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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

[Vash doesn't bat an eye at Ain taking everything that isn't nailed down, because at this point there's no reason for them not to. This place...it isn't abandoned, people do live here, so they are very much stealing. But this is less stealing because it's fun, and more because it's really life-or-death in their case. They may not get another chance for a while to have extra pairs of sheets and blankets and whathaveyou, so even if they just leave with the comforter it'll be better than nothing.

Now normally, Vash would probably be still wide-awake. He usually has to wear himself out utterly before he sleeps and, well...this is one of those cases. He hasn't felt this relaxed in a long damn while, so as Ain lays down and pulls Vash into bed with him, he does not complain even a little. He allows himself to be dragged, nestling into his pet's arms with his own looping loose around that snatched waist of his.]

I love hearing you sing...

[Good, because that's what Vash is getting. He's getting a song, sung softly so that he can fall asleep wrapped in Ain's arms and a wing awkwardly sticking out from underneath the stolen jacket.

Ain has two modes with his vocalizations: Bird noises, and actual fucking singing like a human person would do. The difference between him and a human person is obvious enough, but he's a songbird pet — by default he has a nice singing voice, and he's used it in the past to make some spare change when stealing wasn't the best option.

Nowadays, Ain mostly uses it to coax Vash to sleep, singing whatever songs come to mind — things he's heard on the streets in their travels or things he's just made up on the spot. He tries to keep quiet, not out of respect for their neighbours who Ain will decide to hate in a few hours, but so he can keep singing long after Vash is asleep and make double-sure he's not going to wake up any time soon.

This is their bedtime ritual most nights. Vash is too high-strung to sleep, Ain is too anxious to function, but if Vash doesn't sleep it's Somehow Worse than if Ain doesn't. Ain will be fine.

So he sings. He sings, and keeps singing long after Vash conks out.]

[Vash doesn't often sleep well, when he sleeps. His sleep is fitful and often interrupted. It happens in bursts when he's able to catch it, sitting up keeping vigil somewhere, perched on a rooftop, hitching a ride in the back of a truck...any number of places. Hell, it's not often he sleeps in an actual bed. What he and Ain have right now is a luxury, really. Yet, Ain's singing...it's just as beautiful to him now as it was the first time he heart it. It's soothing and serene, and it's near enough to break your heart.

It's enough to lull him to sleep shortly after Ain starts, his hands reaching to hold onto the bird gently wherever they end up landing. It means that the two of them are sort of cuddling under and within his large red jacket, and for Vash? It's perfect.

He falls asleep, and he rests.

......until about 6 am, when the two of them are startled awake to the sound of hard banging on their door. BANG BANG BANG, FBI OPEN UP kind of banging. If Vash wasn't so tangled up in his ~~lover~~ pet right now, he would have startled so badly he'd have just ended up on the floor wholesale. Though he does jump near out of his skin as he lifts his head quickly, his blonde hair tousled and all kinds of out of sorts, he manages to stay in bed as he pushes himself up onto his palms, his head whipping around to look at the door.

There's a beat of silence, then the rapping begins anew. Harder, and more insistent this time, with the muffled shout of what must be a police officer on the other side, demanding they open up. If this were just a normal noise complaint, Vash doubts they'd be knocking like they're ready to beat the door down...but is it possible they know it's him staying here? Did someone see him when he left the konbini last night?]

Ain...Ain, we've got to go-!

[Ain is ruffled this morning.

There's a very dark look in his eyes as he stares out into the next room, at the feathers he can see on the arm of the couch from here, and he looks out the nearby window and wonders if anybody is looking Up into their room and can see them somehow through the half-closed curtains. He looks like he may, in fact, start throwing hands at any moment.

Never a good sign.

Ain quickly wiggles out of Vash's coat and hands it back to him before he squirms into his own. His has wing-holes in the back, Vash's doesn't, otherwise he'd just steal Vash's forever and call it good.]

Grab the comforter, [he says, resolute on stealing it because it's at least Nice and will serve them well for the time being,] I'll make sure they don't get in.

[They've got to take the window, but it'll take a half-minute to steal a blanket, and it would be more convenient to just quickly put it in the bag rather than try to run with it.

Ain creeps out into the main room to watch the door in the meantime. Vash can signal whenever he's ready, and they can slip out into the early morning light hopefully before the door gets kicked in.

Hopefully.]

