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scapegrace74-blog · 2 years ago

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The Man from Black Water, Chapter 7

A/N Like a steam locomotive, this story (the romance part of it, anyway) is slowly beginning to pick up speed. In this latest chapter, Jamie receives some bitterly disappointing news, but something good comes out of it.

Happy New Year’s Eve to all those who have read, like, commented and reblogged this story! I very much appreciate you, and look forward to concluding this tale with you in 2023.

For previous chapters, please see my AO3 page.

“Ye enjoy rubbin’ shoulders wi’ the folk up in the big house, teuchter?” Angus inquired when Jamie returned from his duties at the manor house.

“Willna be the only rubbin’ he’ll be doin’ t’night, I reckon,” Willie inserted with a lewd grin.

“Oh, Claire! Oh, my bonny lass!” Angus cried out in a high falsetto, while his right hand grabbed for his crotch.

“Ye’re a filthy bastard, Angus,” Jamie pushed the man away with both hands, tired of his endless ridicule. The smaller man fell backwards, only barely avoiding landing on his backside.

“Lay yer grubby hands on me again, teuchter, and I’ll geld ye in yer sleep,” Angus warned from across the narrow bunkhouse.

“Mind yer tongue when ye speak o’ a lady, Angus, while ye’ve still got one.” This latest threat came from Black Jack, his ever-present knife in hand.

Before the argument could escalate any further, the door opened and Dougal entered, drops of rain beading on the shoulders of his oilskin coat.

“We leave for the muster at dawn the morrow,” he advised tersely. “Anyone no’ tacked up and ready tae ride is lookin’ fer new employment. Pack fer two weeks but prepare fer three.”

Quarrel forgotten, Jamie’s blood sang with the promise of once again breathing the pure air of the Highlands.

“Is there anything particular we ought tae bring?” he asked eagerly, already mentally assembling his saddle bags.

Dougal looked momentarily contrite, a foreign expression on his normally stern face.

“There’s been a change in plans, lad. Ye willna be comin’ wi’ us on this muster.”

From the heights of anticipation, Jamie plummeted into the cellars of disappointment. He barely heard Angus and the others howling in mirth.

“They’ve probably seen that rangy beast o’ yers,” Angus chuckled, wiping tears from his eyes.

“He’s a Highland horse,” Jamie defended Donas. “He kens those hills better than I do.”

“I dinna make the orders, lad,” Dougal growled, “But when I gi’ them, tis the end of it.”

Unable to stay in the suddenly claustrophobic room, Jamie fled onto the veranda and paced back and forth, trying to contain his boiling anger and shame at being left out. A minute or so later, Dougal emerged and stepped into the rain.

“Mister Mackenzie,” Jamie called out, unable to quiet his pride. “Why? Why me?”

Without a word, the overseer glanced towards the manor house, where warm light still spilled into the oily night.

Not for the first time, Jamie wondered why Henry Beauchamp had hired him if he hated Highlanders so much.

***

The next morning Henry Beauchamp, Hugh Munro and a half dozen stock hands congregated in the stable yard. Billowing clouds of steam rose from the horses’ nostrils as they champed their bits and pawed the frost-hardened soil, sensing the adrenaline of their riders and eager to be underway.

From where he watched on the bunkhouse veranda, Jamie could see Claire Beauchamp speaking with her father, her fine-boned hands gesturing urgently. Whatever Henry said in return, it wasn’t to his daughter’s liking, for she turned on her slippered heel and stalked back towards the manor.

“Dinna forget tae feed the chooks, teuchter!” Angus called out as the group trotted away, aiming for the line of foothills that were catching the sun’s first rays, a warm apricot stain along the horizon.

Lips pursed in a grim line, Jamie turned away, determined not to brood over his misfortune. He’d come to the Lowlands to earn enough wages to protect Lallybroch from seizure. By that measure, he could be just as successful here at Netherton as off on the muster. His homesickness would just have to bide.

Looking one last time towards the manor, he noticed Claire still stood outside, her untamed curls ruffling in the morning breeze. She was gazing after the men with longing that matched his own.

Jamie felt a stab of pity. Lamentable as his own circumstances might be, he at least had the power to act to change them. Even now, if he truly wanted to return to the Highlands, he had only to saddle Donas and ride up the military road. It was his will that kept him anchored, not the will of others. For all her affluence and refinement, Claire Beauchamp couldn’t say the same, and that made her situation far more tragic.

***

Rosemary contemplated her recalcitrant pupil as she hammered her way through an oration of Shakespeare’s twenty-ninth sonnet.

“Really, Claire. That recitation had all the poetic finesse of a cudgel. One more time, and this time I want you to feel the passion beneath the words.”

With a persecuted sigh, Claire lifted her leatherbound volume and began anew.

“When in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes

I alone beweep my outcast state…”

Jamie Fraser entered the parlour, carefully balancing a tea service on a tray. He was wearing his work attire of homespun linen shirt, tweed waistcoat and breeches, but his copper hair was tamed and his face cleanly shaven. It made him look both younger and more genteel, his lapis blue eyes astonishingly bright against his tanned skin.

“Mrs. Crook asked me tae bring in yer tea,” he explained once greetings were exchanged. “She’s a touch o’ the gout t’day.”

“Claire was just punishing Shakespeare on account of being cooped up indoors all day. The bard thanks you.” Aunt Rosemary quipped. “Please join us for tea, James.”

“Oh, no! That is, I couldna impose, mistress,” Jamie spluttered, watching Claire from the corner of his eye to measure her reaction to taking tea with a stable boy. She had abandoned her book of verse but was looking out the parlour window with an expression that seemed sanguine enough.

“Nonsense. Male company will be a relief in this hothouse of female emotions,” Rosemary assured him.

“Do ye mind?” Jamie asked Claire after her aunt had left to fetch another tea service.

“No,” she spoke quickly. “Why should I?”

Without answering, Jamie lifted the book of sonnets, admiring its fine binding and elegant typeface.

“Do you know Shakespeare?” Claire asked before realizing how pretentious she sounded. “I mean… that is… I didn’t know if they have any schooling…” she spluttered.

“In the uncivilized morass o’ the Highlands?” Jamie finished with a chuckle, quite used to casual bigotry. Without waiting for Claire’s response, he gently placed the volume on a nearby table and squared his shoulders before taking a deep breath.

“Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.

Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle’s compass come;

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.”

The sonnet’s words, softly rounded by his Highland brogue, gently dissipated in the wainscoted room, leaving nothing but the ticking of the mantlepiece clock.

“It’s so beautiful,” Claire said as though speaking to herself. “And yet I cannot help but feel Shakespeare was writing of some unattainable ideal, like the Platonic idea of love.”

“I ken that isna true, fer I’ve seen such love wi’ my own eyes.” When Claire raised a questioning brow, Jamie explained. “Between my da and my mam. Afore she died.”

Without realizing it, the two had drawn closer to one another. Claire cautiously rested a hand on Jamie’s arm, feeling the muscles jump beneath the coarse fabric.

“Do you miss her, your mother?” she asked softly.

Emotions running riot, Jamie took a moment to sip his tea, careful not to dislodge the warm touch that seared him like a brand. Once he was certain he could speak without his voice breaking, he replied.

“Aye. Aye, I miss her.”

“I never knew my mother,” Claire confessed with a touch of wistfulness.

“I’m verra sorry to hear it. She must ha’ been beautiful. Like ye.”

The compliment was spoken without forethought, born from both its truthfulness and Jamie’s natural inclination to be charming. It was only once he heard his words aloud that he realized how grossly he had overstepped his station. Twin tides of red flooded their cheeks, one of delight and the other of abashment.

“I thank you, kind sir,” Claire finally let go of his arm to give a theatrical curtsey in Jamie’s direction.

Released like a rabbit from a snare, Jamie gulped down the rest of his tea before letting the cup clatter against its saucer.

“I should be about my duties, mistress,” he apologized. “Please thank yer aunt fer the tea.”

With a stiff bow of his head, the young man fled from the room just as Aunt Rosemary was returning. He only paused to offer a polite farewell, and then his boots could be heard hastening towards the front door.

Observing the flush on her niece’s cheeks as she stared longingly out the window, Rosemary allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction.

#my writing #outlander #fanfiction

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brian-in-finance · 2 years ago

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Screenshot: Outlander-Online

S04E10 The Deep Heart’s Core • 6 January 2019 Official Receipt

Outlander Rewatch 2023 Countdown To Season 7

Favourite Word

For my part in this calamity, I want ye to know, if we dinna find him... It would be my honor to take yer hand in the holy sacrament of marriage… — Young Ian

Gif: @pointyearsuniverse

Favourite Line

Let me guess; my carriage awaits. — Roger

Gif: @thewanderingace

Favourite Image

Messy cheeseburgers, with all the fixings from Carmi's. — Claire

Screenshot: Starz

Remember… ye wilna forget, but time will let you heal. — Jamie

52nd of 75 • Wednesday, 24 May 2023

#Tait rhymes with hat #Good times #Outlander #Rewatch 2023 #Countdown To Season 7 #52nd of 75 #S04E10 The Deep Heart’s Core #Aired 6 January 2019 #Rewatched 24 May 2023

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wqbytop100 · 1 year ago

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wqby

Top 100 for the week ending June 4, 2023

Where You Are ----John Summit, Hayla -4

Sweet Goodbye---Robin Schulz, *Svidden remix -1

Pwdr Blu-----Kx5 f/Brother -3

Submarine----Seeb, BANNERS, SUPER-Hi -2

Borderline---Tove Lo -5

Pearls----Jessie Ware -6

Rhyme Dust----MK & Dom Dolla -10

Crying On The Dancefloor----Sam Feldt, Jonas Blue, Endless Summer, Violet Days -7

Waterfall----Michael Schulte, R3HAB -8

Misbehave----Ship Wrek, Disco Lines -29

If We Ever Broke Up----Mae Stephens -12

Seasons----Bebe Rexha, Dolly Parton -13

High Heels - Party Down Under ----Flo Rida, Walker Hayes, *Sam Feldt remix version -11

Jacare----Sofi Tukker -18

Here We Go Again----Oliver Tree, David Guetta -9

Happy-----NF -14

Sparks -----MEDUZA, DEL-30, Mali-Koa -16

Waffle House----Jonas Brothers -17

Feels This Good----Sigala, Mae Stephens, Caity Baser, Stefflon Don -20

One Time----Alan Walker -19

Just The Kinda Feeling----Yotto, Lost Boy -21

Stereo----Sum Sun, Sly Chance -15

Upside Down-----MEDUZA, Poppy Baskcomb -30

The Way----Manchester Orchestra -39

Gone (Da da Da)-----Imanbek, Jay Sean -34

Chemical----Post Malone -22

Reborn----SIDEPIECE, *Kyle Walker remix -27

Part Of Me---Cian Ducrot -28

Something's Coming---Cheat Codes, Lady A -26

No One Dies For Love----Tove Lo -36

Take Me Home---VAVO f/Clara Mae -31

Hungry Heart---Steve Aoki, Galantis, Hayley Kiyoto -24

Good Time----The Dare -23

Church Outfit----Poppy -32

Heaven---Niall Horan -25

So Many Ways To Get Downtown----Proxima Parada -33

<>River---Mylie Cyrus -(re entry)

