New chapter! I am glad to finally be typing these and how fast they are getting done! This one is...sad T_T I apologize But, I hope there was no quality lost though and I hope you enjoy chapter 3 ^^ I still have to write the next chapter so it may take awhile! Thank you very much!

Okita watched as the man moved across the room. He lifted himself up to the sitting position just to realize he was just as shaky this way. It wasn't a very noticeable shake though...it couldn't even be considered a tremble.

"You really do not look well, Souji. I suggest you lie down." Yamazaki said. At some point, he had turned around and was now facing Okita.

Yamazaki was always saw the simplest details...then again, he was a spy, it was his job. Still, he didn't enjoy being analyzed, especially while he couldn't judge his own body because of his disorientation. Okita sighed, his head still bothered him. He leaned forward, allowing his head to rest in the palm of his hand while he massaged his temples. He angled his view to still be able to see Yamazaki. He was preparing the medicine in the corner of the room. He worked so quietly...all Yamazaki ever was was quiet...he was like Saito in a sense. Okita laughed at his wandering mind, but still let the thought roll through. How long was it since he last had seen Saito? Actually, when was the last time he had seen anyone besides Yamazaki, Hijikata, or Chizuru? He had never actually realized how lonely he was until now...all he was allowed to do was lay in bed and sleep. Thinking about all of this only gave him another reason not to regret leaving the base today. He had made Chizuru sad, and he did feel guilty for doing that...but, he still would do it again if he had the chance. No matter what, nothing could compare to the feeling of being an actual part of the Shinsengumi again.

"Souji-san"

Okita almost jumped. Yamazaki now sat beside him, by the look on his face it was obvious he had sat there for awhile now. Okita had let his mind run and forgot about reality. He looked down to the cup of green tea and the medicine that Yamazaki held. He took in and gave a slight bow as an apology. He quickly swallowed the medicine, trying to avoid the taste. It failed, and he gave a look of disgust as he chugged his tea to rid himself of it. That medicine's taste would probably kill him before the actual disease did, he couldn't stand it!

Yamazaki still analyzed him throughly. Okita knew he was taking in everything, the flush of his skin, the drooping eyes, he was sick as always. He watched silently as Yamazaki placed a hand upon his forhead, seconds later taking it back.

"You are still running a fever, it is higher than what it was earlier today...that is most likely from being out in such unfriendly weather." He grabbed the cloth that had began to leave a water spot on the futon and set it back into the bucket of cold water beside him to soak. "May I asked why left today?"

Okita smile showed slight irritation. Why in the world would Yamazaki ask questions that he knew the answer to? Did he really want to tick him off? Since when did Yamazaki have the right to start such a meaningless conversation?

"To have some fun of course. Surely you understand how boring it is to just sit here all day."

"You got yourself injured and more ill having "fun". I would much rather you sit here bored and get better than go out and have "fun" and get yourself in this predicament. You are actions today were very foolish."

Okita's brows furrowed as he let out a deep breath as a way to vent and suppress his anger. The cup in his left hand and the bandaging on his right kept him from balling them into fists. Since when did Yamazaki give such an attitude? His smile grew darker then transformed into a frown.

"You are really starting to piss me off."

"That was my intention," Yamazaki replied sarcastically. " You are still ill. I suggest you lie down and get some rest, you are in no condition-"

" Don't look down on me! I can still fight and I swear I will kill you if you say anymore!" Okita had snapped. He began to catch his breath from the yelling. Yamazaki gave a look of surprize at Okita's reactions to his words. This was to be expected, Okita had never yelled at him before, just as this is the first time Yamazaki had ever acted the way he did. Perhaps it was out of concern, but that didn't matter to Okita! There was no way he or any other samurai would accept being insulted. He wasn't weak...he wasn't...he wasn't!

"Okita-san, I-"

"Shut up!" Okita growled. " I am tired of hearing it! I'm just as strong as I was before! Nothing has changed." He felt his breath become constricted, but continued on. "Everything is just like it was, I-" His words stopped. "I-" He tried to force them through but failed. His body stopped, the cup clattering to the ground as he fell forward quickly setting his hand out to support the weight. The scarlet that fell was quickly absorbed by the snow white futon. Violent coughing followed and caused Yamazaki actions to become more pertinent. Like any concerned doctor, he was instantly at the side of Okita supporting him with a firm grip up on the shoulder.

The fatigue he had tried to fight since Chizuru and Yamazaki then took control. Okita's arms gave out as the world began to spin and his balance was lost. He was caught by the arms of Yamazaki inches before he the floor. With someone giving reassurance, Okita became concerned with getting the air to return to his lungs. After a few minutes, the attack had passed, Okita still limp.

Yamazaki moved his body without struggle and laid it gently on the bed. Okita forced his eyes to open as he watched Yamazaki set the covers back on him and lean towards the bucket of water, pulling the wet cloth out and laying it on Okita's head. Okita almost couldn't make out even the features of Yamazaki's face now, all he could make out was a frown. He watched as Yamazaki bowed.

"I'm sorry Okita-san." Yamazaki looked away. "But, please, understand what is your limit. Your body can only take so much before it is-"

Okita forced himself to turn to his side and face the wall. He was tired, he didn't want to fight or even listen to anyone anymore. He was angry, mostly at himself. He listened as Yamazaki gave a sigh which was followed by the sounds of him moving about.

"Sleep well, Souji-san. I will check on you tomorrow, if I am needed before then, do not hesitate to call for me."

A breath was heard and the candle went out followed by the closing of the door. Okita only company now was the moon's dim light that sneaked it's way through the thin material of the door. His anger began to boil once again!

"Damn it!" He whispered. He slammed his injured hand into the ground. It began to throb, but he could care less, he would consider it punishment for his body failing him.

It wasn't fair, he never wanted any of this! But still...-his mind began to lose his trial of thought. His eyes closed themselves. Whatever it was that he was thinking, it would have to wait for another time, he didn't want to think and his mind wouldn't let him...he welcomed sleep. The night wrapped him in a bitterly cold blanket as he drifted off.