Inspired by the YouTube video and song: Naruto & Gaara- Monster (Imagine Dragons) I will be taking this story in a different direction compared to how the original ended. If you want to get a hint then I recommend you at least listen to the song but you will not see it in this chapter, maybe in the next one.

It was just sex: version 2

Chapter 8

Finally out of view from the eyes of the villagers she really didn't want to leave this place any time soon but knew she will have to in a few days' time where she will be making the same trek that she just finished. Inside the place was minimally decorated, only a few pictures or plants here and there. It lacked personality, a way to show what the owner is like but as she thought about that it might just truly show what the owner is like. A man that is busy at the office keeping the village safe and keeping up with relations between the other villages which meant he is also a workaholic so was never home long enough to care about decorating it to show his interests unless this is all he has to show. After stepping out of her shoes she followed him in and noticed the bare looking kitchen and lack of really anything. Judging by the number of plants he either enjoys them a lot or someone enjoys gifting him with them. Then again she recalled Temari mentioning it is a hobby of his and he said he will take her to the greenhouse someday if she wants. He even knows a thing or two about herbs.

Gaara led her through the place to show her around so she can find things while he works. At the end of the hall is where the bedrooms are of which he still isn't sure what to do but had already acquired the necessities for the two of them so that was taken care of at least. He had given her a room to call her own since that is what his sister suggested and he wasn't sure what it would be like to actually sleep in the same bed as another person each night but he enjoyed having her in his bed before and sharing the one at the hospital. Someday though he would prefer to give it a try but as far as he understands he will have a lot of ground to cover relationship wise and has been given a lot of advice from his siblings, so much so that he now feels nervous to even hold a conversation with her.

Leading her to the room she will occupy he could see she was surprised by something and wasn't sure if it was a good or bad surprise so he continued to feel nervous and struggled to really say something. Originally they had for the most part jumped over this hurdle but now that he has been given all this advice he felt his brain buzzing with their words causing him to open his mouth wanting to say something but instead shutting it without a sound. Now it seems almost impossible to gain ground with her any further. A single wrong word could ruin everything because his siblings said he can be tactless when conversing with others. A simple conversation with his interest, the mother of his child is becoming harder than any battle situation and any words that came to mind felt like paper bombs ready to explode in his face if he gets this wrong. Rather than being able to give off a more comfortable atmosphere his discomfort was felt by Kagome even though she didn't comment on it, almost afraid to know the answer after that situation with Lady Cho.

Kagome didn't wish to still feel uneasy about it, Gaara's word should have been enough but then again she doesn't even know how the situation ended or if it did. How could she feel comfortable interacting with him or even try to bond as the parents of Kichiro if she is unsure about whether or not he is even attached to another or not. Being she now apparently lives with him she would assume no, but assumptions don't always do you justice. This is a different era and just like she learned in the Feudal Era, things are often done differently compared to the Modern Era. Life just couldn't seem to ever stop being so complicated.

Leaving her assigned bedroom he showed her the nursery and where things were along with the bathroom. They were just heading out to the living room where she wasn't sure if things would continue on in an uneasy silence when a knock came from the door. Sitting down on the small couch she waited politely while he answered it and could hear he was needed at work for something or other. He turned uncertain eyes her way and with an apology he left immediately which left her alone in his home. Whether or not she should be grateful was up in the air, these last few days have been tense, that is for sure.

"Well sweet baby, what should we do," she looked down at her son as he slept peacefully and then looked out the window at the nice day. "As usual you are sleeping when you're not eating or pooping. It would be nice to be in the sun but-," she really doesn't want to go outside after all the looks she was receiving and the whispers she could make out. "Maybe you have the right idea; a nap might be real nice instead."

Before she might have just rolled with the punches and anything life threw at her but it was all along the lines of saving the world kind of stuff, not living in a hospital bed and then being released with barely a thing to do. She felt like she could go crazy in these past few days when she was idle all the time. Her blood still calls for adventure, sings for the rush of a life or death situation but all of that is seemingly gone. Now tucked away in her former lover's home she only had their child to care for and he just mainly sleeps all day. How is she going to cope or even be able to get out of this place without having to hear the rumors and notice the stares? Who knows what elaborate stories they will cook up by the time she leaves the house and what if Gaara expects her to do any grocery shopping for the household? Maybe she is just being paranoid and overthinking things but her mind clung to the unease she felt while walking that short few minutes between the hospital and his home. How could she not be upset and feel anxious about having to do so again and again? What is her future even going to be?

