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petri808 · 2 years

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Hi!!! If you"re still taking in requests could you do "enemies to lovers kissing for the first time, and it’s a tender kiss" from the prompt list pretty pls☺

Nalu modern world Yakuza AU. okay it really got away from me. 8K+words.

My name is Lucy Heartfilia, an undercover agent for the major crime’s unit in the Tokyo police department. The date is August 9th, 2025, and long-term operation Tame the Dragon has commenced. Code name Starla Nakasone, my mission is to infiltrate the Dragneel Yakuza organization and gather intelligence to bring it down. This is a deep undercover mission to minimize any danger to me from the gang discovering my true identity.

An informant has brought me into the gang as a money counter. It’s a low-level position, but at least it gets me in the door. We’ve had very little verified intelligence make it out of this organization. The gangs current head, Natsu Dragneel is the son of the gang’s progenitor, Igneel Dragneel. Everyone in the higher ranks is closely tied and tight lipped about the operations. Generals report to lieutenants, while lower-level members are handled by a general in charge of a specific division. Each level is on a need-to-know basis.

What we are sure of, is this Yakuza outfit has their hands in geisha houses, high end drug procurement, protection rackets, and money laundering. However, what we don’t know is just how they’ve been able to stay out of law enforcements hands for decades. There are unsubstantiated rumors. Some saying the gang is ruthless which keeps information from spilling, and others that refute the suggestion. Regardless, as far as I’m concerned, illegal is illegal and it’s my job to bring them down.

The location I’ve been sent to looks like any old four-story professional building in Otemachi district bordering the business sector of Marunouchi. Otemachi is the oldest section of Tokyo dating back to the Edoperiod, and while in modern times has become a hub of journalism’s biggest players, old daimyo families may still control areas. That’s what I suspect of the Dragneel lineage.

“Hi,” I walk into the front door of a gentleman’s club and see a woman fussing behind a bar counter. The place doesn’t open until later in the evening, so I assume she’s not a normal staff member. “Are you Cana Alberona?”

The woman steps out. “Yeah, and you are?”

“Starla, the new counter.”

“Oh, right! I was told you’d be starting today. Follow me,” she motions.

As we continue through the first floor of the building, Cana gives me a tour, so I don’t get lost. The gentleman’s club on this floor looks like it caters to a very high-end clientele. She explains that many legitimate business professionals use the private rooms for meetings with geisha assigned to service them. All look, no touch. The top floor is where the head lives while in town, and the two floors in the middle are for operations. How accurate her descriptions are is yet to be deciphered?

“This is where you’ll be working,” she guides me downstairs to the basement level.

From what I can see, there is a vault connected to a secure room filled with desks and tables, counting machines, bank bags, and other tools necessary to process and launder the gang’s physical cash. There’s a guard posted outside of the vault. She then introduces me to the other counter I’ll be working with, a female named Levy McGarden.

“Levy will train you on what to do in here, but if you have any other questions, you come and ask me.”

“Okay.”

“You know,” Cana looks me up and down. “If you want to make a little more money, you could train for the geisha room. You got the looks for it.”

“No, thank you.” I blush at the suggestion. “I’m too shy for something like that.”

She shrugs her shoulders. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

Once Cana leaves us alone, Levy sets me up at my new workstation and begins to go over all the rules and what my job description entails. Frankly, it’s a simple job anyone could do. The machine does most of the work for us, so we just wrap, secure, and pack the money to be moved out in the next step. Levy and I are scheduled during the day and there are two more at night for now, but that could always change.

“You’ll be fine if you keep your mouth shut about what you see here. They take really good care of employees. The girl you’re replacing got pregnant and they let her go with a monetary gift for the baby.”

“Got it. So, Cana is our boss, right?”

“Cana is the General in charge of this floor. She manages the club and oversees us counters.”

That’s two unexpected pieces of information. First off, a female General in a Yakuza organization is unheard of! A madam yes, but not with actual rank. And I’ve never heard of a gang taking care of a lower-level employee. “Sounds like a great place to work,” I respond with a smile.

It’s of no surprise that as the newbie I would be given the grunt work the other counter doesn’t want to do. Grab them lunch. Move this here. Carry this there. Run this upstairs. That’s fine with me! Makes it all the easier to spy.

So far, I’ve learned that each floor has a guard posted at the elevator and stairwell. Haven’t seen any lieutenants yet but did meet the saiko komon head of administration because of all the paperwork I’ve delivered. All my deliveries are to the second floor, so I surmise the third is where the heads are located. It’s finally after two months do I get my opportunity to see it. There’s a meeting with all the generals and lieutenants, and I’ve been sent to pick up their lunch.

As I struggle with a heavy box full of expensive bento boxes, I can’t help but to bitch under my breath about it. How’d they expect me to carry this thing?! I can barely see over it, but at least the guards take pity on me and push the elevator button… gee, thanks. Okay, two dings mean I’m at the third floor, so as soon as the door opens, I take a step out and bump into something.

“Hey!”

Eek! Or someone!

“I’m so sorry, I can’t see where I’m going.”

I feel the box suddenly being lifted out of my arms. Oh great, am I in trouble?!

