After the worst mess is taken care of and we walk into hokages office to report back the incident, I have to gather all my strength not to fall off. The lack of sleep and the fighting mess now demands its tribute. But strangely, even if the chakra donation was way bigger this time, than once in the clinic, I don't really miss it.
Naruto proudly summarizes the newest events and his utter success on defeating and capturing the attackers.
Exhausted I listen half heartedly about the number of casualties, the plans they need to make to rebuild the view damaged houses, I almost miss the praise into my direction. Of course it drifts into misgiving - way faster than I would have prefered.
"Still it's way too dangerous for her to assist with fighting in that form! Who knows what might happen the next time she falls off by accident, without any direct contact to you she is completely vulnerable!"
Complete silence. Even Kakashi seems too weary to discuss about this matter - not that he would object the chance to get rid of me - and I can't talk anyway. Tsunade surprised by the lack of resistance finishes with a simple "Well at least we should reflect about it." Seemingly uncertain about her own statement, since there are obviously more benefits of my living-battery-service than to waste my ability completely.
As we finally leave the duty, it's already early evening. I don't think much about anything, even as we part ways with Sakura and Naruto. I perceive dizzily the environment and pray for the darkness to fall faster upon me, just hoping to finally get the chance of closing my eyes. I still don't give it much thought as we reach his home and he steps silently trough the door and lights the room.
The order to remain by his side until we discover a way to turn me back was never canceled - and as none of us brought it up again, we simply went with the flow of events. Only the moment he places me down on the floor and looks puzzled around his own room the reality hits me hardly. Oh my god! Do I have to stay the night over here?
He picks some of his clothes from a drawer and before starting to change right in front of me, suddenly realizes my presence as well. The following glance - back in my direction just affirms the general uncertainty. Obviously having a change of heart he smiles a polite excuse, before heading back to his restroom.
While he's changing I pace around the small but cozy room. Where am I going to sleep? I don't assume he has a dog carrier around here somewhere, not even one for cats. Oh what the hell, it's not like I'm in my young female body right now, ready to be taken on the first occasion. So I simply jump up his beat and curl myself into a small ball, sighing relief for the granted comfort.
Only my left ear twitches as I hear him leaving the bathroom again, not daring a glance into his direction, afraid he will insist that I sleep somewhere else. Would I be in my human body there would be no doubt that he as a gentleman leaves me the bed. But as a cat to claim the whole place would be a bit off as well. A few minutes pass while nothing happens - I assume he's thinking about the same issue.
But as the lights go finally off my pulse shoots trough the roof . The anticipation of his next move is nearly killing me, but still not enough to delude me looking his way. The moment some huge heavy weight tilts the mattress of the bed slightly towards my back, every hair of my fur stands up like loaded by electricity. But my own body is so small comared to the size of the bed that it leaves a lot of room between us not to accidentally touch.
"Night Neko-chan." He says it like it's suddenly no big deal - me sleeping in the same bed with him. That's the last thing I hear for today.