Title: Life Saver

Characters: Riku, Naminé, Sora, and Kairi

Couple Pairing(s): Riku/Naminé, Sora/Kairi

Game: Kingdom Hearts

The water was cool and refreshing that early morning on Destiny Island. And, like always, Sora an Riku ha made a bet. "I bet I can swim to the island an back faster than you, Riku!" Sora had proclaimed with a look of confidence in his gaze.

Riku blinked his response. He ha been sure that Sora had outgrown these childish habits. "What makes you say that?" Riku asked, as he flicked some of his silver hair from his face.

"Because," Sora began grinning an putting his hands behind his head, "I've been training."

"Well so have I," Riku retorted feeling himself slipping back into his old, competitive habits.

"Then let's test it out!" Sora shouted standing to his feet and heading for the door.

"Fine," Riku growled as they headed down towards the water.

Kairi was called to start the race. "Really guys" she giggled, "I thought you had out grown this kinda stuff,"

"No way," Sora laughed.

"Alright," Kairi sighed as she raised her arms into the air, "On your mark, get set…GO!" She threw her arms down and both teens hurled themselves into the water, racing towards their childhood island.

Riku swam his heart out, unable to let Sora beat him. Just as he was reaching the other side did he feel a strange sensation run up his leg. "Damn," he breathed as he slowed. He could feel the cramp begin to increase making it harder to breathe—let alone swim. I've got to get to shore, he thought as he shakily swam towards the beautiful beach. He could see Sora already heading back. He looked like a rocket being shot into outer space.

Finally, Riku reached the shore, rolling onto his back and staring up at the sky. He had lost. He knew it. "You alright?" came a gentle voice.

Riku craned his neck back to see Naminé leaning over him with a look of concern on her face and worry in her eyes. "…Yeah…just a leg cramp." Riku said, sitting up and sighing.

"Anyway I can help?" she asked, kneeling down beside him.

He blinked and shook his head, "Don't think so. Just gotta wait it out."

"Then I'll wait with you," she said with a smile.

Riku searched her eyes before relaxing his shoulders and nodding. "Very well," he looked out over the horizon and saw Sora racing back towards shore with Kairi jumping up and cheering. "Can't believe I lost because of some stupid leg cramp," Riku growled.

"I'm sorry," Naminé sympathized, touching his shoulder.

"What are you doing here anyways?" Riku asked, looking over at the cute blonde.

"Oh! I was drawing," she said, flipping open her sketch pad.

"May I see?" Riku asked, extending his hand towards her mysterious drawings.

"Etto…I suppose so," she stammered, her face red and shy from showing her artwork.

Riku flipped through the sketch pad thoughtfully, taking in each piece. "Wow," he breathed, looking at a sketch of the island, "You're amazing."

"Th-thank you," she quivered her face getting redder.

He chuckled and shakily stood. "We better head back soon,"

She nodded and stood also. "Sure," the sweet blonde smiled. She gently put her arm around his waist, "I'll help you,"

He could feel his cheek get red. "O…kay,"

It them awhile to get to the boat Naminé had taken to the island and row back to home. When they got there, Kairi and Sora were waiting arm and arm. "What took you so long?" Sora asked teasingly.

"Leg cramped," Riku announced.

"Suuuure it did," Sora chuckled, but took Naminé's place in helping Riku.

"Thanks Nami," Riku smiled.

She nodded, "You're welcome."

"I guess this means I won!" Sora cheered as the group headed back towards Kairi's for something to eat.

Riku sighed, but smiled. That may be true, Sora, Riku thought, but for me…it wasn't a total loss.