A/N: Hey all! I saw the cover image for latest release of the 100 year quest and I just had to do something with it. So here it is! Here is the link as well, if anyone wants to see the image that inspired this one-shot, just google "fairy tail 100 year quest chapter 78".

PS: This fic does not intend to offend any NaLu supporters/fans. I have heard that some NaLu fans are pretty vicious when it comes to anyone other than Natsu when it comes to Lucy (not sure if this applies now these days)...but this is how I interpret their relationship and I do not mean to offend anyone. Anyways, enjoy this little fic =)

It was a beautiful day in Magnolia Town. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and everywhere in town was teeming with life. The first day of spring was officially here and the citizens of Magnolia Town were not going to waste a gorgeous day like today. Lucy Heartfilia opened the windows to her bedroom and leaned outside, her chin resting on the palms of hands; she took a deep breath and exhaled. The air smelled crisp and the warmth of the rising sun was very welcoming. She hoped there was no mission or work today for the guild. As much as she wanted to earn the extra money, she didn't want to work or go on a mission on a day like today. The first day of spring was one of Lucy's favorite times of the year; seeing the first cherry blossoms and the new lives that have been created symbolized a new beginning to her. And today was just too perfect to miss out on. She especially wanted to spend this day with her closest friend, and unrequited love, Natsu Dragneel. Lucy has dropped numerous hints to show him that she was interested in him, that she wanted to be more than just friends. Unfortunately, all her efforts were futile as the fire dragon slayer was just too naïve and dense when it came to matters of the heart. She knew that he cared for her and that she was an important person to him, but she wanted more. She has had thoughts of confessing her feelings to him, but she knew his feelings for her were not the same as the feelings she had for him. She sighed.

"Maybe I should just give up…" Lucy muttered, "I mean…after all this time, nothing has really changed…"

She glanced around the town and saw some couples taking an early morning stroll or grabbing some breakfast together. This made her heart sink further. She shook her head, and a determined look on her face crossed her features. She clenched her fists in determination.

"I can't let this ruin a day like today," she said.

Lucy nodded to herself and closed the window before she went to get herself ready for the day ahead.

Once Lucy was dressed, she went downstairs to the kitchen to see what she had on hand. As she was getting ready earlier, she had an idea for a picnic. The weather was perfect for one and she wanted to see the first cherry blossoms of the year with someone she cared about. Even though her feelings for Natsu were unrequited, she figured it wouldn't hurt to still spend some time with him. He was after all, her best friend. She took a quick glance through her fridge, a smile forming as she saw that she had everything she needed to make this picnic happen. She knew Natsu had a rather large appetite, but she didn't have that much food on hand that would satiate her dragon slayer friend. Lucy hoped that what she will make will be enough for him…and her, if he didn't eat it all himself that is. She grabbed everything she needed and placed it on the counter beside her. She tied her hair up in a side ponytail and threw on an apron before getting to work.

An hour or so later, Lucy was finished with her picnic preparations. She smiled proudly as she glanced at the spread before her. She made various sandwiches – tuna salad, roast beef and cheese, chicken BLT, just to name a few. She also prepared some fresh fruit salad, a garden salad and a simple jelly dessert. She grabbed the picnic basket she brought downstairs earlier and began packing her creations into the basket. She then put some drinks and mugs in a separate bag.

"Alright, everything is ready!" Lucy said excitedly.

She removed her apron and hung it on a hook by the kitchen entrance. She then went upstairs and packed what she needed into a little purse and slung it over her shoulder. Grabbing her picnic basket and drink bag, she stepped out the door to her home, locking it up behind her before she made her way to the Fairy Tail guild hall.

When she arrived at the guild, she was not surprised to see it empty. There were still a few members lounging about in the guild. Among them was her friend Natsu. He was busy chatting with his exceed, Happy, to notice her arrival. She made her way towards them. Natsu turned around and flashed her a wide grin when he smelled her presence.