[Vash would be more frustrated if this weren't his entire life. He's conditioned to expect this, at this point. Never a dull moment, some might say...yet when you've had a night like Vash just did...it makes him long for normalcy, just for a moment. For those days when things were easy, with Rem and Nai. Or even, when he was with Luida and Bradd...

Now, he has Ain. And he wishes it could be different, but he knows it can't be. It never will be, not so long as he's forced to live this way, on the fringes of society paying for crimes he never committed.

Though...maybe at this point, the blurred lines don't matter. He's a criminal in some respect, he supposes.

Vash is quick to throw on his jacket and hop to his feet, turning to rip the comforter off the bed. What Ain doesn't see is the near immediate way Vash doubles over and grits his teeth, gripping the headboard of the bed as a sudden lance of pain shoots up from his lower back.

Oh. Oh god, his ass.

He's going to have to try and push past it and worry about his inability to walk later, quickly bunching up the comforter into as close to a folded square as he can muster before shoving it deep into their bag, slinging it over his good shoulder. It's just in time, too, because as soon as he's upright again, the door explodes off its hinges, kicked down by the officer on the other side.

Vash's breath catches, and he's running back towards the main room before he can think to do otherwise, just as the men in the hallway are taking stock of the situation. One of them shouts- they recognize Vash on sight immediately- just as Vash makes it to Ain. Just as they start drawing their guns.]

Wait-!

[He manages to sweep a leg past the couch, dipping down a fraction low enough to avoid a bullet through his shoulder, his mechanical arm reaching up to grab Ain by one of his large sleeves, just in time for a second bullet to ping off the metal of his knuckles, richocheting into the wall.]

[It's a good thing that Vash pulls Ain down when he does, because Ain is... not that fast of a mover, really. That would have clipped him, and he would've been pissed about it. The man does not handle pain well.

Nor does he handle people shooting at them well, but that's a little more to-be-expected. From where he's pulled onto the floor, he groans, and there's a brief moment where he's calculating their next move.

Unfortunately for these guys, the bird has magic. Pets are extremely Not Supposed to have that, but Ain sure fucking does, and he's used it in the past mostly to heal injuries they get on their travels. Little things, like "oops got into a knife fight in an alleyway". Nothing huge, because Ain likes to keep his secrets and fly under the radar. He's sure Vash thinks he's Just A Healing Bird and nothing else, but.

Alas.]

Stay down, [he says, as if it's not. extremely obvious. that they have to.] I'll protect you.

[The second they come further into the room to walk up to the couch, because... well, it's obvious they're going to — is when Ain springs up and jumps on one of them, quite literally barrelling one over in a move that's certifiably risky. The others are quick to point their guns at him and fire off several rounds, "Kill that pet!", but the bullets uselessly collide with a greenish shield that springs up around Ain at that exact moment.]

I'm really mad at you guys, you know? [There's a casualness to his tone, but underneath, he is very very very much about to murder someone.] We were just leaving.

[From where Ain is perched on. well. a guy, he conjures spears out of thin air, glowing and greenish-blue and definitely looking more fragile than they actually are. It's not entirely his intent to kill when he grabs one from where it hovers in the air next to him, so he doesn't aim to do so solely because it would probably upset Vash more than anything, but he does immediately stand and swat some idiots in the back of the neck with it, enough to render them unconscious in short order. The guy Ain tackled gets kicked in the head until he conks out, and that's that.

Magical overkill, maybe, but he could've done like. lightning or a vortex or just blown the entire building up.

Wordlessly, he drops his shield, and immediately begins looting. Guns, bullets, money, someone's housekeys...]

[As the two of them hit the deck, Vash's mind races as he considers their options. They can't leave through the door, not when the hallway is teeming with authorities. Their only escape is through the window, but even that is going to be dicey now. Do they have the building surrounded? No, they couldn't, they didn't realize Vash the Stampede was in this room until five seconds ago. They're fine. They still have time. And since Vash is planning on making a clean(ish) getaway, he doesn't yet reach for the gun he keeps strapped to his side. He won't, not unless he has no other choice.

...what he is NOT expecting, however, is for Ain to speak up.]

...what?

[Is all Vash manages to get out before Ain is suddenly moving, jumping up and throwing himself at one of the cops before he can protest. He feels his heart crash into his stomach, and only now is he scrambling for his gun, pretty much expecting to have to fire it now.]

AIN!

