Road to Recovery 2
Gaara woke to the wind blowing the door open as the storm picked up in ferocity once again. Creating a clone it shut the door and put the wood in place to keep it from blowing open again. He felt warmer than he expected to and found an extra blanket on him and his leg elevated, feeling heavier than expected. Lifting the covers off he found a real cast in place and a pillow under it. Over by the fire his clone was tending to it before turning to check on Kagome. She didn't look well and he knew the floor must be drafty so with a nod Gaara moved the blankets and pillow around as his clone lifted her up and placed her in bed next to him. Getting her tucked in and snug to his side where he can share his body heat he could hear the clone leave as he settled in to get more rest while holding Kagome close to him.
A couple days went by with him tending to her the best he could as he looked at her fevered face. He rested against the wall with a cold cloth pressed to her forehead. Her body heat was nearly making him sweat this morning with how high it had become so he sent one clone to get fresh water from the stream and another to the village with his money to get regular medicine as he didn't feel confident that he was preparing the herbs correctly. He worried that he might not be able to get her fever down and need to get her outside help.
With the roles being reversed between them he was able to think about their small spat before she grew more ill. He hadn't given things much thought before but he could tell her clothes have seen better days, she doesn't have any footwear apparently or breast binding, most food or anything comes from living off the land, and she had to go into the village to buy some of the herbs and other materials which meant she would need to spend money. It was after his clone came back with an old flyer and a local newspaper about the fashion show with Kagome in one of the pictures that things started to click into place. She is poor and took a modeling job to help cover the expenses around his care. He wasn't sure if that enlightenment made him feel lighter or more indebted to her but he figured she never meant to make him feel like he owes her anything so that brought him back to square one: What is he supposed to do from here?
Obviously he will eventually return home and continue being the Kazekage but he isn't about to just leave her here after everything she has done for him. She mentioned traveling around until she finds where she would like to settle down but that left Gaara feeling discontent. How is he to know she is doing okay if she isn't in one place and how will he know she found a place to settle down? These things shouldn't bother him, they were strangers just days ago but can he really call them strangers still?
Medicine bought from the store was administered to her just like the directions said. Her fever had started to go down by the time her second dose came making him feel better. The sound of crickets chirping outside in the cool night was one of the few things he could listen to as he rested there trying to not be affected by her soft curves pressed against him as his chest had become her pillow. Having an attractive woman in bed tangled up with him would have seemed nice if not for the fact she doesn't know she is doing it and he can hardly keep the blush off his cheeks as the situation began to affect him regardless. Only he is to blame for this current set of issues he was unprepared for. This whole thing was supposed to just be him taking care of her but as her fever fell and she rested peacefully now he didn't take in that she might move in her sleep to get comfortable or that she would end up being so cuddled up next to him. When he had originally brought her into bed with him he never thought about this being the first time he has been in bed with a woman and yet he isn't really sure if this counts. It was uncomfortable and yet comfortable all at the same time but the more her breath ghosted along his bare skin and over his erect nipple the more sexually frustrated he grew. No he has not had sex but she is the first female to provoke that side of him.
At twenty years of age he has never been with a woman in any manner, not even a kiss. A groan came to his lips as she moved her leg in her sleep not aware of it brushing up against an already stimulated area of his anatomy. How is he supposed to get out of this one? What is going to happen when she wakes up? He really doesn't know the answer to either of those questions but he does know this opened his eyes to a part of his life he has ignored… his love life. Kagome has no idea what she is doing to him so unaware that she has been in bed with him for the majority of these past couple days and now all cuddled up to him.
On the third day she roused feeling more comfortable now than she has in weeks or even months and she really didn't want to move. Moving her head slightly it took her a few minutes of realizing she is having skin on skin contact and then she wrapped her mind around all the reasons she shouldn't be as she felt her body half draped on a slender but muscular body that is barely clothed. An arm was anchored around her waist and as she opened her eyes she tried to figure out how she ever got into this position to begin with.
Gaara had only been resting lightly to help pass the time. Once he moved past the discomfort of his situation he had been able to instead feel comfortable enough that he was able to doze off holding her to him enjoying the feeling of her body half draped on his. Barriers in his comfort zone with her had been dropped. His wandering mind had put thoughts in place that could be potentially dangerous or just another kick in the right direction but at this moment he realized she has woken up.
"Gaara," her cheeks were as red as his hair while she struggled to fight against how comfortable she is right now. Wishing she could shake her head wildly she substituted it for swallowing thickly as she looked up and watched him crack his eyes open to look at her. "Why am I here, err I mean, why are we sleeping together-," she covered her mouth as she realized the other way that could be taken.
Seeing her so flustered over their situation helped to make him feel better about all the discomfort he has had. "You fell ill so I have had you resting here while I took care of you," he was able to remain calm and study her face. "It has been three days, about to be four nights," he could see she had a hard time wrapping her mind around it but he could see how easy it was for her to get ill. He felt certain she wasn't eating enough, she slept on a drafty floor most nights, she was in the cold and rain, and she kept giving him the pillow and blanket she needed to keep him doing well. To stop all of this and for reasons he has yet to fully accept and think about he has decided she can start resting with him up here rather than on the drafty floor or outside in the daylight.
'The tables really have turned,' she stared at him not sure how to take that she became the patient of her patient. "Thank you Gaara," she forgot they had been arguing before.
"Saying you fell ill doesn't really fit it," he quietly said and then explained his thoughts; "you were already ill and grew worse that night, it's already evening now going into the fourth night." It helped to remind him she had been ill the day before then woke the following morning to go off to the village and earn money to cover the expenses for his care. Then he remembered seeing her exit that tavern. He is certain he could bet all the money he has right now and keep it that the male had used the bow and quiver as leverage to get her to join him in there. With his chakra restored she doesn't need to go into the village alone anymore at least.
Things grew silent between them until she excused herself to freshen up outside. Grabbing her bag and dried clothes she went off to the stream trying to calm her thumping heart and shake off the lingering comfort she had felt lying in bed with him. Looking up through the branches to the sky picturing her half demon companion, the one she had thought she fell in love with, she wasn't sure what to make out of the clear signals her body and mind are giving her now. It isn't that she is still heartsick over InuYasha but she had thought he would have found her by now. She wandered around mainly for lack of anything better to do and in hope of trying to do good while hoping InuYasha might be around trying to catch her scent trail. 'That idiot,' she thought half-heartedly. InuYasha was able to absorb the powers of another sword and one of them was opening up portals not straight to hell but to other dimensions or times… she wasn't entirely sure. 'Go figure that block head was being reckless while training and didn't see me coming to join him up there before heading out.' Yeah… he had sent one right in her direction and next thing she knew is that she is here… among a bunch of ninja. 'Maybe it is time I stop waiting around for him to come bring me back… it has been over a year I should probably just move on with my life,' she sighed, shoulders slumping as she sat staring at the stream.
