A/N: Valentine's is right around the corner! Here's something to put you in the mood for it, darling.

We don't own Naruto/Boruto.

There were no words to express Boruto's devastation after his last personal chat with Sarada. It had been a week since it happened, and he was no better today than he had been any other day. While everyone else was all grins and giggles about Valentine's Day coming up, Boruto was still sulking over his not break up with Sarada.

They weren't together. She was right, but that's not how he felt.

Was it?

Somehow, Boruto had grown to care deeply about her. He looked forward to picking her up every morning for work, even if it put him coming in later than he liked. He liked driving her home, knowing she was safe and warm and not squished between a crowd. He liked having meals with her and everything else they did together.

Then she made it clear that there was nothing between them—made him realize that he was jeopardizing her reputation, which mattered to him. His didn't, he didn't give a damn what people thought of him and he didn't think of Sarada as his employee.

He wouldn't be her boss forever.

None of it mattered anymore though. Whatever it was or wasn't between them was over and done with and as much as it hurt, Boruto was able to maintain his professionalism. Except for when he confronted his father about his position, beyond ready for it to be over.

Boruto never asked for any of this, but he had come to like working at Ichiraku Ramen Corp. it was his dad's baby, nothing to do with him, but he liked and respected his team, he enjoyed how organized everyone was, in spite of their gossiping tendencies.

What happened with Sarada had pushed Boruto to the edge and he was stressed on a level he'd never reached before. Then he received a phone call that gave him that final push until he couldn't take it anymore.

Looking at the caller ID, Boruto sighed deeply, his frown seeming permanent over the past week. He stared, letting it ring for a moment and then finally answered.

"Mitsuki." He greeted calmly, waiting for his old uni friend to say something that would get him worked up.

"Bo-ru-to," Mitsuki sounded happy, a little too happy and it unsettled Boruto because he imagined that creepy smile he had on whenever talking about a matter of importance. "I thought you would never answer. I've been calling for the past few days."

Boruto had too much on his mind to take on anything else. He was still trying to figure out why he'd answered this time. "I've been busy. You know it."

He hummed before answering. "Always needed by everyone else, as per usual. But really, when are you going to stop playing with small money and join us again?"

Always straight to the point, and without holding anything back. No matter how offensive. Typical Mitsuki.

"As soon as I can." Boruto sighed. He had been waiting for a long time to do things right and go big with this one. "I'm not backing out on you."

Mitsuki snickered. "Of course not. There's a new tech startup and it's worth looking into. I'll send it to you and let me know how much you're going to invest."

"Right." He wanted time to be able to focus on the things that meant the most to him. But he was confused about those things right now. There were new things on his mind. "I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I can."

"Alright." Mitsuki put the phone down, and Boruto felt relieved to have it over with. Though the new proposition sounded interesting, he had to take care of something first.

Boruto went straight to Naruto's office after that phone call. He didn't know what he was doing anymore—but he knew it wasn't what he wanted to do and this wasn't the right place for him. Sure he could do the job well, but that didn't mean he was the one for it.

The position wasn't ever truly his.

It belonged to Sarada.

"Dad," Boruto called after a swift knock and letting himself peek into the office.

Naruto looked up from his laptop and gave him a warm smile. "Boruto. Yes?"

Boruto stepped inside, closed the door behind him and then walked over to take a seat across from his dad's desk. "I'm done here. I've done everything you've asked of me and I can say with absolute certainty that Sarada is more than ready to take over." He didn't hesitate to speak his mind because he was over it all. It was time to settle things and move on with his life.

He put his laptop away and turned to face his son. "You said we would give it at least six months to a year before we come to a conclusion. It's only been three… did something happen?"

"You don't need me, that's what happened. Sarada can handle it. You just need to have someone fill her current position so we can make this happen. I have other obligations that I'm more invested in."

His brows furrowed together. "I don't understand. I know Sarada is capable but she only started handling people three months ago. And—invested in? What are you going to go back to that business Mitsuki has?" Naruto shook his head. "Something doesn't feel right, son. Tell me what this is really about."

"You know how much it means to me. Mitsuki and I were in it together from the beginning. I took a step back but only to finish school. I should have been back in much sooner but I can't focus on this too." He was not about to follow his father's questions up.

