A/N: WHAT?! BACK TO BACK UPDATES?! Yes, you're not dreaming, it is happening and even I, am surprising myself. I'd like to thank you all for the support even though I haven't written in a while. I've never received much more heartfelt messages and comments. With much encouragement, this next chapter wrote itself quickly. :) I hope you like it. As always, your comments and suggestions are very much welcome.
AO3 / C1: A Day In June : C2: Definitely, Maybe : C3: So We Meet Again : C4: Friday Lunch : C5: Finding Solid Ground
XXXXX
“Are we on for lunch next Friday?” she asked, three blocks away from her home.
“Actually, I’ll be going on a two week business trip to London.” Jamie answered. “I need to look at our office down there, catch up with our staff and clients”
“Oh, I see.”
“Yeah, sorry, I didn’t mention it earlier. But my schedule is going to be cramped.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s work!” Claire bumped his arm with her elbow. “Message me when you’re back and settled and let’s catch up then.” she followed, hoping to keep communication lines open in line with what seems to be a long break.
“I will.” Jamie noted that offer. “How about you? How is your week looking?”
“Uhm, between my rounds, surgeries, and department duties” Claire counted with her fingers for emphasis. “My days are pretty much full. Lunch, late evenings and the weekends are generally my free times.” The answer also serves as an indirect information Claire hoped Jamie would figure out about how unpredictable her time and availability is.
A brief silence and then Claire asked the question that was on her mind since the afternoon. “Erm, why didn’t you tell me you were popular?”
“What?” Jamie chuckled. “What is the world are ye talking about?”
“It has come to my attention that you, Jamie Fraser, apparently, is one of Scotland’s most eligible bachelors.” Claire said and Jamie groaned.
“Ugh, how’d you find out?”
“Geilis mentioned it earlier. Apparently, there are magazine pictures that I should see. She’s showing me her copy on Monday.” she added, earning another joking sigh. “I wondered why it never came up and/or why you didn’t tell me?”
“One, I thought you, at least, knew. I mean, it was in a national magazine. Second, it’s not the first thing I share with the people I meet. How would you feel if I said, ‘Hi, I’m Jamie Fraser, did you see my photo on Tatler?” he saw her tilt her head and stick her tongue in feign disgust. “Exactly.”
“I guess that’s a valid point. Still - I guess, I’d rather knew about myself first or you.”
“I’m sorry, Sassenach. It just comes with working at a local, historic business, keeps us afloat, ye know. I’ll warn ye ahead of time of any write-ups about me out there.”
“What’d ye call me?” Claire stopped walking.
“Hmmm?”
“You called me a Sassenach?” she raised her eyebrow.
“Aish, it’s not as bad as ye think it means. It just means Englishwoman, an outlander, not from Scotland.” Claire didn’t look convinced, forcing Jamie to explain further. “It was my first thought about ye when you slipped under my umbrella. I guess it kinda stuck and is what I’ve been calling ye in my head.”
“Mhmm, alright.” She shook her head and smiled. “This is me”
Jamie looked at the Georgian building and took note of the place and surroundings. “I guess, I’ll see you in two weeks.”
“I’ll see you in two weeks” Claire waited briefly if Jamie had anything else to say or do but when he didn’t move, it was her cue to leave. “Bye, then.”
“Bye.” Jamie watched Claire enter her home and when she was safely in, he walked back to his car, berating himself if he missed a big opportunity.
--
Claire reached the emergency room and immediately asked for a patient in the nurse’s station. “Tammas Baxter?”
“Bed 4” She quickly went to where the nurse pointed and opened the curtain to find a pale, sickly, boy, a frightened grandma, and a fidgety young lady.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Claire Beauchamp and I’ll be checking on Tammas today. Are you his family and what seems to be the problem?” She asked the ladies on the other side of the bed as she examined his physical state.
“Yes, we are. I’m Mrs. Fitz, his grandma and this is Laoghaire, his cousin. He came home from school this afternoon and just started vomiting and developing a head and stomachache.”
Claire leaned down and smelled Tammas, having a hunch already on what the boy might be going though but she needed to confirm. “Tammas, my name is Claire. I know you’re in pain right now but I need you to tell me something so we know what medicine to give you, okay?” The boy nodded weakly.
“Did you eat this?” Claire shared a photo on her phone and despite his frailty, everyone saw the panic in his eyes looking from Claire to his grandma. Claire looked at the old lady as she soothed rather than scold her grandson, telling her he was in no trouble and just needed to tell the truth. With that, the boy turned to Claire and gave a nod to confirm her suspicions.
“Thank you, good lad.” Claire patted the boy and proceeded to order her treatment to the nurses. “Get blood and urine samples, hang an IV and start to give him a dose of anti-poisoning”
After getting a clear from the nurses, Claire invited his guardians outside to explain his situation better. “Hi, Mrs. Fitz, was it?” the older lady confirmed and she proceeded to explain the situation. “Tammas ingested a plant called Lily of the Valley. It is incredibly poisonous and you made the right decision to bring him in immediately. We caught it at the right time and we’ll treat him with fluids and medicine and we’ll observe him in the next couple of days until his situation improves. He’ll be just fine.”
Mrs. Fitz sighed in relief and then hugged Claire which she returned. As a pediatric surgeon, she’s already used to these moments but it always warms her heart when it happens. Mrs. Fitz then asked her niece to check on admitting Tammas and left. They checked on Tammas again, the boy now asleep after being medicated.
“I’ll check up on him before my shift ends. I’ll ask the nurses to page me if anything changes on his condition.” Claire said, signing his chart and placing it back on the caddy.
“Thank ye, Doctor.”
“Please call me Claire”
“Ye know, it was my nephew who told me to go straight to the ER and look for Dr. Beauchamp. He didn’t mention, though, that Dr. Beauchamp was a pretty lady.”
A blush threatened to creep Claire’s cheek but she kept her composure. “Jamie called ahead as well, told me that you were coming. I was free and was able to come down to the ER. I’m happy to help”
“And how did ye know it was poisoning right away?”
“I dabble in medicinal herbs sometimes. The plant has a distinct smell that I picked up while I was examining him. Jamie also had a hunch and told me about a tradition with the boys about eating the plant as a right of passage. Between those two, it kinda showed itself.”
“I see. And how long have ye known Jamie?” Mrs. Fitz found the opening and she took it.
“Not too long.” Claire smiled and answered honestly. Just then, Laoghaire returned with documents for them to sign and she excused herself out.
As Mrs. Fitz finished the paperwork, her thoughts flitted back to Claire. When she asked about Jamie, she somewhat expected the lass to immediately gush all over him as what she’d experienced with his previous affairs.
But what she found, instead, in their short conversation thus far, was a genuineness that was incredibly refreshing to see. She didn’t know the extent of their relationship, yet, but for whatever’s worth, she knew Jamie found a good one.
---
“You were right, it was poisoning. Yep, no - he’ll be fine now, Jamie. We’re treating him and should be able to go home in a few days.” Claire put the phone on speaker as she signed documents in her office. It’s been a week and a half since they last saw each other and due to the nature of their jobs, they’ve texted sporadically, just catching up or checking in, here and there. But, today, the emergency forced them to communicate more directly and urgently to which each of them welcomed.
Jamie was on the other line, wanting to hear the update himself. “I told the lad not to do it and he still did. Mrs. Fitz might not have a thing to say anymore to him but I might have”
“Like you were not a ten year old that broke the rules before.” she gruffed.
“Still, my da told on me.”
“Jamie, I’m sure Tammas would have plenty to hear about it by the time you come back.”
She heard a sigh on the other end and she knew she’d saved the lad against more scolding from his family. “Yer right. I’ll just settle for a really, really stern look and not give him his presents”
He can hear her roll her eyes and moved to change the subject. “Who accompanied Mrs. Fitz, Sassenach?”
Claire smiled, still not use to the name but truthfully, she liked it because it came from him. “A granddaughter, I think her name was Laoghaire.”
“I see.” he said plainly and Claire caught on.
“Anything you’d like to share?” she pressed but instead the call ended and rang again, this time a video call.
Claire was surprised but took a quick look at her mirror and accepted the call.
“Yes?”
“Nothing. Just wanted to see how are ye”
“You called after I mentioned Laoghaire. That is suspicious.”
“There’s nothing to tell other than, she might have a wee crush on me, Sassenach.”
“A wee crush. That explains the weird look she gave me earlier today.”
“What weird look?”
“Like she was sizing me up or something. Didn’t last long, though, Mrs. Fitz had her do all the errands earlier.
It was Jamie’s turn to make a face and shrug. “Don’t let her get to ye, Claire. I’m no interested in her”
“Oh yeah? Why so?” she quipped back.
“For starters, she isna my type and…”
Claire cut him off, “Alright, alright, no need to say more” a laugh bubbling as Jamie looked so serious on her screen. “Anything else, you need to say, Mr. Fraser? Some of us have to work here.”
She saw Jamie scratch the back of his head, turn red, and hear the shuffling of his feet. “Erm, Claire, would you be free this Saturday evening?”
She looked at her calendar, “My schedule is free so far”
“May I have the pleasure to take you to dinner then?”
“Are you asking me out, James Fraser?” Claire asked, eyeing him adorably. She was not at all surprised that their lunches would eventually become dinners. It was only a matter of time. If they we’re not interested in each other, they had stopped meeting a long time ago.
A/N: Hi all! This chapter has been in the drafts for quite sometime now but I only had the time to pick up the writing. Thank you so much for your patience with my slow updates but rest assured, I absolutely love this story and daydream about the chapters ahead. As always, your comment and suggestions help a lot moving this story forward. Hope you all are keeping safe and healthy! Till the next one!
AO3 / C1: A Day In June : C2: Definitely, Maybe : C3: So We Meet Again : C4: Friday Lunch
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She was 45 minutes late.
Claire was running as fast as she could, catching some curious eyes on her as she raced towards Mrs. Kim’s Korean Street Food Hub to hopefully, still catch Jamie for their lunch.
She got off from her morning surgery quite late due to some complications but she still went as courtesy and because, in all honesty, she still wanted to see him. Their last encounter kind of left them in an awkward place and she was hoping that this meeting could help clarify some things. She has been waiting for this all week but alas, life (and medicine) had other plans.
