Dog of War

 

Camila couldn't help but let out a squeal of delight as she swept Princess up into her vines, nearly knocking over the drinks in the process. Just when she thought the girl couldn't get any cuter she chooses to keep Princess?!  

 

Vines acted instinctually, rewarding her pet with everything from head pats to scritching her favorite spots. A few even slipped underneath her clothes to grope at her. The noises she made were almost as delightful as the news. 

 

How could any sophont be so adorable ? And she was Hers ! There could hardly be a clearer sign of acceptance; the name, the gender, the willingness to finally lean into her- Princess belonged to her and knew it, even if she couldn't admit it yet. She just needed to get over that pesky Terran ideal of 'independence' and she would be ready. Fanciful thoughts of showing her just how much better life would be as her pet flitted through Camila’s mind as her vines snaked through the slits in her dress.

 

"Muh-Miss-" Princess panted, struggling not to slip into the comfort of Camila's rhythm again. It was even cute how she continued to fight the pleasure she clearly craved. "Miss Verdun! There's more!" 

 

Oh, dirt . Camila's vines halted their assault and retreated, setting a shivering Princess back down. "My apologies, I'm just overjoyed to hear the news, Princess~ " 

 

Princess shuddered at that, and her breath hitched. "Please... refrain..." she struggled out between gasps. It was nothing short of a miracle she was still able to resist breaking down into a horny heap. From what Camila could tell, she hadn't cum once since arriving nine days ago. A testament to how strong their will had been, she supposed. "Please refrain until we are finished, at least. There is one last thing we want to tell you. It's important." 

 

That certainly sounded like 'wait' and not 'no.' "Of course, Princess." It felt so good to be able to call her that now without any reservations. "What is it?" 

 

"There are two of us," Princess stated. "We are plural." 

 

Oh! "I'll admit, I was wondering if you were going to mention why you are using 'we' all the sudden."

 

"That's it?!" Princess exclaimed. 

 

"I am curious, and I would love little more than for you to explain it to me, Princess, but I am not surprised." Camila absorbed the remaining fluid, emptying the teacup before refilling it with tea kept hot in the kettle.

 

"I have suspected as much for some time now."

 

Princess furrowed her brow as she accepted the fresh tea. "When did we-?"

 

"After the vet," said Camila, "and a couple times since." 

 

"We see..." They chuckled weakly. "So it wasn't a coincidence that Rose and the rest of them were there." 

 

"No, it was not. I didn't know for sure until then, but the way you reacted when pluribus was explained confirmed it."

 

Princess took a long sip of the tea. She did not lower the cup , but kept her eyes fixed on the liquid as she spoke. "There's two of us. The best we can figure to explain it using the terminology Miss Nele explained is a median system of two, nearly always co-fronting." Princess took another sip and lowered the cup with a sigh. "We're not sure about that, though. This is all very new to us. We didn't even know this was an experience shared by others until we met Rose, and it's so different with them..." She grumbled.

 

"That is fine." Camila gave the girl a comforting headpat; she was so much more receptive to touch now! "I understand that you are doing a lot of self-discovery. I get the feeling you want to discuss your personal experience?" 

 

Princess nodded. "It is difficult to explain but we would like to try. It's... Hmm." They paused for a moment. "Apologies, but we're going to ramble, I'm afraid." 

 

"That is alright. There is nothing you can't tell me," she nudged. 

 

Princess hummed with satisfaction. "There are two of us. Both of us are... Princess together, I suppose." She adorably fought off a grin as said her own name. "But we each... have a different blend of the same mannerisms? A slightly different view on certain things? Different functions in the persona? We may like the same thing in different ways, or to different degrees, but if we like something, we both do, in almost every case." 

 

"And when you don't?" 

 

Their expression and tone turned flat briefly. "We don't like to focus on that." She took another breath. "It is rare, but sometimes we do fully disagree. Things can be... difficult, then. It normally causes us to freeze up." She took another sip of tea. "More serious disagreements can lead one of us to shut down, and that's never good. It is strange to be alone in the 'front.' We think of each of ourselves as two refractions from the same prism, two beings acting as one, a pair inseparable," she waved her free hand, "or something like that."

