Never Perfect

A/n Waffles you got review number 70, it makes me so happy when I get that little note in my inbox. "You have a new Review for Never Perfect" ahhh bliss. When we hit 100 i have a little oneshot I'm going to put up. Nothing to do with never perfect but it's something brand spanking new. Telpei my beta thanks as always, best of luck with your exam. STUDY HARD!! Dazmo my sounding board...I love you. Waffles I hoping one or two scenes here might inspire you. Everybody else..thanks so much for you continueing reading and reviewing. It mean alot when that little message pops up. ONWARDS!!


Gaara himself had shown the formidable Team Seven to the guest rooms in the third floor of the Kage Tower. A separate room had been prepared for each of them, but by mutual consent they all stepped into one room together. Gaara’s expression didn’t change, but his voice was slightly bemused.

“I will send for you after midday. A discussion of Sakura-san’s return to Leaf is needed. However, I will not send her until the day after. That way you all may have some rest.” Without bidding them a goodnight he quit the room, closing the door quietly behind himself.

Naruto was pacing the room like a caged animal. Sakura regarded him carefully, thinking perhaps he was an animal that had been caged. Without disturbing the path he had chosen, she moved to the far wall where massive curtains were drawn and wrenched them aside, revealing the broad, open windows. Naruto looked up at the sound, and the tight edges to his mouth relaxed as he filled his lungs with the fresh night air.

“Thank you.” The slitted blue eye held the gratitude his words had expressed and Sakura offered him a gentle smile in return. Sasuke was checking the room for any hidden spies, human or otherwise, so Sakura took the opportunity to approach Naruto. Drawing his hand into hers, she pulled him to sit on the bed beside her and stroked her thumb across the back of his hand. She was no longer surprised at the soft skin of the back compared to the callused, strong palms.

“You’ll be safe here, Naruto. Sasuke, too... As long as he behaves himself.” Sasuke’s unamused ‘hn’ floated to the two and while Sakura giggled, Naruto cocked his head to the side.

“Behaves himself?” Sakura shook her head. If Naruto couldn’t see for himself that the Uchiha was jealous she wasn’t going to be the one to point it out to him.

“Don’t worry about it.” The softer emotions drifting in Naruto’s eye hardened and his hand turned in hers, capturing it so that this time he was the one cradling her smaller palm.

“I’m not worried about us, Sakura. I do not want you going back to…that place.” Sakura maintained her gentle smile, but it was a little strained.

“Listen, Naruto. Even if you do not return, Gaara knows, as Sasuke and I do, that if something is not done they will hunt you to the ends of the earth. Those of us who would refuse to hunt you would be traitors. Not to mention Danzo has been suspected of dealings with Madara before, so why not again?” Naruto released her hand and stood to resume his pacing.

“Is that not his right as Hokage? I am dangerous. I can be dangerous to the village. What is my life measured up to the peace of Leaf?” Sasuke was on him in seconds, but the fox nin wasn’t totally surprised and he caught the punch that went for his own face. However, he soon found himself flat on his back, tails flowing down between his legs, as Sasuke sat on him. The raven’s fist was drawn back for another punch - if he could get it in.

“That son of a bitch lied to everyone, Naruto. He said they were containing you! Nobody in the village knew what that room would do to you but Danzo and the elders who approved it. Tell me again the he, as the leader of that village, has the right to demand your life. Tell me, and I’ll make sure no matter how fast you heal, that you will bleed right now.” Naruto’s eye widened at the furious voice of the Uchiha, who sat above him like an enraged wildcat. He had to swallow before he could speak.

“Nobody knew?” Sakura knelt beside to two, ignoring the threatening fist of the Uchiha. It wasn’t time to be gentle with Naruto anymore.

“Naruto, none of us would have put you down there if we knew. You saved us all from Pein. You saved all of us so many times. We would never have let that happen had we known. Our only shame is that we never thought you would survive. Sasuke did.” A single tear leaked from the corner of one blue eye and his body went limp in Sasuke’s grasp. The raven released the front of his shirt and lowered his fist. They were facing one of Naruto’s demons, the reality of his betrayal. Despite the tear a soft smile graced Naruto’s full lips.

