Chapter Text
No one knew exactly what it was about him. He was just so… perfect. The kind of boy that when you saw his face, it was almost impossible not to stare. And there were always going to be the people who would try to put him down because they couldn’t understand how someone could be the exact definition of perfect. They could never measure up even if they tried.
Izuku was the kind of person who everyone strived to be and when they could not, they ridiculed him. They put him down because it made them feel stronger. Make the perfect kid feel bad about himself and maybe he would stop being so perfect. As if that would ever work. It was something he was born with- the want and desire to help people. Make them smile even if it means he himself did not.
Izuku Midoriya was always very different from everyone else. He was smaller and quirkless, but he was sweet and kind, like no one else. He was soft spoken, but he had the heart of a lion and a kindness that no one could understand where it came from. But it was always there. He was always helping people, and some thought it may be some sort of god complex, but… he just wanted to see people smile.
He was different.
Katsuki was the first one to notice it when they were kids. How unshakable Izuku was, and it stirred something inside of him. They had always been close when they were little and yet this seemed like it was something more than just how you look at a friend.
His heart would always flutter and race when he saw that familiar head of green curls. Those eyes that were always shining so brightly, that still did, despite everything he had been through. Izuku was always so optimistic.
And It impressed Katsuki if he was being honest. How well Deku could hold himself together- he was so undeniably good. He always had been, even when he had every reason not to be. Even when he had every reason to be nasty back to the bullies- back to Katsuki. He didn’t.
That was the first thing Katsuki admired about him- even when he was quirkless and had no strength to fight back, he still protected everyone and anyone he could. It was almost as if he was seeking the danger just so he could try to stop it.
He so desperately wanted to save people, and it terrified Katsuki. Because Deku was amazing and brilliant but he was quirkless at the end of the day and he couldn’t fight against the worst or even some of the weakest villains. He didn’t want to see Deku’s light go out. He wouldn’t be able to live the same if Deku was gone.
So he made a mistake and tried to bully it out of him. Remind him he was quirkless and that he couldn't fight back- was it the right way to go about it, no. And he knew that, but fear makes people do stupid things. He realized that soon enough. Because not only did Deku seem less excited to see him, but it also did absolutely nothing to stop him- if anything, it spurred him on.
Deku was still a hero by heart.
And he didn’t want to push him away forever. It was his Deku. The one he had grown up with, the one he watched grow. The one he admired in secret but kept those feelings so close because they were sacred. They were his. He had them first. No matter what anyone felt for him in the future- Katsuki had them first.
And he knew others would feel them. How could someone not love Deku? Katsuki couldn’t fathom it. He was so… Deku and his crush only deepened the more Izuku grew. He became more muscular, his rounded face became only slightly more narrow and if it was possible his curls became even more wild. Katsuki had All Might to thank for that. The intense training that he put Deku through to receive his quirk. A quirk that was amazing and so utterly fitting for him.
Katsuki couldn’t think of anyone more suitable for One for All than Deku… though he’d never tell him that. He was the definition of what a hero should be. A better person at his core than Katsuki thought he could ever be.
While he was explosive and harsh, Deku was thoughtful and sweet. No matter who.
So, it was a quiet crush, one he knew for a fact other people felt too. They would be stupid not to. Deku helped everyone. He was good to everyone. Giving every single person a chance because he knew that was the right thing to do. It was something Katsuki could never understand.
But everyone adored him (Katsuki included) and it was almost as if Deku had some sort of effect that surrounded him and it affected anyone who went near.
Uraraka was the first one at UA. During the entrance exam, when he saved her. Katsuki could have predicted that. And then it was Iida after giving up his spot as class president because Deku thought Iida was more suitable. Again, predictable.
And then it was Todoroki after the sports festival (much to Kacchan’s distaste). But then it was Tsuyu and Aoyama and Kirishima… the list went on and on.
There was no escaping it- Katsuki knew this best. Once The Deku Effect took hold, it would never let go.
For such a long time, Kacchan thought it was just him. That maybe he just had a crush, and it wasn’t normal to think everyone else saw what he did. That he was the only one so obsessive about Deku and these feelings were exclusive to him… but it became clear once they started high school it wasn’t him.
It was Deku.
