Sorry I'm late guys! School work blah blah! Got a long weekend now and handed in two of my assignments, so I'm cruisy for a while and up for probably updating two new chapters come Monday! Also, I'm starting a new SasuNaru fic called 'Glee Club'. You don't have to like or hate Glee or whatever, it's not about that! It's a highschool fic that involves a situation similar to Glee's!
Anyway! Here you go! Sorry if there are any mistakes, I beta'd late night.
Timeless
by ferriswheel95
"Naruto! Where did you go you total moron!?" Sasuke screamed out, trapped by the dark abyss that surrounded him. He was trudging in shin high water and even though everything was dark he knew it was tinted green. He was positive he was just with a whining Naruto not even five seconds ago, but as he turned one way while saying something, by the time he looked back Naruto was gone.
"Naruto!" He tried again and that seemed to finally make things interesting. The ground rumbled beneath him and he frantically looked around for a chance of escape as it did so, when suddenly the rumbling ceased and a sloshing sound caught his attention. He spun around hurriedly and squinted into the darkness to see who or what was walking through the water. A glimpse of orange had him convinced.
"Naru- … Wait…" He breathed, looking closer again. It was indeed Naruto but not the one he was now used to. The orange jacket was contrasted with a light blue rather than its usual black and the figure stood a great deal shorter. It was Naruto, but the young one. Regardless Sasuke felt the need to try again.
"Naruto!" He yelled but once his echo faded and there was near silence amongst them, Sasuke noticed something else. Naruto was sobbing; albeit quietly and to what he obviously thought was himself but there was no mistaking it. Somehow Sasuke had moved unknowingly so he was directly behind Naruto now but still at an uncomfortably great distance. With each stiff sniffle and sob Sasuke felt his stomach knot and burn, the pain of his young teammate practically slapping the raven's body with anxiety and he could involuntarily do nothing but sympathise. There was a low growl that Sasuke's body recognised and he became tense. Just as he feared the bars of possibly the biggest cage in existence was illuminated in the darkness… And Naruto was walking straight for them.
"Naruto stop…" Sasuke whispered, but Naruto didn't.
"Naruto stop." He was louder this time, but Naruto still didn't. With another growl from the suddenly visible beast in the cage, water began to rise rapidly and Sasuke couldn't stand it any longer.
"Naruto! Stop!" He cried, leaping forward and running for the young Naruto. Despite his best efforts the water engulfed him and he could no longer breathe. Bubbles from his mouth blinded him momentarily but he trained his eyes on Naruto who was only getting closer and closer to the cage. Further and further from Sasuke. He kicked furiously through the water but his chest tightened with each passing second of no air.
"Naruto!"
"Damn it Sasuke! What!?" Sasuke blinked a few times, gasping for air and feeling around him, feeling dry. He let out a sigh of relief, realising it was just a nightmare before he sat up on the futon that laid behind the couch that Naruto slept on and was currently leaning over the back of too glare sleepily at the Uchiha.
"What!?" Sasuke snapped, sitting up and glaring back and Naruto's own glare intensified. He somehow seemed scarier in the morning; Sasuke could only guess it was because he hadn't eaten in hours.
"Don't you what me! Being creepy and calling out to me in your sleep!" Naruto huffed, cheeks flushed slightly as they are in the mornings and eyes red rimmed and still very tired looking. Sasuke simply 'tsked' before throwing the blanket off his and standing, heading for the kitchen.
"Where is Kakashi?" Sasuke called although there was little need to, the apartment was very small and everything could be seen from the lounge room, there were no doors only small walls that segregated the rooms from one another. Except the bathroom, which was connected to Kakashi's room.
Fucked layout… Sasuke mentally insulted the small apartment, taking his frustrations out on it.
"I don't know, guess he went out" Naruto shrugged, still looking over the back of the couch at Naruto. Sasuke frowned and opened the fridge, pulling out the small carton of milk and then looking up to the clock.
"It's only seven… He always kept us waiting until at least 9…" He muttered to himself before looking out the open window, the curtain flapping lightly from the breeze.
Then where is he all the time between? The Uchiha wondered. He was still for a few moments, glaring out the window in thought and Naruto could only watch, silent himself.
"Sa –" he started but his mouth snapped just when Sasuke hurriedly put the milk back in the fridge and then rushed around to collect his clothes. He changed into one of the clean blue undershirts he was given and slipped his arm covers on after, then threw his vest on haphazardly. He stepped quickly to the door and sat down to pull his sandals on.
"Sasuke? Where are you going!?" Naruto flung his blanket off and leapt over the back of the couch, catching Sasuke in the door way at the open door. The raven barely considered stopping.