[The gun clicks once as he cocks it, knowing by memory how many bullets he has in its chambers. He can't shoot though, not when he doesn't have a clear shot without accidentally hitting Ain instead, and as he peeks around the corner of the couch...he witnesses the bird suddenly erecting a magical barrier that blocks the bullets coming his way- Kill doesn't go unheard, and for a moment Vash feels like he's actually dying when he hears it- and it's really all he can do to watch, stunned, as Ain summons a spear that he proceeds to use to knock out every single last one of the men that forced their way into the room.

Then, all at once, it's silent. Vash knows better than to think they have much time, because no doubt backup is coming, and the entire building will likely be evacuated soon if it hasn't been already. He pushes himself stiffly up from the floor, ignoring the blazing pain in his hips and legs as he watches Ain start to take things from the officers' bodies, with ammo being the main priority since it's a commodity that is often in short supply, for Vash.

He can't think. He just...can't. Wordlessly, he swings their duffel bag around his shoulders to his front and zips it open, giving Ain enough room to just shove in whatever he can get his hands on.]

Are you okay?

Just pissed off, [he mutters, knowing in his heart that he's caused A Lot of alarm this day — not only could he have died but he's also just whipping out ungodly amounts of magic when he has said in the past he's Just A Healer,] I don't like it when people try to hurt what's mine, that's all.

[He's oozing possessiveness, but they really don't have time to dive into it. Everything Ain just snagged goes into the bag, and then he's ushering Vash quickly to the window, making sure he goes out First unless the perimeter is surrounded somehow. It had better not be, or else there are going to be more spears in Everywhere.]

We'll fly out of here, but I need a good spot to take off from, so you'll have to climb out first. [If they weren't currently trying to be, erm, more subtle than they just were? Ain would make a little tornado for them to bounce on. But a random fucking magic windstorm early in the morning would be Highly Suspect.] Come on.

[There's a silent "we'll talk later" in his eyes, because he knows better than to think they're not... going to have a discussion about this, somehow.]

[Oh yes, they will talk about this eventually. But right now, they need to get out of here in one piece, something that is still not 100% guaranteed. Vash is clearly still reeling, overwhelmed, and sore...but after a moment of silence, he quickly zips the bag up, slings it back over his shoulder, and heads for the window. He has no doubt that Ain should be able to carry them both, that part isn't the issue here...it's worrying that they could be shot down.

Vash tries to put that thought from his mind as he pushes open the window and climbs out onto the fire escape, craning his neck so he can find the quickest route to scramble up to the rooftop. He purposefully picked the highest floor possible so this could be a potential escape route if need be. Not his first rodeo, etc.

They're in luck, at least. The police haven't arrived in full force...not yet.]

[Not yet. And hopefully, by the time they get here — since it should take a bit if they've lost contact on account of, erm, Ain knows hand-to-hand combat pretty well for someone who's a little head empty no thoughts — Vash and him will be long gone. Scrambling up to the rooftop is pretty easy, and once they're up, Ain takes a moment to survey. The town they came from is back northwards... which means any other direction should be good to travel. He's more partial to the mountains, even if it'll be colder, since that's a good place to hide. Especially if there are abandoned homes or shacks or a cool ritzy resort to crash in with all the money Ain suddenly just fished out of pockets.

He also took that guy's housekeys just to be a dick, so there's that. Housekeys... are shiny. Leave him alone.]

Do you know how to ski? [He asks, even though skiing is super out of season right now, as he scoops Vash into a bridal carry to fly with.] If you don't like it, speak now or forever hold your peace!

[Because they are, frankly,

running and jumping off the roof, enough for Ain to probably give Vash a mild heart attack for the second time today before his wings beat against the wind and they're off. They're off... aaaaaaand oh no that sure is a lot of police in the distance, huh.

Ain, annoyed, simply conjures a bolt of yellowish, lightning-esque magic to strike a tree down onto the road and kill their pathing while he veers a sharp left and flies higher. Get fucked nerds—]

Haha, I promise not to drop you if you hold on tight!

...Ski?

[Well that...wasn't a question he was expecting to be asked, and it honestly catches him off guard. Vash has never been skiing before, no, though it can be argued he's performed feats similar to it, be they intentional or no. As such, he has no positive or negative answer to give.

Just. Screaming, as Ain leaps from the roof, even though Vash was fully expecting him to do just that. He's more than a bit addled today okay, his nerves are fried, he is baby :C

He holds on to his pet for dear life as his wings catch the air, sending them up and up into the sky. It gives Vash the vantage point to look back and see that oh, yes, they're 100% being tailed by police now, and he is once more left flabbergasted as Ain just uses more magic to make the pursuit more difficult.

