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When Steve came home, Ninja was waiting on top of the couch, demanding to be petted. Then he ran off and hid in the hidey-hole of his cat tree while Steve heated his dinner, got a beer, and settled on the soaf. Ninja made an appearance while Steve was eating, trying to sneak a bite of leftover Chinese, which Steve let him. He had to admit he let the cat get away with murder, but who'd find out Steve McGarret was a softie when it came to animals? After dinner, Steve would turn on the tv, and Ninja would curl up in the chair. It had become a pattern.
Steve had to admit he was a bit disappointed. In the week he'd had Ninja, the cat had yet to curl up on his lap or sleep in his bed. He'd stay near Steve while he watched tv, and he'd come upstairs and prowl around a bit before returning downstairs to do whatever cats do after their humans sleep, but Ninja still held himself aloof. Steve appreciated the companionship, and enjoyed knowing Ninja was nearby—it was a hell of a lot better than being completely alone, but part of the motivation to get a cat was to have someone to cuddle.
Tonight, the tv failed to hold his attention, and Steve dozed off. He was awakened by a patting at his hair. Ninja was perched on the back of the sofa, batting at Steve's head. "Hey, buddy." Steve reached for the cat, expecting him to run away like he usually did when Steve made a motion to pick him up, but this time the cat allowed it. Steve settled Ninja on his lap. The cat immediately curled up and started purring. Now, this was what Steve was talking about, sitting on the couch, watching tv, with a purring cat on his lap. Steve petted Ninja, and the cat just purred louder.
Steve wasn't sure how long he sat there, Ninja on his lap, watching tv and dozing. Finally, Steve decided it was time for bed. He nudged Ninja. "Hey, buddy, time for bed."
Ninja opened one eye and glared at him before snuggling deeper into his lap. Steve hated to disturb him, but he really was ready for bed. "C'mon, boy, let's go." He moved to stand up, and Ninja reluctantly moved off his lap, following as Steve checked the locks and set the alarm before heading upstairs.
Ninja nosed around as usual as Steve got ready for bed, then disappeared. Steve assumed he'd gone back downstairs. Just as Steve settled under the covers and turned out the light, he noticed a small head rising above the foot of his bed, bathed in moonlight, looking like the Great Pumpkin rising out of the pumpkin patch. The head ducked down before appearing again.
"Hey, buddy, why don't you come join me?" Steve patted the bed beside him. The head disappeared and didn't appear again. Steve had just given up and closed his eyes when he felt a soft "thump" on the bed and an inquisitive paw batted his face. Steve opened his eyes to see Ninja peering down at him. "Hey, you gonna stay this time?" Ninja purred an affirmative and curled up on Steve's pillow, immediately falling asleep.
Steve watched him a few minutes before drifting off himself, comforted by the small presence in his bed. It wasn't Catherine, but Ninja would do nicely. He'd do very nicely indeed.
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A/N Anybody got any good ideas for a Halloween story for Ninja? Grace is a little old to inflict indignities on him. I've got Christmas and Thanksgiving covered, but a black cat needs a good Halloween story, don't you think?