When she finally headed back Gaara was sitting outside on a mound of sand he created. She couldn't help but chuckle at how convenient his sand can be for him. After seeing her lightened mood he returned the smile she was giving him and created a spot with the sand for her to join him. Opportunities like this don't come very often for these two so they both decided to make the best of it.
That evening remained peaceful for the both of them. In the distance wolf howls joined the other sounds of the dimming day. Even though a shiver found its way up Kagome's spine as she tensed waiting for the next howl to be much closer she was eased back into relaxing as Gaara placed a reassuring hand on her back while howls of the wolves remained off in the distance. The ease in which he had stopped their attack and even took care of that Shen guy without even leaving the bed floated through her mind. Suddenly she wasn't afraid, not anymore. His presence and silent strength had been enough to chase any fears or uneasiness away.
It was late as they began to get settled into bed. Kagome began to lay back down by the fire as Gaara started to relax into the cot until he noticed her back down on the floor with no pillow or blanket, just the futon and fire for comfort. Wrapping his sand around her he grew amused at how flustered she became as he lifted her over the table and then him. Gently it let her down on the wall side of the cot, funneling back into the gourd he recreated and she only just noticed while he pulled the blanket over her. "Since you insist on giving me your pillow and blanket, I insist you rest here," he stretched his arms to cross behind his head as she lay next to him stiffly as her heart began hammering away.
Back to sharing the small cot she now found it hard to even think about sleeping with how nervous she had become. "Thanks," she squeaked out, not seeing the upturn of his lips or his aqua eyes sliding down to see the crown of her head as she fidgeted with her top.
He had to admit for as calm as he is it is harder to think about sleeping with this awkward atmosphere in the air since now neither is ill and both are fully conscious about what is going on. Doing the only thing he could think he began to talk, telling her an old story he has heard his sister read to her son. "Kweku Ananse and his friend Akwasi were known to everyone to be very good farmers. They had such large farms that people came from all over to buy everything from them. As time passed they became rich. Yet one year, everything turned bad as the rains stopped falling. Ananse and Akwasi didn't know what to do. All the streams and rivers had dried up and people quit coming since there was nothing left to buy…" his voice carried on weaving an imaginative picture of what is taking place in the story. Kagome's mind latched on to his words, the atmosphere cleared up and shortly after she was covering a yawn and drifting off to sleep. Without really thinking about it Gaara wrapped an arm around her after she cuddled back up to him and joined her on the journey to the land of dreams.
Even though the next day started and ended with Kagome feeling shy around him when it came to waking up and falling asleep they had still been quite well in between. She showed him how to skip rocks across the water after he had already sent several fish up to the shore for them to cook and he made sand targets for her to shoot at and demonstrate her archery skills. It was an easy sort of day that they ended back inside as it began to storm once again but the next day not long after getting up, and starting on cleaning the bedding, they were taken by surprise at the chaos that began to unfold.
Gaara watched Kagome undo the strings around the windows; wanting to let some sunshine in, scrub the place clean, and eliminate the dust. He hadn't bothered to change his appearance, only had a blanket draped over his waist while he leaned against the wall keeping an eye on the cooking breakfast while the futon, the other blanket, and both pillows were already outside drying. Just as she was about to open the window he heard something outside the door right before it flew open almost whacking her on the back if not for him catching it with the sand.
Before them stood the intruder with a grin on his face as he looked directly at Gaara. Sand swarmed him but with a quick few signs and a quick spin he blew it away, already prepared for the attack. "I knew it," he looked like the cat that ate the canary right that moment as Kagome looked at him worried, her anxiety increasing by the second as Gaara just glared. "Only one person can manipulate the sand like this, I wasn't fooled by that transformation jutsu. After checking with my sources I knew exactly what is going on. To think I found the Kazekage injured and still in unfriendly territory. No wonder she was so protective about what her business is, she knew all along that you were in danger of being found after your unit was attacked and separated from you." Kagome could almost feel her stomach twist, she probably would have felt somewhere between nauseous and stubborn had she not been so focused on looking out the window for more shinobi and keeping an eye on Shen.
"Shen what are you doing," she gripped the material of her long skirt, fisting it as she wished her bow wasn't in the corner behind him.
"Don't worry baby, I haven't said anything… yet," his eyes went from Kagome to looking over at Gaara. "Before you even think about trying anything Lord Gaara I would wait if I were you. Already I have several flares hidden and in plain sight around the area. It wouldn't take much for me to set every single one of them off and bring the surrounding shinobi right to this area."
"Why are you doing this!" She nearly screamed at him.
"Why for you of course. He has little else of value to me besides his head since it has racked up quite the bounty on the black market. Days ago before you joined him at the stream he had just finished warning me and then left things at more of a threat for me to stay away from you, his little and quite attractive healer. It is so touching that he cares about you enough to start chasing away admirers and try to keep you safe when really he is the one endangering your life by being here. Without you he probably would have either been found by now or be dead, maybe both. A woman like you is his perfect cover up. He is lucky the scouts in the area haven't noticed the sand being manipulated around here or they would have been here already and taken both of you quite likely, dead or alive." Gaara was beginning to seethe with anger as Kagome felt dread building in her the more he continued to talk. "Rumor has already spread that the Kazekage went missing… I could keep it permanent; collect the black market bounty on his head. It would keep me comfortable for five lifetimes."
"Bounty, why would a Lord like him have a bounty," she tried to figure it out and looked over at Gaara wanting an answer.
"You see the villages have a Bingo Book, it contains black listed ninja that are to be attacked. Some even offer a bounty when it comes to the villages but there are other versions of them including the one for black market purposes. As the Kazekage, someone who has disrupted things plenty of times for the black market in his country he has racked up a bounty of 15 billion ryo since the war four years ago. His sister Temari had one of 5 million but that has dropped since she is now just a housewife, his brother has one of 30 million that might still be increasing as he continues to be Gaara's right hand man, and his friend Naruto that I believe is about to make Hokage of the Leaf has just made 2 billion because he is on a lot of these joint missions to eliminate problems that may arise and disrupt the peace. I'm not real sure about Kakashi, the current Hokage but Gaara should also be thinking about their lives since they have all hit the black market Bingo Book," he continued to rile Gaara up as he knew it was a threat to go after them if he doesn't cooperate.
"Why are you doing this," tears of anger and worry came to her eyes beginning to make tear tracks down her face as she clenched them shut and fisted her hands at her sides. "Can't you see he is injured," her right arm gestured towards Gaara's broken leg.
