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diaryofabeautyfiend · 3 years

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In Session

This one is a doozy. Warnings: m/f sex, over stimulation, multiple orgasms, voyeurism, male masturbation, cum eating, use of mutant abilities in a sexual situation. 18+ please!

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The three of you have been home for a couple of weeks now and, unfortunately for poor Bucky, the pixie dust has worn off. All Steve has to do is breathe near you and you go off. He has apologized and apologized but you refuse to let it go. Steve tries to be patient with you. He accepts that what he said gutted you. He is trying to make it up to you but you rebuke all of his attempts.

Quite frankly the whole thing gives Bucky anxiety. As soon as he hears “You know what, Steve?” He reaches for the antacids. In two weeks he was leaving for a semi long trip with Sam and Nat. He needed to set you on the path to healing before he left you two alone. That’s why he hijacked you both and brought you to his therapist.

Dr. Coleman is far more gentle than his VA therapist. She specializes in PTSD and has worked with many first responders and members of law enforcement. She also helps couples to reacclimate following traumatic experiences. Bucky thought that, with the amount of trauma the three of you had suffered, she would be perfect to help.

Neither of you were pleased to be there. The doctor spoke ok Bucky’s behalf at the start of the session. “Steve, Y/N. I’m so glad you’re here. This is an important first step on the path to healing. You are here for each other as much as you are here for yourselves. What we know is the three of you love each other very much. I would like you to keep that in the front of your minds as we go through this journey. I do have a few ground rules. First, we will not raise our voices or become physical here or at home. Second, we will not resort to name calling. Third, we will not shut down when confronted. We will speak on our feelings. Can I gain your agreement on those rules?” You all nodded. “Wonderful. I just need the two of you to sign some consent forms and we’ll be on our way.”

You hated therapists of any kind. You never had a good experience. Grant it, your only experiences were forty something years ago. You were sure there were advances. Still, you were wary of this woman. She does seem to help Bucky. If this is what he needed, you’d do it for him. When she asked Steve to speak first you nearly gagged.

“Steve, tell me why you think we’re all here today.”

He sighed loudly and spoke in a monotone voice like he was in trouble in the principal’s office. “We’re here because our bickering is upsetting Buck.”

“Ok. Can you tell me why you and Y/N have been bickering so much lately?”

“Because he’s impossible to live with.” You said not so under your breath. Steve was quick to react but Dr. Coleman stopped him.

“Y/N, you will have your turn to speak. Please give Steve the courtesy of having his time uninterrupted.” Steve smirked at you. You wanted to reach over and slap him in his smug face but Bucky rested his hand over yours.

“We’re bickering because I said a horrible thing to Y/N and she refuses to forgive me.”

“Right. And what did you say?” Fuck it was like pulling teeth.

“I told her in the heat of an argument that I didn’t want a whore for a wife. But I said I didn’t mean it and that I was sorry. She refuses to move on.”

Dr. Coleman listened to both of your sides and gave you some short term and long term goals. She asked you to open the door for better communication. She understood why you were so upset, especially since his admission was premeditated. She tasked Steve with finding a way to come to terms with what you do. Now that he knows why he feels the way he does, it is time to confront those feelings as his own and stop projecting them onto you. She also suggested that, while Bucky was gone, the two of you should do couple things. Your love was not linked exclusively through Bucky.

The three of you left feeling a little lighter. You made promises to each other and you intended to keep them. The couple of weeks leading up to Bucky’s trip were fine. There was something hanging in the air that made Bucky nervous. Like you two were just waiting for him to leave so you could unload on each other. Steve promised he wouldn’t make faces when you left for your appointments. You promised not to snap at him over every little thing. He didn’t believe either of you.

The night before he left, Steve fell asleep on the couch. You were already in bed half asleep yourself. It was rare when you had alone time. When they were in deep Avengers mode, you cherished your privacy. Maybe it was time to start thinking of getting a bigger place.

Bucky came out of the shower still warm and a little damp. He smelled like cedar and fresh rain. He dropped his towel and slipped under the covers. Compared to him your skin felt cool when you pressed your bare ass against him. “You’re so warm, daddy.”

“I needed that hot shower after the training session Steve and I had. I wore him out.”

“Mmmm. I bet you did. Did you fuck in the gym again?”

His laugh rumbled against your back. “Not this time. Should I go wake him?”

“No. We haven’t had a moment alone since he moved in. This is gonna sound disgusting but I kind of like it when you’re sweet with me.” You didn’t have to say anymore. He slid his hands under your arms to palm your breasts and pressed gentle kisses along your neck and spine. With his knee he parted your legs so he could stroke your warmth. You whined in his mouth when he ran your slick over your clit. He took his time pumping his fingers inside of you coaxing tiny whimpers and moans out of your body. “Fuck me, Jamie.”

You had never called him Jamie during sex until you told him you loved him. His name falling from your lips became his favorite sound. You invoked him like you were invoking God praying for peace. Your cunt fluttered and squeezed his cock bringing you both to your end. “I love you, Jamie.”

“Oh my…I love you too, baby. I’m gonna miss you so much.” He stayed inside of you keeping his spend deep inside of your channel and fell asleep. Sam would be there early.

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Your calendar was pretty full the first week Bucky was gone. Most of your appointments were during the day. Steve was back and forth between the apartment and compound. You settled into a pleasant routine like a normal couple with typical careers and predictable schedules. You even got through a meeting when a realtor without a single clenched jaw.

“Do you have time for lunch?” He was so hopeful. You promised Bucky.

“Yeah. I think so.” He took your hand and held it all the way to a cute little spot down the street. “I like this neighborhood. Not far from the subway. Walkable.”

“I like it too. I’ve seen a ton of kids out and about.” That made you want to cringe but you held it in. None of you have had the cliche conversation about your futures. Since you were the only one who could bear children, you figured you should speak up.

“Do you want kids?” You kept your eyes on your salad.

“Yeah. I really do. Have you um, been checked out? Can you have children?” God this was awkward.

“I can. I wonder if Hydra has successfully bred a serum baby. Like, it altered our DNA. I wonder what would happen.” His brow furrowed. He really hadn’t thought about that.

“I will have to look into it. That’s something we need to know I guess. Why do we feel so weird around each other?”

“Right?!” You were so glad he felt it too.

“Are you ever going to forgive me?” He asked so quiet and quickly that you almost didn’t hear.

“Before I answer that question can I ask a question?” He nodded. “Why are you ok with me having your babies but not being your wife? I know in therapy you said it scared you and you didn’t care for my clients. I get all of that. Those are valid things. I can’t help but think you don’t like the optics.” That was the million dollar question. Could Captain America be out as polyamorous? You felt like Steve might be a closet Republican. Most of the republicans that were your clients were the biggest freaks.

“There’s nothing our media team can’t spin. I’m not embarrassed by you and Buck. My reasons for disliking your job are exactly what I said. I feel like being out about our relationship puts a target on your back.”

“But that’s not what you said, Steve. You said ‘I don’t want a whore for a wife’. That implies something completely different. I like what I do. Those rich assholes and politicians put money in my purse. A lot of my clients are like us. Freaks of nature. They can’t have normal relationships. I help them. I don’t judge their abilities or physical mutations. We just fuck and they feel normal for a while. Like the guy I’m seeing tonight. He just wants to feel normal.”

Steve was quiet for the rest of lunch. You gave him a lot to think about. He had no idea you saw yourself as a freak of nature or that you saw him that way. Everyone celebrated what Steve was but essentially threw you away. The people on your client list who he saw as villains have been tossed out by the society he swore to protect. He guessed he jumped the shark a bit by even bringing up marriage. Not like you were there yet.

You and Bucky seemed to have a don’t ask don’t tell policy regarding your situation. That was not Steve. He wouldn’t be satisfied until he knew without a doubt that you were safe. Tonight he will follow you. If he ever wanted to move passed his own feelings, he had to know.

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Tonight you were seeing Erik Lensherr which meant you had to be prepared for anything. He never beat you like other idiots did. He wasn’t stupid. Why hit you when it doesn’t hurt? He liked to really bring you to the brink of pain with pleasure. Sometimes he edged you for hours. He loved when you were a drooling sobbing mess begging for relief. That’s what turned him on. After sessions with him, you always took the following day off.

You and Steve had dinner together. You were both much more relaxed. He sat in the bathroom while you got ready. You picked a dress and made sure to have lots of mascara on. Mascara tears were Erik’s favorite. While you put on your jewelry, he stood behind you and kissed your shoulders. You missed his touch. You leaned in and let him put his hands on you.

“You look beautiful, honey.” he said against the back of your neck.

“Thank you. Why don’t you take the day off tomorrow? We can stay in bed all day.”

He smiled that beautiful sunshine smile at you that made your insides liquid. “Really? Does that mean you forgive me?”

You giggled, “No. It means I want to get reacquainted. Forgiveness is not so easy for me. Maybe if you ever put a ring on it, I’ll forgive you.”

“I’ll take it. Will you be out late?” He kissed his way down your neck.

“I’m not really sure. If I know I won’t be coming home I’ll text you. I wouldn’t wait up.” You allowed him to really kiss you. My lord Steve Rogers is an amazing kisser. He is confident and strong in his movements. He kisses with his whole body. Hands roam your back and and shoulders while he presses your body into his. His eyes barely close, making his lashes flutter on the tops of his cheeks. And he softly moans which drives you crazy. Well, at least Erik won’t have to warm you up.

“I love you. Be safe. Call me if absolutely anything is off. Promise.”

“Yes, sir. I love you, too.”

He gave you a thirty second head start before he followed you on his bike. You met Erik at a beautiful brownstone. He held the door for you and kissed both of your cheeks. Steve saw him pour you a drink and direct you to the sofa by the small of your back. You looked comfortable enough. It was clear the two of you were friends. Then, he sat next to you. His movements became predatory. He always kept his hands on you.

Soon he was taking your drink and leading you up the stairs. It was the moment of truth. He could walk away satisfied that you were safe or climb the fire escape to watch. The thought of seeing you in flagrante was turning him on way more than he should have been. Option B it was.

He climbed to the second story where he sat stock still in a darkened corner. The window was cracked a bit so he could hear everything.

The two of you kissed passionately. Erik’s hands found your zipper and made quick work of shedding your dress. He pushed you to the bed which was decorated by an ornate metal head and footboard. He raised his hand and part of the bed broke off bending around your wrists to bind you.

“Too tight, Princess?”

“No, sir.” Next he attached a spreader bar to your ankles springing your legs open wide. “Color?”

“Green.” Your voice was steady but your breath was heaving in your chest. Steve wondered if it was nerves or excitement.

Erik knelt beside you and stroked your face. “How many times shall I make my Princess cum tonight hmm? Shall we try for six?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good girl.” He produced a string of metal balls from his pocket and popped them one by one into your mouth. His lips were on yours again. His tongue moved the balls around your mouth clacking them on your teeth. When he was satisfied with their saturation he pried your mouth open with his thumb and removed them. He parted your folds and sunk the balls into your dripping hole one by one. His fingers danced swirling the orbs inside of your cunt. Your back arched off the bed. “Does that feel good, Princess?”

“Yes , sir. So good.”

“Excellent. Princess, I want you to count out loud each time you come. I will edge you for one hour if I don’t hear you.”

“Ah! Yes, sir.” The coil in your belly was building. Erik smiled down on your writhing body. You tried to bring your thighs together but the bar was made of steel. Unless you focused you couldn’t break it.

“Look at you. I bet if I touched you even a little you would cum.” He ran his index finger lightly over your clit and you fell apart.

“One! Oh my…one.” You moaned and that beautiful sound went right to Steve’s cock. He stroked himself outside of his pants at first. He wanted to last as long as you. It would be difficult.

“Good girl. That’s my good, Princess. Doing so well.”

He kept the balls swirling while he licked a stripe up your cunt. His lips closed over your clit. Your hips bucked wildly against his face. You threw your head back against the bed and screamed, “Fuck! Two!”

He pressed the pads of his fingers over your clit and rubbed furiously. “Three” you whimpered.

He smacked your pussy hard. “Didn’t hear you, love.”

“Three, sir.”

“You getting tired on me? You have three more. Color, darling.”

“Green, sir.”

“Oooh. She’s being a warrior tonight. Give me one more in my mouth and I’ll take two on my cock.”

“Yes, sir.”

He went back to licking your snatch. You were sonsensitive. His big hands held you still while he licked and nibbled. Steve leaned on the railing panting. He couldn’t take it anymore. He unsheathed his throbbing member and wrapped it tight in his fist.

You got to four and tears started streaking your face. Erik pulled out the balls and tossed them aside. You mewled at the emptiness in your pussy. Erik undressed. When his cock was free he ran the leaking tip around the hole pushing in ever so slightly. The stretch made you cry out.

“So wet for me. You’re leaking and I haven’t even pushed all the way in. Do you want more?” You nodded so he pulled away. “Use your words or you won’t get to cum.”

“More please, sir. I need it.” He slammed into you letting his pelvis hit your clit hard.

“Was that five, my darling?”

“N…no, sir. M’so close.”

“Give it to me.” His hips pumped faster and faster. You screamed and nearly arched yourself in half.

“Fiiiiive. Yellow, sir.”

“Oh you feel so good around my cock. One more and then I’ll paint your belly and tits.”

Steve pumped his fist in time with Erik’s hips. When you came the sixth time, so did he. Hot ropes of cum dribbled onto his hand. He kept stroking while Erik finished.

“Think you can go for seven? It would make me so proud.” You were much too sensitive.

“Red! Red red red.” Erik pulled out immediately and jerked himself all over your belly and breasts. Out of breath he fell over onto the bed next to you. You looked wrecked. With a wave of his hand your wrists were free. He undid the spreader and kissed you deeply.

“Water, Princess?”

“Yes, please.” He brought you a glass and held it to your lips. He tossed you your dress. You didn’t clean yourself up. That was part of the scene. You went home still sticky with his cum. Steve was feral at the thought of licking another man’s seed off of you. He made it down and onto his bike before you got to the door.

You took your payment and kissed Erik goodbye.

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Steve made it into the house moments before you. He changed his clothes and acted like he had been home all night. His heart thumped loud in his ears when he heard your keys in the door.

“Hey, honey. Didn’t expect you so early.” You patted him on the head as you limped into the bathroom.

“Need a shower.”

“Can I join you?” The thought of cumming again nearly made you cry.

“Yes, but only to shower.” He jumped up and followed you. You shook out your hair and went to unzip your dress but his hands were there already.

“You look so pretty right now. All fucked out. You were such a good girl tonight.” Every nerve in your body prickled. He kissed down your neck and the top of your spine.

“Steve, did you follow me?” Your voice was low. Your expression unreadable.

“Are you mad? I just wanted peace of mind. I got a lot more than that. I’m not saying I’ll be ok every time. But, if I’m honest, I’ve been thinking about licking that cum off of you.” Your whole body went warm. A smirk pulled at the corner of your lips as you edged down your dress.

“Did you like what you saw, sweet boy?”

“Mmm. Very much.”

“Did you make yourself cum watching us?”

“I did.” He ground his hard cock into your ass cheek.

“I’m so sticky. Clean me up before we shower.” He knelt in front of you and licked all of the dried cum off of your belly. “Mmm. Good boy.”

“I need to be inside of you so bad. Please can I fuck you?”

“Please fuck me, Steve.”’ He brought you into the shower and soaped you up. After the two of you were clean he kissed you fiercely. He lifted your hips and drove into you. “I can’t wait until Jamie gets home so I can tie you to the chair while he fucks my brains out. Wanna watch Jamie fuck me, sweet boy?” He moaned loudly.

“Yes, ma’am. Wanna watch him pound this pretty pussy.” It wasn’t long before you both lost it.

You got into bed and stretched out on his chest. “Y/n?”

“Yeah?”

“I had no idea I would like that.”

You giggled, “We learn something new about ourselves every day.” You both completely passed out.

The next morning Bucky got home early. He was shocked that Steve wasn’t already up. He found the two of you sleeping soundly. He nearly cried at how content you were. Steve opened his eyes and pressed his finger to his lips. Bucky got undressed and crawled in behind you. He pressed a kiss onto your shoulder and laid an arm across your back. He and Steve laced their fingers together.

“Did you make up?” He whispered.

“Something like that. It’s a long story.” You stirred a little.

“Jamie?”

“I’m home, baby doll. Go back to sleep.” He kissed you again and pulled the covers over you.

“K. Steve’s a kinky freak.” You buried your face into Steve to shield you from the sun streaming in from the curtains.

Bucky raised an eyebrow and smiled. Steve kept his eyes closed. “What the fuck happened?”

“Get some sleep. I promise we’ll show you later.” He kissed the back of Bucky’s hand and fell back to sleep. Bucky forced himself to close his eyes. He couldn’t imagine what was going to happen but he couldn’t wait to find out.

#steve rogers fanfic #captain america x reader #steve rogers x reader #marvel #mcu x reader #captain america smut #steve rogers x sex worker reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes x sex worker reader #bucky barnes x enhanced reader #magneto #erik lehnsherr

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adsosfraser · 3 years

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The Stone’s Toll - Chapter Eight

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“Tante Jenny! There is a rider near the gate!” Fergus shouted through the front doorway and sprinted away.

His dirk was poised in his grasp, ready to protect against any danger. The mule sauntered through the archway and snorted when its rider pulled against the reins to stop.

Claire slid off the horse and slammed into Fergus almost immediately. She gathered his body up against hers into a hug and rested her chin over the small curls that were growing even longer than before atop his head.

“M-milady?” He stared, dumbfounded at the sight.

“Oh my Fergus, I’ve missed you so much my darling boy.” She smoothed the hair at the back of his head. Her tears fell unbidden into the little brown waves and began to soak through his hair like a steady rainfall. Fergus didn’t mind, he was also soaking her dress with his own tears.

“You have been restored maman.” He stated, still shocked. It didn’t pass her notice what he called her.

“I love you mon fils. Let me look at you.” She pulled back slightly from the embrace to hold onto his cheeks with her hands. She brushed the hair that was on his forehead back and noticed the subtle changes of the boy. The bones of his face were slightly more defined and he had lost more of the roundness associated with adolescence. She even spotted two hairs on his upper lip that were darker and thicker than the soft downy hairs of the rest of his face. It would be years until it would fully develop into a beard, but she could tell what a handsome man Fergus would be. He just needed to do some more growing.

She slowly noticed the pallor of his face and the dark purple and red hues under his eyes. The way the flesh of his bone was practically nonexistent. He clearly wasn’t getting substantial meals these days. She placed the back of her hand against his forehead again and her heart skipped in fear at the blazing temperature of it.

“Dear God, Fergus, you're burning up.”

“Do not worry Milady. It’s only the winter sickness.”

There was a bulk inside the sleeve of his shirt and she pulled back the fabric to see Jenny’s attempt to bandage him. A long deep gash split through the skin of his inner arm. The skin around the wound was red and swollen, and she could see the tell tale signs of infection from the puss oozing from the centre.

“What on earth happened to you Fergus?”

“Tis simply a scratch, Milady, dinna fash.” He tried to mimic his Scottish family’s accent, and if Claire’s concern wasn’t in overdrive at the moment, she would have laughed at how cute the boy was. “Milord said I was a brave lad that day. And braw.” He beamed with confidence and pride.

“I’m sure you were.” She hugged him tight into her side. “Come inside, I need to examine your wound.”

“Fergus what stray ha’ ye brought in today? We dinna need more mouths to feed, especially wi’ young Jamie in his sickbed now too.” Jenny called around the corner of the kitchen, fixated on chopping the potatoes for supper.

“Auntie, Milady has returned to us.” He beamed, leading her inside on his arm. “I always told you she would.”

The knife Jenny was holding clattered onto the floor. She crossed herself as all the colour drained from her cheeks.

“Blessed Michael defend us.” Her hand clutched at her heart.

“Jenny- I.” What words could she possibly say now? “It’s so good seeing you again.” She stared down where Jenny was protectively holding her middle. “A fourth?”

“Thank Christ yer here. We dinna have time to waste.” And without a single inquiry over her return, Jenny dragged her up the stairs to the children’s room.

The children were all tucked tightly into their beds. Wee Kitty gurgled in her Bassinet. Her small breaths were interrupted by sharp whimpers of pain. Claire’s heart fell at the somber scene before her.

