I Found What I Was Missing

Chapter 10: So Close

So Close

Izuku remembers the day he presented as alpha quite clearly. He was fourteen, just before he started at UA. His sense of smell had already been a little keen, but the moment he presented, he could instantly smell the grass, flowers, trees; anything really.

It was how he could smell his mom was a beta, but also that something was off about her smell. He had read that when you present, and smell your parents' true scent for the first time; it would fill you with a sense of comfort and warmth.

His mother's scent made him feel uneasy, and a deep longing that he just could not explain. And so, once he started making friends at UA, he could feel himself grow a little distant from her, but he just could not explain why he didn't want to be near her at times.

Kacchan presented as alpha, too. Izuku was not surprised, as Kacchan had the characteristics for a classic alpha; violent, ill tempered and dominant. He guesses it's one of the reasons why they fight so much, because they're both alphas, with a previous dislike for each other only adding fuel to the fire.

Izuku was happy though, to see his old friend gain new ones, too, without having to change and become someone he's not. Not that Kacchan would change for anyone, or so they thought.

Whenever Kacchan was with Kirishima and Kaminari, he grew soft, his rough edges softening so as not to scare off the omega in the group. It wasn't as obvious as one might think, but Katsuki's smile would slip into a small, controlled tilt of the lips, instead of his usual wide, wild display of teeth.

His eyes would soften, as well as his frown, and he would look like a perfect, protective and loving alpha. His behaviour mellowed out more after their fight and Katsuki learned of his and All Might's secret.

He started to become more of a team player, and a little less snappy. Little by little, Katsuki started to change. He was still his snappy self, but he was different. Izuku found himself regularly being able to hold a civil conversation with the other alpha.

Being able to talk openly with his childhood friend again, had caused a flutter in his chest, and butterflies in his stomach. He was overjoyed, because Kacchan meant so much to him, and not having him as a friend, broke his heart.

Until one day--on a Sunday--Izuku was relaxing in the common room with Tenya, Ochaco and Shoto, when he just suddenly realised, he had a crush on Kacchan.

The realisation had him snap his jaw shut in the middle of a sentence, stare wide eyed at the wall behind Shoto's head; his body frozen. What was he supposed to do with that?! He couldn't have feelings for Kacchan, it would ruin everything!

Kacchan was sitting with his friends at a table nearby, and he was shouting something at Sero; and Izuku felt overwhelmed. Tugging at his hair, Izuku let out a screech that drew everyone's attention.

"Deku?" Ochaco asked in surprise and concern.
"This isn't happening right now!" Izuku yelled, before he bolted from the room, leaving everyone stunned and confused.

Izuku started to avoid Kacchan as much as possible after that, but it was hard. He didn't want to ruin his newfound friendship with the other alpha, but he knew his feelings would get in the way. Just the few times he did talk to Kacchan after, had him stuttering and blushing like a fool.