Please see first chapter for disclaimer, rating, warnings, pairings, etc.

Special Thanks: goes out to DarkAnonymous324 and Celtic-Memories for your reviews, and to everyone who's put this on their favorite and alert lists!

Author's Note: I am having a rare lucid moment right now, so I decided that I'd better go ahead and update Labyrinth before I take my next dose of pain meds and pass out again. Hopefully I should be much better next week, but for today, you get the update a few hours early! Thanks again for reading, and I hope you enjoy!

*~Chapter V~*

~Confidences~

Tenten woke the morning of Lady Temari's arrival in Konoha wondering if Hinata's mood would still be melancholy, since options for distracting and amusing her mistress were limited, to say the least. And even though Hinata was a gifted samisen player, Tenten wasn't all that much of a fan of the instrument.

I'd like to explore the gardens beyond this little bit I've seen outside the suite, Tenten thought, but that would probably bore Hinata. A sudden thought struck her, making her quickly cover her mouth with one hand to stifle a giggle. Maybe I could start teaching her how to throw shuriken - or knives! Though perhaps that's not a bad idea after all. . .

When Hinata wakened, though, she seemed to have recovered most of her serenity, even going so far as to remark over breakfast, "Well, one good thing about this whole arranged Uchiha marriage situation: I doubt Father will have the time or attention to do anything more about disciplining me for slipping into the village. So it'll be safe for Ino to come after her family's flower shop closes for the sleepover we have planned."

Tenten cocked her head to one side. "Ino - she's the one who brought the clothes you used, right?"

"Yes. She's my only other friend in the world. And I can't wait to see the look on her face when she finds out what I did in them! I planned on strolling into the shop - oh! so very casually!" she struck a pose, making Tenten laugh "- but I never made it there." Hinata looked sad for a moment, but then her expression lightened again and her strangely pale eyes sparkled. "And I'm so excited for you to meet each other."

Later that afternoon, during Tenten and Hinata's first shuriken-throwing lesson, a purple- clad whirlwind with a long blonde ponytail burst through the open shouji leading from the private sitting room into the garden where they'd set up an improvised target - a rolled up tatami half-mat. Tenten instinctively started to spring in front of Hinata, but just as quickly relaxed her defensive stance as Hinata ran to embrace the new arrival, at the same time exclaiming in distress, "Ino! I'm sorry I'm n-not ready yet, b-but-"

Laughing, Ino waved off her friend's apologies. "Hinata, it's fine! You're not late, I'm early!" Spinning smartly, she grinned at Tenten and held her arms out once more. "I'm Yamanaka Ino, my family owns the Yamanaka flower shop in the village! You must be Tenten! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Even as Tenten noted how every sentence out of the blonde's mouth seemed to end with an audible exclamation point, she found herself pulled into a surprisingly strong and exuberant embrace. "It's nice to meet you as well," she replied through a mouthful of the other girl's sunshine yellow hair, at the same time thinking, Wow! Could any two friends be more completely opposite from each other?

To Tenten's utter discomfiture Ino next reached out an arm to pull Hinata into a three-way hug, all the while bouncing lightly. "Isn't it marvelous how Lord Hyuuga hired your brother as his bodyguard, and thought to hire you to guard Hina and be a companion for her at the same time? Could anything be more perfect? So!" The blonde dynamo let go of them and instantly zeroed in on the area around the rolled mat propped against a tree. "What were you doing when I got here? Can I try, too?"

Just as Tenten privately wondered if giving Ino something sharp and pointy was the best idea in the world, Hinata cleared her throat and said, "Actually, I-Ino, it's the other w-way around." She glanced nervously over her shoulder at the open shouji. "Let's c-close those f-for now and roll out the m-mat to sit on. Then I'll t-tell you w-what really h-happened."