"Seeing what Kakashi is doing" he answered simply and Naruto's eyes widened; in excitement of course. He panicked a little when Sasuke turned and stepped out the door.
"Hey! Hey! Wait for me asshole!" He called, rushing back into the lounge room to change as well but he knew Sasuke wasn't going to. He glanced to the side and saw their masks sitting on the small coffee table that sat between the couch and trivial TV. He grinned and grabbed both masks, heading to the door to wave them with a captivating grin.
"Hey! Can't go anywhere without this!" Sasuke glanced over his shoulder to humour the other and his onyx hues could only blink before he cursed under his breath and stomped grudgingly back to the apartment. Naruto, victorious as usual, leisurely made his way back to change. He was going to take his time now, make sure he looked good for the past ladies of Konoha!
Kakashi stood solemnly in front of the stone, names engraved and shouting at him; he could hear their cries and the cries of their loved ones. He could hear the cry of his team and his Sensei. His stomach twisted with regret and it wouldn't settle as usual until he spent a good hour or so with his new team – new family.
"Kaka-Sensei?" A deep voice breathed carefully and Kakashi turn, trying not to look as forlorn as he felt during his morning visits.
"Ah, good morning Naruto, Sasuke" Kakashi gave them a smile as he walked over to the two who stood a few metres away side by side. Kakashi finally took his time to notice their growth, Naruto filling out well and obviously more toned from what he could only guess was countless hours of vigorous training. He was even tanner which made the blonde mop he called hair even more sensational then what it was on the child. In contrast, Sasuke stood just as toned in their matching outfits but noticed he was of a slimmer build now, so it probably wasn't as prominent as it was on Naruto. His pale skin was creamy and seemed effortlessly faultless and of course his signature dark bangs still remained. They were longer now but not by an alarming extent and although he had the mask on, from what he had seen Kakashi knew they no longer simply framed the Uchiha's face but now somewhat hid it, though not enough so to be in his way.
"Is this why you're always late? You're here every morning?" Naruto frowned and seemed a little uncomfortable in the presence of the stone that stood not too far away. Kakashi could do nothing else but nod, not about to lie to his students, even more so his matured ones.
"I pay respects and I just get carried away… Every time" He slipped his hands in his pockets, as close to fidgeting as Kakashi Hatake got. Sasuke's scowl was dangerous behind his mask and he ignored the other two as he side stepped Kakashi and walked over to the stone, reading each name until he rested upon a cluster of Uchiha's. His fists clenched at his sides, not being able to have read this stone in years. An unfamiliar heat built behind his eyes when he realised another Uchiha should now be inscribed into the cold rock – his brother. Kakashi and Naruto watched him for a few moments before Naruto nodded, grinning although none could see.
"Sasukes' got the right idea!" He announced before stepping past Kakashi as well and standing beside his old teammate at the front of the stone. He gently nudged the raven with his shoulder, enough to make Sasuke raise his head slightly to see the idiot was right beside him, head bowed and in respectful silence. To his left was Kakashi, mimicking Naruto and finally Sasuke let himself ease and he too bowed his head, this time he would solely pay respects instead of vow revenge.
"You're late!" The usual chorus and even Naruto rolled his eyes this morning. Kakashi just smiled innocently.
"I was helping this old lady across the road and –"
"Save it!" Sakura huffed and crossed her arms across her chest, Naruto nodding eagerly behind her.
"Okay, okay. Well I just wanted to let you three know that today we're having a combined training session with the other two teams that were passed as Genin" Kakashi announced and the older Naruto nearly fell over. He didn't remember this, this was an alteration in their past. He glanced over to Sasuke who was obviously stiff with the same conclusion that Naruto had come to. The younger three looked a little stunned at first but then Naruto lead the mood as he bounced on his toes with excitement.
"This will be so cool! I'll finally be able to kick someone other than the teme's ass!" He grinned and Sasuke scoffed blatantly.
"Like you've ever kicked my ass, idiot." While the two argued and Sakura tried to intervene the older Sasuke stepped forward, mask and mouth close to his former teacher's ear.
"Kakashi, we've never sparred with the other teams before the Chunin Exam" he mumbled and the other seemed to be thoughtful for a second before he shrugged.
"It won't hurt… Besides, I was trying to help you two out, keeping an eye on all of them at once?" He offered and Sasuke could only sigh, seeing that it was already too late and the alterations had now been made. Naruto didn't stress either, not seeing the point because after all Kakashi was right about keeping an eye on them.
