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ofpaperhearts · 3 years

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▷ currently playing —— THE FAÇADE a playlist for Elliot King. n. a false appearance that makes someone or something seem more pleasant or better than they really are.

!! anxiety & depression tw throughout playlist !!

obnoxiously long tracklist & descriptions that may or may not make sense under the cut!

▷ currently playing —— TWO by SLEEPING AT LAST.

it’s okay if you can’t catch your breath // you can take the oxygen straight out of my own chest // i know exactly how the rule goes: // put my mask on first // no, i don’t want to talk about myself // tell me where it hurts // i just want to build you up, build you up // ‘til you’re good as new // and maybe one day i’ll get around to fixing myself too

Okay, so there’s not a doubt in my mind that Elliot’s an enneagram type two, which is what this song is all about. The entire song really captures how he wants to take care of others and give his love to them, and then if there happens to be anything left, he’ll take care of himself, but it’s not a priority.

▷ currently playing —— BEAUTIFUL LIGHT by UPPERMOST.

I don’t fully know how to describe it, but this song just makes me feel upbeat and hopeful and I feel like those are the types of vibes that Elliot tries to put out into the world. This is a song that works very well for him when simply looking at him on the surface level.

▷ currently playing —— I JUST WANNA SHINE by THE FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS.

so don’t give me dark days, i already had those // i’m just trying to figure out how to be myself right now // i don’t wanna lay low, hiding in the shadows // so i wake up, i get out of bed // stay up, stay out of my head

This song is probably more how Elliot perceives himself. Like despite having his own stresses and hardships, he still strives to make the most of his life and keep up and optimistic view.

▷ currently playing —— MESS IS MINE by VANCE JOY.

bring me to your house // tell me, “sorry for the mess”, hey i don’t mind // you’re talking in your sleep, out of time // well, you still make sense to me, your mess is mine

This song just goes back to how he wants to give an receive love by taking care of others.

▷ currently playing —— PLEASER by WALLOWS.

indecisive feelings of enjoyment // hold the thought, i think i need a moment // i’m aware there’s somethin’ i should tell you // but my voice annoys me // bite my tongue off with a smile // i can’t feel it anymore // ‘cause recently the line is blurred // between depression and bliss

This whole song is basically about being a people pleaser (which Elliot is to an unhealthy degree) and struggling to figure out to please someone (which is something that would cause Elliot a great deal of distress to be perfectly honest).

▷ currently playing —— OH KLAHOMA by JACK STAUBER.

tears falling down at the party // saddest little baby in the room // fears, tell me fears, don’t get me started // i get a little grey hair for every scare you share

Honestly, Elliot could be either person in this song. For the most part Elliot would see himself as the person in this song that’s trying to console the other (possibly at the expense of their own mental health), but he could just as easily be the other person if he actually asked for help/comfort whenever he’s going through something.

▷ currently playing —— HARD TIMES by PARAMORE.

all that i want // is to wake up fine // tell me that i’m alright // that i ain’t gonna die

Upbeat songs with sad lyrics just have an Elliot vibe to them. I think songs like this reflect that happy/put together front he puts on for everyone, even when he isn’t doing so great.

▷ currently playing —— FAKE HAPPY by PARAMORE.

hey, if i smile with my teeth // bet you believe me // if i smile with my teeth // i think i believe me // oh please, don’t ask me how i’ve been // don’t make me pretend

Same reason Hard Times is on here. The lyrics definitely hammer the part of putting up a front for others home more.

▷ currently playing —— WAY LESS SAD by AJR.

i’m a-okay, i’m a-okay // you say it but you just don’t mean it

I think the mix of putting up a front and trying to remain optimistic even in life’s harder moments just fits Elliot.

▷ currently playing —— WONDERFUL LIFE by SMITH & BURROWS.

you know it feels unfair // there’s magic everywhere // look at me standing // here on my own again // up straight in the sunshine // no need to run and hide // it’s a wonderful, wonderful life // no need to laugh and cry // it’s a wonderful, wonderful life

There’s something about the softness of this song that just gives me Elliot vibes. But I think beyond that, it’s the mix of optimistic and pained lyrics that make me think of Elliot whenever I hear this song.

▷ currently playing —— BLUE KNUCKLE by NIGHT BEDS.

i’ve been working like a surgeon // on some courage // lift my burden // i’ve been hurting // have you heard it

I just feel like the bits of this song that I relate to him scream, all the self-sacrificing I constantly do doesn’t make me as happy as I thought it would, but I’m not entirely sure how to change that without some help.

▷ currently playing —— FREAKIN’ OUT ON THE INTERSTATE by BRISTON MARONEY.

i’m sorry i haven’t been myself // and something’s got me down // what it is, i cannot tell

1. He’s so concerned with others that I don’t think he necessarily knows how to pinpoint why something would bother him. 2. High anxiety hours.

▷ currently playing —— FALSE CONFIDENCE by NOAH KAHAN.

and i wonder why i tear myself down to be built back up again // oh, i hope somehow, i’ll wake up young again // all that’s left of myself, holes in my false confidence

Themes of being hypercritical of oneself and insecurity which is something Elliot struggles a lot with under his surface level happiness.

▷ currently playing —— COLD LOVE by RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE.

and if i cry in your arms // just some other shit, just some other shit // just some other things that i’ve been dealing with // i’d die in your arms, bury me while playing this // bury me saying “you were all i ever needed” // and hold me like we’re dying from liquor that we drank // in hotel rooms, to feel warm in cold love

Originally, I only wanted to include this song for the first part of the lyrics I put here because it’s the same dismissive attitude Elliot has when it comes to taking care of himself. But the more I thought about it, I think Elliot is the type of person to find himself in doomed relationships because the give and take is never equal resulting in ‘dying/cold’ loves.

▷ currently playing —— ALMOST HOME by MXMTOON.

i was just a kid // dreams were looking big and then i had to grow up // no one ever says // all the love you give might not be enough // broke my heart in two a couple times // before it hurt too much // i was such fool

I feel like Elliot was a relatively carefree child before becoming increasingly more and more concerned with how others saw him and feel like that’s kind of reflected in this song? Like growing is usually very different from how one imagines it when they’re a kid.

▷ currently playing —— MELODY X by BONAPARTE.

you keep the light on // you keep the light on // you keep the night light on // hold your broken dream up high // oh, you know you try // oh, you know you try // it’s the worst case scenario lullaby // something’s gotta change (something’s gotta change)

Another song acknowledging how hecking hard life is and trying to remain hopeful in spite of it with a hint of being aware that something needs to change in Elliot’s life for him to really be happy.

▷ currently playing —— NO ID by ANDREW APPLEPIE.

and suddenly you realize // that everything you’d ever told yourself were lies // and believe me i can sympathize // cause everything i ever thought i was made me cry

Overall, this song is about self-acceptance and growth, which is something Elliot is still working on. And it’s more so on here as Elliot being the person the singer is watching struggle with these things.

▷ currently playing —— PRETENDER - ACOUSTIC by AJR.

i’m a good pretender // won’t you come see my show? // i got lots of problems // well, good thing nobody knows // oh, i’m insecure, i’m insecure // i think i like what i’m supposed to // like what i’m supposed to

Back on that putting up a front for everyone else because he thinks that’s for the better/expected of him bs!

▷ currently playing —— BRAIN, BRAIN, GO AWAY by UNLIKE PLUTO.

through the night my mind is racing // my inner voice and i debating // on everything i should be changing // can’t decide so i keep maintaining // i gotta contain my overactive mind

This song is on here because big anxiety hours and how truly exhausting it is to deal with.