Everything You Have Done---GENESI, MEDUZA -37

Bright Lights----Kx5 f/ AR/CO -38

Begin Again---Jessie Ware -49

Back To You---Bob Moses, Amtrac -40

Say Say Say----Kygo, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney -42

Dancing's Done---Ava Max -43

Dancing All Alone---Morgan Page, TELYKAST -45

I Wrote A Song----Mae Muller -48

Left & Right----Ownboss, FAST BOY -41

Dancing In The Courthouse---Dominic Fike -47

Psychos----Jenny Lewis -51

It's Euphoric----Georgia -52

<>Mrs Hollywood---Go-Jo -(re-entry)

On & On----Armin Van Buuren -53

Fantasy (Tricky Disco)----W&W, Harris & Ford, TRIIIPL3 INC. -54

Jaded---Mylie Cyrus -55

Anyway---Cash Cash, RuthAnne -44

Welcome To Dinna----Francis Mercier, Black Uhuru -56

Himbo---Curtis Waters -57

<>Lost Souls----Jeffery Sutorius, Jay Hardway -(re entry)

No Sleep----Regard, Ella Henderson -58

Growing Pains----Jastin Martin -59

Whistle----Jax Jones, Calum Scott -46

I Feel Love---Freya Ridings -61

Rain On My Mind---Diplo, Paul Cauthen, Sierra Ferrell -65

Revelations-----ZHU, Devault, Babyjake -69

Kill For You----Gigi Perez -63

Different Side----Michael Bibi, KinAbau, Audio Bullys -72

***Stars---PNAU, Bebe Rexha, Ozuna -(new)

You Were Right----ILLENIUM, Wooli, Grabbitz -73

Voodoo---Gorgon City -74

Dance Around It----Joel Corry, Caity Baser -75

Die For A Night---A R I Z O N A -83

Back To This----Matt Sassori, Soshy -88

Redlight----BETWEEN FRIENDS, TEEZO TOUCHDOWN -78

***Don't Call Me----Slushi, Leah Kate -(new entry)

Roll The Credits----Danielle Ponder -84

End Of Time---Zara Larson -89

Blood & Sugar----BOYS LIKE GIRLS -90

Dressed For A Funeral -Groupthink, Sunday Scaries -94

Won't Forget These Days ---Furry In The Slaughter House, *VIZE remix -97

***What A Life---Dave Aude, Jeffery Jones -(new)

Sometimes---Snakechips, Daya, Earthgang -91

Gangster---W&W, VINAI -98

You'll Never Walk Alone----Duncan Laurence -99

Vroom----Hoodie Allen, Connor Price -68

Sweat---ESSEL -70

***All You Need Is Love ---Nicky Romero, Jonas Blue, Nico Santos -(new)

***I Just Wanna Know---Katherine Li -(new)

<>Fire With Fire---Armin Van Buuren, HRRTZ, Julia Church -(re-entry)

***Bleach (Move On)---Cash Cash -(new)

***More Than Yeasterday---Two Friends, Russell Dickerson -(new)

See It Through----Durand Jones -76

***Just Alone---Heartaake -(new)

Something Like This---Chat Faker -77

***Maybe Next Time---Jamie Miller -(new)

The Perfect Pair---Lovejoy -82

Toxic---AnnenMayKantereit -67

***Queencard----(G)I-DLE -(new)

Miss Me The Same---Sara Kays, Anson Seabra -64

Sing Your Lullaby---R3HAB, Mike Williams -50

Run A Red Light---Everything But The Girl -60

The Throne---DJ Minx -62

12off

Break For You---Valley Baby Again---Fred Again Talk To Me----Eli & Fur This Is What Losing Someone Feels Like---JVKE Hey Little Mama----Morgan Evans Deja Vu----Abraham Alexander f/ Mavis Staples Like I Use To---Sonny Federa, Paul Woolford Glad U Came---Jason Derulo I Will Fall----Pet Shop Boys Highs & Lows----Chance Pena Change----LAUREL Eyes Wide Shut----ILLENIUM Avril Lavigne

4<> re -entry 10***new on this chart

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manders1984 · 7 years ago

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Thanks to @mybeautifuldecay for help on this one! <3

#outlander #outlanderedit #parallel faces #otp: jamie x claire #and this is my mic drop #i'll see you in two weeks #unless i pop in randomly #dinna forget about me #sassenach faces

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gotham-ruaidh · 3 years ago

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Hey Gotham...

I'm so overwhelmed to see Jamie Claire back together that I wondered is there any instance where either of them contemplate over what all they've been through and how they're like still together now despite all the pain and heart break and suffering....

This is such a beautiful thought.

Neither of them dwell on this very much. The only conversation that comes to mind for me is shortly after their reunion in Voyager.

Jamie and Claire talk about what could have been...different choices that they could have made...but they realize that that's just words. They don't look back at what could have been. Circumstances weren't right for them to be together again, until the moment that they were reunited.

They look forward, not backward. And because they can look forward, together, every day together is a gift that they never expected to have.

Here's the passage:

I took a deep breath. “I — I didn‟t look back. I didn‟t think I could stand to find out — what happened.”

...“Dinna fash yourself, Sassenach,” he interrupted. He patted my hand gently. “I ken what ye mean. I try not to look back myself, come to that.”

“But if I had,” I said, staring down at the smooth grain of the linen, “if I had — I might have found you sooner.” The words hung in the air between us like an accusation, a reminder of the bitter years of loss and separation. Finally he sighed, deeply, and put a finger under my chin, lifting my face to his.

“And if ye had?” he said. “Would ye have left the lassie there without her mother? Or come to me in the time after Culloden, when I couldna care for ye, but only watch ye suffer wi‟ the rest, and feel the guilt of bringing ye to such a fate? Maybe see ye die of the hunger and sickness, and know I‟d killed ye?”

He raised one eyebrow in question, then shook his head. “No. I told ye to go, and I told ye to forget. Shall I blame ye for doing as I said, Sassenach? No.”

“But we might have had more time!” I said. “We might have—” He stopped me by the simple expedient of bending and putting his mouth on mine. It was warm and very soft, and the stubble of his face was faintly scratchy on my skin.

After a moment he released me. The light was growing, putting color in his face. His skin glowed bronze, sparked with the copper of his beard. He took a deep breath.

“Aye, we might. But to think of that — we cannot.” His eyes met mine steadily, searching. “I canna look back, Sassenach, and live,” he said simply. “If we have no more than last night, and this moment, it is enough.”

-- Voyager

#outlander #jamie and claire #voyager

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jamiemackenziefraser · 3 years ago

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All That Was Fair

Chapter 36: Mr. and Mrs

Summary: As promised… newlywed fluff

Read on AO3

Read on tumblr below the cut

Previous, master list, next

Chapter 36: Mr. and Mrs.

***

Claire was insatiable. The wee thing was on him every second of every day. She would do everything from pouncing on him when he unsuspectingly rounded a corner to jumping into the shower with him. Jamie was obsessed with it, certainly. He was completely besotted and happy to be under her enchantment. Still, he wasn’t always sure he could keep up with her.

It wasn’t even just the usual or expected touches either. Just when Jamie would begin to forget how strange his lass was— arrogantly thinking he knew her inside and out— she would go on being her quirky self in ways that took him by surprise.

One such example was the strange but endearing behavior that took place one cozy Saturday…

Jamie was sat on the couch while Claire was tried to wedge her way in directly behind him. Yes, indeed, she was trying to fit her body in the miniscule space between Jamie’s back and the back of the couch while the rest of the couch and numerous chairs— even Jamie’s lap, for crying out loud— were perfectly unoccupied.

“Claire, mo ghraidh...” Jamie chuckled as he was pushed forward by her body as she worked on wedging herself behind him, “what are ye doin’?”

“I’m trying to cuddle you, if you’d be so kind as to move forward a bit,” she huffed, struggling in her endeavor.

“Ye’re half my size and ye want me sittin’ in yer lap?” he laughed.

“Not in my lap. I don’t have a wish for my legs to be crushed, thank you very much. I just wanted to sit behind you so I could hold you for a bit.” Her voice was strained with the effort of her trying, and failing, to push him forward to give herself enough space to fit.

But Jamie was having too much fun to simply end it and scooch himself up like she wanted.

“Any particular reason why ye’re tryin’ so hard tae cuddle me, wee one?” he asked.

He could feel Claire shooting daggers at the back of his neck as she pushed against his uncooperating shoulders.

“Well, I like it so much when you come up behind me and hold me that I was trying to be nice, but if you’re going to be stubborn about it...”

Jamie laughed again and decided he’d better give her the space she needed to fit behind him before she gave up and left him alone altogether. He couldn’t have that.

Claire gave out a sigh of satisfaction as he moved forward enough for her to slide behind him. As she began to settle in, her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms came around his shoulders, and the front of her body pressed flush down the length of his back.

The cherry on top was when she began pressing kisses to the sensitive spot just behind his ear.

“Well…” he said, trying not to let on how much her kisses were affecting him, but his voice still came out breathless, “is it everythin’ ye imagined?”

She hummed against him, nuzzling her nose against the shell of his ear in a way that made his stomach tie itself into knots.

“It’s nice enough. A little cramped perhaps, but I like having you in my arms.”

“It was verra thoughtful of ye to offer to be the big spoon, sweet one,” Jamie chuckled, “but I think there are a few flaws in this plan of yers.”

He could tell he was riling her up. Her body went tense at his words, preparing for a battle. Jamie was torn between tenderness and playfulness— because truly it was terribly adorable that she wanted to do this for him— but he couldn’t resist the temptation to play with her. Now the die had been cast, and his words had alerted her to his feistiness… or maybe it was that she could sense his plotting. Damn empath.

“What might those be?” she asked warily.

“Well,” he began, keeping his voice very matter-of-fact, “there’s a few logistical issues. The first being that I’m twice yer size and it would be so easy for me to accidentally crush ye like a wee bug.”

As soon as the words had left his mouth, he let his body sag back against her as a dead weight. He crushed her down against the couch, and she let out a squeal.

“Jamie!” she yelped, her voice muffled where her mouth was pressed against his back as a result of her predicament, “ge’off!”

“The second issue is that the couch isna exactly the ideal spot. This kind of cuddling requires space, ye ken.” Even though she couldn’t see him, Jamie tapped his finger against his chin as if thinking hard, enjoying himself immensely. “Perhaps if ye cared to try the bed instead?”

Her hands— which had previously been wrapped around his shoulders in a loving embrace— were smacking at his chest now, no hint of soft affection from a moment before.

“Lemmeup,” came her smothered cry, “can’tbreathe!”

Smirking to himself, he leaned forward, releasing her.

“What was that?” he asked cheekily over his shoulder.

“Ye bloody bastard,” Claire was cursing as she struggled out from behind him. Her knees jabbed him in the ribs as she tried to unwrap her legs from his waist to get them back underneath herself enough to escape.

When she’d finally wrigged out from behind him, she popped out by his side and gave him a death glare.

“You’re a brute,” she pouted, glaring over at him with dark eyes.

“And ye married me. Ye canna take it back now,” Jamie said cheerily, answering her glower with a beam.

