A/N: next chapter, I introduce our leading alpha! this chapter, they're helping Katsuki prepare for the woes of puberty!

Katsuki had never been to a store before, but he hadn't needed to tell his current caregivers that as he's certain that they're already well aware that he hasn't ever gone...well…

Anywhere, really. 

Inko had done him the courtesy of buying him some cheap sandals and a dress that fits from a nearby thrift store just so he would have something to wear while they're shopping. She'd apologized profusely for not bringing him something better, not wanting to have potentially spent a great deal of money on things that Katsuki may not have wanted but he'd simply hugged the red fabric to his chest with a glittering glint in his eyes and thanked her for her kindness. Izuku says that red is such a pretty color on him. 

It may be his new favorite color. 

He's practically plastered to the window during the entirety of the car ride, completely in awe with all of the tall, glittering and colorful buildings and attractions. Izuku encourages his enthusiasm by answering him with equal vigor everytime Katsuki asks him about certain buildings or people. Watching Katsuki become so enamored with them all is worth the constant barrage of why's and what's.

Pulling into Pole Town Mall, however, has proven to be a bit overwhelming for Katsuki upon arrival. 

"Hey, sweetheart. You okay down there?" Toshinori asks as delicately as he can, though Katsuki digging his sharp nails into the skin of his arm is a tad bit more painful than he'd like. The poor thing is shaking, glued to his side as he shuffles behind him as they make their way through the parking lot. The closer they get to the entrance, the more it would seem that Katsuki's legs have decided to refuse him. They stop halfway there, Toshinori having to pry Katsuki's little fingers out of his shirt to hold them in his own as he squats down to look him directly in the eye.

"If it's too much then we can always go home, okay? We can just as easily order your clothes online and while you'd have to wait a day or two, you won't have to feel so scared. Do you want to go home, honey?" 

Katsuki was excited to be outside---to see so many fresh faces and experience new things. Even though he's nervous, he feels he'd regret leaving when they've already come so far. Besides, Inko planned this entire day just for him---so he could feel normal. It would be rude of him to throw all of her kindness away. 

He shakes his head, squeezing Toshinori's hands tightly. "I-I am alright. I am okay." He says, once to reassure his guardian and another to reassure himself. Toshinori is skeptical to say the least but Izuku flashes him a smile to assure him even more. "It's okay. Kacchan can hold my hand if he gets scared and we can always leave if he changes his mind. It's okay to let him experience things---even scary things, dad. He's gonna be a-okay. Aren't you, babe?" Izuku's hand gently ruffles the fluffy blonde mess on Katsuki's head to encourage him more and Katsuki gives Toshinori a nod of resolve. The older alpha sighs but he relents nonetheless, releasing Katsuki's hands. 

"Alright, but you stay where I can see you at all times and if at any time---any time at all---you're too overwhelmed, come and tell me and I'll take you home, okay?" 

A loud honking noise nearby nearly sends Katsuki into cardiac arrest, ducking down and covering his head with his arms to shield himself from some unseen foe. 

"Oh---honey, no, it's okay! It's just a car, see?" Inko shushes his whimpering, leaning down to soothingly rub his back. Katsuki gingerly lifts his head, watching one of those loud and obnoxious machines come slowing to a stop at their side. It's sleek and shiny, he notes, and Izuku breaks out into a face splitting grin. Katsuki lowers his arms, watching curiously as the door swings open and someone---a small girl with short, mismatched hair---comes vaulting out of the car to jump right into Izuku's arms. 

"Baby!" Izuku cheers, holding her up to wrap her legs around his torso with both of his hands at her bottom. She holds his face in the palms of her manicured hands and kisses him full on the lips in a way that Katsuki has never seen before---he can see their tongues tangling and dancing with one another. It's a little odd, he thinks, but they seem to be enjoying it so maybe it's nice. Katsuki figures it's something that he could ask Inko or Izuku about later. 

Izuku sets her down onto her feet but she keeps her arms wrapped around his middle in a tight hug. 

"I really missed you, doll. I know you've only been in Venice for a week for it feels like it's been forever!" Izuku cries, fingers carding through her hair as he leans down to nuzzle against her. They're scenting each other---Katsuki can smell it from here---but they seem so happy. 

"Are you sure that's got nothing to do with the fact that you spent your rut alone?" 

Oh. 

Well, her voice is deep. 

Katsuki is stunned a moment until he realizes that she's actually a boy---but he's very pretty. His skin is flawless and unmarred, hair silky and smooth. He's short in stature but a good few inches taller than Katsuki is and not nearly as scrawny---lean and defined. 

