ROLEPLAY HQ - rained-in

He kept to the sidewalk, umbrella barely holding off the rain. The material was ripped and his shoulder was soaked, but it was better than nothing. Quickly crossing through traffic he hopped a puddle onto the curb tsking at the cold. Marco worked in an office, boring menial labor he hated, but it paid the bills. Slightly. He could still barely afford his apartment. He almost walked past the animal on the side of the road but he paused, looking across the street. Poor baby. He jumped into the street quickly crossing to get to what he thought at first was garbage. Cautious, he extended a hand to the injured dog. "Hey baby. Its okay. I can help..." He made sure the dog had smelled him before he tried to touch it, hoping it wasn't aggressive. @Predictable

It was a rather rainy and windy evening, the wind howled and the streets were busy with cars zooming down the streets and people walking the busy sidewalks, some with umbrellas and most without. I guess some people didn’t check the forecast. To others, the day went on like any other. But not for the canine lying dormant on the side of the road, completely soaked with rain water and not to mention frightened. It’s leg was injured, and only managed to limp a distance away from the road before collapsing again. The pain had been too unbearable, and there was no way a stray could go on in a condition like this. Feeling completely hopeless, it wasn’t until a human approached the canine that it opened his eyes, just enough to be able to see where the soothing voice came from. Usually, the canine was always aggressive. After all, that was what kept it alive all these years. But it was too exhausted to even so much as growl, much less move. Crossing the busy street was not a good idea for the feline, which resulted in a fractured leg. Luckily, that was all. With whatever ounce of strength the feline had left, he managed to make it to safety in an alleyway. . But it wouldn’t be long before he couldn’t live on in its condition. Their body heat was quickly deteriorating, and their breathing slowed. The dog was a Basenji, and looked to be a full adult. @Vox

"It's okay... it's okay." He uncomfortably tucked the umbrella under his arm to scoop up the dog, careful of its fragility, and rushing for home. He had a tiny apartment but it was better than the rain.... Pushing his back to his apartment door to keep balance, he scanned his keyboard to get in his door. Dripping water, he carried the dog into his bathroom laying him into the bathtub. "Keep here okay. Keep still." He tried to keep the dog still laying a towel over it. He knew he had some old stuff somewhere.... A phone on one shoulder and stripping off wet clothes, he called a vet number he'd found on the internet. "Uh hi thanks for taking my call. I found a dog I think it's legs broke. Please call me back." He huffed returning to the bathroom with a box of supplies. His wrapping wasn't great on the animals ankle but it at least couldn't be bent. He leaned against the bath, gently petting his ears, sighing. "I'm sorry I can't help more." He said softly trying to dry him off best he could. A bit of children's pain medication at least took the edge off for the pet. "I'm sorry pretty boy." @Predictable

For the first in a very long time, the animal felt warmth. It was obvious that he had belonged to people before, given the collar around its neck— which appeared to be worn out and old. It was a bone shaped tag with his name engraved on the front— ButterCup. Which was quite ironic given his usual attitude. It wasn’t long before the canine was able to make sense of its surroundings. He was no longer outside in the cold rain, and now he was being treated on by a human. Although he couldn’t understand much of what the human was saying, his tone was soothing and comforting, which was good enough for him. @Vox

He gently removed it to try to call the number, humming at the name. "Buttercup? Like princess bride." He smiled softly petting his ears. Once he was sure the dog was dry enough, he gently removed him from the bath and carried them to his bed. Tugging up the blankets around the pet, he looked through his phone to see if he could find anything on the dog, as well as posted a picture online. "I can't keep you... my apartment is no pets...." He sighed and stripped down to shorts and pulled on a sweater, walking to his counter to make tea. I don't want to get rid of him. He sighed softly and returned to bed with his tea. @Predictable

Hearing his name being said was enough for his ears to perk up. He hadn’t heard anyone call him that in such a long time. It was nostalgic, but also brought back memories he did not want to think of. Unfortunately, there was no answer. In fact, it went straight to voicemail. But that was to be expected, after all he was a stray. There would have been a few pictures posted online by a woman that went by the name of Hilary Duchman— an elderly lady that passed away several years ago. Being that Buttercup was still needing to recover, he didn’t do much moving around. He scanned the area with his eyes, still wanting to keep on high alert. @Vox

