Chapter 3. I Want to Make You Bark

  -Naomi Kobayashi-

  I live alone. Not because I want to, but because my parents are pretty much constantly abroad. The st time I even saw either of them was a year ago. I guess they send me messages on the holidays, that, and gifts to make me think I’m not being totally neglected. I don't mind, really. At this point, I feel like it would be weird to live with them. Besides, they send me more than enough money as long as I keep up my grades. Considering I'm top of my school, that isn't much of an issue.

  All in all, it's not bad. Maybe I would have been lonely, but thanks to Ai, I'm completely content.

  That's not true when she isn't with me, though. Waking up alone in this house that's far too rge for me is isoting, and even when I look outside the window, I feel like I am alone on this pnet. That feeling only gets worse during summer break, and today is the first day of that.

  In the afternoon, I lie near motionless on the couch closest to the front door, endlessly scrolling on my phone as if anything will make me feel anything. Ai said she was gonna come today... but she hasn't texted me since the morning. I switch to Line only to open and close and open and close and repeat these actions upon Ai's profile, even though I know that won't make her message me sooner, if she will at all.

  I check the time. 2:00 PM exactly. I check again ten minutes ter. It's 2:01. The passage of time feels endless when I'm lonely.

  Maybe I should message her? Then again, she might just think I'm needy. Maybe she forgot we had pns today, though... But, she never forgets anything when it comes to me. It's one of the many amazing things about her. It feels like she knows me more than I know myself, and justly so, I have the privilege of knowing a part of her that nobody else sees. She isn't able to open up to anybody but me, and that... really makes me feel special. She makes me feel special in so many ways.

  ... I've been thinking a lot about the time two days ago when we kissed. Maybe it meant a lot more to me; to her, she just wanted to know what it felt like, but... My heart had never raced that much before. I think I've been feeling weird around her for a while now, and that just amplified it. I've always liked her more than anyone else, but tely... it's just been... different.

  Whenever she touches me, or even just so much as brushes up against me, I get this indescribable feeling. A warmth in my chest, and a pleasant tightening. I think I know what it might be, but... It's kinda weird for me to admit it. And, I don't think she feels the same way. We're... friends, after all. I know she'd accept me either way, and that... she knows that I'm like this. She saw that thing I was reading, after all.

  She did want to read it, though, so... Maybe she…? No, she's just– She's just curious, I'm sure. She always wants to know everything about me, and that includes the things I like.

  Absent-mindedly, I mumble. "I mean... there's no way Ai-chan is... like this too–" But, I'm distracted by the sudden sound of the door bell, causing me to fall off the couch.

  I quickly got to my feet, however, rushing to the door. I froze for a moment, took a breath, and opened the door, hoping my excitement wasn't too pinly written on my face.

  To my supreme relief, it was indeed Ai at the door. Seeing her in casual clothes was always such a treat, and with her hair tied into a loose ponytail, she looked even more wonderful. Looking for a few more moments, I noticed the bag she held in her hands, though I couldn't tell what might be in it. That unknown factor made my heart flutter.

  Before I could say hello, she beat me to it, "Sorry for taking so long, I wanted to finish that manga I borrowed from you." She giggled lightly, "I didn't expect the story to be so interesting! I might even buy the second volume."

  "Oh, no worries...!" I replied back, trying my best to contain my excitement from knowing she enjoyed something of mine. "I'm... gd you liked it." I smiled.

  "Mm. Anyway, sorry again— let me in," I didn't waste a second in letting her step inside. Her presence made me feel so happy, I could barely handle it. With my heart racing, I closed the door behind her, locking it quickly.

  Turning back to face her, she had already sat down on the couch as if she owned the pce. That wasn't surprising, considering how often she was here. I liked seeing her this way, too. Sometimes... it even felt like we were living together. Like some newlyweds... Me and Ai... married... Ah...

  "You okay there, Naomi-chan? Your face is pretty red." When I came back to awareness, she was staring right at me as I stood near the door like a fool. Agh... I'm so embarrassed...

  I quickly tried to come up with an answer, settling on one after a good few moments. "Y-yeah! I... was just, um..." As I tried to continue, she patted the spot next to her, inviting me to sit. I did. "... Wondering what you had in the bag, that's all."

