Kate!Fic | Manda!Fic | The Very Serious Conversation (1/1) | Beckett/Romy | Adult
Title: The Very Serious Conversation (1/1)
Author: Kate, aka mugglechump and Manda, aka silverstardance
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters: Beckett Dunstan, Romilda Vane
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 3167
Summary: Beckett and Romy discuss the future.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is JKR’s sandbox. I just like to build sand castles.
Author’s Notes: This is an AU scene with characters played at caliga_rpg. It follows 'Training and Field Trips, Oh My!'.
Leaving Linny to take care of the table - he'd cooked, but the elf was more than welcome to the dishes - Beckett rose from his seat and held his hand out to Romy, moving their conversation to his sitting area for the more serious topic he had in mind.
Dinner had been an exercise in companionship; he genuinely liked having her around, to talk and laugh, or occasionally loop London and the neighboring area on his bike. He certainly liked having her in his bed, even in the morning when he was generally considered wholly unfit for interaction. Were it not for the other side of their mutual interests, he'd have been content to let the relationship meander on as it would, without the bother of commitment.
After the previous weekend's outing to Restraint, however, Beckett couldn't deny his interest in making things a bit more complicated.
He deposited Romy lightly on the sofa, settling beside her and turning so that he could watch her face, knowing she had sensed the shift in his mood. "I've a present for you," he announced, not revealing the item in question just yet, "and a number of things for you to think about before you accept or decline it."
Romy waited quietly for him to elaborate. Patience was not her forte, but it was something she'd been working on more actively since their trip to Restraint. There were times when Beckett enjoyed the sass that came naturally to her, but Romy could tell from the slight change in his bearing that this was not a moment to be flippant.
Since running into him outside the little coffee shop barely a week before, she'd spent a considerable amount of time with Beckett. In the past their nights together had been scattered and casual, and she wasn't entirely sure what to make of the shift in their arrangement. That she liked the new arrangement was certain, though.
Stretching a hand out to the end table, Beckett pulled from its drawer a simple collar, matte red leather with a silver buckle and ring. He laid the unadorned strip across his palm and held it out to Romy, explaining, "This is an 'initial' collar. It means something, but it isn't permanent."
He paused to let the information sink in, then gestured for her to take the collar. "Hold it, for now. You never have to wear it, if you choose not to."
Taking the length of red leather from Beckett's hand, Romy's fingers ran over it, feeling the cool metal of the ring and the softness of the strap. Her mind was on the women she'd watched at the club, contentedly resting at their keepers' feet, trusting them to take care of whatever they needed.
It had been a very long time since Romy had felt that kind of trust. She coveted it.
Raising her eyes to Beckett's, she asked, "What does it mean?"
"It means I claim you," Beckett answered, starting with the basics. "That while you're wearing it, you belong to me, and anyone who would see it on you would understand that." He held up a hand, wanting one thing utterly clear before he went any further.
"I don't do this full-time. I won't. Even if you choose to accept the collar, even if we make a permanent arrangement, this person," he tapped the underside of her chin gently with a fingertip, "does not go away. Romilda Vane, Auror, intelligent and self-possessed modern woman, is who I talk to during the day, who I have dinner with and take to my bed."
He took the collar from her hand for a moment, forming it into a circle and making sure he had Romy's attention. "My pet," he indicated the ring in his hand," exists only when I've buckled her collar on, and yes, I am the only one to do it. Clear, so far?"
Romy nodded, pulling her eyes from the accessory that would signify the change between two very different parts of her life, if she chose it. "And when I wore it, you'd be responsible for me, and I'd be... whatever you wanted me to be?"
She'd gotten a taste of the kind of relationship he was speaking of the other night, but there was a lot to take in. The rules were still a little unclear.
A hint of smile tinged Beckett's lips. Romy was normally so together, even brazen when she wanted to be, that it still caught him a little when she was hesitant, almost childlike. He wanted, in that moment, those moments when they struck him, to reach out and hold her, promise that the bad things wouldn't be able to get her anymore.
