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[He doesn't look super amused...

AFTER GETTING SMACKED IN THE FACE WITH A NEWSPAPER, WHO WOULD BE.]

...Pigeons...? Why would I need to watch out fo- WOAH!

[The device is dropped as Sora has to duck to avoid a...YOU GUESSED IT...a seemingly angry pigeon!]

Wh-what the heck?!

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[He blinks.]

H-hey, Gaara, wait... [His brow tenses.] Look. I know how it feels to have people you knew not remember you...

[Glancing to the side, he pauses a moment, then gives him a faint smile.] Well, uh...were we friends?

[He's about to end the conversation, when Sora calls out to him... just as expected, really. Sora has always been like this, from what Gaara does remember of the facility. He values his friends over everything else, including himself.]

How can you understand? [His tone is neutral, but clearly carries disbelief. He doesn't mean to be cold, and yet... getting attached again, would it only bring pain?

Regardless, he isn't going to lie about their bond. Even if he isn't sure it can be replicated. Because with Sai, it...

Gaara closes his eyes for a moment, to recompose himself, mentally.]

Yes... at the facility. We had fought alongside each other as allies. Additionally, you assisted me with your healing technique.

[He pauses a moment.] Well, it started over a year ago. I'd say...about a year and a half? When I was put to sleep, everyone forgot about me for a little while. [He shrugs.] It had something to do with me not being a complete person. Then, there was the time with this one guy that I had fought alongside. His name was Captain Jack Sparrow. He was...my friend. [His smile softens.] When I wound up in the world I was in just before this one, he didn't...remember me. [He sounds sad.] Neither did the guy Jack and I fought to defeat. Also, one of my...really good friends from my home world... [He looks away from the screen.] Her name's Selphie. She doesn't remember any of us. She doesn't even remember being on Destiny Islands.

Then, while I was there, one of my...best friends was...killed. When she came back, her memories were reset to a year ago. [He scratches the back of his head, then looks back to the camera.] Then, when I got here... one of the members of my crew- he... doesn't even remember meeting me. But, he was there. [His brow tenses.] Heh...Guess I should be getting used to it, by now, huh?

...

[He's quiet as he listens to the explanation of how Gaara knows him.] Oh, we did? [He smiles.] Heh, yeah...that sounds like me, alright!

[He forces a grin.] Well, if...you want... [He looks away, a moment.] We could be friends, here, you know. [He manages a softer smile, looking back at the camera.] There's no reason we couldn't be, right?

......

[Gaara knows most of this, having befriended the… other version of Sora. Though, the second part is new to him. Sora had highlighted the positive aspects of his life, and made scarce mention of the more challenging obstacles. In the way that he held himself, and with his devotion to his friends, Gaara had realized a number similarities between him and Naruto. That was part of the reason he had been drawn to Sora, even though his efforts weren’t completely wholehearted. Like Naruto, Sora had many friends. He never seemed to have enough time to bond with each individual, aside from his closest friend, Riku, who was also his boyfriend at the facility.

This Sora is… different. Like Temari had been different. Sai as well. It would be unfair of him to pre-judge Sora based on previous memories. They need to start over… again.

Gaara suppresses the urge to sigh, and with that, the increasing desire to pull away. He could refuse. What purpose would there be, to forge yet another bond that could be lost with fleeting memories? The Doctors knew this could happen. Those bastards were always toying with their minds, trying to figure out which method was most effective for breaking their spirits.

After Sora stops speaking, Gaara shakes his head.] One should never become accustomed to emotional pain… [He says that quietly, despite what he’s observed at the facility, and based on events in his own past.] I hope your friends will remember you, from this point onward.

[There seems to be… unease or hesitation on Sora’s face. It makes logical sense to the ninja, considering he had shown up and addressed Sora out of nowhere, proclaiming they shared some history together. He has every right to feel suspicious.

And always, lingering in the back of his mind, Gaara wonders… should he truly be pursuing friendships? Knowing what he is, and what atrocities he is capable of? He isn’t innocent or merciful.]

