Is this considered a quick update? I hope so... Sorry for any grammar and spelling mistakes blah, blah... I probably should take up a beta I just... I don't know, I like to mark my own stuff? Sob! Anyway, here you go!

Timeless

by ferriswheel95

By the time they left the interrogation wing of the Konoha Holding Building it was dark. Naruto stretched his arms above his head and yawned, his and Sasuke's masks back in place and the younger Sasuke looking tired and still very disgruntled. A dark cloud hung below the stars and darkened the already black sky; the blonde inhaled the sweet wet scent that hung in the air before a storm. He stepped forward and turned around, grinning behind his mask at the two. Both of course looking completely indifferent, a guy like Sasuke Uchiha certainly didn't need a mask. With a deep inhale Naruto began.

"So what do you guys want to d –" but with that the older Uchiha disappeared in a blurry flash, leaving Naruto and the younger one again.

"Aw come on! You asshole!" Naruto called to the sky after Sasuke. It was for show though and Naruto was surprised that Sasuke wasn't trying to put more of one on. If anything he was acting even less like a teammate than usual and it had to have young Sasuke guessing. Speaking of which, he looked to the young Uchiha, the boy's eyes were downcast to his feet and his were hands in his pockets.

"Looks like its just you and me again…" He laughed nervously, unconsciously mimicking his young idol by putting his own hands in his pockets. Thunder clapped in the sky above them and triggered the first light patter of rain fall but neither cared; Sasuke too deep in thought and Naruto staring to the sky as if it was pouring life's answers to him. He held a hand out and let himself be drenched before he felt a tight grip on his wrist, pulling him as the rain got heavier. Naruto glanced to watch Sasuke, determination painted all over his features. They stopped not that far down the road, under a tree that barely provided any cover from the sudden heavy down pour.

"Naruto…" Sasuke called out over the swishing sound of the rain. Naruto glanced down to the young raven and his heart clenched painfully. Sasuke looked so sad and disappointed and Naruto knew why, the kid was disappointed in himself. Disappointed with what sort of teammates had become.

"Naruto… I –" He paused, glancing down bashfully for a few seconds before forcing his head back up, unwavering again. "You're my teammate and I don't know what's wrong with me now, well the future me… But…" He started again but then lost his voice in embarrassment once more. Naruto moved to be on his knees, allowing himself be slightly shorter than the other, knowing it would give this Sasuke (the older one already oozing it) the confidence to continue to speak what was on his mind and that was something Naruto desperately wanted to hear right now… He needed to hear it. He needed to know what Sasuke kept bottled up for all these years; otherwise it would forever tear at his insides, emotionally eating him from the inside out. For some reason it was comforting to know that Sasuke (while he may not have been able to do it to the younger one) was able to open himself to him. He was right about the confidence booster and Sasuke's eyes became steely and steadfast despite the biting cold rain and the emotional turmoil he was sure to be internally suffering right now.

"But I need you to know, if you don't already –" Naruto's eyes widened and his heart raced, 4 long years of anticipation bursting inside his chest. Everything moved slowly when Sasuke dared to reach up, taking Naruto's mask and pulling it off, revealing the needy face of his older teammate. Both were drenched, their hair flat and stuck to their foreheads and their clothes bitterly cold. Sasuke dropped the mask between them and if it was possible, Naruto's expression became even more anxious for what he knew Sasuke was about to say, for the acceptance he always hoped and imagined he had from the raven but never truly knew he had.

"I need to… Get stronger Naruto. You're stronger than me right now if what you're saying is true… If that's the case then I want the future to change! I have to kill him Naruto! My brother…" He ranted and Naruto's heart shattered. No acceptance, no vouch of best friends…

Rejection. Hurt, pain and rejection.

My brother…

His eyes watered when he thought to Itachi, to their future and to Sasuke's obvious determinations.

"Naruto?" He heard Sasuke call, obviously wanting some sort of reaction and Naruto wasn't sure which one was the right one. He was sure he was unmoving, same wide eyes and expecting expression before finally he trembled and his face fell to join the rain that poured down his face, mixing with the tears that overflowed, he didn't bother to fight the heat behind his eyes. Before Sasuke could question Naruto again the blonde cracked, tears of heart ache and built up despair falling in front of the one that caused it all; this was the beginning of his hurt. He threw his arms around the surprised raven but Sasuke didn't move, though he stood stiff for a few quick moments before he relaxed into the embrace, not being totally emotionally stunted to not know when to give comfort. Silently Naruto let his tears fall and rest on the raven's already wet shoulder.

