Chapter Nine- Boruto

I hated it. Sitting at the dinner table with his empty chair, being at school next to his empty seat, going to the beach with his empty cove, the deafening silence that came from his room, I hated all of it. Everyone in the house felt his absence. Dad was ready for war, mom was ready to do unspeakable things to Kawaki's aunt and Himawari kept crying. I was beside myself with worry and wished I could be there for Kawaki in some way. I didn't know much about Kawaki's aunt, but from how she treated him in the past and how she was treating him now, it was easy to call her a horrible person. She took Kawaki away from us for her own selfish reasons.

It was hell not having him there, but summer was the worst. It had only been a week into the break and I was already at my limit. I was supposed to be spending all my time with Kawaki, but instead I was spending all my time missing him. I lost my best friend. I wanted to go to him, to save him, but I had no idea where he was. I didn't know what he was going through and it killed me. I knew Kawaki's life had been hard despite him rarely talking about it. He'd been through enough and was finally happy here with us, with his family. It wasn't fair.

Dad was at work and mom was out with Himawari to cheer her up, but I decided to stay at home. It didn't matter where I was or what I was doing, I would still be wishing Kawaki was with me. I was pulled from my moping when a knock sounded at the door. For a split second I lit up, thinking it was Kawaki, but he would have just walked right in. I shook my head at myself as I went to the door. I opened it to find a scruffy looking man on the other side, a frown on his face.

"Can I help you?" I asked the stranger.

"Depends. Are you Boruto?" He asked with a look of impatience.

How did this guy know my name? "Yeah, I am. What do you want with me?"

"Here." He said and handed me a folded piece of paper. "I don't know what it is… but it must be important."

I looked at him in confusion as he pulled his phone out and took a picture of me without my permission.

"What the—who are you? What is this about?" I demanded.

The man shrugged and turned as if to leave. "I've done what I was paid to do. Don't know why and don't care either. I have to go now."

He started down the path and I yelled after him, but he ignored me. "What the hell?" I huffed to myself, wondering what just happened.

He was paid to take a picture and bring this paper to me? By who? What for? I went back inside and closed the door, staring suspiciously at the piece of paper. After a few seconds I unfolded it and looked at what was on it. My brow furrowed and my heart started beating faster as I gazed at a treasure map. It couldn't have been a coincidence, there was only one person who knew about my desire to find one. I looked closer at the way it was drawn, recognizing the stroke of pencil. I gasped and ran outside to go after the man, but he was nowhere in sight. I tried to find him, but I didn't know which way he went. I couldn't believe it. It was from Kawaki, this was Kawaki's drawing.

I shakily looked down at the map again to figure out what it meant. For him to send me a treasure map . . . just what was at the end of it? Despite everything I shook my head with a laugh, Kawaki never failing to amaze me. So he wanted me to follow it, huh? I dashed back inside the house with a smile on my face, heading straight to my room. I knew what this was, I understood now. This was a map to Kawaki. He wanted me to come get him and I wouldn't let him down. I called mom and told her what was going on, needing her and Himawari to come home so we could figure this out. We talked when they got back and waited for dad to get home before we decided how to go about this.

It wasn't going to be easy and we couldn't just walk in and take Kawaki back. We had to take the law into consideration and dad called an old friend of his to help with that side of things, a good lawyer who would see this through to the end. It took longer than I liked to get everything ready, but we had to be thorough about this without leaving any opens and chances for rebuttal. Kawaki had been living with us for over two years now and we had photo evidence of the fact. Not to mention the way dad had found him in the cove, all on his own and completely drunk. Not once had his aunt tried to contact them or find out where Kawaki was, she had done nothing but neglect him.

Mom and dad were more than ready to take things to court and dad's friend pointed out Kawaki's testimony would help as well. My parents would plea for temporary custody while the trial would be held and since Kawaki was almost seventeen, he wouldn't need a legal guardian for long. If somehow his aunt managed to put up a fight, it wouldn't matter as long as we held on until his birthday. There was little chance of that happening, but dad's friend was adamant about having a back up plan. None of this would have been possible or set into motion without Kawaki's help. Thanks to his treasure map we knew where to find him and we were going to bring him home.