I… [No, he can’t give any of the reasons why it would be unsafe for Sora to reinstate their bond. He wasn’t in Death City – he doesn’t remember either one of the Shukaku outbreaks.]

…If you wish. [Gaara feels fatigued all of a sudden, for a reason that he can’t grasp. Strange. There is no insufficiency with his chakra supply. And as usual, he is going to state bluntly.] There are better choices for friends in this world, Sora. People more suitable to your mindset and beliefs.

[He blinks at the initial words, then smiles, shaking his head.] Well, in the end...? Even if they don't remember me, it won't stop me from being there for them as much as they'll let me. Being upset or sad about it, won't bring their memories back. In fact, their memory will never affect how much I care about them. All I can do is wait and see if they return.

[A pause.] Not to mention, in some cases...it's not even their memory. With Selphie, I don't...think it's actually that she simply doesn't remember. I actually think- maybe, she's a different version altogether. She was older, yet came from a different place. So, I started questioning the possibility of different versions of the same worlds. Then, that didn't sound quite right. So, I started wondering if...it's possible that there's different versions of people on entirely different worlds...

[He then laughs.]

Well, that probably sounds crazy...It sounded better in my head. [Well, he's had over seven months to come up with this idea.] Heh, never mind...

[His smile brightens.] Really? [But, then the last part makes him frown.] Jeez, you sound kind of like him...

[He sighs and the frown turns more serious.] Hey, just because you knew me in some place you were in, before, doesn't mean you know the first thing about what I believe in! Or that you can decide who I'd wanna be friends with! [Then, his expression tenses, before softening. He doesn't like people just...assuming things, like that.]

Sorry... I didn't mean to yell. Look, if we got along before, why wouldn't we get along, now? [A very weak laugh.] Don't tell me you're scared to be friends with me.

[Well, he's kind of joking, but...not, at the same time.]

[Now, Gaara is fighting the urge to smile. Just a little. That fire and determination… it’s very reminiscent of their bond. Rather, the one they used to share. How optimistic. He and Naruto would most certainly get along, if Naruto happened to come to this world someday.]

You will befriend many others… Your spirit and demeanor draw them toward you. It is… a magnetic effect, of sorts. [And he nods in agreement to the comment about different versions. He has just witnessed several instances of it, in this world. He wouldn’t discount the theory.] I believe it is a viable possibility. You are one such case, with regards to the facility.

[Gaara tilts his head a bit, in a curious gesture.] You are not crazy, Sora. I don’t consider you to be.

[And then he quirks a brow.] I bear a resemblance to whom? Riku?

[He can’t help smirking at this point. Sora is easy to rile up. He runs on his emotions, just like Naruto. Gaara hadn’t intended to elicit such a strong response from him. He was stating facts… nothing more.]

It isn’t my place to make that decision. The choice is yours.

[He isn’t offended by the yelling in the least. Not the first time he’s ever heard someone making passionate exclamations at him. Individuals that allow their emotions to dictate their actions… it is a dangerous path to tread down.]

Scared? [A long pause.] …Perhaps.

[He blinks, tilting his head to the side.] Draws them in like a magnet? [A light smile appears. He appreciates Gaara's agreement to the mention of different versions of people.] Heh...I'm glad someone believes me. Glad you don't think I'm crazy, at least!

[He laughs, since it's a bit of a joke. It's not like he's actually told anyone else his theory. The resemblance question has Sora blinking, though.] Oh, uh...no...There was this guy named Natsuno who used to talk about how he wasn't a good friend to have. What you said about there being better choices for friends...reminded me of him.

[Is that the ghost of a bitter look on Sora's face? Maybe. Nonetheless, his expression softens at the admittance of Gaara possibly being scared.] ...Of what, exactly?

Yes. [Sora, do not make Gaara explain physics to you, okay.] There were multiple versions of individuals that passed through the facility. [Naruto being the most prominent one in his mind…]

I see. [He doesn’t know this Natsuno person, but he will take Sora’s word for it.]

......

[He isn’t exactly eager to discuss this matter with Sora, despite knowing him for so long. The memories aren’t mutual.]

