#Tobias Carrick

[jerzwriter]

Thanks for this ask - I'll be making a series of little drabbles to see what Tobias does with the pumpkin pie throughout different periods of his life (and in some different worlds, too!) I hope you enjoy it as much as Tobias (and I) love pumpkin pie!

Book: Open Heart (pre-series) Characters: Tobias Carrick (child), Charles x Vivian Carrick Rating: General Words: 911 Summary: It's Thanksgiving, and 6-year-old Tobias wishes the guests would go home so he could get comfy and dig into his favorite treat. When it seems like that will never happen, he jumps on an opportunity to make his dream come true.

A/N: Participating in @choicesholidays Winter Event - "You did what with the pumpkin pie?" and @choicesdecember2024 - Sweets

Thanksgiving Day at the Carrick’s Georgetown townhome was always an elegant affair, and this year was no exception. The house was abuzz with activity as the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and roast turkey wafted through the air. While the grown-ups were content, enjoying some laughs and conversation, six-year-old Tobias's patience was running thin.

He was still sitting patiently in his chair, but his swinging legs indicated that wouldn't be the case much longer. His patent leather shoes made a squeaking sound every time they rubbed together and, on a typical day, this would have driven his mother, Vivian, nuts, but today, she was too busy to notice at first...

“Tobias!” She finally shouted over her shoulder. “Stop fidgeting.”

“But, Mom!” he whined, tugging at the tie of his tiny suit. “You said I could change after dinner, and dinner was a long time ago.”

Vivian scrunched down beside him. “I know, dear, but dessert hasn’t been served yet. I promise you can change out of your suit as soon as we eat dessert.”

Dessert.

Just the thought of it brought a smile to his face. He looked forward to Thanksgiving dessert all year, especially the pumpkin pie and he didn't think it was fair that he had to wait any longer.

His father, Charles, entered the room, laughing heartily at a joke his brother Phillip had just told. Charles was in his element, playing the gracious host, but when he caught sight of a dejected Tobias, he raised a brow.

“What’s the matter, son?” He asked. “You’re not your usual happy self.”

Tobias crossed his arms, a frown spreading across his pudgy little face. “I’m tired of being in a suit, Daddy! I want pie, and I want comfy clothes!”

Charles chuckled softly. “Well, you’ll have both of those things very soon,” he assured.

“But it’s taking forever!” Tobias groaned.

Before Charles had a chance to answer, a loud noise came from the kitchen, and Scout, the family’s golden retriever puppy, came rushing into the dining room with Mrs. Johnson, the family's cook, in hot pursuit. The puppy, had Mrs. Johnson's favorite spatula clamped in its mouth and wagged its tail in triumph.

“Scout! Get back here! You little thief!” she yelled.

Unaware of any wrongdoing, Scout continued to circle the room with glee, amusing the grown-ups. That's when a lightbulb went off in Tobias’s head. Even at his tender age, he knew an opportunity when it was presented, and he wasn’t about to let this one go.

With his parents under the table trying to retrieve the spatula from Scout, he slipped off his chair, grinning as he rushed to the sideboard. He licked his lips, staring at the golden pie. Victory was about to be his!

He reached up and grabbed the edge of the crystal cake stand, tugging it closer to the edge when the pie began to wobble precariously, but Tobias steadied it, his heart pounding as he grabbed a fork and dug in.

He was in heaven. The smile on his face growing as he shoveled the sweet, creamy treat into his mouth. A happy sigh of relief escaped him, and his earlier frustration now gone. But his momentary bliss came screeching to an end when...

“Tobias!” his mother's voice echoed through the room. Startled, Tobias jumped up, his elbow plowing into the cake stand, sending the pie tumbling to the floor with a wet splat. Scout came running and made a valiant attempt to lunge for it, but Tobias grabbed her just in time.

“No, Scout!” he cried. “Dogs can’t eat pumpkin pie!”

“No, they shouldn’t,” Mrs. Johnson scolded. “But little boys shouldn’t eat it before they’re told to either.”

Vivian stood there, her mouth hanging open. Charles and the rest of the family stood behind her, peering in amusement.

“Tobias Charles Carrick!” Vivian hollered. “What on earth have you done?”

“I—I just wanted a bite!” he stammered, his bright blue eyes pleading for forgiveness. “I've been waiting a really long time, Mom.”

Vivian pressed a hand to her temple, her patience wearing thin. Charles stepped forward, crouching beside his son to survey the pumpkin pie carnage.

“Well,” he said, tapping his son’s shoulder. “At least he’s got good taste.”

Vivian shot her husband a look. “Charles! This isn’t the time!”

But little Tobias tugged his mother’s hand, tears brimming in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Mom. I just really, really wanted pie…”

Vivian couldn’t help but smile. “I know, sweetheart. But you can’t just take things because you’re impatient. Dessert is meant to be shared, not sneaked, and it’s certainly not meant to be splattered on the floor.”

Tobias nodded. “I know. I won’t do it again, Mommy. I promise.”

Vivian gave him a big hug. “Alright. Let’s clean this up, and I’ll see if there’s another pie in the kitchen.”

Tobias’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Really!” Vivian replied, ruffling his hair. “But why don’t you go up to your room and put on your jammies first. I think you've suffered enough.”

He didn’t have to be told twice. “All right!” he hollered, rushing down the hall and shedding his suit, piece by piece along the way with Scout yapping behind him.

Charles wrapped his arm around his wife as they watched their son’s impromptu striptease from a distance.

“That boy is going to drive us crazy when he’s in college,” he laughed.

Vivian looked up at her husband quizzically. “In college?” She questioned. “He’s driving us crazy right now!”

“Yes, he is,” Charles laughed, placing a kiss on Vivian's head. “But we wouldn’t have it any other way.”  

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Open Heart F/AtoW: Oct 27 - Nov 2, 2024

✒️ = Fanfic | 📱 = Text Fics/Edits | 🎨 = Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA+

BRYCE LAHELA

Blue Lagoon 📱 | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @peonierose

Operation with Drs. Lahelas 🎨 | Bryce Lahela x F!MC - @robboyu C: @storyofmychoices

ETHAN RAMSEY

Halloween Lights ✒️Ⓜ️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @jamespotterthefirst

Mad About Matching ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @cariantha

New Rooms ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect

The Proposition ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick - @jerzwriter

Trick or Treat ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

RAFAEL AVEIRO

Home is Where You Are ✒️🏳‍🌈 | Rafael Aveiro x M!MC - @silver-rings-and-rabbits

Love In Every Heartbeat (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Chapter 1: Fancy Seeing You Here  Chapter 2: First Date Butterflies 

Our Miracle Baby (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Part 20 Part 21

SIENNA TRINH

Counter Proposal 📱 | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

TOBIAS CARRICK

A Little Obsessed ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter

Peter, Peter 🎨✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @callmebeem C: @jerzwriter

The Proposition ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey, Tobias Carrick - @jerzwriter

Treat for Two ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @alj4890

Main F/AtoW List: Oct 27 - Nov 2, 2024

[tveitertotwrites]

A Favor

Book: Open Heart (Book 2)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!OC (Adelaide Barnes)

Summary: When Adelaide finds out Landry moved next door to her and they share a wall, she has an idea.

