A/N: I think you better sit down for this chap, loves.
We don't own Naruto/Boruto.
With their big client secured, things were looking great on the business side of Boruto's life—not that everything in his life didn't seem to be looking up lately. Aside from the sickness, everything in Boruto's life was just falling into place. He had his princess now, they had a baby on the way and thanks to those two things, he had made some major and important changes in his life. Boruto was finally living free, living right and he was happy. Maybe he wasn't perfect and he did mess up a lot, but that didn't mean he wouldn't aim to be the best man he could possibly be.
For Sarada. For Ita-kun. For himself.
Boruto had taken an extra day off for himself, just to dedicate every second to Sarada. There was a lot of making up for him to do after being sick for so long and being separated from her. It wasn't easy, but they made it through it and he had thoroughly enjoyed spoiling her since getting better and having Sakura clear him. For nearly two days, he spent his time with her but then he finally forced himself to return to work.
It was still a good day and he was more texting Sarada than actually doing any work anyway. There wasn't much for him to do, as his part, for now, had been taken care of. The money was supplied on his part, endorsed by their client and now he just had to wait before he would see a huge profit. Easy money, the same he'd always been passionate about.
Hōki was the busiest it seemed since it was his job to document everything—the kind of thing Boruto hated most of all. He didn't have time for such things when he could better spend his time texting suggestive emojis to his fiancée. Even now, he was smirking darkly as he typed out a string of tongue emojis in reply to her rolling her eyes at him. She may have talked big through emoji text, but once he was home she would be singing a different tune.
"Boruto, shouldn't we go to your house to celebrate?" Mitsuki spun around on the computer chair, a smile on his face. "We've landed the client and didn't even stop to get a drink."
"What?" Boruto asked, only half-listening as he examined all the sweat emojis Sarada had just sent him. He arched a brow and went with the eggplant in reply.
"Dinner, at your house, tonight." Mitsuki stood from the chair and stretched. "Maybe my sugar plum is free to come, too." The smile on his face only widened, pulling his phone out and not even waiting for Boruto to confirm.
After sending the text, Boruto forced his gaze over to Mitsuki and frowned. "We're having dinner at my place?" This was news to him, and Sarada surely wasn't aware.
"Yes!" Mitsuki chirped. "Hōki, you should come, too. Boruto's fiancée cooks good food."
"My princess cooks the best food." The blonde corrected him. "Sure, I guess it's fine. I'm not one to brag or anything but I would love to show off my house, my girl, and her cooking all in one go."
"I didn't know you were engaged." Hōki turned away from the laptop and grinned. "I guess not all of us can be so lucky."
"Oh, they weren't, but she's pregnant now, too." Mitsuki supplied, as he kept texting on his phone, texting his girl.
"Oh, damn. Knocked up and engaged, huh?" Hōki snickered. "Could have been me a few years ago."
"What can I say," Boruto smiled tightly. "I'm one lucky bastard. Could've been? What happened?"
He let out a loud sigh and stood from his chair. "I had a long time girlfriend back in uni. Things were getting pretty serious, and she graduated before I did. When I found a job in Suna, I asked her to come and move with me but she didn't want to." He shrugged. "I guess she just loved her job here more than me."
Mitsuki raised a brow. "That doesn't sound very… nice."
"It's in the past but, doesn't it work both ways? Couldn't you find work where she was? I mean, you're not in Suna anymore… what happened there?"
"It wasn't the job for me there, it took me too long to realize." Hōki shrugged. "She was also like, really responsible. The kind who could get work anywhere because her whole university life was about making her resume look good, you know? Student council, volunteer work, didn't party. That kinda stuff."
Boruto hummed thoughtfully, lips tugging at the corners before he began chuckling quietly. "Sounds like my type of girl."
Hoki laughed. "Oh, bro. Believe me, not my ex."
Mitsuki snickered. "Maybe your type now. But back in uni, Boruto wasn't half as picky."
"Bastard," Boruto scoffed. "I fucked around a lot so of course it didn't matter. Most of those girls I never saw more than once anyway. Settling down is a whole other story. You know how I really felt back then… and how I feel now."
"Yes, you're right." Mitsuki grinned. "I can pick up some cake, and sugar plum before heading over. She's free and excited to see you two again."
"Oh, you've already met. I guess I'll be out of place without a girl, then." Hōki laughed nervously.
