Happy New Years to all of you Naruto geeks out there. And here it is. The first addition to this little story. Short and sweet and to the point. I will clarify now that you shouldn't expect overly long chapters (that's reserved for Stolen Suna). One shots and short additions will now become a thing so please enjoy and send me ideas or comments or anything at all. I always respond!

Once again, enjoy my fellow nerds and Happy New Years


The gates of Konoha always felt incredibly inviting and protective to Temari. Her spirits would perk up immediately upon setting sight on the top of the gate through the trees which, of course, caused her to pick up her pace a bit. This time, however, she was told to keep it to a quickened walk. Gaara and Kankuro seemed like they understood she was not THAT far along in her pregnancy, but they insisted on taking care of everything personally.

She was grateful, of course, but it still irritated her to be treated as if she were weak. She could have made the trip with her luggage alone without a problem. Problems are rare when the Kazekage is your personal guard though.

As the gates drew closer, it began to fee more and more like home to Temari. She had sent word before leaving to Tsunade and Yoshino so they would know to expect her arrival. She knew this meant Yoshino was probably waiting on the other side of the gate.

The sound of the wind blowing through the trees swirled into her ears. The smells wafting through the village gate penetrated her nose. The feeling of the warm sun caressed her skin. The taste of life reached her tongue. And the sight, at which Temari felt her heart and spirit lift, of Yoshino waving and beaming a massive smile through the gate towards her brought it all together.

She was home.

The walk to the Hokage's office was much more enjoyable than last time with Yoshino guiding Temari and her brothers the way she had already mastered. Last she had made this trek, even the sky was crying as she took the longer of the paths Shikamaru had shown her. He had told her once that it was his favorite because of the sights and smells you got to enjoy on your trip. Of course, he had added that it was also preferable due to the time wasting element. Shikamaru had never enjoyed being forced to make the trip to the Hokage's office.

This time, however, was different. It was a calm, almost soothing march. Every so often, Yoshino would say something at the expense of Kankuro and Temari could not help but chuckle. Her sadness lifted with every passing minute, every passing familiar face smiling and waving at her. A few of the shopkeepers recognized her as the Sand-nin Shikamaru had taken a liking to. And some recognized her due to them being choice date spots for her and Shikamaru. Temari felt a blush warm her cheeks.

Gaara and Tsunade talked for awhile about the legal ramifications and necessary political bindings required for the merger of the two villages into one partnership through the birth of Leaf citizens by way of Sand princess. To be quite honest, Temari paid them little attention. She was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Her stomach felt empty yet full, her head throbbed but felt empty, and her hands were sweating and shaking.

Then, it all stopped. Temari felt something warm atop her hand.

She turned her head towards Yoshino who returned her look with a beaming smile, her hand placed lightly on Temari's.

"It'll be okay dear. It's scary, I know. But you're strong and so was Shikamaru. It's your blood and his that runs through their veins. They'll be strong too, don't worry." Yoshino's words were simple but powerful. Temari could not help but smile back at her. After all, she was right.

"Thank you, Yoshino-san. Thank you for everything."

Yoshino chuckled as Gaara and Tsunade stood and officially ended the meeting. "You're family so no thanks necessary."

Her face grew dark and a tad scary for Temari's liking before she continued, "And what did I tell you? Call me Okasan."