Summary: Gaara wakes up to a normal day in his happy home. His loving children going through their usual routine. His eldest daughter is at that age where she wants information about her mother. Forcing Gaara to look on his past. A time he falls in love, is brought home to his village and greeted in earnest by his people. The ones who once hated him have either been dealt with or have changed their view. But the cost of changing his fate and extending his life has is finally revealed.

Characters: Gaara x OC, Kankuro, Matsuri

Rated: M for gruesome content, language, adult themes in later chapters

TRIGGER WARNING: Some topics in the story are mentioned in detail that may result in distress/ discomfort. Examples of these topics are suicide, abuse, or possible rape/ sexual harassment type situations. Please read at your own discretion.

Author's note: I own Nothing. All respective owners reserve the right to their respective materials. It's also slightly bizarre since I am still learning the personalities of each character and how to portray them. Feel free to check out some of my other stories. No overly rude comments tolerated. Enjoy.

Gaara's Daughter

Looking back on his life Gaara would say that he is proud of his accomplishments. He turned his life around after years of causing fear and grief in the hearts of those around him. He picked up some new hobbies, made long lasting friends, and built a reputation that would take the future generations to a better place than what he was offered in his youth. One of his greatest accomplishments was his seven children. The youngest was the triplets. Two girls and a boy at the age of five. Even at this age, they were well behaved, intelligent children. Sometimes they're still mannerism gave a horror element. More like a 'staring down the hall of a haunted hotel isolated in mountain' vibe. Gaara was amused by this more than he probably should be. Being so young, their powers had yet to reveal themselves. Gaara suspected it would be different as they got older. After all, children mature at their own rate. Next was the twin boys at the age of fourteen; Saiko and Tsuko. The boys were psychic. Using their powers to help if they can but usually just trying to train to keep from destroying the village. His adopted son, Shinki, was a puppet user. A bit anti-social compared to his siblings; he took his role as a son of the kazekage very seriously. Which brought Gaara's attention to his eldest child.

Just then a loud crash could be heard outside his office. The guards were disoriented and shouting orders between each other. Gaara closed his eyes as he let out a deep sigh. He left his office to go to the roof of the building. By the time he made it to the roof h could see what had caused such a commotion. What happened next was, by this point in their lives, a reflex.

"Karuraaaa!" He screamed at the top of his lungs.

At this the guards all backed off of the scene, giving their leader the room, he may need to deal with his daughter. Taking the situation in, the two used their sand to teleport somewhere outside the village. Once on a fitting battle field, the two squared off. Gaara took a moment to examine his child. Karura was the child that, by far, looked most like him than the rest of his children. Kankuro had constantly joked that she was the female Gaara. To be frank, Gaara still didn't know how to feel about it.

His attention was focused on her face. It was thin but not too long. She had large curved eyes; a pale green blue stared back at him. Her nose was small, barely noticeable. Finally, her red ruby lips that looked like an old-styled painting. The expression she had was soft, still and admired. Because of this, she resembled a glass doll. Currently she was wearing her hair half up in a flower braid, while the rest of her hair fell into a light curl. Gaara made a mental note on how long her hair had become. In the right light he was sure she could look like her mother. Her outfit was a dark red, a dress version of what Gaara used to wear after the chunin exams minus the straps. However, she did wear a belt over the dress. The skirt had a slit on the right to allow her to grab her kunai pouch more easily. She wore two-inch, knee high black kunoichi boots. Unlike Gaara in his youth, she never used a gourd for her sand. Courtesy of his late wife, a dimensional storage spell on her supply pack allowed Karura to carry far more items as well as her sand.

Gaara stood confident, as he knew experience trumped luxury. He used a smaller gourd now because he no longer needed to over compensate the amount he carried. The current battle field only further provide him an advantage. Even if she could also wield the element, she was still a child. As they stood, a small twister of sand came up from behind Karura. A figure soon taking shape within the shadows of the sand.