"I know Sasuke" his voice was raspier than normal, breaking under emotional strain, "I know you have to… It's okay… I know" he breathed over and over. His entire body shook with the pressure of trying so hard not to outwardly sob against Sasuke and secretly he hoped that the younger would mistake it for cold shivers. All he could think about was the loss of Sasuke, of his best friend, his everything at this point. All he could think about was the pain and how he would still have to endure that agony, a pain that Naruto could unfortunately reviled death. He wanted to say so much to him, how he shouldn't kill his brother because really he was just looking out for Sasuke, how he should stay with him and get strong in Konoha if he really needed to, how he should skip the Chunin Exam this year and never meet Orochimaru.

He felt a hand sit softly on his back and then followed by another, then a silent reciprocal embrace that would be shared with no one else in the pouring stormy whether.

I want to tell him I love him…

The front door flew open, hitting the wall behind it with a large crack making both nin that were already inside jump. Sasuke was sitting at the table with tea and Kakashi on the couch, it didn't matter what they were doing though because all that seemed to matter now was the drenched blonde standing in the door way. He stormed in, stripping himself as he did so, first of his vest, then of his shirt. He headed for where he knew his dry jumpsuit would be. If he was going to do this he had to be comfortable.

"What's wrong Naruto?" Kakashi pressed, standing and following his student around as he undressed then redressed into his usual attire. Naruto was silent, either too deep in thought to hear Kakashi or just not wanting to answer him. Once he was dressed he grabbed the nearest pack and emptied it of it's old contents, refilling it with new supplies. Finally Sasuke's interest was caught, the raven stood and headed to stand in the door way, where Naruto was currently heading back for.

"Where do you think you're going?" Sasuke said lowly, his dark glare seeming to try and combust Naruto into flames but this time Naruto had no intention of cowering. He stood firm and glared back, not trying to match his intensity but at the same time not feeling it.

"I'm going to find Tobi" no sooner had the words left his mouth that Sasuke scoffed.

"And do what by yourself? You'll be killed. I know you weren't alone when you were fighting him, so why try now?" He hissed and Naruto stiffened before he shook his head with resolve.

"I'm not alone…" He breathed, resting a hand over his stomach.

I'm with you, Naruto Kyuubi reassured from the depths of Naruto's mind. Naruto nodded and opened his eyes (which he hadn't known he had shut) to stare at Sasuke, mentally willing the raven to move.

"Naruto, are you sure this is wise?" Kakashi asked from behind him and Naruto turned, giving him a determined nod. Silence fell between the two and finally he turned back to Sasuke and swung the pack over his shoulder, ready to leave.

"You'll die" Sasuke tried, voice suddenly desperate but desperation was not what Naruto need right now and hardly what he wanted. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes before he pushed Sasuke out of the way.

"Since when do you care?" Sasuke didn't move, strong even as he was pushed though now his stomach clenched. Naruto was right, since when did he care? He couldn't give a fuck if Naruto ran off now and got himself killed, it would be one less problem out of the way and then he wouldn't have to deal with protecting damned brats.

"Move damn it asshole!" Naruto yelled, his voice breaking into something darker, his eyes narrowing as he shoved the raven his hardest, sending him sliding along the ground out the doorway. Naruto stepped out calmly after him, red eyes glowering down at the Uchiha and instantly Sasuke was on his feet, ready to defend. Thought, the Kyuubi's chakra wasn't as it normally was and soon the blood red drained from his eyes to settle into the usual blue. Kakashi was out after them in a hurry, standing between the bewildered looking Sasuke and angry Naruto.

"Since when –"

"Could I safely use Kyuubi's chakra? Since we became friends" Naruto offered, hoping to give Sasuke some sort of comfort with the knowledge of how far his power had extended since their last clash, although now it was Kakashi's turn to be puzzled.

"You can control Kyuubi now?" He asked and slowly Naruto nodded but with a frown, he was wary of giving too much away and also he didn't enjoy the fact that Kakashi suggested it was control. It was a mutual sharing of power, Kurama let him harness it. When silence befell them all once again, Naruto took it as cue to take his leave.

