now he wasn’t so sure. He hated himself for tearing these three apart.

So why didn’t he stop it?

Soon after, the counsellor and the Judge returned. As the Judge took his seat, he gave the two parties a serious look. "There is obviously quite a bit more depth that needs to be explored in following through with this case. But I think you will all agree that now is too soon to charge into things."

He sighed wearily. "We really did hope you would consider joint custody. Where you are aware of this or not, Mr. Jericho, your brother has so say in whether or not you can apply for it or not. Unless he plans on claiming legal guardianship for himself, he cannot stop you if you decide not to take full custody. The choice is entirely yours, young man. Consider it carefully."

He gave the Canadian a moment to consider the information before he continued. "This is not a simple situation. The basic needs of Dawn must be met on all levels. You are a professional wrestler, Mr. Jericho, which you mentioned requires frequent travelling. If Dawn is to stay with you, she may be denied the simplicity and consistency needed for a stable teenage life. On the other hand, Ms. Rosenburg and Mr. Harris have already encountered difficulties in managing their own lives, that the charge of Dawn may prevent them from maintaining stability."

Willow, Xander and Chris were silent as the counsellor spoke up. "I’ll be speaking to Dawn tomorrow. We’d like you to consider the option of joint custody before we take this case any further. I’d like to arrange another meeting this time next week to see if we can reach an agreement."

"What happens if we can’t reach an agreement?" Xander asked.

Ms. Peters gave him a serious look. "Then we go to court."

PART 4

Willow swore as she walked up the pathway to her front door, remembering that she left her keys on the kitchen counter. Hoping that Dawn was home, she knocked on the door. She was not in the mood to sit on the front steps and wait for someone to come home.

No answer. Willow knocked again. "Dawn," she called out. "It’s Willow. I forgot my keys, open up!"

A few seconds later, the door was opened by Chris Jericho. Willow could barely keep the surprise off her face. "What are you doing here? Where’s Dawn?"

"Dawn’s getting ready," Chris explained. "I picked her up after school for the thing tonight."

"What thi- oh. Right, you guys were going to go see a movie. Well, have fun and all. I’ll see you later." Wearily, Willow headed in the direction of the kitchen.

"Did you just have class?" Chris asked. He’d followed her into the kitchen.

"Uh, yeah. Why?"

"You have a pen stuck behind your ear." Reaching behind her ear, he took the biro out and placed it on the countertop.

"Oh. Thanks, I didn’t even know it was there." She sat down on a stool.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I guess. I’m just tired." Sighing, Willow played with the pen, twirling it around her fingers. "Haven’t been to class in a while and I just found out how much work I have to catch up on. It’s been rough and I just realised you are so not the person I should be talking to bout this."

She broke off with a little laugh. "Do you see how out of it I am? I’m talking to the enemy about my problems."

"I’m not your enemy, Willow," Jericho told her softly. "I want you to know that. And I’m not going to say anything to the counsellor or the judge, if that’s what you’re worried about."

There was a pause. "You know, I can tell you’re not a bad person. You might even be nice," Willow finally said. "Which is why I don’t get it. Why are you doing this? Why are you taking Dawn away from us?"

Jericho was silent. He honestly did not have an answer for that. Why *was* he doing this? For Hank? For himself? There really was no answer.

Willow mistook his silence as unwillingness to talk. "Fine. Say nothing, then. Maybe it’s better that way."

Chris opened his mouth to speak, but Willow cut him off. "Don’t, let me just –I want to say something. I’m only going to say this once, and once only. Even though I really shouldn’t be saying this, I’m gonna say to hell with it and say it all anyway." Jericho’s lips twitched at her small ramble.

"I don’t think I’m going to win. All intents and purposes aside, there’s no way Xander and I are going to be seen as fit guardians of Dawn, especially not compared to you. So I want you to promise me one thing."

Jericho hadn’t expected this. "What’s that?"

"That you’re not going to let that son of a bitch brother of yours near Dawn. I don’t care if he’s her father or not, none of this would be happening if that bastard hadn’t decided to start caring for her now. He should have been by her side from the minute Joyce died, and now he’s ruining our lives. So I want you to promise me that. Don’t let him near her."

Her face was deadset serious. She truly despised Hank, for reasons Jericho could easily understand. "I promise," he vowed. His heart nearly broke at the small smile she gave him. It was one filled with sadness, as though from a person who had lost all hope.

"Hi, Willow!" Dawn chirped as she entered the room, breaking the intensity of the moment. "When did you get home?"

"About ten minutes ago," the redhead answered, smiling as she hugged the younger girl. "Did you have a good day at school?"

The teenager pulled a face. "It was sooo boring. All my teachers are like, geriatric. Some of them can barely move."

"Dawn!" Jericho chided.

"Well, it’s true! Oh, and Will, you remember at that PTA meeting when you helped my history teacher fix his computer? Yesterday, he like, totally kept asking about you. ‘How’s that Willow friend of yours?’ he was going, ‘Such a lovely young woman!’" Dawn giggled and grinned cheekily at Willow. "Xander said he thinks you might have hardened his drive just a little too much, if you know what I mean."

