Sarada loves her job, and lost an opportunity because the President gave it to his son, Boruto. Why did Boruto take it? Because he heard there was a feisty manager on the team. Watch them fight, argue, tease, flirt, “accidentally” fall in love, and deny it to the bitter end.
Rating: M
Pairing: BoruSara
Collaboration with @kairi-chan!
Chapter Four
previous |
Two weeks after starting his new job as Marketing Director, Boruto was up to his neck in paperwork. His father was a great man, he was kind and thoughtful when it came to his family, his friends and his employees too. Everybody loved him because he was so easy to love.
But he was an idiot.
His desperation to have the position filled made a lot more sense once Boruto had enough time to get in and look into everything. It took time and patience, two things Boruto didn’t have much of with everything else to worry about.
Regardless of how annoyed he was, Boruto kept his complaints to himself and did the work, catching up on all the paperwork. Contracts needed renewing and there were several meetings with clients both old and new to handle. Planning around Naruto’s schedule and everyone else’s was even more of a hassle, but Boruto accepted it.
Everything was fine and well until Naruto denied his son’s most recent proposal. That was when Boruto had it and his complaints were about to fly freely.
While dealing with everything else, Boruto was determined to bring his own suggestions for new products. After all, he had a knack for these things and his father knew that. Never in a million years did Boruto think he’d be shot down and the email he received from Naruto was absolutely horrendous.
Boruto,
Yuck. I will never approve of something so atrocious. Burger flavored ramen??? Not a chance.
Get over it,
Dad
“This bastard!” Boruto groaned, half wanting to punch his computer monitor or at least sling it across the room.
Not bothering with a reply, Boruto instead got to his feet and left his office. He’d confront his father directly over this. For the entire week, Boruto had been thinking about this project and working on it along with everything else. He had Inojin make a mock-design, Chocho make a social media plan and Sarada make a promotional campaign plan. He even managed to get Kagura to commit a few accounts without having the full details on the product. Shikadai even made a projection for him, moved around their stocks so there was room for this new flavor to get on the market.
It was a lot of shit.
And Boruto wanted burger flavored ramen.
When he made it to his father’s office, he didn’t knock. He slammed the door open and glared at the man who was on the phone, kicked back in his seat with his feet on his desk. Naruto scrambled around to straighten himself at the intrusion, nearly dropping his phone in the process.
“Uh, Sorry Gaara, we will talk numbers later. Something came up. Call you later?” Naruto rambled once he pulled his phone back to his ear.
“Alright, dear,” Hinata replied and Naruto’s face paled.
He apparently hadn’t realized he’d accidentally put the phone on speaker when he was fumbling with it. Boruto just rolled his eyes as Naruto hung up the phone and set it on his desk.
“What the hell, Dad? We’re having burger flavored ramen added or else.” Boruto would win this battle.
Naruto’s brows furrowed. “Watch your tone, Boruto. You may be my son, but you still report to me here.”
“Right because your email really set a professional standard.” Boruto scoffed. “Do you have any idea how hard I worked on this project and need I remind you who came to whom begging for help.”
Naruto stood from his table, rising a few inches over his son. “I asked HR to hold the position for you. Just because you have it now, doesn’t mean you will get what you want.” Daddy Naruto was gone, and in came the president of Ichiraku Ramen Corp. “We just released a new line. That’s five products. You do realize that releasing another one within the year will cannibalize them, right?”
“So you would be willing to lose this potential? I just laid down a gold mine in front of you… and this isn’t the first time so you already know. There’s a reason you wanted me here.”
Naruto’s gaze softened and he sighed. His son always came up with creative and innovative ideas. Although a burger flavored ramen does sound atrocious, it could have some novelty potential, as long as it was priced and marketed right. He took a few moments, doing the math and thinking of a way to save the new line but get Boruto out of his office with no more whining.
“Six months. Rotational, on K-mart shelves only.” Naruto raised a finger when Boruto looked ready to retort. “And price it at novelty. I need to gain back my capital for creating a new flavor on short notice.”
“That’s ridiculous. But I’ll accept, only because I have other projects that will be on your desk shortly. If anybody needs to get over it, it’s you.” He couldn’t wait to see Naruto’s reaction to his other ideas.
He would hate them all.
Barely a moment after he returned to his own office, his phone started ringing. He pulled it out of his pocket with a curse, but his face and mood softened once he saw it was his sister. He hadn’t been keeping in touch like he should. He hadn’t even went to visit in a week.
“Hima?” He asked after clearing his throat and making sure his tone held none of his earlier annoyance.
“I cooked you dinner last night.”
Shit.
“I made your favorite strawberry cake too.”
Double shit.
“I called you… and when you never answered or showed up, I went by your place with your dinner and the whole cake. But you didn’t answer the door.”
It was all over for him.
“Now, just wait a minute, Hima. Work has been a little hectic and what time did you come by?” He had to have already been asleep, otherwise he would have heard her knocking.
“You haven’t called me in days…”
This wasn’t good at all.
“I’m sorry. Don’t be upset, please.” Boruto frowned just as someone knocked on his office door and he sighed. “Come in,” he knew it wasn’t Sarada whenever she didn’t just peek in immediately. As the door opened, Himawari groaned in frustration, she was mad at him. “I’ll make it up to you, okay? Let me take you to dinner, I’ll buy you something sweet and we can do anything you want after.”
“Flowers?”
“Flowers. Got it.” Boruto said as he glanced over at Chocho who was stepping in quietly.
Himawari giggled. “Okay, bro. Pick me up at six. You better not be late. I love you!”
It wouldn’t be easy getting out of work in time to make it happen, but he would no matter what. “I love you too.” He said and then ended the call to give his attention to Chocho. “What’s up?”
She stood there, mouth hanging open and trying to form a cohesive sentence. But didn’t get to spit it out without making some weird noises first. “I just… umm… the meeting got moved to three? And it’ll be in the Noodle Room. Sarada told me to tell you.”
“Right, thank you.” Boruto smiled at her. “Tell her I’ll be there and please have her reschedule my five o’clock to tomorrow sometime.”
Chocho blinked. “Your five o’clock? Isn’t that with the agency?”
“It is. She’ll make it happen. I have to get out of here early today.” There was no getting around it and he couldn’t get out of the meeting so rescheduling was the only way.
“Okay…” was all she could say before going out of his office and practically running down the hall, back to the marketing department’s area. This was big news. Wait ‘til the gang hears their boss was cancelling an outside meeting for a date.
Once Boruto entered the meeting room, his team was already sitting down, whispering to each other about something he couldn’t hear. Sarada was sitting at his left, not saying a word or looking at his direction. She was typing furiously, writing an email and setting a new meeting invitation.
“Sorry I’m late,” Shikadai came in, holding on to his laptop. “Just had to check something before heading here.” He took a seat next to Boruto and hooked up his screen to the projector, showing an excel file with numbers and rows. The columns were full of the products, numbers showing off their demand per month.
“For the cells in yellow, these are the new products. The blue ones are for the burger ramen.” He looked around before proceeding. “I moved the yellow cells down to the end of the year, spreading some of the demand a little thinner for K-Mart to make some room. This is my first suggestion. But what I really recommend is we limit to three or four products for K-Mart and then slide in the burger to take two shelf spaces instead.”
Chocho and Inojin exchanged looks before looking at Sarada. She did not look happy.
“I know, I know,” Shikadai held his hands up. “It’ll hurt the line, but look, “he opened the other tab and showed more demand for other channels. “I got Kagura to get the supermarkets to take more. That way, we don’t hurt the target, and get to let the Burger shine on the convenience store shelf a little more.”
Boruto grinned. It was a sound argument. Didn’t expect anything less from Shikadai. “I like it.” But before sealing the deal, he looked at Sarada. “Thoughts?”
The look she gave him was cold. Oh, she was angry. About what, he didn’t really know. “We would have to redo the whole campaign for K-Mart,” Sarada started. “The commitment I have for the Point of Sales would have to be terminated and reworked. Did Kagura say he could have the account accept it?”
Boruto pouted. What did the sales guy have to do with it?
Shikadai rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, he’s working on it. Hard to deny when Naruto himself asked the account…”
Sarada’s lips turned into a fine line and she looked at Chocho and Inojin. Both of them looking fearful of their incoming workload. “Well, if Mr. Uzumaki insists, we can only make sure it’s launched well.”
