CHAPTER ONE : SEED

Responsibility: the state or fact of having a duty to complete an expectation that is given.

Sasuke knew all about responsibility, knew what was expected of him. He knew, but each day, as he rose he wanted nothing more than to shake off the pestering thing like a nuisance.

He wasn't a fan of swear words, cursing, and slang. He felt that those who used such vulgar language, simply lacked the intellect to explain themselves. But... just this once. Sasuke felt the need to tell the responsibility to properly, fuck off.

He gave the thought a small glare each day, but always reminded himself of what was more important, more dire. What better way to cast aside the expectations than to bury yourself in books. Literature, knowledge, history, all of the subjects that many deemed drab or boring.

They had become so important to the man, his growth always on the forefront of his mind. His education was the highest on the list, along with becoming more than what he was deemed only worthy to do. He was more than what he was "created" to be.

He wanted more out of life, wanted a life that was worth living, and for him to do that, he knew he had to do his best andbe the best. There was no time to slack, to rest, or to party. He had his priorities in constant check.

For majority of his life Sasuke had been home schooled, only learning the knowledge that others thought were valuable, but it was never the full truth. So he went out on his own, to seek it for himself.

Once the time came to take the entrance exam to be admitted to a university and to be officially past the high school level, Sasuke attended a local college.

The campus wasn't anything prestigious but it was a start, and that's all he really needed. A good and honest start.

Sasuke enjoyed his classes and the life of a scholar for the most part. Sure, the female population was a bit of a problem, but he learned how to tune out the excessive drama and high pitched chattering.

The raven haired man came into class, every day with his head held high, ready to take on a new lesson, and today made no difference. He has heard the whispers about how snooty he was, and he's heard the annoyingly loud complaints about how he thought he was better than everyone.

Sasuke didn't blink, didn't falter, didn't even give the morons the time of day. Why waste his time on those who could never truly understand him?

He had only been at the school for half a semester now, and even so, he hadn't really found a need for friends or socializing. He just didn't see the appeal. What did he need them for anyway?

The raven haired man tried to think up scenarios or reasons he would need a companion. Tried to think of the ways he could be honest and potentially vulnerable with someone, but he just couldn't visualize it.

Hn. I guess it didn't truly matter.

Alone. Sasuke was alone. Always alone, and that's the way he preferred it.

Eating alone at lunch on one of the benches nestled in the campus trees, studying alone in the campus library, he's even bribed a few teachers to allow him to do group projects alone. Most took the bait, but not all of them, which was a problem for him, but he adapted like he always did.

Alone. Always alone. And that's how he liked it.

"Sasuke, do you have the answer?" Stern eyes over heavy bags, the professor didn't seem to be sleeping enough.

"Yes. It is-"

Easy. It was all so easy.

The way his brain retained information was not an obstacle. He had been asked by several to consider tutoring them for extra cash, but money wasn't something Sasuke found value in.

I guess you can also add that to the list of things Sasuke shunned from his life: Responsibility, Friends, and Money.

Those three topics seem to make society go around, but for him, he just didn't see the appeal.

"Correct."

Of course I am.

Sasuke heard an annoyed hiss from gritted teeth behind him, he didn't bother to glance toward the noise. He kept his head forward, his hand moving in moderate speed as the teacher continued on.

"Dick." The words were mumbled, garbled in a hush. Sasuke's moving hand stilled only for a moment before it continued on.

Sasuke felt something small, like a tiny speck, shift inside him. He should have took that small little speck to heart, should have acknowledged it as a warning, but Sasuke did no such thing. He simply continued on as if that too was just a nuisance in his way.

That can fuck off too. Respectfully.

~ . ~

It was a Friday. A day Sasuke had complex feelings towards.

Friday's mean the last day of class, of lectures, of bone breaking thesis and assignments. He should be overjoyed that he gets two days to rest a bit, to make sure his studies are in order.

But

Sasuke loathed Fridays.

Fridays meant that the learning was over, that he had to spend more time at home and less time adding a new step towards his ever growing future. Sure, Sasuke didn't mind breaks, after all, going day by day did tend to require focus and it can overtime become quite exhausting. But still, he wanted to be here, wanted to know that he was building a better future than what awaited him in his reality.

