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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

[Tatsumi leans down to look at him, a bit bewildered.]

You were afraid of them, so I couldn't let you be found. A pet's instincts are far greater than a mere human's, and this place is a sanctuary. I did what was right.

[He sounds so confident in what he's saying that it's probably hard to reconcile it with the way he fumbled earlier. He does notably move his leg away from Mayoi cautiously, however.]

Do you want to talk about it? I'm... not able to hear confessions, but I will lend you an ear in addition to a warm place to sleep, if you'll let me.

[Well.]

[It’s true that Tatsumi had fumbled before, but with the confidence of these words, its impossible for Mayoi to no want to cling to them. Perhaps it is because he is already in such a dire state, that it’s easy for him to do so, but something about this man…]

[He already feels as though he would like to stay as long as he can. To stick with this person who has given him sanctuary. It’s a silly notion, when he knows so little, but that is his greatest fault, his flaw as a pet. He is easily attached and desperate for love.]

[Mayoi, in all his sopping wet glory, finally crawls out from under the pew a nods.]

I-I am …very grateful. Thank you, f-from the bottom of my heart. I-I would …be in your debt to continue accepting your help. I’m … […his voice wavers, his lip quivers, he’s had such a long night, he’s been through much and it’s catching up to him.] P-Please …I would like to stay.

[It'll be difficult for Tatsumi to get up, but he slides off the bench and onto the floor beside Mayoi. While that might be shocking enough, the fact that he soon wraps the poor thing up in a warm embrace in spite of his soaked state is probably even more shocking still.]

I don't really believe in coincidences. If God brought you here, here is where you'll stay.

[He reaches up a hand to cradle the back of Mayoi's head.]

Welcome home.

[His eyes go wide as Tatsumi joins him on the floor. He’s flushed with surprise and worry. His leg…!]

[But then he draws him in, and with that gently embrace goes the last of Mayoi’s bravado, the last of what kept him together while he ran for his life from a Master that smiled to the public but beat him behind closed doors. He lived a life of fear wrapped up in gilded paper, and it has been oh, so long since he last known any kind of kindness that was more than just thinly veiled pity.]

[He cracks, and begins to wail into Tatsumi’s shoulder. He will stay there until he runs out of tears or until Tatsumi needs to stand again, but at least he’s gotten it out of his system, right…? he was holding onto quite a lot of anguish.]

[He's surprised that Mayoi lets go so suddenly, but it fills Tatsumi with a sort of warmth he hasn't felt since before his injury. Since he last had friends, and followers. His head ducks beside Mayoi's, and he strokes the cat's hair and ears as he cries out whatever is troubling him.

These people... they must've been the sort to be one way to the public and another entirely at home. Cruelty is something else Tatsumi can't stand. This... feels so right that he's worried he's getting carried away. His clothes are becoming soaked through and he's starting to shiver right along with Mayoi, but he wants so badly to keep him. At least he's fairly certain no one would question the church taking on a cat to help out, and his father is so well-respected that no one would challenge a denial of this cat being those people's property.

He'll hold Mayoi for as long as it takes, and he finds that right now he's so otherwise occupied that his leg doesn't bother him at all.]

Poor thing. I'm sorry. You must've been through so much.

[Yes, by now he is shaking from more than his own emotions. He’s been cold and wet for some time, even with the coat on, and he will gingerly pull away if just so he can apologize.]

I-I …will be all right. If… If I never have to go back. I’m sorry …for getting your clothes wet.

[He ponders for a moment what to do, his hands fidget before the reach up and find the jeweled collar around his neck. It’s locked nice and good, but Mayoi has long since figured out how to pick the mechanism that keeps it on with his claws. He will offer it to Tatsumi. It reads: Mayoi.]

…I am not worth very much without papers …b-but I know the stones have value. I-If you wanted to take it f-for the church…

[He doesn't mind any of this, as he knows he has a warm shower or bath to return to after this. Mayoi doesn't have anything. Tatsumi won't dare leave him alone.

He takes the collar thoughtfully, then looks at Mayoi with a smile so soft and sweet and placid that it should strike fear into the hearts of the unrighteous.]

Mayoi... What if we send this back to your prior owners and tell them you're no longer with us? I think the collar would mean more to them than you, given their actions. And... well. I'm sorry, but I'm not inclined to give you back.

[He's really thinking of the church, for now. They could always use deft hands and gentle souls. But... he hates to think this way, but he wonders if Mayoi was an answer to a prayer.]

