Once again, thank you to those that have continued to read and support this fic. It means so so so much to me! I am really sad this story only has 3 more chapters after this lol I've enjoyed writing these two so much, but I am excited for y'all to see how it all plays out in the end!
In the beginning of this chapter Julia and Claire take Jamie on a scavenger hunt around Boston. It's a real attraction I found that seemed really cool so I wanted to include it haha I've never been to Boston so maybe it's not possible to get to all of these things in a day but they were all near each other on the scavenger hunt's website's map so I went with it LOL
I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
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Chapter Thirteen:
It's been two weeks since Julia's birthday, and Jamie has been here ever since. It's been wonderful, and Claire dreads when he has to leave in the next few days.
They'd spent the first few days going around town, letting Jamie explore Boston. Julia had been excited to tell him the history behind the sites they were showing him, and Claire enjoyed watching the two of them bond.
"This is going to be awesome!" Julia exclaimed, skipping ahead of Claire and Jamie.
She ran inside the office of the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure and collected their tickets and instructions.
"Okay," she said, running back out to the adults. "We type in this code and it gives us our first clue. It takes us around the whole city for three hours trying to solve the clues and find the landmarks," she explained.
It was a new attraction that Julia and her friends had been wanting to try, so Jamie being in town was the perfect excuse for the teen to have a go at it.
"Lead the way!" Jamie exclaimed, opening up the map to look at all the potential stopping points.
For the next three hours, the scavenger hunt took them to places like the Boston Public Library, Boston Common, The Paul Revere Statue, to all the different concert halls and opera houses, the Trinity Church, and the Museum of Science.
It was a tour that you could do at your own pace, so Claire and Julia took their time explaining all the historical facts about each place they visited while Jamie took note of places he wanted to come back to over the next several days to explore some more.
Since he was here for so long, Claire obviously had to work some of those days, but Jamie assured her he didn't mind exploring the city on his own while she was at work. He'd spent some time in her office at the house, making phone calls back home to Ian and dealing with business, but he got out enough to experience as much as possible before he left.
They spent time at the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum where Julia showed off her knowledge, leading Jamie through the ship and teaching him all about the tea party.
After that, they made their way to the Boston Public Garden where they walked around, Julia practicing her new found hobby of photography while Claire and Jamie stopped to smell the roses, letting Claire teach him about the plants they saw.
They ended the very long day by going to the infamous Cheers restaurant and pub where they enjoyed Norm burgers and far too many french fries.
"Look at this, Jamie," Julia said, holding her phone out across the table. "This is a great shot!"
Claire peered over as well, smiling when she saw her daughter had captured Jamie peering out toward one of the vast gardens, the sunlight shining directly on him.
"That's braw," he said, laughing. "Ye're verra good at photography. Have ye been doing it fer long?"
Shrugging, Julia just grinned, taking her phone back to swipe through more pictures from the day. "Only a few months," she told him. "But it's fun. I was thinking of taking a photography class one semester just for the experience, learn some tricks of the trade ."
"That sounds like a good plan," Jamie said, draping his arm across the back of Claire's chair.
The next two hours were filled with food and laughter, the three of them looking through the Cheers memorabilia before heading home for the night.
Now, though, Julia is off with friends and Claire is straightening her hair as she listens to Jamie in the bedroom, talking with Jenny.
She's taking him to the hospital today—something they haven't gotten around to yet, surprisingly—and she's thrilled for him to be meeting Joe.
Jamie is on FaceTime with his sister while she finishes getting ready, and Claire laughs, listening as Jenny makes fun of her brother's beard. He hasn't shaved in the last few days, becoming successfully scruffy just like Claire likes, but apparently his sister doesn't approve.
"I didna look like a Highland coo, Janet."
"Och, mebbe no'," Jenny laughs. "As long as Claire likes it, I guess that's good enough."
"Oh, I definitely like it," she chuckles, turning off the bathroom light and joining Jamie at the end of the bed. She gives Jenny a little wave while the other woman laughs.
They talk for a while, Jamie telling his sister all about his trip so far and the things he has seen.
"The girls took me to try Boston cream pie the other day after Claire's shift," Jamie said, rubbing his stomach, "and I canna lie, Jen, it was one o' the best things I've e're eaten."
Jenny asks how much he's planning on sneaking into his suitcase, and they all laugh. Claire tells the other woman that the way he'd have to protect them from being smushed would more than likely give him away. "But I'll be sure to stuff him full of it before I send him back. Maybe he won't talk about it too much by the time he gets home."
"Doubt it," his sister snorts. "He'll be talkin' 'bout this trip fer weeks, nay, months tae come." She grins at her brother, adding, "More than likely til ye come tae visit again."
Jamie scoffs, smiling at the phone. He changes the subject, saying she's had her fun, and starts to tell her about their plans for the day. "Claire has finally decided I'm good enough tae meet her best friend, Joe, and see where they work."
She rolls her eyes, laughing and shaking her head. "You only wish you were good enough to meet Joe. I'm only doing it so you'll stop bugging me about it."
Jenny guffaws, "Aye, he's a master at buggin' people til they give him what he wants."
