It's Not Really A Date, but is sort of kinda (Boruto x Sarada)

Part 1

He lay on his bed staring at the ceiling of his bedroom illuminated by full moonlight. Sleep far from his mind that night.

Boruto Uzumaki had gotten into a scuffle with Kawaki earlier that day over their opposing viewpoints on the recent conflict between the militia forces of Kirigakure [The Village Hidden in the Mist] and the Funato Clan. Or perhaps opposing views on war in general?

Man, did that guy know how to rub him the wrong way? Despite Boruto's best efforts to find common ground with him as a provisional member of Team 7, and as his effective foster brother in the Uzumaki household due to his deep connection with its patriarch, as well as the Hokage and Boruto's father, Naruto. As much as he tried, maybe he and Kawaki were just too alike in both personality and tempermant. Or perhaps too UNalike in regards to what he now knew about the Older Teen's 'upbringing' under Jigen.

And yet funny enough, hadn't Boruto himself been thinking very much along Kawaki's wavelength in regards to the war and the lust for revenge little more than a week ago? After losing Kagura...

.......

As much as he still hated the injustice of his friend's death, he had learned a few things about war (and about himself) during that terrible conflict. Ikada may have been started down that dark path of vengeance by his father and siblings, but it was Boruto who pushed that final push while dealing with his own vendetta for Kagura's death that drove his newest friend over the edge, turning him into his most bitter enemy. Both sides locked in a grim cycle of revenge, pain and suffering that would never end, except when Ikada himself had a change of heart again to extend a hand and rescue his friend.

Boruto knew Kagura wouldn't want any of his friends to cling to hatred all their lives. He would want the people he left behind to continue to live in peace. To find hope and joy in life again in the aftermath of conflict. And maybe even....

.... Love....

.......

In those unforgiving waters he willfully threw himself into in a bid to put an end to the conflict and to that end, saving Ikada's heart, Boruto had never been so afraid of death. Not as much death itself as a Shinobi's constant companion (or no more than anyone else), so much as everything he'd be leaving behind. Everything he'd be leaving undone. And everyone who would have to live on without him.

And never had he loved life so much when Ikada against all odds dove back in for him. When all at once he remembered what was precious to him, and re-evaluated what was REALLY precious to him. Especially in the moment of that hug.

Maybe it was that moment that enslaved his mind and denied him sleep that night, or perhaps one of many? She with whom he had shared so much over the years growing up together, and now couldn't imagine life without her.

'Do I..... Like....... Sarada???'

Sarada Uchiha. Daughter and sole child of Konohagakure's [The Village Hidden in the Leaves] renowned Chief of the Field of Medical Ninjutsu Sakura Harano-Uchiha, and of Boruto's own Sensei and Shadow Defender of the Leaf Sasuke Uchiha. The girl who was his Teammate, even his Team Captain. And his friend, even if their childhood friendship had drifted apart until little more than a year ago. The girl who idolised the 7th Hokage and dreamed of following his example in one day serving the Village as its next Hokage. And who Boruto himself had promised to support towards her ultimate goal.

Boruto had always known Sarada was more than capable in pursuit of any goal she set her mind too. Smart, strong, compassionate, brave, charismatic, and a natural-born leader who kept a clear head under pressure and instilled confidence in all around her, even if her composure might have wavered a few times once witnessing the loss of those she loved. A young woman whose dedication to her mission and defending those in need was matched only by her devotion to her village, and to her friends. But only in that moment of her welcoming him back from a watery grave with a loving embrace.. did he realise, or perhaps finally have the guts to be honest with himself about, just how beautiful she really is.

Was it appropriate of him to now be thinking this way towards her? Or was he just being selfish, jeopardising his role in her pursuit of her dream? Jeopardising the effectiveness of their team, and their friendship, just for what could be nothing more than a fleeting crush? Was he being crazy, entertaining the idea that maybe.... she might feel the same way??

What could he really offer her in the scheme of things other than being the guy that wrecked the previous Chunin Exams by cheating with Scientific Ninja Tools? The guy who in the aftermath of that failed exam facilitated the arrival of and only narrowly managed to defeat the Otsutsuki who had manipulated events in the Village up to that day? The guy who only narrowly managed to prevent massive collateral damage of that battle, and ultimately failed to truly defeat his enemy, whose remnant remains within him even now!? The guy who, even now, could still become a living weapon. An ever looming threat against the Leaf and all the people in it. Against her.

Boruto unconsciously raised his right hand gazing at the Karma embedded in his palm. The outward manifestation of Momoshiki's DNA intermingled with his own, eagerly awaiting the day of its Extraction. The day when it takes over his body and he becomes no longer HE, but the newest reincarnation of Momoshiki Otsutsuki.

A day he would spend every day of his life fighting against to prevent its coming.

You're over-thinking things Boruto Uzumaki. If you want her, just take her.

'Firstly, Shut Up!!! Second, you don't get to decide things for me. And third, she is NOT a thing to take. She's a person with her own wants and her own dreams which neither I nor You will take from her.'

While the medication provided him by Amado had succeeded in keeping Momoshiki from physically manifesting in Boruto's body so far, efforts to silence the Otsutsuki's influence over his subconscious entirely had proven near impossible. And recently it felt like the fiend had become more vocal within the Shinobi's mind whenever his mental guards falter. And he could tell the alien parasite was loving it.

But don't you see it works out so well for both of us! You get to enjoy your limited time with her and, assuming she offers up strong progeny, they will serve as a suitable backup when imbued with my inherited DNA in case anything Were to happen to you-

'Like I'd give you the satisfaction!! And I just said she is not a thing to take, NOR is she just a baby-making factory!... I'll die before I let you do anything to hurt her.'

Boruto inwardly groaned with mental exhaustion. Seriously, he might be a vindictive Demi-God-like being. But couldn't even he let a guy just try to get a good night's sleep? Just once?

Be careful what you wish for Boruto Uzumaki. I'll be watching the Uchiha girl right alongside you, waiting patiently for my moment to become.

'Ignoring you now.' Boruto retorted defiantly against the insufferable phantom, before trying and failing to stifle a yawn. He rolled onto his side hoping that would help him to settle, but just found himself staring at his work desk and computer.

'Tomorrow...... Tomorrow I gotta talk to Sarada....'

By all means, talk to her, and make her ours.

'SERIOUSLY!!! SHUT UP!!!!!!'