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! |
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[It was …a good arrangement, really. Tatsumi had been a bright improvement upon his life and he scarcely knew how he got along without him. He just feels wretched and guilty when he needs to be tended to like this.]
[Mayoi complies, even though he is only half cognizant, still trying to break free from the dream. He gives his hands to Tatsumi and breathes, each time with Tatsumi’s cadence. Slowly he starts to come back around.]
T-Tatsumi…
[Ah, look how worried he is …his ears are all pressed back…]
I-I’m sorry …I-I’m awake, now. Thank you…
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[He says it softly, coaxingly, holding Mayoi's clammy hands between his own.]
You can thank me, but one of these days I'll have to convince you not to apologize. This is what I'm here for, after all.
[Leaning in, his ears flicking, Tatsumi opens his hands and nuzzles at Mayoi's palms. It's very early in the morning, still dark, but Tatsumi couldn't stay on the bed in his current state. He'd been pacing the living room until Mayoi's attack. This is... he hates to even think it, but it's nice to be distracted. He can pour all his care and attention into Mayoi instead of worrying.
His tail taps the floor a few times as he breathes Mayoi in, checking his scent for any signs that he's not recovering.]
Would you like a glass of water?
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I-I know… it is a hard habit to break. [They have had this conversation before. Possibly every time.] Having you here makes me feel both very grateful and irredeemably selfish.
[Gently, Mayoi’s hands stroke through Tatsumi’s hair, to his ears. His nerves settle just a little at the motion.]
…Mm. I-I think so.
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If I wasn't here, I would be lonely.
[Mayoi might think of Tatsumi as a saving grace, but Tatsumi was an isolated, sad thing when Mayoi met him. It was Tatsumi's family's last effort at getting their son a master who would hopefully heal his heart and make him feel needed again.
He doesn't want to leave Mayoi's side, so he buries his face in the sheets for a moment. His touch is so welcome, especially right now, and the response to his question seems to not have registered right away. His ears flick and twitch at Mayoi's touch, and his tail idly thumps the floor behind him from time to time.]
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[He is very cute, though…]
…We were both quite lonely, weren’t we…?
[His smile is very fond and he leans in a little.]
Tatsumiiii… could I ask you a selfish favor…?
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There's warmth rising to his cheeks at the attention, and he's sighing happily when Mayoi addresses him. Tatsumi rolls his head a bit so one eye can peek open at Mayoi.]
Anything.
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[It is early in the morning, but it’s much too early for Mayoi to wake up yet, though he does not think he will be getting back to sleep. He’d rather stay in bed with Tatsumi’s company.]
My alarm won’t go off for some time …but I do not wish to be up yet.
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Of course. I should've been in here still, after all. I...
[No. No, he doesn't want his problems to be Mayoi's problems. He's always so careful to keep his more primal urges to himself. This time shouldn't be any different.
Still, maybe it's a little indulgent, but he stands and nuzzles lightly at Mayoi's cheek before beginning to move to the foot of the bed to take his usual sleep spot.]
I'll stay by your side.
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[Ah, and now it is a little more noticeable, but it appears Tatsumi is troubled by something. Maybe he can sort that out, too. It is at least, not so troubling that he isn’t affectionate. Mayoi hums happily when Tatsumi brushes against his cheek and as he takes his spot at the bed Mayoi pauses…]
…It is alright for you to decline, Tatsumi, but …if it would not trouble you, I’d like to rest against your back.
[You know …next to him, in bed, on a pillow, not at the foot of the bed.]
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Of course. I'd be happy to be of service.
[Unbuttoning and shrugging off his cardigan, then toeing off his slippers, he moves to the unoccupied side of the bed. There's a perhaps obvious moment of hesitation before he slips into bed beside Mayoi.]
Against my back?
[That's safe. Comfortable. He so rarely allows himself to indulge being by his master's side like this.]
May I... ask for something as well?
[Tatsumi never asks for anything, really, especially at times like this. It might be a little shocking, then, as he settles in.]