"Ah, don't worry about that," Boruto told him, attention returning to his phone as he received another text. "I've been living the single life until recently. There's nothing wrong with it." But being not single was far better, even just receiving emoji texts from Sarada just made his heart flutter and had him melting on the spot.
"Yeah, I guess. Dating is really fun, and keeps things interesting, though I do miss having a one and only."
"Sounds like you're a devoted partner to the right person," Mitsuki commented.
"Oh, for sure. I'd never cheat or anything like that on the right girl." Hōki nodded.
It wasn't Boruto's place to say anything or comment on Hōki's words, but he didn't like the way that sounded. It wasn't like Boruto had ever been exclusively dating any one girl back in his university days, so he slept around a lot. He never cheated and would never either. He knew it best just to keep his mouth shut because if he spoke his mind and Hōki dared to clap back, things wouldn't be pretty.
Boruto got up from his seat and stretched. "Well, I'm out. Gonna go pick up something sweet for my princess and give her a heads up for dinner. See you guys around seven?"
"Yes, seven is fine," Mitsuki replied. "Tell her I said hi. If she can bake cookies, I'm sure sugar plum would love it."
"I'll mention it if she hasn't had to work too hard today. I can't have her overdoing it. She is a workaholic, ya know?"
No way would he allow his princess to suffer through an aching back or swollen feet. She deserved only to be pampered.
Leaving Mitsuki's, Boruto decided instead of going straight home, he would head to Ichiraku's early. He certainly missed seeing Sarada at work, so he was looking forward to it. On his way, he stopped by and bought her a beautiful arrangement of red roses that were set in a pearl-pink vase with a red bow tied around it. He was sure she would love it, and the red teddy bear he bought to go with it. While he was there, Boruto ordered a yellow arrangement of sunflowers, roses, and daisies for Himawari and had it sent to her as well, then he headed over to Ichiraku.
Every time he showed up early enough for him to run into other people, he was always stopped and spoken to. Today was no different. They all seemed happy to see him, but today he was getting more cheeky looks than usual. Chocho and Inojin were the worst, but Boruto has grown used to them over time. Of course, they loved seeing him show up early to visit Sarada, and for him to be bearing gifts? It would give them something to talk about over the weekend.
Shikadai was the only one he actually stopped walking to speak with properly. They just happened to cross paths in the hallway and Shikadai grinned at him, raising his hand in a wave while Boruto smiled back. They may not have spoken to each other on a regular basis, but Boruto still considered Shikadai one of his closest friends. They had a lot of memories together.
"Yo, Shikadai. Good to see you."
"You as well, Boruto." He hummed. "And with so many gifts for Sarada… nice."
Boruto shrugged, smile turning cockier. "Well I am pretty nice, I guess." He really just wanted to make his princess smile, because she deserved that. She was always working so hard and doing so much for him.
"You are." Shikadai laughed. "Does she know you're coming?"
"Nope," Boruto announced proudly. "Don't worry, I didn't come to steal her early. I'm just going to visit."
"Right. Don't have too much fun."
The blonde raised his brows as if he was considering it and then they both laughed before going their separate ways. Once Boruto arrived at her office, he met himself in without knocking and was surprised and disappointed to find she wasn't alone—though he didn't let either show on the outside.
"Oh, I'm sorry." He smiled politely at the stranger, a young girl who was seated across from Sarada. But his attention was quickly moved to his princess. She may have been taken aback by his sudden appearance and pouting because she wanted to yell at him but couldn't because she had someone else in the room and he had her roses and a teddy bear. "I didn't realize you'd be meeting with anyone so late."
Technically, it wasn't late. It was only four-thirty. However, it was still late for meetings with any one individual. Boruto didn't recognize the girl at all, but she was petite and cute, having a very youthful appearance. While Sarada was rendered speechless momentarily, Boruto brought over the roses and placed them on the side of her desk that was free and then teasingly pressed the bear's nose to her cheek. Since she hadn't scolded him yet, he bent over to kiss the top of her head.
"I should've told you I was coming… but I wanted to surprise you."
Sarada sighed and smiled. "Well, I am surprised… and happy to see you." She then turned to the young lady who sat in front of her desk. "This is Tsubaki Kurogane. She will be our brand's face for the summer line. Tsubaki, this is my fiancée, Boruto Uzumaki."