"Well... that's not good. Your mama died..." He sighed setting his steaming cup aside. Settled into bed by the dog, gently petting him. "You're a good boy aren't you. Just scared and hurt. I'll take you to the vet tomorrow." He smiled softly offering his hands again to smell. "I'm going to bed. You keep still okay." He reassured, palm near his nose, pulling up the blanket. He didn't go right to bed, talking about his life with the dog. He didn't realize how lonely he was until he started. His name was Marco, he worked in a finance office, he was single and lonely, he wanted to be an artist but he couldn't afford it. He liked tea and movies and stuffed toys. He wanted to keep Buttercup but likely would get kicked out if he did.... Marco fell asleep part of the way through his words, tired and overworked, grateful to not be alone. @Predictable

Buttercup knew his owner died, that was the reason why he was a stray now. Nobody wanted to take him in, none of his owners family wanted to keep any part of what reminded them of her. So, they kicked him out on the streets. Even though he wasn’t able to respond to the human in a way they could understand, they still went on to tell them about their life and goals that they had. Eventually the human had fallen asleep, and not long after Buttercup did as well. Throughout the night, it was quiet. Only the sounds of the trees rustling in the wind and cars occasionally driving by. But it wasn’t any normal night for Buttercup, for this would be the first time in a long time that he was able to get proper rest. (edited)

@Vox (sorry for the double ping, i edited my reply

He for once slept well, exhausted but content, he kept his hands by the dog to be sure he stayed laid down. He eventually woke towards the morning with his alarm, groaning softly and rolling to turn it off. It took him a while to even remember the dog. He sat up spinning out of bed without looking forwards, tucking his feet in his slippers. He got up and tugged on a sweatshirt starting to cook rice, making something he'd always fed his sick dogs as a kid. Burger and rice was good for a sensitive stomach.... Clicking on the machine he finally went to check the dog, turning round. @Predictable

During the night, Buttercup had went through an unexpected and unreal change. He was no longer the cute and cuddly dog he once was, instead he was a human—- at least, looked like one. His ears were still that of a canine, and his tail was still there. From another person’s perspective, they would have assumed Buttercup was a weird man who wore animal ears and a tail for show. But that wasn’t the case. Still asleep and covered with the blankets, a smell had awoken him finally. He didn’t realize until then just how hungry he had been, and if he recalled correctly he wasn’t fed anything yesterday. But when Marco were to return, in place of a dog on their bed— it was an adult male, completely nude. It wasn’t like he had any clothes, he was a dog after all. Until now. @Vox

He'd startled hard when he finally realized, snagging a mug prepared to throw, before his eyes settled on the ears. Those aren't fake... He gently set down the mug, unsure, and carefully approached the bed. "Who are you?" His voice wobbled unsure. "You're not... how did you get in here?" He was cautious, nervous and unsure what was happening. "You... have ears? That's... what." @Predictable

Buttercup was just as confused as Marco was. Why were they so hostile all of a sudden? Had he done something wrong? He sat there with a blank expression before hearing a question. This time, he fully understood it. He was Buttercup, hadn’t he known that already? Watching as they approached the bed, Buttercup instinctively moved away, but he didn’t realize just how close to the edge he actually was and ended up falling. And that’s when he realized something was wrong. He was taller, heavier, and not to mention he had legs. Actual human feet. @Vox

He'd fallen back himself trying to get back, panicked and confused. "How'd you do this?" He said breathless, confused. "Is your foot still broken?" He murmured cautiously walking forwards, bending to look at the strangers ankle. "Does it hurt?" His touch was careful and delicate, feeling the bones, unsure and slow. "Do you know what is going on?" Trying to keep his heart under control he tugged shorts from his dressed and held them out. "Please wear these.' @Predictable

Surprisingly, his leg was healed. It must have occurred over night when he changed. But then again, how did this happen? One day he was his usual self, and now he was not. Had the human done something? Hesitant to their touch, he quickly swatted away their hand. “Not touch!” He demanded in an almost growl, surprised to hear actual words leave hushed mouth. It was obvious he was still shaken up, and none of this made his situation better. Hell, he didn’t even know how to put on clothes. @Vox

