Once Upon a Time - Borusara

Chapter 13: Rapunzel Part 4

Boruto somehow managed to get a fire started. The only thing he could think about as he gathered wood was three words. She hugged me. 

She hugged me. She hugged me. She hugged me. She hugged me. She hugged me. What does that mean? Does it mean she likes me? Was I really that warm? Why did she hug me? Her heart was beating so fast. SHE HUGGED ME. 

His brain wouldn't shut up. He sat, the flames dancing atop the logs, warming his bare chest as he zoned off, not even paying attention.

"Boruto?"

"..."

"Boruto..."

"..."

"Earth to Boruto?"

When he still didn't react to his name, Shikadai nonchalantly stuck his tongue in Boruto's ear.

He jumped off the log he was sitting on and rubbed the side of his head against his shoulder. "Ew! What the- Why'd you do that?"

With a growling noise, Shikadai pointed his tail in Sarada's direction. 

"Huh?"

"Jeez..." Her cheeks puffed up into a pout. "I've called you three times now. What's wrong?"

He looked off to the side, blush blooming onto his face. He suddenly wished he had the comfort of his wet t-shirt to cover his skin. "...Nothing."

Her pupils were only visible through unamused slits. But to Boruto's relief, they returned to the fire. "So, what are we going to do now? Should we go back to the tower?"

"I... don't think that's a good idea... All those weird guys are targeting Orochimaru."

"Then should we try going into town to gather information? Maybe if I hide my face, they won't recognize me."

"...That sounds like the next best option..." 

"That being said, how should I disguise myself?" Sarada asked. "It's not like we have any spare clothes."

We could switch... But I doubt I would fit into hers... 

"Boruto?"

"I'm thinking, sorry. I can't use transformation jutsu on you... But if you do get discovered, we can hide and I can send them chasing after one of my clones. That worked before." 

"...Alright. For now... we should get some rest," said Sarada, laying down on her side next to the fire.

"Wait, your clothes are still soaked..." He took his mostly dry jacket off of the rock and threw it at her feet. "Take off your vest and change into that... I'll look the other way."

He caught her blushing at him as slid his arms through his own damp t-shirt. 

Dang, he thought, his face heating up. I wonder if she really does like me back... 

"Thanks..."

"Yeah, sure."

"You better not look..."

He turned around and jumped into the trees. "I won't. I gotta use the bathroom anyways." 

By the time he returned, Sarada was already curled up by the fire in his jacket. The first thing that came through his mind was how big it was on her. The second was how soft her hair looked. The third was something completely different. And that was when he figured he should just lay down and try to sleep...

Or at least, that's what he should have done. But his legs didn't listen to him. Instead, he walked around behind her. His upper body tilted as he leaned and eased himself onto the ground at her side, eyes wandering the her short black hair that was only a small distance away from his face.