Work Text:
Beta to Omega
At the age of 14, Tsukishima Kei manifested as Beta. That's fine, he doesn't want to have a complicated life by being an Alpha, especially not as an Omega. He has nothing against the other two sub-genders, but he doesn't like the idea of liking someone or being mates with anyone just because of instinct.
He didn’t know that the tables would turn on him because at 16, Kei suddenly had his first heat. On the second screening, he manifested as Omega, a recessive one. It came as a shock at first, then he just shrugged it off. Life goes on for him. He can't let the change in his sub-gender bother him.
College and Tokyo
When he turned 17, he finally convinced his family that he will go to Tokyo for college. His brother was the first to say 'No' and also the first to say 'Yes'. Really, his brother spoils him so much... So much so that he personally looked for the place where Kei gets to stay, went with him to Tokyo when he moved out, and stayed with him for a week to make sure that he's comfortable. Maybe 'spoil' is not the right word. Kei felt like he's being babied.
When it's time to say their goodbyes, Akiteru strictly told him to "Stay away from stinky Alphas", like he was not an Alpha himself. Kei laughed it off and said, "I don't like stinky Alphas anyway, but I can't promise I can stay away if they smell like strawberries." half-jokingly.
Days turned to weeks, then months. Kei has already settled in his apartment and in his college life. He met some people he can call friends and some he doesn't want to be bothered with.
Bokuto and Akaashi
Akaashi Keiji is his senpai in a literary circle he joined in. Without telling him anything, he found out that Kei is an Omega too. Akaashi said it's because Kei looks soft and sensual. Kei doesn't understand and did not bother asking for an explanation. He never intended to hide his sub-gender anyway, nor did he intend to say it to just about anyone. If they know then it doesn't bother him.
It doesn't bother him, but he had hoped no one would bother him about it.
Enter Bokuto Koutarou. "Naa~ Tsukki! Are you dating anyone? No, right? What things do you like? Naa~!" It was like this every time he's meeting up Akaashi.
Bokuto is Akaashi’s fated mate. They haven't done the act just yet, but they both know they are each other's mates. That's why he doesn't understand why Bokuto needs to confirm his sub-gender. Of course, Akaashi does his best to put a reign on his mate and said he shouldn't be asking such things, but for some reason, he wouldn't listen.
Other than that, this couple really exceeds his expectations about fated mates. As he had said, he doesn't care if he has one or not, but he can't help but think what it would be like for him.
"He smelled like a sun-dried flower in a flower field."
Kei once asked Akaashi how he knew that Bokuto was his mate. That was one of the answers he got.
They were in the same club in high school and the first time they met, they already knew. Their senses told them and their mutual feelings confirmed it. Kei wonders if it's the same for other people who found their mates. Or if it will be the same for him.
Strawberry and cream
One time, he had to meet Akaashi in the cafe where he works to get the book he would like to borrow, and the moment he stepped in, his most favorite scent fills his nose. Strawberry and cream.
He ended up ordering a strawberry shortcake and Akaashi took his break right after. Thankfully, the cafe wasn't busy then. They settled at the corner of the cafe. Kei got the book, but he noticed that Akaashi kept looking at his back. He followed suit and saw Bokuto waving at them from the table on the other side of the cafe. It would have been a normal greeting from a senpai, if not for the suspicious guy sitting in front of Bokuto, a cap nesting on top of a black messy hair.
Kei heard Akaashi sighed and stood up. "Tsukishima-kun, is it okay if I introduce you to someone?"
Seeing the exasperated look on his senpai's face, he nods. Akaashi started walking towards the now excited Bokuto while he followed behind him. Bokuto is telling something to the suspicious guy when the same guy stood up abruptly. Briefly brushing past Kei, he felt a spark then the guy went out of the door.
"Aww, man! You coward!" Kei heard Bokuto yelled towards the cafe door.
He probably won't remember what Bokuto was saying to Akaashi, but he'll definitely remember the spark and strong scent of strawberry when the suspicious guy passed by him.
Kei glanced at the now vacated seat and found a half-eaten strawberry shortcake on the table.
