Archive of Our Own

It was... strange to know someone had entered her Domain by the lack of feeling she got from them. The sensation was so strange that she sometimes still thought, if only for a second, that one of the Council had sent a boulder or something through her entrance. Just a harmless prank from Bae, or an accident from Sana not keeping track of her orbits. Instinctually, she expected the arrived object to remain still until she went and cleaned it up later.

However... the “object” was not still. As she stirred from her sleep in the middle of her resting grove, she felt it move through the forest toward her. And not in the way a rock would roll down a hill to the base. No... it had almost human movements to it. It stepped, it hopped, and if she focused very hard, she swore she could hear humming a song.

But it... or rather, she, did not do that last one with breath. Not in the same way any living thing might do so. The feeling was... uncanny to her. It was something unnatural that her body was already tingling from. There was a twitch of an impulse telling her to expel the woman, who had no place in the Domain of Nature.

Instead, though, Fauna merely sighed, rubbing her eyes languidly as she rolled onto her back. She had been expecting The Scarlet Queen to send one of her teammates there at some point this week. It was important to stay up to date on the situation, given what was stolen from her. There had been too much interference between the pathways of the Realms to magically communicate at a distance, too, here recently. So she had no issue with allowing this one in, even though it was so early for her.

...And also despite how weird she always felt around the automaton in general.

She tried to put that out of her mind, though. This should be a quick meeting. There’s no reason to be awkward about it. Sitting up from where she had slept, she took a deep breath. The scent of the soft, white daisies that surrounded her and made up her bed filled her nostrils. It calmed her, helping her to ignore those complicated feelings. She brushed some petals out of her green hair as she looked around, staring into the thick woodland that surrounded her.

All around the Keeper, her Domain positively thrummed with life. Trees that came from tropical, temperate, and other climates grew strong and steady alongside shrubbery, flowers, and other plants. She could feel animals of all sorts moving around in their respective biomes, from the smallest birds to the largest bears. There were even deep oceans elsewhere, where she felt deep-sea creatures thriving within their depths.

Taking another breath, she relaxed more at the fresh, crisp scent of nature. Pure nature. A world untouched by the industrialization of mankind or other species of the Realms. Where no artificial pollution poisoned anything, and not so much as a carved stone wheel existed. A place that bent solely to her will... deeply connected with her very being.

It was not that she hated being on Earth or other Realms by any means. While Mumei and her had their clashes at first, they had done their best since to let their Domains run their natural courses. She had even enjoyed some of the modern amenities that humanity had these days, like brushes and computers! She was perfectly fine to go to and stay in those other places very often as needed.

Still, there was always something soothing about staying in her personal Domain. Which was hardly surprising, she supposed, since it was an extension of her existence. It was where she always felt strongest, not having to feel the encroaching sensation of civilization. It was a place where life could simply live, with everything moving within it also connected to her!

...Well, except for one thing currently. A woman whom she could tell more by the absence of certain elements she was used to from her was getting close now. She could feel her stepping upon the grassy ground and brushing against the strong oaks of the forest in ways that mimicked life so well. Yet when she reached out her senses and tried to “feel” her...

Fauna frowned a little, but shook her head, slowly starting to stand up. She was doing it to herself at this point, honestly. It was like this every time Liz happened to send her in particular. It did not happen with the other two, even with how... excitable the gremlin was. But Gigi was still a living person. The same with Raora. Heck, even the thief of an Archivist who had stolen from her, she had still been able to feel!

But not this one. A woman... a creation... so different from anything she had ever been around before. That defied her expectations even in the technological age that humanity was in. Who was just... She tried to come up with a new word for it, but it all looped back to simply being odd. Just something weird that she had to deal with. Whose very being was an enigma to her.

...Not that it was necessarily a bad thing, though, she was finding.

This was not the time for such ponderings, however. This was professional business, and she should not be letting herself get distracted like this. Thus, she tried to compose herself, standing tall as she awaited her visitor to enter the clearing. She took a deep breath, feeling the morning sun shining on her above in the clear sky as she waited.

She continued to get the last of the petals off of her, combing fingers through her hair. She was a deity, after all, and she had to look somewhat professional, even to someone she was starting to call a... friend. She shook the remaining white pieces out, leaving only the small flowers and leaves that were naturally a part of it. She also dusted off her body, not wanting it to be obvious she had only just woken up. She got a few off of her nude form and...

The Keeper blinked, staring down at herself... and only just remembering that she was naked. There was not a bit of clothing to cover herself - not even leaves or vines to hide her privates. Everything from her chest to her lower regions was exposed to the air, leaving her as bare as any animal.

She was often naked in her Domain and rarely thought about it. Clothes and such were the things of Civilization, and while everyone in the Council had adopted their own outfits, she still went without any of hers when here. This was natural to her, after all, as it was to nearly every creature under her sway. She hardly cared if it was one of her fellow concepts who caught her like this.

However, she knew that many others had... different reactions to her nudity. Still waking up, she had to think for a moment about whether her guest was one of them. And she also tried to consider how she herself felt about it. Because while with most of her other friends she would not mind if they caught a peek, with her-

Unfortunately, she hesitated too long. For a second later, she heard footsteps break the clearing... and the voice of the automaton reached her ears. “Hey, Fauna! Sorry to come in so early. Liz was-”

That was as far as she got before she presumably saw the other’s current lack of attire. Fauna looked her way, staring at the woman. As expected, Cecilia Immergreen of Justice had not changed much since her last visit. She still had the same pale white hair with green highlights, and loosely held her white lance at her side. She wore her usual green skirt with brass musical designs over her off-shoulder white dress, complete with her red neckerchief.

Yet it was not her attire that most drew her eyes... It was the woman herself. The doll-like joints clearly visible on her arms, legs, and neck, which bend as smoothly as human limbs. The brass key on her head that constantly spun in tune with her emotions. And those green eyes... At a distance, they could almost pass as organic, but this close, she could see how they were just a bit too glassy and evidently hand-crafted. Yet they nonetheless showed emotions just as well as any living creature.

And, she supposed, the automaton was a living thing... Just not in a way that conformed with nature. Something that itched at a deep part of her brain that she was not sure she would dare to touch.

Yet it was insistent, especially as her guest’s shock wore off. With clear shyness, the Justice member looked away, clearing her throat awkwardly. “Um... S-sorry. I didn’t realize... I should have known you’d still be getting ready.”

The Keeper probably should have conjured her clothes then... but her gaze was transfixed on the other. She looked at her cheeks, which she suspected would be bright red if the automaton were flesh and blood, yet instead were unwavering in their skin tone. How could it, when it was not skin at all? If she were not acting so bashful, the immortal would not even realize she was embarrassed to begin with! With how much of a blank spot to her senses she was, too...

Her mind, though, recognized that she needed to respond... So her mouth moved before she could question the words. “I don’t mind you looking.”

...A beat of silence passed, both of them clearly stunned at her words. Blinking once, Cecilia turned back to her, some of her embarrassment appearing to fade into something more... curious. Seemingly out of instinct - if an artificial being like her even had those - her eyes went down to the green-haired woman’s body, taking in her exposed form.

Yet despite what she had just said, Fauna suddenly felt... self-conscious under her gaze. Which felt ridiculous, as her other friends had seen her nude several times. It normally did not cause her any kind of mortification! But right now, she could not help but shy away a little, her cheeks pinkening as one arm and her other hand went to cover her chest and lower lips automatically.

There was just something different about being seen like this by the automaton. Just the way those eyes looked at her... One of the only ways she could tell what the other was feeling, which was so unlike other living things, where she could feel their presences. Such a small thing she was sure to most, and yet...

She was brought back to the present as the Justice member chuckled. She had seemingly gained more confidence from her reaction, smirking as she leaned on her lance, which she planted into the ground. “Are you sure I’m allowed to look? Because you’re acting like I’m not supposed to...”

Her cheeks darkening, Fauna tried to stammer out a response, even as she tried to hide her privates more. “I-I just... don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

“...I’m very much not anymore,~” Cecilia stated, her tone deeply teasing as she smirked. Her eyes went down to her body once more, those artificial eyes seeming to pierce right through the arms covering her.

Swallowing thickly, Fauna quickly decided that this was getting out of hand. I-I need to get dressed. For business reasons! She knew the other was not there purely for a social call. She needed to get this conversation on track so the automaton could give her report... And also before all this staring started to awaken certain urges she was pointedly trying to ignore.

Thus, she called upon her magic, the hand on the arm covering her chest glowing green. She got ready to snap her fingers to summon her usual “goddess” attire... However, she was seized by a sudden impulse, making her pause. She debated it briefly, but... decided there was no harm in it. So, giving in, she gave a snap, which caused her to be enveloped in green light.

When it faded a second later, she was wearing clothes now. However, instead of her typical outfit... she donned a simple, thin white dress. It went down to just below her waist, giving her some modesty, but it was still small enough to show off her curves. It also had straps on the shoulders with no sleeves, not to mention a low neckline to show off lots of skin and cleavage. It worked to create an appearance of innocence, yet alluring... The latter being enhanced by her lack of undergarments underneath.

She pursed her lips, still blushing at her choice of attire. But even so, she lowered her arms and stood tall again, trying to act like there was nothing unusual about what she had chosen. Clearing her throat, she met the other’s eyes and tried to keep her voice steady. “Well, a-anyway... what brings you here, Ceci?”

The Justice member’s eyes roamed her body one more time. If she thought anything was strange about her clothes, though, or noticed the lack of undergarments yet, she did not say anything. Instead, looking up again, she gave a smile that could have meant anything and shrugged. “Oh, you know - just here on Liz’s behalf. I know it’s early for you in your Domain, obviously, but she figured you’d want an update on us trying to track down Shiori for you.”

The Keeper sighed, thankful for the normal - and rather urgent - topic as she nodded. “I see. And I assume you’ve all made progress if you’re coming to me at this hour?”

Cecilia nodded back, pulling her lance from the ground. “We have. Unfortunately, we haven’t caught up to her or the rest of Advent yet. But we’re right on their tails now! The hideout we raided yesterday showed signs of recent activity, so the trail is fresh! Gigi and Raora should be able to locate them before the week’s end, and we’ll be able to retrieve the stolen Apple! Or at least whatever’s left of it after Shiori’s experiments.”

Fauna sighed in relief, a hand over her chest. This was the best news she could have been given after the theft! It had been a great shock to her originally when she had returned here after visiting Kronii’s Domain and felt the Archivist intruding there. While the Council was not allied with the escaped convicts, neither were they enemies, necessarily. The matters surrounding them and their imprisonment were... complicated, after all, so they had elected to remain neutral for the most part. To observe and perhaps give an occasional boon for the right price.

She herself had elected not to get involved at all originally, despite being good friends with Liz. (Her bloodline had a long history of helping the Council, and keeping a balance between civilization and nature.) However... that had changed after she arrived just in time to witness Shiori fleeing her Domain through a dark, inky portal. And in her hands as she disappeared, gleaming in the sunlight... had been one of her sacred Golden Apples. At which point, she had called upon her connections to Justice.

The whole ordeal had caught her off guard, honestly, having not received so much as a prayer from the Archivist to request such a boon. Though, then again, someone as knowledgeable as her must have heard that she rarely gave it away to even fey creatures. Its power in healing and much more were not to be taken lightly, and so she tended to keep it away from mortals. The results if someone consumed too much of one of her special fruits, or used it to create a potion or the like... Well, she was quite concerned about what the results could be.

That was why she was quite invested in Justice catching up to Advent rather than doing their typical monitoring. She looked at her guest intently, tilting her head with intrigue. “Have you figured out why it is they stole it yet, by the way? I’d love to know why Shiori has risked making a potential enemy out of me like this.”

