Months flew by at the Heartfilia manor, and Ben found himself surrendering to the irresistible force that was Lucy Heartfilia. Their daily lunch meetups had become a cherished routine, and he'd long since abandoned any pretense of formality with her, save for the occasional bit of playful teasing.

One sunny afternoon, Ben made his way to their usual spot in the back garden. As he approached, he spotted Lucy sitting on their favorite bench, completely engrossed in a magazine. Her blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her brow was furrowed in concentration as she poured over the pages.

A mischievous grin spread across Ben's face as he recognized the glossy cover of Sorcerer Weekly. He crept up behind her, careful not to make a sound. When he was close enough, he leaned in and said in a low voice, "I've got to say, Lucy, you've got excellent taste in bikini models."

Lucy let out a startled yelp, nearly dropping the magazine as she whirled around to face him. "Ben!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Ben couldn't help but laugh as he vaulted over the back of the bench to sit beside her. "Sorry, couldn't resist. You were so focused, I thought a dragon could've flown by and you wouldn't have noticed."

Lucy huffed, trying to look annoyed, but the twinkle in her eyes gave her away. "I'll have you know I was doing very important research."

"Oh really?" Ben raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with amusement. "And what kind of research requires such intense study of Mirajane in a swimsuit?"

Lucy's blush deepened, and she clutched the magazine to her chest. "I... well... I was just..."

Ben gently pried the magazine from her hands, flipping it open to the centerfold. "Wow, they really outdid themselves this time," he whistled, eyeing the stunning image of Fairy Tail's poster girl. "I mean, the composition, the lighting... it's practically art."

Lucy snorted, her embarrassment fading as she fell into their usual banter. "Oh, so now you're an art critic? And here I thought you were just ogling."

"Hey, I can appreciate beauty in all its forms," Ben defended, placing a hand over his heart in mock offense. "Besides, you're one to talk. I saw that dreamy look in your eyes when you were 'researching'."

Lucy rolled her eyes and snatched the magazine back from Ben, tucking it safely into her bag. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Ben grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hey, you're the one who wanted to be friends. Now you have to deal with the consequences."

Lucy huffed, but couldn't hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I'm starting to regret that decision," she teased.

"No, you're not," Ben said confidently, leaning back on his elbows and looking up at the clear blue sky. "You'd be lost without me."

Lucy shook her head, amused by his antics. "Keep telling yourself that, Ben."

He sat up suddenly, eyeing the picnic basket beside Lucy. "So, are you done with your 'research'? Because I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Lucy felt her cheeks warm slightly at the reminder of her earlier distraction. She quickly pushed the thought aside and reached for the basket. "Yes, I suppose I am. And you're in luck – the kitchen staff really outdid themselves today."

As she began unpacking the basket, revealing an array of delicious-looking sandwiches, fruits, and pastries, Ben's eyes widened with appreciation. "Wow, they sure did. This looks amazing!"

Lucy handed him a plate, their fingers brushing briefly as he took it. "Well, dig in! We can't let all this good food go to waste."

Ben didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed a sandwich and took a big bite, closing his eyes in bliss. "Oh man, this is so good. Way better than my usual lunch."

Lucy laughed, selecting a strawberry for herself. "What, you mean the squashed sandwiches you make yourself aren't gourmet cuisine?"

Ben shrugged, still chewing. "Hey, they get the job done. But this?" He gestured to the spread before them. "This is living." Ben sighed in contentment , biting into a juicy strawberry. "So, what'd you learn in etiquette class today? How to read magazines without getting caught?"

Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically, but her smile remained. "Ugh, don't even get me started. Apparently, I've been holding my teacup wrong my entire life."

Ben snorted, reaching for a small pastry. "Oh no, the horror! However will you survive in polite society?" He took a bite, savoring the sweet taste.

"I know, right?" Lucy giggled, brushing a crumb from her dress. "Next thing you know, they'll tell me I've been breathing wrong too." She glanced at the array of finger foods spread out on the blanket. "At least I can eat a sandwich without worrying about proper etiquette."

