#@liaromancewriter

[choicesfandomappreciation]

Thank you to @jerzwriter, @genevievemd, @liaromancewriter, @potionsprefect, @cariantha, @trappedinfanfiction and @coffeeheartaddict2 for focusing on the positive and not if/when "end" scenarios. We appreciate all you do for keeping the fandom active with your fics, edits, shit posts and musings.

@jerzwriter, @genevievemd,@liaromancewriter, @potionsprefect, @cariantha, @trappedinfanfiction , @coffeeheartaddict2

[youlookappropriate]

I love Cassie's dad ❤️

Daddy’s Girl

Premise: A poignant moment between father and daughter after the poison attack.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Robert Valentine (OC) Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff. Words: 1,510

A/N: Submission for @choicesjanuary2024 day 16 prompt "relationships". I'm also using @choicesflashfics week 69, prompt 3

Robert Valentine had a plan. He’d graduate from college, sail around the world and then settle down to live out the Valentine legacy of working in the family business. His father also had a plan, and it featured only two of the three items on his list.

Unable to say no to the strict man who’d raised him, Robert gave up his dream of feeling the wind in his hair on the open seas. A chance encounter in Greenwich during summer break from Wharton further altered his plans.

A year later, he was married to a woman who not only shared his love of adventure but actively encouraged his carefree side. Becoming parents hadn’t been part of the plan, at least not so soon after getting married. But fate had other ideas.

As they stared down at the two tiny humans behind the glass of the nursery at Newport Hospital, he gently hooked one arm around Olivia’s waist. The boy was restless while the girl was asleep, their hands lightly touching.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Olivia murmured, still tired, her head resting on his shoulder.

Even though they’d known Olivia was carrying multiples, seeing them was a different reality. On top of that, the twins had arrived a month early. They still hadn’t landed on names or completed the nursery in the townhouse they’d bought near his work.

“We should come up with appropriate names,” he said quietly after a while. “Can’t keep calling them Thing One and Thing Two.”

“Imagine the shock on our parents’ faces if we put that on their birth certificates,” Olivia teased, her eyes swimming with laughter.

Robert chuckled, folding his wife in his arms. Being a father would change him; it was inevitable. But he didn’t have to give up his dreams, just adjust them for two more.

Now, all these years later, Robert watched his daughter’s even breathing as she lay sleeping on the hospital bed and wished he could turn back time to when she was a baby, tucked safe and sound in his arms.

The last two days had been harrowing and emotional. The panicked call from his son in the middle of the night, the long flight to Boston from Paris, the uncertainty about Cassie’s condition, and the anger when he and Olivia were denied entrance into the hospital.

But that was all over now, he sighed in relief. His daughter was no longer on death’s door. It would take time, but he’d been assured she would recover. If he thought Cassie wouldn’t be pissed at him for doubting her precious Dr. Ramsey, Robert would’ve whisked her off to the best specialists in the world for a second opinion.

Lost in thought, he didn’t notice Cassie’s eyelids fluttering as she slowly awoke. But he heard her whimpers and the sound of sheets rustling. He was out of the chair and by her bedside seconds before her eyes drifted open.

“Hey, kiddo,” Robert smiled softly, taking her hand.

“Daddy?” Cassie said in a confused tone, her voice reed thin and somewhat raspy.

She struggled to sit up, and he placed a steadying hand on her back while pressing a control button on the guardrail to raise the bed’s head. He adjusted the pillow to support her neck and poured a glass of water when she started coughing.

“Better?”

When she nodded, Robert set the glass down on the table. He turned away to drag the visitor’s chair closer to the bed and sat down, covering her hand with his palm. They smiled at each other, matching green eyes.

“You haven’t called me kiddo since I was ten,” she commented, smiling despite the sudden discomfort under her sternum.

The machines she was hooked up to briefly beeped before settling down as the pain subsided. Robert stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

“Old habits,” he said, taking his eyes off the flashing numbers on the monitor. “You haven’t called me Daddy since you and Max decided that word was for babies.”

“Well, I feel weak as a baby right now, so that could be the reason,” she joked, and then tears filled her eyes, dripping down her cheeks. “I was so scared I’d never see you or Mom again. ”

Robert leaned in and wiped the tears away with his fingers, shushing her the way he used to when she was five and had a nightmare.

“When I was in that room, all I could think of was the last time you took us sailing,” she continued in a watery voice. “It was just before I moved to Boston. The fresh ocean breeze tossing my hair, the taste of salt on our lips as water crashed around us. Max cursing as the unruly waves rocked the boat and almost tipped us over. Your laughter booming in the wind. That feeling of truly being alive.”

Leaving the chair, he sat on the side of the bed and folded her into his arms, mindful of the drip lines and wires.

