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

[thestampede]

[Vash is laying flat in a snowbank, yet he hardly feels the cold as they kiss. He's perfectly warm, too full of love himself to BE cold as he wraps his arms loosely around Ain's waist, nuzzling him even long after they've parted. Suddenly, all he can think about is sitting by that fire with Ain until they're practically kicked out, all cuddled up and warm...

And for a moment, he lapses, forgetting about Ain's question. Instead, he speaks before he can stop himself or think better of it, his forehead resting against Ain's.]

I wish we could stay here.

[He blurts this, breathless. Almost pleading, even though he knows neither of them can do anything about it.]

I...want to stay here. With you.

[But it's an empty request. Hollow. There's no point in even entertaining it.]

[eidxiety]

...I do, too. I want...

[So much. He wants so much with Vash. A future, mostly; a warm bed to curl up in, more cookies from that bakery, to sing songs at the fountain and take dumb trips to the laundromat and bathe in that too-small shower. He wants to tell Vash he loves him and have it not be forbidden and illegal, to not fear that Vash will panic and run off because of the lingering threat of death over their heads or simply because he doesn't feel the same way.]

...you. I just want you, and to be here, but we can only have one. And if I had to pick, I would always choose you.

[He knows, if it came down to it, Vash could easily foist him off onto an owner here. Someone would take Ain in easily, and that would be that. But Ain can't stand the thought of Vash ever going anywhere without him, a conversation they had days ago when Ain was delirious with fever and seconds from sinking his teeth into Vash's neck just to make being claimed obvious.]

We can come back, though. I'll memorize the route, and we'll pay a visit when we can. Maybe... next time, everything will be alright. We can have a little home... a nice garden... a real bathtub... And I'll kiss you awake every morning.

[thestampede]

[Vash has thought about it. Just like equally hard decisions he's had to make in the past. If Ain were to stay in this little village, he would be safe. He could life his life peacefully without the constant threat of arrest or worse, simply for being associated with him. It feels...selfish, almost, to want to keep Ain for himself in that regard. And the things Ain hopes for- a home, a garden, a bathtub- it all makes Vash want to cry.

Because it's not possible. Not while Nai is alive. Things will come to a head between them, it's undeniable, and the nightmare will only end when either Nai stops breathing, or Vash does. And if it's the latter, well...the world is going to have a worse storm on its horizon in the years following, of that Vash can guarantee. They don't have the same lifespans mortals do. Nai can afford to wait decades if he needs to, biding his time until the right moment to strike arises...

And Vash doesn't want Ain to be at the epicenter of that. There have already been too many close calls.

Taking a breath, Vash moves his arms up to Ain's neck, wrapping them around his shoulders gently so he can pull him down against his chest for a hug, his chin tucked against his shoulder. He looks up at the sky, watching the snow steadily fall down on top of them, and...

He decides to lie, because it's better than the truth.]

Yeah. Next time...next time we will.

[He gives Ain a squeeze, holding him as close as possible for a few more lingering moments, as if he's afraid he'll disappear otherwise.]

It'll be great.

[eidxiety]

[None the wiser to any of Vash's internal worries, or rather, what fates he thinks will come to pass... Ain simply flaps his wings in that way he does. The happy way. The "nothing is wrong because I said so" way.

He presses his lips into the side of Vash's neck, gentle yet firm. A promise, somehow, that they'll return and settle down and it'll be alright. His dreams are too domestic, maybe, but what else would anyone want in their situation? A million dollars? Yeah, okay, good luck solving the Nai situation that way!]

Do you want to head in? We can take a hot shower and relax before we have to leave.

[thestampede]

[Vash nods, knowing he's doing himself a disservice by thinking too hard. This is their last evening here, they just got to play in the snow a bunch AND made a snowman, he shouldn't mope around and ruin that. So, after holding onto Ain for a few more seconds like a petulant child with a beloved toy, Vash reluctantly lets him go so they both can rise to their feet in the snow.

...what Vash will do however, with no restraint or questions asked, is reach out to take Ain's hand to hold with his flesh-and-blood hand.]

They might have more hot chocolate in the lobby.

[eidxiety]

[Oh fuck, they're having premarital hand-holding and Ain is so fucking gay. Somehow, they haven't done this enough. Somehow they've got everything else done, Ain's had his tongue up in places tongues shouldn't go, but handholding is what's currently killing him.

Ain squeezes Vash's hand in his anyway, drawing it up to his lips in a moment of lost inhibitions. He kisses the back of it with his eyes fluttering shut, sighing into the skin, and only when his brain clicks on a while later does he realise oh no and suddenly drop their hands in between them.]

Okay. Hot chocolate and a shower. C'mon.

