Pet People

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 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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The drop of pillow and blanket woke him and as he watched Ashley leave, doubt crept into his mind.

Perhaps the guy had just been going through a rough patch...

Screw him, he can't take care of himself let alone even minimally us.

I don't know, a pillow and blanket are a pretty significant step...

No. We're leaving. Go back to sleep and let me out.

...I suppose you're right...

He slept a couple hours before his other half took over. Problem, the master was on the couch. How was he supposed to get by?

Maybe he should just smother the guy and put him out of whatever misery he was in? Hardly worth the effort.

He decided he'd check the rest of the apartment for an escape route and only use the front door if absolutely necessary. The window in the bathroom was too small, even for Vincent, the master bedroom windows were big but they were facing a street, not an alley. If he climbed out, he'd surely be seen. Left with only the living room windows and front door he stood a little distance behind the couch the master lay on and contemplated what to do. Front windows were no-go, the street below was as busy as that facing the bedroom. And now that he thought about it, the stairs coming up here were rather narrow. He would be too big to fit. Vincent became a klutz under pressure so letting him sneak by and go down the stairs might spell instant discovery.

The dragon tried to shift but Vincent was too worn by the day's work to wake up and take over. There was nothing to do but try again tomorrow night. By then maybe the guy would be sleeping in his own bed instead.

He settled down with the blanket and pillow and shifted back into the sleeping form of Vincent, who, despite circumstances, slept without dreams to disturb him.

Ashley dreamt, briefly, of a creature moving through his apartment. Huge, inhuman, beautiful in a terrifying way.

The dream pleased him, when he woke. It reminded him of the horror stories Arkady had told him as a child. Monsters hiding in the shadows of the world.

More than well-rested from his life of lazy napping, he was awake early, watching Vincent over the arm of the couch and waiting for him to awaken. The apartment was relatively clean, and smelled fresh, though the trash needed to be taken down.

When Vincent stirred, waking, Ashley sat up, glad that his pet--servant--was awake at last. "Can you cook?" he asked, without preamble.

Vincent slowly dragged himself to consciousness and it took several moments to process things, short brown hair sticking up weirdly from how he'd slept.

He wasn't in the shelter. He had a home now...though he asked his other half why they were still here. Oh, problems. Well one more day wouldn't hurt. His new master was pretty harmless. Useless, but harmless.

Finally he seemed to register the other had asked him something. Cook?

"A little." He answered. If he had a recipe book he could follow he'd be okay. Nothing fancy mind you but well enough for it to be more than how to make a bowl of cereal. But there was a problem. "You don't have anything in your fridge except some leftovers and condiments." He said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. And by "some" he meant what they had for dinner last night. Most of what he found yesterday in the fridge he had to toss because it had expired in some form or other.

"Then I suppose we'll have to go to the market," Ashley said. He fetched a tin from a shelf, pulling out an array of crumpled bills, and counted out several hundred euros.

He thrust these toward Vincent, leaving him with cash in hand, and went to dress himself.

That, at least, he knew how to do. He had a fondness for fashion, and emerged sensibly dressed, with a sort of messy, bohemian style. He had even bothered to give his long hair a cursory brushing, though it looked as if he had given up partway through.

"Come on," he ordered, heading for the door and expecting Vincent to follow.

Vincent stared at the money he'd been handed, more than he'd ever held in his whole life, and only felt stupid for not running out with it then and there while the master got dressed.

He shoved the money into his pants pockets to avoid drawing attention from onlookers or potential thieves before following him out as ordered.

One more day, then he could run off.

In the meantime, his mind became preoccupied with what to make and thus what they would need at the store.

Ashley took him down to a market street, with stalls of vegetables and fruits out along the road and shops behind, each with their own specialty--boulangerie, fromagerie, patisserie.

Wandering somewhat aimlessly, Ashley paused near the beginning of the street and looked over to Vincent, expecting him to make some decisions as to what they required.

Again, it fell upon him to make the decision without so much as any feedback from his new master. Since the guy had handed him more than enough money he decided to go from stall to stall.

Each reaction form the vendor was the same, expecting the human to make the choices and the unicorn to carry everything, but Vincent instead shoved the bags and what they needed upon Ashley as he couldn't pick out what was best carrying everything and Ashley didn't seem the type to know the difference between overly ripe and just right to be used was.

He almost passed by the sweets but as he'd not had anything like it in some time, he added a few treats as well.

Having been out all morning, he was rather hungry so he bought them both some fancy sandwiches at a nearby shop and sat to eat them.

