This fic was inspired when I watched the Aladdin live action movie, and I thought it was fairly good, asides from being weirded out by Will Smith's singing (very flatly I might add). I think everyone was too harsh on it, comparing it to the cartoon version. Humans are limited to their movements while cartoons aren't, and if they tried to make it like the cartoon, it would just look goofy and sloppy.

Anyway, I wrote this soon after I watched the movie, constantly adding to it and rewriting it, until I felt it was good enough. I'll probably keep working on improving it, as I usually do.

I also just finished reading a few stories from One Thousand and One Nights (wrongly known as Arabian Nights), and I have to say, asides from the bizarre situations and strange sense of humor (well in those days it must've been hilarious), the writing is absolutely excellent. The similies are top-notch. It has inspired me to improve my writing and try my hand at the same style of wording. Not for this fic, though, because I wrote this before I read it. I highly, highly recommend reading OTaON. I read the version by Hanan al-Shaykh, which a good translated version, but seems to have changed up some scenes. I'd like to read the more literal translations some time. If you didn't know, Aladdin is part of this collection of stories.

Some of the lines here were taken from the translation of the Boruto movie light novel itself. And there are a lot of references to movies and tv shows. Can you catch them all? ;)

Today was the day, the big day. One thousand and one nights have passed, and the protégé of the king has reached his peak in suitability. It came time for him to take the hand of the most astute, fearless, and resolute princess in all of the nations. Her beauty surpassed even the most beautiful flowers. She was a woman rarer than the rarest diamond.

The king of the Uchiha empire facepalmed as reality hit him that his precious daughter was going to marry that loser's son, as per their agreement to unite their kingdoms. This in turn will make them related in some way. He frowned. His wife's cheerful excitement was only adding to his frustration. She sat there humming happily as she planned all the details of the wedding. As she did so, she daydreamed all the precious moments she held with her own husband when she married him. Everything from meeting him to marrying him was a gift of fortune.

A few corridors down, the princess paced back and forth. She dreaded this day since it was announced a long, long time ago. She was a child back then, and whatever "betrothed" meant, she shrugged it off. But now she was a fully grown woman and made her own decisions. It was exacerbated by the fact that the prince was her childhood friend who she hasn't seen in almost three years. And he's an idiot. "I was born to do more than marry some prince," she thought to herself over and over. Her memories with him were still vivid in her mind. He was a troublemaker, constantly humiliating his father and annoying her on purpose, just to be a jerk. Those memories were mildly irritating, yet somehow, she recalled them fondly.

He did have his merits, after all. He was a prodigy and picked up his studies and swordsmanship too easily. He cared deeply about his sister and always looked out for her. Troublemaker though he was, he was friendly, energetic, and kind. Traits he had inherited from his father.

Their friends loved to tease them. "You two would make a good couple," Mitsuki would muse. Sumire teasingly asked her if she liked him. When she answered no, Sumire only smiled slightly and just replied that she liked him… then winked at her. That night, Sarada took a good look at him. Golden blonde hair uncharacteristically unkempt for a royal, and cerulean blue eyes that reflected the sky. He had the same big genuine smile of the 7th king of Konohagakure and his jawline and eyes traced his mother's soft features. She had to admit he was very handsome. Especially when he smiled with unrestrained affection, displaying the goodness and kindness in him. At times he even helped her loosen up a bit from the strict daily life of a princess. She recalled the time they snuck to the top of the highest tower, and enjoyed the breeze tousling her hair. It felt good and was stress relieving but she would never admit it. He and his friends Inojin, Shikadai and Denki would never let her hear the end of it if she did.

On the down side, despite his genius, he was lazy and barely cared to practice. This was the reason her father had taken him away and train him to become a prince worthy of his daughter's hand, and a king worthy of his throne. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder," Queen Sakura would say. She had her own experience from the time her husband went off to war and didn't see him for years.

Hearing the sound of music, Sarada, Sasuke and Sakura were all alerted that the prince, his parents, and their entourage had arrived. Her handmaiden and bodyguard followed her down to the throne room.

"The prince is here! MAKE WAAAY FOR PRINCE UZUMAKIIII!"

In a state of rebellion, she stood at the ready to turn the prince down. Sarada tried hard to keep a straight, stern look. But as soon as the doors opened, a charming young man with sunny blond hair and sky blue eyes walked in followed by his green eyed advisor, his friends, parents, and the rest of his entourage. She tried to keep her eyes averted but his bright eyes stood out and beckoned her to make contact. It took all her self-control to keep her eyes from meeting his.

