Recipe For Chocolate

Summer was always a great time for Hot Chocolate's shop. People had more time to enjoy the sweet treats and the kids were out of school and had time to nag their parents to come by. And the mare had her son to help her out as well. The shop itself stood out from most places simply from the cursive-styled sign over the front door, the words 'Cocoa Fantasy' stylized in metallic gold lettering as well as the bricks the building was made from having a darker brown tinge to them, almost like a brownie. And the aroma of warm, freshly-baked brownies and other treats would obviously help draw in customers. Within the building, everything seemed very normal, except one thing. At the register was a tall, rather thin and fit alicorn mare with dark black fur and a dark black mane and tail, her eyes and a streak through both tail and mane were a bright, vibrant red color, wearing a uniform that consisted of a maid-like caramel outfit with a long skirt and white lace, a white apron, a name tag that read 'Mary', and a small caramel and white lace cap that also bore a similarity to something a maid would wear. She was taking orders from the few ponies in the shop, smiling brightly and happily. "Hey, Cocoa! Seems today's rather slow!" She called out to the kitchen behind her.

"Yeah, yeah, I can tell. Usually I'm working up a sweat!" Another mare's voice called out, and out of the kitchen walked a curvy, beautiful mare with light brown fur and a dark, lush brown mane and tail, her coffee colored eyes scanning the room as she set a tray of steaming chocolate ship cookies on the counter, giggling as Mary took one and nibbled it slowly. "Kinda glad, really, let's us relax and just enjoy a few snacks, yaknow? Rocky's sleeping, thankfully, or he'd be complaining about being bored." She said playfully, yawning and stretching, her own uniform similar to Mary's, however Cocoa's had a shorter skirt and she didn't wear the cap, and, of course, the name tag, which did read 'Cocoa~'. She smiled and playfully nudged the alicorn's flanks with her own. "You know he likes you~"

"Cocoa, stop, I'm not getting with him. You know I prefer mares and even when I do get with stallions, I prefer the more experienced ones...Rocky's a bit young for my liking." Mary said playfully, giving Cocoa a mock glare.

"Oh, poo. You're no fun~" Cocoa giggled, yawning and looking at the door with a soft sigh of boredom.

And at that moment, the door opened to let in the sounds of a busy street in the Summer day, as well as a somewhat rugged and stocky unicorn stallion with a caramel cream coloring in little more than smudged blue overalls making his way in. His arms and barely covered upper body looked toned enough to match the build of any Royal Guard or heavy worker, while his long white mane was tied up by a single red ribbon, letting his somewhat weary eyes see very clearly at the hosts of the shop; He was actually a bit stunned once he realized what he was looking at when he saw Mary, rubbing his eyes gently. "I'm not that tired, am I? That's definitely an Alicorn mare. Doesn't seem to be a royal though." And then, of course, he looked to Cocoa herself with a different kind of interest beyond mere curiosity as he did with Mary. "Now this mare definitely filled up in all the right places! Such lovely brown fur... like chocolate... Sweet delicious mouth watering chocol- Dammit, I'm hungry..."

He lightly shook his head when he caught himself just staring at them in their dresses and cleared his throat as he waved and walked closer. "Hello. Is this shop still open?" He wasn't sure if he caught the mares about to go into break or not, but even still, he hoped they were still in service as the smell throughout the shop was definitely enticing his hunger further as he sniffed the aroma softly.

Mary looked at him immediately, giggling as she saw where his gaze went. "Cocoa~ He's checking you out~" She teased, poking Cocoa gently in the stomach, before she turned and slipped into the kitchen, coming back out with a tray and passing out some orders of chocolate cake to the few patrons that were still there.

"Shaddup, Mary. Anyway...I'm Cocoa, that was Mary, welcome to Cocoa Fantasy~" Cocoa slowly slid her gaze over the stallion. "We're always open from nine to six every day but monday. So, what would you like, sir? We have no menus. If it's chocolate, we sell it. If we don't, we'll add it to the recipe book." She said playfully. "On a more serious note. Just ask about anything that may have chocolate in it, and we'll see if we have it, if not, give us ingredients and a recipe and we'll make it for you." She said confidently, grinning at the stallion, before she slid behind the register and grabbed a notepad and a pen, looking up at him and waiting.

Sugary stifled a chuckle, blushing mildly as he had been caught for gazing too much. Nonetheless, he approached the counter with a smile as he listened in to the way things were done in Cocoa's shop. "Cocoa Fantasy... I really wondered about that name, but I didn't actually think you'd take pride in fulfilling any chocolate desires with a lack of menu like that... So I got a proposal for you!" He said cheerily, but keeping eye contact at all times. "I've had chocolate chunk muffins, chocolate brownies, triple chocolate strawberry cake, and chocolate mint ice cream... Surprise me with something else you got, and I'll buy two extra small orders if it's as mouthwatering as the sweet aroma in this shop." It was a completely blind order, leaving the option of the service entirely up to Cocoa. His comment about the aroma seemed genuine however, as he still looked quite hungry.