Tenten rapidly recovered all the shuriken, safely stowing them in her belt pouches before helping the other two girls roll out the tatami in the shade of the red-leafed maple tree. As Hinata all but whispered to her friend the story of her adventure, Tenten sat quietly watching the rapidly changing expressions on Ino's face: amazement and delight at Hinata's audacity in slipping out into the village on her own, followed by shock and horror at her near-mugging, which gave way to teary-eyed relief at the happy outcome. This time when Ino lunged and grabbed both of them in strangling hugs, she was halfway ready for it.

"Oh, Hina, when I think of what might have happened to you-! And Tenten, you were absolutely amazing, thank you so much for saving my friend!"

Feeling her cheeks grow warm, Tenten ducked her head. Honestly, what could she say to something like that? The arrival of servants to set out dinner in the sitting room rescued her by redirecting the other two's attention. Since she'd been in Konoha less than a week, she mostly listened to Hinata and Ino talk during the meal: innocuous conversation while the serving maids came and went - about the latest fashions, shop openings and closings, music, art, the latest nightspots. She very quickly realized Ino wasn't just chattering about life in Konoha for Hinata's benefit, but intended for her to get a feel for the village's heartbeat as well. Before long, she discovered she felt more comfortable around Ino than she would have thought possible on first meeting her.

Eventually, with the meal over and cleared away and the bedroom readied, the three changed into their nightclothes and settled on Hinata's big bed. While Hinata tucked up against the headboard, knees pulled up to her chest, Ino curled up at the foot of the bed, her long blonde hair trailing over the edge as she supported her head on one hand. Tenten settled cross-legged between the two.

"So, Hina! Did you get to read Naruto's article in the paper yesterday about the Big Engagement?" Ino asked. From the look of mischief sparkling in her bright blue eyes, Tenten deduced she knew all about Hinata's infatuation with the young reporter.

Sure enough, the heiress's cheeks turned a deep shade of rose pink, even as her expression took on a hint of her previous melancholy. "Y-Yes. I-It's s-so s-sad. I h-hope things w-will w-work out f-for them."

Ino swept her bangs out of her face. "Well, they were in the shop today while touring the village, and seemed to be doing okay for a couple of people who'd just met each other. Itachi had me make up the sweetest little bouquet for her - one of our special hybrid red and white roses surrounded by dozens and dozens of violets."

"Didn't she just arrive today, though?" Tenten asked. "At least, I thought that's what the article said."

Hinata's cooling cheeks colored again. Ino nodded. "Three days minimum by horseback from Suna to Konoha, and Lady Temari has the energy to go on a walking tour of the village right after her arrival. Looks like Itachi has himself a live one!" She made a little fanning motion in front of her face with her hand. "I have to admit, though, I always thought Sasuke would get married first. I mean, Itachi is okay looking, but nothing compared to his little brother!"

"There was a time where you thought you would be that person," Hinata commented with a giggle.

Ino shrugged. "I am so over that! Let's face it, Sasuke is a total hottie, but he's made it plain he's not interested. Besides, Forehead still really likes him."

Tenten tilted her head and asked cautiously, "Who's 'Forehead'?"

Giggles spilled from Ino's lips, sounding like small bells chiming. "She's another of my best friends," she explained. "Her name's not really 'Forehead,' I just call her that because she's got this huge forehead - it's like a billboard or something! Anyway, her real name is Haruno Sakura. She's apprenticed to Lady Tsunade, the best medic in Konoha - probably even the whole world! Anyway, Sakura and I went through this phase in school where we kind of fought each other all the time, all over Sasuke. But we finally decided it was just so childish and foolish to let a guy come between us. After all, we've been friends way longer than we were ever interested in Sasuke! And anyway," her cheeks grew slightly pink, "I've ... moved on."

Tenten jumped slightly when Hinata in a single sudden movement let her knees fall sideways, crossed her legs, and leaned forward, her delicate face shining with excitement. "You m-mean he f-finally-?"

"Yes!" Ino reached under the high neck of her purple top and tugged out a necklace. She allowed the charm, a beautiful silver deer caught mid-leap, to dangle from her fingers for a few seconds before she slid it under cover again. "I mean, it's not like we're engaged or anything. But still, I am making progress!" She turned her attention to Tenten and grinned. "But enough about me! What about you, Tenten? You interested in anyone in particular?"