It wasn't a promise he could make, even if he were the sort of man to do it; she was an Auror, and there were bad things. There just were.
"Yes, that's what I mean by belonging to me. I would take care of you, everything, down to not needing to think while you wore my collar, my symbol. That's part of the point. You put your trust in me to do that, completely no matter what, and I make sure that it's good for you, that you feel safe and happy." It was a lot of information, and he could see her trying to sort all of it.
"That's why this is an initial step; it's a lot, I know that. What this means, what letting me put this on you, means, is that you agree to try it, to the best of your ability. To try to obey, to trust me to take care of you while you have it on. If, at any point, either of us decides that it isn't working, we'll discuss it, and if we don't feel that it's something we can fix between us, the binding gets returned, and things are just what they were before, without this," he elaborated, hoping he was being detailed enough without overwhelming her.
It was a lot, and Romy took her time turning the information over in her head. Being completely cared for, even for a little while at a time, was something she'd wanted for so long. Whether or not she was capable of giving the kind of trust that would require was another question entirely. She trusted Beckett more than most anyone she knew, but her trust had been violated by the people closest to her more than once. Who knew if she'd lost the ability to believe that strongly in another person?
"Gabe?" she started, waiting for him to acknowledge her before continuing. "What does it mean for us? We've always had a casual relationship, but..." She trailed off, feeling awkward for even asking. If she was to put her faith in him, though, she had to know what she was to him. If he was enjoying the company of other women, or keeping other pets, it was unlikely she'd be able to give him complete control of her well-being.
"This?" the red leather shaken as an example, "Nothing, beyond what I've already said. You can see me as often or as seldom as you'd like, and whatever else you do on your own time is your business and not mine." The lightning-flash of hurt in Romy's eyes was unmistakable before she glanced away, and Beckett caught her chin to explain further, pulling her gaze to his.
"That said, taking this collar also tells me you're at least thinking about taking a permanent one. A permanent collar, Romy, is forever, barring something very big." The last was soft, solemn, and he chafed her chin lightly between thumb and forefinger before releasing her. "Don't go sharing it with the wind, as I've reputation to uphold, but I've not been up to my old tricks of late. I'm not seeing anyone."
He turned the bright strip in his hands once more before laying it in Romy's lap. "And no one now, not in years, has had one of those by my hand."
A slow smile curled on her lips and Romy leaned in close to brush a kiss across Beckett's cheek. There were no promises, not beyond those implied by the collar in her hand, but there was the potential for something more. Much like he'd said, that Beckett was offering the initial collar meant he was thinking of bestowing a permanent one upon her. Her lover wasn't one to take such a decision lightly. If she knew about it, he'd already had time to consider the idea and he'd found it appealing.
Placing the red leather back into his lap, Romy slipped from the sofa, kneeling on the floor beside him. Her chin rested on Beckett's knee, eyes turned up to him expectantly. She was willing to try, eager even.
Beckett ran a hand over Romy's hair, suppressing a chuckle as she leaned into the contact. She'd made her decision, it seemed, but there was one more thing he needed to say before he could let her accept the collar in good conscience.
"Listen," he murmured, ceasing his petting and giving her a moment to focus. "There are rules, you know that. You will obey me, while you wear this, in all things. I know that you're learning, but if you disobey me, you will be punished." Her eyes were wider now, but clear, and he continued. "You saw Angel, at the club. Kerr does that because she likes it, and he likes giving it to her. You don't, and I know that."
Her nod prompted him, and Beckett cupped Romy's cheek in his hand. "I will never raise my hand to you in punishment or in anger. I give you what pain you enjoy because you enjoy it, and no more. The collar means mine, to have and to take care of."
"I know you won't," she assured him. "I've never worried about you on that score, not really." The sole exception was the night she came to him after her attack. Even then, the fear had very little to do with Beckett. Her expression was earnest as she made her own promise. "I'll do whatever you ask of me, and accept whatever correction you think is necessary. Perfect I'm not, but I'll try to make you happy."
