Purring (and other vocalisations)

by thedrunkenwerewolf

Summary:

Stolas discovers imps can purr quite by accident one night when Blitz sleeps over. When he asks why, Blitz gets cagey about it and runs off. So Stolas endeavours to find the answers himself - with a trip to a certain library on the guidance of a friend.

Notes:

brain fog is eating my thoughts, so instead of a oneshot this will be many smaller chapters. In which I will explore how Stolas got his hands on the famous book on The Biology and Psychology of Imps. I hope you enjoy, I will update as and when I have energy.

Chapter 1

Whenever it came to the people in his life, Stolas was usually very observant. Especially when it came to Blitz. Over their time together, he came to notice a few things. Little quirks and behaviours that while probably made sense to the imp, often perplexed the owl. Most notable of these happened to be Blitz’s tail. It moved of its own accord sometimes, wagging and twitching in different ways depending on the imp’s mood. And then there were the little sounds he made whenever he thought Stolas wasn’t looking. 

Like the purring. 

He hadn’t realised that’s what it was at first, but it turned out, imps did purr.

He’d discovered the fact laying in bed one full moon, with Blitz cuddling up to him like a giant teddy bear, chest rumbling in his sleep. The sound vibrated through Stolas’ chest, and still drowsy from sleep, Stolas  just smiled to himself. 

Oh my, Blitzy sure does have a funny snore! He thought, before falling back asleep again. 

He didn’t think anything of it until Blitz came into the kitchen rather sheepishly the next morning for coffee. 

“Oh, good morning, Blitzy,” he greeted the imp with a smile, “Your coffee’s on the table already, made just the way you like it. The food will be ready shortly.”

Blitz glanced furtively around the large kitchen, as if looking for the nearest exits. “Yeah… thanks.”

He climbed up to sit on one of the dining chairs to enjoy his mug of coffee. His Anti-Murder Juice, as he liked to call it. Well, it stopped him killing off the Karens in his clientele, anyway. Which was in fairness most of his clientele after that salon explosion in the human world. He should really up his prices for dealing with all of their bullshit. But that was a Minday problem and today was Saturday. 

He took a sip of his coffee and smiled - Stolas really did make it just how he liked - but  the enjoyment was short-lived as embarrassment crept over him again. 

“Hey, uh, Stols?”

“Yes, dear?”

“I didn’t do anything… weird last night, did I?”

“Hm?” Stolas tilted his head, “Not that I recall. You did snore a little funny, but that was it.”

Blitz immediately sat up straight. “Snore funny?” he asked, horrified, “Funny how?”

“Oh,” Stolas tilted his head the other way and once again Blitz wondered how the bird’s neck joints worked, “It was a sort of grumbling sound. Like a steady rumbling from deep in your chest,” he smiled warmly at him and Blitz sank further into his seat, “I don’t know what you were dreaming about, but you looked very content.”

“Oh, no…” Blitz groaned, face in his hands.

“Oh no?” Stolas turned around fully to face him, turning off the stove, moving over to place a gentle hand on his partner’s shoulder, “What is it, darling?”

“It’s terrible.”

“Oh surely it can’t be all that bad?” Stolas cooed softly, “Is it a health condition I should know about?”

“No,” Blitz mumbled, slowly lifting his head, “It’s just… it’s embarrassing.”

“Oh, Blitzy,” Stolas sighed, “You know you can tell me anything and I won’t judge you.”

Blitz crossed his arms and grumbled a bit, but he had to agree. Stolas had never once judged him harshly for his past, or indeed anything about him. Except when he was being an asshole, then he deserved to be called out. 

“I know, I know,” Blitz relented, “But still, I don’t want you to laugh at me.”

Stolas gave a sad little hoot. “Oh, sweetheart, I would never laugh at you. Unless you were trying to be funny. Or performing a standup comic routine. You know I love those.”

“Heh, yeah,” Blitz managed a grin, “But still, it’s kinda embarrassing. So if I tell ya, you gotta promise you won’t laugh.”

Stolas nodded. “I won’t laugh.”

“You promise?” Blitz glared suspiciously.

“I promise I won’t laugh ,” Stolas nodded solemnly, “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Blitz just stared, trying to process that last statement. “Did… Did you just make a My Little Pony reference?”

Stolas chuckled, “Well, yes. We’ve watched it enough times for me to pick a few things up,” he smiled. “And it helps that Pinkie Pie is adorable.”

“Oh Hell yeah she is!” Blitz gave an excited grin, showing all of his sharp teeth. “And alright, since you Pinkie Pie promised, I’ll tell you.”

Stolas sat in the chair beside Blitz and awaited an explanation. He watched Blitz take a deep breath, letting the imp take his time. Having learned the hard way not to force an answer out of him. “Okay, so it wasn’t snoring you heard last night. It was… purring.”