I've been praying for a pet, actually. It's quite a long and uninteresting story, so I won't bother you with the whys, but... I've needed a companion. I don't trust my own judgement so much these days, and I've given up a lot of my faith in people. So, I'm a bit like you... in that I'm aimless.

[Oh. He hadn’t …thought of that. The notion is very surprising to him, actually, but. It would …really get them off his tail, wouldn’t it? And he doesn’t thing that they would miss. They would be happy to have the collar back, yes Tatsumi is correct in these assumptions.]

[He falls quiet to Tatsumi’s admission. While this is …moving fast, it does not really bother Mayoi. If anything it feels a little too good to be true. He’s hesitant to accept because he was in such a state before …so ready to run. But Tatsumi’s kindness cannot go unpaid, and staying here, it could be made official in a way, if he were to belong to Tatsumi.]

[He swallows a moment, thinking about it before he nods, looking up at him with a small shy smile.]

I-If …you think that I am worthy of such a thing, I would be happy to be that companion. I …I am not good at very much, but I can listen and help with whatever you need …to the best of my ability. I do not know very much about church, but I can learn- a-and I know how to read and write, which may be of use to you.

[Tatsumi's been in a holding pattern in life for months, suffering loneliness and internalizing his own failures. He'd heard having a pet around was good for the soul, and if the church had a pet, he might be able to reap some of the benefits of that comfort. He senses in the silence that he's probably rushed things ahead, so he chooses his words more carefully.]

Our church would welcome you. I shouldn't make it sound like I'm going to monopolize you. I just don't go much of anywhere and thought it might be nice to have someone to talk to when I'm around here.

[He smiles faintly, distractedly, looking up to the altar before turning his attention back to Mayoi. He'll have to pitch this to his father, of course, which will be the real trick. His father is kind enough, though, and he'll see things through if Tatsumi is reasonable and has a plan.]

Do you believe in anything? I mean, anything like God. God sees everyone as equal in most ways, so there's no need to worry if you don't.

Ah...

[He wonders if he misspoke just now. But, then, he isn't sure entirely if it's presumptuous to assume that Tatsumi wanted him for himself or if he is simply offering him sanctuary in the church in return for some dedication. He supposes either are fine, but he feels himself a little disappointed that Tatsumi does not appear to want him personally.]

[Well. That's what he should expect, right? He may be well-bred but he is still a failure of a pet. A runt. Good only on paper and now he doesn't even have that.]

...I. I have not ever given it much thought. I suppose I have never had a reason to look towards the heavens ...at least, not until now.

[And he offers a small smile.]

I cannot deny that I prayed for help as I ran as far as I could, and found myself here, after all.

[It's enough for Tatsumi. If he was praying for someone to save him from his misery, and Mayoi was praying for the same, then... It's enough for Tatsumi. He doesn't want Mayoi to think he's hasty or ridiculous, but maybe the time for thinking that has already well passed. So he leans forward and presses a gentle kiss to Mayoi's forehead.]

I think you were meant to come here tonight.

[He'd been begging for a sign, something to tell him to pull himself up and keep going, and this has to be it.]

For the time being, until you get settled in, you can sleep with me. [A pause.] In my room, I mean. We seem to be around the same age, so it wouldn't be suspicious to anyone. I'd like to get to know you. You're... [Even soaking wet with his barely-drying hair beginning to look unkempt and frizzed, Tatsumi can't help thinking Mayoi is one of the most beautiful creatures he's ever seen.] ...You're different from anyone else I've ever met, and I don't intend to treat you like a servant.

[...! Oh... such a gentle and soft thing. Mayoi ...did not expect it, so he is a little awestruck. He is just ...not used to such affection. His owners were ...very cold people. They liked to play with him, dress him up, and walk him about, but they were rarely kind and gentle with him. He was a trinket and nothing more.]

[But even just this small, little but of positive attention ...it's enough. There is something in Mayoi that changes just a little. He decides then that ...if he were to follow Tatsumi for the rest of his days, he would do it, even if it meant following him into hell.]

It ...would be okay, if you did. I am ...I am trained to be such.

[But that is the only protest he will manage just now. As a pet, he does know he has certain responsibilities, no matter how kind the owner. It would feel strange for him not at least work a little for his sake...]

But I am happy with whatever you decide. Where ever you would like to take me ...I-I will follow.

[To the ends of the earth and back.]

[Tatsumi smiles.]

I don't want to treat you poorly, even if the rest of the world has. You're safe here, and as welcome as any other person in need.