“Ian?”

“That useless, floppy-haired nonce can bide.”

“Fergus go fetch some water to boil, and lots of clean cloth. Do we have deer or chicken bone to boil?”

“Aye.”

“Great, can you make a broth out of it with whatever vegetables we have? Oh and um-” Her brain paused, racking her memory for the proper words. “Garlic or Rosemary too. They won’t be able to stomach any solid foods for a while, so they’ll need to sip on broth to keep their strength up.”

Jenny left for the door but paused near Claire. She squeezed her shoulder. “I dinna ken how yer here, or where ye’ve been these past months, but I am glad to have ye back. Just know I’m going to have some choice words wi’ ye once they all heal.”

“I’d imagine you would.” Claire smiled brightly and planted a kiss on her cheek. “I missed you too Jenny.”

Once she had situated the children in the sick room. She brought Fergus along with her to inspect the gash across his arm.

“You never did tell me.”

“It was a bayonet, from a redcoat. I was holding wee Kitty and they thought she was a sack of grain so they lunged for me. I protected her maman.” He grinned with pride at the memory.

“Oh God, Fergus.” She embraced him, careful of his arm. “Though that never should have happened, I’m proud of what you did. My brave boy.” She patted his hair affectionately. “How long ago were they here?”

“Less than a fortnight maman. A week after they were gone, les enfantés were struck with la petite vérole.”

“Those bastards!” They had not only brought fear, pain, and strife into her home- Jenny’s home, she corrected herself, they had brought their disease as well and the threat that carried.

She returned her attention to his arm and carefully cleansed it. Jenny had brought alcohol down for her and she told Fergus to be prepared for the sting. He assured her he wasn’t afraid. With the puss and dried blood removed, she carefully poked around the wound. Claire asked if any of it was painful but he immediately gritted out a non. It wasn’t healing on its own and she was concerned. She couldn’t stitch it up with the infection she assumed was waging a war inside it, so all she could do was wrap it in clean cloth every few hours with garlic paste. When Claire went up to the Laird’s room to check on Ian, her breath quickened and her hands became slick with sweat. Ian insisted he didn’t need any coddling and he didn’t want to see his wife up there until he was healthy. Jenny and her worked simultaneously together to heal young Jamie, Maggie, Kitty, their father, and Fergus. They were thankful for the snow to help bring down fever, but also cursed the season for bringing sickness in the first place. Ian sprang back instantly and returned to work on the farm the next morning. Maggie and Kitty were worried for the scars left by the smallpox lesions, but Claire assured them they wouldn’t be terrible. It had spared their faces, and only a small amount of red dots lined their arms. Jamie was proud to add more scars onto his list, and proud to say he fought the monster and won.

When her nephew and niece's fevers began to break, Fergus took a turn for the worse. She had prayed that the smallpox would pass over him, but it came back with a vengeance. The infection from the bayonet wound and the virus coupled together, left Claire severely worried.

She worked tirelessly with Jenny by her side. Never once did she leave Fergus’ room and her sister had begun to worry about her as she simply stared blankly off towards the wall clutching the sickly boy’s hand in hers. Jenny had found her in such a state many times, as if her mind wandered off but she didn’t want to bring it up. When no one was looking, Claire would open the small case of vials and a syringe from her leather travel bag. Fergus didn’t notice the slight pinch of the needle to his rear and grumbled no complaint to her in his delirious state. The Reverend couldn’t smuggle much medicine, most of what he pilfered was what had been discarded behind the hospital in a dumpster. But this small amount of penicillin he had managed, made Claire want to reach out through the veil of time and kiss him in thanks.

The infection was healing nicely, but there was still the smallpox coursing through his body. With his body pulled between fighting two foreign enemies, his energy was quickly fading into a weakened state.

“Claire, it’s time. We have the certificate ready. I’ve sent the priest down from the kirk to-”

“No! I will not give up on my son!” She yelled with such ferocity, that Jenny stumbled back a few steps. None of the anger seeped through to the limp hand of Fergus that she was holding, and she kissed it gently while her body shook with rage at the suggestion.

“If the lad doesna earn his last rites, dinna say it was my fault.” Jenny slipped away to care for her now rambunctious children, who had bounced back from their sickness immediately.

That night, she never slept, and took up her usual spot beside his bed. It would get worse, before it got better. Claire was elated at the signs that his fever would soon break.

“Would you like me to tell you a story?”

“Mmm.”

“Well, there once was a brave knight. He found a faerie at the bottom of the standing stones, and knew right away that she was his. He loved her, and protected her fiercely. They were blessed with three beautiful brave children. Two angels, and one son of their heart.” Somehow it was easier for her to pretend she was speaking about someone else. “There was a great evil that the knight had to vanquish. It was-“ She pursed her lips in thought. “It was threatening their angel babies, so the knight had to leave his faerie and guard their daughters in heaven. The faerie returned to protect her son.”

Fergus while laid fevered and asleep. Claire smoothed back the crusty hair from his forehead sticky with sweat. “Je t'aime mon fils. Être fort. Je sais que vous êtes.” Fergus stirred slightly.

“Je t’aime maman.” His smile and voice were weak.

She kissed his forehead and he slumped back into his slumber.

Jenny stood in the doorway smiling, on the verge of tears at the sight. It felt such a personal moment between mother and son, that she didn’t want to interrupt. But when Claire lapsed into silence, she took a tentative step into the room.

“The worst of it is over.” Jenny said, both as statement and question.

“Yes.”

“Good, now we can talk sister.”

“Yes, I believe we should.”

“Why- why’d ye leave my brother? I’ve kent ye well over these past few years, and I’d

never imagine that you’d just give him up so willingly. Ye’d die wi’ him if it came to it.”

“He made me promise that- well we knew how Culloden would end up, everyone could

feel how much of a defeat it would be. He forced me to-“ Her brain felt muddled, keeping track of all the half-truths in her mind. “board a boat to France for the safety of our child.” Tears sprung into her eyes at that admission and her hand extended from her stomach absentmindedly, as if she was holding her belly at six months, the furthest she had been in either of her pregnancies. “Red Jamie couldn’t escape the fate of Culloden but his wife the Stuart Witch could, no one would recognise me. But I- I came back for Fergus and you, Ian, your children. I know that’s what he would’ve wanted. I just wish I knew, if he really-”

“Ye eejit he isna dead! That dunderheid is holed up in a cave somewhere on these lands,

grieving ye terribly.”

“He’s- he’s alive?” A lump formed in her throat. “I didn’t want to hope that-“

��“Why on earth would ye think he’s dead! If ye had written letters to us. To let us ken ye

were safe, we’d tell your daft arse to come back home! But of course, ye couldna spare us that much mind.”

“I’m sorry Jenny, I wasn’t in a safe place to send you letters. A man wanted to marry

me.” Yes, years ago. “After I lost- he put me in an asylum when I refused his advances. I had to escape him after I lost-“ Jenny’s expression softened and she nodded, not in understanding, but in acceptance of what she had done. It didn’t do well to dwell on the past for too long.

“Well ye seem dead on yer feet, I’ll go take out all this anger on Ian.” Claire chuckled

and then kissed Jenny’s cheek. “Wi’ him out and healthy again, the Laird’s room will be free enough but I dinna want ye to be lying in that sickbed so soon.”

“It’s yours now.”

“Ye ken Jamie and ye will always be Laird and Lady to the tenants. And no, Ian and I

occupy the same room we have fer years. I just stuck him in the Laird’s room because I was irritated at him groaning and shivering in our bed.”

Claire laughed, but felt bad for poor Ian who had unknowingly become the subject of

Jenny’s ire these past few days.

She was in the courtyard, while Jamie made his way back to Lallybroch. A deer slung over his shoulders and buckets of water weighed down his arms. He took in the sight of his wife and nearly fainted. The buckets he had carried dropped to the ground with a snap and rolled across the yard. The stiff deer slumped to the ground over the mud.

It was the first word he had croaked in months, “Sassenach.” The sound didn’t reach her ears but she could read off his lips the endearment she knew all too well.

Even with Jenny’s confirmation, she couldn’t believe the apparition before her. But could she have imagined him this way? Haggard and weary from months living in a cave. A bonnet slanted across his red hair to hide the bold colour. His beard had grown considerably from the scruff she was so familiar with. But the thing she couldn’t possibly imagine in her head was the haunted look on his face. The dark circles under his eyes and the gaunt nature of his face echoed his grief.

“No I’m. This isn’t- the after effects of the electroshock therapy” she mumbled.

She felt woozy, and her head was full of fluffy clouds. She regained her balance swiftly but stared unwavering at Jamie. His heart chilled, as if she was staring straight through his soul, but couldn’t see it.

“Claire I dinna ken what ye’re saying lass.”

She gasped at his hand on her forearm. “You’re real.”

“And so are ye. Christ when Jenny told me to get my hide back here, I dinna ken it was really true.” She fell into him and he wrapped his strong arms across her back.

“Oh, God. Jamie. Oh God.” Claire’s breath rattled onto his cheek. “Just hold me.”

She trembled in his arms, months of exhaustion, fear, pain, and heartache expressing themselves.

“I’m sorry Jamie. I’m so sorry. I - the stones.”

“What’re you apologising for lass?” He choked out. “Claire -the bairn?” She couldn’t meet his eyes.

She felt the need to run and hide as she did in the arbor of Fontainebleau. She didn’t want to face what was before her, what was behind. How could she let Jamie forgive her when she couldn’t herself? As if she were putting a sheet of metal between her and her heart, she suddenly felt nothing.

“She’s dead.” She said simply, staring at a chipped stone on the ground.

This time Jamie did collapse, and took Claire tumbling down to his lap. They held tight to one another, and Claire was the one to comfort him now. His tears soaked the wool of her bodice as he rocked them back and forth on the steps. When his eyes couldn’t produce anymore tears, he slowly peeked out of his shell. Jamie rose slowly from his spot on the steps when the sun crawled below the horizon and carried her with him to the Laird’s room.

Claire stripped him down to his sark and was prepared to ask for water, when she saw someone had already completed the task. She resumed her task and shed his final layer, exposing his naked body. It was filthy and covered in scratches, but beautiful to her all the same. When she began to direct him into the washing tub, he objected and began to take off her clothes with a practiced hand. As he reached for the final string of her shift, she moved his hand away.

“No, tonight I bathe you.”

She pushed him down into the small tub and his knees poked out of the water. The ewer sat on the wooden table near the tub, and she plucked it up with her fingers. She grabbed a sponge as well, and began her ministrations, leaning over the lip of the tub to reach him. She grabbed some scissors as well, trimming the beard that had grown over the months in the woods.

“Can ye ever forgive me?” A dejected Jamie asked.

“For what?” She knew, but she wanted to hear the words coming from him.

“For sending you through those stones, for breaking our family.”

“I already have.”

“What did she- Was she like her sister?”

“I don’t know.” Claire worried at her lip. “I- um. I lost her when I went through the stones. I only know she was a girl, because I felt her presence when I came back. She said she loves us.” She began to scrub harder against Jamie’s arm with the sponge to distract herself.

The pang in his chest nearly brought his head below surface of the water. All the air in his lungs fled and he was left with nothing. He stopped Claire’s arm and brought her hand to his, squeezing it tight.

“Will you ever forgive me?”

“Fer what lass?”

“Not being strong enough. Not protecting her in the one way I could. Not returning to you soon enough.”

“I’ve already forgiven ye for anything ye could ever possibly do. And yer not to blame for any of those.”

“Then you’re not either. If there is, it’s God for being a cruel bastard. You say you can forgive me for anything, but I’m not sure I can give you what we want anymore.”

“What I want is you by my side. Come in the water Sassenach, let me hold my wife. Let me carry this burden wi’ ye.”

With the dim light of the fire and candles dotting the room, she was confident he wouldn’t be able to see her body fully. She slugged out of her shift, weighed down by weeks of exhaustion and crawled in between his legs. Water splashed out of the top of the tub, but they paid it no mind. Jamie repeated the ministrations Claire had provided for him, but even more gently on her smooth skin. When she began to doze off tucked safely between his thighs in the water, they were both wrinkly like prunes. Jamie carried her body wrapped tight around his, and placed her on the fresh sheets.

He held her naked on their bed. The smooth skin of her back was pressed against the soft tufts of hair on his chest. They needed to talk, but for now, neither wanted to leave the warm bubble of each other’s arms. Jamie was still processing what it all meant, and so was Claire, even after months of enduring it herself. No words could repair the loss they both felt, and the heartache of time spent apart. It would just feel like a hollow repetition of events after their first born. But tonight they would just simply be. Claire looked down at her sleeping husband. For the first time in months, she felt safe. She lightly traced the skin of his face, from temple to cheek, and saw the familiar smile ghost his peaceful rest. She spread a grin in response, the first one that reached her eyes in months.

#outlander fanfiction #adsofraser writing #jamie x claire #jamie fraser #craigh na dun #claire fraser #frank randall #canon divergence #claire beauchamp #fergus fraser #jenny murray #lallybroch #outlander fanfic

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renee-writer · 2 years

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An Inheritance Chapter Sixty-Two

AO3

They stand stoic, their eyes stormy. He feels the same. To be taking his children to see those horrible people. He has no choice, he knows this but…

“I know guys. I am sorry. Life is full of things we have to do that we don’t wish to. This is one of those things. Hey, you will meet your auntie.” He tries to find the silver lining.

“We have aunties. Auntie Jenny and Auntie Geillis. That is enough.” Willie declares.

“Now you will also have Auntie Isobel and I expect you to be polite. Use your manners.” He looks at them severely. As much as they all hate this, he expects his children to be polite. Manners are important. They both nod.

“Aye daddy.”

“Good. Come on loves. Soonest there soonest done.” He takes them by their hands and leads them out. They are at Leoch before any is prepared to be. They look up at him with eyes that ask if they have to. He nods. Holding tight to then, he enters the Great Room.

“Oh, there they are!” Their grandmother enthuses.

“Look at you. So wonderful to see you.” From their grandfather.

“Hi guys. I am your Aunt Isobel.” They gravitate towards her. Faith first. She lets go of her daddy’s hand and walks over.

“Hello. I am Faith Ellen Fraser.” She courtesies to her. At this, her brother joins her.

“Hi. I’m William James Fraser, called Willie.” He bows.

“Charmed to meet you both. Someone taught you good manners.”

“That was our daddy and mammy. Mammy says manners are important. They show well raising. Right daddy?” She turns to him. He nods.

“Aye. They do. I will be back to get them at two.” He meets each of the adults eyes. “Miss Geillis Duncan, our caretaker, is on property. The children know her as Auntie Geillis. My farm hands are about outside.”

“We don’t plan to do anything to cause trouble with the visitation.” Mr. Duscany says.

“I pray not. Willie, Faith, I will see you soon.” They come up and hugs his legs. He kneels and draws them close. “When I return, we will do the family pictures with Brian. Okay. I love you.” Another hug and he raises. With a last look, he walks out.

The children immediately return to their aunt, coming to sit on either side of her on the couch. “Guys, will you greet your grandparents?” They shake their heads. From the other side of the room, the Duscany’s try to entice them over.

“Hey Willie and Faith, we have presents for you.” Their grandmother says. They stay, tight against her daughter.

“Mammy and daddy make sure we have all we need or want.” Willie answers but addresses it to Isobel. Mrs. Duscany tears up, leaning against her husband.

“Mammy let’s my and bubby help change Brian’s nappy. He is our brother. Mammy and daddy had him together but mammy says it doesn’t matter, that she loves us just as much as she does Brian.” Faith informs the room.

“I was so happy he was a boy. I will teach him all daddy has taught me.”

“What has your daddy taught you?” Isobel decides all she can do is keep them talking. Her parents learning more about them will help with the bonding.

“Horse riding, milking, stall cleaning, but most importantly, how to treat a lass. You never hit, never raise your voice, unless it is an emergency, always protect and provide for them.” He states proudly.

“That is wonderful.” She smiles at him and he smiles back. She sees traces of her sister in them, in the shape of their faces, their ears. But mostly they are their father, in their red hair, their blue eyes, with the slant.

“Daddy told me that gentlemen hold the door, walk on the outside, ask to hold your hand.” Faith offers. “He treats mammy like that. Like a lady. I will wait for a lad that looks at me like daddy looks at mammy.” Isobel smiles but sees her parents wince. She knows that they hate talk of Jamie’s new wife. But she is the only mum they have ever known.

“That is good.”

“Children will you come sit by your granddad and I?” They both look towards her but shake their heads.

“Your grandparents have missed you guys.” Isobel tries.

“Daddy missed us when they took us away.” Faith states.

They play with their Auntie Isobel. They talk to her about their lives at Lallybroch and their new brother. They never go to their grandparents. At two when Jamie walks in, they run to him. He lifts them up, watches the Duscany’s leave, before taking them home.

#my writing #outlander fanfic #an inheritance #chapter sixty two #jamie and claire #cannon divergence #outlander fandom #modern au

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gotham-ruaidh · 5 years

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The Resident - a one quote one-shot

Hyderabad, April 1857

Lady Claire Grey dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, drawing in a long, steadying breath.

It was another debilitatingly hot day. The princely city-state of Hyderabad baked in the sun of the Deccan Plateau. Temperatures soared past ninety degrees, and the heat permeated everything in the grand mansion – the plush Persian carpets, the marble floors, even the carved wooden chairs.

The Hyderabad Residency had been built some fifty years before, a grand architectural statement to signify the power and grandeur of the British Empire. Unlike most of India, Hyderabad had maintained its independence, led by the mysterious Nizams whose unimaginable wealth came directly from the diamonds and gemstones they gladly sold to greedy European buyers.

The British Resident’s job was – ostensibly – to represent the interests of the British East India Company. Ensure that commerce was smooth between Hyderabad, the British-controlled states that surrounded it, and across trade routes as far-flung as Russia, Japan, and France. The perfect Resident was the consummate diplomat – providing the Nizams reassurance of British protection in the face of threats; smoothing over disagreements with maharajahs in neighboring states; being a sympathetic ear at court.

Lord John Grey was the perfect man for the job. Raised in the aristocracy and educated at Oxford in economics and politics, he had already served stints in the diplomatic corps in Gibraltar and the Cape Colony and Singapore. He and his beautiful wife Claire – an accomplished healer and midwife who, despite lacking a formal degree, had had papers published in leading medical journals in England (no doubt due to her husband’s influence) – were the perfect high-achieving team.

Which was beneficial – for both Claire and John knew that his true mission was to report everything back to London. To be advisor to the Nizam, a de facto ambassador at his court – and above all, a spy.

Claire knew where John kept his daily journal; and copies of the reports he wrote, sweltering by candlelight, and dispatched to Whitehall; and the letters and instructions he had received in return. Every night they had talked about what was on the Nizam’s mind, his standing with the Nizam and his shifty courtiers, and what it meant for them, and what John would do with the information.

Which in retrospect was a blessing and a curse.

For Lord John Grey had died of cholera the day before. And Lady Claire Grey was alone with his secrets.

Now Claire rubbed her eyes and sat back in the rattan chair on the porch, watching the chickens scratch in the dirt.

Weighing her options.

Common wisdom held that England was home – but since the death of Uncle Lamb five years before, there was nobody to go home to. John’s brother Hal and his family would welcome her, to be sure – but she had scarcely spent any time with him. What with John’s postings abroad, she had spent perhaps two weeks total in Hal and Minnie’s company in the eight years of her marriage.

And she had built quite the name for herself in Hyderabad – not just in the small, tightly-knit circle of Westerners (mostly English businessmen, with a few French and Irish missionaries mixed in), but also in the local community. She did not care for purdah and made home visits regularly, mending wounds and examining teeth and delivering the babies she and John could not conceive.

She could eke out a life here.

But she had helped John write his reports every night. So she knew about the rebellion that had sprung up in the north. And the tension with the French army making raids in the south. Underpinned by the tenuous role women played in society – most didn’t dare venture outside without covering their bodies from top to bottom, with only her face showing, despite the sweltering heat. Not to mention the terrible stories John sometimes heard at court or from a business contact, about women who had been attacked or mutilated or worse…

“Claire?”