“You are alive, Cassie honey,” he whispered over and over as sobs wracked her body, and she burrowed her face into his chest. “You’re here, safe in my arms.”

Eventually, the storm passed, and he returned to his seat. The comforting silence stretched, broken only by the beeps and hums of the machines.

“Where’s Mom?”

“At the hotel, hopefully getting some rest,” Robert explained. “She barely slept these last couple of days. Max, too. Your brother pretends to be invincible, but he was running on fumes by the time we got here.”

“Maybe if he drank coffee every now and then,” Cassie said with a wry twist of her lips.

Robert shook his head in amusement and chuckled, well familiar with his children’s opposing views on this matter and their needling of each other as a result.

“Have you seen Ethan?”

“Yes, he dropped by an hour ago to check on you,” Robert replied, hiding his disquiet at how Cassie’s eyes locked on the closed door, waiting for the other man to walk in.

He steepled his index fingers under his chin as he sprawled on the chair, stretching his legs out under the bed. “I take it you’re both still hiding your relationship?”

Robert was glad Cassie at least had the good sense to look abashed. He wasn’t happy with the turn of events, but his wife was convinced it was the real deal and they should give the couple space to work it out. Olivia’s instincts were flawless, which was the only reason he exercised restraint.

“What do you think of him?” she asked, her eyes beseeching him to understand. “You didn’t say anything during or after the weekend in Newport. I really want you to like him, Daddy.”

“He’s certainly different from Jackson or anyone else you’ve dated before,” he said neutrally. “Older, reserved, and perhaps a little austere for my carefree daughter.”

“That’s just the side he shows everyone else,” Cassie said, her voice full of conviction. “He’s different when it’s just the two of us. Granted, our relationship is still evolving, but he cares for me, deeply.”

“I know, Cassie,” Robert said, remembering the tender look in the other man’s eyes earlier. “This isn’t up for debate. But as your father, I’m allowed to be concerned. Gossip from a workplace romance is rarely kind to the woman, especially when there’s a power imbalance.”

He held up a hand when she opened her mouth to protest. “You still have two years left in your training here. All I ask is that you be careful and protect your reputation if not your heart.”

Before Cassie could respond, there was a perfunctory knock on the door, and then it swung open. Ethan Ramsey crossed the threshold and suddenly stopped, causing the nurse accompanying him to crash into his back, the tray in her hand rattling before she steadied it.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Ethan said, his brows furrowing as if sensing he’d stepped into a quagmire. “We need to draw Dr. Valentine’s blood, check her vitals and run a few tests.”

“Yes, of course,” he said, pushing the chair back and standing up. “I’ll let you get on with it while I grab a coffee and check in on Olivia.”

Robert turned to smile down at Cassie. “Why don’t I get you something to eat?”

“Well, I am feeling a bit peckish,” Cassie mused, a teasing twinkle in her eyes. “Hospital food sucks.”

“I’ll ask the chef at the hotel to whip up your favorites.” Robert leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Be good, and no more heroics.”

He nodded at Ethan, who came to stand across from him on the other side of the bed. He noted the softness in Cassie’s eyes, the concern in Ethan’s and felt like a third wheel.

As Robert left the room, he glanced at the nurse, oblivious to their situation, and hoped Cassie heeded his advice. Ethan seemed decent enough, but if he hurt Cassie…. Well, when it came to his children, all bets were off.

---------------

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @lucy-268 @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate @zealouscanonindeer

[choicesficwriterscreations]

February MC of the Month: Cassie Valentine

Please welcome February 2024's MC of the Month! Each month, we highlight one MC or OC on our Meet My MC / OC List. They are selected randomly on the Wheel of Names, and eligibility requirements can be found here. We accept MC / OC profiles on an ongoing basis. Please feel free to send yours in!

This month’s MC of the month is…

@liaromancewriter's Cassie Valentine!

More below...

In your own words, tell us what you like most about your MC.

I love Cassie’s carefree approach to life. She loves her job and is dedicated to it, but that doesn’t mean she lets work take over her life. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, going with the flow when things go sideways. She also values her relationships and her “me” time. 

Do you feel your MC is like you at all? How are you alike or different?

I created Cassie to be everything I’m not and wish I could be. Over time, I incorporated some of Amanda Schull’s (her face claim) traits into her personality, such as her laugh and ballet background. 

There are two things we have in common: we both love what we do and cannot imagine doing anything else. We’re also both urbanites. I’m more introverted than Cassie (closer to Ethan’s personality, really), but my career forces me to work with people, and I’ve learned to adapt. It takes me time to open up to people, whereas Cassie makes friends easily.

What is most important to your MC? What is their motivation in life?

Cassie has always wanted to help people, and that’s her biggest motivation in life. It’s one of the reasons why she couldn’t see herself working in the family business. That motivation is what makes her a caring doctor (and why she and Ethan are the perfect match).

