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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

[as a pet: a pretty, silvery bird with large wings and tailfeathers and a penchant to be kind of a brat but you love him anyway—

as a master: why would you let this man do anything at all he can't cook and he's got an anxiety disorder. luckily, he's very doting and playful and will take care of you. minus the cooking thing.

he's a bit of a himbo ngl—]

[Vash has had Ain for a few months, now. Never would he have thought that he would be the owner of a pet...pretty much ever again. For years, presumably, Vash had been with a different pet, one that he'd been terribly close to...but something had happened. It's hard to discern whether they'd passed away, or left him for another Master, or simply just abandoned their post...whatever it was, it wasn't something Vash seemed all that willing to talk about. He'd known that living with him was a difficult, often dangerous mantle to uphold. Never once had his living conditions been safe or secure, thanks to the fact that he was wanted in most parts of the country. He'd been arrested in dozens more, and had escaped from more prison facilities at this point than he could count. Even if he could be absolved of his sibling's crimes, it likely wouldn't matter at this point. He's in too deep, has committed too many of his own crimes.

It would be best if he was alone. He didn't need to drag someone else down with him.

Enter Ain, who...somehow had wormed his way into Vash's life, to the point where Vash felt responsible for him in a way that meant that he couldn't simply just dump him on the street and leave it at that. Vash felt responsible for a lot of things, but he refuses to be the source of yet more persecution of pets. Even knowing how vehemently ~~racist~~ against the idea Nai was...

Vash didn't think about that. Instead, he focused on running. Running, and keeping Ain safe.

Their current abode is a ramshackle apartment at the far edge of town. They're quite literally squatting here, with Vash having taken up residence in an empty space knowing that this building was one of those that was a bit less well-off, and a lot more lax with their protocol. As long as they weren't found staying here, it was fine...for now. They were living on borrowed time, he knew, but at least they had a roof over their heads. And as for food...Vash is in the process of climbing in through the window as we speak, having climbed the fire-escape with a plastic shopping bag in one hand.]

Ain? I'm home! Are you awake?

[The good news is that Ain cares little for the "where" of their living situation, he just cares how they do it. He's usually a bit of a free spirit — tends to wander off and do whatever he wants, which can get him in trouble because he steals what he needs to survive. In this society, that's just what people do, but it's considered "worse" because pets aren't people. Therefore, were it not for Vash just happening to cross his path... Ain would probably be in prison. It's not enough of a crime to actually kill him, but he's definitely a public nuisance.

Squatting doesn't bother him, because he has like, zero understanding of how people do things. Like. You're supposed to give money for food and shelter? But money is shiny? Ain is a bird???? The money is his. Why the hell should he give it to someone.

Point being, Ain — who has zero understanding of people, society, friendship, and usually emotions — glued himself onto Vash and has yet to wander off and get himself into trouble. Now, a shady person with a really shiny gemstone could make him wander off because he has zero braincells, but so far? So good. Which is to say, despite the window being unlocked, and despite the fact Ain could just leave at any time... he's on the couch. It's an awful couch. And it is covered in feathers.

He is pruning. Pruning and whistling a song, until he hears Vash's voice.]

Haha, no, I'm asleep!

[sitcomlaugh.mp3]

[Well it's a good thing that Ain doesn't have to worry about that, because Vash definitely did not acquire what he's brought through legal means. Do you think he has money when they're literally squatting here instead of paying rent like normal people? It's not glamorous, living this way, and he hates having to do it...but he'll do what he has to to protect those he cares about. And right now, Ain is quite literally all he has in the world.

So, the cheeky chirped reply is met with a soft smile as Vash pushes the window shut behind him, dusting off his shoulders as he pads his way over to the feather-laden couch, setting the bag down on a barren table in front of it. The furniture here was definitely left behind by the last tenant, and because of that it's in terrible condition. Yet, it's better than sleeping on the floor.]

I can see that.

[Vash chuckles as he rummages through the bag, pulling out an individually wrapped steamed-bun that he hands over to Ain.]

The corner store had bao today, so I grabbed a couple.

