Hello, how are you all? I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I know I did, though it came with its moments of chaos. To recap, my son and husband both got sick and had to be taken care of, I got in my first car accident -it wasn't my fault, either. Praise God, I don't have any car damage to show for it, but I did end up in urgent care to make sure my baby was okay, and am now scared of driving hehe. ^^; Also, our neighbor's house nearly got broken into and we've had a few visits from cops, as well as package theft in the area keeping me on the watch for my mail. Then there's been Christmas shopping and family get togethers and what not. Super busy, but so fun too. I love the Christmas season. ^^ Sooo on that note, I apologize for unanswered PMs. It's not intentional, I've just been drained. X_X

Tonight, I finally have time to upload the first of the three part short AU I promised in my last chapter of "Nozomi". This story line is inspired and based off of a poem my friend, fireaangel wrote for me involving the NarutoxNozomi pairing a while back. It features my OC, Nozomi in a completely different setting and lifestyle, and I took a few liberties to create a more modernized Konoha and story for Naruto himself. So, I hope you all enjoy this first installment. I am currently working on the third and final part, as I want to get a chapter a day out to finish this up before the year comes to a close. :)

Naruto pulled his blue-and-orange-striped scarf tighter, shuddering against the extreme cold as he walked down the street. His breath came out in soft, visible puffs, making him wish that he had a bus pass. At least the public vehicles would be warm with all the people inside to help fight off the Winter chill. Maybe he'd look into that possibility when he got his next paycheck.

The whiskered blond picked up his pace, and the white bag he held bumped into his side, causing him to grin. It had been about a month since he got on at Ichiraku Ramen, the hottest new restaurant in town. The place was constantly packed, and he had little down time as one of the newest waiters on staff, but it paid well, and his boss was incredibly generous. At the end of the day, the old man would send Naruto home with all the food he could carry (usually ramen), insisting his workers had to be well fed to keep up with his bustling business.

It was a fact that Naruto was extremely grateful for, since he didn't have much money by the time he paid his rent; at times he'd even gone without a meal or two in order to keep the electricity on. Deep down, he knew such behavior was silly. His parents had said to let them know if he needed anything, but his pride kept him from calling them. It hadn't been long since he moved out on his own, and he wanted to prove that he could handle it, which was why he'd been so fortunate to land the job with Ichiraku.

The schedule was not always the easiest to keep up with, though. The restaurant was exceedingly popular as eating establishments went, and more often than not, Naruto had been called in on a day off due to a shortage in staff. Then there was the fact that his work schedule conflicted with school sometimes, forcing him to miss a class here and there. Sadly it had begun to show, as he'd gotten a D on one of his last essays.

As if that stroke of luck wasn't bad enough, his long time crush, Sakura Haruno, had rejected him, instead getting together with Sasuke Uchiha, who he could hardly stand most of the time. Honestly, what did that emotionally-stunted Uchiha have that he didn't? Another puff of air blew up as he huffed in annoyance, clicking his tongue.

To top it off, right before work he'd gotten a call from his mother. His father had contracted some sickness and they'd probably be unable to come out for Christmas, unless he got better before then.

Naruto shook his head vigorously, putting the depressing thoughts out of his mind. It was Christmas time, and he had the week off school to work and relax. This was not the time to be wallowing in self pity!

Arriving at his apartment complex, the blond started up the stairs, moving carefully as they were covered with snow so slippery it could be mistaken for ice. Finally reaching the top, he approached the door to his unit. It was on days like these that he wished he could afford to live somewhere else -anywhere would be better than this apartment complex that was exposed to the elements of nature.

He was just fishing out his keys when he heard a soft jingle, making him pause and glance around. "Hello?"

A faint tugging at his pant leg drew his attention downward, and his brows rose as his gaze landed on a slim, black cat. Sensing she had his attention, she sat back on her haunches and regarded him curiously with big, golden orbs.

