A/N: Time passes a little faster in this chapter. This is mostly kicking back and having a little fun, but there are some minor story developments.

Thank you to shannny2k, shelvesinthecloset, Shubaltz Crazist, & Sylence for reviewing. It makes me happy!!

Disclaimer: Kishimoto-sama can ring in any holiday he wants in style…manga style that is, with his rights to Naruto. Truthfully, I think it would be fun to see…

Confessions and Resolutions

Over the week Ino made a point of letting everyone she thought should know about her situation. When Satou Chisa, the head librarian's, first words were: "Did you and Chouji finally…" Ino began to preface her story by saying: "I met someone in Suna." First Sakura with Shika, now this, I don't know why people want to tie me to one of my teammates.

Another week after that in sank in that there were people she had regular contact with that it had never occurred for her to tell. One morning, while the Yamanakas were out for breakfast at Toh's diner, it was a fairly regular part of their lives. Inoichi made a comment that Ino should be sure to order something eat something more substantial for the sake of his grandchild. Arika, who was their regular waitress there, dropped the tray that carried their beverage order and with a shocked expression on her face ran out of the room. In short order, the owner's wife was apologizing for her niece's bad behavior.

Ino made a point of seeking out Arika afterwards. She knew the brown haired waitress had a crush on Chouji and had even implied that she thought Ino had something going on with her teammate. So of course it made sense that Arika must have jumped to the wrong conclusion. When the blonde kunoichi completed her explanation, the other girl said gruffly, "You're even more stupid than I thought."

Kankurou slid out through the side door that lead into the shadowed alleyway and into the November night. He stayed in the shadows for a few blocks then, before stepping into the better-lit streets, he put on a disguise jutsu version of his facial paint. He only used his jutsu when he went to places where he might have to remove it. My public face. For a short time I considered giving it up…then I realized it has its advantages.

He reflected on the last two hours. Why hadn't I thought of this sooner? There was a strange sense of serenity that had come over him. Once I started talking about Ino, it had been nearly impossible to stop. The dream, my fears, what I felt…and not just about her, about Gaara as well. It was just a stream of thoughts flowing out of me…things I never told anyone else. That release was like a religious experience. A scowl crossed his face, That's a dark parallel considering that those 'culties' drove Gaara off, of course they didn't plan on that. I, on the other hand, deliberately chased Ino away. But at least it was for your own good. You wouldn't like it here anyways, it gets more disturbing day-by-day.

He arrived at Kazue's house and was told to wait in the entrance hall by the maid. As the girl disappeared around the corner to fetch Temari, he turned to the hall mirror and rapidly reapplied his paint. Temari would probably sense the deception…let alone Kazue-san.

A moment later he heard his sister's agitated voice as they headed his way. "Sometimes I want to rip his throat for what he's putting me through."

"He is the Kazekage and is only looking out for the best interest of Suna. Unfortunately, there's nothing in my library that we can use to counter his decision." Then Kazue added softly, "Hopefully he'll come to his senses soon."

"But not until he and the rest of the council are satisfied with the outcome of their investigation." Temari growled, "What about what's best for me?"

"At least you've got the two of us on your side." Kazue put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder, and smiled at Kankurou as they entered his line of sight. "I can't think of a stronger defender than him." A slight tilt of her silvered head.

"If only Gaara was still here. None of this would be happening." Kankurou said grimly, then looked to his sister, "Ready to head home?"

The blonde jonin nodded.

Temari walked in silence for the first stretch. Her brother was familiar with the way her moods ran and did not press her about information about her research. He had his own secrets, one's he doubted he'd ever share with her. Sure, she'll start talking before we get home…I just know it.

Four block, five, six, then the kunoichi let out a soft sigh. "I can't believe there wasn't a single clue…not in any of those books." She glanced up at him, "She's got the largest private library in Suna. It even specializes in law and history, if there was any one who could find a way to get out of the damned process I thought for sure it would be Kazue."

