Work Text:
Being a professional cuddler means thar you have to deal with a lot of unsavory clients. You don’t always mind the old men who find their way into your arms, but with such a wide variety of people who walk into your bed there’s bound to be some you find uncomfortable.
The worst is always those that think your welcoming smile and gentle hands is an invitation to grope your ass to try to slip in some innocuous humping. At least the company you work through sends another person out with you. It’s not always this serious, but your young and can’t lift more than a few pounds, so the extra insurance is nice. The only good thing about it is that you get to end the session early and keep the check.
What you deal with much more often, is clients who smell. You make them change out of their outside clothes, but occasionally the stink of body odor still clings to them. If it’s bad enough you’ve even tried to ask a few to shower. You’re always clean, with freshly laundered clothes for each new person.
When Reigen Arataka signs up for two hours with you, you worry that he’ll end up in one of these categories. Looking him up you’re led to a eye-burning website composed of too saturated clashing colors. The only other thing you find are a few controversial articles about an apparent scandal.
It’s almost enough to make you want to cancel the session. You hesitate, remembering how polite, and almost nervous, he was over the phone. At this point you’re used to only dealing with regulars, and you can forget how uneasy people often are at the beginning.
So ultimately you chat over the phone with him beforehand, sending out your form to fill out shortly after.
His answers reassure you further, simply stating that all he’s looking for some contact. Out of the wide range of other things you offer, Arataka only asks for some light music in the background. Sleazier men will probe you more, asking for you to pick out a movie or put on much wilder tunes.
With just a few more emails and eventually a short call, you officially put his appointment into his calendar.
—-
“Good afternoon Arataka-san,” you bow deeply with a warm smile on your face. For your usual clients, you greet them with a hug, but it doesn’t seem like he’s quite ready for that yet.
He shifts nervously in the slightly dingy gray suit he wears. Reigen carries another set of clothes in his hands, and you quickly direct him to the bathroom. “You’re also welcome to shower if that would make you more comfortable, but please be aware that if you take more than 15 minutes it will begin to cut into our time.” While you talk his hands fidget, though all he gives you is a quick nod before tucking himself into the other room.
You move over to sit on the edge of your bed, though Reigen gets changed quickly, opening the door after only a few minutes. He wears a simple gray sweatshirt, and some loose plaid pajama pants. It’s a colorful contrast against your own white and blue matching set.
You flash him another smile, flipping around to sit in the middle of the bed. “Did you want to get started right away Arataka-san? Some people like to chat at first.”
“No no, I wouldn’t want to waste any of your time, we can get started right away.” His voice nearly cracks, and his hands move with quick gestures. Reigen’s eyes dart around nervously and he slowly moves towards the bed.
You peel the sheets back slowly, scooting into the covers. Arataka sits a mile away from you, still showing some hesitance. You’re used to this, and beckon him closer. “Did you want to cuddle a certain way? It’s ok if you want to explore some different options!” Extending an arm towards him the man finally enters your grasp.
“Can we-“ One of his wild hand gestures nearly hits you. “-is a face to face position alright?”
“Whatever you want is alright! We can lie down and I’ll make sure you’re comfortable.” You relax more, dragging him towards you slightly. Sliding a hand underneath his neck you let your fingers curl to touch the base of his neck.
Once you make more contact with him, Reigen seems much less nervous and reaches out his arms as well. He’s much taller than you, but some chub sticks to his arms and stomach. It makes him more comfortable to lie against as one of his arms slides under your neck.
You’re worried is face is growing too close to yours, but before you have to ask him to stop, he does. “Can I put my head on your shoulder?” Arataka’s voice comes out slightly hoarse.
The simple question makes your heart melt a little. You’re grateful that he didn’t end up being a creep. Guiding his head towards you, he stiffens up slightly, but as you continue to pet the edges of his hair he slowly relaxes.
Your legs intertwine and Reigen’s breathing slows. His own hands cradle your back. The plush mattress holds you both. His weight against you nearly drags you down into sleep. As you tickle his neck, Reigen’s hands mirror the motion on your back. The contact is wonderful and you’re not used to your clients being so gentle as well. Most of them are seeking contact, not bothering to return the feeling.
The music in the background offers a nice break from silence, preventing any sort of awkwardness. Arataka’s breath echoes against your ears as well, the occasional tremor breaking the deep pace he’s set. Every few minutes he snuggles closer to you, as if he’s trying to engulf you.
You wonder why he’s come to you. It’s always interesting to see the backstories of the clients, but the man requested that you don’t talk. He’s not that much older than you, and it’s rare to see clients younger than 30, which also helps you feel safer. Reigen smells a bit like sweat, but most of that is drown out by deodorant and cheap cologne. It’s not the most appealing scent, but better than being forced to huff rank body odor.
Surprisingly, the smell is almost nice. That combined with his hands circling your back is enough to pull you deeper into relaxation. Reigen would make an amazing cuddler, though it’s mostly woman who enter the strange profession.
As the man continuously pushes himself close to you, you absentmindedly keep running your fingers through his hair. The repetitive motion and quiet room drags your eyelids down several times, despite your attempts too stay alert. Finally, as Reigen cups the back of your head and breaths against your ears you’re fully dragged down into sleep.
—-
When a loud alarm blares against your ear, you jolt awake suddenly. As your hand fumbles around for your phone and mutes the loud beeping, you look around curiously. It takes you a moment to realize where you are, as Arataka untangles himself from you.
Fully separated, you’re faced with the client you feel asleep on. Sitting up you rub your eyes and usher out an apology. “I’m very sorry for falling asleep Arataka-san,” you exclaim. “This hasn’t happened to a client before. My apologies if this compromised your experience.”
The moment you slip off the bed, you bow several times. You must look ridiculous with your messy hair and crumpled outfit. Reigen, as he climbs off the bed himself, he places a hand on your shoulder.
“Please don’t worry about it.” His unoccupied arm is once again doing some flashy movements. “I still had a very relaxing experience.” The man seems to have bounced back rather quickly, not showing an ounce of tiredness.
You can’t get over your embarrassment and unprofessionalism. This is just a side gig for you, but you need the extra income, and this simple mistake makes you feel awful. “Please take something though! I’ll give you 50% off your next appointment and I promise I won’t fall asleep during it.” You bow once again, covering your own face.
Arataka keeps an arm on your shoulder, bending down so he can see your face. “Is this part of your plan? That way I won’t get my prize unless I schedule another session?” His smile is natural and tone light, but you’re left horrified.
“I can refund you then!” As you offer him seceral other options, the man laughs and rejects them all.
“Please don’t worry too much. I would scheduled something else anyways, I really did have a good time.” Arataka chuckles awkwardly, while you finally get the courage to stand up.
“Thank you for understanding in that case. I would be very grateful to see you again.”
Reigen bows back, finally moving his hand off of you. “I would like that very much.” He gives you another warm smile, before going to gather his items.