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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.