A/N: So a couple of weeks ago when @jerzwriter was doing her OH replay and it got to the part about Landry saying he wouldn't have to hear anyone having sex again and I mentioned how after he moved, he shared a wall with Adelaide and then I decided to make a little something.

The next morning:

Breakfast:

Perma Tags: @crazy-loca-blog @driverstveit @rookiemartin @zahrachoices

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @jerzwriter @liaromancewriter @rafasgirl23415

Tobias Only: @kyra75

[alj4890]

Complicated

(Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart one shot as requested by @kyra75 with the Flufftober prompt "Do you trust me?"

A/N thanks so much for the request. I came up with two other scenarios for these two with this prompt, one was even a period piece LOL, and I deleted them and went with this one. One day, I'll do that regency era Open Heart idea I've been working on, but not today! 😂. I need more prompts because I'm stuck on all the other wips in my folder. So if you see anything else that screams my pairings, send them my way. This one shot takes place during book 3 and isn't a part of any of my AU's for this pair.

Masterlist

**************

Tobias sat down on the bench and stared without seeing at the lockers in front of him. Half changed out of his scrubs, he thought over his first day at Edenbrook.

Rubbing a hand over his face he recalled the look of shock gracing the diagnostics team's faces when Leland announced he was their new member.

Ethan's anger he'd expected. Harper's guarded expression was a given.

But Chris...

His lips curved somewhat as he remembered her shock giving way to what could only be described as utter delight. The automatic, yet warm welcome coming from her had surprised him most of all.

She'd even pulled out the chair next to hers for him to sit and discuss possible cases.

His thoughts of how the rest of his day went were interrupted by a laugh he'd come to know quite well during the team's lunch.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" Chris said over her shoulder as she walked into the room. Not bothering to look around, she began to undress on her way to her locker.

Her movements froze when she heard someone clear their throat.

Whirling around with her top halfway up her head, hiding her hair, she squinted into the dim light to see who else was in here at this late hour.

"Hey." Tobias said, not bothering to hide his smile.

"Hello." She smiled back. "What are you doing here? I thought you left ages ago."

"I decided to explore some and get a better handle on where everything is." He stood up and began to get dressed.

Chris leaned against his set of lockers, quietly watching him with arms folded. She'd forgotten about her shirt now draped over her hair.

He glanced over at her when he dropped his pants. "Something on your mind?"

Biting her lip and keeping her eyes up, she nodded.

He quirked an eyebrow in question while pulling on a pair of jeans.

"How was your first day?" She asked.

He snorted.

Chris knew it couldn't have been easy. She'd seen how the others reacted to his presence. Given how she felt about him, what she owed him, she hoped that he wouldn't let them chase him off.

"Let's go with, it was surprising, and leave it at that." He told her.

"Oh." She winced over that being his diplomatic answer.

Tobias noticed and sat down. Patting the spot next to him, he sighed.

"Come on, Valentine. Go ahead and tell me what I did to make that smile of yours disappear."

Biting her lip, she sat next to him. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"That's the first time I've ever been told that." He teased.

He nudged her with his elbow and felt an unexpected warmth fill him at seeing her smile pop up again.

"I'm serious." She playfully pushed him. "Your first day should have been great."

"I didn't say it was a bad day." He argued. "Surprising isn't always bad."

"I think it was what you left unsaid that really said it all."

"Do you have to be so perceptive?" He teased. "You could have laughed or simply nodded, finished undressing, and allowed me to escape back home."

Chris rolled her eyes and caught a glimpse of her shirt hanging off her head. Groaning at her own state of dress, she hurried over to her locker to finish changing.

Tobias chuckled while following her.

"Talk to me." She ordered. "It'll make you feel better."

"It might." He conceded.

When he remained silent, she lifted her eyebrow in an imitation of his own silent prodding.

Unable to wipe the smile off his face, he shook his head. "Not here."

Chris looked about at the empty locker room. "We're alone if that's what you're worried about."

"I'm not worried about that." He slipped his hands in his pockets while a thought came to mind. "How about we discuss this over dinner?"

Chris paused for a half of a second.

"Okay."

He blinked. He didn't expect her to agree. He knew she'd been all for him taking the team to lunch to smooth things over, but she hadn't expressed any interest in being alone with him. Honestly, he thought that Ethan would have warned her to give him a wide path.

"Okay." He picked up her jacket and helped her put it on. "Anywhere in particular you'd like to go?"

"The Haven." Chris decided. "We need some comfort food."

"I don't know if Scottish fare is what I'd call comfort food." Tobias teased.

She began to laugh. "Fine, I need comfort food." She finished dressing. "You could use a pint."

"You know?" Tobias followed her out of the locker room. "I think that is what I need."

*************

The Haven, outdoor seating...

After a couple of drinks and their entrees arrived, Chris asked once again how his day went.

Tobias took a long sip of the pint Chris ordered for him then finally began to open up.

"I knew when Leland offered me the position that there would be some," he paused while searching for the right word.

"Reluctance?" Chris offered.

"That's a nice way to put it." He replied. "I knew with my history with both Ethan and Harper that I would not be their first choice." He snorted while taking another sip. "I doubt I'd even be on their list of possible candidates."

"You probably would be on the list." A hint of mischief appeared in Chris's eyes. "I would have made sure you were just to give Ethan a mild heart attack."

"Thanks so much." Tobias grumbled playfully. "Good to know I'm not being used to actually kill anyone."

He picked at the food on his plate while Chris dug into her Shepherd's Pie.

"I'm sure you know about my history with Ethan." With her nod, he continued. "And given how I tried to get Harper to come over to Mass Kenmore, I get why she isn't thrilled to have me working with your group either."

"You did use her niece." Chris reminded him.