This must be the Shouto person that Izuku had mentioned. His friend boy. 

No, that's not right. 

Ah, yes, his boyfriend. 

Izuku's elated smile morphs into something a bit more suggestive and the moment he opens his mouth to make any comments, Shouto smacks him against his chest and sends him into a laughing fit. 

Shouto's gaze flickers at Katsuki and he pauses, having to do a double take as he notices him curled in on himself in the middle of the car park. 

He promptly shoves Izuku out of the way to get a better look, gasping and clapping a hand over his mouth with a wonderstruck gaze. 

"Oh my God, is that him?" He murmurs to Izuku who nods, not nearly fast enough to dodge the punch he receives to his arm this time. He hisses and nurses his arm even though Katsuki is more than certain that Shouto's dainty little hand felt like a thump of his finger. His reaction is fairly exaggerated. Is that what it means to be a...what had Izuku called it? A drama king? 

"Ow! The hell was that for?" 

"Why didn't you tell me that he was so cute and tiny, I'd have come sooner!" 

"I didn't think it mattered, jeez!" 

Shouto rolls his eyes and approaches Katsuki carefully, crouching down a few feet away from him to make eye contact. His smile is kind and gentle and Katsuki, although wary, searches Shouto's eyes for the sincerity of his smile. The first thing he notes is that his eyes are mismatched as well, but it does nothing to take away from his natural beauty. If anything, it somehow enhances the ethereality of him. 

If he is insincere, Katsuki is none the wiser.

"Hi, honey. I'm Shouto; I'm Izuku's boyfriend. It's very nice to meet you." He greets Katsuki directly, his smile widening when Katsuki turns to look up at him through the thick fringe of his lashes. He looks so completely enamored, crooning at the timidness of the smaller omega. "Just look at you---you're so cute that I could just put you in my pocket~" 

Katsuki's face blooms bright red, not at all used to having such comments made on his appearance. It's always been 'you're so small and weak, I'm scared you'll hurt yourself' and 'I'm worried I'm not feeding you enough; you're not nearly as big as you should be for a boy your age.' 

He's always questioned whether or not he was attractive. Brother---no. Tomura has made it a point to focus on his weight rather than any specific features of his. Was Katsuki considered beautiful? Would most people think him unattractive because he's so small? If someone as beautiful as Shouto thinks him attractive then surely not, right?

"You are...very beautiful." Isn't what Katsuki means to say, but it's a thought that has been rattling around in his brain for the last five minutes and it feels good to say it out loud. He doesn't expect for Shouto to color up to the tips of his ears. 

"Aw, sweetheart! I wanna hug you so bad but I don't want to freak you out." Shouto breathes out and Katsuki holds his arms out in offering. 

"It is okay. I rather enjoy hugs and I think hugging you would be very nice. You smell like mint and strawberries." 

Shouto leans forward and squeezes Katsuki tightly rocking him back and forth. The taller omega is a lot more muscly than Katsuki had first assumed but it is somehow still extremely soft to the touch. It's an embrace that he quickly finds himself melting into. 

Katsuki thinks Shouto might have taken Izuku's place in the running Best Hugger. 

"Don't start ovulating down there. I can smell the baby fever a mile away." Izuku teases and Shouto stands upright, bringing Katsuki with him with a pout. 

"Well, one wouldn't hurt!" 

"You always say that and then change your mind at the very first thought of changing a crappy diaper." 

"Whatever. Just so you know, I'm stealing him. He's mine now. We're going to run away and live a happy life together." 

"We are?" Katsuki is visibly confused but Shouto just giggles into his shoulder, pulling away to ruffle his hair. "No, honey, I was just messin' around. I'm sure Izuku would have an absolute fit if I had actually intended to take you." 

"I haven't even gotten to the fun part of being a big brother yet!" 

"The fun part?" 

"Yeah, like beating up Katsuki's first alpha!" 

"You're horrible." 

"Well, Natsuo and Touya literally tried to murder me when I'd first met them so I think your brothers are much worse." 

Katsuki had almost forgotten where they were and why they were there until Toshinori calls for them to come along inside as they shouldn't be crowding the car park. Katsuki takes Izuku's hand again and Shouto takes his other, making sure to stick closely to his side. It's miraculous, really---how much less anxious he is than he was before. 

#

Shouto seems to be enjoying their little shopping spree even more than Katsuki does, picking out several different pieces at a time and forcing Izuku to hold them until they make it to the fitting rooms to try them on. The idea of having his own little doll to play dress with is one he's unwilling to pass up.