“I should have trusted in you all. But, I spent so long down there, with so much pain.” Sasuke stayed were he was, content even as he perched above Naruto’s groin. Sakura smoothed back Naruto’s hair behind the orange sash before she spoke again, ignoring Sasuke.

“I can’t pretend to comprehend all that pain and fear Naruto, but know this. We’re all doing what we can to make sure your freedom is a true freedom. We want you to be able to make your own choices about where you go or stay, so you have to let me do this. You have to let me go back not just for you, but if our Hokage is going to trick his people and even work with someone such as Madara, he is not worthy. We need to be free of him.” Naruto’s throat moved as he shifted under the raven’s body weight, making the now calmer man smirk as he stayed right where he was. Finally he spoke again, his voice hesitant.

“Baa-chan? Did she ever…?” Sakura shook her head slowly.

“She still has not come out of her coma. However, there are many other good men and women for the job.” She wished just once to hear his loud voice proclaiming he would have it. The title would be his, but he simply closed his eye and whispered.

“Baa-chan.” His sadness cut into them both and Sasuke decided to reign in his actions. Slowly he slid of the dobe and stood, offering both Naruto and Sakura a hand to get up off the floor. Naruto winced when he started to sit up and instead rolled to the side onto his stomach to kneel and then stand. He offered a glare to one of his tails that peeked around the side before it swung back lazily behind him. As he stood he rubbed the spot where the tails joined to his muscled ass. “I still fail to see why they need to stay, whatever you two and Raccoon-Face have to say.” Sasuke scowled as he released Sakura’s hand. When he held Naruto close at night, spooned around his back, the tails curled up between the Uchiha’s legs and curled up his own back. He was growing increasingly fond of them.

“Deal with it, Dobe. They’re staying.” Naruto bared his teeth with anger but it seemed more at the insult to his intelligence than Sasuke’s refusal to allow removal of the tails.

“Teme.” Sakura shook her head and eyed the big bed. Her voice was hesitant but hopeful.

“Naruto, can I still stay here, with you? Just until I leave?” Naruto’s anger faded to mild surprise.

“Stupid questions don’t get an answer. I still got the middle.” In the first childish display in a long time Naruto dove face down onto the bed, scattering pillows in his wake. His big arms folded up under his head as his two tails waved in the air above in lazy, content motions. Sakura looked to Sasuke with questioning in her eyes. He gritted his teeth to hold back his selfish wants and nodded once. She visibly relaxed, and then went over and lightly whacked the blond on the back of the head.

“Baka. We’re not on the road anymore so at least change your clothes.” Naruto lifted his head, not even bothering to fake pain in response to the insult to his scalp. Seeing that she was serious, he slid his knees under him again and lifted just enough to pull his shirt off and throw it at her face. Then he lay back down and put his head under the pillows this time.

Sakura sighed and tossed the shirt away. Taking her pack she ducked behind one of the screens hiding off a section of the room and came back in a clean pair of shorts and a plain shirt. She looked over to where the Uchiha stood now shirtless, at the foot of the big bed and suddenly felt like the intruder. His dark eyes were locked on the man in the bed, and she could easily see why. The broad muscled back presented to them was worth paying attention to. The tails made his pants ride very low, exposing the slight dip to his behind - all his skin was an even gold. Sakura was amazed at the differences between the two. Pale skin housed the Uchiha’s lithe form and ropes of muscle adorned him with a sinuous beauty while Naruto was an in-your–face-powerhouse type of strength. The finer, more delicate features of the Uchiha’s face continued the theme of his body but Naruto’s own beauty, although currently hidden by the pillow, was equal to that of the Uchiha’s. At least, it had been before the scaring. However, now Sakura could honestly say that Naruto’s beauty was beyond physical as well, and that saved him in a sense. Those black eyes devoured the form of the man on the bed but Sakura could see, in his unguarded moment, so much more than lust. There was tenderness in his gaze that had been present even back when Sasuke had eased a raging Naruto down from attacking Ino. She was very torn at this moment. Past and present were blurred between her wants and what she knew would be good for both of them. It was Sasuke who decided for her. His gaze tore from the sight before them to look at the pink haired nin, his mask slipping into place. He must have seen the indecision in her eyes because he merely slipped into his side of the bed before speaking.

