A/N - Yo, it's been waaaay too long since I've last updated! Like three or four weeks now 😱 I have just been having so much other stuff to focus on in these last few weeks, but I've bounced back with this AU sorta like chapter. Tbh, I need some other things to write aside from my sequel cause omg the fact that I'm at the point of my story where I gotta start following the Shippuden story in that book makes me feel low key trapped lol but I'm making progress at least.

If you guys want, you can request for certain chapters to be made and if I like them I can write them. Like you can make those what-if requests or just whatever you want. The only thing you can't do is ask for those requests that seems to conflict with possible events that can happen in my book.

Like: What if Naruto married *insert girl*? What if Hinata won over Naruto? What if Naruto/Nia cheated on the other person?

Stuff like that you can't ask, but feel free to request anything else and unfortunately no, I won't be inserting anyone's OC into these chapters. Sorry.

Oh, so for this chapter, this is how I imagine Nia's feelings being rejected by Naruto and him actually being in character during the process of this awkward thing unlike when I made him too mean and insensitive lol this takes place three months after Nia arrived at the Hidden Leaf and she didn't tell Naruto about her feelings during the time they were bringing her to the Leaf

Anyway, please enjoy this chapter and remember to vote and comment! Thanks ❤️

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       ~Nia's Wallowed In Heartbreak~

"So that's... what happened," Naruto mumbled as he kept his eyes to the table.

"I see... so you rejected her," Shikamaru looked over his shoulder to the other side of the restaurant where Nia was sitting alone with her head down on the table with her arms crossed in front on it, "And now she's extremely emotional..."

"...Yeah," The blonde mumbled as he mainly kept quiet.

"Wow, I feel bad for her," Choji, who was with them, said as he dug into his bag of chips, "She seemed like she really liked you and you turned her down just like that."

"Quit getting all down, Naruto. She's ugly. You did the right thing by rejecting her. Who cares if she likes you?" Kiba was also present.

Naruto didn't say anything as his eyes remained quite dullish.

This annoyed the Inuzuka.

"Seriously, stop being so damn sensitive towards her feelings! If you weren't so nice to her, this wouldn't have had happened in the first place, man!"

"Why can't he be nice to her?" Choji rebuked his friend, "Just because she's not as pretty as other girls doesn't mean that Naruto should've had treated her like dirt."

"You don't get it. Ugly girls are easy. They'll fall for anyone who's nice to them! They're desperate! Naruto was too nice to her so she fell for him even though she should've known there's no way someone like her could ever win him over. She's insane for thinking she ever stood a chance!" Kiba explained.

"All right, that's enough," Shikamaru calmed the guy down, "Naruto, you sure you didn't do anything to make her think there was a possibility you might've returned her feelings?"

"I already said no, didn't I?" This angered the ninja, "I didn't even do anything to her! I didn't even know she liked me! If I would've known, I would've showed her in gentle ways that I didn't feel the same way for her. I would've did something about it a long time ago, ya know."

"Wow Naruto, you kinda make it sound like you really don't like her at all..." Choji commented.

"I do like her, just not in that way. I'm not attracted to her... I told her I'm willing to stay friends with her, but that I didn't want anything romantic happening between us."

"Well then why is she so sad right now if you told her that?" Shikamaru questioned.

"Didn't you hear him?" Kiba rolled his eyes, "She's obsessed with him! I feel so bad for this guy! He has to deal with this ugly chick crushing on him. Why can't Nia just realize no guy wants to be with someone as hideous as her? If I were that ugly, I'd kill myself!"

"Kiba, quit calling her ugly already!" Naruto raised his voice, "You're annoying the hell out of me! Just say she's unattractive or something!"

"Didn't you just say she was too ugly?!"

"All I said was that I wasn't attracted to her; I didn't call her ugly."

"You still implied it though, Naruto."

"In whatever case," Shikamaru spoke up again, "She lifted her head off the table finally, but... she's still crying silently to herself."

Moving his head to get a better look, Choji observed as Nia had her elbow on the circular table with her cheek in her palm as tears rained down her face while she sniffled to keep her nose from running.

"You're right... she looks completely heartbroken," He gasped lightly before turning back to the blonde, "Seriously Naruto... what did you do to her?"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" He hollered as he then slumped down in his chair, "Seriously, all I did was hug her and comforted her when she was upset. She's acting like I kissed her or flirted. I don't remember doing anything of that."

"Well... comforting a woman when she's sad can cause her to develop feelings for someone... don't you know that, Naruto?" Shikamaru told him.

"So can hugging," Choji added. "Depending on how often and long you do it for."

"Man, I swear Curly Brow can be such a headache with all her crying. Why is she so emotional?"

"Naruto, she really liked you. You rejected her..." The Nara boy sweatdropped.

"Yeah, but there's no need for her to cry about it. She takes rejection too harshly. I told her we can still be friends. It's not like I just would completely cut her off or avoid her."