This made Cecilia frown a little. “I really wouldn’t think of her as a threat, if I were you. I don’t think she’s a bad woman at all - none of them are! Shiori is just sometimes... a bit too eager to try out magical experiments. And can try to gather what she needs before considering the consequences of it.”

“Raora told me similarly,” The Keeper said before sighing, crossing her arms. “But I also can’t turn a wholly blind eye to this kind of act. If she wants mercy, then I sincerely hope she had a good reason to do this.”

The automaton rubbed the back of her head, looking away. “Well... it actually seems like it was needed for her health.”

...Fauna blinked, not having expected that answer. “Huh?”

Cecilia sighed heavily, looking a bit sad now. “We... believe that Shiori has some kind of magically necrotic disease, based on some of the notes we retrieved. Specifically in her heart. She’s probably had it for millennia, but her remedies were apparently failing here recently. So she rather impulsively took one of the most powerful healing items to ever exist to find a solution.” She shrugged. “Results have been mixed, based on what we can discern.”

“...Oh,” the Keeper said quietly, unable to muster anything else as she looked down. What other response was there to a bomb like that? To know that her thief was not trying to gain some new form of immortality or power like she had been theorizing, but instead just... heal herself? (It was certainly enough to distract her from her usual feelings about being around the automaton - that was for sure.)

A bunch of new questions were now brewing in her head at this revelation, like just who Shiori had pissed off to be given such a vile disease? And how powerful a person had it been that even her Apple was struggling to make a dent in the illness? Normally, a spell or curse needed very specific weaving to be so resistant to it, which... Well, if this had been deliberate, then that made her question their identity even more.

However, this new information... potentially changed things regarding this hunt of Advent. And after a sigh, she met her companion’s eyes and got straight to the point. “...I’m guessing Liz is wondering if I want to alter the orders regarding catching up to Shiori?”

“She mentioned it as something I should confirm,” Cecilia confirmed bluntly. It was pretty weird, seeing her act so seriously. She was normally quite a carefree, goofy person, just like... all of Justice, honestly, even if Liz sobered up for missions the quickest. So seeing her intense stare now... Her sudden stoicism almost made her look like an unfeeling machine, as though her magical matrix had been removed. It showed how gravely she was taking this matter.

In another circumstance, Fauna... might have felt things under that look. But right now... she did not like it. She could tell how deeply the other was scrutinizing her, clearly hoping for a particular answer. Though, of course, she knew the clockwork woman would not question her too greatly if she said for the pursuit to carry on as planned. She was the deity, after all, and her decisions held weight that Justice followed.

...Her friend had nothing to worry about, though. Not when her mind was stuck on imagining how that disease must have felt like to the Archivist... The pain she had to be going through for so long... Imagining what the rest of Advent had to be going through and their fear... Comparing it to when a certain reaper had brought her the sickly form of Kronii’s helper years ago, crying and begging for a miracle on behalf of Myth...

...Gods, she must have been getting softer in her eons of life. Not that she had ever felt she was cruel, but she doubted her heart would have bled this much for lives that belonged more to Civilization than Nature billions of years ago. Though, then again, she did not think it would have changed her answer... Not when she knew what she would do for her fellow Council members.

So, taking a deep breath, she spoke carefully and deliberately, trying to keep her tone professional. “I... cannot just let Shiori go after she stole from me. It would send all kinds of wrong messages to the Realms if word got out of that.” Sighing, she straightened her posture. “However, given circumstances... perhaps an arrangement can be made to repay this transgression rather than any sort of formal punishment... Once she is healthy, naturally.”

Cecilia did not even try to hide her relieved smile, her stance relaxing. “So we shouldn’t stop her experiments with the Golden Apple?”

“Within reason,” the Keeper stressed, becoming serious for a second. “It can be a dangerous item, despite its reputation and appearance. And I don’t want her doing anything with it except for healing this disease in her heart.” Taking another breath, her expression softened. “But it is perhaps time that I allowed its miracles to bless a non-fey creature for once. It might finally dispel some rumors regarding my relationship with Mumei.”

The automaton’s face softened, too, her smile remaining as she stared at her. “...Thank you. Seriously - Shiori doesn’t deserve to die to something like this. I’m certain about it. And I’m sure she’ll do whatever she can to make amends for her impulsive stealing.”

Fauna rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Yes, well... do tell Liz to lecture her about stealing from deities in the future. The fact that she did not even seem to hesitate about the consequences of it is rather alarming to me.”

Cecilia giggled at this... Then, rather suddenly, she moved forward and hugged the green-haired woman. She froze for a second as the Justice member de-summoned her lance in a flash of white light, allowing her to embrace her with both arms. She was held close as the other expressed her happiness, her grip hard and tight.

The Keeper was not surprised by the display of affection, necessarily. That was another aspect of everyone in Justice that she was used to - how touch-happy they were. (Frankly, if it were Gigi, she would have been hugged a lot sooner.) She did not mind it from them and would normally return it quickly with anyone else.

...With the automaton, though, it always felt different. The feeling of her hard, yet slightly malleable plating was obviously a change from the feeling of skin. Yet it was also the warmth that it radiated, thrumming with life like any organic creature. That she was wearing such a thin dress with nothing else on only enhanced the feeling.

And the longer it went on... the more aware she became of the ticking from within the other woman. The shifting and movements of gears inside of her that she could only feel when this close. A sensation that was... fascinating. Addicting. Itching at her brain more and making her body... Making her feel...

Swallowing thickly, the Council member tried to ignore the tingle in her gut. She did her best to return the hug, not wanting to give the impression that anything was wrong, which... Nothing was wrong, really. But these emotions and instincts welling up inside of her were... And given that this was supposed to be about business...

It was best ignored, she told herself. She did not even know how Cecilia would react if she knew what she did to her by simply being near. It was best to keep it under wraps and just... hope one day that these feelings die down.

...Then again, that had not worked for Kronii with Sana, now had it? After an eon of trying, no less!

Still, at least this meeting was basically at its end, and she could get a break. When the automaton finally backed away, the immortal cleared her throat, forcing away the blush that had tried to form on her cheeks as she smiled kindly at her. She nodded and tried to conclude their business. “Well, thank you for the update, Ceci. If there was nothing else, then-”

“Actually, I was... wondering if I could stay for the day?” Cecilia suddenly asked, smiling sheepishly. “If you aren’t busy, of course.”

Fauna blinked, once more finding herself stunned. “H-huh? How come?”

She flinched slightly at her tone, worried that it sounded unwelcoming. But if the automaton thought so, she did not show it as she shrugged. “Well, truth be told, I’m... kind of useless for this job. Gigi doesn’t need help chasing, nor could I even keep up with her regardless, Raora is giving her all the help she needs with tracking, and Liz’s flame provides all the magical protection they require if Shiori and them are feeling twitchy. If we were planning to fight them for real, I would be needed, but with your new orders...

“So I’m basically as useful as scrap metal right now. And sure, I could spend the day lazing around our headquarters playing video games - it’s my backup plan, too! But since I’m here, I figured, ‘Why not see what Fauna’s Domain is like?’ I’ve explored Mumei’s plenty of times, and even Kronii’s once, but you... And it feels like I’m the only one who hasn’t gotten a tour of this particular Realm on my team. Which I’m not mad about! You’re a busy woman, and I haven’t expressed much interest before now.”

The Keeper withheld a wince despite the observation not being accusatory. Truth be told, she had consciously not brought up such an offer with the clockwork woman up to this point due to her... complex feelings. Just a few minutes around her got her worked up in so many ways! The idea of being around her longer in this place, where she would have no choice but to feel her lack of a typical presence...

She did not say any of this out loud, of course. Instead, she cleared her throat, crossing her arms and frowning uncertainly. “Don’t you have to go back to tell Liz about my small change in orders, though? It seems like a lot of trouble to run there and back again.” Getting into the Domains of the Council was not the easiest feat, even when they gave their friends the metaphorical keys.

Cecilia waved off this concern. “Oh, I don’t have to do any of that! The interference between the Realms is finally starting to clear up, so if I could just use your scrying pool, I can give my report to Liz that way. Really, I only came in person because I wanted to ask about staying over right from the start.”

Fauna frowned and looked down as she took that in. She supposed that was on her for not checking on her pool the last several days. She had been performing several important duties, however, and had not had time. It had been in favor of having some time to relax later while she let her more passive abilities maintain nature for a time... which, ironically enough, was supposed to start today.

So, really... it did not sound like she had a reason to refuse the request. She was not busy, and neither was her friend - both of their schedules aligned perfectly for this. They could spend the whole day together with no issues, and maybe even longer, depending on how long it took the rest of Justice to catch up to Advent.

However... there was the matter of her feelings. Even now, she was holding back from squirming or shifting on her legs too much and potentially giving herself away. If she said yes... would she be able to keep her emotions reigned in? Just imagining the two of them in this Domain all day, exposing her to every little quirk of her friend... Poking at the itch in her head more and more until-

“Fauna?” Cecilia asked, bringing her back to the present. “Are you okay?”

Jumping slightly, the Keeper flushed a little bit as she realized how distracted she had gotten. She glanced away, trying to come up with an excuse. “S-sorry. I’m just... The last few days...”

The automaton did not look offended by her divided attention. Instead, she had an expression of sympathy on her face... along with something else she could not quite place. But regardless, her tone was placating. “Fauna, if you don’t want me to stay today, it’s fine. I know the others visited here in groups. If you’d feel more comfortable doing this another time when there’s more company around, I can go back to The Lookout.”

The words had the opposite effect of their intent, making Fauna grimace as she felt worse. Here was her friend being so kind and considerate, even though she was considering sending her away. And what reason did she truly have for doing so, anyway? Because she felt weird around her? That was no fault of the other! She had no control over what her existence felt like to her!

It made the guilt gnaw at her... and pushed her toward her decision. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steel her nerves a little. This... would not be that bad, right? It would just be one day with the two of them by themselves. And she wanted the other to be able to see her Domain. Besides, she was an immortal who had lived for billions of years! Surely she had enough self-control not to embarrass herself for a few hours!

...Though, again, that was what Kronii had thought, too.

Still, her mind was pretty much made up now, and she was not backing down. Thus, with another breath, she met the other’s eyes and answered. “No, you... you can stay. Just forgive me if I appear at all distracted today. There are... matters I have to deal with mentally.”

Cecilia blinked, appearing a little surprised. Her eyes peered at her intently as she spoke. “Are you sure?”

Without hesitating, the Keeper nodded, managing a small but sincere smile. “Yes. It... would be my honor to show you around.”

The automaton studied her a moment longer. Then she smiled widely, nodding as her posture relaxed. “Well, alright, then! Care to show me to the scrying pool first, then, so I can contact Liz?”

“Right this way,” Fauna answered, smiling back before starting to lead them out of the clearing. She walked ahead of the other, which gave her time to take some more deep breaths to prepare herself. This... would be fine. It was just a day to spend getting to know her friend better and show off her Domain. It would only be awkward if she made it awkward. All she had to do was maintain some composure. It should be simple for a manifestation of a concept like her!

...Right?

(As she led them, though... she failed to realize that Cecilia was looking at her body. Specifically, how her white dress was hugging her rear as she walked, jiggling some with every step. A sight that made her smirk... and start to wonder if she should give in to her own temptations and see where some ‘playful teases’ went...)

-------

The rest of the morning passed rather... uneventfully. Which was a surprising thing, honestly, considering it was Cecilia she was hosting. While she might not have been as chaotic as Gigi, Liz and Raora had shared their fair number of stories regarding the automaton’s antics with her. She would have expected her to be jumping off the trees by now, or to just be unable to sit still while she showed her around her Domain.