She crossed her arms, looking very much like a toddler who hadn’t gotten her way. Her lower lip was pushed out in a pout, and Jamie could barely smother the rising urge to kiss it.

“Just because I’m stuck with you doesn’t mean I don’t regret it.”

Jamie gave a playfully gesture of being shot in the heart. “Ah, mo nighean donn, ye wound me so.”

“And you crush me when I’m trying to hold you,” she shot back.

“Aww, I’m sorry, lass. Come ‘ere, I’ll make it up to ye.” Jamie opened his arms to her, his voice dripping with played up regret.

Claire stood abruptly, shooting him a smirk over her shoulder.

“I think I’ll go cuddle with Adso, thank you very much. Maybe then you’ll learn to appreciate what you have.”

“That’s yer choice…” Jamie dropped his voice to sound serious, “oh, and Claire? One other thing?”

She stopped in her tracks, turning back to him with a suspicion written clear over her face.

“What?”

Jamie stood, looking down at his fingers where he was playing with them in feigned innocence, “there was one more flaw in your plan.”

“What’s that?”

She took a step back, already suspecting his misbehavior.

“I like bein’ the one to hold you far too much.”

He lunged forward, grabbed her around the waist with both hands and tugging her body against him all in one smooth movement. She was giggling as he did, struggling playfully as he wrestled her to him and held her captive at his front. He walked them both backward until the back of his knees hit the couch and he was able to sit down, bringing Claire down along with him.

In order to secure her in his lap as she tried to wriggle free, he tightened his arms around her middle, trapping hers underneath. He grinned into her hair, squeezing her.

“Much better,” he said.

He pressed kisses down the side of her neck, letting out little hums into the skin until her struggling stopped and Claire went still. Curious to see what she would do, Jamie loosened his arms around her. Not enough to let her get up, but enough so she could maneuver a bit.

It turned out that what she wanted to do was turn and face him. She shifted within his hold so she straddled him, and the moment they were face-to-face, Jamie would see that her expression had grown soft and her eyes had that far away look in them that they got when she was particularly infatuated.

“This is rather nice,” she admitted in a murmur as she leaned in to press a kiss to his jaw. Then another.

Jamie nearly laughed out loud.

His wee faerie. So predictable. She couldn’t resist him holding her any more than Adso could resist the smell of tuna.

Her kisses were growing more insistent now, beginning to turn heated in a way that was sure to scramble Jamie’s wits at any second.

“So ye dinna regret marryin’ this brute after all?” Jamie asked, trying to keep up the show and keep his voice steady in the face of the magic of her lips.

She pulled back, making Jamie’s skin tingle in her absence. “Maybe not so much…” she relented, “I suppose you win this one, Mr. Fraser.”

“Victory is sweet, Mrs. Fraser.”

***

#a new chapter before my life gets crazy #all that was fair #update #claire x jamie #outlander fanfiction #outlander fanfic #fae claire

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mymelodyheart · 3 years ago

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Save The Date Chapter 3 ~Live And Let Pie~

Previously in Echoes Of A Song ...

Her hands slid around his neck. "Well ...even though you don't get panic attacks anymore, I know you loath going to the city. Yet you accompany me whenever you get a chance. And regardless of how much you hate us spending time apart, every time I leave for London on my own, you're always encouraging me to pursue my dreams."

"I dinnae like it one bit when we're not together," he admitted, without hesitation. "But it would be a sin to hide ye away and keep ye to myself." He brushed their nose together. "Ye're the bloody light, Sassenach."

"And you're the one who helps me shine," she whispered. She rose onto her tiptoes, and in front of the cheering packed pub, this beautiful woman who he loved more than he'd imagined possible kissed him. His worries about life's maddening uncertainty and her vulnerability dissolved into thin air, his attention collecting on the only thing that was truly guaranteed to him - this gift of now, a sliver of a singular beautiful moment. Their moment.

If you wish to read this on AO3, here is the link.

If you wish to read this from the beginning:

AO3 link

Tumblr link

WARNING: MILD SEXUAL CONTENT

Claire patiently waited for Jamie as he said his goodbyes to his mates and brother. As expected, a string of grumbles and protests succeeded, and she had to look away when he feigned exhaustion. With his hair stuck out in most places, making him look as though he'd ran his fingers through it all evening and a tad bit worse for wear, his excuse seemed it would pass as believable. But she knew better. He'd missed her, and he couldn't wait to have her alone, but the concern that layered his expression earlier hadn't escaped her notice.

It was her fault. She'd allow some minor incident in London to get under her skin. Nothing had happened, but yet that particular episode had rattled her. She'd tried to dismiss it by putting it down to wedding jitters and telling herself she was safe in the Highlands, far away from the big bad city of London. But when caught off guard, Jamie could read her like an open book and knew something had alarmed her. She hadn't wanted him to worry when he was doing so well with his PTSD recovery. She'd thought tonight's distraction would make him forget. It looked like she had to do a better job at convincing herself as well as him.

When Jamie finally managed to extract himself from offers of another round of drinks, he took her purse from her shoulder and dropped it over his head. Tugging her hand, he guided her out of the pub and into the square, his brisk stride forcing Claire into a jog. Weekend revellers enjoying the unusually warm night in the streets of Broch Mordha became a blur, her awareness narrowing mainly on Jamie's muscles that strained into tightrope tension. With every movement, his powerful back shifted underneath his t-shirt, making her squeeze his hand tighter and her nails dig into his palm. He remained mostly silent on their way home, glancing her way now and again to urge her to keep up. Like everything else he did, he'd taken charge with determined focus. But his eyes, the window to his ever-changing moods, were a mixture of lust, worry and apology.

Several disturbing thoughts flitted through her mind, but she refused to give voice to a single one of them. She wouldn't have the slightest idea how to deal with it even if she wanted to. When the time came to go back to London, she'd deal with her problem. Not that it was a problem, but her wild imagination was raising her anxiety level. Jamie could sense it, and she knew it could be anytime now before he asked what was going on, and she hated lying. She had to reassure him and herself everything was fine before everything got blown out of proportion. Wasn't that what her best friend, Annalise, had said? Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Taking a deep breath, she summoned something to say that would convince Jamie everything was indeed alright.

"It's a woman's thing," Claire blurted the first thing that came to her mind, speed walking to keep up with his steady pace. "You know, like when estrogen affects the serotonin production and make your mood go bonkers. It happens regularly in varying degrees, and sometimes it's more dramatic during a significant stage or change in life."

Jamie gave her an odd look. "What are ye talking about?"

"What I'm trying to say is ...sometimes it's a bummer being a girl."

"Are we talking about yer period, or are ye trying to get at something else?"

She let out a breath. "Yes! I'm talking about periods."

He looked at her without breaking his stride. "Is this yer way of warning me of PMS zone ahead? 'Cause, it isnae due for another three days."

Her mouth dropped open, but she quickly shut it. "You know my cycle?"

He smirked as if to say I know everything.

She shook her head in disbelief. "So what now, you keeping tabs on me with some mini-pocket calendar?"

Their exchange seemed to relax him, and he smiled, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Ye're as regular as clockwork, Sassenach. It's a good thing too because yer PMS is no' laughing matter. Knowing yer cycle gives me a fair idea of what to top up on when I do our shopping. Like this week, I bought ye yer favourite jar of olives stuffed with anchovies and next week, Jenny will get me a box of Thornton's for ye when she goes to Inverness. Just in time when ye start having chocolate cravings."

She clapped a hand over her mouth. "Jamie!"

He slid her a thoughtful look as they turned towards the cottage. "It's come to my attention, though, that yer cycle may be a bit off by a day or two." He let go of her hand to fish for the house keys in his pocket. "Or perhaps, more than that by now. I believe all this stress with ye travelling back and forth to London and planning our wedding has messed with yer cycle."

"Exactly!" She let out a sigh of relief. "That's what I've been trying to tell you earlier when ye were fretting about my jumpiness," she explained. "All these travelling back and forth has thrown my hormones all over the place. I'm probably just PMSing a tad early."

"Ye do know sex can help alleviate yer PMS, aye?" he asked.

"Says who?"

"Says me. It releases mood-boosting endorphins. Actually, in most cases ..." Jamie trailed off, shaking his head.

"In most cases, wot?"

He cleared his throat. "I've read somewhere PMS symptoms in most women impact energy levels, mood, and body image. As I understood it, all those wayward hormones ye're talking about are like wee beasties in yer body that create havoc making ye moodier and more anxious. But in yer case, there's a slight difference."

Curious, she glanced at his profile. "Oh? How so?"

"Weel, for one, women lose their libido during PMS whereas ye ..." His tongue swept the inside of his lower lip. "... ye're a whole different ball game."

She arched an eyebrow at him. "What do you mean?"

His lips twitched. "Sex during yer PMS makes you more even keel but a hell lot friskier and insatiable."

"Wot?" she gasped and slapped his forearm. "I certainly do not!"

"Aye, ye do! Ye're my wee unquenchable nymphet," he laughed out loud, bypassing her attempt to strike him again. He zigzagged the rest of the way to the cottage, and when she reached his side, Jamie quickly opened the door before pulling her inside and then against him. Sliding a hand behind her neck, he spoke into her ear. "I wasnae complaining, Sassenach. I was just stating a fact."

She raised a hand to slap his chest, but he caught her wrist and kissed her palm. "If anyone's a horn ball, it's you, you cocky bastard!" she muttered.

"Shall we put my theory to the test and prove my point?"

She scrutinised him for a bit. In her distraction, trying to fend off Jamie's worries, she hadn't realised he'd been teasing her all along. She deliberately contemplated his question long and hard and then smiled when an idea popped into her head. "Very well, I think this calls for a bet then."

He gave her a lopsided grin. "Name yer terms."

She schooled her features and upped the ante. "The terms are simple, really," she began softly. "We carry on as usual. Since we've both had a busy past week and a very long day, we'll get ready for bed, kiss each other good night and go to sleep. If you wish, before we turn off the lights, we can have a little cuddle. Whoever initiates sex first is the loser. If you lose, you have to wear a Rangers shirt the next time we go to the pub."

He froze. Claire wasn't sure if he was more horrified by the idea of wearing a Rangers shirt or skipping sex tonight. "A Rangers shirt, ye say? Are ye out of yer mind? I'll be disowned by my mates."

"And here I thought you looked confident about your wee hypothesis."

Jamie's exhale came out hot against her forehead. "And if ye lose?"

"If I lose ..." She shrugged. "...well, I'll let you dish out the penalty on that one. But beforehand ..." Holding Jamie's gaze, she reached between their bodies and unbuckled his belt. "...this has to come off first." She stifled the urge to smile when he hissed harshly at her ministrations. Palming his abdomen, she watched her actions turned him on like nobody's business. "Is that alright if I help ye get ready to bed?"

A muscle ticked in his jaw, and whatever's left of his cockiness instantly evaporated as he gave her an accusing look. "Ye're no' playing fair."

"And when did you ever play fair, Jamie? Mind that poker game a fortnight ago? You thought I wouldn't notice the marked card. You badly wanted me to strip in front of you that you had to resort to cheating." She unbuttoned his jeans and playfully tugged at the zipper. "So, are we in agreement with the terms or what?"

