~Chapter 11~

Trust

Kinata came in late. Sasuke felt his body subconsciously tense at seeing her. She was in a cheery mood when she saw Hinata and Naruto sitting at the same table. Sasuke wanted to shake his head in disbelief. How could she turn her emotions off like that? She had been serious and lethal when training, and deep in thought while depressed in the park and alley. It was all nonexistent now in class.

She sat below his table, closest to the stairs. He kept her in his peripheral vision while the rest of his focus remained on their teacher. Sasuke could concentrate however. He wanted to find out just what his trap would tell him. Then again, if he found out she'd been there all night, what would he do? Would it mean she really was homeless? He was positive that if she were an enemy infiltrating Konoha that her own people would've at least given her a place to stay in the village. More so she'd need a house for the convenience of keeping her items away from prying eyes. Otherwise, it would seem too shady and at some point someone would question her. If she was a threat, he'd ask Iruka-sensei to look into it.

If she had no home, should he offer her a place to stay while he contemplated his next moves? He had two extra rooms in the one Uchiha complex that he'd inherited. Sasuke shook his head, amazed at himself for even considering being an interventionist. It was absurd. He scoffed quietly to himself, earning an odd look from Byakuya on his right. The guy was a composed type and had good looks much like Sasuke, but he didn't have the skills of the Uchiha. He still had a similar personality, and could tell that something was bothering the raven-haired boy. Sasuke paid him no mind.

It wasn't like him to be the heroic type. He guessed that Kinata had a unique quality that separated her from everyone, like himself. So he could sympathize to an extent with the subtle ostracizing, but where he had accepted it Kinata had ignored it. She refused to admit that anything was out of the norm, despite her talents still shining from instinct. She was constructing this cocoon of make-believe that she was the girl next door. She could act that way all she wanted, but it wouldn't fool Sasuke. He could see through the façade. He just needed to find out why she needed the façade.

It left a sick feeling suddenly in his stomach when he really thought about it. What if Kinata had to hide her true self because she didn't want the pity, much like Sasuke when he'd closed up about the trauma he'd been through? She may have been left with nothing when her parents died and had no other chance but to join the ninja academy. Perhaps when she'd left yesterday to meet her mother, it'd been by visiting her grave. The main Konoha burial site was just outside the gates, so it would make sense. Sasuke glanced down her way again. She was chuckling at Naruto's antics, who was telling a skeptical Iruka-sensei about the real art of his transformation jutsu – the Sexy Technique.

Sasuke shook his head again, wanting to think about something else.

Kinata began to tune her blonde friend out as he began to go into depth about his perverted jutsu, making their teacher blush. She instead remembered this morning.

Last night she had avoided going home. The Iwatsuru guardians had warned her that tonight would be the painful reminder of their son's death. It was why they'd been super moody the last couple of nights. So she had kept to herself, telling them that she'd stay away as they'd advised her. However, she would have to get a change of clothes, which even in those few minutes made would make her nervous. And now she was unsure if she even should. The morning had made her keep her guard up. She'd found an unexpected trap when she'd woken up in the random alley. She was proud that she was getting to know the streets a little better, but could only take credit for so much.

Someone had tracked her, and she hadn't even noticed. She was ignorant as to who lived in that area. Kinata had detected a thin wire going up the brick wall supporting her back. It was by luck really, because she'd went to stretch in the early rising sun and had seen the glistening reflection off of something silver above. She'd discovered the rest right after. She was more disturbed to find that it was a timer (though a make-shift one). In other words, she wasn't just being tracked, but whoever was doing this was trying to establish her fundamental groundings. That alone left her wary. Who now was after her? For what reason?

That was why the Ryukotse girl was unsure now if she should even return right now to the Iwatsuru family, at least until she could figure out who the perpetrator was.

Hinata nudged her shoulder, causing her to jump. She must've been dazing off in thought for a good time because Naruto wasn't talking and they had quizzes in front of them, now about to be picked up by Iruka-sensei. It was a short five question one, but Kinata still frowned. Not one answer wrote down. She sighed as he snatched hers up before she could redeem her careless actions. It was a challenge to focus on tedious paperwork when her life had such substantial dilemmas in it.