"Well, that's what you need to do cause she's acting crazy," Kiba suggested. "You're right. She is acting like you guys were dating and you broke it off; She's crazy."

"You're over exaggerating," Shikamaru tried to not roll his eyes, "She got rejected by someone she really liked. Not everyone can just shrug it off as if that person meant nothing to them. Being upset is a normal response... she's not crazy."

"Yeah, you guys... you're so quick to call her crazy when she just wears her heart on her sleeve and is sensitive," Choji nodded.

Naruto sighed and shifted his body in Nia's direction and rested his elbow atop the back of his chair with his right cheek cupped in his palm.

"I just don't get it... why can't she get over it? It's been a good day since it happened."

"Just avoid her already..." Kiba rolled his eyes. "She needs to understand that you're not about to lower your standards for her. Seriously, just look at her... Naruto, I'll be angry if you actually go for her. You think anyone would go out with that thing?"

"Quit calling her a thing, you jerk. She's a human being too, ya know!"

"Man, quit with the overprotective thing. Why do you defend her when she's hideous? I mean, come on... I always laugh when I see her face. How do you not laugh, Naruto? I feel bad for you cause you always gotta look at that gorilla look-alike. She's so ugly. Ugly as shit," The Inuzuka chuckled then pointed at the girl. "She's disgusting. Just eww. Gross."

"Kiba... I get that you don't think she's attractive, but wow... don't you think you're being incredibly insensitive and mean right now? You don't get to choose the face you're born with, so it's kinda cruel to make fun of someone's looks like that," Choji shared his opinion.

"You defending her too, Choji?"

"Well... I guess. I think it's wrong to judge someone's worth by just their appearance. You should judge someone by the extent of their character."

"Oh, get outta here with that whole, "It's what in the inside tha-""

"What the? She's leaving," Naruto's eyes widened a bit as he saw Nia leave out the door.

"Good, about time," Kiba was relieved.

"So what're you gonna do?" Shikamaru placed his hands in his pockets. "You gonna go talk to her?"

"I... I don't know..." Naruto responded. "She's really emotional and hard to deal with when she's that upset... I just feel like I should give her some space and attempt to speak with her in a few days..."

"I wonder if that other guy that was talking to her earlier will comfort her instead?" Choji pondered aloud as Naruto suddenly felt offended, slammed his hands on the table and stood up with a scowl displayed on his face.

"WHAT OTHER GUY?!" He raised his voice as he then glared at the Akimichi. "Choji, you better speak up right now. Who the hell was Curly Brow with in the morning?! Was he flirting with her to trying to touch her in anyway?!"

"Erm... it sorted looked like he was giving her a gift... and ya, I think he was touching her..."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" Naruto grabbed his jacket from the chair and aggressively threw it on while storming out of the restaurant. "Who the hell does that guy think he is trying to woo her like that?! And why the hell is Curly Brow talking to another guy and letting him touch and give her gifts! I'm the only one that's allowed to do that stuff for and to her! Argh! She thought I wouldn't find out, huh?! Well imma give her a piece of my mind!"

Hearing the crushing sound of the door having been slammed shut, Choji began to chuckle as Shikamaru and Kiba looked.

"I thought so... he really did get upset." He spoke in between his laughs.

Shikamaru sweatdropped. "Not the brightest plan, but a plan nonetheless... hah, I feel for Nia... It's completely obvious Naruto rejected her because he happens to be downright oblivious to his own personal feelings for her."

"Or maybe... he rejected her cause she's ugly." Kiba brought up. "C'mon you guys, the only reason he got pissed is cause he likes the attention from her. You know how Naruto is... always seeking praise from everyone. Please... as if anyone could ever want that chick. Eww."

"You really are harsh, Kiba..." The Akimichi made a face. "It's no wonder Naruto never wants you around her. You treat her so bad as if she isn't even a human who has feelings. And you only hate her cause of her looks..."

"Well maybe if she started looking pretty and stop making my face crunch up in disgust, then I'll actually start being nice to her and start encouraging Naruto to return her feelings. I mean honestly! Why is that guy being all nice to a creature like that?! Is he blind or something?! She doesn't deserve to have anyone like her while looking like that! I'm sick and tired of Naruto not treating her like the crap she is! It's about damn time for him to start avoiding her and doing whatever he can to stay away from that wildebeest! That guy has no standards! Nia's worthless in every way, shape, and form! He needs a hot girlfriend that'll make him look good and have every guy jealous! This guy is stupid!"

"Okay man, that's enough," Shikamaru got annoyed. "It's one thing to say you're not attracted to someone, but it's another thing to say they're literally worth nothing and don't deserve having anyone like them. Then you're gonna try and bring Naruto down by saying all this crap about how it's unacceptable for him to like this particular girl cause you or anybody else doesn't find her attractive. Not only that, but you're trying to get him to base his value and worth on whether or not he has a hot girl as arm candy. C'mon man, who cares if she's not pretty in your eyes. Everyone is different... maybe that guy thinks she's hot for whatever reason? I don't care who he likes as long as it's not someone tearing him down to pieces."

