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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

[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.]

[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.]

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.]

[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.]

[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...?

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...

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?

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.

[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...]

It would have been hard for people to follow us, at night, with me flying.

[Ain Does Not Know About Nai™. He's just assuming that it's like, police, and they're so off the grid that police would have to get super lucky to spot them. That little town had police, of course, but each department operates independently; either way, no one's going to find them here.

Once Vash is in the water, Ain cuddles up to him immediately. He wants to Flap, but his wings feel like lead, so. Maybe in a bit. For now, cuddling.]

See? Isn't it nice?

[Unfortunately Mai’s stupid Plant powers are so enhanced that he could slap them out of the sky if he wanted, so needless to say it’s obvious he’s not here. If Vash had to guess, his focus isn’t on him right now at all, but instead gathering up pets from all over from various cities. He knows he can draw Vash out like a mouse to a trap whenever he wants, and they have all the time in the world. He’s biding his time, perhaps…

Vash relaxes the moment Ain moves in close, prompting him to wrap an arm loosely around Ain’s waist. There’s a little convenient lip in the rocks to sit on which Vash is taking advantage of, and it’s hard not to sigh with pleasure and relief at how nice the hot water feels to his muscles.]

It is…it’s really warm. Like a hot bath…

[But arguably more novel, considering. Plus, the frigid air of the mountains isn’t bothering him at all right now. The hot springs, dare he say, is made that much more enjoyable thanks to the contrast.]

[Ain unsubtly sniffles again. Ugh... What's the point of an immune system if it's not making him immune to anything! They should call it the unimmune system because it sucks and doesn't do anything.]

I'm glad I smelt this and not a gas leak or something. [It's half a joke. Kind of.] We're safe and warm here. We don't have anything to eat, but... when we wake up tomorrow morning, at least we'll feel a bit more invigorated.

[...sniffles again, god dammit—]

[When Ain starts to sniffle, Vash tugs him a little closer. He may as well be in his lap, at this point.]

Do you need a handkerchief? I think I stuffed one in the bag at some point...

[He has to hope it isn't one he'd been using to wipe leaking oil off his arm, because they don't need to have that conversation right now-]

[Babe why the fuck are you leaking oil,]

I'm okay. I'm comfortable, and I don't want to get up.

[If anything he'll just dunk his whole head in the water, no big deal. The cuddling is nice, though, and Ain's tempted to climb fully into Vash's lap. But.

You know. Probably not the wisest idea.]

It's only because of the elevation change, [he lies, you know, like a liar,] I'll be fine after a bit.

[His arm is cybernetic, and while it's usually fine, it's got...a lot of moving parts on the inside, and the fractures only worsen by the day. It was inevitable they'd get into the joints and cause problems at some point, but it's! Fine! They're on the way to get it fixed as they speak so it's fine.

Vash...does not believe Ain, because he was very recently sick, but he isn't going to argue. Being in a warm bath of sorts with hot steam to breathe in is probably good for him anyway, and the best either of them have on short notice. With that, he'll concede and just lay his head against Ain's shoulder.]

If you say so. I just hope going from being really hot to cold again won't be a problem.

It shouldn't be. Believe it or not, I do know how to wear a jacket.

[No one believes you.

It'll be about half an hour before Ain's limbs stop feeling bad, and as soon as he can properly move around without the encroaching feeling of Death, he swims over to the centre of the spring, spreads his wings,

and starts fucking splashing. Goodbye, birdbrain has him he must worsh.]

[OH HELLO, Ain is worshing now and Vash dare not stop him. He just sits back and enjoys the show, laughing in spite of himself.]

Does that feel good?

[He has to imagine it does. Finally, Ain has plenty of space to flap as much as he wants...and splash as much as he wants.]

Uh-huh. It was hard to do it in that tiny little box of a shower we had.

[He looks over his shoulder back at Vash, stares for a bit too long because he's so taken with the man's laughter, and then

splashsplashsplashsplash—

The sound of wings beating themselves dry echoes around the area, and then Ain folds his wings against his back and swims back over to Vash, despite the fact he knows he's going to have to beat them dry again once they actually get out. Then, he nuzzles up against the man, head under his chin. Happy bird noises.]