"The Prince of Konohagakure of the Uzumaki Kingdom, grandson of the Great Fourth King of Konohagakure, Namikaze Minato, and son of Uzumaki Naruto, the war hero of the Fourth Great Shinobi War and tamer of the Nine Great Beasts…" Boruto rolled his eyes at his introduction. Several titles too long. "…and the Queen, Hinata of the Hyuuga kingdom, UZUMAKI BORUTO has arrived!"

"Was he born during a storm too?" Inojin snickered sarcastically.

The princess couldn't ignore Boruto's strong presence for long. Keeping her eyes averted proved useless as he was as bright as the sun and lights up any room he walks in. She shifted her gaze and mistakenly made contact with those big blue sapphire eyes. Her heart unexpectedly began to leap. Harder and higher than she expected. That was it. It was the point of no return. She could only hope her face only felt hot and that by some miracle no one noticed how ripe-tomato red it was.

He was more than she remembered. It's to be expected; it has been almost 3 years. He was taller and his well-fitting clothes couldn't hide his buff figure, and most of all his face has was more mature but every bit of his features were still soft. His hair was actually brushed and styled neatly yet still had the semblance of the mess it used to be. He was wearing a black cape, a somewhat intricate black chest armor, and a sword at his hip, and despite some pink detail, it gave off an air of power and danger. She examined him up and down, as discreetly as possible. When did he get so cool?

The Prince of the Uzumaki Empire walked over and took the princess' hand in his. He had been waiting for this day for so long. To once again see her raven hair and deep, introspective eyes. She was taller now, shapely, and somehow even more beautiful than he remembered. "My lady, news of your beauty has reached far and wide, even to my kingdom," he flattered her, even though his kingdom was just across the border. "It is truly an honor to see you again, my princess." He kissed her hand. Her cheeks burned red as she looked back at him shock. His voice was deeper and even his personality matured. She remembered their relationship as being full of bickering and teasing. When did he start he being so flirtatious?

Marry Sarada?! No way, she's my rival and she's not even a normal girl! I can't marry her, I don't even like her! So Boruto thought when he first learned what betrothed meant. However, as they grew up together he found her to be more than more intriguing… and attractive. Someone that could be more than just a rival. And then it hit him like a goddamn Tsunami Water Style jutsu. Love… That's it. That's what that feeling is… when I'm around her…. It's not rivalry… This idiot finally gets it…

The time came for Sasuke to take him away for training as he saw him as unfit for his princess. Once they arrived back at the Uzumaki kingdom he gave a pep talk to ensure Sarada's compliance, and happiness. Listen, Boruto… Sarada will not be persuaded easily. Autonomy and independence was something she valued above all else. You may be betrothed, but that doesn't mean she'll agree. You know her best. Use what you know about her to win her over.

Now she stood there, taller and curvier than he remembered. How is it possible for a beautiful girl become even more beautiful? She was difficult to look at. Her crimson red dress showed off her lovely curves. Her hair was a bit longer, and styled in light curls.

Boruto knew exactly how to handle this. He had everything under his control. "My lady, I'd like to ask for your hand in marriage. I offer to you everything you could ever ask for. All kinds of gifts. Jewels, gold, exotic spices and teas. My kingdom has chips…"

"Chips?" Iwabe, her body guard, snickered.

"Yes, chips! Consomme chips…"

"Consomme chips?" Chocho giddily chimed.

"Toasted soy…"

"Toasted soy!" Chocho could hardly contain herself as her eyes widened with excitement, glancing at Sarada. Girl, how can you not approve?

"Yes… all kinds of exotic chips…"

Shikadai sighed. "That's the stuff Chocho likes, you idiot…" he whispered under his breath.

"This must be embarrassing for people who have emotions," thought Mitsuki.

Boruto flashed his signature cocky smirk. Just like when he was a child, that damn smirk was plastered across his face once again. That damn smirk that would always come before he got into trouble, or got himself out of trouble. That damn smirk always meant trouble and she hated it. How she would've loved to wipe that damn thing off his face with her fist. But it was the same damn smirk that would make it hard for her to say no to his antics. "I'm here to make sure you don't get yourself into trouble, idiot," she would say as an excuse. But trouble or not, she enjoyed his presence and his antics were sort of… fun. She would never admit it. As prince and princess, they would get away with anything. But he was still an idiot.

Behind Sarada, the King could be seen cringing as he facepalmed. His queen, Sakura, was trying to hide her embarrassment with a blushing smile, her eyes shut in a cheery expression. Likewise, Boruto's dad reached for his head and scratched his hair with an embarrassed chuckle as Hinata tightened her arms around him. In a quick act of desperation, Sasuke quickly intercepted and called the servants to prepare a banquet.