“Purring?” Stolas echoed, curious, “You mean like a cat?”

“Yeah, like cat’s. It’s an imp thing. We’re weird like that.”

It took a few moments to process that, but once he did, a wide smile crossed his face. “Oh, Blitzy, that’s not weird at all! I never knew imps purred like that.”

Blitz rolled his eyes. “Ugh, see I knew you’d laugh.”

“Oh no,” Stolas tried to stifle his soft laugh and failed, “No, I just think it’s cute!”

“Cute?” Blitz echoed, mildly skeptical, “Is that why you’re laughing? You think it’s funny?”

“Oh, no, no, not at all, dearest,” Stolas protested, “I find it quite endearing, actually.”

Blitz, with his spines up and bristling for a fight, let all of his anger drop. “Oh. Well, good, I guess.”

“Indeed,” Stolas agreed, grabbing his own mug of coffee before leaning back in his chair again. “So, now I know purring is an imp thing, can you tell me more about it? Do imps purr for the same reason cats do?”

Blitz opened his mouth to speak, but clammed right back up again. Glancing away. Finding a very sudden interest in the floor tiles. 

“Blitz?” Stolas prompted, still waiting for an answer. 

“Um, hm, well, y’see… well, we… I'm er, uhh…”

He glanced furtively around, sipping his coffee to stall, gaze landing on the clock on the wall. “Well, shit! Look at the time! I have to go take Loonie for her appointment to get her flea treatment! Gotta run babe!”

“But, Blitzy, wait!” What about your breakfast?” Stolas called after him, but by then Blitz was already leaping out of the window and springing across the driveway. Stolas just sighed in resignation. Oh, why was he so cagey about it? I only wanted to know why imps purred…

He sat at the table with his head in his hands. If only there was someone I could ask for advice… Oh, wait! I know just the one who can help me.

He magicked over his cell phone and dialled Ozzie’s number.

Chapter 2

Summary:

Stolas meets with Ozzie for some advice.

Notes:

This chapter is brought to you by painsonmia. Which sucks, but at least means I'm productive. Need to sleep now so goodnight.

The phone was answered on the second ring, and the smooth tones of Asmodeus greeted him. 

“Stolas, hey! It’s been a while, how’re you doin’?”

“Hello, Asmodeus.”

“Aw, Stolas, we’ve been through this,” the Sin of Lust crooned, “Call me Ozzie. We are friends after all.”

“Oh, yes. Right,” Stolas said, a little flustered, “Sorry, I’ve… never had any friends besides Blitz before.”

Ozzie chuckled lightly, “Don’t  worry about it Stolas, it takes some getting used to. Speaking from experience, anyway. But that’s why I’m glad we’re friends.”

That made Stolas smile, “As am I As- um, Ozzie.”

“There we go,” Ozzie chimed, “So, to what do I owe the pleasure? Everything okay?”

Stolas took a deep breath and sighed. “I wanted some advice about Blitz,” he began.

“Uh-oh, trouble in paradise?” Ozzie teased gently.

“Oh no, nothing like that,” Stolas told him with a smile, “It’s just, I heard him purring last night, and now he’s too shy to answer any of my questions about it. Why, just this morning I inquired about why imps purr, and he just ran off. He didn’t even use the door, he just took a running leap out of the window. I know he always says doors are for people with no imagination, but if he won’t tell me about it, I thought you might be able to shed some light on the matter. Since you and Fizz are together you might know some things.”

Ozzie clocked on immediately. “Ah, say no more my friend, I got you,” he said, and Stolas could hear the grin in his voice, “Why don’t you come on over, say… ten o’ clock? We can have a little chat.”

Stolas hooted excitedly, “Oh that sounds wonderful! Thankyou Asmodeus! Oh, I mean Ozzie.”

Asmodeus chuckled good naturedly, just happy to be helping his new friend, “Okay Stolas, I’ll see you at ten. Just portal straight into my office.”

“Alrighty, I shall see you then!” Stolas beamed, and ended the call. Feeling a hell of a lot better than when he’d first called. So he hurriedly served himself breakfast and went to get ready.

. . .

When ten o’ clock rolled around, Stolas promptly opened a portal and stepped through into the spacious office os Asmodeus, eager for answers about his Blitzy’s purring.

“Hello, Asmo- ahem, Ozzie,” Stolas nodded, removing his hat in greeting the Sin, who was writing at his desk when Stolas came in. 

“Ah, Stolas, punctual as always,” Asmodeus greeted him, “Come, sit with me. It’s really been too long.”

“Oh, it has, it has,” Stolas smiled, “We must remedy that.”

“We really must,” Ozzie nodded, “But first, I believe you needed some advice.”

“Oh yes,” Stolas said, taking a seat while Ozzie poured them both drinks. “Oh, um…”

“Non-alcoholic,” Asmodeus told him, “I know you’re trying to cut down.”

