A/N: Happy Holidays, everyone!
Here's a fluffy Christmas fic I made for the Double Tsundere Ship's Secret Santa event! It's a discord server for BoruSara lovers. Lol!
Beta read by: Tuvstarr's Lost Heart. Thank you so much!
I don't own Naruto/Boruto.
There was quite a line by the front desk, and Sumire had her sweetest smile on, accommodating the young kids and moms who were waiting for their turn to rent skates. Sarada, on the other hand, was waiting for the coffee to finish brewing as she whipped up another batch of hot chocolate and warmed some cookies. Working these machines were a piece of cake, and she would have finished the orders a lot faster if she wasn't so distracted.
Over at the benches, a blond boy was on his knees, helping a little boy lace his skates. He had the widest and warmest smile and the bluest eyes she had ever seen.
Boruto Uzumaki.
He plays hockey on weekdays and teaches children how to skate on weekends. Boruto was the kind of guy everyone liked and gravitated towards, like the sun, as his friend Mitsuki calls him. Friendly, sporty, smart, and attractive. That's Boruto. And Sarada had the dumbest luck to have a crush on him and be one of the girls he liked to flirt with. For kicks, of course. Because there was no way in hell that he flirted with Sarada because he liked her... Right?
"Sarada!"
She snapped out of her stupor and hurriedly turned off the coffee machine. Sumire was giving her a weird look and held up two skates. "Are you okay? I could use some help, please."
"Oh, right." Sarada picked up the slip of paper and began going through the shelves, looking for the sizes and bringing them out. The kids eagerly took theirs and ran to the bench, getting changed. Once the line disappeared, Sarada washed her hands and went back to the coffee, pouring it in paper cups and putting them on trays, calling out the numbers from the counter.
Just when the customer left, Boruto stepped up to the counter, holding up a pair of skates, all smiles. "Heya, Sarada. I think his skates were too big for him." He placed his elbow on the counter and winked at her. "I think we're just the right size for each other, though."
Sarada took the skates and turned her back to him, fighting the heat crawling up her face, as she shoved them back on the shelf and got the right one. Taking deep breaths to calm herself, she got a pair in the right size and handed them back to him. "These should be right."
"We could be right, ya know?" He faked a pout and an exaggerated sigh before heading back to the student.
Sumire hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear, "Is Boruto why you're so distracted?"
Sarada rolled her eyes. "No."
She giggled. "He's so into you. Flirting with you all the time."
"Everyone." Sarada did air quotes."flirts with me, just to mess with me."
"You're so cute when you get flustered, that's why!" Sumire hugged her tighter and snuggled up behind her. "And so comfy, too."
Sarada pouted and pulled out of her hold. "See, even you flirt with me to mess with me."
"I never mess with you, Sarada." Sumire batted her long eyelashes at her and giggled.
Sarada's cheeks burned and she went back to the coffee machine to refill it. "Quit it!"
The afternoon went fairly quick, albeit not as busy as it was earlier when the skating classes were happening. Sarada found herself watching the people skate, holding in her giggles whenever someone would fall… and catch her breath whenever Boruto would skate by, laughing and smiling.
"Sarada, I'll go now!" Sumire waved.
"See you," Sarada waved, and noticed that it was snowing outside and that Sumire's hands were bare. "Hey, it's snowing. You got a pair of gloves on you?"
"Oh, no." Sumire's face fell. "I don't."
Sarada ducked down and picked up hers from her bag. "Here, take mine."
Sumire's brows lifted. "Are you sure? Your hands get cold easily, right?"
"It's okay, I can manage," Sarada grinned. "Besides, you walk a lot further than I do. You need these."
Sumire smiled and took them from her. "Thanks, Sarada. See you tomorrow!"
Come closing time, Sarada cleaned up and locked up the money when the counter was approached. "No more hot chocolate?"
"Sorry, we're closed…" her voice faded when she realized it was Boruto, holding onto his bag and dressed in his coat.
"No worries, can I take you to-go instead?"