It's definitely better than climbing into the fountain, anyhow.

[It's a miracle there wasn't a repeat incident because oh boy,]

[He's proud of you for exercising so much restraint, Ain. He really is.

As the bird returns to sit with Vash, Vash sits back a little against the rocks to give Ain some more room, looking up at the stars overhead. It's truly a beautiful sight, the mostly-clear sky with the galaxy surrounding them. It's the life that Vash had up there in the stars, once upon a time, that seemed idyllic and unshakeable. It was perfect. Would have forever remained perfect, had he and Nai not gotten curious...had they not learned the truth. Had Nai not learned too much.

Now he's here, on Earth, struggling to survive. Trying to protect this world from his brother, who seeks nothing more than to destroy it.

He sighs through his nose, holding Ain a little closer to himself. He knows...he shouldn't be saying something like this, but it leaves him anyway.]

If...we ever had our own place, it would have a big bath. Or a pool outside...so you could stretch your wings and wash in it as much as you wanted.

[There's a lot neither of them should promise right now. Ain shouldn't entertain the idea of being in love with a human-passing alien. Said human-passing alien shouldn't entertain the idea of them ever living together in a domestic, not-on-the-run situation. Ain shouldn't sink his talons in any deeper than he has them, even if the thought of giving Vash up sickens him to his core. Yet here they are, cuddled up in a hot spring beneath the stars, making promises that Ain clings to with every fiber of his being because he doesn't know how to let go.]

I still want to have a house with you in general. I want to learn to cook for you... haha, is that silly?

[Is it silly to want to become a malewife for them? Ain has no ability in the wife department, he's pretty useless if he's not casting magic — but still.]

I told you already that we'll get there. I'm not giving up on that yet, because I want to keep you and all. Because you're mine, and I'm yours.

[just

skirting the edge of what those words mean, so far. "Yours" and "mine" but he wants it to flow deeper than their bond they have now.]

[It may not be possible now, or maybe even ever...but it gives Vash hope, and hope is the thing he's clung to for years. It's what has kept him alive for this long. It's the reason he keeps going: the hope that things will get better, one day. That this world will be kinder, and the threats it faces eradicated. And maybe he's running away from his problems, as opposed to facing them head-on...but right now, the stalemate means that the people he cares about stay safe. That matters more than his own feelings.

Nevertheless, he will cling to the idea that one day, he can live a normal life. He can have his own home, in a nice little town, with a little yard and all the things you'd want for normal living. And Ain would be there, of course. And this time, maybe, Vash wouldn't ruin a good thing.

Because you're mine, and I'm yours.

That...means something.]

...Ain. I...

[And a feeling surges in his chest as he speaks, but he doesn't know where to go from there. He wants to tell Ain that he means more to him than just that, but how is that possible? How can you go further than that? It's a feeling so strong that it makes Vash ache. It makes him want to cry and laugh all at the same time.

So, since the words won't come, Vash instead chooses to reach for and turn Ain's face gently up towards him so as to lean down and kiss his lips. Slow, gentle, but insistent in a way that Vash usually isn't.]

[Oh. That's much different from usual, yes; usually it's Ain who's the insistent one, the needy one, the one who's trying to kiss Vash like he'll stop breathing if he doesn't get it. To that end, he makes a surprised noise in the back of his throat because of it, but it's not unwelcome.

Ain places his hands on Vash's shoulders, and then — fuck it, it's not like anyone is out here to see them — throws his arms around his owner's shoulders and draws them into a more official embrace than their gentle, sort of hands-off laying-on-each-other has been thus far.]

...you what?

[Don't think he forgot that Vash had words, before pulling him into a kiss that, despite the slowness, still manages to leave him breathless at the end.]

[Vash wants...he just wants. So badly, he wants. His better judgement is telling him no, because the moment he says too much, there won't be any going back from it. Even as a contingency, he and Ain will be attached at the hip until something happens to one or both of them.