“You heard the idiot. Get in so we can all get some rest.” Sakura dropped her pack and was in place before he had even settled properly. That night neither of them touched or held Naruto since the man stayed stubbornly on his stomach, tails eventually calming as he too slipped into sleep. However, even as Sakura’s eyes were dragged into the world of dreams, she saw Sasuke gazing at the blond head he had gently uncovered when he was sure Naruto slept.

Sasuke woke no more than four hours later, keenly feeling the absence of Naruto beside him. He glanced around the room and quickly found the man leaning, arms crossed over his impressive chest, against the edge of the window as he watched the first light of day crawl across the desert towards the city. The red gold colours touched over his body, allowing the raven to once more see how well he matched the world around him. Naruto had always been wild, part of the wild, simply of this world and not just in it. Slowly he left the bed, so as to not disturb the still sleeping woman, and padded, bare-chested himself, to Naruto’s side. Naruto spared him a slow look before returning his one-eyed gaze back to the offering of the day. Sasuke supposed now was as good as anytime to re-establish contact between them and without hesitation slipped his arms about the others waist to lean against his side. When Naruto inturn unfolded his arms and slipped them around the slighter Uchiha’s form, he let his head rest against a tanned shoulder, secure in Naruto’s arms and the easy acceptance of his presence. One whiskered cheek pressed softly to his temple as they booth took breaths, taking in each other’s scent, merely content to let the light wash over them.

Sakura woke more slowly but the misty edges of sleep only added to the picture before her. The slight blur around the edges softened the room to the background as she watched her two teammates, possibly the two most tormented and harmed men she had ever known, simply exist peacefully in one another’s arms. The hues of gold and red washed over them as if wrapping them in a blessing of the world. When the sun finally ceased its play with the edges of the land to lift into the sky, they both stirred. Sasuke tilted his head back slightly, which caused Naruto to lift his cheek and gaze down at the slightly shorter raven. No words were exchanged as black meet blue, and the gentleness of their movements brought a single tear to the woman’s eyes. In the softest of touches, Naruto’s lips met Sasuke’s, merely grazing each other before they both drew away. Naruto pulled the raven to him more tightly, and Sasuke’s arms wrapped further about the blond. Naruto’s head dipped to rest on Sasuke’s pale skinned shoulder. The embrace lasted no more than a moment before both shifted together to pull away, and Sasuke made his way to find clothes while Naruto watched his movements for a moment before returning to gazing outside. This time, he watched the Village of Suna come alive as day broke. For the rest of her life, Sakura knew that tiny tender moment would be locked in her mind. After wiping the tear into the pillow, she went through her own motions of ‘waking’ up.

Sasuke was dressed once more in his normal clothes of black and Sakura had just returned from behind the screens after dressing. Naruto remained in his spot, shirtless and, gazing out at the city, when his tails twitched. He caught the gaze of both his teammates before nodding at the door. A moment later there was a knock and Naruto turned back to the window as Sakura opened it to reveal Temari carrying a tray of food and Kankuro, who was weighed down by what appeared to be many sets of clothes. She motioned them to enter and Temari did so, only to pause and let Kankuro run into her back as she caught sight of the shirtless Naruto. She swallowed and regained her composure after glancing at Sasuke. She lay the tray down on a side table by the door before relieving Kankuro of his burden and laying out the clothes on the rumpled bed.

“We’re sorry to disturb you, but Gaara sent us with food and clothes more suited to our environment here in Suna.” Temari’s voice was sincere and Kankuro was staring at the ground, seeming a little shamed. She nodded to the other two occupants of the room before walking slowly to Naruto’s side. He acknowledged her with a nod and she took in his features for a moment before breathing carefully as she began. “I know you’re uncomfortable Naruto, but no one here will judge you. You’re free to move about as you will, but the Uchiha needs to be by your side or in this room.” Naruto growled still without facing her but she shook her head. “After living with Gaara in his younger years you do not frighten me, Naruto. We trust you, you’re our friend, but the Uchiha has not yet earned that luxury. Please have some patience.” Finally the blond turned from the window to gaze down at her and Temari almost took a step back. She had known Naruto as a boy; this person before her was definitely a man and she was a healthy woman. His appeal was easy to feel.

