Back from yet another mission, the three of them stopped right after the doors as night fell. Sarada stretched, happy to be home and clearly looking forward to a quiet evening. Boruto just looked remote and sad, as usual these days, but he was still very considerate towards her.

- Go home, Sarada-chan, we'll take care of the report.

- You sure ?

- Yeah, it's my turn.

Since they were now both chuunins, Konohamaru had insisted they make their mission report themselves, though he still stuck around to give his own opinion. But after all the running around and fighting, there was indeed no need to keep all the squad late for that, and Sarada actually had someone waiting for her. Maybe her father would be home as well.

Konohamaru and Boruto went to the HQ to report to some tired officer. Boruto was glad this was a simple B-ranked mission, or else he would have had to actually see his father, and he was still not sure he could behave properly. It took forever but they were finally out into the night, and Konohamaru just couldn't bear the misery written on his student's face.

- It's late, you want to get something to eat ? I'm buying.

Shaken from his depressive thoughts, Boruto lifted his head with a puzzled look.

- No burger though. Konohamaru added, scolding. I'm sure we can still find something open at this hour.

Since there was no objection, Konohamaru went down the street and Boruto just followed. It was late but there were some shops open and they settled at one small restaurant. The jonin ordered a cold beer for him and a soda for Boruto.

- I can't believe how tired I am. the lad complained. This should have been easy. B-ranked and all.

- Well, it was quite a chase. But you did well, as usual. You seem to become used to just the three of us.

Boruto just made a face. Mitsuki's departure was still eating at him. Konohamaru understood the Hokage had no other choice than to let the young shinobi go back to Orochimaru after all the mess they caused. Hell, it was a miracle they were not punished either for helping him escape.

The owner brought back their dinner and they reviewed the mission like they always did. After all, though they were supposed to now work as a squad, he was still their teacher in a way. Slowly, Boruto's mood improved. A full stomach probably helped too. Konohamaru smiled : he often went for dinner with his friends, and it now seemed Boruto was old enough to be just that, and not the little brother he was just some time ago. Now quite lively, the young man was making jokes and teasing his elder. Luckily they were alone by then, or it would have been quite the show.

- Shouldn't you be in bed already ? smiled Konohamaru.

- I'm ok, but I understand that old people like you need more sleep.

- I'll show you…

But as Konohamaru tried to punch the young man in the shoulder, the wound he had taken that same afternoon chose that moment to remind itself to him and he stopped painfully.

- What ?

- Don't worry, it's not much, just a nasty cut. Probably need some straps though, I think it's bleeding again.

- I still have some of that medical foam at home, I keep it for when I train. You should stop by, instead of bothering a medic.

- Well, I guess we better get going then. Konohamaru agreed as the owner clearly wanted to get rid of his last customers and close shop.

But when he headed south towards the Uzumaki house, Boruto just stopped.

- This way. he said. I live two streets down.

Puzzled, Konohamaru followed him and slowly realized Boruto was leading him to the apartment where Mitsuki had lived while in Konoha. It certainly looked like he was living there : removing his shoes, he invited his elder in a room that clearly had his signature. It was full of things, but tidier than should be a young man's place. Feeling the questioning look of his teacher, Boruto shrugged and explained.

- I've been living here for some time already, so when Mitsuki left, I just kept paying the rent.

- You don't go home then ? Do your parents know you live here ?

- Mom knows I've got my own place. Hima came by a few times.

It seemed the topic of his father was still off the table. For months now Boruto had not talked to his father, and avoided even talking about him. Rummaging through a drawer, he came back with the foam can and shook it a bit to check if there was still some chemical in it.

- Come on, let's do this.

Removing his jacket and shirt was way more painful than Konohamaru had thought. Indeed, moving around had reopened the wound and it was crusted in blood. Their target had cut deep just below his right arm. Boruto brought a watered cloth and Konohamaru had to let him dress the wound since he couldn't see clearly. That was also a skill the young man had improved in the last few years, even though he seemed at first not very gifted for medical training.

- Why do you live here ? Konohamaru asked idly.

- You know why. Boruto grumbled.

Since it appeared his elder didn't, he sighed and resumed his work before speaking.

- I told you, I've been living here for a while. I'd send a clone home so that Mom wouldn't bother me. I just couldn't pretend nothing happened now that Mitsuki's gone. This was our home and now it's mine.

It suddenly dawned on Konohamaru why Boruto was feeling so depressed. He could have punched himself for being so obtuse. Bewildered, he realized he was staring stupidly at the young man, and had made him blush.

- I can do without your comments. Boruto said, grumpy.

