-- My Dog Is Named Scruffy --

- Speak -

Of course, the detective realized he was being stupid. Why would he want to get back into a sadistic, humiliating relationship that he had never liked when it was going on?

But he did miss the collar. It was kind of like his coat: beat up (and a little stinky) from being worn constantly, but he just didn't feel comfortable without it on. It was as though it had become a part of him.

So, in the end, he realized the only solution would be to get it back. Which is why he was in her office right now, trying to work up the nerve to ask.

"Um… you remember that collar?" he started nervously.

"How could I forget?" Franziska replied, smirking. She wasn't exactly making this any easier for him.

"D-do you think… maybe I could, um, have it back?" he stammered out.

She didn't say anything, just opened her desk drawer and withdrew the collar. With an unreadable expression, she handed it to him.

As soon as she relinquished her hold on the object of his desire, the detective undid the top button of his shirt and fastened the collar around his neck.

Seeing this, the prosecutor frowned. "Why are you wearing that?" she asked, in obvious confusion.

"I don't know why," he replied honestly, "but I like this thing. I've been wearing it so long that I feel uncomfortable without it, if that makes any sense…" His voice trailed off. He turned to leave. "Anyways, thanks for giving it back and everything. I guess I'd better get going now."

"Wait."

Her voice stopped him in his tracks. He turned around and saw her pulling more things out her desk. The leash, the monogrammed dog bowl, a tennis ball they had once played fetch with…

"Do you want these, too?"

He hesitated, then answered slowly, "I can't take those things. I mean, even if I did, there's no way I'd use any of it. It's not like there's anyone else I'd play with like we used to do…"

And before he knew what was happening, she was beside him, clipping the leash to his collar.

She leaned in close and whispered in his ear, "I missed you, too."

-tbc-

A/N: Reviews are love.