He jumped in a puddle, expecting it to bring him mild amusement. It did not. Naruto was tired of living as a demon. What was there to do with so much time and so little to do? Now, he was headed to a friend's, hoping to catch up and maybe play a game or two... or more. He was hungry and the forest was calling him. The fox demon looked up at the apartment window where the friend lived beyond in the tiny space. It had been too long and, as the door opened minutes later, he told her exactly that.
"And that's my fault?" She retorted with her hands on her hips, her eyes narrowing. "I've grown tired of your 'spiritual journey' shit. That shit will get you nowhere! If you were human, that's different but you, you're a demon prince! You don't just disappear for-"
"Calm down. I can't leave yet or again or probably ever because I have to wait until there's word from the Elder about-"
"That human girl? Naruto, you're an idiot. Her life was screwed up enough and then you decided to keep her alive by turning her into some sort of half-demon! You should have just let her die." The young woman replied.
The blonde smirked, leaning in and pulling her close, much to her discomfort. "Are you jealous?"
"Jealous? Why would I be jealous?"
"Because she's pretty…and human." Naruto answered as he pressed her cheek against his, his smile teasing. When the woman pushed him away, frowning, he chuckled. "Come on Chika! She's nothing but a toy-"
"Oh really? Then why did you save her? Why did you bring her here?" Chika demanded as she placed her clawed hands on her hips, her ruby red lips set into a pout.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "I was bored and," He watched as his friend relaxed, dropping her hands. "I wanted to play. I already had Hinata in my claws so why would I pass up the opportunity to have some fun?"
The vixen tucked her hair back behind her ears and apologized. "I just thought - I was being silly for thinking you adored her. You're protecting her, you know, by keeping her locked up."
The blonde shrugged. "I can't just let her die. I'm not like my parents or you or my… I haven't seen him yet. How is he?"
"He's as evil as before. He talked of coming after you just a few weeks ago." She glanced up from the ground to see his reaction. "I tried to talk to him but he-"
"Don't tell me you're hanging around him-" Naruto demanded to know. Said man could turn on you in second, sparing no mercy.
Chika shook her head. "No! I know how your brother is and I... Sometimes he comes around. He knows how frightening he is and how afraid of him I am."
"Chika-"
"He doesn't do anything but stand there and watch me. Kiyoshi knows what he's doing. He wants to piss you off."
Naruto growled. "He sure is doing a damn good job!" He took a deep breathe when she placed a hand on his shoulder. "At least he's not the one next in line for the throne. He'd-He couldn't rule."
Chika laughed as she took his hand and led him outside. "And you could?"
"Well, maybe, I don't know. I don't want to yet but neither do I want to stay not doing anything." The fox demon sighed and shrugged. He took this time to look at her and what she was wearing. "What's with that dress? Do you...have a date?"
Chika raised a brow. "A date? Seriously?"
"I just thought maybe you finally took interest in someone-" he stopped at the given look. "Okay, fine, then what's it for? I've seen at least five other women dressed up but-"
"Then why would you think I'd be going out? Today is the festival!" The black-haired woman informed.
The blonde tapped his chin as he thought and glanced around. There were signs of the festival which took place every decade. Blood and smoke were already in the air, stuffing his nose. "I see... May I join you?"
Chika clicked her tongue. "Why are you asking such silly questions?" She looked him up and down in skepticism. "You need to change your clothing first."
The demon crossed his arms over his chest, embarrassed. "Can't you make an exception for lil' old me?"
"Exception, for you? Not in a thousand years." she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him towards his home just a few miles away. "I'm not going to be seen walking around with such an undressed prince."
The fox demon scowled and yanked his arm away. "Such standards! I see why you have no mate yet-"
"And what about you?" Chika replied. "You're at the age where you should be ready to take over should something happen to your parents but instead you're acting like a kit who's lost his mother."
Naruto bit his lip and looked at the castle ahead. She was right. "I only meant to joke." He continued toward their destination, taking her hand as they walked side-by-side.
"I do have one demon in mind, actually, but I don't think," She glanced at their laced fingers. "He feels the same way."
