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 scenario they've found themselves in is like, textbook romantic, and yet neither of them have the experience enough to realize that for what it is. While Ain is dealing with his stomach doing flips- the moths are back- Vash in contrast is once more feeling his chest burn and ache, like his heart is going to beat right out of it. He knows he should probably be more concerned by the feeling than he is, because it sure does feel like dying...but he's figured by now that if he was dying, he would have. So it's probably fine.

Yet, when Ain puts a wing around him, the feeling only worsens. His heart leaps into his throat now to be extra annoying, and every so often he has to swallow impulsively as they make their way up to the little precipice that overlooks the town.

It really underscores just how small of a place this is, nestled between the mountains like it is. It looks like a Christmas town with the way the lights pop against a growing snowy backdrop. The wind buffets them both, and Vash feels a brief chill before the brunt of Ain's wing ends up blocking it.

And he...steps closer, until Ain is properly nestled under his good arm. They're the only ones out here, it's fine.

He looks down at Ain, and he speaks without thinking.]

...so are you.

Huh—?

[h

he heard that right, didn't he?? Vash just called him pretty?? Wh. What the fuck.

Ain's cheeks are already red due to the cold, but he can feel the way the heat rises to them further while his brain tries to process what Vash just said. Like. He didn't hallucinate this. He's not drunker than previously thought, Vash just called him pretty and he's looking— he's looking at Ain like Ain put the fucking stars in the sky.

Hhhh.

Okay! So! Ain is going into cardiac arrest. Coyly, he twirls his braid around his finger, trying to occupy himself. It's not the nervous, anxious plucking of his fur sleeves he tries to do when things get bad, it's an embarrassed, extremely flustered wiggle that he has to get out of his system. There's a soft cooing in the back of his throat while his feathers fluff up a bit. Then...

...]

Ah... um. [fuck.] If you say things like that, I won't be able to focus on anything but you! Don't tell me this was your plan all along?

[Haha. Fuck. That was lame. Dammit.]

...I might kiss you, if so. [better.]

[Vash exhales on something of a laugh, one that comes out in a breath of cold steam between them.]

That's something you should know about me by now. I never have a plan for anything.

[It's true, Vash is flying by the seat of his pants literally 100% of the time. Acting on instinct, impulse, or whathaveyou. This...feels less like instinct, and more like what's right. What that painfully tense, burning heart in his chest is telling him to.

His chest only gets tighter when Ain says he might kiss him, and Vash is immediately shuffling a little in place, crunching the snow under his boots. He drops his voice to a whisper, as if someone might overhear.]

...you promise?

[He almost hates how his heart wants to give out at the proximity and the whisper both. Almost, except he doesn't, because somehow the rapid thud of his heart and the blood rushing in his ears has become a bit comfortable now. He doesn't have the vocabulary to explain it. It's just... Vash, in general, he thinks. Vash has something on him and Ain's too far gone to figure out what it is or really care.

Ain tilts his head back. With his eyes half-lidded, he gazes at Vash, barely watching the snow falling around his head now. It's faded into the background along with his excitement, and now the entire world is only him and Vash.]

I promise.

[Promises are meant to be kept, and Ain isn't about to waste their time. Slowly, he leans forward until they're liplocked, and unlike earlier, this kiss is much softer. It doesn't want for passion despite that, and warmth seeps through it easily. Ain reaches out for Vash, to wind his arms around his neck, in the same moment his wings wrap all the way around them like a protective blanket.

This feels... correct. Every time they've kissed or held each other, it's felt right in ways he can't describe. And this one is... somehow, for some reason, so much better than the others. Not that their other exchanges have been anywhere close to bad.

Ain can't pin it, yet another thing lost to the pond of stuff he doesn't understand, and he doesn't care to. Not right now, when he's sighing against Vash's lips as if he's the first sip of water Ain's had in months.]

[Vash knew it was coming, anticipated it even, and yet it has the same affect now as it did the first time. Vash’s heart rate flies into the triple digits he’s certain, and the kiss is so soft and gentle that he can’t help but make a sound against Ain’s lips as it happens. He’s swiftly enveloped in those warm wings, which prompts Vash to reach both hands up to cup Ain’s cheeks. He doesn’t think about his prosthetic being cold, so hopefully it isn’t too icy as they kiss, Vash instinctively remembering to tilt his head now as their lips move.

Humans are meant to be with humans. Relationships with pets are strictly forbidden and largely frowned upon, and illegal in a worst case scenario. Yet Vash has only ever felt this kind of warmth over select few in his life, and none have been this intense or potent.