With a heavenward glance, he made a low sound of frustration. When his eyes finally landed on hers again, she raised an eyebrow to let him know she was waiting for him to respond.

"Well, what's it going to be, my big lad?"

"Ah, sweet Jesus, who am I kidding?" Jamie backed Claire into the room and kicked the door shut behind him. As they stared at each other, something changed in the atmosphere. The sexual awareness that had always existed between them drummed powerfully in her ears, and the urgency taking root in her belly spread its branches to her core. Nevertheless, she stood her ground, and her eyes dropped to Jamie's hand, locking around the bulge behind his zipper and shifting it with a grimace. When he saw her watching, he cussed harshly under his breath. "Fuck the terms, Sassenach. Ye win. I dinnae care if I have weeks of ye taking the piss out of me. Just dinnae make me wear a Ranger's shirt. I was just messing ye about thinking ye might be tired and I could psyche ye up for ..." His voice tapered off, and his ears turned pink.

"Psyche me up for what?" she asked, bewildered.

It didn't take her long to realise what he meant because before the next words could come out of her mouth, Jamie had backed her against the wall. "I meant this." Propping his hands above her head, he pressed his hips against hers, the unmistakable evidence of his arousal trapped between their bodies. "Truth is, I've missed ye and been looking forward to this all night."

She cocked her head back and traced her finger along the underside of his jaw. "And so have I." Her eyes slid down to his throat, and she watched his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "I knew all along you were full of it."

"Aye, I ken. I'm so full of shite sometimes."

"If you wanted me, all you had to do was say so."

"Ye ken, I always want ye, Sassenach. We've been together for over a year, and I still cannae get enough of ye. There's no explanation for the way ye make me feel."

She nipped at his chin. "How about you show me instead?"

Sliding his fingers through her hair, he drew her closer until their mouths were an inch apart. "Kiss me first," he ordered, his cocksureness once again taking over.

She didn't need telling twice.

Practically climbing him, she hiked a leg against his waist, his hand automatically curving behind her knee, lifting her up so she could straddle him. She wrapped herself around him as their mouths locked, her tongue sliding between his parted lips and savouring his taste of beer, mint and something sweet. His clean soap scent floated up and swathed them, making her dizzy with need and urgency. His hips began to rock, and his bulky frame took over her space, crushing her breasts as his hands squeezed and claimed ownership, rough, reverent and probing on her hips.

When Jamie slanted his head, her tongue stroked deep into his mouth and teased, taking pleasure in his deep growl of approval. The guttural sound he made and the jerky thrusts of his hips told her he was close to breaking point and was holding on to that constrained tether of control. But letting her take charge was his way of letting her know they were equal partners in every way and that she was his peer. She sensed it came from his need to soothe his guilt for the times when he was crazed with jealousy or over-possessive. Though he could be overbearing at times, she found it comforting to know his emotions were laid bare for her to see. It made it easier to overlook his flaws.

Breaking their kiss, she gasped as she came up for air, and his mouth instantly latched onto her jaw before trailing down her neck. "Jesus, Sassenach, ye're gonnae kill me if ye keep gyrating like that." He hissed when her head fell back, and she let out a long, drawn-out moan. "Ah fuck, we're no' gonnae make it to the bedroom."

"No ...here ...now," she stammered, barely able to form a simple sentence. "Clothes ...off." Shakily she pulled off her top, and her breath caught when his lips descended on her exposed skin before she could peel her shirt over her head.

"Ah, sweet Jesus, look at ye ...ye miss this so badly, aye?" He trailed hot kisses on the soft swells of her breast, his stubbles abrading her skin, causing series of tiny explosions to set loose on her nerve endings. "Tell me what ye want, Sassenach and I'll make it happen."

Just as she felt Jamie's finger tugging at the waistband of her jeans, in her lustful haze, she heard a doggy whimper and non-stop deep meowing racket. They froze at the same time. Following Jamie's line of vision, her eyes slowly trailed downwards to find Rollo and Adso looking at them as if in a fit of pique. In the heat of the moment, they'd forgotten about their pets. It was late already, and they're demanding to be fed and let out. Pounding his fist on the wall above her, Jamie dropped his head in frustration and growled a vicious curse.

"I should have fed them before heading to the games earlier," she breathed, still reeling from their kiss. "Was too excited to see you. It's not their fault."

"Aye, I ken."

Mentally shaking herself out of her lust induced stupor, she braced his face with both hands. "I'll take care of it," she said softly, bringing their foreheads together.

"No," he grunted, carefully letting her go so she could slide down from the wall. "I'll deal with them." He tipped her chin to kiss her, but the constant meowing and barking suspended him midway. With a sigh and a forced smile, he quickly kissed her forehead. "Shan't be long."

She grabbed her top from the floor and watched his retreating back. Rollo and Adso's interruption had dampened the mood, and she wanted to recover whatever's left of it. All evening he'd been looking broody, impatient, frustrated and devastatingly handsome. She wanted nothing more than to soothe him and give him something to smile about. Resolved in fixing matters, she hanged her top on the back of the chair and followed him into the kitchen. "Are you hungry?" she asked, opening the fridge.

"A wee bit peckish," he replied as he headed towards the pantry. "There's a banoffee pie in the fridge. Mrs Fitz dropped it off earlier. She said it's yer favourite."

"I see that," she smiled. She took out the pie and placed it on the counter. She sighed, admiring the sweet masterpiece. "Mrs Fitz's banoffee pie is something else, don't you think? They're as yummy as they are beautiful."

"Aye," he mumbled, shuffling about in the small space adjacent to the kitchen. "It's a wonder ye havenae gained weight with all the pies she makes for ye. I bet she makes them, so she has an excuse to mosey into our home and pry."

She grabbed a couple of plates and some cutleries. "Don't be mean!" she admonished. "She's lovely and neighbourly. Ever since I told her how I like my banoffee pie, it appears it makes her happy to make them for us. She even offered to make our wedding cake."

"And?"

"I agreed."

His shuffling stopped. "Ye what?"

"She showed me a picture of a wedding cake she made for her niece. I must admit it looks fabulous ...and rustic."

"Rustic?" he snorted. "I dinnae like the sound of that. I ken I said I'll leave the details of the wedding up to ye, but I hope Jenny didnae put ye up to letting Mrs Fitz make the cake. Our wedding is becoming the village's affair."

"It was entirely my own decision."

"Very well then ...I trust yer judgement."

She dipped her spoon into the filling and tasted it. When the toffee flavour hit her palate, she groaned out loud. "Hmmm, this is so good. Expect a lot of cake degustation in the next few days, and I swear ye'll be forever converted, and ye'll see Mrs Fitz in a different light.."

"Is that so?" Jamie finally came out of the pantry holding two bowls, one on each hand. After placing them in front of Rollo and Adso on the floor, he straightened up and looked at her. She noticed how his eyes flared as he took in her sheer skin-coloured bra. It was only a few minutes ago he had her pinned topless against the wall and trailing kisses down her cleavage. Her new lingerie must have the same desired effect or even more from a few feet apart.

Naughtiness suddenly frolicked through her veins, making her giddy with mischief. Wanting to see how far she could tease Jamie, she gave him what she thought was a sexy smile and picked up the spoon. Scooping a creamy mass of banoffee, she slowly brought it to her lips and glid it into her mouth. She savoured the smooth and rich texture, provocatively twirling the cutlery on her tongue before pulling it out to lick it.

She pretended not to notice how his jaw flexed as she helped herself to another portion. "You know, if she can make delicious pies like this, I'm quite sure her cake will just be as tasty. I must admit, I think all of Mrs Fitz's puddings always have that perfect arse wibble."

He blinked. "Arse wibble?"

"Uh-huh ...firm but with a subtle wobble. No sloshy jiggles." She ran her tongue over her upper lip, and she noted how he bit his lower lip in response. Trying not to get distracted by the intensity of his gaze, she resumed her teasing. "Aaaand ...this sweet has everything I like."

He cleared his throat. "Sweet? Oh, y-yes, very sweet. Ye like yer sweets."

"It has bananas, and you know how I love bananas."

"Ye do?" he swallowed audibly. "A-aye, o-of course, ye do."

"And this ..." She tapped her spoon against the bottom part of the pie. "...this here ...utter perfection. No soggy bottoms and it has a generous thick base. It must have taken a lot of pounding to crush those digestive biscuits."

"Pounding?" he asked, looking like he'd been hit on the head with a sledgehammer.

She nodded and smiled innocently at him. "Yes, pounding. You fist your hand around a rolling pin and use it to grind the biscuits."

"Oh."

"You want some?"

"Want what?"

"Some pie."

An agonised groan escaped his throat, but he remained motionless as he stared at her. A long silence followed, and the only sounds that could be heard were Adso and Rollo making wet smacking noises as they ate their food. Waiting for him to reply, she leaned back on the counter and scrutinised him, marvelling over the intense strain on his face. His brows were furrowed as if seriously concentrating on her words instead of her breasts.

She waved a hand at him. "Jamie? I asked if you want some pie."

Coming out of a daze, he shook his head, almost too vigorously. "Pie? No pie. I have to take Adso out to let him do his business."

"Don't you mean Rollo?"

"Rollo?"

"Yes. Rollo. It's Rollo who needs taking out. Adso can let himself out."

"He can?"

"That's what the cat flap is for."

"Sure."

Claire couldn't help but wonder if his brain had short-circuited or if all the blood really rushed down south to settle somewhere else. A brief glance at the front of his jeans confirmed her suspicions. Her plan to revive the mood was clearly working. Now all she needed to do was to soothe and give him some much needed loving. Tomorrow was Sunday, and they wouldn't have to rush off anywhere. He'd had enough torture for one day. It was time to service her man.

She watched him tucked his tongue in his cheek as she put the spoon down and started towards him, his eyes lifting from her breast to meet hers.

"I have an idea." She smiled and took his hand in hers, twining their fingers together. "Why don't you finish up here while I get ready for bed? That way, you'll be done quicker. You can bring us something to drink, and I'll take the banoffee pie with me. Once you're settled, I'll even feed you while you relax. How's that? "

Familiar longing swirled in his eyes. "The bet is off then?"

"I thought I already made that clear."

He searched her eyes. "Dinnae tease me, Sassenach. I ken I do that a lot with ye, but I'm a dying man here."

"I'm sorry, I'm not teasing you this time." She laid a hand on his cheek and ran her thumb under the curve of his bottom lip. It fluttered on the tip of her tongue to ask him to come with her to London in two weeks time, but she hesitated. Though Mary Hawkin's publication day book signing landed on a Friday, it was Jamie's busiest day of the week. It was too much of a big ask. She noticed Rollo had finished eating and was scratching at the backdoor, itching to go out. "Best go and take him out before he makes a mess. I'll be waiting in bed."

"Right. Yes. Umm, Rollo. I'm going." He leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss. "I'll bring wine when I get back."

Claire smiled as he strode briskly towards Rollo, grabbed the leash off the hook, ushered the dog out and slammed the door behind him.

Picking up the pie, plates and cutleries, she hurriedly made her way to the bedroom and placed her load on the nearby desk. After peeling off her clothes, she had a quick shower and shave. Feeling refreshed, she laid back on the bed and closed her eyes, intending to rest them until Jamie returned. It didn't take long before she fell into a deep sleep.