Cocoa giggled softly, then turned and went to the kitchen. "Wait here, hun, I'll be back in a few minutes." She said with a grin, going to the cupboard and fridge, collecting things rapidly and soon getting to mixing, humming and calling Mary in to assist, both mares working together quietly and efficiently, before the two exited the kitchen, Cocoa carrying a tray. She set it down, and spoke. "Chocolate Cake slice with shaved coconut within it, drizzled caramel over it, and then topped off with simple vanilla frosting." She said with a grin. "And no, not even a recipe. I just put this together now, if it's good, I might keep it in the book." She said happily, before looking at Mary, who shrugged lightly and went to collect plates from the patrons who were done.

Sugary had been regarding Cocoa curiously as she went and came back with cake. What he had meant with the treats he mentioned was for her to catch on he wanted something besides cake as well... But he forgave that fact as she and the cake she made were right before him. A tantalizing sight indeed. "If it's good... I have a promise to keep..." said he with a smile as he took the cake, and slowly bit into it for a taste.

He took his time savoring the flavor, smell, and texture, and then he swallowed and placed the slice back on the plate as he looked down to his pockets to get some bits. When he looked back up to Cocoa, he had a soft smile and a pair of rosy cheeks. "That's marvelous~<3! Two-No. Three more, please!" He liked it very much.

Cocoa let out a delighted giggle as the stallion enjoyed the treat. "I considered adding a little extra to it, but since you like it, looks like the recipe's going into the book. Dunno what to call it just yet~ Mary! Stop grinning and get back to work!" She called, glaring at the alicorn, who was watching the two.

"What work? Everything's clean, tables washed up, dishes done, and no one else is here but us and the stallion drooling over your cooking. Speaking of which, before you two get flirting, he can at least introduce himself." Mary said lightly, laughing a bit and heading into the kitchen with a light stretch.

"I wasn't going to flirt!" Cocoa called out.

"Bullshit." Mary called back, coming out with a few more slices of the cake Cocoa had baked for the unicorn, setting them beside the original plate brought out. "Here ya go."

Sugary nearly choked on cake as he struggled to laugh with a full mouth after Mary's sudden assumption about him and Cocoa, but he ultimately swallowed hard and shrugged the moment off by smiling at the shop owner still and actually playing along good naturedly while more cake was served before him. "... I may as well say my name at least though. The name's Sugary Market, but either one is fine. Occupation: Freelance Knight, and airship pilot..." He then sighed a bit in thought. "Though to be honest, I've been grounded here while my ship is under repairs at port. Last trip forced it to get some overhaul while I help out..." He wearily tapped the floor with a hoof. "So I'm gonna be here a while till then to say the least; My biggest issue now is just finding a proper place to rest in the meantime, but hotels here are either pricey or booked. Don't suppose a sweetheart like you would know where I can find someplace decent?" Whether it was an intentional flirt or not, he did mean it when he called her a sweetheart; Treats were very delicious and he showed it by eating another slice gingerly as he was ready to pay.

Cocoa hummed and listened to Sugary, before looking at Mary. "I'll close up soon, you go see your marefriend." She teased, winking, before turning to Sugary, smiling. "I have a spare guest room if you're interested. It's a little messy, but it's a place to stay, I suppose."

"She's not my marefriend, Cocoa, we're just friends." Mary said with a sigh, shrugging and grabbing a bag form behind the counter, before waving to the two and heading out of the building. "Be back tomorrow."

"Anyway, Mister Market. You can have the spare bedroom if you want, It's messy, as I said, but rather empty, I don't use it for much and my son never goes in there, he's got his own room. I could show you now, I suppose, if you're interested. Oh, and since you've given me a new recipe, no need to buy the slices, on the house. I love challenging myself to bake new things."

Sugary looked to Cocoa with mild surprise, but it soon followed with a smile and a hearty chuckle as he put the bits away. "Really? That sounds fine, I'd love to see it! And thank you for the discount, but are you sure you don't anything? Not even payment for the room if I stay?" He was ready to follow, but she'd certainly hit a few soft spots by offering him a place to stay and a free meal as is. He lightly flicked his tail in contentment.

