bakerstreet | What pet should I get?

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What pet should I get?

The AU!Pet Person Meme (Shipping & Smut)

>> 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 conscientious 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 sapiens. 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

( jug's one of those lean, mean, hungry street dogs most people cross the street to avoid - or, at least, he would be if he wasn't a scrawny pup. he's also a terrier mutt, but don't tell anyone.

as such, he's pretty self-reliant, almost to the point of it being a negative. he's certainly aloof and doesn't let owners, which he's reluctant and slightly resistant to having anyway, in easily. he will, however, get in fights with much bigger dogs, so that's an issue that has to be dealt with on the regular. if an owner wins his trust, he's theirs for life.

no matter how grouchy he is about it. also fyi he will eat you out of house, home, and nearby grocery stores.

crossover/cross-medium friendly. selective with OCs, please ask first.

open to whatever. voice testing, so i'll probably be shaky. )

[As a pet Cloud's shy and kinda standoffish ~~and still really likes being petted but shh~~ but after he bonds with or trusts his owner, he's very loyal. A chocobo with medium-small wings and a tiny tail, feathers in among his hair. Could also be a cat. Probably a stray.

As an owner, he's awkward and still shy, a bit too permissible to be on the safe side. Will do his best to take care of a pet, but he doesn't exactly have the means to buy one normally.]

[ Your character has come into possession, willingly or not, of a pet bunny girl. Unfortunately, as sweet as she is, this does come with a good deal of responsibility: keeping her fed, protecting her predators...and sating her massive libido. Mating/breeding kink optional. ]

((Something with him trying to do homework and her being near desperate? Climbing into his lap, rubbing and the sort to get his attention.))

[ Feisty stray turned pet for sure!]

[ooc: Would like to play him as the pet, a more feral version of his kind. Still able to communicate, just more animal-like with urges and instincts. Likely either a stray or taken from the wild and put into a facility to be sold. PM me with any questions!]

It's been another long, arduous day. Goro stares up at his cage (still too small, but it's beautifully ornate, wrought with gold and ivory) and drags himself over to a corner of the room instead, slumping onto the ground. At least today wasn't as bad as the others, he muses; he's just hungry and bruised, as opposed to being hungry and sore and feeling absolutely disgusting. He only feels a little gross, like he hasn't cleaned in a few days, and with that thought stuck in his mind he meticulously fixes the dark feathers running down his arm until they're straight and prim again.

Just as expected of him as a show pet, even if he hasn't had anything to show for that in almost a month. The next competition, though—he'll do better. He'll be the best there, even, and then his owner will compliment him and pat his head and be close enough that if Goro really, really felt like it, he could tear his fucking throat out with his talons and laugh when he flies free, free, free.

What then? his mind, as always, asks, and Goro pulls his knees to his chest with a sigh, talons clicking on the ground. Nothing then, really. It's not like he really knows much else outside of showmanship and Masayoshi Shido, his rich fellows and their pedigree pets. He spreads his arm-wings, studying his feathers, and almost misses his door opening again.

Almost, but not quite, and his head jerks up; his arms fall, tucking tightly against him, and he studies the figure (tousled dark hair, distinctly male, and being fed information on who he'll be watching until the next show by a taller woman Goro recognizes as being a staff who's relatively nicer to him than most of the others in the house). When they're left alone, the staff's duty done, Goro forces himself to stand and flap his wings until he can reach his cage, sliding into it and shutting the cage door like he's been taught to do when he has company. Not that it stops him from peering out between the bars, though.

He tilts his head down at the boy, flicking his brown hair over his shoulder, and swallows once, mostly as a vague hope that his voice won't sound like absolute shit. He'd been getting better at not screaming and crying whenever things got heavy-handed with the other pets, so his throat doesn't feel too bad. And, frankly, despite being somewhat obviously a crow? His voice is strikingly pleasant, if a little rough-sounding.

"Your name?"

Edited 2017-06-24 08:08 (UTC)

It's halfway through Shido Masayoshi's estate (estate - what kind of pompous, 14th century asshole-) that Akira starts to think this might not be the best idea, and it's about a quarter of the way into the staff woman's list of do's and don't's that he realizes yeah. This really isn't a good idea.

At the time, when he'd stumbled over a listing looking for an - and he quotes - "Experienced + Certified Keeper of Exotic Fauna" he'd also gotten the feeling that this wasn't a good idea, and Akira was a staunch believer in his own gut. They could word it any way they wanted but. Pets. With a capital P. That's what it said. Watch My Pet.

Hell no.

Weekly Pay: ¥55,000

Hell yes.

Annnd that was that. Gut overruled by cash. He hadn't really been thinking about why no one had picked up on what seemed like easy money, he was too busy focusing on how stoked his friends were going to be when he told them they could finally afford a second trip to Destinyland without relying on Haru's connections.

Now he's regretting not just taking up a few more shifts at the flower shop. Could've made that same amount like. Six months. What's six months? Nothing. Babies don't even happen in six month. Ah, this lady is still talking? This is a lot of goddamn rules.