So here he was on a Friday, nearing the end of a lecture. Usually he had his head forward, hand moving to create notes, his shoulders back and his body in perfect upright form, but today.

It's hot in here.

On this Friday, he felt his posture a bit slumped, his writing a bit shaky and his head a bit lowered. Sasuke was dog tired, his body felt like it was quaking in exhaustion just from having to write.

He lifted his head slightly to look out the window. The sun was out and it looked peaceful, but Sasuke knew the weather, knew the earth like a close friend or a lover. Looks can be deceiving.

It looked nice and warm, but it was still winter. They were nearing the end of the chilly winter season, inching closer and closer to spring.

But it's winter. It's still winter.

Sasuke glanced at the clock ticking loudly as he found himself fidgeting with the collar of his charcoal button down shirt. This was a first for him, he never found his eyes straying so much.

Just 5 more mins.

Sasuke felt his molars grind, his fist balling as he thought about the time. He was so disgusted with himself. He tried his best to never take days off, never slack on what was needed from him.

Is no one else hot?

Sasuke released a puff of air, he hoped it wasn't too loud and noticeable. He was so hot that the puff of air that was released felt like steam.

Sasuke found himself thinking, his mind wondering as he tried to make sense of what was happening to his body. Sasuke glanced around, but no one else seemed to be affected. Only him. He was the only one acting out of the norm.

It can't be. Not now. Right?

He felt his knees shake, his hand once again pulling on the collar for relief. It felt like it was choking him, suffocating him.

Sasuke shift, trying to cross his legs but the move caused his knee to hit the desk, creating a loud thump. Several eyes turned in his direction, all looking at him.

Shit.

Yes, something was definitely wrong indeed. Not only was Sasuke swearing freely without a second thought, but he was also shaking. One of the balls of his feet bouncing off the floor.

But it's still winter!

Sasuke was thankful that the professor still continued on, not at all deterred by Sasuke's unintended interruption. Onyx eyes gave back a glare, or at least he tried to. He wasn't sure what his eyes were conveying, especially with his body strung tight.

Fuck off. Fuck off. Fuck off.

When he noticed that his foot was bouncing, he focused himself to stop. The action didn't last long, but each time he stopped it, he found himself starting back up again a moment later without realizing it.

The class ended with the professor reminding them all about the essay that was due by the end of next week. Sasuke finished that paper last week and at that moment he was grateful for his studious mentality.

I have to get out of here.

He tried to stand on shaking legs, but he found himself tumbling back into his chair. He was grateful that only half of the student population in the room had seen, others running off to their next class, not even giving him the time a day.

Good.

Sasuke felt his hands shaking, instead of trying to stand he simply gathered his things as best as he could. He didn't go too fast, which would usually cause him to fumble or drop something, and he didn't go to slow. Moderate. That was the best and less suspicious of paces.

I'll just wait until everyone leaves.

"Sasuke?"

The raven snapped his head up, meeting large sea foam green. He recognized pink hair and Sakura's worried face, one of his nuisances, through the foggy haze.

Just perfect (insert sarcasm here)

"Hn." His vision was coming in and out, he knew that at this rate he didn't have much time. Maybe 15 minutes max.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." Sasuke put everything he could into the words forming, trying his best to sound believable, trying his best to recreate his usual stern and disinterested tone.

A loud voice calling for her changed her shift in focus, Sasuke had never been more grateful.

Leave.

"Hey Sakura! Hinata wanted me to tell you that she was waiting for you in the library."

"Oh shit- Sorry Sasuke. I have to go. I forgot I'm suppose to be meeting up with Hinata for a project today."

Please leave.

"Hn."

"Sasuke are you sure you're okay? I can walk you to the nurse-"

"I'm fine." His voice came out harsh, he knew that it was bitting and most likely hurt her feelings, but Sasuke didn't have time for feelings. He didn't hear her leave, his ears ringing as he tried to push it down. He had to make sure it stayed down.

Not here. Not here. Work hands, work!

Sasuke had just successfully put his last book into his bag when a hand landed on his desk with a loud slam.

"Hey Asshole! You did not have to talk to Sakura like that."

Loud, appalling, annoying, it was just too much for Sasuke's fragile state. Sasuke opened his mouth, tried to speak, tried to push the moron away, but every time he tried, nothing came out put panted air.

Oh.