 

It seemed as good a time as any for the most pressing question on Camila's mind. "So when we talk, am I speaking to both of you? Or am I speaking with one of you at a time?" 

 

"It is both of us when we talk." Princess explained. "Well, unless it's one of us," she unhelpfully added. "It is usually both of us, though. As we explained, we are mostly the same, although one of us is more 'active' while the other is more... passive doesn't feel right but it's close? We each handle different things. One of us is more actively dealing with our surroundings, and the other helps the first catch things they might have missed, or remember things that slip their own mind." Princess perked up as an idea dawned on her, "Like Sol and Luna! One may be less pronounced, yet they are equal in the Terran sky and they share the same light." She hummed, satisfied with her analogy.

 

Camila felt like she finally understood, at least a little. Princess was a whole with two parts. A gestalt created by both of them. There were a few pressing thoughts in this enlightenment- "Would you like me to change the language I use for you?" 

 

Princess blinked. "What do you mean?"

 

"Well you use 'We' and 'Us' for yourself, would you like me to use 'They' for you on occasion?" 

 

"We..." Princess’ face contorted as she mulled the idea over. "Sometimes? There's two of us, but we're one person?" She shrugged. 

 

Camila hummed. "Sometimes, then." A thought caused her smile to twitch into a grin. "What if I told you that you were both very good girls~"

 

For a moment, Camila thought she had broken the girl as she stopped completely . Princess remained motionless for what seemed like an age. Then she made a sound, or more actually the start of a sound. A rough, almost clicking noise eeking out of her throat as she turned redder than Camila had ever seen her. In , she commanded, and Princess’ lungs drew in air for the first time in nearly a minute. Out... In . She was breathing on her own again now, that was good. Camila fought back a giggle and lost as she realized what had occurred. "I'll take that as a yes."

 

Princess nodded, still blushing furiously. 

 

"Also sometimes?"

 

"S-sometimes." She squeaked. Camila could hear her heart pounding. 

 

"I'll keep that in mind, Princess. Did you have anything else you wanted to talk about?" 

 

"Not at the moment."

 

Camila smirked. "Did you two want to cuddle a little more before I made dinner?" 

 

Princess rapidly played her thumb up and down the paw of the bear as she thought about it. "...Just cuddling? No groping or anything weird?"

 

Camila held up a vine, "Just a bit of relaxing petting, and being held in my vines, nothing more." There would be time and opportunity for that later.

 

After a moment, they nodded. Camila wasn't going to give them time to second-guess. She picked her pet up, and gave them some much overdue affection. 

 

-_-_-_- 

 

Princess lost track of time again as the vines doted on them. They had felt comforting before, but with their newfound lack of worry it felt like they were able to truly enjoy them for the first time. Miss Verdun had not just accepted them even on the thing they were both struggling to accept themselves, but provided the guidance they had needed. 

 

She actually cares.

 

It was a funny feeling, one Princess couldn't pin down, not that they felt the need to. It could have been the exorbitant amount of Class Es in them, or the words that were still ringing in their ears. It could even be the Class D making them be honest about what their body wanted. Hell, it was probably all of it. They'd almost certainly regret some of this tomorrow, but that was tomorrow. Today had been exhausting and they wanted little more than her embrace. It was so safe in her vines. They felt so nice as they gently wound their way up Princess' back, lightly massaging them. Coiling and uncoiling around them. Brushing and weaving through their hair, giving light scratches here and there that they pressed into. It wasn't very 'independent,' but they were safe , and would never have to wear a collar again . They could let themselves enjoy this for now. Her vines were so warm , in a strange way. Much like the bear that they kept pushing back into their arms. They felt like they could melt into them and disappear. 

 

Princess was tempted by the thought. Just letting themselves sink again, into that thoughtless nothingness. They were safe , and it had been so nice to just exist without any expectations. They really shouldn't, though; safe or not, they still needed to prove they could be independent. Even if Miss Verdun's care was nice on occasion, it wasn't worth becoming property over. Letting her pet them was already bad, but it was just for now. Just for a little while. They would prove how independent they were later. 

 

They could feel themselves drifting off in spite of their choice. Resisting the comfort was easier said than done. 

 

Well, we are safe ...