"My dear," he took a few steps forward and pulled her chin up, looking into her watery eyes, "he is not nearly so defenseless and had it not been for the amount of shinobi out there looking to claim his life he probably would have fled home… actually I take that back. If not for the fact you are here he probably would have taken the risk to flee behind his borders. Could have even had his medics healing up that leg of his and go back behind that desk pushing papers and going on about peace," his words began to sink into Gaara as he knew that if he really wanted to he could have left days ago but didn't, she needed him. He hadn't even told Kagome that his clone made it back to Suna with hardly an issue and already reported his status and whereabouts to his brother and the council. The only problem is they are all hesitant on sending a team this deep into the forest and swamp lands. "You should really start thinking about you and what could happen should another find out you have been nursing the Kazekage back to health. With me you would be safe, hardly a worry to think about but even should no one find out about you and him what will you do once he is gone? You already told me you don't charge for your services even though you work hard to keep him healthy and earn money to buy anything he needs. Do you really want to keep wandering around as a poor woman tending to others and not thinking about your own future?"
"Don't do this," she pleaded, "I'm not worth all this."
He clucked his tongue in disagreement, even Gaara disagreed though he did nothing beyond clench his fists as he watched the mercenary, this Shen, brush his lips against hers making Gaara want to spill his blood. "I disagree with that sentiment," he stated at first. "I found you worth approaching out of all the women I could have approached at the market that day. You said, 'A guy like you is sure to gain plenty of admirers, you should go seek one of them out instead,' but that is the problem. I already set my eyes on you and for all the admirers I may have you are not among them, too busy focusing on nursing your precious patient, the Kazekage."
Looking down at the floor with tears of anger in her eyes she asked, "Why now instead of waiting for him to be healed and on his way? What could you possibly want from me?"
With a hand on her neck he pulled her to his chest, "You two have gotten comfy enough together and if he has stuck around this long then he must be waiting on a full recovery or until he can also protect someone else while traveling," his eyes twinkled and he could read the anger in those aqua eyes that he had hit it right on the spot. The Kazekage had really been planning to take her with him or at least away from here. "You are no longer needed as his nurse and he is no longer needed to protect you because I am more than enough to do that. Now what is it going to be," he tried to not notice that her eyes are glued on Gaara, "are you going to come with me leaving him to head home like he should or do I need to set off those flares, attracting all of those shinobi in the area to you two leaving me to save you while Gaara is left trying to stay alive?"
She sniffed, her watery eyes looking at Gaara in worry for him. He returned the gaze, his eyes softening as he opened his mouth and held out a hand for her to take trying to communicate for her to stay with him, that he will protect them both. Squeezing her eyes shut she knew what she has to do. "A healer should do whatever they can for their patient," she mumbled then opened her eyes back up seeing his panicked expression. "I will go with you," she looked down at the floor defeated, "but you have to do your part and not bring any attention to him or I will fight you tooth and nail to get back to him."
"I knew you would see things my way now let us be off," he looked over at the Kazekage victoriously. "See you around Lord Kazekage," he showed her out the door.
"Don't you take her from me!" He yelled at him seeing those mauve eyes look back at him amused. "You will regret this," he promised, seeing him disappear from the door. Gripping the red locks on his forehead he opened his eyes showing a determined look, one that may just spell death. In a few small scrapes is his sand circulating in the male's bloodstream. They may have left the area, back to the direction of the village but he knows the man's whereabouts, his every movement right now. "I will kill you," his eyes grew a dark look to them as he planned.
She refused to look at him or eat anything he had for her. "No thanks," she spat out.
He looked at her from across the table giving her a weighing look. "Like I said and he may not have admitted to it, he could have flown home on his sand a long time ago. Do you think I was about to let him have the chance to take you with him as well?"
The silent treatment, he nearly sighed until she finally did turn and answer him. "He knows I already had plans of my own and they did not include sticking around these parts. I wanted to travel and find somewhere peaceful to settle down in, not keep up this lifestyle much longer. So you see I do think about myself but I take things seriously when I decide to help someone as well and now I may never know if he made it home or not!"
"You just need some time baby," he went back to eating his food. "After some time you will see I am the better choice to go with instead of being stuck in some desert village while he is in his stuffy office or out on the road alone once again. Tomorrow we will set out," he informed her of what he had already decided on. He has everything planned already.
With a worried frown she moved the food around on her plate. 'Gaara had come for me before, I'm sure he will come for me again but if he does Shen might have all those flares going off… which won't make a difference if neither of us are there.' She found a flaw and on top of that Gaara could remove the flares but does she want him to risk his life and cover to come after her? Not really...
Relaxing on the bed as the day came to an end he looked over to the other side seeing she faced away from him towards the window likely searching for those aqua eyes and wishing they might appear in the darkness. It was silly, she wants him to stay safe but at the same time she wants to see him, he can tell. Good thing he interfered when he did or that Kazekage might have been successful. "He isn't coming," Shen said as he decided to dash her hopes now rather than let her keep this up. "The sooner you accept the way things are the better off you will be. Tomorrow we will be long gone and he isn't going to follow in the direction we are going. Best get some rest," he watched the rain trickle down the window as lightning lit up the sky; "we have a lot of ground to cover."
Sadly she continued to look out the window into the dark streets listening to the water coming down from the skies. 'Gaara, please be okay,' she hoped he is somewhere dry right now.
Outside under the cover of the night and a cloak he watched their movements while waiting for the right time to strike. The kanji for 'love' just barely showed on his forehead, aqua eyes glowing in the darkness as he made sure no harm comes to her in the meantime. There is no way he will leave her in that male's care for long. Seeing her eyes look out with a searching gaze he could see that she knew he wouldn't as well.
Last night was long, it took her a while to fall asleep and they were back up shortly after dawn, already heading out on the road. Walking through the village when it is still in the quiet part of the day she was surprised to see her face in different places and people whisper to each other as they recognized her. It was advertisements for that business but a few of them for the modeling show. Bustling down the street that early morning was her former employer.
"Dear, there you are dear I have been looking for you," she hurried along to greet her not picking up on the atmosphere.
"Hello can I help you with something," she looked nervously at Shen as she hoped he didn't think she is trying anything.
"Yes! Yes! You are the new big face dear! I need a model right away for a new line and Monsieur Andrew Vanny is also looking for you. Now come along dear, the spotlight awaits and oh my! You are still without shoes! This won't do now come along I will have Ralph boy fix you up," she grabbed Kagome by the hand until a strong one covered hers.
"Actually she won't be going with you," Shen said, his body towering over both of them. "We are heading out of town and won't be back for quite some time," his eyes had an almost menacing looking making the lady feel her knees shake under her dress.
"I- I see," she retracted her hand and went back a few steps seeing the apologetic look on Kagome lips as she whispered a 'sorry' to her. As they walked past her Ralph boy rounded a corner and seen the lady, watching her look at Kagome and the male continue to leave out of town. "Poor dear, looks like she has gotten mixed up into trouble," she stood there until they were several blocks down the road.
As the sun warmed the Earth she found them crossing through a swampy area. She could hear strange noises coming from within it as the path they walk became narrower until he hefted her on to his back and hurried up the pace to get through when they reached an area that smelled particularly of gas and rotten eggs. The swamp lasted into the heat of the day and both at different points thought they might pass out because of the stench. Bubbles rose to the surface making popping noises down below as they were now going through the trees but up ahead lays a nice grassy plain. She wasn't sure from how far away he could activate those flares but she really thought about making a run for it after they travel a few days.
