My Fictober 2023 contribution for the prompt : "It's not too late, let's go."

I'm sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer : Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Cherry Blossom

Lucy looked at the time. Only five minutes left before the train arrives at the station. She knew she was going to be late. It was inevitable. At the end of their mission, Natsu, Happy and Lucy had missed their train and they had to wait for the next one. It's too late, Lucy thought. Even if they arrived in five minutes, she would never have time to go to the park.

Today a cherry tree was in bloom. It was not just any cherry tree. It only flowered once a year for an hour. The color of the petals was so bright that only a magical tree was capable of such a feat. It was an exceptional event where all the residents of Magnolia gathered at the park to celebrate this day.

Lucy had already missed it last year and she was sure she would miss it again this year. She sighed, disappointed. She looked at Natsu when she heard him moan. He was lying on his stomach on the seat in front of her. He was at his worst and the further the train moved, the sicker he became. Happy was next to him, trying to give him some air with a magazine that Lucy had bought before they got on the train. Poor Natsu, she thought. She leaned towards him and stroked his hair.

"It's going to be okay Natsu, we'll be there soon."

She only got a groan from Natsu for answer. She looked out the window and saw that the train was pulling in to the station. As soon as it stopped, Natsu was the first passenger to get out. Lucy heard him shout, "Finally here !" and she could not help laughing lightly. At least he was not sick anymore. Lucy and Happy joined him on the platform. Natsu was back in form. Lucy looked at the time once again. It was too late.

"Is everything okay Lucy ?" Happy asked. "Were you sick on the train too ?"

Natsu looked at her, worried. She shook her head and smiled to reassure them. After all, it was no big deal.

"It's nothing. It's just that we're going to miss the cherry blossom."

"You already missed it last year", Natsu said.

"It doesn't matter. I'll see it next year."

Natsu's eyes lit up as if he had just had an idea.

"It's not too late, let's go."

"That's not possible", Lucy said. "We're too far from the park."

But Natsu did not listen to her anymore and explained his plan to Happy.

"If you fly with Lucy, you'll get there a lot quicker."

"And you ?"

"I know a shortcut. I have to get something. I will catch you up."

Happy nodded. He spread his wings and without further ado, he grabbed Lucy by her shirt. Both flew away. Lucy had a feeling that Happy had never flown so fast and that he was doing everything to arrive in time for the flowering. She finally saw the park.

"We're here !" Happy exclaimed cheerfully.

They both smiled. Once they arrived at the park, Happy gently put Lucy on the ground. She looked around. She had the feeling that the whole town had gathered for the flowering. She could also see members of the guild. A festive and warm atmosphere reigned. A hint of impatience was also palpable. The cherry tree would bloom any moment.

"Lucy ! Happy !"

Lucy saw Natsu running towards them and she noticed that he was holding something in his arms. He stopped in front of them, unfolded the blanket he was holding and put it on the ground. He sat on it, imitated by Happy, and held out his hand towards Lucy.

"I thought it would be more comfortable that way."

"You had a good idea."

She took Natsu's hand and sat down next to him.

"Look !" Happy exclaimed, pointing to the cherry tree. "It begins !"

Lucy looked at the tree in wonder. The green of the leaves was bright and the pink petals opened gently. She felt like it sparkled in the light like little diamonds. She could feel the magic emanating from the tree. She had never seen anything like it.

"It's beautiful," she said.

"Yes."

She felt Natsu put his arm around her shoulders. She could not help blushing. Her heart raced, but she felt a pleasant sensation. She put her head on the dragon slayer's shoulders. He held her a little closer to him. She snuggled into his arms, enjoying the sight of the cherry tree and the pleasant warmth that Natsu gave her.

She hoped to be able to spend the next flowerings, happy in Natsu's arms.

The end