Thanks again to my readers. Her it is. This one definitely has some feels in it. Please review. 3


I was lying on my back, my body totally numb. It my eyes were open but there was something over them, a soft warm cloth and I immediately moved to sit up. I felt a hand on my shoulder and paused, slowly laying back down.

"Is this really necessary?" I asked, sighing slightly. "I am fine…"

"I am being cautious," my father said, shuffling around for something. I heard him move from the bed I was laying on and walk around the room.

"I understand that but I wasn't pushed that hard yesterday," I assured, laying still.

"You're left eye started bleeding, not to mention your chakra was running very low. You pushed it as far as we need go now…"

"Dad, we've been gone over a year now," I sighed. "It is almost the new year. Can't we just go back, see mom and relax for a few days before getting back it all?"

"Is that what you want to do?" he asked, his voice level and dangerous. I sighed, biting my lip.

"No, I guess not…"

"Don't take that tone," he replied. "I told you this would not be easy. I told you we would be gone a while and I told you that this is what it took to become more powerful."

"I know," I said, groaning and removing the cloth from my eyes. I looked about the room, the dim light of the cabin room reflecting in the small windows. I looked over at my dad, his eyes watching me closely. "I know it is hard, that I'm not ready, and that I need to focus on my training but I honestly feel like I'm going to go insane if I don't go home and see mom and all our friends."

"You've been distracted ever since you activated you're mangekyo," my father said. "Did you think that you would control it so quickly? Did you think it would just come to you after a few days of training?"

"No, but I thought I'd make more progress in eight months of training with it," I spat, my tone dark. My father stiffened a bit, approaching the bed and staring down at me.

"You do not need to rush," he said. "You're mother understands and your friends as well. Your distraction is of your own doing. Your anticipation and restlessness distracts you and makes you feel out of control."

"Dad, I know they understand, I know I'm distracting myself, and I know I'm in need of some serious concentration," I looked down at the floor now, my shoulders slumping. "I just want to see home again."

We sat silent for a moment and I couldn't help but let my mind wander. It felt so awkward sitting there, silently mulling over my aching heart. It had been so long since I had awakened my mangekyo, so long since I'd seen my home…Bolt. I wish I were near him, I wish it had not been so long… I want to see him so badly. Stupid training, dad just doesn't understand. How could I ever tell him?

"Sara," I heard my father whisper. "I have to ask you something and I need you to be honest with me." I stayed silent, my eyes still on the ground. "Are you hiding something from me?"

I remained silent still, my heart pounding loudly. It was hard to decide what to do. If I hesitated any longer he would know I was lying, he would know either way. He could feel it, I could feel it. We were hiding from one another even though we were merely inches apart.

"If I told you, you would be severely disappointed," I admitted. "You'll be furious."

"I'm already furious that you have been lying," he said, a bitter sort of disappointment in his voice. "But I will not let that get in the way of the truth."

"I'll just come out and say it then," I said, looking up at him. "I love Bolt, I've loved him since we were children and before we left the village I told him."

He stayed silent, watching me with those deep charcoal eyes, his expression flat, almost unconcerned. I sighed now, looking away and moving to stand. I stretched my arms above my head and then rolled my shoulders, making sure there was no pain when I moved. Yesterday wasn't as intense as I remember and yet father said my left eye was bleeding and my chakra was low. What had really happened? I didn't even feel sore.

"Is that the secret? The big distraction that has dulling your skills?" he finally asked, standing as well.

"It is. Home, including him, is always on my mind," I said, still not looking at him. "I know we aren't done but we've been gone fifteen months. We both need a break, a fresh perspective and renewed motivation."

"You make sense but the problem lies within your limits," he said, turning and grabbing the cloth and the hot water pot that had been keeping warm on a small heating platform. He gathered them together and left the room. My eyes must have been wide and my jaw slack for I was dumbfounded. After that revelation he just walks out with a vague response?

I just stood there now, staring at the wall in front of me, trying to focus. What the hell did he mean? Was he that mad? Was he that disappointed? He left so quickly! If I don't master this mangekyo soon there are going to be big problems and it will be all my fault. In a moment of weakness and desperation I let it slip! Damn it!