He picks soft colors to compliment Katsuki; pastels and neons. Izuku watches him pile mini skirts and thigh highs and frilly dresses into his arms but not without throwing in a staple 'little black dress'. Katsuki doesn't ask questions or complain, completely oblivious and compliant as he allows Shouto to do as he pleases. 

Katsuki has expressed that he prefers more feminine things in comparison to anything butch or masculine so Shouto skips over the men's section altogether. He grabs a couple of pairs of jeans and tights---maybe some sweaters and a jacket just in case---before they move along to shoe shopping. Inko weighs in with her own suggestions and Toshinori just smiles and follows along. Most of his wardrobe consisted of clothes that were a bit baggy on his frame---cargo pants and t-shirts unless he was going to an important meeting, then he'd wear his only suit. He's not very fashion savvy. 

Neither is Izuku, honestly, as his closet is full of sweatpants, jeans, graphic tees and flannel shirts but Shouto's sire and stepfather are both models and he's spent a great deal of time with them on runways. 

"Okay, we need to get Katsuki some underwear so why don't you boys stay behind a bit?" Inko requests and both alphas quirk their brows in confusion. 

"Why do we need to stay behind? They're just underwear. I've seen Sho's panties a thousand times---"

"Izuku."

"Yeah, baby?" 

"Please...for the love of God. Shut up." Shouto sighs, wiping a hand over his face in exasperation. "What mom is trying to say is that Katsuki is still a growing boy at the moment and you looking at his intimates may not be very good for his self confidence. I know that you're trying to be helpful but we don't need your commentary for this part, 'kay, babe?"

Izuku seems genuinely offended. 

"Wha---I can be quiet!" 

Cue collective side-eye.

Izuku's shoulders slump in defeat. 

"Fine, fine, whatever." He relents and Toshinori holds up both hands in surrender; he's got no intentions on quarrelling with them. It's not like he can teach Katsuki these things. 

#

"Okay, him, this is important. I want you to know that it's okay to have as many frilly, lacy and strappy pairs of panties as you want but we have to get you some functional ones too, okay?" Shouto begins and Katsuki slants inquisitively. 

"What do you mean? Are not all underpants functional? They serve the same purpose, no?" 

"Well...not quite. You see, once a month---right after our heat cycles---we get our menstrual cycles. Do you know what that is, hon?" 

"I...I believe so, yes." 

"Good, good. Now when we get our menstrual cycles---or periods---we usually have to use these special types of sanitary napkins or other products to help us out. Make sure we're not ruining our clothes and sheets and all. For these, you need undies that are more for comfort than for aesthetics." Shouto continues. Inko nods along in agreement. "That's right. Now, that's usually just with pads. With tampons and menstrual cups and the like, you can usually wear whatever you want---" 

"But since you're just getting your period, I wouldn't advise it. They're a lot...cleaner but they make you cramp more and can just as quickly become a pain in the ass---uh, I mean can become very inconvenient." 

Katsuki fidgets a bit uncomfortably. Having menstrual cycles sounds fairly frightening. Does he really have to experience that as well? 

"I-I think that I understand…" He murmurs with a nod, cheeks ruddy as he looks over the neatly stocked bins of underwear. Inko and Shouto don't say anything to influence his decisions this go around, just standing patiently and watching Katsuki pick for himself. They nod their approval after he comes back to show him what he's chosen and Shouto holds them for him so that he doesn't have to feel embarrassed. He's glad they made the alphas stay behind. 

Toshinori doesn't even flinch at the amount of money they'd spent on clothes alone. 

#

Katsuki hasn't the slightest clue of what he's looking at. All of the colorful boxes mostly say the same thing but he doesn't know how any of them work---how does he know what to get? 

"Those are tampons, honey, we don't need those right now." Shouto says over his shoulder, gently taking the box out of his hand and putting it back to reach for another. 

What is Flexfeel technology? 

"Here, these are the longest ones and they're still then so you can get some coverage. We'll get these too in case you get a heavier flow." He says, grabbing a bag that's labeled 'overnight'. What's a flow? Why is this so confusing?! 

"Being an omega is very difficult." He says and Shouto offers a sympathetic smile. "You're not wrong, babe. But we take what we're made of and we give it all we've got. Don't ever feel bad or insecure about the way you were born, okay? There are going to be enough people in the world to try and tear you down already. Don't make it worse by doing it to yourself." 

He must be talking about those bad alphas that Inko had mentioned. But Katsuki isn't afraid of them, not with Izuku and his father there to protect him. 