The new guy
A few days later, Kei found himself sniffing the mild, fruity scent that is unique to strawberries upon entering their literary room. He looked around and saw slices of strawberry bread on their table. He was about to ask who owns the bread and where it can be bought when Akaashi called him. There’s a new guy in the group and Kuroo Tetsuro is his name. He looked completely out of place in their humble literary room, but since he was the one who brought the bread...
Akaashi said Kuroo is in his third year and just recently took an interest in literature so he decided to join. Though that didn't sound right to him.
For one, after their session that afternoon, the guy didn't even ask for the title of the book they were talking about. He didn't ask where it can be bought or if anyone else has it so he could just read and see for himself if it's worth it to buy. Typical questions if you're really interested, but maybe, he's into another genre?
Still, the guy doesn't know any of the books and writers they talked about and again, not asking any questions on their next session. Kuroo Tetsuro just sat there, always eating strawberry flavored treats and looking like he's enjoying it, but to Kei, he's clearly not a fan of whatever he’s eating.
One time, he choked while sipping on a strawberry-flavored drink, looking at the small carton incredulously, making a scene while they're in the middle of a discussion. Akaashi just shook his head and sigh, but for Kei... this guy is starting to get to his nerves.
Why does he have to force himself to look like he's enjoying their discussions, especially while eating something strawberry? It's like mocking Tsukishima Kei by using his two most favorite things in the world; literature and strawberry.
The suspicious person
The next day, Kei found himself at the cafe where Akaashi works at. He was dragged there by his senpai himself, but they kept hiding behind the big potted plant near the counter. Well, Kei is definitely not small so he had to bow a little lower to hide. He asked who they are hiding from, but he was told to wait. Kei just sighed and waited, but he'd definitely ask Akaashi a slice of strawberry shortcake as compensation.
Seconds turned to minutes, and finally, Akaashi is pointing to someone at the counter, a black-haired guy wearing a baseball cap on top of his unruly hair. He definitely looked familiar...
Someone shouted "Kuroo!" and of course, there's Bokuto. The familiar-looking guy is Kuroo Tetsuro, the new guy in their circle.
Then a realization hit Kei. The suspicious person with Bokuto that one time here at the cafe was also Kuroo.
Battlefield
Kei directed a questioning look at Akaashi, but the other guy just shook his head. "Sorry, Tsukishima-kun. I got tired of hearing Bokuto-san rant about his plans with Kuroo-san so I have to make a move too." With that, Kei was pushed out of his hiding place and found himself the receiver of the gawks from the two guys at the counter.
Kei doesn't even know why they're hiding. He somehow felt betrayed by Akaashi.
"Tsukki!" Bokuto broke the ice. Composing himself, he approached them, still not knowing what he should do. He was dragged and pushed into the battlefield without knowing the plan!
They heard the girl on the cashier cleared her throat. Remembering where they are, Kuroo paid for his order first, after adding another strawberry shortcake on his order. They sat at the table by the windows this time, Kuroo shyly offered him the cake. The atmosphere was awkward. Even the unstoppable Bokuto doesn't know what to say.
Kei remembered Akaashi and glanced at the potted plant, but he's no longer there. Sighing, he just started enjoying the cake he was given. Kuroo took off his cap, revealing an even more unruly hair beneath. He started eating his own cake slowly, but he also kept peeking at Kei who's sitting across from him. Bokuto just staring at the two.
You fought well
As if it was the right time, Bokuto asked what he was doing behind the potted plant earlier. He saw Kuroo gave the silver-haired guy a look and he felt them kicking each other under the table. With a sigh, Kei said he was there earlier with Akaashi, but he already left. He doesn't know why they're there but he roughly has an idea. He looked straight at Kuroo.
"It's more suspicious to me that you kept forcing yourself to join our afternoon discussions and eating strawberry flavored treats at the same time. Even now, I can tell that you're only trying to finish the cake when you can't. I don't understand."
There was a brief silence. Bokuto wolf down the rest of his food and stood up. "Time to raise the white flag, bro. Just say what you have to say. I'm outta here!"
Betrayed too
Kei heard the other guy cursed, the cake in front of him completely forgotten. Clearly, Kuroo was also left in the battlefield without getting instructions on what he needs to do. He totally understands that, but he’s not a fan of wasting food so out of nowhere, Kei asked if Kuroo still plans to eat the cake. He’s afraid that Kuroo’s head will fall out of his neck with the way he shook his head. Kei laughed internally.