Having refused to eat so far she found her energy not so strong today. Keeping her head down it took his arm shooting out to stop her as several shuriken hit the ground in front of them. Looking up startled as she came out of her thoughts, she watched several figures dash down from the trees and over their way making a crescent around them. She recognized them, they both do.
"Here we are finally making our way home and now I come across my little wife-to-be," a beefy sort of man said as he rubbed his hands together.
"Oh geez," a woman said, the very one who cut her free, "here we go again!"
"I still think it would be nice to cut off those little fingers of hers and send them to the Kazekage, see if it gets a reaction out of him," a man chuckled with a crazy look in his eyes while Kagome shrank away from him taking a step back causing Shen to give her a sharp look.
He could tell this group is getting to her but just in case he said, "Don't even think about trying to leave or do anything that might get you separated from me. I can still set those flares off and I don't think I need to say anything further," he took a meaningful glance at the shinobi before them. She nodded and looked back at the ones who had been interrogating her not too long ago.
"So mercenary what is it going to be, going to hand my little wifey over," the beefy man asked.
The thin male who had been calling her 'entertainment' gave a good chuckle. "Her face is all over that village, we could use her for money," he got a greedy look in his eyes.
"I can't believe we are doing this all over again," the woman held her face in a hand shaking it as if she couldn't believe this is really happening. "How about you just give her over and we can all be done here," she suggested.
He scoffed at them folding his muscled arms, "Yeah right," he said, "this woman is mine so he will just have to get his own."
That beefy burly of a man stepped forward. "You know, I don't like your answer mister mercenary man." He took a few more steps and Shen tensed, getting his hands down by his legs in position for him to make a quick decision. "I really don't like that answer. My path has crossed twice with her now, we are fated to be a great couple; even a fortune teller had said so."
"Really a fortune teller," he gave a soft laugh at that as the others rolled their eyes and Kagome stood nervous, unsure what to do.
"Don't laugh! She is my fated woman! You will see, I will make you see," suddenly he did several hand signs and crossed his arms in front of his waist.
Fog grew thick in the area and Gaara narrowed his eyes waiting for the signal still. He wanted to get Kagome out of this mess but just in case of other shinobi in the area he wanted to make sure all of the flares were gone from the place. She looked nervous down there and he felt nervous as well when his view of her became obscured. Seeing figures dart out of the fog while the clank of metal sounded within the fog he thought about making his move now.
Shen did his whirlwind technique, blowing the fog away. Kagome was already gone from his side and he couldn't be more angry seeing her across the clearing with a large hand covering her mouth. It was not long and they all retreated, already having what they came for. He chased them all the way to a hill area where he set off several bombs in front of them. With a well-aimed wind attack he knocked the hold on her loose and was able to push them apart and quickly grab her. Far off in the distance blue smoke rose in the air and he chuckled. "Well looks like someone must have found your precious patient," he brought her eyes over to the direction of the blue flare smoke. "He must have been trying to flee but got caught. See you're better off with me," he looked down at her worried face, seeing her try to jerk out of his hold and run off to probably try and save him.
"I'm sorry but were you talking about me," Gaara said standing right in broad daylight fully dressed with the gourd on his back and sand dispersing from where it carried him. "I told you, you will regret taking her from me," he looked pissed, holding his arms crossed while happy Kagome is so relieved to see him well. "I used those flares as a signal for when my clones finished gathering each and every one of them. I've been tailing you this whole time, even watched you sleep thinking I would be a coward," he had all eyes on him, jaws dropping as he is the one the others are hunting for. "Time to get rid of the scum," his eyes made several of them feel a shiver but Kagome only tugged all the more trying to get to his side.
"Gaara," she whispered feeling her heart lighten after it had dropped into her stomach.
"I knew it! This wench does have a connection to the Kazekage," the one creepy man said. "I should have hacked away all her fingers and toes, even taken a limb as a souvenir!"
Disgusted once again he knew they will all learn a lesson real soon and he will keep her safe. "Not a hair will be harmed on her head, I will make sure of that," the ground rumbled under all of them but he just stood there calmly. Sand shot up, reaching up to grab all of his enemies, quickly pulling them down into the ground up to their knees. Shooting a hand out he sent the sand wrapping around Kagome, pulling her right to him where she could cling to his vest. It was an easy move for him. "We will be out of here soon, trust me," he whispered into her hair.
"I do trust you," she rested her head on him. "I'm so glad you are okay," she mumbled gaining a small smile on his lips.
"Scum like this will never get the best of me," he reassured her and felt her hold him tighter. The nice feelings she brought circulating into his chest almost had him letting the others off easy as the majority broke through the sand's hold on their legs. "As for all of you," he rested his left arm on her shoulders and held his right hand out.
"Do you really think you can take all of us on," the woman stepped up to the plate looking serious.
"Give back my wifey," it was obvious who said that.
Another stood sharpening his kunai creating sparks as he looked positively thrilled. "I can hack up the Kazekage and his woman."
"None of you stand a chance against me," he swirled the sand around them knocking the kunai that were shot at them.
"I should have taken care of you and claimed that bounty," Shen grumbled hating the look Gaara sent his way as he dropped an arm to her waist and leaned down to whisper in her ear. He is certain of it now; the Kazekage has his sights set on her as well. She may not realize it yet but if he doesn't get her back from him soon Gaara will have her in Suna with him. "I will have her back," he felt determined as he caught a glance of those periwinkle eyes. "I won't let some lord have her," he prepared himself and went sprinting towards them.
Taking advantage of the distraction the rest of them charged using numbers against him. The weapons were tossed back and they hit a barrier. All of them jumping back to see the lavender barrier in place; Kagome shined the same color from within it surprising everyone there. "Kagome, you're doing this," he looked at her then too seeing her in prayer.
"What kind of healer would I be if I let them try and hurt my patient," she smiled shyly up at him.
"You would be a healer that isn't really you," he answered feeling humbled she still insists on trying to protect him. "Remind me to thank you later," he accepted her help and was pleased to see he can still control the sand to go in and out of the barrier as he began to wipe the floor with them. Raising a column of sand for them to stand upon he took humor in getting them all into a ball together, the majority of them for the second time. With a rope of sand he spun them around at a high speed until he sent them flying miles away towards another swamp where they crashed landed all bruised and banged up. "Let's go, I want to treat you to a bath house," he looped an arm around her waist, the sand still aiding him in standing. Only Kagome noticed his weight is rested on his left leg.
"But if someone sees you," she looked up at him alarmed.
"Transformation jutsu," he simply replied and began flying them off back towards the village where she could enjoy warm water rather than the cold stream. He stood outside of where she was getting cleaned up, hearing her humming a tune that began to get stuck in his mind. It was a nice end to the day and he was happy to turn in early after a good meal, comforted at having her resting right next to him.