"In a way." He defended. "I also asked Aurora because I saw how quick she was to diagnose a problem." He shrugged. "Anyone would want to hire her."

"Are you saying you hired her for her talent or to get Harper?"

"Can't it be both?" He asked. "I saw it as a no brainer. A win/win for everyone. I'd have two talented doctors to work with and they'd have a chance to shine."

"I see." She mumbled, returning her attention back to her plate. "Well, at least you get to work with them now."

"True." Tobias fell silent once more.

He took a bite of the salmon Chris insisted was some of the best in Boston and found himself agreeing with her assessment.

They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Tobias began to move some in quiet agitation. He wasn't certain what it was he wanted to say to Chris or exactly how he felt, yet he knew he needed to talk more if he was to have any real peace about coming to work at Edenbrook.

Sensing that he had more to say, she looked up at him and waited.

"Do you trust me?" He blurted out.

He winced over his own outburst. He hadn't realized how badly he needed at least one person he worked with to actually trust him until the words tumbled from his mouth. How could he begin to discuss various treatments if everyone questioned his every single word and action?

"Yes." A smile formed the longer Chris considered her feelings. "I do trust you."

"You do?" He couldn't hide his disbelief. "You trust me like you do Harper and Ethan?"

She choked on her food. Reaching for her pint, she gulped down a few swallows and shook her head no.

Tobias slumped in his chair. He knew she didn't really trust him. Why should she? After all he'd shown her--

"I actually trust you more than them." Chris added without much thought to how that would be construed.

"What?" His eyes widened.

She sighed, leaned back in her chair, and did her best to avoid having to explain her mixed feelings about those two particular doctors.

"You and I," she began, "we don't have a complicated history."

She smiled softly at him.

"You saved my life and that's one of the reasons why I trust any of your input with our patients. I've seen your intelligence and drive. Who wouldn't want that as part of their team?"

"Hold on," Tobias interrupted her compliments towards himself. "Go back to the complicated history."

She rolled her eyes. "I have a rocky past with Ethan and Harper."

"Both?" He prodded.

"You're really going to make me give you the whole story?"

He grinned, totally unrepentant, and nodded.

"You told me I needed to talk to you to feel better." He reminded her. "Sounds like you could use a dose of your own medicine, Dr. Valentine."

Chris grumbled about her lot in life being surrounded by know it all doctors before she launched into her own past at Edenbrook.

Tobias's eyes widened when she described her complicated romance with Ethan that ended badly. Of all that he'd suspected, he'd never have guessed how that relationship or lack there of had crashed and burned. Her history with Harper didn't surprise him as much given what he knew about the famous stickler for the rules of a surgeon and the glimpses he'd gotten of Chris when they were competing.

"And Harper still suspects me of breaking the rules." Chris finished. "Every time there is even a hint of someone doing something out of bounds of protocol, she immediately thinks I had something to do with it."

"And this is why you have difficulty trusting them?"

"It isn't necessarily that." She considered her feelings once again. "More that I know what I can and cannot trust each of them with.'

She met his steady gaze. "I think you might be that rare person I can trust with anything I need to share."

"I think you might be that for me too." He said softly.

The seriousness of the moment caused them both to avert their eyes.

"So..." Tobias said in an attempt to break the awkward silence. "No complications means we're good?"

"You and I are as right as rain." Chris began to work on the sticky toffee pudding that was placed between them.

They ate a few more bites of dessert before Tobias began to tease her.

"So what would I have to do to make it complicated?"

"Are you willing to ruin our budding friendship?" She narrowed her eyes.

He sat there, a hint of a smile forming as he contemplated the young woman sitting across from him. He'd always liked her and after today, especially after seeing her genuine concern and openness, it made him want something he hadn't expected.

"No." He responded. "Just curious."

"Act like either Ethan or Harper and then we will have a complicated relationship."

"I don't think I have it in me to act like Harper." Tobias continued, ignoring her warning glare.

He finished off his last bite and regarded Chris over his pint glass.

Her cheeks flared with spots of color under his half lidded perusal.

"Are you saying you'd act like Ethan did?" She demanded.

"God no." He shuddered over that type of self-destruction. "But..."

When he didn't continue, Chris threw her napkin down upon the table in a huff.

"But what?"

"I might like to make things a little complicated between us." He admitted.

"How?" She asked, uncertain if she really wanted to know.

He merely grinned while reaching for his wallet.

"Tobias?" Chris reached for her purse. "How would you--"

"My treat." He handed his credit card to their waiter before she had a chance to get her wallet out.

She blinked. "You don't have to pay. I should since I insisted you talk to me and picked the place to eat at. Plus you already bought me lunch."

"Maybe I enjoy being generous." He stood and offered his hand to her after signing the receipt.

She took it without thinking, allowing him to tug her out to the parking lot.

"Wait." She stopped right at the car door. "What did you mean about making things a little complicated?"

He stepped closer, squeezed her hand that had remained in his during the short walk, and focused on her lips. "I might like to start having dinner with you more often."

Her eyes widened.

"Then we might start seeing some movies. Maybe dancing. We might even do something every once a while where we need to dress up."

"That sounds like..." She trailed off.

"Sounds like?" He prodded, gently tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

Her smile, a touch more delighted than when he'd appeared at the diagnostics office, formed.

"It sounds like things are going to become very complicated between us."

[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]

Hello, Love!

Just a little thank you for participating in the Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week! ❤️

In my mind, Olivia is interviewing her fellow Dr. Carrick and another adorable redhead in the Pediatric Ward? Or perhaps for Sunshine Pediatrics! I hope you like this my friend!

Aww this is so so so cute!!! Look at them!!! I love it!!! Thank you for this and for hosting! I wrote a little something to go with this!

Elmo's Special Visit

Characters: Olivia Hadley (F!OC), Tobias Carrick

Book: Open Heart

Word Count: >650 (dialogue fic)

Rating/Warnings: general, no warnings

Synopsis: Olivia has two special guests join her in the Peds Ward! ❤️

Olivia: Hello everyone! As you know, I'm Dr. Olivia and I have a surprise for you! Today, I am joined by two very special guests. The first one is my friend, Dr. Tobias, you might have seen him around before, but our second guest is even more special—

Tobias: (frowning playfully) I'm insulted!

Olivia: (continuing with a slight shake of her head and a growing smile)—let's put our hands together to welcome, ELMO!!!

*children clapping and cheering*

Elmo: Hi children! Elmo loves making new friends like all of you. Will you be Elmo's friends?

*children screaming and agreeing*

Olivia: How are you feeling today, Elmo?

