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i am robbing bakerstreet again

PET PERSON MEME

>> premise

Hello, and welcome to The Care and Keeping of Your Pet! As you surely know, a pet is a big responsibility, and we're so glad you've decided to be a concientious master. A safe pet is a happy pet, and this handbook is certain to keep your precious lifelong friend as content as can be.

The history of the animal person is a long and difficult one, with their origins not being known even to this day. However, scientists believe that despite our common appearance - most animal people have humanoid forms except for the ears, tails, and sometimes teeth - we share no common ancestry, even if the ascent of this species corresponds with that of the homo sapien. We gained dominance over each breed thousands of years ago, beginning with the dog type, who have long been considered "man's best friend." Most breeds these days are docile and perfect for owners of any speed.

Of course, it is our duty as the superior species to take care of these animal creatures, and this is inherent in their genetic makeup. Everyone knows that an animal person, when matched with their correct human master, is loyal for life - a true "soulmate," if you will. Far be it for us to turn this away! Ever since the Great Domestication, these intelligent and loving animals have served us as friends, workmates, guardians, servants, and sexual companions and will for years to come. Despite recent hubbub from so-called "Pet People's Rights Activists," this way of life is wholesome and good. Scientific research shows that the natural desire of the pet person is to be owned and cared for by a human.

So, it's your first pet. What do you need to know?

As previously stated, pet people come in as many breeds as you can possibly think of. By far and away the most popular are the dog and cat types, but exotic birds and lizards have been gaining popularity among trendsetters from L.A. to Tokyo!
All pet types are best suited for certain jobs, and when hunting for one, it is best to search for a type that suits your needs best.
However, a "True Match" - when a pet person bonds with you and only you for the rest of their natural lives - comes naturally, and sometimes takes time before you can find the pet you will be able to give a forever home to.
According to all current research, pet people are completely sentient and like us in many ways. However, it is important to remember that they have many animalistic and feral characteristics. Do not be foolish and think that your pet is a person, despite the facts that many are clothed and may be allowed to read, write, and have "hobbies." Some traditional pet owners may eschew these frivolities, and that is within their right.
Pet people age more quickly than humans, at least physically, and many types have long lifespans. It is not uncommon for pets to be passed through the family. When getting your child their first pet, it's important to keep in mind that just because the pup is tiny now, a grown pet can be jumpy around a small child.
It is important to train a pet. Discipline will be necessary. This does not make you a bad owner. Failure to train early will result in a rebellious pet. Training is especially important if you want your pet to serve as a household servant.
Remember, your pet will be extremely protective of you, especially if you are Truly Bonded. It is best to socialize them early. A socialized pet is a perfect family pet.
These days, unowned and unbonded pet people are allowed to live as strays or "Frees" in certain designated areas. Some even hold "jobs." This is against their best interest, and owners who adopt these strays are to be rewarded. Still, the best place to get pets are from liscenced kennels or breeders.
Some masters find it beneficial to participate in activities with their pets, such as shows and other competitions.
Finally, much has been made about the sexual relationship between pet and master. This is a normal facet of the bond, and humans are sure to find pet people sexually alluring. But beyond that, it is only responsible and prudent for owners to care for their pet's needs. It is a well-known fact that the libidos of pet people are remarkably strong, and when they go into heat, it is usually more convenient for a master to relieve them. There is no risk of pregnancy. All rumors of hybrids are urban legends.
Despite this, masters must remember to not view their pets as romantic partners. Humans should stay with humans.

With that said, thank you and welcome to your first day as a pet's master!

>> how to play

Needless to say, The Care and Keeping of Your Pet is a bit biased and full of propaganda, but it gives a good idea of the world your character is now AU's into. They are either a pet person or a human master, and what that means for them varies.

So are they a devoted pet or a rebellious animal person looking to buck the system? A generous master or a cruel sexual sadist? Just a normal pet owner? Most likely they're something in between, but when you're raised in this world, it's difficult to see anything different on the horizon.