▷ currently playing —— MIND IS A PRISON by ALEC BENJAMIN.

sometimes, i think too much, yeah, i get so caught up // i’m always stuck in my head // i wish i could escape, i tried to yesterday alone with my thoughts again // guess my mind is a prison and i’m never gonna get out

Same exact reason why Brain, Brain, Go Away is on his playlist.

▷ currently playing —— NUMB by MARINA.

i can’t open up and cry // ‘cause i’ve been silent all my life // i feel numb most of the time // lower i get, higher // i’ll climb, and i will wonder why // i got dark only to // shine, looking for the golden light // oh, it’s a reasonable sacrifice

One of the main reasons this song is included is because of a comment made on the lyric ‘oh, it’s a reasonable sacrifice’ and how in this song it seems to imply sacrificing one’s well-being to impress others is fine and if that’s not Elliot’s biggest mood than I don’t know what is. But in addition to that, a lot of the other lyrics touch on internal struggles he deals with and trying to overcome them.

▷ currently playing —— NOBODY by MITSKI.

and i don’t want your pity // i just want somebody near me // guess i’m a coward // i just want to feel alright // and i know no one will save me

1. This is the type of song that sounds like “ooooo fun” but then you listen to the lyrics and it’s like “BOOM SADNESS” which is kind of Elliot’s song aesthetic if that makes sense? 2. Despite having people in his life that he’s close to, life can still feel very isolating when he’s not open about everything he has going on. 3. This song is an enneagram type two’s biggest fear so it just makes sense being here.

▷ currently playing —— IT’S CALLED: FREEFALL by RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE.

called to the devil and the devil said, “hey! why you been calling so late? it’s like 2am and the bars all close at 10 in hell, that’s a rule i made” // anyway, you say you’re too busy saving everybody else to save yourself // and you don’t want no help, oh well

More on the idea that life can be very isolating when you struggle in silence and Elliot’s “gotta help everyone else over myself” mentality.

▷ currently playing —— MINDLESS BLISS by UNLIKE PLUTO.

always staying up to the sunrise // i can barely close my eyes // all i’m looking for is a good night // just for one night, just for one night // but i am wide awake, surviving day to day // i’m half alive in my own way // and i’m struggling with all the carrying

More big themes of anxiety and struggling with it.

▷ currently playing —— WAVES by DEAN LEWIS.

and it takes control of the person that i thought i was // the boy i used to know // but there is a light in the dark // and i feel it’s warmth // in my heart, in my hands // but why can’t i hold on?

Life’s always changing for better or worse and growing up you can think life is going to be one way just for it to be something completely different and I think Elliot can relate to that sentiment a lot.

▷ currently playing —— KEEP by MOTHER MOTHER.

i write it down, but to read it doesn’t work // take it to town, but to be seen doesn’t work // smack it around, but that only make it worse // i make it worse // i meditate for a day, but it doesn’t help // get down and pray, i gotta say, what a living hell // i could escape but i know that all too well // it doesn’t help

Wanting to cope with things, but struggling to do so in a way that works which is a big Elliot mood.

▷ currently playing —— DON’T WORRY, YOU WILL by LOVELYTHEBAND.

trying to stay positive // not an easy way to live // laugh right through the pain // she said i can’t find a thing i don’t like about you // and i’m like don’t worry, you will

More themes of being hypercritical of oneself, silently struggling, and putting up a charade to get others to like you or to please them.

▷ currently playing —— GOODBYE by BO BURNHAM.

am i right back where i started fourteen years ago? // wanna guess the ending? if it ever does // i swear to god that all i’ve ever wanted was // a little bit of everything all of the time well, well, look who’s inside again // went out to look for a reason to hide again // well, well, buddy, you found it

Full disclosure, I only know this song from TikTok. But anyway! I just felt like the lyrics in the last bit of the song were super fitting: the fear of being back right back where he started before he got a little better at putting himself first, struggling to balance everything he wants/needs, dismissing his problems in favor or something lighthearted like a joke, looking for reasons to keep things to himself, etc.

#lakeview.task3 #⁽ ⠀ ♡ ⠀ ⁾ ⠀ ⠀ elliot king ⠀ / ⠀ * ⠀ task.#⁽ ⠀ ♡ ⠀ ⁾ ⠀ ⠀ elliot king ⠀ / ⠀ * ⠀ playlist.#anxiety tw #depression tw

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three-drink-amy · 5 years

Text

In the Eye of a Hurricane

I’m so sorry for the delay between chapters. Between my real life and other fic projects, this one just took a bit longer. I promise to not let it get that long after this one! Thanks for reading!

master list - AO3

Chapter Eleven

Claire stared down at the letter in her hands. Four words and an initial were all that graced the page, and yet it was seared into her brain.

It has been delivered.

-N

She knew for safety’s sake, he hadn’t put more detail. It could have ruined her if a longer letter had gotten lost or intercepted by the wrong person. The message was simple and informative for the person who knew what it meant. The papers had been delivered to Frank. What she wished had been added to the letter was his reaction. How did he take it? Did Ned have any feeling on how much longer this all would last?

But sadly, there were no answers to those questions. Just four words and an initial. Nonetheless, she couldn’t put the letter down. She kept staring at it as though it would change and reveal new information.

The staring continued even as Jenny pushed Ian and Jamie into the kitchen, trying to talk over their protests. “We have something to discuss as a family, aye?” Jenny yelled to them.

Both men looked over at Claire. Jamie looked concerned and Ian followed him as he walked closer. “Is everything alright, Claire?” Ian asked.

Claire nodded. “Yes.” She pulled her eyes from the note to look over at Jenny. “What will the discussion be about?”

“Christmas,” Jenny replied.

“Tis still a few days away,” Jamie reminded. He crouched down in front of Claire. “What’s the matter, a nighean?”

“Nothing,” Claire lied.

“Well something seems to be,” Ian maintained.

Claire sighed, looking back to the paper she’d dropped in front of her on the table. She handed it to Jamie. His brow furrowed as he read the short note. “Frank got the papers,” Claire informed the room.

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Jenny asked, walking closer to the table.

“Of course, yes,” Claire agreed. “It’s just that my whole life now rests on what happens next.”

Jamie placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Ye ken whatever happens next, we’ll support ye.”

“Aye, or defend ye from it,” Ian added. Jenny nodded in agreement.

Claire smiled at them, taking Jamie’s hand in hers. “Thank you,” she choked out. “It means more than you know.” She cleared her throat. “So why don’t we talk about Christmas? Something cheerful might be a good distraction.”

“Good idea,” Jenny said. She sat down at the other end of the table. Jamie sat down next to Claire, Ian next to Jenny. “So Christmas Day will just be the four of us and Jamie. And of course we’ll have our annual party on Hogmanay.” Everyone nodded in reply. “But I thought we could have a couple of people over on Christmas Eve for dinner.”

Jamie narrowed his eyes at his sister. “Which people?”

“Now before anyone starts giving opinions, let me just say that I’ve already invited them,” Jenny asked, clenching her teeth nervously.

Jamie sighed. “Let me guess. Tis Laoghaire ye invited?”

“Look, I talked to her about what ye asked me to speak wi’ her about,” Jenny started. “Twas an awkward conversation, but I think she understands.”

“Think?” Ian asked.