[Good news: It's not pet hair. Bad news: Feathers are ostensibly worse. They're huge because the feathers have to be scaled to the man, and although there are some rather tiny down feathers in the mix, most of them are large enough to be used as quills, and those are not his flight feathers. Those have yet to molt. Those are also big enough to make those giant, ostentatious feather-fans with. The kind they use at burlesques and stuff. You know the ones.

So. Unless Vash wants to clean off the other half of the couch, he's going to have to sit in feather-fluff. Ain is not sorry. And he is also taking said food with his goblin hands currently, don't mind the sharp nails.]

Did you make sure no one saw you?

[It's probably obvious, but there's a slim chance that the answer is no and that they have about five minutes before someone comes to try to drag them out kicking and screaming. In the meantime, the wrapper is getting torn through with his claws and the bun is being eaten. He's not overly-hungry, but he sure does eat like he is.]

[Pet hair, feathers, Vash doesn't mind any of it. It's not like this apartment can get any dirtier or messier, after all. Honestly, feathers are the least of his worries, because at least they're soft.

That said, he will just sit down in feather-fluff, he doesn't particularly care. He'll take the very edge of the corner of the couch, too, letting Ain continue to sprawl across the rest of the entire thing as much as he pleases.]

In and out before anyone even knew I was there.

[He replies around a mouthful of his own bun, having unwrapped it while Ain was talking.]

Why, are you worried?

Haha... no more worried than usual.

[The more they move around, the less known they are to the general populace, but every second is a ticking time bomb. Vash is good at stealing and climbing through windows and running for his life ~~and being a massive dork~~. Ain is good at following, but he's also from a group treated ill. He's a useful little mockingbird, able to impersonate voices and sing pretty songs — coveted among plenty of bird-pets — but also good at medicine. Who knows what people would do, if they caught either of them.

Vash might get lucky with just prison, as humans do. Ain would consider a pet-jail to be the tip of luck.

He has plenty of reason to be anxious, but he doesn't show it as easily as usual. He's got his wings draped out over the couch, lopsided now because he's spinning to face Vash. One wing over the back of it, the other sort of hanging off the side and on the floor. There are bigger contour feathers sticking out in places he hasn't gotten to yet, so he — like the apartment — looks pretty disheveled.]

I don't want to get mean if someone comes after you. You wouldn't like me if I'm mean.

[said the most passagg man on earth but yeah sure go off—]

[Vash is plenty used to moving around a lot, because that's just the name of the game, here. They probably won't stay at this place more than a month, and that's pushing it. It's more likely they'll end up having to vacate it within the week, and then it's back to hunting for a new place to stay until they move on to the next. Vash has spent weeks sleeping on train cars before, but he doesn't want to subject Ain to that unless absolutely necessary. So far they've been reasonably lucky with not having to actually be on the streets...but with the way things go for him, Vash knows it's only a matter of time.

He takes another bite of his bun, grinning around it.]

I don't know...maybe I'd like to see what you being mean is like!

[Girl he is mean to you constantly what do you MEAN

But also it's clear he's joking as he sits back a little, trying to give himself an actual chance to rest now that he's indoors and can somewhat shed that feeling of needing to be on his toes, ready to flee at a moment's notice.]

[Oh honey, if you think he's been Mean in the past... Ain's not overly confrontational, he doesn't really like it because he likes to be a sly little asshole about things, but he will shred someone if he needs to. Whether with talons or with words, that remains to be seen. He's really not much of a fighter, though.

Well. So he claims.]

Oh? I'll keep that in mind, I guess.

[This Is A Surprise Tool That Will Help Us Later™.

...Munch, munch.]

You're one of the nicer people I've met, so I suppose I don't have a lot of room to be too cruel, even if you're kind of a mess all the time.

[See, it's that. That's the mean. It's light and teasing and harmless, because if Ain wanted to inflict harm, he'd do it by now.]

[That, of course, just earns Ain a muffled laugh. This guy never learned to not talk with his mouth full, apparently.]

Haha, guilty as charged!

[Guilty of pretty much everything else under the sun too, so. You know. Being called a mess is one of the least awful things Ain could say to him. Even though it is a flavor of mean regardless.]