Jericho chuckled as Willow’s face turned an interesting shade of red. "Dawn!" he said again. "Who taught you this kind of stuff?"

"Xander did," she replied innocently. "He told me the funniest joke yesterday. There’s this frog and he –"

"Uh, Dawn?" Willow interrupted, having finally recovered. "Maybe you guys should get going if your want to make it to your movie on time."

"Ah, don’t worry about it, Will. Movie doesn’t start till nine anyway. Uncle Chris is going to take me out shopping until it starts." Her eyes lit up suddenly. "You should come with us! We can have, like, a girl’s day and Uncle Chris can pay for everything!"

Jericho saw the look of panic that flashed over Willow’s features and bit back a grin. "Not that I wouldn’t love to have the two of you destroy my credit card, kiddo, but I think Willow’s tired. She did have class and all."

"Chris is right. I’m really tired and I have a lot of work to catch up on," Willow said, grateful for the save. "Sorry, Dawnie. Next time, kay? Home by eleven."

"Eleven?" Dawn pouted. "But it’s Friday night. I don’t have school tomorrow, and it’s not like somebody’s going to kidnap me if I’m not home early."

Willow paled at the thought. "Ten-thirty."

"Wha –no, Will, I was just kidding! I swear, I’ll be safe and all, and Uncle Chris’ll be with me at all times." Dawn made a puppy dog face. "Please?"

Willow gave in. "Alright." She smiled as the younger girl squealed with delight. "Eleven-thirty."

She laughed as Dawn rushed over to give her a big hug. "Okay now," she said. "Scram. Go have some fun."

She looked at Jericho. "Look after her," she said.

Jericho picked up on the double meaning. "I will," he promised her.

As Willow closed the door, she picked up on Dawn’s question to her uncle.

"So what were you guys talking about before?"

* * *

Jericho grinned at the teenager chattering away in front of him. After the move, he’d taken her out to an ice cream parlour, where he watched with amusement as she attempted to finish off a jumbo sized chocolate sundae.

"It’s really cool that you bought me all this stuff, Uncle Chris," she said. "You really didn’t have to spend so much."

"Not a problem, kiddo," he replied. "Guess I’m trying to make up for all those months of not being there for you when you needed me."

"It’s not your fault," Dawn assured him. "You had a lot of things to do. And you didn’t have to make up for anything – I know you wanted to be here, but there were things that kept you away. It happens."

Jericho gave her a rueful look. "Maybe. I just wish I was there for Buffy. . ." his voice trailed off, as Dawn looked into her sundae.

"I know," she said softly. "But you’re here now . . .right?"

"Absolutely."

She wasn’t entirely convinced. "But . . .don’t you have to go back to work soon?"

Damn. She knew about that. "Well. . .just for a little while. I just have to make an appearance every now and then. Maybe some matches here and there, but nothing full on. I was even thinking about taking you to a few shows."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked excitedly. "Like, seriously? That’ll be so cool! Can I go backstage and meet the other wrestlers? Maybe Xander and Willow can come too!"

"Uh –"

"’Cause then that’ll be really fun. Don’t you think?"

"Yeah –"

"You think The Rock might be there? I think he’s awesome."

"Prob–"

"I think Willow’s really pretty. Do you think she’s pretty?"

"I –what –huh?"

"And she’s like, the nicest person in the world. A totally cool person."

Chris narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What are you trying to do?"

She looked back at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Nothing."

"Dawn," he said firmly. "Say it straight or I’m eating the rest of that sundae."

She instinctively reached out and snatched the sundae away from him. "I’m not trying to do anything," she insisted. "I just thought that if you and Willow could get along, then we won’t have to go through this whole messy custody thing."

He looked at her sadly. "On, Dawn," he sighed. "Is this something the counsellor said? The joint custody deal?"

She nodded. "She kept asking who I wanted to live with. Truth is, I really don’t know,’ she confessed sadly. "I don’t want to choose, Uncle Chris. It’s too hard."

His heart went out to the young girl. "I’m so sorry Dawn," he said softly. "I don’t know what I can do to make it any easier for you."

"That’s what Willow and Xander say, too," she said glumly. "I think Willow’s been crying a lot lately."

Damn it. Now he felt really guilty.

"But I guess there’s nothing we can do, huh?" she continued. "Maybe just give it time and it’ll work out."

Jericho was surprised. She obviously didn’t know that it was up to him whether or not joint custody would be in effect. Either that, or she was hiding it extremely well. Pretending to check the time, he tried to edge away from the topic. "I think it’s time I get you home, hey kiddo?"

"Yeah." Walking back to the Canadian’s car, she linked her arm through his, a devilish glint in her eye.

"So do you think she’s pretty or not?"

"Huh?"

"Willow." Dawn reminded him impatiently. "What do you think?"

Jericho chuckled at the teenagers attempt to end the feud. "Yes, I think she’s very pretty. She’s also ten years younger than me and hates my guts, so don’t even try to set us up."