  "Wellll, first off, I brought back the manga," *She opened the bag, rifling through it for a moment before taking out the aforementioned object.

  "Ah... thank you," I smiled as she handed it over, her hand moving back to the bag to continue her search.

  "And... I got you something." Her smile seemed to widen as she said that, moving her hand back into the bag to take out... A colr, leash, and a dog ears headband. "Today, you're gonna be my pet!"

  "... Huh?"

  The very picture of innocence, she tilted her head, batting her eyeshes in her usual style as she expined further. "You like dogs, don't you?"

  "W-well, I mean, yes, but... that doesn't mean I want to be one..." I mumbled a tad as I felt my cheeks heat up, fidgeting in pce.

  "But, I want you to be my puppy today..." She frowned a bit, an expression that immediately made me feel guilty. "I think you'd be a cute doggy, too."

  "... Okay." I very quickly gave in, just like I always did. I don't think that's a bad thing, either.

  With a grin, she pced the headband on me, "Good girl!" The phrasing and tone made my heart skip a beat, especially as she put the colr around my neck. The soft leather was cool against my skin, and the gentle pressure it put on my neck was comfortable, almost rexing. Until she tightened it, that is. I winced, but didn't argue, nor did I move as she clipped the leash onto it.

  Very quickly, I felt restless, starting to chew on the inside of my lip. Being called a 'good girl' alone made me feel embarrassed, as silly as it is... But, just being like this was even worse. If anybody but Ai were to see me like this, I think I would just die... Even imagining it is enough to make me want to curl up into a ball. Yet, Ai is simply sitting there with a look of contentment on her face, something on the edge of a smirk.

  "I-it's... a bit tight, Ai-chan..." I muttered as I moved to fidget with it.

  However, with a swift motion, she quickly moved her own hand towards mine, batting it away as she narrowed her eyes. "If you keep being a good girl, I'll loosen it. But... if you're bad..." Her hand slowly moved to the colr once more, her thumb pressing down on the front, making me flinch. "I'll tighten it further."

  "... O-okay..."

  "Hm? Dogs can't talk, Naomi-chan." She released her grip, but her expression stayed dark.

  I had to think about it for a moment before coming to the conclusion of what I needed to say. "W-woof..." Withstanding all my shame, I said what I hated more than anything else at that moment. And of course, she loved it. That signature, beautiful and charming smile, just as perfect as ever.

  Her hand immediately moved to my head in response, rubbing my scalp gently. It felt oddly... good. Comforting, just as her words, "Good girl!" She smiled once more, making me feel warm in my chest. "Now, stand up."

  Knowing full well that she would pull me up using the leash if I took too long, I immediately complied, careful not to rush too far. Just being around Ai right now made my legs shaky, but considering she told me to stand, that's what I was going to do. She continued to sit, looking up to me as she seemed to be deep in thought. With those small hums coming from her lips, it sounded like she was enjoying herself.

  Her smile eventually widened, her head tilting to the side as she rested her chin on her hand. "Sit, girl." She pointed to the ground.

  I did as she said, falling to my knees in mere moments. I fell a bit quickly, though, hurting my knees just a tad. Though I felt some pain, her beaming face was more than worth it. At least this didn't make me feel nearly as exposed... not that this wasn't embarrassing.

  "You're trained so well already," She giggled. "Ah, but... I just realized something..." A subtle frown of worry took hold of her visage, which made me grow nervous myself. "Dogs aren't supposed to wear clothes..."

  I froze at the implication, blood immediately rushing to my cheeks. "A-ah... That's– I, ah..."

  "Strip."

  God... just the way she ordered it with her face completely devoid of emotion made it all even worse. Shivering, I avoided looking in her direction, instead down at the floor. Before I could do anything else, however, she tugged at the leash once, causing me to choke for a moment and look back right at her.

  "You're not a bad girl, are you?"

  I desperately shook my head, a very surprising dread entering me. I didn't expect to be so absolutely frightened by that concept, as if the world would come crashing down the moment I did something wrong. But, it seems I can't avoid even being scared in a situation like this.

  So, I only really had... one choice. It's not that bad, she's seen me in my underwear before, and we were both girls, so... I was fine. Pulling my tee-shirt over my head, it got stuck on the leash. Before I could try and move it, Ai grabbed it and pced it beside her in a rather messy manner.

