December 2020 Short Story: Empty Hearth

The winning prompt for December was: "A pet spending four days without her (F/m)"

Disclaimer: Any resemblance to persons or organizations real or fictional is entirely coincidental. This is fiction.

Content Warning: This work contains mentions of bleeding/blood and urine.

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December 30th:

Waking up never came that quickly for me. But I had learned to get up fast once I was awake. I rolled out of my doggy cot, placed my forehead on the hardwood floor, and waited. I stayed like that for a few minutes. Then I remembered.

(Oh, right. She's not here today.)

I stayed in the posture for a few more minutes on principle, then raised my head to look around. The curtains were open, but it wasn't light outside yet. I reached for the remote to the side of my cot and pressed the button to turn on the lights in the apartment. 

The fluorescent ceiling lights hummed for a moment before light flooded the room. The living room, where I was allowed to sleep, had a plush sofa and a TV, as well as a large central table. My cot was on the side of the TV away from the windows. The lilac wallpaper reminded me that this room was decorated by and for Mistress Miumi. 

I walked down the hall to the small bathroom that was reserved for my use and thanked Mistress under my breath before peeing into the toilet bowl, a good habit to keep. Next came my morning exercises. The room across from the pet bathroom was a decently sized workout room with a bench press, cycle machine, and a leg extension machine. I put in 3 sets of 20 reps on each of my leg and arm exercises, then did a half hour on the cycle. I went back to the bathroom to wash off the sweat with a quick shower. Unless she explicitly told me otherwise, I was to keep my body odor to a minimum.

I made sure to clean out my ass during the shower so that I could fit my "tail" in afterwards. My tail was not a real dog's tail, of course, but a vibrating anal plug with a furry tail attached. It was normally set to off even when Mistress was home, but she liked to toy with the settings via bluetooth from time to time, and I had to be ready to jump for her amusement.

Breakfast was a fairly light affair. I scrambled two eggs in a pan with some rice and put a grapefruit on the side with a glass of whole milk. I did spare a second look for the dogfood when I went into the pantry to get the rice. But no, she was the only one allowed to feed that to me. I had to keep a steady diet otherwise.

After that, the day flowed into a variety of daily tasks she had helped me arrange with an eye towards pleasing her as much as possible. I had violin practice. I still wasn't very good, but I had learned a few pieces and could use it as a party trick. I studied cooking. Today, I watched and copied a TV chef's recipe. I practiced sewing. My most recent assignment involved adjusting one of her outfits to allow for slightly different measurements. I trained my fellatio technique. This meant one hour kneeling in front of the 9-inch dildo bolted to the wall of my exercise room. The time passed more quickly as I immersed myself in my tasks.

...My intestines were starting to growl at me at around half-past six, but I held it in. I had to wait. No exceptions.

My phone buzzed at just after 7, and I walked gingerly over to the counter to pick it up.

Mistress Miumi 7:02 PM

Today's agenda went well, and I'm enjoying myself here, but I do get lonely without you. You have my permission to shit, but only for the ten minutes after this message is sent. Better be quick about it, Pet. 🚽

Pet 7:04 PM

Thank you so much for contacting me, Mistress Miumi. Thank you so much for considering the needs of a lowly pet. 💖🙇

Mistress Miumi 7:05 PM

By the way, you have my permission to clean both bathrooms tomorrow. 🧹🚽

I dashed into my bathroom down the hall and dumped a massive load in the bowl as quick as I could. I rinsed, wiped, and got the plug back in just as the clock switched to 7:10 PM. I washed my hands for thirty-odd seconds, snapped a picture with the plug back in and tapped the shortcut to upload it to her daily activity directory.

Before I knew it, it was time for bed. I brushed my teeth, dimmed the lights, and gave thanks to Mistress for giving me the chance to be her pet despite my own inadequacies. It felt strange being without her after the last four months.

December 31st:

The second day opened much the same way as the first. I worked out, showered, put my tail in, ate, and started on my daily chores. Today, I used my time to scrub the floors and tidy up around the house. In addition to the small bathroom, living room, workout room, and kitchen that I normally used, the apartment had several other rooms. There was a library room, shelves stocked with books and magazines, which doubled a as a parlor when Mistress Miumi entertained guests. There was also a spacious entryway out front to welcome said guests. 

The last few rooms were ones I rarely used. I was not to enter Mistress' elegant bathroom unless she gave permission, and I was forbidden to enter her bedroom under any circumstances. Unlike mine, which was little more than a sink, toilet, and shower bunched together, hers had a spacious bathtub and high tech toilet with a bidet and a heated seat. The cabinet and bathside were lined with various hair and skin care products, and the room was lit with a pleasing yellow glow. Our playroom's red glow was more familiar to me. While Mistress wasn't keen on having big scenes more than once or twice a month, the tools still needed careful maintenance, and part of that was my responsibility, too. Making sure the ropes were aired out and various bits of leather weren't frayed added another hour to an already long cleaning process.