"Long time…'ey Gaara?" A deep, mischievous voice spoke in a hearted manner. Once the sand cleared, Gaara's eyes met with the bright yellow on black across from him.

"Shukaku." Gaara greeted the sand spirit. Smirking at the demon's current stature, as he had shifted himself to stand at about a foot tall.

The demon chuckled as he leapt from the ground onto the girl's shoulders. He pressed his head to hers as he arched his eyebrow at the kazekage. Karura raised her left hand to pet at the sand spirit. Gaara simply shook his head. He and Shukaku had gone separate ways after the war ended but he never went too far away. Shukaku had cared deeply for Gaara's beloved. Having wanted to make her happy, he took to watching over Karura in her name. Protecting her as his own and giving her guidance. Often very poor advice, even more often a bit psychotic. Some things just never change.

"I have a lot of work to do and you should be training. A good kazekage- "

"I. Am. Not. Good." Karura interrupted as she made the first move.

Gaara blocked the attack, but before he could counter, his daughter disappeared. Expecting her to pop up from some random spot in the ground or even come at him from above, he was partially sad when he felt her chakara fading. He felt himself let out another deep sigh, bringing his hand on his hips. Finding himself wishing his wife were here to help. For which problem, he just wasn't sure.

Meanwhile, Shukaku, who once again altered his size, was running in an opposite direction of the village, heading for the southern border. Karura held on tight as she sat on his back. Fighting back tears, she didn't know what else to do except run. The ride was fast and short. A regular routine for the duo by now, Karura headed to the ocean shore from the high mountain drop. After stripping down a bit, Karura sat on the rocks to sink her feet into the water. Shukaku found it ironic how much the daughter of the sand prince loved water. At least, if you only saw her as the daughter of the sand prince. But she was also the child of the goddess of death and despair. A woman who, for better or for worse, enjoyed swimming in the ocean. He watched as she lightly kicked her feet in the water, looking up at the sky. Shukaku sat himself next to Karura. Leaning into her, he closed his eyes to rest for a moment. He felt bad for her. He had known her since she was born. Unlike with Gaara, he felt a connection to her he just didn't feel with his old host. He figured she was wishing she could know her destiny right about now. Karura maneuvered his head so that he could rest on her lap. Patting his head lightly to show him some affection.

Shukaku let himself be spoiled. Thinking back to the days when he wanted to be touched this way while watching Gaara mess up the only love he would ever know. He was angry for so long, he never considered how much it would mean for someone to love his host. He never considered that anyone who would love Gaara, would take the time to love him as well. Deep down, that's what made him miss her so much. After everything that happened between the young couple, there were just so many memories that triggered the longing in his heart. He forgave Gaara, but he never forgot. How could he? He had been offered everything…

*#*#*

Gaara sat in his office once again after completing his nightly rounds, tucking in his children, wishing them sweet dreams. He wanted nothing more than to see his family secure. But that meant making it complete again. Karura needed a mother. She was coming to that age that she could no longer confide in Gaara for everything. It disappointed him since she had been incapable of separation from him as an infant. Although, this seemed to be a reoccurring pattern in his life. Starting with the only woman he ever loved. Emotionally and physically.

He was shy as a love-maker compared to most males in his age group. The first couple attempts for sex were slow and sensual. They had to be otherwise Gaara would become too nervous and freeze. It did great to keep from ejaculating too soon. Not so much for being involved in the activity. It took time, but eventually he stopped being skittish. Submissive no, but at least he could enjoy himself and give something in return while being serviced. The sexual exposure was great. The pace was comfortable for him. His partner always made sure that he got used to a certain position or technique before teaching him something new or moving on to something rougher. As they became more used to sex, Gaara learned to improvise. His libido never caught up with hers but she took what she got and teased him after. Not even being an adult kept him from going a little red at the thought. Or from avoiding eye contact with his sister when she suspected somwthing.