Elmo: Uhh...(plays with his hands and looks down) Elmo has to get a shot today and is a little worried.

Tobias: That can be tough. It's hard to be brave when you're nervous.

Elmo: Elmo is very nervous!

Olivia: I know tht when I'm nervous, I like to take a deep breath—in and out. (modeling as she speaks)

Elmo shaking slightly and biting his hand still visibly worried

Tobias: That looks like it could be tricky. How do we know how long to breathe in or out for? Maybe we should try it together?

Elmo: What do you think friends, can we try it together?

Children agreeing, nodding along, some calling out that they can teach Elmo how to breathe like Dr. Olivia (Olivia smiles and tells them she's happy they remember what they've learned!)

Olivia: First, we want to sit up nice and tall and try to relax our bodies, but it's okay if that is hard at first. Sometimes, it helps if we wiggle a bit or dance in place for a few seconds to try to shake off our nerves. When we're ready, we want to inhale, or breathe in through our noses, if we can, and count to four in our heads.

Elmo: Elmo can count to four! 1-2-3-4!

Tobias: Nice job, Elmo! (High fives him)

Olivia: Good work, Elmo! The next part is to breathe out through your mouth, but this time, we want to count to six!

Elmo: Uh oh! Elmo needs help with counting to six.

Tobias: Maybe your new friends can help! What do you think? Let's help Elmo! 1-2-3-4, what comes next?

Children: 5 - 6!

Elmo: 5 - 6! Elmo can remember that! 1-2-3-4-5-6! Elmo did it with friends' help! *Laughs happily*

Olivia: Great job, everyone! Now, let's try it together. Sit up straight. Wiggle your shoulders and arms to try to relax your body. Now breathe in 1-2-3-4. And breathe out: 1-2-3-4-5-6! Great job! Now, let's do it a few more times together!

Elmo: I think Elmo's got it now!

Elmo models it, and all the children cheer him on

Tobias: How do you feel now, Elmo?

Elmo: Elmo feels relaxed and wants to share a song he just made. Elmo loves singing to his friends. Would you like Elmo to sing for you?

Children cheer in reply

Tobias: I think that's your cue, Elmo!

Elmo: 

🎵 Doctors and friends are here to help you!

Doctors and friends are here to make you smile.

When you're feeling down or worried,

Here's what you need to do!

You take a deep breath and count to four

Then, you let it all out and count to six.

Say goodbye to all those worries

and shake those nerves away! 🎵

Children clapping and cheering as they try to help Elmo sing the song as he says it again

Elmo: Yay! Elmo is so happy you liked his song!

Olivia: Thank you for coming to visit us today, Elmo! We learned so much together.

Elmo: Elmo did learn a lot. Elmo learned to relax and to breathe.... and to count! The Count will be so happy that Elmo learned numbers today! Elmo will teach him to breathe when he counts, too!

Tobias: I'm sure he'll love that. What do we say to our special guest, boys and girls?

Children: Thank you, Elmo!

Elmo: Elmo thanks you for being good audience and great new friends. (blows kisses to the children)

Olivia: Alright boys and girls, it's time for us to say goodbye! Elmo is going to see his doctor now and he knows when he gets nervous he can practice what he learned today!

Elmo: Elmo is ready now! Can Dr. Olivia be Elmo's doctor, too?

Olivia: Of course, Elmo!

Elmo hugs Olivia and then Tobias

Hopefully Elmo will practice breathing whenever he's feeling a little over excited too 😊

This is just for fun, please don't critique my song writing (lack of) ability lol

Also, this started as an interview and then kept changing and changing until it was this... 🙈

[tobias-carrick-appreciation-week]

Dr. Tobias Carrick here! A second appreciation week! That's just what this doctor ordered! I know we're gonna have a good time - just look at all the fun things we can do below! I can't wait to see what you come up with, darlin'!

I'm gonna let the event's mod @jerzwriter take over from here. If you've got any questions, just talk to her... or the event's admin @storyofmychoices I know they'll take good care of you! 😘😘

This year's prompts can be found below the break, and remember, you can use any of last year's prompts, too!

Event and Prize Info & Rules

Some prompts are NSFW-ish; they are in RED below, so you can skip them if you wish.

Day 1: Sunday, June 30, 2024

WWTD? Tobias can no longer practice medicine (the reason why he can't is up to you). What would your Tobias select as his new career? What would he pursue? Would he be successful?

Travel & Leisure: Does he travel? Have hobbies, or is he a workaholic through and through? What does he enjoy to do when he has downtime? What does he wish he had time to do? Does he have any hobbies he doesn't want anyone to know about? Where does he like to travel? Does he overpack or underpack? What's his ideal vacation/holiday? Does he travel solo or with others? Share your ideas with us!

Day 2: Monday, July 1, 2024

WWTD? Tobias randomly buys a lottery ticket while getting his morning coffee. Turns out it's the winner, and he's just won $50 million dollars. What does he do?

Friendship: Does he have friends? A lot or a select few? Are they deep friendships or more frivolous? Who (if anyone) is his best friend? His oldest friend? His newest friend? Does he let friends from different worlds interact with each other? What's he like as a friend? Would his friends consider him a good friend? Feel free to share anything about your Tobia's friendships with us!

Day 3: Tuesday, July 2, 2024

WWTD? Tobias buys an old lantern at an antique store. When he gets home and places it on his shelf, a genie appears and offers to grant him three wishes. How does he react? What does he ask for?

Seasons: Does your Tobias have a favorite season? What is it and why? What are his favorite things to do in each of the 4 seasons? Does he have any seasonal sports/vacation spots (mix with Day 1).

Day 4: Wednesday, July 3, 2024

WWTD? Tobias is the sole witness of a crime. No one knows he saw it, so he could walk away without having any involvement, but in doing so, the criminal would get off scot-free. If he comes forward, the criminal will be apprehended and convicted, but it could endanger Tobias's life or that of the people he loves. If he knew these were the only outcomes, what would he do? Would it matter what the crime was (i.e., robbery vs. murder)? Would it matter if the victim of the crime was someone he knew/cared about?

Fashion & Appearance: What is Tobias's fashion sense - in and out of work? Is he into fashion, or could he not care less? Casual, formal? Designer clothes? How much is he into hygiene? Any unusual habits? Anything he MUST have/do? Doe he manscape? Has his style evolved over the years? Does he have tattoos? Piercings? Ever colored his hair? Anything anyone would be surprised to know about him in this realm? Share anything fashion/appearance-related.

