Disclaimer (one-time only): I do not own Naruto or any of its variations, or the characters.

I am simply a graduate student who wanted to write fluff while pretending that I'm studying. Enjoy!

(10.02.2018)

Two Left Feet - The inability to dance

"Ouch!"

Sakura flushed as yet another partner released her to take a step back and inspect his abused toes. This time it was a tall, handsome blonde with eyes the color of sapphires and the cutest lop-sided smile she'd ever seen. Currently, however, his lips were set in a heavy frown and his smooth brow as furrowed as he tried to assess the level of damage she had dealt without removing his shoes.

Fists clenched at her sides, Sakura lowered her head slightly and apologized for the fourth time in the past hour. And, predictably, her partner offered her a weak smile and told her not to worry about it. However, he also didn't make an attempt to resume their dance. Instead, they waited in an uncomfortable silence as the soft sounds of ballroom music played in the background - each wanting desperately for the song to end. And, at last, when the violins faded, the blonde man rose and gave her a polite bow, to which she responded with an equally polite curtsey before watching the man hastily rotate towards his next partner, a much taller and graceful brunette.

Normally, Sakura would have been upset, but she could find the confidence within her to be bothered by her former partner's quick retreat. She was a horrible dance partner.

It always struck her as odd, though, for her to have two left feet when she had spent a large portion of her childhood as a gymnast, a sport which required incredible balance and coordination.

"It's rhythm that you lack, not coordination."

Sakura jumped a little as the words swept across the back of her neck and tickled the back of her ear. A soft chuckle soon followed, her mysterious companion having noticed her surprise.

Careful not to twist her ankle or step on the beautiful evening gown that Ino had lent her for the occasion, Sakura turned to face her new partner. She was surprised to find that it was the hostess's grandson, a world-renown pianist, standing behind her.

"Akasuna Sasori," he said simply, extending a hand out towards her in greeting.

"Haruno Sakura," she replied softly, still a little stunned to find herself in the company of the notorious gentleman.

He, however, seemed rather amused by her dazed reaction - it had been a long time since anyone had placed him on such a high pedestal.

So, when she slid her hand into his, undoubtedly prepared for a customary handshake, Sasori held onto her hand a moment longer than others would deem appropriate and watched closely for her reaction. And he couldn't help but smile when she blushed.

"Would you have a dance with me, Haruno-san?" he then asked, successfully shifting her attention from their still-clasped hands to his face. Her blush only deepened. Goodness, she was fun to tease.

Like the gentleman he was known to be, however, he would wait for her response before moving. He wasn't surprised when she made an attempt at politely declining.

"Are you fretting over the safety of my toes, Haruno-san?" He chuckled when bright green her eyes widened.

Busted.

"I'm sorry, it's just that I don't seem very adept at dancing, I've been stepping on toes all night." Try as he might, Sasori couldn't help but find her shyness adorable.

"Ahhh, but you have yet to step on mine," he replied slightly, hoping to coax her into one more dance before the night ended. Her response surprised him, though.

Green eyes as bright as polished emeralds narrowed slightly, "that's because we've hardly moved an inch."

"I have confidence in my ability to properly lead my partners, Haruno-san."

Sakura felt her eye twitch. Just when she was starting to enjoy herself, he threw her a curveball.

"You certainly are persistent, Akasuna-san," she quipped, her once-soft tone becoming clipped and professional as she carefully extracted her hands from his. "But I have no interest in further embarrassing myself tonight."

Sasori raised a brow. It seemed that there was much more to this woman than he'd initially expected.

"Perhaps you would feel more comfortable if you removed your shoes? They look about as comfortable as they are practical."

Now that got a reaction.

"And where do you suppose I put them?" Her previous irritation had all but nearly deflated, but she wasn't about to bend to his will just because one good idea.

Sasori then surprised her by waving over on of the event staff.

"Taoru-san, would it be too much to ask for Haruno-san to have her shoes placed with the checked coats?" Sakura arched a delicate pink brow, this man was surprisingly polite for someone of his social status. However, before she could explore this new nugget of information, "Taoru-san" turned towards her with a kind smile.

"If it will allow you to continue enjoying your time with us, I would more than happy to store your shoes with your other checked belongings, Haruno-san."

It took Sakura a few moments to realize what was happening, but after a quick glance at Sasori, she laughed. And she couldn't stop. 'He really wants this dance.'

"Haruno-san?" It was the tone of genuine concern in the attendant's voice that helped Sakura reign-in her laughter.

Still a little breathless, Sakura smiled kindly at the confused man before reaching out to place her hand on Sasori's nearby shoulder. Then, much to the fascination of both men, she balanced gracefully on a single stiletto and removed one of the painful black heels her mother had bought her specifically for this charity ball. Setting her newly-liberated foot down on the cool marble floor, Sakura relinquished her hold on Sasori's shoulder and proceeded to remove her other shoe. Her mood was visibly brighter when she turned back to face the middle-aged attendant.

"I apologize for making you carry out such as strange request, but thank you." And she really did mean it.

Taoru returned her smile and, after carefully relieving Sakura of her shoes, bowed to the pair before strolling away to complete his mission.

When he was out of sight, Sakura turned back to face the handsome pianist and rolled her eyes at his knowing smile. "Oh, hush, you."

Sasori grinned charmingly before extending his hand once more.

"Now, how about that dance?"

Hi! I hope you enjoyed this first installment! It's not as detailed or carefully planned as most of my stories, but that's kind of how this drabbles series is going to go! Just hot-penning my creative inspirations to at least make my distraction time slightly productive! This one was written while I should have been studying for my Evidence-Based Medicine exam! Hee hee, oh well! (Now I need to go and study!)

Let me know what you guys think!

~Smash41 KMF