Once the argument wrapped up (wrapped up meaning Sakura knocked Naruto a good one upside the head to make him shut up), they all headed to the training grounds where they nostalgically passed as Genin. Around the three stumps sat, as expected, the other teams. Each of them looked as team 7 remembered them from the academy, of course they saw each other around town but rarely to any times did they speak. That's how it was for Naruto anyway.
"Well look what the cat dragged in" Kiba commented with a confident toothy grin as he turned to see team seven approached. Naruto growled back but a calming hand on his shoulder from Kakashi stopped him from spitting out anything nasty.
"Late as usual Kakashi" Kurenai looked stern and Kakashi shrunk a little like a kid in trouble.
"Sorry, sorry…" He bowed and the older two behind rolled their eyes.
"Who're they?" An inquisitive voice spoke from a top the middle stump. Sasuke and Naruto glanced up to see a frowning Shikamaru.
"We're uh… Practicals" Naruto explained and scratched the back of his head. Shikamaru, as expected by the older Sasuke, didn't seem to buy it.
"They're very good practicals, they'll both be giving you guys hints throughout the day" Asuma nodded and Sasuke's shoulders froze.
"No we won't" He snapped quickly, making even the older Naruto jump from the severe tone.
"Eh!? How come! You said you were really strong!" The young blonde whined but physically flinched away when he felt the intensity of the glare from behind the mask.
"We're not teaching anyone, anything" He hissed again and glanced between Naruto and Jonin. In a way Naruto knew it made sense but at the same time he saw it wasn't just altering the future that had Sasuke wound so tightly. Slowly he stepped over to Sasuke, everyone silent from the strong maliciousness that oozed from Sasuke.
"W-What Juugo is trying to say is he's just nervous about his first time teaching, I'll take you guys for some spars this afternoon, alright?" He was standing beside Sasuke now and even though it was hidden, he smiled. That lifted the mood some and a young Naruto whooped before Asuma started calling out pairs to break off into to spar. Sasuke's body relaxed, oddly initially from his wrist and then slowly the calmness pulsated from there. The older Uchiha leisurely looked down to see that at some point during his little explanation, Naruto had wrapped his fingers gently around his wrist in what he could only guess was an challenge was an effort to pull him from his abrupt fury. While his head was down and eyes fixated on the tan fingers of Naruto, the other leaned in close to his ear.
"I trust you." He whispered and Sasuke was suddenly rigid again.
"You won't hurt me, or the others. I trust you." He repeated and then before Sasuke had the chance to say much back, Naruto had stepped away. The tips of his fingers grazed along the pale wrist before they were gone, leaving the area cold and earning for their heated return. He scowled behind his mask and childishly huffed, crossing his arms. Naruto was an idiot; this whole situation was an idiot! Maybe that didn't make much sense but it was the damn truth!
"Come on Juugo, if you're not going to teach them anything, at least help supervise" Asuma called, standing near an eager Kiba and lazy Shikamaru. He walked over and Shikamaru yawned.
"Troublesome… I hate sparing"
"You hate anything that isn't sleeping or watching the clouds you lazy idiot!" Ino called from her match with Hinata, who was beside herself with nerves and red faced; as usual. Shikamaru simply rolled his eyes and Kiba stood ready.
"Go!" Asuma called and Kiba leapt into action. With a lethargic groan, Shikamaru poised himself for his own attack. His shadow stretched out from his feet and before Kiba even saw it, Shikamaru had technically won. The darkness snared the other in it's trap, both Kiba and Akamaru (who had been running alongside the other were both frozen.
"Hey! What the hell you ass!?" Kiba yelled, clearly his mouth wasn't constrained; how unfortunate. Shikamaru calmly walked closer to the other until they were only a foot apart.
"It's not my fault you literally ran straight into a jutsu" Shikamaru sighed as he put his hands on his tired hips.
"Hey Juugo, I don't know about you, but I'd say that Shikamaru has won, wouldn't you?" Asuma piped proudly, grin large and cigarette hanging from the all too proud mouth. Sasuke looked between all three and nodded.
"Aw c'mon! What would you know!?" Kiba hissed, the dog barking in chorus. Sasuke growled low in his throat and joined the two more closely.
"If this was a real battle, you would be dead Kiba" Sasuke reprimanded and because Shikamaru turned, so did Kiba, both looking meddlesome.
"How did you know my name?" The dog boy finally breathed after a few silent moments and not only did Sasuke freeze but Asuma behind him did as well. Thoughts jumped between the two older heads, desperately looking for a plausible answer.