 

If they were safe, letting themselves drift off would be fine. A small nap sounded so nice. Princess relaxed and felt themselves sink, and sink, and sink...

 

Princess was awoken by Miss Verdun's fingers scratching up the base of their skull. Gasping as their eyes fluttered open and pleasure shot through their spine like a bolt of lightning. She purred in their ear, that soundless music so clear underneath her voice. "It's time to eat, little one." 

 

The first thing Princess noticed was the chill on their skin, the warm vines now absent. The second thing was how good they felt despite that. The sensation of them still echoing in their flesh. The last thing was that they were at the dinner table, in their chair. Before them was two slabs of some sort of meat; steak, perhaps? The steaks were covered in herbs and mushrooms, soaking in a brown sauce. They had lost track of time again. Which was annoying, but they were safe, so it was fine. 

 

That looks really tasty.

 

Princess pulled the bear tight against their chest, letting it replace the heat from the vines as they reached for the fork. It pushed the cold feeling back, but it was like a flickering candle compared to a campfire. 

 

They swallowed back pooling saliva. "What is it?" 

 

"Steak, with a mushroom cream sauce." Camila answered. 

 

Princess hummed, happy that they had been correct, the joy fading quickly as they poked a fork into one of the steaks. 

 

We can't eat this with just a fork. 

 

They removed their hand, leaving the fork sticking in the meat. "Miss Verdun." 

 

"Yes, Princess?" Her voice baited them on, and they fought a smile at hearing their name. 

 

We need to stay focused.

 

Was she really going to play coy about this? "We do not want to gnaw on a steak. We need a knife, or for you to cut it for us."

 

"Oh!" The Affini feigned surprise. "My apologies, Princess!" She drew up a knife she had hidden somewhere in herself, and seized the fork with a vine, using it to hold the steak as she cut it up. "Let me get that for you~" Honestly, she was such a poor actress they couldn't help but wonder why she bothered. It couldn't be more obvious she wanted to feed them. 

 

And we just let her grab our fork. 

 

Oh fuck . That wasn't good. They had to get ahead of this, "Mi-" they started as Miss Verdun made the final cut, only for a chunk of steak to be placed in their mouth before they could even finish saying her name. 

 

Princess teared up, overwhelmed by the richness of flavors that were dripping out of the meat and down their tongue. They had eaten steak before, but only as an ingredient, or when they couldn't taste. A time that seemed like an eternity ago, almost as though it happened to someone else, as they began to chew. Juice burst out of the meat, and they made a throaty moan as all the flavors redoubled. Every meal had been an education in what they had missed, and this one was a full semester. The meat was the main attraction, of course. Savory, rich, almost melting in their mouth- on its own it deserved a top slot on their favorite foods list. Underneath the meat, or more accurately, within the meat's flavors, was an intricate melody created by the herbs and mushrooms. It was a strong contender for their second favorite, with the ice cream. Swallowing it left them panting and dazed. 

 

"Sorry, were you saying something, Princess?" Miss Verdun seemed really smug about something.

 

Were they? Fuck, did they forget something again ? "Uh-" Princess could only think about how good the steak was. Everything immediately before that was blurry. "Sorry, we forgot what we were going to say." They blushed. 

 

Miss Verdun giggled. "Well that's alright, little one." She tapped their cheek and gave them another mind-numbingly good bite as they opened their mouth. "Take your time." Another tap, and they began to chew. 

 

How was it so good ? No, they needed to focus, they were going to say something. It was on the tip of their tongue. It was... something with... Princess felt the gears in their head grinding to a halt. Focusing on anything beyond Miss Verdun and the food was seemingly out of the question.  

 

damn This meat is juicy. 

 

No, there was... Something important. It. Was. Was. 

 

...

 

Shit. Princess swallowed the bite. Maybe mentally retracing their steps would help? They talked with Miss Verdun, and she made them feel safe. They dozed off in her vines- another set of taps and they were rewarded with more steak. They couldn't help but moan again as they savored it, actively sucking the juices out as they chewed. It was really no wonder they had been served it so often by rich clientele looking to show off, and why they had gotten upset at such a lackluster reception. They swallowed, recalling that they were trying to remember something else. 

