AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Dear all, I'm so sorry I haven't updated in ages! I have had these chapters written down in my journals for ages, I just have neglected in posting them. I'm very sorry for that. To make up for my laziness, I'm going to type up as many chapters as I can today, and post them as I finish typing them. I'm so sorry!

As usual, I don't own anything but the concept.

Chapter Thirteen: In Which Things Get Better

A few days had gone by since the arrest of Mr. Haruno; things were becoming easier on everyone each day. The Uchihas were more than happy to take Sakura and her mother in for the time being. They were just happy that Sasuke s cold stature was melting away little by little. They knew that Sakura had something to do with it, what it was, they weren t quite sure.

With the communication line now open between mother and daughter, Sakura felt closer to her mother each and every day. It was something she really needed and was relieved when it was starting to happen. The cutting situation with Sakura was still a secret between Sasuke and herself. She still cut because of the dreams she had been having at night about her father. She kept telling herself that she would eventually give it up, just not right now.

Alice and Sakura had recently found that they have a lot in common. Not only did they both like dark stuff, but were both also into the Harry Potter series, hard rock music, and the color black. They truly had become great friends. That s why when it came to basketball, Sakura was glad to help give her some pointers.

"Just bend your elbow in a little more, and you ll have it. Like this, see?"

"Sakura, you re really good! You should really rejoin the team. Sasuke could really use you."

"No. For one, you have my old spot on the team and there aren t anymore. For another reason, your brother doesn't need me there. I think he and I see too much of each other as it is. I m okay with the way things are now."

"But Sakura, I think if you two just-"

"No Alice. I ve already made up my mind. Look, if something happens at any of the games and I have to play, I will. But, until then the answer is no. Now c mon, let s see that hoop swish."

Okay, so Sakura still was stubborn, but that was besides the point. Things were getting better for everyone. Even Sasuke and Sakura s friends had changes that they were happy about. You see, the truce the six of them came up with helped them become closer with each other, to the point where they all understood each other very well. It was sweet in a way. Maybe there was a hint of love in the air as well, but then again, one could never be too sure.

At school, Sasuke worked his team to the bone. Mostly to test Alice, to see how she would fit in with the team. But really, he knew that he needed to get the team in shape before their game against Sand High School. The Sand Warriors was a tough team to beat. Sasuke had a grudge with them, since they won the championship game by three points. This year, it was extremely personal.

"Alright keep it up team! A few more good passes like that and we ll call it a day!"

"But Teme, everyone s already tired. I think that we should call it a day now, don't you?"

"Naruto, do you have any idea who we re facing tomorrow? Sand High! This game isn t just any game. We HAVE to beat them, we have to win the Championship this year!"

"Uh Bro, don't we have to get there first?"

"But we will Tsukiko. That s why we need to work extra hard to make sure we do and Sand doesn't."

"I don't think that will be possible Uchiha. The girls and I were on that team last year, with me as the captain. There are things that team can do that you'll never be able to get this lot to do."

"Sakura, why are you here?"

"I'm waiting for the girls. But it's really none of your business. What you should be doing is giving your team a break, because once they go head to head with Sand, they're gonna be wishing that you didn't tire them out."

"I don't want your advice Sakura."

"Yes, but you need it. Trust me on this. I know what I'm talking about."

"Yeah Sasuke, listen. We'll be fine tomorrow," said Naruto.

"Plus we have three former Sand Warriors on our team," added a random player.

"Yeah," chimed in everyone else.

"Fine, fine, you all win. Practice is over. I'll see you all at the game tomorrow, one pm sharp. No tardies." With that, the team went to the locker rooms while Sakura helped Sasuke clean up the gym.

"Trust me, you did the right thing. You'll do well tomorrow."

"Yeah, I hope so. I would be more confident if I had you back on the team Sakura."

"Listen Uchiha, I'm not joining the team again. I've said this a million times. There's no way in hell."

"Okay, okay, I just thought I d give it a go."

"Whatever, I'm going."

"See you back at home."

When Ino, Tenten, Hinata, and Alice finally came out of the locker room, they had one thing on their minds. The one thing Sakura dreaded shopping. Every once in a while, Ino would get this look on her face that always came across as a bit too mischievous for Sakura. Then, as if it was contagious, Hinata and Tenten would get it as well. Sakura, would always ask what's up, and they would grab her by the arms and drag her to the mall with them.

"Why must we do this guys? You know that I hate shopping, and why did you drag Alice along? She probably wants to hang out with Gaara."

"Naw, it's cool. Gaara-kun has work now. I'll see him later. Plus, I love shopping!"

"Ugh, not you too! Look it's okay if we go into Hot Topic, but THAT'S IT!"

"Awe, c'mon Sakura! It's not like we make you do this all the time," said Ino.

"Yeah Saku-chan. Plus you've got to admit some of the stuff is cute," said Tenten.

"I don't think so."

"You're going whether or not you want to, understand?" asked Hinata.

"Fine, but let's make this quick. And don't you DARE drag me around!"

"Deal," they replied and they were off for their shopping adventure. As they went to their cars, Sakura couldn t help but smile inwardly. Everything was getting back to normal. It all just took one day at a time.

Alright that's chapter 13. Sort of a filler chapter for the drama that's about to come. Buckle up guys, it's gonna get intense!

Please Read and Review! -Mariegurl ^.^