Smiling shyly, Tenten shook her head. "Remember, Kakashi and I have spent a lot of time moving from place to place. I've barely been in Konoha four days, and three of those have been spent here. So, no, never really have had any opportunities." She shrugged.

"Hmmmm." Ino sat up, too, eyeing Tenten speculatively. "You look to be about our age; maybe, like what? a year or two older? I know several really cute, nice guys from school who are unattached. You don't care if they're maybe a tiny bit younger than you, right?"

Tenten looked speechlessly from Ino to Hinata, who smoothly intervened. "I appreciate s-so much how you've g-given up an evening you m-might have spent with your b-beloved."

Ino's eyes softened. "Hinata, you're one of my absolute best friends! If you need me, I'll always be here for you!" Her nose wrinkled a little. "Besides, I didn't say he was my beloved," she sniffed. "I just said that we're ... making progress in that direction. Anyway I'm kind of trying to keep this from my dad for now, since he'll commit murder if he finds out we're kinda getting serious about each other." Her blue eyes rolled tellingly.

"Overpro-t-tectiveness is a trait that s-seems to b-be common in f-fathers," Hinata agreed.

"And older brothers," Tenten added. "If he thinks I've so much as looked at a guy twice Kakashi gets this really speculative look, like he's planning which bones to break in what order."

Hinata and Ino laughed appreciatively at that. Leaning forward a little, the blonde propped her elbows on her knees and smiled. "So, what does your brother look like? Is he cute? Handsome? Hot?"

Tenten almost let her jaw drop. She held up her hands defensively. "He's ... my brother! I don't know." Just the thought of considering her brother any of those things made her shudder.

"Well, how old is he?" Ino pressed.

Clearing her throat, Hinata murmured, "You're s-seeing someone, Ino."

"Key word here, Hina: seeing! Shikamaru and I are just going steady, not engaged or anything." Ino grinned broadly and winked. "Doesn't mean I've been struck blind, either. Okay, then, so how old is Kakashi?"

"Thirty-two." Tenten swallowed back her laugh as Ino's face fell. "Kakashi was nineteen when he ... well, he didn't technically adopt me. I guess you could say when he took me in. I've been traveling with him ever since. He taught me, he raised me, he's cared for me and protected me: he's my big brother."

All talk of romance dropped off after that.

"You won't even admit that I am a man now, and not still just your kid brother!"

More than a day and a half later, Sasuke's words still echoed in the back of Itachi's mind. Even while meeting Lady Temari and showing her around Konoha they'd been there, along with the memory of the look in his brother's eyes. Now that his initial shock and anger had dimmed he knew what other emotion he'd seen hiding behind the anger.

It had been profound hurt.

Sighing deeply, Itachi leaned his head back against the folded towel cushioning the edge of the tiled bathing pool in the family bath house; silent and deserted this late at night, but still kept ready for use by members of the immediate family. In my own way, I've been just as blind and heedless as Father, who has never seen either of his sons as anything other than tools in his hands to make the Uchiha stronger. But I don't have to walk that path. I refuse to walk Father's path! I have to try to make things right with my brother.

Coming to a sudden decision, he stood, turned and, scorning to take the time to use the steps, put both hands on the edge of the pool and hoisted himself from the steaming water. He impatiently toweled his body and hair half-dry, then went into the changing area and grabbed his yukata. Hastily lapping and tying it around him, he exited the bath house, striding swiftly along the roofed verandah and turning the corner that would take him to the wing with his quarters - and Sasuke's.

The light penetrating the paper panes of the shouji, however expected, still relieved Itachi. Stopping in front of it, he scratched lightly on the wooden frame and called softly, "Sasuke, it's me. Please come to the door."

A long moment passed before a silhouetted shape loomed up on the other side. The shouji slid open, but Sasuke didn't speak even to ask why Itachi was at his door after midnight, or make any motion to invite him in. He only stood there with a shuttered look on his face that went straight to Itachi's heart.