He has...so many questions, but again, those will have to wait until they're on solid ground again.]

I- I'm holding, I'm holding-!!

[Hang on ~~babe~~ we're going to the mountains—

It's going to be a long flight. By "long", it's probably about a half-hour, only because Ain is pushing himself to fly faster. A half-hour flight means an hour or two of driving, means a long, long walk, means the mountains are probably safer for them for now based on proximity and nothing else. Ain at least seems to cheer up the longer they're airborne, because... yeah, there's no hope of them being caught now. It's early enough in the morning to still be mostly-dark, and Ain is a speeding silver bullet of a bird. Once they're high enough in the cloud-cover, the police officers are going to have a hard time finding them at all.

They're free and safe and Ain is very, very pleased with this. Have fun vacuuming his feathers off of every inch of that little space, jackasses!

Now, the good thing about mountain towns... they're little. The bad thing about mountain towns is that once someone knows you, everyone knows you, so this could be a risky decision. If they're lucky, this town is out in the backwoods enough where people won't know them or care. If they're not... well, they'll just move on. Like always.

They land some distance away from the entrance to the town proper, and Ain takes a moment to... laugh, really, at the windswept state of Vash's hair.]

Your hair is messed up. Aha... I kind of like it! It makes you look like a clown.

[he means this in the nicest way he promises]

[The flight gives Vash some time to recover...and to think. It's cold up here, and isolating...but Vash isn't a normal person, so it doesn't bother him overmuch. Even if it did, being carried by Ain chases all the discomfort away, at least as far as things go physically. It's a blessing that they were able to escape the law this time, but only just...that entire city is going to be in an uproar for weeks now, and the bounty on his head will only tick higher. Only now, even wilder stories will begin to circulate about the out of control, feral pet in The Human Typhoon's posession that he's siccing on innocent townsfolk. One more thing to add onto the never ending pile.

Vash sighs, resting his head against Ain's chest. He tries not to dwell on it for now, just as much as he's trying not to worry about his hand, which got clipped by a bullet earlier. He didn't feel it, being his prosthetic...but the bullet chipped the back of his hand something fierce, spiderweb cracks running all along the cool green-blue metal. It wouldn't be the first time he's broken it, but he has no idea when- or if- he'll be able to find Bradd again for a repair. He simply can't worry about that right now.

Instead, he decides to focus on what's right in front of him. Namely Ain as they finally land a while later, Vash wobbling on his feet slightly once he's finally been put down.]

Hah...I'll take that as a compliment.

[He won't even try to brush his hair down, instead adjusting his jacket and bag around himself before leveling Ain with a look that's a touch more serious, for him.]

...Ain.

[You know what he's going to ask.]

[...yeah. He knows. Ain awkwardly tucks his arms behind his back, not meeting Vash's eyes as he... well. Pouts, and kicks a stray stick from the mountain trail.]

Haha... it's... scary, isn't it? [What, admitting that he's been lying for several months or the constant police chases?] Thinking that someone was going to hurt you... it's hard to deal with.

[Sort of an excuse and a window into his mind both. Ain is very, very scared to lose Vash... constantly. If he didn't care, though, he wouldn't be here. He wouldn't be anxious about police pulling guns on them, and he sure wouldn't have gone apeshit and made the problem worse. He doesn't intend to make problems worse, but that always happens with him. Things sit and fester and Ain retaliates and then it all gets out of hand.

He really wants to snuggle into Vash right now and trace the cracks in his prosthetic with his fingers, but he feels like he's not allowed. So, instead, he stares down at his shoes, fidgeting now with his hands in front of him and his fingers pulling at the fur ruff on his sleeves. It's his typical "I am having Anxiety" display, if he knew what the fuck anxiety even is.]

...I didn't mean for you to find out about the magic. Other than what I told you months ago, I mean. [Haha. Fuck.] I was taught it by my previous owner. She was all I knew for most of my life, her and my siblings... [This is the first time he's mentioned having siblings, too. Ain is full of surprises today.] ...I know I'm not supposed to have it, so I kept quiet about it. She always said magic was a gift from the Goddess, and that I should use it to spread Her word, regardless of if it got me in trouble or not.

