Shapeshifter Boyfriend: Claude Part Two (complete)

I have been working for True Love’s Kiss for a few months now. I’ve finally gotten into the swing of things and all my ideas have started to get worked into the daily routine. Claude is allowing me to hire on a few new people, including a full-time receptionist and someone to do our laundry. I’ve gotten close to pretty much everyone who works in the parlor, and I already have regular clients.

Every so often, when the restaurant on the top floor isn’t our cup of tea, me and the other massage therapists will go down the street from TLK. There is this kitschy little diner called The Bean Diner. It’s a retro place, like a fifties diner from the eighties that got frozen in time. It has checkerboard flooring, red seats and booths, photographs of fifties icons plastered all over the walls. There is memorabilia in every free nook and cranny. In the far back corner, there is even an old jukebox that Claude told me has been out of order longer than he can remember. 

It’s a goofy, weird, little corner of the world but more often than not, the booths and counter are filled with people who work for TLK. The restaurant sometimes feels too much like work, so to escape it, they’ll often patronize the Bean for hours at a time.

Today, Archie and I both happen to have the day off. We spent the night together, watching old movies and snuggling up on the couch. Despite our first meeting, I have grown very close to Archie and he’s become a good friend. We get up that morning, both dying for coffee and waffles, so we slap on our coats over our pajamas and head to the diner.

Archie goes to our own sleepy corner booth. We order coffee right away, then lazily look over the menu even though we already know what we want.

“I think I sleep better when someone is in the bed with me,” Archie says dreamily. “I feel safer that way I guess.”

“It is nice,” I murmur. “So warm, so cozy. It’s nice to curl up to someone when the morning is so cold.” I glance out the window, already seeing snow falling. “Claude has been so busy lately,” I grumble.

“So glad to be your pity snuggle,” Archie faux pouts.

I nudge his leg under the table. “You never seem to mind.”

Archie smirks. “I know how you feel about Claude, I’m not threatened. Besides, after what you told me, I dunno how I can compete with what he has going on.”

I sigh and squish my cheeks between my palms. “So many hands!” I thunk my head against the table top. “I miss him, I really do. Having a crush sucks!” I whine out loud as I look up at Archie. “Ever since I met Claude, I’ve been so stupid.”

“I’m sorry you’ve caught feelings.” Archie rubs the top of my head. “I know I only have two hands, but they’re yours whenever you need them.”

I sit up and lean over the table to give Archie a sweet kiss. “You’re such a sweet boy. Thank you.”

Archie’s cheeks darken to purple and he looks back down at the menu. “You know, I once heard a story about our dear old Claude. Not sure how true it is.”

“Hmm?” I glance up at him, my antenna fluffing to attention.

“Well,” Archie sets aside the menu then folds his hands together on the table top. “TLK didn’t always exist, not as it is now. It used to be just your run-of-the-mill brothel back when it was a ‘hotel’.” He twitches his fingers in air quotations. “Even when it was a church,” he scoffs. “I heard rumors that Claude’s father was the priest who got the whole place in trouble.”

“You’re kidding,” I gasp softly. 

“Not too sure on what’s true to be able to kid, dear,” Archie chuckles. “But yeah. I heard his dad had turned the church into more of a sex cult sort of thing. He kept a harem full of men and women at his disposal, and even had a wife who was simply there to pump out kids for him.”

I furrow my brow as the dark idea of this comes into my mind. “That sounds awful. What about Claude?”

Archie shakes his head. “Not too sure on the details. All I know is that when the church was shut down and it was converted into a hotel, Claude bought it right away. He turned it into TLKm and - well, here we all are.”

I sink back in my seat with a strained look on my face. “I wonder how much of that is true.” I take up my coffee, sipping the black brew slowly. “It sounds so scary. All those people being used like that.”

“Good thing for Claude, right?” Archie raises his cup.

I nod as a gentle smile comes to my face. “Yeah, exactly.”