Day 5: Thursday, July 4, 2024

WWTD? At home or work, Tobias accidentally opens a piece of mail or a package meant for someone else. The contents are very embarrassing, and there is no way to seal the package again. What would your Tobias do? (You can select who the package belonged to and what was inside.)

Date Night: Tobias is planning a date - what's he got in mind? How have his dates varied throughout his life? Does he go all out, or keep it casual? Is there romance involved, or does he have only one goal in mind? Does he like dating? See it as a necessary evil? Or does he avoid it? If your Tobias has a partner, how do dates change during the span of their relationship? If your Tobias has multiple partners, how do dates differ depending on his partner? - Free reign on dating!

Day 6: Friday, July 5, 2024

WWTD? Tobias has been dating someone he's really into - after a few months of dating, he finds out they're a porn actor/actress. How does he react? Would it matter if they told him, or he found out some other way? Does he stay with them? Does he want to stay with them but mess it all up anyway?

Family: Tell us about his family growing up. Who does he consider his family today? What does his family look like to him? How important is family to him, if at all? Does he prefer family or friends, or have friends become family? Anything family-related.

Day 7: Saturday, July 6, 2024

WWTD? He's walking past an on-call room and hears two coworkers having sex. Let's assume he knows them very well (you can decide who they are). What does he do? Does it matter if he likes them/is friendly with/ them or not? What if one (or both) are someone he's been interested in? What if he knows one (or both) are married/in relationships with someone else? How would he handle this? What would he do with this information?

Let's Talk About Sex: What's your Tobias into? Is there anything he's definitely not into? Tell us about his past, present... things he still has on his bucket list for the future. Does he have any kinks? Dom, Sub, Switch, or not into it? Sexual orientation? Mono, poly or ambi-amourous? Be creative! (I'm pretty sure he would be lol)

In addition to these prompts, there will be some fun little templates and fill-ins provided during the event. Keep your eyes out for more!

Tagging last year's participants and those who have expressed interest this year. If you'd like to be added or removed from the tag list, please let us know!

@alj4890 @trappedinfanfiction @coffeeheartaddict2 @lucy-268 @storyofmychoices

@liaromancewriter @tveitertotwrites

Signal Boosts are appreciated!

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @openheartfanart @choicesmonthlychallenge @choicesjunechallenge2024

@choicescommunityevents @choicesprompts @choicesholidays

Thank you to @angelasscribbles for help with the prompts! :)

[cariantha]

Who is this imposter?!

[openheartfanfics]

Newly Added Fics

Oct 12 - 18, 2024  

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

Ethan x F!MC

Good Driver - @cariantha ♥ “Before you marry someone, go sit in traffic with them for at least 2 hours.” How would Ethan and Sawyer do? [Public]

I Don’t About You, But I’m Feeling 32 - @genevievemd 📷 Gen celebrates a birthday and becoming a new mom.

Rafael x F!MC

Our Miracle Baby - @rafasgirl23415 📚 [extended: wip] TW: Discussion of and scenes of miscarriage in flashback scenes of domestic violence.

Part 15

Part 16

Sienna x M!OC

Motivation - @liaromancewriter 📱 Sienna has motivational words for Max.

Tobias x F!MC

A Change of Plans - @jerzwriter ☁ Casey's cousin, Peter, is insistent she meet his friend, Ian. Casey would rather be on her couch after a long day at work, but a twist of fate has her glad she went after all.

_

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

[choices-ceri]

I posted on IG earlier and it got banned in Russia... Okayyy?

Anyway, real

[genevievemd]

The Tortured Men’s Department

A/N: it’s me. Hi.

This is for @jerzwriter cause she’s my bestie and we have a joke going that her Tobias and my Ethan should meet because they’re essentially married to the same person 😂 also totally inspired by the texts she posted yesterday between her Tobias and Casey

Enjoy the nonsense fam

Also technically T is referencing about Camila (who’s also currently pregnant with their second) but I didn’t mention her so that if you squint it could be Elsa and I’s AU joke lol

[jerzwriter]

All Wrapped Up

This little bit of crazy started with just one picture I came across below, and I knew just what to do with it! I hope you enjoy this little bit of silliness for my beloved "MOC World."

Book: Open Heart Pairings: Bryce x Olivia; Ethan x Merida; Tobias x Casey Rating: Mature Category: Text Fic Summary: Olivia is eager to share her excitement for the holidays, but that excitement takes a turn...

A/N: Merida belongs to @lilyoffandoms, and Olivia belongs to @storyofmychoices. Participating in @choicesdecember2024 Propmts: Naughty, Nice, Wrapping Paper and @choicesholidays I'm going to go with new traditions! :)

Just moments later...

... and we know how that night ends! lol

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[choicesficwriterscreations]

Open Heart F/AtoW: Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

✒️ = Fanfic | 📱 = Text Fics/Edits | 🎨 = Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA+

BRYCE LAHELA

A New Year to Remember 📱 | Bryce Lahela x F!OC - @storyofmychoices

ETHAN RAMSEY

After the Celebration ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @potionsprefect

Chasing Cars ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

Winter Wonderland ✒️ | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC - @liaromancewriter

OPEN HEART MC

New Year With Friends 🎨 | F!MC & F!MC & F!MC - @weetlebeetle C: @storyofmychoices @jerzwriter @lilyoffandoms

RAFAEL AVEIRO

Love In Every Heartbeat (Series) ✒️ | Rafael Aveiro x F!MC - @rafasgirl23415 Chapter 21: You Made Me Believe In Love At First Sight  Chapter 22: Forever Starts Today 

New Year ✒️🏳️‍🌈 | Rafael Aveiro x M!MC - @silver-rings-and-rabbits

SIENNA TRINH

After The Party ✒️ | Sienna Trinh x M!OC - @liaromancewriter

TOBIAS CARRICK

Pumpkin Pie Chronicles (Series) ✒️ | Tobias Carrick x F!MC - @jerzwriter Part 3: Pumpkin Pie for Two

Main F/AtoW List: Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025

[liaromancewriter]

Have a Punny Day

Premise: Cassie and Tobias go overboard with food puns.

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Tobias Carrick, F!MC (Cassie Valentine); feat. Ethan Ramsey Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 800

A/N: One of the readers on AO3 asked once if I'd consider writing a Tobias and Cassie interaction, similar to the food puns chapter in book 3. This fic is inspired by that ask. Submission for @choicesmaychallenge24 prompt 'mania' for the use of too many puns and uncontrollable laughter. 😂

Cassie Valentine was run off her feet. As a third-year resident and junior fellow at Boston’s prestigious Edenbrook Hospital, her free time was increasingly being squeezed ahead of graduation. Suddenly, it seemed as if the faculty was determined to dump all their knowledge onto departing minds.