Ben nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "True, though I'm sure there's some obscure rule about the angle at which one should bite into a cucumber sandwich." He straightened his posture and lifted his chin slightly, adopting an exaggerated air of sophistication.

"Actually, my dear Lucy," he said in a mock-posh accent, "allow me to demonstrate the proper technique." Ben picked up a sandwich delicately between his thumb and forefinger, extending his pinky finger with dramatic flair. "You see, one must hold the sandwich just so, and take small, refined bites. Like this." He took a comically tiny nibble, chewing with exaggerated slowness.

Lucy burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain her giggles. "Oh, Ben, you look ridiculous!"

Ben maintained his 'proper' posture, raising an eyebrow at her. "Ridiculous? I'll have you know this is the height of sandwich-eating etiquette. Your tutors have clearly been remiss in your education."

Lucy's laughter redoubled, and she nearly choked on her own bite of sandwich. She reached for her glass of lemonade, taking a quick sip to clear her throat. "Don't... don't give them any ideas!" she managed between giggles. "Next thing I know, they'll have me practicing 'proper sandwich consumption' for hours!"

Ben finally broke character, his own laughter joining Lucy's. "Can you imagine? 'No, no, Miss Heartfilia, your pinky isn't extended quite far enough. How do you expect to impress at tea parties with such sloppy sandwich skills?'"

Their laughter faded, leaving behind a comfortable silence. Lucy and Ben lounged on the soft grass, the picnic basket nestled between them. The sun warmed their faces, and a gentle breeze rustled the nearby flowers.

Lucy suddenly sat up straight, her eyes sparkling. "Oh! Ben! I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you!"

Ben propped himself up on his elbows, eyebrow raised. "What's got you so excited?"

Lucy could barely contain herself, practically bouncing where she sat. "My father's throwing this huge party next week!"

Ben blinked, genuinely surprised. "A party? That's... different. What's it for?"

Lucy leaned in close, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I think... it might be for my birthday!" She beamed at him. "Can you believe it? It's been ages since I've had a real celebration!"

Ben's stomach did an uncomfortable flip. He knew how much Lucy wanted her father's approval, but something about this sudden change didn't sit right with him. Still, he plastered on a smile. "Wow, that's... something alright. What made him decide to do it now?"

Lucy shrugged, her excitement undiminished. "I'm not sure, but here's the best part – I actually talked to him about it!"

"No way," Ben said, genuinely impressed. He knew how intimidating Jude could be. "How'd that go?"

Lucy's smile faltered slightly. "Well, he was kind of vague. But he did say it was for a big event and that I was 'essential' for it." Her eyes lit up again. "That has to mean something good, right?"

Ben nodded, fighting to keep his expression neutral. Jude's words set off alarm bells in his head, but he couldn't bring himself to burst Lucy's bubble. "Yeah, could be," he said noncommittally.

Lucy suddenly gasped. "Oh! I almost forgot!" She turned to Ben, practically vibrating with excitement. "Are you going to dress up for the party? I bet you'd look so handsome in a suit!"

Ben chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, well... I don't actually own a suit, Lucy."

Lucy's face fell for a moment, but she quickly brightened. "Oh, that's okay! Maybe we could find you one? I'm sure the tailor in town could whip something up in time!"

Ben shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know, Lucy. Fancy clothes aren't really my thing. Plus, I'm not sure if I'd even be invited. I mean, I'm just the gardener, after all."

Lucy waved her hand dismissively. "Don't be silly! Of course you'd be invited. You're my best friend!"

Ben felt a pang of guilt at her words. He hated keeping things from her, but he couldn't shake his suspicion about Jude's motives. "Listen, Lucy," he said carefully, "I actually might not be able to make it to the party. I've got some... work stuff to take care of out of town that week."

Lucy's smile dimmed. "Oh... I see. Is it important? Maybe you could reschedule?"

Ben shook his head. "I'm sorry, I really can't. But hey," he added quickly, seeing her disappointment, "how about we have our own little celebration when I get back? Just the two of us?"

Lucy's eyes lit up again. "Really? You'd do that?"