“Then, do you mind if I eat it, Kuroo-san?” He got a nod in response.
Kei slowly took the plate of cake to his side and sniffs the strawberries and cream. It was extra strong this time, but he did not bother. He was busy thinking if the older guy across him got his tongue stolen, though he cursed just fine earlier. He took his time eating the cakes in front of him, he knew Kuroo was staring at him, but he has been doing that since earlier so he did not bother to ask. Not right now.
After enjoying the cakes, he wiped his lips with a tissue and looked straight at Kuroo, who’s still staring at him. Breaking the silence, he said that he didn’t know that Bokuto-san was his friend. He was surprised to see them together earlier and especially after finding out he was the new guy in their circle. “Why did you join the group, Kuroo-san?”
Kuroo looked dumbfounded, then there’s another curse, but Kei did not stop there. “Why are you trying to eat food you obviously don’t enjoy?”
Blushing and sighing in defeat, he scratched the back of his head and opened his mouth to speak, then decided against it. “Fuck, Bro. How dare you left me here?”
Unable to stop himself, Kei chuckled at the other guy’s misery. “I was betrayed too. What a lovely couple they are.”
Dying to know
It seems his remark calmed Kuroo. Kei received a smile and a chuckle. “That, they are.” He doesn’t plan to change the subject though so he asked the same questions again.
First, there was an apology, then, a confession. Kuroo has been following him around the 3rd week of the semester. Well, not really following, but he asked around about Kei and he found out from Bokuto that someone of the same description is hanging out with Akaashi. Thus, he joined the group AND kept eating strawberry flavored treats. He thought Tsukishima was the type to be chummy with someone of the same interest. Kei set that disturbing thought aside.
Kei asked why Kuroo did that, and like a child caught doing something naughty, the older guy flushed and lowered his head. He peeked at Kei through his bangs and when he saw him waiting for his answer, he heaved another sigh. “I want to know- no, I’ve been dying to know… i-if you’re seeing anyone right now, Tsukishima Kei.”
He’s also dying to know why Kuroo would ask that.
Smell of bond
Kei’s curiosity about fated mates returned. Well, it never did leave his mind, but he just thought Bokuto and Akaashi was an exception to any guidelines or rules there is to finding your mate. He’s not trying to find his own, but in case they’re just around the corner, he wanted to be able to recognize them and not miss the chance.
That day when Kuroo asked him if he’s seeing anyone, he instantly answered that he’s not interested to see anyone right now. Kei did not give any explanation, but deep inside, he wanted to meet his mate. Maybe that’s the Omega instinct inside him, maybe it’s his stubborn nature surfacing, but he really wanted to meet them. So he was a bit curious as to why Kuroo would ask him that question. Is he not looking for his mate?
‘Wait- is Kuroo-san an Alpha?’ Kei just realized that he really doesn’t know anything about him.
If he’s a Beta, then it makes sense why Kuroo asked if he’s dating anyone, not if he has a mate. Though maybe, that would be a bit of prejudice towards Betas.
Sighing, Kei closed the book he’s reading, he’s not making any progress anyway.
“A penny for your thoughts?”
Ah, right. Akaashi-san still owes him a slice of strawberry shortcake. Though before he could mention that, he noticed a very faint smell of sandalwood coming from Akaashi and he can’t help but ask. The older guy looked a bit surprised, then he answered that it was probably his and Bokuto-san’s pheromones mixed together. He already told Bokuto-san not to do it because it bothers other Alphas and Omegas around them, but he was surprised that Tsukishima-kun could distinguish the smell now.
Kei was surprised too. He’s a recessive Omega and that also means that his senses are lesser than normal Omegas. He knew from his doctor that if a recessive Omega’s senses were suddenly heightened, it could only mean that a dominant Alpha have awakened his Omega instincts through sexual act, or his fated mate did the job by unknowingly spreading his pheromones to his mate. The former is definitely impossible… so did he really met his fated mate without him feeling or sensing anything? When? Where? How?
Looking
Backtracking the places he went to and the faces of the people he met for the past few days are too much trouble. He doesn’t even have a clue where to start and who he should be looking for. How old are they? What’s their gender? Are they a student too? The questions keep on coming and the answers are elusive.