Curious, the blond knelt down and picked her up. She wore a red ribbon collar with white fur trimming that had one large, gold bell in the center, and three smaller ones on either side of it. There was also a bright red ribbon tied onto her tail.

Naruto glanced around, looking for anybody who might be missing their pet -with all those trimmings, she had to belong to someone. Naturally, nobody was outside but him, and he shrugged, glancing back down at the cat, who had begun to purr. "Well, there's no sense leaving you out in the cold, is there?" He paused. "If only I knew your name."

"It's Nozomi."

Blue eyes widened considerably at the unexpected voice, and the blond stared at the cat. "Did you just….?" After a minute, he looked away, shaking his head. 'Gee, I'm so tired I'm imagining things!'

"Nozomi is a good name for now, though, until we find your owner. Let's go inside, okay?"

His response was an enthusiastic mew, and he grinned, unlocking the door and hurrying inside, away from the bitter cold.

…..

The next day found Naruto outside, asking around in an effort to find Nozomi's owner. He had brought her along in hopes that someone would recognize her, but while many stopped to coo over her pretty ribbons, no one actually claimed the cat. Naruto was also keenly aware that the more people they met, the more little Nozomi seemed to withdraw and cling to him, watching the newcomers warily.

It was early evening when a cold wind stirred up, and he decided to call it quits and head home. Walking briskly to escape the weather, he gazed down at the cat thoughtfully. It just didn't make sense. Why would anybody dress a cat up so prettily if they were going to abandon it?

Upon reaching his apartment, he pulled out his keys and unlocked the door and opened it. Noticing that the jingling metal had attracted Nozomi's attention, he grinned at the round, gold eyes peering up at him. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna give up until I find your home."

One of the cat's ears twitched, and he could've sworn her eyes had narrowed at him. However, that would be the least bizarre thing that happened, he realized, as the cat stood up in his arms until they were eye to eye and...spoke.

"I am home, silly."

Naruto gaped at her, feeling his jaw drop open in shock. "What the- did you just…?!"

Nozomi gave him a sly kitty grin, purring and climbed onto his shoulder to nuzzle his cheek before she leapt down and raced across the family room, climbing on top of a stack of boxes labeled "X-mas" and curling up with a satisfied nya.

Naruto stood by the door, staring at the cat bemusedly. After a minute, an icy blast of wind hit his back, reminding him he was letting out what warmth the apartment had to offer, and he closed the door quickly.

Deciding to wait a little longer before having dinner, the blond decided to set up his Christmas tree. He glanced over at the pile of boxes and winced as he realized that this meant disturbing Nozomi from her nap. As quietly as he could, the whiskered teen approached the slumbering feline and scooped her into his arms. One eye opened, and she mewed in protest as he transferred her to the couch.

Watching the blond tear down the stack of boxes, she thumped her tail in annoyance. It wasn't until she saw him open it and pull out leafy branches that she realized things were inside, and she jumped onto the floor, trotting toward what remained of her "tower".

A glance back at Naruto revealed that he was too busy setting up the tree to pay attention to her, and she twitched her whiskers mischievously, turning back to the pile of boxes. After a minute, she found one that was open and, deciding it was as good a place as any to start exploring, she hopped inside.

…..

Naruto stepped back to admire his handiwork and grinned. The tree was finally set up; now all that was left was to decorate it. He paused, realizing that Nozomi had been awfully quiet and decided to see if she'd gone back to sleep. A peek at the couch found her missing, and he frowned. "Where'd she get off to?"

Glancing around, he clicked his tongue, calling her name, and after a moment, his effort was rewarded with a muffled "mew", followed by a scratching sound. Well, now he knew that wherever she was, she must be stuck. As he searched the room, he continued to call her, carefully listening to try and pinpoint where she was, and gradually found himself drawn to the pile of boxes by the wall.

Still, there was no sign of her, and he was just beginning to think he'd misheard when the box farthest from him shook ever so slightly. "Nyaa!"

