BP: I don't when it is the last time I updated this, but here is a new chapter. Do review after reading it.

Ryoma hates his uncle's everyday advice: Make more friends. He already has Darlene and Todd, why does he need more friends? The only people who have many friends are the popular people, like Tezuka. Anyway, even if you have many friends, you don't know who is loyal and true or who is only following you for your popularity. There was this girl called Ringo Hojo, she was a very intelligent, a good athlete and very good looking. She was a popular student at his school, with a large group of friends and many boys who admired her for her extreme beauty.

Sounds good, doesn't it? But here's the catch. Despite her perceived intellect and loyalty, Ringo appeared to have been a poor judge of character when it came to choosing her friends. Her gang of friends that followed her for years disbanded and went their own ways when she suffered an emotional breakdown when her father died in a car accident. Just imagine. Who the heck would want friends who only follow you for your popularity? She lost all her friends but one, and this friend is comforting and supportive, being the only one to remain with her when the other friends left irresponsibly.

He wants friends like Ringo Hojo's remaining friend, not those fair weathered friends who run at the slightest sign of danger, but gather like vultures when you have something good at hand. He already got what he wanted, so why should he wish to have more friends?

Ryoma sighed as he took out the arrow from the target board, and headed home.

He let his thought wander as he walked through the forest on his way home. The only thing that he could think about is that he is stuck with his uncle. Sure, he treated him well and he even let him train in using weapons…but, he couldn't help thinking that he has some ulterior motive behind all this… plus, he seemed so curious about Tezuka the other day. He didn't know what his uncle was even thinking that time.

What if his uncle is targeting Tezuka? What if he is a maniac behind his kind fatherly figure and he doesn't know until it is too late? What if… buzz… What was that? Buzz… Ryoma looked around gripping his bow and arrows tightly, frowning. What was that? Bees? But where is the hive? It sounds like it is coming from above, and why does it seem that it is getting louder?

Ryoma looked up at the tree to confirm his suspicions. He was right. It is above. But what scared him was that the nest is falling towards him.

He quickly made a run for it. Just in time too as the nest collided with the ground. He didn't dare look back as he was running for his life…or the condition of his skin, for that matter. They can't go after him if he's underwater. He knew this because he did an essay about them once in Biology. He just had to make it to the lake and he'll be safe. It's a long way through and it feels even longer when he's being pursued.

His legs seemed to move even faster as the lake came into view. He wished he could turn around to see how far the bees are behind him, but he wasn't stupid enough to look back, in case it slows him down. He just kept his eyes at the surface of the lake as it got closer and in fuller view.

Finally, he made it to the lake and dived in staying under. He managed to open his eyes despite being under water and looked up. The bees were gone. He swam back up catching his breath as he shook some of the water out of his hair. Luckily, his bow and quiver of arrows were still slung over his shoulder as he swam out of the lake trying to dry himself off.

He made a mental note to shower later. Just then, his phone rang. He rushed home as his uncle said he needs him to help carry out a certain task.

Little did he know that his worst fears are going to be confirmed.

Ryoma couldn't believe what his uncle had done when he got home. He had kidnapped Tezuka by knocking him out when he is on his way home alone, brought him here, and now is assigning him to make sure he doesn't escape, while he went to make the ransom call. He slumped against the wall, unable to bear to look at the prisoner, who is still knocked out. He clutched to the bow and arrows his uncle gave him in case the prisoner tries to escape. He thought about his next move. He looked at the wounds the prisoner sported. He apparently put up quite a fight. Ryoma took the first aid-kit that is nearby. With one hand on his bow and the other hand on the first aid kit, he approached the victim cautiously.

Ryoma was unfortunately surprised when the victim regained consciousness just as he reached him. He wasn't sure what his goal was but he found himself placing a hand over Tezuka's mouth. A silent struggle ensures. Ryoma wasn't sure how long they struggled before he had to stop. "I don't want to hurt you!" Ryoma said dropping the bow by his feet and held up the first-aid kit. "I promise." Tezuka seemed to hesitate but slowly presented his wounds to Ryoma keeping his eyes looked on him skeptically.

Ryoma tackled the bigger wounds first. He sighed as though it will take a few days to heal, it might leave some scars. What has his uncle been thinking?

"Who are you?" Tezuka spoke up.

Ryoma closed his eyes before he opened them, putting on his usual personality. "Echizen Ryoma." he said tonelessly. "I attend your school as well."

Tezuka nodded. "I see."

Just then, the door opened. It was his uncle. His uncle placed two plates on the table. One has a regular amount; the other has barely enough to last through the night. "Dinner time. Ryoma, the bigger share is yours. By the way, here's the key in case you need to go out of the room. Make sure he doesn't go out." His uncle said, handing Ryoma a key. Ryoma nodded sullenly. "Yeah, whatever." He replied, slipping the key in his pocket. Once his uncle locked the door behind him, Ryoma dropped his act. He gave Tezuka the bigger share, and took the much smaller one for himself.

"Why are you giving me your share?" Tezuka said.

"Just shut up and eat." Ryoma mumbled, as he ate Tezuka's share of the food. Something about Ryoma's glare made Tezuka obey him, and he ate without saying another word.

After dinner, Ryoma took his bow and arrows and sat in the corner, pretending to keep watch of Tezuka to make sure he doesn't escape, while in reality he is trying to figure how to get Tezuka out of here. He does not deserve to be kidnapped. He hated his uncle for doing this, he hated his uncle for being greedy, and he hated his uncle for training him to be the accomplice he is now.

Ryoma clutched to the key in his pocket. He will get Tezuka out of here, but he will have to wait for the right time.

BP: I know, but I have 10 minutes and writer's block, but do review!