This is my first WTB story, so constructive criticism is very welcome! The story goes completely AU in season two when Michael marries Heather. In this story, they don't change their mind. Instead, they decide to go for full custody of Jonathan.

Finally, Angela felt Jonathan sag against her. She waited a moment longer, just to check his breathing. As soon as she was convinced that her son was asleep, she gently untangled herself from him. In the huge bed the boy looked even smaller. Her heart grew heavy. People had often told her not to keep her grip on him so tight. They had whispered how he needed a father figure in his life. She had always known that one day she would have to let go of him. The day had come much sooner than expected.

Angela's eyes adjusted slowly to the light outside the bedroom. Tony was putting away clothes and other things; a housekeeper through and through. Just to distract herself, Angela decided to help him. But as soon as she picked up some toy she didn't remember ever seeing before, there was a knock at the door. She and Tony exchanged a look; they both knew who it was. Her friend and housekeeper went to open it.

"Michael…" Tony tried not to let his true emotions about the man into his voice. Michael was kind enough to ignore it; then again he had always ignored other people's feelings. Angela crossed her arms over her chest. This wouldn't be easy.

"Angela, we need to talk." He cut right to it. And right through Angela's heart. She thought of the boy in the other room, who looked so small. Soon it wouldn't be her job anymore to look after him. It would be Heather's job. She tried to concentrate on her son's happiness out here, in the sun.

Michael stared at Tony, obviously trying to make him leave the room. Angela didn't find the words to tell him herself. This didn't concern him, did it? A small voice deep down told her that it did. He was more Jonathan's father than Michael had been in recent years. But that was about to change. She couldn't tell him to leave, even if he didn't have a say in what was going to happen to her son. Hers and Michael's.

"This is between me and Angela." Michael finally spelled it out. Tony glanced at her, suddenly uncertain. He was holding one of Jonathan's t-shirts. He was more clinging to it. But she couldn't deal with it and his presence always made her stronger. For once she didn't need that, didn't want it. She didn't trust her voice, so she just raised her eyebrows hoping he would get the message. He did. He mumbled something and disappeared into one of the rooms. Angela was sure he would eavesdrop on them anyway.

"About Jonathan…"

"I know. I was selfish. Jonathan loves you Michael and he really…likes Heather," Angela interrupted him, "his happiness is what matters most. And he wants to be with you." She trailed off. Did she really have to spell it out for him? She wasn't sure she could.

"You're telling me that you're alright with shared custody?" With difficulty, Angela nodded. To her surprise, Michael didn't look happy or relieved. He seemed confused.

"That's not what I want."

"You don't?" Angela felt hopeful; Heather probably wanted her own children and Michael had never cared that much. He loved his son, but he didn't know how to be really there for him. Or anyone. And Jonathan throwing up on Heather could turn out a blessing in disguise. The boy had clearly turned the wedding into a memorable day.

"No. What happened today… I think it's obvious that Jonathan needs something else. He needs a father and a mother and he needs them both fulltime."

"What are you saying, Michael?"

"I want full custody of Jonathan. Heather and I are a family and this is what Jonathan needs. You and your housekeeper and your mother… it's not working. I don't want my son to grow up like this."

"Jonathan has a family. Tony is like a father to him."

"But I am his father and it's about time the boy turns into a man. We've tried it your way and it's not working. We're going for full custody and my lawyer thinks I have a great chance of getting it." Michael had the audacity to grin. He had never wanted her to work; he'd always be the kind of man who thought women should stay home and take care of their husbands and children. And Angela could never be that person. She'd tried. Heather, she presumed, didn't even need to try. It came naturally to her.

"How can you do this to your son?"

"I'm doing what's best for him, Angela. He'll have a father, a mother who stays at home and I'm sure he might… have a brother or sister soon." Michael now tried to suppress his grin, but failed. To Angela it felt like another blow. Why did Michael always end up with everything and she was left with a mess?

"You can't do this. No judge is going to give you full custody of our son."

"Oh, don't be so sure. You live with a man you're not married to and you're a workaholic. I think I have excellent chances." Angela couldn't believe it; could Michael really stoop this low? Could he do this to his son? Of course he could. Because it meant he was winning. He wanted to win. And Jonathan was the price. Angela felt sick and angry, but no words came out of her mouth. Her hands opened and closed, grasping at empty air.

"Think about this Michael. Think about what you're doing to Jonathan. Please."

"I already have. I came here to give you these," he handed her a couple of papers. Official papers. "You'll hear from my lawyer soon. I'm sorry, Angela. I just want what's best for him." He almost sounded sincere. Maybe he truly believed what he was saying. And finally he left. Angela was clutching the papers as Tony re-entered.

"What did he want?" When Angela didn't answer, Tony took the papers from her.

"Full custody!" He yelled. "Who does he think he is!"

"His father." Angela whispered.

"He can't do that. We' re gonna fight this, Angela. You hear me? We're gonna fight this."

All she heard was his use of "we". And that's when she let the tears flow. There was no "we" when it came to Tony and her… was there?

tbc