A young blond boy sat on a swing, on his swing. It was the only thing the adults let him near on the playground, at least while their kids were there. His deep sapphire blue eyes held a mixture of emotions as he watched the other kids run, jump, climb and play on the small jungle gym, obstacle course, sand box and slides. Wonder, jealousy, loneliness, sadness, anger; all these emotions swirled around inside the little boy, and to make matters worse, someone was walking towards him and his swing. His body tensed slightly, his little hands tightening around the sings chains, watching this girl walk up to him confidently.
"Hey!" the girl said, her light blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight. "Why're ya sittin over here by yourself?" she asked, a soft breeze fluttering through her short, platinum blonde hair.
Silent at first, he tried to determine what her intent was, 'Is she trying to take my swing away? Why is she smiling at me? She looks nice when she smiles like that. Could she be inviting me to play with her?' Many questions and thoughts spun around inside his head, some lifting his hopes, and others drawing up his fear.
"You wanna come play with us?" the unexpected question snapped him out of his thoughts, his eyes locking on to those of the girl infront of him.
"Don't you hate me?" the boy asked, a hint of pain and sadness in his voice.
"Why would I hate you? I just met you," the girl responded, her head tilted to the side, confusion and concern in her voice.
"Everyone hates me," he said, tears forming in his eyes.
Tilting her head to this side in confusion, she asked, "Why is that? You take their cookies or sumthin?"
"No, I didn't take nothing. I didn't do nothing to nobody. Only the old man likes me," he replied, his eyes defiant, yet teary.
"Well I don't hate you, so com an' play with us," she offered, her sky blue eyes full of confidence. She held out her hand, grabbing his as she led him to her group of friends. "I'm Ino, Ino Yamanaka. What's your name?" she asked.
"Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki," he replied as he was nearly dragged across the playground.
"Well Naruto, you wanna be my friend?" she asked, smiling as his mood brightened.
"I'd like that a lot Ino-chan!" he replied, his smile spreading wide across his face.