..........

Claire's eyes snapped open as the breeze parted the curtain and let a sliver of morning light filter the room. Her brain went instantly alert. Realising she'd fallen asleep on Jamie last night, she cringed and groaned in annoyance and regret. Far too little sleep and stress probably had caught up with her, but there was nothing she could do about it now. Sighing, she turned on her side to watch the sunlight bathe Jamie's profile in a radiant golden hue. He slept deeply and peacefully, his face unmarred from waking life realities.

She scooted closer and tunnelled her fingers through his hair. "I'm so sorry I fell asleep on you last night," she whispered, tucking a wayward curl behind his ear.

As she'd expected, the sweetest smile formed his mouth, the familiar display never failing to startle her. It was something he did every time she brushed his hair back in his sleep.

"I hope you weren't too annoyed. I must have been exhausted after all the excitement yesterday."

He let out a soft exhale as she trailed a finger along his collarbone.

She smiled. "Peaceful as you look, I can tell there's mischief lurking behind those closed eyes. So tell me, what are you dreaming of, my love?"

His lips twitched, making her wonder if he'd heard her. Before she could read more into the situation, Jamie rolled on top of her, forcing her on her back. She tried to wiggle, but he pinned her down with his weight. "So you want to know what I'm dreaming of? I'm dreaming of the many things I'm gonnae do to ye today," he murmured into her ears.

"Oh, hi there," she breathed, his arousal against her belly leaving little room for thought.

"Oh, hi there," he echoed, his voice still husky from sleep. "Is that all ye have to say?"

"How about coffee?" she managed with a croak.

He let out a pained laugh. "Oh no, Sassenach. I'm no' letting ye out of my sight." He skimmed his lips along her jawline before tilting his head to nip the flesh beneath her ear. "If ye had any idea what I had in store for ye last night, ye wouldnae have fallen asleep."

She tried to catch his lips, but he denied her with a shake of his head. Instead, he parted her thighs with his knee, and his hand drifted down between their bodies to touch her core, igniting shocks of pleasure shooting through to her centre.

When she began to squirm, he lifted her arms above her head and pinned her wrists with one hand. "This is what's gonnae happen. First, I'm gonnae ..."

There was a loud rap at the door, followed by Rollo barking, making Adso jump into their bed.

She immediately lifted her head. "Who's that?"

"Fuck knows." Jamie dipped his head and nibbled her earlobe. "Just ignore it. It's probably only Mrs Fitz ...with more pies."

Though unconvinced, she forced herself to relax and focus on Jamie, but when they heard the sound of the door unlocking, they both froze and stared at each other.

"It could be your sister or your brother," she whispered, tugging the sheet over them. "Rollo is doing his happy bark."

"But it's unlike them to come on a Sunday," he replied, looking over his shoulder at the door.

"Maybe one of them came to get something, and then they'll go when they realise we're still in bed?" she supposed, biting her lip.

Jamie smiled. "Ye're probably right. Let's ..."

"Hello, kids, you in there?" uncle Lamb's voice boomed, startling them both. "Your favourite uncle is here. You both still in bed?"

Jamie looked at her in disbelief. "What the hell, Sassenach! Ye gave yer uncle a key?"

Claire winced. "No, but I told him where we hid the spare one."

"No fucking way!"

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for your feedback from the previous chapter and your readership. I know, I know. I can hear you screaming at me from my screen, "Poor Jamie, to leave him hanging." What can I say? When I wrote that part, I was feeling devilishly wicked. As most fanfic writers here would understand, whatever my current mood is at the time when I write, it usually comes out in full force. And boy, did it come out!

As for the banoffee pie scene, the double-entendre was inspired by Nigella Lawson, dubbed as the queen of double-entendre in the food network. Ms Lawson is a British television cook well known among her fans for her inuendos and sultry and evocative way of presenting her show. I had a lot of fun writing it, so I hope you enjoyed reading it too.

For the next chapter, ye'll get to see uncle Lamb and another familiar character and some kind of resolution in our beloved couple's one of many obstacles. So until my next instalment, take care and stay safe. X

#melodyheart #wonderwall #savethedate #Jamie Fraser #claire beauchamp #claire beauchamp/jamie fraser #outlanderfanfic

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eclecticstarlightconnoisseur · 4 years ago

Text

EDINBURGH TO BOSTON - CHAPTER 21 - SECRETS AND TRUTHS

Hello all, Finally the new chapter of Edinburgh to Boston is ready.

As I said in my update this has not been betaed. Therefore, any mistakes. lack of continuity or general mess-ups are all mine. I hope you will forgive me and overlook them. It took some re-writing when I read it over several times and I hope I caught all the mistakes.

This has been my baby for a long time and honestly, I think that was another reason that took so long to finish it as this is the last chapter. There will be an epilogue to clean up some things that are hanging around.

Just because this is the last chapter, does not mean this is the end. I can't really let go of these two people. They are so dear to my heart. Besides that, as I wrote this I realized that I did not totally address the opening premise that I made. If you recall I said that Fate and Destiny had their hands in seeing these two come together. There are other stories to tell about how such forces brought them together. I do plan a Part II but how I will do it has yet to be planned out.

I can't thank you all enough for being patient with me during times of difficulty when it took so long to get a chapter posted. I am so honored that so many of you liked this story which I honestly thought was going to fall flat on its face. I never dreamed I would get the response to it that I did. I thank you all for reading, commenting, giving the story some love. I am truly overwhelmed by your kindness.

As always I need to thank my betas who helped me along the way and gave me the encouragement to continue when I didn't think I could do it. @scubalass you're the best.

Without further ado and a tear in my eye, I give you Chapter 21 Edinburgh to Boston.

Edinburgh to Boston

Chapter 21

Secrets and Truths

“Come On! Come On! COME ON!” Claire groused at the tardy lift. It really wouldn’t do to be late for surgery on her first day back to work. She wanted to give the damn thing a good kick but thought better of it since she would be standing for most of the day. The idea of standing on a sore foot did not appeal to her.

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ, what is taking this thing so long? For a new building, you would think they would have installed a better lift system.” Finally, the doors slid open on the fifth floor where the cardiothoracic surgery department offices were located.

She ran down the corridor trying to free herself from her coat while hanging onto the bag containing her morning fix.

Claire ran through the building’s front door shouting a greeting to Eddie, the security guard on duty. She made a beeline for the Cafe to get her morning coffee before going up to her office. It would be a long and trying day and the caffeine jolt would serve as her means of survival.

Niall stood behind the counter and grinned at her. “Late Dr. B?”

“Whatever made you think so?” she replied rather dryly. Her face was flushed and her hair exploded out from her wooly cap.

“Just a wild guess,” he smirked.

“Humph!” she snarled. “I would love to stand and chat with you but I have surgery in an hour. I’ll have a…”

“Here it is Dr. B. Large black coffee with one sugar and a raisin scone.” Niall smiled showing her the takeaway bag with her name on it.

She looked flustered, “How did you…”

“Dr. Fraser came by earlier. He ordered for you thinking you might be...um, in a hurry.”

“You say Dr. Fraser’s here already?” Claire grimaced ashamed of her lateness. It seemed, however, that curiosity got the better of her. Doing her best to look nonchalant, she casually asked, “Um, how did he look? Tired was he?” Dark smudges rimmed her eyes from lack of sleep. Claire would have liked nothing more than to curl up in bed and pull the covers over her head.

“Nay, no’ at all. Dr. Fraser said he worked out in the gym first then ran here. He looked quite hale and hearty actually. A wee bit pink from the cold, but truly well.”

“Of course, he did,” mumbling with annoyance to herself, “the man is made out of steel.”

Opening her overstuffed slouchy bag, she began the ritual of hunting for her wallet.

Cocking his head to the side, Niall pushed the bag toward Claire, “Oh, and he paid for this too.”

“Thank you, Niall and I’ll thank Fraser when I see him.”

Grabbing the bag, she made a mad dash toward her arch-enemy, the lift.

As usual, the ride to her floor became an act of slow torture and unmitigated agony. Once the lift doors opened, she sprinted down the corridor shaking one arm out of her coat while juggling her purse and the bag with its precious contents in the other hand. As she arrived outside her office door, her other arm managed to jiggle out of its sleeve. Finding the key to her office would require a balancing act considering the disordered state of her handbag. Placing her coat between her teeth and the bag containing her coffee and scone between her knees, not the soundest of ideas mind, she rummaged inside her handbag. Of course, the key could not be found being buried in the deep recesses of the purse. Needing a little extra stability, Claire leaned against the doorway. The door swung open making her lose balance and stumble into the room. Her mouth opened, squawking in surprise causing the coat to drop to the floor. Flailing hands pinwheeled around trying to maintain equilibrium rather than land ignominiously on her arse. She managed to keep her footing but lost the grip on her purse and watched as the contents tumbled out spilling haphazardly around the room. By some miracle, the sack with the coffee and scone remained intact. Not a drop of the rejuvenating liquid spilled. Which, of course, was the most important thing.

Surveying the mess she had inadvertently created, Claire concluded it was going to be one of those days. No doubt about it. And to make matters worse, she would have to operate without Fraser. Not to have his strong capable hands there moving in concert with hers, well the thought just soured her stomach. Of course, Pound would be there to help, but he was still in training even if he was Chief Fellow and she would still have to monitor him.

Mumbling words that a lady should not use, Claire picked up her coat and tossed it on a chair. On her hands and knees, she crawled around picking up the scattered bits and bobs shoving them back in the purse.

Standing, she walked toward her desk and saw it. In the middle of the desk stood a small beautifully cut crystal vase filled with forget-me-nots, white heather, and baby’s breath. A handwritten card placed in front of the flowers was written in a distinctive script declaring, Tha gaol agam ort, J. Claire could not read Gàidhlig but she instinctively knew what it meant. Her eyes misted over as she touched the delicate blooms.

How do you do it, Jamie Fraser? You take a terrible day and turn it into something magical.

Claire put on her lab coat, grabbed the bag with her coffee and scone, and walked out closing the door behind her. She strolled toward her nemesis, the lift, smiling and humming happily.

****************

“Aye, that’s right. See how Dr. Beauchamp keeps her field clear. It gives ye an unobstructed view and prevents postoperative infection.” Jamie turned to look at his students and they all dutifully nodded in appreciation.

“Watch how Dr. Beauchamp creates the anastomosis. Then she’ll tie it off. See how she makes her knots! ‘Tis a thing of beauty, is it no’? Perfect technique!” Jamie praised. Peering at his beloved, he saw her eyes crinkle with pleasure and her cheeks blazed red above her mask.

He came alive while he watched her work. As a surgeon, she was smart, talented, and highly sought after. Not only because of her skill but because she deeply cared about her patients. Some colleagues thought her “too involved” or believed her gender would make her“too soft” to become a competent cardiothoracic surgeon. Other critics thought her involvement with her patients would undermine her professionalism.

They had made love. Legs twined together; her head rested on his shoulder while his arm curled around her protectively. Jamie turned on to his side just enough to allow him to see her nakedness gilded by the moonlight. She curled into him clinging to him like a limpet anchored to a rock. Her muscles tense where normally she lay in his arms boneless after their intimacy. Finding a particularly tight knot he massaged it and felt it go slack.

