bakerstreet | Pet People

Pet People

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

Ah. This was going to be harder than he thought. At least to ask what he was after to know, even if it took him a few seconds to understand what Levy wanted. After he got it, though, it seemed quite obvious.

"Ah. These?" Opening his hand he showed the orange pieces and nodded slowly. Honestly, he'd intended to try and use them as a reward if he could make the Pet tell him his name, but until he could reliably ask for it, it might have to wait. Which was quite annoying, but... he'd simply have to think about it. "All right."

Another nod, and this time he also held out his hand in offering for Levy to come pick them up, no matter that this was kind of frustrating. Be patient. That's what he had to tell himself, and what he clearly would have to try to be, for now. At least until he could figure out a better way to ask what he wanted to know.

It really wasn't what he wanted. Just because he could be patient didn't mean he liked it. (Which was probably at least a little visible on Adisa's face, no matter how much he was trying to come across as patiently open.)

Levy might have been unfamiliar with surface customs, but facial expressions he was well versed in. He can see Adisa's irritated by something, more than likely him - maybe because Levy hadn't done something he was hoping for. He had no idea it was simply because he wanted to know his name, but if he did...

Well. If Levy knew the strange orange fruit was intended as a reward, like he was a pet? Like he belonged here?

This would be going very differently.

The sharp, citrus taste of these pieces took him by surprise, but he still finished them all the same. Only this time, he didn't wait to be passed something else. This time he pushed his upper half right out of the water, supporting himself on his left arm while his right reached for the entire platter, trying to drag it closer or into the water entirely.

Is he trying to get a reaction out of the Elf? Definitely. Did he purposefully try and get as much water as he could on Adisa in the process?

Quite possibly.

Edited 2017-10-21 22:41 (UTC)

Perhaps just as well that he didn't know that was what he was, yet, anyway. As it was, if it was a reaction Levy wanted? It was certainly what he got, even if only in outraged sputtering and a protesting cry as Adisa reflexively jerked away and slapped a hand down on the edge of the platter, only just managing to rescue it from being yanked away.

"Was that entirely necessary?!" Adisa growled, a few white strands plastered to his face while large swathes of fabric was now generously wet, if not completely soaked. A little flushed in annoyed anger - he knew they were still making sure the Mer was being fed, and there would be a switch to live prey in a day or two, as soon as could be arranged, so there was no reason to go yanking the whole platter away.

Not that there wasn't another, smaller, one in the basket (there was even a bowl of sweetened cream to go with it), but that was hardly the point. Not that he tried to yank the platter back as he stared the Pet in those bright eyesm his own narrowed, but he made sure the platter stayed where it was as he picked up another piece of fruit with his free hand, sleeve dripping with saltwater, and held it out.

"Here."

He sort of expected the hand slap, that was fair enough. It was worth noting at this point that Levy was not always such a brat; this was acting out simply from being cooped up, from having no way of really entertaining himself.

And Adisa's reaction does indeed entertain him. Slipping back into the water with another splash, Levy just smirked back when he resurfaced a second later and caught the narrow-eyed staring. Hey, if he was going to be kept here, he was going to have fun if and when he could.

Reaching out, he took the offered piece and ate it in one, hesitated, and then reached out again. This time, it was to take hold of the soaked fabric of Adisa's sleeve, with not much thought going into how hard he tugged on it.

This was another thing he didn't understand about the surface; clothing. Why bother with it? Why did everyone's look so different, what did it feel like? The latter at least he could start to find out now, with curious fingers rubbing the material and trying to liken it to anything familiar to him.

Stare narrowing further when he was met with a smirk when Levy resurfaced, he still wasn't petty enough to withdraw the offered piece of fruit or pull back the entire platter. Though, considering the far more bolder acts today, Adisa wondered if the Pet wouldn't be perfectly willing to haul enough of himself onto the little beach he'd be able to reach the platter or basket anyway.

When Levy reached again, he was far more expecting another grab for a piece of fruit rather than his sleeve, and he was pulled forward sharply enough he had to catch himself with his other hand.

"Hey---!" But even as he protested, it was obvious he wasn't being pulled into the water. All the Mer was doing was pulling on his sleeve and now... rubbing it? Huh. Shaking his head, the intricate fishtail braid it currently was in sliding over his shoulder partway and then all the way to dump the coils in his lap, Adisa huffed, but didn't pull back.

The cloth the current outfit was made of was velvety and thick, with devoré making a pattern of spiderwebs scattered over the whole robe, connected by strings of silk and spiders.

