i am robbing bakerstreet again

[pcrtiallystcrs]

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.

Comments

[eidxiety]

[This is dumb. You're dumb, Ain tells himself, as he holds the velvet box in his hands and runs a claw over the surface. This is so stupid.

Being stupid never stopped him before, though, so Ain opens the box up and pulls the necklace out, unclasps it, and shuffles so that he's reaching out to enclasp it around Vash's neck. It's a brief gesture, and Vash will probably feel the heavy pendant clacking against his collarbone long before Ain pulls away.]

...I got you a gift, with some of the money I made today. It's why I was out so long. I wanted to make sure I could do something nice for you.

[His "decorating" thing. But worse, now.]

[thestampede]

[Vash opens his eyes again as Ain starts talking, having felt him put something around his neck. He can feel the weight behind it, the way it lays against his skin, aware of it long before he reaches his good hand up to touch it. His breath catches, and he feels his heart flutter.

"This is for you, Vash! It's from everyone on Ship Three!"

A gift. A gift, Ain says. His eyes dart briefly, from Ain down to his fingertips that are brushing over the pendant, lifting it slightly off his collarbone so he can actually look at the stone there. It doesn't go amiss that it's the color it is, all deep and green.

I wanted to make sure I could do something nice for you.

So very rarely has anyone gone out of their way to just do something nice for him. The other times have been few and far between, left with this sense of owing him in some way, or tainted by the misfortune to inevitably follow. None of those memories are positive ones anymore, save...for that one. This jacket he's worn for nigh on a hundred years, now. The only thing from those days that's remained.

Home. It's home.

And as Vash sits there rubbing the pendant with his thumb, that's what he realizes this is, too.

It's why, after a pause that seems both too long and short, Ain will suddenly find himself swept up in Vash's arms, in the most massive bear hug he can manage. He squeezes him tight (but not too tight) to his chest, pressing his nose against his shoulder.]

...Thank you, Ain. I love it....it's perfect.

[eidxiety]

[Ain isn't sure what to make of the initial silence. Maybe he offended somehow, maybe he shouldn't give gifts that are so obviously him wearing his heart on his sleeve. Or rather, him wearing his heart around Vash's neck. Either way, it's so incredibly obvious he's pining and maybe Vash figured it out and that's Bad Now.

He's sure his anxiety is showing on his face up until Vash pulls him into a hug, at which point, his shoulders relax and he sighs out a breath he didn't know he was holding. When he reaches out to hug in kind, his fingers curl into the fabric of his owner's shirt and he squeezes like he doesn't want to be let go.]

You love it... [he echoes, because there's that word again, that "love" word being used on objects and random things that, as far as he understands it, is love but a different sort than what was just explained to him.] I'm glad. You're very important to me, so I... I just wanted to show you, somehow.

[thestampede]

[If Vash only knew...right now, he doesn't understand the weight of his words, instead only concerned with how he feels in the moment. It's why he'd just surged forward to pull Ain into his arms, the same way he wrapped himself around the jacket when it was given to him.

Ain makes him feel so...warm inside. Like nothing bad could ever happen, even if logically he knows that could never be true. Yet, he clings to the hope anyway, just like he clings to his bird as he turns his head a little, his face pressing against his neck now.]

I'll treasure it...and keep it safe. I promise.

[If anything happens to it, or the ribbon he wears on his good hand, he will explode. Same goes for his jacket, he just has so many material Things to protect because of the meaning attached to the.

And while he would say this means he should get AIN something...well. He has something, doesn't he? It jingles softly around his neck even as they speak. Even as Vash leans back just a little so he can look Ain in the eye, leaning back in a fraction to kiss his lips.]

It's going to be a good luck charm. I can feel it.

[eidxiety]

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...

Ain is... dying. It's like suddenly he became aware of emotions, and it's no longer a slight "teehee, wow, I sure do feel fluttery around Vash". It is, in fact, a full-blown torrential fucking downpour of emotions of all kinds. The aforementioned anxiety, the obvious affection, wanting to be possessive over him and the realisation that he could ruin this at any moment. That someone else could take Vash from him, whether because Vash falls in love with someone and not Ain or because someone hurts him beyond repair.

