Remember

"I remember that day because the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders."



Night had covered all the trees in the forest giving an eerie feeling all over the land. The cold air made the surrounds feel like the icy grip of death was taking hold. Hinata didn't mind the way the world around her felt, since saying her goodbye's to Shino. Giving him many thank yous, for him talking over her feelings him, her mind was finally starting to become at ease.



Thou all her feelings needed to be put in order but Hinata thought it could it could now be more manageable. Only making her future become a little brighter.



"Thank you so much Shino," Hinata smiled putting her hand to her chest, "I am finally sure I can face my family and my future." With each step she took, she felt confidence run through her veins, making her a stronger person.



Truly all the doubt about her worth and existence was released from her mind. Until Hinata felt a presents coming toward her, "Byukagan!" Releasing her justu bloodline limit, Hinata could see who was moving closer to her position. Instantly she unrecognized him, "Neji-nii-san?!"



Within moments Neji had approached her, stopping only a few feet from her. Looking him over Hinata could see that his face had swollen from the cold, but then her eye's pinpointed a knot on his chin. A bruise had started to form all alone his jawline. "Neji-nii-san! What...happened to...you?" She asked softly putting her gloved hand over her mouth.



Ignoring her question Neji gave a sigh, "I have been asked by Hanabi-sama to come and bring you home." The words cut through Hinata like a knife, all her confindence drained from her face.



"Hanabi-chan? Why would she care where I am?" Hinata asked but not truly asking anyone.



"Its time to go home Hinata-sama. I was instructed to bring you right home," Neji spoke again, with on his strong monition voice. "I am glad to see that you aren't hurt," these sudden words of caring demeanor, eased Hinata.



"I was just heading back to the estate, Neji-nii-sama. But before we go back please tell me what happened to your face..." Hinata said softly trying her best not to make eye contact.



"That isn't your concern, you should only care about yourself, and your own well being." Neji said as he started to walk towards the Hyuga Estate. With those final words Hinata dropped the topic all together.



As Neji walked in front of her, Hinata started to wonder what happened to Neji's chin. It had become all back and swollen causing it to look like a small plum attached to his face. It wasn't like Neji to just have an accident, or get into a fight...A fight! "Neji-nii-san," Hinata spoke.



"Yes, Hinata-sama?" Neji answered without turning around.



Taking a deep breath of cool air Hinata decided she had to find out what happened, "Did you get into a fight?" Neji's footsteps stopped, his already red hands, shook. His posture had changed, having his head bow down. Slowly Neji turned back towards Hinata, showing her the purple lump once more. His eyes were piercing as ice, and his mouth was pulled tight.



Feeling her that asking her question was a horrible idea, Hinata put her attention to her wiggling fingers. "Hinata-sama, I had told you that it isn't your concern. I would rather not discuss these matters," Neji barking, trying to drive his point home.



"It is my concern..Neji-nii-san," swallow hard, Hinata started to speak again, "You are my family and as your upcoming Heiress, it my job....to worry about all my family." Feeling her confidence become rekindled, Hinata put her hands to her sides and looked straight into Neji's eyes.



Within seconds Hinata found herself pressed up against a tree with Neji's hands on her shoulders. "You feel that strongly about the clan?" He asked pressing himself harder against her. "Do you really think you could change it all? Or will it be your sister?"



Hinata felt tears start to coat her eyes. Neji's sudden movement holding her down, making her feel weak, made her whole body hurt, "Neji-nii-san," she whimpered.



"You want to know what this is from?" He said meaning his chin. Hinata mouth opened but no sound came out. "I got it from a fight, a fight with your teammate, Kiba." Hinata's body shook. "I asked him if you were with him, and when I didn't answer his request about family matters, this is what happened."



Hinata didn't understand what happened to change Neji so suddenly. Only hours earlier, he confuessed he was sorry to her, to now only have her being pinned to a tree.



"I will...never be strong enough for you, Hinata-sama." Neji coughed. Tears started to run down his face, "No one truly will ever respect me, and not you or myself could change that. No matter what I say or do, my place as a Branch memeber will only cause pain."



"Neji-nii-san, I don't know.." Hinata's words were stopped.



"I saw how strongly your teammate felt about you, and if you went to Shino, I know he feels the same way. They care for you and truly want the best for you. But in this clan, the great and powerful Hyuga Clan, all that will be there will be hardship. Hinata-sama, please, I want you to marry outside this family."