She Talk to the Bones

Unassuming Outlander Obsessive who happens to be traveling the world

[phaedrecameron]

Hi there! How's chp 18 of HOF coming along??? Waiting patiently

Hello 👋🏽. Unexpected real life complications, but hope to find some writing/reading time this upcoming week.🙂🤪🤗. Thanks for those asking!!!

[jamieswife-lilyofthevalley]

perfection in fiction

farfarawaysite

[purpleheatherdream]

Outlander, pop-art style 5/?

[purpleheatherdream]

Outlander, pop-art style 4/?

Craigh-na-dun

[holdhertightandsayhername]

Gorgeous!

[phaedrecameron]

Lovely

[henricavyll]

Bree! Oh what...

[calliopemoonbeam-deactivated202]

Calliopemoonbeam Master List

Master Master List

A/N - Just about everything on this page has links. Click on the title of the story to be brought to the individual master page for the story. Each chapter also has a link here.

Thanks for reading!

I’m also on AO3 under the same name :) 

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This Life Master List  -  (Complete)

Summary -

Claire is a healer from a very young age. She trains in the mystical arts around the world, as well as the traditional medical field. She finds herself in London as a surgical resident in the late 1980s and early 90s. She starts having dreams of a past life. Where will they lead her?

AO3

Chapter 1 —  Chapter 2 —  Chapter 3  —  Chapter 4  

Chapter 5  —   Chapter 6   —  Chapter 7  — Chapter 8  

Chapter 9  —  Chapter 10 —  Epilogue

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Izzy’s Place Master List  -  (In Progress)

Summary - Jaime and Claire meet trying to steal the same painting for Dougal. Jaime is smitten, Claire is unsure. Years later, they find themselves involved in one of the biggest art heists in history at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum. (Lightly intertwined with info from the Last Seen podcast about the still unsolved heist.)

A/N - Chapter 1 can also be read as a one shot and includes prompts from Gotham’s Writing Workshop

Chapter 1 —- Chapter 2   —- Chapter 3 —  Chapter 4  —  Chapter 5

Chapter 6

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Pain In My Asana  - (Complete)

Summary - Jaime is a yoga teacher, Claire is his student. Jaime has his awkward pants on and continues to put his foot in his mouth around Claire. Claire avoids Jaime…for a while.

A/N - This started as a one shot but I was convinced to continue it :)

AO3

Pain In My Asana - Part I

Pain In My Asana - Part II

Pain In My Asana - Part III

Pain In My Asana - Part IV

Pain In My Asana - Part V

Pain In My Asana - Part VI

Pain In My Asana - Part VII

Pain In My Asana - Part VIII

Pain In My Asana - Part IX

Pain In My Asana - Part X

Pain In My Asana - Part XI

Pain In My Asana - Part XII

Pain In My Asana - Part XIII

Pain In My Asana - Part XIV

Pain In My Asana - Part XV - Epilogue

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The Artist’s Son - Master List - (In Progress)

Summary - Ellen and Brian are alive. Ellen and Claire meet. Ellen fixes Claire up with her son on a blind date. It does not go well.

A/N - This is the first story where I used a beta. Thank you to the beautiful @happytoobservenolongerdistant for all the help and making my first beta experience awesome!

AO3

Chapter 1 - Ellen

Chapter 2 - Claire

Chapter 3 - Jamie

Chapter 4 - Brian

Chapter 5 - Jamie and Claire

Chapter 6 - Jamie and Claire - Part II

Chapter 7 - Claire and Ellen

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Shorter Things & One Shots

Hiking for the Heart    —- AO3

Note to Self - I Never - Claire (Part 1 of 2)

Note to Self - I Always - Jaime (Part 2 of 2)

Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing!

[phaedrecameron]

👩🏽‍💻

[phaedrecameron]

Different anon than the anons before; I agree with you, fandom is an extension of life. And it absolutely sucks for people who are not naturally outgoing and who struggle to connect with people (no matter how much they want to). No matter how nice the popular kids are, they are still the popular kids, and they are still intimidating as hell. Even writing for yourself, it is disheartening to feel like your work is inconsequential. It kind of is what it is, but it's still a widespread heartache.

Anon: About fanfic. You have a lot of courage but for people who struggle to write and only have 15 people read and 1 reblog it is painful. So I count myself in anon’s perception of the exclusive club. Writers can deny it but it exists. It’s gatekeeping.

Anon: respect your response but I still think the exclusive club still applies. Sure RL is like that too but there is just something about OL fanfic fandom that bugs precisely because I didn’t come here to see RL system replicated.