[And... maybe what Tatsumi needs is to be bolder, and stronger. He's spent so much time barely living, maybe because he blames himself and his actions for how things turned out. For Mayoi... for this lost soul, he can fake confidence until it becomes real.

Summoning that stubbornness, he moves to stand, dropping a hand to Mayoi's shoulder and squeezing it gently. He wobbles precariously, and his grip tightens for a moment.]

And... I'd prefer it if you'd walk by my side instead. Would you mind that?

[Mayoi's ears flick up in worry when Tatsumi gets to his feet, moving to brace him if he needs. He does not let him wobble very much, gingerly trying to support him by the arms. His tail flicks back and forth.]

Walk... by your side?

[It's not that he is upset to be asked, it's just the notion is so foreign to him. His ears press back in thought, uncertain.]

That is not something I have ever entertained doing before. Walking ...along side my owner as if we stood on the same ground. ...Would I not get punished for something like that...?

[He doesn't want that, but he also doesn't want to disappoint Tatsumi. He looks up at him, eyes searching for the correct answer.]

Well...

[Tatsumi frowns. Now that Mayoi says it, he knows it's true. He'd lost respect and been cast into his own personal Hell for treating everyone equally before, for stoking the fires of revolution by encouraging others to do the same. In an instant, he realizes that might mean losing Mayoi eventually, as he'd lost everything. And in that process, Mayoi might get seen as an outlier, a troublemaker, and he might be made to suffer again.

The conflict shows on his face so obviously, and he struggles to hide it.]

Maybe... just here, if it's too much trouble. I don't want anyone to harm you again.

[Ah, he has disappointed him. But ...he can't help the way his nerves dance at the thought of being anything other than someone who should walk behind him. Yet, despite that, he still seems concerned about his safety. Ah ...confusing signals.]

I-I see. I will ...I will try.

[But even that feels ...like a weak response. Ah, he is so worthless after all. His ears drop and he trembles a little under Tatsumi, shaking his head.]

I-I am sorry. I'm a pathetic and useless creature. I... I can't even follow the first orders given by you. I'm no good to anyone! I should have let them strike me down in the first place-!

[After a moment, Tatsumi can't help his curiosity, and he runs his fingers over one of Mayoi's ears. Softly, he pets his ears and hair in a manner he hopes is soothing.]

No, Mayoi-san. I want to protect you from the people who hurt you. We still have to learn to understand each other and work together, and that will take time.

[Reluctantly, he pulls his hand away.]

I think... I'm the useless one. I've asked for a lot, selfishly. I don't have much to offer you other than a home.

[It does help, and he leans into the touch, settling down somewhat. He instinctively follows his hand as he pulls away.]

[He does feel a little calmer now, at least, the aftershocks of that outburst finally running its course.]

No ...you have already done so much for me. I... I am sorry, I am not used to being treated so kindly. I was surprised by what you said, that was all.

[Tatsumi looks sad and that makes him sad, so there must be something he can do to help...]

Perhaps ...we may take it a step at a time. I... [Small, hesitant pause.] I've gotten you wet from the rain. Perhaps we should find a place to get warm and we can start to learn about each other properly...?

[Tatsumi's smile is small, and maybe a little hollow.]

I hope kindness doesn't always surprise you. I hope you're so used to it soon that you don't have any impulse to question it.

[But his smile brightens slightly at Mayoi's suggestion, and he looks around for something he seemingly dropped before straightening again with a small umbrella in hand.]

We live next door to the church. It's not a long walk, but it isn't covered. Here.

[He offers the umbrella to Mayoi. His standing posture wobbles slightly, but he only reacts for a brief, disappointed moment. He'll will his aching legs into submission, or die trying.]

I'm a little afraid you'll catch a cold if you get drenched again, and it sounds like it's still pouring outside. And I'll loan you something warm and dry to wear until we can buy you suitable clothes tomorrow.

Such a thing feels …like a fantasy, if I were to be truthful.

[But he will leave it at that. Hesitantly, he will reach out and take the umbrella. He thinks of refusing, but thinks better of it, if just for a moment. He gets another idea, instead.]

Very well. Please…

[He holds his arm out to him, looking up at him.]

We …shall go together then, yes? Hold onto me, and we can walk across.

[So you can have support without it looking super obvious, and he can help the person he know owes his life to, who he suspects strongly …he has bonded to.]

[Tatsumi wants to hold on to his pride, not Mayoi's arm, but there's something gentle in his eyes that makes Tatsumi's resolve and stubbornness dry up immediately. His heart leaps into his throat, and in spite of himself he puts his hand on Mayoi's arm.]

