#I miss Ethan Ramsey so much

[the-pale-goddess]

In “reset times” did your MC and Ethan think of their nights together often? Or were they more like trying to not think of each other “in that way” anymore? 

My two stubborn doctors tried their hardest not to think about each other…And of course ended up doing the exact opposite.

After The Amazon, E&T fooled themselves into believing that they can keep the professional boundaries intact and focus solely on work. Both of them were skilled in repressing their emotions, they knew the drill. The truth stored in their hearts, however, could never be suppressed. Their lives have become permanently stained with the other’s presence and there was nowhere to hide from the ocean of feelings binding them together.

They would find a piece of the other everywhere they went. Ethan could swear that Tiffany’s scent still lingered on his pillows. Tiffany couldn’t close her eyes without the image of Ethan sleeping next to her. Touch-starved, they reminisced every gasp and kiss, dissected every single moment spent together, every word and smile. They fed on those scraps of memories, fuelling the sentiment instead of letting it fade.

Working together as if nothing ever happened between them felt like a mental journey through hell—forced to avert the longing gaze, forbidden to express the slightest hint of adoration, unable to touch each other, hoping it would be enough to survive under these gut-wrenching circumstances.

But it could never be enough.

Despite their best efforts, the reset was just a concept both of them failed to introduce; when two people are crazy about one another, reason quickly runs out of convincing arguments.

____

Thank you for still including me in these ask rounds, my heart is always full when I receive them! I apologize for the huge backlog, I plan on answering every single E&T ask once my hiatus is over (hopefully soon) ❤️

[jerzwriter]

I have had this ask sitting in my inbox for far, far too long, and this one, too. lol I finally had an idea—and I have one for the Carricks coming soon! I hope you enjoy it!

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan x Kaycee (F!MC) Featuring: Emma Ramsey (F!OC) Rating: General Words: Summary: Ethan wonders what happened to his sweet little girl, who thought he could do no wrong. It seems all he and Kaycee get these days are eye rolls and sighs. So when she asks her "embarrassing" parents for a favor, they begin to conspire.

Emma woke up at the crack of dawn, nothing short of a miracle given the tween definitely took after her mother when it came to mornings. There was only one early bird in this family, and he was chuckling at his sleepy daughter as she stumbled into the kitchen, where he had been enjoying his coffee while reading the news.

“Well, well, well,” he grinned. “What’s the miracle that you’re up this early.”

Emma stopped pouring her cereal at once. “Dad!” she groaned.

Ethan watched her with a small smile, wondering what happened to the little girl who thought he could do no wrong, the one who made him feel like a hero when he so much as found her lost toy. But she was in her tween years now, and nothing was the same. Suddenly, everything he said, wore or did was embarrassing and bound to ruin Emma's image for life. He missed the simpler days; those precious memories now felt like they were a lifetime away.

“Excited for the last day of school?” he asked, already knowing the answer. Of course, she was. She had been talking about the end-of-the-year party for weeks. It was a tradition at her school, and Emma’s classmates were only looking forward to one thing more than summer vacation – and that was the appearance of the Ramsey family’s brownies at the party.

“Dad, you and Mom made the brownies, right?” Emma asked, a tinge of nervousness in her voice.

Just then, a half-asleep Kaycee shuffled into the kitchen. “Morning,” she yawned as she stretched her arms over her head, startled when she saw Emma awake. “And what are you doing up so early, young lady?”

“Ugh,” Emma grimaced as Kaycee received a sympathetic look from Ethan.

“What did I say?”

Ethan shrugged as he rose to his feet and made his wife a cup of tea. “It’s the year-end party, and Emma is concerned that we won't fulfill our obligation and make her class brownies.”

“When have we let you down?” Kaycee smiled. “We’re going to make them this morning so they’re nice and fresh when Daddy and I bring them to school after lunch.”

Emma’s eyes went wide with panic. “What if you don’t have time! Everyone's looking forward to them!”

“Emma,” Ethan assured. “Your Mom and I have it under control. We’ll have them at your class right on time.”

Emma narrowed her eyes, sensing something was off, but shrugged it off. “All right. Just…please don’t be weird, OK?”

Kaycee smiled sweetly. “We’ll try, dear. We'll try.”

Before they knew it, it was party time! Ethan and Kaycee walked into Emma’s classroom, each carrying a baking dish covered in aluminum foil. The kids rushed over to them, eyes wide with excitement. Emma stood up front, trying to act aloof but clearly pleased that her parents had come through.

“Alright, everyone,” Kaycee announced, placing her tray on the table. “Emma told us you’ve all been so excited for these.”

“That’s right,” Ethan chimed in. “We worked really hard on these, didn’t we, sweetheart?”

Emma rolled her eyes the second Ethan said sweetheart, and Kaycee stifled a giggle.

“We worked very hard, honey bun,” she added. “We decided to make them a little differently this time, so we hope you like them!"

The kids all but squealed when she pulled the foil off her dish with a dramatic flourish to reveal… dozens of brown paper cutouts of the letter E. The room fell silent for a moment as the kids stared in confusion. Then, one by one, they started to understand, and the laughter began... for everyone except Emma.

“Mooooom! Daaaaad!” She groaned.

But her parents feigned surprise. “What?” Ethan asked. “You asked for brownies, and we came through. Brown E’s, just like you asked!”

Emma crossed her arms, trying to look annoyed, but the corners of her mouth were twitching into a smile.

Ethan, who had been holding back his own laughter, stepped forward with the second tray. “Don’t worry, Emma. We brought the real brownies, too.”

The kids cheered as he cut the gooey brownies into neat squares, placing one on each child’s plate. Only then did Emma join in on the fun.

“OK, OK, that was actually pretty funny,” she admitted.

Ethan ruffled her hair. “See? We’re more than just embarrassing.”

Kaycee leaned in, giving Emma a quick kiss on the cheek. “And you wouldn’t want us any other way.”

Emma, still chewing on her brownie, giggled. “Yeah, yeah. You’re all right. Thanks, Mom and Dad.”

And she meant it. As the kids sat in a circle devouring their brownies, Emma kept sneaking peeks at her parents, laughing and chatting with the other adults in the room. Even with her eye rolls and exasperated sighs, she knew she loved them with all her heart and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

She might, however, change a few items in her dad's wardrobe....

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jamespotterthefirst]

No pressure at all, amiga... but if inspired for a ficlet, an edit, anything....

⋆ going to questionable lengths to decorate their house/apartment (for Halloween)

From this list

Omg! Thank you so much for the inspiration, Amiga. It felt SO GOOD to write something short and sweet. I almost cried. Love you!

Halloween Lights

Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey and F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende-Ramsey) Word count: 600 Warning: Adult themes and conversations

“This is stupid,” Ethan proclaims from under her for the tenth time that evening. 

“Quiet, you,” she returns without missing a beat. 

“Hrm.”

His overemphasized displeasure would have been amusing to Lilac under any other circumstances. At that precise moment, however, her attention is entirely invested on not plummeting to her death. 

Meanwhile, Ethan Ramsey, renowned doctor and author, currently stands in the driveway of their new home, his wife perched on his shoulders as she tries to hang up a string of purple and orange lights. He remembers the colors precisely because they spent over an hour searching for the correct ones online. Ready to give up, Ethan had proclaimed that the color didn't matter, which earned him a glare and a lecture from Lilac. 

“Who decorates for Halloween anyway?” he asks now from under his wife. 

“Us,” she informs him brightly. 

“Why? Isn't Christmas enough?” 

“Nope,” she says absently, finally finding success with mounting that section of string lights. “And you better get used to it, babe. Marrying me means decorating for every holiday. Now, move over to the left so I can keep going.”

A long dramatic sigh leaves him but he obliges. Lilac laughs, careful not to topple over with the movement. 

“This would have been insurmountably easier with a ladder,” he informs her. 

“We don't own one yet. It's part of the whole ‘being new home owners’ ordeal,” she reminds him. “There's an obligatory trip to the hardware store we still have to make. And then two more when we realize we forgot to get some things. Besides, I don't need a ladder when I have a six foot five husband I can climb.”

His grip on her thighs tightens. 

“That last part I don't mind.”

Large hands move further up her legs. 

“In fact, I enjoy it thoroughly when you do.”

“Stop distracting me with your filthy mind, Ramsey.”

A bitter breeze sweeps past them, dragging its icy nails over Lilac's skin. Her raised arms pull the hem of the knit fabric, exposing her midriff. She sways unceremoniously, clenching her thighs tighter around her husband's neck to retain her balance. 

It's futile, however, because her body jerks to the side, sending her heart into a nosedive. 

“Shit!” 

Strong, steady arms catch her, gently bringing her back to the ground. Her soft body slides down the hard planes of his. When she finds her bearings again and her pulse returns to normal, she laughs. 

“I'm horrible at this decoration thing,” she admits. 

“Yes, you are.”

Lilac feigns offense, but Ethan is quick to kiss her forehead. Another icy blast of wind rushes past them, making her shiver. His hands instinctively squeeze her tighter. 

“I'll put all the decorations up this weekend if we can go inside,” he offers. 

“Really?” 

“You won't give up this insane endeavor otherwise,” he counters, but Lilac can see his sarcasm doesn't match the softness in his smile. “I'll get Lahela to help me. It'll be torture, but I'll do it if it means you won't fall and break your neck.”

There is no immediate witty response. Instead, his wife watches him with a look she has given him many times before, one that makes Ethan feel absolutely weightless. Something about this small embrace in the middle of their new driveway cements the realization that they're about to spend the rest of their lives together in their new home.

Lilac must feel it too because she leans up to kiss him. Their lips move innocently at first, but then they plead for more with every languid stroke. She breaks away, cheeks flushed and eyes dark. Her fingers play with the tassels of his scarf. 

“Even though we're done decorating, I can still climb you, Ramsey.”

The words have the desired effect on his body. Years of practice, however, help him think of a witty response instead of immediately pouncing on her like a caveman. 

“Just like before, Rookie,” he tells her conversationally before leaning in and whispering— “Except I want you facing the other way.”

Note: Thank you so much for reading!

[liaromancewriter]

Sugar Bugs

Premise: The twins visit the dentist's office.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Ramsey Twins (OC children) Rating/Category: General. Fluff. Words: 745

Eloise Ramsey loved sweets. It was just too bad that her teeth didn’t share the sentiment.

She half-listened to Mindy, her dental hygienist, as she updated her mom on the cavities she found during the check-up. El didn’t need to pay attention because Mindy had already told her everything.

She and Sophie had been going to Dr. Baker’s office for years for their teeth cleanings and check-ups. Mindy was part of the team, and El liked how she didn’t treat them like babies, so she always asked for her.

She stared at the ceiling and sighed deeply, the weight of the world on her shoulders. She just knew her dad would use this as an excuse to cut her off from all the sugary goodness that was her weakness.

