Mari stood at the end of the short entranceway by the kitchen waiting for Denji to open the door. When it swung open, she held her breath in excited anticipation. She had a surprise for him. More than one actually.

The moment he saw her, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open in a surprised but silent O. She was wearing a short black silk robe. Around her neck she wore a thick choker covered in rhinestones that looked like a dog collar complete with the buckle. The lead chain was a string of rhinestones extending from a ring on the buckle down to her wrist and attached to a wide bracelet of rhinestones. He stood in the open doorway, transfixed, unmoving.

"Come in, sweetheart," she said in order to get him into the apartment and out of the hallway.

Denji did as he was told, closing and locking the door behind him. He walked toward her slowly, eyeing her up and down. His fingers shook a little as he extended them to touch the collar. His fingers followed the length of the chain down to her wrist.

"Do you like it?" Mari asked, gliding her fingers along the line of his jaw to his chin. She tipped his head upward so he would look her in the eye.

"I do," he replied breathlessly, pushing her fingers down with his chin as he took in the sight of her entire body. His fingers went back to the collar, tracing the buckle above the hollow of her throat. "I like it a lot."

"Good." She reached behind her neck to unhook the choker. "Turn around."

"What?" he scoffed, staring at the necklace she held extended between her hands.

"Turn. Around," she commanded him slowly, enunciating carefully as if he had misunderstood.

Denji slowly turned his back to her. His insides trembled with excitement. Although she had specifically said she didn't care for the whole dog kink, it looked like she was going to indulge his proclivity,

"First, take off your shirt," she ordered him.

He did so willingly and swiftly, dropping it on the floor behind him at her feet.

"Second..."

He inhaled sharply, holding his breath as he waited for her next command.

"Get down on your knees."

He dropped down heavily onto his kneecaps with a thump onto the hardwood floor. Goosebumps rose over his entire body when she stepped toward him, the soft skin of her thighs pressing against his back as she leaned over him. His eyes rolled upwards to watch the collar being lowered in front of him. The low lighting from the candles lining the short hallway made the fake jewels glitter like the real thing.

"Do you want to be my dog, Denji?" she asked, holding the collar even with his neck.

"Y-yes, m-ma'am," he stuttered, closing his eyes.

"You are a good boy," she said, her voice low and husky.

Mari brought the collar to his throat hearing him inhale and hold his breath again. She smiled while securing it in the back with the extenders she had added so it would fit his thicker neck. She took a step back from him, the chain attached to her wrist extending between them.

"Stand up and turn."

Denji complied, his breath catching when he saw that he was tethered to her. Without issuing a command, she turned on her heel to walk forward, and he followed like an obedient dog.

On the low table there was a plate of strawberries and a bowl of whipped cream. There were also two champagne flutes but no champagne. Since she knew he could not and did not like to drink, she had substituted the alcohol with cans of ginger ale sitting in a bucket of ice.

Mari knelt down on one of the cushions. She snapped her fingers and pointed to the one beside her.

Once again, Denji dropped right down onto the pillow without attempting to slow his descent. She faced him, both of them on their knees.

"Would you like one?" she asked, picking up one of the strawberries.

He nodded, making a whining sound like a dog begging.

She giggled then quickly frowned and cleared her throat. She couldn't help herself. This whole scenario was a bit absurd, but amusing, and he was totally fucking adorable.

Mari had always thought these whole dog fantasy scenarios could be a bit demeaning, but it was something he liked. There had to be a way to go about it without being cruel and insulting and undermining his humanity.

"Open," Mari said, opening her mouth as if he needed an example.

Denji opened wide like a baby bird waiting to be fed. The strawberry was big and fat, but he took it all, his cheeks puffing out when he bit it in half and started to chew. She issued another one of her cute little giggles which made him smile. Juice squirted out of his mouth and ran down his chin.

"Oh, so messy," she gasped, cupping his chin in her palm. She leaned forward, licking the line of juice from his chin before it dripped up to the corner of his mouth.

Denji groaned. His belly fluttered as if a thousand butterflies wings were beating against his insides. His eyes followed her every move when she sat back on her feet, dipping a strawberry in the whipped cream and taking a bite. He stared at her ruby red lips as she chewed. Her tongue darting out to lick away the ice cream made him ache.

"Aren't you curious what I have on under here?" she asked, leisurely licking the whipped cream from her fingers. When he did not say anything, she ordered him," Speak."

"Woof!" he barked happily.