Rules

Comment with your character and say whether they'd be a master or a pet. Ideally, they could be played as both. Mention what kind of each they'd be and what they'd be like, (ie: "Xx-chan is a bunny girl who is happy to please her master" or "Asterothia is a cat boy who is aloof but loyal to his true master"). For pets, be sure to include features ("wolf ears, tail, teeth).

REMEMBER, pet does not automatically equal submissive and master automatically equal dominant. This is not a BDSM setting though BDSM can be included. How far you want to go with the actual "pet" aspect is up to you, as well. Your pet could just be your slightly-furry roommate or soulmate!
Comment to others.
Play out the scene.

>> prompts

This by no means an all-inclusive list, but it should get you going in the right direction.

First Time Pet/Owner: Usually, pets are gotten at a young age; you're an old dog. Can you learn new tricks?
True Bond: What all masters and pets yearn for...the pet's loyalty and adoration for life.
Love: It's expected for masters to love their pets, but to love them? Romance is strictly forbidden.
Old "Couple": Master and pet have grown together and know each other. You know, know each other.
Loss of Master: The pet has lost their master, perhaps even their True Bond. Is it possible to move on?
Young Master/Older Pet: Pets age quicker than masters, so it's possible to end up with a bit of an "age" difference.
Family Pet: This pet's been raised as part of the family. What happens when their feelings for a family member get more than platonic.
For Your Protection: You don't want to be a master, but you have to take in a pet for their protection lest they be in danger from the general public.
Stray: You're a stray or a "Free." Can you live like this with your biology screaming for you to make a match?
Servant: You're more servant than pet.
All Sex, All the Time: The only purpose for this pet is to service the master, and not in a way that means cleaning their house.
Guard: You're a loyal bodyguard, a service pet. You'll do anything for your master. Anything.
Pet Play: This is for those who prefer to keep their animals on leashes, have them eat from bowls, and keep away from clothing.
Breaking In: Training is important with any pet.
In Love with Another Master...or Pet: To lust after another's master is no better than treason, and to wish to be with another pet just cruel!
Punishment: Bad dog, no nookie!
Heat: All pets go into heat, and it's the responsibility of the owner to take care of this problem. After all, unchecked dry humping kills thousands every year.
Breeding: Breeders know the best qualities in each type and mate the cream of the crop together to continue lines. It's a hobby for some, a calling for others.
Territorial: Hey, hey, other dog person! This is your apartment. Stay the fuck out!
Kennel: Kennels are where unadopted pets are kept. They're generally agreed to be depressing places. Why not volunteer at one, keeping the pets healthy and happy with the kind of affection only humans can show?
Rebelling Against the System: Damn the Man! Pet people are people, too! Just be careful not to get talk. You know what happens to bad pets.
Instant Attraction: You ever just look at someone and know they're the one? That they're...your master? But what if you've been trying to fight it? Well, don't try!
Dominant Pet: You might be the pet, but you call the shots, at least in the bedroom.
Pet Show: Everyone wants to show off how perfect their animal is. Look at that ass! And you'll never believe their special skills...
Therapeutic: Pets, especially those bred for their kindliness, are perfect therapy for those who've been through trauma and heartache.
Jealousy: Who's that around your master? Oh, hell no. They better not be touching them!
Petting: Pet people are absolutely gaga for being touched. Even the most steely ones turn to mush for rubs.
Games: Playing with your pet and giving them exercise is a key to happiness. Of course, with a pet person, you might want to use other toys instead of a ball.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[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.]

[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.]

[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.

[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]

[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.

[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.

[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?

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.

[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.

[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?

[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?

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—]

I will.

[Vash makes sure to give his answer before Ain drifts off, leaning over to adjust the cloth on his forehead before he gets up again. It isn't until he's standing and Ain has his eyes closed that his frown returns, leaving Vash to be the one to shuffle around getting some things done while his partner...er. Pet sleeps.

First things first, tucking Ain in. He will tuck his wings in so they aren't just hanging across the whole bed or draped over the side of it, but not burritoed so tightly that he'll be uncomfortable. After that, Vash sets their bag on the floor and takes to the task of getting everything re-packed inside. All the essentials, clothing, spare bedding, ammo...everything, save for the bedding they're currently using.

