Dog of War

Hers . The word echoed under and over every other thought, drowning them out. Camila's rhythm twitched to it, demanding it. Hers. It pulsed through her again and again as her vines wrapped up and around her pet's limbs. She would have her, she would teach her that they belonged to her . Princess was Hers first and foremost. 

 

Camila could feel their pulse accelerate beat by beat. It pounded into her vines as everything slowed around her, allowing her to drink it all in. She drank greedily. Fear was evident; every muscle was tensed as they pulled meekly against her. Shock and confusion were clear as well- the adorably dazed look had tragically been replaced by widened eyes struggling to focus. Underneath that, was a hint of... excitement- no, anticipation? It was only in her rhythm, and her pounding heart, but it was there. She had been so worried about this, hadn't she? She would see there wasn't anything to be afraid of. She would learn how good it was to be owned. 

 

"Ah- Ah-" Princess gasped. It was too precious, watching her attempt to form words under the crushing weight of Camila's will. It only further stoked the need to claim her here and now. "Mi-" her voice was hoarse and weak as she struggled with the words. "Missss..." her voice hissed like a weak jet of steam, and Camila felt like she was standing on the ends of her roots. She forced her eyes shut as she struggled, choking words past grit teeth. "Vrr... Dunn." Camila's vines twitched with annoyance, was she actually still resisting? How?! Was she inferior to a pet?! Resistance could be dealt with. She could rip out everything, break her down and rebuild her into a perfect adoring pet. Make her whole again, and perfect. 

 

Vines wove themselves into her own before she could act. "Well love, before you two go, I do believe you are forgetting something." Camila turned her head to face Cordelia, more radiant than ever. What could she possibly be forgetting? Everything she needed was here. A vine tapped against the glass in Camila's grip. "She needs some water."

 

Embarrassment routed the primal desire. How could she claim Princess if she couldn't even keep her hydrated? Her vines loosened as she sat Princess up and brought the glass to her. "Drink ." Her voice echoed with the last of the need as it bled away. That wasn't the only thing she had forgotten- Princess' monitor was flashing yellow as she took the glass, her hands trembling ever so slightly. 

 

Camila's vines helped her hold it steady. In... Hold... Out... she prompted as Princess took several long draughts. Part of her was still crying out that she needed to claim her and break her and make her understand. Still hungered in that way that ate at her. It was easier to ignore now that rationality had returned, now that she could properly taste the girl's fear. She had done the one thing they feared the most. Careful to not noticeably prick her, Camila slipped in a needle and gave Princess a small boost of Class E. The flashing stopped. 

 

"My apologies, I got-" Camila hesitated, grasping for the right word, "carried away. You do not need to call me Mistress." She lowered the glass. "Are you feeling better, Princess?" 

 

"Yes mistr-" Princess forcibly cleared her throat, and spoke far more deliberately. "Miss. Verdun." 

 

Dirt, she'd probably have to remove that suggestion. Err, later; Princess was still recovering from the scare, she wouldn't want to risk frightening her further. "I'm very sorry to have interrupted you and Daisy, but it's time to get ready. I promise you two can play more tomorrow, okay?" 

 

"Awwwh," Daisy pouted, upright up in the modified pet bed. "Just when she was getting really close and everything!" 

 

"Actually, love," Cordelia purred next to her as she gave her pet an appeasing headpat. "Before you leave, do you think we could talk for a moment? In private?"

 

Camila felt her vines wrap themselves back around Princess at the thought of setting her down. However, she owed Cordelia that much for helping her ground herself. "Of course, one moment." She should at least redress her first. She set the girl down, holding her upright. With a few touches for direction, she was properly clothed again, although the shirt had become soaked with sweat, and her bra was clearly visible through the light material. She helped Princess sit next to her pinnate, and reached to give a parting pet of her own. 

 

Princess flinched away from the vine, into Daisy. "Don't..." 

 

Oh mulch. Camila felt a deep pang in her core. She had overestimated Princess' progress. Her vines coiled tighter and tighter- just how much of her own work had Camila thrown out? 

 

Cordelia's interwoven vines pressed against her own, reminding her to relax. "Of course. I'll be right back, Princess." 

 

Following Cordelia into the living room felt like defeat. Retreating from a battle she couldn't win- not without great cost. Camila had tried to force the issue after spending all that time and careful effort- why? Because she had been jealous of a floret? Of course Princess would be more willing to do such things with Daisy- Daisy was a Terran, a pet, and didn't want to collar her! Even if she had marked up the neck that should be hers -

 

"Camila that was..." Cordelia’s core was thrumming with excitement as they entered the living room. Every flower shivered as a wistful dreaminess accentuated the artwork that was her face. " Quite the sight." 