Actually, Stolas was ‘back on the wagon’ trying to be sober, but he appreciated the thought nonetheless. 

“Oh, how considerate, thankyou,” Stolas smiled.

“Hey, what’re friends for?” Ozzie winked at him with a grin, “Now, you said your Blitz was purring when we spoke on the phone?”

“Oh, yes!” Stolas nodded, sipping his cola, “He said it was an imp thing, and I wondered if Fizz has done anything similar. I really don’t know that much about imp behaviours and the likes of Cosmo and Vague magazines magazines were the best part of useless for information. They had every species apart from imps in the ‘get to know your lover better!’ section. Ugh. So any help you can give me will be appreciated.”

Ozzie gave a frustrated sigh. “I know what you mean, about the magazines. Those suck - in a bad way.”

“Oh, I agree,” Stolas snorted, sharing the sentiment, “Useless articles, all.”

“Indeed,” Asmodeus said, “But from my own experience, I can tell you that purring is quite a common thing for imps to do when they feel happy and comfortable. But there are other sounds imps can make too. Like chirping and yips…”

Stolas blinked, surprised. “Chirping?”

“Why yes,” Ozzie’s smile widened, “I read that imps make a wide variety of different sounds for different things. Ugh, I wish you’d called me about this yesterday, I’ve just returned the perfect book that would help you.” 

Stolas watched Ozzie shake his head in regret and disappointment.

“Wait. A book?” Stolas echoes, curious, “Like a grimoire?”

Asmodeus chuckled lightly. “Oh no, nothing so fancy as that,” he said, “No, this is a book of knowledge. Of science!”

“Science?” Stolas’ eyes widened at the word, a smile crossing his face, “I do love science. Where might I find this book?”

“There’s a library,” Ozzie told him, “In the sloth ring, run by a man named Jurgen Leitner.”

He scribbled down a note with the address, book title and authors, and gave the slip of paper to Stolas. “Maybe he can help you. Like I said, I just returned the book yesterday, so maybe he still has it.”

Stolas took the offered paper and read it. “The Biology and Psychology of Imps? Oh, this is exactly what I need. Oh, thankyou Asmodeus!”

Ozzie merely chuckled at that. “Hey, like I said, what are friends for?” he smiled, “Oh, and just so you know, from what I read in that book, if your imp’s purring in front of you, that’s a very good thing. Number one sign of a happy imp.”

Stolas hooted in his joy. “Oh, that is so good to hear,” he smiled, “I was so worried I’d done something wrong with the way he reacted.”

“He’s probably just shy, like how my Fizzie-frog was,” Ozzie explained, “Some imps struggle with letting their guard down, as I’m sure you know.”

“Yes, all too well,” Stolas sighed, knowing all too well how much negative influence Blitz’s father has over his children’s lives, as well as Fizzarolli’s. “But I hope Blitz will be able to trust me with his true feelings, and knows I would never judge him for them. Purrs and all.”

“Oh, I’m sure he will, Stolas,” Asmodeus assured him, “I’m sure he will.”

Stolas cooed in happiness and bugged the sheet of paper he’d been given to his chest. “Oh, I hope so,” he said, “I hope I can find the book you told me about.”

“Me too, Stols, me too,” Ozzie replied, “Let me know if you do, then we can compare notes on our imps together.”

“Oh, I shall!” Stolas beamed at his friend, clapping in enthusiasm, “It will be most interesting to see how similar our imp partners are.”

“Indeed it will,” Ozzie replied, "Now you better hurry up and visit that library before someone else checks out that imp behaviour book before you.”

Stolas quickly shook his head to free it of all extraneous thoughts.  “Oh yes! I shall go right away. Thankyou again, Ozzie, you have been most helpful.”

Asmodeus smiled warmly, “Anytime Stolas. Anytime.”

Chapter 3

Summary:

Stolas visits the library of Jurgen Leitner in search of a book on imps.

Notes:

Because everyone seemed to love the Magnus Archives reference in this series, I had to add this in. Enjoy.

The library was not as large, foreboding, or intimidating as Stolas expected it to be. It was more like one of those old run down council buildings suffering the usual lack of funding. It was a very grey structure, standing at least five stories tall, just like any other bland office building. Bleak and unassuming. 

“This can’t be the place… can it?” Stolas wondered, double checking the paper with the address Ozzie gave him. “I wonder if it’s under new management?”

He approached the building curiously. Absolutely none of his expectations met, though Stolas didn’t really know what to expect anymore. For all he knew it might actually be just a regular old library. But then again, this was the library of Jurgen Leitner, a sinner well-known for the insidious horrors held in his collection of tomes both down here and topside. Just imagining the horrors lying dormant between those pages was enough to send a shiver down even Stolas’ spine. 

“It’s okay, just take a deep breath,” he told himself, a little ashamed he had to remind himself and reign in his anxiety. “It’s just a library. It can’t hurt you.”