Katsuki adored him but he would say nothing; he was too proud for that. Deku couldn’t know he was practically in love with him. But the feelings were killing him. Was freaking out about how amazing Deku was and gushing about how beautiful he was too much to ask? He knew other people wanted to do the same. He’d be willing to bet the others would jump at the chance.
So the idea came to him one night when he was in the middle of a texting conversation with Deku. He thought about it for a while before realizing that, in theory, it actually would be a good idea. A club… it could work. As long as Deku never figured out it existed and Bakugo swallowed enough of his pride to ask someone to join, he could do it. His therapist always told him it was a good idea to share his feelings with like-minded people. And he knew just the person to go to start. Someone who simped over Deku almost as much as he did.
Class ended like usual, but instead of hurrying out to do training on his own (like he normally would, he glanced over at Uraraka and slowly made his way over. She was (of course) talking to Deku and Iida, which was annoying for Bakugo, but he knew Deku would leave to go train soon.
He never skipped out. It was yet another reason he admired him so much. The kid valued his strength so much, but not just to become stronger for himself, but rather for other people.
Izuku wanted to be strong enough to never doubt his capabilities of saving someone.
Katsuki waited five (long) minutes for Deku to leave and then caught her by the wrist before she followed him out.
“I need to talk to you.” He whispered, keeping his voice low and quiet. There were still a few stragglers. Iida, however, was in prime range to both hear and see what was going on.
“Bakugo, it is impolite to grab your classmates.” He lectured. Bakugo just rolled his eyes- this guy really never gave it up. Although… maybe he would be a suitable candidate for the club. He knew that Iida at the very least admired Deku’s vigor. But for now, he needed to talk to pink cheeks.
“Shove it, glasses, I need to talk to her. Back off.” Katsuki growled lowly. He didn’t need attention being drawn to him. This was, for now at least, a private matter.
“It’s alright Iida!” Uraraka said with a smile. How was she so preppy all the time? Though he guessed her enthusiasm benefited him now. She followed Katsuki out of the room, where they eventually stopped in a courtyard. “Is everything alright?” She asked.
Bakugo had only ever struck up a conversation with her a few times before, but never like this. He had never been so… urgent.
“Yes. Listen, I don’t want to repeat myself.”
“Alright.” She said, rolling her eyes. Uraraka knew how Bakugo worked.
“You like Deku right?” He asked right away. Beating around the bush would be a waste of time.
Immediately, her face turned red and her eyes flashed wider for a moment. . “Well, I- I mean he’s really nice and sweet and-“
Katsuki let out an annoyed breath. “Do you like him or not? Just answer.” He ordered. Uraraka sighed. She knew it was pretty obvious to everyone… that is, everyone except Deku.
She hung her head. “Yeah, I do.”
Katsuki smiled. He already knew, but he needed to hear her say it. “Perfect.”
“Please don’t tell him.” She begged. Again, Katsuki rolled his eyes.
“Obviously. I need club members.” He said in response.
“You’re in a club?”
“I'm starting one.” He said shortly,
“What kind?” She was suspicious. First Bakugo nearly drags her out of the classroom and then makes her confess and now he’s going on about a club? Why was he so confusing sometimes?
Katsuki narrowed his eyes. Was there any way to explain it without getting embarrassed? Probably not.
“Look, I'm only telling you because I knew you like Deku too, but I'm tired of pining alone-“
“Too?” she asked, furrowing her brows and then, “oh my god, you like Deku too!” She exclaimed. Was he in her competition now? Was it really competition if she had to compete with him? She’d never win- Deku and Katsuki have known each other their entire lives.
“Fucking obviously I just told you that.” Katsuki growled, crossing his arms over his chest. His face was burning. He couldn’t believe Uraraka was the first person he told.
“Then what's this about a club?” She asked.
“If you hadn’t interrupted me, I would have told you.”
“Sorry, go on.” She wanted to laugh, but given the red on Bakugo’s face, she thought it better to hold it in.
Katsuki let out a huff. Was this a stupid idea? It was basically forcing himself to be more vulnerable around other people. But was that necessarily a bad thing? No… it may even help him make more genuine friendships. Through Deku.
How could he be intertwined with literally everything?
