A/N: This takes place post-chunin exams/Sasuke retrieval arc, where Gaara has recently started reforming himself. He had already reunited with Harley the first time.
V. Reunion with Hayley
"Hi, Gaara."
The redhead turned away from the sunset view and met eyes with his long-lost friend; a former older sister-type of figure he had for a brief moment in his life. He knew she was coming to visit now that she was allowed to, but he didn't expect his heart to feel so… heavy. If she only knew of the unspeakable things he had done since she last saw him…
This was the woman who took care of him when he became dangerously ill as a small child; the first person who ever showed him genuine kindness without reserve; one of two people who saw only goodness in his heart despite what the village thought. He felt as if he betrayed both her and her sister, in a way.
"Hayley…" he began.
She went up to him and pulled him into a warm embrace.
"Hayley, I…"
"I know. I've already been filled in. Don't worry. You're forgiven."
"But I-"
"It's gonna be all right."
Suddenly he felt his cheeks become wet as he almost painfully reciprocated the hug; his body shaking a little.
"I'm sorry…" he mumbled through the tears.
"You were just doing what your dad made you do. It wasn't your fault, and it wasn't you. Just breathe. It's gonna be okay."
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
The next morning she found the lonely redhead sitting on the steps outside the Kage estate.
"Hey you," she said in a friendly tone. "Harley's still swamped with homework today, but she'll meet up with you later tonight as soon as she's finished. But in the meantime, I have a question for you."
"What is it?"
"If you don't have any missions or training going on today, can you meet me by the outskirts of town this afternoon? Same spot as yesterday?"
"Sure. Why?"
"Just to hang out," she said, winking and smiling. "I'd like to get to know you better. The real you. Not the person your dad tried to make you, not the person the military wants you to be, not the person the village thinks you are… the real Gaara. I got a glimpse of him the last time I was here six years ago, and I want to continue getting to know him, because I think he's pretty cool. What do ya say?"
The gloominess in his eyes started to fade. Leave it to those two girls… literally the only people who ever saw him as a human being and not a weapon; the only ones who ever wanted to take the time to get to know him beneath the surface. He didn't fully realize it in the moment, but this instance and others like it would be of major help for his recovery and reformation.