This was originally part of a longer one-shot I had planned, but I enjoyed this scene on it's own, so I figured I'd publish it.
I hope you enjoy!
They sat on the Hokage mountain, each simply enjoying the silence of night and the coolness of the subtle breeze. These were moments Sarada always loved.
"Sarada…" he broke her away from her thoughts and she turned to look at him
"Hm?" she hummed.
"You're serious about becoming the Hokage, right? I mean, is it more than just a dream to you?" Boruto asked, looking at her with a seriousness she didn't understand.
"Of course," she said with a small frown, "Being Hokage isn't just a dream, it's my goal." Why was he asking this?
He shifted, turning his face away from her and focusing somewhere far off in the distance, somewhere she knew she'd never find—even with her Sharingan. "Well… I want you to know, that I'm serious too. Being your protecter, your right-hand-man. That's my goal," he said, closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath.
Sarada watched him from the corner of her eye. She knew her cheeks were flushed a bright shade of pink and she couldn't stop her hands from fidgeting. This wasn't the first time they'd talked about this, but it was always so vague and quick and… rather simple. But this felt different, he seemed so sincere.
"Now that we're all officially Chuunin, I think it's only fitting I start taking real steps towards that goal." He looked at her and smiled, "So I'm going to travel and train, adventure around and learn all there is this world has to offer me. Just like your dad."
She could feel her heart begin to race as he reached up and untied his Hitai-ate. He took his off his forehead as his blond hair fell messily onto his forehead. "This…this was something I didn't deserve. It was something I had to earn back—I understand that now," he said softly. He gripped it tightly as a steely resolution hardened his eyes, "And you, Sarada, are someone I don't deserve. As I am now, I'm no where near worthy of being your right-hand-man. But when I return, I hope I'll be a few steps closer," he told her, letting his glance slide from his head-piece to the Kunoichi by his side.
Not worthy? What was he babbling about? "Boruto, you're plenty worthy—"
"I'm not," he stopped her, giving her his Hitai-ate and enclosing her fingers gently around it with his hand. "But that's why I've gotta do this. I need to get stronger, I need to know more. Then when I'm back, I'll be ready. I'll be your protector, at your side, and help you achieve your goal."
She sat in silence, scared that her lungs would betray her and words wouldn't form themselves correctly, as he stood up and held out his hand to her. She grabbed it and was brought to her feet.
"So I hope you're serious about this," he said, "Because I won't be much if your not gonna be Hokage."
She flickered her gaze between his blue eyes, her mouth slightly parted in an attempt to speak. "I-…" she cleared her throat, "You shouldn't have your goal be entirely reliant on my becoming Hokage. What if I change my mind?"
He grinned, "Well I suppose I'll help out and be an extra set of eyes and ears for any future Hokage," he admitted, "After all, I aim to be a true Shinobi. But…" his grin fell into a small smile, one that barely reached his eyes, "Then only half my goal would be achieved."
She frowned in confusion, "Half your goal—?"
"But that doesn't matter because you said it yourself! You're serious about this—no take-backs!" he said, poking her shoulder and crossing his arms. "So save that for me when I return," he said, nodding to the headband she held.
She had almost forgotten she was holding it.
"If you think I'm deserving of it, that is," he clarified.
She held it tightly, letting her hand fall to her side. "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow. I'm meeting your dad on the skirts of Konoha and beginning my training," he said. There was a beat of silence before he suddenly jolted in surprise and nearly fell off the Hokage mount where they had been sitting. "Oh no! And I totally forgot to pack! Dammit, now I'm not gonna get enough sleep!" he ran his hands down his face and groaned.
Sarada's face fell in stoic surprise, "You haven't even started packing?" He peeked at her through his fingers giving no audible answer. She leaned towards him, crossing her arms, "Jeez, Boruto. You've sure got a long way to go if you plan on being my right-hand-man."
"Sarada," he whined, letting his hands fall from his face.
"Baka," she said softly, a smile slowly gracing her lips. She reached over and tapped his forehead with her pointer and middle finger, "Until next time, then."
Boruto stood up straighter, rubbing his forehead in mind confusion, "Yeah… Until next time." They stared at each other for longer than usual. There were words between them that they could never speak. Not now, at least.
"You better start packing, then," she reminded him, finally, breaking the silence.
He jumped again, looking panicked. "Oh right! Yeah—uh, I guess I should get going then," he said, edging towards the drop-off of the mountain.
"You probably should," she said, watching as he turned back around one last time to wave and grin at her.
"I'll be back," he vowed.
She nodded, "You better."
He jumped down to the city below and she couldn't help her heart from tightening in her chest. She held his Hitai-ate in her hand and brought it close to her chest. If only he knew she would've given it back to him now.
Thanks for reading, everyone! Be sure to follow me for more one-shots like these in the future.
-LovelySheree