And that's a terrifying thought, isn't it? He lost Rem the same way, and it was his own fault that he lost her. It was his own fault that he lost Rollo. That Tonis became crippled when his home was destroyed. That he and Nick parted ways unpleasantly. And now Nai...his own brother has become the source of all of that misery, to the point where he hardly knows how he should feel anymore, even though he knows what he would have said back on the ship.

Everyone he's ever gotten close to he's lost. It's trauma, plain and simple, that scares him away from saying more. Because he can't lose more.

Yet as he looks at Ain, holds him in his arms, cups his face with his free hand...he knows that it's already too late. When he looks at Ain, he feels the same feeling he always did when Rem held his hand or taught him about the geraniums she grew. How it felt when things were good, and he and Nai would talk about all of the things they wondered about the world as a whole. When he was touted as a hero for saving a desolate town, and the humans there treated him as their own.

He wants.

His hand trails down until he finds the collar still around Ain's neck, his fingers brushing over the tag in a way that makes it jingle softly. It doesn't have Vash's name on it, but it doesn't need to. He can feel something aching behind his eyes, because it feelsl like he's doomed Ain. His affection is going to lead to something horrible.

But. He's selfish.]

I love you.

[It's just as Nai said. All he's ever wanted was the love of "those humans".

That's all.]

[Oh. Ooooh. Ooooooh Ain is so stupid, hello? And here he thought Vash wanted to just be friends-with-benefits, or... be a pet owner with benefits, like a lot of owners do. Here he thought Vash would want to be far the fuck away from him, if Ain said anything about the feelings he has for the man that he only just became aware of. Not just gained, but became aware of, and has been sitting on for several days now because saying something is disastrous.

Ain doesn't want to fuck this up and make Vash want to leave him. It's a scenario he's gone over in his head a billion different times now. That, and losing him in a more permanent sense of the word is something he dreads, but...

At some point, it's too late for take-backs, and that point is now. For Ain, that was relatively soon after they met, when Ain latched onto him, but it felt more permanent when he told Vash he wanted to be owned instead of a stray by society's standards, and now it's double-permanent.

Vash loves him. He loves Vash. And Ain would go scorched earth on a world that tried to keep them apart.]

You do? [No, wait, dumbass, say it back--] I... love you too, Vash. I have for a while.

[There's about five seconds of silence before Ain simply gathers Vash in his arms and squishes him half to death, burying his face against the blonde's next. Another five seconds... and then the trilling begins, loud and unreserved.]

[There's a lot riding on this, more than a simple confession of love. Relationships between pets and humans aren't legal in most cities, and if there's no strict law in place, it's certainly socially unacceptable. Funny, given how it's acceptable to fuck your pet, but not to actually love them unconditionally. Not that Vash even particularly cares about the legality at this point, not when he's got such a large bounty on his head that the idea of "fraternizing with a pet" would be so low on the ladder of crimes that it wouldn't even come up under the weight of everything else. It's a grain of sand atop a dune at this point.

No, it's moreso...all of Vash's personal concerns and hangups involving getting close to someone that leave him hesitant, Because he knows, he knows, that nothing good ever lasts. He's been trained to expect misfortune to follow him and his companions everywhere he goes, which is why he tends to try to escape them, or leave them behind, no matter how much he ends up hurting them for doing so. If it means keeping them safe...

But Ain has worn him to the very bone. Just the thought of leaving him behind leaves Vash feeling miserable and heartbroken, and even if he knows he shouldn't have said what he did, he couldn't muster the strength to stop himself. It's out there, now. It's in the open, there's no taking it back.

He's wrapped up in Ain's arms before he really knows what's going on, eyes widening with his one good hand hovering at his side. Ain begins to trill happily into his neck, the only sound between them being that and Vash's heavy breathing.]

You......you love me.

[It's more of a statement, incredulous and disbelieving, than a question, as his hand very slowly- gingerly, like petting a stray cat- comes down on Ain's shoulder. Smooths up the back of his neck, buries itself into his hair.

He plonks his head slowly onto Ain's shoulder, his own already beginning to shake a little.]

A...Ain.

PET PERSON MEME

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