Once everything was finalized, we put the plan into action. I led the way with the treasure map and we traveled over to the next town a few hours away. Without wasting time, we split up and performed our roles. I followed the map down different streets until I reached an apartment complex. It was late at night, the parking lot dimly lit with flickering lights. I went around the back and climbed up the fire escape all the way to the fourth floor. I peeked through different windows, not sure which one went with the right apartment. My breath hitched when I reached the end and saw Kawaki laying on his side, his back towards me. His door was shut, but I could see lights coming through from underneath. I gently tapped the glass a few times to get him attention.

He sat up and turned to face the window in an instant, his face showing his shock and then relief when he saw me. After glancing at his closed door he came to the window and opened it slowly so as not to make too much noise.

"Boruto." He breathed, hands cradling my face as he rested his forehead against mine. "I knew you'd find me."

I smiled and placed my hands over his. "I'll always find you." I promised, finally feeling whole again.

Kawaki didn't move for a moment, he just breathed deeply, taking in my arrival. "I'm sorry… for dragging you into this." He whispered after what felt like forever, his only movement to lean back a bit and look into my eyes.

"Shut up." I told him fondly. "You know it's not like that. I know you would do the same for me in a heartbeat." I said and closed the small distance to leave a soft kiss on his lips. "Now . . . let's get you out of here."

"But…" He turned his head to glance back at the door. "What's your plan?"

"You'll see." I said, checking the time on my phone. "Just trust me. Get your stuff and follow me."

Though he hesitated for a second, he moved from the window to grab his backpack and then crawled out of the window. He looked down at me, grey eyes filled with emotion. "Let's go then."

I took his hand and led him down the fire escape, pulling out my phone to make a call once we reached the bottom. "The eagle has landed."

"Eagle?" Kawaki huffed a laugh. "I don't know what's going on… but I'm excited."

I gave him a cheeky grin as I hung up the phone. "Oh, you have no idea."

We rounded the building to where mom was waiting in the front, not wasting a second before she captured Kawaki in a tight hug. "Thank goodness." She breathed and I feared if she held on any tighter he would suffocate.

"Mom… I'm sorry." Kawaki apologized breathlessly, holding her just as tight.

"It wasn't your fault, dear. You don't have to be sorry." She said before pulling back a little. "Let me see you now, that woman didn't hurt you did she?"

His lips formed into a pout as she examined him. "I'm fine, mom. Honest." He grumbled.

She didn't take his word for it, only satisfied after seeing for herself. "Your father will be here any second now." She said and I gave her a knowing look.

"Phase two." I stated excitedly.

"He came too?" Kawaki asked, sounding relieved. "Where's Hima?"

"She's with dad." I said as mom fixed her hair and then rolled up her sleeves. "Uh, mom? Aren't we supposed to wait for dad?"

Mom smiled sweetly at me, but it was the scariest thing I ever saw. "I think I'm quite capable of getting it started. Now then." She said and started heading into the apartment building.

I shared a worried look with Kawaki. "This wasn't part of the plan."

"Guess not… unless the plan is for mom to kill some bitch tonight." He sighed and palmed his face.

"We'd better go with her." I said and then added, "But not get in her way."

Kawaki nodded his head in agreement and led the way behind her. We followed mom up to his aunt's apartment and stood a little distance away as she politely knocked on the front door. It was my first time seeing her, but I knew by the way Kawaki's expression changed that it was his aunt who answered. I hoped dad got here soon.

"Hello." Mom greeted and I cringed at her overly nice tone. "So sorry to disturb you this late at night, but I wanted to inform you that Kawaki will be going back home with me."

The woman scowled, her face wrinkling in the ugliest way. "What is this nonsense? Kawaki, get in here this instant."

"Oh my! It seems you weren't informed. My husband and I were awarded temporary custody while this whole trial business is to be settled. You know, so Kawaki will never have to see your face ever again." Mom explained as if she was talking about the weather. This was terrifying.

Face going red in anger, Kawaki's aunt looked from mom to him, completely outraged. "I will not listen to these lies. I am Kawaki's guardian and he knows he has no choice but to stay home like a good boy. Right?" She ground out her last word, eyeing Kawaki coldly.

I heard cars pulling into the parking lot and looked down out the window, spotting dad in the passenger side of a police car.

"I am his mother and I say he is coming with me." Mom told her, dropping the kind tone. "Please tell me otherwise, I would love to show you how things are going to go." Shit.

