In a world where Sakura never had a crush on Sasuke, never became rivals with Ino, and never found Naruto irritating.

"You can keep the ribbon if you'd like," Ino smiled at Sakura; the red strip of fabric was tied neatly in the pinkette's hair, keeping the locks out of her face.

Sakura's lips curved into a shy smile, and she blushed knowing that her forehead was easily seen now more than ever. Ino said to have some confidence…people won't bully me if I don't let it bother me! Warmth flooded through her system, she had been without friends, and now Ino had come and welcomed her with a small gesture of kindness.

One by one the parents came to pick up their children from the park, grasping their hands quickly and dragging them away. The low whispers of "stay away from that kid" might as well been shouted because he still heard them. Naruto never understood what he did to deserve the treatment he received from other kids, who undoubtedly learned these behaviors from their parents. He just knew that it left him alone, and nothing hurt more than the empty feeling bubbling in his stomach.

Standing by himself Naruto balled up his fists and looked down, he couldn't resist the tears rolling down his face. He just felt so alone, and empty. Always.

"Want to swing with me?" a small voice reached his ears before the sobs overtook him completely. His head jerked up, tears rimming his big blue eyes. There on a swing sat a little pink-haired girl, a small shy smile on her face.

All the kids were playing happily, no discrimination among one another. Sakura watched from a distance, still not confident enough to try and make new friends. Ino had been her one and only thus far, and she went home early; Sakura was content with just sitting silently swinging by herself.

After a while parents picked up their kids from the park, and yelled at them for playing with the yellow haired kid, he had the biggest grin she had ever seen. Come to think of it, she had seen him before in class. Sakura even remembered her own parents advising her to stay away from him, but she didn't understand. He seemed nice; he laughed and played with everyone else just like any other kid would.

But here he was, alone. No one came to pick him up and he stood there crying. Sakura thought back to when Ino had become her friend, how she was bullied for her forehead and how sad she felt when she was without friends. For some reason in her little heart, she couldn't help but want to help the blonde haired boy. Maybe he needs a friend, just like I did!

Sakura opened her mouth but nothing came out, a blush flittered across her face. Why couldn't she talk to others? The boy wasn't going to bully her; he was sad and needed someone. I need to help. With that resolve, Sakura smiled a little and asked him a question, "Want to swing with me?"

He turned towards her and smiled, even though his face was wet with tears and snots were beginning to crawl out from his nose. "Sure!" The blonde suddenly had an unexpected jolt of energy and ran to the swing next to Sakura.

"I love swings. Every time I come to the park I try to swing as high as I can! The other kids always tell me that their parents said that can be dangerous…but no one has ever said anything to me so I keep doing it!" He grinned wide and rambled on and on about what he liked to do for fun. Sakura's smile widened, see he did need a friend. She couldn't find any words to reply with but offered smiles and giggles every now and then.

They sat on the swings for a little bit until Sakura's parents showed up to pick her up. Just like all of the other parents they gave Sakura a disapproving look and sneered at the boy. Sakura frowned, she didn't understand. He's my new friend.

"I have to go," Sakura finally spoke, her voice full of regret. She felt bad for leaving him all alone.

"Oh." The boy was sad again.

Sakura offered a small smile again and gave him a hug. "What's your name? You're my new friend!"

He gaped at her, his blue eyes widening before he had a huge grin across his face. "Uzumaki, Naruto!"

With that she walked away, giving a wave. She had decided from then on that no matter what it took, she would be his friend. Her parents would just have to understand! Just wait, they'll see. Before placing her hands in her parents waiting hands, Sakura turned around and said, "I am, Haruno Sakura."

My first story in probably six years! I hope everyone enjoyed reading the beginning, even though it was short. Please review!