"Look I'm sure Tobi is just as desperate to get back to the future as we are…" Naruto turned and started to head off, Kakashi complacent with knowing that obviously nothing he could say would change the resolute blonde's mind, though Sasuke seemed less thrilled by the idea.

"I'll wonder where you are" he called after Naruto; the blonde didn't stop so Sasuke continued.

"The younger me, he'll wonder where you've gone. You're not the only one dependant –" he was silenced when Naruto raised his hand, still not turning around. Slowly the hand fell back down to the strap of his pack and he turned deliberately, a bright grin graced his lips – so wide that his eyes scrunched to resemble a fox.

"Then just tell him, I'll be back" the grin faltered slightly, "and that I'm doing this for him, make sure you protect everyone… You big jerk" and in a flash Naruto was gone. Sasuke stood slackly, gut churning and face hot. His fists clenched by his sides and he felt as though he should chase after the idiot.

I'm doing this for him… Sasuke closed his eyes, drowned in memories of Naruto. From when they were friends to their sickening miserable battle at the valley of end and further to the sick chase of friend after friend. Since when did Naruto do something that wasn't for Sasuke, everything he did was for Sasuke.

"Hn. Idiot" he scoffed to the side, accidentally catching Kakashi's hard stare and raising his eyebrows in question.

"What?"

"I feel as though… You two aren't as close as teammates of three years should be…" His voice was calm but definitely sad, the guilt and let down that shone through his one visible eye was more simply evident, it practically radiated. Then finally Sasuke felt as if he could no longer hide it.

"We're not…" And with that Kakashi turned, hands in pockets as he headed inside and uncharacteristically silent for the rest of the night.

"Good morning everyone"

"You're late!" The usual.

Sasuke sat back quietly for that day of training and D ranked missions. His mind wandered as he gazed to the clouds from beneath a shady tree. He hated to admit it, but he was worried for Naruto. His stomach twisted each time he thought of the blonde and just what might happen if he took on Madara alone, his head bowed at the thought and he longed for him just to be back already, but noted that he had only been gone a night. Sighing, Sasuke stood and headed over to the team. Naruto was wary of him, especially after what he had done to Sasuke yesterday but the elder raven ignored him, looking at the younger blonde counterpart only made him sicker.

What am I doing? Being this worked up over the idiot… He'll be fine… Sasuke froze and shook his head.

I mean my future will be fine. He corrected, not allowing himself to be deluded into thinking that these feelings were for Naruto, though they were for the blonde they were a longing for him to succeed so he would still be as powerful as he is now and not have his thriving future changed. Although…

Itachi… Sasuke growled and kicked a pebble before looking up and glaring over tree tops to the Hokage tower, his eyes burning and yearning for the village elders to spontaneously combust just from his stare. He had to admit, it took a lot of will to not jump the Third when the raven first saw him, but he knew that his future was at stake and he knew that the old man would have only played the most minimal roll to his clan's massacre and to Itachi's pain.

"Juugo-san" a soft voice rang and Sasuke looked down, captured by emeralds. Innocent, loving – murderous emeralds. Sasuke had to give it to Sakura, for working up the courage to try and take his life but once again she let him down miserably.

"Hn." He grunted in recognition, she seemed nervous around him today, he glanced to his younger self and wondered if he had talked but of course, he of all people knew he wouldn't.

"Uhm, we were just wondering where Sai-san was?" She asked and Sasuke repressed a shiver, hearing her say his replacement's name. He remembered the first time he saw his look alike and the first time he saw the aged Sakura. He was overwhelmed with disgust.

"Yeah, did you kill him or something?" Naruto muttered but it was quietly to himself and behind the young Sasuke, though the elder caught it and realised that he was correct in his assumption that the blonde now feared him. Sasuke looked between Kakashi and Sakura and discretely glanced to his younger self, seeing the pressing expression on his face as well.

"He's out on a mission, he should be back soon enough" He was smooth but because young Sasuke knew the truth he still felt uncomfortable under the lie, he could almost see it in his eyes.

What mission? Where is he? Is he safe? Is this guy coming for us? Did he go after the guy? He knew they could only be a few and probably the most important of questions that bounced around the young Uchiha's mind, Sasuke could see it – he knew it.

"Ah I see, that's good" Sakura smiled sweetly, as if she was trying to impress and Sasuke bit back the urge to scoff at her.