Shaking his head, Beckett adjusted her wording. "You'll try to obey. It isn't, or isn't only, about making me happy. You like hearing that you're a good girl, yes?"
Dark eyes going a bit hazy as she recalled the benefits of being a 'good girl', Romy nodded. "Yes, Gabe."
A smile forming at Romy's tone, well-versed in that look, Beckett stroked her cheek lightly with the back of his fingers, voice low and guiding. "Makes you happy to know I think you are..." He chuckled. "Makes you wet, actually."
"Yes, Gabe," she repeated with a grin, unable to deny the charge. Not that she had any reason to deny it. She loved the effect he had on her and she knew Beckett enjoyed coaxing the reaction he received.
Picking the collar up from where Romy had placed it across his legs, Beckett held it in front of her, watching her intently. "Yes?" he asked, letting the word stand for the discussion that had already passed between them.
Hands gathering her long locks, she lifted them so that Beckett had access to her neck. Romy's eyes were bright with anticipation as she murmured, "Please."
His touch careful, Beckett clasped the collar around Romy's neck, buckling it so that it was snug, sliding two fingers beneath the leather to check that she had ample room to breathe. Satisfied, he pulled his hands away, letting her drop her hair.
It was unfamiliar, the feel of the leather on her neck, not tight but not loose either. That was not what was in the forefront of Romy's mind, though. What resonated within her was the meaning of her new adornment.
His.
She belonged to him. He claimed her, and a comforting warmth spread through her at the thought. Resting her head against Beckett's lean thigh, Romy breathed deeply, letting some of the tension she carried fall away. Her worries were not her own, not right now.
Beckett sat quietly a long few moments, giving Romy time to mentally settle herself in her new situation. As her breathing evened, calm and content radiating from her, he brushed his palm over her hair to call her attention. "Up," he directed firmly, patting his chest to show where he wanted her.
Romy climbed from her position on the floor into Beckett's lap. Curling, cat-like against him, she nuzzled his neck lightly before stilling, content to relax where she was until he bade her do something else.
Wrapping his arms around her warm, supple form, Beckett rested his chin atop Romy's head, choosing to let correction wait, for the moment, aside from a muttered, "Mm, can see something to work on already. Directions are meant specifically, not to-your-own-taste. We'll get to leash training before I take you back out with me."
Tipping her head up, surprised to have screwed up already, she looked to him with wide eyes. "What did I do wrong?" she asked, chagrined. It seemed she was going to have a harder time learning than she'd anticipated.
"Told you 'up', not 'up and bury your face in my neck'. I don't mind, but it wasn't the command you were given," Beckett explained. "Assume nothing; if I want you somewhere slightly different than exactly what I said, I'm more than capable of moving you."
She nodded, trying not to fidget as was her habit when she was feeling embarrassed. "I just wanted to show you I was happy to be here. I'll do better."
"Hey," Beckett soothed, curling his hand under Romy's chin and pulling her gaze to his, "Did I tell you 'no' and send you to the corner?" A tiny shake of her head answered him, and he smiled. "I know. I'm not upset; you were good and I'm glad that you're happy. I mentioned it because I wanted you to know for later."
"Okay." His smile and reassurances drew a similar curling of lips from Romy. Relieved and beginning to relax again, she nearly repeated her error, but caught herself. Romy was intelligent, but she was also willful, even without realizing it. It would take vigilance on her part to ensure that part of her personality was checked while she was collared.
Proud of her minor achievement, her smile grew just slightly.
Chuckling, Beckett guided Romy's head back to his shoulder, stroking her hair and waiting for her to shift minutely to get comfortable again. "Relax," he coaxed, though being cuddled against him seemed to satisfy most of that effect for her. "There isn't any special test for the evening; I just want you to get used to wearing it, and to listening and talking with more than your ears and voice."