Ain's feathers fluff up in what can only be described as some sort of possessive irritation, which is entirely his brain's fault. Then, with an audible snap, they whip around Vash and he tightens the embrace. He kisses him again, on his lips and then the corner of his mouth and then to his cheek, where he stops. He's not going to wreck Vash tonight, he's going to be good.]

The necklace and ribbon both, right? That means you'll be safe for a long time. I have a lot of dumb luck, you know.

[thestampede]

Y-yeah! Yeah, both!

[Vash isn't crying, he's not. If his voice sounds a little wobbly when he speaks, that's your problem. He's just smiling this hard because Ain kissing him tickled, nothing more. And the wings wrapped tight around him definitely hasn't brought back that worrying burn in his chest that makes him wonder if he's dying.

As if to distract himself from this, he lifts Ain in his arms a little, perching him up on his hips so Ain is at a higher angle, looking down at Vash instead of directly across from him.]

I've never felt this lucky in my whole life. Like...everything will go right for once.

[eidxiety]

[If Ain hadn't seen happy crying before, he'd genuinely think he like. broke him. But luckily... luckily, he knows better. This is the second time he's made the guy cry though he's sorry—

He reaches out for Vash's face, drawing the backs of his fingers over his cheek. There's a stray bit of hair he brushes away as he goes, letting his claws brush against the strands.]

I'll make sure it does. I told you that I would keep you safe, didn't I?

[And everything going right really is contingent upon them staying safe. Ain doesn't want them to be in danger, even if danger seeks them out constantly. Right now, he feels like he'd destroy anything that crossed them, which...

...well. That's how Ain normally feels, but it's worse now. It's far, far worse than usual, and that's because his anxiety riled him the fuck up and now he's thinking of all the things that could go wrong. His obsessiveness is kicking his ass.]

As long as I'm here...

[He trails off, but it's easy to guess what he was going to say.]

[thestampede]

[It's a dangerous, terrible thing to promise. As long as I'm here...

They've only been together for a few short months. That may as well be seconds for Vash. Ain...has not yet stood the test of time. Neither of them have.

But, for once? For once, Vash can just not think about that. He can cling to Ain and sniff past the tears, cuddling him close until he's laying back against the pillows with Ain in his arms, laying against his chest that way more or less.]

You make me...so happy. You know that?

[eidxiety]

[Since they're laying down, Ain can't hug as tightly, but at least he can let his wings stretch out on either side of them, and at least he can bury his claws in Vash's shirt, just at the shoulders. Those will have to do for now. These sorts of emotional conversations aren't his forte; he can call Vash pretty and cute and tell him he's really good at bottoming, but he can't actually say "you make me happy too" and "hey I just had a deep emotional revelation today and I'm kind of dying every time you say things like that".

Since Ain can do approximately none of those things, he simply makes a strained noise in the back of his throat, closing his eyes and trying to relax. The longer he lays here, the hotter he gets. Why is it so hot in here...]

I'm glad, truly. I wouldn't know what to do if you didn't. I think I'd stick around anyway, just because I... ["think I'm in love with you, help,"] ...mm. I just want to. Haha, is that weird?

[thestampede]

[Now that they're pressed so close together...well, even closer than they were previously, Vash can tell that the warmth between them is a touch warmer than usual. He doesn't really think much of it in the moment though, because everything feels a little too warm to him right now, and he's chalking it up to the fact that his heart won't stop beating so fast.

He chuckles, high in the back of his throat, as he brings his prosthetic up to gently brush back Ain's hair, watching as his cowlick bounces back into place.]

I don't think so. I...thought it, when you gave me this pendant, but...

[He tilts his head a little, his smile broadening.]

I haven't had a proper home in a long time. I can't really stay anywhere, but...you know that. But it...doesn't really matter.

You're home. So it goes with me, now.

[eidxiety]

[Vash you're killing him. You're killing your bird.

Ain's grip tightens, and he's sorry if his claws start to dig in. He's not sure where to put this latent energy other than into something Physical, so unfortunately, that would be his fucking talons. He's sorry. He's like a cat. Maybe "bird" is wrong, maybe he's a cat.]