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Thank you, Tatsumi.
[He is getting comfortable, ready to curl right up against his back when he makes his request. It …definitely gives him pause, because it’s correct, Tatsumi never asks for anything, and especially not when he’s helping Mayoi with one of his attacks.]
[His voice, in response, is one of curiosity and concern. Perhaps he will learn what is troubling him.]
O-Of course, go right ahead.
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Could you... That is, I'd like it if you get as close to me as you'd like. You could hold me in your arms, if you wanted to, or bury your face in my hair.
[He feels stupid as soon as he says it. Asking for anything when Mayoi is fragile is unimaginably horrible.]
Of course, only if it won't trouble you. It's simply been a while since we were this close. I'm feeling...
[Needy. Pathetic. Desperate.
Even asking him for closeness instead of simply gently initiating it is probably a dead giveaway to the problem, to what's troubling Tatsumi right now. His tail tucks between his legs in shame at being so obvious.]
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[For a moment, Mayoi’s face burns bright red, thinking about the situation. Right, this is something every pet owner much handle. That Tatsumi was being so guarded about it …ah, he probably did not want to worry him. Mayoi was in his own delicate state.]
[But …he would like for Tatsumi to trust him with these kinds of things, too. Tatsumi does so much for him, what kind of awful Master would he be to let him suffer in silence? He frowns a little, but then tentatively he slides his hands around Tatsumi, pulling him into a warm embrace, burying his face right up against the back of his neck.]
Tatsumiiiiii… if you are being troubled by something you cannot help …you should not be afraid to tell me.
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It's not that I'm afraid, really. I... should hope that you won't judge me for these kinds of things. But you've had a bad dream and you need to rest right now. I'm more than content with this.
[He sighs, burying his face against the pillow briefly.]
You're so good to me, Mayoi-san. I only want to repay that a hundred times over, and never cause you any problems. Unfortunately, I am a pet, and... certain constants happen every season or so. I keep them from you so as not to trouble you. It... I don't think I knew how you'd react if I said I was... like this. About you. I'm sorry.
[He sounds genuinely apologetic. He's always worked around this until the urges passed, but this season it's worse than it ever has been.]
You could always send me somewhere for a few days...?
[He means, much to his own distaste, a breeder or the like. Somewhere that his at least unquestionably good qualities could be put to use, and he wouldn't have to burden Mayoi with his needs and urges.]
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[Until he says that last part, and now Mayoi can no longer be idle and let that notion slide. His hold becomes possessive, instead.]
N-No. Absolutely not. There …There is no reason for me to shun you in such a manner. These things …this urges are simply apart of you, Tatsumi, so why would I treat it any differently than the rest of you that I already adore so much? I-I won’t have it.
[For a moment he grows shy again, having worried he came off too strong, too authoritative before he becomes softer.]
You simply are incapable of causing me “problems”. You …only have needs that must be met, and I …I would be happy to assist you with them. That …is why I am here, Tatsumi.
[And he feels strongly about that. If Tatsumi needs his help in this way, he is willing.]
But I will not impress this upon you as an order. If you are truly content for us to stay this way, then I am also content.
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It's hard to keep the shake out of his voice when he finally speaks.]
Mayoi-san... I'm content just to be with you.
[He takes one of Mayoi's hands in his and pulls it up just enough so that he can duck his head down and kiss the back of Mayoi's fingers. His breath comes out in a shaky exhale, and he all but shivers at his own tenderness. This is like a dream. His beloved Mayoi-san is offering him something he doesn't want to refuse, even if it might ruin things or change things. He knows letting himself go will unhinge something inside of him, unleash months of careful consideration. Mayoi will see that he's just an animal after all, and all Tatsumi's ambitions will be nothing.
Does he care? Does he care if he doesn't look gentle anymore? Does he care if Mayoi sees him as more beast than companion? That stern tone, that... Tatsumi can only call it possessiveness in his own mind, it makes him want to take. He's so used to giving, and he's hidden the uglier parts of himself from Mayoi for so long...]
