Embers of the Heart

Chapter 5: New Comforts, New Confessions

INT. UCHIHA MANSION – EVENING

The dim evening light filtered through the large windows of the Uchiha mansion as Sakura and Hinata moved about the spacious west wing, getting their children ready for bed. It had been a long day—emotionally exhausting, yet somehow comforting in the company of one another. Despite the heavy hearts and new surroundings, a sense of peace had begun to settle in.

Sakura tucked Sarada into bed, brushing a gentle hand through her daughter's dark hair as she whispered a soft goodnight. Sarada had already dozed off, her little body curled up under the sheets, oblivious to the turmoil the adults around her were going through.

Across the hallway, Hinata was doing the same for Boruto, who had been particularly quiet since they arrived at the mansion. After a long moment, she kissed his forehead, whispering to him as she always did, hoping that he could still find comfort in her presence, even as her world unraveled.

INT. UCHIHA MANSION – LIVING ROOM – LATER

Once the children were asleep, the two women made their way to the living room. Sakura collapsed onto the couch, feeling the weight of the day catching up with her. Hinata sat beside her, quiet and thoughtful. The mansion's silence was almost eerie, broken only by the faint rustle of the wind outside.

The sound of footsteps echoed softly as Itachi entered the room, his expression as calm and unreadable as ever. But there was something in his eyes—an understanding that went beyond words. He looked between the two women and spoke.

Itachi: (casually) "You both seem like you could use a break from everything."

Sakura blinked, a little surprised by the comment, but before she could respond, Hinata offered a soft laugh, the hint of weariness still in her voice.

Hinata: (lightly) "A break would be nice, but... I'm not sure how."

Itachi raised an eyebrow, his tone almost teasing. "Why don't I take you both out for a drink? Just something to get your minds off things. You deserve that much."

Sakura shook her head immediately, a little embarrassed at the thought. "I... I don't think I can. I don't have any money left after... everything."

She trailed off, feeling self-conscious. She had barely had time to think about finances between the divorce and taking care of Sarada.

Itachi's lips curved slightly into a half-smile, his eyes glinting with a touch of amusement. "You can pay me back another way. Or... pay me later." His voice held a note of light teasing, but Sakura couldn't help the sudden flush that crept into her cheeks at his words.

Sakura: (blushing, muttering) "I... I don't know about that..."

Hinata giggled softly beside her, nudging Sakura. "Come on, Sakura. It could be fun. And it's not like we have anything to lose at this point."

Sakura glanced at Itachi, still feeling a bit flustered, but his calm demeanor was strangely reassuring. After a long pause, she finally relented, her voice soft. "Alright... fine. Just this once."

Itachi nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Good. Let's go."

EXT. KONOHA – LOCAL BAR – NIGHT

The three of them made their way through the quiet streets of Konoha, heading toward a small, nondescript bar tucked away on a corner. Itachi led the way, and as they entered, Sakura realized it had an intimate, almost cozy atmosphere. The bar was clearly one of Itachi's favorites—unassuming, quiet, and away from prying eyes.

They found a corner booth and settled in, ordering drinks. It didn't take long before the alcohol began to ease some of the tension in their bodies. Laughter and conversation flowed more freely as the night went on, the weight of their problems momentarily lifted by the comfort of each other's company.

Sakura couldn't remember the last time she had laughed like this, and Hinata, despite everything, seemed to relax in the warmth of the moment. Itachi, for his part, was a quiet but steady presence, watching over them with his usual calm.

But as the night wore on and the drinks kept coming, the weight of their respective situations returned in fleeting moments of silence and somber looks.

EXT. UCHIHA MANSION – LATER THAT NIGHT

The moon was high in the sky by the time Itachi helped the two women back to the mansion. They were both tipsy, leaning on each other for support, and Itachi was his usual composed self, though there was a subtle hint of amusement at how relaxed they had become.

As they entered the mansion, Itachi gave them both a nod. "Get some rest. I have a mission to attend to."

Hinata blinked, her words slurred slightly from the alcohol. **"Mission? Now?"

Itachi's eyes softened slightly, but he didn't elaborate. **"It won't take long. Just try to sleep."

Before either of them could ask more questions, he was gone—disappearing into the night like a shadow.

INT. UCHIHA MANSION – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

The living room felt larger and quieter without Itachi's presence. Sakura and Hinata collapsed onto the couch, still a little tipsy, their faces flushed from the alcohol.

A strange silence fell over them, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence shared between friends who had seen too much, who knew too much.

Hinata leaned her head against the couch, staring up at the ceiling. "Sakura... you've always been so strong."

Sakura blinked, surprised at the sudden shift in conversation. **"What do you mean?"

Hinata turned her head slightly, her eyes glossy from the drinks. **"Even now... after everything with Sasuke... you're still standing. I don't know if I could have done it."

Sakura frowned, shaking her head. **"I'm not as strong as you think. I feel like I'm falling apart most of the time."

Hinata was silent for a moment, her gaze distant. Then, suddenly, she turned to face Sakura, her voice soft, almost hesitant. **"Sakura... I need to tell you something."

Sakura looked at her, confused. **"What is it, Hinata?"

Hinata took a deep breath, her face flushing even more as she leaned closer. **"I... I think I've always loved you. I didn't realize it until now, but... being around you, going through all of this... I can't stop thinking about you."

Sakura's heart raced, her eyes widening as Hinata's confession hung in the air between them. The alcohol made her feel disoriented, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

Before she could say anything, the sound of soft footsteps broke the moment. Boruto appeared in the hallway, rubbing his eyes sleepily. **"Mama? What are you doing?"

Hinata's face flushed even deeper, her eyes wide with panic. "Boruto! I... I was just talking to Sakura. Go back to bed, sweetheart."

Boruto blinked, confused but too tired to question anything. He nodded and turned to head back to his room.

Hinata quickly stood, her face a mixture of embarrassment and regret. "I... I need to go check on him."

Without another word, she hurried out of the living room, leaving Sakura sitting on the couch, her heart still racing.

Sakura stared at the door where Hinata had just left, her mind swirling with confusion and the weight of everything that had happened. The confession, Itachi's offer, the long day—it all felt overwhelming.

Alone in the quiet of the mansion, Sakura leaned back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling.

Today had been more than she could have imagined. And now, with everything so uncertain, she wasn't sure what to think.

End of Chapter 5.