Something about James Fraser’s soft Scottish burr always set her at ease. Perhaps it was due to the time she and Uncle Lamb had spent traipsing around the Highlands when she was a child. Or it was Jamie’s forthright manner – surprisingly direct for a Junior Resident, whose focus should be on building a career rather than jeopardizing it with such frank and direct words.

The chair creaked as he sat down beside her; she was too drained to turn and look at him.

He cleared his throat. “I will speak plainly, because I know you’re strong enough to bear it.”

She leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. “We need to bury him.”

Jamie sighed. “Yes. The disease, and the heat – ”

“Yes. I know.”

He paused. “I ken that you know. I was right there with you last spring, running the infirmary we set up here during the last epidemic.”

Memory flared. Masks over their faces; Jamie’s fiery red hair the only splash of color; the stench of vomit and shit and death. His dedication and unwavering support the only light amid so much darkness.

“We would bury them on the same day. And it’s already been a day since he died.” She swallowed. “Did you speak to the Reverend?”

“I did. He’ll come here, say a few words in the parlor – and then we’ll take him over to the cemetery. The grave is already dug.”

She heard movement. Opened her eyes to see Jamie kneeling in front of her.

“I am now the Acting Resident. You know the protocols better than I do, Claire – but I want you to hear it from my own lips.”

She blinked, limbs feeling so heavy.

“I gladly grant you my protection. I don’t want you to spend another night alone in this big house – I’ll move into the guest quarters. This place is too dangerous for you to be here all on your own.”

She pursed her lips. “But the servants – ”

“Are loyal, yes. But they canna protect you from everything.” His eyes darted from side to side – ensuring they were alone. “Some of the men in the village, Claire – they don’t want you healing their wives. No matter your good intentions, they see you as representing the British.”

“And there’s the rebellion in the north. I understand.”

“And the man who beat his wife and left her for dead on the street, just last week. And the panther that ate two children two weeks ago. I could go on.”

He stood. “So.”

The wheels in her mind raced. Suddenly she stood, too. “I’m staying here.”

Jamie’s brow arched. “Even after all the things I just told ye?”

She raised her chin. “I have nothing to go back to. John was my life – my family. And even with the death and disease and wild animals, I’d rather a life here than in boring old England.”

Somehow he looked even younger when he smiled.

“We’re a long way from Whitehall, Claire – you can stay here as long as you like. As long as you don’t mind sharing your quarters with a bachelor.”

Her heart raced.

“It doesn’t have to be that way.”

Jamie froze. “Are ye saying what I think ye’re saying?”

“I am.” Blindly she reached for his hands; effortlessly they slid into her own. “I want you to hear it from my own lips. I want to marry you, James Fraser. Today, when the Reverend comes to pray over John.”

Never had she seen a man so lost for words.

“What?” he sputtered. “We canna do that!”

“Why not?” she frowned. “I can make my own choices. So can you. Think about it – we know we work well together. We both have lives here. And I don’t hate you.”

He shook his head, incredulous. “Well, Claire, I don’t hate you either. And there’s a good many marriages have started wi’ less than that.”

A rooster crowed.

Jamie looked at her for a long moment, then nodded.

“Right. Let’s do it. Only Claire – I hope I willna give ye reason to regret this.”

She squeezed his hands – refreshingly cool and strong. “Let’s go inside.”

---

Author’s Note:

I was fortunate to spend three weeks in Hyderabad in March-April 2016. I visited the Nizam’s palace - the color photographs are my own.

The Hyderabad Residency is a real place! It’s the bottom left photo in the collage at top. Click here to read more about its amazing history!

#outlander #outlander fanfic #jamie and claire #one quote one shot #this was fun #the color photos are my own

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dopescotlandwarrior · 5 years

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I Will Go Also

This ficlet was written for the #one quote one-shot challenge. My quote was" I was not so afraid of him as the other men, though he looked just as dangerous." It did not fit with my current stories so here is something new. I apologize for my late posting. Thank you for reading my ficlet.

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I stared at the cold floor of my subterranean surgery dreading yet another clan celebration that would bring enumerable lacerations, broken bones, concussions, and alcohol poisoning for me to fix. The men will be drunk and lewd, forcing me to fight them off while I stitched them up. I suppose I should be grateful Colum always posted a man at my door for safety but I felt no such emotion. I was little more than a captive in this fortress of a castle, without free will, or any choices at all.

It was a short six weeks ago that I was the commander of my days and chose my pursuits for my own reasons. Never did I appreciate the privilege of such freedom, or understand the tenuous hold I had on it. This luxury was the gift of a loving father who refused to marry me off just to see me settled. One day I was free and learning my trade, the next I was a pariah, alone in the world, with no protection. I felt hot tears running down my face and took a deep breath. “I miss you, father, and I pray we meet again in heaven.”

I heard the voice of Mrs. Fitz at my door coming to check on my readiness for the party that was surely underway.

“Claire! Ye arna ready yet. Colum expects you in the hall for super and Jamie Fraser will be here soon to escort ye. Here lass, let me finish yer dressin.”

I felt every layer and lace that was assembled into my dress for the evening. It was a gift from Latisha and in a better frame of mind, I would admit it was quite beautiful. The fabric was almost amber colored, and according to Latisha, matched my eyes. A deeply cut bodice was trimmed in a beautiful fur, underskirts of lace with a stiff petticoat to flair the fabric. I looked in the mirror and tried to feel grateful while Mrs. Fitz continued to fuss.

“Dry yer tears my dear and consider the alternative to yer life here at the castle. Ye’d be forced into a loveless marriage with mounting bairns and unknown treatment from yer husband. Yer twenty years old lass, and no a widow, ye wouldna be lookin at the bonnie choices for a husband. Most men are lookin to marry a lass that’s no more than sixteen or seventeen. I fear ye would not be highly valued or cared for by such an arrangement.”

I looked at her and felt my grief and resentment crash through the gates holding them in my heart and they drained away. My knees buckled and Mrs. Fitz caught me and helped me to a chair. I held her hands against my cheek and felt overwhelming appreciation.

“Thank you, Mrs. Fitz, for helping me see my good fortune and the nightmare Colum is saving me from. It is a terrible habit of mine to miss the gift until it is taken away. You have helped me feel better.”

She smiled at me with her sweet plump face and announced the knocking was Jamie Fraser here to take me to the hall. She hurried to the door with me right behind her.

“Misses Fitz.” Jamie bowed to her as she left for the kitchens. He looked at me, blushed, and then looked again. “Sorry mistress, dinna mean to stare, ye look bonnie in that dress. Ready?”

I walked slowly to maximize my time with Jamie. I was not so afraid of him as the other men, though he looked just as dangerous. He was a constant companion since arriving at the castle and truly felt like a friend.

“Colum has ordered me to stay close to ye this evenin and it willna be so hard with ye lookin the way ye do in that dress. If I may be so bold.”

I giggled at his boyish charm and pink cheeks but managed my best thank you smile. In my heart, I thanked him for the compliment, for looking after me, keeping me safe, and treating me with respect as if I had value. He was the only male that did. The other clansmen decided I was damaged goods to be so old and never wed. It meant the world to me that Jamie saw me differently.

As we neared the hall, Laoghaire Mackenzie came whipping around the corner. A young, vibrant, beautiful girl who clearly fancied Jamie Fraser. When she saw me her pretty face fell off and she scowled.

“Jamie, will ye be sittin at my table tonight?”

“No lass, I’ll be tendin to mistress Beauchamp tonight. Colum’s orders, sorry.”

I tried to smile at Lairghaire and calm her down whenever she was near me however that seemed to infuriate her even more. Half the time I expected her to drop to the floor and pitch a fit, and other times I felt she was capable of so much more to ease her annoyance. We picked up a bit of speed and my curiosity was not to be subdued.

“Jamie, are you promised to Laoghaire? She has an attachment to you, does she not.”

“Nah, I’ve known her since she was a wee’’in and she is marryin age now and sees a groom in me. The intention is not returned, however.”

The way he said that made me giggle and we walked into the hall and found our seats. Jamie brought me a glass of Colum’s Rhenish which I found delicious, warming, and a little intoxicating. As we ate and talked at the long table, men from the clan would slap Jamie on the shoulder and utter strings of Gaelic that pulled laughter out of anyone in earshot. I felt the butt of their jokes but this was the norm of my existence at the castle. Jamie, always the gentleman would send a message with his masked face that would make the idiots move on.

“Another Rhenish perhaps?” I decided I wouldn’t mind feeling numb for one night and looked at Jamie imploringly. “Please?”

“Yes, mistress.” He smiled down at me before he left to fetch our drinks and my breath caught at the sight of him. Somehow Jamie could mask his face but show his emotion when he wanted to. It always stopped me in my tracks to see how handsome he really was. I wondered why he was so guarded until I heard a fight break out at a nearby table. Two clansmen, brothers they called themselves, suddenly decided to kill each other. The hall erupted in energy as a body flew by and crashed into a bench. The men were yelling and calling to their favorite, two other men joined the fight and it was on.

I watched the chaos move steadily closer to me and started feeling panic at being in their path. I could not get up and move away without an escort and wondered if anyone would think to help me. The men were fighting so close to me I felt the spray of their sweat when they got hit. My panic was mounting and I looked around for Jamie who was thankfully running toward me. He held out his hand and pulled me from the bench walking quickly to a safer location.

“Are ye hurt mistress?”

“No, thank you for getting me out of there.” I looked up at his face and gorged myself for a moment on his eyes. The color of the shallows on a sunny day now looked like the sea before a storm. He was standing very close to me holding my elbow and I was transfixed.

“Your Rhenish mistress. I dropped it here so it wouldn’t be spilled in the fight.”

That snapped me out of my reverie and I smiled feeling my cheeks getting hot. I sat down and made short work of the Rhenish.

“Claire!”

Gellis was coming toward me waving and smiling. I smiled back although my mind was still staring at Jamie’s face.

“Will ye accompany me tomorrow for a walk in the woods around the castle. I can show ye where I have found herbs growin and maybe we get lucky.”

“I would love a walk like that but it’s up to Colum. The party will be going for another two days and I may be needed in the surgery.”

“Tell Colum we’ll be back before these drunk bastards even think about waking up. I will come here to fetch ye.”

Before I could protest she spun in a whirl of skirts and walked away. I enjoyed Geillis’s company, even if she was a walking contradiction. Her happy attitude was contagious and laced with a mystery that she seemed to encourage. Both attributes were observed with suspicion because no one was happy and the mysterious part was ripe ground for rumors. Most folks whispered about her witchcraft and spells, and Geillis did nothing to assuage the suspicion. She didn’t have to. She was the wife of Cranesmuir’s Procurator Fiscal, Arthur Duncan. A man almost twice her age who was helplessly in love in the beautiful redhead. I looked up at Jamie’s scowl and sipped my Rhenish.

We listened to music after super and I was feeling warm and slightly intoxicated, enjoying the festive atmosphere and proximity of Jamie Fraser. I caught him looking at me several times and finally turned to him and gave him my best stern look.

“What is it mister Fraser?”

He grabbed his elbow and made a painful face that was almost giggle-worthy. “I’ve had a bad pain in my elbow and was wantin ye to have a look at it.”

It was obvious he meant now as he was standing up to usher me out of the hall. I was a bit horrified to see the hallway leading to my surgery swaying from side to side. I blinked my eyes tightly several times but that was no help. I descended my stairs carefully and still managed a misstep that pitched me forward toward a damaging fall. I felt Jamie’s strong arms pull me into his chest and hold me there for the remainder of the steps. Once at the bottom I tapped my foot on the floor to verify we were on solid ground while I dissolved in giggles.

“Well, mister Fraser, let’s have a look at that arm, sorry, elbow.” That was undoubtedly the funniest thing I had said since my arrival and it was not wasted on me as I struggled to control my laughing. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders, then I looked up at Jamie’s face.

It was like a jolt of electricity that I felt, deep and low in my stomach and it was spreading upwards making my heart race. He looked at me with an expression that spoke to some hidden part of me and I forced myself to look away and regain control. Colum’s Rhenish was really something I decided.

“Yer laughter sounds like music lass and I can see yer happiness sparkle in yer eyes and face. Right now I would trade a year of my life to know what that feels like.”

“What on earth are you talking about? Do you not laugh?”

Jamie blushed and looked at the ground. “Nae mistress, I have no such memory.”

I was astonished and waited for a teasing comment to betray his ruse. It didn’t come and I regarded him as best I could in my drunken condition.

“That’s not possible. There are funny things everywhere, every day, how could this be missed?” I took a step toward him and tripped over my own feet sending me careening into his chest. Suddenly his arms were completely around me and I felt that same jolt, like a surge that ripped through me. My cheeks were on fire and when he set me right I turned my back to him with embarrassment.

“I am so sorry mister Fraser. I fear I am incapacitated at the moment.” I could muster no more than a whisper and took deep breaths to steady my racing heart. “Let me have a look at your arm before I do anything else humiliating.”

“Tis nothin mistress, I only said that to see ye safe back to yer surgery. Colum’s Rhenish has laid waste to hardy men, twice yer size. So promise ye won’t be climbin those stairs tonight and I will leave ye be.” He turned to leave and I felt overwhelming sadness about that.

“Wait! I had no opportunity to ask Colum about collecting herbs tomorrow. I have to go back.”

I rushed for the stairs and felt steel bands wrap around my waist stopping my race to the stairs.

“I will go ask Colum for ye if ye promise to stay away from the stairs.”

That was hilarious to me and I waved him off while I collapsed on my stool laughing. When I looked up again Jamie was gone, hopefully, to gain permission for my walk tomorrow. The memory of his arms around me filled my head to the exclusion of all else. I closed my eyes and felt him touch me deciding it was the best feeling in the world. I wondered if I would feel such an embrace if I were married. I felt my smile spread across my face and my arms came around my stomach responding to the images in my head.

Jamie had spoken to Colum and raced back to Claire fearing she would fall asleep before hearing permission had been granted. At the bottom of the stairs, he looked at Claire and stopped in his tracks. She sat on the stool, head back, eyes closed, swaying slightly. Her expression was stunning to him and he felt his stomach flip over and balls swell. He knew he was trespassing on her privacy, viewing her secret world, but he couldn’t look away. At that moment he wanted to possess her more than take his next breath. His crush on the beautiful Sassenach had become a deep, painful need, so when he saw her rapture and he could not look away.

“Sassenach,” he whispered.

I heard my name called from a far distance and forced my eyes open. I looked into the smoldering eyes of Jamie Fraser and was seized by panic. What was I doing? Acting like some common whore with a man in my surgery at night. I stood so quickly the room started to spin and the floor fell away before blackness took me.

“Claire! Jamie lunged toward her and caught her before she hit the ground. She was unconscious and would not respond to him. Jamie carried her into the back room where he found a bed and dresser. He laid Claire on the bed and covered her with quilts. Her face was angelic in sleep and he let his gaze linger on her mouth, nose, and eyes. Her skin looked like pearl and he wanted to touch it. Since the day she walked into the castle with Dougal a month ago, he lived in a constant state of missing her. In a bold move, he leaned down and kissed her forehead then left her to her dreams.

Claire was in his mind now and he felt weak after watching her. He heard the bawdy shouts of his drunk clansmen from the hall and was suddenly fearful for Claire’s safety. If she was raped in her bed the fault would be hers and she would be forced to marry her attacker if he wanted her. If he didn’t she would be lower than the castle hounds. Jamie knew Colum’s motivation for housing Claire was purely self-serving and he felt no bond of blood or clan. He would do little to protect her from the attentions of his men, forced or otherwise. She was defenseless. Before he could be seen he slipped back down her stairs and laid down against the bottom step, dirk drawn.

The cold floor made it hard for Jamie to sleep but he slipped into his dreams deep in the night. He saw Claire sitting with her head back, smiling, swaying slightly. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes closed. Her gown was pulled down by her position on the stool and he could see part of her tender nipples. He wanted to taste them. Standing over her he felt like he might burst into flames if he did not touch her. He lifted her to him and crushed her mouth rousing her from repose. She fought against him at first and he held her against him with ease while he gorged himself on her neck, shoulders, and mouth.

“Fight me if ye want lass, it makes no difference to me.” He seized her mouth and bit down on her lower lip pulling a moan from her. He felt her press her mouth against his and her arms wrap around his waist. He felt hot lightening shoot into his groin and it shook him to the core. He couldn’t stop, it was too late, one taste of her and his self-control evaporated, replaced by a hunger the likes of which he had never felt. He devoured her and she clutched at him with her own apparent need. He would pay the consequence of his lust because he could not stop until someone kicked him hard in the back sending pain deep into his kidneys.

Jamie grunted and sat up with dirk in hand looking for the assailant. Grabbing the intruder’s shirt he pushed him back to the stairs and assisted with his ascent making promises to painfully end his miserable life if he dared to come back. He laid down against the stair again but sleep would not come. In a castle full of men and no protection it was just a matter of time. Equally terrifying was Colum could marry her off at any time, taking her out of Jamie’s life forever. He gave up trying to sleep. If he had not stayed the night her life and options would be over and she would be lost to him. Facing these truths about his feelings for Claire brought focus to his priority. He had to get Claire out of the castle with no one seeing. Every clansman within one hundred miles was in the castle or the grounds. This will take a miracle.

When the rays of dawn stretched across the rolling hills of the Highlands, Jamie’s plan was complete and it would be a catalyst to forever change his life. For better or worse, he would never be the man that knocked on Claire’s door last night.

He would offer Claire the safety of his clan and family, rescue her from the castle and Colum’s control, and work tirelessly to make her happy if she agreed to wed him. She was going to make him the luckiest man in Scotland or crush his heart. An hour more of pacing out his plan and he gently woke her.

“Sassenach, please wake, we must talk.”

I felt a large warm hand rub my arm and back and it was so nice to be …“Jesus Christ Jamie, what are you doing in my room?”

“Sh, please Sassenach, if we’re caught, we will pay dearly. Please be quiet as ye can and listen with all yer heart.”

I felt my panic growing as Jamie described the man in my rooms and what my future looked like if I stayed at castle Leoch. I could not fault his logic but I had nowhere to go but here. I looked at him feeling the tears come, feeling trapped like my life was over.

“Jamie?” It was a desperate whisper. I felt him touch my cheek. It was still dark in my room but I could hear the truth in his voice.

“I can get ye away from here Claire, today, right now. I will grab my Godfather and we will be far from this place by the time anyone knows we are gone. I have land and a home for you to live in. You will no be a slave to Colum anymore. I care for ye deeply Claire and I want to make ye my wife as soon as possible.”

Did he say wife, I wondered? That was preposterous, I was not ready to get married and I hardly knew Jamie. Fortunately, the emerging light brought Jamie’s hopeful face into focus. I almost cried at the look in his eyes. So hopeful and full of love. I said nothing and pushed my mind to work as fast as possible. I looked around my living quarters and felt bone-deep hatred for this cold dark space.

“I’m ready Jamie, when do we leave?” I saw his face light up and he pulled me into his embrace. I will gamble on these strong arms, huge heart, and sharp mind any day. I made my choice, now it was time to go.

Jamie left to get his Godfather and I packed up my medicines and what clothing I had. My things were set by the door waiting for the men and I paced and prayed. I heard my door creak open and spun toward Jamie. He was dressed in heavier clothes. He put his finger to his lips and held a hand to me. He guided me through a maze of hallways that went on and on. He stopped and turned to me pulling me to him.

“Kiss me Sassenach and I will have the strength of an army.”

He sealed his lips over mine and my heart rammed in my chest making me breathless. For a brief moment, he pressed his forehead to mine and the intimacy almost choked me. Then we were running toward an opening and I could see horses on the other side. I ducked into the morning light as Jamie pulled me toward his horse Donus. He swung up behind me and when I looked around I saw men, lots of men, who were silent and watching. I recognized two of the men, Rupert and Angus, who nodded to Jamie and slapped the horses. Jamie’s arm tightened around my waist and he pulled my back to his chest.

“That was the hardest part mo gradhag. Put yer faith in me and I will see ye safe.”

I felt tears rolling down my cheeks and realized they were just poison residue from my time at the castle. I let them flow and felt better for it. Murtagh and Jamie said not a word to each other, both seemed to know the plan and where we were going. I had never ridden so hard in my life and my legs were shaking from exhaustion. We stopped in the tall trees and let the horses graze and drink. After a short rest, Murtagh rode ahead and I was alone with Jamie.