 

Princess hummed happily as Miss Verdun fed them another bite. At least they could rely on her while they tried to piece it together. Maybe they should mentally retrace their steps? They eyed the remaining pieces of steak, already beginning to show a dent. 

 

It'd really be a shame to be worrying during such a lovely meal.  

 

Hopefully it wasn't that important. They swallowed. "Sorry, we can't remember."

 

"That's alright." Miss Verdun tapped their cheek, smiling as she gave them another chunk. "I'm glad you like the meal." She tapped again. 

 

That would be understatement, this is incredible!

 

Be that as it may, they should probably feed themselves now. They blinked as realization dawned like the cap of a fission bomb. 

 

Fuck shit ass hell.

 

Princess felt the blood drain from their face as they nervously swallowed the meat. Maybe they could play it off? "Could we-" their voice cracked and they coughed to clear their throat. "Could we have the fork back?" 

 

"Oh, is that what it was?" Miss Verdun feigned innocence. "Of course, Princess~" She tapped their cheek and fed them one more bite, letting go of the fork as she tapped again. There was that glimmer in her eyes as she did so, the one that wanted them. 

 

Princess pulled the fork out of their mouth as all the blood rushed back to their head, dizzying them. What was that all about? Did she really set all that up just to feed them half a dozen bites of steak? Just to mess with them? 

 

At least she gave it back, instead of feeding them the whole thing. It's not like it was the first time she had fed them, either. Neither fact kept it from being immensely embarrassing. 

 

How did we forget we should feed ourselves while being fed?

 

Today had been long, stressful and exhausting, it was only natural they were a little burnt out! 

 

And she kept distracting us with delicious food! 

 

Princess was also on a good bit of xenodrugs and still recovering from... dozing off in her vines. The memory of which made them shudder. They had been so warm, and comfortable, and safe. They took another bite to think about anything else, this time on their own terms. It really was an incredible meal, it'd be sad when it was gone. They thanked her as they swallowed.

 

Conversation was practically non-existent after that. Between their embarrassment and feeling nearly talked out, Princess was unwilling to broach any subjects. Miss Verdun seemed content to just watch them, that same hungry look in her eye. It was strange, it felt like they were eating in front of a starving wolf, yet they still felt safe. The hypnosis had proven more effective than they thought; hopefully there weren't any negative side effects. 

 

Miss Verdun leapt into action the moment they set the fork down. A flurry of vines collected every dish and placed them into the compiler in a matter of seconds. A possessive glimmer in her eye as her smile unnaturally widened. "Are you ready for your bath, Princess?" 

 

Princess winced, another thing that had slipped their mind. They had to make one last attempt. 

 

"Are you sure we can't-"

 

A glare from Miss Verdun made the words die in their throat. "Dear you are on a much higher dosage of Class E than you were the other night, it simply isn't safe for you to wash yourself," the Affini huffed.

 

Princess felt a growing desperation to avoid their fate. "Maybe you could just... Make sure we don't fall? We'll let you know if the water is making us dizzy!" 

 

"I understand where you are coming from." Miss Verdun picked Princess up. They felt their heart start pounding in their head as vines wrapped around them once again. That feeling of safety and warmth seeping into their bones. "As your guardian, however, I have decided this is the best course of action for you." Her tone made her point clear- there would be no arguing with her. 

 

Princess tried to set the worry aside and focus on the safe feeling as they were set down in the bathroom. There was nothing they could do to avoid being bathed short of a breakdown, and that would only work against them in the end. Miss Verdun wordlessly handed them their toothbrush, albeit already wetted and with a bead of paste on it. They made sure to do a very thorough brushing. Feeding themselves and brushing their teeth were among the last bastions of independence they had left, and eating was already being besieged. It was best to not give the Affini an excuse to play with their mouth. 

 

They spat in the sink and placed the toothbrush back. "Alright," they sighed. 

 

"I'll need to take your bear for a minute, petal. You can have it back after you are dressed for bed." 

 

Bear? Oh, right, the bear. Princess had nearly forgotten they were still holding the thing. It was odd, they had never owned- let alone carried- a stuffed animal, yet it felt so natural in their arms. They held it out for Miss Verdun to take, feeling odd about its temporary absence. 