Akira at least has the foresight to wait until she actually gets him to the room he needs to be in before cutting off her rambling with a light hand wave and a polite smile. "Hey, I think I've got it all, thanks."

He literally didn't hear a single word.

She gives him a suspicious look, but the cheesy smile and the big nerd glasses really sell her on the good, wholesome boy aesthetic he tries so hard to hone for situations exactly like this. She returns his smile and hands him a written form of her rambling (why didn't she just give him this in the first place? does he look he can't read?) before leaving the room.

It's only after she's gone that Akira really stops to take a look at where he'll be spending most of his summer. He can already feel a sweat break out at the fact that this room is. Stupidly big. Like, bigger than the entire shop he's staying at. Big. Also, dark. Isn't there a window or something he can - oh... what the fuck...

Akira goes a little further into the room, squinting the closer he gets to what looks like -

He blinks. Stops walking.

Right. Never mind. It's, uh, definitely a cage. He jumps when he hears two strong beats of what sound like wings, and squints harder (it's difficult to see in the dim lighting, especially since whatever is inside blends unusually well into the shadows) when a question reaches his ears. What he's looking at finally dawns on him, but instead of answering, he just comes out with a stupidly obvious observation. "You can talk."

He really says it more to himself and more out of surprise than anything else.

Akira comes one, two, three steps closer, enough now that he can see the outline of black, glossy feathers and glinting red eyes. He stares, a little dumbfounded, and then takes a quick glance around the room to makes sure there's nothing else in here but the two of them. When his attention comes back, he's fiddling with the strap of his bag.

Okay, so maybe this is his fault for not listening to that woman, or reading beyond the pay on the listing but he thought he was being assigned to a cat breed. He liked cats. He's taken care of one before. If he was forcing himself to step into this weird, hybrid Pet situation, he was at least hoping to take care of something he had some experience with already. In the same genus, right?

This is a bird. Some kind of bird. Akira doesn't know much about the Pet world, but he knows birds are rare. Maybe he should read the paper.

No, no - he's got this. He can do this. Plus, he's being rude, he should really - wait, what? "They didn't tell you my name?" He frowns. If he (it sounds like a 'he' anyway, but Akira's not 100% yet, since the voice was so soft) was learned enough to talk, then surely they'd tell him about the guy they were entrusting his care to? "I'm gonna be spending a lot of time here...seems like a pretty important detail to skip?"

If anyone had, it'd been beaten clean out of him.

He doesn't say that though; he just stares down, picking his new company—who's going to be spending a lot of time here, who sounds relatively young and who looks it, too. At least... younger than he usually sees, but given Shido's company, that might not be saying much.

Goro slides to the back of his cage and rubs his throat with the curve of his wing.

"... I was busy today, so it must've slipped my mind if they did." He's sounding better now as he talks, at least. Small blessings. "Forgive my rudeness."

He pauses, not entirely sure; he doesn't have refer to this boy by anything, does he? He's just a watcher, he's not some fancy fuck he has to be nice and polite to. (There's a reason that the pay is high and no one picks it up, and its name is Goro Akechi, several time-winner of various trophies and ribbons. On a good day, at least.) He decides against it, tucking his wings against his side again, black feathers stark against his dirty white tunic.

"And yes," he begins again, not as testy as he should be, not as offended or fluffed up because that certainly wouldn't win him any favors and while this one probably won't be around that long either, it might be worth being nice; he's decided this in a moment, even if he's not going to tack on sir or madam or whatever the fuck this human in front of him might prefer. "I can talk. I wouldn't be much of a bird if I couldn't, would I?"

Idiot, his sharp, cold gaze offers, despite the polite tone that (nuturedly) naturally undercurrents his tone. But no one looks at his eyes outside of shows; they look at his feathers, his condition, his whole. Maybe if they knew a thing about crows, about how intelligent and apt to remembering they are, they might. Maybe if they thought about what being a pet (no, a Pet, capital P) means for a crow, human-shaped and human-minded and capable of what his breed can do and more, given human capabilities, they might.

But they don't. He sees no reason this new babysitter (because that's all he is) would, either.

Haha, that's true! There's a testiness to his tone that Akira can sense, and it makes his head hang to the side with a little nervous laugh, but he's definitely got a point about birds and talking. He was only surprised because, from what he's heard anyway, a good majority of Pets are never taught to speak or write. They were there for looking pretty, for being pampered or used - shows or...otherwise. Not linguistics. Akira didn't like to think too much on it.

"Uh. That's okay. I didn't think it was rude, just weird. I mean, I'd wanna know who was coming into my place. What's rude is for them not to tell you that." It doesn't sound like they didn't though, only that he (and yes, it's definitely he, albeit a very pretty he) didn't remember. Which is a little funny; he's read before that Crow memories are impeccable. "But if you just forgot, then I guess it's no big deal. It's Akira, and you're," ah, shit - he looks at the paper but - goddamnit, why is it so dark in here? There's a low, frustrated sound in his throat as he pulls the paper closer, squinting. He might actually need glasses if he keeps this up and also, he's making a god awful first impression, he's sure.