His face was growing hot, hotter than the sun, the towering body that was in front of him didn't help. He stood quickly, his mind on fight or flight, as he pushed the desk out from under him trying to create some distance.

Distance. Yes, distance is good.

He took a step, and another, it wasn't the stablest of steps but he had to get out of this classroom, this school, this area. He needed to hurry if he wanted to do this safely. It was important that he did everything in his power to push it down.

A large hand landed on his shoulder, his body bowed under the strength and simmered like he was a reincarnated sun deity on earth. The power of the grab, the softness of those pads of fingers, He couldn't help the soft moan that released his lips even if he tried.

"Hey. I'm talking to you."

"D- don't." His body felt hot all over, arching towards the heavens but he tried, with everything in him to swallow it all down. He needed to swallow it all down. Sasuke pushed the hand away, even though everything in him wanted to lean into the touch. Wanted to open up to the sun.

This is not me. I can't.

"Coward." The man hissed, his blond hair wild as he glared with bright blue eyes. Sasuke had never gave the man a time of day before, but in this heat, he found himself noticing things that he didn't before.

Noticed that the man had three lines along his cheeks on each side like whiskers. The facial feature were so odd, yet for some reason it suited him. He noticed that the man was taller than him, not by much, but there was still a slight difference. He noticed that his biceps looked strong, muscular, but not overly so. His body and presence gave off a natural strength. He looked secure, like a tree with many branches.

I wonder how they feel.

Sasuke grunted, his thighs shifting to try and relieve the strain. His brain refocused on his survival even more. Now it was becoming dangerous and he had to escape by any means necessary.

He took long strides, he didn't bother commenting on what the man called him, he didn't attempt to look back and stop. He just moved.

Keep moving. Keep moving.

Hands once again stopped him, now on both of his shoulders, spinning him around to face the man, the nuisance.

Sasuke ears were ringing too loud to hear what he was saying, all he could feel is the close body heat, all he could feel is the scorching touch on both of his shoulders.

He knew the man was yelling, probably wanting to fight with him, but Sasuke was thinking about a different type of fight.

His smell...

Sasuke was fighting alright. He was fighting hard with his body, with his instincts. He leaned in closer, he knew he was probably a sight to see, all flushed cheeks and heavily lidded eyes.

Closer. Feel closer. Pull me closer.

His body was being shaken, he could hear his name being called, but he was starting to fall, and it honestly terrified him. Sasuke was standing one minute, but the next he was on the ground, like his knees couldn't hold out much longer.

This was it. He had failed. He should have listened to that tiny speck, that small warning that sat low in his gut at the time. He should have known it was a seed, shifting toward the need to bloom. Should have recognized it, saw it for what it was.

"Sasuke?"

He always thought that he didn't need responsibility. He thought he would be able to handle it all on his own.

"S- sasuke? Are you okay?"

He always thought that he didn't need money. What was money going to do for him, in this situation?

"Are you ignoring me, asshole?"

He always thought that he didn't need friends. He was better alone, he had thrived on being alone in this world. He had learned to accept that.

No one would understand.

But yet...

In this situation he was going to break all the rules, break all the barriers, and do something that he had never thought he could do.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, he could feel the cold floor along his heated skin, could feel the eyes of students entering the room for their next lesson. Sasuke had run out of time. Ran out of options.

He had to do something that tasted like mud in his mouth and damn near vexing on his tongue.

"Y- you- C- can you-"

"What? Can I what?" The man leaned in close. He smelled divine, something like summer sun and trees.

"Help me."

~ . ~

"Dick."

Naruto said with a hiss, his eyes narrowed on the cocky, snooty bastard that sat in front of him in class.

Naruto liked to think of himself as a nice guy, a good guy. He helped those that needed it and always made sure to be a good friend to those that needed one.

The fact that he was needed, made him feel warm inside. Like he could conqueror any and everything that came his way.

But this guy.

This long dark haired asshole just rubbed Naruto the wrong way. Naruto couldn't pinpoint what it was that bothered him.

At first, he hated the way he looked. Hated that he had long dark lashes, and creamy skin, hated that the entire nearby population was completely obsessed with wanting to bed him.

He hated it more that his long time crush and best friend, Sakura looked at him with big heart shaped eyes. Looked at the man as if he hung the moon and painted the stars.

