Entry tags:

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

[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...?]

[Yes random strangers, the bird is clingy and needs to be loved, have you never had a bird before because they need constant attention—

Well, Ain is clingier than the average pet in general. Like, dog-pets are clingy, but Ain one-ups that. If Vash wanted something aloof he would've left Ain on the street corner where he was standing and gotten a snake... but he didn't.

He can imagine people's thoughts are racing. Vash looks Too Nice to reasonably be expected to make his bird sleep on the floor, so... likely it's either "they must be very poor" or "hmmmm (suspicious)" in their heads. Regardless, they pay, and the girl at the counter just... has seen Too Much this 7am, and probably does not Care what happens. This guy wants to cuddle his bird whatever here's your key your room is on the third story because your bird likes to look at the sky or whatever have a good day. Siiiip.

Someone get this girl a five-hour energy.

Ain makes sure to beam, all too friendly, at the people going "????" in the lobby at them. Good morning to you, too.

The room is, expectedly, small. They said they wanted a small room, so that's what they're getting — a log cabin-style room that's big enough for them to set their bag down and nothing else, with approximately one bedside table with a dingy lamp on it, and a small bathroom off to the side. The shower is a standing shower, which means no birdbath hours (womp womp) but at least there's a sliding glass door so when Ain inevitably starts splashing he doesn't... soak the entire fucking bathroom. He's pretty sure he caused water damage at the last place. Fuck 'em.

The bed itself is also big enough for two, technically; neither of them are really small, but it's not like they can't squeeze in. Queen or king-sized beds are unnecessary because Ain snuggles in so close anyway. Like, no matter what, they're gonna be on the edge of the bed.

First order of business after getting his shoes off and leaving them by the door? Flopping facefirst into bed. Bye.]

[Honest to god, Vash is just thankful no one else approaches them right now. His nerves are shot even for him, and he’s not sure either of them could take more prejudice today. Someone WILL die and it wouldn’t be either of them.

Vash let’s Ain lead the way up the stairs (because this is COUNTRY there’s not going to be an elevator), trying to ignore the continued stabbing pain in the backs of his thighs, hips, and lower back. It’s really hitting him now that the adrenaline rush has abated somewhat, though he does try not to hobble like an old man up to their room. It’s much, much smaller than the apartment they stole, but he doesn’t care. He just smiles as he sets their bag on the floor, watching Ain throw himself onto the bed.

If nothing else, the bed is probably MUCH softer than their last. The pillows and comforter are all stuffed with feathers, ironically.]

How many stars would you give it?

[Ain hums.]

Seven out of ten. There's no bathtub and I can touch either wall with my wings, but otherwise, it's nice.

[That is, unfortunately, what they get. Ain will make do. He already stretched his wings today when he flew them over here. And he's also not moulting anymore, so hey! It's absolutely better.]

The bed is comfortable, too. Mm... we should both take showers and then rest for a bit longer before we go out again. I want to lay on you.

[It’s small, but for the next week, it’s theirs. There’s something particularly relieving too about being able to actually pay for this room. No one can come to kick them out now, not unless they get recognized…

Vash sighs and sits on the edge of the bed, reaching out to stroke his fingers through Ain’s nearest wing.]

You can go first. I want to take stock of our supplies in the meantime.

[Ain pushes himself up onto his elbows, crawling to a sitting position at that. Sure, he'll go first, and the bathroom will be decorated with water droplets because he is Going to Splash. Hopefully Vash doesn't slip when it's his turn because uhhhhhh.

As he sits up, Ain pulls the ribbon from the back of his hair and loops it around his finger, before grabbing Vash's good hand and letting it unwind in his palm.]

Hold that for me, [he says softly, and then leans in to give Vash a kiss on the cheek,] I'll be right back.

[And then, like he Didn't just do Any of that, Ain gets to his feet, shucks his coat off onto the edge of the bed, and makes his way into the bathroom. Goodbye don't think about that too hard—]

[Vash watches as Ain sits up, his brows raising as he removes the ribbon from his hair. He holds his hand out reflexively when Ain moves to drop it into his palm, only to be struck dumb by the kiss to his cheek. It’s nothing different than what they’ve done before- it’s downright tame in comparison- yet for some reason it leaves Vash feeling like he’s melting down all the same. He stumbles to say something, but before the words can come, Ain has already sauntered away.

He’s left staring at the ribbon falling through his fingers like water, at least until he thinks to carefully tie it around the wrist of his good hand loosely, just to make extra sure he doesn’t lose it.

Then…he gets to sit there with that same burning in his chest for quite a long time, brushing over the ribbon with his metal fingertips. He honestly wanted a chance to look at the damage while Ain was gone, so Ain wouldn’t worry…and the ribbon serves as a distraction from that. The damage isn’t insignificant, but it’s manageable enough that he’s pretty sure his arm won’t fall apart, so long as it doesn’t take another blow. He sighs, shucking it through the back of his hair, before throwing himself down onto the mattress similar to how Ain had been before.

He’s still staring at the ribbon, wondering why such a simple thing makes his chest ache so much.]

[This room is small enough to the point where, over the sounds of running water, Vash will definitely be able to hear Ain beating his wings against the shower doors (unintentionally) because water in feathers go brrrrrrr. Like, he will shower like a normal human being all the time except where the wings are concerned and that's where he does the Bird Thing of getting his feathers wet and shaking them out. So.

