As you can see, this story is one of the reasons for my long term absence (the other reasons being writer's block and laziness not to mention watching the new animes that came out), but it's for a good cause. I wanted to 'branch out' my writing abilties and work/test out other 'elements' hence this three chapter story was created. Yes, it's only three chapters but it works with a lot of different things (if can find them then good for you). I worked on this to help improve myself (also for your entertainment) so you have any opinions/comments/advice or anything of the like then please do so.

Some of the things I want to work on/improve include:
-discription (to be able to create the pictures in the readers' minds)
-character (avoid bipolar-.- and to keep personalities steady)
-OOCness (avoid too much)
-illnesses (I don't what's it like to have a certain illness)
-emotions (both the characters' and what is portrayed to the readers)

Now there is OOCness here and there along with Seii's unique ability to get lost and probably a bit on Ryoma's side too (Warning: talkative Ryoma!). Also I wanted to test out a new writing style - a mix of Seiichi's diary and the actual story itself. There is also usage of the Japanese language (simple terms though) so if watch enough anime or work with translations you'll be fine.

Owns only: Seiichi's diary, Mamoru Ren, and the song (I made it up when I was little so I don't remember the name or the tune very well. If you have a good title for it then let me know!)

Time is Precious
By: Tensai Fon Ryoseii
Original: Takeshi Konomi

Pairing: Sensual
Genres: tragedy, yaoi
Summary: Ryoma, blind and sick, lives in isolated room in hospital and is found one day when Yukimura Seiichi is lost while visiting a friend. Seiichi's POV

Note:
dairy
thoughts
"singing or pissed"

Page 1 - The Lone Boy

Dear Diary,

You're a gift from Okaa-san with the intention of writing down memories. Well, I don't have much to write down though. I know! I'll tell you about my first love whom I met two years ago when I got lost in the hospital...

"Hah..hah..." Yukimura Seiichi panted as he reached the hospital's entrance. He just received a call that his best friend, Sanada Genichirou, got into a car accident by the boy's parents. However, they didn't tell him Sanada's condition which worried him deeply.

I hope he's ok. Straightening himself, the navy blue haired teen entered the large white building.

As usual, doctors and nurses walked around attending to the patients in their white uniforms. Medical information was posted along the walls along with the list of doctors and their pictures. The plain wall supported healing children as they worked toward healthiness. Silent cries of newborn babies reached the ears of other patients whom waited their turn.

Smiling a little, Seiichi approached the counter and directed his question to the lady behind it. "Ne, what room is Sanada Genichirou staying in?"

"Sanada Genichirou-sama?" The lady typed something into the computer before her then glanced back to the male student. "He's room 307 on the third floor. If you allow me..."

~n.n~

Seiichi sighed as he fiddled with his visitor's pass which hung comfortably around his neck. The reason for the sigh? Well, that's because he unfortunately somehow...gotten lost. Hospitals are Too-Damn-Big. Not that, that's generally a bad thing.

352...

353...

354...

355...

366...

357...

Why does it always end up like this. He leaned against the wall in the empty hallway, deep in thought. This is why I hate large buildings, especially malls. Maybe I should wait here for a doctor to show up?

Sliding down the wall, he brought his knees to his chest and circled his arms around them. How did I end up all the way in the 350s anyway? Sanada is going to scold me again.

"I'll gather all my courage and I'll take off through the sky.
Flapping my own wings I'll go up to the clouds.
Let freedom reign as I just dance around.
Nothing shall stop me."

"A song?" Seiichi stood, eyes closed, as his body unconsciously followed the voice. No, there's no music; just a tune and lyrics. Someone is singing.

"I won't be tied down by these chains any longer,
I'll break away with my own strength and I'll go beyond the wall.
I'll join the birds as they fly onward with no more worries,
The rush of wind through my hair and smell of the ocean water,
Will become my friends as I venture on.
Nature will be my compass as open my wings for another flight.
I won't hold back."

Shocking as it was, when Seiichi opened his eyes, he found himself in a long hallway. Unlike the other hallways, this one had no rooms. Rooms, that is, since there was one room. It was at the the end of hallway - a single lone room. The strangest part was that there was no number on the slightly opened door.

"Free to dance the day away,
and free to sing my own way.
Free to fly up in the sky,
and to be me, myself, and I.
I can do just anything."

What a strange song, but...it's nice.

Now that I think about, I never did ask about that song. I wonder what's it's called and who taught it to him. It's funny though, I often find myself humming the song's tune from time to time. I may not know what the rest of the lyrics were but it will forever be my favorite song. It's because of that song I was able to meet him...

Quietly and swiftly, the navy haired boy approached the entrance. He opened the door with careful precision, not wanting to disturb whoever was inside. When the door was wide enough he peeked inside and his blue eyes wider at the sight before him. There basking in the sun of the open window in a hospital bed was a young boy who seemed to looking outside. He had neck-length hair that was the color of an emerald which swayed in the gentle breeze and lovely peach-white skin.

