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i am robbing bakerstreet again

PET PERSON MEME

>> premise

Hello, and welcome to The Care and Keeping of Your Pet! As you surely know, a pet is a big responsibility, and we're so glad you've decided to be a concientious master. A safe pet is a happy pet, and this handbook is certain to keep your precious lifelong friend as content as can be.

The history of the animal person is a long and difficult one, with their origins not being known even to this day. However, scientists believe that despite our common appearance - most animal people have humanoid forms except for the ears, tails, and sometimes teeth - we share no common ancestry, even if the ascent of this species corresponds with that of the homo sapien. We gained dominance over each breed thousands of years ago, beginning with the dog type, who have long been considered "man's best friend." Most breeds these days are docile and perfect for owners of any speed.

Of course, it is our duty as the superior species to take care of these animal creatures, and this is inherent in their genetic makeup. Everyone knows that an animal person, when matched with their correct human master, is loyal for life - a true "soulmate," if you will. Far be it for us to turn this away! Ever since the Great Domestication, these intelligent and loving animals have served us as friends, workmates, guardians, servants, and sexual companions and will for years to come. Despite recent hubbub from so-called "Pet People's Rights Activists," this way of life is wholesome and good. Scientific research shows that the natural desire of the pet person is to be owned and cared for by a human.

So, it's your first pet. What do you need to know?

As previously stated, pet people come in as many breeds as you can possibly think of. By far and away the most popular are the dog and cat types, but exotic birds and lizards have been gaining popularity among trendsetters from L.A. to Tokyo!
All pet types are best suited for certain jobs, and when hunting for one, it is best to search for a type that suits your needs best.
However, a "True Match" - when a pet person bonds with you and only you for the rest of their natural lives - comes naturally, and sometimes takes time before you can find the pet you will be able to give a forever home to.
According to all current research, pet people are completely sentient and like us in many ways. However, it is important to remember that they have many animalistic and feral characteristics. Do not be foolish and think that your pet is a person, despite the facts that many are clothed and may be allowed to read, write, and have "hobbies." Some traditional pet owners may eschew these frivolities, and that is within their right.
Pet people age more quickly than humans, at least physically, and many types have long lifespans. It is not uncommon for pets to be passed through the family. When getting your child their first pet, it's important to keep in mind that just because the pup is tiny now, a grown pet can be jumpy around a small child.
It is important to train a pet. Discipline will be necessary. This does not make you a bad owner. Failure to train early will result in a rebellious pet. Training is especially important if you want your pet to serve as a household servant.
Remember, your pet will be extremely protective of you, especially if you are Truly Bonded. It is best to socialize them early. A socialized pet is a perfect family pet.
These days, unowned and unbonded pet people are allowed to live as strays or "Frees" in certain designated areas. Some even hold "jobs." This is against their best interest, and owners who adopt these strays are to be rewarded. Still, the best place to get pets are from liscenced kennels or breeders.
Some masters find it beneficial to participate in activities with their pets, such as shows and other competitions.
Finally, much has been made about the sexual relationship between pet and master. This is a normal facet of the bond, and humans are sure to find pet people sexually alluring. But beyond that, it is only responsible and prudent for owners to care for their pet's needs. It is a well-known fact that the libidos of pet people are remarkably strong, and when they go into heat, it is usually more convenient for a master to relieve them. There is no risk of pregnancy. All rumors of hybrids are urban legends.
Despite this, masters must remember to not view their pets as romantic partners. Humans should stay with humans.

With that said, thank you and welcome to your first day as a pet's master!

>> how to play

Needless to say, The Care and Keeping of Your Pet is a bit biased and full of propaganda, but it gives a good idea of the world your character is now AU's into. They are either a pet person or a human master, and what that means for them varies.

So are they a devoted pet or a rebellious animal person looking to buck the system? A generous master or a cruel sexual sadist? Just a normal pet owner? Most likely they're something in between, but when you're raised in this world, it's difficult to see anything different on the horizon.

Rules

Comment with your character and say whether they'd be a master or a pet. Ideally, they could be played as both. Mention what kind of each they'd be and what they'd be like, (ie: "Xx-chan is a bunny girl who is happy to please her master" or "Asterothia is a cat boy who is aloof but loyal to his true master"). For pets, be sure to include features ("wolf ears, tail, teeth).

