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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

Magic…

[Vash echoes, sounding enraptured just by the word.]

I’ve never encountered as much magic as I have since meeting you all. I’m way more familiar with science and technology.

[Which is hysterical given how weird and sci-fi his own latent powers are but go off I guess-]

I’m glad though. Having healers must be invaluable down here.

I can't do it either. There are replacements for it if you know who to ask.

[Replacements being: Those armoured bits of him, yes, hello, these allow him to punch lightning. It's very cool he recommends trying it.]

There's a reason a lot of people here have it. Makes things easier, both in defense and in keeping the place running.

[That, and pets aren't allowed to have it in the first place. But Vash knows that. Anyone with a brain who lives in society knows that.]

[Vash knows it well. It's another thing that could get this entire secret society into some massive trouble. Not only does it exist in the first place, but pets have access to power that in itself is illegal for them to have...but it reminds Vash a lot of how he has to live his day-to-day life. He couldn't dare fault them for it.]

I can imagine.

[...]

Do you have those replacements?

Kek... you're smarter than you look.

[wow]

The Nasod Armour — the metal implants, [points toward his forearms, which have the most prominent of it, other than what's sticking out of his shirt collar currently,] allow me to do something similar to magic. I installed it myself.

[He sounds... so proud of himself as he says this. Like he did a major surgery in front of the bathroom mirror on himself, good for him.]

"Nase...odd?"

[Yes, he says it like that

But suddenly, Vash is leaning forward a little more in his chair. Just slightly. He's Curious.]

So you didn't need it? [Like how he needed his arm, he means.] That's pretty amazing...

[Raven sitting there with his entire-ass arm on the desk like 🧍‍♂️ as he watches Add and Vash get along... it's good though, it's good. He's happy to see it, genuinely.]

Heh. [Please pay attention to where you're sticking that tool right now Add don't re-break the arm—] Right, I didn't need it, not in your sense of the word anyway. I needed to break through my own limits, and this was the best way to do it. I'll show you what I can do when we're done here.

[Girl. Get help.

Raven opts to speak up now.]

He made a mess trying to install that in the first place. He came out of his room covered in blood and asked Ain to heal him. All of us thought he got attacked by a wild animal.

You—! Listen! It wasn't that bad!

[ADD. GIRL?? WAS IT THAT WORTH IT...

Vash seems surprised, but the moment is brief. He may not know Add well, but judging by what he's been able to glean of his personality so far...this actually tracks. Vash isn't sure he would have had the bravery required to tinker with himself just to raise his power levels, but...he does know what it's like to need to do that. He thinks he's more metal than person sometimes, though Ain's reaction to it all made it seem less...strange.

Maybe now it's starting to make a bit more sense why that is.]

I'd love to see!

[Vash interjects excitedly, genuinely even. Yes, Add, please show him how you can punch lightning.]

Make sure you take care of Raven first, though. It sounds like he needs the attention more than either of us right now.

[Add thinks it was absolutely worth it, he can punch lightning now and in general is stronger of body, despite being squeamish toward blood in general. It was also worth it because it made Ain mad when he realised this was a self-inflicted DIY surgery and seeing Ain mad is always funny.

They're just like this.]

What, am I not working hard enough for you?! [ok anyway don't question him or tell him what to do—] He'd still be melting if it weren't for me! You're welcome!

[For his part, Raven only rolls his eyes, but it's good-natured. They're having fun here.

It isn't too long until he's done working, anyhow. By the time he finishes repairs, which he quotes as "somewhat minor", it's almost 10am; they have ample time to get breakfast and head out to do stuff. It's Raven who brings up the fact that they "might want to make sure Ain isn't hungry" before they head out to a) punch things and b) likely find sustenance because it's almost lunchtime and these assholes haven't eaten breakfast. Not necessarily in that order.

Anyway, Add is certainly not going to go do something as horrifying as Care About Ain, so:]

Why don't you go upstairs and see if your idiot is still kicking, [see look he's not "that asshole priest" today,] while I clean up.

[Code for: See if Ain is alive and wants food and they can bring it back even if he Totally Doesn't Want To.]

[Ah Add. You just set off a "oh that's a very familiar response" switch in his brain, one that causes him to have to hold his breath so he doesn't blurt out a chuckle at the memory. He doesn't want Add to think he's laughing at him, even though he would be, kindof. Instead of arguing that fact with Add just then, Vash instead inclines his head in deference. No Add, you're right, we thank you for your humble service.

It's interesting to watch him work though, especially since Vash has...rudimentary understanding of technological bits and bobs, even if he hasn't the same level of know-how that Add does. Vash has taken part in his own bit of self-surgery a time or two during his time in No Man's Land, which means that's yet another thing these two can potentially commiserate over, other than punching lightning of course.

As Add suggests he go check on Ain, though, Vash nods and pushes himself to his feet, realizing he's been on his ass long enough for it to start to fall asleep. Oye, it's been two hours already...how...]

'Kay. I'll be back!