“Please, I’m sorry, I’m here to deliver—”

A chuckle erupts, cutting me off, and as the box moves to the side, I can see who I’ve bumped into.

I bow my head low, assuming this must be a general or something and I don’t want to appear rude. “This is the lunch for the meeting.”

“And who are you?” The man questions while tipping my head up to get a look at me. “I think I’d remember meeting a gorgeous girl like you before.”

My cheeks flare with heat from such an unexpected comment. “I-I’m Starla, the new counter downstairs.” I explain.

The man shifts the box to his shoulder as if it weighs nothings, then prompts me to follow him down a corridor.

“Sir, s-shouldn’t I go back to my work?” But he doesn’t respond so I continue to follow orders.

Once we reach one of the rooms, he opens the door, then puts his free arm around my shoulder and pushes me through. I can immediately see this must be the meeting and all these people are the heads of the organization! My eyes grow wide with concern, should I really be seeing this so soon?! I see Cana who also seems shocked to see me. I try to reverse, but his grip around my shoulder only tightens. So, I bow my head and pretend not to see anything.

“Hey Alberona, why didn’t you tell you hired a fox as a counter?” The man demanded an answer.

“Since when do you care about my girls,” Cana retorts. “And why is she here?” She crosses her arms in annoyance. “Her job was to bring lunch, not hand it off to the oyabun of all people.”

He’s the boss! This is Natsu Dragneel! I shrink back even more, but he doesn’t let me leave. Just great! This whole operation is in jeopardy because of a lunch delivery.

“Calm your tits Alberona,” Natsu drops the box on the table. “I can do as I please.”

“Sir, may I please go back to work now?” I ask meekly, head still bowed low.

“Huh? Oh, gimme a sec.” Natsu states. “Just stand right here.” He orders as he lets go of my shoulder.

Leaving me standing at the door, I watch through my peripheral and listen as the lunches are passed around the room. It’s a bit surprising to me that they are talking as if I’m not there, but I assume that they assume I’ll keep my mouth shut. After several minutes pass, I hear Natsu instruct them to continue the meeting, then comes back to me and grabs my arm gently.

“I’ll escort you back downstairs,” Natsu explains.

Why is the boss escorting me?! I nod silently and allow him to prompt me into the elevator.

“So, Starla, right?” Natsu questions as we walk back to the vault. “Go out to dinner with me.”

What?! I hold my composure. “I can’t do that.”

“Are you really turning me down?!” Natsu sounds annoyed yet intrigued as if no one’s ever turned him down. “Do you have a boyfriend or something?”

Inside I’m panicking, but outwardly I’m trying to keep it cool for the mission. It’s a bold move to turn him down, but his request makes my skin crawl. “No, but surely you have many women to choose from and I’m not interested in a player.”

Natsu grabs his chest in a feigned heart attack. “Of all my enemies, your words are the most lethal.”

Oh, good grief, I wanna roll my eyes. “I just take my job seriously, sir.”

“Stop calling me sir, just call me Natsu. Formalities are boring.” He moves closer and places his hand on my cheek, skimming down to my chin. “But fine, it’s not like I give up easily.” His face moves next to mine, and I hear him whisper. “Challenge accepted.”

Guys are so easy to manipulate, I snicker to myself. I’d not intended to cozy up to the boss like this, but no point in not taking advantage of a situation. As I sit back down at my desk, Levy scurries over.

“What was that all about?” Levy questions with a glint in her eye. “Natsu rarely comes down here, and moreover I’ve never seen him flirt with anyone either.”

Wait, never? “We bumped into each other upstairs and I um, turned his dinner request down.”

Levy starts giggling. “You’ve got some balls on you.”

She stands up straight ready to return to her own desk before I stop her. “You said you’ve never seen him flirting before?”

“Nope. Why?”

“Well, I just assumed that… because he was so quick to spit out lines, he was a player.”

That sends Levy into a total laughing fit. “Natsu?!” So much so, she wraps her arms around her stomach from laughing too hard. “The boss is no player! In fact, his dad is always on his case about finding a wife, but he’s never interested in anyone.”

“Wow, you know his dad?”

“Yeah,” Levy finally sits back at her desk as she calms down. “My dad worked under Igneel, that’s how I ended up here too.” She smiles. “We’re all family in a way.”

This is even more unexpected information I’m left to ponder. As far as the gangs’ illegal activities go, the information is checking out. What’s not, is the intelligence on the members themselves. Is it all a ruse or for real? A boss who doesn’t have that air about him. Family? I’ll just need to keep my eyes open.

True to his word, Natsu is one stubborn guy. Day after day, week after week with no fail he tries. It’s like watching a puppy crying for attention. Once the words fail, he tries flowers. When flowers fail, he tries gifts. But I can’t lie that it isn’t slowly breaking me down. I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone try so hard before. So finally, after 2 months of this, I relent and agree to dinner.

The restaurant he takes me to is quite fancy, with a French/Japanese fusion type menu. “You really know how to show a girl a good time,” I comment as he holds the chair out for me, “and such a gentleman.”