The girls poke fun at Jamie for a few more minutes, him dutifully sitting by and taking it all in stride with a smile on his face.
"We're goin' tae a restaurant, Buttermilk and Bourbon afterward," he tells her, clearly trying to get the attention off of himself. "They've got that banana bread pudding ye liked sae much the last time ye were in the States."
"Oh, send me a picture so I can live vicariously through the two o' ye," Jenny begs them. "Ye better be careful though, mo lacha bheag, before long yer clothes ye took wi' ye wilna fit anymore."
Claire chuckles, patting his belly playfully. "He's still in fine shape, thank you very much."
"If ye say so," Jenny snickers, rolling her eyes. "I'd imagine ye've seen and eatin' plenty by now, though, bein' there fer two weeks," she jests, "If I didna ken any better, I'd think ye were movin' there, ne're tae speak tae us again."
Jamie laughs, glancing toward Claire as she grins, giving him a little wink.
"Well," Claire starts, taking the phone from Jamie's hand, "he may not be moving here, but I am moving there."
Jenny's brown eyes grow wide, mouth falling agape. "Wh—Ian!" she shouts, rushing from her office, out to the barn where Ian is grooming a horse. She tells Ian the news, Jamie and Claire sitting by fully amused until she turns back to them, Ian's face now squished into the screen as well with a beaming smile. "What do ye mean? When will ye be here? When did this happen?"
The questions fly from Jenny's mouth faster than Claire can comprehend them, causing everyone to laugh when Jamie tells her to take a deep breath.
Claire tells them both about the new job, Jenny getting excited all over again, knowing how close the hospital is to Fraser's Ridge. "We can leave these two clotheids behind and get lunch some days!"
She laughs, but deep down she loves the image that conjures in her mind. She loves Jenny, and getting to spend even more time with her is an added bonus to this move.
"Well," Jenny sighs happily, settling against Ian's side, "I am beyond thrilled, Claire. I canna wait tae spend more time wi' the lass that's had my brother's heart fer twenty long years."
Claire feels her cheeks warm, and Jamie grins, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"While I've got ye, Jamie," Ian says, taking the phone from Jenny, "I need tae talk tae ye about the still…"
The men ramble on, discussing the newest shipment of barley that's being delivered to the still within the next few days.
Claire catches Jenny's eye, laughing when she rolls her eyes at her husband and brother.
Patting Jamie on the shoulder, Claire whispers that she's going to go finish her makeup. "It was great seeing you two," she says, "I've got to finish getting ready before we head out, but I'll see you in a few months!"
"That's braw!" Ian exclaims, "I'm sae happy fer the two o' ye, Claire. I canna wait tae see ye again!" He assures her that he won't keep Jamie long, just a few more minutes to finalize his paperwork.
She waves, stepping away and back into the bathroom to apply a final coat of mascara. She runs the smoothing serum she'd forgotten earlier through her hair and checks her outfit one last time.
She isn't concerned with how she looks for the hospital, Lord knows Joe has seen her at her worst, but the restaurant they're going to is a touch nicer so she's paired her dark denim pants with a white top adorned with ruffle sleeves.
Jamie's arms suddenly wrap around her waist, his nose burrowing into the crook of her neck. He gives her a gentle kiss before looking up at her through their reflection in the mirror. "Jenny and Ian are verra excited."
She grins but nods. "I'm glad they are. It's nice to have your family's approval."
"Aye," he chuckles, turning her to face him. Her rear rests against the counter top and she toys with his belt loop. "I understand the feeling. Julia gave me her approval the other night."
"What do you mean?" she asks, swatting his stomach. "You didn't say anything."
They move to the bedroom, picking up her purse and thin black blazer as Jamie tells her, "When we were cooking a few nights ago for ye, waitin' on yer shift to end. She told me that she could see how happy ye were and she thanked me." Jamie pauses, swallowing thickly as they make their way down the stairs.
Claire stops at the bottom, turning to look at his blue eyes that are shining with tears. "She said that?"
"Aye," he chuckles wetly, "She thanked me fer makin' ye sae happy. I had tae leave the room before she saw me cry too much."
Claire grins, shaking her head. "That's incredibly sweet of her, and it makes me happy to know she feels that way." She takes his hand, pulling him into her embrace. "She loves you, Jamie. And I love you, too."
Frank was never once a good example for Julia to see, and thankfully she's spent most of her life with him out of the picture, so to know that her daughter sees something special in Jamie, sees how much better he treats her than any other man before him, means a lot to her.
Leaning up on her tiptoes, she kisses him softly, his arms pulling her tighter against him. "I love ye, too, Claire," he says with such reverence that it makes her whole body go soft. "I find that each day, I love ye more than I did the day before. More than I did back when we were kids." He kisses her again, this time more deeply, before pulling apart. "I didna think it was possible, but somehow ye make me fall more in love each day."
She feels as if she could cry, but she blinks her tears away, smoothing down an invisible wrinkle in his green dress shirt. "I feel the same way, Jamie. To be in love with your best friend is something special."