"And the clock keeps ticking," he muttered in response.

"None of your sources have any clues," Temari's tone got dark, "I'd even settle for blackmail at this point."

"There are too many of them," Kankurou replied, "besides we can't eliminate the majority of Sunagakure's governing body, it would be seen as a sign of weakness, leaving us vulnerable to attack."

"I notice you didn't refer to them as the 'Brain Trust' of Sunagakure."

"Would you?"

"Maybe," Temari smirked, "because sometimes I think they have only one brain between them."

Kankurou chortled in the back of his throat. They had just gotten back to the central complex where, in spite of everything going on, they still resided. Not that I think we'd be allowed to move anywhere else in Suna at this point, in spite of our differences. As they went inside they headed down the entranceway past the guards on duty.

"I see you just made curfew." It was Baki's week to be in charge of the guard station at the entrance. He turned and the chuunin on duty with him made a notation on the log. He too was on their side, and if they had been just a little late he probably would have given an extra fifteen minutes before sending word out. "Good night," was the only additional word he'd dare speak tonight, with a small wave he sent them on their way.

"Later," the puppet master replied as he and his sister went on their way.

As they approached the stairs the sound of shoes going clickity-clack came from above. An attractive redhead in a tight fitting green dress and stiletto heels descended the flight and passed by them. When she was out of earshot Temari muttered, "Any bets that was Pokaru-sama's latest plaything."

"No doubt." Kankurou offered his arm to his sister and they ascended to their floor.

Shikamaru and Chouji had just arrived at the Yamanaka residence to pick up Ino for the now traditional New Year's Eve gathering at Sakura and Lee's house. The members of the 'Konoha 11' had been gathering like this since the December 31st after Ishi was born. This year was going to be just a little different: this was the first party since Sasuke had returned.

Inoichi was giving the two of them 'care instructions' while they waited for their teammate. "Please make sure Ino has something to eat while she's there. She's starting too worry too much about what she looks like. I don't want her to risk her health or the baby's over something so stupid. Make sure she doesn't drink anything inappropriate. Also don't let her get overly tired and be sure to have her home by 1:30."

Shikamaru finally had enough. "She's 21 not 16 you know, she's old enough to take care of herself."

Inoichi gave him an intense glare.

"We're going to Sakura's house. You can bet she'll take extra good care of Ino since she's one of the finest healers in Konoha," Chouji blurted it out as an appeasement to Inoichi.

The older man's body visibly relaxed. "You're right maybe I worry too much."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes as if to say That's an understatement.

"That's your job as a father." Ino had come out of her room at last. She was wearing a soft violet colored top with a pair of pants that were about two shades darker. She gave her father a kiss on the cheek. "Don't fret, I'll be just fine, my team knows how to look out for me. You and mom go out and have some fun tonight."

They walked down the stairs to the street. When they made it outside, Ino looked at them "I almost bailed on this." she said softly.

"Why would you do that?" Chouji asked

"I'm getting a little self conscious about…" she looked down at herself.

"So you've got a tummy, it's not like you're huge or anything." Shikamaru shook his head. "Half the reason Sakura does this each year is to prove to herself there's life after kids."

"Cheer up, it's a party. You know how to have fun." Chouji smiled, "You're livelier at these things than either of us."

"Except when it comes to the finger foods," she teased him back.

"Well yeah, I guess I do get a little excited over those, but you usually out do me in the drinking…" His expression showed he knew he'd slipped up.

"Thanks for reminding me," Ino growled, "One more thing I can't do."

"How troublesome," muttered Shikamaru, "I really feel for you."

Soon they arrived at Lee and Sakura's house. Pretty much everyone else was there. The only one who wasn't was Neji and he had stopped by earlier in the day to tell Lee he would not be there. Ino had a head's up on this situation from her own source. Yeah, it was just as well he isn't here. She glanced over to see Tenten talking to Lee. It wouldn't have made Tenten too happy if he'd have shown up with a date.