“I was as clear as I could be wi’out making things too uncomfortable,” Jenny corrected. “Anyway, twas just going to be her and Mrs. Fitz on Christmas Eve and so I invited them when I saw them at the market. The rest of the grandkids arena coming until Christmas Day and I hated the idea of them just being there alone,” she explained, flashing Jamie pleading eyes.

“I understand where ye’re coming from,” Jamie said cautiously, “but understand where I’m coming from. I dinna want my holidays to be spent wi’ a girl who constantly targets and offends the woman I -” he caught Claire’s look and cut himself off, “Claire.”

“The woman ye Claire?” Ian asked, giving Jamie a strange look.

“I won’t let him use the “L” word,” Claire explained with a small grin.

“Because of the divorce?” Jenny asked.

“No, because the bloody man won’t let me say it back if he’s said it first,” Claire told them.

Jenny stared at Jamie in confusion. Ian nodded beside the other man. “I suppose I understand that.”

“What are ye -” Jenny started before she cut herself off. “Never mind. Back to Christmas! Look, I will do my best to make sure Laoghaire is on her best behavior. And honestly, I dinna ken if she’d act that way in front of her grandmother. So I think it will be fine.”

“Better be,” Jamie muttered.

“Now, onto Hogmanay,” Jenny continued. “There will be lots of people coming from the village. Jamie, I’m sure they’ll all be too happy to see ye.”

“Will it be...safe?” Claire asked. “I mean, I don’t really go into the village just in case. Will it be safe for me to be at this party? I can always just stay up in my room.”

“Ye’ll do no such thing,” Ian insisted. “It will be safe. I promise ye. None of these people would do ye any harm.”

“More than that, I’m not sure they’d know who ye are just by looking at ye,” Jenny reasoned. “And if we just told them a different story, they’d have no reason to connect ye wi’ the woman people were looking for back in October.”

“So what would my story be?”

“How about mostly the truth?” Ian suggested. “Ye’re Jamie’s lass.”

Claire looked over at Jamie, noting the smile on his face as he reached for her hand. “I suppose I could go by my maiden name. No one’s heard of a missing Claire Beauchamp.” Jenny nodded in approval. “We could keep most of the details the same,” Claire continued, looking at Jamie. “We met in the war and were separated. Maybe we began corresponding after the war and you invited me here when war-torn London was too much and I needed a place to heal.”

“Sounds like something Jamie would do,” Ian mused.

Jamie shrugged before nodding. “That would coincide wi’ the vague stories we shared with Laoghaire and Mrs. Fitz as well. And explain why ye’ve stayed.”

“Well I’ve stayed because of you, fool,” Claire said, squeezing his hand.

Jenny smiled at the two of them. “Are ye excited for yer first Christmas together?”

Claire and Jamie looked at each other before glancing over at Jenny. “It’s actually not our first Christmas together,” Claire corrected. “Jamie was in the tent over Christmas of ‘43.”

“Aye, that’s right,” Jamie recalled with a fond smile. “Twas right after I got there.” He laughed as he was clearly thinking of that day. “Ye wouldna let me sit up yet -”

“Because you couldn’t,” Claire reminded.

“And yet ye brought me eggnog that someone had somehow gotten ahold of,” Jamie continued.

Claire laughed. “That’s right. That was a stiff eggnog,” she remembered.

“Aye, we ended up sharing it,” Jamie finished.

Jenny made a humming noise, causing them to look at her. She smiled at them. “Makes me happy to ken that at least one of yer Christmases away wasna terrible.”

“Well I’m obviously verra much excited for this Christmas, Janet,” he promised her. “Tis been too long since I’ve had a proper Lallybroch Christmas.”

“Then we should be getting everything ready,” Jenny said, standing up from the table. “Let’s go, folks.”

* * *

Claire was hiding. She’d finished her shift in the tent, but she knew that if she went to the mess tent, she’d find Jamie there. He was leaving the next morning and she had absolutely no idea what to say to him. It had been so sudden, the way he’d changed. There should be some logical explanation, but she couldn’t figure it out. They’d been close (closer than they should be) the entire time he’d been there. But then the flip had switched and he treated her like any other nurse. Like they’d never crafted an elaborate lie for his benefit together. She wanted to confront him and ask him why he was choosing to leave, but she never did. But she couldn’t deny, she was hurt.

Claire was sneaking between tents when she was discovered.

“Nurse Randall.”

Claire closed her eyes, sighing. “Yes?” She turned around to see Jamie standing in front of her.

“I wanted to thank ye,” he said.

“For what?” she asked exasperatedly.

Jamie took a small step closer. “For saving my life.”

Claire shook her head. “Please, I didn’t do anything.”

He raised one brow at her. “Ye did. More than most people think ye did.”

A silence hung between them, making her want to ask him all her questions. Why was he leaving? Why did he shut her out? Had she done something to offend him?

But she didn’t ask any questions. “Just be careful,” she whispered. “Or else it will have all been for naught.”

He laughed lightly. “I will.”

When another silence fell upon them, Jamie took it as his cue to part from her.

Instead of going to the mess hall, Claire went to her tent. She laid down on her cot but sleep wouldn’t find her. The whole night was spent worrying about Jamie and already mourning his absence, even when he was still at camp. When the sun was rising, Claire got herself up and prepared herself to go say goodbye to the person who’d meant so much to her.

The jeep was packed and ready for those departing. Jamie stood apart from her, seemingly unsure if he should say anything to her. Their eyes locked and he sighed, deciding to make his way over to her.

“Take care,” he said, bidding her farewell.

Claire could barely meet his eyes. “You too. I meant it, be careful. Don’t be a bloody hero.”

Jamie laughed. “I’ll do my best.” His hand reached out but dropped back to his side. “Ye be careful as well, Claire.”

She felt tears springing to her eyes. “I will,” she whispered.

A call from behind him meant it was time to go. Claire looked up to Jamie, trying with all her might to memorize the look of him. His hand shot out quickly, grabbing one of hers. He squeezed her hand and released it before she could even process it.

“Goodbye, Claire.” He walked off towards the jeep.

“Jamie!” she called. He froze, but didn’t turn. “Goodbye.” His body heaved with a sigh before he hopped in the jeep.

Claire curled her arms around her torso, shrinking a bit in her sadness. She watched as the jeep pulled away. Tears started to steadily fall down her cheeks as he got further and further away from her. When it was out of sight, Claire slowly turned and walked back toward her cot. She was close to sobbing and wanted to be as secluded as possible when the emotions within her finally broke free. Curling in on herself, she wept for the Jamie sized hole in her life, all the while ignoring how absolutely wrong it was.

* * *

When the knock on the door came, somehow Claire was the only one around. Jenny was putting her feet up after Ian, Jamie, and Claire had all insisted. Ian was upstairs helping Wee Jamie through an ill-timed meltdown over God knows what. And Jamie was putting the last touches on the Christmas tree they’d been decorating as a family.

Claire strode to the door and pulled it open, welcoming Mrs. Fitz and Laoghaire into the house. “Happy Christmas!” she greeted.

Mrs. Fitz pulled her immediately into a hug. “And Happy Christmas to ye, my dear! Ye look just bonny,” she said with a large smile.

“Thank you,” Claire replied with a dip of her head. “I’m so happy the two of you could join us this evening.” She leaned in closer to Mrs. Fitz. “I took charge of the meal, which I assure you was only because of your sage teaching.”

The older woman beamed, wrapping an arm around Claire’s shoulders. “That brings me so much joy, lass.”