"Yo, Lucy!" Natsu shouted. His nose smelled something delicious coming from the basket Lucy was holding, "what do you got there? It smells really good!"

Lucy held up the basket and smiled. "It's a picnic basket and I was hoping that maybe…you could come join me at the park?"

Natsu looked at Happy. "We got nothing better to do, so sure!"

Lucy inwardly sighed. She didn't want Happy to tag along. But it was better than nothing.

She forced a smile. "I hope you guys are hungry."

"Are you kidding? We're always hungry. Isn't that right Happy?" Natsu asked.

"Aye!" the blue exceed shouted.

"I can't wait!" Natsu shouted, "let's go!"

Natsu got up from his seat and proceeded towards the guild doors, with Happy flying behind him. When he noticed that Lucy wasn't following, he turned around and looked at her curiously.

"Aren't you coming?" he asked.

"Y-yeah, I'm coming," Lucy replied.

She made her way towards the entrance, a sad expression in her eyes. Natsu still didn't get it.

"Here, let me help you carry that," Natsu said as he took the basket from her grasp.

Lucy was surprised by the sudden gesture. Her eyes softened as she smiled. "Thanks, Natsu."

The trio left the guild and headed towards Southgate Park.

Lucy's eyes widened when they arrived at the park. The sight before her was beautiful. She searched the park to find the ideal spot to settle down for a picnic.

"Let's sit over there," she pointed.

"It's so pretty!" Happy shouted as he flew through the falling petals.

Natsu and Lucy walked towards the spot Lucy had indicated. Where Lucy had chosen for the picnic was perfect; they were situated under a tree full of unopened blossoms and were surrounded by more blossoming trees. She hoped she would be able to watch these flowers bloom with Natsu. Lucy placed the drink bag against the tree and grabbed the basket from Natsu. She took the plaid pink and white blanket out and laid it on the ground. Natsu stood with his arms behind his head, watching as Lucy set up the picnic. His eye then caught something nearby – he saw that Happy had set up a hammock. He didn't know how long it would take to set up a picnic, but the hammock looked really inviting. He figured he may as well lay down while he waited for Lucy to finish.

"I'll be right over there, Lucy," Natsu said as he pointed towards the hammock, "call me when you're ready."

Lucy was too preoccupied with setting up the picnic that she wasn't paying much attention to what Natsu was saying or doing.

"Yeah, I will," she simply said as she continued to set up the picnic.

Natsu ran over to where Happy was. He jumped right onto the hammock, making it swing back and forth briefly. He laid onto it.

"This is so cool Happy," Natsu said to his friend, "I can't believe you had this with you."

"I thought it would be nice to relax in the park. It's a really nice day today," Happy said as he laid next to Natsu.

The swinging motion gradually slowed, leaving a slow rocking motion. This slowly lulled the dragon slayer and his exceed to sleep. Light snoring could soon be heard from them.

"There!" Lucy shouted as she moved some stray hairs away from her eyes, "all done! Hey Nat-"

She turned around only to see her friend missing. "Natsu?"

Lucy surveyed the area nearby. Her eyes landed on a familiar head of pink hair lying on a hammock nearby. She walked towards the hammock. She placed her hands on her hips when she saw the sight before her.

"Really Natsu?" Lucy said, annoyed.

She poked and prodded him. She even called out his name. He didn't respond. She sighed and gave up. She shook her head and turned around, making her way back to the picnic.

"The nerve of that guy!" she muttered angrily as she sat down, "I put a lot of effort into this and he goes and takes a nap?! I can't believe him!"

Lucy was not happy at all. She sighed.

"Well…I can't let this go to waste…" she thought to herself as she reached out for a sandwich.

"What's a beautiful woman like you doing eating all alone on this lovely day?" a male voice suddenly asked.

Lucy looked up, only to come face to face with her celestial spirit and friend. "L-Loke?"

