A/N: Tyy and I are happy that you have received the last filler well. We agree, it adds some depth to the characters and gives us a look into their history, as most of the plot simply focuses on the here and now of their lives. Here comes another filler, happening somewhere in the middle of their busy lives. We hope you enjoy.
We don't own Naruto/Boruto.
When Boruto couldn't manage to get Sarada alone, it really frustrated him.
He only needed to see her about work. Nothing more. Definitely not because he had an urge to see her beautiful face or stare into those endless pools of obsidian eyes—or get a good look at those legs that he was like not attracted to.
No.
It was all business.
Yet even though it was business and nothing more, Sarada was seeming busier and busier these days. New products were launching, sales and finances were always needing to be discussed and there were constant other things that needed to be addressed, thus leaving Sarada attending one meeting after the next. Boruto couldn't even catch her at her desk, much less get her on his.
Oh, but that's not what he wanted. He only wanted her in his office so they could have their own discussion… about work. His attempts didn't get him far—not that he was trying hard or anything, he just kept trying to catch her and couldn't. It was only after a few days of this that he finally reached out to her.
'Sarada, let's meet for lunch.' He sent it to her in an email and then sat staring at his inbox, waiting and waiting for a reply. It wasn't looking like he would be getting one anytime soon.
It had still been early morning when he sent that email, and by the time lunch hour arrived, he still had yet to hear from her. Boruto wasn't going to let something so ridiculously silly bother him, but he couldn't help himself from pulling up her outlook calendar and skimming over her schedule. She was busy, busier than she normally was and that was really saying something. It was hard to believe she was attending so many meetings and almost none of them required his presence.
There wasn't much he could do about it, for now, so Boruto forced himself to forget it for the time being and focus on his own duties. It was during lunch hour that he finally got a response, a too late response that disappointed him. Sarada explained that she was having lunch out, on her way to another meeting that was outside of the company and wouldn't be back until later in the afternoon.
Even then, Sarada had many things to do and Boruto himself ended up being pulled into Naruto's office for a meeting between the two of them and Konohamaru. He never got the chance to speak with Sarada directly, or at all really and he wasn't happy about it. Days had passed.
Days.
It seemed like the only time he would catch her would be after hours and he even debated scheduling a meeting for the two of them at that time, but considering the extra load of work she'd been taking on lately, Boruto couldn't bring himself to do it. He could catch her before she left though. Maybe she was hungry or needed a ride. He wouldn't have any problems feeding or giving her a ride.
Boruto did wait until he was sure the others had left before he poked his head out of his office and zeroed his gaze on her. She was still at her desk, packing away her things and he didn't see anyone else around, so he didn't hesitate to make his way over to her.
"Sarada," he called in greeting, feeling as if this was the first time he'd seen her in ages. She looked nice as always and didn't seem too stressed, but that didn't mean that was the case for her. If he had as many meetings to attend as she did, he would certainly be stressed.
She looked up from packing her belongings and gave him a tired smile. "Hello. Do you need anything?"
Boruto's face threatened to scrunch up at the question, but he fought to school his features. Did he need something… yes. Yes, he did. "Yes." He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest and scowling at nothing in particular. "I mean… no. Not really." He wanted to see her, but he didn't have a good reason for that so he really didn't know what to say.
"Oh," Sarada sighed in relief. "I thought you might need me to stay. I wanted to get dinner." She packed the rest of her things, carefully placing it in her bag and did a sweep on her desk before zipping it up.
That sounded like an invitation—or at least, an opportunity that Boruto would not be missing. "No, of course not. You've been working hard. Dinner sounds good, why don't I treat you?"
"That does sound good." She hummed and held on to her bag. "Alright. Are you craving anything?"
Oh, he definitely could think of a few things he was craving, but none were good related. "Nothing in particular. We can have whatever you want."
"I think I want pasta," Sarada smiled. "Is that okay?"
"Absolutely." He nodded a bit too eagerly. Anything she wanted was fine with him. "Are you ready?"
Sarada's smile turned into a grin and she nodded. "Yes. Let's."
Boruto grinned at her and happily took her bag, carrying it for her so she only had to deal with her purse. He was probably more excited than he should have been. It wasn't like this was a date or anything, just two people having dinner who happened to work together. That didn't mean he wouldn't be polite and treat her like the princess that she is. Boruto always did what he could to be a proper gentleman.
He opened doors for her, always offered his hands to make it easier for her to get in and out of his car. It must have been a challenge between those heels and that sexy skirt she was wearing, so he needed to be considerate. Boruto enjoyed helping a woman in need.
"Things have been busy recently, huh?" He commented as they rode along. The Italian restaurant they decided on already wasn't more than a ten-minute drive from the office, but Boruto wasn't in any rush. He wanted to enjoy every moment he had with Sarada.
Not because he liked her. But because she was good company.
