Sorry for the delay guys! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and please review and let me know what you think :)

Chapter 26

Tezuka was doing the laundry, one of the tasks he had adapted to doing since he moved in with Fuji, when he heard the sound of children laughing happily coming from the television. He had been busy with family stuffs and adjusting to his new life as well as managing his newly formed business that his mind had completely lost track of someone. Someone important, he thought to himself. "Ryoma..." He muttered under his breath. Ryoma, the golden eyed boy who had helped him cross paths with his lover. In a way, the encounter with the little boy had completely changed his life.

"Did you say something, Mitsu?" Fuji asked as he passed the dirty clothes to Tezuka.

"Ryoma...he hasn't been coming lately has he?"

"Now that you mentioned it, when was the last time he dropped by?" Fuji tried to remember the last time Ryoma had visited. It was a few days after Fuji and Tezuka started living together. The boy was happy for them but he was oddly quiet.

"Oh my, he usually visits at least once a week. Do you think something happened to him?" He asked worriedly. Fuji had been so occupied the past week especially after the incident with Sayuki that he had not realized Ryoma had not been coming for a while.

"I'm sure he's fine Syusuke, he's a strong kid." Tezuka replied reassuringly.

Fuji turned to Tezuka, his finger tugging on the hem of his shirt anxiously. "He was a little quiet the last time he came...I should have asked him if anything was wrong." Fuji sighed as guilt began to build up in him. "Did you notice anything, Mitsu?"

Tezuka thought back to the last time Ryoma came. He had not known Ryoma for too long but the boy usually could not keep silent for a minute and if he recalled correctly he was not as talkative last time. "Well, he was not as chattery I suppose..."

"You see, Ryoma came from a broken family. His dad...Well, I'm not sure if I'm one hundred percent right but I think he's mixed up in some bad things. I used to teach his brother Ryoga in the kindergarten before and sometimes I would catch him with bruises. I tried to interfere and I brought the case to the authorities but his father had some sort of connection with the police and no actions were taken."

"What happened then? Was the boy okay?" Tezuka asked concernedly.

"I heard he was enrolled into a boarding school during his elementary years. I did try to go to his house to check on them and I told Ryoma he would always be welcome at my house. Ryoma has been coming here since that day. It kept my mind at peace hearing him talk happily and I knew from that he was fine. But last time I thought he was a little different." Fuji's voice was laced with guilt as he blamed himself for not being more attentive to Ryoma. Having had the boy around him all the time has made him develop a sense of responsibility towards him.

"I knew something was off about his family when I first met him, but I did not know it was this bad." Tezuka said as his hand balled into a fist. He could never understand how people have the heart to hurt children. A dark look crossed his face as the abuse Fuji faced as a child came into his mind. He would not allow another child to go through what Fuji had been through.

"I think I shall pay a visit to his family." Tezuka said firmly.

"Oh yes! Let's go visit Ryoma and see if he is alright! Fuji's face lit up at the idea.

"I think I will go by myself Syusuke. We don't know what kind of a character Ryoma's father is so it's safer if I go alone."

Fuji pouted a little before deciding what Tezuka said did make sense. "Okay, but promise me you will be careful, Mitsu." Fuji squeezed Tezuka's hand as a worried expression came over his face. "I really hope Ryoma is fine..."

"Don't worry about me, Syusuke...And I'll make sure Ryoma is fine."

...

Tezuka walked towards the little house ahead of him. It was more of a shed than a house with the paint peeling off and the hole through the roof. He passed the unkept grass on the yard towards the front door. Tezuka knocked on the door three times and when nobody answered he peeked through the window to see if anyone was inside. He could hear the sound of the television running and he knew there were people inside. Tezuka knocked harder with his fist. The only thing on his mind was Ryoma.

He heard the sound of chairs moving and heavy footsteps followed."Goddamnit! Do you want to break the door down or something?! Damn persistent!" Tezuka heard a loud voice before the door opened to reveal a middle aged man in a white wife beater and boxers. His hair looked like it had not been washed and his face was stubbly with unshaven beard.

