Twenty Something

gotham enjoying ur shares after each new ep. that last scene when claire initiates sex but ends up emo breaks down instead .. what was it in the bk bc i didnt keep any except bk 9 :( would u share a bit when u have time xox

It was in A Breath of Snow and Ashes (chapter 98, "To Keep A Ghost At Bay"), but in a slightly different context.

It takes place in an inn in Wilmington, shortly after Tom sacrifices himself for Claire - and before Roger and Brianna and the children go back.

Claire similarly initiates intimacy with Jamie - and similarly pulls away. She is so torn, feels so guilty, for Tom's sacrifice to save her.

“Who is it that ye see, Claire?” he whispered. “Can ye tell me?”

“Frank,” I said, fast, before I could change my mind. “And Tom. And—and Malva.” My chest heaved, and I felt that I would never have air enough to breathe again.

“I could—all of a sudden, I could feel them all,” I blurted. “Touching me. Wanting to come in.” I rolled over, burying my face in the pillow, as though I could seal out everything.

Also keep in mind that this is still not too long after Claire's abduction and trauma at the hands of the Browns...so she's still processing that, too.

The scene plays out differently in that Jamie comforts Claire, helps soothe her and calm her down. Helps her mind find peace.

“Let them come, and grieve them, Claire,” he whispered. “And when they’ve gone, I’ll take ye home.”

I do have to say that I much prefer how this conversation played out in 07x02. For one thing, it takes place at Jamie and Claire's home - in their bedroom, their most intimate space. Claire is processing Tom's sacrifice, of course - but more importantly, coming to terms with the loss of her daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren.

Which gives Jamie the space to open up to her - having just seen William for the first time in many years - and share his own grief at losing the MacKenzie family, and so many others in his life.

He mentions Faith - which always makes my heart shatter.

He helps shoulder her grief by sharing his own grief. He honors Claire's vulnerability by trusting her with his own vulnerability. And he gives her the comfort that nobody else can.

I love A Breath of Snow and Ashes - but the series' interpretation is so much more powerful. Much more true to who these two people are, and their shared sorrows and joys.