bakerstreet | I wanna be your dog

I wanna be your dog

>> 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 now 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.
Pregnancy: So, about that whole "hybrid" thing. It maaaay be more true than you think, even if pet/human pregnancies are the stuff of salacious tabloids.
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.

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[Although unashamed of what he is, Jade is also well aware that he's living on borrowed time. He had so far managed to resist being placed into a home through a combination of intimidation tactics, wits, and skills at breaking out of unwanted places, but it's only a matter of time before the authorities decide he's too much of a danger to be left roaming around loose. Jade pictures it, sometimes, being captured and sedated and put down, and it's not something he's keen on experiencing especially when he has yet to accomplish his goal.]

[Which is why he's taken to hiding his inhuman features lately, keeping his ears pinned down flat against his head with a wig and further concealed by a hat, while his tail he kept curled up around his waist and tied there. It's terribly uncomfortable, but much preferable to being caught, especially with where he's going today.]

[The palace, with its many officials and security, is one of the last places Jade wants to be in. But there are only so many high-level fonic arte texts he can find by scrounging through normal libraries - the Imperial library is his only hope. He manages to enter quietly through a side entrance, slightly out of place among all the grandeur in his plain clothing, but commoners having business in the palace is quite a regular thing.]

[No, if anything, he fears being given away by the things he can't manage to hide - his red eyes, the feline grace in his steps, and perhaps most damning of all, his scent. But he's confident that his disguise is enough to fool the casual observer, and thankfully he doesn't run into any other pet people.]

[Unfortunately, the texts he needs are all in the forbidden section. The sensible thing to do would be to give up, but Jade is long past that stage, spurred on by desires that had years ago darkened into obsession.]

[There's a shout as he's discovered. Cursing inwardly, Jade grabs the books he's found and runs, speeding up as he hears the sounds of pursuit behind him. He's certain he knows the way back outside, but he must have taken a wrong turn somewhere, and within minutes he's hopelessly lost in the twisting blue corridors of the palace, his pursuers gaining all the while.]

[When he comes across an intruder in the palace, Peony's first reaction isn't to run or call for the guards. No, he flings himself out from behind a corner to tackle the guy instead.]

Now what are you running from so suspiciously?

[Seemingly unafraid, he gets right up in the man's face with a sly grin. That grin fades slightly when he catches sight of those red eyes. He's not human? If he gets caught, then...

Even the brief period of time he's stopped the man is enough for his pursuers to catch up, and Peony grimaces as the guards salute him.]

Well done, Your Majesty. We'll take it from here.

Ah...

[As a general rule, Peony disapproves of the treatment of humanoid pets. They've always seemed like people to him. Of course he thinks similarly about any real animal he actually comes across as well, so he's used to people disagreeing with him on that front. He does keep his rappigs (otherwise the poor dears would get eaten!), but literally owning someone that can actually speak is just not something he's comfortable with.

But for now, he'll manage.]

Nah, that's not necessary. He's mine! Isn't he cute? He's pretty skittish though, you must have scared him into running. Sorry about that.

[The force of the tackle is enough to throw him completely off-balance, sending the books flying out of his hands to crash on the floor. He only barely just manages to remain standing, mostly due to the grip on him. Jade's first instinct is to blast a fonic arte into the man's face, but then a sudden tug makes him freeze up completely, his red eyes wide and incredulous. It's similar to the urgings he had grown used to ignoring, the ones that told him to settle down with a human, but they had always been faint enough for him to dismiss.]

[This, however, is not. Jade blames it on the proximity, and tries to wriggle free, but it's too late now as he hears the sound of booted feet come to a halt just a few paces behind him. He has been caught.]

[He watches the grimace flicker across his captor's face, one that mirrors his own, and wonders at the reasons behind it. Disgust? But no, as he waits for the man - "Your Majesty"? This is the emperor of Malkuth? - to do the logical thing and place him in the custody of the guards, instead he finds himself being claimed. The words send a strange thrill through him, a feeling he attributes to suspicion, but Jade is desperate enough to play along. He closes his eyes, rubbing his cheek against the emperor's shoulder in the most affectionate gesture he can manage right now.]

[But someone must have caught sight of his red eyes and discerned the contents of the books now strewn all over the floor, and put two and two together to deduce his identity. Jade winces as he hears a muffled exclamation behind him, followed by a few muttered conversations, then one of the guards speak up, tension wound through his voice.]