"Ooh, an actress, right?" He didn't recognize her face, but he was familiar with her name and for good reason. "You played the masked samurai girl in When There's Wind, right?" It was a horror that had released only a month or so ago. "You were creepy as hell."
"Yes, that was me." The girl replied proudly. "I'm always happy to meet horror fans!"
Sarada turned her face away but watched as Boruto and Tsubaki talked about horror films and eerie scenes that they loved.
"Well nobody is as big of a fan as I am, just ask my princess here! I can't get enough. Will you be filming any more coming up… any projects on the low you can tell me about?" He wiggled his brows, leaning over the desk excitedly.
The actress looked ready to blurt out her next project but covered her mouth with her hands. "I can't tell you that—not yet, at least." She was so small, her wide apologetic eyes were enough to tell Boruto how sorry she was she couldn't share the information. "Next month, Ninflix will be out with an announcement, though."
"Damn it, whyyyy?!" Boruto sulked, wrapping his arms around Sarada and hugging her tight. "It's not fair." He whined, but he understood she was bound legally and truly couldn't tell him anything, or she probably would. "A whole month? The anticipation is already eating me alive… it's only been five seconds!"
"Boruto," Sarada gave him a look but smiled. "Darling, could you give us ten more minutes? I just want to wrap up with Tsubaki."
"Fine." He sighed as he released her and backed off. "At least get me an autograph." He mumbled on his way to the door. "I'll go visit dad… text me when you're finished."
"We can take a photo later!" The actress grinned. "I think I'll be here often, anyway, maybe you can know sooner."
Boruto paused at the door and turned to beam at her. "Don't tease me now." He winked at her and then waved at Sarada before leaving the office. It was so different now, exactly the same and yet not. The pictures were different, instead of him and Himawari, it was him and Sarada and the whole room smelled just like her. He loved that. But he also loved how their room at home was—the way both of their scents mingled together. Still, he believed Sarada smelled much better than him.
When Boruto arrived at his father's office, he opened the door and let himself in without knocking. He was never one for knocking at work and that wasn't going to change just because he wasn't working for him anymore. He wasn't surprised to find Konohamaru there, kicked back on one side of the desk with his feet resting on it while Naruto was in a similar position on the other side.
"Do you two ever do anything?" He huffed as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
"It's almost five, son." Naruto was on his phone, unbothered that his son just barged into his room. "I'm just waiting for the car to come around."
Konohamaru looked at Boruto and grinned. "I could ask you the same thing. It's too early."
Clicking his tongue, Boruto walked over and smacked Konohamaru's feet off the desk so he could sit. "I've been finished with my work. I'm finally doing what I want, ya know? I just move money and meet with people on occasion."
"And taking care of Sarada." The manager smirked. "How is that going for you, by the way? I heard you got sick."
"Don't remind me." He rolled his eyes. "It was awful. Sarada and Ita-kun are well though. That's all that matters."
"Ita-kun isn't even born yet and you're already talking that way. Proud of you, Boruto." Naruto put his phone down and stood. "I need to leave, you can take my office while you wait for Sarada."
Turning to look at him, Boruto stood to his feet. "Well, I didn't say I was waiting for her, but okay. I'm totally not doing any work though."
"You don't have to." Naruto laughed and walked by him, tapping his shoulder before leaving the room.
Knowing if he took his father's seat and dared to glimpse at his computer, he would definitely end up working, Boruto kept himself rooted to the spot and looked back at Konohamaru. "What's up with you? Seems like you and Aunt Hanabi have disappeared."
"Us?" Konohamaru pouted. "It's you. We never even had that dinner you said you would invite us to."
"Did I say that?" Boruto asked, pondering it.
"Yes you did!" Konohamaru glared. "I couldn't even bring it up with Sarada because I was talking to you."
Boruto frowned, feeling guilty. So much had been happening recently, he was forgetting a lot. It was just, Sarada and their baby were his priorities and that's how it should be. It wasn't going to change, but he figured since they were already having guests for dinner, it wouldn't hurt to have a couple more.
"Well, I secured a big client and the guys are coming over for dinner and drinks to celebrate. Why don't you two come to join us too?" He offered, smiling. "I do miss you guys."