"That's my name," Loke said and thumped his chest proudly. He thumped it a little too hard though and wound up coughing.

Lucy giggled. The lion spirit smiled, glad he was able to put a smile back on her face. He knew it was the first day of spring in the human world and he remembered Lucy saying that it was one of her favorite times of the year; he remembered her mentioning it the year prior, but spring never really came to Magnolia that time. It was all wet due to the week-long torrential downpour that occurred. He was planning to pop by for a visit at the guild, hoping he would run into her there in the process. He wanted to take her out for a walk to see the first cherry blossoms of the year and spend some time with her. Even though Lucy didn't believe it, the lion spirit loved her with all his heart. He didn't think he would fall in love with a human, and a celestial wizard at that. But it had happened. And due to their close bond, he felt her sadness and that concerned him. He focused all his magic and summoned himself to where she was, which was here at Southgate Park.

"Everything okay, Lucy?" Loke asked, "I felt your sadness and I was worried, so I came to you immediately."

Lucy's heart warmed at his gesture, but then her heart sank as the sadness she felt came back. She glanced over at the hammock, where Natsu was sleeping peacefully. Loke followed her line of sight and his heart fell. He suspected Lucy had feelings for the fire dragon slayer, but he also felt that Natsu didn't feel the same way. He was also too naïve. It hurt him to know that his heart's desire desired someone else. Loke shook his head. Right now, his focus should be on making Lucy happy and cheering her up, not wallowing in his own unrequited feelings.

"Do you…mind if I joined you instead?" Loke asked, hopeful she wouldn't reject him.

Lucy looked at her lion spirit friend. She did want to spend the day with someone she cared about and that someone was currently sleeping on a hammock nearby. However, she cared about Loke as well. So technically, she was going to spend her day with someone she cared about.

"I'd like that," Lucy replied after a moment of thought and smiled.

Loke's face broke out into a huge grin. "Really? Thanks Lucy!"

Lucy's heart skipped a beat when she saw Loke's expression just now. She didn't know why her heart did that, but she shrugged it off.

"I hope this spread is okay with you," Lucy said, trying to distract herself from her rapidly beating heart, "I made it all myself this morning."

"It looks amazing Lucy," Loke said as he sat down across from her and smiled, "I can't wait!"

Lucy smiled. Seeing Loke all happy and excited made her feel happy as well. She watched as Loke thought about what sandwich to have and she giggled.

Loke looked up from his train of thought. "What's so funny?"

Lucy stopped giggling. "Sorry, Loke. You don't have to make this seem like it's a serious decision you have to make."

"I know, but it's just so hard…" Loke said, "all of it looks so good that I don't know what to start with first."

Lucy blushed. She didn't know why such a comment made her cheeks heat up. Was it because Loke had said it? She shook her head.

"You're welcome to eat as much as you like, Loke," Lucy said, "so there's no need to worry about what to eat."

Loke looked up. "Are you sure? What about Natsu?"

Lucy shrugged. "It's his loss. I'm just happy that I get to share this day with somebody."

Loke smiled warmly at her. "Well, thank you for giving me the opportunity to join you."

Lucy's heart skipped a beat again. "What's going on…? His smile just now…was that…was that for me?"

She watched as the lion spirit grabbed a tuna salad sandwich and took a bite. She looked on apprehensively, waiting to see what he thought of it. Loke took his time chewing, savoring this moment.

He swallowed and gave Lucy a thumbs up and a wide grin. "It's delicious, Lucy!"

Lucy's shoulders relaxed and she smiled widely. "I'm glad! Please, enjoy!"

Loke smiled at her again before helping himself to another sandwich. Lucy helped herself to some garden salad and a chicken BLT sandwich. The two of them ate while making small talk here and there. Loke was telling Lucy one of his stories that had happened back in the celestial spirit world recently. The blonde laughed when Loke told her what had happened, which earned her a pout from Loke. The pair were enjoying themselves very much; to them, it felt like they were all alone at the park. They paid no attention to what was going on around them – they were too engrossed in each other's company. The food Lucy prepared for the picnic slowly disappeared without them realizing it. Loke grabbed the drink bag by the tree and poured some sparkling juice into two mugs. He offered one to Lucy.