“Well, considering how much effort it took to get you here, I’m glad you’re at least amused,” Natsu chuckles as he takes his seat. “And if you’re wondering, no I’ve never brought any other women here.”

I was a bit stunned by his statement and couldn’t stop a slight frown forming. “Why would you mention that?”

“No reason, other than you’ve accused me before of having many women to choose from and I assure you, I don’t.”

“Alright,” I cross my arms, “I’ll admit little birds have confirmed you’re no player.”

Natsu’s eyes flash excitedly, “is that why you finally agreed to dinner??”

“Maybe…” I coyly look up. When I see the giddy expression on Natsu’s face it takes all my willpower not to laugh. Who’d have thought it would be this easy to infiltrate such a feared yakuza house! “But easy, big boy,” I check his enthusiasm. “This is just a date.”

“I’ll take it as a win,” Natsu grins and leans back full of pride.

Throughout dinner the conversations stay casual, and anytime Natsu tries to pry deeper into my life I pull him back. I can tell it’s frustrating for him, but he keeps his cool, nonetheless. The food is excellent, I must say and the dessert divine! So, this date has its perks after all.

When Natsu’s personal driver pulls up to the sidewalk fronting the restaurant, we get into the back seat of the Infiniti QX60 red sports car. I don’t think I’ve been in such a luxurious vehicle before with heated leather seating. It’s a beautiful car. Natsu instructs the driver to take me home… well, the home I’m using for this operation. I wasn’t about to let them know what my true address is. The department has set me up in a tiny apartment approximately three blocks away from the Yakuza’s head office. Which was nice because I could just walk to work.

“I have one more thing to ask,” Natsu turns to me and takes my hands before I can pull them away. “Be my personal assistant.”

“What? Why?” I question the surprising request.

“Why else,” he grins, “but to keep you close so I can win your heart!”

Oh, Kami! But I play it cool considering this will give me access to his entire organization! “I don’t know…” I shy away. “That’s a big leap from just counting money. What if I don’t have the experience to do office work?”

“Pfft. I bet you’ll do fine.”

This is Lucy Heartfilia, undercover agent for the major crime’s unit in the Tokyo police department report notes. The date is November 20th, 2025, and operation Tame the Dragon is going smoothly. In just four months I’ve managed to move from a bottom level position to the personal assistant of the boss, Natsu Dragneel himself. It turns out my lady wiles work better than I’d anticipated on him.

So far, our intelligence regarding this organizations illegal dealings are accurate except for the geisha house which is a legitimate gentleman’s club for high-level clientele. As his personal assistant I will now be able to gather even more details, hopefully the proof we need to shut it down. However, as for the membership, they are rather odd compared to other Yakuza organizations, or even their organizations past under the old boss. I suspect this in part due to the younger generation’s ideas. Perhaps they are not as fond of violence anymore? I must note that they treat me very well here… better than my colleagues back at headquarters…

I wrap Levy in a big hug, “I’m gonna miss having you around to talk to.”

“Me too,” Levy squeezes back before letting go. “But at least we’re still in the same building, so I’m sure we’ll run into each other.”

“I hope so.”

“Don’t worry, Lu, I’m sure Natsu won’t mind if you drop by the vault to chat.” Levy grins, “I bet you’ll have him wrapped around your finger in no time.”

If only she knew… “Yeah,” I chuckle.

Truth is, Natsu has no idea what to do with me. His plan to make me his personal assistant is something he probably made up on the fly. Because as I sit here on his couch with nothing to do, I almost wish I could go back to the vault. I must say it’s a nice living space with a mostly open floor studio plan. It has all the amenities, kitchen, living area, bedroom, even a small outdoor patio with a high wall for privacy. This is not Natsu’s primary residence, just his home slash office in the city. According to him, he has a large home tucked along the forest in Ibaraki outside of Tokyo. But I still haven’t learned exactly where.

But now I’m on the third floor! Yay me! And have access to all the floors without question. That’s a big step in this mission! I figure even if he doesn’t give me work to do, there’s things I can help with. Maybe running papers, and such. So, when Natsu’s busy or not around, I ask the others if they need help with anything. His lieutenants Gray Fullbuster and Gajeel Redfox are weary of me, as they should be, but they don’t have a choice. As for the Generals, Cana seems fine with me, a guy named Jellal Fernandez I think is okay with me, but another female General named Erza Scarlet is still weary of me. I have a feeling they give me things to do to watch me, so I need to be careful.

The stereotypes I hate being labeled with have become my best weapon. I still despise having to use it but, a young, somewhat spacey, and friendly woman coupled with my looks work well to allay suspicions. All the psychological training from the behavioral unit helps too. Remember to act like a ditz but not be a ditz. Be smart enough to do simple tasks, yet when pressed to think outside of the box— struggle. Prefer direction and be useful, but not overly ambitious least you raise eyebrows or garner too much attention.

And I don’t need more attention. Trust me, an unknown woman suddenly at the side of a Yakuza boss makes for a lot of gossip.

So, for the next few months we dance this dance. I let Natsu get close enough to gain his trust, but never allow him to push it past the professional. It drives him crazy and keeps him wanting more. Men sure love to want what they can’t have.