I’ve received multiple anons expressing the opinion that OL fan fic writing is an exclusive club. It saddens me that many people (aspiring writers?) seemingly hold that opinion.

Look, I’m a strong introvert who has never been a part of any “popular” groups. But fic writing is so wonderful because anyone can do it. I can tell you, writers are open to reading, reblogging, promoting and talking over DM!! Truly...

Also, I too understand putting your heart and soul into something and it not being appreciated, BUT how many successful people have been turned down and rejected before finding success. For me a “failure” can be just as important as a win. To paraphrase Beyoncé and Capt Picard - you can do everything right and still lose! What you do after is what’s important.

The reasons for writing for free are personal and you really need to examine why you’re doing it. If you’re doing it to get notes, you’re always going to be disappointed. And just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good! It doesn’t mean that the all the people leaving notes think it’s good. It doesn’t mean it’s touched someone in a profound way.

As some of you know, I quit my job 9 months ago and I’ve been traveling around our planet. With this trip and prior trips, I’ve probably been to 40 ish countries on 5 continents and you know the one constant? There’s always a McDonalds/KFC/Starbucks and I invariably end up going at some point. Not because it’s good, but because it’s cheap, convenient, and I know what to expect. Am I going to remember those McNuggets I ate at the Dubai airport? No. But I am going to remember the dragonfruit I got on the side of the road in Laos, the jollof rice I ate at a chop bar in Ghana, and the crazy sausage/hot dog I got from a truck in Copenhagen.

Your story could be 15 people’s dragonfruit and mine could be the McNuggets.

Have faith - your voice and story are important. Fan fic readers are lovely and thankfully forgiving. We’re looking for a story that makes us feel, not literary flourish. You’ve got nothing to lose.

[phaedrecameron]

Piggy back on your anon ask about fanfic. I have been reading in OL fandom for 4 years and it is an exclusive community. Unless you have an “in” with some writers or you suck up to them your story won’t get hits. Even if you are super talented. JMO.

I get your point, but that’s true of real life as well. Everyone knows 100 different people who are truly remarkable at something, but aren’t successful. And we all know people are basically shit, but they know the right people, have the right name, have $$$$, born the right gender/race/nationality/etc...etc AND get ahead being completely mediocre.

All I can say is that I didn’t speak to a single writer before I posted my first chapter. I didn’t ask for advice, I didn’t suck up, didn’t know what I was doing and still don’t. I don’t have a clique. Other writers have been more than gracious to me and reblogging my stories,but like I said, I write for myself.

Many, many things and people will try to hold you back, I don’t stop plugging away with my fic or in real life because I don’t have an “in” or it’s an “exclusive club.” And I hope others don’t as well.

[phaedrecameron]

Do you feel that the Outlander writing community is exclusive and circle around the same writers all the time?

Umm. 🤔. Well anyone can write fic. I sure as hell didn’t have a permit or anyone’s permission to do it.

Also tumblr is not the exclusive home of OL fic. There are literally dozens of stories on going at A03 with lots of support that I never see on tumblr.

I know it’s a cliché at this point, but writers write for themselves and the folks who find their stories mildly interesting & diverting.

If you have your own story or an author you feel isn’t getting love, reblog their work or contact blogs that have a larger reach and ask for a boost. I’d have no problem doing that and the more writers we have, the more diversity of stories and voices we all get to read - which is a good thing.

[holdhertightandsayhername]

The Sands of Time

Hi guys! *chokes a little* So, I just want to say… the response to last week chapter FLOORED ME. For real. I’m running out of words at this point but… I love y’all. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ❤️

This new chapter is another long one. And MY GOODNESS, this week has been so long and so tiring I didn’t think I would be able to post today. But miracles do happen! I’m so glad I pushed through with the help of the amazing @kalendraashtar - she litteraly held my hand while I was banging my head on the keyboard yesterday. She’s a star.

Today, we’ve been reminded once again that the world can be a sad and dangerous place. So without further ado… I give you ALL THE FLUFF. Because love always wins in the end, right?

Read chapter 8 here

xx

[phaedrecameron]

💕💕💕 🍫🍫🥃

[henricavyll]

Jamie Fraser Tricorne Hat Collection Post [1/?]

[jack-andthestalk]

Our Son, Arc II, To Lose you, Chapter 11

I usually thank @balfeheughlywed​ at this point because she is my reading gal and puts me straight when I am gone off course. But this week I almost broke her! So I really want to thank her for all her tiredless, ‘but why? and straight out this isn’t right talk she gave me. She always hits the nail on the head and made me do a bit of soul searching (dramatic much?) The epic @notevenjokingfic​ took my jibberish plot planning and really cleaned it up and set me straight again, I am actually giddy with the what we decided on and for the first time in ages can’t wait to write! I also want to thank @ladyviolethummingbird​ and @laythornmuse​ who support this little fic so much and regularly squeal or shout at me in DM about their writing or often just random bants which really helps when I can’t write a sentence. A little NSFW below the cut. 

