Ben and Lucy wrapped up their business with the Rune Knights, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. They'd nabbed a decent bounty for catching Bora and his crew, despite a few minor slip-ups.

By the time they finished, night had fallen. Both of them were dead on their feet.

"I don't know about you," Lucy yawned, stretching her arms, "but I'm ready to crash."

Ben nodded, fighting to keep his eyes open. "Same here. Back to the inn?"

They trudged back to their rooms, barely managing to kick off their shoes before collapsing onto their beds. Sleep came instantly.

The next morning, Ben woke up feeling groggy. He rubbed his eyes, memories of the previous day flooding back. His stomach growled, reminding him they'd skipped dinner.

He knocked on Lucy's door. "Hey, Lucy? You up for some breakfast?"

There was a muffled groan from inside. "Give me five minutes."

As they sat in a nearby cafe, an awkward silence hung between them. Lucy kept sneaking glances at Ben, her mind replaying his actions during the fight. Ben, for his part, was trying to act like everything was normal, but his forced cheerfulness wasn't fooling anyone.

"So," Lucy said, pushing her eggs around her plate, "ready to head to Magnolia?"

Ben nodded, a bit too enthusiastically. "Yep! Can't wait to see Fairy Tail."

They finished their meal and made their way to the train station. As they strolled along the platform, both lost in thought, a familiar voice caught their attention.

"Hey, Lucy! Ben!" Natsu's voice rang out across the platform, his pink hair bobbing as he waved enthusiastically. Happy, his blue cat companion, perched on his shoulder with a mischievous grin.

Lucy's eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Well, well, look who decided to show up," she said, crossing her arms. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Nice of you to ditch us with the rune knights yesterday."

Natsu's enthusiastic smile faltered, replaced by a sheepish expression. He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Lucy's piercing gaze. "Yeah, about that... No big deal, right? You guys handled it fine without me!"

Lucy's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Oh really? So I guess you don't want your share of the bounty then?"

Natsu's eyes widened comically. "Wait, what? Bounty?"

Ben chuckled, enjoying the show. "Yeah, turns out catching bad guys pays pretty well."

"Aw, come on Lucy!" Natsu whined, his carefree attitude evaporating instantly. "I didn't mean to ditch you guys, honest! I just... you know... Rune Knights make me nervous!"

Lucy crossed her arms, fighting back a smirk. "Oh? So now it's a big deal?"

Natsu dropped to his knees dramatically. "I'm sorry! I'm really, really sorry! Please forgive me!"

Happy, perched on Natsu's shoulder, chimed in. "Aye! Natsu's very sorry!"

Lucy tried to maintain her stern face, but Natsu's puppy dog eyes and Happy's pleading expression were hard to resist. She let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Oh, alright. I guess I can't stay mad at you two goofballs."

"Really?" Natsu bounced back to his feet, grinning from ear to ear. "You're the best, Lucy!"

"Don't push it," she warned, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. She reached into her bag, pulling out a small leather pouch. "Here's your share, you big baby."

Natsu caught the pouch, his eyes lighting up as he felt its weight. He peeked inside, jaw dropping. "Whoa, seriously? This is awesome! You're the greatest, Lucy!"

As Natsu celebrated his unexpected windfall, Lucy's gaze shifted to Ben. She hadn't forgotten about yesterday's events, and the questions burning in her mind demanded answers. However, before she could corner him, a loud whistle pierced the air, signaling the imminent departure of their train.

"We better hurry and get our tickets," Ben said quickly, seizing the opportunity to avoid the impending conversation. He started moving towards the ticket booth, Natsu following close behind, still grinning at his newfound wealth.

Lucy frowned, realizing her chance was slipping away. She followed the boys, determined to find a moment alone with Ben during their journey. As they approached the crowded ticket counter, the throng of travelers inadvertently separated them.

"Three tickets to Magnolia, please," Natsu called out, pushing his way to the front.

In the chaos of the bustling station, Lucy and Ben got separated from Natsu. Lucy saw her chance and grabbed Ben's arm, pulling him aside.

"We need to talk," she said, her eyes serious. "About yesterday."

Ben sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He knew that look in Lucy's eyes all too well. There was no wiggling out of this one.

"I guess I can't get away with saying I don't know what you're talking about, huh?" he asked, his attempt at humor falling flat.

Lucy's gaze didn't waver. Her arms were crossed, her foot tapping impatiently on the platform. "Ben," she said, her voice firm but not unkind, "we're way past that. I want answers, and I'm not letting you off the hook this time."

Ben ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd never quite shaken. "Lucy, I-"

"Don't 'Lucy' me," she cut him off. "We've been friends for how long now? You know me better than that. I'm not going anywhere until you spill."

Ben couldn't help but crack a small smile. He did know her - stubborn as a mule and fiercely loyal. It was one of the things he cherished most about their friendship.