Morning came and with it was Gaara gazing down at her. She looked so content, peaceful even. 'I want more,' he already knew. As her tired eyes opened up and blinked a couple times he knew exactly what he wants to be doing right now, what he has been wanting. Adjusting his body with extra effort to rest on his side, he stared into her eyes. Without a word he wove a hand into her locks and kissed her. It was sweet and held his budding feelings for her. As time passed by he had her returning it in an unsure manner.
Morning after morning went by as he continued to greet her in the same manner. Pulling her on to his lap she was straddling his waist as leaned forward kissing her neck. Passion ran through his blood and he fingered the tie to her breast binding wanting to gain more access beyond the little bit of skin accessible to his mouth right now. His body continued to react more to her but he could do little about it, she just heats his blood in all the right ways. Cheeks would blush as they'd get caught sneaking glances at one another while they carried about their day. Seeing her pinning up the blankets on the clothesline he helped her to create, he swirled the sand around her holding the pillow within it, watching her twirl around a couple times trying to grab it before looking up at the teasing look on his face.
"Gaara!" She looked ready to half-heartedly get after him but was instead pushed forward by the sand to where he leaned against a tree. Bumping noses on him she found her eyes captured by his as he rested a hand on her waist.
"Having trouble," he teased her using the sand to pull on her skirt as he broke the spell she found herself under.
Gaining back her senses she fought off the blush that was rising to her cheeks when she realized she had been staring. "Yes you could say so," she bopped him on the nose and turned away, the sway of her hips catching his attention while his eyes shined with mirth.
Later that night she was sitting on the edge of the bed sipping on hot tea when he began nibbling on her ear. It was a bit like torture as she wanted cave into the feeling but the same time she felt her warning system going off, alerting her to the fact she is holding hot tea in her hands still. His lips continued on at leisurely pace down her jaw line and then across her neck to that sensitive area at the juncture with shoulder. As her hold on the beverage wavered the sand came around easing it from her grasp to set it on the table while he pulled her down on to the bed. Although she gave into the feeling she was conflicted with his eventual departure from her side making her feel heartsick at the knowledge that their joined paths will eventually part ways. He has been so protective, caring, a great friend, and her somewhat lover, one that no one could ever replace, she knew that deep within her heart but love was not professed between them, they never spoke of their feelings or future.
That broken leg continued to heal, five weeks had already gone by and then another week passed them by. Gaara sent another clone back to the village and found a team all set and prepared to head on out the next morning. He didn't want to take chances with Kagome being harmed and she still seemed to be thinking this would all come to an end soon when he leaves. "Kagome," he sat at the table watching her stir the soup she fixed up for supper that night.
"Yes Gaara," she looked up at him in a good mood.
"A team will be here in a few days from Suna," he informed her, watching the happy look on her face begin to fall until she caught herself and gave him smile in understanding.
"I'm happy for you, you are finally able to go home," her eyes fluttered down to watch the soup, getting lost in the waves caused by the stir stick. Keeping an eye on her for the rest of the night, she attempted to pretend that she isn't upset about the news. Now in what could have been his shining moment he failed to form the words to bring some comfort to both of them, to ask her to change paths.
The day came and the sand shinobi were in jolly spirits seeing him again and doing so well. It didn't take very long for the medics to heal his leg, cutting the cast away and discarding it even though his eyes lingered on it knowing she had put a lot of effort into getting him well and then keeping him that way. Looking towards the hut he knew she is giving them time to reunite without any interference from her. Putting on his right sandal for the first time in weeks he stood up taking a few experimental steps as he felt glad to be back on both of his feet.
With a glance towards the hut he walked in, not entirely aware of his shinobi peeking in through the open doorway as they felt curious. Approaching her as she was placing the folded blankets on the cot he gently grabbed her shoulders, knowing she knew they are set to leave. She turned her head slightly towards him and he knew this is where he should be saying goodbye, where she is waiting for the cliché ending to this small affair. "Kagome," he softly spoke her name. A lump formed in his throat and he couldn't do it, he didn't want to part. Rather than say farewell or try to convince her to come with him he instead knocked her out with a pressure point to the neck startling the others. "I can't part with you," he whispered as he gathered her into his arms. "She will be coming with us," he told them and used the sand to gather her stuff while walking out the door, dousing the fire as well. They began the journey and he was feeling more convinced as the time passed that he is doing the right thing while holding her petite body to him. With the help of some herbs to keep her asleep he got her to his home in Suna and tucked her into his bed, he wants this, he needs her.
Sitting out on the ledge looking out at his village feeling a sense of peace come over him, he could hear her soft steps as she entered the bathroom to use it and turned the shower on. Going back into the room, through the open window, with a rustle of clothes he discarded them all and walked right in behind her molding their bodies together. With a startled breath she looked over her shoulder at him.
"Gaara?"
There was a slight question in her voice… anything else was swallowed by his lips as he turned her around, the spray of the shower hitting both of their bodies. He wants this; he parted from her lips looking down at her as she continued to cover her breasts with her arms, a dusting of pink over the bridge over nose and splashing on to her cheeks. Yes, he wants this with her. Pulling her body close until they were molded once more he hoisted her up to straddle his waist, her arms frantically came out to hold on to him after the sudden move offsetting her balance. Pressing to turn the shower back off with his elbow he exited with her going straight to climbing on to the bed until her head could lay on a pillow. Gaara squeezed the soft skin of her behind then ran his hands up her back and down her small biceps. Their lips were tangled as his lower body rubbed against the apex of her thighs.
It took a couple minutes for her to realize just what is rubbing against her most intimate area giving her that pleasurable sensation. The hard rod and big head collected some of the natural lubrication her body offers. His lips separated from hers as they took a trip down her neck leaving the soft feelings of kisses in their wake. Her mouth let out a moan unbidden as she wasn't sure where this was leading to. "Gaara," she finally called out to him but instead of being able to voice out anything further she was greeted with his lips as he misunderstood her intention. Her eyes widened when she felt him shift his hips to a new angle.
The signs were all there and he knew she is enjoying this as much as he is. The sky outside was splashed with the colors of the sunset in the ever changing sky above. Pulling his hands out from under her back as he shifted his hips, he grabbed her thighs bringing them up to straddle his waist and changing the angle. He felt the head roving against her lips but once he found the source of heat and substance he pushed right in not fully prepared for what it would take to get fully seated in there. Down below Kagome had pulled away from his mouth, instead of a moan coming from her mouth like he expected she let out a pained cry as tears fell from her eyes. His instant reaction was to remove himself from inside of her but a hand grabbed his shoulder the instant he began to, her body tense as she managed to get out, "Don't… Move," it was like a pleading tone mixed in with hurt while her face was screwed up in pain.