I'm glad you're not mean to me, though. It would make taking care of you a little bit harder.

[Ah, yes, Ain's weakness: men who will take care of him. This is not a hard ask when you're a pet (or one would think, anyway), but he'd have the same thing if he were actually human, too. Probably definitely. This is why he can't be actually mean to Vash, because he's genuinely too sweet, and even Ain has his weaknesses.

So. He finishes off that steamed bun, and then he just... flops over with his head in Vash's lap. Happy bird hours.]

So noble! And I get to be your only pet, even!

[because he would fucking bite any others—]

I'll get you something to repay you one day. A pretty necklace or something. [You know, because... Ain doesn't understand gift-giving, so it tracks he should just get something he'd like and give it to Vash? Like that's just logic. That's how the humans do it.] Mm... I'd have to steal it, though.

[He can, luckily, fly. But still. Outdoor jewelry stalls can be hard to come by in some areas with high crime rates and/or high populations of bird-pets who just want to take objects and run.]

If I had the means, I would decorate you.

[yes this is flirting. No, he doesn't quite realise it could come across that way. Ain is... Head empty. No thoughts. Happy trills, though.]

[Of course Ain is his only pet. He couldn't fathom having multiple at once, even though he knows that's something some do in their society. He...couldn't imagine having anyone other than his previous companion, but...well. Here he is. He won't think about that, though. He refuses.

Instead, he pops the rest of his own bun into his mouth just in time for Ain to flop over into his lap, causing Vash to sit back a little to give his pet some more room. It's not as if he doesn't have practically the entire couch to himself at this point or anything...]

Oh...that's really sweet of you, Ain. But you don't have to do that.

[Please...don't steal for him. Really. Stealing to survive is one thing, they don't need to start stealing frivelous items they don't need. He's just here to live, not to ruin someone else's livelihood.

When Ain says that, though...Vash feels his heart skip a beat, and for a moment he doesn't even know why.]

Decorate?

[You wouldn't kick a very pretty bird off the couch just because he's stolen the whole thing, right 🥺 he's just a little (6ft tall) guy—]

Mm! In jewels and shiny metals and feathers and such. [One of those things is more readily accessible than the others.] Like those pictures of old kings in museums, but less leopard print. I think leopard print is ugly.

[Thanks buddy.]

You'd look nice, I think. Maybe one day.

[If they're ever stable and/or Ain figures out how to rob a royal treasury.]

—we could get you a crown! It'll be so heavy, it might flatten your hair a little!

[Ain...Ain you're taller than he is. But if you want to be a little guy, then who is he to stop you?

Vash, of course, is left briefly at a loss for words. He's never thought of himself in...anything remotely nice looking. He's pretty shabby most of the time, wearing the same oversized red coat, same tattered undershirt and pants that hide his copious scars, same glasses. And his prosthetic, of course, is the same, because that's not so easily replaced...and of course, he's never been exactly a wealthy man, so anything like that would typically be off the table.

Not so, perhaps, for a bird capable of procuring as many trinkets as he desires, assuming he's able to do so without getting caught.

Vash's lips quirk, purse for a moment, then eventually settle into a resigned smile as he brings a hand down to rest on top of Ain's head, brushing his fingers gently over his light hair.]

What's wrong with my hair, huh?

Oh, well, in the mornings? It sticks up in all directions.

[Ain theatrically moves his hands about as he talks, making some kind of motion that's meant to represent something puffing up. Fingers spread and moving out from his palms like starbursts and all.]

And I don't think I've ever seen it lie flat unless it's wet. And even then...

[Ain's one to talk. He's got these thick, silver curls and that massive cowlick of his. His hair is also by no means flat, but it is soft and nice to run hands through. Whenever Ain isn't running his mouth, Vash is rewarded with happy trills.

Remember fifteen minutes ago when he was busy pruning? Yeah he forgot about it. There's Boy now.]

Mm... but nothing's really wrong with it. I think it's fine. But you also look funny when it's messed up. As you can see, it's an extremely tough decision to mess with it or not.