After breakfast, Archie and I return to TLK to continue enjoying our day off. We had plans to go shopping that afternoon and then finish watching movies until bed. As we walk into the foyer, I see Claude standing with a man wearing all-black clothes. The man’s face is serious and has a dark expression. Claude looks devastated. He sinks into a chair and the man kneels beside him, holding his hand. 

“I wonder what’s wrong,” I murmur. I contemplate going over to him, but I’m not sure whether I would be overstepping my bounds. 

“That’s his brother, Corin.” Archie whispers. “He comes by a lot, to visit. He’s an actual psychologist, so sometimes Claude calls him in to help with some of the clients and staff.” His brow furrows. “Something must be wrong.”

I timidly approach, standing before Claude as he sobs into his hands. He glances up for a moment and his brother, Corin, looks my way with his eyes behind dark sunglasses.

Claude jumps to his feet and captures me in his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he weeps.

I put my arms around him, hugging him tight. “Is everything okay, Claude? What’s wrong?” I rub the back of his neck as his head sinks to my shoulder.

“A family friend has passed away,” Corin says, adjusting his tie and collar. I can see splotches on his cheeks from having already been crying. “I thought Claude would rather hear it from me in person than over the phone.”

I hug Claude tight again. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper to him. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“I don’t want to ruin your day,” Claude whimpers.

“Nonsense,” I say softly. “I don’t mind helping a friend at all.” 

“I need to go home,” Corin says to Claude with a gentle voice. “I’ll get everything set up and meet you in the morning at the train station.”

Claude rubs his eyes. “I feel like I should be doing this. I’m the big brother.”

Corin smiles. “Yeah, well, I’m the good brother,” he teases. He hugs Claude again. “It’ll be alright. I know how close you were to her.” He kisses Claude’s cheek and turns to leave. He looks at me for a moment, nodding before he leaves.

Claude sniffles as he takes hold of my hand, grasping it firmly and rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “I just want the world to be quiet for a moment.”

“Yes, of course.” I kiss his knuckles then lead the way back to my room. Once there, I let Claude lay in my lap while I stroke his hair. Archie sits on the bed with us, sharing in the warm, comforting silence. After a while, Claude stands up. Archie is asleep and cuddled against the pillow, his tail twitching as he dreams.

“I didn’t mean to take over your day off,” Claude whispers. His eyes are red and puffy from crying. He rubs at them, taking his glasses from the nightstand and slipping them back on. “I’m so sorry, Inara, I truly owe you.”

“I told you, it doesn’t matter.” I cup his face between my palms. “You needed comfort, and that is what I wanted to give. Today was a lazy day, anyway.” I smooth away the tears on his face as he nuzzles into my palms.

“I am so grateful,” Claude sighs. “You do not know how much I needed that today.” He smiles, though it is sad. 

“Do you wish to talk about it?” I ask him quietly.

Claude glances at Archie asleep. “Let’s go to the bath,” he says. “I don’t want to disturb our sleeping beauty.”

“You’re in luck, I just got the most wonderful bath bombs.” I stand up with him and go into the bathroom. The clawfoot bathtub is so big, I feel dwarfed in it. I much prefer sharing it with someone. I fill the porcelain basin full of hot water. I drop in a bath bomb that foams bright blue with swirls of dark purple and vivid pink, melting together to create a glittering indigo. The smell of eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary fills the air, scenting the steam and wafting all around us. Claude and I sink into the bathtub, relaxing together so my back is to his chest. 

“She was a wonderful person,” Claude’s voice trembles as he begins. “She was kind and loving, like a second mother to me. Back when I was young, if it wasn’t for her, I doubt I’d be here today.”

“Tell me about her.” I brush my fingers down his arms and lace them with his own. 

“Back when this place was a church, my father presided over it, a priest who had too much power for his own good. He twisted things to suit his needs. He created his own bible, and it was unrecognizable from its source.” He kisses the top of my head. “Benedetta was brought into the church, hiding amongst the loyal in order to learn about my father. She became one of his favorites and was made head of his harem.” He sighs heavily and wraps his arms around me tightly.