"Kagome…" he felt panicked, this is not how things were supposed to go. He is certain he had done it all right. Back in his days of being in the regular forces to start earning the trust of his people he would overhear other men, even his own brother, talk about their sexual escapades with women. It wasn't of much interest to him then but he had still overheard every single word they uttered from their mouths and never did they ever speak about this action causing pain. Not sure what was going on it made sense for him to reverse the action and then figure out what is wrong, maybe even get her to the hospital. "Kagome let me pull out," he felt guilt at seeing her in pain, knowing he was the one to cause it. Adjusting his body to rest on one hand as he let go of a thigh he slowly began to pull out, while looking down and seeing blood. It was enough to make him stop.
"Don't," she pleaded again.
"Kagome I don't know what is wrong," he tensed above her, looking into her face as it remained full of pain.
"You broke my hymen," she took a few careful breaths, not wanting to move too much.
He broke something in her… that only made him more alarmed. "I broke your hymen," he repeated, trying to think of what in the world that is. It clearly is something down in that area but it didn't seem like he broke a bone but now he really isn't sure. "What is a hymen," he asked hoping she would tell him.
With disbelieving eyes she looked up at his panicked face. "You don't know what a hymen is," she really had a hard time believing this… it just seemed like something any male or female would know about as if it was ingrained into their very DNA. Starting to breathe through the pain she had to say it was certainly shocking he had no clue it would seem to what he had just done. Collecting a few more breaths it dulled to a sting but she was hesitant for either of them to move in case the original pain came back. "Gaara I was a virgin," she opened her eyes once again, not really sure when she closed them but his face still had this lost look to it. "When a woman hasn't had sex she is considered a virgin. Most virgins are born with a hymen which is a thin mucus membrane that completely or partially covers the opening of the vagina."
"So this is something a woman loses the first time they have sex or does it come back? I have never heard of anyone speak about sex being painful," he really just wasn't sure how all of this went wrong. "All I ever hear is how good it feels and wanted us to experience that together," he tried to explain as he felt like he might have just committed some unspoken taboo.
This was truly bewildering to find out that the Kazekage of all people knows so little about something like this… "Gaara," she felt her cheeks heat up about the fact she is about to start talking about sex with him while they are technically having it. As the pain had mostly subsided she was able to relax just a little as she gathered her thoughts. "Essentially I was unprepared and it felt like I was being split in two," she did her best describe it so he knows the gravity of the pain he had just caused her. "Normally two people speak about having sex before they do it for the first time or both parties come to some sort of agreement before they go that far." Really this is not something she thought she would ever be doing.
He remained tense up above her trying to not move a single muscle down there as he watched the pain fade from her face. All he felt was pleasure but after seeing her in such pain it made his blood run cold and caused him to deflate a little. There is no way he could find pleasure when all she felt was pain.
"Even after that agreement usually the guy prepares her for it and unless they are really big it is the only time they really need to do it," she found her eyes staring at the ceiling as she just could not talk about the basics of beginner sex with Gaara while looking right at him. They had Sex Ed, the internet, and she also had her friends gossiping about it, not excluding Sango from telling her about what it is like with Miroku. "They call it fingering because –well the guy puts a finger in her down there to help open her up gently. Usually they increase the number to three or four fingers as they go along and I heard it can feel really good. The hymen breaking is going to hurt regardless and there will be bleeding the first time; it was just that my body was stretched down there to accommodate you without warning or anything beforehand."
He had no clue so much happens, or is supposed to happen the first time you have sex. Down to the very last fiber of his being he thought he would hear her moaning, wanted to hear her moaning out any enjoyment she is receiving. Ever since he had been taking care of her when she was ill with fever he had wanted this. If not for the broken leg he would have taken them this far as his body's desires for her continued to grow.
"I know things might be viewed differently here but how I was raised, even though it was no longer the social norm, is that you save something like this for marriage or someone special. You're not supposed to just jump in bed like this with just anyone. Many men prefer their woman, or wife-to-be, pure as in untouched or still a virgin when they get married so they can enjoy deflowering her on their wedding night and sometimes be the only one she will ever be with in such a way. Even where I am from it was getting less and less common for either to be a virgin at marriage but it is still something special that isn't usually just handed out." For as embarrassing as the topic is she felt sad about this being taken away from her even though he hadn't meant any ill will from his actions. It was just that you only get to have this once no retries.
He really had no clue about all this. It could be the same here but he really isn't sure. He does know his sister and her husband hadn't waited till marriage but like Kagome said it could be different here compared to wherever she came from. "Kagome I'm sorry," but he knows sorry won't undo this, "I only wanted for us both to feel pleasure, to enjoy it as much as I heard others do."
With a soft almost defeated sigh she turned her head to look out the window. It wasn't in her to remain mad or upset when this could be just a cultural difference or him being this uninformed. "It's okay Gaara, I'm not mad at you." Although those words were spoken they knew it would do little to ease his guilt.
Not sure what to do but glad she didn't appear to be in any pain he asked, "Would you like me to try and get out now?"
Her eyes flitted up towards his face a second before resting on his chest instead. Giving a nod she tried to brace herself for any pain that may come. Carefully he began to move out when he stopped as he heard an, "Mmm," from her lips. Eyes quickly darting up to her face he didn't see any sign of pain reflected on it. Continuing as he could only see an inch of him had come out he paused again as she made some noise. "Do it again," her voice sounded almost breathless in its instruction. Pushing back in he felt her hands loosen their grip on his shoulders and slide to his biceps. While pulling back out an inch he could feel her walls grip him as if flexing and he would be lying if he didn't say it felt good. These movements were making him harder again. "It does feel good," she whispered. Seeing this as a chance to still give her some of the pleasure he had been hoping to deliver he pulled three inches out before slowly pushing back in hearing her moan as she relaxed and draped her arms over his shoulders.
"I'm going to set a nice pace," he hesitantly kissed her lips briefly. Slowly he began repeating the same movements without stopping as her arms drew him more near. "Does it hurt," he asked after a minute went by. He moved a hand to dry up where her tears had made tracks down to her hairline.
"It stings just a little but it feels really good at the same time," she was honest with him. "Go a little faster," she wanted to get out of what had become a teasing pace, feeling him kick things up a notch as she leaned forward and moaned into his shoulder giving it a small kiss. "Gaara go faster," she found her body not satisfied enough with the already increased pace. His movements were still very controlled and she rubbed his back while kissing his shoulder and neck as he increased the pace further drawing more moans from her mouth. "More," she whispered into his ear before sucking on the lobe and scraping her teeth over it.
Things were finally going the way he meant for them to go right from the start. Loosening up he began enjoying it more as she continued her antics before claiming his lips as her fingers burrowed into his hair. The longer things went on the more at ease he felt, taking complete control of the pace as he began to understand how long she likes it at a different pace. The headboard began banging into the wall annoying them both until she pressed against it to keep her head from hitting it. He could hear their skin slapping together, feel the tingle of pleasure each time the skin down there made contact with hers as the rest of it continued to thrust in and out. This is exactly the kind of pleasure he had been seeking for them and he could feel the pressure building just like the sexual tension he had felt building back at their former lodging. It was already night outside when his seed shot out and coated her insides while trying to make the journey to her womb while the rest spilled out of where they were joined. Both lightly panting as they never expected it to feel that good. Aqua eyes gazed down into her periwinkle eyes. He felt content that he had been able to deliver after all.