Although he was still pouting, the older man pulled his phone out. "I'll ask Hanabi if she's free. When is it?"
"Tonight. At seven."
"Tonight?!" Konohamaru jumped up and looked at his watch. "Shit, it's already five. I have to pick her up. We'll be there, text me what booze you want, it's on me!" He said as he left the office in a hurry.
Shaking his head, Boruto pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent him a text, asking for his favorite sake since he offered. As soon as he sent the text, he received one from Sarada that she was finished and grinned as he left Naruto's office to return to her. Tsubaki was still there, both her and Sarada now standing next to each other as they spoke. Boruto couldn't help but gawk at how short the actress was. Her head just reached his chest. Barely.
"I get a picture and autograph?" He beamed at her, hurrying to stand next to the actress but once he did, a sweeping feeling of familiarity washed over him.
When he first saw her, he didn't feel it, didn't see it. But standing so close to her, seeing how slim and short she was. Those eyes or hers as well, the color was so similar. Not the same. Not as pure. Not as beautiful, but definitely close in color. Even their hair color was almost identical—only Tsubaki wore hers in a ponytail and had cropped bangs.
Boruto felt his heart stutter to a halt, felt the blood drain from his face, and couldn't help but back up a few steps to distance himself from her. The girl wasn't Nyoko. In fact, she was very, very different. But it was eerie how similar they were and it wasn't fair. It wasn't fair for him to have to look at anyone who could remind him of her to such an extent. It wasn't fair that she wasn't here anymore.
The actress didn't turn around to fully face him but did look back. Though she didn't say a word.
Sarada moved closer to him and placed a hand on his cheek. "Boruto." Her voice was low, dark eyes shining with concern.
Sarada's voice and touch were quick to ground him and Boruto looked at her with sad blue eyes, swallowing hard. "I'm okay." He whispered, even if he wasn't so certain.
She stroked his cheek for a moment before looking back at Tsubaki. "Sorry, Tsubaki. Maybe we can have a photo another time. Boruto's feeling a little… warm."
The actress didn't comment on it, only wishing he would feel better and that her agent would be in touch with Sarada soon. The director called for Inojin to walk Tsubaki out, and he quickly complied.
As soon as Tsubaki left her office, Sarada faced Boruto again, wrapping her arms around his middle. "Are you really okay?"
Boruto slowly wound his arms around her and buried his face in her neck. For a moment, he didn't say anything, he just held her tightly and breathed her in. When he finally found his voice, he whispered, "I'm sorry."
Her eyes softened, and she began to rub his back in a comforting up and down motion. "It's okay, you don't have to be sorry about it." Sarada kept on holding him and rubbing his back. "I'm here for you."
"I know. I love you." He breathed, giving her a light squeeze and staying right where he was. "Thank you, Sarada." It truly meant so much to him that she cares so much, that she understood and didn't judge him. She just stayed by his side and helped keep him on his feet.
"I love you, too." Sarada squeezed him back and looked over at her desk, his gifts still right there. "Thank you for the flowers. I love them."
The distraction was welcome and had him smiling at her neck. "I just wanted to make you smile. I missed you today."
"You succeeded." She giggled. "I missed you, too. Even if you kept sending me texts."
"Ah, that reminds me." He leaned back and smiled at her, finally forgetting what had just been plaguing him. "We will have to hold off until a little later tonight unless you want an office quickie. We're having dinner guests."
"What?" She pouted, looking up at him. "Who's coming?"
"Big bro and Aunt Hanabi are coming, but it started from Mitsuki wanting to celebrate so him and the assistant too."
"Oh," Sarada blinked. "Is that why Sumire asked me what cake I wanted? Is she coming, too?"
"Ah, I almost forgot. Mitsuki did mention his sugar plum." Boruto laughed. "I'll have a drink or two, but I won't get drunk or anything. I promise."
"Oh my god. They're sticking with that pet name?" Sarada laughed. "It sounds like I have a lot of cooking to do, then." She then sighed and pulled away from him. "I guess I'll just have to wait until later."
Boruto sulked at the loss and at the idea of both of them having to wait. "I really don't mind putting your office to use. I mean… it wouldn't be the first time. Or, we could even fuck in dad's office. Nobody would dare walk in on us."
Sarada pressed her thighs together, a light blush coming to her cheeks. "B-but it's still early… and we need to stop by the grocery."