Claire entered the store and knew instantly that he wasn’t there. The place was empty after the lunch rush and she sighed in disappointment.
“Claire!” Mrs. Kim suddenly called out. “This is for you, left by your friend”, she said while handing her a piece of paper.
“Thank you” Claire replied, opening it on spot.
Hi Claire,
Sorry, I left before you arrived but I have to get back to the office. Don’t worry about the wait, I really don’t mind but I just have a packed schedule today.
Forgive me if this is too forward but here’s my number. No pressure! Just figured we can text or call whenever is a better time to catch up. Just hit me up when you feel like it and I’ll be on the other line.
I do hope to hear from you soon. If not, I’ll be here next Friday, same time :)
Jamie
Claire did not waste any more time and punched in Jamie’s mobile number to call. After three rings, he answered.
“Hello?”
“Jamie? It’s me, Claire.”
“Claire, hi! I see you got my note.”
“I did. I am so sorry. My surgery ran a little bit long and…”
“Don’t worry, I figured that must be it.” he said cheerfully, cutting her off before she went into a long explanation. “I mean, you save lives and all, couldn’t be angry about that.”
Claire sighed relief on the other line and couldn’t believe just how understanding he is. So understanding that she’s starting to wonder if he’s even real. She hasn't really met anyone that chivalrous and it captures her.
“Oh, wow. Thank you - and thank you for the note and your number. My guilt would’ve eaten me alive if I couldn’t apologize to you.”
“You don’t think it was too forward?”
“No, not at all. To be honest, I was going to ask it last week before we got, erm, interrupted.”
“Well, that’s good to know. And in any case, I would’ve given it.” Jamie said.
She could hear his smile from the other line and she couldn’t help but smile too.
“Anyhow,” Claire followed. “I am so sorry I missed you today. To make up for it, would you happen to be doing anything tomorrow?”
“Hmm, let me check." Jamie checked his board calendar. "Nope, my weekend is free. Anything you had in mind?”
“Well, if you’re up for it, I’d like to invite you to the center tomorrow, see what we’re doing with the kids. Fair warning though, they get a little rowdy sometimes.”
“I’m game! Text me the details and what time to meet you.”
“Really? Great! Sure, I’ll text you the details in a bit”
“Will wait for it. Claire, sorry to cut this short but I have to run to a meeting. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Oh no, please. Go ahead. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alright, bye!”
-
It was a Saturday, two weeks since their encounter by the crossing, and now she’s waiting for him to arrive and bring him to one of the most special places for her.
Claire hadn’t absolutely thought through what inviting Jamie to the center would mean. Reflecting on yesterday, a part of Claire thought she may have panicked and this invite might’ve been a mistake. On another end was a part of her that was excited to see him and if she was really being honest, spend time with him, and show her the work they have been doing.
She had told her their meeting story and the extended invite to her friends and staff but left out the part about their lunches. She messaged the team on WhatsApp about their upcoming guest and her inbox has blown with messages asking her for more details about the man himself. She messaged that they’ll be able to find out for themselves tomorrow when they meet him and turned off her phone.
“Claire?” Deep in thought she hadn’t seen or hear Jamie arrive. “You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. Spaced out there for a bit” she embarrassingly admitted.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Jamie asked as Claire pointed the way in.
“Erm, nothing much. Just thinking about giving you fair warning about everyone upstairs. They’re quite curious about you, Jamie Fraser.” she said jokingly the half truth.
Jamie got a bit nervous suddenly and Claire felt it. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll save you if they get too rowdy. Be ready to answer questions though." She said, smiling, hoping to ease his thoughts.
“Is any topic off limits? Should I not mention anything to them?”
“I leave it to you. But if you ask me, just be yourself and charm everyone away”
Jamie chuckled and Claire turned to him. “What?”
“You think I’m charming?”
Claire laughed and smacked him in the arm. “Oh, bug off!”
“I’ll take that as a yes”
“Anyway!” Claire interrupted. “Today’s event is just art and crafts and a story session. The rest, the kids can do and play how ever they like. I usually just play with any kid who asks me to and time just flies and suddenly, the afternoon is done.”
“Got it. I honestly hope I can help more than distract or whatever”
“Pssh, you’ll be fine, Jamie. You’ll be fine”
--
The moment the elevator doors opened, a line of people greeted Jamie and Claire at the entrance.
“Hello, everyone” Claire greeted but to her surprise, no one spoke or moved. Everyone was just looking at Jamie. “This is Jamie. Jamie Fraser, our guest for today”
She ushered them closer to the stunned group and began to introduce them one by one.
Mary, the receptionist and admin assistant.
Mrs. Graham, the secretariat and head of operations.
Joe, also a surgeon from Claire’s hospital.
Frank, the history professor he’d met a week earlier.
Geilis, a botanist and herbalist.
“It’s nice to meet you all. Thank you for having me this afternoon.” Jamie said and it was only then that the ice was broken.
“Hi, Jamie was it? Can I call you Jamie?” Mrs. Graham prodded.
“Yes, Mam”
“Alright, this way. Let me show you around”
As Mrs. Graham swept Jamie away for a short tour, the rest of the group crowded Claire with questions.
“Okay, he is even more handsome than in the pictures!” Geilis excitedly said.
“Pictures?” Claire asked.
“Ugh, I sometimes forget you’re a doctor who needs to catch up to the times” Geilis pinched her nose jokingly. “Jamie was named one of Scotland’s most eligible bachelors in a tatler magazine last year. There’s pretty striking photos of him in a tux and in casual clothes.”
“I remember that issue. Gail had one lying in the house and I happen to peruse it one time. You’re right, the pictures don’t do him justice.” Joe chimed in.
“I had no idea. I mean, I just literally bumped into the guy on the street!” Claire said, a curiosity pooling in her mind. She had to look for that magazine later.
“Such a meet-cute story. Ugh, Claire! It’s like something out of the books or movies” Geilis added.
“Psh, he seems too manly for me. I mean, who is that fit and that put together.” Frank mused.
“I think he’s quite charming” Joe added.
“If you ask me, Claire, I don’t know what’s going on between you two but keep it going” Geilis added.
“Aish, nothing is going on. I just extended a polite invite to make up for - “ Claire stopped as Jamie and Mrs. Graham arrived back, thankful for the Interruption.
“Make up for what?” Geilis asked, not missing that info.
“Oh, nothing.”
“Mhm” Geilis hummed raising an eyebrow to Claire. She’ll pull it out of her later.
---
It was a long but fun afternoon for everyone.
Afterwards, one by one, the space cleared out, the kids were picked up, saying goodbye to the staff with some even approaching and waving at Jamie as they left, leaving him with a heartwarming feeling.
“Well, another successful weekend, folks!” Frank called out and the team gave themselves applause.
“Great job to Joe and Mary for taking on the storytelling and painting sessions this afternoon and I would also like to thank our guest, Jamie, for being patient and helpful with the kids” Mrs. Graham added, earning another group applause.
“Thank ye, I hope I helped at all today but otherwise, I enjoyed today and thank ye for inviting me.” Jamie shared.
“Come join us anytime” Joe patted him on the back. “Alright, everyone, have a goodnight. See you all next week, I’ll bring Gail and Lenny along.” With that he made a way for the elevator and it was everyone’s cue to leave.
Claire approached Jamie just as he was going to her. “Well, how are you and how was it?” she asked. If she expected to spend time with Jamie, well, it didn’t happen. First, he was whisked away by Mrs. Graham. Afterwards, it was Joe asking help to build his set. Next up was Mary who got him assisting on getting and serving the food, and the rest of the time, it was kids calling out on Jamie here and there and he was more than happy to oblige.
“Fun and a little bit tiring” he replied and Claire gave a small laugh. “But in all honesty, thank ye for inviting me to come here. Made me miss my niece and nephew”
“I’m glad you had fun and I’m glad you got to see what we’re doing here.”
Jamie might be overthinking things but he knew that Claire sharing this part of her to him seems like a big thing and he intends to cherish that.
“Anyway, I’d like to offer to drive ye home...or to the nearest bus stop” he added, panicking he put her in a tight spot.
Claire paused, eyed him jokingly, intentionally making him more flush and nervous.
“I’d take that offer but” she began and Jamie swallowed the lump on his throat, “I actually live nearby so we don’t need to drive”
“Okay,” Jamie sighed in relief which Claire found very cute. “Lead the way, then”
A/N: I hope you like it. As always, your comments and suggestions are very much welcome.
A modern day meet cute instance between Jamie and Claire.
AO3 / C1: A Day In June : C2: Definitely, Maybe : C3: So We Meet Again : C4: Friday Lunch : C5: Finding Solid Ground : C6: Situations
XXXXX
“What should I wear tomorrow?” Claire texted Jamie on the eve of their first official date. She wanted to have an extra time to shop should the need there be.
“What do ye mean?” he replied.
“I want to dress appropriately to wherever you’re taking me, James Fraser.”
“I see. Smart casual would do. :) Sorry, I dinna thought of informing ye earlier but wouldn’t it be hilarious if you dressed to the nines and we’re going to some sort of cattle farm”
“Exactly.” Claire replied with the eye roll and laughing emoji. “Can I know where we’re going?”
“Don’t ye want to be surprised?” Jamie messaged back and saw three dots typing afterwards.
“Hmm, thinking about it, yes. I’m excited to see the Jamie Fraser Date Experience.”
“Hope it doesna disappoint. I, too, am excited to see the Claire Beauchamp Date Experience. ;)” he replied, knowing the use of emoji will make her smile as he rarely uses one.
“I hope it doesn’t disappoint, too.” she replied with a winky face too. “Are you back in Edinburgh?”
“Just about to arrive home. I might just wash and then hit the sack.”
“Rest then, Jamie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Sassenach. I’ll message ye tomorrow when I’m on my way”
----
It has been four weeks since their accidental meeting at the sidewalk. After countless run-ins, lunches, and an absurd amount of consumed soy chicken, the day of their date has arrived.
When Claire accepted his invitation three days earlier, Jamie went into a slight overdrive trying to plan what to do. He meant to ask her out when he got back - but when he found out that she met Laoghaire, something pushed him to go for it before Claire had any wrong idea about his connection with Mrs. Fitz's granddaughter.
