That was a point -- even if Neji might have appreciated a drinking partner (or at least he'd certainly been much more willing to slam back shots than Sasuke had expected), neither he nor Hinata needed to be burdened with more stress than they already had. Sasuke straightened under the hand on his shoulder, expression growing more determined with a nod.

"I'll remember that," he said, and then winced at the reminder of the alcohol. "And that. The last thing any of us need is for one clan or another to limit our contact because of bad influence."

More likely the Hyuuga, given what Hiashi already seemed to think about him, for reasons that were still not entirely clear. Sasuke stepped into his shoes and reached up to put a hand on the goshawks' talons, making sure that Hoori knew to make himself small enough to make it through the doorframe without bumping his head.

"Thanks again, Kakashi-san," he said, turning on the threshold with a wry smile. "I'll owe you one, if you ever need a hangover sandwich."