"Hence the 'quickie' part." He smirked. "Bet I could make you come in record time."
She pouted at that. Even if she wanted to say he was being annoyingly cocky, there was no doubt he could. "You seriously want people to hear us, don't you?"
"If that's all you're worried about, I could give you something to keep you quiet," Boruto suggested, licking his lips tauntingly.
Sarada's face turned a deeper shade of red. "Wh-what?"
Boruto laughed softly and pressed his lips to her ear. "I'm talking about my dick, and you sucking it." He mused and then poked his tongue out to glide it around the shell of her ear.
His tongue left her shivering, a quiet moan escaping her throat. "That could work."
"Here, or in dad's office? It's all empty… up to you, whatever you want, Princess."
She bit her lower lip before answering, "Naruto's."
It greatly pleased Boruto to make both of their fantasies reality. He was quick to take her hand and guide her down to his father's office where they made good on getting off together quickly, just as they planned. They both put their mouths to work, but later that night after their dinner guests went home, Boruto was sure they'd go for the main event.
Going by the grocery store was unavoidable. After breaking in Naruto's office, Boruto helped Sarada pack up her things and even take her flowers because she refused to leave them behind, and then they left the office early. Sarada was panicking about dinner, but Boruto tried his best to keep her calm and tell her not to worry so much. He didn't mean for this to turn into work for her, but it seemed that was what has happened.
They were shopping for almost half an hour before heading home where Sarada went straight to the kitchen and waited for Boruto to carry in their bags. He didn't want her carrying them, and she didn't bother arguing with him because he wouldn't have let it go. After he helped unload everything, Sarada was waving him off, wanting to get rid of him rather than have him help, which he sulked about.
"Let me help you, Princess. Just tell me what to do."
"Could you chop these vegetables for me?" Usually, Sarada would argue and want to do all the cooking, but not when she was expecting five people coming over in an hour. "I'll work on the chicken while you do that."
"Got it!" He nodded, walking over and putting the vegetables in the sink to rinse first. "Please don't stress, Princess. It's not good for you or Ita-kun. I can do all the cooking if you need me to."
"I'm not stressing," she lied blatantly and turned her back on him to get the chicken ready.
Recognizing hormones when they showed up, Boruto kept his mouth shut and focused on the vegetables, not wanting to get into trouble or end up sleeping on the couch. It was his fault anyway for springing this on her so last minute, but he would definitely make it up to her.
Luckily, the meal she'd chosen for dinner wasn't difficult to prepare and was nearly finished over half an hour later. It would be ready before their guests arrived and while Sarada changed into something more comfortable, Boruto set the table. He'd already changed himself after finishing the vegetables, getting out of his suit and into jeans and a T-shirt instead.
When Sarada returned, she had changed into a simple, pale yellow cotton dress and white flats. She'd even changed her hair into a loose, side braid and looked so cute Boruto couldn't handle it. He cooed at her, excitedly rushing over to embrace her warmly.
"Ah, you're so cute, Sarada. And you're going to marry me? Really? Why?"
She giggled and walked over to him, coming up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek before responding, "Because… I love you."
Finally, his arms wrapped around her waist and he lifted her up, kissing her full on her lips. "Tell me like you mean it."
"I love you," She repeated, before kissing his lips again. As if once wasn't enough, she said it again, softer this time. "I love you."
"My heart… it just fucking melted. Help." Boruto grinned and they both laughed before kissing again just as someone cleared their throat next to them.
Sarada startled and held on to Boruto tighter, but relaxed as soon as she saw who it was. "Oh, Mitsuki. I didn't know you were already here."
"And me." Sumire popped up from behind him, holding on to a gold-colored box. "Thank you for the invite, we brought cake!"
Boruto wasn't happy to be interrupted in the middle of such a sweet kiss from his princess, but he managed to keep a smile on his face and not yell at Mitsuki for not knocking. Again. "Welcome. I'll take the cake." He said, holding his hands out for it.
Sumire handed him the cake, while Sarada ushered her and Mitsuki to the living room, where Cookie had been playing in. She was happy to pick her up and put her on Sumire's lap to keep them company before going back to the kitchen to help Boruto.
As he set the cake on the counter, he looked over at her with a soft smile and then turned around to pull out some plates for it. "How are you feeling now?" He asked, setting the plates next to the cake for easy grabbing later after dinner. "I am sorry about this. It was all so sudden."