Really? He's not even that good looking.

That thought was a lie, Naruto knew that it was built on jealousy. He can admit that the man was handsome, extremely so.

Hell, he made even his heart flutter from time to time just catching a glimpse of his face, especially when the sun hit him just right. He even found himself wanting to touch his hair, the dark strands looked soft and thick.

Just a fist full.

He would tell himself, but he never did reach for the strands. He knew where he needed to draw the line. He didn't want to look like a psychopath.

But Naruto had a dilemma because when the man opened his mouth, he always found the fluttering ceasing like a semi truck to a stop sign and his fist wanting to close the gap between them.

Naruto clicked his tongue in annoyance, before resting his head on his desk. He hated that the bastard smelled so good, hated that he was so smart, hated that the man didn't seem to give anyone a glance, as if he thought he was better than everyone.

No way he's better than me.

Naruto pouted as the thought hit him, he couldn't help but to compare himself with the man that everyone seemed to talk about for the first 2 weeks of school. Sasuke was considered good looking, while Naruto was considered a pest. Sasuke received high marks and praise while Naruto was barely scrapping by with a D and received lectures in every direction he turned.

Yeah, yeah. He knew he had to do better, but he was trying. He really was studying and working as hard as he could, but no one seemed to notice.

Sasuke wasn't normal, there was no way a man could go about his life only devoted to his studies and nothing more. Naruto found himself frowning as he thought about it.

The fact that the man always seemed to sit on his own, always eating by himself shielded from others. Even though he did seem content in his own person bubble, but still...

He must be so lonely.

That, Naruto did understand. He understood being alone, not having family or someone to care for. But Naruto wasn't that anymore.

Maybe I'll try.

He had grown from playing pranks on others, instead focusing on being a friend and creating his own family. He had been saved from always seeking attention, to learning to love the attention he receives from close friends. Friends that became his family.

Maybe he needs a friend. Just like I did.

~ . ~

All he could hear was his footsteps as he walked onto the campus grounds. Naruto was late, and not just a little late, he was 2 hours and 3 mins late.

... and counting!

He thought with a sarcastic chuckle.

His bags under his eyes were so large that they could fit a whole family in them. Naruto had slept like shit, and it was all because a certain dark hair bastard.

"Hey, you're Sasuke right?"

"Hn."

"Uh. Okay. I was wondering if you wanted to-"

"No."

"No?! You didn't even let me ask-"

"Doesn't matter. The answer is still no."

"Why won't you tutor me? Or study with me? I mean we could hang out-"

"It would be a waste of my time." The words that left the man were ice cold, his dark eyes held an indifference. Naruto could feel his face heat in embarrassment.

He wanted to lash out, wanted to tell the asshole that he didn't need to hang out with him. He had tons of friends, and that he was just trying to be a good person, a nice person.

He could have told him how he was always alone, and that he looked like he needed someone. That Naruto could be that someone for him. He could have done a lot of things, said a lot of things.

The words escaped him though. Naruto was lost for words, alone in the classroom as the man that he had seen alone for so long, walked right by him as if he was a ghost. As if he was nothing.

"Tch" Just thinking about what happened the day before made Naruto mad all over again. His hands balling into fist before releasing energy. The fact that it was Friday, didn't even cheer him up.

He made it to his last class of the day. He had missed most of his classes, but this class was the one he needed the help in the most.

He sat. He listened. He tried to focus and take notes, but Naruto was starting to think he should have just stayed in bed. He was so out of it that when the class ended, he still sat in his chair, as if a lesson was still being taught.

"Uh Naruto?" He snapped out of the daze when his eyes met light lavender. It wasn't a popular eye color, so as soon as he saw them he was able to make somewhat of a connection.

"Hinata? Hey!"

"A- are you okay?" Her words were soft, a bit stuttered and her cheeks grew pink as she spoke. Naruto gave the classmate in front of him a genuine smile, waving off her concern with a sheepish chuckle.

"If you're sure."

"Ay. Yes! I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

"O- of c- course. I'm always concerned for you." Wow, he didn't think the woman could get any redder but here she was, as bright red as a strawberry. Naruto chuckled, giving her shoulder a pat before standing to gather his stuff quickly.

The two left the classroom, Hinata heading one way and Naruto heading the other, when her soft voice stopped him once again.