He could tell without letting her raise her head that the last had sparked interest, and continued. "You probably noticed when we were out that most anyone wearing one of these," he rubbed a finger over her collar, "wasn't making much conversation. I do expect you to act accordingly. While your collar is on, you are my pet, and I am not in the habit of spending time talking to my pet and expecting answers. If you need something, if you have a question, if you feel uneasy, I need you to let me know, but you need to get my attention appropriately first."
Romy's brow furrowed in thought as she considered what she was being told. He hadn't elaborated on what was appropriate, but she remembered their trip to the club and the way Angel had rubbed against Kerr's knee when she wanted to greet Beckett. Having been corrected just a few moments before for nuzzling Beckett when he hadn't instructed her to made Romy hesitant to get his attention that way.
As she thought about it, though, it wasn't the show of affection that had been the issue. It was that she had embellished the order he had given. Tentatively, she brushed her cheek against his skin and raised her eyes to check the response.
Beckett nodded, rewarding Romy's understanding with a kiss across her brow. "That's fine, or a touch from your hand," he took hers in demonstration, laying it lightly on his arm, "or just watching me until I check on you. There are other things that work; what to keep in mind is that you're asking, not telling, and that anything outside of what you've been told needs permission."
A very important question came to mind and Romy repeated her request for attention, waiting to be acknowledged before she spoke. "Am I allowed to ask for, or let you know that I'd like to be touched?"
It was something she needed to know. Beckett had the ability to stir her with a word or a glance, the lightest touch. She'd need to work on her patience, and she knew that, but that readiness was part of who she was in his company.
His face the picture of wry amusement, Beckett asked pointedly, "When have I ever misread you so that you'd think I didn't know already? Unless you're being punished, that is not out of your reach, so yes, you may, but I don't think you'll need to."
Pinkening at the implied truth of his query, Romy held her tongue, knowing that Beckett didn't need to hear her acknowledge it. He did know her incredibly well, but she hadn't been able to resist asking the question.
The important bits covered, she settled again where Beckett had placed her. She liked being held and coddled, liked that her comfort and happiness was being looked after. And she liked that in all likelihood, the evening would end with him acting on his ability to read her desire.
Author: Kate, aka mugglechump and Manda, aka silverstardance
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters: Beckett Dunstan, Romilda Vane
Rating: Adult
Word Count: 3167
Summary: Beckett and Romy discuss the future.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is JKR’s sandbox. I just like to build sand castles.
Author’s Notes: This is an AU scene with characters played at caliga_rpg. It follows 'Training and Field Trips, Oh My!'.
Leaving Linny to take care of the table - he'd cooked, but the elf was more than welcome to the dishes - Beckett rose from his seat and held his hand out to Romy, moving their conversation to his sitting area for the more serious topic he had in mind.
Dinner had been an exercise in companionship; he genuinely liked having her around, to talk and laugh, or occasionally loop London and the neighboring area on his bike. He certainly liked having her in his bed, even in the morning when he was generally considered wholly unfit for interaction. Were it not for the other side of their mutual interests, he'd have been content to let the relationship meander on as it would, without the bother of commitment.
After the previous weekend's outing to Restraint, however, Beckett couldn't deny his interest in making things a bit more complicated.
He deposited Romy lightly on the sofa, settling beside her and turning so that he could watch her face, knowing she had sensed the shift in his mood. "I've a present for you," he announced, not revealing the item in question just yet, "and a number of things for you to think about before you accept or decline it."
Romy waited quietly for him to elaborate. Patience was not her forte, but it was something she'd been working on more actively since their trip to Restraint. There were times when Beckett enjoyed the sass that came naturally to her, but Romy could tell from the slight change in his bearing that this was not a moment to be flippant.
Since running into him outside the little coffee shop barely a week before, she'd spent a considerable amount of time with Beckett. In the past their nights together had been scattered and casual, and she wasn't entirely sure what to make of the shift in their arrangement. That she liked the new arrangement was certain, though.