Rather than napping she ended up in bed stressing over every little thing while Kichiro slept in the crib. How is she going to cope with such a drastic change in her lifestyle? No job, nearly broke, no adventure, no demons… just being a mom. As the day continued she took care of Kichiro and at his last feeding of the day she went to sleep with Gaara still not home. Maybe she should have rejected his offer and instead found her own place but then again he said to at least give it a try. If things continue on like this she could figure out a way to pay for a sitter so she can work and find her own place, then at least she wouldn't have so much idle time but that might not work either being Kichiro is relying on her, unless she switches him to bottles, then at least she can stop worrying about sore boobs and wet spots. An uneasy sigh escaped her lips as she drifted off to her dreams with not a single answer to her problems. Life had seemed so much simpler or is it enjoyable, either way she just doesn't feel like she will ever get used to such an idle lifestyle.

Late in the night Gaara returned home feeling sore around his shoulders after being hunched over at his desk for so many hours. The place was quiet; it was almost like no one else is there. Checking the nursery and her bedroom he found them already asleep, possibly for a few hours already so he prepared himself to do the same. He had noticed some of his shinobi were a bit jumpy today and he wondered why that would be. Then again he couldn't avoid noticing all the whispering and rumors, all them thinking they being hush hush but in reality he heard the majority of it.

At the start of a new day Kagome rose with the sun and even managed to set foot outside to watch the rest of the sunrise before the streets could get busy. It was peaceful and relaxing, easing her worries and forcing her to enjoy the calm. When she was beginning to think of heading back in she heard the door open and looked up to see Gaara coming out with searching eyes, no doubt looking for her to make sure she wasn't snatched or ran away in the middle of the night. With a light smile and a small wave she eased that worry from his eyes and went back to looking up at the sky, gaining a silent companion that watched her from the corner of his eye. Her time in this era has been one hell of a roller coaster ride. Stealing a glance at the handsome man beside her she studied him closely for a few moments. His gaze was indiscernible and face still youthful. Still the same man she had first met so many months ago. Although she had never planned on having a lover when she came here and was hurting deeply, Gaara had made a great enough lover in the physical sense that she could forget her troubles for a time each night that he had her in his bed. They just never expanded to the emotional realm. It would be a lie if she said that she doesn't crave to be writhing underneath him again and maybe take the chance to really know him. Everything is just so complicated as usual.

Cries from Kichiro broke up the silence so Gaara turned to the door and held it open for Kagome as they headed inside to care for their son. Today he studied her every movement making note of things that have changed about her including the fuller breasts that he knows are already sore from the milk her body is producing to feed their son. The pace and overall way she walks has changed but it could be due to how long she was bed bound. They were slightly heavier and less careful compared to how she treaded carefully with an awareness of her surroundings you gain through training or experience. Maybe she has found that she no longer needs to walk that way and is just comfortable? He would like to think that but he didn't feel that was quite right either.

As she got started on nursing Kichiro he excused himself from the room with red cheeks informing her he will cook breakfast. Cooking for another isn't something he has really done all that much. It tasted good to him but how would it taste to her? Being what his career path is he tends to stick on the healthy side with a focus on proteins. Grabbing out various ingredients he made a stir fry scramble of eggs and fresh vegetables including spinach for extra iron. Strips of beef were browned in another as he seasoned it to his liking while the water for the rice came to a boil. After adding in the rice he turned back to his fridge and grabbed out a few choices with the sauces to set on the table then went about stirring the food in the pans and cut up fresh fruit. With water and milk set on the table for drinks along with chopsticks he finished the food and got it dished out, setting the steaming bowls of rice, meat, and vegetables where they will sit. He checked on Kagome and Kichiro seeing it will be a few minutes yet so he figured this would allow the food to cool and him time to get ready for the day. As it is he still hasn't broached the topic of InuYasha and plans to at the end of breakfast.