"Yeah," Choji agreed. "You're supposed to be his friend and have his back. Like I said before, Naruto's too worried about bringing her anywhere near you cause he's afraid you're gonna do or say something to tear her down completely. When you guys are forced to be around one another, he looks extremely guarded and protective of her. He'll do anything to keep her away from you. It's really sad, Kiba. Give the girl a chance. I mean, she really tries hard to get along with everyone even though it looks like she's really afraid of socializing with a group of people and really anxious about what our views are of her. Aside from seeming very sincere with befriending us, I'm sure part of why she tries so hard is because she wants to win our approval so Naruto can see her as a potential girlfriend."

"Argh! Just forget about it!" The Inuzuka growled as he crossed his arms behind his head and leaned back in his chair. "It's annoying how you defend her all the time! People like her are an insult to the human eye! It only makes sense to try and make her life an absolute living hell! It's a good thing to laugh at her when we see her! It's good to make her feel hideous cause that's what she is! It's good to ignore and make her realize she could never be desired in a romantic light! It's good to remind her every single time that there's no place for her here or anywhere else! She doesn't belong! She's ugly and is absolutely nothing!"

Infuriated, the boy then risen out of his seat and slammed his money on the table.

"I'm done with you guys pretending to be saints. I'm going home. C'mon, Akamaru..."

"Arf! Arf!" The dog followed as the two went out of the building and into the darkness of night.

"Man, he's really mean," Choji commented as Shikamaru rubbed his face in annoyance. "If he would've said that in front of Naruto, those two would've ended up in a huge brawl, don't you think?"

"Naruto's sensitive about what gets said about other people behind their back and/or to their face. The way Kiba talked about Nia would've definitely trigger him. For now, let's just focus on making sure he doesn't keep try to bring Naruto down and keep Kiba away from making any contact with Nia with missions being a special exception of course."

As the two continued to have a discussion amongst themselves, elsewhere, Naruto had finally spotted Nia walking into the direction of her house and stomped his way over to her.

"Curly Brow!" He called out to her yet received no answer.

"Curly Brow!" Naruto then ran in a hurry to catch up with the kunoichi who was walking with her head down. "Curly Brow, listen... you and I need to-"

He then stopped talking when the girl kept walking and grabbed her am so she could face him.

Nia's eyes were puffy and red. Tear streaks covered her cheeks as her nose was a bit stuffy also. She appeared to be extremely fatigued and very much out of it.

"Curly Brow..." Naruto just gawked at her as he concluded this was the most upset he's seen her, "Curly Brow, who the hell is this other guy you've been talking to behind my back?!"

"What other guy?" She croaked.

"C'mon, don't act like you can hide it forever! The guy who gave you a gift and was flirting with you in the morning! Who the hell was that?! I risk my life trying to protect you and take them time to comfort you when you're upset and you repay me by jumping into the arms of another guy?! I'm the one that been by your side! Not Akihiko and certainly not this random guy who happened to speak with you!"

"A gift? Are you talking about the messenger ninja that handed me a gift from my family who're residing in the Cloud? That's the only gift I received all day."

"Hold on, a messenger ninja... that's it?!" The blonde was dumbfounded.

"Yeah," Nia nodded truthfully before attempting to pull her arm away only for Naruto to keep ahold of it.

"Okay whatever. Now that that's outta the way, you and I need to talk about this whole thing going on between us. It's been a whole day already and you're still down in the dumps about what happened."

She didn't reply to him and closed her eyes, absolutely refusing to look him in the eye.

"Curly Brow, c'mon!" This annoyed the guy. "Why're you so upset when I said we can at least be friends?! You're acting like I'm gonna avoid you! You're still precious to-"

"If you don't mind..." She finally spoke as she kept her head down, tears still dripping from her eyes. "I'd like to be alone please."

"But I can't do that! You know I can't just leave you feeling down! Just come with me so we can talk more about this rejection thing privately..." He grabbed her hand as this made the kunoichi's heart skip a beat yet frightened her as well.

"There's... nothing to talk about," She lightly pulled her hand away and looked away with a reddened face, "I told you how I felt, you rejected me and now I've made everything awkward between us and I'm sure I've ruined everything..."

"It's awkward, but don't worry... you didn't ruin anything. I'm not gonna stop talking to your or anything and I'm not gonna think of you badly," The blonde unzipped his jacket and placed it over Nia's shoulders, "By the way, geez, you really need to stop wandering around with short sleeves when it's cold outside and quit walking alone at night. This village is safe and all, but still... you're pretty new around here and someone could try to mess with you, ya know?"

