Disclaimer: I don't own Slam Dunk ok? I am just a huge fan who seems to have become crazy.

A/n:

Summary: Sakuragi stops a depressed girl from committing suicide and recognizes her as her long-ago friend in the neighborhood where he used to live. He remembers the time when she believed in him and in return he will try to help her solve her problems especially with a certain blue-eyed fox, even if it kills him.

Maybe I Care Too

Chapter 1         Hey You! What Do You Think You're Doing?

Sakuagi Hanamichi was whistling a happy tune as he walked up to the rooftop of the school building. (diff. From the rooftop that Rukawa inhabits) He was there to meet Haruko who had generously promised to tutor him.

"My…my…this is my lucky day." Sakuragi thought happily.

^Thoughts running on his head^

"Oh that was good Sakuragi! You truly are a genius!" Imaginary Haruko complimented.

"Hahaha!!! Everything is easy for the tensai!" Sakuragi's maniacal laugh echoed.

Back on reality, a goofy smile was etched at Sakuragi's face. He swung the door open and was shocked at the scene before his eyes.

"Hey You! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Sakuragi shouted at the young girl standing on the edge of the roof ready to jump. Acting on pure instinct, he tackled the poor girl to the ground. The girl struggled, trying to get free by punching and kicking him trying to inflict to him much harm as possible.

"stop it you lunatic girl!" Ssakuragi yelled.

"Owwww!!!! You bit me! And this is the thanks I get for saving your life? That's it, girl or no girl I am going to hit you, just to make you return to your senses." Sakuragi shouted angrily, he was getting ready to punch her when the door opened.

"Sakuragi-kun!" Haruko exclaimed in shock a hand on her mouth.

"Haruko-chan it's not what you think!" Sakuragi yelled protesting, standing up right away, leaving the girl in an undignified position on the floor.

"She's gone crazy and tried to kill herself and I became a hero saving her!"  Sakuragi announced proudly.

Haruko had on a confused expression and turned to the girl in question. Haruko held out a hand, which the girl furiously swatted away.

"He was just a busybody and you should tell him to start minding his own business." The girl spoke bitterly.

"GAH! Did you just hurt my lovely Haruko's hand?" Sakuragi cried out loudly ready to harm the girl again.

"Stop it Sakuragi it's fine. I think that you should try to apologize to her." Haruko said scoldingly. "I'll be waiting for you downstairs when you're done." Haruko spoke casting him a glance.

"Hai…" Sakuragi murmured weakly.

The girl watched the exchanged with tart amusement.

After when Haruko was gone…

"Well aren't you going to apologize to me?" The girl asked eyebrows raised.

Scowling, Sakuragi turned t her ready to make her cower and run. He took in her full appearance with straight black hair that fell in a soft curl in the end, grayish-blue eyes and soft pinkish lips with a delicate nose and high cheekbones. She was not bad looking. Sakuragi concluded.

"Well?" The girl prompted acidly, thumping her right foot in annoyance.

Sakuragi's mod darkened. "I'm sorry." He muttered then turned to the door. He was starting to go away when an image flashed through his mind.

"A young girl about 4 or so holding out a hand to him as he was on the street with his broken bike crying loudly."

"Wait…you seem familiar. What's your name and why were you trying to jump?" Sakuragi asked suddenly turning around.

The girl who was watching him leave, "None of your business." She answered coldly. "And as for my name, Raye Yuuki."

Sakuragi froze at the familiar name. It all fits! "Raye-chan?" Sakuragi called out softly the affectionate nickname. "Its me Hanamichi.'

Raye's gaze of acidic contempt fade d and change to that one of shock. "Hanamichi?" She called out questioningly.

Sakuragi gave a small nod and opened his arms for a hug. Raye ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"My god! It's been years! I missed you." Raye said with closed eyes missing her dear friend.

"Ages!" Sakuragi agreed hugging her back.

"So what's new with you?" Raye asked with a bit of happiness in her eyes that was for a long time missing.

Sakuragi gave a modest shrug. "You are looking now at the ace of Shohoko High!" He said loudly followed by his trademark laugh.

"Really?" Raye asked skeptical.

"You doubt the tensai?" Sakuragi pretended outrage.

Raye shook her head laughing. "No I don't."

They continue on chatting for a long time, laughing just like old times when it suddenly occurred to Sakuragi.

"Hey! Why were you trying to kill yourself earlier?!" He demanded.

Raye kept quiet not meeting his eyes. "I think Haruko-san is still waiting for you." She reminded him.

A look of dread crossed his face. "Haruko-chan I'm sorry!!!!" Sakuragi yelled loudly as he sped downstairs with Raye trailing him quietly. Looks like her decided decision will just have to wait for a while.

With Haruko…

"I'm sorry Haruko-chan!" Sakuragi pleaded bowing repeatedly and apologizing profusely.

Haruko looked at him kindly and then to Raye. "hello! Did Sakuragi apologize to you now?" She asked her voice friendly.

Raye pondered it  for a moment then shook her head. "No he did not." She answered with a smile.

"Sakuragi-kun!" Haruko scolded hands on hips. "I will not forgive you till you apologize to her.

"But Haruko! It wasn't my fault! She should apologize to me for biting me!" Sakuragi half-whined.

"Sakuragi!" Haruko spoke with disapproval.

"Hai…" Sakuragi skulked. "I'm sorry." He mumbled. Raye smirked.

"I'm Haruko Akagi." Haruko introduced offering a hand.

"Raye Yuuki." Raye said automatically accepting her ahnd. "I'm sorry for slapping your hand earlier, I was just angry at him." Raye apologized.

"Apology accepted." Haruko smiled. "Are you new here? Maybe I can show you around?" Haruko offered.

'That would be nice." Raye smiled back her dimples showing. They intertwined arms and moved on leaving Sakuragi behind.

"But…but… Haruko-chan what about my tutor lessons?" Sakuargi asked.

"You took so long. And besides you're late for practice." Haruko called out to him.

Sakuragi checked the school clock and gasped. "Gory is going to kill me!!!" He yelled running in a very fast pace to the gym.

***

Haruko and Raye were laughing and talking as they finished the tour of the school. "And that leaves us with the school gym." Haruko concluded opening the gym doors. Raye froze at the mention of the gym.

"Uh, that's okay Haruko-chan. I don't really need to see the gym." Raye said weakly.

"But you do! Our team is one of the best in Japan. And besides Sakuragi is here. I'm sure he would love to see you.." Haruko encouraged pulling her to the door.

Raye's heart was hammering as they entered.

The door squeaked open and everyone quieted down at the newcomer.

"Haruko-chan!" Sakuragi greeted enthusiastically. But the rest of the members' attentions were focused on the beautiful newcomer who was grasping Haruko's hand nervously.

A pair of blue eyes glanced uncommittedly to the unwanted interruption.

Raye's hands were clammy and her face was stark white. "Damn." Raye cursed getting ready to bolt out

A/n: Review please!!! And no flames.