If he did, word vomit was likely.

Naruto waved his hand to stop him. "I know that, Boruto. And a deal is a deal. You can do what you please after you do this for me. But you didn't answer my last question. Did something happen between you and Sarada for this to come about?"

Boruto flinched. "Why the hell would you think that?" He scoffed, turning up his nose.

Naruto smirked. "I can sense your guilt. Is it because of what I've been hearing?" He gave him a pointed stare. "And they haven't been good things."

No. Boruto was not going to do this. He couldn't take it anymore. But how was gossip getting all the way to his dad? "What? What have you been hearing, huh? Please enlighten me."

Naruto sighed deeply and looked at his laptop for a briefer moment. "Let's just say your mother and I hope you've been using protection." He then turned his gaze back to Boruto. "Have you?"

"Shit." Boruto gasped, face losing its color as he realized that no, he hadn't been. But wait… Sarada was a smart girl. Definitely on birth control.

They were protected enough.

"Shit?" Naruto's brows raised. "I don't like the sound of that, son."

"Shit? I mean… shit." Boruto groaned and ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

"The rides to and from work would make sense," Naruto added. "And you are not spending half as much time as you used to with Himawari." Naruto picked up a pen and slid a paper in front of him before grinning. "Lock the door if you're going to do it in your office next time."

"You walked in on us?!" Boruto screeched, face flaming hot in an instant.

He was going to die!

The pen fell from Naruto's hand. "Shit, Boruto. I was just joking. You did that?!" He couldn't believe it.

He was dead.

"Whoa, what? What?! No, no! I didn't! I—" he couldn't even explain himself. This was bad.

Naruto put a hand up and covered his eyes with the other, willing the image away. "Stop it, stop talking. Fuck Boruto don't be so careless!"

Like he was one to talk.

Naruto groaned. His wife was better at things like these. "We are not discussing this again but do be more cautious and," he sighed. "Going back to the matter at hand, how is Sarada taking it? You know these rumors are the worst kind."

"I assume she's doing well." Boruto shrugged, trying not to let his pain show. "I had to take a step back. I don't want to ruin her reputation or anything else… so please don't think any differently of her. I should have backed off from the beginning, ya know? Sarada is focused wholly on her job, I can promise you that. You won't tell anyone, right?"

"You think I want to tell your mother you haven't been using protection?" Naruto scoffed. "And assume she's okay? Haven't you spoken to her? I know Sarada, she gets the job done. You falling in love with her isn't going to change that for me." Naruto winked. "It only makes me like her more since you can vouch for her, too. This is a family business, after all."

Boruto felt his heart shatter and his face showed his brokenness. "She doesn't want to be with me… because I'm her boss." The words left him quietly, each one leaving him emptier.

His father's blue eyes softened, all the playfulness and cheer gone with it. "Oh son, I'm so sorry about that…" it made sense, but it also wasn't fair. He let out a loud sigh. "I'm sure this is an abuse of power, but let me see what I can do about turning it over to her earlier. I'll talk to Konohamaru about it." Naruto picked up his phone to call but stopped. "Wait, wait. You already asked her to be with you?"

"Maybe not in those words. But basically." He pouted. He was turned down flat too, how did that even happen? Surely he was a good guy.

Naruto facepalmed. "Hima was right," he muttered. "Boruto, I suggest you leave my office and fix things with her while I try to fix everything else." Those blue eyes hardened. "Don't come back here until you've settled things. Cut you from payroll if I have to," he muttered as he tinkered with his phone.

Now that was an abuse of power.

Getting up from his seat slowly, Boruto blinked at his father. "Fix things with her? You mean… you think I can?" It didn't seem possible… but he would like that.

Naruto gave him a big grin and a thumbs up. "Of course you can, Boruto. If I'm perceiving things right, I know Sarada would want the same thing."

A small bud of hope quickly blossomed within him and Boruto felt a smile coming to his lips for the first time in a week now. "Thanks, Dad. I'll do my best." He said, happily turning on his heel to leave the office and head back to his own so he could gather his things and head out for lunch.

.

.

.

