What does it mean to be her ?

"So... what, exactly, does it mean for me to be your ****?"

Nightwing looks back at you with an expression of surprise. As she does, your brush gets caught in some of her hair, and you have to fight for a moment to keep a grip on it.

"Please keep still," you sigh as you fix what you literally just did. She returns to facing forward, before clearing her throat to answer your question.

"I believe humans have an understanding for the term ****," Nightwing replies, somewhat snarkily. "I would hope that your level of intelligence is sufficient to understand, as well."

You purse your lips, holding back a retort. Instead, you go out of your way to fix a particularly difficult knot with a little more **** than necessary.

"Ow! Watch what you're doing!"

"Sorry," you mutter with a hidden smirk. "But you're correct, I understand what it means to be a **** - in the human definition. But it seems to me as though the draconic definition differs on a few key points, and if I'm going to be your ****, I'd like to know exactly what that means."

Nightwing hums thoughtfully. "In that case, tell me the differences you've noticed so far, and I'll fill in the gaps."

You nod, being a bit more gentle with a knot this time.

"For starters, you haven't chained me up or anything," you begin. "A lot of human slaves are often **** to wear collars, or they have their hands tied during transport. However, you haven't attempted to restrain me at all.

"In addition, you had me sleep in the same bed as you, and you said I was entitled to the same level of luxury that you enjoy. Most **** owners wouldn't ever even allow a **** into their home. They view their slaves as inherently less than themselves."

You explain a few more things about how humans treat their slaves, and how much those behaviors have differed from your own admittedly limited experience.

"Good gods," Nightwing mutters, barely flinching as you get yet another knot out. "That sounds utterly barbaric - when I say that you're my ****, I mean that you have to do exactly what I say, no matter what. Not that you have to stay outdoors, or... or be restrained.

"As my ****, I have a responsibility to you. I must ensure you remain safe, and healthy. I cannot do that by abusing and harming you."

You nod with a small smile. "That's honestly kind of comforting."

"I'm sure it must be." She fidgets for a moment, and you swear you can see her blushing for a moment. "I...apologize if I've caused you undue stress with this misunderstanding."

{if askedHome==false}You're floored. She's...apologizing? Why would she apologize? She's a dragon!{else}You're surprised that she's apologizing, though considering what she told you... it makes sense. Almost.{endif}

"You... you don't need to apologize," you mutter, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

You both fall silent. The only sound in the room is that of your brush pulling through her hair.