The high-pitched ring of a bell sounded. The students began to get up to go eat. Naruto gave the two girls a wave, excusing himself to go see the Hokage. The old man apparently owed him a meal. Despite how "troublesome" people considered the kid, he knew some pretty major authority figures. Hinata always went home to eat. Kinata hadn't really eaten yesterday besides an apple, and she would have to do the same again today. She shook her head, knowing that it'd mean little training as it'd spend up all of her energy without proper nourishment.

Instead, she took off to the small park where she swung alone on a swing, eyes closed, hair hanging loosely, and her face closed off to the world around her.

Sasuke stood stunned. It had to have been her. How had she spotted the contraption though? It was beyond him. The damn thing was so thin that it was practically invisible, yet he stood crouched by the bin where the timer should be. He had watched her leave to go to the park she'd been at last night. She clearly had some fascination with that place. It didn't matter to him though, as it gave him the opportunity to check out the timer. Only to discover it gone.

He quickly left the alley, annoyed with his new situation. He hadn't planned for this. Now what? Kinata would be cautious if she had found it. Following her would become more difficult. His teeth grit together as he steadily made his way back to the Academy. He, Sasuke Uchiha, was NOT about to be one-up'd by some girl.

Class dismissed. Sasuke got out of his seat before anyone. He strolled swiftly down the steps, passing Kinata. One of the girls in his class tried to catch up to him and talk, but he ignored her, determined to get out of the building so he could linger inconspicuously by the doors. The young girl, named Sango, gave up once they reached the outside.

"Okay…mm…bye Sasuke!" He gave a curt nod as she trotted nervously away, clearly disappointed in his lack of interest in her. He leaned against the Academy wall, on the look out for her. All of the students were leaving in small groups.

Kinata came out as one of the last students, next to Hinata. The Hyuga girl was quiet and shy, opposite of the new girl. It was peculiar to see the two click so easily. Sasuke had his arms crossed, one leg lifted against the wall for support. He kicked himself away, walking towards them.

"Kinata." He hadn't said her name loud. There were still some of his peers hanging around and he didn't want to make a scene. She paused, inclining her head to glance back in his direction.

She raised her eyebrow after realizing who had called her name. He came to stand right in front of her while she turned fully to him. Hinata was puzzled what she should do, so Kinata gave her a reassuring exchange of words, freeing the girl to leave. Once they were alone, she locked eyes with him. He was startled secretly by her boldness. Most girls could barely speak to him let alone make and keep eye contact.

"Yeah Sasuke?" The moment she voiced his name was the moment he lost his usual composure. He dug his hands in his pockets, braking from her gaze to stare across the Academy grounds. Was he…nervous? The thought left him annoyed.

"Hmph. Just wanted to know if you'd come have some ramen with me." In reality, he hadn't sounded excited, his tone was flat. She frowned.

"Oh." His head snapped to find her looking down at her feet with her face scrunched up in thought. She crossed her arms, lifting her head to meet his again. Sasuke's stomach began to have a misplaced sense of apprehension. These feelings were really starting to piss him off. What the hell was his problem? He felt on the spot. He was thrown off by her still hesitant, non-responsive attitude.

"I…I'm not really hungry. But I appreciate the offer. Maybe next tim…" As she ended her sentence her stomach began to growl. Kinata's face turned pink from her embarrassment, grabbing her midsection. Sasuke raised a brow, his face going dark.

"Seems you're hungrier than you thought." He kept the mocking tone out of his voice as much as possible. He didn't was to scare her away, but he was furious and offended at the same time. She not only was about to reject him but lie as well. Sasuke wasn't intending on taking her out to impress her on a date but to interrogate her. He thought it'd be no problem. Any other female would have died for the chance to go out with him.

Kinata shrugged, a cheesy grin replacing her shadowed frown.

"Guess I am. Kay, but you're buying." She said in good humor, turning to walk down a path that led to Konoha's busier streets. Sasuke followed, keeping pace, and scoffing at her comment.

"That's the point. I ask you, I treat you."

He decided on a more private ramen shop. Kinata walked in, instantly excited and in awe to see the indigenous artwork decorating the expensive place. Sasuke kept his amused thoughts to himself, forgetting how she'd just acted towards him moments ago. She seemed full of wonder and innocence, taking in the grand pictures and ornaments, as if this were the first time she'd ever been in a restaurant. Her eyes were glistening curiously and her smile was nearly contagious. The boy had the tiniest smirk at her reaction. They sat down in a corner, and in seconds their server came up. It was a young male in his early teens. Sasuke glared at him, as the guy made no eye contact with him but with Kinata only. She was grinning sheepishly his way.

