Conflagration

Chapter 9

"So, what you're saying is... you both lied to us to protect yourselves from dying by the hands of All For One?"

The question was posed in a friendly way, asked by the chief of police in a way that said, "It isn't that big of a deal." Of course, Izuku knew better than to trust that tone.

"Yeah," Bakugo admitted, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "And you'd say, 'That's not enough justification, but if you were in the situation, you'd do anything to keep your ass out of the torture chambers they have in their basements." He grumbled as the barista glanced away nervously. Do I really need to be here? I'm not contributing to anything-

"And you, Young Midoriya. I would expect more from you, after what your father was fighting for." Toshinori stated, picking up a stack of papers and spreading them across the large table in the center of the room. Izuku's eyes stung as he narrowed them at the man of authority, deeply affected by his remark.

"Please, do not bring my father into this. I have done nothing but what he told me to do, things that he would be sure to condone." Izuku replied, shifting in his seat and trying to look like he knew what he was talking about. He did, but sometimes it didn't look like he had enough confidence to stand up for himself. He glanced at Bakugo, who held a proud smirk on his face.

He probably thinks he's rubbing off on me.

Well, he's not wrong...

Toshinori scoffed, finishing his task and gesturing at Izuku. "Midoriya, please stop lying to yourself. You're helping a criminal, you're not eating properly, definitely not getting enough sleep, and your mother told me that you haven't spoken but once since you've moved here. What's that all about?" He asked, concern laced in his words.

Izuku shook his head, leaning forwards to argue but being cut off by Bakugo. "Yeah, yeah, family reunion, disappointed father-figure, whatever. Can we focus on the task at hand, please? I'm getting fucking bored."

Thankfully, at that, Toshinori decided to drop the difficult subject. "Please, watch your language in here. There is no need to curse in every sentence." The man sat across from the twenty-four-year-old and his companion, both clearly on edge and agitated by his presence.

"Ok, Old Man."

"Young Bakugo, I-"

"Focus on the task, Oldie."

Toshinori sighed, rubbing his temples before shaking his head and pushing two files towards the younger men. "This is all we have on All For One and their crimes. I suppose, since you'll be working with us on the matter, we'll need to know all that the other knows, correct?"

Bakugo nodded, opening the file he was offered and beginning to read through the very little information inside. Izuku, on the other hand, looked up at Toshinori with a new look of confusion.

"Am I allowed to look at this without being on the case? I'm pretty sure Dad talked about not being able to show civilians the files until the case was closed."

Toshinori nodded, lacing his fingers together and placing his head on top of them, tapping his foot in what seemed to be boredom. "You're correct on that, but you're on the case, so that rule doesn't apply." He spoke the words calmly like he hadn't just shattered Izuku's entire world around him.

"Wha- what do you mean I'm on the case? I-I don't can't tell you anything about these guys, let alone spy on them for you!" Izuku quickly spat, pushing himself back from the table and standing up. He wasn't quite in a panic state yet, but he could tell his mind was quickly on its way.

Bakugo grabbed his arm, pulling him down far enough to whisper in his ear in a gruff tone; "What do you mean, why are you on the case. You've met two of the guys before, haven't you?"