Cocoa smiled warmly, and gestured for him to follow. "Right this way, my friend. And I can take payment in the form of you working here, if you're up for it." She said, winking back at him, before she entered the massive, chocolate-scent-filled kitchen, the mare unlocking a door on the back wall with a key and walking through, shutting it behind Sugary, and both would be within a large living room, but the mare hummed and walked up a flight of stairs, her flanks swaying hypnotically before the stallion's eyes, but her curves were hidden beneath her skirt, if barely. Finally, after skipping past one doorway, she opened up a room on the right side of the hallway. "Here we are." She announced, moving to the side to reveal the large, mostly-empty room. It had a large bed and a dresser, but besides that, and the closet, it had nothing there.

Along the way, Sugary certainly considered the offer, though he seemed more intent on having to reject it at first despite his desire as the smell was superb. "That sounds enticing to be sure, but I still need to help out with the repairs personally from time to time. I might not be able to spare the... time..." He kept pondering as he got a good look at her swaying hips, his tail flickering afterwards simultaneously with hers. "On second thought, maybe I can squeeze in some time to spare after all. Just so you know, I can still pay regardless anyway."

With his mind made up, he followed all the way up to the uninhabited room and got a good look at it himself with a broad smile. "Oh... This will do very nicely! I've got more than enough space here for my needs!" He looked right at her, and began to talk of a reasonable number for payment, as well as whether or not night and day hours would count or not on top of how much light and water was used. He was being rather considerate about the deal-to-be.

Cocoa giggled happily and held out her hand. "It's a deal, then. Just make time anytime during the week but mondays. I think I said before, we're only closed on mondays, so if you ever have time on any other day, just help out, okay?" Her smile was kind and genuine, the mare soon turning and yawning, walking back to the stairs, before pausing. "Do keep in mind I have a son. He's in the room across the hall from you. Try not to wake him if that door is closed, if it's not, he's either helping in the store or at a friend's." She smiled again, and with a light hum, she slipped down the stairs, heading back to the store to close up.

He gladly shook her arm in agreement, looking around the room a bit more in curiosity to double check, though he perked his ears at the matter of her foal. "I'll keep that in mind, Ma'am..." Among other things he kept in mind was the fact she looked great for a mother. "So that's why she looks so womanly... She aged very well, or she's very young."

Aside from having amused himself with the thought, he still needed to go get his things. Cautiously, he went back down to the now closing shop, where he caught Cocoa working. He decided to lend some aid. "Oh, hey, want some help closing up? I need to get back to get some of my things if I'm gonna be staying here. Goes without saying I can't use the shower in my airship as is."

"Sure, that'd be great!" She chimed, grinning at him as she pointed to the kitchen. "Make sure everything's off, and could you do the dishes, too? There's not much, since today was rather slow." She listed, before going to all the tables, bending over lightly to begin washing them slowly and calmly, humming a tune as the chocolate mare worked. After she was done, she'd head into the kitchen and check on Sugary. "All done?" She asked. If he was, she'd smile and point at the door to her home. "Bathroom's the the right of the son's room, my room is right beside yours, by the way, so do please keep somewhat quiet, okay?" She teased, winking as she gestured to the front door. "I'll have tea done by the time you get back, I'll leave the keys in the door, so lock up when you do get back." She said with a smile, heading back into her living room and vanishing from sight.

Sugary quite happily did his part of the work, as well as get a quick glance of Cocoa when she bent over, but soon after felt hesitant of it as he was unsure if she was still with her Sire or not. The dishes and kitchen would be tended to with more focus since then.

Once Cocoa returned to him, he was done, and he was grateful she would prepare more for him as he headed out. "Thank you so much. I'll behave, I promise!" And so he waved on the way out with a smile...

Returning some time later, he made sure to use the door and keys as they were left for him while he carried a small backpack with him, along with a smaller runic pouch by his waist. He closed up, and got the keys as he searched for Cocoa again, assuming she was still awake when he got back.

He'd find the mare humming to herself as she looked up from pouring a cup of tea. "Just in time, hon. I just got the tea ready." She said lightly, sitting back on the couch and scooting to the side, holding out a cup to Sugary while she sipped from her own, pointing at the coffee table. "Sugar and the Pitcher." She pointed out, yawning lightly. She then smiled and took her keys from him, humming and nodding her head politely. "Didn't know how much sugar you'd want, so I added a few cubes."

As jovial as she was, so was he to be received in such a friendly and welcoming matter that he snorted lightly in glee as he sat down with her and placed his things next to him, grabbing the tea and smelling it. "Mm~... This smells good..." He took a sip, and chuckled afterwards. "Tastes better too! A few cubes is perfect!"

