Title: The Holding Game
Genre: Angst/Suspense
Rating: T

Synopsis: While training in the forest one day, Sasuke and Naruto's pathological need to compete with one another causes them to commit a horrid act; after which their guilt and fear prompts them both to hold the biggest secret of their young lives.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

The Holding Game
by Yamichik

(:Chapter 6:) My eyes have seen

Sakura sighed. She had been standing out in the heat for awhile.

"Where the heck could he be?" she said to herself. She had already called his cell phone twice with no answer. She frustratedly looked into the windows of Naruto's apartment and tapped the glass. Nothing.

"Naruto!" she called out loud. "What are you doing?" she looked around for a second, and then finally got an idea. She pushed on the window firmly with both hands, and lifted. Sure enough, the window slid open and Sakura smiled. "Sorry Naruto, I know I shouldn't be breaking into your house, but for pity's sake, no one can find you!" she whispered as she slid through the window and placed her feet on the floor. "Maybe he's in the bath or something…" she said as she snuck around quietly. It was dead silent, strange for any environment related with Naruto.

"Naruto?" she called as she rounded the corner leading to his bedroom. The door was cracked open, and when she pushed it with her hand, she stood in silence at the sight of Naruto lying oddly on his bed.

Sakura didn't exactly know why she immediately felt a sensation of panic rise within herself, after all, the situation didn't exactly seem immediately dangerous. He looked like he was sleeping. In a trance-like state, she approached him and touched his face.

"Naruto?" she asked. He didn't respond. Now she truly was beginning to panic as she began shaking him by the shoulders and pulling at his shirt.

"Naruto!" she called as tears began to spill from her eyes, "Naruto, please wake up!!" His skin was moist and his body was hot. It was then that she noticed the item gripped in his left hand. She snatched it and frantically searched the label. "Oh God, no… Naruto! What did you take?!" she cried. "Somebody please help me!" she screamed out of the open window of his bedroom. It was like a nightmare, and there seemed to be no way out.

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Sasuke's fingers were pressed over his lips. He was afraid to move. Afraid that if he made one move, things would get worse than they already were; if that was even possible. He peered beside him to see Sakura's tear stained face as she stared at the floor.

"Sakura I-" he started, but was interrupted by a curtain drawing back and a doctor stepping out. He and Sakura bolted to their feet at the same time.

"How is he?!" inquired Sakura anxiously.

"He had a lethal dose of that sleeping medication you found him with." said the doctor.

"Oh God…" quivered Sakura.

"He's very lucky you found him young lady. About 15 more minutes and his systems would have totally shut down. However, I do think his chances are good now. He shouldn't have anymore complications, just give it time."

"Was he trying to kill himself?" asked Sasuke.

"It's too soon to tell. I can order a psychiatric evaluation once he's recovered a little more." said the doctor. "Keep an eye on him, and let him rest for a while." He added as he stepped out. Sakura and Sasuke both thanked the doctor and walked over to Naruto's bedside. He looked miserable, tubes and wires everywhere.

"Naruto…" started Sasuke.

"Why did you do something like this?" whispered Sakura as she reached for his hand. Naruto began to open his eyes in response to her touch.

"S-Sakura?" he asked in a raspy voice.

"Naruto!" she said happily. "I'm so happy you're alive!"

"Naruto!" said Sasuke in a tone that was uncharacteristically happy for him, drawing a look of surprise from Sakura. "Loser, why'd you do this?" he asked. Naruto shook his head to the best of his abilities.

"Okay kids, no hard questions. You heard the doctor, he needs to rest." Commented a nurse from the doorway. "Visiting hours are ending now, you'll have to come to see him tomorrow."

"We will." Said Sasuke as the two of them began to leave. Sakura waved and followed Sasuke out the door. Naruto was already asleep.

The next day, Sakura was the first at the door when visiting hours began. She walked in and greeted Naruto, who had since had his wires and tubes removed for the most part. He looked much better.

"Hey." she said with a smile. She passed him and cheerfully began to arrange a simple set of 3 yellow flowers in a tall, skinny, glass vase for his windowsill. The light reflected from the glass, sending a pale rainbow of color across the ends of Sakura's pink hair that were closest to the window.

"Hey Sakura…" he replied looking down at the floor. "Thank you."

Sakura turned around and just stared for a second. "Of course, Naruto." She said firmly.

"Just so you know, I didn't try to kill myself. I just-" he paused, wondering if he should ask. "How did you know to come for me?"

"Well… Rock Lee called my cell phone and told me that he'd seen you earlier. He said that you were acting… funny. And he knows that you like me, so he figured if anyone could go and probably get you to open up, it'd be me." She looked at him with concern, when the door opened behind her suddenly. It was Sasuke.

"Good morning Sasuke." Greeted Sakura.

"Hey." He said plainly as he approached Naruto. "You look better."

"I feel better." He replied. "But not totally, if you know what I mean." He droned. Sasuke eyed him harshly. "Don't talk about it." Shot Sasuke coldly.

"How can I not?" snapped Naruto.

"Shut up loser."

"It's not helping anyone to keep doing this, not even us!"

"I said shut up!" yelled Sasuke jumping into Naruto's face.

"Come on you two!' said Sakura from the other side of the room. "Just stop! I know what you're dealing with can't be easy but-" There was a sudden silence in the room as the two boys stared at Sakura with eyes wide with fear. "I-I'm sorry…" she whispered, covering her mouth. Sasuke spoke up.

"What are you talking about Sakura?" he asked urgently.

"I mean… I-I just…"

"Come on Sakura, tell us!" said Naruto nervously. Sasuke and Naruto were both practically sweating bullets. Sakura covered part of her face, leaving only her mouth visible.

"I…" She said in a tiny voice. "I know your secret."

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Hey y'all, did you like this chapter? The next one is sooo on the way to you! Sorry if it seemed a bit short, but I really don't want to rush the story! Enjoy joy!!

Peace,
-Sabs