I sighed, resting my palm on my forehead. I needed to calm down, to think and try harder to control my power. Everything hinged on that. My future, the life I want with Bolt, and any hopes of surpassing my father depended on that power, that control. I knew this but this power was nearly impossible to control. Even with my precision and the chakra I'd been building over the past year behind my brow, it was almost certain that if activated, I could not control it.

It was so frustrating. I felt like breaking down, crying but I knew that wouldn't help, wouldn't make me feel better. Father, who had insisted I start building chakra to obtain the Strength of a Hundred Seal, had called every shot since we left. Where we went, what we did, how we trained, and he even wanted to decide the weapon I used. It felt like I had no control over anything anymore and that ominous feeling was more than enough to unnerve me.

"Sara," I heard and I nearly jumped. Dad was standing in the doorway, his eyes watching me. Instead of severe disappointment or distain there was a staggering amount of confusion and hurt. It was the first time I'd seen that look in his eyes and it brought tears to mine. They stung with shame and I looked down, anything to avoid his gaze. I had to compose myself. A shinobi does not cry, even when faced with adversity. Dad exemplified that teaching in his very manner. Then I felt his hands on my shoulders, his stare on my face. I looked up and saw a single tear trail down his cheek. It was quickly gone before I could even fathom his reaction. He then pulled me solidly against him, his warm embrace making me cry uncontrollably.

He hushed and held me for a few minutes before sighing into my hair. "I'm so sorry I didn't see it," he said, his voice quiet. "I am so sorry I didn't see what pain you were in and I know it was my fault that you kept it a secret. I know it is my fault that you are having problems controlling your mangekyo." He sighed, holding me closer still. "I've kept you away for too long. If you want to go home, to see your mother, your friends, and Bolt…" he was silent for a moment before pulling away and holding my arms. "Then we will. You are right about renewed spirits. It will help us focus on what needs to be done when our minds are finally at peace. We will stay for New Year celebrations in Konoha."

"Three days?" I asked, my eyes searching his face.

"Yes, three days. It will give me time to check up on affairs, speak to the Hokage, and spend proper time with your mother," he admitted. "It will also give me time to consider Bolt."

"What?" I asked, my eyes narrowing. "What does that mean?"

"If you intend to be familiar with him," my father ground out. "I want to test his worth, I want to see what he is made of."

"Dad," I said, shaking my head. "You know what he is made of. You know exactly who he is. You've known since he was a child, since I was a child…"

"I did, but now I want to see if the son of the Hokage is as adamant about protecting those he loves as his father before him," my father pressed, his eyes narrowing on me. "I won't hurt him Sara. I would never hurt him because in doing so I'd be hurting you and that I cannot do again."

"Dad, I still don't understand. What are you going to do?"

"First I'll have a talk with your mother, than Naruto and Hinata. Then, if they give me permission I would like to spar with Bolt."

"Just spar?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "You mean you won't go all out?"

"You don't have much faith in him if you're that concerned for his wellbeing," my father pointed. "And it will be fine. Just don't worry about that. We'll head out first thing tomorrow. It will take us a few days to get home but once we do it will be the day before New Year's Eve."

I couldn't help but smile at father. His eyes seem to be a bit lighter as well, his happiness seeming to show through. Father didn't smile, didn't grin but simply nodded, a content look that allowed him to safe face I was sure. "I will be ready in the morning," I assured, hugging him one last time.

"Get some sleep, be rested. These days of travel back to the village will not be for nothing. You have an immense amount of chakra like I do, and precision control like your mother," he said, pulling back to look into my eyes. "I want you to gather as much chakra as you can between here and home. It won't be much of a difference but in so doing it will help you hone your concentration, your control."

"What about my mangekyo? Shouldn't I be focusing on that instead?"

"No, refrain from showing anyone or using it while we are home," he insisted, his eyes serious. "It would not be a good idea."

"Fine," I said with a nod. "I'll focus on chakra control but it took mom three years to obtain the mark."

"We can cut that in half, surely," my father said with a slight smirk. I immediately nodded, grinning back. "Now get some sleep. If renewed spirits and loved ones is what is needed then we better be in good shape when we get back. Your mother will kill me if we aren't." He kissed my forehead and turned to walk away, a slight grin still on his lips.

"Hey dad," I said, making him stop. "What did you mean when you said my problem lies within my limits?"