"Aye, 'tis." He looks into her eyes, telling her, "To have ye again, to talk wi' you, and know I can say anything wi'out guarding my words or hide my thoughts, it's rare, Sassenach, what it is between us." He pecks her lips, adding, "Ye're my best friend, too, and I cherish the fact that I can share my heart wi' ye and ken ye feel the same way."
Taking a deep breath, Claire wills her heart to stop beating so fast. "Come on," she says, smiling, "We better leave now before I take you upstairs and stay in that bed the rest of the day."
"I wouldna mind that," he jests, following her through the kitchen.
They start to walk, but a thought hits her suddenly. Stopping in her tracks, she turns, asking with a grin, "What did Jenny call you earlier? I've never heard her say that one."
Jamie's ears grow pink as he rubs the back of his neck. "Och, mo lacha bheag jus' means my little duck," he laughs shyly.
Giggling, she asks why she calls him that and he tells her, "When we were bairns, I would follow her 'round the yard, ken, beggin' tae play wi' her and her friends. My mam would say I was like her duckling that had imprinted onto her and it jus' kind of stuck."
"Oh my god," she gushes, bringing a hand to cup his cheek, "That is adorable."
He rolls his eyes, brushing it off playfully with a shrug as he makes his way to the kitchen.
They each grab a muffin and a protein shake, Claire telling Jamie that Julia will be asleep for a few more hours. It's summer break which means the teen stays up far too late and sleeps like the dead until at least eleven. "She's going to Lizzie's for that pool day with the girls and will most likely end up sleeping there, so we've got the whole day to do whatever we want."
Jamie snorts and grins, climbing into the car in the garage as he says, "I've got plenty o' plans fer ye, mo chridhe."
Rolling her eyes, she reverses the car and heads to the hospital, excited for Jamie and Joe to finally meet.
{************************}
Joe had been overjoyed to finally meet Jamie, and happy that his schedule had been changed at the last minute due to a surgery being bumped up. He was free for lunch, so after a tour of the hospital, the three of them head to lunch with Gail.
It's a nice day out, hot but not too uncomfortably hot, so they sit outside at the restaurant. The tables are shaded and there are fans going, so it's lovely, and Claire feels so content sitting here with Jamie and her best friends.
Gail had greeted Jamie moments ago with a giant hug, excited she was getting to meet him, too.
"So, tell me," Gail says, "what's been your favorite part of Boston so far?"
Jamie smiles, swallowing the bite of his sandwich he'd just taken. Wiping his mouth, he tells the table, "I really like all the museums and art galleries we've been to. I didna realize how much history there was here." The table all smile, and he adds, "Claire and I went on a hike on her day off last week, that was nice too tae see the nature nestled within the city."
"I took him to Quincy Market, too," Claire adds, and Jamie's eyes light up.
"That place was amazing," he says, telling the other couple about the live music they heard along with all the souvenir shops he was able to visit. "I took Claire tae a place similar to it in Scotland on one of her first trips, sae it was nice to see the American equivalent."
Gail and Joe nod, saying it's one of their favorite spots as well. "It's good for tourists but there's also some little bars we like to go to on the weekend, do some karaoke and what not."
Smiling, Jamie looks at Claire with a raised eyebrow, "And do ye accompany them to karaoke, Sassenach?"
"No," she laughs, "they've dragged me there a few times, and it's great fun, but only if I'm not singing."
"Och, but I love when ye sing, mo nighean donn," he laughs, glancing to Joe and Gail, then back to her. "Ye sound like a lady in church tryin' tae be all proper and polite."
The other three snicker, Joe telling Jamie that they try to get her out with them as much as possible. "We'll have to spend loads of time with you now, though, before you leave."
"We're going to miss you so much," Gail says with a sad smile, reaching over to take Claire's hand, "but we're also beyond happy for you." She laughs before adding, "Joe has been talking about you moving to Scotland ever since he came back from the conference in February. Four months, Claire. Four whole months I've had to listen to this man scheme and plan ways to get you over there."
Laughing, Claire looks at Joe. "I didn't know you were so eager to get rid of me."
"Nah," he huffs, swashing a hand in the air, "I just knew you were already in love with this guy, and it would be perfect."
"Well, whate'er the reason, I'm glad ye were in her ear this whole time."
Claire grins while Gail and Joe laugh. She takes his hand, her thumb caressing his skin as they all continue to chat and get to know one another.
The chief of surgery position comes up, and Jamie asks Joe if he would ever want to be chief.
"Hell no," the other man laughs. "They wanted to put my name in the running, but I told them I didn't want it. It would take up way too much time, and I may love my job—and I do, trust me—but I also like having time with my girl here, and our son, Lenny. I like being able to do things with them more often." He picks up Gail's hand, kissing her knuckles. "Our current chief rarely had days off, though that was probably by choice."
Claire laughs, Gail and Jamie looking at one another in confusion. "Dr. Rawlings' wife is… not the nicest person you'll ever meet," she explains. "It was always a running joke that he stayed at work so much to avoid being home with her."