I was starting to feel shy and scared of being alone with him. He wrapped his arms around me and spoke quietly, his beautiful smile never left his face.

“I will wed ye tonight lass so no other man can have ye. Please tell me this is yer wish too and no regrets.” he touched my face and looked into my eyes and I knew I was under his spell.

“Where you go I will follow, for the rest of my days.”

Jamie pulled me by the hand to the stream saying he was hungry. I saw no equipment for catching fish and sat down in the tall grass to watch him. Right before my eyes, he lost years of age and stress and his exuberance was something I found magical. He laid his arm in the water and waited, occasionally trying to wink at me and failing something awful. His body jerked and water splashed onto the rock he laid across and the fish was brutally slapped and died on impact. I smiled hugely at the prize and continued watching until there were four fish for our midday meal.

The day was warm and the sun filtered through the leaves above us making me sleepy. I laid on my back and listened to Jamie’s stories feeling the thrill of his adventures. I must have dozed off until I felt Jamie’s lips on mine bringing me back. The fish were already cooking and Jamie was searching my eyes.

“May I kiss ye Sassenach?”

I nodded and he brought his warm, sweet mouth down on mine making me breathe deep suddenly. I felt my arms go around him as I tried to mimic his movements with my mouth. I felt his tongue come into my mouth and my body tingled right down to my toes. He touched me places that had never been touched. Always watching me and moving slowly. I wanted more of this and I could not wait. I held him tightly and asked for more kisses. He smiled down at me and obliged until I was panting like I had run a race. It was startling to me how my body felt. It wanted more of Jamie.

When we pulled apart Jamie whispered that Murtagh was back. Several minutes later I heard his horse approach. How could Jamie have heard them I wondered? Murtagh informed Jamie of a kirk about five miles ahead and the pastor was waiting.

“Are ye ready to pledge yerself to me for eternity Sassenach?”

My smile was hard to contain. “I’m ready.”

#one quote one-shot challenge #Outlander fanfictoin #Jamie and Claire

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monigheandonn1743 · 6 years

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Ceart-leth

Are you ready??

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Chapter 13

Already missing his arms, and wishing she hadn’t spoken, she watched as he carefully unbuckled his plaid, and laid it out on the grass just shy of the ridge. He sat and turned to her, holding out his hand for her to take, and she didn’t hesitate. Slipping her fingers between his, she walked forward and allowed him to guide her to sit between his legs.

“It’s easier when I’m touching ye.” He whispered reverently as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.

And so much harder. She thought closing her eyes, willing her tears away. She didn’t feel at all ready for what he was about to say. Until the words left his lips, in her own way, she could still pretend that he was hers. That she could have the life with him she so desperately wanted. Especially with the way he held her now, so safe and protected in his embrace.

“I met Annalise de Marillac in Paris.” He began quietly, his voice slow and peaceful, as though telling her was cathartic, and he was finally letting go of the pain he carried. “I’d no long finished at the university, and was stayin’ with my cousin Jared. He owns a wine merchants there and I decided to stay awhile, learnin’ the ropes, no quite ready to go back to life on the farm.

“She was a young widow. Beautiful, flirtatious and had all the men of Versailles eatin’ out of the palm of her hand, includin’ me.” He laughed self deprecatingly as she fixed her eyes on the horizon and tried to breathe. “I fought a duel in her honour when I caught a man accostin’ her, and some weeks later, as a reward for winnin’ she said, she invited me to her bed.”

Claire’s breath stuttered, and the vast quantities of whiskey she’d consumed the night before, rolled violently in her stomach. She didn’t want to listen to him talking about having sex with his wife, she really wasn’t ready for that. Just the thought of him in bed with another woman was enough to cripple her. But she had to know, no matter the cost. So she took a deep breath and simply prayed she’d get thought it without vomiting.

“I was a twenty year old virgin, out from under the watchful eye of my father for the first time, and blind with lust and innocent naivety I accepted.

“It was nothin’ and everythin’ I expected it to be. I’d heard stories of women no likin’ it, maybe no to such an extent, but I wasna surprised that she didna. It was both…terrifyin’ and euphoric and over verra, verra quickly. But her fear and hatred for it made me feel like a beast. So it surprised me when that she came back for more.” He admitted so quietly she could almost feel his shame enveloping her as surely as his arms did.

He fell quiet for a moment, lost in the memory no doubt, and she didn’t even dare to breathe as she watched the sunrise and waited uneasily for him to continue.

“It dinna take long for Jared to discover what was happenin’, but by the time he told me the truth of her, my infatuation had waned. I’d seen it for myself, an’ it was no a difficult thing to promise no to see her again.”

“What truth?” She whispered hesitantly. With each word he told her of his wife, of wanting her and sleeping with her, her heart broke a little more. So she’d be lying if she said that she wasn’t a little pleased that the sex had been…awful… or that he’d lost some of his interest.

Even if it did make her a bad person.

Jamie sighed and pulled her closer still.

“Her joie de vivre hid a nefarious soul, Sassenach. Since the death of her husband she’d been on the prowl for a wealthy man, someone to keep her in the life she was accustomed to. What I’d taken for flirtation and wit, was naught but manipulation and cunnin’. Being a relative of Jared she’d wrongly assumed I was a wealthy as he was, but she’d couldna been more wrong. At the time I barely had two pounds to my name.

“But still under her illusions, she came to me, a week before I was to return home, and told me she was carrying my bairn. I had my doubts, but with no proof that it wasna mine, I did the only thing I could.”

“You married her.”

“Aye.” He muttered as though even the memory of it pained him to the core. “She hated Lallybroch, she hated me, and she hated the bairn she carried.

“Ye ken,” he laughed bitterly, “I didna see her once after I returned from Fort William. She kent well enough that I was close to death, I heard her and Jenny fightin’ more than once. She was hopin’ the fever would take me, so she could return to Paris a widow once more. Then my da announced that he’d inherited the Duchy, and she changed overnight. Couldna do enough to see me well.

“Ye see, we suddenly had more land and more money than she could spend in a life time, and she received the title she thought she deserved.”

“Marchioness of Lorne.” Claire almost spat, disgusted.

She’d already hated the woman on jealous principal. But the bitch had not only tricked him in to marriage, she’d practically declared him not good enough, and wished him dead.

Until the fucking money and title came in of course!

She wanted to scream at the injustice of it all. It wasn’t fair. She loved him for nothing more than himself, and ached to love and care for him like he deserved. But the French whore had stolen him and there was nothing she could do.

“Aye.” Jamie sighed, as he tightened his arms and laid his cheek against her hair. She wrapped her arms around his and linked their fingers at her waist, giving and receiving what little comfort she could.

“There was no love between us, there never had been. So even after the money came in we kept to ourselves. Separate rooms, separate lives. But mine or no, I loved the bairn, he was the one good thing to come out of our marriage. But carrying him was hard on her, she couldna take the strain and she lost him at six months,” he breathed stunning her into silence.

His heartache was so abundantly clear that she could feel it, and as much as she tried, she just couldn’t swallow past the painful lump in her throat.

“What…I mean, did you name him?” She croaked, swiping a tear from her cheek and trying her hardest not to cry for him.

Oh Jamie.

“Aye, I named him David. She never asked that, ye ken. She didna care. The birth left her with a fever, but even after she recovered she never asked. She was more concerned with the continuation of the title than she was his death. So I mourned alone and buried him in the kirk yard at Lallybroch.”

“I’m so sorry, Jamie. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child.” She whispered, squeezing the hands she still held in hers. Even in the twenty first century woman lost children every day, and whether six weeks or six months the lost was always a devastating one.

She felt his lips against her hair, a sign of his acknowledgment, and she turned her face and pressed hers against his arm, the only place she could reach. Annalise may not care, but she did. He loved her, his heart was hers and hers alone, and she’d keep it as safe and protected as she could. Even if only from a distance.

How she was supposed to face this woman and not bitch slap her, she didn’t know.

I love you, too you know.

“After that she insisted we leave Scotland. She said she needed society and I was wrought with guilt for what she’d been through. So I agreed an’ moved us to the new townhouse in London. We still lived separate lives for the most part, me at the club and she with her friends, and I was miserable. But she flourished, and amongst her friends, who were producing heirs, she became determined to provide the future Duke.

“Things had never been good between us. She’d kept me from her rooms since our weddin’ night in France, an’ I wasna bothered by it. She’d never gotten over her hatred for it, no matter how gentle I tried to be. So I was surprised when she invited me to her bed, an’ none too enthusiastic. But I did need an heir, an’ I still wanted a bairn.

“She lost two more in London. The first early, and the second again at six months. A wee lass, Catherine. Each time it took her longer to recover and I refused to try again. I’d seen my mam go though the same thing and I didna want to be responsible for her death.

“She castigated me. Claimed I was makin’ her a laughin’ stock. Said that no true woman would be unable to provide her husband with an heir. She didna care for the bairns, she’d already interviewed for a nurse, for after they were born. But she wanted the notoriety of being mother to a Duke.

“We were back at Lallybroch visiting Jenny when she told me she was with child again. I hated myself. I’d been weak, and in a moment of need I’d given in. Just once, but it was enough. She was confined to her bed, an’ she saw it through almost to the end, but she was sick and weak. She died in child birth and wee Robert just three days later.” He finished, choking on his near silent words.

She died?

Oh my God!

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t speak, and could hardly see through her tears. He’d lost them, all of them, and whether he loved his wife or not, his pain and guilt, no matter how misplaced the latter might be, must be debilitating, and her heart broke for him.

Still too stunned to speak, she slowly pulled away and crawled to her knees before him. The tears in his eyes were her undoing, and she threw her arms around him, holding him as tight and as close as she could.

“I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry, Jamie.” She stuttered, locking her fingers in his hair, as she rocked them both slowly side to side. His arms tightened around her, and he held on as though she was his only anchor to the world. For the first time in her life, she genuinely didn’t know what to say. She had no words that could offer him comfort as his body trembled in her arms.

She had no idea how long it had been since he lost them, but it was clear that his heartache was still raw. He said he’d mourned for David, but he’s said nothing of Catherine and Robert.

Two boys and a lass.

These were the children Laoghaire had cheerfully told her about, and she wanted nothing more than to ride back to Leoch and kick ten tons of shit out of the bitch. What she’d hoped to achieve with her bullshit story Claire didn’t know, but if it was to keep her away from Jamie, she’d almost succeeded, and Claire hated herself for it.

But Jamie had his arms around her and no matter how much she wanted to kill her, she’d never even dream of leaving him. Not now, not ever. He had healing to do, and she intended to be there with him every step of the way.

His pain for there loss was one thing, but the guilt was a totally different matter all together, and it had no place in his grief. It would do nothing but taint the memory of his children, and she couldn’t let him do that to himself. He needed to mourn them all with a clear conscience.

“I can’t even pretend to understand how you must feel. Losing one child is unimaginable, but to lose four and your wife…I can’t…there are no words.” She whispered into his hair, holding him tighter, pulling him closer to her heart. “But you can’t hold yourself responsible, Jamie. It’s terrifying and heartbreaking but it is not your fault. Even in the twenty first century where we can transplant hearts and do brain surgery, child birth and pregnancy still always have some element of danger, and we still lose mothers and babies sometimes.”

Her whole world spun so suddenly that her equilibrium completely shattered. For a moment she didn’t know up from down until she found herself lying prone on the plaid, staring up dazedly into Jamie’s stormy, blue eyes.

“No, Sassenach, ye dinna understand. Ye dinna understand at all.”

“Jamie…”

“No.” He breathed, dropping closer, resting his weight on his arm beside her head. His other hand, the one that should be strapped to his side, came up and he gently cupped her face. She was cocooned, sheltered from the world by his large frame. All she could see, feel and smell was him.

“Aye, I lost the bairns, an’ I mourned them, every one. But it was years ago, almost two now since I lost Robert. I loved them, and it pains me that they gone, that I’ll never see them grow. But I let go of my guilt for Annalise a long time ago. I’m no God, I ken it wasna my fault, no really.”

“Then what?” She pleaded reaching up to touch his face. “Because if that’s the case, you’re right, I don’t understand.”

“Can ye no see, Claire?” He begged passionately, his strong voice just touching desperation and tearing at her heart. “Ye appear in my life from nowhere. So strong and brave, kind and beautiful and so verra fragile. Ye everything she wasna, and everything I’v yearned for.

“I’v loved ye since the moment ye wept in my arms, an I want ye with a passion that boarders on madness. When ye lost yerself, when ye trembled against me an’ I realised what had happened.” He shook his head in reverence as his own body trembled above her. “Ah, lass, how I dinna take ye then…”

“You could have, you still can.” She whispered longingly, her need for him enveloping her sadness. “I’m yours, Jamie. I’ve been yours my entire life, and I want you too. I love you too, more than anything or anyone.”

His eyes clouded with pain, and he closed them, shutting her out as he dropped his forehead against hers. She was shaking uncontrollably, and her heart hammered so loudly she could hear it. He loved her, he wanted her, and she was his for the taking. Yet he was still denying them their happiness, and any hope she might have felt was trapped behind his fear.

“How can I, Claire?” He begged as he pulled back and locked his pain filled eyes on hers. “How can I love ye and keep ye? How can I make ye mine an no lose ye forever? I promised myself I would never put another lass through that…an I havena. But ye, mo gràdhag? I’m going mad with the wanting of ye, but I willna risk ye life. I willna lose ye with my selfish desires, and I canna bare the thought of ye fearing my touch.”

Oh God.

“Jamie, stop!” She pleaded urgently her hands coming up to grasp his shoulders. She pushed him gently, aware of his injury, but she could have kicked herself when she saw the panic in his eyes as he quickly rolled away. “No.” She whispered as she follow him with her own body and rolled atop him, straddling his hips. “It’s my turn to talk.”

His hands went automatically to her waist, steadying her and keeping her in place. But his eyes widened and she couldn’t hide her small smirk as she dropped her hands beside his head.

“Sassenach…”

“Sshh.” She murmured, stretching her thumbs to brush across his cheeks. “Things in my time are different, relationships are different. Men and woman flit between one love and the next, sometimes settling down and getting married, sometimes not. They live together unwed, have children, separate, and move on to the next conquest. It’s like it’s all a game.

“The notion of love at first sight, to feel that instant connection, and to know someone’s soul when you’ve never spoken a word, is so foreign that it’s scoffed at and scorned. But it’s real, and it’s here between us.”

“Ceart-leth.” He breathed, gliding one hand along her body and up into her hair. “Soulmates.”

She wanted to cry at the tenderness in his voice and the way he touched her so lovingly. But her eyes were locked on his, and she could see everything, and wanted to miss nothing. It was all there, every fear, every pain, every ounce of love he held for her shone in his clear blue eyes, and she knew that he was right. They were soulmates separated by time and brought together by fate.

“I travelled almost three hundred years to find you, Jamie.” She whispered softly as her fingers slowly traced these lines of his face. “You’ve been hurt more than any man should have to endure. Nothing will ever take away the grief of losing your children, nor should it. But by your own admission, what you had with Annalise wasn’t love, and you deserve to be loved.

“You’re the best man I’ve ever known, and I could never fear your touch. I crave it. I need it like I need air to breathe, like I need you. I can’t promise you that we will never lose a child, every pregnancy carries a risk. But I promise to mourn with you if we do, to give you comfort, and share in your pain.

“I’ve met our great grandson, Jamie and he’s so like you. So honourable, and strong and compassionate.”

“What?” He frowned, his eyes a kaleidoscope of wonder and confusion. She laughed lightly and drew her thumb over his eyebrow, straightening the crease.

“Joe.” She smiled, picturing his face in her mind and feeling the first wave of maternal love and pride for the man he is. “I didn’t know of course. But you asked me why he didn’t stop me when he knew about the stones. That’s why.”

“He gave you the plaid.” He breathed with awe as he gently touched the cloth that still covered her shoulders.

“Yes. His mothers name is Elizabeth Mary Fraser and she has the most wonderful riot of bright red hair.”

“I canna lose ye, Claire.” He begged helplessly as he brought both hands up to cup her face. “I’v never been so scairt in my life. I dinna ken how to love ye, to have ye as my wife an’ no want to always be inside ye. To feel ye warmth an watch ye fall apart in my arms. But I dinna ken how to let ye go.”

“Jamie, you never have to let me go.” She promised gently. “I’m an only child, and an orphaned one at that. I’ve always dreamed of having a big family. But I won’t force you, or cajole you, there are ways to prevent a pregnancy, and I do have some with me.”

“There are?”

“Yes. So, If you don’t want us to have children, we don’t have to have any, even if we make love everyday for the rest of our lives. But I won’t lie to you, I don’t want to use them. I want to have as many children with you as we can. But I will if you want me too, and if it’s just you and me for the rest of our lives, then I’ll die a happy woman.

“But we can never predict what will happen. I could have so easily lost you yesterday from simply falling from your horse. And I’m not Annalise, she could have had any number of diseases that prevented her from carrying a child. You weren’t the only man she’d been with, she could have caught anything from anyone…and I’m suddenly extremely grateful that Joe sent penicillin.” She added her eyes suddenly wide at the thought.

“Why?”

“Because sexually transmitted diseases are rife and easily exchanged through…bodily fluid. If she had one, then so did you, and you would have passed it to me when we eventually make love. Before I stuck you with the needle anyway.”

His lips twitched, and before she could blink, he twisted and she found herself beneath him once again.

“So sure of yerself are ye, Sassenach?” He breathed, looming over her rakishly.

“Yes.” She laughed teasingly as she wound her fingers in his hair. “You love me, and you can’t live without me. The rest of it is just details that we’ll work out together.”

“Aye, as ye say, lass.” He blinked owlishly, then swiftly silenced her laughter with his lips.

Chapter 14

#outlander #jamieandclaire #outlanderfanfiction

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thebrochtuarachs · 6 years

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To Begin Again: Chapter 4

Jamie passes through the stones on Beltane to 1968.

A/N: I honestly had a hard time figuring out what kind of path I will lead Jamie and Bree to meet in this scenario. Hopefully, what I wrote is fine :) I'm excited to explore where these characters want to go after this! :) Hope you like the new chapter! As always, comments and suggestions are always welcome.

CH: 1 - 2 - 3 AO3

As his daughter walked closer to them, her stride reminded him of a memory from the day after he let them go.

Snow fell over the Culloden Moor in a dark and bloody evening and Jamie Fraser stirred awake. He was alive – barely, he thought. He looked around the battlefield and saw the hundreds of lives lost in this hopeless cause, he wept for the souls whose destiny lied in this war. He closed his eyes and willed death to come and take him too.

But it wouldn’t come. As hours went by and Jamie was well aware of his apparent, life. Still, he was weak and wounded and could not get up even if he tried to, and now, it was a waiting game of who will come first – death by the cold or someone rescuing him. He looked around and saw no soul in sight, and then he saw a vision of his wife, Claire, walking towards him.

Could she have returned to him? Could she have come back and waited for the aftermath of the battle? Could she have, yet again, disobeyed my orders to return to safety for the sake of our child for me?

His heart swelled and hoped, but as soon as she was close enough to touch and he reached for her, she was gone. He can almost believe she was real but when Rupert’s face came into view, the dream was gone. He, then, felt so much pain, crushing pain - not from his wound, but from his broken heart and he wanted nothing else but to die in the knowledge that the sacrifice of the loves of his life was not in vain. He closed his eyes to surrender to death, again, but his clansmen wouldn’t give up on him that easily.

Next thing he knew, in a string of luck (good or bad, he still couldn’t decide), he was on a wagon back to Lallybroch, Jenny pouring scalding hot water on his wound and then his life in isolation in the cave began.

The pain from the memory resurfaced but his feelings quickly changed when he saw her. He decided that it was all in his goodluck to have lived and now, to be in this time. Red hair, blue eyes, with ruddy curls, he couldn’t deny that the beautiful lass is his – his and Claire’s – a product of their love, the idea striking Jamie to the core. Everything they did, everything they’d done, everything they’ve been through, it was all worth it. She was here, alive and safe, and Jamie would endure everything again for her.

“I felt the same way the first time I saw her” Claire whispered as she stood to get up, Jamie following after.