What are their biggest pet peeves/dislikes?

Cassie cannot stand inconsiderate people, especially when they’re rude to those less fortunate. She’s absolutely judging how her LI treats servers, janitors, and the like. She also doesn’t like the attention she receives from gossip websites and tries to stay under the radar with Max’s help. Being reduced to the “Valentine Heir” instead of an accomplished doctor is guaranteed to make her see red.

If your MC could change one thing - anything - what would it be?

Nothing. She believes in accepting oneself, whether it’s looks or personality. With the latter, she’s happy to continue to work on herself and adapt to feedback. But at some point, she is who she is, and she’s good with that as long as it’s not hurting anyone.

What is your MC’s favorite quote or song?

Her favorite song is “Dream a Little Dream” by The Beautiful South. Her favorite quote is: 

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.” ― Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MC? 

Cassie’s personality is hugely influenced (and defined) by her being a twin. She and Max are incredibly close, and she cannot imagine who she’d be if he weren’t her literal other half. That is why it’s important to her that whoever she’s involved with romantically gets along with Max and vice versa. I’ve developed Cassie’s personality and background extensively, and it’s part of my Cassie Valentine collection.

[openheartfanfics]

Hi, I know its probably a very impossible shot because the fic came out long back. It was a fic in which ethan and mc get separated and MC is asian and she comes from a rich family based in japan, she returns to japan and you know handles her hospital. Their parents own hospitals if I am not wrong and she is now managing them. Ethan attenda a conference there and meets MC again and they reconcile.

All I remember about that is it’s a series and MC’s name is Harunna sakurai. I have been searching for that fic I thought I reblogged it and but it seems I did not I went searching in my likes and reblogs till 2020.

If you know any such series or who wrote it please do let me know.

Thanks

Hi Nonny. I'm afraid I'm not aware of this series. But I'm hoping someone in our fandom can guide you in the right direction.

[genevievemd]

I should have sent this yesterday, but my mind was on Taylor's Eras Tour Movie. 😄

Happy (belated) Birthday to the incredible Dr. Geneviève McClure-Ramsey. Hope she had an amazing time being spoiled by her honey.

MAL! Thank you for the edit!!!

Also same 😭 the movie melted my brain, I cried 5 times I’m going again this weekend lol

And our girl had a great day yesterday! Ethan took her to see the eras movie (again, she went opening night with Natalie), then to a nice lunch, followed by a trip to the spa and then a nice dinner with presents and snuggling on the couch. Where G forced Ethan to continue her annual Gilmore Girls binge. (And of course, ended the night trying to make a baby😏)

Was a perfect day for her 🥰 much better than last years— spent at a conference then a gala where Ethan decided (with her approval of course) to go to the Amazon again.

[youlookappropriate]

😭😢😥🥺🥹❤️❤️❤️

A Kiss on the Hand (Part 3️⃣)

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Warning: None Category: Hurt/Comfort; Angsty Fluff Word count: 2.9K Series Summary: After realizing just how much they mean to each other, Ethan and Sawyer express their love through a sweet hand gesture. A/N: Artwork by the incredible @/artbyainna on Instagram. This is a three-part series. Part three inspired by 400 Trillion by Justin Jesso and Like I Need You by Culture Code & Elle Vee.

Part One: Soulmates / Part Two: Always Three Times

Part Three: I Know What You Mean

It felt like a scene from a movie, where the character stands still as the world around them moves in fast motion. Sawyer was that character. Frozen in place as the emergency room swirled around at light speed. 

Megan, the nurse who received the dispatch from EMTs, darted down the hall to inform Dr. Edwards, the Head of Trauma. Other nurses jumped into action preparing the available trauma room for the inbound patient. And remaining staff members turned their heads and gasped as Ethan's name traveled between the exam curtains. 

Dr. Edwards soon appeared leading a team of gowned and gloved residents to the ambulance bay. As he strode past, he instructed the desk supervisor to page the Chief of Medicine. Jackie was among the group. She noticed the look of shock on Sawyer’s face as she rushed by and pointed at her. 

“Hey, Brooks, you good?” she called.

At her friend’s voice, Sawyer snapped to attention and lied with a nod. She shook the haze from her head and followed Jackie to the ambulance bay, grabbing a paper gown and a pair of gloves on the way.

She stood behind the others who waited in suspense, poised to spring into action as soon as the ambulance arrived. Sawyer barely managed to unfold and glide her arms into the gown. Her hands trembled violently, making it impossible for her to hold them still long enough to put on her gloves.

The crash of a metal door slamming against the wall startled her. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Naveen hurrying in their direction. He shook his head in disapproval when he spotted Sawyer.

Meeting her watery, pleading gaze, Naveen took the gloves from her shaking hands and pulled the paper cover down and off. After tossing them into a nearby receptacle, he took her hands and held them between his own.

