That is definitely one scene that I would never have thought about writing a fic on. It definitely contributed to Gaara losing his faith in humanity but is always pushed to the side in favour of the Yashamaru scene. Your fic showed just how much of an impact it had - and not just on Gaara. You handled all the characters delicately and really made me believe in the situation. My only possible criticism is that it took me awhile to work out who was at her door. But that isn't much of a criticism is it?

I hope to see more of your stories soon.

Lovely, cute and a bit sad. And quite unique too.

I loved that you choose to come back to that peculiar incident/memory. I myself often wondered how those kids would perceive Gaara now. And how Gaara would react to them.

I find it very fitting that Gaara chickened out at the last moment; in spite of the support his village gives him, he stills find himself a bit insecure. And Naruto is here to help him.

I liked Kashiko's character too, and that she stills feel wary of Gaara without being a two dimensional vilain.

Okay, I'll cut it short: congrats on a job well done! ;)