You're not so sweet with a poisoned Kunai…

The day pressed on and unknowingly under Naruto's influence, Sasuke spent the day giving pointers, suggestions and advice to his young ex- teammates. He had to admit, to feel a part of something more stable than the four man hawk team was refreshing but then again, he guessed it wasn't so stable. Thanks to him… The two of them exchanged glances during the rest of the training session, the younger's were interrogative and questioning while older Sasuke's were dismissive, with no intention of revealing anything near the information that was revealed last night.

"Teme, what is it with you and that guy?" Naruto asked as they walked at the end of the day. Sasuke felt the deja-vu with the orange lighting, empty streets, hot weather and naïve blonde. The raven grunted and slipped his hands in his pockets, glancing off to the side. In all honesty he wanted to tell Naruto about the older two so the blonde would be on high alert for his own safety.

"Aw come on, don't just grunt at me! You two seem to really hate each other!" Naruto whined and Sasuke glanced back to him, his breath hitching so softly that the other wouldn't notice and abruptly Sasuke stopped, staring dejectedly at the young blonde in front of him. Worried, Naruto stopped as well a little ahead of Sasuke and frowned at him, itching to ask what was wrong but the look on the raven's face left him speechless.

"Do those two, Juugo and Sai… Do you think they're really partners?" Sasuke forced out, he would never accept anyone else's opinion on the situation other than Naruto's so (even if he was an idiot) he'd rather get it sooner than later. Naruto's frown deepened and while he was quiet for a few moments his expression finally shifted into something more contemplative, he put his hands on his hips and pursed his lips, moving them from side to side as he thought. The expression fell, a sign he had come to a conclusion and he nodded.

"Sai seems to really know how to handle Juugo and even though Juugo seems like a total ass, Sai doesn't seem to mind… Uh, does that mean they've known each other for a long time or just know each other well?.. Mah! I don't know! But yeah, they seem like partners to me, they just fit well…" Sasuke stood silent with widened eyes as Naruto rambled, since when did such an idiot get such a good grasp on a situation so quickly? Maybe he always had… Maybe he just hadn't noticed it and maybe Naruto really was so strong to have such dangerous enemies in the future. Naruto waited patiently for the other, his instinct telling him from the other's expression not to press the question too quickly. Sasuke's mouth opened, going dry instantly with his next question so it clicked shut again, he glanced to the ground and glared.

"What?" Naruto's patience was worn and Sasuke glimpsed back up to him, his glare less of hate and more of frustration.

"Do you think we'll end up like those two?" Naruto's eyes widened and he blinked, nerves made his body shiver and try as he might there was no supressing the pink tint across his cheeks. Was Sasuke fully acknowledging them as teammates? Blue hues brightened just at the thought and he grinned sheepishly, "I hope not!" He announced and Sasuke froze.

"Sai seems like he just handles Juugo… I kind of don't want to just handle you, ya' know? I want us to work together and not seem like we hate each other!" Sasuke's gut twisted and he was reminded of the older crying Naruto that clung to him and buried his face in his shoulder. Suddenly his head was hot and light, Naruto grinning in front of him right here like he was it was making him sick. Images between this smiling fool compared to the broken elder switched back and forth in his mind and his body was sweating with guilt.

"Sasuke? Are you alright? Teme?"

I need to… Get stronger Naruto. You're stronger than me right now if what you're saying is true… If that's the case then I want the future to change! Yes, the future had to change. He couldn't let Naruto end up the way he was and if Sasuke changed it that meant that he'd end up stronger and it Naruto wouldn't be the one in danger.

"Naruto… I need to tell you something…" Sasuke whispered and the blonde froze up, his body stiff at the sudden seriousness.

"What are you talking about? You're starting to scare me, teme…" Naruto breathed. It took every bit of will in Naruto's body not to step back when Sasuke stepped forward.

"I don't want us to end up like that Naruto…" He muttered, getting closer to the blonde. Naruto's eyes shone, the blue pools mesmerising. Finally Sasuke reached out, taking Naruto's wrist and tugging it, closing the distance between them.

"Sasuke what're yo- Mmph!" Sasuke's lips closed over Naruto's and the blonde was silent, both unmoving, neither knowing how to kiss or even how to disconnect it. The world was still around them, both relishing in the contact; Sasuke's eyes were closed and after the initial wide eyed shocked, Naruto's slid closed as well.

And with met lips, a balance in the universe was shifted.

Hope you enjoyed! Please R&R!