Nia was bewildered as she lightly clenched onto the jacket around her and felt her blush deepen. "I don't understand... why're you giving me your jacket when you don't like me? This is a very strange thing to do."

"I gave you my word I'd protect you... that includes protecting you from the cold. I don't go back on my word... so even if we get into the biggest fight possible, have the most extreme uncomfortable or awkward moments together or between, I still will try and do my best at having you stay with me..."

Nia didn't say anything.

"Geez," The boy then sighed and turned her so she was facing him and took his thumbs to wipe her tears. "I understand you're hurt, but I'm pissed you let yourself cry over me. I don't ever mean to hurt your feelings... so I really hate it when I do manage to hurt them. I was really hoping you'd brush off the rejection and be all like, "Forget about him! I can do better!" or something like that, ya know?"

"Naruto, you're special though," The girl replied as a fresh set of tears replaced the one that had been wiped away. "You're an amazing person and a good guy... of course I'd cry over being turned down by you. It feels horrible."

"Yeah, but still Curly Brow..."

"Listen... I know... you mean well... and I know... you don't mean to make me feel upset, but you need to understand... I can't help but feel... the way I do." She gazed the boy in the eye. "I understand that a girl like me having feelings for you... or just anybody... is extremely frustrating and damn right annoying, but... I wish... you didn't make it sound as if you want me to get over you as quick as possible so you don't have to deal with me... I can't just get over you in one day, Naruto — I really like you..."

"I didn't mean to make it sound like that at all though, Curly Brow. I just hate seeing you upset; it kills me, ya know? I already get that you can't get over someone that quick."

The kunoichi lowered her eyes, "I'm... very hurt about all this. I really just feel this deep ache in my heart. Like, it really just hurts me to know that the only reason you rejected me was b-because-"

Nia had to stop in order to wipe her face free from her tears. Naruto softly sighed and frowned.

"While I respect the fact that you were man enough to confront me with how you truly feel in the kindest way you could think of instead of avoiding me like how I know most guys would, you still gotta understand that even if you reject me in the kindest way possible, my feelings are still going to be hurt by just the simple fact alone that you don't return my feelings. Heck, just you saying we can stay as friends forever hurt me badly cause... I don't wanna be just friends," The girl then explained.

Naruto lowered his eyes.

"Naruto... I've been thinking about this whole thing all throughout yesterday and today and I've made my decision on something. We've gotten close and had some crazy things happen since we've met, but... I... really need to protect my heart... from emotional pain... at whatever cost — even at the expense of this very friendship..."

"What're you... getting at, Curly Brow?" The blonde was getting anxious.

Nia rubbed her hands uncomfortably and responded, "Honestly, I've decided that I just can't... keep being your friend... anymore."

Hearing this, the ninja felt offended.

"What're you talking about?" He spread his palms to his sides. "You can't just- Are you being serious right now? You're just gonna break our bond cause I rejected you?"

"I know... this may be difficult for you to hear, but not everyone on this planet can handle rejection the same way you can. I need to protect my heart Naruto and me interacting with you and seeing you all the time isn't going to do that. It feels like emotional torture for me and not to be rude, but I find it really insensitive that you're sorting of having this, "Well, just deal with it" sorta attitude with me."

"But why can't you? I mean, you're just gonna really throw our friendship away? Don't you care about me?"

"Yes, and that's why I've decided to drop this friendship, even if you think it's childish or weak of me."

The genin lightly grasped the girl's upper arms, "C'mon Curly Brow, stop joking with me."

"It's not... a joke. Listen, I wish health, happiness, and success for others in my life, and that is especially true for the guys who I care for on a romantic level. In our case, we may not have worked out but that does not mean I hope you don't find love and happiness just because it won't be with me. I hope you get the love of your life and live the life you've always dreamed of. What I'm trying to say is though is that... I don't need to stick around and watch it unfold."

"Hm?" Naruto tilted his head as Nia explained what she meant.

"If you end up getting with Sakura or someone else, I don't wanna be around to hear about the incredible first date you went on. I don't need to hear how in love you are with her or how you've fallen for her. I don't need to hear how you think she could be the one. I don't need to see pictures of you two together. I don't need to see the engagement ring and as bogus or petty or as disrespectful as this may sound, I don't need to be at your wedding. I don't need to subject myself to a constant reminder that as happy as you would become, there is part of me that will always believe I can make you happier if you just would've given me the chance to prove so."

Not knowing what to say, the young man stayed quiet.

"Naruto, if you and I just stay as friends, I'll never be able to get over you. I would ALWAYS hold on to this lingering hope that one day you would see me as beautiful or that you would one day fall for me. The reason I was crying was because the moment you turned me down, I knew this friendship was over. You are someone that I cannot settle for as just friends. I won't settle for friendship with a guy I wanna date — no way."

"But I just don't get it, Curly Brow! We were getting along so well and now you wanna-" Naruto raised his voice, having caught an attitude.