"Will things only be pleasure from here on out," he asked her.
"I think so," she felt a bit bewildered. He began kissing the juncture of her neck cutting off her thoughts as she tried to figure out what he entirely meant by that question. A couple minutes went by until he started to pull back out but the once deflated appendage was already growing stiff once again. With a few experimental thrusts she could feel his pleased groan as he started things back up sending the nerves in that area all in a tither at the demanding pace he set. She came to know that even though they are both new to this, he is a very capable lover in bed.
With the sun already up in the sky Gaara relaxed against the headboard trying to figure out his current dilemma. Whereas before he thought it might be inappropriate and he had no privacy, now he has a couple options being his leg is no longer broken. Either go into the bathroom where he could hopefully be discreet or, his eyes slid over to the slumbering Kagome catching sight of the exposed boob. He couldn't find it in himself to wake her but seeing here there was so tempting. A finger touching the tip of his member he felt the drop right there at the tip and he gave the whole length a few strokes as he looked at her mostly covered body under his sheets. In that earthen home he had reflected over what other guys said they had done in bed with their partner and he began picturing these things with Kagome. Movement on the bed caught his attention enough to stop his actions and he looked down to seeing Kagome's blushing face as she caught on to what he is doing.
"Gaara couldn't you have done that elsewhere," she looked like a cherry right at that moment.
"I thought about it but seeing you is far better," he responded without a single ounce humility. Now that she is awake he has a new option open for him to explore. "Kagome," he pulled her on to his lap discarding the sheet with a few kicks. His member tapped her in the stomach and he manipulated her hips to rub against him as he leaned back against the headboard with a moan. "Ride me," he looked her over full of desire as he looked every ounce serious in that demand. He had been tempted to ask her to do this before but he didn't want their first time like that or with a broken leg.
"Gaara," she felt like she might start boiling at the embarrassment she felt under that unnerving gaze of his.
"Then rub me off with your boobs," he remained very serious. Thinking she might need a little stimulation and would like to make sure she is prepared for him this time he used one hand under her thigh to keep her lifted while using two fingers to find that desired opening. Surprised she is still so tight after he had been in her for so long last night he heard her moan as he went as far in as he could. Pumping them a few times he felt her put more pressure on him. Relaxing his grip on her thigh he found her meeting his strokes until he stopped completely. "I fail to see what is embarrassing after we just had sex last night and you are currently riding my fingers. I'm sure something else would feel much better than my fingers," he watched his fingers disappear inside her and reappear until his words registered with her. "Come on," he urged her then pulled his fingers all the way out then guided her hips until she hovered over what he truly wanted inside her. When she seated herself all the way on him he moaned and ran his hands up her back. Seeing and feeling this is far better than imagining it as he watched her breasts jiggle with her movements. Leaning forward he captured a nipple in his mouth and knew he will be going for another round after this.
She had dozed off after feeling him wrap his arms around her from behind. Never did she picture this after she healed him. She still doesn't know how she suddenly ended up in his bed, or at least she is assuming this is his bed. 'What was he thinking bringing me here,' she tried to figure out. Yes they are both attracted to the other and though unplanned on her part they have now had sex multiple times, her virginity disappearing last night at the sudden intrusion. Suddenly cold and uncomfortable in what had been a warm and comforting embrace she began pulling away from it with a sigh. Swinging her legs off the bed she felt her feet touch the cool floor. Not bothering to see if he is awake or not she walked straight to the bathroom, turning the shower back on to wash off the fluids and blood. This isn't what she planned for her life or what she is going to settle for. Things have just gone way too far between them and she had never planned on going with him anywhere or ending up in his actual bed.
Getting toweled off and dressed once again after binding her breasts she felt nearly set to head on out the door. Before she could even exit the bathroom she found him still nude leaning in the doorway looking at her with a frown. "Where are you going," he asked slowly as if he is sure the answer will not be to his liking.
'Why do I suddenly feel bad,' she questioned a moment and wasn't sure why he is asking in the first place. "I'm heading out Gaara," she really wasn't sure if a situation like this could ever end without some difficulty.
The frown only seemed to deepen further on his face. "Why are you leaving," he shifted and then asked, "Are you coming back?"
She wasn't really expecting this, why is he upset by this, she was merely just his healer and the line between patient and healer became blurred, not crossed. A frown turned her lips down. "No I'm leaving Suna, continuing on my way," she answered and then brushed past him.
Grabbing her hand and spinning her around until she was right at his chest he quickly said, "Don't," feeling panicked at the thought of her leaving for good.
"Gaara you had to have known this was coming. I know you are grateful but I only meant to be your healer, nothing more than that," she felt her stomach twist at his voice. She could see his mouth open and close, fighting for words to come out.
"Stay Kagome, please," he knelt down on his knees resting his head against her stomach as he wrapped his arms around her. Looking back up he couldn't figure out what else to say other than his feelings, it is what he knew should work. To try and communicate with her how he feels. "I've never been with someone like this or felt close to someone like I do with you. Please stay with me, that is what I intended when I brought you with me, for you to stay here and sleep in the same bed as me."
It was honest but not what she was looking for and it is possibly too soon for something like that. He wasn't doing anything with the intention of harming her but he doesn't understand. "I never intended for the same thing, I'm not even sure how I ended up here on your bed. Gaara this is goodbye, it was supposed to be goodbye when the others came for you and finished healing your leg."
His feelings were not being communicated effectively of that he is sure. Taking another stab at it he dug deeper. "Kagome I can't stand the thought of not knowing where you are or even think about you being with another man. I wanted to kill those shinobi," he squeezed his eyes shut remembering how he began to hate them. "Seeing them hold you for interrogation, hearing one threaten to start claiming your fingers, another call you entertainment, and yet another plan to make you his wife. And Shen, I could have killed him on the spot for brushing his lips against yours. Just be with me, I want to be intimate with you not another." Her face still looked unchanged for the most part so he began grasping for anything to say, anything at all that might keep her from leaving. "I know there are others who look at me in desire but I only want this with you."
Deciding to approach this from another angle she asked, "What is Temari to you?"
"My sister," he wasn't sure why she needed verification on that.
"What is Matsuri to you?"
"My student, my comrade, and friend," he really wasn't following her line of thought.
"What am I to you?"
Feeling a little worried at this line of questioning he answered, "You're my friend." He wasn't sure what she is thinking but before she could open her mouth he said, "Kagome I would put my life on the line for you or Matsuri, for anyone in this village and my friends, family, and comrades beyond these valley walls. There is no doubt that I would do that for any of them. Let me prove anything you need proving."
