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! |
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[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.
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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...]
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[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?
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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.]
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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—]
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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-]
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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.
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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.
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[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.]
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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.]
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[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,]
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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.
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.]
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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.
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[Thus spoke the man who doesn't understand emotions like, at all, but go off sweetie. At least he gets this much. At least he figured it out somehow.]
It's... I've never been... I've had crushes before, I think, but never something like this. [And we don't need to go over his crushes or his escapades, nope, the man discovered dick and realised he could put his mouth on it and it was over.] I didn't think you'd feel the same, though.
...
Are you crying? You're shivering.
[Please don't cry on him he's very small (6'0")—]
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[He whimpered while crying.
He just. Squeezes Ain. Squozes him. He never wants to let this bird go ever again, thanks.]
I'm just...I'm really happy.
[And you know how people can cry out of sheer happiness?
Yeah.]
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Vash... [That's it. Anything else he was going to say just sort of dies on his tongue. Just "Vash", whispered between them like some secret. Oh, how he loves this man, who's currently sobbing on him.] Do you want to get out for now? We can sleep for the night somewhere nearby. It won't be too cold if we're by the spring. I... want to hold you for the rest of the night.
[You know, like he does... every night, but this time there are labels attached.]
I thought I replied to this but I was actually yelling about Elsword
Vash nods a little, eventually pulling his face away from Ain's neck so he can scrub his eyes against his own shoulder, which only succeeds in getting his face wet with spring water. Sigh.]
Y-yeah...
[Though drying off without anything to dry off with is going to be fun ain't it-]
lifts you
Drying off will be sort of bad, but. That's kind of the price they pay. If they can both tolerate a moment of cold, Ain will dry them both with his wings, and then they can get dressed and find somewhere nearby to camp out.
Ain was right when he said he's pretty sure there's a cave nearby; it's just up the mountainside a bit, in view of the water. They've got a stolen blanket and plenty of trees and a warm spring, so it's not like they'll freeze to death. It's not ideal, but both of them have had worse.
...that, and as Ain will demonstrate after he grabs kindling, he can make magical fire. So. They'll be fine. He just has to stave off yet another round of illness for the time being, because he can feel it coming on already. The hot spring was supposed to fix him, but when he's outside of the warmth he realises that the fatigue in combination with flying through mountain air is going to kill his immune system.
All they have to do is get to town, though, that's all they need to do. Then he can task Eve with taking care of Vash while he hits the fucking floor.
Sigh.]
We'll head out when the sun rises. Or... Near it. [He tucks himself up against Vash while they get sorted.] It'll be a bit of travelling, but we'll make it just fine. You'll just have to give me some frequent breaks. You're kind of heavy.
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It's still functional, but only just, if the way his fingers suddenly twitch every so often outside of his control is anything to go by. He decides to ignore that for now in favor of curling up with his favorite person in the world, tugging their blanket up further around them both as Ain drapes his massive wings over them like a second, heavier blanket.]
Haha, sorry...you know I'd take a turn if I could fly like you.
[He murmurs, nudging his nose against the side of Ain's neck as he shifts so that Ain can use his chest as a pillow in lieu of the hard cave floor.]
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[He's exhausted, both emotionally and physically, and he Needs A Nap. The Big Sleep. To that end, once Vash has rolled over and Ain's able to use him as a pillow... He's out. Gone. Zonked. And he will stay zonked well into the morning, only waking up when the sun is just the right angle to hit his eyes. By that point, they're three hours past "when the sun rises", the magical fire is still burning, and they have no food to eat. It's just them, a cave, and... starvation, he supposes.
They get up and they go. There's nothing else to do other than to put out the fire and go. The next time they take a break, it's several hours later, and they're forced to forage to survive. Mountain berries are, at least, food. Ain is burning so much energy that he eats most of the bush himself. Then, they fly again, then take a break at an actual town for the night, though this time they don't stay long due to the urgent state of Vash's arm. At the very least, they're able to get food, and yet again Ain eats way more than usual.
He feels like shit. He cannot stop eating, though, because that makes him feel worse. There are times he wonders if they need to slow down, until he glances at Vash's arm and never voices it.
Finally, about two days later, they make it to Ain's hometown. Not the one he was born in, but the one he was raised in, and it's... Maybe not a hometown as much as a home city. It's a huge, sprawling metropolis, where it's likely everyone knows of Vash the Stampede — but they have to contend with Ain knowing the routes in and out of the city that no one takes. The skies, for example. Where he flies them to within it isn't in the heart of the city, or even in a district full of wealthy homes.
No, they're going west, toward an outskirts bordering a thus-far unoccupied plains. A slum, by all measure, filled with people who society has failed. People in rags, people with nothing, people who don't care if a bird-pet and his criminal owner touch down in the middle of the dirt streets here. It's decrepit and perfect for those on the run.
Ain motions Vash onwards, through shelters set up between abandoned buildings and alleyways, through a park that's seen better days, and finally to a small building with a strange, unreadable sign out front that could easily be misconstrued as an art piece made up of Nordic runes. What it really is, is a marker, as will become apparent when Ain opens the door to let them in. It's dusty, with a countertop set up at the front that's long-unused, judging by the huge-ass spider taking refuge in a notch when they approach. The spider isn't what they're here for; Ain crouches and opens a hatch built into the floor back here, and ushers Vash down it. A walk through a dark tunnel leads to a doorway, which Ain opens, and finally...
They'll step out into an entire underground society filled with pets either no one wanted, or who didn't want to be owned. It's a slum, yes, but it's got electricity and running water, buildings set up like an underground city, and plenty of strays wandering about to do business. It's almost idyllic, and maybe would be so if it weren't hidden away, some secret never meant to reach the outside world.]
Surprise!
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eve is way too smart for me i am Making This Up as i go
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finally a journal i have-
THE BABY THE LEGEND
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1/2
2/2
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not to introduce a/b/o into the situation but also--
BUT ALSO
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me voice: and i added the el masters to this timeline because ???
they deserve to be here too its fine
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