…Repetition. [He mutters quietly, and leaves it at that. Sora is intelligent. He should be able to figure out what he means by it.]

I can understand that, I...guess. [Hey, he doesn't need the physics explained. He does have the ability to wield the magnet element, after all!] Multiple versions...? I see. That sounds a little similar to the place I was just in.

[He nods.] He was a vampire, and didn't see the point in anyone being friends with him. He didn't always know when his thirst for blood would get the better of him. He and Riku dated for a bit.

[That last part is added in without him even realizing he's saying it...until it had already been said. He shrugs, however, attempting to appear just fine with that fact.]

...Repetition, huh? [Sora lets out a sigh.] You know...you're not the only one. [A weak smile.] Back in that other world, I began to wonder if I'd just- keep losing friends, or failing to save them. Every day was spent wondering when the next thing would happen, where we'd have to fight for our lives or the lives of our friends. All I could do was...not think about it. I know it's not the same for everyone. Maybe you just need a break, though! Find something to...maybe make you smile?

[Seriously, though, this guy seems waaaaay too serious. It's enough to make Sora want to drag him out for ice cream, or...or to a room full of kittens. Anything to find a way to cheer him up.

~~Guess who Sora's new friendship project is going to be focused on?~~]

[He nods, curtly, though his eyes do light up with a bit of intrigue.] You encountered a different version of your friend… one without matching memories.

[Vampires… Gaara narrows his eyes with disdain. He didn’t exactly get along with the vampires back at the facility. They often targeted his friend, Ishtar, as well as a number of other residents, and fed from them without any thought to consequences.

He intends to comment on the existence of vampires, until that last mention…] Riku? As in, your boyfriend?

[No kittens, Sora. Gaara might accidentally squish them with his sand, or something equally horrible. Because how do pets?]

......

[The look in his eyes deadens, with indifference. He feels inklings of sympathy toward Sora for the experiences he has endured, but part of him is still reluctant to reinstate their bond.]

That is a typical lifestyle, for shinobi. [Gaara tells him in a quiet tone.] Forging bonds is discouraged, for the most part. They are not expected to last. [He quirks a brow at the remark about smiling… because Sora will be waiting for a long time, if he expects to see a smile on his face.] I will be fine. I don’t have time to enjoy leisure activities.

[He looks to the side.] Yeah, and I met someone who was...kind of like me. He was the original form of a guy I'd fought alongside and watched die, back in my original universe. He...went by a different name, and everything. But, he basically had the same face.

["Basically", since he hadn't had the tattoos under his eyes.]

............

[Sora's expression tenses, with surprise, at the question of Riku being his boyfriend. His face turns red, and he genuinely doesn't look as though he even begins to know how to respond.] My...my what?

[Finally, he appears to regain composure, and he shakes his head.] What- what are you talking about?! We've never dated! [And, now there's a lot of jumbled thoughts all trying to get out, at once.] Besides, he and Kairi are my best friends, and...sure, there was that one time, but...I can't just pick...and, well...I...

[Sora tilts his head at the response to the last part, looking to the side.] ...I don't see why it'd be discouraged to have friends, though. That doesn't make any sense. For me, having friends is how I...even made it through everything! If it weren't for Riku, I wouldn't have defeated Xemnas. If it weren't for Kairi, I'd still be trapped...in that darkness. If it weren't for Donald and Goofy, I'd have never even made it to fight Xemnas.

I still have them with me...here. [He puts his hand over his heart.] I think...the more it hurts to not have them with you, the deeper the mark they left on your heart is. And, all that really means is, you have to fight harder to keep going. Giving up on happiness wouldn't make them happy, right?

And part of happiness is to do something fun, at least every now and then! [He forces a smile.] Honestly...I...could use the company. [His eyes aren't matching his smile- he genuinely means he could use the company.] If you don't have anything to do, maybe we could get something to eat, together?

[Sora did always have an amazing ability to cope, Gaara notes mentally. Most people would regard these circumstances with disbelief, fear, hatred, rage… a variety of negative emotions. Though, he does notice that Sora isn’t as cheerful as he remembers, from the facility. That might have to do with the difference in his memories. Harsher hardships, more so than the experiments. Exactly what kind of hell had Sora been forced in, prior to this city?]