I remember when I first laid eyes on him. I don't know why but he looked stunning that day. The sun looked as though he was shining. Not sparkling mind you, but bright or radiant. What am I saying? It'd probably make more sense to say it was like one of those movie or anime moments. Anyway, it turned out he sang the song. I mean, who else could it be?

Was he the one who was singing earlier? Or rather, why is he in this isolated room? The pressure he placed on the door increased as he leaned in to see more, causing the wooden object to slide open. When the support left him, Seiichi fell onto the tiled door with a thump. "Ah!"

"Who's there!"

Seiichi moved from his position on all fours back to his two feet. His eyes met with still golden ones which looked glazed over. Honestly, he felt startled by the boy's soft demanding voice.

"You... You're not one of the doctors or nurses here are you?" The boy's suspicions seemed to be directed at him.

He can't tell? Then...could it be... He's blind? His lips formed an amused smile as he replied, "Saa, I wonder."

"Heh, I'll take that as a no."

"Are you sure?" Seiichi cautiously stepped closer to the young boy, "I could be here for... studying."

"I doubt it." A finger pointed toward the navy haired boy's feet. "Your footsteps are too light to be an adult. You're probably a high school student at the most."

"You really are blind, aren't you? But still impressive nonetheless."

A snarky smirk slipped onto the blind boy's pink lips. "So you noticed? Figures. Well, who are you?"

Seiichi nodded to himself. "The names Yukimura Seiichi, a 2nd year in Rikkaidai High School. Hajimemashite."

"Yukimura... Seiichi..."

"May I ask what your name is?"

The boy remained silent for a moment, as if he was thinking it over. After what felt like hours, the boy replied, "Ryoma. Watashi no namae wa Echizen Ryoma. I'm 14."

He's two years younger than me. "Well, it's nice to meet your acquaintance, Ryoma-kun. Is it alright to call you that?"

Another silence filled the empty air as a shocked express appeared on Echizen Ryoma's face. Though, it quickly changed a small blush as the boy turned his face away. "It's...fine with me."

"Saa, why don't you call me Seiichi then." He's too cute!

"Ikedo... Ne, can I... Can you come closer?"

"?" He did as he was asked of, not wanting hurt the boy's feelings with any thoughts of disrespect. Seiichi stopped as he reached the side of the bed and gripped the emerald haired male's outstretched hand. "Is this close enough."

"Hn."

At first he was curious why the boy asked that he'd do such a thing. Now he knew why. He relaxed as he felt small hands roam his body-touching his hands, arms, chest, shoulders, and finally his face. The high schooler couldn't help but smile while a thumb caressed his cheeks and fingers tangled themselves in his navy blue locks.

"You're smiling." It wasn't a question but a statement. "Why? Is something amusing?"

"Betsu ni."

"...Do you play any sports? You seem strong despite you're frail stature."

He noticed that just by touching? "Yeah, I'm going to be the tennis team's next captain."

"Tennis..."

I'll ask him about tennis later, but first... "Saa, is it alright to ask why you're here? In this room, I mean."

"I should be asking you the same thing!" Some type of bitterness sunk into the normally kind voice.

Chuckling quietly, Seiichi sat himself in on the bed, his hand still holding the other's. "Actually, I got lost when visiting a friend. I heard your song and that's when I found myself here."

"You-! You heard that?" The seemingly younger boy blushed, cheeks the color of a light crimson.

"You're a pretty good singer."

"Domo." The blush darkened another shade.

"And? Why are you here?"

"...No reason..."

"It's alright if you don't want to tell."

Ryoma released his grip from the other's and placed that hand on his chest. "I have horrible health or simply put: a weak body."

"A weak body? You don't seem sick."

The smaller shook his head. "My body is dying."

Seiichi was absolutely astounded at how calm those words were said. Ryoma must've known for a long time. He couldn't help but have this rush of sadness overwhelm him when he realized the boy's position. He tried to speak but it only came out as a stutter. "W-wh-what did you just say?" He's dying? That can't be! To die at such a young age! It's unfair!

"My body is dying. From the inside to be exact. In fact, the doctors said I only have a year left to live, maybe even less than that."

"Then why are you cooped up in the hospital? You should try to making the most of the time you have left!"

A saddened looked crossed over Ryoma's face. "As much I'd love to do that... I can't."

"Why not?"

"My legs... They're paralyzed."

"So what? You shouldn't let that stop you! Use a wheelchair!"

"But who would want to waste their time wheeling around a blind and paralyzed boy?"

Ryoma... The way he spoke made me want to hold him close and protect him. He sounded so weak, so sad, when he told me about his condition. 'It must be hard knowing that you're going to die.' That was all I could think at the moment. I could tell that he wanted to go outside more than anything. That's why I jumped up from the bed and said...

"I would!"

"Seiichi?" Surprise, shock, slight fear, and bit of hope were etched into his voice and expression. "What do you mean by that? Seiichi!"

I couldn't say I didn't felt hurt when he spoke in disbelief but I couldn't blame him. Actually, I felt happy. He used my name like I asked which made me just want to smile all day, strangely enough. Also, I wanted to become closer to this boy who seemed almost out of hope.