Things were going as smoothly as they could, but Sarada was definitely upset with him about something. Boruto didn’t have time to question her about it, having less than an hour to complete his work for the day after the meeting ended. He was rushing and stressed, but as long as it was for Himawari’s sake, it was fine.
It was still after five before he hurried out of his office, already calling her on his way towards the elevator. She sent him to voicemail, probably thinking he was going to cancel on her which made him feel even worse.
“Hima don’t be like this. I’m leaving work now, I’ll be to you before six. Be ready for me okay?” He ended the call and finally reached the elevator, quickly pressing the button to call it. He had no idea where he would get flowers from on the way, so he was now trying to search nearby places on his phone.
He heard heels clicking on the floor and immediately looked up, it was Sarada, on the way to the ladies’ room. Perfect.
“Hey, Sarada!” Boruto beamed as he jogged over to her. “Do you know of any good flower shops near here?”
She stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, face impassive but still obviously not happy about needing to interact with him. “Flowers? It depends. What’s the occasion?”
“Huh what?”
Sarada rolled her eyes and drawled, “Celebratory? Did someone pass? Or, did you screw up and need to apologize?” She waved her hands around. “Like that.”
Still a little stressed and worried, Boruto didn’t even think about her sassing him. “The latter.”
Again with her lips being in a thin, fine line. “Inojin’s mother has a flower shop down at Seventh. For whatever the occasion.”
“Awesome! That’s on my way. Thanks for the help, Sarada. I’m sure I’ll find something to make her happy there.” He grinned and winked at her before hurrying back to the elevator. He’d missed it, but it was still waiting thankfully and he was able to get on his way.
If he was late, he’d never hear the end of it.
The flower shop was only ten minutes from him. He walked inside with flowers on his brain. So many options, but what would she prefer? Definitely yellow. Sunflowers maybe? His head hurt from overthinking as he opened the door. A bell chimed to announce his entry and he walked in, inhaling the calming aroma of many different flowers.
Boruto walked through, looking at some arrangements that were already made for the day and then at all the different selections they had. These things were difficult for men, especially doting brothers.
A lady with long blond hair and a pretty smile came out from the back and grinned at him. “Hello, dear. What can I get for you?”
“Wow, you must be Inojin’s mother. I see who he gets his looks from.” Boruto grinned back. “I’m looking for something sweet and yellow. Do you have sunflowers by chance?”
The lady’s hand went up to her cheek and giggled at his compliment. “Oh thank you. I’m Ino, by the way. I’m sorry, but we just ran out. I have some daisies and carnations. What would you prefer?”
Thinking quick, he replied, “Daisies.”
“Okay,” she walked around the counter and fetched some from a base nearby. “Do you have a budget I need to keep in mind?”
Judging by how upset Himawari sounded earlier? “No, go crazy.”
Ino’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Wow, not many young men your age say that around here. Must be a really special one, huh?” Ino picked up more flowers along the way and laid them all on the counter.
“Oh yeah. She is. She gets what she wants, always.” Boruto shrugged. He had no plans to change that either. He loved spoiling his sister.
The lady nodded and continued arranging the flowers for him, it wasn’t even done yet but it was starting to look like a huge one. “Known her long?”
“Her whole life.” Boruto nodded and chuckled softly.
Ino hummed and smiled. “She must adore you, then. Quite young, I assume?” She teased. “You look to be just as old as my son.”
“Yeah, she’s a few years younger than me.” Boruto smiled as he stared at the forming arrangement. He was damn glad she hadn’t been his older sister. She wouldn’t have been as cute then.
Ino chuckled and placed the ribbon on the wrapping. “Do you need a card, dear?”
“Yes, please.” He said and when she pulled one out, Boruto pulled his sunflower pen out of his chest pocket and wrote a simple, I love you, before putting the pen back and handing over the card for her to finish up. “It looks great, she’s going to be so happy.”
“Any girl would be,” Ino smiled sweetly and showed him his bill. Boruto thought he was seeing double but even if he blinked twice, it was still the same amount. It didn’t matter, though. He wanted the best flowers for his sister, and these were definitely it. He handed his card over, and Ino processed the payment quickly. When she returned it, she wished him a good night and watched him leave the flower shop with a large bouquet of flowers.
By some miracle, Boruto pulled into his parents driveway with ten minutes to spare. He finally breathed a sigh of relief as he exited his car, flowers in hand. Himawari has never called him back, obviously wanting him to stress over her even more. She really liked giving him a hard time, but he still adored everything about her. The door was unlocked and he let himself in, peering around all the flowers to look for her.
“Hima! I’m home.” Boruto called as he walked through the home, going into the kitchen first.
She came in as soon as he set the flowers on the counter. “Ooh, pretty!” She cooed and danced over, bumping him aside so she could get a closer look—and a feel, and a smell. “Wow, Boruto. They’re perfect. You came straight from work but at least you look nice. Where are we going for dinner?”
“I’ll take you anywhere you want.”
“Okay, you’re forgiven.” She grinned and hugged him tight.
Himawari decided on having burgers at their old favorite spot. It was a good thing that she had adapted to liking almost everything he liked and even if he was willing to spoil her with anything else, she still took him into consideration. She was an angel like that. She deserved the world and Boruto was here to give it to her.
They took their time over dinner, catching up on his life at work, her life at school and their mom. Boruto hadn’t been to see her recently either and had only seen his dad at work for work. He knew he had to do better and he was going crazy without his mom's cooking anyway and Himawari’s too. She’d learned a lot over the years, things Boruto’s mind just couldn’t seem to comprehend.
So, he promised to join them over the weekend for dinner to catch up after he’d taken Himawari for ice cream and then to the park just to walk by the water there. It was late, but he was able to see his mom for a moment and his dad, without them talking about anything to do with work. It was nice and even though it was a work night, he didn’t mind getting back home late. It had been a good night, Himawari was happy and he had enjoyed himself as well.
Now if only the next day wouldn’t be so bad at work, he would be in a good place.
Sarada loves her job, and lost an opportunity because the President gave it to his son, Boruto. Why did Boruto take it? Because he heard there was a feisty manager on the team. Watch them fight, argue, tease, flirt, “accidentally” fall in love, and deny it to the bitter end.
Rating: M
Pairing: BoruSara
Collaboration with @kairi-chan!
Chapter Three
previous | next
Sarada woke up with a massive headache. Blinking her eyes open, she struggled to get up and realized she was back in her room. How… did she get back in her room? Trying to recall was making her headache worse, so she stopped that immediately. A quick look at her clock told her it was time to get up and get ready for work.
Work. Fuck. Did she really have to?
She groaned but pushed herself to get in the shower, and tried her best to get her back in shape. Despite it only being Wednesday, Sarada decided to dress down a bit, but still looking professional. She opted for black pants and a white button-down shirt, and low heels today. She pulled her hair back in a ponytail and applied little makeup. Maybe today, she’ll go get coffee first before even entering the office.
As she entered Ninbucks, the baristas greeted her cheerfully and did her best to smile. She ordered a bigger cup this time and an extra shot of espresso.
“Ooh,” The barista commented. “Long day?”
Sarada chuckled. “You have no idea. I don’t even remember what happened last night.”
The barista laughed. “Then that means it was great.”
“Surely,” Sarada smirked. She would have to ask Inojin what happened. If he was already there. It was only 9:23 am. Still early.
Sarada collected her coffee and made her way into their office and to her desk. The two weren’t there yet. The previous night must have been wilder than she expected. But what caught her attention was that she already had an email sent that morning from Boruto, and the lights in his office were already on.
Did he… get there before she did? What the hell.
Taking a seat and looking at the papers on her desk, Sarada tried to ignore the emails Boruto sent in, but another came in, this time, on their office chat platform.
Shikadai: You in the office already?
Sarada lifted her brow and replied.
Sarada: Yes, I am. Why?
Shikadai: Damn, you clean up fast. You were dead before nine, you know? Lol.
Sarada: I know I got drunk, okay? Ugh. Who brought me home?
Shikadai: Boruto carried you to Chocho’s car. You guys left around ten. Too early. You can’t drink as much as you used to!
Sarada growled. She was out cold, and her boss had to carry her? This was insane.
Sarada: No, he didn’t. I wasn’t that drunk. I could walk just fine.
Shikadai then sent her a photo, it was blurry but clear enough for Sarada to see that Boruto was carrying her in the parking lot, following Chocho.