"Who the fuck are you? What do you want?" A strong skunk-like smell wafted to Tezuka's nose and his eyes fell on the joint in the man's fingers. Does he get high with a child in the house ?

"Don't just stand there! What do you want?" The man asked harshly.

"I'm Tezuka Kunimitsu and I'm here for Ryoma." Tezuka answered calmly.

"What business do you have with my kid, huhh?" He eyed Tezuka nastily before glancing at Tezuka's car parked at the yard. "Sweet ride you got there. Do you exploit children or something?" The man let out a big laugh.

"I'm an acquaintance. Would you let me see him?" Tezuka decided he wouldn't entertain the man.

"What, you wanna make money off the brat or something?" The man snickered. "Well, if anybody's gonna make money out of him it might as well be me. I'm spending so much on him after all, feeding him and clothing him. Cehh, what a waste of money." The man said lazily while sticking a finger in his ear.

"Can you please stop speaking that way about your son? Have you no shame?" Tezuka could not believe the words coming out of the man's mouth.

"Stop acting all high and mighty! Who the fuck are you to tell me off, huhh?! Just get the fuck out of my face before I make you do so!" The man was about to slam the door in Tezuka's face when Tezuka's hand reached out to stop his.

The man froze for a moment as he felt the firm grasp on his hand. He was about to push Tezuka's hand away but his bravado faltered when he saw the serious look on Tezuka's face. "Just let me see your son, please." Tezuka enunciated each word slowly, his eyes sharp as he eyed the other man down.

The man blinked and cleared his throat as his hand let go of the door. His face relaxed visibly when Tezuka's grip on his hand loosened. "Why would I let a suspicious man see my son?" He tried to sound brave despite feeling a little intimidated by Tezuka. "You could be a kidnapper or a pedophile for all I know."

Tezuka took a deep breath. "I'd watch what I was saying if I were you." His voice was low.

The man flinched at Tezuka's words. "Look man, don't order me around! Leave now or I'll call the cops."

Tezuka was about to make a remark when he heard a tiny voice. "Mister?" The voice was hesitant at first before it erupted into a cheerful tone. "Mister Tezuka!"

Tezuka pushed the man aside and rushed inside to Ryoma's side.

"Hey!" The man protested.

Tezuka kneeled down to the boy's level and inspected him all over. "Ryoma, are you alright?"

"I'm fine mister!" Ryoma gave him a toothy grin but Tezuka could see he was not fine by any means. He looked disheveled and there were dark circles around his eyes. Tezuka's eyes landed on the reddish bruise on Ryoma's cheek. He touched Ryoma's cheek tenderly and the boy winced. Something snapped in Tezuka when he saw Ryoma wincing in pain.

He got up slowly and faced Ryoma's father. "You hit him." Tezuka said venomously.

"Who the hell gave you permission to enter my house? Do you know who I am?!" The man raised his voice.

"You hit him." Tezuka ignored the man's protests and stared at him hard.

"So what? He is my son. I need to teach him a lesson if he acts like a brat. Besides, this is none of you fucking business! Get the hell out of here before I call the cops!"

"You think it's alright to hit him because he is your son? What kind of a father are you?" Tezuka could feel the veins popping on his forehead. He has low tolerance towards people who use violence on children.

"Ahh, shut it will you! You got some balls man, coming in here preaching to me."

"Mister, I told you I'm fine." Ryoma tugged on Tezuka's hand to get his attention. Seeing Ryoma's face calmed Tezuka down a little and he smiled at the boy. From the corner of his eyes he spotted the condition of the house. There was a bucket under the hole in the roof and dirty clothes were strewn everywhere. Tezuka's eyes widened as he saw porn playing on the television. What kind of an environment is this man raising his son in?! Tezuka thought to himself angrily.