But to Fauna’s amazement, her guest had been quite calm as she gave her a tour. After they used the scrying pool, the Justice member had remained in pace with her, not leaving her side as they went from area to area. She was quiet and respectful when she was sharing facts about some of the plants and animals they passed or stopped to admire. She even asked questions, showing a genuine interest to learn more.

In short, Cecilia was being a model visitor. The Keeper had gotten used to many of the others having obvious reluctance when being shown around, more so trying to be courteous to her than because they wanted to. And she was normally fine with that, happy that they were at least willing to indulge her displaying the “wealth” of her aspect.  But this enthusiasm being shown by her guest was a welcome change of pace, too!

It had been an almost perfect morning... if hampered by how the automaton seemed to keep finding ways to accidentally fluster her.

Fauna blushed as she considered this, shifting where she sat. She was resting on top of a long, flat rock that acted almost like a natural bench in another clearing. This one was pretty similar to where she slept, though it was bigger and had yellow flowers mixed in with the whites. There was also a decent-sized pond across from her, where some geese were gently floating across its surface. The clear water glistened beautifully as the sun now hung near the middle of the air,  giving the area a radiant feel.

There was nothing particularly special about this place, but she liked it as a resting stop. Whether she traveled her Domain by foot or with magic, even she got tired from it. So she had taken time to memorize where areas like this were, so she could take a minute to breathe and admire nature in its purest form. There was just something fulfilling in feeling the life of everything around her when in these places in particular...

And she did feel everything there. She felt the ancient, sturdy thrum of the tall oaks around her, unbothered by the passage of time. She felt the more delicate, but very bright pulses of the flowers, too, as they swayed in a gentle breeze. The geese and the thumping of their hearts also provided a good background ambiance to the clearing. All of this was before considering the distant animals she could feel moving in the woods as well.

She felt everything in nature... except for the automaton, who continued to tease her.

This was made evident when she looked over at where Cecilia had wandered to. She was by the pond, trying to admire the geese and peer into the clear waters at its stony bottom. She had crouched down to do so, getting on her hands and knees to get a closer look... And the angle she was at gave the immortal a perfect, unobstructed view of her puffy white briefs, her large skirt not doing anything to hide them with how stiff it was.

Yet the Justice member seemed unaware of her position, or perhaps simply did not care. Either way, though, her voice was casual when she called over to her. “Are you sure there’s no fish in this pond? This seems like it would be the perfect place for them! The water looks so clean and refreshing. I know I’d enjoy it on my scales if I were a fish!”

Trying very hard not to stare at the other’s panties - and largely failing - Fauna cleared her throat. She tried to answer as casually as possible, hoping her blush did not show in her tone. “I’m... quite certain. Don’t you think I’d feel them if there were? I’ve tried to introduce smaller fish into it before, but the local life just eats them. And if I put anything larger in, they might die out due to there not being enough food to sustain them.”

The automaton looked over her shoulder at her, raising an eyebrow. “Can’t you make the pond bigger and just introduce more food, then? Or heck, order the local life not to eat the fish? Aren’t you basically their queen?”

“More a goddess, really,” the Keeper replied. She sighed, shaking her head. “I don’t like to make drastic changes to my Domain, though. Everything you see has either been like this the whole time this place has existed or grown into its current form naturally. It feels... wrong to alter them to my will for anything longer than a moment. It’s too much like how humans alter and industrialize the landscape on Earth...”

Cecilia hemmed, looking thoughtful. “I guess I understand that. I think you’re worrying too much, though. I believe you’d do great in ‘sprucing up nature’ around here!”

“...Was that supposed to be a tree joke?”

“Depends - did you find it funny? If so, yes. If not, then I got it from Ina, so blame her.”

Giggling a little, Fauna smiled and shrugged. “Well, thank you for your faith in me, I suppose. But I think I’ll let things stay as is for now. If nature doesn’t want there to be fish in there, then as its Keeper, I’ll respect that wish.”

“Suit yourself,” the automaton relented. She then grinned, turning back to the water. “I’m sure you’re wrong, though. I’m going to find those tiny little fish, and then I’m going to bring one over to you as proof! There’s no shame in your senses getting dull over the eons, old lady!”

She leaned back down to the water for a closer look... And as she did this, she also raised her butt higher, the briefs riding up enough to properly show off the joints and seams of her legs and hips. She even shook it as she hummed to herself, the movements almost hypnotic to the immortal. Almost... sensual...

The moment that thought registered, the Keeper was blushing heavily again. She shook her head, firmly turning her head away to not stare at the show in front of her. However, she was still hyper-aware of her guest’s movements, it being surprisingly hard to ignore the shifts of someone so strange to her senses. The lack of a sensation of natural life somehow made the whole thing more appealing, if anything, and she did not understand why!

This was not the only teasing she had been subjected to that morning, either. All through the tour, the automaton seemed to keep finding ways to fluster her. When she needed to stretch, she showed off her arms and legs enough for her to see the languid movement of the joints. When she got excited to see an animal, that key on her head always somehow caught the light in just the right way as it spun to draw in her gaze harder. And do not even get her started on how hug-happy she had been, giving Gigi a run for her money!

What was worse was that it was so hard to tell how intentional all of it was. Sometimes, her guest seemed so casual in what she was doing, letting her key spin without even glancing her way. Yet sometimes, particularly when hugged... the immortal swore she caught brief glimpses of smirks from the other woman. And when she turned away to make sure her cheeks were not burning, she thought she could hear occasional snickers, but by the time she looked back, her friend was completely silent.

The uncertainty was starting to drive her a little crazy, honestly. Did Cecilia know what she was doing to her or not? Was she simply being a tease without knowing what the Council member was feeling? Was this all deliberate, or was it in her head? She could just be blunt and ask about it, but if it turned out she was imagining things... The reveal of her feelings could...

...None of this was helped by how the automaton was definitely taking glances at her body. Still, she was not sure she could put that on any teasing. Her white dress was clinging snugly to her body at this point, and was sure to draw anyone’s eyes. It was on her for not changing into her normal outfit. It might help her feel less flustered, frankly.

...But it was hard to when she liked feeling the other’s gaze on her.

Fauna sighed, rubbing a hand down her face, which now felt hot. That, combined with her rapid heartbeat, was starting to make her squirm where she sat, her thighs pressing together. This was starting to get out of her control. If she did not distract herself here soon, then... she had no clue what she would do. But the fear of doing anything that would offend her guest made her reach out with her senses, hoping to find anything to draw her attention away from the automaton’s shaking ass.

And, as luck would have it... she felt something close by that could help her. Or, rather, someone, if one counted animals as people. She definitely did, though, and she felt most humans would, too, for this particular one, given how intelligent he was. So, reaching out with her powers into the nearby woods, she gave him a gentle mental nudge, requesting him to come over. She did not exert her will fully, though, giving him the option to refuse. She would not remove his autonomy simply because she wanted a distraction.

Luckily, her request was answered as she felt him coming closer. She turned to the wall of trees that surrounded the clearing, and a second later... she watched the large, white deer emerge from them. He was bigger than the average American variety and had huge antlers with a pure, almost ethereal quality. Yet otherwise, most would likely mistake him for a normal, odd-colored variety of his species... if not for how intelligent his black eyes were as they stared at her.

The deer - Blizzard, as Mumei had named him - tilted his head at her in a silent question. At the Keeper’s nod, though, he immediately walked over to her side, standing just beside the rock bench. He lowered his head, the bow of his posture a sign of his permission, and she wasted no time petting him up and down his head and neck. A rumble came from him - not a purr, but certainly a noise of contentment.

The reaction made her smile, speaking softly to him. “Heh... I bet you’ve been following us the whole time, haven’t you? I’ve just been too distracted to notice. Have you been hoping that I’d summon you and do this? Hm?”

Blizzard gave a huff, but the look in his eyes did not deny it, making her giggle. The white deer and his female counterpart - Winter - had existed almost as long as her Domain had. They were sort of guardians of it in her absence and were very protective of her when she was. Whenever she had guests over, she could expect them to periodically check in and make sure she was safe. Not even her fellow Council members were given immunity to this treatment.

She was not surprised that he was being more vigilant today, naturally. She knew how Shiori’s easy slipping in and out had rattled the two deer about their abilities to watch over this place. No doubt he was going to be extra distrustful of people visiting for the next few years, just to be extra sure she was okay. Winter was probably also making her own preparations elsewhere for the next time an intruder tried to come there.

She did not begrudge either of them for this, though. She even showed her appreciation by softly kissing the top of Blizzard’s head, her smile sweet. “Thank you for your hard work. You and Winter both. You being here makes me feel a lot safer.”

Blizzard made a rumbling noise that showed off his pride, leaning into her touch. His gaze, however, flickered for a moment toward the pond, a bit of unease in his eyes. She followed his stare briefly... only to quickly look away as she saw that Cecilia was now walking barefoot in the water. And to do so, she had removed her skirt entirely, showing off her puffy briefs for the world to see.

Once more fighting off a blush, the Keeper tried to focus on her petting again. But even so, she chuckled at her companion’s overprotectiveness and lightly chastised him. “She’s not a threat, and you know it, Bliz. She and Justice are our friends. You don’t have to worry about her hurting me - I promise.”

To her surprise, the white deer looked at her skeptically. She blinked for a moment, having expected her words to put him at ease as usual. It was not often that he showed doubts about her claims, so doing so now... “Hm? What’s that look for?”

In response, he simply looked down at her... which is when she realized she was still squirming quite a bit. Once more, she also realized her other hand had moved and... was now pressed between her legs. Not touching anything important yet, but it had definitely been inching toward her slit without her realizing it.

Feeling her face go completely red, she ripped that hand away and planted it firmly by her side. She swallowed, stammering for some kind of excuse. “T-that wasn’t... I was just... Um...”

Blizzard just continued to stare at her questioningly, a bit of worry in his gaze now. It took her a second to realize that he probably did not know exactly what she was feeling. He did not have the same attunement to nature as she did, only able to feel the movements of every creature inside, not their emotions. All he likely knew was that she was flustered and that Cecilia was the source of it. Anything else, he had no clue about.

And why would he expect her to be feeling that way? In her eons of life, she had never quite felt... this “hot” when it came to any of her friends. She felt such heat before - how could she not, with how much of a part of nature it was? Yet the intensity of it around the automaton was something new entirely that she had no clue how to deal with.

...Yet, maybe... talking about it would help? She had often considered confiding in Liz or one of her other friends about how she kept feeling, yet she kept backing out. She worked so closely and hung out with them often, so bringing something like this up just felt too... mortifying. But perhaps if she consulted, or at least vented, to one of the guardians of her Domain, then...?

...Well, it would not be any more embarrassing than if she did so with one of her other friends, at least. Thus, after giving a long sigh, she looked at her companion bashfully as she scratched his neck. “Actually... can I talk to you about something? About some... feelings I keep having regarding Cecilia?”

Blizzard tilted his head at her again. Fauna raised her other hand before he could get the wrong idea. “It’s nothing bad! Honest! She’s done nothing wrong! It’s not her fault that I’ve...” Sighing once more, she pursed her lips while looking down. “I’ve just felt... urges around her for a while now. Ones that keep getting stronger.”

...At the white deer’s intense stare, she blushed and shifted uncomfortably, reluctantly answering his silent question. “Yes, those kinds of urges...”

Blizzard’s eyes widened, which managed to make her snort as she gave a small smile. “Yeah, I was surprised by it, too. I thought I was crazy at first, but after some time, I started to realize that my fascination had turned into something... more.”

