Shadows of Protection

Under His Protection

Lucy couldn’t shake the chill of that night. The memory of the men’s faces, twisted with malice, haunted her, but even more unsettling was the memory of him, the powerful Mafia boss who had saved her. She hadn’t expected him to step in or to send her attackers scattering with a single look. The way he had exuded authority and command had been unlike anything she’d ever seen.

Now, sitting in her room, she replayed his words in her mind, his voice laced with an intensity that made her feel strangely safe and unsettled at once.

The day after the incident, Lucy tried to resume her life, hoping the events of the night would fade into a distant memory. But her attempt to slip back into normalcy was quickly shattered when, on her way to school, she noticed a black car parked nearby. She froze, her heart skipping a beat as the car door opened and a familiar figure stepped out.

Natsu Dragneel.

“Miss Heartfilia,” he greeted, his voice calm and low. He looked at her with those same intense eyes, and she felt an odd mixture of gratitude and caution.

“Mr. Dragneel?” Lucy stammered, surprised and slightly nervous. “What are you doing here?”

He smirked, his gaze unwavering. “Call me Natsu,” he said simply. “And I’m here because, after last night, I’m not taking any chances. I don’t like loose ends.”

Lucy raised her eyebrows, a little defensive. “I’m just a high school student. There’s no need to… follow me around.”

“Trust me,” he replied, his tone softening but still firm. “Those men weren’t acting alone. You may not be aware of it, but they targeted you for a reason.”

Lucy’s eyes widened as the weight of his words sank in. “I don’t understand. Why would anyone target me?”

Natsu’s gaze shifted, a hint of something unspoken in his expression. “That’s what I intend to find out. But until I do, you’re under my protection.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off with a look that made her stop. “My people will keep a discreet distance. You won’t even notice them,” he assured her. “But I can’t allow you to walk around unprotected.”

Lucy felt conflicted. Part of her wanted to argue, to tell him that she could take care of herself, but deep down, she knew she was in over her head. The fear from last night lingered, reminding her of just how vulnerable she had been. She took a deep breath, nodding reluctantly. “Fine,” she said softly, meeting his gaze. “Thank you… Natsu.”

A faint smile touched his lips, and he nodded. “Good choice.”

The days that followed were strange for Lucy. Every time she left the house, she noticed subtle signs that Natsu’s people were around—black cars parked nearby, an occasional nod from a suited figure who seemed just a little too aware of her movements. Despite the initial unease, she found a strange comfort in their presence, a constant reminder that someone was looking out for her.

One evening, as she left the library, she noticed Natsu himself leaning casually against a car parked outside. He looked up, meeting her gaze with a faint smile. “Need a ride?”

She hesitated, then nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. As they drove through the city streets, a quiet understanding began to grow between them. Lucy found herself opening up about her fears, her dreams, and her uncertainties, and in turn, Natsu shared bits of his world, the weight of his position, and the unexpected sense of duty he felt toward her.

For the first time, Lucy realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to Natsu Dragneel than the fearsome reputation that preceded him.

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Lucy's outfit

Natsu's outfit

The guards outfits