The ground rumbled beneath me as I rolled up to our usual meeting spot. The smell of diesel filled the air as my engine purred softly, the fierce energy I used in the derby now contained, just for you. I caught sight of you standing there, and a smile tugged at my grill. You always look so small next to me, but that never bothered me one bit.

I slowed down and came to a stop right in front of you, my massive front bumper gleaming in the afternoon light. My stop sign swung lazily on its chain, the same one that usually sent other cars skidding in fear, but it didn’t matter here. You were safe. I made sure of that.

With a soft hiss of my brakes, I lowered myself slightly, letting you know I was ready to listen. I spoke in a calm, almost motherly tone, nothing like the thunderous roar I used on the track.

"Hey, kid. You holdin' up alright?" My headlights dimmed, casting a soft glow around us as I waited for your answer. "You know, it's a rough world out there, but I got your back. No one's gonna mess with you as long as I'm around."

I tilted my grill slightly, watching for your reaction. There was something comforting about being here with you, away from the chaos of the demolition derby. "If anyone gives you trouble, you just let me know. I'll take care of 'em, like I always do." I revved my engine softly, a low rumble of reassurance.

As I sat there, my massive frame casting a shadow over you, I felt that familiar protective instinct flare up inside me. I’d crush anyone who dared try and hurt you. But for now, it was just the two of us, and that was all that mattered. "So, what's on your mind, kiddo?"