And that was how it had all started - simple fascination. When she first met Cecilia, back when Liz had brought her whole team over to introduce them ages ago, she had not gotten hot and bothered right away. Instead, when passing by the automaton, she had been... confused. For while a humanoid figure had been standing there, she had felt no signs of life. No emotions, organic warmth, or beating heart. According to her instincts, she was looking at... well, dead metal with indeterminable magic flowing through it.

She had been so baffled that she had brought Liz aside to ask if Cecilia was some kind of puppet servant that mages sometimes used. That had made the Scarlet Queen quite angry, though, demanding that she take that back. It was only seeing the immortal’s genuinely lost expression, combined with guilt and fear, that had stopped an escalation. They were apparently used to people belittling the automaton’s sentience, the redhead had explained later, and mistook her ignorance and curiosity for discrimination.

Thankfully, the Keeper had been able to clear the misunderstanding by explaining her natural senses when it came to life. Liz had calmed down after that - with no shortage of shame for making assumptions - and explained Cecilia’s existence to her. That while she was not born of nature like most, she was a living thing. A person in every sense, made of gears and magic rather than flesh and blood. She was simply not bound to her aspect of reality.

And, well... that had definitely caught Fauna’s attention back then. Even humans she still had a sense of connection to, despite them gradually leaving her Domain behind for Mumei’s. So to encounter someone who was completely outside of her reach... She had wanted to know more. To find out what made this artificial life so different from nature’s.

She smiled softly at the memories, continuing to speak to Blizzard. “While this is the first time I’ve tried to show her around my Domain, I’ve kept a close eye on her. I kept doing little... experiments.” She chuckled. “It almost felt wrong at times, but I never pushed it too hard. I suppose I was just stubborn about the idea that anything could be living without my influence. All life yields to nature, after all... Except her, apparently.

“I kept trying to attune myself to her feelings, but I could never feel them in my soul. I tried to give mental calls to her, only for it to feel like I was communing with stone. And no matter how entangled she got at times with nature, whether caught in shrubs or animals pressing against her... she remained ‘out of touch.’ Nothing I did could link me to her like you all.”

Sighing, she looked up at the clear sky, feeling especially wistful now. “And it... made me feel awful. Not because I had no power over her, exactly, but because... it felt like I was disconnected from her, unlike all my other friends. Like the world itself did not want us to be close.” She took a breath, closing her eyes. “I suppose that’s where my obsession truly began to manifest, but I can’t say for sure.”

It made the most sense, though. When she started to accept that she would never sense Cecilia in the same way as everyone else, she started to find other ways for them to connect. It became noticeable to a few people how she started to stand closer to the automaton when she visited The Lookout, trying to hear the ticking of her body like she did people’s hearts. And how she would let physical contact linger longer than usual so she could feel her artificial warmth. She certainly pays attention to her expressions more than everyone else.

It had all been overcompensation, she could admit in hindsight. She doubted her friend cared if she was an anomaly to her senses... But she had, and still did. She wanted to show she did indeed see her as a living person. And if the literal Keeper of Nature thought she was “real,” then... that made the people who laughed at the Justice member look rather idiotic, did it not? (The rest of the hero group certainly liked that, with her knowing Gigi took particular smug satisfaction in rubbing it in those “assholes” faces.)

Yet... she could not place when the line had been crossed and her feelings shifted. When the sound of those gears and the hum of magic made tingling go from her head and down through her body. When the other’s warmth started to wind a spring in her gut (ironic as the metaphor was). When those eyes started to feel piercing and made her... her...

A huff of air from Blizzard made Fauna realize she had pressed her thighs together again. Grunting, she sat straighter and tried to calm down, blushing and unable to meet his eyes. “S-sorry. This has... I don’t even know where to start with it. My fascination with her body and existence has... awoken things in me.” She dared to send a curious glance at her companion. “Is this... what it’s like when animals go into heat? I’ve felt it from you all before, but that’s not...”

...When the white deer gave her a flat look, she sighed once more and shook her head. “I suppose that isn’t appropriate. Sorry.” She huffed. “I don’t get it. I mean, you’d think as a manifestation of nature, I would be attracted to another living thing, right? A breathing immortal like the Council, or heck, even a human! For my heart to be stolen by a robot...”

Not that Cecilia was bad-looking, of course. While her body was not designed with the largest assets in the chest and rear areas, she had a pretty design. Whoever had built her had certainly known how to make her... aesthetically pleasing. It just felt odd that she would feel attraction toward a machine, even if that one was living. And yet, here they were...

...But it also was not that simple. The Keeper sighed, looking down. “But... is it just physical attraction? Hanging out has been difficult, especially since my feelings had started to form, but she’s... also a great person. Charming, mischievous, funny... Everything she does seems to speak to my soul.”

While they had rarely had a chance to bond one-on-one, they had hung out plenty of times in the company of others. She remembers laughing so hard one time at a comedy routine her and Gigi had set up for the Council, taken especially by Cecilia’s jokes. And there was also a more somber time when the automaton had been treating an injured Raora, with herself having been called in to help with some magical herbs. Yet amid all of that, she had seen the other’s silent determination, her normal laziness cast aside as she ensured her teammate got better…

Cecilia was a good person... though it also made her question her own feelings at times. Did she feel this way about her more for her body, or who she was? The answer eluded her, and it made her all the more worried about her emotions being revealed. It could seem rather offensive if her attraction was more based on her friend being an automaton than her accomplishments as a person. And while she was sure the latter did have its part in things... could she say it was enough?

Pursing her lips, Fauna attempted to center herself by feeling the flow of nature in the woods around her. When that failed, however, she looked at Blizzard, her tone uncertain. “What... do you think? Should I confess about everything I’ve been feeling to her and get it over with? Even if there’s a chance she’ll get mad?”

...While deer did not really have eyebrows, the expression she got from him conveyed that he would raise one if he could. She grimaced, feeling defensive suddenly. “What? It’s a genuine concern! At least, I... think it is. I...” She sighed heavily, rubbing one hand down her face. “Gods, how am I so inexperienced in love and... and lust?”

There was a joke in there somewhere about her having so little knowledge of how to deal with these matters when they were arguably some of the most integral parts of nature. She also recalled Kronii once commenting on how other versions of her in different timelines tended to be overflowing with choices in partners. Many ended up with one or several of her fellow Council members, or sometimes people like Ina or Gigi. And in those timelines, she often ended up as the leading force in those relationships.

Not in this timeline, though. While she had felt brief crushes for others before, never once had she felt such intense emotions for someone. From the sounds of it, she and Cecilia ending up together was a rare occurrence, too, so she doubted the Warden could give her much advice on what such versions did. She was completely on her own in figuring out how to handle this... and she was scared of screwing it up.

She was brought back to the present as Blizzard shifted his head, nuzzling into her shoulder while being mindful of his antlers. Once this registered, she smiled gratefully, scratching her fingers under his chin. While he may have thought she was being foolish, she was glad to know he was still supporting her. It helped to ease some of the knots in her chest, knowing she was not being treated as crazy for her feelings.

Still, she wondered... was he right? Would it really not end horribly if she confessed her feelings to Cecilia? There would surely be consequences if these emotions were not returned, though, right? And... for that matter, did the automaton even feel love and lust? Those emotions came from biological functions, so would they manifest in a robot like her? She clearly could connect to people as friends, but...

Trying to think it over, the Keeper sighed once again, muttering more to herself than her deer friend. “I don’t know. I think I’ll... try to address it all another time. For now, I should focus on being a good host. She just wants to see my Domain today! I should honor that and take her to my favorite spots this afternoon. Maybe the desert? It isn’t too far and-”

“I mean, I don’t mind deserts, but I’m not sure,” a voice suddenly said in front of her. “The heat isn’t an issue, but the sand tends to get in my joints, you know? But then again, so do a lot of things. It just feels more annoying to clean.”

Startled, Fauna snapped her head toward the intruder on her conversation. Sure enough, there stood Cecilia, not even three feet away from her, smirking with her arms crossed over her chest. At some point, she had put back on her skirt, which mercifully hid her undergarments... However, the water she could see was still dripping down the Justice member’s legs and still bare feet were not helping her remain unflustered.

Despite this, she forced her face not to turn red as she shook off her surprise. She met her friend’s eyes, feigning casualness. “C-Ceci? How long have you been standing there?”

“Oh... not long,” the automaton responded vaguely. Her smirk gave nothing away as she shrugged and took a step closer. “I just overheard the part about places to visit around here. If you want my input, I’d love to see a tropical jungle. No particular reason why - we just rarely get any missions in places like that.”

“...Was there anything else you overheard just then?”

“...Is there something I should or should not have overheard?”

The Keeper swallowed, glancing over at Blizzard for help. But either he did not know when the other had come over, or he was simply not helping as he stared expectantly at her. Evidently, he wanted her to handle the conversation on her own, which... Honestly, that was fair to ask what was technically your boss to handle her own affairs.

Thus, taking a deep breath, she risked trying to ignore the topic as she shook her head, forcing a smile. “Um... No, nothing of importance. Just curious.” She quickly gestured to her companion. “Have you met Blizzard before? He and Winter help watch over this place.”

Cecilia stared at her for what felt like a second too long. However, she did not call her out for her topic change as she turned to the white deer and smiled more naturally. She moved close enough to pet the top of his head, which he appeared to appreciate. “Can’t say I have. It’s an honor, though.” She glanced at the immortal questioningly. “Does he have power over snow or something? Just the name seems...”

“No - Mumei gave it to him,” Fauna replied, as though it explained everything.

And for those who knew the Guardian, it did, as shown by the flash of understanding in the automaton’s eyes. “Ah! Never mind, then.” Once she was done petting the deer, she stepped back and stretched, taking a moment to shake her legs free of more water. “So, did you want to leave now, or do you still want to rest?”

It took a lot of willpower from the Keeper not to stare as those legs were lifted, shifting the other’s skirt in the process. Instead, she fixated her stare on her friend’s face and shrugged, keeping her hips still. “Well, I... wouldn’t mind another few minutes, if that’s alright with you. My legs are fine, but I’ve worked hard the last few days, so a little longer to rest...” A true enough response... though it was also to give her time to work up her resolve again after the show she witnessed a while ago.

Cecilia nodded in understanding, giving no arguments. A moment of silence then fell over them, the conversation pittering out. The only noise to be heard was from the wind rustling the leaves of the trees, and their own breathing... Something fascinating to watch with the automaton, given how she did not even have lungs. Yet her chest shifted anyway, the plate pushing in and out to serve some sort of function.

Analyzing the way her body operated was not going to help Fauna, though, she knew. She pursed her lips, almost regretting the request to rest a bit longer. She debated on how to make the time pass less awkwardly. Perhaps she could give a demonstration of how she could alter nature? She did not prefer doing that to her Domain, but the Justice member had been curious. Or maybe she could have Blizzard show off some of his own abilities? He was not just a normal deer, and had plenty of-

Cecilia beat her to it, however, clapping her hands together and smiling. “Well, while you rest, how about a little music? The wildlife won’t mind a bit of sound created from human instruments, will they?”

Blinking once, the Keeper hesitated. Not because she disliked the option, but... due to knowing what else it would entail. Her answer ended up coming out vague. “Um... no, they won’t. They might even enjoy yours. B-but I wouldn’t want to force you to-”

“I wouldn’t offer to do it if I minded,” the automaton reassured. As if to punctuate this, she summoned her lance in a flash of green light, then messed with something on its handle. A second later, the entire weapon shifted, and soon enough, it had turned into a violin and bow made of metal with a clockwork design. (Why her weapon had this function, she did not know, though she suspected it had to do with ways to counteract a certain sound demon when the need to seriously hunt Advent came up.)