Shikadai: Inojin rode with you two. He can tell you what happened.
Sarada’s cheeks burned. Oh my fucking god. This was not happening. This. Was. Not. Happening.
Reaching for her coffee, Sarada downed half of its contents in one go and reread the messages. Nope. they were still holding the same contents.
Fuck. Fuckfuckfuck. How embarrassing! She had to apologize. This was his first week of work and he had already seen her drunk and had to carry her!
Quickly, she opened the email from Boruto. It was nothing urgent, he was just asking for a follow up on the numbers he requested the day before, with some extra instructions added. She found it weird, she never had to make a report like that before. But still… Quickly, she sent an email to Wasabi to ask for the details and then closed her laptop.
Did she have to go to his office now? She was still so embarrassed. Well… better now when the two weren’t there yet, right?
Sarada stood and then walked towards his office. She noticed someone had just scampered out of it, looking a little distressed and… scared. That was… odd. Anyway, she still knocked on his door.
“What is it?” He asked.
Sarada wanted to jump away from the door, but opened it anyway, taking a peek inside. “Good morning… it’s me.”
Boruto was sitting at his desk, glaring at his computer with half-lidded eyes and pouty lips. After a few seconds, he looked over at her and grunted, “Mornin’.”
For a moment, his grouchy greeting made her want to sass him, but seeing that he had dark circles under his eyes, she bit her lip and stopped herself. She came here to apologize, not ruin his day.
“I just wanted to… thank you for last night. And also apologize.” Her eyes looked everywhere except for his face. She noticed he had put up some new things in his office. A new map was placed on the wall behind him, a pencil holder with a peculiar, sunflower pen, and a few picture frames. One caught her eye in particular.
It was a photo of him in his graduation toga, with his arms wrapped around a girl with long black hair and blue eyes.
Did he have a girlfriend? Sarada looked at the sunflower pen, and found it was the only thing “girly” enough in his office. It was from her. It had to be.
Her hands clenched by her sides and her eyebrows twitched. Well. Isn’t that typical? He’s already taken. How this guy was taken, she wouldn’t know. Sure, he was handsome and had a really really cute smile but come on. This was his first job! What, was that girl still studying or something?
Oh my god.
What if he’s into younger girls?
Sarada quickly took a look at the frame again, the girl was more than a foot shorter than him, and not wearing a toga, too.
Fuck. Confirmed it. She was younger. Definitely younger. Oh my god.
That’s just… disgusting. Liking younger girls! Sarada gritted her teeth. But she looked to only be a few years younger… definitely in the legal range.
Why was she even getting so worked up about this? It’s not like she cared who he dated, right? Sarada huffed and crossed her arms across her chest before looking at him, her eyes were hard, and she had forgotten why she was even here in the first place.
“Can I go now?” She huffed again.
“Jeez, what’s with the sudden attitude?” Boruto grumbled, lips poking out in a more profound pout. “I thought you were sorry and thanking me and all that?”
Sarada looked at him and felt her jaw slack by the tiniest bit. The way he was pouting made him look like such a baby. He looked so… cute. Sarada felt her cheeks fill with heat and recalled what exactly her business was doing here.
“Umm yeah, I wanted to apologize for last night. I… didn’t know what was going on anymore. I totally blacked out.” Shit. Why did he have to keep looking at her like that? He was too cute, and she forgot why she was fuming in the first place.
“Don’t worry about it. It happens.” His voice was lower than usual and he was speaking so quietly as if raising his voice would be too much for him to handle. “Did you get that report for me?”
Sarada replied, “Yes. I requested the numbers but haven’t gotten them yet. Is it okay to submit it after lunch?”
“Yeah,” Boruto muttered and then sighed loudly in comparison to every word he spoke. “Whenever. I don’t care.”
Her lips pursed and she studied his face. He looked tired and drained. Did he not sleep right last night? After all of those shots, she would have thought he would sleep like a baby. Unless… “Are you… hungover?”
“I’m sorry?” Boruto looked at her, brows raised and eyes narrowed.
Whoops. Looks like she poked a nerve. “Sorry, you’re just not as… happy as usual. If you’ve got a headache, I’ve got some aspirin in my bag.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I’m happy.” He scowled.
That scowl seriously convinced her otherwise, though. “Of course,” she giggled. “My bad. I’ll go get your report ready.”
“Wait.” Boruto groaned. “The aspirin?”
Sarada looked over her shoulder with a warm smile on her face. “I’ll bring it right over.”
With that, she left his office and walked back to her desk, rummaging through her bag and pulled out two pieces of aspirin. She then went to the pantry to get a glass and filled it with water, too. Right before she brought it over, she went back to her desk to get a post-it and scribbled a note on it. She stuck it on the glass and then went to his office. Sarada placed the pills and glass down without a word and left, not wanting to be around when he read the note.
“Have some ramen for lunch, it helps. :)”
.
.
.
As soon as Sarada got to the desk, she plugged on her earphones and got to work. There were a number of promotions that were left hanging and she needed to wrap them up to get Boruto’s approval for the budget before sending it over to finance. After sending a few emails to settle things, she printed out the papers for his signature and then left them on a pile by her left.
Inojin was out on field duty today, doing a product shoot for their new ramen line, and Chocho was out meeting suppliers and agencies. She was getting texts from them, asking for quick decisions and approvals for the content they were going to sign off on. This, on top of finishing the report Boruto wanted. Even if the latter wasn’t urgent—or so he claimed—she wanted to have it done first, so she could have fewer worries as she scrolled through the proposals that Chocho and Inojin quickly sent over.
To say it was overwhelming was an understatement. She didn’t even realize she skipped lunch, as she went through the report and told Inojin to wait and talk to her the following day before approving another product shoot and the concept he wanted to go with. Chocho was fighting him for another idea, and Sarada really didn’t want to play referee right now. It was so much easier when they all reported to the director, as he had to make all the important decisions and defend it to the board if they ever made a mistake.
But now… it was all on Sarada.
The promotions with bigger reach, of course, needed the director’s approval. As well as designs for billboards and commercial times and prices. But social media content, as well as their online campaigns? Trivial things that the director shouldn’t be worrying about. Product shoots and point of sales designs? Nu uh. It was now on Sarada’s turf and being the perfectionist she was, didn’t make things easier for her to decide.
At one point, she told the two to prepare some slides to justify their own ideas and present them to her after lunch the next day. The two complained, naturally. When did they ever need to convince Sarada? Well, now they did. She was their boss and responsible for them and the brand.
She only tore her gaze away from her screen when Namida came by her desk. “Hey, Sarada,” She grinned. “Here are the numbers you wanted. Oh, and I added your Job Orders there. Apparently, they need approval from the director to proceed.”
“What?” Sarada asked, completely at a shock. “The previous one didn’t need to!”
“Yeah but…” Namida shifted her gaze away. “We found that some numbers didn’t add up last time. And well… we just want to make sure this time around instead of digging up for things.” She looked back at her with an apologetic smile. “Sorry…”
She sighed and removed her glasses. “No, no. Don’t be sorry. It’s okay. I’ll have them approved. Just… give me a sec.”
Namida held up her hands. “It’s okay, you can give them to me at four. I won’t be leaving until later. I’ll have them processed ASAP so you can get your money.”
Sarada smiled tiredly at her. “Thank you.”
“Don’t sweat it!” Namida grinned before leaving her desk.
These reimbursements were meals with suppliers, as well as some trivial approvals like gas and Uber rides. They all happened more than a month ago and she was irritated that they had only brought it up now. Well… there was no point in waiting.
She looked at the clock and realized it was already well passed two, and she hadn’t even eaten yet. “Shit.” Debating whether she should eat first or go to Boruto’s office to have a million things signed took her a good minute. But gave up and decided to have it approved and over with. Her report wasn’t even ready yet…
Oh well. He said it wasn’t urgent.
She gathered up all the papers and walked to Boruto’s office, knocking before opening the door to take a peek inside. “Sir?”
Boruto looked from his computer to her, looking a little more alert than he did earlier. “Come in.”
She walked in and held a pile of papers in her hands. “I need these for your approval.”
“Alright.” He grumbled before muttering a string of unintelligible curses.
She pretended not to hear them and handed the papers over, waiting for him to look through them for a while before asking, “would you want me to come back? One is for the billboard, the other for a commercial and the next two are campaigns for the new line.”