Also complicating matters was my tail. For the first three or so hours after I woke up, it was still evening where Mistress Miumi was staying with her family. The vibrator attached to my tail would whirr on from time to time as I cleaned. It was her pleasure to fiddle with me and watch using one of the apartment cameras when she had some spare time. I let the shock show on my face and tried to face the camera when I could. Mistress deserves the best show I can give. 

At the end of it all, I barely had the energy to cook dinner. I just boiled some pasta and threw some mushrooms into it, wolfed it down, and crawled into my cot. I just didn't have as much energy when Mistress wasn't around to pet my head, use me as a footstool, or just talk to me.

January 1st:

Another afternoon had gone by, mostly uneventfully, and I was now cooking myself a dinner headlined by a pan of fried shrimp. I reflected that the act of cooking was less intense when Mistress was away. Cooking dinner itself had become a performative activity, and I swayed my hips from side to side even though nobody was in the room to watch. Thankfully, these days I was allowed to wear a clear plastic sheet on top of the lacy bundle which exposed my nipples and much of my midriff. Back when she allowed me to move in with her, the apron-only approach had created problems... 

...After finishing dinner that night, she had pulled me by the ear until we reached the playroom, then wordlessly shackled me to an X-shaped cross on the wall. She was a few inches shorter than me, and had to stand on tiptoes to reach the hand shackles. Then she made me wait as she left to change. When she returned, she was wearing a shiny red bondage outfit and carrying a bullwhip. It was only at this point that she cleared her throat to speak. 

She held a lacy bundle of cloth up for me to see, "Tell me, Pet, what is this?"

"It's an apron, Mistress Miumi. My apron." I met her eyes as I replied.

Her dark brown eyes carried an icy glare, "And what," She jabbed a thick finger at one particular spot, "is *this*?"

"It's, um, a grease stain." I blinked for just a moment.

"And tell me, how did a grease stain get on one of the lace aprons I had specially made so I could watch my Pet be sexy while he cooks?"

"I had bean sprouts simmering and was about to add them to the dinner soup, and a bit of oil came off the pan." I chewed my lower lip nervously.

"I see." Her eyes narrowed, and her red glove clenched around the silver handle of her whip. "Do you recall? How many times have you soiled these special aprons I have made for you, now?"

I closed my eyes, ashamed. "...Six, Mistress Miumi."

Mistress Miumi raised one eyebrow and put a hand on her hips. "Impressive. You remember the exact number of aprons you've ruined. Next, you can put that splendid memory to work by remembering not to ruin them in the first place." There was a wooshing sound as she swung her whip the air. The crack that rang out right after gave me goosebumps all over.

She stretched the whip out with both hands, making sure I could see it. "In order to make absolutely certain we've driven the point home, you'll get two lashes for each apron you've ruined. Count and apologize after each. Afterwards, we'll talk together and think of a way we can avoid these issues in the future. And Pet," Her eyes twinkled, "This is punishment. You may not cum tonight."

I nodded. My expression was neutral but respectful. "Yes, Mistress Miumi. As you wish."

*Crack* "One! I'm sorry!" *Crack* "Two! I'm sorry!" Her first two blows came on either side of my rib cage. I wasn't even really used to her riding crop, but this whip stung.

"Be sincere! Atone for your transgressions!" She hefted the whip handle up for another swing.

*Crack* "Three! I'm sorry!" *Crack* "Four! I'm sorry!"

The cold in Mistress Miumi's eyes had been replaced by fire. "Louder, Pet!" 

*Crack* "Hn, FIVE! I'm sorry!" *Crack* "RRAgGH, SIX! I'm sorry!" Whip strokes raked across my chest, one just barely grazing a nipple.

"Yes, let me hear your animal cries!" She raised her off hand to wipe some sweat off her brow. 

*Crack* "AAAAHGGg, SEVEN! I'm SORRY!" *Crack* "EIGHT! I'm sorry, MISTRESS!" A familiar heat below told me I very nearly had a full erection. This was bad. I don't have permission, I need to focus.

Mistress wagged a finger at me. "Tsk, tsk! I told you no cumming tonight. You'd do well not to force me to think up a second punishment, Pet!" Her short bangs were a little bit messy despite the hairband she wore. I hoped she could see well enough to aim her whip.

*CRACK* "NGGGIinne! I'm sorry!" *CRACK* "AAAGTEN! I'M SORRY!" My diaphragm was burning from the whip strikes and the screaming. Broccoli. Cauliflower. Radishes. Celery. 

"Yes, feel the pain. Scream for me!" Mistress Miumi bore her incisors in a toothy smile as the physicality of the flogging took hold.

*CRACK* "EEEeeg, ELEVEN!! I'M SORRY!" *CRACK* "FFFFFttt, TWELVE!! I'M SORRY, MISTRESS!! *pant*, *pant*..." Beets. Lotus. Onions. Peas. I kept listing vegetables, trying to keep myself from exploding.

She put down the whip and drew closer to me. "Oh, look at the tears on your precious face. You're so adorable, Pet." She had a handkerchief in her right hand. She lifted it to wipe away my tears, then planted a soft kiss on my cheek...

