Mission Imp-possible Prompt

A few weeks have passed since Griffin’s first trip to The Imporium and in that time his relationship with his phloof has blossomed beautifully. Now that he had someone, or something, to look forward to his days seemed brighter. It was ok that his friends couldn’t always hang out with him due to their schedule, Griffin even found himself needing to retire early from social events or turn them down because he needed to get home to his phloof. He still kept up with his friends, of course, but there was a soft bit of satisfaction knowing he had someone who depended on him.

All his successes with his imp have made him somewhat of a regular at The Imporium; Griffin often comes to peruse the aisles for any new toys, treats, and the like. Sometimes even other customers at the store began to chat with him and they would exchange funny stories about their imps. Griffin takes pride in guiding the newer, nervous owners in the right direction or to another bun who can help them with their queries.

When he arrives after work a paper is taped to the front door of The Imporium, asking for any bun with spare time to inquire inside about volunteer opportunities. Griffin finds his curiosity peaked and as he comes inside he makes a bee-line for the front desk. There appears to be a variety of different ways to be of assistance; he could co-host community classes for buns new to ownership, or he could always opt to visit the open training courses to lend a hand with the troublesome imps brought in for some extra help.

It’s hard to decide where he should lend his hands first, though he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the community classes. It was a double opportunity to meet other imp-owners that may be friends, or even more. Griffin finds himself a bit flustered at just the thought. This is meant to be kind-hearted volunteering, not an excuse to find a potential suitor! He pushes the thought far into the back of his mind and signs himself up to volunteer with the imp training courses.

#

The first opportunity comes that weekend with an open class. The sign up sheet had quickly filled with buns and a variety of imps who were seeking assistance. Griffin muses over the sheet, looking at the companions breed information; it looks like a large group of impups, but also a few rarer breeds are joined in as well. He lays the papers down and turns to Hutch.

“So, what’s the plan?”

Hutch peers at him, smiling, and fixes his glasses.

“I’ll take the lead and greet everyone once they’re settled in— we both will have impups for demonstration! I’ll teach some tricks, you’ll teach some tricks. Just the basics. Sit, stay, paw, you know.”

Griffin nods along as the other bun speaks. They had ample bags of treats to provide. Treats were the way to any imp’s heart. Slowly, buns and their imps filter inside and find their way to the sectioned off training circle.

Hutch is quick to launch into an excited introduction to imps and training techniques. Eagerly, the buns follow along with the instructions and ready the treats for their imps. Many imps smell the treats from the bag, causing a slight ruckus in their desperation for a delicious snack. Griffin is quick to help each owner regain control, settling the imps with gentle redirection and reaffirming commands.

As the class progresses through the exercises, many imps display a newfound sense of obedience. Sit, stay, even give paw— and for the more advanced pupils, roll over— are all easily mastered with their owner’s patience and a fair amount of treats. And plenty of praise.

Griffin makes his way back to the front and shuffles through their stack of sign-up sheets idly. The buns work closely with their imps now; it seems many owners have hit their ow confidence streak with Hutch’s teachings. A smile works its way onto his face at the sight.

“Getting tired?”

Griffin jolts and turns, not having expected anyone near him. Hutch stands behind him with their hands clasped sweetly behind their back. There’s a special twinkle in their eye from the success of the class.

“Ah— no! N-Not really, no. Just enjoying seeing everyone.” Griffin brushes a piece of unruly hair out of his eyes, though it quickly falls back into its proper place. “I’m happy that everything went well, too, makes me a little homesick to return to my phloof.”

Griffin laughs awkwardly, shuffles the papers some more, and straightens to look at Hutch again.

“Oh yes, the phloof you adopted! How are they settling in?”

“Quite well,” Griffin nods eagerly. “Very snuggly, a bit spoiled though.. But that is my fault after all!”

The two laugh. Around them the other buns begin bidding goodbye to their newfound friends. Numbers are exchanged for play-dates, some buns find their way to the next sign-up sheet for another training session, and others give a call and a half-wave farewell before exiting to the busy city outside.

“Will you be joining us again?” Hutch seems hopeful. “We always could use a spare set of hands around here, even if you don’t run a program with me.”

“Of course! I had a lot of fun tonight, I would love to be able to help out again. Perhaps the next group will be even more exiting. I’m available most evenings after work so I suppose I will just keep an eye on the volunteer sheet and see what needs some attention.”

Hutch laughs, and gathers the papers from Griffin, for their own personal filings.

“There’s always opportunities to help out around here— don’t be a stranger!”

Griffin nods with a warmth in his chest. He makes quick work of readying himself for the short journey home, and as he steps into the street towards the bus station, he can’t help but daydream endlessly over the future of his volunteer work at The Imporium.

word count: 1006