“When I was born, I was only allowed around my mother when I needed to be fed. Other than that, I was ripped away from her and left in Benedetta’s care. As my brothers and sisters were born, I was allowed to see my mother less and less. If it wasn’t for Benedetta, I would never have seen her at all. My mother was a writer. She would write horror stories as thinly veiled allegories about my father. She and Benedetta worked together to make sure I got them and read every single tale. Through them, she taught me my father’s weaknesses and faults, and she guided me in how to usurp him.”

“I took his harem as my army,” Claude whispers, “and I ripped him from his throne. If it wasn’t for Benedetta, I would have never saved all those people. I would have continued to be terrified of that man, and I-”

I turn around, brushing the tears from his eyes. “I can see why you miss her so much.” I kiss his forehead tenderly. “She gave you strength for so long.”

“You must think I’m silly for crying so much,” he whimpers. 

“You’re sad, you’re grieving. I would never call that silly. You need to cry, don’t say that is foolish.” I give him a reassuring smile. 

Claude kisses me, soft and sweet. “Benedetta helped me create TLK, you know?” He smiles at me as tears roll down his cheek. “We wanted to create a place that was safe and healthy out of a place that was filled with so much anger and chaos.” He takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly. 

“I’m glad,” I sit back down in his lap. “I love it here. I love waking up and going to work every day. You’ve done something amazing here, Claude. You should be proud of yourself, because I am certain Benedetta is.”

“You’re so sweet to deal with me,” Claude’s arms tighten around me. “And I have been neglecting you while things have been so busy.”

I giggle. “I don’t blame you for that. I know how work is.”

Claude kisses my neck. “I made a promise to you, Inara,” he whispers. “I shouldn’t expect Archie to pick up the slack for me. I suppose I owe him too.”

“I like Archie,” I laugh. “Besides, if I really needed you, I would have found my way to get you.”

“Even if you didn’t need me, I would have made room in my bed for you,” Claude whispers to me.

We get out of the tub and go back to bed, naked, as Archie wakes up from his bleary nap. “Everything okay?” He asks sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

I kiss him, crawling under the covers beside him. “We didn’t want to wake you, so we went and had a chat in the bath.”

Claude wraps his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. “I hope you know how lucky you are, Archie. Getting to spend so much time with Inara.”

“I do know,” Archie stretches on the bed, showing off his naked form as the blankets slip away. He lays back, posing in a coyly seductive way. “I make sure to tell her all the time.”

Claude chuckles. “How does it feel to have two adoring fans in bed with you, Inara?” He teases.

“Fans?” I giggle as Archie closes in, sandwiching me between the two of them. “You’re my friends.”

“You okay, Claude?” Archie asks him softly. He leans in, placing a soft kiss on Claude’s lips. “I was worried.”

“I’ll be fine,” Claude sighs. “With you and Inara taking care of me when I need it most, I’ll be fine.” He leans in, kissing Archie again.

We end up tangled together in a pile all day, watching old movies, eating in bed, and talking through the worst of Claude’s grief. The next day, Claude leaves with his brother for the funeral and to visit family.

While he is away, I miss him terribly. I worry for him, concerned with how he is handling it all. He is with his family, though, and they will be able to take care of him and each other. 

One day, I got a package in the mail from Claude. Inside are a couple of books, an envelope of old photographs, and several tins filled with cookies and baked goods. Claude even includes a letter.

“Dear Inara,

I wanted to thank you for all the comfort you have given me. Even while I am away from you, I can look back and find peace in my memories of you. I have sent you a couple of my mother’s books - she says hello. Also included are some pictures of the TLK back when I was first starting the place. My sister made all the treats in the tins, she also says hi. 

Being with family has been wonderful, I have missed them all so much. I miss my family back at TLK as well, but I am not sure when I will be returning home. I’ve decided to extend my stay, as I feel it is necessary for me and for the family to heal together. Our lives wouldn’t be lived now without Benedetta, and we feel as though we have lost so much.