“Yeah, just give me an hour,” Boruto told her as he studied the papers on his desk.
“Okay…” Sarada left his office and plopped back on her desk. She looked at her inbox, and there were more emails. A quick alt-tab and her report was only halfway done.
“Later…” she muttered to herself and went through her purse to get her phone and wallet, making a quick run to Ninbucks for a sandwich. Perhaps some iced coffee, too. She deserved it. The day was going by way too fast, and she needed to get more work done.
After ordering, she took a seat and scrolled through her phone. Replying to her father, asking how her day was going and if she was still going to stay at their house for the weekend. Sarada replied quickly and asked him to ask her mom which cake she wanted for her to bring. As she got her order from the counter, she sat back down and found he already replied.
“The chocolate one with strawberries,” Sasuke replied.
Sarada giggled. “Which one? The one with white cream or black?”
She watched the three dots jump around a few times before getting a response.
“The one you always get…”
“I get mama both.”
“Just one.” He replied instantly.
“Then white or black?”
“I don’t know.”
Sarada laughed and replied that she would ask her mother instead. Sasuke thanked her and she finished up her sandwich. Checking her watch, she had only been gone for fifteen minutes. Not bad. Sarada picked up her things and sipped on her coffee, feeling so much better that she finally had something in her tummy, and the coffee was an added, yet welcome, bonus.
Their area was still empty, Chocho and Inojin probably didn’t want to go back to the office anymore. It was getting pretty late, anyway. She shrugged it off and got back to her computer, ready to face her emails again.
After a few emails sent, she went back to the report, and started fixing the numbers up, formatting and color-coding the cells and tabs, making it all the more readable. Sarada prided herself with organized and functional files, and the finance team often asked her why she didn’t opt to become an accountant instead.
Numbers were good, but she loved being in marketing more. Besides, she still got to crunch some numbers, but also got to write and be around some art-related things. It was cool. And she did it well.
Finally finishing the report, she typed up a quick email to Boruto, explaining how the file worked, what the colors meant, and which tab he can find the information he needed on.
Hi Boruto,
Attached is the monthly sales report. If you have any questions, I’m at your disposal.
Warm regards,
Sarada
Finally. She could breathe again. The big tasks she set for her day were done, and it was only three-thirty. Maybe she could go home early today, get some groceries done and curl up to watch Ninflix.
Maybe.
The idea of resting got her excited but remembered she had to text her mother about which cake she wanted her to bring for the weekend. As she was engrossed in her texting she didn’t realize someone was standing in front of her desk.
“Taking it easy?” Boruto asked and then dropped the stack of papers on her desk.
Sarada gasped, nearly jumping out of her skin and dropped her phone on her desk as the papers landed. She looked up, ready to give whoever it was a piece of her mind. Her brows furrowed more to see her boss grinning from ear to ear.
“Hardly,” she replied, barely containing the anger in her voice. She took a quick look at the papers, all signed with some post-its on it for extra instructions. “Did you see my report, too?”
“I was just finishing up when you sent it, I’m heading back to read it over now.” He sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. “While you get back to your texting.” Boruto snorted and looked annoyingly smug as he walked off, going back to his office.
Sarada glared after him and stuck out her tongue when he wasn’t looking. “I will go back to texting,” she muttered under her breath. “One that you disturbed!!!” She gritted her teeth and typed quickly, finished her text to her mother followed by, “MAMA I HATE HIIIIM” with angry and crying emojis after.
She put her phone down and took some deep breaths to calm down, and it wasn’t long until she received another text from her papa.
“Tell me to come and I will.”
Sarada giggled. Her mama was quick to forward that message. She replied she was fine and she’ll tell them all about it on Saturday instead.
She tossed her phone back in her bag and went back to her emails, cleaning them out and making sure to flag those that needed a reply the following day. Opening her drawer, she pulled out more post-it’s and started writing tasks on different colored ones and stuck them on her table, arranging them according to urgency.
It was already five-thirty, and still no email from Boruto about her report. Just a little more and she could call it a day, hoping that he wouldn’t bother sending her another task or a follow up for anything else.
After she arranged her desk and cleaned up, right before she could turn her laptop off, she got an email from Boruto. Sarada groaned and read it.
Hi Sarada,
Thanks for sending the report. The numbers are looking good, keep this up and we will hit the target in no time.
Make sure to add the projection for the campaigns next month and then align with Supply for the added stock for the next three months to support the demand.
Nice format. I like the colors. :)
Cheers,
Boruto.
Sarada smiled at seeing he added an emoji but rolled her eyes at his signature. Who uses “cheers”?
Chaotic people. That’s who.
Oh well. He seemed like the type anyway.
Sarada flagged his email and then scribbled on another post-it to write Shikadai an email, and set a meeting with him to finalize the following day.
With that, she turned her laptop off and gathered her belongings. Time to call it a day.
Sarada exited the office and headed towards the elevator, a little shocked to see that Boruto was already there, waiting, and playing with his car keys. He noticed her approach and turned to look at her, a small smile pulling at his lips.
“Finally finished?”
Sarada smiled back and nodded. “Yup. Finally!”
“Heading straight home?” He asked casually and then the elevator arrived and the doors slid open. “After you.”
Impressed with his gentlemanly tone and gesture, she entered the elevator and waited for him to enter before pushing the button for the ground floor, and Boruto pushed the button for the sixth.
“I have some grocery shopping to do, and then yes, go home.” Noticing the floor he pushed, she asked, “You drive to work?”
“I do. What about you?” He asked, blue eyes peeking at her.
Sarada couldn’t help but look at his eyes. Even in the dim elevator light, they looked so bright. “I take the train,” she replied before looking away, turning her attention to the screen, indicating what floor they were on. Anything to keep her from looking at his eyes. They were so… alluring.
“The train? That must suck.” His nose scrunched as if he couldn’t fathom the idea. “I could give you a ride if you want.”
Her dark eyes widened. Getting a ride home would be nice, but no. She didn’t want to intrude. “Oh no, it’s okay,” Sarada held her hands up. “I have to stop by the grocery, and besides, I don’t want to trouble you.”
Boruto chuckled softly and played with his keys again. “It’s no trouble, really. I don’t mind.”
She bit her lower lip. It was tempting. The train would be cramped around this time, and she didn’t really need to do the groceries… “no, really. It’s okay. You look like you need to rest a little more today, boss.” She grinned cheekily at him, hoping he wouldn’t mind being teased. At least, today, she learned he was a grumpy little baby when he was hungover.
“Fine. Your loss.” He shrugged, smirking. “Do you live nearby?”
“Yeah, I live by Eleventh Avenue, near the convenience store. You?”
“Oh, really? I live on Fifth. Not too far.” Knowing this only seemed to make him smugger.
Sarada rolled her eyes and the elevator dinged, opening up to the parking lot. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“See you then.” Boruto nodded, still smiling as he walked out.
Sarada waved at him with a small smile on her face as the elevator doors closed. The elevator felt a little lonelier now that he was gone, but Sarada brushed it off and got out as soon as she reached the ground floor.
The walk to the station was nice. The air was cool and the crowd wasn’t as bad yet. A quick stop at the grocery made her mood lift, choosing some fresh vegetables and crackers, along with a cheap bottle of wine and chips. Tonight, she would have a salad for dinner, but reward herself with wine and chips as she watched a few episodes on Ninflix before bed.
They were best friends, denying for years what they both really wanted. When a little teasing turns serious, feelings are revealed. There’s an accident, a long road of recovery and a love that only becomes stronger over time. To be together always, that’s all either of them ever wanted.
Continuation to A Walk in the Park (SasuSaku)
To Walk Alongside You (BoruSara)
Rating: M
Warning: excessive cursing and eventual smut
Genre: Romance/ Friendship
Chapter Three- Just Friends?
Previous Chapter
I closed the door to my bedroom and just stood there, palming my face in frustration before running my hands through my hair. I’d never done anything so foolish before. Honestly, it just happened. I was enjoying her company so much and teasing her had always been one of my favorite things to do… but I’d definitely gone to the deep end.
The way she felt under me… so small and soft. The way she looked at me with those wide obsidian eyes… and the way she blushed suggested she liked it just as much as I did. I loved getting a reaction out of her, but all I’d done was confuse the hell out of both of us.