Ashley was extremely surprised when he was expected to carry things, but Vincent was making interesting choices, and he wanted that to continue, so he made no comment and carried the bags he was given. He made a few comments, when he wanted something, indicating his desires--peaches, eclairs, olives--and then leaving it to Vincent to make the decisions and purchases.

He was pleased by his new pet, accepting the sandwiches and eating hungrily, watching the passersby as they ate.

Aside from expressing his desires, he didn't bother making any conversation. He'd always been the recipient of adoration and attention on the basis of his looks, so he'd never needed to develop true social skills. Or most other kinds of skills, for that matter.

Vincent too was quiet, eating his sandwich and thinking about what still needed to be done when they got home...

Home, was it though? Should he give this man a chance? Ergo certainly didn't seem to want to. And if this was the life he was going to live, wouldn't being back on the streets be better? Out there, while he had to fend for himself, he didn't have a man-child's mess to clean up.

No, he had to leave.

Sandwiches soon finished, they headed back to the apartment. Vincent helped carry a couple things though handed them back when they returned so that he could haul the garbage down to the curb. Before he started however, he gave the man instructions.

"Sort things out on the island. All meat together, all fruit together, and all veggies together. Everything else gets its own pile." He didn't want the other shoving things into the fridge after he'd spent a good hour cleaning it out yesterday.

As he hauled the last bag of garbage downstairs, he looked out on the street. It would be...so easy...he even still had the rest of the money left over in his pocket...just run away now, disappear in the crowd...

Perplexed at being ordered around by anyone, much less his own pet, Ashley stared after him for nearly a minute, before he started to unpack the bags as instructed. He wasn't stupid, however badly he'd been ruined by his indulgent upbringing, and their purchases emerged quickly into tidy little piles. They were organized, in addition to Vincent's instructions, by color.

He didn't know what to do with the bags, so he smoothed them out and set them on a pile at one end of the counter.

Then, he waited, watching the door with a patience born of curiosity.

Vincent half expected to return and find the man had gone to flop on his couch rather than help out, but was pleasantly surprised to find things very neatly organized.

He thanked him and set about putting everything where it ought to go.

When that was finished, he dealt with the rest of the laundry, re-covering the master bed and folding towels under the bathroom sink.

It was still a few hours before dinner needed to be started so he curled up in his usual corner for an afternoon nap.

Ashley let him alone, keeping an eye on him as he curled up on the couch to read a book. He was intrigued by his strange new housemate, but the results were very pleasant. Ashley's home smelled better, his clothes were clean, his bed was made, and there was food in the fridge.

He neither needed nor wanted anything more from Vincent, and gladly left him to nap in peace. For once, instead of going out to prowl the streets, bars, and parks in search of company and entertainment, Ashley stayed quietly, and read.

Vincent woke a couple hours later, stretched, and went to wash up before starting on dinner. Beef wellington was a bit complicated but the vendor he talked to about ideas for dinner swore by it and even gave him a recipe.

So, he decided to try it. He cooked the meat to specification, made the mushroom filling and then, after spreading it over the meat, wrapped it all in pastry dough before sticking it in the oven to cook the rest of the way.

In the meantime, he cut up asparagus and sauteed it with a little garlic and butter. By the time he'd set the table, the wellington was done and he took it out to set while he dug out a bottle of wine. He poured Ashley a glass but gave himself water. He had to keep his wits about him tonight.

Once the meat had set long enough, he cut into and was pleased how it looked. Cutting them each a good portion he set them on the table. "Dinner's done." he called to Ashley but said no more to him as he sat down and dug in.

Ashley hadn't had home-cooked food in months. He approached it with confused trepidation at first, and then ate hungrily, eating and drinking gratefully. He'd neglected himself for weeks, and he'd gotten used to being hungry, until his ribs showed through his skin.

"Thank you," he said. The words sounded odd in his mouth. He hadn't often thought to thank his servants, and Vincent was nothing but a pet, but Ashley had gone so long without civilized comforts that he'd learned to be grateful.

"You can have wine," he said, in case Vincent thought he couldn't. "You can have whatever you please."

The thank you and actual sentences were unexpected. And doubt crept back into his thoughts.

He hasn't hurt us, he's just inexperienced.

Which makes him dangerous and irritating. I want no part of this spoiled brat.

I feel sorry for him though...whatever he went through before getting us...feels wrong that we'll just up and leave him...No one to lean on...

He'll work your fingers to the bone cleaning and looking after his ass. We're leaving, and that's final.

I can teach him to help look after himself.

What makes you think that? Just because he organized groceries by color? Give me a break. Instead of making his own bed last night he slept on the damn couch. If that's not a lazy incompetent asshole I don't know what is. Pay attention, he's talking to you.