Insecurity washed through him. “I just- I'm tired of pretending Deku isn’t amazing, ok? But I'm sure as hell not going to tell the nerd that, so I thought starting a club for people who also like Deku… could be a good idea.” Katsuki looked at the ground as the words rushed from his mouth.
Well, at least the explanation was over and as embarrassing as it was, it could have been worse.
Uraraka was silent for a moment, and then,
“Oh, I get it, like a fan club,” she said. (So perky and...eager).
“Sure, whatever you wanna call it. But we need four members in the club, so… do something about it.” He ordered and shooed her off with his hands. He didn’t expect it to work and, well, it didn’t. She laughed in his face and crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head.
“Don't try to play this off as my idea, blondie. You’ll get the other member and submit the form to Mr. Aizawa.” She explained. Katsuki didn’t fail to notice that she tried to make herself taller. Though he couldn’t deny, the girl was tough. But he really didn't want to go through all that embarrassment. It was hard enough to ask one person.
He stared at the ground, trying to remember all the ways his therapist told him to communicate. Stay calm and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Positive emotions and rational thoughts were the key to success… whatever that meant. He was positive as fuck.
Katsuki sighed and then looked back up to meet her eyes.
“Do you know anyone else who’d want to join?” he asked, trying to keep his voice calm and pleasant. Uraraka held another laugh. It was odd seeing Bakugo so… tame. She supposed it was just Deku’s influence staking its claim once again.
“Todoroki.” She answered simply and then thought, “And Iida would join too if you asked.” Iida was always looking for an excuse to join more school activities and his appreciation for Deku couldn’t hurt his case.
“I am not asking the Icy Hot Bastard. Absolutely not.”
“Why not? He loves Deku.”
Katsuki’s frown deepened. “I know,” he grumbled. That was exactly the reason he didn’t want to say anything. He was fine if people like Uraraka and Iida crushed on Deku (they had no chance anyway) but Icy Hot- he had a chance. He was already Deku’s close friend- he was nice and generous. Katsuki and Izuku were an excellent team and good friends. No way Katsuki could ask him.
“Oh, come on… he can get his dad’s credit card.” She said with a sly smile. Of course, she would know that they probably teamed up. But it wouldn’t exactly be the worst thing in the world.
Still, he refused to swallow that much of his pride.
“The hell would that do?” Katsuki asked. It didn’t seem entirely relevant.
Uraraka shrugged and bit the inside of her lip. Then her eyes brightened, and a smile formed on her face. “Gifts for Deku!” she said with excitement.
Katsuki frowned. “I’m not using somebody else’s money to get things for Deku.” He grumbled. Uraraka crossed her arms. This guy was so stubborn.
“What about Deku merch for the club? I’ve been dying to get my hands on a Deku plushie.”
“Creep.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Oh don’t act like you don’t want one.”\
Katsuki avoided eye contact, shifting his eyes to the ground and then his feet and then the bush that they were next to. Uraraka poked his arm before he yanked it away.
“Fine, whatever.” He gave in. Of course, he wanted one of those fucking plushies. They had his freckles and everything.
“Ah, I knew it!”
“If you talk to him, I’ll talk to Iida.” Katsuki said. He still wasn’t willing to ask Icy Hot, but if he joined Katsuki guessed it wouldn’t be the worst thing. He bit the inside of his lip but didn’t let his excitement show. This was happening. Deku was amazing, the best kind of person and he deserved to be appreciated. It was no wonder this club could get four members easily and quickly. It was just as long as Deku never found out.
“Deal.” Uraraka said with a smile- oh, this was going to be good.
Of course, Uraraka had been right and Iida jumped at the chance to have another school activity under his belt… even if Bakugo had described it as a Deku ‘appreciation’ club instead of a fan club. And Iida appreciated Deku, so it was a win-win for all of them. The conversation and convincing had been simple:
“Hey glasses, come here.” he said after searching for him for over thirty minutes. Oh, the lengths he would go for Deku.
“Can I help you with something Bakugo?” Iida spoke in his casual-formal voice. (don’t ask me what that means- just let it make sense)
“Join my club,” he said bluntly. Maybe it would be possible to rope him into joining without even explaining.
“I did not think you were in one.” Iida remarked. Why did no one think he could be in a club?
Katsuki rolled his eyes at that. Was it so hard to believe? He was a top student, after all.