[This is normal, for Ain. He's...got a unique personality, Vash has learned during his time caring for him. He's very...very high maintenance, and also loves attention. Vash wouldn't say either of these things are bad, of course; it kindof comes with having a bird in particular. But to compensate for all of these things (and the fact that Ain has a bit of a sassy mouth on him), Ain is also very fun to be around. He's interesting, and...he doesn't know. Vash always feels this sense of needing to stay close by. To protect him.

You have this face that makes him want to protect you, Ain.

He continues to gently pull the fingers of his good hand through Ain's hair as he talks, because yes, he definitely could make a comment about that cowlick...but he decides not to, instead happier to let Ain ramble on.]

Well...there's not much I can do about it, I'm afraid. I mean, I can't preen my hair like you can with your feathers!

[He could, but it probably wouldn't work the same.]

[must be all the zero braincells clonking around in that skull of his.]

Oh! Well, they made this great new invention recently, actually. I don't know if you've heard of it. It's called a "hairbrush" and I'm almost positive you don't own one.

[This is not a slight against them being flat broke and living with nothing but the clothes on their backs and stolen necessities, this is a playful jest. He's playing. He probably should have been born a conure instead, but no, he's just a very silly mockingbird.

But. Oh yeah. Preening. He was supposed to be doing that. Ain doesn't move from his spot, because he's comfortable, but rather folds one of his wings over to get what he can reach. Molting is... Itchy. It's what he imagines lizards must feel like when they shed, but everywhere.

At least he doesn't look like garbage. Last time his feathers decided they didn't want to be part of his body, he sort of looked like he crawled out of a shallow grave or something. Just real messed-up and tired looking.]

H-hey...I don't think a brush would really help all that much anyway.

[Not with all the running around he does! Never mind the fact that that's just how his hair is, and probably will be for the rest of his life. Just...sticking out all over the place like crazy. He didn't get the name "needle-noggin" for nothing, and oh, right, we're still not thinking about that-

Vash instead watches the way Ain brings one of his wings over so he can continue to preen, trying to smooth out the feathers while also plucking free the ones that are trying to molt. It looks uncomfortable...maybe not painful at least, but definitely inconvenient.]

Ah...can I help you at all?

[He doesn't think he should just go pulling out feathers unprompted, but. You know.]

I like your hair just fine.

[He adds idly, because if he didn't? He'd probably have attacked with said newfangled invention by now. It's not hard to come across hairbrushes and combs and stuff, they just need to rob a salon. They can probably steal other cool stuff while they're at it like money from the till and conditioners that cost an arm and a leg.

Now, at the suggestion, Ain breaks eye contact with his feathers and looks up at Vash again.]

I'd have to get up, though... [It's too haaaaaarddddd you're so waaaaaarm :(] ...but I'd appreciate the help. Most of them are loose by now, so all you have to do is comb your fingers through and they should come out.

[Okay. Yeah. Sitting up now, despite pouting for all of five seconds. His wingspan takes up their entire, awful living space, wall-to-wall — but at least he can move his wings about to make it easier. No need to get up.]

Oh, but don't do it too close to where my wings connect to my back.

[Ominous.]

[Vash isn't sure if Ain's wings are just massive, or if this apartment is just small and sad...or if it's both. It's probably both. Either way, he has to sit back even more now that Ain is moving to sit up, though with the way he was positioned against him, he may as well near be in Vash's lap at this point. It's fine, it's fine, this is not the first time Ain has been practically hanging off him, and it certainly will not be the last.

Also, yes, that is quite ominous...but Vash is a good, Christian boy, so he has no idea what that could mean. Ain just doesn't want him to touch there and so, he won't. Or at least, he'll try his best not to...

Ain's wings are so soft. They're really nice to touch, and thus he's gentle as he starts to comb his fingers through them. Easy around the primaries and tertiaries, letting his fingertips do most of the work. And, as Ain said it would, the feathers just sort of pull away in his hands. He doesn't have to do much, save for shaking the feather clumps off his hand over the side of the couch every so often.]

There you go...that feels better, doesn't it?

[Yes, Vash is a man of the lord (amen), and Ain is basically the Whore of Babylon. And yes, he'll hang off of Vash more, because he's clingy and it's all he knows. Closeness is a comfort, and Ain's concept of personal space doesn't exist. Like. They don't need blankets because Ain's wings can just Be that.