Ben grinned, relieved to see her smile return. "Of course! Can't let my best friend's birthday go uncelebrated, can I?"

Lucy giggled, her spirits lifting slightly. "Alright, it's a deal. But you better bring me a fantastic souvenir from your mysterious trip!"

"You got it," Ben laughed. "I'll find you something special, promise."

As they continued their walk, discussing ideas for their future celebration, Ben couldn't shake the nagging feeling in his gut. He hated being vague with Lucy, but he couldn't risk revealing too much. For now, he'd focus on enjoying these moments with her, pushing his concerns aside.

xxxxxxxxxx

Lucy's fingers fidgeted with the hem of her silk gown as she scanned the crowded ballroom. The clinking of champagne glasses and the hum of polite chatter filled the air, but to her, it all sounded hollow. She caught sight of her reflection in a nearby mirror and quickly plastered on a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Miss Lucy!" A portly businessman approached, his cheeks rosy from too much wine. "What a lovely party your father has thrown!"

Lucy bobbed her head politely. "Thank you, sir. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

As the man launched into a long-winded story about his latest business venture, Lucy's mind wandered. Her eyes drifted to the ornate clock on the wall. Another hour had passed, and still no sign of her father acknowledging her birthday. She swallowed hard, pushing down the lump forming in her throat.

"Excuse me," she murmured, cutting off the businessman mid-sentence. "I need some fresh air."

Lucy weaved through the crowd, nodding and smiling mechanically at the guests who greeted her. She slipped out onto a small balcony, letting out a shaky breath as the cool night air hit her face.

"Stupid," she whispered to herself, gripping the railing tightly. "Why did I think this year would be any different?" She gazed out at the starry sky, wishing desperately for a familiar face.

"Lucy, dear!" Her father's booming voice made her jump. "Come here, there's someone I'd like you to meet."

She squared her shoulders and fixed her smile back in place and reluctantly made her way over, her heart sinking as she saw the portly man standing next to her father. Sawarr Junelle, the heir to the Junelle family, looked her up and down with a greedy glint in his eye.

Ah, so this is the lovely Lucy," Sawarr said, his voice oily. "What a pleasure to finally meet you."

Lucy forced a polite nod, her skin crawling. As her father droned on about business deals and family alliances, she found her mind wandering. This wasn't a birthday party at all. It was just another one of her father's schemes.

"Lucy, dear," Jude said, his voice smooth but with an underlying firmness that Lucy knew all too well. "I'm sure you and Sawarr will get along splendidly. The Junelle family is one of the most respected in the kingdom."

Lucy's heart sank as she watched her father's eyes gleam with barely concealed satisfaction. She recognized that look - it was the same one he wore when closing a particularly lucrative business deal.

"I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Jude continued, already turning away. "I have some matters to discuss with the Loster Group representatives."

As her father strode off to join a cluster of elderly businessmen, the realization hit Lucy like a punch to the gut. This party, which she had so naively hoped was for her birthday, was nothing more than a business transaction. And she was the commodity being traded.

Lucy stood awkwardly, trying to maintain a polite smile as Sawarr Junelle droned on about his business ventures. Her eyes darted around the opulent ballroom, desperately seeking an escape. The chandeliers that had seemed so magical earlier now felt oppressive, their light exposing her to the scrutiny of the circling vultures masquerading as guests.

"So, Miss Lucy," Sawarr's oily voice brought her attention back to him. "What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?"

Lucy took a small step back, her hands fidgeting with the silk of her dress. She could feel the walls closing in around her, trapping her in this gilded cage. "Oh, you know... reading, mostly. And... um... stargazing?" She paused, then added with a touch of pride, clinging to this piece of herself, "I'm also a Celestial Spirit mage. I have contracts with several spirits."

Sawarr's laugh was loud and grating, like nails on a chalkboard. "How quaint! A true lady of leisure." He waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away an annoying fly. "And playing with magic keys, how adorable. I suppose everyone needs their little diversions."