"Kawaki!" His aunt yelled in her frustration.

Kawaki only laid his hand on Mom's arm and sighed. "Mom, please… don't hurt her."

I sighed in relief as mom's gaze softened when she looked at Kawaki. "Alright, dear, I won't get . . . physical."

"Crazy bitch, I'll call the cops." His aunt muttered and I had to move quick to grab a hold of Kawaki since he went to pounce on her.

"Kawaki, wait!" I huffed as I struggled to hold him back. "I swear, you're just like mom!"

Dad made his appearance with a few officers behind him, his usual cheery face set in a hard line. "You're the aunt, I take it?" He asked, placing a hand on Kawaki's shoulder.

Kawaki finally stopped struggling but his breathing was erratic as he looked to dad. "Dad." He greeted, trying to calm himself down.

"I'm here now, son. And you're coming with us." He said and shoved a piece of paper into his aunt's hands. "That is for you and these officers here will gladly explain the situation. My family and I are going home."

Looking around at the officers, Kawaki looked surprised and relieved. I wrapped my arm around his waist and pulled him down the stairs quickly, mom and dad right behind us. Kawaki moved to stop until his eyes landed on Himawari who was standing by a lone officer.

"Shit." He quipped when she set off in the fastest run she'd ever managed, running straight for him. He leaned down to catch her and pulled her into a hug.

"Kawaki!" She squealed happily. "I missed you!"

"I… missed you… too." Kawaki whispered shakily and it was only then that I noticed the tears streaming down his cheeks.

I shared a smile with mom, both of us starting to tear up as well. Finally, he was where he belonged. It was dad's turn to capture Kawaki in a hug before we got in the car, doing his best not to squash Himawari. Kawaki and I sat in the middle of the police SUV, Himawari sitting between us. Mom and dad sat in the back while the police officer was in the driver's seat waiting on his partner to finish up with Kawaki's aunt. Dad explained the details of the situation to Kawaki while we waited and mom was only a little disappointed she didn't get to hit Kawaki's aunt. I for one had been scared enough and was glad things hadn't gone that far. Himawari told Kawaki about what she had been doing since she last saw him, making sure to mention that she missed him everyday. I couldn't wait to go home.

Once the other officers came down and got into their cars, we were taken to the train station. It had been a long day, but we all agreed on going home and sleeping in our own beds rather than some hotel. Himawari passed out on the train ride, clinging to Kawaki. He carried her to her room once we finally got home and tucked her in. Mom and dad gave Kawaki another hug and promised a big breakfast in the morning, dad having took the next day off. We were all tired, but we were all happy. I put the treasure map in my room along with all the other drawings Kawaki had given me over the years. Then I went with him to his room as he set his backpack down, sighing as he flopped down on his bed. I laughed as I joined him, sitting on the side of the mattress.

"It seems like forever." I mused thoughtfully. "I'm glad you're back."

"There was a point when I thought… I thought I'd never see you again. I thought my life was over." He told me quietly. "I lost hope for a while… it took me forever to figure something out. You were my only hope. And you didn't fail me."

I laid down beside him and cuddled against him. "I was worried about you . . . not a day went by that I didn't think of you."

"It was the same for me." He whispered, wrapping his arms around me. "I missed you. Too much."

"There's no such thing." I stated. "I missed you too . . . you're home now. It's okay." I said, trying not to tear up again.

"Nothing happened that I need to know about?" He asked. "You didn't fall for somebody else while I was gone, did you?"

I held him tighter. "Never. What about you?"

He snorted, laughing lightly. "That would never happen… even if I hadn't been held hostage."

"I'm holding you hostage now." I said, half teasing half serious.

"Well I guess if it's you, I don't mind." He hummed.

I smiled and closed my eyes, the warmth of his body comforting. "I'm sleeping in here tonight."

"Did you think I'd actually let you go?"

I chuckled. "No, I should have known better."

His hand fisted into my shirt at my back and he sighed. "You must be tired…"

"What do you mean?" I asked, curious as to why he would say so.

"You're not sleepy? I'm pretty wired up but I figured… it's so late… I don't want you to stay up on my account."

I looked up at him and grinned. "It's summer, it doesn't matter if we stay up. What did you have in mind?"

"On second thought… I'm tired as fuck. Goodnight."