Aha... it's embarrassing, but I didn't want you to know because I didn't know how you'd perceive me after that. I didn't want to... lose you. That's all.

[Vash listens silently, his arms loose at his sides in a manner that makes it hard to read him, for once. He isn't crossing them disapprovingly, or looking away, or anything in any form of body language that might betray how he's feeling in particular...which is saying a lot, because Vash speaks just as much through motion as he does his voice. There are certain rules in place when it comes to humans and pets in this world, and pets...are only "allowed" a certain amount of leeway in terms of control. Power. Magic, as Ain called it. For you see, there are quite large subsections of society that fear a pet uprising, were they to become too strong and independent for their "own good". It's a constant knife edge the world dances on, and it only further complicates things in terms of Vash's situation. Knowing full well that this war is exactly what his brother wishes to incite.

It's terrifying, to Vash. He's already lost so much...he's not sure how much more he can bear, especially now that he has another piece of his heart held firmly in Ain's grasp. So, for Ain to voice his concerns as to how Vash might have accepted his pet wielding power that could be used against him...it makes sense. Maybe not in the case of Vash feeling threatened by it, considering, but...the lying is probably the main issue, even if he wasn't telling a whole lie, exactly.

As Ain fidgets anxiously in front of him, Vash finally moves to close the gap between them. He reaches up with his good hand to take Ain's that is pulling at the furred edge of his sleeves, holding his palm gentle between his thumb and the rest of his fingers.]

...Ain. I didn't mean for you to find out I was a Plant either. Remember?

[That happened some time ago, now. It was inevitable the longer they traveled together that something fucking weird would occur to tip Ain off to the fact that his owner was a bit less than human. Vash himself resonates with magic, just of a different, more otherworldy kind. A kind that he isn't fully intune with, and thus cannot just...use it. Not like Nai. Nai, who can summon blades from thin air. Who can use his seemingly limitless power to slaughter people and destroy entire cities within a single day.]

I'm not...meant to be an Owner. If anything...I'm the one who should be your Pet.

[Because that's what he and Nai are, in essence. Creatures forged for the use of mankind.

Nai didn't like that.]

Your magic makes you special, Ain. I'm not upset...if that's what you're worried about.

I'm...more worried about it getting you hurt, than anything.

[That second part he says in a softer voice as he leans forward on the balls of his feet, resting his forehead against Ain's temple.]

You're not fragile. But...you're not indestructable either.

[Nor is Vash, he realizes, but...it's a bit different.]

I ca- [...] Don't...want to lose you either.

[Ain makes the most pitiful whining noise in the back of his throat, but nuzzles into Vash anyway. The forehead-to-temple bonk eventually becomes just both of them standing there, forehead-to-forehead, in the middle of a mountain forest. The sun is just barely beginning to come up, and frankly, this might be... romantic, if Ain sort of didn't want to just lay on the ground right now and become one with the earth.]

I won't get hurt. I have to protect you, so I can't let myself get harmed. [He makes the declaration like it's the easiest thing in the world. Of course he won't get hurt, because if he gets hurt who's going to protect Vash? No one. It has to be him. His anxiety won't let him function about this.] I don't...

[Mmrrrgh. He makes a frustrated groaning sound and huffs, letting his eyes fall closed as he tries to dissect his emotions. When he doesn't get exactly what he wants, he settles instead on:]

I don't like when people come after you. I don't like when you're away doing things and I don't know if you'll come back or not, and I don't like being on my own. So...

[Ain squeezes Vash's hand.]

...don't... don't go too far from me. I might burn the whole world down if something hurts you.

[This hurts in a way Vash doesn’t know how to articulate. The sound Ain makes makes him want to cry, and for a moment he can’t speak. They stand there in one another’s’ space, and though the urge to wrap his arms around Ain is near overwhelming, Vash bites it back. For some reason, in this moment, it feels…inappropriate, maybe. Never mind he’s till feeling that sensation, this burn in his chest every time Ain meets his gaze.

It feels like he’s dying every time.

He exhales a quick breath, brushing his thumb over the back of Ain’s hand. He’s never told Ain that he’s voluntarily left people he loves, just to protect them. Him being there is what got Rem killed. What got Rollo killed. Tonis, maimed. And Nickolas…

He doesn’t tell Ain that he left his previous pet. He left him, afraid that he would eventually be caught in the crossfire. Or, perhaps, he’s just trying to convince himself it was a one sided deal, so as to make it hurt less.