"Well welcome to Kitcho! My name is Jomei and I'll be taking great care of you. What would you like to start off with, my pretty lady?" Kinata had been pleased to hear him up until the last reference to her. She gave him a weird look.

"I have a name. Please don't call me that again." She made her point as it was like a slap to the face for the boy. His smile faltered. Sasuke smirked. He hadn't expected that either, having been irked by the guy's flirtatious atmosphere.

"Uh, yes, excuse me. I'm very sorry. Err, what should I call you then?" His polite and formal gesture took over, realizing that this customer was not one he could be playful with. Kinata sighed. She hadn't meant to scare the guy, but he hardly knew her. She had more to her than just looks.

"Kinata. Can I just have water please? And I'm ready to order if Sasuke is." She made it clear to say his name so that the server had to turn to him.

"Yeah, I already know what I want." Kinata's smile returned.

"I'd like to try the miso soup. I haven't had that in awhile." He nodded, still seemingly flustered. He looked over to Sasuke.

"Same." He left quickly after that. The Uchiha boy felt almost satisfied to have witnessed that interesting side of her. And he liked how she had handled the whole situation. She was mature, like him.

"So why did you want to take me out?"

Straight to the point, Sasuke thought dryly to himself, those pleasing feelings caused by her evaporating slowly.

"I want to know why you hold back." He locked eyes with her. She appeared surprised, frowning a little.

"Hold back?" Her voice had become softer, as if approaching a subject she'd rather avoid. This only encouraged the Uchiha.

"Tch. Come one. Our idiotic classmates may not be aware of it, but I can clearly see that you dumbify your fighting skills." Kinata's body went rigid and her eyes narrowed. Sasuke was now on his guard. Why was this causing her to be so uptight?

"I…" she glanced down at the table, her eyelashes extending in a feminine way as she sighed. Sasuke sat silently waiting for her to continue.

"Fine. Yeah, I guess I don't apply all of my skills. But it's only because I just want to graduate as a legitimate and normal ninja. I have to learn at a set pace like the others." Sasuke frowned.

"If you applied advanced skills during class you would be able to graduate earlier. That's not why you hold back. Enough with the lies Kinata." Her eyes went hard. She was glaring at him now. Sasuke refrained from doing the same.

"Why are you so curious?" The question was an aversion to the topic at hand, Sasuke knew this. But he'd answer and return back to the subject.

"I size up rivals or allies early on." Her reaction was unanticipated from their unintentional, serious auras. Kinata, out of nowhere, began laughing in a sincere way, not in a teasing way. It brought an unknown, small blush to the boy's face.

"Why's that funny?" He angrily asked. She shook her head, allowing the last few giggles escape her lips. Her eyes twinkled when she looked at him. He felt his stomach clench at her face.

"Am I sized up as the rival or ally, seeing as how it's early on?" Her smile became lopsided at her own joke. He scoffed in reply.

"I'm figuring that out." His words were cut short as their server showed up, setting the bowls of soup and the cups of water down. He gave them utensils. Kinata gave him a neutral 'thanks' and began to dive in as if she hadn't ate a thing for days. Sasuke frowned at this.

"Where do you live?" The blunt question caught her off guard, causing her to spill some hot soup on her hand. She cursed under her breath, sighing right after. He felt kind of bad, but waited patiently.

"In Konoha, obviously. That's a weird thing to ask." Her light tone only caused to irritate him more. She fully knew what he meant.

"Don't mock my intelligence. Clearly I know that. Where in Konoha?" She eyed him.

"Why do you care?" He glared at her.

"Why won't you just answer like anyone else?" This stopped Kinata's movements. He'd just put her on the spot, comparing her to everyone else. Basically, he was highlighting how different she was, and how completely aware of it he was. She gulped down some water, picking at her soup versus eating it. She was thinking of how to respond.

"I don't trust people. I've been trained not to. That's why I don't answer like anyone else. And I wasn't mocking you. I was hoping you'd get the point and drop the subject." She had responded in a slightly annoyed fashion, causing Sasuke to back off for a minute. She was reminding him of how she'd acted towards Sakura. No one would treat him like Kinata was now. He'd never had to deal with a girl being mad at him because of his questions.