"Okay, okay," he conceded, holding up his hands in surrender. "You win. But... can we at least get on the train first? I'd rather not have this conversation on a crowded platform."

Lucy's expression softened slightly, but her determination didn't waver. "Fine. But don't think you're getting out of this just because we're moving."

Lucy and Ben stepped into the private compartment, the door sliding shut behind them with a soft click. The space was cozy, barely big enough for two people to sit comfortably. Two plush benches faced each other, their deep red fabric a stark contrast to the polished wood paneling.

Lucy plopped down on one bench, her eyes never leaving Ben as he settled across from her. She could easily reach out and touch him if she wanted to, but right now, that small gap felt like a vast ocean between them.

Ben fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, his gaze darting around the compartment, looking anywhere but at Lucy. The silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable.

Finally, Lucy couldn't take it anymore. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. "Okay, spill it," she said, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern. "What was that yesterday? I mean, I've seen you work your magic on flowers, but that was... something else entirely."

Ben's fingers drummed a nervous rhythm on his knee. He stared out the window, watching the world rush by in a blur. "It's... not that simple."

"Try me," Lucy said softly, her voice gentle. "I'm all ears, remember?"

Ben took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Lucy's. "Remember how I told you I bounced around a lot before the manor?"

Lucy nodded. "Yeah, you mentioned that."

"Well," Ben's voice dropped to almost a whisper, "not every place rolled out the welcome mat. Some places... they weren't too keen on strangers. Or anyone who could do magic."

Lucy's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, Ben..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rhythmic clacking of the train.

Ben sat across from her, his body unnaturally still. His eyes were fixed on a point somewhere beyond the compartment window, but Lucy could tell he wasn't really seeing the landscape rushing by.

"It's not a big deal," he said, his voice flat. But the tightness in his jaw betrayed him.

Lucy leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. "Ben, look at me."

He didn't move.

"Please?" she added softly.

Ben's eyes slowly shifted to meet hers. Lucy's breath caught in her throat. There was so much pain there, hidden behind a wall of forced calm.

"Is that... is that why you fight like that?" she asked, her voice gentle.

A hollow laugh escaped Ben's lips. "Something like that." He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit Lucy recognized from their days at the manor. "I did stuff, Lucy. Stuff I'm not proud of. Became someone I... I didn't like much."

Lucy's hand hovered over his arm, hesitating for a moment before gently resting on it. She could feel the tension in his muscles, coiled tight like a spring ready to snap.

"Hey," she said softly, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "That's not who you are now."

Ben's eyes met hers again, a flicker of something – hope, maybe? – passing through them. "No," he agreed, the ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "I much prefer being Ben the gardener."

His smile grew a bit more genuine, but there was still a sadness lingering at the edges. "Thanks. It's nice, you know? Creating something beautiful instead of..."

He trailed off, his eyes growing distant again. Lucy watched as his breathing quickened, his hands clenching into fists on his lap.

"Ben?" she said softly, her grip on his arm tightening slightly. "You okay?"

Ben blinked, coming back to the present. "Sorry," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair again. "I... I just hope I didn't scare you yesterday."

Lucy's brow furrowed in confusion. "Scare me? What do you mean?"

Ben shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting around before settling back on Lucy. "On the boat, after the fight. The way you were looking at me... I thought maybe I'd frightened you with what I did."

Lucy bit her lip, considering her words carefully. "Well... I won't lie, Ben. It did scare me a bit."

Ben flinched as if her words had physically struck him. His shoulders slumped, and a resigned look settled on his face. It was clear he had been expecting this, but it didn't make it any easier to hear.

"But not in the way you think," Lucy quickly added, leaning forward to catch his gaze. "I wasn't scared of you, Ben. I was scared because... well, you weren't acting like yourself. It was like you shut me out completely."

Ben's eyes widened slightly, surprise replacing the resignation. "You... you weren't scared of me?"

Lucy shook her head firmly. "No, you big dummy. I was worried about you. The Ben I know doesn't just... switch off like that. It was like you were a completely different person out there."

A small, tentative smile tugged at the corner of Ben's mouth. "I guess I was, in a way. When I'm fighting like that, it's like... like I'm back in those places where I had to be tough to survive. It's not easy to shake off."

Lucy squeezed his hand gently. "I get that. Well, maybe I don't fully get it, but I understand that there's more to you than I knew before. And that's okay."

Ben looked at her, surprise evident in his eyes. "You're not going to push for more details?"

Lucy's eyes softened, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She held out her pinky finger, wiggling it playfully in front of Ben's face.

"No take backs," she said simply, her voice warm and sincere.

Ben blinked, surprised by the gesture. A lump formed in his throat as he realized the weight of Lucy's words.

Swallowing hard, he reached out and linked his pinky with hers. "No take backs," he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Lucy's smile widened, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know me, Ben. Celestial Spirit mage, remember? We don't break our promises."