“Well I am, so… join it.” Katsuki huffed, his annoyance growing.
“May I ask what it’s about.” Iida prodded.
“No.”
Iida frowned at Katsuki.
“Then I cannot join.” Ugh, this was so stupid.
“Fine, it's uh, a club to appreciate our classmates.” He coughed, “like Deku.” Katsuki cringed, but it seemed to be enough to convince him. In fact, he didn't even ask any questions. He guessed all Iida really needed was an explanation.
“When is the first meeting?” He had asked after taking a moment to think. Katsuki turned around and walked off.
“I’ll text.”
Todoroki agreed as soon as Uraraka mentioned Deku’s name. She didn’t even get to finish explaining. Apparently, it didn’t matter to him. Fucking bastard was as in love with Deku as the rest of them. He probably didn’t need any convincing at all. The conversation was shorter than the one Katsuki had with Iida.
“Hey Todoroki!” Uraraka chirped happily as she walked up to the boy to get a glass of water from the kitchen. Midoriya wasn’t anywhere in sight.
“Hello, Uraraka.” he answered.
“Do you have a minute?” She asked, glancing at the door to be certain no one would barge in on them.
“Sure. What’s going on?”
“I wanted to ask if you’d want to join a club with me.” She said sweetly. She doubted he would say no.
“What for?”
“Well, it’s kind of like a Deku-”
“I’ll join,” he blurted. He gave her a small smile and then nodded.
“But I didn’t finish.” Uraraka laughed.
Shoto took a sip from his water and shrugged. “I'll do anything with Midoriya.”
“He can’t know about the club Todoroki.” She blurted.
He frowned. “Oh, well. Does it have to do with him?” Uraraka nodded. “Then I’m still in.”
“Really?”
“Why not? I love Midoriya.” Shoto said simply. He’d probably say it to his face too if it came up. It made her laugh and swell with content. The club was ready to be formed.
Within two days, the paperwork was filled out and everyone signed it… four members were all he needed to form the club and now he had to go through the (only slightly) humiliating process of submitting the form. In person.
Katsuki could do this.
He waited for everyone to leave the classroom, trying to appear uninterested in everything before walking up to Aizawa’s desk and sliding down a slip of paper. The club formation form, to be exact. It was vague and short, because he didn’t want to go into too much detail. All Aizawa needed to know was that it had enough members and no one would be hurt.
Club Name: DFC
Members:
Shoto Todoroki
Tenya Iida
Ochako Uraraka
Katsuki Bakugo
Date of Formation: 2082/08/05
Purpose: Identify qualities of a hero and study their techniques as well as appreciate their skills and assets.
Sponsor: Endeavor.
Meeting room: Various locations
Rules: Don’t tell Deku
Codename: Developmental Finance Club
-
“What’s this?” Aizawa asked. He was tired as per usual, but this piqued his interest only slightly. Katsuki scratched the back of his head.
“I want to start a club.” he said, falling back onto his heels from his toes. It was awkward, to say the least.
“I can see that,” he said with a slight laugh. Out of all the students, he never thought that Bakugo would be the one wanting to start a club.
“I have four members,” he said shortly. Aizawa picked up the paper, looked over it and stifled a laugh. It was too obvious. After reading the rules, or rather, the one rule, Aizawa wasn’t stupid.
“What is the purpose of this… club?” he asked, trying desperately to keep the amused look off of his face. Katsuki’s face flushed, and he looked away.
He pointed to the paper. “It says it right there.”
“Classmate appreciation?”
“Yeah.” Katsuki silently cursed Uraraka for making him do this. It was humiliating coming from him.
Aizawa couldn’t help himself as he nodded and spoke. “I’m sure Midoriya would enjoy a club like this. Did you consider asking him?”
Katsuki’s eyes widened. If Deku found out about this, it would be all over for him. “Do you not see the one rule? No Deku’s allowed.” Aizawa gave him a pointed look and shook his head. Katsuki gave in, “Are you really going to make me say it?”
Aizawa nodded, forcing down a laugh. He didn’t want to embarrass Bakugo, only tease him a little. His crush was blatantly obvious. It was clear of his feelings toward Midoriya. Katsuki sighed.
