Disclaimer: I do not own the anime and manga series Naruto.
*Set on the time after the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, and before Shippuden.
Translations: A kotatsu is a low, wooden table covered by a futon (heavy blanket). It has a heat source underneath, and it's used almost exclusively in Japan. Oneesan is the polite way to address one's older sister. Otoutosan is the polte way to address one's younger brother.
Kankuro was seated in the kitchen at the kotatsu table, sipping his tea. It was one of those rare occasions where he woke up earlier than Temari. He didn't like waking up first, though. It meant he had to prepare breakfast.
Gaara entered the kitchen without any sound. He kept his eyes on the many jars displayed on the counter.
"Morning, Gaara," Kankuro greeted.
His little brother turned his gaze to him, said a polite "Good morning," and turned his gaze back at the jars. He walked to the front of the counter, and looked at each jar. It looked like he was looking for something, though he was trying not to make it obvious.
Kankuro watched him for a few minutes, and then finally asked, "You looking for something?"
"...Yes," Gaara replied.
"What're ya looking for?"
"..."
At that moment, Kankuro realized that Gaara was looking for the cookie jar. He smirked at the thought. Gaara didn't like admitting his appetite for cookies, nor did he like asking where the cookie jar was, or if there were any cookies left. He'd simply help himself to some.
Why?
It was completely out of his personality. Having been a psychopathic killing machine in the past, who would ever suspect that Gaara of the Desert, the Ultimate Weapon of Sunagakure, would have a sweet tooth for cookies?
"The cookie jar's beside the stove," Kankuro said, mentally noting that the cookie jar had to be labeled. "...We're all out of cookies, though."
As soon as the words left Kankuro's mouth, Gaara's shoulders visibly slumped, and it seemed as if his body went limp. Kankuro became amused and almost burst out laughing. He worked to keep it in, though. Gaara had control over his temper now, but not complete control. Besides, Kankuro didn't like it when Gaara was pissed at him. It felt creepy.
"Don't worry," Kankuro continued, still smiling, "I'll tell Temari to go to the market and buy some." With that, he stood up, left his teacup beside the sink, and headed up the stairs to Temari's room.
"Temari," he said as he slid the door open and poked his head inside. His sister was sitting on the floor, reading a scroll about a new wind jutsu. She looked up, looking slightly annoyed.
"What?"
"We're all outta cookies."
"So? What do you want me to do about it?"
"Go buy some."
Temari gritted her teeth, her temper rising. She cared for her brothers, of course, but they- well, Kankuro always relied on her too much, when he could do things on his own.
"We have two packs of different types of cookie mix in one of the cupboards. I didn't know which one Gaara prefers, so I bought two. Choose one and bake that," she said acidly.
Kankuro grinned a mischievous grin, and, being Kankuro, decided to insult his sister's culinary skills.
"Sure," he said casually, shrugging. "I bet Gaara would absolutely love it."
Temari's eyes flickered back to her brother. "You're using that tone again. What're you saying?" She narrowed her eyes.
"Ohh, nothing. Just that I can make better cookies than you can." Kankuro grinned at her and winked.
Temari turned red in both anger and embarrassment. How dare he insult her culinary skills? She was a decent cook, knowing all the basics. She cooked their food, yet her brother was insulting her cooking? She considered letting Kankuro starve.
"I bet that Gaara will throw up as soon as he swallows your cookies," she spat at him.
"I bet you're gonna burn the cookie mix while they're still in the oven," Kankuro shot back. Both of them were staring at each other with eyes like daggers. After what seemed like forever, Temari broke the silence.
"Let's have a bet, shall we?" she said as she stood up.
Kankuro's grin grew more mischievous. "Alright, oneesan, I'm up for it."
Temari's anger and frustration grew and grew upon hearing the word 'oneesan', as both knew Kankuro used the polite way of addressing someone only when he wanted to frustrate or annoy them.
"Since I bought two types of cookie mix, you and I will have a cookie-baking contest. Gaara's the judge."
"You're on! I am so gonna win this thing."
"Don't be so smug, otoutosan. Remember the last time you tried baking something?"
The memory played in Kankuro's head. He was twelve years old, and he had the belief back then that he was good at anything. So, Temari told him to bake a cake for her. But he left the mix in the oven too long and pretty soon; the mansion was filled with the scent of something burning. Kankuro got a good scolding after that.
"Shut up! I was distracted back then, okay!"
Temari laughed and followed her brother out the doorway. They went downstairs and found Gaara reading a book about Suna's history.
"Hey Gaara," Temari called, barely looking at him, as she walked to the kitchen. Gaara looked up to see a determined-looking Temari, followed by a smug Kankuro. He watched them, and put on the what-are-you-two-up-to-now expression. Kankuro answered his unspoken question.
"Temari and I made a bet. We're gonna see who's the better cookie-maker by making cookies and letting you be the judge," he explained. Gaara's eyes widened a little in surprise. He expected the bet to be something like 'Who is the fastest runner?' or anything that tested endurance and strength. They were Temari and Kankuro, after all. Gaara said nothing, and went back to reading the book.
Kankuro proceeded to the kitchen and found Temari preparing all the necessary baking materials. They had enough materials for two. Kankuro wondered why they had so much baking materials, and then remembered that Temari once had this sudden burst of determination to bake, and so she bought more than enough materials. However, as soon as she looked into the recipe book, she lost all her interest.
Since there were two types of cookie mix, each sibling got the mix they preferred to bake. Soon enough, the pouring, measuring, mixing, and taste-testing began.
Author's Note: New story again! -) I'm sorry if this story sucks, guys. While making it, I wasn't really that... motivated. :| So yeah. Please tell me if it's a good one or not, cos if most of you guys say it's not, then I'll take it out then edit it. :D Again, I dunno when I'll be able to edit. I've been lacking motivation lately. Sorry. :( Excuse the bad grammar as well. As I said, I lacked motivation while making this chapter.