"Ino would you like anything in particular?" Sakura came up along side her. "You know…have you developed any unusual food preferences yet?"

"No, I'm fine. Just thinking too much." She looked over the room. Shikamaru was already talking with Kiba and Shino in one corner. Chouji was happily raiding the table where the munchies were. The main couch was occupied by Naruto, sitting between Sasuke and Hinata. He had an arm around each of them. Lee had sat down to talk to the three of them. Ino turned to Sakura, "It always shocks me to see Sasuke like that. He'd been gone for so long and now to see him there smiling and talking with everyone. Who would have thought…?" She suddenly got a wicked grin on her face, "So who do you think Naruto's gonna kiss at midnight…one of them will be disappointed not to be the first."

Sakura giggled, "You're always looking for trouble. Go on, get over there and start talking to someone besides me."

It was after 11:00; Ino was feeling a little more comfortable about things. She'd just spent a good hour talking with Hinata. It was funny that when you actually talked with her, Hinata was always a great source of encouragement. You always felt better afterward. Maybe that's why Naruto wasn't as annoying as he used to be. Ino wandered over to see what, if anything, was left on the snack table that she wanted. Then she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. There was a little someone on the stairs watching them. She walked up to him, "Ishi, what a stealthy little ninja you are." The boy froze and stared at her with his large eyes.

"Ishi, what are you doing down here?" Sakura came up along side Ino then moved to scoop up the boy in her arms. "Back to bed with you."

Oh yeah, he is so his father's son. Ino thought as she watched Sakura carry the boy in green pajamas upstairs. Then she realized something, what if her baby bore as strong a resemblance to its father as Ishi bore to Lee. She put her hand to the swell of her body and thought, You want to look like a Yamanaka, okay. My father is still a handsome man; if you're a boy, look like him.

"Are you rooted to this spot Ino," Sakura was back, "or maybe you're having a little bonding experience with the baby?" She reached to put her hand next to where Ino rested hers. "There you are," Sakura said sweetly as she smiled. "That tiny flutter, it's so exciting."

Ino blinked, "That was a movement?"

"You mean you didn't realize it until I told you?" Sakura grinned, "I know it wasn't very strong yet, but yes, that was your baby."

"Omigod." Ino looked back at Sakura, "It's just so weird that it would happen right now. When I saw you with Ishi, I started thinking, 'What if my baby looks like its father?' Now to feel that, it all becomes so real now. You know, more than the moment you find out your favorite dress doesn't fit anymore." She grinned back.

"Yeah, I remember that feeling, too." She took Ino's hands and they both laughed.

"So what are you two giggling and grinning like idiots about?"

They both turned to see Sasuke walking over to them.

"Ino's baby just moved," Sakura told him.

"Oh yeah, I forgot you were knocked up," he said casually as he looked at her. "I just thought you were dressed comfortably because there's no one here for you to seduce."

"And I forgot what an insensitive jerk you can be at times," Ino gave him a glare.

"Well anyway," he looked at Sakura then Ino again, "I guess this is a night for us to reflect on the past year. Who would have ever thought we'd all be back here together again?"

"Some of us did what we could to try to make it happen sooner." Sakura looked over at everyone else across the room. "Of course, you owe it all to Naruto."

"Now that really has to be the biggest change for you. You gave up your wandering life style," Ino added, "and traded it in for a lover who has a wife he loves as well. That's gotta be weird for you, especially when you add in Takehiro and Shigeki."

"That actually works out pretty well for me. Since the boys aren't mine, I get to dodge any responsibility…no babysitting." It was his turn to grin, "Hinata's father or sister usually volunteer. I get none of that kind of work."

"There are fun things about babies as well," Sakura said with a wistful smile. "I wouldn't trade any of the late night feedings or diapers, because the reward of seeing their little smiling faces more than pays me back for all that work."