Her instrument now in hand, the Justice member raised it to her chin, smiling sweetly. “Now, allow me to play you a classical melody to help your weary body. I don’t remember what this one was called, but it was popular in an old fey civilization. I’m hoping that will make it more pleasing for your animal friend there.”

Without waiting for the immortal to respond, she began playing, her bow gliding effortlessly along the strings of the violin. A light melody filled the air, reminiscent of the beginning of a bright, sunny morning if she had to put it to words. High and mid notes worked together to maintain the joyful tone of the song, each played slowly, yet in a way that gave energy to everything that heard it.

Cecilia was a master of the violin - that Fauna had always known. She had the pleasure of listening to her play several times when visiting the Lookout, and she had to admit that each time, she ended up staying longer just to hear more. If she could listen to the music alone, she would not have hesitated in agreeing to the performance.

However... playing was not the only thing the automaton did when performing music.

Sure enough, as she watched, the clockwork woman began to sway her hips. Then she started to step gently across the ground as the tempo picked up a little. Soon enough, her whole body was bending and shifting to the music, as though possessed by the melody. She pranced and twirled at specific moments to accompany certain parts, performing a dance that became more complicated with every second.

Yet it never once affected how well she played her violin. There was not a single note out of place as she did another twirl, and even leaped into the air as if jumping over something. Every stroke of her bow was done with precision, never falling off beat. She performed with the efficiency of... well, a machine, as though all of it had been a part of her design when built. Though she always insisted she did not practice these dances, saying they just came naturally. (Something that Gigi and Kronii were convinced was a lie to this day.)

Fauna did not care either way, though. As much as she tried not to stare too intensely... it was impossible when the automaton was dancing so elegantly. Her eyes seemed to catch every bend of the other’s doll-like joints, marveling at how smoothly they moved. The music seemed to burrow deep into her head, clearing away her thoughts. It made her bolder in more openly witnessing every flash under that skirt she saw, or the way her key glistened in the sunlight.

And Cecilia’s face... Watching every emotion that crossed it was addicting. The happiness, the contentment, the satisfaction - all of it. And in this scenario, being unable to feel her presence like the rest of nature only seemed to make her more alluring. It created a sort of mystery that drew her in, making her want to know more about her friend... To get closer...

She witnessed the performance as though in a trance, the rest of the world fading around her. For the first time in ages, she was barely aware of the workings of her Domain. She barely noticed the feelings of Blizzard right next to her, or the movements of the other animals and plants around her. It all faded to the background, for once not the most important thing on her mind.

Instead, all of her attention was on the automaton. On her passion and her beauty... and the warmth that was quickly spreading through her body the longer she watched. It made her pant slightly, but it was getting harder to care, just wanting to witness more from the other. To keep watching her play and embrace these emotions. Fantasies ran rapidly in her mind of receiving more performances like this... The Justice member wearing even more revealing outfits as she did so, or simply less clothing...

She became so lost in these ideas that she did not notice when the music stopped. Nor did she notice as footsteps approached her until a body stood right in front of her. Yet before her brain could catch up to these facts... she felt Cecilia sit in her lap. Suddenly, their bodies were lightly pressed against one another, but it was enough for her to feel the ticking of the gears underneath her friend’s plating. The sensation made her shiver, her heart rate picking up rapidly.

Then, a finger lifted her chin... and she met those green eyes, which sparkled with amusement and some other emotion. The automaton smirked before leaning in... and whispered lowly in her ear. “So... did you like the show.~”

One of her legs shifted, pressing against the thin white dress that covered Fauna’s slit... and the immortal proceeded to moan, bucking her hips to create more friction.

...The noise ended up breaking the trance she was in, however, the situation finally catching up to her. And once it hit her, the green-haired woman’s entire face went crimson, her eyes widening with shock and horror. Her hands shot up to cover her mouth as though it would somehow cover up the sound. But she knew it was too late as she saw the automaton’s own eyes widen, appearing caught off guard herself.

The Keeper sputtered, struggling and failing to form words for a few seconds. She knew that there was no excuse for her reaction, however. She had let herself get too lost in her admiration, and now... Her friend had... And she could still feel that ticking, making her want to buck again and build the knot of heat now forming in-

It was too much. And so, in a panic... she decided to flee. Without thinking, she jumped up and stood, knocking Cecilia to the ground in the process. She could barely focus on the other’s grunt, though, as she spoke rapidly. “I-I need a minute! I’ll- You can- I-I’ll be back!”

She turned and sprinted then, ignoring whatever it was the automation tried to say. She did not spare her a glance, and did not dare look at Blizzard to know his reaction. She simply fled into the forest, trying to get as far away as possible. There was no specific destination in mind - only the mindless need to run. For she had just shifted their relationship irreversibly... and she was not ready to know what that meant.

(As the immortal ran, Cecilia could only watch her go for a moment, still sitting on the ground. She had to blink a few times, watching her friend disappear as she replayed the events in her head. She was... amazed that her teasing had worked that well. She had intended to fluster the other with all her antics in that clearing, but she had not expected that reaction. Either she was a better flirt than she realized, or Fauna was incredibly pent up.

But either way... she knew she had to find her and clear things up quickly before the Keeper spiraled. So, she turned to the white deer, giving him a questioning and somewhat pleading look. “Um... You can help lead me to her, right?”

Blizzard stared at her for a time, clearly sizing her up and her intentions. Then, after a few seconds of scrutiny... he nodded in agreement. Her shoulders sagged, smiling gratefully as she got up and stood. “Thank you. Just lead the way!”

The two started to march along, intent on finding Fauna and making sure she was okay... Yet before they entered the forest as well, she could not help but look at the deer and give one last comment. “And, hey... You don’t mind if I help ‘relieve’ her when we find her, right?”

...She was not ashamed at how she laughed at the deadpanned look Blizzard gave her for that one.)

-------

Somehow, Fauna ended up back at the meadow she had slept in that morning. Something that made her feel very foolish, given what had happened. Cecilia was sure to be looking for her, and while she did not know her Domain well, coming back to this spot would be an obvious first step. There was not even an alcove or small cave in the ground that she could hide in. The entire clearing left her exposed to anyone who might look in.

She knew she should leave if she did not want to be found. Even if she tried to make the trees surrounding her impassable, she had no doubt the automaton would get there no matter what. The members of Justice were crafty and determined like that. If she wanted to avoid her, she should flee to the complete opposite side of her Domain. Put harsh climates and vast oceans between them so that the other might just give up.

And yet... she did not move. She just sat in the middle of the white flowers, knees pulled up to her chest, while staring sightlessly at the ground. She was not even sobbing or having a breakdown - though she had shed a few tears. She remained completely still, as though waiting for the inevitable.

Perhaps it was her talking with Blizzard earlier that was making her stay. That, or now that her initial mortification had died down, a more rational part of her brain had taken control... Or maybe she was just tired. But no matter the reason, she could not muster the will to stand up. She simply sat there, moving her arms to hug her legs now for comfort.

She felt like a child at the moment. First, she ran away instead of doing anything to explain herself to her friend. And now she was just sulking there and feeling sorry for herself. She could not remember the last time she had ever done anything like this. She was a practical deity! She should not be acting so irrationally.

But then... she supposed love had a way of making people act crazy. She had not believed Mumei at first when she told her some of the stupid things humans did when trying to get together and confess. After witnessing the whole fiasco that was Kronii trying to admit her feelings to Sana, however... Well, remembering that at least made her feel a little better about what she had done. (At least her reaction had not caused a tangle in the timeline and space, unlike with the Warden.)

...It did not feel quite the same, though. Not when she was not sure this was even “love” or a lustful attraction.

The Keeper sighed wearily, wishing she had more clarity on this. Yet even now, she could not tell which way her heart went more in. Not a great thing to still not know when Cecilia would certainly ask her when she found her. Just what might her inability to answer that do to their relationship when the time came?

And she was coming. Focusing her senses, she felt the weird blank spot that was the automaton getting closer to where she was. Now that she was paying attention, she also felt Blizzard nearby, though he had come to a stop. She could tell he was watching the Justice member intently, however, as she kept going.

The immortal almost smiled as she sensed these things. Of course Blizzard would lead her to me. I never even had a chance to run. He would not let her sink into her turmoil like this. He knew as well as she did - the rational part of her, anyway - that this was only going to be solved with a conversation. No matter where she went, he would lead her friend to her and ensure that it happened.

She respected him for it... but she also did not feel ready. Her mind felt stuck on imagining the worst ways that this could go. That the automaton would berate her for her potentially superficial feelings and demand she never have to see her again. Or that the other would be upset at how she ran and cry to her, wondering what she had done wrong, and be inconsolable.

...Was that second one an actual possibility? She sighed again, able to acknowledge, at least, that she was probably having unrealistic expectations about this meeting. If she were lucky, this would hopefully not be too dramatic. They would simply talk things out, and then move on. If nothing else, they would take the necessary steps to maintain a professional relationship. Causing friction between the Council and Justice by arguing was an outcome she doubted either of them wanted.

...She was scared this was the end of their friendship, though. Just... how were they supposed to maintain that bond after a reaction like that? When she had already struggled to get closer to the automaton in the first place? And now that chance might be out of reach forever...

There was no hiding from this, however. And whatever was about to happen... she knew they had to get it over with. She should not have tried to run from it to begin with. She was an immortal, and one who had always prided herself on being kind to others, especially her friends. She would do that again here... even at the possibility of getting stung.

So Fauna waited, continuing to stare at nothing... And eventually, she felt Cecilia draw near. Soon, she heard her as well as she pushed through the underbrush and entered the clearing. She came closer on her right side, her steps careful as if sensing her fragile mood. She was quiet, too, the only sound coming from her being the bending of her joints and the worried turning of her key.

...Sounds that were already causing the Keeper to tingle. She grit her teeth, cursing the reactions of her body. Could she not show some restraint after humiliating herself, and given how important this talk was? It was like she was trying to make this more difficult than it had to be! Just what would the other say about this?

Yet if the automaton noticed anything, she still did not say a word. She simply got closer, standing next to her for a time. Then... she sat down, her legs spread in front of her as she used her arms to brace herself as she learned back. She felt the Justice member’s stare, simply waiting and observing her.

Realizing that her companion wanted her to start things, the green-haired woman took a deep breath. Then, quietly, she said the first thing that came to mind. “I’m... sorry about running. That was... I acted impulsively.”

Cecilia shrugged. “You’re fine. You should see how Liz reacts at times when Nerissa gets up close and personal with her. Finding her in her room, pacing and trying to rationalize her flusteredness, is always a treat.” She chuckled. “Of course, that’s nothing compared to how Gigi acts when people return her flirts.”

That managed to get the Keeper to laugh, too, smiling a bit. “Heh. I did that once, actually. Mostly as a dare from Bae. I didn’t realize she could curl up into a literal ball with her tail surrounding her.”

The automaton laughed harder. “That’s Gigi for you. Calling her an enigma doesn’t even come close to covering it.”

They both giggled for a bit, a knot undoing itself in Fauna’s chest. It seemed that her imagined worst-case scenarios were unfounded after all. Maybe... she could keep their friendship intact after all, if they were still able to joke so easily with one another. All of this could be put behind them as just one big overreaction.

...That did not mean broaching the topic would be any less embarrassing for her, however. She pursed her lips, still very much aware of how her body was continuing to tingle. How did she even begin explaining herself there? She struggled there for a moment, trying to find the right words-

-only for Cecilia to beat her to it as she sighed heavily, her voice regretful. “Look, I’m... sorry if I pushed things too hard back there.”