Suffice it to say that even with the shower doors, water winds up getting everywhere anyway. This is like bathing a really large dog, okay. Ain at least bothers to wipe the bathroom mirror off and free it of water droplets so that it doesn't fuck the mirror up super bad later, before he steps out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist. They are long past the point of privacy now, and he left his clean clothes in their bag okay he has like one extra pair and it is In The Bag.]

Your turn!

[:)]

[The only major downside to their lodgings is the fact they don't have a bathtub. Vash would love it if Ain could take a bath like a bird proper...but he supposes this will suffice for the time being. He smiles a bit when he sees Ain step out, then rapidly turns red because oh god he didn't get dressed first-]

A-ah, okay! Just give me a moment...

[He didn't fully unpack their duffel, because that would be counter-productive in case they do need to make another quick escape. He did remove the duvet and sheets they stole however, as well as the only other pair of clothing he also has. He...ah, yes, he sees now, Ain's clothing is in here too...

WELL. He will take a moment while sitting on the edge of the bed to actually take his jacket and undershirt off right there, stripping down to just his pants so that it's easier for him to remove the prosthetic. The arm itself hooks into a bracket fitted over the stump of his shoulder, which he removes first and lays down on the bed before unclipping both the bracket and sling that keeps it connected to his body. It's actually probably the first time Ain has seen him without it entirely, much less the many scars his body is littered with. From there he'll push himself up to his feet with a groan under his breath, right hand pulling through his hair again as he trundles past Ain.

He will pause on the way, though, and press his lips to the bird's temple, because it seems like the right thing to do since Ain was so kind as to kiss him earlier. It's like returning a hug.]

[Ain is Looking at all those hickies from last night like :) Vash normally looks like he's been put through a blender, but it's way worse since Ain has marked him fucking everywhere. He's so mad at himself for not leaving some on the man's thighs so that when he takes his pants off he's reminded of their Couch Antics.

...and then it's his turn to blush when he gets a kiss, and dumbfounded, he just watches Vash trundle off into the bathroom before his wings give the littlest flutter and he sits down on the edge of the bed to dress himself. It's not a difficult process; his pants are pants and his shirts all just tie in the back, so he's able to get dressed in a few minutes. No sight of the hair ribbon... Vash must have taken it with him. Cute.

Ain hums a little tune to himself as he combs out his hair. Part of his hair on the right side of his head is longer, just because he usually keeps it in a little braid, so unlike the rest of his curls, it requires some actual work. Combing it down with his fingers and braiding it, and then clipping his accessories onto it and letting it sit. Everything else he just fluffs up with his hands.

Then, he turns to where Vash left his prosthetic, frowning heavily at the hairline cracks in it, at the chipped part where the bullet ricocheted. Dammit. This is Ain's fault, if he'd just walked over to the door and stood in front of it, they wouldn't have...

He reaches out and runs a thumb over the smooth metal, not disturbing it otherwise. There might be someone who can fix this up, but... ah, Ain would have to go back to his hometown to find her, and he really... really doesn't want to. Mostly because his last Owner is probably still there wondering where he ran off to... sigh. Ain has a lot of magic, but his magic can't fix this. It's out of his wheelhouse.]

[Vash isn't in the shower for terribly long, mostly just long enough to wash the sweat and grime from his body. It's nice to just stand under the hot water for a while to soothe his sore muscles though...he can't remember the last time they actually had access to a bathroom this nice, even. The last one wasn't much larger, and it was in much worse condition all told. The lack of a hand doesn't make things take much longer at least, not since Vash has been doing this for over 150 years at this point.

What he doesn't notice until he's already climbing back out is the fact he forgot to take Ain's ribbon off his wrist, realizing it when he catches sight of it plastered to his skin in the mirror. It's why Ain will hear the hairdryer running, because he's not even using it on his hair...he's trying to dry the ribbon off. Another few minutes of this go by before Vash steps back into the room, having to hold up his towel because let's be real, the man's ass and hips are not enough to do it on their own.]

Ah, Ain, I'm sorry...you probably didn't want to get this wet, did you?

Ah? [Ain blinks up at Vash, then spots the ribbon, and all he can do is laugh quietly to himself.] Aha, oh, it's alright. That ribbon has been with me for years at this point, so it's seen its fair share of wear.

[Ah, his nonexistent hips... Ain thinks he sees a bruise he left on one of them yesterday, whoops. He leans forward, elbow on his knee and chin in his palm. Less concerned about the ribbon than anything right now, he lets his gaze freely rake over Vash.

A room with a view! How nice!]

I think it's very cute that you wore it the whole time. You didn't miss me while I was gone, did you?

[Did he miss him? Vash...takes that question a little more seriously than Ain probably meant it to be, spoken lightly and teasingly as it was. He looks back at his wrist where he tied the ribbon again just so he could use his hand freely to finish drying himself off, moving over to pick his clothes out of the duffel bag.]

I miss you every time we're apart.

[Oh okay that's VERY gay-

But he says it Very Seriously as he starts to move to get dressed, right there in the middle of the room because Vash has seen him naked before there's nothing to hide now.]

PET PERSON MEME

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