As he works, Vash tries to remember how he felt when he's been sick in the past, and what Rem would do for him. She'd put cool cloths on him, tuck him into bed, bring him soup and water...he's already wracking his brain, wondering if there's any place here he could buy warm soup from. It's worth asking around, if nothing else. With that in mind, he decides to quickly finish off the rest of his burger as he works, cleaning away the remnants of their food and trash before joining Ain in bed.

After a bit of pondering, Vash also remembers that he used to get very cold when he had a fever, even when his body was hot. Thus, he tucks himself in close to Ain, wrapping his arms around him so he can pull him in against his chest.

Only then will he drift off, falling asleep while stroking the back of Ain's hair.]

[You know when you wake up with the worst hangover ever but it's because you're sick and not hungover

that's how Ain wakes up. One arm hanging off of the bed, somehow he's yet again extended his wings out and one of them is draped over Vash behind him. He's got his mouth hanging open, drooling onto the pillow, and when the sun hits his eyes he quite nearly rolls out of bed and onto the floor.

He doesn't. Narrowly. But it's incredible how he's about an inch from doing so. And god, god does he feel like shit, feverish and sweaty and generally gross. His fever isn't high enough to be concerning (necessarily), but he's definitely feeling Nasty.

He groans. Tucks his wings back in. Says something very, very crass in German, and then

rolls out of bed, literally hits the floor but this time it's on purpose he swears, and then picks himself up and goes into the bathroom, where he immediately (immediately!) dips his head under the faucet and waterboards himself with cold water.

Hi, Ain is fine.]

[Vash, in contrast to poor Ain's hungover-sickness sleep, doesn't sleep as hard that night as he had been the past couple days. Being fucked into oblivion has carried over still in the ache of his muscles, but less so his energy levels. He seems to finally have recovered for the most part, and a few long, coma-like sleeps were enough to shake it off. Maybe he's a little jumpier now because he knows Ain is under the weather, though...

He wakes with a start to the sound of a body hitting the floor, paired with the soft thud of feathers and the light jingle of Ain's collar, and the bird has already dragged himself into the bathroom before Vash can wake up fully to stop him.]

N---naai-n? Ain-

[Vash slurs, having to physically scrub his eyes to wake himself up as he throws the covers aside, pushing himself upright so he can wander after Ain like a lost puppy. He sees him with his head in the sink, placing a hand carefully between his shoulderblades.]

Hey...

[Ain is Deceased™ sorry there is no more Ain there's only a bird with his head in the sink because it's the coldest water he can possibly get right now. For being a healer, you'd think he'd know that you can normally sweat fevers out, but

here he is

sweating it out AND committing the cardinal sin of waterboarding.

He brings his head up after about a minute of Vash standing there with his hand on Ain's back.]

Mm... I just needed to cool off, that's all. You can go back to bed, it's early...

[Babe it's like 11am at the earliest.]

[Boi if you try to brush him off one more time he's going to shake you-

Vash shakes his head, moving his hand to the back of Ain's neck, then the side of it, his face, then his forehead. Again, feeling him all over to see how the fever is doing...which he can't get a clear read on, on account of the waterboarding that just happened. Judging by how hot the skin of his back is, though...it's definitely still hanging around.]

Mm...I was going to get up soon anyway.

[Vash is already putting an arm around Ain, trying to lead him back towards the bedroom.]

Let me bring you another washcloth. It'll feel better than trying to do that.

[And also, Ain is going to be REAL fucking cold shortly-]

[You might have to shake him buddy.]

Ah... okay. I wasn't trying to wake you.

[Ain you rolled onto the floor.

Either way, out into the main room he goes again, sitting back down when he reaches the bed and oh weird he blinks and now he's laying down, whacky, he totally thought he could sit up but he's so tired he just Flops. It's funny, because he slept the entire night without stirring, really, and now he barely has the energy to keep his wings tucked in place.]

I'm sorry, Vash. I owe you again, don't I?

[or

wild idea

just accept being taken care of—]

Ain...

[Vash sighs as he watches Ain pretty much collapse back into bed, rummaging around until he finds the discarded cloth on the floor. He keeps talking to him as he steps back into the bathroom to clean and re-wet it for him, raising his voice a little so Ain can hear.]