 

"Let's get you cleaned, Princess." Miss Verdun hummed as her vines took the teddy and got to work unlacing the dress. It fell to the ground around their ankles, leaving them blushing down at the bra and panties she had put on them. Being dressed was normal , but it still made their head spin. The bra being removed as the panties were pulled down shortly after didn't help. Seeing the marks Daisy had left dotting their breasts definitely made it worse. Oh fuck , Daisy had been biting them all up and down their neck! They had been sitting in front of Miss Nele with dozens of fresh hickies on display! 

 

Princess didn't have long to worry about that as they were lifted up and carried into the bath. Vines supported them as they were placed into the water, not nearly as hot as yesterday. Hold . Water was poured over their head, soaking their hair. Miss Verdun let out a deep hum. One they not just heard, but could feel and see rippling in the water. "Princess, would you like to use the Class A soaps tonight? You've had a rather stressful day, and I think they would help you relax."

 

Princess' train of thought sluggishly started up, impeded by the proximity of the Affini, among a number of other compounding factors. Today was taxing. The feeling of safety, the short nap in Miss Verdun's vines, and the dinner hadn't fully eliminated the tension they were carrying. If they learned anything from the last time, it was that the Class As would help ease the final vestiges of stress in them. That and they wouldn't get to care about being washed for long. 

 

Accepting recreational xenodrugs, though?

 

It was hard to actually care about that when Princess had asked Miss Verdun to entrance them and rewrite parts of their brain earlier today. She could have used the opportunity to make them think or do anything. She likely could have even made them think they were already her pet. Instead she made them safe, and loved. She helped free them from the fear of an inevitable collar. It was hardly the most vulnerable or pet-like thing they'd done today. "Yes, please."

 

Princess fought a losing battle against a smile as Miss Verdun's pride poured into them like a waterfall. "As you wish, Princess," she purred, and started to massage shampoo into their scalp, eliciting a small whimper. The Affini whispered into their ear, her words hitting their mind as hot as fresh shells. "Just relax, and enjoy this. Let me take care of you tonight."

 

The telltale tingling of the Class As began to build.  Miss Verdun had a point, as always. If they couldn't wash themselves, they could at least try to enjoy being washed. The massaging went from good to divine as the tingling built and spread, dramatically increasing the pleasure that came with it. They moaned heartily as Miss Verdun scratched a particularly sensitive spot behind their ears, and any remaining reservations about being bathed left them. 

 

The tingling warmth continued to spread, amplifying the pleasure even further. Hold. They held their breath as water was again poured over them, vines helping it rinse off the shampoo before starting to work in the conditioner. It all felt so good, and it only got better as the luffa was brought to the base of their neck. The texture felt incredible as it gently scrubbed them, up and down their neck, before moving onto their back. 

 

Accepting the Class As was maybe the second best decision they had made today. Everything felt so wonderful, even the water gently lapping at their waist made their breath catch, at least when they weren't panting from the luffa traveling up and down their back. Letting the Affini take care of them was far better than worrying about silly things like Miss Verdun trying to own them, or analyzing her every move. 

 

Princess' vision went white, their eyes rolling backwards into their head as they let out a loud moan. Two vines had each wrapped themselves around their breasts, squeezing them as the tips flicked at their engorged nipples. Their hips tried to buck instinctually, a fruitless effort. Miss Verdun's powerful vines had wrapped around their thighs, squeezing and stroking them even as they held them in place. The assault on their breasts continued; pinching, squeezing, teasing, rubbing, massaging- all they could do was moan, and whimper, and press into the Affini's ministrations. 

 

Princess could hear the music again. That strange inaudible song that played only in their head. It was so happy , they smiled vacantly as it filled them up. They would giggle, too, if Miss Verdun felt like letting them. It was as though she was playing them like an instrument. She could elicit a whine of any tone from then seemingly at will. She could make them gasp, or whimper, or any mix of vocalizations. It harmonized with the music, they realized. Miss Verdun was playing them to the song, and they were part of that joyful tune. 

 

They felt the concept of time slip away as they submitted to being Miss Verdun's plaything. Every thought drained from their head, replaced by the music. All that was left was the pleasure building in their body, pooling in their abdomen, building towards something more . They had felt something similar with Daisy, but between the xenodrugs and Miss Verdun's expert touch, it was far, far greater. 

