#outlanderfandomproject

Okay, let me take this from the very beginning…

After my ingenious idea to drag Jamie to the park earlier than usual so he would meet Claire, these two goobers couldn’t take their eyes off each other.

And let me tell you all it took me was a minute (okay maybe two) to charm my beautiful Perdita. She couldn’t resist to this adorable, wet, chocolate lab, you see.

Anyway.

Jamie brought Claire and Perdy back to our house - which was a world’s first - and he made Claire tea while she waited for her clothes to dry. The clothes never dried, however, so both lasses left our place with the promise to meet again. Maybe my charm - and Jamie’s - played a role on this decision as well, but the clothes were the perfect excuse.

And now, between you and me, I have to admit that I hadn’t thought of getting them all wet in the pond beforehand. But it turned out pretty well, don’t you think?

Jamie started whistling the day he met Claire. I’ve never heard such a sound before, but his tuneless, poor imitation of a birdsong didn’t seem to dishearten him. Next thing, he got obsessed with his phone. He never let it far from his gaze and he texted like a maniac. As a result, he had banged his toes onto every furniture in our house, waking me up more than once with his boisterous shouts and swears. The man has a loud voice! The same voice, however, transformed into a smooth, deep and low one when Jamie was on the phone with Claire. It was the first time I heard him murmuring sweet nothings to the wee machine, with his cheeks and neck blooming red.

My ginger human was very much in love with Perdy’s curly one, and luckily the Sassenach, as he called her, returned his feelings.

After that first day, I met my beautiful blondie every day at the park. Our walk schedule became irregular after meeting them, and if it wasn’t for Perdy I would protest, barking loudly to wake everybody up when Jamie woke me up at six o’clock in the morning to go for a walk.

More than once.

Claire and Perdy, you see, didn’t have standard hours for their walks because of Claire’s shifts and we - lovesick puppies as we were - just followed their schedule.

It took approximately one month of sleepy walks for Jamie to realize that Claire was the human of his life and that there was no reason to wait anymore. The truth was loud and clear from the very beginning; she was his and he was hers. So he decided to put a collar on her. Humans don’t wear their collars on the neck - the choose tiny ones and they wear them on their fingers. They are strange creatures, indeed.  

In front of the same pond I bound them together that first day, Jamie proposed to her. Claire said yes, jumping on him and taking him off guard, only to end up in the pond once again. This time though, they were kissing.

And kissing.

And kissing.

And I honestly thought we would never go home.

But, eventually, they stopped.

So we had a wedding.

The bride was the most beautiful lass I’ve ever seen. Her golden fur was shining under the sun, each hair glittering like it was made from little diamonds and -

Wait, what? You’re more interested in Claire?

Perdy was wonderful but since you insist… Claire looked nice, too. Okay, I’m lying. You got me!

Claire was captivating.

She wore a simple white dress and had tiny flowers pinned in her hair. Don’t ask me for more details, I’m just a dog, I don’t care about fashion. But I think it was a miracle that Jamie’s eyes didn’t pop out and fall on the floor, being so wide open when he first saw her. One would imagine that he was staring at a gigantic stake or a bucket of pasta, but no. It was just Claire.

At this moment I thought that Claire might be a fairy - and Jamie was enchanted by her. Judging from the foolish way he smiled as she was coming closer, he was absolutely fine with it.

And like this, two lonely bachelors became two family men - okay a man and a dog - starting their new lives.

Everything changed from the moment Perdy and Claire moved to our house.

Remember what I told you about Jamie’s paints and drawings, strewn all around our living room? Well, you can forget that now. Jamie has moved all his stuff in the attic, where he spends almost all day, preparing for his exhibition. With every passing day, Jamie becomes even more anxious about it. The drumming of his fingers against his thigh almost never stops, unless Claire takes his fingers in hers and kisses him softly. She does her magic then, I’m sure, because Jamie smiles again, looking peaceful and relaxed. With renewed vigor, he heads back to the attic.

This is exactly where he is right now.

