6 year-old Haruno Sakura giggled as she ran down the sidewalk towards the cherry blossom trees, loving the wind blowing through her hair. 'This is tiring...' she thought, panting and slowing down. She stood for a minute, trying to regain her breathe, her short pink hair wavering in the light breeze.

Sakura stood up straight and was about to start running again when a flash of movement caught her eye. Looking up, she saw a boy about her age walking down the sidewalk, a look of sadness on his face. Sakura, thinking that he needed a friend, slowly approached him.

As if sensing her presence the boy turned to look at her. His facial expression didn't change as they stared at each other. Sakura, finally able to get a good look at him, realized that he was a boy from her class named Uchiha Sasuke.

"H-Hi..." Sakura said, nervously. "Ummm...are you okay?" she asked quietly. Sasuke gave her a long look, nodded, and began walking again. Sakura, knowing that he was lying, followed him. He didn't take notice of her presence.

"U-Ummm...are you sure? You don't seem like you're okay." she said, careful not to pry. Sasuke stopped, not looking at her. Instead, he focused on the ground. Sakura walked in front of him, seeing that he still had a look of sadness on his face. Sakura hesitantly placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Look, I may not know you, but I'm here if you need a friend." she said quietly. Sasuke gasped lightly, looking up at her. His look of sadness changed to one of surprise and confusion. Sakura smiled at him.

Holding her hand out, she smiled and said, "I'm always here. I promise." Sasuke looked at her and then her hand. After a brief hesitation, he grabbed her hand, shaking it. And, finally, he spoke.

"What's your name?" he asked, still sad, but smiling. Sakura looked at him, somewhat concerned that he was still somewhat depressed, but answered him.

"I'm Haruno Sakura." she replied, still concerned. He nodded and smiled.

"Uchiha Sasuke."

"That's a nice name..." Sakura replied, and gathering her courage, decided to ask the question that was bugging her since she had first seen him. "Why are you sad?" she asked, and immediately regretted it.

Sasuke looked down. "My brother has no time for me anymore because he became an ANBU member." he said sadly. Sakura nodded and decided that it would be a good idea to change the subject.

"Well, I was heading to the cherry blossom trees. Would you like to come with me?" she asked, smiling when Sasuke nodded. They began walking, chatting together along the way.

And they became the best of friends. They played
together everyday and eventually a year passed.

One day...

"Momma, why is Sasuke-kun in the hospital?" Sakura asked as they walked down the corridor, following the doctor to Sasuke's room. Sakura's mother gave her a serious look.

"His clan was killed by his older brother." Sakura gasped and clenched tighter on her mother's hand. She kept her eyes straight ahead and didn't say anything else as they continued on down the long corridor. The doctor stopped in front of a door and looked down at Sakura.

"Sakura, you're the only one that can help him now." he said quietly, looking sad, but stern. "He hasn't eaten in 5 days. If he goes on like this much longer...it'll kill him."

Sakura gasped. "5 days?! You've waited this long to tell me?" she practically shouted. The doctor and her mother both hushed her and the doctor continued.

"Sakura, please try talking to him. He's in a comatose-like state right now. Hearing a more common name might help him wake up."

Sakura nodded slowly and the doctor opened the door. She walked inside and turned around.

"Let me do this alone." the doctor nodded and her mother smiled proudly. Sakura shut the door.

She waited a moment before slowly turning around. What she saw almost made her want to run away.

Sasuke was lying on the white hospital sheets, eyes shut. He was pale and his breathing came in sharp gasps. His arms were flailing and he face was twisted into a grimace.

Gathering her courage, Sakura ran to the bed and climbed on beside him. Lifting his frail body into her arms, she was shocked by how cold he was. His arms were still flailing and she gently stroked his face, trying to quiet him.

"Shhh...Sasuke-kun, everything's gonna be okay." she was relieved when his face relaxed, but he didn't wake up. She bent down so she could speak into his ear.

"I'm here, Sasuke-kun. Just like I promised." Sakura whispered, gently brushing his bangs out of his face. Sitting up, she was surprised to see Sasuke's eyes blink and slowly open.

"S-Sakura? What are you doing here?" he asked, pulling away. His voice was scared. Sakura reached out and took his hand, trying to comfort him.

"I promised."

Sakura gasped in shock as tears started to fall from Sasuke's eyes and he threw his arms around her, sobbing. Still startled, she carefully returned his hug. Feeling his tears soak through her shirt, she realized how much he was hurting.

Sakura didn't say anything, but just let him cry. The door opened and the doctor walked in with a small tray of food. He smiled in relief at Sakura.

"Please, leave it on the table." Sakura said quietly. "He just needs a shoulder to cry on." the doctor nodded, set the tray on the table, and left. Sasuke's sobs continued and Sakura grabbed the blanket with her free hand and wrapped it around them.

I hope you all liked that^^ Should I continue or go die in a hole? Review, please and let me know what you think. ;D