"Aren't you fond of that little brat? Why are you so interested in him? You some kind of pedo or something?" The man voiced out shamelessly as he crossed his arms across his chest. "Hey, were you the one who bought the expensive shoes for the brat? Damn, I thought he stole it or something." He scratched the back of his head and let out a belly laugh.

Tezuka glared at the man and looked back down at Ryoma. "Have you eaten Ryoma?" Tezuka asked concernedly. He knew from Fuji that the boy usually eats at Fuji's place. Ryoma nodded and pointed at the pizza box on the kitchen top. Tezuka looked at the pizza and thought it looked almost stale. He wondered from how long ago the pizza was from. Tezuka sighed as he realized Ryoma must not have eaten proper food for days.

The man eyed Tezuka from top to bottom and noticed the way his son was familiar with him. "Who are you? You dress nice and you've got that rich guy vibe around you. And oh my, is that a Rolex?" His eyes bulged at the sight of Tezuka's watch. His harsh demeanor from earlier changed the moment he noticed the expensive watch.

"Damn! Are you some kind of moneybag?" He nodded as if he finally managed to put two and two together. "Ahh, I understand now. You make kiddy porn or something? I heard you could make big bucks from that."

He stroked his chin and seemed to be thinking of something before he spoke again. "Tell you what, why don't we make a deal, you take the brat and I'll keep that watch." He flashed a wide grin at Tezuka, eyes checking out the watch again.

Tezuka's brain froze for a moment before he could make sense of what the man was saying. His jaw dropped at the ridiculous suggestion and his eyes flew to Ryoma instantly hoping that the boy did not understand what his father just said.

Ryoma was looking down, a dejected look evident on his face. Tezuka clenched his fist as anger erupted through him. He could not believe the man would casually suggest something like that to a complete stranger.

Tezuka rarely loses his temper but something about this man made him lose his control. He closed the distance between them and grabbed the man's collar, pulling his face close to his own. "What kind of a man are you?" His voice was low and gruff. "You would sell your child for a mere watch?'

"Hey, what the hell!" The man freed himself from Tezuka and stepped backwards a little unstably. "Why are you glaring at me like that? This is what you want, right? Well, I would gladly pass this responsibility to you." He shrugged nonchalantly.

"He has been a burden to me you know. His useless mom ran away because she couldn't stand this burden as well." He shook his head in annoyance and clicked his tongue. "The bitch left me to care for these runts all on my own. I was in my prime and I had to take care of these brats, paying for their school and food." He looked at Tezuka before continuing, "Oh, you can have the older one too if you want. Of course there would be a price for that as well." He said with a sleazy look on his face. "My, wouldn't you like that, a harem of little boys for yourself." He chuckled amusedly.

Tezuka could feel the blood rushing up to his head. He was not a man of violence, but even he has a limit, and this man was reaching the end of it. He looked down at Ryoma who had stopped moving and was standing perfectly still, his hair covering his eyes, but Tezuka could still make out the streak of tears down his cheek.

He leaned down and brushed the hair away from the boy's face. "Ryoma, why don't you go outside and wait in my car. I will come soon and we'll go to Fuji sensei's house, okay?" He swallowed thickly as he saw the look on Ryoma's face, a look that was not supposed to be on any five year old child's face.

"Hey! What are you doing? We have not finished discussing business!" The man yelled.

"Stop talking." Tezuka turned to the man and shot him a look that made the man fall silent. "Let's not do this in front of the boy."

"Fine, whatever." The man answered.

Tezuka watched Ryoma walk limply outside, shoulders drooping, and it sent a wave of sadness through him.

"You're really sick you know." Tezuka said after Ryoma was out of sight.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Hand over the merchandise, come on." He gestured towards Tezuka's watch with an eager look on his face.

Tezuka heard the bedroom door creak and looked up to see a young woman with her hair down to her waist, dressed in nothing but an oversized t-shirt making her way towards the man.

