~Chapter 13~

Confrontations

Sasuke left Kinata alone for the next few days. He'd been royally pissed off by her extremely distant mood, and it'd only gotten worse. It was like he didn't exist to her. In class, he had chosen several times to sit nearby her (not right next to her though, as he'd learned from his previous mistake) and she wouldn't spare him a glance, not even once. Outside of the Academy, if he made the slightest move towards her, she would take off so fast that once it had left Hinata stunned.

What annoyed the Uchiha the most however was how much attention she'd been giving Naruto. She must've hinted at the fact that she was upset with Sasuke, and of course the blonde boy had latched on to that news. It clearly made him giddy. They went to lunch once to eat ramen. Naruto had even walked with her for practically the whole night on the training grounds when she'd given up trying to help the boy with his shadow clone jutsu (Sasuke had to spar with Byakuya so he had been forced to see the two together).

Sasuke couldn't stand it. Naruto most likely didn't even know about Kinata's predicament, so why would she choose him. If anything, it was to keep Sasuke away (everyone knew how much the two boys couldn't stand each other). Naruto had no control, no manners,and no respect. Sasuke was infuriated by Kinata's preference in company so much that he needed to change it. His practical sense was drifting away because of the girl. It was driving Sasuke mad.

So the day finally came when he had worked up the courage to say what needed to be said. It was Friday, right before the weekend. He figured a subtle approach would be his best alternative. The students were standing leisurely around in the classroom, waiting for Iruka-sensei to show so that they could go to the training grounds to work on taijutsu. It was tiresome to first come to the Academy and then far outside, but that was how their teacher began class.

Sasuke dragged his hand through his spiky hair, letting out a silent sigh. He'd been leaning against the furthest wall from the door the entire time. After he'd told Sakura to leave him alone (she was trying her best to use up all of her time with him, as Ino would be back for the next week – her punishment was a suspension for one week) he'd kept to himself, going over how he'd advance up to Kinata. When she strolled in, her aura was back to her truly cheerful self. Naruto came over to her right away, making Sasuke's eyes twitch, though he was positive no one seen, since everyone seemed busy in their own conversations. Hinata had taken the day off for family purposes (the Hyuga family had the right to dismiss the girl for whatever reason).

Sasuke kept eyeing her through his peripheral vision. She still refused to acknowledge him. Naruto had her do a coordination test, making some of the classmates laugh when she could do it but Naruto couldn't. Kinata was laughing at her friend in good humor, her smile infectious, as the others tried the test and began laughing too. Sasuke frowned. She had such an easy-going personality. She didn't deserve the life she had at home. It was only encouraging the Uchiha.

Suddenly Iruka-sensei showed up, and Sasuke kicked himself away from the wall. Their teacher went through a checklist of names and items, giving them a short lecture of today's expectations. Then the class took off. Sasuke was ready to engage in his plan. Once out he waited until they had just reached the outline of the trees leading up to the training grounds.

Sasuke had strategically placed himself kitty-corner from Kinata, just beyond her peripheral but still in his reach. Naruto was up ahead walking next to Iruka-sensei, telling him about the coordination test he learned from the Hokage. The moment they walked into the woods, Sasuke grabbed Kinata's left hand silently, pulling her back. Only a few of their peers passed them, still talking about the test Naruto had shown everyone, and thus paying the two no mind. Her face snapped to him, shocked to see that he was the one pulling her back. He nodded his head backwards, signaling to retreat away from the class. She narrowed her eyes, but to his amazement she complied.

Sasuke was going to knock her out if she didn't, which he had assumed would be the case, but was thankful he didn't have to resort to that. Sasuke let some space lengthen between Kinata as he walked away from the direction of the grounds, still in the privacy of the trees though. When he reached a decent spot he turned around. Kinata mirrored his movements, a good seven feet from him. They stared one another down for a good minute. He couldn't help but admire her symmetrical features, and the clearing skin on her face from where the bruise on her left eye had been, now practically gone. The depths of her eyes felt hypnotizing to Sasuke.

He snapped back to reality when she put her hands on her hips, raising an annoyed eyebrow.

"Well what is it?" He kept himself from glaring at her pushy tone.

"So you're determined to ignore me?" His comment was more of an accusation than a question. It threw her off guard for a second.

"What are you talking about?" She snapped back. Sasuke couldn't help his irritated stance. He took a few steps closer. She tensed, as if she were his prey and she was about to run away. Her eyes remained hard and locked on Sasuke's own.

"I'm not an idiot. What's the real reason for keeping your distance?" This was it. Sasuke was hoping she'd admit her situation to him, but he highly doubted it. It didn't matter though, because he would make her come to her senses, even if he had to threaten her.