His first idea was to go all out - book the fanciest rooftop restaurant in the city, get the best chef he knew, and plan a private dinner for them. Fancy and exclusive seemed like a safe choice and a sure hit.
Then he thought about Claire and all their interactions so far - hole in the wall kitchens, asian street food, very light and casual. Jamie pondered on the idea and realized that jumping from that to an uber private dinner might not be the best, so he kept that card to play for later.
It was then he decided to just take their casual lunch to a casual dinner. He’ll just exchange one-hour savory chicken meetings for a comfortable, popular city restaurant and longer conversations. He also decided on wearing more casual clothes, opting out of his office suits that she’d seen him often in for a navy turtleneck, khaki pants and white sneakers.
Arriving at her front door, Jamie took one last stock of himself, suddenly feeling a wave of nervousness, and knocked on her door.
What he saw next knocked him out.
Claire opened the door wearing a burgundy sleeveless jumpsuit that was both modest and sexy, yet casual enough. Pairing the ensemble with black heels, the garment hugged Claire’s curves in just the right places that left Jamie staring for a hot minute.
“Hi” Claire broke through his thoughts and he remembered his manners.
“Hi, Claire. Wow, ye look beautiful”
“Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself. Going to stop traffic pairing blue on blue like that”
“Ye ready to go?”
“Yeah. Are we going to walk?” She asked as she locked the door to her place.
“Yes, I hope ye dinna mind. Ye live close by all the nice places to eat.”
“No, I don’t mind and also, very true.”
It was a short 10-minute walk before they arrived at Howie’s Restaurant.
“Howie’s. Interesting choice.” Claire commented as they walked to the hostess.
“We can go somewhere if ye dinna like it here.” Jamie offered.
“No, I actually quite like it here” she had to stifle a laugh at how adorable she found his tenseness was.
The hostess pointed them to the bar to wait for their table. Claire excused herself to the bathroom and Jamie ordered a light whisky for some liquid courage.
When the bartender served his drink, a familiar bloke sat beside him and greeted him.
“Jamie Fraser, hello!”
Jamie gulped the drink and turned to the man beside him. “Joe! It’s good to see ye, man!”
The two shook hands and exchanged more pleasantries.
“I’m actually meeting my wife.” He looked at his watch and then to the front door. “Oh, good, she just arrived!” Joe quickly waved her in and introduced her.
“Jamie Fraser, meet Gail Abernathy. Gail, Jamie.” he paused when Jamie extended a hand to her. “He was the guy who volunteered at our center two weeks ago. All the kids were just drawn to him.”
“No wonder.” Gail observed, her comment earning a jokey sigh from her husband. “So, Jamie, what brings you to this side of town on a Saturday evening?”
Jamie was about to share that he was on a date, but then right on cue, Claire arrives to greet the trio.
“Hello, everyone!”
“Claire!” Gail squealed as she gave her friend a tight hug.
“Lady Jane, you clean up good!” Joe remarked.
As they finished their greetings, Jamie quietly whispered to Claire to order any drink she’d like. The husband-and-wife duo caught on and couldn’t resist to pry.
“You guys on a date?” Joe asked frankly.
“First one, actually.” Jamie replied as Gail raised an eyebrow while Claire returned to his side, drink in tow.
Joe leaned closer to Jamie and pretended to whisper in his ear, “My date advice is don’t challenge her or don’t allow her to challenge you to a drinking game. You will lose”
Claire groaned while the rest laughed at her expense.
Just then, the hostess approached the pairs and told them their tables were ready. They exchanged their goodbyes and were led to their areas.
---
Jamie had been a perfect gentleman.
He opened her seat, allowed her to order and choose whatever she wanted from the menu (They both went to the steak and fries!), and is making just the right amount of banter.
Claire actually liked this dining choice - Howie’s comfort food really brought out the easy ambiance and conversation to their date. She didn’t mind going to a fancier place but she knew that if they were there, things would be too formal, delicate and shy. This was much better and she’d Jamie props for this.
Moreover, what made this official first date a little bit more fun is much of the first date awkwardness is gone. They’ve covered much of the basics about their life during their lunches - their families (both their parents are alive and have retired away from the city, Claire’s an only child while Jamie had an older sister), how they chose their careers and where they went to school (Jamie is Oxford Law while Claire is Cambridge Med, the school rivalry something they joke about), their current or main interests (horses for Jamie, herbs for Claire) and many other things.
So the evening was more or less less a continuation on what they’ve normally done - catching up on their days, sharing an interesting story at work or a photo they found on the web, asking more random questions - the only difference now is, there’s a more clear and intentional purpose for knowing these things and whole lot of shameless flirting in between.
Forty-five minutes in and halfway through their steak, a man approached their table. “Dr. Beauchamp, it’s nice to see you here!”
Jamie and Claire looked up and saw a slender man, not much older than they are with grey eyes.
“Tom, hi!” Claire swallowed a fry and grabbed a cloth to clean her mouth.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your evening but I saw you from the bar and just had to pass by and greet you. I mean at least, this time, not at the hospital or during check ups”
Claire smiled and made the introductions. “Oh, I’m sorry. Tom Christie, this is Jamie Fraser. Jamie, Tom. He is a teacher at the public elementary school. We met when I did the annual medical checkup for the kids. Also, I’m the peds of his kids, Allan and Malva.”
The mention of the word kids made Jamie release the tight fist he didn’t know he held beneath the table. He didna like the way the man eyed Claire but it was not his place - not yet at least.
Jamie gave the man a nod but ultimately wished he’d go. When neither said or did anything, Tom said his farewells and confirmed his kids check-up schedule in two weeks.
---
They decided to share a slice of chocolate cake and one last glass of wine each to cap off their dinner.
As they waited for their order to arrive, they got startled with a loud noise.
“Jamie, is that ye?!” one man said.
“Oh, heavens, tis!” another man replied.
Jamie could not hide the embarrassment he felt as the two blokes approached their table. Once they noticed Claire, they did not waste time introducing themselves.
“Hello, I havena seen ye before. My name is Angus” the thin, beardly man extended his hand. “And ye are?”
“Hi, I’m Claire.” she reached out but eyeing Jamie for confirmation that he knew these people.
“I’m Rupert.” the other man said. “We’re Jamie’s cousins”
“Distant cousins” Jamie retorted back. “What brings ye here?” he asked while glaring at them to leave.
“We have a double date” Angus shared, pointing to the table where two ladies were indeed waiting for them.
“Then I suggest you return to your dates then.” Jamie replied then proceeded to converse with the two men in Gaelic.
When the conversation was apparently over, Rupert sighed and turned to Claire. “It was nice meeting ye, lass. Please ask Jamie here to bring around one of our office events and meet the rest of the clan. I’m sure they’d love to get to know ye as well.”
Jamie stood up quickly and had to push the two back to their table before they said anything else that may ruin the evening.
“I’m sorry about them, Claire. They are quite the more, erm, rowdy members of my family.” he said as he sat down again.
“It’s alright. They seem really nice” Claire said, smiling. “So, clan huh? Just how big is that family of yours really?” She brought the conversation back up again hoping it would ease his discomfort.
Jamie visibly relaxed and then, they were back in their bubble, “How many generations back?”
---
Desert went by swimmingly with the chocolate cake and red wine proving to be a winning combo. After an almost three-hour dinner, Jamie asked for the check and insisted on paying for the meal.
They were one their way out of the restaurant then Claire was greeted by incoming guests.
“Dr. Beauchamp!”
Claire turned to look who called her. “Oh, please call me Claire. It’s nice seeing you here”
“Likewise. Please call me Meredith.” she quickly signaled to the man beside her. “This is my husband, Derek.”
“Of course, Dr. Shepherd.” Claire politely acknowledged him with the man insisting to be called casually as well.
“Anyway, I’d just like to say that I just read your latest paper in the Journal of Pediatrics. I look forward to hearing all about it in your visit to Seattle.”
Claire graciously accepted the complement with a smile and bow. “Thank you. We’ll catch up in Seattle in a few weeks, then.” Remembering her companion, she turned to her back where Jamie was patiently waiting for her. “Oh my, where are my manners. Meredith, Derek, this is Jamie Fraser. Jamie, this is Meredith and Derek Shepherd. They’re visiting doctors from Grey Sloan Memorial in Seattle.”
Jamie returned the pleasantries and shook hands with the doctors.
“Alright, I’ll let you guys go on with your evening. Sorry for the sudden call out” Meredith said.
“It’s no problem at all. A good night to you both as well.” Claire replied as she looked at Jamie and motioned for them to head out.
--
Once they we're out of the restaurant, Jamie lets out a light laugh.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.
“I was just thinking that I’d never unexpectedly run into that many acquaintances in one evening, let alone in a date!” he shared, chuckling more as the thought further sank in his mind and Claire joined him in his mood. “It isna exactly part of the Jamie Fraser Date Experience”
“I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t be, there’s nothing to apologize for. I mean, who would’ve thought, right?” Jamie retorted, his humor infectious.
She was touched by his honesty, not just with the situation but the entire night. He was caring, makes great conversation, and is always authentic with who and how he carries himself. She cannot make a full judgement of his character yet, as that is something she is still getting to know, but she likes what she is seeing so far.
Taking a bold step, she wrapped her arm around his as they started walking side by side back to her place.
Jamie looked at her hand, smiled and hoped it conveyed to Claire the joy he felt at the moment. “Is this part of the Claire Beauchamp Date Experience?” he asked nonchalantly.
“Only to a rare few” she said as she slightly tugged him closer.
The walk back seemed shorter than the one they did earlier. Before they knew it, they were already standing in front of Claire’s building.
“Oh, before I forget!” Jamie exclaimed as he fished out his car keys and a grey miata lit up open beside them. He pulled out an exquisite posey bouquet of red roses and handed it to her. “These are for you.”
Claire took them and smelt it, “The flowers are beautiful”
“I hope ye had a good time, Sassenach”
“I had a great time, Jamie. Thank you”
After a beat, Jamie took a deep breath, gathering strength to what he was about to say next. “Claire, we’ve known each other for about a month now, became unexpected friends in a short amount of time, had our lunches and now, our first date. I hope ye dinna think this is too forward of me but...I like you and I would like to see you again or keep seeing you, I guess.“ They we’re holding each other’s gazes as he laid out his intentions and waited for her reply.