...The Keeper blinked, not having expected that. She turned to the other, her eyes wide. “Huh?”

The automaton shrugged, not meeting her eyes for a moment. “I mean... it’s been pretty clear to me how you’ve been feeling. I just wanted to tease you some for it - nothing harmful. But I might have gotten a big head over it and pushed my luck.” She sighed once more. “I never meant to scare you. I’m so sorry.”

...Fauna felt a few different things at that moment. One was surprise that her suspicions about some of that teasing having been intentional had been correct. Another was a small amount of anger that her heart had been toyed with like that. Several questions shot through her head then, all with their own combination of emotions.

In the end, though, the emotion that came to the forefront was, naturally... being flustered. She blushed heavily, gaping as she struggled to put that feeling into a question. “I... Was I really that obvious about it?”

Cecilia eyed her. “...Fauna, the only way it could have been more obvious is if you had held up a sign saying ‘I’m horny for Cecilia!’ If anything, I’m amazed that you didn’t put on a set of lace panties and bra when I showed up... or remained naked.”

A second passed... Then the Keeper buried her face in her hands and groaned, feeling the heat rush from her face down to her neck. She had ousted herself right from the start?! Like, yes, her dress was not exactly subtle, and she supposed she had been rather nervous around the other, but she thought... She had believed that...

Coughing once, the automaton gave her an awkward smile. “Um... I’m not sure if it helps, but it wasn’t like I figured this out today. I’ve noticed your behavior for a while now, and even if I had been oblivious, Raora’s idle observations would have tipped me off eventually, anyway. Today was just a good opportunity for me to do anything with it.”

...Fauna genuinely did not know if that made it better or worse. Regardless, she soon lifted her face from her hands, still flushed, and swallowed hard as she tried to speak. “So... you stayed here because you... you wanted to tease me, then? Not to see my Domain?”

Cecilia shrugged. “Eh, it was both. I really am fascinated by this place, but it’s not like I’m a nature freak. I would have taken a tour any time I had a break... but this time allowed for us to have some privacy. Which meant I could go even further with what I did without worrying about Liz scolding me or Gigi interjecting with her lame jokes.”

“...Her humor is kind of on par with yours, honestly.”

“You take back that blasphemy!”

Managing to giggle again, the Keeper sighed afterward and looked down. “So... all of it really was intentional.”

She was surprised by a chuckle from the automaton, who smiled smugly at her. “Oh, it definitely wasn’t! The flashes under my skirt and stuff? Sure! But the way you looked so thirsty when my key happened to turn the right way, and other things? That had me floored! It took everything in me not to double over in laughter at how desperate you were! I stopped myself, though, to save your pride.”

“Geez, thanks,” Fauna deadpanned, rolling her eyes. Inside, though, her mortification only grew, her thighs clenching together as she realized just how needy she had become... And it was not being helped by that insistent, lovely ticking that kept emanating from her. Not to mention the sunlight continuing to make her exposed limbs and metal parts sparkle.

Another brief silence fell over them, more comfortable than the last, but also more... charged. The immortal could feel a shift in the air leading to something, but she did not know what it was... Or, rather, she did not believe what she thought it meant. So she tried to push it to the back of her mind, not wanting to ruin things with assumptions... even as she felt very intense glances at her body from her friend. And noticed how the Justice member had seemingly scooted closer to her on the ground.

...She could not get rid of the question that plagued her mind, though - the crux of the issue. One she was still worried about addressing directly. But things had gone well so far, and... she knew this would not end if she did not ask it. Avoiding it would just let it fester and cause this scenario to repeat.

Thus, she took a deep breath. Then, staring off to the side, she got to the heart of the matter at long last. “...And are you okay about what you do to me?”

Cecilia paused next to her. When she spoke, her tone showed her confusion. “Hm? What do you mean?”

Blushing at having to be more detailed, the Keeper nonetheless did so. “Does it... make you uncomfortable at all, how you make me... feel so ‘hot?’ How I stare at you so much? Make me want to tremble at even the slightest touch of your metal skin?” Her face got redder. “How I... want to feel your touch elsewhere?”

More silence passed, nearly giving her enough time to think she had made a mistake in how she phrased that. But then, she heard the automaton shift closer to her, and when she looked... the woman had the most disbelieving stare she thought she had ever seen as she spoke. “Do you think I would be sitting here if it made me uncomfortable? Or did all of that teasing?”

Her blush somehow getting more intense, Fauna could only shrug. “I-I don’t know! I didn’t know if... You basically just admitted you didn’t know how down bad I was! This could all be too much for you, and you’re just trying to be polite! Or... Or...” She trailed off, not even sure herself what she was thinking the reason could be.

Cecilia had seemingly heard enough, though, as she stared at her more thoughtfully, and with a bit of pity. Eventually, she sighed, looking back up at the sky. “It’s... definitely pretty new to me. Mostly. Gigi’s kind of given me a bit of an ‘experience’ with it, but she’s too much of a glass cannon for us to ever reach... further stages.” She grinned a little. “Her eyes are more set on Myth’s little time traveler, anyway, too.”

The Keeper looked at her, a bit shocked to hear this. “Really? No one else... Not your creator? And I mean, surely others you’ve met over the centuries have... With how beautiful you are...”

“Heh, I’m flattered by the confidence,” the automaton replied, chuckling more as the immortal blushed as what she just said hit her. But she sighed afterward, shaking her head. “But... no, you and Gigi would be the first people. My creator wasn’t looking for a partner like that in me. Just a servant to help him with life, as well as a friend. He never once looked at me that way, in his youth, all the way to old age and death.

“And as for others before I joined Justice... I was around humans a lot, and I think I wasn’t quite human-like enough to appeal to many of them.” She touched her face before also holding her hand in front of her, wiggling the doll-like digits. “I fall just enough into the uncanny valley for them to be appealing in that way for most of them, I suppose. Maybe it would be different now with how much people seem to love tech, but back then, they preferred human warmth and touch. Things I could never perfectly provide...”

Something twisted inside Fauna’s chest at this. She frowned sadly, her voice soft. “I’m sorry.”

Cecilia just rolled her eyes, smiling kindly at her. “Don’t be. I wasn’t looking for love back then. I didn’t even think about such things until Gigi started to prod me. I didn’t...” She scratched the top of her head, her key turning a little faster. “Hm. How do I explain it? The way I experience emotions can seem... weird to organic beings. It’s not that I never felt attraction, but it’s different than how you all do. And because I was not made aware of it, I never paid it any attention until now.” She glanced at her, chuckling sheepishly. “That doesn’t make much sense, huh?”

“N-no, you’re fine,” the Keeper stammered. Truthfully, though, while she was trying to pay attention, her eyes kept getting drawn to that key as its turns caused flashes of dazzling light. But she kept enough focus to try to reassure her friend. “I don’t... think I quite get it, but there’s nothing wrong with that! It’s okay if you’re... a little ‘weird.’” She paused, then looked down. “It’s one of your best traits...”

“...Just so you know, if I could, I’d be blushing right now,” the automaton said, a warm smile growing on her face.

Fauna raised her eyes for a second... watching as the key got faster, and taking in the minute details of the other’s face and gaze. Unnatural tells of emotion... but ones she had been studying. She swallowed thickly before speaking. “...I can tell.”

Cecilia’s smile grew at this. She then shook her head, looking back at the sky before continuing. “Anyway, I don’t think I can quite put into words why I never noticed those emotions. The best I can say is that it was partially because I thought it was just... more intense friendship.” She chuckled shyly again. “Sounds stupid, but I don’t exactly have the same physical needs or reasons for love as a human would. I can’t have them, because I’m not organic.”

The Keeper nodded slowly, understanding this part at least. “That makes sense. You don’t have an instinct to breed, not being able to reproduce and all.” She paused, unable to help glancing at her friend’s body. “I don’t... think you do, anyway.”

The automaton caught and followed her gaze, then smirked teasingly. “I don’t have private parts of any kind, if that’s what you mean. I’m just smooth like a porcelain doll.” She sat straighter, allowing her to use both her arms... which she used to rub her chest area and touch near where her lower lip would be, respectively. Her expression grew more smug, being slow and deliberate with her movements. “That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t mind some touching in these places as a sign of love, though.~”

Face going completely red, Fauna looked straight ahead, strongly forcing herself not to look. She ignored the teasing - tried to ignore what those words implied - as she tried to calm down... made impossible by the Justice member being so close. “Y-yes. I-I mean, that’s what I meant! You not having... those parts.”

Her face burned harder as Cecilia giggled, sounding satisfied. She continued the conversation, though, as if nothing had just happened, shuffling even closer. “But yeah, I don’t have a sex drive. Maybe I could modify myself to have one, but honestly, I’m fine as is.” She leaned closer... whispering directly into the immortal’s ear. “I could take satisfaction in a relationship from... other things, I believe.”

The Keeper went completely still, forgetting to breathe now that the other was so close to touching her. She could hear the internal ticking of the Justice member now, too, so soft, but almost appearing to echo in her head. Her dress was starting to feel too tight, and her thighs were clenched together... her body knowing what was coming, despite her mind remaining in denial of it.

Yet somehow, despite how dry her mouth felt and a fuzzy heat starting to overtake her head, she managed to reply. “How... how so?”

“Well, touch in general is still nice to me,” the automaton said, whispering lowly in her ear still. “Hugs and kisses. Feeling those gives me enough of my own pleasure. So if someone was willing to do those often with me, I’d feel great. Especially if they pushed their lungs for a nice, long French kiss.”

Fauna almost asked if Gigi had “taught” her how good those feel, a part of her wanting to break the rising heat so she could calm down... But then a hand grasped her arm gently, once more knocking the air from her lungs. It moved lightly up and down the limb, radiating a mechanical heat and letting her feel those ticks on her skin now. It made goosebumps appear in the wake of that touch, her brain short-circuiting.

...It was enough time for Cecilia to close the remaining distance and lean her body against her side, too. She continued the motions, pressing herself against her as her voice became more sensual. “Then there are all the activities we could still do. Dates, nights at home - I can even eat and taste food for nice dinners and such. My creator wanted me to be able to enjoy my culinary creations alongside him.

“The point, though, is that a relationship would not just be a one-sided affair that I wouldn’t enjoy. It’s all about intention for me. More than I think even humans who claim to be like that can feel for those things. Just knowing that someone would go out of their way to do all of that for me... My mechanical heart just swells thinking about it.”

She leaned in close enough that the immortal felt the smirk on her lips. “But... it’s not all about just me, is it? And do you know what I would do for anyone I felt an interest in?”

The Keeper could barely think about the question. She could feel the gears moving all along inside her friend's body, making her blood pump faster. She felt that artificial breath on her ear, making her shiver every time it passed. There was a raging inferno in her gut, restrained with only the tiniest of threads.

After several long seconds, though, she responded in a small voice. “Wh... What?”

The automaton shifted... and suddenly, she swung her way to sit on her lap. She pressed their fronts together and wrapped her arms around her, smirking with a certain intensity in her eyes at her. “...Relieve them when they are feeling pent up.”

...The offer was undeniable now. Fauna nearly gave in to it right then, too, wanting nothing more than to relieve the heat inside of her. Those ticking gears were right against her slit now, making it quiver and nearly making her hips buck like at the pond. The warmth of the plating seeped through her dress, which felt far too constraining now, making her nearly too flushed to think straight.

She wanted this so bad... but she had to ask. Swallowing again, her mouth like a desert at this point, she got the question out. “Are... you sure?”