"If we stay friends... I feel like, I'm only just gonna end up resenting you," Nia unexpectedly kept her cool. "To me, this just feels like the right thing to do. I feel like I'm doing what's best for both of us... I respected the fact that you don't have feelings for me cause I'm not pretty enough, so please... I'd appreciate it if you'd be able to understand and respect that I wanna cut my ties with you..."

"So what's the plan?" The blonde aggressively folded his arms. "You're just gonna dump me and run off to your wealthy, perfect prince, Akihiko?! I should've known you weren't the type of girl to stick with one guy!"

"Are you serious, right now? I'm just trying to be kind and you're over here calling me a whore just cause I can't handle being in the friend zone with you. And what's your problem with Akihiko anyway?! You don't like me, so why would you give a crap about the possibility of me going off to him?"

"Because, it's just... you're better off having me to protect you! I still care about you a lot whether or not I find you attractive and you going off with some rich guy who'll just use your body so you can pop out all these babies really drives me insane! Hell, he seems like the kind of guy who'd ditch you the moment you guys are in danger. Seriously Curly Brow, I get that it made you feel all warm and happy inside when he expressed his attraction for you, but you can't just run off to the first guy who called you beautiful, ya know?"

"But that's not what happened though, is it?" The girl countered. "If that were true, I would've left you the moment he told me that he thought I was. That guy was extremely good looking, rich, had a good body, and was a freaking prince for crying out loud. Yet... even though he was... I still... felt the need to stay with you instead. Even when I had felt amazing that he saw me as desirable and pretty and stuff, the only thing I could think of was how if just being desired by someone I didn't have feelings for felt great, how amazing and mind blowing would it be if the guy I did like saw me as pretty or desirable? That was on my mind... it was all I wanted..."

"You must hate me now, huh?" Naruto slightly frowned as he placed his hands in his pockets.

Nia lowered her eyes. "Hate... is a very strong word. You didn't do anything to me... never insulted my looks behind my back in a cruel way, never laughed at me, never made me feel like trash or that I didn't matter. Honestly... I'm just completely heartbroken that literally everything had come down to this after spending all that time with you and stuff. I just think that... just being friends is something I can't handle."

"But... I just want you to stay with me, Curly Brow. I still like you as a person..."

"That's just... not enough for me to want to deal with, Naruto. I made my decision that I just couldn't handle us being friendly with one another when I made the decision to confess to you. I want a chance with you... but you're not attracted to me... and that's fine, I suppose. You can't control whom you're attracted to — I understand," Nia gave the boy his jacket back. "It was nice having you around me... I got a feel on what heaven is like. Thank you for sticking with me even when I was being very depressing, negative, and mean. I'm sorry for having had such a shitty attitude and personality in the beginning. That's changed now because you gave me hope that there could be good people in this world. Please forgive me for all the wrongs things I've either said or done. I wish you the best."

"No!" The blonde gripped her wrist. "I'm not letting you leave me!"

"Please let go of my wrist."

"No."

"Naruto-"

"I said no!"

"Naruto, please understand that I am not in the mood to be arguing with you. I understand you're hurt by my decision, but I gave you my reasons as to why I cannot continue this friendship. It's emotional torture. I just... need some time to myself, please..."

"But Curly Brow, I-"

"You don't need to say anything... you gave me your answer and I have no choice but to respect the fact that you're not attracted to me. I mean, I was the idiot and the extremely delusional person to have ever believed you could li-"

"Stop it," The genin interrupted. "No matter what you say, there's no way in hell I'm just gonna let you sever this bond. You can have your few days, but you best believe I'm gonna check up on you no matter how uncomfortable you may feel. I just can't let you go, all right?"

With a sigh, the kunoichi replied, "I don't get why you try so hard to keep me close to you... Seriously, I'm like, the most imperfect person on the planet — completely flawed. I annoy you all the time, I was extremely cold and mean to you, I can be depressing and negative... why be around someone whom I'm sure others would consider to be toxic?"

"You're not that bad, so quit making yourself sound like you're the most awful human being on the planet. Besides, you're a lot kinder and more gentle than before. Honestly, you've made a huge improvement. Before all this happened, we hadn't argued in forever. It was really chill and peaceful. I really do like talking to you... it just becomes very frustrating when you get upset though. Then again... when you do get upset... I can see why you're sad. At least you cry over things that most people would and not over something like spilled milk."

Nia didn't respond as she continued listening.

"Curly Brow, the point is... I'm not annoyed or angry that you like me. Even though you confessed really awkwardly and nervously as if you were gonna pass out or vomit, it just actually makes me feel very relieved that you really care about me more than I thought you did. Um... I never had a girl confess her feelings to me like you did either, so... I don't exactly know what to say. All I know is that I consider you to be a good friend... and-"  

"That's... enough," The girl interrupted as she wiped away some tears. "T-The more we talk a-about this, the h-harder it gets f-for me. I'm extremely h-heartbroken."

