First Furever Friend

    It was a mostly quiet walk back to the Imporium, with the only sounds being from the impup and bonezo that accompanied the two buns. The furdin was quiet, likely not too thrilled to be in a cage, and Reginald was resting peacefully on Hutch’s head. Xander’s eyes were mainly on the bonezo as it tried to run to keep up with the impup. “...They’re cute…” They finally spoke up, breaking the silence between the two buns. 

    “Hm? Oh, the bonezo? Yeah, they certainly can be. I don’t find many that think that, as they’re usually more concerned about it hurting itself a lot, which is an understandable concern, but they’re still like other imps that should be given some positive reinforcement and kindness.” They nodded their head in agreement, keeping their eyes on the little one and their boney tail that was wagging as it played with the impup. “Since we’re almost back to the Imporium, have you figured out what imp you want to start out with?” The grey bun finally turned their gaze to the brown bun. 

    “...I’m guessing this little guy isn’t an option?” Hutch gives the bun a bit of a sad smile. 

    “Unfortunately, no. I tend to recommend one of the more easier to tame imps to start with before attempting to adopt one of the rarer ones. Those would be chirop, phloof and impup as starting options.” Xander frowned at that, looking back at the bonezo for a moment then look back to Hutch. 

    “Well, if I have to pick from those three, then I suppose I’d pick chirop. I’ve always liked little flying creatures and Reginald seems like a good companion.” Said chirop made a happy noise from on top of Hutch’s head, causing both of the buns to chuckle. 

    “That he is. In that case, I’ll set you up with some books and see if I’ve got a chirop there that is ready to be adopted.” Xander nodded their head and returned their gaze to the bonezo, still a bit sad that they couldn’t bring it home with them.

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    “‘Chirop are the most common imp you’ll find in Burrowgatory’…” The grey bun was quietly reading the book they were given out loud, the bonezo having decided to curl up next to them as they read. “‘While they can be easily tamed and trained, they are still incredibly mischievous creatures and like flying well out of their owner’s reach with a variety of items’…” They’ll let out a sigh. “...I’ve picked the most difficult of the three, haven’t I…?” The bonezo makes a little noise in response. “‘Buns often use chirops to carry messages long distances’... That’s… interesting…” As those words leave their mouth, a simple chirop lands onto their book and stares at them. “Oh! Uh… Hello. You’re not Reginald, so I guess you---” They’ll pause seeing the chirop’s talons lightly grip the book. “Hm…” They’ll reach for a nearby treat and hold it near the chirop, grabbing its attention away from the book. “Get off the book for a moment…” The chirop immediately takes flight, trying to grab at the treat but Xander keeps the treat from its reach. “Hold on, hold on…” They’ll close the book and hold it out to the chirop. “Take this book back to Hutch for me and you’ll get this. Alright?” The chirop immediately makes some noises to agree to the task and grabs the spine of the book, proceeding to carry it away and back to Hutch. The grey bun will smile then take out another treat to give to the bonezo. “Here, one for you… For being good and coming back with us.” The bonezo makes a happy noise and grabs the treat to start nibbling on it. Xander’s smile grows and their attention is immediately pulled away from the small boney creature as they hear the chirop make a sound and return to them. “Good. As promised.” They’ll hold the other treat out to the flying creature and it makes a happy noise as well, grabbing the treat and munching away at it. 

    “Well, that’s one way to do that.” Xander will look away from the two imps, seeing Hutch standing nearby with the book under his arm. “I guess you’ll be just fine with them. That’s good.” The chirop lands on top of the grey bun’s head, happy to have a new home to go to. However, the bonezo makes a sad noise, trying to climb into their lap. “...Ya know what? How about I make you a deal?” Xander, who was helping the bonezo onto their lap, looked back up at Hutch with a head tilt. “Come back here in a few months and, if things are going well with your chirop friend, then I’ll concede and let this little guy go home with you. How’s that sound?” The grey bun’s eyes will widen and they’ll immediately nod their head. 

    “That sounds great! I greatly appreciate the chance for that!” 

    “It’s no problem at all! Bonezo are definitely loyal companions, so seeing this one bond to you as well as it has, well… I can’t rightly deny you two from being together for long. I’d rather you get some more experience before letting you take them home. So, until then, I’ll keep them here at the Imporium and make sure they’re well cared for.” 

    “Thank you so much, Hutch…” The brown bun smiles at them. 

    “Of course. Be sure to bring your flying friend with you next chance you get, too. I wanna see their growth.” They’ll nod their head, the chirop making some noises at the head movement. Xander will make sure they learn plenty and care for their new friend, both so that they know they’re safe and in a loving home, and so that they’ll be able to bring the little bonezo home with them, too.