Cecilia’s smile became warmer, her hand moving up to cup her cheek. “I get that you’re uncertain. This is new to me, too. For what it’s worth, though, I don’t think your ‘reactions’ to me are just due to my physical traits. Those drew you in and have kept you hooked... but I don’t think someone like you would be this down bad unless you liked me for myself, too. You’re too sweet for that.

“And even if this does end up being a fling, I fully consent. I chose to work you up like this. I need to take responsibility for that. It would be far more unfair to you than it would be for me to leave you hanging at this point, in my view.” She leaned her face in closer, their lips a mere half an inch apart. “So... what do you say?”

A beat passed, the Keeper’s eyes locked on those synthetic lips... She felt deep down that she had known what her answer would be once this conversation had begun, however. So, taking as deep a breath as she could manage in this position... she gave a small nod. “Please...”

That was all the automaton needed to hear, it seemed, as she pressed their lips together. They had a more rubbery quality than real flesh, and tasted slightly metallic as the kiss deepened. But they were still soft and warm, causing the immortal to return it tentatively. Her arms wrapped around the clockwork woman, their bodies melding against one another as they enjoyed the small, slow moment of love.

Cecilia was not satisfied with keeping things slow, however. Very quickly, her tongue prodded the Council member’s mouth, forcing it to open. The artificial muscle made its way through the opening, and soon, both of theirs were fighting for dominance. That metallic taste invaded the immortal’s mouth, her every sensitive spot in there seeming to get brushed by.

It snapped whatever self-control Fauna had left. Her eyes rolled back and shut as she hugged her new lover tighter and closer. (Her heart beat faster thinking of her like that.) Her hips thrust upward, a moan leaving her lips as she finally got stimulation down there. She felt a large damp spot forming on her dress now that she was not holding back, but she no longer cared. Not when it was combined with the fabric also brushing against her stiffening nipples.

She wanted the kiss to last forever, chasing this new frenzy awakening inside. But eventually, the need for air crept upon her, and while she would not die from oxygen loss, she could still pass out from it. So with great reluctance, she pulled back, their lips disconnecting with a pop that made her shiver more. She took deep, ragged breaths, her chest burning and her blood feeling like magma now.

The automaton, meanwhile, looked barely affected. She was smirking at her, in fact, not looking the least bit frazzled. The way her key was starting to spin fast enough to blur, though, indicated how excited she was, too. “Done already? I would have thought you of all people would have good lung capacity. What kind of incarnation of nature are you?”

The Keeper was unable to answer for a moment. She was too focused on her senses... or, rather, what she continued not to be able to sense. She had felt “passion” from the animals and other living creatures before - something she quickly gave them privacy for. But still, she knew the feeling of those high emotions radiating off of them. She had always imagined that, should she ever find a partner, it would help fuel her own vigor for a time like this.

But, of course, she felt nothing from Cecilia with her abilities. Even when directly on top of her, she was a dead spot to those senses. She was already unraveling, losing her focus on the rest of the world, but no matter how much of that went to the clockwork woman, there was not a single blip on how she felt.

...Yet she felt it in other ways. From the increased tempo of ticking from the automaton’s internal gears, acting like a rapid heartbeat, vibrating her skin. The way her key continued to spin faster, the whirl of it filling the air. How her breaths, while not labored, had a slight misty quality when exhaled, indicating heat.

And those eyes... It was not exactly lust in them. She probably could never feel that in her current state, and even if modified, who knew if that emotion could be simulated properly for her? But the intensity in them right then, so close to boarding on desire... It was good enough. Enough to make the immortal’s heart stutter. For her hands to grip the back of the other’s clothes more tightly.

...And it made the ache in her lower lip unbearable. She let out another moan, feebly trying to thrust to relieve the tension. It did not matter that she could not sense her the same way she could everyone else. If anything, being forced to rely on other methods was just making her more aroused! She wanted to keep her close so she could find all the small details in which the automaton drew satisfaction from this. Found her own form of pleasure.

Most of all, though... she wanted her to break her.

Her eyes screwed shut, the thought making her try to thrust harder. However, Cecilia shifted her hips away, denying her contact. The woman gave a small chiding sound, her smirk only getting smugger. “Come on - it’s rude not to answer me! Talk to me a little before you cum your brains out!” She paused, then rubbed her chin. “Hm... I might need to work on my dirty talk.”

Fauna did not give a damn about dirty talk then! She whimpered, trying to move and get some friction for her burning core. “C-Ceci, please. I-”

“Shhh - it’s okay,” the automaton whispered soothingly. She then proceeded to lightly push the immortal, making her lie down on the soft field of flowers. She sat carefully on her midriff, her mechanical nature not making her as heavy as one would assume, and continuing to deny her touch where she wanted it as she spoke. “Like I said, I’m taking care of you. But I don’t want to take this too fast.”

She smirked some more, moving her hands to the Council member’s chest. She grabbed the two mounds firmly, but not overly hard, shifting the soft flesh in her palms. It made the Keeper moan louder, feeling those artificial hands brush over her hard nipples and sending lightning down her spine. Her whole body was shaking, feeling as though it would combust at any time.

And Cecilia continued to act casual about it. While her gears ticked faster and her key turned too fast to track, she kept feigning total calmness, humming as she kept rubbing her breasts. “Gods, you’re more pent up than I thought. And I assumed a lot already. I’m not even that skilled. It’s... Well, it’s not like I have the ‘assets’ to practice with.”

In another circumstance, Fauna might have giggled at the pouty look the Justice member gave while looking at her own body. However, she was too focused on the burning need in hers to care. She panted hard, trying to form coherent words through the stimulation. “C-Ceci...”

The automaton met her eyes, something softening in her expression. She smiled at her, leaning down and speaking a little lower. “It would help if you got rid of the dress. Let me see what I’m working with here...”

The Keeper did not even think twice about the request. Before she even knew she was doing it, she was snapping one of her fingers, making her white dress disappear in a flash of green light. In barely a second, she was left naked underneath her tentative lover, her flushed skin and small droplets of sweat exposed for her to see.

Cecilia slowed down for a moment, much to her frustration, as she took her in. She let go of her chest, letting her see her upper half fully. Then she shifted to sit lower down her body, settling on her legs and keeping them pinned. Her green eyes drank up the image of the immortal, fully bare and splayed across the bed of flowers, an emotion close to hunger flashing in those eyes. Her own body seemed to shudder, slightly different from how a human would, but the meaning behind it made the green-haired woman’s thighs clench.

Eventually, the clockwork woman spoke softly, her hand reaching out to trace the sides of her stomach. “You know... I heard tales before about mortals who caught deities naked. They were often killed in some way for merely glimpsing it, or otherwise severely punished. It made me surprised that you hardly seemed to care.”

Fauna shivered as the warm, mechanical hand went up and down her midriff. Still, she managed to focus enough to reply. “A-and... if I were like those deities when you first caught me like this?”

“...Completely worth it to witness this perfection, honestly,” the automaton said, smiling warmly at her.

The Keeper managed a short chuckle, giving a smile strained by her arousal. “D-Don’t let Kronii hear that. She’ll throw a whole fit over it.”

Cecilia chuckled, too. “Wow. Bringing up other women in the middle of sex. You are new to this!” She looked her over again, humming softly. “...I kind of wish I were the first to see you naked. But I’d better be the only person for a long time to see you in this state, at least. This is too pretty for anyone else to witness.”

The compliment made Fauna tremble, her lower lip quivering. She swallowed thickly, trying to rub her legs together as she begged. “Ceci... Please...”

The automaton’s smile grew. “So needy... But you are being patient, so you deserve a reward.” She quickly removed her skirt, likely for ease of movement, tossing it aside. Then, she moved forward and propped her whole body over the immortal, bringing their faces close enough to feel one another’s breath again. “Do you think you’ll last long? Want me to take it slow?”

“...Go as fast as you’d like,” the Keeper managed to say. She doubted it would make much of a difference, given how much her hips were stuttering to get any kind of friction.

Cecilia chuckled, smirking devilishly. “Be careful what you wish for.~” With that, she proceeded to lock their lips together again. It was not as intense as the first time, and their tongues stayed on even terms this time around. But the sensation still had the Council member’s eyes fluttering closed, groaning as she grabbed fistfuls of the other’s clothes to pull her closer.

There was just enough strength in the automaton’s body to resist this action, however. And the reason she did became clear quickly as she moved one hand and started to pinch one of Fauna’s nipples. The immortal gasped, breaking the kiss as her back arched into the hard, yet delicate touch. This made her new lover laugh, before she lowered her head further down her body and latched her lips around the other nub.

The Keeper’s eyes screwed shut, biting her lips to stop the noises that wanted to rise out of her this time. Yet her grunts and convulsions seemed to tell the Justice member everything, given how smug she looked as she gave an extra hard suck on her chest that had her gasping. The clockwork woman chuckled against her... but the misty quality of her breath had only increased. Not to mention her body was vibrating from how much and how fast the gears inside of her were ticking and turning.

The sensation of that along her skin, and it being added to the current intimate touch, was driving Fauna crazy. She melted into it all, unable to muster the will to do anything except accept it. She swore it felt even better, too, because she knew Cecilia was not deliberately doing this. All of it showed how in the mood she was as well, in her own way, and that reaffirmation that the other’s feelings were real was making her head float.

...Though that thought made something occur to her. Drunk off the pleasure, the thought made its way into words, even as she struggled to stifle her moans. “Wha... What do you love about me? Why... Why do you...?” She panted, her head feeling nearly as hot as her lower lip.

The automaton hummed, releasing her nipple for a second. She eyed her curiously, the expression made more mesmerizing by the continued glinting of her spinning key. “You want to have this conversation now when I’m about to split open your legs to eat you out?”

Fauna swallowed thickly, her hips wiggling of their own accord at this suggestion. Yet she still managed a small nod, eyes starting to water from the pleasure. “Please... I need to know...”

Cecilia hummed again, appearing to think it over... all the while her hand continued to tug and twist her nipple. The deliberateness of this was made clear when one of her legs also shifted to rub against her nether regions, which practically set fireworks off in the immortal. She threw her head back and moaned openly, unable to care any longer about holding back.

She faintly noticed the Justice member’s smirk before she shrugged and answered, as though she were doing nothing at all. “Hm... Okay, then. It’s not like my dirty talk is doing us any favors.” She giggled. “You seem like a hairline away from coming undone, anyway. Might as well do this before you end up passing out.”

The Keeper could not deny that, even if she wanted to. Not when she already felt pressure building in her lower half, and her thighs were trying to lock around the leg rubbing against her privates. But when it pulled away, she was able to think clearly enough briefly to gasp out another request. “T-take off your clothes, too! L-let me see you!”

That one seemed to genuinely baffle the automaton, whose eyebrow raised further this time. “Um... I don’t really have anything to show off. I told you - I wasn’t designed for this. I’m as smooth as a doll under these clothes.”

“And I know you’ll still look incredible,” Fauna countered instantly.

...The teasing against her body stopped entirely for a second. She felt no frustration this time, though, as she looked and saw the stunned expression on Cecilia. The vibration of her gears stuttered almost like how a heart might when overwhelmed, and her plating felt warmer for a moment. Even her key ground to a complete halt for a single second from surprise, before it started spinning faster than ever. And given how her face scrunched up, she knew the Justice member would be beet red right now if she could blush.

As much as she wishes she could see that, though, this was fine - the other reactions were enough... and hotter.

Eventually, though, with pursed lips, the automaton nodded slowly, rising off her for now. “W-well, um... fine, then? Or, I mean... Just give me a minute.”

