[Tug too hard and that hood's coming off, kid.]

Afraid? Nah, not anymore. [He drops a broad wink to Gaara.] I'll tell you this -- you're gonna grow up to be a really cool guy.

And let's make that number three, hm? [It's a bit daring of him, with Gaara this young, but he reaches out a hand and gives that red hair a light ruffle. Better believe he's ready to pull back at any moment -- after all, he's a puppeteer, if the Sand goes for his hands, he's done for -- but he's being very pointed not to broadcast any nervousness about it.]