She probably didn’t know what to think. I just wanted to tease her… but instead I’d crossed the line. I was coming onto her strongly. Too strongly. I shouldn’t have liked it so much. She was my best friend for fucks sake. Another mistake like that and I could ruin our relationship. I didn’t want that… Sarada… she has always been so precious to me.
Losing her wasn’t an option.
Slowly, I padded my way down my hallway and back into the living room. I couldn’t get her words out of my head. She liked my tattoo… a lot it seems. I had her in such a daze that she was spitting words she couldn’t even remember and I would never know if she really meant it… if she thought that of me… or if she just said it.
I got back to the couch and plopped down on it, laying down with a sigh. I knew she wasn’t mad at me… if anything she was disappointed with the way I acted after the fact… But, the truth is I didn’t know what to say or do and I was pissed. Pissed that she’d finally voiced some form of attraction for me and then acted as if she didn’t realize it.
I was hot and frustrated and regretting the whole incident more and more by the second. I tugged my shirt off and threw it on the floor and then sat up to remove my belt. I could sleep in my jeans well enough. My house was fairly big, but I only had one bed. All my extra rooms were bare. I’d sleep on the couch and let her have my room for the night. I owed her that much.
Laying on my side, I stared at the wall wishing I could take back what happened… even if I enjoyed it as much as I did. It was wrong… She wasn’t my girl. She was my best friend. I shouldn’t of had to keep reminding myself of this… it had been a fact for the entirety of my life.
Come morning, I was certain I’d be over it. Things would return to normal between us and I could get back to denying that I really, really wanted her. That’s how it should be. She meant enough to me that I wouldn’t dream of risking what we already had to try for more. I needed her in my life, no matter how I could have her.
But feeling this way… could I really and truly hold back?
As I laid on the couch, wallowing in my misery, Sarada finished her shower and had returned to the living room to stand before me in what seemed like no time at all. I opened my eyes to look at her, noticing the way my T-shirt was far too big for her and how baggy the pajama bottoms were. I couldn’t believe that someone could look so fucking adorable in clothes so big.
Her eyes were looking to the side, away from me and her glasses weren’t there. She was always beautiful, but when I could really see her face bare… she was even more-so. Her hair was too wet for my liking and she once again had my blanket draped around her. I reached out and grabbed the cover, snatching it off of her and taking it for myself.
“Go dry your hair more and sleep in my room.” I told her, covering up and closing my eyes.
“You should sleep in your room.” She insisted. “It’s your house. Besides, I was growing rather attached to that blanket.”
“No way in hell I’m letting you sleep on the couch. Now get to bed. If you really want the blanket, take it. I’ll be fine.”
“Tch. So stubborn.” She huffed. “Go sleep in your bed before I fling my wet hair on you.”
“Go dry your wet hair before I make you.” I demanded, opening one eye to peek at her.
She had an eyebrow raised in challenge, tilting her head towards me. “I’ll give you five seconds before I’m making it rain.”
“Sarada… don’t make me get up.”
“Five . . . . four . . . . . three-”
Unable to believe she was actually counting down, I bolted off the couch and scooped her over my shoulder faster than she could think of her next number. Slow ass woman. I rolled my eyes as she started kicking her legs and continued to carry her back to my room.
“You brute! Stop manhandling me!” She hissed, flinging her wet hair all over my back in spite.
“You’re impossibly annoying.” I groaned, finally making it to my room and then my bathroom. I grabbed the towel she’d just used and then set her to her feet and dumped it on her head. “Dry your fucking hair.”
She took it off her head and rolled up the towel, preparing to hit me with it. “Now I’m gonna have to hurt you.” She threatened.
I rolled my eyes and snatched the towel right out of her hands so quickly that all she could do was gawk at me. I unrolled the towel and reached towards her, drying her hair myself since she had to be such a pain in my ass. She certainly got that from her dad.
“You jerk.” She grumbled. “Taking advantage of my blind state. Next time you won’t win so easily.”
“Blind or not… you’re too slow.” I smiled then, finishing with her hair. It was still damp but much less wet so I was pleased enough. “Now get into bed and don’t make me have to carry you again.”
She puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms, reminding me of how she was when we were little. “No.”
“So you do want me to carry you?” I asked, not minding it in the least.
“I want you to sleep in your bed.” She said. “I’m not some delicate flower, I can sleep on the stupid couch.”
“So you’re saying you want to sleep with me? Because you’re not sleeping on the fucking couch. Do you not understand me?”
“Why are you so difficult?” She said, glaring at me.
“The only one being difficult here is you. When a man offers you his bed, you take it. No… When I offer you my bed you take it, if another man does it, call me.”
She fought back a smile at that. “I can handle myself just fine, thanks.”
I shook my head, my frustration with her growing. “I’ve felt your punch… you can not handle yourself against a grown man so stop trying to act like a badass.”
“I am a bada-” She started but didn’t finish the word. “I’m bad.”
My annoyance flew out the window and I burst into laughter. “Yeah you’re bad alright… Now please, go to bed.”
She sighed and smiled at me tiredly. “Are you sure you’re okay on the couch? Last chance.”
“I’m more than sure, okay… now get to bed. I’ll be just fine.”
“Alright, I guess I can let you win this once.” She said and got under the blanket. “Just don’t forget who's the boss here.”
“You must be drunk.” I scoffed, but couldn’t contain my grin. “Goodnight, Sarada.” I said, walking to the door.
“Goodnight, underling.” She giggled.
That woman… I don’t think I’d ever know what to do with her. Nobody was as impossible as she was. Nobody.
Once I got back to the couch, I laid down and covered myself up with the blanket again. I closed my eyes, smelling her on the blanket as I drifted off to sleep. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d stayed up so late. It was a good thing Sarada didn’t have work in the morning. I would definitely need to get to the shop… but I supposed going a little later for one day wouldn’t hurt me.
...
The scent of bacon frying was what woke me. I was still tired as I peeled my eyes open and sat up, stretching and yawning. Bacon… what the hell. That’s when it hit me. Sarada came to my home. She stayed the night. She was fucking cooking in my kitchen. I was wide awake and on my feet at the realization and in a matter of seconds, I was standing in the kitchen watching her as she stood at the stove with messy hair and my too big T-shirt and pajama bottoms.
This was something I could picture myself looking forward to… in another life maybe. The friend zone was one fucked up place to be… but I couldn’t say I wasn’t happy just being there. I sighed at my wayward thoughts and walked to the counter, taking a seat on one of the stools. I propped my elbow on the bar and rested my face in my hand as I watched her. She still didn’t know I had walked in.
She was actually humming to herself, and always had been a morning person. “Don’t you . . . .forget about me . . . Don’t, don’t, don’t babe. . .”
My brows rose at hearing her sing. There wasn’t enough morning goodness in the world for me to try that. Her voice was nice though, even if the song she was singing was annoying as hell. I found myself smiling softly as I continued to watch her lazily, ready to eat breakfast with her.
My house had never felt so lively.
Her voice suddenly got louder as she danced in place, swinging her hips “I say nah, nah nah nah nahhh, nah nah nah nahhh, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nahhhhh!”
“Ahem.” I faked a cough, wanting her to know she did have an audience just in case she wanted to keep it to herself… or would prefer me to leave.
“Kyaaa!” She squealed and whipped around, her glasses almost falling off. “What the heck, Boruto?! You scared the crap out of me!”
“I maintained a distance.” I shrugged, feeling as if I did the right thing. “You’re so lively this morning… or are you like that every morning? I’ve never heard you sing like that.”
“Ahh, well . . .” She said, pushing up her glasses. “I sing sometimes, when I have a song stuck in my head. The dancing, however, pretend you never saw that.”
“Sarada… I used to go to your dance recitals… I’ve seen you dance many times. I actually quite like it, and the singing so you can continue.”
She grinned. “No, I’m out of practice, I haven’t danced in a while.” She said. “But I might be willing to give an encore since you lost this morning.”
“Could’ve fooled me… and lost what?”
Her grin turned into a smirk. “It took you long enough to wake up slowpoke.”
“What the hell, that’s not losing. Getting more sleep is winning so you lost again.” I laughed. This woman knew nothing.
“Nope, a lose is a lose.” She said and turned back around and returned to singing. “Don’t you forget about me because I beat you in your sleep.”
I got up with a drawn out exhale. “I’m going to leave you to it and have a shower now.”