"It has been," she breathed and leaned back on the seat. "The meetings just won't end, I can't even get anything else done…"
"Mmhmm… like responding to my emails. Thankfully I wasn't dying or anything," He grumbled, feeling pouty at the fact that she didn't have time for him. Not that she should, they weren't together.
"Dying?" Sarada tried to stifle a laugh. "If you are, I think it's better you call me."
"How can I call you when you're always in a meeting?" He asked with a huff. He was going to have to have a talk with his dad. Nobody should have so many meetings. It was unnatural.
This time, she didn't try to stop herself from laughing. Her cheeks were tinted pink, eyes closed in delight. "Fine, send a text, then and I'll get to you as fast as I can." Sarada peeked at him, a teasing grin on her face. "After my meeting."
Permission to text? "Hm. Fine. I guess I could text you." Maybe. If he had time… Boruto knew even if he didn't, he would make time for her. Luckily, he had time so he didn't need to worry about it.
The restaurant wasn't too busy, considering it was a weeknight, but it was dinner time for most so the place was still filled with many customers. Boruto and Sarada were led to a booth in a corner and he was pleased with how private the tables were. Others were around, but not close enough or directly within the sight of each other for them to be able to be nosy. Right now, it was as if it was just him and her. Nobody else.
They both ordered right away and once their waitress left them, Boruto smiled across the table at his not date. "Are your meetings decreasing anytime soon?" He asked casually, lounged back lazily in his seat.
"Honestly, no," Sarada sighed. "I have four meetings tomorrow. And I think two for the following day."
That was outrageous. "It's that time of year I suppose." He sighed. "You're doing a lot, just make sure you eat and sleep properly."
"I usually take my lunch a little late, but I get to sleep a bit, yeah." Sarada also leaned back on the couch, trying to relax. "I'm so tired," she muttered.
"Maybe you should take a day for yourself," Boruto suggested, even though it meant she wouldn't be in the office where he would have access to her.
"I can't, not when everything is this busy," she shook her head and took a sip of water. "Maybe when it calms down, but I can't any time soon."
Boruto wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or annoyed. He wanted her around and needed her at work, but he also wanted her healthy and rested properly. He would have to see what he could do about lightening her workload. "Just take it easy when you can, okay?"
Although she smiled and nodded, Boruto knew she wasn't going to stop working hard. He would have to step in and do what he could to give her less to worry about, and he would do that, gladly. Sarada deserved to have easier days. It was important for her to do her best, but she always did and sometimes a little break was needed.
"How about you? Aren't you busy with the new management program?" Sarada leaned back on the couch again, covering her mouth as she yawned.
Boruto frowned and hoped the food would hurry so he could get her home. Even if he did enjoy her company, it wasn't worth keeping her from getting a decent night's sleep. "I'm busy as I normally am, nothing I can't handle. Not half as many meetings as you have either." He put on a smile for her, though he was upset. Sarada worked too hard sometimes.
She nodded and hummed. "Okay. Yeah, everyone just needs me these days, you know?" Sarada grinned, but it didn't mask how tired she looked. "Maybe I should get an intern to do the small things for me." She paused for a bit and waited for him to react.
"Or you could put your two goofballs to work," Boruto grumbled. He understood that the majority of the weight was on Sarada's shoulders, but she had to learn how to deal with this on her own… even if he hated it.
"They do a lot, too," she sighed. "It doesn't look like much, but it really is."
Boruto sighed just as their food arrived. He didn't say anything as the waitress placed their plates on the table before them, waiting until she was gone to reply. "I know they do, but you can't be scared to reach out to them for help with smaller things when you need it."
Sarada pouted at that but eventually nodded. This was her first time handling people, and delegating tasks really wasn't something Sarada was used to. She always got her work done on her own and she didn't want to burden her team with things that were really her tasks. "Okay," she muttered.
"Don't look so down, Sarada. Eat, so I can get you home and in bed."
That didn't come out right at all. Boruto's face turned hot and he desperately hoped that she didn't pick up on the way that sounded—or what it made him think about anyway.
Her cheeks turned pink, but she didn't comment on what he said. Sarada picked up her fork and started eating. Her pace was slow but eventually picked up. She was hungry and ate her fair share of the food they ordered.
It pleased Boruto to see her eating properly, but he couldn't help but feel concerned for her. He was her boss, not her boyfriend so there was only so much he could do, but anything he could do, he would. They ate more than they spoke, but he didn't mind. Boruto was happy just having her across from him, eating her fill and knowing that once he drove her home, she would be able to sleep.
Dinner ended too soon, but it was for the best. Sarada's health was number one on his list of priorities right now, even if it shouldn't have been any concern on his. Once the bill was placed on the table, Boruto reached for it, blue eyes flicking up to Sarada's face when their hands laid over it at the same time.
"I'll just check the bill, you know if they got it all right." Sarada slid the bill towards herself, eyes never leaving his.