Lifting the flaps, which had caved in slightly, Naruto peered inside and burst into laughter. There, laying in a heap was Nozomi, stuck in a strand of gold Christmas beads, and getting more tangled up by the minute.

Hope filled eyes shot up toward him as her ears picked up his laughter, and the blond snickered under his breath as she hissed, as if urging him to hurry up. "Alright, just hold still." He murmured, lifting her and the mess of beads from their cardboard prison. It took some time to undo all the knots, but at long last Nozomi was free, and she rubbed her nose against his in thanks before bounding off once more.

The sound of something rolling on the hardwood floor drew Naruto's attention moments later, and he peeked around the Christmas tree to see that the little cat had discovered an ornament. He sighed, watching with amusement as she batted the round object around with her paws, scampering after it whenever it got too far away. "You sure are energetic, -ttebayo!"

Nozomi glanced away from the ornament she was about to pounce on, standing up straight as she turned to the blond, a slight grin appearing on her muzzle. "Well, of course. What would you expect from a cat?"

Naruto's mouth dropped open, and she chuckled. "Yes, I'm talking, and you're not imagining it. I'll be happy to explain myself...after I'm finished playing." Her eyes widened as the blond made a grab for her, narrowly missing, and she paused, smirking.

"Okay...you want answers that badly? Then you'll have to catch me!" Without waiting for a response, the feline turned and bolted up the Christmas tree, barely suppressing her giggle fit when she heard the boy groan loudly.

"No, wait! Come back! Gaaah, Nozomi!" Scrambling to his feet, Naruto stood in front of the tree and began to search, grimacing when a furry paw swiped out of the branches and swatted at his fingers. "Ow! That's not fair!"

After several repeats of the incident, the branches stopped shaking, and he had to strain his ears to figure out where the cat had gone. A small smirk appeared on his face as he realized what she was up to, and he walked away, coming back shortly with a step stool. He placed it behind the tree and stepped on, waiting impatiently.

Just as he expected, Nozomi emerged at the top of the tree and glanced around, most likely watching for him. Not that it'd do her any good, Naruto thought, reaching out for the unsuspecting cat.

It was as if she had somehow heard his thoughts, as she glanced back, eyes widening as she saw him and tried to scramble out of reach. It was too late, however, as large, tanned hands closed around her and she was yanked off the Christmas tree.

Nozomi refused to go down without a fight, which Naruto quickly found out as she squirmed in his grip, even going as far as unsheathing her claws. Not wanting to get scratched, he let go of her and, realizing she had nothing to hold her up, the feline scrambled for purchase -finding it in his hair and wrapping around his face.

"Nozomi-! What are you-blegh-doing?! I can't see!" Naruto sputtered beneath her fur and took a step back. Only when his foot touched nothing but thin air did he remember he'd been on a step stool, and caught off balance, the blond fell backward onto the floor with a startled yelp.

"Ow...that really hurts…" He winced as he rubbed his backside. Frowning, he glanced down at Nozomi, who'd released her death hold on him once they were on the ground. Before she could run again, he grabbed her by the scruff and lifted her so they were eye to eye. "Okay, I caught you. Now start talking."

Triangular ears flattened as the cat flashed a sheepish grin, exposing rows of sharp little fangs. "Okay, okay." She agreed, sweat dropping. "You can put me down now. I won't run anymore -a deal's a deal."

Naruto regarded her with a suspicious frown for a few seconds before lowering her onto the ground, his stare unwavering, and she sighed. "Alright….gee, where do I begin?" She paused briefly, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Oh, I know!" She stood up on her hind legs and pointed behind the blond. "In that box I got stuck in, there's a book! Get it for me, please!"

Blond brows furrowed as Naruto's frown deepened. "There's no books in there, Nozomi. This is just a trick so you can run again."

Nozomi's smile faltered as she shook her head vigorously. "No, no, no! I'm telling the truth! There is a book, and it'll explain everything!" She sat back down, making the bells around her neck jingle softly as she pressed her front paws together and gave him a hopeful look. "Please..?"