“Alright, breakfast should be ready by the time you get out.” She said, flipping the bacon.
I nodded on my way out, not really knowing what to think about Sarada singing, dancing and cooking in my kitchen. It was probably the first and last time… but still, it was happening.
I took a quick shower, not wanting to waste any time. I went through my closet to find a pair of jeans and then got a T-shirt out of my dresser. Once I was dressed I went back to the kitchen. It was quiet now, no singing going on. I found Sarada sitting at the bar, two plates fixed. She was waiting for me.
Walking around to join her, I sat happily and gave her a smile. “Thanks for cooking. That bacon probably would have gone bad if you hadn’t.”
“You’re welcome, Mom always taught me not to waste food.” She smiled back. “And I made a bit more in case you’re really hungry.”
“I am, so thanks.” I told her before starting to eat. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had breakfast and honestly, I’d forgotten how good it was. I finished my entire plate before she ate a third of hers. “That was delicious.” I admitted happily before getting to my feet and only then did I drain my glass of water.
“Did you get enough? I don’t mind making more.” She offered.
“Oh, I’m stuffed.” I promised. “You just finish yours so we can get going. I need to get to the shop as soon as I can… and hopefully I won’t have to see your dad today.”
Sarada laughed at that. “Don’t worry, Mom has him MIA, she called me earlier.”
“And that’s why I love her.” I grinned.
“Me too.” She agreed, trying to finish the rest of her food. “I hope you know I’m wearing these home. Unless you’d rather have me steal a different shirt.”
“You can keep those.” I said, smiling at the fact that she wanted to steal them at all. “I don’t mind.”
“Good answer.” She teased. “I’ll be ready as soon as I fix my hair.”
I nodded. “You don’t have to rush. Eat your food at your own pace. We’ll go when you’re ready.”
“Who are you and what have you done with Boruto Uzumaki?” She asked. “My hot shot not in a rush, must be my lucky day.”
“I’ll leave the fast paced times to when I’m behind the wheel. For now, I’m in no rush.”
Once Sarada finished her food and fixed her hair we went and got in my car. She looked ridiculously cute in my too big clothes as she sat in my passenger seat and I started the car. The ride to the park would be too short… And I would hate to see her go.
Even if I would see her again in just a bit.
“So are we going to the park later… Or are you going to show up at the shop and nag me?” I asked as I pulled up to park next to her car.
“The shop.” She answered. “I’ll probably give Junior a ride if he isn’t there already.”
“Alright. Bring me lunch then. I'll be starving by the time your slow ass gets there.” I grinned darkly at her.
She tugged a blonde strand. “Whatever, hot shot. I’m tempted to drive slow on purpose.” She warned, looking smug.
“It wouldn't surprise me at all.” I snickered. “See you then.”
“Alright, bye.” She smiled and got out of the car, waving as she left.
I watched her get in her sports car and fire up the engine. She smirked at me before backing out and I just shook my head before leaving the park myself. I would never know what to do with that woman.
When I made it to the shop I thanked the heavens that nobody else was there. Unfortunately for me before I even made it inside I heard the loud rumble of Sarada’s dad’s car. I cursed, heart skipping a beat as I feared him kicking my ass for her staying at my place last night.
Why me… I didn't dare turn around as he pulled up. I walked on inside, hoping that somehow he would just decide to leave.
I walked in to check on some parts that I'd ordered. They were all there. I was glad. It was a nice day and most of them were simple to change out so I was going to do what work I could outside of the garage.
My breath hitched as I heard the door open behind me and I made myself turn around, cringing at the sight of mister high and mighty.
“Morning.” I greeted a bit bitterly.
He rolled up his sleeves and grunted. “Hn.”
Damn… He's definitely here to kick my ass. “Come to help me change out these parts?” I asked nervously.
“I came to show you how it’s done.” He stated. “Though I will admit, it isn’t as bad as I suspected it would be. Your father has done way worse.”
“You already inspected it? And you both need to chill the fuck out. I didn't wreck it.”
He raised an unimpressed eyebrow at me. “I need to what?” He asked, daring me to say it again. “You can damage a car severely without wrecking it. Be more careful.”
I rolled my eyes then. “Cut me some slack. It was my valve covers. I'm just tuning up today. That's it.”
“Really?” He mused. “So you didn’t leave it running in the shop?”
“W-what… n-no… I'd never do that.”
He smirked. “Of course not.” He came closer and the smirk faded. However, the look in his eyes softened. “You’re a smart kid, Boruto and you have good instincts. Yet your cockyness and pride could cost you one day, I should know. Listen to what Naruto and I tell you and learn from our mistakes.” He said and then sighed. “I swear you and Junior are going to give me gray hairs.”
I sighed then. “I'm sorry, ya know… I try my best. Junior though… I have nothing to do with that.”
Sarada’s dad shook his head, smiling. “Yes, he most certainly doesn’t look up to you like an elder brother. I suppose I should be grateful you aren’t like Itachi. Now that would be a nightmare.”
“Who says he doesn't look up to me like an older brother… sorry to disappoint you old man… But the kid idolizes me.” I smirked as I started grabbing as many parts as I could carry. “I don't think that’s a bad thing… Even though you might. And you know your brother is the shit.”
“Tch.” He huffed as he joined me. “I never should’ve agreed to let him babysit.”
“I haven’t seen him in a while. Guess he gave up on us since we got old and he had his own kids.”
“He’ll be around.” He smiled. “He always is, even when you preferred he wasn’t.”
“Just like you.” I muttered under my breath.
He smirked again but didn’t spare me a glance. “And I always will be you damn brat.”
“Don't I know it.” Fucking old man sure hadn't lost his hearing.
We carried everything outside and got to work. As much as I complained about it, I'd always loved having Sarada's dad's help. He was brilliant and skilled beyond my imagination. He had taught me everything I knew about mechanics. My dad was a racer… But he couldn't work on his own car for shit.
Between the two of us, it didn’t take too long to finish changing the parts. My car was finally back to the state it used to be, maybe a little better, not that I would admit it. Sarada and Junior came in just and we were wiping our hands, the smell of food calling me.
“Hey, Dad.” Junior smiled and then smirked at me. “Sup, Boruto. You gonna help me with my car next?”
“You totaled your car dumbass. Best thing you can do is get another one… or talk your dad into giving up his. You know his car is badass.”
Junior looked to his dad hopefully. “Well, that isn’t a bad suggestion.” He said, not asking him directly.
“And have you wreck that too? I don’t think so.” His dad said, tone firm. “You’re even more reckless than Boruto.”
“You could give it to me.” Sarada chimed in. “I’m a safe driver.”
“Your slow ass don't deserve such a ride.” The damn woman must have lost her mind. No way her dad would give her his prized mustang.
“Out of the three of you, you are the best candidate, Sarada.” He said and she smirked at me.
Junior groaned. “What the hell, Dad, you can’t be serious.”
“Only time will tell.” He mused and checked the time. “I have to go now, you kids behave yourselves.”
“Maybe we will… Maybe we'll steal your car without you knowing and take it for a ride… Who knows with us convicts.” I teased. It would be a fucking dream to drive that car.
Sarada’s dad chuckled darkly. “I’d like to see you try, brat.” He said and then left, giving a small wave over his shoulder.
“Your fucking dad… he thinks he's such hot shit but he is waaaaay past his prime. Bastard.”
Junior tossed his head back and laughed. “Oh I’d pay to see you take him on. It’d be funny as hell to watch him kick your ass.”
“I'm not my dad. He may have been hot shit back in the day but these days are mine. He knows it. You know it… And you-” I turned to Sarada, leaning towards her suggestively. “You damn sure know it.”
She blushed furiously and shoved my shoulder, speechless. No doubt she was thinking about last night.
Junior shook his head. “Yeah, I don’t wanna know what that’s about. If you ever decide to back it up, let me know so I can record you getting your ass beat.”
“That would never happen. I bet your dad would be too scared to race me anyway.” I laughed. “Let's eat. You guys took forever. I'm starving.”
“She was driving.” Junior told me and his sister smacked his arm.
“We did not take forever.” Sarada insisted as we all sat down and she passed us our food.
“Yes you did. But I expected it. I worked too hard today.” I sighed. It was true, but the harder I worked, the happier I was.
Sarada tilted her head at this. “Really? Were you able to finish?”
“Yep. We got it all done!” I grinned.