Kei knows that Akaashi understands and wants to help, but knew he won’t be able to do anything. The best advice he can give to Kei is to not just look, make his senses do the work.
Remembering Akaashi’s advice made him stop. Yes, that’s what he has been doing. He’s looking, not sensing them as he should have. Maybe at one point, somewhere, he felt something, even just a little bit.
He groaned. What did he keep on saying before? He doesn’t care. Well, he definitely cares a whole lot now.
Missing treat
Kei is not entirely giving up finding his mate, but it’s pointless to just look everywhere he went. After taking a day off yesterday, he entered their literary room. Akaashi is not there yet, but he saw Shirabu and greeted him. He took the empty couch and was about to lie down when the door opens and a familiar unruly black hair pops out, literally.
Kuroo’s face brightened up after seeing him and probably before he could stop himself, he shouted “You’re finally here!”
“Kuroo-san, tone down your voice.” That was Shirabu.
Shaking his head, but with a smile, Kei greeted the over-enthusiastic guy. “Hello, Kuroo-san. What brings you here again?” The said guy took a chair arranged at the side of the table and set it in front of the couch where Kei sits. He placed it backward so that he’s leaning on the backrest of the chair.
Instead of answering him, Kuroo just kept grinning like an idiot. That’s when Kei noticed the faint strawberry scent. “I thought we’ve already established that you don’t have to force yourself to do anything you don’t want to?”
“I REALLY wanted to be here though? I know you’re not interested, but I AM.”
“Okay, but how about your strawberry flavored treat?” Ignoring the second part.
Kuroo looked genuinely confused about that question, but he answered, “I did not bring any? If you want one, I can buy something for you?”
The door opens again and another member of the circle came in. Before he could put his bag down, Tsukishima asked, “Can you smell strawberries, Kunimi?” The said guy shook his head.
He turned a questioning look towards Shirabu and received the same response.
'That was weird.' Kei doesn’t want to jump to conclusions just because he smelled something from Kuroo-san that nobody else did. Plus, it would be too impossible if his pair will smell like strawberries. He likes it, yes, but for his pair to smell like one... it's too good to be true. He might not be able to control his urges then. He took a deep breath and brought out a book from his bag, trying to ignore the scent. “Never mind then. Since you’re already here, get a book too and start reading, Kuroo-san.”
Together
The next day and the following days, Kei still smells the strawberries whenever Kuroo is around. It annoys him more that the older guy seems to know that something is bothering him and he also clearly know what it is!
He also seems to be enjoying the attention since Kei has been ‘hanging out’ with him often. Hanging out like Kuroo dropping by their circle room after their discussions and walking out of the university together. Sometimes, they eat their lunch at the cafeteria or outside the campus, TOGETHER. Kei decided to just be straightforward and ask, as he normally would.
“Is it your shampoo? Soap? Are you using lotion or cologne?”
“Tsukishima Kei, why would I use strawberry scented products? A big handsome guy like me?”
‘Somehow, the sheepish attitude was gone.’ Rolling his eyes, Kei stood up from his side of the table at the cafeteria and uncaringly smelled Kuroo’s hair and nape.
“Tsu-tsukki!”
He doesn’t care about the eyes following him, he just thought, ‘Menthol and citrus. Definitely not his shampoo or soap. I can’t imagine this big oaf applying lotion and he’s definitely not the type to use cologne or anything like that.’
An idea crossed his mind. ‘His toothpaste, maybe?’
As he sat back, he noticed that the scent became stronger.
Go home
Kei can’t let go of the thought. Instead of peacefully reading a book, he kept thinking about Kuroo-san. This is not like him at all. Not like him to be thinking about flavored toothpaste too in the middle of the night.
The following day, he went to school even though he felt sick and feverish due to lack of sleep. Akaashi asked him if he's alright when Kei saw him in the hallway. He just nodded, but that movement also hurt his head. He visited the clinic and the doctor looked at him weirdly. "I think you should head home."
He shook his head and said, "It's just lack of sleep. I'll take the pill and rest for a bit, thank you."
That afternoon, it was only him and Akaashi in the circle room. Kei received a frown from his senpai and then a look of disapproval. You should really go home, Tsukishima-kun. Your pheromones aren't normal."