Several deep, calming breaths later, Stolas took one last deep breath, and walked through the doors.

. . .

The inside of the library was just as unremarkable as the outside - at least at first glance. The longer he looked, however, Stolas could see the slight inconsistencies. The shadows that seemed just a little too long and dark. The little glitches in reality. The way the shelves seemed to stretch on and on, vast and endless, even in such a finite space. 

It was like coming home to find someone had moved all your furniture an inch to the left. 

But it was still a public library, and if he didn’t look too closely, Stolas could almost believe it was harmless. All the books were stacked on large bookshelves even taller than him, and organised by what Stolas hoped was the Dewey Decimal system. There was no-one in sight though, which did lend a somewhat abandoned air to the place. 

“Hello?” he called out, “I’m looking for a book on imps. Can someone point me to which section those are in? A-Asmodeus sent me. He said you could help.”

Stolas hated the way his voice trembled in the quiet, but he’d never been good in situations like this.  

After a minute, which was an entirely too long a time to wait, Stolas had resigned himself to searching the shelves himself when a voice came from behind him. “Then perhaps I can be of assistance.”

Stolas turned to see the form of the librarian himself, an elderly gentleman, grizzled and seemingly ancient, though that was probably just a trick of the artificial lights. Grey hair and grey stubble to match, hobbling along with the aid of an old plumbing pipe bent to resemble a walking cane. Unchanged even after coming down to Hell. One of the few anomalies in this place, though nobody could explain it. 

“Jurgen Leitner,” the librarian offered his hand. Stolas shook it in greeting. 

“Stolas Goetia. Well met. You have quite an impressive collection.”

“Thankyou,” Jurgen smiled, “Always nice to get new visitors who can appreciate the fine art of collecting. You said Asmodeus sent you?”

“Yes, he did,” Stolas nodded enthusiastically, “He said you have a book in your collection that might help me.”

“Yes, I believe I had a recent return from Ozzie that may be of assistance,” Jurgen mused, “Come along, follow me. This place extends for miles. Easy to get lost if you don’t know your way.”

He ambled away, leaning heavily on his pipe cane, and Stolas obediently followed him. Glad to be making some progress in finding out about Blitz’s odd behaviour.

. . . 

Leitner led him through the many shelves of books to an elevator so old it surprised Stolas when it rumbled to their floor and the librarian opened the cage door. 

“Is that… safe?” Stolas asked, 

“She may be old, but she still works,” Leitner smiled, “The Institute’s involvement has its perks, I suppose.”

“Yes, I read about that in the news,” Stolas told him, “Ghastly business, that. Especially your brutal pipe murder. And then the fire after the incident with the Eye.”

“Yes,” Jurgen nodded as they stepped inside the lift, “I try to forget about it so I can enjoy my retirement in peace. Just me and my books.”

“Of course. One simply cannot beat a cup of tea and a good book.”

“Now on that, we can agree on.”

The lift rumbled up to the fifth floor, and they stepped out to see yet more bookshelves, and Stolas followed the librarian onward. Stolas couldn’t help but admire the collection of books ranging from new to old, and wondered how long it had taken to organise like this. And that perhaps he ought to get himself a library card for a few loans of his own, assuming this didn’t end with him being a victim of some horrific entity. It was so hard to find a good library in Hell. 

“Hmm, let’s see,” Jurgen mumbled as he showed Stolas down one of the shelves, “All my imp books should be on this shelf here.”

“Oh, thankyou,” Stolas sighed in relief, “I would’ve got so lost on my own.”

The ancient librarian chuckled. “If you did, you wouldn’t be the first. Or the last. I’ve lost count of how many people let their arrogance get the better of them, and lose themselves wandering the shelves. They don’t usually last very long, though.”

Stolas swallowed in an attempt to push down his rising disquiet. “Is it just you here?” he asked.

“For the most part,” Leitner told him, “There are the entities within the tomes, and those that roam the aisles, of course.”

Stolas swallowed again, this time to squash down his fear. “Then I’m glad I asked for your help.”

“Always happy to help a friend of a friend,” the librarian smiled. “Though you’ll be pleased to know the stories are… mostly exaggerated.”

“Mostly?” Stolas echoed.

“Indeed. Now, you were looking for…?”

“A book on imp behaviours,” Stolas explained, “And perhaps their biology as well?”

“That’ll be down this section,” Jurgen told him, Third shelf from the top. I do hope you find what you are searching for, my friend.”

“Thankyou, Mr Leitner,” Stolas smiled, “I hope so too.”

“People usually do,” the librarian nodded in return, “And please, call me Jurgen. I get the feeling you and I are going to be good friends. In the meantime, I’ll get you a library card. For your loan. Call for me if you need anything.”

And with that, he ambled away, vanishing into the vastness of the bookshelf filled space. Leaving Stolas alone to browse the collection in peace. 

