Title: C: Courtroom
Summary: The school system had notified the state that one Charles Irving Bartowski, age 13 has no current legal guardian. Ellie refuses to let the state take him.

Ellie stood in front of the bathroom mirror checking over her make up one last time. Today was an important day, and she wanted to look perfect. Mr. Markson, her best friend's father who was a lawyer gave her strict instructions on how to dress and look. She was to look grown up and respectable yet still have the appearance of youth. It was a delicate battle she had to display. Being young and looking mature enough to raise a teenager. But she was confident she could pull it off.

When she had gotten notice from Child Protection Services regarding Chuck she had been shocked, horrified, though she knew logically she should have expected it to happen. She immediately called her best friend Carol in tears over it, not quite sure what to do. She didn't want to lose Chuck. He was all she had left of her family and she was concerned on how he would take it.

That evening after Chuck had done his homework and gone to bed, Carol had come over with her father to her surprise. She went about nervously making coffee for them as they sat at the dining room table.

"I must say Ellie it's not a surprise. I've known somehow for a while that you would end up having to take care of Chuck. You've done it since your mother left, and probably before that." He had told her as he stirred some sugar into his coffee. Ellie was surprised to hear someone say they were expecting this situation but she didn't say a word back.

"The years you've cared for him will be good in your favor. We'll need to get some recommendations from neighbors or other adults who have been aware of your situation, showing that you are in fact a responsible adult. We'll present that to the judge and CPS…"

"I'm sorry Mr. Markson, I, I'm not sure how to say this but I don't think I can afford a lawyer. I mean we have some money to keep us going but…"

"Don't worry about that Ellie. I'm taking the case. I've watched you grow up with my daughter. I know you are a bright responsible girl. And I know your brother is important to you, and I commend you on taking responsibility for him even though it's not your place."

Hearing that had cheered her up some. She felt confident after discussing the case and procedures that everything would work out fine and he went right away to work on it. Telling Chuck had been the hard part. As predicted he freaked out and ended up hiding under the bed for the remainder of the weekend, and only her telling him that skipping school to hide would not reflect well on her parenting skills brought him out.

The stress of the case that dragged out for two months while CPS gathered their information and dragged their feet had affected Chuck the most. He had lost a severe amount of weight, which combined with the growth spurt he just had made him look practically emaciated, as well as patches of his hair thinning out. Luckily for them Mr. Markson was able to get enough recommendations from others, the most glowing one from coming Mrs. Grimes who lived down the street from them and was able to allow Chuck to stay in her custody until the final hearing. Ellie had decided to deal with what happens after that, and focus her energy on the case.

A car horn outside broke her thoughts as she took one last glance in the mirror. She ran her hand over her dress to smooth out any wrinkles before finally leaving with a deep breath.

"Ready to go Chuck?" She said to him as she passed the living room. He heart clinched tightly at the sight of him sitting rigidly straight in the lounge chair, his hands clasped tightly together in his lap as he stared forward. She was concerned with how pale he was but she was glad he looked neat and clean in his suit.

"What will happen?" He said softly as she reached out for his hand to help him up. She furrowed her brow wondering what he meant.

"Chuck, we've gone over the proceedings many times. You know what's going to happen." She said leading him out the door.

"No I mean if you lose. What will happen to me?" She closed the door and locked it once they were outside. She took that moment to hide her features that she knew she couldn't hide for a moment. It had been her fear as well, that they would lose but she chose to stay positive.

Finally she turned around and waived at Mr. Markson and her friend to give her a moment. She looked directly into Chuck's eyes, a feat now easily done since his growth spurt and placed her hands on his arms tightly. She wanted him to have no doubt in her words.

"Whatever happens Chuck I don't want you to worry. If we lose this, you will become a ward of the state and placed in a home or foster care or something. But what I want you to know, right now, is that no matter what. You will not lose me. I will always be there for you and with you. I will follow wherever they place you and we will be together. Do you understand me?"

With that she wrapped her arms tightly around him and squeezed him as tight as she could. She felt him wrap his own lanky arms around her body and bury his face into her shoulder.

"Ms. Bartowski, we understand what you are doing and we commend you for it but the fact of the matter is your brother is a teenager, and you are t0o." Judge Andrews stated looking through the paperwork in front of him.

They sat at a conference table with him at the head. She sat straight in her chair straight up against the back of the chair next to Mr. Markson with Chuck to the left of her staring down at the table to avoid eye contact with anyone. The workers from CPS sat across from them quickly building their case to the judge on why Chuck should be taken into their care. Ellie tried hard not to show how dishearten she was starting to feel.

"Ms. Bartowski may be young your Honor but she has proven to be responsible for Chuck for many years as well as keep up with her school work and take care of the domestic chores needed while her father was working." Mr. Markson quickly countered.

"Yes I do see that. Glowing reports from teachers. Kept a 4.0 average I see. Accepted to many top schools." He put the papers down and looked pointedly at Ellie. "It's all well and good but now you are in college young lady. School is more demanding. Life is more demanding. Do you think you're ready to handle taking on a 13 year old little brother as well? It's not just your life it's his. He has needs and a life that needs attending too as well."

"I understand that your Honor." Ellie started.

"It is very hard. And we understand that. We have places for Charles that would keep him nearby while you go to school and focus on your studies." One of the social workers said to her. She tried hard not to show the anger she was feeling that they presumed they would already win.