The weather tends to aggravate an old injury I have. It's worse than usual, with the cold beginning to creep into the weather.

[And when he wasn't in here today, he was out wandering aimlessly. It's worn his legs out.]

Maybe you are a godsend. It wouldn't have been possible for me to walk back like this tonight without you. I'd have slept here until the weather improved.

[Good, he is glad Tatsumi has decided to humor him. Tatsumi will find that Mayoi is actually a sturdy presence, and he is able to hold him up just fine. They will simply look like a couple taking a stroll in the rain.]

It has been causing you a great deal of grief… I noticed when I came in, that you were hurting.

[Time to venture back out into the storm. Ah, it really is quite miserable out. Mayoi however, feels immensely more hopeful now, than he did the first time he ran out into the rain.]

I …don’t know if I could be considered a “Godsend” but …do not worry …I will not let you fall, no matter what.

[This kindness... He's used to things in the past like reverence and devotion, but not kindness. He doesn't feel like he deserves the gentle way Mayoi is handling this. Hell, he knows the problems from his injury are half psychosomatic, and he shouldn't let them get to him or impede him. But... Sometimes everything comes together, a perfect storm, and he loses his nerve and his ability.

He's needed kindness. He didn't really realize it, but now that it's being leveled at him, he feels his own growing cynicism and pessimism dissipate.]

People have hurt me, too, Mayoi-san. We might both have scars, even if they look and feel a little different.

[But this is almost lovely, and Tatsumi guides them to the modest house all while letting Mayoi keep their collective balance. It almost seems silly, because the way he was aching before seems distant and dull now. All his attention is on his new pet.

He has to remind himself that Mayoi is the church's, not his personal pet...]

Thank you for your kindness.

[...No matter how much he instinctively wants him to be his. It doesn't make logical sense, but he feels like Mayoi must've been sent to him in response to his prayers. It's probably an overbearing and downright creepy thing to assert so quickly, so he'll hold back.

They get to the house, where Tatsumi is lucky enough to have his own first-floor room. With difficulty, he slips off his soaked shoes and pulls on slippers, leaning heavily on Mayoi the whole time. Then he turns a pair of slippers to set them where Mayoi can easily step into them. Gesturing down the hall, he smiles.]

My room is at the end, on the left.

[He keeps focused while they walk, making sure they do not falter. It feels like this is his first true task now that he belongs to …the church? Perhaps Tatsumi’s family…? Or Tatsumi…? He isn’t completely sure, but which ever it is, he knows that Tatsumi is a part of it.]

The world can be a wretched and cruel place, I-I am sorry that you have also been a victim of such things.

[He means that. Tatsumi is so kind and gentle with him, it’s hard to imagine anyone hurting him. It makes him kind of upset to think about! So, he tries to put it aside for now.]

[He carefully wiggles free of his old shoes, which are certainly very nice. Expensive. With the slippers on, he will nod and take him towards his room.]

I am merely repaying what you have shown me. It is the very least I can do for you. After all …you have saved my life tonight.

I'd hope it's nothing so dramatic. I suppose I just don't want to think of anyone being that cruel to someone as kind as you.

[Tatsumi has no problem believing he's doing the right thing, especially after seeing those shoes. Mayoi may have been given material objects, or polished and made more beautiful aesthetically, but the scars he bears are obviously so deep... Tatsumi hates that family more than he thought possible, now. Even his own privilege didn't entitle him to treat anyone as lesser the way Mayoi was obviously treated. He sets in his heart then and there to always treat Mayoi gently and with utmost kindness.

They make their way down the hall, and he opens the door to his room, then directs Mayoi inside. At least his bed isn't tiny, but the room is otherwise lacking in personality. It doesn't feel like it was always that way; rather now it feels like something is oddly missing. It feels empty.

Tatsumi makes his way over to the bed and takes a seat on the edge, atop the gray comforter. Without hesitation, he pats the bed beside him, hoping Mayoi will sit.]

Thank you, Mayoi-san. I'll introduce you to my parents in the morning, once I've had time to explain things. For now, would you mind staying with me? The bathroom is just across the hall if you'd like a hot bath, and--oh, I should've asked if you needed something to eat.

[For a moment, Tatsumi seems legitimately troubled by not thinking of that before they made it all the way in here... But then he smiles, somewhat like an absentminded elder.]

Well. We'll figure things out, won't we?

PET PERSON MEME

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