Each day I secret away more info into a log back at my apartment… in code of course, and in a language very few people use anymore so not even my superiors could read it. That’s my own failsafe to keep my colleagues from taking away my credit. They could find a linguist, sure, but there’s not many who can read Runes. Why can I write in Runes? Well, when you’re a typical high school student who likes to share notes with your friends that the teacher can’t read… you find a way.

I’m starting to put more names to dealings now. There are a handful of lower to mid-level dealers pushing product for the gang, but surprisingly most of the drugs are being funneled to a level of society one wouldn’t guess. The geisha house is a legit business, but illegal drug use is common, and deals are made in those private rooms between the sushi and the sake. Turns out the high-stakes world of business wheeling and dealing sometimes requires an upper to keep going. This explains why such little information is leaked. Too much is at stake to lose on all sides.

Then there is the money laundering. Many of the same business executives who buy designer drugs, also have side deals to funnel money around with the yakuza’s help. Pfft, no wonder the rich tend to stay rich. But again, there’s a lot at stake for both sides with more incentive to keep their mouths shut. This way everyone is happy. And since Japanese people are known for holding things close to the chest, breaking them is that much more difficult. I sigh, nine months in with a lot of info, but still no way to use it. One thing that makes me happy is one of the rumors about the gang being vicious hasn’t bore fruit. It’s just… I’m struggling to envision that kind of behavior from all the members I’ve met so far.

My name is Lucy Heartfilia, undercover agent for the major crime’s unit in the Tokyo police department reporting. The date is April 21st, 2026, and operation Tame the Dragon continues.

By my insistence, aka threatening to quit, Natsu came up with a better routine of my job duties. When he is in his own office, I’m required to be at his side. I answer phones, take his messages, type things up for him— typical secretary type duties. He stays in the city through the week and goes back to his actual home on the weekends, only sticking around if there are issues to deal with. I always try to beat him to the office on Mondays, and he always drags me out for breakfast— not that I’m complaining. If there’s another perk of note in this job, it’s not having to work weekends anymore! Besides… I’ve come to enjoy these times with him, just the two of us away from the office acting like normal people. The conversations are pleasant and Natsu’s really good at making me laugh.

At the end of a particularly rough day, I walk in to find Natsu sitting on his couch with his head down, rubbing his temples. I walk over quietly and start massaging his shoulders because he looks as tense as a stretched rubber band.

“Thank you,” he groans through the pressured kneading. “I really needed this.”

“You’re welcome,” I respond softly. When I see Natsu so stressed, my instincts to comfort him have increased too. It pulls at my heartstrings…

“Perhaps a nice hot furo bath would be soothing?” I suggest.

Natsu grins to himself. “Maybe if you join me,” he teases.

And there went the moment. “Nice try.”

“It was worth a shot.” He cranes his neck up to look at me. “How about an onsen? Hmm, I promise I’ll behave! You can even wear a bikini if you want, but it’s just nicer with company.”

“But there’s no onsens around here.”

Hope flashes in Natsu’s eyes. “Is that a maybe?”

“Maybe,” I state with a chuckle, “but only because it’s been for-ever since I’ve been to one.”

“I’ll take it!” Natsu suddenly jumps up excitedly. “Go home and pack a bag, we’re leaving for an early weekend.”

“W-Wait, I never said for a whole weekend— and it’s still Tuesday!”

“Too, bad, you didn’t set terms,” Natsu grins. “I’ll pick you up at home in an hour.”

Oh, Kami! I groan internally. “Alright, you win.”

Located just over two-hours away by car, Chikurinan Mizuno hotel in the town of Atami in Shizuokaprefecture south of Tokyo is a very exclusive onsen hotel. Its prices are not for the feint of hearts. With only 14 rooms with private, open-air onsens, reservations can take months to get into to— but not when you have a little more money to throw around… like an Oyabun.

“Oh…” I gasp as I walk into the room, “this place is so beautiful!” It certainly is worth the cost. “It’s got a view of the lake too!” But as I scan the room, I’m reminded that these are meant for couples. A heated shiver runs through my body at the prospect of sharing a bed.

Seeing me shudder, Natsu steps closer. “I love coming here for peace and quiet,” he explains, “and don’t worry, I’ll order a spare futon bed to be brought in.”

“I appreciate it,” I blush at how considerate he is being. For all the times Natsu’s flirted with me, the truth is, he’s never been pushy or made me feel uncomfortable… unlike most of the men I’ve dealt with in the past. Its— refreshing and maybe a bit alluring. “But I trust you,” I smile sweetly. “It wouldn’t be right to make you sleep on the floor.”

“Are you sure?” Natsu’s voice lowers, almost sensually, gravelly. “You’ve got my heart in your hands, Starla, so the last thing I’d want is to push you away even by accident.”

My breathing falters, Kami no… and my whole body heats up in reaction to his voice. I quickly turn away to hide the building turmoil and revert to personal assistant mode. “Mmhmm. I’m sure. S-So, should we have dinner first since it’s about that time?”

With a soft sigh, Natsu’s regular smile returns. “Sure, I’ll have the driver bring the car around.”