A sigh from Laoghaire grabbed Claire’s attention. “I find it hard to believe that Jenny would just give away the Christmas meal.”

“Well, it wasn’t entirely willingly,” Claire admitted. “She was feeling quite tired and the rest of us made her take some time to rest.”

Laoghaire nodded, looking around the entryway. “Ye really fancy yerself part of the family, don’t ye?”

Claire bit back the retort she had at the tip of her tongue. Instead she shrugged with a fake smile. “I suppose so. It all comes down to them welcoming me into the family.” She saw her shot and she took it. “Especially after recent developments,” she added.

Mrs. Fitz raised an eyebrow. “And what developments would those be?”

Claire hugged her arms around herself, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious. “Jamie and I have...rather, uh, taken up with each other.”

Laoghaire’s face showed fury while her grandmother squealed with delight, wrapping Claire in another hug. “Oh dearie, how wonderful. The two of ye make such a pair!”

“Thank you,” Claire replied, blushing.

“Where did ye say Jenny was?” Laoghaire asked.

“She should be in the sitting room.”

Without another word, the younger woman left them. Not long after she departed, Jamie walked into the room, his hand finding Claire’s waist. Claire looked over and smiled at him as he greeted Mrs. Fitz.

“Claire, here, was just telling me the good news,” Mrs. Fitz said with a wink.

Jamie looked at Claire, a bewildered expression on his face. “Sorry, I guess I was just excited,” she confessed.

He shook his head, a broad smile on his face before he leaned in and kissed her temple. “Well aye, I suppose it’s a verra Merry Christmas.”

“Indeed,” Mrs. Fitz agreed. “I’m so happy for the both of ye. I could tell the moment I saw the two of ye together that there was something.”

They shared a look before glancing back to their guest. “Well, I need to go check on dinner. I would never hear the end of it if I burnt Christmas Eve dinner,” Claire said, excusing herself. Jamie squeezed her hand once as she walked away. He turned to escort Mrs. Fitz into the sitting room where the fire was roaring.

The evening had turned out beautifully. Jenny had promised a nice night and it had delivered. The one comment at the door was Laoghaire’s only barb at Claire. After dinner, the group sat in the sitting room again, feeling the warmth of the fire as they imbibed and shared stories. Claire curled into Jamie’s side, clutching her glass to her chest. He placed a kiss on her head as his arm crept around her back.

Occasionally throughout the evening, one of the adults would get up to refill a drink. Jamie returned with a mug in his hands, switching from his typical whisky. Claire furrowed her brow but asked nothing. She sat up, allowing him to reclaim his seat before she curled back into him. He took a long drink before holding it out to her. “Tis a bit strong. Can ye help me finish it?” he asked, a reminiscent grin on his face.

Claire met his gaze before looking down to see the eggnog in his mug. She mirrored his grin, leaning up to kiss him quickly. “I’d be happy to,” she agreed, taking a sip of it. Coughing a bit, Claire looked back up at him. “Christ, you weren’t kidding. I thought that was just a joke.”

Jamie laughed, bringing her in closer. “Ye think anyone in this house would make less than strong eggnog?” he asked.

She nodded, chuckling. “Fair enough,” she admitted, taking another sip.

“This is a lot better way to share it, is it no’?” Jamie asked.

“I don’t know, there’s something about wartime and the fear of dying,” Claire disagreed. Jamie’s face filled with concern. She laughed, smacking his arm. “I was kidding.” She laid her head on his shoulder and handed the mug back to him. “Of course this is better. Every part of it is.”

When Young Jamie started to fade, Jenny and Ian both took him upstairs to tuck him in, leaving him with promises of Christmas morning. Claire felt the need to play hostess in Jenny’s absence and got up to put plates and cups in the kitchen. As she turned from the sink, Laoghaire walked into the kitchen behind her. Claire stood there silently, watching the girl.

“I wanted to apologize to ye, Claire,” Laoghaire said, shocking Claire to her core.

“Oh?”

“I havena been verra kind to ye, I’m afraid,” Laoghaire admitted. Claire’s eyes flicked to a point just over the girl’s shoulder where Jamie stood in the doorway, cautiously approaching. Laoghaire sighed with a shake of her head. “I’m no’ quite sure why I’ve been so harsh to ye.”

Claire narrowed her eyes a bit, taking a deep breath. “Well, I have an idea. But it’s alright.”

“I can see that ye’re important to the Murrays so I wanted to apologize for the way I’ve spoken to ye,” she continued.

“So ye’re only apologizing to Claire because Jenny and Ian care for her and no’ because ye feel bad that ye treated her like shite?” Jamie asked, revealing his place in the doorway.

She whirled around, looking at him. “Jamie, that’s no’ what I meant.”

“Well it’s how it sounded,” he pointed out, walking over towards the sink where Claire stood. “How about ye try again?”

“That’s not necessary,” Claire said, holding a hand in front of Jamie. “I appreciate the sentiment. I think - ” she looked over at Jamie “- and well, hope that we’ll be in each other’s lives for a long time.”

A dark look crossed the other girl’s face, but she quickly tried to cover it. “Of course. Grannie and I should be going. But thank ye both for a lovely evening. Please relay that to Jenny as well.”

Both Jamie and Claire nodded. “Of course,” Claire replied. “And we’ll see you for Hogmanay, right?” Laoghaire nodded before walking to the other room.

Jamie turned to appraise Claire. “Why were ye so nice to her?” he asked.

Claire shrugged, moving to put her arms around his neck. “I don’t really give a flying fuck what that girl says to me. I’m too happy,” she said with a sigh as she leaned in to kiss him.

Jamie’s hands found her waist, pulling her ever-so-slightly closer. “I like that answer,” he whispered against her lips.

* * *

The next morning, Claire was gifted the most special Christmas morning she’d had since she was a small child. A small kiss to the forehead roused her. Her eyes fluttered open to see Jamie looking down at her, a wide smile on his face. “Merry Christmas, mo nighean donn.”

Claire reached her hand up to ruffle through his hair. “Merry Christmas, Jamie.” Her hand tightened in his hair and she brought his head down for a kiss. “How long have you been awake?” she asked between kisses.

“No’ long,” he admitted. “I just couldna wait for ye to wake up. I apologize.” He laid back down in the bed, bringing her to rest against him.

Claire wrapped an arm around his torso, letting herself curl into him as she tried to wake up more. “I can understand that, I suppose.” She chuckled to herself. “Though you’re almost like a child on Christmas morning.”

“Well I must remind ye that it is Christmas morning, Sassenach,” he said with a quick kiss on her nose. Her nose wrinkled in reply as she laughed. “And I’ve something for ye.”

She opened one eye, looking at him speculatively. “Do you mean an actual gift or were you talking about -” she cleared her throat and looked down “- something else?”

Jamie laughed, running a hand along her stomach. “I mean an actual present. Though ye ken it wouldna take too long for that either, should ye be interested.”

Claire shook her head as she laughed. She sat up in bed, sitting against the headboard and pulling the covers with her. “Present first,” she grinned. Jamie nodded, jumping out of bed to go grab it.

She looked around Jamie’s room, trying to find the parts of it that made it his. Most nights since they’d returned from Edinburgh, they’d retired to separate rooms, but Jamie would sneak over to hers. Claire often gave Jamie a hard time for it. She figured Ian and Jenny knew what was going on. But for whatever reason, Jamie insisted upon it. Last night had been different though. Jenny and Ian had gone to bed while Jamie and Claire had been cleaning up the kitchen. They’d walked up the stairs hand in hand and Jamie had simply pulled Claire in the direction of his room. She’d raised a brow at him, but he only shrugged and kissed her.