Your Majesty, please step away. We suspect this is the feral we've been warned about. It could be dangerous.

Aww, he's not dangerous at all. See?

[Peony nods at Jade rubbing up against his shoulder, glad that the man is smart enough to play along. He scratches at the back of his neck casually, noting the wig by the feel of the fibers beneath his fingertips. What sort of animal is this guy underneath his disguise, anyway? Probably a cat based on the rubbing.]

You're going to make him anxious with all that clanking and waving your weapons around, you know. I'll just be taking him back to my room where it's quiet.

[Provided he cooperates once the guards are out of sight, at least.]

[The light scratches feel especially good after so long spent without familiar touch. He tilts his head, pressing his other cheek to Peony's shoulder and trying to appear as harmless as possible.]

[Unfortunately, the guards don't seem convinced. There are a few more mutterings.]

Your Majesty... If he's the feral, he knows how to use fonic artes.

[Another one chimes in:] And he was trying to steal from the Imperial library.

[Whether they're convinced or not, Peony isn't about to let them take this guy in. He'll be put down for sure.]

It's not stealing, it's delivering.

[Not that Peony has any interest in this sort of thing. He doesn't have any talent for fonic artes. He'll bend to pick up all the books regardless, holding them in one arm and draping his other around the cat's shoulders as he starts to amble off toward his bedroom.]

Go back to your posts, we're fine. Thanks for looking out for me.

[Fairly certain that he's safe now, Jade is relaxed as he walks with the emperor, the last of the protests fading into nothing as they put some distance between them and the guards. He wonders if he's really being taken to the emperor's rooms, or if he'll be set free, and is disconcerted when he realizes he's not sure which of those options seem more appealing.]

[He shoots a sideways glance at Peony, not daring to say anything while still in earshot of the guards. But the monarch isn't what he had expected, for sure.]

[If Peony glances through the books on the way, he'll find that they all deal with fonon theory and proposed methods of manipulating fonons in order to achieve effects other than destructive spells.]

[They definitely are going back toward his room, something he'd realize shortly when Peony pushes the doors to his chambers open with a flourish. His room is a bit of a mess, though it's not really dusty or dirty - there are just piles of things everywhere.]

If you're wanting to read those, you'll have to do it here, [he drawls, urging Jade forward.] I'm not going to let you just steal them from me. And take off the disguise, that can't be comfortable.

[It can't be comfortable and he wants to see what's actually underneath. Peony is a terribly curious person, he can't help himself. He might have to give his fur a touch or two as well. As far as the emperor's concerned, it's a fair price for saving him.]

[The room isn't what he had expected either. In fact, this whole situation disorients him, especially when every light touch from the emperor causes that inconvenient tug to grow stronger. He stands straight at attention, wary of the man's genuine kindness, one that he can discern no ulterior motives from.]

[He glances at the books, then closes his fingers on the brim of his hat, not taking it off yet. This all seems too good to be true.]

Do you intend to keep me here? [A pause, and he corrects himself quickly, unused to the formalities of the court.] Your Majesty?

As long as you've got my property, at least. After that I won't force you, though you might not want to leave until it's dark.

[Peony stretches luxuriously, ambling toward a couch in his room and flopping down on it without an ounce of grace or royal dignity. He offers Jade a sly smile.]

Call me Peony. And what's your name? Unless you want me to call you kitty. Here, kitty kitty~

[This is accompanied by the emperor patting his lap, though anyone that knows him would be able to tell that he's just teasing.]

[How informal. Jade would suspect a trap, but he's always been good at reading people, and this man seems quite sincere.]

[His actions, on the other hand...He's not sure if he's being teased, or if Peony really does want him that close. Jade is aware it's quite a common position for pets to be placed in, even if the thought of being treated like that repulses him as much as it fascinates him. He takes a step closer anyway, finally removing his hat and beginning to work at the wig.]

I'd prefer to be called Jade.

[He still hasn't decided what to do, but if Peony will let him read the books, then there's no reason not to stay until after he's finished with that.]

[He'd have his answer soon enough since Peony sits up properly to give Jade some space on the couch.]

Jade it is, then. So you like to study fonic artes, huh? That's a pretty dangerous hobby you have there.