"It's alright. It's me. I helped you remember." He said softer, sitting down a bit away. "It's me." He rubbed the back of his own neck stressed. What the hell drugs did he get slipped.... "I can help you." He sat with the shorts in his lap, sighing. "I know it's scary... I'm scared too." He bit his cheek unsure. "Would you like food? It's almost done." He offered instead, looking back to the counter and the rice machine. @Predictable

It seemed what caught his attention was the word food. How typical. “Food. Yes. Food.” He wasted no time on responding to the question. He was still confused as to how.. Or why this happened to him. But the human seemed just as confused as he was, if not more. “Where food?” @Vox

"It's not done yet. Soon okay." He left the shorts and quickly focused on cooking. He had a bit of burger left in the fridge, so he set a pan on the stove to warm. "I'm sorry I scared you. This isn't normal. I'm afraid just like you." He cut the burger up with his spatula, staring at it rather than the dog... man.... He flipped a bit of rice in a bowl and the ground meat, letting it set until it cooled. Two in hand he held one out to Buttercup, "Eat like this." He showed, using his fingers to eat hoping the other would copy. @Predictable

Walking on two legs was something that was rather new to him, but after a little bit of trouble he managed to pick up on it well. His view was entirely different now. He was taller, around 6’4. Definitely a huge jump in height from when he was a dog. He followed Marco into the kitchen, impatiently waiting to be served food. It smelled wonderful and was very tempting. The language barrier wasn’t entirely horrible as it had been before, but there was still things he hadn’t understood. Grabbing the bowl, he wasted no time when it came to eating, almost injuring his own fingers in the process. If that wasn’t proof enough he hadn’t eaten in a long time, who knows what will. “Food. Give.” He quickly finished his bowl after only being handed it a few minutes ago. @Vox

He handed the rest of his. He'd not be able to keep it down anyways. "You can have mine too." He brushed off his hands on his pants. Marco was skinny, always had been, and only 5'10", red hair still in a snarl from sleep. He got up to make himself tea instead, debating what to do. He couldn't ditch the man but he couldn't leave him alone.... The remains of the rice would serve for his own breakfast, and a protein bar from his backpack. He needed to go shopping. "Has this happened before?"

He eagerly grabbed the second bowl and finished off what was left. Afterwards he’d surely need something to wash all of this food down with. He was still getting used to talking and trying to say sentences instead of just words. His brain could think them, but saying them was another task at hand. “No.” He simply replied. You’d think that someone would be a lot more worked up about a naked human-dog standing in their middle of their home eating out of their bowls. @Vox

He filled a cup trying to find something easy to hold, offering the water. "Like this." He showed how to drink easiest, trying to make it easy and to not have the other spill. He wasn't sure what to think but what could he do? He'd be taken to lord knows where. Maybe hurt... He'd be staying here, if he'd wanted. "Do you want to stay here? I will take care of you, but you have to listen to me." He turned to lean against the counter, looking at Buttercup. @Predictable

Grabbing ahold of the cup, he quickly chugged down the water, spilling some in the process. It was definitely going to take him some getting used to being a human and using his hands. Buttercup wasn’t quite sure what the other meant, but they seemed promising. As long as he was fed, Buttercup was satisfied. “Stay? Forever?” He questioned. “Yes, stay.” @Vox

"You have to listen then. You can still get hurt." He smiled softly, "It's still dangerous." He sat on his bed, trying not to stress. How was he supposed to do this.... "I have to leave today. Can I leave you here? Don't break my things." He pushed up to tug on a shirt and pants, the sweater returning over it all. He needed to buy food. More clothes. Hell possibly bedding and more. @Predictable

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the following question. “Me go with,” He assumed he’d have to stay outside until the man returned, and that was something he didn’t want to do at all. He liked being inside doors— despite being a stray for a long while. “Where go?” He asked, following Marco into the bedroom. @Vox

"The store." He raked a brush through his hair and gave up quickly, yanking on his hat. "You need to rest. Sleep." He said lightly smiling. "Stay." His apartment was a studio, the only separate room being his small bathroom. "Be good. I'll be quick." He promised. Pausing he fiddled with his TV and turned on a show that was safe enough, being a cartoon. "Stay. Be good." He repeated tucking away his keys. @Predictable