Their marriage was meant to be a private one. A secret. The elders wanted it that way until it could be decided which world the future mother would live. A choice that was brought up due to the judgement she had made by letting Gaara live. And for bringing him back. The rules for revival were strict, but when Granny Chio used her forbidden jutsu a window of opportunity opened up. Using this window, she brought him back to the world of the living. The Grim Reapers were not pleased about this action as she had violated over thirty rules of necromancy. Having been placed on thin ice after allowing Gaara to live despite him being on the most wanted list. A small squad had been dispatched to further review the judgement. A battle underwent, with Gaara's soul at risk. The justification being that Gaara was not worthy to be granted so many chances on a hunch. But she claimed something entirely different. She claimed that he was derserving of so many changes- because he survived. Although she prevailed, it put a dent in their relationship when he found out what she had been to their people; daughter to the throne and goddess of death. One who was disowned by her mother, the current queen. Her father was somewhere he couldn't be with her. She didn't explain it further. Gaara knew it was better he didn't ask. She was internally conflicted at having never told him. He could remember how anxious she was as she broke down crying. She channeled the strength to say she wasn't a leader. That she couldn't do the things a queen could do. She belonged on the front lines, for belonged doing what she felt was right. Gaara voiced his disinterest in forcing her to reveal or discuss any private matter she wasn't ready to confront. Allowing the two to move on, progressing their relationship. At least until the next issue.

Shortly after the funeral for Granny Chio, the Sand village slowly returned to normal. Including the swarm of admirers who sought Gaara's attention. All were fruitless efforts. Gaara knew this but the woman he cared for so much was a jealous type. Only one made her act recklessly as a result of this emotion- Matsuri, his old student. It was understandable, Matsuri was similar to the girl who hated her. In the sense that they both gave Gaara a chance that no one else would. It was both heartwarming and sad to him. In another life they would be best friends. Then again, in another life Temari would see his wife as the sister she never had and would always love. Alas, they argued at every opportunity. Which was preferable to the alternative that his wife and his student were locked in.

Matsuri was heavily out-classed when compared to his beloved. One was afraid of conflict the other had built an entire life around it. One was prone to making friends while the other befriended her servants out of loyalty as well as attempt to avoid being emotionally hurt. One was human with a humane outlook and the other was a goddess of death who was in love with life. The line was drawn when Matsuri was placed in the hospital after a bad training session involving a battle against the rival. It was a bloody battle. Violent, cruel and merciless. Gaara had to use his sand to restrain his lover. If he hadn't, it was very likely that Matsuri would have been killed. Her injuries were most definitely cause for alarm. Numerous fractures to her ribs, broken bones on her hands from being crushed under immense force, and many cuts and bruises on her face. Matsuri was laying on the ground completely beaten, blood pouring from her mouth. The incident was pushed aside after a small squad of shinobi returned in body bags after a basic mission went horribly wrong. A guarding assignment turned into a massacre after crossing paths with a really competitive gang who were never identified. It was odd timing since Matsuri and her squad had been changed out due to the fight and the other two squad mates being caught in the crossfire. A coincidence Gaara overlooked at the time because of the backlash from the elders and jonin council.

The pressure didn't ease up from either end. Gaara was pleaded with to avoid Matsuri by his other half until after he could state how he felt. Gaara, at the time, had never doubted which of the women he was in love with, but he never took the time to notice that he never said it aloud. And his biggest regret would forever be that he didn't take the chance. Mainly because Matsuri, while recovering in her hospital bed, was visited by her sensei. He would be the same kind, strong, man he had always shown to be since they first met. And she would kiss him. Right as the one he really wanted would walk into the room. He would become stunned in the shock. And the only love he would ever know, would disappear. One minute his love would be there, and the next she would be gone to who knows where. A note left on his nightstand. The confession of being pregnant. And the vow to not return until after the delivery.

