A.N. – This chapter marks an important turning point in Sakura's character and mentality. For too long, she has been prodigious – and sometimes prodigiously stupid – in her actions and words. She has finally pushed things too far even for her fractured psyche to take. Another author's note at the end.
Lesson No. 45
Dropping the transformation was like coming down from a high for Sakura. She felt as aghast as Sasuke looked. Hadn't she just been thoroughly rebuked over her behavior? Inner (and Outer) had been giddy at dishing out revenge. Now, sober consequences were forefront in the mind.
Sasuke stared, shock-still. Kakashi, perturbed, glowered in disdain. Naruto was a silent, blotchy-faced mess. There was no joy there, not anymore – for him or her. This was not only her future she was fucking with; her team, irritants though they were, held stakes in her action, too.
What've we done? two personalities despondently chorused.
A.N. 2 – Alright, two things here. One is, are there any Harry Potter fans reading this? I am trying to find a fic; details are on my profile page if a kind soul would be willing to help. Two: I generally aim for my drabble collections to be capped at 100 chapters. For this fic, that would probably mean wrapping up prior to Wave, or just after (and that's if I adhere to canon). There are still three prospective arcs/scenes I have outlined, and more should easily germinate from them. Are you folks fine with that, or should I barrel on, pell-mell, with the antics of Sakura and Team 7 with no end in sight?