He feels like he’s dying, even wrapped up in this warmth. He doesn’t want to pull away for breath either, the look on his face indicative of that as he keeps Ain held against his chest when t get part for a moment to breathe.]

I…I’m so glad I found you.

[He can't help but smile against Vash's lips. He's perfect. He's so fucking perfect in all the best ways, even now, when they're both barely breathing against one another's lips like they ran a marathon. Even when Vash is goofy and dorky and falls on his face or when he's stuffing his cheeks so much that he can barely answer questions. He's just...]

You're my entire world, [he breathes, taking a moment to dive back in for another kiss before they part,] and I'm glad that, of everyone in the world, I can be yours.

[If only he knew the gravity of his words right now. He's feeling the weight of them deep in his chest, but he's missing just one four-letter word to really nail it down. It doesn't matter, not really, because he's not thinking of that missing meaning. It's there, and it's always going to be there.]

...I want... other people to know that, too. That I'm not some feral stray anymore.

[He's been wanting to talk about it. Getting a tag, or something, that says he has someone he belongs to. They're too far in it now to separate, in his mind. Ain's too... clingy. He'll never let go, no matter how much Vash asks.]

...do you?

[It's not something Vash has ever volunteered to ask himself. If it ever came up, he wanted Ain to be the one to propose the idea, not the other way around. For most, it's expected. It isn't the law exactly, though some cities and communities do require some sort of identification on pets just in case something happens. Someone needs to be responsible for their actions, otherwise they'll be tossed into the pound once it's discovered they're a stray. And a stray committing crimes is perhaps the worst of its kind.

Nevertheless, Vash never wanted Ain to feel tied down to him in any sort of way. Though, maybe it was a subconscious response on Vash's part, too. Needing threads to remain loose and untied, in the event he needs to get away for Ain's safety. They've already run across some calls too close for his comfort, though not yet enough to make him feel like he's causing Ain to lose out on his quality of life. Vash only just recently discovered how much magic he has at his disposal, which isn't common or even vaulted as a good thing for pets, meaning that Ain can take care of himself if the need arose.

They're still close, their breath mingling as Vash brushes over Ain's cheekbone with his thumb.]

Yes.

[Ain kisses him in between words, light and fluttering like the snowflakes themselves, but they linger. He's not sure what else to do when they're this close. And maybe he could move his hands, but they're comfortable looped around Vash's neck, and part of him wonders if breaking their embrace at all will ruin the magic of the moment.

Ain sure doesn't want to pull away right now.

When he goes in for a kiss next, it's at the corner of Vash's lips.]

I've been thinking about it. I don't want to be away from you, [kiss on the cheek,] nor do I want someone to try anything funny while I'm out alone. I want to stay with you.

[Ain places one kiss to Vash's jaw, and then pulls back slightly to look into his eyes.]

You don't have to, but I like... how making it official feels.

No, I….I’d like that.

[He’s not listening to the voice in the back of his head right now, saying this is a bad idea. That for Ain’s own safety, he shouldn’t. All he can think about right now is being with this bird indefinitely, being able to kiss him like this every day…

Vash’s lips quirk into a smile at the way Ain peppers his face with kisses, his cheeks flushed red moreso then from the cold nipping at them.]

What would you want? I wasn’t sure, ah…if a collar would suit you, so…

[It’s up to Ain, really. Owners tend to prefer collars as they stand out the most, but Vash doesn’t have a preference. It could be something as small as a card he kept in his pocket for all he cared.]

[Ain hums, pretending he's thinking about this at all. He already knows what he wants, but maybe it's easier if he acts like he totally doesn't.]

I like collars. But if that doesn't work, a bracelet or necklace or something is fine.

[See how he totally thought about it.

Ain moves one of his hands finally, bringing it up to cup over Vash's good hand, where he then lets it slowly slide down his wrist. Ain's ribbon is (presumably, hopefully) still tied there, and if it is, he drags his thumb across it. A soft smile pulls at the corners of his lips.]

Even though other people won't recognize it, this counts as me calling you "mine", too.

[The ribbon is still tied there, with Vash anxiously checking it every so often to make sure it hasn’t been lost. Ain marking it with words as a symbol of being his causes Vash to blush even more fiercely, dropping his forehead gently against Ain’s.]

It’s not going anywhere. I won’t take it off for anything.

[And because he’s a Nerd, he’ll brush their noses together.]

