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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[As long as Peony doesn't protest, Jade is free to pretend that this is just a normal type of thing that humanoid pets do, and that it isn't too much of a weakness to seek after touch in this manner. He could always stop if he wanted to, after all; this just happens to be the most convenient approach.]

[Letting out a soft noise of agreement, Jade rubs his cheek lightly against Peony's thigh in a small movement that's barely more than a twitch of his head.]

Indeed. So I do hope you'll spare me the trouble by not adopting anyone else.

[Jade is used to living alone, and sharing a space with even just Peony felt crowded.]

[Really, it is fairly normal behavior - it's just a little odd to Peony since he's never had a humanoid pet. As affectionate as he is he probably wouldn't mind if a normal human demanded attention from him in the same way after getting used to the idea.]

You'd best not chase my rappigs around, though. They were here first!

[As if on cue, a maid knocks at the door with their meal and one of the rappigs that started following after her as soon as it noticed where she was going.]

May I come in, Your Majesty?

Yeah, come on in!

[The door opens shortly, and Aslan (the rappig, of course) trots in ahead of the food cart looking for all the world like he owns the place.]

[The sound of the knock is like being hit by an Icicle Rain. Jade sits bolt upright, long years of ingrained habits causing him to vehemently reject the idea of being seen in such a vulnerable position. But he's also a master at controlling his expression, and by the time the door opens, he has his usual taciturn expression firmly in place.]

[Seeing the rappig, however, breaks his calm. His eyes widen, incredulous. Peony had been serious about keeping the animals...?]

[He would have said something to Peony, but the smell of the chicken captures most of his focus. He looks at the cart, the tip of his tail twitching, unsure if he's supposed to speak while there are other humans present. Not that Peony seems like he'd care about these type of things, but Jade feels strangely reluctant about contributing to the monarch's eccentric image any more than he already had.]

[Someone has to keep him from looking too foolish, he rationalizes. After all, if Peony appeared weak, that would invite trouble for him and by extension, Jade.]

[Peony maintains that image well all on his own. Since he thinks Jade is embarrassed to be seen cuddling, he just gets up and plops himself right on the floor to snuggle with Aslan.]

Aww, did you want to eat with us? This isn't food for you Aslan, it might make you sick!

[At hearing "us", the maid glances over as she sets the table and looks quite surprised to see Jade. She knows good and well that Peony loves animals (after all, it's not Peony that cleans up after them!), but she's never really seen him with the humanoid sort before.]

I didn't know you had a cat, Your Majesty.

Yeah, his name is Jade. Jade, this is Tara. She's the front line general in the war against my messes!

[This gets a little giggle out of her, and she shrugs slightly at Jade.]

I would say that I'm on the losing side, unfortunately.

[Jade smiles at that, more to be polite than out of any real sense of amusement. He's feeling too tense to be deriving any enjoyment from their antics, and it's obvious by the way he's sitting straight and rigid, a complete change from the relaxed state he had been earlier.]

[It seems fine to speak as she's likely accustomed to Peony's unconventional ways already, although he hadn't missed that note of surprise on her face. Was she simply surprised at seeing a stranger here, or could he take it as confirmation that Peony really hadn't kept humanoid pets before? Probably both.]

[He nods politely in agreement.] It is quite a tough battle.

[Despite his uncertainty, he'll manages to sound calm, if a bit stiff and formal.]

[Once the table is ready Peony gets up and starts to attempt to pick at the food, but Tara stops him.]

You should probably wash your hands first, Your Majesty. Aslan was going through the trash.

Again? I'll have to give him a bath.

[He shuffles off to the bathroom without complaint to wash his hands, retrieving the half-done clothes he's making for Jade while he's at it. The maid just smiles politely (if a little awkwardly) while he's out of sight, not entirely sure how to treat Jade.

That awkwardness is dispelled for the most part soon enough when he returns and thunks himself down in one of the chairs at the table, grinning at her.]

Thanks. You don't have to stick around and wait, I'm sure you have other things to do.

[At that she bows and ducks out of the room, closing the doors behind her.]

[Jade is feeling no less awkward, especially once Aslan starts sniffing at him and he has to remind himself that kicking away the emperor's pet in front of his servant wouldn't be a good idea. He settles with shifting further back into the couch, putting as much distance between him and Aslan as possible.]

[Thankfully, it isn't long before he's alone with Peony again (except for the rappig). He stands, pushing his way carefully past Aslan to sit down at the table with just a hint of caution.]

[At least the topic of his research seems to be forgotten for now.]

I hope you intend on letting me use the cutlery.

[He smiles, clearly teasing now that he's more relaxed again.]

[Aslan seems quite disappointed that Jade isn't interested in exchanging scents. Surprisingly, he doesn't keep bothering him once he goes over to the table. Since Peony doesn't want his babies to make too much trouble for everyone else (or for them to get sick), he's taught them to not beg for people food.

As for going through the trash, well... they're curious, they can't help it!]

You've got some set by your plate, don't you?

[Peony sticks his tongue out, then goes about getting a little of the chicken for himself. He only takes a couple slices, leaving the rest for Jade. He's far less conservative with the rolls, mashed potatoes, and dessert pastries.]

How generous.

[Peony's choices are more than fine by Jade, since he has a preference for meat. He's hungry enough that he's tempted to wolf it down without regard for propriety, but controls himself, already frustrated with his earlier loss of control.]