El gave her mom’s profile a shifty, side-eyed look. If she thought about it, it was her parents’ fault for filling their home with cakes, candy and other sweets. She wouldn’t be tempted to eat sugar if they didn't buy them.

So, really, she shouldn’t be held responsible for doing what kids did. She was only nine and at the mercy of adults.

She glossed over the fact that her parents doled out sweets in moderation and only on special occasions. It was immaterial to the indignation playing out in her head.

The door to the exam room swung open, and Sophie rushed inside, followed by a smiling Dr. Baker.

“Guest what, El?” Sophie exclaimed, tugging at her sister’s arm before continuing excitedly. “Dr. Baker said my teeth are perfect!”

Of course, they were. She loved her sister to the moon and back, but there was no denying she was perfect at everything. Little Miss Perfect. El rolled her eyes internally, stopping midway when she realized Sophie had seen the gesture.

Instead of being offended, she grinned and stuck out her tongue. El smiled. This is why she loved her twin. Where others might bristle at her sharp remarks, Sophie always took them in stride.

“Well, young lady, let’s have a look,” Dr. Baker called out a little too cheerfully for El’s taste.

The man really did love staring into people’s mouths, she thought wryly as he pressed a button to lower the chair.

He parked himself on the padded stool and rolled closer, grabbing one of the shiny instruments from the tray before peering into her open mouth.

“Yep, those definitely look like sugar bugs,” he said with a nod, his brown eyes crinkling at the corners.

His childish description, one that used to make her giggle when she was five, now only made her roll her eyes. At this rate, she’d hit her daily quota of eye rolls before noon.

“They’re called cavities,” El muttered dryly, the snark creeping into her voice.

He smiled. “Ah, but calling them ‘sugar bugs’ makes them seem much less scary, don’t you think?”

Sophie giggled from the corner, always entertained by the dentist’s antics. El shot her a look that said traitor.

“Yeah, sure, because what could be more terrifying than a bug made out of sugar?” El replied, deadpan.

Dr. Baker chuckled, completely unfazed as he continued his examination. “Looks like this apple didn’t fall far from the Ethan Ramsey tree.”

“She’s definitely her father’s daughter,” her mom commented, a hint of laughter in her voice.

“The cavity isn’t too bad,” Dr. Baker said, straightening his back and glancing at his watch. “I’ve got time now. It shouldn’t take more than thirty minutes, and it’ll save you a follow-up visit. I know how busy you and Ethan are these days, Cassie.”

"El?" Mom prompted, looking over at her.

Forgetting her earlier irritation at her parent’s role in her current predicament, El softened at the question. She appreciated how her parents always let her and Sophie make their own decisions. Her mom could’ve pulled rank, but she rarely did, and her dad was the same. They actively encouraged their daughters to be independent and make their own choices.

El exhaled dramatically, giving a mock royal wave. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

“That’s the spirit,” Dr. Baker nodded, turning away to prep his tools.

“We’ll be in the waiting room,” her mom said, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Come on, Sophie.”

“Good luck, El!” Sophie called out with a grin, following their mom out of the room.

Dr. Baker leaned over her, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “And don’t worry. Those ‘sugar bugs’ don’t stand a chance.”

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

All Fics & Edits: @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @jerzwriter @justyourusualash

@lady-calypso @kyra75 @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect

@queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @snoopdogcone @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[potionsprefect]

Where It All Began

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 860

Summary: Victoria makes a return to Hopkins

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

The view was still the same, the circumstances for her visit this time were however different. Victoria hadn’t been back to Hopkins since she had graduated but today, she was there to deliver a speech to future doctors.

It felt strange sitting in a hotel room when she had gotten so used to looking out towards campus grounds. But she wasn’t in Baltimore for long. It was only for two night and tomorrow, she would be on a flight back to Massachusetts and back with her young family.

Victoria hated being away from Ethan and Luke and Lily but she kept reminding herself that it was only for one night. The job was important but so was spending time with her family and Victoria always made sure to never prioritise work over what was the most important.

When the offer came to speak at her old university, she wasn’t sure if she should accept it but after discussing it with Ethan, she decided she could not pass it up. Whilst Luke and Lily were not old enough to understand the job, they were however, at an age where they would realise when Ethan and Victoria were not around.

Victoria pulled out her phone and looked at the pictures of her family on her phone, her smile growing wilder as she scrolled through them. She missed her family so much, the goodbye at the airport was hard but it would not be for long and that’s what she kept reminding herself.

She looked out towards the Baltimore skyline, tiny balls of light brightening up the city, the moon shining highly above the skyscrapers. This was her home for years and it felt like she had never left.

She was ready to inspire the next generation. Just like she had been all those years ago.

Victoria straightened her jacket and looked at herself in the camera of her phone. She took several deep breaths in a bid to regulate her beating heart. She kept reminding herself that this was a big honour and that opportunities like this do not come around often.

She thought back to all those times she was in and around campus. The early morning lectures, the late night study sessions, creative revision notes and trips to the library. Just being back here made it seem surreal that she was here to talk to those inspiring to be just like her.

Victoria recalled someone coming to talk to her intake once and how it had inspired her. She used it as motivation to get through the rest of her degree. And looking back now, it had all been worth it.

Victoria’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She saw Ethan’s name flash up on her phone.

Good luck! You’re going to smash it!

Victoria smiled at the message. With newfound confidence, she pushed through the double doors to the atrium.

“So how did it go?” Ethan asked.

“It went so well! Everyone seemed really interested and I got a round of applause!” Victoria smiled. She was currently back at the hotel, having had room service and was now FaceTiming Ethan.

“Nothing less than you deserve. Do you think you’ve inspired some people?”

“I hope so. I remember being inspired. I hope someone feels inspired by me.” Victoria replied.

“I have no doubt that you have. We’re all very proud of you.” Ethan smiled. He held the phone over the sleeping figures of Luke and Lily.

“I miss them so much. And you. How have they been?”

“Missing you. Lily is being extremely fussy. I think she knows you’re not here.” Ethan chuckled.

“I’ll be home tomorrow. And I’ll be looking forward to lots of cuddles.”

“We’ll have plenty for you. Did you talk about all the things you said you would?” Ethan said.

“I did. I mentioned how I was where they were. I wasn’t sure if I was scaring or impressing them. But I think the round of applause said it all.”

“It’s not an easy career but they knew that when they decided to take it on in the first place. Hearing from people like you will show them that the hard work and commitment is all worth it.” Ethan said.

“I agree. And who knows. We might just motivate those closer to home.” Victoria gestures to the twins.

“I thought we weren’t going to pressure them in the future to follow in our footsteps.” Ethan laughed.

“I know. It would be good though wouldn’t it? Do you ever think about what it would be like if we saw them doing what we did? It would be amazing.” Victoria said.

“I do. Maybe one day, they’ll be sat in the same atrium as us. Maybe we’ll be giving speeches to them.”

“If they do then I can’t wait for the speech.”

Being a doctor was no easy job but it was worth the late nights and early mornings. And if Victoria could inspire those to keep working hard then she considered herself doing a good job.

She was proud of all she had achieved and hopefully, upcoming doctors would also get to feel the same pride she felt.

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[peonierose]

Hey there! In an attempt to spread some Writer Positivity, I'd like you to share five (or more, if you'd like to!) memorable quotes by your characters, across your fics!

They can be fun, silly, romantic, anything that exemplifies your writing! Thanks for sharing <3

Hii Mads 💚

OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS QUESTION SO SO MUCH 😻 (and sorry for answering so late life’s been super busy lately 😅)

Bryce Lahela from Cake by the Ocean

”Nice fruit loop on your face. Newest fashion trend?“ he teases.

Bryce Lahela from ”How were we ever strangers.“

“I said yes people. That’s right. Luna is finally making an honest man out of me,“ he continues to say it over and over again doing a victory dance.

Ethan Ramsey from I do 

”From where I‘m standing you were just trying to ruin a wonderful day. What’s even worse you were insulting not just me, which I can live with, since I don’t care about your opinion of me. But you insulted my wife and our dear friend. Something I won’t tolerate. So if you don’t want to be here then kindly fuck off,“ he says and his words warm my heart.

Skyler Auclair from A Pinch of Pink and Blue…This one’s for you

”Are you sure you put more than one slice in there aunt G? Cause I think poor Bryce might starve. Since Lunes here will probably eat at least one slice of apple pie on the way home,“ Sky shakes his head at me and winks.

Maxine Moore from Cinnamon Sugar

”Oh my god. So my dad taught chemistry at a middle school right here in Honolulu. So this one time we wanted to try out this experiment what would happen to ketchup if we put baking soda in it,“ I say and take a sip from my coffee.

Bryce Lahela from Always & Forever

“Baby, don’t apologize, there’s no need, and if you need a hug or anything, you can always tell me. You know that,“ he catches a tear with his thumb, while I didn’t even realize that I was crying.

Luna Auclair from Paint Wars

”You are. Saying how you’re exhausted. All you did was sit on that couch and look pretty,“ I wipe tears from my eyes.

Bryce Lahela from Summer‘s Kiss

”It was our bodies who created the magic, the bed was just a side piece.“

Nik from my Nigthbound AU vs. Hänsel & Gretel - Chapter 2 - Strange Encounters

“Pie-boy is getting roasted. I knew something was missing,“ Nik says grinning.

Trystan Thorne from Moja Ruža

”I love it when you boss me around.“ I gave her a kiss on her cheek.

Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending this ask my way 🩷🩷🩷🩷 Hope you have a wonderful day ahead 🩷🥰🌸😍

[cariantha]

Never Been Kissed

Book: Open Heart, Book 2 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Fluff Word count: 1.8K Summary: Ethan helps Sawyer with one of her New Year’s resolutions. A/N: I woke up with this idea yesterday and hammered it out last night so I could post it in time for NYE. Please forgive any errors. Happy New Year!🎉🪩🍾

Events/Prompts: • Participating in CFWC Holidays 2023 • Participating in Choices Flashfics Week #66 Prompts 🫤3: “How much worse could it get?” • Participating in Choices Holidays Winter 2023

Sawyer had never kissed anyone on New Year's Eve. 

Every year, for as long as she could remember, she rang in the new year with her family. The tradition was due in part to the fact that it was also her father's birthday. Twelve years away at school, but she always returned home for the holidays, never missing the annual event. Even last year, her first in Boston, she was able to make it home. A trip made possible by the plane ticket Ethan had given her for Christmas, a generous thank-you gift for helping him with Naveen.

In recent years their family party grew to include significant others and their babies. Everyone had a special someone to kiss at midnight. Everyone but Sawyer. 

When she broke the news to her parents that she was staying in Boston for New Years, there was disappointment on both ends of the line. A couple weeks had passed since she returned to work, and the medical leave she took to recuperate from the attack had already eaten up more time than she could afford. She couldn’t spare any more time away. Her parents were understanding, and Sawyer found a silver lining in that she finally had a special someone to kiss at midnight this year.