Maybe Tomura was trying to protect him. Not from illness but from people. He wonders if Tomura will wake up soon. He's been sleeping a very long time. 

#

Dinner was a much more pleasant experience than Katsuki could have hoped for. They'd taken him to a restaurant that serves seafood, something he'd never tried before. He'd had fish, of course, but there were so many other things he hadn't gotten the privilege to try. He'd rather enjoyed the lobster and snow crab---he'd even gotten to try scallops per Izuku's suggestion. 

He'd been in the middle of shoving an entire lobster tail into his mouth when these strangers---Inko called them employees---seemingly appeared from thin air and began to clap and sing to him. He's startled into nearly ducking underneath the table until he realizes that they're singing his special day song, a slice of chocolate cake being slid in front of him as the song comes to a close. 

There's even more gooey chocolate in the middle. 

This may just be the best day in the entirety of Katsuki's life thus far. 

#

"Wait, what?" 

Izuku is standing in Katsuki's bedroom doorway looking incredibly confused and slightly offended. He's donned in pajama pants and a tanks top, arms folded over his chest as his lip juts out in an angry pout. Shouto pauses in helping Katsuki get his gown on to give Izuku his trademark deadpan stare, having helped Inko out for the night by making sure that Katsuki received a proper bath. It will take him a little while longer before he's able to do it on his own and they don't have any intentions on rushing him. He's a bright boy but he always had quite a hard time following along with explanations and instructions. 

One step at a time. 

"Don't look so heartbroken, you'll be fine on your own tonight. You're a full grown alpha, Izuku." 

"B-But! But baby, you've been gone all week! I've missed you so much, don't I get to cuddle you and hold you in my arms tonight? I mean, you came to spend the night with me, right?" 

"Don't be selfish, 'zuku. You said yourself that he's got trouble sleeping alone, besides I wanna make sure he's okay tonight. You get my love all of the time, share it with someone who needs it." Shouto counters, artfully ignoring the way that Izuku's shoulders sag in defeat. 

"Not even a little snuggle?" 

"If you wanna snuggle, come sleep here with us and stop thinking with your dick---"

Izuku sputters indignantly but Shouto has obviously found him out. They're so in tune with one another, like they can easily read each other and understand their feelings. They make it seem so easy. Admittedly, Katsuki is a little jealous. He wishes that he was normal. That he could understand others better. Every bond he has seems circumstancial at best . 

"How does one produce coherent thoughts with their penis?" He asks and instead of laughing at his obvious confusion, Shouto just holds a hand to his chest with a fond 'awww'.

"It's a figure of speech, baby." 

"Oh. What does it mean?" 

"It means that your brother is a pervert." 

Katsuki's gaze floats over to where Izuku is still standing. 

"That is very believable." 

Izuku points an accusing finger in Shouto's direction. 

"Don't you start turning him against me, he was mine first." 

"We'll see about that one." 

"Wait til I get you alone, I'm gonna teach you a thing or two." Izuku grumbles, resigning to sit on the edge of the bed and turn the light off. He leaves the bedside lamp on for Katsuki since Izuku is still fairly certain that he's a tad bit afraid of the dark. Shouto gives him a smug glance. 

"Oh, so you're choosing to come sleep in here with us and behave?" 

"You think I'm gonna choose to sleep alone tonight when I have two cute little cuddle bugs right here?" Izuku retorts, still fairly sour about being ditched for Katsuki, but he supposes having the opportunity to love them both to pieces should be considered a win/win. Shouto leans over to press kisses into the freckled skin of Izuku's neck, smiling against him. 

"I love you so much, alpha~" 

A low rumble sounds from deep in Izuku's chest and he nips at Shouto's collarbone with a grunt. 

"I love you more. C'mon, let's get into bed. I'm sure kiddo's exhausted after the day he's had and we---" He motions to Shouto and himself. "Have class tomorrow morning." 

Shouto rolls his eyes, patiently ushering Katsuki into the middle of the bed so that he can climb in behind him. 

"Remember, honey, never sign up for the 7AM classes. It's a fucking scam." 

Katsuki isn't sure he'll ever attend a university. He's never even been to grade school. He'll leave that bit of commentary to himself, though. He'd much rather focus on Shouto's lovely scent as the larger omega slots himself against Katsuki and rests the blonde's head on his chest. He's already close to dozing off by the time Izuku cages him in on his opposite side, a massive arm reaching out to cover Katsuki and Shouto both. His and Shouto's scent swirl together in a way that's almost intoxicating. 

Katsuki can't ever imagine going back to sleeping alone.