  I thought I saw her staring at my chest for a few moments, but I tried my best to ignore it as I moved onto my pants. It was a bit difficult to do while sitting, having to adjust my position a tad, but after a bit of struggling, I managed. I folded them neatly and pced them beside me, only in my bra and underwear now.

  I very suddenly felt horribly exposed, especially under Ai's intense gaze. Even with her expression remaining calm, a wide smile across her lips, I felt embarrassed at even the slightest gnce from her.

  Though... Despite the nerves that made my stomach churn, that gaze did make me feel other things, too. My pulse picked up at each short exchange, and in time, a heated fog began to cover my mind, clouding it slowly. I hoped she wouldn't notice the sharp gasps and breaths I attempted to hide, or how I unconsciously shifted my position repeatedly.

  "Cute," I heard her speak under her breath, a smirk upon her face. Right after, she crossed her legs, her voice raising, "Down, girl."

  It took me a moment to understand what exactly she wanted out of me, considering the vagueness of the order, but I eventually came to the conclusion she wanted me to lean down on the ground. My chest was practically touching the floor, my shoulders tensed and elbows set down.

  Looking up at her, I watched as she bit down onto her bottom lip, her eyes narrowed. She looked at me like this sometimes when we do things like this, and just the slightest gnce of it was almost too much. I didn't know what she was feeling, or thinking, but maybe... it was something I felt too.

  Without even noticing I had begun, I was crawling towards her. All I wanted to do was to come closer, to feel her touch, her wants. But, immediately, I was put back onto the ground as her foot smmed down on the top of my head. I let out a sudden yelp in response, and she barely even reacted to it, my mouth growing dry as I felt my blood run cold.

  "What do you think you're doing, hm?" Her tone was neutral, not changing in the slightest as she watched me and forced me down. "Bad dog. Don't move unless I tell you to. Are you a bad girl?"

  "N-no! No! I–" I felt myself break, a sob falling from my lips as she kept me pinned, the tension filling me and making my eyes grow hot.

  She scoffed in response, moving her foot a bit, making me wince. "Dogs don't talk. You should know better, considering how obedient you've been so far..." I was so, so ashamed at that moment. All I wanted to do was apologize a million times, and bury myself in a hole. The worst thing, however, was that I couldn't. I couldn't apologize, all I could do was...

  "W-woof...! ... Woof..." Sniffling, I felt absolutely filthy. And, I felt so... bad. Ai deserves so much better, she deserves the most wonderful person in the world. Yet, she's stuck here with me. I tried my best over and over, but again I was just disappointing her. Horrible. I was horrible. A pathetic dog, just a loyal pet that causes troubles no matter what. She deserves a girl who never makes a mistake, one who does what she says and gives her everything she wants.

  Eventually, the weight began to ease up, and her grip slowly lessened. In a single moment, it seemed she loosened her foot, her eyes widening for a bit.

  "One more mistake, Naomi-chan, and I'll have to change your colr to something else. Understood?"

  "... Woof."

  "Good girl. I think you deserve a treat!" She smiled, letting go of the leash for a moment to get something from the bag. After rummaging through it for a short while, she pulled out a small packet of... dog treats. The kind you'd buy at a pet store, small biscuits in the shape of a bone.

  All in all, seeing such a thing immediately made me want to ugh at the absurdity of it all, but I felt like if I even so much as smiled right now, she'd, er... do what she threatened before. Therefore, I just sat there as she took a single treat and held it between her fingers, holding it out to me.

  Gulping, I tried to distance my mind from the action. Surely it wouldn't taste bad, right? After all, how could it be any different from human food? I approached her hand with great hesitance, and, despite my trepidation, I delicately moved my head up to take the treat between my lips.

  The moment it hit my tongue, however, I recoiled. Metallic, that was the first taste that came to mind. Almost like blood, horribly strong and unpleasant. I tried to ignore the taste for a moment, but upon biting down and beginning to chew, I recoiled and gagged. It was wet as it escaped the confines of my mouth, falling onto the floor with a gross spt.

  A moment of tense silence, and I refused to look up, my shaking becoming so pronounced that it was all I could focus on. I could still taste the horrid metallic fvor in my mouth, and it brought tears to my eyes once more.

