No Name

Warning(s): Language, OCC-ness, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), General Depression, Confusion, Plot Holes, Slow Build, Violence, Slash, Incest (In a way), Dark themes, Fluff (Slight, I try), Humor (I fail spectacularly).

Disclaimer: I own nothing with the exception of the plot.

BETA READ by: goukagin (Thank you so much!)

Chapter 3: Remembrance of Loss

"It's funny how someone can be such an integral part of your life, like you laugh at the same and eat your ice cream cones the same way and share your toys and dreams and everything but heartbeats, and then one day – nothing. You share nothing. It's like none of it ever happened."

…

.

.

.

Naruto stared blankly at the two civilian conversing not so silently. They're too loud, blatantly flirting in front of him as if they were rubbing it in that he doesn't have a love life which is kind of true.

Despite fighting for these people's safety and future there are still some people that aggravate his nerves. Sometimes, he almost missed pranking those fools to make them taste their own medicine.

Before he could enact his fully evil 'plot' against them Kakashi-sensei appeared beside him. The timing he has there with his appearance was incredibly suspicious. If he didn't know any better he would think that the man was (stalking) following him due to some not-so-secret, strict order of Tsunade-baa-chan. Ever since the war started, the fifth became quite protective and nuisance at everything of him.

Naruto bit down a scoff.

Of course, she would be. She couldn't let the wild card die before it was properly used against their opponents. That is what they saw him as; a tool for a war.

"What's wrong, Naruto?"

Naruto didn't answer, refusing to make an eye contact because, if he did he'll see his petty and ugly side.

Kakashi-sensei arched an eyebrow at him then took a quick glance at the annoying couple and he hummed something noncommittally under his breath.

Wordlessly, he pulled Naruto with him much to the others' shock and exclaimed. "You're going on a date! Let's find you a perfect date much better than that ugly pair!"

Naruto made a strangling noise at the back of his throat.

The silver-haired Jounin didn't even let him say anything before performing a quick body flicker, bringing Naruto with him. Leaving two civilians mouth agape in both surprised and enraged at the insult. Staring at the currently empty space where Naruto and Kakashi stood a while ago.

At the end of that day, Naruto managed to ask Hinata out and they make the most of it.

And it was all thanks to Kakashi-sensei.

If Naruto had only known it would be the last time he'd see his Jounin-sensei then maybe he'd do more than thank him. Alas, the world is cruel and he never managed to convey how grateful he was for the man.

Damn it, Namikaze! Stop annoying me with your own words! The date or rather the supposed dinner was a fucking disaster.

Why?

Of all the times Nanashi had his break down, it had to be in front of the street.

Honestly he didn't remember anything at all, he recalled a flash of grey hair and then, it felt like he was choking on his own breath. Things became blurred. The surroundings disappeared with the loud cacophony of noise and yet the words came out as nothing but nonsensical sounds. He was aware that he was crying and that there was a hand behind his back; drawing comforting circles and whispering sweet nothings to his ears that fell deaf to him. Who? Ah, must be Minato. He was after all the nearest person to him.

Yet, it wasn't enough. Because all he can see is a grey hair that was supposed to be clean, but was now tainted with blood, the smell of burnt flesh, and so much blood overflowing into his own hand.

My fault. It was Nanashi's fault. He was the one to blame. He had killed him.

Nononono! Lies! He did not!

LIAR!

You're fault – Kakashi-sensei's DEAD! YOU KILLED HIM! MONSTER!

NO!

At some point, he started spouting apologies (he wasn't sure if that is the case) but honestly, he doesn't care if he had blown his cover at the moment because he wasn't scared if his father killed him if he knew the truth is that he was the reason why his prodigal student dies not a simple death but rather in a very long and painful death and it was all his fault.

"I'm sorry." That sincere apology penetrates his cloudy hazed mind. Then, there's a sharp pain behind his neck followed by something warm being channeled in his body and he knew nothing more after that.

Something or someone had upset or startled Nanashi, more than enough to trigger him into a very bad relapse. Minato's basic method/knowledge at trying to calm an individual out of their trance wasn't working.