There was a short pause as the blond stared at her, finally relenting with a sigh and turning to the box in question. "Okay, I'll check, but only to prove that there's no-"

He broke off abruptly as his hand brushed something solid, and his eyebrows rose as he pulled out what looked like a children's book. On the front was a picture of Santa in his sleigh, and it was titled "The Christmas Cat". Glancing back at the black cat, who he swore was smirking, he pouted. "I've never seen this before -ttebayo! Where'd it come from?"

Nozomi grinned and raised her paws in a shrug before urging him over, and he scrambled over, looking less suspicious and more intrigued as he placed the book on the floor before her.

Clumsily using her paws to open the book, the cat paused to glance over her shoulder. "Alright, read this." At the look of disbelief that appeared on his features, she grinned. "C'mon, you want to know what's going on, this will tell you everything."

Inhaling softly, Naruto picked up the small book and began to read. "Every Christmas, Santa sends a special cat to one lucky man, to bless them during the holiday season. She can talk, and has special magic that she uses to make him happy during her week stay. In that time, she devotes herself to learning his heart's greatest desire; on Christmas, she fulfills that wish, then disappears forever."

At first, he had sounded bored, but as he read on, Naruto's tone changed to one of wonder, and he gazed at Nozomi, wide eyed when he was finished. "Is this for real?"

The cat just raised an eyebrow. "I know it sounds crazy...but hey, I'm talking, so that should be proof enough. Right?"

The blond nodded slowly as he let the information fully sink in, glancing around. It was then that his eyes landed on the tree, and he blinked. "I forgot all about the tree."

Gold eyes followed his stare before shifting back to him as the feline grinned. "Let's trim it up then!" She suggested, dashing over to a box full of decorations.

When Naruto didn't answer, she glanced back to see him staring at her in surprise and grinned, sticking out her tongue playfully. "What? It's much more fun to climb a tree when it's all decked out!"

…..

Naruto beamed at the finished Christmas tree. It looked pretty darn good, considering the only help he'd had didn't possess thumbs. His apartment was a mess of empty ornament containers and overturned boxes, but it was worth it looking at the tree, which was filled to the brim with ornaments, bows, lights and beads. The latter Nozomi had stubbornly refused to have anything to do with after her tangle with them before.

"We did a pretty good job, nya?"

Naruto glanced down at the cat beside him and grinned. She'd honestly knocked things off the tree more than she'd been able to help, but he could tell she'd really been trying, so he'd held his tongue, forcing a grin as he swept up fragments of broken ornaments. "Yep, and now we're all done." He broke off as his stomach growled. "I guess it's time for dinner."

"Sounds good," Nozomi replied, getting up and following him into the kitchen. "I'm starving!"

Opening the refrigerator, Naruto took out the remainder of food he'd brought from work before and set it on the counter, stopping to shoot the cat an apologetic look. "I know cats like fish, but all I have is ramen right now."

"Oh, that's okay! I love ramen!" Came the enthusiastic response, and he glanced at her incredulously, causing her to sweat drop. "Err...I mean...I'm sure the ramen will taste just fine. Better than an empty tummy, anyway! Hahaha…" She rubbed the back of her neck with one paw sheepishly as a confused looking Naruto turned away, pouring the ramen into a large bowl and putting it in the microwave before sitting down at the table to wait.

Nozomi jumped up on the chair across from him and stood up against the table, eying the blond curiously. "So, Naruto-kun. Tell me...why is a nice guy like you unhappy?" Seeing the surprise on his face, she added, "The book didn't really explain it, but the Christmas Cat is normally sent to those who need cheering up. So...since I'm here, well.."

Naruto looked down and nodded. "Well...I guess things aren't going too well right now." He paused before going on, noting that the cat was listening intently. "I've only been living on my own for a couple months and between work and bills I've been pretty stressed. It's starting to affect my grades in school, too!"