Chapter 4

Summary:

Stolas searches the library and finds The Book.

Notes:

Been a while, hi! Have a compassionate Jurgen Leitner while i ruin his TMA character. Prope to anyone and everyone who got that references. One of my fave podcasts of all time.

Also credits to my in-series co-author Eclipse Prime. One day we will create this book for the fandom.

Stolas didn’t remember the last time he’d been in such a vast library. And not one that seemed so infinite, either. There were so many books he was positively giddy. It helped that he was here with purpose, else he might start wandering the shelves and get eternally lost. And with a library like Leitner’s, who knew what might happen. There was a vague sense that time here worked a little differently, however. It seemed to move slower, and it gave him a slight feeling of derealisation. But he supposed that was just the vastness of the place overwhelming him. He shook his head and refocused. He was here for research purposes, and that was what he was going to do. There was much to be found out about his darling Blitzy, and he would not rest until he had his answers. 

So, he started looking. All four red eyes fixed on the book spines, reading titles as he went along. 

“Hmm, The history of Impkind, Imps and Indentured Servitude, Oh, why are there cosmo magazines in here?” He took one out and had to laugh at the cover. Pictured was a lady imp dressed highly seductively, sticking her ass out with a cheeky grin. “Oh dear,” he chortled, “How to Make Your Imp go Wild. Oh dear, I… don’t think I need this.”

He put it back, still giggling as he carried on his search. “Wow, there really aren’t many serious books on imps, are there? Perhaps I might have to pen one myself just to fill the gap in the market.”

He continued his comb through the shelf until he came upon a title that seemed promising. “Oh, this looks like what I had in mind,” he beamed, prying it off the shelf, “The Biology and Psychology of Imps. Oh this looks perfect! Just what I’m looking for!”

Eager to read, he opened the book and glanced at the contents. The book seemed to cover many topics, from mating behaviours and pack hierarchy, right through to how imps cared for their horns and hooves. There was even an about the authors page, explaining that the two who authored the work, listing their experience and credentials, next to a photo of them.   One was a young female imp by the name of E.Prime, and a hellhound by the name of T.D. Wolf. Both PhD’s. 

The imp, E.Prime, had curly hair and a cheeky grin, which Stolas thought so adorable. And the hound, Wolf, brown and white, a lot like Loona with her prideful smile, seemed like someone he could talk about books with. She probably has a Book Goblin, too, he thought. She seems well read. Especially with her glasses. 

They both seemed well educated and, from Stolas’ view, soft spoken. Perhaps he might reach out to them, maybe see if they were working on anything else. Because the book was thick. And heavy in his hands. A true tome in every sense of the word. 

With his prize in both hands, Stolas looked around, hoping to find somewhere to sit and have a read. 

As if reading his mind, when he turned around to look behind him, a plush sofa appeared, along with a little table with a glass of water on it, along with a reading lamp.

“This wasn’t here before… was it?” he wondered, making his way over to take a seat. Glancing around to make doubly sure there was no-one else around, Stolas put his feet up and got comfortable, cracking open the contents page to find what he’d come looking for. 

It was easy to find. The authors had listed everything in order, with topics and subtopics, all numbered and indexed. So the section on purring was easy to locate. It was also one of the bigger sections, under the Social Behaviors umbrella. There were a few more topics that caught Stolas’ attention, but he read the bit on purring first. 

Purring. Most commonly the sign of a very happy imp that feels safe in its company or pack, purring works similarly to the felines in the human realm. Purring is usually only done with an imps most trusted family, or others the imp considers to be family. Extending to mates, kits, and close friends. The trope “found family” is a strong concept among imps, as they will try their best to facilitate healthy familial bonds even if their own blood families were toxic enough for the imp to cut them off. Family is highly important to the imp species, and as such lone imps are a rarity. 

Stolas nodded. That’s definitely Blitz, he agreed. He considers his employees his family. And he did adopt his Loonie even when it was ill advised. 

He kept reading. 

Usually empathetic creatures, imps can also seem to sense when others around them are in need of comfort or family, and will endeavour to fill that role to those they seem needing of it. When imps form bonds like this, and grow comfortable enough with each other, they will purr to show their affection. 

Usually accompanied by physical contact (as imps are cold blooded creatures) purring is the imps way of saying “I’m here and I feel safe and content with you.” Reinforcing the bonds of pack and family, which are usually one and the same. 

Comforting behaviours can also involve purring. For example if an imps packmate is in distress, the bodily vibrations that emanate from the chest when purring can help to calm and ground the distressed packmate. 

It also extends to mates and mating behaviour. This will be covered in detail in a later section of the book, but generally, purring can also occur alongside rubbing on mates. Again reinforcing mating bonds and the connection between mates. Stating without any words that the imp feels comfortable, safe, loved, and harbours a deep affection for their chosen partner. 