Jamie walked back over to the bed, his hands held behind his back. “Okay, dinna be too hard on me,” Jamie started. “Tis been a long time since I gave anyone a gift.”

“You gave Young Jamie a gift just a month ago for his birthday,” Claire reminded him.

Jamie gave her a look. “Alright, let me rephrase then. Tis been a long time since I gave anyone a gift that I thought would really matter.”

She smiled brightly, holding her hands out for it. He stared at her before finally moving his hands and placing the long, skinny box in her palms. Claire looked down at it, noticing the careful wrapping. Her long finger hooked in the corner of the paper and she was tearing it open. His eyes were on her the whole time. Taking the top off the box revealed a silver locket in the shape of a heart. Claire gasped softly as she picked it up and looked at it closer. The heart was decorated with an intricate etching of thistles. She turned it over in her palm before opening it. There was an engraving on the back of it. Mo chridhe. She didn’t even know what it meant, but she was touched by it. Sticking a fingernail between the hinge, she peeled the locket open, letting out a breathy laugh at the picture inside. It was Jamie, likely just before he was initially sent off to war.

“Twas the only picture I could find,” he confessed.

Claire looked up at him, tears swimming in her eyes. “It’s perfect,” she assured him. “That’s who I met.” He smiled at her, his hand laying on her knee. “I only have one question.”

“My heart,” he answered before she could ask. He stared at her, his emotions clear on his face.

Claire beamed at him as she clutched the locket in her fist. She leaned forward and brought him in closer. “Thank you,” she whispered just before kissing him. Their heads rested together, taking a moment to just be with the other.

“I have something too,” she said, pulling back from him. “Let me go get it.” Walking back in the room, her arms were full with a large object wrapped in a blanket. She set it down on the bed in front of him.

Jamie looked at her curiously before he moved to pull back the blanket. It took some effort to get it untangled. He threw the cover behind him, gazing down at the present before him. It was a beautiful wooden chest with “Fraser” carved into the top. Jamie glanced up to her and then back at the chest. “Claire, this is gorgeous. Where did ye find this?”

She sat herself down on the bed next to him, her arm linking through his. “I found it in a shop in Edinburgh. I didn’t buy it when we were there, but I bribed Ian to go back and get it for me so I could surprise you. He’s actually the one who carved the name in there. I owe him. A lot.”

Jamie ran a hand over the smooth wood in awe. “It’s beautiful,” he said with a shake of his head.

“That’s actually not the whole present,” Claire added. “Why don’t you open it?”

He looked to her with an excited expression. Opening the chest revealed a number of books hidden inside. His mouth dropped open as he pulled ten different books out of the chest. His eyes were wide and curious as he looked over the titles and back to her.

“I remembered what you said you missed most,” she explained. “During the war,” she added. “You told me you missed home, but you also missed the simplicity of sitting down and reading a good book. So I found these in the bookshop in Edinburgh. Some of these are ones I’ve enjoyed and a few of them are some of Uncle Lamb’s favorites.”

Jamie hadn’t spoken as he looked through the books. Claire grew nervous at his silence. He finally looked back to her after he put the books back in the chest. “All that time, I hung on every word ye said,” he confessed. “I never imagined that ye might have been doing the same.”

Claire laughed, her hands landing on either side of his face. “Every bloody word,” she promised.

“I love ye, Claire,” he sighed. Claire rolled her eyes. Not a typical response. “Sorry,” he said with a laugh.

She shook her head with an amused grin. “One of these days.”

Claire leaned in and kissed him, moving closer to him. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against him. She sighed into his mouth as his fingers wound through her hair. They were setting a slow pace. Jamie’s hands moved from her hair and roamed down her body, making her gasp as he pressed forward and laid her down on the bed. He hovered over her, looking down at her. A smile and a caress between them, they were kissing again, moving faster this time. Quietness was key with a small child around. Claire couldn’t help but keen a bit as Jamie’s hand ended up sliding up her nightgown, finding the very spot she wanted him.

His mouth crashed against hers as a way of quieting her. “Ye ken I love yer wee sounds, but we canna be heard,” he reminded her. She rolled her eyes and flexed her hips against his hand. His fingers were moving against her in delicious ways. He’d quickly sought out different ways to make her cry out. She fastened her arms around his neck, pulling him down to kiss her again. They only had so much time before the rest of the family expected them to be opening presents. Claire pushed down his pajama pants, taking him in hand. It was Jamie’s turn to make wee noises.

Their breaths were already heavy. Claire looked at him, giving him a nod. He took the hint and drove into her, kissing her to absorb her cry at their joining. She clutched him to her, moving eagerly against him. They rocked together, holding and encouraging the other. The sound of Jamie breathing Gaelic to her was all she could comprehend. He pulled the top of her nightgown down, making it bunch around her torso, before he kissed across her chest.

Jamie’s attentiveness and eagerness as a lover had brought her release faster than she’d expected. She fell apart around him, biting her lip to avoid crying out the three words at the front of her mind. She held him as he spilled into her. He rolled to the side and brought her with him, both of them staring at the other with sated smiles.

“Merry Christmas,” Claire panted.

Jamie leaned forward and kissed her. “Indeed.”

* * *

Christmas continued to be a wonderful day. There had been so many different reasons for joy that swirled together, leaving everyone content and pleased. Jenny felt joy at her first Christmas with both her child and her brother there. Jamie felt joy at being back with his family and having Claire with him. Claire felt joy at feeling like she was truly part of a family for the first time in a very long time. The peace of the day wasn’t lost on any of them.

But Christmas eventually passed and made way for Hogmanay. The peacefulness of Christmas led to a jittery excitement over the Annual Murray Hogmanay Party. Jenny wanted everything to look perfect. As Claire stood back and gave it a once over, she thought Jenny had accomplished her mission.

She’d never celebrated Hogmanay before and Jamie was more than happy to tell her all that she should expect. They spent every night between Christmas and Hogmanay, curled together, talking about the party. Claire smiled to herself in the dark as she picked up on how excited Jamie truly was.

The weeks they’d been back from Edinburgh had been just about blissful. She’d never felt this way with anyone but Jamie. It was easy and comfortable when not passionate and tender. Each facet of their relationship was a stark difference to her past. She clung to Jamie easily though nightmares, the occasional times she had them. He soothed her back to sleep and held her tight against him. Her dependence on him was growing and she knew it should frighten her. But it just didn’t. She loved him and she was excited for more people to know.

* * *

Ian watched as the party continued around him. Jenny astounded him every year with the amount she could pull off. Each decoration was perfect and each guest seemed to be having a wonderful time. He walked over to his wife and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands settling on her large belly. “Looks perfect, Mrs. Murray,” he mused.

She hummed in reply, her arms coming up to hold his. “Look at them,” she said in reply. He didn’t need to ask who she meant. He glanced over to see Jamie and Claire smiling like idiots as they talked over their drinks. “They’re just so happy.”

Ian nodded. “Aye, that they are.” He’d been certain by the look on Jamie’s face when Claire showed up nearly three months ago that there was something between them. But as he watched the two of them, blissfully happy with the other, he realized he had no idea just how much there actually was. Young Jamie ran over to the pair of them. Jenny and Ian watched as Jamie picked up the young boy and Claire eagerly spoke with him. It almost felt like looking to the future, with the two of them talking to their own child. They were so engaged with the boy, so attuned to each other, that it seemed like no one else was at the party.

