A/N: I am soooooo sorry for not updating lately. My muses...well...Let's just say my muses took a vacation without notice and they've not been in touch recently. IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE!! I'm currently looking for a beta for my next project. I know I've been promising a Covenant story for a really long time now, but it's in the works. But, as usual, I'm not satisfied. I'm open to all betareaders, whether they have a beta profile or not. Though please keep in mind that your chances of being selected as my beta will increase if you have at least a little story posted on a site. I'd love to hear from any and everyone. Loves!!

"Bill, bill, trash, coupons, bill..." Tyler murmured as he walked away from the mailbox.

"Hello." He looked down at the envelope in his hands and turned it over and over.

He walked into the large mansion that was constantly empty. He dropped the mail on the table and took only the one envelope with him. He flopped on his bed and tore the envelope open to reveal a fancy type of paper.

Mrs. Heather Simms, it has come to the attention of Social Services that there have been several complaints of your fifteen-year-old son being left home alone for extensive periods of time. We are afraid that if another complaint is made, there will be an investigation started and if these allegations are proved true, it may be possible for you to lose custody of your son, Tyler. It is not a course of action we are fond of taking, but under certain circumstances, it is necessary. We'd appreciate a letter sent to our offices or a phone call to begin sorting this matter out.

"Oh shit." The words tumbled from Tyler's lips.

He re-read the letter and his mind raced for what he should do. He knew there was no way his mother would sent a letter or make a call. She was in the Swiss Alps somewhere with no phone and no internet, completely cut off from the rest of the world. There was no way for him to get in touch with her and he knew that if Social Services wasn't contacted, he'd be put into a foster home.

There was a knock at the door and he went to answer it, still re-reading the letter.

"Hey Baby Boy." It was Reid who entered with a ruffle of Tyler's hair.

Tyler didn't answer and instead kept his eyes glued to the paper, desperately trying to find a way out of it.

"Ty, what's wrong?" Reid asked.

"Holy shit." He almost whispered in response.

"What? Tyler, what is it?"

When Reid didn't get an answer, he gently took the paper from Tyler's hands and read it.

"Tyler...Just how long has your mom been gone?" Reid asked gently.

"Since the middle of first quarter." Tyler whispered.

"Ty, it's coming to the end of third quarter. She's been gone for the equivalent of a semester! Why didn't you tell me?" Reid seemed more hurt than angry.

"Probably 'cause she does this all the time." Tyler shrugged.

"Ty...Come on. You could've stayed with me."

"And be a burden for a semester? I'll pass."

"Tyler, when are you ever a burden?"

Tyler didn't answer. He instead wandered into the living room and dropped to the couch, holding his head in his hands. Reid sat next to him and wrapped one arm around Tyler's shoulders and pulled him closer.

"Baby, you know you could've stayed with me." Reid whispered.

Tyler looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes.

"How am I supposed to explain this away?" Tyler asked, voice cracking.

"My mom'll help. You know Mom, she'll go up there and say you've been staying with us." Reid said suddenly.

"You...You'd do that for me?"

"Tyler, I love you. I'd do anything and everything for you. And that includes spending my day in a box full of scorpions." Reid shuddered at the thought.

Tyler smiled.

"But of course you'll have to stay with me and my mom until your mom gets back from where ever it is that she is." Reid pointed out.

"You...You think they'll believe her? Your mom I mean." Tyler asked.

"I think they will. Our parents are the perfect parents, remember?" Reid laughed.

"Thanks."

Reid kissed the top of Tyler's head and smiled.

A/N: And again, please give me a beta. Please? The boys are suffering from lack of publishedness! I've gotten one or two offers, but I like to weigh my options before deciding.

Reid: You just have commitment issues.

KK: Shut up you! I'm trying to get your story out there!! -throws shoe- So like I was saying, they're suffering. Beta please!!