"Besides that weren't you going to revive the Sharingan?" Ino looked him in the eye. "You can't do that in Naruto's arms, just because he can make himself look like a girl doesn't mean he has the equipment to work like one." And even if he could, I bet even he couldn't hold a jutsu like that for nine months.

"Ouch," Sakura grimaced, "that was a little harsh."

Sasuke's expression was grim for a moment then he said simply: "All right, then I'll make a resolution. I will figure out the best way to go about it and re-establish and revive everything that was positive about the Uchiha in Konoha. The section of town, the Sharingan, all of it, you just watch me!"

"Yes, the first New Year's Resolution of the evening! That is great for I am ready with mine!" Lee had come up behind them and had listened to Sasuke's declaration. Lee thrust his arm straight up into the air. "I resolve to protect everything precious in my life with every fiber of my being."

"Doesn't he make that resolution every year-ttebayo?" Naruto groaned.

Sakura smiled but gestured for quiet while she looked around, "Anyone else want to make theirs now?"

"Shikamaru does!" Chouji called.

Shikamaru flinched then said, "Why do you think I would do that? It's a drag."

"When we went to get Ino you said something that sounded like one to me." Chouji elbowed him, "Come on say it."

Shikamaru sighed, "You aren't gonna let it go, are you?'

"Nope." He knew by the way his friend had said that he was ready to give in.

"All right, here I go. I resolve to find a way to get to see Temari again and ask her if…" He stood there and blushed, then looked at the ceiling. "I told you this was a bother."

Chouji just stood there smirking.

Naruto jumped up. "I resolve to do everything in my power to make this New Year the one that Granny Tsunade will acknowledge me as her successor for Hokage, dattebayo!"

"Don't you make that resolution every year?" Kiba laughed.

"Then what's yours?" Naruto pointed at him.

"Let me think…these resolutions are usually broken anyways." Kiba laughed again. "How about I resolve to get on with my life, find a nice girl and settle down. A librarian might be nice," he snorted.

A sob came from just behind Naruto: It was Tenten. "That was just mean." She sobbed again.

Librarians were a touchy subject around Tenten. She and Neji had broken up in a fairly public argument in early May. Since then it had become common knowledge that Neji had been part of what had so far been the only success story to come out of the Hokage's speed dating set-up. The other part of that story was a pretty librarian named Chisa. They started dating in June and she was the reason he wasn't there tonight. They were out on a New Year's Eve date. From her outburst, it was obvious that Tenten was not over Neji, no matter how cheerful she had acted up to now.

Ino would not admit that she too was partially to blame for that as well. She'd marked off Chisa's number on several cards that night, Chouji and Shikamaru had ended up stuck with dates with her as well because of it. Stranger still was Ino had developed a friendship with the girl because of this. So she knew one more thing: not only was it a New Year's Eve date, it was Chisa's birthday as well.

Hinata walked up to Tenten and lead her off to the kitchen away from prying ears.

Kiba stood there with an expression of embarrassment on his face. "I was trying to be funny. I was about to tell you that Akamaru has the same resolution." He turned to Akamaru, "Right?"

Akamaru barked out two deep enthusiastic barks in agreement.

"Oh well." Sakura smiled. "I guess I'm gonna resolve to double my efforts on identifying and training new medics for Konoha."

"Weren't you planning on doing that anyways?" Naruto looked at her dubiously.

"Hey, at least I've been able to keep my resolutions." She beamed, then she turned to Ino, "What's your resolution?"

Ino looked like she was really putting some thought into it, when she finally said, "I resolve not to get too fat while I'm pregnant." The crowd let out a collective groan. While this went on Ino watched Chouji's reaction, sure enough his ears twitched when she said the dread word. Not as much fun as Kankurou's eye twitch but it will have to do. Then she chimed out, "Just kidding! My real resolution is to surprise you all by being a selfless, serene and loving mother." She gently placed her hand where she and Sakura had felt the flutter before. "I know you all think I'll be bitchy and overstressed…well maybe not Hinata, she sees the best in everyone…but really I want to prove you all wrong." She smiled an amazingly gentle smile.