Keep reading

[phaedrecameron]

What is happening?!?! Claire has been through the wringer!!

[jack-andthestalk]

Our Son, Arc II, After Goodbye, Chapter 10

Thank you to @balfeheughlywed the goodbye bit is thanks to her. @ladyviolethummingbird Thank you!

My mouth curled up in a self-conscious smile, suddenly shy to say my goodbyes with Jamie’s family looking on. I wondered if they noticed our bruised lips and bitten necks. I tugged a curl around my finger and glanced over at Ellen and Brian pointing out flowers to Willie, allowing us a tiny window to say our goodbyes. Jenny stood under Ian’s arm sniffing into a hanky.

Jamie had embraced them all told them he ‘wasna dying’, but I could see his throat bob up and down furiously, as he strained to show a brave face. He had come to the end of the line where I was standing arms hung awkwardly at my sides, not knowing what to do with them. Jamie had pulled me by the waist and bent to kiss me; I kept my hand curled into balls at his chest not wanting to let go.

When his mouth met mine, we forgot where we were and deepened the kiss, trying to say with our mouths what we were incapable of with our voices. When Jamie’s tongue gently slid over mine, I heard gravel munching underfoot as Ian and Jenny shuffled away awkwardly. For a moment I didn’t care, wanting to live in him and have no one take him from me. Eventually, I sighed and said, “your parents will think I’m a disgrace.”

Jamie gave me the most boyish smile “Claire they see the way I look at you when you’re not looking; they wouldn’t expect anything less of a goodbye from me, aye?.”

A sudden lump invaded my throat, and I pulled him to me again, breaking away when I heard Willie’s voice getting nearer. Jamie through him up on his shoulder “remember what I told ye my lad?” as he mounted several kisses over our sons head and cheeks. “I amember da, mind Donas and mama” I rolled my eyes “did he tell you in that order?” I snickered rubbing my hand through his hair. “I canna remember mama” Willie answered solemnly.

I looked back at Jamie and saw him hastily rub his sleeve over his eyes, a lone tear had escaped his efforts and rolled down his cheek. Willie rubbed a little hand through Jamie’s hair, “dinna cry Da, nobody will take mama or Donas, while yer gone, I pwomise.”

Now tears were falling unbidden from my own eyes, and I wiped them away quickly, placing Willie on the ground for a minute. “You got to go,” I said firmly, “traffic will be heavy” we both knew I meant we would end as trembling wrecks if we didn’t make a move soon. “aye,” Jamie said hoarsely eyes stuck to the ground.

I gave him a few minutes to breathe, his head rising eventually to meet my eye,

“Claire Beauchamp” – his tone clear and confident –“I love ye” he bent nearer my ear – “I will love ye forever” – when he leaned back to look down in my eyes he mouthed “trust me mo chridhe”

Brian’s hand on his shoulder and Willie shouting “I love ye Da” was the only fragments I remembered before a trail of dust blew along the road as his jeep drove away… 

___________

In the few weeks since Jamie had been gone, the lack of his presence was felt everywhere, I felt guilty adding to the sombre mood by showing how much I missed him; instead I tried to throw myself into helping out around the farm and making sure Willie enjoyed his last few weeks in Scotland. Jamie phoned every night, wanting to hear every small detail of our day. He was reluctant to say much about what was happening in Hellwater, and I didn’t press him.

Mostly I was glad of Ellen Brian and Jenny’s presence, the moment Jamie kissed both Willie and me goodbye and left Lallybroch they stepped up. Never allowing us too much time in the cottage and insisting we ate with them every evening. I was pitifully glad of it. Every inch of the cottage was a reminder of Jamie and escaping it helped. 

Our tranquil routine at Lallybroch was rudely broken by the return of Dougal Mc Kenzie. He turned up unannounced and uninvited. Ellen’s reluctance to even admit him went over his head as he claimed to have come from visiting Hellwater and Jamie and wanted to let us know how he was doing. His attempt at sincerity didn’t win over his sister but his promise of been gone by morning not to return again if she wished, did the trick.

Dougal had, for the most part, ignored me on his last visit to Lallybroch. Throwing me one assessing glance and commenting on my boniness to Jamie. Other than that I was a non-event for him.

