Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

01. Save your tears

'I don't hate her'

It was a clear statement in her mind, hating her is exactly like hating herself. And she loved herself more than anyone else - even more than Sasuke. It was the sole reason for giving up on saving his sanity. She wouldn't kill herself for someone who obviously doesn't want to be saved. Screw him.

However, as she stares right back at her emerald eyes that reflect every 'used to be, should be, could be' of herself, she cringes inwardly. How long has it been since then? 6 months?

6 months, she remembers.

How long would it take for a fair maiden to heal her wounded (broken) heart? She felt it, her own steady heartbeat slowly fading while the pink haired woman was healing her.

It wasn't fair. Tears aren't supposed to make her soft.

But maybe, it was because they were sharing the same pain - which she allowed herself to sympathize with her.

The pain of failing to save someone you've cared deeply about for.

"Don't cry" she mouthed, unable to produce any sound. Sasuke had punctured her left lung. It was getting hard to breathe, however, as Sakura's healing hand seeped into her wound, she too begun to empathize.

"Stop talking" she gritted and continued to heal her, her eyes were bleary and dull. It was such a waste, those green eyes.

Barely a whisper, Karin tried once again as tears streamed down her pale face "Don't cry"

As Karin closed her eyes, she smiled. "We could've been good friends, you know", she managed to let out a raspy whisper. Her breathing is getting a bit even, and her wounds are closing.

Still, the medic healing her said nothing. With a sudden surge of strong healing chakra, Sakura closed in the deep wound and stabilized Karin's condition. She stood up and wore her battling gloves, "I know"

"W-wait! Where are you going?"

The pink haired medic started walking away, not bothering to answer Karin's inquiry. Eventually, she took a huge leap and disappeared in an array of falling leaves.

Karin slumped back into the stone wall behind her. She smiled bitterly, "If you cry too much, you won't be able to cry next time"

'Stupid girl'

Author's notes: HAHAHA. I was playing the free battle in naruto shippuuden in xbox360 when I came across the combination: Sakura, Ino and Karin (the subtitle said: AIMING FOR SASUKE) Anyway, I really like friendship fics about Karin and Sakura (and Ino).

Maybe I should go and study for my exams now. :)