As he drank some more tea and eased up, he further expressed his gratitude for the hospitality. "It's real nice of you to let a stranger like me in to stay in your home. Don't be shy about asking me to do more than just help with the kitchen, okay? I'll try and do what I can outside of repair work. Could use some distractions anyway, things were a bit slow lately aside from that one crash..."

"Well, I can think of plenty I can ask a strong-looking hunk like you to do." She said, flirting playfully. She shifted, leaning forward to rest a hand on his thigh and show off her cleavage to him, a warm smile on her face. "Just work hard with what I ask for my shop, and we're square, hon. Nothing too much on the side, I promise." She added the last comment with a playful wink, leaning back and pouring herself another cup of tea, adding plenty of sugar. "Mare like me, with my job, well, I may have some fun, but it does get boring sometimes. Maybe you could provide a bit of amusement, eh?" She teased.

Between Cocoa's flattery and flirty tone, as well as the thigh touch and generous display of her bosom, Sugary picked up fairly quickly that she was likely single, and probably looking for more excitement than just a cooking companion. He also snorted lightly, thought tried to suppress it as he cleared his throat with a soft blush. "Ah... Well, I won't disappoint you if you're looking for variety. I've always got a trick up my sleeve upon request." He smirked lightly, horn glowing briefly as a ball of light twirled around it. Nothing had to be conventional for her with an extra magical being around the kitchen or the house in general at night.

Just then, a thought crept to his mind. He was aware she looked tired, but there was no reason he couldn't ask away either anyway. "That said... Is there nothing I can do for you now? After the snacks, of course. Maybe something else needs to be tended to before tomorrow, or is everything as it should be?" He drank more afterwards calmly.

Cocoa hummed softly at his comments, smiling warmly at his question and shrugging, before slyly sliding over and sitting in his lap. "Carry me to my room~?" She asked with a warm smile. "I'm tired..." And she did look it, her eyes closing soon as she leaned into him. "Just clean up here after you take me up..." She mumbled, yawning softly and humming. "...And close my door behind you. I'll wake you up tomorrow..." She said softly, before just going still and quiet until he would take her up, but then she'd just mumble a soft "G'night." and curl up under her blankets.

He'd get a good feel of her warm supple body when she sat upon his lap and began to doze off. The stallion quietly regarded the mare afterwards, and soon gently felt her arms and thighs as he grabbed upon her to carry her back to bed. "Goodnight..."

Mild growing attraction aside, he'd fulfill her request just fine as he tucked her in, closed the door, went to clean up the leftovers, and eventually returned to his room. He spent the rest of the waking night considering his circumstances... as well as partially reminiscing on the supple feel of a certain mare till he fell asleep...

Early in the morning, Sugary's door would receive a firm knock and a young voice would call out. "Hey, Mr. Market! Mom told me to get you up so you could help start baking a cake!" Then Sugary would hear the pony who had called out walk off heavily, calling out. "I think I woke him up!"

"Why didn't you check on him, then!?" Cocoa called back.

"I ain't walking in on another stallion's room! You can do that tomorrow if you want to wake him up!"

Sugary would perk up at the sudden noise, getting his bearings as he stretched out and got up. he chuckled once he realized what was happening on the other side of the door, and began to dress up for the first morning chore as he freshened up.

When he got out, he'd be wearing a cleaner set of a green short-sleeved tunic with brown shorts, hooves marking his approach step by step. "Don't worry, I heard ya. On my way there!" Once he got to the kitchen, he'd greet Cocoa. "Good morning. So, what cake needs baking?"

The first thing Sugary would see is Cocoa in her usual Maid-like uniform talking with Mary, both looking up and greeting the unicorn happily. "Several. Special orders. I need three chocolate cakes done and I've already got one baking, but I've gotta head into town to get some ingredients we've run low on. Mary'll show you around the kitchen while my son should be getting to work on the second cake..." She trailed off, looking to the side as a young, teenage unicorn stepped into the room, with Cocoa's fur, a mane of a similar, rich chocolate color, and soft, mint green eyes.

"..." He was quiet, finishing up a cookie in hie right hand as his left held the daily newspaper. "What? Yes, mom, I know, the cake." He sighed, tossing her the paper as he went to the sink and washed his hands, looking to Sugary as his mother left. "Hullo, I was at my friend's place yesterday, name's Rocky. Mom told me your name. Blah blah, welcome to our place..." He paused, then looked to Mary. "How long you say, Cuz?"

"Give them two days. Maybe less." Mary replied conspiratorily, both ponies laughing lightly before the young stallion got to work, getting around ingredients while Mary pointed out where everything was to Sugary, and then headed out to the front to take orders, leaving the two stallions to the baking, but very soon, Rocky would hold an apron out to Sugary, saying something about might be needing it.