With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilty

Chapter 38

After dropping off Juvia, Gray didn't waste a second. He jumped back into his car and sped toward the hospital, determined to get the photos from his boss. As he stepped out into the parking lot, a sudden tingle ran up his spine—his instincts flaring.

A figure dropped from above, landing right in front of him with practiced ease. Dressed head to toe in black, the stranger looked like something out of a spy movie.

"Whoa! What the—?"

"Relax. It's me," said a familiar voice.

Gray squinted. "Natsu?"

"Yeah."

Gray blinked. "Okay... what's with the suit?"

"You like it?" Natsu asked, grinning. "It's new. Upgraded."

"Upgraded how?"

"I'm not exactly sure, but it boosts my strength like crazy. And my speed and reflexes? Way faster."

Gray raised a brow. "Seriously? Just from a suit?"

"I know, right? I can't explain it, but it works."

"Well, as fascinating as your new fashion statement is, I don't have time for a deep dive. I've gotta grab those pictures."

"Right, right. My bad."

"I'll see you tonight?"

"Yeah. Catch you then."

Gray turned and headed toward the hospital entrance. Meanwhile, Natsu ducked into a nearby alley, ready to slip out of the suit—but before he could even touch it, the fabric shimmered and morphed, reshaping itself into casual street clothes.

Natsu stared at his reflection in a dusty window. "Okay... impressive. What else can you do?"

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Just as Natsu was marveling at the suit's new trick, Lucy walked by, absorbed in her thoughts. Feeling unusually confident, he stepped toward her.

"Hey, Lucy," he greeted with a smile.

She looked up, pleasantly surprised. "Oh, hey, Natsu."

"Where you headed?"

"Just getting back from lunch. I've got another class in a few minutes."

"Cool. Uh... I was wondering—would you maybe want to go out with me tonight?"

Lucy blinked. "Like... a date?"

"Yeah."

She hesitated, her smile faltering. "Natsu, that's really sweet of you, but... you know I have a boyfriend."

"But... you don't really like him, do you?"

Lucy frowned. "That's a little presumptuous, don't you think?"

"You're not exactly saying you like him."

"I do like him," she said, folding her arms.

"But do you really enjoy dating him?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me? Since when is my relationship with Loke any of your business?"

"I'm just curious," Natsu said, his earlier confidence starting to waver.

"Well, you're being rude. I'll admit we're not a perfect match and, yes, we're having trouble connecting... but that doesn't give you the right to pry. I'm not the kind of girl who cheats, Natsu. I thought you knew that."