“As hard as it might be, Sawyer, we are both going to sit this one out and let the others take care of him. Okay?” He patted her hands, then looped her arm through his and held on tight. Naveen, though wise and level-headed, seemingly needed her support as much as she needed his. 

After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the sound of a siren and flashing red lights announced the arrival of Aid Car 23. The trauma team dashed out into the rain, returning seconds later with a gurney and an EMT calling out vital signs. Sawyer only saw the blur of a bloodied face as Ethan was wheeled past. His jacket and shirt had been cut open, and someone was using an Ambu bag to ventilate him, squeezing it over his mouth every few seconds.

No longer needed, the EMT stepped back. Sawyer threw her arm out to stop her.

“Holly, do you know what happened? How he got hurt?”

“They were at the scene of a car accident on the bridge. A woman was trapped in her car, and Dr. R was trying to stabilize her until the fire department got there to extricate. Nick said a large truck sped toward them. When the driver finally decided to hit the brakes, he hydroplaned and slammed into them. One of the officers said the truck driver was on his goddamn phone and not paying attention.”

Sawyer’s hand covered her mouth as she tried to process the information. “Oh my god … is … is Nick okay?”  

“Yeah, he’s fine. He had gone back to the rig for supplies and wasn’t hit. He was able to call for back-up.”

“And the person trapped in the car?” Naveen inquired. “Are they on their way?”

Holly shook her head no. “Nick said she was already in critical condition before the second impact. She was pronounced on scene.”

Another dispatch came in on Holly’s radio and she excused herself. 

Sawyer turned to Naveen. Unable to keep her composure any longer, she collapsed into his open arms. “I begged him not to go,” she cried into her grand-mentor’s shoulder.

Naveen softly patted her on the back, then pulled away to look her in the eyes.

“Sawyer, you know better than anyone … Once Ethan sets his mind to something, it’s difficult to convince him otherwise. Especially if it means saving lives.”

Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he led them to just outside the trauma room, where they watched the team assess Ethan's injuries through a sliding glass door.

Inside the small room, there was organized chaos. 

“Hemopneumothorax,” Edwards called out. “Prep for a thoracostomy and get Dr. Emery down here for a neuro consult. Stat.”

A minute later, he inserted a tube into Ethan’s chest wall. The vitals on the patient monitor began to improve, but Ethan was not out of the woods yet.  

“Dr. Edwards, he’s awake!” one of the residents trumpeted a few moments later. 

Ethan had opened his eyes. Confused, he surveyed the room as Dr. Edwards informed him that he had been in an accident. 

The rest of his body immobile, Ethan’s eyes darted around the room, scanning every face. 

“Soe?” he mumbled underneath the oxygen mask. 

“Ethan, you’re at Edenbrook…” Dr. Edwards continued explaining. 

“Soe?” he managed, his trembling voice a bit louder this time.

“We're treating you for a hemopneumothorax, and it looks like you took a nasty blow to the head.”

“Soe?” he asked again and again, each time a little more agitated than before. 

The staff all looked at each other with concern before Ethan closed his eyes and drifted off again. 

“Dammit! Where’s neuro?” Dr. Edwards vented.

Harper arrived a couple minutes later with Bryce, who was on her service for the week. One of the other residents provided a quick rundown of the case so far, including the fact that Ethan had been alert but incoherent. The neurosurgeon carefully inspected the laceration at his hairline and ordered a CT scan. 

“Ethan, can you open your eyes for me?” she asked, getting her penlight ready.

Ethan slowly fluttered his eyes open.

“Good. Do you know who I am?” 

She shone a light into his eyes and checked the dilation of his pupils.

“H-Harper.”

“Hi there, friend. Do you know where you are?”

“Hospital.”

She asked him a couple other simple questions to which he gave correct, but slow one-word responses.

“You did good, Ethan,” she laid her hand on his shoulder. Turning to Bryce and Jackie, she spoke softly, “Get him to CT right away.” 

Ethan scratched at her hand, trying to get her attention. When she looked at him, he moved the mask away from his mouth.

“Where’s … Soe?” he tried again, hoping his friend would understand. 

“Soe?” Harper repeated. 

The others in the rooms shrugged their shoulders and shook their heads.

But not Bryce. On the other side of the glass door, he saw Sawyer nervously chewing on her thumb nail. He met her anxious gaze and smiled as he immediately understood.

Bryce was familiar with the moniker. He had heard it before when working out with his friends at the hospital gym. 

He stepped forward so that Ethan could see his face. “She’s here, buddy. She’s right outside in the hall with Naveen,” Bryce answered, putting the mask back in place. 

They saw relief wash over his features before he closed his eyes once again.

A short time later, the residents prepared to take Ethan up to surgery, and Dr. Edwards and Harper updated the chief.