Kinata stared harshly at him, her eye slightly twitching.

"You don't give up, do you?" She was definitely annoyed. Sasuke kept from smirking. She was stubborn but so was he.

"Answer Kinata. Or I will for you." She moved her head back in confusion, raising an eyebrow.

"And how does that make any sense?" Sasuke shook his head. She was such an expert at avoiding the topic at hand, despite the seriousness of it.

"Tch. Can you ever answer without questioning first?" He was slightly sarcastic and agitated. Kinata frowned.

"Not with you." He frowned now. She was still taut at what he was implying in this whole conversation. She was nervous deep down. How could he answer why she was staying away from him? Had he figured it out? The idea was daunting.

"Fine. We'll do this the hard way then." His fists clenched as her eyebrows scrunched in uncertainty. What was he talking about?

Sasuke knew he'd have regrets about pushing her into such a stressful situation but it was to help her get out of a worse one.

"Wha…what do you mean by that?" Her strong frontage was disappearing as her words were filled with slight anxiety. He crossed his arms, staring down at her. He was maybe a good two inches taller than her.

"Those foster parents of your…exactly how well do they treat you?" He mocked her, and he hit the right nerve. Her whole demeanor morphed into that of a defensive warrior, ready for battle. She glared at him.

"Why's that concern you AT ALL?" She was doing it again. She was becoming angry and distant. He took a deep breath, sticking his hands in his pockets. He had to keep control of his emotions this time for his plan to work. A strong breeze blew passed them, causing the sunrays to break through the tree branches, highlighting Kinata's features. Sasuke wished he could fully appreciate it, but at the current moment, her eyes were ablaze and guarded.

"Not only does it concern me, but our superiors too…unless you own up already."

Kinata was stunned. She moved her body instinctively away from him, withdrawing all of her emotions. She was now like a closed book.

"I…no, there's no proof." It was an attempt to sound confident but she failed. It was unusual for him to hear her sound like that.

"Hmph. I don't need much for the accusation to be proven a reality. The jounin will investigate and later confirm that you're living with abusive drunks." When he'd finally said it aloud, the shock and panic appeared distinctly across her features. Sasuke felt an ounce of guilt as she cast her eyes to the ground, her eyes dropping to the foreboding she must've felt. She was now in a helpless position.

"What do you want from me Sasuke?" Her voice was a whispered hiss, full of desperation. The brewing blame grew more at her voice, and he wanted to blurt out that this wasn't blackmail, but he bit his lip. It technically was but not for the reason that Kinata probably thought. He stepped close to her again so that he was standing right in front of her. He lifted her chin up so that she was staring into his onyx eyes. Having him so near to her had her nervous, he could tell.

"You've got it wrong Kinata. I want nothing from you," he paused at her puzzled look, "I want to help. I don't get why you put up with those pathetic excuses you call guardians." He let out a deep breath, dropping his hand. Her eyes were wide. "I'm," He paused, unsure of why he was going to such lengths for this random girl still. "I want to offer a place for you to stay."

Kinata was left speechless. Her features softened after a silent minute, which made Sasuke restless. She darted her eyes to the side, unable to comprehend his sentimental but generous offer. The boy tried to keep hold of his stand-offish demeanor but found the subtle positive change in her brightening his own mood. After what seemed like forever she turned to him, smiling.

"Okay. I'll stay with you. But you have to keep all of this a secret. And we have to go on as if nothing's happened, alright?" Her voice had the usual air of confidence that had previously been lacking moments ago. Sasuke couldn't stop himself from sighing arrogantly, hiding a small smirk.

"Hmph. Yeah, whatever. Let's skip class and move your crap now." His casual tone caught Kinata off guard. That was becoming a natural occurrence with him.

"Skip class?" He shrugged, turning away to head back to the streets of Konoha. That was apparently his only response. Kinata stood frozen in spot. She glanced behind her, where her classmates would be.

She wasn't the reckless type, especially concerning the Ninja Academy. But Sasuke's proposal was too good to miss out on. It excited her, even if for the childish and selfish reasons that she'd be out of the Iwatsuru family. It was a chance for sanctuary. She was starting to understand that her abusive home was why Sasuke had been so interested in her. Now he would give her space.

She didn't really have a choice in the end either, because Sasuke would most likely go through with his threat. The couple would be under surveillance and worse Kinata's entire situation (including her falsified ID and background) would be taken into consideration. She couldn't risk that.

Her best bet was with Sasuke Uchiha.

She reluctantly followed behind his shadowed figure, realizing another problem arising.

