Romance

Romance in its more conventional forms is largely lost on me. Receiving even the most elaborately arranged bouquet of exotic flowers, or the most exquisite tasting and elegantly wrapped premium chocolates, is, although enjoyable and thoroughly appreciated, ultimately useless insofar as inspiring the weak-in-the-knees-butterflies-in-the-stomach sort of feelings that most romantic gestures are intended to rouse. My predilections being what they are, what passes for romance in my world is considerably darker than anything that you might find at a Hallmark shop, and one would, when attempting to inflame my passions, have far better luck with a trip to the feed store.

At times I half-wish that the standard displays of romance that most seem to find satisfactorily romantic were for me, too. It seems that, if nothing else, it would be easier on M if his girl were to prefer what is commonly available and widely expected to what is decidedly not. Many stores and gas stations stock flowers, but relatively few carry riding crops or leashes. It takes an extra stop on the way home to delight me. I shake this thinking by reminding myself that it is merely a testament to my great worth, or, perhaps more likely, to M's patience in indulging me. (It's win-win for the both of us, regardless.) Then I distract myself by wondering what romance is to others who, like me, are unstirred by the usual romantic offerings. What are their floral arrangement equivalents? Their expensive candle-lit dinners?

Being gifted with a new lead, the pliant leather gleaming in the lamplight as it is affixed to my collar for the first time, warms my body from head to toe and leaves me feeling sweet and bashful. Falling asleep with a hand encircling my neck, gripping me ever more tightly as I drift in to the night, results in me being awash with love, desire, and a strong sense of security. Being told that I will never, ever be allowed to leave causes me to feel wanted, even treasured, for why else would someone be so greedy and possessive of another? These are the gifts and favors and sweet nothings that are most effective in romancing me.

Image Source
Solus Photography, Arkandia, Michael Cooney