[Particularly for a humanoid animal. Humans don't like the idea of creatures they view as beneath them gaining the same power they possess. Exceptions are made for pets who show potential with manipulating the seventh fonon (who wouldn't want their own personal healer, after all), but in general it's frowned upon. For strays like Jade, it's downright illegal.]

[That made things easier. He sits down next to Peony and finishes taking off the wig, ginger ears flicking as they're finally freed. He lays the accessories to one side while his other hand goes up to scratch away the itch at the base of one ear.]

[Then, finally, he smiles up at Peony for the first time, perfectly bland and polite.]

I could say the same for you. Taking in dangerous strays? That's far more risky than anything I've ever done.

[His tone is carefully neutral.]

Edited (gdit trackpad keeps deleting things today) 2014-01-26 03:22 (UTC)

[Unsurprisingly, Peony can't resist scratching the other one. Animal ears are just so cute! Rappig ears are the cutest, but a cat's ears are also unbearably charming.]

It's not dangerous at all. You're not stupid, you know what will happen if you attack me - the same thing that would have happened if those guys got their hands on you. I just can't abide by that sort of thing. You might not be human, but you're still a person.

[Despite his better judgement, Jade leans into the touch, eyes drifting shut as it sends pleasant sensations tingling down his spine. Privately, he thinks he'd be able to kill Peony and make his escape before the guards can catch him, but keeps the thought to himself - he doesn't want to unnecessarily aggravate Peony.]

[Jade blinks his eyes open again, wondering if his next question would cross a line, but Peony seems genuinely sorry for his situation and Jade is curious - and this might be his only chance to get it answered.]

Then why not abolish the practice? You are the Emperor.

[That Jade leans into his touch is a little surprising, so he keeps right on doing it for as long as he seems to like it. His question brings an end to that pretty quickly though. Peony laughs wryly, dropping his hand to his side again.]

It's not that simple. That's the view that's prevalent with the Order. It might not be written in the Score, but so long as it's convenient to people they won't go along with that sort of change so easily. People hate to give up anything that gives them a sense of power. I have a hard enough time trying to keep them from killing other humans. Trying to stop this war is my main focus right now.

[...and he just rambled, didn't he? To a perfect stranger. Well, that's potentially a problem.]

[For a moment, Jade seriously considers butting his head against Peony's hand in a demand for more, but stops himself, troubled at how needy he's become even after a few scant minutes in the presence of a human.]

[Thankfully, Peony's ramblings give him a lot to focus on. So the emperor didn't desire war? Interesting. But there's not much he can do with the information, especially when he's not sure if their goals align - the chaos of war would give him the perfect chance to carry out some of his less savoury experiments, and nobody would bother with a stray when there are enemy soldiers to worry about.]

[He's not about to let Peony know any of that, however, so he steers the topic back to the subject of his people.]

Yes, I suppose that makes sense. [But the slight downward turn of his ears give away his dissatisfaction.] The needs of humans should be prioritized above that of animals.

[And he can't quite hide the note of bitterness that creeps in his tone.] After all, we can't be content without human companionship.

[That's not what he meant. Peony rubs at the back of his neck with frustration, sighing.]

It's not that. It's the needs of the country I have to consider - all of it. No one profits if the countryside is razed by fon machines.

[Kimlasca's progress on that front is more than a little frightening. He can't help but blame his father for it - if he hadn't been so aggressive, maybe Kimlasca wouldn't have worked so hard to leap ahead with their fontech. Jade's second comment gets his attention though, and he leans in a little closer.]

Do you feel that way yourself?

[Had he upset Peony? Or was he simply frustrated by the situation? Jade hadn't been aware of how powerful Kimlascan fontech had become - the papers had never gone into detail, perhaps to avoid demoralizing the citizens - and he's beginning to wonder if he shouldn't begin to look for ways to leave Malkuth.]

[But there's still the problem of Peony to consider. Always quite self-aware, Jade is beginning to suspect that he might have bonded with the human despite his own wishes. He can't be entirely sure yet, of course, but all the signs so far pointed to that: he usually isn't this way with humans.]

[This poses a worrying problem, which is why he chooses to deflect Peony's question, pretending to misunderstand the subject of the inquiry.]

Certainly. The loss of the countryside would impact humans and animals alike. Perhaps even moreso us than humans.

[He knows the countryside is a popular place for strays to flee to, and they provide hunting grounds even for kept pets.]