"Then, my long time crush rejected me and got with my so-called friend, all in the same day, and on top of that, my parents can't come for Christmas cause dad is sick and mom can't leave him alone cause according to her he's helpless in this state.." He shook his head.

'Now I know why I'm here...poor Naruto-kun was going to be alone for the holidays.' Nozomi thought sadly. She jumped up on the table, approaching the boy.

"I'm sorry to hear that you've had such bad luck, Naruto-kun." She paused, offering him a small smile. "But hey, as far as that girl is concerned...I'd say she missed out on a really great guy!"

Encouraged by the hint of a smile on her charge's lips, the Christmas Cat went on. "As for your school work, I'm sure you'll be given a chance to make up that and any other grade you're low in, so don't worry!" There was a pause as she thought over the rest of his problems, and she sighed. "...I am sorry to hear about your dad, though…"

The blond's lips turned up into a small, appreciative smile as he nodded. "Yeah, thanks. I was pretty bummed out when Mom called and told me...but-" Calloused hands scooped Nozomi off the table, pulling her against him in a hug. "I've got the Christmas Cat looking out for me, now, so everything will be just fine!"

Unable to contain her own happiness at seeing him so cheery, Nozomi turned and rubbed her nose against his cheek, purring softly as he lowered her onto his lap and began to stroke her fur. Glancing up and locking eyes with him, she thumped her tail contently to show him how happy she felt.

'Naruto-kun seems different from anyone I've helped before,' She thought, letting out a soft sigh. 'Maybe he'll be the one to grant my wish.'

A dreamy smile spread over her muzzle as she daydreamed of walking on two legs instead of four, having fingers and thumbs...and maybe...falling in love. A blurry image of a girl with cat ears walking hand in hand with an unidentifiable boy materialized in her mind and heat flooded her face, burning under her fur as she quickly shook her head. 'Wait, this isn't about what I want- it's about making him happy! I shouldn't be thinking like that!'

Unable to look at the blond without remembering her selfish thoughts, Nozomi leapt onto the table and turned her back to him, pretending to lick her paw.

At the same time, the microwave went off and Naruto got up from his chair. Grabbing a small bowl, he poured some of the steaming ramen inside before setting it on the table in front of Nozomi, who thanked him and lowered her head to take a bite. Then, grabbing himself a pair of chopsticks, the blond grabbed his own bowl and sat down.

Hearing the cat's content purrs made him smile, and he glanced up, noodles dangling from his lips to see his companion devouring the ramen with gusto.

'A Christmas Cat who likes ramen? That really is special, -ttebayo!'

Naruto made quick work of his meal and sat back in his chair, watching the cat with half open, sleepy eyes. He blinked once, twice; the third time, his eyes remained closed, and his breathing began to even out. He didn't realize he was falling until his forehead collided with the table, rudely awakening him and he sat up quickly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I must have dozed off…sorry about that, Nozomi."

When the feline didn't answer he looked up in confusion, his brows arching as he spotted the empty bowl in her spot. A quick glance around the room found her crouched in front of the tree, and he shook his head, clicking his tongue before he crossed the room, snatching her up.

"Don't even think about it." He warned, snickering as she scowled, openly voicing her displeasure at being interrupted. "I have something you'll probably like even more, -ttebayo!"

"Oh really?" Nozomi scoffed. Still, she watched with mild curiosity as the blond rummaged through the closet in the hallway.

"Try this on for size!" Naruto emerged from the closet and tossed a blue yarn ball towards her, barely stifling his laughter as the cat's expression went from unimpressed to overjoyed in a matter of seconds.

Nozomi lunged at the ball, which was almost as big as her, only to have it roll out of reach as her paw grazed it. Whiskers twitching with slight frustration, she gave a predatory yowl and scampered down the hall after it.

Heading back into the family room, Naruto sat on the couch and watched in amusement as she finally caught the ball by jumping onto it, her claws unsheathing to grip the threads to prevent its escape.