Claire came back home about an hour ago and now I can hear her in the kitchen, humming along with the cabinets’ opening and closing, as she prepares tea. She is filling the kettle with water and now… yes. She’s going to the attic to bring Jamie down. Good, because we always get to play when it’s tea time!

Apart from the days when he comes. He calls Jamie’s name with an accent similar to Claire’s, but his voice is slimy, dripping and disgusting.

The Duke of Sandringham.

He has an air of superiority around him, wearing his expensive clothes and having his own driver waiting outside our house for as long as each visit lasts. He walks around our small house, fidgeting with our things and all I want to do is to bark his ears off until he vanishes completely from our lives. But I try my best and keep myself under control. Being a good boy is so hard.

The Duke always comes around tea time, orders Claire to make his tea as if she’s working for him, and once the tea is ready he goes straight up to the attic to find Jamie. They close the door and he values Jamie’s art while Claire digs a trail on the carpet with her feet, waiting. I know she’d swear if she could, but Jamie asked from all of us to be patient. He says the Duke is just weird.

I think he is an arsehole.

There is something evil in this man, and I can see it clearly when Jamie accompanies him downstairs after they’ve finished the inspection. He’s usually praising Jamie for his masterful, inspiring artwork as he descends the stairs, talking about a fabulous exhibition to come, but he has a strange glint in his eye that I don’t like. I can sense that he’s hiding the truth and Perdy agrees with me. Women have better intuition anyway, and I trust her. And I’m sure that Claire hates the way the Duke kisses her hand every time before heading to the door.

But Jamie… Oh, Jamie lives in a parallel universe. He says the Duke might be eccentric but is his agent and that he trusts him. Jamie insists that these visits are necessary, to make sure that the exhibition will be successful. And while he says all that, his fingers keep drumming against his thigh, his lips just a thin line.

My ginger is anxious and scared. He is more afraid than what he shows. One night that I heard noises coming from the attic, I went there to find Jamie sitting in the darkness, in the corner of the room. In my rush to ran towards him, I bumped head-first onto a painting and felt the fresh paint coloring my nose. That was disgusting, I’m telling you! Whining, I finally reached Jamie and lay next to him and with my head on his lap. I was sleepy, but I couldn't leave my human alone. We stayed awake until the first morning light, when Claire came back home and took us to bed.

Claire had her hair in a messy bun that day. Now, as she’s coming back into the living room, her curls fly free all around her face, framing her beautiful smile. She comes towards us, patting my head and scratching Perdy’s ear and I let a content woof as I snuggle closer to Perdita.

Ahh, love. It feels so good.

“Jamie, tea will be ready in five minutes!” Claire is saying as she moves up the stairs, before she opens the attic door gently. “Love?”

“Aye, Sassenach. I’m coming.” As Claire turns to leave, a stray sun beam colors her brown hair a beautiful auburn. “Mo nighean donn,” Jamie whispers, and his voice is barely audible, (but I’m a dog and as you know I can hear much better than you). Jamie always sees colors around him, waiting to be touched by his brushes, but nothing entrances him more than Claire. He raises from his stool and goes to meet her at the door, taking her in his arms while he kisses her lips.

I don’t think we’ll have tea any time soon.

“Jamie,” she says softly. “The kettle…”

“The kettle can wait, Sassenach. Everything else can wait.”

The attic’s door closes softly, hiding them from us and the world.

The noisy streets of Glasgow were hustling with the commuters taking their commutes home -- the trains, the car honks, the soft mumble of the voices, normally would give Jamie inspiration to finish this piece.

Except -- artist’s block is a real thing, and currently, Jamie was struggling, hard.

“Och. Boy. Tis’ not turning out how I would like it to.”

Pongo turned and titled his brown head, sticking out his tongue and licking his nose, resuming his spot at the window. Jamie smiled softly at his furry companion, and picked up the paint brush once more. The soft strokes finally finding a rhythm as he painted the canvas.

The whimsical chime of the clock struck five and was accompanied by a pitter patter of paws as Pongo ran across the room biting his leash and putting it at Jamie’s feet.

Jamie chuckled as he dipped the paint brush into the water, and back onto the tray of the easel.  Pongo continually whined at his feet as Jamie scratched right behind his ear.