Claire sighed and was just amazed by him. Her previous encounters are usually with male friends who constantly hang out with her then a few months down, asks her “what they are” as if she had to know or feel that something was happening from the get go. So, Jamie's forthrightness and old-fashionedness was truly refreshing and she was more than willing to give it a go.
As a final check to their chemistry, she stepped closer, tilted her head and leaned in to him. Quickly responding to her actions, he held her face on one hand and placed the other on her hips to pull her closer. He followed her lead until their lips crashed into each other in a single deep kiss.
In that moment, both Jamie and Claire knew something big shifted in the dynamic of their relationship.
This was not usual.
This is different.
And oh so good.
They felt each other smile against their lips just as they pulled apart for air.
“I like you too, Jamie and yes”
--
A/N: Maybe not the first date you might've thought of but hope you liked it! As always, thank you for reading! Your comments, suggestions, and questions are always welcome. If there's a story or scene you'd like to know, feel free to drop it! :)This was my original idea for the date but as I was writing it, I was going back and forth about scraping the entire thing and think about something else. But the original thought kept developing in my mind so I went back and stuck with it and cross-fingers, hoped it worked and made sense. I knew she had doctor friends but adding the Greys Anatomy characters just came about since I've been binging the show and thought it'd be fun to crossover. Hope you're keeping safe and in line to get vaccinated for the COVID-19 shot! See you all in the next one!
Modern AU. Set in present time. Where Claire and Jamie are arranged to be married.
CH: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
AO3
A/N: Hello, everyone! I'd like to start with an apology for not updating for so so long. This story is still very dear to me, I daydream a lot of the next chapters, it's in my head and in my drafts and I just didn't realize that has been quite a while since I posted a chapter. Time flew by so quickly in the pandemic, I hadn't seen it pass. Anyway, posting this short and sweet update. Hope you like it! As always, your comments and suggestions are very much welcome :) Hope that you are keeping safe and healthy! Till the next!
XXXXX
The Ring of the Woman of Balnain – or that’s what they call the ring for generations since the 18th century.
For Jamie, it was simply his 8-times great-grandmother’s ring – a small circlet passed down his family for generations. His siblings never cared for the old thing but Jamie loved it ever since he was a wee lad and asked his parents to give it to him when he was old enough – and that time was, apparently, now.
After his mother ambushed him in the kitchen, Jamie was now in possession of one the most precious things in his life. He promised himself that he would give it to the woman he’ll marry someday as a gift and sign of his love and he hoped that the ring would bring luck in their relationship.
When he realized that Claire Beauchamp was the one, he thought about asking for the ring but then he found out about Frank Randall and had to re-evaluate his chances and options. All of his plans for him and Claire got put on hold until their parents intervened with this crazy scheme. But this crazy scheme, allow him to at least, put some plans in place.
A week later, his mother found the ring box on his bed side table, untouched and unopened.
“Give it to her. I want you to give it to Claire. It’s perfect” she heard Ellen say to Jamie who just groaned in disapproval.
“Mam, I thought we were going to do this in our own time, our own terms. Giving her this does not make all of this any easier.” Jamie replied.
“I know, son. But this has a special meaning to our family, ye ken that. Even if this arrangement is so, I would – no, we would, yer father and I – would love it if ye kept with the tradition.”
Then came one of Jamie’s exasperated sighs. “I’m no promising anything, Mam. I’ll think about it but don’t expect anything”
He and Claire hadn’t really discussed the nature of their relationship one month in since getting reacquainted. But the truth was, with all the time they’ve been spending together ( almost everyday ), they’ve gotten really close that even the people close to them have started noticing up to a point where they asked if there was something going on between them.
Of course, they denied it – not wanting anyone to know about what really was going on – saying they were just friends and reasoned the mere fact that their families were close and that was the way it’s always been for them. A damn, unreliable lie but it’s all they got.
Their research was not progressing in any form which was starting to frustrate Claire. Everything they were getting from “company sources'' just didn’t make sense in any scenario or plan. Money was not an issue, their family relations were not an issue, their business relations were not an issue… they were running out of “reasons” and “clues” but Claire refused to give up. Of course, Jamie knew otherwise but silently played along.
Thankfully, their final exams were coming and Jamie decided to put pause on everything and have a break from their research and each other - their schedule not permitting any free time. They haven’t seen each other in a week.
Today, Jamie had been in the coffee shop for hours since almost all of his classes got cancelled when his building suddenly needed to be fumigated.
“This seat taken?” the voice was unfamiliar and Jamie looked up to find Laoghaire Mackenzie looming over his table. He knew about her and her fondness of him, she was never to shy to show it anyway, but he’d never taken a liking to the lass. She wasn’t his type and he didn’t like her personality at all. Despite numerous turndowns, she was still persistent.
Sensing his refusal, she made another attempt. “The table sits four and yer the only one.” She moved the chair in front of him causing the bag to fall over and all of its contents sprawled over the floor.
“I’m sorry. Here” she said, giving some of his things as he stood to pick it up. “Well?” she asked again, waiting for his invitation. Jamie was a gentleman and seems there was no reason to give the lass a boot or the seat. He was about to reluctantly agree when another voice chimed in.
“Actually, the seat is taken.” Claire’s voice was a happy sound in Jamie’s ear. Laoghaire turned to see whose voice was cockblocking her to Jamie and frowned. Laoghaire and Claire have never had a conversation before past pleasantries and despite that, they seem to have grown a dislike to each other, an unspoken disapproval of each person’s position in Jamie’s life. Too bad for Laoghaire, Claire knew she had the upper advantage and would gladly take that road anytime around her.
Claire wore her smug face proudly as Laoghaire huffed and shoved her way past her. Jamie, to his credit, didn’t say anything but rather he smiled at her in such a way that made Claire’s heart sing and she knew it came from a place of utmost gratitude.
Claire took her seat and Jamie started fixing his bag. Upon inspection, he realized he was missing something. Alarmed, Jamie quickly put out its contents again but still, it was not there.
He stood up and looked around the floor, pacing himself around the perimeter of his area. At one point, he even kneeled and bowed down just to look under chairs.
It was still not there.
Jamie stood up, flushed and a paleness was creeping in his face. He has lost it. How could he have lost it? Did Laoghaire take it with her? How would he tell his Mam that he lost a 300-year old family ring? Questions were pouring out his mind and he felt utter despair in the situation.
He wasn’t even supposed to bring it. It was a last minute decision to have it checked and cleaned.
“Looking for this?” Claire lifted the black leather box.
Jamie turned his head so fast, Claire thought he’d trip with his own momentum. But seeing the relief on his face warmed her heart.
“Thank ye!” he sat and moved to get the box but Claire pulled it away. “What’re..?”
“What is this?” she asked genuinely. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Tis’ nothing, Claire” he said, attempting to grab it from her again but was unsuccessful. She gave him a look and he resigned. “Yes. But there’s no need to think about it now, we have exams coming up.”
It wasn’t the same for Claire. The box did cross her mind from time to time since the dinner. But she, too, resigned and gave the box back to Jamie. “Fine, okay. Can I, at least, see it though?” she asked shyly.
“What?”
“Can I see it?”
Oh. Jamie was not expecting that. He didn’t think she’d be interested at all but here they are. He looked around, checking the place. The coffee shop was sparse and there’s no one close enough to pay them attention.
Jamie then focused on her, his eyes boring intently on hers, hoping to convey a certain reverence and seriousness on what he was about to show her. Slowly, he lifted the lid of the box revealing the simple silver ring within, his eyes observing her reaction.
Claire’s eyes focused on the ring as soon it was revealed. She honestly wasn’t expecting anything but if it was an engagement ring, at least, she thought, there’d be a diamond on it.
But this one was as simple a simple band can be and she was captivated by it. “It’s beautiful.”
“I’m glad ye think so. My brother and sister never cared for it…”
“But you do.” she finished and he nodded in agreement. “How old is it?”
“About three centuries old? It has been passed down in my family for generations” Jamie shared but not giving away any more details. That was for another story.
“Alright, I have to be honest” Claire began. “I heard your conversation with Aunt Ellen last dinner. I knew about the box. It was accidental, I promise! I didn’t mean to pry.”
“I’m sorry. This is what I was avoiding. We’re in a tough spot as it is and now this. I’m sorry, Claire. Don’t think about it. I’ll deal with my parents.” Jamie rambled on his apology and closed the box.
“No, no. It’s fine. I know what she meant and I know it’s ultimately up to us.” she moved her hand to comfort him and it landed parallel to where he clutched the box. Jamie startled with the proximity but she didn’t seem to notice and he didn’t move either. “Do you think it’ll buy us time if I wore this?”
“Ye want to wear it?!”
“Why not? If it’ll buy us time, why not? Plus, it looks nothing like an engagement ring. Nobody knows if I’m with someone. If anyone asks where I got it, I’d just say I got it from a vintage store or something old family heirloom.” she reasoned.
Jamie doesn’t look convinced still so Claire held his gaze having some unspoken conversation.
“Only if ye genuinely want to.” he countered.
“I want to”, Claire replied earnestly.
After a beat, Jamie lifted his hand and held it out to hers. “Give me yer hand.”
Claire smiled and handed her left hand to his. At that moment, they felt no awkwardness in their bubble. There was a trust, a knowing, a joy, and an excitement that neither thought of and realized until later. Jamie got the ring from the box and slid it on her ring finger.
A perfect fit.
Jamie wanted to kiss the back of her palm but resisted. Instead, he gave it a gentle squeeze and let it go.
Claire pulled back and proceeded to pull out her books and other stuff on the table and Jamie settled back to his. The rest of the afternoon went by as they normally did until it was time to head home.
Jamie passes through the stones on Beltane to 1968.
CHAPTER 9: REVELATIONS CONTINUED / Roger and Mrs. Graham have a surprise and Claire gives Brianna a gift. A short scene chapter before the Frasers head up to Lallybroch.
