A/N: This takes place in Gaara's earlier Kazekage days.
X. Fans vs. Friends
The young Kazekage was sorting through piles of mail for that day. This usually consisted of separating the important stuff from the letters from fangirls.
It's not that he wasn't flattered with that kind of stuff, but it was strange. These people didn't even know him. Some of them even used to hate him. And yet, here were letters from them saying how much they loved him.
In the midst of the task, Hayley walked in. She was visiting for the week.
"Hey you," she said. "Did you still wanna grab lunch?"
"I'm sorry, I'm running a little behind."
"Anything I can help with?"
"I'm just…" he thought for a moment. "Trying to figure out what to do with these."
She looked down at the pile of letters.
"Seems you've built up quite a fan base," she teased.
"I really don't know how to feel about it."
"Yeah, I can imagine." She took a seat across from him. "It doesn't always feel very genuine, does it?"
"No, not at all. Maybe every once in a while it does, but…"
"Listen. One of the most important things I've learned from being in a famous band is this: it's important to find the people who love you for who you are, not just for what you do. And lucky for you, mister, you have tons of people in your life who love you for the amazing man you are."
He blushed a little.
"Yes. I am very lucky."
"Come on," she said in her big-sisterly voice. "Take a break and let me feed you."