[thestampede]

[It's funny, how holding hands like this feels more serious to Vash, somehow, than having sex. Maybe he's learned all of these things a bit backwards...because the way Ain kisses his hand like that makes his heart do a flip in his chest, and for a few seconds he feels like he can't breathe. Ain is at least quick to remember himself and drops their hands, but not quick enough for Vash to not feel super gay about it.

Back into the inn they go, leaving behind their odd little winged snowman behind the inn. If the snow keeps up as it has all week...he may just stay there a while, as a reminder they were here.

As they head back inside, the lobby is packed with people trying to keep warm from the cold. Just like the other day, there's complimentary hot chocolate available for guests, which Vash tugs Ain over to make some of their own. There's even a little dish of mini marshmallows for it and everything. Vash, too caught up in thoughts about............everything, does not notice how people are kindof just. Watching them sidelong, because Vash hasn't once let Ain's hand go. He's standing very close, cheeks flushed red both from the cold as much as it's from close proximity with Ain.

It's all Very Suss, but so many people staying here remember Ain as that pretty bird that sang on the streetcorner that they forget to judge. Mostly.

But with that, it's back to their room. To enjoy their hot chocolate, and a nice warm shower, and then to just...exist for one more night before they have to step back into the unknown, back into a world that's cruel, unforgiving, and will waste no time tearing them down.]

[eidxiety]

[Don't think he's not gonna kiss Vash stupid while they have time, because he's going to. Were it not for the hot chocolate in their hands, he would have already done so.

For the time being, they sit in silence, drinking and enjoying each other. There's not much to do other than speak, but Ain is content to have a wing around Vash's shoulder and warm up thanks to a combination of body heat and hot chocolate. It's like the fact that he had a cold just a day ago has been forgotten. Now they're just... Warm. And despite everything, Ain is happy. Maybe that's Vash's influence over him, maybe that's just blind positivity in the face of anxiety, who knows. Who cares.

It's when they finish their hot chocolate and head off to the shower that he speaks next.]

Did you want to leave tonight? Or tomorrow morning?

[thestampede]

[This right here is probably the most relaxed either of them will be for a while. In the next few weeks...they'll be stressed out of their minds probably, but hey. At least they'll be together. Vash cannot wait to just get into the shower and die, it's going to feel amazing after being out in the snow for so long.]

I...want to leave in the morning, but...

[They've already lingered in this town longer than he'd normally consider safe. To that end, he's fairly certain they've just gotten lucky up to this point.]

It would be smarter if we left tonight.

[eidxiety]

Okay. I'll fly us out for a few hours, and we'll find somewhere safe to land.

[Ain can manage several hours of flight, but with cargo (Vash) that's harder. They'll need to stop off somewhere for a few hours in between trips. Ain knows exactly where his hometown is without even thinking about it; he's well-travelled enough. Also, bird senses. Bird senses are incredibly weird.

So. He takes Vash's empty cup and stacks it with his own, and then shuffles them both off to the bathroom.]

We can leave after dinner. I'll need food in my stomach if we're going to be flying.

[It's either that or they go on a long hike through the mountains and like. Honestly? Ain would just prefer to get to Eve as soon as possible, so she can fix his arm up and they can try to relax a little. At least about that.]

[thestampede]

[Food is always a given, especially where Vash is concerned. He’s already perking up thinking about it as he shrugs off his jacket and hangs it on the bathroom doorknob.]

We could go to that diner we ate at when we first got here, if you want? That place was pretty good.

[He might be biased though because his last memory of it was having his brains fucked out as soon as they got back from eating there, ssooooooo]

Also…will you be okay flying in the snow? It’ll be cold…

[eidxiety]

It's that, or we hike through it for eight hours. I'd rather take my chances flying.

[If he collapses with pneumonia, uhhhhh... Oh well?]

Besides, we can fly outside of the snow before we can walk outside of it.

[Said as he's helping Vash take his arm off and... hm. Frowning at the damage that they haven't talked about, but he won't voice it now. Instead, he's going to help Vash get undressed, like a good pet. Shirt off... Pants... Well, forgive him for hooking his fingers into Vash's waistband to pull him in for a kiss, he's not trying to be horny he sweaaaaaars...]

[thestampede]

[Even though Vash worries, Ain makes a good point. They’d freeze to death sooner walking, and Vash has done plenty of cross country trekking to know just how true that is. So, he’ll concede this time that flying is the better option.

He hopes Ain doesn’t pay much attention to his arm as he removes it, and it seems he’s rewarded in that by the way he’s suddenly tugged in for a kiss. It leaves him smirking against Ain’s lips, reaching his hands around to drag the fingertips up between his wings. Carefully.]

What’d I do to deserve that, hm?

[eidxiety]

Haha, I don't know! Maybe it's because you're pretty... Maybe I just wanted to. I don't think I got enough outside.