A/N: This is just a short chapter with two scenarios in mind that I've always wanted to write. Short scenes involving Roger, Mrs. Graham and Bree. It was important to me to establish these relationships and connections and really show the forging bond within this family and the important people around them. I am so excited for the Frasers to head up to Lallybroch and for Claire and Jamie to finally (!) have some alone time together in the next chapter! Thank you so much for reading. I know its takes me a while to update but rest assured, this story is constantly on my mind. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated and if you want to send a prompt, please feel free to message them! :) ❤️
CH: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
AO3
Sitting by the tree with their arms wrapped tight around each other had been pure bliss after what had been an emotional night for Jamie and Claire.
Releasing 20 years of hurt and pain had taken a toll on them but nothing beats the satisfaction of finally being in the arms of the person you long for most in the world. After a brief while, they both agreed to head back inside and back to their room where they promptly fell asleep.
The following morning, they came down to their family having breakfast. Bree, Roger and Mrs. Graham were all in the table already starting with their food.
“Morning” Bree said. Pointing towards the table for them to join in.
Once they sat down and settled, Claire noticed Bree and Mrs. Graham kept looking wide-eyed at Roger.
“What is it?” Claire finally asked, saving them all the trouble.
“Ah,” Roger heaved a sigh, put down his utensils and went for his briefcase. He pulled out a paper and handed it to the couple. “I hope you don’t mind. It was Mrs. Graham and I’s idea, thought we’d sort it for you guys since we had the time and we know people around. It wasn’t hard to come by…We thought it will help to get him all the other things he might need.” He trailed off, just looking at Jamie and Claire’s speechless faces.
“Roger, this is, uhm…” Claire began, stumbling out the words, then finally looked at him with tears nearly falling from her eyes.
“Thank ye.” Jamie finished for both of them. “This is above and beyond for what you’ve given me and my family.”
Mrs. Graham and Roger used their connections to give Jamie a copy of his “birth certificate”, making him a legitimate citizen of this century. Moreover, they knew Jamie, at least, needed that document to get all of the other IDs and documents he will need in this time.
“Did you know about this?” Claire turned to their daughter who was openly chuckling at their loss for words.
Brianna smiled and nodded at this, “Roger and I thought about it when we were preparing for Da’s birthday. I hope it was a wonderful surprise”
“It is.” Claire immediately replied. “I honestly hadn’t thought about all this, about Jamie’s legal situation here…” she trailed off again.
“There’s just one document we couldn’t get though” Roger hesitatingly said.
“What is it?” Claire asked for the second time that morning.
“There is no record anywhere of yer marriage from before the current war, we thought it be harder to justify to our friends why its such if we tried to get one for you. It’s not hard to remedy though, for yer situation.
Claire looked at Jamie as he reached out and took the document from her hands. She was relieved that in the three days Jamie has been back or even after in their years apart, Jamie can read her as plain as an open book. He already knew what she couldn’t say.
We’ll talk about it later.
“Thank ye again.” Jamie said in final.
“It’s no bother and we’re happy to do it. After everything else ye’ve been through together, ye deserve this chance.” Mrs. Graham said as she grabbed another bannock. “Now, eat up and we’ve got some errands to do”
-
It took all day but when Jamie, Claire, and Mrs. Graham, arrived home, they had acquired a passport and ID card for Jamie. The question of Claire and Jamie’s civil status were, thankfully, not brought up by either of them and that was fine.
By the time they got home, Jamie excused himself to freshen up before dinner and Claire found their daughter by the fireplace in the study, helping herself to a small dram.
“Oh, you’re here” she said surprisingly.
“Just got home”
“Da?”
“Upstairs.”
She offered Claire the glass which she took as Brianna poured herself another and they settled by the large chairs.
“When?” Brianna asked.
“When what?”
“When did you know that you loved Da and you wouldn’t go back?”
Claire looked at the fire and chuckled. “Give me a minute to rack my brain.”
Bree raised an eyebrow in a silent, questioning “why”.
“No, it’s not a question of whether or not I love him. The timeline is just a little complicated - on my end at least.”
“Why so?”
“Well, if you ask your Da that question, he can answer you right away.” Another hearty laugh between mother and daughter filled the room.
“I think it was a gradual and unexpected thing for me.” Claire began. “When I went through the stones, I was scared and confused. Then I met Jamie and he became my only friend in the Castle. Your Da was sneaky though. I knew there were lots of times he’d spend time with me just because or I’ll find him looking at me out of nowhere. It started as little innocent things but I knew overtime that he had a crush on me. I tried to deny it or push it off as friendly, tried to not get too attached to him as I still planned to get back to my own time and to Frank as well. But that was until we were kind of forced and arranged to be married.”
Bree could see the glint in her mother’s eyes as she recounted this part of the story. There were faces of her that was new to her and Bree thought that maybe that’s what being in lovelooked like.
“Our first night together, well, it was…ugh, mandatory…to be together. But after that, well…” Claire blushed and shrugged pertaining to the obvious.
“Mama, keep it PG” Bree joked while taking a sip.
“All I am saying is… despite my reluctance to still admit my feelings for Jamie at that time, and my plans still to return to my time even after we were married, a part of me enjoyed being with Jamie, enjoyed being married to Jamie - and not just physically, mind you. He knew my mind was at battle with everything going on but he just had a way that made me feel at ease all the time, whether it was with a kiss, a hug, a touch in the hand, or giving me my own space. He just knew and I think I’ve never been with anyone who knew me better than I knew myself, not even Frank. Again, we go back to the little things. And despite my strong independence, I found myself relying so much to Jamie and slowly, I just couldn’t imagine life without him. After that, I knew I had loved him more than I ever loved anyone and it was enough to keep me in that time. As long as I was with Jamie, I was okay and that simply was it.”
“But that doesn’t really answer my question.” Bree insisted.
Claire thought a little bit more. “The first time he took me back to the stones - that was when I knew my heart, finally admitted to myself that my heart was with him. He tried to send me back but I didn’t go. I spent a long time in front of that stone, thinking of every possible scenario, tried to be logical and reasonable about this life changing decision. But at the end of the day, everything led back to Jamie and I chose him. Shortly after that was the first time I told him I loved him, which was at Lallybroch.”
Bree nodded in understanding as Claire took her fill of the whiskey.
“Frank was a love in my life - but Jamie is and will always be the love of my life. We are meant to be together. That’s the only explanation I have for my ability to travel through time – it was so I could find him, love him, and for us to just be together.” she said straight and plain. “So…” Claire toyed with her left ring finger and slid off the gold band she’s been wearing the past 30 years and handed it to her daughter. “Jamie never asked me to take it off because he knew Frank was an important part of my life – but he isn’t anymore, he hasn’t been for a long time. I hope you understand.”
Bree took the ring and held it close for inspection. From F to C. Always.
“Why are you giving it to me?” she asked.
“You loved Daddy, I think he would appreciate you having it, plus, it seemed a much better idea to give it to you than throw it away. You can do whatever you want to it and it will be fine by me.” Her mother allowed.
“Thank you, Mama”
“You’re welcome”
A moment of silence passed through and Claire knew more questions were coming from her daughter. It the first time in a few days that they’ve had a moment to themselves after Jamie had arrived. They did promise each other honesty, too, back at the stones and she plans to follow through with that. She was ready to tell everything, but she thought if her daughter was ready to hear it.
“Were you and daddy ever happy?” The question put Claire out of her reverie and she looked directly at her daughter’s eyes as she answered.
“We were happy raising you together.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Do you really want to know?”
“All the truth is coming out now, might as well blow it all out in the open”
“Can you handle more?”
Brianna laughed and shrugged. “I don’t know but I’d rather know now than be surprised again later”
“Alright,” Claire said as she took another good sip of her drink. “First and important thing to know is that Frank loved you with all his heart. You were his greatest joy, his proudest accomplishment.” Claire paused and thought if she should go on but Brianna was looking straight at her, she couldn’t stop now.
“After the war, we thought about our options about having a family and he was sure that adoption was not for him. He wanted a child of his own blood and flesh. I was not happy with that decision but I was young, then, and he was my husband and what his last say goes. When I came back and told him everything, he still wanted me back despite knowing for a fact that my heart was no longer with him. A part of me believes he wanted us back together because he truly did love me and another part of me thinks he just wanted to continue to look what society deemed the right thing for us to be. I withheld the pregnancy until the last moment. He was happy at first but when he slowly realized that I was, indeed, with another man, he almost tried to hit me but he held himself. After much thought and counsel, he still took me back with the condition that we raise you as his own and forget Jamie.”
“Why did you agree to his terms then?”
“Because I promised Jamie. I promised that you and I will be well taken care of by someone who loved me, someone who would’ve loved you. That is all he wanted for us.”
We moved to Boston and we tried to be together but we couldn’t. Most of it is on me because even though I kept my promise to not speak of Jamie to Frank but I think he knew that Jamie was still constantly on my mind. Eventually, we just agreed to stay together, legally, but have separate lives. He had his work, I was in school. We supported each other, for old times sake, at least.”
“And you?”
“I must admit that it was difficult going through the pregnancy. I was in a new place with no friends or family. Frank felt the distance between us, I was heartbroken for Jamie…it was not a happy time until you were born. When I held you in my arms, I have found my life and purpose again. You are the child Jamie and I badly wanted and I see him in you everyday. He made me go because he loved you and we lived because I loved him enough to keep my promise. Believe me, if there was a way to stay, we would’ve done it in a second.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Faith” she huffed, unwilling to look at Bree’s eyes. “And Jamie” she followed. “I promised him that I’ll keep you safe. That’s why we decided that I had to go back to this time. If I stayed there after the Battle of Culloden, I am almost most certain that we wouldn’t survive. Every traitor got hunted down and killed throughout the highlands and they will not know I am pregnant for it was too early for me to show. They will have no mercy.”
“But Jamie survived” Bree followed somberly.
“He did” Claire, not really the religious type, suddenly found herself saying a silent prayer of thanks to a higher being for bringing him here in her time and to have her daughter too.
“And Faith? What about her?” Bree asked, hoping to know more about her older sister. Claire just briefly touched the topic in their storytelling in the past week. She understood that it was – is– painful for her mother to relieve that memory.
“We lived in a very unpredictable and chaotic time. We were Scottish socialites in France, doing all these deceitful things to save a war from happening. In the process, we’d made enemies who tried to harm us. Then the war happened and we were in battles. Everything just went from bad to worse so quickly. Just the stress of it all, I think, was what made us lose her. It was beyond heartbreaking. I was ready to die.”