But since the Dunsany’s had approached Jamie to work at Hellwater, it had become apparent to Dougal that I was more unwanted baggage that rooted Jamie to Lallybroch and had been the main reason he had dug his heels in about working at Hellwater. Dougal hadn’t counted on Willie and me living in Scotland, in Dougal’s, Jamie might have been more agreeable to Hellwater, and they would not have had to threaten him with the demise of Lallybroch.  But Jamie had been furious, and the Dunsany’s and Dougal had unleashed their outrageous tactics.  His relationship with his sister and brother in law was irreparably broken.

 _____________

Dougal Mc Kenzie sat staring at me intently from across the dinner table, cutting through a story Jenny had been telling, he tilted his head in my direction and asked how I had been since Jamie’s departure.

While he waited for a response he busied himself examining a morsel of food on his fork when my response was a nonverbal glare, he tried again.

 “Jamie seemed well fashed about leaving ye,” – I continued to stare back at him – “although” he added in a contemplative sigh “when I visited him last week, he seems to be settling nicely in at Hellwater.”

 Don’t take the bait.

 “We have been busy here”,  I replied evenly, keeping my gaze directed into the bottom of my wine glass, rolling the red liquid around in my hand.

Dougal’s hand slapped against the table jubilantly. “I kent as much, I told Jamie so” he downed the remnants of his wine in one swallow and leaned across the table, his voice brightening considerably.

“Ya ken Claire, while James may have reservations about the Dunsany’s, this is a good opportunity for him, he is overseeing the construction of one of the biggest equestrian centres in England, probably in Europe.” he smiled, flashing teeth and landing his elbows firmly back on the table.  “His name will carry with it.” He gave me a conspiratorial wink. 

“With all due respect Dougal,” I said smiling sweetly, “Jamie doesn’t want his name associated with the Dunsany’s on account of how they recruit people, I doubt having his name attached to their equestrian centre will appeal to him much.”

His eyes widened, and he leaned back in his chair slightly, “yer feisty wee thing or ye no?”

“If you mean, I don’t tolerate bullshit, then yes that is correct.”

Ian choked into his wine glass stifling a laugh and Jenny patted my hand proudly. “That ye don’t Claire” she agreed.

Dougal’s widened eyes eventually fell back to his dinner plate, but he was not to be deterred. I had struck a sore point, and he would not relent in whatever message he seemed determined to deliver.

His glance fell on Ellen and Brian as if trying to reason with them over my propensity to bite.

 “Aye, I am sure it wasna suitable to have Jamie move away so soon after ye moved here” his sweet smile made my stomach heave.

 “Claire and Jamie had no wish to live separately, Dougal, so let’s not pretend it was a choice, aye?” Brian replied gruffly, while Ellen just glared disbelievingly at her brother. The tension building over the dinner table was tangible, and I longed to rise from my seat and throw the entire uneaten contents of my dinner plate onto Dougal’s lap and leave the room.

Dougal smiled sympathetically at Brian, “I said to Jamie that they’re two independent people, dinna need to be living in each other pockets, do they now?” his gaze returned to meet my eye, and I pressed my hand into the side of my chair to stop the fury building up in my stomach. Suddenly grateful that Willie was upstairs asleep in Brian and Ellen’s bed.

I was no longer content to listen to this tripe and didn’t want Jamie’s parents feeling the need to defend me.

“You seem to have a knack at colouring the truth Dougal” I popped a piece of meat into my mouth and allowed my lips to curl up mischievously as I chewed.

 “I ken the best of marriages start out with some separation Claire, why myself and my wife, Clara-“before he could continue, I sat forward placing fork down on my plate and resting my chin on my entwined hands calmly. “With all due respect Dougal-“ my tone light, mocking, “I’d rather not use your marriage as a blueprint”, the way his mouth dropped open and the stunned expression on his face, made me grow bold and I flashed him a dazzling smile.

“From what I understand your wife lives in Spain most of the year?” a long pause as I took my time to refill my wine glass, Dougal observed me, mistakenly confident that I wouldn’t go there.

“She has a very attentive live-in personal assistant doesn’t she?” – I strained my eyes in concentration and tapped my forefinger against my bottom lip contemplatively – “Manwell? Is that his name?”

Jenny snorted, and I threw my smug smile in her direction.

Dougal was purple, a long finger pointed threateningly at me, “How dare ye –“

I was unperturbed, “There must be a reason you are not needed in your wife’s house?” I asked lightly while popping a grape into my mouth from the cheeseboard in front of me. “after all I am sure”, even someone like you, must have a purpose?

Dougal started to rise threateningly to his feet, “Do you visit much, I mean to give Manwell vacation time?”

“Now ye listen hear ye little bitch-“

“Ye will no speak to Claire like that at my table” Ellen’s voice interjected firmly.

