Sometimes, only cuddles are enough 🥰

The movie had become little more than background noise. They were tucked against my side, head resting beneath my chin, fidgeting every few minutes until they finally gave up pretending to be comfortable and nuzzled closer instead.

I smiled and asked, "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours, puppy?"

They didn't answer — just hid their face against my neck. I wrapped my arms around them, smiled and held them closer.

"Hey. You can tell Mommy."

A tiny sigh escaped them. "I just… want you."

My expression softened immediately.
"You have me." I kissed their forehead slowly, then ran my fingers through their hair. "You never have to be shy about wanting affection from me."

They finally looked up, their expression soft and almost embarrassed, a hint of pink covering their cheeks. "I want to be your puppy."

"I know." I brushed my thumb gently across their cheek. "And you will always be."

Something in them relaxed.
I reached for their collar on the bedside table and let them see it before bringing it closer. "Do you want Mommy to put this on?"

They nodded.

"Remember to use your words, sweetheart."

"Yes, Mommy. Please."

I fastened it carefully, checking that it sat comfortably before running my fingers beneath it. "There. You look perfect."

They smiled, and I pulled them back into my arms, letting them settle against my chest.

"You don't have to perform for me tonight," I whispered. "You don't have to prove anything."

They looked up. "Then what do I do?"

"Just be my cute, little puppy." I kissed their forehead. "Let me take care of you."

For a while, we simply stayed there.
I stroked their hair slowly, scratching gently behind their ear now and then just to make them smile, whispering reassurances into it — my sweet puppy, Mommy loves you so much, you're doing so well, you're safe with Mommy.

Eventually, I ended up looking at them, smiling proudly, pondering a question for them to have something to focus on. "Tell me three things you like."

They thought carefully for a moment. "Your voice. Your hugs. And when you call me puppy."

I smiled. "That's an excellent answer, sweetie."

They laughed quietly. I pulled the blanket around us and tucked them closer against me. "See?" I whispered. "You don't have to work for every bit of affection I give you." I kissed their temple. "Sometimes Mommy just wants to hold her puppy."

They closed their eyes, completely relaxed, and I kept stroking their hair until their breathing slowed and softened.

"My good little puppy," I murmured.

And this time, there was no hesitation. They simply smiled and snuggled closer.