This town probably has a clothing store with pet accessories. We can look before we go back, if you want.

[Can they afford it? Not really. Does Vash care? WEEELLLLL-]

I’m going to have to buy you another ribbon too.

[Wow. What a nerd. Ain does it back, trilling in the back of his throat as he does. That makes him notice that the tips of their noses are both very, very cold right now, but... Oh well.]

I'll have to sing extra hard, then.

[Ain is aware they don't really have disposable money, but it's... it's fine. They'll get more of it. He's confident in that, because it's worked in the past. It's how he used to do everything before he met Vash and after he left the Church and ran off. He abandoned the collar from his prior owner in his room and fled.

It's been a few years since he wore one. He suspects he'll like it much better this time around.]

I'll still save my best songs for you, though. I promise.

[They are so, SO very gay for each other, and Vash doesn't even realize it's tipped over into that. He just grins at Ain from ear to ear, having to close his eyes because he's smiling so hard it's making his face hurt. He wants to wrap him up in his arms and hold him, but if he did that he wouldn't be able to see him so easily anymore.]

I look forward to it!

[Though speaking of cold...the snow is really starting to come down now. It's not a blizzard or anything like that, but what was once light and serene is definitely a considerable amount of snowflakes coming down. It's already starting to stick too, brightening the town as it slowly begins turning white.]

Do you think you'll be able to sing if it's snowing like this tomorrow...?

The people in this town are probably used to doing things in this sort of weather, right? I'm sure it'll be fine.

[Ain thinks Vash is asking more along the lines of "will people stop to see you if there's a foot of snow on the ground" and not "do you think you're going to want to stand in a foot of snow for four hours". He's fine if it's himself, though. He'll get cold, sure, but it's not like that's anything new. If he doesn't focus on it, he's fine.

And plus, showing off warms you up! He thinks. He's pretty sure.]

...but, I know money is a concern, so we can see where we're at with funds after tomorrow and go from there. I want you to claim me, yes, but it doesn't have to be tonight.

[Ain doesn't voice it, but he's very much thinking about how there are plenty of other ways to lay claim to someone.]

[Yeah Vash is 100% asking because he worries that Ain will freeze to death within a half hour, much less four...but if he has his heart set on trying, he isn't going to stop him. They might at least be able to get enough tips to keep them going food-wise for the rest of the week, since the hotel payment isn't an issue.

Of course, when Ain mentions wanting to be "claimed" by him...he doesn't know why that makes him feel really hot and like he can't breathe properly all of a sudden, but it does. Is...he getting too cold? Are they hugging each other too tight? What is happening.]

I-It shouldn't be too bad...we aren't in the red yet or anything.

[Ha...ha....]

[It's the frostbite setting in, Vash, watch out.]

You're cute. [Too cute, actually. That look on Vash's face is Too Much.] Do you want to go back to the inn and warm up? Or... did you want to stop off at the shop?

[They have several hours until things close down, but it's best to make a decision now. Once they're back at their temporary home base, Ain isn't leaving again. He has too many kisses to give.]

Uh....

[uhhhh

duhhhhh give him a second he's bluescreening again-]

We can stop by the shop first. It's on the way.

[And maybe he wants to see what his pretty bird looks like in a pretty collar shut UP]

[Vash is about to have a whole experience tonight, isn't he. That's fine with Ain, who wonders if this is gonna awaken something in him, and he's not going to complain if so. Collars are sort of... a bolder statement than most marks of identification could be. Like, a keyring that says "if lost return to The Human Typhoon" is less of a statement. A collar could either be BDSM or slavery. There's rarely a grey zone.

Ain likes the BDSM option—

Anyway. So that they can walk, Ain drops his wings and tucks them against his back again, but not before giving Vash a kiss.]

Okay. Oh, but before we go...

[Ain backs up a step, leans down. Grabs a handful of snow, smiles up at Vash...

Grabs his shirt and dunks the snow down it.

Books it.]

Can you keep up?! Haha!

[Vash is feeling all warm and floaty after all of that kissing and cuddling, and it's only in part due to the alcohol in his system. He slow blinks like a happy cat as Ain kisses him while he pulls his wings away, exhaling on a questioning hum as the bird steps back.

He isn't even expecting it wwhen Ain stoops down and picks up a sizeable wad of snow to just

Shove down the back of his shirt.

And lest we forget: this is Vash's first time seeing snow. It's also his first time touching it like this, other than the snowflakes that had been landing on his skin.]