She scoffed, but the tips of her ears burned. There he was again, flirting with her. "I'm afraid that's a tall order."
"I'm pretty sure I'm taller than you, Sarada," Boruto chucked. "Perfect cuddling height for you, wouldn't you say?"
Her lower lip jutted and she crossed her arms. "We're closed, Boruto."
"I know, and it looks like you're done cleaning already, so let's get out of here."
"Wait, what?"
When Sarada didn't make a move to go, Boruto prompted, "It's snowing. I'll walk you home."
"That isn't… necessary. You don't have to."
"I want to," he smiled warmly and placed his bag on the counter. "I'll wait for you to finish up." He placed his arms on the counter and watched her move around, making Sarada feel so conscious. It didn't make sense why he would, he never did.
The only time they really walked home together had been when Mitsuki and Sumire insisted they all have dinner before going home, and that's when she found out they practically lived on the same street. After that one not double date, Sarada had been more aware of him and noticed Boruto more during her commute to and from home.
Once she finished cleaning, Sarada put on her coat and wrapped her scarf around her neck, piling it high enough to hide her chin. She searched for a few moments for the gloves, but then remembered she lent them to Sumire. Great. Her hands were going to freeze and Boruto was going to be there to witness it and make fun of her.
"Okay, let's go." Sarada slung the strap over her shoulder and walked around the counter. Boruto joined her and held the door open for her as she stepped outside.
The cold wind hit her face, and her shoulders shot up, keeping her scarf in place. She wound it a little tighter. Boruto was back by her side, he had a pink scarf on, but no hat, or gloves. He slipped his hands in his jacket pocket and smiled at her. "Shall we?"
Sarada could only nod and tried her best to stay warm as they walked. The sidewalk was slippery, and she walked a lot slower than usual, not wanting to fall. Snowbanks were piled high by the sidewalks, and there were barely any people out. The street lights cast a warm yellow glow, and the wind died down a bit, but the snow kept falling. She placed her hands to her mouth and blew on them.
"Feeling cold?" Boruto looked her way, blue eyes sparkling under the street light.
"A bit," Sarada admitted, a small smile on her face. "I don't have my gloves."
His brows knit together as he reached out to touch her hand. Once he made contact, he grimaced and grab them into his. "Your hands are freezing!"
Boruto's hands were so warm. Sarada's cheeks burned and she ducked under her scarf, trying to hide them. They walked slowly, her hands still in Boruto's, and occasionally, their hips and arms would brush. It did things to Sarada. It was not right that just by being so close to him would make her stomach do backflips and her heart stutter.
"Thanks," she muttered. "Your hands are so warm. I can't believe it. How are you so warm?"
He smiled softly. "I gotta stay warm to make sure I can keep you warm, right?"
Sarada rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're always flirting with me. What is up with that?"
Boruto laughed. "Flirting? Is that what I'm doing? Well… is it working?"
She scoffed. "You're unbelievable."
"Believe it!" Boruto laughed again. "What? Is it really so hard to believe I would flirt with you? You wound me, Sarada. Am I not enough?" He pulled her hands closer to his face, holding them up to press against his cheek.
Warm.
Sarada had to look away, his eyes were so captivating, and she was afraid her voice would fail her if she got lost in them. She swallowed before responding. "You're always flirting with everyone, I guess it can't be helped. I'm just like the rest."
"Flirt with everyone?" Boruto gawked. "Sarada, you really wound me. I only have eyes for you."
"See!" She laughed. "There it is again!" She groaned, but that smile was still on her lips. "Everyone always flirts with me, to get a reaction, and whatever." It was surprisingly easy to talk to Boruto. "I don't get why else they would."
"Because you're beautiful?" Boruto looked at her like she had grown another head. "Come on, it's not that hard to figure out. I mean, I see Sumire flirting with you all the time."
Sarada rolled her eyes. "Oh, she does that to mess with me. You know she likes Mitsuki."
"Mitsuki likes her," he corrected. "She seems like she would jump at you if she hasn't already."
"Like how you would jump at me?" Sarada laughed.