To this day, Vash refuses to believe what the narrative seemed to imply that day. The day Nick sold him out.

Vash closes his eyes, again silent for a long time.]

I won’t go far, Ain. I promise.

[He knows it’s a lie, even as he says it. Even as he reaches up with his prosthetic to brush Ain’s hair from his eyes.]

Don’t worry, okay? Frowning doesn’t suit you.

[Well, if Vash won't hug him, then Ain sure will. He just needs a moment — just needs to breathe Vash in and cling to him and remind himself that they're here now, they're fine, Vash doesn't want to run off just because Ain has Illegal Magic and Lots Of It. Ain can't explain the feral, clawing sensation in his chest right now, but it's there and it's louder than anything else he's ever felt.

So he clings, because it's all he knows how to do, and it'll be a couple slow minutes before he bothers to let go. If he doesn't have Vash, he thinks he'll stop breathing, legitimately.]

Let's find somewhere to hunker down, [he murmurs from where his head is squashed against Vash's neck,] and then we can do something... more fun. I don't know what. Just anything.

[Frowning doesn't suit him, no, but he's sad and anxious and all he really wants to do is curl up on Vash and go back to sleep like they were earlier.]

[…okay, yeah, Vash would feel guilty as hell if he ignored that blatant request for contact. He’s quick to return the embrace, then, wrapping Ain up in long arms that pull him close to his chest. This certainly isn’t the best place to be having a Moment, but at least they’re alone, for a mercy. It’s not often they have chances like this, and when they do…well. It's usually somewhere like a mountainous forest.

Poor Ain, though…the anxiety is practically radiating off him, and Vash isn’t sure what to do. He wants to cheer him up somehow, but he isn’t sure where to even begin.

But then, as they stand there, something occurs to him as a wry smile works it’s way onto his face, just before he moves to use his leverage holding Ain to sweep him off his feet. Get scooped, nerd, he’s putting you up on his shoulder.]

It’s my turn to play pack mule for a bit. Keep an eye out and tell me if you spot civilization, okay?

[hahaha

oh

oh no.

What Vash doesn't know is that Ain has a certain weakness for, uh, men who can pick him up. He's not lightweight, really — he's a large songbird, even if he's got hollow bones for flying that doesn't mean he's like, light still — and so picking him up is a feat in and of itself. Ain is also... very, very gay, so.

Just. Excuse him. His brain has 404'ed and completely rebooted on him, and it takes him a good minute to clear the haze out of his brain so that he can actually answer Vash.]

Aha... I saw one up the trail from here when we were flying. I just didn't want to land on their heads...

[......................................happy bird noises will begin shortly,]

[Vash doesn’t know! But what he does know is that Ain seems a little happier now, even by just a tiny margin, and that’s all he cares about. He smiles, a big :3 sort of smile, as he carefully supports Ain by his waist as he starts to make his way down the side of the mountain towards the promised village.

You know, just. Slowly. Because Ain fucked him stupid last night-

As it turns out, a small community exists at the foot of the mountain nestled in a valley between two towering giants. It’s a completely different feeling compared to the cities they’d been in before, and as such Vash has to hope the secluded nature means they’ll be safer. Maybe word of who they are hasn’t spread this far yet. Maybe…they can just BE here, for a while. There’s only one way to know for sure.

Vash enters city limits, and feels a shiver as people start noticing him. There are pets and owners here too, so that much is normal…but what’s different is that even though there is some curious rubber necking going on- Vash is carrying his bird on his shoulder literally, after all- nobody seems to spare them a more scrutinizing glance.

Are they not known here? He has to hope.]

[...huh. That's different. People aren't really... Lingering long on them, save for a few who mutter something about "travelers" and "oh, that's rare", which really makes Ain wonder. This place is small — he can tell just from the size of the buildings — but the air feels... clearer. Less heavy then when they go to larger towns and there's a fifty-fifty shot someone recognizes them immediately.

...well. They have some money, because Ain just robbed several officers blind, so that shouldn't be a problem for a bit. If they just pay for a room for a week somewhere, they can't get booted out, right? And maybe Ain can sing in the streets for money for food like he did before he met Vash, and then they don't have to steal, and then...

...maybe Vash will be safe. Maybe he made a good decision, flying out here.]

Is there somewhere we can stay? [He calls out to someone passing by; yes, she says, 'round the corner up ahead.] Thanks!