"She doesn’t hate you. She just . . . doesn’t like you . . ."

"Uh-huh."

"But you know, maybe she’d not like you less if I told her that you think she’s pre –"

"Don’t even think about it."

PART 5

"Good god, Dawn!" Willow exclaimed. "Is there anything left that you *haven’t* bought?"

The teenager giggled and looked over the pile of bags from her shopping trip with her uncle. "I know. It’s awesome, isn’t it? You really should have come with us, Will." Her eyes lit up. "I’m going to go try the clothes on again!"

With a squeal, Dawn bounded up the stairs, bags in hand. Shaking her head, Willow raised an eyebrow at Jericho. "You spoil her," she accused him.

He shrugged. "I couldn’t say no to her. But don’t worry, I did have limits."

"Oh?"

"I wouldn’t let her buy a car," he replied seriously.

"And why’s that?" she asked dryly. "Ran out of credit?

He mumbled something, but didn’t actually reply.

Willow laughed. "Did she have fun?"

He nodded sincerely. "I think she did. Either that, or she just likes to spend all my money."

She gave him a small smile. "I’m glad."

"About Dawn spending all my money? Gee, thanks."

"Wha- no, you know what I mean. It’s been so hard on her, it’s good to see her have some fun."

A sad silence hung in the air, so Jericho tried to change the subject. "So how goes the studying?"

She snorted. "It’s not going anywhere. I’m seriously about to start book burning soon."

"Hard?"

"Boring." She made a face.

"Ahh."

She noticed he was holding something. "What you got there?" she asked, indicating to his hands.

"This?" He held up the object. It was some kind of figurine. "It’s some kind of toy or something. Came with the popcorn at the movies."

She gave him an amused look. "So you kept it instead of Dawn?"

"She didn’t want it," he insisted. "She said it looked weird."

"Uh huh." Not believing him, Willow held out her hand. "Can I see it?"

When he handed the figurine to her, she rolled it around on her palm. It was a little mouse wearing glasses, holding a reading book in its paws. "It’s cute," she said.

"You think so?"

"Yeah, " she smiled as she held up the toy. "I like its little book."

"You should keep it."

She looked up at him. "What? No, I didn’t mean it like I wanted it –"

"I know, " he said. "I just thought you might like it more."

She bit her lip. As much as she didn’t want to accept anything from the man, she really did like the mouse. "Sure you don’t want it?"

He shrugged. "It’s just a toy. Besides, I can’t go to work with it; my wrestling buddies’ll give me hell for it."

"Big macho image to protect?"

"Damn right."

She let out a low chuckle. Looking at the figurine again, she tilted her head to the side. "Thank you."

She rolled it around her palm again. "You know, even though we’re getting along now, it doesn’t mean that I like you any more than I did before." Her face was even, tone blunt. "No matter what, you and I are still on opposite sides of the fence."

"I know," Jericho answered softly. He looked at her as she fidgeted with the toy. It honestly seemed like she wanted to play with it. Looking at her face carefully, he noticed something. Her face was so young, but her eyes were so old. She was tired, he could tell. And he wasn’t helping.

"Where’s Xander?" he asked, breaking the ever present silence.

"Sleeping," the redhead replied. "He had a rough day at work and just fell asleep after he got home."

"Oh." Jericho looked at his watch. "Well, it’s late, so I should probably head back to the hotel.

He looked towards the stairs. "Bye, Dawn!" he called out.

"Bye, Uncle Chris!" came the muffled response from upstairs. "See you later!"

Willow walked the Canadian to the door. "Thank you for the toy," she said, one hand on the door.

He turned back to look at her. Standing under the porch light, she looked so young and sad. The tiny glimmer of a smile on her face was the only indication of anything positive left in her. "You’re welcome, Willow. Goodnight."

She didn’t move or say anything. She just looked at him, an unreadable expression on her face. "Goodnight, Chris," she answered softly.

Then she shut the door.

* * *

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN, YOU’RE RECONSIDERING?!"

The angry outburst was heard loud and clear over the other end of the phone. Jericho winced as he pulled the receiver away from his ear. "Just that. I’m reconsidering –I want to do joint custody."

"This isn’t some pet dog you’re claiming ownership to!" Hank roared at him. "This is my daughter! I want full custody!"

"Exactly, Hank," Jericho shot back. "*Your* daughter. You should be here doing this yourself. Dawn needs you, but you’re off busy fucking some tramp of the week."

"Shut your mouth, little brother," Hank growled. "Just be useful and do something right for a change."

Jericho stiffened. "Oh, don’t worry, big brother. I will. In fact, I’m going to go and do the first ‘right’ thing I’ve done since coming to this town."

He paused before hanging up the phone.

"Kiss my ass, Hank."

* * *

Hank swore as Jericho hung up on him. Slamming the phone down, he cursed his younger half-brother.

He shook his head. Stupid good-for-nothing Chris. And to hell with that redheaded bitch and that friend of hers. One way or another, he was getting Dawn.

Even if it meant going to Sunnydale.