[Ain is a monster when it comes to physical affection. It's never enough with him, ever. He always wants more of it, like the hand in his feathers, like all the times he's woken up this week to Vash cuddled up to him. It's extremely validating. And... Like. It's as close as he's gonna get to them putting a label on anything, when one of them is oblivious and the other is struggling to say anything.

Maybe that's worse. Ain's certainly not thinking about it.]

You smile all goofy when I kiss you, too. It's cute.

[thestampede]

I can’t help it. It feels good.

[Vash shrugs one shoulder, rubbing the space between Ain’s wings. It’s…very tempting to drag his hand through those feathers, wanting to feel the softness of his wings. But…he knows what would happen if he did. They’d be late leaving…if they even left before morning at all.

On a whim, Vash leans back in to kiss Ain’s nose.]

And it makes me happy, too. I can’t really explain it.

[eidxiety]

[Get kissed on the nose back, loser. Now Ain will proceed to help Vash out of the rest of his clothes, for no reason other than he wants to. He wants to touch, and he's restraining himself from saying they should fuck in the shower because Vash is gonna need legs eventually. At some point legs become necessary. But man... man.]

Good. I like kissing you, and you'd have to fight me to get me to stop!

[Once clothes are off, he's turning the shower on and getting into it, dragging Vash in with him. They can do what they did last time, wash each other's hair and be stupidly affectionate, only this time they don't have to sit down. Ain's still grabbing the detachable showerhead to spray them down with, though, even as he lathes up Vash's hair.

And, maturely, he immediately sprays the guy right in the face for a single second, giggling like a schoolgirl about it. Surprise.]

[thestampede]

[He should have expected this. Ain is so full of BEANS today that anything less would have been a miracle. He sputters, quickly getting water up his nose as he brings his good hand up to wipe his face.

Then, he shakes himself off like a dog. Ineffectually of course, since he is not in fact a dog, but he does it anyway.

Vash can’t even retaliate really because he’s laughing too hard, forced to drop his forehead against Ain’s shoulder for a minute, back arched forward to meet his smaller companion. It’s a far cry from the melancholy of earlier.

Of. Every day, really.]

[eidxiety]

[Ugh. There go the dokis, again. He really can't get enough of Vash's sputtering laughter or the way he has to shake his hair out, nor can he get enough of Vash leaning against him and throwing his head back.

God. Why aren't they married. Why is the world so mean to them specifically.]

You're gonna get soap in my eyes!

[His protest is weak, riddled with laughter, like he didn't just cause this himself. He'll actually do his job of scrubbing Vash now, but not before he steals a cheek-kiss before the man stands properly again.

Again. Where is his wedding ring. Where's his bird rights that says he can marry a Plant. Fuck.]

[thestampede]

That'd make two of us, wouldn't it?

[Ain sprayed water in his face, not soap, there's a difference. Yet Vash doesn't sound put out at all, wiping at his eyes again with the heel of his hand as Ain shifts to actually scrubbing him down. He hadn't realized how much he needed that, on top of everything else, because it's left him feeling...a lot lighter. Especially in the wake of being kissed, and it's for no reason at all. Ain just kisses him because he wants to. Vash kisses Ain because HE wants to.

It...all means something. Doesn't it? He's certain it must.

He'll ponder that as he stands there patiently as Ain works, both of them taking turns with the soap and the showerhead, while not causing any more mischief.

Probably. Hopefully.]

[eidxiety]

[Probably hopefully turns out to be true, they are not causing mischief they are being good boys and taking that last hot shower together. Ain intends to have many more, but... not here. This is their last one here, specifically. And it'll have to be fine.

They spend the rest of the day in comfortable peace until dinnertime, and head to that restaurant they went to their first night here. There, they eat, obviously, but there's a certain melancholy that falls over them as they return to the inn. It's only when night falls and they're fully packed — with their clothes on their backs, supplies in their bags, and a scant amount of money in their pockets — that they climb up to the roof, say goodbye to the cute little town, and fly off.

Like when they originally arrived, Ain carries Vash in something of a bridal carry, otherwise the weight on his back is too much to catch the wind with. The weight on his arms is... well, it's going to suck for the next three hours, but they have a lot of ground to cover. Indeed, they're out of the snowstorm within about half an hour, and the rest of the flight is...

Well, it might be more impressive if it weren't dark out. It's a miracle Ain can discern the shapes of trees from rocks and roads and the sort in the gloom. They're far from any light pollution, so the stars and nebulas shine bright overhead, but it certainly isn't enough light to make it clear where they're headed. Were Ain not a bird, possessed of Bird Brain, he might be lost.

Honestly, he intends to fly them through the gloom until he can't anymore, until they find somewhere else to hunker down, but about three hours in — just as he's at his limit and debating telling Vash they need to crash in the woods where the bears can eat them — he smells the strong scent of sulfur, and veers sharply toward it. It's a little off their path, but it's absolutely worth it in the end. That nasty, rotten smell is due to a natural hotspring, lit up under the full moon's light, just tucked away in the woods where society hasn't yet found it.