Mitsuki was pleased to learn that he wouldn't have too much longer to wait before Boruto would be backing him again. They spoke only once more, with Mitsuki agreeing to give Boruto his time to finish his work with his dad without nagging him. Boruto was really looking forward to getting back to his life.

He wanted Sarada back in his life too.

When he was in his office, he hoped to have a reason for them to see each other and he often thought about what he could say to make things right, now he could convince her to forgive him and maybe give him another chance. He just missed their friendship. They did have something.

He missed it. He missed her.

Yet he could never find the right words, he could barely look at her for more than a few seconds without losing his mind. She never looked as if she shared his turmoil and she never tried to say anything to him either. Boruto wasn't sure if he would ever get the nerve to talk to her again, as a man and not her boss.

Valentine's Day was getting closer and Boruto thought of it a lot. It would be a great excuse to try and be her friend again. They could even go on one of those not dates and spend the evening together, just the two of them. Boruto wanted badly for her to want that as well, but sadly it was not meant to be.

The day before Valentine's Day, Boruto received an unexpected visit, from his little sister of all people. She came marching into his office, all puffy cheeks and poked out lips, an angry curve in her brows.

"Hima?" Boruto called, blinking in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"You're taking me out tomorrow," she declared, poking an angry finger on his chest. "Skip work if you have to!" She definitely wasn't messing around.

"B-but—but… but," he frowned, trying to gather the words, to tell her that he couldn't, that he had to go and see Sarada instead. The not date had to happen. It was a chance Boruto couldn't miss.

Her cheeks puffed and she crossed her arms across her chest tightly. "I need an excuse to be busy tomorrow!"

Boruto was so caught up trying to make sense of this all that he didn't realize Inojin had stepped in his office, holding a folder with a colorful cover.

"Why?" Boruto frowned. She wasn't making sense. "Can't you just stay home?"

"No!" She insisted, and then her face contorted in worry. "There's this guy who asked me out tomorrow and I don't like him, I said… I said I already had a date but…" she looked down at her shoes. "But I don't."

Inojin popped next to her, it was almost pathetic how Boruto could see the hearts in his eyes. "I can be your date tomorrow."

Himawari looked at him, eyes wide and cheeks turning pink. Her lips parted and she held a hand to her heart.

"That won't be necessary. Or happening for that matter. Ever." Boruto scoffed, glaring at the blond cooing at his sister. "Inojin, can I help you?"

Inojin pretended not to hear him. He kept his eyes on Himawari. "I'm Inojin. I'm a designer." He held his hand out for Himawari to shake.

The girl giggled. "I'm Himawari." She took his hand in hers and shook it slowly, all the while looking at his eyes.

The door opened and Sarada peeked in, looking right at Boruto, and then jumping back a bit to see there were other people in his office.

"Hima!" She grinned. "Nice to see you again."

That pulled Himawari out of Inojin's grip, and the girl turned to face Sarada with a wide smile and hugged her. "Sarada-chaaan! I was hoping I would see you."

While everyone seemed way too distracted for his liking, Boruto snatched the folder from Inojin's hand, giving him the coldest look he could muster. "Get out of my office."

Inojin glared at him and winked at Himawari before leaving. The girl giggled and looked at Sarada, whispering something to her, which made them laugh. Boruto softened the instant they were the only other two in the room, his heartwarming to see them so happy and at ease with each other. He kept his lips sealed and his eyes on Sarada—it felt like ages since he'd last looked at her since he'd heard her speak so casual and friendly.

"He's single, you know." Sarada winked at Himawari, making her turn a deep shade of red.

"Better single than dead and buried," Boruto grumbled, eyes narrowing on Sarada—the traitor.

The two girls glared at him, small pouts on their lips. It was both amusing and scary at the same time.

Sarada released her hold on Himawari and put a folder on his desk before leaving and closing the door behind her.

"What time should I pick you up?" Boruto asked as blue eyes hardened as he stared at his younger sister.

She matched his glare with her own before putting her nose up in the air. "If you're going to be mean, bro, I think I'll take Inojin up on his offer instead."

"Really? A guy who came into my office and so blatantly disrespected me… that's how we are now? And you and Sarada are so buddy-buddy, but you both treat me like I'm nothing." He was so sick of it all.