"I'm not stressing," she stuck her tongue out at him and giggled. "It's okay. Having guests once in a while is pretty nice, and we haven't seen Konoahamru and Hanabi in a while."
"True. I thought so too. But really, it's all Mitsuki's fault. Feel free to ask me to kick his ass and I will."
"Boruto!" Sarada chided him but laughed. "I know you and Mitsuki have been friends for a long time. I want to get to know him more, too."
Boruto hummed, smiling at her. "Mitsuki is… Mitsuki. But he's my closest friend. He's been with me through the good and the bad, even more than Shikadai. I was stuck with his ass as a roommate, so… you can only imagine."
"Oh, I can imagine." Sarada grinned and leaned closer to him to whisper, "Sumire looks really sweet but she's also feisty."
"Ew, girl drama." He joked, even going as far as wrinkling his nose in disgust.
Sarada scoffed and hit his chest lightly. "Stop being so mean. Sumire's a good roommate." She picked up the utensils and asked, "You mentioned you had an assistant coming too, right?" Before he could even reply, she was picking up another pair of utensils.
"Ah, Hōki. He should be here soon."
The sound of metal clattering on the marble counter and the floor filled the kitchen, even making Sumire and Mitsuki look in their direction all the way from the living room. "Are you alright? Do you need help?" Sumire called.
Sarada only stared at the forks for a moment before quickly picking them up again. "I-I'm fine. It slipped."
"Sarada?" Boruto frowned, noticing a slight tremble in her hands. He took them in his own after taking the utensils and setting them aside for the moment. "What's the matter?"
"I spaced out, I'm fine," she muttered, refusing to meet his gaze.
"Sarada," he wanted to argue because it was obvious something was bothering her, but the doorbell rang before he could.
"I'll get it!" Mitsuki called and Boruto only half-rolled his eyes. Mitsuki was always at home so long as Boruto was around, but he didn't really mind as long as he didn't go too far.
"Princess, look at me." He began again. When Sarada looked in his general direction without meeting his gaze, he went on, "I'll tell everyone to leave and forget this dinner if you don't want to deal with it. All you have to do is give me the word."
"No, don't do that." Sarada finally looked at him and held on to his upper arms. There were other voices that came from the living room, and she recognized Konohamaru's right away. "They're already here, let's just have dinner and celebrate your success." Although she smiled at him, Boruto wasn't fully convinced it was genuine.
"Can I help?" Sumire walked into the kitchen, approaching the two of them.
Sarada pulled away from Boruto and looked at her friend. "Yes, please. I need help transferring the food to the serving platters, please."
Sumire passed Boruto and got to work, taking the tongs and a spatula to help Sarada transfer the food. They were speaking quietly amongst themselves and although it was too low to hear, he was sure they weren't talking about the weather.
Deciding to let it go, for now, Boruto left them to their work and walked into the living room to greet everyone. Hanabi was the first to reach him, the woman came in charging until she reached him and threw her arms around his neck.
He laughed and hugged her back while she squealed in his ear about how happy she was to come to dinner. "Well, we can't ever eat if you strangle me." He teased and she let go, laughing. "Big bro." Boruto nodded at Konohamaru and then spotted Hōki behind him, speaking to Mitsuki. "Dinner is ready, so we can all move to the dining room."
"Alright." Mitsuki nodded. The rest of them flocked to the dining room, even their little puppy following suit.
Sumire came out of the kitchen first, holding on to the chicken. Her smile instantly faded once her gaze saw a new face sitting next to her boyfriend. "What—Hōki, what are you doing here?!"
"You know each other?" Mitsuki asked and looked at Hōki. "How do you know each other?"
Hōki gaped for a moment before laughing nervously. "We… we went to the same university. It's been a long time, Sumire." Although he was grinning, the girl didn't bother returning it.
The girl put the food down on the edge of the table, her brows creasing. "I can't believe you. Why would you come here? This is low, even for you!"
"Hey, hey." Konohamaru held his hands up. "Let's all calm down here, okay?" He then looked at Hōki, "Sorry, who are you again?"
"I—I work with Mitsuki. I'm sorry, Sumire and I used to go to the same school and we didn't really… end on good terms. I'm sorry about that," He said to her.