 I flopped back in my chair happily, taking a long pull from my wine glass. 

“Yer lucky I allowed ye over the threshold brother, dinna pretend you had no part to play in separating her and Jamie, so ye needn’t come here now telling her it’s for the best.”

Ellen stood and reached for the bottle of wine before pouring herself a large glass and sitting back down. She gave out an incredulous sigh, “in fact I dinna ken why yer here at all” she laughed incredulously and shook her head, “ye got Jamie to do yer bidding, what else do ye want?”

“I only came to tell ye the lad is doing braw, he is really getting stuck in.” Dougal huffed defensively.

 I couldn’t help the drop in my heart, imagining Jamie giving any of his real attention to this project, but I mentally berated myself for already forgetting my promise.

Brian narrowed his eyes, taking in his brother in law, “he is a gifted lad, there isna much he canna work at.”

Dougal’s face lit up “Oh aye Lord Dunsany is delighted with him, he has the architects and engineers jumping in hoops at his whim, Miss Geneva thinks he will shave a million off the original estimate for the project, with some shrewd changes.”

Now my heart was beating outside of my chest; naively as it sounded, I didn’t realise Geneva Dunsany had any role in the designing or building of the equestrian centre.

The question was bubbling out of my mouth before I could stop it. “What role does Geneva have with the project?” I aimed for nonchalance, but I wasn’t sure I delivered as Dougal crooked one bushy grey eyebrow at me, his turn for revenge evident with the self-satisfied smirk spread across his face.

“She is the financial controller” he replied evenly.  Straining to keep the gleeful tone from his voice he continued “Jamie has to keep her sweet to draw down the necessary funds for the project and to align his budget.”

Brian leaned across the table about to say something, but I was determined not to show defeat. “Gosh I am surprised, I didn’t think she had a head for figures never mind the ability to control a multi-million-pound budget”.

Dougal’s expression was impassive, but his eyes were practically dancing in mirth when he composed himself enough to answer me.

“Jamie seems to think he can save her money and that speaks Geneva’s language, quite the bonnie team the two of them last I saw” the corners of his mouth quirked upward, a hint of victory in his smile.

I knew that I could keep up this game and had many responses that would wipe the smile of Dougal’s face, but I had this niggling feeling that Dougal had information that would hurt me deeply if I continued and I didn’t think I could withstand it.  I dropped my gaze to my plate, not to avoid Dougal so much but to the sympathetic stares from the rest of the Frasers.

________________

 Much later that evening Jenny and Ian had managed to unwind me with too much wine, curled up in armchairs around a fire in the study. We chatted and teased and avoided all talk of what Dougal had said at dinner. I knew they were trying not to give it credence and I was trying not to let my insecurity show. I mostly was succeeding, and the wine was certainly a good anaesthetic, but now and again Dougal’s depiction of Jamie working closely with Geneva gave me angry hot flushes which I was, for the most part, disguising well.

As midnight came and went and our chat quietened, Jenny who had been watching me intently narrowed her eyes . 

 “Claire” she slurred slightly, “I presume ye are not heeding anything that man says?”

I gave a noncommittal smile, “I’m fine Jenny honestly, I – “

She looked to Ian for support “Tell her Ian”.

“Jenny – laughter lacing my tone to hide my embarrassment – “ will you stop, I am a big girl, and Jamie is – “

“Dinna start pretending that yer fine with what he said either? She waved her hand around sloppily. “I’m not daft Claire.”

Ian crooked one eye at me, “Claire, ya ken Jamie hates each and every one of them, there is a fox in him, if he is playing nice it is cunningly so.”

I took another long pull on my wine glass and eyed them both sceptically and sighed.

“I feel bad for even mistrusting him, it’s just Dougal gets under my skin with his smugness –“  my tone growing angrier the very mention of him, “he came here to wind me up.”

“Aye,” Jenny said knowingly and “ye are falling for it.”

“Hmm, I think you’re right, and I am being silly, let’s forget it ok?” I made to stand, but my legs wobbled briefly before I fell back down with a thud.

“We will have one more dram Claire, and then Ian and I will walk ye back to the cottage, Mam has Willie so ye can have a nice lie in tomorrow.”

My head bobbed agreeably, and I allowed the alcohols foggy haze to cloud my decision making, “Christ I miss Jamie to talk sense to ye now.” Ian chuckled.

Jenny was rooting in my purse beside her place at the fire.

 “I’m gonna call Jamie and tell him what Dougal is at, he told me to keep him informed” she pulled my phone from my bag with a tug and flopped back on the armchair, eyes squinting, dangerously near to closing to examine the screen on my phone.