“...X-rays confirmed he has several broken ribs, which caused the hemopneumothorax. We’re taking him up to surgery to repair the damaged tissue. Tanaka’s already scrubbing in,” Dr. Edwards reported.

“He also has a small brain bleed that requires decompression. I should be able to resolve it with a simple burr hole procedure,” the neurosurgeon added. 

Harper put her hand on Sawyer's arm and gave it a light squeeze. “He was alert and responding to my questions. He was asking for you,” she said with a polite smile. Looking back to Naveen, “He’s in good hands. Tanaka and I will page you after the procedures.”

As the attendings took their leave, Jackie and another resident wheeled Ethan toward the elevator. With a tilt of her head, Jackie gave her friend permission to walk with them. Sawyer caught up and took his hand in hers. 

“Ethan, it’s me. It’s Sawyer,” she said as his eyes cracked open. “Hi, I’m here. And I’ll be here when you get out of surgery. I’ll be here the whole time.” 

As they waited for the elevator to arrive, Sawyer bent down and kissed his hand three times.

“You know what I mean, right?” she searched his eyes for understanding. 

Ethan gave a slight nod and whispered, "Yes."

A lone tear escaped from the corner of his eye. Sawyer quickly swiped it away with her thumb and kissed his temple.

When the elevator chimed, Naveen pulled her back. “Come dear, let’s go back to my office and call his father. We can wait there for further updates.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

It was just past 8 a.m. when Ethan was finally transferred to the intensive care unit. Throughout the day, Alan, Naveen and Sawyer received updates from Harper and Dr. Tanaka. The surgeries had been successful, and so far there had been no complications, but the next twenty-four hours would be critical. 

As day turned to night, Naveen offered to drive Alan back to Ethan’s apartment. The older men insisted Sawyer go home and get some rest, but she refused, wanting to be there when he woke up. 

Finally alone with him, Sawyer stood at Ethan’s bedside, drawing lines up and down his arm with her finger. 

“Hey you … it’s time to wake up now … even if just for a few minutes."

"I know you’re probably exhausted, and that you need the rest, but I really need to hear your voice and know that you’re okay."

"So … I’m sorry not sorry for what I’m about to do … and that’s to be a colossal pain in your ass. I’m going to stand here, and talk your ear off, until you wake up and tell me to shut up,” she let herself smile.

Sawyer took a moment to look him over. He looked so out of place lying in a hospital bed. He was meant to be the one standing next to it.

“You know … I wasn’t just kissing your ass when I told you I was your biggest fan. I meant it. I own three copies of Diagnostic Principles. I have a Google drive full of research papers and journal articles that you’ve authored. I even have a playlist of conference talks and podcasts,” she shook her head in self-amusement.

“Your approach to patient care … your forward-thinking techniques … the unbelievable diagnoses … all of it inspired me to become a doctor.”

She cupped her hand over his as if to soften the blow she was about to deliver.

“Though I have to confess … During my first week at Edenbrook … the saying ‘never meet your heroes’ came to mind several times. Geez, you were such an asshole,” she revealed.

“I also thought you were the most attractive man alive, but an asshole nonetheless.”

“Then … you let me see another side of yourself … I still don’t know why … but I’m grateful because I got to know the real you. I got to see you as Dolores’ friend … and Tadpole’s godfather … and Naveen’s adopted son … and then as my friend. And what I learned was that you are actually quite softhearted under all that armor. You are also generous … and loyal … honest … passionate … and protective … Oh, and don’t even get me started on that snarky sense of humor. Nobody makes me laugh the way you do.”

She exhaled a deep breath, gently squeezing his hand before continuing. 

“Despite your best efforts to prevent it … I fell for you, Ethan. And not just head over heels … it was more like a ‘leapt from a steep cliff, rolled down the side of a mountain, bounced off every boulder, splashed into the ocean, and drowned in you’ kind of fall.” 

“Hey, I saw that! I saw you roll your eyes underneath your eyelids," she chuckled.

Sawyer moved to sit on the edge of the bed, trying not to jostle him. She leaned forward and stroked his cheek ever-so-slightly.

“Do you remember that TED Talk where they mentioned that we have a one-in-four-hundred-trillion chance of being born?” 

She took a quick peek out the window, looking up at the night sky. 

“I can’t help thinking about that … against those odds, we never really stood a chance of ever meeting. But somehow … I stumbled upon your book … and my application to Edenbrook landed on your desk … and we were in that lobby at the same time.”

She bowed her head and wrung her fingers. 

“Our … our fight yesterday … that’s basically the root of it. We’ve overcome these impossible odds and found each other. And … and I’m so scared of all the ways that I might lose you.”

“Then you add another, going out in that storm and getting hit by a truck!” she cried out, taking his hand again and holding it in her lap.