I have set things in motion so that TLK will be well taken care of, so there is nothing to worry about there. If you miss me and need me, well then, just call me any time. If the need is overpowering, then I will find a way to bring you into my arms. But hopefully, I will be home before that happens.

Once I am home, though, there is something of great importance I wish to discuss with you. I think you require a bigger room, one that can accommodate you and me comfortably, and we can share a bed, if you so choose.

I really wish I had you in my arms right now, Inara. As many lovers as I have had and cherished, I have never felt so connected to them as I do you. I wish to share my bed with you, my meals, my phone, my life, and I plan to ask you if that’s okay as soon as I return home. So think about it, or don’t. Whatever decision you make, I will honor it gladly. As long as you are part of my life, I will treasure you every day.

With all my heart, Claude.”

I clutch the letter to my chest. I didn’t think love letters still existed, and yet I hold the most perfect one in my hands. I am so excited for Claude to return home, I am not so sure what to do with myself.

I share the treats from the box with Archie, having him over one evening to show him the letter. “Lucky you,” Archie says with a smile. “Will you still have me over even when you share a bed with him?”

“Claude likes you too. I think it would be rude not to have good friends over.” I crawl into his lap, straddling his hips as I lick the crumbs off his chin. I kiss down his chest, smiling happily to myself.

Archie tucks the letter away for me as he relaxes on the bed. “I do miss him. I wonder when he plans on coming home?”

I look up from his belly and into his eyes. “That’s what I would like to know,” I sigh. I rest my cheek on his stomach and pout. “Even though I’ve been working so hard and spending time with you, I feel so lonely without him. I just hope he’s doing okay.”

Archie pulls me back up, letting me lay on his chest. “I’m sure he’ll come home the moment he starts to go crazy missing you.”

“That’s sweet,” I giggle. I kiss his neck, biting him, then licking. There is something about Archie that makes him taste good.

Archie moans as I drag my teeth down to his shoulder. “You’ve been so needy, I can barely take care of you alone.” His fingers squeeze my hip, then slide around my thigh until they brush along my slit. “Claude better come home and take proper care of you.”

“Am I that bad?” I pout.

Archie smirks. “Just be glad you’re cute.” He slides his fingers inside me and I clamp around them tightly. “I’m happy to take care of you, Inara.”

I moan into his hair, gasping as his fingers move inside me. “You’re so sweet,” I pant. “Just tell me if I’m being greedy with you.”

“Even if you were, I wouldn’t care.” Archie kisses me, rolling his long tongue in my mouth. He chuckles in my ear as my body goes tense, his fingers coaxing a swift release from me. He kisses me again and snuggles me into the bed. “I’m honored to help.”

“No wonder you’re so popular at the parlor,” I moan to him. “Those fingers are magic.”

“I’m only popular because I’m pretty,” Archie chuckles. “Men and women can look at me and see what they want.”

I cup his cheek in my hand, smoothing my fingertips down his jaw. “You’re so sweet too,” I murmur. 

Archie kisses each fingertip. “Remember whining about your crush the other day?” He says, pulling me underneath him. “I know exactly how you feel. I’ve had a crush since I met you.”

I moan softly as he sheathes himself in me. “I thought so,” I coo.

Archie moves slowly, taking his time and savoring the moment. He remains shallow, teasing and tormenting both of us. “When you walked up those stairs,” he pants. “Seeing this beautiful, ghostly little moth, I was floored.”

I bite my lip, sensitive from his fingers. His cock is already coaxing another wave of heat from me. “Archie,” I moan loudly.

His movements become faster. He plunges deeper as his thighs start to shake. My back arches off the bed as he presses his body into mine. He ruts and snarls, bucking until every last drop of him is inside me. I wrap my arms around him, basking contentedly in the moment. 