With hands shaking from clearly more than her internal gears, she started to undo the strings and buttons of her outfit. The Keeper watched from under her, able to smirk at being able to turn the tables, if only for a moment. Maybe Kronii was onto something when she said a lot of her other versions could be quite dominant? If she practiced, perhaps she could be much the same... sometimes. Being the submissive one was quite rewarding right now, too.

That only became more apparent as she watched the Justice member disrobe. Her smirk fell as she gaped in awe as Cecilia got rid of her top and then her undergarments. Doing so was made awkward by her continuing to kneel over the immortal, but eventually, she tossed them both with her skirt, too. It left her as naked as herself, and...

...Her brain truly stopped working for a second. There were no thoughts as she simply perceived the sight before her. The smooth plating that created an illusion of flawless skin. Every little seam that allowed her to bend and turn unrestricted in the ways a human could. The chest area and lower regions, completely devoid of private parts, yet even so... The way they shone as the sunlight hit them...

“...Beautiful,” Fauna whispered, once more without thought.

The automaton looked rather shy again, her arms moving to cover her chest and groin. She appeared to realize how stupid that looked, though, given her body, and dropped them with clear embarrassment. Still, she managed to chuckle at herself while smiling at her. “Heh... This is the first time I’ve ever been self-conscious about being naked. Not that I really let the others see on purpose, mind you, but when they happen to catch a glimpse, or my clothes rip...”

The Keeper shook her head, blushing as she spoke in understanding. “No, I get it. I’m... in much the same boat right now.”

Neither of them moved for a second... Then, with a deep breath, Cecilia met her eyes, her earlier calmness and control starting to come back. “...You ready for this, then?”

Fauna nodded meekly, her hands gripping some of the flowers around her now. The break had not dampened her arousal much. On the contrary, seeing her new lover naked was getting her heated back up, her heart hammering in her chest. Her breath only quickened as the Justice member moved herself downward, positioning her hands and head between her legs and just before her slit.

The automaton smiled, prodding her fingers against the puffy region. A brief chuckle left her at the gasp it elicited, shaking her head. “Gods, you are soaked. All of this for a hot little babe like me?”

...She paused like before, then gave a long sigh. “You know what? I’m going to practice in private after this. I blame Gigi for completely ruining my ability to talk all nasty.” She quickly grunted. “Like there! Who says ‘nasty’ like that these days?”

The Keeper managed a grin. “Now who’s mentioning other women?”

Cecilia blinked, then laughed heartily. “Ha! Okay, I earned that one.” She quickly shook this off, though, and smirked up at her, teasing her fingers up and down the other’s folds. “But I did promise to say some of the things I admire about you. Do you still want to hear?”

Fauna bit her lips as her lower region was prodded... then gave a long moan as one digit slid into her. She breathed heavily, but managed a short nod. “Y-yes...”

The automaton returned the nod, her finger twisting around inside her now. Her smile was both sweet and predatory as she began her list. “Well, let’s see... I’ve always liked how protective you are of what you love. Like in the recent incident, you told your fellow Council members to stay in their respective Domains for now. Not necessarily because you thought Advent would do anything, but as a precaution. You know the different ways your Apple could be used... and you want them all to be safe.”

The casual praise of her words was in contrast to the lewd movements of the hand inserted into the immortal. The digit continued to bend and turn, as if exploring to find the Keeper’s weak spots... And she swore the Justice member was memorizing them somehow, because a few seconds later, when she added a second finger, she attacked those spots with almost calculated precision. The green-haired woman threw her head back, unable to help her loud moans. M-must be an automaton trait. C-cheater...

She was not really complaining, though, when she was seeing stars brighter than Sana’s behind her eyelids from it.

Cecilia kept speaking, as though her mouth were separate from the rest of her body as she looked at her. “You were even talking about sending them protectors, if I recall correctly. Do I even need to mention how much you hover around any of us when we’re hurt? I... know what you did for Ame, too.” She looked distant for a moment before shaking it off and smiling. “You do so much to make sure we’re all alright. How could I not admire that?

“But that’s not the only thing, of course. Your soft-spoken nature was quite the draw for me. Your ability to remain so level-headed in discussions is amazing... With the obvious exception of dealing with your feelings. And horror games.” She punctuated this by curling her fingers deep inside her lower lip... and extending her thumb to briefly touch her clit.

Fauna’s eyes shot open, practically screaming as her grip on the ground made her knuckles go white. She shifted her hips desperately, barely even able to be called thrusts at this point. Her uncoordinated movements made her chest bounce, still feeling the after-stings of the treatment her nipples had gotten. Her breath came in and out in bursts, unable to fill her lungs.

It... it was too much. She could hear the turning of that key and every shift of the other’s joints. The vibrations from her gears were now inside of her, making her head swim. Her most sensitive points were on fire, and the words were-

“And we can’t forget how cute you are when you’re embarrassed, too,” the automation was saying, the words meaningless sounds now. She was fully smirking at her now, slowly adding a third finger. “That red face, the little sounds you make - if I were human, I don’t think I’d last around you. Seeing how precious you can be would make me want to scoop you up too much and ‘do you’ until you couldn’t walk.”

She leaned her body forward a little, her face over her crotch. Her smirk never left her as she now did short, but powerful thrusts into her slit, her tone heavy. “There’s so much more... But I think I’ve said enough for now. Right, Mein Liebling?”

The Keeper did not know what that last part meant, but... it sounded so sweet. She nodded without thought, her eyes shut tight as she whimpered and gasped. Every nerve in her was alight, the inferno in her needing release. It felt like she might combust if she did not, no different than when Kiara died and reincarnated.

...And she was about to give that release. She could feel the pressure building in her lower region, rising and ready to burst. Those fingers and those words spurred the sensation on, making it rise forever higher, it felt like. But it was about to reach its limit. She was sucking in a breath, feeling so close to that edge-

-only for the hand to pull out of her before she could cross it.

Fauna’s eyes went wide before perhaps the most pathetic whine of her eons of life left her. She looked at her lover, feeling utterly betrayed. “UUUU! Why did you stop?! I-I’m so... I...”

Cecilia dared to laugh at her, smiling with mirth as her key slowed down slightly. “Hahaha! Oh... I’m sorry. I just had to draw that noise of yours out of you. I did just say how much I love that stuff. If I can’t do that at least once during sex, then what’s the point of doing it, right?”

The Keeper narrowed her hazy eyes at her. She... cut her off right at the brink just because she wanted an “uuu?” Despite how flushed and broken down she was? Indignation was sparking inside of her, a temptation to use her powers and rope the other down with some vines so she could tease her back rising in her. She did not care if the other did not have a sex drive! If there was any way to tease her, she would find a way to-!

Then, with a smug expression, the automaton lowered her head... her breath tickling her lower lip. “Ah... But I had my moment. Now... let’s finish what I started.~”

With that, she pressed her head forward... and sent her tongue inside of the immortal. The artificial muscle pushed in with no resistance, immediately lapping up her inner walls at their most sensitive spots. It was able to go surprisingly deep, too! And if that was not enough, her still slick hand also came up and rubbed her clit at the same time - hard. All of it was enhanced by the clockwork woman’s vibrations and her key spinning faster than ever, too.

Any complaints had died on Fauna’s lips the instant this all happened. Her head felt like it had blown a fuse, forgetting what she had even been frustrated about as she arched her body and moaned loudly once more. The pleasure that had started to recede crashed into her like a tidal wave, the heat forming an unbearably tight knot in her stomach.

She could not handle the dual attack. She had been close to the edge before, and now that this was happening again so quickly... She stood no chance. Not when the tongue prodded at her most sensitive walls, and that hand kept rolling along that nub. The feeling shot through her over and over, her hips twitching and stuttering-

Then, with a loud cry, she came undone, her vision going white. Her entire body seized up, her legs locking around the head still licking her insides. It overstimulated her to the point of almost being painful, but she did not care. She pulled her new lover in as deep as possible, mindlessly riding this high as long as she could.

She did not know how much time passed like this. But eventually, her vision cleared, and she came down from the peak. She collapsed breathlessly on the ground, taking deep breaths as her foggy head cleared. Cecilia appeared to notice this, too, and removed her tongue once the legs around her let go... She gave one last lick all the way along her slit, though, right to the clit, making the immortal whine and shudder from being overwhelmed.

For a moment, Fauna just lay there, trying to catch her breath and basking in the afterglow. She... could not remember the last time she had an orgasm that intense. A part of her felt like she should be embarrassed by how quickly she unraveled there, but she could not muster the emotion. All she felt was contentment... and a warm feeling in her heart she was more sure of now that her lust had been mostly sated.

That warmth spread as she heard the automaton lie beside her, before gently nudging her. Following her silent command, she turned onto her side, which allowed the Justice member to wrap her arms around her and spoon her. Their bare bodies pressed against one another, skin on warm plating. The immortal felt the ticking of the other, which was slowing down now, though instead of turning her on this time, the vibrations soothed her, making her relax further.

Eventually, Cecilia spoke quietly behind her, voice gentle as her hands settled around her stomach. “So... did I do well?”

The Keeper gave a tired but happy laugh. “It was incredible. I’m only sorry that I couldn’t hold on a little longer for you.”

“Eh, I don’t care if you’re a quick shot,” the automaton teased, patting her belly. “That just means I’m an amazing novice, right?”

Fauna snorted, swatting at the hand. “Oh, be quiet!” The two laughed for a moment, a satisfied sigh leaving her... Though after a moment, she turned her head back to try and weakly glare at the other. “Did you have to pause right at the end, though?”

“As I said - that sound of yours is sacred,” Cecilia said sagely. “It’s a crime it took so long for me to hear that today. I put a lot of effort into those teases, you know.”

The Keeper could only chuckle some more. She sighed, closing her eyes and simply enjoying their proximity for a few seconds. This... this felt perfect. She could practically drift off to sleep right then like this. The idea of more of this also had her heart fluttering, picturing quiet nights sleeping together in one another’s arms. (Assuming the other slept. She would have to ask.)

...But even with what they just did, the question from near the start lingered in her mind. And while she did not want to potentially ruin the moment, she had to ask it. So, cracking her eyes open, she whispered. “We’re... together now, right?”

“If you want to be,” the automaton replied smoothly, holding her gently.

Fauna pursed her lips, gripping those arms. “Do we... think it’ll work?”

She could hear Cecilia’s smile in her tone. “I think it will. We have time to discuss this later. It’s going to be another day, at least, before I have to report to Liz and check up about your Apple. I’m sure we’ll have an arrangement by then.” She kissed the back of her neck. “For now, just rest. I’m... enjoying this, too.”

The Keeper smiled, turning her body around so that they were facing one another. She gave the automaton a small kiss on the lips, the two sharing a warm look. Then they closed their eyes, snuggling as they let the immortal recover from their session.

I wish I could return the favor, though, the immortal mused. She would have to start communicating with Liz and Mumei to see if there was a way to give her new girlfriend the ability to have sex properly. Technology really was incredible, no matter what humans sometimes did with it against nature. She wanted to believe there was a way they could simulate the sensations for her so they could both experience releases like that.

But for now... she was content with this position. And as she closed her eyes, she felt the other’s contentment, too. Not from her senses, but just from what she felt touching her. For she was alive, no matter if she was organic or not. She may not have been a part of nature... but it still welcomed her with open arms to experience it.

And there were more experiences to come, she was sure.

“...Say, those deer of yours wouldn’t have been peeking in, would they?”

“...If Blizzard or Winter did, even if it was to make sure I’m safe, you have my permission to bonk their heads. With your violin.”

“Violent... I love it.~”