 

Hold . A bucket’s worth of water was poured over Princess' head, and vines scrubbed out the conditioner, stopping their teasing elsewhere. Their mind reeled as it tried to process the sudden cessation, and they were lifted into Miss Verdun's vines. They couldn't stop themselves from trying to grind against the vines supporting them, they were so close ! 

 

"Sorry Princess, but I don't think you'd be too happy with me in the morning if we went that far." Miss Verdun chided as she stopped their needy humping, holding them still and earning one last needy whine. Miss Verdun giggled as she finished drying them off. "Yes, yes I know, Princess, but if that's what you want, you may ask tomorrow, okay?" 

 

Princess whimpered as they were lowered to the floor. Who cares about tomorrow, they needed it now! "Puh- please," they forced out, panting with desire. 

 

Miss Verdun bristled, and a rumbling clicking noise filled the air. "Do not tempt me , little one. Not unless you are ready to be broken." The words sank into them, sending a chill down their back. The need was still simmering, but they were not going to challenge her.

 

"Now," she continued, her voice regaining its natural tone. "Let's get you dressed." Miss Verdun tapped behind their knees, prompting them to lift each leg. She pulled a pair of pink panties onto them, unlike any of the pairs they had worn so far. They were sheer outside of the decorative lace flowers, and did little to hide their straining- was their dick smaller? It was hard to tell when they were high, and it's not like they had stared at it a ton before. They had never been exactly pack- a tap on the elbows had them raise their arms and Miss Verdun pulled an equally revealing nightie on them. Pink and sheer, with fuzzy off-the-shoulder sleeves irrelevant to the structure of the garment, which was actually held on by two small straps on their shoulders. The fuzzy material also trimmed the hem of the nightie, and tickled their thighs when it brushed against them. Were they really expected to wear this to bed? 

 

Princess had their answer as they were lifted into Miss Verdun's vines, which felt just exquisite with the class A. The bear was pressed into their arms as she carried them out of the bathroom and they felt relieved at its return. Moments later they were being laid in bed, Miss Verdun giving them a petting that scrambled their thoughts as she tucked them in. That odd warm, fuzzy, fluttery feeling in their chest returned as Miss Verdun gazed down at them, that look on her face. It was so soft, so warm, so pleasant. If only they could place it.

 

"Goodnight Princess," Miss Verdun cooed as she injected them with the class Z, "I love you." The feeling grew two fold at that.

 

Oh. That's what it was, wasn't it? Love.

 

Darkness took them.

 

-_-_-_-

 

Camila could hardly think of a time when she felt better as she exited the girl's room, Princess had made so much progress today! She asked for help! And cuddles! And Class As! She had even nearly begged to get to cum! Camila was hardly able to stop herself from snapping the girl's mind then and there. She'd already have to make sure to maybe give her a bit extra dosage of Class E tomorrow morning to keep her from panicking about the things she had done. Goodness , the things she was going to do to her once Princess was truly and fully Hers . 

 

Camila entered her office. Now that she knew the deal with Princess' plurality, there were extensive edits that needed to be made to her domestication contract. Not to mention the guarantee that she wouldn't be made to wear a collar. Camila could hardly contain her excitement at the prospect of so much paperwork. She checked her pad before she got started- it had been nearly three hours since she last did so, her vines full with Princess. 

 

There were a few messages from Cordelia, asking her what happened after she got Princess home. Camila would have to answer those later. There was much to tell, and Cordelia was going to nearly rebloom from hearing about how she asked for Class H. There seemed to be a number of other messages from Affini looking after wards taken from the Valiant . Most were easy enough, a quick reassurance that Princess was blooming into a wonderful floret. Some wanted meetings, which she didn't know about arranging. Ash was one thing, but she didn't want to parade her old co-workers in front of her. A few were asking that Camila get along with it already and break her. She ignored those. 

 

She had one final message, from Florence. Ash had agreed to the terms, and passed along their contact information. Camila added them, and sent the Terran a message. 

 

[FrequencyFlower]: Hello, this is Princess' guardian. I wanted to ask a few questions and see when you were available? I think she'll be ready to meet you in two or three days.