Lucy's cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and indignation coloring her face. "It's not just playing," she protested, her voice growing firmer as she fought to defend this precious part of herself. "Celestial Spirit magic is a respected and powerful form of wizardry."

Sawarr's eyes glazed over with boredom, clearly not interested in anything that didn't directly benefit him. "Yes, yes, I'm sure it's very impressive," he said, his tone making it clear he thought it was anything but. "Now, tell me, have you given any thought to more... practical pursuits? Perhaps learning to manage a household?"

Lucy's shoulders tensed, her earlier confidence transforming into a mix of anger and righteous indignation. Her hands clenched at her sides, barely hidden by the folds of her dress. How dare he dismiss her magic so casually? It wasn't just some trivial hobby; it was a part of her, a connection to her mother that she cherished a moment, she wasn't the demure heiress her father wanted her to be, but a young woman defending her passion and her heritage. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a maid hurried over, looking flustered.

"Excuse me, Miss Lucy," the maid said urgently, curtsying quickly. "There's an emergency in the library that requires your immediate attention."

Lucy's eyes widened, a mix of confusion and relief washing over her. "An emergency? Oh my, I should go at once."

She turned to Sawarr, offering an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, but I must attend to this. Please, enjoy the party."

Before Sawarr could protest, Lucy hurried off, following the maid out of the ballroom. As soon as they were out of earshot, Lucy let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you," she whispered to the maid. "What's the emergency?"

The maid's worried expression melted into a small, mischievous smile. "You'll see, Miss Lucy. Just head to the library."

Puzzled but intrigued, Lucy made her way to the library. Her heart was racing, partly from the escape and partly from anticipation. As she approached the large oak doors, she took a deep breath and pushed them open.

The library was dimly lit, soft lamplight casting a warm glow over the rows of books. Lucy's eyes scanned the room, confusion growing when she saw no signs of an emergency. Then, her gaze landed on the balcony doors, and her breath caught in her throat.

There, silhouetted against the starry night sky, stood a familiar figure. Ben turned around, a warm smile spreading across his face as he saw Lucy. He was dressed in a well-fitted dark suit, the jacket hugging his shoulders perfectly. The crisp white shirt and deep blue tie brought out the warmth in his eyes. His normally wild brown hair was styled back in a windswept look, giving him a dashing yet slightly roguish appearance.

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Ben? You're here! But... how?"

Ben's smile turned slightly sheepish as he ran a hand through his styled hair, a habit that even formal attire couldn't break. "Surprise? I couldn't miss your big day, after all."

Lucy rushed forward, her fancy dress swishing around her ankles. She stopped just short of hugging him, suddenly aware of how different he looked. "You look... wow. I can't believe you're actually wearing a suit!"

Ben chuckled, doing a small spin. "Well, you did say you wanted to see me all dressed up. Though I have to admit, this isn't exactly my style. Pretty sure the tie is trying to strangle me."

Lucy giggled, reaching out to straighten his tie slightly. "It suits you, though. Where did you get it?"

"Ah, well," Ben rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I may have borrowed it from one of the other staff. Turns out, looking this fancy isn't cheap."

Lucy's smile softened, touched by the effort he had gone to. "You didn't have to do all this, you know. But... I'm really glad you did."

Ben's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, but I did. Couldn't let you suffer through all those boring conversations alone, could I? Plus," he added with a wink, "I promised you a celebration, didn't I?" , stepping aside to reveal a small table. On it sat a chocolate cake, its candles flickering gently in the night breeze.

Lucy blinked, her mind still slightly reeling from the surprise of Ben's unexpected presence. She glanced at the chocolate cake on the table, its candles flickering merrily, then back at Ben, a bemused smile playing on her lips.

"Wait a minute," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "How exactly is a chocolate cake an emergency?"

Ben's mischievous grin widened as he gestured dramatically at the lit candles. "Well, you see, we have a dire situation here! A fire has broken out!" He winked at Lucy. "Thankfully, a skilled mage is here to help. Quick, Lucy! We need your expertise to extinguish these flames before they consume the entire manor!"

