Hey everyone. This is my first Rurouni Kenshin story. Yes, I did a number of one shots but never one story. So, hope each and every one of you can give me reviews to improve the story.

Brief summary: This is one out of four (I hope) stories based on Kenshin and Co.

Aoshi Shinomori was made an orphan and almost lost his hearing. But thanks to Hiko, he was adopted into an established family and underwent an operation that restored his hearing. Ten years after that, he was introduced to a deaf lady and was thrown into confusion. After all, the lady managed to arouse protective instinct that he never thought that he possessed. However there was just one little secret that might destroy the relationship they are about to establish…

Rate: PG13? Might change.

The young patient slowly opened his eyes after a good night rest. His cool blue eyes stared at the whitewash ceiling.

'Oto-san, Oka-san.' He mumbled softly as he gently sat up, trying hard not to move his injured leg. He looked at the calendar next to him.

It had been three days since the accident that claimed his parents' lives and left him here, alone. For the past two days, he dreamt of them, dying in the car as he struggled to stay conscious. He shivered. He was now alone, an orphan with no one to care for him anymore.

But something else bugged him. He could be discharged soon. But when he asked the doctor about it, the doctor shook his head and told him it wasn't time yet. The hospital staffs weren't helpful either, whispering among themselves and yet not telling him anything.

Only one of them, Tae was taking care of him and extremely patient with him. Her gentle smile and kind actions made his stay more bearable.

"Good morning Aoshi."

"Good morning Sensei." He coolly greeted back, as his icy blue eyes met the warm brown eyes of the doctor.

He watched the doctor nervously adjusted his spectacles before smiling. "Aoshi, I want to introduce to you Hiko-san."

He turned his head to see a relatively young man who had long black hair looking back at him. "Hiko-san." He greeted his visitor just as he spied someone behind him. A young boy that looked around his age appeared from behind. His head barely reached the elbow of the older man. He met his violet eyes, studying him intensely. His flaming red hair that was neatly bundled up in a ponytail was unusual, for he never met someone with such fiery hair colour before. But what really caught his attention was the cross scar on his left cheek. He saw the younger boy's mouth move but yet unable to hear what he said. The man bent down and said something before the boy smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I am Himura Kenshin. Nice meeting you Aoshi."

Aoshi dismissed him with a glance. "Sensei, how come I couldn't hear him just now."

The doctor just shrugged and gave him a paper, motioning him to read it. After he finished, he sank on his bed. "Hiko-san is going to finance my operation and will be adopting me." The doctor nodded. "Why?" Aoshi asked.

"Tae told me that you were an orphan. Since Kenshin wanted to have a brother, Tae suggested that we adopt you. We are willing to finance your operation in hope that you will be able to regain your hearing like what it was like before the accident." Hiko smiled. "How old are you son?"

"Forteen." Aoshi mumbled, not liking the way Hiko called him.

"I am fifteen." Kenshin chirped in. "Why not you join the family then? Please? Tae is really nice. So is Hiko-san. He looks really grumpy and everything. But he is really cool at heart."

"Kenshin, I think you talk too much." Hiko frowned. "So, will you accept the offer?"

At that moment, Tae came in. "Hiko-san, you shouldn't tire him out. Let him decide after the operation. Now he needs his rest." Tae beamed at him. "How are you Aoshi?"

"Fine thank you." Aoshi returned the smile. "You know them?"

"Of course, Hiko is my husband." Tae smiled as she noticed the boy's amazement. As she was used to such an expression each time she told that to strangers, she ignored it. "We adopted Kenshin some years back, but recently Kenshin wanted to have a sibling. We need to ask you a favour. Will you indulge this poor boy who behaves like a little kid and join our family?"

Aoshi looked at Hiko and Kenshin. He wasn't really willing to form an attachment to strangers so quickly. Not after what had happened. But there was something in their eyes that made him decide. "So Sensei, when can we carry out the operation?"

Thanks for reading. God Bless

Joyful-x