Jiraiya's Second Chance

The Light Festival

Jiraiya was busy drinking his tea trying to come up with what's next to write on his new novel when Aikiko went down the stairs to go to work.

"Don't come back too late Aikiko. We have to be back in the city square by 7pm." He reminded his wife.

"I won't. I told Iruka Sensei I will not help out in the after school today so I can come home immediately. Bye see you later." And then she was off.

His wife cancelling on Iruka somehow felt satisfying for the old Sannin and he allowed himself a wide grin.

"Come on let's go." Jiraiya hollered.

Jiraiya was waiting impatiently at the door. He was wearing a dark blue kimono as well with simple silver line design. At the collar and sleeves there were some intricate fire design made with white silvery thread. It was a very manly kimono. He has not worn anything like that before.

His wife though insisted him to wear it so they can be a pair.

He kind of give in, after all it was a small request compared to the heartaches he has been inflicting on her all this time.

"Sorry, I'm ready now." She said smiling at him.

Jiraiya froze when he say what seems like an apparition before him.

His wife has fixed her hair up in an intricate side bun and put the hair accessories that came with the kimono. The kimono brings out the blue hue of her eyes, its brilliance glow with the happiness inside.

The white sash and obi highlight the slim figure that always hide behind the old loose kimono she usually wear day in day out.

She also applied a little make up and she stood before him with elegance and confidence he never saw before.

The couple slowly walk to town. Jiraiya kept stealing glances at the little woman beside him. Is this really his wife?

When they reached the square, a few ladies immediately greeted them. Of course the conversation was immediately drawn on how beautifully dress Aikiko was.

There were some children and parents too who greeted them warmly.

Jiraiya couldn't understand but he felt irritated whenever he saw some men's eyes lingering longer than appropriate on his wife.

Dammit... Stop eyeing my wife.. She's a married woman. He said in his head, pouting outwardly and crossing his arms.

"Jiraiya sama, is everything alright?" the blue eyes peered at him...

"Yeah.. You want some dango?" He said automatically..

"Sure, I like some." She chirped back with a bright smile.

They got some sweets and walked a little closer to the stage where the Hokage will give her speech.

Then the call for attention was made and then Tsunade walked towards the microphone.

Jiraiya gave a slight gasp as he saw the woman of his dreams dressed in shining white kimono, embroidered with intricate fire design. Everything about her speaks beauty and power. And he left out a sigh again.

After the speech, he turned around and saw Aikiko looking at him. He sighed and said... "You know, Tsunade sama will always be my Hime. She was my first and greatest love.. And my greatest failure because I can never win her heart... But you know.. She is..umm.. She will..." He wasn't sure if he should continue.

"And she will always be first in your heart." Aikiko finished his sentence. It sound a little wrong but now he is staring in a beautiful face smiling back at him with a gentle understanding smile. It was small yet genuine, but her eyes were silver blue. It was sad.

"I know Tsunade Sama is your greatest love and I know I will never replace her in your heart. But I will never ask you to replace her or ask you to choose me over her. I know my place in your life Jiraiya Sama. I know how I force myself in your life in the first place. I will not ask you to put me first, or even to love me... But maybe you can find it in your heart that at the very least you will consider me....something more than an outsider... maybe a friend." She said with a sad smile.

The words somehow pierced Jiraiya's heart.. A friend, someone you can trust and rely on... "A friend"...the unspoken implication of the words was ringing loud in his head.

And then it was cut off when he felt a tiny hand grab one of his.

"Come, let's try some of the games too maybe we can win some prizes." Aikiko said happily.

And she dragged him to one of the tents.

The night went on and the two played some of the festival games. In some of the games they became a little too competitive, almost blasting one or two of the stalls down, but they both shared some laughs, and most time did not even take the prizes won.

Towards midnight, they found themselves on top of one of the roof waiting for the fireworks.

"That was fun..." She smiled at him hugging one of the teddy bear he won in the first tent. The wind blew and she shivers a bit.

Suddenly the night was filled with light as the fireworks blasts joyously at the conclusion of the festival. Jiraiya found himself staring at the woman beside him as she stared, laughed and clapped amaze with the light show.

"So beautiful..." she said

"Yes beautiful..." Jiraiya agreed not taking his eyes off her face.

The couple quietly walked home after the festival, it was a long walk home as Jiraiya's old house is at the outskirts of the village. Aikiko stumbled a little bit but then she fall gently on Jiraiya's back.

"Let me carry you slow poke." He said jokingly.

After overcoming her initial surprise, Aikiko put her arms closely around Jiriaya's neck and rested her face at his shoulder.

"Thank you. It was so much fun." She said

"Yeah.. You enjoyed it?" He said with a grin forming his face.

"Yes.. I hope we can do this again next year, and then the next." he heard her say as she tighten her hug around him.

"Sure.. Why not.." Jiraiya said automatically, surprised how he really mean it.

When he reached the door, he knew that she has fallen asleep already.

"Sigh sleepy head.. I guess no action for tonight.." He told himself.