His usual crimson robes were donned after he washed up and styled his hair. Today he will have to hurry up at work so when he is done they can head off to find the half demon and likely bring him here where he can recover if needed and bring closure to these painful months that Kagome was enduring. The possibility that something more could happen between the two of them did come to mind and tested him but he knows this would be good for Kagome if she can finally see the longtime companion as who she had known him to be, not be forced to remember him the way Kikyo forced him to be then it will be worth it. With his help as well they could figure out if they still have some sort of threat out there that Naraku left behind to put his own rising fears to rest. With a light rapping of the door he got her attention as he stood in the doorway of the nursery watching her rock Kichiro to sleep. "Breakfast is ready and I need to speak with you before I leave for work."

Giving him a nod of understanding she watched him head down the hallway and heard him in the cupboards before sitting at the table likely waiting for her as she noticed he tends to do so when they are to eat together. Kichiro was already softly snoring in his sleep, occasionally smacking his lips while he adjusted to get more comfortable. Being careful Kagome got him into the crib lightly swaddled up before quietly exiting the room, leaving the door open just a crack. Her entrance to the dining area was immediately noticed by Gaara. With a quiet meal being enjoyed by them both she looked up at him, "Thank you for breakfast, it was delicious," she complimented and waited curiously.

Gaara cleared the table of their dishes and other things before sitting back down to finally broach the topic he has requested to speak with her about. "I wish to discuss something of importance regarding InuYasha." Just from the change in her facial features and the change in her posture he could see her interest has piqued as she grew anxious. "During the encounter with Kikyo it was learned that she had put him under some spell, apparently she found out that he was no longer under her spell so she sealed him to a tree. After I finish with work we will go see what predicament he is in."

Goosebumps had risen on her arms as a shiver raced up her back at first when it became obvious he is in some sort of trouble but the second Gaara mentioned that he is sealed to a tree she let out a deep breath as hope fluttered through her mind. The reaction had Gaara studying her so she explained, "When I first met InuYasha he was sealed to a tree but that tree kept him from dying or aging, or at least that is what we believed. It could be different this time around. If it is the same spell I can easily break it just like I did the first time. Thankfully this time around I shouldn't be getting crushed into the tree by a centipede demon or have that troublesome jewel bit from my side," she smiled recalling that fateful day that had set her on this path. The story of how she met InuYasha had never been fully shared with him but as it is he hasn't learned a whole lot about her past but knows more than most. At the same time he hasn't fully opened up about his but she had learned about the monster he had been and so far that hasn't deterred her. She seems more concerned about other things rather than anything in his past as she just let it remain as it is, in the past.

"I will ask Temari to watch Kichiro while we are away retrieving InuYasha. Should he be the companion you had once travelled with then my home is open to him as well. I have guest rooms in the floors above, Temari and her family is also up there," he explained and noticed that had surprised her. Looking at a door he hadn't pointed out before he said, "That is the door I use to access that part of the building. The others have another entrance they can use from the outside but will likely visit through the inside door access."

Staring at the door for a brief moment she wondered if her and Kichiro will be receiving company today while Gaara is working. "If I wanted to visit them how far up would I go," she asked thinking company might be real nice while she tries to adjust with her new life.

It surprised him that she might possibly go to them instead. "They are three flights up, just knock on the door there and someone should be around to answer it. No one from the council will bother you here. I am pressing charges against the three that have been causing problems. They will be losing their positions and facing time for their actions so be on your guard if you leave without me by your side. In a few days this mess they have caused will be behind us," he cautioned her just in case she would decide to go somewhere while he is working. "Once this is over I will be filling all the empty spots on the council and should no longer be at work so late. Miu also requested permission to visit so you can expect her to be coming over. Do you have any questions or concerns?"

Kagome let it all roll around in her mind as she thought about everything. So many constant changes occurring in her life and it sounds like Gaara will be at the office late for a few days yet minus today since they will instead search for InuYasha. That will be another thing, what is going to happen with InuYasha around. She can't imagine he will be content with just staying around here for long; it would drive him crazy eventually. "I can't think of anything other than when should I be ready to leave later?"