A few days later, I return from a quick lunch and Abigail flags me down. “You have a walk-in appointment. It’s urgent.”

I scoff and slouch my shoulders. “I have so much paperwork to do. Is there anyone else?”

Abigail shakes her head. “Nope. They requested you and you alone.”

“Fine,” I huff. “Now I’ll have to work on this stuff when I get off and I don’t even have a day off this week until-” My breath stops as I walk into the room. Standing there is Claude, a bright smile on his face and his honey eyes sparkling.

“Complaining, are we?” He smirks. “Not to worry. I know the boss, I think I can find a way to get you some time off.”

Tears spring to my eyes and I rush towards him, grabbing him up in a tight embrace. “I can’t believe you’re here!” I squeal excitedly. 

Claude picks me up off the ground, kissing me warmly. He presses his forehead to mine and grins. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Color me surprised!” I giggle. I wrap my hands around his face, gazing into his eyes. “How are you? Was everything okay at home?”

“I’m fine,” he says with a soft nod. “I was more eager to see you than anything. The family is fine too. It’ll still take time but I think we’re happy.” He sets me down on my table, kissing me hungrily. “I have something important I need to ask you before I give in to temptations.”

I start unbuttoning his shirt, grabbing his tie so he’ll come closer. “I know,” I gasp. “I know what you want to ask.”

Claude smirks at me. “Oh, do you? And what is your answer to this question you know so well?”

“Yes,” I still my hands on his chest. “I would love to move in with you.”

Claude kisses the tip of my nose. “But that’s not the question I was going to ask.”

“What?” I gasp softly. “But in your letter-”

Claude gets down on one knee as he takes something from his pocket. “I said I wanted to share everything with you.” He holds out a ring towards me. “I want to marry you, Inara.”

I cup my hands over my mouth as more tears threaten to fall. “Oh, my god!”

Claude takes one hand as he slips the ring onto my finger. “So,” he grins up at me. “Is your answer still the same?”

I throw myself into his arms and we topple onto the floor. I kiss his face all over as I hug him tight. “Of course! Of course!” I sniffle, sitting up to wipe the tears away. I clutch the hand wearing the ring against my chest. “I love you! I really do!”

Claude chuckles as he braces himself up on his elbows. “At home, I realized something very important, and how much you mean to me. I realized that I have been waiting on you for a long time, Inara, and now, I don’t want to spend a second without you.”

I tackle him again, pressing him down onto the cold floor. I kiss him hungrily, pawing my hands down his body and wrestling with his belt buckle. Once it gives way, I open his hands and the room grows darker and darker.

“Inara, I’m shocked,” Claude growls as more eyes start to glow around me. “You don’t want to wait until marriage?”

I giggle, throwing my head back as many hands climb their way up my body. When the only light that shines is all of his eyes glowing in the dark, he moves me into place.

“I can’t wait. You’ve been gone too long.” I moan as he holds me in a hammock of his palms. Strange tendrils coil around my waist and thighs, tugging them open so I’m splayed in the air.

A hand palms up my center until a finger presses to my tongue. “Forgive me, my love. I’ll not try your patience any further.” His fingers have been rubbing me and teasing me this whole time, causing me to overflow. I then feel something hot and hard. His fingers spread me open as his shaft eases into place. I gasp out loud, squeezing tight around him. The arched curve of his cock rubs against the tender spot inside me, then wriggles and twitches.

“That’s new,” I mewl. “Anh-” I thrust my head back as his hands move me up and down so that he thrusts into me with long strokes.

“Something special,” Claude’s voice sounds sinister and raspy in the dark. “You’re to be my bride, I’ll have to keep you on your toes.”

I whine as he seems to get thicker inside me, plumping up and stretching me more. A slick finger rubs and taps to my clit and already I feel like I’m tipping over the edge. “I just need you,” I pant. “No matter what, as long as it’s you, I’ll-” I throw my head back again as firecrackers go off up my spine. I thrash my hips, pushing myself harder onto him.

