Disclaimer: I own nothing but the OC (if there will be any)
Kagome is certain that she is an experienced, flexible traveler, however nothing prepared her for the hot season in the desert. Yes, Tokyo in the summertime could and often would heat up to 40 Celsius degrees but the relentless heat was always accompanied by daily drizzles. It didn't hurt that air conditioning was available through one flick of a finger. Suna in the other hand was hot and dry. Kagome felt like an algae that washed ashore and was slowly drying up. She constantly craved water which wasn't difficult to get but it consumed a lot of her monthly budget. It was also very heavy so she had to buy it often.
For this purpose she visited bazaar in the evenings. Although it used up a lot of her time and tired her immensely she looked forward to the haggling, clatter, pungent smell of the spices and if she was lucky – juicy fruits. As she was treading toward her favorite vendor, her ambivalent mood shifted into slight annoyance; she spotted ahead her mystery-red-headed-somewhat-awkward-shinobi who failed to fulfill his promise.
Even though he was accompanied by others Kagome decided to harrow him. She briskly swallowed the distance, overtook them and blocked their advancement. Confronted with three displeased individuals she hesitated "Ugh…Hello" she timidly waived at them, "I don't know if you remember but couple of weeks ago I assisted you with choosing a gift for a friend and you agreed to inform me if the recipient was pleased." At least I hope that's what your nod meant.
The group attention focused on Gaara who answered, "it was deemed tasty."
"I am glad to hear that," she smiled happily.
"Umm," interfered Kankuro "Don't take it the wrong way but who are you? I've never seen you before."
"Me? I'm Kagome" she offhandedly supplied "I've met him" she indicated Gaara "in Burka patisserie. He had some difficulties while choosing a gift for... hmm…. Tamari… I think."
"Temari," Gaara corrected.
"Sorry. Temari. So I've helped him. "she finished but quickly resumed "Actually it would be nice if you introduced yourselves because now you know my name and I am still in the dark…".
After some consternation and questioning looks the other male in the group declared "Kankuro."
"Temari," said the girl.
"Gaara."
"Nice to meet you all."
Kagome gaze explored their silhouettes while she added teasingly, "Gaara, am I such a scary person that you avoided me on purpose?"
"No," he responded succinctly.
"Oh… I know it's not that considering your friend has an elaborate make up. He looks far scarier than me but I am still curious what your reasons were."
The reply came from Kankuro "After Temari's birthday we were send on a mission. We came back today and now we really have to hurry because we need to buy some food. I'm famished."
Hearing that Kagome perked and offered, "let's go together." Without waiting for response she grabbed Gaara's hand and pulled him after her.
Although Gaara possessed highly developed senses and abilities to spy undetected he was bewildered by Kagome's proficiency in disappearing from his sight. She was constantly moving between stalls and people seeking various goods and pointing out perplexing items. She resembled a whirlwind of activity luring in unsuspecting passersby with her boundless enthusiasm and exuberance. Her open face and contagious titter lifted the spirits of those who remained in her presence securing more favorable deals and helpful gestures. Wherever she appeared, she was greeted with kind words. A complete opposite to a typical reaction to his person. Although he understood villagers' fears and motivations it hurt him when they deliberately distanced themselves creating an invisible bubble around him.
Afraid that his presence will disrupt Kagome's merriness, he slowly started to separate himself, content with the opportunity to observe from the outskirts of her circle of adoration. However his plan was easily thwarted when she purposely sought his participation through silly inquiries, impatient summons and encouraging smiles. She often breached his invisible bubble; tugging at his sash, passing items, grabbing hand. She was relentless in her attempts to draw him out, to include him in her proceedings.
Gaara enjoyed the small tokens of affection so greatly that in order to prolong them, he escorted Kagome home.
"Gaara, please, just one bite," she raised her forefinger "one bite ," and shoved a box of scrumptious, syrupy and tiny donuts under his face. "They are really delicious," she emphasized her point by taking another morsel that was immediately followed by a content sigh.
Seeing no results she tried a different approach, "you make me feel bad." This worked beautifully because now he looked into her face with incredulity. "You do all the heavy lifting," she pointed at the bags "and I am dilly-dallying. I feel like a bad friend. Will you eat them with me, please?"
Gaara stopped and set the bags down. He carefully reached into the box and took out one of the delicacy. An impression of delight appeared on his face while he ate it. After he was done he lifted the bags and continued walking.
"Now, every time I'll have one, I'll feed you too." What Kagome said she had done.
By Gaara's torturous glare one could assume it was the worst torment on Earth but Kagome knew better.
Author note: I'd like to extend my thanks to: Gooberdee, redangel2463, Angel Girl5 and EternalSouls who were kind enough to leave encouraging words. As a result this little piece was created much faster.
As always read and review, please.