"Just give this whole thing a few days, all right?" Naruto hugged her and pressed her head against his shoulder while using his other hand to rub her back. "Your confession was really spontaneous and I wasn't expecting it at all and pretty much was speechless. I'll be fair to you... While you think about staying with me over the next few days, I'll go take that same amount of time to rethink of how I truly feel for you, okay?"

"But... that's pointless. You told me you aren't attracted to me... I didn't stand a chance from the very beginning..."

"Yeah... but that was in the beginning. We were forced to spend practically every moment of the day together for at least a good two months... then we've spent another two or three months together since you came over to this village. To be honest, if you add all those hours up or just five months in total... I'm pretty sure the way you see someone can drastically change from the way you thought of them at first, ya know?"

Hesitantly and very nervously, Nia returned the boy's hug and held on tightly. "I don't... get what you mean? I get it... it's impossible to be with someone you have zero attraction for."

"Actually, that reminds me: why do you like me if you said before that you're into the dark hair, dark eyes, and like the pale skin tone. Not Sai pale, but like pale? I'm the complete opposite of all that, ya know?"

"Yeah, well... I also said that was my type when I was younger. Now I'm just pretty much attracted to any hair color and eye color and I don't remember saying anything about pale skin though. I like it... but I like your tan too. I really like it. As for your hair, I don't really think too much about it. Your eyes were the first thing I found attractive cause it's just so... gentle and blue. And your smile... oh my goodness you have a dreamy smile. I love it. It makes me feel so relaxed and happy."

Pulling away, Naruto awkwardly ran his fingers through his hair. "Oh, so then you are attracted to me physically... why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Because I'm more into your personality," Nia started to blush again. "To be honest, I like your personality so much, I don't really care what you look like. Even though you can be really immature at times, your personality is definitely exactly my type though when I was younger, I thought I liked guys who were introverted and quiet more... I think you balance me out perfectly and I'm totally in love with it."

"Wait... you love me... because of who I am?"

"Mhm... I think your amazing. I really wish I was your type though... but I'm not... whoever gets with you is the luckiest girl on the planet in my opinion. I'm already jealous of her..."

"Curly Brow..." The blonde was stunned. "When you confessed, I thought... you just had a crush on me. I was wrong the whole time... you were head over heels in love with me. This completely... changes everything, ya know?"

Not really being able to hear his mumbling, Nia began to back away as she tried her hardest not to keep tearing up.

"I'll see you in a few days then... Goodnight, Naruto."

"Yeah... see you later..." He replied as he then turned around and headed home.

Oh man... this is insane. Pervy Sage was right... she really was falling hard. But... what the hell am I supposed to do now?  I don't even know how to feel... I can't believe she feels that way...

However, though he convinced himself that her behavior was just a phase and her feelings were just that as well, Naruto waited it out and attempted to sleep peacefully each day that followed.

Day one: Nia stayed in her room and refused to go out. Day two and three: Nia forced herself to get some fresh air and walked throughout the village, though with a clearly depressing expression on her face as she did so. Day four: Nia, rethinking everything in her head and replaying certain memories in it, broke down once more and sobbed at the end of a dock.

On the night of day four, Naruto had invited Shikamaru into his room to discuss everything that was going on. Over the last few days, the blonde had gotten hardly any sleep and constantly tossed and turned in his bed, unable to fully comprehend the fact that Nia was dead serious about wanting to get over him by not interacting with him at all being that that was her most effective way of dealing with rejection. However, despite that, Naruto couldn't bring himself to accept that.

With each day that had passed without them chatting or socializing in whatever way, he began to indulge himself into thinking about when they did associate with one another everyday. They had been around one another so much and for so long that it felt completely off and weird to him that those days were probably gonna be over once they meet up for the final time. He remembered the good, the bad, the sad, the happy, the dangerous, the safe, the annoying, and the funny times. He remembered first meeting her, first time they argued, and the first time they got along and began to accept the other person as they were.

As promised, he rethought his feelings over and even went to get a second opinion from others as he hoped it would help him to understand his own feelings. Once he realized it would hurt him if Nia were to leave him, or worst yet, run off to Akihiko, it eventually hit him and those he chatted with, that he must've unawarely had feelings deep down.

"Erm, so... basically what you're saying is that you like both of them now... right?" Shikamaru had listened to his friend side of things and looked to his left.

Naruto nodded, though ashamedly so.

"Well, what're you gonna do? You gonna keep chasing after Sakura or are you gonna take Nia on a date and make her your girlfriend?"

"Uhh..." The blonde was stomped. "I... wanna work things out with Curly Brow, but... I wanna be with Sakura too. I wanna hold and protect both of them, Shikamaru."

The Nara boy sweatdropped, "Naruto... I don't think either girl is going to like that. You gotta choose one, man."