REMEMBER, pet does not automatically equal submissive and master automatically equal dominant. This is not a BDSM setting though BDSM can be included. How far you want to go with the actual "pet" aspect is up to you, as well. Your pet could just be your slightly-furry roommate or soulmate!
Comment to others.
Play out the scene.

>> prompts

This by no means an all-inclusive list, but it should get you going in the right direction.

First Time Pet/Owner: Usually, pets are gotten at a young age; you're an old dog. Can you learn new tricks?
True Bond: What all masters and pets yearn for...the pet's loyalty and adoration for life.
Love: It's expected for masters to love their pets, but to love them? Romance is strictly forbidden.
Old "Couple": Master and pet have grown together and know each other. You know, know each other.
Loss of Master: The pet has lost their master, perhaps even their True Bond. Is it possible to move on?
Young Master/Older Pet: Pets age quicker than masters, so it's possible to end up with a bit of an "age" difference.
Family Pet: This pet's been raised as part of the family. What happens when their feelings for a family member get more than platonic.
For Your Protection: You don't want to be a master, but you have to take in a pet for their protection lest they be in danger from the general public.
Stray: You're a stray or a "Free." Can you live like this with your biology screaming for you to make a match?
Servant: You're more servant than pet.
All Sex, All the Time: The only purpose for this pet is to service the master, and not in a way that means cleaning their house.
Guard: You're a loyal bodyguard, a service pet. You'll do anything for your master. Anything.
Pet Play: This is for those who prefer to keep their animals on leashes, have them eat from bowls, and keep away from clothing.
Breaking In: Training is important with any pet.
In Love with Another Master...or Pet: To lust after another's master is no better than treason, and to wish to be with another pet just cruel!
Punishment: Bad dog, no nookie!
Heat: All pets go into heat, and it's the responsibility of the owner to take care of this problem. After all, unchecked dry humping kills thousands every year.
Breeding: Breeders know the best qualities in each type and mate the cream of the crop together to continue lines. It's a hobby for some, a calling for others.
Territorial: Hey, hey, other dog person! This is your apartment. Stay the fuck out!
Kennel: Kennels are where unadopted pets are kept. They're generally agreed to be depressing places. Why not volunteer at one, keeping the pets healthy and happy with the kind of affection only humans can show?
Rebelling Against the System: Damn the Man! Pet people are people, too! Just be careful not to get talk. You know what happens to bad pets.
Instant Attraction: You ever just look at someone and know they're the one? That they're...your master? But what if you've been trying to fight it? Well, don't try!
Dominant Pet: You might be the pet, but you call the shots, at least in the bedroom.
Pet Show: Everyone wants to show off how perfect their animal is. Look at that ass! And you'll never believe their special skills...
Therapeutic: Pets, especially those bred for their kindliness, are perfect therapy for those who've been through trauma and heartache.
Jealousy: Who's that around your master? Oh, hell no. They better not be touching them!
Petting: Pet people are absolutely gaga for being touched. Even the most steely ones turn to mush for rubs.
Games: Playing with your pet and giving them exercise is a key to happiness. Of course, with a pet person, you might want to use other toys instead of a ball.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A mug of hot cocoa does magic to warm up a cold winter day with a touch of sweetness. He waited a few moments, a beat, as she stirred awake. "You were sleeping." He said, with an understanding she tends to exhaust herself. The cold weather tends to do that even on the most hard-working soldiers on patrol.

"Nay allow me. Sit there and I'll do the rest. Besides cocoa, I'll finish up this stew for you. It need some seasonings and I get it ready for the both of us." He already got it, the fire kindled, and stew was boiling once more. But once she's up, he hands her the poker to allow her to try to kindle the fire and get it to rekindle again.

"It will." He's optimistic despite the harsh environment. "It tends to quiet around here without incident. Once in a while we have heretics trying to screw up deliveries or a lost traveler who couldn't find their chocolo and a swarm of monsters coming to the gate. But nothing I couldn't handle. And you're not troublesome. If I have work for you," he offered. "You can have it. Nothing wrong earning a few gil and saving up for the future."

