It was a simple set-up in, of all places, Eir’s backyard. A picnic ground sheet spread on a particularly sunny spot of the lawn with a basket containing enough egg mayo sandwiches for two and a flask of English Breakfast tea. Not exactly Lea’s idea of an ideal picnic setting but it would do for now, considering Cedar’s current condition and the need to slowly introduce physical activities into her rehabilitation schedule without overwhelming and tiring her out too quickly.

She was making good progress with her recovery by far and according to Eir, should be well enough to complete her recovery at home by the end of next week at this rate. The timing couldn’t have been any better on Lea’s part in fact, with school being out for the coming festive season now that finals were over and he was hence able to spend more time with Cedar in between managing the shop during her absence. He would likely have to close the shop for a few days to prepare for that.

Right now, he was in the midst of carefully guiding a blindfolded Cedar out of her room on the pretext of a pleasant surprise he had specially planned for her, his hands holding onto hers as he allowed her to walk on her own, ready to intervene anytime should her strength suddenly choose to fail her.

“Just a couple more steps now…” He gently coaxed, stopping her the moment she arrived at the verandah to step aside and remove the cloth that was wrapped around her eyes. “… I know it’s not much but I hope that this will lift your spirits and inspire you to get well sooner.”
~~~
Cedar was surprised by Lea’s… Well surprise. She held tightly onto Lea’s warm hands and she chattered nervously as she tried to leave all her trust in Lea. She wanted to use her magic, but she wasn’t suppose to Eir said. A blush fell on her cheek when she heard Lea’s voice so close to her ear and she glanced toward him. The blind fold prevented her from seeing him but she knew he was right there.

Taking the last few steps, she felt his hand leaves hers, to pull the blind fold off. The light stung her eyes a little bit but once they focused she couldn’t help from grin. She took one of his hands again, “Lea, its perfect.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. She kept her hand locked on his as she would need some of his support to help her walk to the blanket and sit.

Sure, it wasn’t a dream picnic, like one you would see in a picture. But he put his heart and feelings into it. That was what mattered to Cedar, the only thing that mattered to her was that he even made the effort. This was Cedar’s dream, spending time like this with Lea.

“You really didn’t have to go through all the trouble. “ She looked up at him as she released his hand reluctantly as she sat down.
~~~
For all the confidence that Lea might have when he initially came up with the picnic idea to celebrate Cedar’s recovery, he still couldn’t help feeling nervous when the day came for him to see it through to fruition. Even if what he truly felt about the arrangement wasn’t really that apparent save for the slight quivering of his hands as he went through the motion of preparing the sandwiches during the late morning.

He had been so sure that something, anything in fact, might go wrong if he so much as allowed his concentration to lapse briefly, only allowing himself to relax with a smile on his face once he had Cedar settled on the ground sheet. So far so good.

“It isn’t any trouble at all.” Sitting himself right beside her, he removed the plates from the basket, setting them down before reaching for the sandwiches next. “This is about as far as I could go without risking burning Eir’s kitchen down. Some day.” He handed her a plate as soon as he had placed 2 slices of sandwiches atop it. “Some day we’ll have a proper picnic when you’re all better. At a place and with a menu of your own choosing.”
~~~
Cedar tilted her head at him as he settled in next to her and he started to pull things out from the basket. Trying to be subtle she tried to shift around some so that she could lean toward him. It wasn’t like it was very cold out or anything. But she just wanted to be closer to him. Her olive eyes glancing over at the sandwiches that he had made himself.

She felt warm and well for the lack of better words fuzzy inside looking at them. He made them for her. She took in a breath and held it as she tried to figure out the feelings she had inside. She was just happy that he even took the time to make them. He could have easily gone out and bought them… It was the little things that made her like him even more. She leaned toward him and placed her cheek on his shoulder. A blush suddenly forming on her cheeks.

“I like this just the way it is.” She said as she reached out for part of her sandwich. She took a bite of the sandwich and sure it was simple. But some of the best things are simple.