Both mine and Ian’s mouths fell open “Jenny its almost 2 o clock in the morning, you are not ringing Jamie!” I said firmly. My head was light from wine and the idea of Jenny telling Jamie I was jealous of Geneva Dunsany.

“Aye Jen, C’mon” Ian tried to reach to take the phone from her, but she snapped her hand back. Holding the phone above her head. “he is my brother, Ian and he told me to watch over Claire.” Ian sighed “Jen he told us all to watch over Claire, if she isna sick or deid, I don’t think ye should ring him in the middle of the night though.”

Jenny let out an impatient puff of breath “tsk” she scolded. “Jamie willna think she is deid!”

I managed to stand on wobbly feet and grab the phone from Jenny’s hand while she was distracted. “Agh, I said triumphantly, “got it”. My smile quickly faded when I noticed Jenny had already hit the call button to dial Jamie, I was desperately trying to hit cancel when I heard a high feminine giggle coming from the receiver. Jenny and Ian’s faces watched on in dismay as I put the earpiece to my ear and stupidly said “Jamie?”

Silence on the other end and a familiar British accent answered clearly “sorry James can’t come to the phone just now” – another stifled giggle “he is busy”, and the phone went dead.

[phaedrecameron]

WHAT?!! Quickly looks for next chapter....

[crownqueenkate-deactivated20220]

Back To You, Part 2 - 10

This chapter is STUPID LONG and I’m really sorry and I’m sorry that it took 84 years for this update, but thank you for being patient and sticking with me and this story! And thank you so so so much again for the comments you left on the last chapter. I’m still blown away by the response it got. XOXOXO.

She woke slowly the next morning, her eyelids crusted together from her tears the night before, her head pounding as if she had been hit with a sledgehammer. She wasn’t sure if an emotional hangover existed, but if it did, she was certain she was experiencing one for the first time in her life.

But the incessant ache seemed to dissolve into nothingness as she felt Jamie’s warm body still pressed firmly behind hers, the everpresent heat of him warming her from the inside out. His arms were wrapped around her, one long leg tangled between hers. She didn’t so much as pause in wonderment over whether he was still asleep; she knew instinctively he had not slept at all.

But he hadn’t left her after she had drifted off, either. He had stayed. Just as he had promised.

Licking her bottom lip, she swallowed hard, her throat feeling dry and scratchy like sandpaper. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke, a cracking whisper in the room. “Morning.”

Keep reading

[phaedrecameron]

💕💕 BDE 🍆🍆😉

[mysharona1987]

RE: Triple Frontier.  The best line is “Tell your girls they can stop studying, because daddy’s going to buy their way into Harvard.”

OMG.

The timing.

The damn timing. 

[phaedrecameron]

Triple Frontier. Garrett Hedlund, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Pedro Pascal = in my Netflix Recs

[phaedrecameron]

House of Fraser Chpt 17 - The MacKenzie Plaid

And....we’re back....   

Previously.....Brian was telling Jamie how his mother came from the Stones..😱& how as a child Jamie really liked the plaid she brought with her 🤗

“Here, have a seat lad,”  Brian soothed.

Jamie glared, “why would ye say such a thing?” He threw the corset in the chest and snatched the plaid back into his hands.

“Because tis true, son. Havena ye ever wondered why yer Mam has no people? How’s she different?”

“No. No!...” Jamie began to rub the plaid in his hands; seeking to understand how it was constructed.

“I found her shivering and scared coming down from the Fairy Hill. She fainted when I started the car.”

“I’m no listening to this.”  Jamie turned to leave.

“Tis us! We pull them from the Stones.”

Jamie stopped at the ladder. His hands wound in the plaid; he wanted to block out what he knew his father would tell him, wanted to pretend he didn’t already know.

“Jamie, Claire is yer mate. She came to ye because of the Stones. Because she can travel through them. Ye know, don’t ye – seen her near them, maybe?”

Brian slowly approached his son. Jamie didn’t turn around nor did he try to leave.

“Ye never wanted all the things ye want wi yer Claire, aye? I remember how tis was wi your Mam. I realize now I was biding my time till she came for me.”

“Da, I dinna understand…”

“Son, I dinna ken how it works myself, but the men in our family — our women find us from the Stones. Well, mostly. It skipped yer grandshire and his father before that, but for a very long time tis how it was for Frasers.”

Jamie looked over his shoulder, “how do ye ken that?”

“I’ve had a very long time to try to puzzle it out and,” he chuckled, “the benefit of 21st century research capabilities. From what I know, they come and choose to stay for us – no other reason. Yer Mam well…”

Jamie heard an unusual hesitancy in his father’s voice, he turned.

