A/N: I've had an idea for an R5 abuse fanfic forever. In no way do I mean any offense toward Mark or Sotrmie Lynch, and I am sure they are wonderful parents. Hope you enjoy.

Riker shielded his younger siblings with his malnourished body, even though he knew it was no use. Footsteps came closer and closer. Ross quivered, Rydel yelped softly, and Rocky tensed noticeably.

The door to the small room was violently flung open. A dirty, callused, and scarred hand grabbed Riker by the back of his tattered tee shirt. The three younger Lynches tensed, hoping and praying he would leave them alone. The tall figure in the door way, however, decided one was not enough and grabbed Rydel by her hair.

For what seemed like two eternities, Rocky and Ross sat in pitch black silence. They clung tightly onto each other, terrified that he might come back. Tears poured down Ross's face, while Rocky had trouble choking back sobs.

Two long hours later, a door slammed and a car sped out of the driveway. Rocky breathed a sigh of relief, he was finally gone. Only seconds later, the door to the closet the four called their bedroom swung open and the two oldest Lynch children entered.

Riker had a deep gash, still oozing blood, across his cheek and a black eye. Rydel didn't having any injuries on her face, but she walked like she was sore and had a blue and black bruise on her arm. Despite the fact that they were both obviously in pain, the older Lynches smiled at their younger brothers.

"We're alive!" Riker declared, throwing his hands up in triumph. As always, the oldest Lynch managed to make the best of a bad situation. Ross, who was the youngest at four years old, pulled his thumb out to look at his older siblings.

The younger two went to sleep, Rocky allowing Ross to cuddle him. Riker and Rydel, however, stayed wide awake. Riker wrapped his arms around his younger sister.

"Shhhhh," Riker soothed, rubbing Rydel's back. She sobbed into his chest.

"It hurts," She choked out between sobs. Tears soaked through Riker's shirt, but he didn't mind. He just stroked Rydel's hair, whispering soothing words in her ear. After a few hours, the two managed to fall asleep.

Morning came far too soon. Riker got up softly, careful not to wake the others, headed toward the door, hoping for some food. To his dismay, the door was locked.

As Riker headed back to bed, Rocky began to stir. Riker froze, hoping the five year old stayed asleep, God knows he needs it. Luckily, Rocky only snuggled closer to Ross, making Riker smile. The oldest Lynch settled onto the floor next to Rydel, who immediately curled into his chest.

Riker let out a gasp as her head touched his chest, sending crackling pain through his body. "Gah!" The eight year old couldn't help but cry out softly. Rydel's eyes shot open at the sound of her brother's pain.

"S'wong, Rike?" She murmured, looking at her brother tiredly. Riker's face contrasted in pain, but he quickly masked it.

"Nothing Ry, I'm good," He lied through his teeth, slapping on a fake smile. Luckily, Rydel was too tired to notice.

Then came the foot steps. Loud, thundering footsteps. He was back. Now tense, Riker inhaled. "Time to start again," He whispered.

Woo, that was awesome. Hope you guys love it as much as I do.