Stretching a hand out to the end table, Beckett pulled from its drawer a simple collar, matte red leather with a silver buckle and ring. He laid the unadorned strip across his palm and held it out to Romy, explaining, "This is an 'initial' collar. It means something, but it isn't permanent."
He paused to let the information sink in, then gestured for her to take the collar. "Hold it, for now. You never have to wear it, if you choose not to."
Taking the length of red leather from Beckett's hand, Romy's fingers ran over it, feeling the cool metal of the ring and the softness of the strap. Her mind was on the women she'd watched at the club, contentedly resting at their keepers' feet, trusting them to take care of whatever they needed.
It had been a very long time since Romy had felt that kind of trust. She coveted it.
Raising her eyes to Beckett's, she asked, "What does it mean?"
"It means I claim you," Beckett answered, starting with the basics. "That while you're wearing it, you belong to me, and anyone who would see it on you would understand that." He held up a hand, wanting one thing utterly clear before he went any further.
"I don't do this full-time. I won't. Even if you choose to accept the collar, even if we make a permanent arrangement, this person," he tapped the underside of her chin gently with a fingertip, "does not go away. Romilda Vane, Auror, intelligent and self-possessed modern woman, is who I talk to during the day, who I have dinner with and take to my bed."
He took the collar from her hand for a moment, forming it into a circle and making sure he had Romy's attention. "My pet," he indicated the ring in his hand," exists only when I've buckled her collar on, and yes, I am the only one to do it. Clear, so far?"
Romy nodded, pulling her eyes from the accessory that would signify the change between two very different parts of her life, if she chose it. "And when I wore it, you'd be responsible for me, and I'd be... whatever you wanted me to be?"
She'd gotten a taste of the kind of relationship he was speaking of the other night, but there was a lot to take in. The rules were still a little unclear.
A hint of smile tinged Beckett's lips. Romy was normally so together, even brazen when she wanted to be, that it still caught him a little when she was hesitant, almost childlike. He wanted, in that moment, those moments when they struck him, to reach out and hold her, promise that the bad things wouldn't be able to get her anymore.
It wasn't a promise he could make, even if he were the sort of man to do it; she was an Auror, and there were bad things. There just were.
"Yes, that's what I mean by belonging to me. I would take care of you, everything, down to not needing to think while you wore my collar, my symbol. That's part of the point. You put your trust in me to do that, completely no matter what, and I make sure that it's good for you, that you feel safe and happy." It was a lot of information, and he could see her trying to sort all of it.
"That's why this is an initial step; it's a lot, I know that. What this means, what letting me put this on you, means, is that you agree to try it, to the best of your ability. To try to obey, to trust me to take care of you while you have it on. If, at any point, either of us decides that it isn't working, we'll discuss it, and if we don't feel that it's something we can fix between us, the binding gets returned, and things are just what they were before, without this," he elaborated, hoping he was being detailed enough without overwhelming her.
It was a lot, and Romy took her time turning the information over in her head. Being completely cared for, even for a little while at a time, was something she'd wanted for so long. Whether or not she was capable of giving the kind of trust that would require was another question entirely. She trusted Beckett more than most anyone she knew, but her trust had been violated by the people closest to her more than once. Who knew if she'd lost the ability to believe that strongly in another person?
"Gabe?" she started, waiting for him to acknowledge her before continuing. "What does it mean for us? We've always had a casual relationship, but..." She trailed off, feeling awkward for even asking. If she was to put her faith in him, though, she had to know what she was to him. If he was enjoying the company of other women, or keeping other pets, it was unlikely she'd be able to give him complete control of her well-being.
"This?" the red leather shaken as an example, "Nothing, beyond what I've already said. You can see me as often or as seldom as you'd like, and whatever else you do on your own time is your business and not mine." The lightning-flash of hurt in Romy's eyes was unmistakable before she glanced away, and Beckett caught her chin to explain further, pulling her gaze to his.
"That said, taking this collar also tells me you're at least thinking about taking a permanent one. A permanent collar, Romy, is forever, barring something very big." The last was soft, solemn, and he chafed her chin lightly between thumb and forefinger before releasing her. "Don't go sharing it with the wind, as I've reputation to uphold, but I've not been up to my old tricks of late. I'm not seeing anyone."