"I...I don't much care for it" he lied. He was a lightweight and he knew it, half a glass and he'd be out of it, and as Ergo had explained, he needed to be the one to leave to draw the least amount of attention.

Ashley left the dishes, when he'd finished, expecting that Vincent would tidy them away.

There was a human skull laying on one of the tables, white bone and straight teeth. Ashley picked it up and went to sit in the window seat with his arms curled around it. He gazed out at the street, marinating in his usual loneliness and misery.

Since nothing about Vincent drew or required his attention at the moment, Ashley forgot that he was there at all.

Vincent watched him go off with his skull, a little confused but trying not to get involved as Ergo nagged him to just keep out of it.

He put away the leftovers, washed the dishes, and settled in his corner to wait for his master to go to bed.

Against Ergo's better judgement however, he soon got up and went over to Ashley, his curiosity and pity for the man too much to leave alone.

"Whose skull is that?" he asked.

"Arkady's," Ashley said, watching Vincent with wary confusion as he showed interest in the skull. "My brother."

He held the skull reverently, almost clinging to it as though it were his raft against the storm. He did not offer any better view of it. Arkady was his.

His eyes flicked over Vincent, curious and wary. "Why do you like that corner so? There is furniture. There are books. Do you not like books?"

Ashley could not fathom that anyone might not like books.

A brother?

He would have guessed an enemy but...he kept a skull of his brother? That was...a little strange. Then again, he'd never had siblings so, who was he to judge? Obviously he meant a lot to him...

Was that why things were as they were? Why the guy had practically buried himself in trash to get away from the world? He didn't ask. Somehow he got the feeling he was raised without much expectation to do simple chores and the death of his brother just pushed him into not caring even more so.

"Still settling in." he replied with a small shrug, scratching an ear. "And I've been too worn to read." No to mention busy picking up after you and stressed about both wanting a home, but not wanting this one.

He flicked his tail and headed back to his corner without another word. He shouldn't have approached him.

Ashley's gaze lingered on him again after that, curious. After some time, he set the skull aside, and went to bathe. He left the door open, not thinking that it mattered.

The water was frigid, so he showered quickly, winding his hair up in a towel and putting on pajama pants afterward. Shivering slightly with cold, he took a blanket and returned to the window seat, attention split between the street outside and his strange new pet. "What were you before the shop?" Ashley asked, now that Vincent had become a puzzle that interested him.

Damn it, go to bed! He thought, having planned to leave as soon as the guy had left the bathroom and headed into the bedroom. But he came back out instead to talk to him.

"A stray." he answered, short and simple. Maybe the guy would lose interest in him like he usually did.

Ashley didn't know much about pets, their lives or situations. He'd never had occasion to think about it before. Drawing the towel off of his hair, he draped it over the end of the bed, taking up his comb and beginning to draw it through the ends of his hair.

In the dim lamplight and wet from the shower, Ashley's hair was a red so dark as to be nearly black, lighter only at the ends where the lamplight glowed through it. It contrasted starkly with his deathly pale skin.

Ashley didn't mind being watched. He was accustomed to it, and took it for granted that people wanted to look at him and to admire his beauty. It was, he often thought, the only thing he had of any value.

"Before that?" he asked. Could a person be a stray all their lives? Surely, at some point, there would be a family. A farm. A facility. Something. He didn't know.

Vincent watched the other comb his hair. He was...rather beautiful...

"Before?"

He sat up, resting his chin on his knees. "I was owned by a woman named Re-l Meyer...there was a car accident, I lived, she didn't..."

Many had considered her a bitch. But she'd just been tough. She had to be, dealing with stupid guys all the time at work. She was never cruel to him and upon finding out about his...other half, she'd come to appreciate him even more.

"I would have likely been passed to her grandfather if I'd stayed." The guy had ALS and was confined to a wheelchair, ready to die any day now if he hadn't already. And he'd never approved of him from what little interaction he'd had with him, both in person and through Re-l. So he'd run off almost as soon as the funeral was over.

Ashley paused in his combing, surprised by the story and the loss. In his self-involved world, which had never included anyone of significance but himself and Arkady, he had never imagined that other people could feel loss like he had.

"Did you love her?" he asked, making the assumption simply because it was the only options he knew. He had loved Arkady. Arkady was gone.

He resumed his combing, intrigued by the story. He liked stories. Especially the grim ones.

Vincent was surprised by all this interaction. As was Ergo come to think of it.

The guy wasn't likely to go away if he refused to answer, so he decided to keep talking. And tell the truth.

"Yes. I did." he answered. "I miss her sometimes still." He thought about the man's brother and how he must be feeling. "I always will miss her, but I remember that she wouldn't want me to mope around all day."

PET PERSON MEME

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