The table shares a soft laugh, and they finish their meals while making easy conversation. It makes Claire happy to know how quickly and easily Jamie gets along with her friends. There hasn't been any awkwardness or deafening silence to deal with, and it's been lovely.
"If you'll excuse me fer a second," Jamie says, making his way to the bathroom.
She watches him go, then smiles as the waitress brings their checks. Looking at Gail, who has a giant, goofy smile on her face, Claire giggles. "What's that look for?"
"We really like him, Claire!" Gail exclaims, clapping her hands together. "He's so handsome and nice and funny and —"
"Did you want to move to Scotland with him, honey?" Joe asks with a laugh.
Gail rolls her eyes and swats at her husband's chest before settling into her chair. Joe's arm is around the back of it, and his thumb gently rubs at her shoulder. "He's fantastic, LJ," Joe admits. "He's even better than you made him out to be. I'm really happy for you."
"Thank you," she whispers hoarsely.
She's going to miss these two so much. They've already been a big help with going with her to meet with her realtor and organize a storage unit to keep the items she wants to save for when Julia moves out of the dorms. She knows they'll be there to help her pack up her house over the next few months as well, but knowing they approve of Jamie and of her move makes this whole thing seem so much easier.
{*****************************}
Four days later, with only two days left in his trip, Claire and Jamie have one last date night out on the town.
She took him to a local restaurant, Sorellina, and enjoyed easy conversation and flirtatious looks, but now they're home and settled in pajamas, which somehow is even sexier to Claire than the suit Jamie wore to dinner.
"How was the food?" Julia asks, pulling out the ice cream from the freezer.
Claire hops onto the high top stool at the counter, and says, "It was great. You know they always have the best bread sticks."
Julia nods, grumbling about how they could've brought more than two home for her.
Jamie laughs, joining Claire at the counter. "I'm sorry, lass. I couldna help but tae eat the rest. They were just sae good."
The teen laughs, reaching for the chocolate syrup in the refrigerator. "I understand," she laments, "I guess it's only fair since you won't have the option of going whenever you want in a few days."
Jamie moves around the counter to work alongside Julia, asking her what else they need for their banana splits.
"The bananas are over there," she says, pointing with the ice cream scoop.
Jamie grabs them and brings them over, opening and cutting them how Julia instructs him to.
It's captivating, watching the two of them together, and Claire's heart swells knowing how much Jamie and Julia both like each other. He has such a natural, paternal ease to him, and her mind wanders off, imagining him and little Fergus making dessert like this at Lallybroch.
"Mom?"
Blinking, Claire pulls herself from her thoughts, chuckling as Jamie says, "Thought we'd lost her there fer a second."
"I was just in a daydream," she defends playfully, reaching for the bowl Jamie is offering her. It's an indulgence to be sure, but it is one of Jamie's last nights, and aren't you supposed to go all out when guests are in town? It's like being on vacation—the calories don't count.
Julia dishes out two more scoops, placing them into the next bowl before handing it to Jamie. He squeezes the chocolate syrup and caramel drizzle onto the ice cream before plopping a cherry on top. "Ye can take this one, lass. I'll make myself the last one."
Julia smiles, taking the bowl from Jamie and joining Claire on the other side of the counter.
They watch as Jamie puts his ice cream on top of the bananas, covering it in the toppings he wants. "Think you have enough caramel?" Claire asks, nodding toward his bowl which is half-way to drowning in the sugary syrup.
Jamie laughs, giving them both a little shrug. He stays on his side of the island, facing Claire and Julia, as the three of them talk and eat their desserts.
It's late, their date went longer than she was expecting (not that she's complaining), and she knows Julia will be asleep sooner rather than later. The lights are out in the kitchen and living room, save for the two lamps by the couch and the dim lights above the stove.
The room is cast in a warm glow, giving Claire that feeling that one gets as a child who has stayed up later than their parents and sneaks into the kitchen for a snack. It's warm and cozy, and Claire never wants this night to end.
"I'm gonna vomit," Julia says, dramatically taking the last, half melted bite and grabbing her stomach.
Jamie laughs, while Claire rolls her eyes. "Darling," she reprimands, shaking her head. "That isn't polite."
"Ah, dinna fash, Sassenach," Jamie assures, waving her off with a smile. "I raised a boy, ye ken, saying ye're gonna throw up is the mildest thing I've heard." He gives Julia a wink before adding, "And aye, I feel this dessert was perfect, but I ate way too much."
Julia laughs as Jamie hugs his stomach as well, and Claire can't help but to huff out a laugh at the two of them.
After a while, Julia places her bowl in the sink and excuses herself, saying goodnight to both Claire and Jamie.
"Goodnight, darling."
"Night, lass."
Once she's up the stairs, and they hear her door close, Jamie makes his way around the counter, spinning Claire's chair so that she's facing him. His strong arms are on either side of her, and he leans in, giving her a sticky kiss.
"You're all sticky," she chuckles, pulling away with a playful scrunch of her nose.
Claire slithers out from beneath his arms, taking their bowls to the sink. She turns on the water, letting it rinse the bowls for a few seconds before she moves them to the dishwasher.