“I need to refill the trays,” Jenny said all of the sudden, disturbing Ian from his observation.

“Aye, I’ll help ye.”

They walked into the kitchen, the door swinging shut behind them. While refilling the trays, they couldn’t help but comment on what they just watched.

“It makes me happy for him,” Jenny said needlessly. “To think that something beautiful came out of this bloody war.”

Ian nodded. “I ken just what ye mean. To look at them, ye can just feel how happy they are to finally be wi’ each other.”

“I just hope it lasts,” Jenny replied darkly.

Ian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Aye. I think my two wishes for the new year are as follows: One, our new bairn comes happy and healthy. Two, Claire gets her divorce.”

Jenny sighed. “I think that’s a fair list. I just hope that Randall leaves Inverness, goes back to England, and doesna try to find her again.”

“I think we all hope that,” Ian agreed. The sound of a door closing made Ian whip his head around. No one had entered the kitchen. He was suddenly nervous that they’d been overheard. Walking to the door, he peeked through into the hall. No one was around. Releasing a sigh of relief, Ian walked back to his wife and helped her carry the trays back out.

* * *

Someone had heard Ian, though. She bolted from the kitchen after hearing enough. Trying to make herself blend in the crowd, she went over and pretended to be part of a conversation. Her eyes drifted, though, always lingering on Jamie and her. She’d always suspected something was off. Her stomach clenched at the sight of them laughing together and holding each other. It was wrong. Jamie wasn’t supposed to be with her. And worse than that, the bitch was still married. It was there at that party that she hatched her plan.

She couldn’t drive, so it took her a week to get enough rides to Inverness to find and meet the man she was looking for.

“You’re Randall?” she asked, looking the man over.

He scowled at her. “What do you want?” He seemed worse for the drink.

A smile spread across her face. “My name is Laoghaire and I ken where your wife is.”

* * *

Miles away, back at Lallybroch, Claire was curled in Jamie’s arms, feeling safe and secure. She had no way of knowing all hell was about to break loose.

Next chapter

#outlander #outlander fanfiction #outlander fanfic #my writing #in the eye of a hurricane

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ilosttrackofthings · 7 years

Note

“ you’re gonna be just fine, i promise ” - Jemmawill

A wishful s5 fic.

There are voicesjust out of reach, the words muffled by chaotic dreams and, as shedrags herself back to consciousness, increasing pain.

“-not much chanceof that,” a voice she doesn’t recognize says wryly. It’sfollowed by the sound of feet retreating and a heavy door shutting, the hum of an airtight seal engaging. But Jemma barely hears any of that; she’s rather preoccupied withthe feel of a rough thumb tracing over the back of her hand and thevoice which follows the first.

“You hear that?You’re gonna be just fine. I promise.” Her hand is lifted, abeard scrapes her skin as lips press to her knuckles. She knows thevoice, the hand holding hers, the mouth. It’s all impossible.

She opens her eyes.

And decides shemust still be dreaming.

“There you are,”Will says, his face breaking in one of his rare smiles. She lifts herfree hand to touch his cheek, feels his familiar warmth, as welcomeon a broken down spaceship as it ever was in Maveth’s tepidatmosphere.

That must be what’sbrought this on—she always dreams of Will when she’s feeling coldor lonely (she dreamt of him every night in the Framework)—orperhaps it’s simply that she’s thought of him near endlesslysince arriving on the ship, constantly asking herself what he mightdo in her shoes. She does wish though that this were one of thebetter dreams with Earth and sunshine. Seeing Will is always lovely but she’d prefer him somewhere that isn’t space.

His smile fades, asthey always did, and he touches her head. From the way it smarts andthe way his fingers trail carefully around the most tender area, sheimagines she has quite the head wound. Now that she thinks of it, shedoes remember one of the Kree backhanding her. Likely this is fromthe impact against the bulkhead and—she gingerly drops her head toone side—that stiffness radiating from her neck through hershoulder must be from the initial blow itself.

“You’re okay,”Will says softly. His fingers move down, trailing along her neckbefore lifting away almost self-consciously. His eyes move to thevery engrossing view of a blank wall. “You lost consciousness butthe scans came back fine.”

Several incongruousbits of data align themselves in Jemma’s mind at once. Sheshouldn’t be feeling pain in her dream. And Will—the Will hersubconscious has crafted in the two years since she lost him—doesn’tshy away from her. Cruel as her sleeping mind might be to repeatedlyforce her to awaken to a world without him, it isn’t so cruel as tohave the only Will available to her put distance between them.

The onlyconclusion—the impossible conclusion—propels her up. Will has tocatch her to keep her from toppling right off the cot (she doesn’t know what hescanned her with but she doesn’t trust the Kree tech as far as shecan throw it) and his hands are as warm and as real as ever, as isthe pain that floods her aching skull. It grows heavy and she longsto lay back down, but compromises by resting her forehead against hisshoulder.

On Maveth there wasvery little in the way of hygiene and she grew fond of Will’sunfortunately rank odor despite herself, but beneath it there wasalways Will, the scent that grew stronger during their brief nightstogether. Here there are similar constraints, but there is a form ofdisinfectant they all use in lieu of traditional soap. Beneath its strong scent,she smells that same Willness again. Rough and strong and utterly him.

“What are you?”she asks while tears sting at her eyes. She knows they’re not fromthe pain.

He stiffens andslowly, cruelly, shifts her away so that he can look in her eyes. Heisn’t a perfect replica—but that’s the trick, isn’t it? AWill exactly like the one she remembers would be obvious as a fakebut this one, with the new lines around his eyes and the grey in histrimmed beard, is far more believable.

She swallowsthickly. “Are you- are you some sort of hallucination the Kreecreated to learn more about us? Or an Inhuman who can assume others’forms? Because if you are, I should warn you-”

“I’m me,” hesays, his hands closing around her shoulders and with him so closeit’s exactly like that night they returned to the caves, when hetold her it wasn’t hell, not really, not anymore. She chokes down a sob. “I’m Will. I’m here.”

“Willis dead,” she says and wishes for a gun so she could do what shedid the last time she was forced to say those words. Maybe this timeit would do more than inconvenience the bastard watching her cry.

Hisbroad palms cup her jaw, his thumbs brush her tears aside. His mouthworks a time or two before a breath shudders out of him. “I’m notgonna hit you, okay? Because you already took a good knock and alsomy dad told me never to hit girls. But if you want you can hit me. Ifthat’ll help you believe I’m real, have at it.”

Shetries to shake her head. “No. You’re not him. Hive killed him, hestole him-”

“Hive?”he cuts in, his forehead wrinkling, deepening the lines, new and old.

Somethingin the vicinity of her heart tightens. It feels like hope, like thehope she left behind in that desert.

“It,”she says carefully. “Death. Its name was Hive.”

Hisface goes slack and a horror she’s only seen once or twice washesover him. His shaking hands drop back to her shoulders. “Itfollowed you? It found you?” His eyes drop, searching every inch ofher like he’s looking for some fatal cut to have opened up whilethey’ve been speaking.

Thathope blooms brighter. It’ll do anything to fool you,he said. And yet she believed so easily Fitz and Coulson’s tellingof events, even took Hive’s taunting as confirmation. She’d spent days circling water with no idea it was there; how difficult would it have been for Hive to create the illusion of a man,one it had spent more than a decade hunting. But if that is whatoccurred, that still doesn’t explain this.“How are you here?” she asks, the softness of her voice drawinghis attention back to her. “What happened? I thought It had killed you.”