I see. [Gaara realizes, belatedly, that maybe it isn’t the smartest idea to outwardly mention details from the facility. A romantic bond with Riku might not be something that this Sora recalls sharing.]

…I apologize. [He is starting to want to rescind what he told Sai, about speaking more freely… It is fine for some people, but not everyone.] It was an occurrence at the facility. You and Riku were boyfriends. [And now it’s Gaara’s turn to tilt his head a little, in curiosity.] What did you need to pick?

Forging bonds of friendship encourages the utilization of emotions – and forming attachments to others. [When it comes to certain aspects, Gaara can understand why his father was so adamant in teaching the Suna shinobi these lessons. Konoha is more lenient, which explains why Naruto’s attitude and philosophy are admired and followed.] Those factors can affect the outcome of a mission, as well as stunt the potential of a shinobi’s development.

[The corner of his mouth twitches a little, threatening a smile to crease, but he quells that dormant urge.] I know how much you revere your friends. You are similar to Naruto Uzumaki. [He has to break eye contact when Sora starts talking about his heart. The memories are still too vivid for him not to feel the effects. Wounds to the heart… he doesn’t need or want any more of them. Nor does he have a definitive answer for Sora, in his current mindset.

He also knows Sora well enough to recognize the terseness of that forced expression. Sora’s eyes are just as telling as everyone else’s, when it comes to revealing their true inner self.]

......

[In all honesty, Gaara doesn’t know what compels him to comply with his request. Perhaps he is more tightly bound to his emotions than he would care to admit. He is trying to ignore the insistent voice inside his head, that wants him to believe there’s no purpose in befriending Sora once again. It isn’t like Sora would lack friends; given his personality, he can easily acquire many new ones, in Genessia. So why is he stubborn about retaining this one, between them?]

Very well. Name the time and location.

[If Sora were asked, he would always say it could have been worse. While he might not be cheerful, he's never given up his ability to move forward and remain...positive. Though, Gaara hasn't been given the chance to interact with this Sora in person. He still carries himself with that cheerful posture. Old habits die hard.

Still, though...this one hasn't had it easy.

The brunette blinks at this, and then his brow tenses in confusion. He'd...dated Riku, at one point? His stomach flutters lightly and he's instantly looking away from the camera. Well...uh...] I...see.

[Then, the question has Sora letting out a somewhat awkward laugh.] W-well, uh... [He glances back at the camera and lets out a sigh, before he scratches at the back of his head.] Both...of my best friends confessed...things to me. One said that they were in love with me, and the other said that they liked me, in...that way. It happened kind of- close together. I wasn't able to just pick between them, though. I've known them for years, and well... I couldn't just choose.

[Sora tilts his head at the mention of Naruto. It dawns on him-] Oh, I...remember that name. He was in the same world I was just in. I remember reading something about him showing up injured. Some girl named...Haru...no... [There's the sound of a question on that name- she'd introduced herself as Haruno Sakura, though.] ...had been really worried about him. Last I'd heard, she managed to find him, and he was fine. He and some guy named...Sasuke got into this argument because Naruto accidentally ate this really important thing that fell into his...ramen? [He tilts his head to the side in thought- he'd done a lot of journal-stalking, before he'd left.]

After that, they talked about these things called jin...chur...reki? [It's a very difficult word to remember, okay. He's doing the best he can, for having only heard it once.] Aaaand fighting Kurama, and this girl named Sakura being really, really scary when she's angry? Anyway! He has blond hair, blue eyes, and wears a lot of orange, right? [The "Haruno" girl had given a detailed description of Naruto on the journal, when she was looking for him. So, even though Sora never met a single ninja, they weren't exactly...secretive during their discussions that were available for the entire population of journal-users to see/hear.] And I think she said he was...17?

Oh! Really? [He brightens up at the agreement.] Um...How about I see what my work schedule's gonna be like, and then contact you, later, with the answer?

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