Lucy couldn't help but laugh, the tension from earlier melting away like the wax on the candles. "Oh, I see. And I suppose you heroically rescued this 'dangerous' cake and brought it all the way here, just in time?"

"Of course!" Ben nodded solemnly, though his eyes twinkled with mirth. "I couldn't let such a perilous pastry roam free, could I? It's our duty to contain it... preferably with forks. But first, we must deal with this conflagration!"

Lucy shook her head, still chuckling. "You're ridiculous, you know that?" She paused, her expression softening. "But... I'm really glad you're here, Ben. How did you manage it? I thought you weren't supposed to be back until tomorrow."

Ben's eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned in closer. "Well, you see, I had this whole grand plan to surprise you. Sneak in early, set up a little celebration. But then..."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Then what?"

"Let's just say I didn't expect to be part of a covert cake rescue mission," Ben chuckled. "Those maids of yours? They're like secret agents when they need to be."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Wait, what happened?"

Ben's face scrunched up. "Apparently, some noble was giving you trouble at dinner? Sawarr, I think they said?"

Lucy shuddered visibly. "Ugh, don't remind me. He spent the whole time staring at my chest and laughing at my magic."

"Yikes," Ben winced. "No wonder the maids were in panic mode. They practically dragged me into the kitchen to help with the getaway cake."

Lucy couldn't help but giggle at the mental image. "So that's why you looked so flustered when I found you!"

"Hey, you try sneaking around with a cake while dodging creepy nobles," Ben protested, grinning. "It's harder than it looks!"

Lucy's laughter faded, replaced by a soft smile. "Thank you, Ben. Really. You have no idea how much I needed this tonight."

Ben's expression softened. "That's what friends are for, right? Now come on, birthday girl. Let's see if this cake is as dangerous as advertised."

As they approached the towering confection, Lucy's eyes sparkled with renewed mischief. "You know, if it does attack, we could always blame it on Sawarr..."

Ben burst out laughing. "Now that's an idea I can get behind!"

Ben laughed, playing along. "Oh, absolutely. Safety first! I volunteer to be the taste tester. You know, for the greater good."

"Nice try," Lucy giggled, playfully swatting his arm. "But I think the birthday girl gets first dibs on cake tasting."

"Fair enough," Ben conceded with a grin. "But don't forget, we still have a fire to put out!" He gestured towards the candles, which were now burning quite low.

Lucy's eyes widened in mock alarm. "Oh no, you're right! Quick, what should we do?"

Ben adopted an exaggerated thinking pose. "Hmm, if only there was some way to extinguish these flames... Perhaps a gust of wind? Or a powerful breath from a brave mage?"

Lucy rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Alright, alright. I get it. Make a wish, right?"

Ben nodded, his expression softening. "That's right. Make it a good one, Lucy."

She took a deep breath, silently making her wish, and blew out the candles in one go.

Ben's smile widened, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, but that's not all," he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. He reached behind him, fumbling a bit in his back pocket. "Ah, here we go!"

With a flourish, he pulled out a small box. It was wrapped in shimmering paper that caught the moonlight, tied with a delicate ribbon that looked like it might have come from one of the fancier shops in town.

"Ta-da!" Ben presented it to Lucy with a grin. "I've been dying to give you this all day. Go on, open it!"

Lucy's eyes lit up, her curiosity piqued. "Ben, you didn't have to-"

"I wanted to," he insisted, practically bouncing with excitement. "Come on, the suspense is killing me!"

Lucy laughed, carefully taking the box. "Alright, alright! Let's see what you've been hiding in that pocket of yours."

Lucy carefully undid the ribbon and lifted the lid. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw what lay inside. "Is that... is that what I think it is?" she whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.

Ben nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "It's a silver Celestial Spirit key. The Pegasus, to be exact. That's why I had to leave - I got a lead on it in a magic shop in bluebell."

Lucy's fingers trembled as she lifted the key, its silver surface gleaming in the moonlight. The intricate design featured a winged horse etched into the metal, its mane flowing as if caught in an eternal breeze. "Ben, I... I don't know what to say. This is incredible!"