With the strew ready, he gets a ladle to scoop up the soup into a bowl. "That looks good even with a little meat." As meat tends to be scarced. Deliveries of meat can be slow and delayed by the week because of the climate and weather. "We should enjoy it while it's hot." He lightly blows as he helps himself to the lunch she made.

Ah... She apparently hadn't spiced it well if he already knew that there needed to be more. Damn, it was always so hard for her to find that right balance that wasn't too much for people, and she didn't exactly want to use too much of their stock either... Still, just once she'd like to make something and not have to have him alter it just so that it'd be good.

But the topic changes before she can dwell on it, and at first she's quietly nodding along -- he's right, after all. While Ishgard was still recovering from the turmoil the revealed truth and resulting fallout from it, Camp Dragonhead seems to have basically proceeded almost as normal. A little better now that heretics (hopefully) wouldn't be as much of a factor.

At the mention of meat she lifted her head a little, pausing and looking back to her bowl before she spoke once more, "I can try to hunt something for next time. Game isn't that scarce around here, and if I have to go a little farther then it'd be something new to try."

She began to eat properly then, humming thoughtfully before continuing. It was still a little weak-flavoured for her liking but... Knowing Haurchefant had a hand in it made it feel that much warmer. Honestly, just sharing a meal with him felt domestic, and it was... Well, nice. A sense of stability she hadn't really had before. And she had a feeling that it wouldn't be nearly as nice if it wasn't Haurchefant with her.

... She was thinking too hard about this. He was just being nice, like always. He was just kind in general. It was a good thing about him, but it also made things a little frustrating for those reasons she didn't want to think too hard about.

Haurchefant made no complaints. Her stew is really good. Just need a slight modification on the seasoning. He continues smiles, quite cheerfully as there's a moment of a break to have lunch together near the fire, carrying out their duties. He slowly chews, finding the meat very gamey and chewy. The meal could be hotter, but the fire tend to die out quickly as it burns.

With admiration, "As long it's not too difficult for you. The soldiers and myself do appreciate really good meat that goes into our meals. Honestly, that's a common complaint I received in the reports."

He eats quietly being good-natured while sitting close to her. He truly meant it that he offered a temporary refuge and sanctuary to allow her time to heal. He placed a log into the fireplace to keep the fire burning, "But if you were thinking about it, let me join you next time and I'll hunt with you. I too have a duty to make sure everyone is well-fed."

"Y-Yes."

It was a flash, a memory that never was, so real that it was almost like the Echo. It brought her to pause. Even if things had turned out all right this time...

Her appetite was gone. She sighed, and she only barely managed to make herself finish before picking up her bowl and setting it aside. They could take their dishes to be cleaned later, but for now...

"Just... We'll pull out if we need to. Meat's nice, but it's not worth too much risk, right? You're still needed here."

Was that what she wanted to say? She didn't know. It partly was, but it partly wasn't. She wanted to say more, to emphasize just how much she didn't want to go through such a terrifying thing again. That he mattered, that she almost lost him, that she...

Damn it. It was something she hadn't wanted to face, but the near miss was enough for her to realize just what she was feeling. But she couldn't bring herself to say it, either. It was hard enough to try and voice exactly what she did want in that moment of respite.

"Will... Will you sit with me by the fire? If you're not busy."

Haurchefant took his time to enjoy the moment of lunch with her, then drank it all down with his cup of cocoa to warm up. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. I worked, lived, and hunted in the Coretha's wilderness. We'll go hunting together when it's needed." He seems calm about it. "But if luck would have it, we'll just wait until the next shipment of deliveries arrive to the camp."

But if he knew how much she cared to the point that she fears losing him. He paused, hearing her request, he figured she must be cold. "Yeah, sure. If we sit closer to the fire, it's warmer." He scoots and sits right next to her, his body touching on her right side. He wears an armor of metal links, so it doesn't help that his armor tunic is cold also. "It might take me a little longer to warm up."

Nhaama, this was hard. Adela could feel her face burning as she was next to him, and while it was cold iron she felt next to her she knew it belonged to Haurchefant. That just made it all the more difficult. And it wasn't like she didn't have her own armor, so maybe this whim of hers was... Ill-conceived.