"But how? I don't know how to! I don't want Curly Brow to leave me and end up in that rich guy's arms, but I don't want to give up on Sakura either. Sakura's really pretty and with Curly Brow, I feel like a hero and feel a strong connection with her. Ugh! I can't, ya know!"

"Hold on... didn't you say you weren't attracted to Nia though? Why are you saying you like her when you're not even physically drawn to her?"

"..." Naruto didn't say anything and looked down with his bangs casting a dark shadow over his eyes.

Shikamaru sighed, "I get it... you lied, didn't you?"

"I didn't lie... at the time," The blonde spoke softly. "I thought... I wasn't, but I questioned it after seeing how genuine her feelings are and hearing her cry cause she just wanted me to acknowledge her feelings. Besides, even though it's really embarrassing to admit and I feel really ashamed of myself for having this happen to me... I used to have... no, even the last couple days, I've been having these really... erotic dreams about her... for a while now..."

"Erotic dreams? You mean-"

"Yeah, but I swear, it's like no matter how hard I try to not think of anything sexual or try to limit my physical touch with her, I still end up eventually dreaming about doing her! It makes me feel like a perverted creep when I'm not! I can't stop it from happening and when I wake up, my pants and sheets are always stained. Then when I see Curly Brow, I always feel too guilty to look at her and when I do avoid looking at her, it makes things worse cause she gets all upset because she thinks the reason I'm not looking at her is because she's ugly or something!"

"Doesn't that mean you've been attracted to her for a while then?"

"I don't know, Shikamaru! I just brushed it off cause it only would happen when I would let her sleep close to me and that was it. I've never been in this situation before. What the hell am I even supposed to do? I've liked Sakura since we were kids!"

"So then keep at it with Sakura."

"But I want Curly Brow too! I can't let her leave me!"

"Then tell her you like her, man. She's the one who likes you..."

"Yeah, but..."

"Quit making excuses Naruto and tell her what you're thinking. Hasn't it been a few days already? She's probably stressing that you haven't visited her like you promised."

"OH CRAP, YOU'RE RIGHT! I TOTALLY FORGOT!" Naruto hopped onto his bed and opened his window wide open, "I'm a man of my word so I'm gonna go talk to her right now! See you later, Shikamaru!"

"Naruto, wait! Try going in the afternoon! It's way too-" Shikamaru breathed heavily as his friend ran off anyway. "early in the morning."

Geez... what a troublesome guy...

Meanwhile, Nia was alone at home lighting up some candles throughout the apartment since earlier in the day, the lightbulbs seemed to have died out and was in dire need of a replacement. She had tried to get some sleep but realized she couldn't as she just wouldn't keep her mind off of the promise made to her that her crush would discuss where he stood in regards to his feelings for her really were.

For the last few days, she too dug very deep into her heart in regards to if she really could just maintain friendship, but though she tried desperately to see the bright side to that, in the end... it just felt too much like pouring salt into an open wound to her— the thought of it was absolutely unbearable. She was completely positive she wanted more than that.

In addition to thinking of that, Nia had spent some time trying to engage in her own hobbies and even try to improve her skills fighting-wise. Unfortunately for her, as she was doing just that, she ended up getting herself into an ungraceful incident, tearing a ligament in her left foot in the process and was now wearing a walking brace to help her get around as she would have to wait for it to heal.

She was in some pain, but she knew she'd be just fine. She sat there for some time, thinking and thinking to herself endlessly. Suddenly, she felt the couch being gripped and jumped in horror when something had leaped over it and landed on the cushion next to her.

"Curly Brow, what's up?" The intruder was revealed to be just Naruto.

"Oh my god," Nia started laughing but had to put her hand over her heart and the other on the sofa arm as she tried to calm herself down, "What the hell, Naruto... you scared the living shit out of me. I thought you were some kind of demon or something."

"Man, with all these candles lit up everywhere in the dark, it looks like you're about ready to summon one," He chuckled.

"I just gotta draw the circle on the floor, grab the book, and we're set," The girl joked.

Naruto shook his head and smiled, "No, I think I'm good."

Nia giggled, "Same. Well anyway... how'd you-"

"Bedroom window was open."

"Ah, of course," The kunoichi understood. "You're lucky Iruka is away right now cause there would've been no way you'd been able to creep your way into the front room without him noticing."

"Where is he?" The blonde inquired.

"He said something about the lights in this apartment then said he'd be back in the morning or afternoon."

"Good... so you're alone," Naruto looked down as his lips curved slightly upward.

Having a glimpse of this, Nia's heart throbbed as she hadn't seen the genin in quite some time.

Meanwhile, Naruto observed the cards, game boards, and a few other things scattered atop the coffee table. As he did this, Nia grabbed two small blankets from her room then brought it into the living room where she gently placed one over the genin's shoulders and the other around her's.

