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Water splashes up over Riz’s shoes as he absent-mindedly steps into a puddle, his thoughts full of arcano-math and a big test that’s planned for later in the day. He groans, his socks becoming cold and damp; at least he has an umbrella to protect his head. A chill runs through his body, starting from his feet and ending at his ears. It’s winter, Riz’s least-favorite month because the cold weather and his poor metabolism don’t mix, but at least it hasn’t started snowing yet. He hurries along, hoping to make it to school on time without getting too soaked, and he continues to think about his upcoming math test.
As the Hangvan turns a corner, Gorgug spots the familiar back of a vest on a small, green body. No one else he knows of has such a stylish garment, with gold wings embroidered on the back, and so he honks the horn as he approaches. The figure jumps and spins around, and yes, it is Riz, just as he thought. He pulls up alongside of him slowly so as not to splash his friend, and rolls down the passenger window.
“Need a lift, stranger?”
A smile breaks out across Riz’s face. “Yeah, absolutely!” he replies, and before Gorgug can say anything else, he’s opening the passenger door and climbing in. As he shakes off his umbrella, Gorgug claps him on the shoulder.
“Glad I caught you! You’d be drenched like a wet rat by the time you got to school on a morning like this!”
“Yeah, thanks so much, Gorgug! You’re a life saver!”
Now that Riz is in the van, Gorgug can see the water marks on his slacks and shoes. He leans forward and cranks up the heater. “Actually, you already look pretty wet.”
“Hah, yeah. You know… puddles.”
A thought occurs to Gorgug. “Want a coffee? We’ve got time, and it’s on me,” he offers, hating to see Riz so cold on a morning like this.
Riz’s ears perk up and his tail flicks excitedly. “Really? I’d love one!”
Gorgug grins and pulls away from the sidewalk. “Yeah, let’s get you warmed up.”
By the time they arrive at school (with ten minutes to spare), Riz is toasty, buzzed, and feeling more confident about his test (having asked Gorgug to quiz him on formulas as they drove), and Gorgug has a warm feeling deep in his chest to see his friend doing better.
“Hey,” he says as Riz begins to walk towards his locker.
Riz turns around. “Hm?”
“If you want, I don’t mind giving you a ride to school on mornings like this. I can’t guarantee a coffee every day, but at least you can stay warm and dry.”
“I don’t want to be a bother…” starts Riz, ears drooping.
“You’re not! Believe me!” Gorgug smiles. “I just want to help my friend.”
“Well…”
“And I’d hate for you to catch a cold and have to miss school.”
A shy smile creeps across Riz’s face, showcasing his fangs and a small dimple. “Okay, you’ve won me over. I can’t miss school, after all!”
“I thought so. I’ll pick you up at the apartment next time it rains or snows, alright?”
“Deal!” Riz turns back and begins to head towards his locker, but then pauses and faces Gorgug again. “Thanks, Gorgug. It really helps, getting a ride to school when the weather’s bad like this.”
“Any time, dude.”