"It will likely be a couple hours after noon. You will have time to get ready once I am done for the day. We will have company tonight as well after we are back. My sister will stay here with Kichiro and will have the meal covered for when we get back. I will do my best to be home as soon as possible." It still bothered him that the male she had romantic interests in is the very same one they will be going after today and he will open up his home too, at least a room up above. Hopefully he won't be shooting himself in the foot by doing this. She had gone quiet in front of him so he glanced at the time. "I should be going now, I will see you later," he stood up and pushed in his chair.

Looking back at him as her eyes followed his movements she said, "Have a good day at work!"

Her words stilled his movements as he felt a slight smile tug at his lips. Turning his head to connect eyes with her he replied, "Have a nice day as well Kagome," his gaze lingered a few moments as those simple words made him feel warm. Years ago he never would have imagined he would be in this situation where someone was saying kind words to him, a very special someone that he wants to become a part of his family. After he finally let his eyes drift away he walked out the door and headed off to work.

Kagome remained where she was as the image of that small smile aimed towards her had kept her rooted to the spot. She witnessed him smiling and not just any smile but one she brought on. It was humbling to know something so simple had made him happy after he had seemed a little tense. Her conversation with Yaoki drifted to her mind as she admitted her guilt in having never reached out in such a manner to try and see him smile. That smile she wants to see again, to be the one to put it there and not be on the outside looking in. Gaara may be more towards the quiet side but he is kind, a very kind man that has been doing everything he can for her. To think a man like that wants her to stay around and live with him, to help raise their son. Nights full of pleasure surfaced to her mind giving her reminders to what they once were and she could never regret it, it just wasn't in her to do.

Taking a look around she spotted the dishes and got right to work cleaning up the place before shedding the dress so she can workout easier. At this point she has just enough time to do that and shower. It has been a long time since she has done this but with a warmup, test, and cooldown in mind she carried right into it needing to get an idea of where she is at physically now compared to when she had been in top form. Mornings will be her time to get back in shape because deep down she could feel it, she isn't out of the woods yet, something is still out there.

Kagome was barely hallway through the test and already felt worn out as she sweat bullets leaving damp areas in her underwear and bra. Slick and sweaty skin stretched over straining muscles twitching as she continued to push further with her hair pooled on to the ground, the world appearing to be upside down as she went down before struggling to push back up as she used the wall as support with her handstand portion of her workout. A timer went off next to her and she slowly got down one leg at a time until she could reset the timer once more. Panting as she took a small breather as she felt grateful that it is now time to rest her arms and do leg and core work. Minus running to increase her endurance she has the rest down pat. It will take time for her to get back to where she had been. At this point she has done two sets each whereas she usually completed five with weights. This proves just how out of shape she is, something she never wanted to be again but considering what she went through it will have to slide for now. With a flop on to the ground she finished her workout and knew the cooldown is next. Somehow she managed to survive this grueling workout but who knows how sore she will be later.

As she got ready for her shower a knock was heard on the door over by the kitchen. Grabbing a towel she wrapped it around her torso and crossed the place to answer it. Cracking it open she could see Shikamaru on the other side who noticed her lack of outfit. "Sorry, I could come back later," he offered while looking away.

"It is fine; I had just finished working out. Do you need anything," she questioned, hearing more footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Temari wants to know your plans for the day," he notified her before looking up the stairs to see who is coming. "Actually here she comes right now."

Kagome opened the door a little further, "Sorry about my state of dress I was about to take a shower," she explained feeling a little embarrassed.

"Have anything going on after that," Temari asked and slipped into the kitchen while Shikamaru remained in the stairwell.

"Just taking care of Kichiro, he will likely be hungry soon." She watched as Temari began looking through the cupboards, pantry, and fridge to see what they have for food she assumed.

"Shikamaru, come back down with Shikadai, you two can watch Kichiro while we go shopping. I will bring back lunch," she heard him head back on up the stairs while she checked the dates of the dairy products. "I really should have thought about the groceries for his place before you were released. Well anyways we will have girl time. Get some groceries and take you shopping for our girl things since Gaara was too embarrassed to do it himself… oh yeah you don't know about that. Kankuro and Gaara went shopping to get you flowers and clothes but when he got to the intimates he was too embarrassed to pick anything out and decided at that point to finally notify me with a birth announcement and a plea for help. I had no clue that it was mainly to ensure you had your feminine items. Honestly, brothers and I have two of them!" Temari looked at her exasperated while Kagome wasn't sure if she should laugh or feel further embarrassed that Gaara was going to buy her such things!

