Even as he sits in the middle of the climbing frame, laughter all around him, smile on his face, Naruto is alone. He aches, throat strained and stomach clenched as one of his fellows smiles at him, eyes bright and sparkling in a face far too innocent to belong in this world. He aches, because he knows that smile is not for him. Knows his regard is fleeting, knows that beneath that smile lurks disinterest and impatience, warmth reserved for those who matter, those who aren't demons.

"Come on then!"- a shout, hand extended for him to grab. The hand is not truly for him, Naruto knows this. He's not worth kindness. He's been told that lots of times. And so, because he knows this, Naruto pushes the bright eyed boy away and watches as his predictions prove true and those warm eyes turn instantly cold.

Anyone else with thoughts on the effects of external stimuli on self perception? Review and share them with us! :)