“It’s about him alright. Now can I make it?” He said in a rush, his face was burning. This all had better be worth it.
Aizawa smiled to himself. “I don’t see why not. Just don't… get into any trouble.”
“Yeah whatever.”
9:30pm
Blasty Boy: Tomorrow night. My room, 7pm. Do not be late or I will smite you.
Ice Zuko: Thank you for allowing me in your club Bakugo.
Floaty: Oh I’m so excited! Can we have snacks?
Flash Reject: We should not eat after dinner.
Blasty Boy: Bring snacks. Fuck off glasses.
10:02pm
Ice Zuko: Uraraka, will you go with me to the store?
Floaty: Do you have it??
Ice Zuko: I have it.
10:15pm
Flash Reject: What is it you have Todoroki?
Floaty: Don’t worry about it Iida.
Ice Zuko: Yes, no need to worry. It’s just from our sponsor. *devil face*
Floaty: Todo, you have to actually send the face
Ice Zuko: but I don’t know how…
10:18pm
Floaty: (◣∀◢)ψ
10:20pm
Ice Zuko: Are you a wizard?
Blasty Boy: Stop blowing up my phone- I’ll kill you all.
Ice Zuko: Bakugo, would you like me to get that plushie?
10:26pm
Blasty Boy: fuck off.
Ice Zuko: So just one then.
Floaty: It’s so CUTE
10:32pm
Blasty Boy: Of course I want one.
Ice Zuko: I will get you one Bakugo. Only because we are friends.
Blasty Boy: We are not friends
Ice Zuko: you want that plushie right? Call me your friend.
Blasty Boy: never
Floaty: Bakugo it has the little masks and gloves and everything (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ
10:40pm
Blasty Boy: we’re… friends, I guess.
Ice Zuko *grinning face*
Katsuki paced nervously in his room. How many people had been in there before? Maybe two. It didn’t matter- this was his idea, and it was too late to take anything back now. Besides, some part of him was excited… he was finally going to be able to talk about his feelings for Deku freely and without judgement.
A knock at his door had him looking through the peephole and then opening it up quickly before ushering Iida inside. He should have guessed he’d be the first one to show up. He wasn’t anything if not punctual.
“Are the others not here yet?” Iida asked. Katsuki held back a nasty response- it was really fucking obvious they weren’t here. But he didn't, he held himself together.
“Not yet, you’re ten minutes early.” Katsuki said instead. He had nothing in particular against Iida but they were just so… different. In fact, before he recruited him, Katsuki couldn't remember the last time he was alone with him.
Did this guy really like Deku? Or was he just appreciative of his incredibleness? Katsuki wouldn’t blame him either way.- He understood what it was like to admire and become overwhelmed by the immense desire to just stop and stare at him.
He was beautiful.
It was a long eight minutes before Uraraka and Todoroki showed up and then entire time he was cursing their names for not showing up early. Iida and he just didn’t have anything in common, and he certainly didn’t feel like gushing about Deku to him. Uraraka maybe, not him.
That just felt weird.
“Took you fucking long enough.” He grumbled as he opened his door and let them in. His mood only lifted a little when he saw a familiar shopping bag in Todoroki’s hand.
“Don’t be so sour blondie.” Uraraka said lightly with a chuckle. Todoroki let out a strangled laugh that he failed to hold in; he thought only Uraraka would get away with calling him that.
“No one saw you, right?” he snapped, shutting the door silently. It was better if he didn’t slam it and attract attention, even though he was tempted to.
Uraraka turned her head after placing the bags on Katsuki’s bed and gave him a pointed look. “Course not, I’m not stupid.” She responded and then she smiled, pulled something out of the bag and tossed it to Katsuki. “Here, thank our sponsor.”
Katsuki looked down at the soft, miniature version of Deku and bit the inside of his lip to stop from smiling. Sure, he’d have to hide it when the nerd came into his room, but it was a smile price to pay. It was so adorable!
“Thanks... Icy Hot.” he mumbled.
“What are friends for?” Todoroki chuckled, laying on his back, his hands behind his head on Katsuki's bed.
“Tch.”
Uraraka giggled. “So what are we going to talk about?” She asked, taking a seat by Todoroki’s feet. Iida raised his hand and spoke.
