Neji breathed, body heaving while he watched the shock run through Gai. He retrieved his wrist, fingers flexing as they disengaged. The sudden information had drawn a halt in their spar, and he attempted to quell his own irritation. To steady his breathing and come down from his outburst, settle back into himself again.

He brushed away sweaty hair with an impatient hand and frowned. It was unfair certainly, but the entire clan was unfair. There was a small chance that upon marriage his seal would be removed, but he wouldn't hold his breath. No one had ever heard of a seal being removed before, and while its activation could be forbidden, there was no way to enforce such a rule. No, even marrying Hinata wouldn't bring him freedom.

He could appreciate Gai's sincere offer at least and nodded. Perhaps if his odd relationship with Temari had been more serious before this.. But that was wishful thinking and a fair bit of assumption.

"Hinata-sama was upset as well," he supplied eventually. "I can only hope she objects, because if she doesn't, there's nothing.." Neji paused, jaw clenching. "Well, my objections would insult the Head family."

As for Gai's offer to hug him, Neji could only offer a funny half-shrug because he wasn't sure how to feel about it. Part of him knew he could use it, while the other balked at the idea of being treated like a child.