As a shoreline town, most of the restaurants feature local fresh seafood on their menus. We eat at a place called Misato where I chose a chirashi bowl and Natsu ate miso butterfish. It was about 8pm when we returned to the hotel. We take turns bathing ourselves, before slipping into our private onsen. First Natsu, then me, where I surprise even myself by sticking with a traditional onsen attire.

Natsu looks up when he hears my footsteps, and I see him suck in a breath the moment he lays eyes upon me. “I know,” I avert mine, “I went with the towel after all. If it makes you too uncomfortable, I could wear my bikini instead.”

“N-No, I’m not complaining,” his words stumble out. His face is red and flushed from the heat of the water and his heart. “Just surprised.”

“O-Okay.” I take a seat next to him, a foot away, facing the ocean, and fully submerge my body up to my shoulders. “The temperature is perfect!” I smile. “Are you feeling more relaxed now?”

“I felt relaxed the moment you left your apartment to join me,” he answers.

I turn to respond, but see he’s closed his eyes and tilted his head back to enjoy the water. I smile to myself. Alright, I’ll let him have that one.

We spent the next three days at the hotel playing tourist and I think this is the most relaxed I’ve ever seen Natsu in the whole time I’ve known him. From walking along the beach chatting, to stargazing from our patio, and just enjoying the crisp salty air, it was enough to make me forget what I’m there to do. And in the moment, I don’t care. Because when Natsu starts asking personal questions again, he’s surprised when I answer.

I figure why not at this point to use some truth to sell this fake identity. I’m an only child who lost her mom at age 4 to cancer, and not very close to my father ever since. I enjoy writing stories as a hobby and was born outside of Tokyo in Kanagawa. Plus, the truth is easier to remember than a lie.

On Friday, we check out of the hotel and go to Natsu’s house near Ibaraki. It’s one thing to stay at a hotel, and another to be in a private residence but he insisted on showing me his home. Although when we arrived, he was suddenly nervous. The first thing he did is show me to my own bedroom for the weekend and… okay maybe I’m a little sad to be alone again. NOTHING HAPPENED at the hotel! I just— Natsu was right about things being better with company.

“Aww, who’s this?” I ask about the cat doing figure 8’s around my legs.

Natsu picks up the cat to scratch his head. “This is Happy. I think he likes you, ‘cause he doesn’t go up to new people so quickly.”

I move closer to pet him and tease. “You keep saying I’m special, guess he thinks so too.”

That makes Natsu choke on his saliva and quickly put Happy down. “So, um, so you don’t freak out, there’s a chef that comes to cook dinner, and a maid that’s here in the mornings. I’ve got some work to do in my studio, but you’re free to wander around in the meantime.”

“I think I will, thank you.”

And I do because I’m absolutely in love with this house! I’d expected Natsu to have a more modern home, and while it has some modern features, this is a gorgeous minka style house! Complete with the tatamifloors, shoji and fusuma sliding doors, and an engawa hallway that opens into a veranda leading to a Zen Garden. I take my time going through each room, mesmerized by all the little hidden gems. There are no modern beds, only a futon that’s stored in tansu cabinets. The bedrooms each have modern kotatsu’s, but in the dining room— I gasp. “This is a real kotatsu!” Inset into the ground! I pull up the table blanket and sure enough you can sit with your legs hanging down! I notice there’s an electric heater, but it’s still so cool! I’ve only heard about these, never saw one for real!

“Are you okay, Starla?” I hear Natsu call from his studio office. “What’s the squealing about?”

“Sorry,” I answer back. “I’m just in awe of this house!”

I hear him chuckle as I move on to the veranda. Natsu must pay a lot for someone to maintain this garden. Zen gardens are beautiful but not easy to keep up. I sit down on the steps of the veranda and just soak it all in. The air in the forest is clear and smells amazing compared to the city. I sigh, propping my head up with my elbows. Natsu’s so lucky.

An hour or so passes when Natsu finds me still sitting on the veranda. He sits down next to me. “Enjoying yourself?” He questions.

I take in another deep breath. “Yes, thank you. You have a lovely home.”

Natsu looks up as if in thought, “I did a lot of the renovations myself,” he smiles before returning his softened attention back on me. “Turns out hammering things is a good therapy technique.”

That makes me giggle. “I’d bet, with your line of work.”

“My dad didn’t understand why I’d pick a place so far away, but there was a time when I just needed to get away… you know?”

“Yeah…”

“I didn’t always accept my fate…” Natsu continues. “Didn’t want to step into my father’s shoes.” He glances briefly at me. “Would you believe I’m not even his real son?”

That caught me off guard. “I had no idea.”

“Igneel couldn’t have children, so he adopted the child of his favorite mistress. Me.” Natsu chuckles a sigh, “I don’t fault him anymore for his many indiscretions, but I could never do some of the things he did. It’s probably why I avoid relationships and…” he stands up suddenly. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to burden you with this stuff.” Then he turns to leave. “The chef should have dinner ready soon.”

I quickly grab his hand to stop him. “I don’t mind. I’m… honored that you’d be so open with me.” Part of me assumed he grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth, but to find out… I wouldn’t wish that birth story on anyone.

“Thank you, Starla.”