At least that was the case until she looked at her schedule a week later. Zaid accommodated her request for extra shifts, allowing her to make up clinic hours. But given that she worked a double on Christmas, she didn’t expect another on New Year’s Eve. She should have known better. It was one of the busiest nights of the year in the emergency department.  

🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾

After a quick coffee break at Derry’s, Ethan helped Sawyer put her coat back on. He took the cream colored beanie that she pulled from her pocket and fitted it over her head. “Nice bunny tail,” he said, gently swatting the giant cotton ball sewn to the top of her knit hat. 

“Watch it, Mister, or you won’t be getting any of this tail for a while,” she turned and shook her rear end at him.

Just before they headed back inside the hospital, Sawyer squeezed his hand. “Sure you don’t want to volunteer and stay for another shift?” she asked, looking up at him with a puppy dog pout.

The first time Sawyer returned to work after the attack, with her landlord in tow, it had been a complete disaster. Though things had gone better this time around, Ethan kept an eye out for any signs of distress. She had her ups and downs, and he couldn't help but worry about her. "Is everything all right?"

“Yeah, it’s fine. You don’t need to worry. I promise,” she tried to assure him, sensing his concern. “I’m just going to miss you tonight, that’s all.” 

Ethan could still feel something was off, but dropped it.   

🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾🎉🪩🍾

It took him twice as long to get home with New Year’s revelers heading to their festivities around town. After a light dinner, a satisfying workout, and a long, hot shower, Ethan settled on his couch. The apartment suddenly felt too quiet, too empty. He missed his girlfriend. Since Sawyer began picking up double-shifts, they had not had a lot of time alone. Sure he got to see her at work. But it wasn’t the same as curling up together on the couch and talking about their day, or kissing whenever they felt like it, or waking up in each other’s arms. 

Hoping it would provide some distraction, he turned on the television and watched the local news. When the weather segment began, Ethan grew bored. He reached for a book on the coffee table, finding Sawyer’s notebook underneath. He recognized it from their DT meetings, where she took meticulous notes and sometimes doodled during their brainstorming sessions. She must have forgotten it the last time she stayed over. 

The way her mind worked fascinated him. She could be discussing the differences between apples and oranges when… Click! An idea would pop into her head to check their patient for uneven skin texture, giving her the lead needed to reach a successful diagnosis. 

Curious to know her thoughts about their current, undiagnosed patient, Ethan picked up the notebook and flipped through the pages. They were filled with detailed notes from each of their team meetings. Random side notes littered the margins. Tacos or burritos? He chuckled, wondering if the question was part of a diagnostic brainstorm, or if she was just hungry at the time. Turning the page to a more recent entry, he found Sawyer’s notes from a meeting he conducted last week. Ethan had attempted to inspire the team by conducting a goal-setting exercise. He asked everyone to jot down a few professional and personal goals for the new year. 

Several emotions washed over Ethan as he read her goals. She was cute as hell, but his heart broke a little knowing how much weight she still carried on her shoulders. 

On the TV, the New Year’s Eve countdown now aired. A correspondent stood in front of a large crowd of people gathered in Times Square. “…And according to folklore, a kiss at midnight brings luck and strength to that relationship for the rest of the year. So, who will you be kissing when the clock strikes twelve?” Ethan looked down at her list again. Is that why she wanted me to stay tonight? Was that the reason she seemed so… disappointed? 

A timer in the corner of the TV screen counted down the time to the famous ball drop. Forty minutes until midnight. 

Ethan never paid any mind to superstitions. Thinking back to the events of the past two years, he thought to himself, “How much worse could it get?” He shuddered at the thought, bolting to his closet where he threw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, then slipped into his running shoes. He was not going to take any chances, and most importantly, he was intent on giving Sawyer whatever she desired. If she wanted a kiss at midnight, he would make it happen. Keys and jacket in hand, the door to his apartment slammed shut behind him.

Ethan stepped into the atrium and checked the clock behind the reception desk. Fifteen minutes until midnight. 

He pushed through the doors of the emergency department a couple minutes later. It was eerily quiet. The calm before the storm. In about an hour, the waiting room would be packed with reckless and unfortunate party-goers. He didn’t see Sawyer anywhere, but wanting to confirm, Ethan inquired at the triage desk. 

“Happy New Year, Dr. Ramsey,” the triage coordinator greeted. 

“Happy New Year, Anabel. Have you seen Dr. Brooks?”

“About an hour ago? She mentioned trying to catch a quick nap before the midnight rush.”

“Thank you.”

Ethan made his way to the on-call room nearest the emergency room. When he opened the door, the beds were full of sleeping doctors, but Sawyer was not among them. After a quick peek in the cafeteria, he headed up to the Internal Medicine floor. The hallways were dim and quiet at this time of night. He checked all the obvious places. Staff lounge, empty. Resident locker room, empty. The on-call room was also empty, save for a pager that someone had left behind. Duh! 

“Could you page Dr. Brooks, please?” he asked the nurse sitting behind the circular desk. Not a moment later, the pager in his hand started to vibrate. 

Of course. He wondered if this was the universe mocking him for his skepticism.  

Jan, the night supervisor, quietly exited the patient’s room behind him. “Hey kiddo, I thought you went home a few hours ago?” She noticed the pager in his hand. “Did someone page you?”

“Uh, no. Jan, I’m looking for Sawy- for Dr. Brooks? Have you seen her?” he asked. 

“No, hon, but I’ve seen several folks making their way up to the helipad for the fireworks. Maybe she’s up there?”

Yes! She loves fireworks. Ethan looked at his wrist. Five minutes until midnight. 

After thanking the nurses, he walked with purpose to the elevator bank and punched the up button. Come on, come on! Four minutes to midnight. 

When he reached the seventh floor he jogged to the helipad entrance. The automatic glass doors slid open and a frigid gush of wind hit his face. With only the light of the helipad beacons, Ethan frantically scanned the gathered crowd. She’s not here. Dammit!  

He checked the time again. Two minutes until midnight.

As he turned to head back inside, he noticed a large chunk of snow falling from above. It fell from a secluded section of the rooftop that few knew how to access. Naveen referred to it as “the bird’s nest.” He shared its location with Ethan, and in turn, Ethan shared it with Sawyer. It was a place they could go when they needed a minute of peace. To his surprise, he saw what appeared to be a snowball floating in midair. Wait… not a snowball. A bunny tail! 

When he reached the stairwell, he glanced at his watch again. One minute until midnight.

Climbing the stairs three at a time, he quickly ascended two flights of stairs, bursting onto the ninth floor. Thankfully these hallways were lined mostly with administrative offices and were completely abandoned given the late hour. Sprinting to the end of the long hallway, Ethan pulled on a door marked “Authorized Personnel Only.” He launched himself through the dark doorway and blindly climbed another flight of stairs. 

Just as his hand reached the door at the top of the staircase, he heard an explosion on the other side. Midnight.

Sawyer jumped when she heard the steel door crash against the stone exterior of the building. Turning around, she saw Ethan. Steam puffed from his mouth as he tried to catch his breath. 

With the sky sparkling behind her, he grabbed the sides of her face, and crashed his lips onto hers. Once the urgency had subsided, he changed the angle and kissed her again. Deep and tender. When he pulled away to give his lungs a chance to expand, Sawyer could see the fireworks reflected in his eyes.

Tucked in his embrace, she smiled up at him. “What are you doing here?”

“Helping you keep your New Year’s resolutions.” 

She looked at him confused. “Wait... how did you know about that?” She hadn’t remembered mentioning it to him, or anyone for that matter. 

“You left your notebook at my apartment.” He reached into his pocket and handed her the pager. “You also left this in the on-call room.”

“Shit. Please don’t tell my boss.” 

“You’ll have to silence me with another kiss,” he smirked. 

“Well, if that's what it takes...” she laughed, standing on her tiptoes. She brushed her lips against his and whispered, “Happy New Year, Ethan.” 

Before claiming her lips again, he whispered back, “Happy New Year, Rookie.” 

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose  @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn @choicesflashfics

[x-aefx]

ONE TIME THING - BELLA RAMSEY (part 6)

Pictures above are not mine

Summary: unbeknownst to you, you meet actor Bella Ramsey. You two hit it off but your paths lead two different directions.

Bella Ramsey x female reader

Taglist: @evieguhbyebroski @amberputh @assgardangod @niwritespoetry @mainslutsblog @obsessedmunson @guacala @that-one-little-soybean @overtrred28

Warnings: drinking, drunk people, man handling (?)

Part one ⬇️

★

★

★

★

The week went by slowly. You visited your friends, and eventually your family when you couldn't prolong it anymore. You loved your family and you missed them but the constant questions about your life that would soon turn into a lecture was tiring to listen to every time you visited.

You did manage to get your house in better shape, not that it was messy inside. You had moved the furniture about to create more space which was a success.

Thursday was really the only day of the week so far that didn't require you to leave the house. Those were the best days. You thought so anyway. To your dismay it arrived slow and left quick.

Your phone buzzed multiple times one after the other from beside you as you lay snuggled up on the couch. Your eyes squinted at the screen before they adjusted to the light.

You clicked on the notification not properly registering who it was, but when you did you found yourself smiling happily.

You smiled as you tapped into the picture to make it bigger. They looked good. You typed back your response.

Almost immediately Bella sent her response back.

You rolled your eyes. He wasn't a mystery guy, you knew Ethan. Maybe it's been a while, but nevertheless he wasn't a stranger. You had told Bella that many times since you first told them when you both met for lunch. Regardless, Bella always referred to them as 'mystery guy' even when knowing his name.

You stared at the text. They weren't being serious surely? It was just a joke. The more you stared and left yourself to your thoughts, the more your heart hammered in your chest. Quickly you typed something.

You waited again for Bella's response.

You groaned. You did not expect Bella to take such a dislike to Ethan. They hadn't even met him yet. An idea struck you.

You raised your brows as Bella responded in record breaking time.

"seriously? They didn't even consider it!" You mumbled. Shaking your head you got up from the coach and prepared yourself for your shower.

★ ★ ★

You woke up late that morning. You rushed to complete all your errands before you went home to do your hair. Straightening was definitely the safest option. You applied light makeup to make it easier for yourself when you got back home.

The dress you chose was simple. It wasn't too revealing or short but the colour complimented you well and sat on your body in a flattering way. You paired it with red heels.

Ethan arrived at your house at 8:30, exactly as he said he would. You gave yourself a once over in the mirror before you went to greet him.

You exchanged your hello's and made small talk in the car. Ethan never spoke much, even as a boy.

You could hear the music that was playing from outside. The last time you were hear was for your sisters graduation. The bar was probably as old as the town, but the music was good and the drinks were the best in the area.

"if it's too crowded we can go somewhere else." Ethan spoke from behind you. You turned to him and smiled assuringlly.

"no don't worry, I don't mind crowds."

Ethan nodded. He placed a hand on the small of your back and lead you inside. He directed you to the bar.