He turned the bright strip in his hands once more before laying it in Romy's lap. "And no one now, not in years, has had one of those by my hand."
A slow smile curled on her lips and Romy leaned in close to brush a kiss across Beckett's cheek. There were no promises, not beyond those implied by the collar in her hand, but there was the potential for something more. Much like he'd said, that Beckett was offering the initial collar meant he was thinking of bestowing a permanent one upon her. Her lover wasn't one to take such a decision lightly. If she knew about it, he'd already had time to consider the idea and he'd found it appealing.
Placing the red leather back into his lap, Romy slipped from the sofa, kneeling on the floor beside him. Her chin rested on Beckett's knee, eyes turned up to him expectantly. She was willing to try, eager even.
Beckett ran a hand over Romy's hair, suppressing a chuckle as she leaned into the contact. She'd made her decision, it seemed, but there was one more thing he needed to say before he could let her accept the collar in good conscience.
"Listen," he murmured, ceasing his petting and giving her a moment to focus. "There are rules, you know that. You will obey me, while you wear this, in all things. I know that you're learning, but if you disobey me, you will be punished." Her eyes were wider now, but clear, and he continued. "You saw Angel, at the club. Kerr does that because she likes it, and he likes giving it to her. You don't, and I know that."
Her nod prompted him, and Beckett cupped Romy's cheek in his hand. "I will never raise my hand to you in punishment or in anger. I give you what pain you enjoy because you enjoy it, and no more. The collar means mine, to have and to take care of."
"I know you won't," she assured him. "I've never worried about you on that score, not really." The sole exception was the night she came to him after her attack. Even then, the fear had very little to do with Beckett. Her expression was earnest as she made her own promise. "I'll do whatever you ask of me, and accept whatever correction you think is necessary. Perfect I'm not, but I'll try to make you happy."
Shaking his head, Beckett adjusted her wording. "You'll try to obey. It isn't, or isn't only, about making me happy. You like hearing that you're a good girl, yes?"
Dark eyes going a bit hazy as she recalled the benefits of being a 'good girl', Romy nodded. "Yes, Gabe."
A smile forming at Romy's tone, well-versed in that look, Beckett stroked her cheek lightly with the back of his fingers, voice low and guiding. "Makes you happy to know I think you are..." He chuckled. "Makes you wet, actually."
"Yes, Gabe," she repeated with a grin, unable to deny the charge. Not that she had any reason to deny it. She loved the effect he had on her and she knew Beckett enjoyed coaxing the reaction he received.
Picking the collar up from where Romy had placed it across his legs, Beckett held it in front of her, watching her intently. "Yes?" he asked, letting the word stand for the discussion that had already passed between them.
Hands gathering her long locks, she lifted them so that Beckett had access to her neck. Romy's eyes were bright with anticipation as she murmured, "Please."
His touch careful, Beckett clasped the collar around Romy's neck, buckling it so that it was snug, sliding two fingers beneath the leather to check that she had ample room to breathe. Satisfied, he pulled his hands away, letting her drop her hair.
It was unfamiliar, the feel of the leather on her neck, not tight but not loose either. That was not what was in the forefront of Romy's mind, though. What resonated within her was the meaning of her new adornment.
His.
She belonged to him. He claimed her, and a comforting warmth spread through her at the thought. Resting her head against Beckett's lean thigh, Romy breathed deeply, letting some of the tension she carried fall away. Her worries were not her own, not right now.
Beckett sat quietly a long few moments, giving Romy time to mentally settle herself in her new situation. As her breathing evened, calm and content radiating from her, he brushed his palm over her hair to call her attention. "Up," he directed firmly, patting his chest to show where he wanted her.
Romy climbed from her position on the floor into Beckett's lap. Curling, cat-like against him, she nuzzled his neck lightly before stilling, content to relax where she was until he bade her do something else.
