Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Author's Note: This story takes place after my other fanfic, Change of Heart. I know there are lots of stories about dances in Konoha, but hopefully this one will be original and somewhat funny (that's my goal, anyway). I plan on putting in several pairings, including possibly LeexTenten, GaaraxSakura, NarutoxHinata, and maybe, just maybe, a little TemarixShikamaru. Well, here goes.
Without hesitation, Kankuro dug into his food with both hands, shoveling it into his mouth as if it would get away from him if he didn't devour it immediately.
His older sister, Temari, stared at him in horror. Thoroughly disgusted, she turned instead to watch her other brother, Gaara, who was methodically chopping his vegetables into tiny pieces with his fork. Dinner at the Sand Siblings' house was always an interesting experience.
A sharp rat-tat-tat sounded at the door, and all three teenagers froze. The knock came again, louder this time.
"I'll get it." Temari silently slid out of her chair and went to answer the door. She returned a few moments later, a tightly furled scroll in her hand.
"What is it?" Kankuro's eyes landed on the scroll, and his face brightened. "Is it a mission? Or a special assignment?"
"Hang on, I haven't read it yet." Temari opened the spool of parchment and quickly scanned its contents. Her face lit up with excitement.
"Well?" Kankuro was getting impatient.
"It's not a mission," Temari told them, "but even better. The three of us have been invited to a special annual dance, the Konoha Spring Festival!" Temari grinned at the shock that registered on her brothers' faces.
Kankuro frowned. "Are we going to go?"
"No," Gaara said suddenly.
"Don't be silly, Gaara. Of course we're going to go! It would be rude not to, since we've been invited, and besides," she laughed, "It'll be fun."
The quiet redhead stared at his plate. "Yeah. Fun."
"Are there going to be dates?" Kankuro asked worriedly. "Do we have to, you know, ask girls to go with us and stuff? … Not that I couldn't if I needed to," he added quickly, noting Temari's amused expression.
"Don't worry, Kankuro, the three of us can go together, as a family. That way there won't be any pressure to ask anyone, and then we can dance with whoever we want once we get there."
Kankuro tried not to look too relieved. Gaara bit his lip, and then said in a low voice, "Um, I'm not very hungry. May I be excused, please?"
Temari stopped smiling, a concerned expression crossing her face. "Of course, Gaara. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine." He stood and cleared his place from the table. "I think I'm going to turn in early tonight. I'll see you two tomorrow."
"Alright, if your sure… goodnight Gaara."
"'Night"
"Goodnight."
Author's Note: I know the first chapter was really short. But the next one is much longer!