Keep Holding On

"Neji! Well… er… I really like you… like… more than just friends. I mean, I met you about 10 years ago, when I was seven… and over the years our friendship has progressed to the point where it's more than just sparring partners.. and… well…."

"Out with it Tenten."

"Neji… I'm in love with you."

xXx

My love for him is like hanging off a cliff, only holding onto a tree root, sticking out.

Naturally it's strongest when I'm first in love, then gradually my grip begins to slip.

I almost fall quite often, but I regain my grip.

I feel like Sakura sometimes, loving someone that'll never love me back. Or, as I put it, I have to wait and see if he can love me or not.

Some people think I'm stupid for loving him. I'm in love with a human ice cube that's colder than Sasuke himself.

They've tried to rescue me.

A lot of guys have asked me out.

Helicopters have come.

I've said no with a smile, because I'm too damn in love with him.

I refused to be rescued, by someone other than him.

Sometimes I break down crying. Love can hurt, especially unrequited love. I love him so much, and all I want is for him to love me back.

My grip slips, and I almost fall.

I can remember when I got into this mess. Or rather, I can't. I just gradually began to fall in love with him. It was acquaintance, friendship, crush, now love. It's like a slippery hole. Once you get in, it's hard to get out. But then again, I did like loving him.

I was simply walking, minding my own business… then I slipped and fell, grabbing onto the protruding root to keep me from falling into the waters below. The root seemed to be right in the middle of the cliff side. Too low for me to get back up, and high enough to keep me from dying.

My love wavers slightly, sometimes I hate him so much because he's himself, and other times I just love him for who he is.

My grip loosens, but then I hold on tightly again, simply because it's either a live or die situation.

I love him for who he is. He's cold, he's arrogant, he can be an ass, he can be semi-sweet. He's somewhat protective, he's always there for me, I love him so much it hurts.

I want to be the one that erases all his pain, melts the icy exterior. I want to be the one he can trust and love, I want to be someone he's proud of.

I simply want him to love me back.

I'm waiting for him to save me.

I feel like giving up. It's as if I feel he's never going to love me back, and I might as well give up.

Maybe I should let go.

But… I keep holding on.

I regain my grip.

He'll love me one day.

He'll save me.

Some people ask me why I keep loving him.

Why do I keep holding on?

I love him too much to give up.

He's the reason why I keep holding on.