"That isn't the issue Gaara," her eyes looked sad. He still hadn't said whatever would make her stay. "Normally when two people have- scratch that…" she sighed and tried to figure out how to phrase this. "To have something after having sex there is normally a commitment already made, not something two friends do and then continue on with. Gaara it is called a relationship, girlfriend and boyfriend, something we don't have because ours was just healer and patient."
His face fell at his lack of knowledge in this department. How is he to give her something he knows nothing about? She took this opportunity to leave his arms figuring she had made her point and he would just need time to adjust after being in her care for so long. On his side of things he felt like them sleeping together had been the big error. He thought about speaking to his brother about this quick but he isn't sure that he wants to admit to it to anyone else plus how can he get her to agree to stay for a little while longer while he does? No, his best option is to ask her, get her to tell him what she expects, what would get her to stay. "Kagome I know little about all of this," he admitted to her. "My mother died at my birth and my father hated me, wanted me dead, and ostracized me from my siblings and the village. I was a tool, just something to be feared for the majority of my life and even at the beginning of my rein as Kazekage. It wasn't until I proved that I would lay my life down for the village and even lost it for a short time that I proved myself to them as their protector rather than the tormentor of the past. Please, I learned about the bonds of friendship and bonded with my siblings, just teach me."
Her eyes only showed a deeper sadness in her as it made sense to her now as to why he is so uninformed about these things, lacking any experience in this department. "I'm sorry Gaara but what you want is sex, something you can get from anyone but what I'm looking for is far deeper than something just carnal, it is deeper than the bonds of family and friends. I don't think you are capable of giving me it because you only desire my body." With a heavy heart and leaving his equally so she turned, walking to the door and opening it.
'No,' he whispered in his mind watching her walk away, his hand lifting with his sand weaving around it. Not about to give in still he pushed her into the wall his mouth finding hers to deliver the passion he feels for her. The sand came back to him with the item he sought as he pulled open her shit, forcing the knot holding it together to tighten and tear. With a kunai in his hands he brought it down. She looked at him with a gasp, just barely seeing the glint of metal before it descended.
The bindings around her chest fell loose and she heard him drop the kunai while he kissed her breasts feverishly. "Gaara enough," she told him but couldn't push him away.
"I will buy you new clothes Kagome, I already planned to," he thought it might soothe the irritation in her voice. "Don't make me ache at not having you here with me. I'd give you just about anything if you promise to stay," he fisted some of her locks and hugged her to him. He is still missing something, most likely just one word that could change everything but regardless of what he tried she still left, his sand on her making him ache at every step she took away from him and towards the exit of Suna as he sensed her departure. Sitting on the end of his bed he buried his face in his hands at this torturous feeling. He finally got up from the bed heading into the shower where a few tears fell. It wasn't until he got out and wiped some of the steam from the mirror that his eyes latched on to something. Like lightning it hit him as he looked at his forehead and everything clicked into place.
"I can't just be the person you want in your bed just so you can have sex. I can't be just merely a sex partner." Kagome felt bad leaving him like that but there was nothing left to do and leaving would have only grown harder the more time she let pass by. Hugging herself she walked down the streets of Suna, the village he loves, and after a few minutes she was between the steep cliffs feeling the eyes of the shinobi up top watching her depart. Her tracks were left behind in the sand until she looked back already a mile away. With a sad smile she wished him the best then turned back to her invisible path seeing the sand swirling before her.
With a startled gasp she wasn't expecting to see Gaara appear from it wearing a smile, the exact opposite from when she left him. He looked so charming with it on and his confidence somehow restored as he swept her back into his embrace and gave her a chaste kiss. Lifting her hands she watched him place one over his heart and the other over the kanji on his forehead. "Love," he said quietly, forming an intimate moment, "you want love and so do I."
"How did you-," she was a bit astonished that he suddenly figured out what she was communicating to him.
"Seeing my reflection helped," he pulled her in for a kiss. It was sweet and made her heart flutter as their arms wound around each other. "I will give you love Kagome, now will you stay with me, live with me so I can look forward to continuing to see you every day?"
His hot breath fanned across her cheek while he rested his forehead on hers. "Gaara there is still a difference in love," she felt him tense, preparing for another rejection. "There is the love you feel for your family and friends, and then there is falling in love with the person you never want to part with because it would hurt even worse."
"Kagome but the love I feel for you is different compared to what I feel for family or friends and I would be crushed if you left. They are not the ones I want to sleep next to, kiss, or any of those things. You are the only one I want to be with in that way, the one I will rush home to," he watched her as she watched him, feeling certain that he can give her exactly what she is looking for.
Eyes fluttering she cupped his cheek then closed her eyes thinking over their time together and how they had both nursed each other back to health, protected one another the best they could. Right from the start they had each other's backs even as total strangers. Trust and friendship developed quickly between them and after several incidents pushing them together while trying to pull them apart something else had developed. His kisses always felt right but she still hadn't thought he would go to such lengths to not separate. He was supposed to have been coming into the hut to say goodbye but all he had murmured was her name against her neck then suddenly it was lights out for her. Whether he drugged her or used pressure points, she wasn't sure but he has been begging her not to leave.
He may not understand it all but she supposed that is okay because he is figuring it out quickly and his heart beats for hers just as hers beats for his. "I will Gaara, I will stay," she was swept up into his arms after a hug and a peck on the cheek. The sudden speed that passed through her as she picked up on the momentum until everything stopped just seconds later when she felt him give a powerful push with his legs. Blinking she found they were already back in his room.
"Now Kagome it is time to eat breakfast," he slowly set her down as she looked amazed that he somehow managed to fix breakfast in bed as she looked at the trays on the bed. Someday she will have to figure out how he manages to do some of the things he does but that isn't today. She looked up at his happy face and joined him for the meal as they gave this budding relationship between them a try.
~Fin~
"Err… wait," Kagome suddenly said and looked over to Gaara as they sat at their trays. He gave her his attention and she asked, "You do know where babies come from right?"
"Of course I know that," he looked away from her blushing and crossing his arms.
"Okay, just checking," she giggled and began eating her food while eyeing his pink cheeks.
~~~Fin~~~
I thought I would take a shot at something a little different. I'm sorry if it bugs a few of you that their first time wasn't something more typical but I can see this as an area that Gaara may have little knowledge of since he was trained to be a killer, the village heads tried to kill him multiple times, and probably didn't have anyone give him the talk. So I was just going on him only forging family and friend bonds while being the Kazekage, not learning about romance until Kagome came along. So did you guys like my tries at having Gaara be the one in her care for this story and the bittersweet Luck or Curse story? Well I am still working on a one-shot called Sticky Buns, its a sweet story, still haven't finished Chikara or Stay but I have Stay getting set to be published and the new Chikara chapter might be up today yet :-) So yay, you guys will have some nice reading material for any downtime you might have. Maybe if you're extra lucky I will have Sticky Buns up by Monday night. Enjoy!