“She’s beautiful, Claire.” Jamie said in wonder. Tears were in danger of falling but he immediately wiped them away, not wanting his daughter’s first memory of him to be crying.

“She’s ours.” She replied as she slipped her arm around his waist and pulled his side close to her hip. Jamie, on the other hand, was completely transfixed by their child. As her words sank into him, Claire could feel him trembling with anticipation. He was nervous and suddenly, so was she. This was a moment she never thought would happen and no one can prepare any of them on how to approach this. But here they were and there was no stopping it.

Jamie put his arm around Claire and looked at her. “What did you name her?”

“Brianna. Brianna Ellen” Claire and Jamie turned to find Bree standing a couple of feet from them, directly facing both her parents waiting for someone to continue the conversation.

“Named after your father, just as I promised. I added your mother’s name because, well, just look at her, you said it yourself, she looks just like her.” Claire said to Jamie. “Besides, those names belong together, I thought I’d honor them both and you by naming our child as such”.

Brianna felt a momentary lapse hearing and being referred to as “our child”. The child they both prayed for, the child they both wanted, the child they loved enough to let each other go. Bree tried to mask her emotions by nodding to the brand new information offered. “I didn’t know that.” Bree said, deciding that she’d ask stories of them later.

Jamie, on the other hand, still stood transfixed and dumbstruck by the presence of his daughter.

Another silence fell and the only sound were from crickets and the wind. “Jamie?” Claire tugged at him.

“Hello?” Brianna waved a hand in front of Jamie’s face to bring him back from his reverie. Whatever nervousness Bree felt or should feel, was gone and was replaced with a feeling of charm, humor and tenderness by her father’s reaction to her.

“Ah, dhia!” Jamie softly sighed. He leaned to Claire, in both support and nervousness. “I’m sorry, a nighean”

“You’re James Fraser, aren’t you?” Bree awkwardly asked– maybe she was a little nervous after all.

“Aye” He awkwardly replied back.

“I’m – I’m your daughter. I’m sure you can tell.” Bree tried to sound casual with a tentative smile played on her lips.

“Aye. Aye, I can” Jamie shuffled his feet, unable to say anything else. “My god, you’re huge!” a blushed crept over him as the words came flying out, thank God it was dark and none of his lasses saw how red he went.

Both women laughed. “And whose fault is that, do you think?” Bree retorted.

“Och no, lass. I didna mean it that way. Tis only, I hadna thought of you as grown. I had ye in my mind somehow as a wee bairn always – as my babe. I never expected…” words faltered as he raised his hand to lightly trace her features in the air. “May I?” Jamie asked and Brianna nodded. He released his hold on Claire and boldly stepped closer to Bree.

“Brianna” Jamie said as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear. It was different the way he said it. Breeanah, that Scottish burr so pronounced. “Beautiful” he followed as he continued to trace her cheek and down to her jaw. Unexpectedly, Bree leaned into Jamie’s hand, feeling the warmth and heat in his skin, surprising herself that she couldn’t pull away from his touch if she tried - not yet, as if her brain whispered itself to command.

A sniffle from Claire caused them to turn. Tears were freely flowing from her eyes and her face has the most brilliant smile they’d ever seen. “Don’t mind me” she said, noticing both of their stares. “I’m just…happy.” They looked at her earnestly as she wiped her face to no avail as more tears fell. “This – This is all I wanted” Claire gestured with her hands, pointing to them, pointing everywhere while she was in the highest of cloud nines.

Bree looked at Jamie and understood what they needed to do. Bree went to her mom and gave her the tightest of hugs. Jamie crept behind Claire and gathered both of his girls in an engulfing hug. Claire, on the other hand, just held on and let it all out. – and in that moment, all was good and all was well.

Roger is driving back to the stones after making the anonymous tip of the crime to the police. He wonders what kind of story will be published on this “murder”, especially, when the killer, as a fact, will never be found. Would this be one of those unsolved murder mysteries you hear about in years to come with a lot of people having their own take of the story? It could be, considering the bizarreness of the situation but deep down, only 3 people will actually know the truth.

As a historian, this is the best research-slash-adventure he’s ever been and will ever have. Unexpected as his guests are, he strangely didn’t find their story too weird or unbelievable. Maybe growing up listening to Mrs. Graham’s stories as a lad did have its perks.

Traveling back in time to actually witness history take place is every historian’s dream and now he is in the presence of one that can actually tell the truth – not assumption – truth of what really happened then. He immediately thought of Frank Randall and how much he has missed in his research if only he believed his wife’s story. How much his work would’ve meant more if he had those juicy details, stories or evidences, you cannot find and no one knows except his “time-traveling” wife. What an opportunity he missed because of his pride, probably jealousy and heartbreak.

He’s yet to tell Claire that he’s actually, probably, found James Fraser to be alive. He and Bree have been spending sometime in the Reverend’s attic and found the research he’d supposedly sent to Frank Randall many years ago. It mentioned of a Fraser officer surviving execution from the English army after the battle. Five Fraser officers are recorded in the books, four names are memorialized on a plaque in a church in Beauly, the fifth name left out, Roger was pretty sure, is Jamie’s.

Roger can’t wait to tell Claire. He hopes that the news will, of course, make her happy and lessen the tension between her and Bree.

As he pulls the car to a stop and shuts down the engine, he begins the climb up the hill to look for his guests. The buzzing was still there but it was fainter now than when they arrived. The sun was rising but the color of the sky remained a magnificent shade of blue and violet that left the rest of the scenery a shadow still in the dark.

Arriving at the top, he saw Bree and Claire wrapped in the arms of a 6’3 giant of man. As far as Roger knows, there’s only one giant man allowed to hold them both like that and he is supposed to be in the 18thcentury.

Could he be? Could he have come through? What perfect timing! Roger thought.

Jamie saw him approach and quickly, he moved from Claire’s back to Bree's Front.

“Who are ye?” he calmly called but the undertone of protection was still apparent. Cause my family harm, I will not hesitate to dismember you.

Before Roger could speak, Claire intervened. “Jamie, this is Roger Wakefield. He’s the reverend’s son and we’ve been staying with him in his manse as his guests.” Roger extended a hand to Jamie and thankfully, he took it.

“Speaking of which, maybe we should all head back to house before the police shows up?” Bree suggested and off they walked down the hill.

Roger went down first, Brianna accompanying him. Claire laced Jamie’s hand on hers and asked “Ready?”

Jamie took a deep breath, looked at the tall stone and tried not to look back at what he’s leaving behind. He’s got Claire and his child now, everything he’ll figure out later.

“Aye, let’s go”

#Outlander #Outlander fanfic #outlander fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #to begin again #jamie fraser #Claire fraser #Brianna fraser #Roger Mackenzie #jamie x claire #jamie x claire x brianna #anyone want to make a banner for the fic? :)

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stvckoncarisi · 6 years

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Faith - Sonny Carisi

THIS IS EXTREMELY SAD AND TWISTED AND I AM SO SORRY. I AM SO SO SORRY.

Dominick never planned to put you and jamie into danger. He should’ve known not to bring work home, not this case. Now he was stuck, somewhere on the state highway, traveling at a steady 80 miles per hour, with your daughter sleeping in the backseat.

“Baby, you’re scaring me what is going on..” You almost whispered. His knuckles were wrapped tightly around the wheel of the squad car.

“Dammit!” Dominick yelled out as the van caught back up behind him, his fist slammed against the door beside him.

“Daddy..” Jamie’s innocent little voice cracked.

It was rare for Sonny to ever yell around her, let alone punch things. He was putty in your daughters hands, he truly treated her like a princess.

You walked back into the nursery to check on your six week old daughter to hear the gentle humming of Dominick. “I will throw away my faith just to keep you and your mother safe, my little princess. You guys are everything I have. I love you both so so much.” His finger ran gently over her tiny cheek before he kissed her forehead gently.

“Jamie, princess i’m sorry. i didn’t mean to wake you. It’s, it’s just daddy forgot his lucky tie at home.” He choked on his words as he looked back at your beautiful creation.

Her eyes were a deep navy blue, bone straight bleach blonde hair with his dimples. It was only three years ago, you and sonny welcomed her into the family.

“Dom, please. What is going on!” You placed your hand on the back of his neck. “Please talk to me. If we are going this start a war here, i need to know what i’m fighting for. Who is it?”

“In brooklyn, I arrested this guy for a rape murder. His name is Jeremy. We couldn’t get enough evidence on the murder but he was convicted of the rape of a different girl who came foreword. But, he didn’t do time. The bastard had a great attorney. He lost his job, his wife, his home, his family basically disowned him. He told me he would come after me one day. Which is part of the reason they sent me to Manhattan. Y/N, he found me. He found us and I have to protect you and Jamie. I refuse to let anything happen to either of you.” His voice just rambled as he lifted his phone to his ear.

“Carisi?” He answered. “Liv, meet me at the spot i told you in ten okay? See you then.” He ran his fingers through his hair before quickly glancing at you. “Are you ready?”

He gave you no time to answer, he just swiftly flicked on the sirens and put his car through the grass dividing the two sides of the highway. He was definitely not ignoring the gas peddle now that he has time to get out of the vans sight.

He cut the sirens and lights after a few minutes. Jamie was now asleep again.

“Please stay with us, please don’t go by yourself.” Your hands rested on Dominick’s chest as Liv put Jamie into her car. “We need you to keep us safe. Our tall, handsome, dorky, caring, thoughtful police officer.” You expressed a soft laugh between each word before you looked up into those beautiful eyes. “Promise me you will come home.”

“Sweetheart, I will throw away my faith just to keep the both of you safe. And if that means i have to leave, doll, i’m going to leave. I cannot have the two of you in danger because of me.” He moved his hand to rest on top of yours. Lightly tapping it against his chest as he expressed a laugh to hide the tears pushing in his eyes. “I love you so much, you have no idea.” His lips pressed gently against yours for a few moments before he pulled you into his chest.

The tears ran down his stubbly cheeks before you wipe them away, your lips pressing against his once more. “You better go talk to Jamie.”

Dominick made his way over to your daughter, waking her gently. “Princess, daddy has to leave for a few days. I need you to keep this for me.” He took off his wedding ring and his cross that hung from his neck and handed them to the three year old. “Promise me that you won’t let mommy cry too much? You know how she gets, you need to make sure she gets out of bed in the morning, make sure she eats, and if she isn’t. You remember uncle rafael’s phone number right?” She gave him a small nod, tears forming in her eyes. “Shh, don’t cry baby, don’t cry. You have all the cute videos of us playing, singing and dancing, and all of the pictures of us on mommy’s phone. They will always be there when you miss me. I’ll see you later princess. I love you, so so much. Please do not ever forget that.” He presses a long, slow kiss to his daughters forehead before he wiped his cheeks, then Jamie’s.

“Carisi.” Liv spoke up. “Please be safe.”

“I know, thank you for this. Thank you so much.” As Dominick turned to head to his squad car, the familiar black van pulled up to block the entrance. “Y/N, get in Liv’s car. Right now, go!” He yelled out to his wife.

Jeremy stepped out of the van, followed by two larger men behind him.

“Ahh, Detective Dominick Carisi.” He laughed out softly, pulling the gun from his side. “I told you i would find you.”

“Listen, Jeremy. You don’t have to do this.” Dominick raised his hands as he backed away from the man.

“Shut up. You took everything from me. My job, my wife, my kids, my family.” He hissed at the tall detective.

Dominick looked back at Liv who also had he hands raised trying to back into her car slowly. Then to his wife who stood inches from the car door, frozen.

“Who is the beaut?” Jeremy made his way over to your body, lifting the gun to your cheek, running it down your soft skin. You flinched as the cool metal met the skin. “Is this one yours?” He nodded towards Carisi. “She’s pretty, beautiful lips.” He lifted the gun to your mouth, and pressed. “Open!” He commanded. You followed. You wrapped your lips around the disgusting weapon. “Look at that, a good listener. How cute.” You sighed out as the gun left your mouth. You spit out the taste from your mouth.

“Jeremy, leave her alone. She has nothing to do with this.” Sonny called out, and with that Jeremy let the gun smack your cheek. You yelled out and looked towards Dominick, his eyes swollen, his fists clenched.

Jamie yelled out from the backseat, she was screaming out for her mother and father.

“Jamie no, jamie.” Dominick was now in full blown tears, he reached for his gun and pulled it out of his holster. Lifting it towards the two men behind him. “I will kill you, i swear to god. Let Liv calm her down.” Dominick pled. The two men nodded towards Olivia who walked to the backseat to calm down Jamie.

“Drop the gun. I said drop it!” Jeremy stood behind Sonny with his gun to the back of your husbands head. “Now turn and look at me” Dominick slowly turned to the man, and swallowed whatever was in his throat as he made one glance over to you and mouthed I love you Doll.

“I said me, not her.” Jeremy pressed the gun flesh against the skin of Sonny’s forehead. “I would take you from them, but what fun would that be?” He laughed. “You get to suffer just like i did.”

Dominick tried to get the gun from Jeremy, but that just pissed him off.

“Oh, so you want to try to be slick?” He raised the gun towards you and fired at your leg.

It was fast and sudden. There was no warning, you always pictured it would be in slow motion like in the movies. But it was an excruciating pain that ran up your entire body. The bullet hit your upper thigh.

Jeremy just stared for a second, but for that second Dominick grabbed his gun from behind him and aimed at jeremy.

“Drop the gun jeremy.” Dominick threatened. “I said fucking drop the gun.” He pressed the gun against Jeremy’s back, pushing him towards his squad car. “I swear to god, if you don’t drop it. I will kill you right here.”

Within seconds there were two gun shots. One from Dominick’s gun, the other, from Jeremy’s.

You couldn’t help but to scream out again as the second bullet rips through your stomach.

Dominick turned toward the two men who he had threatened to help him get you to the hospital fast.

“Baby, come on. You’re going to be okay, it’s going to be fine. You’ll be okay.” Sonny lifted you to carry you into the back of his squad car. “Shit.” He mumbled at all of the blood on the ground where you laid. “Alright beautiful, you’re doing great. I promise you’re going to fine.”

The entire way to the hospital, Dominick prayed.

The entire time you were in surgery, Dominick prayed.

The entire time your daughter grew up without her mother, Dominick prayed.

The entire time he visited your grave, Dominick prayed.

He prayed for one more minute, one more second to tell you how much he adored your smile, your laugh, your hair, your annoying snoring, how loud you were in the mornings trying to make breakfast, how smart you were, how crazy beautiful you looked in his Fordham hoodie. He prayed for one more chance to hold you close and kiss your lips. He prayed for every once of you to be placed into his daughter.

He prayed for one more day with you.

#sonny carisi imagine #sonny carisi x reader #sonny carisi #rafael barba x reader #rafael barba #law and order: special victims unit #svu writing #law and order svu #i am so sorry

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lawofavgs · 6 years

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The Sacrifices We Make - Chapter 2

A/N: Holy cow, the responses to the first chapter put such a smile on my face! Enjoy the latest chapter!

Chapter 1

“You’re Brian Fraser.”

He offered up a small smile, kind and reassuring. “Aye, that’s me. And who might you be?”

My first time through the stones, once I realized what had happened, I had done my level best not to reveal my secret. I found out information on my own and relied on things I had learned from Frank and Uncle Lamb to blend in as best I could. I had known what the consequences would be should I tell anybody the truth of my circumstances. The one time I tried to get too creative, trying to bluff Black Jack Randall by saying I was also a spy of Sandringham’s, I had gotten myself into a much deeper mess.

Perhaps it was the overwhelming fatigue, or the hormones from my pregnancy. Most likely, it was a result of seeing Brian Fraser, the grandfather and namesake of my future child, the person who had raised my lost husband to be the great man he became. Whatever the reason, careless words bubbled up in my throat and tumbled out past my lips before I had a chance to think it through.

“What year is this?”

His hazel eyes widened slightly, a flash of shock showing on his face before he schooled his features into that blasted Fraser mask his son had clearly inherited. “The year? Why, it’s Seventeen Hundred and Forty. Are ye well, lass?”

1740. I swayed on my feet slightly as the year registered in my mind. The year of Brian Fraser’s death. The year Black Jack Randall came into Jamie’s life and did all in his power to destroy it. The small amount of bannocks sitting in my stomach nearly made a reappearance. My heart broke again as I thought of all that Jamie had sacrificed for me and our child. His whole life, he gave every part of himself for the people he loved, and where did it get him? An early grave on a Godforsaken moor in a doomed war.

In that instant, I knew what I had to do. The risks, the consequences, all of it made little difference to me. For all that he had done for me; I was going to repay the debt.

And damn my heart and soul in the process.

In that moment, all the sadness and grief washed away in a soothing ebb of warmth. Perhaps I would never get back to the 20th century. Perhaps I would never raise my child with a loving father in a safe environment, but all that mattered in the situation I found myself in was saving Jamie, sparing him a shortened life of torment and loss.

My voice came out stronger than I thought it would as I met Brian’s gaze. “I know this is going to sound mad, and I don’t know how I can make you believe me, but I need you to listen to me. Every word. I’m a close friend of your family. Or rather, I will be. You see, I’m from the future.”

There was a beat of bewilderment before his tone turned sympathetic. “Ach, lass, I fear ye’ve been out in the elements too long. Ye’re tired, hungry. Come, we’ll fetch ye something to eat from the main house. My daughter is a few years younger than you, she may be able to find you something clean to wear.”

“Your daughter Jenny, yes, I know her. Will know her. Damn it, please, listen,” I started with a slight panic. I needed him to believe me, to trust my story and heed my words. If I couldn’t get him to take that leap of faith, this would all be for naught. “You also have a son, Jamie, who’s two years younger than her. You met your wife Ellen at a Gathering at Castle Leoch. She was supposed to marry Malcolm Grant but she chose you instead. You both ran away, came here, and built Lallybroch.

“There-there’s a blade under your bed – 10th century Viking, five-lobbed pommel. Jamie has a carved wooden snake named Sawny, made for him by your eldest child, Willie. Willie passed away from small pox when he was eleven.”

Brian still didn’t seem convinced as I rambled on, not that I blamed him. Everything I told him so far were facts I could have gleaned from others. Nothing pointed to the conclusion that I was anything other than a raving lunatic, or perhaps a conman. Still, I pressed forward.

“What matters most is that you listen to what I have to say now. In October of this year, you will leave Lallybroch to attend a funeral. While you’re away, Redcoats will come for food and supplies. Two will try to attack Jenny, but Jamie will stop them. It’s that moment that will forever change your son’s life.”

Despite what sounded like the rantings of a mad woman, I still had Brian’s attention, so I continued the story. I told him how Randall will string Jamie up and beat him, how he’ll coerce Jenny to escort him inside in order to stop the assault on her brother (though, after a few blows, she would come to no further assault from Black Jack). I explained how Jamie would be charged with obstruction and held at Fort William, only to attempt escape with a bit of food and be sentenced to two hundred lashes.

Here, I got to the point in the tale where Brian would witness his son’s second round of flogging. Once, years ago, I told Randall the date of his death, and experienced a sense of dark pleasure at the shock and fear that lit across his face. The emotion I felt now, foretelling my father-in-law’s untimely demise, was the polar opposite. Even with his obvious doubts, Brian’s face paled slightly at my words, at hearing he would die witnessing his son being flogged near to death.”

“He will manage to escape Fort William after that, with the help of kin, but he’ll be forced to live as an outlaw. He will not be able to come back to Lallybroch, take his place as Laird, see his sister, or even live as a Fraser. The Mackenzies will give him shelter, but he’ll be forced to answer to a false name to protect himself from the price on his head – for a murder he didn’t commit.”

“Please,” the once-strong voice shook slightly, “I dinna want to hear any more of this.”

“I’m sorry, but I must tell you. If you know what is to come, you can try to change it.” It wasn’t lost on me that simply knowing the future was not enough to fix the wrongs that would someday come to pass – a lesson I had learned the hard way several times. Still, this was my only chance to save both Jamie and his father. As difficult as the words were to say, I told him about Wentworth, the black mark Randall would make on Jamie’s soul. The rest was explained quickly and vaguely, always leaving my role in Jamie’s life out of the story.

“You’ve raised an amazing man, Mr. Fraser. I know this is difficult to comprehend, but you can save him from the pain he is going to endure. You can save your own life, as well.”