[He sees himself off with a friendly wave to both Add and Raven, whether it's reciprocated or not, before tromping his way back upstairs. It's late enough in the day now that he doesn't bother trying to be too quiet as he goes, though he will slow down as he nears Ain's room. If he is still sleeping, he doesn't want to disturb him...the subtle creak of the bedroom door might be a dead giveaway though as he pokes his head inside.]

...Ain?

[shh. ain is sleeping. small letter, small voice, small baby bird. thank you.

Actually, he does stir when Vash calls his name, and it's clear he hasn't really moved much since Vash left. Dachies have; the baby is getting groomed on the floor, lovingly, and the bigger one does not relent in preening the smaller even as Ain rolls over.

...he has down feathers in his hair. How did those get there.]

Mmph... why is the sun up...

[...they are underground, but. Those daylight simulating lights sure are doing their job.]

Put the sun away...

[Oh. Oh cute...Vash almost doesn't want to disturb him, he is SLEEPING.

He steps quietly into the room and pulls the door to behind him, smiling down at the Dachies just piled up together on the floor as the baby gets groomed. Adorable, he loves them, no notes.

What he will do is carefully move past them so he can sit on the edge of the bed where his spot normally is, reaching his hand out to gently pluck a few of those feathers from Ain's bangs before smoothing them down.]

It's morning...but you can sleep longer, if you want. I can bring back breakfast for you whenever you're ready for it.

... Why is it morning...

[Notably, Ain is very warm and should probably take more medicine. There's a bottle of pills and a water bottle on the desk, but it hasn't been touched since last night before he crashed.

Ain squirms again, not handling this whole sick thing well. Whereas before, he kind of just slept all day... now everything is worse. His sinuses are clogged and he has a headache and a fever and everything is bad and he's clearly been tossing and turning ever since Vash got up.]

...what are you getting...? Bring me a slice of cake back...

[cake is not breakfast,]

[Ain...well at the very least, that's encouraging. It means that Ain is not, in fact, actively dying if he wants cake for breakfast.

Would the others fault Vash if he tried to bring him cake for breakfast just because he's so sick? Maybe. They'd probably tell him he's already too far gone in terms of letting Ain walk all over him...

He doesn't really care about that right now though as he gently pulls his fingers through Ain's hair, trying not to think about how warm he feels.]

I'm not sure. Just breakfast is all I know. I'm going with Raven and Add shortly. I can try to bring you back something sweet, okay?

[He can't promise it'll be cake, but he can't promise it won't NOT be cake-

Vash saw the medicine when he walked in...and after a moment decides to get up and grab the bottle, turning it over so he can see if there are any dosing instructions listed.]

Do you think you could sit up and take some of your medicine for me, Ain? I think it's probably time for another dose.

Mr. Ancient and Mr. Half-Nasod...

[In answer to the question, he sits up, and like that first night he had a fever, he doesn't quite have the energy to tuck his wings against his back. They're just sort of... Flopped. He looks like he could fall asleep sitting up, honestly.

Yesterday was clearly him still trying to pretend to be okay. Today, he is Sick and he's making it everyone's problem.]

Did you make friends with them? Mr. Ancient is so catty, though...

[Fun Ain facts! He is also catty.]

Well...I like to think so! I'm not sure Add...er. Mr. Ancient? Would call us friends, exactly...

[Maybe Raven would though. Raven is nice :)

Vash walks back over with the pill bottle and water, having to have the water tucked against his chest with his arm as he sits back down. The bottle isn't the kind he can just easily pop open with his thumb, though, which means he ends up handing it off to Ain.]

Open that and take two of those. It should help you feel better.

[Wah...he's so floppy...]

[Ain does as instructed... and then chugs the rest of the water as Vash talks. Hi. He is apparently thirsty. It's probably because he's been out cold with No sustenance for the past fourteen or so hours. Wild how that works.]

Mr. Ancient is allergic to the word "friend". Haha, but if he hasn't told you to go away, he at least tolerates you. I'm glad you're getting along with everyone. When I feel better, we'll all do something fun together. I promise.

[Something fun...the idea of just hanging out, being with Ain's friends, like they're actually...a sort of normal family? It makes Vash giddy to think about. He doesn't want to get his hopes too high, but still...

He leans in and kisses Ain's forehead as he finishes the water off, taking both the pills and now-empty water bottle from him.]

I'll look forward to it. But don't push yourself too hard to get better, okay? You got better once, and now look at you...

[Sick again. Smh. He isn't going to tell Ain about how he kinda fucked up his interactions with both Add and Raven at first, he does not need to know about any of that, nor does he need to know about how the subtle worry in Vash's heart for Ain has grown by a couple degrees since that conversation.]

Do you need anything before I go? More water? Blankets?

More water... Mm... And another kiss. I'll die if I don't get one.

[you wouldn't wanna kill a little guy would you :(

Ain will wait very patiently for Vash to come back, though. All he needs is water from the tap, so unless Vash is planning to go out of the building for it, it's not like he'll be far. But still.