“Just keep Kankuro away from Sasuke and we’ll be fine.” Kankuro flinched at the words and stepped a little closer to Naruto, almost shuffling his feet.

“Look man, I’m sorry okay? All I ever really saw was all the stuff he put you through and the village announcements and stuff.” Kankuro voice was rough as he spoke, and he couldn’t quite meet Naruto’s eye.

“It’s not me you should be telling.” Naruto’s tone was a little less cold but his chin pointed quickly to the observing Sasuke. Kankuro turned slightly and opened his mouth but one pale hand waved through the air and dismissed the apology before it was even uttered.

“I deserved it.” His voice was bored but the import of his words was stunning. Temari broke through the silence in the room as she tugged on her brother’s sleeve.

“We’ll come for you to take you to the meeting later on. Until then, try to relax and try on some of the clothes. It will get hot soon.” The door clicked shut behind the pair as Naruto arched an eyebrow at Sasuke. Sasuke merely turned to the bed to see what was being offered. Most of the clothes consisted of looser fitting garb then what they currently had, with wide sleeves for increased air flow. Naruto seemed to lack interest completely, but Sakura and Sasuke looked over each garment, searching for themselves as well as for the blond. Sakura chose a light pink cotton version of a short kimono that matched her hair with some reddish coloured three-quarter pants. Most of the clothes seemed to be that of civilians but the loose, flowing robes would be impractical for her to wear just in case something happened. Sasuke obviously shared her slight dislike of the choices available because after a moment of looking them over, he scowled.

“Is Gaara TRYING to hobble us?” Sasuke sounded resentful more than angry, but Naruto had finally quit his spot by the window to peer over Sasuke’s shoulder.

“Actually, the choices left to us aren’t that dissimilar to what Gaara wears.” Sakura blinked at the big word from Naruto, but retreated behind the screen to change again without comment. Sasuke snorted at Naruto’s statement, unable to follow Sakura’s example and remain silent. “Besides, Teme,” Naruto continued. “After that Sound garb, who are you to complain about anybody’s fashion?” Sakura’s giggle was very clear before she returned from changing to join in the fun.

“Naruto, don’t pick on Sasuke. Besides, you used to insist on orange.” Naruto’s hand crept up to the strip around his forehead.

“It’s hard to ignore orange, Sakura-chan.” That plain logic was hard to argue with. Naruto reached around the glaring Uchiha to snatch a plain white cotton shirt. The sleeves were slightly wider than normal and the neck ran into a deep v. Choosing to ignore the other clothing he pulled it on over the pants he was wearing and Sasuke turned and then blinked. Naruto looked…good, relaxed almost.

Naruto eyed Sasuke’s pale skin, even going so far as to slide a feather light touch with his index finger from high on the raven’s neck down to where Sasuke’s clavicle met his shoulder, making the other male suppress a shiver. “Choose one of the thicker, looser materials, Sasuke. You will burn to a crisp out there if you do not.”

Sasuke was left watching as Naruto returned to his window view. He wondered when the tables had turned on him so that Naruto was almost…seducing him. Naruto was now caring for Sasuke’s welfare instead of Sasuke trying to reach Naruto. Sakura rolled her eyes. Who knew Naruto could be so smooth. She pulled a darker cream shirt from the pile before tossing it aside and then she found exactly what Naruto had described: a slightly thicker material in dark blue. That should suit Sasuke’s tastes. She threw it over her shoulder at Sasuke, who was still deep in thought, correctly surmising he would catch it. Both men had ignored the loose pants so Sakura folded the clothes neatly at the foot of the bed and neatened down the sheets. When she turned, she found both men no longer shirtless.

Sasuke was lost in his own thoughts as Sakura went about tidying the room. Absently, he pulled on the dark shirt and sat cross legged in the middle of the room. Naruto was slowly returning to himself but they still had many bridges to cross. One was speaking to the Kyuubi, but that involved trusting the Sharingan bearer. The Uchiha was aware that Naruto could go face the fox himself if he so chose, but they all needed answers on the physical changes Naruto was going through. Or, maybe Naruto had already spoken to the demon.

