"Maybe...maybe if I try to change-" "No." He said firmly. "You can't change. You can't change what you are. You can't change the fact that you're a failure; unfit for the position as heir to the Hyuuga Clan." She gave him a sad, half-smile. "How unfortunate then, Neji, that you, the genius of the Hyuuga clan, was not born into the mine branch and I, the cadet." Sharp gasps were heard around the room, then, as a deathly quite settled once again over the room, Hinata took a chance and glanced up at her cousin's face. Neji's face was pale and expressionless but Hinata could see the hurt in his eyes. "I-I'm sorry Nejinii-san." She felt him stiffen as she wrapped her arms around him. Hesitantly, Neji patted her on the head, then, to the shock of every Hyuuga member as well as a few others, Neji wrapped his arms around Hinata's small form, pulling her into an affection hug. "No...I'm sorry." Neji whispered so only she could hear. "Thank you, Hinata."