AU: OMG, I'm blushing. That was an amazing result. I swear I had like thirty notices by morning. I'm so honored. I love AR committee. But… I only had eight reviews and I know there are a heck of a lot more of you reading this.

So…

PLEASE REVIEW

I really want at least fifty reviews.

Anyway…

At five-thirty on a Wednesday night, Ian Rider finally stepped outside his office to make dinner and check on his nephew. Alex hadn't made any noise since he had gotten home from school, something that was strange for him. Ian was thinking about making a nice chicken dinner for Alex and him. Nodding his head at this idea, he walked downstairs and peeked his head into the living room.

"Alex?" He asked, seeing his nephew's laying on the floor, reading his English book.

A small sniffle. "Yeah?" Came a small, cracked, voice.

"Alex, what's wrong?" Ian asked, panicking. He hated when Alex cried, which was very near never. It not only tugged at his heartstrings, but it made him want to punch whoever made his nephew sad.

"Nothing." Alex sniffled.

Ian sighed and walked into the living room. He sat down next to Alex and put a hand on his shoulder. "Alex, what happened? Why are you crying?" Alright, calm down, Ian. Someone was probably just picking on him. He told himself.

"Ee- ee- Ian. Wh- Where is- is- mummy and daddy?" Alex sniffled, glancing up at his uncle.

Ian flinched. Shit. How do you tell a five year old his parents are dead? "Alex, why are you bringing this up?" He asked, trying to redirect the conversation.

"The- the kids at school- said- they said that mummy and daddy must not have liked me since they're not here. Is it true, Ian? Did they leave me? What'd I do?" He cried, sitting up with tears streaming down his face.

A certain headmaster is going to lose his job. Ian growled quietly. "Alex, shh. Come here, kiddo." He said soothingly while scooping the little boy up in a hug. He held the boy tightly and ran a hand through his hair. "Alex, listen to me. Are you listening?"

His nephew nodded, tears staining Ian's shirt.

"Those kids at school are just mean, pathetic, and trying to feel better about themselves. Don't you listen to them. Alex, you're parents adored you. They loved you so much. When you were born, well I don't think I've ever seen your dad so proud. I've never seen him cry either, but when you were born, he was so overcome with joy…" Ian smiled at the memory before pushing Alex away and holding his shoulders. "Alex, they would have never left you by choice."

"Then where are they?" Alex asked, sniffling.

Ian hesitated. He couldn't really tell Alex his parents had been killed by his godfather. He couldn't really say that his father had been a spy. So, going as close to the truth he could, he whispered, "Alex, they died in a plane crash."

That sent tears down his nephew's face again. "They- they're dead?"

Ian nodded, hugging him again. "Physically yes, but you wanna know what?"

"What?"

"Whenever I think of them, and how they're gone, I think of you, and how you survived. How you are living, breathing, proof that John and Helen Rider had existed. How you look just like your father, yet you have your mother's personality. How they live through you."

"Really?" Alex asked, looking up at you.

Ian nodded, kissing his forehead. "Really Alex. Whenever you feel lonely, just look up at the sky and you're mum and dad will be watching. They're always watching, smiling down at you. They'd be so proud of you."

Alex smiled. "Really?"

Ian chuckled. "Yes, Alex."

"Are- are you proud of me?" He asked, head cocked to the side.

Ian nodded. "More than you can imagine." He said, kissing Alex's cheek and ruffling his hair. "What do you say I go to karate with you tomorrow?"

Alex smiled with his eyes this time. "Yay!"

Ian stood up and went off to make dinner, glad that moment was over.

Okay so this one is short, but I like it. And a reminder…

REVIEW PLEASE

I don't even care if it's one word.

JUST REVIEW