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If there was one student that no one wanted to do a project with, it would be the younger brother of the alumni Hashirama Senju.
Though even without knowing who he was related to, the college student had a very striking appearance. He wore simple outfits, mostly button up shirts or turtlenecks with dress pants or black jeans, with his glasses always on and his eyes cast down to his notebook.
Yet no amount of looking simple or keeping to himself made Tobirama look any more intimidating with the three scars on his face, his icy skin and those eyes that were colored like blood. However it was not just looks alone that made his peers avoid him; he was also very brazen and seemed to look down on them even in group projects. It didn’t matter how intelligent he was if he couldn’t get along with his fellows in botany class.
So imagine everyone’s surprise when the new student who was starting later in the semester plopped himself down beside the albino as if he belonged there beside him.
Tobirama was a little taken aback the first time; he was so used to being given a wide berth that having someone sitting right next to him felt like some kind of anomaly. Even more so when the other was always attempting to strike a conversation even when he’s met with silence.
As the next few weeks passed before the next group assignment, he had grown accustomed to Izuna’s presence despite his reservations. He had to admit the other was incredibly smart; always eager to answer the professor’s questions and he knew a lot about botany.
So when students were asked to create groups of two to four people, he was more than a little startled when Izuna grabbed his arm immediately as if silently telling him that they would be partners while never taking his eyes off the white board.
“...So…why me exactly?” Tobirama raises a brow at him as he finds himself in the greenhouse with his supposed partner.
The dark haired young man with his hair tied back in a long thin ponytail even though he seemed to keep some of it short around said pony tail that spiked up on its own–it reminded him of the spiky feathers on a duck’s hindquarters.
Those onyx eyes seemed to sparkle as Izuna grinned, “Why not you? Are you sick?”
“No.”
“Are you unable to complete the project?”
“Also, no.”
“Then there shouldn’t be a problem. Besides…you’re smart and organized, and I like experimenting with different plants and soils. I think it will work since sometimes I can get distracted by other things,” he rubbed the back of his head as if he just admitted something very embarrassing, “And you…you don’t seem like you want to be the one presenting it.”
He’s observant….hmmm, the albino rumbled as he rested his cheek on his hand, “....You are sure that would be fine? I wouldn’t want to put you out. Past projects I’ve been a part of…well they weren’t exactly understanding.”
“Were they unable to decide on a subject or were they just being assholes to you because you happen to have your shit together?” Izuna arched a thin, dark brow at him, “Well, I’m game for whatever botanical subject you think would be presentable so long as I get to experiment and mess around a bit to see what results we would get.”
Tobirama hummed, “And what, if I may ask, do you plan to work on?”
Izuna beamed, “I have a theory about the best way to grow orchids in differing environments. Listen, I have three of them, and we both know orchids are very delicate about where they’re placed, hence why they are indoor plants…”
He perked in interest now and turned to him. So he actually had an idea for the project in question…that’s more than what past group mates have had. Usually he was the one trying to brainstorm ideas for the group only to be told it would be too much or would be too hard. The amount of times he has had to hold in his temper was more than he cared to admit.
“I see…that actually might work. Do you mind if I record the experiment with you?” he tilted his head at him with a small tug on the corner of his lips.
“I would be delighted, though it might be boring at times,” Izuna sighed, “I’ve had people tell me I am being too tedious or I’m not being fast enough, but honestly if one is not willing to be careful with their work, i would rather be late getting it to the teacher than give a sloppy report.”
Tobirama tilted his head at this other young man, eyes widening slowly at him as a faint warmth came over his cheeks.
It felt like everything he had been trying to say before was being validated by this newcomer who took time to sit with him, talk with him and now was planning a project he could actually get excited for.
“Where and when will your experiment start? I can bring my laptop to start taking notes on it,” He turned to fully face his…his partner. He can’t remember the last time he felt this excited to be partnered with someone.
Izuna looked just as excited, clapping his hands lightly as a giggle left him. Seeing the reaction, the senju couldn’t help but let his smile fully take form. This guy was different from the others with a genuine love for the subject and who wasn’t bothered by Tobirama’s attitude or appearance.
Maybe this time he would have an actual friend who liked to be around him and wanted to hang out with him instead of just leaving him in the dust as soon as the project was over. It would be so nice to do that honestly…
…When did his heart start beating so erratically and why did he feel so hot suddenly?
He shakes his head to clear it before clearing his throat and tilting his head.
“I look forward to working with you, Izuna.”