You watched as Ethan shouted words to the barman that didn't reach your ears due to the loudness of the music and chatter. You watched with interest as the man at the bar poured the drinks, trying to figure out what Ethan had ordered you. The two glasses were pushed towards you, the liquid was a pinky colour, appearing red at the rim of the glass. You looked at it uncertainly.

You looked up at Ethan when you felt his hand pulling you towards a quieter area.

"I was surprised when Aaron told me you were still living in the area. All you ever talked about was wanting to leave it." Ethan chuckled. He brought his glass to his mouth, wincing slightly as the liquid passed his lips.

You looked away, slightly embarrassed.

"I was a teenager. I didn't know what I wanted."

"I was sure you'd be living a lavish life in LA or somewhere. You were always very determined about getting what you wanted. What changed?"

You looked at Ethan slightly shocked at his forwardness. Ethan's face however, remained serious and the tiniest bit intrigued.

You took a long sip of your drink. It burned as it slid down your throat, you liked it.

"maybe I realized that I don't need to move away to live the life I want. That everything I need, I already have around me."

You looked at him for his response, but Ethan only smiled and shook his head.

"you don't believe me?" You inquired.

"I believe you, y/n. I just didn't realize how much your plans for the future changed. How less... eager..you had become."

You swallowed down the rest of your drink. Ethan looked at you concerned. You gave him the realist looking smile you could muster.

"I'm going to get another drink." You muttered, not caring if he heard you or not. You were annoyed. The way he spoke of your life almost as if he was mocking, made you want to slap him.

You pushed your way to the bar. Wincing everytime someone's elbow met your ribcage, or when someone stood on your foot.

You shout over the crowd at the barman when he smiled at you.

"something strong, please." You didn't care what he gave you, even when you were sure you probably never tried it before. You looked around you, people dancing, making out, laughing. It made you feel so lonely yet angry all at the same time. Usually you never got drunk or even went to bars. Usually you were the taxi friend, the one who stayed sober to drive everyone home.

Tonight, you decided would be the exception. Everyone else was letting lose and having fun, why couldn't you?

One drink turned into two, two turned into three. Your legs wobbled slightly when you walked and you mood seemed to have lightened.

"there you are! You were taking so long I was afraid you had left!" Ethan grabbed onto your arms when he noticed you lose balance slightly. "What had you to drink?"

You ignored his question, "dance with me"

Before he could say anything you were already pulling him amongst crowds and crowds of people. You began dancing to the familiar song that was playing, you ignored the feeling of Ethan's hands on your body. Instead you chose to focus on the music, the colourful lights and the people around you. You made eye contact with a girl Infront of you. She smiled sweetly, the way she danced with so addicting, you couldn't look away. As she danced she moved closer to you.

You noticed the glass In her hand. She cupped your chin with one hand. The way she looked at you made you want to fall to your knees. Using her thumb, she beckoned your lips open. She brought the glass to your lips, and you drank the unfamiliar liquid whilst maintaining eye contact. It was stronger than your last drink, it sparked more confidence inside you.

You glanced back to see Ethan had disappeared. You turned your attention back to the blonde. Your hands travelled up her body swifty, then to her neck before cupping her face. She smirked at you as she leaned in closer to you. Your lips met hers, the kiss was heated and rough. Her hands moved around in your hair, as yours explored every part of her that they could reach.

The more you kissed her the more your thoughts ran wild. Picturing things you knew you shouldn't be imagining, pretending the lips you were kissing were someone else's. Someone you had grown close to recently. Bella.

You parted from her.

She smiled again at you. You closed your eyes and took a breath in as you felt her hot breath on your ear.

"look for me after." The moment she said it you felt her hands leave you, you knew she had gone. You also knew you probably wouldn't find her after.

Your eyes landed on the neon sign for the women's restroom, you made your way towards it. The music echoed inside it, most cubicle were empty, only the odd one with a closed door.

You made your way for the one closest to you. Shutting the door behind you, you sat on the toilet lid and pulled out your phone.

The screen lit up and your fingers shakily moved to the messaging app. You could barely read the writing on the screen, it was all blurry and you couldn't make sense of your own thoughts.

It was like someone else was controlling your movements. Your fingers began typing on the keyboard, you could barely register what it was that they were trying to write.

Your head lulled to the side where it rested on the wall dividing it from the other cubicles. Your eyes fluttered closed briefly as you smiled widely. You hummed as your mind was in a haze and your vision was beginning to get dizzy. You tried standing up again, using the wall on each side of you as support. You pushed the door open and returned to the dancing crowd.

You let yourself fall into your own little world. One filled with colour and made you smile. Your hands found their way into your hair, combing it with your fingers as you danced.

Your eyes were closed for a while before they opened again. It was all a blur, all the bodies dancing looked as if they were one. The different coloured lights blended beautifully into one. Everything looked so much more prettier, you thought.

You slowly turned your head when you felt hands on your waist. You stared, not knowing if you were making this up.

"bella?" You smiled drunkenly at them.

"let's get you home, you've had enough fun for one night." Bella smiled softly, they pulled you in closer to them.

You found yourself tripping over your own feet .You definitely would've fallen if Bella wasn't supporting you.

★ ★ ★

As soon as Bella seen your text it was obvious you were drunk, and they knew they wouldn't get any sleep not knowing if you got home safely or not.

They took it upon themselves to drive down to Luna Bar knowing you said in your text that you would be there. Seeing how big the crowd was from their car window, they braced them-self for a hard search.

Pushing through countless bodies they looked at every face they passed, only getting more and more frustrated when they didn't recognize any of them as yours.

They looked ahead. They didn't need to see the face to know it was you. Something about the figure Infront of them was so familiar. When they seen the eyes that were glued onto you, they frowned and pushed forward eager to get you into the safety of their arms.

When they reached you, they placed their hands on your waist so you wouldn't loose your balance.

"Bella?"

They way you said their name so innocently drove them mad. Your drunken smile made them smile back.

"let's get you home, you've had enough fun for one night." Bella smiled softly, they pulled you in closer to them.

As they lead you outside to their car you sometimes would trip over your own two feet. Part of Bella found it adorable. Overall the journey out of the bar wasn't that difficult of one.

Bella vaguely remembered the area you lived in, they figured they could always bring you back to theirs if they got lost. The car drive was quick and mostly quiet. Sometimes you would randomly start saying an incoherent sentence then stop talking completely. When Bella would prompt you to continue, you would just do the same again. It was another thing Bella found adorable.

They got out of the car first when they made it to your home. They ran over to the passenger side and opened the door for you. It occured to them that your house was probably locked, they cringed when they realized they would have to search your bag for the key. They didn't snoop, just searched with their fingers for what felt like the key.

Once they found your keys they helped you stand, putting one of your arms around their shoulders. You leaned into them as you slowly walked. Bella noticed your eyes drooping every now and then, they tried getting you inside as quickly as they could.

Despite wanting to get you safe in your bed, they couldn't help but notice how your home reflected you perfectly. Bella smiled, it was very you.

Getting up the stairs was the hardest part, but the both of you managed.

Bella carefully laid you down on the bed. Taking the cotton wipe that was left on the bedside table, they poured the makeup remover that was also left beside it. They rubbed at you skin gently, getting any makeup off your skin. When that was done, they undid your hells and left them on the floor beside the bed.

They didn't want to cross any boundaries by changing you into your pajamas, that would be weird. Bella pulled the soft blanket over your body. Their fingers combed through your hair, getting it away from your eyes.

Leaning down, bella placed a chast kiss to your forehead. They smiled down at you as you lay there so peacefully all comfortable in bed.

Moving to stand up from the bed, you must've felt their presence leave you. You slowly opened your eyes again.

"stay, please" you mumbled. You didn't think it was audible but Bella heard you.

Bella froze, unsure of what to do. They hesitantly turned to face you, they noticed your outstretched hand.

"I can't" bella smiled sadly.

"please?" Your eyes were closing again and your voice got quieter.

Bella couldn't resist when you looked so lovely. They moved to lay beside you on the bed. Lifting up the blanket they climbed in beside you, making sure to take off their shoes and rings.

They wrapped the blanket around the both of you again, their arms wrapped securely around your waist as your face rested on their chest. Bella smiled as they looked down at you. They found that they couldn't stop smiling. It wasn't long before the both of you fell asleep.

★

★

Once again not proofread!

[the-unconquered-queen]

With Blades 2 coming to an end, I just wanna get it off my chest that I'm really not a fan of how they wrote Nia for a great part of this one, particularly vis-à-vis the way they wrote MC. I know I've been saying some stuff along those lines for ages now, but it hasn't left my mind so now I'm gonna actually get into it.

For starters, I think a lot of the issue with Nia's writing was captured pretty well in the tags of this post, particularly on point 2. Like I've said, Nia unfortunately falls into the category of a Mary Sue in that every "flaw" she's given just serves to elevate her to perfection. Hell, even when corrupted—when a person is supposed to be in their most volatile state—the worst she does is be snarky that first chapter (she is aggressive toward MC at one point before this, but it's neither acknowledged nor repeated later). After that, she is entirely normal, just not as much of a pushover, and while I much preferred shadow!Nia, I do think that this really undermines the whole gravity of corruption and b2's emphasis on shadow-light balance, since shadow!Nia comes off as quite balanced already, especially compared to other corrupted characters we've seen.

But here's the thing, that post that got me thinking is months old, and we have gotten more story since then, and what I have noticed is that Nia does, in fact, have one real flaw in canon, but it's the one flaw she's absolutely not meant to have: Nia in canon can at times come off as self-absorbed. She either makes things about herself or doesn't stop people from doing this, and there are multiple examples of it. There is the instance in Riverbend when MC is taking a moment to finally try to process Kade's capture (which, following their own capture, they never got the chance to process) and Nia derails the conversation and makes it about her own grief and is comforted by MC and Mal. Another example is the moment on Gerhard's ship when she vents about the pressure she's been under and lets MC comfort her without at any point considering that MC might have been under similar pressure.

And don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a character putting themselves first. But when the book doesn't waste a single chance to tell us that Nia's character is the complete opposite and that she is chronically incapable of not being considerate 25/8, it's quite contradictory. I mean, you can even call out Ethan Ramsey, PB's golden boy, on making things about himself at some point in OH, but because, unlike Ethan, Nia is written for you to consider her super sweet and wholesome and perfect, the Blades MC actually contributes to this by performing mental gymnastics to turn something around to be about Nia.

Which brings me to my final point: Blades 2 pushed MC to the side to revolve around Nia, but MC is exactly the person they meant for Nia to be, by virtue of the dissonance between showing and telling. They tell you that Nia is selfless because she always puts everyone else first. Well, I can and did name examples showing the contrary, meanwhile, MC is the one who was been through the most traumatic ordeal and is constantly checking in on everyone else without expecting and without receiving much of the same courtesy in return, even apologizing to Nia because she was "carrying all that weight on her own", never mind that MC always has the weight of the world on their shoulders. They tell you that Nia is the heart of the party, but they both told and showed us that everything fell apart without MC.