At first, Nanashi almost attacked him inside his mind, not that he knew that as he was fighting his own demons. For him, everyone is a threat including Minato as he was stronger than anyone in the vicinity. It wasn't a boost of ego, it was simply stating a fact. When Minato was sure Nanashi would lash out again, it didn't happen instead he relax his offensive stance. As if he deems Minato is not a threat much to the immense relief of the Yellow Flash.

Both civilian and shinobi forces were smart enough to mind their own business and stay away from the obvious breakdown.

Yet, their presence doesn't help much either as Nanashi shows no sign of snapping out from his severe breakdown. In fact, it only fuels more of his agitation when the raven haired person starts spouting apologies and the rest is much too fast for Minato to catch the complete sentence. It's enough though to piece it altogether when he caught the words – 'My fault, dead, he's dead.' Nanashi is blaming himself from one of his comrade's death or maybe a family member. His mind is reinacting the exact a memory when and where it happened, it's probably showing him the whole tragic scene no doubt about that. anymore.

Knowing that there's nothing he can do to bring Nanashi back to the present. He resorts to knocking him out while mumbling a sincere apology and then sent his own chakra into the back of his neck for extra precaution. So that it will help to calm the boy down and make him rest peacefully for a good number of hours. And lastly, he flashes them back to his apartment complex with Nanashi in his arms.

Minato grimaces at the remembrance, Nanashi surely didn't mean to cause a scene in front of everyone, it was unintentional, a slip on his part. Although, Minato was certain Nanashi (the dark mysterious hooded-figure) and he, the Yellow Flash will be the talk for the following days if not then maybe a week or worse it would not die down.

Damn. So much for an invitation to a simple dinner (date).

When Nanashi came back to his senses. He can't help but burn with shame, not that he was fully aware he hasn't done anything wrong, to begin with, and it certainly not his fault at having a relapse or was it a breakdown? And yet, his traitorous mind continues to tell him otherwise. That Minato will look and treat him differently, that the man was ashamed of his moment of weakness. He was a shinobi, he should be strong not only in body but in mind as well. But as always he fails in the category. After all Nanashi (Naruto) was defective in a way; whether it was in arts of a shinobi's life or in normalcy. A broken man with a hopeless future.

With a sigh, Nanashi checks if Minato was already up and to his surprise he is still very much asleep. He doesn't know whether he should be flattered, cry, or feel insulted as Minato doesn't see him as a threat. Or he was simply an idiot for trusting a complete stranger in his home even just knowing him for about an hour. In the shinobi world, your own comrade, friend, countryman, family, even a nameless stranger could betray you without showing any form of remorse. In the end, it will get you in trouble or worse killed because of your idiocy of a blindly trusting too much.

Oh? His thinking sounds like Kakashi-sensei.

At the thought of his Jounin-Sensei, it brings back a lump of bile in his throat and his thoughts swirl back to the reason why he had a relapse in the very first place.

He repressed down the ugly emotion and bad memories starting to resurface. He wants nothing to do with them early in the morning.

And surprisingly his thoughts immediately went back to the Yellow Flash.

Be always cautious and alert, ready for any possible threat at any moment. It was one of the important teachings before you walk down the dark blood stain that is a shinobi's path.

Somehow, Minato hailed as a genius but he seems to fail to understand that simple logic.

Regardless of what may Minato think of him, it really doesn't matter because Nanashi has no plan to let him into his personal life affairs. He may be the younger version of his father but he wasn't his father. This Namikaze Minato wasn't the one who brought him to life or the one who sacrificed himself in order to protect his family and saved their home with his death. Despite a different outcome of his wishes during his last breath. In the end, things went fine, somehow. This Namikaze Minato doesn't know him, doesn't trust him to him he was a stranger entrusted into his care by the direct order of the current Hokage. Nothing more. Therefore, Nanashi can't bring himself to trust the man and honestly, he doesn't give a damn. Thinking about it just brought for a headache. Just like Shikamaru's, or the Nara's, favorite phrase, troublesome.