They ate the rest of their soup in tense silence. Sasuke brooded over her actions and how easily she could ignore him. Once both had nothing left to eat to distract them from the other, Kinata tried to start a conversation. Their server returned just at that moment. Sasuke glared heatedly at the guy. He had the worst fucking timing!

"Will that be all?" He had somehow regained his cheerful mode, probably due to Kinata's reluctant smile and the edgy atmosphere now between the Uchiha and her.

"Yes. Thank you. The soup was wonderful." She was trying to sound respectful and nice despite her mood. The guy gave her a bright smile, saluting her oddly.

"Of course! I certainly hope to see you here again!" He gave her a wink, "Have a great night, Kinata." Jomei grabbed their bowls and left right after, having overlooked Sasuke altogether. His fists clenched underneath the table but he took a deep breath to keep his cool with extreme control, his expression neutral. What a total dick. Sasuke ranted to himself. Kinata was staring down at the table in thought again.

"Were you about to say something?" He couldn't help but ask. She looked up to him. Her expression let up while her muscles began to drop, almost in a guilty fashion.

"I'm sorry if I seem so…defensive…I guess, but my past, I'm just not fortunate to give out personal information to just anyone. I wish I could. Sometimes I really want to. I'm sure I'd have more friends. But I'm not in a position to decide that. At least not without major risks and consequences."

Sasuke was impressed but now more suspicious. At least she'd apologized for her behavior, but her answers made him feel ill at ease. Could this mean she was a spy? Then again, it might just be that her clan had a terrible past and it'd only leave her ostracized even more. His features softened, not wanting to jump to conclusions yet. She was now being honest with him in spite of everything.

"I get it. I'm an Uchiha after all." Kinata gazed down, eyes scrunching up.

"So…what's the reason for getting to know me?" Sasuke gave her a questioning look so she expanded more.

"I mean, what's in it for you? Spending your time with me, taking me out like this?" Sasuke felt like laughing. She was seriously dissecting his motives and intentions. Sasuke humored her.

"You're different." Sasuke left it at that. He stood up.

"Wanna go for a walk?" He asked her causally. She was watching him warily. After a few seconds of reflection, she gave him a small smile, nodding. Sasuke raised a brow at her change of attitude.

"I'll take different as a compliment. For now." She'd said it as she walked beside him to exit the doors. The Uchiha quickly paid and went to find her waiting patiently for him against a pillar. When she caught sight of him, her eyes subconsciously lit up. Sasuke gulped, realizing their natural chemistry in that instant. They strolled side by side, their shoulders barely touching, leaving a tingling sensation there. It felt comfortable next to her. Sasuke growled next to her after really considering his feelings.

"You sound like a wolf." He turned to look at her amused smirk. He scoffed, not answering, staring straight ahead. Sasuke paused after a few minutes of walking, grabbing Kinata's hand and pulling her suddenly down a specific street. She gasped but otherwise followed. He jumped up on a wooden ridge, spinning around to pull her up, only to find that she was on the same level of the ridge, standing next to him. He smirked as she was smiling.

"Come on. There's a spot I want to go to. I want to get away from everyone." She nodded.

"Sounds like fun." He halted, glancing at her.

"Not like a wolf?" She laughed good-heartedly, shaking her head 'no.'

"Not this time." He gave a quiet and quick chuckle, leaving behind a shocked Kinata. He hopped off the roof connecting the two awkward buildings that stood next to the ridge. She snapped to it, mimicking his movements with ease.

When they finally got to the top, he scanned the area around. She kept her eyes on him, watching as the wind played with his spiky hair. He was a good looking guy around her age. Kinata had never had time to delve into attractions; more so because she'd never stuck around in one place and was always training. Her sensei had, on countless occasions, warned her not to hold any serious attachments to people. Kinata bit her lip when Sasuke waved his hand over, indicating her to come over. Maybe, just this one momentary lapse in her duties as a Ryukotse member wouldn't hurt. She wanted to have at least one night of childish fun.