Even some of Nia's most defining character traits, MC has in similar measure. Nia sees the best in everyone? MC can be the #1 believer in Aerin's redemption after all the shit he pulled. Nia is trusting to the point of naivete? MC literally trusted Valax while she outright told them at every turn she would turn on them at the first opportunity, and was genuinely hurt by the betrayal. Miss me with MC calling Nia "our better self".

Every trait that they've gone out of their way to tell you Nia has they've shown twofold in MC, which is why it's so exasperating to me that they reduced MC to the conduct through which other characters' (particularly Nia's) stories get told while their own is an afterthought. I am by no means saying that two people can't have similar traits or that two people can't be good people at the same time, but there is something about praising these traits in Nia when, based on these, MC should be held to a similar standard. Instead, they relegated MC (main. character.) to a supporting character in Nia's story, elevating every trait that MC possesses only in Nia while ignoring them in MC to the point that many scenes felt frustrating to play.

[coffeeheartaddict2]

Haunted

Book: Open Heart (post series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Casey Ramsey , Tobias Carrick

Word count: 1609

Category: Angst

Rating: Mature

Warnings: mentions of Bio attack, mentions of mental health, mentions of pregnancy loss, language.

Summary: It is three weeks after a missed miscarriage and Casey approaches Tobias to discuss the antidote and if it could have been the cause.

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Pixelberry

Authors note: This fic was prompted by a question from Elsa about the effects of the antidote and the attack as a whole. Thanks again for the ask Elsa.

🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

It had been three weeks since her world had turned upside down. Finding out they were expecting and then finding out less than 24hours later that the baby did not make it would do that. Being a doctor, she knew the statistics on miscarriages. A statistic that had not changed much in a long time, despite this the knowledge was not helping, if anything it was making the whole situation worse. This was her first week back at work, she knew she maybe should have taken more time but doctors make horrible patients and much like after the attack and also her sexual assault, she was eager to resume sembelence of normality to help her cope.

Tobias was aware of her coping mechanisms and he was not going to let her have it all her own way. He knew Casey not only needed to grieve but also heal and working harder than Ethan was not the way to heal. He also knew that Casey and Ethan needed each other also. Casey was frustrated with this but she also knew that Ethan would side with Tobias so she did what she did best and kept on carrying on.

Casey had been back at work for three days. Both Ethan and Tobias knew there was something more than just grief and anger at the missed miscarriage but both men knew that if Casey wanted to talk about it then it would be on her terms. Casey and Ethan were seeing Dr Jensen to help them through their grief but the questions Casey had could only be answered by Tobias. The question was to do with the antidote and whether or not the miscarriage could have been caused by it. As much as Casey wanted to seek answers, she also did not want to come off as some crazy grieving bitch. Today was Aurora’s day off and Baz was doing some research, as such it was just them and they had a working lunch. Casey ordered in some sushi and she decided to be direct.

“Tobias, did the antidote have anything to do with my miscarriage?”

Tobias was taken aback. There had not been any research done into the antidote, it was decided that any research would only happen with the absolute explicit consent of Raf and Casey.

“It should not have, it was designed to be cleared at the same time as the toxin after it bonded.”

“But you do not know for sure?”

Tobias took a deep breath.

“You and Raf were not the only people traumatized by that day Casey. We all decided that any further research would happen only with the consent of both you and Raf.”

“Why did you want our consent? The breakthrough would have been groundbreaking.”

“And making you both relive that day with any questions, scans, tests to see how you both are physically and mentally after that.” Said Tobias, “not to mention those of us who came that day. The realization when I had the call from Aurora telling me what could have happened at Kenmore, the red flags that even June in all seriousness should have picked up became painfully apparent.” Tobias took another breath, this time to keep his emotions in check.

“This is not about me, it is about you and your question and to the best of my knowledge, No the antidote did not cause your miscarriage.” He said, before quickly excusing himself. It had been at least a decade if not longer that Tobias needed the privacy of a supply cupboard to vent his frustration but today it seemed apt.

He screamed and then felt tears run down his face. He was not lying when it dawned on him that it could have happened at Kenmore but that night was full of emotion. It was the night he realized that any emotion that Ethan had towards Casey was genuine, it was the night where he saw that he had been played by June, it was a night that he was appalled at himself, it was a feeling he had not felt since medical school and he was keen to not feel that ever again. It pained him he was in some way responsible for the attack, sure there had been positives out of it, he and Ethan eventually reconciled, he had a good friendship with Casey also, the relationship with Ethan and Casey but he knew things could have ended very differently that night, it was upsetting enough that two people lost their lives before the team from Kenmore were able to arrive.

He eventually regained his composure and went about the rest of his day but the haunted emotions did not leave him. He was finishing up for the day when his path crossed with Ethan. He noted that Tobias was not himself.

“Are you alright, Tobias?” Questioned Ethan.

“I have been better…” he wanted to tell Ethan the full story but the nurses station they were at was not the place.

“I will finish soon, did you want to meet and tell me what is up?” Asked Ethan.

“I’ll be fine buddy, you go spend some time with Casey.”

Ethan left it at that. Later that night, when both Ethan and Casey were at home, he asked Casey if she knew why Tobias was not himself this afternoon.

“That may have been my fault.” Stated Casey.

“How was it your fault?”

“I took advantage of knowing I would not be interrupted by Aurora and Baz to ask him if the antidote could have caused my miscarriage.”

“Oh” said Ethan. He did not know what to say in that moment that would not have him coming off as a condescending asshole.

“He did not seem to think it did but since no research has been done he could not be 100% sure.” Said Casey.

“I must admit, many of the physical checks we did after that attack were focused on the lungs and your physical strength, although you had the least exposure and we did not check the reproductive organs…”

“I know I have PCOS and that may have made me more susceptible anyway, I also know the fucking statistics Ethan. It could have happened regardless but I wanted to know” wailed Casey.

Ethan got up and hugged her. The doctor in him wanted to remind her that if there was any other irregularities found that could not be tied to her PCOS or any other ailment but he kept quiet and hugged her, assuring her that everything would be fine.

Casey was emotionally drained so she went to bed early and Ethan messaged Tobias asking if he was amenable to having lunch the next day, for which Tobias agreed.

The next day came and Ethan and Tobias met at the local Italian restaurant near the hospital. Ethan decided to be direct.

“Casey told me about the conversation you had yesterday.”

Tobias nodded. “I should not have been shocked that the question was coming but the emotions it stirred up was a shock.”

“There was so much more I wanted to say last night, but kept quiet.”

“Yeah that line between doctor, husband or friend and condescending asshole is a very fine one.”

Ethan nodded in agreement.

“I guess the guilt I felt for courting them both, telling June about it which lead to the heist….”

“It is not your fault Tobias. If the Senator did not seek medical treatment, he would have died anyway.”

“Yeah two innocents would have not been caught in his plot and Casey and Raf would not have been compromised .”

“And if your team found out? Travis still would have had his revenge.”

“Yeah and probably would have done more damage than Edenbrook, it was the VIP wing that swayed Travis, hell that should have been the first red flag.”

“We missed many too or passed it off as Travis’s job or concern.” Stated Ethan, “Do you know what gave Casey the inspiration to check for lead poisoning?”

“No, I was jealous that you guys solved it so fast.” Said Tobias with a slight chuckle.

“The senator forgot the word Vegan.”

Tobias raised his eyebrow in surprise.

“Well they do say lifestyle choices are often key in finding the problem.”

Tobias took a sip of his drink.

“In all seriousness though, I will always feel somewhat responsible for the events that happened and that will never change. Do not get me wrong there was some really good things that came out of it but it was still traumatic and I suppose if the antidote has caused even more fertility concerns it would make me feel worse.”

“The grief is still all to fresh. As Casey said last night, I know the statistics on miscarriage and to be honest I think it is making the process worse.”

“I can only imagine the grief, it is certainly something that I wish you two never had to go through in the first place.”

Ethan nodded and the finished their meal in companionable silence.

Later that day Tobias came across Casey in the office. He apologized for being not much help the day before. Casey stated there was no need to apologize but accepted the apology. Tobias stated that if the antidote was in any way responsible that he will feel worse that what he does. Casey reminded him that any potential fertility concerns were not a high priority.

“I regret the actions at my end that lead to the attack, I always will, but I will always be thankful fot the positives.”

“Me too, Tobias” as they hug and and then go about their day.

——

Authors note 2: Well that was that, again Elsa thank you for the ask. We know Pixelberry very much glazed over any side effects both physical and mental from the attack but we also have to remember the doctors and nurses who worked in the support suite, who found a cure fell even through out the hospital.

I think we all headcanon Tobias being a good guy all the ego bravado and in Tashland and even in any au where I have had the attack happen, Tobias always feels responsible and even though it is a turning point for him in many ways, he still feels guilty that needless loss of lives lead to it.

Regular readers know that Casey goes on to have two kids with Ethan. Hudson and Alexis. Both pregnancies were relatively trouble free. Whilst in labour with Hudson she does have a blood pressure spike which lead to an emergency Cesarean. Tobias and the team eventually do research into the antidote and it was found it did not impact fertility.

Tagging: @jerzwriter @jamespotterthefirst @genevievemd @cariantha @bex-la-get @a-crepusculo @crazy-loca-blog @alj4890 @tessa-liam @liaromancewriter @potionsprefect @youlookappropriate @socalwriterbee @schnitzelbutterfingers @binny1985 @trappedinfanfiction

@openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[storyofmychoices]

For the life of me, I can never remember any of my characters' birthdays besides the twins and Olivia's. I'm hoping that this will help me keep track of the others... like Nyx's birthday is tomorrow! I almost missed it!!!!

Reasons for Birthdays:

January 10: Ellie Shepherd-Ramsey [profile] [masterlist]

Ellie is definitely a Capricorn

I loved the palindrome of 0110 for her birthday

I wanted to make this Ethan's birthday too, I thought it was cute if they had the same birthday, but I already had 4 Capricorn characters

January 13: Nyx Selenastra [profile] [masterlist]

Capricorn: respectful, hardworking, patient, self-disciplined, cynical, cautious, practical, resourceful

January 13 is also Make Your Dream Come True Day and I loved that for them

January 19: Thomas Hunt [masterlist]

Thomas is a Capricorn to me. He's dedicated, professional, disciplined, organized, practical and hardworking.

January 19 is also National Popcorn Day

March 06: Alex Hunt [profile] [masterlist]

It's my birthday and Alex was my first MC / OC that I really started writing for

That's really it!

The Capricorn/Pisces compatibility is an added bonus:

Capricorns are known for their practicality, ambition, and grounded nature, while Pisceans are often imaginative, intuitive, and emotionally sensitive.

Capricorns can provide stability and structure to the relationship, while Pisces may add creativity and emotional depth.

March 09: Olivia Hadley [profile] [masterlist]

Olivia is my Pisces baby. She is so much like me, and I didn't even realize it until I read her back and saw myself.