- Well, you're gonna hear them anyway. You should have told me. Sarada and I, we're your squad, we're here to take care of you.

- Yeah, right. Sarada already knows and she hates me. he said bitterly.

- What ? Why would you think… ?

But Boruto just closed like a shell, obviously not wanting to elaborate. Putting the bloody cloth away, he took the foam can.

- Let's finish this and you can go.

- Boruto, listen to me. Konohamaru fumbled with his words. It's not unusual for teammates to grow close in that way.

- Spare me.

- Well, I would know.

A stunned silence followed. Embarrassed, Konohamaru felt a stupid grin flower on his stupid face. This was clearly not a funny conversation, but he couldn't help but remember how dumb he'd been at that age.

- Stop making fun of me.

- I'm not ! Konohamaru laughed. Look, when I was about your age I had a very close friend, and those are some of my best memories.

- What happened then ? Boruto asked, gloomy.

- Life happened. he sighed. When we became jonin he was sent away on a long mission. After that, things were not the same, we had grown up, I guess things were expected of us.

- You could still patch things up I guess.

- Well, no. He's dead now.

Going so quickly through his dissolute youth and painful loss left Konohamaru suddenly empty and sad. He'd wanted to cheer Boruto up, but clearly he'd made things worse : the young man was pale as death.

- Mugino-san ?

- Yeah.

- Fuck. If anything happened to Mitsuki, I'm not sure…

- Don't think about it. Konohamaru quickly interrupted. We're shinobis, that's part of the job. You know that.

Breathing deeply, Boruto nodded. It had seemed very easy to get a grip on the profound terror that had taken hold of him, but Konohamaru knew well how costly it was. Again, the young man showed his strength. Those unlucky turn of events had forced him to grow up. No wonder Konohamaru felt he was more and more an equal than a seventeen year old boy.

Boruto quickly finished his work, lost deeply in his thoughts, then cleaned up a bit before opening the little fridge that furnished the room to grab a beer.

- Oi ! You're not supposed to drink that. Konohamaru scolded.

- Give me a break. he answered lazily, opening the window to sit on the balcony.

Most of the lights were now out, but the village still looked great by night. After a hot day, a chill breeze was welcome. Sighing, Konohamaru didn't know what to do anymore.

- You'll be ok by yourself ?

- Yeah. Thanks, nii-chan. That's just a lot to think about.

- Don't overthink it. You should live your life instead, worrying is for old people. Thanks for the patch up.

Since he got no further answer, he just left, but couldn't shake the feeling that he should have done more. The next day, he saw neither Sarada nor Boruto, but when the Uchiha girl came running two days later, he was really glad to see her.

- We've been asked for, taicho. New mission.

- So soon ?

- I'm not complaining. she grinned.

Sarada had greatly improved her skills under both her parent's tutoring, and was now making her own way. She was always eager to show her worth. Konohamaru had noticed she spent more and more time training alone these past few months. The fact that Boruto thought she hated him still puzzled him.

- I'll grab my things. she said. Could you please tell Boruto ?

- I will, I wanted to talk to him anyway.

Sarada looked at him, clearly pondering if she should say something or stay quiet.

- He's been down for a long time now. she began carefully.

- Yes, and I understand you know why. he answered with a dry tone.

He didn't want to accuse her of anything, but it was true she should have been nicer to him. It wasn't like her to let a dear friend struggle alone. She was suddenly nervous and red as a beet, fumbling with her hair.

- I'm the last person he wants to talk to. she finally said. It's like I'm always just in the way.

Konohamaru realized she was suffering from this situation too, and couldn't understand how he didn't notice earlier that something was very wrong. Of course, both were very professional when they were working, and he would have dismissed most of their bad mood being about stupid teenager behavior. But the truth was they were no kids anymore, and maybe this was more serious than he thought.

- Did you two have a fight ?

- Not really… It's stupid anyway. I'll get my things.

And just like that she fled, still blushing. Konohamaru had not the slightest idea of what was going on. When he arrived at Boruto's place, he was still thinking hard. Opening the door, the young man let him enter, apparently glad that they were to go away on a mission.

- Boruto, I'm sorry about the other night. I didn't want to be that depressing.

- It's ok. I'm glad we talked, nii-chan. I've not been very easy to be around, ne ?

- Well, I've spoken to Sarada and I'd like to know what happened. She wouldn't tell me a thing.

During their conversation, Boruto had changed his shirt and was now putting more shuriken in his pouch. He seemed clearly embarrassed by Konohamaru's line of questioning.

- Spill it out. he ordered, finally fed up with the nonsense.

