Syrup isn't very Impy

Hutch placed an imp in Syrup's hand. He stares down at it, blinking, unimpressed. The creature itself was… cute enough. Its body was solid black, enough so that it lost definition of form, like any beginning and end of its edges were just… blob. The main blob of the imp, however, was a warm round circle. From there, its body folded back, making a cute puffy shape like a little ribbon. Syrup had to consider if Peter had ever thought of using trained Ribbows on his creations. A dress walking down the runway with an amount of imps swaying in place on it would start plenty of conversation over his products, at least…

"This here is a Ribbow!" Hutch announced, sounding far too excited for Syrup's liking. He kept his eyes on the creature while Hutch continued. "I have a feeling you will like this one. Ribbows are very well tempered. They like clothes and fashion and tend to bond well with buns that have well-pampered personalities. Ribbow likes to be spoiled too! If you are at the spa, they might like to come along and get a slice of cucumber on their own eyes, or a little massage right between the ribbons."

Syrup raised an eyebrow. Their fingers scoop around the ribbons on the little creature, grasp them, and lift. From both delicate and manicured hands, the creature dangles. It kicks it two stump legs, making quiet squeaks of some distress. Before Syrup can right his mistake - Hutch is on the move. They come in under Syrup's hands and provide a base for the Ribbow, letting it settle down again and take weight off of its ribbons.

"Hey!" they snap, somewhat aggravated by Syrup's actions. "How would you like it if someone grabbed and picked you up by your hair?"

"I would like th-"

"No. No, Syrup. Not like that."

"Hm."

Hutch sighs. They curl their own hands around the Ribbow and remove it from Syrups grasp. They turn it around in their palms to face the beloved pest in the direction of the expressionless doll. "Ribbows ribbons are very sensitive. Just like if you were pinched or had your arms pulled, it hurts them to be carried by the ribbon. Instead, they're light enough that you can scoop them by their whole body and you won't even notice them in your hand. Do you want to try again?"

Not really, Syrup thought immediately. However… The image of handing one over to Peter, perhaps with a matching mochi or a new seasonal treat, does have him bringing his hand to his mouth. He presses his teeth to the nail of his thumb, ruining the just mentioned manicure by chewing on the free edge of that nail until the paint chips. Ribbows are good luck for fashion designers and artists. Even if Peter couldn't find a practical use for the small beasts, Syrup can picture him enjoying the company of an imp that is excited and willing to help. If nothing else… they make a good enough model for plushies. Slowly, Syrup brings both hands down and holds them out toward Hutch, nodding.

Hutch slides the Ribbow back into Syrup's hands. The creature makes a noise of apprehension, that Hutch ever so slightly frowns at, but does eventually return to sitting calmly in Syrup's palms. Syrup's eyes focus back down on the creature again. And then, instead of down, he lifts it up to come face to tiny face. 

"They're quite expensive for pests, don't you think? A hundred and fifty carats… I'd have to work three days to make that much. Mmh. Maybe I need to finish Johnny again to see what he can give me…"

"Well, yes! You see, these imps are domesticated already by me. They are house trained, insured not to destroy most of your belongings or shred through your pantry and cabinets. That labor costs quite a bit of my time. The price compensates for that!"

"Ah… so they come… cute?"

"Oh as cute as they can possibly be," Hutch agrees, tone taking a fonder tune to it. They really do love these imps. Otherwise, Syrup thinks, it would be hard to devote such an amount of time to raising them. Hm. Are succubuns just imps to the demons, at the end of the day? Syrup shakes his head.

"I'll take ten."

"But…. You just?!" Hutch says, surprised at the sudden change from complaint in price to being willing to drop so many carats at once. 

"Oh. Right. The price... Can I pay you with my bod-"

"No thank you!!!"

"Mm. ... I'll be back in a week."