"You honestly think they'd be coming here without knowing all of your files?" Asuma offered and Sasuke's shoulders fell again in relief. Kiba made an 'O' with his mouth before grinning.
"What's your name? I don't have your file!" He grinned and Sasuke physically cringed away from the boy who had been released from the shadow bind. He never liked Kiba, mainly because he didn't really like pets and that's all that Kiba reminded him off. An untrained puppy.
"Juugo" Kiba blinked again in realisation before he laughed lightly.
"Oh that's right, other guy said your name earlier" he rattled on and Sasuke tuned out, letting his gaze wander under he was caught under Shikamaru's. The brunette with the ridiculous (or so Sasuke thought) spikey ponytail was glaring heatedly at him, scrutiny dripping from his eyes.
"Why do you wear masks?" Sasuke's shoulders lifted defensively.
"Why don't you ask Kakashi? He does the same, don't see you being so suspicious of him" His voice was deliberately low, hoping that it was dark enough to detour the genius from any further questions.
"Suspicious? Why would you say I'm suspicious? Do I have a reason to be?" Sasuke was starting to lose it. He just wanted to knock the upstart a good one to the neck and knock him out, that'd stop him from questioning the time travellers intent.
"Hey come on Shikamaru, what's gotten into you?" Asuma scolded with a frown and for a small moment embarrassment flashed through the student's eyes for being reprimanded.
"Troublesome" and with that he let the questions be, for now.
"Quit it Naruto!" A shrill voice yelled and abruptly attention was on the pinkette and her team.
"You're so frustrating!" She flailed her arms at the blonde boy that sat in front of her, cross legged and armed with a bruising cheek and eye. Young Sasuke stood not far behind him next to the older Naruto, looking just as annoyed but noticeably less bruised.
"Looks like this sparing thing wasn't such a good idea…" Asuma grunted with a scratch to the back of his neck.
"Hn…" Sasuke sighed, precariously placing a deflated hand on his irritated hip.
Roughly a few hours after everyone had settled into the rotations of the sparing partners (and the actual fights had been settle with a helping fist from Sakura) it was finally time for a break. The rookie nine sat around, pulling out their bento for lunch but most looked too exhausted to eat.
"Just you wait forehead, I'll take you on next and kick your ass!" A confident Ino confided in her 'best friend' while sitting beside her.
"You wish Ino pig!" Sakura snapped back and the older Naruto's stomach fluttered with sincere nostalgia, he was suddenly warm and smiling idiotically behind the mask. A noise from nearby caught his and everyone else's attention. They turned to see the younger Naruto sitting empty handed and stomach growling in protest. The blonde flushed in embarrassment and likewise for the older one, both self-conscious of the circumstances although the elder no need be, he brought his bento after all. Only though, because at this age he knew how to make one.
"N-Naruto-kun… D-Did y-you forget y-your lunch?" The shy Hinata stammered out, making Naruto only flush more.
"U-Uh! Yeah!" He nodded, that situation being less embarrassing than enlightening the fact that he just didn't know how to make himself such specialty foods.
"It's fine! Yeah! I'll just have some ramen when I get home!" He grinned sheepishly while scratching the back of his neck as habit.
"Idiot, why is it always us having to feed you?" Sasuke bit out, holding out his bento to the wide eyed and seemingly very thankful Naruto. That Naruto only lasted a maximum of 3 seconds.
"Asshole! That was one time! And I wasn't allowed, not because I forgot! Although… It would be nice to have Sakura feed me again. The pinkette blushed.
"No way!" She denied.
"Just have some of mind, moron, or you won't even be worth the spar" Sasuke offered but his tone held a forced annoyance. The elder Sasuke set down his chopsticks, too horrified by his younger self's compassion for his team. Now it only disgusted, to watch himself be held back by such weak feelings and his fists curled with his frustration. Before anymore of the circumstances could be thought of, the second masked figure had stood and held his own bento out to Naruto.
"I can't take tha –"
"Just take it" The elder blonde's voice was low and forceful, shocking his younger counterpart just enough to reach out and take the lunch.
"Thanks, I guess" he muttered under his breath and then happily digging in and joining the rest. Older Naruto took his seat back next to Sasuke, but he quiet and unmoving which unnerved his temporary partner. He pushed away the itching urge to ask Naruto what it was that put him in the sour mood, he knew better than to get involved in the affairs of the blonde's emotions after so many years. That, and for some reason, he felt as if he didn't want to know. After all, what could possibly shake up the blonde so quickly? He glanced around, unconsciously looking for the answer before his eyes caught exactly what it was.
Oh that's right…
Himself.
Enjoy! R & R!