"This way." His voice cut in and Kinata had to pull her weight to slide down the side of a beam which lowered to another building. He was leading them to the forest line. Once they had reached the outer ledge on the roof of a huge shrine, Sasuke stopped. Right on the ledge was a deliberate but tiny path, and he went down it. Just around the bend was a convenient resting place. The shrine was a red and gold color, and it was definitely private. He sat on the end, letting his feet dangle over the edge, overlooking the incredible scene of Konoha's vast forest.

Kinata decided to sit next to him. She let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes to enjoy the noticeable serenity found in this spot. The birds chirped their final songs in the ending twilight, and the warm breeze blew passed her, causing the leaves to rustle. She was at peace.

"Hmph." His cocky tone vibrated in her ear. He was to the left of her. She squinted her left eye open to see his amused yet somehow harsh face. He was great at mixing his expressions. Her eyes widened.

"What?" He turned away to look back into the woods. He shrugged.

"Trust me now?" She frowned.

"Not really," his head snapped to her, but she was staring ahead as he had been doing, "but I feel safe around you. So I don't know what I should do." Her voice lowered as she brought her legs up to her chin, something Sasuke had noticed she did often when uncomfortable.

"I mean…my old sensei would advice that I be on my guard no matter what." Sasuke narrowed his eyes at that.

"Why would you have to be on your guard in the first place?" Kinata let out a loud sigh, locking eyes with him. Did he really have to ruin the moment?

Sasuke saw familiarity in those stressed, tired eyes. Whatever it was, the effects were clearly taking its toll on her. His heart stung for a second. He'd faced many nights were the haunting memories gave drainage to his once energetic, happy mode. He could see the same happening in her.

"That's the problem. Why I CAN'T have friends. Why a sweet gesture from you must mean nothing to me." Sasuke felt like glaring but refused to intimidate her with his cold features. He wanted answers. She brushed her hand through her dark, curled locks.

"Tch. And you expect me to just leave it at that?" She turned, giving him a surprising icy stare.

"I expect nothing from you. I don't even know you." He inwardly flinched at the foreign venom in her words. He had no idea Kinata could be this distant and blunt. It was making him want to yell at her.

"If you do get involved in my business, than you can expect to be ignored." She turned away from him, and Sasuke frowned. She was putting up a barrier, not physically, but emotionally. What the hell is wrong with her? Why the fuck do I care? Sasuke felt now that he needed to know. She was giving him an obstacle and he wouldn't lose.

"Why Hinata?" Kinata was outright stunned to hear the girl's name brought up randomly.

"What?" Sasuke 'huphed' again, crossing his arms stiffly.

"Why choose Hinata to be your friend?" She seemed to contemplate his question seriously.

"She…doesn't ask, or interrogate me," She stared accusingly his way, but continued, "My past doesn't concern our present, since in the Ninja Academy, it doesn't matter to us both. That's not what our friendship is based off of. We don't define ourselves with our bloodlines." She took a deep breath, fully focused on avoiding Sasuke's eyes, finishing her explanation.

"And, when I first met her, I seen the same desperation and courage that I have in her." This left the raven-haired boy perplexed and surprised. Kinata, desperate? Hinata, courageous?

"Wh…what do you mean?" He wasn't sure why he had just hesitated, but he felt as if they were now talking about more personal and intimate matters. He didn't have the motivation now to search her own objectives, but was curious now about who she was.

"I," Kinata was now the hesitating one. She brought her hand up to brush it through her hair. The topic was making her nervous, causing Sasuke to tense. "I had a family tragedy…when I was 5."

She took a break to recollect the memories despite not wanting to. It was obvious to the boy that just saying those nine words were daunting to the girl. Sasuke rearranged his position so that he was facing the sideways Kinata. She had been avoiding his presence but he needed to observe her expressions to know the extent of her past. She probably wouldn't go into details and Sasuke was okay with that. He figured it would be like her asking him to talk about the Uchiha massacre. His left leg was now pressed against his chest, and his right leg was lying flat on the ledge. He relaxed his body, something he hadn't done in awhile being with another.

"Enemy ninjas came for my clan, mainly for political reasons. I was saved because of my sensei. The others…" She clenched her fists. Her tone was strained, and she bent her head while Sasuke saw her eyes narrow in the distance, looking at an invisible scene. "…so I'm what's left, besides my old instructor."

Sasuke had been intense at observing her the whole time, and knew that she was far from being deceptive. This traumatic event mirrored his own and how he felt.