  "Ah... do you not like the taste of liver?" She sighed, "I heard it's good for dogs."

  I resisted the urge to say 'sorry,' but knew that would only make things worse. Even still, I somehow felt even worse than when she just left me pinned.

  She didn't seem too broken up about it, though, "Oh, whatever. Come up on the couch."

  Hesitantly lifting my head, I nodded, my eyes stinging as I blinked away tears. Each sniffle caused a swell of shame to rise up in my chest, but getting closer to Ai made me feel better. It always did. Even still, lifting myself up to sit beside her was difficult, equally so as the tightness of the colr began to get to me.

  That's when I heard it click, Ai's hands having undone the colr's buckle before moving it out from around my neck. She smiled gently at me as she id it down, delicately rubbing the reddened area on my neck. Her fingers were so soft, and I found myself leaning into her as my eyes threatened to close.

  "Marks always look so pretty on your skin..." She hummed, ever gentle as she traced a circur pattern.

  My tears began to slow and then stop as I was comforted, and before long, it felt like I didn't have a reason to cry at all. All I could do was melt as she continued touching me in the way I wanted. With each stroke of her hand, her head started to approach mine, our faces getting closer until I felt the softness of her lips connect with my forehead. She was so warm, each movement sending a delicate tingle up my spine.

  Then, as I rexed, she grabbed something from the bag once more and wrapped it around my neck. Another colr, but it felt... slightly heavier, and it seemed to be a different brand. What's more, there seemed to be... a remote in her hand?

  "I guess you still need a bit more training..." She huffed with a smile, looking at the remote for a moment.

  Then, she pointed it at me, clicking a button.

  I immediately felt a terrible shock run through my body, originating from the colr. I jolted, falling backwards into the cushion as I cried out in pain. It sted only a split moment, but the pain was some of the worst I had felt in a long, long time. Taking heaving breaths, I looked at Ai with teary eyes.

  "W-what was... that...?" My mind was a whirlwind as I tried to deal with what just happened. I didn't even notice how heavy I was breathing, or how my chest hurt from the action.

  Ai giggled, "It's a shock colr to help train dogs like you! From now on, whenever you're a bad girl, I'll shock you again!" She smiled, her head tilted as if she had done no wrong in her life. "Ah, and by the way... That was the lowest voltage. I'll increase it every so often..."

  My eyes widened in absolute horror.

  But, before I could respond, her smile shifted. There was a gentleness to it as she looked into my eyes, pcing the remote aside for the moment as she pressed her lips into mine. I was stunned, to say the least, having not seen the motion coming— I couldn't move my body, her lips moving against me for a few moments, softly nipping at my own before she pulled away. My heart pounded in my chest, a pleasurable feeling running through my body from the remnant kiss.

  Her words echoed in my head, "And, that'll be your reward for being a good girl. Doesn't that sound nice?"

  I didn't even process things properly before I began adamantly nodding, a rush through my head nearly dizzying. I didn't think about anything else other than wanting her to do it again. Yes, please, again... I wanted to say those words so badly, but if I did, I'd be bad.

  A little giggle escaped her. "Good girl." The words sent a pleasant tingle down my spine, but, then, the doorbell rang.

  "Ah..." She froze for a moment, staring at me with an indifferent expression. "Annoying. Quickly get dressed and answer that," She sighed, beginning to undo the colr but... seeming to struggle. "... Ugh, this is taking too long. Put on my jacket, zip it up to the top, that'll hide it, I guess."

  She began to take it off, and I watched intently. She was just wearing a tank-top under it, and I could easily see her colrbone and a bit of her bra through it. Maybe it was hypocritical to be so flustered at seeing her chest, considering I had hardly anything on, but... aaaah...

  "Could you stop staring at me and go already...?" She frowned, handing me her jacket as I took it into my arms.

  "S-sorry," I quickly got to putting back on my shirt, and then my pants, putting my arms through the jacket as the doorbell rang out again. Clearing my throat, I called out, "I'll be there in one moment."

  "I'm gonna go to your room," She stood up, grabbing the bag and walking away without even waiting for me to respond. I understood why she was so irritated, she hated more than anything our time together getting interrupted.

