Second Chances

Chapter 47

The quads spent the rest of the day inspecting the house, with the help of Sarada and Memna, under the watchful eyes of Dan, Kakashi and Fugaku. They were making plans to reinforce the house’s reinforcements. When Dan asked the third Hoekage to find accommodations for his family, he had sent him the blue prints of the house he had in mind. This house was almost as fortified as the house they lived in back in the forest but the quads wanted to be sure. Like their grandpa Iruka would say, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Fugaku and Kakashi found this amusing as the quads were acting like true Uchiha. “Little ones, there’s no need to put a barrier around the house.” said the amused Dan. “You’re right, we need to put it around the entire block.” said Aiko with a hint of finality in her tone. “That’s not what I meant,” said the exasperated Dan. “There’s no need to hide yourselves here.”

“We know.” said Ai. “We not making the barrier to keep ourselves hidden but to keep unmated alpha away.” said Akihiko as he and his brother took measurements of the door.

“Now, now, you know as well as I do that they can take care of themselves.” said Dan trying to keep his cool. The idea of unmated alpha near his family wasn’t sitting well with him. “Yes they can but they’ll be too busy taking care of us to take care of themselves.” the quads replied. “Maybe we should use the same barrier we used in the village but this time we don’t put it on stun.” said Dan as he read over the jutsu formula for the barrier. Fugaku and Kakashi’s amusement grew when Dan joined in the quad’s antics.

By the time Dan and the quads were done with their inspection it was already nightfall. Kakashi had managed to dissuade them from putting up the barrier but he couldn’t stop them from setting up the booby-traps. Now they were on their way to the Uchiha compound. Sarada and Memna had managed to convince Fugaku to invite them all to dinner. It didn’t take that much effort because it seemed Fugaku liked them as much as they did.

Once they got to the compound they were welcomed by a loud crash and the sound of dishes breaking. The joyful atmosphere that had built up around the group instantly dissipated. Dan and the quads thought that there was danger but when they turned to the Uchiha, they were greeted by twin looks of annoyance on Fugaku and Kakashi’s faces while Sarada and Memna looked embarrassed. Fugaku walked into the yard prompting everyone else to follow him. As Dan and the quads entered the house they were greeted by the faint smell of burnt food.

“We’re home!” said Sarada as she took off her shoes and left them by the door. “Sarada, is that you?” asked a loud feminine voice. “Yes mother.” Sarada replied. “Where have you been?! Your grandmother left for some council meeting, leaving me to do all the cooking tonight!” Sakura yelled then the sound of a dish breaking was heard. “Dammit! Sarada get in here and help me with dinner!” yelled Sakura much to Fugaku’s annoyance. Sarada disappeared into the kitchen leaving everyone else in the doorway.

Fugaku sighed when he saw Memna’s pout. Memna opened the door and closed it again. “I’m home.” said Fugaku to which Sakura appeared from the kitchen with a large smile on her face. “Welcome home.” she said in a sweet voice. “How was your day?” she asked. “Meh.” he replied as he walked past Sakura and headed towards the dining room. Sakura frowned at that reply and muttered something about arrogant Uchihas. Kakashi cleared his throat startling Sakura. It was then that she noticed the other people standing in the doorway waiting to be welcomed in.

Sakura looked at them puzzled as to what they were doing in the Uchiha household. The look of puzzlement was replaced with a sneer when her gaze landed on Kakashi. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” asked Sakura with her arms folded. “Ah, you have such a way of making someone feel welcome.” said Kakashi with a smile. “What are you doing here?” she asked again through gritted teeth. “Lord Fugaku invited us for dinner.” Kakashi replied. “What?!” she asked very annoyed. “So, what’s for dinner, charred rice and slightly raw fish?” asked Kakashi as she walked past her, in the direction Fugaku went. “Asshole.” she muttered as she went back to the kitchen.

“I feel awkward.” said Ai breaking the silence between them. “I apologise for my aunt’s behaviour.” said the disguised Memna. “This way to the dining room.” he said as he led them to the dining room. “Does he know that we can’t see him?” asked Ai as they followed the sound of Memna’s footsteps. They walked into the dining room and found Fugaku seating at the head of a large dinner table. Kakashi was seating by his side though there was a chair between them which was reserved for his mate.
“Grandfather, when do you think grandmother is coming back?” asked Memna as he took a seat beside him. “Not soon enough.” replied Fugaku with a frown. “Charred rice and raw fish?” asked the confused Aiko looking at Kakashi. “It’s one of her specialties.” replied Kakashi as he took out his orange book. “I’m guessing you don’t like her very much.” said the amused Dan. “Oh? What gave you that idea?” asked the ‘shocked’ Kakashi. “My mistake, given that she is such a breath of fresh air, I just assumed.” replied Dan.

Dan and Kakashi’s banter continued until the awkward atmosphere around them dissipated. Dan and Kakashi’s banter evolved from Sakura’s cooking to Sakura herself then they somehow ended up talking about ways to get rid of a dead body without a trace. Surprisingly, Memna and the quads had a lot to say about this topic, making all the adults worry. Dan and Fugaku made a mental note to talk to them about it but they couldn’t help smiling as they watched Memna and the quads enthusiastically add on some of Kakashi’s points.

Fugaku was thrilled though you couldn’t tell with that semi-permanent frown on his face. It had been a very long time (14 years) since the Uchiha household was this lively. He couldn’t help but smile fondly at the scene in front of him. Memna was actually talking though he was still disguised. Kakashi was making eye contact with everyone instead of his entire face being hidden behind that book of his, although the book was still in his hand and dinner actually smelled appetizing even with Sakura in the kitchen.

Soon Sarada walked into the dining room with a tray of food in her hands. It was as if she could sense that they were getting hungry. She smiled at everyone as she placed the food on the table with the help of Akihiro. Memna had left the dining room to get the rest of the food. Once the table was set and everyone was seated they all dug in.