[PROMPT] Mission Impossible

Tomoki has a thing for imps now, he quickly learns after adopting his first Impup. Technically,  they’re called JK because he can’t find another name or one that rolls off the tongue. Apparently it can also be interpreted as ‘just kidding’ which is honestly quite fitting. 

The thing is, he’s begun to realize, is that JK is fantastic to pet and to have around his apartment. It’s nice to no longer be alone in the way that he used to be. Except there’s a catch. Rather, there’s always a catch and really, Tomoki should’ve looked into this before getting an imp– 

Anyways, regardless, he has more imps than he can manage and honestly finds himself in front of Hutch’s place to ask about taming. Specifically for the impups, maybe not the chirops because that’s for another day. Tomoki has time and he hopes that Hutch isn’t that booked so he can do something about this. He’s even brought over one of the impups over. 

“I was wondering if you could help me with some training,” he says. “Preferably to make it all more manageable.” 

Hutch raises a brow, curious. “Well, how have you been taking care of them?” 

Tomoki pauses. Perhaps he’s a bit sheepish about how he’s been spoiling the imps he’s slowly been collecting. 

“They look at me every time I eat,” he admits, all a bit awkward. “And I can’t say no to those little eyes.” 

There’s a pause. 

“Oh.” is all that Hutch says. It feels like he’s getting caught red handed with his hand in a jar he shouldn’t be taking food out of. 

“I may be spoiling them… a little.” Or a lot. Tomoki’s bad at socializing but that doesn’t mean that he’s completely heartless. Especially not in regards to imps, too bad he’s bad at showing it.

Another beat. 

When Hutch speaks again, things start making sense again. “If you’re someone who wants to teach them tricks then you’re going to have to stop giving them treats every time. Especially when you’re eating.” 

Tomoki nods and finds himself taking notes while Hutch says so. 

“I could show you if you’d like,” Hutch then offers. “If you could spare a few minutes of your day.” 

“If anything I’ll just sleep less later,” Tomoki deadpans. “Don’t worry too much about it.” 

That’s how he finds himself around the other impups. And also the chance to watch Hutch wrangle the imps. It seems that he opts to feed his less, perhaps setting mealtimes even though Tomoki’s understanding of time is occasionally non-existent. All the same, he finds himself continuing to take notes. 

Then, Hutch shows him how learning tricks work. Namely, how it works by only giving treats at certain times. 

“Now, if they try asking for food,” Hutch tells him as he holds onto his impup. “Make sure you don’t give them attention. Otherwise they might eat your dinner for you.” 

Tomoki can’t argue against that. “Right and for tricks–” 

Hutch has him lower the impup to the ground and then showing him how ‘sit’ would work. Most importantly how to do it without spoiling said impup too much. Apparently, there’s more complicated tricks such as lying down or even playing dead. 

All very neat tricks that have to come in handy one of these days. 

“Okay, JK, sit,” he says as he tries for himself. His impup looks at him as if he’s speaking a whole other language. “Sit and then you’ll get a treat.” 

His impup blinks. Then as if they do understand what he’s saying, finally sits down. Tomoki smiles. So they can listen to whatever is said after all even if they are a bit more stubborn in some cases. Then, he hands the impup the treat, something sweet and everything is manageable actually. 

“A bit more practice then you’ll be good to go,” Hutch reassures him. “If anything, the imp likes you.”

“Right, could you show me some other tricks to get me started?” he finds himself asking. 

“What tricks were you thinking?” 

“Any that you think would be beneficial. Or simple ones that won’t confuse the poor imp.” 

“That’s all?” 

Tomoki nods as Hutch shows him some other tricks. All of this is knowledge for the future more than anything else.