In a show of her agitation her tail lashed, and despite her best efforts she couldn't simply relax. It was getting to be too much for the little au ra, and her mind raced because of the closeness then and there. It was new, but there was the question of if it meant anything to Haurchefant. Or, if like everything else, it was just him being genuinely kind. It probably had nothing to do with her at all.

"I'm not keeping you from anything, am I? Be honest."

Adela, in hindsight, would realize that it wasn't the most tactful thing to say. Unfortunately, her fear and doubt were enough to keep her from voicing what she really wanted to ask -- whether he was indulging her because of a sense of duty, because she was the warrior of light, or if it was something else entirely.

In the meanwhile, Haurchefant wonders if it's warm enough. He watches the fire burn away at the logs within the fireplace, flickering and the cackling of ember on the wood.

By default, Haurchefant is being kind. For any signs of interests, he kept it in check. "No. If you meant my duties, you haven't. Do not worry. Time I could spare. I usually keep check of those who is serving with me and checking for deliveries and shipment and keep watch for monsters that tries to invade the camp."

If there is any hint, he was indulging her, even the slightest, "Let me know if you're colder still. I realize it might be harder for you to warm up. This weather can be hellish, even with for those with good circulation. At the end of the week, I usually go back home to Ishgard where it's much warmer within my father's manor."

"I've never felt such cold before coming here -- not even on the highest peaks of the Steppe. It is harsh, but... I know there will come a time I miss it, despite all of that."

It wasn't a pleasant topic, but Adela's agitation did lessen as her mind drifted from the situation to more serious thoughts. Thoughts of the future, of what still had to be done. Yet, in her selfishness, she didn't want to leave. At least for a few moments longer, she wanted this.

"I don't think I'm going to miss how it dries out my scales, though. But I'm glad that you get regular breaks from it, even if it's only for a short while."

I just wish I could do the same.

She felt so tired, suddenly. The weight of everything was almost a physical thing, and before Adela could think of it she was leaning on him. Grateful that she still could -- that she hadn't lost him, on top of everyone else.

"... Haurchefant, how's your shoulder doing? I mean... You're not stiff or anything like that, right?"

Edited 2023-06-24 05:28 (UTC)

"Only the stiffness from the ice and cold." He answered and to show her that he's fine, he rolls his shoulders and raise his arms up. "I can't recall the tale, but it was said most of the Coerthas highlands is like this because of the first calamity. The dravanians and the spawn of Bahamut and his kin were likely to blame. So in the end, it was always dragons that causes trouble in these parts."

Not once Haurchefant asked when she will take her leave. He assumed she's taking her time to think things through and figure it out.

A few moments of sharing the warmth together. "You can come to Ishgard if you like. By the end of this week in a few days, I will travel to come home. Why don't you come with me and meet my family? My father has influence so he might find some work for you to do." He said.

"Come to Ishgard with me?"

Edited 2023-06-24 23:48 (UTC)

"If we do well with the upcoming peace talks, hopefully those memories of dragons bringing destruction will become stories of the distant past."

Adela sighed softly after that statement -- she wasn't naive enough to think that such peace could happen overnight, especially with Estinien being who knew where by then. With people like Aymeric and House Fortemps at the helm however, she felt like the hope for it was still alive.

But then Haurchefant asked that -- maybe it was because of his asking twice so quickly, but it seemed like, just maybe... She could feel her face heating up again, and she could only pray that she wasn't too visibly red. She had to avert her gaze, forging herself to speak even as her throat wanted to close up out of nerves.

"I-I'd love to. I mean, it'd be nice to see how everyone is doing, too."

... Wait did that make it sound like she didn't want to go there with Haurchefant? Oh Nhaama she hoped it didn't. Why was it suddenly so much harder to just relax and be natural around him?!

"I hope so too. I heard Sir Aymeric is trying his best to gather support and the funds needed to restore and rebuild Ishgard. Then there's a reconstruction of Ishgard which will take time to restore, I'm sure."

With an enthused nod, "I'm sure my father wouldn't mind seeing you again. It just a small break of me coming back home. I have a room all to myself but there's a guest room in the big manor of his. Besides, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving you here for the entire weekend unless you wanted to stay, then the guest room is all yours."