[The situation with Kimlasca is very worrisome, and despite his playful demeanor Peony spends a lot of his time fretting over it. He knows all too well what fate likely awaits Malkuth if they go to war, but he's quickly running out of ways to deter it. That won't stop him from trying though, not in the least.

At any rate, he can hardly spend every moment working. That would send him to an early grave and dull his wits besides. That's hardly something he can afford when he can barely trust anyone around him. Yet with this man, it was so easy somehow...

Fixated on the welcome distraction of interacting with Jade, Peony just grins when he attempts to avoid the question. As if he'll let him off that easily.]

I'm aware of that much. I was asking if you were content without human companionship. If you're not, you could always just stay here. I have plenty of room.

[His ears flatten down, an outward sign of shock that escapes him before he can control it. He's unused to people completely ignoring his attempts at evasion; they're usually too intimidated to do so, or left floundering by his quick and shameless changes of topic.]

[Not to mention Peony's offer has him instantly suspicious. He can accept, albeit reluctantly, the idea of a small act of kindness, such as rescuing him and housing him for a few hours. But taking him in? That's a much more complex matter.]

[Besides, Jade has yet to work out if it would be in his best interests to stay with him. The benefits of being connected to the Emperor of Malkuth, even as just a simple pet, are obvious: more access to resources, more influence, a higher immunity to being persecuted. But he'll have to give up the freedom that characterized so much of his entire life, and more importantly, he doesn't know what Peony's views on his studies are.]

[But first things first. He needs more information, especially on Peony and his motives.]

I'm afraid I have no experience with being owned. What are you expecting from me?

[And he'll hope that Peony doesn't notice that he still hasn't commented on his feelings towards humans. They're usually straightforward (small urges that were nuisances more than anything), but with Peony...]

Being owned? Come on, who really "owns" a cat?

[It's just a little joke to lighten the mood. Hearing another person talk about being owned bothers him. There's not much he can do about it, though. Even if he did just let Jade come and go as he pleased, he'd still at least need a collar and registration papers so that he wasn't in danger of being killed.

Well, he should probably be honest with the man.]

Honestly, I don't know what I'd expect. I don't have any humanoid pets. Keeping another person like that just seems weird to me. It kinda bugs me. But...

[His eyes trail down to the books Jade's holding.]

...with hobbies like that, you're going to get yourself killed if you don't have someone looking out for you. That thought bothers me even more.

[His lips twitch at the joke, but otherwise he doesn't react, particularly when Peony is so obviously troubled by the situation. He's initially surprised by the fact that Peony doesn't keep any pets, unlike so many nobles who keep exotic ones as a sign of status, but after his explanation it's less surprising, even if Jade still can't understand why he's so concerned about the welfare of another species. Besides, he's not really a person, and not only because of his cat features.]

[Still, as long as Peony doesn't plan on imposing any rules on him... Jade runs a finger along the spine of the topmost book. The idea is beginning to sound appealing, but he can't be too hasty.]

So, you'll allow a perfect stranger to stay in your home free of charge? [He raises an eyebrow.] How generous.

[He's careful to continue being polite, but he doesn't mask the edge of skepticism in his tone.]

I don't know if you noticed, but my home is a little oversized. Besides, it gets kind of lonely to literally live where you work. Everyone is always so tense, and they're either sucking up to me or totally stiff because they're concerned with propriety or whatever.

[It's such a far cry from when he was the spoiled youngest son. On some level he resents his siblings for fighting it out like they did and leaving all of this to him. Logically he knows that if they were the sort of people to do that in the first place it's probably best if he's ruling instead, but still.

Since Jade is clearly skeptical of all this (something he can't blame him for, Peony knows it's an impulsive offer), the emperor stands up to give him a little space. He can't quite resist reaching down to ruffle his hair up, though.]

Well, you think about it. If putting up with a nosy human like me doesn't sound too bothersome, then I certainly wouldn't mind the company.

[Ears flicking, he rubs back against the touch, but at the same time appreciates being given some space all the same. The explanation sets him more at ease. A desire for companionship is something he understands all too well, even if the craving is one he dislikes in himself. It certainly makes more sense than being altruistic enough to take in a perfect stranger just to keep them safe.]

You realize your staff won't approve of this arrangement. [Then he smiles, almost mischievously.] Although it seems like you'd enjoy that.

[In other words, he's agreeing to the proposal.]

stray, first meeting (dammit this was a hard choice. let me know if you want things changed!)

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