"I know how much you love Celestial Spirit magic," Ben said, his voice soft with affection. "When I heard about this key, I knew I had to get it for you. It wasn't easy to track down, but seeing your face right now? Totally worth it."

Lucy turned the key over in her hands, marveling at its weight and the tingle of magic she could feel emanating from it. "But even silver keys are rare... How did you even find it?"

Ben chuckled. "Well Truth is, I spotted it in a shop in Bluebelle before I even started working here."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Really? And you remembered it all this time?"

"Yeah, funny how things work out, huh?" Ben grinned. "I was actually looking for a new magic lantern when I saw it. Didn't think much of it then."

"So what changed?" Lucy leaned in, curious.

Ben's cheeks flushed slightly. "Well, a little birdie - and by birdie, I mean one of the butlers - let slip that a certain celestial spirit mage had a birthday coming up."

Lucy gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "You didn't!"

"Oh, but I did," Ben winked. "Sent a letter to the shop before I left the manor, just to make sure they still had it."

"And they did?" Lucy was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Yep, but that shopkeeper..." Ben shook his head, laughing. "Stingiest guy I've ever met. Wouldn't budge on the price."

"So how'd you convince him?" Lucy asked, leaning forward eagerly.

Ben's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Remember those plants I've been growing? The ones with all sorts of magical properties?"

Lucy nodded, recalling the strange but beautiful plants she'd seen in the garden.

"Well, turns out they're pretty valuable for alchemy," Ben explained. "I offered him some seeds and cuttings, and suddenly he was a lot more willing to negotiate."

Lucy burst out laughing. "Oh, Ben! You're sneaky!"

"Hey, I prefer 'resourceful'," Ben grinned. "Besides, everyone won. He got rare magical plants, and you got your key."

"I can't believe you went through all that trouble," Lucy said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Ben shrugged, a lopsided grin on his face. "Hey, it's no big deal. I promised you a souvenir, didn't I? And I know how seriously you take promises as a celestial spirit mage."

Lucy's eyes widened. "You remembered that?"

"'Course I did," Ben chuckled. "Besides, after that disaster of a party, I figured you could use something to smile about."

Lucy's expression softened, touched by his thoughtfulness. "Ben, I... thank you. Really."

"Anytime," Ben replied, his cheeks flushing slightly.

They shared a warm look, both feeling the weight of the moment. Then Lucy giggled, breaking the tension.

"So, does this mean I get to see you in action as a plant-trading, key-finding detective now?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ben laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, I think I'll stick to gardening. Adventuring's more your style. Speaking of which," he added, nodding towards the key, "why don't you try forming a contract with Pegasus? I'd love to see it in person."

Lucy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Right now?" At Ben's encouraging nod, she took a deep breath and held out the key. "I am linked to the path to the world of Celestial Spirits. Now, O Spirit, answer my call and pass through the gate!"

A bright light filled the library, and suddenly, a magnificent winged horse appeared before them. Its coat was a pristine white, gleaming like freshly fallen snow under moonlight. The stallion's mane and tail flowed like silk, almost ethereal in their beauty. Its wings were a marvel to behold - soft and downy, reminiscent of the finest swan feathers, yet strong enough to lift the majestic creature into the sky.

What caught Ben's eye next was the ornate gilded saddle adorning the horse's back. Intricate patterns of celestial designs - stars, moons, and constellations - were etched into the golden surface, catching and reflecting the library's soft light. The reins matched the saddle perfectly, their golden sheen complementing the horse's pure white coat.

Ben's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with wonder. "Whoa," he breathed, unable to take his gaze off the magnificent creature before them. "Lucy, this is... incredible."

Lucy beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement and pride. She stepped forward, her hand outstretched towards the celestial spirit. "Hello, Pegasus! I'm Lucy. It's so wonderful to meet you!"

Pegasus lowered his head, allowing Lucy to gently stroke his muzzle. The spirit's eyes, a deep, mesmerizing blue that seemed to hold the depths of the night sky, regarded Lucy with intelligence and warmth.