"I mean exactly as it sounded. I will take you outside."

"But-"

Seiichi placed a finger on the pink lips of the smaller boy. "Saa, let's keep this a promise between us."

Pink colored Ryoma's cheeks as he nodded. "Cross your heart?"

"Cross my heart." He's surprisingly childish. Well, he probably had most of his childhood taken away from him.

"Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear."

"If you lie then you're going to eat a thousand needles."

Chuckling, he hooked his pinky with Ryoma's. "That sounds painful so I better keep my promise."

"Hn."

At that moment a doctor entered the room—white coat and everything. He looked to be in his 30s of the least. Then again, never judge a book by its cover. His hair-black-was pulled back into a low pony and a pair of sunglasses was hooked onto his shirt. In the man's hands were a clipboard and what looked to be a bottle of medicine or vitamins.

Is this Ryoma's doctor?

"Ren-sensei." The way the doctor's name was said sounded full of hate or 'playful hate'. "You're not going to give me a shot again, are you?"

"Sharp as ever, Echizen-kun, and no. I'm not giving you a shot." Ren-sensei placed the items on the counter on the other side of the small room and glanced over at the unexpected guest. "And you are?"

Ryoma must've mastered the sound of this man's footsteps. "I'm just a-"

"Important guest. So don't go showing your ugly side to him," Ryoma stated flatly.

A vein pulsed as an annoyed expression with a strained smile. "Now, behave yourself, Echizen-kun."

"Che."

"You two get along pretty well, don't you?" Seiichi asked as he attempted to stifle his uncontrollable laughter.

The response he got was a simultaneous, "No we don't!"

"I would never get along with a brat!"

"And I would never 'befriend' a jerk like him!"

"A jerk, you say?"

"That's right! Only a jerk would call me a brat when I'm obviously not."

"Oh yeah-"

"Excuse me..."

The two males faced toward Seiichi who spoke up. Well, the emerald haired boy looked in his general direction but would be able to make a stranger think that he wasn't blind since he was facing Seiichi with such accuracy. Ren-sensei coughed when he realized his childish behavior.

"Right. I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Mamoru Ren, Echizen-kun's doctor."

"Caretaker."

Ren-sensei glared at the blind boy then turned back to the navy haired teen. "Anyway, what's your name, kid?"

Kid! "Yukimura Seiichi." Don't punch him. Don't punch him. Don't punch him.

"A pleasure."

"I'm sure."

"So tell me, how-"

"!" Ryoma's hand found Seiichi's after a couple minutes of searching and pulled the elder toward him, unaware of the closeness. "Seiichi, didn't you say that you were lost?"

"Oi, Echizen-kun, what are playing at? I wasn't done talking to him! Wait, lost?"

"Oh that's right! I completely forgot. I hope Sanada isn't worried."

The doctor slumped into a chair muttering, "Poor guy, forgotten by his own friend."

His words received a glare and murderous aura. "Uresai."

"Hai, hai." Sarcasm noted.

My first impression of Mamoru Ren: He's compatible with Ryoma and over uses sarcasm—if that's possible. Those two were very amusing. They always managed to get in some kind of childish fight. Ren didn't come by as often as he did in the past. He said the reason was because I was there. I guess deep down the guy truly, honestly loved Ryoma—even if they fought 24/7. I remember Ryoma saying that he thought Ren as a father figure or something along those lines, though he threatened me not to tell the doctor that. You know, Ren said once: 'Ryoma will die. I, unfortunately, can't do anything to stop it. With that in mind, can you still visit him? Can you continue being his friend until the end? Echizen-kun never opened up to someone as much as he did with you which means he really likes you so I want to make sure you won't hurt him.' I just replied with a smile and told him: 'He's much more than that now.'

"Ne."

"Hm?" Seiichi's eyes met with blind golden ones.

"Who is Sanada?" The tone he used sounded like a jealous child.

Chuckling, the teen smiled. "He's a close friend of mine."

"Tomodachi...?"

"Sodaiyo. Speaking of him, I better get going." Letting go of Ryoma's hand, he stood and walked toward the door. "I'll come visit you again soon and we can go outside together. Sound good?"

"...Hn..."

I left after telling him about Sanada. Their personalities were somewhat similar and they became friends almost immediately when I introduced them to each other. I have to say, Sanada's face was hilarious when Ryoma suddenly started touching him. However, I'll save that story for another time. Niou called a few minutes ago for the team to hang out.

Sayonara,
Yukimura Seiichi

So? What do you think? I hope it's not too bad. Any thoughts on where to improve?

As for Ren... His family name is Mamoru because it means 'protect' and I thought it would suit a doctor.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm also working on my other stories so no need to fear. I assure you I'm not dead^^ All advice will go toward finishing my stories, meaning... You know... I want to get the characters' feeling through in my other stories so I thought this might be a good way to practice. Thanks again for your time and I hope you enjoyed it. I should have the next chapter up by next Friday.

~"Time is precious. Once it's lost, you can never get it back."~