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, love-seat, 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. However, 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.