“Alright, alright, ye furry dolt! We’re going for a walk.”

Pongo barked at him and sat still as Jamie attached the leash and grabbed his jacket as they made their way to the door.

Pongo trotted faithfully next to Jamie’s left hip -- like always. Ears perking as they rounded out of the building, and crossing the street to the park.

They took this walk daily, and at this point, Jamie was sure Pongo knew exactly where to go: the leash- just a formality as to not scare other people in the park who might not like a canine.

Jamie’s grasp on the leash was light, and Pongo lead them down through the east entrance, straight towards the the pond.

He felt the small buzz of his phone in his pocket and looked down for just a second and then felt a mop of brown hair in his face. His pants soaked by the cool water of the pond.

““IFRINN!” Jamie stammered.

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!” an English accent murmured at the same time. He brushed a piece of his red hair out of his face to find a lass next to him- her teeth chattering and body trembling in the cold water.

““Ah Dhia! Are ye alright?” Jamie asked. He grabbed her by the shoulders taking a quick glance over her body.

“It’s s-s-so cold!”  The sassenach stammered, her wet clothing sticking to her petite frame.

“Och, aye lass, let’s get ye out o’ the water and get ye dry.” The lady nodded at him, and then a look of shock ran over her face.

“P-P-Perdy!”

Jamie scurried around both of them, looking for his own dog.

“Pongo! Look what ye did ye wee dolt!” He laughed as he found his chocolate companion next to a lovely yellow lab. Jamie shook his head and placed his palm on his forehead in exasperation and a slight embarrassment. “I’m sorry lass, seems my dog was lookin’ to meet a lass, aye?”

Jamie shook his head and opened his eyes to find warm, whisky colored eyes staring at him, warming the depths of his soul. She laughed and his core warmed in the center even more. Her laugh was music to his ears.

“I hope this doesna seem too forward, but my flat is just around the corner. Can I offer up a cup of hot tea and some dry clothing?” Jamie asked as they stepped almost in unison along the path behind the dogs.

“That would be lovely, thank you.” The thick English accent said.

Jamie smiled at her, tilting his head slightly to the side and sticking out a hand, “I’m Jamie.”

Her hands found his - warm and solid- sending a spark through his body. “I’m Claire.”

He gestured to the right, as they made their way towards his flat, trailing behind two dogs as their tails danced in unison.

The fire crackled in the distance and a new found friend, he dared to admit, joined him on his couch. She was dry in his old university sweatshirt and lucky enough for him had a pair of his sister’s yoga pants in his flat. Claire- he reminded himself, was sipping a cup of oolong. Her company made him the happiest he had been in a long time.

“… And then, out of nowhere, Pongo just bolts down the pathway, towards Perdy,” He laughed as he watched her sip on her mug. “Next thing I know, his leash is wrapped around my legs and I’m staring at the top o’ yer head as we splashed into the water!”

He watched as she laughed and it made him blush. It was slightly alarming to him, just how natural this was for him- whatever it was between him and Claire. He liked it- enjoyed how it made him feel so much so, that he didn’t want her to leave.

They talked for a while, exchanging formalities and small talk, telling stories about their lives. She told him how she was a doctor-- but truly she was a surgeon, and how she enjoyed the adrenaline rush of surgery and how she could change people’s lives in the own two palms of her hands. He talked about his art and how he was preparing for the large gallery show in a mere couple of weeks. He showed her the half finished canvases scattered throughout his flat- some better works than others, but seemingly with her whisky eyes large and a small smile she had seemed to love them all.

He rolled a belly laugh as Claire admitted that she and Perdy walked by his flat daily, and how it was shocking how they -- nor the dogs, had ever run into each other.

He caught her finishing the last bit of her tea, and it caused her to blush in her cheeks, the soft tips of ears turning red, too. Claire let out a breath he thought that sounded of one in disappointment and placed her mug on the coffee table.

Ah dhia, it is time for them to leave.

Claire stood, turning to the clothes as they dried in front of the fire and Jamie held up his hand. “Ye better wear what you’ve got on. Yer clothing would start yer teeth rattlin again.”