"Goro, right?" He lights up when he realizes that's what it says: Corvus macrorhynchos levaillantii [Goro Akechi] . He has no idea what all that other shit says but Goro Akechi definitely sounds like a name...?

"Ah, no - Akechi-kun...?" He wrinkles his nose. Do all Pets have a surname? Are they ever called by it? It doesn't list any kind of preference here for what the crow actually wants. Wait, he can talk, Akira can just ask. "Sorry, to be honest, I don't really know the protocol for this type of thing." A light laugh as he lowers the paper, makes eye contact with the other. "What do you prefer to be called?"

... God, but this one is stupid, isn't he. Or clueless. Or both. He tries not to flinch at his name and succeeds, though his shoulders hunch slightly before he forces them to relax. Momentary weakness is too much to show, even for him.

"If you're having trouble reading, there's a switch somewhere near the door. It'll open the window shutters. And..." he trails off, considering it, before he shrugs. "Akechi is fine, if you want to use a name."

He knows it's strange for a Pet to have more than one—but his circumstances are weird, anyway. He's weird, if impeccably behaved in shows, and he's aware of it to an extent... but Akechi is something he refuses to give up. Anything, anything to distance himself from the sometimes patient, sometimes carefully neutral with restrained rage, calls of his actual name. Earning that right had been a terrible battle anyway—

"You could just call me Crow otherwise. Or 'You'. Those aren't any different than usual." Goro tilts his head, watching the wall, and then sharply turns his attention back to the young man in front of him. "More importantly: you've never taken care of a Pet before, have you."

Which is a bit of a non-sequitur in this situation, but it's becoming more and more apparent, and away from his 'playmates,' his mind's getting clearer and clearer. The bruises on his ribs don't hurt any less, but as long as he can think the way he needs to, he's fine. He decided that a long time ago.

Akira blinks. "You...? No way." What does he mean by 'no different than usual'? The people who live with him don't actually just call him you, do they? He has a name - Akira can see it right here in his hand. Or, well, he can sorta see it. His point still stands. 'You' isn't an option. His brow crinkles a little, the side of his forefinger curling against his chin. "Mm, but if I call you Crow how that does separate you from other Crows? That's the same as if I said to call me 'human' or 'person' or something, isn't it?" Just the thought makes him frown. It's different with animals out in the world, Akira can't do anything about the lack of differentiation between two black birds on the same wire. But Pets were different. Especially this one, that could speak and obviously had his own personality. Akira offers a smile and points to him. "Akechi is a nice name, I'll stick with that."

You, he says. C'mon.

With that decided, Akira moves away from the cage in order to find the switch Akechi mentioned - though, not without Akechi ripping another nervous laugh out of him first. "It's that obvious, huh?"

Look, it's not like he's made it his business to learn the ins and outs of what, in his mind, essentially amounts to some puffy, modern day form of slavery. In fact, he's always done his best to avoid the topic, since his opinion isn't exactly a popular one. He's trying to make the best of it though - he doesn't want to offend Akechi. Or the massive amount of money he's been promised if he keeps the other alive and relatively happy for the next three weeks. He's trying.

"The listing was pretty specific about wanting an expert, but since no one was biting they settled for a good-looking guy with a great attitude and a lot of time on his hands." Akira pauses to look back over his shoulder at Akechi, cupping the side of his mouth with one hand and using the other to point to himself as he grins and whispers, "It's me - I'm the guy."

Idiot.

He has to pat across the wall a few times before he finds the switch, but when he does and slaps it up, sure enough, the shutters follow suit. A loud, whirring sound eats up to every corner of the room, making Akira grimace before sunlight begins to spill in and he smiles.

Yeah, this is much better.

He glances at the paper in his hand (100% legible now, glasses or no) and then looks up, which is the moment his smile slips and both his brows lift high enough to disappear past the curtain of his bangs. "Wow..."

He'd thought Akechi was pretty, but in the light it becomes apparent just how pretty he really is. His feathers are so glossy the light makes them shimmer, and not a single plume is out of place. Curved talons click softly against the bottom of the cage as he turns slightly away from the sudden brightness, allowing Akira to see that the spot that would usually house a nose on a human is instead sporting something almost nose-shaped and sized but ostensibly more beak-like, two slopes coming down to meet at a jutting point. What can be seen of his skin (which isn't much, but there are peeks here and there) looks clean and soft, which is an odd contrast to the dirty and slightly tattered tunic he's wearing.

Akira stares. It's beauty in a way he's not used to, not like a magazine model or anything, but a strange distance from what normal people look like that makes it hard to take his eyes off of him.

All of this is observed from a good few feet away and through the thin bars of a cage, which seems like it should be a lot in the way but the bird is just that striking. He kind of wonders what else he would notice up close. Which reminds him, "Hey, do you wanna get out of there?"

jughead jones ♛ riverdale ♛ m/f

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usagi tsukino ☽ sailor moon ☾ f/m

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Feower | Granblue Fantasy | M/M

Nickov // Original Character // OTA

closed to redgloves

rubs my hands all over this thread so no one else touches it

;) !!

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Alucard || Hellsing || ota

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Ibuki Mioda | Super Danganronpa 2

INNNCOMING

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BAM

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