A-Aiiieee-!!!

[Vash shrieks, hopping in one foot in one place in a quick circle as he scrabbles at his back, trying to shake the snow out of his shirt with varying degrees of success. His shirt had accidentally gotten tucked into his pants a little, so he nearly has to throw his jacket off to get it out. By the time he's properly righted himself, Ain is like a quarter down the path.

Good thing he got a headstart, because Vash is running after him full-tilt, and Ain has seen this boy run. He's damn fast.]

A-ain!!!

[Ain is not fast, so Vash will catch up in short order here. He's laughing as he half-runs half-slides down the slope, trying hopelessly to escape (but not really).]

Are you mad? [He knows Vash isn't, or at least, he has a pretty good sense that he's not. Down the hill they slide, with Ain digging his heels in and sort of snowboarding down the path on his sneakers. The town isn't that far now, since they're sprinting.] Was it cold? Hahaha!!

[He is not mad! Startled, yes, but not mad at all. He's definitely working to catch up with Ain though as they slip and slide down the trail, with Vash very nearly eating shit several times as his feet threaten to slip out from under him, arms windmilling as he tries to keep from falling over. In the end, just before they make it back into town proper, Vash manages to catch up, scoops Ain underneath the arms, and lifts him up into the air, spinning him around once while keeping him held tight against his chest.]

I felt like I was gonna die, Ain! That was so meaaan...

[Ain full-blown cackles when Vash scoops him, half-flailing (though not with any real intention to escape) and reaching out to grab at Vash's hands up until he's twirled. At which point, he gives up on that, but his arms wind up around Vash's neck the moment after.]

It's not that bad! You're just dramatic! [Ain leans forward and, while they're out of sight still, kisses Vash really really quickly just in case someone wants to walk by at that specific moment.] You're lucky I didn't just dunk you into a snowbank!

Be glad you didn't, or else I'd be enacting my revenge right about now.

[Said with a broad grin as he gives Ain a squeeze, hugging him instead of kissing since its the safest thing he can get away with right now. That doesn't mean he won't happily hold Ain up for a few seconds longer, waiting for that beautiful laughter to die down a bit before he returns Ain to his feet in the snow.]

[Revenge... maybe later they can be dumb boys and shove each other in the snow. For now, they do have a store to go to, and they have to pretend to be less goofy in public. Although... it is snowing, so some goofing is clearly allowed, if the children pelting each other with snowballs further ahead are any indication.

Yet again Ain is encountering the "oh my socks are wet" problem. The higher the snow accumulates, the more he has to shuffle through snow, the more gets into his sneakers and soaks his pantlegs. But he's still excited about the snow regardless, dammit, and were they not trying to be productive he'd probably lay in it and try making a snow angel... snow bird? Snow bird.

They shuffle along and toward the pet store that they walked past earlier. Inside, it's blessedly warm, and not very crowded, and there are plenty of articles of clothing being sold at the front for certain animals — shirts and such meant for birds, pants with tail-holes, the works. There's a back wall selling other specific products, like collars and tags and custom jewellery meant to show off ownership.

Ain glances about and makes his way to that section immediately. He doesn't need clothes or fancy shampoos for feathers or whatever they're selling there. They're here for a reason.]

Hm... do you want to pick? I'm not good at fashion.

[Haha. Fashion.]

[Vash will be shocked if Ain doesn't just loaf in a snowbank at some point, here. He keeps imagining him trying to take a bath in it...and it doesn't help that everything is so cold and wet now. He's definitely got reason to worry still that Ain is going to get sick from bathing in the fucking fountain when it was super too cold to do so.......sigh.

BUT that is a problem for future Vash. Right now, they have their sights set on the pet store. It's actually quite quaint, and there's a lot on offer they could be looking at other than accessories. Only problem is...as Vash was bracing for, things aren't cheap in here. They're not bank-breakingly expensive, or things they simply cannot afford, it's more that...if he gets something too pricey here, they'll have to stretch their money tomorrow. That, and he doesn't want Ain to have to push himself too hard to make the money back...

Pursing his lips, Vash walks over to a little stand with various collars on it of different sizes, materials, and patterns. He's immediately drawn to a collar that is made of leather (or probably a fake leather, really) and looks like greenish-blue and gold marble, and it stands out to him as something Ain might like pretty much on sight. The metal is rose gold, with a loop in the center for a tag. He carefully takes it down, bringing it over for Ain to see.]

What do you think of this one?

PET PERSON MEME

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject