Fast Food Madness: The Epic Return

Namine stopped biting her lip, turning to look in the direction Roxas motioned to. "Right; sorry," she said, having to speak a little more loudly over the rain. She felt goosebumps appear on her arm, but she wasn't sure if it was because of the cold.

 

Roxas nodded, squinting with his bright blue eyes. The rain was beginning to pick up, which meant they would have to do the same with their pace. "Follow me," he said. Roxas turned around, simultaneously slipping his hand into hers before leading the way.

 

Namine tugged gently at Ty's leash, turning to follow Roxas. She didn't find anything strange about him holding her hand; it was starting to rain harder and they both wanted to get inside as quickly as possible. So at least this way they would be at the same pace. Namine picked up her speed, keeping up with Roxas' fast walk.

 

Roxas led Namine toward the sidewalk near the streets. There were cars around, but thankfully the walking signal was triggered as he reached the crosswalk, so they wouldn't run into traffic. The pitter-patter of the rain entered his ears as it made contact with the pavement, the boy feeling his clothes getting wetter as the seconds went by.

 

Namine looked away from the path in front of her, checking on her pet. He was keeping up just fine, staring straight ahead as the rain came down on top of them. At that moment, Namine was jealous of his natural coat and wished for a bit of that warmth.

 

Roxas tightend his grip on Namine's hand, leading her through the city. Thankfully he lived a shorter distance from the park. He couldn't say the same for Namine; she was a few more blocks than his house. His pace was at a fast-walk, but he was aware that he shouldn't go too fast, unless it started pouring.

 

Namine bit down on her lip when she felt Roxas tighten her grip. It gave her chills--even more than the rain was already giving her. A wave of confusion swept over her. What was wrong with her that she couldn't remember why she felt a certain way? And why was it so frustrating? A tear escaped her eye, blending in with the falling rain.

 

Roxas found a clearing in the road, no cars there for the moment. He stepped down from the sidewalk, beginning to lead Namine and Ty across the street. He could already hear his feet splashing with every step. This rain was getting heavier, he just knew it.

 

Namine instinctively looked both ways as they crossed the street, that caution overriding the thoughts that haunted her. But only for a brief moment. Then they continued. She had forgotten everything important, and yet her friends were still treating her kindly? She didn't deserve it...

 

Roxas could feel the raindrops trickling down the back of his neck. His hair was probably darker now that it was wet. Dismissing the thought, he took a turn, moving over slightly to avoid a puddle a foot ahead of him. "Nam, watch out for that!" he called behind him, using his nickname for her without thought.

 

Namine looked back up at Roxas, just about to ask him to repeat himself when she felt herself step into a large puddle. Oh...she thought sadly. That's what he was trying to warn me about. Well, fretting over it now wouldn't do her any good.

 

Roxas glanced behind him to check on the blonde girl and her companion. He saw that Namine was definitely soaked, bits of her hair still blonde from not being touched by the rain. He probably appeared the same. He turned his attention ahead of him again, traveling across the street once more. It was starting to become less crowded, so he knew he was close to home.

 

Namine looked down at her dog, who was completely unaware of her sadness. Heh, a dog's life, she mused, smiling faintly despite the circumstances. Well, at least he was happy. Somehow that made her feel a little better too.

 

"Almost there!" Roxas called over his shoulder, yelling over the rain. He was probably going to get sick from this, but his main concern was getting Namine somewhere dry. One more block and they would be in the clear.

 

Namine nodded, following close behind Roxas. She was glad to hear that; she was drenched now. A crack of thunder made her jump, the girl gasping in shock. She stopped dead in her tracks, her dog barking twice to try and get her attention. Either that, or Ty was trying to get Roxas's attention.

 

Roxas felt a jerk on his arm before he lost the hold on the hand that had been in his. He stopped, whirling around to see what was the matter. He blinked through the rain, seeing that Namine was standing there. "Namine?"

 

Namine felt two tears run down her cheeks, but they blended in with the rain. She caught Roxas's eye, snapping out of her momentary daze. "S-sorry," she stumbled. "Let's go." The last thing she wanted was to be outside when it started thundering more loudly. The fear may have been unreasonable, but it was a large enough fear to make her want to cry.

 

Roxas saw the expression her delicate features held, the boy instantly wanting to get her home. With only the low rumble of thunder and splatter of the rain being the noise around them, Roxas offered his hand out to her, not saying any words. Nothing needed to be said; he understood, even when she didn't say anything. He knew her more than she remembered.

 

Namine slipped her hand into Roxas's, grateful for his silence. The last thing she needed at that moment was somebody asking her a question that she didn't know the answer to. Ty whimpered beside her, apparently noticing the bit of distress showing in his master.

 

Once Namine's hand met his, Roxas's fingers wrapped around it to form a secure grip. "Come on," he said softly, yet audibly over the rain. He squeezed her hand before turning around, starting down the path again. They were just a little bit away from his house. They would make it within a few minutes' time.