La Verità Dolce

Sonnie

-O-

Shikamaru stood in front of his wife's door, barely registering that nearly five whole minutes had elapsed and he'd done nothing more than blink and breathe. He hadn't even gone into her room since they were married; he couldn't even say what color her sheets were, let alone where she might keep any valuable or secret possessions. Exhaling deeply, he fished in his pocket for her bedroom key and opened it, half expecting a maid to burst forth screaming down the hall, sounding some kind of alarm that would make his angry wife appear magically before him.

But nothing happened. He wasn't sure what he really expected to greet him, but the stack of almanacs and horticultural journals was rather disappointing compared to the diabolical scenarios his wildly creative and paranoid mind had conjured. He had some of the servants discreetly keep an eye on her, but he doubted their loyalty to him when it was Ino's money that was technically paying their wages. Shikamaru wished he would have paid closer attention when he was courting her—he would have been spared a very unhappy marriage.

I could have stopped the wedding, but then I wouldn't live in such a nice house full of servants, nor would I have wealthy clientele that was practically handed to me. Shikamaru winced at the truth, knowing he went through with the wedding for a lot of reasons. I spared her reputation and reaped the professional rewards in lieu of happiness.

But Shikamaru couldn't honestly say money was the only reason he'd married her. True, she was horribly vain and superficial, and her demanding moods had quickly soured their new marriage even more than her lies already had. Within the first few months he realized there was no hope for them, but resigned himself to his fate since he made the choice to see things through. She occasionally terrorized their servants but they had a real fondness for her, since she was a great deal nicer than she let on. Shikamaru had privately witnessed her kindness many times, wishing fervently that one day he might finally be the recipient again. He missed the way she had made him feel special, though he'd never admit it to anyone, not even Chouji.

She would always wear green when I called on her because she knew it was my favorite color. When Asuma was still alive, she would always drop by the studio and surprise us with baked treats and fresh flowers for our still life paintings. She encouraged me when I was just starting out and made me feel worthy of all the attention Asuma bestowed on me. She's so protective of everyone, of all of the servants and some of the students, even though she doesn't show it. When my more unruly pupils are late or in trouble, Ino always smoothes things over with their families and she's a lot better at it than I am.

I never knew why she'd start something like opium. Not only is it dangerous, but it's tied to Akatsuki! Even before Asuma's death they were causing me problems, and his lack of cooperation with them got him killed. I thought Ino liked Asuma, but if she was willing to start using drugs, she had to know the money she spent would end up in the pockets of the bastards who murdered him. Asuma's death and Ino's betrayal were only months apart. I found the opium and her only excuse was that it wasn't her fault, that she didn't take the opium on purpose. How can you have a stash of an illegal substance you're admittedly addicted to currently and claim it wasn't yours? Who would believe such an incredible story? What excuse could she have possibly had?

Shikamaru leafed through the top volume on the stack and in his carelessness, knocked it off the pile completely. Underneath was a book he'd spotted very briefly a few weeks ago. Commenting on its presence would betray the fact he actually paid attention to her affairs to some small degree, but he knew at the time simply by reading the cover it wasn't one of hers. Ino didn't read many books from England; her favorite works were mostly French and only rarely did she read anything else, not even Italian plays. But the English book of sonnets really stood out, as the quality of the binding put it out of even Ino's price range. He opened the front cover and realized why.

Kankurou's name was elegantly scrawled on the bookplate. The middle Sabaku sibling had always been distant when he'd visited Temari, even though he was aware they were merely talking and nothing more. He couldn't claim to know him very well, but he had picked up on the fact that Kankurou was extremely protective of his possessions. He wouldn't even let his own sister borrow his copy of the newspaper but he lent Ino a very rare and expensive volume of foreign literature. Shikamaru frowned.

It's just a book.

Trying to rationalize didn't help. Shikamaru was fond of Temari but had never given her any kind of token to express his feelings. He didn't even know what they were, didn't give it much consideration because he knew getting more involved with her would complicate his life. His actual emotions were out of his control, but he knew he wasn't in love. He was intrigued, yes, and rather concerned about her having a good opinion of him, but he didn't know her well enough to love her. And despite the lack of felicity in their union, he still took his marriage vows to Ino seriously. He would never jeopardize his reputation and his life by committing adultery, certainly not since the siblings' stay in Rome was to be brief. Shikamaru wasn't inclined towards flings, but the same couldn't be said of the Sabaku family.

Kankurou never spends a lot of time when he checks on the painting, but he comes by more often than he needs to and he always makes sure to see Ino before he leaves. Some of these horticultural journals aren't even printed in Rome – they're printed in Venice – and Kankurou is the likeliest source for her procuring them so quickly after they've been published.

