against the grain of dystopic claims

[askedtobe]

Who: Peter (askedtobe), Gabriel (gabriel_gray) and YOU
When: Today, afternoonish
Where: Around sector four, some random park.
Summary: Come give doggy!Sylar cuddles.
Warnings: .... cuddles?

[ It had been nearly a full week since Peter had found out that Sylar could shape-shift into a dog, and admittedly, he knew the dangers of taking him out in public. The dangers namely being whether or not Peter could manage to keep it together if they happened across anyone he knew who might want to give his new dog Gabriel a pat on the head or two. Peter wasn't exactly known for being all grins, and it would be seen as odd if he cracked up every time somebody gave Sylar a hug.

But that was half the point; being seen in public together, a start of something far more. The beginning of not having to lie with every single word he said. Granted, this was just lying in a different sort of way.

However dangerous, Peter gladly took the opportunity to put Gabriel on a leash and head out the door for a walk. But he didn't exactly stay on a leash for long as they headed to a park in sector four, Peter tossing a ball in his hand as they went. It's not like he actually thought Gabriel would run away, but he didn't know how much doggy instinct had been instilled into his transformation. And admittedly, he was kind of curious to see. Which was exactly why as soon as they hit the park, Peter reeled back and gave the ball a gentle, well-practiced throw. Just to see what would happen, if anything at all. ]


[ ooc; two things! one; feel free to run into P&S on the way or in the park.

two: for those that do reply to this log, be aware that being around Peter means he can sponge up your character's ability. for those who don't know, he doesn't steal abilities, he simply mimics them. but if you don't want this to happen, please do let me know and we can work something out, as i'm not in the habit of trying to make peter have everyone's ability. ]

Comments

[shifting]

[the day was too nice not to go for a run. It would have been downright criminal to keep inside.

So, determined to be a law-abiding citizen, Sam Merlotte had found his way out of the house in a decidedly fuzzier form than he was use to wearing. An English Shepherd to be exact, sleek and plush, and decidedly far too well-groomed to be a stray. Sam's favorite of his many dog morphs - the sleeker build was perfect for running while still keeping height and strength, and all that fur was the perfect bait for gathering random meals and belly rubs from passer-bys.

And as soon as he sees the lone human playing with his dog in the park, Sam-the-dog knew which of the two he wanted today. He trotted over with a high, wagging tail, practically prancing. Don't mind him, Other Dog - he just wants to borrow your human for a moment ♥]

[askedtobe]

[ Peter had just chucked the ball again for Gabriel, watching him fly off after it when the flash of a wagging tail at his side catches his attention. Looking down, Peter practically snorts at the dog who's decided to come strutting by, practically showing off in an effort to earn some attention.

Considering Peter is far too easily swayed by the ways of dogs, he doesn't even consider keeping himself from crouching down to doggy-eye-level, hand out, palm upright -- offered up as sniffing material. ] C'mere, buddy.

[ And then he's reaching closer to offer up scritches behind the dog's ears, biding his time before Gabriel comes back by ruffling up the newcomer, fingers sinking into the fur at his scruff. ]

[gabriel_gray]

[ He felt so alive chasing the ball--really, it was like he'd been let go, let free of all the restraints and requirements of his life. Not Sylar, just Gabriel, with the wind in his fur and the pure joy of companionship, and instinct; the instinct to play and run and chase.

He galloped down the long length of the field, snatched up the ball, and started back toward Peter. Who was crouching down beside another dog. Another dog, who was getting scritches. His scritches from his Peter.

Immediately there was a flare of jealousy, and he ran back the rest of the way, snarling and snapping around the ball in his mouth at the strange dog, flattening his ears back. The ball never dropped, so his teeth only flashed but never actually bit, and he tried to put himself between Sam and Peter as a matter of course, the hair on his back prickling up despite himself. ]

[shifting]

[Yessssss, just like that, that's the perfect spot. Sam's flopped shamelessly onto his back in the next moment, licking at Peter's arm in encouragement and letting his long tail swish back and forth in the grass. It's a perfect moment until that big black dog has to come over and ruin it.

Sam backs his ears in response and his tail tucks, but he's... very reluctant to move. It's not fair, he's enjoying his belly scritches, Stupid Other Dog. He whines.]

[askedtobe]

[ Peter was already headed to offer up belly rubs to the newcomer when Gabriel busts his way onto the scene and Peter clears his throat, holding back laughter because he doesn't have to wonder about what that look means. Peter'd be able to identify it even if Gabriel wasn't a dog. ]

Hey, hey. Shh. [ Combing his fingers through the fur at the side of Gabriel's head, Peter pats the grass at his other side. ]

Come here -- [ He had no idea if Gabriel would actually do it, mind, but he could at least try and ask it of him. Using his arm to try and corral Gabriel a little to the side, he noses into his fur in the process, making firm eye contact. ] Sit down -- you're fine, okay?

[gabriel_gray]

[ Sylar gave one last resentful look toward the other dog, out of the corner of his eye, and then Peter's eyes were on his, making deliberate, human contact. He licked his nose anxiously, apologetically, and did what he was told, backstepping until he crouched behind Peter, and then so carefully dropped his hindquarters down and sat.

He held onto the ball jealously, and didn't look away from Sam for a second, his ears pricking forward, then falling back soft and submissive again, then back forward, as though he wasn't in proper control of them--which he wasn't.

What was he supposed to do? Stand and watch Peter play with this other dog? ]

[shifting]

[yeah, you're fine, and you're getting in the way. But once the pets slow down Sam gets distracted by this big furry newcomer anyway, and he rolls back onto his feet again, crouched low and wagging.

Slooowly he crawls forward. Closer. Then a few inches more. And closer...

And licks at the other dog's legs playfully]

[askedtobe]

[ Oh, Gabriel. Peter wouldn't have just played with the other dog and left you there to watch. That woud just be cruel, and he knows it. Nudging back against his puppy, Peter reaches behind himself to scratch at Gabriel's chin while the new dog rolls back over and takes the play stance, leaving Peter to pull his hand, settling it under his thigh.

Shaking Gabriel's muzzle a little, to see if he'll give up the ball, Peter stops when the new puppy sets out to inch forward and Peter shifts forward a few inches, just to give both the dogs more room, and to see what Gabriel will do as he looks over his shoulder. ]

[gabriel_gray]

[ Sylar holds on tight to the ball for a minute, because there's a part of him that thinks if he gives it up Peter will give it away, but a moment later when the other dog licks his paws actually drops it in surprise, right at Sam's feet.

He looks up at Peter, as though for permission, then sits back up, perking his ears forward, then flattening them, perking them forward again.

And barked. This time it was a curious, desperate sounding bark. Do something. ]

[shifting]

[Success! Sam snatches up the ball in a decidedly dastardly fashion, and takes off running, tail tucked to give him the best burst of speed]

[askedtobe]

[ Oh the joys of dogs. Peter knows he doesn't have to, but he nudges Gabriel despite himself as soon as the other dog books it with their ball. So dastardly. ]

Go get it back, go on. [ He sounds amused, teasing for the most part, not wanting it to be a command so much as an encouragement for Gabriel to go play. ]

[gabriel_gray]

[ The dog had stolen his ball! He stared at Peter a moment longer, horrified, as though wondering what he was going to do about it, and then looked confusedly after Sam.

Get it back? Oh right--he should really do that.

He was off like a shot, galloping after Sam, snapping at Sam's tail but having a difficult time catching up with him. Yes, he had longer legs, but Sam was small and compact, made for speed. He barked in frustration. My ball, my ball. Come back here. He was never going to live this down. ]