"What's going on? What's all the noise? You woke me up..." She stifled a yawn.

Her eyes stopped moving as it landed on Tezuka. "Who's this..." She said huskily, one finger twirling her hair around.

The man noticed the way she was checking Tezuka out and an annoyed expression formed on his face. "Get back inside woman! Can't you see we're discussing business." He shoved the woman back towards the room.

"Geez, stop pushing me will ya. What are you discussing?" She enquired curiously.

"Ohh, you have no idea baby! I'm about to hit the jackpot!" The man laughed out happily.

"What?" She asked as her eyes moved back and forth from Tezuka to the man.

"I'll explain later. Just get back in and let the men talk." He chuckled and waited for the woman to close the door behind her.

"Now, shall we get back to where we left off?" The man looked at the watch expectantly.

Tezuka took off his watch and the man quickly snatched it off his hands. "Man, I never really thought you would agree to this." His eyes twinkled as he inspected the goods. "This really is the real deal, man. How do you own one? This must be 20, 30 grand at least." He chuckled and clasped the watch onto his wrist. He eyed it happily before looking up at Tezuka and his expression changed into a greedy and calculating one. "You know, if you could afford to hand out a Rolex like candy, you must be really rich huhh?"

A cunning smile marked the man's lips as he spoke. "Deal's changed, man. If you want the brat, I'm gonna need the watch and an additional 20 grand. It's only fair don't you think, since he's my son and I raised him and all." He laughed and raised his shoulder. "Can't just hand the kid over like that, you know."

Tezuka looked away in annoyance, unable to look at the smile on the man's face anymore. He could not believe the way the man was haggling over his child. "Fine." He answered curtly.

"Damn! This must be my lucky day! If I'd known the brat would cost this much I would have done this a long time ago." He chortled.

"So, I heard you mentioning Fuji sensei? You fuck him already or what? I ain't a faggot but I know many guys wanna fuck him. Never pegged you for a homo though, but whatever floats your boat man." The man snickered and the sound of it made Tezuka's blood boil.

Tezuka looked away in disgust and tried to ignore the way the man spoke about Fuji. All he wanted was to get away from that garbage of a man as soon as possible. "I will send my lawyer to arrange a few documents this afternoon, they will discuss about your eldest son too. I hope you will cooperate with them." Tezuka gave the man a serious look before adding, "Make sure you're sober by then you understand?"

"Yeah, whatever, I don't care as long as I get the money." He shot Tezuka a sly smile. "You're a greedy one aren't you. You already got that faggot teacher and now you want to add kids to your collection? You can fuck the kids for all I care, but the money must be good."

Hearing the man talk that way about Fuji and Ryoma was the last straw for Tezuka and all the self restraint in him broke loose. He plummeted his fist into the man's face and resisted the urge to punch him again and again. He drew in a shaky breath, his face red with anger and stepped backwards as he heard the man yelping in pain on the ground.

"Fuck! What the hell?!" The man wiped the blood trickling down his lips with the back of his hand. "Are you crazy?!"

Tezuka hovered over the man who was still on the ground. "I'm going tell you this once, so listen carefully." He took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped off the blood on his hand.

"First of all Fuji, is my lover. Secondly, we are going to raise the children better than you did, and third, you better behave when my lawyer comes this afternoon or I'll make you behave yourself." Tezuka stated, his face stern.

The man opened and closed his mouth as he contemplated on what to do before finally deciding to simply look away as he knew money was at stake. He spat out the blood in his mouth and looked up to Tezuka. "I will be waiting for that lawyer of yours. If the money ain't good then you won't be getting the older brat."

Tezuka gave the man a final look before walking away as fast as he could towards his car. He ran his hand down his face as he got inside the car. He could still feel the rage he has for that man and his head throbbed painfully just thinking about him. He clenched the steering wheel hard, trying to calm himself down.

The sound of a small whimper brought him back to the present and he glanced at Ryoma sitting on the passenger seat, sniffling quietly.