Bree tried to hide the surprise she felt on her mother’s blunt revelation.
“Yes, it was that intense. I was mad at your father, mad at the world, mad at God. You should thank one Louise de la Tour for keeping me alive until your Da found me.”
“Da found you?”
Claire shrugged and shook her head. “There’s a lot more to tell, my love, but I’ll be enjoying this conversation more if both Jamie and I tell it to you”
“Speaking of Da, are you going up to Lallybroch tomorrow?”
“Yes. You’ll follow us the day later after you’ve finished your class?”
“Yes. Already have Roger and Mrs. Graham to come with me too”
“Good. I think the food is ready” smelling the aroma of a hearty dinner down the hall. “We should head out” Claire stood and offered a hand to her daughter who quickly took it.
-
Jamie was asleep when Claire entered their room. His traveling through the stones can be compared a little bit as jetlag as the man acclimatized to this time. Four days he’s been in her time and she still can’t believe their luck.
Sensing her, Jamie, with still eyes closed, reached out a hand which she quickly took as she tucked herself in under his arms. They both hummed in contentment at the same time.
“Well, there is only one person I know that can tear you away from me that long and I can smell her scent on you.” Jamie smiled as he buried him face in her curls.
“It was a good talk but next time I want us both to tell it. It’ll be a good bonding experience for us.”
Jamie gave a sleepy Scottish grunt. “I canna wait to go to Lallybroch, Sassenach, and see what ye’ve done wi’ it.”
“I can’t wait to go back to Lallybroch with you.”
“Tomorrow, then.”
“Tomorrow. But now, you have to get up because dinner is ready”
Woe is All I Possess ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - Frank Randall takes a break from editing his book when a familiar name suddenly made itself known [Inspired from Gotham’s Writing Workshop]
A Right To Claim ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - A little expansion of Claire and Laoghaire’s confrontation (1x10) plus a little imagined post-scene fic if Jamie had seen the entire thing.
On The Corporal's Account ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - A 1x15 One-Shot imagined fic. What if someone had witnessed just how much Claire and Jamie fought for each other in that cell? I took the liberty of inventing a corporal officer as witness to it all.
All I Ask ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - Claire contemplates her decision after she promises to go back through the stones to Jamie. A little 2x06 post-scene fic.
Sisters ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - How Bree and Faith Meet. Modern AU. [Inspired by the Single Syllable Fic Challenge]
Good Morning ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - An unexpected visitor joins Claire’s morning bath routine [From Jamie x Claire Photo Prompt One Shots series]
Not A Parade ( Tumblr | AO3 ) - Jamie and Claire attend a party at his work. [From Jamie x Claire Photo Prompt One Shots series]
Introducing Bree [DONE]
A short post 3x01 scene after Claire and Bree meet for the first time
Chapter 1: Redheads for a Reason ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 2: Her Name ( Tumblr | AO3 )
To Begin Again [WIP]
My take on how Jamie passes through the stones to the 20th century on Beltane to 1968.
Chapter 1: Someone’s At The Moor ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 2: A Birthday Celebrated ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 3: Of Lost and New Loves ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 4: The Introduction ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 5: Cars and the Issue of Semantics ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 6: Surprise, Surprise ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 7: Getting To Know You ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Arranged [WIP]
Modern AU. Set in 2018. Where Claire and Jamie are arranged to be married.
Chapter 1: The Announcement ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 2: The Explanation ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 3: The First Afternoon ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Forever [WIP]
Jamie left Claire eight years ago and now he’s at her house. Will she take him back?
Chapter 1: The Unexpected Visitor ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Chapter 2: Defiance ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Tales of the Silver Ring [WIP]
A series on one-shots as Claire tries to explain her two rings in the people she encountered in her life.
Joe ( Tumblr | AO3 )
Thank you and happy reading! Do let me know if you liked it! Or if you have any prompts, comments and suggestions! :)
A/N: I incredibly appreciate and am encouraged by the comments the story received in the last chapter. I know this isn't the easiest storyline to read and follow but the fact that you guys actually read this story and take time to comment about it is just heartwarming to me. I have the plot line laid down but as I saw in the previous chapter, a lot of you guys have been asking for a backstory or something from Jamie's POV about just explaining why he's characterised as such. I see them and am definitely thinking about it. It wasn't part of my original plan to explain away but considering the story, I might have to - before I close it all, maybe. What do you guys think? A back story? :) Thank you so much for reading. You are giving and sending love to this girl in what seems to be a most trying time in her life. So, thank you, truly. Chapter 5 coming soon. As always, your comments and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated!
Forever | Jamie left Claire eight years ago and now he’s at her house. Will she take him back?
In the stillness of the deep of the night, the ticking of the clock rang loud in the silence that soon filled the room as Claire and Jamie stood quiet in front of each other. Their previous outburst had them leaving to compose themselves.
Jamie sat down thinking about what Claire had said. It was valid and justified and it was his mere assumption that their feelings were stronger than any disagreement they’d have tonight. He’d been wrong to assume that after 8 years, everything might’ve slowly died down and be forgotten.
Claire for her part, went back to to kitchen to fix herself another dram of alcohol. A weight should be lifted in her heart as she said the words she’d hoped meant closure for Jamie’s chapter in her life – but it wasn’t relief she felt but the pain, yet again, just as strong as the day he left her.
“How hard you’d become.” Jamie said heartbreakingly once Claire came back to the room.
“I wasn’t eight years ago.”
“But our daughter, Brianna…”
“She is my daughter – mine! Do you hear me? I brought her up and she belongs to me and me alone. She has never known you.” Claire clarified, voice filled with a protectiveness that Jamie didn’t get.
“She must remember me. She was over a year old when I left!”
“Yes, over a year old – not old enough to remember a face that was scarely there even in the first few months of her life. Besides, I told her that her father was…” Claire hesitated to continued and it made Jamie look up from where he sat.
“What did you tell her?” Jamie asked but Claire remained tight-lipped. “What did you tell her, Claire?”
Annoyed by his insistence she let it out. “I told her that her father is dead! There! Happy?!”
A little piece inside Jamie broke. Her daughter doesn’t know her and will never know her. Another light inside of him must’ve sizzled out and added itself to the ash weight in his heart of the finality of losing his family. He had nothing to live for anymore. Claire just confirmed it.
“I can’t believe you told her that” Jamie said, defeated.
“What did you expect me to tell her? That her own father…” she just trailed off, unable to finish the ridiculous notion.
“But she is dead! The other woman is dead!” Jamie insisted, still.
“So is my husband dead to my daughter!” Claire couldn’t understand why her dying justified his coming back. “Also, what does that have to do with anything? Dear, god. This conversation is going nowhere. Leave, please. This is over” Despite their years apart, Claire knew that as calm as Jamie seemed, there was a fury bubbling inside him at her confession and she had to tread carefully or else she’ll fall again to his words and promises.
Another beat, another second hung between them. Jamie was still sitting in the sofa and Claire was in the kitchen threshold across from him. Distance – that’s what they needed.
“I don’t believe it.” Jamie broke the silence once more. “I don’t believe that Brianna won’t recognize me.” This was his last chance and he had to push it as far as he could. If Claire shut him out, her daughter was the last part of them that he has and he wasn’t letting it go without a fight.
Claire saw the opening Jamie paved and decided it was the only way for everything to be settled. “And if she doesn’t?”
Jamie paused to think. He honestly wasn’t expecting Claire to consider. “If she doesn’t, then – then I shall go away and never come back. Never see you, never contact you, just as you want.”
“And if she does?” Claire asked. It had to be a fair fight or else – no technicalities.
“If she does then I shall…”
Just before Jamie could finish his sentence, Jenny came back in the room. By the look on her face, she was nervous to interrupt but Claire gave her a short smile to indicate it was okay. This was not her problem but she made it to her own because Claire and Jamie are close to her heart and was torn with how they handled things. Jenny wasn’t eavesdropping on their conversation – she simply couldn’t handle listening to their heartbreak. Instead, she stayed with Brianna in her room the entire time until a knock on the door caught her attention.
“Jenny, what is it?” Claire asked sweetly as if nothing was going on.
“It’s Frank.” Jenny said nervously, gazing between me and Jamie.
“Frank?” Claire clarified.
“He said that you left some papers at the office this afternoon. He’s downstairs, actually.” Jenny said, looking at Jamie who appeared to be unmoved by Frank’s sudden coming.
This night could’ve not turned any more unpredictable. Jamie was here and now, so is Frank. Though she was aware of his interest on her, she doesn’t consider Frank as someone special in her life, someone she could say she has a special connection with. He is just a good friend and he is good to Brianna - she appreciated him that much – but not enough to even spark some vague suggestion of a romance. However, she was also sure that Jamie would not see it that way.
“Tell him to just come up” Claire said, just putting whatever will happen next to the universe. “Also, is Bree still up?”
Jenny couldn’t help the smile that ran across her face. Brianna was a bright light, an exceptional child with a wonder and curiosity to the world that you just had to see it through her eyes – well, maybe that’s just how children are but you would think that your own is the most special one. “She is. She’s been telling me all about the play ye just watched. Couldn’t go to bed until her story is finished.”
“Do you mind bringing her in later?” Claire asked and Jenny’s brows furrowed in further question but Claire wouldn’t give it. “Just bring her in, Jenny.”
“Fine.” Jenny said as she left to tend to their new guest and Bree.
There was no point in holding back so Jamie pushed his luck. “Do you mind if I ask who Frank is?”
“Oh, he works with me in the same office. A good friend of mine and Brianna likes him very much.” She said, nonchalant. “I’ve known him about three years now.”
“Do ye want me to just come back tomorrow?” He had asked, hoped, at least, he’d have time to think things over, for Claire and him to sleep on their argument, for a chance to see her again.
“No, stay” Claire replied and Jamie just settled back to the couch, his body away from the door. This conversation would end tonight and she would see to it. Jamie gave her a challenge and tough luck on him, she knew she was going to win it.
Frank entered the room with a big brown envelope in hand. “Sorry to bother you at this late hour, Claire, but the boss wants these papers ready by tomorrow. You know how he can be with deadlines.”
“Thank you, Frank. I was in such a rush to leave the office I forgot all about it” Claire said, examining the contents of the envelope, all the while mentally assessing how much she could accomplish tonight. Oh, if Jamie would just leave.