"Thanks," Lucy said as she reached for the mug.

Their fingers touched. The two of them froze briefly and looked at one another. Time stood still for a moment as the two of them stared at each other. Neither of them knew what was going on in the other's mind. The blonde's heart was racing and she could feel her cheeks warm up. Loke blushed and his heart was beating rapidly as well.

"She's really beautiful…and amazing…" Loke thought, "I'm so lucky to have met her…"

"Loke's pretty cute…I never knew he had this side to him…" Lucy thought to herself, "he's actually not so bad…"

Lucy realized she was staring longer than she intended and chose to break the eye contact first. She grabbed the mug, pulling it closer to her.

"T-Thanks…" Lucy said and looked down, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.

"N-No problem…" Loke replied and he looked away as he too, was trying to hide his flushed cheeks.

The two of them sat in silence, each holding onto their mug. Lucy glanced at Loke, unconsciously aware that she was checking him out. When her eyes reached his face, their eyes met. They looked away again. A few pink petals started falling, which caught Lucy's attention. She looked up and her eyes widened in awe. Loke looked at Lucy and followed her line of sight; the sight he saw left him breathless. The flowers on the tree were blooming. They saw each blossom bloom on each twig, on each branch.

"Beautiful…" Lucy murmured.

Loke looked at his blonde companion and smiled warmly. He wished he could take a picture of her right at this very moment. The sight of her and the cherry blossoms was a sight to behold.

"Not as beautiful as the woman before me…" Loke said softly.

Lucy blinked and looked at Loke, her cheeks stained a faint pink. It seemed she heard the remark her lion spirit companion had said earlier. Loke blushed when he realized Lucy may have heard what he had just said.

Lucy smiled. "Perhaps, this may be the new beginning for me…"

When Loke saw Lucy smile, he relaxed. He moved a little closer to her; now, they were side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Lucy didn't mind the close proximity. It felt nice to her. She held her mug up.

"To a new beginning," she said and smiled.

"To a new beginning," Loke replied with a smile of his own and clinked her mug.

They slowly drank the contents of their mugs while watching the blossoms bloom on the tree above them. While the pair were engrossed with the cherry blossoms, Natsu finally awoke from his nap. He yawned as he stretched.

"That was a good nap," he said as he climbed out of the hammock.

The movement also woke up Happy. He rubbed his eyes with his paws. "Where are you going, Natsu?"

"Back to the picnic!" he said and grinned, "I'm starving!"

Happy immediately woke up and flew next to Natsu. "Aye!"

The exceed and dragon slayer made their way to where the picnic was. Natsu spotted a familiar head of orange-ginger hair.

"Loke!" Natsu said as he approached the mage and spirit duo, "long time no see!"

Loke heard a familiar voice and turned his head. "Natsu! Good to see you!"

Natsu then spotted the empty basket and plates devoid of food near Loke and Lucy. His jaw dropped and tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

"W-where's all the food?" he whined.

Loke patted his stomach and smirked. "All in here."

"That's what you get for falling asleep," Lucy stated teasingly.

"Aw man…" Natsu said as he fell to his knees, "I'm so hungry though…"

Happy looked at the couple in front of him and snickered. He saw a potential romance in the making, but he decided to be nice and let them be, for now. He went to Natsu and patted his back.

"Come on, Natsu, let's go get something to eat," Happy said soothingly, "I'll fly us somewhere."

"Thanks buddy," Natsu said as he carried him up into the air.

Happy flew off, with Natsu in tow underneath. Loke and Lucy looked at one another and smiled before going back to viewing the blossoms above them and throughout the park. Not only did cherry blossoms bloom that day, love started to blossom as well.