Upon hearing a soft chuckle, Nozomi glanced up, locking stares with the blond boy and flashed him a cheeky grin, exposing rows of pearly white teeth. "You're the best master ever, nya!" The cat sat back and lifted her paw, intending to lick it, but to her chagrin her claws had gotten tangled up in the yarn.

"Oh, no you don't...I am nobody's prisoner!" She cried, throwing herself on top of the ball once again in an effort to free her paws, but only becoming more tangled. With a frustrated sigh, she continued to struggle against her binding, glancing briefly at the man on the couch.

"I'm sorry. This probably wasn't what you had in mind for Christmas company. I bet you'd look less bored if I was a human..." Naruto didn't respond and she looked up, a small smile spreading over her muzzle as she realized he had fallen asleep. "Looks like it's time for bed."

With a lot of effort, Nozomi finally freed herself of her yarn captor and leapt onto the sleeping blond's lap. "Get to bed." She instructed when startled blue eyes opened to meet hers.

Naruto opened his mouth to make a retort, but instead a yawn slipped out, and he slumped his shoulders in defeat as he saw the smirk on the cat's face. "...Fine." He murmured as he stood and sleepily made his way down the hall, vaguely aware of the feline following close behind. Reaching the door to his room, he pushed it open and basically collapsed onto the mattress, unable to bring himself to care about changing for bed.

As he hadn't bothered to cover up, Nozomi jumped onto the foot of the bed and grabbed the corner of his comforter in her mouth, tucking him in to the best of her ability. "Sleep well, Naruto-kun." Her eyes softened as she watched the blond, and she leaned in, rubbing her nose against his affectionately.

She was about to leave when a hand wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and she looked back with a startled mew.

Naruto's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled sleepily, using his free hand to pet her head. "Stay with me, Nozomi-chan."

Nozomi's ears perked in surprise, and she averted her gaze to the pillow, brows scrunching together in thought. 'I...guess...as long as I don't stay for too long, it's okay.' Letting a small smile spread over her face, she relaxed into the blond's hold and closed her eyes, purring softly.

…..

Naruto sat up straight and glanced around the dark room, inhaling deeply. That had been one crazy, intense dream.

Nozomi had appeared to him and tucked him in, just as she had before he'd fallen asleep. Then, all of a sudden a pink mist surrounded the cat, and in a blinding flash of light she changed into a human with cat ears and a tail! As Naruto gaped at her in his dream, she gave him a demure smile before slowly leaning in and pressing her lips to his….

A drop of sweat ran down his head as he did a double take, forcing the mental images away as he struggled to calm down. Was there something wrong with him? There must be, for him to have dreamt such a thing about a cat! It didn't make sense at all!

'I wonder what Nozomi would say if I told her about it?' He quickly pushed the thought away and shook his head. It was embarrassing enough that he'd dreamed of her in such a way - he didn't need her laughing at him to top it off!

It was then that he realized Nozomi was no longer with him, and he peered over the edge of the mattress, frowning. Flinging the cover off himself, he got up and checked under the bed, but there was no sign of the little cat. Where had she gone?

"It's much more fun to climb a tree when it's all decked out!"

Blue eyes widened as he recalled her words before. He'd initially thought she was joking but she'd proven him wrong after dinner, when she went right to the tree. Could she have gone out to climb it after he fell asleep? A soft groan escaped his lips as he scrambled to his feet and hurried down the hallway.

He paused as he reached the family room, a relieved look crossing his features as he looked at the tree, which was untouched. He'd never been so glad to be wrong. Though, that still left the question of Nozomi's whereabouts unanswered. His thought were interrupted by a low rumble and he glanced toward the couch. Maybe she'd decided to sleep out here instead.

"Silly kitty, getting me all worried for nothing." Naruto approached the couch to look down at the bundle of fur….only to recoil back in shock, sputtering loudly. "W-what the hell?!"