The man remained silent, searching my face for any hint of dishonesty, perhaps a sign of insanity. “How? How is this possible? How could ye have come here from the future? Are ye a witch?”

“No,” I sighed, so used to that question by now. “I still don’t know how this works, to be honest. I was just a normal person who accidentally touched a standing stone at Craigh Na Dun, which led me to this time. I’m not a witch, or a fairy, though some have taken to calling me a White Lady.”

“I…I dinna ken what to make of all of this.”

“I’m sure right now it all seems implausible. All I ask is that when October comes and you’re called away to a funeral, don’t go. Send Jamie instead. Keep Jenny out of sight when the Redcoats come, and don’t impede them when they take what is yours.”

He inhaled a deep breath, holding it for a few beats before releasing it slowly. Despite being a bastard, I knew his upbringing at Beaufort Castle afforded him an education. I only prayed he would be learned enough to accept what I had just told him. At the very least, to keep an open mind until he’s told of the funeral several months from now.

“I’m afraid to ask this but…is that all? Is there more to the prophecy ye’re telling me?” There was a vague hint of humour in his tone and I smiled sadly.

“Unfortunately, yes, there’s more. There’s to be a Jacobite uprising in 1745. Don’t join the cause. It’s doomed, and nothing can be done to change that. Believe me, I know. Instead, prepare for the aftermath. Plant potatoes. Store as much food as you can. Hide any valuables you don’t want to see stolen by the English. Sell any unprofitable land and prepare for a stretch of hard years that will see your Highland culture stripped from you. It will be extremely difficult, but I know how strong you Frasers are. And how stubborn.”

“How?” Off my questioning look, he continued. “How do you know my family?”

For what felt like the first time since the conversation began, I paused to choose my words carefully. “I met your son through the Mackenizes, and was later introduced to your daughter. They’ve always been good to me, and if there was anything I could do to help them, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

The silence stretched as Brian digested my words, turned them over in his head and tried to wrap his mind around the impossible. I finally managed a deep enough breath to smell the familiar scent of farmland and heather, so linked in my mind to the place I had called home.

“I’m not sure if I believe you.” I felt my heart sink at his words. “But…but I will not ignore your warning. Should there be a reason to leave Lallybroch in October, I promise to send young Jamie in my stead. And if an army is roused to support the Stuarts in 1745, I will keep my family and my tenants out of the stramash. Ye have my word.”

All at once, I felt the tension drain out of me. This could work. This would work. Brian would use this information to protect his son. Jamie would have the life he had always deserved. The Frasers would survive the Rising, together and strong.

“Come,” Brian said, gesturing to the manor behind him. “We’ll get some food in yer belly and a warm bed to sleep in.”

I remembered Jamie’s words to me as I begged him to come through the stones with me.

Even if I could go back through the stones, it’s not my place.

This was not my place. Not now, not anymore.

“Thank you, but I cannot stay. I must go back to Craigh Na Dun, back to the standing stones.” Brian’s eyebrows shot up. After a moment, he nodded his head once, decidedly.

“Aye, if ye wish. I shall accompany you there.” Before I could protest, he raised his hand. “If all ye said is true, then I owe you my life as well as the soul of my son. This is the least I could do to repay you.”

Too tired and not foolish enough to refuse an escort back, I merely smiled. It felt as though I had been drained of everything; all the pain, fear, and hurt that had taken up residence in my soul. All that was left was a calm, if empty, peace.

The ride back to the fairy hill was mostly quiet, peppered with a few queries from Brian as to the future. I didn’t want to reveal too much, lest my interference change some of the good along with the bad. I assured him that Jenny was - would be - happy and healthy and well-loved, and that despite all Jamie had suffered through, he was still a great man. I reiterated the need to prepare for the aftermath of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s doomed cause, in order to see those who relied on him safe through the hard years of famine and oppression. I also revealed facts about myself, albeit hesitantly. Vague things such as the fact that I was a healer, that my parents had died when I was young and I had been raised by my uncle. I purposefully left out that I was pregnant, and that I had left a husband on the other side of the stones - twice. I didn’t even reveal my name, simply mentioning that someone very dear to me referred to me as “Sassenach”. He barked out a laugh, and I assured him it was said with the utmost affection.

As we crested the hill and were greeted with the sight of the stone circle, I felt a sense of the unknown drape around my shoulders. I had always been relatively sure that laying my hands upon the magical mystery before me would return me to the 20th century. Now, I had no way of knowing where they would take me.

For a long time, I stared at the top of the hill, awaiting some sort of sign as to my fate. So lost in my contemplation, I nearly missed Brian’s question. “Do ye have a place to go?”

A place to go. Like I was boarding a ship and sailing across the ocean to a different country rather than a different time. I had no answer to give, not an honest one at least.

“If ye need shelter, ye’ll come back to Lallybroch.” It was closer to a command than a request or an offer. I looked over the man, and even in the short time I’d spent with him, I saw all the qualities Jamie and Jenny spoke of so fondly. I saw the man who would so largely shape their lives long after he was gone. If this worked, they would be given more time with him. He would hopefully be able to see the birth of his first grandchild.

“Thank you,” I said with no shortage of emotion vibrating through my speech. “Take care of them.”

“Always. Safe journeys to ye, Sassenach.”

I smiled, the tears nearly spilling as I turned to make my way up the fairy hill. With a sort of detachment, I wondered if this was to be the fate of Jamie and me. We could live, we could be safe, but we must be apart. Perhaps the 20th century really did await me on the other side of the stones this time.

The sound of the buzzing and the magnetic pull washed over me as I was guided to the stones by some unseen current. I raised my hands as my steps took me forward slowly but surely until my fingertips felt a recognizable coolness and the world went black.

#outlander fanfic #outlander fanfiction #claire x jamie #jamie x claire #outlander #the sacrifices we make #fanfic

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takemeawaytocamelot · 6 years

Text

Secret Santa - Hiccups and Somersaults

Well well well @internallydeceased! I certainly got lucky when I was given YOU as my person to write for!! I have to say, I really really loved doing this. It was so much fun. I’m so sorry it took so long to get here. I definitely didn’t have the brain capacity this time around to do a series, so you just get a one shot. But I think it’s rather a good one-shot! Anyway! Happy Christmas beautiful! I hope you enjoy your wee giftie!

Thank you @moghraidhjamie for organizing this all again!!

NSFW warning since you wanted smut. : )

Claire lay drowsily on the couch, facing the fireplace. Jamie sat hunched over the desk, trying to copy and decipher the latest batch of stolen correspondence. She should probably be resting in their bed upstairs, but she’d insisted on staying with him until he finished.

“Oh!” she said suddenly, her words sharp. “Oh God!”

Before he’d made a conscious decision to move, he was kneeling at her side, papers still fluttering to the floor in his wake.

“Claire!” he said, holding her face between his hands. “Are ye alright? Has somethin’ happened? Is it the bairn? Should I send for Murtagh? Suzette? Do ye need-”

“Jamie!” she said through a laugh. “I’m just fine. We are alright.”

Forcing himself to relax a little, he nodded.

“I heard ye cry out and worried…”

“It wasn’t anything bad. Our wee Fraser is just a little more active than I was expecting.”

His heart stuttered as his eyes moved down to her belly.

“Active?”

“Would you like to feel your child?”

Without waiting for an answer, she took his hand and moved it over her stomach. At first, he didn’t feel anything. He glanced up at Claire, who smiled at him. Then it happened. It wasn’t much, a slight nudge, but it was there.

“Christ,” he breathed.

“Oh just wait. I think he was doing somersaults a moment ago.”

“I dinna ken what that is, but it sounds uncomfortable.”

Claire laughed.

“Strange,” she agreed. “It feels very strange. But good.”

Jamie stared at his hand as the bairn continued moving around. Claire giggled and he frowned up at her.

“What?”

“I think the baby’s gotten the hiccups.”

“He can do that?”

Claire nodded and her belly vibrated slightly again.

“God,” Jamie whispered. “He’s really a person…”

“Yes he, or she, is. Our very own miracle.”

The way he was stroking her belly, almost reverently, had her distracted. Every time he reached up to the top of her belly, he would brush against her breast, sending little shivers all over her body.

“Aye,” he said softly, aware of her eyes on him.

Feeling, and seeing, this child move - his child - gave him such joy he could not express. He’d been too afraid to hope for a child, with the price on his head and Black Jack hunting him. Then Claire had told him she was barren and he’d been strong for her, reassuring her that everything would be alright. But this secret hope still lingered.

“What are you thinking?” Claire asked, reaching out to run her fingers through his hair.

“How beautiful ye are, swollen wi’ child.”

She snorted and struggled to sit up. He stood and helped her, his hand holding hers. Unable to resist, he traced the lines of her lips with a finger, surprised - and quite aroused - when she bit down.

“Are you done with your letters?” she asked, her voice deep and sultry.

He eyed her with suspicion as she stared up through her lashes at him.

“No’ yet. I must finish them tonight so Fergus can return them.”

“You’ve been looking over those for hours.”

“Aye…”

She bit her lower lip and tried to hide a smile. With one finger, she began playing with the ribbon of her shift.

“Perhaps it’s time you take a break. Sometimes stepping away can help your brain sort through things and give you a solution.”

“Oh,” he said, smiling. “Is that so?”

“Mm,” she nodded. “Scientific fact.”

Jamie glanced behind him at the papers strewn on the floor. In his haste to reach her, he’d knocked over the chair as well, though he didn’t remember hearing the crash. He really did need to finish reading through them and making copies. Fergus would take the originals early in the morning and return them to the courier’s bag before they were missed. But…

“Aye,” he said slowly. “Perhaps a break would do me good. Shall I take ye upstairs for a quick nap, then?”

She opened her mouth to agree until she’d heard his last words. Then she snapped her mouth shut and glared at him.

“Not unless you intend to make love to me first.”

“Make love to ye? Surely you’re tired, Sassenach. And I dinna think the bairn would like to be jostled about, aye?”

Her glare deepened and she lumbered off the couch. She stepped closer to him, her hand running down his chest. When she reached down between his legs he grunted.

“Well I’m certainly not tired and clearly you aren’t either.”

Slowly, she began rubbing her hand against him and he lost the ability to think or breathe for a moment.

“Christ, Sassenach! What about the bairn?”

“What about him?”

His own hand was beginning to drift over her body, feeling her soft curves beneath her shift.

“I dinna expect he’d enjoy being jostled about, aye?”

“You already said that. But… How about,” she said, unbuttoning his waistcoat. “You let me worry about the baby.”

She helped him out of his waistcoat and tossed it behind them. Pulling herself closer, the bulge of the bairn pressed between them. It moved, allowing both Jamie and Claire to feel it.

His mind was split between the enticing sight of his wife undressing him and feeling their bairn move swiftly against his own skin.

Claire regained his full attention as she ran her hands under his shirt and pulled it up over his head, leaning forward to nip gently on his chest, just over his heart. The bite was only hard enough to leave a wee bruise.

“Ahh,” Jamie hissed, feeling her teeth bite just a bit harder before pulling her bodily even closer to him. “Ye wee vixen,” he muttered against her mouth as she smiled coyly.

“I believe you once told me ‘if you bed a vixen you should expect to get bit.’”

“Aye, aye, I do believe I did say that once. And it was as true that day as it is now.”

He smiled down at her, absorbing the look in her eyes, eyes that were full of hunger, and leaned down to nip at her lips. After a few minutes of fevered kissing, hands running wildly over each other’s flesh, Jamie pulled back.

“So,” he said a little breathlessly. “Shall I take ye upstairs and take ye to bed? Or shall I service ye here, where Murtagh or one of the servants might find us?”

Claire shuddered and he knew what her answer would be. She turned her back to him and walked toward the couch, dropping her shift as she did. He shed his own garments as quickly as he could, kicking off his shoes and nearly falling over in his stockings.

Standing at the arm of the couch, she glanced over her shoulder at him and bent at the waist. Both of his hands ran over her rump, sliding up her back before making the circuit again.

“Ye have the most perfect arse,” he said, giving it a squeeze. “And skin soft as silk.”

Her hips swayed back and forth, teasing him. Holding her carefully, he slid home with a satisfied grunt. Then he began rocking against her, enjoying the feel of her around him and the quiet sounds she made.

Claire began pushing back against him, driving him harder than he meant. Using his grip on her hips, he slowed her down.

“What are you doing?” she asked with a slight growl.

“I dinna want to hurt the bairn. I dinna want to be too… rough, wi’ him inside ye.”

“What did I tell you before?” she asked. “Let me worry about the baby.”

Jamie hesitated, unsure of what to do.

“But…”

“Oh for Christ’s sake!” She stood up and forced him to take a step back and pointed to the couch. “Sit.”

Obediently, he plopped himself down, a little confused. She straddled him and looked him in the eye.

“You’re not going to hurt us,” she said.

With her hands on the back of the couch, she took him in and began moving. He kissed her then, absorbing her moans. One of his hands came up and cupped her full breast, pleased with the warm weight of it. When she released his mouth, he kissed his way down her neck before reaching his target. Her skin always tasted sweet to him and he could never taste it enough.

His tongue found its way to the tip of one breast, where he teased and tantalized her sensitive flesh. She whimpered quietly, still moving her hips as best she could. Using the one hand that wasn’t grabbing Claire’s arse, he lifted her breast up to his mouth. He wanted to hear that squeak he loved, the one she insisted she didn’t make. Nibbling at her breast, he smiled as he got the sound he’d been waiting for.

“Jamie…” she panted, her skin slapping against his.

Then she was shuddering around him, fingers digging into his scalp and his shoulder. He released his hold on her breast as he came to the end of himself. They sat for a few minutes, both heaving and trying to calm down.

“See?” Claire said in a satisfied voice. “The baby is just fine.”

Jamie’s hands moved from her buttocks to her belly, eager to feel his child once more. There! He felt it, almost as though the bairn felt him and moved away. Claire’s whisky eyes were slowly closing and Jamie smiled.

After shrugging into his shirt and some careful maneuvering, Jamie carried his sleeping wife upstairs and tucked her into their bed. For a long moment, he just watched her sleep.

“God,” he prayed in Gaelic. “Protect my beloved, and the child she carries. In this day, and every day. In this place, and every place.”

Claire stirred and blinked drowsily up at him.

“Are you coming to bed?”

“Aye, in a moment. I need to clear up the papers I scattered and then I’ll come join ye.”

The smile she gave him was small but it pierced him through the heart. She was his everything. He could not, and would not, survive without her.

“Hurry back, soldier.”

Jamie leaned down and kissed her forehead before heading back to his desk.

#Outlander Secret Santa 2017 #takemeawaytocamelot #internallydeceased #jamie x claire #outlander #outlander fanfic

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duketheman · 4 years

Text

Generation 4 Part 5

It's 7:00am! George, JR & I are enroute to the Hospital. George will stay & visit Lucy & little Anabel. We'll take Marry & our little boy home after she's discharged! Richard & Lewis will be arriving later this afternoon from Dallas. It's 7:45am & we're on our way up to the rooms where our wives are staying. 7:55am JR & myself are entering Mary's room. Mary is sitting on the side of her bed. Harry Jr is in a plastic see through Infant bed next to her. They're waiting for Dr Jameson to release them so she can be discharged! 8:05am & Dr Jameson is checking the baby out once more. He says: ~The little guy doing fine! Everything's looking good. How are feeling Mrs Newport?~ She replies: ~I'm feeling great, I'm ready to go home Doctor.~ He replies: ~I would say you are! If you need anything, just call me, night or day! Good luck & Merry Christmas to you!~ The nurse hands her a clipboard & Mary happily signs it. The nurse rolls a wheelchair in, says: ~Hospital policy my Dear, we have to wheel you out to the door!~ We get to the exit, I pull the car around, JR insists on helping his Mother into the car! He's crazy about having a little brother, he's always since he was a young child himself, wanted a little brother. His wish has been fulfilled! We're on our way back to the Mansion. It's 9:15am & we're pulling onto the Grounds of Newport Mansion, Mother is waiting for us on the porch! We pull up, JR jumps out of the car, opens the rear passenger door, takes the baby from Mary. I help her out of the car, she's doing great, but let's face it, she just had a baby. She's still moving slow! Mother immediately takes the baby from JR & she says: ~Another addition to our family. How handsome he is Mary! How are you feeling Dear? She replies: ~I'm fine Mom, thanks for asking! Just a little slow right now!~ Mother replies: ~That's to be expected Dear! I'm so happy you both are okay! God has truly Blessed this family when you came into Mary, & now with Harry Jr, come inside Dear & sit down.~ We all go I to the house & Mother tells Huntington to bring some Sweet tea. She asks: ~Mary, is tea alright with you?~ She replies: ~Yes, I would love a glass, thank you Mom!~ She says: ~Your parents will return in a little while Mary! They insisted on going to town to pick something up for the Baby! Rachael is feeling a bit better this morning! The nurse says she wants to see the baby, & nothing is going to prevent her from it!~ The nurse helps Rachael to the Drawing room! Rachael says: ~Hello Mary, Harry, John Ross! Where is he, the little Angel?~ JR says: ~Here Grammy, I have him!~ He takes the baby to her & says: ~His name is Harry, like my Dad!~ She replies: ~You happy John Ross, a little Brother, 'O he's beautiful Mary! I'm so happy for you!~ Kellyanne walks in and says: ~Ohhh, can I hold him, please?~ JR hands her the baby, saying: ~Like this Kellyanne!~ He's showing her how to support his head, I really didn't know who taught him! I see he's already protective of him! I'm glad he loves the baby! I ask Mother: ~Where's Father? She replies: ~He & our Driver has taken the Limo to the Airport to pick up your Brothers!~ Jamie comes in: Oh my Goodness, is that Little Harry? Hi Mary, he's so Beautiful! May I hold him?~ She takes the baby from Kellyanne gently! She's got tears running down her face. My sister hasn't been able to conceive! She wants a child of her own so terribly bad! I feel sorry for her......

It's 12:30pm & Father walks in with my Brothers, Richard & Lewis! I greet them with a Handshake & a hug. Father says: ~Where is my new Grandson?~ He sees Jaime holding him & says: ~Now there, who do we have here? Look at his little hands! They're balled up in a fist! That's a sign of a fighter! A Newport if I ever seen one! Mary, how are doing? You did a fine job little girl! You made us proud!~ Mary replies: ~Thank you Dad, he is something, isn't he?~ He replies: ~Yes indeed, he is something!~ My brothers are fighting over who's going to take him Fishing & Hunting first! Huntington takes their bags upstairs while Father fixes them a drink: ~Anyone else would like something to drink?~ We're drinking Sweet tea so we good! George calls my Cell: ~Harry, the Doctor, he say me Lucy & Little Annabel, Me can bring dem home dis day! 6:00pm Harry!~ I reply: ~ Wonderful George, I'll see you then!~ We hang up & I pass the news on! Kellyanne's eyes get big! She remarks: ~Tonight, I can't wait, 'O I'm so happy, I have a baby sister!~ Mary's parents walk in her her say: ~Mary, my sweet child, where's our Grandchild? 'O look at him Will. Isn't he just Beautiful?~ He replies: ~Yes Dear, he's a very good looking boy. Strong, kind of looks like me, don't you think?~ She replies: ~He looks like his Father silly~ Father ask them if they'd like a drink. They both ask: ~Coke please? Laura says: ~Mary, look what we got for Little Harry! Aren't these just darling?~She's bought a Blue set of baby clothes, rattles & other assorted baby needs! They're really happy about the baby! The baby is now laying in a Bassinet next to where Mary's sitting! Laura reaches down & picks the baby up! Oh my Goodness, he's Beautiful Mary! You two made an old lady happy! It's 5:00pm & I have to go pick George, Lucy & Annabel up from the Hospital. I ask Kellyanne if she wants to come along & she decides she does! We're enroute! We have arrived at the hospital & it's 5:45pm. We go up to Lucy's room! She's ready to leave as soon as the nurse brings her some formula ordered by the Doctor. She's having some difficulty Breastfeeding, little Annabel isn't latching on! The nurse is here with the formula & a wheelchair. Lucy gets in the wheelchair & the nurse wheels her down to the exit. George helps Lucy into the backseat of the car with Kellyanne & the Baby. George rides shotgun! We're enroute to the Mansion. 6:55pm we're pulling onto the grounds of Newport Mansion. My parents & JR meet us at the car. George helps Lucy out, JR helps Kellyanne out with the little Annabel in her arms. Her big sister has already grown attached to her! Mother greets Lucy & says: ~Welcome Lucy, How you feeling Dear! How the baby, Anabel, right?~ She replies: ~Yes Mam Mrs Newport, & we're both doing fine thank you!~ Mother replies: ~I'm so happy to hear that, come inside my Dear, you need to sit down & rest!~ We all go inside & we now have two stars in the house! Mother has a Bassinet already set up next to little Harry for her! Lucy places Annabel in it & everyone is here. One big Happy family. Mother announces: ~Tomorrow we shall decorate the tree!