Our eyes meet and seconds slip by as we hold each other’s gaze with an intensity that takes my breath away. I tighten my grip around his wrist. “Stay,” my eyes plead, “please, just a little longer.”

He simply nods and acquiesces to my desire. Once he plops down beside me, I scoot closer and lean my head against his shoulder. I hear him suck in a breath, questioningly, so I let out a dreamy sigh. “This is nice…”

It’s been three months since our staycation to the onsen, and during this time our working relationship has grown. I’ve visited his home a couple more times just for the weekend, and truly enjoyed the time we spent together. It’s strange how close I’m feeling to Natsu, just part of the family as Levy calls it. Almost like I’ve known him all my life, not just a year. This is dangerous territory for me, and I’m not sure just how much more of this mission my heart can take…

“Starla,” Natsu calls out as he enters his living room. “Are you here?”

“I’m in the kitchen.” I walk out. “Just finishing breakfast.” I smile. “How was your drive into town this morning?”

“Couldn’t get here soon enough,” he smiles back.

I laugh, “why? Was there traffic?”

Natsu walks over to me and places his hand on my head. “Because I missed you.”

Oh, my Kami! I duck out from under his hand and step a couple feet away. “You’re too much!” I laugh sweetly and cross my arms. It’s time to change this conversation, so in a teasing tone. “So, what’s on the agenda today, boss?”

Natsu frowns and his tone drops. “I really hate it when you call me that.”

My body instantly stiffens, and for the first time, I felt a little nervous. Of course, I’ve seen Natsu upset before when something goes wrong. Maybe a drug courier gets picked up or a business is refusing to pay protection money. But it’s never directed at me. Have I read the signs wrong? Is he having a bad day? Maybe I’ve been getting too comfortable here and forgot who I’m talking to. Better fix this quick!

I look down and my shoulders slump, “I’m sorry, Natsu. I won’t do it again.”

Natsu sighs and walks up to me, reaching out like he’s going to touch my shoulder. But I’m genuinely a bit fearful, causing me to flinch. This causes Natsu to immediately retract and soften his expression.

“No, I’m the one sorry Starla, I didn’t mean for it to sound so harsh.” Natsu apologies. “But please, I really don’t like it. Everyone else calls me that, but not you, okay?”

I nod my head without looking up. “Okay.”

“Hey,” Natsu tips my chin up, forcing me to look at him. “You’re very precious to me. I’d never want to hurt you.”

As he gazes so intently with those onyx eyes of his, my breathing falters and for a second there the world stops. A light gasp leaves my lips while a grin forms on his.

He immediately let’s go of my chin and starts talking as if nothing just happened. Excuse me? Natsu just walks to the couch and sits down casually with one arm on the back of the sofa and leg crossed above his knee. “As to your question, the agenda today is to find you a dress to wear.”

“Um, what?” I snap back into the present and turn to face him. “A dress?”

“Exactly. A dress,” Natsu nods and motions for me to sit beside him. “I must attend a party tonight, lots of business types, frankly boring but it’s a formality I go. And you’ll be accompanying me,” he grins, then laughs. “They’ll be shocked to see a woman on my arm.” Natsu taps his chin, “yeah, I don’t think I’ve taken anyone before.”

I turn to him ready to disagree. “B-but, wouldn’t one of your generals, Erza or Cana for protection make more sense?”

“Oh, guards will be around, don’t worry. And I don’t expect you to do anything but have fun.” Natsu grabs my hand and pulls me to my feet. “My driver is waiting downstairs, to take us shopping.”

As we pile into the back seat of the car, and Natsu directs the driver where to go first, all I can do is sit there in shock. I should be happy that I’m so close to a Yakuza boss, but I’m not… not anymore. I start to panic inside, getting close to Natsu was a bad idea. This is going way further than it should be! These five months under Natsu is causing me to lose my focus. The slip up with the name makes that evident and my own emotions are betraying me!

“Do you like it?” Natsu questions. “You look beautiful in it.”

The dress is indeed a gorgeous crimson corset sweetheart top on a fitted floor length skirt, with a slit along the side up to my thigh. It frames my body so well, hugging to my curves, holding up the girls, but… “I don’t know, it’s quite pricey… Natsu I’m just a nobody to be wearing such fineries.”

Natsu stood up from the dressing bench and firmly cups my cheeks. He looks dead straight at me. “Whoever told you you’re a nobody deserves to die.”

Why are his eyes so piercing! My breath hitches again, just like before, his eyes fixing me in place and making me feel… I feel something… as he leans in my brain is shorting out, or am I leaning forward? The closer his face becomes… I pull my head away at the last second and I can almost feel Natsu’s deflation. It feels like a dagger to my soul— but the mission, remember Lucy! You can’t fall! “You’re too sweet to me,” I whisper in a lighthearted tone. “Thank you. If you think I look pretty in this, then I’ll wear it for you,” I smile genuinely.