“Oh, I didn’t know you had a visitor.” Frank broke through her thoughts as Jamie stood and made his presence known. With both men standing to their full height, Claire could not help but compare both men. Jamie is Scottish while Frank was British. Frank was tall but not as tall as Jamie, built a little less than Jamie but muscular still, he looked very presentable and distinguished versus Jamie’s disheveled look from the long night. However, Jamie is quite more handsome than Frank, she’d give him that – only that – but to Claire that was the last thing that mattered.
Jamie eyed Frank, too, and all he thought was that Frank is not at all Claire’s type.
“Frank, I want you to meet Jamie. Jamie, this is Frank Randall” Claire introduced them, unsure why she is even bothering but here they all were. Jamie approached Frank and they shook hands.
“How do you do?” Frank began. “I am sorry. I didn’t quite catch your name”
“Jamie Fraser”
“Fraser? You mean?” Frank suddenly realized who Jamie was he flitted gazes between the two of them in question and apparent answer. Claire had told him about Jamie in one drunk honesty night but Frank didn’t really get much information except for a brief story of what had gone down. He never asked her again to clarify because as far as Frank Randall was concerned, Jamie Fraser was nonexistent in her present narrative.
“I’ll try and type these tonight” Claire replied, totally avoiding Frank’s question. “Oh, I took Brianna to the show tonight.”
“Oh, good. Did she like it? Never mind, I’ll just ask her myself. Is she asleep?”
Claire shook her head and Frank made a way to Bree’s bedroom but stopped briefly to ask for permission. “Could I see her? I promised to take her to the park last week but I forgot all about it. I could go to her room…?”
Frank made a dash again but Jamie quickly blocked his way, surprising both Claire and Frank. “Mr. Randall, I believe wee Brianna is asleep.”
“But Claire just said – “
“I dinna want to seem rude but it’s quite late and the lass is tired.”
“You may go in, Frank.” Claire commanded without looking at Jamie. This was her house, her daughter, and her life and she gets the final say – not Jamie.
“Forgive my curiosity, Mr. Randall, but doesn’t it seem rather strange for a man to be in a lady’s house at this late hour?” Jamie butted. Frank Randall gave a sarcastic huff and both Jamie and Claire knew that he would not easily back down.
“You’ll also pardon my curiosity, Mr. Fraser, if I take the liberty of asking you the same question.”
“Ye ken who I am, I am still Claire’s husband.” Jamie, somehow, proudly said.
“No, he is not.” Claire interrupted but Jamie huffed back, ignoring the way Claire rolled her eyes on him.
“Do we have to discuss this in public?” Jamie asked, turning to Claire but she just gave him the side-eye.
“If you mean before Frank, I don’t mind. You brought the matter up yourself –“ she was not saving him on this one and she reveled at how unsure and disarmed Jamie was being around Frank.
Jamie knew that he was not getting any help from his wife and that both of them, Frank and Claire, are enjoying conniving against him. “To answer yer question, I am here at this late hour, Mr. Randall, because Claire and I are still legally married.”
“And may I remind you that you abandoned your wife eight years ago.” Frank, casually, said back. “But if you must know, Claire and I work at the same office. We are good friends and I already come here often because I enjoy Brianna’s company – and hers.” He said as he pointed to Claire who was slightly embarrassed by it all.
Jamie took a step back as he processed it all. This man has not only known Claire for three years but he was a man she allowed to spend time with his daughter. A daughter who may or may not remember him, a daughter than didn’t need to remember him because she, probably, had another male figure in her life to fill the one he’s left. Frank’s words were quick to blow him and he had one more up his sleeve.
“Mr. Fraser, it’s not impossible for an unmarried man to form a friendship with a fine young woman without people maliciously misinterpreting their relations, however, innocent.”
Claire knew the rage Jamie was feeling inside and knew that he was almost ready to jump on Frank and give him a beating. However, all was set aside when a little girl’s voice floated to the room and her presence calmed everything down.
“Mama, mama!” Brianna ran to her mother as she entered the living room but once she saw Frank, she made a dash for him instead and crushed herself to him in a hug. “Frank! Why didn’t you take me to the zoo last Sunday?”
Jamie’s heart shattered another million pieces at the sight but he had to keep it together. The battle is still long.
“I’m sorry, Bree. I was very busy last week, extra work at the office. Ask your mama, she knows – but I told her I’ll take you tomorrow”
“Yay! It’s Saturday, no class!”
“Your mama told me you went to see a play, how did it go?”
“It was super fun – it had everything from all the elements, fire, water, earth, air! You can feel it all around and the acrobats were amazing and – “ Brianna recalled to Frank in excitement but her mother intervened. There is a pressing matter that needed to be done first.
“Frank, won’t you like some ice cream? Jenny will take you to the kitchen” she motioned for them to move to the other room. Frank and Jenny looked at each other and knew they had to leave. However, Bree, young as she was, didn’t get the hint at all.
“Frank, will you help me with my homework? We have to draw the world map and I can’t do it!”
Frank looked from Bree to Claire and knew he had to be the one to end the conversation, or else, Bree would just go on and on. “I’ll help you later. Now, I’ll just go get ice cream. Would that be okay?”
Bree seemed to be appeased. “Sure! I already had 3 cups tonight!” she said, then, she let Frank go to the other room.
It was now only Claire, Jamie and Bree. For the first time, Jamie allowed himself to be consumed by the sight of his daughter. He had not seen the lass since she was a wean and now, she stood, beautiful and graceful, her long red hair flowing. He almost cried at how much she looked like him and his mam.
“Mama, why doesn’t Frank come more often? He comes only on the weekends and sometimes he doesn’t even stay for lunch.” Brianna’s question broke Jamie’s lovely thoughts. Another blow and this one was unintentional. He couldn’t blame Bree for it but it, nonetheless, was another blow to his gut.
Claire kneeled down to be on eye level with her daughter. “I told you, he has a house of his own and somebody has to live with his mother.”
“Why don’t you marry again, mama? After all, papa is dead.” Brianna asked her mother like it was the most natural thing a nine-year old girl asks. Claire’s shock was oblivious to her daughter but not to Jamie as they looked at each other. As if her night could not get crazier, her daughter just joined the party. She didn’t know what to say but thankfully, Brianna did. She followed Claire’s eyes and turned around. “Oh, you’re still here, sir?” she asked at seeing Jamie.
This was it, the answer to the challenge Jamie called her on earlier in the evening – their last stand.
Claire rose and introduced them. “Bree, I must keep Frank company. This is, uhm, a – a friend of mine.”
“Hi!’ Bree cheerfully greeted.
“Hello” Jamie replied, offering his hand which Brianna shook. Jamie wanted to hold on to Bree’s hand forever but he couldn’t – not right now. Reluctantly, he let go.
Claire drunk the sight before her. For a second time that night, she allowed herself to forget the past and let her mind wander to the life she thought she’d be living right now – her husband, her daughter, together. Them, a family. The two redheads looked at each other with wonder and awe. All these hope and she felt the tears threatening to fall in her eyes. She had to get away as soon as she can before she begs this dream of a life back.
“You entertain him until I come back?” she asked her daughter who nodded enthusiastically. Claire gave a nod to Jamie in understanding then she left.
Brianna wasn’t a shy and she easily got along with people. Maybe it was because she used to be around them growing up when she brought her to work. Claire was fortunate that her job allowed her to raise Bree within its walls and her colleagues had been one of the best support groups, taking turns in looking out for Bree when she was called in or in a meeting.
A few years later, Jenny offered to stay with her and take care of Bree and she agreed. She might’ve hated Jamie for what he did but Jenny Fraser was a woman you couldn’t say no to – plus, Jenny didn’t remind Claire of Jamie and Jenny didn’t reminder her of him. For some surprising reason, them living together brought up no issues.
“You’ve never been here before, have you, sir?” Bree asked and Jamie shook his head. He sat down on the floor, crossing his legs while Brianna sat in front of him on the coffee table, making them level eye to eye. “What’s your name, sir?”
Modern AU. Set in 2018. Where Claire and Jamie are arranged to be married.
CH: 1 - 2
AO3
A/N: Sorry it took a while to write this. The past month just has been incredibly weird and strange. But I am happy this is up now, I had a wee writers block on how to make them go forward but I think I found the way. So excited to write what's next. Hope you like this chapter and it's always good to see and hear your comments and suggestions <3
CHAPTER 3: The First Afternoon
It was the morning after the dinner, Claire was on the bus heading to uni to start another day. Usually, she’d spent the 10-minute ride browsing through class notes but today, she found herself staring out the window and watching the city scene go by. Musing with recent events, Claire can’t help but think about Jamie.
Jamie Fraser wasn’t a stranger in her life. On the contrary, she cannot remember her life without him.
Looking back, she remembered their days, growing up in their family dinners. Jamie was two years ahead of her, he was basically in her life even before she knew it and they practically grew up together.
Sure, Jenny and Willie were also there in that scenario as well but with the recent arrangement, she focused on the times she was only with him. Before any of this, she only thought of him as a really close family friend but didn’t think they were really that close. But the more she thought about them, the more wrong she found herself.
She remembered playing in the green fields of their backyard, stealing toys from each other or playing tag; carpooling to and from elementary school for some years, heading straight to either of their house until a parent can come and pick them up; watching the same cartoons, singing the theme song together once it was on; how they would take afternoon naps after watching said show and be woken up exactly at 4PM for some afternoon snacks; how all of them - her, Jenny, Jamie and Willie - would all play house or castle rescue, and how her and Jamie were always deemed the “king and queen” combo or the “prince and damsel” duo, where in the end, he would always save her; In some days, they would even have wedding scenarios played out as part of the story of happily ever after. It was all very innocent and fun, and at the time, no one thought any malice into it. It was just pure childhood fun.
Everything sort of changed when they entered high school. Jamie and Claire went to exclusive boys and girls catholic schools and naturally, they had their own circle and friends and their interactions were limited to their family dinners. Heading off to college, Claire took a pre-med course and Jamie took-up a pre-law course and now, she’s in medical school while he’s busy running the family’s publishing house business. Although they both stayed in Edinburgh, their paths never crossed as often as one would think.