Claude chuckles, his hands holding my head aloft. I feel his lips brush against mine, his dark body pressing against my chest. “Does it feel good, my love?”

“More,” I mewl.

“Then I will give you everything,” he purrs.

I wake up in bed, tucked snugly under the covers. I look up to see Claude beside me, going over paperwork that has accumulated while he was away. I feel like my bones are made from jelly and there’s a dull ache in my loins that I find greatly enjoyable. I reach up, touching his hand to get his attention.

“Finally waking up?” He chuckles. 

“Mm,” I moan softly. 

Claude dips down, kissing the top of my head. “I brought us back to your room for now. I figured we would start looking for a new place soon.”

“No rush.” I lay in his lap.

“I’ll be finished with these in a moment,” he sighs, laying a folder aside. “Then, I am all yours again.”

“Take your time, all I want right now is a cup of coffee and something to nibble.” I sigh dreamily.

Claude chuckles. “I sent for some coffee, you can nibble on me until it gets here.”

I laugh, sitting up and gently biting his shoulder. “Don’t tease me or I’ll do worse.” I stand up from the bed, stretching out my wings and popping my back. “What coffee did you send for?”

“Your favorite,” Claude says with a smirk. “Archie.” He strokes my hair from my face. “I know how much you love your morning routine with him.”

“Archie is special,” I reply. “I enjoy my time with him.”

Claude kisses me. “Then what do you think about asking him to move in with us?” His lips drag down my neck. “Having him be part of this?”

“Really?” I gasp. “I’d love that.”

There is a knock at the door. I answer it to find Archie holding take out from the Bean. “Delivery,” he leans in, kissing me softly. 

“Thank you, Archie,” Claude beckons him over to the bed, giving him a kiss. 

“Anytime.” Archie says with a grin. “Just happy to have you home.” He looks at me. “You must be excited.”

I brandish the ring in front of his face. “I really am!”

“What?” Archie grabs my hand, studying the ring. “That’s amazing! Who was it?”

I laugh and pop his shoulder. “Claude, you goof.”

“I know! Congratulations.” He pulls me into his arms. “You’re probably hungry,” he says, going back to the takeout bag. He hands me my coffee.

“There’s something we’d like to ask you too,” I say softly. 

Archie turns to look at me. The tips of his ears twitch and his eyes widen. “Oh? What’s that?”

“We’d love for you to join us, Archie,” Claude says as he stands up from bed. “If you’d like, I mean.”

“For breakfast or for-” Archie’s eyes grow wet and his sweet smile becomes timid.  

I kiss his cheek. “You should move in with us,” I tell him. 

“I would like that,” he whispers, kissing me then reaching for Claude, who picks him off the ground.

“Darling,” Claude purrs. “While you get your energy back, do you mind if Archie and I play together for a bit?”

I sit down, turning the chair towards the bed as I sip my coffee. “Please.”

Claude carries Archie to the bed and the lights grow dark. I watch as Claude’s eyes glow, illuminating beautiful Archie on the bed. I smile to myself as I enjoy my meal to the sounds of Archie’s pleasured moans. He had wanted to know what it was like to be touched by so many hands, and now he is getting that pleasure.

After I have eaten, I feel Claude’s hands beckon me to the bed. I join them and we entwine together. I take pleasure in both of them. For a moment, all three of us are as one, our bodies tangled, our voices echoing each other’s. I have never felt so lucky in all my life.

I wake again with Claude on one side and Archie on the other. I feel at peace, sighing because I know, from now on, my mornings will be this wonderful. I am excited to go house-hunting for the three of us. I manage to sneak out of bed to get my phone. As I do, I knock a book off the table - the one I had read on the train, with the missing page. As it flops to the ground, the torn out page slips from behind the book cover. I unfold it and read the last paragraph.

“The new King was lucky, as he was surrounded by people who loved him. They brought to him two lovers they thought would be able to soothe his heart and bring him joy. The King fell madly in love, and his ending was happy forever after.”