After gathering his composure, Natsu smiles. “Then on to the next stop.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes as I stood in front of the Midtown Towers, one of the tallest and most luxurious buildings in Tokyo. The party is in the Ritz-Carlton’s Grand Ballroom, and Natsu wasn’t kidding when he said high-end. He himself wore a tailored black suit and slacks with a red button-down shirt that matches my dress. Now the dress and total styling is starting to make sense if the other guests I’m seeing is any clue, and if the ballroom were any glitzier, I’d need sunglasses! I weave my arm through the crook of his right elbow, and we step over the threshold.

But, as we walk into the room and immediately, I see so many other gorgeous women… heads turning in our direction, and I suddenly start to feel self-conscious. Unconsciously, I shrink against Natsu. I’m not afraid of what they think about me. I’m just not liking how they’re looking at him— I mean us! Us! They must know who he is, but I wasn’t ready for all the stares.

“Are you alright?” Natsu asks in concern.

“Mmhmm, just… overwhelmed, I guess. I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

“Oh,” he chuckles, “just stick by my side and you’ll be alright.”

So, I keep my arm weaved through his, but place my hand on his bicep for extra measure. It must’ve made Natsu feel good because his chest puffs out, preening with pride… I must say, it made me feel a little better to invoke such a response.

We grab drinks at the bar and slowly make our way around the room, stopping every so often to say hi or chat with someone. For the most part, I simply stand there and smile because I have no idea what to say to these people. But Natsu is in his element and knew many in the room. He whispers names of guests to me. Most I don’t recognize, while others I’ve heard of because of who they were. These are presidents of companies, CEO’s, CFOs, and other high-ranking individuals. I even notice a few politicians in the room. I’m starting to truly understand the status Natsu holds. He’s not just a Yakuza boss, and his connections run all the way to the top! I don’t think headquarters realizes who we’re dealing with.

“Mr. Dragneel! I’m so glad you could make it!”

“I’m honored to be here, Mr. Kazuma.”

The two men tip their heads in a casual bow.

“And who is this beauty on your arm?” Kazuma asks politely of Natsu, though his eyes are guilty of perversion.

“This is Ms. Nakasone, my close associate,” Natsu responds with a fanged smile. “Starla, this is Hideo Kazuma, CFO of Shibata corp.”

“Nice to meet you Ms. Nakasone. You’re a lucky man Dragneel. I wouldn’t let this one get away.” Kazuma teases.

“I have no plans to,” Natsu states with affirmation.

Another guest walks up. A woman this time.

“Ah, Ms. Miyose,” Kazuma welcomes the woman. “You remember Mr. Dragneel?”

The woman gives Natsu a blatant once over from head to toe. “How could I forget,” she smiles sweetly.

It takes all my willpower not to slap her. I squeeze his arm unconsciously out of anger and lean even closer against his side. Sensing my irritation, Natsu smoothly slips his arm around my waist and holds tight.

“And this is his date, Ms. Nakasone,” Kazuma explains.

The woman smirks. “An escort?”

Oh, that’s it! I start to pull away from Natsu. “I am not an—”

Angry of his own accord, Natsu immediately wraps both his arms around my waist to keep me from lunging. “Choose your words wisely woman if you value your life and company.” His terse tone is seething with venom. “Kazuma, I suggest you get your employee in control before I pull our support. And you know what’ll happen if I do.”

Fearful, “My apologies,” Kazuma bows low, then immediately pulls the other woman away. Lighthearted jests are the norm for men in power, but that line is a tightrope to walk.

This is another reminder of just who Natsu is that he can scare the CFO of a major company. I can see Kazuma berating the woman even from a distance. But I don’t care because I’m still fuming! First, she eyeballs Natsu like a piece of candy she’d like to eat, then slings such a nasty label at me! If he hadn’t been holding me back, my police training would’ve come out and she’d be out cold on the floor! I’m so pissed, I don’t even notice the way Natsu’s holding me from behind.

Natsu places his chin on my shoulder and squeezes my waist again. “I’m sorry about that Starla.” He tries to calm me. “That shouldn’t have happened.”

“You should’ve let me hit her,” I state in a strong tone. “I can’t believe that bitch was checking you out right in front of me! What the hell is her problem?!”

He laughs and spins me around. “Why Ms. Nakasone, is that jealousy I detect?”

“What?! N-No! I—” I grab his hand and start pulling him towards the exit. “I need air. I need to think.”

My heart is beating a mile a minute and I feel like I’m losing control. Everything I’ve been working for is… is… My name is Lucy Heartfilia! I’m an undercover agent for the major crime’s unit in the Tokyo police department sent to infiltrate and take down the Dragneel Yakuza organization! I wasn’t supposed to fall…

As soon as we get out into the hallway, I head straight for the elevator with Natsu still in tow. Tears are filling my eyes, I can’t breathe, my head is spinning, and I-I don’t know what to think anymore. I’m a police officer! Natsu is my enemy! What am I doing?!

“Starla?!” Natsu finally pulls me to a stop in front of the elevator. “What’s wrong?”

But I just ignore Natsu and hit the button because I don’t know what to say. My feet shift from side to side while I wait, and I wipe the tears away that make it to my cheeks. When the elevator opens its thankfully empty. So, we step inside.

“Starla, please tell me why you’re so upset! Is it the woman?”

I shake my head.

“Is it me?”

I shake my head even more vigorously.