“Is something wrong, my own? Did I no’ please you?” he asked anxiously.

“No, you were wonderful, really, Jamie. It’s just me. I started thinking. I don’t know why. But it’s nothing at all truly. I’m fine, just fine.”

“Sassenach, I ken well enough what ‘I’m fine means. Why dinna ye tell me what’s upsetting ye.” Jamie pulled her closer, tucking Claire’s head under his chin.

“We need to go back soon,” she said in a voice so low as to be almost inaudible. “And I’m so happy here with you,” she looked up into those startling blue eyes. “Then I started thinking about what it took for me to get this far in my career. My residency. My Fellowship. And suddenly I wondered if it was all worth it. I wondered if they were right in the end.”

“Who was right, Sassenach?”

Heaving a heavy sigh, Claire shared her trials as a cardiothoracic fellow. The competition for the position had been fierce. Only the top five candidates were called back to interview for the one open position. Even though she was highly ranked among the candidates for the fellowship, her prospective mentors suggested that perhaps she would be more suited to pediatrics, dermatology, or aesthetics as one of those specialties might suit her female sensibilities better. They had suggested cardiothoracic surgery might be too rigorous for a woman. The hours too demanding for a married woman. What would her husband say? Wouldn’t she like to have a family someday?

“The only qualification I didn’t have was I didn’t have a prick,” she said with some bitterness. She never expected an easy time. A distinct amount of sexism existed in medicine and women were not welcomed with open arms. She worked the worst schedule and given the most complex cases. Evaluations were harsh and judgmental. All done in the hopes that she would quit. Instead, it just made her work harder. And she turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the mockery heaped on her. Claire succeeded where many others failed. She became their first female Chief Fellow; won several prestigious awards for her research. More importantly to Claire, her patients thrived.

“I am beginning to think they were right about some things. There is so much more to life. Much, much more,” she said drowsily. “And I want to have it. All.” Yawning, her eyes fluttered closed, and fell into a contented sleep.

“Aye, mo nighean donn, ye will. I’ll see tae it,” and leaned over kissing her brow.

Truly Claire is a woman of rare spirit, he thought. A woman who overcame many challenges and obstacles from an early age and was better for it. After all, she survived a plane crash that claimed the lives of her parents, lived like a vagabond with her archeologist uncle, and prevailed over a nightmare marriage. Many people would have been crushed under such hardships. But not his Sassenach; she endured. She managed to overcome them and emerge victoriously. A woman of rare spirit indeed. And one who deserved to be loved and loved well.

Jamie’s narrative kept pace with Claire’s every movement. Occasionally, he fired off questions at various intervals to his followers which they answered to his satisfaction. They remained throughout the entire procedure until skin closure finished and the patient made ready for transfer to the CSICU.

“Dr. Pound will accompany the patient to their room and start to write the postoperative orders. Please go with him. I will meet you over there.”

“Dr. Beauchamp, a word if ye please about yer next case,” called Jamie.

“Of course, Dr. Fraser. I would be delighted.”

The doctors exited the operating room on the pretext of being nothing more than two colleagues engaged in a discussion about a patient scheduled for surgery that afternoon. They approached an out-of-the-way corridor between the OR and the CSICU stealing down the passageway like two thieves in the night. Jamie’s head spun around looking for anyone who might have observed them. Deciding that they had not been seen, he seized her hand and pulled her into a little-used utility room. He locked the door behind them and drew her close, kissing her thoroughly.

“I missed ye.”

Claire cuddled into him resting her head on his chest. “I missed you too.”

Lifting her arms, she wrapped them around his neck. “Come here,” she whispered as she tugged his head down toward her.

Claire kissed him once, then twice.

“No’ that I’m complaining but what’s that for?”

“One was for the coffee, the other was for the scone. This one,” her voice turned provocative, “is for the flowers.” Her mouth latched onto his giving him a proper thank you kiss. The kiss, a searing flame, igniting them like a match to dry kindling. It left them both breathless and wanting for more.

She pressed firmly against him. He could feel her nipples rigid and taut through the thin scrub top. He knew she felt him; his hardness pressed against her body. If only I were home with her I’d carry her off to bed. This thought, naturally, made things much worse for him.

“How did you manage it?” she asked, her voice a sultry husky tone.

“Ewan gets the credit.”

“Be sure to thank him for me.” Claire crushed her body closer to his taking in his warmth. She buried he nose against him absorbing his smell. His scent was masculine, with the tang of antiseptic and just a dash of laundry starch hovering around him. Some things completely stirred her soul.

Clearing his throat, Jamie asked in a shaky voice, “Will ye, ah, will ye… Christ Claire, I canna think with ye so close tae me. Will ye take yer lunch with me?”

“Yes,” she said breathily.

“Why don’t ye go dictate yer op notes while on check on Pound? I’ll meet ye in about thirty minutes.”

“That’s a fine idea,” she leaned forward giving him a quick kiss. “Don’t be late.”

Jamie opened the door enough to peek out and found the corridor remained empty.

“Ye go first, I’ll follow after ye shortly.”

Claire slipped through the door while Jamie watched as she left. He noticed a little extra sway to her hips as she walked away. Damn little vixen. She did it on purpose. Sighing, he closed the door and leaned his head against it. He would have a wait a minute or two until his “problem” disappeared. It was becoming truly uncomfortable as he sought to adjust himself. “She’ll be the death of me yet.”

***********************

Walking into the CSICU after completing a successful surgery always filled Jamie with a certain satisfaction. He felt overjoyed that he and Claire helped patients return to their life, their work, their family, and without pain. He would tell patients, when he first met them, that this surgery was “enabling”. It would enable them to return to the life they wanted and not become a bystander.

With that thought in mind and a large grin on his face, Jamie swiped his badge across the electronic keypad granting him entrance into the Unit. The sounds of controlled chaos greeted him, voices raised, ventilators whooshing delivering needed oxygen, the soft beeping of heart monitors keeping time with healing hearts, IV pumps clicking as they delivered medication critical to the patient’s recovery.

He walked briskly toward the nurses’ station with gladness in his heart for he was back where he belonged.

“Fiona, ‘tis good tae see ye. How have ye been?” he inquired of the Unit’s charge nurse.

With the sound of his voice all conversation, all activity ceased, and every eye fastened onto him. The silence in the room would have been deafening if not for the continued mechanical sounds. Jamie became keenly aware of the absence of sound and the staff rooted in position. And just as quickly as it started it ended with activity resuming at its normal pace.

Fiona MacGowen kept her eyes glued to her computer screen, deliberately not making direct eye contact with the doctor. “Oh just braw, Dr. Fraser, just braw. Dr. Beauchamp’s patient is in Room 10 with Dr. Pound, Elspeth, and Iona getting him settled,” she said with her lips slightly turning up in a smile. “They’ll be waiting on ye.”

“Thank ye, Fiona. I’ll go and see how they are getting along.”

Jamie walked away, stopped, and turned back to look at Fiona once more. He thought her behavior a bit strange. Generally, one would say Fiona was a gregarious person with the reputation of being a chatterbox. Today, however, she acted more like a nun under a vow of silence. But to be honest, as he gazed around the Unit once more, everyone’s behavior seemed strange. And he had yet figured out what to make of it.

As Jamie approached the room the sounds of busyness gave the impression of a beehive humming with activity. As he stepped into the entryway, activity ceased. Again, all that remained was the soft mechanical sounds made by the life-sustaining equipment.

Elspeth stood quite still and uttered a little gasp. Meanwhile, Iona took a step back bumping into the ventilator; her eyes round with surprise. Dr. Pound cleared his throat glaring at the two nurses. They resumed their usual pleasant expressions with lips curling up into crooked smiles.

Jamie looked at the three of them thinking his team had gone daft.

“‘Tis good to have ye back Dr. Fraser,” declared the Fellow. “The ladies and I were just finishing getting Mr. MacNichol set up.”

Pound grabbed one of the portable workstations and began reviewing the patient’s current vitals as well as the orders he had written with the surgeon. They discussed the ventilator’s and pacemaker’s current settings, and when to call Dr. Beauchamp with any changes to her patient.

“Well-done, well-done. Mr. MacNichol is in very capable hands,” he smiled at his team. “I am off to lunch. Ye ken how to reach Dr. Beauchamp or me.”

Jamie walked out of the room and on impulse turned back to see the three heads buried in whispered conversation. He shook his head and left thinking about having lunch with Claire wanting to discuss the staff’s strange behavior with her.

Preoccupied with his thoughts, Jamie walked smack into his cousin Rupert almost knocking him down. Extending his arm quickly he caught his cousin by the shoulder steadying him.

“Sorry about that Rup. Doing a bit of wool-gathering I suppose.”

“Oy must be something awfully important to have ye so distracted.”

“I promised Claire I would have lunch with her and I dinna want tae be late.”

“Tae tell ye the truth, I am on my way tae find Geillis. We’re supposed to have a bite together too. Suppose ye two join us, aye?” He grinned broadly, “Twill be interesting to see if the plan

succeeded.”

“Sounds like a good idea cuz,” Jamie clapped an arm around Rupert’s shoulder as they strode off in search of the lasses.

************************************

Seated at one of the dictation corrals, Claire began her op notes. Her cardiac anesthesiologist, Geillis Duncan took the hutch next to her.

Dr. Duncan was a beautiful woman, with a trim figure, flaming red hair, and eyes as green as spring grass.

“Claire, ‘tis good tae have ye back. I’m sorry I dinna have much of a chance tae speak with ye this morning before the case. Did ye enjoy the conference?” Dr. Duncan gave Claire a sly side-long look.

“Wouldn’t you know it, Boston had a blizzard and the speakers weren’t able to make it.”

“No. What a shame. Ye flew all that way for nothing,” she sympathized.

“Too bad, right? Dr. Fraser and I were looking forward to hearing about those peripherally inserted heart valves.”

“Aye, but ye had the fox cub with ye. Perhaps it wasna so bad after all,” she leaned over jabbing Claire in the side. “Did ye maybe get tae share a room and have a go at him between the sheets, um?” She gave Claire a wicked smile. “I ken if I was snowed in with him, I would.

“Geillis!” Claire swore. She blushed from her hair roots to her toes.

Geillis gave her a sly smug smile. “After all, Georges X is an exclusive luxury hotel. Verra private, and verra, verra discrete. Or so I’ve heard,” she said shrugging her shoulders. “They have those flowers, all over the place. What are they? Orchids? she asked while tapping her nail against her white teeth feigning an attempt at recalling. I understand the lobby is decorated with a fortune in artwork. The rooms are quite grand, are they no’, with a fireplace, champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, fine whiskey. And I hear the bed is big enough to sleep an entire family. How could ye no’ entice him into yer bed, is what I want tae know?”

Claire glared at her friend, “What I want to know is how you know I stayed at Georges X. I know I never told you.”

Geillis chuckled nervously, “Why of course ye did. How else would I ken that?” Geillis became uncomfortable under Claire’s scrutiny.

“Spill it, Duncan. You know more than you’re telling.”