He turned and smiled now, a genuine look of pleasure on his face that was so rare it almost stole my breath. It wasn't something I was prepared for but he just smiled, watching me for a second before letting out a slight chuckle. "I only meant that you see your limits as a wall in front of you, unbreakable and high. That is not how you become stronger. A sensei once told me," he paused, a sort of bitter-sweet look on his face. "Orochimaru once told me that our limits are more like a line in the sand and we are the wave that washes it away."

"You've never spoken fondly of him," I said. "Was he a good sensei?"

"In some aspects he was perfect. He knew more than any shinobi on this earth, he was a Sannin, and he never really cared for limits," he admitted. "He pushed, he demanded, and there was nothing forbidden in our method." He paused now, looking out the window at the dimming sky, now purple and orange. "Good probably isn't the word. He was a very proficient teacher and motivator."

"Right," I said, looking out the window as well. "Then I'll take his advice and stop thinking of my limits as walls."

"Good, but for now just focus on gathering chakra," he admitted. "You'll be fine after we visit home and get some rest."

"Thanks dad," I said, looking over at him. "Thanking you is the least I can do for all that you have done for me."

"You're my daughter," he said with a nod. "Everything I do is for you."

I nodded, moving to stand again. "After I get my mind set straight, and everything is dealt with, nothing will stand in the way of controlling this power. I won't be distracted again."

"Do what you have to do," he said, turning and opening the door to the room. "Get some sleep and we will talk more on the journey. There are some things I think Orochimaru could teach you. Perhaps one day you may meet the snake."

"Mom will love that," I said with a smirk. "Another Uchiha to get his hands on."

"He's changed a bit," father admitted. "I haven't seen him in ten years or so but the last time we spoke he seemed almost priest like."

"Priest?"

"Yeah, quiet, always meditating and always thinking," he admitted. "But enough of that. Go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning." And with that he was gone, the door shutting softly behind him.


The three days of travel were quite easy. It wasn't too cold and the snow was light. It was pleasant to be back in the land of fire and closer to home. I could describe all the landscapes and places I've been in the past fifteen months but it all seemed so distant compared to right now. Like I had never been gone at all and I soon realized that we were getting close to Konoha. We decided to enter secretly, through the Uchiha compound so we could see mother first. She deserved that much for waiting for us.

As we entered the compound I could hear mother humming away. It must have been a day off for her. She was inside the house, humming some silly tune and it sounded like she was cleaning. There was some riffling around and a few muffled movements coming from the kitchen. We went to the back door and father knocked, a smirk on his face.

"Oh!" we heard her say. "Coming, coming!" she prompted. Then we heard some scuffling and a thump. "Damn it!" she hissed and father and I couldn't help but smirk. It was silent a moment and then we heard it. She snapped the door open, her eyes got wide, and she wrapped her arms around us both. "S-Sara!? S-Sasuke?" she whispered, pulling us closer. "You're home!" I could feel warm tears and I immediately wrapped my arms around her.

"Just for New Year celebrations mom," I said, holding her close. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too sweetie," she said pulling me close, her eyes firmly on my father. He had an arm wrapped around her waist and the other hand was gently touching her cheek. "And you…"

"Sara has some news for us," father said and I immediately stiffened. "Tell her."

"If this is about Bolt I'm quite aware," mother said, pulling us into the house. She took our jackets and packs and put them in the closet before turning to us. "I've known since she was little. She acted just like Hinata did with that boy. Shy and following him, yet she's a lot like her father as well. Disapproving and quite a serious child."

"You make me sound so silly," I said with a sigh.

"Well, you're a teenager. These things are awkward and considering who you two are I'm not surprised in the slightest," she admitted. "You better not be going hard on her Sasuke," mother warned, looking at my father. "I missed you but that won't excuse your temper."

"I haven't said or done anything to hurt her," he assured. "It was her idea to come back and I allowed it. It seemed only fair."

"So you're not done?"

"Not quite," he said. "Getting there but not quite there…"

"Sara, go get dressed, take a shower, and relax for a little bit. I'll start dinner soon but first I need to have a word with your father," mother said in a serious tone.

"I was actually going to get changed and go find Bolt," I said with a nod. I didn't care if I was being brash and inappropriate in my obvious affections. I wanted to see him.