She let out a sigh and gathered her clothing, placing it in the bag he handed her.

“Come on, Perdy.” Claire said as they started to head towards the door. They both looked at the dogs, and as Claire grabbed Perdy’s leash Pongo let out a small whimper, and Perdy reluctantly trotted to the door.

Feeling brave, Jamie placed a light hand on Claire’s shoulder, causing her to turn and face him. “I… I canna say I enjoyed the early springtime swim, but it was sae lovely meetin’ ye, Claire.” He admitted as he grinned from ear to ear.  

Claire smiled back it him, as Perdy sat by her feet. “Yes, I agree.”

“Maybe next time we can meet somewhere a bit dryer, aye?” He blurted out with a hint of hope as he reached behind Claire and opened the door.

“Yes, I’d like that.” Claire responded as she tugged on Perdy’s leash and she followed right behind her.  Pongo let out another whine as he came to sit by Jamie’s feet. “And it was lovely to meet you too, Pongo!”  

His eyes met hers once more and he gave her a lopsided smile and they turned to leave.

Jamie closed the door as he rubbed Pongo’s head.

They had been inseparable since they found each other. Gail and Joe’s yellow Labrador, Sandy, had a litter, and they surprised her with a puppy as a birthday gift. She had her choice, and she gravitated towards the runt- she was happy and bounced around on her puppy paws, seemingly unaware she was half the size of her siblings. She fit Claire just perfectly- they were two peas in a pod.

Their post-shift walk was her favorite part of the day. They always took the same path, Alexandra Parade. The buildings were a charming mix of brick and stone, with a line of buildings with oversized windows framed by stonework. Streams of sunlight flooded those windows, and she found herself wondering what the insides of those flats must look like. What gorgeous light, she always thought.

They would wander the park, meandering from the path to the various flower beds, before eventually ending up at the flower stand. They bought a new bouquet each week.

Perdy would have her say and Claire would nod, give a good scratch behind Perdy’s ear and then she would hand over the money to the vendor, the same one each week for the past three years. He wore a flat brimmed cap, always touching the brim in greeting as he saw them walk down the path towards his stand. He was an older gentleman with kind eyes that had become a part of their routine, and always gave Perdy an extra pat on the head, and kept a pocket full of treats just for her each day.

Today she was let out of work surprisingly early, a quiet day and impressive list of overtime hours for the week put her at the top of the list to be cut. Not that she minded, it was a beautiful day and the flowers were just coming into bloom. She was grateful for the fresh air and the walk, the perfect way to empty her head from the stress of the hospital and replace the sterile smell of surgery with the aroma of freshly cut grass.

Perdy would be happy for the early walk. Claire strolled the few blocks from the hospital to her flat, stopping just long enough to change her clothing and leash Perdy before continuing onto their favorite park. It was a warm spring day but she felt a slight chill with the wind, and grabbed a plaid flannel from the front closet as she whistled for Perdy.  

“What do you say, shall we head towards the pond? I saw a few new ducks taking up residency by the lily pads.” She smiled as she turned back towards the path, Perdy bouncing alongside her. While the flowers were Claire’s favorite part of their walk, she knew Perdy loved the water, a Labrador in every sense of the word- she loved to jump in, splash around, and chase the ducks through the lily pads.

They padded down towards the water, Perdy’s steps quickening as her tag wagged with anticipation. It was at that moment that out of the corner of her eye, Claire caught the flash of brown fur as she felt something tangle around her legs. She was knocked off balance as a solid figure with red curls pushed them both into the cool spring water.

“IFRINN!”

“Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!” Her teeth chattered as she splashed around, trying to find ground under her feet.

“Ah Dhia, are ye alright?” A thick Scottish voice boomed next to her. Large, warm hands grabbed her firmly by the shoulders, and she looked up to see big blue eyes and red hair, drenched but still curly.

“It’s s-s-so cold!” She muttered as she shook, clothes soaked and clinging to her.

“Och, aye lass, let’s get ye out o’ the water and get ye dry.” His voice was warm and she nodded as she felt the cold creep into her bones.