"I suppose this is where I should be grateful that you are here," she mumbled and heard Temari give out a hearty laugh after seeing her reddening cheeks.

"Do you have any siblings," she asked slowly, trying to not tread on a possibly sensitive subject.

With a sigh she looked down and nodded, thinking about her little brother and wondering how he is doing. "One, my little brother Souta," she started, touching a subject she hasn't spoken to Gaara or Kankuro about. "I usually called him a brat but it was more so affectionately as his older sister. At this point he has likely hit a growth spurt and may be taller than me. He idolized InuYasha and is a good kid who liked to play sports and had a crush on a girl at school. They were dating the last time I had seen him," she lingered off at that point until she thought about the others. "There is also my pet cat, Buyo that InuYasha would tease relentlessly. My mom was usually one of the first to greet me and ask how I have been. I'd run up the stairs to take a hot bath and by the time I was done she would have a hot meal all ready for me and be there if I needed to talk. Then there was my grandpa, he often seemed crazy and until I found myself time traveling through the well I didn't usually listen to a word he said about demons or the legend of the Shikon no Tama, which was actually dormant inside of me. I also had friends from school; Hojo, Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi. Who knows what story they have been fed by the family to explain my absence… but yeah that pretty much sums up the modern era, where I was born."

Temari looked at her with an understanding gaze. She wondered how many times her life has been flipped upside down on her and just how she has managed to continue on. Then again she knows how, it was her duty to destroy the jewel and Naraku, that is what kept her going and after that she expected death, even wanted it. Gaara never would have let that just happen. Clearly though, it will take time for her to really get back on her feet and begin enjoying being alive. Somehow through all of this she managed to catch the attention of her baby brother and bare his son so she will now do what it takes to see them as a happy couple before she leaves for home. "It's hard to imagine how many times you had to forcibly adjust to your new life since you have now seen three time periods. Makes me wonder if I could have done what you did and at some points I don't think I could. As a ninja I'm very loyal to my village even if I now live in another but if my brothers needed me back here, just like now, I will be on my way no questions asked. At a young age we each learned that life isn't always fair and usually it never was. I never really had friends because people were scared about who I am related to. My father was the Fourth Kazekage, Kankuro was usually a bully, and Gaara was unstable, regarded as a monster so naturally that fear of them extended to me. Our mom died in childbirth with Gaara, it wasn't his fault instead it was our father's and the council. The put this chakra beast inside him while our mother was still pregnant and it caused complications which resulted in him being born in a frail disposition. Instead of my father and the council owing up to their actions they placed the blame on my newborn brother. After he was released from the hospital our uncle cared for him until he was at least academy age. Our uncle was all he had in a world that called him a monster and treated him like one too but once again when it was shown how hard it was for Gaara to contain the Shukaku, he was put to the test. A test that our uncle was asked to perform, one of betrayal…" she looked down feeling sad about everything he had to endure, already able to see the upset on Kagome's face.