"Ye ken, there was something particularly sexy watchin' ye eat that cherry off yer ice cream."
She turns to look at him, watching as he slinks back around the counter where she stands at the sink. Smirking, she asks, "Is that right?"
"Mm," he mumbles, his hands finding purchase on her hips. "Made me want tae do indecent things." He slides their bodies a few inches to the left, moving her away from the sink so her back is against the counter.
"Mm," she giggles, "like what?"
"Well, maybe I'll press ye up against my—"
"Jamie!"
Claire swats at his arm with a silly grin. Jamie, however, freezes like a deer in the headlights as Julia's voice echoes down the stairs.
He launches himself back from their embrace, eyes blown wide. "Y-yes?"
"Can I take your clothes out of the dryer? I need to put mine in," Julia calls.
He glances to Claire as she tries her hardest to suppress the barking laughter wanting to erupt from her chest. "That's fine, lass! Go right ahead."
"Thanks!" Julia says, a chuckle in her voice that Claire knows is from the fact that from Julia's vantage point she more than likely saw what they were up to.
Claire feels her entire face heat up, but she tries to push it down. She looks at Jamie, his face completely stunned, as if he's frozen and doesn't know how to recover from his humiliation.
"Do ye think she saw us?" he whispers, ducking his head.
The tips of his ears turn pink, and she chuckles, shaking her head. "If anything she just saw you holding me in your arms."
"Christ," he breathes, reaching up to rub at his neck. "I… I didna ken how tae recover from that." He blows out an embarrassed huff, and she watches as his face goes from mortified to determined within a few seconds. He gives a nod, more to himself than her, she thinks, and he grins. His eyebrow cocks up when he tells her, "But I think I have an idea."
Lifting her up, he sets her down on the counter, her arms snaking around his shoulders as she laughs. "Jamie!"
He reaches over, taking the chocolate syrup bottle from the counter and squeezing a drop onto his finger. He puts it in his mouth, Claire's face heating up as she watches his lips curl around his finger, tongue flicking out to swipe up the chocolate.
Is everything moving in slow motion? she wonders, mesmerized by him.
He pours another drop onto his finger, holding it out to her this time. "Ye want a taste?"
Grinning, she inhales, deciding if he's trying to seduce her, she can return the favor. With a smirk, she leans forward, taking his finger in her mouth and swirling her tongue around it, sucking up the chocolate.
She drags her teeth against his skin as she leans back, his finger making a popping sound as it comes out of her mouth. Jamie groans, leaning into her so that he's between her legs.
Hooking her ankles behind his back, Claire kisses him while reaching for the jar of cherries beside her.
She pulls back, twisting the lid while silently watching Jamie. His eyes are on her and she bites her lip, lifting a cherry from the juice it sits in.
Slowly, she lowers the fruit into her mouth, taking her time to swirl her tongue around it while holding eye contact with Jamie.
His breathing has sped up, and good, she thinks smugly. She wants him just as riled up as she is right now.
She pulls the stem from the cherry still in her mouth, tossing it into the sink beside them and grinning. Her eyebrows flick up as she laughs around the fruit she's chewing.
Jamie shakes his head, murmuring, "Minx," before kissing her again. His hands join in this time, pulsing at her waist before one slides up to hold the back of her neck, the other slinking beneath her tank top.
His hand is warm against her back, and she moans into the kiss, trying to pull him even closer by urging his torso forward with the feet still linked around his body.
Claire reaches down, pulling at the hem of his white t-shirt, thankful they'd changed into comfortable clothes after dinner. Unbuttoning his shirt would have taken far too much time.
She writhes against him, but when his shirt is half way up, he grips her hands and pulls back. Breathing deeply, he pecks her lips and says quietly, "We should take this upstairs, mo ghraidh." He kisses her again, this time to her neck. His tongue peeks out to lick at her heated skin before adding, "Julia isna asleep, clearly, what if she comes down again for some water or something?"
With a huff, Claire sits back, loosening her ankles so Jamie can step out of her embrace. Damn him. He's right, but god, she wants to take him on this counter so badly.
Maybe tomorrow when Julia inevitably goes out with friends for the afternoon.
She's glad Jamie is thinking straight though, because clearly she is not.
Sighing, she slips from the counter, tugging at her shirt that's become twisted. Giving him a shy smile, she nods and tells him that he's right.
{*************************}
They make it up the stairs, giggling like teenagers and Jamie shushing Claire as they rush by Julia's room. Her light is still on, despite it being almost one in the morning, but Claire knows it is only her bedside lamp which means her daughter is reading and will be asleep soon.
Covering her mouth, she follows Jamie into the bedroom, locking the door behind her and breathing a sigh of relief.
Before she can say anything, Jamie has her around the waist. He reaches behind her, flipping off the light and carrying her to the bed. The lamp by her bed is on a timer so it is already on, giving them enough illumination to see where their hands are.
He lays her on the mattress, removing his shirt before climbing on top of her. His hands make quick work of her tank top, his lips finding her nipples as soon as they're exposed.
