He didn't know why he was there tonight. He didn't know why he was there every Friday night. All these parties were so boring. Everyone ignored him. Because he was a geek? Probably.
The only reason he even got invited? Hinata was his cousin. Hinata was dating Ino. Ino threw the parties. Instant invitation.
But why the hell did he accept the invitations? These parties were just for hookups, and for girls and guys alike to try and get with Sasuke.
Damn Sasuke. Neji snorted just at the thought of him.
And sure enough, as soon as he entered the next room, he saw the infamous Uchiha. He was lounging on the couch, laughing, chatting, and drinking beer with the group of both guys and girls that surrounded him.
"Hey, Hyuuga!" he called, waving a hand, "Enjoying the party?"
Neji ignored him, going right through the room and into the kitchen, which was surprisingly quiet. Usually there were many people here, hovering around the snacks set out. But only Ino and Hinata were there, conversing quietly.
Hinata turned when he entered. "Hi, Neji," she greeted him, "Having fun?"
"Not really," he admitted, "I'm gonna head home."
"It's pouring out," Ino said, "Didn't you walk here?"
"I'm just down the street, I'll be fine," he assured the blonde, "See you later." He turned and left the room before either girl could get in another word of protest.
He walked slowly, despite the raindrops pounding on him, soaking through his clothes. He didn't care. He just wanted to be away from people. Maybe curl up with a good book as he dried off by the fire...
And about a half hour later, he was doing just that. The words on the pages held his undivided attention, so much so that he didn't hear a knock on the door. He only looked up when a pair of feet covered by soaked sneakers stood next to him.
He looked up to see Uchiha Sasuke. His eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"
"Ino and Hinata told me to come," he explained, his words slurred. He'd obviously had a few too many. "Can I sleep here?"
He had a very strong urge to push the boy out the door and let him suffer in the rain. Or at least say no. But – to his own surprise – he said, "Sure. I'll pull out the couch."
"Tha's okay," the Uchiha assured him, stumbling over to said couch and collapsing onto it. He was asleep within moments.
Neji stared at him for a moment, wondering what had possessed him to let the boy he hated stay in his home overnight. Well, at least he'd be gone in the morning. He placed a bookmark in his page, leaving it on the floor and standing. He gave Sasuke one last glare before going into his room to sleep through the time Sasuke was there. The Uchiha would most likely be gone by the time he got up the next morning, he decided as he closed his eyes, slowly drifting into a dreamless sleep.