Home...

[Ain bites his lower lip, and for a moment, lets silence overtake them while he waffles over what to say. There's a hurricane of emotions in his chest, and all he knows right now is that he needs to hold it in and muffle it before something goes too far. Because, like, something always goes wrong with him. Him and emotions are enemies. He's pretty sure he's going to wreck this somehow.]

You're... mine, you know. [Whoop there it is, the possessiveness is slipping out of its box.] You'll always be... mine. I'm not letting you go, no matter what happens.

[Even if he leaves of his own volition, Ain will follow him.]

[thestampede]

[And that, of course, fills Vash with emotions too that he's unable to quantify. Maybe he needs to go talk to that store owner next and get that "love" talk...and it's not like love hasn't been explained to him before. Rem, unsurprisingly, spoke about it. How love manifests in all things...in love for yourself, your family and friends, for the planet and all life on it...yet this is something wholly new to Vash. He never would have known love could feel like you were dying.

His lips quirk, and for the briefest of moments he looks...conflicted, almost. It's a blink and you'll miss it moment, soon replaced with his prior smile as he brushes his hand down over one of Ain's wings.]

No matter what? Even if I mess something up? Or the authorities come for me?

YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE... WHORE!

[eidxiety]

Didn't they already?

[And Ain dealt with that with violence, uh, oops?

He very suddenly pushes himself up a bit, onto his hands and knees, so that he's hovering over Vash and can look down at him. He wants to see his face, he swears that's all it is.]

You're not going anywhere, [he murmurs, suddenly losing all of his remaining filter except where it's important.] I already said you're mine. No matter what stupid things you do, I'm not going to let anyone else have you. I don't care who they are.

[The police, a lover, his brother, no one else gets Vash.

Again, which one of them should have been collared...]

I... all I want... is you.

CRYING

[thestampede]

[Oh.

Oh.

The sudden shift in tone is palpable. A little nerve wracking, just for a moment, before being swiftly replaced with another feeling as Ain hovers over Vash, causing him to look up at the bird from below.

His eyes are wide. HUGE even. Perhaps they’re sparkling, just a touch. The fire in his chest swells, and his extremities feel distant and clammy all of a sudden.

Where was he? Who is he? What’s happening why does he feel like he’s dying again-]

I. I’m yours.

[Vash eventually manages, his mouth suddenly dry.

He realizes, in that moment, that parting ways like he did with Nick?

That may not be possible. Not now, not ever.

Not unless something terrible happens.]

[eidxiety]

[Ahh... that look is so nice, somehow. Ain can't put it into words, just like everything else in his life he can't put into words, but he's so happy Vash gets it. He's so happy Vash says it, too.

The darker look on his expression flips to his usual enigmatic smile, and Ain settles back down comfortably against him, trilling high in the back of his throat.]

Good boy. I knew you'd get it. Haha, I'm happy to have you around... I wouldn't try to decorate you otherwise. Oh, and I'm glad you like the necklace, too. The gemstone isn't real, since I didn't have the money for that, but I thought it was nice anyway.

[His shiny-object-attracted brain doesn't care if the gem is real or fake, it just has to Be Sparkly and Be On Vash apparently.]

[thestampede]

[Vash can't help but continue to feel breathless as they lay there, with Ain looking back at him all smiles and trilling happily as if the last few seconds simply didn't happen. He's never seen him get quite like that before...

But it wasn't a bad thing, either. He's certain of that.

After a moment, Vash lays a hand gently between Ain's wings, his palm resting flat there.]

Tha-...that's okay. It doesn't need to be real. It means a lot to me that you wanted to get me something at all.

[Even if Ain had just handed him a bottle cap, he would have been like "wow, thanks!" and would have kept it in his pocket forever. That's just the type of person he is.]

You can decorate me as much as you want.

[eidxiety]

[If Vash is putting his good hand on Ain's back, he'll probably notice that the bird is a bit overheated. Like, his back is exposed to the air because Wings, but he's hot. And the longer they lay here, the more it starts to catch up with him. Ain is proficient at pushing things down, but it's getting worse by the moment.]

