Here's the next instalment! This one is more Neji/Hinata focused as we never got to see what happened after the Chuunin exams. This takes place after Hiashi tells Neji the truth about his father's death. Naruhina is implied in this story, though it's not entirely part of it. I still hope you enjoy! Please tell me what you think about Neji's character. I've never written him before, so I hope he wasn't completely OOC.

He stood in front of the door, his hand hovering above the knob. He shouldn't feel this nervous, it wasn't in his nature to feel so... weak. Yet here he was, standing in front of his cousin's door, ravelling through all the thoughts in his mind, trying to come up with any sort of excuse to defend his actions. He wasn't one to panic under these circumstances but he felt so confused with these new feelings he didn't know what to say. He hadn't expected Hiashi to approach him with the scroll in his hands, explaining the real situation behind his father's demise, let alone have him bow and beg for forgiveness.

He felt his hand shake in anger but also a feeling of nervousness hit as he took a deep breath and opened the door. He didn't dare lift his head when he heard the young Hyuuga heiress gasp in surprise or when he heard her shift nervously in the hospital bed. She was probably just as confused as he was; He did try to kill her after all and their relationship was shaky after the death of his father. He wished he hadn't felt such hate towards her, but part of him only felt such animosity because she reminded him of what he didn't have; Freedom.

"Neji-niisan...?"

Her whisper broke the awkward silence and he finally lifted his head to look at her, only to be surprised at the smile on her face. He could also see the confusion in her eyes, but the smile hid it well and it somehow gave him courage to speak.

"Hinata-sama, I wish to speak with you."

He could feel his stomach twist in knots, but he took a deep breath before looking at her like a warrior.

"I know we've had a rocky relationship in the past, and I know it wasn't your fault your father was born before mine. It's not even your fault that I have this curse mark on my forehead. But I still tried to kill you. I was only frustrated at the destiny I was given; I wasn't given a choice on how I wanted to live! It was infuriating, and seeing you so carefree and happy, despite being disowned by your father, angered me because you were able to live however you wanted. We both have been misguided in the Hyuuga home, and we were both raised strictly to upkeep the clan's name. Yet, you somehow weren't lumped in with the rest of us. You were kind and gentle, you didn't like to hurt anyone. You chose peace over violence and you hesitate when put into difficult situations. It wasn't until Naruto Uzumaki cheered for you that you finally decided to fight me. He was the one who helped me see just how wrong I've been. You were somehow able to change your own destiny and it was only because your father kicked you out. You were suffering as much as I, and as much as I hate to admit this... I was wrong."

Hinata's eyes widened at her cousin's speech. She had never seen him talk as though he was weaker than her. She didn't know how to respond to this situation. It's not that it was uncomfortable, but rather, her cousin had said Naruto was right, and he was wrong. She'd never heard him admit to being wrong about anything. He was proud and strong, like the rest of the Hyuuga Clan. Unlike her, he wasn't a failure. He was a genius, and yet he felt the need to come in here and actually open up to her.

Taking the silence as a bad thing, Neji felt himself sweat before he swallowed his nervousness and got on his knees.

"Please forgive me, Hinata-sama! I know I attempted to take your life, but I am willing to make up for it."

Appalled by his words, Hinata turned her gaze away from the sight.

"Please, Neji-niisan, don't beg for forgiveness."

Finally hearing her soft voice, he lifted his head to see tears lightly falling from her eyes. Sensing he was going to speak, she beat her cousin to it;

"I can't even imagine what you've gone through. I'm not going to pretend I know either. You lost both parents while I only lost my mother. And though she is precious to me, I can't even imagine losing father too. Despite being cold towards me, I know he still cares. He may not look like he does, but I can tell he's concerned about me. Perhaps that's why he chose to let Hanabi become clan leader instead of me. He's worried I won't be able to handle conflict, whereas both you and Hanabi have proven you guys can. I want to get stronger so I can stand next to you guys and fight. Naruto-kun is the inspiration behind my decision. Despite being a failure, he never gives up. He constantly tries his best, and doesn't let anyone talk down to him. He's the reason I want to get better. Not because I want to be clan leader or be accepted by everyone. I just don't want to be a liability anymore. I want to show everyone I can stand with them and fight, because I'm a strong person, not because I'm a Hyuuga. I've never let the clan affect my decisions, and I don't plan on starting now. I want to walk with everyone as a proud and strong shinobi. I may be soft and kindhearted, but that's my strength. I want to use it to make myself stronger."

Turning to look at her cousin with a smile, "So please, don't beg me to forgive you. There was nothing to forgive. Even though you put me in the hospital, I already forgave you. Only because I know what it's like to live in the shadow of the Hyuuga Clan. You're a genius Neji-niisan. You should've expected me to forgive you from the start. I've never in my life hated anyone, so why should I start with you?"

Not knowing how to respond, Neji got to his feet. He nodded his head, knowing the conversation was over, and there wasn't anything for him to worry about. As he walked towards the door, he heard her speak once more;

"If you still doubt me, then make it up to me by training with me. Help me become stronger so I'm not a liability anymore. Help me show everyone that a failure like me, can fight alongside a genius like you."

Feeling a small smirk form, he looked at her from the corner of his eyes, "If you wish to become stronger, I am more than obliged to help you, Hinata-sama."

Smiling at her cousin, she nodded, "See you at the compound in a few more days."

"I won't be late."