Shapeshifter Boyfriend: Claude Part 2 (special preview)

We get out of the tub, going back to bed, naked, as Archie wakes up from his bleary nap. “Everything ok?” 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 ok, 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 was away, I missed him terribly. I was worried for him, concerned with how he was handling it all. He was with his family, though, and they would be able to take care of him and each other. 

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