With a grin, he's happy to hear she's agreed with a skip of a beat. "Just you wait. The food is much better and warmer I assure you. Just come with me for a short break from all of this snow and break from duty."

"I'd... I'd like that. A lot."

Her heart was fluttering so much, and it was hard to think straight anymore. Another minute of quiet and she took a breath, bracing herself as she moved her hand over his, hoping to hold on just enough for him to feel it. It wasn't much, but maybe it would say everything she failed to give a voice. If nothing else, it might answer some of the doubts and questions she had.

If the answer wasn't what she wanted... Well, at least there were monsters out there to take out her feelings on.

Haurchefant could only offer a soft smile back. He recognized the light within her, a warrior she is who had done so much and asked for so little. He doesn't have much, just a camp to offer as a sanctuary for a little while until the chaos settles. Part of him doesn't believe the crimes she committed is the truth and to his knowledge, even the Ishgard justice system is more rigid and harsh than the court of Ul-dah in comparison. Innocent until proven guilty.

"You had come so far. You deserve a good rest, even for a few days. You earned it." He said. He held her hand back, a gentle squeeze within her comfort. It's warm against the chill within the room, but the fire started to heat up the room significantly as he enjoys her company.

To be fair, regicide was a fairly serious crime to be accused of, and the circumstances surrounding the Sultana's poisoning were suspicious at best. But, by that point, she had been at least proven innocent, and it was merely another nightmare left behind.

There was a moment of quiet as she took in that he was holding her hand, a warm comfort even through their gloves. But what touched her more than that was what he said next. Rest. She had earned rest...

"Thank you."

Her friends were valuable to her, surely. The scions were invaluable allies, and of course she cared for them deeply. But to them, she was always something unusual, the hero of light, their saviour. To Haurchefant, it was something else. It felt like she was just... She was just "Adela" to him, and that was enough. She honestly felt a little spoilt by that. Selfishly she wanted more of it, too.

"A few days, then. I think... I think we can afford that much."

A smile tugged at her lips as she made herself comfortable, and while she felt the slight sting of hot tears at the corners of her eyes, she kept her gaze towards the fire as she leaned her weight onto him. It would be so easy to fall asleep again, but she also wanted to enjoy the time there with him as long as possible. In her state it was too easy to mumble thoughtlessly however, perhaps revealing her heart almost too casually.

"You're... You're really too kind to me. You've saved my life, took me in when I had no where else to go, trusted me when you had nothing but my word, and... You're amazing, you know?"

Don't worry Adela, by the twelve, everything will work itself out. It always does but then again Haurchefant seems pollyanna for harboring a suspect away from Ul-dah conspirators and authorities, in which the government body consisted of suspicious evil overlords ~~potatoes~~ lalafells. Even if Hydaelyn had gone quiet perhaps from loosing her strength, there isn't much he could do other than to offer her aid and what little he has.

"Think nothing of it. In fact, don't try to overthink."

With a small yawn and a stretch by the warm hearth of the fire, he relaxes. A small break from duty. "It's going to get dark soon. The daylight tends to be short here. I have to think of what to make for dinner."

Despite how she's feeling, breaking up inside, and very slow to heal to pull herself together, he kept his warm body close to her. Perhaps by instinct, he wanted to curl up with her as she seeks comfort from him, but instead he supports her by curling his arms around her waist and back for a hug.

Even if she falls asleep, he could talk her ear off until she does.

"Are you partial to eft steak? The soldiers said it can be tough and gamey, but with the right sauce and seasonings, it can be delicious. I can go and make tea as well."

[[ OoC: Ah, sorry, I thought we were playing with a canon point further along than this. I'll adjust! ]]

She felt the loss of his hand keenly when he pulled it away, and disappointment was there for a split second before his arms were around her. This was kind-of... Intimate. She could feel her heart start to race. Nhaama, was she blushing? Hopefully not, but it was more of her feeling confused, wondering if he was just comforting her as a friend or as... Well, something else.

Needlessly said she was far from tired then and there, and in spite of herself she felt quite flushed as she tried to respond to him, "Ah, uh... I'm not sure I've tried it. T-Tough and gamey usually isn't a problem, though. I-is there any on hand?"