Mari lifted up one of the tails of the belt holding her robe closed. She brought it to his mouth, rubbing the material across his bottom lip prompting him to take it between his teeth.

Denji leaned back, pulling the fabric to untie the bow. He felt like Christmas had come early, and he was opening his present. The robe parted only a slight amount without revealing much of anything. He could see the bra and underwear she had on was black, nothing more. His eyes flickered up to hers.

"Want to see?"

"Woof!"

Mari smiled but did not laugh. Grasping the material of the robe at her neck on both sides, she glided her fingers along the edges until she reached the area between her breasts. Pausing, waiting for his eyes to become riveted on her chest, she slowly pulled apart the robe. Biting her lower lip, she withheld another chuckle of amusement when he whined, low and long.

She was not wearing a bra at all, not even a sexy wisp of fabric. Her panties were mere triangles of lace in front and back, held together with thin silver chains spanning her hips.

"Oh, my God," Denji gasped, momentarily forgetting he should speak like a dog. He reached out to touch her breasts, his fingers drifting across the round tops and down to her nipples which instantly responded to his touch by tightening into a stiff, wrinkled nubs.

"What are you supposed to say?" she asked to remind him to get back into character.

"Oh, uh, woof!"

"Good boy," she praised him, patting his head.

Mari dipped her forefinger into the bowl of whipped cream then smeared it on her right nipple. She shoved her finger into her mouth to suck off the rest, allowing her eyes to meet his that were greedily drinking in the deliciously tempting sight in front of him. Removing her finger from her mouth with a pop, she beckoned him forward with it.

Denji Dog, obedient as ever, leaned forward, getting onto all fours. At eye level with her breast, he opened his mouth, sticking out his tongue. Her nipple practically rose up to meet his tongue when she inhaled deeply.

He pushed the tip of his tongue against the skin below her nipple. She was so warm, her skin soft and silky. Licking upward, he encountered the cool, cream sweetness of the whipped cream.

"Mmmm," he moaned, going back for another taste of the whipped cream still coating her nipple.

Mari caught her lower lip with her upper teeth on the third lick to hold back a moan of her own. Once the whipped cream was gone, he sat back awaiting his next command. She patted his head, giving him a sideways smile which along with her glassy eyes made her appear drunk.

"You're a very good boy," she complimented him. "Want a kiss?"

"Woof!"

Mari leaned forward at the same time as Denji. Rather than his lips meeting hers, he raised his head and licked the tip of her nose. Jumping back, she squealed, swiping at her nose with her hand to wipe off his saliva. Losing her balance, she rolled onto her behind then flat onto her back.

Denji crawled forward on his hands and knees over her body, hovering over her on all fours while she giggled. He licked her one cheek then the other. He licked her neck and she shrieked, cackling like a madwoman while pushing at his chest. He continued to lap at her face and neck like an overzealous puppy.

Tasting her skin, listening to squeal and laugh while mock protesting with pushes on his shoulders and chest drove him to continue teasing her all the more. When he licked the nipple of her neglected breast, her laughter quieted into a sigh of pleasure.

Moving lower, the tip of his tongue grazing the skin above her belly button, she gradually ceased pushing at him and instead rested her hands on his shoulders to hold onto him. The moment his tongue touched below her navel, she became completely still, her fingers pressing into the thick muscles at the base of his neck.

Denji lifted his head, studying the panties she had on. His fingers moved across the three chains stretched across her hip. The silver links were the tiniest he had ever seen except on a chain.

Sliding his finger under the bottom chain, he tugged but it did not break. Like her, the chain looked small and delicate as if the slightest bit of stress would make it snap in two but it did not.

Removing his finger from under the chain, he sat up. Taking her by the hand, he pulled her to a sitting position.

"Are you thirsty?" she asked, taking one of the cans out of the bucket.

"Woof!" he replied.

"You can take a break for a second, I want to ask you something," she said, pulling the tab to open the can with a satisfying pop and hiss.

"What's wrong?" he asked, watching the lead chain connecting them swing when she moved to pour the drink into the glasses.

"Nothing's wrong," she replied, handing him one of the glasses. "Are you okay with this? Do you like it?"

"Oh, I'm very okay with this. It's another fantasy come true," he added, taking a sip of the cold bubbly soda.

"Hmmm," she hummed thoughtfully, draining her glass.

Denji reached out to cup her cheek. He smiled when she pressed her face into his palm, closing her eyes. She could be dominant or submissive. Strong or tender. Sweet and sour and a little bit spicy. She truly is the girl of his dreams.

