You're weak

It was endless. The interrogation this time was long and harsh. Both the Police and the media focused their entire energies on this case. The last time, the Secret Services tried to sweep the incident under the rug because of their own incompetence, but this time everything was all over the news. After all, this time seven police officers lost their lives, three top TMPA first years and Bakugou, UA student and winner of the UA Sports Festival, were hospitalized and in an uncertain condition. Surprisingly, Bakugou, even after being slashed by Stain's katana numerous times, still survived. Their lives were dug with maniacal obsession, and published on all outlets for everyone to see. Izuku was the least injured of all and the one with the most interesting stories, so since the beginning, he was the most targeted. Journalists, detectives, family and friends, total strangers, everyone asking questions, making insinuations, theories and making his life impossible. Everyone was already calling him a hero for saving the UA students during the USJ attack and also for saving Bakugou and the others, ignoring everyone else's efforts. Messages from admirers and haters were coming every minute. Someone leaked his number and his social media accounts. Probably a blogger or something. Never before he hated people more than now when they were showing their love and appreciation for him. And he was still in the hospital. He couldn't think about the chaos once he'd get out.

"Hey, you should be Izuku Midoriya, right?"

Izuku turned around. There were some teens he didn't know making their way in. He thought it was because of his newfound fame, but he suddenly recognized a girl.

"Hey, you're that round face girl from UA! What are you all doing here?"

"My name is Uraraka... we've come to thank you again. We still don't know if Bakugou will make it, but we wanted to thank for saving his life again! Really, thank you!"

Izuku snorted "He'll make it, don't worry. Bad grass never dies."

"Hhahaha! True. You know, he never told us your relationship. How do you know each other?"

"We're childhood friends. We also went to the same Junior High." Izuku sighed "It's a bit complicated."

"We are going to see him now, want to come?"

"No."

An awkward silence fell in the room. They slowly got out of the room. He didn't have anything against them but he didn't want to be distracted right now. The interrogations until now were hard but it was nothing compared to what was going to come next. He was rethinking all his answers and checking them for discrepancies. He also had to think about the others' declarations. It's true, he could blame his concussion, the rush of the moment and make up some other excuse, but it wouldn't look good, especially now that the higher-ups were looking for someone to be the scapegoat and be fed to the public opinion. Who better than him who was already being chewed up? The fact that he wasn't horribly wounded or dead was suspicious. The fact that he let the villain escape wouldn't have been such a serious issue if it wasn't for the dead bodies. They couldn't put him in prison anyway. He was a minor and there wasn't enough evidence, but they could still expel him from the school. The absurdity of the situation almost made him laugh. Twelve hours ago he was deciding whether he wanted or not to kill a man. Not if it was right or wrong, but if he wanted to. Now, he was worried about getting expelled from school. He was bored. It may have been the concussion talking, but he wanted to check on the old man at the clothing shop, to see if he was done. He wandered through the halls, then stole a doctor's clothes and went back to his room. He shook his head at the fact that they didn't even put a few guards. At least to keep the curious away. He leapt out of the window and landed with grace on the ground. His bones creaked a little, but at least he didn't collapse. [I think I'll have to use public transport this time]

He opened the door of the shop more tired than ever. It was a miracle no one recognized him, but, even with his face covered, he was pretty close to a disaster because of his hair. Also, he became more lucid midway and regretted ever getting out of the hospital in the first place. His paranoia was devouring him and he was having a panic attack. Every piece of blue colour he saw reminded him of the fact that he was technically in police custody. The reason why he didn't immediately return on his steps was that he was so worried about getting caught, he didn't realize he was just a few steps away.

"Whoa, kid, I thought you kicked the bucket. Wait, no, by your face, I'm sure you're a ghost!"

The old man was sitting on his chair as usual, but for some reason, he seemed happy.

"You are way too cheerful and talkative."

"Well, I have a new big client, why shouldn't I be happy. Also, I thought the snitch from the PSIA who was pestering me died, so..."

"Yes, yes, I'm the asshole for ruining your day. Now, are my clothes ready?"

The geezer yawned and went in the backshop.

"Here, top notch quality. Hiroyuki quality guarantee."

He put down a black wooden box. Inside there was a coat, a scarf, a few shirts and trousers, a pair of gloves and shoes.

"I only asked for a coat."

"Tsk, be grateful, kid. I completed your whole look. With only the coat, you would look like an idiot trying to look cool. Now, you can wear it without embarrassing yourself. Everything was done respecting all the specifics. Elegance, practicality and endurance. For the man wants to show his class, even on the battlefield. Don't worry, the extra's on the house."

Izuku went into the changing room. The old man put a mirror in the middle of the shop.

"So, how is it?" he asked rubbing his hands.

"I look like a bartender going to a funeral after his marriage, before his job interview at a law firm. It's perfect."

"I'm glad you like it. Now, pay me."

"I don't handle money. Go to this place and ask for Uematsu. Tell him to include a 5% tip. Good job"

As he was walking towards home, he realized his feet took him back to the old shortcut. It was strange to see the place where Jinnai died clean and illuminated by the sunlight. All he could remember was the night, the moon and the blood. The normality felt wrong.

"I didn't expect you to find me so quickly. It seems I underestimated your resolve. But, you didn't have to dress up. A more casual look is fine too." Stain's voice came from above him.

"This is what I wear normally." lied Izuku.

He was too shocked to even think. He didn't know Stain would be here. It wasn't a matter of resolve or that he was ready. It was just a coincidence, but saying it out loud would be too ridiculous. He decided to play along with the Hero Killer since the moment he made his offer, he just wanted more time. His plans were now unfolding too fast and everything was out of his control. Improvising wasn't exactly his best skill.

"Whatever." He jumped from the building and place himself in front of him. It was difficult for Izuku to not obey his instincts and kick him in the face. Stain noticed that and grinned. "Good reactions. You know, you took me by surprise, coming to me so early, but I guess this works too. But you're too weak now to be useful. I'll show you something. Stay still."

Those were the last words he heard just before the handle of a sword hit him in the head.

[Damn! My concussion!]