"Look, I know where you're coming from." His tone had an edginess to it, yet an ounce of understanding; something only the Uchiha kid could away with.

"And how's that?" She was skeptical, fully turning to him. The moon was out now and it played with her features. Sasuke found it entrancing. She was attractive in many ways. He leaned in closer, though she didn't seem to notice or care. His eyes were hard.

"Tch. You never heard about the Uchiha?" She genuinely appeared confused. He raised an eyebrow at that. Everyone in Konoha knew. How deprived was this girl? Then it clicked – she wasn't originally from Konoha. She couldn't be if she didn't know. She had to have been from somewhere else, and these enemy ninjas were most likely still after her. That was why she couldn't trust anyone. That was why she had just suddenly joined the Ninja Academy. Sasuke frowned. He couldn't believe how much this changed his perspective on the girl sitting right next to him. She was still waiting for him to explain.

He sighed before telling her his own rough history.

"My past is just the same as your. But my enemy ninja was my older brother." Kinata's expression dropped, her eyes not filling up with pity as he feared might happen, but with a cold fierceness, as if remembering events that were better kept in the dark.

"I'm, damn Sasuke, I'm sorry." It was the first time he'd heard her swear, and her reaction caused him to calm down. He wasn't the type to open up like that, but he figured it was worth it. She seemed worth it. He nodded.

"No need to feel sorry." She huphed, crossing her arms to look away.

"I can feel however I'd like." Her childish tone made Sasuke smirk. The wind picked up immensely and the leaves began to swirl around them. The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, taking in the other's story and the sight surrounding them. Soon after, Kinata stood up.

"I should get going. I need to go to my foster home." Sasuke followed suit, his eyebrows scrunched up at the mentioning of a house. He quickly trailed behind her retreating form.

"So what? Your sensei just dropped you off in a random village to fend for your own with strangers?" Kinata rolled her eyes. Sasuke glared at the teasing stunt.

"No Sasuke. He knew the people personally. Or at least he knew their parents. Anyway, he has to be on the look out for shinobi that want to kill me. I think I took on the better side of the deal." Her words were flat at his annoyed eyes, but he let out a long breath after hearing her truthful words, verifying what he'd assumed earlier. She spun around again, and backtracked their steps to jump down from the building, landing silently on her feet. Sasuke was right in sync with her.

"Fine. I'll walk you home." Kinata shook her head, taken back by his out of character offer. Then again, he'd been acting strange the entire night. Perhaps it was because they had a lot in common. She started to walk down the street, with Sasuke next to her, glaring at her silent protest. Kinata sighed. He made her do that countless times or so she was starting to see.

"Half-way is alright." Sasuke's glare deepened.

"Why's that?" She shrugged, glancing at her feet. He could tell she wouldn't answer.

"So who do you live with?" Kinata was changing the subject again, and Sasuke was realizing it was a tactic of hers when she wanted to move on in conversation.

"Alone." He answered. She gave him an odd look.

"For how long?" He shrugged.

"Since it happened." He had no need to elaborate. She couldn't help but sympathize with the guy next to her. His warm presence beside her only strengthened the mutual feeling.

"So you have to look after yourself then." It seemed worded like a question but when Sasuke glanced over to the girl, he found her nodding to herself, as if confirming something. He held back a smirk.

"There are appointed shinobi that drop in to check on me, once in awhile. But yeah, I look after myself." They were approaching busier streets. Despite the night getting really late, people throughout Konoha occupied the streets no matter what the hour. Kinata wrapped her arms around herself, contemplating her next actions.

"Oh. Can I…" She hesitated, which instantly caught Sasuke's attention.

"What?" She stepped to the side, pulling his arm along with her. He allowed her to do so, curious about her intentions. She led them into a weapon's shop. There were a few ninjas inspecting the various blades, bombs and scrolls. Kinata strolled to the far corner to be alone. She eyed him as he gave her a questioning look.

"I need to know something." He lifted a brow, waiting for her to continue.

"Was this date random?" The implicated word 'date' not only threw him off, but her suddenly serious tone did too. Before he could answer however, she was handing him the VERY trap he'd set the night before over her. He tried to control his probably alarmed face, up until he locked eyes with her. No. It was clearly pointless to lie. Sasuke could read that his immediate reaction had already given it away and that she was piecing it all together.