“Yer Mam was already marrit when she came. To her Other, but she stayed for me.”

“Her Other? Did she..”

“Aye, she..loved him, but well, he wouldna made her happy. The Other pushes them to the Stones. It’s their link to their time. Yer Mam was running away from her husband when she chanced upon the Stones. But, as crazy as it sounds, we needed the Other for yer Mam to find me.”

Jamie stood still to absorb this.

“Da, it isna the same wi’ Claire. She didna come from the Stones.”

Brian turned and began to close the chest.

“Da?”

“Let’s go speak wi’ yer Mam.”

“Da? Did ye hear me? What arena ye no  tellin’ me? If it’s about Claire, please. Please.”

Brian looked at his son; a man grown and successful, but all he saw was his five year old bairn, wi bright blue eyes, that he’d die to protect and keep from pain. “Almost always the matched pair are from different times, but sometimes, like yer Claire, she’s already here with her Other.”

Jamie pushed Frank from his mind. “And..” he prodded

“She’ll leave ye to go through the Stones.”

Jamie blinked and backed away.

“She willna want to,” Brian added quickly, “she has to, she’ll do it for ye.”

“No!” Jamie roared. “No! Claire isna going near the Stones. Not ever!”

“She has to – ye canna change it.”

Jamie tore from the attic.

****

“Och, look at this one.” Ellen handed a photograph to Claire as they were huddled together on the sofa before Lallybroch’s massive hearth.  It was Jamie at maybe 9 or 10. He was biting his lip in concentration while trying to shear a sheep. “Handful that one. Got it in his head he was goin to make his own wool jumper. Drove Brian and me near insane.”

Claire laughed, “Precocious?”

“Aye, get yer sleep now.” Ellen touched Claire’s arm.

Other than Jamie, Claire couldn’t recall having such an affinity for another person. Like Jamie, her touch was welcome and full of promise.

“Claire!” Both women jumped at the sound of Jamie’s voice.

Claire instantly recognized his tone, she’d heard it only once before, when he found her at the Stones. It was full of desperation and horror. She made to stand, but Ellen pulled her back and pushed a paper in her hand.

“Tis my number, call anytime, anytime at all.”

Claire then stood and saw Jamie entering the hallway. He eyes were wide, one fist curled, the other holding what looked like a tartan blanket.

“Ja..”

“Let’s go. Now!” His voice was harsh.

“Wot?” Claire noticed Brian was not with him.

“We’re leavin! Ye’ll do as I say! Come!”

Claire felt fury rise in her chest.

Ellen placed a hand on Claire’s neck, ‘tis alright. He’s had a shock. Go. And remember what I said.”

Claire slowly followed Jamie outside. “What the bloody hell is wrong with you!? Don’t speak to…”

He ignored her, grabbed her arm and began walking to their Rover. His pace increased and she couldn’t keep up. Claire stopped and yanked her arm free. “What is wrong with you?! How could you be so rude to your parents?”

Jamie reached for her arm again and she pulled away.

“Will ye no trust me once! Will ye no argue and do what I tell ye! Get in the car!”

Claire felt her hand tingle with the urge to slap him. She looked around. Had she been in London, she would have left him where he stood and made her own way back. If she thought she could outrun him, she would have gotten to the Rover and drove off without him. With tears of frustration threatening to fall, she said nothing and walked to the Rover.

Claire struggled with her seatbelt as Jamie made a tight turn in Lallybroch’s driveway and sped away. He seemed unable to keep the Rover straight on the road. “Let me out. Did you hear me, Jamie! Stop!”

Jamie seemed to recognize her for the first time since he followed his father into the attic.

He pulled to the side of the road and watched Claire run from him. Less than a year ago, Jamie would have told anyone who asked that he lived a full and satisfying life; family, job, friends, even G. Now he knew that life to be no more than an illusion. Everything was better with Claire. He felt more confident, he was more creative, more secure in his decisions. He was supported, but not flattered. If he was wrong, she’d tell him. She’d taken his heart and soul and kept it safe. For that, he owed her. It was his responsibility to see her safe, to keep her close and protected, and he’d just failed her.

Claire blindly ran into the heather until she reached a small shielded clearing. The sun touched her neck, just as Ellen’s fingers had done moments before. Was this the end?  Her hand covered her heart. She tried to reconcile the man who comforted her late into the night with the man who just treated her like a piece of property.

She heard the unmistakable sound of Jamie’s footsteps across the clearing.

“Sassenach…”

“Don’t call me that!” She turned to face him.

“Alright. Claire. Will ye come back to the car?”

She scoffed, “I’m waiting for anything approaching an apology and an explanation.”