"Oh, uh thanks," He thanked her as she headed into the kitchen to grab a small pot that had been boiling with water for quite some time.

"You're welcome. I just thought I'd give you a blanket since you looked pretty cold and was shivering. Speaking of which, I was actually making some hot chocolate... would you like some?"

"I mean, if that's fine with you," The boy responded before he sneezed.

"Oh yeah, you definitely need some hot chocolate. That sneeze was rough," The kunoichi grabbed two mug cups and prepared the drinks before slowly making her way with the cups and setting them on the coffee table. "Here, just be careful, it's still hot. I got some marshmallows here too if you'd prefer your drink with it."

"Thanks."

"Mhm," Nia then noticed the slight messiness on the coffee table and began organizing things back up. "Oh, um... sorry about the mess on here... I hope it didn't bother you too much..."

"Bother me? This is nothing compared to my apartment," Naruto pointed out as this made the girl laugh once more.

"For real... your apartment is always trash. It's always a good thing to learn how to pick up after yourself. The last time I was at your house, I saw a few roaches in there. You really need to clean things up, Naruto. A lot of roaches carry diseases. You're putting yourself at risk... that worries me."

"Yeah... I guess you're right. I really hate cleaning though."

"Yeah, well," Nia sat on the opposite side of the couch with one elbow resting on the armrest and her other hand carrying her mug. "I don't exactly like doing it either, but I do it anyways cause I don't wanna live in no dirty house, you know?"

Staring at the things on the table that would mostly be associated with men, Naruto then turned towards the girl and said, "I keep forgetting... you're a bit of a tomboy, huh?"

"Oh me? Y-Yeah... I guess you can say that. My interests do lean more toward what guys like as opposed to what the average female enjoys. Not that I'm saying I don't enjoy anything feminine of course cause I do, just... not a whole lotta things."

"You act pretty girly, so it kinda surprises me a bit that you're not exactly like that with your interests and hobbies and stuff."

"I don't know, I just find... most female activities extremely boring," The girl took a sip of her drink before getting a bit more serious and also directing her body towards the blonde. "Anyway... enough of the small talk. You came here... cause you wanted to speak about something serious, right?"

Naruto stiffened a bit and smoothed down his outfit, "Yeah, I just... was wondering how you've been doing since we've last spoke?"

"Honestly... I'm still very upset... but, I'm trying my best to get back on my feet. How have things been for you?"

"I was um... I was just erm..."

Nia waited for an answer.

"I... haven't been able to get you or what happened out of my mind," The boy stated. "Today marks the fifth day since... you know. I just... been thinking about practically every interaction I had with you that I could remember from the beginning and how we got to where we are now. I keep thinking about how I could've worded things differently with you when you confessed. How I could've been more sensitive or empathetic toward you. How I could've just... I don't know."

"So... what're you trying to say?" Nia set her mug down then rested her elbow atop the sofa with her cheek resting on her palm.

Naruto took a deep breath then admitted, "I... I miss having you with me, ya know."

"You miss me?"

"I miss you..."

Touched that he was feeling such a way, Nia looked down and began to redden as she rubbed her fingers together.

He... misses me? But I don't get it... why would he feel that way? I don't look like the girls in the magazines...

"Did you... miss me too, Curly Brow?" He looked up at her to see her swaddle herself in her blanket.

"Mhm. O-Of course I did! I couldn't stop thinking about you either!" She blurted before using her hand to cover her mouth.

Oh my god! I need to shut up! I said more than necessary! If he ends up thinking I'm obsessed or something, he'll hop off that couch and zoom the hell out of here, never to be heard from again!

The blonde sighed in relief, "Good... I wasn't the only one feeling that way then... I'm glad."

Nia was confused. Did he really mean what he said or was he just being nice as always?

"Curly Brow, sit here next to me and let's sort this whole thing out as promised all right?" He then patted the cushion next to him as the girl hesitantly made her way over to him and sat down. "Okay, so... you promised to think about our friendship over the last few days and I promised to think about how I truly feel for you. Your confession caught me by surprise and I had to give you a quick response, but since our talk the other day, I'm very relieved that you gave me a few more days to actually really think of it."

"Yes?"

"Well, I don't like people who lie to themselves so... be absolutely honest with how you feel and I promise to be honest with you. So whatever you need to get off your chest, now is the time to do it. Knowing you, I'm damn sure you have a lot to say, so I'll let you start first with how you feel about everything. So, I guess for starters... How do you feel about continuing or ending the friendship since our last meeting?"

Nia rested her hands on her lap and curled her hands. There was a lot to say, but she chose to speak directly from her heart.

It was now or never...

———

A/N - Okay that's the end of part one for this. I'm still trying to refresh my memory on the Shippuden series since I haven't watched it for so many freaking months that I've lost count lol. Thanks for reading! Please comment and vote and have a great day ❤️

QOTD:

1. Fave Part?

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3. Got any chapter requests?