Pisces: creative, empathetic, generous, romantic, open minded, compassionate, unselfish, loyal

My first crush's birthday was March 09 🙈

March 9 is National Barbie Day, I didn't know that when I picked it but I still like that it fits

More about Olivia's zodiac here (including compatibility with Bryce)

April 10: Daenarya [profile] [masterlist]

Daenarya felt like an Aries: risk taker, optimistic, courageous, confident, dreamer, curious, helpful, and on and on

I can't remember why I chose the 10th... I'll update when I do!

April 23: Aerin Valleros [masterlist]

Aerin felt like a taurus: clever, patient, loyal, resourceful, brooding, and jealous.

Natinal Take a Chance Day (also Lost Dog Awareness, and somehow Aerin is just lost dog who needs a good home vibes)

June 06: Felicity and Vincent Hunt [masterlist

My aunt who was like a second mom to me passed away many years ago and I still miss her. I chose her birthday June 06 as a way to remember her and keep her with me for the twins

The twins being Geminis seems so lovely!

July 25: Mal Volari [profile] [masterlist]

Leo: loyal, loving, determined, persuasive, overly dramatic, guarded

July 25 is National Wine and Cheese Day and I just think Mal would appreciate that

August 20: Trystan Thorne [profile] [masterlist]

Leo: Ambitious, dynamic, confident, courageous, charismatic, romantic, decisive, stubborn, pretentious, arrogant, smug ass (self-described)

I can't remember why I chose this specific date 🙈 It'll come to me!

August 27: Lilah Rose [profile] [masterlist]

This was my grandmother's birthday and I just like keeping her alive through Lilah

I also thought Lilah could be a Virgo: analytical, reliable, hardworking, perfectionist, intelligent, overly independent

September 22: Ethan Ramsey [masterlist]

I initially wanted Ethan to be a Capricorn with perhaps the same birthday as Ellie, but I thought he could be a Virgo: analytical, reliable, hardworking, perfectionism, intelligent, critical, picky, practical, stubborn

I love Lost so September 22 is always in my thoughts.

September 23: Beckett Harrington [masterlist]

Libra: intellectual, responsible, meticulous, love of learning/knowledge, devoted, balanced, argumentative

September 22/23 is the Autumnal Equinox, so I liked the balance of an equinox for Beckett

October 25: Bryce Lahela [masterlist]

Scorpio: determined, brave, loyal, honest, ambitious, passionate, intelligent, charming, calm

More about Bryce's zodiac here (including compatibility with Olivia)

November 26: Malia Lahela [profile] [masterlist]

Born on Thanksgiving Day 2023

Sagittarius: charming, energetic, adventurous, inspiring, generous

December 22: Emma Carlyle [profile] [masterlist]

Capricorn: respectful, hardworking, organized, patient, reliable, cautious, struggles with asking for help

December 21-22 is the Winter Solstice so I liked that for her birthday (and now that I chose the autumnal equinox for Beckett, I like that they both have a special connection to the earth)

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Aug 12 - 18, 2023  

🎭 Angst  |  🦚 Angsty Fluff  |  🛸 AU  |  ☁ Fluff  |  ♥ NSFW  |  📚 Series  |  📷 Edit  |  📱 TextFic  |  Ⓜ Mature

BRYCE X F!MC

Tides of Change - @storyofmychoices 🦚

With the news of the spreading wildfires on the picturesque island he grew up on, Bryce knows he can't sit by and do nothing. [Hurt/Comfort]

ETHAN X F!MC

A Kiss on the Hand - @cariantha 📚☁

[mini: complete] After realizing just how much they mean to each other, Ethan and Sawyer express their love through a sweet hand gesture.

Part 3

Am I Ready? - @youlightmeupfinnn ☁

Olivia convinces Ethan to dance to Lizzo's 2 Be Loved.

Birthday Cake - @liaromancewriter ☁

Ethan Ramsey doesn’t like to celebrate his birthday. No one told his daughters that. [Birthday]

Cruel Summer - @coffeeheartaddict2 🦚Ⓜ

It is five weeks after her missed miscarriage, and Casey is hit with another wave of grief as well a revelation from her mum Christine. TW: Mention of pregnancy loss

Future - @youlightmeupfinnn ☁

Ethan knows his future lies with Olivia, but even he couldn't prepare himself for the question brought to the table; did he want children?

Landmine - @youlightmeupfinnn 🦚Ⓜ

Olivia wasn’t sure how much she had to drink the prior night, but she knew it was enough to blur the line with her attending turned colleague. TW: sexual themes

One Night Stand - @takeharryandgo 📚🛸

[extended: wip] It turns out her random hookup wasn’t quite so random.

Part 2

What Could Have Been - @liaromancewriter 📚🎭

[extended: wip] When Ethan breaks his promise, Cassie is forced to accept they’re not inevitable after all.

CH 7: Storms and Safe Harbors.

PLATONIC

Rocky - @jerzwriter ☁

Casey attempts to help Jensen after a rough day. Feat. Jensen (M!MC), Casey (F!MC), Bryce Lahela

TOBIAS X F!MC

High Seas - @jerzwriter ☁

Casey and Tobias have been looking forward to their vacation plans. But when work gets in the way, Casey has a suggestion. Feat. Ethan Ramsey

Part 1

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[jerzwriter]

Thank you to @kyra75 for this request from @choicesprompts Flufftober event - prompt: Secret Admirer for Tobias x Casey. It was a lot of fun to write this sweet little story. I'm writing a "sort of" follow-up to this for @snoopdogcone's last prompt request, too! I hope you enjoy it!

Book: Open Heart (Post Series Timeline) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Featuring: Ethan Ramsey Rating: General Words: 1,300 Summary: Casey's got a secret admirer, and Tobias is determined to find out who it is.

A/N: Also participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge Flufftober - Prompts: Warm hugs, handwritten letters.

It started small: a few handwritten notes left on Casey’s desk that eventually progressed to a series of little gifts. First was a tiny stuffed unicorn with huge blue eyes, “Just like yours!” the accompanying note read. The next day, it was a bag of Geysers candy with a big bow and a tiny card that read, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, these candies are sweet, just like you!”   

Casey smiled as she picked it up. Assuming they were from a grateful patient, the lovely gestures made her smile, but Tobias’s antennas were up. “Case, these aren’t thank-you gifts; a patient would let you know who they were from,” he pointed out with a grin. “Someone’s got herself a secret admirer!”

“A secret admirer?” Casey chortled. “Tobias! Be serious. Everyone at Edenbrook knows I’m with you.” She sauntered over to him, straightening the lapels on his labcoat with a little grin. “And while you’re a very secure man and not the jealous type... you can also be a little... unhinged, darling. So, don't worry. No one here is messing with me.”

“Unhinged,” he chuckled, pulling her in for a warm embrace, his voice dropping low. “Only when I’m under the covers with you.”

Ethan walked into the office and let out a groan laced with disgust. “Someday, the two of you won’t work here, and I won’t have to greet each day with a spell of nausea.”

“Maybe?” Casey smiled, “but you would miss us!”

He put on his glasses and turned to her with a blank stare. “Maybe?”

“Hey,” Tobias asked. “What do you make of these gifts Casey’s receiving? You think someone’s got a little crush?”

“It's possible,” Ethan shrugged. “But Casey’s already shown she has questionable taste in suitors when she fell for you... so, I think you’re safe, Carrick.”

Tobias scoffed. “Safe?” he shook his head, glancing at himself in the mirror. “Of course I’m safe! I mean, look at me... and this isn’t even with my abs exposed....”

“Shall I get you the Pepto Bismol?” Casey whispered to Ethan.

“It would be appreciated,” he replied.

“I’m just saying... it's not that I'm jealous. But if someone’s got a crush on my girl. I think we should figure out who it is so the poor fool understands that they don’t have a chance.”

"You think it's Ron from Radiology, don't you," Ethan smirked.

"Mmh, Ron is kind of hot," Casey teased.

Tobias turned to them both, unamused. "Don't you worry, I'll get to the bottom of this!"

But the days kept coming, and the gifts kept coming with them. When a heart-shaped lollipop appeared on her desk, Tobias had enough... he was going to get to the bottom of this. “Alright, this is getting serious. Someone out there has a full-blown crush on you, and it’s time we investigate.”

Casey rolled her eyes. “They’re sweet gestures, babe, but it’s just someone being nice. You’re reading too much into it.”

“You know you’re beautiful, you’re brilliant, and I’m so glad you’re mine... but you’re a little naïve, dear. No one is doing all these things because they're being nice!”  

“Are you getting jealous, love?”

“No!” He insisted. “It’s not jealousy, but someone is leaving gifts for my girl. It’s about time they get the memo that she’s taken. It’s an act of kindness, really. Let them know they should move on to someone else, where they might stand a chance.”

“Yes, dear,” Casey chuckled as Tobias set off to find answers.

He passed Casey’s office frequently that day, enlisting some buddies to also serve as spies. But as the day was dwindling to an end, he was beginning to feel defeated when fate smiled upon him.

He was just finishing his rounds when he spotted Connor, a young patient of Casey’s, marching toward her office with a bouquet of flowers in hand. Casey had taken a liking to the boy, often stopping by his room after her shift to help him with homework or play a video game or two. A smile tugged on Tobias’s lips as he saw the light in the little boy's eyes.

“Hey, buddy!” Tobias smiled, mussing up Connor’s sandy blonde hair. “Are those flowers for Dr. MacTavish?”

Connor nodded with a smile despite his embarrassment. “Yeah…Dr. Casey is so nice, and, um, she’s really pretty, too. And she knows all about baseball and lets me play her playlist during my checkups.”

Tobias chuckled, crouching down to Connor’s level. “I don’t blame you, kiddo. Dr. Casey’s pretty awesome.”

Connor looked over his shoulder, then looked around again to ensure no one could hear him. “Do you know if she’s married?” he whispered.

Tobias’s eyes went wide. “Married? No. I don’t think she’s married. But I do know she’s loved the little gifts you’ve left her. She should be here any moment now. Why don't you deliver this one to her yourself? I’m sure she’d love that.”

“Do you think so?” Connor asked, his eyes wide.

“I do,” Tobias nodded. “Why don’t you sit here and wait.”

Tobias walked to the nurses’ station, pretending to review a folder, but his eyes never lost sight of the adorable little boy sitting on a chair outside of Casey's office.

Connor bit his lip nervously but still managed a smile when he saw Casey approaching her office. Tobias looked on as Connor timidly handed her the flowers, his cheeks turning red.

“Connor! Are these for me?” Casey beamed.

Connor couldn't muster up words, but his face lit up with joy as he nodded. Casey sat on the chair next to Connor and squeezed his little hand. “Are you the one who has been leaving me all the sweet notes and treats?”

The boy just nodded again.

“Well, I have to thank you. You’ve made me smile so many times this week. Thank you for that, Connor. You made me feel very special."