She grinned back and unwrapped her burger. “Good.”
“Hey, Boruto, do you think you could help me decide what car to get?” Junior asked. “Since mine’s beyond repair, I’m not sure if I want the same model. It couldn’t take the hit.”
“Hmm… if I were you I would go with a mustang like your dad's. They're built for dumbasses like you.”
Junior smiled despite the teasing. “Takes one to know one, asshole.”
“Hey… you guys wanna stay at my place tonight?” I asked, wanting the company. And if Junior was around… I would have to behave. At least for the most part.
“Hell yeah.” Junior said before taking a bite.
Sarada nodded her head. “Sure thing, but we’ll have to go back home and get some clothes.”
“Or . . .” Junior started, swallowing. “You could get the clothes and I can ride with Boruto to his house.”
“Yeah! Me and Junior will go grab some pizza and shit.”
She gave us an even look. “I don’t like the idea of you two getting into trouble, but I guess I could go home by myself.” She said. “Just please don’t go racing all over town, we don’t need the police complaining again.”
“The police don't even roll their eyes anymore when I pass by. They fucking love me.” I laughed as I finished up my burger. “Let's get going Junior… or… Sarada you better get a head start.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’ll see who gets there first.”
“Oh, Sis.” Junior said, clutching his heart with eyes full of pity.
I laughed loudly at her but said nothing as I jogged to my car. “Hurry Junior. We'll have to speed like hell to beat Sarada.”
“Oh, shit! Let’s go then!” He yelled as he quickly followed me.
We got in my car and I revved the engine to life, letting it roar before taking off so fast I knew for sure Sarada would give me hell later.
“So, Saturday. How are you feeling?” Junior asked. “Ready to give them hell?”
“Oh hell yeah.” I grinned. “Mitsuki is in the race too. He's pretty good so I think I'll be entertained.”
Junior huffed. “Hn . . . you have a point, but there's something off about that guy. I can’t stand him.”
“He's weird but cool. I like him since he likes me so much even though we always race against each other.” I sped along, cruising through the streets wide open.
“Sill don’t like the guy.” Junior said stubbornly. “But I’ll play nice.”
I laughed. “Think we can ride by the lake then get the pizza and get home before Sarada?”
“For sure.” He smirked, eyes lighting up in amusement. “Might even have time to get some dessert.”
“That's the damn truth.” We laughed together as I turned off to get on the highway and really air out the car.
Every now and then me and Junior would take a ride to the lake. But it had been a while since we had time so today, I was making time.
It was only a twenty minute ride and for me only ten, so we made it there and got out to skip some rocks across the water like we always did. I called and ordered the pizza while we were there, getting a bundle deal with some sodas and brownies too.
When we were kids Junior seemed so young and I didn't bother with him often… But as we got older, he never seemed too far behind me and he’d become one of my closest friends… But nobody was closer to me than Sarada.
“Race you to the car.” I said as I hung up my phone and slipped it in my pocket.
“Oh, you’re on.” He ginned. “Get ready to--wait, what the hell is that?” He asked, looking behind me.
I turned around curiously and he ducked out, taking off at a frightening speed.
“Fucking bastard!” I charged after him, but he still beat me. “Damn it… you never been slow like your sister.”
“With someone like you to keep up with? Never.” He said cockily. “Better watch your back, I’ll beat you on the streets one of these days.”
We got in the car and the atmosphere turned a bit cooler. “Do you think… your dad is going to let you start racing when you turn eighteen?... I mean… After what happened… It's been on my mind.”
Junior started playing with the hem of his shirt. “I don’t know.” He said honestly. “He was pissed. Mom too.”
“I know… And it scares me because you love the lifestyle so much. You've been at the shop everyday for your whole life and that shit had to happen right when you were so close to being able to race for real. If they take it away from you… I just don't know.”
He smiled sadly and pushed my arm with his. “Don’t go crazy on me.” He teased, trying to lighten the mood. “If I want to get out there though, I’ll have to prove to Dad that I can race and be safe but . . . .” His face dropped and he looked vulnerable, something he only did with those he saw as family. “I’m not gonna lie . . . . I’m scared I won’t be behind a wheel again.” He whispered and in moments like these it reminded me how young he was.
I hit the brakes so hard we both got whiplash and in a matter of seconds I’d pulled over on the side of the highway.
“Get out.” I ordered just before swinging my own door open and getting out myself.
Junior did as I said, wide eyed and confused. “W-what the hell, Boruto?”
“You're driving.” I said pointedly, refusing to take any arguments.
“No way.” He said in disbelief. “You’re serious?”
“As a heart attack.” I promised as I got in the passenger seat and waited for him to get in.
He dashed over the driver’s side and got in, smiling wide as he looked at me. “I can’t believe this.”
“Don't be a slow ass either. We can't let your sister beat us. Onward to the pizza place!”
He laughed and floored the gas pedal. “Hold on!”
“That’s what the hell I'm talking about! Whew!”
With the windows down and him speeding through traffic, we were both having the time of our lives. We made it to the pizza place just as the pizza came out and we were home for a whole ten minutes before Sarada walked in.
“Tch, how did you two get here already?” She scoffed, carrying two bags.
“We only went around the whole damn state before coming here. Proves how slow you are.”
Junior tilted his head. “Did we only go around once? I’m pretty sure it was twice.” He mused.
“Oh, shut it you two!” She hissed as she placed the bags down. “I was helping Mom with some things before I left.”
“Sure you were.” I grinned as I carried the pizza boxes into the living room and sat them on the coffee table. “Junior pick out a movie. Your sister's taste is shit.”
“It is not.” She said. “Boruto was just a scaredy cat-- couldn’t handle it.”
Junior raised an eyebrow at me.
“What… I don't like those stupid ass movies.” I shrugged and went back to the kitchen for a beer.
I came back, popping the top as I sat on the couch and opened the box of pizza to grab a slice. Junior was still skimming through the movies as Sarada sat next to me and Junior finally picked a movie.
When Sarada sat stock still I bumped my shoulder against hers. “You better eat before me and Junior take it all.”
“Bottomless pits.” She teased, smiling.
Junior took one of the beanbags and grabbed a slice of pizza, spotting my beer. “Can I have one of those?” Sarada clicked her tongue, but he ignored her.
“Boy you better sit your young ass down.” I scoffed, giving him the eye that said he knew better than to ask me something like that around Sarada. “Fuck I look like.” I grumbled before chugging my beer.
He read the look loud and clear, playing along with a scowl. “Tch. I’m not that young, you don’t have to reject me every time I ask.”
“Of course he does, don’t make him get in trouble just because you want to be rebellious.” Sarada scolded and then turned to me. “Thank you, Boruto. At least I know one of you can be responsible when I’m not around.”
Her words felt like a knife to my heart because I was guilty of letting the bastard have a drink every now and then when it was just the two of us.
“Don’t act like you’re the perfect child, Sis. We both know you got that belly button piercing when you were sixteen.” Junior smirked.
“You did… What?” I croaked. I'd never seen such a thing… But then I'd never seen her bare belly either. “You have one of those, Sarada?”
She blushed and glared down at her brother. “I do.”
I killed my beer and turned to her with cold eyes. “Show me.”
She stiffened beside me and Junior paused the trailers. “I’m gonna go to the bathroom real quick.” He said and left.
“And why would I do that?” She asked, not meeting my gaze.
“I showed you my tattoo.” I huffed, meaning I would see what she was hiding one way or another.
“Hmmm, no. That was your ‘wound’ remember?” She reminded, slightly smiling.
Damn woman… she was slow as fuck but not forgetful in the least. “But then you seen my tattoo. So fucking show me.”
She pushed up her glasses and finally looked at me. “Not happening, hot shot.” She grinned.
We would see about that. I finished my pizza and got up to trash my empty can and get another. I scowled at the refrigerator for a moment as I thought about Sarada and her fucking attitude. One of these days I would set her straight.
On my way back to the living room Junior came around the wall, nearly running into me. “The hell?” I shrieked quietly.
He chucked before giving me a suggestive look. “I’ll turn in early tonight, so please keep it in your pants until then. I really don’t want to see that.”
I popped him in the back of the head. “Don't think about your sister that way. Think she would let my dick come out my pants… Bitch please.”
I wish.
“Ow.” He hissed quietly. “Don’t take your sexual frustration out on me. I don’t want to see her like that, that’s why I’m saying this shit. If you can’t see the way she looks at you, then you really are a dumbass.”
