Rage and Fondness

                                    

                                          
The sound reverberated within the spacious quarter at the backdrop pouring rain doused the bass, Souji figured because of the chilly weather his health deteriorates, he had to hold back half of the time when the urge to cough was overwhelming during the course of meeting alongside the captains as well as the daimyo and his mileage. They had to make necessary changes in order to stay on track, it was highly unlikely that the rest of the team could travel under the terrible downpour that of which continued ever since their arrival. 
                          
He sat on the mat dejectedly listening on to the rattling sound whenever he inhaled and exhale out his breath even then, the captain wishes to hide his pain and misery from the rest of them especially, Hijikata, who will assert dominancy over Souji's wishes to stay on board until the very end. The very least, his body caves in. A cynical sneer lifted the corner of Souji's mouth unaware of his pale and ghostly expression by the ever-present illness consuming his energy at a rapid speed of light. 
                          
Nobody will give a fuck about your death, the inner demon muses. 
                          
Heart twinges in pain annoyed by his soft side before the male had the opportunity to cuss outwardly another bout of wet cough shakes his solid frame, at one point, he had to cover his mouth just as a figure pass by outdoor. Souji's gaze tracked the movement wondering if the person might be someone from the clan before it vanished from sight presumably one of the servants, even though, this was a castle the male never dropped his alertness throughout their stay. 
                          
The burning sensation caught between his chest put a strain on Souji's handsome profile at the same time pressing a firm hand on the sweat-soaked skin peeking a little. He was exhausted from the constant round of coughing when stubbornness eventually replaced by urgency, the pitiful being in a state of abandoned vulnerability tremors in the meantime, one hand prodded inside the kimono to pull out a small white packet. Standing on wobbly feet, Souji shuffles to a tray set aside by the doorway when he collapsed on both knees just as the terrible cough incorporated with blood and spittle dotted on the floor. 
                          
Souji glances from behind a sheen of tears at the packet carrying his medicine spilt on the tatami mat out of nowhere, a pair of hands appeared into his line of vision. A familiar scent envelops his riotous sense; Narumi carefully sweeps the medicine fallen on the ground with a hand before dusting it into a small cup filled with plain water. 
                          
Like a man drowning, the male latched a hand onto her small wrist so as to make sure she doesn't move and proceeded to drink the bitter liquid. Once again, Souji bared his vulnerable state in front of the mysterious lady and felt his unstable whirl of emotion internally. 
                          
"Why-" Souji rasped but got but off when he wheezes a cough. 
                          
"I... heard you..." Narumi whispered in a quiet voice. 
                          
The idea of either one of his brother at arms busting inside the quarter and watch him in a pitiful position causes him to scowl. When Narumi resumes her nursing duty, Souji, in the heat of moment growled in displeasure as well as shoving the woman aside.
                          
"Get... fuc..." Souji had trouble lining his speech. 
                          
"No," Narumi shook her head and the other spied a pair of wide orbs. 
                          
"D-don't touch me..." the male gasped for breath at the same time, a pair of enraged eyes flickered towards her. 
                          
"Now is not the time-" the sentence was cut short when Souji grappled for her arm and clamped sweat-stained fingers menacingly. 
                          
"I SAID LEAVE ME, DAMN YOU!" Souji roared both in embarrassment and pain. 
                          
"I will not leave your side, Okita-san," Narumi replied in a gentle yet, shaky tone.