Despite being given the suggestion to sleep, he wasn’t interested in doing so. Even though it was a small apartment, Buttercup felt as though he had plenty to explore. First was the bathroom, which wasn’t very exciting, though he did get a look at himself in the mirror. He was different, appearance wise. He still had his ears, tail, and his canines. And of course— his keen since of smell that ended up guiding him back to the kitchen. If there was one thing anyone knew best not to do when having pets- do not leave food within their reach. He was still hungry and there was plenty of things for him to rummage through and eat— unfortunately leaving a huge mess behind. Being good was not something that would come easy for him. @Vox

He had barely anything. Snack bars he'd stolen from the office, what was left in the rice warmer, and canned food. He lived off office provided lunch and tea largely. Explained his lean size well. Marco rushed to the corner, the convenience store providing essentials; milk, more tea, some frozen foods he was sure he could teach Buttercup to cook. He filled his basket with whatever the healthiest things he could find for cheap, rushing to pay, and trying to not worry. Would Buttercup be there? He'd locked the door but the dog had hands now.... He hit the stairway at a jog, bags denting his fingers until they ached, and back to his door. Half an hour wasn't bad.... "I'm back." He stated as he pushed open his door, scanning the room. He'd half expected his blankets to be ripped apart. The quilts was all he had from his childhood and he was quite fond of them. @Predictable

When Marco would have returned, Buttercup was in the bedroom watching the cartoon that they had put on before leaving to the grocery store. But the kitchen was a complete mess, and so was Buttercup himself. His ears perked, hearing the door open. But his attention was more focused on the pictures playing in front of him. Who would have known cartoons could be so interesting to a dog man. @Vox

He groaned softly seeing the mess, setting to put the groceries away. Stepping between him and the tv he pointed to the kitchen. "You're not allowed in without asking. You cannot eat whatever you want. Do you understand?" He said it clearly and firmly, staring him down. He'd expected some issues but it was quite fast.... "Get up. You need a bath." He ordered only once he was sure Buttercup understood his previous command. Tugging open the closet door he found a towel and a bungee cord, using it to close the fridge. He'd started on the shower, turning on the water and motioned him in, sitting outside in the doorway. Marco kept his eyes firmly away, and would frequently blush when accidentally looking at him. Dog or not, he looked like an attractive man and it was difficult to ignore.

05:49

@Predictable

Buttercup was obviously conflicted by this rule. What if he was hungry? But he surely wasn’t that hungry. Being around different types of food sources was something he wasn’t used to, and felt the need to take advantage of it before there was no more. Hesitantly, he got up from the bed and followed Marco into the bathroom. Even as a human, he disliked baths and being wet. He felt there was no need to bathe, and yet here he was. Visibly upset and pouting while showering. He was a bit muscular, and had broad shoulders. He was quite thin though, due to his lack of food and nutrition. @Vox

"Food can hurt you. I don't know what's safe. And you can't eat too much. You can hurt yourself. Until you learn proper food control, you need to ask me for food." He leaned back on the doorframe arms crossed. "There will always be food, there's no reason to eat everything okay?" He talked softer to explain why there was a rule, even if he didn't understand fully. The water stayed hot, that was the only good thing about the place. Baths were always hot. Once he had bathed enough he turned off the water, holding out the towel with one corner in each hand, "Come here then." Marco liked having someone to take care of. @Predictable

“Yes. Okay.” He replied in a defeated mumble before exiting the bath. Instinctively, he shook off the water on his body— the same way a dog would after getting a bath. But being that Buttercup no longer had fur— other than on his ears and tail, not much water managed to get everywhere. He wondered if this was a permanent change or if he’d return back to his natural state. This had never happened to him before, and the reason it did was a question he was sure both of them held. @Vox

He gently wrapped Buttercup in the towel, gently rubbing the man's arms to warm up and get dry. "Thank you for listening to me." He smiled. "Will you wear some clothes? If you ever want to go out you'll have to wear alot of them." He explained stepping back out in the kitchen. Dumplings would be easy to eat.... He turned on the stove setting on some water to boil, pulling open the bungee to get in the fridge. @Predictable

It was pretty cold, and he wanted to be warm. He figured clothes kept humans warm since they didn’t have fur like dogs did, and well, he no longer had fur. . So clothes were his second best option. “Yes.” His words were always simple, but he understood most of what Marco was saying. “Be warm.” @Vox