That would have been helpful when she was a clueless intern three years ago. But now, after working with Ethan Ramsey on the most complex medical cases and performing hundreds of procedures, she no longer needed to know when arterial was preferred over central venous line placement.

She scarfed down a banana she’d grabbed from the breakroom between patients and wished it was a chocolate bar instead. What possessed her to give up chocolate for Lent?

Max, that’s what. The bastard had dared her, and she’d fallen for his sneaky insinuations like the gullible idiot she was.

Swallowing down the last bite of the slightly mushy fruit, she disposed of the peel and headed toward the north elevator bank. The buzzing of her pager with a message to report to the Diagnostic Team office had her changing directions.

A short while later, she swiped the access card and rushed into the glass-walled office, breathless from her dash up three flights of stairs.

“Whoa. Cake it easy, Valentine,” Tobias Carrick called out in alarm from the conference table, forking up a chocolate cake.

Cassie watched him in bemusement. “Did you just say ‘cake’ it easy?”

“Oops. Must have had cake on my mind.” He toasted her with his fork, going back for seconds.

Cassie shrugged, joining him at the round conference table. “I’m a layer back kind of person, Carrick.”

Tobias grinned wolfishly. “Well, you’re butter than me.”

He saw her staring hungrily at the cake and pushed the plate toward her. “It’s Maureen’s birthday. I managed to confiscate this from the nurses’ lounge— with great difficulty, I might add. If they find out, I’m in dip chip.”

Cassie snorted at the pun. “What’s life without a few whisks, right?”

Tobias chuckled. “A little cheesy, but grate effort. Here, I grabbed two forks.”

Shaking her head, she pushed the plate away. “Thanks, but my brother challenged me to give up something for Lent. In my not-so-infinite wisdom, I picked chocolate.”

“Yogurta be kidding me!” His mouth dropped open. “I didn’t peg you for being religious, especially with Ethan being agnostic.”

“Anything’s pastable.” Cassie laughed, amused at the hypothetical scenario of Ethan going to church with her. “Besides, it’s not about religion——and if you tell my mother I said that, you’re a dirty, rotten liar,” she warned with a steely-eyed look, pretending to crack her knuckles for effect.

“Max just knows how to push my gumdrop buttons, and we made a bet. I’m not giving him the satisfaction of rolling in the dough,” she added with a secret relish.

Tobias raised his eyebrows. “If you’ve given up chocolate, you must feel pretty desserted.”

“Tell you what.” He pushed his chair back and picked up the paper plate. “Consider this a gesture of my friend-chip.”

So saying, he walked out the sliding glass doors and dumped the rest of the cake into the trashcan outside.

“You’re one in a melon, Tobias,” Cassie said, her lips curled in a friendly smile. “Donut let anyone tell you otherwise.”

“And another one bites the crust.” Tobias winked lasciviously, his voice dropping into a familiar flirtatious tone. “Knew my charm would rub off on you one of these days, Cassie. Admit it. I’ve got you wonton more.”

“Oh, beet it, Carrick!” Cassie burst into laughter, throwing her head backward.

Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes as she tried to still the laughter, but it was a losing battle as Tobias joined her, his deeper chuckles mingling with her lighter ones.

When Ethan and Baz Mirani walked into the diagnostic team’s office a few minutes later, they came to a standstill and stared perplexed. The other half of the team was doubled over in their chairs; bodies wracked in uncontrollable laughter.

“Have you noticed how unruly the team has become since Carrick joined us?” Ethan mused, raising an eyebrow as he glanced from Cassie to Tobias.

Baz folded his arms, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Well, we could use a break from the usual grind of life and death.”

“I’ll never understand how one person can cause such chaos,” Ethan shook his head, crossing the carpeted floor to stand at the front of the conference table.

Noticing the others had joined them, Cassie and Tobias slowly collected themselves. Their laughter died down to occasional chuckles as they shared one final amused glance before turning to give their attention to Ethan, the levity of the moment settling into a comfortable workday hum.

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

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

@mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16

@justyourusualash @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Ethan & Cassie only: @cariantha @custaroonie @youlookappropriate

[alj4890]

Processing and Developing

(Ethan x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart one shot.

Taken from Book 3, Ines's wedding reception.

This one's for you, @jerzwriter 😉 I haven't forgotten our need for more Tobias. It's not good, but I finally broke the writer's block, LOL!

Masterlist

A/N I finally wrote something! 🤣 This idea came about last night when replaying Book 3. I always opt to have my MC, Chris, take a photo of just her and Tobias at Ines's wedding reception. Originally, I hoped this scene would open up a romance option with Tobias. Sadly, PB didn't give it to me, LOL, so this is how I wish things had gone down canon wise.

"You look like you could use this."

Chris turned around at the familiar voice. Her eyes darted over how handsome the man before her looked dressed to the nines in his blue suit. Humor lurked in the hazel depths of his eyes as he in turn noticed her taking every inch of him in.

Tobias exaggerated clearing his throat. He held up the two fruity cocktails in his hands and playfully shook one.

Chris smiled in response while reaching for the glass that had cherries and a pineapple spear sitting on the rim.

Tobias lifted it out of her reach.

He clucked his tongue in mock disapproval. "Hold on. You know what you have to do to earn this."

Chris's smile dimmed. She wasn't certain if it was the fact they were guests at Ines's romantic Hawaiian wedding or that her hopeful imagination was getting the better of her again. Something though was different between Tobias and herself. The pair had always bantered back and forth and enjoyed the sharp wit of the other. Somehow along the way, the teasing took on a slight sexual edge.

She couldn't help but think he was attractive. Even when she first deemed him the enemy the year before, she found him incredibly sexy. Now that she was coming to know the type of man he truly was, she knew she was falling hard for Tobias.

She wasn't the only one feeling this way.

Tobias had been playing the long game with Chris. He'd thought her cute the first time he'd seen her at Leland Bloom's home. Going head to head with her and Ethan had been one of more enjoyable aspects of his job. Each time he saw her after that, though she glared at him, made him want to know her even more.

After the attack, her attitude changed towards him. He found himself the recipient of her warm smiles and good natured teasing. Even while fighting for her life, she never lost her sense of humor.

He admired her spirit, her mind, and to no one who knew him's surprise, her body.