"Why go to the trouble…?" Her whispered words again took him off guard. This girl made him think twice about what to expect. He was naturally tense, having been put on the spot. He forced his body to relax, and then shrugged.

"At first I saw you as a possible rival." He wasn't going to tell her about his original suspicions of her being a spy. She wouldn't take to that kindly. Kinata frowned, her face scrunched up in thought, but he had to follow up or she would begin to assume things.

"As time passed, I've realized…you have more…and less than the average ninja. It intrigued me. That's all." She shook her head, as if disagreeing with his own defensive words.

"Then why track me? And why do you want to figure out my locations? And how do you know if I have more or less?" It was like being pounded, only they weren't fists, only harsh questions. Confusion and disbelief flowed from her. He stepped towards her, closing the distance between them. To Sasuke's amazement, the girl held her ground, her eyes hardening as if preparing for a fight. He wanted to throw her off, as payback for the countless times she'd done it to him. It hadn't worked at all.

"You do have more to offer," Sasuke felt completely uncomfortable offering the compliment, despite its subtleness, "and when I tracked you, it was to verify how little you have." He wasn't sure if she was still lying about being homeless – more so when she'd refused him in letting him walk her home. The atmosphere changed. Kinata's body went tight as a spring. Her face went neutral, void of any emotions. Her fist closed. Sasuke had to keep from growling in irritation.

In all reality, any of the girls in his class wouldn't care if he were following them, they would be ecstatic, yet with Kinata was left offended beyond comprehension.

"Kay. Thanks for the concern, Sasuke, but I'm fine on my own. I don't need a stalker to decide whether I have everything he thinks I should have." Somehow her brief and blunt reply managed to come out in smooth tone, like a silky warning. It infuriated the boy to hear her say this to his face however. He felt like punching the wall beside them. What. The. Fuck? I'M trying to be considerate for a fucking once, and SHE'S going to blow ME off!? Sasuke's mind rolled over angrily at these thoughts. His glare wouldn't let up.

"Not concern. Curiosity. And don't flatter yourself," He moved away from her, "a stalker would be wasting their time with you." He coldly left her standing alone in the store, exiting in his usual way – with his hands in his pockets, ignoring the world around him.

Kinata sighed, content that her plan had worked for a change. He was too smart and she could tell he knew something was up about her living conditions. As soon as she'd seen his shock at seeing the timer she'd known it had been him all along. She'd suspected something when he had kept asking about where she lived from the get-go. That was definitely NOT good. She had to stop his prying right now.

The farther she kept the Uchiha boy away from her, the better it'd be for both of them.

When Kinata made it to the Iwatsuru residence, she could sense danger. The alley in which they lived in had very few lanterns, adding to the eerie air. Kinata had to remind herself to be as quick as possible concerning her retrieval of a new pair of clothes. Tonight was the night their son had died. She was so not looking forward to even entering the house.

Once she stepped near the door, hoping they'd have passed out, she sighed. Arguing could be heard inside, and she knew she'd be entering a world of fire, so to speak. As soon as her body felt ready, she pushed open the door. The hinges creaked, making her wince. The voices silenced. The door closed.

"Hmmm…an' looks wa' brings 'erself ta our home." They were slurred, angry words. Kigetsu's face had red hues dominating his usual pale complexion, leaning lazily against the fridge. Mura was sitting slumped in one of the kitchen chairs, her eyes glazed over. He began to stumble through the tiny hallway to a now tense Kinata. She avoided eye contact as he came right up to her, using the wall as support to maintain somewhat of a vertical stance.

"Tchya, we don' wan' ya here…girl!" Mura screeched the last part, glaring. Kinata could tell that her eyes were puffy from having been crying.

"Yea! I tol' ya ta stay~away." Kinata frowned. His breath reached her nose, the stench consumed of alcohol. It was almost overbearing.

"I…I know. I'm sorry. I just, I need to grab a new set of clothes." Kigetsu narrowed his eyes and Mura let loose a drunken giggle.

"She want~n new clothes!?" Kinata shook her head, but before she could correct the misunderstanding (she meant to switch her old attire, not get anything brand new), Kigetsu shoved her against the door.