...I had to stop reminiscing and start making a mental list of all the different vegetables I could remember. It would be bad if I got pre on this apron after all that. "I hope she's doing okay..."

January 2nd:

Despite Mistress' best efforts (installing a new heating system, making the large living room window 2-paned), there were times when the apartment just felt cold. I cradled myself and tugged the blanket around my body for a few minutes after my usual wake-up time. But morning was here, and I managed to roll out of my cot eventually.

It didn't help that I was lonely. In the four months since Mistress Miumi had blessed me with the opportunity to become her live-in pet full-time, we had never been apart this long. When she had told me family circumstances dictated she needed to be away for four days, I hadn't really registered how hard this was going to be. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but she had seemed a bit downcast when she told me that. It was a good reminder, for the millionth time, just how much I really needed her in my life.

I finally managed to get up and do my exercises, but didn't have the energy I needed to cook breakfast. Instead, I just grabbed a protein bar from the food cabinet and a banana from the counter and wolfed them down to avoid going hungry.

I looked out the window to see snow was falling, now, blanketing the city below in a layer of white. To calm my emotions, I knelt by the window (pets weren't allowed to use human furniture in the common areas) and watched the snow falling for a long time. Maybe at least two hours?

Still, I found my thoughts drawn to her, and of times we had spent together over these past few months. I remembered the after-dinner moments that she spent reading the evening newspaper, using my back as a footrest. I remembered when she had been too drunk to make it to the bathroom after a Friday night get together and had pissed a what felt like a whole liter's worth of alcohol into my mouth. I remembered quite vividly the one time she had pressed my face to the window glass and used lacquered red nails to shred the flesh on my back, drawing blood and showing her "nail polish" before stroking me to an orgasm.

I snapped out of this daze of memories after realizing my penis was leaking pre, and some of it had fallen to the floor. I hurriedly went to the kitchen to grab a washcloth and wipe it up. Once I had done so, I turned to the camera at the ceiling of the living room, held the cloth in my mouth, and posed with my knees spread wide and hands in begging position. My erection was at the center of this display, a silent plea to her.

Please, Mistress Miumi, come home soon. Your pet misses you.

January 3rd:

I woke up as usual on the morning of the fifth day. No, maybe a little bit faster. There was excitement dancing in my chest, a kind of assured happiness. I woke up, did my exercises, and put in my butt plug. My phone had no word, but her flight wasn't supposed to get in until 11:20 AM, and it took about 2 hours from the airport to here by car. Nonetheless, there was a spring in my step as I walked to the kitchen to cook a light breakfast.

I was leaning against the countertop reading a home lifestyle magazine when my phone buzzed on the counter. I saw that it was a message from her!

Mistress Miumi 11:23 AM

My flight's just touched down. I hope you're looking forward to seeing me, Pet. 🛬🏃‍♀️

Pet 11:24 AM

Thank you so much for contacting me, Mistress Miumi. I'm looking forward to your return. Enjoy the rest of your trip home! 💗🙌🏽

Mistress Miumi 11:27 AM

It seems you've been a good boy while I was out. I'm considering giving you a treat when I return... 🦴 But prepare a meal, as well. I am somewhat hungry. 🍖

The preparations for lunch, stewed squid with tomato salad, were just about done when the timer I had set went off. I hurriedly set the table (only one place, for her) and laid my own dish by her chair on the floor. I then got on my knees, crawled to the entryway, and placed my forehead on the floor. My place was to kneel, and to wait.

I had gotten pretty good at telling time while kneeling, so I could roughly count when fifteen minutes passed by. This was about average for when I expected her to get here. Not long now.

Another four minutes passed, before I heard the distinctive sound of the three-inch heel boots she loved to wear walking up the stairs. They came closer as she walked across the balcony. My heart beat with each step she took.

The sound of the card key in the lock. The rustling of the door handle. The slight creak that even the well-oiled door hinges sometimes made. I waited one second, then raised my head and said, "Good afternoon, Mistress Miumi! Your pet joyfully welcomes you home."

Mistress Miumi was wearing a long, grey checkered coat that stopped just short of her knee-length boots, leaving a little gap of bare leg. Her heavy neck was concealed by a thick, red scarf. She wore sunglasses that hid what I knew was a playful glint in her eyes. She offered me a wry smile. "I've returned, Pet. Rejoice." My face bloomed like a flower when she placed the heel of her boot on the crown of my head, forcing it back onto the floor.

"Woof. Woof!" Thank you so much. Thank you so much!

Her foot came off. She lifted my head up, and I could see she had gone down on one knee to meet me at eye level. Her puffy, crimson lips showed a smile as she ruffled my hair. "Now then, get up off the floor and come to the bathroom. You can help me get my makeup off and slip into something more comfortable." She smiled in a slightly wicked way, "And then I can eat. After that, I think I'll get some exercise in the afternoon and enjoy a good solid round of pegging your soft puppy slut anus."

Before helping her remove her boots, I bent down and kissed the toe one more time. Thank goodness she was back.

~END~