Alright, let's see how things are going with these two, shall we?

To the story! *cue music*

I don't own Kingdom Hearts.


"And this is my home. Not much, I know." I rubbed the back of my neck, a bit embarrassed. "But it keeps me warm at night and I have somewhere safe to stay."

He looked around thoughtfully, taking in the cave with interest. I stood to the side, secretly hoping he would find it a bit impressive. His eyes took in my "bed" and fire pit, but said nothing.

"Um…sorry-"

"It's nice." He turned to me, a hint of a smile on his face. "Would you be willing to let me stay here and share?"

I stared back. "You…you mean…stay here? On the island? With me?"

"If you don't mind."

"I…"

I was at a loss for words. I had always thought I would live alone on this island, fate leaving me with nothing but loneliness. But yet, here was someone with the same problem I had, willing to join me. It wasn't the dragon I had wished for, but it was better than dying and no one caring or knowing.

"I would love that." I said with a smile.

He returned it. "So would I."

I could have hugged him right then and there. But we only smiled and I could tell things were going to be a lot more fun for me.


"So what's that isle out there?" He pointed. "I wish I had seen it when I was out at sea, but the storm kind of prevented that."

We were walking slowly alongside the ocean, bare feet sinking into the wet sand. It was only the early afternoon, but it had felt like minutes had gone by and there wasn't enough time to take in the fact that I had a roommate now.

"That's just always been there. It might have been a part of the island, but the water probably separated it. Now it's just isolated out there, but it's a nice place to relax."

"How can you get there? It's out in the water."

"My raft. It's not much, but it does the job. I just paddle to the opposite side and climb up." I explained.

"Wouldn't it be easier to make a bridge or something to get across?"

That thought had never crossed my mind before, but it was a pretty good idea, to say the least. I slowed my steps even more so.

"That…would be a clever plan…" I grinned. "Actually, that sounds awesome. It's not a one-man job, but that's not a problem for me anymore."

He laughed. "So is that the only reason you allowed me to stay?"

I rolled my eyes and lightly shoved his shoulder, but he merely dodged it and flicked me in the forehead, to which I could only laugh, him joining in. I never would have thought my days would change so suddenly. Having a companion to laugh and talk to was…nice. Was this what it would have been like if I had gotten a dragon?

"By the way, you wouldn't happen to have any extra clothes that are a bit bigger, do you? I'm tired of wearing practically nothing on. It's gotten way too cold, anyway." He rubbed his bare, muscular arms. "I'm glad the sun is warm today, though, else I would be freezing my butt off."

"Um…not exactly." I replied sheepishly.

"Crap…" He sighed and looked down at his tattered t-shirt, which had probably been white at some point, but had turned into faded grey. "Guess I'd better figure something out. Winter's closing in fast and I need warmer clothes."

What he said made me think about my own attire. My capris and simple t-shirt weren't going to cut it for the cold weather and low temperatures. I hadn't thought ahead for what I would wear, only what I would eat.

"I didn't think that far ahead…" I bit my lip and fingered the hem of my shirt. "I need warmer clothes, too."

"Alright, then we need to put our heads together and brainstorm." He picked up the pace. "Where's your raft?"

"W-wait, why?" I stopped walking. "I thought we were going to think up a way to get better winter clothing."

"We are. But we need a good place to think." he said over his shoulder.

I crossed my arms over my chest and smirked. "Um, Riku?"

"Hm?"

"My raft is that way." I said, pointing behind me with my thumb.

He took on a sheepish look and turned back around. "Oh. Lead the way, then."

I could only laugh while he repeatedly mutter for me to shut up, but I just couldn't help laughing. It felt so good to finally laugh and just have a carefree day without the weight of sadness pressing down on me.

"By the way, the day of that storm…" Riku trailed off, which halted my laughter. "Did anything happen?"

"No, but it was quite a storm."

Part of me was hesitant to tell him of the dragon that had been beached on my island, seeing as it felt like my personal little secret. But he was now my friend, my permanent companion that would stay here forever. The thought was a little overbearing and pathetic than anything else, but it was what it was.

"S-"

"There was a dragon." I blurted out.

His eyes narrowed in disbelief, sharp and unfriendly from the wonderful smile he had on earlier. Had the mere mention of the creature upset him?

"Are you sure? Where is it now?"

"Gone." I shrugged. "One day it was laying on my beach, next day it vanished. I don't know."

"…interesting."

He didn't say another word to me and I didn't try to pull out any from him. I didn't know him well enough to tell if he would explode if I uttered anything, so I kept my mouth shut and waited, hoping I hadn't made him too angry.

We came upon the place where I had shoved my raft and ran forward to dislodge it, which Riku pitched in silently to help. Once it was set on the sand and the oars were put on top, he began to look over it with a critical eye, examining the sail and foundation. He said nothing, but I flinched when he temporarily glanced back at me. Those piercing eyes…

"Not bad." He picked it up and nodded to the other end. "Help me get it to the water."

I did so without complaint or argument and we set out back to the sea, dropping it with a splash into the rolling waves.

"Well…you first." I said with a gesture.

"Hmph." He climbed on, the raft bouncing and tilting like a seesaw. "God, mine was way better balanced than this one."

"It works, alright?" I frowned.

He rolled his eyes in reply as I clambered on board, nearly slipping and falling into the cold water. Thankfully, Riku had the decency to grab my arm and haul me the rest of the way to safety. I rubbed the back of my head.

"Sorry. I've always been clumsy."

He shook his head as I handed him an oar, but only a ghost of a smile crossed his features this time. Had I ruined everything? So soon? I bit my lip as he dug the oar into the water and started paddling, hoping that wasn't the case.

"Come on, lazy bones. We'll be here all day if you just sit there; paddle."

I did so, on edge by the worry in my mind.


Poor Sora. Anyone have a clue why Riku is being a total ass now?

You know, he could just be PMSing...typical Riku, right? :P

Until next time~