The wind blew, whipping Fauna's hair to the side as a flurry of cherry blossoms flew all around her. The pleasant scent filled her with a peacefulness that she hadn't felt all winter.

But that was to be expected, she never felt quite right during the colder seasons.

It was a time she found she really relied on her girls to get through. To cheer her up through every dreary day she couldn't sit in her garden and enjoy the breeze, and the soft grass against her bare feet.

Spring had really only begun, and there was still time to go before all of her favorite flowers bloomed. She was anxiously awaiting their arrival into the world.

She had watched them all with a sharp eye, tending to their every need like a mother nurturing a child. Watering, feeding them enriching nutrients… the bees buzzed around her happily as they too anticipated helping her with the challenging, yet rewarding task.

Fauna smiled as one of them flew up and landed on her shoulder.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Bee. Are you as excited as I am?" She asked, her smile growing even bigger as the little thing buzzed its answer into her ear. She chuckled, the motion making the bee take off to rejoin some of its friends not too far away from them.

A sigh flitted out from her chest as she leaned back on the bench Mumei had built for her several summers ago. It still stood sturdy, even after so much use and being out in the elements for so long a time.

She hoped it lasted longer still.

Mumei would just end up making her another one, anyway, but… This one held so many memories already. Though maybe she was being too sentimental about something she didn't need to be.

"Nice weather we're having, huh," rang out a low, but melodic voice. Fauna perked up instantly.

"Ara, is that an intruder I hear in my lovely garden?" She laughed.

"Oh, is that what I am? An intruder? Well, I could always see myself out. I don't have to be here," Kronii said, waltzing into view holding up drinks in her hands. "Me and this matcha latte can just go and hang out with another pretty green haired girl-"

"No. Nope, absolutely not. Unacceptable. You will sit down and you will give me that matcha latte right now," Fauna interrupted, her eyes glued to the drink in the Time Warden's hand.

Kronii stopped in front of the bench and bent down, a smug smile on her lips.

"Hm? Is that so? Well, technically I did buy it, so I could just not give it to you and drink it all by myself-"

"Kronii~" Fauna suddenly whined, her hands outstretched, as if pleading for it like a thirsty woman begs for water.

It gave the taller woman pause, her smug smile faltering like a warrior wounded in battle.

"Kwonii~ Uuuuu~ Matcha watte pwease?~"

"Alright, fine, jeez, just take it already," Kronii relented, handing the Kirin her latte with a defeated sigh and taking the spot beside her. "I don't know why you're all so good at being cute, but you need to stop. It's not good for my heart."

Fauna took a big drink, her eyes lighting up at the taste. It was just what she'd been needing when she had come out to the garden, seeking a little pick-me-up to carry her through the day.

Usually an outing was the perfect thing, but a matcha latte was an unsung hero that she had trouble admitting did more than fresh air ever could to brighten her spirits.

She'd give Mumei this one. Civilization invented some amazing things using nature's gifts. This was definitely one of them.

"Maybe you should just get a stronger heart, then," Fauna replied with a soft grin that did little to convey the teasing tone dripping from her voice.

"You know what, I never thought about that. Maybe you're right. Guess I'll just take yours, then."

"Oh but, Kronii, you've had that for a very long time now."

Kronii felt her heart skip a thousand beats in a single second, further driving the point home that, yes, she should probably like, take Omega 3 supplements or something.

She panicked, trying to find a suave response. All she ended up doing was nearly poking her eye out with the straw as she went to take a sip to stall for a comeback.

"Gwak! Ah, goddammit, I-" She felt her cheeks heating up as she covered her face in shame. A response which garnered a lovely little laugh out of Fauna, and a cuddle up to her side.

"You're so cute, Kronii," Mother Nature purred, resting her head on her shoulder with a refreshed smile on her face, being wary not to poke her with her horns. "Thank you for the drink, it's just what I needed today."

Kronii felt her chest swell with pride, despite the sorry excuse for banter she had just displayed.

"Well, you know… you're like… welcome. I guess. It was no big deal." Kronii relaxed, feeling suddenly lighter and filled with warmth from Fauna's touch.

It was strange, she thought, how despite basically all being on the same level they could still affect one another in various ways.

Kronii had to wonder if humans felt how she did around the Kirin, or if the feelings were stronger. Mother Nature was warm, and just being around her made the air feel cleaner, more crisp and healthy. Her presence itself was calming beyond anything life had to offer. She was also very soft, and in Spring she smelled absolutely divine, but that was neither here nor there.

Though maybe she was looking forward to the free aromatherapy she brought into the house. Just a little bit.

"Hm," Fauna hummed. "Maybe it was not a big deal, but my day is definitely better. That counts for something."

A few moments pass as they sit, enjoying the fresh air and warm sun.

Kronii coughs, disrupting the peace as she feels Fauna entwine her fingers with hers. Her face flushed, a reaction she would never let Bae know she had, as Fauna chuckled.

"I-I guess we're doing this now," Kronii manages to say as she clears her throat.

"We are, and there is nothing you can do about it," Fauna smiles brightly. "Now come on, we're going on a walk. I rarely get you to myself out here, and I am going to enjoy every second of this rare opportunity."

Kronii allows herself to be pulled along with a roll of her eyes.

"Yes, sweetie."