Friends, relatives, and other royals mingled and chatted as servants brought in delicious food, desserts, and refreshments. Walking up to her in a confident stride, he held out his hand. "Sarada, my princess, would you honor me with a dance?"

"A-a dance?" she looked back at him incredulously and unsure if she should accept. Their friends and other bystanders began clapping, cheering, giggling or wooing. She knew their friends were teasing her, but the other bystanders were genuinely delighted in watching them dance. Sarada felt as if she would let them down had she refused and did the only thing she could do- reluctantly accept.

Their fathers were standing in the background watching. Amused, Naruto nudged Sasuke as he once again facepalmed. Sakura counted it as the 3rd time that day.

This was clearly another one of his playful and mischievous jokes on her. But this time around it was more intimate, and to her it was strange and made her uncomfortable. However, their faces have never been this close and his crystal blue eyes were mesmerizing such a proximate distance. Little twinkles of light flashed in his eyes like the ocean reflecting light from the sun and as its waves flowed. She always admired his eyes. She could get lost in its oceanic trance. They were bluer than the Lord Seventh's, she was sure of it.

"Listen Boruto," Sarada began her confrontation while dancing. "This marriage was neither of our ideas. And if you remember my goal…" Boruto's eyes were staring straight back at hers, as he listened intently. How can such gentle features feel as if he was boring deep into her soul and lighting a fire?

Boruto smirked and gazed deeply into her eyes. He loved those eyes. Whenever they looked back at him they would sparkle and it was like looking into the limitless universe. Sarada could never hide it well and Boruto never missed it. Although she initially avoided eye contact, Boruto could see clearly that they were sparkling as soon as he entered the room. And now they stared back at him sternly, but still sparkling. Since childhood, those eyes were always watching him. He chuckled as he interrupted. "Yes, I remember. You want to change the rules of kingship. Rather than becoming the queen, you want to rule as king. It's been a dream of yours since we were young. It's your dream. I'll be your right hand man and work hard to protect you." After all, it was best to believe in the girl who believed in him.

It was too much. Sarada could feel her legs weaken and wobble. Blood rushed to her face so hard she felt as if her head was spinning. There was no way to hide it. Her face became so red her dress merged with her skin tone. At this, Sarada lifted her hand to her chin, and peered over her shoulder, avoiding his gaze as his eyes were becoming too intense. For once in her life, something was too much for her to handle. She inwardly kicked herself as words and sentences weren't forming correctly in her head.

"Someone get the hose, her face is on fire," Inojin could be heard somewhere in the mess of partiers.

Boruto's smirk grew a little more smug as he could tell that she was losing her grip. He decided to push a little harder and exploit another weakness. "Like you said, times are changing. We didn't agree to this arranged marriage and we don't have to. But we can still go on dates right?" He brought his face a little closer. "I was teasing you earlier. I know you're not interested in chips. He moved his face uncomfortably closer. "But you love desserts. My kingdom is developing in call kinds of ways and new desserts come out every week. Let me take you to all of them. I'll take you out for anmitsu and black tea, then the next day cream puffs, then the next, tiramisu, then whatever else we can find. How does that sound?" Sarada was already struggling to suppress the turmoil welling up in her heart and mind. At this point, she needed all his support to keep standing. He held her up in his arms as he embraced her heart and made her his.

The partiers continued the night joyfully, drinking, eating and dancing. The prince escorted the princess to rest on one of the intricate benches and left to get her a drink.

Chocho came sneaking up and could easily tell how her best friend was clearly struggling with herself. She had never seen the strong, independent and determined girl look so hapless.

"Hey Sarada, you said you were going to turn him down but it looks like you can't even help yourself," she teased. Her only response was a frustrated grunt.

"I knew you liked him!" Sumire stated almost too smugly.

"I don't like him. I'm doing it for the best interest of the kingdoms. To make my father proud and happy… Who else would I marry anyway?"

"There are many other princes out there, you don't have to settle," Inojin flashed a mischievous grin towards Shikadai who returned with an evil expression.

"That would be a hassle, who has the time for that!"

"Yeah guys, I only have so much energy to protect her from one guy!" Iwabe chimed in. Even Denki, Metal, and Mitsuki were playfully giggling.

"I'm gonna have all their heads chopped off," Sarada fumed to herself inside.

The rest of Sarada's night was spent flustered and struggling to make an excuse for accepting the arranged marriage while swatting away teasing from her friends. There's no hiding it from them. That idiot has stolen her heart and gotten away with it… shannaro!

She wanted to marry him to "make her father proud." lol the irony.