Mission Imp-possible

As a nun at the Bunnery, Dolorosa watched newborn buns every breeding season before they were handed over to Murmur. She even spent time helping fresh adult buns get acclimated, a fresh start and a helping hand to guide them. Truly, she had proven herself to be a bit more matronly than the average succubun. 

So then, how hard could learning to care for imps be?

Dolorosa then, in her infinite serenity, rose early in the morning to seek out Hutch first thing when she had the idea. She just couldn’t get that little guy out of her head! And, thank the demons below, they said they could teach her a thing or two about the creatures they loved so much! She practically threw her arms around him, making her way to his shop, arm looped in their own, ignoring Hutch’s own awkward babbling.

It was even more exciting to see that Hutch had managed to wrangle that sweet imp they saw the other night, because she recognized it in the Imporium the minute she saw it. Head like a crescent and a body like a veil, she was in love. It seemed to remember her, too! Quick to make gentle noises at her when she approached, fluttering gently in apparent interest.

“I’m surprised…” Hutch murmurs, finally something taking Dolorosa’s attention off of embarrassing them. “I had thought that you spooked it the other night…”

Dolorosa, for her credit, seems to think about it for a minute before she waves it off with a smile. “Oh, I think it was just too much excitement for it. Look at it, it’s so lovely; aren’t you, darling?” The Lunell reacts lightly, which proves her point enough for her to happily clap her hands together. 

Something sweet and small and cute to care for in the off seasons. A companion to keep her company in the quiet hours in her room in the Bunnery. There was already a twitch of a smile crawling on her face at the thought of dressing it up, or making it a decorated little place to sleep, maybe even letting it sleep in her bed when she was cold or alone-

She blinks and realizes that the other bun had asked her a question. In response, she defaults to giving a brighter smile, showing that she is present and, in fact, listening. She would never let herself miss something important because of her silly little daydreams, so she needed to key back in quickly. Sitting up in her chair in front of the other bun, she opens her mouth before thinking better of it. The sheepish laugh she gives shows very little remorse.

“Ah, repeat that for me? Treats for imps?” Dolorosa gently prods, folding her hands under her chin to look up at them, the picture of innocence and attentiveness. “I’m not sure if I know the answer..”

Hutch bobs their head with an awkward look, crooked smile twitching on his face. “Mochi. Uh, if you want to give treats to your imp, mochi are what they tend to like. Of course, you have to keep in mind that imps don’t need food, really, so when they eat it can have some strange effects…” They gesture to the paper they had been writing down information for her, occasionally their eyes would switch back to looking at her, to make sure she was paying attention.

“Wow, you really know your stuff, I’m always so amazed. Where would we be without you around?” She gives the compliment with a genuine smile, a hand reaching to pat their head affectionately, an unbidden giggle escaping her. Her other hand was still playing with the imp, touching lightly at the edges of the Lunell’s cloth to make it move like it were dancing with her. 

Hutch, for their end, reacting how she expected; a flustered and awkward display of spluttering and denials, but the flush on their cheeks said it all, the same as the cant of their shoulders and the way they stood before her. Of course, that just made the nun even more happy, giving a happy nod when the paper was pushed her way.

Dark eyes roam over the paper, which detailed out useful tips and tricks and detailed care instructions, and when she was satisfied it was enough for her needs, Dolorosa looks up from under her lashes, a coy purr before she leaves.

“You should sin more, you know. You wear that pride very well.” Before she can really take stock of his reaction, her attention is already on the Lunell again, cooing at it sweetly and trying to coax it after her, taking her time to slowly make sure that it would follow. Once she feels confident, she beams over her shoulder towards the other bun, a little bow before she’s trotting out the door.

“Take care, Hutch. I hope to see you at the next service!”