"Kawaki." I said, pushing into him. "Come on, what is it? Did you wanna surf? Go to your hideout? . . . . Kiss?"

He stiffened a bit and mumbled something I couldn't understand in response.

"What was that?" I said and moved my face closer to his. So I could hear him better.

"D-don't… too close."

My face heated up at his words. "There's no such thing." I whispered and brushed my lips against his, heart pounding in my chest.

Kawaki sucked in a breath, shuddered and held tighter to me all at once. He shook his head after a second and pulled back a bit. "No… No. Can't."

"Why not?" I pouted. He had gotten me all worked up. "I wanna kiss . . ."

"Why… can't… no." He shook his head again.

He was acting strange, but I wasn't going to force it. "Fine . . . but you owe me."

"Don't be mad… I'll kiss you if you want but… just a quick one."

I brightened up at that. "Okay."

Smiling softly Kawaki leaned into me, pressing his lips against mine in a sweet but chaste kiss. It was over as soon as it started and he sighed. "Alright, that was it." He muttered, sounding flustered.

"Stingy." I teased, but didn't mean it. Every kiss with him was special. "Still wired up?"

"Yeah… I never expected you guys to show up tonight and it's just… so much happened. I'm so happy. Sleep is definitely out of the question."

I smiled, completely understanding. "It was crazy for sure. Mom scared the shit out of me."

"I'm still salty that I couldn't wring that bitches neck. But I guess it's a good thing you held me back. Nice job, by the way."

I gladly welcomed the praise. "Well, you know. I've been working out."

"Whoa." He hummed. "Should I be worried?"

"That I could take you in a fight?" I asked cheekily.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." He nudged my cheek with his nose. "Just curious as to why you'd be working out."

"So I won't be as scrawny." I was small for my age and didn't work out often to be honest, just enough to buff up a little.

"But… I like you small and cute."

I blushed at that. "R-really?"

He nodded. "Really."

"Then . . . I'll happily stay this way." If he liked me the way I was, that was all that mattered.

"So sweet… stop it. I might die." He hummed.

I giggled, shaking my head. "Silly."

"Not silly. Serious."

"Seriously silly." I countered.

We stayed awake for a while longer, talking and holding each other before I fell asleep. Life returned to the peaceful and carefree days we were used to aside from the trial. We had to go to court multiple times, each day making it more and more clear to Kawaki's aunt that she wasn't going to get him back. He was never going with her. Never again. We soon found out after Kawaki's testimony that he could even press charges against her, but he said he just wanted to be free of her. That was all that mattered to him.

Mom and dad were awarded custody even though it wouldn't matter in a few months anyway. It seemed to make Kawaki happy. He was happy, I could tell. But when he started working with dad again, I didn't like it. I wasn't ready to be apart from him, but I couldn't stop him. I knew he loved being on the sea and I knew he'd always come back anyway. It was hard those first few weeks, but I managed. The way he lit up after coming back from a storm was heartwarming. He was meant to be out there on the ocean, it was his passion to experience those storms. It was enough for me to see him enjoying himself.

As for our relationship, things seemed to change. The looks Kawaki would give me had felt . . . hotter. His kisses ranged from innocent to intense and the intense ones left me breathless, eager for more. I didn't know if my gazes mirrored his own, but the need I felt when I was around him was getting stronger. Mom had known how I felt about Kawaki since I told her about my crush when we were fourteen, no doubt having passed the knowledge off to dad. They never said anything about it, but mom's knowing looks were seeming to increase. Sure she was happy for us, but she didn't need to look so smug about it.

I wondered if she noticed something was changing too and even confided in her about it when Kawaki and dad were at work. It was a little awkward, but I learned my lesson about keeping my emotions bottled up. It was better for me to talk about it. I wasn't ready for the talk to end up being the talk. I was beyond flustered and couldn't look Kawaki in the eyes for days, it was too much for me to handle. I didn't know if Kawaki knew about being intimate, but I sure as hell wasn't going to bring it up. I figured he did, he was always ahead of me maturity wise. At the very least I was glad to hear mom say she supported us even if I suspected as much.

A tension was building between Kawaki and I and honestly it was exciting, though a little nerve wracking. We would have to wait and see how things went, but I wasn't in a rush and I wasn't scared. Kawaki wasn't going anywhere ever again, I knew he would take care of me. He always had and he always will.