Disclaimer: -sigh- Still don't own Rurouni Kenshin… (Why I bother putting this I don't know, but it's still illegal)

Whispers of the Wind

Chapter 3: The Rush of the Wind

Kenshin pulled open the apartment door, grinning broadly. He walked past the kitchen where Hiko was trying to put dinner together, and slammed the door closed. He jumped onto his bed, landing on his stomach. He smiled into his comforter and suddenly sat up. Staring straight ahead, Kenshin reached up and traced his lips with a finger, smiling at the wall.

He sat that way for half an hour, captivated by the sweet smell she left on him and the sweet taste in his mouth. It was only until Hiko popped in, generally worried at his step-son's silence. "Kenshin?" He asked, closing the door behind him.

The red-headed teen was knocked out of his dreams and turned to stare at Hiko. "What? Is dinner ready?"

"Dinner… yeah… not going to happen. We'll get a bite in a second but I have something to ask you."

"Uh… okay…"

"Why are you so happy?"

Kenshin sweatdropped and asked, "Oro… can't I be happy?"

Hiko stared at him, eyes narrowed. "Yes you can but… why so sudden?"

Kenshin smiled at him. "I've made a few friends."

"A girlfriend then," Hiko decided. "Finally stopped beating them off, I see."

Kenshin turned red. "Oro! I never beat anyone off!"

Hiko laughed. "Right, where have you been?"

"At my friend, Shinomori Aoshi's home." Kenshin said, smiling triumphantly.

"And does this Shinomori has have a sister around your age?"

Kenshin once again turned red.

"I thought so," Hiko grinned. "Is she cute?"

Kenshin shrugged. "I think so…"

"Well! I must see her!" Hiko jumped to his feet and dragged Kenshin to the door the apartment.

"Where are we going?"

"To your girlfriend's house! Then we can get something to eat."

"Hiko-sama! Wait, there's something I have to tell you!"

"Tell me in the car," and he was out the door.

Kenshin sighed and picked up his coat, following his insane "father" out the door.

RKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRK

Kaoru leaned against the counter, day dreaming as she limply held a cup of milk in both hands. A smile was plastered on her face and she was completely happy for the first time in her life. That is until she heard the noise.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Kaoru sighed and placed the milk on the counter, pulling her AZT out of her pocket. She pulled out a pill and fingered it. She didn't want to take it. It was just a reminder she had a disease, an incurable disease. And sooner of later, she'll die from it.

She didn't want to die. Now more than ever she wanted to live. With a sigh Kaoru raised the pill to her lips. Just as the door bell rang. Thinking it could be Kenshin she quickly placed the pill container and pill on the counter. Rushing to the door.

Sure enough it was Kenshin, but he wasn't alone this time. Standing next to him was a tall man, with long black hair and strikingly handsome features. He smiled down at her and said, "Yo."

Kaoru shook her head and held the door open wide, bowing as she did so. "Please, please, come in."

The man and Kenshin both entered and once coats were hung up and shoes removed she led them into the kitchen and after they were seated immediately asked if they were thirsty.

"Water please," Kenshin said, glancing at the man. "For both of us."

Kaoru smiled and hurried to the refrigerator. She dropped a few ice cubes into cups and filled them with water. She placed the cups on the table and took a seat next to Kenshin, so he was in between her and the man.

"I'm surprised," the man said, taking a sip from his glass. "That a baka like him could have gotten a cutie like you."

Kaoru blushed and Kenshin glared at the man. Turning back to Kaoru he said, "This is my step-father, Hiko."

Hiko smiled, "Yo." He said again.

Kaoru bowed her head. "I am Kamiya Kaoru, pleased to meet you."

Hiko nodded and took another sip. They then sat in an awkward silence, until Aoshi walked in, towel on around his waist. He froze in the doorway and a little bit of color could be seen on his cheeks.

Kaoru blushed for him. Turning a bright red. Kenshin looked down to hide a smile and Hiko out right laughed. "And who is this?" he asked.

"Shinomori Aoshi," Aoshi said, bowing. "I am sorry, I did not know we had guests."

Kaoru got to her feet and grinned, "One sec, Aoshi-kun. You wait here and I'll get you some pants." She rushed into the hall and left the other three in an awkward silence. Aoshi looked around the kitchen, trying to keep his eyes off the two men at the table. They fell on the counter and Kaoru's pill, and hardened.

She walked in the next moment and handed him a pair of pants. Aoshi gripped her arm, saying in a low voice, "Are you going to take that?" he nodded slightly toward the pill.

Kaoru glared at him and muttered, "Not now, Aoshi."

He didn't let go of her hand. "Tell me you'll take it."

"I will, kay? Just go and put on some pants."

Aoshi growled before leaving the room. Kaoru turned to the guests and forced a smile, she bowed. "Sorry about that…" silence followed and soon Kenshin got to his feet.

"We should be going, be have yet to eat dinner."

Kaoru glanced at the clock. "Yes!" she exclaimed. "It's past eight!"

She ushered them out and Hiko walked to the car, giving Kenshin and Kaoru a moment. She shivered in the cold night air and Kenshin smiled, "I'll see you later?"

Kaoru nodded and sneezed. "Yep, I'll see you tomorrow!"

Kenshin smiled and kissed her on the cheek before rushing off.

Kaoru stood a while longer outside, ignoring the shivering she felt, merely stroking her cheek and remembering the feel of his lips.

RKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRKRK

Kenshin leaned against the locker. Looking up and down the halls, he saw no sign of Kaoru.

Aoshi appeared behind him. "Hey Aoshi-dono, where is Kaoru-dono?"

Aoshi's stoic face almost looked worried. "She's sick Kenshin, and it doesn't look good."

A/N: That was a short one! Sorry if it's too short! I was going to make it longer but this seemed like a good way to end it. Want to make sure you understand some stuff:

1) Kaoru didn't take her AZT

2) She was outside in cold weather with only shorts and a t-shirt on

3) She does have AIDS so she caught the cold faster.

4) This cold could kill her… DUN DUN DUN

I'll try to update soon