"I never thought I'd find someone like you. And a half devil too," she remarked, opening her eyes.

"Is that bad?"

"Of course it's not bad. I wouldn't be with you, doing something like this if it was bad."

Mari took hold of the lead chain, pulling gently to coax his lips down to hers. Even when he broke the kiss, his lips suspended over hers, she did not let go of the chain but held him in place.

"I want to make you happy," she said, looking into his eyes. "You deserve so much kindness and love and joy after all of the shit the world has given you."

Denji fitted his lips squarely to hers. Keeping the kiss close mouthed, the pressure light but firm. He wanted her to know he belonged to her as much as she did to him. He gradually raised his mouth away from hers, reluctant to break the heartfelt kiss. She released the chain, allowing him to sit up.

"Ready to continue?" Mari asked, returning to a kneeling position in front of him.

"Oh, hell, yeah," he returned enthusiastically.

She patted his head as if to signal him they were back into character in their game. Pulling the robe together, she retied it which was met with a sorrowful whimper.

"Oh, it's okay," she cooed, poking out her lips while stroking his head. "We're going for a walk."

"Woof! Woof!" he barked excitedly. His tongue lolled out of his mouth, and he panted happily. When she stood up, he got onto all fours.

"Heel boy," she ordered him.

The chain between them bumped against his shoulder and her calf as it swung lightly with each step as he walked on all fours beside her. They moved around the living room, meandering in a crooked overlapping path in the small room. He had to fall behind her when they walked between the couch and table, but he quickly returned to his place beside her once through the narrow passage.

Mari led him to the bedroom, opening the door. She smiled down at him when he looked up at her quizzically, cocking his head just like a confused puppy.

"Go on in," she urged him, waving her hand and making the faux gemstone chain swing.

Denji proceeded on all fours, stopping at the end of the bed. He sat up but left his hands curled into fists on the floor in front of his knees.

"Such a good boy." She scratched behind his right ear lightly.

Denji blushed with pleasure, pushing his head into her hand. The light scratching of her nails against his scalp actually felt good.

In front of his eyes, the ends of the belt of her robe swayed back and forth tempting him to grab one. Grasping the thin silk with his teeth, he tugged. He continued to pull, growling softly, playfully until he removed the belt entirely from the robe. She chuckled as he shook it ruthlessly then dropped it at her feet.

Lowering herself to one knee in front of him, the robe spread but did not bare her breasts. Pushing his face forward into the open space between them, he pushed the material apart, nuzzling into her breasts.

This is so weird, but I'll go with it, Mari thought. When his warm wet tongue touched her nipple, any objections she might have had disappeared entirely. Arousal shot through her body like an electrical charge.

She stood up, shrugging off the robe and letting it fall to the floor. Sitting down on the end of the bed, she did not say a word when their eyes met. She extended her hand palm up.

"Paw," Makima ordered him. He could see her slender fingers extended, reaching for his hand. Her yellow irises with the red rings boor into his eyes. He was under her spell, captured, trapped in a cage he thoroughly enjoyed at the time.

Denji shook his head to clear it. No. Hell no. Not her, not ever again. His chin lifted so he could look into Mari's. They looked like the frigid blue ice of an iceberg but were so warm. She was not smiling, and her eyebrows drew together with concern.

"Are you okay?" she asked, touching his cheek. "What happened?"

"Nothing. I'm fine," he assured her, breathing heavily.

Mari wasn't so sure. His eyes had lost focus, and he no longer saw her. He was in the past - with someone else. She swallowed, pressing her hand to her belly refusing to allow the jealousy, the sickening anger, to ruin this moment. She had wanted to surprise him, to do something special for him so she did not want to mess it up.

Don't waste your emotions hating a dead woman, Denji had told her. She certainly had no intention of ruining her present with him on his past with that dead woman either.

"Stand up," Denji whispered to her as if he was trying to be sneaky about taking another break from his own fantasy.

Mari stood up in front him in a kneeling position at her feet. She held her breath when his fingers clutched the top chains of her underwear to pull them down. Her exhale was long and shaky, catching in her throat when his fingernails accidentally scraped her thighs on the downward slide.

"Sit down," he whispered, tugging gently on the lead chain attaching him to her to avoid breaking it but to urge her back down to the bed.

Mari sucked air in through her parted lips when he nudged his fingers between her knees. Pressing his palms to her inner thighs, he pushed her legs apart. He pressed a kiss to the inside of one knee, then the other. He continued placing kisses along her inner thighs, each one in turn, working his way upward.