"Hey! Naruto?"

"Yes?"

He watched as Hinata's face went through several ranges of emotion. She looked like she was struggling to ask something.

Naruto was usually a bit impatient. He had always been marked as an impatient brute by his older next door neighbor, who he liked to call bacchan. She hated the nickname, always ranting about how she doesn't look a day over 25.

But in this situation he was able to find some patience, as he watched the woman's lips open and close multiple times before she officially spoke.

"Can you tell Sakura that I'll be in the library? You're passing her class right? We are suppose to be working on a project today and I just-"

"Of course. Her class is on the way out. I'll let her know." Naruto gave a thumbs up as if to say, 'you can count on me' before continuing on.

He could hear a soft "Thank you" hit his back but Naruto didn't bother turning. He waved his hand cheerfully to show he heard and that it was really no problem at all.

After all, it was so good to be needed.

~ . ~

Naruto wasn't quite understanding what he was seeing. One minute he was defending his crush and best friend's honor and the next he was holding up Sasuke as he was slumping to the floor.

The man felt soft to the touch but solid in his hands. He really didn't understand how he ended up in this predicament.

"Sasuke?" Naruto tried to get the man's eyes to focus. His skin was hot to the touch, and his eyes looked hazy as if he wasn't present. He could hear the footsteps of students entering the room, some taking in the scene while others went about their business.

The man's lips were mumbling, Naruto couldn't make out a word that was being said. His body language was the main problem though, it was really starting to fuck with him. He had never seen the bastard, Sasuke, so open. So vulnerable and visibly trembling.

If Naruto didn't know Sasuke at all, he would think he was high or drunk off his ass. But he did know Sasuke, well he knew enough to know that Sasuke wasn't that type of guy. Sasuke was more of a broom stick up the ass type of guy. So what exactly was he witnessing?

"S- sasuke? Are you okay?"

This felt all wrong. Felt wrong to hold him. Felt wrong to see dark eyes look at him in that way.

Naruto couldn't figure out why it was so wrong, why he felt antsy, like he had an itch that needed to be scratched. Couldn't figure out why his mouth felt dry, like he could drink several gallons of water all in one sitting, and still ask for more.

"Are you ignoring me asshole?" Naruto hoped that the phrase would snap Sasuke out of whatever was happening. Hell, he hoped it would snap himself out of the thoughts that were starting to loom.

"Y- you- C- can you-" Sasuke eyes looked as if they were trying to refocus, so in a way the unkind accusation did help.

"What? Can I what?" Naruto may have hated the bastard, thought the idiot was too much of a know it all, but in this situation.

"Help me."

In this situation Naruto didn't think twice to help. Even though he knows that it would bite him in the ass. Even though he knows that he might not even get a single thank you.

Naruto didn't think twice when scooping up the man in his arms before carrying him out the building in a hurry. His mind was surprisingly silent, and his body was working on pure instinct.

"I'll get you to the nurse. She'll know what to do-"

"No. No nurse. No hospitals."

"But Sasuke-"

"Please." The word was soft and fluffy like a cloud, the plead that lingered was becoming Naruto's undoing. He stopped mid stride, shifting the weight in his arms before taking off in a new direction towards the campus parking lot.

"I- I just need- be a- alone." The words were jumbled a bit, but Naruto could get the gist. He could hear the man in his arms panting as if he was the one that was running like his life depended on it. Soft sounds and sighs followed up to Naruto, making him lose focus.

What is this?

He could smell something sweet tickle under his nose. He was at a lost for words as he made it to the parking lot. He cradled the man in one arm while leaning against his car for support as he fumbled for his keys with shaking hands, before fishing them out of his pants car unlocked with a click, and Naruto was so close to groaning in relief.

The blond wanted to apologize for how junky it was. He really should clean it more. He wanted to make a self deprecating joke about how it was such an old car that it was around when dinosaurs roamed the earth, but the way Sasuke looked, his body wiggling in his hold as if he was unable to get comfortable, the man refrained.

He's so out of it. He probably won't even notice the big ass bong that sat on floor in the back seat.

Opening the door quickly, he placed the man in the passenger seat as gently as he could. His butt landed on the driver side seat, hands fumbling to start up his car quickly.