Stolas blinked. Oh my. Oh my goodness, is that what purring means with imps? That he feels safe and content with me? 

He couldn’t believe it. Blitz, the cool hard-headed assassin who didn’t seem to need anything or anyone, considered him family. Thought of him as one safe enough to let his guard down with? It didn’t seem believable, and yet, here they were. Blitz had purred in his presence, which meant he did indeed consider him a) family and b) safe enough to let his guard down with. No matter how much he shouted otherwise or ran away to avoid dealing with the repercussions of that. 

Oh… oh, Blitz… 

Stolas sniffed, feeling his eyes watering. Do you really feel safe with me? Safe and loved? 

He felt the tears roll down then. He was just so overcome with emotion at the thought of Blitz finding him warm and comforting, a safe space in the cruel world around them. He took a deep, trembling breath, but more tears of joy seemed to fall instead. Wetting the pages in his hands. Blinking, he went to wipe away his tears, only to find a box of soft tissues had appeared on the little table beside him. The librarian’s way of making sure he had everything he needed for his stay. 

Stolas took one of the tissues. “Thankyou,” he said, blowing his eyes and wiping his nose. 

“You’re welcome,” Leitner’s voice echoed in his mind. “I’ll give you a moment, and then I’ll check that book out for you.”

Stolas sniffed again, feeling a hand on his shoulder and turning to see Jurgen sitting beside him on a chair. “Big revelation, huh?” 

“You could say that,” Stolas told him, still clutching the book in his hands tightly. 

“It’ll be okay. Emotions are normal. I knew what you came looking for, and I’m glad you found it.”

“I just can’t believe he… I…” Stolas sniffled and trailed off. Jurgen patted his hand gently. 

“I’m just happy to be of assistance. I’m glad you found good news. Most folks come here and only find bad.”

He handed Stolas another tissue and the owl took it, wiping his eyes delicately. 

“I found such good news,” Stolas said, “Thankyou.”

“Do you want me to sit with you a while?” Jurgen asked, “Tell me all about it?”

Stolas sniffed, blowing his snotty nose again. “Oh, I’d love to,” he said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Jurgen smiled kindly, “A librarian’s duty is to be here for his clientele. In whatever capacity they need. If you need to cry, I’m here to provide a safe space for that.”

“Well, you’ve certainly provided a very safe space for that, Mr Leitner.”

“Please,” Jurgen shook his head, “Call me Jurgen. We are friends here.”

“Okay. Jurgen.” Stolas echoed. 

“Now, wanna tell an old man all about it?”

“Only if you’ll listen,” Stolas answered him. 

Jurgen laughed then, though not unkindly. “Stolas, my boy, for you I’ve got all the time in the world.”

Stolas smiled then, and told him.

Chapter 5

Summary:

Stolas reads the imp biology book and Blitz has anxiety about Stolas hating him.

Notes:

I realise I've fallen off the fandom spaces due to work, health and general life happenings. Also chronic fatigue. But that doesn't mean I've forgotten them of these stories :) I'll just be more sporadic in posting.
enjoy the latest chapter.

“So, do I need a library card to take this book out, or…” Stolas asked, still clutching the book in his hands as he followed Jurgen back to the main reception area. 

“Yes, but this library works a little differently, as I’m sure you’ve guessed. Here for a long term loan of a book, you must give knowledge of your own. A tome from your own collection. Law of equivalent exchange and all that.”

Stolas vaguely remembered Asmodeus explaining something along those lines, but in his excitement about finally getting the answers he was seeking, it slipped his mind. “Oh, oh yes! I have a tome here that should hold some value.” 

Hand outstretched, he conjured up a portal into his home library and pulled out one of the least read books in his collection. A dusty relic full of horror stories from the last century. A well worn book much perused in his goth phase as a teen, now just gathering dust. 

“A first edition, very nice. It is acceptable.” Jurgen nodded approvingly as he took the payment for the loan, and fired up the old computer to process Stolas’s new loan. He also presented the owl with his very own library card, which Stolas slipped into his wallet for safekeeping. Right behind the little photo of Octavia.

“Who’s that?”

“My daughter,” Stolas smiled, “She, too, loves to read.”

Jurgen smiled at that. “Then may she find the books she enjoys. Enjoy your new loan, my friend.”

“I shall,” Stolas beamed, “Thankyou, for all your help.”

And with that, Stolas waved to the librarian, and walked out of the front door, expecting it to be at least early evening with the sunset just on the horizon. But no. Things were exactly as they were when he entered that same morning. The red sun was high in the sky, traffic was still moving, people still crowded the streets. It was like no time had passed at all. 

Hm, how odd, Stolas thought, I’m sure I was in there for a good few hours, if not most of the day. How…?

 He checked his watch which read 5pm, and shook his head. Then pulled out his phone to check the time. 11:05. So only five minutes had gone by in the real world. 