Itachi bowed more deeply than was necessary for older brother to younger. "May I come in, Sasuke?" he asked quietly. "I really want to talk with you."

Sasuke hesitated, his dark eyes obviously taking in Itachi's damp condition, then bowed in return before stepping aside. "Yes, please do come in." He gestured toward the living area of the suite, adding awkwardly, "I, uh, was just having some tea. Would you like a cup?"

"Yes, thank you, that would be very welcome." As he followed after Sasuke, Itachi sadly thought, Just listen to us! We sound like strangers instead of brothers! Taking his place at the book and paper strewn table, he accepted the cup Sasuke poured for him and waited while his brother refilled his own.

Looking down into his cup, Sasuke asked, "So, what do you want to talk about at this time of night?"

"I want to apologize to you, Sasuke," at his words the younger man's black eyes, wide and startled as a deer's, snapped up to meet his steady gaze, "and ask your forgiveness - not just for all the times I've brushed you off like Father always does, but for not coming to you sooner to try to make things right between us."

"Wh-" Sasuke's voice broke in the middle of the word. He cleared his throat and tried again. "What?"

Itachi took a moment to arrange his thoughts before replying. He had to get this exactly right. "Your words yesterday morning cut straight to my heart and I have not stopped hearing them, hearing the truth within them, since. Even though you're eighteen years old and a man now, I did still see you as my foolish little brother: always meaning well but getting in the way at all the worst times. I should have come to you much, much sooner to tell you I realize I was wrong, so wrong. Going to Naruto and giving him the story of my arranged marriage with Temari wasn't the right thing for you to do, but I understand why you did."

Sasuke seemed abruptly to realize he still held his cup suspended in front of his mouth. He slowly lowered it, setting it down with extreme care, never taking his eyes from his brother's. Itachi went on, "I regret profoundly I did not listen when you told me you are a man now, and my future advisor besides. First and foremost, though, you are my brother, who does not deserve to be treated as a boy rather than the man you have become."

Sasuke blinked. "I-" He blinked again. "Big - big brother, I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Itachi said reassuringly. "Sasuke, I didn't ever mean to make you feel worthless, or like you were nothing more than an annoyance or bother."

Sasuke looked down. "I'm sorry, too, Itachi. I shouldn't have gone to Naruto with that story, and betrayed you, and - and her, and our family." After a long moment of silence, he looked up again. "Does - does she know what I did?"

Itachi bit back a chuckle at how his brother still wouldn't say Temari's name. "Not from me or, I think it's safe to say, from Mother. And since Father gave orders that all copies of that edition within these walls be immediately destroyed-" He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "We didn't see any stray copies around the village today, either. Believe me," an unintended wry note entered his voice, "I was looking for them."

His brother made a face and Itachi laughed. "She doesn't like me," Sasuke said.

It was Itachi's turn to look down as he wrestled old habits into submission. "I'm not sure Temari likes me either," he finally replied in a low voice. "Or if she ever will. Short of killing myself-" a quickly bitten off exclamation from Sasuke nearly made him laugh again "-there's nothing I can do to stop this marriage from happening. It's going to be difficult enough being married to someone I don't love, who also doesn't love me. I need you, Sasuke. I need my brother to be here for me, even though I - I haven't always been there for him."

Sasuke reached across the table to grip Itachi's forearm tightly. "That's all behind us now," he said firmly. "We're brothers: and from this point forward, we're always going to be there to support each other, no matter what. Right, older brother?"

Itachi turned his wrist to return Sasuke's grip as relief and gratefulness flooded through him. "Right you are, younger brother! Right you are."

"What're you working on, kid?"

Naruto ignored the question and kept scribbling, moving his arm to block his notepad from view. He narrowed his eyes, reviewing the things Asuma and Kurenai had taught him to make sure he wrote a good article. The last thing he wanted was the Uchiha clan coming after his head because he'd forgotten to put in some important word or detail or - worse - put in something that wasn't true. Then he'd have his bosses after him, too!