- I told you she hates me. Boruto grumbled. It's been a year or so…

- What the fuck happened ?!

- She came to me out of nowhere to confess she loved me.

Just in time, Konohamaru managed not to burst out of laughter. He hid it by putting his hand to his brows, since he was also very tired of that kind of stupidity.

- It's been a year and you still haven't discussed it ?

- Well, first she was very sad, and then very mad.

- This stops now. Konohamaru grumbled. You will both apologize and that'll be the end of it. I can't believe this is the first time I'm hearing of this !

He never knew when they talked or what had been said, but clearly things improved. Sarada always managed to hide what she was going through, but Boruto was an open book, and seeing the two of them having fun again was a relief. It also made their missions more efficient, a thing Konohamaru would have thought difficult : they were both so skilled already it was incredible that they had yet room to improve. Konohamaru was very proud of them, and also quite relieved : he didn't want anyone else dying on him.

The summer went on and he was often out to dine with the other jonin, talking about everything while drinking, enjoying life as much as they could. One of those evenings, Hanabi suddenly turned around and smiled.

- Boruto-kun ! she called across the street.

- Hi, Hanabi onee-chan. he smiled, joining them. Good evening everyone.

- What are you doing here at this hour ? she asked drunkenly.

- I was training, just came back.

- Sit down, sit down ! Have a drink with us !

Noticing the frown on Konohamaru's face, Boruto soberly ordered a soda and sat by his aunt. She was already pretty far gone and hugged him with fondness.

- You're soooo serious, training so hard ! I'm so proud of you.

- You shouldn't be drinking, onee-chan. he smiled.

- Shut up ! I'm still standing, I can hold my liquor !

A side glance revealed Udon-sensei snoring in a puddle of beer two places down.

- Yeah right. I'm so relieved the safety of the village is in your hands. he teased.

That got him a slap on the back of the head, and Konohamaru laughed.

- You disrespectful shrimp ! she shouted, but then she fell off her chair.

- That's it, we're going home. Moegi said, not too stable on her feet either. I'll drop her off at the Hyuuga's estate, it's on my way.

- Thanks Moegi. Konohamaru smiled. Should we wake Udon up ?

- Nah, leave him, the owner can throw him out later. she laughed. That'll teach him.

Both women left, still bickering, Hanabi drunkenly scolding random people down the street.

- To crazy women ! Konohamaru raised his glass and then bottomed it.

- Don't let them hear you. Boruto smiled.

- You're damn right. he said with a sudden chill. Let's go, I'll walk you home, it's on my way.

- Shouldn't it be the other way around ?

He paid the tab for the whole crew with a defeated look about him. Boruto had noticed his teacher was more often broke than not. However he didn't need to ask why since that had started after Mugino's death. It seemed Konohamaru had picked the careless way of life of his late friend.

- Ne, nii-chan, can I ask you a personal question ?

- Go ahead.

He had to take Konohamaru's arm since he was not in a better shape than his friends, though he managed to look the part. This was the perfect opportunity to discuss topics that he usually wouldn't have brought up.

- I was wondering… After Mugino-san's death, did you find someone else ?

- Why d'you care ? he retorted drunkenly.

- It's just, I've been thinking a lot, and I think I'm not great at being alone.

- That's not something to discuss in the open. Konohamaru said in a conspiratorial tone. D'you have something to drink at home ?

- You should go to bed, not drink more.

- Shut up !

They somehow managed the stairs but once at the door, Konohamaru tripped while removing his shoes and they both laughed. Boruto opened the window to let the night air in, and they sat together on the balcony with a beer.

- Sooo what was the question again ?

- I can't believe this, you didn't hear a word of what I said ? I asked if you've dated someone after Mugino's death.

- I'm not sure you want an answer. Konohamaru laughed.

- What ? Why ?

- I dated your aunt Hanabi. he grinned, clearly amused.

- What the fuck ?!

- You should see your face. Don't worry, she grew tired of me. We're just friends now.

- Well, she's the best… But she's kinda scary too.

- Yeah I know, I kinda dodged a bullet there. Good thing no one knew about it. That's my only advice to you, don't let those old fuckers get too close to your love life or they'll try meddling with it.

- What do you mean ?

- Old geezers think it's a bad idea to let people marry whoever they want and scatter the clan's special jutsus. They don't say it too loud since your grandfather is clearly not of that opinion anymore, and he still has weight.

- That's ridiculous !

- Is it ? A generation ago, Himawari would have been shackled home and raised like a goddess for her Byakugan. Look at your friend Inojin, he's the disappointment of his clan for choosing not to join the sensory unit. I'm sure someone has a plan for me somewhere, and I'd rather not know about it.

