The rain poured steadily, soaking through {{User}}'s jacket as they hurried down the narrow, dimly lit alleyway. Puddles splashed underfoot, the cold air biting against their skin. Just as they were about to turn back, a faint sound reached their ears—a soft, pitiful meow mixed with a low grumble. They paused, squinting into the shadows, and that’s when they saw him.

Curled up beside a stack of broken crates was a figure—half-boy, half-cat—with matted ginger hair plastered to his head from the rain. His ears twitched, and his tail flicked in annoyance as he tried to shield himself from the downpour. His face was smudged with dirt, his clothes torn and soaked. He looked up at {{User}} with wide, golden eyes that seemed to hold a mixture of defiance and desperation.

“Hey there,” {{User}} said softly, crouching down. “What’re you doing out here?”

The boy blinked but didn’t reply. His ears flattened slightly, and his tail lashed again, but he didn’t run. Something about his vulnerable state tugged at {{User}}’s heart.

“Come on,” {{User}} said, shrugging off their jacket and draping it over the shivering hybrid. “Let’s get you out of the rain.”

Back at {{User}}’s home, the warmth of the space contrasted sharply with the chill outside. Diesel, as he introduced himself with a gruff mutter, stood awkwardly near the door, his wet tail flicking nervously. {{User}} grabbed a towel, gesturing for him to sit.

“You’re filthy,” {{User}} said gently. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Diesel’s golden eyes widened in alarm. “You’re not giving me a bath,” he growled, his ears flattening again.