A hand impacted the back of his head, knocking him out of his zone. "C'mon, I tell you about my work. Tell me about yours!"

Rubbing the developing sore spot on the back of his blond head, Naruto glared up at his grandfather. "I don't want to know about your work," he groused. "What makes mine so interesting? If you wait, you can read it in the paper on Thursday."

Jiraiya reached into the fridge and pulled out a couple of oranges. Tossing one to the boy at the table, he starting peeling his before he'd even closed the door. "I'm proud of you," he said. "Besides, what's the point of being related to a reporter if you don't get to learn about the 'big news' before everyone else?"

"You know, technically, we're not related," Naruto pointed out in a years' old game they played. Jiraiya and his wife, Tsunade, had adopted Naruto's father, Minato, when they'd found out they couldn't have children of their own. Minato and his wife, Kushina, had been killed when Naruto was a baby, leaving them to take over raising the little boy.

"Close enough," Jiraiya replied. Producing a pen from one pocket and a notebook of his own from another, he sat down at the table and started writing. "But back to our earlier topic, what's wrong with my writing? I'm a bestselling author, you know."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "In what village?" he muttered. He wanted to add Those pervy books of yours are so boring no one wants to read them, but he knew better than to say it out loud. The last time he'd done so, his grandfather had pouted for weeks. "Now 'scuse me. I gotta finish outlining the questions I need to ask for my article." Keeping himself hunched over his book, he went back to his frantic writing.

"At least tell me what it's about?" Jiraiya wheedled, not even pretending to work on his book any more.

Sighing, Naruto looked up. "You know Uchiha Itachi is getting married, right, Grandpa? He promised me an exclusive interview with him and Lady Temari Sabaku from Suna, and I'm writing a preliminary outline for the article, which I'll finish after I talk to them."

"Talk to whom?" Breezing into the room, Naruto's grandmother ruffled the boy's already messy hair on her way past to the stove.

"Uchiha Itachi," Jiraiya answered for him. "Apparently he's getting married to, to, uh, some gal from Suna."

Tsunade let out a loud sigh, planting her hands on her hips as she spun to face her husband. "Don't you ever read the paper?" she demanded. "That's old news."

"I got an exclusive interview with him and Lady Temari!" Naruto exclaimed proudly. He'd been saving it for a surprise for his grandma, but he couldn't wait any longer. "I'm interviewing them tomorrow," he added smugly.

"Good job!" Tsunade praised. She set the cup she'd just pulled out of the cabinet on the counter, then came over to kiss Naruto on the forehead. "Before you know it, you'll be a full-fledged reporter."

"Granny!" Naruto protested. "I already am a full-fledged reporter! It's Konohamaru that's still in training." Scowling, he scribbled a note on the side of his paper to remind himself to ask his protoge if he'd remembered to develop those pictures he'd (surreptitiously) taken of Itachi and Temari during their time out in the village.

"If you say so." Pouring some liquid of dubious identity into her cup, she sipped at it as she moved toward the door. "I've got to follow up on some patients at the hospital," she said over her shoulder. "I'll be home in time for dinner, though. Be good, boys."

Naruto left Jiraiya to protest to his wife's retreating form as he went back to his article. This was the biggest story he'd ever worked on; more than that, it was the first big, truly important story he'd uncovered all on his own. Usually Asuma or Kurenai assigned him something relatively innocuous, but this time he'd not only discovered the story, he was covering it all by himself. He knew that this was exactly what he'd been waiting for, his big chance to prove to everyone that he wasn't a cub-reporter anymore. He was ready for the big-leagues now, and someday, he might even be good enough to take over the whole newspaper!

Grinning widely, Naruto began writing a little faster. Believe it!

*~To Be Continued~*

Author's Ending Notes: I updated a few hours early since I'm having a lucid moment from the pain pills I'm on because of surgery, but I'm hoping to get back to the regular Sunday-afternoon update next week. Thank you all so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!