"Ryoma..." He ruffled the boy's hair softly. He could not imagine what the boy must be feeling, hearing his own father talk that way about him.

"Why are you crying? Don't you want to live with Fuji sensei and me?"

Ryoma looked up at him, eyes wide with tears on the brink of falling down. "I-I do...But I don't want to be a burden to you and Fuji sensei..." His breath hitched. "The way I was to my dad..." His lower lip trembled and he blinked trying to hold the tears from falling.

"Oh, Ryoma..." Tezuka squeezed the boy's hand gently. "Both me and Fuji sensei would be thrilled to have you living with us. I've always wanted a son like you, you know?"

"Really?" Ryoma looked up at him excitedly, a smile forming on his face despite the tears that have not yet stopped.

"Of course." Tezuka pinched Ryoma's cheek affectionately. "You're a really bright boy. You're kind and brave too. You helped Fuji sensei a lot, didn't you?"

Ryoma nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I like Fuji sensei a lot! That's why I don't mind helping him!" He grinned, baring all of his teeth happily.

Tezuka smiled. "Let's go home, okay? Your new home. Fuji sensei is waiting for us."

Ryoma nodded happily and fastened his seatbelt. He glanced at Tezuka and thought happily to himself that he now has a new dad, a dad that will care for him.

...

"Ryoma honey, I'm sorry about your father." Fuji said apologetically as he sat across the boy on the couch.

"It's okay. I've always wanted to live with you sensei! It's nice that I can see you everyday now. And Mister too!" Ryoma turned towards Tezuka and flashed him a smile.

Fuji smiled fondly at the boy. "Do you want to get your room done today?"

"Sure, I want to decorate my room with lots of superhero posters!" Ryoma said excitedly.

"You will have to ask Kunimitsu to help you with that." Fuji chuckled.

"Of course, sensei could prepare us some tea and snacks while we're doing that." Ryoma said happily.

"Roger that soldier." Fuji chuckled at the boy's antics as he ran his hand through the boy's hair. Ryoma marched off to his new room happily and bounced onto the bed as his eyes took in his surroundings.

"He looks like he's already comfortable living here. What a bossy child." Tezuka said, albeit having an affectionate smile on his lips.

"Are you complaining? I thought you were the happiest when you told me that we are practically having a child." Fuji teased Tezuka.

"I gave you that impression?" Tezuka said and snorted amusedly. "I guess you're right, besides he is our little cupid. Without him, I wouldn't have found you." Tezuka linked his fingers with Fuji's and squeezed them.

Fuji leaned his head on Tezuka's shoulder and smiled. "You're right, Mitsu."

"Say, what do you think about moving to a bigger house? Maybe one with a yard so that I could plant flowers for you instead of buying them." Tezuka looked at Fuji.

"Are you for real Mitsu?" Fuji blinked as he wondered if Tezuka was being serious. He knew they were in a committed relationship but buying a house together seemed like a big step. A smile played on his lips as he realized they really are in a serious relationship, one with ready made children.

"I'm serious." Tezuka said honestly.

"You want to buy a new house because it's more cost effective than buying me flowers everyday?" Fuji nudged Tezuka with his elbow playfully.

"Syusuke, don't joke at times like this."

Fuji let out a chuckle while fiddling with Tezuka's shirt. "Sorry, I understand what you mean. We have two additional family members now, we probably need more space in this house. But do you think it's the right time? Do we have money for that?" Fuji asked concernedly.

"You don't have to worry about money, it's true that I'm no longer working in a big company, but I still have a job. I can sustain the family and afford a decent house for us." Tezuka replied reassuringly.

"You're making me feel like a slacker, Mitsu. I want to contribute something to this family too." Fuji pouted.

"You can always help me with other things, Syusuke." Tezuka's hand moved to Fuji's lower back suggestively.

"Am I only good in bed Mitsu?" Fuji feigned a hurt look.