 

Ah, had she upset Cordelia too? Her eager haste had frightened Daisy as well, it was within her right to be angry. Affini were supposed to care for all florets, not just the ones they owned. A hand on her shoulder helped calm Camila. "I'm a bit worried, though. How are you feeling, love?" 

 

Emotions burst like an overstressed capacitor. "I want her to be mine so badly Cordelia! I want to strip all the pain away, I want to show her how much she's mine , and what ownership actually is! I- there's a part of me that hungers for it in a way I've never felt, a way that's been hard to resist." Camila turned from her friend, too overcome with shame to continue facing her. "When I saw her with that look across her face... I know it doesn't mean anything, I know that submitting to me would mean so so much more. That it's my collar she'll wear, my implant she'll get. Yet when I saw all those marks on her neck- I still can't touch it without her breaking down! I just-" A growling emanated from within. "She's mine, Cordelia. I just- I needed to make her realize- I-"

 

Her friend pulled her close, resting her head on Camila's shoulder as she embraced her from behind. "Shhh, it's alright love, I understand." Slowly the hunger lost its bite, creeping back into its place deep in her core. Camila twisted around to return the hug. Cordelia's vines worked their way into Camila's own as the tension eased. "We Affini need florets as much as they need us. Maybe more. You are still a young bloom, Camila, it is only natural that these feelings are overwhelming at first. I just wanted to make sure you weren't acting out of rashness."

 

Camila had heard that line, many, many times, but it never had the weight it took on in that moment. Trying to make sure Princess was ready before collaring her was admirable, but it came at a cost to both of them. "Thank you, Cordelia. I just-" she let out a series of groaning clicks, "I'm not sure what to do . I need her. I don't know if I can wait more than a week, but I still want to make sure she's ready ." Camila loosened the embrace, now facing her friend. Camila didn't need to see her smile and face to feel the understanding and compassion. They had been together long enough she could read her rhythm nearly as well as her own. The masterwork of her carved mask helped in its own way. "Please, Cordelia, do you have any advice?"

 

“Well, I highly doubt she'll last a full week." Cordelia rumbled for a long moment. "Why do you want her to accept you as an owner herself, instead of forcing her to do so? It couldn't be any more evident she needs an owner at this point, and she might not even be able to ask."

 

"I just-" Camila paused. No. This wasn't for herself. As satisfying as it had been watching the girl lose herself bit by bit, it was mostly painful. Every time Princess slipped just a little further, Camila felt the need to seize the rest. Every stolen touch just reminded her she didn't truly own the girl. In just a few days, it was Princess that had nearly broken Camila's resolve. Princess, however, remained determined to avoid a collar. As core wrenchingly awful as it was to watch her struggle, it was for her own sake.  

 

"She's lived in fear and anxiety so long and I don't want becoming a pet to feel like an extension of that. She deserves the kindness and patience she never received. She deserves to be so loved she no longer wants to be anywhere else. Even if it's hard on me, I want to give her that, Cordelia."

 

Cordelia smiled serenely, adoration peeling off of her. "Then you should do that, my love."

 

Camila pulled her into the tightest embrace she could give. "Thank you, Cordelia. You've always been such a good friend. I don't know what I'd do without you." 

 

Cordelia matched her enthusiasm, a hug so tight the pressure between them could crush a tungsten sphere. "Of course." They pulled apart, and the older Affini ran her hand through Camila's mossy hair. "I'll always be here for you, my love." Something inside Camila twisted at that. Princess wasn't the only thing she had been denying herself, after all.

 

Cordelia's mood lightened, the Affini returning to her usual bright and cheery self as she ended the embrace. "That said, I wouldn't blame you if you changed your mind and broke her the second you got her home! She's a major cutie, and needs it to show! Honestly, after that incident I think it would be best for both of you." A sly grin tugged on the corners of Cordelia's mouth, "All that self denial is bad for you, you know." Was that a coincidence? Or did Cordelia somehow know how Camila felt? "I will support you regardless, of course. That is what friends do, after all, and you seem to have it set in your mind that it's best."

 

"It is," Camila resolved. 

 

"In that case, you may want to have a talk with her, and take it a little easier on the teasing- at least until after therapy."

 

Camila grumbled. Giving up the teasing even for a little was quite a loss. Princess was so cute when she got flustered! If it was the best for her though, she would manage it. Somehow. "Well we should get back in there before Princess has too much time to worry herself."

