Those In Need

Title: Those In Need
Pairing: Riku/Namine

"Oh no! I'm late again!" Naminé thought, as she darted outta the house. It was pouring rain outside and the blonde tightened her grip around her umbrella. Last thing she need to do was be late for school AND catch a cold. It was a cool yet rainy autumn morning on Destiny Island. Naminé had been having trouble getting to bed on time and lately had to have her friends intervene and make her go to sleep. She had slept through her alarm once again and was now rushing to school.

"I hope Principal doesn't yell at me again!" she prayed, darting around a corner and into an open street used by many other school attendees. She could see the large building up ahead. "Phew, almost there," she said aloud, smiling.

But her attention was drawn to something else. A few feet in front of her sat a box on its side. Naminé slowly approached it and knelt down. On the box was written: "Free Kittens!" she glanced in the box to find a single, soaked kitten, huddled in the corner, attempting to stay dry. Naminé's heart broke in half. "You pour thing!" she cried, setting her umbrella down over the box. The kitten blinked at her when she shielded him from the rain.

He nervously receded from the tiny home and looked up at her. She frowned even more. This poor, little cat was as unbelievably skinny! "You're probably starving, aren't you?!"

The tiny tabby meowed in response.

"Here, I've got just the thing." She reached into her bag and pulled out a small container of fish crackers. "Do you like fish?"

Her new found friend meowed.

She set them down in front of it. "Here you go then!"

The cat dove into the container of crackers, devouring every single one he saw. "There, isn't that better?" she said, stroking the cat's back.

He purred in reply.

She could feel the rain soaking her uniform already. "Well, I better go little one. You stay safe, okay?"

The kitty nuzzled her hand before going back to his meal. She slowly stood, her hair plastered against her face and neck. She didn't have the heart to take her umbrella from the kitten. "I'll be fine," she told herself.

Suddenly, the rain seemed to stop pelting her. She blinked and looked up at the sky, but there was an umbrella shielding her. "What…," she looked over to find Riku standing there.

"Here," he said, holding out his uniform jacket. "Or you'll catch a cold."

"But, what about y—,"

He smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry about me. You were kind to this kitten so I'll be kind to you."

Naminé smiled at Riku and nodded, taking the jacket and gently pulling it on. She could already feel the warmth return to her body. He continued to hold the umbrella over her as they walked towards the school building.

"How come you're late?" she asked, looking at him, "You're usually never late for school."

Riku chuckled, "I overslept. Guess I'm not as perfect as people make me out to be."

Naminé giggled, "Oh, I see."

Riku intertwined his fingers with Naminé's, gently pulling her, "C'mon. Before we get in even more trouble," Naminé nodded and willingly let Riku lead her to the school.