Geillis affected a look of innocence, “I swear tae ye Claire, I dinna ken anything.” She nervously scanned the area looking for any means of escape from further questioning. Her eyes latched on to Dr. Rupert MacKenzie ambling directly toward her, along with Jamie. “I need tae go. I promised tae meet Rupert for lunch. See ye later, Claire.”

Reaching out, Claire grasped Geillis by the forearm, “That’s a load of rubbish and you know it. I suspected there was something dodgy about that trip right from the beginning. I need answers and you have them, Duncan. You’re coming with me.”

************************************

The two male surgeons walked amicably through the corridor talking and laughing as Rupert entertained Jamie with tales of hospital gossip. As they approached the physician workstation, they noticed a loud commotion that seemed to be attracting a crowd. Jamie wondered what caused the kerfuffle this time. Most such squabbles centered around obtaining a certain OR room or available time for surgery. This behavior bordered on the ridiculous in his opinion.

As the men came closer to the center of the fray, they saw two female doctors engaged in a struggle. One of them had wild brown curls bouncing around her head. Claire? The second doctor had hair the color of flame. That head of hair belonged to the fiery Geillis Duncan. He quickened his pace needing to reach Claire.

“Claire! Claire,” he called, “What’s amiss?”

“‘Claire’ he calls her now. No’ Dr. Beauchamp,” Geillis snorted.

Claire’s posture had all the hallmarks of frustration and anger as she tried to drag her colleague toward the doctor’s lounge.

Claire’s eyes locked on Jamie, “It seems that Dr. Duncan knows a great deal about our trip. Particularly where we stayed and I want to know how.”

Rupert took Geillis firmly by the elbow and leaned over to hotly whisper in her ear, “Wha’ have ye done woman!?”

Cold green eyes glared fixedly up at him disliking his insinuation. “I may have spilled a bit of tea is all,” she said, wrenching her arm free of his grip.

“Sounds more like ye spilled the whole damn pot,” he growled at her. “Ye ken they were never supposed to find out, at least no’ this way. We were supposed to tell them gentle like. Now what?”

Dr. Duncan gave her shoulders the tiniest of shrugs. “Dinna fash. We’ll think of something,” and walked toward the lounge.

He squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth, “Aye, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

Rupert held the lounge door open for his co-conspirator trying to usher her quietly into the room. Geillis, however, turned to observe Jamie and Claire huddled deep in discussion.

“Are ye both going to stand there all day blethering, or are ye coming? I’m hungry and I want my lunch.” she snapped.

The crowd lingered about waiting for the fuse to be lit and the fireworks to begin. Dr. Duncan had a very volatile reputation easily flying into pieces like an unstable explosive device. Whereas, Dr. Beauchamp was a genial person, kind and caring. But, the one thing she was not was a meek individual. When pushed beyond her tolerance limits, she could be as ruthless as a she-wolf defending her pups.

Jamie placed his hand firmly on the small of Claire’s back giving her a little nudge forward. The crowd began to murmur heads close in a whispered discussion, Some rudely pointed a finger at his hand on her back, while others outright stared. Jamie flushed. He should have known such an intimate placement of his hand would draw attention. They saw he claimed her. Not knowing how Claire would feel about this public display, he thought he needed to break up this crowd before someone accidentally said something.

“Show’s over everyone. Just a private meeting among friends. Nothing tae see here. I’m sure ye all have some work tae do. Patients are waiting for ye. Go on with ye.” Jamie said dismissing the loitering group.

Following behind Claire, Jamie entered the room and shut the door.

Claire wanted to get to the bottom of things quickly and stormed up to her colleague in a blazing fury. “Alright Duncan, spill what you know.”

“I already told ye. I dinna ken anything about ye trip. As I said either you or Jamie must have mentioned where ye were staying. Beyond that, I dinna ken anything.”

Jamie looked at Claire and shook his head signifying that he had never mentioned the hotel to anyone.

“Um-hm. Since when does this institution send a chauffeured car to pick up two staff surgeons? For the Chief certainly but not for ordinary staff personnel. And we’re supposed to believe that the hospital made five-star accommodations with all expenses paid for us? Hmm? I think not. Did I not say so, Jamie?”

“Aye, ye did. Several times.”

“Claire began to pace while considering the other strange occurrences surrounding their trip.

“And what about my clothes? I most certainly did not pack away that nightgown. It was a mere scrap of silk and lace. And that lingerie! Those panties and bras were not something I would have packed for a conference trip.”

“I’ll bet he enjoyed it,” Geillis muttered under her breath a sly grin curling up on her lips lighting up her face.

Jamie leaned forward, his eyes narrowing, staring intensely at the female doctor, “I am inclined tae agree with Dr. Beauchamp that the circumstances surrounding our trip tae Boston were, tae say the least, most unusual. I also had clothes in my suitcase that I ken I dinna pack and I’m wondering how they got there. Can ye shed any light on this mystery?”

As Jamie questioned Geillis, an acrid odor caught Claire’s attention. Being a very astute doctor, she was used to the various malodors emitted by humans and knew what they meant. She raised her nose into the air and sniffed delicately. The pungent smell seemed to be coming from the direction of Rupert. A light sheen of sweat glossed over his forehead and there was a distinctive musky odor about him. Fear. Anxiety. Her intense scrutiny seemed to worsen whatever internal conflict plaguing him. Unable to withstand the intensity of her stare, Rupert turned away not wanting to meet her eyes.

Claire jabbed Jamie in his side with her elbow gaining his attention.

“I think Rupert has something to add to this conversation.”

Jamie walked over to his cousin and stared at him intently. Rupert took a few steps back, feeling the unconscious need to put some distance between them.

“Aye, I think yer right. Rupert, ye look like ye have something ye’d like tae get off yer chest. Out with it man.”

Deciding that the best defense is a good offense, Rupert widened his stance and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I dinna ken what yer talking about Jamie lad. As the lady said, I dinna ken anything about yer trip either. And dinna ask if I ken anything about how yer jeans, duck boots, and down jacket got into yer suitcase,” he replied, a self-satisfied look plastered across his face.

“Ye great dunderheid! Do ye ken what ye said?! Ye just gave it away,” Geillis shouted giving him a slap upside his head. “And ye were worried about what I said.”

“Wha’ are ye talking ab…” He had that startled look that one has when they realize they stuck their foot in their mouth. “Oh! Oh, shite.”

“Ye just admitted that ye changed Jamie’s clothes in his suitcase.”

“Dinna blame me for everything. You changed Claire’s clothes,” Rupert countered.

The two combatants escalated the argument going at each other nose to nose, eyeball to eyeball, tooth, fang, and claw.

“And whose ideas was this? Mine. Who made the hotel arrangements and spoke tae Joe Silverberg in Texas to get him on board with the plan should one of them call to discuss the meeting?” Geillis boasted as she swung her hair over her shoulder. A dreamy look took over her as she recalled the conversation with Dr. Silverberg. “I invited him to come to Scotland, ye ken. Told him I would show him the sights and a good time. Said he may take me up on that too.”

“Mmphm, so ye did,” Rupert grumbled with annoyance. He did not like the suggestion of Geillis showing the American surgeon a good time. “Ye forget I made the plane arrangements and got Kenny to print up the fake conference brochure. And who enlisted their secretary’s help to slip the vacation request under the Chief’s nose and have him sign it? Cost me a night out as payment for that,” Rupert griped.

The two doctors continued in their game of one-up-manship, oblivious to Jamie and Claire standing in the room.

Unable to take the bickering anymore, Jamie bellowed, “Haud yer weesht!!!”

Geillis and Rupert looked up in bewilderment having forgotten where they were and that Jamie and Claire stood listening.

“Do ye two realize that what ye did invaded our privacy? That ye had no right to interfere in our lives?” Jamie growled.

“So, that’s it then? The whole thing was a setup, some sort of game? None of this was real? ” Claire said as she looked at Jamie.

“I beg tae differ, hen,” Gellis walked over her expression softening and gently took hold of Claire’s hand, “it’s as real as it can get. We all saw the lovesick eyes, the secret peeks ye two gave each other, and the way ye fuss over each other. If two people were meant to be together it’s ye two. We just nudged things along is all, ” said Geillis.

“Aye, yer right,” Rupert chimed in. “‘Tis the truth that NO one could take watching ye two anymore. The whole hospital wanted tae see ye together.” Rupert smiled at Claire. He quickly turned his vexation on his cousin. “And if Fraser here was no’ going tae be a man about it and make the first move, well by God someone had tae,” he snarled at Jamie. “What are ye then, cuz, a man or a moose?”

Jamie ran his hand through his hair and rolled his shoulders as if trying to loosen his shirt that had suddenly become too tight. A shy crooked smile flashed over his face; his lip curling up on one side.

“Aye, yer right. I, ah, I… Well, tae tell the truth, I am a bit of a coward. Ye ken, I dinna think um, I dinna know if Claire felt the same about me.” Jamie turned and looked deeply in Claire’s eyes, “I was afraid tae lose ye. If being yer friend would be the best of it, then that would have been enough.”

“I was afraid of losing you too, Jamie. I’ve had feelings for you right from the start. Only now do I dare to admit them,” Claire turned toward Rupert and Geillis giving them a look of gratitude. Moving closer, placing her hands on his chest. “I love you and I always will.” Her arms went up around his neck, standing on tiptoe, she leaned in, and kissed him soundly.

The kiss finally ended, each blushing from making a display of themselves.

Geillis stood there making gagging noises as she watched their affection. Rupert looked at Geillis with a smirk on his face.

“What’s the matter, lass, jealous?” Rupert said with a grin on his face.

“Certainly not,” Geillis waved off that idea with a flip of her hand and turned away.

“Well then, ye won't be minding this. I've wanted tae do this for a long time.” Rupert turned her around, took her in his arms, and kissed her.

“And I dinna want tae hear about ye showing any other men a good time, either.” He gave her a look that told her he would not brook no for an answer.

Geillis, looking dazed readily agreed.

Jamie coughed loudly, reminding the other couple they were not alone.

Wrapping his arm around Claire and pulling her into his side, Jamie smiled at their friends, “We want to thank ye, both, for bringing us together. We are truly grateful.”

Claire nodded in agreement, forgetting about her anger with the unorthodox methods they used to bring her the love of her life.

“Since we are all telling the truth,” Rupert reluctantly admitted, “there’s a wee bit more to it.” “We were not the only ones involved in this. When other staff members heard what we about they wanted tae be part of it. And so...”

“And so everyone began to contribute money tae help pay for the trip. So that’s how ye had such fine accommodations and such.” Geillis huffed, “We told ye that people could no longer stand tae look at ye. They wanted ye two as a couple, no’ apart. Now can we stop havering about and get some lunch? My wame is empty. Besides, everyone is waiting in the canteen tae see ye both.”

“Oh, God,” Claire groaned as she grew red and buried her face in Jamie’s chest.

Jamie chuckled and rubbed her back in long soothing strokes.

“Are ye ready then, Sassenach? Let’s go give these good people their money’s worth,” he grinned.

“Yes. We should thank them all, don’t you think?” Claire replied, running her fingers through her hair trying to tame her wayward curls.

“Ye look fine, lass,” he bent to kiss her gently on the cheek and took hold of her hand.