  Still, I couldn't leave the person at the door waiting. So, upon zipping up the jacket, I made my way to the door quickly, fixing up my appearance as best as I could. The jacket's colr went up to nearly the top of my neck, hiding the colr, though there was a tiny bulge... I pulled it down as low as I could manage without hurting myself before sighing, and opening the door.

  I knew the girl at the door, it seemed. A fellow member of the student council, and a dutiful one at that. We didn't talk often, but I respect how much work she always puts into things. That being said... I was always off put by how short she was, honestly. As I stood at 180 centimeters, and her 144, I practically had to look directly down to meet her gaze. I understood, then, why elephants were scared of mice. Frightening, such a thing couldn't be normal.

  "... Hello, Maki-san." I spoke bndly, my eyes half closed.

  "Ah, er, good afternoon, Kobayashi-san!" She bowed down slightly, her pigtails swaying as she did.

  I didn't really have anything against Kanako Maki, but right now, I just wanted to get back to Ai. Still, though, I couldn't help but notice how cute her outfit was. A pink, frilly dress, with matching shoes and what looked like a white bow in her hair. She was probably going on a date or something ter today. Hopefully she'd leave soon, even if we are generally friendly with each other.

  "Do you require something from me?"

  Her stance suddenly grew shy, a tint of red appearing on her cheeks as she curled her shoulders. "I, um... wanted to invite you somewhere!" She suddenly raised her voice, as if the words were dying to escape from her, "I was going to message you, but... I realized I didn't have your number, so– I came here instead to ask you in person!"

  Taken aback, I blinked a few times, remaining silent. "... Invite me somewhere?" I paused for a moment as she nodded, "If it's today, I'm afraid I'm busy, so..."

  "Ah! Not today. Thursday, actually. I, um... I have some movie tickets I wasn't able to use, so, if you... If you want, maybe you'd want to go...?"

  I guess it would be fun... If Ai wanted to see me that day, though, I'd have to decline. So, I'd just have to see how things went.

  "I'll... see if I'm free, then. Could I add you on Line?" I took my phone from my pocket, pulling open the app before looking over to her.

  "Y-yes, of course!" She smiled, reaching into her own pocket and taking out her phone. A few moments ter, she sent me a test message upon getting added, and our chat was settled.

  "I'll find out as soon as I can if my schedule works for that day. Now, is there anything else you wanted...?"

  She seemed stunned for a moment, considering the question, before responding, "Um... No, that was it."

  Though I was going to respond and say goodbye, a small thud from my bedroom distracted us both. I felt myself tense up, attempting to act completely natural.

  "Huh...? Is someone–"

  "No." I immediately interrupted. "Something might have fallen, though, so I'll go check. I'll talk to you l– Ah–!" My body tensed up, my hand moving to my neck as a simir shock to before joleted me for a brief instant. It sted for far less time than the st, but even still, my neck felt like it was burning.

  "A-are you okay, Kobayashi-san?!" Genuine concern washed over her face, along with confusion as to why I yelled like that.

  A wave of pure dread washed over me as I responded, trying to remain as unaffected as possible, "I– I'm fine, thank you for worrying. I simply twisted my ankle earlier, so standing is a bit... difficult."

  Good, that was a good lie, right? Nobody would ever suspect anything if they heard that, so Maki will probably think nothing of it. She still seemed a tad worried, though, but... I think she believes me.

  "Ah...? Oh, I... hope you feel better soon, then." She gave a sympathetic smile, bringing her hands close to her chest in a concerned manner, then letting out a sharp breath as she smiled. "If everything is alright, then I'll be on my way."

  "Yes, thank you. Take care on your way home."

  We exchanged our goodbyes, and I closed the door, perhaps a bit too quickly all things considered. Though, once the lock clicked, I immediately bolted over to my room with a flushed face, opening the door to reveal a displeased Ai looking out the window, holding the remote in her hand.

  I closed the door behind me. "Ai-chan, I'm–"

  "Bad dog." The moment the words came out of her mouth, my heart stopped as she pushed the button, and I felt it once more.