Goosebumps raised on her legs from his hair tickling the sensitive skin of her inner thighs. She placed her hand on the crown of his head when he pressed a kiss to her lower lips. His tongue thrust between those lips, prompting her to spread her legs wider.

At last, she was fully open to him. He plunged forward with his tongue dragging it upward to take a long luxurious lick. She issued a cry of pleasure, her fingers grasping his hair. He lapped at the soft, moist skin. Detecting a faint taste of both salty and sweet making him want more, he licked and slurped until her legs trembled at his ears.

His tongue delved deeper pushing into her several times before moving upward to liberally slather it's wet attentions on the stiff button that would push her to her orgasm. She pulled his hair, whispering his name, begging him not to stop. His belly tightened and he ached painfully. But first he wanted to leave her quaking and yelling out his name with her first orgasm from his oral ministrations.

"Ah, Denji," she cried, pulling his face tightly against her. She lifted her legs, hooking them over his shoulders.

Her body started to quiver so he lapped faster, pressing his tongue more firmly against her. She had both hands on his head now, pulling his face into her. Moaning his name over and over, she writhed under him, forcing him to press his forearm across her belly to hold her down onto the bed so he could keep his tongue on her and still breathe.

When she came, Mari dropped onto her back, pushing her hips upward. She let go of his head, clawing at the comforter while she tried not shove away his busily lapping tongue with her forcefully thrusting hips. After the final wave of the orgasm washed over her, she lay still on the bed.

Standing between her legs, Denji gazed down at her. Her eyes were closed, and she open mouth panted for air. Her cheeks were pink and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead and chest. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in that moment, lost in the bliss that he had given her.

Wiping off his mouth and chin with the back of his hand, he watched her eyes gradually open. He pushed down his shorts and underwear, the movement taking up the slack from the chain and pulling at the choker around his neck. He straightened his body and kicked the clothing away.

Mari rolled over onto her belly, getting up onto all fours on the bed. Denji had no choice but to move forward quickly when the chain tightened and pulled. His hips bumped into her behind pushing her forward and the necklace truly became a choker. His throbbing erection sliding between her wet thighs received a temporary and pleasurable relief gliding along the slick smoothness as she pushed back into him.

Reaching between her legs, Mari guided him inside of her before he could do so himself.

Oh, fucking hell, she feels good, Denji thought, pressing his lips together to remain silent except for a low, keening whine.

Holding on to her hips, he pulled her back as he pushed forward. He studied her back, watching her shoulder blades move under her skin as he plowed into her, moving her body back and forth. He rammed himself into her, making her cry out when the tip of his penis bounced off of her cervix.

After a few more hard thrusts, bottoming out and making her yell out his name, he withdrew. Pushing her down onto her belly, he flipped her over onto her back. Laying down on top of her, he maneuvered himself back inside of her.

"Are you sure?" Mari asked, grasping the chain where it attached to the collar necklace. The lengthy lead lay on her chest, the glittering rhinestones weaving in between her breasts.

"I'm sure," he replied, pushing his hips forward. He smiled when her eyes closed and her mouth opened to emit a whimper of satisfaction. He wanted to watch her when he made her come again.

Denji moved inside of her with rapid short thrusts. She continued to hold the chain at his neck, staring into his eyes. He was glad she looked him directly in the eye because he wanted to see her, the woman he loved, and not that woman. He had been Makima's loyal and obedient dog through her will. He became Mari's through his own.

He fucked her hard and fast, taking them both to that most magnificent pinnacle of carnal delight in unison. Once more she was writhing, shaking, and moaning under him. She blushed a darker pink, sweat trickling across her forehead and cheeks into her hair. Her breath came in ragged inhales followed by gushing exhales.

Denji kissed her forehead. The bruise still bothered her, but he didn't care. It didn't make her any less attractive to him. It was a reminder that she had fought a battle against a Fiend and won, certainly nothing to be ashamed of. He stroked his thumb across her forehead then kissed her again.

Pressing his fingers to her jaw, he turned her head. He examined the mark on her neck. It had almost faded completely, leaving only a series of pale pink broken lines in an oval shape. He kissed her neck and she inhaled sharply, enclosing his shoulders with her arms.

Denji raised his head to see she was looking at him with a smile on her face. He smiled back, and she ruffled his hair.

"Who's a good boy?" she asked in a baby voice, her lips puckered, as if she were talking to a dog.

He chuckled lightly. "I am a very good boy."

"Damn right ya are."