[Occasionally, he darts curious glances at Aslan, wondering why the rappig is being so well-behaved, but other than that Jade keeps to himself for most of the meal.]

[Peony's table manners aren't bad, but he does eat a little fast. Whenever Jade looks at him the little rappig's ears perk up, only to droop back down again when he looks away.]

Looks like he wants to get to know you a bit. Take your time though, he'll be good while we're eating.

[Based on the way Jade was acting on the couch, though, the emperor has the distinct impression that Jade doesn't really want to get to know the rappigs.]

[The emperor's impression would be completely right. Jade's eyes narrow.]

You said you kept rappigs?

[Implying there's more than one.]

Yeah, a family of them. I have five! I've been thinking of getting another baby, though.

[Six seems like a good number, doesn't it? It's an even number, so no one will ever feel left out when they pair off to play that way. It's totally reasonable for the emperor to keep as many rappigs as a farmer.]

[Five is already five too many. He does not want another one around, especially if it's a baby.]

And they all live here?

[Since he can't exactly tell the emperor that no, you really shouldn't be keeping rappigs, he'll just inject as much disbelief into his tone as possible.]

Not all the time. They have their own room! They usually sleep with me, though. I hate sleeping alone.

[How disappointing. It would have been cute to have a cat playing with his precious babies, but it seems that isn't meant to be. Peony will live with it so long as he doesn't find claw marks on them suddenly.]

[Luckily for all concerned, Jade has no claws to speak of. This, however, does cement his decision to never share Peony's bed, especially when he remembers that the rappig currently with them had just been digging through garbage.]

I hope you don't intend to put my bed into their room.

Definitely not. I think we should put in here for a couple weeks until your registration goes through and everyone gets used to seeing you, then we can get you your own room if you want.

[It'll be a little lonely, though. Peony would certainly prefer to have someone staying in his chambers, but he's not going to force Jade to do it longer than necessary. If he wanted someone he could just order around, he would have taken a harem a long time ago.]

[He smiles appreciatively, but quickly grows serious again as he realizes he may as well take advantage of the opportunity to discuss what would be expected of him in the next few days.]

[It's still strange to realize that he's a pet now, and about to be subject to all the constraints and bindings that came with the position.]

When do you intend to complete the registration? I assume you'll get a collar at the same time.

[He tries to be as dispassionate as possible and approach the situation logically, as he always has, yet speaking of himself as an object to be owned still rankles at him.]

I should probably send for the paperwork now, but I won't finish it right away. You can stay here for awhile and see if you can tolerate me first.

[Peony's tone is light and teasing, even though he's being completely serious. He doesn't want Jade to feel trapped or rushed. It is something that requires some level of expedience, but he'll manage somehow. He's got to make sure that people know he's looking out for him in the meantime, though...

His hand raises up to his own hair, fingering the distinctive bead he always wears. After a little thought he removes it and stands, walking over to Jade's side of the table and lifting up a lock of hair.]

You can wear this in the meantime so that my staff knows I've got an eye on you. It's my favorite thing, so don't go losing it.

[The bead doesn't really match him, but he prefers it to a collar, and it's distinctive enough that it should be unmistakable. He holds still, allowing Peony to put it on however he likes.]

I'll try not to. It seems quite expensive.

[A pause, then:] Thank you.

[He's grateful for the extra time as well. Although he knows it's only a matter of time, he'd still rather put off registration for as long as possible. the less records there are of him, the better.]

[Peony doesn't correct him on the bead's price. It's actually rather cheap, if very well made. It belonged to his mother, so its value is mostly sentimental. He carefully secures it in Jade's hair, giving him a light scratch behind his ears when he's done.]

Well, I'd feel terribly guilty if something happened to my cute, little Jade.

[This is delivered in the same crooning tone he used to speak to Aslan, but if Jade looks up at him he'll be able to see the laughter in the emperor's eyes.]

[Jade shudders and rubs his temples at that, his tail flicking up to swat Peony's thigh.]

That is extremely disturbing. I might just have to run away if I ever hear that again.

[He doesn't mean it, especially if Peony's going to keep being so good about petting him without being asked to.]

You'll break my heart!

[Peony returns to his side of the table to scarf down another couple pastries, and then he's up again and stripping off his shirts and the wrap around his hips. Why he's doing that exactly would become apparent in short order as he picks up Aslan.]

It's time for a bath.

[Judging from the amount of squirming that announcement causes, Peony's going to get splashed a lot.]

[Jade is unable to stop himself from looking utterly baffled as Peony begins to strip. He's about to ask about the emperor's mental health (and inform him that he'll just go ahead and break his heart if this continues) when things are finally explained.]

[With a smirk, Jade settles back down.]

You might need one yourself by the time you finish washing it.

[He hopes it'll take a long, long time for them to finish. This time, he's determined to actually read instead of nap, even if he's feeling pleasantly warm and full.]

Do you think? Maybe I should just get in with him.

[Peony makes his way to the bathroom and nudges the door shut with his foot, though it's still open a crack. He ignores it and goes about his business bathing Aslan, stripping down completely to join him now that he's not likely to flash Jade. Before long there's plaintive squealing coming from the bathroom along with the sound of running water. If nothing else, it'll keep Jade awake!]

[The squealing is also a distraction, even if Jade is good at tuning out background noise. But at least he doesn't fall asleep and manges to get through a good chunk of the text, only looking up every so often at a particularly loud squeal.]

[Around the third time that happens, he quietly gets up and goes to fully close the door.]

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