A/N:
Summary: A lonely, nine year old Naruto befriends Kurama early and everything changes
Warnings: I'm writing this as I go so expect random updates
Pairings: Not sure yet
Naruto had a memory, one that stuck with him through everything. It wasn't much, just sound, sensation, and glimpses of red and white, but it was enough.
He remembers soft humming. Peaceful notes washing over him and bringing with them so much love he felt like he would burst. The voice, rough and drowsy, singing a few words here and there.
He sees long, red hair that tickles his cheeks, feels the shift of fabric against his sensitive skin.
The memory doesn't last long, just a few minutes at most, but it's precious all the same.
Naruto finds himself reliving that memory now. Sitting in his small apartment upon his bed, trying to distract himself from the loneliness gripping his heart.
He hums along with the voice in his memory, having heard it enough times to have it memorized. The song is quiet and peaceful, reminding him of waves lapping at a shoreline, and always manages to bring him some semblance of peace.
He doesn't know where the memory is from, or when it happened, but it's the only time he's ever felt so much warmth in his life.
Laying back, hands tucked away behind his head, Naruto closes his eyes and feels one, lone tear slide down his cheek.
It was his ninth birthday today and, as always, he spent it alone, hiding from the hate filled glares of the citizens of Konoha.
It hurt, to be so alone, with no one to fill the void in his heart.
Sure, he saw Jiji-sama sometimes, but the old man never truly saw his pain.
Not that Naruto blamed him. He knew the Hokage was extremely busy, knew Jiji didn't have much time to spare for him.
Naruto only wished he had someone there for him. Maybe a parental figure, or even those he could see as siblings.
He wished and hoped with everything he had for the day where he was loved and could love in return.
Naruto let the memory play once again, slowly drifting off to sleep.