Ittakes him a moment to compose himself, but when he does, he chuckles.“I was abducted by aliens, if you can believe it. I’ve beentrying to get back to Earth ever since.”

“Andyou ended up with the humans on this ship?” The odds seem rather, no pun intended, astronomical, but that does explain howthe humans out here all knew about SHIELD and why they keep referring to some unseen“astronaut.” She’d assumed it was just a nickname bestowed onsomeone who’s proven to be especially adept at this life or who, like Deke,makes a habit of going on ridiculously unsafe spacewalks.

Hesighs. “That – is a long story. And since I know you won’t besatisfied until you hear it-” he pushes her back down onto thenarrow cot- “you can listen while you rest.”

Shecan’t help a smile. He knows her so well. Despite that, however,she isn’t in the mood for a long story, especially one that willonly have to be repeated once they find the others.

Shefists a hand in his shirt and drags him down with her, marveling asshe does at the feel of new (well, newer)fabric beneath her hand. He’s finally found himself a change ofclothes and she’s almost sorry to lose the sight of him like this,but not so sorry as to change her plans.

“Thatcan wait.”

Will’seyes widen at the promise in her tone and his mouth even drops open. It’s adorable.

“Whatabout-”

Shepresses her mouth to his just when his lips are forming the fuhsound. She doesn’t want to explain what she’s been through or whoshe’s lost any more than she wants to hear more of his explanations. He’shere and he’s alive and he’s all that she wants. Nothing elsematters.

#I CAN DREAM OKAY?#lillysbitchfest #jemmawill #aosfic #my fic #*td #ask fic #fic: you're gonna be fine

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auburnfamilynews · 7 years

Link

Auburn’s offense was once again explosive and the defense smothering.

I love beating Dan Mullen. I especially love beating him by 39 points a year after beating him by 24. The Tigers have outscored Mississippi State 87-24 over the past two seasons. That makes me happy. Why? Because I am one of those conspiracy theorist barners who believe Mullen played a very large role in some of the garbage that got leaked out during the Cam Newton scandal. True or not, I will always enjoy beating him.

Personal grudges aside, Saturday was also fun because this Auburn team continues to improve. Mississippi State is not a bad football team. In fact, they just might be the #3 team in the SEC West and they are going to win a lot more games than they lose moving forward. But it was clear they were not in the same class as this Auburn team. After a slow start, Auburn has begun building some serious momentum and looking stronger and stronger each week. There’s still plenty of football to be played but the Tigers are moving in the right direction.

Explosive Offense

I don’t know if I would call Auburn’s offense efficient Saturday. They weren’t chewing up yardage and piecing together first down after first down. In fact, Mississippi State had more first downs than Auburn (18-14) and ran WAY more plays (84-56) while being out gained by 160 yards and outscored by 39. How? Because if you aren’t going to be efficient, you better be explosive and Auburn’s offense was TNT Saturday night.

On 49 of Auburn’s total plays they gained 150 yards. That’s 3.1 yards per play which is ok. The other 7 plays? 361 yards!

1st & 10 - 59 yd run by Kerryon Johnson

3rd & 2 - 49 yd pass to Darius Slayton

1st & 10 - 47 yd TD pass to Will Hastings

1st & 10 - 57 yd pass to Eli Stove

3rd & 3 - 30 yd run by Eli Stove

3rd & 3 - 52 yd pass to Kyle Davis

3rd & 1 - 67 yd TD run by Malik Willis

On every drive that Auburn had a play go for over 20 yards, they ended up scoring a touchdown. After watching last year’s offense methodically move up the field but get bogged down at times in the redzone, this new explosiveness is very much welcomed.

What was really interesting is WHEN these explosive plays happened. It was either on 1st & 10 or 3rd & short. Over the past couple of seasons it’s been pretty easy to know what exactly Auburn was going to do in these situations, run the ball. Saturday, Chip Lindsey blew up all those preconceived notions. Let’s look at those aggressive 3rd & short calls (sans TD, we will talk about that one later) that helped lead to touchdowns for this Auburn offense.

Talk about breaking a tendency... AU goes super aggressive on 3rd & short. Not easy nor perfect throw but works http://bit.ly/2hMKji6

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

After the game, Gus Malzahn said they were looking for a Cover 0 look before dialing up this play. They got the look they wanted and the result as well. So far this season, 3rd & short has typically meant Auburn gets in the Wildcat, runs power and KJ finds enough room to get a 1st down. State expected that, I expected that and I am sure everyone in the stadium expected that but Auburn had something else dialed up. KJ gives it to Ryan Davis on the speed sweep who promptly tosses it back to Jarrett Stidham. By this time, Darius Slayton has blown by State’s secondary (seriously watch State’s safeties, they were completely fooled) and is wide open for the big play. Stidham under throws this pass but I will give him a bit of a break as QBs typically aren’t throwing 50+ yd passes after catching a toss back on a double reverse pass out of the Wildcat. A great job by Slayton hauling this one in and Auburn was in business.

Outstanding blocks by Smith, Cox & NCM on this play. Another aggressive 3rd & short playcall by Lindsey http://bit.ly/2fRNggV

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

After a 57 yd pass out of the endzone to Eli Stove gets the Tigers in better field position, Auburn finds themselves facing another 3rd & short. Auburn is in that unbalanced look again and Stidham heads under center. Stidham hands it off to Stove on the speed sweep who gets great blocking on the edge from Braden Smith, Nate Craig-Myers and Chander Cox. From there, Stove does the rest for the big pickup.

3rd & short again. AU again attacks. Might be Stidham's prettiest pass to date http://bit.ly/2hMKjP8

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Finally, facing another 3rd & short in the 4th quarter, the Tigers go attack mode again. Typically with this look, Kyle Davis is lined up front to take on the CB as a blocker while Ryan Davis is stacked behind for the quick screen (AU scored on that type of player as we will see later). However, on this call Kyle Davis is stacked behind Ryan Davis. Ryan Davis has been Stidham’s favorite target to date and on this play draws both of the State defenders when attempting a quick slant route. That leaves Kyle Davis wide open on the fade route and Stidham hits him in stride. This play went against two tendencies:

1.) Auburn usually runs the ball on 3rd & short

2.) If Auburn passes the ball on 3rd & short it’s usually a quick pass to someone like Ryan Davis or Will Hastings.

Over the last two weeks, Lindsey has used Auburn’s past to whoop defenses in the present. Continuing to keep defenses off balanced and confused is crucial for this offense moving forward.

Elite Defense

Let’s just get this out on the table. Auburn’s defense is elite. It’s taken some time but I think those outside of Auburn, Alabama are starting to understand that fact. Only Auburn’s defense has not allowed more than 14 pts this season. They are still #1 in “Finishing Drives” meaning they give up the fewest amount of points per opponent’s trip inside the 40. They are ranked #5 overall according to S&P+ and are only allowing 13.8 points per game, good for 8th overall. Top to bottom, this is one of the best units Auburn has put on the field in some time. Each level of the defense is loaded with playmakers.

