Chapter Text
Stolas sat on the sofa pouring over his book in earnest. It was one of the very few sources of information on imp behaviour he could get his hands on. And that included the dating magazines. Which weren't as helpful as he'd like. Though he had picked up a few things to look out for thee next time he saw Blitz. Namely for signs the imp had a crush on him, but those could be filed away for later. For the moment, he had an actual textbook on imps which explained everything he could ever want to know. It had been quite a surprise when Blitzy had started purring for him that one time, and he'd been wondering if there were any other quirks he ought to know about.
The resources were limited, this being Hell and imps the lowest class citizens. But he was determined to find out what he could. Lucifer knew Blitz wouldn't tell him. So he'd had to find out on his own. Luckily, he'd discovered an old copy of 'The Biology and Psychology of Imps' in the library of Jurgen Leitner, dusty and well hidden. It was written by E.P.Rime and T.D.Wolf. Both well renowned imp biologists in Hell, and all of the sources were properly cited and referenced. Something he could, as a fellow scholar, appreciate. Needless to say, he was overjoyed with his find. And immediately took it home to add to his own collection.
He made a few notes as he read: sections to come back to. Points to further research. Things to watch out for next time he saw Blitz. And a few miscellaneous notes.
He turned the page, thankful to have found a legitimate source of information, and came across a very interesting section on grooming and scent marking.
Now this, was going to be helpful. He devoured the words eagerly.
'Scent marking. Imps rub their cheeks and/or bodies against things or people to leave their scent behind. They have a good sense of smell, and scent marking is their way of claiming a place or object They also exhibit this behaviour with mates and other family members. Mostly for establishing bonds and for safety, as imps know there is always safety in numbers and a lone imp is more likely to be attacked.'
Stolas marked the page with a post-it note and continued reading, making mental notes.
The next section was on grooming. Now, Stolas hadn't seen Blitz either groom himself or anyone else, so learning about this aspect would be most helpful.
Again, he read in earnest.
'Grooming. Among imps, grooming is an activity typically done between mates, family, or very close friends. A bonding activity that provides a sense of closeness and relaxation both, parents groom their children to form a bond with them and with older family members to strengthen theirs and reduce stress. Close friends in imp groups also groom each other for this reason. For example, when an imp is stressed and in need of reassurance, the others will offer comfort with grooming, usually done with tongues for cleaning and claws for taking care of itchy areas. With mates, it is an activity performed to show affection as well. A way of expressing love without any words.'
Now that piqued his interest. So imps actually groomed each other! Who knew. He wondered if Blitzy would groom him, or even scent mark him to stake his claim. He giggled at the thought. His little Blitzy smoothing his feathers and fussing over him. Oh, that would be delightful! But would Blitz even be comfortable enough around him to even start grooming him? He didn't know. He supposed he'd just have to wait and find out. But still, he wondered if there was a way he might find out sooner rather than later.
His phone beeped, reminding him it was tie for his monthly rendezvous with Blitz. Grinning to himself, he closed his book and headed upstairs to wait for his darling Blitzy to arrive and climb in through the balcony doors as usual.
. . .
Several hours later after a very good romp in the sheets, the both of them lay in bed together, slowly catching their breaths. Stolas lay with Blitz in his arms and sighed contentedly. This was what he enjoyed. Just being with Blitz like this. It was nice, just cuddling up together like this. He smiled. He could get used to this. He really could. And so could Blitz, apparently, what with the way he was purring softly and rubbing his head against his chest feathers. His 'chest floof', as Blitz called it. His cheeks pressing hard, but not hard enough to hurt him.
Stolas wanted to laugh a little as Blitz began to rub his body against him. Not in a sexual way, they'd already finished that part of the evening. But nuzzling into him affectionately. Almost like Blitz was claiming him in some way.
Blitz always did this whenever they were together after they'd finished their more rigorous activities, so he was used to this, though the purring was new. But something nagged at the back of his mind about it. Of course, it felt damn good to have Blitz's warm body pressed against him, but there was something else, too. He just couldn't qute put his finger on it.
He listened to the soft hum of Blitzo's purring and tried to think. There had to be some reason Blitzy always did this.
And then it hit him. Oh! Blitzy's scent marking me! It seems so obvious now!
It was such a revelation, his head span. Did this mean Blitz considered him his mate? Oh, he hoped it did. Perhaps this was why no other imps dared come near him in the days after the full moon.
Yes, it all makes sense now!
He let out soft little hoots of joy as Blitz worked, this new little fact in his head. The excitement of it making his feathers fluff up and nearly bury Blitz in his chest. Making the imp come up for air or risk inhaling some feathers. Blitz looked down at him, not very impressed.
“Why'd you stop?” Stolas smiled up at him.
“Uhhh. Cuz I can't breathe?” Blitz sassed him.
“Sorry,” Stolas smiled. “I just got excited.”
“Why?” I do this every time and it never bothered you before. What changed?”
“Well, I... I just realised why you do it.” Stolas admitted, a light flush to his cheeks. “And it made me happy you want to claim me for yourself.”
Blitzo's cheeks coloured. “W-well, yeah. Don't you birds scent mark your mates somehow?”
“Well, yes, we do. But it wasn't something I thought imps did as well.” Stolas blinked. “You think I'm your mate?”
Blitz shrugged, trying to brush it off like it was no big deal. And failing. “Ye-eaah... a-and?”
Stolas let out another overjoyed hoot. “Oh Blitzy! Me too!”
Blitz cleared his throat, face very flushed. “Anyway,” he said pointedly, then frowned. “Ugh, Stols, you're a fluffy mess right now.”
“I can't help it!” he laughed. “I fluff up when I'm happy!”
Blitz pretended to be disappointed in him and shook his head. “Well, no mate of mine's gonna have messy feathers. Here, lay back down and lemme sort you out.”