wickedchouette | (no subject)

[Okay, so it was definitely kind of weird that Rosie was gathering up all these animals to take care of when they lived in a literal post-apocalyptic wasteland. It was setting herself up for heartbreak, really-- a flood or plague or famine could sweep in at any moment, leaving one or more of her pets dead. Why get attached to something that was probably destined to die early? Especially if it couldn't take care of itself.

But Rosie's makeshift zoo kept the animals safe from people who'd want to kill and eat them, so overall, April wasn't really complaining. (In this place-- where you actually had to kill and eat your own meat, something she hadn't actually been able to make herself do yet-- she was seriously considering becoming a vegetarian.) She even helped her roommate and kinda-sorta-maybe friend out a lot. It was a lot for just one person to handle.

And so here she is, heading back home from a not-incredibly-successful scavenging trip. She stops at the makeshift front door of their little hut.]

Knock, knock. Have you been killed and eaten yet?

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[ The reasons for Rosie having 'adopted' all these animals were as follows: they didn't have anywhere else to go, it was cold, and they were adorable. Not necessarily in that order. ... Also, with some exceptions. The dinosaur that thought it was a sheep? Kind of weird. In a strangely adorable way.

It kept other predators from eating the sheep, if nothing else.

Still. It was a lot for one person to take on and she's appreciative of April's ( not actually subtle ) help. Sam had nagged her about keeping the animals inside but it was just so frigid out there. Besides, no matter what she seemed to do the peaduck always found his way in the house eventually. It quacks at April's arrival, which is how Rose knows she's back. ]

I have been, actually. I'm totally a zombie now.

Good. I've always wanted to fight a zombie.

[She glances down at the peaduck, and quacks right back.]

... That wasn't a mating quack, was it?

Just make sure you watch your brains. We like those.

[ Apparently.

The blond looks over her shoulder at the imitation quack and can't help but smile. Tahno replies by giving April another squawk and waddling up to her with his head slightly tilted. ]

- I think it might have been. You shouldn't lead the peaduck on, April.

Now I'm concerned that you're actually serious.

[Eyeing the duck.]

I'm too old for you.

[She wanders a little further into the house, flopping on the softest nearby piece of furniture.]

Were you never allowed to have pets at home and are now making up for lost time by being insane?

I don't think they understand age, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

[ Tahno gives another halfhearted quack before waddling off somewhere else in the house. ]

- That sounds about right, yeah. I always wanted pets but life on the road doesn't suit most of 'em.

What about dogs? I thought dogs loved to ride in cars.

[... Yeah, she's never had a pet either.]

Dogs do love to ride in cars.

[ She's knows; she's part canine and all. ]

But they don't love being in cars all the time. Or new places to stay every night.

[Good point.]

Well, it's. Good you're into this kind of thing. They'd probably die out in the Wastes if you weren't helping them, so that's... cool of you.

[How do you do compliments.]

Edited 2015-02-15 15:41 (UTC)

[ Aw, April. She appreciates the attempt at a compliment, anyhow. It's the thought that counts. ]

Thanks! Eventually I hope to shove them out of the nest like a mother bird might but... for now, I don't mind having them all around.

[ Speaking of dogs, Frosty the polar bear dog comes trundling up to April and gives her a few friendly snuffles. His tail wags furiously ( as it often does ) and he looks up at her expectantly for pats. Pats are the best. ]

[Well, okay. Pat pat pat!]

This thing looks like it's going to eat me.

[Where's your sense of self-preservation, Rosie?]

Are you sure these are pets and not the beginning of a creepy backyard zoo?

He looks adorable.

[ Obviously, she has none. Which is actually the farthest thing from the truth but... What can she say? Dogs are her weakness. So is every other animal, apparently. ]

Do you think I could make a zoo? I could totally charge people for visiting rights!

You'll have to get more exotic ones first. Nobody's going to pay to see dogs.

[...]

Maybe here they would. You could sell it as nostalgia and prey on people who miss their pets back home.

Hey, I got fire ferrets! And that... duck thing. They're totally exotic.

[ For most people, anyway. ]

Suggesting that I prey on homesick people? For shame, April. I'd never do that. ... Not for anything less than some awesome food, anyway. We could charge for food! That was us and the pets are happy and fed.

It's perfect.

It was your idea, so you'll have to pay me royalties.

[She picks up the nearest lap-sized dog.]

Or I'm holding this one for ransom.

[ The dog gives a tiny, half-hearted 'woof' at suddenly being picked up. Once it realizes it's April, however, it quickly starts wagging its tail and wiggling happily. ]

... From the looks of it, I don't think she'd actually mind if you did.

Good. The Stockholm Syndrome is already setting in.

[She starts petting the little thing.]

Who's a good girl? Who's accepted her fate? That's right, it's you!

[Then, to Rosie:]

What makes a fire ferret different from a regular ferret?