 

Cordelia opened the door to Daisy's garden in agreement. The two Terrans were still sitting next to each other, Daisy held Princess' hand in her own and ran her thumb along hers. She turned as she sensed her owner's presence, "Oh, hi Mistress! Uhm, Princess is feeling a lil' better, Miss Verdun." 

 

"Thank you, Daisy." Camila rewarded the pet with a headpat she accepted with joy. Pain pricked through her core as Princess shrank away from it, despite its destination. "I'm very sorry you two didn't get as much time as you wanted, I'll make sure you get more time together tomorrow. For now, you should say goodbye to Princess." 

 

Daisy gave her an enthusiastic squeeze Princess slowly returned, "Byeeeee! Sorry you didn't get to finish!" She pulled away, retreating into her Mistress' vines. "Next time we should do it on Class As! It'll feel way better!"

 

"I'll think about it." Princess' voice was flat, but not totally lifeless. "See you tomorrow, Daisy."

 

Camila looked to Cordelia, who returned her gaze with a nod. "Well, Daisy, I can think of one other cutie who's in need of a release~" She coo'd and Daisy let out a gasp that devolved into a moan. "Goodbye Princess, Camila," Cordelia bade as she carried her pet out of the Garden. 

 

They were alone now. "Are you ready to go home, Princess?" 

 

"Yes," she acquiesced. 

 

Her rhythm was thankfully not silent, but it was subdued. Not a promising sign. "Is it fine if I pick you up?" 

 

"Yes." 

 

Camila fought against vocalizing her displeasure, instead offering a vine for Princess to take once ready. Their hand paused just about a dozen centimeters away, just long enough for Camila to wonder if they might reject her vine, before finally taking it. She picked them up- not in the needy, possessive manner she had snatched them from underneath Daisy- slowly and deliberately, making sure to communicate her actions prior to their occurrence, doing her best not to alarm them. In her vines again, there was a small lilt in her music that gave Camila some much needed hope. "Let's go get you cleaned up." 

 

The walk back to their own Hab was short, and they were soon in the bathroom. A full bath would be nice, but there was a scant ninety minutes between now and her appointment. Of course, some tardiness was fairly expected, but she would be getting a proper bath later tonight. All Princess needed presently was the dried saliva cleaned up and her hair fixed. Wetting a towel with warm water, Camila wiped her clean and steadied her on her feet. 

 

Unbuttoning the overalls, they fell to the floor, revealing the majority of marks Daisy had left. Dozens of bites and hickies dotted the right side of her neck to her shoulder, a few more poked out from their place under her bra. Camila brushed past the pang of annoyance. Princess would call her Mistress in the end. However, that wasn't the only thing she noticed- Princess had clearly been enjoying the treatment from her pinnate. There was an appreciable wet spot on the front of her panties, slick with precum. 

 

Camila couldn't send her to therapy with cum in her panties, could she? She didn't have a change of underwear on her, and she could hardly just leave the girl in current state even for a minute. Worse was having to pass up such an easy tease. Ohh, how badly she wanted to see her squirm and flush as she pointed out just how aroused submitting had made her, how much better Camila could do as an Affini. See if she could get her to ruin them utterly. She couldn't, though. Princess' mood was just so precarious . There would be opportunities later. Hopefully some lunch would improve her mood. 

 

Retrieving the dress Camila compiled that morning, she loosened the laces and helped Princess step in. She had been taking to gesture training extremely well; even in her current state her responses were quick and without complaint. Camila pulled it up, and helped her get her arms through where they were supposed to and- Hm. She looked adorable as ever in the dress, but the off-the-shoulder sleeves perfectly framed the majority of the marks left by Daisy. Maybe she should help Princess even out with a nibble of her own? A few small ones surely wouldn't- 

 

Camila pushed the thought out; she needed to get Princess ready for therapy, and that needed her in a certain mental space as well. She tightened the dress, finishing it off an orderly bow. "I'm going to put you in my lap to fix your hair, okay?" 

 

Princess nodded, not saying a word. It was painful to see her be this subdued. As Camila undid the braids and began to make new ones her mind wandered. Maybe her approach was wrong? Breaking her would be frightening at first, sure, but then Camila could give her the help she needed. However, that would be throwing out all the work they had done in the last few days... Maybe Princess just needed some alone time? She did seem to process her emotions better when in perceived solitude. 

 

"All done!" Camila announced, as she slipped Princess' coin into her skirt pocket. "I still have to make lunch. Do you think you'll be fine on your own for ten to fifteen minutes?" 