She bites her lip, fingers gripping the back of his head to hold him in place. She's breathing deeply, telling herself to stay quiet. "Now you can do all those indecent things to me," she purrs, smirking as she watches his cheeks turn pink for the briefest of seconds.
Jamie looks up, grinning from beneath his long lashes as he kisses his way up her chest. "Aye, I can," he groans huskily.
His hand finds the waistband of her pajama pants, and as his lips connect with hers, his fingers tug her pants down.
She lifts her hips, helping him shimmy out of her pants. She wasn't wearing any underwear beneath them so she's completely naked, and Jamie pulls back to take in the full view. "Christ, ye're gorgeous."
He stands, shucking his pajama pants off as Claire scoots over to the middle of the bed. Jamie climbs back up, pulling her to him and she can feel his erection pressing against her thigh.
"Need you," she rasps hotly, tugging on his shoulders to bring him closer. Kissing him deeply, she opens her mouth, letting his tongue join with hers.
With all her strength, she flips them and straddles his waist. She rests her palms against his chest, loving the feel of his ragged breathing beneath her. She loves seeing how much she affects him, how quickly she can turn him into a puddle of wanton need just like he does to her.
His hand reaches between them, one finger running along her slit. God, she wants him so badly already, she won't need much foreplay tonight.
Taking his hand, she pulls it beside his head, holding tightly to his wrist to pin his arm down. She leans in, kissing his lips roughly. Her mouth follows an invisible path down to his neck, licking at the vein there as it pulses rapidly, down further to his chest where she swirls her tongue around each nippple, giving one a little love bite that makes him huff out a little laugh.
She grins up at him, his one hand still pinned to the bed while the other wraps around the back of her neck, tangling in her curls.
Claire sits back up, reaching between them to take his cock in her hands. It's already hard, so she doesn't waste any more time. Rising up, she sinks onto it, drawing out a moan from his lips.
She rides him, letting go of that arm she was holding down so both her hands can rest on his chest.
Jamie's hands grip her hips, helping guide her movements as she gyrates against him. His hand moves around to the back, gripping one arse cheek in his hand and giving it a squeeze as he thrusts up into her.
"Can…" he pants, "Can I be on top, mo chridhe?"
She smiles seductively. She loves being on top, finds herself there more often than not, but she does love when he can encase her in his arms and rail into her, hitting all the right spots.
She nods, and Jamie takes her hips, flipping them again. His muscular arms both rest on either side of her head, and she grabs his forearms, needing something to hold on to. He works his hips, thrusting into her harder, faster, yes, yes, just like that, that's how she likes it. "Yes," she hisses, moving her hips beneath him, "Right there."
He grunts his acknowledgement, pounding into her harder than before. Bloody Christ, she loves this man, and loves what his cock can do. He's a very good lover, great in fact, knows exactly where to touch her, knows all the spots that can send her over the edge in no time.
And that's exactly what he's doing right now. His finger slides against her clit, pinching it with just enough pressure to have her a babbling mess beneath him as he slams his cock into her over and over again.
Her lips are sealed tight, trying her hardest not to cry out the way he normally makes her. She wraps her legs around his hips, drawing him even closer, if that's possible.
"Gimme yer lips," he grunts, using one large hand to grasp her by the neck and pull her to him. Their lips connect and she moans into his mouth, louder this time, knowing it'll be muffled by him.
Claire pulls back, breathing heavily, and bites the juncture between his neck and shoulder, causing him to cry out.
She giggles, reaching up to cover his mouth. "Don't be so loud," she chastises playfully, knowing good and well she's being louder than him.
"Can't help it," growls Jamie, grinning and pulling her back to him for another kiss. It's sloppy, both moving still to find their release, but she doesn't care. It's sexy, and he's even sexier, and she wonders how she got this lucky to be loved by this man.
Claire moves her hips against his, her euphoric climax just on the verge of crashing over her. Her mind is muddled with thoughts of him and his touch, and she cries out, telling Jamie she's close, so, so close and he says he is, too.
"Can I go harder?"
She nods frantically, babbling almost incoherently, "Yes, god, yes." She laughs at his sex induced haze, saying, "You don't ever have to ask that."
Jamie smirks, pushing into her harder than before. She grips onto his ass, drawing him closer to her, wishing she could somehow fuse them together. He's giving her exactly what she needs, and she hopes she's giving him the same (knows she is based on his breathing and his kisses).
He thrusts into her once, twice more before he's spilling into her, crying out her name and burying his lips against her neck. Claire shudders at the sensation, bursting completely when he reaches down and rubs at her clit again, knowing she was right on the verge of coming.
It's all it takes, and she's mewling his name, muttering fuck over and over again as her orgasm washes over her in troves.
She trembles against him, trying to fully catch her breath as he kisses her, then rolls off, both panting harshly as they come down from their high.
They lay there for a few moments in silence, Jamie's hand finding hers and linking their fingers together.
She closes her eyes, completely spent, and lets the ceiling fan cool her skin.
Their skin is heated, and she starts to shiver as the sweat dries, so Jamie rolls onto his side, pulling her into his warm embrace.
She's drunk on this feeling, and she glances over at him with hooded eyes.