Mm... Good. When we have more money... I can sing a lot while we're here, and... [Ugh. He feels like garbage. Why now... he's blaming his anxiety for this one.] ...you'll be so pretty and shiny that a dragon might steal you.

[dragons definitely exist in this universe in this essay i w]

pulls out headcanon that may contradict the manga I haven't read don't think too hard abt it

[thestampede]

[When Vash and Nai were growing up, getting sick looked different for them. For Vash, he would get sick more like a normal person would. Colds, rashes, things of that nature. Nai, on the other hand...if he ever were to become ill- which was rare- he would exhibit the same symptoms of a dying plant losing its energy. Never severe enough for the twins to fully understand what a "dying plant" even looked like.

Not until later. Much later, and by then it was too late.

Suffice it to say, Vash knows what a fever is. And when he touches Ain's bare skin, he almost jerks his hand away, alarmed by how much warmer it is compared to the air in the room. He tries not to make it obvious, though, letting his thumb brush his spine before he draws his hand away.]

Yeah...it's a promise, okay?

[He says that quietly, pressing his lips briefly to Ain's forehead before moving to sit up a little.]

I'm going to the bathroom for a minute, I'll be right back. You don't have to go anywhere.

me who can't read:

[eidxiety]

[Ain shuffles so that Vash can actually, y'know, do that. Once he's not using Vash as a pillow, he sort of just... flops. Tiredly.

Ugh. It's been a long day, apparently.]

Okay. You should probably finish eating when you come back. [There's still a little bit of food left, isn't there?] I didn't mean to interrupt with the gift, haha.

[thestampede]

[Vash gets up carefully so as not to disturb Ain too much, pausing to brush his fingers through his hair before he makes his way to the bathroom. Slowly, because his ass is still sore.

He doesn't use the bathroom, because that's not actually why he's in here. After some searching, he finds a clean washcloth that he drapes over the edge of the sink, running the water until it's nice and cool, but not too cold. This is what Rem would do when he was sick. She'd bring a washcloth that was damp with water and put it on his forehead, and it would help him feel less hot. He just never noticed at the time that Nai would watch, seething with jealousy.

Vash returns after a moment, and without explaining what he's doing, he folds the washcloth over and lays it across Ain's forehead, just like she would have.]

There. Does that feel better?

[eidxiety]

Mmhmm.

[...]

...it's hot. Ha... I must be getting sick. [It's amazing that it's just now hitting full-force when he's spent two days out in the freezing cold being wet, but that's Ain-typical resilience for you.] I guess I was out too long. I'll be fine, so don't worry about it.

[thestampede]

[Vash frowns. He quite literally makes a :< face as he stands there, stepping closer to the edge of the bed so he can reach out and adjust Ain's bangs again, making sure they're swept off his face so the cloth can do its work.]

Ain...

[Ain. AIN...

He moves to sit on the edge of the bed, his hand shifting down to cup the side of Ain's face.]

You are getting sick. You're burning up.

[eidxiety]

[Aaaaaah...]

Haha, sorry. All I need is a night to rest, and I'll be fine tomorrow. [He will not be.] You look worried... I'll be okay, I promise. I've had worse.

[Yeah Ain when you were like 5,]

...ah, I didn't re-pack our bag, though. Do you mind?

[thestampede]

[Vash shakes his head, looking Ain over. His face is all flushed, and he can see a thin sheen of sweat forming on his skin...]

It's okay. I'll get it re-packed before bed. [He could probably just wait, but...anxiety tells him he should do it now, before it's been too long with them existing unprepared. He does manage a small smile though, not wanting Ain to feel like he's being too much of a burden.] And I'll finish eating before I do that. You just promise me you'll rest now, okay?

[eidxiety]

I promise. You'll rest with me, right?

[What else would he do, anyway? But yes, Ain will rest, mostly because... well. He's already on his way out, not even under the covers yet. Just... fucking gone within a few minutes, with his wings taking up half the bed.

Zzzzzzz...

Please tuck his wings in for him or something so you can have Bed too, he's sorry—]