He was surprised that even Akaashi can sense his pheromones. Since he's a recessive, he can't control his pheromones and his heat cycle is irregular, so he takes more suppressants than necessary. So far, it worked so maybe he'll eat something before his last class and take another suppressant.
"I already took a pill this morning. I'll take another one as a counter-measure, but really, I'm fine." Really, he's just feeling heady but he can still think straight, but maybe, he should take the suppressant now. He excused himself to go to the cafeteria.
Kei felt the gazes of the other students he passed by as he make his way towards the cafeteria. He knew it's his fever that's causing him to lose control of his pheromones, but it'll all go back to normal once he take his suppressant.
Taking the seat at the far end, he wasn't surprised when someone took the seat in front of him. Eating with Kuroo became the norm for over a week now. They don’t need to send texts to each other, they just somehow ended up eating together. Just like now, however, he did not expect Kuroo's expression. He looks worried and something else that Kei can't point out.
"You're flushed. Are you sick or...?"
"I'm fine. Just lack of sleep."
Kuroo stared at him for a moment and sighed. "You should go home."
"I still have one class and I'll go home." To divert the other guy's attention, he asked randomly, “How about your toothpaste?"
Kuroo's face softened a bit then he chuckled. Kuroo stood up from his seat and walked towards Kei and sat on the seat beside him. “There’s only one way to find out.” The other guy inched closer and Kei thought, ‘This is not the ‘way’ I’m thinking!’ Unwillingly, he closed his eyes. The strawberry scent mixed with something stronger, like musk and mint and something sweet, became even more distinct and suddenly, he felt feverish than earlier.
When nothing happened, he slowly opened his eyes. He saw Kuroo holding a tube of toothpaste in front of him, his grin was a bit off. “Not strawberry flavor either. Now, Tsukki, you should really go home. I can't take you home so I will ask Akaashi.”
Kuroo took one of his arms then there was a spark. Kei felt goosebumps on his nape, he can feel and smell the scent becoming stronger, it's dominating his senses that it's almost hard to breathe. Everything is so hot and it left him panting.
"Fuck. Hold on, Tsukki." There was panic in his voice, and it was breathy. He can hear other voices, but when someone lifted him off the ground, he knows it’s Kuroo. Before losing his consciousness, he thought to himself, ‘What a way to find out.’
Then, everything became dark.
Nothing
Kei found himself in a hospital bed. His body still feels heavy, but it looks like his heat has passed. He knows it’s already evening since it’s dark outside, but he wonders where Kuroo is. They have a lot of talking to do.
The door opens and Akaashi came in with a paper bag in his arms. It was food.
“How are you feeling?”
“Still a bit tired, but did I really just had my heat?”
Akaashi hesitated for a bit. “Yeah. Let’s wait for your doctor so she can explain more for you.”
For Kei, he doesn’t need any more explanations. He understood what happened. Still, he listened as his doctor explained that his sudden heat was induced by an Alpha’s pheromones, the intensity could only be because the Alpha, Kuroo, is his fated mate, and thus, the pheromones excited his sub-gender. The doctor said he can be discharged tomorrow, but he still has to rest for a few days and to make sure to get his prescription. He was prescribed a stronger suppressant.
When he asked Akaashi where Kuroo is, he just said that he was forced to go home by his doctor because Kuroo’s messed up pheromones wouldn’t be good for his condition. Bokuto had to literally drag Kuroo home.
Well, this is definitely not how he imagined meeting or at least finding out who his fated mate is. Maybe if he's a normal Omega, he would've realized sooner. Maybe Kuroo already knows, that's why he's kept an eye on him but doesn't want to make a move yet.
They said that when you meet your fated mate, you'll feel something different. Why didn't he felt anything? Nothing at all.
Piece of paper
Kei stayed at his apartment for 3 more days. He doesn’t have Kuroo’s number or knows any of SNS so he can’t contact him. He could have asked Akaashi, but it doesn’t feel right for him.
After 3 days, he came in normally to school, however, he found some of the students look at him strangely. Well, it can't be helped when he made a scene and went in heat in the school cafeteria. But he can’t be bothered with other people when he’s looking for a certain black-haired guy.