  "Ghh–!" It was far, far worse than st time. Not only did her thumb not leave the button, but it was as if the shock was amplified many times over. It was all I could do to fall to the ground, my teeth clenched and legs wobbling uncontrolbly. "St–Sto–" I attempted to speak through it, but the words became nothing more than incomprehensible gibberish.

  The pain was unlike anything else, even the worst burn would be barely comparable. My heart felt like it would stop at any moment, the pure agony, the burning and aching and pain and–

  She let up, leaving me there on the ground. I was gasping frantically for air, and though I felt as if my eyes should have been dry by now, tears continued to flow uncontrolbly. My body shook as I tried to steady myself, failing each attempt. It hurt so bad, but... maybe I deserved it. I don't know exactly what I did to cause her to be angry, but, I'm sure she's justified.

  Ai crouched down, frowning. "Don't message that girl," I felt her hand cup my chin, lifting it up. "Besides, I wanna see you on Thursday too, so it's not like you'll be going."

  "Y-yes... yes... I'm sorry," I was frantic to agree, adamantly nodding at her words. I only noticed now how drool had begun to fall from my lips, too caught up in the intense shocks to even stop the flood. I felt gross, guilty, ashamed. Disgusting. I'm so disgusting.

  She sighed, her frown shifting into a smile, "Aah, Naomi-chan. Dog's can't talk."

  "Woof! W-woof, woof!" I let out, my eyes wide as I hoped my desperation would somehow coax her into leniency. I'd... do anything to ensure her affection, even like this. Ah, my heart was beating so quickly, my body felt tingly. My head felt so cloudy right now, I barely felt like a human anymore. "Arf, arf... W-woof...!"

  Her beautiful ughter filled the room, her lips upturned into an eted grin, "Good girl..." In a wonderfully gentle motion, she took off the jacket, lightly throwing it to the side instead of putting it back on her frame.

  I didn't even need to hear her tell me to do it to take off my shirt once more, my body trembling and legs twitching as I pulled it over my head in a single hurried motion. My heartbeat pounded at her presence, feeling only at ease as she id a hand onto my head. Petting me, she hummed gently, guiding my head onto her p as I closed my eyes, rexing for a few moments. I couldn't get enough of this sensation, it's all I wanted out of life.

  Utter bliss filled each pore of my body, every corner of my mind. I don't believe I was even thinking anymore, only able to feel her, to hear her, to love her. Being here with her like this... this is all I need. Anything less would be torture.

  "Woof... Hah– arf! arooo..." Letting out unrestrained yips, I heard her chuckling as her hand continued stroking my scalp, then the side of my jaw. I was delirious by that point, not even able to comprehend my own behavior, just letting out whatever came to mind. I was desperate. So, so desperate.

  Eventually, and before I could fully comprehend what was happening, she had led me to my bed. Upon being pushed down, the back of my head hitting the pillows, her smile widened to a degree I hadn't seen before.

  "Aah... You've been so good all of a sudden. I'd take you for a walk, but I can't let you be seen like this..." She sighed, moving herself above me, my stomach in between her legs. "I want you all to myself... you're so cute right now. Shaking, your tongue hanging out..." She trailed off, just watching me as I trembled at her words. A simple brush of her hand on my sides was all it took to make me shiver and whimper, her touch was ecstasy.

  I loved being called cute by her. Every time those words were uttered by her voice, I felt like I was truly in the palm of her hand. I could live in this moment forever and I would be content, it was better than all the rest of this dreary world. I could die here and now and my life would have been enough.

  "Do you want your treat, girl...?" She giggled, leaning downwards as her eyes narrowed upon me. The promise of her lips on mine, such a thing made every iota of my being feel like it was on fire. But I couldn't move, not without her permission.

  "Arf! Arf!" That was the only way I could voice my desperation, I don't think I even remember any words. Being like this is taking everything out of me, consuming me more and more each second as she watched me. And, I loved it.

  She lowered her head until her lips were a mere breath away from my own, and I could feel her hot breath on my skin. "You really like this kind of thing, huh...? Your hips are shaking..."

  All I could think to do was to whimper, desperately nudging my neck upward as I was denied her touch. Such a thing made me want to cry, to sob my eyes out as I beg and whine and whimper. I'll... I'll...