"Damn."
Grinning, she nods, saying, "I feel the same way."
"Tha mi 'n dùil sgàin mo chridhe," he chuckles breathlessly, and she turns her head again to look at him.
"What did you say?" she whispers with a little laugh.
Jamie shakes his head, one side of his mouth lifting in a smirk. "It jus' means… I thought my heart was gonna burst."
Biting her lip, she quells the proud smile blooming on her lips as she leans over, pressing a gentle kiss to his chest.
They chuckle softly, both still recovering and trying to catch their breath.
Eventually they move to the bathroom to clean up, showering together and somehow managing not to have round two right then and there.
She stays behind, going through her night time ritual of getting ready for bed as Jamie pats her bottom on his way out the door.
A few minutes later, she flips off the bathroom light, joining him on the bed. He's sitting on the edge, his back to her, staring out the large bedroom window.
She crawls across the mattress behind him, looping one arm around him, her hand landing on his chest. His t-shirt is soft, and she enjoys the feel of it beneath her palm as she rubs his chest gingerly. "Hey," she says softly, kissing his ear, "what's wrong?"
His head turns to the side giving her a sideways look before he twists, one foot still on the ground, while his other leg bends. She moves over to make room, scooting back on the mattress.
He kisses her, moving to prop against the headboard. "Nothin', it's just…" His legs stretch out before him, ankles crossing, and she sits beside him, facing him as she watches the emotions play out on his face.
She moves so she's criss-cross and facing him, her one hand landing on his knee and patting it gently. "Just what?"
"Tomorrow is the anniversary of my dad's death," he confesses solemnly. "It's always hard fer me, ye ken." He gives her a sad smile, and she tightens her grip on his knee.
Claire smiles back at him, moving so she can lay against him. His arm cradles her and she rests her chin upon his chest. "He would be proud of the man you've become, Jamie, I know it."
He smiles, though it's soft and sad, almost as if he doesn't believe her, he nods anyway. Leaning in, he kisses her gently, lips lingering. The kiss doesn't heat up, it's just a way for them to be connected. He needs this right now.
Pulling apart, she snuggles into him, pressing a kiss to his chest.
His hand that's around her plays with her hair, twisting a curl around his finger and letting it go. It's soothing, and she wills herself not to fall asleep on him right now.
"Tell me about him," she murmurs. "I only know the little bit you told me back then."
She glances up, glad to see that his smile looks more genuine this time, and for the next hour, Jamie tells her all about Brian Fraser. The adventures they went on, the funny moments, the sad moments, and every good moment in between.
He cries telling her about his mother's death and how it affected his father, then cries a little harder talking about his dad's treatments and how it changed his appearance so much in the end.
She listens intently the whole time, gently moving her hand up and down his chest reassuringly.
They fall asleep, both emotionally spent, but happy to be in each other's arms.
{************************}
Two days later, Claire sighs as she parks the car at the airport.
Jamie leaves today.
It's been an amazing two weeks, and she knows she'll see him in just three months when she moves to Scotland, but three entire months seems like an eternity.
This morning had been wonderful with Julia baking Jamie a goodbye cake, and Claire smiles over at Jamie as he stuffs one last bite into his mouth before they exit the car.
"Surprise!" Julia called, hoisting up a cake on a glass cake stand in the air. "I know it's still breakfast time, but who says you can't have cake for breakfast?"
Jamie laughed, making his way over to the counter. Julia set down the cake as Jamie took her in his arms, giving her a giant bear hug. "Thank ye, lass," he said, "I dinna think my trip would be complete wi'out yer dessert making."
Jamie and Julia had bonded over their love of cooking, spending several nights kicking Claire out of the kitchen so they could make dinner together. Julia had bragged about her baking skills as well, but never got the chance to show them off until now.
Julia smiled, hugging Jamie back before pulling away and grabbing the knife. "Who wants cake?"
Smiling, Claire made her way over to the counter, peering down at the indulgence.
It was covered in white icing, blue piping around the edges with 'We'll miss you' written across the middle and colorful sprinkles covering the top. It was actually quite lovely, she had done a wonderful job, and Claire told her so, which caused the teen to blush and roll her eyes.
"This looks delicious, darling," she said, kissing the top of Julia's head. "I think I'll make us some eggs and toast to go along with it, though… get something with more sustenance in our stomachs."
Jamie laughed, cutting a large piece of the dessert and placing it on his plate. He made his way over to the table, joining Julia who was already seated and working on her piece.
Looking back at Claire, Jamie asked, "Do ye need help, Sassenach? My cake can wait."
Laughing, she waved him off, saying eggs were a one person thing anyway and they'd be done in no time.
Twenty minutes later, with bellies full of eggs, toast and cake (what a combination), Julia ran upstairs to finish packing her bags.
She was leaving for her weekend trip to Harvard today with Lizzie, and though the teenager was beyond excited to tour the campus and see where they'd be living, Claire was forlorn to know she'd be all alone this weekend with Julia and Jamie both gone.