“I say we analyze his newest training schedule. There is a lot we can learn from his discipline and vigor.” he said with a nod.
Katsuki rolled his eyes. It seems Iida clearly did not understand the true purpose of this club. “Or… we could talk about the beauty that is Deku’s ass.” he threw himself onto his desk chair and spun in it.
A strangled sound of Uraraka choking on her water sounded in the room. “Oh, we’re going right in.” She laughed after regaining control over her breathing.
“No shit. I don’t fuck around.”
“I prefer his thighs.” Todoroki said, a coy smile forming on his face, “Those things could crush me to death and I’d die a happy man.”
Three pairs of eyes stared at the boy laying on the bed, mouths slightly agape. Not a single person would have ever thought that Todoroki, of all people, had thoughts like that. Not a single one of them would have ever expected him to think about it, let alone say it out loud so casually. Katsuki was impressed and slightly excited. No hesitation meant better conversations about Deku and, well, that was the entire point of this.
“You know what Icy Hot- maybe letting you in this club wasn’t such a bad idea.”
“No, it’s just something about the way he holds his wrist when using Air Force. Like you’re telling me that it isn't hot as hell?” Uraraka mused, thinking about the way Deku’s eyes narrowed slightly as he hones in on whatever his target might be.
“I never said it wasn’t,” Katsuki started, “I was saying it's everything all together. The hand, the eyes, and that grin he gets before he knows he’s going to make the shot.”
“I agree, the wrist holding is hot, but it’s his entire demeanor while using it.” Todoroki said. He was now sitting up in the bed, Katsuki next to him as they shared a bowl of popcorn. An hour in and all of them had moved closer to keep their voices quiet, just in case.
Even Iida was adding in his opinions now and again. Maybe he had a little crush… just a little.
“I dunno, the hand movement brings it all together.” Uraraka argued. She opened her mouth to argue again when a loud knock made them all freeze.
No one should be here.
No one should know any of them are in Katsuki’s room.
The knock came again and Iida stood to open the door before Katsuki shooed him aside. “Sit down.” he hissed as quietly as he could. The only person who would come see Katsuki unannounced was Kirishima… or Deku.
He put a finger to his lips, telling the others to stay quiet as he cracked open the door. He swore if any of them made noise and ruined his club on the first day, he would kill them.
Katsuki peeked his head out and was met with… Aoyama. The hell was he doing here?
“The fuck are you bothering me for?” Katsuki asked, keeping the door closed enough so that he couldn’t see inside.
Aoyama gave a dazzling smile, “I am here to join your club.”
Katsuki’s eyes widened slightly before remembering to keep his expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” he said casually, trying to feign annoyance in place of the nervousness he was feeling.
“Oh, don’t be like that,” he mused. “As you may know, Midoriya and I are very close friends. We eat cheese together often- how much closer can two people become?”
Katsuki narrowed his eyes. “I’m the closest to Deku.” he ground out. No one would ever take that place from him. “Go away.” He began to shut the door before Aoyama slipped through the crack, catching Katsuki off guard and entering the room.
“Ah I knew it! Perfect, perfect! I shall partake in the admiration of Midoriya.” He said with excitement before taking a seat on Katsuki’s chair, crossing one leg over the other.
With an annoyed breath, Katsuki closed the door and then glared at the three people sitting on his bed. “Who the hell told him.” he growled, ready to dissolve the club out of pure spite.
“Oh no, no. No one told me Bakugo, I just simply know.” he said, folding his hands into his lap. Todoroki looked up and met Katsuki’s eyes.
“None of us said anything.” he shrugged. Uraraka and Iida nodded in agreement. So how the hell did that twinkling extra figure it out?
“Don’t stress too hard about it, I know everything.” he said with a grin that could only be described as… devious.
What could they do? He clearly already knew and well, so long as he didn’t tell anyone, there really wasn't a problem. “I’ll kill you if you tell anyone.” he grumbled, taking his place next to Todoroki again with a huff.
“Let it out, let it out.” Todoroki whispered, patting Katsuki's shoulder before his hand was smacked away and he was threatening to blow up the entire room. Laughter erupted from all of them as Katsuki’s fists clenched and cheeks tinged with red.
Their club had gotten one member bigger, but little did any of them know… it was only the beginning.