Jamie tried to commit her to memory; her musk after they made love, her smile when she teased him, her curly wig when she awoke, the color of eyes that shifted with her mood.

“Claire, I’m tryna keep ye safe. I didna mean..”

“Safe? From your parents?”

He closed his eyes. “The Stones.” He expected to feel her brush past him, but felt nothing. A lifetime passed between each beat of his heart; he had no backup plan should she leave him. An aching hollowness settled in his chest. Could he go back to being half a person? He opened his eyes.

She hadn’t left. Her hair was free from constraint and curled wildly about her face, but she said nothing. He watched her hand shake as she brushed a curl from her face. But she didn’t leave. Blood flowed to his heart once more.

Jamie explained what his father had said. But still she stayed and still she remained silent.

“Claire, did ye hear me?”

“Yes, Jamie I heard you.” She turned her back to him and looked over her shoulder.  “You saw the clothes?”

“Aye, they were real.”

“Well, I already promised not to go near the stones.” She started to walk back to the car.

“Sass..Claire, Claire,” Jamie caught her easily. “Do ye believe me?”

“I believe you didn’t trust me to explain. I believe you treated me like I’m one of your dresses.”

She continued walking.

“Claire, I’m sorry. Yer right. I wasna thinkin’ – I just wanted to get ye away.”

She stopped. “Do you believe I love you?”

“O’ course..”

“Then why would I ever leave you – especially to what – travel to some other time?” Her voice was distant and full of disappointment. “I’ve never wanted to be away from you until right now.”

He knew he deserved it, but it felt like she was ripping out his guts.

“Please take me home.”

Jamie followed her back to the Rover.  

She slid in and looked in the backseat where he’d thrown the plaid. She brought it forward and ran it across her hands.

“Claire?”

“I’ve seen this before… it was in a dream…after our first night together.”

Jamie watched her bring the plaid to her nose.

“I was wearing it. I was cold and dirty, climbing in the dirt…up a hill. It had the same hole in the spot just here.”

Claire pushed her back against the door and began to hug herself.

Jamie reached out, “please, Claire, come to me.”

She hesitated and her eyes filled with tears. “This is happening to me, not you!”

“I ken..”

“No, no you don’t! You don’t ken anything! You were going to what…hmm? Drag me away and lock me in your flat? You and Frank!”

Jamie’s eyes snapped to hers at the mention of the bastard. “Dinna compare me him!” He bellowed.

“Why not? Frank wanted to send me to the Stones…to my destiny! He didn’t explain anything either. I guess he was ‘protecting’ me also. Maybe I should call him?”

Jamie pounded the steering wheel and he turned to her, the veins visible in his temple and neck. “You will not.”

Claire scoffed, reaching for the door handle. “I don’t have to do what you tell me. I don’t belong to you!”

“Aye, ye do!” Jamie grabbed her wrist.

“Let go of me, you fucking bastard!” Claire wrestled free and got out of the Rover.

“Ifrinn.” Jamie ran around the car and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Claire! Ye stubborn woman.  Ye do belong to me..and I belong to you.” He let go, desperately trying to control the whirlwind of emotions in his mind and heart. “Ye ken that, ye do. Ye told me, aye?”

Claire looked away, her jaw set.

“I love ye. I will always love ye.”

Her chin began to wobble, but she still wouldn’t look at him.

“I’m sorry the way I treated ye. It was wrong, but it is my job to protect ye. Just as it’s yers to protect me?”

She sniffled and wiped away tears.

“Yer right, I dinna ken anythin’ at all about this. But I ken we’re bound. I ken Randall was using ye for some reason.” He sighed, “I only want for ye to be happy and safe wi’ me at yer side.”

He threw the car keys at her feet.

“But if ye think Randall or anyone else can help ye more, I willna hinder ye. I can find my way back.”

Claire picked up the keys and studied them. She walked to the Rover, threw the keys inside, and pulled out the plaid. “Come with me?” She entwined her hand with his.

He followed her back to the clearing. She laid the plaid down and pulled the jumper over her head. “Make love to me?” She unhooked her bra.

Jamie looked around.

“No one will see, I just need to be with you.” Her hands began to unbutton her trousers.

Jamie took her then. At first it was rough as they reclaimed each other, then slow as they savored their chance at connection; each knowing that destiny meant to sever their bond.

“Forgive me?” Claire asked as they lay spent and sheltered in the plaid.

“Aye. Do you forgive me too?”

“Yes.”

They fell quiet and Claire hugged his middle.

“I’m scared, Jamie.”

He gathered her tighter. “Aye, me too.”

[phaedrecameron]