“Naruto.” Sasuke waited until a calm blue eye was focused on him. “Have you spoken to the Kyuubi at all?” A growl and bearing of teeth was his answer. “I’ll take that as a no. I think you need to. He may know more about your changes then we do. If you trust me enough, I’d like to go with you.” The growl was a steady rumble in Naruto’s chest and his relaxed posture disappeared. Surprisingly though, Naruto didn’t release the eye contact he held with the Sharingan user. The growl cut off into a sigh as finally Naruto looked, away swiping a hand through his overgrown locks.

“Soon, Sasuke. Just…not yet. When it got so bad down there, the only place I could go to was in that dungeon. I’m not ready to face him yet. He obviously didn’t tell you what it was like. I was more animal then he was. When I hurt myself, I hurt him. Not only that, but I attacked him and Kyuubi just took it.” Both team members were shocked at the guilt held in his tone. Naruto had been attacking the Kyuubi. Not the other way around. He had lashed out at the only thing he could. Sasuke waited quietly but nothing more came.

“I think he would forgive you, Dobe. When I was there, he was fine. He helped me to get you out.” Naruto seemed to think on Sasuke’s words, but in the end he shook his head.

“I honestly only remember it in flashes. When I…” One tanned hand gingerly touched the scar across his face before he continued. “When I did this and Kyu stopped me from taking the other, I attacked him, mauled him. I never knew he could bleed. It shocked me back to sanity for a few days.” It was hard not to be moved by Naruto’s words but Sasuke steeled himself against it. Naruto needed strength now, not passive reactions to his revelations.

“Well, if the Kyuubi-no-kitsune did all that for you, perhaps you need to thank him... when you’re ready. As long as it is soon.” Naruto nodded his assent and the team settled into waiting for their summons.

A few hours later Naruto’s restlessness was beginning to get on the Uchiha’s nerves.

“Dobe, either sit down or stop wearing a hole in the carpet. Temari said you can leave the room if you wish to, so why are you waiting here?” Naruto shot him a nasty look.

“Because I can, Teme. Would you stop telling me what to do? You’re turning into Iruka.” Sakura hid a snicker at the banter. Inside the Uchiha, their exchange was lighting a funny spot of joy to slip back into some old habits.

“Well, you can also leave. So, stop making me dizzy by walking in circles, or go.” Naruto’s eye narrowed on the calm form of Sasuke sitting on the floor sharpening their weapons as Sakura cleaned them afterwards. Instead of flying off the handle, he strode over and flopped himself down ungracefully next to Sasuke. He lay there on his stomach with his tails up behind him and braced his chin on his hands. Sasuke ignored him, but was distracted moments later by an annoying tickle on the back of his neck. He rubbed at it and looked accusingly at Naruto, who hadn’t moved.

“What?” The blonde wasn’t even smiling. Sasuke shook his head and went back to the kunai. A few moments later it came again, and the raven slapped at the back of his neck. He turned immediately to the fox nin, who was just as he had been before.

“I know it’s you, Naruto. Stop it!” Naruto snickered but owned up to nothing. With one last glare, the Uchiha went back to his self-appointed task. However, he waited this time and just as the tickle started again he grabbed at whatever it was and yanked. Naruto gave an undignified yelp as Sasuke spun so he was sitting across the top of Naruto’s thighs. The tail that had been tickling the back of his neck was held firmly in his grasp.

“Got you that time, Dobe.” Naruto yelped again as Sasuke grasped the other tail and gave it a yank. He held them up straight and Naruto was forced to lift his hips to attempt ot relieve the pressure. Sakura, seeing the predicament Naruto was in: face down with a fuming Uchiha pinning his thighs, couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore. Just then, a knock sounded on the door before it opened, revealing Kankuro.

“Hey guys, it’s time to…Dear Kami I’m Blind!! You guys save that for when I’m not coming! My EYES!!!” He stumbled back out of the room and Sasuke went from confused to red faced when he re-evaluated what this position might look like from the doorway. Naruto was flat on his stomach under the Uchiha, both of then flushed, Naruto straining upwards as Sasuke pulled his tails high away from his….oh God. Sasuke felt a shiver of want flash down his spine when he himself realised the possibilities, but he managed to pull himself together. Naruto groaned in relief as Sasuke released his tails and quickly stood up. Sakura was having a laughing fit as Temari peeked around the edge of the doorway.

“What did you do to Kankuro?”