“You and I both know the past two years have been far from perfect … but that’s us. That’s our brand. And I wouldn’t change a thing. If it was all that we’ve been through, or nothing, I would want it all … because I need you,” Sawyer’s voice cracked as tears rained down her cheeks.

“I need you, Ethan,” she wept. “I know you would say that I don’t, but I do. I would have thrown in the towel so many times if it weren’t for you believing in me. Fighting for me. And I’m not just talking about my career … you were there on my darkest days. You wouldn’t let me give up, and you never gave up on me. I could never, ever express how much that has meant to me … how much you mean to me … but I want to try. So you really need to wake up soon.”

Carefully leaning over him, she placed a barely there kiss on his forehead. 

“Babe … please … come back to me,” she whispered.

<><><><><><><><><><>

Sawyer dozed off in the armchair with her knees tucked under her chin. Sometime during the night, a thoughtful ICU nurse draped a blanket over her.  

“Soe,” said a low raspy voice.

It sounded like her family nickname. Ethan learned of it when he met Sawyer’s siblings, following the attack. Lately, he had been using the pet name more and more often to call her when they were alone together. Thinking she either dreamt it or misheard one of the nurses talking outside, she shifted a little and tried to fall back asleep.

“Soe … Sawyer?” 

There was no mistaking it that time. She opened her eyes to find Ethan looking at her, his hand outstretched beckoning her to come close.

She threw off the blanket and sprung to her feet, grabbing his hand and giving it a tender squeeze.

“Hiiiii,” her eyes welled with tears once again.

“Hi,” he stared back.

Sawyer looked at his bruised and battered face, and the bandage wrapped around his head. "How are you feeling?" she asked. "Do you remember what happened?"

The corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile, “I feel like I got hit by a truck,” he half-joked.

“Give me one sec … Harper will want to know you’re awake.” Sawyer poked her head outside to inform one of the nurses and then returned to his side. 

He tapped the bed, inviting Sawyer to join him. Perched on the edge, she could no longer hold back the tears of relief that streamed down her cheeks as they gazed into each other's eyes.

Ethan slowly lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it three times. 

“I know what you mean when you do that.” 

“I surmised as much. When did you figure it out?” he wondered. 

“You let it slip the night you got drunk,” she smiled, recalling the sweet moment.

“I see.”

Sawyer looked down at their clasped hands, Ethan's eyes following suit. They each steeled themselves to speak. To say those three little words.

It was Sawyer that worked up the nerve first.

“God, Ethan, I was so scared,” her voice shook. “I was scared that I was going to lose you and never be able to tell you how I feel. I’ve felt this way for a while, but I didn’t want to scare you away, or pressure you.”

She carried on, barely taking a breath.

“Had I figured it out sooner … had I realized you felt the same … I would have reciprocated. I would have said it back … out loud … and told you every day. So I’m going to do it now, and I don’t care if you–”

She was taken aback when Ethan pulled his hand away and pinched her lips shut to silence her rambling.

“I love you, Sawyer,” he voiced with a grin.

With a hint of laughter, she cried in relief.

Swatting his leg, “You just had to steal my thunder and say it first, didn’t you?” she laughed through her tears. 

“Well, technically, I already had,” Ethan smugly shrugged his shoulders.

Sawyer shook her head and brought his hand to her lips.

“I love you, Ethan." One kiss.

"I love you too." Two kisses.

"I love you so much.” Three kisses.

[jerzwriter]

Casey learns to become a fan of the Washington Nationals and convinces Tobias to buy a season’s pass.

OMG NO! 😂😂😂 OK as a baseball aficionado, I must report… the joke in our house is NO ONE is a Nationals fan. Lol As you know, DC is a pretty big part of our lives, and when we are there we will see games (esp if we like the opposing team), because seats are CHEAP because no one wants to go! Lmao. My daughter’s friend works for the organization, and he isn’t even a fan. lol

Also, Casey already had an existential crisis when she moved to Boston and became a Red Sox fan. She still lives her Phillies. (As a Yankee devotee, you have NO IDEA how much this pains me! 😂😂😂)

I do think they will visit Nationals Park a bit… but to see opposing teams. At least one of their girls will be a Nats fan, and that will bring shame to T/C. He will blame her.

I also think the Sox will be one reason T really hates leavings Boston. Giving up his season tickets will be painful. They prob go up often and catch games.

Thanks for this, Mal. I am tagging my baseball sister @quixoticdreamer16 lol

[storyofmychoices]

Writing is such a beautiful and special thing. I've loved writing for as long as I can remember. It was something that has always brought me joy so I love to see so many people sharing their writing in the fandom.

I know our fandom is small and unfortunately it's shrinking constantly. And within our little fandom, we have so many different "groups". And that makes sense. Yes we are all brought together by Pixelberry Games/Books, but they have such diverse books, characters, and games that it makes sense that we follow what is of interest to us. But that can make a small fandom seem even smaller. It can make writer's feel like their writing doesn't matter, but it does!

