Sam snickered. Henry always found a way to lighten the moment and make him laugh. Warmth spread through him as he reached for the drawer in the bedside table.

Henry smiled and closed his eyes. His body arched as Sam’s hands roamed his body, then traveled lower, to prepare him. Henry’s eyes reopened when Sam moved into place above him.

Henry’s head lifted to claim Sam’s lips, pushing in with his tongue as Sam pushed into him. They moved together, their harmony perfectly synchronized from years of learning each other’s wants. Perspiration glistened on Henry’s forehead, And Sam’s dripped, adding to the mix. The room was silent except for the rocking of the bed, punctuated by unrestrained moans.

Finally, Henry shuddered in release, groaning into Sam’s neck. Sam sped up, and convulsed as he found his own. Afterward, they lay mutely with Henry’s head tucked comfortably at Sam’s shoulder. Sam quivered as Henry alternated between slowly tracing a finger back and forth along Sam’s treasure trail and carding his fingers through the hairs on Sam’s chest, while Sam gently rubbed circles on his back. Snuggling like this in bed, afterglow or otherwise, was something Sam would miss every night of Henry’s absence.

“I’ll be back in no time at all,” Henry whispered. But, was he trying to convince Sam…or himself?