"Only if you would let me," Boruto smirked. "I've been flirting with you for months and you still won't notice me." He held her hands to his chest, and damn, it still felt warm. "What do I gotta do, Sarada?"
She giggled at his theatrics. Boruto was really so silly. Even if she knew he was joking, her heart would not stop racing. They were both having so much fun fake flirting and talking that they almost missed her house.
"It looks pretty dark in there," Boruto gazed upon her home. "I thought you live with your parents?"
"Oh. I don't anymore," she explained. "They left this house with me and they moved out. They should be coming home for Christmas, though." Sarada pulled her hands out of Boruto's hold and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
"There's a coming snowstorm," he mused. "I hope they make it."
"Thanks, me too…" Sarada muttered. "How about you? Your parents driving in or are you going to them this year?"
"Nah," Boruto stuffed his hands in his pockets. "They're staying at my grandparents' and that's too far for me to drive to. I got one last lesson tomorrow before the rink closes… are you on duty tomorrow?"
Sarada nodded. "Yeah, I am. For closing."
"I guess I'll see you then."
"Right." She fumbled with her keys. "I'll see you tomorrow. And thank you for walking me."
His face lit up. "You're welcome. I'll walk you tomorrow too, if you like."
A smile formed on her lips. "Sure. That sounds great."
.
.
.
Boruto laid in bed, phone on his chest as he stared at the ceiling. "She thinks I flirt with her just to get a reaction…" His voice was soft as if he was speaking to the wind. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "What do I have to do to get her to take me seriously?"
Boruto took his phone and went to the messages. He went to one of his group chats with his closest friends and asked for help. Which turned out to be a huge mistake because all they did for a solid thirty minutes was make fun of him and his conversation with Sarada on the way home. But hey, it was a start, right?
Inojin: You held her hand and called her beautiful. She thinks you're playing her.
Shikadai: Do you really need me to explain why she thinks that?
Mitsuki: Does she like you, though?
Inojin: He walked her home and called her beautiful and she laughed. That's a solid no.
Shikadai: What Inojin said.
Boruto: I hate all of you. I don't even flirt with other girls.
Shikadai: Shall I send a list?
Inojin: Even if you check it twice, you're still on the naughty list.
Mitsuki: Isn't that why you're friends?
Inojin: Shut up, Mitsuki.
Boruto groaned. This was a mistake. A big one. They did have a point though, didn't they? Other than flirting with Sarada, Boruto did some small cute things to make her notice him… he always came by the counter to greet her and looked at her whenever he had the chance. Sure, she may not have really noticed the latter but… that was something, right? And walking her home in the snow? Come on, that had to be a ton of extra cookie points, but she still thought he was messing with her.
Boruto: What can I do to make her really know I like her? Seriously.
Mitsuki: Ask her out. Sincerely :)
Inojin: Eww. Just kiss her already.
Shikadai: Yeah, but make sure it's a soft one. Don't go all wild, now.
Inojin: What a waste of a kiss, just makeout. Have sex. Marry her.
Boruto: WTF. I don't even know why I thought you guys would be of any help.
Mitsuki: Just be sincere. I'm sure she will see you like her. Or tell her point-blank.
Shikadai: Brave. But it would work.
Inojin: Lol. Boruto would never.
Boruto fumed at seeing the last response. He so would. It's Christmas, and this would be the perfect opportunity. But telling her straight up. His heart leaped to his throat at the thought and he backpedaled. Okay. He won't. That was too much. Kiss her… maybe he could kiss her. The tips of his ears burned just thinking about it. But it could work, right? Mistletoe kisses were a thing for Christmas.
Shikadai: You better not be thinking of using the old Mistletoe thing. Don't be cliche.
Inojin: Eww Boruto. WTF.
Mitsuki: It might be cute, though…
He let out an exasperated groan. These guys were no help at all. Boruto threw his phone to the side and curled up, thinking of a million ways to tell her how he really felt, or at least, for her to take him seriously. He closed his eyes and sighed. Perhaps tomorrow, he would be able to think of a good way to tell her that he meant it.