"That's enough." He slaps both sides of his cheeks, hoping it will bring back his usual self.

Wallowing at some dark negative thoughts will only plague him for the whole day which won't help anything at all. It would only add a salt to an old wound, and it will hurt more than ever.

During a time like this, he wishes he doesn't have any emotions because it will make things easier without feeling, worrying, or over thinking too much of the problems.

After all, emotions are a hindrance for a shinobi.

Wow, now he sounded exactly like the old warmonger, yup, the creep known as Danzo.

Ugh. Gross. Why does he have to compare himself with that freaky one-eyed bastard?

Well… at least it drives him away from his earlier thoughts and bad mood.

Now, he was almost certain he got back to his normal bearing. He examined his surroundings and found himself in a pretty much empty room with the exception of a bed, shelf, closet, and his own few personal things that Minato might have set out when he was still out.

Strange. It was just a very ordinary room but why does it remind him of home?

He clenched his fist and bow his head down, silently he made or rather repeat an oath he had sworn before coming back in the past – and that is, this time around, he will make a difference for the better.

Of course. Minato was already awake before Nanashi regained his consciousness.

He doesn't get much sleep even he did it won't be that long especially when he started to feel relentless. When Nanashi began to show signs of waking up, the teen was emitting a negative, painful, and dark atmosphere. That left Minato almost suffocating on his own breath. Nanashi's chakra was howling from pain and loss. Minato was a competent sensor but he was a special case because he was an empath. He can sense or feel other emotions by focusing hard enough so he can tell what the other was feeling. It was both a blessing and curse for Minato.

It was a blessing because he used it against his opponents especially during interrogations or espionage. A curse because sometimes everything was too much and overwhelming that he fears it will somehow consume him in the end. Emotions are both fickle and dangerous that's why he rarely used this ability and he still has trouble with controlling them sometimes. Like right now, when there are too many negative emotions. His control starts to slip and that is the reason he can almost name all the migrate of emotions of Nanashi.

Knowing that he was already crossing the borderline; Minato gives Nanashi his privacy while he busied himself with his plans for the day.

He must've dozed off because he sprang out from his bed in a slightly confused daze, yet alert enough upon hearing a loud thud and his fire alarm seal activated in his kitchen.

Without a second thought he rushed into his kitchen and once he got there, the sight rendered him speechless.

What the hell!?

His kitchen was a disaster and on fire!

Well, not anymore thanks to his fire safety and security seals. Without them, there's no doubt the entire building apartment would become nothing but ashes.

There's still residue of black smoke coming from his oven and stove. It seems like he will need to buy a new one when he went to the market.

"Um. What is this?" It's pretty much obvious that Nanashi did try to make a meal but it ended in quite a disaster, but he can't help but ask for confirmation.

Nanashi yelped as he was too engrossed in putting out the fire that he failed to notice Minato's presence.

He slowly turned his head and try to smile even though he knows Minato can't see it. "Good morning, Minato."

"Good morning to you as well, Nanashi." Came the automatic reply from Minato still staring at the black smoke and repeated his question in case Nanashi decides to dodge it. "What is this?"

"This, right? I forgot to open the window. Why's like that though?" There's a cigarette and ashtray on the counter and he picks it up, puffs a smoke to prove his point.

"That's not it." Minato deadpanned. "No matter how you look at it, it's not because of the cigarette smoke. Look. It's black."

He tucked in the other information that Nanashi smokes for later while he pushed Nanashi aside so he can take over and minimize the damage. "If you were hungry, then you should have eaten something premade."

Nanashi refused to answer or even make an eye contact. He must be ashamed of his bad cooking skills or more likely at almost burning down his kitchen.

"Fine, I'll take over. So, Nanashi please sit over there." Minato instructed as he carefully cleaned Nanashi's mess. There's a few seconds of silence before Nanashi finally speaks.

"I caused quite a trouble to you yesterday and we didn't manage to get dinner because of it." And so I decided to make up from it but I'm no good with cooking. Were the unsaid words. Well, isn't he the adorable one?