The boy looked up and caught Tobias watching. He smiled and gave the boy a quick thumbs-up.

“Well, you’ve made me smile, too, Dr. Casey. Do you think we could play video games later?”

Casey gave him a little squeeze. “You better believe we will! In fact, why don’t I bring some of the Geysers you gave me? We can share them!”

“Can we?” he said, eyes wide with excitement.

“Of course!”

The boy jumped off Casey’s lap and rushed to his room, his heart pounding with pride as he gave Tobias a high five along the way.

Casey’s heart was full of warmth as she locked eyes with Tobias, gesturing toward her office. As soon as the door was closed, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “So, you solved the mystery, Sherlock. Looks like my admirer is an adorable young man, after all!”

“Yep,” Tobias grinned. “I like him! The kids got great taste. But I don’t have to worry, do I?”

Casey playfully mulled it over before kissing her boyfriend’s cheek. “Luckily for you, younger men aren’t my thing. I like more into old men, like you.”

“Old man,” he growled, pulling Casey flush against him as his lips fell to her neck, leaving a not-so-tender kiss behind. “I’ll show you, old man!”

Casey giggled as she playfully pushed him away. “Well, if I have any other secret admirers, I know who to turn to. But for now, maybe let’s let my pint-sized Romeo keep his little crush.”

“Deal,” Tobias laughed. “But I'm watching him! I mean, the kids got game. If I take him under my wing, he could be a master by the time he's in high school.”

“T,” Casey laughed. “Leave him be! He’s doing just fine on his own, and, besides, the world can only handle one Tobias Carrick.”

“You've got a point,” Tobias grinned. “But if Connor ever needs a pep talk, I’m going to have his back!”

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[jamespotterthefirst]

You & I (3/3)

Book: Open Heart, beyond Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Lilac Allende-Ramsey) Word count: 1.7K Rating/ Warning: Teen/ Language

Series: You & I | Part 1 | Part 2

Premise: Her husband’s colleague seems a bit too interested in him. Things take a turn for the worse when she finds her in his hotel room during a work trip.

Note: Thank you so much to everyone who read and supported Part 1 & 2! This is based on a really old anon who asked: “has anyone every come between Ethan and Lilac?”

The two women looked at one another in stunned silence. The seconds stretched into eternities until Heather recovered first, schooling her pretty face into an unreadable mask.

“Dr. Allende.”

“Dr. Allende-Ramsey.”

The correction went ignored.

“I didn't realize you had been invited to the conference,” Heather said in a casual voice, as though she wasn't standing in a married man's hotel room semi-naked. “I thought only the most senior physicians at any given hospital got to attend.”

Lilac, for her part, barely caught the jabbing words with the deafening pitch ringing in her ears. Pulse pounding against her ribcage at an alarming speed, she urged her senses to focus.

“What are you doing in my husband's room?”

Her voice was surprisingly cool and collected.

“The hotel mixed up our reservations. They accidentally put us in the same room.”

Lilac almost laughed in her face at the feeble excuse.

“Bullshit,” she returned.

“It happens more often than you’d think. You would know.”

Heather's eyes sunk into Lilac's, sharp with implied meaning. With an icy twist of her stomach, she caught on. Somehow, Heather was referencing Miami and the mishap that had forced her, Lilac, to share a room with Ethan.

Lilac's legs were shaking at this point, but she held herself with dignity. “You can drop the act. The hotel got a request to accommodate an extra person. That was you, wasn't it?”

The blonde's face remained unreadable.

“What are you suggesting, Dr. Allende? That I willingly wanted to room with a married man?”

“Yes.”

From her peripheral vision, she saw someone approaching them. It wasn't until the figure was a few feet away that Lilac recognized it as her sister.

“I forgot to pack perfume! You think you could—” Laurel stopped dead, eyes falling on Heather. Surprise melted into confusion which finally gave way to anger. “What the fuck?”

Lilac ignored this, eyes boring into Heather.

“Tell me, did you pretend to be me when you changed the reservation? His wife? Because that must've been humiliating.”

“You have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Really? You think I don't see the way you look at my husband? And all your petty little jabs at me? Which I'm not even upset over, by the way. You can hate me and insult me all you want, but the minute you disrespect my husband's privacy like this, then we have a problem.”

“You're being a paranoid b—”

“Finish the sentence,” Laurel challenged, filling the space between Lilac and Heather. “I fucking dare you.”

Heather's composed features flickered slightly when she stared down at the feisty brunette. Anyone with working brain cells would see that Laurel meant business when it came to defending her sister. And Heather, it appeared, was a smart woman. She backed a few steps, pressing her mouth shut despite looking as though she wanted to say more.

Lilac, meanwhile, remained stoic and composed behind her sister. Her eyes sunk into Heather, as though she was a puzzle that had been too easy to decipher up until the last, missing piece.

“What were you hoping for, exactly? An affair?” she asked, her voice cool and level.

Heather's eyes moved from Laurel back up at Lilac. Instantly, her pretty features lit up with amusement. And Lilac could see the exact moment all pretense crumbled.

“That's not uncommon for a man like Ethan.” The blonde replied with surprising confidence. “Powerful men like him have many affairs and no one bats an eye. I wouldn't be the first nor the last. You're naïve if you think otherwise.”

Laurel scoffed, outraged. She advanced, ready to pounce but Lilac stopped her with a hand to her shoulder.

“I'm sorry you don't trust anyone in your life unconditionally,” Lilac started, “but my husband would never be unfaithful.”

The blonde laughed derisively but Lilac ignored her.

“And I think you know that, too. Otherwise, you wouldn't have snuck into his bedroom.”

“Pathetic,” Laurel spat.

Heather spluttered, aware that the sisters were right. For the first time since she opened the door, she looked embarrassed. The sheer humiliation of this fact made her angrier.

“It's just sex!” she shrieked. “You two act like I wanted him divorced and remarried by next week.”

“Listen to yourself,” Lilac returned quietly. “Do you have any self respect?”

“Ha! Don't talk to me about self respect when everyone knows how you snatched him up. Sleeping with your boss? That's not any better.”

This time, Laurel closed the small gap and went straight for Heather's damp hair. Both women screeched, one in rage and the other in surprise. Lilac, for her part, pulled her sister back, doing a commendable job of restraining her.

“Laurel, no!”

“You're lucky I don't press charges!” Heather bellowed, disheveled and on the verge of tears.

Laurel opened her mouth to reply but another voice intervened.

“Lilac?”

It was the deep, rich voice of her husband, strained with surprise. His blue eyes moved over the scene, expression tensing with increasing shock as he took it all in. Finally, his gaze fell on a sobbing Heather and then immediately darted to Lilac.

The shocked, tense silence was only broken as another figure joined the fray. A breathless Tobias came to a stop beside Ethan, looking equally as surprised by the chaos before him.

“Baby?” Tobias said, spotting Laurel. “What's going on here?”

“This little homewrecker here snuck into Ethan's hotel room hoping he'd fuck her.” Laurel replied, no longer fighting against her sister's restraints.

Ethan flinched at the last few words. The shock on his handsome face had diminished to its usual neutrality, but Lilac could see the gears of his mind working. It was as though he was trying to solve a complicated case without having all the facts yet. Once again, his piercing blue eyes rested on Lilac, as though asking her for an explanation.

“Heather, what the fuck?” Tobias asked, shell-shocked.

The blonde's response was more uncontrollable sobbing. As both men surpassed the initial shock and regained their senses, the hallway erupted with noise.

So much noise.

Questions, accusations, and more sobbing— all of it echoed in Lilac's ears, drilling into her skull, pinching every last nerve. Someone said her name but it sounded distant. Someone else threw a jacket over Heather’s shoulders. Laurel cried out in indignation.

It was all too much. Lilac’s head throbbed, threatening to explode…

And then her feet were carrying her away.

“Lilac!”

Several voices called her name but she didn't stop until a gust of fresh air hit her face like a welcomed caress. The blare of New York City echoed from somewhere below the canopy of the purple sky. Despite the faint bustle, she found an odd sense of peace in the abandoned hotel rooftop. Her eyes roamed over the spectacular skyline, taking in the glistening lights that appeared as the last rays of the sun sank behind the horizon. Peace settled over her, easing her body from the stress of the day’s events.

She wasn't sure how long she stood there.

The creaking of the door behind her, followed by a set of footsteps, broke her out of her lull. Seconds later, someone settled next to her. She didn't have to look up to know who it was.

“I had a feeling you'd be up here,” Ethan commented softly.

She didn’t reply. The soft fabric of his jacket swept her skip and he draped it over her shoulders. His scent enveloped her, bringing more warmth to her body than any coat ever could.

“I just got off the phone with the HR department at Mass Kenmore. I explained what happened with Heather today. They'll be opening an investigation.”

Without tearing her eyes from the horizon, she nodded. The sun was fully gone by now, casting the city into an inky blue haze.

“I hope something comes of it,” Lilac said at last. “What she did today was unacceptable.”

More silence followed. As the night breeze picked up, she stole a sideways glance at her husband. He, too, watched the glittering skyline, his jaw tight. He looked almost serene, but she knew him better.

“I'm sorry about all of this, Lilac,” he said quietly, finally looking at her. He opened his mouth to say more but she shook her head.

“There's nothing for you to be sorry about.”

“I should've listened to you,” he pressed on. “You told me your hunch before I boarded and I ignored it.”

“Even if you did take my word for it, there was no way for you to know she'd do this.”

“I know that, love,” he assured her. “I should've still listened.”

Tentatively, he closed the miniscule distance separating them. Even more gently, his hands fell at her sides, his blue eyes carried hesitation, as though he was afraid she’d pull away. When Lilac’s hand moved up to sweep his cheek, he closed his eyes against her touch, relaxing with relief. They stood like that, basking in the peaceful silence for a few minutes.

“What happened to Heather?” she asked after a while.

“Hotel security escorted her to her room. She is to leave the premises tomorrow morning. It's lucky for her since it places distance between her and your sister.”

That made her smile, but only briefly. Ethan was watching her with a quiet, pensive look.

“Did you ever doubt me?”

“Never. Not for a second, Ethan.”

He nodded once.

“Good,” he said before bringing her hand to his lips. “There will never be anyone but you, Lilac.”

The words made her feel weightless. Unaware of the way her heart stammered for him, he leaned in and kissed her softly. It was a short and gentle kiss, a perfect summary of their sweet moment on that rooftop.

A biting breeze made her shiver. Wordlessly, Ethan readjusted his coat on her shoulders. Then, his arms pulled her close for good measure.

“Ready to go inside? The hotel manager was so embarrassed about changing the reservation for Heather that he upgraded us to a suite.”

“That sounds heavenly,” she sighed, finally realizing just how exhausted she truly was. “Can we also get dinner? Your baby wants food.”

An incandescent smile was her reward at the mention of their child. His hands moved from her sides to the barely visible bump of her stomach.

“I meant me,” she joked with a laugh.

Ethan rolled his eyes but chuckled softly.

