Chapter Text
Ever since you slept with Edward, he has given you more and more privileges. He lets you out of your crate to stretch your legs every few hours, and sometimes he even lets you sit on the couch with him. He jokes that you’re lucky you don’t shed, otherwise you wouldn’t be allowed on the couch. A couple times a week, Edward gives you a bath. It can get messy using the puppy pads, so in between baths you have to make do with baby wipes. Although unpleasant, every time you have to relieve yourself in front of him, it gets less embarrassing. Sometimes it feels like becoming desensitized to these things is like letting Edward win. Like you’re becoming more like his pet every day. But the sickest part of it all, the part you’ll never admit out loud to him, is that you find yourself enjoying some parts of your dynamic with Edward; how he plays with your hair, the way he praises you for good behavior, the peanut butter M&M’s he sometimes leaves in your dish.
You tell yourself that any submission or agreeableness you extend Edward’s way is just a coping mechanism, a strategy to gain more freedom and eventually escape. But deep down, you know you don’t exactly miss the outside world. Gotham is a scary place. Being nestled in your little cage, being fed and clothed by Edward, feels safe in its own disturbing way.
You lie on the couch with your head in Edward’s lap. He strokes your hair, petting you like a puppy.
“You know, I always wanted a dog when I was growing up,” Edward says.
“Yeah?”
“Ever since I saw Lassie. It was one of the few movies we were allowed to watch in the orphanage. The nuns were strict about that. We couldn’t have pets, obviously, but I’d watch that movie over and over again, wishing I was that little boy and Lassie was my dog. I don’t know…it sounds pretty silly now,” he chuckles. “I guess I just wanted a friend. One who would stay by my side unconditionally.”
You frown. “That’s…really sad.”
He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter now. I have you, Pup.”
You don’t know what to say to that, so you just bury your face in his lap. The two of you sit in silence, just listening to each other breathe.
After a while, Edward speaks up. “I want to train you. Puppies need discipline.”
“Train me how?”
Edward reaches into his pocket and pulls out a clicker. “Kneel,” he commands.
You scoff and roll your eyes but nonetheless slide off the couch and kneel in front of him.
“Good girl.” Click.
He scratches behind your ears in the way that always makes you close your eyes and sigh in bliss. You can’t help the warmth that blooms in your stomach. Edward stops scratching and looks down at you sternly.
“Roll over.”
You feel silly and a little embarrassed, but you’re still chasing that delicious praise. So, you do your best impression of a puppy and roll over onto your back, tucking your hands up onto your chest like paws.
“You’re so good for me, Pup.” Click.
Edward reaches into his pocket and pulls out a treat. You eagerly eat it from his hand. It’s some sort of overly sugary candy whose name you can’t remember but tastes like nostalgic clearance-bin sweetness.
“Speak.”
“…What do you want me to say?”
Edward sighs. “Speak.”
Your face flushes. Oh. Self-consciously, you muster up a little woof.
He smirks. “What was that? I can’t hear you.”
“Woof!”
“Good puppy.” Click.
You rest your chin on Edward’s knee as he pats your head.
“You love to chew and make it squeak. Your favorite toy is one that’s weak. What are you?” He asks.
You grin. “A dog.”
“That’s right. My dog.”
“Does that make you my toy?”
Edward blinks, confused. “I’m your master.”
“I know. But…you are a little weak for me. Aren’t you?”
His eyes widen. You stare at each other, not saying a single word. Then, Edward cracks a smile.
“Maybe, Pup.”
Edward kisses you, and you melt into him.