Second Chances

Chapter 2

"Remind me to reset the trip wire tomorrow," Shino said as they walked towards the house.

"Right," Akihiko said a bit worried as he nodded to himself then said, "Uncle, this is the third time this week that they tried to follow us through the barrier."

"You're right. They are getting smarter," Shino replied thoughtfully.

"Well, we can worry about that tomorrow but right now, look what we got for you," Akihiro said as he handed Shino the white roses they got from the flower shop.

"Thank you. These will go well with the streamers you got," Shino said.

"Well about that, we weren't able to find any blue streamers but we were able to find some lavender ones," Akihiko said.

"Hmm, well the lavender streamers will go well with your mother's eyes. You boys hurry and get those ingredients to your grandpa while I finish decorating," Shino said taking the bag of decorations from Akihiro.

Their house was small but it was big enough for the eight of them. Iruka had his own room whilst Shino, Naruto and Kurama shared a room. The quads had their own room which they split in half, one side for the boys and the other side for the girls. The kitchen was small but Iruka didn't mind, it just meant everything he needed was in arms reach.

The twins found Iruka putting the final touches on their meal.

"Grandpa, it looks like you're almost done. It seems there wasn't a need for us to rush here," Akihiko said as he tried to steal a piece of steak from the table only for his hand to get whacked by a wooden spoon.

"You can have some when your mother and uncle get back but for now, go help your cousins," Iruka said as he patted Akihiko on the head.

Akihiro kissed Iruka on the cheek and handed him the bag of ingredients. Iruka smiled as he watched Akihiro leave with a pouting Akihiko behind him.

"I don't know why I always have to be the distraction," Akihiko said as he rubbed his hand.

"Because you are good at it," Akihiro replied as he pulled out some rice balls from his pocket.

"Next time you distract grandpa, while I take the treats," Akihiko said.

"No way, I still have my whole life ahead of me," Akihiro said as he took a bite out of his rice ball.

"But you don't mind sacrificing your older brother," Akihiko said.

"Only by a few seconds. As far as I'm concerned, I'm older," Akihiro said.

"You two are finally back! My share please," Ai said when she saw Akihiro and Akihiko munching on rice balls.

Akihiro tossed a rice ball to Ai only for it to be caught by Aiko.

"How did you manage to steal these from grandpa?" Aiko asked ignoring Ai's pouting.

"Akihiko makes a great distraction," Akihiro replied as he handed Ai a rice ball which she happily devoured.

"So, how's the entertainment coming along?" Akihiko asked as he wiped away the remnants of his rice ball on his pants.

"Great! I managed to find my flute and Ai found her harp. The only thing left is-"

"If you two think I'm joining in your little concert you're out of your minds!" Akihiro interjected already knowing where this conversation was headed.

"But it won't be the same without you. You know how uncle Kurama loves your singing," Ai said.

"Nope. Not happening. Every time I sing, grandpa goes all starry eyed and makes me sing until my throat starts to hurt!" Akihiro said.

"Well now that's your own fault for having such a beautiful voice," Aiko said.

"Flattery will get you nowhere and besides Akihiko can sing too. His voice is much better than mine," Akihiro argued.

"Don't bring me into this. Every time I sing, uncle Shino's insects start swarming me. The last time that happened, I kept coughing out insects for days. I'll just play the piano," Akihiko said.

"So it's settled. Akihiko will play the piano, Akihiro will play the guitar while I play the harp and Aiko plays the flute then for the finale we'll all sing," Ai said excitedly.

"As long as I'm not the only one whose vocal chords have to suffer then I agree. By the way, Ai, did you get the house ready?" Akihiro asked.

"Yes. I put seals on all exits and entrances. I reinforced the barrier, amplified the genjustu barrier and set all the traps," Ai said.

"Good. Now all we have to do is rehearse," Aiko said much to the boys' displeasure.

Back in the kitchen, Iruka was putting the final touches on the cake.

'The strawberries the twins bought go well with Shino's honey. Maybe I should leave some for a snack,' Iruka thought as he looked at his masterpiece.

It was a three tier vanilla cake with a strawberry filling with honey glaze.

"The sun is going to set soon. Maybe Naruto and Kurama won't be back in time, but they did say they were three hours away. Then again that was two hours and thirty minutes ago. Maybe I'm worrying about nothing. Those two are highly skilled shinobi and they are together, so everything should be fine. Nothing can hurt them as long as they are together, but... What if they got separated? No, that's not possible...but, what if?"

Shino walked into the kitchen and found Iruka pacing back and forth.

"You're doing it again," Shino said with a jar of honey in his hand.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Iruka said with a pout.

"You're worrying over nothing. As long as those two are together, they'll be fine," Shino said as he put the honey in the fridge.

"What if they aren't together? What if they got separated? What if-"

"Mother, you need to calm down before the quads sense your distress," Shino said as he hugged Iruka.

"I can't help it! Do you know what it's like having your babies out there, all alone in the shinobi world? It's like having your heart ripped out of you and having it live outside of your body!" Iruka exclaimed squeezing the life out of Shino.

"Well that's very descriptive and ill advised," Shino said trying to get out of Iruka's arms.

"Not to mention terrifying. Well then, help me set the table," Iruka said as he let go of Shino and walked into the dining room.

'He's getting worse,' Shino thought as he watched Iruka set the table.