"Fine, dinner in a couple hours, don't be late," my mother assured, pulling me into another hug. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too mom. See you in a little while okay?"

"Right," she said, letting go of me and turning to father. I could hear her hurried whispers as I left the kitchen and went to my room. When I got there it seemed as if nothing had changed. My things were still as they were and my room still smelled of cherries. I quickly shut the door behind me and got undressed. After a quick shower, a new casual pair of black slacks and a red tunic, and fixing my hair I was ready. My glasses, which father insist I left behind, were perched on my dressing table. I immediately put them on and observed myself in the mirror. I didn't need my glasses with my sharingan activated but I still needed them to read every day things. My eyes, though powerful, were not perfect.

I inspected my reflection one more time before leaving through the back door, avoiding mom and dad's heated conversation. As I made my way through the Uchiha compound and into the streets of Konoha, I soon realized that no one was looking at me. I had on a long black coat and a scarf but surely someone recognized me. It was just odd that people didn't stop to look or even ask because the closer I got to the Hokage building, the more people there were. Then I saw him. The familiar blonde hair in the crowd in front of Ichiraku ramen. I knew it was him the second I saw him. He was a little taller, his hair a little longer but his grin remained the same. He was standing next to Himawari and Inojin talking and smiling. They were enjoying the start of the festival as I slowly approached. Then they started walking down the road, still talking and smiling. It was odd when they took a left, toward the hospital instead of staying straight to go to the Hokage building. I followed them and soon they were in front of the hospital. For some reason I stayed hidden, lurking in the shadow of one of the buildings.

It was then that Inojin turned, looking about. I could hear his voice clearly as he spoke to Himawari and Bolt.

"I think someone is here," he said to them. "I can sense their thoughts but I don't know where they are, or who."

"Really? You don't recognize them?" Bolt asked.

"It doesn't work that way. If I could read their thoughts yes but I don't see them," he said with a shrug. "I don't think it is dangerous."

"I wonder why someone is following us," Himawari said with worried eyes.

"Hey!" Bolt said loudly. "Whoever is hiding out there come on out! We can sense you watching us."

"Bolt!" Himawari said with a sigh. "That isn't helping. I have byakugan you know…"

I grinned before taking off after them, dodging in shadows and perching on the fence behind them. Bolt was the first to turn around and look at me, my eyes watching him closely. However, it was Himawari who, without activating her byakguan, recognized me first.

"Sara! Sara is that really you?!" she asked, her eyes alight with joy. I pulled the scarf from around me and smiled at her, jumping down to the ground.

"It is," I said with a nod. "I missed you guys."

I was pulled into a crushing hug by Himawari who was joined by Inojin. He smiled at me and nodded and then they both pulled away, linking hands. I grinned at them and couldn't help but pull them back into another hug. It was when I let go that they stepped away and that is when I saw his face. Bolt's face was a mix of surprise, happiness, and confusion.

"Hello Bolt," I said with a soft smile. He didn't hesitate and didn't do anything he didn't intend to do because I was immediately wrapped in his arms, his lips capturing mine passionately. We didn't even notice Himawari and Inojin disappear as we stood there in each other's arms. It felt like it would last a lifetime but it was sadly cut short when Bolt pulled away and looked into my eyes.

"Sara," he whispered desperately. "I've missed you so much. Are you really here?"

"For a few days," I said with a slight tone of bitterness. "But I want to be with you, I need to be with you Bolt. My father knows and I don't care. I convinced him to come back for a few days to relax but I don't think I can leave you again."

"Shh…" he said softly. "It's okay. We have a few days so we can enjoy that but Sara… if you're not done training then you have to go back with your father."

"Bolt, please don't talk about leaving. I just got back and all I want to do is spend time with you before my mother comes looking."

"Yes," he whispered and immediately pulled me into his arms again. "Just you and me, together."

"I love the idea," I admitted, lacing my fingers with his. "So let's go. We don't have much time."

"We have a lot to talk about," he admitted, pulling me close as we started walking up the street.

"I don't want to talk right now," I admitted, my hand squeezing his. He looked down at me and I couldn't help but smile up at him, a blush on my face. He immediately chuckled and nodded.

"Alright, we can save talking for later…"


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