Huh. I guess time really does work differently in the library. At least this means more time to read. Which is always a plus!

It was with that pleasant thought in mind, Stolas opened another portal for home, where he promptly curled up on the sofa with a mug of tea and a blanket to read his new treasure. Only stopping to go and grab a notebook and pen to make notes as he read. Even ignoring the buzzing of his phone he was so absorbed in the book.

. . . 

Meanwhile, Blitz was throwing himself into his work. Trying to forget about the embarrassment of being caught purring of all things. And by Stolas of all demons. Shit, how embarrassing can you get? He groaned. It was all he could do to take his feelings out on their targets, killing them quickly one after the other in the hope that he could drown his embarrassment in human blood. 

It didn’t work. 

He was determined to avoid Stolas in the beginning, but as the day wore on his insecurities reared their ugly heads again. He began to wonder if Stolas was mad at him somehow, or thought he was somehow a freak for purring like a big cat. He couldn’t shak those feelings either, so he ended up pinging Stolas a few messages.

Hey, are you mad at me? 

No answer.

Is it because of the purring? 

I know I’m weird and you think the purring is stupid.

Still no answer. 

He tried to focus on his work. But despite periodically checking his phone to check, the number of new messages was still zero.

Mood officially lowest of the low, when they were done for the day, Blitz had slumped back into the office sofa. His mind drifted to Stolas again. Which must’ve been obvious because it was Moxxie who spoke up. 

“Sir? Are you… doing okay? You seemed a bit distracted today.”

Blitz glanced up from his brooding. “Huh? Uh… sure, I mean, no worse than normal.”

Moxie looked unconvinced. “You sure?”

Blitz had to think about that. “Uh… I guess.”

“You guess?” 

Millie came in with a mug of coffee for each of them and set them on the coffee table. Blitz eyed his mug gratefully, though he struggled to manage a smile. “Thanks, Mills.”

“Now what’s got you so down in the dumps, B?” she asked, taking a seat beside him. “IIt aint like you to be so morose. Not after a hard day’s killin’.”

Blitz leant his head back and sighed. “Ughhh, it’s really embarrassing.”

“Tell us, B. What happened? Did you guys have a fight?” 

“No,” Blitz admitted, curling his tail around him and folding his arms. “We didn't fight.”

“Then what, B? C'mon, you can tell us.”

“Well,” Blitz murmured into his shoulder, “Stolas caught me….”

“It helps if you aren’t talking into yer jacket, Blitz.”

“Stolas caught me purring, ” he finally admitted. “And worse, he’s ignoring all my texts!”

“That’s it?” Moxie asked, a little incredulous. “That’s all you’re worried over?”

“I told you it was bad,” Blitz squinted. “He probably thinks I’m some kinda freak now.”

“And you weren’t before?”

Blitz and Millie both glared at Moxxie, who wisely backed off, hands raised in appeasement.

Mille tried to be supportive. “Maybe he’s just busy?” she offered hopefully, “Doing… I dunno, Princey stuff. Like being in borin’ meetings and such.”

“That never stopped him from replying before,” Blitz said morosely, texting Stolas for perhaps the thirteenth time that day. Unlucky for me, Blitz thought, sighing heavily. Waiting for an answer that’d probably never come. 

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Mille assured him gently, “There’s a lot of explanations for why he isn’t answering right now. And just cuz he isn’t don’t mean he doesn’t care. Just wait and see, yeah? And in the meantime, we can blow up some old TV’s, whaddya say?”

Blitz managed a smile, able to push away his nagging thoughts at least for the moment. “Yeah, that sounds great.”

Chapter 6

Stolas, meanwhile, was so lost in his book and serious note taking, he didn’t even realise almost the whole day had gone by. He was so fascinated by the new information in the biology book that he’d filled almost an entire notebook with his scribblings of important points, and questions to ask Blitz later. 

“Oh, I didn’t know imps needed to file their hooves and shape their horns regularly. This is fascinating.”

It was only the growling of his stomach that brought him out of his hyperfocus and back to the real world. Now darkened by the night outside. He looked up and surveyed his dark library, blinking and trying to gauge how much time he’d lost.

“Oh dear, I was at this for the whole day?”

He was used to this happening. Via was exactly the same whenever she gained a new special interest. She’d be up all through the night researching, or creating, or writing her stories or a new song. But it still meant he’d lose days at a time, he was so invested in learning new things. 

Conjuring a small ball of light to see by, Stolas reached for his phone to check the time, unlocking it to see just how late it was. Only to see he had 14 missed calls and at least 20 missed messages from Blitz. 

His heart dropped and he squawked in horror. Oh no… I had this on silent when I was in the library. I meant to turn the sound back on. Oh dear, I hope nothing bad happened.