"Rachael's Gift To John Ross"

Rachael calls JR over: ~John Ross, I have something for you!~ She hands him a box. He opens it, a Christmas Ornament. He remarks: ~It's beautiful Grammy!~ She replies: ~It was your Mother's when she was young! It's got her name on it~ It's eight dolphins pulling Santa's Sailboat pass a full moon! Her name is Boldly printed on it. Rachael adds: ~It's hung on our tree every year since she was six years old. I thought you could carry on the tradition! ~ I see JR starting to tear up, as he thanks his Grandmother & hugs her: ~I promise Grammy, thank you!~ It's 7:45,pm & Huntington rings the bell & announces: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We're all hungry except for Rachael. Her stomach is unsettled, so she excuses herself & the nurse helps her up the stairs! Mother has Beef Broth, crackers & Apple juice prepared for her & will have it brought to her room! The rest of us go into the Dining room & are seated at the table. My parents at each end, the rest of us are pretty much pairing up with our mates. This meal is not formal, though some may think so!

It's a dinner of Aged beef, Roasted baby potatoes, Broccoli & cheese, Green Garden salad, Onion Soup Crackers & Fresh yeast rolls! Drinks of choice are served. We have Baked Alaska for dessert! I've forgotten my Mother's choice of menus, she's a classy woman! 9:00pm we finish up dinner & retire to the Drawing room! Father serves Drinks. Mary & Lucy request Sprite, Laura a Glass of Red wine, as does Mother. The kids are off visiting each other. The Babies are both asleep in the Bassinets. We five men have a Cognac. It's nice for family to be able to congregate after dinner! I only wish Rachael was able to enjoy herself! I'm not sure she's going to make to Christmas, we can only pray!

It's 10:00pm, Mary & Lucy pick up the babies, say Goodnight. George & myself excuse ourselves so we can join our wives! We miss them & want to spend time with them! Personally, I miss sleeping with Mary, without her, it's hard to even close my eyes! I take the baby from my wife's arms & carry him, while helping her up the stairs! We get to our room & she's beat. She takes a shower the I take mine as to be able to keep a close eye on little Harry! Mary feeds the him & we go to bed!

Sunday, December 01, 2019

It's 7:00am we're all up getting ready to attend Church as a Family! Rachael insists on attending, though not feeling well! She says: ~I don't miss Church. Please help me?~ We load up her wheelchair into the trunk of the Limousine. The nurse will accompany us. It's 9:00am & the sixteen of us load up into the Limo, Father's & my Sister's cars, forming a small caravan & go to Church! 10:16am we arrive at Church & are greeted by the Pastor. He is happy to see the whole family attending. He informs the Door Keepers to assure an easy in & out for Rachael!

12:30pm, Services are over & we're enroute home to Newport Mansion!

We're pulling into the grounds of the Mansion. We pull the wheelchair out of the trunk of the Limo & help Rachael out. The nurse wheels her into the house! She wants to stay downstairs & visit. The nurse administers her a shot to help her with pain! It's 12:00pm & Huntington announces: ~Lunch is will be served in Dining room!~ We enter the Dining room & be seated! Split pea soup & a variety of Finger sandwiches are served! After lunch, we all go out to the Garden & sip on Mother's Sweet tea! The nurse wheels Rachael so she can have some fresh air! She asks for water only. She's getting worse & I'm truly worried for her! I've made arrangements to have the Reverend moved from Shreveport to our Family cemetery to be intermed next to his daughter! I pray Rachael will make it to the New Year......

The Tree

It's 3:00pm & Mother announces: ~Everyone, it's time to decorate the Christmas tree! Come on, everyone to the Grand Foyer!~

Everybody gets in on the decorations, each have a personal Ornaments. JR will place his, as well as: Julia's on the tree! Mother has created an ornament each for little Harry & Annabel.

Little Harry

"Baby's First Christmas Rocking horse Ornament"

Little Annabel

"Baby's First Christmas Basket Ornament"

Mother has a large array of other ornaments, including belonging to my Grandparents!

There's Gold, Silver, Blue, Green & Red tinsel. She has lights & Candy Canes too! Little Angel's & Tree Candles! The tree is Beautiful & fits nicely in the Grand Foyer! Now that it's finished, we place gifts under the Tree for the final touch!

It's now 6:30pm, giving us enough time to wash up before dinner!

7:00pm Huntington rings the bell & announces:~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ Rebecca wants to eat with us tonight. Cook has prepared Chicken broth, crackers & Jello for her! The main menu consists of: Clam Chowder, Salad, Veal, Lobster, Caviar, Truffles, Choice of Drinks. Dutch Chocolate Cake & Strawberries for dessert. A typical Sunday meal for my Parents..... It's 8:45pm & we've finished Dinner. The ladies retire to the Drawing room. Father asks us men to follow him to the Library. He pulls out a Bottle of his very best Cognac & a Box of Havana Cigars! He says: ~Men, two new lives have Blessed us with theirs! Tradition calls for a Good Cigar & a Great Cognac!~ He passes a cigar each to my Brothers, Will, Robert, George & myself! He then takes one for himself! We each cut the tips off & Father lights them. He pours each of us a Cognac & we raise our glasses, toasting our Newborn Children! After, we join the women in the Drawing room for conversation! Huntington serves Coffee & diluted juice for Rachael! Rachael apologizes & excuses herself, retiring for the night! The nurse will see her to her room & administer her medication so she can sleep!

It's 10:00pm & I my wife say our Goodnights & take Little Harry to our room. Mary feeds the baby once again as I shower! Afterwards, I take the baby & hold him for a while! I feel as if he's already grown since we left the hospital! Mary comes out of the bathroom & puts the baby in the Bassinet next to the bed. He's really a good baby, as he doesn't cry very much. He goes right to sleep... Mary & I climb into bed & she falls asleep in my arms! I love my wife, Goodnight!

December 02, 2019

3:15am

Grammy says Goodbye!

Knock at my room door: ~Mr Newport, Sir!~ it's Rachael's nurse at the door: ~Mr Newport, you're needed Sir!~ I reply: ~Coming, I'll be right there!~ She didn't wake the baby or my wife, thank the Lord! I put my robe on & open the door & ask: ~What's wrong?~ She replies: Sir, she's slipping fast, Mrs Marcantel! She hasn't long & she's asking for you, I've already called the Doctor!~ I reply: ~Of course, let's go!~ I knock on JR's door as I pass & tell him to come to his Grandmother's room!

I enter the room, she's looking bad, can hardly hold on as her breathing is shallow! I let her know I'm there: ~Mom, I'm here!~ I take hold of her hand! She replies in a low & almost diminished voice: ~Harry, my Jimmy's calling me, I can hear him! My baby is with him! Harry, where is John Ross? Is he here?~ John Ross answers: ~I'm here Grammy, I love you Grammy, please don't leave me?~ He's got tears in his eyes & is hurting! She says: ~John Ross, I see your Mother, she's with your Grandpa! Harry, remember what I asked? I love~ She takes her last breath & is gone! John Ross kisses his Grandmother on the forehead, lays his head on her chest & begins to cry! He's lost his Mother, Grandfather & now his Grandmother to Cancer! The Doctor is here, he checks for a heartbeat, then calls it. Time of Death: 3:45am! He calls the Mortuary to pick up Rachael! Mother comes into the room: ~I'm so sorry, I just learned! She walks over & touches Rachael's hand & says: ~Farewell my friend!~ She says to JR: ~Son, she loved you deeply, you were all we ever talked about on the phone! She looked so forward to seeing you before the end! She was proud of you! She's not in pain any longer!~ She leaves us alone & wake's everyone to give them the news!

It's 7:00am & the Mortuary’s here! She'll be buried here, next to Julia. Everyone's in shock! We knew she didn't have long, but this was too soon!

Skipping forward:

Saturday, December 07, 2019

Rachael's Funeral

It's 6:00am & everyone is getting to attend the funeral of Julia's Mother. The viewing of the body is at Madison First Baptist Church, from 8:00am to 9:00am. Burial will be at the Newport Family Cemetery at 10:00am! It's now 7:00am & we're all enroute to the Church! I've notified her Church in Shreveport & a number of their Parishioners have flown in to attend to include her Pastor who will officiate! Its 7:55am & we're arriving at the Church! Reverend Johnson of The Madison First Baptist Church & Reverend Toussaint, Rachael's Pastor greets us at the doors. The Church is packed with friends of the Marcantels & people from Madison that knew her! She was truly loved!

It's 9:00am & we're loading up in vehicles forming the Funeral Procession! 9:35am we're enroute to the Cemetery where Rachael will be intermed next to her daughter, JR's Mother & my first Love! We are arriving, it's 9:55am. Myself, Father, Bill, the Professor & my two Brothers are Pallbearers. We remove Rachael's Casket from the Hearse & walk it to the Gravesite. We place her Casket on the lowering device & are seated! JR's trying to hold back the tears, he loved his Grammy deeply! Kellyanne is trying to console him! That girl loves my son! Reverend Toussaint says a Prayer: ~Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself, the soul of our dear Sister Rachael Jane Marcantel, departed, we therefore commit her body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure & certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto His glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself, Amen!

A single Carnation from atop her Casket, is passed to each member of our Family. JR touches the Casket & says: ~Goodbye Grammy, say hello to Grandpa & Mommy! I love you Grammy!~ They lower the Casket into the ground & the funeral is over. We all depart the Cemetery, leaving a loved one in the Hands of God!

It's 12:15pm & we've all returned to the Mansion! Everyone is in a somber mood, Rachael was a part of us all! She left an impression on each & everyone she met.

Huntington announces: ~Lunch is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & are seated. Mother announces:~The menu today is Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. It's Rachael's own recipe & she made me promise to serve it, if & when she was laid to rest!~ She raises her glass in Toast: ~Here's to you old friend, may you look down on us & smile!~ We all raise our glasses & to Rachael!

Monday December 09, 2019

5:30am

I'm getting ready to fly to Shreveport & escort Julia's Father's remains back to Madison, for burial in our Family Cemetery! He'll be buried next to his wife & daughter! My flight leaves at 7:15am. I'll return tomorrow evening! It's now 6:00am & I kiss my wife Goodbye & Father is driving me to the Airport. We arrive at 6:35am, I'm only taking one carry on bag! I tell my Father: ~I'll see you tomorrow night, thanks for the ride!~ He replies: ~Until tomorrow, be careful son, we love you!~ I go through Security & straight to the departure gate, they're already loading the plane! We take off on time & will arrive in Dallas at 11:30am. I will rent a car for the final nearly three hours to Shreveport. 11:40am my flight is landing ten minutes late! I rent a car from Hertz & enroute to Shreveport where I have a room reserved at The Remington Suites! The Reverend's remains have already been recovered & waiting at the Coroner's office. I'll sign for them & have them delivered to the Airport tonight! They have to arrive there before morning to assure they're on my Flight. I leave at 2:00pm & am scheduled to arrive at Valdosta Regional at 6:30pm. I call Mary to let her know I've arrived safely! It's 12:30pm & I'm enroute to Shreveport. It's 4:30pm, I arrive at the City of Shreveport Coroner's office, I've called the Mortuary in advance to meet me there! I sign for the body & give instructions for the Driver to deliver the Casket to Delta Airlines Freight! It's 6:00pm & I'm signing into the Remington. I have dinner delivered to my room. I take a shower, have a scotch from the Wet Bar & call my wife to say Goodnight! I'm going to sleep!

Tuesday

6:00am I'm awake & shaving, washing my face & Brushing my teeth. 6:30am I'm going downstairs to the Restaurant to eat Breakfast. I'm ready to the road! 7:30am I'm checking out. 8:00am I'm enroute to the Airport. I arrive at 12:00pm, turn my rental in Check in. I'm going to the Coffee Bar & wait! 12:45pm I'm going through Security to the gate where I'll wait for Boarding. 1:30pm I'm boarding my flight. We take off on time, scheduled to arrive at Valdosta Regional at 4:30pm. I called Father to assure he's there when I arrive......

It's 4:25pm & landing on time. I go through Security & meet Father at the loading zone. I've arranged for Burns Funeral Home to pick up the Casket with Julia's Father's remains. He'll be buried next to Rachael in our Family Cemetery tomorrow! We're enroute back to Newport Mansion. I can't wait to see Mary & my sons. It's 5:30pm & we're pulling onto the grounds of the Mansion. We go inside & I immediately find my wife & kiss her. I say: ~Darling, you're my life & I'm so happy to be able to tell you that! I love you Mary Grace Newport, with all that I am & all that I'll ever be! You are what makes my life worthwhile & I thank God for you every moment of my life! She replies: ~Harry, what's gotten into you? I love you too my Harry! I've always loved you Harry, from the very beginning! You are & will be the only man I'll ever love!~ I sit down & Father pours me a drink! It was a trip of sadness, but also of reuniting three special people of my past to rest in peace together! I can pretty much take care of Rachael's affairs from home. The House will stay in the family for JR, as that was her wish! Mother asks: ~Are you hungry son? Dinner will be ready soon!~ I reply: ~I am Mother, famished! I'll be glad to sit down with family & eat. Hotel food sometimes just doesn't hit the spot!~ Mary remarks: ~My poor Harry, you look tired as well my Love!~ I reply: ~Quite so Darling, with all that's on mind; I didn't hardly sleep a wink!~

It's 6:30pm & Huntington rings: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~ We go to the Dining room, be seated. Dinner I great: Roast Ham, Corn, Sweet potatoes, Slaw & for dessert; Peach Cobbler! 7:30pm, we finish eating & retire to the Drawing room to have a Drink. I inform everyone that the Reverend will be buried next to Rachael & Julia tomorrow morning at 10:00am. It's 9:00pm & I'm extremely tired. Mary takes my hand & says: ~Let's go to bed my Harry, you're beat!~ We excuse ourselves, pick up the baby & retire for the night.

Wednesday December 11, 2019

The Reburial of Julia's Father

10:00am we're at the Family Cemetery, & the Hearse carrying Reverend Marcantel arrives. My Father, Brothers, myself, George & Bill act as Pallbearers & removed the Casket containing Julia's Father's remains. We carry him to the gravesite & place the Casket on the lowering device. We all pray silently & the Casket is lowered into the ground! It's 11:15am & we leave the Cemetery enroute back to the Mansion.11:30am we arrive & all go inside & into the Drawing room to talk. It'll be Christmas soon & we need to get in the mood! Mother turns on Christmas music & demands that we cheer up! 12:00pm Huntington rings: ~Lunch is being served in the Dining room!~ We go into the Dining room & be seated. We're having Moroccan salmon and foie gras stuffed pastry. It's really quite delicious.... It's 1:30pm, we finish lunch & retire to the Drawing room to listen to Christmas music. Tomorrow George & myself will take our wives & babies in for a Doctor's appointment.

Thursday

8:00am

George, myself are drinking regular coffee & our wives are drinking Decaf in the Drawing room. Mary will Breastfeed little Harry before we leave. Lucy is already feeding Anabel formula! Both babies are eating & sleep well. Our appointments with Dr Jameson are starting at 10:00am. I'm borrowing Father's car for the day. We'll eat lunch in town & do a little shopping while we're out! It's 9:00am & we're enroute to town for the appointments! George is playing with Annabel. He's a happy Father. It's 8:45am & we're at Dr Jameson's office. We go in & check in! 10:05am, the nurse escorts Lucy, George & Annabel to the back! 10:40am George, Lucy & Anabel come out, George remarks: ~Me wife & little baby, they be good da Doctor he say!~ The nurse escorts us back to the exam room. She weighs little Harry, lays him on the table & measures him. She then measures his head, looks in his eyes & ears. She hands him to me, smiles & leaves the room. Dr Jameson knocks on the door & opens it. Never understood why they always knock on the door, not like we're going to get caught doing something! He enters, asks how we're doing & asks Mary to sit on the exam table. He does a quick exam & asks: Have you been having any problems?~ She replies: ~No Doctor ~ He says: ~Good, everything is looking good with the baby, he's right where he should be on growth & weight! You're doing fine, but if you have any problems at all, you have my number. Day or night!~ She replies: ~Yes Doctor, thank you so much!~ He gives her some vitamins for her & little Harry! We go out to the window & pay the bill. It's 11:55am & we're hungry!

We've decided to eat at O'neal's Country Buffet on Base street. Ribs are sounding really good to me! Cook prepares delicious meals at the Mansion but, sometimes you just want regular food! It's 12:15pm & we're walking into O'neal's. We seat ourselves. The waitress asks us what we want to drink & we reply: ~Ice tea all around! We go to the Buffet & our wives both choose Catfish & George likes Chicken wings & I'm craving those BBQ Ribs! The babies are sleeping, though it's quite loud in here. Country music's playing. The food is delicious!

It's 1:45pm, we finish eating & go shopping at Southern Grace Gifts. We arrive at 2:20pm. It's 3:00pm & the wives want to visit Madison Antiques. It's now 4:15pm & we're enroute back to Newport Mansion. Mary & Lucy both are tired,

& carrying newborns around takes its toll!

It's 5:00pm & we're pulling onto the grounds of the Mansion. I pull up to the front, we help our wives out of the car with the babies & go inside! It was a good day, Mary, Lucy & both babies are doing well! JR asks: ~Mom, how'd things go? You & little Harry ok?~ She replies: ~We're fine John Ross, everything is good! Baby's healthy & I'm healthy! No worries my John Ross!~ Kellyanne asks: ~Mama, you & Annabel ok too? ~Lucy replies: ~Yes sweetheart, we're fine!~ Both kids are relieved! They're showing such grownup aptitudes! The wives both want to go to the rooms & freshen up. George & I help them with the babies. We come back downstairs! I ask George: ~Well Old man, how about a cold one?~ He replies: ~aye, Me be thankin ya Harry! Harry, ya be me best friend!~ I reply: ~George, thank you, you're my best friend too, even more, you're family!~ I've never had a friend like George! He's been there every time I've needed him since the day we met! We have a Bud & just relax. 6:30pm Mary & Lucy join us. Mother & the Mary's parents are spending time with little Harry & Annabel. Father is out & about. 7:00pm, Father walks in just as Huntington rings: ~Dinner is being served in the Dining room!~

Continued

#newport

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imagineclaireandjamie · 7 years

Note

You all are so talented. This one is for the Modern Glasgow world. We've seen a few of Jamie's incidences from the books in this story and how Claire helped him through it. Could we see one of Claire's and how Jamie reacts and helps her?

anonymous asked: Hi! Love Modern Glasgow! We’ve seen some of Jamie’s misadventures from the book get translated into this story. Could we see one of Claire’s? How does Jamie and the family react?

Modern Glasgow AU

“And ye’re sure ye dinna need some extra help? There’s noshame in asking – the drought this year has made it hard for everyone.”

“I ken that – but I’ll manage.” Joe Fraser extended hiswork-roughened hand to grip Jamie’s. “And I thank ye for yer offer. But Rosieand me – weel, we always plan for this. The coos will have a bit of a leanyear, but nobody will starve.”

Jamie nodded and opened the driver door of his batteredLand Rover. “We’re settled at the Big House now – I’m just a phone call away.”

“Oh, that’s right! Ye and the missus and how many bairns,now? Three?”

“Five,” Jamie laughed. “Can ye believe it?”

Joe slid his hands into his pockets, shaking his head. “Mary,Michael, and Bride! Yer poor wife.”

“She had more of a say in it than I did, Joe. She kentweel what she was I for when she took up wi’ me. And she’s the head doctor atthe clinic in Broch Mordha now – but I’m sure ye’ve heard already. Brokenbones, cuts, you name it and she can fix it.” He slammed the door shut andturned on the ignition, leaning out through the open window to wave goodbye.