"Not something you're used to, I suppose," Adisa muttered, taking this opportunity to study Levy up close - the always stumpy-looking human-like ears, bright eyes and the flash of sharp, pointed teeth.

It was an odd sort of feeling against his skin, soft and smooth - the value of the garment was lost on Levy completely. It was nice to look at though, he supposed. He could see why someone might want to be covered up in it.

The next thing to catch his eye was Adisa's hair - not so unfamiliar this time, all of his kind have long hair - the colour, though, or lack thereof...that was new.

So this time when he reached out, he didn't pull; no, this time he was warier, not asking permission to touch but not being rough either. Just picking up the coil of braid from his lap and delicately examining the way it's interwoven, and just marvelling at the colour. Unless Adisa moved away, Levy was just going to assume he was fine with him being closer, being tactile with him. He wasn't quite brave enough to push himself completely out of the water to sit on the sand, but this'd do. For now.

It was one of his favourite outfits, and luckily would not take ill from being wet (only an idiot would walk into a room with an open-topped aquarium and sitting next to the water in something that wouldn't take well to becoming wet). The only thing that would take ill from that was Adisa's comfort. And admittedly, he could survive being wet and uncomfortable for a bit.

Cocking his head, tensing a little when Levy let go of the sleeve to aim for... his hair? Adisa frowned, ready to pull away if he was yanked at again. But no, this time there was no yanking, and the Mer was, now that he was paying attention, being more careful.

So he didn't move when the end of his braid was picked up and shifted around - the light in here would turn the blue shadows in it lighter or darker depending on the angle. This was... good. He could do with getting soaked, if this was the result. It was so simple, yes, but considering the circumstances it seemed like a great reward in itself.

And, watching the Pet closely, Adisa reached out slowly after a few moments, merely trailing fingertips down the nearest bit of twisted loc before letting his hand drop again. More from wondering if it'd feel the same as the same sort of hair type when found on an elf than complete ignorance of it at all. It did, of course (and he knew, having spent some time with one or two), just wet from the water Levy lived in.

(( I'm so sorry for the delay, I've been in London at a con since Thursday and tags have been few and far between! ))

No more having his hands slapped? No moving away? This was fine. This Levy could work with. That wasn't to say he didn't tense a little when Adisa reached out a hand in turn, but there wasn't any flinching. If anything his attention was too drawn to the plait in his hands.

Dry hair was...unusual. Felt strange under his finger tips; especially when he began to curiously ease the sections of the plait apart, mostly to see how it was woven together but also to see it felt different when it was loose.

He was probably - definitely - ruining the style, and soon moved onto trying to free the end of it from what was holding it together at the end. The next question wouldn't be whether or not he'd try and take that to try for himself, it was more simply when in the next few seconds. Merfolk were very social creatures, with hair playing and fussing being a common way of showing familial affection.

That wasn't the case here, no - but Levy was curious. He couldn't help that.

[Hey, no worries! :D Hope you had a lot of fun!]

Watching Levy brush fingers over his hair wasn't very interesting in itself, and that far down from his head, he didn't feel it of course, so he was content to let the Pet do as he wished. Though, when strands of it was starting to be pulled out from it, Adisa opened his mouth, a lash of annoyance snapping through him---

And then he just closed it again, settling back, if with a bit of a narrowed look around his eyes. He'd let the Mer play - he did have servants whose job it was to fix his hair, and while he normally didn't change hairdos more than once a day unless there was some sort of ceremony or function going on, this was still a bit of special circumstance.

So he didn't do anything when Levy removed the star-clasp at the end, a piece of amber with a spider preserved in it decorating its center, or unwound the ribbon tied around the braid underneath. He might have sighed, but he didn't otherwise protest.

"That's a lot of work, you are aware, right." He knew Levy couldn't hear that, but since he couldn't yet make the comment in a way the Mer would be able to understand, and he felt he needed to express his opinion somehow, that was how it would happen.

[ I did indeed, thanks! Glad to be home though :') ]

Without being told not to, Levy was happy to assume this was fine. The clasp especially snagged his attention as he took it into his hand alongside the ribbon; he'd never seen amber before, never seen something preserved in such a way. The colour too was beautiful.

It'd also happen to look great in his hair, which was a theory he put the test next as he fastened it into one of the locs hanging by his right ear. Would it be given back? Yes, of course it would be.

Eventually. Maybe.

Until then, it was back to unravelling a lot of someone's handiwork - now more to see how far he could go before Adisa stopped him, if he did at all.