Wrapping his arms around her warm, supple form, Beckett rested his chin atop Romy's head, choosing to let correction wait, for the moment, aside from a muttered, "Mm, can see something to work on already. Directions are meant specifically, not to-your-own-taste. We'll get to leash training before I take you back out with me."
Tipping her head up, surprised to have screwed up already, she looked to him with wide eyes. "What did I do wrong?" she asked, chagrined. It seemed she was going to have a harder time learning than she'd anticipated.
"Told you 'up', not 'up and bury your face in my neck'. I don't mind, but it wasn't the command you were given," Beckett explained. "Assume nothing; if I want you somewhere slightly different than exactly what I said, I'm more than capable of moving you."
She nodded, trying not to fidget as was her habit when she was feeling embarrassed. "I just wanted to show you I was happy to be here. I'll do better."
"Hey," Beckett soothed, curling his hand under Romy's chin and pulling her gaze to his, "Did I tell you 'no' and send you to the corner?" A tiny shake of her head answered him, and he smiled. "I know. I'm not upset; you were good and I'm glad that you're happy. I mentioned it because I wanted you to know for later."
"Okay." His smile and reassurances drew a similar curling of lips from Romy. Relieved and beginning to relax again, she nearly repeated her error, but caught herself. Romy was intelligent, but she was also willful, even without realizing it. It would take vigilance on her part to ensure that part of her personality was checked while she was collared.
Proud of her minor achievement, her smile grew just slightly.
Chuckling, Beckett guided Romy's head back to his shoulder, stroking her hair and waiting for her to shift minutely to get comfortable again. "Relax," he coaxed, though being cuddled against him seemed to satisfy most of that effect for her. "There isn't any special test for the evening; I just want you to get used to wearing it, and to listening and talking with more than your ears and voice."
He could tell without letting her raise her head that the last had sparked interest, and continued. "You probably noticed when we were out that most anyone wearing one of these," he rubbed a finger over her collar, "wasn't making much conversation. I do expect you to act accordingly. While your collar is on, you are my pet, and I am not in the habit of spending time talking to my pet and expecting answers. If you need something, if you have a question, if you feel uneasy, I need you to let me know, but you need to get my attention appropriately first."
Romy's brow furrowed in thought as she considered what she was being told. He hadn't elaborated on what was appropriate, but she remembered their trip to the club and the way Angel had rubbed against Kerr's knee when she wanted to greet Beckett. Having been corrected just a few moments before for nuzzling Beckett when he hadn't instructed her to made Romy hesitant to get his attention that way.
As she thought about it, though, it wasn't the show of affection that had been the issue. It was that she had embellished the order he had given. Tentatively, she brushed her cheek against his skin and raised her eyes to check the response.
Beckett nodded, rewarding Romy's understanding with a kiss across her brow. "That's fine, or a touch from your hand," he took hers in demonstration, laying it lightly on his arm, "or just watching me until I check on you. There are other things that work; what to keep in mind is that you're asking, not telling, and that anything outside of what you've been told needs permission."
A very important question came to mind and Romy repeated her request for attention, waiting to be acknowledged before she spoke. "Am I allowed to ask for, or let you know that I'd like to be touched?"
It was something she needed to know. Beckett had the ability to stir her with a word or a glance, the lightest touch. She'd need to work on her patience, and she knew that, but that readiness was part of who she was in his company.
His face the picture of wry amusement, Beckett asked pointedly, "When have I ever misread you so that you'd think I didn't know already? Unless you're being punished, that is not out of your reach, so yes, you may, but I don't think you'll need to."
Pinkening at the implied truth of his query, Romy held her tongue, knowing that Beckett didn't need to hear her acknowledge it. He did know her incredibly well, but she hadn't been able to resist asking the question.
The important bits covered, she settled again where Beckett had placed her. She liked being held and coddled, liked that her comfort and happiness was being looked after. And she liked that in all likelihood, the evening would end with him acting on his ability to read her desire.