The moment he joined Edenbrook's diagnostic team, he was finally able to see if his brief impressions of Chris were accurate. The more time he spent with her, the more he saw why there were a few at Edenbrook with feelings for her. She made it easy to fall head over heels.

Normally, he'd have already made his move. Given their close work relationship and the fact he suspected Ethan and Chris had an interesting past, he held back. When it came to Chris, he didn't want any competition, whether it be a literal person or one of secret pining for said person.

If things were to work out like he thought, he'd want Chris's heart and mind for himself. There would be no other way he could be with her.

It's odd, he thought to himself. Normally I'd be all for having her without any expectations or even caring if she wanted someone else.

But now...

"What do I have to do?" Chris interrupted his thoughts.

A slight blush graced her cheeks from the way he was looking at her.

Tobias pointed towards the photo booth.

One look at his suspicious smile made Chris double over with laughter.

"You found the box of props, didn't you?" She asked between giggles.

"You bet I did." He chuckled. "What do you say we drag Ethan and Harper in there and get a team photo."

"You really think you can get Ethan to don a wig and clown nose?" She asked.

"Nope." He grinned at her. "Even I'm not that persuasive."

"I don't know," she teased. "From my experience, you have quite a way about you."

Her smile grew the longer she looked at him.

"You've already got me agreeing to not only get in that photo booth, but also help you convince our more serious team members to join us."

"Then my charm is finally being used for good." He handed her a cocktail with a wink. "Let's take a dose of liquid courage and make our attack."

*************

"No." Ethan told them. "I prefer to keep my dignity intact."

"Dignity is overrated." Tobias teased.

Harper shook her head over that statement. "I'm all for a team photo, but I would like it to represent us in a more positive, respectful light."

Chris rolled her eyes. "Honestly, I think having such a picture would show our patients we're people too, ones with an excellent sense of humor."

"Our patients don't care about whether or not we have a sense of humor." Ethan argued. "They only want us to make them feel better. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Spoil sports." Tobias muttered. "Well Chris, it's up to me and you to show these two how to have fun."

Harper snorted in amusement. "I'll take my fun with getting another drink."

She waved goodbye on her way to the open bar.

Before he could engage the pair in a conversation, Ethan watched as Tobias grabbed Chris's hand and dragged her into the booth. His brow furrowed when he noticed they'd forgotten to grab props for their fun photo.

Curious about what they were doing behind the closed curtain, he went to watch the line of photos start to appear.

The first photo was of the two of them laughing. The second one had a more normal smile. The third one made him pause. The pair were looking at each other in a way he didn't want to contemplate. In fact, the image showed that Tobias was looking at the young lady beside him as if seeing her for the very first time.

Ethan's feelings for Chris had never died. If anything, they'd gotten stronger over time. He worked hard to keep things professional and continued to keep her at arm's length. It was difficult given how often they were together at work, but he knew it was for the best.

The fourth picture made his heart sink. The two in the booth were closer than before with heads tilted as if they were about to--

"Ethan?"

He spun away from his worst fears developing in the fifth picture. Harper eyed him for a few seconds before moving to see what held his attention.

Her eyes widened over the photograph of Tobias and Chris sharing a passionate kiss.

"Oh!" She exclaimed. "I had no idea they were together."

A muscle spasmed in Ethan's jaw.

"Excuse me." He bit out.

He left the reception with quick strides. The sound of the waves hitting the shore nor the warm breeze blowing did little to calm the emotions roiling within. He wished his curiosity had not gotten the better of him. Tonight could have ended with him simply dreaming about all the things he would have liked to have done with Chris if they'd been a couple.

Ethan briefly closed his eyes. He knew exactly how their night would have gone.

He would have been her date to the wedding. There would have been hints that one day they might like to have a destination wedding like Ines and Angie. They'd have spent the reception basking in the romantic atmosphere. Slow dances would have been shared. Flirting would have led to them slipping away shortly before the cake was cut.

Chris would have teased him that he better make it up to her for missing out on wedding cake. Ethan would have done so with a moon lit walk on the beach followed by retiring to their shared suite. He'd then have spent the entire night making love to her, proving that his heart was fully hers.

Ethan shook himself out of his pointless thoughts. He'd made his choice two years earlier. He could have had everything he wanted if he'd only considered that Chris was different from any other woman he'd known. Now he was left with longing for what might have been.

He eased into the shadows when he heard footsteps combined with Chris's laughter approaching.

"And just where are you taking me, Dr. Carrick?" Chris asked with a flirty lilt to her voice.

"Someplace where we can't be interrupted." Tobias paused to pull her back into his arms.

The two shared a deep kiss.

A moan, Ethan recalled all too well having once in his life caused, slipped out of Chris. That sound was embedded in his mind. He never imagined hearing another man cause it. It hurt worse than he could have imagined, knowing it wasn't because of his own lips touching hers.

"I think I know what's going to happen when we get behind a locked door." She said softly, all teasing gone. "But what happens when the sun rises?"

Ethan winced at the memory of Chris asking him that very question years ago. After a night proving how perfectly they fit together in every single fashion, he responded that they would go back to their lives as if nothing had happened between them.

He couldn't see his former best friend and roommate wanting anything more than a one night stand. Perhaps, Ethan could still hold on to what he longed for most in this world.

Tobias shocked him with his response.

"I will take you out for breakfast." He pressed a tender kiss to her lips. "That way we can talk about our new relationship."

Chris stilled.

"Relationship?" She asked hesitantly.

"I want more than tonight with you." Tobias held her close. "I want you to be mine, no one else's."

Ethan watched Chris's face fill with joy. With a slight gasp, she kissed Tobias with all the love she'd kept for the one who could give her what she wanted.

The new couple hurried into the hotel.

Ethan moved out of the shadows. He couldn't quite wrap his head around all that had occurred within the last hour.

Why didn't I ask Chris to dance earlier? Why didn't I agree to do the asinine picture? Would it have stopped her getting with Tobias?

He knew that Bryce had gone after Chris. Seeing them together hadn't hurt. Bryce was completely different from Ethan. Though they were both doctors, their studies didn't line up. He knew he'd never have Bryce's fun loving swagger. In his eyes, he knew it wasn't a competition between them for Chris's affection.

With Tobias, it was a huge blow to Ethan's ego. The two were too similar. Both were highly intelligent, loved the mystery diagnostics allowed them to pursue, and they had similar temperaments.

"Not anymore." Ethan muttered to himself.