"What?" Himawari looked at him and then towards the door, lowering her voice. "Did you two fight?" Her eyes were wide, curious at what might have happened. "And I don't do that, bro. You know I love you."

Boruto sighed, long and frustrated. "There was no fight. She wanted me to back off, so I did. We don't talk anymore, as you can see." He faked a smile and rolled his eyes. "I don't want to talk about it. You need me tomorrow or not?"

Himawari walked right up to him and gave him a scary look. "What do you mean you don't talk anymore?"

"Exactly that." He shrugged as if it didn't hurt at all. But oh, it did. "Tomorrow?"

She puffed her cheeks. "Okay, okay. We'll talk about it tomorrow. At six? Dinner and maybe a movie? I need to Ninstagram everything," she muttered. "But Sarada-chan can come…"

"She wouldn't," Boruto said quickly. She didn't want anything to do with him. He couldn't believe he'd actually been considering asking her out for Valentine's Day. "I'll pick you up at six. Dinner, movie. Fine."

Himawari softened. "Do you want me to fix it? I can help…" her voice was so small, and her eyes darted back on the closed door.

"Thank you, Hima," Boruto smiled, touched that she cared so much. "But there's nothing to fix. Sarada made that clear, alright? Don't worry about it. It's just… one of those things that weren't meant to be anything."

Sad as it was, that was the cold hard truth.

Her jaw slacked and she hit his chest lightly with closed first. "Why are you saying that? Don't say that! I'm telling mom!" She screeched. "Mom will be so angry with you and I won't stop her! Fix it!" She demanded, still hitting his chest with her closed fists. Good thing they weren't open, that's when he knew she was getting serious.

Himawari shouted in frustration and turned around to leave, "I'm telling dad!" She yelled before she slammed the door shut, completely not caring they were in the office and not at home.

.

.

.

Valentine's Day.

What a bitch.

Boruto didn't want to wake up for once. He didn't want to get out of bed. He had no motivation. No appetite, barely making it through a single cup of coffee before he left his home and headed to work. He dressed in his usual work clothes which were suitable enough for a nice date night with Himawari.

The sister who was pissed at him.

As soon as Boruto sat at his desk and started checking his emails, he noticed one from the Yamanaka Flower shop. It was a receipt and confirmation from the order he placed two days ago.

Shit, he was so stupid.

Had he really been going to give Sarada flowers? Why? Why would he do that?

No refunds.

At this point, it was best just to let the girl receive and toss the flowers. Hell, he didn't care. Not at all. He wouldn't so much as think about it again.

Who was he kidding? Boruto couldn't stop stressing the delivery that would be sent to her apartment. Flowers, signed by him. He couldn't go anonymous? Why the hell did he feel the need to use his name as if things were… personal. Not even close. He was just so stupid.

He supposed now things would be even more awkward, but not for long. Soon enough he would be gone for good and she would never have to look at him again—just as she wanted.

She only proved it more throughout the day. Boruto caught sight of her handing out gifts to everyone in the pantry during lunch.

Everyone, except him that is.

Seeing that caused him to lose his appetite for the second time that day and Boruto left the pantry to return to his office. The sooner he finished his work, the sooner he could leave.

It really was a sucky day. Boruto couldn't even look forward to going out with Himawari, but when they did, he smiled for her and did everything he could to make sure she had a great night. They had dinner first and then watched a two-hour movie at the theater. He cheered up a bit when she picked a new horror film that he'd heard about from Konohamaru and the two of them were all wide, intrigued and thrilled eyed through the movie. It was better than either of them expected it to be.

It was close to ten that night when Boruto was on his way home after dropping her off. For some reason, Himawari hadn't brought Sarada up even once and he was beyond grateful she hadn't. He was suffering enough in his own head. He drove home slowly, mind drifting to the difficult woman yet again. He wondered if she got the flowers… if she tossed them the instant they were delivered… if they repulsed her instead of making her smile as he hoped.

Boruto was sulking as he pulled into his driveway and parked in his garage. He got out of the car, chided himself for being so depressed. It was stupid. He was always so stupid. After locking his car, Boruto rounded it and headed for his front door, eyes on his feet as he walked. Until he made it to the steps and found a shivering from sitting on them.