Rupert and Geillis led the way, laughing and talking. Claire and Jamie walked behind them holding hands. Nerves were getting the best of her and her hands became sweaty. She surreptitiously wiped her free hand on the scrub pant leg.

“Dinna fash. Ye’ve faced worse and ye’ll no’ be doing this alone. We’ll face them as one.”

One.

ONE, he said. But. What did that exactly mean?

“What do you mean by that? Being one?” She held her breath waiting for an answer.

Jamie frowned, crease lines set upon his forehead.

“It’s like I’ve kent ye my whole life, even before that, if that’s possible. I mean yer part of me. I ken that sounds crazy, but I…”

“I know what you mean, Jamie. I feel the same way too. It’s hard to explain, but it’s there.”

“Aye, lass, it’s most definitely there.”

Approaching the canteen seemed a surreal experience. Normally, one would call the dining hall a lively place, with the sounds of laughter, chatter, mixed with the scrape of dinnerware against plates. Today seemed different. A thrum of excitement and perhaps expectation filled the air as if waiting for something to happen. As Jamie and Claire approached the door a steady vibration emanated from its core.

Geillis waved them back signaling she and Rupert would enter first. Rupert lifted his hand spreading his fingers indicating they should wait five minutes before entering. Jamie nodded and Rupert and Geillis entered the dining room.

Jamie and Claire waited in companionable silence. Who would think that five minutes could feel like an eternity? But it did.

Jamie looked at his watch; it was time.

“Are ye ready, Sassenach?”

“Je suis prest,” she acknowledged.

Their fingers reached out seeking their mate bonded the two hearts and souls into one. Turning they gave each other a nod and walked through the door only to meet with absolute silence.

All eyes turned upon them and it became unnerving. Claire inched closer to Jamie, if that was even possible, drawing on his strength.

Then the cheers began along with the whistles and applause. Someone from the back of the room called out, “It’s about time, Fraser.”

“Och why don’t ye just give us a bit of peace, aye?” came his laughing response.

They were rushed by a mob of well-wishers. Men clapped Jamie on the back wishing him well. Others made jokes, at his expense, about his manliness for taking so long.

The women embraced Claire telling her how happy they were for her. Some gave her sly looks while others made off-color jokes causing her to blush.

Eventually, people began to amble back to their tables and lunch, and the couple discovered themselves alone. Finding a table in an out-of-the-way corner, they sat to eat.

“I guess we are out as a couple officially. It’s no’ how I would have wished it tae become common knowledge, but…” Jamie shrugged. “They are good people and they meant well.”

Claire nodded in agreement as she moved her salad around on the plate not eating.

“It’s a strange feeling. Knowing that someone orchestrated this relationship. I know how this will sound, but I feel like this happened to me, to us before.”

Claire looked up at Jamie, eyes pleading for understanding.

“Forget what I said, it’s silly.” She stabbed a particularly tender piece of lettuce and ate it.

“Nay Sassenach, it’s no’ silly at all. I feel it too. It’s as if I am drawn to ye as if I kent ye from another lifetime. Like we were meant to be together, bonded if ye like.”

“That’s it, exactly.” Claire looked at him with a sense of relief. Looking up, she noticed the clock on the wall, reading 12:55 PM.

“Damn, we have to go. We’ll barely make it in time for Dr. de Gascogne’s appointment for your hand.”

Jamie muttered something in Gàidhlig which Claire really didn’t want a translation of.

“I dinna ken why everyone is making such a fuss over my hand. It doesna hurt and it will heal in a few more weeks.”

Claire blew out a breath of exasperation, “You know very well why Dr. Fraser. Your one of the best cardiac surgeons in all of Scotland. Well, next to me you are,” she said teasingly. Besides, the hospital needs you, your patients need you but most of all I need you. So that’s why.”

“I ken, but I dinna like being fussed over.”

“Yes, I know; you’re a doctor and doctors make terrible patients. You think you’re supposed to do the healing and don’t like when you need help,” Claire said with a raised eyebrow. “Now, let’s get your hand attended to, shall we?”

They hurried through the corridors, making it to the appointment with seconds to spare. Jamie was whisked off for X-Rays then he and Claire were escorted to an exam room. He sat on the examination bed while Claire took the chair next to him awaiting Dr. de Gascogne’s appearance.

Jamie studiously inspected an anatomical chart of the hand and wrist hanging on the wall in the room.

“Ye said ye need me,” he said almost inaudibly. “Do ye mean as yer surgical partner or as something more?

Claire noticed him drumming his fingers on his thigh anxiously.

“I need you, Jamie, in every sense of the word. As my partner, my friend, my lover, my everything. I. Need. You.” Claire stood and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck pressing her forehead to his.

“Aye, weel I wanted to make sure, is all. Yer the prettiest lass in the hospital. Any man would want tae be with ye,” and gave her a shy smile.

“Jamie Fraser, you say the most…” There was a knock on the door, the knob turned and Dr. de Gascogne entered the room finding the lovers locked in an embrace.

She looked at the two, raised an eyebrow at Jamie’s hands on Claire’s hips, “Un jour, quelqu'un entrera dans votre vie et vous fera comprendre pourquoi cela n'a jamais fonctionné avec quelqu'un d'autre, mes chers. Et il semble que vous ayez. I believe congratulations are in order. My secretary tells me you have announced that you are a couple. You two made quite a stir in the dining hall?”

Claire jumped away returning to her seat cheeks and nose bright red. While Jamie’s ears went pink.

“Well, um, ah, yes. Thank you. I believe that we made quite a spectacle of ourselves and continue to do so, it seems,” Claire replied mortified having been caught.

“Ah, mon chéri never be ashamed to show that you are in love. We are born of love and seek out love. Many have sacrificed greatly for love even died for it. It truly is a treasure to enjoy. No?” Dr. de Gascogne said with a smile. “Now to business.”

Dr. de Gascogne opened the electronic medical record and began her inquiry. Jamie explained how he injured his hand - twice - causing Dr. de Gascogne to raise her eyebrows in total disbelief.

She reviewed the X-Rays; then removed the splints. She moved and wiggled the fingers finding them healing well and moving to her satisfaction. The splints were replaced and Jamie was dismissed with a caution not to hit any more people or trees. She instructed him to see her again in one month for a further follow-up.

The two surgeons graciously thanked Dr. de Gascogne for her time and casually left the examination room. As soon as they could not be seen, they bolted toward the operating suites as quickly as they could eager to leave behind another awkward situation.

The remainder of the afternoon went on as planned. Claire completed her second surgical procedure without incident. Jamie’s students doggedly followed him from place to place. Finally, the day came to an end. The surgeons tiredly returned to their offices, checked in for urgent messages and for their schedule for the next day. Each too exhausted to do much of anything else, except want the comfort of a bed, chose to go home. It was a short walk to Claire’s flat from the hospital and Jamie escorted her home. He wrapped his arm around her waist and she leaned into him. They spoke of this and that sharing different events of their day. Arriving at Claire’s flat, they walked up the stairs toward the front door. Jamie stood one step lower than Claire allowing them to be of an equal height.

A wave of fatigue washed over her, but Claire did not want Jamie to leave despite her tiredness.

“Would you like to come up? I have some soup in the fridge. Mrs. Bug made it. She’s quite the cook. Won’t take more than a moment to heat up. Or maybe a glass of wine or a dram? To help unwind?” she said looking at him hopefully.

He unzipped both their jackets and pulled her into the depth of his wrapping the jacket around her. He wanted her close to him and to share his warmth with her.

“Mo chridhe, yer completely knackered and ye need yer rest. If I come up with ye, ye ken neither of us will get any sleep,” he said pressing himself against her his desire completely apparent. “It’s no’ that I dinna want tae, but it wouldna do tae have ye fall asleep tomorrow during yer procedures.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve worked with little sleep, just like you have, during residency and fellowship,” she pouted.

“Aye, but ye need to set an example for the students and fellows. And what about yer patients? They need Dr. Beauchamp at her best. They’re counting on ye.”

Claire luxuriated in the radiant heat of his body and the knowledge that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. But, she still did not want him to leave. For to be alone with Jamie was bliss but to be alone was, well, to be alone. She racked her fatigued brain for anything that would keep Jamie with her. She blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “I love you.”

“I ken ye do, mo nighean donn. I feel it every time ye touch me,” Jamie took her hand tenderly placing a kiss on her palm. Gently, he folded her fingers over to seal his kiss against her skin. “And when ye kiss me,” he brushed his lips over hers. “Most of all, when ye lie with me. I ken the truth of it in our lovemaking,” he pulled her even closer to him until no space existed between their bodies. “Woman, ye’re like a live wire. Yer body fairly pulses with yer love and it flows out from you into me. It’s no’ just lust between us. ‘Tis love that brought us together and binds our souls. ‘Tis a thing that I never knew I wanted or needed until I found ye,” his hand moved to cup her face.

“It’s the same for me. I never knew it could be like this. Especially, after Frank. I thought all relationships would end up like that one. I see how foolish I had been to keep myself closed. To close my heart from love. If not for this trip, this may have never happened. We may have never happened.”

“Mo leannan, I would have found ye somehow. Whether I found ye now or even if I had to wait two hundred years to find ye, I’d find ye. We are meant to be together. I ken it.” His forehead pressed to hers each inhaling the other’s breath.

It began to rain lightly; a mizzle he had once called it. Tiny droplets of water clung to his hair. In the light of the streetlamp, his hair looked like a ruby adorned with sparkling diamonds.

They stood locked in an embrace for several moments; neither truly wanting to part from the other.

“Sassenach,” he whispered into her ear, “go on up. Ye need yer rest. Yer poor wee eyes are closing and there are dark smudges around them. Go on then. I’ll see ye tomorrow.”

He kissed her on the forehead and she nodded her head in agreement. Claire walked up the last two steps and slid the key into the lock of the front door. She turned to watch Jamie as he disappeared into the night walking toward his home and it occurred to her that this was just the beginning of their life and of their story.

The End - Part I

Tha gaol agam ort: I love you. (As if you didn’t know already.)

Anastomosis: An anastomosis is a surgical connection between two structures. It usually means a connection that is created between tubular structures, such as blood vessels or loops of the intestine.

CSICU/Unit: Cardiac Surgical ICU.

Blatherer: Chatterbox.

Dunderheid: An idiot, a stupid person.

Haud yer weesht: Be quiet.

Moose: mouse

Un jour, quelqu'un entrera dans votre vie et vous fera comprendre pourquoi cela n'a jamais fonctionné avec quelqu'un d'autre, mes chers. Et il semble que vous ayez.: One day someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with anyone else, my dears. And it seems that you have. (Google translation. If it’s wrong I apologise.) The quote is attributed to anonymous.

Mo nighean donn: My brown-haired lass

Mo leannan: Darling

Mizzle: A light rain

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. This Jamie and Claire will return. When I don't know. I also have several other stories in various stages of completion sitting in my files. I would like to give them a little attention too. And I still need to get through all the other stuff going on in my life.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading. 🧡🧡🧡🧡

#edinburgh to boston #chapter 21 #Secrets and truths #here goes nothing #ol fic #my writing #jamie and claire #I can't believe I finished it

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