Tobias had changed these last ten years. He still was driven with his love of a good mystery, but he no longer lost his temper as quickly as he once had. There was no need to one-up Ethan over every single thing.

Ethan realized that Tobias had become a man he would actually enjoy being close to again.

How could he now? The man was with the woman he desperately loved.

"There you are!" Harper jogged up the path.

"Looking for me?" Ethan asked.

"I was worried about you." She admitted.

"I'm fine." He replied.

"Ethan." She gently touched his cheek. "It's me. You know you can talk to me. I can see you're upset."

He blinked, stepping away from her.

"I'm not upset." He snapped.

Her eyes narrowed. "I saw you and I saw what happened in that photo booth."

Ethan stiffened after shoving his hands in his pockets. He tried to walk away from someone else confirming his heartache. Harper was having none of it.

She placed a hand on his chest and stepped directly into his path.

"I saw, Ethan." She repeated. "I've seen how you look at Chris. Does she know you're in love with her?"

Ethan averted his eyes. Shaking his head, he heaved a deep sigh.

Harper softened her tone. "Why didn't you tell her?"

"There were many reasons." He muttered. "Though, none of them seem important now."

"You could still tell her." Harper argued. "What we saw was probably nothing more than just two people giving in to the romance of the evening. Tomorrow you can--"

He shook his head, silencing her halfhearted attempt to cheer him up.

"It's too late." He swallowed. "I've uh, I've burned a lot of bridges between me and Chris."

He glanced up at the hotel, wondering which room she was in.

"Someone else came along and gave her what she wanted."

Harper wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug.

He didn't return it. After a few seconds, he untangled himself from her embrace.

"Ethan? It will get easier."

"Perhaps." He conceded. "For right now, I need to be alone."

He began to walk inside of the hotel. He knew it would be a torturous night in his lonely suite. He anticipated having many miserable nights the next few months since he now possessed front row seats for Chris and Tobias's new relationship. He knew deep down that no matter how much time passed, his heart would never fully heal.

When it came to Chris, it would always hurt.

[tveitertotwrites]

Your mission, if you choose to accept it! :)

I'm sending a GIF to everyone who has participated in Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week this year. Can you create a ficlet (or anything you desire) based on this by Sunday? If so, you'll get one extra chance at the prize to be selected on Monday! :)

Here is your GIF:

It's Not Your Business

Series: Open Heart (Book 1)

Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!OC (Adelaide Barnes)

Rating: General

Word Count: 750

Summary: Tobias has had a long day and gets a phone call he wish he didn't get.

A/N: For Tobias Carrick Appreciation Week (as the bonus entry).

A/N 2: I saw this at 1 am this morning and immediately went "Ahehhehhee" and started writing, if that helps.

Tobias was having a rough day at work, dealing with patients who thought they knew better than him, admin giving him a hard time, etc. He was just ready to head home for dinner and a drink, or a few. 

When he got to his office, he had probably been in there for less than five minutes before his phone rang. 

“Dr. Carrick’s office.” The other side didn’t answer. “Hello?” No answer again and he hangs up the phone. A minute later, the phone rings again from the same number and he answers. “...Hello?”.

“Hey sorry about that, I was trying to speak but I guess you couldn’t hear me.” The voice said. “My dad told me not to call you but I felt the need to.”

Tobias furrows his brow. “O…k. Who are you? And what is it?” The line is silent for a second, “I was digging through some of my dad’s old storage bins and found some documents of a biological kid of his named Tobias Carrick. Oh, and my name is Jason Carrick.”

Tobias freezes in place. Out of all the things that happened today, this takes the top spot. Jason keeps saying “Hello” to no answer. Eventually Tobias unfreezes and slams the phone down. He then lowers his head and brushes his short hair back and forth. He is lost in thought enough to not hear a knock on his door and the door opening.

“Dr. Carrick?” He looks up to see Adelaide. She stands in the doorway, debating if she should keep a straight face or try a fake smile. “Dr. Bira told me to deliver these files to you.” Adelaide walks over to his desk. 

Tobias sighs and takes the files from Adelaide and starts going through them. “You know, it’s best to knock before entering a private space.” Adelaide lowers her gaze at him, “I did.” Tobias looks up at her briefly before turning his attention back to the files. “Oh, I guess I didn’t notice.”

“Clearly. You had your head down.” Tobias continues reading through the files and Adelaide sits in the chair across from him. “You don’t look so good. Are you okay, Dr Carick?”

Tobias sighs and sets down the files, knowing that he won’t be left alone if he doesn’t give her a satisfactory answer. “I’m fine. Frankly, it’s not your business to be worrying about me. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He picks the files back up and continues reading them. 

Adelaide then tightly closes her mouth and leaves his office.  About an hour later, Tobias leaves his office to go home and Adelaide goes on a break.

The next day, Tobias heads to his office when he sees an envelope on his door. He takes the envelope and brings it with him into his office. Tobias sets his things down and opens the envelope to a bright card saying sorry on the front. 

On the inside it says, “I’m sorry if I pushed any buttons yesterday Dr. Carrick. From Adelaide Barnes.” He then sees the gift card to the coffee shop across the street from Mass Kenmore.

Tobias walks out of his office and starts quickly walking around the building, he knows that Adelaide should be wrapping up her shift soon and will be heading home. He ends up spotting her at the nurses desk two minutes before her shift ends. 

“Hey, I need to speak to Dr. Barnes for a minute.” He pulls Adelaide aside. “Listen, you didn’t need to apologize. I had a rough day yesterday and I’m sorry if I made it seem like I was mad at you.”

“Well thank you, but I do feel like I pushed you for information that I don’t need to know.” Tobias blinks slowly. “No. No you didn’t. You asked me a simple question and I took my frustration and anger out on you.” He then hands her the gift card. “While it’s nice, I think you may need it more than I do. In fact, I’ll buy you a coffee the next time we have the same shift.”

Adelaide smiles. “I’d like that. Thank you Dr. Carrick.” Adelaide hugs him, catching Tobias by surprise. He then hugs her back. “You’re welcome Dr. Barnes.” 

Adelaide walks away to grab her things and Tobias heads back to his office. He sits in his chair, contemplating for a few seconds before dialing a number. “Hey Jason, It’s Dr. Carr- Tobias Carrick. You were asking about your dad’s past?”

Perma Tags: @crazy-loca-blog @driverstveit @rookiemartin @zahrachoices

Open Heart: @coffeeheartaddict2 @jerzwriter @liaromancewriter @rafasgirl23415

Other Tags: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @storyofmychoices