They probably should pack some before they leave anyway. Winter's coming, it'll be cold soon.

He coos as Vash drags his fingers through the feathers. What gaps are left behind will be filled by new ones soon enough, and then in several months, the whole process will happen again and Ain will hate everything. It's an endless cycle.]

Humans have it so easy. You don't have anything like this.

[Well. Yes, but no—]

But yes, it feels much less itchy now. [Whoever cleans up this space when they bail is gonna wonder if a pillow exploded in here.] You're quite helpful! I might just have you do all of it next time.

[Vash laughs- just a short breath through his nose- as he continues his work, though it's less work and more...he feels like he's just petting Ain, really. It's nice.]

Maybe I should let you brush my hair, sometime. You'd be surprised by how much people shed.

[It's not really as soft or as nice as feathers, though. At least Vash's hair is short, so it's not as bad as it could be.]

You know that's what I'm here for, don't you? If that's what you want...I don't mind, really.

[ACTUALLY...............IT'S KINDOF SUPPOSED TO BE THE OTHER WAY AROUND....you know, pet serving Master?

This is. Not that. And yet Vash Doesn't Seem To Care.]

I still don't think you own a brush. [Ain.] I'll just have to settle with running my fingers through it! [Ain—]

You're quite the opposite of the only other owner I had. [That word should carry a sour note to it, "owner". It's a word that pets don't like, for obvious reasons. It means bad, evil things, that word, but Ain rather likes the thought of belonging to someone too much to stop.] She was quite... ah... Hm! Let's just say she wasn't too interested in my free will. I like you far better.

[Vash is nice and good and kind, and Ain will murder thousands for him if he really really has to— but for now, he's too busy being pampered, and thinking about all the ways he could pamper Vash in kind. Humans don't have any grooming rituals, do they? Like, they don't have feathers or fur to groom. So he can't do that.

...What do humans even do in the shower if they're not grooming, actually... They take like five minutes?? And they're clean? Meanwhile Ain has birdbrain to the max and that means baths consist primarily of getting his feathers wet and rapidly shaking them everywhere.

...

Huh.

Yeah, he has no idea how he's supposed to return the favour.]

[...Ain is honestly right about that, Vash doesn't actually own a brush. There are very few things he has to his name actually, save for the clothing on his back. It's much easier to travel when you have less, so he can't be too fussed about it.

Vash has wondered about Ain's previous owner, but...he seems as reluctant to talk about her as Vash does about his previous pet, and thus he's fine with just letting the topic pass them by. He smiles in spite of himself at those words- "I like you far better"- as he continues to very gently drag his fingers through those wings.

And...it's not on purpose, really. He's been trying to be careful, but since they're talking, he's...not paying attention. His hand is getting dangerously close to where Ain said not to touch with each pass.]

I like you too, Ain. It would be a lot more lonely if I didn't have you with me.

[Again, a feeling that he's used to...but not one he thinks he could bear to feeel again so soon.]

[He's half-monitoring the situation. If he couldn't feel and appreciate every pass through the feathers, he might not care much, but as it is, the further Vash's hands wander inwards, the more his wings start to twitch involuntarily. It's not bad enough so far to warrant a warning. It tickles, right about now. So it's fine.

This will not cause problems later.]

Oh, I'll certainly never let you get lonely. [He begins, with a surprising amount of self-awareness in his tone for once. This will never happen again.] I don't like being alone much myself. Birds are social creatures, you know. Imagine if you had picked something more aloof like a snake. I'd like to think I'm much more fun and loveable than—

[And then, whoops, Vash's hands wander just a bit too close, and Ain stiffens and lets out a strained, shaky exhale. It's fine, he's fine.]

—than a snake. [He concludes after a moment.] Haha, Mr. Plant... Unless you want to get pounced on, you might want to watch where your hands go.

[There's a very pointed look over his shoulder at that. If Vash isn't a good Christian boy no more, he might figure out what it means.]

PET PERSON MEME

Ain (Bluhen Route) | Elsword | M/M for shipping, otherwise OTA

slides in here.........again

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