Shikamaru knew that logically speaking, nothing inappropriate was going on. Kankurou was hardly giving his wife expensive trinkets. Under normal circumstances he'd be happy that Ino had gained such an influential friend that made her happy. But the knowledge that his wife was so delighted to see another man sat heavily in his heart. It was supposed to be him that made her face light up. It had been so long since he'd seen that expression of joy he had thought she'd lost the ability to feel it, and now the source was one of Italy's most notorious womanizers. He was more discreet than most, but Temari had confided he'd left a trail of broken hearts all over Venice. Shikamaru didn't need his wife falling for a rake.

Shikamaru sank into the chair by her desk, recognizing it as the one she tried to give him for his studio. It was the first time he'd used it, and it was comfortable and very well made. It was a thoughtful gift, one that demonstrated she actually listened to him whining about his back. He hadn't even gotten her anything, but he supposed she had Kankurou's gifts to keep her happy. He wouldn't be able to procure her exotic seeds for expensive, foreign flowers. He wondered just what kinds of things Ino was growing in the greenhouse.

She's spends hours in there and when she finally emerges she's disheveled as if she's fallen down or been struck by something. I told her I'd marry her as long as she'd never use opium again and she swore on her life that she wouldn't. Ino might be many things but she takes her promises seriously. After years of ignoring her, how do I ask her what she's doing? How do I ask if she's okay?

Contrary to popular belief, Shikamaru wasn't stupid or rather, apathetic to the point of oblivion, he just chose to keep his thoughts to himself. He hated confrontation and his avoidance of it was legendary. He didn't think Kankurou could be the one hurting her, since he was giving her gifts and especially because Ino always seemed pleased to see him. But Shikamaru knew something really unwholesome was going on but had no way to broach the subject without feeling guilty or foolish, and he honestly despised feeling both of them, especially over Ino. Her betrayal made her unworthy of his compassion, in his opinion.

Sighing, he stood too quickly and banged his knee on the desk. The entire wooden structure shook, and he heard a weird noise from one of her drawers. It sounded like some type of bottle was rolling around inside. Shikamaru groaned. If he broke something of hers she would definitely know he'd been in her room. And knowing Ino, it was probably some expensive perfume or rare ink pot that just broke. He hoped he could replace whatever it was before she got back from her shopping trip. Upon discovering the drawer was locked, he fished around until he found the tiny silver key that opened it up.

Shikamaru drew out the tiny glass bottle and sat it on the countertop wordlessly. He didn't need to read the label to know what it was. He swore and shoved it in his pocket, trying hard not to slam the drawer shut before he locked it. He barely managed to avoid shoving the stack of books from her desk before he stormed out of her bedroom. He couldn't boast a wide emotional spectrum, but no one could make him angrier than Ino could. Shikamaru locked her door with shaking hands and disappeared into his bedroom.

-O-

"If I were this late all the time Shikamaru would have fired me ages ago," Sai muttered to himself, lazily drawing lines over his paper. He knew he would probably ruin his brush with his careless strokes, but he was feeling atypically rebellious when his teacher failed to arrive for his private lesson. Sai risked a great deal by spurning Akatsuki—it basically prevented him from obtaining any religious commissions and most likely would do so for the rest of his life. Having the privilege of working under Shikamaru's prestigious name would only get him so far unless the master actually managed to pass on all of his knowledge and skill.

Sai knew he was talented but needed Shikamaru to bestow the title of master upon him before he was allowed to strike it out on his own; even though he wasn't a guild member, they still regulated the trade of all art in the city. He still might be sought out as a reputable painter but it wouldn't be legally possible for him to eventually own his own studio and employ and teach students without such a title. He couldn't say he looked forward to educating the likes of his current classmates, but they could make his life very comfortable.

Since his teacher refused to show up, Sai was occupying his time with watercolor studies, a practice Shikamaru despised. He had already drawn studies of Tenten posing as Venus and wouldn't need her again until weeks, if not months later. Hinata's engagement would be in December and he had ample time to complete it since he was very selective about the commissions he accepted. He realized Neji had asked him because he wanted Shikamaru to focus solely on the business portrait.

It wouldn't have taken so long if Hiashi hadn't insisted on such a large canvas and expensive materials. He makes us cart it back and forth and refuses to let us leave it there and simply have Shikamaru visit and work on it. They don't even need to be posing every time, he just insists on it because he's ignorant about art and because he's too fixated on his reputation.

Sending an uncharacteristic, defiant splash of water through the air, Sai leaned back in his chair and began crafting a face out of the mess he made. He smirked when he gave it Tenten's steely eyes and wavy hair. He really enjoyed drawing Tenten, especially since the animosity between them had dwindled to almost nothing. Her eyes were always so lively and every rendition he made seemed so lifeless and flat. She had an unmistakable energy that he simply couldn't translate.