You might not look at me the same way anymore. If you turned me out, I'm sure I'd die of a broken heart right away.
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[No, he has said this already, and he intends to stick to it. He will accept Tatsumi, and that means all of him. Even the parts Tatsumi may be afraid to show him. Mayoi feels that gentle touch, the brush of lips against his hand, and he lets out a soft sigh, an exhale as desire begins stir beneath his skin.]
[His voice is low, melodic, and right against Tatsumi's skin.]
That would make me a wretched and cruel thing, to turn you out for something I asked you for.
[And maybe, just maybe, he knows a little bit more about Tatsumi's instincts than he might realize.]
If there is darkness in you ...I will hold it reverently in my hands just as I do your light. I accept it, so please do not hold back.
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Mayoi-san...
[Tatsumi's ears flick and his tail quivers as the heat inside him is finally recognized. He feels like he's answering a siren call, but he tacks it up to being so utterly enthralled when it comes to Mayoi.
One of his sharp canines drags over the skin of the finger he's paying rapt attention to.]
Promise me you'll rest. [He sounds feverish, but he's holding things together by a thread.] After... After you help me.
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I promise. [He shifts his hips, as if encouraging his tail to press up against him, his free hand trails down...] I know that you will take good care of me, Tatsumiiii~
[Mayoi glides his tongue along the path he traced with his teeth and then swiftly pulls away from him. It is a mean tease, but also, he would like for Tatsumi to give chase, as Mayoi sprawls across his bed on his back with a wide, sharp smile. Eyes bright and excited.]
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Instinct drives him to sit up just as quickly, before he swings a leg over Mayoi and plants himself on his thighs. Tail whipping dangerously, ears twitching, Tatsumi's hands seek Mayoi's wrists. As soon as he's pinned with hands beside his head, Tatsumi leans over him, breath coming in shallow bursts.]
I can hardly control myself... I'm sorry, Mayoi-san. I know you expect me to be better than this...
[His teeth find Mayoi's neck and scrape over the skin of his throat. He nuzzles the pink lines left behind, then laps at them delicately.]
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[As he's pinned down, Mayoi let's a little gasp escape him, but it does not make his smile falter. Instead he gives a delighted little laugh and looks up at Tatsumi with something both adoring ...and hungry.]
I expect Tatsumi to be Tatsumi and he does not need to hold back in front of me.
[Being held down like this ...as it burns a flame in his gut that he willfully wishes to spread through the rest of his body. He writhes under Tatsumi's teeth, letting a filthy little noise escape him as Tatsumi's tongue finds his flushed skin.]
Blame meeee for your shattered control ...I-I am the one who is goading you into giving in, after aaaall~
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I've never seen this much of you... You're beautiful, Mayoi-san...
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[The sting of claws down his arms is enough to get a soft whine out of him, but little else. With his hands free now he reaches forward, pulling on Tatsumi's shirt.]
...Even like this, you are still so adoring and sweet. I thought as much.
[He does not pull with the same force as Tatsumi, but he is urgently trying to free him of his clothing.]
You must be burning alive... will you let me fix that for you...?
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Yes... Please... I've been burning up for two days...
[Worrying Mayoi wasn't an option, so he bit things back, looking for an opportunity to sneak away. Now he doesn't have to. He gets to love Mayoi the way he's desperately wanted to.
Wisely, he backs off enough for Mayoi to get his shirt off. Then his own hands return to Mayoi's skin and go lower...]
May I...?
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[He speaks haltingly, as Tatsumi ravages his neck. He is going to be covered in marks by the time they're done... He's way less concerned about it than he probably should be. Oh well.]
[Mayoi leans up just enough to pull the shirt right off of him, throwing it aside. He also takes that chance to finally shrug out of the remains of his nightshirt and it joins Tatsumi's on the floor.]
You may~
[He glides his hand up to cover Tatsumi's and then guides him lower.]
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