~BNHA~ Everything That I Am

Chapter 18

"You have more food, but not much in personal items. Nothing that's worth an equal trade for the trouble you caused me today." The pharmacist said; he reclined back against the counter, the tips of his finger shifting around the items from their pack in mild curiosity.
None of them spoke up to his comment, and Izuku was glad about it.

"Midoriya, can you read me?"

The whispered voice of Hatsume came through Izuku's earpiece. He knew their little spy was somewhere around the room, but the tiny bug was doing an excellent job of making itself scarce.

"Just give me a nod if you can." Hatsume signaled.

Izuku nodded while keeping his eye on the man in case he noticed. He appeared preoccupied with going through their things.

"You sure look to enjoy getting yourself into trouble, don't you?" Hatsume teased.

Izuku glared, his mouth dipping low into an annoyed scowl, unable to remind their pink-haired tech that this wasn't the time.

Her giggle came through, but he eased up when he picked up the subtle
edge of worry.

"It gets worse..... He's not alone. There's more of them, maybe five?.... They're, upstairs and I'm pretty sure they're waiting." She warned.

Izuku flinched his shoulders tensed at the news, which made Kacchan tighten. He gave Izuku a side-eye; his brows dipped low in question to his sudden tensing. Izuku shook his head, creating a slight gesture to his ear to let him know Hatsume was aware of the situation. Kacchan didn't make any notion that he understood, but he didn't move again as he starred ahead.

The man appeared relaxed because they outnumbered us.

They were at a disadvantage, and Izuku couldn't take risks with Chieko here.

"There isn't much, but what can I expect from three thieving brats? It's a miracle you even survived this long." The man commented.

"Like I said, we're sorry for breaking into your store. We weren't here to cause any trouble. We'll leave and never bother you again." Izuku said.

The man looked down at Izuku, his features harsh as if disappointed. "A simple apology is of no value boy, I need compensation."

He walked over to the entrance door, pointing out the broken lock. "You destroyed private property and now my store is open for anyone to come by and steal. "

"Tell him you can make his door even more secure." Hatsume's voice chimed in his ear; her voice excited as she went over a lock idea she could whip up in exchange.

"I can replace it!" Izuku said. "We have a hideout and we can make something to replace your security."

The man rubbed his palm against the pepper-colored scruff on his face as he considered Izuku's offer. He didn't voice it, but Izuku could tell the man looked intrigued.

"How will you make that for me?" The man asked.

Izuku clenched his fist in irritation, realizing his mistake, and tried to back peddle his voice, coming out in a nervous stutter. "I mean, it's just a lock we found in our travels. We may need to change it a bit, but I think you can use it to replace your broken lock."

"Hm, is that right..." The man didn't believe him. So Izuku stared back at the man in hopes he wouldn't question it. The man sighed before smiling at Izuku. "Alright, you got yourself a deal."

"Can we go now?" Kacchan grumbled.

"Well now, that is another story." The man said. "We may have settled my broken door, but there's still the damage and mess to my store."