It'd give her a chance to... Well, cool off if she had to go out and procure some. Maybe. She shouldn't have been this nervous though, should she? He was just... He was just being nice...

[ooc: Tis okay! My memory isn't the greatest either. I'll say its after HW and a little during SB o|-<]

When he realized what he's doing, he's starting to worry immediately and quickly withdraws, fearing that he's overstepping a boundary. Inwardly perhaps...dissapointed that the brief warmth of heat between them faded so quickly because of the cold climate.

"A-anyway, I hope that wasn't too much." He was worried he is stepping out of line and felt guilty for expressing his intent. Despite his troubled past of his birth, he is a noble of the reputable House Fortemps of Ishgard and commander of Camp Dragonhead so he knows manners and grace is important. He clearly intended to comfort her.

"The delivery of supplies tends to run slow around here because of the erratic weather. That's why we have stations along the path to the camp and to Ishgard because of the snowstorm and the monsters, to keep watch for travelers and couriers. We do have meat but if we're running short by a day or two, I usually prepare by going hunting the old fashion way."

He takes a look outside the window. "It's best to go now when the sun is out. Lest the wolves and the dragons tend to attack in packs as they usually do. We won't go alone. I'll have a few soldiers to accompany us on the way."

Just like that, he pulled away again. She remembered herself though, rubbing the back of her neck and nodding along, "Sounds... Sounds good. Yeah. We should go and do that..."

She definitely needed something to help cool her head. Her heart was beating so fast, and while a fight wasn't likely to help it go slower it was going to at least re-direct her energy away from whatever just happened. Now, she wasn't sure she was so ready to face what she was feeling then and there.

"I can be ready in a few minutes."

Despite that Haurchefant wanted to pretend that it did happen and that he was hoping they're something more between them, he seems calm about it and wasn't fretting about it. The hunt will redirect her energy and distract her mind from what just transpired. If there is any sign of him looking bothered what happened, there isn't any. He pulled away to give her some space to figured out what just happened.

Lunched passed and he gathered his hunting tools and two close friends within his platoon to accompany them both as a party. They ventured out to the snow-covered highlands to find a herd of efts, type of Coerthans local salamander, by the riverbank. It's a matter of shooting one of the creatures down with arrows and ending it with a slice from the sword. "We got it. We just need one. Let's return back to the camp promptly."

It's a matter of taking the poor carcass of the creature back to the camp and let the camp culinarians cooked it and grill it just in time for the evening meal.

She had forgotten just how unappetizing efts looked, and how they smelled wasn't the most pleasant thing either. But preparing meat of any kind was messy business, and they could at least do their part to get everyone fed.

And with their part done and the culinarians hard at work, there was time to get cleaned up, at least what little they could cleaned up. All too soon the food was ready, it was dark out, and the evening meal was finished.

Adela wanted to address what had happened earlier, truly. The fact that he was acting like nothing happened was concerning. Did he just want to... Forget? It would be best to simply not bring it up if that was the case, but still... She wasn't sure anymore. It was confusing, like she was getting mixed messages.

It didn't help that at least a few soldiers had comments she had to ignore in order to keep the peace. There went Haurchefant's pet dragon, how life was better before she came along, it was too complicated now, and that she didn't deserve special treatment just because of her exploits. There were even some particularly racist ones who insisted that she was leading a Dravanian plot to kill them all and she had Haurchefant under a spell. Between her feelings being difficult to address and the rumors about the little au ra running rampant, it was exhausting.

She was restless by the time it was late enough to turn in. Unable to sleep, she couldn't help being drawn to where Haurchefant's chamber was. She wanted to see him, even if it was selfish, but... She didn't want to cause him trouble, either. It led to her pacing about, feeling more and more stressed as she was left alone longer and longer with her thoughts. Hopefully, the noise of steel greaves against stone wouldn't be too disturbing of a noise for him.

The lower ranked Isghardians who are mostly commoners and foot soldiers aren't exactly a well-to-do lot. Therefore, the meal isn't exactly appetizing on the forefront on the camp. Haurchefant is likely to be knight and have some prestige thanks to the bloodline of his house and his father. Life on the camp is hard on everyone. Even for the commander himself. That's why it was his duty to write letters and reports to his superiors to make sure the soldiers are well-taken care, and everyone can do their duty properly.