“P-P-Perdy!” She looked around, seeing her yellow Labrador at the water’s edge, tail wagging in unison with a dog next to her, a charming chocolate lab.

“Pongo! Look what ye did ye wee dolt!” His voice was a mix of humor and exasperation as he eyed the dogs standing together. “I’m sorry lass, seems my dog was lookin’ to meet a lass, aye?”

They looked back to each other and laughed. His arm steadied her as they made their way towards the path, both dogs watching them- tails wagging.

“I hope this doesna seem too forward, but my flat is just around the corner. Can I offer up a cup of hot tea and some dry clothing?”

She paused for a moment, contemplating the walk back to her place in her current condition and shuddered. “That would be lovely, thank you.”

He held out one hand, smiling, “I’m Jamie.”

She reached for his, slightly shaking, grateful to find a warm palm. “I’m Claire.”

Leashes in hand, they made their way towards his flat. All the while, she watched their dogs’ tails dancing in unison.

She was warm, dry, and drinking a perfect cup of oolong tea, her favorite. A small fire cackled in the fireplace as he joined her on the couch, a respectable distance from her, but close enough where they could speak in a slightly lowered voice.

“… And then, out of nowhere, Pongo just bolts down the pathway, towards Perdy,” his Scottish lilt caught the name and it made her smile. “Next thing I know, his leash is wrapped around my legs and I’m staring at the top o’ yer head as we splashed into the water!”

They laughed together and she noticed how easy it came, how their voices mixed together in perfect unity. She caught him looking at her more than once, a smile forming on his lips each time and it made her blush. It had been some time since she’d felt flush from a man’s attention, and she smiled back as she quietly enjoyed the flutter of her heart in her chest. Claire cupped the tea with both hands, savoring the aroma, the heat from the fire, and the company. It was a perfect mix, and she didn’t want it to end.

They made small talk, exchanging small tidbits about their lives. She was a doctor- a surgeon; he was an artist, currently preparing for a large gallery showing in the coming weeks. Canvases of half-finished work were stacked everywhere and she eyed an easel in the front room, set squarely in front what must be his favorite chair. She smiled to herself as she caught the glow of light pouring through the expansive front windows- painter’s light.

They mused at the frequency in which she passed by his flat, never having run into each other. How funny that the two dogs seemed to want to meet each other, and they were helpless to stop them.

When she finished the last sip of her tea, Claire exhaled- part contentment and part disappointment. It was time to go home. She slowly shifted from the couch, eyeing her clothing still strung in front of the fire, small pools of water just barely drying against the tile.

He caught her stare, holding up one hand. “Ye better wear what you’ve got on. Yer clothing would start yer teeth rattlin’ again.” His voice had a humor to it and he smiled.

She sighed in relief. She was cocooned in heat and the smell of what must be his aftershave, and happy to stay there. She gathered her clothing, placing it in a bag he offered. “Come on, Perdy.”

They padded towards the door slowly, eyes on the dogs as a distraction. When she reached for the handle, she felt his hand light on her shoulder and she turned to face him.

“I… I canna say I enjoyed the early springtime swim, but it was sae lovely meetin’ ye, Claire.” His smile reached his eyes and she smiled back instinctively.

Laughing, she nodded, “Yes, I agree.”

“Maybe next time we can meet somewhere a bit dryer, aye?” His voice was hopeful as he held the door open for her, waiting.

“Yes, I’d like that.” She smiled as she gently tugged on the leash, Perdy slowly following behind her.

She heard Pongo whine softly, and she looked down at him, “And it was lovely to meet you too, Pongo.”

Her eyes met Jamie’s once more, and they shared one last smile before she turned back towards the direction of her flat. Claire and Perdy walked home together, their gate a bit slower than usual. Claire recounted the flurry of events that afternoon, smiling as she replayed his laugh and easy smile in her mind. She shook her head and laughed a little as she thought of the mess of artwork strewn about the flat.

She heard a soft whine and when she looked down at Perdy, she saw her tail unusually calm, and her brown eyes looking up at Claire.