Ben chuckled, his shoulders finally relaxing. "Yeah, I remember. You drilled that into my head enough at the manor."

Lucy playfully punched his arm. "Hey, someone had to keep you in line."

"Me?" Ben raised an eyebrow, grinning. "I was the picture of professionalism. It was a certain blonde who kept pushing boundaries."

Lucy crossed her arms, mock-serious. "Oh really? Do tell."

"Well," Ben tapped his chin, "there was that midnight cookie raid, and that three-hour lunch discussing Kemu Zaleon."

Lucy grinned cheekily. "That blonde sounds awesome. I'd love to meet her."

"She is," Ben smiled. "You'd get along great."

The tension melted away. This was her Ben, her friend who'd shared so many moments with her.

Lucy's expression softened. "But seriously, Ben. No more shutting me out, okay? If something's bothering you, tell me. That's what friends are for."

Ben nodded, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Got it."

"And if you do it again," Lucy added, her voice playful but firm, "I'm kicking your butt."

Ben burst out laughing, the sound lightening the mood. "Oh really, Princess? After last night, you think you can take me?"

Lucy's jaw dropped. "Princess? Oh, keep talking, buddy. You'll get a Lucy Kick so fast your head will spin!"

Ben's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Ooh, I'm shaking in my boots," he teased, dramatically clutching his chest. "The dreaded Lucy Kick! Whatever shall I do?"

Lucy tried to maintain a stern expression, but a giggle escaped her lips. "You should be scared, mister! It's a devastating technique!"

They both dissolved into laughter, the heaviness of their earlier conversation fading away. As their giggles subsided, Ben looked at Lucy with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"You know," he said, leaning in conspiratorially, "if you show me how to perform this terrifying Lucy Kick, I might be persuaded to teach you a few tricks with my thorn whip."

Lucy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? You'd teach me?"

Ben nodded, a playful smirk on his face. "Sure, why not? But I have to warn you, it's pretty advanced stuff. Think you can handle it?"

Lucy puffed out her chest, her competitive spirit flaring. "Oh, I can handle it alright! But are you sure you can be trusted with the power of the Lucy Kick? It's not for the faint of heart, you know."

Ben placed a hand over his heart, feigning solemnity. "I solemnly swear to use this power only for good. Or, you know, when someone really deserves it."

They both burst into another fit of giggles. As their laughter died down, Ben looked at Lucy with genuine warmth.

"Thanks, Lucy. For everything."

She smiled back, nudging his shoulder. "Anytime, you big softie. Now, no more brooding, okay? We've got a guild to join! And apparently, some secret techniques to exchange."

Ben opened his mouth, about to make another joke, when the compartment door suddenly flew open with a resounding bang.

"Incoming!" Happy's high-pitched voice rang out as he zipped into the cabin, followed by a stumbling Natsu.

The pink-haired wizard looked like he'd seen better days. His face had taken on a sickly green tinge, and he was swaying on his feet like a sailor on a stormy sea.

"Guys," Natsu groaned, dramatically collapsing onto the nearest seat. "I think I'm dying."

Lucy and Ben exchanged a look of surprise, then burst into laughter.

"What happened to you?" Lucy asked, her eyes wide. "You were fine just a few minutes ago!"

Happy floated over, landing on the seat next to Natsu. "Oh, this? This is normal," he said casually, as if discussing the weather.

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Normal? He looks like he's about to lose his breakfast."

"Aye!" Happy nodded cheerfully. "Natsu has really bad motion sickness. As soon as the train started moving, he turned into... well, this," he gestured at the groaning lump that was Natsu.

Lucy's expression softened, but she quickly scooted over next to Ben. "Sorry, Natsu. You're gonna have to tough it out on your own bench."

Natsu let out a pitiful moan as he sprawled across the now-empty seat.

Ben raised an eyebrow. "Does this happen often?"

Happy flew over to perch on Ben's shoulder. "All the time! Boats, trains, carriages – you name it, Natsu gets sick on it."

"Wait a second," Lucy chimed in, her brow furrowed. "He was fine on that boat yesterday. And when you carry him, Happy."

The blue cat puffed out his chest proudly. "Well, I'm not transportation. I'm his friend!"

"Damn straight," Natsu mumbled, face pressed against the seat cushion.

"And the boat was anchored," Happy added. "No moving, no sickness!"

Lucy shook her head, a mix of amusement and exasperation on her face. "You're something else, Natsu."

Ben leaned back, taking in the scene. There was something oddly comforting about the chaos. "So," he said with a grin, "I guess 'I Spy' is out of the question?"

Lucy elbowed him playfully. "Be nice!"

As the train rattled on towards Magnolia, the compartment filled with Natsu's groans, Happy's cheerful commentary, and the occasional burst of laughter from Lucy and Ben. It wasn't a peaceful journey, but somehow, it felt just right.