It was getting late. Sarada was already asleep, her breathing having become deep and even some time ago. Boruto envied her.
The Moon was bright against the paper walls, having begun it's decent towards the western horizon. The air was warm and crickets chirped merrily in the courtyard. All was still and peaceful. Boruto just couldn't sleep despite his exhaustion. He couldn't tell if it was the pain in his side or his concern for Mitsuki that was keeping him up. Either way, laying on his back wasn't helping. Gingerly, he rolled onto his right side, facing Mitsuki's futon, hoping that would ease his discomfort. A quick glance at Mitsuki told him he wasn't the only one awake. Shiny golden eyes reflected the moonlight as they studied him intently.
"Boruto, you are in pain." Boruto was taken aback by the pointed statement but only for a moment. He should have known he couldn't hide it.
"Can't hide anything from you." He admitted, rolling back onto his back, hands behind his head and wincing lightly at the impact. Mitsuki was up and by his side in an instant.
"It's ok Mitsuki, it's nothing." Boruto protested against those searching golden eyes. There was a moment of silence as Mitsuki's eyes pleaded with Boruto.
"Please, Boruto. Let me help you." Boruto propped himself up on his elbows, trying not to wince again and look defiantly back into Mitsuki's face. It was bad enough that Mitsuki blamed himself for what happened. He had been through enough. Boruto didn't need to make it worse by actually admitting that Mitsuki had really injured him. It was minor and would heal on its own given time. But as he stared, there was so much concern and anguish in those eyes, it made Boruto's heart ache. He had always deeply cared for his best friend but sometimes, in moments like this, he started to feel like he felt something more. What that 'more' was exactly, he had no idea and he was too tired to really give it the thought it deserved. He pushed it away instead to deal with later like he always did. He closed his eyes and sighed deeply, knowing he was defeated. How was he supposed to say no when Mitsuki looked so fragile and lost. Plus his side did hurt.
"Fine." The tension in Mitsuki's face eased. Boruto layed back down as Mitsuki moved to his left side. He pulled up his shirt and Mitsuki gasped audibly when he saw the many bruises, visible even by moonlight, discoloring Boruto's chest. On his left side was a particularly angry mark down by the floating ribs. It was deep purple with a red ring, slightly swollen and the size of an apple. The tension was back in Mitsuki's face but he said nothing. He placed his hands over the wound and green healing jutsu softly glowed.
"This one is bad. Why didn't you say anything?" Mitsuki asked.
"It's just a cracked rib, nothing major." Boruto said, trying to reassure his friend but winced again instead. The silence that followed was tense. Boruto couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't make it worse so he settled for trying to enjoy the healing. He always liked being healed by Mitsuki. It was warm and comforting, despite the light tickle of mending skin and bones. He'd never admit it out loud, but he enjoyed Mitsuki's touch and being injured gave him a legitimate excuse to get Mitsuki to touch him.
"I did this." Mitsuki said so softly Boruto almost missed it.
"Hey, don't go blaming yourself, Mitsuki." Boruto said genuinely in what he hoped was an upbeat tone. "You didn't know what was happening and I have a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Boruto smiled but Mitsuki did not smile back.
"Boruto, I almost killed you." He couldn't deny that. He dropped his attempts to lighten the mood and they sat in silence again. Pressure was building inside Him. He had already asked many times and Mitsuki had refused but he had to know. Finally, he couldn't take it any more.
"Hey, Mitsuki?" Mitsuki nodded to show he was listening but didn't look up. "What happened back there, last night?" Mitsuki visibly tensed but said nothing. The seconds lengthened into minutes and still Mitsuki remained silent, focusing on his work.
Boruto was starting to get frustrated now. He knew what had happened was bad but this was eating he and Mitsuki alive. He hated seeing Mitsuki like this and he hated things being awkward between them. He didn't feel pain from his rib anymore so he was going to get to the bottom of this.
"Hey" He said gently but seriously as he put his right hand on Mitsuki's hands, interrupting his healing to get his full attention. Mitsuki started to protest but Boruto gently touched Mitsuki's face with his other hand and moved it to face him. Finally, golden eyes met his. Mitsuki's eyes widened but Boruto didn't look away. Boruto was not going to let this go. "You know you can tell me anything." Again there was silence as they looked at each other.
"Boruto..." Mitsuki whispered his name, the usual amazement he always seemed to have was back in his eyes. Slowly, Mitsuki's hand rose to his face and covered Boruto's. He leaned his face and pressed his cheek into his hand and softly nuzzled his palm. "Boruto." He whispered reverently again, ghosting his lips along Boruto's wrist. Shock rooted Boruto to the spot, unable to move a muscle. His cheeked burned as Mitsuki caressed his hand. He had always been very affectionate towards him. Boruto knew it might give people the wrong impression but for some reason, he could never bring himself to tell him to stop. Mitsuki was just being Mitsuki, he had always explained to himself. He was just his super affectionate, clingy friend. Why should he stop him if it made him happy? Even the picture on his nightstand hadn't surprised or really bothered him. He supposed it should have but it just didn't. This particular level of affection was new, but like the picture, it didn't really bother him and he just couldn't explain why. He allowed Mitsuki to adore him. He was astonished with how badly he didn't want Mitsuki to stop but something about this made his heart ache. What had happened to Mitsuki? Had the experience really been so terrifying?
"Please, tell me what happened." Boruto begged. Mitsuki paused his worship and looked Boruto in the eyes again. He opened his mouth as if to begin but paused. He moved Boruto's hand from his face to cradle it in both his hands. He looked away from Boruto and stared down at his hands instead. He looked deeply reluctant but unable to refuse Boruto any longer. He took a deep, steadying breath.
"I... I lost you. You died in my arms, Boruto."