What Gaara would later find out, is that Grim reapers have much shorter pregnancies than humans. In fact, the pregnancies last only three months compared to the nine. Gaara had buried himself into his work to keep from dealing with the emotions he felt. His sister did all she could to assist him in working through in a healthier manner, to no real luck. While his brother kept popping in and out of the picture frequently. Later, it was revealed that Kankuro was helping his dear sister-in-law with her cravings, and eventually the labor. Kankuro was named Karura's godfather for his hard work. Gaara was thankful for his brother's help and the health of his daughter. But that didn't make up for the guilt of not listening to his spouse. It was further supported by the fact that even after the tension between the new girl in the village and the kazekage, Matsuri didn't cease her flirtatious proceedings. Gaara began to fear that he may never see his daughter unless he found a way to make the mother of his child want to stay. Looking back on it, Gaara found it ironic since the first time he held Karura he was shaking due to fear. He feared dropping her, feared never knowing her, and feared the change of parenthood. Karura, was unable to know fear. She practically flew to him whenever she saw him. She would cry until he would hold her and would fuss in the bath unless he came within her view. Even with all that possibility, he still couldn't manage a damn love confession. Even when his own daughter shared his mother's name. It made him so happy. He hated himself for it. Being happy when he had made the only person who believed in him at the darkest point in his life so miserable. The simply solution was to give her what she wanted. No matter how hard. By this time, a gap had formed between the two.

Gaara was pulled away to attend the summit to discuss going forward with current events. Before he left, a kiss was shared with her. An empty kiss with no passion. Just formality. That's when Gaara understood she could leave at any time. Taking the life, they had built together with her. Sasuke attacked the summit. And he suffered a rejection from his best friend over an opinion. Over the next few months, things would only get harder. From panic and uncertainty of his people to the need to prove his place as a kage despite his youth. He had come so far, but there were moments when the doubt set in. It would only vanish once he looked into the eyes of his sweetheart. She would let him touch her, hold her, even sexually arouse her. Actually, that was when she showed him the most affection. The encounters were not frequent but unhinged. Occasionally taking place in his office since he couldn't leave his work unattended. It was no surprise to Kankuro when she turned up pregnant again. Again, he was the one she turned to for comfort and support when she disappeared. Once more, Gaara was kept out of the loop until after the birth of his children. Two identical twin boys. He never did find out where their names came from. Kankuro claimed he had no idea, but Gaara suspected otherwise. This time around, he was able to act more like a proper father. Not as scared of his children reaching for him or laughing when he squeezed their hands. He adored this lifestyle. He wanted it to last forever. To do that, he had to make his future clear. Beyond the war. He made the desire for a future when he found a reason. In that future, he wanted her there with him. To be able to look behind him knowing she was there, waiting with their family. Waiting for him.

He waited for things to come to some sense of normalcy before eventually granting a proper proposal. Her first response was 'no' which she laughed off changing it to 'yes'. Gaara made the wedding a public matter. Against the advisement of the council. It was thought that it would inevitably result in some loss in social standing, to very little consequence in his humble opinion. Then again, his socializing skills possibly needed some work. To say the marriage was a surprise to the villagers was an understatement. Particularly due to the third pregnancy that resulted in three more children. To this day his wife was addressed as 'Lady Sand'. She despised the tittle so much she used water techniques on opponents. She was angry but she was not the kind to take it out on Gaara. She was proud of him. So much it hurt. It hurt to love him. It hurt her even more to been known as his wife and have to deal with the whispers. The fact Gaara didn't feel the need to question his wife's loyalty either made him a wise husband, a foolish man, or both. No matter which answer was the right one, his mind and heart were at the same conclusion. There wasn't a thing she wouldn't do for him.