Her once blind-sided attraction with the kid would be nearly impossible now to ignore.

Kinata was nervous. She'd be trembling if it weren't for the intense training her sensei had put her through. Sasuke strolled confidently beside her, ignoring the curious eyes of some of the villagers who knew the two should be in class. No one confronted them though, probably because of the Uchiha prodigy.

Kinata tried to focus on her surroundings but it didn't help. The fact of the matter was that this boy would have to see her living quarters and meet her foster parents. It left her frightened to the core. She was NOT supposed to be allowing strangers into her life, let alone to the Iwatsuru home. He knew exactly where he was going. Kinata puzzled it together that he had to have seen her on that night, the one of Musa and Kigetsu's reminder of their son's death. The other nights before they'd abused her inside. It also meant that he had still followed her after their brutal exchange in the weaponry shop.

Kinata was impressed that he had cared enough to keep spying on her, but it was more probable that he'd been in his persistent mind-set to prove he'd find her place no matter what. And it was shocking since Naruto always referred to him as a 'selfish jerk.'

Nonetheless, the Uchiha boy was now stepping up to the new door of the Iwatsuru household. He glanced back towards her, his face impassive. It reminded her of Daisukozo from the Kusama family. She took a deep breath when he inclined his head for her to come and stand by him. She smoothly did, hiding some of her anxiety. She let out an exasperated sigh. Sasuke gave her a disapproving look.

"Calm down. This will be the last time you have to see them." It was odd advice, as he'd tried to say it in a positive tone. It did help a bit though, as she gave him a small and short smile, nodding. He knocked on the door. Silence met them. The two windows were shut and the blinds covering their view. A dark, ominous feeling crept into Kinata's stomach as she pushed open the door herself, walking into the stuffy and glooming hallway.

Sasuke was scanning the area with absolute scrutiny. He met her eyes with bold encouragement after a few seconds.

"Go grab your things. Do you need help?" She shook her head 'no.'

"Nah. I don't have much to grab. I'll be right back then." Her voice was surprisingly even and controlled. She was genuinely pleased with how well she was holding it together. He gave her a curt nod. Just as Kinata turned her head in the direction of her room, everything changed. Shock had her frozen in spot. There stood Mura, and she was furious.

Her face was red, and her hands were on her hips, eyes narrowing directly at Kinata.

"What the HELL do you think you're doing girl?" Her sudden high pitched scream made Kinata cringe. It was not like the woman to creep up on the young girl, and that explained why her heart was racing and her barriers of silence engaged. She had been taken by surprise.

"She's leaving. For good." The cold, defiant voice beside her felt like a sword slicing through the thick tension in the room. Mura's eyes darted to Sasuke, glaring more into slits as her arms crossed.

"Is that so? And who are you, boy?" She laid emphasis on the last word, as if to remind him that she was the adult. Kinata cautiously stepped back to witness the fearless raven-haired ninja stand his guard against an emotionally disturbed woman.

"Sasuke Uchiha. And yea, it's so." The challenge in his voice was clear as day, which in any other circumstance would have had Mura fuming. However, the mention of his name in the beginning had her eyes now wide in fear. It was startling for Kinata to see. How had he done that so easily just by telling her his name? Mura was now backing up, her arms dropping.

"An Uchiha…the last? What business do you have with her." When Mura had indicated Kinata, her face scrunched up in disgust. The action had Sasuke's fists clench.

"Getting Kinata away from scum like you." Mura retracted her head as if she'd been physically hit. Kinata bit her lip, not sure what to say, afraid of making the situation worse. Then again, Sasuke seemed to have it under control, even having the upper-hand for whatever reason.

"And I'm just supposed to let you!" She had gained an ounce of cockiness, craning her head in a vicious way. Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Kinata held her breath, unable to move. She felt almost numb. It was ironic how terrorized this situation made her feel versus all of the other obstacles she'd had to confront. She felt utterly on her own, for the exception of one boy.

"I don't walk out with Kinata, you won't be walking at all." The blunt threat had both girls stunned. The girl had no idea how far he would go to help her out of there.

"How dare you…" Mura hissed.

"How dare I?" His words were now beyond enraged, as the air around him slowly stirred with chakra. Mura's mouth closed quickly. He walked casually to Kinata's side. He grabbed her wrist, staring directly back into the eyes of the woman.

"Dares are for children." His aura spiked with energy. Kinata felt the urge to release her own chakra to prove a point but figured that might end badly for everyone. She let Sasuke take the lead, which he did with ease. Mura was now intimidated, her face going pale.