Your writing is so special because it's something you created. You brought a piece of yourself to your beautiful worlds. You took a chance to share your story(ies) with us. That is not something to be overlooked. I know it can feel like no one cares, but someone does. You matter and so do your stories!

So for this Writer's Love/Appreciation Day, I wanted to shout out as many writers as I could. I went through several different event masterlists from throughout the year as well as CFWC to compile a list of 95 creators who wrote one or more fics this year. I know this list isn't exhaustive but I hope that this shoutout can bring a smile to at least these individuals.

Please know your amazing and your stories matter! Keep writing! Keep sharing your passions! You are amazing!

@a-cloud-for-dreams

@aallotarenunelma

@abelflints

@aces-and-angels

@adam-writes-stuff

@aesthetic-aag

@alj4890

@alwaysmychoices

@angelasscribbles

@ao719

@aria-ashryver

@bebepac

@belencha77

@bri1234

@cadybear420

@camillemontespan

@cariantha

@choices-ceri

@choicesmc

@choiceswithmika

@coffeeheartaddict2

@dalishessence

@dcbbw

@dreamscapingsblog

@dutifullynuttywitch

@eadanga

@ezekielbhandarivalleros

@fadingreveries

@fancy--marshmallow

@gaiuskamilah

@genevievemd

@guinevere-of-smiths

@hopelessromantic1352

@hssprimefan

@ilikemenbutonlyethanramsey

@infactnoimmasitinthemiddle

@inlocusmads

@jamespotterthefirst

@jerzwriter

@justcallmefox89

@karahalloway

@khoicesbyk

@kinda-iconic

@korgbelmont

@kristinamae093

@kwaj115

@ladylamrian

@leafkingofbirds

@liaromancewriter

@lilyoffandoms

@linkysmommy

@little-flowers-on-heaven

@littleredroseonthevalley

@livelaughlovecassie

@lizzybeth1986

@lovehugsandcandy

@lover-also-fighter-also

@mand-delemonde

@marmolady

@masked-alien-lesbian

@missameliep

@moominofthevalley

@mydemonsdrivealimo

@mynotsohealthyobsession

@nestledonthaveone

@ownworldresident

@peonierose

@peonyblossom

@petalouda85

@petiteboheme

@potionsprefect

@prettyboisteveharrington

@princess-geek

@princesstutu

@queenrileyrose

@rafasgirl23415

@rosesnink

@saibug1022

@sapphoschoices

@silver-rings-and-rabbits

@silvermillenniumqueenneptune

@skepticalfrogcat

@snoopdogcone

@somerandomjewelleryonthefloor

@stanathanxoox

@starlight-starfury

@sunshine-gumdrop

@tessa-liam

@the-pale-goddess

@thosehallowedhalls

@trappedinfanfiction

@tveitertotwrites

@twinkleallnight

@unsettlingconclusions

@whatinthehale17

@zhoumeyourlove

[kingliamappreciationweek]

(this beauty of a video is from @sazanes, our co-host and one of the best artists in our fandom!!)

We still can't believe it's been three years since we first started appreciation weeks for Liam! It's always been a beautiful experience, seeing the love and creativity you all shower on this amazing character. Even though the series met its end a long time ago.

It is a testament to how enduring and memorable Liam is, that he still captures imaginations long after the series that introduced him is over.

This year saw some incredible pieces, and fantastic commissions and recommendations from fellow fans. Our CONTRIBUTORS amazed us with their innovative interpretations and enthusiasm, and each entry we received was a labour of love!!

You all have given us so much joy, and so much love through each piece here. Not a day of this appreciation week passed by where we weren't thrilled, enthralled, amazed by the talent and spirit on display here. You all are the jewels on the crown that is this appreciation week. We cannot imagine this week without you.

@angelasscribbles, @aussiegurl1234, @dcbbw, @katedrakeohd, @khoicesbyk, @liaromancewriter, @lilyoffandoms, @lizzybeth1986, @lorirwritesfanfic, @madamealien, @missameliep, @sazanes, @tessa-liam, @twinkleallnight

Some of our contributors also sent in incredible recommendations of work from a wonderful constellation of artists! We were treated to work from @bayleedraws-sometimesx, @ao719 and artbyainna (Instagram) by @angelasscribbles, @kristinamae093 and @tessa-liam. Thank you so much for your dedication in lifting up fellow artists!!

FAN COMMUNITY BLOGS are an incredible source of inspiration and creativity. Many of them have been helping us, year after year, in promoting these events and increasing our reach. Their dedication and commitment to providing a space for our creativity has been nothing short of amazing. We hope to see them continue to do more fantastic work in the future.