“I’ll be back in a week or so – and let me know how theanimals are getting on, aye? We always plan for this as weel.”

Joe waved a final hearty goodbye and trudged back to hisbarn, the setting sun striking the dust brought up by his boots.

Jamie sighed, ran his hands through his hair, and reachedfor the glove box, fishing around for his phone. Thumbing it to life, he couldn’thelp but smile at the lock screen – a selfie Fergus had taken of him and hisfour siblings. They all had massive grins on their faces, even ten-month-oldJulia, proudly showing her five teeth.

It hadn’t been easy adjusting to life in the ScottishHighlands when living in their cramped Glasgow flat – or in Paris, in Fergus’case – had been the only life his children had ever known. But he and Claireknew they had made the right decision – right for their family, and right forthe two of them. Selling his stake in the printing business had netted quitethe tidy sum, and she was more than willing to give up her high-pressuresurgery job for a quieter pace at the rural clinic. That they both spent muchmore time with the children – watching them grow, guiding them, showing themhow to live – made every single sacrifice worth it.

But now Jamie frowned – ten missed calls, just in thehour or so he’d spent with Joe.

Four from the Big House’s number. Two from Fergus. Twofrom Jenny. One each from Ian and Murtagh.

Christ.

He swallowed and quickly called Murtagh.

“Thank God,” his godfather’s voice crackled through theline. “Ye need to come home.”

Jamie’s heart stopped. “What is it? The bairns?”

“No, lad. No. They’re fine. It’s Claire.”

With shaking hands, Jamie activated the Range Rover’sBlueTooth and tore out of poor Joe’s driveway.

“Tell me everything!” he desperately shouted into thespeakerphone, swerving around the potholes in the dirt road connecting Joe’sfarm to the motorway.

“She got a call, around midday. An old woman having hearttrouble – perhaps a stroke. She left the number here and drove out to make ahouse call.”

Jamie roared down the motorway, limbs shaking.

“When she didna come back an hour ago, we started callingher mobile. No answer. And then Jenny called the woman’s house – her son saidshe was fine, and that Claire had left two hours before that, and said she wascoming straight home. So nobody has seen or heard from her for three hours.”

“We need to go find her!” Jamie screamed, passing twosedans full of tourists and simply not caring that he was at double the speedlimit.

“Aye, lad. We do. Calm down. I’ve got Ian and Jenny andSuzette here, waiting for ye. We can each drive out and search. Fergus wants togo – ”

“No. Put him on the phone. Please. I’ll be there in fiveminutes.”

Muffled sounds – then Fergus’ surprisingly deep voice.Jamie blinked, remembering that his eldest son was now eighteen. A man grown.

“Papa?”

“Listen to me, Fergus. Do yer brother and sisters kenwhat’s going on?”

“No – they’ve been playing with their cousins. I want tohelp you search - ”

“No, Fergus. You must stay behind. They canna know what’sgoing on. Do you understand?”

“But –”

“Damn it, Fergus. You need to protect them. They need anadult to watch over them – to keep them safe. And that adult – that *man* -that’s you, *mon fils*.” Do ye understand me?”

Silence. Then – “Yes. I understand.”

“Good lad. I’m just turning off the road. Can ye ask themto meet me outside?”

Thirty seconds later, he pulled up to the main house andjumped out of the Land Rover, leaving the engine running. It was full dark now,but he recognized the silhouettes waiting in the driveway.

No time to feel, now. Just to think – and to act. And tofind Claire.

Five agonizing minutes to plan – four separate cars,driven by Jamie, Ian, Jenny, and Murtagh. Suzette would ride with her husbandand continue calling all the places where Claire could have gone – including Mrs.Crook in the main house, just in case Claire appeared at home.

Ian handed each driver their own walkie-talkie – the bestway to communicate, given the patchy mobile service.

Then their caravan crunched down the gravel driveway andback to the main road, tracing Claire’s movements.

So many memories flashed in front of Jamie’s eyes –Claire burning dinner in their first apartment; Claire bravely introducing herfamily to her ex-fiancee, just a few months before; Claire’s ecstatic smile asshe showed him William for the first time; Claire’s beautiful face, just thismorning, as he gave her what they had come to call a Full English Breakfast…

If she was gone –

No.

For the bairns’ sake, he would push on. But not for hisown.

So he prayed, fervently, in every language he knew. ForGod had brought them together – why would He dare to pull them apart?

Up and down the small country lanes, high beams bobbingin the pitch dark.

A light drizzle had started.

Was she cold? Was she shivering?

He kept dialing her mobile. Over and over. And every timeit went straight to voicemail.

“You’ve reached Dr. Claire Fraser. I’m not available atthe moment – ”

“You’ve reached Dr. Claire Fraser – ”

There was no life without her.

“You’ve reached – ”

And then he turned a corner – and she was there.

Face glowing with the soft light emanating from the bootof her Volvo, rummaging around for something.

It took everything Jamie had to not run off the road ashe slammed on the brake and fell out of the car, running toward his wife like aman possessed.

“Jamie?”

Then he caught her up in a tremendous bear hug, and didn’tlet her go.

“Are ye all right? For God’s sake, Claire, are ye allright?”

“No,” she gasped. “Jamie – you’re crushing me.”

So he did let go – and her face swam with his tears.

“Hush,” she whispered, framing his face with cold hands. “Hush.It’s all right now. I’ve just got two flat tires and no mobile service. I’mfine.”

“Are ye all right? Truly?”

“Yes,” she said softly, patiently. “I’m cold and I’mstarving. You didn’t happen to bring any food, did you? I could murder someneeps and tatties right about now.”

He let out a strangled laugh, and kissed her long andhard.

“Ye gave me quite the fright,” he whispered against hertemple. “I did think ye were maybe dead.”

“Why are you so dramatic?” she teased, digging her handsin the back pockets of his jeans. “You know I can fend for myself.”

“Aye, I do. But – ” he swallowed.

“Hush, love. I know.”

Ten seconds – he counted and cherished every one of herheartbeats.

“I need to be inside ye now, Claire. I – I need to feelwhole.”

She kissed him gently. “Tonight. Let’s get home. I wantyou to take care of me. Can you do that?”

“Aye,” he pledged. “Aye, I can do that.”

She nodded. “Good. Now can you please tell whoever is onthe walkie that I’m all right, and I need a tow? I just want to go home, andkiss the children, and then be one with you.”

He inhaled the curls at the top of her head – damp withthe rain – and trotted back to the Land Rover. Murmured a few words into thewalkie – and Claire couldn’t help but smile when four cheers crackled back.

“And don’t think I won’t scold ye when we get home,”Jamie admonished. “I’m just too happy to have ye here wi’ me to say anythingelse. But don’t think ye’re getting off easy for scaring me half to death.”

She sauntered over and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Ilook forward to it,” she whispered, grinding her hips against his.

He playfully smacked her bum, then wrapped her legs aroundhis hips and hoisted her up against him, leaning against the Land Rover,devouring her mouth.

Not even the beeps and high beams and cheers of Ian,Jenny, Murtagh, and Suzette broke them apart.

“Shall we leave the two of ye out here alone, then?”Murtagh jibed – silently sagging with relief against Suzette.

Claire pulled away, grinning. “If I knew it took medisappearing for him to get all riled up like this – I’d do it more often!”

“No’ bloody likely,” Jamie growled, pulling his wife backfor more.

#;mod gotham #modern glasgow au

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renee-writer · 4 years

Text

Just A Spot Of Whisky Chapter 3 Telling

“Claire Elizabeth, are you alright? You seem quite nervous. You know your dad and I see the Fraser’s as family. You needn’t be nervous about us having dinner together.” Julia was quite concerned about her daughter. There is something off about her. Jumpy, pale, her appetite is off. She prays all is alright with her and Jamie. Claire loves him a lot.

“I know mum. I will go get ready.” She hurries to her room. Slipping out of her casual clothes, she takes time to examine herself in the full length mirror before redressing. Can it be seen, the subtle changes in her body? Her lower abdomen is still flat. Her breasts are no bigger just a bit sore. Her face through. Pale with big dark circles under her eyes. That is what has her mum concerned.

She pulls a dress on and then gets out her make-up out. A bit of concealer, a spot of blush and she looks a bit more like herself. Inside she still trembles.

Jamie ties the tie three times before getting it right. He is so bloody scared. They have to be told but..

“What has you so skittish bráthair?” Janet asks. She had watched his struggles with his tie.

“Just need this dinner needs to go perfect., is all.’

“Christ Jamie, you aren’t going to do something as clod-heided as proposing are you. I know you love her and she you but, you are just 17.”

“I am well aware of our ages Jenny.”

“You two ready?” their da calls up.

“Aye da. Coming.”

“You are, aren't you? Christ James what did you do, get her knocked up?” at the look on his face, she gasps, “Christ Almighty! It was a joke!”

“Janet please. Not a word.” He begs.

“I won't tell. You are planning to. Today?” He nods. “Wow!”

“Come Janet.” Stunned, she follows him down.

“Jenny knows.” He whispers in her ear. “She bloody guessed.”

“Oh God.”

“But is leaving it to us to tell.” She nods as she catches Jenny's wide eyes

“Well Henry, your lass is all dressed up too. Seems our children have something special to tell us.”

“Yes. Probably about university. Let's pray they got in the same one or their will all kinds of drama.” Brian teases.

“Drama, “ Claire thinks as her stomach rolls. “ Oh yah.” Jamie takes her hand steadying them both some. Jenny keeps looking at them and biting at her lip. They need to tell them and soon before her face gives it away.

“Mam and Da, Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp, Claire and I do have an announcement. It is big. Well,” Claire squeezes his hand encouragingly. He feels his sister come to his other side, lending her own support. “We are expecting.”

“Expecting what?” his da asks but her mum is quickly putting it together. Her daughter’s lack of appetite, her nervousness.

“Pregnant! You are bloody pregnant!” her husband jerks and immediately heads towards Jamie, his hands fisted. His da steps between them as Jenny steps in front of Claire.

“You little!” Henry yells out.

“Okay everyone! Calm down. Let's hear them out!” Jenny tries to settle the tension.

“Hear them out! Your brother got Claire pregnant!”

“It took two dad.” She still clings tight to his hand. “We were both equally responsible and will remain so. We have the begins of a plan."

“Christ!” her dad runs his hands through his hair and collapses on the couch. His stunned wife joins him. The Fraser's sit across from them.

“Son, I taught you about how to use a wellie when you were 13. How did this happen?” Brian asks.

“We had a spot of whisky and forgot ourselves. We didn’t mean too. But, da, I have been with her every step of the way,” he focuses on his own parents not yet ready to face Henry's anger. His da's disappointment is hard enough. “I was there when she took the test. Read the results. We cried together. Planned together. I will work every hour I can. Save every bit of coin. Take the classes. Hold her hand during labor. Change nappies. Get up for feedings, even if just to keep her company. I will be a full partner with her on the raising of our child.”

“I know son. But you have no idea how hard this will be. It was hard for your mam and I when your sister was born and we were through college.”

“My daughter wants to be a doctor,” Julia, fighting tears, adds. “How is she to do that now?”

“Mrs. Beauchamp, I swear to you, I will support her dreams. Whatever she wishes to do, she will. She and our child, are my number one priorities.”

“Our child!” Ellen groans out. “God son!”

“Mam, I know he was a dumb arse. They both were. But , I believe they can do this. With our support. A clod heid he may be but he loves her like crazy. You and da did raise us right.”

“We did. Henry and Julia, we are so sorry about all this. We will do all we can to help.” Brian says.

“Have you considered… not having it?” Henry asks his daughter.

“For about half a second. I can’t kill the life we started. This is Jamie and I. I just can’t rip it out of me.”

“She is right Henry. That is our grandchild.”

“Right. James, I am ready to hear your plan.”

He tells them of their plans to stagger their classes so someone is always available to watch the child while he/ she is an infant. His vow to make sure the baby and Claire have all they need.

“So you would be living together?” Henry questions.

“Can I talk to you about that privately?”

“Christ kid. If you wish to ask for her hand, just do. It isn't like I haven’t heard enough shocking things today.”

“Brian, they are just 17 !” Julia calls out.

“And having a child. I would prefer our grandchild born in wedlock, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes but…”

“Sir, ma'am, I love your daughter. I would have asked eventually. Yes, I am know because of what we started. I also wish my son or daughter born in wedlock. I promise I will take care of her and what we made and will make. She will have my name and clan. The protection of my body, my heart and soul. I will see to her dreams. They will be mine too. I will be a full and equal partner with her. Our child will be well provided for and well raised. I vow it.”

Claire is speechless at his dual proposal. She prays her daddy says yes for she sure will.

“Jamie I have always trusted Claire with you but this is huge. But so is parenthood. She will be 18 in ten months. I could make you wait. But, for the baby, I won’t. We four will do all we can to help you. I will also be watching you carefully. You may marry her. God help you both.”

“Thank you sir!” he turns to Claire. “My love will you..?”

“Yes. A thousand times yes!” She jumps into his arms. They are both laughing and crying.

“Where is the ring a bemused Jenny asks.

“Da, mam may I…?”

“Have your grandma's ring?” his mam supplies. “As you need to save for the baby, aye. I will give it to you when we return home. A grandchild and daughter-in-law. This has been an eventful dinner indeed.”

“And we haven’t even ate.” Jenny reminds them. A tension relieving chuckle arises from them. The do eat and discuss wedding and baby shower details. Claire and Jamie both know they will hear more from their respective parents but for now, they are happy at their engagement and their families acceptance.

#my writing #just a spot of whisky #telling #outlander fanfic #outlander fandom #modern au #cannonn divergance #jamie and claire

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csrgood · 6 years

Text

The Greatest Gift

On a Monday morning in August ARG’s plant radio crackled to life, sounding the call, “Man down.”

But let’s go back to the beginning …

***

Tom Rook is the kind of guy who gets up and goes to work. Simple as that. In 35 years, he has been out sick three times – those on consecutive days and due to, knowing Tom, what must have been the worst stomach virus in history.

So Aug. 14, despite feeling unusually lightheaded, when he grabbed his coffee and jumped in the car for his commute from Kane to Bradford, he did so without the slightest inkling the decision would, quite literally, save his life.

***

Tom arrived a short time later at his job as senior specialist with ARG’s quality lab knowing only that he just didn’t feel like his usual self. Preparations for the day included some discussion with fellow lab technician John Landes and their supervisor Chris Manning. The conversation finished, they dispersed to set about their work.

“I don’t know what made me turn around,” Manning said.

“But I turned around, and saw Tom just fall … and hit his head off of a drawer handle. I went over to him and got down there with him,” Manning recalled. “He was breathing, but he was just gasping for air and his body was tense. I was trying to just talk to him … keep him with us.”

Manning’s next move set in motion the brief but intense chain of events that would accomplish exactly that.

***

Anyone who has played golf knows how frustrating that particular game can be. But the weather was fine – in the mid-70s and dry – for Tom to enjoy a Sunday round with his son, Jeff, at Kane Country Club just hours before this story would begin to unfold.

Not playing as well as he’d hoped and distracted, perhaps, by the prospect of starting another workweek, Jeff was feeling that irritation familiar to virtually anyone who has ever played golf. A naturally upbeat and optimistic person even then, Tom took the opportunity to impart some fatherly wisdom.

“I just told him not to worry about it,” Tom remembered. “I said, ‘Every day is good no matter what you’re doing. Every day is a good day.”

***

“I immediately grabbed the radio and called that we had a man down in the lab,” Manning continued. “Within seconds our Emergency Response Team was there.”

From one end to the other, ARG’s refinery spans literal miles. Safety professional Kitzie Pingie spends almost no time at a desk, being deployed throughout the day to any and all points within the facility. So the odds of her being right next door to the lab in an office were, it’s safe to say, rather slim. Yet, that’s exactly where she was when the call came through.

***

ARG Emergency Response Specialist Matt Rettger, who came to ARG with more than 25 years of experience in the field (the bulk of which were spent as a paramedic with the Bradford City Fire Department), was thankfully also nearby and arrived quickly to assess the situation. Pingie, a certified EMT and American Heart Association-certified instructor of CPR, AED and First Aid, was already there and performing chest compressions.

Manning described it as, “Chaotic and scary. Very scary. I was just hoping and praying that he was going to be OK.”

It was a scene where a head wound that would require five staples to be closed was very much a secondary concern.

***

Not long before Tom started working at the quality lab in August 2008, ARG added a couple of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to its arsenal of safety equipment. While the company has always been safety-conscious due to the potential dangers inherent to an oil refinery, ARG has doubled down in recent years with an even more concerted effort to improve facility and employee safety. Among many other investments, the company purchased (at an initial overall cost of approximately $2,000 each) additional defibrillators to bring the total number of AEDs on site to nine. Plans are in place to purchase at least two more in 2018. According to the American Red Cross, it would be ideal if all Americans were within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.

***

Rettger concluded, “I don’t like the way this looks. Get the AED on him.” ERT members at the scene proceeded to cut away Tom’s shirt while Pingie retrieved and prepared the AED for use. Having powered it on, she placed the device’s electrodes on Tom’s chest and allowed it to evaluate his heartbeat; in this case, the lack thereof as Pingie had already established that he had no pulse. The device advised defibrillation – the electrical shock that stops cardiac arrhythmia – and Pingie pressed the button.

***

Less than one minute later and fewer than 90 seconds after Manning had called for help, Tom woke up. It was just inside of only three minutes before the Bradford City Fire Department had arrived.

“Tom was in cardiac arrest, meaning his heart was not functioning at a capacity to sustain life,” Rettger explained. “We went from that state, to him being able to stand up under his own power less than five minutes later to get on the ambulance cot. It’s unheard of.

“I’ve seen it before when things like this happen; the patient will go back into cardiac arrest … and he didn’t. In all my years in this field, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

***

Tom, at 52, had never before experienced heart problems. Testing after the incident revealed Tom’s heart had no buildup or blockages of any kind. His doctors are still not entirely sure what caused the arrhythmia, but stated they could tell him with certainty that if he had not been at work and the ERT not responded as it did, the morning would have reached a much different conclusion.

“They told me that if my coworkers hadn’t reacted the way they did, I definitely would not be here. If I had been at home, my wife (Julie) would’ve found me dead in the kitchen.”

Manning added, “I was so impressed with our ERT, how quickly they responded and how well they were able to deploy their training. There were guys up in man-lifts welding out in the refinery who were down, in a truck and at the lab in what seemed like seconds. It was pretty amazing.”

***

He soon underwent surgery for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which can attempt to correct the rhythm of Tom’s heartbeat and, if necessary, deliver a correcting electrical impulse. He admitted that while it feels strange, it is somewhat comforting to have that protection in place.

“The doctor told me I have no restrictions – just don’t be lifting any refrigerators.”

As soon as he was able, Tom paid a visit to ARG.

***

“What do you say to someone who saves your life? Besides, ‘Thank you’?” My goodness … you can’t repay that,” he said.

So while he was not sure how he “would ever repay everybody,” some heartfelt Christmas gifts seemed like a nice start. Tom’s humble offerings were received with appreciation and the unanimous sentiment that simply having Tom back at work was what everybody valued most of all.

“Hearing his voice was the greatest gift I could have been given,” Manning said, “to hear him say he was coming home.”

“Kitzie was a little uncomfortable with my thank-yous,” Tom said. “She said the AED is what saved my life and she was just trying to help. I said, ‘Kitzie. That’s what makes you special.’”

***

Tom pointed out that in cases of cardiac arrest, the survival rate is less than 5 percent because people aren’t where they can get help.

“It was a miracle. Somebody was watching out for me that day,” he said, adding rhetorically, “Not seeing my sons (Jeff and Jamie) graduate from college?

“It changes your whole outlook on life. Everything slows down for you, you don’t really worry about stuff so much anymore. It just puts everything in perspective … and not just for me, but for my family and everybody,” he continued. “Kitzie doesn’t know them, but she has a whole big family who loves her.”

Photo cutline: Kitzie Pingie and Tom Rook look over an automated external defibrillator (AED) at American Refining Group Inc. Pingie credits the device with saving Rook’s life earlier this year.

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source: http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/40671-The-Greatest-Gift-?tracking_source=rss

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