  "Ah... but a good dog shouldn't be... excited by her owner. That'll get you spayed. Do you want to be spayed, bad girl?" She sat upright, leaving me there in a sudden state of nervous fear. "Maybe I've been spoiling you... Besides, a good owner shouldn't kiss their dog, right? That's so unhygienic! We shouldn't do something so naughty, now."

  "A-aah...!?" Tension flooded through my body as I widened my eyes, lifting my head up to watch Ai. "N-nooo...!" Trying to argue was the only thing I could think to do, just the idea of getting cut off from this made me want to scream. But, in a single moment, she clicked the remote once more and I fell backwards, crying out at the electrifying pain. "Agh– Khhh–!"

  It sted for far longer this time, and she still hadn't let up even after several seconds passed. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt, it hurt so, so bad. She wouldn't stop. Tears began to stream down my cheeks, unable to handle it any longer. I couldn't even beg, either, my voice catching in my throat as I trembled violently on my sheets. My legs gave out, going limp as I thrashed with the little mobility I had left. Saliva frothed as it fell from my mouth, my entire body aching like an open wound.

  Finally, as everything grew hazy, she let up and I gasped for air. My throat felt impossibly tight, my breathing ragged and hollow. Ghosts of the pain followed long after it had stopped, and she watched me simply while petting my head softly.

  "Hm, but, if you weren't my pet, I could give you a kiss like you want so badly." She pced her palm to her cheek, humming. "So... are you gonna go back to being a person, or stay a dog, Naomi-chan?"

  I didn't think about anything but my need, my yearning. "P-person! Please! I'm a person, I'll be a person!" Even with a raw throat, and the sting electric shocks, I managed to let the words escape me. "A-Ai-chan– Please! I-I'm a perso–! Nnh–"

  A sigh escaped her as she leaned forward, her brown hair cascading around her in a beautiful dispy. It distracted me for a moment from the feeling of her lips upon mine, soft and calming, gentle like water. I felt safe, rexed, fulfilled, happy. Tense muscles loosened with her contact, tension ebbing away like dirt down a sink as I let it happen. I could never resist her when she does this, it's addictive.

  It was after what felt like an eternity melding with her that I once again heard the quiet click of something that came before a terrible storm. Without her lips leaving me, I was afflicted with electricity once more. I practically screamed into her mouth, though muffled by her deepening the kiss. I could barely think, my hands uselessly scratching at the shock colr as she pushed her tongue into my mouth. Death penetrated my skin while the most primal of life did so to my mouth, leaving me a torn vessel for conflicting desires, for a ck of control over what was happening.

  It was far, far beyond torture, a suffering I couldn't imagine up until being subjected to it in its most basic form. Yet, the intimate kiss in itself felt so wildly pleasurable that it felt far from my own mind, making everything seem blurry. If I was not so busy trying to pry the source of my pain from my neck, I would have embraced her further, held onto her for dear life. But, with me reduced to an untrained beast at best, I could do little but shiver and ache.

  I felt like I was going to break. To shatter into a million pieces in her arms, for me to lose my container once and for all.

  Right before I was about to reach that, however, I felt my consciousness forcibly stolen from me. The world went bck, and the pain disappeared all at once.

  I don't know how long it took for me to awake again, but when I did, I was met with the sight of Ai looking down at me, that same wonderful grin on her face as always. I felt numb, my mouth small, though left agape as I tiredly stared back. Even blinking felt like a chore at the moment.

  "Wow... I didn't expect you to pass out for real..." She chuckled to herself, wiping her mouth with her thumb and licking it. "Was it that painful?"

  "... M-Mm." I nodded slowly, but a smile crossed my lips. It was... "But... g-good..."

  A pleasurable sigh passed her lips, and her head tilted to the side. "Aah, you're so kinky it's almost gross. I can't believe you're like this... Isn't it embarrassing...?"

  I looked to the side, "... Yeah, but... if it's y-you, Ai-chan, then..." I yawned, my body feeling heavy. "I don't mind feeling gross... because you're special to me."

  I saw her freeze, and then fall onto me. She didn't say anything for a moment, simply letting out a quiet breath of air. Her arms wrapped around me, hugging me as she nuzzled into me gently. Her warmth felt the same as always. Comforting, assuring me that she'd always be there no matter what.

  Quietly, she muttered into my ear, "... Good girl."