TLC

“Oh, look at you.” Hutch tuts as the newest phloof shuffles along the floorboards. Clicking their tongue, they pick up the little creature. A brown one, dear little thing. Oh, this sweet one! The shy one. They can’t help but smile and cuddle the little fluffy thing to their chest. It looks up at Hutch with big eyes, and they can’t help but cuddle it a little more. It’s like a plushie. Of course, Hutch knows everything about taking care of these darling little creatures. Phloofs, chirops, impups galore! They’re used to them crawling all over them. 

Still, each creature is different, of course. Cradling the phloof, they wonder what this one might like. Its big eyes captivate Hutch, and though they don’t want to put it down, they wonder if it might like to eat. With an almost reluctant sigh, they set it upon the table. Turning away to get the standardised feed, they notice how it's staring at them, as if it doesn’t want to let them out of its sight. It really is wary, isn’t it?

“What am I going to do with you, hm?” There’s a playful glint in their eyes as they turn back to look at the brown creature. Of course, this is to be expected with a new little one. But they can’t help but tease their beloved pets lovingly. They smile at the docile and shy little phloof on the desk, and turn back to fetch the recommended feed. 

Pouring it onto a plate, they decide to stay by its side to reassure them. It can’t be helped, and Hutch is used to being kept under the watchful eye of imps. Each phloof is different - this one clearly wants to know where everyone is at all times! Its big eyes follow them around the desk. They can’t help but pet it. What a lovely little thing. 

“I have to get back to my other imps, little one,” Hutch says, petting the little phloof. It looks up with big eyes again and they smile. “Come along with me. You’ll be alright, won’t you? The others won’t harm you.”

Each one is different after all. This one has gotten used to them, and hops into Hutch’s arms when it’s finished eating. Perhaps then it’ll befriend the others. Hutch carries it out to the other phloofs and carefully sets it on the floor again. Hutch’s own dear Sesame comes over, leaning in to greet the newcomer.

“Here’s another little friend who has come to join us,” Hutch introduces them, crouching down to their heights. “Sesame, be sure to treat them well!” Chuckling, they pet both phloofs. Another couple of imps come over to greet them, and Hutch stays on the ground with them, swarmed. Not that they mind - they’re always delighted to be the centre of attention. Reaching out to pat every one of them, they’re happy to see the newest little phloof integrating with the rest. They were worried about them, after all.

But it’ll be okay. It usually is, in the end. Some little things just need a bit more time than others. Hutch wonders what its owner will be like. It’d be wonderful if someone could come and take this little sweetheart home. Then again, all imps are sweethearts to Hutch. Soon, they can begin training this new little thing. Then, they'll have the new owner they so deserve.