[The audio function abruptly turns on, and captures Gaara speaking in mid-sentence.]

-truly be functional? Violence is not conducive for bonds of this nature. For civilians, even less so, compared to shinobi.

[Even though Gaara is the leader of an entire village there are still things he doesn't understand. Like relationships. Especially relationships.]

In spite of his defection, and their attempts to harm each other after the fact, they have still maintained their ties…

[A brief pause, and then he recounts.] Earlier, you mentioned that they dine together frequently. This activity isn’t exclusively exchanged between couples, correct? Naruto and I have done so as well, but we are not romantically involved.

[There's the sound of shifting as Kakashi puts his hands into his pockets.]

Naruto is not the sort to give up so easily. [Something Gaara knows well.] Especially on another person he has a bond with.

[After not having bonds for most of his life, giving one up is just not something Naruto's willing to do.] I said nothing of them dining together. Merely that Naruto is often found at Sasuke's residence, eating.

[That, he does, although it sounds like they have a great deal of lost time to account for, given the distance between them, back in their world.]

It must be mutual, on some level. If Sasuke placed no value on Naruto’s life, then he would seek his death. Does Sasuke bear an emotional attachment toward him, then?

[That is a more complicated and difficult question. If asked Sasuke might say he didn't. Last time they were together they went at each other like they were going to kill each other. But even then he believes there was still a bond between them.]

If he didn't have one then he wouldn't acknowledge Naruto's existence. [Even when seeking Itachi's death, there was still an emotional attachment - though it was one of hatred.]

Mmm.

[After that noise of agreement, Gaara releases a low grunt as he folds his arms over his chest. He shifts uncomfortably for a moment, before finally getting out the most difficult question on his mind.]

…How does one determine if he is worthy of receiving love? Whether or not he is capable of pursuing this particular type of bond?

[A video feed broadcasts across the network showing Sasuke, a little worse for wear if the little tears in his clothing or cuts on his skin are anything to go by. Taking a moment to ensure it is recording properly as he catches his breath, he sheathes his sword before addressing the network.]

He needs a healer. Thor district, outside the Arena.

[Gaara is behind him, standing somewhat lopsided as he leans against his spear for support. He has his other hand down at his side, covering a wound that bleeds through his trembling fingers. He's being diligent about not showing any signs of distress, in spite of the situation.

Although his voice lacks accusation, he still gazes at Sasuke with considerable wariness. The irony doesn't escape his notice, that the same person should cause him to bleed again, just like the first time, several years ago.]

Both your stance and strikes were... more aggressive, this time.

Tch. [Irritated, he turns his head to focus on Gaara instead or the camera.]

And your guarding was poor.

[After wincing, his gaze sharpens with displeasure. His tone is dry as he quips in response.]

Your merciful gesture has been dutifully noted...

[With a quiet crackling noise, an icicle extends from the staff of his spear, and the tip of it just barely touches Sasuke's back.]

...for future instances.

[Sasuke does not move, addressing the network one final time although his gaze does not leave Gaara, nor the ice lingering behind him.]

Like I said, Thor district.

[The shakiness of the feed as it turns on makes it clear that the bracelet broadcasting it had been dropped, and the angle it has landed on provides an awkward view of a native man backing away suddenly, scrambling to his feet as the heavy sound of boots echoes on the floor of one of Draupnir's practice rooms.]

Please, come to your senses! You've already shredded the sheet music and that was—

[A yelp cuts off the rest of what he has to say a knife whips past him to pierce the piano the man had almost seemed to be protecting, but then he steps forward and out of sight. The next few seconds are a frenzy as the sounds of struggle and a cat hissing meld together, neither the man who had appeared before and the person he was talking to appearing in view as the last of the shreds of paper settled after being disturbed.

Then there was silence for several seemingly long minutes until a soft groan is heard, and not long after the figure of one clearly tired Eyes Rutherford comes into the picture clearly to pick up the fallen bracelet, though his attention is on something off the screen.]

No, don't apologize. You did what you had to and I thank you for it, leave the cleaning to me.

[In spite of the insomnia factor for the last fifteen years, Gaara is currently feeling irritable from lack of proper rest. He hasn’t been able to sleep in his own bed over the past few days. Why? Because an unconscious naked body is occupying it, and shows no sign of leaving anytime soon. Uttering a quiet sigh, he presses the jewel on his bracelet to address the network.]

To anyone with sufficient medical knowledge, your assistance is requested. [Gaara moves his arm to focus the camera on Soushi’s peacefully dozing face, and goes no further than that.] This individual has been asleep for several days. Based on my understanding, that is an extended period of time, and considered to be abnormal.

[Brief pause as he wonders what other information he should divulge.]

He is not dead. Both his breathing and pulse remain active.

[Over the past few days, Gaara has been careful not to get too close to the ice, after observing how it affected other people. With the bracelet malfunctioning, he quickly realized the difficulty in coordinating collaborative efforts, being unable to communicate so readily. The network has finally returned on this day, although some “hiccups” are referenced. Hopefully, his message will go through.]

If anyone is in need of medical attention, send out a notification immediately.

[Fail!Lock to Naruto and Sasuke]

Report your status. …Are both of you all right?

No. No. NO!

[The video is an absolute blur, but there is definitely destruction happening. The tinkle of broken glass, loud thumps and cracks that sound a lot like furniture being hit with blunt objects - anything you'd associate with a house being utterly totalled from the inside can be heard through the maelstrom.

Then it stills, and one red-faced, absolutely apoplectic Pyro is visible in the middle of his path of destruction.]

You assholes. You stupid fucking assholes. If you were so almighty, we wouldn't be any threat to you, would we? So why the hell take them away? Curse me. Make me think I'm Stryker, I don't care. Just bring them back, and do it now.

[It doesn't matter how many times he's told others that people come back. That's it's random. That they're better off. This is his fucking leader and second-in-command, two of the mutants he admires above all others, and they're both gone. If someone doesn't talk him down soon, he'll be paying off the damages on a burnt-down paid residence for the rest of his time in Asgard.]

((ooc: backtags are coming, but this huge of a drop had to be referenced. also, if any gods want to garnish his wages for the damage or anything, consequences are obviously expected for this.))

[So… colors will form and overtake the grey if there’s enough social interaction, right? And supposedly, people can also strengthen their abilities…

Keeping that in mind, Gaara activates the bracelet. There’s something he doesn’t understand, anyway. Maybe he can get some answers to satisfy his curiosity.]

Since there is no established judicial system in this world, punishment was exacted by the people that captured him. In this case, killing the perpetrator was the most efficient method for ensuring the safety of the general public. He was a repeat offender, and refused to relent.

Why do so many of you oppose this decision?

[Gaara is left staring at the screen for a full minute after reading this magnificent piece of work. What the hell kind of presentation was that.

This has got to be an elaborate joke. Albeit a completely unfunny one.]

Absurd… You must train your own soldiers for war, rather than steal resources from others.

[Because shinobi don’t steal things from other villages. Nope!

Oh, right. There is a purpose to this message.]

For those of you that are affiliated with Suna, respond immediately.

[That is a command, not a request.]