"Or, if you really wish, I could just alert a jounin to retrieve Kinata from the abuse you've inflicted on her. Your choice." His voice was clipped. Mura took a quick breath. A jounin would be far more aggressive to the couple. He finally got his point across as the woman 'huphed' in disgust, turning her back to them, but not before waving her hand out as if to say goodbye.

"Take her. As if I'd give two shits less." Then she was gone, locking herself in the master bedroom. But Sasuke's chakra still sizzled with passion, outranking his usual distribution she'd seen before. Kinata took in his solid frame, finally able to move again. She put her hand on his shoulder to get his attention, as his eyes were still glued to the room that Mura had gone in.

"Thanks Sasuke." She gave him a soft and appreciative smile when he looked at her. He had appeared so deadly, but she had snapped him out of his intense trance. The silent exchange between the two proved that nothing else really had to be said. She was more than grateful that he'd stepped in, aiding her with the dreadful confrontation, one she had tried to avoid at all costs.

"Yeah. Sure. Let's just get out of here." He sounded irritated after dealing with Mura, and Kinata completely understood.

"Right. It won't take long to pack." She had gained her confidence back, darting off to the small murky room. She flung a couple of items in a grey bag, one that was now torn and ripped from having used it on so many travels. Sasuke leaned against the door frame, scoping out the room. It sickened him.

She spun around, gasping at his unexpected presence. She figured he'd wait in the hallway. His arms were crossed and his eyebrows drawn down in a disgusted glare. It was a cramped room, with a mat for a bed that had bundled dirty clothes underneath it for cushioning. Kigetsu had taken out all of the furniture when their son had died so that they would be reminded of him. The walls were stained and the corners had signs of mold. There was a window boarded up but otherwise no other means of ventilation. There were a few holes and the smell made Sasuke wrinkle his nose.

"Tch. You really considered this home?" His tone let on to how repulsed he was by the scene before him. Kinata tensed, becoming defensive while frowning.

"No. It was a house to live in. Temporarily." They made eye contact. She didn't want to talk about it. He raised an eyebrow at her clearly retaliated response.

"Whatever. That everything?" He had watched her barely grab anything. Then again, she didn't have personal belongings or a lot of clothes or even accessories. She sighed, walking passed him, tossing her bag over her shoulder.

"Yes…sir." He followed close behind, though she wished she could've seen his annoyed face.

"Sir…?" He growled to himself quietly.

Once the two made it outside, Kinata came to a halt just beyond the alley. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the relived smile show. Sasuke watched her, the ghost of a smirk on his own face. This was what she needed – to be released from the troubles. She opened back up her eyes to stare at the raven-haired boy.

"You can be bossy at times." Her voice was light and sweet, but her criticism struck a chord in the composed Uchiha.

"What?" She smiled at his confused expression. He looked cute when he did that.

"I called you sir. I was teasing you…and that's why I was." His eyes rose in question. She was smiling at him, her eyes lit up, almost wanting to laugh. His eyes rose in question.

"Hmph. And that bothers you?" She began to walk beside him, shrugging.

"Not really. Like back there, it was kind of necessary. And maybe right now." He smirked, glancing at her kind eyes. It was a nice change to see her act the way she did with everyone else, rather than be so cold to him.

"Mm. Oh yeah? Why's that?" He was pushing for a compliment. She shook her head, laughing to herself. The sound had Sasuke's heart in his throat. He was reminded of their natural chemistry again. It sincerely scared him.

"Because, oh Mighty Uchiha, I have no idea where you live. You'll have to lead the way." His controlled features clicked back in place at her mocking comment. He gave a curt nod.

"Fine. Come on then." He nudged her shoulder with his own as he started off, passing her to walk ahead. Kinata stumbled from the attack. She glared playfully at his back. She slugged him in the arm when she had run over to catch up. He looked beside her with shocked eyes.

"What the hell?" Her playful glare was still in place. He calmed down after seeing her.

"You started it." He shook his head at her childish antics. It was like two sides of a sword; at times she could act cruel, distant, mature, and insightful while at other times she was good-humored, fun, and cheerful. She took her eyes off of the villagers around them to look at him, catching him in the act of checking her out.

"What?" Pure curiosity. Her eyes sparkled, waiting for an answer.

"Nothing." He muttered, digging his hands deep into his pockets.

He liked her and that was something he didn't like. It confused him. He was in conflict over the girl now. And here he thought that 'saving' Kinata from her horrible home would ease his feelings.

It'd only made them worse.

The foreign emotions made his stomach clench. He reminded himself to back off. Now that Kinata would be safe he could concentrate on his prior and more important goal: Itachi.