[And as they're moving on, someone else walks up to ask Vash, "Pretty bird. Is he yours? Does he always sit on your shoulder?" like, jussayin, Ain is very large and why is he up there. They're not asking to be rude, luckily; they're asking because they're curious.

Well, there's that, and unlike many pets here... Ain isn't wearing some indication he belongs to someone. For all this person knows, Ain is a feral stray who's hitching a ride.]

[It occurs to Vash only after they've gotten into the town that maybe he should have let Ain walk here, but he...doesn't want to, and doesn't particularly care in this moment if it seems strange at all. He's feeling vulnerable and doesn't want to be far from Ain right now, and thus, he gets to perch up there looking pretty. He feels a brief rush of trepidation when they're approached, and he's asked about Ain...to which he smiles and answers plainly, commenting that yes, Ain is his, and yes he's very pretty. He likes to be tall, etc. They exchange a friendly laugh and that...ends up being just that.

It's bizarre, but also not uncommon. It's just been so long since Vash has found a town not yet tainted by the name The Humanoid Typhoon. He knows it's only a matter of time, which makes things pretty melancholic to say the least.

As for identification purposes, Vash has never once brought up Ain needing something like that. If he wanted it that would be different, but...perhaps a bit of his brother's inclinations in that regard have rubbed off on him, ever so slowly. He would never force a pet into something they didn't want, even if it's common practice among everyone else. It's probably stranger for him not to at least have a collar on, because that's how other Owners know he's taken. As far as they're concerned though, it's none of anyone else's business. Vash just hopes every day that it alleviates their connection in the eyes of the law, at least to a small degree.

Vash looks up at Ain after a moment of walking, adjusting his grip on him to be more secure as the inn the local indicated looms ahead.]

So far so good, huh?

["He likes to be tall" yes he's already 6 feet tall but he can be taller, don't worry about this, random stranger. And also wow catch Ain making happy trilling noises at being called pretty. He knows he's pretty but also give him more compliments pls—]

Haha, so far. It seems like a nice little town. [Some little kids are very entertained by the giant bird on Vash's shoulder.] I think... we'll have enough money to actually pay for a room, too.

[They can get the cheapest one, small and with just a single-person bed, and that should be fine enough. Then with the remaining money they can get food and... figure it out from there, he supposes. He thinks they might have enough spare change left to get a couple half-decent meals, but then again, the whole money thing is just Not his area.

As they approach the inn itself, it looks rustic — a big log-cabin type of structure — and Ain has to climb down from Vash's shoulder to actually fit through the door without clonking his head on the wall. Inside is equally rustic-looking, with a (hopefully fake) bear rug in front of a probably-fake-but-still-warm fireplace and sitting between two couches very far apart. A small little place. Probably only a few rooms here, but they're out in the boonies, so Ain doesn't expect anything large.

The girl at the front desk is sipping on coffee when they approach, bags under her eyes and the general look of someone who literally rolled out of bed five minutes ago on her face.

Ain, choosing now to be anti-social, looks at Vash like :3c and nudges him forward by the shoulders. YOU do the bartering-thing. Ain fucking can't.]

[Nice. Vash just has to hope that it stays that way. He knows good and well that when he goes anywhere, especially to secluded places like this, he's putting them at risk. If Nai were to catch wind of his whereabouts...

...he doesn't want to think about it, so he won't.

Instead, he lets Ain down from his shoulder finally once they make it to the inn proper, taking a deep breath as they enter. It smells earthy in here, like treated wood and the outdoors. It's relaxing to Vash, as someone who has been fascinated with nature ever since he was taught what a flower was. What organic life in general could be. It's much nicer than the last place they were, and they weren't even paying to stay there.

Fortunately for Ain, Vash is plenty extroverted enough to get the job done, lifting a hand to indicate that Ain wait behind him as he approaches the counter.]

Ah, good morning! [It is still so fucking early, it's probably like 7 or 8 am.] We'd like to book a room, please...as close to the top floor as we can be, if possible?

[He points up with his good hand while the girl looks at him...or maybe looks through him, she looks so tired. She bobs her head as she pulls out a ledger to write in, asking how long their stay will be.]

A week from today, thank you. And, um...something small, just one bed is fine.

[A week is a good amount of time, and probably as much as they can afford anyway. He hasn't actually been able to check to see how much money they have...

He doesn't notice a few stragglers in the main lobby sort of look at him as he says that. One bed? With a pet...?]

PET PERSON MEME

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