This couldn't really be happening. How was it that the girl from his dream was sleeping on his couch?! 'I thought I was awake!'

"Wh-what?!" A sleep muddled reply cut into his thoughts and he watched, stunned as the brunette shot up off the couch and stared at him, bewildered.

"Naruto-kun?" Black cat ears swiveled around for several seconds, searching for any danger and, when they found none, the girl tilted her head to one side, perplexed. "What's going on?"

"What's going on?!" Naruto echoed incredulously, making her flinch. "I think that's my line! Who are you, and how did you get into my apartment?!"

One thin brown brow lifted in surprise. "Naruto-kun, what are you talking about? It's me...Nozomi. Remember?"

"Nice try, but Nozomi's a cat!" Came the blond's retort as he folded his arms and narrowed his eyes. "I'll ask again. Who are you and why are you in my home?"

The bemused expression on the brunette's face shifted to one of understanding, and her ears pressed flat against her head awkwardly. "Oh...I know what's going on now." She said softly as she glanced around the room, noticing how dark it was. "It's...not morning yet, is it?"

"I'm not sure what that has to do with this, but yeah, it's midnight." Naruto huffed impatiently, stepping back as the girl stood and approached him. "H-hey! Don't come so close!"

Stopping when she was right in front of him, the brunette shot him a pleading look. "Naruto-kun...I know this doesn't make sense, but I'm telling you the truth...I am Nozomi."

As tempting as it was to send her away and get back to searching for his cat, Naruto had to admit that there was something familiar about her. The golden hue to her eyes was completely unnatural. It was possible they could be contacts, but he doubted she'd have been able to sleep in something like that.

With a soft sigh, the spiky haired blond slumped his shoulders in defeat, still eying the strange girl warily. "Fine, I'll admit there's something...different about you. But if you want me to believe you're Nozomi, you're gonna have to prove it!"

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she nodded, grinning and flashing a small, triangular fang as she spoke. "Alright..well, earlier, you found out that I am the Christmas Cat, and you had a lot of questions. Luckily I had that book, but what you need to understand is that the Christmas Cat is unknown to most others. I used a bit of the magic Santa gave me to create what is now the only book to ever mention the Christmas Cat."

She went on to list the terms of her stay, quoting exactly what he'd read before while Naruto stared, feeling conflicted. Her facts all lined up, but…

"Okay, you sound like her, but...Nozomi's not human. How do I know you're not just some cat cosplayer?"

"...Do you really think I'd sleep in cosplay?" Gold eyes rolled upwards as Naruto gave her a look that plainly said "you'd be surprised what some people do" and she shrugged, ducking her head in front of him. "Okay, if that's what you think then go ahead. Try to take my ears off." There was a pause before she added quickly, "Just- be gentle."

Naruto stared at the brunette unsurely for a moment before reluctantly placing his hands on the base of her ears and giving a light tug. When they didn't move he added a little more force, frowning when they still didn't budge. Without realizing it, he began to full on yank them, only to stop abruptly as the girl hissed, swiping a clawed hand at him.

"I thought I said be gentle! Ow...I'm going to have such a headache later…"

Stumbling backward, he gawked at the brunette, who was rubbing the furry appendages on her head gingerly. "N-Nozomi?! But….how?!"

This snapped the girl back to attention and she smiled, disregarding his assault on her ears as his words sank in. "So...you believe me now?"

The only answer she got was a stunned nod from the blond and she let out a relieved sigh, moving to sit on the couch once more. At her beckoning, Naruto joined her, his eyes full of unspoken questions and she folded her hands in her lap, glancing down at them awkwardly.

"So, like I said, I know this is strange for you, but...I change into this form at night, and then at sunrise, I turn back into a cat."

Blue eyes narrowed slightly in confusion. "What are you, really? A cat? Or a human?"

Nozomi's eyes shifted to meet his, a serious look on her face. "I'm a human who turns into a cat during the day."

