So sorry about the delay. I know that it has been a really long time since I updated and I deeply humbly apologise. My life has been so hectic lately that I was on the verge of giving up. Anyway, your support and reviews has made me push myself to continue this. Thank you for patience, my lovelies. This chapter is dedicated to all of you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Uraboku. I just have a vivid imagination.

Chapter 4: Call My Name

A next few days passed by painfully slow. Hotsuma was half the time lifelessly staring out from his room's bay window. He couldn't bear to visit Shusei – not yet anyway. Tachibana had given him daily updates since he visited the hospital everyday. Shusei was transferred to the intensive care unit and he was still unconscious.

Hotsuma hugged his knees close to his chest, his heart breaking into two when he remembered Dr Isuzu's words. He brought his hand up to cover his eyes and the tears finally fell – tears of sadness, of frustration, or fear at the thought of losing Shusei.

'Oh God, Shusei…' he silently sobbed and he leaned his head against the windowsill. He didn't know how long he had cried but he just kept crying until he ran out of tears. His heart felt hollow and empty at the thought of losing Shusei and he slowly wipe away the last remaining drops of tears from his own eyes.

Hotsuma glanced at the calendar hanging on his wall. Shusei's birthday was tomorrow and he still hasn't gotten him a present yet. He exhaled and decided to go for a walk. Going into the bathroom, he glanced at himself in the mirror. 'I look like shit,' was his first thought as he stared at the swollen red eyes and his tear stained cheeks. He drowned himself into the cold shower, not bothering to take off his clothes.

He needed to calm down. He needed a get a grip. He needed… he needed to stay strong for Shusei.

.

The next day, Hotsuma had decided to go do a little present shopping before visiting Shusei. He had shopped around and finally decided on matching cross necklaces. He had bought a pair and was jogging towards the hospital where Shusei had been admitted.

When Hotsuma stood outside the hospital room, he felt his heart grew heavy. He didn't want to go in – he didn't want to see Shusei in a hospital bed. He knew that the moment he saw this, everything would be a reality. This horrible nightmare would be true.

He slowly gave a soft knock on the door, his heart hammering away in his chest. It seemed like an eternity before he managed to step inside the room.

"Hey, Hotsuma…"

Hotsuma darted his eyes forward when he heard Shusei's raspy weak voice. The brunet looked paler than usual, but he still wore a weak smile – greeting his partner. There were wires and tubes around the bed, and Hotsuma felt himself going weak when he heard the beeping sound of the heart monitor.

"Shusei…" Hotsuma rasped out, rushing towards the brunet. He grabbed onto Shusei's thin hand, gently squeezing it as he sat down on a chair next to it. Shusei smiled and returned the gesture by squeezing Hotsuma's hand back weakly.

"Ho-How are you feeling, Shusei?" asked Hotsuma. Shusei lightly chuckled. "I hate hospitals… I want to go home," said Shusei. Hotsuma snorted at his best friend.

"You idiot! Do you know how serious your condition is?"

Shusei dropped his gaze and closed his eyes. A tense silence filled the air and Hotsuma wanted to slap himself for being so insensitive.

"I-I know… the doctors have told me that my time is almost up. That anyday now I'll just never wake up." Shusei's voice was barely over a whisper. Hearing that, Hotsuma froze and his mind went blank. 'Never wake up?'

His hand trembled a little and he glanced back at his partner, his gaze never leaving the other. The hazel eyes were filled with hidden emotions and for once, Hotsuma could not read Shusei.

"Are… are you afraid?" Hotsuma whispered, the words coming out from his mouth before he knew it. Shusei gave another weak smile and he brought his other hand forward and cupped Hotsuma's cheek.

"Of dying?" he asked. Hotsuma tensed at the question before giving a brief nod. Shusei's eyes softened and his fingers slide to thread across the blond locks.

"Honestly, I do not know. It all seemed so unreal to me. That I am dying in a few months time," he said in a perfectly calm voice.

"D-Don't say such things. Oh god, Shusei…" Hotsuma's voice cracked and he hid his face by covering it with his other palm. Their hands were still linked together and Hotsuma felt more tears welling up in his eyes. He took in a few deep breaths to calm himself down.

Shusei was torn. Hotsuma looked even more hurt than he was and he hated himself for being the cause of Hotsuma's worries. He slowly moved his body forward and he gently wrapped his hands around Hotsuma, bringing the other into a heartfelt embrace. Hotsuma leaned onto Shusei's shoulders and Shusei felt his sleeve getting damp.

Hotsuma was crying in silence. Once again, he felt so helpless – Shusei was dying, and there was nothing that he can do to help his partner.

"Shusei…" he croaked out and Shusei tightened his arms around the blond, gently hushing him. "Wh-What am I going to do without you? I-I can't bear the thought of losing you…"

Hotsuma's words cut into Shusei's heart. "Oh Hotsuma. Don't say that."

"Wha-What am I supposed to do?" Hotsuma's voice was trembling and Shusei was rubbing smooth circles on Hotsuma's back.

"Live, Hotsuma. Live for my sake as well," he replied. Hotsuma choked when he heard those words. He hated this. He didn't want to live on without Shusei. Fresh tears welled up in the golden eyes and he continued to cry.

Shusei's heart broke into two when he heard the sobs of his best friend. He really did treasure Hotsuma. Everything revolves around the blond. Without Hotsuma, Shusei feels lost and empty. Gently, he comforted the blond and patted his head.

"Hotsuma… I need to tell you something. Something important in case I never get to tell you." Hotsuma's sobs went silent and they slowly break apart from the hug. "W-What is it, Shusei?"

Shusei cupped the tear stained face and the words that left his lips stole Hotsuma's breath away.

"I love you."

Yes. A very emotional chapter. I don't even know what was on my mind when I typed this out. I think next chapter (chapter 5) will be the last so stay in touch! Your reviews would mean the world to me. =)