When Vash comes back, Ain is laying down again. Pls put water on desk and also, gibe kisse—]

[So needy, wowe, a WHOLE KISS

Vash gets up and puts the medicine back on the table, deciding to make things easier for both of them by bringing the water bottle to the tap to refill. That way, Ain can close it back up so he isn't at so much risk of accidentally pulling it over onto himself half asleep. He might want to worsh, but not while he's still in bed.

Moments later he's back and setting the water down with the meds, once more returning to sit on the edge of the bed, albeit briefly. Vash leans down to kiss Ain...not on the cheek or forehead, but on the lips. He doesn't care about catching his illness, if he's going to catch it he will at this point, germs be damned. Kisskiss.]

I love you. Try to get some more sleep, okay? I won't be gone long.

[Why do bad things happen to good Ains :( he just wants to kiss his boyfriend and go do fun things in the secret town. Why must he be sick, it's like god is punishing him for two days of travelling and pushing himself. That's so fucked up.]

...okay. I love you. I'll miss you...

[He says this like a kicked puppy, but... really, he's just very tired, and he's already drifting back off when Vash leaves. Worry not, for the Dachies will stand guard. They are noble beasts.

Downstairs, Vash won't even have to go back into the workshop, because the boys are standing out there waiting for him. Raven is distinctly non-red-hot after repairs, and Add is... Add. That's it.]

[Ough. Ain calling for him like that almost makes Vash stay, not gonna lie. But he powers through with one more gentle pet on the head before leaving his bird in the care of the Dachies. If nothing else, he figures they’d start barking if Ain fell off the bed or something.

Back downstairs Vash trots, pleasantly surprised to see the two already waiting for him.]

He wants breakfast! Something sweet, preferably.

[Which shhhhhould be doable he thinks…nobody said you couldn’t consume sugar while sick after all. Maybe it’s not the best for him, but who’s going to tell him no right now?

Exactly.]

He’s gone back to sleep though, so we’ve got time.

[Unsurprising, Ain's eating habits slot into "whatever everyone else is having" and "oh but there's cake" every time. No One Is Shocked.]

We can head to the cafe, in that case, and bring something back. ...actually, we might want to bring something for him to do so that he's not bored when he is awake, so we should run by the library as well.

[They have a general sense of what Ain likes to read (pretty much anything fictional), so that'll be easy. Raven has the lingering fear that they'll lose Add to the technology section but that's fine, they can leave him there, he knows his way home.]

Ciel runs it, so you'll get to try his cooking. I think you'll like it.

[Pats Vash on the shoulder with his good arm, c'mon buddy we're gonna go have sweets for breakfast... brunch really.]

[You say that Add might get lost in there, but what about Vash? Vash, who is infinitely curious about everything, used to love to read whenever he had the opportunity. Granted, he tended to prefer books with pictures in them, but those still count as literature, don't they? But at least he'll likely be more focused on food than books, so they shouldn't have trouble dragging him away.]

Sounds good to me!

[AND OFF THEY WILL GO with Vash letting Raven and Add take the lead since he still doesn't really know his way around this place at all, especially the main hub of the city. It feels like he's in a completely different country compared to topside, mainly due to the fact that every single resident is a pet of all different species, shapes, and sizes. It...makes him stick out like a sore thumb, actually, moreso than he ever has before.

To that end, he's trying his best to stick close to the pair...just in case. He's not sure what the human sentiment even is like down here...do the pets here have anything against them? Or do most simply desire free will?]

[Yeah, they'll lead the way, but Vash is getting wedged between them both so he doesn't get lost. Chung gave him the tour yesterday, so he'll recognize some of the area they're in, even though there's more that wasn't entirely covered. The place is expanding constantly, after all, which is how Raven's arm wound up overheating; he can make it spit fire which helps with mining operations, but it has a drawback if overused. All of this is being told to Vash as they walk.

It's not a long walk, either, just a short one to the cafe, and anything they get that's not a drink will keep for a while. It's peak brunch hours, so it's a little full, but there's still a table for them to sit at. Ciel is at the counter, but he'll be there quickly... mostly because that's his friends and one of his friend's weird lil blonde guy, so. Gotta take a bit to fraternize.]

Morning, you three. Let me guess: Add hasn't slept since yesterday?

[Noooo the bags under his eyes are just for show... don't perceive him. Ciel looks entertained when he looks away, though.]

The special of the day is blueberry crepes and eggs, by the way.

[Not that this super matters since there's no real Money here, but it's more that it gives the place a sense of Normalcy. Vash will get to see how the barter system works while he's out, too.]

[Vash...pretty much immediately sits forward the moment food is mentioned, hi Ciel remember him-]

Oh! I'd like to try the special, please!

[Practically bouncing in his seat. But then after a moment, he course corrects-]

Oh, and...not right now, but before we leave, can we get some to go?

[Yes, Vash has no idea HOW they're procuring any of this because of the no money thing, but he's sure he'll learn.]

PET PERSON MEME

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