"Thank you but I prefer Chuck be with me." She said firmly. The social workers looked to each other before glancing at the Judge for a moment gaging his reaction.

"Well it's not really what you prefer that's the point dear, it's what's best for Charles. And to be honest what's best is for him to be placed in a home where there are adults to care for him." One said. She gave a slight glare.

"What's best for Chuck is to remain with his sister, his only remaining family. To keep him with his known surroundings." Mr. Markson Said.

"His sister is in no position to fully care for the boy. Even if she cut out some classes, there is so much to consider. And she is so young. You have a daughter her age; surely you can see what it's like for a young woman her age. Without being strapped down with Charles she could move on in her life and live it."

"Live it?" Ellie said confused.

"You've taken care of your family for years, it's well documented her. You're parents abandonment has forced you into an adult role at an early age which is very tragic but now you are a young adult and you should be living your life. Let the adults take care of Charles, Ellie. It's what's best for both of you. "

Ellie took a deep calming breath and looked over at Chuck. She couldn't see his eyes with his face staring down at the table but she saw his hands clenched tightly in each other on top and she could tell he was shaking. She could understand their point but it's not for them. They are fine. She just had to convince the judge that. Taking one more breath she prepared to present her argument. What she's been thinking and prepping for exactly this moment.

"Thank you for your concerns but other than the fact I'm young is there any other issues that are of any concern?" She inquired. They all looked at her questioningly. The judge cleared his throat and sat up more looking at her.

"How do you mean Ms. Bartowski?" He asked her.

"Well, as you've pointed out I've practically raised him. Other than our ages is there any other concerns that would warrant him being placed to the state? Aside from right now due to the stress he's healthy. He's a straight A student except for P.E. He does his homework, he helps in the house, and he has never been arrested or caused any trouble with the law. As far as I know he's never done drugs or alcohol. Aside from being abandoned by his parents he seems to be happy and healthy. "She concluded.

Instead of looking around the table for the others reactions Ellie just placed her hand on Chuck's back and smiled down at him. She could see a tear fall down the side of his cheek and she wanted to wipe it away but resisted. He was fine. She knew he was. And she knew he would continue to be fine if they just leave him where he was.

"Well said Ellie." Mr. Markson whispered to her. She gave him a bright smile, finally looking up.

"Well he looks far from well right now." The social worker pointed out. Ellie was about to say something but Mr. Markson stopped her.

"Yes, your Honor we are aware that right now he's looking rather, unwell. Most of it is normal growing up, but a lot of it is just stress from this whole ordeal. The possibility of losing his sister and being displaced has caused a lot of fear and stress on young Chuck here. Once this is all over he'll be fine." He said confidently. The room was silent for a few moments.

"And what say you Mr. Bartowski. This is your future that is being debated. What are your feelings on this?" The Judge inquired directly at Chuck.

He startled for a moment and struggled to look up, finally giving everyone a full view of his red swollen eyes and his pale gaunt face. He thought for a moment before answering in a quite husky voice.

"I want to stay with my sister. She's the only parent I have left, she's always been there for me, and she's never left me. "With that he looked back down at the table, allowing his hair to fall in front of his face hiding it from view.

The judge nodded his head at what he heard and started stacking the papers up.

"Is there anything else that needs to be presented?" He inquired. "Alright. I've reached my decision then."

"Already? You sure you don't want to deliberate sir?" The social worker said confused. Judge Andrews just gave them a hard look for questioning him.

"Yes I'm sure. Everyone here has presented a good case. Ms. Bartowski, you are a remarkable young lady if I may say. Going to school, taking care of your family. It must have been very difficult growing up for you. The neglect you two suffered I'm sure will affect you the rest of your lives but at least you have each other. You two have developed a strong bond and I'd hate to break it. Therefore I'm awarding full custody of Charles Irving Bartowski to his sister Eleanor Faye Bartowski until such a time as either parental figures return or he turns 18."

It took all of Ellies will power not to jump up from her seat and kiss the judge right on the lips and never let go. She couldn't believe she actually won this case.

"Thank you, so much your honor." Mr. Markson said a giant smile on his face. Judge Andrews raised his hand in silence.

"I am awarding custody but I am concerned. Therefore I am requiring mandatory therapy for the both of you as well as regular home visits every two months. "With that the judge offered one final smile before standing up. Everyone stood with him as he gathered his papers and left the room.

"Oh my god! Thank you Mr. Markson!" Ellis shouted and wrapped her arms around him tightly. He choked a bit at the force but just returned it. She soon let go and then reached for Chuck who embraced her just as hard, tears running down both their cheeks.

"It will be ok Chuck. We have each other." She whispered into his hair.

That night a huge party was to be had with everyone and anyone they knew. It was a celebration of not only Chuck staying where he was with his sister, but a victory that together they could do anything.

The End

A/N: Wow, Sorry, was busy with work and writing my book. I was motivated because i was reading a fic that was unfinished. One thing that pisses me off is unfinished fanfic. It's like...why must you write such a good story and not finish it? WHY WHY WHY! *sobs*

Speaking of unfinished fics I want to re-read one but i cant find it. It's where Chuck is secretly like a serial killer or something. Any ideas? Peace!

MissMonk