Minato smiled softly as he pats Nanashi head with reassurance. He thought Nanashi was the kind of person to hate something like that but apparently, his charge proved him wrong and surprises him once again.

With that, Minato makes their breakfast while Nanashi watches him on the sidelines and at the same time trying to help when he can.

Once, Minato was done with the cooking and they were about to start to dig in. He noticed Nanashi was staring blankly at the various meals laid in front of him.

"What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking?"

Nanashi blinked and vigorously shook his head. "I'm just wondering, why do you know all the foods that I like?"

Minato tilted his head slightly and smiled secretively, picking up his coffee to take a sip. "Well, must be a lucky guess."

One man came inside Nanashi head who is responsible for Minato's sudden knowledge of the food he likes and he grumbled petulantly. "That old geezer."

Minato's voice interrupted his trail of thoughts of curses for the Third. "Huh? What is it again?"

"I said this will do for now."

Nanashi raised his eyebrow prompting Minato to continue.

"This will do for now for now… Because don't you think this is a romantic date –"

"We're eating breakfast! We're not eating out for a date!"

"You invited me to one."

"I did not." Nanashi vehemently denied. "It was an invitation for dinner, not a date!"

Minato brightly smiled at him. "Same thing~."

"Ugh. I give up. You insufferable prick!"

"So does this mean we're together now?"

"Shut up." Nanashi growled in Minato's face. He seriously looks like he wants to kill the Yellow Flash at the moment if only it wasn't a crime to do so.

"Fine. Fine. Sorry." The idiot didn't even sound sorry at all.

Nanashi gets up and brings a plate of food with him before he fully left the room. He hissed dangerously at the still smiling Jounin. "Starting now, don't come within a ten-meter radius of me or else I will find a way to end you Namikaze." With that Nanashi stomped back to his room.

Minato gleefully chuckled once Nanashi was out of sight. "Well, I think I overdid it."

Teasing and making Nanashi flustered was fun and easy. It was so amusing to witness.

At least now, life won't be dull and boring since a very interesting person appears and Minato will fully take advantage of it. As long as it lasts because the Yellow Flash loves to unravel and horde interesting things and people.

"I'm sorry. It seems like I can't let you escape now, Nanashi. You're too special to ignore."

At the entrance of Konoha stands a fiery persona.

"I'm back at last! This time. I'll make sure to catch you, Nanashi-kun!"

Inside his room, Nanashi shuddered. "What the hell is this feeling? I felt like something is coming up and I won't like it. Maybe I should go check for a mission? I'll talk with Jiji even though I'm still mad at him."

The feeling of dread doesn't go away even when he reach the Hokage's office instead it spikes up and before he turns away.

The damn geezer called him in.

Seriously. He should have listened to his instinct instead of making a rash decision. It will make his life easier.

To Be Continued…

CUT SCENES/EXTRA:

If Nanashi didn't have a breakdown. This how the date (dinner) was supposed to have progressed (roughly? Somehow?)…

The silence is unnerving.

Nanashi refused to start a conversation ever since he recommended Ichiraku's Ramen stand – something in Minato's expression made him instantly withdraw his suggestion and completely remain silent up until now.

Did something happen between him and Kushina? He hardly saw them together for months now. Not that he keeping tabs on them somehow.

Anyway. He can't take it anymore!

"Where are we going?"

"Patience. You'll see. We're near."

Nanashi stared at the back of Minato with incredulity and a bit curiosity. It's obvious that Minato was not going to bring him at some random food stand or restaurant as they have been walking for quite some time now and there's no sign the other is stopping yet. How much longer are they – before they can reach their destination? He was so hungry!

As if hearing his thoughts, Minato abruptly halted his step in front of a secluded shop from the visible ones and food stand, and exclaimed a simple "We're here". Before stepping inside without waiting for Nanashi's reply so the hooded teen simply trailed after him, silently.