His heart was pounding a mile a minute. He didn't know what to do now, but that didn't stop him from pulling out of the lot like a bat out of hell.

Blue eyes shifted to the man who was still wiggling, his hands now pulling and tugging at the buttons of his shirt. The way his hands shook, his fingers not quite working, it was obvious he was having hard time.

"Hang in there, Sasuke."

Maybe I'll just take him home. Bacchan is a doctor. If she's home, maybe I can have her look at him.

And then he was driving, now that he had a plan. He was glad that he didn't live too far away. Only 10 mins in the car, but the way the man was panting, moaning, it felt like an eternity for both men in the tightly enclosed space.

The air was growing heavy, a floral warm smell was pumping into the tight confines. Naruto wasn't sure where it was coming from but it smelled amazing, borderline addicting.

Naruto never did care for floral scents, preferring more sweet than floral, but he did like the lightness of the fragrance, and how there was an underlying of something so sweet he could taste it on his tongue.

Half way there.

Braking at a red light, Naruto turned to check on Sasuke and was met with something that made the man gulp.

Sasuke's panting body was draped across the seat, his thighs clenching and unclenching, his fingers popping the top two buttons frantically. His skin was no longer a flustered pink which was good, but his eyes seemed hungry and his lips were open and wet.

The sound of a horn blowing snapped Naruto back into reality. His foot slamming onto to the gas once again.

"We're almost there." His ears were greeted with a moan. It wasn't soft, it wasn't low. It was loud and it was drawn as if he was in the mist of something terrifying.

"I'm Naruto, by the way."

"N- Naru- hm."

"Close enough."

Almost there. Almost there.

Naruto drove those last 5 mins faster than before, making it in 3. He parked with a slam of his brakes in a secluded spot away from other cars in the carport.

Turning to relay the good news, Naruto was once again stopped. He found himself choking as he took in Sasuke's appearance. There had been a significant shift in the last 3 mins.

Three minutes. That's all it took for Naruto's world to turn upside down. His face dunked repeatedly into the pool of the unknown.

Sasuke's skin had a weird tint of green, his lips looked fuller, his skin softer. His hair looked more shinny and thick than ever before, less black, more like a very deep emerald green. The strands also looked a bit longer in length. Naruto wanted to touch the strands, caress them on his fingers.

Sasuke's eyes were still dark but seemed to glow, seemed to speak without lips moving. A couple more buttons had been popped, revealing the soft slope of his collarbone, and the tops of his puffed up pecs. The edge of his button-down barely covering his peeks.

So pretty.

Naruto was watching something that felt unreal. He couldn't catch his breath, couldn't make sense of the imagery in front of him.

It was Sasuke but at the same time it wasn't Sasuke. The floral fragrance was even more heavy than it was before. It filled all of his senses, he was blind to whatever was happening inside of his tiny little Toyota corolla.

Sasuke leaned back with an arch, his head thrown back letting Naruto see all of his face, his lashes seemed longer. He moaned and sighed, his eyes cutting over to capture Naruto.

Those dark eyes looked him up and down, and in that moment Naruto realized he was hard. And not just semi hard, where you can maybe hide it. No, he was hard as a fucking brick.

Eyes on his lap, the hard-on outlined in his pants was on display. Naruto then realized he wasn't the only one. Sasuke shifted once again, groaning low as both of his hands landed in his hair before roughly tugging.

"Sasuke!" Naruto was leaning towards the man, he didn't know what he could do. He wasn't well versed in whatever this was. He didn't know how to help, and he felt helpless. But he needed to be there, to see it through. He needed to be what Sasuke needed him to be.

With shaking fingers he reached toward the man that was in the mist of agony, but his hands were slapped away. Gasping at the action, blue eyes met dark glowing eyes that looked otherworldly.

"Run." That was the only warning Naruto got before Sasuke arched off the seat, doing something that no human to date has ever been able to do.

Blue eyes watched, shaking hands fumbled to pull open the door. He tumbled out of the car, door slamming as he fell hard to his knees. He could feel the drops of blood from his fall, trailing down the slope of his knee, to his calf, probably staining his bright orange socks.

No human should be able to do that. No one.

What are you Sasuke Uchiha?

A/N:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you for joining me on this new ride. So excited about this storyline. Will attempt to post every other week. Until next time my loves.

xoxo

Ci Mai