Sitting in Sasuke's hospital room, Sakura eyed the red-head seated beside her suspiciously. It had been two days since the Uchiha had been brought home, and he still remained in poor condition. A group of three strange individuals had been allowed into the village, confirmed as allies during Sasuke's single moment of consciousness.
Sakura didn't understand it. These people – criminals, probably – were more important to him than she or any of their teammates. More important than the people he had known and fought beside since his first days as a genin; more important than those who loved him and would give their lives to protect him. She assumed this – no, knew this – because when he was awake, he refused to acknowledge Team 7's presence, instead focusing on the strange group (whom he referred to as 'Team Hebi')
Had he really moved on? Had he really abandoned their past and severed his bonds? It seemed too harsh a reality to believe, yet it was the only conceivable choice for the Uchiha.
No matter where her relationship with the boy stood, Sakura didn't trust his new allies.
Looking at the red-head from the corner of her eye, she asked, "So, Karin, how do you know Sasuke?"
"I don't see how it's any of your business," she snapped, eyes hidden by the gleam of fluorescent lights on her glasses. "But I'll tell you one thing: back off! I saw him first, and no pink-haired slut-nurse is gonna get in my way!"
At first, the insult set Sakura's blood boiling, her face warming with anger. How dare this complete stranger call her such a thing! She was not a slut – the only person she had eyes for was Sasuke. She didn't even dress slutty!
But then she noticed the way Karin was forcing herself to sit taller, head held high and defiant. It was reminiscent of a frightened cat puffing up its fur to intimidate its predators.
Raising and eyebrow, Sakura smirked. "Well, isn't that interesting, seeing as I was on his team before he left the village."
The other girl seemed to deflate for a moment, only to puff up even more immediately after.
"O-oh yeah? You have proof of that?"
Forcing a fakely sweet smile, Sakura took a photo of Team 7 from her pocket. She handed it to Karin, who studied it with a guarded expression.
"Whatever," she said, tossing back at her. "You should still stay away from him."
The pink-haired kunoichi bent down to pick up the photo, which had fallen to the floor. As she did so, Karin added, "Besides, I'm pretty sure Sasuke likes girls with long hair."
Straightening, Sakura shrugged. "Maybe. I'd rather be liked for more than appearance, though."
"Is that why you cut your hair?" Karin asked, gesturing to the photo in the other girl's hands. She wore a slightly curious expression.
"No, I sort of cut it out of instinct," Sakura smiled at the memory. "But I keep cutting it because it's more manageable this way."
Karin fingered her own long red hair, her tough facade slowly deteriorating, revealing worry. What did Sasuke really prefer?
Author's Notes: Before you say anything, this is not and anti-Karin fic. I actually really like Karin.
Anyway, I don't know what the point of this was... Just sort of a random ficlet. /
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of its characters.