Lucy beamed. "Hello, Pegasus! I'm Lucy. It's nice to meet you!"

Ben watched in awe as Lucy began to converse with the spirit, still marveling at the sheer majesty of Pegasus. He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of potentially riding such a magnificent creature. The prospect of soaring through the night sky on Pegasus's back was slightly terrifying. Ben's jaw dropped. "Whoa," he breathed.

What followed was one of the strangest conversations Ben had ever witnessed. Lucy chatted away happily, while all he could hear from Pegasus were whinnies, neighs, and the occasional hoof stomp.

"Uh-huh... yes, I understand... Oh, that sounds lovely!"

Ben scratched his head. "Lucy, you can understand all that?"

Lucy nodded, not taking her eyes off Pegasus. "Of course! It's part of being a Celestial Spirit mage."

After a few more minutes of this bizarre exchange, Lucy turned back to Ben with a grin. "Alright, we've made our contract! To keep up my end of the bargain, I need to go flying with Pegasus twice a month - once on a clear, sunny day, and once on a moonlit night like tonight."

Ben's eyes widened. "Flying? As in, actually riding Pegasus?"

Lucy nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Isn't it exciting?"

Pegasus whinnied and pawed at the ground, seeming equally eager.

"That's... wow," Ben said, his eyes wide. "Just be careful, okay?"

Lucy laughed, giving Pegasus a pat. "Don't worry, Ben. Pegasus has got my back. Right, buddy?"

The spirit neighed softly, nuzzling Lucy's hand.

"So," Lucy said, her eyes sparkling. "Wanna see my first flight?"

Ben took a step back. "What, now? In the middle of the night?"

Lucy nodded, grinning from ear to ear. "Yeah! It'll be fun!"

Ben glanced at Pegasus, then back at Lucy. "I don't know... Seems kinda risky."

"Oh, come on!" Lucy grabbed Ben's hand. "You should join me!"

Ben's eyebrows shot up. "Me? Up there?"

Lucy nodded, her excitement contagious. "Yeah! Help me up?"

Ben looked at Lucy's fancy dress, then at Pegasus's back. "Uh, sure. But how are you gonna ride in that?"

Lucy smiled. "Side saddle, of course! Now come on, boost me up!"

Ben carefully helped Lucy onto Pegasus, making sure her dress was arranged neatly. "There you go. You look like a proper lady on her noble steed."

Lucy giggled, adjusting her skirts. "Thanks, Ben. Now it's your turn!"

Ben gulped, eyeing Pegasus nervously. "I don't know about this..."

Lucy's smile softened. "Are you afraid of heights?"

Ben rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. "Maybe a little. I just prefer having my feet on solid ground, you know?"

"But think about it," Lucy said, her eyes shining with excitement. "Flying through the night sky, seeing the stars up close, feeling the wind in your hair..."

Ben still looked uncertain. "I don't know, Lucy. It's your first time too. What if something goes wrong?"

Lucy's lower lip jutted out slightly, and her eyes widened. The full force of her puppy dog look hit Ben like a tidal wave. "Please, Ben? It would mean so much to me to share this with you."

Ben tried to resist, he really did. But between Lucy's pleading look and his own curiosity, he felt his resolve crumbling. "Oh, alright," he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "But if I scream like a little girl, you're not allowed to laugh."

Lucy's face lit up with joy. "Yes! Thank you, Ben!" She clapped her hands excitedly, nearly bouncing in the saddle.

Pegasus nickered softly, as if encouraging Ben too. The celestial spirit lowered himself even further, making it easier for Ben to climb on.

Ben approached cautiously, eyeing Pegasus's strong back. "Uh, how exactly do I...?"

Lucy giggled and patted the space behind her. "Just put your foot in the stirrup and swing your leg over. I'll help you balance."

With a deep breath, Ben did as she instructed. It wasn't the most graceful mount, but after a moment of awkward scrambling, he found himself seated behind Lucy.

"There," Lucy said, turning to give him an encouraging smile. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Lucy just laughed, her excitement infectious. "Hold on tight, Ben! This is going to be amazing!"