“She's my best friend. You're an idiot. And I don't have sexual frustration. I could have any girl I want.”
He rolled his eyes. “Whatever, Boruto. When you decide to stop living in the land of denial, come talk to me. I’ve got your back.”
“Are you playing the movie or what?” I snapped, ready to end this conversation.
“Hn.” He grunted, leading the way back to the living room.
I sat back next to Sarada and grabbed another slice of pizza. She was eating a slice, her second one and staring ahead at the TV while junior finally played the movie.
“Oh a comedy… Good.” I mumbled with my mouth full.
We settled in and watched the movie, laughing our asses off half the time. We ate as much as we could and I downed a total of six beers. Before the movie came to an end, Junior got up with a yawn.
“I’m out, see you two in the morning.” He said and gave me a pointed look.
“Hey, you pulling out the air mattress or what?” I asked knowing damn well he wasn't getting in my bed.
“I’m the guest Boruto, of course I’m taking the bedroom.” He said as if I asked a stupid question. “You can sleep with me, Sis. Or not.” He added, giving me another look before leaving.
I couldn't believe his ass. I wanted him to come just to keep me in check and he was throwing my ass to the wolves. As soon as he was gone I forgot about the movie and turned to Sarada.
“Pull up your shirt.”
“Huh?” She breathed, completely off guard.
“You heard me. Strip it.” I ordered.
Sarada picked up the blanket over the couch and wrapped it around herself. “It isn’t a big deal, I don’t know why you’re so determined to see my piercing.”
“Because… I've never seen one.” I lied lamely.
She gave me a small smile. “Really now.”
“Yeah… So show me.” I said before asking, “Please.”
“Aw, poor thing.” She cooed and slowly moved the blanket. “I’m only going to show you once.” She warned as her hands took hold of the hem of her shirt.
I held my breath as she pulled it over her belly button, a dark purple butterfly piercing shining in the light.
I breathed in slowly, my eyes taking in the gem and her soft creamy skin. “That's sexy as fuck.” I said loud and clear before meeting her widening eyes. “Yeah… you heard me. I said that it's sexy. As. Fuck.”
She blushed hard and put her shirt back down, dropping her gaze to my chest. “So, uh, so is your tattoo.” She said quietly.
It was my eyes that widened then. “So now you can say it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked, confused.
“You said it before…” I trailed off.
Her face drew up in thought for a moment before she gasped. “You mean I said that out loud?!” She squeaked, despite saying it just now.
“Yeah you did… And then pretended like you didn't.”
“Is that . . . is that why you were upset?” She asked.
I turned away from her then. “No.” I lied.
“Well . . . regardless . . . I’m admitting it now.” She whispered.
I don't think she’d ever had me speechless before… But it took me a moment to reply. “But why… Why admit it now?”
“You admitted it first, so I wanted to too.”’ She defended. “Shouldn’t I have?”
“Actually… you admitted it first… then denied it.”
Sarada puffed out her cheeks. “I mean to say it out loud.”
“What the hell… you said it out loud the first time too.”
“I didn’t mean to!”
I clicked my tongue at that. “I already know that… but that’s not the point. You said it either way. Then you had to act like a scared ass and be all ‘say what?’.”
“Tch!” She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
A smirk found its way to my lips. “We should compare our sexy bodies.” I suggested, wiggling my brows at her.
She raised a brow at that. “Are you trying to say you’re better looking than I am?”
“Hmm.” I took a moment to pretend like I was actually thinking about it. “It’s hard to say… I only seen a small part or yours, whereas you seen me half naked.”
“Boruto Uzumaki, you better not be suggesting what I think you are.” She said, smirking back. “Does your teasing know no bounds?”
“Who said I was teasing? And I can’t help that you’re such a scared ass. I’d show you all of me in a heartbeat… every last inch.”
Her smirk faltered. “You would not.”
“You really think that?” I cocked a brow, hoping she’d try me.
“I do.” She said confidently, though her cheeks were still red.
“Okay then.” I laughed as I tugged off my shirt and then stood, my hands going to unbuckle my belt without hesitation.
Her eyes widened. “Wait!” She said, taking hold of my hands. “I’m definitely not ready for that.”
“You sure about that?” I asked, looking down at her hands that were on mine as I held my belt. “Looks to me like you want to do it yourself.”
“You are teasing me.” She pouted and then got a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Two can play at this game.” She said and pushed my hands out of the way, unbuckling my belt.
“If you think I’m gonna stop you, you’re sadly mistaken.” I murmured, wishing like hell she’d follow through.
“Really?” She asked and threw my belt to the floor, her hands now moving to the button of my jeans.
“Damn right. Take them off. Faster.”
She bit her lip and unbuttoned them, not hesitating to pull down the zipper. “Do your boxers still have little race cars on them like when we were younger?”
I smirked at that. “Take off my pants and see for yourself.”
Sarada got off the couch and stepped closer. She slowly pulled my jeans past my hips and let them fall the rest of the way, her darks eyes never leaving mine, sparking with mischief.
“Now this is a whole other level of sexy.” I grinned darkly at her, my eyes narrowing on her.
Her blushed deepened and she finally looked down, taking in my glory. “Right, No race cars.” She squeaked.
“Nope. Alright now, you gotta strip off some too. Then you can see the rest.” I chuckled.
She scowled to cover up her embarrassment and shoved my chest, pushing me back onto the couch. “I would say keep your pants on, but well . . . ” She sassed, hands on her hips. “You really wanna keep challenging me, Boruto?”
“No, I want to check you out… I mean look at me. Don’t you like what you see… I want to have the same pleasure.”
“I’m not feeding your ego.” She said and took off her glasses. “Hold these.”
I took her glasses and tossed them on the beanbag behind me before leaning down so my lips were close to her ear. “Come on now… Don’t make me have to strip you myself. Though, I can’t say I’d mind.”
“You strip me and I’ll punch you again.” She threatened and let her hands travel to the hem of her shirt. “Don’t make fun of me either.”
“Make fun of you?” I sputtered. “I promise that is the last thing you have to worry about.”
She nodded and lifted the shirt over her head, revealing her upper body and black bra. My eyes raked over her greedily. She was shaped so perfectly, beautiful curves. I wanted to touch her soft skin, kiss it even. That butterfly caught my eyes again and I stared at it for a moment before looking lower.
“The pants too.” I croaked out, my voice having deepened just at the sight of her.
I didn’t know what the hell we were doing… but I sure as hell didn’t want it to end.
“I’m getting there.” She breathed, all the blood in her body having gone to her face considering how long she’s been blushing.
She unbuttoned her pants and pulled down the zipper, eyes down cast. Then she shimmied out of them and they dropped to the floor. My eyes locked on her black panties and I suddenly couldn’t find my breath. Sarada was really standing before me in nothing but her underwear and she looked too fucking good. Her body was perfect and so was she. I enjoyed gazing at her for much longer than I should have, but not as long as I would have liked.
“Black huh?” I mused, my blue eyes heated as they continued to take her in. “You just keep getting sexier.”
“So I am the better looking one?” She mused, most likely to distract herself.
I nodded slowly, still shamelessly checking her out. “Damn right you are. I never stood a chance.”
She smiled at that. “Do you ever?”
“Guess not… I mean here I am practically naked and you’re not even checking me out.” I sighed.
“Maybe if you gave me back my glasses, I would.” She said, holding out her hand.
“Damn… no wonder I lost, you can’t even see what’s right before you.” I turned quickly to grab her glasses and carefully placed them on her face. “How about now?” I grinned.
Her eyes slowly trailed down before coming back up, just as slowly. “It’s-” She broke off in a high pitched voice and cleared her throat. “It’s alright.”
I laughed and bent down to grab my T-shirt and tossed it onto her head. “Put this on and let’s watch another movie before Junior catches us being a couple of idiots.”
“You’re the idiot.” She giggled, but did as she was told.
We sat on the couch together, watching a second movie that was a slow burn romance from hell. The last thing I needed to see-- with Sarada resting against me in nothing but her underwear and my too big T-shirt and me in my briefs. I was laying back on the couch lazily, my arm behind her which is how I always sat when we were this close. Strangely enough, being with her like this didn’t feel awkward or too intimate. It felt normal. This is how we were… and I was perfectly content with us being just like this.