He attended his classes and went directly to their circle’s room in the afternoon. He paused in front of the door, thinking Kuroo might be there. He opens the door and was disappointed that Kuroo was not there, nor was the other members.
Bokuto and Akaashi are there though. The ever loud and unstoppable Bokuto looked… calm. “Yo, Tuskki. How’re ya?”
“I’m doing better now, Bokuto-san. Thank you. I actually-“
Before he could finish what he’s saying, Bokuto gave him a folded piece of paper. He stared at it intently.
“It’s fine, Tsukishima-kun. Everybody doesn’t feel so great today so…”
Bokuto guffawed. “Somehow, everyone fell ill after hearing that you found your mate. Don’t make that cat wait for too long or it might look for a new mate!”
“Bokuto-san, that won’t be possible. Go now, Tsukishima-kun. You can tell me the details later.” Akaashi smiled knowingly.
Kei ran out of the room. Opening the folded paper, he knew immediately the place indicated on it.
You like strawberries, right?
He entered the café and immediately saw Kuroo seated on the same seat they were on the last time they were here- rather; they were left here together.
Nervousness isn’t his priority right now, but he can’t ignore the loud thumping in his chest. He checked himself in case he goes into heat again, but he's fine. He's sure of it.
Probably sensing his presence, Kuroo glanced in his direction and waved enthusiastically. Well, maybe he doesn’t need to feel nervous at all.
Upon reaching the table, he noticed two slices of strawberry shortcake on his side of the table. Making himself comfortable on his seat, Kei can’t help but frown. “Why-“
“Let’s start properly this time, shall we?” Kuroo held out his hand and without hesitation, he reached out for it. Kuroo’s hand is warm… and sticky. Kei chuckled. “I was nervous, okay? Somehow, what happened was my fault. I already knew who you were the first time I saw you but I guess, the cat got tongue-tied. So, you know my name, I'm Kuroo Tetsurou and I think- no, I'm sure that you're my mate, Tsukishima Kei."
Kei felt his face flushed. "I'm- yeah, you know my name and-" Sometimes, he's really not good at talking, and that 'sometimes' is now. “…and the cakes?” Kei asked instead.
“You like strawberries, right? I bought two, but I remembered I don’t like it so you can have both.”
He scoffed because he knows the truth. Kuroo just laughed at him. He started with the first slice and almost hummed in delight to feel the cream melt in his mouth. “I have a lot of questions, like how Bokuto-san and Akaashi-san got involved, but they can wait for next time.”
Kuroo’s grin faded. “You knew?”
“It was obvious. Now you owe me another slice.” Kei smirked.
Strawberry and Mint
Kei had to call home to let his family know that he already met his fated mate. His brother panicked, while his parents just congratulated him. They’re coming to Tokyo next week.
As the days passed, he spent more and more time with Kuroo, his pheromones became stable. They’re still not sure about his heat cycle, but Kuroo taught him a few things.
It was after the discussions in their literary room. Kei’s chin is on his hands, while Kuroo's head is on the table, facing him. They’ve been like that for almost an hour now, just talking about everything else. They’ve been to the café several times now too, they ate lunch together and they even studied together at the library, but they never went to each other’s houses. That would be dangerous, but since they still want to be alone, and the two of them were given the task to lock the room. Of course, after they leave.
Kei found out that Kuroo asked him if he’s seeing anyone instead of asking if he already has a mate because the guy never wanted to tie him into a relationship, just because they are fated mates. He had to admit, everything was so sudden and it wasn't like how he imagined at all. Not the same as how Akaashi met Bokuto, but it's not like he didn't like everything that happened. He also realized that he did felt something the first time he met Kuroo - he was wary.
Kei asked what his pheromones smell like for Kuroo and... “Mint?”
“Yep and something sweet.”
“Do you like mint? Because I like strawberries.”
“The taste? Not really, but your scent is special, believe me. It left me heady.”
Kei chuckled. “Okay, I believe you. Now, kiss me so we can go home.”
Kuroo straighten up and leaned towards him. Placing both his hands on his cheeks, he kissed Kei lightly on his forehead, then on the tip of his nose, and last but not the least, Kuroo gave his lips a light kiss.
Grinning stupidly, Kuroo said, “I think I already like mint.”
---END---