"S-Sarada?" Boruto took a step back in surprise, blue eyes blown wide and heart stuttering.

Sarada was actually sitting on his doorstep, in the freezing night air, hugging a Tupperware container to her chest. He felt a million different things at finding her there, elation, excitement, thankfulness, fear, and anger.

"What the hell are you doing? Trying to get yourself sick out here? It's freezing!" He wanted to march right over and snatch her up, to get her inside and out of the cold night air.

But he couldn't. He couldn't touch her.

Sarada slowly looked up, visibly shivering but smiled at him, anyway and handed him the Tupperware. There was a pink bow on it. "H-happy V-Valentine's Day." When he didn't make a move to take it she tried to explain, teeth slightly chattering. "I left it at h-home. I wanted to bring it over but you weren't here. So I waited."

Heart constricting and mind going blank, Boruto just gawked at Sarada for a long moment. It was a stronger shudder from her that pulled him back to reality and he offered his hand hesitantly.

"Come inside… it's freezing out here."

Her hand was shaky, but she took it and got up to her feet. Her hand was ice cold, and she wouldn't let go of her gift for him. Boruto's heart was pounding. He was so surprised—so confused, at an absolute loss. She said she forgot it at home? That had to mean she didn't mean not to include him. He didn't remember everyone else getting Tupperware with pink bows though.

Boruto led her over to the couch, sitting down close to her and wrapping his arms around her without thinking about it. She was cold. He just needed to warm her up a bit. The girl had to be out of her mind, being out so late when it was so cold and dark. He shuddered just thinking about her taking that damn train and unconsciously held her a little tighter.

"Sarada, you came all the way here just to give me this?" He asked, totally talking about the gift and not her.

Leaning into him more and letting her cheek rest on his chest, she nodded. "And to thank you… for the flowers." Her voice was so small, and she was still feeling cold to the touch.

She liked them. "You kept them?" He asked, head tilting down until his cheek touched the top of her head.

Sarada hummed and nodded again. "I placed it in a vase, on my counter. Same thing I did to the roses you gave me."

"I'm glad." He smiled, eyes closing softly as he held her—to keep her warm. "But you're still not off the hook."

Sarada slowly sat up straight and looked at him, dark eyes looking soft and sad. "That's why I baked you these…" she handed him the Tupperware again. "I hope you like it."

Boruto accepted the gift with his left hand, not wanting to pull his right from around her. She was still so cold. "I was talking about how much trouble you're in for riding that damn train over here at night and sitting out in the freezing cold." He tried not to laugh as he opened the container to see what she'd made for him.

No matter what it was, he would love it.

"I hope you like cheesecake," she smiled.

"I love everything you make." He admitted, never been disappointed at any other time. "And it's strawberry." He grinned at her, blue eyes lighting up for the first time since before their not break up. "My favorite."

Her eyes lit up and a grin slowly broke out in her face. "Try one." She told him, looking excited that she had picked the right gift for him.

Boruto gladly grabbed one and took a bite right away, humming in delight from the taste of it. Only Sarada could make something so delicious. He chewed slowly as if to savor that single bite and when he swallowed he turned his head to grin at her.

"It's so good."

"Can I have a bite?" She asked.

It was a totally innocent question, so Boruto wasn't sure why it made him feel so flustered. "Yeah… of course." He said as he lifted the cheesecake up towards her mouth.

Sarada leaned in and took a small bite, taking more strawberry than the actual cheesecake. Chewing slowly, her eyes were locked on his. Right when she swallowed, she shifted her position on the couch, hand coming up to the side of his face. "Just a kiss," she whispered before she brushed her lips on his.

Softly. Slowly.

Sarada pulled away after a few seconds and sighed. "I'm sorry."

Boruto rested his forehead against hers, heart-pounding once again. Only she could affect him so strongly. "I'm sorry too." He whispered back and then he kissed her again. And again.

And again.

A/N: The next update will be on Valentine's! Tyy and I would like to thank all of you for reading and supporting our fic. We genuinely enjoy reading all your feedback. Thank you so much. We send all our love to all of you.

Cheers,

Kairi and Tyy