Boruto smiled, knowing exactly what she was trying to do. He slid it back closer to him. "No worries, I can check it out myself."
"But you don't know which was mine," she pouted, sliding the bill back to her. "I just want to make sure."
"Sarada," Boruto spoke her name chidingly. "I've got it. I'm sure they didn't make any mistakes anyway."
"What do you mean you got it?" She scoffed. "I'm paying for what I ordered." Sarada let go of the bill, only to use that hand to dig into her purse for her wallet.
Boruto pulled it closer to himself, grabbing his wallet out of the inside pocket of his jacket and quickly placing his card in with the check. "Didn't I offer to treat you? That means I'm paying. Don't try to fight me over something so silly."
Her brows furrowed together. "You shouldn't be paying because this is not a date."
"It doesn't have to be a date for me to treat you. As your boss, I feel that you deserve it. So I'm buying and there's nothing you can do about it."
Sarada's lower lip jutted out even more. She stuck her nose up in the air and crossed her arms across her chest. "Fine."
"Aw, don't pout, Sarada. It's adorable." Boruto chuckled, handing over the bill book once the waitress returned to retrieve it.
It didn't help. She was still pouting, even well until after the waitress left. But it didn't last long because she yawned again, breaking her grumpy expression. She really was adorable, but Boruto was ready to take her home so she could rest. As soon as the waitress returned, Boruto pulled his pen out of his pocket and signed the receipt, getting to his feet as soon as he finished.
Sarada accepted his hand when he offered it to help her up and he didn't let go as they left the restaurant and walked to his car. The drive to her apartment was spent mostly in silence aside from her yawning which became more frequent each passing moment. Boruto even caught her dozing off a few times and she had drifted before they turned into the parking lot of her apartment complex.
"Sarada," He called to her, gently nudging her shoulder with his hand.
She groaned but more or less didn't open her eyes. Sarada went right back to sleep when Boruto stopped nudging her.
"Sarada…" he tried again. "If you don't get up, I'll have to carry you to bed." Not that he would mind.
Sarada groaned again, this time, shifting on the seat and forcing her eyes open. When they did, she took a moment to look around, seemingly trying to recognize her surroundings. Dark eyes landed on his blue ones and her cheeks flooded with heat. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I fell asleep." She picked up her bags and placed them on her lap before looking outside to see they were already at her apartment.
"It's okay… you're tired." Boruto smiled at her and left the car to walk around and open her door. He leaned down to grab her bag and then took her hand in his. "Come on, now."
Slowly, Sarada got to her feet, holding on tight to his hand for support. Her eyes were still a little blurry from sleep and her balance was off. "Thank you," Sarada mumbled as they walked hand in hand up to her door.
Boruto couldn't help but feel even more worried about her, but he promised himself to do whatever he could to make things easier on her. "You get straight to bed, alright?" He spoke softly to her while she struggled to get her key in the doorknob.
"I will," she replied, finally getting the key in and turning it, the lock clicked and Sarada opened the door. She turned to face him and took her bags. "Thank you for dinner, and the ride. I'll get the next one." Sarada smiled sleepily at him.
"Right. Of course." That was never going to happen. Boruto was excited to know that she intended for them to have dinner together again some time—another not date, but he would be the only one paying for any of their meals. "Good night, Sarada." He smiled his best smile at her and slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks.
"Good night," Sarada smiled at him a little more. "Take care on your way back… text me when you get home."
"I'll make it just fine, Sarada. Go to sleep. I'll text you, but don't go waiting up for it." She was barely awake as it was.
She hummed and took a step into her door. "Just text me when you do, okay?"
"I will." He promised and waited for her to close her door, listening for the lock before he turned and made his way back to his car.
In the end, Boruto had gotten to see Sarada after all, and treat her to dinner. It was a win for him, even if he was worried about her. He'd been certain that she would pass out the instant she got inside. Boruto still texted her, just as he promised he would, but he couldn't believe it when he received an immediate text back. She was still awake, which concerned him even more, but it also made him happy to know that she cared enough to make sure he made it home okay.
Worried or not, Boruto felt more at ease now. He was happy that he'd gotten to spend some much needed time with Sarada. She wasn't his girl, but she was sweet on him. Waiting up and sending him a good night text. It had him grinning from ear to ear as he undressed for bed. Soon, things would settle down for her at work—he would see to it—and then they could have another not date, maybe even take a little more time to enjoy it. He would be happy with anything, as long as she played nice and didn't try to fight him for the bill.
She'd never win anyway.
A/N: This probably happened during the times wherein Boruto wasn't giving her rides to and from work consistently. Totally not her boyfriend, and totally not in love with her, am I right? And that was SO not a date. Paying for the bill and bringing her home and her waiting up for him to know he was safe before sleeping? Yeah, totally not together, too. :)
Have a happy weekend, loves!
Cheers,
Kairi and Tyy