"Were you together?" Mitsuki asked bluntly.
"Oh my god, ew, no!" Sumire denied. "He was with Sarada."
"Who called me?" Sarada came walking out, holding on to a pitcher of juice. "What's going on, I thought I heard you yelling." She asked her friend, not yet looking at the people sitting at the table.
Boruto has been listening silently, curiosity piqued at Sumire's reaction to seeing Hōki. He was just a neutral party until she mentioned that last bit and Boruto felt his skin crawl and his blood boil. He wasn't one to jump to conclusions, but he knew he was going to snap any given moment.
"I'm sorry. Sumire, care to elaborate?" Boruto asked, his eyes locked on the man sitting at the table, so pale and stricken with shock and dare to lay his eyes on his princess.
Now that the poor girl had all eyes on her, she squirmed, not knowing what to say. Sarada tipped her head to the side, even laughing lightly when she asked, "What's wrong?"
Sumire turned her gaze to Hōki, making Sarada follow her gaze. "Your ex works with Boruto."
Once Sarada finally saw him, her lips parted and a gasp escaped her. The liquid in the pitcher started to spill, as her hands were shaking. As soon as the juice spilled on her hand, Sarada got a hold of herself and put the pitcher on the table, quickly excusing herself and going back into the kitchen.
Before going after Sarada, Sumire glared at Hōki one more time and hurried to her friend.
The whole table was silent, and Konohamaru looked at the man who sat between him and Mitsuki. "I'm guessing it wasn't a good break up—ow!" Hanabi elbowed him and gave him a hard stare.
"Then that girl you were talking about earlier," Mitsuki faced Hōki and continued, "It was Sarada?"
Hanabi turned to face her nephew, not fully understanding what was going on but she knew that look on his face. "Boruto," She warned. "Calm down."
Boruto heard his aunt, but he ignored her. There was a burning fury storming inside of him, one that he knew was dangerous, but he couldn't be bothered to care. He didn't need to hear anything else to know that Hōki was the one—he was the ex who broke Sarada's heart. He was a worthless piece of shit who had the audacity to be sitting at his dinner table. Boruto placed his hands on the table and slowly got to his feet, laughing at the irony of the situation, though there was no humor to it.
Hōki stood from his seat as well, looking pale as a sheet and ready to run. Mitsuki, however, was quick to rise and hold on to his shoulders, keeping him in place.
"I'm not an expert in manners, but I know it's rude to leave dinner without asking the host first." Mitsuki grinned and looked at Boruto. "What do you want to do, Boruto? You wanna…" he nudged his head towards Hōki, insinuating something wildly unpleasant and illegal.
"Gentlemen, please." Konohamaru looked between Boruto and Hōki and Mitsuki. "Let's not get violent here."
"Stop suggesting it!" Hanabi scolded her husband.
"I didn't!" Konahamaru denied.
Boruto pushed his chair back roughly and locked eyes with Hōki. "So it was you? You're the asshole? The fucking idiot that broke her heart? It was my Sarada that you were talking about today?" Boruto laughed again because he just couldn't believe it. And he thought he was stupid. "Just let him go, Mitsuki. Get the fuck out of my house."
Mitsuki let on hand fall from his shoulder but tapped him once before whispering, "Don't come to work tomorrow."
Hōki stiffened and nodded before dashing for the door.
Mitsuki still had a smile on his face as he sat. "I don't know everything that happened but I think you were too soft, Boruto."
"Yeah." Boruto thought so too, but he had Sarada to think of, and Ita-kun and going to jail for murder just wouldn't do.
He hadn't been this angry in a long time, he could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins—so much that he was trembling. He would probably regret not beating Hōki senseless for the rest of his life, but there was a part of him that was thankful. Hōki being the idiot that he was had left Sarada available for him and now, she was his and would be forever.
But then again… that bastard had trampled on Sarada's heart and had shamelessly dragged her name through the mud and there was no way in hell he could let him get away with it.
"Oi! Wait a damn minute!" Boruto bolted from the dining room, knowing Hōki couldn't have gotten far. When he slammed open the front door, he saw him just reaching his car. "Bastard! Get back here!"
He stopped for a moment but quickly got in the car, slamming his door shut and starting the engine.
