I was listening to Hinata's and Neji's theme, and this started forming in my head. I just wrote it down. It's supposed to be Hinata's thoughts about her cousin's and her own position.
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It doesn't matter, cousin.
You're from the branch, I'm from the main family. We are different in so many ways, yet the same blood runs in our veins, and only a few minutes parts us. If your father had been the first born, I would have been the one in the branch, and you in the main house. I often find myself thinking that maybe that would have been best. You are more accomplished and skilled than me. You are a genius.
Yet you bear an anger too disturbing for me to comprehend. I know that it is the seal you bear that is your curse, and I wonder if I would be the same as you, if was in your place.
I remember when I was little, seeing you. You looked kind, cousin, and I liked you. I liked watching you train, and I liked when you watched me train. I liked to do things right for you. But did you ever feel the same way? Just a little? Did you ever like me? Or did you always hate me. Or is it what I am to be that you hate? Do you fear me? You, who called me too kind.
It doesn't matter, cousin.
I'll admit I am terrified of your eyes, like daggers, and your powers. I'd wish I could remove the seal in your forehead, but I cannot. Only death can do that.
Why does the world look like that, cousin?
Did I ever mean anything to you?
More than just the heiress?
Did you ever want to protect me … Because I am your cousin.
Your family.
Someone that you hold dear?
I hold you dear, cousin.
I wish you'd hold me dear, too.
I wish that I would be in less pain if I was from the branch.
But how could I know?
But I have felt pain, too, cousin. It is different, but it is pain nonetheless. It is a pain that I know you would not feel if you were in my place – because you are so strong. But I am not, cousin. I cannot be who everyone ask of me to be.
I've tried to change myself, and you told me that that was impossible.
But I did change myself, if only a little.
I like myself a little better now.
And though it may sound odd, I like you better, too, cousin.
Maybe someday I'll fulfill the expectations that everyone has for me, and maybe someday, you can stand by my side, not as a prisoner, not forced, but because you want to. Not because that seal in your forehead demands you to, but because you want to protect your heiress and your cousin.
Do you understand, cousin?
I am in pain, too.
Because of them.
Because of you.
And though it doesn't matter to me, that cliff between us, it matters to you. It matters to you, and it hurts you.
And that's why it hurts me, too.
That's why it matters.