After a long break from fanfiction, I'm back with yet another story. This is a story requested by bl00dshy and it'll be a strictly Naruino story. This will be a challenge since I'm not used to a story around one couple, but nevertheless let's go into it.

It was that time again. The time of year where everyone celebrates and one person is casted aside. October 10th was the date and this was supposed to be his day. Except now, he spends it alone. Naruto is now twelve years old and he was happy about that, but also saddened. Even though his birthday was today, it was also the anniversary of his parents' death. Twelve birthdays he spent running and hiding from villagers.

It just had to be on his birthday when the Nine Tails ravaged through his village. It just had to be on his birthday where he cries more than celebrate. It just had to be on his birthday. He was in his apartment, alone, looking out the window. He saw little kids with either of their parents or both. He felt like he was shot in the heart seeing them together. He just wanted to be accepted. Was that so hard to ask?

"If I even show my face out there, they're going to run or even beat me and leave me to die. I already have a Tailed Beast in me, my parents are gone, and I have to deal with the way they treat me. I just want something good to happen once in my life," Naruto stated.

He put on his jacket but left it unzipped. Before leaving the comfort of his apartment, he took a deep breath. As he walked, he was preparing himself for what was to come. They all were giving him hard glares. The weight of them made it difficult for Naruto to walk. He heard the murmurs and he fell down thanks to whoever pushed him. He looked and saw three men over him. Once the revealed their kunai, Naruto got up and ran as fast as he could.

He turned threw corners and alleys trying to get away. Naruto turned another corner and saw it was a dead end. He tried to turn around quickly, but the men were already there. 20 minutes later, Naruto lay on the ground with cuts and bruises everywhere on his body. His clothes were ripped and torn to pieces. He stayed on the ground for another minute and began to feel the Nine Tails heal him.

At least having a Tailed Beast isn't all bad, Naruto thought.

He got up after he was fully healed and continued to his destination in secrecy. Once he was there, he sat down and stared at the open field. A breeze blew by shaking the branches and rattling the leaves. Where was he, you ask? It was the same spot he received his Beast and his parents died all those years ago. Thanks to a dream he had, he saw what happened hours after his birth.

"Why are you here?" a voice said behind him.

He looked behind him. "Hey Ino, I'm just thinking."

The platinum blonde sat next to him. "But why here?"

"Let me ask you a question, why are you here anyways? We've never really been close like that."

"It's true, but I'm still your friend. So why are you thinking here all by yourself?"

"It's just that…I don't know…This place just comforts me."

"But how could it comfort you? Does this place have a happy memory?"

"Not by a long shot. The best day of my parents' lives turned into the worst day. All and all, they died. I guess their spirits are what comfort me."

"They died? I'm so sorry to hear that."

"Thanks," Naruto got up and dusted off his pants, "Today is 5% positive and 95% negative for me."

Ino got up and stared at him. "Why is that?"

"Well today is my birthday, but also the anniversary of my parents' death."

"Well, happy birthday."

"Thanks, but nothing will change this into a 'happy' birthday."

Ino looked at Naruto's saddened state and knew this is really hitting him hard. He was the complete opposite of his vibrant, smiling self. Deep down, she wanted to help but didn't know what to do. She heard Naruto say goodbye and grabbed his hand. Naruto jumped a bit shocked as to how soft and delicate her hands were. He turned around and saw her smile. Deep down something sparked but fizzled out.

"Naruto, I know I can't bring your parents back but I want to make this birthday a happy one for you. Come on, I'll take you to your favorite place."

With that, Ino ran off with Naruto hand-in-hand. Naruto smiled lightly seeing her long ponytail bounce as she ran. She led him out of the field and into the village. Naruto saw the disgusted looks they were giving him and squeezed Ino's hand a bit. Ino looked back a bit to see him looking down at the ground. Her view then went to the villagers and saw the looks they were giving him. She squeezed his hand a little harder and he looked up.

She gave a genuine Ino smile that said not to worry. Naruto smiled with her and wondered how come he didn't get to know her sooner. This might just be the breakthrough, the positivity, he wanted in his life.

Ok so that's the first chapter. I hope I've captured your attention. And I'm just like you as it pertains to what Ino will do to cheer Naruto up. As you all know, I write with no plot in my head. So let us discover all mysteries together. Also, doing some self-advertising here, if you enjoy my fanfictions then check out my other stories on Wattpad. I have the same name as , but I'll still leave the link. Goodbye for now. user/MasterNaru