Mitsuki had risen from the dining table and joined Boruto by the front door, ready to chase after Hōki if that was what Boruto wanted to do. Hanabi had finally had enough, and marched towards her nephew, leaving her husband sitting alone for a few seconds before he followed suit.
Boruto was ready to run after the other man, even chase him down with his car if need be, but Hanabi reached him first and took hold of him by a deadly pinch to his ear, pulling him down until his face was level with hers and then dragging him back inside.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Boruto groaned, trying to move with her to lessen the pain. "Let me go, he's getting away!"
"Sit down, Boruto!" Hanabi pulled his ear down until he had no choice but to sit on the couch. "You're chasing after the wrong person."
"He's the one! And you're letting him escape!"
There was silence in the room. Mitsuki looked at Boruto, and so did Konohamaru. Hanabi only rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest. "You're wrong. The one for you is right there." She pointed towards the kitchen.
Sarada. Boruto hadn't even thought about how she must be feeling. His face fell even further as he scrambled to his feet and hurried into the kitchen, finding Sumire comforting Sarada with a hug and soothing back rubs.
"I'll take it from here." He said, needing to be the one to tell her it was alright. To hold and reassure her. To promise her that nobody would ever hurt her like that again. To show her that what happened with Hōki didn't even matter because now she was here, with him and he loved her with all of his heart.
Sumire slowly let go of her hold from Sarada and gently turned her towards Boruto. She wasn't crying but definitely shaken up. As soon as she saw him, Sarada threw her arms around Boruto and whimpered, holding on tightly around his neck.
"I'm so sorry, Princess, I had no idea." He whispered at her ear, holding her close and placing a soft, lingering kiss to her cheek.
"No, I'm sorry. I thought I was over it," she whispered. "I just… I couldn't stand seeing him again."
"You should've never had to see his stupid face. Forget he ever existed. An asshole like him isn't worth being sad over." Boruto knew it was easier said than done. He knew that his words may have sounded harsh, but he also knew that Sarada would understand why he said what he said.
She nodded and hid her face in the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize." He sighed. "Your feelings are valid… he just doesn't deserve them is all. This is all my fault… I can't believe I let this happen." Yet again, he had fucked up and would have this to make up to her as well.
"It wasn't your fault, you didn't know it was him." Sarada wrapped her arms around him a little tighter. "Just hold me, please. Don't go."
"I'm not going anywhere, Princess. Maybe I should tell everyone to leave though."
"They can stay and eat, but I want to go to bed." Typical of her not to want to waste food.
Boruto sighed but didn't want her to feel any worse so he just scooped her up into his arms and began carrying her towards the stairs. "You have to eat, Sarada. Why don't you and I eat in bed together, just the two of us?"
"Okay," she whispered and kept her cheek pressed to his shoulder, not wanting to look at any of their guests when he passed them. "I ruined your celebration, I'm sorry."
"Don't even think that way. That's not true. I promise, okay? Don't worry about silly things like that. You're all that matters to me."
"Thank you, Boruto. I love you." Sarada peeled her cheek away from his shoulder to look at him and smile.
"I love you too." He returned her smile, giving her a chaste but heartfelt kiss as he reached the top of the stairs.
It was hard to believe that this had happened, that he had been blindly working with Hōki all this time and had even welcomed him to his home. It was something the blonde would regret forever and he would just have to accept it. No matter how much time it took, he would make Sarada forget all about the jerk. Slowly, day by day, but surely it would happen or at the very least, when she did have something that reminded her of him, she would laugh instead of becoming sad.
Boruto wanted to be the only man that mattered in her life, aside from her father and uncles and their son. Any past romantic relationships needed to be forgotten completely because they were meaningless aside from doing one good—bringing her to him. For that, he could only be grateful, but of course, he knew it would take time for Sarada to forget. She had moved on at least which was the most important for now.
Once he laid her in bed, Boruto kissed her forehead lovingly and then leaned back to smile at her. "I love you, Princess." He told her yet again because he couldn't say the words enough. She smiled back at him and he knew that he'd be able to keep her smiling. He knew he'd make this up to her and help her forget and he'd be glad to do so.
A/N: Sometimes you think you're okay, but then it turns out you're not. And that's perfectly fine. We all take time to heal.
We are nearing the end of this story, fam! I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. Thank you for reading and supporting this story. :)
Cheers,
Kairi and Tyy