Blond brows furrowed as Naruto tried to wrap his brain around the new information, and he frowned. "But you're magical. Can't you reverse it so the human form is out in the day and the cat at night?"

A hint of a smirk appeared on Nozomi's face as she shook her head. "Even if I could use my magic that way, what do you think most guys would assume if some girl appeared claiming she'd been sent to make their Christmas better?"

Naruto took a moment to consider this, flushing red as he realized what she was getting at, and he looked away sheepishly.

A soft laugh escaped the brunette as she watched him, amused before she sighed and shook her head. "It's much easier to do my job as a cat. That, and I can only use my magic to make your life easier, not mine. Anyways, I messed up -you weren't ever supposed to know about my human form, so-"

She broke off. His attention may be focused on her, but he was by no means listening, she realized, biting her lip uncomfortably and looking away. "Please don't stare at me like that. It's...embarrassing."

"Huh? Oh…sorry." Naruto's eyes shot up to meet hers, embarrassed that she'd caught him checking her out. "It's just that...you're really pretty...is there anyway you can stay in human form?"

Nozomi inhaled softly, willing herself not to blush at his compliment. "Well...there is a way to make it permanent...but nobody's ever figured out how to do it before."

"You know how though, don't you?" Blue eyes stared impatiently into her own as the blond's eyebrows knitted together, and she hesitantly nodded in response. "Well? Tell me. What has to be done?"

"Err...That's really up to you." Now he looked so hopeful that Nozomi was tempted to tell him everything, but there were rules, and she could only say so much. "It's like this. If you make the right wish, I will stop changing into a cat, and I won't have to leave on Christmas."

"Okay, and? What is the ''right'' wish?" Naruto pressed, arching his brows when she gave him a sheepish look and shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Naruto-kun, but...I'm not allowed to tell you."

The whiskered boy pouted for a moment before a thought occurred, and he smirked. "Well, what if I just don't wish for anything?"

He was answered with another shake of the brunette's head. "You'd be cheating yourself then, because whether you wish or not, I can only stay for seven days. The only way to stop it is to figure out the right wish as I told you."

Seeing her charge's face fall made her stomach twist with guilt as she realized she'd made him unhappy, and she frowned. "Anyways, don't focus on that- enjoy the gift you've been given to the fullest. I promise to do everything in my power to make your holiday a merry one!"

Naruto nodded, giving a half smile in response and a short silence fell over the two. Nozomi couldn't help cursing herself inwardly as she noticed the pensive, borderline frustrated look on his face; he was clearly still hung up on figuring out what this "correct" wish was. 'Why did I even tell him about that? I could've just played dumb, I guess…'

Ignoring the voice in her heart that suggested she wanted him to know the truth about her, the brunette stretched her arms until her shoulders gave a satisfying pop and yawned. "Well, it's late, Naruto-kun. We should get some sleep while we still can."

"Yeah, you're right." The blond replied, standing up and yawning himself. A drop of sweat ran down his head as he watched the cat girl lay back on the couch, and he paused. "Why don't you come back to my room?"

The suggestion took Nozomi by surprise, and her face turned pink as she gaped at him, ears laying back timidly. "I-I'm sorry- You mean...sleep in your bed with you?"

Realizing how his offer had come across, Naruto recoiled back, blushing faintly and facepalmed. "I-no! It's not what you're thinking, Nozomi. You don't have fur right now and it's just cold out here, and I don't have any extra blankets. I know it's awkward, but it's all I've got to offer. I won't do anything, I swear! I just don't want you to freeze -ttebayo!"

The two remained locked in a staredown for a few, awkward moments before Nozomi laughed sheepishly, breaking eye contact. "I guess...when you put it that way, it is pretty logical. Besides, the couch really isn't that comfortable in this form."

Relieved that she was no longer looking at him like he was some kind of pervert, Naruto held out his hand, helping her to her feet, and the two exchanged shy smiles before they headed down the hall.