I owe you more than you owe me. You got sick because you were out all day getting money for us. Did you forget that fast?

[He makes his way back, folding the cloth and putting it on Ain's head again. But instead of just sitting there, he'll take a moment to brush the feathers of his wings down, which had gotten all tousled and unkempt while they were sleeping.]

I won't worry about you, if you don't worry about owing me.

[Normally Ain's wings would start to wiggle a bit, or he'd bother to stretch them out even more like "yes look at me, am such a pretty bird, give me scritches", but he just sort of... lies there. He's not dead, or dying. He's got a stupid fever that's making him act like it, but mostly? Mostly, he's just dramatic and sick.

It's pretty rare that he gets sick, so he's understandably a little bit grouchy right now. This isn't even "sick because he got a nasty virus" it's "sick because his dumb ass spent two days in the cold".]

...okay. Ahh... I'm not used to being cared for. I like [love] every time you do it, but I never know if you're going to eventually get tired of it. Maybe I'm just insecure about it.

["Maybe". The longer they spend together caring about each other, the more Ain will calm down and understand that this is fine — but he's also come to know that humans help each other because they want someone to owe them. It's difficult for him to tell which is which, or if a switch will flip. Not that he's calling Vash's character into question, but you never know.

Also his head is foggy for obvious reasons, don't worry about that.]

[They're in the same boat, in that regard. Care, attention...genuine affection just for the sake of it. These are all foreign to them. For Ain, it's because he's rarely, if ever, tasted it. For Vash, it's because he had it once, and then lost it. Nowadays, he's learned just how cruel the world can be. How cruel humans can be. Yet, despite it all- despite everything Nai seems to think- Vash just can't believe that humans are all bad. Not when they have a little village like this one, and are thriving by just...existing. Trying to care for and support one another in little ways, as opposed to the alternative of tearing each other down.

Maybe that's naive and idyllic of him, but that's just how Vash chooses to life his life. If he didn't, he may have gone insane a long time ago.]

You know...I've been on this planet for a long time. If I got tired of something, you'd know. Trust me.

[Ain is Vash's favorite thing in the world right now, genuinely. Next to the human race in general, and, like...sweets.

He'll keep gently brushing those feathers down until they're all mostly back into place, shaking his hand as a few of them get stuck to his fingers.]

I thought about going out later and getting you some soup. Could you eat that?

Haha, I should know better by now. You're right.

[He wants to kiss him again. But right now, it feels impossible, mostly because he's so tired and cranky that he thinks sitting up will cost him his remaining positive attitude. There's also the lingering fear that he'll get Vash sick somehow, even though he imagines Plants get illnesses differently... Things to fret about while he's nursing this fever, he supposes.]

I can eat that, yes, if you can find it. Maybe one of those sandwich shops has some? [Soups and sandwiches and salads go together, don't they?] Or a grocery store deli? That would be nice because of the weather.

[Hhhh this sucks though, he wanted to throw snowballs at Vash!! Why, body, couldn't you wait until tomorrow to hit the floor?!]

[Considering the fact Vash slept all cuddled up to you last night, Ain...he'll probably survive, even if he did get sick. Maybe sitting by the fire wrapped up in a blanket together isn't such a bad idea after all...

His prosthetic hand drops unceremoniously atop Ain's head, ruffling the hair there as Vash scoots closer.]

I bet they do. I'll bring us back some, kay?

[If they're lucky- and while they rarely are, they HAVE been having an extraordinary streak of luck in this town other than Ain dying, so- maybe the snow will continue on into the week. It's still snowing today, albeit a bit less hard than it was the other night.]

Can you think of anything else you might want?

...cookies?

[You know he's not actually on death's door when he's thinking about cookies. Soup and cookies are... a choice of breakfast, but the man's sick. Let him have this.]

Haha, I'll stay here, obviously. Don't get lost. And don't forget to grab some money, either.

[And if you pass by a jewelry store with a lady who's suspiciously into romance say hi—]

PET PERSON MEME

YOU'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE... WHORE!

CRYING

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

me who can't read:

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