In the Care of a Cooper (RGRE)


                                            > Be Anon, working member of the Coopers' Guild

                                            > Your actual occupation...

                                            > Well, the saying goes "if you want a band around your barrel, see a cooper."

                                            > You're a hugwhore

                                            > It's a fairly comfy job even without the compensated cuddling

                                            > The room you use has a bed, a couch, loveseat, recliner, and a rocking chair

                                            > Tons of pillows

                                            > Soft blankets

                                            > A good fireplace for the colder months

                                            > Hot cocoa supplies, and so on

                                            > And so you wait for your next Jane, content in your place in the world

                                            > The door opens, revealing a slightly pudgy orange unicorn mare, with dark circles under her eyes

                                            > Her short navy mane lies tousled at ear-length

                                            > You welcome her with a warm smile

                                            "Come in, come in. How can I make your day today?"

                                            > She closes the door behind her with a flick of magic, and looks at you with haunted, empty eyes

                                            > "Don't. Don't say what you don't mean. I know I'm not beautiful, or cute, and the only reason why this is happening is because I paid for it."

                                            > You hesitate

                                            > There are mares that like when you talk down to them, that enjoy a stallion pretending to be disgusted about having to cuddle with them

                                            > But you can feel a difference here

                                            "Alright. Hop on up, and tell me what you want."

                                            > The mare climbs up onto the couch next to you, staring at you with a certain wariness that makes your heart break a little

                                            > She lays her head on your lap, and you start petting her automatically

                                            > She sighs, closing her eyes

                                            > "Tell me what you really think about me."

                                            > You consider the matter, her slightly coarse mane sliding under your fingers

                                            "You need to get more sleep, for one."

                                            > She nods, breathing deeply

                                            > You think you know what she needs

                                            "And you would look better if you lost some weight."

                                            > She sniffles at that, but you pretend not to hear

                                            "I get the feeling that you have a hard time reaching out to others, and don't have many friends. Certainly not any close ones."

                                            > A spot of dampness hits your thigh, and now you look down

                                            > The poor mare is thoroughly scrunched, tears leaking from her closed eyes

                                            > You shake your head quietly, and wipe her tears away

                                            > She looks at you, vulnerable and hollowed out by life

                                            > You smile kindly, and gently lift her head

                                            "And you are my favorite kind of customer."

                                            > She stares at you with wide eyes

                                            > "I-I am?"

                                            > You hum an affirmative

                                            "You are. For some ponies, they come to me because I'm convenient, and discreet."

                                            > You gently tug her up into your lap, and lay her head on your shoulder

                                            > She nuzzles your neck instinctively

                                            "They're just satisfying their animal appetite. But ponies like you, well."

                                            > You draw her into a tight hug, breathing in her slightly soapy scent

                                            > She shudders in your arms, wrapping her forelegs around you

                                            "You just want to feel like a pony again, to remember what affection feels like."

                                            > She nods, her hot tears falling on your shoulder

                                            > You stroke her back comfortingly, syncing your breathing up with hers

                                            "You aren't using me, you're asking for my help, when no one else will answer."

                                            > You turn in your seat, leaning back against the armrest of the couch

                                            > The mare melts, her weight and warmth falling on your like a heavy blanket

                                            > She stares at you with wondering eyes, hoping desperately

                                            "And I love being there for you. I love healing your heart, even if it is just a little bit."

                                            > You peck her cheek, and draw her back into your embrace

                                            "So cuddle with me, and forget about the world for a while."

                                            > She timidly kisses your cheek, before turning her head away

                                            > You chuckle, and stroke her mane

                                            > After a few long minutes pass, she swallows

                                            > "I think I love you."

                                            > Oh, this poor dear

                                            "I care about you, my little mare."

                                            > She starts to shake

                                            > "I- I shouldn't have said that, just for-"

                                            > You shush her gently, patting her withers

                                            "It happens. It's hard to receive affection and not return it. All that I ask is that you leave room in your heart for other ponies you may meet."

                                            > You can feel the motion of her throat as she swallows

                                            > "Alright. I promise."

                                            > She relaxes, almost completely limp on top of you

                                            > You wait, patiently and comfortably

                                            > Her breathing deepens, sleep having finally claimed her emotionally overwhelmed body

                                            > You let yourself drift off, content in a job well done