"You know that's not true Syusuke." Tezuka chuckled as he leaned closer to whisper in Fuji's ear. "Although you really are a champion in bed..."

Fuji giggled and ran a finger down Tezuka's chest. "But now that we have a child in the house, I guess I won't be able to make all the sounds you like so much. The walls here are thin you know." Fuji bit his lower lip and fluttered his lashes. "I might have to tame myself down a little."

"Oh my, then we really do need to get a new house. Preferably one with a soundproofed master bedroom." Tezuka chuckled as he pulled Fuji in for a kiss.

...

Echizen Ryoga sat at the waiting area after his homeroom teacher asked him to pack his belongings. The teacher had informed him that his guardian will be there to pick him up. This was a rare occurrence as his parents had never come to visit him once since he was enrolled into the school. Ryoga sat there worriedly as possible scenarios as to why this is happening popped into his head. Is Ryoma hurt? Did something happen to dad?

"Oni chan!" An excited voice yelled and he turned to see his little brother running towards him.

"Ryo chan!" He shouted back with equal eagerness and hugged his brother tightly.

"Why are you here? Are you okay? Did dad hurt you?" He asked worriedly.

Ryoma laughed giddily. "I'm not hurt oni chan. I'm here to take you to our new home." Ryoma's eyes sparkled as he relayed the happy news to his brother.

"New home?" Ryoga said suspiciously before his face turned pale. "Don't tell me, social services? Did dad abandon us?"

"You don't have to be scared oni chan. It's not where they put children without parents. This is waaaayy better!" Ryoma was practically jumping in excitement.

"Better?" Ryoga narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

"We're gonna live with Fuji sensei and his lover! They've already set up a pretty room for us!" Ryoma clasped his hands together happily and beamed up at his brother.

Ryoga sighed."Ryo chan, we can't burden Fuji sensei this way. I know Fuji sensei is very kind, but what if they eventually got tired of raising us? Like mom and dad? Where would we go then?"

"You don't have to worry! I believe them with all my heart." Ryoma patted his chest confidently. "Plus they both are kind! I would love to have them as my new parents!"

Ryoga sighed again. "Don't go overboard by calling them parents. I don't think that's their intention. They're probably just being polite you know."

"I've told you that I believe in them! Why don't you believe me oni chan?" Ryoma pouted.

"Ryoma, did you find your brother?" Tezuka walked towards the boys.

"Yes, Mister! This is Ryoga. Oni chan this is Mister Tezuka. He's gonna let us stay with him and Fuji sensei!"

Ryoga's eyes widened in surprise. "Who is this mister Tezuka?" He eyed the bespectacled man thoroughly.

"He is Fuji sensei's sweetheart! The four of us are gonna live together from now on! Like a real family." Ryoma smiled happily.

"Don't joke around Ryo chan! They are both guys! That's not normal! This guy must be scheming something." Ryoga pulled Ryoma to his side and looked up at Tezuka defensively.

"Oni chan! What are you saying?"

Tezuka looked at the boy in surprise. He did not expect an eight year old boy to analyze him that way.

"What are you planning to do with us! My friends say homesexuals are bad! Do you want to take us in so that you could make us do bad things? I would rather sleep in an orphanage than live with you!" Ryoga said, a petulant expression on his face.

Tezuka did not know how to react to the sudden outburst. He remembered when Fuji warned him that Ryoga was a little difficult to handle. Damn right he's difficult! Tezuka sighed and wondered what he should do. He should have let Fuji handle this part but Fuji knew the principal of the school and is currently discussing with him about Ryoga therefore this task fell on Tezuka. Tezuka sighed yet again and looked at the boy who was eyeing him like he was some sort of a criminal.

"Oni chan what are you saying..." Ryoma pouted. "Don't say bad things to Mister Tezuka. He is a kind man!"

