Chapter Three
Friends Come By to Visit

Stupid, STUPID Naruto, how dare he even suggest…

And what was I thinking, actually…

This is not working out. I have to get rid of him.

Somehow…

xXxXx

A firm knocking sounded on Sasuke’s door.

“Sasuke?”

“Go away!”

“Oh, come on, Sasuke, it wasn’t that bad, was it?”

“Yes! Yes it was!”

Naruto sighed and leaned with his back against the heavy wood door, looking out on the green garden that lay between him and the high stone wall.

There was no wind, and it was quiet. A bee flew over by the flowering plants.

Naruto frowned, suddenly getting the feeling that something was coming.

“Uhm, Sasuke? Could I please come in?”

“No!”

Naruto swallowed, the feeling intensifying. “Please? I really don’t want to be out here when whatevers coming hits.”

There was a short pause. “What’s coming?”

Naruto felt the wind pick up. “I don’t know, but it’s making me feel really uncomfortable.” He watched the top of the stone wall, feeling that it would arrive from there.

One moment it was just an empty space above the wall.

The next, Neji was crouched there, in all his pony-tailed glory.

“Neji!” Naruto smiled and waved. “What’s up, dude?”

Neji scowled and jumped over the garden to land in front of him, his hands on his hips. “Don’t you ‘what’s up dude’ me. Where the hell have you been?”

Naruto shoved away the urge to act contrite. “I’ve been right here, mom. What are you doing here?”

“I came after you!” Neji started gesturing wildly, obviously furious. “What were you thinking, Naruto? Iruka has been worried sick about you! The only reason Kiba didn’t go off after you is because he had to stay with Hinata, who is also worried sick! I had to argue for hours with Lee and Gaara to convince them I would bring you back! If they had come along, I guarantee you would have sustained major injuries by now! I hope you’re done with this pleasure trip of yours, because we’re going home—NOW.”

Neji reached forward to grab Naruto’s hand but Naruto jerked away before he could. “No, Neji. I’m not done yet.”

Neji’s eyes narrowed as the heavy wood door swung open behind Naruto to reveal a speculative Sasuke.

“What’s going on, Naruto?”

“Neji wants to take me home.”

“Is that so.” Sasuke looked Neji up and down and frowned at his white disco outfit. “Do you want to go?”

“No, not really.” Naruto watched him quietly, not sure of what to think. “I’m not done helping you.”

Sasuke nodded. “That’s right, you never finished weeding, did you?” Naruto blushed and Sasuke stared at Neji. “He’s not going. You can leave now.”

Neji scowled. “Why should I? I came for Naruto, and I’m leaving with him.”

Sasuke glared. “You are now trespassing on my property. Leave now or face the consequences.”

Neji jutted his chin proudly into the air. “Bring it.”

Sasuke held out his right arm and pointed at Neji. “Computer. Trespasser, white male, dark hair. Evacuate from premises.”

There was a slight buzzing sound and two poles rose from beside the front door. A red light shone from the top and Neji’s eyes widened.

He leaped away moments before a sharp laser crisped the grass at his feet.

Naruto watched, wide-eyed, as Neji was systematically shot farther and farther away from the door until he was once again perched on the wall.

“Fine, Naruto,” Neji called out, scowling furiously. “stay a little longer. But next time, I’m bringing Gaara.”

And with that last, ominous note, Neji left.

Naruto turned slowly to beam at Sasuke. “So I guess this means you forgive me, huh?”

Sasuke glared darkly at him. “Go finish weeding the garden.”