The room had a moment of stunned silence.

Then as quickly as it had begun it was broken. "Hey, is anyone taking bets?" Kiba laughed.

Chouji gave a quick glare then drowned him out. "I know what my resolution is. I resolve to finally decide what is most important to me and focus my energies on that over anything else in my life."

"Food!" Naruto, Sasuke and Kiba said in perfect synchronization like some sort of choir.

"That's not what I meant." Chouji stared at them, "I was talking about something precious to take hold of with both hands and not let go."

"Sandwich!" the choir rang out again, then burst out laughing hysterically.

Chouji looked like he was trying to work out the right explanation. He really didn't want to come right out and say that he really knew who that someone precious was. He just hoped she'd take the hint…

"Just quit while you're ahead," Shikamaru put a hand on his shoulder, "those guys just don't want to get what you're trying to say."

"Well I guess that leaves you, Shino," Lee said.

"Unless someone is brave enough to get Hinata and Tenten out here for this foolishness,"

Shikamaru added.

Shino stood there quietly for a moment. "My thought is that I wish to resolve not to make a resolution."

Everyone looked at him.

Naruto turned to Sakura, "Is he allowed to do that-ttebayo?"

"I'm not gonna tell him," she replied quietly.

It was about fifteen minutes to midnight. Ino and Sakura were trying to keep a subtle watch on Naruto to see who really was going to get that first kiss of the New Year. Sakura was positive it would still go to Hinata but Ino wasn't too sure. Right now Naruto was once again seated between the two of them, so both were in easy reach. "You know you probably won't get to see anyways." Ino smirked, "Lee is going to grab to as soon as it's time, and I know you. You'll shut your eyes the moment his lips meet yours."

Sakura looked at her, "Just for that I should talk someone into giving you a good hard kiss to start the year as well. Hmmm, Shikamaru's straight out, so let's see…" she tapped her chin with her finger. She walked away from Ino and straight up to Tenten and whispered something to her. Tenten then immediately went up to Ino and kicked off a conversation.

As Ino half watched, Sakura managed to talk to all the remaining guys at the party out of earshot. It annoyed Ino but she couldn't very stop talking to Tenten when she'd avoided her all evening, especially when the subject was bad ends to relationships. The two of them were sharing sympathies.

Of course everyone knew who Tenten's boyfriend had been but no one knew what had happened with Ino (Except Shikamaru but that was Ino's secret. She knew he'd never betray her.) Tenten was trying very hard to get her to slip up. She was a world class gossip and determined to get the next elusive piece of information on Ino's story. Fortunately the clock was on Ino's side and the final countdown to midnight began, effectively ending the conversation.

"Five, four, three, two, one, Happy New Year!" Everyone joined in on the final part of the countdown. Ino just caught it out of the corner of her eye that both Hinata and Sasuke bent to kiss Naruto and just as it looked like their lips planted on him on the opposite cheeks he disappeared in a puff of smoke leaving the two of them to continue forward to kiss awkwardly instead. Shadow clone, he's still the king of pranks. She heard his chuckle and wanted to see the reaction but found herself spun about to meet up with a New Year's kiss of her own. She blinked, in spite of the surprise it wasn't a bad kiss, it was a little quick and just a bit clumsy.

"Happy New Year, Ino," Chouji sounded a little embarrassed.

"Happy New Year, yourself," she laughed. "Sakura is in so much trouble."

"You can say that again," Tenten chimed in.

Ino looked over to see that Tenten had gotten the same kind of surprise, only from Shino…then again that was probably more shocking than Ino's, at least Chouji was a teammate. Shino has that bug thing going on…

"So you don't believe in New Year's Resolutions but you believe in a kiss for good luck at midnight?" Ino questioned Shino.