I can't make my Venus look too much like Tenten, but it's not as if I have lots of females to choose from. I haven't heard from Jou in weeks; I guess I would have heard if Orochimaru managed to capture her, but if she's on the run I suppose I'll just have to use the studies I made from our first session. Her face is more feminine than Tenten's, though the rest of her is rather scrawny. Tenten manages to hide a decent figure underneath that hideous smock. For as smart as Lord Hyuuga is reputed to be, he's being remarkably dense about this. But suspecting to find a woman masquerading as a man would take an imagination he sadly doesn't possess.

Sai knew the fallout of Tenten being discovered was bad, but the rewards were easily worth the risk. And Tenten wasn't particularly masculine or feminine in his eyes. She just saw what had to be done and did it, without the stereotypical gender posturing that went along with it. Unless some horrible blunder was destined for her, Sai didn't see her secret coming to light any time soon. It was a combination of people being unwary and her gender-neutral behavior. That, and Sai had the realization that Tenten wouldn't make a very good girl. His brush hovered over the paper momentarily as a rather unpleasant thought crossed his mind. For all he'd heard of the man, Tenten could really be in a lot of trouble if Lord Hyuuga ever seriously suspected her.

God help her if Neji finds out.

-O-

Tenten beamed at her nearly-finished work, surprised with the sheer amount of labor she'd put into it. Shikamaru hadn't shown up for class and when Tenten realized this, she sprinted back to her room to do more painting. She'd been unable to emulate Naruto's flourishes completely and had decided to simply leave them pay more attention to the background and the leaves. She almost felt like she was cheating, but Kankurou would be by the next afternoon and she didn't have to time to experiment.

"Have you ever been in love?"

Drumming her fingers on her easel, she recalled how her face had turned bright red and how she stammered some gibberish as she pushed him out the door. He'd merely laughed and didn't press for details when he saw the extent of her embarrassment, but it didn't make Tenten feel any better. She didn't love Neji, not when she knew so little about him. She didn't think she was entitled to make such an assessment since he was so formal and closed.

You can't love someone you barely know. At least I don't think you can. And why would I love someone as rude and arrogant as Lord Hyuuga? He was insufferable the last time we met. Haku is lucky Hinata is nothing like her cousin, though if Naruto has his way it won't matter much, it would be moot. I still haven't had the chance to talk to Haku about love…

Tenten didn't want to get too hopeful about Naruto's chances at beating Neji, but he was improving more than she ever could have anticipated. She didn't think his victory was likely after all she'd heard about Lord Hyuuga's skills, but at least he wouldn't go down easy. Tenten still had mixed feelings about Naruto's plans, but it had seemed his strategy was beginning to evolve. The more he trained, the more he realized the risks, so instead of formally challenging Neji to a duel, he was trying to arrange a way for Hinata to flee the country and avoid bloodshed. It would be difficult to secure passage on a local ship because any good Italian would go out of their way for Hiashi's good favor (and money), but luckily plenty of foreign vessels were docked in Rome's busy harbor.

Naruto's managed to sell everything but the pocket watch I still need to fix. I'm so surprised by how much thought he's putting into this. He isn't normally so thorough. I guess he gets underestimated all the time but as long as it works to his advantage…At least he stands more of a chance against Neji than poor Jou.

The artist contemplated her acquaintance's fate every day since Neji had tore through the marketplace after her. Tenten knew overall that Neji was rather collected (albeit cold and disdainful) about most things but the fire that lit in his eyes at the sight of Jou was like nothing she'd ever seen before. He'd pursued Jou as if his very life depended on it. Perhaps his desperation had fueled his cruelty towards her; at least Tenten hoped it was partially responsible. She saw no reason why he'd reached out to her, unless his goal was to eventually make her look foolish.

I don't think he would do that. He's calculating, yes, but he's simply not the type to spend so much time to humiliate his social inferiors, not when he has so much else to do. He was extremely rude when we first met but a few nasty insults are different than feigning overtures of friendship. He had to mean it. I can't bear to think that he didn't.

-O-

Neji was trying to shrug off the curious look Haku was surreptitiously leveling at him over the top of his newspaper. He wondered what Tenten had told him, if anything. Admitting to hurt feelings was the same as admitting to wounded pride; how close were to the two of them again? Neji certainly wasn't inclined to write to anyone, let alone reveal intimate knowledge through written correspondence, but he knew Haku was rather sensitive and Tenten rather unusual.

Not that Haku needs a tip off that I'm acting funny, Neji thought with a frown. He was just so preoccupied with his terrible behavior from earlier and he let that fact bother him even more. He just wasn't used to feeling much of anything, really, and now he was and he didn't know how to act. He didn't even know why he cared but his exasperation, he did.