Watch the subtle move Holland gives OG to dodge the punch. Outstanding body control and finishes play #SenseiMud http://bit.ly/2hMKkma

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Holland continued his fast start Saturday bumping his sack total to 3.5 on the year. There could have been plenty more Saturday but give credit to Nick Fitzgerald, he was outstanding at getting the ball out before the pass rush arrived. However, it was only a matter of time before Sensei Mud got to the State QB. On this play, Dan Mullen’s squad tried the ole “pull a guard to block a speed rusher” trick that Auburn used with such great success last season against Clemson and LSU. Mississippi State ended up getting the same result as Auburn had previously as Holland made a nifty little move to dodge the punch of the pulling guard and get to Fitzgerald. Holland is quickly becoming one of the strongest forces off the edge in the SEC this year. Also, it was nice to be on the other end of this play this time.

This is a ridiculous play by Darrell Williams. Should be easy TD but Williams makes perfect tackle http://bit.ly/2hLObQo

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

One of my favorite plays of the game happened late in the second quarter. Mississippi State drove all the way to the one foot line and looked like they were about to march right in. Darrell Williams had other plans. Fitzgerald decides to keep it and looks to have an easy score. His TE is pulling around and looks like he’s going to square up Williams. Instead, Williams sees the puller and that Fitz is keeping the ball and attacks before he can be blocked. Williams makes about as perfect a tackle you can make a on 6’4” 220 lb+ QB barreling towards the endzone and stops him short of the goal line.

Outstanding play from Dinson. Fights off block from TE and makes the tackle. He's been a force at the nickel spot http://bit.ly/2fRNkNH

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Finally, Auburn’s secondary had a standout performance defending 12 passes and coming down with 2 interceptions, one going for a touchdown. What stands out about this group is the combination of speed and physicality. They close fast and don’t often miss tackles in the open field. The above being a great example.

Jeremiah Dinson reads run and steps up to set the edge. However, State’s tight end kicks out and looks to be in perfect position to block Dinson. Not so fast... Dinson does a great job fighting off the block by dodging the initial punch and using his own hands to get separation. After that, he rips Fitz down in the open field turning what should have been a decent gain into nothing. This defense is so much fun to watch.

Touchdown Auburn

Once again, we have plenty of Auburn touchdowns to breakdown and dissect. This week, the defense makes the list and there’s even gasp a touchdown pass in the redzone. Scoring points is fun, keep doing it Auburn.

Better angle. Dunn the star of this play. Had a very good game Saturday night http://bit.ly/2fRZvtQ

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

The Tigers first TD comes from an unbalanced look they love to trot out in short yardage situations. Prince Tega Wanogho (#98) checks in at LT while Austin Golson flips over to the right and Braden Smith moves outside. Auburn runs power to the strong side, something they typically have done from this formation. The motion pulls the linebacker out of the backside B-gap, while Casey Dunn seals his man off and Tega takes the safety. Great vision by KJ to see that hole pop open and make the cutback for the score.

This time Stidham takes advantage of cushion up top. Great block by KD. Ryan Davis finishes the play http://bit.ly/2fRNlkJ

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

This is a run pass option. Auburn is running split zone and a quick screen up top. They ran this same concept the first time they entered the redzone but Stidham gave it and it got stuffed. This time though, he pulls it and gets the ball out quickly to Ryan Davis. Kyle Davis does an excellent job blocking on the perimeter allowing R. Davis to use his quickness to get to the pylon. TD passes in the redzone, what is the dark magic?

Watch Stidham's eyes. Looks left first which brings other safety away from MOF. Then comes back to Hastings for TD http://bit.ly/2fQs4bi

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

This is how a 5'9" WR is averaging 20+ ypc. Insane quickness http://bit.ly/2hMKnOS

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

I included two angles on this TD play because how could you not? Auburn gets the ball back in great field position so Chip Lindsey decides to take a shot. This is an interesting look they ran a few times where Chander Cox and Jalen Harris line up behind Kyle Davis and Will Hastings. Both Harris and Cox run quick outs while Hastings and Davis run deeper routes. Later in the game, Stidham hits Cox on the quick out for a nice pickup, something to watch moving forward.

Dropping back, Stidham looks to the left which moves the strongside safety away from the hashes. He then comes back to Will Hastings who embarrasses the free safety with a quick fake and hits Hastings on the wide open post route for a TD. I love everything about this play from the design, to the blocking, to the route running and of course the throw itself.

AU goes unbalanced & runs power from under center. Enough of a hole opens for KJ to get the TD http://bit.ly/2hPoyyb

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Braden Smith taking his man on a walk. Not a great job by James but good enough http://bit.ly/2fRCmIa

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Two straight non Kerryon Johnson touchdowns is just wrong. So KJ rights that wrong on Auburn’s first drive of the 3rd quarter. Auburn is unbalanced once again and they are once again running power, this time with Stidham under center. Both Austin Golson and Braden Smith do a great job driving their men out of the play while Horton pulls around and cleans up the last defender. Very physical run by Johnson earns the Tigers 6 more points.

Power out of unbalanced look. KJ is a TD machine http://bit.ly/2fQHlZx

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Look familiar? Auburn running power out of an unbalanced front. Big props to Wanogho, Dunn and James on this play. Tega seals the backside DT while Dunn and James reach the middle linebacker. Johnson surges over the top for his EIGTH touchdown in two games. Stop hogging all the points Kerryon.

Love how chill Steele is during this whole play. Love that D finally converted on scoring opportunity http://bit.ly/2hMKWZ0

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

The very next possession, disaster strikes for Mississippi State’s offense. This was a fail all around for State and Auburn just took advantage. The Dawgs motion into trips and run a rub route. Fitz has a wide open man but the throw is off target. However, the pass is still very catchable but instead careens off the wideout’s hands and into Javaris Davis’s. There’s only green space and teammates in front of Davis who races in for the score. After watching some missed pick 6 opportunities over the past few years, it was nice to see the defense convert on the opportunity.

Great read by Willis and man he turns corner quickly. Future is bright at QB http://bit.ly/2hMmt6o

— AUNerd (@AUSportsNerd) October 3, 2017

Finally, Auburn brought on the backups and reserves to just run out the clock. They had different plans. Auburn is running everyone’s favorite read option play with Noah Igbinoghene motioning across the formation. The speed sweep draws one defender but it being 3rd & 1, State’s defense collapses inside expecting Willis to give the ball. However, Nick Mar... I mean Malik Willis pulls the ball and gets outside in a hurry. A perfectly timed stiff arm disposes of the one real threat and launches Willis into the open field. The speedy freshman then beats the last few State defenders to the endzone for his first career touchdowns. I highly doubt it’s his last in orange and blue.

Mr October

Gus Malzahn’s favorite month has arrived. As head coach at Auburn, Malzahn has compiled a 12-3 record in the month of October good for an 80% win percentage. That’s better than his 14-4 (78%) record in September and his frustrating 11-6 (65%) record in November. Long story short, it takes Malzahn a few weeks to figure out what he’s got but once he does, he starts rattling off wins.

Auburn has a tough road ahead of them even if the schedule doesn’t look as daunting as it did preseason. Ole Miss, LSU, Arkansas and Texas A&M have all struggled out the gates in varying forms this season but they still have talent. Any of those teams are capable of knocking the Tigers off if they don’t show up ready to play. The Tigers should be sitting at 8-1 heading into the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry but that’s far from a given. Over the next few weeks we will find out if this team is just good or capable of contending for an SEC title and more.

War Eagle!

from College and Magnolia http://bit.ly/2hMKppY

#IFTTT #Blogger #auburn #auburn fast #wareagle #AuburnFamilyNews #war eagle #sec #football news #aubu

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