"Gaara had been a sweet little boy, I would watch him from the distance since I was curious as to who my youngest brother was but couldn't interact with him without permission from father. After that night though he snapped and gave the village what they wanted, a monster as well as him having control over the beast inside but that lead to him becoming even more feared to the point where my father had sent other assassins when he was considered a 'failed experiment.' I can't even imagine thinking of Shikadai as an experiment," she heard Kagome gasp as she covered her mouth, hearing in more detail than what Gaara had given her about his life. "Eventually though, Gaara learned he isn't alone in the world and he has another path he could take that would give him his precious people. When he was 12 he began to turn things around and aimed to become the Kazekage so he could protect everyone and make up for his bloodthirsty years. By 14 he gained friends and comrades, in fact the first two were in that border patrol unit that found you. At 15 he became the Kazekage but the council made plans to assassinate him during the next chunnin exams, they gave the orders to that priest, Hoichi and he took it without hesitation. Kankuro and I tried to keep him safe and basically on house arrest but when the students were found to be in danger Gaara left a clone while he went straight into it so he could save them even though he knew it was an assassination attempt." Temari went quiet for a minute as memories from those days came back to the forefront of her mind. "Gaara worked tirelessly to make things better here in Suna, a ninja village approaching poverty level. My baby brother had come back but he is quiet, tries to end things peacefully but is merciless against those who harm his people. I have never seen him let the papers pile up so much until lately. Others will try to get between you two, you have already had that experience but there is nothing, possibly not even death that will keep him from protecting you even if you two don't end up together. Times have been tough but Gaara will never let you feel like you are alone and that might be part of the initial reason he felt drawn to you. He described you as spreading joy wherever you could when people were around but once you were alone it looked like you had everything torn away from you and he couldn't understand how you managed to keep so many at a distance when he could clearly see how well liked you were. He took as much as he could get from you and didn't think he would have a chance for more even when he realized how much he longed for you. The months rolled by and he nearly had himself convinced that you would never leave and then just like that you were gone. It took two days until he couldn't bear it any longer so he confessed to Kankuro and a third day for him to start releasing emotions through grueling training sessions. On the outside looking in Gaara is the young and confident leader of the village; on the inside he is still blaming himself for past mistakes like not forging a deeper bond with you. Regardless I just hope you can be the one to help him let go and see his worth. You and Kichiro are now his everything," she finally concluded leaving one very shocked Kagome.

Kagome couldn't believe he had to live such a horrible life to that extent and still be the man she sees today. Sure he spoke to her about it but now she has a feeling he lightly sugar coated some parts and skipped over others. How could he have not felt betrayed by his own people time and time again? Still standing there in her undergarments and towel she felt bad for Gaara and felt selfish to some extent too. One thing she does want cleared up is the lingering question on her mind, "What about Lady Cho?"

Blinking, Temari couldn't believe Kagome was still in the dark about that situation but then again that had turned into a hectic night for them. "That whole arrangement is off, it was never agreed to by you or Gaara and as much as he is in no short supply of admirers, he doesn't want just anyone the council sets him up with, he wants the family he has already started. His eyes are only for you and have only been yours. Anyone that says otherwise is just causing problems or jealous. It is no secret to him as to how many admirers you had or the possible feelings you have for InuYasha still but in his eyes all of this will be worth it if you and Kichiro are safe and happy. But enough talk about all of this, you need to get in the shower and we need to head out shortly after."

The reminder of leaving the house wasn't very comforting and she thought maybe she can get out of it. Feeling a little frantic after the reminder of yesterday she remained frozen to her spot. "Uh you know I really don't need anything and I'm sure I could whip up something for supper with what we have here. It would really-."

"No," she cut in, looking into those blue eyes that looked near panicky. "You are coming with me and we are going shopping. Eventually this whole thing is going to just be old news but it will take longer if you hole yourself up in here. Besides I already have an idea as to how we will deal with any rumors so let me just take care of anything. If you and Gaara end up becoming a couple you will also have to show it or others will not stop thinking they have a chance with whichever one of you they are interested in. Gaara right now is at the office dealing with this so I am sure you can handle an hour or two before you escape town for a while. Above all don't let another man do you any favors or so much as have tea with you or it is going to make Gaara insecure and lead the guy on. You're the innocent type, your actions could be very damaging and lead things down a road I don't want to explore so be careful. Now get going to your shower," she shooed her away while she grabbed out a pen and paper to write up a list.

Finally entering her shower she heard Shikamaru and Shikadai enter the place shortly after. Her mind felt like a clogged up mess and she could only hope that she will be able to navigate through it soon. That slight smile on Gaara's face this morning was still at the forefront of her mind. Going through the motions of washing up her mind drifted over the conversation she had with Temari as she continued to think about this man who had once been a broken boy. They could offer each other so much more and she felt determined to keep up her part as much as possible because somehow he has picked her even with as broken as she has been. Kichiro will above all feel the love of both parents; she just needs to get rid of this gnawing feeling in her gut, one that has never been wrong before.