"Lord Hyuuga, are you quite alright?"

To most people Neji would appear his typical, disdainful self but there was an uncommon restlessness about him that he simply couldn't hide. Haku had never seen him so agitated without Tenten around, and if he had to guess, he figured his cousin was somehow the cause even if she wasn't even present. She did tend to have that effect on some people, and a man as sheltered as Lord Hyuuga was sure to fall prey to her forceful personality.

Hyuuga sighed inwardly. The man was marrying his cousin, after all, and if he maintained his friendship with Tenten (Neji saw no reason why Hiashi could forbid such a thing, despite his meddling) it was likely the painter's path would cross Neji's in the future. A commoner's feelings should be of no consequence, but Neji couldn't help but feel a lowly peasant had bested his social superiors in the ways that truly mattered. Neji was unfailingly polite to men he detested, but someone who had truly earned his respect had unfairly suffered his foul temper.

"It's just a minor irritant."

Haku felt the corners of his mouth perk up against his will. "I see."

Neji narrowed his eyes in a wary glare. "You see what, exactly?"

"Tenten has a way of getting under one's skin from time to time," Haku remarked sagely. Though they hadn't spent much time together growing up, Haku remembered that Tenten was very stubborn and never backed down from any sort of fight. Neji Hyuuga was the most confrontational person Haku had ever met. His demeanor cowed his enemies but it ignited every contrary impulse in his cousin. To someone as bored and uncontested as Neji, Tenten was surely noteworthy.

"Your painter friend would be wise to mind his manners. He risks offending all who cross his path."

"Tenten does not defy indiscriminately. Merely, he is incapable of backing down. Perhaps you should be mindful of who you challenge."

Neji almost sputtered indignantly. Haku only meant to tease, not insult, but Neji was not the type to permit either. To his vexation, Haku was smiling at him tranquilly, sipping coffee serenely as if they were talking about the pleasant weather they were having. Fighting the petulant urge to roll his eyes and sneer, he attempted a sip of his beverage only to find that Haku had given him hot chocolate. He managed to spare his host the scene that Tenten had presented the week before but he knew when he'd been bested and was thankful that Haku was not particularly inclined towards vengeance. He swallowed the sickeningly sweet drink with a barely-concealed wince.

"He told you what I said, I take it?"

"Not particularly. I could tell from the second you got here you weren't quite yourself."

"Is it that obvious?"

"When was the last time you felt guilty about something?"

"Why would I be feeling guilty?"

"Because you pride yourself on your good breeding and restraint and you've lost your composure because of Tenten more times than probably everyone else in your life combined."

"Did Hinata tell you that?"

"No, she would never tell me anything you spoke to her in confidence about. I was merely guessing. I know you're under a lot of strain. Perhaps you should just avoid Tenten until your port deal is complete."

You'd be much friendlier, was unspoken but understood. Neji met Haku's gentle eyes and was surprised by the steeliness he found in them. "You're really pushing this, and you don't push anything."

Haku looked thoughtful. "I'm having difficulty with this situation. I suppose I feel guilty too, Lord Neji. I should have been there for my friend when his father died and I was not. He could have been dead and I did nothing. Only fate led us to rediscover each other. I have a second chance to prove my worthiness of Tenten's friendship."

"Haku…" Neji was uncomfortable with the self-censure Haku was displaying. Haku was a finer man than most and Neji was unaccustomed to having raw, candid conversations with anyone except for his cousin. But he couldn't overlook the zeal in his voice, the long-sought proof that Haku was more than the smiling face he presented to everyone.

"You're correct in stating that I'm timid, almost passive. I'm ashamed that I have not fought for much in my life. You may not respect me for blindly accepting my arrangement with Lady Hinata, but I know I will be a good husband to her and that is more important than whatever selfish feelings I may have in the matter. I grew up wealthy with the all the burdens and expectations that came with it. You don't see the limitations for what they are, but I do."

Neji shook his head. "Your father is arguably the most powerful man in Turkey, and my uncle one of the richest men in Europe. There is very little we can't do."

Haku looked sad, as if Neji had told him something utterly heartbreaking. "Our lot in life is to follow the paths that our families have set forth for us before our births. Who we are and what we want is of no consequence. We are told what we must do and we do it because we are raised to fulfill very specific expectations. Tenten is different. He grew up poor and directionless, and is only in Rome because he is attempting to forge his own path. We may never know poverty, but he will never know a cage."

"Just because you feel trapped does not mean you necessarily speak for me," Neji said pointedly.

Haku looked up at him and smiled apologetically, almost indulgently. If Neji were close enough, he felt he would have received a comforting pat on the hand.

What do you know that I don't, Haku? Neji wondered as he watched Haku's white-knuckled grasp tighten on his coffee cup.