Gambler of Feelings:
Chapter 20
Blissful silence accompanied them outside the house.
She had never felt the need to open up to anyone. The new friendships she made were the result of her annoyance with Boruto. It wasn't a bad feeling, putting trust in someone else.
Past months made her realise a lot of things. Her parent's secrets, the bet, the hardships of liking someone else, everything influenced her greatly.
Even what they discovered today didn't stop a feeling of euphoria, the euphoria Boruto's opening up to her to the point they can stand next to each other without a single word.
"Let's go back inside," she decided to destroy this moment, despite her overflowing emotions. Sarada didn't want to waste time she could use to spend with her papa since she didn't see him for too long.
"Yeah... We're jumping into the trouble, ya know? I'm not sure your mom will be happy with what we did," Boruto let out a sigh and followed her inside the Uchiha's residence.
They were already in boiling water for jumping out of the window from her room. Her mom is terrifying when anything related to safety is concerned.
"I do," she nodded.
"Are you sure it doesn't make you uncomfortable?"
"Why would it? It's not like I'm the only one in trouble." Sarada considered her answer lacked something, so she "Well, I can always pin the blame on you. It's not like your reputation will suffer from you causing mischief. You already have a proven track record for bringing problems."
"Hey, you wound my heart, ya know!"
"Get used to it. You'll develop enough tolerance now when you're my friend."
"Best friend?"
"No, that's Chō-Chō's privilege. I sincerely doubt you can provide me with the same level of entertainment."
"Ouch. My heart is in pieces, my soul utterly shattered with realisation Sarada is heartless," Boruto acted with a few dramatic poses along the way.
"..."
"I'm joking, joking! Don't give me the silent treatment."
"Pftt... You're funny. Let's hide the box and go inside."
Sarada made sure the box is well hidden. She'll try to put it back when she's sure her parents won't be home. Trailing behind Boruto, she also entered the living room from outside.
The scene she saw was surreal. She has considered it strange that Boruto's parents were getting along with her family. She wouldn't believe it if she didn't see it with her own eyes.
It made her feel uneasy.
If mom and papa hid from her something so simple, what else did they hide from her? Not only her but Boruto too.
The adults in the room didn't even notice their presence. Maybe they were worrying for nothing since all of them were too immersed in conversation.
There's also something else that worried her. Why it's so hard to open up to Boruto? She feels at ease around him, trusts him, even changed her initial impression after seeing his kindness.
So why?
Why she's unable to honestly tell him about Asami, Uncle Itachi, or even grandma Tsunade?
Boruto was nothing but honest to her, while she's unable to be. Should she reach out to him more? Maybe she doesn't do enough.
What should she cling to before it's too late? Is it the sign she wants to change or need the change?
She had no idea, but she knew that pursuing the path that will lead her to that change wasn't blocked by anyone except her own pride.
"Mom, papa, it's pretty late," she said, pushing her anxiety aside at the moment.
"Oh, that's what happens when you have over a decade to catch up on!" Her mom was hugging papa, appearing a lot more cheerful.
Sarad dismissed her smile will diminish the moment papa starts his travels again. The sudden shift in her stance on her attending the club was alarming too. She did only after learning Boruto's the club president.
Weird.
Papa was in a good mood and wanted to invite Boruto over too when she mentioned him.
That's not that surprising when you accept their families know each other. However, why their demeanour changed so much during these moments?
Something is off, perhaps another secret she and Borut have no idea about. Figures.
When it comes to family secrets, they're always hidden from her. Because she's too young to know anything since she won't be able to take it well. Sarada overheard plenty of conversation that mentioned secret, but what hurt her the most wasn't the truth - it was that these things were hidden in the first place.
"Hnn... Your son is way smarter than you were at this age," her papa commented towards Boruto's father.
"Hey! Your daughter is also kinder than you ever were!" Naruto shouted back, and Sarada flinched hearing his raised voice.
"Naruto!"
"Sasuke!"
Both of them shouted at the same time. The argument stopped after Mrs. Hinata whispered something to her husband that made him stop.
Boruto's expression looked resigned and surprised at the childish behaviours of their dads. Sarada came to the conclusion that explained why they weren't scolded for jumping out of the window. They all were either too busy arguing, talking or gushing about how Himawari is cute.
Hmm... Is it her or Bortuo's younger sister winked in her direction? It's like she knows something she doesn't. Her mom and papa talked for a while with Boruto about something as well.
Sarada sighed. She had enough of secrets and secretive people for today.
"Boruto!" she called out to him.
"Yes?" he smiled while his body trembled.
"Was my dad saying something to you?" she asked.
"Nah, he's a cool person. We're getting along just fine. Reminds me of you, Sarada. Grumpy on the outside but a softie on the inside." Boruto let out an awkward laugh. "It's your mom that's scary, ya know?" he added after making sure her mom isn't able to hear him.
"What do you mean?" she pressed him on further.
"Well, I have a gut feeling she's not too happy we're friends."
Sarada could guess why that's the case but nodded and thanked him for his opinion. She needed to confront mom about her attending the club soon. Her mom is fine with her attending club now, but it doesn't mean she won't change her stance.
After all, it wasn't the first time when her mom shifted her attitude without any warning. She already did it a lot before their fight.
When she yawned more than three times, everyone decided it's time for the entire dinner to end.
"Don't worry about it, see you tomorrow!" she said to Boruto, feeling extremely sleepy.
Despite all of the secrets and her mini-adventure with Boruto, she decided to push any negative thoughts she had for later.
AN:
Hey everyone!
GoF is ending... Not ending! Hahh, I'll try to explain everything. I decided to update the shortened chapter 20 after some serious thoughts. I'm very thankful for all of your comments, messages etc. they really made my day and kept me going. :) I edited Prologue-Chapter 2 in silence, while trying my best to take into consideration feedback I've got.
I was at low-point thinking I should stop writing GoF, or put it into adoption since my worries overwhelemed me. I did get out of this mindset and try to get better with positive outlooks. This chapter comes out shorter than intended for one reason, the second part fits into chapter 21 a lot nicer.
As for my personal wellbeing — it sucks.
My dad had passed away from a heart attack 1-2 months ago, I got over it now. I try not to bring my irl problems in ANs, but I admit they contributed greatly with everything. The amount of stress I've felt resurfaced my problems with health again, although my main worries are about someone's else safety due to private circumstances. When I distance yourself from them, it can probably turn into a story with plenty of trigger warnings like gaslighting etc., hah.
To end on a positive note, I'm coming back with weekly update schedule! Woo-hoo. Stay tuned for chapters during Fridays-Saturdays. :)
Sincerely Yours - Karinrumi :)