Unlocking Hearts - A BoruSara Fanfiction

Chapter 3

Sarada could feel Boruto's hard, ragged breath on her back as he held her tightly against his chest, his warm palm rubbing over the small of her bare back, soothing away her shivering body. The heat from their bodies was like a furnace, but it felt so good. Her muscles relaxed into him, almost melting into his touch.

She had never been this close to someone before. Ever. It was nice... but scary at the same time. Boruto noticed Sarada shivering and gently pulled her closer, pressing the top of her head against his chest, and wrapping his long arms tighter around her body to keep her warm.

"You're cold," he whispered softly.

"I'll be fine." Sarada's voice was barely audible, muffled by his shoulder.

There's an awkward silence between them. Boruto break the hug between them and rub his neck sheepishly.

"It's late," He told her. "Get changed and I'll walk you home."

Sarada's heart fell when she heard the word home. She didn't want to go home now.
She murmured softly, "Can I stay here? Just a little longer."

"Of course. You can stay here as long as you want." His voice was low and rough, but gentle. "Now, you should really take that shower."

***

"I'm so sorry, Sarada-chan. Had I known you were coming I would not come home so late like this. You must be hungry." Hinata rushed to hug her tight before ushering her to the table where food was waiting.

"It's fine, Hinata-bachan. Sorry to interrupt your family dinner." Sarada took a seat in between Boruto and Himawari.

"Nonsense, you are a part of this family," Hinata put a bowl of rice in front of her, "You know you'll always be welcomed here, Sarada-chan."

Sarada smiled gratefully as she began picking at the vegetables on her plate. The youngest Uzumaki grinned at her and tugs her arm, "So glad to see you again, Sarada-neechan. Let's play with me after dinner!"

"No, Hima. It's already late." Boruto reached her arm to get some vegetables, and that's when he and Sarada shared a brief touch. They both froze, and Sarada's cheeks started burning in embarrassment.

She tried to calm herself down by telling herself she had just been startled, and that she shouldn't be feeling awkward about that. Boruto didn't seem bothered though, and returned his arm to its original place by his side, grabbing a spoonful of curry rice instead.

They continued eating when suddenly the front door of Uzumaki household opened. "I'm home! Do we have guests today?" A cheerful voice from the village chief, Uzumaki Naruto, boomed loudly. Naruto was carrying a big bag of groceries, smiling broadly upon seeing everyone at the dining table. He greeted everyone with a cheerful, "Hello! The guest for tonight is Sarada-chan!"

For Sarada, who grew up without a father figure, Naruto stepped up to take the role. He cared for her like his own daughter, and even though he could be a bit loud sometimes when excited, he was always genuine to everyone.

He is her role model, and Sarada secretly aspires to be like him in the future, a leader who is giving warmth radiance. If she can learn from him, perhaps she may one day become someone who will lead her people in the best way possible.

Himawari jumped up immediately and ran to the front entrance. "Welcome back, Papa!".
The little girl hugged her father tight, and Sarada couldn't help but feel a pang of little jealousy deep inside of her heart.

Naruto patted her head. "Did you miss me, Princess?"

"Yes!" Himawari responded while keeping her hug intact.