.
.
.
Sarada looked out the window, her brows knitting together in worry. The snow was flying in all directions and the people in the rink hurried to leave. Those with cars packed up and drove out, in fear of being snowed in. The news playing on the news playing on the television wasn't encouraging either, saying that the snowstorm had picked up and advised people to be cautious and stay indoors if they could.
It was Christmas Eve, and a lot of people were still driving around, getting groceries and driving home.
There was still a skating class ongoing, but some of the moms were already asking for their children to leave early. The rink manager, Konohamaru, decided to allow those to wanted to leave to do so. But only if someone was fetching them.
Sarada looked at her phone. Her mother was texting her, saying that the snow was so thick by their area and might not make it.
Sarada: Please don't head out, it's unsafe. Just stay home. You can come to get me when the storm eases.
Mama: I'm so sorry, darling. :( I promise we will drive to you the moment it clears.
"Hey, Sarada." Konohamaru jogged up to her. "If you want to go, you can. But maybe when it clears a bit, yeah?"
She put her phone back in her pocket and contemplated whether or not she should leave now or not. But leaving while there were still people inside, and while the storm was raging? The latter made her decision easy. The probability of her tripping and falling flat on her face were far too high and perhaps the worse option. She didn't want to think about it.
"Okay, sure," Sarada smiled. "I'll start cleaning, in case we need to go."
"Sure." Konohamaru nodded.
.
.
.
Stupid.
That's what Sarada was. There was no denying it. She had denied a ride home and now she was stuck, snowed in. Konohamaru offered to give the rest of the kids a ride home, and she had passed on it because there was no more space in the car.
It was kind of her, sure, putting the little kiddies first. But now there was no way for her to get home with the snow piled high and the flurry still at it.
"Stuck too, huh?"
She jumped and found Boruto holding on to his bag, coat hung on his arm. "Boruto! I thought you left hours ago."
He shook his head. "Had to make sure my students got home first, ya know? Besides, I noticed you were one of the last to go, too."
"I had to make sure the kids left, first," she muttered and then sighed. "But I guess chivalry doesn't always reward you, huh?"
He grinned at her. "I get to be snowed in with you, I think that's a great prize."
Her cheeks reddened and she looked away. "Right. Still with the flirting."
"Hey, I mean that," Boruto pouted. "Oh, right! Aren't your parents supposed to come over for Christmas Eve? Aren't they fetching you?"
Sarada shook her head and sat down on the bench. "No, I told them not to come. It's too dangerous."
"That sucks… Sorry about that."
"Christmas alone sucks," Sarada agreed. "And we're snowed in!" She threw her hands up in the air, genuinely frustrated. She wanted nothing more than to go home and get under the covers.
"Well… you have me."
The back of her neck burned. Why was he always teasing her like this? Did he know she had a crush on him? If so, leading her on was so not cool. Slowly, she faced him and found a shy smile on his face. Her heart skipped and heat traveled to her cheeks. "Th- thanks." Her hands clasped together on her lap.
"Are your hands cold?" Boruto looked at her hands and took them into his, warming them. "Not as bad, but still a little cold…" he rubbed them together and smiled at her. "Do you want a jacket? I have one you can use."
"No, I'm good…" Sarada smiled. "Maybe some hot chocolate will help."
"Oh, I want one, too. Let me help." They both stood from the bench, but he was still holding on to sher hand, only letting go once they were behind the counter. Boruto looked around. "It feels so different being on the other side."
Sarada laughed. He sounded so silly. "It's nothing spectacular."
"It so is. At least, when you are here, it is."
She nearly dropped the cookies. "Stop flirting with me!" Her heart was beating so fast it was making her feel like she might have a heart condition.
"I am not!" Boruto huffed. "I mean it!"
Sarada chucked a cookie at him. "No, you don't!"
"What the hell." Boruto ducked just in time. "Yes, I do!"
Her cheeks were bright red, and her whole body shook. Why was Boruto always like this? Playing with her feelings and what not. "You can't possibly-" she muttered under her breath.