However, despite growing up and somehow, maybe, growing apart, when they do see each other, they would talk and interact as they normally do – the long-time friends they are – and update each other on the status of their lives. All very civil, normal and nothing more.
What’s even more puzzling to Claire, now, is in these times and nobody ever teased them about the “what ifs” of them ending up together. Nobody ever spoke to them in that way, nobody gave an inkling about this merger ever happening. Nobody had a rumored crush on anyone. Nobody gave them any thought and no one gave her any indication to. As far as she knew, Jamie Fraser was and will always be just a long-time family friend in her life.
The shock of the engagement was wearing off but Claire was determined to get to the bottom of this. Jamie was right – their parents aren’t impulsive enough to set this up lightly. There is a deep, real reason for it and she will know it and put a stop to it.
-
“Darling, there you are!” Frank called as she stepped out of the car, breaking her thoughts of Jamie.
Frank – her very new and current suitor. They’ve been seeing each other for over a month and Claire was totally smitten with the professor right from the moment they met at the university library when he helped her carry her loads of medical books from the shelf to the table.
He make a joke – she can’t remember it anymore – but it made her laugh in what was a stressful exam week and she was charmed by his aristocratic elegance and wit. They got to talking after that and she found out he was a history professor and almost a decade older than her (though she thought he didn’t look like it).
She hadn’t told her parents about him because of what they might think of her dating a much older man and how it can affect their position in the university. She was a student (she can argue that she’s in medical school and not some undergraduate bimbo) and he was a teacher – that scenario doesn’t look good in any way, shape or form. Also, she wasn’t entirely certain of him yet - so she’s taking her time to get to know him a little bit more before she allows him more into her life.
As they met in the middle of the courtyard, Frank noticed her somber aura. “What is it, Claire?” he asked, concerned.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just got up in the wrong side of the bed” she lied. He took it at face value and thought nothing more. Clearly, he doesn’t know her yet as he hadn’t caught up with the jig.
“Okay!” He said, really not noticing it. “I gotta run to class. I’ll see you in the afternoon?”
“Yes – No! I forgot I have a group meeting later and don’t know how long would that be. Uhm…maybe just call me later and see where I’m at?” She said. Frank just nodded and went on his way.
-
It was technically a groupmeeting – they were two people, that counts. She was going to see Jamie in a nearby coffee shop and start this ridiculous quest. The day went by with Claire mostly working on autopilot student mode. Her mind ran scenarios on where they should start to investigate, people they can ask favor for to look into their family company. They should also fix their schedules and think about how this will affect their studies. This investigation was going to take over their lives and both seem to be in agreement with it – Claire, simply, wants it to be over.
He was already seated when she arrived, her favorite beverage, hot and waiting, on the table. “Sorry, I’m late. The bus was late and there was so many people waiting in line…” Claire explained herself. “It’s no mind, Claire.” Jamie stopped her before she went on a long narrative. She just smiled and took her seat across from him.
“Oolong Tea” Jamie pointed to the cup. “I hope ye dinna mind me orderin’ for ye. I canna choose which pastry ye’d like today though, so I’ll let ye choose that one.”
“It’s fine. That’s what I was going to drink anyway and I’ll order the bread later.” Claire thought about how Jamie knew her drink but with their long history, she thought she shouldn’t be shocked about it. After all, she knew his drink even though the lid of the coffee cup hid its contents – it was black, three sugars.
“Where do we begin?” she asked, hoping it’ll shift her thought from their apparent familiarity.
“Well, what did yer parents say to ye again?”
“That this was a business merger of some sort, which honestly, doesn’t make sense. Your business seems to be fine, ours is as well. Do you have any idea about the financial status of your company?”
Jamie shrugged. He already knows falling numbersis not the problem but this was the ruse. As much joy it was to spend with her, it equally pained him for it to be this way. “I guess we can start there?” He suggested. “Let me call Rupert and Angus Mackenzie from Finance, I’m sure they can discreetly hand me the finances since…2010? I’ll just go that far back just in case.” Real reason was to accumulate as much paperwork to get lost themselves in.
Since the Frasers and Beauchamps are both stakeholders in each other’s company, they both had access to the numbers for both companies. Acquiring the data was not that hard.
“Hi, Rupert! I’m okay, just settling back” Jamie said as he called Rupert. “Rupert, I was wondering if you could send me the year-end numbers of our company and the Beauchamps dating back in 2010? Yes, - No, I would just like to study the trends…”
“No need to explain. I got you, Jamie! I’ll send it in an hour.” Rupert answered back with a knowing laugh, interrupting Jamie’s ramble of an explanation. His parents must’ve set this up too. Jamie sighed hopelessly, thanked Rupert and ended the call.
“Files will be sent in an hour” Jamie said.
“I guess we got time to kill. Would you mind if I did a bit of studying? We’re already here and we gotta wait.” Claire asked.
“No, no, go ahead. I was just going to ask the same thing.” He replied with a smile as he started pulling out his stuff from his bag.
They were occupying in a four-seater table, the space just enough for each of them to claim a side. Claire put out her laptop, two medical books, a notebook and lots of pencils and ballpens. Jamie, also, pulled out his laptop, three novels, a notebook and lots of highlighters. Both silently went on their respective study sessions.
A little over a half hour in, Jamie disrupted Claire’s thought with a question. “Claire, do you need a refill?”
She looked up, a little disoriented. “Hm, what? Oh, yes, please, thank you.”
Jamie took her cup and went to bar to fill her tea with a fresh pour of hot water. He refilled his coffee too. As he set down her cup, Claire inadvertently let out a question. “How did you know I refill?” She was curious as to how much Jamie really knew her. She saw him turn a little shy in her question as he placed a hand on the back of his neck.
“Well, ye’ve been drinking Oolong tea since we were wee bairns and ye always made sure that the tea bag is always well-used and that meant two, maybe three, uses until it lost its flavor for ye. Also, you’re doing that eye-scrunch thing when ye’re thinking so hard of a thing ye canna or tryna figure out. Thought it a good time to distract ye.”
“Well, it was. Thank you” Claire said monotonously as she took a sip of her tea. “I see you’re still coloring your books with highlighters.” She said, pointing at his many colors of markers on his table.
“And I see ye’re still placing wee snacks on each paragraph in yer book.” Jamie retorted back and they shared a small laugh.
“It’s been a while since we studied together but it seems like some things never change”
“Aye, some things never do, Sassenach” Jamie said tenderly, looking straight into Claire’s eyes.
“Hey, you haven’t called me that in forever!” Claire exclaimed excitedly. “What does that mean again?”
“Och, nothing. It just means Englishman, or in yer case, Englishwoman. An outlander, not from Scotland”
“Right, right! That’s the only name you’d call me growing up, I almost forgot my own!”
“Really?” Jamie never knew the name meant possibly more than Claire let on and he was curious to know the story behind it. However, a ding on Jamie’s computer alerted them back to the task at hand.
“Ach, the email is here” Jamie informed Claire and she quickly got up, went over to his side, pulled out a chair and sat beside him. She peered so close at his computer their cheeks were almost side to side.
“Open it, open it!” Claire said, waving a hand to Jamie to hurry up.
“Patience!” he chuckled as the file filled the screen.
Both simultaneously groaned when the file they got was filled with so much number, just pure numbers, neither of them can make it out. Rupert must’ve made it so complicated, they’ll never figure anything out.
“Seriously, Rupert!” Claire rolled her eyes, annoyed.
“I’ll call him –“
“No. He might get suspicious if we ask so much and so frequently. We, erm, we…can figure this out”
“How about we call it for the day? We got the file, we can look at it tomorrow instead.” Jamie said, looking to prolong the evidence. If they start on this now, Claire will never stop for the rest of the afternoon and probably evening. “I got an exam I have to study for anyway. Unless, you want to have a go at it?”
Claire shook her head. She’s got to study too. “No, you’re right. I have to study too.” She sighed. “We have to talk about a schedule where this research is not going to interfere with our studies – which is our top priority”
Jamie just nodded. “How about we meet here every after class and maybe spend 2-3 hours looking at this, then we go back to our studies? Sounds like enough time to balance our day?”
They reached an agreement and let the investigation stop for the day. Claire reached for her stuff to pack but when she noticed Jamie didn’t move and just continued to go back to highlighting his pages. “Aren’t you going home or somewhere else to study?”
“Och, I’m already here and the ambiance is good, thought I’d stay until the evening.” Jamie replied with a sheepish smile. Claire looked around and the atmosphere was good. The smell of the coffee was inviting, the people were quiet, and a change of scene was probably what she needed to focus. It wasn’t bad either that she’s with Jamie, they were friends after all. With that, she put her stuff back on the table and decided to stay as well. Jamie stayed silent and they went on their own business but she saw the small tug in his lips and he smiled.
-
A loud ringing of the cellphone brought them out of their space. It was Claire’s phone and Claire’s mother calling.
“Hello, yeah – I’m sorry. I’m on my way home. No, just got lost in studying” Claire rapidly explained as Jamie could hear her mother’s rapid line of questioning. “Yep, I’ll be there in 15 minutes. Love you, bye”
“Ye’ll be there in 5” Jamie said. “I’ll take ye home”. It was already 8:00PM and they were going to miss dinner.
“What? No, Jamie. It’s fine. The bus by this time are probably not that full.” They were quickly packing their stuff while, also, quickly negotiating their travel plans.
“I have a car and we live in the same neighborhood. Ye canna argue with that logic, Claire.”
Claire grumbled but relented. It was certainly easier and convenient and again, Jamie was no stranger. On some unsurprisingly absurd level, she trusts him completely. She reasons it’s probably from the years they’ve known each other. Nonetheless, if Jamie acts inappropriately, she’ll just tell him to their mothers.
The drive home was quick and Jamie, being the true gentleman he was, insisted that he open Claire’s passenger door and walk her right in front of her doorstep. She was about to protest but his actions were quicker and for the fourth time that day, she let him…erm…look out for her.
“Thank you for a lovely afternoon. For the tea, the records, the study time, and the ride home” she said as she turned around to bade him goodbye. They were standing in a respectable distance from one another, just as friends do. “Would you like to stay for dinner? It’s the least I can offer for the tea.”
“Ah, no. My family is waiting on me too. I’ll have my hide if mam doesna see me on the table”