"Shut up Ryoma! You're still a kid, you don't know what adults think like! They always want something in return! There must be an ulterior motive behind this fishy guy's kindness. Maybe he wants to turn us into homosexuals too." Ryoga looked at Tezuka repulsively, his hands pulling Ryoma even closer to himself.

"Oni chan is bad! You're bad! I don't like you!" Ryoma disentangled himself from Ryoga.

"Ryo chan... what are you saying? We are supposed to be in this together. We are not supposed to trust a stranger!" Ryoga looked at his brother in disbelief.

"Mister Tezuka is not a stranger! I like him very much. Like this big!" Ryoma extended both his arms to emphasize his feelings. And if it's possible I want to call Mister Tezuka dad! I've always wanted a kind dad who listens to everything I say, who plays with me even if it's a stupid catch game, who holds my hand when we walk, who puts me to sleep at night... Mister Tezuka did all of that with me. And I want to share those feelings with you but onii chan is being so mean!" Ryoma stomped his foot angrily.

"Ryo chan, don't be deceived by some-"

"And a guy who likes another guy doesn't have to be a bad person! Fuji sensei and Mister are kind people. You don't have the right to falsely accuse them like that! You're a bad person to say that! I don't like onii chan anymore!" Ryoma turned away from his brother and went to stand beside Tezuka.

Tezuka was stunned by the little boy's outburst and a part of him felt warm when he heard Ryoma saying he thinks of him as his dad. A new wave of appreciation for the boy washed over Tezuka and his eyes softened as he looked at the little boy standing by his side. "Ryoma, don't be like this. Your brother must be shocked to hear this sudden news, to be abandoned by your own dad and to go live with a man he barely knows. I think his reaction is understandable." Tezuka patted Ryoma's head slowly, trying to calm the boy down.

Ryoma rubbed his eyes with both of his hands, as little tears fell from the corner of his eyes. "I still don't like onii chan. Let's go home Mister, I don't want to see onii chan anymore."

Tezuka looked from Ryoma to his frozen brother. He then sighed. "Very well," Tezuka looked at the older boy. "You get back to your dorm, then. I'll inform the teacher about this change of plan. We'll come back to visit after Ryoma has calmed down."

The boy flinched when Tezuka suddenly talked to him. He looked at his little brother who was crying and felt his heart crushing.

"Ryo chan..." He tried to reach the boy but his hand was slapped away,

"Don't touch me onii chan! And don't ever talk to me again! I'm really mad at you!" Ryoma puffed his face in anger.

"Ryo chan, don't be difficult..."

"You're the one being difficult oni chan! You don't trust me and you insult Mister Tezuka. He is just being nice but you said bad things to his face!"

"Okay, okay I admit I was wrong! Can you forgive me now Ryo chan?" Ryoga tried to sound reasonable.

"You have to apologize to mister too." Ryoma crossed his arms.

Ryoga looked at Tezuka with suspicious eyes. "Well, I'm still not convinced if this Mister Tezuka is really as good as you're making him out to be."

Tezuka sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He has never had any experience in dealing with children and has no idea how to handle this. He looked at Ryoga and saw the boy eyeing him. Well, this boy seems to be quite mature seeing as how wary he is of strangers so maybe I should approach him in a mature way.

"Look, Ryoga. I can understand that you do not trust me as you are not acquainted with me. So how about this, you can come live with me and Fuji sensei and see how it goes for you. We'll call it a trial run. I will alert your teacher regarding this arrangement so she knows what's going on. Then you can decide for yourself if we are bad people or not. If you don't want to live with us after this trial run, you can inform your teacher and we'll proceed from there."

Ryoga cocked his head to the side as he considered the suggestion. "Hmm, fine then. You better be careful Mister Tezuka, I'll be watching your every move." The boy said.

Tezuka sighed, he got a feeling that his life was going to be hard later on. "Get in the car boys."

A/N : I decided to change Nanjirou's character into an oc in this. Just didn't have the heart to portray him this way haha