"Well, our hostess was very persistent," he replied. "Since I already knew that Kiba has a family tradition of slipping outside to disturb the silence by having a good howl with Akamaru, I figured it was easier to give in. Especially since Shikamaru's resolution seemed to involve his interest in a certain distant maiden."

Ino snorted. The three of them looked at her. "I'm sorry your use of the term 'maiden' struck me as funny."

"So you're saying those two got to spend some 'quality' time together." Tenten's gossip side wasted no time in coming back out. Well at least it got her away from prying into Ino's love life. Shino on the other hand was moving off to rejoin the rest of the group.

"Yeah," Ino grinned at her, "think about it. We were there over three weeks and for most of it those two danced around each other unable to make the first move…."

"Hey sleepyhead, time to wake up." Shikamaru's voice startled Ino. "I know it's a bother but it's time to get you home."

She blinked at him. "Yeah, you guys don't need to hear my dad rant first thing in the New Year. Although it's a shame; this is a really comfortable chair." She looked at the clock; there was just enough time for her to get home before her 'curfew'. Chouji offered her a hand up. The three of them said their goodnights and were out the door.

They walked along the streets of Konoha, Ino between her teammates, watching other people either still celebrating or walking home like they were. They exchanged polite greetings as they passed and continued along their way.

They'd gotten most of the way to Ino's home when she suddenly stopped with a gasp of "Oh."

While Shikamaru muttered, "What, did you forget something at Sakura's?" Chouji immediately halted in his tracks turned with a hint of concern on his face.

Ino snatched at Chouji's hand pulling him closer and said, "Shika, come here quick." She was already placing Chouji's hand against her abdomen. "The baby's moving…check it out." The swirl-cheeked chuunin was already blushing vividly as the other came within her reach. She grabbed the Shika's hand with the same lightning speed and placed it next to the other hand she held against her body. "Do you feel that...do you? That's our fourth little teammate."

Chouji nodded while Shikamaru stated the obvious: "This is a little awkward Ino."

A drunken reveler walked by laughing.

"See what I mean," he tilted his head toward the passerby.

She released her grip in them looking up at her black haired teammate. "But you did feel it, didn't you?"

"Yeah, but it could have been anything."

"Wait until you become a father." Ino narrowed her eyes, "Especially if it's with Temari, if you say something like that to her…" She didn't need to finish the threat. He's probably imagining several painful scenarios. She turned her gaze to her other teammate.

Chouji smiled at her, "So is that what you and Sakura were so excited over earlier?"

"It was," she smiled back, "I know it didn't seem like much but…"

"It confirms that you made the right choice." Shikamaru said it softly, "I had my doubts at first but I guess you've been correct in your decision all along." He gave her a smile that clearly showed his encouragement. "So let's get you home before your father comes looking for us."

In short order they had returned to the Yamanaka residence. Ino turned to her teammates, "Thank you for being my escorts tonight. In spite of how I felt at the beginning of the evening, I really had a good time."

"Sure. The nap kind of gave that away," Shikamaru smiled.

"Well maybe I did get a little tired, but don't tell my dad that." She laughed then gave both of them a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight guys." She turned and went up the stairs.

As they resumed their own trips home Chouji spoke quietly. "So, when are you going to get started on your resolution?"

"Man, you really are a pain."

A/N: As I write this I start thinking should I have more time with Sakura and Hinata as Ino learns a little more their lives as kunoichi mommies? And then there's Kurenai…I'm not even sure how I would handle that. Then again, I think though that could be fun it loses the main drive of this story. Snippets yes, but no whole chapters.

Also: Satou Chisa and Matsumura Arika first appeared in Konoha Babylon: The Hokage's Request. At least one of them has already found a spot in a future chapter (I write fragmentally at times and assemble the chapters later) and other will probably too…considering…