Night in coerthas can get dark. Very dark and there's little light. The only lamp is the candles and oil lamps provided, and warmth from a furnace fueled by what little ceruleum fuel has been provided.

For the most part, Haurchefant kept himself busy into his shift until well into the night for the night watch to come over for their night shift.

Haurchefant was aware of the remarks. Or rather suspicious that gossip was whispered behind his back but he never heard it spoken verbally to his ears. Whenever he shows up with his presence, his soldiers tend to change the subject. But there was a fear of hersey ever present.

In the late of the night, he was struggling to keep the fire going to keep the camp warm. But he is preparing to go sleep. Already he removed his armor and was wearing night garments. He did take noticed that she is there, and he felt there was a tension between hours ago.

"Adela, what's wrong? If this is about the meal, tomorrow it will be better, and I already sent a letter for an order for your favorite foods. It will be delivered by tomorrow noon."

But intuitively he knew it's not about the food as his soldiers tend to desire and grieve much. "Or is there something else the matter? You can't sleep?"

She jumped a bit when he was just... There, suddenly. It had Adela flustered, and she shook her head at his initial question.

"The food was fine, truly. You... You didn't need to..."

This was putting her on the spot. Hopefully it was dark enough that she couldn't see how unbalanced she was, how thrown off he was making her... Why had she even come there again?

"I... Don't worry about that. Any of it. I didn't mean to wake you, Haurchefant, just..."

A sigh, and she tried to shake it off and meet his eye, albeit with more than a bit of shyness to it, "... I'm all right. I'm sorry for bothering you."

It's his personal chambers on the camp. He's been there for quite some time, getting ready to sleep. He just have trouble in kindling the fire on the logs in the fireplace to keep his room warm.

"...Can't sleep?" But he figured she wasn't here about the food. If that's it, what else is the reason? "I can't sleep either. So no, you're not bothering me."

He just slowly wraps his arms around her for a hug.

"If you were wondering. I was afraid that you dislike this. When I hold you like this, I'm just worried for you. Because I understand you're afraid. I'm not afraid of you when I first met you. But rather...I just want to keep you safe and give you a safe place to hide."

And just like that, her heart was pounding in her throat again. Haurchefant was holding her so close, and even with her own armor muting the sensation a bit the hug was so warm and comfortable. And then... He said that.

Adela couldn't stop herself from sighing, or from the thoughts flooding her mind. She... She couldn't run from it anymore, could she? Not from how she was feeling, how she felt in general... Not when he was being so honest with her.

"It does not bother me... That is to say, I do not dislike it," The wording was clumsy, and she knew she was beet red as she shook her head, "You have already done so much for me. You took me in when I had no where else to go, fought at my side... You nearly gave your life for me, when it came down to it."

She buried her face against his chest where she could, breathing out hard as she tried to relax and, finally, reaching to hold herself close, "I suppose it is harder knowing that I cannot stay for too long... That I must keep moving, regardless of what tries to tether me."

He looks relieved. "I'm glad you don't dislike it." He said and very gently, he hugs her more. He has every desire in wanting to hold her frame close to his body, to keep her safe, and protected.

"I always sense you're special my friend and a free spirit. Beyond that, I believe you display such courage that very few has. And you... you and Lord Alphinaud looked so down. I don't think I see such unhappiness in a long time. Sure, the soldiers always complain about the food and weather, but we never bereft of hope to see another day even if dragons threaten to loom on the horizon."

He has no wish to tether her and she is no captive. "I think there's a future for my country. Ishgard has been closed off for centuries. I know I'm against tradition, but when I see you for the first time, I want to open doors for you, and I let you in. I have no regrets and if my father gives me an earful, I'll still defend you even with my life."

When she buried her face on his chest, he doesn't care if it hurts even if she wants to dig her fingers on his back. "Besides, I should have told you sooner, but I think you're beautiful and I want you to stay. No one on the camp seem to be complaining and they will have a word with me if they do." He laid a chin on top of her head, "So...stay as long as you want. I want you too."

i am robbing bakerstreet again

PET PERSON MEME

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Sigh. I'm sorry for her.

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So much for pet person AU, sob

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