He hurriedly opened the messages and his four eyes widened as he read over them. All messages of shame and guilt Blitz had no business putting on himself.

Hey Stols, are you okay?

Stols? 

…?

Hey, are you mad at me? 

Is it because of the purring? 

I know I’m weird and you think the purring is stupid.

It’s not my fault, I can’t control it, okay?

Didn’t mean to embarrass you. Please pick up an lemme say sorry.

Stolasss plz pick up I’m sorry ok

Ok I get you’re mad just lemme know how i can do better. I can be better i promise.

Stolas felt his stomach drop as he read. Oh no. Oh no, no, no… oh Blitz, I’m so sorry for not answering. I didn’t mean to make you feel this way. You know I love you.

Frantically opening up his contacts, he dialled Blitz back, vowing to delete all the voicemail messages later. He let it ring, and prayed to any deity who’d listen that Blitz would pick up the phone. 

. . . 

The IMP crew were down to their last used TV, and it was Blitz’s turn to shoot. Admittedly he was feeling a lot better for the good company and fun shooting. It was nice to take his mind off of his latest disastrous fuck up with Stolas for at least a little while. In fact he’d almost forgotten about it, until his phone started ringing and he saw Stolas’ name on the screen. That made his heart drop and his blood run cold. Well, colder than usual, anyway, being the coldblooded reptilian he was. 

“Blitz?” Mille asked when she saw he’d gone quiet. But he could only sit and stare at the ringing phone.

“It’s Stolas.”

Millie tilted her head. “Well, answer it then! I’m sure he’s pretty worried about you.”

Blitz kept staring at the phone, listening to it ring. “Yeah, but…” he began quietly, “What if he still hates me?”

“Aw hell, Blitz, I’m sure he doesn’t hate you,” Millie said, moving to sit beside him and wrap her arm around him comfortingly, “He loves you, remember?”

“Yeah, but…”

From his place by the TV, Moxie growled in frustration, and stormed over. 

“Oh for goodness sakes!” he huffed, snatching the phone from Blitz’s hands and answered the call. “Hello, Your Highness. Yes, he’s here. One moment.”

Moxie held the phone out in front of Blitz. “It’s for you.”

Blitz hesitatingly took the phone from him and slowly held it up to his ear. “Hey, Stols.”

“Oh my goodness! Blitz! I’m so glad you’re okay! I was so worried something had happened when you didn’t answer!”

“No, just… I just figured you were mad at me and never wanted to see me again when you didn’t take any of my calls.”

“What? Oh, no, never, darling. I just got caught up reading… again. I’m so, so sorry for not answering. I never wanted to make you feel unloved, I just found a very good book at the library and…” Stolas sighed heavily, “Listen, let me make it up to you, alright? 

Blitz lifted his knees to his chest and curled his tail around himself. “You… you don’t hate me? I didn’t like… embarrass you?”

“What? No, never! I was just curious about what happened, and you ran away before I could really ask. So I went to the library and… listen, why don’t you come over after you finish work?” he offered, holding out a metaphorical olive branch, “We can watch that pony show you like and maybe we can… talk about what happened?”

Blitz hesitated. Damn Stolas, bribing him over with the promise of ponies. Only because it usually worked. 

“Mmm okay,” Blitz relented, “If only for ponies. And you better make it up to me.”

“Of course, darling. I can even show you the book I found at the library, which is why I didn’t answer you.”

Blitz had to crack a smile at that. If a very small one. “Heh, must’ve been if you ignored me. You’re such a nerd.”

Stolas hooted a little laugh over the phone and Blitz had to admit he’d missed that sound. “Yes, but I’m your nerd. Anyway, I’ll see you after work, okay?”

Blitz managed to smile now, a little relieved it seemed that Stolas did not, in fact, hate him. “Sure. I’ll see ya then. Bye, Stols.”

“Bye, darling. See you soon.”

With that, the call disconnected, and Blitz lowered the phone from his ear. He turned to Millie beside him. “Well, at least he doesn’t hate me.”

“See? I told you. I bet he just got caught up in reading or something.”

“Yeah, that’s pretty much what happened. He sure likes his books.”

“And how do you feel now?” she asked him. 

“Better,” he admitted. “A lot better.”

“Good,” Millie smiled at him, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “And if ya wanna go see him now, we can hold the fort here. We’re windin’ down fer the day, anyway.”

Blitz looked at her, hesitant. “Are ya sure?”

“Yeah. We’ll be fine here. You go see your prince charmin’.”

“Huh,” Blitz considered the offer, but not for long, “I mean if you’re sure you can manage here, I’ll head out. Thanks Mills, I owe ya one.”

She waved at him as he bragged his bag and made for the door. “Have fun!” she called after him. And as Blitz walked by Loona’s desk in reception he swore he could hear her mutter to herself.

“Ugh, about damn time.”

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 10 of the Biology and Psychology of Imps