Natsu hits the emergency button to stop the elevator.

“What are you doing?!” I snap.

But he just grabs my shoulders to keep me from moving. “Tell me please! What’s wrong!”

I look away… I can’t look him in the eyes…

So, he switches, cups my face, and repeats the question. “Tell me what’s wrong Starla so I can fix whatever it is.”

I can see moisture starting to pool in Natsu’s eyes. The pain in them… more of my own tears break free as my heart shatters.

“I— This wasn’t supposed to happen…” I whimper. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this!”

“Like what?”

“You. Me—” I whimper, “oh why’d you have to be a perfect guy?”

“Starla,” Natsu soften his tone. “I’m sure whatever is wrong we can fix it.”

I shake my head. “I doubt it.”

“It can’t be that bad—”

I look Natsu dead in the eyes. “My real name isn’t Starla, it’s Lucy… Lucy Heartfilia,” my shoulders slump, “undercover agent sent to infiltrate your organization.”

At that moment, Natsu let me go and turned away so I could no longer see what he was feeling. I see him brace himself with his forearm and his forehead against the wall. But now that I started, I might as well let everything go.

“It’s why I resisted your advances in the beginning, and tried so hard not to let you in but you…” I exhale. “You were so sweet to me, and everyone there— treats me so well. I thought getting close to you would give me an advantage.” I slump to the floor and put my hands over my face sobbing quietly. “But all it did is make me fall in love with you.”

A few seconds of silence pass by and I’ve all but given up when I feel Natsu’s hand on my chin tipping it up. He’s kneeling in front of me with tear steaks still evident on his cheeks.

“Did you turn in any intel about me to your bosses?”

“No… I’ve been dragging my feet in sending them my reports. They’re still back at my apartment.”

“One more question, do you mean it Star—Lucy? Did you really fall in love with me or is it just another trick?”

Instantly, tears burst out from the insinuation as I shake my head vigorously. “It’s not a trick! I swear, it’s not!” I hang my head in shame unable to look at him. “But I don’t deserve your affection, not after lying all this time.”

“That’s my decision to make,” Natsu states simply. He cups my cheeks, thumbs sweeping away the trickling tears. “And while it does hurt a little… I think… no, I know it would hurt me more to let you go now. So please stop crying,” he smiles, “I don’t like seeing you cry.”

I close my eyes as Natsu leans in, breath hitching as are lips touch for the first time. His thumbs still caress my skin, so gently as pressure is added— I melt instantly from his tender touch. A light sigh escapes me, and I feel his smile form, sending my heart soaring. Kami his lips are so soft and sweet, and filled with a heat that goes straight to my loins. These lips… I could kiss forever…

When we finally break apart, Natsu helps me to my feet and squeezes are conjoined hands. “Let’s go home,” he smiles.

I smile and squeeze his hands back. “Your home… where my heart resides.”

Overcome by my words, Natsu pulls me to his chest and swallows my lips once more, heady, so needy as if this is the first time, he’s kissed a woman. My back smacks against the wall with his hands all over me. My leg wraps around his thigh, and his hand cradles me from below through the slit, lifting, holding me as my skirt slips up… his hand cradling my crown and fingers tangling in my hair. I give back as good as I’m getting, a heated passion I never knew existed before this moment! I’ve never wanted to fu—

A crackling sound interrupts us, speaking through the emergency call box. “That was beautiful,” the voice proclaims, “but we really need you to restart the elevator please.”

My eyes widen. Oh, my Kami!

“Whoops!” Natsu chuckles, giving me one last kiss before setting me down nicely. He hits the button again to turn the elevator back on.

It’s pretty damn embarrassing now to realize there are probably cameras in the elevator! I use the short time we have left to fix my dress and smooth down my hair. And right before the door opens, Natsu places his suit jacket over my shoulders, shielding me from some of the gawkers as we walk out. We head straight for the front door where the valet calls over our driver.

Now safe in the backseat of Natsu’s car, I’m still buzzing from the heated moment. So, I simply rest my head against his shoulder quietly before I lose control again. Because it feels so good to finally let go!

Natsu kisses the side of my head and wraps his arm around my shoulder. “I knew you were special, but I never would’ve guessed you’d turn my life upside down.”

After everything that just occurred, that’s what he has to say? I snort a laugh, “Are you sure you still want me around? Last chance to make your decision before I toss away my old life for you.”

“Pfft, are you kidding,” Natsu turns my chin and pressures his lips to mine. “Consider yourself kidnapped.”

I giggle against his lips and return his kiss with a pleasurable moan… Oh Kami, what have I gotten myself into!

My name is Lucy Heartfilia, an undercover agent for the major crime’s unit in the Tokyo police department. The date is July 26th, 2026, and operation Tame the Dragon has been terminated by me. This report is being sent in as my final communication to headquarters. I have not been able to substantiate any new information against the Dragneel Yakuza organization. Their members are too loyal to allow any information to slip freely and so I have failed in this mission. Consider this report my resignation. I QUIT!

#nalu #nalu fan fiction #nalu fanfic #modern yakuza au #enemies to lovers + tender kiss request #natsu dragneel #lucy heartfilia #fairy tail

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