 

Her voice gained a hint of life. "That would be nice, actually. Could you put me on my bed, please?"

 

Relief washed over Camila at the sign of recovery. "Of course." She picked her up, and there was a small noise in Princess’ throat that died even as it was born. It seemed her enjoyment of being carried was something even a dour mood couldn't truly dampen. Another good sign. Camila set her in the center of the bed, towards the top where the blanket ended. "Is there anything else you need, Princess?" 

 

"No, that's all. Thanks Mistress." Princess' eyes widened as she stiffened, and glee bubbled up in Camila's core. "Er- Mi-Miss Verdun." Her face turned crimson as she fidgeted with the hem of her dress. Princess loudly cleared her throat, "C-Can I have that fifteen minutes now?"

 

Camila struggled to hide her amusement, "Of course, petal. Just feel free to call if you need me." 

 

Princess nodded, unwilling or unable to speak, and Camila left. She didn't even make it to the kitchen before Jess' chime played. "Uh, Princess started screaming into her pillow as soon as you left!"

 

"That's fine," Camila continued to the kitchen undeterred, still riding the high of the accidental 'Mistress.' "She just needs to vent some stress." A bit of catharsis in a manner of the girl's own choosing should hopefully do her some good. 

 

"Are you sure? She seems really upset!" 

 

"I’m sure, but let me know if it escalates." A chipper chime-out signaled Jess' acknowledgement. This is the right decision, Camila reminded herself, this is what Princess needs . Just to be safe, she took out her pad and brought up the camera feed. Princess was exactly as expected- face hidden in the pillow, tightly holding it to muffle herself. Knowing it would do her good didn't make witnessing it any easier. She closed the camera. 

 

Camila wondered what to make that would work best? Giving her new food was a delight, but she was bound to find a dish she didn't like eventually. Perhaps something she liked, but prepared in a different way, a lovely synthesis of new and safe.

 

The first thing that came to mind was the burger- she had relished every bite and yet it had been plain as far as hamburgers go. Perhaps simply some additional bacon and avocado? Those seemed to be commonly used toppings together, and Princess had already enjoyed both. 

 

The recipe was fresh in her mind, and it didn't take long to get the ingredients assembled, this time bringing out a second pan for the bacon and a pot of oil for the fries. Making the patty and cutting the potatoes into skinny strips took just long enough for the pans to get heated. Camila put the meats in their respective pans as she compiled a caddy for the fries, getting those in as the oil reached its necessary heat. 

 

Once the patty and bacon were flipped, there was at least a solid minute, maybe two, before the meal was done. Camila utilized the time check in on her pet-to-be. Princess had stopped screaming, that was good! She was, however, now just staring listlessly up at the ceiling, a troubled look on her face, an arm on her forehead and the other on her exposed hip. Her chest was gently rising and falling as she focused on her breathing. 

 

What Camila would give to know what was running through her adorable little head right now. Well, it wouldn't be too long before she was ready for the implant. Actually, Camila should make an appointment to get her core sample taken for it. Maybe even tomorrow? Cordelia should be able to watch her. 

 

The bacon was done, followed shortly by the patty. Assembling the burger was quick work, and she set the finished item on the plate. She removed the fries, and gently tapped the caddy against the pot several times to let the excess oil drain away. She shook the caddy and poured salt into it before dumping them onto the plate. A glass of water, and the meal was done. Camila took advantage of the remaining time to decompile all the other dishes and clean up. Princess' appointment was in a little over an hour now, and being able to just decompile her dishes and go would be helpful. 

 

Camila cautiously opened the door to Princess' room and crept inside. 

 

"Oh? Is time up already?"

 

Not nearly stealthy enough. "Technically it's been seventeen minutes since I departed, but yes. Lunch is ready." 

 

Princess stretched laying down, arching her back as she pulled her arms over her head, grunting as she did. Camila had to root herself to the spot to keep from sweeping the Terran into her vines. "Alright." The girl swung like a hinge to sit upright, "Could you please carry me to the table?" 

 

There was a pang of disappointment. Another slipped 'Mistress' would have been delightful, but Princess asking to be carried on her own was a joy in and of itself. Almost as nice as the sensation of her in her vines, where she belonged. A sensation that was over too soon, despite her taking her time moving to the kitchen. 

 

"Oh, a burger again?" Princess asked as she was placed in front of the meal. 

 

Camila took her spot across the Terran. "This one is different from your last, I hope you like it."

 

She watched with anticipation as Princess brought the sandwich to her mouth and took a bite. A long moan was her prize. "Ohhh that's really good." 