Ain flies them toward that, landing a few feet off from the edge of the spring. It's big enough to swim in, and would make an excellent tourist spot, if anyone knew about it. There's nothing nearby for shelter other than the good ol' forest itself, but... it's a hotspring. It's warm. It fucking smells.

Ain needs a break, or his arms are going to become putty, so he sits down on the edge of it. Give him a moment.]

[thestampede]

[The one downside to flying like this is the fact that they can't talk to each other. The wind rushing past their ears makes conversation simply impossible, which means for the next three hours they're forced to travel in silence. It's something of a spectacle of a flight if nothing else, because Vash gets to look up at the stars as they go and boy...boy, does he wish he could look at them during a time he wasn't forced to be stuck in his own head for it.

Too much time to think. To ponder. To already feel homesick for a place they barely really got to know before they had to leave. It's not home, he reminds himself. Nowhere is, no matter how pleasant or inviting. To make it a permanent residence would be dooming the entire population living there, and Vash refuses to lay another generation of lives on his conscience. He's not sure he'd survive it.

And so they fly, and Vash trusts Ain's judgement in making sure they're going the right way. About two hours in he dozes for just a little bit, less so lulled to sleep by the ride, and moreso forced by his own body to rest after being up for so long. It actually isn't until Ain abruptly changes course and veers downward that he snaps awake, lifting his head just in time to see the treeline rapidly approaching oh GOD-

Oh. No, they're fine. Ain is just landing, probably to take a break from flying he assumes...until the smell of sulfur hits his nose, and Vash is left with more questions than answers. He tenses up as Ain sets him down onto the ground before taking a seat at the edge of the spring, and...for all intents and purposes, it's just a body of water. A very bad smelling one at that, and if Vash's long time spent in the inhospitable desert taught him anything, it's that water that smells like this- even if it's ALL there is- is bad.

So after a moment, he finally breaks the silence.]

What is this...?

[eidxiety]

It's a hot spring. A natural one at that.

[Ain's arms and wings are very much Sore already, and he knows it's partly because he spent so long in bed — but still, it sucks. It sucks so much. He knew he'd have a flying limit, but he wishes it wasn't only three hours in. By now, they're miles away from civilization on any side, and it's going to take a while to get to his hometown, since they're still in the mountains. He flies fast, but he needs breaks...

There's probably a day, maybe a day and a half, left on their journey. Including breaks. It's almost midnight by now, and the fatigue and general cold are wearing him down. Ain unsubtly rubs his nose and sniffles, then sets about taking his shoes off.]

I thought this might be the best place for us to rest for now. ["I'm in a lot of pain," he wants to say, thinking better of it because Vash will fret if he does.] It's warm, and secluded, and we might be able to find a cave to sleep in...

[thestampede]

A...hot spring?

[Vash steps a little closer to the water out of curiosity, watching the way steam rolls off its surface due to the clash between the warm water and cooler air surrounding it.]

I've never heard of anything like that before...is it safe?

[eidxiety]

Really? Aren't you super old?

[Ain—]

It's safe. It's basically a hot bath in the mountains. Usually, they're tourist traps, and they claim the minerals in the water are good for your skin. It's better than being cold either way.

[His coat comes off when he feels like his arms won't dissolve for being lifted too high, and then slowly does everything else follow suit. Then Ain dips into the water, submerging himself up to his chin.

Everything aches. He handles pain about as well as a toddler that fell off the swingset, so... One can only imagine the stress he is under. It doesn't help that he didn't fully get over that cold, either, and now he knows he's making it worse by flying for so long in such frigid weather.]

Ahh, sorry. I should've said something... I need a break for the night, but we'll be back to flying tomorrow morning, I promise.

[thestampede]

[He IS super old, he just spent most of that time being old in a place with no water-

Regardless, Vash is already crouching down next to the water's edge as Ain explains what it is, peering at his own reflection in the surface before its suddenly broken up by Ain unceremoniously getting into it. He's a bit surprised by just how fast Ain stripped, but once he explains why...Vash's expression softens, and he sinks to sit properly on the ground.]

It's okay. I don't think we were followed...and there's no way anyone could find us out here otherwise. We'll be okay for the night.

[Why can't they just live in the forest as hermits is the next obvious question.

BUT. If Ain says that the hot spring is safe, and is already IN it...it must be, right? So, after a moment of eyeing him in the water, Vash rolls his shoulders and shrugs off his jacket before stripping down the rest of the way, kicking off his shoes and setting them next to where he laid the rest of his clothes. He pauses just long enough to pull off his arm before joining Ain in the water, and.

Oh. Oh. Oh, it's so warm...]