"Ya be demandin' shit now! We pervidin (providing, he's drunk) fer ya…we don' have ta, ya know? An' we tol~n~ya ta STAY…AWAY." He glowered at her while she held back a glare. It was hard as hell.

She knew however how pointless it was trying to talk sense into them with their current intoxicated states. So she kept her comments to herself, and waited instead to see if he might allow her to grab some clothes. She could always take a dip in the pond by the Academy and wait it out there until class. It was dark and no one would be the wiser, albeit it'd be a chilly swim.

"I said, get de HELL OUTTA HERE!" His furious tone took Kinata by surprise as he pushed her harshly against the door, so much that the hinges broke and she was falling backwards. Kigetsu grunted at her crumbled form in the street from which the door had dropped. Mura crept up behind him, carrying a half full bottle of sake.

"Ya ninjas…ya taken everything…" The woman mumbled, glaring still at Kinata as the girl began to pick herself up. Kigetsu snorted in agreement, stepping out and kicking her right side before she could even stand. The hit brought her to her knees. The impact wasn't meant for precision but for him to release his anger.

"My boy…ye even get it, stupid ass girl! MY BOY…taken…my parents…an' YOU," his words altered from the slurs to sudden clarity, "YOUS all we left with…tch…an' we don' even wantchya." He stepped over the door, grabbing a fistful of Kinata's hair. The painful tug earned a whimper from the girl.

Mura laughed at the scene.

"Show 'er, Kigetsu! Show 'er! We mean whats~we's says when we's says DON'T. COME. HOME." He dragged her into the middle of the alley, slapping her face. Kinata tensed, ignoring the small discomforts. They could be cruel, but she had restraint. Kinata held onto the image of Gramps-Izu and Grams-Susano. She had mastered enduring pain. This abuse compared to that was nothing. She had to remind herself of the Iwatsuru's own pain. They were lashing out for the reason of loss. So she remained silent, letting him finish his tirade.

"Oh I will! Being a smart ass, no' speaking, like she's be too good fer us, demandin' shit, COMING as she pleases…" The more Kigetsu ranted, the more he infuriated himself. Kinata closed her eyes. Just as she did, she felt knuckles clash into her left eye. There had been no time to dodge the move, as it had gone unseen and unexpected. She stumbled back, out of his grasp, falling on her back. Her shoulders tightening up for battle. Cradling her throbbing eye, Kinata risked voicing her opinion. This was going too far for being out in public. If anyone were to walk by, problems would arise. And no one would be in good favor towards Kinata, as these guardians barely felt ANY allegiance to her.

"I didn't want to come. I had to change my clothes." Her tone was flat. Kigetsu gave her an icy stare. She was observing him with her right eye. He lowered himself to her level, his balance completely off. They stared one another down for a silent moment, until he gave up, grunting in an annoyed manner.

"Get da hell outta here girl." He yelled it as he stumbled his way back to the entrance. Mura was leaning against the door frame, her hands crossed and her face smug. Kigetsu passed the woman but she didn't follow, much to Kinata's disappointment. Instead, Mura spat at the ground before her.

"You ninjas…ya makes me sick!" Kinata slowly stood up, giving her a blank look. The young girl shook her head and turned around. The furious woman's face instantly became pleased as she threw her glass bottle at the girl's arm, slicing her right arm considerably. Kinata flinched from the collision. The sake dripped from her arm, as it had been half full. It made the open wound sting. Her nose became scrunched up at the intense smell. She applied pressure to the long gash but otherwise held her composure.

Mura left Kinata there, mumbling incoherent words as she went inside.

"…worthless piece a shit…no' our problem." The woman didn't come back, much to Kinata's relief.

The girl sighed. What a night, she thought tiredly to herself, slowly walking away from their home. Now that it was over, she could make her way to the pond to clean herself up, get a few hours of rest, and get to class. She would have to sneak some clothes from a side-shop however, because she'd worn the set for 3 days now. They were beginning to smell. Kinata huphed to herself, irritated that she'd have to sink so low as to steal, but her situation wasn't necessarily her fault. She still felt the guilty and shame feelings.

As she took off, a shadowed figure crept along the roof lines. An astonished pair of dark eyes waited for her absence so that he could take off home. What he had just witnessed had left him speechless. He would have to confront her tomorrow. He already knew that she'd be defensive and angry, but he had to, for her sake.