“How does room service sound? I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be around people.”

“Even better. Just you and I.”

He lifted her hand to his lips again, pressing the softest of kisses there.

“As it should be.”

Note: As I was getting ready to post this, YT Music decided to play:

It could’ve been because I’m playing a Harry Styles radio station but I’m going to interpret it as serendipity!

In all seriousness, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart if you read three parts. Your support means the world to me! I really hope you liked this mini-series.

I will be back soon with more mini-series, YBF, and one-shots this summer! Love you all,

Bree 

[liaromancewriter]

What Could Have Been (4/?)

Series Premise: When Ethan breaks his promise, Cassie is forced to accept they’re not inevitable after all.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) Rating/Category: Teen. Angst Words: 1,195

Series Masterlist

Chapter 4: New Normal. Old Habits. Time to accept the reset and explore new possibilities.

Whenever Cassie Valentine had imagined her life as a doctor, it invariably involved her medical hero, Ethan Ramsey. Back then, she had only known his words and thoughts on diagnostics.

She had come to Edenbrook to learn from him and hopefully impress him enough that he’d agree to mentor her. Falling in love with him hadn’t been part of her plan.

Their relationship hadn’t been the plan, and yet they were inevitable. Or so she had believed once upon a time.

Nothing lasts forever, she reminded herself as she got dressed for work. She would always carry a version of him in her heart, one she didn’t have but couldn’t lose.

Despite the awkwardness of the last few weeks, their relationship had begun to… normalize. They were professionals, after all, and loved the work. When it came to the Diagnostics Team, Cassie was already learning so much.

Their latest case involving Lamar Stevenson was the perfect example. It would have never occurred to her to conduct a home visit to diagnose an illness. But the systematic way Ethan walked her through the process opened her eyes.

For a while, she forgot that they were no longer together as a couple. Once they were away from the hospital, the easy banter returned, and so did the light teasing she could never resist with him. Ethan could be too serious, but never with her.

“If I lived here, I would lose my mind,” she said dramatically, gazing at the placid bay.

The beach house didn’t even have the melodrama of angry waves crashing against the rocks. What exactly did people do with so much quiet?

“What about this would make you go insane?” Ethan asked in surprise, clearly not expecting her answer.

“Are you kidding?” She shook her head and spread her arms to encompass the scene. “It’s way too boring! I need to live in the middle of the action.”

“One would think you already get plenty of action,” Ethan grinned, his expression more relaxed than she’d seen in a while.

When Cassie raised one eyebrow, his face flushed, and he stumbled over his words. “I meant your casework. Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“Too late,” she almost quipped but suddenly remembered who they were, or weren’t rather, and swallowed her words.

When she almost fell off the chair while reaching for the photo album from the top of the armoire, she never doubted Ethan would catch her. But she hadn’t been prepared for the scent of his cologne and that feeling of rightness as he held her in his arms.

They stared at each other, blue eyes clashing with green, both reluctant to let go. Following instinct, she leaned closer, and he did the same, their foreheads almost touching.

This is how it could’ve been, Cassie thought wistfully. But it wasn’t; she was only torturing herself and him by letting the moment linger.

That was yesterday. Today, it was back to being Dr. Valentine and Dr. Ramsey.

Cassie exited the subway station with Sienna, half-listening to her friend talk about her intern Mitch. Her mind was jumbled with her dream of Ethan last night and Lamar’s worsening condition.

As they neared the hospital’s entrance, Sienna nudged her shoulder forcefully. Cassie glanced at her friend and realized someone was standing before them, blocking their way.

Nate Hanson looked just as good as she remembered. They had gone on one date six months ago but had flirted plenty over text. Conflicting schedules kept getting in the way of their second date.

And then things between her and Ethan changed after Miami. There wasn’t room for anyone else in her heart after that.

“Nate? What are you doing here?” she asked, wondering if she missed a message from Max that his friend was coming to Boston.

“Board meeting,” he said, smiling in a sincere way that was part of his charm. “My company concluded the research project with the hospital, so I’m presenting final recommendations to the board.”

Nate looked askance at Sienna, who was watching him with curiosity. Cassie quickly made the introductions.

“It’s good to see you, Cassie,” Nate said, the appreciative look in his hazel eyes boosting her self-confidence. “Is it too much to hope you’re still single?”

“She’s definitely single,” Sienna grinned cheekily.

Nate laughed, and Cassie threw her friend a disgruntled look. Unrepentant, Sienna waved it away and slid a lascivious sideways look at Nate.

His phone pinged, and he checked the screen. “Shoot. I have to head upstairs.”

He moved closer, and Cassie tilted her head back to gaze into his eyes.

“Can I please take you to dinner tonight? Our previous efforts at scheduling didn’t work, so let’s be spontaneous,” he added when Cassie looked doubtful.

“I get off at six,” Cassie relented.

“Great! I’ll pick you up at seven from your apartment. If that works?” Nate said.

“Seven is perfect,” Sienna piped in.

He smiled and winked conspiratorially at Sienna, making Cassie huff in exasperation.

“Don’t you want to know where I live?” Cassie called out as he started to walk away.

“I’m a hotshot CEO. I’ll find out,” Nate shot back cockily over his shoulder.

Suddenly, he turned around as if pulled by a string and slowly walked back toward her, looking abashed.

“Sorry. I was trying to be cool,” Nate said, nervously running one hand through his hair. “I have no idea where you live and, short of asking your brother, no way of finding out in a way that would be considered legal.”

“Give me your phone,” Cassie ordered, rolling her eyes but secretly amused too.

Later that day, Cassie sipped the coffee Alan Ramsey had bought her as thanks and absently reflected on her upcoming date.

But her mind kept drifting to Ethan and his vulnerability, barely there before his mask descended when his mother was mentioned. So much of his life was a closed book and always would be, she thought morosely.

Meeting his father, knowing Ethan had mentioned her to him, had been the highlight of her afternoon. And for another brief moment, back at the coffee shop, they’d forgotten about the reset.

She hated seeing Ethan upset and reached across the table to press her hand to his. He didn’t resist. Instead, he gently stroked hers with his thumb. The gesture was so loving and familiar tears pricked her eyes.

“I’m here for you,” she whispered, feeling his anger and pain.

Cassie wanted to wrap her arms around him, for him to be hers again so that she could comfort him in a way not allowed between colleagues. But the spell broke with his next words.

“I mean it, Cassie. This means nothing,” he said definitively. “I don’t even know why my father came all the way here to tell me.”

It was sobering to realize the man she loved could be so heartless. If he was willing to easily cut his mother off and call her a stranger, what chance did Cassie have that he’d eventually let her back into his life?

Despite his gentle touch, Ethan could be harsh and unforgiving. And she would do well to remember that.

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

[potionsprefect]

The Big Christmas Game

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 799

Summary: 4 people, one job, can they do it?

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

Thank you @kyra75 for this prompt idea! This was so much fun to write!

“Mommy look how much snow there is outside!” Luke climbed onto the sofa and looked out the window.

“I can see. It looks like we won’t be going anywhere today.” Victoria smiled as she put her book down.

“But why? I want to go outside and play in it.” Luke said.

“Oh you can go outside and play. We just can’t go anywhere in the car as Daddy won’t be able to drive anywhere as it’s not safe.” Victoria replied.

“And Mommy always leaves the driving to Daddy when the weather is like this.” Ethan entered the living room.

“I want to build a snowman! There’s so much snow outside!” Lily ran into the living room.

“I think a snowman sounds like a great idea. But you’ll have to wrap up warm. It’s very cold outside.” Victoria said.

“That means lots and lots of layers to keep warm.” Ethan added.

Luke and Lily looked at each other. “Race to the top of the stairs?” Luke asked.

Lily sprinted off, Luke not far behind her as their little footsteps echoed up the stairs and throughout the downstairs.

“I think getting into work tomorrow is going to be difficult.” Victoria said.

Ethan laughed. “They’ll have to come with us and we’ll have to take the subway instead. It’s not all bad.”

“I know. But for now it looks like we’ve got a snowman to build.”

Victoria and Ethan headed up the stairs ready to get warm and head out into the snow.

Luke and Lily giggled as their feet crunched in the crisp, white snow, Jenner making them laugh even harder as he buried himself in the snow and then jumped out in front of them.

“I can’t even see the ground!” Lily said looking at her footprints.

“And it’s still snowing.” Luke smiled.

“That’s what winters in Massachusetts are like.” Victoria said.

“I like it!” Luke said.

“Are we ready to build this snowman?” Ethan said.

“Yes! What do we need to do?” Lily asked.

“Well first we need to gather as much snow as possible into a large ball. Do you think you can gather up some snow for us?” Victoria said.

Luke and Lily set off grabbing as much snow as their tiny hands would allow them whilst Ethan and Victoria were able to make a larger snow ball themselves.

“I’ve got some!” Lily said.

“I’ve got some too!” Luke grinned.

Victoria smiled at them. “Excellent. Why don’t you add them to the pile and Daddy can make it as big as possible.”

Luke and Lily did as Victoria said. The bottom half was quite large but impressive nonetheless. The next step was making two smaller ones to complete the body.

Luke and Lily were able to collect enough snow to complete the body and the family stood back and admired their work.

“What do we think?” Ethan said.

“It looks great! But he’s missing a face Daddy!”

“Well lucky for you, Mommy came prepared.” Ethan looked at Victoria.

Victoria headed inside and emerged a few minutes later with some coal, buttons and a carrot.

“Yay! Now he can be a happy snowman!” Luke said.

“What about some arms?” Lily said.

“We can use some sticks from the trees. Although it looks like Jenner found them first. You’ll have to get them off him.” Victoria laughed.

Lily walked over to Jenner who was playing with some sticks he had found. “Can I have the sticks please Jenner?” She asked. Jenner dropped them and looked up at her. “Thank you Jenner! You’re a good boy!”

“Well done for remembering your manners.” Victoria said.

Lily handed the sticks to her Mom. “Can I put them on?”

“Of course. Hand one to Luke and Daddy and I will lift you both up.” Victoria said.

Lily handed one to Luke and soon the snowman had two arms for sticks.

“Now we need to do his face!” Luke said.

Victoria handed Luke and Lily a coal each so that they could put the eyes on. The buttons were then added until all that was left was the carrot for the nose.

“Would you like to do the final honours?” Ethan said to Luke and Lily.

The twins nodded and Victoria and Ethan lifted them up, both of them holding onto the carrot and they placed it on their face, big smiles on their faces.

“Hooray! It looks so good!” Luke said.

“Thank you for making the snowman with us.” Lily said.

“Thank you for inviting us.” Victoria laughed.

“We should make it a tradition to build a snowman every year.” Ethan said.

“Sounds like a plan.” Victoria smiled.

The Ramsey family admired their efforts with a smile. Now they had a new tradition in place, one they couldn’t wait to fulfil every year.

Christmas is in full swing and the Ramsey family are spending their first Christmas as a family of four this year!

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