Chapter 8
(Chika's POV)
Apparently Ayame was staying the evening as well as Akahana and I. Haru also asked if he could stay, claiming that he couldn't find his way back to the Sohma house in the dark. "Oh boy… where will everyone sleep?..." Shigure sighed, rubbing his forehead.
"Can I offer a suggestion?" I began and Shigure nodded. "Kyo or Yuki can crash together with Haru, and Ayame can share with Shigure." I offered, perking up as the sound of Tohru and Akahana getting into the kitchen.
"That would work… very well actually… but, where will you sleep Chika?" he asked, giving her a strange look.
I stilled. "I'll be on the roof or out in the woods until I change. Then…" I flicked my ears in thought. "I'll find somewhere to sleep."
"Dinner is served." Tohru announced, emerging from the kitchen with Akahana right behind her.
It was just a traditional Japanese dinner except for what Akahana placed in front of me. It was a plate of still bleeding meat. I bolted to my feet, a loud purr starting in my throat, at the sight of the meat. "Take it outside Chika." Akahana said calmly.
I flicked my tail but grabbed the plate and carried it out to the door. I sound of footsteps followed me and Haru opened the door for me. I purred my thanks and stepped outside, Haru closing the door behind me. I paced away, set the plate down and ate the meat quickly. I placed the plate on the doorstep before wandering into the night, my eyes glowing faintly. The forest was beautiful out in this night. I wandered through the trees, coming across a large lake with a small waterfall. The moonlight glistened off the still and rippling water. I came and sat on the shore.
I stayed there and waited for the change back. It was always more uncomfortable changing back than changing into this. I think it's because when I change into this, my heart is racing and adrenaline is pumping through me. However, sitting still, the changes in my body were far stranger. While changing, I felt everything morph back in to place far more than when I became. The strangest part was losing my thick pelt and becoming naked. I was still sitting by the lake shore when I was fully human again.
I had lost my braid in the transformation so, as I stood and started back to Shigure's house, I used my extremely long hair to cover myself. I reached the treeline and saw Haru sitting on the steps. He was dozing lightly against a wooden pillar of the house. He must have heard me coming since he woke up and blinked multiple times. Haru approached me, taking off his long jacket and placing it on my shoulders. He took my hand and led me into the house. All was quiet and dark as we entered. I yawned as Haru walked by me and lay down on the couch. I found my pajamas laid out for me and quickly changed into them before going to Haru's side. He held out his arms and I lay beside him, him covering me with a blanket and we both fell asleep.
I awoke the next morning, rather early and slipped from Haru's arms. He was sound asleep when I stood. Smiling lightly, I headed into the kitchen. There was only one thing I cooked well and that was what Dad called 'American Breakfast'. I had taught myself that rather well, especially since I like to eat it for lunch. Herbal scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, oranges and waffles. I usually only get the cooking itch after transforming.
The sound of my cooking must have woken some other people because I heard footsteps from the upstairs. "Is… Chika making breakfast?" Kyo asked, rather loudly.
I swung around with a spatula in my hand and pointed it at him. "Sh. I'm still asleep." I warned him before turning my attention back to the eggs.
He slunk away and I served breakfast. With everyone happily eating, I sighed. Maybe I had finally made some friends for life.