Once they stepped inside, a mid-forties woman stopped in front to greet them with a warm smile. "WELCOME~! Oh? Minato-kun! How are you doing, dear? It's been awhile since you came here! The business is kinda slow because of your absence! Thank goodness! You grace us once again with your presence!"

Minato, returned it with a sheepish laugh while scratching the back of his head. "Ah. I apologize, Inori-san. I was always being sent to the frontlines but now, since the war is over. I have more than enough time to visit you and your humble place."

"Indeed, the war is over and I'm grateful you are well and not one of those in the memorial stone." Inori nodded with somber tone then she spotted the person behind the Yellow Flash and beamed at him. "Why hello there~ I didn't know you bring someone with you. I thought it would be little Kushina –!"

The exact expression Minato had made earlier flashed across his face and then, his face went completely blank at the mention of Uzumaki Kushina.

"I'm so sorry, Minato-kun. I didn't mean –" Inori look disgruntled now. It's clear she didn't mean to upset Minato.

"It is fine, Inori-san. There's no harm done." Minato tries to reassure her but the evidence of his displeasure is still present no matter how much he tries to look unaffected.

Inori seems like she wants to say something at him but decided against it as she focused her attention back to Nanashi. "So, who is this fine young lad?"

Before the blonde can introduced his company, Nanashi beat him into it. "Good evening, Inori-san. I'm Nanashi and Namikaze-san has kindly agreed to help me with my new living arrangement, so I am merely returning the favor by treating him some dinner." Nanashi made a small bow during his introduction.

"Wow. What a polite kid too! I approve, Minato-kun! He's simply precious!" Inori beamed at him and Minato then she lead them into much a private area for them to dine before giving them their menu – they just order a pair of Katsudon and tea. "Alright! I'll be right back!"

A pink tint appears on Nanashi's cheeks from the praise. He still wasn't used to having good comments thrown at him and he was sure Minato could tell as well because he was snickering at him even if he couldn't see it.

Nanashi glared at him and hissed. "Shut up."

"Maa~ I think she's right." Minato started although he is still snickering behind his hand which he tried to hide and he failed miserably to hide his amusement. "It's true since you invited me to a date –"

"It's not goddamn date!"

"–then should I have called you sweetheart? Apparently, you're too precious, don't you agree Nanashi-kyun~?"

"DON'T FUCKING CALL ME YOUR SWEETHEART! WE AREN'T TOGETHER!"

"But sweetheart you just invited me to a date."

"It's not a date! I invited you to a dinner! How many times do I have to tell you it's not a date!?"

"Still the same."

"Why you –"

Damn it. If he knew the Yellow Flash is a fucking sap and an extra. He would never have invited him for a simple dinner. Scratch that he'll never invite the idiot out. He's done dealing with his embarrassing behavior.

End of Chapter 3: Extra

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait. I have a huge WRITER'S BLOCK in this chapter. You have no idea at how many time I re-write this chapter and somehow it still doesn't satisfy me.

Anyway. Please re-read chapter 1 & 2 because I added scenes which is important to fill the plot holes!

And lastly please (shamelessly endorsing) my new MinaNarufic entitled 'Shades of Sun'. It's a fem!Naru and another time travel fic. Rough summary is … Minato thinks Naruto was his sister when she accidentally shoves him hard to avoid at being attack. Slightly! Amnesiac or more likely brain-addled! Minato… and somehow he attach like leech at Naruto!

Still searching for a beta for those interested please PM me or comment below! Thanks!

Next Chapter: Nanashi is seriously going to murder the Hokage. He did it again. Not only did he have to assign him to a mission with Minato but he also paired them up with Minato's ex-girlfriend, Kushina. What the hell?! Is the Hokage even thinking? Can't he see that two is about to tear each other's throat? What's with this animosity? Well. It seems like he needs to stay alive before he enact his plan of vengeance against the geezer. Good luck to him, then.

Word Count: 3,031 (Ugh. It exceeds the normal word limit but let's ignore it for now. Okay?)

Word Count with Extra: 3,781

Written: 5/9/2017 (month/date/year) – 9:51 pm, Tuesday