"I wish I'd planned better, mo nighean donn," Jamie said, clearly reading her glass face and wrapping her in his arms. He swayed them slowly, dancing in the kitchen to an unheard song. "I couldha stayed wi' ye while the bairn is gone. I dinna want ye here all alone."
She huffed into his chest, shaking her head. "I've stayed home alone plenty of times." She smiled, leaning in to press a kiss to his chin. "I'm just going to miss you both."
He sighed into her curly hair, tightening his hold on her for a few more moments before time was up and they had to get ready to say goodbye to Julia and head to the airport themselves.
"Ye alright, mo chridhe?"
She smiles, clearing her mind. "I'm fine," she lies, taking a deep breath. "We better get you inside so you can get through security in time."
They climb out of the SUV, Jamie grabbing his luggage from the backseat. He takes her hand with his other, walking together across the parking garage and into the airport.
It's busy today, people rushing to and fro, announcements being muffled through intercoms, but Claire hears none of it as Jamie steps them off to the side, out of everyone's way, and whispers into her hair, "I'll miss ye sae much."
She wraps her arms around him, burying her face into his chest. "I'll miss you too, Jamie." Pulling back, she smiles, taking a deep, calming breath. "It's just a few weeks, well, several actually," she giggles to herself, "but then I'll be moving there!"
Jamie's smile widens as he swoops in, stealing a quick kiss from her lips. "I had the best time, Sassenach," he says, hoisting his carry-on higher onto his shoulder. "I only wish I couldha stuffed more of those Boston cream pies in my bag."
She laughs, saying, "I think the one you managed into your carry on is good enough."
"As long as ye dinna tell Jenny," he says, tapping a finger to his nose. "I'll be eatin' this one somewhere over the Atlantic before she even kens I had it."
Snickering, Claire shakes her head. "You're impossible. I'll have to be sure and bring some with me for Jenny in September."
They stand there, wrapped in each other's arms for a few more moments, soaking up every last second she can get with him.
He's warm against her, his heart beating against her ear, and if she tries hard enough, she can almost pretend they're still at home on the couch, the sounds of the airport just white noise on the telly.
"Okay," she finally says, pulling away. Her eyes are wet, and Jamie reaches up before she can, wiping a tear away. "Time to go."
He nods, clearing his throat as his eyes mist over as well. "Three more months, that's it."
Smiling, she agrees with a nod, standing on her tiptoes to press a sound kiss to his lips. Her hand wraps around, fingers splaying in the hair at the base of his neck. His hands are perched on her hips, one trailing dangerously close to her ass.
She giggles into their kiss, and Jamie pats her rear playfully, a giant smirk on his face as he pulls away. "Had tae get one more in there fer good measure."
"You're ridiculous," she laughs, taking his hand.
Inhaling sharply, she thinks of all there is to do within the next three months.
On top of dropping her baby off at college, which will bring a whole other set of emotions, she also has to finalize things at the hospital, get her house sold and pack everything up to either be stored or moved to Scotland with her.
It's a lot, but looking into Jamie's blue eyes, so full of love for her, she knows it's all worth it.
"I'll miss ye, Sassenach," he says again, leaning in for one final kiss.
She lets it linger, not caring that they're in public, a small moan escaping as she deepens the kiss.
They'd made love all last night, and twice this morning, but knowing she has to wait almost three whole months to be with him again makes her want to do impossibly naughty things to him right here in the airport.
There's a chance he might be able to swing taking more time off so he can come back and help with everything, but she knows she won't be able to make it to Scotland again until the big move. And the uncertainty of it just makes her want him even more one last time.
Pulling away, she grins, cocking an eyebrow. "I'll miss you, too."
"Minx," he mumbles, pressing another quick peck to her lips.
Laughing, she takes his suitcase, rolling it to the farthest spot she is allowed to go. "This is goodbye, then."
"Nah," he breathes, "Just 'see you later'."
She bites her lip, willing the tears not to come again. She swallows around the lump in her throat, nodding.
They smile, Jamie wrapping his arms around her in a warm hug. She tightens her hold around his middle, memorizing the feel of his arms encasing her.
She knows they're stalling—he really does have to go—so she pulls back, giving him a shy smile. "See you soon."
Jamie's face splits into a beaming smile. "I love the sound o' that!"
Laughing, she gives one final kiss, for real this time, before she playfully shoves his chest. "Get out of here," she jokes, "Call me when you land."
"Aye," he grunts, taking his luggage and walking backwards, keeping his eyes connected to hers. "Ye ken I will. I love you."
"I love you, too," she assures with a smile.
He takes three more steps back, turning abruptly when he bumps into someone, apologizing and turning back to Claire with a sheepish grin.
She giggles, rolling her eyes at how adorable he is.
He waves goodbye, and with that, he makes his way through the entryway, heading toward security.
Sighing, Claire breathes out, calming herself.
She turns and leaves, the whole way home thinking how in just a few agonizingly slow weeks, she'll truly be home in Scotland.
Her smile is wide as she pulls into her driveway, and she spends the rest of the day cleaning the house, napping and getting paperwork done before she heads to the hospital tomorrow for one of her last surgeries she'll ever do here in Boston.
{************************}
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