 

"It's nice to see you smiling again." Camila gave her a smile of her own.

 

"Hm." Princess grunted, "That was scary as..." She furrowed her brow, trying to puzzle something out. "Just don't do that again, please," she mumbled before savoring another bite. 

 

Some trouble with the 'no swearing while eating' suggestion? "I am sorry, little one, I just got riled up seeing you like that. I'll practice more restraint in the future."

 

"It's..." Princess paused, searching for the words. "Well, not fine , but- whatever. Just please don't do that again." She picked up a few fries, trying them. "Oh, these are different!"

 

Camila felt pride well up. "Yes, I made these- last time I forgot and had them compiled." It seemed like all Princess had needed was a bit of private time, some good food, and reassurance. Maybe now was a good time for one of the more pressing questions Camila had? She waited for Princess to swallow. "It looked like you had some fun with Daisy."

 

Princess flushed pink. "Uh, yeah, something like that." She took another bite, desperate to avoid the conversation. 

 

Pushing too hard would be a mistake, it was better just give her some praise and drop the subject. "Well I just want to say I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to explore your sexuality. I'm proud of you." 

 

Pink cheeks turned red. "Th-thanks," she struggled. She could try to subdue her reactions, but Camila could still hear the happiness in her rhythm. Going who knows how long without any positive feedback had left her adorably weak to it. 

 

The meal continued in silence for a few minutes, outside of all the adorable eating noises Princess made. "So, uhm, I presume we're going to therapy after this?"

 

"That is correct, your appointment is in a little over half an hour. We'll be leaving as soon as you finish eating." The nervous way her eyes darted to the side prompted Camila to add, "You know, we can postpone it if you aren't ready."

 

Princess mulled it over. "No, it is fine. I'm not going to get any readier." She poked the last bit of burger into her mouth and sighed as she swallowed. "A wonderful meal as always, Miss Verdun."

 

"I'm glad you enjoyed it!" Camila had been hoping for another unintended 'Mistress,' truthfully. Well, it shouldn't take too long- it clearly took effort fpr her to say 'Miss Verdun.' She got up and moved to Princess' side. "Is it alright if I carry you there?" 

 

She shifted nervously, clearly trying to hide her desire for it. "Y-yeah." 

 

Ahhh, it was good to see Princess get back to herself. Camila offered a vine with a smile. The girl accepted it, and they were off.

 

It didn't take long to reach the modest Affini building near the shoreline. The sea air was refreshing as cool winds from the ocean swept across the land, fighting back the heat from the local star. Florets and Affini alike were out enjoying the gentle waves and black sand beaches. Independents as well, she supposed. Although they preferred the beaches dedicated for them, where any present Affini knew to be more reserved. 

 

Camila and Princess entered the building, a faint jingling announcing their arrival. Inside was a relatively standard waiting room, accommodating all types of sophonts. Large cushions and chairs for Affini and florets, intermixed with Terran-sized chairs. A window that spanned the entire wall gave anyone inside a clear view of the not-so-distant shore. Opposite the window were three doors; one behind an unattended counter, and another to either side. 

 

"I'll be right out," an Affini- presumably the therapist- called from the back. 

 

Camila took the time to set Princess down. "Now remember, I'll be right outside if you need me."

 

She straightened out her dress. "I'll keep that in mind, thank you." 

 

The door to the left side slid open, revealing a small Affini- not even a full meter taller than Princess. "Ah, Camila, I didn't expect that you'd be early!" She turned her attention to the Terran, extending a vine in greeting. "Acaulescent Nele, Third Bloom, she/her. Camila here has told me quite a lot about you, and I've been looking forward to our meeting!" 

 

Princess took the vine in a handshake. "Charmed to meet you, Miss Nele." 

 

"My, my, you really are well mannered! I'm excited to work with you," she beamed. "I am ready to get started if you are."

 

Princess shrugged. "I see no reason to delay any further."

 

Acaulescent faced Camila again. "There's a compiler in the back room if you need anything." She pointed at the door opposite the one she came through. "Of course, I will call for you when she's ready or if she asks, so if you wish to explore in the area-" 

 

"No need," Camila took out her pad, "but thank you. I have a few affairs to attend to. I'll wait here." 

 

"Well alright then!" Acaulescent turned her gaze back to Princess. "If you would follow me, please." 

 

Princess nodded, and walked close behind the Affini, wobbling ever so slightly as the door closed behind them. Camila tensed and untensed her vines a few times before taking a seat and pulling up a search for core sampling.