He opened his closet and found a pair of oversized sweatpants, and a massive hoodie. "These will fit and help you not be cold." He smiled leaving them on the bed. He was wearing the same thing nearly, just a different color, meaning he could look to Marco for what to do. He pulled out the supplies to make dumplings, back to Buttercup. What was he supposed to say? Mixing the dough supplies in a bowl he set to make dough for dumplings. "If you need my help ask me." @Predictable

Buttercup was confused for a while. He had never put on clothes before, but it looked easy to do. After a lot of struggling, he managed to get the hoodie and pants on. Though, the pants were on backwards. At least he attempted to do it on his own, that was progress. “Am done.” He said before joining Marco in the kitchen area. “Food?” @Vox

"It's not finished. But yes." He smiled softly seeing he'd at least mostly got it on his own. "It needs to cook." He explained lightly though he wasn't sure if the other understood. Delicately closing the dumpling he dropped them into the boiling water to cook, making more in the meantime. "They'll be done soon." He reassured smiling to Buttercup. "You look nice." Marco chuffed softly, "When you get comfortable we can go out to buy clothes."

04:59

@Predictable

it was quite uncomfortable wearing pants, especially with his tail and it having not room for much movement. But he enjoyed the warmth that the clothes provided. Going from stray to being in a home was going to be a change he was going to have to get used to again , especially if he wanted to be kept around. "Why clothes? Food too?" He felt that was more important than clothes. He already had some. @Vox \

"Both. Having clothes you pick is fun." He set more dumplings into the pot and pulled the cooked ones free. Brushing off his hands on his pants he turned to look to Buttercup, noticing two things quickly. He was uncomfortable and the pants were backwards. "Oh. Let me make a spot for your tail. Let me have these back." He motioned for his pants, going to find a pair of scissors. Once Buttercup had given them the pants he'd cut the back to make space for his tail. "Your butt get a little cold but you can have your tail out." He gave them back, carefully spooning some of the dumplings into a bowl. "Here. A better dinner. They have beef in them." @Predictable

Buttercup had shortly after removed the pants so that Marco could make alterations to them. And surprisingly, they were even better afterwards. His tail was allowed breathing room and it didn’t feel too crowded. After being given the food, he didn’t hesitate to dig in. It was way too hot at first, burning his taste buds in the process. He was visibly upset and not to mention confused as to why it happened. “Burn me. Not like this.” @Vox

"It's too hot to eat. Blow on it." He blew on one himself, popping it in his mouth. "Cooking food makes it hot. And makes it so we don't get sick. We have to cook food so it's better to eat." He filled a mug with water and passed it to him. "Wait before eating for a bit." He cleaned up his mess from cooking, putting the left overs in the fridge and bungying it back shut. Taking his own bowl he settled in bed, debating how he was supposed to take care of him and work. He couldn't help but watch him, conflicted. "I have work tomorrow. It means I have to leave you here..." @Predictable

Buttercup refused. “Not want! Something else!” He demanded, tossing the bowl on the floor, ultimately creating a mess. “Different food!” He disliked how hot it was, but his response was way too dramatic, and not to mention completely rude and uncalled for. He had a lot of mannerism to learn. @Vox

"Enough!" He said firmly, face set with disappointment. "If you want more food you will not make a mess. You do not yell like that or throw food." He tsked. "Clean up the mess if you want food." Marco motioned to the mess then pushed up to go find a broom. @Predictable

He didn’t even so much as budge. Why should he have to clean up a mess? That was the humans job. And besides, he’d somehow do more harm than good if he were to attempt cleaning. It was plenty obvious that the feline had one helluva temper. He was going to need some stern talking to if there was any change wanted. @Vox

"Now Buttercup." He ordered tsking. He wasn't about to let the other just decide to not. It wasn't about skill, but the point of it all. "You have a new body, you need to act proper. Even if you were never trained if you want to live here you act right." @Predictable

Buttercup pursed his lips, almost into a pout. “Not know how to clean.” It was one thing grooming himself when he was still a cat, but it was different actually trying to clean a mess up as a human. “Not want to leave.” This was a once in a life time opportunity for him after all. He didn’t want to screw it up any further. @Vox