The guilt started to take over as the war came closer. If he was neglecting of his wife before, it certainly didn't improve. One would normally expect a situation like this to bring about regret and pain. And that would be the correct answer. What made it something worth cherishing was that it gave root for growth. Gaara was so young when his new family began to form. Learning how to get along in the world and relearning how to act like a human being. Only in the water long enough to get used to the temperature before being dunked head deep into it. It made him laugh at how ignorant he used. It also made him depressed. The woman who had no interest in being a leader was married to one who couldn't manage to be home as often as she wanted.

Looking back on it, Gaara wondered if he should have tried harder to make her stay. He should have convinced her to stay behind when the war came. His selfishness had never had any limitations in those days. She wasn't willing to give anything less than above and beyond for her husband. Gaara had, at the time, not understood that while both spouses should be willing to give. But not always willing to take the highest offer. During the war, there were many close calls. Gaara might have died then too. However, his wife intervened for his protection. He lost her forever during that war. Only considering himself lucky to have the opportunity to hold her. The Reapers came to collect her body to bury her by their means. Gaara wondered if her mother would grieve. He had known her not to be very motherly or loving. Upon his his return, his children became his priority. Temari suggested a nanny or new mother. Stating she was concerned for his ability to move on. Although she would not be so outwardly open to the idea, Gaara took his sister's concerns as her admitting to missing the deceased. Temari pretended not to approve but to some extent, she cared for her in-law. Kankuro seemed to have Gaara's personal interest at heart. Unlike Temari, Kankuro estimated that a nanny or new mother would work for the early stages of child development but not so much in the teen years. While it may have seemed like a crock of shit, it was a flimsy enough excuse for Gaara and Kankuro to outvote their sister. After that, Kankuro became the second acting father to the children. Temari also assisted with their upbringing until her own marriage to Shikamaru, where she had her own children. Her oldest was a daughter named Shinshi.

When she was around eight, Shinshi found she loved being in the Sand village more than anything. Once running away from home to go back. After that, Temari and Shikamaru allowed her to move in with her uncles. Shinshi was a sensible, rational, and responsible girl. Often slightly stand offish. When she did do something wild, it always had a plan 'B' through 'Z' to show predictions of multiple outcomes. Kankuro had had his own daughter by this time as well. A five-year-old named Sasori. It was a child born out of wedlock. The mother was unknown to anyone who wasn't Kankuro. Sasori grew up to be a laid-back sharp-witted type of girl. A little on the 'loud mouth' side too. The only redeeming part of it was that she could use it as a charming factor. Karura was the oldest by about a year. She was a bold girl. She was smart, impulsive, sarcastic and ambitious. Just like her mother. Whether it was sentiment, nostalgia, or just plain overprotective nature for his family, the three girls were teamed together once they graduated.

The three girls took more appearance of their fathers as they became older. Sasori was tall and slim but with a muscular but curvy build. She kept her hair, which was a medium brown and straight, cut just above shoulder length with short bangs. Her face had a build similar to her fathers with more delicate features. Shinshi was on the shorter end in the height department with a voluptuous build and thick hips. Her hair was a darker blonde than Temari's. Straight and medium length kept in a bun that shouted 'stuck-up secretary'. It was the subject of many jokes. Much like Sasori's masculine tom-boyish behavior. Karura was made fun of due to her relationship with Shukaku. That, and her tattoo. Karura had gave it to herself when she turned twelve. Doing so the same way Gaara got his- same symbol too. Just about everyone knew about it, but thought it best to keep it to themselves unless Karura stated otherwise. Out of both respect and… slight fear. The father/daughter relationship was rocky at best; even by the clan's standards. Gaara kept all visual information on his beloved on a need to know basis for his children. He made up for the trouble by telling them countless stories about her. The younger ones very rarely asked questions since they where more reserved with their emotions. Karura was far more curious and outspoken. Gaara could never keep her home.

Gaara loved his family. He loved his life. Everything he had was all on a fluke. But it was worth every minute. His only regret…was not being able to share it with his other half. His better half. He missed her. To this day.