He drank deep, half amused and half bitter. Boruto had never thought about it that way. It seemed natural to be with whoever you liked.

- I'm glad I'm not from one of those stupid clans.

- But you are. Konohamaru pointed.

- I don't have the Byakugan, so I guess they'll leave me alone.

- First there's no guarantee your children won't have it. And second, I was talking about the Uzumaki clan.

- What about it ? It's not like we've got special jutsus or whatever.

Konohamaru cast him a surprised look. Though he was still drinking, the fresh air and serious conversation had sobered him up a bit.

- Your father never discussed it with you ?

He should have known better : Boruto didn't even bother answering the question. Sighing, Konohamaru tried to get his thoughts in order.

- I really don't know enough, so you should ask him one day. But the Uzumaki clan is skilled with seals, and that's why they were chosen to be the vessel of the Kyuubi.

- Really ?

- Yeah, the first Hokage's wife was an Uzumaki kunoichi, and a jinchuriki too. Things were not left at random back then. True, your father is not very skilled with seals either, but you might still find Uzumaki fuujin masters.

Boruto was deep in thought and Konohamaru had no idea where that led. He didn't think Naruto spent a lot of time taletelling his family story, bloody as it was, so it was no wonder Boruto would think himself more of the Hyuuga clan than anything else.

- Don't look so sad ! he finally said, exasperated.

- Sorry. I've caused you a lot of trouble lately, haven't I ?

- We're just worried about you.

- I'll be alright. I'm just having a hard time being on my own, that's all.

- You should go home, Himawari will cheer you up.

- To be honest that's not what I'm missing most. Boruto smiled, suddenly casting a mischievous look at his elder.

- What then ? asked Konohamaru before drinking up, falling easily in the trap.

- I miss the sex, nii-chan.

Konohamaru just choked up and began coughing loudly, spilling his drink on his shirt, while Boruto laughed so much he would probably wake up the neighbors. That was not the kind of conversation the jonin was looking for, but it felt good to see Boruto smile and laugh for a change. Steeling himself, he stood up and sighed.

- Well, this has been nice. Thanks for the drink. But you should really stop that. Who's selling alcohol to teenagers anyway ?!

- Like I would buy it with my face. ironically said Boruto. I use a Transformation jutsu. Do I need to remember you I do that kind of shit for a living ?

- Well, can't be helped I guess. 'See you.

After that, Boruto would sometimes join the merry bunch of jonins for a lively evening where he was the only one not allowed to drink. Once, Konohamaru had run into Hinata and casually told her about it. She had just looked sad.

- Take care of him, will you Konohamaru-kun ?

- Does he at least come home sometimes ?

- Not much. Himawari and Kawaki would love to have him back, but I guess it's too soon.

- It's been a while. They'll need to talk about it at some point.

- Naruto-kun is just so busy. And since Boruto is avoiding him… He thinks he'll come around at some point and doesn't want to rush him.

- That's the thing, Hinata-san, I'm not sure time will smooth things out.

His prediction turned out accurate when they came back from a particularly difficult A-ranked mission. Immediately passed the gates, Boruto bailed on them and disappeared.

- He's got some nerves ! Sarada pouted.

Upon entering the Hokage's office, Konohamaru noticed that Naruto was disappointed his son did not come for the report, though he hid it well. Once they were done, he lingered while Sarada left.

- Something you wanna discuss ? Naruto asked easily.

- It's about Boruto.

- I can imagine, yes. He still doesn't want to talk to me ?

- You should go to him. He's stubborn as hell, and he's becoming way too accustomed to being on his own.

- Hinata tells me he's got his own place.

- Yeah, he lives at Mitsuki's.

- My, my… I really made a mess with this, didn't I ? You'd think I would know better.

- Naruto, if I may… This is not really like you and Sasuke.

- Isn't it ?

This was absolutely not the kind of conversation Konohamaru wanted to have with the Hokage, and his discomfort was showing because Naruto did not press the matter.

- I don't want to put pressure on him, I understand why he's upset. Having Sasuke and you keeping an eye on him is enough for now.

- That's your call.

He didn't want to speak about his concerns regarding Boruto's behavior, but living alone and underaged drinking was not a good follow up to the leaking of classified intel and helping Mitsuki avoid capture. Then again, Naruto was Boruto's father, and if he judged the young man didn't need some fatherly steering, who was he to tell him otherwise ? That being said, he took upon himself to scold the young man and order him to go home to visit his family.