Side-eyeing where that clasp was put after being removed from his hair, Adisa weighed the worth of asking for it back or letting Levy have it. He did indeed have other jewellery with amber set in it, but none of them happened to have a spider, and so perfectly caught in the amber as to encompass the whole of it.

Completely aside from his reservations about how attached he was to that piece, it did work very well with the Pet's colouring - the silver contrasted nearly as sharply in his dark skin as it did against Adisa's, and the amber fit... which just made him half-plan to bring Levy some more suitable amber jewellery instead of letting him keep his, maybe...

"So," he said after a few moments of watching Levy undo the intricate braid, reaching out to lay a hand on top of his, arching his eyebrows, "how far are you taking this?"

He cocked his head as he asked it, then drew his hand up away from where he'd put it, along the braid and up to his head, then flicked his hand out - he doubted the Mer would recognise it, but in the dark elf sign language that would have indicated a question. But hopefully the rest of his body language would make it clear enough.

The hand covering his stopped the braid-destruction rather nicely, bringing Levy's eyes up to it's owner and the sign that follows.

He didn't understand the specifics, not entirely - it was obviously something to do with his hair, but past that he was lost. So, after a pause, he brought his hands away from Adisa and replied. He knew that his words would be lost, but the more he said, the better it felt.

"I don't know what you're saying. I just know I want to make the most out of having company. You stay alone in a room too small for you for days, see how you like it. You keep me here? I make things interesting for myself."

And by that, he meant stealing trinkets. And food. And more than likely being a pest.

Gesturing up what remained of the braid, Levy arched a brow of his own.

"That is interesting to me right now."

The words were of course lost, but at least Adisa had enough manners to not get bored halfway through and start ignoring the deftly gesturing hands - had the situation been different and Levy someone else, he might not have made the effort, but right now, he certainly did.

So he waited until Levy was finished, easily picking up on what he was pretty sure what some rather snarky undertone there at the end, and sighed. Why his hair was so interesting, he didn't understand - hair was hair, and mer people were hardly restricted to staying under the water, which meant they could come topside and have it dry out...

"Fine." Rolling his eyes, he gestured down to his braid... well, what was left of it, the rest mostly being his unbraided hair pooling in his lap, and spread his hands. "Ahrees is going to give me such a look when I come back..."

Just as the petulance came across in how he spoke, Levy could see the almost resigned irritation flickering across Adisa's expression.

Whether or not or said anything else after that Levy didn't know - because as soon as he'd made good work of the braid and admired his handiwork, he took the ribbon from where it'd been left for the moment, and with the amber clasp still in his hair, he pushed himself further out into the water before disappearing again completely. If it was any consolation, the hair piece would be taken care of until he decided to give it back.

Or until it was taken back, but he doubted Adisa would be willing to swim for it. Until the next time they saw each other, Levy kept it safely tucked into the cranny of a rock, taking it out occasionally to look at it. Really the only time it was used for it's intended purpose was when he knew it's rightful owner would be coming back, at which point he'd wear it rather unabashedly.

Oh.

Well.

He should probably have expected that, and while there was a very childish urge to stomp his feet or pick up one of the rocks near the edge of the beach and throw it out into the water, he was... not a child. Scowling, Adisa reminded himself of that, blew hair out of his face, and got up. This time he did leave some of the platters of fruit, however - Levy had eaten less today, and he still wasn't sure how much he was yet eating of what was normally provided.

Despite all this, he didn't return with his hair loose the next time - it was artfully piled up in layers on top of his head, along with the rest loosely bound down his back. He also came with sushi (not a dark elf invention, but while no one was willing to admit the light elves might have made something good after the split, they'd still taken to the food), and a couple books.

None of his, this time, and hopefully Levy would realise he couldn't stow them underwater, but regardless of if he could already read any (surface) language or needed to learn, there was both a few books in a smattering of different languages... and two meant to be used to self-teach reading.

Quite a few people didn't think Pets needed to learn reading, but need wasn't on Adisa's mind, here. Compared to a more... typical Pet, the Mer couldn't be taken out for a run or anything similar, and while the aquarium tank was huge, it certainly wasn't endless.

So as he came up the stairs to the beach again and put down both a large, covered platter and the small bag with the books, Adisa wondered if he could ask for that clasp back. Or maybe nab it, if Levy was wearing it.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Pet People

No worries! Whenever you can c:

bless u

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I'm sorry Adisa he's a little shit when he's bored

Adisa will survive even if he didn't quite ask for this xD

at least he's not in the water? yet??

I feel like that "yet" is the key here, somehow

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