@choicesficwriterscreations, @choicesmonthlychallenge, @zchoicesmonthlychallengenov2024, @choicespride, @choicesprompts, @choicesholidays

And last but definitely NOT the least - our wonderful SIGNAL BOOSTERS!! Where would we be without you all? You have always been our pillar of strength, the reason we keep these events going. How your support and encouragement makes us feel cannot even be put into words. Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts.

@beyonceswigs, @cassiopeiacorvus, @delmissesryanandcassi, @dragonknightofsummerset, @grapecaseschoices, @kingliam2019, @kuladekiwi, @kyra-75, @princess-geek, @secretaryunpaid, @thecapturedafrique, @tinkie1973

The week itself may be over, and the masterlist will be out soon, BUT this blog will be open for entries all year long! Please do not hesitate to send in any work you had planned for KLAW even into next year - it will be open until the next KLAW event.

We hope to be back with more themes, more fun and more joy celebrating Liam next year! Until then, stay safe, have fun and have a great year!!!

[tessa-liam]

@liaromancewriter

Thank you so much for reading and sharing 😘...I am happy that you liked this 🤗!

...Marabelle Series

Crown Prince Liam Rys & Lady Sophia Taylor

Six Sentence Sunday

...Liam's heart was racing as he leaned in, his lips a fraction of an inch away from hers. But suddenly, he felt Sophie's hand pushing him back, her expression sad.

"I can't do this," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Liam froze. "Why not?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Because we can't be together, Liam," she replied, her voice cracking with emotion.

"What are you ... but why not?" he persisted, his heart sinking.

"Because you will be king, and I ... I am just a commoner." Sophie covered her now tearful face, as she broke down in despair.

"I don't belong here..."

Marabelle Series Masterlist

❣️art commission by /@artbyainna❣️

📌taglist in notes

👑Whatcha working on?! @ao719 @ladylamrian @kristinamae093 @jerzwriter @karahalloway

[choicesfandomappreciation]

Fandom appreciation shoutout to @liaromancewriter for giving Sienna Trinh of Open Heart a beautiful love story and a sexy husband 😏 It's more than PB ever did.

@liaromancewriter

[cariantha]

Badge of Honor

Book: Open Heart (Post-Series) Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluff, Text Fic📱 Prompt: Sawyer is excited to take her husband's last name after eloping. Inspired by an ask from @jerzwriter.

A couple of days later...

The next weekend...

Later that night...

Two weeks later...

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose  @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction 

@jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst 

@liaromancewriter @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75

@socalwriterbee @txemrn @midnightmelodiz @snoopdogcone

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Greetings

Hello! Lia from @liaromancewriter here. It's been a whirlwind week (or so) since I transitioned into the role of admin/moderator of CFWC. And I'm long overdue for an introduction post.

I've been contributing my content to CFWC since April 2021, when I first discovered this resource. It helped bring my work to the attention of a bigger audience than my tiny blog ever could. Over the years, CFWC also introduced me to fanfic writers and artists that I hadn't been aware of in my little corner of the fandom.

I'm excited to continue building on the amazing work of previous mods and keep this community going for Pixelberry's Choices content creators and readers/fans. Our Navigation Post contains links to everything you need to know about participating in our community. But here's a refresher.

Content Submissions

As always, we accept fanfics, fanart and edits for the weekly F/AotW list. Tag us on the submission, and we'll reblog within 48 hours. If we don't, please contact me directly, as Tumblr tagging can sometimes be unreliable.

All submissions received before midnight US/Canada Eastern Time on Saturday will be added to the weekly list published on Sunday.

Throwbacks & WIPs: Now accepted any day of the week

Tag us on your old fics, art and edits (they should be at least two months old) or WIPs and Previews any day of the week, and we'll reblog them within 48 hours.

Meet My MC / OC

You can submit your Meet My MC / OC profile at any time by tagging us on the post or sending an ask with the post link. We'll reblog it andadd it to the master list.

Asks

Asks are always open, but we don't accept anons on this blog. If you have a confidential/private question, please DM my main.

Thanks for reading!

[openheartfanfics]

Hi! Happy to see the Open Heart fandom is still going strong. I remember reading a fic years ago that was Ethan and MC swapped places, meaning Ethan was the determined intern and MC was his mentor, at the time there were only a couple chapters. Tried looking through the directory but had no luck. Please let me know if you know the fic I'm talking about!

Hi. I’m not familiar with the series, but I’m hoping someone from the fandom knows it.

Anyone remember what this fic is called?

[genevievemd]

What has Gen mesmerized?

Her super sexy and super smart husband

[jerzwriter]

Dr Carrick will see you now. 😏

AAAGGGHHH, I have never seen that first one!!! (You know how excited new content gets me!)

And that second one brings back very, VERY fond memories! lol

Thank you, Mal! 💗💗💗