"Why is that?" Boruto raised a brow, walking closer to her.
"Because!" Sarada's heart leapt to her throat. There were a million reasons why he couldn't possibly like her.
"Because what?" Boruto pouted. "I don't flirt with other girls, okay? Get that in your head." He poked her forehead with his finger lightly. "Haven't you ever considered I flirt with you because I like you?"
Wait, what?
"You like me?"
Boruto froze and covered his mouth, blue eyes wide. "I mean, like, you know, you're so pretty, and not like like like, but like-oh shit."
Her hand came up to her mouth. Boruto kept on stammering, squirming and trying to take back his word vomit. He looked so cute, blushing and all. It made Sarada smile and giggle. Crazy. This had to be some sort of Christmas miracle.
"I can't believe it," Sarada laughed.
"Wh-what?" Boruto's cheeks still burned but he seized his spazzing. "Can't believe what?"
Sarada stopped laughing and stepped closer to him, a warm smile on her face. "That my crush likes me too."
His blue eyes went wide, and slowly a smile cracked on his face. "F-for real?"
"Yes, for real." Sarada nodded, placing her hands on his chest.
"Woah-wait!" Boruto dug into his pocket and pulled out something green. He shook it a bit to straighten it and then hung it above them with his right hand.
"Is that…" she blinked. "Mistletoe? Where did you get Mistletoe!?"
Boruto chuckled. "I wanted to be original, but I could only think of a cliche way of telling you I liked you… for real, ya know?"
Sarada smiled at him and giggled. "I like that you told me straight up, even if it was an accident."
Boruto chuckled and wrapped his free hand around her waist. "Can we kiss now? I've been wanting this for like, years."
"Wait, year-" Sarada was cut off when Boruto crashed his lips on hers. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, raising herself up on her tiptoes to deepen the kiss. Boruto tossed the mistletoe away in favor or wrapping his other arm around her waist and lifting her up, making her squeal.
They broke from the kiss and she hugged him tight. "Merry Christmas."
Boruto put her back down on the ground and kissed her forehead. "Merry Christmas."
"I guess this isn't so bad after all," Sarada giggled.
"Yeah, not bad at all. Hey!" Boruto pulled back just a little bit to see her face. "Since we're stuck here, want to skate? We got the entire place to ourselves."
Her big, dark eyes looked at him, and then shied away from his gaze. "I-I don't know how to."
"You don't know how to skate?!" Boruto shook her. "You've been working here and you never tried it?"
She laughed and shook her head. "I was always too shy of the instructor."
Boruto rolled his eyes. "All this time, I could have held your hand sooner."
"And get me pregnant? No way!" Sarada teased.
Boruto laughed. "Yeah, certainly. Don't worry, I'll own up to it."
Sarada pushed him away lightly. "Wear gloves, it'll help."
"And miss my chance to be with you forever? No way."
Wow. Holding hands today, and thinking of getting pregnant and married tomorrow.
They laughed as they picked out their skates, and kept on chatting as they laced them and slowly walked over to the rink. There was a lot of awkward accidental bumping and Boruto's teasing, but soon enough Sarada got the hang of it and they skated side by side after two hours.
Once they had their fill, their stomachs started to rumble and they raided the cookies and sandwiches that were left. While Sarada prepared the hot chocolate, Boruto went through Konohamaru's office and hooked up his phone, playing Christmas songs and dancing around with her. Boruto held her hand and twirled her around, before pulling her close and wrapping his arms around her waist, swaying to a slow yet sweet Christmas song.
"Baby it's cold outside," Boruto hummed along.
Sarada grinned and snuggled up on his chest. "I'm glad I have you to keep me warm."
He chuckled and held her throughout the night. Perhaps being snowed in at a skating rink wasn't so bad after all.
A/N: Quite cliche, but I have no shame in saying this is exactly the kind of Christmas movie I would love to watch! Hahaha. Mildly inspired by Let It Snow, the book and movie. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you feel a little warmer after reading this fic!
Happy Holidays, fam.
All my love,
Kairi